cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Near-field spherical scanning: Test-zone field evaluation

Spherical near-field scanning measurements are used to determine the incident electromagnetic fields within a test volume. Results from two independent approaches are compared and found to agree within estimated uncertainties.
Measures assessing spirituality as more than religiosity: A methodological review of nursing and health-related literature

sessanna l., finnell d.s., underhill m., chang y.-p. & peng h.-l. (2011) Measures assessing spirituality as more than religiosity: a methodological review of nursing and health-related literature. Journal of Advanced Nursing 67(8), 1677–1694. Abstract Aims. This paper is a report of a methodological review conducted to analyse, evaluate and synthesize the rigour of measures found in nursing and health-related literature used to assess and evaluate patient spirituality as more than religiosity. Background. Holistic healthcare practitioners recognize important distinctions exist about what constitutes spiritual care needs and preferences and what constitutes religious care needs and preferences in patient care practice. Data sources. Databases searched, limited to the years 1982 and 2009, included AMED, Alt Health Watch, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, EBSCO Host, EBSCO Host Religion and Philosophy, ERIC, Google Scholar, HAPI, HUBNET, IngentaConnect, Mental Measurements Yearbook Online, Ovid MEDLINE, Social Work Abstracts and Hill and Hood’s Measures of Religiosity text. Review methods. A methodological review was carried out. Measures assessing spirituality as more than religiosity were critically reviewed including quality appraisal, relevant data extraction and a narrative synthesis of findings. Results. Ten measures fitting inclusion criteria were included in the review. Despite agreement among nursing and health-related disciplines that spirituality and religiosity are distinct and diverse concepts, the concept of spirituality was often used interchangeably with the concept religion to assess and evaluate patient spirituality. The term spiritual or spirituality was used in a preponderance of items to assess or evaluate spirituality. Conclusions. Measures differentiating spirituality from religiosity are grossly lacking in nursing and health-related literature.
Double Quantum Dot as a Quantum Bit

Quantum dots are microscopic structures that can trap single electrons for study and manipulation. Such devices are of interest as potential logic elements in a future quantum computer in which electron spins are used as quantum bits. The problem is that the spins on the nuclei of the device material itself can interfere with the electron spins. In his Perspective, [DiVincenzo][1] discusses results reported in the same issue by [ Petta et al. ][2] in which a double quantum dot structure was used to avoid the effect of the background spins. By swapping the quantum spin states back and forth between the dots, the researchers were able to greatly increase the quantum coherence time of the stored states. The results show that fully electric (as opposed to magnetic) control of the spin states offers the possibility of using such double dots in a quantum computer. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/309/5744/2173 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/309/5744/2180
Rotation barriers around the carbene-metal bond of transition metal complexes of cycloheptatrienylidenes

Abstract Rotation around the carbonmetal bond of a cycloheptatriene and three cycloheptatrienylidene complexes of iron have been examined using temperature-dependent NMR studies. Neither η 1 -cycloheptatrienylidene-η 5 -cyclopentadienyldicarbonyliron hexafluorophosphate ( 3 ) nor 1,2-benzo-5-(η 5 -cyclopentadienylcarbonyltri-n-butylphosphineiron)cycloheptatriene ( 10 ) showed any temperature dependence to −105°C. From this it is concluded that the former probably prefers the electronically less favored (but sterically preferred) conformation 3b while the rotation barrier for the latter is too small to be observed in this temperature range. Both η 1 -cycloheptatrienylidene-η 5 -cyclopentadienylcarbonyltri-n-butylphosphineiron hexafluorophosphate ( 11 ) and η 1 -4,5-benzocycloheptatrienylidene-η 5 -cyclopentadienylcarbonyltri-n-butylphosphineiron hexafluorophosphate ( 12 ) showed rotation barriers that could be measured in the temperature range employed (RT to −105°C). The barrier in the benzannelated complex 12 is greater than in 11 . This is consistent with Hoffmann's [2] prediction that an electronic component should contribute to conformational preferences and rotational barriers in carbene complexes of unsymmetrically substituted transition metals.
Targeting the absence: Homozygous DNA deletions as immutable signposts for cancer therapy

Many cancers harbor homozygous DNA deletions (HDs). In contrast to other attributes of cancer cells, their HDs are immutable features that cannot change during tumor progression or therapy. I describe an approach, termed deletion-specific targeting (DST), that employs HDs (not their effects on RNA/protein circuits, but deletions themselves) as the targets of cancer therapy. The DST strategy brings together both existing and new methodologies, including the ubiquitin fusion technique, the split-ubiquitin assay, zinc-finger DNA-recognizing proteins and split restriction nucleases. The DST strategy also employs a feedback mechanism that receives input from a circuit operating as a Boolean OR gate and involves the activation of split nucleases, which destroy DST vector in normal (nontarget) cells. The logic of DST makes possible an incremental and essentially unlimited increase in the selectivity of therapy. If DST strategy can be implemented in a clinical setting, it may prove to be curative and substantially free of side effects.
Surface modification of Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) by a low-temperature cascade arc torch and radio-frequency plasmas

Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) films were treated with a low-temperature cascade arc torch (LTCAT) and radio-frequency (RF) plasmas of argon and hydrogen. The plasma-treatment effect on the PTFE surface was studied with contact-angle measurement and scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM). LTCAT argon plasma, which is recognized as a beam of excited argon neutrals, was very efficient at improving the surface hydrophilicity of PTFE. For both the LTCAT and RF operation, argon plasma was more effective at modifying the surface wettability of PTFE films than hydrogen plasma was. Furthermore, the sample positions (inside or beyond the glow region) had a strong impact on the efficiency of the plasma treatment. SEM surface images indicated that no significant morphology change was induced on the PTFE films exposed to a LTCAT and RF argon plasmas.
EFFECT OF PRESSURE ON THE CURIE TEMPERATURE OF RARE-EARTH METALS. I. GADOLINIUM

An experimental investigation has been undertaken for the purpose of learning the effect of interatomic distance on the magnetic exchange interaction in ferromagnetic rare-earth metals. The first material which has been studied is gadolinium. The equipment used was the high-pressure apparatus of Professor G. C. Kennedy of the Institute of Geophysics (UCLA). A toroidal-shaped specimen of gadolinium was subjected to pressures up to about 40 kilobars (kbar). The gadolinium toroid served as a transformer core. A constant input voltage was applied and the output voltage was studied as a function of pressure and temperature. The Curie temperature, obtained from the output voltage, was found to be depressed linearly with pressure at a rate of -1.60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C/(kbar) up to 21.5 kbar. Between 21.5 and 26.7 kbar a phase transition to a nonferromagnetic state occurred.
Cyclophosphates as ligands for cobalt(III) in water

Examination of cyclotriphosphate and cyclotetraphosphate as ligands for Co(III) in aqueous solutions revealed that cyclotetraphosphate affords stable complexes as a hemilabile ligand, while cyclotriphosphate exhibits facile hydrolysis.
Infrapatellar Saphenous Neuralgia After TKA Can Be Improved With Ultrasound-guided Local Treatments

Background Current opinion suggests that in some patients, chronic pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has a neuropathic origin. Injury to the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IPSN) has been implicated as a cause of medial knee pain; however, local treatments for this condition remain controversial.
Benign cardiac tumors and tumorlike conditions

Benign primary cardiac tumors and tumorlike conditions are rare, yet important surgical and autopsy pathology specimens. Although many of these entities are clinically silent, a few can cause significant morbidity or even sudden death. Some cardiac tumors arise in the setting of genetic disorders. Providing the correct diagnosis for a cardiac mass lesion will aid in patient care and genetic counseling. Therefore, a familiarity of these tumors is essential for both surgical and forensic pathologists. This comprehensive and up-to-date review describes the key clinical, gross, and histologic findings for 16 distinct entities. It also provides differential diagnoses and key facts to differentiate between similar appearing tumors.
Effect of antineoplastic agents on the DNA cleavage/religation reaction of eukaryotic topoisomerase II: inhibition of DNA religation by etoposide.

Beyond its essential physiological functions, topoisomerase II is the primary cellular target for a number of clinically relevant antineoplastic drugs. Although the chemotherapeutic efficacies of these drugs correlate with their abilities to stabilize the covalent topoisomerase II-DNA cleavage complex, their molecular mechanism of action has yet to be described. In order to characterize the drug-induced stabilization of this enzyme-DNA complex, the effect of etoposide on the DNA cleavage/religation reaction of Drosophila melanogaster topoisomerase II was studied. Under the conditions employed, etoposide increased levels of enzyme-mediated double-stranded DNA cleavage 5-6-fold and single-stranded cleavage approximately 4-fold. Maximal stimulation was observed at 80-100 microM etoposide with 50% of the maximal effect at approximately 15 microM drug. By employing a topoisomerase II mediated DNA religation assay [Osheroff, N. & Zechiedrich, E.L. (1987) Biochemistry 26, 4303-4309], etoposide was found to stabilize the enzyme-DNA cleavage complex (at least in part) by inhibiting the enzyme's ability to religate cleaved DNA. Moreover, in order for the drug to affect religation, it has to be present at the time of DNA cleavage.
Indicated Prevention of Problem Gambling Among College Students

This research provides a brief qualitative description of the development of an indicated prevention intervention for college student gamblers. The proposed intervention integrates alcohol prevention strategies with elements of gambling treatment. The intervention combines cognitive-behavioral skills-training and motivational interviewing and includes personalized normative feedback, cognitive correction, discussion of gambling consequences, and relapse prevention techniques. Examples detailing all phases of the intervention are provided from interviews conducted in a pilot of the intervention. Preliminary pilot data suggests the intervention shows promise in reducing high risk gambling among college students.
Child Molesters An Examination of Cognitive Factors

Although a variety of cognitions are thought to be associated with men who engage children in sexual activities, the extent to which these cognitive factors are specific to molesters has yet to be determined. In this study, incestuous molesters, extrafamilial molesters, rapists, incarcerated nonsexual offenders, and laypersons were compared on cognitive distortions, fear of negative evaluation, and cognitive and affective empathy, while taking into account social desirability response bias. Analyses of a priori hypotheses showed incestuous and extrafamilial molesters had significantly greater fear of negative evaluation than rapists, and that extrafamilial molesters had significantly higher congnitive distortion scores than all other groups. The groups did not differ significantly on empathy scores. Implications of these findings for research with, and treatment of, child molesters are discussed.
Affective outcomes, indoctrination, and the use of structural/procedural objectives in curriculum guides

(1984). Affective Outcomes, Indoctrination, and the Use of Structural/Procedural Objectives in Curriculum Guides. Journal of Curriculum Studies: Vol. 16, No. 2, pp. 195-197.
Chlamydomonas agglutinin conjugated to agarose beads as an in vitro probe of adhesion

Flagellar sexual agglutinins are responsible for the primary recognition and adhesion events of mating in Chlamydomonas reinhardi which culminate in zygotic union of plus and minus gametes. Recent studies in this laboratory have shown the plus agglutinin to be an extremely large (>106 D) and asymmetric glycoprotein containing a high proportion of hydroxyproline and serine residues [14, 27, 28]. This paper reports an improved method for in vitro investigations of the adhesive nature of this molecule. Purified agglutinin is covalently attached to an insoluble (Affi-gel 15 agarose bead) support and shown to retain potent agglutination activity when presented to living minus gametes, which rapidly and extensively adhere to the coated bead surface by their flagella. The specificity of the response is documented by the lack of interaction of plus gametes with the immobilized plus agglutinin (IA+). Using this simple yet sensitive bioassay, we have subjected IA+ beads to various enzymatic, chemical and physical treatments and assessed the effects on agglutinin activity. These studies reveal that Chlamydomonas plus agglutinin is sensitive to thermolysin or trypsin digestion, alkaline borohydride reduction, periodate oxidation, thiol reduction and heating at 65 °C, but unaffected by treatment with chymotrypsin, endo- or exoglycosidases, or incubation with isolated minus agglutinin. The implications of these results for agglutinin structure and possible functional interactions in initial recognition/adhesion events are discussed.
Structural and Mössbauer studies of Fe1−xAlx alloys over the entire composition range

Metastable Fe1−xAlx alloys over the entire composition range have been investigated by X-ray diffraction and Mossbauer effect measurements. Alloys with x less than 0.55 are bec, whereas those with x>0.9 are fce, in between, the samples are amorphous. The Mossbauer spectra at 300 K for the bce alloys with x<0.5 consist of a broadened sextet and the spectra for the alloys with x≥0.5 are quadrupole-split doublets with a slight asymmetry. The magnetic hyperfine field at 4.2 K decreases monotonically with Al concentration from 340 kOe in pure Fe to zero at x=0.7. The isomer shift increases essentially linearly with Al concentration, and reaches a maximum at x=0.75. It is noted that at the boundary of x=0.55 separating the bce and the amorphous states, there is no discernible change in elther hyperfine field or lsomer shift.
Proton pump inhibitors for gastroduodenal damage related to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin: twelve important questions for clinical practice.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin are among the most commonly used medications worldwide. Their use is associated with significant gastroduodenal adverse effects, including dyspepsia, bleeding, ulcer formation, and perforation. Given their long-term use by millions of patients, there is a substantial impact at the population level of these complications. In this evidence-based review, we have endeavored to answer 12 commonly encountered questions in clinical practice that deal with the following: extent of the problem of NSAID/aspirin-induced gastroduodenal damage and its impact on public health; role of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in the primary prevention, healing, and secondary prevention of NSAID/aspirin-induced gastroduodenal ulceration as assessed by using endoscopic end points; role of PPIs in the prevention of adverse clinical outcomes related to NSAID/aspirin use; whether PPIs are effective in NSAID-induced dyspepsia; comparison of PPI co-therapy with selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors for risk reduction of adverse clinical outcomes; role of PPIs in preventing rebleeding from aspirin ± clopidogrel therapy in high-risk patients; identifying high-risk patients who can benefit from PPI co-therapy; the role of other gastroprotective agents for prevention of NSAID/aspirin-induced gastroduodenal damage; and the cost-effectiveness of and limitations to the use of PPIs for prevention of gastroduodenal damage related to the use of NSAIDs or aspirin. We then summarized our recommendations on the use of PPIs for the clinical management of patients using NSAIDs or aspirin.
Long-term Prognosis of Women after Myocardial Infarction

Women sustaining myocardial infarction fare worse than men during hospitalization. Reports on long-term survival in women surviving an acute myocardial infarction are controversial. The Secondary Prevention Reinfarction Israeli Nifedipine Trial (SPRINT) registry includes 5,839 consecutive myocardial infarction patients who were hospitalized in 13 coronary care units in Israel between 1981 and 1983. The authors examined sex differences in the long-term survival of 4,808 hospital survivors (1,120 women and 3,688 men). Women exhibited a significantly poorer long-term survival than men. After age adjustment, differences between men and women decreased, leaving a survival probability difference of 11% at the end of 12 years of follow-up. In a subgroup analysis, women exhibited poorer survival than men in a comparison of patients with and without periinfarction congestive heart failure or a history of myocardial infarction preceding the index infarction. The multivariate adjusted hazard ratios associated with female sex in diabetic and nondiabetic patients were 1.46 and 1.13, respectively. In conclusion, a cumulative survival disadvantage for women in comparison with men is still evident after 12 years of follow-up. The mortality difference is diminished but not erased after age adjustment or multivariate adjustment for confounders. The authors' results are compatible with a hypothesis that the main factor underlying the increased long-term mortality in women after myocardial infarction, besides older age, is diabetes mellitus.
Techniques of Popliteal Nerve Regional Anesthesia

Regional anesthesia for blockade of the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa is a useful adjunct to pain management in the perioperative setting for foot and ankle surgeons. The present tip aimed to provide a review of the relevant anatomy and technique for popliteal nerve block from the posterior and lateral approaches and to provide discussion and images of the use of peripheral nerve stimulation and ultrasound guidance as adjuvant methods to improve efficacy and reproducibility.
Scaling dimensions in AdS/QCD and the gluon field strength propagator

We derive the scaling dimension of antisymmetric tensor operators in the boundary theory of the AdS/CFT correspondence using a functional integral representation of the boundary-to-boundary propagators of their dual fields in the bulk. We then apply this technique to AdS/QCD in which the bulk metric is warped, resulting in nonconstant scaling dimensions. In particular, we compute the two-point correlation function of gluon field strength operators, for which it is prerequisite to know the flow of the anomalous scaling dimension under rescaling. The results are in very good agreement with quenched lattice QCD data, thus confirming the functional form of the scaling dimension.
Reducing code size through address register assignment

In DSP processors, minimizing the amount of address calculations is critical for reducing code size and improving performance, since studies of programs have shown that instructions that manipulate address registers constitute a significant portion of the overall instruction count (up to 55p). This work presents a compiler-based optimization strategy to “reduce the code size in embedded systems.” Our strategy maximizes the use of indirect addressing modes with postincrement/decrement capabilities available in DSP processors. These modes can be exploited by ensuring that successive references to variables access consecutive memory locations. To achieve this spatial locality, our approach uses both access pattern modification (program code restructuring) and memory storage reordering (data layout restructuring). Experimental results on a set of benchmark codes show the effectiveness of our solution and indicate that our approach outperforms the previous approaches to the problem. In addition to resulting in significant reductions in instruction memory (storage) requirements, the proposed technique improves execution time.
Bone modeling response to voluntary exercise in the hindlimb of mice

The functional adaptation of juvenile mammalian limb bone to mechanical loading is necessary to maintain bone strength. Diaphyseal size and shape are modified during growth through the process of bone modeling. Although bone modeling is a well-documented response to increased mechanical stress on growing diaphyseal bone, the effect of proximodistal location on bone modeling remains unclear. Distal limb elements in cursorial mammals are longer and thinner, most likely to conserve energy during locomotion because they require less energy to move. Therefore, distal elements are hypothesized to experience greater mechanical loading during locomotion and may be expected to exhibit a greater modeling response to exercise. In this study, histomorphometric comparisons are made between femora and tibiae of mice treated with voluntary exercise and a control group (N = 20). We find that femora of exercised mice exhibit both greater bone growth rates and growth areas than do controls (P < 0.05). The femora of exercised mice also have significantly greater cortical area, bending rigidity, and torsional rigidity (P < 0.05), although bending and torsional rigidity are comparable when standardized by bone length. Histomorphometric and cross-section geometric properties of the tibial midshaft of exercised and control mice did not differ significantly, although tibial length was significantly greater in exercised mice (P < 0.05). Femora of exercised mice were able to adapt to increased mechanical loading through increases in compressive, bending, and torsional rigidity. No such adaptations were found in the tibia. It is unclear if this is a biomechanical adaptation to greater stress in proximal elements or if distal elements are ontogenetically constrained in a tradeoff of bone strength of distal elements for bioenergetic efficiency during locomotion. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Safety and chemical engineering education—History and results

The Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) started their Safety and Chemical Engineering Education (SACHE) efforts in 1985. The objective of CCPS's SACHE is to help professors add safety to their chemical engineering courses. This added education is needed because large chemical plant accidents continue to increase every year. The consequences are deaths, injuries, and environmental damage, and there is currently no sign that there will be fewer accidents in the future. The causes are the complexity of chemical processes, the aging of our existing plants, and sizes of our newer plants. Our students and engineers must be especially motivated to prevent these accidents in this complex environment. The ultimate goal of SACHE is to create a “safety culture” in our young professionals by adding elements of safety to the undergraduate curriculum. The idea is that if students are exposed to safety in small quantities throughout their education, then it will become a part of their inherent thinking both as students and when working as professionals. This safety culture will help our future professionals to be positive motivated to design, install, and manage safe plants in this challenging environment. Clearly the detailed education on specific process safety topics is the responsibility of industry; however, the effectiveness of this training will be substantially improved when working with engineers with a positive safety culture. These SACHE efforts include: a) motivating professors regarding the importance of process safety (workshops for professors in a plant environment), b) helping professors add safety to their courses (developing course safety materials), and c) motivating students regarding the importance of process safety (professors using these materials in their classes, AICHE Design Problem Awards, and SACHE Safety Certificates). © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2009
The potassium disulphate-potassium sulphate, silver chloride-potassium chloride electrochemical cell.

The fused salt electrochemical cell: Ag; AgCl, KC1; K(2)S(2),O(7),K(2)SO(4); O(2), Pt has been studied. Exact thermodynamic treatment of the chemical reaction, which occurs when current is drawn from the cell, is possible because K(2)S(2)O(7)(1) and AgCl(1) are immiscible, so that no junction potential occurs. Potentials observed at temperatures ranging from 700-800 degrees K for six different mixtures are reported. The Nernst equation is obeyed if it is assumed that the potassium disulphate-potassium sulphate system behaves ideally and that the silver chloride-potassium chloride system deviates slightly, negatively, from ideality. The thermodynamic functions, DeltaG degrees , DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees have been calculated from the corrected values of E degrees obtained. The free energy change follows the equation: DeltaG(700-800 degrees K) degrees = -71,680-29.50 T cal mole .
Chaetognatha from inshore coastal waters off Delaware, and a northward extension of the known range ofSagitta tenuis

Five species of chaetognaths were identified from a series of plankton samples taken from inshore coastal waters off Delaware in the fall, winter, and spring of 1960–1961. They wereSagitta serratodentata, S. elegans, S. minima, S. hispida, andS. tenuis. All exceptS. tenuis had previously been reported from the waters of the Delaware Bay region. This collection constitutes a northward extension of the known range ofS. tenuis. There are now seven species known to occur in Delaware coastal waters, includingS. enflata andS. helenae, warm-water species not taken in the present study.
High resolution rotational spectroscopy and ring-puckering conformation of 3-hydroxytetrahydrothiophene

Abstract High resolution rotational spectra have been recorded for 3-hydroxytetrahydrothiophene and its 34S and 13C isotopomers using a Fourier-transform microwave spectrometer. The spectroscopic moments of inertia were used to least-squares fit the ring puckering conformation. The structure was found to have C(3) puckered out of plane, and it is stabilized by a 2.634-A hydrogen bond from the hydroxyl group to the thioether. Ab initio calculations, at the MP2/6-31G** level, also found that the C(3) puckered conformation is the lowest energy conformation of the ring. Measurements of the Stark shifts were used to determine the dipole moment (μ=1.556 (4) D) of 3-hydroxytetrahydrothiophene and its projections onto the principal inertial axes (μa=0.024 (5) D, μb=0.944 (5) D, and μc=1.237 (4) D).
Chemiluminescence from the gas phase reaction of atomic carbon with lead oxide

Abstract The gas phase reaction C + PbO → CO + Pb was studied. The relative population distribution of the electronically excited Pb produced in this reaction was determined. The total cross section for the reaction and the cross section for the production of electronically excited states are estimated to be 20 and 5 A 2 respectively.
Cells as state machines: cell behavior patterns arise during capillary formation as a function of BDNF and VEGF.

Abstract Cell behavior patterns that lead to distinct tissue or capillary phenotypes are difficult to identify using existing approaches. We present a strategy to characterize the form, frequency, magnitude and sequence of human endothelial cell activity when stimulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We introduce a “Rules-as-Agents” method for rapid comparison of cell behavior hypotheses to in vitro angiogenesis experiments. Endothelial cells are represented as machines that transition between finite behavior states, and their properties are explored by a search algorithm. We rank and quantify differences between competing hypotheses about cell behavior during the formation of unique capillary phenotypes. Results show the interaction of tip and stalk endothelial cells, and predict how migration, proliferation, branching, and elongation integrate to form capillary structures within a 3D matrix in the presence of varying VEGF and BDNF concentrations. This work offers the ability to understand – and ultimately control – human cell behavior at the microvasculature level.
Immunofixation reveals an apparent α heavy chain caused by precipitation of fibrinogen with IgA antiserum

Background Fibrinogen present in serum specimens can interfere with the interpretation of serum protein electrophoresis. We report here the unexpected precipitation of fibrinogen by an IgA antiserum used in immunofixation electrophoresis. Methods Immunofixation electrophoresis of plasma combined with ethanol precipitation, serial dilution of plasma, and fibrinogen adsorption of the antiserum were used to investigate the apparent immunoreactivity of a commercial source of IgA antiserum to fibrinogen. Results Fibrinogen immunoreactivity by IgA antiserum was observed at fibrinogen concentrations ≥ 0.93 g/l. Ethanol precipitation of plasma removed fibrinogen and prevented the immunofixation of the protein by the IgA antiserum. Adsorption of the IgA antiserum with human fibrinogen removed its ability to precipitate fibrinogen, demonstrating cross-reactivity between the IgA antiserum and fibrinogen. Conclusions Commercial sources of antiserum used for immunofixation electrophoresis may contain antibodies with specificity towards proteins typically absent from serum such as fibrinogen and can produce clinically misleading results.
Completely non-polar solvation as a probe of mechanical relaxation in glass-forming liquids

Abstract The time-resolved dynamics of non-polar solvation have been measured in n-butylbenzene, a glass-forming liquid, through a combination of transient hole burning and time-resolved fluorescence. The solvent relaxation is highly non-exponential within the temperature range examined, 155–250 K. The average solvent relaxation times are equal to the average shear relaxation times, suggesting that the relaxation is primarily mechanical in nature. In support of this conjecture, a simple viscoelastic-continuum model of the solvent is developed that reproduces the basic features of the data.
Disruptions of the Regular Structure in DNA Minicircles

DNA bending and torsional deformations, which often occur during its functioning inside the cell, can cause local disruptions of the regular helical structure. The disruptions created by negative torsional stress have been studied in detail, but those caused by bending stress have only been analyzed theoretically. To address the problem, we probed the structure of very small DNA circles, 63 - 105 bp in length, by single-strand-specific endonucleases. We determined that bending stress disrupts the regular helical structure when the radius of DNA curvature is smaller than 3.5 nm. The experimental data suggest that strong DNA bending initiates kink formation while preserving base pairing. To get quantitative information about the disruptions we developed a statistical-mechanical model of the disruption formations in DNA minicircles. The model, used in the computer simulation, specifies the disruptions by three parameters: DNA bend angle at the disruption θd, local DNA unwinding caused by the disruption formation, and the free energy associated with the disruption formation in unstressed double helix, Gd. We obtained a relationship between values of Gd and θd under which the theoretical results are compatible with the experimental data. The relationship suggests that the free energy of a base pair opening, which includes flipping out both bases, is significantly higher than the generally accepted value.
Prosthetic Material in Ventral Hernia Repair: How Do I Choose?

Several factors must be considered in deciding which mesh to use for a ventral hernia repair. Open hernia repairs with no exposure of mesh to viscera can be performed with unprotected synthetic mesh, preferably a "lightweight" option. For open repair with high risk for fascial dehiscence and visceral exposure to mesh, and for open underlay repair and laparoscopic underlay repair, recommendations call for a tissue-separating mesh that prevents ingrowth of intra-abdominal contents into the mesh. Although no long-term data are available about biologic (acellular collagen scaffold) meshes, these may have good results when used in contaminated or well-drained infected fields, and do best when used according to the principles of a high-quality synthetic mesh repair (wide mesh overlap, frequent fixation points). Evidence is still insufficient to support the use of biologic materials for primary hernia repair.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT OF PANCREATIC FISTULAS

Pancreatic fistulas most commonly derive as complications of elective surgical procedures on the pancreas and as sequelae of pancreatitis or pancreatic trauma. The majority of external pancreatic fistulas can be managed nonoperatively, with an expected rate of closure exceeding 80%. Internal fistulas are somewhat less likely to close with conservative measures alone. Octreotide has been shown to significantly reduce fistula output and to hasten the closure of both internal and external pancreatic fistulas without affecting the overall rates of closure. Operative therapy is reserved for the treatment of fistulas that do not respond to conservative medical management. In randomized prospective trials, prophylactic octreotide has been shown to reduce the morbidity of elective pancreatic resections with respect to overall complication and fistula formation rates. Surgical experience and technique appear to be the most important factors in determining the overall complication rates following elective pancreatic surgery.
Evaluation of Bleached Kraft Mill Process Water Using Microtox®, Ceriodaphnia dubia, and Menidia beryllina Toxicity Tests

To determine whether a 7- to 10-d embryo toxicity/teratogenicity test with the inland silverside fish, Menidia beryllina, is a sensitive indicator for evaluation of bleached kraft mill effluents, we compared this test with the Microtox® 15-min acute toxicity test and the Ceriodaphnia dubia 7-d chronic toxicity test. Water samples used in each test were collected from three areas in a bleached kraft pulp and paper mill using a 100% chlorine dioxide bleaching process: 1) river water prior to use in the mill; 2) the combined acid/base waste stream from the pulping process prior to biological treatment in the aerated stabilization basin (ASB); and 3) the effluent from the ASB with a retention time of approximately 11 d. Relative toxicity determined by the three tests for each water sampling location was compared. All three toxicity tests were predictive indicators of toxicity; however, the C. dubia and M. beryllina tests were the more similar and sensitive indicators of toxicity. Process water (ASB influent) prior to biological treatment in the ASB was toxic at all concentrations using the Microtox® and C. dubia tests. The fish embryo test showed no toxicity at 1% concentrations, slight toxicity at 10%, and acute toxicity at the 100% ASB influent concentration. Tests with biologically-treated ASB effluent indicated a substantial reduction in observed toxicity to Microtox® bacteria, C. dubia, and M. beryllina. No toxic responses were observed in any test at a 1% ASB effluent concentration which was the approximate effluent concentration in the receiving river following mixing. No relationship was found among any toxicological response and effluent levels of adsorbable organic halides, polychlorinated phenolic compounds, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran, total suspended solids, color, chemical oxygen demand, or total organic carbon.
Modulation of A-type potassium currents in retinal horizontal cells by extracellular calcium and zinc.

Extracellular Ca 2+ and Zn 2+ influence many aspects of retinal function. Here, we examined the effect of external Ca 2+ and Zn 2+ on potassium channels of retinal horizontal cells. When extracellular Ca 2+ was lowered from 3 mM to 0.3 mM, horizontal cell transient outward currents elicited by voltage steps from resting membrane potential (-70 mV) were decreased by approximately 50%, whereas the sustained currents remained unchanged. This effect was due to a hyperpolarizing shift in the steady-state inactivation curve of A-type K + currents when extracellular Ca 2+ concentration was lowered. The mean half inactivation potential of the steady-state inactivation curves was hyperpolarized from -56.3 ± 4.7 mV in 3 mM Ca 2+ to -76.4 ± 3.9 mV in 0.3 mM Ca 2+ . Neither the state-steady activation curve nor the kinetics of inactivation was significantly changed in low extracellular Ca 2+ . The addition of 30 μM Zn 2+ restored peak outward currents in 0.3 mM Ca 2+ . The half inactivation voltages were depolarized from - 70 ± 2.8 mV in 0.3 mM Ca 2+ to -56 ± 2.6 mV in 0.3 mM Ca 2+ plus 30 μM Zn 2+ . Taken together, the results indicate that external Ca 2+ and Zn 2+ maintain the activity of A-type potassium channels in retinal horizontal cells by influencing the voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation.
CAROTID BODIES MEDIATE THE ATTENUATING EFFECT OF BETA-ADRENERGIC AGONISTS ON APNEA REFLEX RESPONSE TO LARYNGEAL WATER ADMINISTRATION IN NEWBORN LAMBS

Top of pageAbstract Terbutaline (T), a beta-adrenergic agonist, was reported to attenuate the apnea reflex response to laryngeal water stimulation in newborn lambs (Pediatr. Res. 17:213, 1983). In order to delineate the mechanism of this drug action--central or via arterial chemoreceptors--laryngeal water administration was performed before and after bilateral carotid body denervation (CBD) in 4 term lambs, 2-4 weeks old. The apnea reflex response was expressed as % decrease in ventilation (Δ V) during water administration. Before CBD, T reduced Δ V significantly* (60 ± 11 to 23 ± 12%)+. This drug effect on Δ V was abolished by CBD (97 ± 4 vs 97 ± 3%). The effect of T on an index of "central respiratory drive" was studied by airway occlusion technique (P0.1) before and after CBD. T given before CBD increased P0.1 (4.5 ± 1.0 to 9.1 ± 1.5 cm H20)*. No change in P0.1 was seen when T was given after CBD (2.0 ± 0.4 vs 2.0 ± 0.2 cm H2O). Two sham operated lambs did not show the above described changes related to CBD. It is concluded that the attenuating effect of T on the apnea response to laryngeal water administration is mediated by the carotid bodies. An increase in "central respiratory drive" as determined by P0.1 was seen after T. This effect, however, also appears to be mediated by the carotid bodies. *p < 0.05, and +values are Mean ± SEM (Supported by MOD 1-739 and BRSG 21-25).
The role of IL-17 in psoriasis

AbstractBackground: Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition traditionally believed to involve the Th1 pathway. Recently, the IL-23/Th17/IL-17 pathway has been highlighted in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and other autoimmune inflammatory conditions. From a clinician’s perspective, we sought to review the basic science data relevant to IL-17’s role in psoriasis pathogenesis.Methods: We performed a Pubmed and Web of Knowledge search for English articles starting from 1990 that discussed the Th17 pathway. Search terms such as “IL-17” and “psoriasis” were utilized.Results: The IL-17 pathway is regulated by IL-23, a cytokine that is vital for the expansion and maintenance of the Th17 cell population. Th17 derived cytokines (IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-17A/F and IL-22) were elevated in both psoriasis-like murine models and human psoriatic lesional biopsies. Ixekizumab (anti-IL-17A) treatment of psoriasis was found to normalize levels of IL-17 downstream gene products.Conclusion: Both preclinical and clinical studies suppo...
The flammability properties of copolyesters and copolycarbonates containing acetylenes

The flammability properties of copolyesters and copolycarbonates containing varying percentages of 2-butyne-1,4-diol and 2,4-hexadiyne-1,6-diol were studied by use of oxygen index and dynamic thermogravimetry. The char formation was found to increase with increasing polymer unsaturation. For nonconjugated acetylenes there is an increase in the oxygen index with increasing unsaturation in a polymer. In contrast, conjugated acetylenes dramatically decrease the oxygen index of a polymer system.
Endograft Collapse After Thoracic Stent-Graft Repair for Traumatic Rupture

Endovascular stent grafting has emerged as a new strategy for repair of traumatic aortic disruptions; however, this technique is not without complications. In this report, we describe a case of endograft collapse after a traumatic aortic rupture.
IL-1β RELEASE FROM CULTURED BRONCHIAL EPITHELIAL CELLS AND BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE CELLS FROM ALLERGIC AND NORMAL HUMANS FOLLOWING SEGMENTAL CHALLENGE WITH RAGWEED

This work investigated whether interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) release from epithelial cells is modulated by antigen challenge in vivo, and inflammatory cells in vitro. Bronchial epithelial cells were obtained before and after segmental allergen challenge in allergic and normal individuals, and were cultured with and without autologous bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells. IL-1 beta in culture medium was quantitated by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). Pre-challenge IL-1 beta levels from epithelial cells were similar in allergic (4.4 +/- 0.8 pg/ml, n = 32) and normal (6.8 +/- 1.7 pg/ml, n = 17) subjects. IL-1 beta levels were significantly elevated from epithelium with BAL cell co-culture vs without co-culture in both subject groups (allergic, 13.2 +/- 2.3 pg/ml, P = 0.006; normal: 16.4 +/- 4.0 pg/ml, P = 0.007). Post-challenge IL-1 beta from epithelial cells without BAL cells was increased in both groups, but significant only for allergic subjects (P = 0.003). Post-challenge IL-1 beta from epithelial with BAL cells changed little for allergic subjects (13.8 +/- 2.4 pg/ml), and increased for normal subjects (20.0 +/- 4.8 pg/ml). Decreased production of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) was observed in allergic subjects (day 1: 447 pg/ml vs day 2: 258 pg/ml). Moreover, pre-challenge release of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta levels from epithelial + BAL cells correlated well for allergic (r = 0.84) and normal subjects (r = 0.6), but post-challenge release correlated only in normal subjects (r = 0.90). These results indicate that bronchial epithelial cells and BAL cells interact, modulating release of these inflammatory cytokines.
Space distribution and luminosity function of quasars

We discuss the evolution of the luminosity function of quasars in terms of either density evolution or luminosity evolution. The observations appear to support pure luminosity evolution in which the entire luminosity function shifts in the luminosity coordinate as a function of cosmic time. The simplest interpretation is that all quasars were formed some 10 billion years ago and that all suffer the same luminosity decrease as the time goes on. This picture encounters major difficulties in that it predicts (a) present quasar masses that are 100 times as large as those derived from the physics and dynamics of the broad-line region, and (b) a contribution by Seyfert galaxies to the 2 keV X-ray background that is considerably in excess of that observed.
Some color demonstrations I have shown.

The Ives Medal Address consisted mostly of demonstrations of phenomena of color perception. The following demonstrations were attempted: blue arcs of the retina, Maxwell’s spot shown with Miles filter (macular pigment as an entoptic phenomenon), attributes of color perception (Desert Island experiment with Priest charts), color perceptions of protanopes and deuteranopes, metamerism (Stearns textiles, Granville grays), chromatic adaptation (simultaneous and successive contrast), and color rendition of light sources (object-color perception as the projection of the after-image of the background onto the object).
Deformable registration of brain tumor images via a statistical model of tumor-induced deformation

Abstract An approach to the deformable registration of three-dimensional brain tumor images to a normal brain atlas is presented. The approach involves the integration of three components: a biomechanical model of tumor mass-effect, a statistical approach to estimate the model’s parameters, and a deformable image registration method. Statistical properties of the sought deformation map from the atlas to the image of a tumor patient are first obtained through tumor mass-effect simulations on normal brain images. This map is decomposed into the sum of two components in orthogonal subspaces, one representing inter-individual differences in brain shape, and the other representing tumor-induced deformation. For a new tumor case, a partial observation of the sought deformation map is obtained via deformable image registration and is decomposed into the aforementioned spaces in order to estimate the mass-effect model parameters. Using this estimate, a simulation of tumor mass-effect is performed on the atlas image in order to generate an image that is similar to tumor patient’s image, thereby facilitating the atlas registration process. Results for a real tumor case and a number of simulated tumor cases indicate significant reduction in the registration error due to the presented approach as compared to the direct use of deformable image registration.
Crystallization of barium fluorozirconate based glasses

Abstract The crystallization behavior of glass in the barium fluorozirconate family is examined. In particular, the number and type of crystalline phases which form upon isothermal heat treatment is studied. In addition, the sequence of crystallization events, and the nature of the potential crystallization sites are discussed. Finally, the random (non-reproducible) nature of the crystallization behavior is described and analyzed.
Pharmacy-based assessment of adherence to HAART predicts virologic and immunologic treatment response and clinical progression to AIDS and death

Although adherence to HAART at a level above 95% has been associated with optimal viral suppression, the impact of different levels of adherence on long-term clinical outcomes has not been determined. We used an objective pharmacy-based measure to examine the association between three levels of adherence to HAART and disease progression among a population-based cohort of HIV-infected patients attending an urban HIV specialty clinic. Higher levels of adherence to HAART were significantly associated with longer time to virologic failure (P 0.2). Pati...
Thermal hydraulic aspects of the SBWR design

Abstract The Simplified Boiling Water Reactor (SBWR) is being developed by GE Nuclear Energy in cooperation with a number of international associates. The design philosophy stresses simplification of the system by relying to a large extent on passive features. The natural circulation driven core flow eliminates the need for external recirculation pumps and loops. Emergency core cooling is accomplished by a Gravity Driven Cooling System (GDCS). Passive energy removal from the containment is by condensers with natural circulation. The principles underlying these features are not novel, and have been proof tested in previous designs. However, their application in the SBWR results in significant differences in operational characteristics from other plants. In this paper, the phenomena that are important for the SBWR are identified, the qualification plan is discussed and sample qualification results are shown for TRACG, the GE version of TRAC-BWR.