cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nitroxide Spin−Relaxation over the Entire Motional Range

Homogeneous line widths, characterized by the phase memory time, Tm, of a nitroxide spin-labeled peptide, were measured over the entire motional range (∼10-10−10-4 s at the spectrometer resonance frequency of 9.7 GHz) using spin−echo correlated spectroscopy (SECSY) ESR. Phase memory times as short as 20 ns could be determined by using schemes designed to minimize the effects of pulse ring-down. Experimental Tm versus temperature curve (from 192 to 310 K) clearly resolves the Tm minimum, which provides great sensitivity to the details of molecular dynamics.
Laparoscopic Dissecting Instruments

The authors provide an overview of laparoscopic dissecting instruments and discuss early development, surgical options, and special features. End effectors of different shapes and functions are described. A comparison of available energy sources for laparoscopic instruments includes discussion of thermal dissection, ultrasonic dissection, and water-jet dissection. The ergonomic risks and challenges inherent in the use of current laparoscopic instruments are outlined, as well as ergonomic issues for the design of future instruments. New directions that laparoscopic instrumentation may take are considered in connection with developing technology in robotics, haptic feedback, and MicroElectroMechanical Systems. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
DoS detection in IEEE 802.11 with the presence of hidden nodes.

The paper presents a novel technique to detect Denial of Service (DoS) attacks applied by misbehaving nodes in wireless networks with the presence of hidden nodes employing the widely used IEEE 802.11 Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) protocols described in the IEEE standard [1]. Attacker nodes alter the IEEE 802.11 DCF firmware to illicitly capture the channel via elevating the probability of the average number of packets transmitted successfully using up the bandwidth share of the innocent nodes that follow the protocol standards. We obtained the theoretical network throughput by solving two-dimensional Markov Chain model as described by Bianchi [2], and Liu and Saadawi [3] to determine the channel capacity. We validated the results obtained via the theoretical computations with the results obtained by OPNET simulator [4] to define the baseline for the average attainable throughput in the channel under standard conditions where all nodes follow the standards. The main goal of the DoS attacker is to prevent the innocent nodes from accessing the channel and by capturing the channel’s bandwidth. In addition, the attacker strives to appear as an innocent node that follows the standards. The protocol resides in every node to enable each node to police other nodes in its immediate wireless coverage area. All innocent nodes are able to detect and identify the DoS attacker in its wireless coverage area. We applied the protocol to two Physical Layer technologies: Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) and the results are presented to validate the algorithm.
Ca2+-dependent phosphorylation of rat ovary proteins

Abstract A 105,000 × g supernatant fraction from prepubertal rat ovaries was incubated in the presence of [γ-32P]ATP. Phosphorylated proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and identified by autoradiography. Inclusion of Ca2+ in the phosphorylation reaction promoted a selective 32p incorporation into two proteins of Mr = 95,000 and 50,000. Inclusion of chlorpromazine with Ca2+ blocked the Ca2+-stimulated increase of 32p incorporation. Our results demonstrate the presence of Ca2+-stimulated protein phosphorylation system capable of recognizing endogenous substrate proteins in the prepubertal rat ovary.
Effect of Altrenogest Treatment to Early Postpartum Mares on Reproductive Performance of the Mare and Health, Growth and Development of the Foal

Abstract Kesler, D.J. and Lock, T.F. 1998. Effect of altrenogest treatment to early postpartum mares on reproductive performance of the mare and health, growth and development of the foal. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 14: 51–56. Fourteen mares were included in a study to determine the effect of altrenogest treatment to early postpartum mares on the reproductive performance of the mares and health, growth and development of the foals. Mares were assigned to one of three groups: group 1- no treatment (control group), group 2- orally administered altrenogest for the first 7 days postpartum and group 3- orally administered altrenogest for the first 15 days postpartum. On days 1–30 postpartum, mares were tested daily with a stallion to determine estrus. Foals were monitored daily for general health and weighed and bled for serum chemistry concentrations on days 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 of age. Foals nursing mares orally administered altrenogest grew as rapidly as foals suckling untreated mares (P>.20). Furthermore,...
Population Density of Tropical Forest Frogs: Relation to Retreat Sites

The forest frog Eleutherodactylus coqui defends specific sites for retreats and nests in the Luquillo Forest, Puerto Rico. The hypothesis that shortages of nest and retreat sites limit population size was tested by placing 100 bamboo frog houses in plots measuring 100 square meters in areas of high frog density. These new sites were readily adopted by adult frogs. After one year, experimental plots had significantly more nests and frogs of all sizes than did control plots.
A measurement technique to determine the calibration accuracy of an electromagnetic tracking system to radiation isocenter.

Purpose: To present and characterize a measurement technique to quantify the calibration accuracy of an electromagnetic tracking system to radiation isocenter. Methods: This technique was developed as a quality assurance method for electromagnetic tracking systems used in a multi-institutional clinical hypofractionated prostate study. In this technique, the electromagnetic tracking system is calibrated to isocenter with the manufacturers recommended technique, using laser-based alignment. A test patient is created with a transponder at isocenter whose position is measured electromagnetically. Four portal images of the transponder are taken with collimator rotations of 45° 135°, 225°, and 315°, at each of four gantry angles (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) using a 3 × 6 cm2 radiation field. In each image, the center of the copper-wrapped iron core of the transponder is determined. All measurements are made relative to this transponder position to remove gantry and imager sag effects. For each of the 16 images, the 50% collimation edges are identified and used to find a ray representing the rotational axis of each collimation edge. The 16 collimator rotation rays from four gantry angles pass through and bound the radiation isocenter volume. The center of the bounded region, relative to the transponder, is calculated and then transformed to tracking system coordinates using the transponder position, allowing the tracking system's calibration offset from radiation isocenter to be found. All image analysis and calculations are automated with inhouse software for user-independent accuracy. Three different tracking systems at two different sites were evaluated for this study. Results: The magnitude of the calibration offset was always less than the manufacturer's stated accuracy of 0.2 cm using their standard clinical calibration procedure, and ranged from 0.014 to 0.175 cm. On three systems in clinical use, the magnitude of the offset was found to be 0.053 ± 0.036, 0.121 ± 0.023, and 0.093 ± 0.013 cm. Conclusions: The method presented here provides an independent technique to verify the calibration of an electromagnetic tracking system to radiation isocenter. The calibration accuracy of the system was better than the 0.2 cm accuracy stated by the manufacturer. However, it should not be assumed to be zero, especially for stereotactic radiation therapy treatments where planning target volume margins are very small.
Vacuum Plasma Spray Forming of High Temperature Silicides

Molybdenum disilicide and its composites have been fabricated by a number of researchers in recent years through vacuum plasma spray (VPS) forming. VPS is capable of producing dense, fine grained deposits of these high temperature intermetallics and is a promising technique for near-net-shape manufacturing. Reviewed here is VPS forming of high temperature silicide intermetallics, principally Mosi2 and its composites. A discussion will be given of the processing-structure-properties relationship of the spray formed silicide.
γ-Aminobutyric acid is present in a spatially discrete subpopulation of hair cells in the crista ampullaris of the toadfish Opsanus tau

Although γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate are known to be present in the vestibular sensory epithelia of a variety of species, the functional relationship between these two transmitters is not clear. The present study addresses the three-dimensional spatial distribution of GABA and glutamate immunoreactivity in the vestibular labyrinth of the oyster toadfish by using whole end organs labeled by immunofluorescence with monoclonal anti-GABA and/or antiglutamate antibodies and visualized as whole mounts by multiphoton confocal microscopy. We find glutamate-immunoreactive hair cells present throughout the sensory epithelium. In contrast, prominent GABA immunoreactivity is restricted to a small population of hair cells located in the central region of the crista. Double immunofluorescence reveals two distinct staining patterns in GABA-labeled hair cells. Most (∼80%) GABA-labeled cells show trace levels of glutamate, appropriate for the metabolic/synthetic role of cytoplasmic glutamate. The remainder of the GABA-stained cells contain substantial levels of both GABA and glutamate, suggesting transmitter colocalization. In the toadfish utricle, glutamatergic hair cells are present throughout the macula. GABA-immunoreactive hair cells follow the arc of the striola, and most GABA-labeled receptor cells coexpress glutamate. The localization of GABA was explored in other species as well. In the pigeon, GABAergic hair cells are present throughout the crista ampullaris. Our findings demonstrate that multiple, neurochemically distinct types of hair cells are present in vestibular sensory epithelia. These observations, together with the excitatory activity generally associated with 8th nerve afferent fibers, strongly suggest that GABA serves an important, specific, and complex role in determining primary afferent response dynamics. J. Comp. Neurol. 471:1–10, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cells Remain Competent to Respond to Mesoderm-Inducing Signals Present during Gastrulation in Xenopus laevis

During gastrulation, the vertebrate embryo is patterned and shaped by complex signaling pathways and morphogenetic movements. One of the first regions defined during gastrulation is the prospective notochord, which exhibits specific cell behaviors that drive the extension of the embryonic axis. To examine the signals involved in notochord formation in Xenopus laevis and the competence of cells to respond to these signals, we performed cell transplantation experiments during gastrulation. Labeled cells from the prospective notochord, somitic mesoderm, ventrolateral mesoderm, neural ectoderm, and epidermis, between stages 9 (pregastrulation) and 12 (late gastrulation), were grafted into the prospective notochord region of the early gastrula. We show that cells from each region are competent to respond to notochord-inducing signals and differentiate into notochordal tissue. Cells from the prospective neural ectoderm are the most responsive to notochord-inducing signals, whereas cells from the ventrolateral and epidermal regions are the least responsive. We show that at the end of gastrulation, while transplanted cells lose their competence to form notochord, they remain competent to form somites. These results demonstrate that at the end of gastrulation cell fates are not restricted within germ layers. To determine whether notochord-inducing signals are present throughout gastrulation, grafts were made into progressively older host embryos. We found that regardless of the age of the host, grafted cells from each region give rise to notochordal tissue. This indicates that notochord-inducing signals are present throughout gastrulation and that these signals overlap with somite-inducing signals at the end of gastrulation. We conclude that it is the change of competence that restricts cells to specific tissues rather than the regulation of the inducing signals.
Depolarization ratio–effective lidar ratio relation: Theoretical basis for space lidar cloud phase discrimination

[1] This paper introduces a technique for cloud phase discrimination based on linear polarization measurements made by space-based lidar. Using CALIPSO Level 2 data products, a 3-dimensional histogram of the depolarization ratio, δ, and the effective lidar ratio, Sc,eff, is derived for all optically thick clouds measured during July 2006. A second histogram is derived using data from early November, 2006. By analysis of the relationship between δ and Sc,eff, and an examination of their spatial correlations, water clouds, ice clouds with randomly oriented particles and ice clouds with horizontally oriented particles are clearly differentiated. For clouds having the same depolarization ratios, the effective lidar ratios of water clouds are significantly smaller than the effective lidar ratios of ice clouds comprised of randomly oriented particles. The variance of the depolarization ratios within water clouds is significantly larger than it is in ice clouds containing horizontally oriented particles. Depolarization ratios and effective lidar ratios are negatively correlated for water clouds, and positively correlated for ice clouds with horizontally-oriented particles. For the optically thick ice clouds observed by CALIPSO, approximately half contain some fraction (up to 100%) of horizontally oriented particles.
Long-term quality of life after endoscopic dilation of strictured colorectal or colocolonic anastomoses

Endoscopic balloon dilation is the first-line treatment for benign colorectal anastomotic strictures. We aimed to objectively assess its long-term results. Gastrointestinal symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed at long-term after balloon dilation of anastomotic strictures in 31 consecutive patients (excluding those with inflammatory bowel disease) as well as and controls, using the validated Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). Most colectomies had been performed for benign diseases, with anastomoses located at the colorectal junction. Completed surveys were collected from 81 subjects, including 27 study patients (response rate 87%), 27 surgical controls matched for age, gender, and indication of colectomy, and 27 healthy subjects. At a mean of 3.9 ± 2.3 years after the first endoscopic balloon-dilation, study patients self-reported significantly more gastrointestinal symptoms than controls; these included frequent and urgent bowel movements, bloating, food restriction (p ≤ 0.001, all comparisons), diarrhea, excessive passage of gas through the anus (p < 0.01, all comparisons), constipation, and abdominal pain (p < 0.05, all comparisons). Health-related quality of life was significantly impaired in study patients versus surgical controls and healthy subjects (GIQLI scores, 104 ± 20, 119 ± 24, and 121 ± 16, respectively; p = 0.005). Impaired HRQoL subdimensions included gastrointestinal symptoms (p < 0.001), stress by treatment (p < 0.05), and emotional status (p = 0.08). HRQoL was independent of the delay between stricture dilation and the survey. Follow-up endoscopy (performed in 21/27 [78%] study patients, including the 7 patients with the lowest HRQoL, and 19 [70%] surgical controls) disclosed anastomoses larger than 13 mm in all cases. Health-related quality of life is significantly impaired at long-term after standard balloon-dilation of benign anastomotic colorectal strictures as a result of gastrointestinal symptoms and stress by treatment. This impairment might be related to the fact that an anastomotic diameter ≥13 mm, although commonly used to define successful endoscopic treatment, is insufficient to provide long-term symptom relief in some patients, or to other, yet to be identified, factors.
Effects of intracervical prostaglandin E2 on fetal heart rate and uterine activity patterns in the presence of oligohydramnios.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to compare fetal heart rate patterns and uterine activity before and after preincubation prostaglandin E 2 administration in the presence or absence of oligohydramnios. STUDY DESIGN: In a retrospective case-controlled review we examined cases in which prostaglandin E 2 (Prepidil) was inserted intracervically for gravid women requring an induction of labor in the presence of either oligohydramnios (amniotic fluid index ≤5.0) or adequate fluid (amniotic fluid index 5.1 to 23.9). Uterine activity and fetal heart rate tracings that were begun 1 hour before and continued for 6 hours after dosing were interpreted without knowledge of amniotic fluid volume. RESULTS: Cases in the olgiohydramnios ( n = 51) and adequate fluid ( n = 49) groups were the same for maternal age, race, parity, gestational age, and predose Bishop score. Patients with oligohydramnios had more high-amplitude contractions in the first hour after dosing (9.0 ± 1.2 vs 6.1 ± 0.9, p CONCLUSION: For pregnancies undergoing preinduction cervical ripening with intracervical prostaglandin E 2 , the presence of oligohydramnios was not associated with a greater risk of fetal heart rate decelerations, although contractions were more common during the first hour after dosing.
Impacts of autonomy-supportive versus controlling instructional language on motor learning

The authors examined the influence of autonomy-supportive (ASL), controlling (CL), and neutral instructional language (NL) on motor skill learning (cricket bowling action). Prior to and several times during the practice phase, participants watched the same video demonstration of the bowling action but with different voice-over instructions. The instructions were designed to provide the same technical information but to vary in terms of the degree of choice performers would perceive when executing the task. In addition to measurements of throwing accuracy (i.e., deviation from the target), perceived choice, self-efficacy, and positive and negative affect were assessed at the end of the practice phase and after a retention test without demonstrations and instructions on Day 2. ASL resulted in perceptions of greater choice, higher self-efficacy, and more positive affect during practice than CL, and enhanced learning as demonstrated by retention test performance. Thus, granting learners autonomy appeared to endow them with confidence in their ability, diminished needs for control of negative emotional responses, and created more positive affect, which may help consolidate motor memories.
The concept of automatic reinforcement: Implications for behavioral research in developmental disabilities

Automatic reinforcement refers to situations in which behavior is maintained by operant mechanisms independent of the social environment. A number of difficulties exist in conducting an adequate functional analysis of automatically reinforced aberrant behavior. For example, sources of reinforcement are often difficult or impossible to identify, manipulate, or control. Further, the development of treatments is often difficult because many behavioral interventions, such as timeout, involve manipulation of the social environment--an approach that may be functionally irrelevant in the case of automatic reinforcement. This article discusses the problems inherent in the analysis of automatically reinforced behavior and reviews four classes of treatment that are compatible with that behavioral function. The four types of intervention reviewed include manipulations of establishing operations, sensory extinction, differential reinforcement, and punishment. Suggestions for future research are discussed.
Endovascular therapy for pelvic congestion syndrome.

Clinical Presentation Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS), a condition associated primarily with ovarian vein incompetence, is manifested by pelvic pain of variable intensity that is heightened before or during menses and aggravated by prolonged standing, fatigue, and intercourse. Women may also report pelvic or perineal heaviness and bladder urgency and often will complain of labial varicosities and engorgement that worsens with standing.1, 2 It is not infrequent to elicit these complaints and symptoms after careful evaluation of a patient who presents with varicose veins in the proximal lower extremity. The association of PCS with chronic pelvic pain was first described by Topolanski-Sierra in 1958.3 Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) accounts for approximately 10% of outpatient gynecologic visits. Common causes of CPP include ovarian varicocele, endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, atypical menstrual pain, urologic disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, and psychosomatic conditions.4 More recent studies have demonstrate...
Enzymes of glycogen metabolism in white blood cells III. Heterogeneity of glycogen phosphorylase from rat chloroma

Summary 1. Glycogen phosphorylase ( α -1,4-glucan:orthophosphate glucosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.1)) of rat chloroma has been purified and partially characterized. 2. Column chromatography on o -(diethylaminoethyl)-cellulose yields 2 phosphorylase peaks both of which are active without adenosine 5′-phosphate. The identity of these 2 peaks has been ascertained by rechromatography on O -(diethylaminoethyl)-cellulose and electrophoresis on acrylamide gel. 3. There appears to be some distinct differences in the properties of the enzyme from the 2 peaks. 4. The finding of 2 isoenzymes of phosphorylase in rat chloroma represents the second example of heterogeneity of this enzyme, the first example being that of phosphorylase from rabbit heart.
Yielding and fracture in tungsten and tungsten-rhenium alloys

Abstract A study was made of the mechanical properties of vacuum arc-melted tungsten and tungsten-rhenium alloys in the temperature range 77 °–810 °K in order to elucidate the mechanism by which rhenium additions lower the ductile-brittle transition temperature of tungsten. The temperature and strain rate dependency of the yield stress of tungsten are reduced by alloying with rhenium, inferring a reduction in the Peierls stress. The reduction in the transition temperature is attributed to the reduced Peierls stress through its effect on the mobility and rate of multiplication of dislocations.
Women’s Rape Fantasies: An Empirical Evaluation of the Major Explanations

This study evaluated explanations of rape fantasy in a sample of female undergraduates (N = 355) using a sexual fantasy checklist which included eight types of rape fantasy, participants’ detailed descriptions of a rape fantasy they have had, a rape fantasy scenario audio presentation, and measures of personality. Three explanations of rape fantasy were tested: openness to sexual experience, sexual desirability, and sexual blame avoidance. Women who were higher in erotophilia and self-esteem and who had more frequent consensual sexual fantasies and more frequent desirability fantasies, particularly of performing as a stripper, had more frequent rape fantasies. Women who were higher in erotophilia, openness to fantasy, desirability fantasies, and self-esteem reported greater sexual arousal to rape fantasies. Sexual blame avoidance theory was not supported; sexual desirability theory was moderately supported; openness to sexual experience theory received the strongest support.
Post-cochlear implant meningitis

Abstract Cochlear implants have an excellent safety record and serious complications occur rarely. However, in recent years, we have become aware of an increase in the reported cases of meningitis in cochlear implant recipients. The cause of meningitis has not been established, but government agencies, device manufacturers, and cochlear implant teams across the world have taken significant actions to determine risk factors and to identify strategies for management and prevention. In the US, the CDC and the FDA have issued public warnings and are presently conducting an investigation into the apparent association between meningitis and cochlear implantation. The cause of meningitis in cochlear implant patients has not been conclusively determined, but some risk factors have been recognized: young age (
Enzyme activity of cryoprotected myocardium

Abstract The use of in vivo intravenously infused DMSO/glycerol in Krebs-Henseleit buffer solution as a cryoprotectant in rat left ventricles was investigated. Alkaline phosphatase and creatine phosphokinase activities were monitored. Data show inhibition of alkaline phosphatase by the cryoprotectant solution. No significant differences were noted for the CPK activity indicating that it may not be affected by either freezing or the cryoprotectant or both in combination.
Multidimensional clinical phenotyping of an adult cystic fibrosis patient population.

Background Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a multi-systemic disease resulting from mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator (CFTR) gene and has major manifestations in the sino-pulmonary, and gastro-intestinal tracts. Clinical phenotypes were generated using 26 common clinical variables to generate classes that overlapped quantiles of lung function and were based on multiple aspects of CF systemic disease. Methods The variables included age, gender, CFTR mutations, FEV1% predicted, FVC% predicted, height, weight, Brasfield chest xray score, pancreatic sufficiency status and clinical microbiology results. Complete datasets were compiled on 211 subjects. Phenotypes were identified using a proximity matrix generated by the unsupervised Random Forests algorithm and subsequent clustering by the Partitioning around Medoids (PAM) algorithm. The final phenotypic classes were then characterized and compared to a similar dataset obtained three years earlier. Findings Clinical phenotypes were identified using a clustering strategy that generated four and five phenotypes. Each strategy identified 1) a low lung health scores phenotype, 2) a younger, well-nourished, male-dominated class, 3) various high lung health score phenotypes that varied in terms of age, gender and nutritional status. This multidimensional clinical phenotyping strategy identified classes with expected microbiology results and low risk clinical phenotypes with pancreatic sufficiency. Interpretation This study demonstrated regional adult CF clinical phenotypes using non-parametric, continuous, ordinal and categorical data with a minimal amount of subjective data to identify clinically relevant phenotypes. These studies identified the relative stability of the phenotypes, demonstrated specific phenotypes consistent with published findings and identified others needing further study.
Seasonality of birth: Two findings from the decennial census

Abstract Two results on the seasonality of birth phenomenon are derived from tabulations of 1980 census data: first, that the familiar pattern of spring trough and summer peak prevailed in the decades before the establishment of a national birth registration data system; second, that the seasonal pattern is most pronounced for the lower socioeconomic group.
The evaluation of FDG-PET imaging for epileptogenic focus localization in patients with MRI positive and MRI negative temporal lobe epilepsy.

Introduction We studied the contribution of interictal FDG-PET ([18 F] fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography) in epileptic focus identification in temporal lobe epilepsy patients with positive, equivocal and negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Team Teaching: Old Chefs Come Up With New Recipe

The call for papers on team teaching came to us at an almost perfect time because we are three quarters through our first rendition of our freshly minted team-taught course. Although we feel a little like chefs who are still tweaking the seasoning on their new gourmet creation when the servers come to fetch it, our information is real time. We bring you fresh bread from our new recipe! In keeping with the team-teaching theme, we are approaching this as team writing so you can see from both viewpoints why and how the course evolved.
On the Theory of the East African Low Level Jet Stream

Several theoretical models for the East African Low Level Jet Stream are described. They all share the notion that the northward advection of planetary vorticity across the equator, coupled with the presence of a north—south mountain barrier, leads to the formation of a low-level western boundary current (akin to the Gulf-Stream) along the equatorial east coast of Africa. They differ in the manner in which the planetary vorticity advection is balanced to obtain a quasi-steady state. A purely inertial model predicts the correct cross-stream scale of the jet, but does not reproduce the observed inner shear layer which reduces the jet velocity to zero inland near the highlands. The lateral friction model can produce a realistic jet profile if the horizontal eddy viscosity (appearing as a free parameter) is chosen appropriately. However this solution shows a recirculation, i.e., northerly flow, off the coast that has not yet been observed. Finally, a model that includes bottom friction over variable topography also can give realistic jet profiles. If one accepts that the mountains, the Beta effect, and some form of inertial or frictional acceleration act together to produce the cross-equatorial low level jet stream, then one can formulate the types of observations needed to distinguish between the various theories.
Measuring improved quality of life after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

Background: While the correction of pathologic gastroesophageal reflux by means of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) has been well documented, the psychological profiles of patients with this disease and the impact on their quality of life are less well understood. We obtained a baseline psychological profile and measured the impact of LNF on patients’ quality of life with 2 standardized instruments: the psychological general well-being index (PGWB) and the gastrointestinal symptoms rating scale (GSRS). The study included 34 consecutive patients with typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux who underwent LNF in 1995 at a tertiary care university medical center Methods: Patients filled out PGWB and GSRS surveys preoperatively and at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Data were collected in a blinded fashion by a study nurse and analyzed after completion of the study. Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Results: The mean preoperative PGWB score (69.6 ± 17.3) of study patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease was lower than that expected for a healthy population. This was primarily attributable to low scores in the general health domain of the questionnaire, although LNF patients also had low scores in the vitality and positive well-being domains of the PGWB scale. LNF improved the PGWB score to a normal level (78.7 ± 19.3) (P =.05 vs the preoperative PGWB score) at 12 months post surgery. The GSRS also showed improvement from 34.7 ± 7.8 to 28.1 ± 10 (P =.008). The improvement in GSRS was attributed to improvement in the heartburn (7.12 ± 2.4 to 2.72 ± 1.2, P <.001) and abdominal pain (6.58 ± 2.5 to 4.92 ± 1.6, P =.006) domains of the scale. LNF had no impact on the diarrhea, indigestion, and obstipation domains of the GSRS. Conclusions: Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease who are candidates for LNF have low psychological and general well-being scores that are restored to normal levels by successful LNF. When compared with baseline measurements, LNF effectively relieved heartburn and did not cause significant new gastrointestinal complaints. (Surgery 2000;127:258-63.)
Entanglement-based self-organization

Abstract Based upon quantum entanglement, several paradigms of self-organization (such as inverse diffusion, transmissions of conditional information, decentralized coordination, cooperative computing, competitive games, topological evolution in active systems) are introduced and discussed.
Exposure assessment: input into risk assessment.

The validity of a risk assessment can be no better than that of the exposure assessment upon which it is based. The general paucity of relevant exposure data, combined with the limited appreciation by most risk assessors of the critical dimensions and metrics of exposure, often leads to an overreliance on exposure models of questionable validity. The problems of identifying and interpreting relevant metrics of exposure for epidemiologic studies and risk assessments are illustrated through the presentation of three case studies. The first examines the effects of ozone on respiratory mechanical function and demonstrates that the appropriate averaging time is greater than or equal to 6 hr, rather than 1 hr, as is implied by the current ambient air quality standard. The second case study examines the effects of sulfur oxides and particulate matter in ambient air on morbidity and mortality. It indicates that the effects are most closely associated with the acidity of the aerosol, providing a basis for an index of exposure more relevant than those currently used, i.e., sulfur dioxide and nonspecific gravimetric mass concentration of particulate matter. The third case study examines the effects of lead on blood pressure. It shows that blood lead in concentrations below 35 micrograms/dL correlates with blood pressure in both humans and animals independently of other known causal factors for blood pressure elevation. It also examines the variable relations between levels of lead in blood and in environmental media to illustrate the potential problems which can arise from the use of biological markers, such as lead in blood, as indices of exposure.
Small and Large Scale Asymptotics of some Lévy Stochastic Integrals

We provide general conditions for normalized, time-scaled stochastic integrals of independently scattered, Levy random measures to converge to a limit. These integrals appear in many applied problems, for example, in connection to models for Internet traffic, where both large scale and small scale asymptotics are considered. Our result is a handy tool for checking such convergence. Numerous examples are provided as illustration. Somewhat surprisingly, there are examples where rescaling towards large times scales yields a Gaussian limit and where rescaling towards small time scales yields an infinite variance stable limit, and there are examples where the opposite occurs: a Gaussian limit appears when one converges towards small time scales and an infinite variance stable limit occurs when one converges towards large time scales.
Layout and language: an efficient algorithm for detecting text blocks based on spatial and linguistic evidence

The ability to accurately detect those areas in plain text documents that consist of contiguous text is an important pre- process to many applications. This paper introduces a novel method that uses both spatial and linguistic knowledge in an accurate manner to provide an initial analysis of the document. This initial analysis may then be extended to provide a complete analysis of the text areas in the document.
Isma'il Al‐Faruqi on Muslim‐Christian dialogue: An analysis from a Christian perspective

Until his death in 1986, Isma'il al‐Faruqi was an active Muslim participant in the field of Muslim‐Christian dialogue. This article begins by outlining his many contributions to this subject and continues with an analysis of these sources. Al‐Faruqi understood the development of Christianity to be a corruption of the original teaching of Jesus which was instead preserved faithfully by Islam. He believed that Christains have hindered constructive dialogue through their involvement in mission and Orientalism. His primary basis for an academic dialogue was reason, yet this actually led to an affirmation of Islam. He regarded ethics to be the more appropriate area for discussion. The assessment here finds that al‐Faruqi essentially required Christians to abandon their Christian heritage in favour of the principles of a rationalistic Islam. Nevertheless, he may be commended for his commitment to dialogue and his ultimate vision of inter‐religious unity.
Effect of splenectomy upon the growth of B16-F10 melanoma and its relation to the interferon system

The influence of splenectomy upon the growth of B16-F10 malignant melanoma and changes in interferon-synthesizing ability in mice were studied. Surgical stress alone temporarily diminished the ability of mice to respond to interferon induction by poly rIrC. Two weeks following the surgery, mock-splenectomized mice fully regained their interferon synthesis ability. However, this was not true in the case of splenectomized mice. They remained refractory to interferon induction. The removal of the spleen had no obvious effect on the rate of pulmonary metastasis in mice injected with B16-F10 malignant melanoma in relation to the mock-splenectomized or control mice. Mice that were splenectomized and inoculated with B16-F10 melanoma also remained refractory to interferon induction.
The Modal Formulation and Adaptive-Passive Control of the Nonself-Adjoint One-Dimensional Acoustic System With a Mass-Spring Termination

This paper investigates the use of mass-spring type of impedances as absorbing elements for interior noise control. The general modal formulation for a one-dimensional acoustic system terminated by a spring-supported piston is presented. The boundary value problem has a nonself-adjoint operator which renders the mode functions unorthogonal. This is overcome by defining an associated self-adjoint operator in Hilbert space and using an operator-theoretic formulation of the problem. Orthogonal mode functions and an expansion theorem are presented which can be used to construct a series solution for the forced response. A numerical study is performed for the case of single frequency excitation in which the impedance parameters are optimized by minimizing the cost function. The results from the numerical simulations indicate the feasibility of interior noise control using tunable mechanical impedances, and provide guidelines and restrictions in designing such a system.
Successful treatment of cisplatin-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome with therapeutic plasma exchange

Abstract Cisplatin is a known cause of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The acute, fulminant form of cisplatin-induced HUS is almost always fatal. We present a 67-year-old Hispanic woman who was treated with cisplatin for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. Three days after receiving the treatment, she presented with increasing fatigue, decreased urine output, and confusion. Physical examination was remarkable for tachycardia of 130 beats/min, peripheral edema, and mental obtundation. Laboratory investigations showed a white cell count of 5,500/microL, hemoglobin level of 9.6 g/dL, hematocrit of 29.6%, and platelet count of 13,000/microL. Schistocytes were present on peripheral smear. Screening for disseminated intravascular coagulation was negative. Serum chemistry values included blood urea nitrogen 111 mg/dL, creatinine 3.8 mg/dL, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) 927 IU. The patient underwent hemodialysis and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), using fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Dialysis was no longer required after the fifth day. TPE was performed daily until the platelet count normalized on the 13th day, after which intertreatment intervals were extended until normalization of LDH levels on the 50th day. We conclude that the normally fatal, fulminant form of cisplatin-induced HUS can be successfully treated with standard TPE, using FFP replacement. (Am J Kidney Dis 1998 Aug;32(2):314-7)
THE ROLE OF INTERLEUKIN 1 IN ACUTE PHASE SERUM AMYLOID A (SAA) AND SERUM AMYLOID P (SAP) BIOSYNTHESIS

The acute phase SAA and SAP profiles have been compared for localized and endotoxin induced inflammation in LPS responder and nonresponder strains of mice. The SAP profile can reflect a delay with respect to the start of the increase. Its maximum is on the order of ten times the nonacute phase concentration and elevated concentrations are sustained 24 to 48 hours after SAA concentration is rapidly decreasing to normal. The role of Interleukin 1, known to have an essential role in SAA production, was investigated for SAP production. Purified mouse IL 1 and rabbit IL 1 produced a minimal elevation of SAP concentration above normal values, especially when compared with their effects on SAA concentration. BCG infection was shown to synergistically augment SAA induction by LPS and was shown to enhance IL 1 production by macrophages in response to LPS. Unlike SAA synthesis, BCG-preinfection fails to synergistically augment the LPS-induced SAP response. BCG infection alone produced highly elevated and sustained increases in SAP concentration, whereas, the effect on SAA concentration was minimal. Macrophages appear to play an important role in SAP acute phase elevation, but the mechanism in different from that of SAA elevation.
A Multidose Study to Examine the Effect of Food on Evacetrapib Exposure at Steady State

Purpose: To determine the effect of a high-fat meal on evacetrapib exposure at steady state in healthy participants.Methods: This was a randomized, 2-period, 2-sequence, open-label, crossover study. Patients were randomly assigned to 1 of the 2 treatment sequences in which they received evacetrapib 130 mg/d for 10 days following a 10-hour fast each day or following a high-fat breakfast each day. Plasma samples collected through 24 hours were analyzed for evacetrapib concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameter estimates including area under the concentration–time curve during a dosing interval (AUCt), maximum observed concentration (Cmax), and time of Cmax (tmax) were calculated. Pharmacodynamic parameters, including cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol, and triglycerides, were also assessed. Results: A total of 34 males and 6 females, mean age 41.5 years and mean body mass index 26.6 kg/m 2 , were enrolled. Statistical analysis showed AUCt was 44% higher (90% confidence interval [CI]: 29%-62%) and Cmax was 51% higher (90% CI: 28%-79%) in the fed state than in the fasted state, indicating an effect of food. Consistent with higher evacetrapib exposure, changes in HDL-C, LDL-C, and CETP activity appeared to be greater in the fed state than in the fasted state. There were no notable changes in total cholesterol or triglycerides following administration in the fed and fasted states. The 130-mg doses of evacetrapib were well tolerated with and without food. Conclusion: A high-fat meal increased evacetrapib mean exposure at steady state by 44% in healthy participants.
The inexorable rise of AKI: can we bend the growth curve?

The treatment of anuria should be conservative. If circulatory failure is present, appropriate steps should be taken to correct it. Otherwise, therapy is limited to the balanced maintenance of the patient until the kidneys have a chance to effect recovery.Homer Smith 1951[1][1] This year marks the
The Clinical Pharmacology of Misonidazole in Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Trials

Because the effectiveness of a hypoxic cell sensitizer of the imidazole class depends directly on its concentration in serum and within the tumor, the pharmacologic distribution of these drugs is of extreme importance. Numerous reports including those originally of Adams and colleagues (1), McNally (2) and of Denekamp (3) have indicated as well as have the skin experiments of Dische and colleagues (4), that the enhancement ratio observable is closely tied to the concentration in tumor and serum. The concentrations versus effectiveness curve for misonidazole rises steeply so that enhancement ratios between 1.3 and 1.5 may be observed at concentrations as low as 25–30 μg/ml within tumor. For these reasons, the determination of concentration within tumor and serum, a more readily-measurable quantity, has been extremely important in the Phase I and II studies of the RTOG (5–9).
Optical and infrared detection using microcantilevers

The feasibility of micromechanical optical and infrared (IR) detection using microcantilevers is demonstrated. Microcantilevers provide a simple means for developing single- and multi-element sensors for visible and infrared radiation that are smaller, more sensitive and lower in cost than quantum or thermal detectors. Microcantilevers coated with a heat absorbing layer undergo bending due to the differential stress originating from the bimetallic effect. Bending is proportional to the amount of heat absorbed and can be detected using optical or electrical methods such as resistance changes in piezoresistive cantilevers. The microcantilever sensors exhibit two distinct thermal responses: a fast one ({theta}{sub 1}{sup thermal} < ms) and a slower one ({tau}{sub 2}{sup thermal} {approximately} 10 ms). A noise equivalent temperature difference, NEDT = 90 mK was measured. When uncoated microcantilevers were irradiated by a low-power diode laser ({lambda} = 786 nm) the noise equivalent power, NEP, was found to be 3.5nW/{radical}Hz which corresponds to a specific detectivity, D*, of 3.6 {times} 10{sup 7} cm {center_dot} {radical}Hz/W at a modulation frequency of 20 Hz.
Repeat cesarean delivery: what indications are recorded in the medical chart?

: Background:National surveillance estimates reported a troubling 63 percent decline in the rate of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) from 1996 (28.3%) to 2003 (10.6%), with subsequent rising rates of repeat cesarean delivery. The study objective was to examine patterns of documented indications for repeat cesarean delivery in women with and without labor. Methods:We conducted a population-based validation study of 19 nonfederal short-stay hospitals in Washington state. Of the 4,541 women who had live births in 2000, 11 percent (n = 493) had repeat cesarean without labor and 3 percent (n = 138) had repeat cesarean with labor. Incidence of medical conditions and pregnancy complications, patterns of documented indications for repeat cesarean delivery, and perioperative complications in relation to repeat cesarean delivery with and without labor were calculated. Results:Of the 493 women who underwent a repeat cesarean delivery without labor, “elective”(36%) and “maternal request”(18%) were the most common indications. Indications for maternal medical conditions (3.0%) were uncommon. Among the 138 women with repeat cesarean delivery with labor, 60.1 percent had failure to progress, 24.6 percent a non-reassuring fetal heart rate, 8.0 percent cephalopelvic disproportion, and 7.2 percent maternal request during labor. Fetal indications were less common (5.8%). Breech, failed vacuum, abruptio placentae, maternal complications, and failed forceps were all indicated less than 5.0 percent. Women's perioperative complications did not vary significantly between women without and with labor. Regardless of a woman's labor status, nearly 10 percent of women with repeat cesarean delivery had no documented indication as to why a cesarean delivery was performed. Conclusions:“Elective” and “maternal request” were common indications among women undergoing repeat cesarean delivery without labor, and nearly 10 percent of women had undocumented indications for repeat cesarean delivery in their medical record. Improvements in standardization of indication nomenclature and documentation of indication are especially important for understanding falling VBAC rates. Future research should examine how clinicians and women anticipate, discuss, and make decisions about childbirth after a previous cesarean delivery within the context of actual antepartum care. (BIRTH 33:1 March 2006)
Engineering diode laser pumps for extremely large-scale laser systems

Several large scale laser applications require diode pumps for high efficiency and average power, but are sensitive to diode performance-cost tradeoffs. This paper describes approaches for addressing these issues, using the example of inertial fusion energy drivers.