cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Oxide–Oxide Composites in a Novel Combustor Wall Application

Oxide–oxide composites were evaluated in a novel combustor design requiring higher wall temperatures than the conventional combustors. The evaluation was based on a combination of numerical modeling and experimental rig testing. The modeling included computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations whose results were used in a thermo-mechanical analysis using finite element modeling (FEM). The composites tested experimentally were obtained from a commercial vendor; they were reinforced using Nextel™ 720 fibers. The rig tests showed that aluminosilicate matrix composites with higher room temperature strengths suffered cracking while the weaker alumina matrix composites performed satisfactorily. The results were consistent with numerical models that predicted residual stresses from creep during service. The models showed that in-plane gradients and their effects were more severe than those of through-thickness gradients and suggest that tailoring fiber architecture is important in transitioning these composites to applications.
Organic solvent binding to crystalline subtilisin1 in mostly aqueous media and in the neat solvents.

The X-ray crystal structures of the protease subtilisin Carlsberg in 40% acetonitrile and in 20% dioxane have been determined to at least 2.3 A resolution, and their solvent binding patterns have been compared to those observed in the neat organic solvents. The structures of the protein in the two aqueous-organic mixtures are essentially the same as in pure water, acetonitrile, and dioxane. Interestingly, the enzyme-bound organic solvent molecules tend to congregate in the active site. Three of the five bound acetonitrile molecules observed in the structure of subtilisin in 40% acetonitrile are situated in the enzyme active site, as is the single enzyme-bound dioxane molecule observed in 20% dioxane (whose location is distinct from that of any bound acetonitrile molecule). Furthermore, the organic solvent molecules detected in the enzyme active site in the aqueous-organic mixtures are in the same locations as in the structures in the corresponding neat organic solvents.
Successful long term therapy of biopterin deficiency

A hyperphenylalaninaemic infant, started on dietary therapy at 14 days of age, had severe developmental retardation and neurological abnormalities despite excellent biochemical control. A diagnosis of a deficit in biopterin synthesis was made at five months of age as a result of the following: high neopterin and low biopterin levels in both blood and urine, normal dihydropteridine reductase in the liver and a sharp drop in the plasma phenylalanine level 4 h after the administration of a test dose of tetrahydrobiopterin. Treatment with levodopa, carbidopa and 5-hydroxytryptophan resulted in prompt neurological improvement. This was followed by gradual and sustained development. At present, at the age of 7 years, the child is mentally and physically normal.
Exactly alternating silarylene—siloxane polymers: 6. Thermal stability and degradation behaviour

Abstract The thermal stability and degradation behaviour of a series of twelve different exactly alternating silarylene—siloxane polymers were investigated by several different methods including thermal gravimetric analysis (t.g.a.) in air and in nitrogen, long term (up to 48 h) high temperature (600° and 900°C) isothermal degradation in nitrogen, and rapid pyrolysis in helium. No weight loss was observed by t.g.a. until about 400°C, and two distinctly different mechanisms were observed, one for degradation in nitrogen (a single step process), and the other in air (a three step process). Under nitrogen, black, insoluble, carbon-hydrogen-silicon containing degradation products were obtained, which were stable in pure oxygen to at least 1100°C. In air, pure SiO2 was obtained after heating to above 730°C. Isothermal investigations revealed that at temperatures of 600°C and above, weight loss by thermal degradation under a nitrogen atmosphere was completed in less than an hour, and the polymeric products which remained thereafter did not change any further even after 48 h at 900°C.
Genetic and phenotypic parameters for 305-day yield, fertility, and survival in Holsteins.

A data file containing 122,715 lactation records of Holstein cows distributed across 11,374 herd-year-season groups was analyzed to obtain (co)variance estimates for yield, fertility and cow survival. Milk, fat, and protein yields were adjusted to 305 d. Days open was truncated to 305 d, and the number of services was truncated to 9. Survival of a cow during a full lactation (305 d) was recorded as 0 (died) or 1 (alive). Variance components for the six traits were estimated using a multiple-trait animal model and the REML procedure. The model included herd-year-season, parity (three groups), age (three groups nested within parity), sex of calf (1 = male, 2 = female), and dystocia score (1 = no problem,..., 5 = extreme difficulty) as fixed effects and animal and permanent environment as random effects. Heritabilities for milk, fat, and protein yields, days open, number of services and cow survival were 0.2, 0.18, 0.18, 0.04, 0.03, and 0.002, respectively. The corresponding repeatabilities were 0.42, 0.41, 0.41, 0.12, 0.08, and 0.009, respectively. Genetic and phenotypic correlations between yield traits were high and positive, and correlations between yields and reproduction traits were high and antagonistic. Phenotypic correlations between survival and yields were about 0.1, and their genetic counterparts were slightly negative. Thus, management practices seem to keep mortality rates of high producing cows lower even though those cows have lower genetic potential for survival than do the low producers. Fertility traits showed a slightly undesirable (e.g., 0.1 to 0.3) genetic relationship with survival, but phenotypic correlations were essentially 0. For heifers, yields increased significantly with age. For cows in other parities, the significant changes with age were reduced fertility and reduced survival.
HIPAA-FERPA REVISITED

Since April 2003, school nurse and school health officials have been clamoring for guidance on how the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Education Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) interface in the school environment. This article provides an up-to-date explanation of how school health leaders are interpreting the practical implications of the federal privacy laws. With the attention and scrutiny given to personally identifiable health information in all settings, it is imperative for school nurses, school administrators, and school attorneys to revisit policies and procedures for protecting the privacy of student and family health information in schools.
Products of EP matrices

Abstract Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for a matrix to be a product of an EP r matrix by an EP s matrix. It is shown that a given square matrix is a product of more than two EP matrices of specified ranks (and hence nullities) if and only if its rank is less than or equal to the minimum of the given ranks and its nullity is less than or equal to the sum of the given nullities. It is also shown that given two EP matrices, the rank of their product is independent of the order of the factors.
High genetic diversity, large inter-oceanic divergence and historical demography of the striped mullet.

The striped mullet Mugil cephalus L. is a circumtropical species whose extreme conservative morphology stands in contrast with the degree of genetic differentiation at a global scale. One hundred and fourteen mitochondrial control region DNA sequences were analysed from four localities in the Gulf of Mexico (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida), one on the U.S.A. east coast (N. Carolina), and one in Hawaii, giving very high levels of molecular diversity (h=1.0 every haplotype was unique in all samples, π=1.1-2.0% in Gulf-Atlantic and π=3.1% in Hawaii). With no genetic evidence of dramatic population expansions, mismatch distributions were still very different in each ocean. Stable population levels in Hawaii have fostered the generation and persistence of very high molecular diversity, but Gulf-Atlantic samples suggest a shorter span of population stability. Ninety-five per cent of the molecular variance was allocated between ocean basins and virtually none among Gulf-Atlantic samples. A neighbour-joining reconstruction revealed Atlantic- and Pacific-specific lineages separated by more than 24% uncorrected sequence divergence (d=0.49 Tamura-Nei Gamma-corrected). The lack of phylogeographic structure among Gulf-Atlantic samples corroborated the AMOVA results and supported the existence of a single population with high levels of gene flow along the Gulf of Mexico and north-west Atlantic coasts. The genetic differentiation between oceans points to the absence of gene flow and an accelerated rate of mitochondrial evolution in the genus Mugil.
Level crossing of molecular sidebands

Abstract A simple new technique in precision non-linear spectroscopy is described which involves level crossing of modulation-induced molecular sidebands. The utility of this method is demonstrated by measuring a small permanent dipole moment in the ν 3 vibrational state of CH 4 .
Model of anesthesia care that combines anesthesiologists and registered nurses during cataract surgery.

Purpose To determine the safety and practicality of a combined anesthesiologist and registered nurse model of anesthesia care in cataract surgery. Setting Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. Design Case series. Methods This retrospective review comprised consecutive patients having phacoemulsification cataract surgery and peribulbar injection anesthesia combined with propofol intravenous sedation between August 1, 2004, and July 31, 2006. In all cases, anesthesiologist-supervised intravenous propofol sedation during injection anesthesia was followed by registered nurse observation for the remainder of the surgery. Outcome measures were the rate of subsequent anesthesiologist intervention, intraoperative complications, and associated risk factors. Logistic regression models were used to estimate risk for anesthesiologist intervention. Results The study reviewed 3656 cases. There were no serious medical complications leading to postoperative hospitalization. Fifty-four cases (1.5%) required subsequent intraoperative anesthesiologist intervention. Evaluation of systolic hypertension (40 of 54 cases, 74%) was the most common reason for anesthesiologist intervention. There was no correlation between anesthe-siologist intervention and patient age or sex ( P =.77 and P =.41, respectively). The risk for anesthesiologist intervention increased 2.2-fold for every 1 unit increase in the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status score ( P =.007). Conclusion The monitoring of cataract surgery patients by registered nurses after anesthesiologist-supervised intravenous propofol sedation during injection anesthesia was associated with very low complication and anesthesiologist intervention rates. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
The response of some prosimian primate mothers to their own anesthetized infants

Six lemur mothers of three different species and oneGalago crassicaudatus mother were observed in the presence of their own anesthetized infants. Two of the lemur mothers spent only very brief periods sitting near their infants and seldom groomed them; the other four spent over half of the infant immobility period in close proximity to their infants and groomed them frequently. Four lemur mothers groomed the ano-genital region of their infant at least once. None of the lemur mothers picked up or carried her immobilized infant, as has been reported for some higher primate mothers, although one lemur mother used her hands to pull the infant toward her ventrum while sitting on the floor. Five lemur mothers rejected their infants when the infants displayed disoriented behavior while emerging from anesthesia. The galago mother retrieved her anesthetized infant in her jaws but dropped the infant several times while attempting to groom it. These results suggest very tentatively that prosimian mothers lack the ability shown by mothers of some higher primate species to improvise protective ways of behaving toward helpless infants.
Discovery of Culex pipiens pipiens Form Molestus in Chicago

A population of Culex pipiens pipiens form molestus was detected in a drainage sump in Calumet Water Reclamation Plant on the South Side of Chicago, IL. This is the first documented collection of a molestus population within the city of Chicago and the second collection of a molestus population in the Chicago metropolitan area in >60 years. Field-collected specimens were used to initiate a colony without bloodfeeding, and the colony is autogenous and stenogamous.
Examining the Reliability of Interval Level Data Using Root Mean Square Differences and Concordance Correlation Coefficients.

This article introduces new statistics for evaluating score consistency. Psychologists usually use correlations to measure the degree of linear relationship between 2 sets of scores, ignoring differences in means and standard deviations. In medicine, biology, chemistry, and physics, a more stringent criterion is often used: the extent to which scores are identically equal. For each test taker (or other unit of measurement), the difference between the 2 scores is calculated. The root mean square difference (RMSD) represents the average change from 1 set of scores to the other, and the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) rescales this coefficient to have a maximum value of 1. This article shows the relationship of the RMSD and CCC to the intraclass correlation coefficients, product-moment correlation, and standard error of measurement. Finally, this article adapts the RMSD and the CCC for linear, consistency, and absolute definitions of agreement.
Evaluation of electrostatically endothelial cell seeded expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts in a canine femoral artery model.

(1) Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent (luminal coverage) of the endothelial cell (EC) lining/neointimal development and the thromboresistance of electrostatically EC seeded small diameter e-PTFE vascular grafts.(2) Methods: This evaluation consisted of harvesting autologous, canine jugular vein ECs, electrostatically EC seeding the e-PTFE grafts (4 mm GORE-TEX,® Length = 6 cm), implanting the grafts in a canine femoral artery model for six weeks, and excising the graft for histological and scanning electron microscopy evaluations.(3) Results: The results of the histological evaluation (mid-graft region only) indicated that the electrostatic EC seeding significantly affected neointimal development (p<0.01) and the degree of thrombus formation (p<0.001) within the EC seeded grafts versus the untreated control grafts. Scanning electron microscopy examination demonstrated a mature, confluent endothelium with a “cobblestone” appearance on the EC seeded graft luminal surface. The con...
Determination of 5-fluorouracil in plasma and whole blood by ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatography

5-Fluorouracil in blood or plasma was determined by extraction and column liquid chromatography. Acetonitrile was added to blood or plasma and the mixture was stirred and centrifuged. Zinc sulfate addition was followed by stirring and centrifuging. The acetonitrile was salted out with ammonium sulfate, and an aliquot was evaporated with nitrogen. The residue was dissolved in mobile phase and chromatographed. The stationary phase was a styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer, and the mobile phase was 10 mM tetrabutylammonium hydroxide-methanol (74:26). 5-Fluorouracil was detected by UV absorption at 266 nm. Time of the assay was less than 30 min. The detection limit was 10 ng/ml and the relative standard deviation was 4 to 10% depending on the concentration.
Evidence that dynamin-2 functions as a signal-transducing GTPase.

The role of dynamin GTPases in the regulation of receptor-mediated endocytosis is well established. Here, we present new evidence that the ubiquitously expressed isoform dynamin-2 (dyn2) can also function in a signal transduction pathway(s). A ≤5-fold increase of dyn2 relative to endogenous levels activates the transcription factor p53 and induces apoptosis, as demonstrated by reduced cell proliferation, DNA fragmentation, and caspase-3 activation. Dyn2-triggered apoptosis occurs only in dividing cells and is p53 dependent. A mutant defective in GTP binding does not trigger apoptosis, indicating that increased levels of dyn2·GTP, rather than protein levels per se, are required to transduce signals that activate p53. A truncated dyn2 lacking the COOH-terminal proline/arginine-rich domain (PRD), which interacts with many SH3 domain-containing partners implicated in both endocytosis and signal transduction, triggers apoptosis even more potently than the wild-type. This observation provides additional support for the importance of the NH2-terminal GTPase domain for the apoptotic phenotype. All described effects are dyn2-specific because >200-fold overexpression of dyn1, the 70% identical neuronal isoform, has no effect. Our data suggest that dyn2 can act as a signal transducing GTPase affecting transcriptional regulation.
Wannier–Mott excitons on a helically-shaped one-dimensional semiconductor

Abstract Within a simplified model, we explore how bound electron–hole pair (exciton) states and optical transitions between them are affected by the geometry of a helically shaped one-dimensional semiconductor. Among the illustrated geometrical effects are variable enhancement of the binding energy for different excitons and the appearance of new excitonic states with spatially separated electron and hole positioned on different turns of the helix.
Passive avoidance during brain-growth spurts and plateaus

Epstein has suggested that normal brain development is characterized by spurts and plateaus. In mice, these spurts seem to appear at 0-6, 8-12 or 13, and 17-23 days, and plateaus appear at 6-8,12-17, and after 23 days of age. Results have demonstrated enhanced learning in a spurt (11 and 19 days of age) and a decrement in learning at a plateau (15 days of age), using an active avoidance task to measure learning in Fuller BWS high and low brain-weight lines. We tested Fuller BWS high- and low-line mice in a passive avoidance task at 11,15, and 19 days of age. Mice were also tested at 12 days of age, since a recent study found that 12-day-old mice are in a plateau rather than a spurt, as previously reported. As high activity levels may conflict with the response made, activity levels were also measured on the day of testing. The results revealed an age effect and an Age by Line interaction, but no line effect: Mice at 11 and 19 days of age (spurts) differed significantly from mice 15 and 12 days of age (plateaus). Activity was not found to be a confounding measure.
Sheet migration by wounded monolayers as an emergent property of single-cell dynamics

Multi-cell migration is important for tissue development and repair. An experimentally accessible example of multi-cell migration is provided by the classic scratch-wound assay. In this assay, a confluent monolayer is 'injured' by forcibly removing a strip of cells, and the remaining monolayer 'heals' through some combination of cell migration, spreading and proliferation. The scratch wound has been used for decades as a model of wound healing and an assay of cell migration, however the mechanisms that underlie the coherent expansion of cells in the surviving monolayer are still debated. Here we develop an agent-based computational model that predicts the most robust characteristics of healing in scratch wounds. The cells in our model are simple mechanical agents that respond to cell contact by redirecting migration and slowing division. We imbued model cells with crawling and growth dynamics and measured for individual L1 fibroblasts and found that simulated recovery occurs in a steady, sheet-like and division-independent fashion to mimic healing by L1s. The lack of cohesion and biochemical cell-cell communication in the model suggests that these factors are not strictly necessary for cells to migrate as a group. Instead, our analysis suggests that steady sheet migration can be explained by cell spreading in the monolayer.
Hobbes's Samuel

On Arye Hillman's account (2009), when Thomas Hobbes appeals to 1 Samuel to describe the rights/liberties of a king in Chap. 20 of Leviathan, he "misuses" his sources. Hillman thinks that Hobbes was being "deceptive" in omitting the last verse of the passage that Hobbes quotes (1 Samuel, Chap. 8, vs. 11-18). Hillman also thinks this deception matters, given the influence of Hobbes in the history of political thought. Whether there was indeed deception here depends on three questions: First, what was Hobbes' purpose in using this quotation? Second, does the omitted sentence radically alter the evaluation of kingship that the relevant passage conveys? And third, what did Hobbes's original readers take him to be doing? I have no evidence on the last of these questions and so will not address it. But the former two questions invite reflection on the two texts and the intentions of the two authors involved.
Why don't they come to pike street and ask us? : Black American women's health concerns

It is well known that black American women are poorly represented in medically oriented research and that this has far reaching implications for their personal health, the health of their families and the overall health of the larger society. The research reported was premised on the assumption that learning more about black American women's beliefs and values regarding health and illness could inform public policy initiatives in the area of cancer prevention and control so that a more equitable basis for participation could be achieved in future medical and scientific research. Qualitative methods of research were used in this investigation. A semi-structured interview guide was used in 36 h. of in-depth and face-to-face interviews with 13 black American women recruited to the study using a snowball technique. The women interviewed were middle-class, professional and semi-professional women. The results of the study indicate that there is a poor understanding by the dominant white medical community concerning the beliefs and values of black patients and that this compromises their health and illness care. The Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment is often used as the rationale for the low recruitment of black women into clinical trials both therapeutic and non-therapeutic. The women interviewed do not agree with this claim. These women suggest that if they were asked to participate in trials and the trial was relevant to their primary medical concerns they would consider joining. The research results indicate the importance of using specific research methodologies and a number of recommendations are presented.
Instantaneous cardiac death in the posthospital period after acute myocardial infarction

Sudden arrhythmic cardiac death is a major unresolved health problem, yet there is no agreement on the chronologic definition of sudden death. This retrospective study investigates the frequency distribution of the chronology of the terminal cardiac event in a large postinfarction population and identifies factors associated with instantaneous ( or = 10/hour) and repetitive (> or = 3 in a row) ventricular ectopic complexes (VECs) on an ambulatory electrocardiogram than those who did not die instantaneously. Patients who died instantaneously received more digitalis and class IA antiarrhythmic agents and less beta blockers in the week before death than those dying noninstantaneously. Logistic regression analysis identified 3 independent factors that differentiated instantaneous from noninstantaneous death (relative risk; 95% confidence interval): frequent VECs (2.15; 1.11 to 4.17); digitalis (2.57; 1.31 to 5.06); and no beta blocker medication (2.90; 1.09 to 7.75). Instantaneous death (within 1 minute) was responsible for almost one third of the cardiac deaths that occurred in this postinfarction population. Frequent VECs, digitalis, and absence of beta-blocker therapy distinguished patients who died instantaneously from those who died noninstantaneously.
Successful challenges using native E. coli asparaginase after hypersensitivity reactions to PEGylated E. coli asparaginase

Asparaginase is an essential component of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy. However, asparaginase-induced hypersensitivity reactions can compromise its efficacy either by directly influencing the pharmacokinetics of asparaginase or by leading to a discontinuation of asparaginase treatment. Here, we report successful challenges using native Escherichia coli asparaginase after previous hypersensitivity reactions to both PEGylated E. coli asparaginase and Erwinia asparaginase. The two patients included in this case report were diagnosed with B-precursor ALL at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and were treated with a common regimen. Both patients developed hypersensitivity reactions to PEGylated E. coli asparaginase and Erwinia asparaginase early in treatment, and they were challenged with native E. coli asparaginase. Serum samples were collected for estimating the pharmacokinetic parameters of each patient during native E. coli asparaginase therapy. Challenges with native E. coli asparaginase were successful, and asparaginase serum concentrations above therapeutic levels were attained in both patients. These two cases suggest that some patients can be given native E. coli asparaginase after hypersensitivity reactions to PEGylated asparaginase and achieve therapeutic concentrations of the drug in serum.
Three‐dimensional vortex method for parachutes

We describe the implementation of a new 3D vortex algorithm for the computation of the drag and flow field around parachutes. Among its novel features, the algorithm couples large eddy simulation methodology with the vortex method, away from the wall region. Furthermore, boundary conditions for a wall (no-slip) and compliant boundaries were implemented. The results of several simulations using this algorithm are analysed and discussed. The spectral contents of the vortex method are also considered.
A comparison of two methods of quantifying masticatory pressures developed under dentures with variable occlusal widths.

Summary Pressures developed during mastication with removable dental prostheses have beer quantified by two methods. This pilot study (1) compares the peak pressure method of pressure quantification with the integrated curve method of quantification and (2) continues the exploration of the effect of the width of the occlusal table on pressures developed under dentures. A set of specially designed experimental dentures was constructed for one individual. The mandibular experimental denture contained a series of pressure transducers by which masticatory pressures were recorded. These pressures were monitored between the denture base and the residual ridge tissues. Several interchangeable posterior occlusal segments, varying only in the width of the occlusal table, were fabricated for the opposing maxillary denture. Masticatory pressure and total ridge pressure were quantified by the integrated curve method and the peak pressure method. Both methods indicated a direct relationship between masticatory pressures produced and the width of the occlusal table. A similar direct relationship between total ridge pressure and occlusal width was suggested statistically by the integrated curve method, and graphically by both methods.
Dynamic Rheology of Renneted Milk Gels Containing Fat Globules Stabilized with Different Surfactants

Anhydrous milk fat was emulsified with alpha s1-CN (casein), alpha s2-CN, beta-CN, kappa-CN, alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, Tween 80, or phosphatidylcholine to produce a 30% fat cream in a 0.1 M imidazole pH 7 buffer. The creams were mixed with skim milk to yield a fat content of 3.4% and the viscoelastic properties of the recombined milks clotted with chymosin were measured. Recombined milk containing globules coated with the more amphipathic and phosphorylated alpha s2-CN and beta-CN clotted faster but gel firmness increased more slowly and weaker gels were formed. Gel firmness increased more rapidly for milks containing globules coated with of alpha s1-CN and kappa-CN that possess more uniformly distributed hydrophobic domains.
Pathological and radiographical features of multicentric malignant fibrous histiocytoma in two dogs.

Summary Widespread organ distribution of malignant fibrous histiocytoma, including osseous involvement, was demonstrated in two dogs. Both cases had a storiform-pleomorphic pattern histologically and immunohistochemical stains were used to differentiate this from other types of neoplasms with the same histological pattern. Radiographically the lesions were predominantly lytic in the metaphysis of long bones, although periosteal proliferation and axial skeletal involvement were seen in one dog.
Independent coordinates for strange attractors from mutual information.

The mutual information I is examined for a model dynamical system and for chaotic data from an experiment on the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction. An N logN algorithm for calculating I is presented. As proposed by Shaw, a minimum in I is found to be a good criterion for the choice of time delay in phase-portrait reconstruction from time-series data. This criterion is shown to be far superior to choosing a zero of the autocorrelation function.
The Fate of Schwann Cell Basement Membranes in Permanently Transected Nerves

After peripheral nerve fiber degeneration, Schwann cell basement membranes (SCBM) persist, maintain the columnar orientation of multiplying Schwann cells, and provide pathways for regenerating axons to original target tissue. Despite the putative importance of these functions, there is little quantitative information on SCBM in chronic denervation. The number, integrity, shape, and size of SCBM were evaluated in transverse electron micrographs of peroneal nerves of groups of mice at various times after permanent sciatic nerve transection. With increasing time after transection, the SCBM fragment, the fragments become shorter, dispersed throughout the endoneurium and partially disappear. The discontinuity, dispersion, and partial disappearance of SCBM, which worsens with time after nerve transection, alters the scaffold by which neurites grow back to formerly innervated or appropriate target tissue. Without reaching appropriate target tissue, regenerating fibers may fail to develop or undergo retrograde atrophy and degeneration. The progressive changes of the SCBM may contribute to the demonstrated poor regeneration when nerve reconnection is delayed, or when proximal nerves are reconnected, so that much time may elapse before neurites grow back to distal nerve.
Classification and type synthesis of 1-DOF remote center of motion mechanisms

Abstract Type synthesis of 1-DOF remote center of motion (RCM) mechanisms is the preliminary for research on many multi-DOF RCM mechanisms. Since types of existing RCM mechanisms are few, it is necessary to find an efficient way to create more new RCM mechanisms. In this paper, existing 1-DOF RCM mechanisms are first classified, then base on a proposed concept of the planar virtual center (VC) mechanism, which is a more generalized concept than a RCM mechanism, two approaches of type synthesis for 1-DOF RCM mechanisms are addressed. One case is that a 1-DOF parallel or serial–parallel RCM mechanism can be constructed by assembling two planar VC mechanisms; the other case, a VC mechanism can be expanded to a serial–parallel RCM mechanism. Concrete samples are provided accordingly, some of which are new types.
Informed consent for screening sigmoidoscopy in a Veterans Administration population.

This study was performed to test the hypotheses that current consent methods may not convey the data that we imagine that they do, and that many patients may not want the data that we believe that we ought to provide. We also argue that excessive and unthinking emphasis on informed consent documentation may ignore real and important issues. Fifty-nine male patients consecutively scheduled for screening sigmoidoscopy were interviewed before and after the procedure in a tertiary care academic health center. Chi-squared analysis was used to determine if the three independent variables of ethnicity, educational level, and previous sigmoidoscopy experience were able to discriminate various components of the informed consent process. Thirty-nine percent of patients could describe no indication other than doctor recommendation for the procedure. Although 86 percent of patients had heard of the word “polyp,” 16 percent could not define it. Fifteen percent of patients could not pick out from a list subsequent steps to be taken in case of an abnormal examination. Although most patients could describe discomforts associated with the procedure, only 19 percent of patients mentioned bleeding and perforation as possible complications. Only 5 percent of patients knew any alternatives to sigmoidoscopy. No patient could explain risks and benefits of alternatives. Eighty-eight percent of patients could not identify their endoscopist, but this only bothered 13 percent. Ninety-three percent of patients were given an opportunity to ask questions, but only 22 percent actually did so. All patients signed the consent form, but only 14 percent of patients actually read all of it. Most patients, 97 percent, thought that they had enough information to proceed with the endoscopy. By traditional and classic standards, the patients in this study did not give informed consent. Yet, surprisingly, despite this lack of informed consent, most of the patients failed to ask further questions of their physicians and claimed that they had sufficient information to proceed with the procedure. This was the case across the three independent variables of ethnicity, educational level, and previous sigmoidoscopy experience.
Onset of instabilities in self-pulsing semiconductor lasers with delayed feedback

We consider the deterministic dynamics of a semiconductor laser with saturable absorber that is subject to delayed optical feedback. Alone, both the saturable absorber and delayed feedback cause the CW output to become unstable to periodic output via Hopf bifurcations. We examine the combined effects of these two destabilizing mechanisms to determine new conditions for the Hopf bifurcations. We also describe the transient as the unstable CW output evolves to the oscillatory state. A main result is that the presence of a saturable absorber can increase the sensitivity of the laser to delayed feedback.
Analysis of two acidic P6 pocket residues in the pH dependency of peptide binding by I-Ek

Peptide binding to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules is optimal at mildly acidic pH. X-ray crystal structures solved for the murine class II molecule I-Ek revealed an interesting localization of negatively charged residues within the P6 pocket, which may have implications in the pH dependency of peptide binding. Protonation of these critical residues, under acidic conditions, has been proposed to be important for the formation of stable class II–peptide complexes. In this study, we address a possible role for these charged residues in the pH dependency of peptide binding. An I-Ek mutant was generated in which two acidic residues of the P6 pocket were substituted with uncharged residues. This class II mutant was expressed, purified, and tested for its ability to bind peptides. The mutant I-Ek was observed to load peptides optimally at mildly acidic pH. Peptide binding to the mutant was enhanced in the presence of DM, and optimal DM-enhanced binding occurred in the acidic pH range. These findings indicate that structural changes other than protonation of acidic residues in pocket 6 must play a dominant role in pH-regulated peptide binding to I-Ek.
Autocrine down-regulation of basic fibroblast growth factor receptors causes mitotoxin resistance in a human melanoma cell line.

The ability of melanoma to develop resistance to mitotoxins, growth-factor- directed anti-neoplastic agents that offer potential for the treatment of this highly refractory disease, may limit therapeutic efficacy. To address this problem, we developed a subcloned human melanoma cell line that is resistant to the mitotoxin composed of basic fibroblast growth factor conjugated to the ribosome-inactivating protein saporin. Resistance was caused by autocrine FGF ligands, which down-regulate bFGF receptors and reduce bFGF-saporin binding. Inhibiting the autocrine loop with suramin or with neutralizing antibodies to FGF up-regulated receptors and decreased resistance in vitro . Furthermore, suramin restored sensitivity in resistant tumor xenografts. These results suggest the potential of therapeutic modalities combining agents that neutralize growth factors with receptor-directed mitotoxins for targeting malignant melanoma either to prevent emergence of resistance or to circumvent resistance once it occurs.
Adherence of murine t cells to solid substrata in the absence of serum

It is generally assumed that lymphocytes do not adhere firmly to solid substrata. However, in attempting to culture murine spleen and thymus cells in RPMI 1640 without serum, we observed that some cells adhered to glass or plastic surfaces. As a minimum estimate. 10-12% of the applied spleen cells and 22% of those from thymus attached between 1 and 24 hours after plating. The cells remained attached despite extensive and vigorous washing. Viability of 70% was maintained between 4 hours and 3 days in culture. Readdition of 10% mouse or horse serum for 2 hours resulted in removal of 80% of the attached cells. The percentage of adherent cells was not affected by cell density, but was greatly reduced when cells were cultured at 4 degrees C. Glutaraldehyde-fixed cells did not adhere. Adherent cells were primarily T lymphocytes. The cell-plate distance would indicate a focal contact mode of adherence; however, the absence of filamentous material at the adherent surface and the broad, continuous surface apposition would imply a close contact mode. We conclude that attachment modes described for fibroblasts in culture are not applicable for lymphocytes.
Versatility, Openness to Experience, and Topical Diversity in Creative Products: An Exploratory Historiometric Analysis of Scientists, Philosophers, and Writers.

Creative individuals are considered versatile when their achievements extend beyond their most commonly cited domain, thus indicating remarkable and varied interests and abilities. The present study examined the association between versatility and (a) the personalities of eminent creators and (b) the topical diversity of their creative products. The main sample consisted of 67 eminent scientists, creative writers, philosophers, and scholars drawn from the history of Western Civilization, with a subsample of 38 creators obtaining observer-based scores on openness to experience. Versatile creators were found to have produced works with greater topical diversity than did their non-versatile counterparts. In addition, topical diversity was positively associated with openness. These relationships varied according to the domain of creative achievement.
Structural studies of liquid chalcogenide semiconductors

Abstract Tl 205 NMR and far infrared absorption studies have been carried out on semiconducting liquid and glassy Tl 2 SeAs 2 Te 3 . Infrared measurements indicate that there is an abrupt structural change occurring in the liquid phase at a well defined temperature T s = 480 ± 10°K. Below T s the AsSe bonding (layer structure) present in the liquid phase is essentially identical with that observed in the glassy phase below the glass transition temperature ( T g , while above T s the AsSe vibrational modes disappear abruptly, indicating a distinct structural change. The large chemical shift of the thallium NMR line (0.25%), which is temperature independent, demonstrates that thallium is covalently bonded to the “structural network” of both the liquid and glass. Temperature dependence measurements of T 1 identify the charge carriers as the dominant nuclear relaxation mechanism.
The Preparation of Sulfur-Containing Phosphonoformate Derivatives

Abstract Thio derivatives of organophosphorus compounds have long been of interest to chemists, not least bccause these compounds can be useful in agriculture or medicine, as well as in synthesis.[1] The replacement in a phosphate, phosphonate or phosphinate molecule of one or more oxygen atoms by sulfur may lead to significant alteration in biological activity or related properties. One example is thiophosphonoformate (TPFA), a mono-sulfur analogue of the anti-viral agent phosphonoformic acid (PFA)[2]. As a class, the sulfur-containing phosphonoformate derivatives 1 have received relatively little attention in the literature, although particular examples (chiefly triesten) have been made and shown to possess a range of useful applications in synthetic chemistry [2]. Simple semi-empirical calculations of δH, for a sampling of 1 (Rn = Me) predict an overall trend of decreasing stability as S replaces O, particularly when ΣS ≥ 3. Thus focused on the less thionated 1 trimethyl esters, we have compared synthe...
Constant Proportions, Fixed Plant and the Optimum Conditions of Production

I. Introduction: constant proportions and fixed "plant" as restrictions compared to the optimum, 361. — II. The possibility that constant proportions will be a greater restriction than fixed "plant," 362. — III. Three possible locations of constant proportions line, plant line and scale line, 365.
Clothing Fasteners for Women with Arthritis

To examine the ability of women with arthritis to manipulate fasteners, 97 women with various forms of arthritis were interviewed and tested using an adjustable bodice-front vest with assorted detachable fastener samples. Since evaluations were performed, in most cases, when the disease was in remission, nearly all of the women were able to manipulate the fasteners presented--sets of zippers, buttons, Velcro, and snaps. The conventional zipper with large teeth and ring pull tab exposed application, and a convex button with a shank used with a vertical buttonhole were manipulated most easily, while fasteners more difficult to manipulate included an invisible zipper, no-sew gripper snaps, and several Velcro samples. Subjects tended to prefer conventional fasteners and methods of application used in ready-to-wear apparel.
Alterations of local cerebral blood flow and glucose uptake by electroconvulsive shock in rats

The effects of single and repeated electroconvulsive shock (ECS) treatment on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and on rates of glucose flow from blood to local brain areas (rCGF), were investigated in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats, using quantitative autoradiographic techniques. Effects of single ECS on rCBF were assessed at two average time points of 15 and 55 sec after the application of the electric current, whereas the effects on rCGF were assessed at 70 and 110 sec. Effects of repeated ECS were assessed 24 hr after the last ECS in a series of eight daily treatments. Single ECS caused marked increases in rCGF in different brain structures, but no significant effects were observed after repeated ECS. Similarly, substantial increases in rCBF were seen during and immediately after the ECS-induced seizure, but not 24 hr after the last treatment of repeated ECS. Single ECS appeared to have differential effects on rCBF in hind-brain structures as compared to more anterior regions. A linear relationship between rCBF and rCGF values was established in control animals, indicating coupling of these two variables with a constant rCBF/rCGF ratio. ECS caused an apparent increase in the CBF/CGF ratio, which might be attributed to the different temporal resolution of the two methods used here to estimate rCGF and rCBF. Analysis of the increments of rCGF and rCBF extrapolated to the same point in time after a single ECS (10 sec), revealed that in many of the examined structures the CBF/CGF ratio was similar to that observed in control animals, indicating that the coupling of CBF and CGF is maintained during the seizure. But in some brain stem structures such as the dorsal raphe, inferior colliculi, superior olivary nucleus, and the vestibular nucleus there were large increases in CGF associated with a marked drop in the CBF/CGF ratio. This observation suggests that high metabolic demands can be met by increased local blood flow up to a given "ceiling" keeping the glucose clearance from blood to brain tissue constant. However, when the metabolic demands exceed this upper limit, the additional demands could be met by an increased clearance of glucose without a change in CBF.
Simulation of the filling process in micro channels for polymeric materials

There is some evidence indicating that polymeric flows in micro channels differ significantly from those in macro geometries. As micro molding is attracting more attention these days, efforts need to be made to identify the significant factors that influence microscale polymeric flow behaviors and to develop new simulation schemes for micro molding. In this study, we have investigated the consequences of microscale phenomena, particularly size-dependent viscosity, wall slip and surface tension, on the filling process of polymeric materials into micro channels. The standard scheme of two and half dimensions for injection molding simulation was modified to include these microscale effects. With data currently available for polystyrene, the simulation results indicate the importance of employing size-dependent viscosity and wall slip to predict micro filling behaviors. It appears that wall slip should always occur in channels downsized to several micrometers or less, because the wall stress would otherwise be enormous. The surface tension effects turn out to be less important and can be neglected in micro injection molding in which high injection pressure is employed.
Primary Aorto-Jejunal Fistula: A Case Report

Primary aorto-jejunal fistula is a rare complication of abdominal aortic an eurysm. This article describes the tenth reported case. Etiology and diagnosis are discussed. A high index of suspicion, abdominal sonogram, or preferably CAT scan of the abdomen are the most useful aides in diagnosis. Surgery in cludes resection of the aneurysm, aortic grafting, and closure of the fistula. Surgical mortality is in excess of 50%, but there are no reported survivals fol lowing non-surgical management.
Charge-domain integrated circuits for signal processing

A new class of integrated circuits called charge-domain device has been developed for performing enhanced monolithic signal processing. All signal-processing operations are accomplished by splitting, routing and combining charge packets, thus overcoming many of the limitations of alternative devices such as charge-coupled device (CCD) split-electrode transversal filters and switched capacitor filters. Charge manipulation techniques are described which allow poles as well as zeros of a transfer function to be implemented efficiently, leading to infinite impulse response monolithic filters suitable for high-frequency applications. Several test filters, including a narrowband 8-pole bandpass filter, are demonstrated. These charge-domain devices are useful in applications ranging from radio IF to radar to video signal processing with a high level of integration achievable on a single charge-domain integrated circuit.