cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Searching for Pollution Havens: The Impact of Environmental Regulations on Foreign Direct Investment

This study takes a fresh look at the regulatory determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) by asking whether the stringency and sustainability of environmental regulations affect FDI flows across 25 Western and Eastern European countries. Unlike the earlier literature, which considered only host country characteristics, this article focuses on the difference in the regulatory environments in home and host economies. The data suggest that more stringent environmental regulations in the investor's country relative to those in the potential host country are positively correlated with the probability of investment as well as with the volume of FDI. The results also show that firms in industries with higher abatement costs tend to invest more abroad.
What is the role of positron emission tomography in osteonecrosis of the jaws

Purpose Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BP-ONJ) has become an associated side effect of BP therapy and several imaging modalities have been studied to show an ability to detect clinical disease. Because most patients at the authors' university hospital who develop BP-ONJ also undergo concurrent positron emission tomographic (PET) scanning, the authors investigated the utility of PET scans for diagnosis of BP-ONJ. Patients and Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of patients whose PET scans were acquired within 1 year of their BP-ONJ diagnosis (1998 through 2006). BP-ONJ was defined as intraoral exposure of the maxilla or mandible in patients on BPs and not given radiation to that area. This was performed at a university hospital with oncologic patients treated with BPs. All PET scans in this study were secondarily reviewed by a single expert reader for internal consistency (T.B.B.). A detailed timeline of the course of BP-ONJ was constructed by the review of medical records for each patient and the relation of each patient's PET scan results to that patient's BP-ONJ disease was evaluated. Data analysis was a descriptive analysis of PET scan findings in this patient population. Results Of the 25 patients studied, 5 were excluded for insufficient clinical or radiologic data. Of the 20 remaining patients (16 male, 4 female), 46 PET scans were performed and showed 53 areas of enhancement. Many patients had multiple PET scans performed while experiencing exposed bone, and 5 of these patients had alternating positive and negative scans with exposed bone, resulting in 13 patients with positive enhancement on a scan with exposed bone and 9 patients with no enhancement on a scan with exposed bone. Of the 13 patients with PET enhancement, 4 had signs of clinical infection documented at the time of examination. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of PET scanning for BP-ONJ were 43%, 19%, and 62%, respectively. There were 7 patients with PET scans performed after clinical resolution of their exposed bone and 6 of those had no enhancement. Conclusion The purpose of this study was to report findings on PET scanning for patients with BP-ONJ. Although PET scans are useful in oncology, the present findings do not support their routine use for exclusively diagnosing or following cases of BP-ONJ.
Meiotic exchange event within the stalk region of an inverted chromosome 22 results in a recombinant chromosome with duplication of the distal long arm

Meiotic recombination occurs between homologous euchromatic regions of human chromosomes in early meiosis. However, such exchanges have been thought not to occur in the stalk regions of acrocentric chromosomes. We describe a child whose chromosome analysis suggests that crossovers do occur in homologous stalk regions. The proband, initially seen as a term female infant, was born to a 28-year-old mother. Dysmorphic features included wide metopic sutures, low anterior hairline, hypertelorism, external ear malformations, and cleft lip and palate. Blood chromosomes of the proband and parents were studied by G-banding, Q-banding, R-banding, and silver staining. The infant karyotype showed a sub-metacentric chromosome 22; that of the mother showed a pericentric inversion of chromosome 22. Chromosomes of the father were normal. In the infant, the abnormal chromosome 22 long arm appeared normal, but with additional long arm material attached to the distal short arm. In the mother, the distal long arm of the abnormal chromosome 22 was translocated to the distal short arm. The abnormal chromosome stalk in the child was intermediate in size to the stalk size of the abnormal and normal chromosomes 22 in the mother. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using chromosome 22 paint and ARSA gene probe confirmed that the duplicated material in the proband was of chromosome 22 origin; the karyotype interpretation is: 46,XX,rec(22)dup(22q)inv(22)(p13q13.1)mat. This abnormal karyotype is most likely due to a crossover event within the inversion loop during meiosis. The stalk length discrepancy suggests that the crossover site occurred in the stalk region.
Optimization of Standard Gas Chromatographic Methodology for the Determination of Trans Fat in Unlabeled Bakery Products

Analytical parameters and quality control measures were optimized for standard direct gas chromatographic (GC) analysis of trans fat in unlabeled bakery products, and differences in concentrations measured in samples assayed with and without the modifications were evaluated. Total lipid was extracted with chloroform/methanol from homogenized cakes, cookies, doughnuts, pastries, muffins, and commercially available reference materials (NIST SRM 2387 Peanut Butter, LGC7103 Sweet Digestive Biscuit). Total lipid was saponified and fatty acids were derivatized to methyl esters (FAME) and analyzed by GC using a 100% nonbonded bis-cyanopropyl polysiloxane column (100 m × 0.25 mm, 0.2 µm film). Total FAME entering GC was optimized to separate C18:1-12t and C18:1-13t isomers that occur at a significant level but often remain unresolved from the C18:1-9c peak in products containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. Silver-ion solid-phase extraction was used to validate identification of the major C18:1 cis/trans peaks. For samples assayed by the standard method and with specific sample-to-sample quality control and GC optimization, the former underestimated trans fat by 2 to 5 g/100 g (0.2–0.6 g/serving) in some products. Differences were less for foods containing <1 g/100 g, but nonetheless could have implications for labeling because trans fat levels <0.5 g/serving may be declared zero according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations. The practical modifications and controls described can be implemented in routine standard GC analysis to increase the consistency and validity of trans fat measurement across a range of samples with unknown fat content and fatty acid composition.
Negative Temperament as a Moderator of Intervention Effects in Infancy: Testing a Differential Susceptibility Model

A consideration of potential moderators can highlight intervention effects that are attenuated when investigating aggregate results. Differential susceptibility is one type of interaction, where susceptible individuals have poorer outcomes in negative environments and better outcomes in positive environments, compared to less susceptible individuals, who have moderate outcomes regardless of environment. In the current study, we provide rationale for investigating this type of interaction in the context of a behavioral childhood obesity preventive intervention and test whether infant negativity moderated intervention effects on infant self-regulation and weight gain and on two aspects of mothers’ parenting competence: parenting self-efficacy and parenting satisfaction. Results showed that infants’ negative temperament at 3 weeks moderated intervention effects on some, but not all, outcomes. The intervention led to greater parenting satisfaction in mothers with highly negative infants but did not affect parenting satisfaction in mothers with less negative infants, consistent with a model of differential susceptibility. There was also a trend toward less weight gain in highly negative intervention group infants. In contrast, there was a main effect of the intervention on infant self-regulation at 1 year, such that the intervention group had higher observed self-regulation, across levels of infant negativity. Results support the importance of incorporating tests of moderation into evaluations of obesity interventions and also illustrate that individuals may be differentially susceptible to environmental effects on some outcomes but not others.
Malleable Balance of Market Practices and Fairness Constraints

Some apologies for market economic systems excuse their various shortcomings as the unavoidable cost of their benefits. Prospering markets entail unfairness. If unfair conditions and practices do not ground a market system, then they inevitably arise as the system develops. This position fuels a reluctance to implement fairness inspired constraints because they contradict an economy’s normal operations. Fairness concerns are rendered optional, pursued when they do not unduly burden market operations. The position of this paper is that markets operate and prosper with significant fairness constraints. Some constraints are grafted onto the market model and function as constitutive components. These constraints mostly represent shared views about impartial procedures. Other constraints express commitments that are independent of the market, grounded in distinct criteria of evaluation. This paper argues (1) that many fairness constraints are consistent with the market model and (2) that those constraints which are not reflect commitments as vital as market commitments. Variable balances of these commitments are sustainable in practice. Conventional practice may tolerate market operations that eclipse specific fairness expectations, but the balance can be recalibrated. Current limits upon market practices are often described as natural fits with the market. These descriptions ignore the many changes that have been gradually adopted by market systems to accommodate fairness concerns. Despite complacency about the prevailing balance, further modifications are sustainable. The crucial elements of a market system, i.e., those which promote efficiency, protect personal liberties, ground stability, enhance outputs, etc., can persist through the modifications.
Thrombosed basilar apex aneurysm presenting as a third ventricular mass and hydrocephalus.

Aneurysms presenting as third ventricular masses are uncommon; most are giant aneurysms arising from the basilar apex. We present a case of a thrombosed basilar apex aneurysm presenting as a third ventricular mass and hydrocephalus in a 55-year-old man. The case is unique in the literature as the aneurysm was completely thrombosed and angiographically occult. The lesion was explored to verify the diagnosis and a third ventriculostomy resolved the patient’s symptoms. Completely thrombosed aneurysms should be considered in the differential diagnosis of symptomatic third ventricular masses, even when angiographic studies are negative. The literature on aneurysms presenting as third ventricular masses is reviewed.
Central myelin in the mouse mutant shiverer

The spinal cord, optic nerves, and cerebellum of the mouse mutant Shiverer were examined by electron microscopy of thin sections. Although central nervous system myelin is grossly deficient in amount, none of its basic structural elements are missing. Regions of compact myelin can be found composed of several layers of alternating major dense lines and intermediate lines repeating with normal periodicity. The "radial component" consisting of periodic thickenings of the intermediate line aligned through several lamellae was also identified. Axoglial junctions characteristic of the type found in paranodal regions are present in greater than normal numbers but occur in aberrant locations. Myelin sheaths have marked reduced numbers of lamellae, which often contain cytoplasm, terminate in cytoplasmic "loops" within and around myelin sheaths, and do not completely encircle axons. In addition, membranous debris appears within neuronal and glial profiles, suggesting some degree of myelin breakdown. Thus, the protein lacks in this mutant appear not to be associated with discrete deficiencies of specific structural components but rather with a variety of quantitative changes and irregularity of form.
Rapid prototyping: applications in academic institutions and industry

Abstract In today's competitive world, the manufacturers have to get a new and improved product to the market as fast as possible to be able to compete in the global market. The major obstacle for this task had been a long product development cycle, i.e., design, prototype manufacture and testing. The introduction of rapid prototyping (RP) in the early stages of product development has greatly reduced the development time frame and cost involved in prototype manufacturing. Furthermore, RP applications are growing very fast in such a way that it is now possible to produce parts not as prototypes, but as final parts to be used in several engineering applications. Thus, RP is now acting as a bridge to help designers, manufacturing engineers, marketing and sales personnel to provide goods timely to the customer. This paper discusses practices, current developments and future trends of RP. This paper also discusses the use and role of RP in academic institutions.
Pectoralis myocutaneous flap for replacement of cervical esophagus

The authors report experience with 10 cases of pharyngoesophageal replacement with tubed pectoralis major myocutaneous (PM) flap. Six patients had primary reconstruction following total pharyngolaryngectomy for cancer; the other 4 had severe pharyngoesophageal stenosis requiring resection and replacement following previous laryngectomy. Seven of the patients were octogenarians, 6 had been irradiated previously, and all were severely debilitated. Two patients died postoperatively of cardiac disease. The remaining eight regained satisfactory with lasting deglutition. Four fistulae healed spontaneously, and one postoperative stenosis responded to a single dilitation. The interval to swallowing was 10-21 days in nonirradiated patients and 3-13 weeks in irradiated patients. There was one local recurrence 6 months after resection; the other patients remained free of disease. The authors conclude that the tubed PM flap is a reliable technique for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction that is particularly useful in elderly and debilitated patients.
Non-invasive detection of optical changes elicited by seizure activity using time-series analysis of light scattering images in a rat model of generalized seizure

Abstract For the first time, we detected optical changes elicited by seizure activity in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-treated rats ( n = 6) versus saline controls ( n = 2) over a 30 min recording session using a novel time-series analysis of scattering images obtained non-invasively with a real-time multispectral diffuse optical tomography (DOT) system. Spatio-temporal images of absorption and scattering coefficients were recovered from PTZ- and saline-treated rats’ brains using a finite element-based DOT image reconstruction algorithm. After pulse artifacts were eliminated, an independent component (IC) analysis was conducted for blind-source separation of the optical signals. The retrieved ICs were compared with concurrently measured EEG signals, and the selected components were further refined using K -means clustering and spectrum analysis tools. The results revealed that changes in absorption and scattering coefficients emerge sooner than changes in the EEG signal and a low frequency peak signal of ∼0.3 Hz in the spectra of light scattering images after PTZ injection. This low frequency caused by slow volume changes in CNS cells was not detected in control animals. Brain regions that we detected early changes in optical signals and activation maps were confirmed in an additional 3 PTZ-treated rats using the DOT system and concurrent EEG recordings obtained from multiple brain regions. Our results show that the analysis of scattered diffuse light is a sensitive and reliable modality for detecting changes in neural activity associated with generalized seizure and other CNS disorders with the additional benefit of providing access to physiological parameters that other modalities cannot access.
Personality composition is more important than group size in determining collective foraging behaviour in the wild

Describing the factors that shape collective behaviour is central to our understanding of animal societies. Countless studies have demonstrated an effect of group size in the emergence of collective behaviours, but comparatively few have accounted for the composition/diversity of behavioural phenotypes, which is often conflated with group size. Here, we simultaneously examine the effect of personality composition and group size on nest architecture and collective foraging aggressiveness in the social spider Stegodyphus dumicola . We created colonies of two different sizes (10 or 30 individuals) and four compositions of boldness (all bold, all shy, mixed bold and shy, or average individuals) in the field and then measured their collective behaviour. Larger colonies produced bigger capture webs, while colonies containing a higher proportion of bold individuals responded to and attacked prey more rapidly. The number of attackers during collective foraging was determined jointly by composition and size, although composition had an effect size more than twice that of colony size: our results suggest that colonies of just 10 bold spiders would attack prey with as many attackers as colonies of 110 ‘average’ spiders. Thus, personality composition is a more potent (albeit more cryptic) determinant of collective foraging in these societies.
Different Slopes of the Dose-Response Curves of Human and Bovine TSH in the McKenzie Bioassay

This study was designed to compare the slope of the dose-response curves of various human TSH preparations with that of the International Bovine TSH Standard (I-BTSH) in the McKenzie mouse bioassay. In 27 bioassays, the mean slope of the dose-response curve of the International Human Thyrotropin Research Standard A (I-H-TSH), .373±.O24 (SE), was significantly flatter than that of I-BTSH, .638±.025. Two highly purified and 2 partially purified human TSH preparations had slopes which were similar to I-H-TSH and significantly flatter than I-B-TSH in concomitant assays. To test whether this flatter slope of human TSH might be a consequence of the preservation of pituitary glands or of the purification procedure, simple homogenates were made from 16 human pituitary glands obtained at autopsies. Their dose-response curves were significantly flatter than that of I-B-TSH and usually similar to I-H-TSH. The results indicate that the slope of the dose-response curve of human TSH in the McKenzie bioassay is a proper...
Regulation of leftward transcription in the J-b2-att region of coliphage lambda

The leftward transcription of the central region of the mature coliphage λ genome, which extends from gene J to the attachment point att and which includes the b2 region, was studied. Upon thermal induction of λc I, 857 lysogens, the rate of the leftward transcription of the central region reaches a sharp maximum (1–2% of the total, i.e., λ + Escherichia coli, transcription) at about 5 min at 42° C, and then rapidly declines. This rapid decline was not observed in induced λ x − (p R −; phenotypically tof −) lysogens. Upon induction of a lysogen carrying a single, nonexcisable int − prophage, the l strand of the central region is not transcribed, whereas in an induced int + or a double int − or int + lysogen the l strand of the central region is transcribed both early and late in λ development. It is concluded that the leftward transcription of the central region is not autonomously initiated, but depends on the coupling between b2 and the att-N region containing the autonomous P L promoter. The leftward transcription of the central region is not restricted to b2, but can also proceed to the left of it. The results confirm the previous conclusion, based on a study of the late rightward transcription of the b2 segment (Bovre and Szybalski, 1969), that convergent transcriptions overlap in the J-b2-att region, which comprises about 20% of the λ genome, leading to the synthesis of mutually complementary RNA sequences.
Long-term risk of chronic kidney disease in unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney

The clinical spectrum of renal dysplasia includes the non-functioning multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK). We report our experience of the outcome of unilateral MCDK and its contralateral kidney in 101 children with the diagnosis of MCDK from 1985 to 2009. Data collected included urine protein/creatinine ratio, estimated GFR (eGFR), blood pressure, surgical intervention, renal length and abnormalities of the contralateral kidney, and the involution rate. There was a predominance of left-sided MCDK. Diagnosis was made prenatally in 86.7%. Contralateral abnormalities included vesicoureteral reflux (16.8%), UPJ obstruction (4.1%), and megaureter (2.4%). Complete involution of MCDK occurred within 5 years in 60%. Compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral kidney to >97% occurred in 74.1%. Nephrectomy was performed in 19.8%. There was an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage ≥2, and hypertension in those with contralateral abnormalities (p < 0.0001; p < 0.001 respectively). In those without contralateral abnormalities, hyperfiltration with mean eGFR of 149 ± 13 ml/min/1.73 m2 was seen in 32% and proteinuria in 9.8%. There was a significantly inverse relationship between proteinuria and eGFR (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, children with contralateral abnormalities are at risk for developing decreased kidney function, whereas a substantial number of patients with no obvious contralateral abnormalities have markers of renal injury. Therefore, systematic follow-up of all patients is recommended.
Analytical algorithms to quantify the uncertainty in remaining useful life prediction

This paper investigates the use of analytical algorithms to quantify the uncertainty in the remaining useful life (RUL) estimate of components used in aerospace applications. The prediction of RUL is affected by several sources of uncertainty and it is important to systematically quantify their combined effect by computing the uncertainty in the RUL prediction in order to aid risk assessment, risk mitigation, and decision-making. While sampling-based algorithms have been conventionally used for quantifying the uncertainty in RUL, analytical algorithms are computationally cheaper and sometimes, are better suited for online decision-making. While exact analytical algorithms are available only for certain special cases (for e.g., linear models with Gaussian variables), effective approximations can be made using the first-order second moment method (FOSM), the first-order reliabilitymethod (FORM), and the inverse first-order reliabilitymethod (Inverse FORM). These methods can be used not only to calculate the entire probability distribution of RUL but also to obtain probability bounds on RUL. This paper explains these three methods in detail and illustrates them using the state-space model of a lithium-ion battery.
Superparamagnetism in volcanic glasses of the KBS Tuff: Transmission electron microscopy and magnetic behavior

Volcanic glass separates (colorless to dark brown) from the KBS tuff of northern Kenya have been studied with a combination of transmission electron microscopy and low-temperature ac susceptibility and dc magnetization experiments. The darker of these glasses exhibit classic superparamagnetic behavior, the origin of which lies in a spatially-uniform precipitate of magnetite, which is present as ∼1% by weight in glass shards with the highest susceptibility. In any given glass separate (obtained by magnetic separation) this precipitate has a surprisingly narrow size distribution. A theory for the origin of the precipitate is nucleatation and growth in quenched glasses at temperatures of ∼1000-1300°K; an experiment demonstrates the feasibility of this idea. These glasses provide us with a sample for experimental investigations of physical properties of naturally-occurring dispersed magnetic phases at the lower limit of physical dimension that can be attained in the crystalline state.
Examining Problems and Assumptions: An Update on Criticisms of Open Theism

: Open theism, a form of relational theology, has generated a host of criticisms. I examine some of the recent criticisms by analyzing several that center around biblical, doctrinal and philosophical problems. I show how many criticisms miss the mark by failing to recognize and address the underlying assumptions held by open theists.
Elevated glutamatergic compounds in pregenual anterior cingulate in pediatric autism spectrum disorder demonstrated by 1H MRS and 1H MRSI.

Recent research in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has aroused interest in anterior cingulate cortex and in the neurometabolite glutamate. We report two studies of pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pACC) in pediatric ASD. First, we acquired in vivo single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) in 8 children with ASD and 10 typically developing controls who were well matched for age, but with fewer males and higher IQ. In the ASD group in midline pACC, we found mean 17.7% elevation of glutamate + glutamine (Glx) (p<0.05) and 21.2% (p<0.001) decrement in creatine + phosphocreatine (Cr). We then performed a larger (26 subjects with ASD, 16 controls) follow-up study in samples now matched for age, gender, and IQ using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H MRSI). Higher spatial resolution enabled bilateral pACC acquisition. Significant effects were restricted to right pACC where Glx (9.5%, p<0.05), Cr (6.7%, p<0.05), and N-acetyl-aspartate + N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (10.2%, p<0.01) in the ASD sample were elevated above control. These two independent studies suggest hyperglutamatergia and other neurometabolic abnormalities in pACC in ASD, with possible right-lateralization. The hyperglutamatergic state may reflect an imbalance of excitation over inhibition in the brain as proposed in recent neurodevelopmental models of ASD.
Joint Models of Longitudinal Data and Recurrent Events with Informative Terminal Event.

This article presents semiparametric joint models to analyze longitudinal data with recurrent events (e.g. multiple tumors, repeated hospital admissions) and a terminal event such as death. A broad class of transformation models for the cumulative intensity of the recurrent events and the cumulative hazard of the terminal event is considered, which includes the proportional hazards model and the proportional odds model as special cases. We propose to estimate all the parameters using the nonparametric maximum likelihood estimators (NPMLE). We provide the simple and efficient EM algorithms to implement the proposed inference procedure. Asymptotic properties of the estimators are shown to be asymptotically normal and semiparametrically efficient. Finally, we evaluate the performance of the method through extensive simulation studies and a real-data application.
Haloperidol increases smoking in patients with schizophrenia

Ten patients with schizophrenia participated in 120-min free-smoking sessions when actively psychotic and free of antipsychotic medications, and again after the initiation of haloperidol treatment. During these free-smoking sessions they had access to cigarettes ad libitum. Their expired air carbon monoxide (CO) and plasma nicotine and cotinine levels were measured at the end of the 120-min free-smoking sessions. These patients smoked more after starting haloperidol treatment, relative to their baseline rate of smoking when free of antipsychotic medications, as evidenced by significantly higher expired CO and plasma nicotine levels.
Standardization and regulation for CNS/ATM avionics

Worldwide standards and regulations govern aircraft communications, navigation, surveillance (CNS) and air traffic management (ATM) capabilities for all aircraft, including military fleets. These capabilities enable an aircraft to interact with air traffic services and gain access to civil airspace. The U.S. Department of Defense makes multi-billion dollar decisions on how and when to equip its airborne fleets for flying in civil airspace, according to technical standards and specifications, mandatory carriage regulations, and programmatic considerations. Standards development requires the participation of multiple and diverse stakeholders worldwide. Standards bodies determine how and when standards originate and evolve while governmental or quasi governmental organizations publish regulations that apply those standards. This paper describes the roles, responsibilities, and relationships of standards organizations; the types of documents they produce, relationships among the documents, and how they are applied; and regulatory processes and relationships at the national, regional, and world levels.
Selective Microbial Degradation of Saturated Methyl Branched-Chain Fatty Acid Isomers

Three strains of Pseudomonas (P.) bacteria were screened for their capabilities of degrading chemically synthesized saturated branched-chain fatty acids (sbc–FA). Mixtures of sbc–FA with the methyl-branch located at various locales along the fatty acid were used as a carbon feedstock in shake-flask culture. Utilization (and hence degradability) of the sbc–FA was monitored based on positive bacterial growth, fatty acid recovery rates and chromatographic (gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectroscopy (MS)) analysis of the recovered carbon source. P. putida KT2442 and P. oleovorans NRRL B-14683 were both able to grow on sbc–FA utilizing 35 wt% and 27 wt% of the carbon source, respectively after 144 h. In contrast, P. resinovorans NRRL B-2649 exhibited the most efficient use of the carbon source by utilizing 89 % of the starting material after 96 h resulting in a cell dry weight (CDW) of 3.1 g/L. GC and GC–MS analysis of the recovered carbon source revealed that the bacterial strains selectively utilized the isostearic acid in the sbc–FA mixture, and a new group of C10, C12, C14 and C16-linear and/or branched-chain fatty acids (approximately 4–29 wt%) were formed during degradation.
An analysis of photopolymerization kinetics and stress development in multifunctional acrylate coatings

Polymerization kinetics and stress buildup of multifunctional acrylic coatings have been studied simultaneously using a cantilever deflection method and real time one-bounce infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Cantilever deflection clue to stress buildup in the film is correlated with crosslink density in the polymerizing mass. Stress buildup was observed not to occur instantaneously after radiation was introduced but rather after a certain time interval. The time delay between onset of polymerization and initiation of stress indication is attributed to the introduction of crosslinks, leading to a gel state. The measured stress-conversion relationship can be predicted using an approach incorporating monomer reaction probability. Stress buildup can vary considerably as a function of processing conditions such as film thickness, temperature at solidification point, and the type, concentration and absorptivity of photoinitiator, which govern the degree of crosslinking. Under certain processing conditions, an uneven distribution of the monomer conversion in the film may severely alter the stress-film thickness relationship. In some cases the cantilever material anisotropy can be detected based on the cantilever deflection measured.
Longitudinal Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Older Adults With Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract Background Osteoarthritis (OA), a chronic and often painful disease for which there is no cure, accounts for more mobility issues in older adults than any other disease. Cross-sectional studies have found that arthritis is the most common reason for older adults to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Although previous research has profiled the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of CAM users, few studies have provided information on variation in CAM use over time and most only considered use of any CAM, which was often a mixture of heterogeneous therapies. Objectives This study sought to describe the longitudinal patterns of CAM use among older adults with knee OA and to identify correlates and predictors of different commonly used CAM therapies. Methods The Osteoarthritis Initiative included 1121 adults aged ≥65 years with radiographic tibiofemoral OA in one or both knees at baseline. Annual surveys captured current use of conventional therapies and 25 CAM modalities (grouped into 6 categories) for joint pain or arthritis at baseline and during the 4-year follow-up. We assessed longitudinal use of CAM modalities by summing the number of visits with participants reporting use of each modality. Correlates of CAM use under consideration included sociodemographic indicators, body mass index, overall measures of mental and physical well-being, and clinical indices of knee OA. Generalized estimation equations provided adjusted odds ratio estimates and 95% CIs. Results Nearly one-third of older adults reported using ≥1 CAM modality for treating OA at all assessments. With the exception of glucosamine and chondroitin (18%), few were persistent users of other CAM modalities. One in 5 of those using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or glucosamine and/or chondroitin were using them concurrently. Adjusted models revealed the following: (1) adults aged ≥75 years were less likely to use dietary supplements than those between ages 65 and 75 years; (2) persons with more severe knee pain or stiffness reported more CAM use; (3) better knee-related physical function was correlated with more use of chiropractic care or massage; and (4) older adults with more comorbidities were less likely to report use of dietary supplements. Conclusion Patterns of CAM use are, to some extent, inconsistent with current guidelines for OA treatment. Evaluating the potential risks and benefits in older adults from commonly used CAM modalities, with or without combination use of conventional analgesics, is warranted.
Activation of oxidative stress-responsive signaling pathways in early splenotoxic response of aniline

Aniline exposure causes toxicity to the spleen, which leads to a variety of sarcomas, and fibrosis appears to be an important preneoplastic lesion. However, early molecular mechanisms in aniline-induced toxicity to the spleen are not known. Previously, we have shown that aniline exposure results in iron overload and induction of oxidative stress in the spleen, which can cause transcriptional upregulation of fibrogenic/inflammatory cytokines via activation of oxidative stress (OS)-responsive signaling pathways. To test this mechanism, male SD rats were treated with aniline (1 mmol/kg/day via gavage) for 7 days, an experimental condition that precedes the appearance of fibrosis. Significant increases in both NF-κB and AP-1 binding activity was observed in the nuclear extracts of splenocytes from aniline-treated rats as determined by ELISAs, and supported by Western blot data showing increases in p-IκBα, p-p65 and p-c-Jun. To understand the upstream signaling events which could account for the activation of NF-κB and AP-1, phosphorylation patterns of IκB kinases (IKKα and IKKβ) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were pursued. Our data showed remarkable increases in both p-IKKα and p-IKKβ in the splenocytes from aniline-treated rats, suggesting their role in the phosphorylation of both IκBα and p65 subunits. Furthermore, aniline exposure led to activation of all three classes of MAPKs, as evident from increased phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK1/2) and p38 MAPKs, which could potentially contribute to the observed activation of both AP-1 and NF-κB. Activation of upstream signaling molecules was also associated with simultaneous increases in gene transcription of cytokines IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α. The observed sequence of events following aniline exposure could initiate a fibrogenic and/or tumorigenic response in the spleen.
Effect of cyclic changes in environmental lighting and ambient temperature on the daily rhythm in melatonin excretion by rats.

Melatonin excretion was measured by radioimmunoassay in 6 h or 12 h urine specimens from individual control rats and from animals previously blinded by bilateral orbital enucleation. Among sighted rats, the rate of melatonin excretion was greatest during the daily 12 h of darkness (1.44 ± 0.06ng/12h dark period vs.0.53 ± 0.07ng/12h light period; P < 0.001). Moreover, greater quantities of melatonin were excreted in the latter half of the dark period than in the first half (e.g.0.55 ± 0.08ng/first 6h vs.0.97 ± 0.05ng/second 6h ; P < 0.001). When the onset of the daily light period was shifted forward by 12 h, 5–7 days were needed for the daily rhythm in melatonin excretion to become re-entrained to the new light-dark cycle. Among blinded rats, the rate of melatonin excretion also varied rhythmically; however, the rhythm was neither synchronized with the light-dark cycle nor influenced by alterations in the lighting schedule. Similarly, artificial cycles in environmental temperature were not effective in entraining the daily rhythm in melatonin excretion among blinded rats.
Proton stopping in ultrathin lithium films

Abstract We report calculations of Bethe stopping of protons in targets composed of one to several unsupported layers of Li atoms. As a function of layer number, the stopping curves (S(ν) vs ν) change smoothly from atomic to bulk behavior. The lowering of the stopping curve as the target goes from an N layer to an (N +1) layer is a rapidly decreasing function of N, the first evidence of static quantum size effects (SQSE) in stopping and a clear indication that bulk and N-layer stopping will be quantitatively different.
Coding Subset Shift by Subgroup Conjugacy

We present a Borel reduction from a subset shift equivalence relation of a countable group to a subgroup conjugacy relation of a free product. The technique gives a much shorter proof of an earlier result of Thomas and Velickovic.
Novel Robotic da Vinci Instruments for Laparoendoscopic Single-site Surgery

OBJECTIVES To describe novel robotic laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (R-LESS) instruments, and present the initial laboratory experience in urology. METHODS The VeSPA surgical instruments (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) were designed to be used with the DaVinci Si surgical system. A multichannel port and curved cannulae were inserted through a single 3.5-cm umbilical incision. The port allowed 1 scope, 2 robotic instruments, and a 5- to 12-mm assistant instrument. Four pyeloplasties (right 2, left 2), 4 partial nephrectomies (right 2, left 2), and 8 nephrectomies (right 4, left 4) were performed in 4 female farm pigs (mean weight, 34.5 kg). Technical feasibility and efficiency were assessed in addition to perioperative outcomes. RESULTS All 16 R-LESS procedures were performed successfully without the addition of laparoscopic ports or open conversion. Mean total operative time was 110 minutes (range, 82-127), and mean blood loss was 20 mL (range, 10-100). Mean warm ischemia time for partial nephrectomy was 14.8 minutes (range, 12-20). There were no intraoperative complications. No robotic system failures occurred, and robotic instrument clashing was found to be minimal. One needle driver malfunctioned and assistant movement was limited. CONCLUSIONS R-LESS kidney surgery using the VeSPA instruments is feasible and efficient in the porcine model. The system offers a wide range of motion, instrument and scope stability, improved ergonomics, and minimal instrument clashing. Although preliminary experience is encouraging, further refinements are expected to optimize urological applications of this robotic technology.
Cyclopamine-Induced Holoprosencephaly and Associated Craniofacial Malformations in the Golden Hamster: Anatomic and Molecular Events:

Holoprosencephaly is a complex congenital malformation of the brain and is often associated with a spectrum of facial anomalies ranging from normocephaly or nondiagnostic changes to cleft lip/palate (premaxillary dysgenesis), cebocephaly, ethmocephaly, and cyclopia. The primary insult is thought to occur during gastrulation, when prechordal mesenchyme and overlying anterior neural plate undergo complex developmental interactions. Exposure to cyclopamine, a steroid isolated from the desert plant Veratrum californicum, causes holoprosencephaly in mammalian embryos. We have begun to study the pathogenesis of cyclopamine-induced holoprosencephaly and associated craniofacial anomalies in Syrian golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Embryos were exposed to a single maternal dose of cyclopamine during gastrulation on embryonic day (E) 7.0. By E13.0, 62% of fetuses showed craniofacial malformations, including premaxillary dysgenesis, ocular hypotelorism, and cebocephaly. Facial anomalies were associated with absence of the premaxilla and abnormalities of the midline cranial base, particularly the ethmoid and sphenoid bones. Histological sections from cyclopamine-treated embryos at earlier stages showed marked deficiency of cranial mesenchyme derived from the rostral neural crest. Expression of two transcription factors, HNF-3β and Hox-b5, which have been implicated in specification of rostral and caudal neural crest cells, respectively, were examined immunohistochemically. Treatment with cyclopamine caused a transient loss of HNF-3β immunoreactivity in prechordal mesenchyme, but had no effect on Hox-b5 expression. The findings suggest that an early event in the pathogenesis of cyclopamine-induced holoprosencephaly may be altered expression of selected proteins in the prechordal mesenchyme and floor plate with secondary impaired development of the adjacent neural plate and cranial neural crest.
Patient and graft outcomes following liver transplantation for sarcoidosis

: End-stage liver disease as a consequence of hepatic sarcoidosis is a rare indication for liver transplantation. Consequently, there is a paucity of information on the pre-transplant findings and post-operative course of individuals transplanted for hepatic sarcoidosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience with liver transplantation for sarcoidosis. Cases were identified by review of the Mount Sinai Hospital liver transplant database. For each case, two control patients with other causes of liver failure matched for age, gender and date of transplant were selected for comparison. Hepatic sarcoidosis was the indication for liver transplantation in only seven of 2117 (0.3%) adult transplants performed from September 1988 to June 2004. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was established by findings of extensive, non-caseating granulomas in pre-transplant liver biopsy specimens or in the native liver explant. Extrahepatic disease was limited to pulmonary involvement in four patients. Sarcoid cases were statistically more likely to have diabetes mellitus (100% vs. 21%, p = 0.001) and less likely to have antibodies to hepatitis C (0% vs. 50%, p = 0.047). Rates of acute cellular rejection were 57% in cases and 36% in controls (p = 0.397). Hepatic granulomas were identified in one patient at 5.6 yr of follow-up. Among cases, the 1-yr graft and patient survival rates were 100% and 5-yr graft and patient survival rates were 86%. The 1- and 5-yr graft and patient survival rates were comparable with those of patients transplanted for other indications.
Comparison of manual hematocrit determinations versus automated methods for hematopoietic progenitor cell apheresis products

BACKGROUND Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell donor selection is based primarily on human leukocyte antigen degree of match and it often occurs without regard to the red blood cell (RBC) compatibility between donor and recipient. When major ABO-mismatched grafts are infused, it is imperative that an accurate determination of the incompatible RBC content is made to ensure that the product is safe for infusion. RBC content determination requires the hematocrit (Hct) parameter which can be obtained via manual (directly measured) or automated (calculated) methods. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Ninety-seven apheresis hematopoietic progenitor grafts were assessed for Hct by manual testing and by four commercially available automated hematology analyzer instruments. A clinical model was developed to assess the frequency of unnecessary RBC reductions or alteration in standard infusion practice. RESULTS Significant (p < 0.001) differences were observed where the manual Hct value was markedly lower than automated Hct values. At stringent incompatible RBC threshold of 10 mL, the number of preventable RBC reduction procedures ranged from 18% to 69%. CONCLUSION Accurate determination of RBC content of hematopoietic progenitor grafts is essential for patient safety. Despite the rapidity and convenience offered by automated Hct methods, they significantly overestimate the incompatible RBC content of grafts, which may trigger unnecessary RBC reduction procedures or split infusions. In products where automated Hct methods indicate excessive amounts of incompatible RBCs are present, we advise the performance of confirmatory testing with a manual Hct method to ensure that the automated Hct value is not a false positive.
Hierarchical Bayesian Inference in Networks of Spiking Neurons

There is growing evidence from psychophysical and neurophysiological studies that the brain utilizes Bayesian principles for inference and decision making. An important open question is how Bayesian inference for arbitrary graphical models can be implemented in networks of spiking neurons. In this paper, we show that recurrent networks of noisy integrate-and-fire neurons can perform approximate Bayesian inference for dynamic and hierarchical graphical models. The membrane potential dynamics of neurons is used to implement belief propagation in the log domain. The spiking probability of a neuron is shown to approximate the posterior probability of the preferred state encoded by the neuron, given past inputs. We illustrate the model using two examples: (1) a motion detection network in which the spiking probability of a direction-selective neuron becomes proportional to the posterior probability of motion in a preferred direction, and (2) a two-level hierarchical network that produces attentional effects similar to those observed in visual cortical areas V2 and V4. The hierarchical model offers a new Bayesian interpretation of attentional modulation in V2 and V4.
Possible modulatory role of dynorphin on the excitation by neurotensin on the guinea pig myenteric plexus

Dynorphin 1-13 antagonized in a concentration-dependent fashion the contractile effect of neurotensin on the isolated preparation of the guinea pig ileum myenteric plexus. The inhibitory action of dynorphin was reduced in the presence of naloxone indicating the opioid nature of this interaction. Atropine also reduced the excitatory component of the neurotensin-induced contractile response; the joint application of atropine plus dynorphin did not cause additional inhibition of the contractile effect of neurotensin.