cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Arthroscopic Debridement and Capsular Release for the Treatment of Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients who underwent isolated arthroscopic debridement and capsular release without any other procedures for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis to determine clinical and functional outcomes and time until conversion to shoulder arthroplasty. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 33 patients who underwent arthroscopic debridement and capsular release for shoulder osteoarthritis at our institution between 2006 and 2011. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon (K.Y.). Patients were evaluated for intraoperative arthritis grade, preoperative and postoperative range or motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, pain score self-assessments, radiographic evaluation, and conversion to total shoulder arthroplasty. Clinical follow-up was on average 40.3 weeks postoperatively and telephone interview follow-up was performed at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively in all patients. Results There was an initial improvement in range of motion and pain scores; however, patients in our study returned to preoperative levels approximately 3.8 months after debridement and capsular release. Twenty patients (60.6%) reported that they were not satisfied with the outcome of the procedure. Total shoulder arthroplasty was undertaken in 14 (42.4%) patients an average of 8.8 months after arthroscopy. Among the 19 (57.6%) patients who did not go on to have total shoulder arthroplasty, ASES scores (42.2 to 50.8; P = .41) and visual analog scale pain scores (7.8 to 7.4; P = .59) were similar preoperatively and at final telephone follow-up. Conclusions Isolated arthroscopic debridement and capsular release without any other procedures were associated with only temporary pain relief and improvement in motion. Although there are limited nonarthroplasty surgical options available for glenohumeral arthritis, isolated arthroscopic debridement and capsular release may not provide substantial benefit to justify its use in most patients. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.
A tone burst modulator for behavioral and neurophysiological audio stimulation

Abstract An amplitude modulator for generation of 5 Hz-100 KHz audio tone bursts is described. The device uses digital and linear integrated circuits to produce trapezoidal modulation with independent and continuous control of rise, duration, and fall times from 10 microsec to 10 sec. Burst repetition time is variable from one millisec to 100 sec. The stimulator output is suitable for driving conventional audio amplifiers.
Chiral speciation of Marfey's derivatized DL-selenomethionine using capillary electrophoresis with UV and ICP-MS detection

The chiral speciation of DL-selenomethionine by capillary electrophoresis (CE) with UV absorbance and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is described. Chiral derivatization of DL-selenomethionine with 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl-5-L-alanine amide (Marfey's reagent) forms diastereomers that are separated with CE in reversed polarity. Three CE buffer systems were evaluated using UV absorbance detection. A 30 mM ammonium phosphate buffer at pH 3.3 was chosen for good resolution of the D- and L-forms in under 14 min. Limits of detection for D- and L-selenomethionine were 250 ppb (ng mL−1) using CE-UV, and 50 ppb using CE-ICP-MS. The migration time reproducibility of both detection limits was comparable (∼2%). This method was applied to the qualitative chiral identification of selenomethionine in selenized yeast digested with proteinase K (enzymatic hydrolysis).
Matrix infrared spectroscopic study of magnesium carbene and carbenoid radicals and analysis of their bonding with density functional calculations.

Magnesium atoms generated by laser ablation were reacted with methyl halides and methane diluted in argon. Among the reaction products were the metal carbene species, MgCH2, and carbenoid radicals, XMgCH2 (where X = H, F, C1, and Br). This investigation reports matrix infrared spectra for Mg carbene and carbenoid species in a cold matrix, and electronic structure calculations for these and related beryllium species. An unusual bonding interaction for the MCH2 species is described in which the bonding in the α and β manifolds is qualitatively different. Vibrational frequencies and analysis of the results of density functional calculations provide information about the nature of the bonding in these species and allow for a comparison to the well-known transition metal Fischer- and Schrock-type carbene complexes. The special difficulties of computational modeling of vibrations in highly polar molecules are discussed.
Synthesis of three new dehydroarachidonic acid derivatives and their oxidation by soybean lipoxygenase

Abstract The synthesis of dehydroarachidonic acid derivatives 1-3 is described together with their oxidation by soybean lipoxygenase. The results of these and kinetic studies suggest the occurrence of organoiron intermediates in lipoxygenation.
The Achilles Functional Index.

The literature regarding the management of spontaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon is controversial and confusing. The relative infrequency of the condition in any one center prohibits the completion of well-designed clinical studies. Many of the disputes could be addressed and innovations tested if an appropriate animal model were available. We present a method for evaluating Achilles tendon function from measurements of the prints, preserved in bromphenol-blue-impregnated photocopying paper, of the hindfeet of walking rats. The stimulus for this study was derived from de Medinaceli's method for assessing the functional condition of rat sciatic nerves (de Medinaceli L, Freed WJ, Wyatt RJ: An index of the functional condition of rat sciatic nerve based on measurements made from walking tracks. Exp Neurol 77:634–643, 1982). Four variables were measured from these walking tracks, and comparsions between the damaged (experimental) and intact (normal) side were converted to proportional deficits. The relative contribution of each parameter to the overall deficit was determined by multiple linear regression analysis, and the variables were weighted accordingly to obtain an “Achilles Functional Index” (AFI). A sham operation produced no functional deficit, whereas animals subjected to a 0.5-cm midsubstance Achilles tendon defect demonstrated a markedly impaired AFI. Animals with repaired transected Achilles tendons also demonstrated a significant, but less severly impaired AFI. The functional deficit in this repair group returned to control values by postoperative day 15, whereas animals with a defect remained impaired at day 15. Furthermore, an excellent correlation was found between the functional recovery and biomechanical properties (ultimate failure load) of the healing tendon (r = 0.94; p < 0.001). In summary, this method provides a relatively inexpensive, sensitive, and reproducible means of assessing the functional performance of the Achilles tendon after injury in the rat.
Zero-valent iron treatment of RDX-containing and perchlorate-containing wastewaters from an ammunition-manufacturing plant at elevated temperatures

The use of zero-valent iron for treating wastewaters containing RDX and perchlorate from an army ammunition plant (AAP) in the USA at elevated temperatures and moderately elevated temperature with chemical addition was evaluated through batch and column experiments. RDX in the wastewater was completely removed in an iron column after 6.4 minutes Increasing the temperature to 75 °C decreased the required retention time to 2.1 minutes for complete RDX removal. Perchlorate in the wastewater was completely removed by iron at an elevated temperature of 150 °C in batch reactors in 6 hours without pH control. Significant reduction of perchlorate by zero-valent iron was also achieved at a more moderate temperature (75 °C) through use of a 0.2 M acetate buffer. Based on the evaluation results, we propose two innovative processes for treating RDX-containing and perchlorate-containing wastewaters: a temperature and pressure-controlled batch iron reactor and subsequent oxidation by existing industrial wastewater treatment plant; and reduction by consecutive iron columns with heating and acid addition capabilities and subsequent oxidation.
Transition State Barriers in Multidimensional Marcus Theory

Multidimensional Marcus theory is the extension of traditional Marcus theory to systems in which multiple particles are transferred. Rather than the intersecting parabolas of Marcus theory, multidimensional Marcus theory involves the intersection of paraboloids. In this paper, we examine the conditions under which a full multidimensional treatment of these paraboloids is necessary and when it is possible to use a simpler one-dimensional formalism. In particular, we examine transition state barrier energies, which are essential parameters in many reaction rate equations, and which depend on the formalism used. We find, based on both analytic calculations and numerical simulation, that the reduced one-dimensional treatment yields excellent agreement with the exact, multidimensional results over a wide variety of conditions for one particular choice of the single collective reaction coordinate. We also outline a procedure for calculating accurate multidimensional transition state barrier energies and apply i...
Performance Comparison of PI and P Compensation in DSP-Based Average-Current-Controlled Three-Phase Six-Switch Boost PFC Rectifier

In this paper, it is shown that in the three-phase six-switch boost power factor correction rectifier with average-current control with mismatched input-voltage and input-current sensing gains as well as offset errors in input-voltage and input-current sensing, the current controller with proportional (P) compensation exhibits lower total harmonic distortion (THD) and higher power factor compared with that of proportional and integral compensation. It is also shown that P compensation with input-voltage feedforward is effective in improving output-voltage transient response with respect to input-voltage changes only if duty-cycle feedforward is also implemented. Finally, it is shown that zero-sequence-signal injection, in addition to enabling the output-voltage regulation in a wider input-voltage range, also improves the THD of the input currents.
THE CHARACTER OF THE EQUILIBRIUM OF AN INCOMPRESSIBLE FLUID SPHERE OF VARIABLE DENSITY AND VISCOSITY SUBJECT TO RADIAL ACCELERATION

This paper is devoted to a consideration of the following problem: An incompressible fluid sphere, in which the density and the viscosity are functions of the distance r from the centre only, is subject to a radial acceleration -γr, where γ is a function of r: to determine the manner of initial development of an infinitesimal disturbance. By analysing the disturbance in spherical harmonics, the mathematical problem is reduced to one in characteristic values in a fourth-order differential equation and a variational principle characterizing the solution is enunciated. The particular case of a sphere of radius R and density p 1 embedded in a medium of a different density p 2 (but of the same kinematic viscosity v) is considered in some detail; and it is shown that the character of the equilibrium depends on the sign of γR(p 2 -p 1 ) and the magnitude of = γ R R 4 /v 2 . If γ R (p 2 -p 1 ) > 0, the situation is unstable and the mode of maximum instability is l = 1 for all R (p 2 -p 1 ) > 0 the results of both an exact calculation and an approximate calculation (based on the variational principle) are given and contrasted. In the case γ R (p 2 -p 1 ) < 0 when the situation is stable, the manner of decay of the disturbance is briefly discussed in terms of an approximate theory only.
Industrial training across geographic borders: the strategy of insuring single message delivery

Employee involvement in the design and implementation of industrial training programs often reflects the culture, language and specific managerial interests of those designing the program, as opposed to learner‐employees outside the boundaries of the design team. This article provides insight into how some organisations view this issue and what specific tools some are championing to launch programs that will have greater impact and success.
Large C9orf72 repeat expansions are not a common cause of Parkinson's disease

The concept of a pathological overlap between neurodegenerative disorders is gaining momentum. We sought to determine the contribution of C9orf72 repeat expansions, recently discovered as a cause of frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in a large number of Parkinson's disease patients. No large expansions were identified in our cohort.
Applications of neutral beam and RF technologies

Recent developments in technology should allow us to pursue current drive in the very near future-perhaps this summer at TFTR and JET. Further development will provide opportunities for increased heating efficiency and possibly for current drive in large tokamaks.
Regulation of acetylcholine receptor channel function during development of skeletal muscle

The nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptor channel mediates synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction. During the development of skeletal muscle, ACh receptors undergo changes in distribution, antigenic determinants, degradation rate, and function. Now that these developmental hallmarks have been identified, attention has turned toward understanding both the structural bases for such changes and the role of nerve in triggering these changes. Recently, a much clearer understanding of one of these developmental processes, namely, the alterations in channel function, has emerged through both sensitive patch-clamp measurements and the application of recombinant DNA technology. In light of these new advances, we now reevaluate the processes governing the developmental changes in the functional properties of the ACh receptor.
CHILDREN'S TRANSFER OF GRAPHIC ORGANIZER INSTRUCTION

The purpose of the study was to investigate the transfer effects of graphic organizer instruction on fourth graders' ability to use top‐level structure as an aid in comprehending and retaining content reading materials. Twenty‐four fourth graders, all average or above average in reading ability, were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: 14 days of graphic organizer instruction, 7 days of graphic organizer instruction, or the control group. Tests for transfer effects (using brief chapters from tradebooks which dealt with topics similar to those found in the students' regularly assigned textbooks) revealed that subjects in the 14‐day organizer group comprehended and recalled significantly more information than those who received no instruction in the use of graphic organizers. However, no reliable difference was found between those who had only 7 days of instruction and those who had none. Implications for future investigators and classroom teachers are discussed.
Light ion irradiation-induced creep mechanisms in nickel

Abstract Irradiation creep of fusion reactor structural materials is important for considerations of dimensional stability and creep rupture failure predictions. In the present work, the predicted creep response at 200°C of both cyclic and steady-state deuteron irradiated nickel is analyzed and compared with experiment. The cycle characteristics were chosen to be similar to that expected for a tokamak, i.e., 1000 seconds irradiation followed by 100 seconds at temperature without irradiation. The cyclic creep rate is observed to be approximately three times the creep rate with continuous irradiation. The analysis of both the continuous beam and cyclic beam results support the conclusion that the radiation induced creep mechanism is enhanced climb-glide creep and not stress induced preferential absorption (SIPA).
Speech errors in Alzheimer's disease: reevaluating morphosyntactic preservation

Researchers studying the speech of individuals with probable Alzheimer's disease (PAD) report that morphosyntax is preserved relative to lexical aspects of speech. The current study questions wheth...
Effect of programmed ventricular stimulation on myocardial lactate extraction in patients with and without coronary artery disease

Abstract The arterial-coronary sinus lactate difference was measured in 17 patients after each step of a programmed ventricular stimulation protocol consisting of single, double, and triple extrastimuli, first at a basic drive cycle length of 600 msec, then at 400 msec, with an inter-train interval of 4 seconds. Four patients had no structural heart disease, four had an idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, and nine had coronary artery disease with a significant stenosis in at least one branch of the left coronary artery. Net myocardial lactate production during programmed ventricular stimulation was observed in three patietns with coronary artery disease, but not in any patient without coronary artery disease. Among the patients who had coronary artery disease, net myocardial lactate production generally occurred in the patients who had more severe coronary artery disease. Exercise-induced ischemia, as demonstrated by a stress thallium-201 test, did not correlate with myocardial lactate production during programmed ventricular stimulation. Programmed ventricular stimulation, with a stimulation protocol typically used in many electrophysiology laboratories, is capable of inducing myocardial ischemia in at least some patients who have coronary artery disease. This finding suggests that myocardial ischemia may potentially influence the results of programmed ventricular stimulation in some patients with coronary artery disease.
Experiments on learning in recursive neural networks

Summary form only given. An examination is made of training a network with recursive connections. The author is able to train recursive networks reliably using the generalized delta rule of error backpropagation of Rumelhart, Hinton, and Williams on the stationary states of the recursive network. This method for training recursive networks is a truncated form of the recursive error backpropagation algorithm developed by Pineda and Almeida. >
Pressure-temperature phase diagrams for Nb3In and Nb3Bi

Abstract Using high-pressure high-temperature techniques pressure temperature phase diagrams were constructed for Nb3In and Nb3Bi. This investigation resulted in the identification of a new metastable β-wolfram compound, Nb3Bi, with a lattice parameter of a0 = 5.320 A. New bodycentered cubic alloy phases were also identified in both systems. The superconducting transition for the Nb3Bi was found to be 3.05°K. A hypothesis for the high pressure formation of these compounds is presented.
Transdifferentiation of adipose-derived stem cells into keratinocyte-like cells: engineering a stratified epidermis.

Skin regeneration is an important area of research in the field of tissue-engineering, especially for cases involving loss of massive areas of skin, where current treatments are not capable of inducing permanent satisfying replacements. Human adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) have been shown to differentiate in-vitro into both mesenchymal lineages and non-mesenchymal lineages, confirming their transdifferentiation ability. This versatile differentiation potential, coupled with their ease of harvest, places ASC at the advancing front of stem cell-based therapies. In this study, we hypothesized that ASC also have the capacity to transdifferentiate into keratinocyte-like cells and furthermore are able to engineer a stratified epidermis. ASC were successfully isolated from lipoaspirates and cell sorted (FACS). After sorting, ASC were either co-cultured with human keratinocytes or with keratinocyte conditioned media. After a 14-day incubation period, ASC developed a polygonal cobblestone shape characteristic of human keratinocytes. Western blot and q-PCR analysis showed the presence of specific keratinocyte markers including cytokeratin-5, involucrin, filaggrin and stratifin in these keratinocyte-like cells (KLC); these markers were absent in ASC. To further evaluate if KLC were capable of stratification akin to human keratinocytes, ASC were seeded on top of human decellularized dermis and cultured in the presence or absence of EGF and high Ca2+ concentrations. Histological analysis demonstrated a stratified structure similar to that observed in normal skin when cultured in the presence of EGF and high Ca2+. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis revealed the presence of keratinocyte markers such as involucrin, cytokeratin-5 and cytokeratin-10. In conclusion this study demonstrates for the first time that ASC have the capacity to transdifferentiate into KLC and engineer a stratified epidermis. This study suggests that adipose tissue is potentially a readily available and accessible source of keratinocytes, particularly for severe wounds encompassing large surface areas of the body and requiring prompt epithelialization.
Singularities of certain ladder determinantal varieties

Abstract Any complete intersection ladder determinantal ring (LDR) is shown to possess the property that all ideals are tightly closed. This implies that the associated ladder determinantal variety over C has rational singularities.
A Model of Unilateral Pulmonary Lobar Transplantation

Unilateral lung transplantation has become an accepted treatment for patients with end-stage pulmonary disease. Donor shortage, however, is a major limitation, with up to 87% of patients dying of their pulmonary disease while awaiting transplantation. This is especially true in neonatal and pediatric patient populations. The use of organ segments from cadaveric or living donors may provide a solution. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to evaluate the function and hemodynamic response to pulmonary lobar transplantation using a swine model. Five transplants were performed for acute study, while 10 were performed for 6-week survival. The left lower lobe was harvested from a 70- to 75-kg donor animal. The lobe was then transplanted into a 20 to 25-kg recipient following left pneumonectomy. Graft function was determined by pulmonary arterial and venous blood gas analysis. Cardiac output, pulmonary pressure, and pulmonary vascular resistance were measured under two experimental conditions: (1) baseline and (2) with the right pulmonary artery occluded, forcing the entire cardiac output through the lobar graft. All grafts showed excellent acute and long-term function with regard to gas exchange. The lobar grafts, however, were characterized by high pulmonary vascular resistance both acutely and 6 weeks post-transplant. Contralateral pulmonary artery occlusion resulted in hemodynamic instability and right heart failure. No animal was able to be solely supported by the lobar transplant for more than one hour. These results have prompted a bilateral lobar transplant model and current studies are in progress.
Effect of hydrostatic pressure on the phase state and molecular structure of aqueous lysolecithins: A Raman spectroscopic study

The Raman spectrum of aqueous palmitoyl lysolecithin was monitored as a function of pressure between 1 bar and 26.1 kbar. The changes observed in these Raman spectra are discussed in terms of the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the phase state and the molecular structure of lysolecithins. At pressures between 1 and 1900 bar aqueous palmitoyl lysolecithin exists in a micellar state and at pressures above 1.9 kbar it converts into a series of three coagel phases. The critical pressures at 28°C are 1.9 kbar for the micellar to coagel I transition, 4 kbar for the coagel I to coagel II transition and 15 kbar for the coagel II to coagel III transition. The transition from the micellar phase to the coagel I phase has a high pressure hysteresis of 1.1 kbar, while the transitions between the three coagel phases show only negligible pressure hysteresis. The major change in structure occurs at 1.9 kbar where the cylindrical micellar phase converts to an interdigitated lamellar coagel phase; the structural changes at 4 kbar (coagel I/II transition) and at 15 kbar (coagel II/III transition) involve only a modification of the interchain packing.
Name generators in surveys of personal networks

Abstract To investigate the consequences of name generators for network data, we compare characteristics of egocentric networks from Wellman's East York survey, Fischer's Northern California Communities Study, the General Social Survey, and our study of networks in 81 Nashville, Tennessee neighborhoods. Network size, age and education heterogeneity, and average tie characteristics were most strongly affected by the name generator used. Network composition, and racial and sexual heterogeneity, were more invariant across different kinds of name generators.
Bearriverops, a new Lower Ordovician trilobite genus from the Great Basin, western USA, and classification of the family Dimeropygidae

Bearriverops n. gen. is a distinctive clade of small, vaulted trilobites from the Lower Ordovician (Ibexian Series; Stairsian Stage) of Utah and Idaho. The genus includes at least seven new species known from silicified material of which five are well enough known to name: B. alsacharovi, B. borderinnensis, B. deltaensis, B. ibexensis, and B. loganensis (the type species). All are known from the lower Fillmore Formation in western Utah; B. alsacharovi and B. loganensis are also known from the Garden City Formation of southeastern Idaho. Both units record deposition in shallow subtidal environments above storm wave base. Bearriverops is characterized particularly by a suite of pygidial apomorphies apparently related to spiral enrollment. Its close relatives include a large group of mostly undescribed Skullrockian and Stairsian species with more conventional spinose pygidia. Together, the taxa are referred to Dimeropygidae, which is considered a senior synonym of Toernquistiidae. Cladistic parsimony analysi...
What's in a Message? The Longitudinal Influence of a Supportive Versus Combative Orientation on the Performance of Nonprofits

In this article, the authors propose that in the long run, a nonprofit organization with supportively oriented positioning (e.g., promoting a cause) is likely to survive longer and achieve more donations compared with a nonprofit with a combative orientation (e.g., fighting against something). To test this proposition, the authors adopt a three-pronged approach that (1) uses publicly available financial data from nonprofits' tax filings over a ten-year period, (2) measures annual donor pledges from a field study with a registered nonprofit organization, and (3) examines actual donation behavior of participants in a longitudinal lab study. Moreover, the authors test this proposition for donations of money as well as time. They consider various theoretical mechanisms that might cause the proposed effect, such as regulatory focus theory, inertia in giving, and the preponderance of supportive charities.
The O+ and O++ emission lines near 834 Å in the quiet sun solar spectrum

[1] I present quiet Sun solar disk averaged emission line intensities (at the Earth) and the full widths at half maximum intensity (FWHM) for the O+ and O++ emission lines that fall near 834 A. These lines are important as excitation sources for O+ and O++ emission in the Earth's upper ionosphere, plasmasphere and magnetosphere. I also discuss the variation of the ratio of O+ to O++ emission as a function of solar spatial fine structure in the quiet Sun. The spectra were obtained from the Solar Ultraviolet Measurements of Emitted Radiation (SUMER) spectrometer flown on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory spacecraft. There are five O+ and O++ features in the solar spectrum involving nine spectral lines. The peak quiet Sun intensities (in units of 109 photons cm−2 s−1 A−1) of these features and their approximate centroid wavelengths are: 0.717, 832.85 A; 0.717, 833.30 A; 1.76, 833.74 A; 1.16, 834.45 A; and 2.68, 835.29 A. The average O+ and O++ FWHMs are 0.177 A and 0.179 A, respectively. The difference in widths is not significant.
Reverse-proton-exchanged waveguide frequency doublers for green light generation

ABSTRACT We describe reverse-proton exchanged (RPE) waveguides in MgO-doped lithium niobate capable of stable second-harmonic generation (SHG) of over 100 mW of CW green light with conversion efficiency exceeding 200%/Wcm 2 . Substantially higher green power would require careful thermal management to limit the phase mismatch due to heating produced by optical absorption. RPE waveguides show ability to support high-power generation of green light superior to anneal-proton exchanged (APE) waveguides containing a higher-index layer. We also demonstrate devices with multi-peak spectral response for speckle-reduced green laser by using phase-modulated, quasi-periodic ferroelectric domain structure. Keywords: proton exchange, waveguide, lithium niobate, second harmonic generation, wavelength conversion, green laser 1. INTRODUCTION Compact lasers producing 20-150 mW of green or yellow light are needed for miniature image projectors 1 and flow cytometry 2, 3 . Single-pass waveguide frequency-doubling of 1050-1200-nm semiconductor laser radiation is currently among the most compact, simple, and efficient ways to obtain visible light at these power levels
Unit‐vector RMS (URMS) as a tool to analyze molecular dynamics trajectories

The Unit-vector RMS (URMS) is a new technique to compare protein chains and to detect similarities of chain segments. It is limited to comparison of C(alpha) chains. However, it has a number of unique features that include exceptionally weak dependence on the length of the chain and efficient detection of substructure similarities. Two molecular dynamics simulations of proteins in the neighborhood of their native states are used to test the performance of the URMS. The first simulation is of a solvated myoglobin and the second is of the protein MHC. In accord with previous studies the secondary structure elements (helices or sheets) are found to be moving relatively rigidly among flexible loops. In addition to these tests, folding trajectories of C peptides are analyzed, revealing a folding nucleus of seven amino acids.
Transformation, genomic instability and senescence mediated by platelet/megakaryocyte glycoprotein Ibα

Transformation, genomic instability and senescence mediated by platelet/megakaryocyte glycoprotein Ibα
The right to know genetic origins: a harmful value.

A commentary on “The Ethics of Anonymous Gamete Donation: Is There a Right to Know One's Genetic Origins?,” by Inmaculada de Melo-Martin, and “Autonomous Choice and the Right to Know One's Genetic Origins,” by Vardit Ravitsky, bothin the January-February 2014 issue.
NOVEL MAGNETIC MICRO-TWEEZERS LEVERAGING ON MAGNETIC HARD-DISK DRIVE TECHNOLOGY

We report the implementation of a magnetic tweezer using an inductive write head from a hard-disk drive for applying forces to micro-magnetic particles in a microscopy setup. Forces are generated by magnetic particles in reaction to the localized fields across the inductive head gap. This allow for mechanical manipulation and measurement of particles in fluid. The displacement is measured through image processing and particle tracking algorithm from the video capture data. We demonstrated the magnetic tweezer system with application to 1-2 μm paramagnetic and 4.5 μm ferromagnetic microparticles and measured forces in the range of 0.1–4 pN.© 2006 ASME
Affinity Assays Using Fluorescence Anisotropy with Capillary Electrophoresis Separation

A novel approach to detecting affinity interactions that combines fluorescence anisotropy with capillary electrophoresis (FACE) was developed. In the method, sample is injected into a capillary filled with buffer that contains a fluorescent probe that possesses low fluorescence anisotropy. If proteins or other large molecules in the sample bind the fluorescent probe, their migration through the capillary can be detected as a positive anisotropy shift. Thus, the method provides both separation and confirmation of binding to the probe. Calculations based on combining the Perrin equation and dissociation constant were used to predict the effect of conditions on aniostropy detection. These calculations predict that low probe concentrations yield the best sensitivity while higher concentrations increase the dynamic range for detection of binding partner. The assay was applied to detection of G proteins using BODIPY FL GTPγS as the fluorescent probe. Experimental measurements exhibited trends in anisotropy with...
Abdominal adhesions to prosthetic mesh evaluated by laparoscopy and electron microscopy.

Abstract Background: Most adhesion experiments involve observations at a single time point. We developed a method to evaluate abdominal adhesions to surgical mesh by sequential laparoscopy. Study Design: An abdominal wall defect was created in rats and repaired with polypropylene mesh. Sequential laparoscopic evaluation of adhesion formation was performed in each animal. The percentage of mesh area involved was scored (0% to 100%). At various time intervals animals were sacrificed and samples were obtained for light and scanning electron microscopy. Results: Adhesions were already present on day 1, increased by day 7, and did not progress thereafter. Mesh surfaces free of adhesions were covered with a confluent mesothelial cell layer, first seen by scanning electron microscopy on day 5 and complete by day 7. Conclusions: Intraabdominal adhesions are best studied by sequential laparoscopy. Adhesions develop within 1 day of prosthesis placement. Adhesion-free surfaces are carpeted with mesothelial cells by day 7 and remain free thereafter, for duration of study.
DNA damage foci formation and decline in two-dimensional monolayers and in three-dimensional human vessel models: differential effects according to radiation quality.

Purpose: To analyze the effect of different radiation qualities on the kinetics of p53 Binding Protein 1 (53BP1) formation and decline in human three-dimensional (3-D) vessel models.Material and methods: Two-dimensional (2-D) and 3-D cultures of human umbilical vein cells were exposed to 80 cGy of Gamma radiation and high-energy protons and Fe ions. 53BP1 antibodies were used for foci visualization via immunocytochemistry. Computer analysis was used to determine the number and the size of foci up to 48 hours after irradiation.Results: DNA foci kinetics in 2-D and 3-D human vessel cultures show that foci formation and removal were the same in each type of culture. After 48 h, the number of foci induced by high-energy protons and gamma rays reduced to almost control levels while high linear energy transfer (LET) Fe particles produced more persistent damage.Conclusion: The kinetics of radiation-induced 53BP1 foci in 3-D vessel models is essentially the same as in 2-D monolayers. Since the basal level of spon...
Reference is Neither Here Nor There: A Snapshot of SMS Reference Services

This article presents results from an anonymous, non-scientific, Web-based poll that aimed to learn more about how libraries and their user groups are using short messaging service reference. The results of this survey present the perspectives of librarians regarding short messaging service reference and will help libraries decide whether to offer this service and learn the best practices. Although short messaging service reference can be easily implemented and has the potential to reach a large user base, libraries face barriers to offering short messaging service reference. These results present librarians' experiences of implementing this new reference tool.
The Hospitality Industry One Year Since September 11, 2001 An Introduction to this Special-focus Issue:

Abstract The effects of 9/11 extend from individuals' personal experiences and reactions to distortions in the industry's business patterns and, further, to company policies and government statutes.
Synchronous digital hierarchy network modeling

Due to the complexity of Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) networks, planning and developing such networks requires computer aided design tools. Because survivable SDH network design is a relatively new area and the need for planning tools has only been recognized in the last few years, virtually no comprehensive tools exist to address the specific questions which must be answered by SDH network engineers. In particular the migration of existing networks into SDH networks requires the capability to model existing transmission and switching methodologies while simultaneously modeling new hybrid topologies consisting of meshed point to point systems, unidirectional and bidirectional topologies and direct point to point TIE lines. Two hierarchical metropolitan optical transmission network architectures examined in this paper using a simulation tool to demonstrate the requirements for a SDH network analysis tool. >
Repeated surveys by acoustic Doppler current profiler for flow and sediment dynamics in a tidal river

Abstract A strategy of repeated surveys by acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) was applied in a tidal river to map velocity vectors and suspended-sediment indicators. The Sacramento River at the junction with the Delta Cross Channel at Walnut Grove, California, was surveyed over several tidal cycles in the Fall of 2000 and 2001 with a vessel-mounted ADCP. Velocity profiles were recorded along flow-defining survey paths, with surveys repeated every 27 min through a diurnal tidal cycle. Velocity vectors along each survey path were interpolated to a three-dimensional Cartesian grid that conformed to local bathymetry. A separate array of vectors was interpolated onto a grid from each survey. By displaying interpolated vector grids sequentially with computer animation, flow dynamics of the reach could be studied in three-dimensions as flow responded to the tidal cycle. Velocity streamtraces in the grid showed the upwelling of flow from the bottom of the Sacramento River channel into the Delta Cross Channel. The sequential display of vector grids showed that water in the canal briefly returned into the Sacramento River after peak flood tides, which had not been known previously. In addition to velocity vectors, ADCP data were processed to derive channel bathymetry and a spatial indicator for suspended-sediment concentration. Individual beam distances to bed, recorded by the ADCP, were transformed to yield bathymetry accurate enough to resolve small bedforms within the study reach. While recording velocity, ADCPs also record the intensity of acoustic backscatter from particles suspended in the flow. Sequential surveys of backscatter intensity were interpolated to grids and animated to indicate the spatial movement of suspended sediment through the study reach. Calculation of backscatter flux through cross-sectional grids provided a first step for computation of suspended-sediment discharge, the second step being a calibrated relation between backscatter intensity and sediment concentration. Spatial analyses of ADCP data showed that a strategy of repeated surveys and flow-field interpolation has the potential to simplify computation of flow and sediment discharge through complex waterways. The use of trade, product, industry, or firm names in this report is for descriptive purposes only and does not constitute endorsement of products by the US Government.
Lack of homologous protection against Campylobacter jejuni CG8421 in a human challenge model.

Campylobacter jejuni is among the most common causes of enteric infection worldwide, and its complex relationship with the human host is just starting to be understood. C. jejuni causes inflammatory enteritis manifested by diarrhea or dysentery, fever, and abdominal cramping. Asymptomatic infection/colonization is also common, as described in children after repeated exposure to C. jejuni in resource-poor countries [1, 2]. Recently, incidence estimates of 1 symptomatic or asymptomatic C. jejuni infection every 2 years have also been reported in adults in developed countries [2]. C. jejuni infections have strong associations with postinfectious sequelae, strain variability, and increasing resistance to antibiotics. These include the demyelinating neurologic syndrome Guillain-Barre, chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, and postinfectious arthritis [3–6]. The kinetics and composition of the human immune response to C. jejuni are poorly understood and difficult to evaluate in field settings because of the inability to know onset of infection, strain differences, and previous exposures. Human challenge models, in contrast, provide a controlled method to understand and define immunologic responses to infection and/or correlates of protection [7–9]. We and others have described the human challenge model development of C. jejuni, most recently using strain CG8421 [9]. This strain, which lacks ganglioside mimicry in its lipo-oligosaccaharide, replaced strain 81-176, which expresses ganglioside 2 and ganglioside 3 and was epidemiologically linked to Guillain-Barre [7, 10]. Previous human challenge studies with 81-176 and A3249 demonstrated that Campylobacter-specific immunoglobulin A (IgA) and interferon γ (IFN-γ) are associated with resistance to clinical disease, suggesting these components might be important markers of protective immunity [7, 8]. To better define protective immunity to C. jejuni and to further develop the model, we challenged healthy, immunologically naive adults with C. jejuni CG8421 and then rechallenged subjects 3 months later with the same strain. As with previous challenge trials, this study was performed with the expectation that a primary infection would afford significant, if not complete, clinical protection after rechallenge [7, 8].
Treatment of Childhood Hypercholesterolemia with HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors

OBJECTIVE:To describe the development of coronary artery disease in childhood and review the available literature regarding the safety and efficacy of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) when used during childhood and adolescence.DATA SOURCES:A MEDLINE search was performed for the period of January 1966 through January 1999 using the key terms hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, and hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductase inhibitors. The search was further limited to English language, human study group, and all-child (0–18 y) age group.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:All clinical studies involving the use of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors exclusively during childhood or adolescence were evaluated.DATA SYNTHESIS:A mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration reduction of 25% can be obtained in children and adolescents treated with lovastatin, pravastatin, or simvastatin along with a lipid-lowering diet. The statins are generally well-tolerated in chil...
Bilateral pulmonary agenesis and microphthalmia.

We describe a stillborn boy with bilateral pulmonary agenesis associated with bilateral microphthalmia. The diagnosis defied antenatal ultrasonography and M-mode echo-cardiography. There were associated absence of bronchi, pleural cavities, pulmonary arteries, and veins; overriding of the aorta with high ventricular septal defect; a nodular vestige of the main pulmonary artery; and eventration of the left hemidiaphragm. The brain was normal to gross examination. Karyotype was 46,XY. Bilateral pulmonary agenesis is rare, this being only the third known case associated with deficiency of ocular tissue and the first such case in conjunction with a brain of normal gross structure. The cause is unknown.
Historical and Current Status of Laughing Gulls Breeding in New York State

Abstract The Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) was extripated as a breeding bird from New York State by 1900. Recolonization of coastal New York by this colonial waterbird occurred in 1979 with discovery of 15 breeding pairs in Jamaica Bay (Queens County) New York, New York. We conducted a survey of Long Island salt marsh habitats in 2008 to document if other breeding colonies of Laughing Gulls existed. We identified 66 individual possible breeding areas and field surveys were conducted in each area during June 2008. Many areas appeared to provide suitable nesting habitat (i.e., large areas of salt marsh dominated by Spartina), but no evidence of Laughing Gull nesting was found. A better understanding of Laughing Gull populations within the northeast coastal region and the effects of ongoing gull control near New York airports is needed for their conservation.
Principles of Cascaded Diophantine Frequency Synthesis

Cascaded diophantine frequency synthesis (CDFS) is a new systematic methodology for developing and programming modular multi-loop frequency synthesizers with high frequency resolution, fast frequency hopping and potentially very low spurs, especially near-in. CDFS results in significantly reduced frequency ranges of the intermediate signals in the frequency mixing stages compared to the predecessor, diophantine frequency synthesis methodology. This simplifies the design and frequency planing for the synthesizer and allows for improved spectral purity of the output signal.
Fractional Order Calculus and Its Applications in Mechatronic System Controls Organizers

The purpose of this tutorial workshop is to introduce the fractional calculus and its applications in controller designs. Fractional order calculus, or integration and differentiation of an arbitrary order or fractional order, is a new tools that extends the descriptive power of the conventional calculus. The tools of fractional calculus support mathematical models that in many cases more accurately describe the dynamic response of actual systems in electrical, mechanical, and automatic control applications etc. The theoretical and practical interest of these fractional order operators is nowadays well established, and its applicability to science and engineering can be considered as emerging new topics. The need to digitally compute the fractional order derivative and integral arises frequently in many fields especially in automatic control and digital signal processing. Fractional order proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers are based on the fractional order calculus where the derivative or integral can be of a non-integer order. Due to the extra tuning knobs, it is expected that better control performance can be achieved if the fractional order PID controller is used. Fractional calculus has much to offer science and engineering by providing not only new mathematical tools, but more importantly, its application suggests new insights into the system dynamics as well as controls.
Global Analysis of Escherichia coli Gene Expression during the Acetate-Induced Acid Tolerance Response

The ability of Escherichia coli to survive at low pH is strongly affected by environmental factors, such as composition of the growth medium and growth phase. Exposure to short-chain fatty acids, such as acetate, proprionate, and butyrate, at neutral or nearly neutral pH has also been shown to increase acid survival of E. coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. To investigate the basis for acetate-induced acid tolerance in E. coli O157:H7, genes whose expression was altered by exposure to acetate were identified using gene arrays. The expression of 60 genes was reduced by at least twofold; of these, 48 encode components of the transcription-translation machinery. Expression of 26 genes increased twofold or greater following treatment with acetate. This included six genes whose products are known to be important for survival at low pH. Five of these genes, as well as six other acetate-induced genes, are members of the E. coli RpoS regulon. RpoS, the stress sigma factor, is known to be required for acid tolerance induced by growth at nonlethal low pH or by entry into stationary phase. Disruption of the rpoS gene by a transposon insertion mutation also prevented acetate-induced acid tolerance. However, induction of RpoS expression did not appear to be sufficient to activate the acid tolerance response. Treatment with either NaCl or sodium acetate (pH 7.0) increased expression of an rpoS::lacZ fusion protein, but only treatment with acetate increased acid survival.