cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applying situation awareness to mobile proactive information delivery

Proactive information delivery systems disseminate information to users based on their current tasks. Interests for proactive information delivery to mobile users are growing. In a mobile environment, users have access to additional ambient information that is not usually present in a fixed working location. It provides an opportunity to improve the quality of information delivery service by utilizing ambient information. However, mobile users tend to be distracted by their surroundings. Ideally, the information delivered to mobile users should match with their current tasks and needs. The challenge is how to determine users' needs. We tackle this issue by analyzing users' responses to delivered information and learning from their perceptions towards situations. This paper presents an interval-based approach for situation specification. We show a prototypical system that uses the reinforcement learning technique to obtain better understanding of users' perceptions towards situations.
Why Discipline Strategies Are Bound to Fail

(1990). Why Discipline Strategies Are Bound to Fail. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 64, No. 2, pp. 124-126.
Preliminary model constraints on the spatial and luminosity distributions of GRBs observed by BATSE

The GRB angular/intensity distributions observed by BATSE greatly constrain models of the spatial and luminosity source distributions. Single populations of Galactic Disk and Galactic Halo sources appear to be untenable, and only a limited subset of models made up of sources in a symmetric Galactic Corona satisfy the observations. Comments are made on other classes of models.
Use of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Estimation of Renal Oxygenation in Children With Heart Disease

We evaluated whether near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measurement from the flank correlates with renal vein saturation in children undergoing cardiac catheterization. Thirty-seven patients 10 kg, there was no correlation between rSO2 and renal vein saturation (r = 0.158, p = 0.57) or IVC saturation (r = –0.107, p = 0.67). Regional tissue oxygenation as measured by flank NIRS correlates well with both renal vein and IVC oxygen saturations in children weighing <10 kg undergoing cardiac catheterization, but not in larger children.
Primary production in deep-sea hydrothermal vent organisms: roles of sulfide-oxidizing bacteria

Abstract The dense aggregations of animal and bacterial life at the deep-sea hydrothermal vents are supported, at least in part, by sulfide-energy-based primary productivity. Sulfide-oxidizing bacteria are found free-living in the vent waters, on the surface of basaltic rocks, and as symbionts within certain tissues of the large vent tube worms and bivalve molluscs.
Use of the extreme lateral approach in the surgical treatment of an intradural ventral cervical spinal cord vascular malformation: technical case report.

VASCULAR MALFORMATION ON the ventral aspect of the spinal cord are difficult to access surgically. Recently, selected lesions have been treated with endovascular embolization. However, embolization using currently approved agents may not be permanently effective, and recanalization rates range from 25 to 83% in the literature. Additionally, many of these lesions are not amenable to endovascular treatment because of the inadequate diameter, tortuosity, or lack of collateral flow of the anterior spinal artery from which the feeding arteries arise. Surgical approaches to these lesions have been posterolateral or anterior. The posterolateral approach requires division of the dentate ligaments and occasionally the adjacent nerve root and then rotation of the cord itself to allow visualization of the lesion. The anterior approach involves a multilevel corpectomy requiring subsequent bone grafting and stabilization. Certain lesions are not readily approachable by either method. We describe the use of the extreme lateral approach to successfully access and obliterate a Type IVa perimedullary fistula located adjacent to the midline ventrally at the C1-C2 level in a 72-year-old woman who had suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The extreme lateral approach was originally designed to access neoplasms located ventral to the cord and brain stem ; as a result of the posterior displacement of the spinal cord by the neoplasm, intraoperative visualization is improved. No posterior displacement was present with this malformation. Even without such cord displacement, the extreme lateral approach allowed excellent visualization of and access to the arteriovenous fistula, preserved important anatomic structures, and required essentially no rotation or compression of the spinal cord to successfully obliterate the lesion.
Usefulness of the hematopoietic cell transplantation-specific comorbidity index (HCT-CI) in predicting outcomes for adolescents and young adults with hematologic malignancies undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplant†

Background The HCT-CI helps to predict non-relapse mortality (NRM) and overall survival (OS) in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients. The usefulness of this index in a younger, adolescent and young adult (AYA) population is unclear. Procedure We tested the validity of the HCT-CI as a predictor of mortality in a retrospective cohort of 56 AYA recipients between the ages of 16 and 39, using chart abstraction followed by univariable and multivariate analysis. Results Only pulmonary dysfunction (46%), hepatic dysfunction (27%), infection (20%), and psychiatric disturbance (11%) had frequencies greater than 5% in this population. HCT-CI scores of 0–2 were present in 54%, and scores of >3 in 46%. The cumulative incidence of NRM at 2 years was 32%, with an OS of 46%; the NRM and OS for patients with an HCT-CI of 0–2 were 24% and 62%, whereas the NRM and OS for patients with an HCT-CI >3 were 38% and 28%. Patients with pulmonary dysfunction prior to transplant had a 29% OS at 2 years, compared to a 61% OS among patients without (P = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference for patients and a worse NRM (P = 0.08). In multivariable analysis, both an HCT-CI score of >3 and any pulmonary dysfunction remained associated with OS (P = 0.01, P = 0.03), but neither with NRM. Conclusions The HCT-CI appears useful in predicting OS in AYAs, though higher scores may reflect prior treatment, with pulmonary dysfunction particularly prevalent. Prospective studies to further validate and explain these findings are warranted. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 499–505. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A plug-in the number of knots selector for polynomial spline regression

A plug-in the number of interior knots (NIKs) selector is proposed for polynomial spline estimation in nonparametric regression. The existence and properties of the optimal NIKs for spline regression are established by minimising the weighted mean integrated squared error. We obtain plug-in formulae for the optimal NIKs based on the theoretical results of asymptotic optimality, and develop strategies for choosing the NIKs of the spline estimator. The proposed NIKs selection method is tested on our simulated data with quite satisfactory performance, and is illustrated by analysing a fossil data set.
Galactosylsphingosine inhibition of the broad-specificity cytosolic β-glucosidase of human liver

Glucosylsphingosine is a potent inhibitor of lysosomal glucocerebrosidase and the broad-specificity, cytosolic beta-glucosidase of human liver. In the present study, it was demonstrated that the broad-specificity beta-glucosidase was also inhibited by galactosylsphingosine. The inhibition was observed when the enzyme was assayed for beta-glucosidase, beta-galactosidase, beta-xylosidase, and alpha-arabinosidase activities. Inhibition was of the mixed-type and the degree of inhibition depended on the substrate. For example, galactosylsphingosine was a more potent inhibitor of beta-glucosidase activity (I0.5 = 0.3 mM) than beta-xylosidase activity (I0.5 = 1.2 mM). In addition, the observation that the broad-specificity, cytosolic beta-glucosidase was inhibited by hydrophobic glycosphingolipids prompted the definition of a revised purification procedure which took advantage of hydrophobic affinity chromatography. This revised purification scheme employed Octyl-Sepharose and yielded the largest (68,000 Da) and most active (470,000 nmol h-1 mg protein-1) beta-glucosidase preparation yet described. The beta-glucosidase preparation contained 19% serine and 17% glycine, while 24% of the total amino acids were hydrophobic. The results of this study document the presence of a sphingolipid binding site on the broad-specificity beta-glucosidase. The implications of galactosylsphingosine inhibition of cytosolic beta-glucosidase and the possible role of the enzyme in glycosphingolipid metabolism are discussed.
Treatment-related risk factors for arm lymphedema among long-term breast cancer survivors

Treatment-related factors may increase the risk for arm lymphedema, which may occur after surgery or even many years after initial treatment for breast cancer. The association between treatment-related risk factors and development of arm lymphedema was examined for women who participated in the long-term quality of life (LTQOL) study, a 12–15-year follow-up of a breast cancer case–control study of Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women. Among 199 cases, 43 women (15 Hispanic, 28 non-Hispanic white) reported physician-diagnosed lymphedema during follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for the association of risk factors with lymphedema, adjusting for relevant covariates. Tamoxifen had a non-significant, positive association with lymphedema (OR = 2.07, 95 % CI 0.94–4.55, p =0.07). There were no significant associations with type of surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Risk was increased specifically in overweight and obese women (body mass index (BMI) > =25 kg/m2) treated with tamoxifen (OR = 2.62, 95 % CI 0.99–6.93, p = 0.05). This study suggests that breast cancer survivors with a BMI >25 who report the use of tamoxifen therapy may be at increased risk for arm lymphedema. Larger case–control studies and clinical trials should investigate the long-term association of tamoxifen treatment with arm lymphedema especially in overweight and obese women. Lymphedema risk may be another indication to consider a weight reduction program in breast cancer survivors.
Understanding the elements of a digital library project plan: part 3

Purpose – This, the last part of a three‐part article, aims to provide an overview of the elements necessary to develop an effective project plan for digital library projects.Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a review and summarization of the literature and thinking in project management applied to the digital library context.Findings – It is found that there are many different approaches to creating a digital library project plan, but several basic elements are essential for developing an effective digital library project plan.Originality/value – This article provides a succinct synopsis and checklist for creating a digital library project plan.
Psycho‐social Analysis of Black Teenage Pregnancies: Implications for Public and Cultural Policies

This paper identifies three challenges to understanding and remedying problems in black teenage pregnancy: cultural, developmental, and normative.
LOW-LEVEL DETERMINATION OF PLUTONIUM BY GAMMA AND L X-RAY SPECTROSCOPY

We have developed an analytical method for detection of239Pu in aqueous samples at concentrations as low as 10−10M. This nuclear counting technique utilizes the uranium L X-rays, which follow the alpha-decay of plutonium. Because L X-rays are specific for the element and not for the individual isotope, the isotopic composition of the plutonium sample must be known. The counting efficiency in the 11–23 keV range is determined from a plutonium standard, and the concentration of the sample is then calculated from the L X-ray count and the isotopic composition. The total L X-ray count is corrected for possible contributions from other radionuclides present as impurities by measuring the low-energy gamma-spectrum for each contaminant to establish specific photon/X-ray ratios. The ratios are important when241Pu and242Pu are measured, because the respective decay chain members produce non-U L X-rays. This new method can replace the use of labor-intensive radiochemical separation techniques and elaborate activation methods for analysis of239Pu in aqueous samples. It is also applicable for assaying plutonium in liquid wastes that pose possible hazards to the environment.
As if exposure to toxins were not enough: the social and cultural system as a secondary stressor.

A growing body of evidence indicates that toxic contamination, both indoor and outdoor, negatively affects sociocultural systems and that this in turn affects the social and psychological responses...
XPS evidence for facile formation of surface zirconium carbides from zirconium oxide overlayer decomposition and surface carbon

Abstract We report formation of surface zirconium carbide at temperatures as low as 200°C during thermal decomposition of zirconium oxide overlayers in ultra-high vacuum conditions.
Implementation of Electron-Transfer Dissociation on a Hybrid Linear Ion Trap–Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer

We describe the adaptation of a hybrid quadrupole linear ion trap−orbitrap mass spectrometer to accommodate electron-transfer ion/ion reactions (ETD) for peptide and protein characterization. The method utilizes pulsed, dual electrospray ion sources and requires minimal instrument modification. Switching between cation and reagent anion injection schemes is automated and accomplished within a few hundred milliseconds. Ion/ion reactions are conducted within the linear ion trap, after which the c- and z-type product ions are passed to the orbitrap for high-resolution m/z analysis. With this arrangement, mass accuracies are typically measured to within 2 ppm at a resolving power of ∼60 000. Using large peptides and intact proteins, we demonstrate such capabilities will accelerate our ability to interrogate high-mass species. To illustrate compatibility with automated data-dependent analysis and subsequent data processing, we couple the technique with an online chromatographic separation of a yeast whole-cell...
What is a Truth Value And How Many Are There

Truth values are, properly understood, merely proxies for the various relations that can hold between language and the world. Once truth values are understood in this way, consideration of the Liar paradox and the revenge problem shows that our language is indefinitely extensible, as is the class of truth values that statements of our language can take – in short, there is a proper class of such truth values. As a result, important and unexpected connections emerge between the semantic paradoxes and the set-theoretic paradoxes.
Dual treatment with COX-2 inhibitor and sodium arsenite leads to induction of surface Fas Ligand expression and Fas-Ligand-mediated apoptosis in human melanoma cells.

Most human melanomas express Fas receptor on the cell surface, and treatment with exogenous Fas Ligand (FasL) efficiently induces apoptosis of these cells. In contrast, endogenous surface expression of FasL is suppressed in Fas-positive melanomas. We report here the use of a combination of sodium arsenite, an inhibitor of NF-κB activation, and NS398, a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, for restoration of the surface FasL expression. We observed a large increase of Fas-mediated apoptosis in Fas-positive melanomas. This was due to induction of FasL surface expression and increased susceptibility to Fas death signaling after arsenite and NS398 treatment. Furthermore, silencing COX-2 expression by specific RNAi also effectively increased surface FasL expression following arsenite treatment. Upregulation of the surface FasL levels was based on an increase in the efficiency of translocation to the cell surface and stabilization of FasL protein on the cell surface, rather than on acceleration of the FasL gene transcription. Data obtained demonstrate that the combination of arsenite with inhibitors of COX-2 may affect the target cancer cells via induction of FasL-mediated death signaling.
Development of FT9 Marine Gas Turbine

The FT9 Marine Gas Turbine development program was initiated in August 1973 by the Naval Sea Systems Command to fulfill, in part, the requirement for a family of gas turbine engines ranging in power from 1000 to 30,000 hp. The FT9 satisfied the requirement to develop a 30,000 hp class marine gas turbine. The FT9 is a derivative of the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft JT9D engine, which powers Boeing 747, DC-10 and A300 aircraft, and of the FT4 industrial gas turbine engine. The FT9 specification also required development of an on-line engine condition monitoring system. A rigorous development test program showed the FT9 has met all specified U.S. Navy requirements and demonstrated its suitability for use in U.S. Navy combatant ships.Copyright © 1981 by ASME
Product Variety and Capacity Investments in Congested Production Systems

We investigate a firm's product line design and capacity investment problem for vertically differentiated products along design quality levels. Customers arrive according to a Poisson process and are heterogeneous in their marginal valuation of the quality level. Customers make product choices to maximize a linear utility function of price, quality level, and waiting cost. Resulting product demands are met through capacity investments in production processes, which are modeled as queuing systems. We consider two different types of production processes: product-focused, dedicated to the production of a single-product variant; and product-flexible, processing all product variants in the product line. Capacity investment and variable production costs are functions of the processed product's quality. We develop an integrated marketing-operations model that provides insights on the factors determining the right level of product variety to offer, the relative quality positioning of the products in the line, the resulting market coverage and segmentation, and the effects on production costs and congestion levels of the processes. We show that the statistical economies of scale resulting from the congestion phenomena in the production system impose limits on the optimal product variety. For product-focused processes the market size promotes a higher optimal product variety, whereas the per-unit capacity investment and customer waiting costs act as deterrents for higher product variety. For product-flexible processes optimal product variety also depends on the specific type of flexibility and the ratio of capacity investment to variable production costs.
Fluviodeltaic response to sea level perturbations: Amplitude and timing of shoreline translation and coastal onlap

[1] Alluvial river systems respond to changing sea level by adjusting channel length through shoreline translation and coastal onlap/offlap at the alluvial basement transition. The magnitude and timing of shoreline translation and coastal onlap/offlap relative to the driving sea level signal depend on the dynamics of the fluvial system and have important implications for interpreting ancient fluviodeltaic deposits. I obtain analytical solutions to a diffusive geometric model of fluviodeltaic response to sea level perturbations that treats the shoreline and alluvial basement transition as moving boundaries. Fluviodeltaic behavior is most sensitive to the ratio of the period of eustatic cycling to the fluvial response time, which varies with the length and water discharge of the fluvial system. The square root of this ratio provides a first-order estimate of the fraction of the fluvial long profile affected by eustatic forcing. The fluviodeltaic system behaves as a low-pass filter with respect to eustatic cycling: The amplitude of both shoreline translation and coastal onlap/offlap increase with increasing cycle period within a relatively narrow bandwidth in which the fluvial response time is comparable to the cycle period. Only small time lags develop between shoreline response and eustatic forcing. The time lag between maximum coastal onlap and maximum sea level increases without bound as the forcing period decreases relative to the fluvial response time. Model predictions agree with experimental data and differ considerably from the model predictions of Pitman (1978) and Angevine (1989), which suggest that fluviodeltaic systems are strong high-pass filters to sea level cycling.
The effect of vitamin D on the beryllium rickets of the rat incisor

Abstract This report is based on the histologic and chemical study of the effect of beryllium carbonate (6 per cent) in a synthetic diet given weaned rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain for periods of fourteen to 168 days. One group of twenty animals was given the physiologic requirement of vitamin D, and another group of twenty animals was given an excess but not toxic dose. Thirty-nine littermates were pair-fed as controls. The following results were observed: 1. 1. Beryllium was found in the feces but not in any of the organs or the incisor. 2. 2. The blood level of phosphorus fell to an average of 2 mg. per cent in the beryllium-carbonate-fed rats on physiologic doses of vitamin D. The phosphorus levels gradually increased despite continued experimental feeding and averaged 5 mg. per cent in animals 192 days old. 3. 3. The blood phosphorus levels were normal in the animals on high doses of vitamin D. 4. 4. The blood calcium levels were normal in all animals. 5. 5. The epiphyseal plate of the tibia was increased in width in rats fed physiologic doses of vitamin D and was of normal width in animals fed high doses of vitamin D. 6. 6. The changes in the incisor and its supporting tissues indicate severe rickets in the animals on physiologic vitamin D and mild rickets in the animals on an excess dose of vitamin D. The severe rachitic syndrome consisted of enamel hypoplasia and aplasia, severe retardation in the formation and calcification of dentine, failure of newly formed bone tissue to calcify, and resistance of such bone tissue to resorption. These changes were progressive up to approximately the seventieth day of the experiment. Partial recovery occurred in older animals. Secondary to the resistance to resorption of uncalcified bone, there were narrowing and obliteration of the periodontal space, arrest in eruption of the incisor, folding of the odontogenic epithelium, enamel, and dentine, and pulpal obliteration due to continued dentine apposition. In the mild form of beryllium rickets, the disease was confined to animals under 3 months of age and to the following symptoms: the rate of dentine apposition was slightly retarded and calcification of lingual dentine was impaired. The alveolar bone showed only a slightly widened osteoid seam.
The Identification of Synthetic Fibers by Their Refractive Indices and Birefringence

A simple method is described for the differentiation of synthetic fibers by their refractive indices and birefringence, using the technique of central illumination.
Thermoelastic wave propagation in a random medium and some related problems

Abstract The mean waves in a medium with random inhomogeneities are studied within the theory of linear thermoelasticity. Under the assumption of small random fluctuations approximate integro-differential equations governing the mean displacement and temperature fields are derived. For the elastic case the material behaves effectively as a viscoelastic body with memory. The dispersion equation is obtained for the thermoelastic case. This equation is analyzed for some special cases. The random effects introduce attenuation and change of phase speeds for the compressional and shear waves. For weak thermoelastic coupling, the shear wave is not affected by the random thermal properties. Explicit results are obtained for general and special cases. In general the mean fields are coupled in a complicated way. Therefore an uncoupled theory is presented. Then the problems with random boundary conditions or a randomly varying boundary are discussed. Different perturbation methods are given. Two examples are provided respectively by the heat conduction across a rough surface and the hydrodynamic theory of lubrication under a random loading.
Changes in DNA polymerase activity associated with cell fusion in cultures of embryonic muscle.

In cultures of differentiating chicken embryo muscle cells there is a steep decline in DNA polymerase activity which closely parallels the time of rapid cell fusion and the formation of multinucleated myotubes. The DNA polymerase activity remaining in the cultures is almost completely associated with single unfused cells. Cell fusion does not require a confluent culture and fusion capability appears to be severely reduced in the remaining single cells following an approximately ten hour time period during which the majority of fusion takes place. A model is presented to explain the observed kinetics of cell growth and cell fusion in vitro.
Pennsylvania Thermoplastic Pipe Deep Burial Project: 20th Year Investigations

In June of 2007, the Ohio University research team visited the 610-mm (24-in.) diameter corrugated high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipeline structure located under 30.5-m (100.0-ft) high embankment of Interstate Highway 279, near Pittsburgh. This visit marked the 20th year of the field research project. The team conducted visual inspections of the pipeline along with in-situ pipe drilling experiments. The in-situ pipe wall drilling experiments conducted at the site induced strains in the pipe wall. However, the strains dissipated completely within 5 s. This demonstrated the nature of the viscoelastic material and a lack of significant stress levels existing in the pipe wall. These in-situ pipe wall drilling experiments are an innovative procedure for showing the stress relaxation capability of HDPE. Localized cracking of the pipe end was observed at joints positioned under more than 21.3 m (70.0 ft) soil fill and where two sections of Type C pipe were connected. The cracking observed in 2007 appeared to show insignificant changes from those observed during the 2002 inspections. No signs of structural distress were detected inside pipe sections that were under less than 21.3 m (70.0 ft) of soil fill. The pipe deflections, which were measured under 30.5 m (100.0 ft) of fill, have been stable for a number of years. The horizontal deflection changed by only 0.3% over the past 17 years. The vertical deflection has hardly changed over the past 18 years. The pipe circumferential shortening has increased by less than 0.2% over the last 18 years. Finally, the results of the laboratory tests showed that no noticeable changes took place in the basic engineering properties of the HDPE pipe material over the past 20 years.
Formation of Supramolecular Assemblies by Complementary Association of Octadecyloxy Tartaric Acid and Bispyridyls

Formation properties of molecular assemblies from chiral amphiphile, 2,3-dioctadecyloxy-l-tartaric acid (1) are studied. Organization of 1 was achieved by self-complementary association, as well as with the aid of 2,2‘ and 4,4‘ bispyridyl components (2 and 3, respectively). Thermally induced formation of molecular assemblies in the solid state is reported. The results show that by modifying the geometry and angle of headgroup interaction one can control the microscopic morphologies, adding thus another facet to the design and manipulation of supramolecular polymers and liquid crystals. Amphiphile 1 produced ordered birefringent smectic texture in the solid state when heated to 90 °C; mixtures of 1 with 2 produced helices and needles, and 1 with 3 produced birefringent fan-shaped crystalline textures. X-ray diffraction data showed two motifs in observed reflections: smectic layer ordering as well as long-range in-plane ordering. An order parameter of 1000 A in in-plane reflection indicated the existence o...
Characterization of a myosin heavy chain gene from Brugia malayi

We have previously shown that an antigen recognized by antibodies in sera of several microfilaremic individuals from a Wuchereria bancrofti endemic area bears strong homology to an invertebrate muscle protein. We have cloned and sequenced the entire gene containing this antigen encoding fragment and present data that confirms that the antigen is myosin heavy chain (MHC). This gene, which we have named Bmmyo-1 extends over 11 kb and has the potential to encode a protein of 1957 amino acids. The coding sequence is interrupted by 14 introns, most of which are larger than those in the myosin gene of the free-living nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans. The protein encoded by this gene bears greatest homology (75.1% identity) to the C. elegans myosin isoform MHC-B, encoded by the unc-54 gene. MHC-B is the major body wall myosin in C. elegans.
Analysis of Progressive Matrix Cracking In Composite Laminates II. First Ply Failure

The mechanics of transverse cracking in an elastic fibrous composite ply is explored for the case of low crack density. Cracks are assumed to initiate from a nucleus created by localized fiber debo...
The risk management effectiveness of multivariate hedging models in the U.S. soy complex

Several authors have proposed sophisticated multivariate hedging strategies which use portfolio theory and complex econometric techniques. Practical application of these techniques requires using historical data to make decisions about future hedging portfolios. This paper tests to see if there is enough stationarity in the data for these models to actually provide better hedging strategies in practice. For the soy complex the results are clear. No statistically significant improvement over naive equal and opposite hedges was found for any of the multivariate hedging models. So far, there is no known evidence that any of these methods perform reliably in practice. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 20:189–204, 2000
Physician modification of Gore C3 excluder endograft for treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms anatomically unsuitable for conventional endovascular repair

Until recently, the Cook Zenith aortic endograft (Cook Medical Inc, Bloomington, Ind) was the only device used for physician-modified fenestration because its constraining wire allowed physicians to reconstrain the device after modifications. Although the Cook Zenith fenestrated endograft has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, it is currently not available in the majority of the hospitals and is not applicable to the patients who need urgent or emergent aneurysm repair. With the redesign of the Gore C3 delivery system, the Gore Excluder aortic stent graft (W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc, Flagstaff, Ariz) can now also be reconstrained, which makes it suitable for physician-modified fenestration. We describe the technique for modification and implantation of the Gore Excluder aortic stent graft in a patient requiring 2-vessel bilateral renal artery fenestration. This application provides an additional option for treatment of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms who are anatomically unsuitable for conventional endovascular aneurysm repair and are at high risk for open repair.
Aortic atresia with hypoplasia of the left heart and aortic arch.

Summary 1. Four cases of congenital aortic atresia with hypoplasia of the left heart are presented together with a review of the literature. Cases with associated deformity or absence of the mitral valve are excluded. 2. The etiology, clinical diagnosis, and pathologic physiology of this malformation are briefly discussed. 3. The possibility of benefit from surgical intervention in this variety of congenital heart disease is evaluated. The production of an interatrial defect would be the only helpful surgical procedure, but in view of the profound distortion of the hemodynamics little permanent benefit can be anticipated even if the enormous technical difficulties could be surmounted.
Fermi Surface of Lithium by Positron Annihilation

The angular correlation of radiation from positrons annihilating in lithium single crystals has been measured. The crystals were oriented in the [100], [110], and [111] directions, and the measurements yield information closely related to the areas of slices through the Fermi surface normal to these directions. The measurements show that the Fermi surface of lithium is anisotropic, the length of the radius vector ${k}_{110}$ being about 5% greater than ${k}_{100}$. The measurements also yield estimates of the energy gap at the boundary of the first Brillouin zone, and the amplitudes of the most important higher-momentum components of the electron wave function.
On the Indentation of a Transversely Isotropic Half-Space With Application to Thin Solid Lubricant Films

In this investigation, the contact between a model rigid ellipsoidal asperity and the surface of an oriented solid lubricant film has been simulated using an analysis developed previously for contact of a transversely isotropic half-space. In this case, unlike most previous work, the plane of isotropy is oriented normal to the plane of contact, instead of parallel. Under this condition, tHe contact pathr is of a general elliptical form, depending on the shape and orientation of the model asperity and on the elastic constants of the solid lubricants
Effect of elastic scattering in the Earth on cold dark matter experiments

The diurnal modulation of fluxes and velocity distributions of cold dark matter (CDM) candidate particles, due to elastic scattering on the constituent nuclei of the Earth, is predicted. The geology, nuclear physics, the Earth's orientation, rotation, and trajectory through the galactic halo are included as well as the isotropic Maxwellian velocity distribution of CDM in the rest frame of the galactic halo. Observable modulations in detection rates and energy spectra are predicted for some interesting theoretical and experimental scenarios. The effects are seen to be maximal at southern latitudes. The differences in the sensitivity of experiments at southern and northern latitudes are explored. It is shown that it would be possible to detect Dirac neutrinos with densities well below those heretofore experimentally excluded.
Proteomic Analysis of Neorickettsia sennetsu Surface-Exposed Proteins and Porin Activity of the Major Surface Protein P51

ABSTRACT Neorickettsia sennetsu is an obligate intracellular bacterium of monocytes and macrophages and is the etiologic agent of human Sennetsu neorickettsiosis. Neorickettsia proteins expressed in mammalian host cells, including the surface proteins of Neorickettsia spp., have not been defined. In this paper, we isolated surface-exposed proteins from N. sennetsu by biotin surface labeling followed by streptavidin-affinity chromatography. Forty-two of the total of 936 (4.5%) N. sennetsu open reading frames (ORFs) were detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), including six hypothetical proteins. Among the major proteins identified were the two major β-barrel proteins: the 51-kDa antigen (P51) and Neorickettsia surface protein 3 (Nsp3). Immunofluorescence labeling not only confirmed surface exposure of these proteins but also showed rosary-like circumferential labeling with anti-P51 for the majority of bacteria and polar to diffuse punctate labeling with anti-Nsp3 for a minority of bacteria. We found that the isolated outer membrane of N. sennetsu had porin activity, as measured by a proteoliposome swelling assay. This activity allowed the diffusion of l-glutamine, the monosaccharides arabinose and glucose, and the tetrasaccharide stachyose, which could be inhibited with anti-P51 antibody. We purified native P51 and Nsp3 under nondenaturing conditions. When reconstituted into proteoliposomes, purified P51, but not Nsp3, exhibited prominent porin activity. This the first proteomic study of a Neorickettsia sp. showing new sets of proteins evolved as major surface proteins for Neorickettsia and the first identification of a porin for the genus Neorickettsia.
When Utilitarians Should Be Virtue Theorists

The contrast typically made between utilitarianism and virtue theory is overdrawn. Utilitarianism is a universal emulator: it implies that we should lie, cheat, steal, even appropriate Aristotle, when that is what brings about the best outcomes. In some cases and in some worlds it is best for us to focus as precisely as possible on individual acts. In other cases and worlds it is best for us to be concerned with character traits. Global environmental change leads to concerns about character because the best results will be produced by generally uncoupling my behavior from that of others. Thus, in this case and in this world, utilitarians should be virtue theorists.
Interactions between GABAergic and aminoacidergic pathways in the control of gonadotropin and GH secretion in pre-pubertal female rats

Present experiments were carried out in 23-day-old female rats to analyze the interaction between excitatory amino acids (EAAs) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the control of gonadotropin and GH secretion. For this purpose, serum concentrations of LH, FSH and GH were measured after injection of different agonists of EAA receptor subtypes [N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA); kainic acid (KA), ±α-amino-3-hydroxy- 5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA)], antagonists of GABA receptors (bicuculline, phaclofen) or the combined administration of both types of drugs. The results obtained indicated that: 1) GABA has a minor physiological role in the control of LH and GH secretion, since neither LH nor GH serum concentrations changed after administration of bicuculline (antagonist of GABAA receptors) or phaclofen (antagonist of GABAB receptors); 2) GABA has a sex-specific physiological role in the control of FSH secretion in female rats, in which FSH secretion increases after phaclofen administration; 3) GH secretion was enhanced after administration of NMDA, KA and AMPA, while LH increased only after activation of NMDA receptors; 4) the stimulatory effect of NMDA on LH secretion was counteracted by administration of phaclofen; and 5) bicuculline and phaclofen reduced the ability of NMDA and AMPA to stimulate GH secretion. In conclusion, present experiments evidenced a physiological role of GABA, mediated by GABAB receptors, in the control of FSH secretion and a cross-talk between excitatory and inhibitory amino acids in the control of anterior pituitary secretion.
Singlet-triplet fusion in Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides chromatophores. A probe of the organization of the photosynthetic apparatus.

Chromatophores from various strains of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides were excited with laser flashes lasting about 20 ns. Fluorescence from the antenna bacteriochlorophyll of the photosynthetic apparatus was measured both during the laser flash, and during a weak Xe flash following the laser flash. Strong laser flashes caused severe quenching of the fluorescence, which could be correlated with the formation of triplet states of the antenna pigments. Triplet states of both BChl and carotenoids acted as quenchers, but bacteriochlorophyll triplets were the more effective of the two. In the double-flash experiments, the reciprocal of the fluorescence yield was proportional to the concentration of triplet quenchers remaining at the time of the second flash. This relationship indicates that singlet excitations can migrate over large domains in the antenna, rather than being restricted by boundaries separating individual reaction centers. Comparisons of chromatophores from different strains and from cells grown under different conditions showed that excitations are concentrated rapidly in the antenna complexes with the longest wavelength absorption bands (B870), and that the migration of excitations to trapping sites is relatively insensitive to the amount of antenna bacteriochlorophyll absorbing at shorter wavelengths (B800–B850). This suggests that the B870 complexes are organized in the membrane so as to interconnect many reaction centers, and that the B800–B850 complexes are arranged peripherally.
Understanding the Clinical and Economic Outcomes of HIV Therapy: The Johns Hopkins HIV Clinical Practice Cohort

The Johns Hopkins AIDS Service is the principal provider of medical care for HIV-infected patients in Maryland, a state in which the majority of HIV-infected patients live in an urban environment. A component of the HIV service at Johns Hopkins Medical Center is an information system that is used to track longitudinally the ambulatory and inpatient care of HIV-infected patients. Enrollment into this database coincides with first enrollment into the HIV Service. Extensive laboratory, diagnostic, clinical, and pharmaceutical information is collected at enrollment and is updated every 6 months. Outpatient and inpatient medical records, Johns Hopkins Health System automated databases, supplemental medical records from outside facilities, vital records, and patient and provider interviews are all used to obtain the detailed data that are stored on the database. The database also includes an economic component, which was added in 1994. This component links all Maryland state Medicaid claims data to that relating to patients who are insured by the Maryland Medical Assistance program, who account for approximately 60% of patients using the Johns Hopkins HIV Service. This data linkage facilitates detailed quantification of the costs of medical care for the HIV-infected patient throughout the course of the infection. We currently have data on about 3,000 HIV-infected patients representing a heterogeneous mix by race, sex, socioeconomic status, and risk factors for HIV transmission. Our data have been used to address a variety of issues regarding access to, utilization of, and clinical outcomes of HIV therapeutics. Clinical practice data such as ours will be increasingly important as the number and types of antiretroviral and other drugs for HIV infection continue to increase.
Effects of systemic growth hormone (GH) administration on regional adipose tissue in children with non-GH-deficient short stature.

Chronic administration of exogenous GH to GH-deficient children is associated with a selective depletion of the abdominal sc fat depot and a resultant relative increase in gluteal, relative to abdominal, adipocyte lipid content. In GH-deficient children, the degree of this change in relative lipid content per adipocyte appears to be correlated with decreases in sensitivity of abdominal subcutaneous fat to the antilipolytic action of insulin. We studied abdominal and gluteal sc adipose tissue from 10 children with short stature (height less than 5% ile, growth velocity less than 5 cm/yr, bone age delayed at least 2 yr), who were not GH deficient based upon provocative testing (non-GH-deficient short stature) 1) before beginning and 2) after 3 months of therapy with exogenous GH (Humatrope, 0.1 mg/kg sc 3 times/week). In abdominal and gluteal adipocytes, we measured lipid content, rates of reesterification of fatty acids released by ongoing lipolysis and rates of in vitro lipolysis and lipogenesis in respon...
A Spin Label Study of Nystatin and Amphotericin B Action on Lipid Planar Multibilayers

Abstract EPR spectra of a cholestane probe and a stearic acid probe dissolved in egg yolk lecithin and lecithin-cholesterol planar multibilayers were observed as a function of nystatin and amphotericin B dose. Spectral components characteristic of bilayer fragmentation (tilted domains) were most evident in cholesterol-containing samples and increased with drug dose. The spectra indicate that cholesterol-containing films decrease in microscopic order as drug dose is increased. This suggests that cholesterol is involved in the commonly accepted pore-formation model for nystatin and amphotericin, since removal of cholesterol from interaction with lecithin would account for the observed decrease in order. Spectra from the cholestane probe in liposomes (with and without the drugs) were also observed.
The effect of blood oxygen content and the no-reflow phenomenon on the subendocardial ultrastructural reversibility following anoxic arrest using hemodilution variables in the experimental model

Hemodilution is an accepted modality for the conduct of cardiopulmonary bypass. The degree of hemodilution clinically employed has been in the range of 20 per cent of the initial hematocrit levels. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of hemoglobin levels and oxygen content on the reversibility of the damaged or altered ultrastructure of the endocardial layer of the ventricle and the possible role of the no-reflow phenomenon.18,19 Two series of mongrel dogs were subjected to cardiopulmonary bypass at normothermic levels and a standard period of ischemic arrest. One series was with hemoglobin levels between 5 and 10 grams (mean 7.25 grams) designated as moderate hemodilution (MH). The second series was of hemodilution with less than 5 grams of hemoglobin (mean 4.8 grams) designated as severe hemodilution (SH).
Adenosine-mediated activation of Akt/protein kinase B in the rat hippocampus in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract Adenosine is considered an endogenous neuroprotective metabolite that through activation of the A 1 receptor results in reduction of neuronal damage following cerebral ischemia. Protein kinase B, also known as Akt/PKB, is part of an endogenous pathway that exerts effective neuroprotection from both necrotic and apoptotic cell death. Using a rat model of unilateral common carotid artery occlusion coupled with hypoxia, and using in vitro rat hippocampal slices, we examined the ability of adenosine to directly activate Akt/PKB. Western blot analysis revealed that levels of phosphorylated Akt/PKB were elevated in vivo under ischemic conditions in an adenosine A 1 -dependent manner and elevated in hippocampal slices treated with an adenosine A 1 agonist. We conclude from these studies that the activation of an adenosine A 1 receptor-mediated signal transduction pathway, either by endogenous adenosine (in vivo) or by an adenosine A 1 agonist (in vitro), results in the activation of the neurotrophic kinase Akt/PKB.
Metazoan parasites of salmonids and coregonids from coastal Labrador

323 fish of six species (salmonids and coregonids) from four locations on the eastern coast of Labrador were examined for metazoan parasites, using conventional parasitological techniques. -- Twenty-four genera of parasites were recovered (3 of Monogenea, 8 of Digenea, 5 of Cestoda, 5 of Nematoda, 1 of Acanthocephala, 2 of parasitic Copepoda). Twenty new host records were noted. Fourteen genera of parasites were noted in Salmo salar L., while Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill) contained 21 genera; S. namaycush (Walbaum), 12 genera; S. alpinus (L.), 16 genera; Coregonus clupeaformis (Mitchill), 11 genera; Prosopium cylindraceum (Pallas), II genera. It was found that the parasite burden of the various fish species examined was not homogeneous when sample areas and sex of the fish was considered. An increase in the number of parasite species per infected host with age was seen in the case of Salmo salar, Salvelinus fontinalis, S. namaycush, S. alpinus. In Coregonus clupeaformis and Prosopium cylindraceum, no such correlation was seen, this difference being related to the ecology of the fish. -- The parasitofauna of the various salmonid species examined was not homogeneous, significant differences being noted in the number of certain species infected with specific parasites. Significant differences were also noted in the parasite burden of the Salmonidae when compared with the Coregonidae. -- Food items recovered from the fish autopsied were noted.