cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New rabbit knee model of posttraumatic joint contracture: Indirect capsular damage induces a severe contracture

Reported models of joint contracture fail to result in severe motion loss. Our purpose was to develop a rabbit model of knee contracture and compare it to another well-accepted model to determine if more severe stiffness can be achieved. Sixteen skeletally mature New Zealand White female rabbits had their right knee operated to create 3-mm defects on the noncartilaginous portions of the femoral condyles, hyperextend the joint to disrupt the posterior capsule, and immobilize the joint in maximum flexion with a Kirschner-wire for 8 weeks (group I). Sixteen additional rabbits were operated on using an identical protocol except for the absence of capsular injury (group II). In each group, mechanical testing was performed at the time of Kirschner-wire release in eight animals, and 16 weeks after remobilization in eight animals. At immobilization release, the average contracture was 76 +/- 24 degrees in group I versus 20 +/- 10 degrees in group II (p < 0.001). Sixteen weeks after remobilization, the mean contracture was 49 +/- 15 degrees group I versus 11 +/- 10 degrees in group II (p < 0.001). When associated with bone perforations and immobilization in forced flexion, injury to the posterior capsule results in a severe contracture in the rabbit knee.
Pitfalls in achieving the Dialysis Outcome Quality Initiative (DOQI) guidelines for hemodialysis access

The Dialysis Outcome Quality Initiative (DOQI) mandates that 50% of permanent hemodialysis (HD) access be native arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs). Recent reports have shown that when these guidelines are followed, the percentage of new AVFs can exceed DOQI guidelines. From July 1998 to July 2001, 330 HD access procedures were performed in an academic tertiary care center. Patients were categorized into two groups. Group I followed DOQI guidelines and underwent history and physical examination; duplex vein mapping; use of basilic vein transposition; and a postoperative protocol to determine maturation and start needle access in a stepwise progression. Group II had history and physical examination and basilic vein transposition was not used. Patient data were retrospectively reviewed. Overall, 100 (31%) HD shunts were AVFs. Group I (42/183, 23%) had significantly less AVFs (p = 0.005) than group II (58/147, 39%). For first-time placement of HD access, there was no significant difference (p = 0.95) in the percentage of AVFs in group I (26/62, 42%) and group II (29/68, 43%). For patients with prior history of HD access, significantly less AVFs (p 0.05) when comparing age, gender, and incidence of diabetes between the two groups. AVF formation based largely on duplex vein mapping in group I and lack of basilic vein transposition in group II contributed to the inability to achieve DOQI guidelines. Integration of knowledge and practice among vascular surgeons may help to avoid these pitfalls.
Lytic and clotting factor extracted from fibrin clots.

IN a recent report1 a fibrinolytic factor of bacterial origin was described. It appeared to be a pigment conjugated with gluconate and to act independently of plasminogen. Plasma, serum, and aqueous extracts of fibrin clots inhibited clot lysis by the factor, but the inhibitory effect would disappear after incubation with β-glucuronidase. Plasma so treated would no more clot with calcium chloride. Prolonged plasma recalcification times as the result of the action of β-glucuronidase were also recently reported by Klesper and Dohrmann2. It seemed, therefore, worth while to study in some detail the role of glucuronides in fibrin formation.
Economic Freedom and Service Industry Growth in the United States

The growth of an economy depends upon entrepreneurial activities leading to the formation of new businesses and the production of new goods and services. In turn, institutions influence entrepreneu...
Narrating troubling experiences.

This article presents a process-oriented perspective that relates to the broad question of how self-related experience comes to be endowed with meaning. The approach highlights the implications of ...
Evaluating the function of hair pulling: A preliminary investigation

Although little is known about the operant function of hair pulling associated with trichotillomania, attempts to further our knowledge in this area have not employed experimental methods. In the present study we assessed the hair pulling behavior of two individuals using a functional analysis methodology. The results showed that hair pulling was most probable in the alone condition. Based on the functional analysis results and information from behavioral interviews, we hypothesized that hair pulling was maintained by self-stimulation in these two subjects. We discuss limitations of the current investigation and the need for future research.
Hydration of 3-cyanopyridine to nicotinamide by crude extract nitrile hydratase

The kinetic and stability characteristics of crude extract nitrile hydratase fromBrevibacterium R-312 were studied for the hydration of 3-cyanopyridine to nicotinamide. The enzyme was substrate and product inhibited and had the following kinetic constants:K m =28 mM;K p =36 mM;K s =155 mM;V m =5.8 μ mol/min/mg protein (25°C). Itsmaximum temperature and pH (phosphate buffer) were 35°C and 8.0, respectively and it had half-lives of 50 days, 10 days and 1 day at 4°C, 10°C and 25°C, respectively. The crude extract also exhibited amidase activity on nicotinamide, but it became significant only at nicotinamide concentrations greater than 300 mM. Mathematical models for batch and fed-batch hydrations were developed to account for substrate and product inhibitions and for enzyme decay. They predicted to within 10% experimental results for initial substrate and final product concentrations up to 300 mM; the accuracies decreased at higher concentrations primarily because of the relatively rapid hydrolysis of nicotinamide.
Biogeochemical cycles for the chemical elements in Nymphaea odorata ait. and the aphid Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae (L.) living in Linsley Pond

Abstract A hydrogeochemical study to determine the abundance of the chemical elements in the water of Linsley Pond, North Branford, Conn., U.S.A., was initiated in 1965. As the investigation progressed, it became clear that the aquatic macrophytes, associated sediments, and the soils and rocks of the basin had to be examined chemically in order to elucidate the biogeochemical cycle of the elements in the water. This aspect of the study concerns the elemental chemical composition of Nymphaea odorata Ait. and the aphid Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae (L.) feeding on its leaves. Thirty-five elements were detected in the water but fifty-four were found in this water-lily and its aphid. Those not encountered in lake water concentrated twenty-fold were Cs, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb, Ge, Zr, Hf, Th, As, Nb and Se. The water-lily, the aphid, the lake sediment and the soils and rocks of the basin all contained detectable quantities of the rare earths, though beyond Sm only those of even atomic number were encountered. The aphids contained more Na, Li, Cs, Ba, Zn, Al, Ga, Si, Ge, Pb, Ti, Hf, P, Bi, S, Se, Cr, Mo, I, Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Y, La, Ce, Pr and Sm than the leaves upon which they feed. The water-lily leaves contain more Ag, Ca, Mg, Cd, Hg, B, Sn, Zr, Th, Cl, Br, Nd and Sc than the aphids. The amount of Be, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb, K, Rb, Cu, Sr, As, V and F is essentially the same in the insects as in the leaves which support them. Pertinent comparative data from other sources are also presented.
Converting Sendai virus into a specific fusogen whose cell target can be selected.

Abstract Covalent intermolecular hybrids of Fab anti-hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) monoclonal antibody and avidin were prepared and characterized. These conjugates were used to block and redirect the fusion activity of Sendai virus (SV). After incubation of SV with Fab anti-HN: avidin conjugate on ice for 1–2 h, the SV fused only those P815 or BW5147 cells which were labeled with biotin-modified anti-cell surface immunoglobulin. The levels of cell-cell fusion obtained were at least as high as those achieved with unmodified SV and unlabeled P815 or BW5147 cells. These results demonstrate that it is possible to block the normal agglutinating activity of the HN molecules of SV and to introduce a new cell recognition feature without negating the fusogenic potential of the virus. Such an approach may be useful in harnessing the fusion activity of SV to a targeted delivery system for microinjection of macromolecules into selected cell populations.
Renal actions of prostacyclin.

A NEW and important member of the arachidonate–thromboxane–prostaglandin system, prostacyclin (PGI2), has recently been isolated1–3. This bicyclic prostaglandin has been shown to be synthesised from the prostaglandin endoperoxides PGG2 and PGH2, by arteries, veins, heart and other tissues in several species, including man1–7. PGI2 is a powerful inhibitor of platelet aggregation and relaxes arterial strips1,2,4,5. It is 30 times more potent than PGE1 as an inhibitor of platelet aggregation, and in the intact dog promotes a dramatic reduction in systemic blood pressure1,2,8,9. It has also been suggested that PGI2 is a potent coronary vasodilator and anti-atherogenic compound10–12, and that it plays an essential part in the homeostasis of the cardiovascular system1,2,4,5,11,12. The kidneys receive a large portion of the cardiac output and have an extensive vascular tree, and so PGI2 may be extremely significant in regulating kidney function. Human and rabbit renal cortical microsomes have been found to convert PGG2 to PGI2 (ref. 13), but nothing is known of the renal effects of PGI2. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effects and significance of an intrarenal infusion of PGI2 on renal haemodynamics, urinary function and renal vein plasma renin activity, and to compare these effects with those produced by PGE2 and PGD2, two prostaglandins known to be synthesised by the kidney and to affect renal function.
EFFECT OF THE WEIGHT-CONTRAST ILLUSION ON ROTARY PURSUIT PERFORMANCE.

The effect of lifting a 7.5-lb. weight during rest intervals on pursuit rotor tracking was compared with no-lift controls and a condition in which Ss lifted only the stylus. Two weights of stylus were also used but this factor had no over-all effect on time on target (TOT) scores. Stylus weight did interact significantly with sex of Ss, the women showing lower TOT scores with the heavier stylus weight. The lifting of either the 7.5-lb. weight or the stylus alone produced significantly lower TOT scores than the no-lift conditions. The weight contrast effect induced by lifting the 7.5-lb. weight produced a short term improvement over the stylus-lifting condition but also a compensating inhibitory effect in later trials.
Age-related sleep change: Gender and estrogen effects on the subjective-objective sleep quality relationships of healthy, noncomplaining older men and women.

Abstract Objective The sleep of a large group of healthy older men and women was studied in an effort to better understand the relationship between self-reported subjective and objectively measured sleep quality. Methods We examined the baseline subjective and objective sleep quality of 150 healthy older (67.5±0.5) men ( n =55) and women ( n =95). Subjects were carefully screened to exclude sleep disorders and did not complain of significant sleep disturbance. Results Despite their noncomplaining status, significant proportions of both women (33%) and men (16%) endorsed Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores of >5, a criterion indicative of significant sleep disturbance. When examined as a function of this criterion, objective sleep was significantly impaired with longer sleep latency, less total sleep time, and lower sleep efficiency, for the high-PSQI (H-PSQI) men compared to low-PSQI (L-PSQI) men. These L-PSQI versus H-PSQI differences were much weaker for women and disappeared completely in women on estrogen replacement therapy. Conclusions This large group of healthy, noncomplaining older adults manifested significantly disturbed sleep relative to healthy younger subjects, indicating that while aging results in significant changes in sleep, it does not of necessity result in complaints of insomnia and that many healthy older individuals apparently adapt their perception of what is “acceptable” sleep. A considerable correspondence between subjective and objective sleep quality was observed for men but not for women, despite women more frequently endorsing the presence of significant sleep disturbance. This finding is provocative and suggests that what we consider objective measures of good-quality sleep may be appropriate for older men but that older women may be evaluating their sleep quality using other criteria.
Innovative confocal laser method for exact dioptric power measurement of intraocular lens implants

We present a novel confocal laser method (CLM) for precise testing of the dioptric power of both positive and negative intraocular lens (IOL) implants. The CLM principle is based on a simple fiber-optic confocal laser design including a single-mode fiber coupler that serves simultaneously as a point light source used for formation of a collimated Gaussian laser beam, and as a highly sensitive confocal point receiver. The CLM approach provides an accurate, repeatable, objective, and fast method for IOL dioptric power measurement over the range from 0 D to greater than +-30 D under both dry and in-situ simulated conditions.
A new wrestler in the battle between α- and β-secretases for cleavage of APP

Modulation of the proteases that process the amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a major therapeutic strategy for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The discovery of a novel endogenous modulator of alpha-secretase-mediated, in preference to beta-secretase-mediated, cleavage of APP implicates sumoylation in the etiology of AD, and offers a new therapeutic target for intervention in APP processing.
Experimental Study of the Coercive Force of Fine Particles

The experiments described test the theory of fine-particle magnets. Particles of Fe, Co, and Ni, of size 100-2000A, were prepared by electrodeposition into a mercury cathode. Their sizes and shapes were determined with an electron microscope. Experiments on coercive force $\mathrm{vs}$ particle size show, in general agreement with theory, that the maximum coercive force of Fe particles occurs at about 150A and is about 1000 oersteds, for very small packing factors. The coercive force decreases rapidly for smaller particles, slowly for larger particles. The rapid decrease for particles smaller than 150A is attributed to thermal fluctuations; this is borne out by measurements at low temperatures.Addition of 25 percent by weight of 20-oersted Fe particles to 1250-oersted Fe particles decreases the coercive force to 500 oersteds: thus any experiment designed to check the predicted 10 000 oersteds for particles of 10-to-1 shape anisotropy requires an extremely high percentage of such particles. For both Fe and Co, the temperature variation of coercive force closely follows that of crystalline anisotropy and not that predicted for particles with shape anisotropy. Electron micrographs show that many of these particles are bean-shaped, with axis ratio 1.5. The extent of the present work is not sufficient for evaluation of the contribution of shape anisotropy to the coercive force of Fe.
STRIPPING CALCULATIONS FOR UNBOUND STATES.

A procedure is presented which leads to a well-defined, convergent method for extending ordinary distorted-wave Born-approximation (DWBA) analysis to the calculation of scattering to long-lived resonant states. This method is based upon the use of a normalized wave function for the resonant state. The cross section calculated with this wave function is correct to terms of the order of $\frac{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}{{E}_{0}}$, the ratio of the resonance width to its energy. To illustrate this technique the cross section for the $^{16}\mathrm{O}(d,p)^{17}\mathrm{O}$ transfer reaction to the resonant 5.08-MeV state of $^{17}\mathrm{O}$ is calculated. The results are compared to those obtained by other methods and are found to agree to order $\frac{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}{{E}_{0}}$.
Phenotypic plasticity in a complex world: interactive effects of food and temperature on fitness components of a seed beetle.

Most studies of phenotypic plasticity investigate the effects of an individual environmental factor on organism phenotypes. However, organisms exist in an ecologically complex world where multiple environmental factors can interact to affect growth, development and life histories. Here, using a multifactorial experimental design, we examine the separate and interactive effects of two environmental factors, rearing host species (Vigna radiata, Vigna angularis and Vigna unguiculata) and temperature (20, 25, 30 and 35°C), on growth and life history traits in two populations [Burkina Faso (BF) and South India (SI)] of the seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus. The two study populations of beetles responded differently to both rearing host and temperature. We also found a significant interaction between rearing host and temperature for body size, growth rate and female lifetime fecundity but not larval development time or larval survivorship. The interaction was most apparent for growth rate; the variance in growth rate among hosts increased with increasing temperature. However, the details of host differences differed between our two study populations; the degree to which V. unguiculata was a better host than V. angularis or V. radiata increased at higher temperatures for BF beetles, whereas the degree to which V. unguiculata was the worst host increased at higher temperatures for SI beetles. We also found that the heritabilities of body mass, growth rate and fecundity were similar among rearing hosts and temperatures, and that the cross-temperature genetic correlation was not affected by rearing host, suggesting that genetic architecture is generally stable across rearing conditions. The most important finding of our study is that multiple environmental factors can interact to affect organism growth, but the degree of interaction, and thus the degree of complexity of phenotypic plasticity, varies among traits and between populations.
Power-injectable peripherally inserted central catheters in intensive care patients

In ICUs, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) may be an alternative option to standard central venous catheters, particularly in patients with coagulation disorders or at high risk for infection. Some limits of PICCs (such as low flow rates) may be overcome by the use of power-injectable catheters.
Investigations of the dynamic mechanical properties of some polyamides

The damping, resonant frequency, and dynamic elastic storage modulus of five polyamides have been investigated at resonant frequencies ranging from 100 to 2000 cycles/sec. at temperatures in the 100 to 450°K. region. Specimens of poly(hexamethyleneadipamide) containing 0, 0.9, 3.3, and 6.4 wt.-% water were studied and it was found that with increasing water content: the loss peak and associated modulus dispersion at 170°K. in the dry material decreased; the loss peak and modulus dispersion at 370°K. in the dry material shifted to lower temperatures reaching a value of 280°K. for 6.4% water; a third damping peak appeared at 240 to 245°K. and the modulus in the 150 to 250°K. region increased while above and below this range the reverse was true. A poly(hexamethylene adipamide) specimen containing 10.5 wt.-% methanol exhibited one broad peak at about 255 to 260°K. Dry specimens of poly(hexamethylene sebacamide), poly(decamethylene sebacamide), 17% N-methylated poly(decamethylene sebacamide), and 58% N-methylated poly(decamethylene sebacamide) were also investigated. For the latter three specimens the principal amorphous transition shifted from 340 to 285°K. and the area under the loss peak increased greatly in going from 0 to 58% N-methylation, while the low temperature transition remained at 160 to 170°K. essentially unchanged. Of the five polymers studied the 17% N-methylated poly(decamethylene sebacamide) exhibited the highest apparent modulus in the 110 to 160°K. region; and at all temperatures below the principal amorphous transition this material had a higher modulus than the unmethylated parent polymer.
Anti-HER2 immunoliposomes for targeted therapy of human tumors

Abstract Anti-HER2 immunoliposomes (ILs) have been constructed by conjugation of Fab′ fragments of recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody rhuMAbHER2 to small sterically stabilized unilamellar liposomes, to create a targeted drug delivery vehicle for the treatment of HER2 (c- erb B-2, neu )-overexpressing cancers. Parameters affecting in vitro binding and internalization of ILs include liposome composition, Fab′ linkage site and Fab′ density. Anti-HER2 ILs have been constructed to optimize intracellular drug delivery. Doxorubicin (dox)-loaded ILs are highly stable and exhibit prolonged circulation in rats. In nude mice bearing HER2-overexpressing tumor xenografts, anti-HER2 ILs administered i.v. resulted in efficient tumor localization, with penetration of the ILs throughout the tumor mass and accumulation within tumor cells. In contrast, non-targeted liposomes resulted in extracellular tumor accumulation only. In multiple HER2-overexpressing human breast tumor xenograft models, treatment with dox-loaded anti-HER2 ILs produces significantly increased antitumor cytotoxicity as compared to free dox or dox-loaded non-targeted liposomes and significantly less systemic toxicity than free dox. To explore further the intracellular delivery advantages of ILs, anti-HER2 ILs bearing cationic lipids are being developed for nucleic acid delivery. These cationic immunoliposomes mediate efficient and specific transfection of target cells with reporter genes, as well as intracellular delivery of labeled oligonucleotides. Thus, anti-HER2 ILs represent an efficient and feasible strategy to achieve targeted intracellular delivery of therapeutic agents.
A Review of Methods for Measuring the Surface Area of Stream Substrates

Surface area measurement is a common component of benthic research, especially in the quantification of chlorophyll. Multiple techniques are available and 10 are described: artificial substrates, area-specific sampling, geometric approximation, stone shape equations, foil wrapping, grids, stamps, wetted layer, particle layer, and planar area measurement. A literature search of 130 papers indicated the most common methods: using artificial substrates of known area, subsampling a specific area using a template or sampler, measuring stone dimensions and using an equation to derive area, and using the weight of foil wrapped on stones. Methods were compared using spheres of known area, smooth and rough granite stones, and plastic macrophytes. Most methods produced highly correlated measurements and accurately estimated surface area. The wetted layer method was sensitive to stone roughness and plant complexity, but may overestimate the area of complex surfaces. Replication of one method by 10 biologists indicated that individual differences in technique can affect surface area values. Factors to consider in choosing an appropriate method include ease of use, characteristics of the substrates (e.g., porosity and flexibility), fineness of scale in measuring area, and whether methods must be field-based or can include laboratory techniques.
MATHEMATICIANS' CONCEPTS OF AUDIENCE IN MATHEMATICS TEXTBOOK WRITING

ABSTRACT Mathematicians writing for mathematicians value brevity and conciseness. On the other hand, when mathematicians write for an audience of students, our concerns need to be different. This is the context within which we explore the following questions: How do mathematics and mathematics education majors perceive audience in mathematical writing? How well does a typical mathematics text for non-majors accommodate the needs of its readers? The class revised a standard book which is written for people who are not science or math majors. The changes that the students made were analyzed by both a mathematician and the director of writing programs (who is not mathematical). The comparison of the remarks of the reviewers and the rewrite by the students show that mathematics faculty need to recognize that the discourse of the specialty, though it needs to be learned by the aspiring student, must give way to a different style more suited to the needs of the student as a student.
Residual stresses in evaporated AI-Si films

Residual stresses in vacuum evaporated thin Al-Si films were evaluated by measuring the deflection of a thin cantilevered substrate during removal of the film. Post-thermal treatment and thermal cyclings at temperatures between −269° C and 560° C were also introduced to determine their effects on the residual stresses of the films.
On adaptive wavelet estimation of a derivative and other related linear inverse problems

Abstract We consider a block thresholding and vaguelet–wavelet approach to certain statistical linear inverse problems. Based on an oracle inequality, an adaptive block thresholding estimator for linear inverse problems is proposed and the asymptotic properties of the estimator are investigated. It is shown that the estimator enjoys a higher degree of adaptivity than the standard term-by-term thresholding methods; it attains the exact optimal rates of convergence over a range of Besov classes. The problem of estimating a derivative is considered in more detail as a test for the general estimation procedure. We show that the derivative estimator is spatially adaptive; it automatically adapts to the local smoothness of the function and attains the local adaptive minimax rate for estimating a derivative at a point.
Patients Treated by a Thoracic Surgeon With HIV: A Review

Transmission of HIV from healthcare worker to patient has been documented in one report. Though the means of transmission in that case remains unknown, procedures that involve exposure to blood or mucous membranes are thought to carry an increased risk. Because of previous evidence of transmission of hepatitis B by cardiothoracic surgeons, they have been identified as a group known to perform exposure-prone invasive procedures with a risk of viral transmission. A retrospective review of 612 patients of a cardiothoracic surgeon who is HIV-positive was conducted in an attempt to identify any instance of viral transmission. A total of 189 patients received HIV testing and counseling. No positive test results were obtained.
Secondary Electron Emission from Clean Surface of Molybdenum Due to Low-Energy Noble Gas Ions

Secondary electron yields from clean, polycrystalline, molybdenum bombarded by ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$ and ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$ have been measured for the kinetic energy range 100 eV to 2.5 keV. This covers the transition energy region where electron ejection processes depending on the translational energy of the bombarding particle are superposed on those depending on their potential energies. A definite kinetic energy threshold for electron ejection is observed for ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$ at about 500 eV and for ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$ at about 700 eV. For ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$, the yield drops as the energy increases to about 500 eV and, thereafter, increases linearly with energy. In the case of ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$ $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ is relatively insensitive to beam energy up to the kinetic threshold and, thereafter, increases linearly. The agreement between the observed variation of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ with ion kinetic energy and a theoretical calculation of the same is discussed.
Acoustic emission in single filament carbon/polycarbonate and Kevlar®/olycarbonate composites under tensile deformation

An analysis of envelope signals of acoustic emission (AE) produced from carbon/polycarbonate and Kevlar®/polycarbonate composites undergoing tensile deformation has been carried out to identify the sources of emission. The Kaiser effect was reproduced to validate the AE technique. Two different fiber failure mechanisms, i.e., fiber fracture and fiber degradation in Kevlar®/polycarbonate composite have been identified. A one-to-one correspondence between acoustic emission signals and fiber fracture and degradation has been established. It is shown that the critical length of the fiber, evaluated by using acoustic emission signals, is helpful in understanding the fracture behavior of the composites, as affected by surface treatments of the fibers.
Transgenic CCL2 Expression in the Central Nervous System Results in a Dysregulated Immune Response and Enhanced Lethality after Coronavirus Infection

Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), a chemoattractant for macrophages, T cells, and cells expressing CCR2, is upregulated during acute and chronic inflammation. CCL2 has been implicated in both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses and has been suggested as a target for therapy in some inflammatory disorders. To examine the role of CCL2 during virus infection, we infected mice transgenically expressing CCL2 in the central nervous system (CCL2 Tg) with an attenuated neurotropic coronavirus (rJ2.2 strain of mouse hepatitis virus). Infection of wild-type mice with rJ2.2 results in mild acute encephalitis, followed by a nonlethal, chronic demyelinating disease. Proinflammatory innate and adaptive immune responses mediate virus clearance. In marked contrast, CCL2 Tg mice infected with rJ2.2 ineffectively cleared virus and rapidly succumbed to the infection. CCL2 Tg mice mounted a dysregulated immune response, characterized by augmented accumulation of regulatory Foxp3(+)CD4(+) T cells and of nitric-oxide- and YM-1-expressing macrophages and microglia, suggestive of mixed M1/M2 macrophage activation. Further, macrophages from infected CCL2 Tg brains relative to non-Tg controls were less activated/mature, expressing lower levels of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II), CD86, and CD40. Collectively, these results show that persistent CCL2 overexpression establishes and sustains an immunological milieu that is both inflammatory and immunosuppressive and predisposes mice to a defective immune response to a minimally lethal virus.
Age determination of late Pleistocene marine transgression in western Alaska

Abstract Dating molluscs from sediments representing the Kotzebuan marine transgression in Alaska yields an average uranium-series age of 104,000 ± 22,000 yrs B.P. This and other selected Pleistocene marine deposits of western Alaska are tentatively correlated with radiometrically dated units of eastern Baffin Island, Arctic Canada.
Calculation of hydrogen dissociation pathways on nickel using the embedded atom method

Abstract The embedded atom method is a recently developed theoretical technique for describing the energetics of metallic systems including their interaction with adsorbates such as hydrogen. The energy of the system is approximated by the sum of the energy to embed each atom into the local electron density plus a short-range pair repulsion. This technique has been modified to describe molecularly bonded hydrogen. This approach is used here to calculate the minimum energy dissociation pathways for H2 on Ni(100). It is found that there is a classical activation energy for dissociation of about 0.1 eV. Further, it is found that the effect of other chemisorbed hydrogen atoms on the dissociation process is short ranged. Dynamic calculations of the classical trajectories for dissociation show that some of the zero-point vibrational energy of the molecule is effective in surmounting the activation barrier. The kinetic energy required for dissociation of molecules incident normal to the surface was found to be 0.05 eV for H2 and 0.07 eV for D2.
The majority of nitric oxide synthase in pig heart is vascular and not neural

Objective: As a physiological mediator of smooth muscle relaxation and possibly a non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) neurotransmitter, nitric oxide plays a role in regulating coronary artery blood flow and modulating myocardial contractility. Although recent attention has been directed toward neural tissue, we investigated the possibility that vessels, as well as nerves, may be a source of nitric oxide in the heart. Methods: The NADPH-diaphorase method was used to localise the synthesis enzyme, nitric oxide synthase (NOS). in the pig heart. Results: All regions showed a similar staining pattern. Muscle fibres had virtually no NOS activity. The endocardium showed reaction product in a lattice configuration without much cytoplasmic staining, suggesting that endothelial cell membranes are the primary site of NOS activity. Every vessel contained reaction product in intima but none in the media or adventitia. Muscular arteries had more NOS activity than veins. Lighter staining capillaries coursed along each muscle fibre. Only a few scattered nerve processes and rare neuronal cell bodies with NOS activity were present in the heart; there was no particular spatial relationship between neural tissue and vessels. Conclusions: (1) the majority of NOS activity in the pig heart is in vascular endothelium, consistent with the concept of nitric oxide as a regulator of coronary blood flow; less is present in the endocardium: (2) paucity of nerves with NOS activity probably indicates that this particular type of NANC neural tissue does not affect coronary blood flow directly: and (3) although muscle fibres have no discernible NOS activity, the rich vascular supply in close proximity may subserve some myocardial function of nitric oxide. Cardiovascular Research 1993; 27 :1920-1924
Pediatrician's office: A solution in the prevention of childhood obesity

UNLABELLED A mother's ability to correctly perceive her child's weight status and her concern toward the overweight status of her child are important in the prevention of childhood obesity. Mothers should have adequate nutrition knowledge that enables them to plan and provide nutritious meals to their children. CONCLUSION Pediatricians may play a role in childhood obesity prevention interventions by helping mothers understand growth charts and by providing mothers with appropriate nutrition guidance for planning a balanced diet.
An Empirical Investigation of Factors Affecting Web-Based and Face-to-Face Student Satisfactions with Course Website

Course Websites have been considered an increasingly important part of online as well as face-to-face education delivery formats. While a vast body of literature has been devoted to comparison of the online and traditional face-to-face courses, little research of student satisfaction with respect to course Websites differentiated between the online and face-to-face students. In order to improve quality of course Websites, the effort was aimed at identifying important predictors of the satisfaction of online students and face-to-face students. This study conducted Fisherâ€™s z transformation and test to compare correlation coefficients of each of Website features and the student satisfaction between two groups of student. Williamsâ€™ T-test was performed to compare correlation coefficients, with the student satisfaction, of different Website features within one group, online or face-to-face students. The results showed that online students and face-to-face students had different focuses on Website features. Educational administrators, instructors and system developers might accordingly apply limited resources on improvement of most important features to efficiently increase student satisfaction.
Studies of coal reactivity for direct liquefaction

This paper presents a preliminary report on a continuing effort to quantify the reactivity of coal for direct liquefaction reactions in terms of the utilization of hydrogen, the selectivity to products and the properties of the products formed. Liquefaction processes are aimed at maximizing the yield of distillate that can serve as hydrocarbon fuels and chemical feedstocks. This study seeks to better describe: (1) how hydrogen consumed during liquefaction is distributed among product groups; (2) coal reactivity in terms of a relationship defining the selectivity to products formed during liquefaction; and (3) the relation of coal structure to reactivity for liquefaction reactions. Because of the limited space for reporting this effort in this special edition of Fuel, the experimental methods, calculations and data are presented in abbreviated form in order to focus on interpretation and discussion of the results in terms of coal structure and reactivity. 30 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs.
Evidence Based Family Wellness Interventions, Still Not HIV Prevention: Reply to Collins

Dr. Collins’s outline of the challenges for advocates of a Family Wellness perspective highlight the many similarities in our suggestions, as well as some intractable challenges that have faced public health providers and policy makers for the last century. We were unclear on several points and would like to clarify our intentions below in repsonse to the problems Dr. Collins has outlined.
Developing heat transfer in rectangular channels with rib turbulators

Abstract The combined effects of the rib angle-of-attack and the channel aspect ratio on the distributions of the local heat transfer coefficient for developing flow in short rectangular channels (L/D = 10 and 15) with a pair of opposite rib-roughened walls were determined for Reynolds numbers from 10 000 to 60 000. The rib angle-of-attack was varied from 90° to 60°, to 45°, and to 30°, whereas the corresponding channel width-to-height ratio was varied from 1 to 2 and to 4, respectively. Semi-empirical heat transfer and friction correlations were obtained to account for rib angle, rib spacing, channel aspect ratio, rib height and Reynolds number. The results can be used in the design of turbine blade cooling channels.
Age-related changes in diagnoses, histological features, and survival in children with brain tumors: 1930-1979. The Childhood Brain Tumor Consortium.

In the Childhood Brain Tumor Consortium database, the proportions of older children (> or = 11 yr) with pilocytic astrocytomas, fibrillary astrocytomas, and ependymomas significantly increased (P < 0.05) over the 50 years (1930-1979) of the study. The increased proportions of pilocytic astrocytomas occurred whether the tumors were located in the supratentorial or infratentorial compartments. The increases in fibrillary astrocytomas and ependymomas were found only within the supratentorial tumor location. Some histological features found in pilocytic astrocytomas (e.g., Rosenthal fibers, granular bodies, and very low cell density) were more likely to be found in older children. Other histological features were also more likely to be found in older children (e.g., parenchymal calcification, intertwined fascicles, intermediate and large-size nuclei, pleomorphic, elongated, or irregular nuclei, prominent nucleoli, multinucleated cells, thick hyaline blood vessels, hemosiderin, and parenchymal and perivascular lymphocytes). The probability of 5-year survival for young children with supratentorial ependymomas remained at approximately 0.4 in contrast to that for young children with infratentorial ependymomas, for whom it improved, but without significant linear trend. The probability of 5-year survival for both younger and older children with primitive neuroectodermal tumors (medulloblastomas) improved, but without significant linear trend. The changes in the proportions of childhood brain tumors and histological features occurred without similar changes in the proportions of older and younger children in the cities involved between 1930 and 1979. These changes were so distinctive as to raise the possibility of significant shifts in environmental exposures in younger and older children over the 50 years of this study.
Beyond HLA: the significance of genomic variation for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

The last 2 years have seen much excitement in the field of genetics with the identification of a formerly unappreciated level of "structural variation" within the normal human genome. Genetic structural variants include deletions, duplications, and inversions in addition to the recently discovered, copy number variants. Single nucleotide polymorphisms are the most extensively evaluated variant within the genome to date. Combining our knowledge from these studies with our rapidly accumulating understanding of structural variants, it is apparent that the extent of genetic dissimilarity between any 2 individuals is considerable and much greater than that which was previously recognized. Clearly, this more diverse view of the genome has significant implications for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, not least in the generation of transplant antigens but also in terms of individual susceptibility to transplant-related toxicities. With advances in DNA sequencing technology we now have the capacity to perform genome-wide analysis in a high throughput fashion, permitting a detailed genetic analysis of patient and donor prior to transplantation. Understanding the significance of this additional genetic information and applying it in a clinically meaningful way will be one of the challenges faced by transplant clinicians in the future.
Rapid Fruit Extracts Antioxidant Capacity Determination by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

The antioxidant content of fruits have made them a desirable component of the human diet. Several wet chemistry techniques, including the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORACFL) assay, have been reported for measuring the antioxidant activities of fruit. In this study, we investigated the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to measure fruit antioxidant activity. Flavonoid-rich extracts from 5 blueberry, 5 grape, and 6 blackberry genotypes were obtained by methanol-water-formic acid (60:37:3, v/v/v) solvent. The total antioxidant capacities of the fruit extracts were determined by the ORACFL assay, and the FTIR spectra of the fruit extracts were collected. Partial least squares (PLS) regressions with cross-validation was conducted on 128 spectra of extracts and their corresponding ORACFL values to obtain a calibration model for predicting the antioxidant activity of the extracts. Spectra from an additional 16 extracts were used as an external validation set for the model. A good calibration model (R2= 0.97) for antioxidant activity was obtained with satisfactory predictive ability (root mean standard error [RMSE] = 5.35) using the spectral region 2000/cm to 900/cm. Cross-validation procedures indicated good correlations (R2= 0.94) between ORACFL assay values and FTIR estimates. The ratio of the standard deviation of the data to the standard error of validation (RPD) values were above 5.0 for blueberry, grapes, and the combined extracts in the external validation set indicating that the calibration model was suitable for quantifying fruit extracts antioxidant activities. This study shows that an FTIR technique would be suitable for rapidly measuring fruit extract antioxidant activity.
Acute lobar nephronia of renal transplant allograft

Acute lobar nephronia (acute focal bacterial nephritis) has recently been recognized as an infectious process of the kidney. It is a radiologic diagnosis characterized as a nonliquifiable inflammatory renal mass associated with signs and symptoms of bacterial pyelonephritis. We present the successful management of a renal allograft recipient who had radiologic evidence of acute lobar nephronia within the graft six weeks after placement of an internalized ureteral stent.
Identification of the adenovirus early proteins and their genomic map positions

Six different group C adenovirus transformed hamster cell lines were employed to produce tumors in hamsters. The sera from these animals were then used to immunoprecipitate [35S]methionine-labeled adenovirus induced tumor antigens from virus infected and transformed cells. Collectively, these sera detect 14 virus induced tumor antigens. Based upon the regions of the adenoviral genome present and transcribed in each of the transformed cell lines, an estimated position of the genomic map location responsible for the induction of each of the tumor antigens or viral early proteins was determined. These sera were also employed to follow the synthesis of the adenovirus proteins during productive infection and in transformed cells. Based upon this analysis the tumor antigens can be divided into two groups, early and delayed early proteins, depending upon the time after infection that a protein was synthesized and detected by immunoprecipitation. A comparison of the Ad2 and Ad5 early proteins produced in virus infected and transformed cells indicated that several proteins have different apparent molecular weights that are serotype specific but independent of the species of host cell employed.
A hundred years of dental history in a Boston building

In 1886, Dr. E. P. Bradbury commissioned W. Whitney Lewis, a prominent Boston architect, to design a building especially for housing a dental practice. This building has been used by dentists since that time.
Pruritus vulvae in prepubertal children

Abstract Background: Vulvar pruritus is a common complaint in females of all ages. However, little has been published on pruritus vulvae in children as a primary symptom. Objective: Our purpose is to review the causes and treatments of vulvar pruritus in prepubertal girls and to retrospectively evaluate the causes and outcomes of the premenarchal children we studied. Methods: The records of 44 premenarchal girls with vulvar pruritus were reviewed, and follow-up interviews were performed by telephone. Results: Thirty-three patients (75%) had nonspecific pruritus. Lichen sclerosus, bacterial infections, yeast infection, and pinworm infestation were seen in a minority of patients. At follow-up, pruritus had cleared in 15 patients, been alleviated in 13, and remained the same in 4. Conclusion: Most of our patients had nonspecific pruritus, which was alleviated by or cleared with better hygiene and avoidance of irritants. In prepubertal girls, poor hygiene and irritants such as soap are major contributors to pruritus vulvae. All patients may benefit from following hygienic measures and irritant precautions in addition to specific therapy directed at underlying causes. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;44:795-802.)
An iterative method for the identification of nonlinear systems using a Hammerstein model

An iterative method is proposed for the identification of nonlinear systems from samples of inputs and outputs in the presence of noise. The model used for the identification consists of a no-memory gain (of an assumed polynomial form) followed by a linear discrete system. The parameters of the pulse transfer function of the linear system and the coefficients of the polynomial non-linearity are alternately adjusted to minimize a mean square error criterion. Digital computer simulations are included to demonstrate the feasibility of the technique.
"The food represents": Barbadian foodways in the diaspora.

Abstract As migrants adjust to life in a new country, food practices often shift. The literature shows that many migrants alter their diets to more closely reflect those in the host nation, at least in public venues. Some adjust native dishes to accommodate available ingredients, but may view these changes as rendering foods less “traditional.” However, Barbadian transnational migrants in Atlanta experience these alterations differently. They consciously perform Barbadianness by electing to serve “traditional” foods when eating with each other, or sharing with an American audience. Yet, while numerous changes are made to these “traditional” dishes, this does not make them less authentic. These shifts do not alter the legitimacy of a dish, but rather this interaction between the available ingredients and the attempt to create a traditional food is actually a practice of authenticity. The dynamic change that food undergoes in the migrant experience echoes the changing nature of Barbadian foodways throughout Caribbean history.