cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The current status of lipoprotein (a) in pregnancy: a literature review.

Abstract Background and purpose Lipoprotein (Lp) (a) is a neglected element of the blood lipid profile. It is now recognized as a determinant of coronary heart disease progression and its role in atherosclerosis and its ability to induce thrombosis make it potentially important in the course of normal and complicated pregnancies. Pregnancy involves a major transformation of metabolism to sustain fetal growth. Multiple studies have been conducted on Lp(a) in pregnancy, and it is timely to synthesize and evaluate this evidence. Methods and subjects We reviewed the MEDLINE database for all articles published concerning “lipoprotein a” and “pregnancy” from May 2003 to May 2012. A previous comprehensive review assessed the literature up to May 2003. Results We critically analyzed 14 studies detailing the effect of complications in pregnancy on Lp(a) profile, and subsequent pregnancy outcomes where available. Studies evaluating the normal metabolic response to pregnancy, pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia and intra-uterine growth restriction were reviewed. Conclusions A substantial mass of data has accumulated describing Lp(a) changes in pregnancy. The diversity of study design limits the ability to draw broad-ranging conclusions, but brings into focus the important questions remaining, which we discuss.
Effect of Substrate Geometry on Polymer Molecular Weight and Polydispersity during Surface-Initiated Polymerization

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) anchored chains were grown on porous silicon (p-Si) and anodically etched aluminum oxide (AAO) substrates via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Using hydrogen fluoride, the chains could be cleaved from the substrates, as evidenced by infrared spectroscopy. The molecular weights and molecular weight distributions of PMMA could be analyzed directly on these substrates (after cleaving the chains from the support) using direct ionization mass spectrometry (DIOS-MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). Two principal conclusions were drawn from the study. First, matrix-free DIOS-MS was effective at direct analysis of the polymers up to a molecular weight of ≈6 kDa; the signal-to-noise ratio for heavier polymer chains diminished rapidly. Second, under the same polymerization conditions, PMMA grown on both p-Si and AAO substrates had a much lower molecular weight and a broader molecular weight distribution than ...
Chondrocyte Death in Articular Cartilage Due to Excessive Mechanical Loading in the Axial and Transverse Directions

Chondrocyte injury and death in articular cartilage can cause matrix degradation and is a risk factor for secondary osteoarthritis [1,3–5]. Chondrocyte death can occur due to excessive mechanical loading, such as with a single high traumatic impact load (≥20 MPa), repeated sub-impact loads (≥5 MPa), or extensive cyclic loads (≥1 MPa) [1–5]. Several recent studies have shown that chondrocyte death depends not only on the stress magnitude [2] but also on the stress rate [3], strain rate [5] and load duration [1–2].Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Central mechanisms in the maintenance of chronic widespread noninflammatory muscle pain.

Chronic widespread pain (CWP) conditions such as fibromyalgia and myofascial syndromes are characterized by generalized pain, tenderness, morning stiffness, disturbed sleep, and pronounced fatigue. However, CWP pathophysiology is still unclear. A number of hypotheses have been proposed as the underlying pathophysiology of CWP: muscular dysfunction/ischemia, central sensitization, and a deficit in endogenous pain-modulating systems. This article reviews the current and emerging literature about the pathophysiology and neurobiology of chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain. Widespread musculoskeletal pain results in changes in the central nervous system in human subjects and animal models. These changes likely reflect alterations in supraspinal modulation of nociception, and include increases in excitatory and decreases in inhibitory modulation pathways. These alterations in excitation and inhibition likely drive changes observed in the spinal cord to result in central sensitization, and the consequent pain and hyperalgesia.
Some properties of requivalent: A simple effect size indicator.

One version of r equivalent , calculated from Fisher's exact test p values and recommended for small samples, is considered a more realistic ... [and] a more accurate estimate of the population correlation than . . . the sample correlation, r sample (R. Rosenthal & D. B. Rubin, 2003, p. 494). Small sample properties of r sample and of two effect size estimators (r equivalent* and r hybrid ) that use r equivalent were examined: r sample is preferable to r equivalent* (defined as 'equivalent used without restrictions) in terms of bias and mean squared error (MSE); r hybrid (defined as r equivalent only when r sample = 1.0) is generally preferable to r equivalent* , and preferable to r sample in terms of MSEs, except when population correlations are very large. Conditions favoring r sample over r equivalent* and r hybrid in meta-analyses are noted.
Combined raman spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography for measuring analytes in targeted tissues

We report the development of a combined Raman spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography instrument. The instrument was used to accurately measure physiologically-relevant concentrations of microbicide drugs in ex vivo tissue samples.
026 What organisational resources have to be considered when adapting guidelines in the context of Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC)? The Argentinean experience

Background Adapting guidelines in resource-constraints countries represents a great challenge. Availability of organisational resources has to be considered before implementing this methodology. Objectives a) To compare the availability of different organisational resources during seven guidelines adaptation initiatives facilitated by the National Academy of Medicine (Argentina) between 2005 and 2013; b) to analyse the relevance of each type of resource category for adapting guidelines in the context of LMIC. Methods 7 guidelines adaptation initiatives facilitated by the NAM since 2005 and 2013 are described. Organisational resources were categorised in 4 categories: organisational culture, human resources, economic resources, and condition resources (or states) within the organisation. Conservation of resources (COR) theory was used as the theoretical basis for analysing the relevance of each type of resource for the guideline adaptation process. Results Four of the 7 initiatives completed the whole process and produced an evidence-based guideline; 1 was interrupted and 2 are still ongoing although 1 of them shows a considerable delay. Among all organisational resource categories, culture and human resource were perceived as the most critical, particularly in what respects to the availability in the guideline developer group of change agents (i.e. internal and external facilitation); disposition to change and motivation and an appropriate mix of skills including leadership, communication, team work, technical competences. Discussion Guidelines adapting in resource-constraint countries is not easy, although possible if different critical organisational resources are provided from the outset of the process. Implications for Guideline Developers/Users A minimum organisational resource threshold is necessary for guarantying guidelines adaptation in the context of LMIC.
Neuroimaging studies of mood disorder effects on the brain.

Studies of early-onset recurrent depression, late life depression associated with neurologic disorders, and bipolar illness have revealed structural brain changes within a neuroanatomical circuit. This circuit, originally described by Nauta (1972), has been termed the limbic-cortical-striatal-pallidal-thalamic tract and is comprised of structures which are extensively interconnected. In three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging studies of affective illness, many of the structures that comprise this tract have been found to have volume loss or structural abnormalities. Mechanisms proposed to explain volume loss in depression include glucocorticoid neurotoxicity, decreased brain-derived growth factor, decreased neurogenesis, and loss of plasticity.
Hybrid multiplexing matched spatial filters in the Fourier plane for multiple object recognition

An optical–digital approach to fabricating matched spatial filters for multiple image recognition is discussed. Multiplexing is accomplished in the Fourier plane following optical transformation. A screening filter is formed digitally by adding or subtracting the intensity spectra of the transformed images to be recognized or ignored. This screening filter is then used to construct optically a composite image which contains the essential features of the various images to be recognized and from which compromising features have been deleted. The composite image is then used to record the desired filter. Initial results for both recognition and discrimination are presented.
How to Best Predict Success of the Transobturator Male Sling

Although the male sling is a popular and effective option to treat stress urinary incontinence, the reported success rates are highly variable. Detailed knowledge of the factors affecting male sling outcome can improve clinical efficacy and provide realistic expectations for patients. The objective of this article is to review the current literature that identifies factors associated with surgical outcome, with the goal of optimizing pre-operative selection criteria. Since most practitioners prefer the transobturator approach, the retrourethral transobturator sling (i.e., AdVance™ sling) is the focus of this review.
A FRET-based method to study protein thiol oxidation in histological preparations

Cysteine residues in proteins have important biological roles. For example, disulfide bonds are important structural elements; additionally, reversible oxidation of thiols to disulfides functions as a molecular switch and constitutes an early response to oxidative damage. Because organs are heterogeneous structures composed of diverse cell types, there is a compelling need for a histological approach to investigate thiol oxidation in situ in order to address the role of specific cell types in oxidative imbalance. Here we describe a fluorescence technique-which can be used in association with standard immunological staining procedures-to detect variations in disulfides in histological preparations. Moreover, by monitoring the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between a labeled specific primary antibody and the thiol probe described here, this method can detect thiol oxidation in candidate proteins of interest. When applied to an animal model of Parkinson's disease, our technique demonstrated that thiol oxidation occurs selectively in the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra, the same neurons that are lost selectively in the disease. In summary, this technique provides a new, powerful tool for providing further understanding of oxidative imbalance, a phenomenon common to many diseases.
Effects of ethanol on cultured embryonic neurons from the cerebral cortex of the rat

Fetal alcohol syndrome is a serious disorder that causes lifelong learning, memory, and behavioral problems. In the current study, we determined the ethanol concentrations that produced detrimental effects on the development of embryonic cortical neurons because mental capacity seems to be proportional to the level of dendritic arborization. Neurons from fetal rat cortices were grown in culture in close proximity to a glial plane. The cells were treated with concentrations of ethanol ranging from 450 nM to 45 mM, and neurite outgrowth was subsequently quantified. A significant decrease in dendritic branching was observed at ethanol concentrations as low as 45 μM after 6 days of ethanol exposure in vitro, whereas changes in primary neurite outgrowth were observed at an ethanol concentration of 4.5 μM. This finding is of particular interest as it seems to indicate that occasional ethanol exposure is detrimental to cortical development at very low concentrations of ethanol.
Strontium isotopes in brines and associated rocks from Cretaceous strata in the Mississippi Salt Dome Basin (southeastern Mississippi, U.S.A.)

Abstract Sr concentrations and 87 Sr 86 Sr ratios have been determined for brines from formations spanning most of the Cretaceous in two oilfields in the Mississippi Salt Dome Basin and from local salt domes, chalk, sands and shales. The Selma Group is predominantly a fossiliferous chalk whereas the remainder of the stratigraphic sequence consists of sands and shales with only minor carbonate phases. The sampled interval ranges from 2000 to just over 4000 m below land surface. Sr concentrations range from 443 to 1718 mg kg −1 for brines from Baxterville field and from 528 to 1762 mg kg −1 for brines from Soso field. Brine 87 Sr 86 Sr ratios range from 0.7071 to 0.7116 at Baxterville field and from 0.7083 to 0.7119 at Soso field. With the exception of brines from the Selma Chalk, all 87 Sr 86 Sr ratios are more radiogenic than Cretaceous seawater. On plots of 87 Sr 86 Sr vs. Sr concentration, brines from individual formations within a producing field occupy distinct non-overlapping areas with the exception of a single sample. In some cases, individual reservoirs within formations can be distinguished. Brines from formations that are present in both fields, which are ∼ 85 km apart, do not have the same 87 Sr 86 Sr ratio. In each field, brine Sr concentration increases with depth. 87 Sr 86 Sr ratios increase with depth to ∼ 3000 m and then appear to level off. These trends are interpreted to be caused by dissolution or recrystallization of carbonate minerals which contain significant amounts of non-radiogenic Sr, and decomposition of Rb-rich detrital micas and K-feldspar, which are sources of radiogenic 87 Sr. Salt and cap rock from domes in southeastern Mississippi have an average 87 Sr 86 Sr ratio of 0.70707, consistent with a Middle Jurassic age for the Louann Salt. In Baxterville field, chalk from the Upper Cretaceous Selma Group has a Cretaceous seawater 87 Sr 86 Sr ratio of 0.7076. 87 Sr 86 Sr ratios range from 0.7091 to 0.7111 for Sr leached from sands and shales from both Baxterville and Soso fields. If these values reflect the 87 Sr 86 Sr values of the easily dissolved interstitial carbonate phases, they indicate that the calcite cements precipitated from sedimentary fluids which were more radiogenic than the seawater of that time, but which were not as evolved as the brines which are now present. Alternatively, they may reflect leaching of radiogenic sources.
Multiscale analysis of the effects of rainfall extremes on reproduction by an obligate riparian bird in urban and rural landscapes.

Abstract.— Headwater forests serve many ecological functions and may be particularly responsive to changes in climate and land use. Riparian birds can serve as indicators of changes in their associated ecosystems. Little known, however, are combined influences of climate and land use on riparian birds and riparian ecosystems. We examined multiscale associations between these environmental conditions and reproduction of the Louisiana Waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla), a riparian-obligate songbird that breeds in the eastern United States. Specifically, we measured variables at multiple spatial and temporal scales to model crucial components of individual fecundity, using an information-theoretic approach. We monitored 190 nests in 139 territories within 13 drainages from 2002 to 2005. Daily nest survival reached a maximum when mean rainfall was intermediate (3–10 mm day-1) during the nesting period. Nestling survival, by contrast, reached its maximum with high amounts of rainfall (>14 mm day-1). Nestling surv...
Collective modes of semiconducting space charge layers

Abstract A self-consistent energy functional perturbation theory is used to evaluate the linear response of the quasi-two-dimensional electron gas of a surface space charge layer or quantum well to an external perturbation with arbitrary space and time dependence. Collective modes of the system are determined from the poles of the appropriate response function. In the absence of a de magnetic field intersubhand collective modes as well as the usual two-dimensional plasmon with ω p (q) − (2πN inv e 2 q/mϵ s ) 1 2 are found. In the presence of a de magnetic field both spin waves spin independent excitations occur. One example of the latter is the hybrid magneloplasma waave with ω2 − ω2e + ω2p(q).
An integrated approach for manpower planning in the service sector

Abstract The manpower planning problem receives considerable attention by the management of service organizations because they are typically labor intensive. Not only must optimal staff sizes be determined over an extended horizon, but optimal staff schedules which assign labor to tours of duty and specific tasks, given the available staff size, must also be found. Adding to the complexity arising from the interrelatedness of the staff-sizing and staff-scheduling problems is the existence of the conflicting multiple objectives of minimizing costs and maximizing customer service. The few methodologies reported in the literature which treat the complete manpower planning problem as stated above have several shortcomings. Some techniques place a severe strain on computational capabilities. Also, these methods confound the specification of the goal levels with the analysis of the relative goal weightings. Often the specification of the desired goal levels is made at a different level in the organizational hierarchy than the specification of the relative importance of the various goals. This paper suggests an approach which overcomes these shortcomings. The methodology utilizes a simulation model with an imbedded heuristic procedure for the staff-scheduling problem to identify realistic aggregate staff-size goals to be used in a multiple-objective staff-sizing model. The methodology is applied to the manpower planning problem of a large sectional center post office and the managerial benefits are discussed.
Development of a Biofilter with Tire-Derived Rubber Particle Media for Hydrogen Sulfide Odor Removal

The biofilter system containing tire-derived rubber particle (TDRP) filter media was utilized to treat the odorous gas contaminant, hydrogen sulfide, in consideration of the economic advantage of reusing discarded tire materials and the high potential of TDRP media for biofilm attachment. The pilot-scale system having 0.38 m3 of bed volume operated with synthetic hydrogen sulfide gas on continuous basis from a range of 0.34 to 1.15 m3/min. This bioreactor system achieved over 94% removal efficiency at 20–90 ppm of inlet H2S concentration while operating in 20–67 s of empty bed retention time, indicating that overall effective operation was performed at mass loading rates of H2S ranging from 19.6 to 28.5 g H2S/(m3 h). It was apparent by the effectiveness of the system’s performance that this system had the capability to effectively remove hydrogen sulfide with high efficiency over a range of concentrations. A maximum elimination capacity was not found for the biofilter during this study, which tested loading rates between 0 and 30 g H2S/(m3 h).
Atomic and molecular energies in terms of electrostatic potentials at nuclei

Several formulas, both exact and approximate, that relate atomic and molecular energies to electrostatic potentials at nuclei are discussed in terms of the relative contributions of the nuclear–electronic, nuclear–nuclear, and electronic–electronic interactions. These quantities and related ratios are evaluated at the density functional B3PW91/6-311+G(3df,2pd) level for a group of 24 molecules. A modified version of an approximate molecular energy expression is tested and found to give improved results. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2002
Metabolism of 15N-labeled amino acids in rat lens

Rat lenses were cultured 4–24 hr at 37°C in balanced salt medium containing 5 mm [15N]-glutamate, [15N]-alanine, or amido-[15N]-glutamine. Free amino acids were extracted with 6% trichloracetic acid containing α-aminoisobutyrate as an internal standard, and trifluoroacetyl-n-butyl (TAB) derivatives were prepared. Amino acids were quantified by gas chromatography, and 15N enrichment in amino groups of several free amino acids was determined by mass spectrometry. Culture of lenses with either [15N]-glutamate or [15N]-alanine resulted in [15N]-labeling of the glutamate, aspartate, alanine, proline, serine and glycine pools. No detectable amino-15N (< 5%) was observed in amino acids when lenses were cultured with amido-labeled [15N]-glutamine or with [15N]-ammonium chloride. It is concluded that the α-amino groups of several amino acids are actively involved in lens metabolism. In contrast, although glutamine may serve as the major source of glutamate for lens, the amido nitrogen of glutamine plays a minor role, if any, as a source of α-amino groups for amino acid metbolism.
Sampling clock jitter estimation and compensation in ADC circuits

Clock timing jitters refer to random perturbations in the sampling time in analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The perturbations are caused by circuit imperfections in the sampling clock. This paper analyzes the effect of sampling clock jitter on the acquired samples. The paper proposes two methods to estimate the jitter for superheterodyne receiver architectures and cognitive radio architectures at high sampling rates. The paper also proposes a method to compensate for the jitter. The methods are tested and validated via computer simulations and theoretical analysis.
One- and two-photon ionisation of the 3s and 3p states of Na I

A model-potential method is used to compute one- and two-photon ionisation cross sections for ground- and excited-state sodium atoms. The inhomogeneous-differential-equation method, suitably modified for use in resonance regions, is used in the two-photon calculations. The author calculates a generalised cross section of the order of 10-48 cm4s for two-photon ionisation of the 3p level at the Na I resonance transition wavelength.
Characterization of a low-loss and wide-band (DC to 170 GHz) flip-chip interconnect on an organic substrate

This paper, for the first time, presents the characterization of a very wide-band flip-chip interconnect from DC to 170 GHz on a liquid crystal polymer substrate. The performance is optimized by modeling the structure in a 3-D electromagnetic simulation software. To mitigate the influence of the capacitive effect caused by the flip-chip overlap section, high impedance inductive sections are used. The measured return loss is more than 10 dB, while the insertion loss is less than 0.9 dB/mm for the transmission line and the interconnect across the entire frequency range. The measurements correlate well with simulated results.
Uranus moons measured

Three investigators at the University of Hawaii have made the first measurements of the sizes of four of the five known moons of Uranus. Uranus, which is nearly 3 billion km (about 2 billion miles) from Earth, can only be seen with a telescope. The determination of the sizes of the moons of Uranus was made from measurements of their infrared, or heat, radiation. These measurements were made with the Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. This telescope, the most sensitive instrument in the world for measuring faint infrared sources, was constructed in part to provide support for spacecraft exploring the planets.
What extent of radiation therapy is standard

This review will address: (1) 'what are the current indications for radiation therapy (RT), following both mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery?' and (2) 'if RT is indicated, what are the appropriate volumes or 'targets' to be treated?' Given the complexity of these questions, this review will focus on selected topics considered of greatest current interest. In addition, this review will primarily focus on results obtained from randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Finally, we acknowledge an American point of view in our discussion.
Lengths on semigroups and groups

We give a characterization of those semigroups with topology arising from a collection of left sub-invariant pseudometrics or quasimetrics. We also characterize those with topology arising from sub-invariant pseudometrics or quasimetrics.
Cost analysis of open and laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy: a single institution comparison

The laparoscopic approach to pancreaticoduodenectomy has been recently more frequently reported and is now being performed at multiple centers across the US. While laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) has been shown to be safe and feasible, comparing its cost in relation to open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) has not been examined. The aim of this study is to examine the cost of LPD compared with OPD at a single institution over a 3-year time period. An institutional database was analyzed to compare patients who underwent OPD and LPD (including Whipple resections and total pancreatectomy) between May 2009 and June 2012. A cost analysis was performed, which included the use the hospital billing database to assess surgical costs, hospital admission costs, and overall cost of the patient’s care during the index admission. The operative costs were further analyzed with respect to OR time and surgical supplies. Standard statistical analysis was performed to assess for significance. In the study time period, 123 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, including 48 OPD (39 %) and 75 LPD (61 %). The groups were similar with respect to age, gender, ASA, vein resection, and indication for surgery. In the LPD group, the use of hand assist or conversion to OPD occurred in 3 (4 %) and 10 (13 %) patients, respectively. Additionally, 10 % of the OPD group underwent total pancreatectomy (n = 5), compared to 21 % of the LPD (n = 16). Mean operative time for OPD and LPD was 355 min (range 199–681) and 551 min (range 390–819) respectively (p < 0.0001). Median hospital stay for OPD and LPD was 8 days (range 5–63), and 7 days (range 4–68) respectively (p = 0.5). Morbidity rates were equal at 31 % for the two groups. The LPD group was associated with significantly higher surgical cost due to both increased time and supply cost. However, mean hospital admission cost associated with OPD was greater in comparison to the LPD group, though not significant. The overall total cost of care was similar between the two groups. LPD is associated with equivalent overall cost compared with OPD. While operating time and supply costs were higher for LPD, this was balanced by decreased cost of the postoperative admission.
Chloroquine affects prolactin secretion and Golgi morphology in the mammotroph.

Chloroquine is widely used as a lysosomal enzyme inhibitor, and while effects on DNA repair and membrane recycling have also been reported, there has been no investigation of effects on the processing of secretory products. To determine whether chloroquine had any effect on secretion and secretory organelles, we monitored the effects of low concentrations (10−6 m) of chloroquine on a cell population which normally secretes copious amounts of a simple polypeptide (PRL) in vitro and in which there exists a subpopulation of cells which releases PRL very rapidly after synthesis. Cultured anterior pituitary cells were exposed to 10−6 m chloroquine for 6, 12, 24, or 48 h. At these times, the culture medium was used for determination of PRL content and β-glucuronidase activity, and the cells were used for determination of DNA content and level of β-glucuronidase activity or for electron microscopy. Treatment with 10 6 M chloroquine resulted in 20–40% inhibition of PRL release (maximum inhibition at any dose), no...
An Enhanced Electrolarynx with Automatic Fundamental Frequency Control based on Statistical Prediction

An electrolarynx is a type of speaking aid device which is able to mechanically generate excitation sounds to help laryngectomees produce electrolaryngeal (EL) speech. Although EL speech is quite intelligible, its naturalness suffers from monotonous fundamental frequency patterns of the mechanical excitation sounds. To make it possible to generate more natural excitation sounds, we have proposed a method to automatically control the fundamental frequency of the sounds generated by the electrolarynx based on a statistical prediction model, which predicts the fundamental frequency patterns from the produced EL speech in real-time. In this paper, we develop a prototype system by implementing the proposed control method in an actual, physical electrolarynx and evaluate its performance.
On internal formation theory

This paper describes analogues to locally induced formations which are defined entirely within a given finite solvable group. The methods are used to construct complements to normal subgroups and to determine when all such complements are conjugate.
A specificity for cellular fibronectin in its effect on cultured chondroblasts

Chick cellular fibronectin has previously been shown to alter the phenotypic properties of cultured chick-embryo vertebral chondroblasts. Over the course of several days, adhesion and spreading on plastic substrata in the presence of serum was stimulated, the morphology of the cells was changed, the synthesis of cartilage-specific type-IV proteoglycan was inhibited, and the synthesis of type-I collagen and fibronectin was induced or stimulated. In the present study, chick plasma fibronectin was isolated and observed to mimic the effect of cellular fibronectin on cell adhesion and spreading. Both kinetic and dose-response relationships were similar between the two isoproteins. In contrast, chick plasma fibronectin, at up to tenfold higher concentrations by weight, did not alter cell morphology or synthesis of type-IV proteoglycan. Control experiments showed that plasma fibronectin could not neutralize cellular fibronectin and that plasma fibronectin did not simply conceal an effect on type-IV proteoglycan production by shifting the balance released into the culture medium. The results suggest that the effect of cellular fibronectin on the differentiated properties of chondroblasts relies on some unique feature not possessed by plasma fibronectin, and thus is not solely dependent on its own ability to stimulate adhesion and spreading.
Does the extent of operation influence the prognosis in patients with melanoma metastatic to inguinal nodes

Background: The role of pelvic lymphadenectomy in melanoma metastatic to the superficial inguinal region remains controversial. Some researchers advocate aggressive surgical management,whereas others feel that outcome depends more on extent of disease rather than extent of treatment.We reviewed our recent experience to investigate possible therapeutic effects of extended surgery.
Reducing Automotive Interior Noise with Natural Fiber Nonwoven Floor Covering Systems

Eliminating unwanted noise in passenger compartments of vehicles is important to automobile manufacturers. The ability to reduce noise inside the vehicle enhances the perceived value of the vehicle to the consumer, and offers a competitive advantage to the manufacturer. Several methods are presently employed to reduce noise and its sources, one of which uses sound-absorbing materials attached to various components such as floor-coverings, package trays, door panels, headliners and trunk liners. Natural fibers are noise-absorbing materials that are renewable and biodegradable, making them an effective choice for the automobile industry. Floor coverings using natural fibers (kenaf, jute, waste cotton, and flax) in blends with polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET) were developed as carded needle-punched nonwovens. The acoustical absorption coefficients of these floor coverings, and of floor coverings in combination with an underpad (either a rebonded polyurethane foam, or a soft cotton nonwoven) were evalua...
On a periodic boundary value problem with a finite number of gaps in its spectrum

(--co, &>, (4 9 n;>, (A, 3 A>, t&T WY (3) are called instability intervals. All but the first interval in (3) are finite and may shrink to a point under special conditions. Erdelyi [3] discovered situations where all but a finite number of finite instability intervals vanish when q(t) is a suitable elliptic function. Lax [9] showed that a function q(t) which satisfies the nth order Korteweg-de Vries equation requires (1) to have no more than n non-vanishing finite instability intervals. Conversely, if all finite instability intervals vanish, then q(t) in (1) is necessarily a constant. This fact was proved by Borg [ 11, Hochstadt [ 71 and Ungar [ 121. When all but n finite instability intervals vanish q(t) satisfies a differential equation of the form
Are sleep complaints an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction

PURPOSE: To investigate whether subjective sleep complaints are an independent predictor of myocardial infarction (MI) in a community of older adults and to gain clues as to why the association between sleep complaints and incident MI exists. METHODS: Using longitudinal data from the Piedmont study on 2960 adults aged 65 or older who were free of symptomatic heart disease at baseline, we screened 19 potential confounders to determine if any, alone or in combination, could explain the observed relationship between incident MI and sleep complaints. RESULTS: During the three-year follow-up period, there were 152 incident MIs. Restless sleep (incidence density ratio (IDR) = 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11, 2.24) and trouble falling asleep (IDR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.09, 2.60) predicted incident MI after adjusting for age, gender, and race. IDRs were not substantially impacted by controlling for smoking, blood pressure, diabetes or obesity. After adjustment for education, number of prescription medicines, self-rated health, and depression score, all IDRs were nullified. In particular, self-rated health and depression were strong independent risk factors for MI. CONCLUSIONS: A subjective sleep complaint increases the likelihood of a first MI in older adults without overt coronary heart disease (CHD) independently of classic coronary risk factors and appears to be a marker for a syndrome of depression and malaise that may have a causal relationship to MI.
A multi-relation approach of general systems and tests of applications

In this paper, under the assumption that ZFC axiom system is consistent, the following are proved: (a) there is no system whose object set consists of all systems; (b) any system is not an object of itself; (c) any system is constructed with basic elements (elements which are not systems). Based on these results, the following problems in epistemology are discussed: the feasibility of the definition of the theory so-called “science of science”; the existence of basic particles in the world; and the existence of absolute truths.
Screening for genetic aberrations in papillary thyroid cancer using comparative genomic hybridization

Background Papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) are a heterogenous group of neoplasms that display a wide variability in clinical behaviour. Knowledge of the genetic composition of these tumours may help improve prognostication, but is currently limited. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic composition of pathologically low-risk papillary thyroid cancers and identify differences based on age, using a powerful, genome-wide analytical technique, comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). Methods Tumour samples from patients with pathologically confirmed well differentiated PTC, less than 4 cm in size and without extrathyroidal extension or distant metastasis, were procured from the institutional tumour bank. CGH analysis was performed by differentially labelling tumour and normal DNA with fluorescent agents. The labelled DNAs were coprecipitated and simultaneously hybridized to normal metaphase chromosomes on glass slides. After chromosomal segregation, computerized image analysis was performed to detect fluorochrome intensity along the entire length of each chromosome. The ratio of fluorescent signal intensity was used to identify the presence of genetic abnormalities. Statistical age-group comparisons of the CGH findings were performed using Fisher's exact test. Results Genetic abnormalities were detected in ten of 21 cases. A recurrent pattern of aberrations was identified, involving losses at chromosomes 1p, 9q, 17, 19 and 22, and gains at 4, 6 and 13. The prevalence of CGH-detectable aberrations was not influenced by age, but loss of chromosome 22 was unique to patients aged less than 40 years (P = 0·05) and was associated with a higher rate of locoregional metastasis (19 versus 80 per cent; P = 0·02). Conclusion Two distinct patterns of genetic composition were observed in PTC. One group had no detectable abnormalities, while the other had a recurrent pattern of gains and losses that localized to identical chromosomal loci. Although a divergent pattern of involvement was seen in younger patients, the direct clinical significance of this finding needs to be elucidated. Moreover, the identified pattern of alterations suggests that novel oncologically consequential genes are present within the involved loci. Molecular cloning of the genes at each of these sites is warranted. © 2000 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd
Simulation of diffusion of asymmetric diblock and triblock copolymers in a spherical domain structure

Diffusion of asymmetric diblock and triblock copolymers in a three-dimensional periodic potential field with body centered cubic (bcc) symmetry is simulated numerically using Langevin dynamics. To ...
Energetics of disordered and ordered rare earth oxide-stabilized bismuth oxide ionic conductors

Rare-earth stabilized bismuth oxides are known for their excellent ionic conductivity at intermediate temperatures. However, previous studies have shown that their conductivity deteriorates during extended heat treatments at 500–600 °C, although the fluorite phase is maintained. In this study, the enthalpies of formation of quenched and aged ytterbia- and dysprosia-stabilized bismuth oxides were measured using high-temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry in 3Na2O–4MoO3 solvent at 702 °C. While a modest energy difference (−2 to −3 kJ mol−1) drives the kinetically slow aging transformation in the ytterbia-stabilized system at moderate dopant contents, no energetic driving force is detectable in the dysprosia-stabilized system. Although the small magnitude of the exothermic ordering energy suggests extensive short range ordering in both the quenched and aged samples, the anion configuration specific to the aged samples is nevertheless responsible for the significant decrease in conductivity.
Development of Chicken Flavor Descriptive Attribute Terms Aided by Multivariate Statistical Procedures

Chicken patties (50% light/50% dark meat) were used as training and testing samples by a 10-member panel to develop descriptive terms appropriate for profiling the taste/aroma character notes of fresh and reheated chicken meat. A free word association list of 45 terms was developed in initial training sessions. These terms were used to obtain frequency of use and intensity data for statistical analyses to determine appropriateness of the terms for profiling and discriminating among fresh and reheat treatments of the chicken patties. The initial list was reduced to 31 terms by a frequency-use delimiter of 40% over four replications and by MANOVA probability values (P > .05) for sample differences. FACTOR (principal components) analysis applied to the reduced list of terms indicated six logical associative groupings of terms that explained 77% variation in the data. A final list of 12 descriptors was developed by omitting redundant terms in a factor grouping.
Slow light enhancement of four-wave mixing in coupled silicon-on-insulator microrings

The very high nonlinearity of silicon nanophotonic waveguides motivates research into chip-scale nonlinear optics e.g., wavelength conversion via four-wave mixing (FWM). We demonstrate FWM in silicon coupled microrings with a slow light enhanced effective nonlinear parameter γ eff ~ 3700 (Wm) -1 at a pump wavelength of 1570 nm. Impairments on the wavelength conversion efficiency of these structures, such as linear and nonlinear loss, waveguide and coupler dispersion as well as fabrication imperfections are discussed. Evaluation of the performance of optimized waveguide designs shows coupled resonator waveguides to be a promising platform for highly efficient wavelength converters.
Temporal bone histopathological study of Noonan syndrome.

Abstract Four temporal bone specimens, obtained from three individuals 1–6 years of age with Noonan syndrome (NS), were studied histopathologically. All four specimens were accompanied by similar inner ear abnormalities including the reduced number of spiral ganglion cells, enlarged lateral semicircular canal, and dislocated endolymphatic sac and vestibular aqueduct. The mean population of spiral ganglion cells (15 699 cells) was approximately half of those (32 978 cells) in four age-matched control cases. In addition, they had several middle ear abnormalities including the remaining mesenchyme and dehiscence of the facial canal. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the histopathological temporal bone findings in patients with NS. We discuss the implications of the observed abnormalities with regard to clinical issues.
Ribonucleic acid metabolism during growth of excised root tips from normal and x-irradiated corn seeds.

Abstract Growth of excised corn root tips was found to involve a degradation and loss of protein and ribonucleic acid. During growth (mostly cell elongation) of the normal excised root tips there is a major redistribution of ribonucleic acid among the subcellular components. The microsomal and soluble ribonucleic acids rapidly decline with a concomitant increase in the nuclear and mitochondrial fractions. There was little redistribution of ribonucleic acid in the root tips from X-irradiated seeds, since the transformation had already occurred as a result of X-irradiation prior to incubation of the root tips. Incorporation of uracil into the subcellular ribonucleic acid fractions by excised root tips revealed that the greatest incorporation was in the nuclei, followed in order by mitochondria, microsomes and the soluble fraction. X-irradiation greatly enhanced the incorporation of uracil into ribonucleic acid. Growth of root tips from normal and X-irradiated seeds increased the ribonuclease activity as much as 2 to 4-fold. Root tips grown from X-irradiated seed had an initial ribonuclease activity 2 to 3-fold greater than normal tissue.
Blast Load Generator Facilities and Investigations of Dynamically Loaded Concrete Slabs

Abstract : Due to the complicated nature of many of the problems associated with weapons effects and to the moratorium on full-scale nuclear weapon tests, it was necessary to develop other means of obtaining needed experimental data; hence, laboratory facilities were developed to simulate the various effects associated with the detonation of a nuclear device. After a considerable amount of planning and effort, one such laboratory facility, the Blast Load Generator, was developed at the U. S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station (WES). Recently the Blast Load Generator facility has been used to investigate the response of reinforced concrete slabs subjected to airblast loading.
Risk analysis using simulation for a chemical storage problem

Abstract With the increasing complexity of chemical plants and the growing public concern for the safe manufacture, transport, and disposal of chemicals, there is a need to assist decision-makers in project evaluation with regard to risk. Extensive work has been done in risk analysis methods development in the nuclear industry. The amount of research and applications of risk analysis methodology in the chemical industry is seriously lacking. Direct application of some of the risk analysis techniques used for nuclear risk studies is not always appropriate to the chemical industry. The use of simulation models to overcome some of the problems (e.g. time-dependent failure propagation) of the application of certain probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) methodologies is evaluated in this paper. A simulation model is developed for a toxic chemical storage system. The results of the simulation model are compared with the results of using standard fault tree methodology.
Distal airway responses to changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions.

Abstract The reactivity of subpleural strips of lung parenchyma reflects primarily the tone of the smooth muscle in the peripheral airways. Lung strips taken from ten dogs relaxed when the oxygen level in the gas bubbling through the bath was reduced from 95% to 18%. Subsequent hypocapnia (carbon dioxide reduced from 5% to 0%) induced contraction of all strips. These changes were reversed when the oxygen or carbon dioxide tensions were restored to control levels. Addition of either indoemethacin or meclofenamate, two chemically dissimilar inhibitors of prostaglandin synthetase, reduced the resting tone in each of six strips and prevented the hyperoxic constriction which was observed in paired, control strips (oxygen increased from 18% to 95%). Blockers of histamine and catecholamines had no effect. The reactivity of the distal airways to changes in gas tension provides a mechanism by which ventilation and perfusion can be matched. The action of indomethacin and meclofenamate indicates that a prostaglandin-like substance may be involved in the maintenance of distal airway tone and in the constriction produced by hyperoxia. The addition of prostaglandin E2α or E1, after meclofenamate, in a further nine pairs of strips did not restore the hyperoxic constriction. This suggests that prostaglandis may mediate, rather than merely facilitate, the response.
Post-stall aerodynamic modeling and gain-scheduled control design

A multidisciplinary research e.ort that combines aerodynamic modeling and gain-scheduled control design for aircraft flight at post-stall conditions is described. The aerodynamic modeling uses a decambering approach for rapid prediction of post-stall aerodynamic characteristics of multiple-wing con.gurations using known section data. The approach is successful in bringing to light multiple solutions at post-stall angles of attack right during the iteration process. The predictions agree fairly well with experimental results from wind tunnel tests. The control research was focused on actuator saturation and .ight transition between low and high angles of attack regions for near- and post-stall aircraft using advanced LPV control techniques. The new control approaches maintain adequate control capability to handle high angle of attack aircraft control with stability and performance guarantee.
Characterization of a cysteine-free analog of recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor.

Abstract Using oligo site-directed mutagenesis, we have modified our synthetic gene for human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to replace all four cysteine codons with serine codons. The corresponding protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified from inclusion bodies by solubilization in urea followed by a series of column chromatographies and a folding step. The resulting protein, having no cysteine residues, is unable to form either intramolecular or intermolecular disulfide bonds. The secondary and tertiary structures of the purified analog, as determined by circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy, were identical within experimental error to recombinant bovine and human bFGF with unaltered amino acid sequences. Reflecting the similar conformation, the analog protein exhibited mitogenic activity on NIH 3T3 cells which was indistinguishable from the natural sequence molecule.