cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distal anastomotic vein adjunct usage in infrainguinal prosthetic bypasses

Objective Single-segment saphenous vein remains the optimal conduit for infrainguinal revascularization. In its absence, prosthetic conduit may be used. Existing data regarding the significance of anastomotic distal vein adjunct (DVA) usage with prosthetic grafts are based on small series. Methods This is a retrospective cohort analysis derived from the regional Vascular Study Group of New England as well as the Brigham and Women's hospital database. A total of 1018 infrainguinal prosthetic bypass grafts were captured in the dataset from 73 surgeons at 15 participating institutions. Propensity scoring and 3:1 matching was performed to create similar exposure groups for analysis. Outcome measures of interest included: primary patency, freedom from major adverse limb events (MALEs), and amputation free survival at 1 year as a function of vein patch utilization. Time to event data were compared with the log-rank test; multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the adjusted association between vein cuff usage and the primary end points. DVA was defined as a vein patch, cuff, or boot in any configuration. Results Of the 1018 bypass operations, 94 (9.2%) had a DVA whereas 924 (90.8%) did not (no DVA). After propensity score matching, 88 DVAs (25%) and 264 no DVAs (75%) were analyzed. On univariate analysis of the matched cohort, the DVA and no DVA groups were similar in terms of mean age (70.0 vs 69.0; P = .55), male sex (58.0% vs 58.3%; P > .99), and preoperative characteristics such as living at home (93.2% vs 94.3%; P = .79) and independent ambulatory status (72.7% vs 75.7%; P = .64). The DVA and no DVA groups had similar rates of major comorbidities such as hypertension chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and dialysis dependence ( P > .05 for all). Likewise, they had similar rates of distal origin grafts (13.6% vs 12.5%; P = .85), critical limb ischemia indications ( P = .53), and prior arterial bypass (58% vs 47%; P = .08). The DVA group had a higher rate of completion angiogram performed (55.7% vs 37.5%; P =.002) and were more likely to be discharged on coumadin (53.4% vs 37.1%; P =.01). By multivariable analysis, use of a distal DVA was protective against MALEs (hazard ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.90; P = .03). Conclusions This contemporary multi-institutional propensity-matched study demonstrates that patients that receive distal anastomotic vein adjuncts as part of infrainguinal prosthetic bypass operations in general have more extreme comorbidities and more technically challenging operations based on level of target vessel and prior bypass attempts. After propensity-matched analysis, the use of a DVA may protect against MALEs in prosthetic bypass surgery and should be considered when feasible.
Phospholipids: A neuroinflammation emerging target

Lysophosphatidylserines (lyso-PSs) are an emerging class of signaling lipids implicated in human inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. A newly discovered phosphatidylserine-specific lipase, ABHD16A, together with the recently described lyso-PS lipase ABHD12 shed light on the in vivo regulation of lyso-PS, providing a potential enzymatic target for modulating neuroinflammatory responses.
Steady Deflagration of HMX With Simple Kinetics: A Gas Phase Chain Reaction Model

A new approach is presented for modeling steady combustion of energetic solids, in particular HMX. A simplified, global, gas phase chain reaction kinetic mechanism is employed. Specifically, a zero-order, high activation energy thermal decomposition initiation reaction in the condensed phase followed by a second-order, low activation energy chain reaction in the gas phase is assumed. A closed-form solution is obtained, which is based on the activation energy asymptotics analysis of Lengelle in the condensed phase and the assumption of zero activation energy in the gas phase. Comparisons between the model and a variety of experimental observations over a wide range of pressures and initial temperatures are presented and demonstrate the validity of the approach. The model provides excellent agreement with burning rate data (including sensitivity to pressure and initial temperature) and temperature profile data (in particular the gas phase). This suggests that in the realm of simplified, approximate kinetics modeling of energetic solids, the low gas phase activation energy limit is a more appropriate model than the classical high activation energy limit or heuristic flame sheet models. The model also indicates that the condensed phase reaction zone plays an important role in determining the deflagration rate of HMX, underscoring the need for better understanding of the chemistry in this zone.
Mediation outcomes and sources of impasse: An empirical investigation

This study examines two of the four determinants of mediation effectiveness identified in Kochan and Jick’s (1978) model of the public sector mediation process: source of impact and situational factors. Questionnaire data were directly obtained from 240 Bangladesh management and union officials. Discriminant analysis identified several sources of impasse for both union and management groups, but no situational factors were found to accurately predict case settlement. Results are discussed in terms of U.S. public sector mediation research.
Improving the systems engineering process with multilevel analysis of interactions

The systems engineering V (SE-V) is an established process model to guide the development of complex engineering projects (INCOSE, 2011). The SE-V process involves decomposition and integration of system elements through a sequence of tasks that produce both a system design and its testing specifications, followed by successive levels of build, integration, and test activities. This paper presents a method to improve SE-V implementation by mapping multilevel data into design structure matrix (DSM) models. DSM is a representation methodology for identifying interactions between either components or tasks associated with a complex engineering project (Eppinger & Browning, 2012). Multilevel refers to SE-V data on complex interactions that are germane either at multiple levels of analysis (e.g., component versus subsystem) conducted either within a single phase or across multiple time phases (e.g., early or late in the SE-V process). This method extends conventional DSM representation schema by incorporating multilevel test coverage data as vectors into the off-diagonal cells. These vectors provide a richer description of potential interactions between product architecture and SE-V integration test tasks than conventional domain mapping matrices. We illustrate this method with data from a complex engineering project in the offshore oil industry. Data analysis identifies potential for unanticipated outcomes based on incomplete coverage of SE-V interactions during integration tests. In addition, assessment of multilevel features using maximum and minimum function queries isolates all the interfaces that are associated with either early or late revelations of integration risks based on the planned suite of SE-V integration tests.
Role of Peripheral Receptors in the Increased Release of Vasopressin in Response to Hemorrhage

A reduction in blood volume is an effective stimulus for the release of vasopressin (ADH) from the neurohypophysis. It is widely held that the left atrial stretch receptors and carotid sinus baroreceptors mediate this response. In order to put this hypothesis to a definitive test, the stimulus of graded, serial hemorrhage was applied to anesthetized dogs in which these receptors were rendered inoperative. This was achieved by cutting the vagi and perfusing the carotid sinuses at constant mean and pulse pressures. The ability of these animals to respond to reduction in blood volume with an increase in the plasma titer of ADH was either absent or severely limited. It is concluded that receptors located in the carotid sinuses and receptors which have afferent nerve fibers in the vagi are of primary importance in the control of ADH release in response to hemorrhage. (Endocrinology 81: 1140, 1967)
Evaluation of thermal imaging cameras used in fire fighting applications

Thermal imaging cameras are rapidly becoming integral equipment for first responders for use in structure fires. Currently there are no standardized test methods or performance metrics available to the users or manufacturers of these instruments. The Building and Fire Research Laboratory (BFRL) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is developing a testing facility and methods to evaluate the performance of thermal imagers used by fire fighters to search for victims and hot spots in burning structures. The facility will test the performance of currently available imagers and advanced fire detection systems, as well as serve as a test bed for new technology. An evaluation of the performance of different thermal imaging detector technologies under field conditions is also underway. Results of this project will provide a quantifiable physical and scientific basis upon which industry standards for imaging performance, testing protocols and reporting practices related to the performance of thermal imaging cameras can be developed. The background and approach that shape the evaluation procedure for the thermal imagers are the primary focus of this paper.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Freedom in minimal normal forms

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to clarify the amount of freedom that is available in a complete normalization of a symplectic map. In particular, we prove that the minimal normal form (MNF) of Kahn and Zarmi is a symplectic normal form in disguise. We show that there is no reason to believe that the minimal normal has an extended region of good behavior despite the fact that it is better in the immediate neighborhood of the origin. Our results apply also to multi-dimensional problems. However, the minimal normal form of Kahn and Zarmi cannot be trivially extended to higher dimensionality without loosing analiticity, thus our discussion will clear up some of the issues raised recently by Mane and Weng.
Effects of prenatal ethanol exposure on the development of Bergmann glia and astrocytes in the rat cerebellum: an immunohistochemical study.

The consequences of prenatal ethanol exposure on the postnatal development of Bergmann glia and astrocytes in the rat cerebellum were investigated by using glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunolabeling. Pregnant rats were either fed with an ethanol containing liquid diet (6.7% v/v) or pair-fed with an isocaloric diet throughout gestation. On postnatal day (PD) 15 and 22, parasagittal sections of the cerebellar vermis from female offspring were processed for GFAP immunohistochemistry to assess the development of Bergmann glia and astrocytes in lobules I, VII, and X and astrocytes in the central core of white matter. On PD 15, compared to control animals, ethanol exposed animals had fewer GFAP positive Bergmann glial fibers per unit length of molecular layer; a significantly greater percentage of morphologically immature Bergmann fibers; a significantly greater GFAP positive astrocytic area per unit area of internal granular layer and central white matter; and the astrocytic processes were wider and more closely packed. These glial changes were associated with significantly thicker external granular layer in all 3 lobules. However, no significant differences were seen between the ethanol exposed and control animals on PD 22, indicating “catch-up growth” in the ethanol exposed animals during the third postnatal week. These results suggest that prenatal ethanol exposure causes (1) delayed maturation of Bergmann glia, which in turn contributes to the delayed migration of granule cells; and (2) alterations in the normal postnatal development of astrocytes. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Resuscitation of haemorrhagic shock with normal saline vs. lactated Ringer's: effects on oxygenation, extravascular lung water and haemodynamics

Introduction Pulmonary oedema and impairment of oxygenation are reported as common consequences of haemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HSR). Surprisingly, there is little information in the literature examining differences in crystalloid type during the early phase of HSR regarding the development of pulmonary oedema, the impact on oxygenation and the haemodynamic response. These experiments were designed to determine if differences exist because of crystalloid fluid type in the development of oedema, the impact on oxygenation and the haemodynamic response to fluid administration in early HSR.
Heat-shock proteins attenuate SERCA inactivation by the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2: possible implications for the ER Ca2+-mediated apoptosis.

We have demonstrated previously that Bcl-2 and Bcl-2Δ21, a C-terminally truncated Bcl-2 sequence, inactivate SERCA (sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase) 1 in isolated SR (sarcoplasmic reticulum), accompanied by a translocation from CRDs (caveolae-related domains) of the SR. In the present study, we obtained evidence for the interaction of Bcl-2 with SERCA2b in C2C12 myoblasts and HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells. Bcl-2 and SERCA2b co-immunoprecipitated from lysate and microsomal fractions of Bcl-2-overexpressing cells. However, Bcl-2 overexpression resulted only in a slight translocation from the CRDs and no significant SERCA inactivation. In isolated HEK-293 cell microsomes, incubation with Bcl-2Δ21 afforded SERCA2b inactivation and some translocation. HSP (heat-shock protein) 70, HSP90, HSP27 and α-crystallin attenuated Bcl-2Δ21-dependent SERCA2b inactivation. An in vitro mechanistic study with the SERCA1 isoform shows that HSP70 (i) protects SERCA1 from the inactivation by Bcl-2Δ21, (ii) inhibits SERCA1 translocation from CRD fractions, and (iii) prevents the Bcl-2Δ21-dependent loss of FITC labelling. Our data demonstrate that the mechanism of SERCA inactivation by Bcl-2 established in vitro for the SERCA1 isoform can be extended to the main housekeeping SERCA2b isoform, and that functional interactions of SERCA2b and Bcl-2 in the cell may be modulated by HSP70 and other chaperones and stress-regulated proteins. Abbreviations: cb5, cytochrome b5; CRD, caveolae-related domain; DTT, dithiothreitol; ER, endoplasmic reticulum; GFP, green fluorescent protein; GST, glutathione transferase; HEK, human embryonic kidney; HRP, horseradish peroxidase; HSP, heat-shock protein; IP, immunoprecipitation; IP3, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate; IP3R, IP3 receptor; LC, liquid chromatography; MAM, mitochondria-associated membrane; MCU, mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter; MS/MS, tandem MS; NBD, nucleotide-binding domain; SERCA, sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase; SR, sarcoplasmic reticulum; STE, Tris-buffered saline; UPR, unfolded protein response; WB, Western blotting
Industry week's guide to tomorrow's executive: Humanagement in the future corporation

The article reviews the book “Industry Week's Guide to Tomorrow's Executive: Humanagement in the Future Corporation,” by Perry Pascarella.
Mechanical Design and Construction of Superconducting e-Lens Solenoid Magnet System for RHIC Head-on Beam-Beam Compensation

Each 2.6-m long superconducting e-Lens magnet assembly consists of a main solenoid coil and corrector coils mounted concentric to the axis of the solenoid. Fringe field and “antifringe field” solenoid coils are also mounted coaxially at each end of the main solenoid. Due to the high magnetic field of 6 T large interactive forces are generated in the assembly between and within the various magnetic elements. The central field uniformity requirement of ±0.50% and the strict field straightness requirement of ±50 microns over 2.1 m of length provide additional challenges. The coil construction details to meet the design requirements are presented and discussed. The e-Lens coil assemblies are installed in a pressure vessel cooled to 4.5 K in a liquid helium bath. The design of the magnet adequately cools the superconducting coils and the power leads using the available cryogens supplied in the RHIC tunnel. The mechanical design of the magnet structure including thermal considerations is also presented.
1253 PHOTOTHERAPY AND RIBOFLAVIN STATUS

Erythrocyte glutathione reductase(EGR)activity has been used to detect riboflavin(B2) deficiency in premature infants under phototherapy(PHOTO). We investigated variables that might influence PHOTO induced B2 deficiency. 27 infants(BW 1.55 kg and GA 32.5 wks) were studied from 1 to 7 days of age. 14 Infants received PHOTO and 13 served as controls. In the PHOTO group, mean age of onset of PHOTO was 38.5±13.5 hours (range 15-52 hrs) and the mean duration of PHOTO was 39.7±23 hrs (range 17-95 hrs). The mean daily irradiance administered via continuous blue or white PHOTO was 7.8±5.9 nm/cm2 (range 2.8-17 nm/cm2) in the blue spectral range. The PHOTO group had a mean pre-treatment bilirubin of 7.7±1.3 mg/dl and post-treatment bilirubin of 7.6±1.9 mg/dl. Food samples were analyzed for B2 content and the calculated B2 intake for the PHOTO group was 0.09±.09 mg/day and for the control group was 0.14±.12 mg/day. EGR activity as expressed by the activity coefficient(AC) was measured daily. There were no significant differences in the ACs of the control or PHOTO groups. No infants of either group had evidence of B2 deficiency, i.e., AC>1.20. Although our mean duration of PHOTO was less than in previous reports of PHOTO-induced B2 deficiency, 5 of our infants who had normal ACs received >40 hrs of PHOTO with moderate to high irradience and had B2 intakes of ≥0.1 mg/day. B2 deficiency in the premature under PHOTO does not necessarily occur and is not strictly a function of duration of PHOTO or B2 intake.
Chemical energy release, spanwise excitation, and dynamics of transitional reactive free shear flows

IVe report results from numerical studies of a compressible, subsonic reactive mixing layer. The focus of the research is to investigate the effects of chemicalreaction exothermicity and 3D spanwise excitation on the growth of the shear layer, and the dependence of these effects on initial conditions. The model solves the unsteady, conservation equations for mass, m* mentum, energy, and species-concentrations in three dimensions. The convective transport equations are solved using the Flux-Corrected Transport (FCT) algorithm, directionaland timestep-splitting techniques, and appropriate inflow and outflow houndary conditions. A fourth-order phaseaccurate FCT algorithm is used in the model. A one-step, irreversible, Arrhenious chemical reaction rate, and realistic (speciesand temperaturedependent) modeling of diffusive transport are coupled with the convective transport using timestep-splitting. The numerical studies show that energy release can have the effect of reducing the shear layer growth and the amount of chemical product formed, with the combustion becoming less efficient as the free-stream fuel molar-concentration is increased in the range studied (10%-40%). The,threedimensional (3D) simulations show that enhanced entrainment and chemical production can be obtained by introducing sinusoidal spanwise perturbation of the inflowing streams. d
Technical standards and guidelines for the diagnosis of biotinidase deficiency

Biotinidase deficiency is an autosomal recessively inherited disorder of biotin recycling that is associated with neurologic and cutaneous consequences if untreated. Fortunately, the clinical features of the disorder can be ameliorated or prevented by administering pharmacological doses of the vitamin biotin. Newborn screening and confirmatory diagnosis of biotinidase deficiency encompasses both enzymatic and molecular testing approaches. These guidelines were developed to define and standardize laboratory procedures for enzymatic biotinidase testing, to delineate situations for which follow-up molecular testing is warranted, and to characterize variables that can influence test performance and interpretation of results.
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method for the determination of the reducing end of oligo- and polysaccharides

Abstract A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) method for determining oligo- and polysaccharide reducing end-groups has been developed. This method, which is based on the monitoring of ions unique to the fragmentation of deuterated alditol acetates in mixtures also containing sugar acetates, can be used to identify the end-group and the degree of polymerization (DP). For the first time, GCMS can be used in these types of analyses for polysaccharides of DP 100 or greater.
The Downside of Scholarly Electronic Publishing: Problems in Accessing Electronic Journals through Online Directories and Catalogs

This article reports the results of a study on the usefulness of four online e-journal directories and two online union catalogs in accessing electronic journals. The coverage, accuracy, currency, and overlap among the six sources are compared. Multiple uniform resource locators (URLs) were found for most of the e-journals. Directories were found to include fewer URLs per title than the union catalogs, with a higher percentage of current, functioning URLs; the catalogs offered the highest number of working, current URLs. The findings point to different functions served by directories and catalogs, and highlight the difficulties involved in maintaining these reference sources in the Internet environment. Strategies for improving the accuracy and currency of the catalogs and directories are suggested.
Preparation of quantum dot-embedded polymeric nanoparticles using flash nanoprecipitation

We developed a unique and efficient method to encapsulate quantum dots within amphiphilic polymer micelles using the flash nanoprecipitation technique and various micromixers (multi-inlets vortex mixer, MIVM, and confined impinging-jet mixer, CIJM). Owing to the rapid homogeneous mixing provided by the micromixers, we produced highly stable QD-embedded particles with very narrow size distributions. By adjusting the solvent-to-nonsolvent ratio, homopolymer concentration, and micromixer arrangement, the resulting mean particle diameter was varied from 90 to 800 nm. Additionally, the self-quenching of quantum dots, which is commonly observed in confined systems, was nearly eliminated by adding hydrophobic homopolymer during mixing. This technique results in controllable, rapid synthesis of fluorescent polymeric particles that are stable for many months. Potential applications of this method include the efficient synthesis of fluorescent tracer particles, tags for optical barcoding applications, and biosensors that utilize fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET).
Charge‐transfer intensity in complexes with symmetrically equivalent acceptors

Mulliken's model for the intensity of charge-transfer absorption bands in donor/acceptor complexes is extended to transition-metal compounds. Attention is focused on the analysis of systems containing a central metal ion and symmetrically equivalent π-acceptor ligands. The theory is illustrated for a one-donor/two-acceptor complex in D2d point symmetry. Results are stated for symmetries of commonly occurring transition-metal compounds that display well-documented metal-to-ligand charge-transfer transitions.
The Biosynthesis of Sucrose and Nucleoside Diphosphate Glucoses in Phaseolus aureus

Sucrose-phosphate synthetase is detectable only in intact chloroplast preparations of Phaseolus aureus. In contrast, sucrose synthetase and uridine diphosphate glucose (UDP-glucose) pyrophosphorylase activities are low in extracts of photosynthetic tissues of P. aureus but are high in extracts of nonphotosynthetic tissues. Activities for ADP-, dTDP-, CDP-, and GDP-glucose pyrophosphorylases are generally higher in extracts of photosynthetic tissues of P. aureus than in extracts of nonphotosynthetic tissues. The high levels of sucrose synthetase and of UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase found in dark-grown hypocotyls begin to decline about 4 hours after exposure to light at a rate of 50% every 3 hours.The data suggest that sucrose-phosphate synthetase and sucrose phosphatase are the enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of sucrose from photosynthetically fixed CO(2), and that the major function of sucrose synthetase is to catalyze the synthesis of UDP-, ADP-, dTDP-, CDP-, and GDP-glucose from translocated sucrose in nonphotosynthetic tissues; in photosynthetic tissues the pyrophosphorylases may replace sucrose synthetase in catalyzing the synthesis of these nucleoside diphosphate glucoses. We offer the suggestion that sucrose synthetase and UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase play a major role in the uptake and metabolism of sucrose in nonphotosynthetic tissues. Results are presented from preliminary studies on the conversion in vitro of sucrose to glucose 1-phosphate by the coupled reactions of sucrose synthetase and UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase with highly purified preparations of these enzymes.
Plasmalogen deficiency in cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy and its modulation by lovastatin

In cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD), an accumulation of very long chain fatty acids stems from a defect of the peroxisomal ALD protein (ALDP) and results in the loss of myelin/oligodendrocytes, induction of inflammatory disease and mental deterioration. In brain white matter of cALD patients, we observed not only increased levels of very long chain fatty acid but also reduced levels of plasmenylethanolamine (PlsEtn) and increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The loss of PlsEtn was greatest in the plaque area and lesser but significant at histologically normal-looking areas of the cALD brain. The reduction in PlsEtn was related to oxidative stress, as supported by increased levels of reactive lipid aldehydes (4-hydroxynonenal and acrolein) and deleterious oxidized proteins (protein carbonyl) in all areas of the cALD brain. This inverse relationship between the levels of PlsEtn and reactive oxygen species (ROS) was further supported in an in vitro study using gene-silencing for dihydroxyacetone phosphate-acyl transferase, a key enzyme for PlsEtn biosynthesis. Levels of PlsEtn were also found decreased in vitro following gene-silencing for the ALDP/ALD-related protein. Furthermore, low levels of PlsEtn were detected in brain white matter of ALDP knock out (KO) mice. A treatment of ALDP KO mice with lovastatin increased PlsEtn levels in the brain. Further, in an in vitro study, lovastatin treatment of rat C6 glial cells increased PlsEtn biosynthesis and reduced the cytokine-induced ROS accumulation. In summary, this study reports that altered metabolism of PlsEtn and ROS in cALD may be corrected by lovastatin treatment.
Native and Non-Native Community Assembly through Edaphic Manipulation: Implications for Habitat Creation and Restoration

Chemical and physical (abiotic) conditions can be determining factors of community assembly and invasibility, but can this observation be used as a practical tool for habitat creation? Serpentine soils, in particular, have three abiotic components thought to confer invasion resistance: a low Ca:Mg ratio, low water-retention capacity, and high concentrations of heavy metals. Consequently, not only do some serpentine-adapted native plants persist only on serpentine soils, but also the community members that depend upon those plants become dependent upon serpentine as well. In an effort to provide additional habitat for the threatened and serpentine-restricted Bay checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha bayensis), we experimentally altered a non-serpentine site to mimic the abiotic conditions of serpentine. Attempts to lower the Ca:Mg ratio of soils through the addition of MgSO4 were unsuccessful. We then altered soil depth through the addition of gravel beds to determine the effects of water stress on native and non-native community composition. We found that shallow soils had lower water content and correspondingly had significantly lower non-native species richness and cover. The results present promising means, but also cautionary information, for habitat creation efforts and demonstrate the possible utility of edaphic manipulation in abating non-native plant invasions. None of the experimental plots supported communities capable of sustaining E. editha populations, emphasizing that the manipulation of physical conditions is only likely to be successful in coordination with other restoration techniques.
Epstein–Barr virus latent membrane protein 2A and autoimmunity

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) has been associated with autoimmune diseases for over 40 years. However, the mechanisms by which EBV might promote autoimmune development remain elusive. Many of the hypotheses for the means by which EBV might achieve this incorporate the idea that autoimmune responses are initially immune responses against EBV proteins that crossreact with endogenous human proteins. However, recent evidence using transgenic mouse models suggests that B cells expressing the EBV-encoded protein latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) bypasses normal tolerance checkpoints and enhances the development of autoimmune diseases. Evidence from transgenic mouse models supports a paradigm in which LMP2A could promote autoimmune development. This novel model provides a framework to test potential mechanisms by which EBV could promote the development of autoimmune responses and might enable the identification of strategies to treat EBV-associated autoimmune diseases.
Concomitant valvotomy and subclavian-main pulmonary artery shunt in neonates with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum.

Abstract Our current approach to the management of neonates with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum is to perform a transarterial pulmonary valvotomy through a left anterolateral thoracotomy followed by a polytetrafluoroethylene shunt between the left subclavian artery and the pulmonary trunk at the site of the pulmonary arteriotomy. From October, 1983, to December, 1985, 7 consecutive neonates with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum were managed in this fashion. Mean age was 5.1 days (5 patients, less than 48 hours old), and mean weight was 3.3 kg (range, 2.5–4.3 kg). Right ventricular morphology was type I (tripartite) in 4 patients, type II (absent trabecular portion) in 2, and type III (absent trabecular and infundibular portions) in 1. The mean right ventricular to left ventricular peak systolic pressure ratio was 1.5. One patient who initially had valvotomy alone required a left subclavian-pulmonary trunk shunt the next day for hypoxemia. All other patients had a valvotomy and shunt during the same procedure. There were no operative or hospital deaths. Follow-up of 3.5 to 34 months (mean, 17.5 months) confirmed shunt patency in all patients. Three of 4 patients undergoing postoperative catheterization have shown good right ventricular growth; 2 have undergone successful repair at 10 and 23 months. There have been 3 late deaths at 3.5, 4, and 8 months. Two other patients are doing well and are awaiting postoperative catheterization. This procedure permits synchronous valvotomy and shunting without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass in these critically ill neonates. The use of the pulmonary trunk for shunt placement facilitates shunt takedown at a subsequent operation while still using the subclavian artery as a regulator of pulmonary blood flow. The high late mortality underscores the severity of this disease and the need for early and aggressive reinvestigation.
Electron kinetic effects in switch‐off slow shocks

Numerical simulations of the slow-mode switch-off shock with kinetic electrons give significantly different results from hybrid simulations with fluid electrons. With appropriate downstream boundary conditions there results a more coherent and more strongly damped trailing magnetic wave with fewer back-streaming ions than with the hybrid model under the same conditions. Evidently, kinetic effects cause a more equal sharing of shock-induced entropy increases between ions and electrons, which results in lower ion temperatures downstream and greater electron energy transport from downstream to upstream. 13 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.
Investigation of low NOx staged combustor concept in high-speed civil transport engines

Levels of exhaust emissions due to high temperatures in the main combustor of high-speed civil transport (HSCT) engines during supersonic cruise are predicted. These predictions are based on a new combustor design approach: a rich burn/quick quench/lean burn combustor. A two-stage stirred reactor model is used to calculate the combustion efficiency and exhaust emissions of this novel combustor. A propane-air chemical kinetics model is used to simulate the fuel-rich combustion of jet fuel. Predicted engine exhaust emissions are compared with available experimental test data. The effect of HSCT engine operating conditions on the levels of exhaust emissions is also presented. The work described in this paper is a part of the NASA Lewis Research Center High-Speed Civil Transport Low NO(x) Combustor program.
SAA distributed file access to the CICS environment

IBM's Customer Information Control System (CICS) is the leading product family in the on-line transaction processing (OLTP) market. OLTP systems are being used by many enterprises to implement their daily business processes and manage operational data such as accounts, inventories, and orders. CICS/Distributed Data Management (CICS/DDM) implements the distributed file function of Systems Application Architecture® (SAA™) Common Communications Support in the CICS environment on Multiple Virtual Storage (MVS) and Virtual Storage Extended (VSE) operating systems. Providing a DDM target server, CICS/DDM implements IBM's SAA protocol for access to distributed data, which are exploited by the SAA Common Programming Interface. CICS/DDM allows applications and their users to access and share the data managed through the OLTP environment provided by CICS.
Maternal Smoking and the Timing of WIC Enrollment: A Response to Davis, Lazariu and Sekhobo

To the Editor, We want to thank Christopher Davis, Victoria Lazariu and Jackson Sekhobo for their detailed comments on our paper, ‘‘Maternal Smoking and the Timing of WIC Enrollment.’’ We provide a point-by-point response to their key comments below. However, before responding in detail, we would like to explain why we choose to examine an association between the timing of WIC enrollment and smoking. Our rationale goes to the heart of a larger exchange, which we would like to encourage among readers of this journal: whether a supplemental nutrition program that provides relatively modest calorie, protein and micronutrient supplements to pregnant women is likely to have a meaningful effect on birth outcomes in a developed country like the US. Let us be clear from the beginning. We are concerned with a single vein of research about the WIC program: the association between prenatal WIC participation and birth outcomes. We believe WIC plays an essential role in the distribution of infant formula and nutritional enhancements for young children. We also believe the Program struggles honestly with the challenging task of simultaneously encouraging breastfeeding while at the same time ensuring poor and near-poor infants have sufficient milk. But in our role as academics and researchers, we seek to understand what aspects of the Program really work and how WIC might better leverage its interactions with poor and nearpoor pregnant women to improve maternal, infant, and child health in long run. Our story begins in 2005 with an article published by one of us (Joyce) in the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management. The authors argued in that initial article that the association between WIC and lower rates of low birth weight had been greatly overstated in much of the academic literature. In past studies, researchers have assumed that WIC affected birth weight by lowering both the risk of preterm birth and fetal growth retardation. Although researchers acknowledged there existed what is termed gestational age bias, there was still the belief that nutritional supplementation lowered the incidence of preterm birth. Yet even a cursory review of the clinical literature reveals just how little is known about the etiology of preterm birth and how difficult it has been to discover the means by which to try and prevent it. Thus, the conclusion that prenatal WIC participation was associated with or could reduce the risk of very preterm birth (\32 weeks gestation) by 50% as reported in a C. Yunzal-Butler Department of Economics (Alumnus), Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 Fifth Ave, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA e-mail: cyunzal@gmail.com
Children's books by well‐known African authors

(1979). Children's books by well‐known African authors. World Literature Written in English: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 114-123.
Detecting Raman scattering in the ocean by use of polarimetry

We have developed a Monte Carlo program to calculate the complete four component Stokes vector for a coupled atmosphere-ocean system which also includes Raman scattering as well as a stochastic interface. Since the input to this program requires Mueller matrices for all scattering processes as well as the interface we had to derive the correct Mueller matrices for both Raman and elastic fluctuation scattering. We were then able to calculate the radiance, degree of polarization, orientation of the polarization ellipse, and the ellipticity of the radiation field at various levels within the ocean as well as just above the ocean surface. We found that the effect of Raman scattering on the polarization of the light field within the ocean is significant and can be detected by making polarimetric measurements within the ocean.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The effect of managed care on breast cancer detection, treatment, and research

I t is predicted that breast cancer will be . diagnosed in 180,200 women in the United States in 1997.1 Breast cancer is the most f r equen t ly occu r r ing cance r in women, and the i n c i d e n c e has been steadily rising a t a n annual rate of 1% during the past 50 years. Mortality rates have remained relatively constant during this time, yet an estimated 43,900 women in the United States will die of breast cancer in 1997.1 Many of these women (the majority of whom are elderly, poor, and nonwhite) die because the cancer is diagnosed at later stages of the disease. In addition, major differences exist between blacks and whites with regard to survival rates. Between 1983 and 1987, the 5-year survival rate for women with localized disease was 93% for whites and 83% for blacks; for women with regional disease, it was 73% for whites and 56% for b l a c k s ; a n d for women with advanced disease, it was 19% for whites and 12% for blacks, z Efforts in the battle against breast cancer have been focused on early detection and innovative
Ethanol does not alter the binding of the γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) receptor ligand [3H]NCS-382 in the rat brain

Abstract We investigated the effect of ethanol on the binding of the γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) receptor ligand [ 3 H ]NCS-382 in the rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Ethanol (50–100 mM) did not alter the binding of [ 3 H ]NCS-382. Furthermore, acute (3 g/kg, p.o.) as well as chronic (9–15 g/kg/day p.o. for 6 days) administration of ethanol also did not have any significant effect on the binding of [ 3 H ]NCS-382 in the rat cerebrocortical and hippocampal membranes. These observations suggest that ethanol does not interact directly with the GHB receptor in vitro or in vivo, and GHB receptor may not be involved in the pharmacological effects of ethanol.
ON THE ROLE OF MICROTUBULES IN MOVEMENT AND ALIGNMENT OF NUCLEI IN VIRUS-INDUCED SYNCYTIA

Infection of baby hamster kidney (BHK21-F) cells with the parainfluenza virus SV5 causes rapid and extensive cell fusion. Time-lapse cinematography shows that when cells fuse, their nuclei migrate straight to the center of the syncytium at rates of 1–2 µ/min. Nuclei are often arranged in long, tightly packed, parallel rows in syncytia derived from the fibroblastic BHK21-F cells. Polarization microscopy shows birefringent material between and parallel to these rows of nuclei, and electron microscopy shows bundles of cytoplasmic microtubules, ∼250 A in diameter, and filaments, ∼80 A in diameter, parallel to and between the rows of nuclei. Colchicine treatment causes disappearance of microtubules from BHK21-F cells and an apparent increase in the number of 80-A filaments. Although colchicine-treated, SV5-infected cells fuse, their nuclei do not migrate or form rows but remain randomly scattered through the syncytial cytoplasm. Incubation at 4°C does not disrupt microtubules in BHK21-F cells. Rows of nuclei have been isolated from SV5-induced syncytia, and the nuclei in them have been found to be intimately associated with microtubules but not with other cytoplasmic structures. These results suggest that microtubules demarcate cytoplasmic channels through which nuclei migrate and that they may also be involved in the mechanism of nuclear movement.
Specific and targeted detection of viable Escherichia coli O157:H7 using a sensitive and reusable impedance biosensor with dose and time response studies.

Abstract A gold interdigitated microelectrode (IME) impedance biosensor was fabricated for the detection of viable Escherichia coli O157:H7 . This sensor was fabricated using lithography techniques. The surface of the electrode was immobilized with anti- E. coli IgG antibodies. This approach is different from other studies where the change in impedance is measured in terms of growth of bacteria on the electrode, rather then the antibody/antigen bonding. The impedance values were recorded for frequency ranges between 100 Hz and 10 MHz. The working range of the dose response for this device was found to be between 2.5 × 10 4 CFU ml −1 and 2.5 × 10 7 CFU ml −1 . The time response studies indicated that antibody/antigen binding is not a function of time, but can decrease if excess times are allowed for binding. It was observed that the impedance values for 60 min antibody/antigen binding were higher than the impedance values for 120 min binding time. The main advantages of the reported device are that, it provides for both qualitative and quantitative detection in 3 h while other impedance sensors reported earlier may take up to 24 h for detection. If enrichment steps are required then it may take 3–4 days to infer the results. This sensor can be used to detect different types of bacteria by immobilizing the antigen specific antibody. Most of the sensors are not reusable since they either use enzymes or enrichment steps for detection but this device can be reused, following a cleaning protocol which is easy to follow. Each device was used at least five times. The simplicity of this sensor and the ease of fabrication make this sensor a useful alternate to the microfluidics and enzyme based impedance sensors, which are relatively more difficult to fabricate, need programmable fluidic injection pumps to push the sample through the channel, suffer from limitation of coagulation and are difficult to clean.
Transactions and consistency in distributed database systems

The concepts of transaction and of data consistency are defined for a distributed system. The cases of partitioned data, where fragments of a file are stored at multiple nodes, and replicated data, where a file is replicated at several nodes, are discussed. It is argued that the distribution and replication of data should be transparent to the programs which use the data. That is, the programming interface should provide location transparency, replica transparency, concurrency transparency, and failure transparency. Techniques for providing such transparencies are abstracted and discussed.By extending the notions of system schedule and system clock to handle multiple nodes, it is shown that a distributed system can be modeled as a single sequential execution sequence. This model is then used to discuss simple techniques for implementing the various forms of transparency.
Mass balance of soil evolution on late Quaternary marine terraces in coastal Oregon

Mass-balance analysis was used to quantify elemental losses, gains and transformations for a soil chronosequence developed on elevated marine terraces in south-coastal Oregon. The four soils analyzed in the study range in age from 80 ka to greater than 250 ka and are Inceptisols, Spodosols and Ultisols. Dominant soil-forming processes include (1) desilication and loss of base cations from the solum, (2) redistribution of iron and aluminum from surface to subsurface horizons, (3) transformation of iron and aluminum from sand and silt-size fractions to secondary clay and crystalline sesquioxide fractions, and (4) accumulation of organic matter. Silica represents the largest mass loss of any element from the system and varies from −6.48 g/cm2 (11% loss from solum compared to original amount of Si in parent material) to −42.99 g/cm2 (22%) with increasing terrace age. Losses of silica from the sand-size fraction over time (2% to 17%) are accompanied by increases of silica in the clay-size fraction. Base cations represent only a small portion of the soil mass, but up to 53% (−0.09 g/cm2) of the sodium present in the parent material is lost due to weathering and leaching. Iron and aluminum are redistributed within the sola of younger terraces, during podzolization, but are lost from the older soils due to intense weathering and leaching over time. The majority of iron is transformed from the sand and silt-size fractions to the crystalline sesquioxide fraction. In contrast, the majority of aluminum lost from the sand and silt-size fractions is transformed to the clay-size fraction.
Checklist for the evaluation of research articles.

Critical reviews of biomedical and health research literature indicate that a substantial proportion of articles contain sufficient statistical and/or methodological mistakes to cast doubts on the stated conclusions. A checklist was developed to assist physicians and other health care professionals in posing appropriate questions when reading or reviewing research articles. The checklist covers four study designs, experimental or quasi-experimental designs, survey or cross-sectional studies, retrospective medical record reviews and case control studies.
A pill for some anemias

In this issue of Blood , Hsieh and colleagues report on the evaluation of a novel, orally bioavailable prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitor (PHI) as an agent to stimulate erythropoiesis. Using a nonhuman primate model, the authors observed significant stimulation of endogenous erythropoietin production and