cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 outbreak and endoscopy: Considerations in patients encountered in a foregut surgery practice

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus has become a critical challenge to global health. Since the arrival of coronavirus disease 2019 in the United States, several government agencies and professional societies have issued guidelines to healthcare systems and medical providers. Endoscopy is a substantial portion of the practice of many general surgeons in the United States. With upper endoscopy, manipulation of the upper aerodigestive tract can turn the droplets to an aerosolized form and increase the likelihood of transmission and therefore is considered a high-risk procedure. In this article we review some aspects of the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak that are relevant to practice of surgical endoscopy. The emphasis of this communication is on the mode of transmission, previous experiences during other coronavirus outbreaks and society guidelines. We then highlight the changes that we have made to our practice to incorporate these factors to improve the safety of patients, health care providers, and community as a whole.
Myeloid Cell-Intrinsic IRF5 Promotes T Cell Responses through Multiple Distinct Checkpoints In Vivo, and IRF5 Immune-Mediated Disease Risk Variants Modulate These Myeloid Cell Functions.

Common IRF5 genetic risk variants associated with multiple immune-mediated diseases are a major determinant of interindividual variability in pattern-recognition receptor (PRR)-induced cytokines in myeloid cells. However, how myeloid cell-intrinsic IRF5 regulates the multiple distinct checkpoints mediating T cell outcomes in vivo and IRF5-dependent mechanisms contributing to these distinct checkpoints are not well defined. Using an in vivo Ag-specific adoptive T cell transfer approach into Irf5-/- mice, we found that T cell-extrinsic IRF5 regulated T cell outcomes at multiple critical checkpoints, including chemokine-mediated T cell trafficking into lymph nodes and PDK1-dependent soluble Ag uptake, costimulatory molecule upregulation, and secretion of Th1 (IL-12)- and Th17 (IL-23, IL-1β, and IL-6)-conditioning cytokines by myeloid cells, which then cross-regulated Th2 and regulatory T cells. IRF5 was required for PRR-induced MAPK and NF-κB activation, which, in turn, regulated these key outcomes in myeloid cells. Importantly, mice with IRF5 deleted from myeloid cells demonstrated T cell outcomes similar to those observed in Irf5-/- mice. Complementation of IL-12 and IL-23 was able to restore T cell differentiation both in vitro and in vivo in the context of myeloid cell-deficient IRF5. Finally, human monocyte-derived dendritic cells from IRF5 disease-associated genetic risk carriers leading to increased IRF5 expression demonstrated increased Ag uptake and increased PRR-induced costimulatory molecule expression and chemokine and cytokine secretion compared with monocyte-derived dendritic cells from low-expressing IRF5 genetic variant carriers. These data establish that myeloid cell-intrinsic IRF5 regulates multiple distinct checkpoints in T cell activation and differentiation and that these are modulated by IRF5 disease risk variants.
Старый и новый антисемитизм в Европе и уроки для «удобно устроившихся евреев» (Old Fashion and ‘New’ Fashion Antisemitism in Europe: Lessons for ‘Comfortable Jews’)

Russian Abstract: Рост антисемитизма в Европе анализируется по политическим источникам и с точки зрения степени опасности для евреев. «Традиционный» антисемитизм на почве страха перед чужаком не представляет смертельной опасности. Более опасная – ревность к общему наследию монотеистических религий в наши дни теряет актуальность. Самая опасная форма основана на небеспочвенных подозрениях политиков тоталитарного толка. Исторически евреи имели сложную историю отношений с тоталитарными режимами, не нуждались в принудительной заботе и «проигрывали» в готовности слепо следовать приказам. Последняя разновидность быстро растет не из среды правых антииммигрантских партий, а среди левых - социалистических и социал-либеральных. Эти партии предпочитают евреям новых зависимых и управляемых избирателей – иммигрантов. Готовность евреев из Восточной Европы куда новые тенденции докатываются с запозданием воспринять их адекватно может предотвратить как разочарования, так и куда более тяжелые последствия. English Abstract: The paper presents analysis of anti-Semitism rising in the Western and Central Europe. The phenomena is scrutinized by its political sources (anti-immigrant vs. Leftist parties) and as a potential threat to the Jews. Traditional xenophobia constitutes a pretty moderate menace. The religious zeal and jealousy of the Jews as competing heirs of monotheistic tradition is potentially much more dangerous but it is currently far from being pressing and urgent. The greatest menace is totalitarian hate of rebellious tribe, denying authority of totalitarian ruler, everywhere suspected of being disloyal to the Government or ruling party. The latter form of Antisemitism is evidently most dangerous for the Jewish communities and for the Jewish people as a whole. This form is currently spreading and rising among left-wing and even left liberal parties supporting Big Government, promoting compulsory governmental cradle-to-grave care. As the Jews are less dependent from this care, new West-hating and Jews-hating immigrants are pretty reasonable choice for these parties. Eastern European Jewry awareness of above mentioned menace could do them a good turn irrespectively of their vision of future place of permanent residence.
Functional somatic syndromes are associated with suboptimal outcomes and high cost after shoulder arthroplasty.

Background The presence of functional somatic syndromes (chronic physical symptoms with no identifiable organic cause) in patients undergoing elective joint arthroplasty may affect the recovery experience. We explored the prevalence of functional somatic syndromes among shoulder arthroplasty patients, as well as their association with postoperative outcomes and costs. Methods We identified 480 patients undergoing elective total shoulder arthroplasty (anatomic or reverse) between 2015 and 2018 in our institutional registry with minimum 2-year follow-up. Medical records were queried for the presence of 4 well-recognized functional somatic syndromes: fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic headaches, and chronic low-back pain. Multivariable linear regression modeling was used to determine the independent association of these diagnoses with hospitalization time-driven activity-based costs and 2-year postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and pain scores. Results Nearly 1 in 5 patients (17%) reported at least 1 functional somatic syndrome. These patients were more likely to be women, to be chronic opioid users, to report more allergies, to have a diagnosis of anxiety, and to have shoulder pathology other than degenerative joint disease (all P ≤ .001). After multivariable adjustment, the presence of at least 1 functional somatic syndrome was independently predictive of lower 2-year ASES (−9.75 points) and SANE (−7.63 points) scores and greater residual pain (+1.13 points) (all P ≤ .001). When considered cumulatively, each additional functional disorder was linked to a stepwise decrease in ASES and SANE scores and an increase in residual pain (P Conclusions Functional somatic syndromes are common in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty and correlate with suboptimal outcomes and greater resource utilization. Efforts to address the biopsychosocial determinants of health that affect the value proposition of shoulder arthroplasty should be prioritized in the redesign of care pathways and bundling initiatives.
Grafting genetically modified cells to the brain: conceptual and technical issues.

Publisher Summary There are several prerequisites for a human disease to be suitable as a candidate recipient for the transplantation of genetically engineered cells as an approach to therapy. (1) The pathogenesis and pathophysiology of the disease must be sufficiently well understood to identify the relevant gene product or biochemical function to be introduced into defective cells. (2) The relevant gene must be available as a clone and be well characterized. (3) The anatomical localization of the affected cells must be understood and sufficiently precise that the donor cell implantation can be localized and directed stereotaxically. (4) At present, the restoration of the normal function should involve mechanisms of cell–cell information transfer that do not require synaptic contact with the target cells in the host brain. (5) Ideally, an animal model should be available to test the ability of the transgene to correct a deficit in the model in vivo . The approaches and models presented in the chapter form an outline of a strategy for intracerebral gene therapy, which is in its infancy but holds promise for an interesting and useful future.
Action of microbubbles when insonified: experimental evidence

Primary and secondary Bjerknes forces result from pressure gradients in the incident and scattered ultrasonic fields. These forces and their dependence on experimental parameters are described. Both primary and secondary Bjerknes forces are shown to have a significant effect on the flow of microbubbles through a small vessel during insonation. The primary Bjerknes force produces displacement of microspheres across a 100 micron vessel radius for a small transmitted acoustic power. The secondary Bjerknes force produces a reversible attraction and aggregation of microspheres with a significant attraction over a distance of approximately 100 microns. The magnitude of the secondary Bjerknes force is proportional to the inverse of the squared separation distance, and thus two aggregates accelerate as they approach one another.
Speech enhancement based on a new set of auditory constrained parameters

A speech enhancement technique is proposed, where auditory based properties of perception are investigated for the purpose of robust speech characterization and improved speech quality in additive background noise. Constraints based on a novel auditory spectral representation are developed in a dual-channel iterative Wiener filtering framework. The spectral representation model aspects of audition include critical band filtering, intensity to loudness conversion, and lateral inhibition. The auditory transformations and perceptual constraints are shown to result in an improved set of auditory constrained and enhanced linear prediction (ACE-LP) parameters. Objective measures and informal listening tests show improved speech quality for both white Gaussian and colored noise cases. The consistency of speech quality improvement is illustrated over time and across all phonemes from a set of phonetically labeled TIMIT database sentences. >
12 - System Validation: Pre-Installation, IQ, OQ, and PQ

This chapter defines the terms, responsibilities, requirements and recommended procedures involved in pre-installation, installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ) and performance qualification (PQ), which are all part of a typical HPLC system validation process. As the FDA does not publish a definitive reference or “cookbook” for these procedures, the suggestions herein are only recommendations. These have been successfully incorporated into formal standard operating procedures (SOPs) that have been implemented at a number of larger pharmaceutical establishments. As long as proper SOPs are drafted, the SOPs are followed and all is well documented, the following recommendations should greatly improve a company's chances of success in passing FDA inspections.
Alterations in lipid incorporation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Abstract The incorporation of [ 3 H]glycerol into lipids of fresh and cultured skeletal muscle obtained from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), patients with myotonic dystrophy (My Dyst), controls, and aborted fetuses (10–12 weeks old) was studied. A significant increase of specific incorporation of [ 3 H]glycerol into phosphatidylcholine (PCh), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylinositol (PI), and triglycerides (TRI) was found in DMD and fetal muscle in both fresh and cultured muscle. No significant differences, however, were noted between the values of glycerol incorporation in DMD and fetal muscle. The ratio between phospholipids and TRI changed significantly for fresh muscle in DMD (3.5) and fetal muscle (4.9) versus controls (24). The incorporation of glycerol into these lipids in My Dyst fresh and cultured muscle showed the same values as controls when expressed both as incorporation/mg protein and ratio between phospholipids and TRI.
The role of social drinking factors in the relationship between incapacitated sexual assault and drinking before sexual activity

White House Council on Women and Girls (2014) highlighted sexual assault prevention as a high priority issue in need of immediate attention. A risk factor associated with sexual assault victimization and revictimization is drinking before sexual activity. The current study examined the relationship between incapacitated sexual assault (ISA) and drinking before sexual activity. Given the typical social context of both drinking before sexual activity and sexual assault in college settings, social-related drinking factors including drinking to conform motives, social drinking motives, and perceived drinking norms were examined. Six hundred and three undergraduate college women completed a survey online assessing history of ISA, social factors associated with drinking, and frequency of drinking before sexual activity. Path analysis indicated that both ISA before college and since entering college were associated with higher perceived drinking norms, more social drinking motive endorsement, and more drinking to conform. However, only higher perceived drinking norms and more social drinking motive endorsement were associated with both more severe ISA histories and more frequent drinking before sexual activity. Thus, a more severe ISA history was indeed associated with more frequent drinking before sexual activity and social factors related to drinking played a significant role in this relationship. Social factors can be easily targeted through brief interventions and these findings can inform future programming to promote more careful use of alcohol in social and sexual situations.
Living well with arthritis: a phenomenological study of leisure occupations.

Abstract This study examined leisure occupations and successful aging in a sample of older adults with arthritis. A phenomenological qualitative method was used in which data was gathered using an interview guide. The findings revealed three patterns of lived experiences: Continuing to Enjoy Lifelong Occupations, Distraction from the Pain, and Leisure Occupations for Successful Aging. These patterns indicated the benefits of engaging in leisure occupations and their relationship to successful aging. The study found that leisure occupations contribute to successful aging and contentment with life; leisure occupations provide meaning and purpose to life and support successful aging.
3D IMAGE-BASED GYNECOLOGIC BRACHYTHERAPY PHYSICS

This paper is based on my invited talk at the JASTRO Brachytherapy Subcommittee meeting in June of 2003 in Tokyo. The talk materials are derived from the presentation of low dose-rate (LDR) gynecologic cancer therapy given at the University of California, Davis Cancer Center by Dr. Fritz Lerma of Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR), Washington University, St. Louis. For more than 5 years, a brachytherapy program has been pushed forward at MIR and the University of California at San Francisco. In particular, Dr. Jeff Williamson of MIR, now at the Medical College of Virginia, emphasized the importance of CT imageguided brachytherapy treatment, 3D simulation of anatomy and applicators, and dose calculations based on Monte Carlo applicator simulations. The use of CT images has differentiated the treatment modalities from the past in that it allows more quantitative data analysis and provides more accurate dose distribution information. Dr. Williamson has single-handedly developed the frontier of gynecologic brachytherapy in the U.S. Dr. Lerma was his disciple and worked with him for two years during the program development period. Therefore, I believe Dr. Lerma’s materials reproduced here with his permission belong in the forefront of the brachytherapy treatment approach to gynecologic cancers in North America. This paper begins with an Introduction followed by the LDR Gynecologic brachytherapy program, and Motivations to push CT image-guided treatment planning forward at Mallinckrodt. As a practical example of 3 dimensional image-guided radiotherapy, this paper will elaborate on the accurate matching of applicator contours delineated in a CT space and Monte Carlo simulation methods. The use of CT and Monte Carlo simulations of applicator in a CT space allows treatment plan dose calculations solely on the basis of the Monte Carlo method if the full Monte Carlo calculations and dose measurements by 3 dimensional (3D) water phantom scan are in agreement. The conventional 2D single source superposition method does not take into account the presence of applicators. Therefore, the scattering and absorption of photons produced by the nearby sources are not accounted for. As a result it shows some dose deviations, in particular, near the source. At the end, this paper introduces positron emission tomography (PET) image-guided brachytherapy treatment planning . This modality is compared with the conventional 2D image-guided treatment plans. The PET images are known to reflect more physiologic information than CT images, even though the CT images provide better geometrical resolution than PET. The PET-based 3D treatment planning certainly belongs to the frontier of 3D image-guided brachytherapy treatment planning and delivery. As proved from the prostate study by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)3), the tumor cell concentration within the tumor is not necessarily uniform. In this respect, though not proven yet, the PET images may shed some light on the tumor cell distribution for the gynecologic (GYN) cancer.
Goals for Preventive Nutrition in Developing Countries

Low- and middle-income countries increasingly face extremely complex problems in the arena of public health nutrition. Persistent endemic malnutrition affecting primarily children and women of reproductive age contributes hugely to global burdens of disease and disability. Recent estimates are that one-third of child deaths worldwide and 11% of the global disease burden are due to largely preventable maternal and child undernutrition (1). The burden is decidedly nonrandom, with 80% of the world’s undernourished children living in just 20 countries, concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and parts of the Middle East (2). Increasing numbers of complex humanitarian emergencies emerging from natural disasters and from political instability impose severe food insecurity and risk of malnutrition on displaced and disrupted populations, requiring governments and other agencies to find ways to manage. And the burdens anticipated from global climate change will be dominated by increased food insecurity, threatened agricultural production, and population movements as an anticipated 50 million “environmental refugees” will depart lands made uninhabitable by drought, flooding, or rising sea levels (3). All of this occurs embedded in a global “nutrition transition” characterized by aging population structures, rapid urbanization in low-income countries, the emergence of obesity and associated diseases as public health problems almost everywhere, and an increasingly globalized and expensive food supply (4,5).
The Ontology of Epistemological Production: Cases in Ethnography and Psychotherapy

The author draws on experiences as a researcher in a qualitative study that employed both ethnographic and interview methodologies as well as experiences as a patient in psychotherapy to theorize the subjective productions immanent to becoming a subject of knowledge discourses, where becoming a researcher and becoming a patient are two exemplary cases. The object of the present analysis are these disciplinary discourses and the use of them for knowledge production, exposing how they govern the ways that technologies simultaneously call forth and emerge from power to produce the subject as the object of their analyses. Drawing from experiences in the field and in session, the author demonstrates how disciplines produce discourses that categorize lived experience for the production of knowledge. The article traverses between subject positions and subjective experiences, equally interpellated within knowledge discourses that claim to make sense of various social and psychic conditions.
The effect of highly specific lattice hydrogen bonding on morphologies of solution-grown crystals

Morphologies of solution-grown crystals in systems containing strong and specific intralattice hydrogen bonding (nylons) are compared with systems displaying only van der Waals intracrystal attractions. The latter are shown to produce crystals that clearly mirror the underlying crystallographic symmetry; in the former systems the morphologies are much more complex and disorganized. This difference is discussed in terms of intralattice forces affecting growth rates and chain rearrangement during crystallization. Arguments deriving from differences in lamellar thickening behavior are also used to demonstrate this point.
On the formation of personal space and self-boundary structures in early human development: The case of infant stranger reactivity

Personal space and self-boundary are, respectively, sociological and intrapsychological concepts that refer to a complex of behavioral and subjective events between and within individuals. While there are large bodies of literature concerned with each of these concepts, literature that cuts across many disciplines of study, there has never been an integration of these concepts around specific human developmental issues. The present article focuses upon human infancy as a period in which both personal space and self-boundary phenomena can be observed. Developmental links between personal space and self-boundary phenomena in infancy and adulthood are outlined and discussed. The importance of spatial and territorial factors in human social behavior has been well established by numerous observational and experimental studies in ethology, anthropology, sociology, and psychology. Personal space, one central component of spatial and territorial factors in general, has been studied frequently. A number of reviews of the literature concerned with personal space, as well as the high number of studies of the phenomenon that are cited in Psychological Abstracts, indicate the value of the concept to behavior scientists (see, for example, Baldassare, 1978; Edney, 1974; Evans & Howard, 1973; Hayduck, 1978; Pederson & Shears, 1973; Sundstrom & Altman, 1976). These reviews have variously focused on its normative aspects within and between cultures, its relation to various demographic variables, its basis in communication and social interaction, and its methodological and theoretical problems. Beyond these reviews, well-known treatments of the topic of personal space are works by Argyle (1975), Ashcraft and Sheflen (1976), Goffman (1970, Hall (1966), Sommer (1959, 1969), and Watson (1970). With few exceptions, authorities have regarded the concept of personal space as a quasi-discrete and circumscribable entity that regulates to some extent the individual’s transactions with others. As such it is an integral component of the individual’s representation of self and sense of subjectivity (see, for example, Goffman, 1963; 1971; Lewin, 1936). Personal space differs from territory in that it accompanies the individual’s
Netrin-1 and peripheral nerve regeneration in the adult rat.

Axonal guidance during development of the nervous system is thought to be highly regulated through interactions of axons with attractive, repulsive, and trophic cues. Similar mechanisms regulate axonal regeneration after injury. The netrins have been shown to influence the guidance of several classes of developing axons. Although netrins have been implicated as axonal guidance cues in the developing peripheral nervous system, there has been no direct evidence of netrin-1 expression in either developing or adult peripheral nerve. The present study utilized competitive PCR and immunohistochemistry to demonstrate the localization of netrin-1 within adult rat sciatic nerve. The expression of netrin-1 mRNA and protein was compared for normal or regenerated sciatic nerve 2 weeks following either a crush or a transection and repair injury. The PCR data show that netrin-1 mRNA is normally expressed at low levels in peripheral nerve, and similar low levels are found 2 weeks following a crush injury. However, 2 weeks following nerve transection and repair there is approximately a 40-fold increase in netrin-1 mRNA levels. Immunohistochemistry data show that Schwann cells are the major source of netrin-1 protein in peripheral nerve. Our results suggest that netrin-1 mRNA levels are profoundly affected during peripheral nerve injury and regeneration. The localization of netrin-1 to Schwann cells suggests that this protein is strategically situated to influence axon regeneration in adult peripheral nerve.
An evolving framework for describing student engagement in classroom activities

Student engagement in classroom activities is usually described as a function of factors such as human needs, affect, intention, motivation, interests, identity, and others. We take a different approach and develop a framework that models classroom engagement as a function of students' . conceptual competence in the . specific content (e.g., the mathematics of motion) of an activity. The framework uses a spatial metaphor-i.e., the classroom . activity as a territory through which students move-as a way to both capture common engagement-related dynamics and as a communicative device. In this formulation, then, students' engaged participation can be understood in terms of the nature of the " regions" and overall " topography" of the activity territory, and how much student . movement such a territory affords. We offer the framework not in competition with other instructional design approaches, but rather as an additional tool to aid in the analysis and conduct of engaging classroom activities. © 2011 Elsevier Inc..
Microdetermination of heavy metal ions: A potentiometric method using thioacetamide and iodine

A new potentiometric method for the determination of mg range of silver, cadmium and copper ions is described. The heavy metal ions are first precipitated from an ammoniacal solution by an excess of thioacetamide. The precipitate is then separated by filtration. The unused thioacetamide is adjusted to the proper pH and temperature, and then titrated with a standard solution of iodine potentiometrically. It is assumed that other metal ions, which form ammine complexes, can also be analyzed by this new method.
Choice and behavioral patterning.

Ten pigeons pecked left and right keys in a discrete-trials experiment in which access to food was contingent upon changeovers to the right key after particular runs of left-key pecks. In each of three sets of conditions, two run lengths were reinforced according to a concurrent variable-interval schedule: reinforcement followed runs of either 1 or 2, 1 or 4, or 2 or 4 left-key pecks preceding changeovers. The intertrial interval separating successive pecks was varied from .5 to 10.0 sec, and the relative frequency of reinforcement for the shorter of the two reinforced runs was varied from 0 to .75. The contingencies established local behavioral patterning that roughly approximated that required for reinforcement. For a fixed pair of reinforced run lengths, preference for the shorter of the two frequently increased as the intertrial interval increased and therefore as the minimum temporal durations of both reinforced runs increased. Preference for the shorter of the two also increased as its corresponding relative frequency of reinforcement increased. Both of these effects on preference were qualitatively similar to corresponding effects in previous research with two different kinds of reinforced behavioral patterns, interresponse times and interchangeover times. In all these experiments, analytical units were found in the temporal patterns of behavior, not in the behavior immediately contiguous with a reinforcer. It is suggested that a particular local temporal pattern of behavior is established to the extent to which it is repeatedly remembered when reinforcers are delivered, regardless of whether the delivery of a reinforcer is explicitly contingent upon that pattern.
Suppression of the immune reaction in Multiple Sclerosis might be achieved by intravenous injections of Myelin Basic Protein, concomitant with the administration of an immunosuppressant and a corticosteroid

The author presents evidence from published papers of research done by numerous investigators that Multiple, Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease, that the target tissue is the myelin sheath which covers the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, that Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) is the antigen or one of the antigens involved, that the autoimmune reaction is effected by sensitized lymphocytes together with a specific antibody, that Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis (EAE) produced in animals can be used as a model for MS, and that the autoimmune reaction in MS can possibly be suppressed by the use of MBP given by an intravenous procedure together with an immunosuppressive drug and a corticosteroid.
Role of length scale and temperature in indentation induced creep behavior of polymer derived Si–C–O ceramics

Abstract This investigation presents nanoindentation and microindentation creep analyses on polymer derived Si–C–O ceramic coatings at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 500 °C. The properties of focus include elastic modulus, hardness, creep exponent, and creep strain rate. Analyses show that at the nanoscopic length scale the deformation mechanism is dominated by dislocation climb and diffusion. With increase in length scale to microscale the thermal activation volume increases by approximately 10 times. The increase in free volume leads to the deformation mechanism switching to volumetric densification and dislocation pile up. An important physical effect analyzed is the effect of increase in temperature on the observed deformation mechanism. At the nanoscale, with increase in temperature, both hardness and elastic moduli show an increase. At the microscale, however, hardness reduces with increase in temperature. The indentation size effect is observed at both scales. However, at the nanoscale the indentation size is linked with strain hardening. At the microscale, a strain softening behavior is observed.
Microwave spectrum, structure, and quadrupole coupling constant of 1-chlorobicyclo[1.1.1.]pentane

Abstract We have observed the microwave spectra of five isotopic forms of 1-chlorobicyclo[1.1.1.]pentane. From these data the following structural parameters have been deduced: r (C 1 C 2 ) = 1.536 ± 0.007A, r (C 2 C 3 ) = 1.556 ± 0.007A, 1 C 2 C 3 = 73.47 ± 0.50°, r (CCI) = 1.761 ± 0.012A. The primary assumption in the structural determination is that r (C 2 C 3 ) - r (C 1 C 2 ) = 0.02 ± 0.01A. The quadrupole coupling constant of the Cl 35 nucleus along the axis of the symmetric rotor is −66.63 ± 0.15 MHz. The results of the present study are compared to those for related molecules.
CALCIUM BINDING AND ITS EFFECT ON THE PROPERTIES OF SEVERAL FOOD PROTEIN SOURCES

A study was conducted to evaluate the ability of four protein sources to bind calcium during an alkaline, calcium saturated incubation. Leaf protein concentrate and gluten bound the most calcium. Soy protein isolate and bovine blood protein isolate (plasma fraction) bound less calcium but both had large (80%) reductions in sodium content. Phytic acid was prevalent in both soy protein isolate and gluten, and was found to be entirely in their residue protein fractions after Ca binding. After incubation, essential amino acid losses were noted for all protein fractions, yet the losses were not significant. Following Ca binding, changes in molecular weights of the soluble proteins were noted as determined by gel filtration chromatography. Isoelectric points were noted to decrease in the soluble protein fractions, following Ca binding.
The mechanism of amine formation on Si(1 0 0) activated with chlorine atoms

Abstract The dissociation of NH 3 on a Si(1 0 0) surface activated with Cl atoms was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Gas phase UV-Cl 2 (0.1–10 Torr Cl 2 for 10–600 s under 1000 W Xe lamp illumination) completely replaced the H-termination on aqueous-cleaned Si(1 0 0) with 0.82 ± 0.06 ML of Cl at 298 K. A single spin-orbit split Cl 2p doublet indicated that the Cl atoms were bound to Si dimer atoms, forming silicon monochloride (Cl–Si–Si–Cl). Exposing the Cl-terminated surface at 348 K to NH 3 (1–1000 Torr for 5–60 min) replaced one Cl atom with one N atom up to a coverage of 0.33 ± 0.02 ML. Cl atoms lowered the activation energy barrier for reaction to form a primary amine (Si–NH 2 ). Oxygen was coadsorbed due to competition by H 2 O contamination. The presence of Cl on the surface even after high NH 3 exposures is attributed to site blocking and electrostatic interactions among neighboring Cl–Si–Si–NH 2 moieties. The results demonstrate a low temperature reaction pathway for depositing N-bearing molecules on Si surfaces.
Electron spin resonance modes in a spin-glass

Abstract The microscopic Hamiltonian for a spin-glass is diagonalized using the Holstein-Primakoff and Bogoliubov transformations. Both an external, Zeeman, and internal anisotropy field are included. The Zeeman energy enters the resonance condition with an extra factor of one-half which is shown to be of geometrical origin. For single ion anisotropy the resonance condition is angular dependent. It is implied that single crystal ESR measurements will yield information about the nature of the anisotropy energy in a spin-glass.
SU‐C‐217A‐06: A Collaborative Approach to Dose Optimization in Fluoroscopy Guided Lumbar Spine Injection Procedures

Purpose: To observe and evaluate technical acquisition and operating procedures used for lumbar spine injection procedures under fluoroscopy guidance performed by multiple neuroradiologists for potential patient dose reduction opportunities. Methods: Baseline skin dose measurements were acquired on patients undergoing lumbar spine injection procedures on a biplane fluoroscopy unit. Optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters were placed on the patient's abdomen corresponding to the anterior‐posterior plane beam entrance location and on the patient's right side corresponding to the lateral plane beam entrance location. Technical acquisition factors, treated levels, and patient demographics were recorded. In addition, observations were made of operating procedures such as the use of collimation and magnification, patient and equipment positioning, beam angulations, and exposure techniques used by individual neuroradiologists. Results: Baseline data and observations were reviewed with neuroradiologists. Opportunities to reduce dose were discussed and a series of acquisition and practice changes accepted. Changes were implemented and skin dose measurements repeated. Results showed a reduction in skin dose of 64% and 79% respectively for anterior‐posterior and lateral planes from baseline data. No adverse outcomes to procedure time, fluoroscopy time, or image quality were observed. Conclusions: Practices among physicians can vary substantially. Collaboration and standardization of acquisition and operating procedures can Result in substantial dose reduction for patients without compromising image quality or clinical productivity.
Promiscuous Transfer of Drug Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacteria

Bacterial conjugation is a major mechanism for the spread of antibiotic-resistance genes in pathogenic organisms. In gram-negative bacteria, broad-host-range drug-resistance plasmids mediate genetic exchange between many unrelated species. The mechanism of conjugation encoded by the broad-host-range IncP plasmid RK2 has been studied in detail. The location and sequence of the transfer origin of RK2 has been determined. Several barriers limit plasmid transfer between unrelated bacteria: interactions at the cell surface may prevent effective mating contact, restriction systems may degrade foreign DNA, or the plasmid may not replicate in the new host. RK2 has evolved specific mechanisms by which it overcomes these barriers; this plasmid can mediate the transfer of resistance to most gram-negative bacteria.
Collision-induced neutral loss reactions of molecular dications

Abstract Collision-induced neutral loss reactions are observed to be a major product channel for reactions of CF 2+ 3 , SF 2+ 4 , SF 2+ 3 and SF 2+ 2 with the rare gases at 49 eV laboratory collision energy. This reactivity, which involves the formation of doubly charged molecular daughter ions, differs markedly from that observed for other molecular dications. The doubly charged product ion yield is largest for systems in which charge transfer does not compete effectively with the collision-induced process.
A viscous-inviscid interaction method for ejectors having two primary jets

A viscous-inviscid interaction methodology is developed for evaluating the performance of two-dimensional incompressible flow ejectors that utilize two primary jets. In this method, the inviscid portion of the flow field, which contains the ambient fluid drawn into the device, is modeled using a higher-order panel method. The viscous region, which contains the turbulent jets, is described by an integral method. The viscous and inviscid solutions are matched together in an iterative process that simulates the interaction between the jets and the ambient fluid. The model is applied to a variety of parametric and optimization studies that illustrate the connection between the details of the ejector geometry and the level of thrust augmentation. The advantages of a dual-jet configuration are assessed through comparison with similar calculations for an otherwise identical single-jet ejector.
Impairment by cyclosporine of membrane-mediated functions in kidney mitochondria.

Impairment by cyclosporine of membrane-mediated functions in kidney mitochondria. This study was performed to evaluate whether cyclosporine penetrates kidney mitochondria and impairs mitochondrial functions, causing nephrotoxicity. Exposure of rat kidney cortical mitochondria in vitro to cyclosporine had little effect on the oxidation of glutamate plus malate. Oxidation of succinate was markedly inhibited by a toxic level of cyclosporine (25 to 50 nmol/mg protein) under resting (State 4) and ADP-stimulated (State 3) conditions. Under uncoupling conditions, induced by the proton ionophore, CCCP or by the calcium ionophore, A23187 plus calcium, mitochondrial respiration was unchanged by cyclosporine. In mitochondria isolated from rats treated with an immunosuppressive dose of cyclosporine (25 mg/kg/day, p.o.), respiration was not significantly impaired. The respiration stimulated by ADP was only diminished in mitochondria from rats treated with 75 mg/kg. The rate of calcium uptake was unchanged by cyclosporine under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Kidney mitochondria of untreated rats maintained in a medium containing respiratory substrates and phosphate released spontaneously accumulated calcium that was accompanied by large amplitude swelling and enhanced respiration. Cyclosporine in vitro inhibited the process of spontaneous calcium discharge at the concentration range of 0.1 to 0.5 nmol/mg protein. Swelling and respiration induced by accumulated calcium was significantly diminished in kidney mitochondria isolated from cyclosporine-treated rats given doses of 25 or 75 mg/kg. The data obtained indicate that cyclosporine interacts with the membrane of kidney mitochondria in virtually the same way under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Cyclosporine at an immunosuppressive level impairs calcium-induced membrane permeability and at a toxic level, the rate of ADP phosphorylation.
Corticotropin-releasing factor potentiates acoustic startle in rats: blockade by chlordiazepoxide.

A series of experiments was performed to investigate the effects of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) on the amplitude of the acoustic startle response (ASR) in rats. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of 1 μg rat CRF significantly potentiated acoustic startle amplitude; these effects were reversed in a dose-dependent manner by pretreatment with the benzodiazepine chlordiazepoxide (CDP). Doses of CDP that anatgonized CRF-potentiated ASR did not lower startle baseline or antagonize amphetamine-or strychnine-potentiated ASR. These results suggest that CRF has “anxiogenic” properties and may serve as a neuroendocrine modulator of stress-enhanced behaviors.
Quantum Dixmier algebras

Abstract This paper is a quantum version of Pranata (J. Algebra 145 (1992) 263). We construct and classify Dixmier algebras which are overdomains of quotients of quantized enveloping algebras by minimal primitive ideals. The results are very similar to the classical case, except that there are multiple quantum versions of a single classical Dixmier algebra.
Fabrication and characterization of a hybrid SOI 1×4 silicon-slot optical modulator array incorporating EO polymers for optical phased-array antenna applications

Optical phased arrays are promising candidates for both RF signal processing and optical beam forming and steering. These platforms not only enable accurate electrically controlled beam steering at high frequencies but also have the potential to significantly improve the performance of future free-space optical communications systems. In this work we exploit recent advancements in both nano-scale hybrid silicon-slot waveguides and electro-optic (EO) polymers to demonstrate an integrated optical phased-array antenna. Specifically, we create a hybrid integrated "photonic circuit" that connects an array of optical phase modulators, fed by a common optical signal and a 1x4 splitter, to a compact optical waveguide diffraction array for optical beam steering applications. The fundamental characteristics of the resulting integrated optical beam former, including the optical insertion loss, driving voltage, and phase control from the waveguide aperture are summarized in this letter.
Computer program sequence for collection, reduction, analysis, and summary of auditory evoked potential data.

Abstract A sequence of three programs is described for the collection and subsequent analysis of auditory evoked potentials using a PDP-12 computer. The first program (AVEF) controls stimulus generating equipment, and collects, tags, displays, and stores individual responses. The second program (SUPRSNAP) performs a latency and amplitude analysis on the various peaks within preselected time windows of the response waveform and stores the data. The third program (SUPRSTAT) summarizes by individual peak the results of the analyses, and calculates the mean, standard deviation, and confidence interval of the individual peaks, differentially retrieved by the use of various tag sets.
Differential Fos expression induced by IL-1β and IL-6 in rat hypothalamus and pituitary gland

IL-1beta has been implicated in central nervous system effects, including activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Less is known concerning the role of IL-6 in brain. To compare and contrast IL-1beta and IL-6 effects on brain, rats were administered intraperitoneal injections of IL-1beta, IL-6 or control vehicle (3-8 microg/rat), perfused 150-180 min post-injection, and brains and pituitaries were processed for Fos immunolabeling. IL-1beta induced Fos expression in corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons of paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, and anterior pituitary gland. IL-6 also induced immunolabeled Fos in the anterior pituitary gland, however, it did not induce Fos expression in CRF neurons of PVN. Data suggest that IL-6 may directly activate the anterior pituitary gland, whereas IL-1beta may exert its effect on the pituitary directly and/or indirectly via activation of CRF neurons in the PVN.
Emerging economies: Operational issues in China and India

This article addresses the current state of the infrastructure and other factors within China and India to consider in making operation expansion decisions. We compare the logistics, telecommunication, and energy infrastructure of these two nations followed by a discussion of their labor productivity, economic growth, and political and cultural stability. We find that China is ahead of India in terms of transportation and telecommunications infrastructure, but India leads in terms of skilled labor for supporting information technology (IT) and complex manufacturing-based operations. While it will be difficult for India to catch up with China's manufacturing base, there is a strong opportunity for India to become the back office of the world. We then outline the opportunities and challenges that MNCs may face by investing in these countries and close with advice for managers in making expansion decisions.
Preserving transfer independence among individuals with spinal cord injury.

Study design: Literature review. Objectives: Upper extremity (UE) joint degeneration, particularly at the shoulder, detrimentally influences functional independence, quality of life, cardiovascular disease risk, and life expectancy of individuals following spinal cord injury (SCI). This review (1) describes UE use for transfers among individuals with SCI; (2) describes contributing factors associated with UE joint degeneration and loss of transfer independence; (3) summarizes and identifies gaps in existing research; and (4) provides suggestions for future research. Results: Investigations of wheelchair transfer related UE joint and function preservation among individuals with SCI should consider factors including age and length of time from SCI onset, interface between subject-wheelchair, pain, shoulder joint range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength deficiencies or imbalances, exercise capacity and tolerance for the physical strain of activities of daily living (ADL), body mass and composition, previous UE injury or disease history, and transfer techniques. Existing studies of transfers among individuals with SCI have relied on small groups of either asymptomatic or non-impaired subjects, with minimal integration of kinematic, kinetic and electromyographic data. Descriptions of UE joint ROM, forces, and moments produced during transfers are lacking. Conclusions: Biomechanical measurement and computer modeling have provided increasingly accurate tools for acquiring the data needed to guide intervention planning to prevent UE joint degeneration and preserve function among individuals with SCI. The identification of stressful sub-components during transfers will enable intervening clinicians and engineers who design and modify assistive and adaptive devices to better serve individuals with SCI. Spinal Cord (2000) 38, 649‐657
Bottom-up determination of air-sea momentum exchange under a major tropical cyclone

As a result of increasing frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones, an accurate forecasting of cyclone evolution and ocean response is becoming even more important to reduce threats to lives and property in coastal regions. To improve predictions, accurate evaluation of the air-sea momentum exchange is required. Using current observations recorded during a major tropical cyclone, we have estimated this momentum transfer from the ocean side of the air-sea interface, and we discuss it in terms of the drag coefficient. For winds between 20 and 48 meters per second, this coefficient initially increases and peaks at winds of about 32 meters per second before decreasing.