cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring the length of the pore of the sheep cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-release channel using related trimethylammonium ions as molecular calipers

After incorporation of purified sheep cardiac Ca(2+)-release channels into planar phospholipid bilayers, we have investigated the blocking effects of a series of monovalent (CH3-(CH2)n-1-N+(CH3)3) and divalent ((CH3)3N(+)-(CH2)n-N+(CH3)3) trimethylammonium derivatives under voltage clamp conditions. All the compounds tested produce voltage-dependent block from the cytoplasmic face of the channel. With divalent (Qn) derivatives the effective valence of block decreases with increasing chain length, reaching a plateau with a chain length of n > or = 7. No decline in effective valence is observed with the monovalent (Un) derivatives. A plausible interpretation of this phenomena suggests that for the 90% of the voltage drop measured, the increase in length following the addition of a CH2 in the chain spans 12.7% of the electrical field. Extrapolating this distance to include the remaining 10% suggests that the applied holding potential falls over a total distance of 10.4 A. In addition, at high positive holding potentials there is evidence for permeation of the trimethylammonium ions and a valency specific relief of block.
Neonatal familial hyperalphalipoproteinemia

A kindred with four-generation vertical transmission of familial hyperalphalipoproteinemia was ascertained by measurement of elevated levels of cord blood high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (C-HDL) in a neonatal propositus. Quantitation of cord blood C-HDL coupled with family studies and longitudinal follow-up allows the diagnosis of familial hyperalphalipoproteinemia in infancy.
Frequency Domain Applications to Data Processing

Filtering a set of (2N + 1) sampled data consists in taking a weighted average of these data. The operation can be compared to that of a linear transducer, characterized by its frequency response. The only filters discussed in this paper are those for which the weights are either symmetric or skew symmetric about the center weight. With these types of filters, it is possible to design low low-pass filters to determine means and trends, low-pass filters to smooth data, sampling filters for frequency analysis, differentiators, integrators, etc. It is shown that least square polynomial fitting and Fourier analysis of sampled data are particular cases of filtering. Power of filtering techniques and precautions to take in their use for data processing are discussed
An efficient data format for mass spectrometry-based proteomics

The diverse range of mass spectrometry (MS) instrumentation along with corresponding proprietary and nonproprietary data formats has generated a proteomics community driven call for a standardized format to facilitate management, processing, storing, visualization, and exchange of both experimental and processed data. To date, significant efforts have been extended towards standardizing XML-based formats for mass spectrometry data representation, despite the recognized inefficiencies associated with storing large numeric datasets in XML. The proteomics community has periodically entertained alternate strategies for data exchange, e.g., using a common application programming interface or a database-derived format. However, these efforts have yet to gain significant attention, mostly because they have not demonstrated significant performance benefits over existing standards, but also due to issues such as extensibility to multidimensional separation systems, robustness of operation, and incomplete or mismatched vocabulary. Here, we describe a format based on standard database principles that offers multiple benefits over existing formats in terms of storage size, ease of processing, data retrieval times, and extensibility to accommodate multidimensional separation systems.
Elastic effects of vacancies in strontium titanate: Short- and long-range strain fields, elastic dipole tensors, and chemical strain

We present a study of the local strain effects associated with vacancy defects in strontium titanate and report the first calculations of elastic dipole tensors and chemical strains for point defects in perovskites. The combination of local and long-range results will enable determination of x-ray scattering signatures that can be compared with experiments. We find that the oxygen vacancy possesses a special property---a highly anisotropic elastic dipole tensor which almost vanishes upon averaging over all possible defect orientations. Moreover, through direct comparison with experimental measurements of chemical strain, we place constraints on the possible defects present in oxygen-poor strontium titanate and introduce a conjecture regarding the nature of the predominant defect in strontium-poor stoichiometries in samples grown via pulsed laser deposition. Finally, during the review process, we learned of recent experimental data, from strontium titanate films deposited via molecular-beam epitaxy, that show good agreement with our calculated value of the chemical strain associated with strontium vacancies.
Behaviorally treated irritable bowel syndrome patients: a four-year follow-up.

Abstract Nineteen of 27 patients suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) who had completed a multicomponent treatment involving progressive muscle relaxation, thermal biofeedback, cognitive therapy and IBS education were located and evaluated 4 yr posttreatment. Seventeen of 19 (89.5, or 63% of the total original sample) rated themselves as more than 50% improved. Six of the 12 patients (50%) who submitted symptom monitoring diaries met our criteria for clinical improvement, i.e. achieving at least a 50% reduction in primary IBS symptom scores. The means on all measures at long-term follow-up were lower than those obtained prior to treatment. When follow-up symptom means were compared with pretreatment means, significant (P
Two "negative bursts" with moving filaments, 19 May 1969.

The event of 1969 May 19, 1430 UT included a flare, radio burst, and an active dark flocculus (ADF) or moving filament described by Vorpahl (1973) and a microwave negative burst superposed on a gradual rise and fall, described by Covington (1973). He found the interpretation of a second decrease at 2010 UT to be ambiguous in the absence of complete information. The second decrease is found here to be part of a series of events that parallels that of the earlier negative burst. Each decrease is superposed on a long-enduring burst that begins simultaneously with the eruption of a prominence near the equator at east limb and each is preceded by an ADF seen in Hα in a nearby active region. The similarity of these sequences strengthens the interpretation of the second event as a negative burst. The prominence eruptions, while not directly related to the negative bursts, add to a number of other signs of rapid changes in the large-scale structure of magnetic fields in the complex of active regions where the events took place.
Wildlife management: managing the hunt versus the hunting experience.

Deer hunter satisfaction is investigated from two perspectives, (1) satisfaction with the hunt/harvest and (2) satisfaction with the overall hunting trip experience. Regression analysis is used to determine what variables best predict satisfaction with the hunt and the hunting experience. Results indicate that animal population variables (number of deer seen, shot at, bagged) are the best determinants of a quality deer hunt, while environmental (outdoors) and social (crowding and hunter behavior) are the best predictors of a quality hunting trip experience. Wildlife managers and researchers need to realize that deer hunters view the hunt/harvest as different from the hunting trip experience and need to manage for both aspects of hunter satisfaction.
Induction of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 by mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades

Prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase (PGHS) catalyses the rate-limiting step in the formation of prostaglandin and thromboxane eicosanoids from arachidonic acid released by phospholipase A(2). Two forms of PGHS exist, PGHS-1 and PGHS-2. PGHS-2, normally absent from cells, is rapidly expressed in response to a wide variety of stimuli and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of colon cancer and several inflammatory diseases. The three principal mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) cascade and the p38-MAPK cascade. The present study was undertaken to investigate the putative involvement of the MAPK cascades in PGHS-2 induction. The potential role of ERK in PGHS-2 up-regulation was assessed by using cell lines expressing, both stably and after adenoviral infection, constitutively active forms of its upstream activator MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK1). The possible involvement of JNK and p38-MAPK in positively modulating PGHS-2 transcription was investigated by using adenovirus-mediated transfer of active forms of their respective specific upstream kinases, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MKK) 7 and MKK3/MKK6. ERK activation promoted the induction of PGHS-2 mRNA and protein. Similarly, activation of JNK by Ad-MKK7D and p38-MAPK by Ad-MKK3bE/Ad-MKK6bE resulted in the increased expression of PGHS-2. These results provide evidence that activation of all three of the major mammalian MAPK leads to the induction of PGHS-2 mRNA and protein. Because PGHS-2 is up-regulated by a diverse range of stimuli, both mitogenic and stress-evoking, these results provide evidence that the convergence point of these stimuli could be the activation of one or more MAPK cascade(s).
Modification of amyloid-β(1–40) by a protease inhibitor creates risk of error in mass spectrometric quantitation of amyloid-β(1–42)

Abstract Matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry successfully analyzes mixed populations of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, providing a profile in which changes caused by drug action are directly observed. A spectrum of Aβ immunocaptured from guinea pig brain included a novel component with monoisotopic [M + H] + at 4511.22, close to the monoisotopic value of [M + H] + for Aβ(1–42) of 4512.27 and overlapping and interfering with the authentic Aβ(1–42) peak. Hypothesis and experiment led to the conclusion that modification of Aβ(1–40) by the protease inhibitor aminoethylbenzenesulfonyl fluoride generates a product with monoisotopic [M + H] + at 4511.19, and that this accounts for the interfering peak.
Corporate investment, dividends, and finance : a simultaneous approach

IN THIS WORK a model of corporate capital budgeting is developed and estimated. The most important feature of this model is its explicit recognition of the interdependence among the components of a capital budget. The capital budgeting decision in any period consists of choosing the level of investment for the corporation and the means of financing that investment. A fundamental accounting identity insures that the level of investment is always equal to the sum of retained earnings, debt financing, and new equity financing. Therefore, any decision that affects any one of these variables must necessarily affect at least one of the others. A great deal of empirical work has been done on the components of the capital budget, but very little has been done on the complete capital budgeting decision. A theoretical model is developed to explain the decision-making process of corporations. The assumption is made that the primary objective of corporate planners is to maximize the price of a share of common stock. A series of present value models are then developed to explain the valuation of that stock. From this the optimal capital budget for the corporation is derived. In the final step a complete partial adjustment model is proposed as a more realistic description of actual corporate decision-making. This model takes the form
Kinetics of interface formation between weakly incompatible polymer blends

A mean field model of interface formation between two weakly incompatible polymer blends is used to investigate the time development of interfacial composition. The interface width as a function of time exhibits two power law growth regimes; a t 1/2 growth law at early times crosses over to a t 1/4 growth law before relaxing towards the equilibrium interfacial profile Nous etudions l'evolution temporelle de la composition de l'interface entre deux melanges de polymeres faiblement incompatibles a l'aide d'une theorie de champ moyen. La dependance en temps de l'epaisseur de l'interface presente deux regimes en loi de puissance; d'une loi de croissance initiale en t 1/2 , on passe a une loi de croissance en t 1/4 avant de relaxer vers le profil d'equilibre de l'interface
Generative process planning with environmental constraints

The paper discusses the details of developing a systematic method for generative process planning taking environmental issues into consideration. The proposed approach to the automatic design of process planning is based on artificial intelligence techniques coupled with appropriate heuristic searching methods. A case study has been presented to illustrate the methodology.
Multipath Angle Error Reduction Using Multiple-Target Methods

The usual methods of reducing multipath angle errors in monopulse tracking radar achieve only limited success because they do not attack the root of the problem. A more correct approach is to accept the multipath signal as a second target and utilize a two-target signal processor which angle tracks both wavefronts. The processor will decouple the return signals so that relatively interference-free data on both waves are obtained. In this paper a signal processor for separating signal from (N - 1) multipath components is developed. The processor is then specialized to the case of only one multipath signal and evaluated by a computer simulation. Data show that large improvements are possible as compared to the usual monopulse tracking system. In particular, the usual large bias errors at low elevation angles are eliminated. Tracking precision compares favorably with the theoretically best possible for two-target tracking systems.
Religion and the skin: devotional dermatoses.

Burg, Sarda-Mantel, Marinho, Crickx, Raymond, Lariven, Maubec. Drafting of the manuscript: Steff, Di Lucca, Burg, Peytavin, Raymond, Maubec. Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Steff, Joly, Feldman, Sarda-Mantel, Marinho, Crickx, Raymond, Lariven, Maubec. Obtained funding:Di Lucca. Administrative, technical, or material support: Burg, Sarda-Mantel, Peytavin. Study supervision: Joly, Crickx, Raymond, Lariven, Maubec.
Multiple Vibrio fischeri genes are involved in biofilm formation and host colonization

Biofilms are increasingly recognized as being the predominant form for survival for most bacteria in the environment. The successful colonization of Vibrio fischeri in its squid host Euprymna tasmanica involves complex microbe–host interactions mediated by specific genes that are essential for biofilm formation and colonization. Here, structural and regulatory genes were selected to study their role in biofilm formation and host colonization. We have mutated several genes ( pilT , pilU , flgF , motY , ibpA and mifB ) by an insertional inactivation strategy. The results demonstrate that structural genes responsible for synthesis of type IV pili and flagella are crucial for biofilm formation and host infection. Moreover, regulatory genes affect colony aggregation by various mechanisms, including alteration of synthesis of transcriptional factors and regulation of extracellular polysaccharide production. These results reflect the significance of how genetic alterations influence communal behavior, which is important in understanding symbiotic relationships.
Pneumonia in the Later Years

: This lecture presents an outline of early historical observations on pulmonary disorders in relation to age, as well as current studies on respiratory-tract defense mechanisms, with particular reference to pneumonia. Special attention is paid to the prevention of pneumococcal pneumonia by means of vaccines. Although much remains to be learned about this vaccine and its efficacy in some segments of the population at high risk from pneumococcal infection, current knowledge regarding its safety and efficacy warrants its more extensive use. Included are interesting notes on Osier's ambivalent attitude toward pneumonia in old age and his stimulating ideas on retirement, patterned after Trollope's writings, which contain an early cost-benefit analysis for events set in 1980
Energy transfer of CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals encapsulated with rhodamine-dye functionalized poly(acrylic acid)

Energy transfer between a CdSe/ZnS nanocrystal (NC) donor and a rhodamine isothiocyanate (RITC) acceptor has been achieved via a functionalized poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) encapsulating layer over the surface of the NC. The modification of PAA with both N-octylamine (OA) and 5-amino-1-pentanol (AP), [PAA-OA-AP], allows for the simultaneous water-solubilization and functionalization of the NCs, underscoring the ease of synthesizing NC-acceptor conjugates with this strategy. Photophysical studies of the NC-RITC constructs showed that energy transfer is efficient, with kFRET approaching 108 s-1. The ease of the covalent conjugation of molecules to NCs with PAA-OA-AP coating, together with efficient energy transfer, makes the NCs encapsulated with PAA-OA-AP attractive candidates for sensing applications.
Repetition rate variable optical pulse generation using an optical frequency shifter

A novel method for optical pulse generation that uses an optical frequency shifter (OFS) in a fibre loop circuit is proposed. An optical phase-locked loop circuit is used to control the drive frequency of the OFS and cancel the fluctuation in fibre loop length. Picosecond pulse generation is demonstrated successfully at various repetition rates.
The Science of Forestry

ABSTRACT Forestry is a large field with a long history and extensive contents consisting of practical recommendations arrived at by trial and error. In contrast, the science of forestry is a new development relying on reasoning to produce the optimal system of forest management aimed at satisfying human needs and preserving nature at the same time (though not at the same place). The presented overview of this science consists of two parts. The first one develops a theory of tree growth and stand dynamics. The second part applies this theory to optimize forest management and suggest practical recommendations. What unites these two parts is a general method of inquiry. It starts with defining one problem, designs two opposing explanations, and then fuses them into a single solution. Hence, the name: the 1–2–1 method. Unlike material variables of process-based models, the explanations employed by the method are abstractions that outline the boundaries embracing all possible solutions. Each explanation in its...
Urinary Tract Injuries in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Systematic Review

The aim of this review was to estimate the incidence of urinary tract injuries associated with laparoscopic hysterectomy and describe the long-term sequelae of these injuries and the impact of early recognition. Studies were identified by searching the PubMed database, spanning the last 10 years. The key words "ureter" or "ureteral" or "urethra" or "urethral" or "bladder" or "urinary tract" and "injury" and "laparoscopy" or "robotic" and "gynecology" were used. Additionally, a separate search was done for "routine cystoscopy" and "gynecology." The inclusion criteria were published articles of original research referring to urologic injuries occurring during either laparoscopic or robotic surgery for gynecologic indications. Only English language articles from the past 10 years were included. Studies with less than 100 patients and no injuries reported were excluded. No robotic series met these criteria. A primary search of the database yielded 104 articles, and secondary cross-reference yielded 6 articles. After reviewing the abstracts, 40 articles met inclusion criteria and were reviewed in their entirety. Of those 40 articles, 3 were excluded because of an inability to extract urinary tract injuries from total injuries. Statistical analysis was performed using a generalized linear mixed effects model. The overall urinary tract injury rate for laparoscopic hysterectomy was 0.73%. The bladder injury rate ranged from 0.05% to 0.66% across procedure types, and the ureteral injury rate ranged from 0.02% to 0.4% across procedure type. In contrast to earlier publications, which cited unacceptably high urinary tract injury rates, laparoscopic hysterectomy appears to be safe regarding the bladder and ureter.
Improved quantitation of low level tracers in X-ray fluorescent excitation analysis

Abstract FEA in medicine combines the ease and accuracy of quantitation with radiotracers with the convenience and safety associated with the use of stable tracers. A major limitation in the utility of FEA is its comparatively low sensitivity. We address three techniques for improving quantitation accuracy: polarized excitation sources; pulse rise-time discrimination; and a third technique now under investigation: Anticoincidence shielding similar in concept to that used in low-level radionuclide counting. The techniques described here may permit extension of quantitation by FEA to 50–100 ppb tracer levels in unprepared biologic samples.
Multivariable monotonic optimization over multivalued logics and rectangular design lattices

Abstract A minimum dichotomous direct search procedure is given for finding the optimum combination of N variables, each having M ( n ) possible values, when a certain monotonicity condition is satisfied. The least upper bound on the number of objective function evaluations is 1 + Σ N n =1 Q ( n ), where Q ( n ) is defined by 2 Q ( n )-1 M ( n ) Q ( n ) , whereas the total number of possibilities is Π N R =1 M ( n ). An example shows where the procedure applies to restricted problems in multivalued logic and engineering design.
Modeling of electron-beam-controlled diamond switches

As a material for high power solid state switches, diamond promises to outperform any other semiconductor material because of its high dielectric strength, high electron and hole mobility and its excellent thermal properties. With the conductance controlled by high energy electron- beams, which can be generated using standard vacuum tube technology, thin film diamond switches can be given a very simple and compact design. This manuscript discusses the promises and limitations of this novel switch concept on the basis of steady state and transient device simulation, and investigates in particular, the suitability of electron-beam controlled diamond switches for closing and opening applications.
Human discrimination of the implicit orientation of simple symmetrical patterns

Thresholds for detecting the angle of rotation of vertical symmetrical patterns containing few or no explicit vertical or horizontal contours were found to be almost as low as those for an actual vertical line extending approximately the same range. This hyperacuity performance, which we refer to as implicit orientation discrimination, shares most of its properties with the orientation discrimination of explicit lines, suggesting a category of orientation processing whose neural mechanisms are related to those involved in the processing of straight contours and those underlying the detection of axes of symmetry. Strong binding effects between the components of the figures were demonstrated and their temporal interactions were also investigated. Our results have implications for possible neural interactions early in the cortical visual stream.
Robust optimal parametric LQ control with a guaranteed cost bound and applications

For an optimal parametric linear quadratic (LQ) control problem, a design objective is to determine a controller of constrained structure such that the closed-loop system is asymptotically stable and an associated performance measure is optimized. In the presence of system uncertainty, the system via a parametric LQ design is further required to be robust in terms of maintaining the closed-loop stability with a guaranteed cost bound. This problem is referred to as ‘robust optimal parametric LQ control with a guaranteed cost bound’ and is addressed in this work. A new design method is proposed to find an optimal controller for simultaneously guaranteeing robust stability and performance over a specified range of parameter variations. The results presented generalize some previous work in this area. A versatile numerical algorithm is also given for computing the robust optimal gains. The usefulness of the design method is demonstrated by numerical examples and a design of the robust control of a VTOL helico...
Movement variability resulting from different noise sources: A simulation study

Limb movements are highly variable due in part to noise occurring at different stages of movement production, from sensing the position of the limb to the issuing of motor commands. Here we used a simulation approach to predict the effects of noise associated with (1) sensing the position of the limb ('position sensing noise') and (2) planning an appropriate movement vector ('trajectory planning noise'), as well as the combined effects of these factors, on arm movement variability across the workspace. Results were compared to those predicted by a previous model of the noise associated with movement execution. We found that the effects of sensing and planning related noise on movement variability were highly dependent upon both the planned movement direction and the initial configuration of the arm and differed in several respects from the effects of execution noise. In addition, sensing and planning noise interacted in a complex manner across movement directions. These results provide important insights into the relative roles of sensing, planning and execution noise in movement variability that could prove useful for understanding and addressing the exaggerated variability that arises from neurological damage, and for interpreting neurophysiological investigations that seek to relate neural variability to behavioral variability.
Corporal Knowledge: Early Christian Bodies

Corporal Knowledge: Early Christian Bodies, by Jennifer A. Glancy, Oxford University Press: New York, 2010, xi + 189pp. ISBN 978 0 19 532815 8, US$45 (cloth) Foregrounding the role of the body in r...
Performance of the REVEAL pulmonary arterial hypertension prediction model using non-invasive and routinely measured parameters.

Background The REVEAL model for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) uses 19 predictors to calculate a 1-year survival probability and can be repeated over time. It is currently unclear which of the 19 variables are the most essential for serial REVEAL score calculation. We aimed to identify high-yield predictors in the REVEAL score and hypothesized that the model could be simplified considerably without compromising performance. Methods REVEAL scores were calculated in a cohort of 140 PAH patients (Full REVEAL Model). Scores were then recalculated excluding all right heart catheterization and pulmonary function test data (Simple Model) and again using only PAH type, New York Heart Association class, brain natriuretic peptide, renal function and right atrial pressure by echocardiogram (Clinical Model). The models were then tested for the ability to predict 1-year outcomes and the performance of the models was compared. Results The c indices of the models to predict 1-year survival were not statistically different from one another (Full REVEAL Model: 0.765; Simple Model: 0.759; Clinical Model: 0.745; p = 0.92). For the composite outcome of survival or freedom from lung transplant at 1 year, the models were again not statistically different from one another (c indices: Full REVEAL Model: 0.805; Simple Model: 0.809; Clinical Model: 0.785; p = 0.73). Conclusions The original, Full REVEAL Model appeared to have comparable performance after selectively limiting the number of predictors. There is opportunity to re-evaluate large-registry PAH data to identify a limited number of high-yield variables and to develop a simplified, clinical model.
Social Psychological Dimensions of Community Satisfaction and Quality of Life: Some Obtained Relations

This study examined relations between dimensions of community satisfaction and perceived quality of life among residents of a southeastern United States (US) community. A random sample of 250 persons was interviewed using the Community Satisfaction Scale and a measure of over-all life quality. Two factors representing domains of community satisfaction. relevant to participants were positively and significantly related to perceptions of quality of life. Perceptions of care for community by others/institutions and belongingness/quality of community life were the best predictors. Results suggest the importance of social relations in community satisfaction and quality of life relationships. Implications for generalization of community satisfaction constructs across settings and to studies of planning and community change are discussed.
A Thyroid Hormone Analog Stimulates Angiogenesis in the Post-infarcted Rat Heart☆

Abstract In view of the evidence that thyroid hormone administration has angiogenic effects on the hypertrophic myocardium, we tested the hypothesis that the capillary supply in the hypertrophic myocardium surviving infarction would be improved by administration of the thyroid hormone analog, diiodothyroproprionic acid (DITPA). We administered DITPA (MI-DITPA) or saline (MI-saline), s.c., to rats for 10 days following experimental infarction of the left ventricle (LV). Morphometric methods were used to assess capillarity and myocyte cross-sectional area in three regions of the left ventricle: (1) border (next to the scar of infarction); (2) adjacent (next to the border); and (3) remote (interventricular septum). Infarct size ranged from 20–85% of the LV free-wall, and both groups had similar mean infarct size. Capillary length density (L v ) was significantly higher in the remote region of the treated group than in the MI-saline rats. L v in the border region, which experienced the most marked increase in cardiocyte cross-sectional area, was not significantly lower than in the other regions, indicating a more marked angiogenic response. In hearts with large infarcts (≥40%) L v in the border region was higher in the DITPA group than in the non-treated rats. In the MI-DITPA group, cardiocyte size in the border region was positively correlated with that of the other regions, which contrasts with the negative correlations noted for the MI-saline rats. These data suggest that DITPA therapy (1) may improve maximal perfusion potential of the hypertrophied myocardium surviving a myocardial infarction, and (2) is selectively effective in the border region of hearts with large infarcts.
Offspring of women infected with varicella during pregnancy: A prospective study

Despite the well-recognized association between maternal varicella infection and a specific pattern of malformation in the offspring referred to as fetal varicella syndrome, the full spectrum of this disorder as well as its frequency in the offspring of women infected with varicella during pregnancy is unknown. In order to resolve these issues, we have evaluated pregnancy outcome in 194 women who contacted us during pregnancy, soon after the onset of their infection: 132 (68%) during the 1st trimester and 171 (88%) prior to the onset of the 20th week, the most critical period relative to fetal susceptibility. Of those 171 women, there were 146 liveborn babies, 6 spontaneous abortions, 7 therapeutic abortions (one because of an anencephalic fetus), 2 stillborn infants, and nine pregnancies lost to follow-up. Of the 146 liveborn births, there were 2 with features consistent with the fetal varicella syndrome: one a child with mild cutaneous scars on her face, arms, and legs, Horner syndrome involving her left eye and a scar on her retina, leading to blindness in that eye; and the other, a child with horizontal nystagmus who is otherwise normal at 1 year of age. An additional four liveborn infants had a single major malformation which included unilateral microtia, bowel obstruction secondary to an ileal band, bilateral double ureters, and a thyroglossal duct cyst. This study suggests that prenatal varicella infection is associated with a wider spectrum of severity than has been previously appreciated and indicates that maternal varicella infection prior to the 20th week of pregnancy is associated with only a small risk for the developing fetus. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Concentration and recovery of the bacteriocin nisin from Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis

This investigation compared various techniques to concentrate and recover nisin from Lactococcus lactis cells. Centrifugation, combined with pH manipulation, was initially investigated as it is known that nisin will adsorb to producer cells at pH 6.5 and desorb at pH < or = 3.0. Unfortunately, centrifugation stripped producer cells of nisin even at pH 6.5; therefore a milder separation process (microfiltration) was evaluated. Results using a medium (LTB) containing peptone, tryptone, yeast extract, NaCl, Na2HPO4 and glucose demonstrated that nisin could be at least partially concentrated with cells via microfiltration. However, when a filtered stillage-based medium was used, nisin production was boosted to levels which exceeded the holding capacity of producer cells, resulting in release of nisin from cells at pH 6.5. Since it appears unfeasible to use producer cells for nisin recovery, an alternative may be to separately immobilize cells/ fragments in a re-usable column to act as a "resin' to adsorb nisin. Microfiltration could then be used to release nisin from cells, with nisin recovered by passing the permeated material through the immobilized-cell columns at pH 6.5.
Expanding the indications for laparoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy: experience with 81 resections.

Abstract Background Laparoscopic retroperitoneal (RP) adrenalectomy has gained popularity as the preferred approach over transabdominal (TA) method; however, surgeons have been reluctant to offer this operation to obese patients because of the concerns over inadequate working space and overall perceived higher rate of complications. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of RP adrenalectomy compared with TA adrenalectomy, specifically in morbidly obese patients. Methods All laparoscopic adrenalectomies performed at our institution between 2004 and 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Presenting features, operative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Complications were graded using Clavien system. Continuous variables were compared using Student t-test. Categorical variables were compared using χ2-test. Prediction models were constructed using linear or logistic regression as appropriate. Results Eighty-one RP and 130 TA procedures were performed, 26 (12.3%) and 60 (28.4%), respectively in obese patients (BMI > 30). Among the obese patients, operative time and estimated blood loss were less for RP (90 versus 130 min; P Conclusions Laparoscopic RP adrenalectomy is a safe and feasible technique for obese patients. In the obese patients and for all comers, it offers shorter operative time, decreased estimated blood loss, with comparable length of stay and morbidity and mortality rates. We therefore recommend that this technique should be considered for patients undergoing adrenal resection.
Testicular Cancer Education in the Classroom

Abstract Incidence of testicular cancer has been steadily increasing during the last quarter century and is the most common cancer found in men ages 15–34. Testicular cancer education, however, does not appear to be widespread. Studies have shown the low knowledge and awareness men have regarding testicular cancer and testicular self examination, suggesting this information has not been effectively provided. Teachers are an important influence in establishing positive long-term health behaviors in young men and play an essential role in disseminating accurate and relevant health information. Testicular self examination is a self detection method which may be performed by men to detect early warning signs of testicular cancer. Early detection strategies can be effective in reducing cancer morbidity and mortality.
CORRELATED DISORDER IN A P-WAVE SUPERFLUID

The role of aerogel as a means of introducing correlated disorder into superfluid ${}^{3}\mathrm{He}$ is examined in this paper. The aerogel structure is described by a diffusion-limited cluster aggregation model and compared to the results of small-angle x-ray scattering obtained from samples that were used to study the suppression of ${T}_{c}$ as well as the development of the superfluid fraction. These results highlight special characteristics of aerogels that make this medium appropriate as a means of introducing disorder into ${}^{3}\mathrm{He}.$ We discuss the inapplicability of the Abrikosov-Gorkov model of an impure superconductor to the ${}^{3}\mathrm{He}$-aerogel system, and then detail the behavior of ${T}_{c}$ and the superfluid fraction of ${}^{3}\mathrm{He}$ contained in three different samples of aerogel.
In-Situ SEM J-Testing and Crack-Tip Micromechanics of Zircaloy-4 by Three-Point Bending

A three-point bend fixture has been designed, fabricated, and utilized to demonstrate the feasibility of performing in-situ J-testing at ambient and elevated temperatures inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Using the three-point bend test technique, in-situ SEM J-testing has been performed to measure the crack mouth opening displacement and crack extension as a function of the applied load in order to generate J-R curves for Zircaloy-4 at 25°C and 316°C. Once the J-R curve is determined, an equivalent KJ-resistance (KJ-R) curve is computed on the basis of a relationship between the J-integral (J) and the stress intensity factor (K). The J-R and KJ-R curves of Zircaloy-4 exhibit a rising R-curve behavior, while the elastic K-R curve underestimates the fracture resistance of Zircaloy-4 once substantial crack extension has occurred. For the specimen dimensions considered, the J-R curves generated by in-situ SEM J-tests are not sensitive to the specimen geometry and measure the actual fracture resistance of the material. Furthermore, the onset of crack extension is dictated by the emission of one or more slipbands from the crack tip, and a change in the crack-tip displacement field, followed by void formation along the slipband, and linkage of the voids with the main crack.
Endoscopic and radiographic evaluation of the murine colon

Endoscopic and radiographic techniques have not been widely applicable in the evaluation of chemically induced murine colon cancer. The authors investigated methods of cleansing the rat colon and refined endoscopic and radiographic techniques. They compared total colonoscopy (TC) and air-contrast (ACBE) and single-contrast barium enema (SCBE) findings with those obtained at necropsy in rats with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon cancer. Gastrograffin enemas with bisacodyl suppositiories showed complete evacuation of solid feces. Sprague-Dawley rats treated with DMH had their colons cleansed and then underwent TC (5.0-mm Olympus bronchoscope) and either SCBE or ACBE. Colonoscopy and ACBE were equally sensitive (81.5% and 76.3%, respectively), although SCBE was significantly insensitive in identifying lesions (P less than 0.001). This study demonstrates that: (1) mechanical cleansing of the rat colon is feasible, (2) TC and barium radiology can be done routinely after mechanical cleansing, and (3) TC and double-contrast BE are sensitive in identifying colon lesions. These techniques will provide a means for manipulation of murine tumors and in vivo surveillance.
Phosphatidylserine exposure in platelet concentrates during the storage period: differences between the platelets collected with different cell separators.

Abstract Background and objectives: Platelet alterations occur during the production and storage of platelet concentrates, the so called "storage lesion". We studied the platelet alterations during the storage period in apheresis concentrates, employing flow cytometry for phosphatidylserine (PS) detection on platelets during the five days of storage. Material and methods: Twenty-seven single donor platelet concentrates harvested with the Cobe Trima, Baxter Amicus, or Haemonetics MCS+ were analyzed for PS exposure by flow cytometry on the day of production (day 1) and on days 3 and 5 of storage. Furthermore PS expression was analyzed in platelet donors' blood samples withdrawn before plateletpheresis. Results: PS expression on platelets gave the following median values: in blood donors before apheresis it was 1.12% (0.13–1.78) in platelets concentrates on the first day (2 h after apheresis) 2.06% (0.66–15.2), the third day 6.57% (1.98–51.13) and the fifth day 23.04% (3.86–80.23). All differences between median values of PS expression in blood samples before apheresis, and platelets concentrates on days 1, 3 and 5 of storage, are statistically significant. The expression of PS in platelet concentrates was analyzed in relation to the blood cell separator used for the collection procedure and showed the following results: on day 1 the median values of PS in platelet concentrates collected with the three different blood cell separators, Trima, Cobe and MCS, did not show statistically significant differences. On day 3, the platelets concentrates collected with the Trima and with the MCS showed differences that were statistically significant. Those were respectively 10.59% (4.56–51.13) and 3.53% (1.98–12.61), p =0.005. The PS expression in platelet concentrates collected with the Trima and MCS showed differences that are also statistically significant on day 5 at respectively 32.4% (9.61–80.23) and 8.57% (3.86–48.42), p =0.005. Conclusions: PS exposure in platelet concentrates on days 3 and 5 rise to levels that could compromise the quality of the platelet units. Improvements in standardized platelet quality controls, and in platelet collection systems are required to reduce the storage lesions in platelets concentrates.
Nanoclusters as a New Family of Superconductors: Potential for Room Temperature Superconductivity

Under special but perfectly realistic conditions, superconducting pairing in metallic nanoclusters can become very strong, and they form a new family of high temperature superconductors. The presence of electronic energy shells, similar to those in atoms and nuclei, is the key ingredient of this scenario. In principle, Tc can be raised up to room temperature. Charge transfer between clusters via Josephson coupling can give rise to strong macroscopic high temperature superconducting currents.
Review: D-Galactosamine lethality model: scope and limitations

D-Galactosamine (D-galN) is well established as sensitizing mice and other animals to the lethal effects of TNF, specifically, and by several orders of magnitude. Protection by anti-TNF neutralizing antibody is complete, as is (metabolically-based) protection by uridine. Sensitization occurs regardless of the origin of the released TNF, whether it is released from macrophages and/or T-cells. The same is true for the challenging agent which leads to the release of TNF, whether it is endotoxin, a superantigen, lipoprotein, bacterial DNA, or bacteria, either killed or proliferating. Most studies have utilized endotoxin as the challenging agent, and more than 70 agents have been reported to confer protection against LPS and/or TNF challenge in the model. The model has provided new insight regarding modes of protection, including from dexamethasone, which protects against challenge from LPS but not from challenge by TNF. The D-galN lethality model has also been used to test for synergistic behavior between dif...
Fungal and Viral Epizootics in Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Populations in Central New York

Abstract The activity of the gypsy moth fungal pathogen Entomophaga maimaiga was documented from 1991 to 1996 in central New York. This fungus had been introduced to the area in 1990 but also generally spread throughout the region in 1990–1992. In 1991, gypsy moth populations were abundant in 8 mixed hardwood plots (mean ± SE = 15,295 ± 4373 egg masses/ha), the gypsy moth nuclear polyhedrosis virus (LdNPV) was the most important cause of larval mortality by microorganisms, and by the end of the season, populations had decreased to 6875 ± 1345 egg masses/ha. During 1991, E. maimaiga -infected larvae were found at 7 of 8 plots causing 0–37% infection but this was not associated with 1990 E. maimaiga infection levels. In 1992, the major cause of larval mortality by microorganisms was E. maimaiga, with infection levels ranging from 64 to 98%; LdNPV was also present at all 11 plots sampled. At lower density plots in 1992, E. maimaiga infections only increased dramatically during 5th and later instars. In higher density plots, 16 and 24% of 2nd and 3rd instars per the two early June sample dates were infected by E. maimaiga but infection levels once again peaked during later instars, although earlier in higher than lower density sites. During 1992, more cadavers of 4th and 5th + instars produced resting spores in the higher density plots than in the lower density plots, suggesting increased secondary transmission by conidia actively ejected from cadavers. The amount of rain falling during the periods of time that larvae were active differed by year; LdNPV was the dominant pathogen during the dry 1991 spring, while E. maimaiga flourished during 1992, when rain fell at approximately normal levels. From 1993 to 1996, gypsy moth populations remained low, with almost no LdNPV infections recovered, and E. maimaiga infections increased only after larval densities increased.
Existence and stability of nontopological strings

The existence of a class of nontopological ``string'' soliton solutions is demonstrated. The string consists of a long, thin region of false vacuum supported against collapse by the pressure of massless particles trapped in its interior. It is shown that the string configuration is stable against decay into free particles. The stability of such ``strings'' to arbitrary small perturbations is analyzed and the solutions are shown to be unstable to the migration of charge along the string, leading to a conversion of the nontopological string into spherical nontopological solitons.
The Summer of Supermoons

Two perigee full moons appeared in the sky this summer, one on 12 July and one on 10 August, and a third will appear on 9 September. Perigee is the moment the Moon passes closest to the Earth. Although the appearance of these moons is not extraordinary—they occur, on average, between four and six times per year—the 10 August moon was the brightest and closest of all the perigee moons that will appear this year.
Evaluating and Managing Cumulative Effects: Process and Constraints.

Since any proposed activity could contribute to a wide range of potential CEs at different spatial and temporal scales, a tiered or nested approach should be followed to assess CEs. The difficulty of assessing and predicting CEs also suggests that in many cases the most efficient approach is to focus on minimizing on-site impacts. Under some circumstances adaptive management can also be a viable alternative to detailed CE assessments. Regular monitoring and feedback is critical to the successful management and regulation of CEs.