cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lattice Model Simulation of Penetrant Diffusion along Hexagonally Packed Rods in a Barrier Matrix As Determined by Pulse-Field-Gradient Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

The structural influence on translational diffusion of 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (TMP) through SEBS triblock polymer (poly(styrene)-block -poly(ethene-co-but-1 -ene)-block -poly(styrene)) was studied using pulse field gradient (PFG) NMR coupled with lattice model simulation. Two types of PFG experiments were performed: one observing the time-dependent apparent diffusion constant and another observing the diffusion-induced NMR signal attenuation. TMP is selectively sorbed into the rubbery ethylene/butylenes (EB) phase while the glassy poly(styrene) (PS) phase acts as a barrier to TMP diffusion. The observed apparent diffusion constant drops drastically at the grain boundary, in which the orientation of the minor EB cylinder phase changes from grain to grain. In the lattice model simulation, in order to match the large drop of diffusion constant, the diameter of the EB cylinder at the interface had to be reduced by a factor of about 0.7. This extra restriction in the size of the conductive phase indicates the important role of the grain boundary on diffusion in membrane applications of block copolymers. The simulation also shows that the grain boundary influence on diffusion becomes significant when the solubility and diffusivity of the penetrant are greatly different between the rubber and glass phases. In addition, we extended the lattice model to simulate the diffusion-induced PFG NMR signal attenuation. From the simulation and theoretical fitting, it is obvious that the EB phase at grain boundary is not connected well, which is in agreement with our observation of a drastic apparent diffusion constant drop at the grain boundaries in the PFG experiment.
Nonlinear Pharmacokinetic Model of Intravenous Anesthesia

A nonlinear pharmacokinetic model was constructed to describe the body distribution of intravenous anesthetics, using the physiological modeling approach for drug distribution kinetics. The model considers the physiological parameters of tissue volumes and blood flow rates for the standard four phases of blood, viscera, lean tissue, and adipose tissue and also the associated drug parameters known to influence drug distribution. A simple ramp function having a characteristic time (volume per flow rate) is used to describe the rate of approach to equilibrium conditions for each tissue phase. The model was evaluated for the distribution of methohexital and thiopental by comparing calculated values to experimental drug concentrations taken from the literature. The physiological alteration of obesity also was programmed into the model to evaluate its capability for predicting the influence of body alterations on drug distribution. The results indicated that a preliminary mathematical model of relatively simple design is capable of at least a semiquantitative prediction of intravenous anesthetic drug concentrations in body tissues and has the potential of accounting for differences in drug distribution in the presence of selected physiological alterations.
Preparation of stable alkyl complexes of Ni(I) and their one-electron oxidation to Ni(II) complex cations.

The three-coordinate nickel(I) alkyl complexes (dtbpe)Ni(CH2CMe3) (2), (dtbpe)Ni(CH2SiMe3) (3), and (dtbpe)Ni(CH2CMe2Ph) (4) have been prepared by treatment of [(dtbpe)NiCl]2 with alkyllithium reagents. While thermally robust, they each undergo mild one-electron oxidation to give the corresponding Ni(II) complex cations [(dtbpe)Ni(CH2CMe3)+] (5), [(dtbpe)Ni(CH2SiMe3)+] (6), and [(dtbpe)Ni(CH2CMe2Ph)+] (7) as red-brown [PF6-] or [BArF4-] salts. In contrast to cationic amido and phosphido analogues that undergo α-deprotonation to afford imido and phosphinidene derivatives, deprotonation of 5−7 occurs at a γ-CH3 group to give metallacyclobutane products (dtbpe)Ni(CH2CMe2CH2) (8), (dtbpe)Ni(CH2SiMe2CH2) (9), and (dtbpe)Ni(CH2CPhMeCH2) (10), not (dtbpe)NiCHR.
Molding polycarbonate: Moisture degradation effect on physical and chemical properties

Proper drying techniques prior to molding can eliminate the overall effects of moisture on the physicochemical properties of polycarbonate. Problems associated with moisture in polycarbonate during molding are described in detail. Moisture absorption is very rapid with the maximum allowable moisture content of 0.03 percent reached within 30 minutes at 49 percent RH and 75°F. Molding with excess moisture content causes a chemical and physical degradation resulting in reduction in tensile impact strength, tensile elongation, ultimate tensile strength, proportional limit and molecular weight. New and existing techniques and procedures for degradation detection were investigated, such as intrinsic viscosity, infrared spectrometry, and thermal methods of analysis. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) proved the most satisfactory. GPC provided information on the average molecular weight and polydispersity.
Prospective comparison of cartesian acquisition with projection-like reconstruction magnetic resonance angiography with computed tomography angiography for evaluation of below-the-knee runoff.

Abstract Purpose To compare prospectively the assessment of stenosis and radiologist confidence in the evaluation of below-the-knee lower extremity runoff vessels between computed tomography (CT) angiography and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) angiography in a cohort of 19 clinical patients. Materials and Methods The study was compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and approved by the institutional review board. Imaging was performed in 19 consecutive patients with known or suspected peripheral arterial disease; both CT angiography and a more recently developed MR angiography technique were performed within 24 hours of each other and before any therapeutic intervention. Resulting images were randomized and interpreted in blinded fashion by four board-certified radiologists with expertise in CT angiography and MR angiography. Vasculature of the lower leg was apportioned into 22 segments, 11 for each leg. For each segment, degree of stenosis and confidence of diagnosis were determined using a 3-point scale. Differences between CT angiography and MR angiography were assessed for significance using pooled histograms that were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results For assessment of stenosis, there was no difference in CT angiography compared with MR angiography for 20 of 22 segments. For confidence of diagnosis, assessment of popliteal arteries was superior on CT angiography compared with MR angiography ( P P Conclusions MR angiography using the method described here is a promising technique for evaluating lower extremity arterial runoff. MR angiography had an overall superior performance in radiologist confidence compared with CT angiography for imaging runoff vessels below the knee.
Cost-effectiveness of screening, surveillance, and primary prophylaxis strategies for esophageal varices.

Cost-effectiveness of screening, surveillance, and primary prophylaxis strategies for esophageal varices
Defending the Ivory Tower against the end of the world

Science was once pure, unadulterated, and a source of public entertainment. Entertainment is now driven by celebrity, and choice is everywhere. Yet, many scientists still believe decision-makers will find and use their research to make science-based decisions. However, this is simply not the case. Articles are written in an inaccessible style, and access is often restricted. Thus, the Media acts as a gatekeeper, limiting stories to subjects directly related to human health, brief, feel-good human interest pieces that often include misinterpretations, oversimplifications, or (worse still) fair and balanced 1-1 discussions. Conversely, misinformation produced by those with economic interests is freely available and easy to find and understand. Yet, many scientists still avoid engaging or correcting factual errors in media and policy as this is often seen as Advocacy: impurity in the Ivory Tower existence, despite already advocating for their work when submitting grant proposals and permit applications. Meanwhile, damage is being done. A now-retracted paper linking autism to vaccinations induced a public movement that persists, with real-world implications for outbreak risks. Likewise, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC)’s reputation is being actively sabotaged by ‘grassroots’ organisations that are heavily, if not exclusively, funded by Big Oil, delaying appropriate policy action. Many lives are actually at stake. Science is under siege, but hiding inside the Ivory Tower is not the answer. Science budgets are falling with the use of science in management decisions. We must leave the Ivory Tower, or science will perish inside the walls to the detriment of the world around us.
Preparation of 152Gd targets from a small quantity of gadolinium oxide in a pyrochemical reaction

A simple method utilizing small amounts (< 5 mg) of isotopically enriched material for the production of gadolinium targets is discussed. An electrostatically focused e-gun is used in the procedure in which 152Gd2O3 powder undergoes reduction-distillation and deposition onto an Fe foil.
Scientific visualization efforts at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Abstract The United States Environmental Protection Agency has recently begun to explore and use scientific visualization tools for environmental research. During May 1990, the National Data Processing Division opened a small visualization laboratory at Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. With the future acquisition of two High Performance Computing platforms, it is expected that scientific visualization efforts will expand over the next 5–10 years. This document highlights issues associated with this expansion.
Managing clinical knowledge among hospital nurses

Knowledge Management (KM) tools and processes, while established in many industries, are relatively new to healthcare. Healthcare organisations resemble virtual organisations that build flexible and dynamic care networks of multiple medical providers and professionals to address a patient's needs. This research studies the major factors impacting clinical KM strategy and processes in the floor nursing function in a large metropolitan area hospital. Empirical data has been collected and analysed to understand what infrastructure enablers and process capabilities are important contributors to KM effectiveness in floor nursing. The results indicate that technology can play a pivotal role in KM initiatives among nurses, provided it supports the processes involved with knowledge acquisition and application in solving new problems. The findings have implications for the selection, deployment and management of Information Technology (IT) to enable clinical KM.
Production of tumours in Rattus (Mastomys) natalensis by polyoma virus.

Rattus (Mastomys) natalensis, the multi-mammate mouse, is an African rodent intermediate in size between the rat and the mouse. These animals have been used in microbiological studies because they are highly susceptible to infection by plague bacilli1, Schistosoma mansoni 2, and Borrelia duttonii 3. They have recently been used in cancer research laboratories following Oettle's report of a high incidence of spontaneous adenocarcinoma of the stomach in a Mastomys colony in Johannesburg, South Africa4. Since the polyoma virus has been shown to produce tumours in mice, Syrian hamsters, rats and rabbits5, we were interested in determining the response of Mastomys to this agent.
Methods of re-initiation and critical conditions for a planar detonation transforming to a cylindrical detonation within a confined volume

Abstract The conditions necessary for the successful transformation of a planar detonation into a diverging, cylindrical detonation after diffraction into a confined volume have been investigated for four different fuel–oxygen mixtures over a wide range of gap sizes. The test mixtures were H2 + 0.5O2, C2H2 + 2.5O2, C2H2 + 4O2 and C2H4 + 3O2, and the range of gap size (w) varied from 1 to 45.5 mm. This range of mixtures and gap sizes plus the higher fidelity owing to pressure measurements along the endwall allowed greater precision when interpreting the results than what was seen in earlier studies, leading to the identification of a wider range of conditions for the successful transformation of the detonation than what was heretofore assumed. The spontaneous re-initiation and continuous reflected re-initiation mechanisms previously observed by Murray and Lee [8] were confirmed, but the present study improves upon the prior one through the conclusive observation that successful propagation of detonations after multiple reflections from the front and back walls of the confined volume is also possible. When compared with literature data, the current results are in fair agreement when only spontaneous and single-reflected re-initiation modes are considered, but when multiple reflections are included, the go/no-go boundary for successful transmission is much wider than found from the limited literature data available. The demarcation boundary was found to fit the relationship w/λ = 0.14w + 0.24, with λ being the cell size in the axial tube. In addition to significantly expanding the database on the axial-to-cylindrical detonation transition in a confined volume and obtaining a new correlation for the demarcation condition, the present paper also shows that there is an optimum distance from the exit of the detonation tube to the endwall, approximately equal to one tube diameter, which promotes successful transmission.
Basal insulin: physiology, pharmacology, and clinical implications

Primary goals in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) include lowering blood glucose levels sufficiently to prevent micro- and macrovascular complications while limiting side effects, such as hypoglycemia and excessive weight gain. Patients with T2DM are typically treated initially with oral antidiabetes agents; however, as the disease progresses, most will require insulin to maintain glycemic control. Often insulin therapy is initiated with basal insulin, and the objective of this article is to present the conceptual aspects of basal insulin therapy and use these concepts to illustrate important clinical aspects. This will be accomplished within a broader contextual discussion of the normal physiologic patterns of insulin secretion, which consist of sustained levels of basal insulin production throughout the day, superimposed with bursts of insulin secretion following a meal (termed bolus or prandial insulin secretion) that slowly decay over 1 to 3 hours. Long-acting basal insulin analogs form a key component of basal-bolus therapy and provide basal support for patients with T2DM. Insulin therapy is often initiated with basal insulin, and newer long-acting analogs, such as insulin glargine and insulin detemir, provide steady, reliable basal insulin coverage in addition to significant advantages over traditional long-acting insulins. This article will integrate conceptual aspects of basal insulin therapy in the context of physiology, molecular pharmacology, and clinical implications of modern basal insulin analogs to provide a foundational understanding of basal insulin biology and physiology.
Immune parameters in athletes before and after strenuous exercise

Secretory IgA levels were studied in nationally ranked Nordic skiers before and after the national cross-country races held in February 1981. Comparing the skiers with age-matched controls, there was significantly lower level of salivary IgA before the race. Concentrations of IgA decreased further following the competition (50 kn for males; 20 km for females) to very low levels. There also were a significant increase in the percentage of B lymphocytes and a decrease in the null population (non-T, non-B) in the athletes after the race compared with the controls. The mechanism responsible for these changes is unknown, but the low salivary IgA levels may result from depletion of nasal fluid and/or malfunction of the mucosal plasma cells due to a decrease temperature in the mucous membranes. We speculated that a temporary antibody deficiency on the mucosal surface might lead to a susceptibility to acquiring viral and bacterial infections, especially during the interval immediately following strenuous exercise.
Diabetes in pregnancy: Evaluating self-monitoring performance and glycemic control with memory-based reflectance meters

Reflectance meters modified by the addition of a memory microchip that stored glucose values were used to measure the difference between self-reported and actual blood glucose data in 34 pregnant diabetic women. Overall two thirds of the patients reported values that were significantly lower and less variable than those recorded in the memory meters.
Ritual, Risk, and Danger: Chain Prayers in Fiji

Rituals that defuse immediate senses of danger can perpetuate senses of powerlessness. Ambiguous language used in defensive rituals can heighten people's senses of the risks they are confronting and also compel people to perform those rituals again in the future. In this article, I illustrate this argument by examining Fijian Methodist masu sema (chain prayers), which are conducted to defuse the dangers that beset society, including curses from demonic ancestors. I argue that Fijian cultural themes of present-day human powerlessness are generated largely by competition between Methodist and chiefly authorities. "Chain prayers" are attempts to negate the power of dangerous ancestors, but in requesting God's help, ritual participants cast themselves as powerless. Verbal ambiguity in chain prayers gives "demons" lives of their own, compelling their future circulation.
Multi-Dimensional Pokayoke-Stoplight Control System in Unmanned Manufacturing Cells

A multi-dimensional Pokayoke-Stoplight Control (M-PSC) system has been developed that uses an on-line, real-time, and fuzzy-logic-based approach. By using various non-contact or contact sensors, multi-dimensional measurements have been taken on a real-time basis. By processing in a multi-input and single-output fuzzy logic controller, the measurements are interpreted to represent the status of the manufacturing process. The fuzzy logic controller serves as a decision-making device to turn on a stoplight, e.g. green, yellow, or red, not only to indicate the acceptance of the product but also to warn the monitor of the UMC when a change in the process occurs. The fuzzy logic system has been pre-defined based on the statistical process control technique and 100% inspection methodology. This approach enables the M-PSC system to provide on-line, real-time inspection to prevent defects before they occur in a UMC. The performance of the M-PSC system has been evaluated by experimental tests on a CNC lathe. The results demonstrate that the M-PSC system provides a UMC with a “make one, check one, and pass one on” capability.
The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Hairpulling Scale: 1. Development and Factor Analyses

We developed the MGH Hairpulling Scale to provide a brief, self-report instrument for assessing repetitive hairpulling. Seven individual items, rated for severity from 0 to 4, assess urges to pull, actual pulling, perceived control, and associated distress. We administered the scale to 119 consecutive patients with chronic hairpulling. Statistical analyses indicate that the seven items form a homogenous scale for the measurement of severity in this disorder.
Hierarchical honeycombs with tailorable properties

We investigated the mechanical behavior of two-dimensional hierarchical honeycomb structures using analytical, numerical and experimental methods. Hierarchical honeycombs were constructed by replacing every three-edge vertex of a regular hexagonal lattice with a smaller hexagon. Repeating this process builds a fractal-appearing structure. The resulting isotropic in-plane elastic properties (effective elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio) of this structure are controlled by the dimension ratios for different hierarchical orders. Hierarchical honeycombs of first and second order can be up to 2.0 and 3.5 times stiffer than regular honeycomb at the same mass (i.e., same overall average density). The Poisson’s ratio varies from nearly 1.0 (when planar ‘bulk’ modulus is considerably greater than Young’s modulus, so the structure acts ‘incompressible’ for most loadings) to 0.28, depending on the dimension ratios. The work provides insight into the role of structural organization and hierarchy in regulating the mechanical behavior of materials, and new opportunities for developing low-weight cellular structures with tailorable properties.
Deamination of 4-Aminopyrimidine Nucleosides by Extracts of Rye Grass (Lolium perenne)

A deaminase specific for 4-aminopyrimidine nucleosides has been found in rye grass. Lolium perenne. The pH optimum, temperature stability, Km values and specificity was determined. A new and more accurate method for following the course of deamination is reported. This method depends on the shift in maximum absorbance wavelength of the mixture containing the 4-aminopyrimidine nucleoside and its deaminated product.
On the boundedness of an iterative procedure for solving a system of linear inequalities

Abstract : It is proved that the perceptron error-correction procedure stays bounded, even when no solution to the system of linear inequalities exists. This supplements earlier papers by B. Efron and by M. Minsky and S. Papert. (Author)
Use of copper oxide wire particles to control gastrointestinal nematodes in goats.

The objectives of these experiments were to determine the optimal dose of copper oxide wire particles (COWP) necessary to reduce gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection in young and mature goats naturally infected with Haemonchus contortus or a mixed infection and to determine whether the effectiveness could be enhanced through feeding management. Two experiments were conducted during cooler months in Georgia, and 4 experiments were conducted during warmer spring or summer months in Arkansas. Meat goats received 0 up to 10 g of COWP under a variety of management conditions. In all experiments, blood and feces were collected every 3 or 7 d from 6 to 42 d to determine blood packed cell volume (PCV) and fecal egg counts (FEC) to estimate the degree of GIN infection. In mature goats grazing fall pasture, mean FEC of 0 g of COWP-treated goats increased, and those of 4 g of COWP-treated goats remained low on d 0, 7, and 14 (COWP x d, P 0.10), which were lower on d 7 through 21 (COWP x date, P < 0.05) but similar by d 28, compared with FEC of 0 g of COWP-treated kids. Packed cell volume was lower in 0 g compared with all COWP-treated kids by d 14 (COWP x date, P < 0.05). Feeding management in combination with COWP for GIN control had little effect compared with COWP alone for these short-term studies. In conclusion, a dose of COWP as low as 0.5 g, which was considered optimal to reduce the risk of copper toxicity, was effective in reducing FEC in young goats, and 5 g of COWP was effective in older goats. Copper oxide does not appear to be effective in controlling newly acquired L4 stage (preadult) larvae, which also feed on blood, leading to decreased PCV in newly infected goats.
Prevention of lethal experimental infection of C57BL/6 mice by vaccination with Brucella abortus strain RB51 expressing Neospora caninum antigens.

Abstract Bovine abortions caused by the intracellular protozoal parasite Neospora caninum are a major concern to cattle industries worldwide. A strong Th1 immune response is required for protection against N. caninum. Brucella abortus strain RB51 is currently used as a live, attenuated vaccine against bovine brucellosis. Strain RB51 can also be used as an expression vector for heterologous protein expression. In this study, putative protective antigens of N. caninum MIC1, MIC3, GRA2, GRA6 and SRS2, were expressed individually in B. abortus strain RB51. The ability of each of the recombinant RB51 strains to induce N. caninum-specific immunity was assessed in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were immunised by two i.p. inoculations, 4 weeks apart. Five weeks after the second immunisation, spleen cells from the vaccinated mice secreted high levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 upon in vitro stimulation with N. caninum whole cell lysate antigens. N. caninum-specific antibodies of both IgG1 and IgG2a subtypes were detected in the serum of the vaccinated mice. Mice in the vaccinated and control groups were challenged with 2 × 107 N. caninum tachyzoites i.p. and observed for 28 days after vaccination. All unvaccinated control mice died within 7 days. Mice in the MIC1 and GRA6 vaccine groups were completely protected while the mice in the SRS2, GRA2 and MIC3 vaccinated groups were partially protected and experienced 10–50% mortality. The non-recombinant RB51 vector control group experienced an average protection of 69%. These results suggest that expression of protective antigens of N. caninum in B. abortus strain RB51 is a novel approach towards the development of a multivalent vaccine against brucellosis and neosporosis.
Further evidence for a proton pump in mouse kidney phagolysosomes: Effect of nigericin and 2,4-dinitrophenol on the stimulation of intralysosomal proteolysis by ATP

Abstract The lipid soluble acid 2,4-dinitrophenol completely abolished the stimulatory effect of ATP on intralysosomal proteolysis in mouse kidney phagolysosomes at pH 8. The protonophore had no effect in the absence of ATP at pH 8 but inhibited intralysosomal proteolysis in unbuffered media. The ionophorous antibiotic nigericin also prevented the action of ATP at pH 8 but had no effect in the absence of ATP in unbuffered media. Nigericin also inhibited intralysosomal proteolysis at pH 8 in the absence of ATP. These observations support the hypothesis that the phagolysosome membrane contains an ATP-driven proton pump which functions to maintain intralysosomal acidity.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in anticoagulated patients.

Although minimally surgically invasive, laparoscopic surgery has yet to be proven safe in patients receiving anticoagulants. Retrospectively, the laparoscopic management of four patients requiring anticoagulation for cardiac valvular prostheses or chronic atrial fibrillation was reviewed with regard to potential hemorrhagic complications. Warfarin was discontinued preoperatively in all cases. Heparin anticoagulation was individualized according to each patient’s risk for thrombosis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and intraoperative cholangiography were completed in each patient without resulting hemorrhagic complications. The operative management of patients exhibiting cholecystitis may be complicated by anticoagulation therapy required for preexisting conditions/diseases such as cardiac valve prostheses, chronic atrial fibrillation, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. The minimally invasive nature of laparoscopic surgery lends itself well to cholecystectomy required in the face of anticoagulation treatment. This limited initial series of selected patients demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients receiving anticoagulants.
Potential Role of Methionine Sulfoxide in the Inactivation of the Chaperone GroEL by Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) and Peroxynitrite (ONOO

GroEL is an Escherichia coli molecular chaperone that functions in vivo to fold newly synthesized polypeptides as well as to bind and refold denatured proteins during stress. This protein is a suitable model for its eukaryotic homolog, heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60), due to the high number of conserved amino acid sequences and similar function. Here, we will provide evidence that GroEL is rather insensitive to oxidants produced endogenously during metabolism, such as nitric oxide (.NO) or hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), but is modified and inactivated by efficiently reactive species generated by phagocytes, such as peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl). For the exposure of 17.5 microm GroEL to 100-250 microm HOCl, the major pathway of inactivation was through the oxidation of methionine to methionine sulfoxide, established through mass spectrometric detection of methionine sulfoxide and the reactivation of a significant fraction of inactivated GroEL by the enzyme methionine sulfoxide reductase B/A (MsrB/A). In addition to the oxidation of methionine, HOCl caused the conversion of cysteine to cysteic acid and this product may account for the remainder of inactivated GroEL not recoverable through MsrB/A. In contrast, HOCl produced only negligible yields of 3-chlorotyrosine. A remarkable finding was the conversion of Met(111) and Met(114) to Met sulfone, which suggests a rather low reduction potential of these 2 residues in GroEL. The high sensitivity of GroEL toward HOCl and ONOO(-) suggests that this protein may be a target for bacterial killing by phagocytes.
Human microvascular endothelial cells: coordinate induction of morphologic differentiation and twofold extension of life span.

Human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) from adult adipose tissue were cultured in MCDB 131 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. Under these conditions, HMVEC from seven different donors had finite proliferative life spans ranging from 14.5 to 23.5 population doublings (PD), with a mean life span of 19 PD. Addition of 10% conditioned medium from activated human leukocyte cultures (BM Condimed®) extended the life span of HMVEC to 31 to 41 PD, with a mean life span of 37 PD. At the end of lifespan, HMVEC cultures both with and without BM Condimed had very low labeling indices (0 to 5% [3H]thymidine labeled nuclei) and consisted of enlarged cells. However, the morphologies of the two types of HMVEC cultures were very different. Untreated HMVEC were polygonal endothelial cells that formed cobblestonelike monolayers with no cell overlapping. In contrast, BM Condimed-treated HMVEC were more elongated, less regularly shaped cells that were not strictly inhibited from overlapping. When old, these cells accumulated numerous vacuoles. The BM Condimed-treated HMVEC expressed Factor VIII antigen, which confirms their identity as endothelial cells. These cells reverted rapidly to the polygonal morphology of untreated HMVEC when they were removed from BM Condimed. Likewise, their proliferative capacity was not extended further once BM condimed was removed. These results suggest that HMVEC can exist in two distinct morphologic states in which the cells have different finite proliferative life spans.
Laser-assist during extraction of chronically implanted pacemaker and defibrillator leads

Abstract Background . Extraction of chronically implanted pacing and defibrillator leads has historically been difficult, occasionally requiring open surgical procedures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and potential need for percutaneous laser-assisted sheath techniques for extraction of chronically implanted leads. Methods . From January 1999 to August 2001, 128 consecutive patients underwent extraction of 229 leads (138 pacing, 91 defibrillator) in the operating room 61 ± 44 (mean ± standard deviation) months after implantation. Common indications included erosion or pocket infection (41%), lead dysfunction (30%), and sepsis (13%). Results . Laser techniques were used for 56% ± 4% (104 of 186) of long-term (implanted for more than 1 year) leads, compared with only 16% ± 6% (7 of 43) of short-term (implanted for less than 1 year) leads ( p p Conclusions . Laser-assisted lead extraction is safe, but it is best performed in the operating room; it should be available for long-term leads, except when they are grossly infected, producing sepsis. Laser techniques have essentially eliminated the need for open surgical removal of retained leads.
High-precision beam shaper for coherent and incoherent light using a DLP spatial light modulator

We designed a precision laser beam shaper using a Texas Instruments digital micromirror device (DMD) with a telescope system containing a pinhole low-pass filter. The performance of the beam shaper was measured by comparing the intensity and wave-front uniformity to the target function and by the energy conversion efficiency. We demonstrated flattop and other laser beam profiles with 1-1.5% root-mean-square (RMS) error for a raw camera image and nearly flat phase. A noise analysis of the system revealed that lower error is possible and that most of the error came from coherent speckle noise in the camera. A previous experiment using a 1064 nm single-mode fiber (SMF) laser produced around 7% beam power conversion efficiency. Here we report improvements in system automation and laser source flexibility that result in increasing both the speed of the system to calculate and produce a beam, and the beam uniformity and energy conversion efficiency. A LabVIEW program was written to accelerate the speed of the iterative process for beam profile refinement. A 760 nm super-luminescent light emitting diode (SLED) and a 781 nm Laser Diode (LD) were used as light sources in order to reduce the beam coherence and approach the ultimate performance of the shaper. Both sources greatly reduced the speckle noise and increased measured intensity uniformity. Experiments achieved less than 0.9% RMS error over the entire flattop area with a diameter of 1.32 mm. In addition, simulations were conducted to determine the optimized wavelengths for different types of DMDs. For the .7XGA DMD, the 5th diffraction order matches 750-800 nm. Matching the laser diode to this wavelength increased the power conversion efficiency (input beam to output beam) to 19.8%.
Fat, sex, class, adaptive flexibility, and cultural change

Abstract In modern industrial nations, the traditional positive correlation between female body fat and social class has turned strongly inverse, thinness in women is admired and plumpness is a handicap. This recent reversal of what had seemed to be stable aspects of human nature is analyzed as a potentially adaptive response to two ecological novelties: chronic food surplus and the breakdown of barriers between men's and women's work, which, together, may have made thinness helpful to women competing for status and resources in both mating and job markets. Whether status and resources still promote long-term Darwinian fitness is an open question. Progress in understanding the unique properties of the human mind depends on widespread recognition that the mind has been designed by natural selection to seek and sometimes find adaptive solutions to the novel problems we ourselves create. Adaptive flexibility and cultural change are two sides of the same coin.
A model for wafer scale variation of removal rate in chemical mechanical polishing based on elastic pad deformation

It is well known that within wafer non-uniformity (WIWNU), due to the variation in material, removal rate (MRR) in the whole wafer plays an important role in determining the quality of a wafer planarized by CMP. Various material removal models also suggest that the MRR is strongly influenced by the interface pressure. In the present work, an analytical expression for pressure distribution at the wafer and pad interface is developed. It is observed that depending on the wafer curvature and polishing conditions, the interface pressure may exhibit significant variation. The analytical model predictions are first verified against finite element method (FEM) simulations. The predicted analytical pressure profiles are then utilized in Preston's equation to estimate the MRR, and these MRR predictions are also compared to experimental observations. The analytical results suggest, that for a specified wafer curvature there exists a certain polishing condition (and vice versa) that will enable holding the WIWNU within a specified tolerance band. The proposed model facilitates the design space exploration for such optimal polishing conditions.
Some determinants of stylistic phonological variations

An investigation was made of factors that influence the choice of alternate stylistic pronunciations of words in five categories, each category consisting of an SP (Spelling Pronunciation) alternant and a less formal NSP (Non-SP) alternate; e.g., for round, SP [rawnd] versus NSP [rawn]. Each S first read aloud words—16 in each category—from flash cards as part of an ostensible learning task and then read through the same list of words under instructions to pronounce the words “clearly and accurately.” A significantly higher number of SP pronunciations was found in the second task than in the first for all five categories. The frequency and status (a dimension ranging from casual to formal) of words were related to the choice between SP and NSP in two of the categories in both tasks, and Ss' speed of articulation was found to be minimally relevant in the same respect. A crucial structural difference—subphonemic versus phonemic alternation—which differentiates two of the categories from the others, played a central role in the interpretation of results.
Evidence for independent osmosensitivity of lateral preoptic and lateral hypothalamic neurons.

The purpose of the present study was to determine if a functional or modulatory relationship exists between osmosensitive neurons of the lateral preoptic (LPO) and lateral hypothalamic (LHA) areas. Unit activity was recorded from one neural area (LPO or LHA) following bilateral destruction of the opposite area, i.e., LPO recording site with LHA lesion site, and vice-versa. Bilateral destruction of the LPO or LHA did not eliminate the osmosensitivity characteristics of LPO or LHA units, demonstrating that units of either area do not require input from the opposite area for osmosensitivity.
Selected Morphological and Functional Properties of Extruded Acetylated Starch−Polylactic Acid Foams

Native starch and polylactic acid (PLA) are biodegradable polymers that can be used in packaging materials. Their hydrophilic properties hinder their widespread use. Hydrophobicity can be improved significantly by acetylating native starch. This study was conducted to determine the morphological and functional properties of acetylated starch−PLA foams. Acetylated corn starch, with a degree of substitution (DS) of 2.3, and acetylated potato starch, with a DS of 1.07, were extruded with 5, 10, or 15% PLA in a twin screw co-rotating extruder at 150, 160, or 170 °C barrel temperatures and 130, 150, or 170 rpm screw speeds. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to analyze the morphological properties of the extruded foams. A central composite response surface design was used to analyze the effects of acetylated starch type, PLA content, barrel temperature, and screw speed on the specific mechanical energy requirements of p...
ACOUSTICS AND STABILITY OF FLUID FLOW IN A PERIODIC ELASTIC STRUCTURE

Abstract A fluid flows horizontally through a fluid-structure system comprising alternating elastic solid and liquid constituents arranged periodically in the vertical direction. An exact analysis is performed to consider the existence and stability of small acoustic waves and disturbances. The presence of the flow introduces the possibility of flow-induced flutter. Unstable waves are generally possible for M of order unity, M being the Mach number relative to the speed of shear waves in the solid. Instabilities can appear for much lower values for antisymmetric flexural type motion. In that case it is found that a critical wavenumber exists, indicating that the layered system is inherently unstable to long wavelength disturbances.
Performance of ferroelectric based tunable capacitors as a function of electrode geometry

Abstract High quality Ba0.4Sr0.6TiO3 and SrTiO3 films were grown by Pulsed Laser Deposition on single crystal LaAlO3 and MgO substrates. Temperature dependencies of the dielectric constant and loss tangent of the films were studied using planar interdigitated test capacitors with various electrode geometries. The temperature where the maximum or “peak” capacitance occurs (Tp and referred to as the “peak temperature”) is found to depend on the electrode geometry in these films. As much as 40 K difference in Tp was observed between the STO test capacitors with 5 μm and 40 μm gaps between electrodes. Interface built-in electric field and metal-ferroelectric thermal mismatch strain are considered as possible explanation of the effect of electrode geometry on peak temperature of the capacitors.
Hydrocarbon Potential Along Cordilleran Hinge Line in Utah, South of Uinta Axis: ABSTRACT

The Cordilleran hinge line of Utah has been one of the most persistent geologic features in western North America. Its influence on sedimentation patterns and tectonic events continues from the Precambrian. What the hinge line is or what is its cause remains unresolved; however, gross sedimentation patterns indicate the existence of an enduring western geosyncline that received tens of thousands of feet of sediment from the Precambrian to Late Permian. Subsequently, rocks of the geosyncline began to rise, and a general reversal of sedimentation patterns occurred. This tectonism not only elevated the western region but had at least three phases of igneous activity in parts of it. These igneous phases range in age from Jurassic to Tertiary, and with accompanying faulting, they greatly modified the area adjacent to the hinge line. The main cause of this tectonism is considered to be related to divergent plate motions. Subsequent to the Oligocene phase of igneous activity, the area east of the hinge line gradually rose. The net effect put Cretaceous marine rocks higher than their one-time source areas. Despite being the depositional site of many favorable marine rock units and having experienced some conducive tectonism, oil and gas finds along the hinge line have not only been few but also relatively small. Factors such as adequate source rocks and traps along the hinge line, the net effect of the igneous activity, as well as high cost for seismic exploration and drilling have prevented adequate testing of the region. In addition, exploration philosophies have been tied too closely to a Wyoming thrust belt model. Several relatively unexplored areas, some over 1,000 mi2 (2,600 km2), still have potential. Devonian through Tertiary rocks all have reasonable qualities to expect generation of hydrocarbons. Potential stratigraphic and structural traps are both prese t. If hydrocarbons are to be found in the area, an innovative and geologically intricate exploration scheme will be required. End_of_Article - Last_Page 931------------
Recollections of the Adolescence and Young Adulthood of the SSSR

My recollections are of the adolescence and young adulthood of the SSSR. The society was not yet ten years old when I first presented a paper in the fall of 1957. For the next two decades until the society was approaching the age of thirty, the organization was a major part of my life as Program Chair (1959), as Secretary and Executive Secretary (1959-1964), as Treasurer (19641965), as Journal Editor (1966-1971), as President (1972-1973), and as a Council Member (19731977). The 1960s, the organization's second decade, was a time of major growth, identity formation, and, yes, identity crisis. The first half of the decade was the principal time of actual growth, relatively stressless. The second half was the time of consolidating this growth with more formal and elaborate structures-this transition not without its stress.
Prostatic Levels of Tocopherols, Carotenoids, and Retinol in Relation to Plasma Levels and Self-Reported Usual Dietary Intake

This study evaluated how prostatic levels of antioxidants relate to plasma levels and self-reported usual dietary intake. Definition of these relations may aid in interpreting studies of antioxidant exposure and prostate cancer risk. Between July 1996 and April 1997, plasma and prostatic tissue levels of tocopherols, carotenoids, and retinol were measured in 47 men undergoing radical prostatectomy or transurethral prostatectomy at Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, and an affiliate hospital. Dietary intake was measured by using a 122-item version of the Block Health Habits and History Questionnaire, and correlations were assessed with Pearson's coefficients. Prostatic levels of tocopherols and carotenoids (but not retinol) were significantly correlated with plasma levels (r= 0.31-0.56, p < 0.05-0.0001); the strongest correlations were associated with lycopene, beta-carotene, and gamma-tocopherol (0.56, 0.54, and 0.52, respectively; p < 0.0001). Relative concentrations of tocopherols and carotenoids in prostate tissue were proportionate to those in plasma. No correlation between prostatic levels and reported dietary intake was observed (r = -0.09 to 0.16, p < not significant). Adjustment for energy intake, body mass index, and serum lipids did not impact these relations. These results suggest that plasma levels of tocopherols and carotenoids better reflect prostatic exposure than self-reported usual dietary intake.
Split gluteal muscle flap for autoprosthesis buttock augmentation.

Background:Several flaps have been described to provide autologous augmentation to the gluteal area. Since the authors' original description of a dermal fat flap for buttock augmentation during lower body lift in 2005, the procedure has been refined considerably. Unique to previously described flaps
A Nitric Oxide Releasing, Self Assembled Peptide Amphiphile Matrix that Mimics Native Endothelium for Coating Implantable Cardiovascular Devices

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. Deployment of stents and vascular grafts has been a major therapeutic method for treatment. However, restenosis, incomplete endothelialization, and thrombosis hamper the long term clinical success. As a solution to meet these current challenges, we have developed a native endothelial ECM mimicking self-assembled nanofibrous matrix to serve as a new treatment model. The nanofibrous matrix is formed by self-assembly of peptide amphiphiles (PAs), which contain nitric oxide (NO) donating residues, endothelial cell adhesive ligands composed of YIGSR peptide sequence, and enzyme-mediated degradable sites. NO was successfully released from the nanofibrous matrix rapidly within 48 h, followed by sustained release over period of 30 days. The NO releasing nanofibrous matrix demonstrated a significantly enhanced proliferation of endothelial cells (51+/-3% to 67+/-2%) but reduced proliferation of smooth muscle cells (35+/-2% to 16+/-3%) after 48 h of incubation. There was also a 150-fold decrease in platelet attachment on the NO releasing nanofibrous matrix (470+/-220 platelets/cm(2)) compared to the collagen-I (73+/-22 x 10(3)platelets/cm(2)) coated surface. The nanofibrous matrix has the potential to be applied to various cardiovascular implants as a self-assembled coating, thereby providing a native endothelial extracellular matrix (ECM) mimicking environment.