cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synergistic effects of laminin-1 peptides, VEGF and FGF9 on salivary gland regeneration

Hyposalivation is associated with radiation therapy, Sjogren's syndrome and/or aging, and is a significant clinical problem that decreases oral health and overall health in many patients and currently lacks effective treatment. Hence, methods to regenerate salivary glands and restore saliva secretion are urgently needed. To this end, this study describes the modification of fibrin hydrogels with a combination of laminin-1 peptides (YIGSR and A99) and human growth factors (vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor 9) to enhance regeneration in a salivary gland injury mouse model. Our results indicate that these fortified hydrogels enhanced angiogenesis and neurogenesis while promoting formation of acinar structures, thereby leading to enhanced saliva secretion. Such functional recovery indicates salivary gland regeneration and suggests that our technology may be useful in promoting gland regeneration and reversing hyposalivation in a clinical setting. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We engineered Fibrin Hydrogels (FH) to contain multiple regenerative cues including laminin-1 peptides (L1p) and growth factors (GFs). L1p and GF modified FH were used to induce salivary gland regeneration in a wounded mouse model. Treatment with L1p and GF modified FH promoted salivary epithelial tissue regeneration, vascularization, neurogenesis and healing as compared to L1p-FH or FH alone. Results indicate that L1p and GF modified FH can be used for future therapeutic applications.
Green chemistry & chemical stewardship certificate program: a novel, interdisciplinary approach to green chemistry and environmental health education

The Green Chemistry & Chemical Stewardship Certificate Program was designed using the Community of Inquiry (COI) model as a framework for developing curriculum that engages students across the enti...
Poly[[μ4-4-(carb­oxylato­meth­yl)benzoato]zinc(II)]

In the title compound, [Zn(C9H6O4)]n, the ZnII cations are coordinated in a tetra­hedral fashion by carboxyl­ate O-atom donors belonging to four 4-(carb­oxy­meth­yl) benzoate (4-cmb) ligands. Each 4-cmb ligand binds to four ZnII cations in an exo­tetra­dentate fashion to create a non-inter­penetrated [Zn(4-cmb)]n three-dimensional coordination polymer network with a new non-diamondoid 66 topology. The crystal studied was refined as an inversion twin.
Impact of material convergence on last-mile distribution in humanitarian logistics

Abstract Material convergence (MC) in humanitarian logistics refers to the movement of relief supplies from donor sites to distribution centers in disaster areas, from which the final deliveries are made to survivors (last-mile distribution). We investigate how the choice of MC strategy (approach) affects the effectiveness of last-mile distribution. Specifically, we investigate the relative performance of the two frequently used MC approaches in terms of their ability to facilitate (propel) effective last-mile distribution. These two approaches are: (1) p–method (in which the most-urgent material always flows into disaster areas first) and (2) m–method (in which every shipment bound to disaster areas is comprised of a mix of urgent and less-urgent materials). We first analyze advantages and disadvantages of each approach from the theory perspective, and then perform numerical experiments to examine the specific conditions under which each approach performs most, or least, effectively. Results indicate that, in 83.3% of cases, the m–method (less widely used approach in practice) works more effectively than the p–method (more widely used approach).
A capture and release method based on noncovalent ligand cross-linking and facile filtration for purification of lectins and glycoproteins

Glycan-binding proteins such as lectins are ubiquitous proteins that mediate many biological functions. To study their various biological activities and structure–function relationships, researchers must use lectins in their purest form. Conventional purification techniques, especially affinity column chromatography, have been instrumental in isolating numerous lectins and glycoproteins. These approaches, however, are time-consuming, consist of multiple steps, and often require extensive trial-and-error experimentation. Therefore, techniques that are relatively rapid and facile are needed. Here we describe such a technique, called capture and release (CaRe). The strength of this approach is rooted in its simplicity and accuracy. CaRe purifies lectins by utilizing their ability to form spontaneous noncovalently cross-linked complexes with specific multivalent ligands. The lectins are captured in the solution phase by multivalent capturing agents, released by competitive monovalent ligands, and then separated by filtration. CaRe does not require antibodies, solid affinity matrices, specialized detectors, a customized apparatus, controlled environments, or functionalization or covalent modification of reagents. CaRe is a time-saving procedure that can purify lectins even from a few milliliters of crude protein extracts. We validated CaRe by purifying recombinant human galectin-3 and five other known lectins and also tested CaRe's ability to purify glycoproteins. Besides purifying lectins and glycoproteins, CaRe has the potential to purify other glycoconjugates, including proteoglycans. This technique could also be used for nonlectin proteins that bind multivalent ligands. Given the ubiquity of glycosylation in nature, we anticipate that CaRe has broad utility.
Workshop 1 – Allotypes. I

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the importance of allotypes for elucidating the genetic and molecular mechanisms for protein biosynthesis. The genetic markers of serum proteins which are detected by antibodies are known as allotypes. For human immunoglobulins, only two chromosome regions have been recognized for the control of known allotypic markers. The human allotypes have been found on three subclasses of IgG heavy chains, kappa light chains and on heavy chains of one of the IgA subclasses. Many linkage groups for the heavy chains have been recognized. Deletions of Gm markers have been reported to be associated with abnormal conditions of hypogammaglobulinemia and ataxia telangiectasia. To summarize the genetic and serologic sections of the workshop, allotypic sites have been used as markers taken to be the phenotypic expression of structural genes controlling the synthesis of immunoglobulin chains. It is found that of course, the possibility that these phenotypes reflect the control of the expression of structural genes must also be allowed.
Late-Onset Neonatal Hypocalcemia Due to Transient Hypoparathyroidism in Infant of Mother With COVID-19 at Delivery

Introduction: Neonatal hypocalcemia is an uncommon condition but clinical presentation can include severe manifestations such as neuromuscular irritability, tetany, seizure or cardiac conduction abnormalities that require prompt intervention to normalize calcium levels. To our knowledge there have been no reports of neonatal hypocalcemia following maternal SARS-CoV2 infection at the time of birth. Here we report a case of transient late-onset neonatal hypocalcemia complicated by maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection at the time of delivery.
Developing an educational resource for parents on pediatric catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention.

Abstract Background : Pediatric catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention guidelines encourage family engagement; however, there is a dearth of research on parent-facing CAUTI prevention resources. We aimed to meet the learning needs of parents about CAUTI prevention in the hospital by developing and refining an educational pamphlet with parents. Methods : Phase 1: We compiled existing evidence from CAUTI prevention guidelines and conducted a focus group with parents to form learning objectives. Phase 2: We developed prototype design elements, tested initial designs with a survey, and conducted qualitative participatory design sessions with parents to iteratively refine the pamphlet until design saturation was reached. Results : We identified the following key themes and preferences: 1) Clear boundaries for engagement (e.g., parents would not be emptying the catheter); 2) Positive, actionable framing (e.g., what should proper catheter positioning look like?); 3) What to expect (e.g. is the catheter painful for my child?); 4) Parents considered both their and their child's comprehension of the content when providing feedback. Conclusions : Overall, we demonstrated the utility of remote participatory design methods in developing and refining a CAUTI prevention resource based on parents’ preferences. Future research should consider adapting these methods and implementing formal evaluation for comprehension for eventual integration into clinical practice.
Activation of the autophagy pathway decreases dengue virus infection in Aedes aegypti cells.

Background Mosquito-borne dengue virus (DENV) causes major disease worldwide, impacting 50-100 million people every year, and is spread by the major mosquito vector Aedes aegypti. Understanding mosquito physiology, including antiviral mechanisms, and developing new control strategies have become an important step towards the elimination of DENV disease. In the study reported here, we focused on autophagy, a pathway suggested as having a positive influence on virus replication in humans, as a potential antiviral target in the mosquito. Methods To understand the role played by autophagy in Ae. aegypti, we examined the activation of this pathway in Aag-2 cells, an Ae. aegypti-derived cell line, infected with DENV. Rapamycin and 3-methyladenine, two small molecules that have been shown to affect the function of the autophagy pathway, were used to activate or suppress, respectively, the autophagy pathway. Results At 1-day post-DENV infection in Aag-2 cells, transcript levels of both the microtubule-associated protein light chain 3-phosphatidylethanolamine conjugate (LC3-II) and autophagy-related protein 1 (ATG1) increased. Rapamycin treatment activated the autophagy pathway as early as 1-h post-treatment, and the virus titer had decreased in the Aag-2 cells at 2 days post-infection; in contrast, the 3-methyladenine treatment did not significantly affect the DENV titer. Treatment with these small molecules also impacted the ATG12 transcript levels in DENV-infected cells. Conclusions Our studies revealed that activation of the autophagy pathway through rapamycin treatment altered DENV infection in the mosquito cells, suggesting that this pathway could be a possible antiviral mechanism in the mosquito system. Here we provide fundamental information needed to proceed with future experiments and to improve our understanding of the mosquito's immune response against DENV.
Factors associated with physical violence against children in Haiti: a national population-based cross-sectional survey.

Considering the recent sociopolitical and environmental stress in Haiti, from the COVID pandemic to repeated natural disasters, we aimed to identify risk and protective factors associated with childhood physical violence (CPV) after the 2010 earthquake. A population-based national survey was administered to 13-24-year-old Haitians in 2012. A three-stage clustered sample design was utilized. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and risk ratios (aRR). 64% of survey respondents experienced CPV were estimated. Respondents who reported emotional and/or sexual abuse prior to age 12 were twice as likely to be victims of physical violence later during childhood (emotional aRR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3-2.7; sexual aRR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4-3.1). Feeling close or very close to one's mother was protective (aPR 0.66, 95% CI 0.47-0.92). This study is the first to describe risk and protective factors and also delineate temporality of exposures associated with CPV.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/17457300.2021.1996398 .
Flavor characterization of top-blade, top-sirloin, and tenderloin steaks as affected by pH, maturity, and marbling.

Little information is available in the literature on the interrelationships and interactions among pH, aging time, marbling, and maturity on the flavor profile of some beef muscles commonly used for steaks. To investigate these effects on beef flavor, the infraspinatus (top-blade steak) from the chuck clod, the gluteus medius (top-sirloin steak) from the sirloin, and the psoas major (tenderloin steak) from the loin were obtained from A- (n = 80) and B-maturity (n = 60) carcasses with either Slight (n = 68) or Small (n = 72) marbling, and with either normal ( or = 6.0; n = 60) pH. Muscles were selected from two commercial processing plants at six different sampling times to evaluate factors that affect the flavor profile of cooked beef steaks. Muscles were vacuum-aged for 7, 14, 21, or 35 d, and a highly trained, flavor-profile sensory panel evaluated charbroiled steaks from these muscles. Numerous statistical interactions (P < 0.05) were detected for flavor attributes of the different muscles. In general, muscles from high pH (dark cutting) carcasses had less typical beef flavor identity and less brown-roasted flavor than those from carcasses with normal pH. Aging longer than 21 d generally decreased beef flavor identity. Top-blade steaks generally had less intense beef flavor identity and more intense bloody/serumy flavor than did top-sirloin and tenderloin steaks. Tenderloin and top-sirloin steaks of normal pH generally had the most brown-roasted flavor, especially when aged 21 d or less. Small degree of marbling generally resulted in a more rancid flavor compared with Slight marbling, but marbling had no other appreciable effects on the flavor profile. Aging steaks for 35 d increased (P < 0.05) the metallic flavor compared with aging for only 7 or 14 d. Top-sirloin steaks had a more intense (P < 0.05) sour flavor than did top-blade steaks, and steaks from carcasses with a high pH were more rancid (P < 0.05) than steaks from carcasses with normal pH. Vacuum-aging top-blade, top-sirloin, and tenderloin steaks to 21 or 35 d postmortem generally increased metallic and rancid flavors and increased sour flavor in top-sirloin steaks that were high in pH.
The electron microscopy of developing bacteriophage: I. Plaques on solid media

Abstract This paper is the first of a series describing electron micrographs made of various stages in the development of bacteriophages from the infected cells of E. coli. It describes the fields most commonly seen within plaques produced when E. coli and bacteriophage grow together on a solid medium.
Toward the Operationalization and Examination of “Hitting Bottom” for Problematic Alcohol Use: A Literature Review

“Hitting bottom” among individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) has empirical and theoretical support; however, it has never been operationalized and, therefore, remains largely unexplored. To operationalize and evaluate hitting bottom, it is important to understand the emergence of the construct, how it is used by researchers, and how it is perceived by individuals recovering from AUDs. Accordingly, the authors review extant literature on hitting bottom for individuals with AUDs. Specifically, the authors discuss historical evolution of “hitting bottom” to inform future research efforts to operationalize and evaluate the concept of hitting bottom for individuals with problematic alcohol use.
Energy in Newfoundland

Energy requirements of the Province of Newfoundland are met almost entirely by hydroelectricity and petroleum fuels in the ratio of 1:4. Hydroelectric resources, both developed and potential, are very large in relation to the Province's requirements. The petroleum potential of the Province is also substantial and undergoing extensive exploration in the offshore Atlantic area. Two wells drilled in 1973, on the northern Grand Banks and on the Labrador shelf, seem particularly significant.
Cultural responses to changing gender patterns of migration in Georgia

In this paper, we explore how individual women cope with the tensions between economic forces encouraging temporary labour migration and cultural norms tying “proper” women to their homes and families. Combining in-depth interviews with returned migrant women in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi with secondary migration data for the region, we illustrate the recent increases in Georgian women’s participation in international labour migration. Deteriorating economic conditions in Georgia leave women with few local opportunities to financially support their families, while institutional changes have altered the accessibility and attractiveness of international destinations, leading to increasing motivations and opportunities for women’s migration. Focusing on the contradictions between growing female migration and persistent adherence to cultural norms stigmatizing migration in Georgia, we explore the cognitive strategies migrant women employ in an attempt to balance internalized perceptions of acceptable gendered behaviour with their migration choices. Two key pathways of adaptation emerge: framing migration as a necessity rather than a choice and stressing the unique and individually exceptional nature of their own migration experience. We posit that these strategies may serve to limit the norm-challenging nature of women’s migration in Georgia. Although migration is often described as an empowering experience for women, if women migrants work to present their migration in a way that fits within the bounds of traditional gender norms, these norms may be strengthened rather than challenged.
Evaluation of psychiatric interventions in an observational study: issues in design and analysis.

Characteristics of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies of psychiatric intervention effectiveness are contrasted. Randomization drives treatment assignment in an RCT, whereas clinician and patient selection determine treatment in an observational study. Strengths and weaknesses of randomized and observational designs are considered. The propensity adjustment, a statistical approach that allows for intervention evaluation in a nonrandomized observational study, is described here. The plausibility of propensity adjustment assumptions must be carefully evaluated. This data analytic strategy is illustrated with the longitudinal observational data from the National Institute of Mental Health Collaborative Depression Study, Evaluations presented here examine acute and maintenance antidepressant effectiveness and demonstrate effectiveness of the higher categorical doses.
Venous Thromboembolism in Critically Ill Medical Patients Receiving Chemoprophylaxis: A Focus on Obesity and Other Risk Factors.

Purpose:To compare the incidence of 90-day venous thromboembolism (VTE) in obese critically ill medical patients receiving VTE chemoprophylaxis with nonobese patients of similar illness severity. We also identified other VTE risk factors.Methods:Eligible patients spent ≥24 hours in an intensive care unit between November 2007 and November 2013 and received VTE chemoprophylaxis within 48 hours of admission. The primary outcome was 90-day VTE.Results:A total of 11 111 patients were evaluated, of which 1732 obese and 1831 nonobese patients were enrolled with mean BMIs of 38.9 ± 9.2 kg/m2 and 24.5 ± 3.1 kg/m2 and mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores of 28.4 ± 11.8 and 26.6 ± 11.7, respectively. The rate of 90-day VTE for the total cohort, obese, and nonobese patients was 6.5%, 7.5%, and 5.5%, respectively. Obese patients were more likely to develop VTE compared with nonobese patients (odds ratio [OR]: 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03 -1.93). Other risk factors significantly as...
Corn Production as Affected by Nitrogen Application Timing and Tillage

Utilizing conservation tillage practices and increasing fertilizer N use efficiency for corn (Zea mays L.) are necessary for optimizing growers' profits and for minimizing loss of sediment and nutrients to the environment. A 3-yr study was conducted on a Nicollet clay loam (fine loamy, mixed, mesic, Aquic Hapludoll)-Webster clay loam (fine loamy, mixed, super active, Typic Endoquoll) soil complex in southern Minnesota to determine the effects of four tillage systems (no tillage, strip tillage, one-pass field cultivate, and chisel plow) and two N application times on corn production following soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Anhydrous ammonia was applied at 123 kg N ha -1 either in late October when soil temperatures at 15 cm were generally below 10°C or in April before planting. Tillage system had a statistically significant effect on corn production but showed no interaction with the N timing treatments. Maximum differences among tillage systems were 4.3% for grain yield, 5.1% for silage yield, and 8.6% for total N uptake. In 1 yr, when April and May were wet and warm, grain yield and total N uptake were reduced 20 and 27%, respectively, with fall N. Apparent N recovery was reduced from 87% for spring N to 45% for fall N. Corn production was not affected by time of N application in the other 2 yr. Relative leaf chlorophyll, measured by a SPAD meter at the V10, R1, and R3 growth stages, was highly correlated to relative corn grain yield, and could be used as a diagnostic tool at the V10 stage to determine sidedress N needs under non-irrigated conditions. Because the risk of N loss is greater with fall N application, N should be applied in the spring on these soils to minimize risk and optimize profitability regardless of tillage system.
Electromagnetic radiation from lightning strokes

Abstract A theory is given of the spectral distribution and the absolute amount of low frequency electromagnetic radiation emitted from a vertical lightning stroke from cloud to ground. The calculation depends on an assumed physical mechanism for the flow of charge on the discharge channel, but the model corresponds closely to the empirical observations of Schonland, Pierce, and others. The radiated energy has a maximum intensity at about 11 kc/sec and a total width at half-maximum of 12 kc/sec. The predicted radiation in the megacycle region agrees reasonably well with that reported by Chandrashekhar Aiya, although the present theory was developed primarily for the low frequency region.The total energy radiated in one leader and return stroke is estimated to be about 220,000 joules.
General versus central adiposity and relationship to pediatric metabolic risk.

Abstract Background: The influence of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and general versus central adiposity on pediatric metabolic risk is not well described. Methods: Secondary analyses on pediatric participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003–2006 (n=2,155). MVPA (min/day) and adherence to MVPA recommendations were assessed objectively by accelerometers. Body mass index (BMI) z-score and waist circumference (WC) were measured by standard protocols. The main dependent variables included an overall metabolic risk score and clinical tests related to metabolic risk. A series of linear regression analyses were used to examine BMI z-score versus WC as a mediator of the relationship between MVPA and the metabolic risk score or the individual components, controlling for sociodemographic covariates. All analyses with BMI z-score as an independent variable controlled for WC and vice versa. The product-of-coefficients method was used to test for mediation. Results: MVPA...
Understanding and Modeling the Effect of Surfactants in Enhanced Particle Removal from Surfaces in Aqueous Media

The removal of particulate contamination is a critical issue for many manufacturing processes. It is particularly critical to the electronics industry in which small pieces of microscopic debris remaining after chemical mechanical planarization (cmp) using submicron polishing particles can cause device failure. One way to enhance particle removal following the cmp process is to utilize surfactants. Recent research has shown ways to model the effect of surfactants on enhanced particle removal. However, previous research has not demonstrated the effect of ionic strength on enhanced particle removal associated with surfactant use. Past research has also not shown the combined effects of ionic strength and surfactant concentration on enhanced particle removal using surfactants. This article summarizes the parameters affecting particle removal, and it provides data and analysis on the effect of ionic strength as well as the combined effects of ionic strength and surfactant concentration on particle removal fol...
Vaccines in civilian defense against bioterrorism.

In the United States, over the past half century, we have lived under the protective umbrella of vaccination programs that shield our population from a dozen serious and sometimes fatal naturally transmitted illnesses. Vaccination has been the single most cost-effective public health intervention. However, the value of vaccines in protecting the population against the deliberate release of infectious organisms is not so clear-cut. The U.S. armed forces have recognized the military value of vaccines against biological threats and have a long-standing research and development program for a series of vaccines to protect service members from hostile use of a biological agent. Vaccination against anthrax is under way in all three armed services. The Department of Defense has a large program to develop and license additional vaccines for biological defense. For the military, vaccination is an effective means of countering a known threat because the population at risk is easily defined and a high level of vaccine coverage can be achieved. In evaluating the role of vaccines for protecting the civilian population, quite different answers are reached. Despite the protective efficacy of vaccines against individual organisms, the very high costs and the great difficulties involved in vaccinating large populations, along with the broad spectrum of potential agents, make it impossible to use vaccines to protect the general population against bioterrorism. Thus, vaccines cannot be considered a first line of defense against bioterrorism for the general population, as they can be for the relatively small military population. However, if suitable vaccines can be made available, they have several potential uses: control of a smallpox epidemic and prevention of a global pandemic, postexposure prophylaxis against anthrax (with antibiotics), and preexposure prophylaxis in first-responders at high risk, laboratory workers, and health-care providers. Smallpox and anthrax, which pose the greatest risk for causing large numbers of casualties in the event of an effective release by a terrorist group, are at the top of the list of threat agents. Licensed vaccines against both anthrax and smallpox that protect against aerosol transmission are available. An existing licensed plague vaccine is protective against fleatransmitted disease but not against aerosol challenge in animal experiments or against pneumonic plague. This vaccine is in limited supply, and the manufacturer has recently ceased production. The Department of Defense Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program has several experimental vaccines in development (Table). These vaccines will be further developed and tested with the intent of obtaining products licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Quantum field theory of an oscillator coupled to a finite string

Abstract The mechanics of an oscillator coupled to a continuum transmission line of finite length is solved exactly by, first, expressing the field in terms of the nonorthogonal natural modes of the system and, second, diagonalizing the hamiltonian. Explicit expressions are given for the secular equation and the dispersion in the ground state.
Reproduction Study with Dibasic Esters Following Inhalation in the Rat

Groups of 20 male and 20 female Crl:CD(SD)BR rats were exposed to Dibasic Esters (DBE) at concentrations of 0 (control), 0.16, 0.40 (maximum attainable vapor), or 1.0 mg/L (aerosol). Exposures were conducted for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week for 14 weeks (pre-breeding) then 7 days/week for 8 weeks (through breeding, gestation, and lactation). The exposures were interrupted for female rats between gestation day 19 and postpartum day 3. Gestation day 1 was defined as the day a copulatory plug was found, postpartum day 1 was defined as the day of birth. No significant differences were observed between control and test rats with respect to mating performance, fertility, length of gestation, or progeny numbers, structure, and viability. Body weights of parental rats and of their offspring were reduced at 1.0 mg/L. The only histopathologic changes detected were in the nasal tissues of the parental rats, where an exposure-related increase in squamous metaplasia in the olfactory epithelium was observed. There was an increase in liver-to-body weight ratios in the two higher parental exposure groups and an increase in the lung-to-body weight ratio also seen at 1.0 mg/L. It is concluded that reproduction in rats was not altered by repeated inhalation exposure to up to 1.0 mg/L DBE, a concentration that produced both body weight and histologic effects in parental rats.
Modifications of Ti-6Al-4V surfaces by direct-write laser machining of linear grooves

As patients who receive orthopedic implants live longer and opt for surgery at a younger age, the need to extend the in vivo lifetimes of these implants has grown. One approach is to pattern implant surfaces with linear grooves, which elicit a cellular response known as contact guidance. Lasers provide a unique method of generating these surface patterns because they are capable of modifying physical and chemical properties over multiple length scales. In this paper we explore the relationship between surface morphology and laser parameters such as fluence, pulse overlap (translation distance), number of passes, and machining environment. We find that using simple procedures involving multiple passes it is possible to manipulate groove properties such as depth, shape, sub-micron roughness, and chemical composition of the Ti-6Al-4V oxide layer. Finally, we demonstrate this procedure by machining several sets of grooves with the same primary groove parameters but varied secondary characteristics. The significance of the secondary groove characteristics is demonstrated by preliminary cell studies indicating that the grooves exhibit basic features of contact guidance and that the cell proliferation in these grooves are significantly altered despite their similar primary characteristics. With further study it will be possible to use specific laser parameters during groove formation to create optimal physical and chemical properties for improved osseointegration.
Spatially Localized Formation of InAs Quantum Dots on Shallow Patterns Regardless of Crystallographic Directions

We report on the ability to grow InAs quantum dots into patterns of any shape. We specifically demonstrate the spatial localization of InAs quantum dots on mesa and trench patterns varying from line, square and triangle patterns on GaAs (100) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. Based on the underlying science, this growth approach enables the localization of InAs QDs on GaAs (100) by controlling the sidewall facets and InAs monolayer coverage.
Linewidth reduction and frequency stabilization of a semiconductor laser with a combination of FM sideband locking and optical feedback.

We describe a novel method for semiconductor laser noise reduction that uses a combination of optical and electronic feedback. A Doppler-free Faraday resonance in Cs vapor provided both optical feedback and discrimination for an electronic feedback scheme incorporating FM sideband spectroscopy. The introduction of electronic feedback further reduced the low-frequency fluctuation noise power by more than 2 orders of magnitude, resulting in a linewidth of 1.4 kHz.
Capital market integration over the past decade: The case of the US dollar

Abstract This study investigates changing capital market integration over the decade 1973–83 as measured by the relationship between Eurodollar and domestic US dollar yields. The findings reveal that capital market integration has increased appreciably since the end of 1981.
Moments of inverted scale mixtures

We consider characteristics of the distribution of Y = 1/X when X has a density which can be represented as a scale mixture of exponential densities. We show that moments of order 1 or greater will not exist for this class of distributions, although rational moments may exist. We provide a closed form expression for rational moments strictly in terms of the scaling density which defines the mixture. An intuitive explanation of this phenomenon, based on tail characteristics of the densities in this class, is examined.
In vitro characteristics of the microsporidian: Enterocytozoon salmonis

. Enterocytozoon salmonis, an intranuclear microsporidian of salmonid fish, was propagated in vitro using chinook salmon mononuclear leukocytes. Characteristic morphology and infectivity of the cultured parasites were evaluated to determine the effect of in vitro maintenance and passage on the parasites. Cultured parasites developed through several stages from meronts to infectious spores. Parasites obtained from in vitro passages tested up to the 17th subculture, retained their morphological characteristics and pathogenicity for chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). The disease induced by experimental infections with parasites from in vitro cultures was ideniical to that observed in naturally infected chinook salmon. An examination of supernatants obtained from the infected cultures revealed evidence of soluble factor(s) produced by E. salmonis-infected cells that stimulated uninfected target cells in vitro. This observation may explain in part the proliferative disease of hematopoietic tissues which characterizes the disease in infected chinook salmon.
Microparticle Adhesive Dynamics and Rolling Mediated by Selectin-Specific Antibodies Under Flow

In vitro studies were performed to characterize the relative performance of candidate receptors to target microparticles to inflammatory markers on vascular endothelium. To model the interactions of drug-bearing microparticles or imaging contrast agents with the vasculature, 6 micron polystyrene particles bearing antibodies, peptides, or carbohydrates were perfused over immobilized E- or P-selectin in a flow chamber. Microparticles conjugated with HuEP5C7.g2 (HuEP), a monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific to E- and P-selectin, supported leukocyte-like rolling and transient adhesion at venular shear rates. In contrast, microparticles conjugated with a higher affinity mAb specific for P-selectin (G1) were unable to form bonds at venular flow rates. When both HuEP and G1 were conjugated to the microparticle, HuEP supported binding to P-selectin in flow which allowed G1 to form bonds leading to stable adhesion. While the microparticle attachment and rolling performance was not as stable as that mediated by the natural ligands P-selectin Glycoprotein Ligand-1 or sialyl Lewis(x), HuEP performed significantly better than any previously characterized mAb in terms of mediating microparticle binding under flow conditions. HuEP may be a viable alternative to natural ligands to selectins for targeting particles to inflamed endothelium.
Effects of retinol deficiency and hyperoxia on collagen gene expression in rat lung.

Exposure to hyperoxia results in lung injury and a decrease in lung collagen. Retinol is known to influence collagen gene expression, and retinol deficiency has been shown to potentiate hyperoxic lung injury. To investigate, the combined effects of retinol deficiency and hyperoxia on lung collagen expression, retinol-deficient rats were exposed to acute hyperoxia, and expression of the alpha-1 chains of type I procollagen [proα 1(I)] and type III procollagen [proα 1(III)] were determined using Northern hybridization analyses and immunohistochemical staining. Hyperoxia alone reduced proα 1(I) mRNA by 60 ± 4% (p < .05) and proα 1 (III) mRNA by 30 ± 5% (p <.05), and retinol deficiency alone reduced proα 1(I) mRNA abundance by 49 ± 8.8% (p < .05) and proα 1(III) mRNA abundance by 14 ± 7.5% (p = not significant), respectively. Retinol deficiency plus hyperoxia did not cause any further reduction in procollagen mRNA than that seen with oxygen exposure alone. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated decreased s...
Hidden State Models for Noncontact Measurements of the Carotid Pulse Using a Laser Doppler Vibrometer

The method of laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) is used to sense movements of the skin overlying the carotid artery. When pointed at the skin overlying the carotid artery, the mechanical movements of the skin disclose physiological activity relating to the blood pressure pulse over the cardiac cycle. In this paper, signal modeling is addressed, with close attention to the underlying physiology. Segments of the LDV signal corresponding to single heartbeats, called LDV pulses, are extracted. Hidden Markov models (HMMs) are used to capture the dynamics of the LDV pulses from beat to beat based on pulse morphology; under resting conditions these dynamics are primarily due to respiration-related effects. LDV pulses are classified according to state, by computing the optimal state path through the data using trained HMMs. HMM state dynamics are examined within the context of respiratory effort using strain gauges placed around the abdomen. This study presented here provides a graphical model approach to modeling the dependence of the LDV pulse on latent states.
Mechanisms of renal calcium transport.

The kidneys play a key role in the integrated regulation of calcium homeostasis. Calcium absorption takes place throughout the nephron. Proximal tubules, thick ascending limbs of Henle’s loop, and dis
An Algorithm for Determining Irrelevant Constraints and all Vertices in Systems of Linear Inequalities

This paper describes a new method of generating all vertices of a given convex polytope. Additionally, irrelevant constraints are easily identified without the necessity of enumerating any of the vertices of the given convex polytope. The method embeds the given polytope in a one-higher-dimensional space. The projection of the additional vertices formed by the embedding process into the original space lie in the interior of the polytope and have a tree structure for one and two polytopes. For higher dimensions, the embedding process associates a number with each interior point that facilitates the construction of a spanning tree for all of the interior points. The interior points added can be efficiently generated by a variant of the simplex method. The vertices of the original polytope can be generated easily from these internal points by analyzing the appropriate simplex tableaux.
A sequential multi-hypothesis test for the mean function of a discrete-time Gaussian process

Abstract A sequential multi-hypothesis test for the mean function of a discrete-time Gaussian process with known covariance kernel is developed. It is obtained by applying the Bechhofer-Kiefer-Sobel generalized sequential probability ratio test GSPRT, and its properties are studied analytically. Selected applications to i.i.d. normal random variables, observation in a time series AR(1) model, and Wiener processes are given.
The splitting of human chromosomes into chromatids in the absence of either DNA or protein synthesis.

Abstract If cells are irradiated during most of the G 1 portion of the cell cycle, chromosome aberrations are produced. If, however, they are irradiated while in S or G 2 , chromatid aberrations are formed. The best estimate of when the transition occurs is late G 1 . That is, in both plant and animal cells, the chromosome splits into chromatids before DNA synthesis. This doubling of the chromosome conceivably could be caused by either a synthesis of chromosomal protein prior to S, or by a loosening of a multistranded struture. Experiments were carried out with phytohemagglutinin-stimulated human lymphocytes to test which of the two possible explanations cited above would be the more likely. Phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes were cultured in the presence of 2·10 −3 M hydroxyurea and triated thymidine for 40 h. The hydroxyurea was used to inhibit DNA synthesis and to enrich the population of cells at the end of G 1 . Cells were then irradiated with 200 R of X-rays and recultured in the absence of tritium. When the cells reached metaphase, unlabeled cells were scored for the types of aberrations induced by the prior irradiation. Chromatid aberrations were found, indicating that in human cells, too, the split occurs in G 1 in the absence of DNA synthesis. Similar experiments in which the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide was added after the cells were in culture for 16 h (before any DNA synthesis had occurred) and kept in until the fortieth hour showed that the transition occurred when protein synthesis was inhibited, too. The experiments indicate that the human somatic chromosome is a multistranded structure that loosens in late G 1 to form functional chromatids.
Analysis of the complications of palmar plating versus external fixation for fractures of the distal radius.

Purpose To evaluate whether there was a difference in complication rates in our patients treated with external fixation versus volar plating of distal radius fractures. We also looked for a difference in radiographic results; in the clinical outcomes of flexion, extension, supination, pronation, and grip strength; and in scores on the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Methods We reviewed 115 patients with comminuted intrarticular distal radius fractures. Of those patients, 59 were treated with external fixation and 56 with volar plate fixation. Postoperative radiographs, range of motion, and grip strength were measured; DASH and VAS pain questionnaires were administered; and complications were documented. Results The external fixation group had a significantly higher overall complication rate. In the volar plate group, there were more tendon and median nerve complications, but this difference was not significant. Radiographically, the external fixator group demonstrated radial shortening of 0.7 mm, whereas the volar plate group demonstrated 0.3 mm of radial shortening during the postoperative period. There were no significant differences between the groups in the measurement of scapholunate angle or palmar tilt. The mean DASH score at final follow-up was 32 in the external fixation group and 17 in the volar plate group, which was statistically significant. The final VAS scores were statistically different at 3.1 for the external fixation group and 1.1 for the volar plate group. On physical examination, the volar plate group had significantly better arc of motion in pronation–supination and flexion–extension and better grip strength. Conclusions In the patients we studied, volar plate fixation has an overall decreased incidence of complications and significantly better motion in flexion–extension and supination–pronation compared to external fixation. Volar plate fixation also has less radial shortening than the external fixation group, yet the absolute difference in magnitude of ulnar variance was only 1.4 mm, calling into question the clinical significance of this difference. Patients with volar plating also have better pain and functional outcomes and better grip strength. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic III.
Purification and Characterization of a Polyisoprenyl Phosphate Phosphatase from Pig Brain POSSIBLE DUAL SPECIFICITY

Abstract Microsomal fractions from pig and calf brain catalyze the enzymatic dephosphorylation of endogenous and exogenous dolichyl monophosphate (Dol-P) (Sumbilla, C. A., and Waechter, C. J. (1985) Methods Enzymol. 111, 471–482). The Dol-P phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.51) has been solubilized by extracting pig brain microsomes with the nonionic detergent Nonidet P-40 and purified approximately 1,107-fold by a combination of anion exchange chromatography, polyethylene glycol fractionation, dye-ligand chromatography, and wheat germ agglutinin affinity chromatography. Treatment of the enzyme with neuraminidase prevented binding to wheat germ agglutinin-Sepharose, indicating the presence of one or moreN-acetylneuraminyl residues per molecule of enzyme. When the highly purified polyisoprenyl phosphate phosphatase was analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, a major 33-kDa polypeptide was observed. Enzymatic dephosphorylation of Dol-P by the purified phosphatase was 1) optimal at pH 7; 2) potently inhibited by F−, orthovanadate, and Zn2+ > Co2+ > Mn2+ but unaffected by Mg2+; 3) exhibited an approximate K mfor C95-Dol-P of 45 μm; and 4) was sensitive to N-ethylmaleimide, phenylglyoxal, and diethylpyrocarbonate. The pig brain phosphatase did not dephosphorylate glucose 6-phosphate, mannose 6-phosphate, 5′-AMP, orp-nitrophenylphosphate, but it dephosphorylated dioleoyl-phosphatidic acid at initial rates similar to those determined for Dol-P. Based on the virtually identical sensitivity of Dol-P and phosphatidic acid dephosphorylation by the highly purified enzyme toN-ethylmaleimide, F−, phenylglyoxal, and diethylpyrocarbonate, both substrates appear to be hydrolyzed by a single enzyme with an apparent dual specificity. This is the first report of the purification of a neutral Dol-P phosphatase from mammalian tissues. Although the enzyme is Mg2+-independent and capable of dephosphorylating Dol-P and PA, several enzymological properties distinguish this lipid phosphomonoesterase from PAP2.
Performance evaluation and process design of an electrodialysis plant by overpotential measurements

Abstract In this paper an investigation of Ionics Mark III ED stack is reported. The experimental techniques used allowed ED plant performance to be evaluated as a series of elementary subsystems; concentration boundary layer overpotentials were measured at different locations along the membrane flow path. The current interruption technique was used in order to calculate interfacial concentrations and diffusion boundary layer thickness. The results obtained established the dependence of concentration polarization on membrane path length; the last membrane sections were found to be strongly polarized even at relatively low operating current densities. Hence a better ED plant design should make use of a sequence of stack sections at different applied voltages.
Uncovering differences across the cancer control continuum: a comparison of ethnic and mainstream cancer newspaper stories.

Abstract Objective. The use of the news media to disseminate control research could play a pivotal role in reducing the cancer burden. An important first step is to understand how newspapers cover cancer and if differences exist between mainstream and ethnic newspapers. Methods. Cancer news in the major U.S. (MAJN) ( N = 5327) and ethnic (ENW) newspapers ( N = 565) appearing in 2003 were content analyzed. Comparisons of mainstream and ethnic newspapers utilized Pearson × 2 tests of two-sided statistical significance and independent samples t tests for interval-level variables. Results. Breast cancer dominated coverage: 27% of MAJN and 35% of ENW stories mentioned breast cancer. Coverage focused primarily on cancer treatment (MAJN: 60%; ENW: 52%) rather than on primary or secondary prevention. Compared to mainstream newspapers, the ethnic newspapers required lower literacy levels for understanding news stories, were substantially more likely to cover primary and secondary cancer prevention, and paid more attention to cancer awareness and education. Conclusions. The ethnic media are a promising vehicle for dissemination of cancer control messages. However, the successful utilization of any U.S. newspaper as a dissemination mechanism requires a greater understanding of the root causes for imbalances in cancer coverage and work with journalists to reframe cancer news coverage.