cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stress preconditioning attenuates oxidative injury to the alveolar epithelium of the lung following haemorrhage in rats

Inhibition of cAMP-dependent stimulation of vectorial fluid transport across the alveolar epithelium following haemorrhagic shock is mediated by reactive nitrogen species released within the airspaces of the lung. We tested here the hypothesis that the prior activation of the cellular heat shock or stress response, via exposure to either heat or geldanamycin, would attenuate the release of airspace nitric oxide (NO) responsible for the shock-mediated failure of the alveolar epithelium to respond to catecholamines in rats. Rats were haemorrhaged to a mean arterial pressure of 30–35 mmHg for 60 min, and then resuscitated with a 4 % albumin solution. Alveolar fluid clearance was measured by change in concentration of a protein solution instilled into the airspaces 5 h after the onset of haemorrhage. Stress preconditioning restored the cAMP-mediated upregulation of alveolar liquid clearance after haemorrhage. The protective effect of stress preconditioning was mediated in part by a decrease in the expression of iNOS in the lung. Specifically, stress preconditioning decreased the production of nitrite by endotoxin-stimulated alveolar macrophages removed from haemorrhaged rats or by A549 and rat alveolar epithelial type II cell monolayers stimulated with cytomix (a mixture of TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN-γ) for 24 h. In summary, these results provide the first in vivo evidence that stress preconditioning restores a normal fluid transport capacity of the alveolar epithelium in the early phase following haemorrhagic shock by attenuating NO-mediated oxidative stress to the lung epithelium.
Evaluation of finite-plasticity theories for nonproportionate loading of torsion-tension members

Based on the assumption that the material was isotropic and even, and satisfied the condition of isotropic hardening for a von Mises material, finite-incremental and total-strain theories were derived for solid circularsection torsion-tension members subjected to nonproportionate loading. Torsion-tension members made of SAE 1045 steel and aluminum alloy 7075-T6 were subjected to proportionate and nonproportionate loading. During the nonproportionate loading, either the axial loal P or torque T was held constant while the other was increased. Excellent agreement was found between the incremental theory and experimental data indicating that the assumption of isotropic hardening is valid for this type of loading. For some of the nonproportionate loading paths, incremental and total-strain theories gave nearly identical results.
Commensal Bacteria and MAMPs Are Necessary for Stress-Induced Increases in IL-1β and IL-18 but Not IL-6, IL-10 or MCP-1

Regular interactions between commensal bacteria and the enteric mucosal immune environment are necessary for normal immunity. Alterations of the commensal bacterial communities or mucosal barrier can disrupt immune function. Chronic stress interferes with bacterial community structure (specifically, α-diversity) and the integrity of the intestinal barrier. These interferences can contribute to chronic stress-induced increases in systemic IL-6 and TNF-α. Chronic stress, however, produces many physiological changes that could indirectly influence immune activity. In addition to IL-6 and TNF-α, exposure to acute stressors upregulates a plethora of inflammatory proteins, each having unique synthesis and release mechanisms. We therefore tested the hypothesis that acute stress-induced inflammatory protein responses are dependent on the commensal bacteria, and more specifically, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) shed from Gram-negative intestinal commensal bacteria. We present evidence that both reducing commensal bacteria using antibiotics and neutralizing LPS using endotoxin inhibitor (EI) attenuates increases in some (inflammasome dependent, IL-1 and IL-18), but not all (inflammasome independent, IL-6, IL-10, and MCP-1) inflammatory proteins in the blood of male F344 rats exposed to an acute tail shock stressor. Acute stress did not impact α- or β- diversity measured using 16S rRNA diversity analyses, but selectively reduced the relative abundance of Prevotella. These findings indicate that commensal bacteria contribute to acute stress-induced inflammatory protein responses, and support the presence of LPS-mediated signaling in stress-evoked cytokine and chemokine production. The selectivity of the commensal bacteria in stress-evoked IL-1β and IL-18 responses may implicate the inflammasome in this response.
Option value of emission allowances

We study the market for emission allowances stipulated in the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment. We assume that the number of allowances is fixed and that demand is affected by a stochastic parameter that follows a Wiener process (‘Brownian motion’). The optimal investment policy for scrubbers is characterized. Investments in scrubbers are reduced if there is greater uncertainty about future market conditions. This is because purchases of emission allowances provide flexibility to adapt to demand conditions in a way that installing scrubbers does not. The price of emission allowances may therefore exceed the marginal cost of scrubbers by an amount called the option value. We derive an explicit formula for the option value and present computational results to illustrate its likely magnitude.
Myasthenia gravis, thymectomy, and antiacetylcholine receptor antibody

The antiacetylcholine receptor antibody was titered in the serum of 63 patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and 20 control healthy subjects. The titer was significantly high in 92% of MG patients in contrast with none of the controls and no correlation was found with the thymus pathology and the severity of the disease. The titer decreased after thymectomy almost steadily with the improvement of the myasthenic signs. The role of the antibody in the pathogenesis of the disease is discussed.
Nutrient Content of Carcass Parts from Broilers Reared Under Cycling High Temperatures

Abstract A study was conducted in which carcass parts from broilers reared under different growing temperature regimens were examined for crude protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. Commercial broilers were reared from 22 to 49 days of age at either 23.9 C constant temperature (thermoneutral) or 23.9 to 35 C cycling high temperature (heat stress). Birds in the heat stress environment were exposed to 8 h of 23.9 C, 4 h of 23.9 to 35 C, 4 h of 35 C, and 9 h of 35 to 23.9 C. Within each growth environment, protein and fat content differed among carcass parts. Protein content of thighs and drumsticks from birds grown at elevated temperatures were 10.1 and 5.3%, respectively, higher (P
Simultaneous approximation of the Feller operator

Abstract In this paper, a quantitative estimate for the simultaneous approximation of a function and its derivatives by the Feller operator is established via a probabilistic approach. This covers the cases of some classical approximation operators such as the Bernstein, Szasz, Baskakov, and Gamma operators.
Toward CARE‐full Tending of the Newborn

: Those who work with new babies in neonatal intensive care often inure themselves to the pain they cause their tiny patients. In order to counter this turning away, neonatologists and nurses should talk to the baby while they do procedures, and try to develop an awareness—an affection. Neonatologists must become more involved in telling about what they do, and why, to parents. A dialogue should begin during pregnancy, before a crisis occurs.
Co-occurring prescription opioid use problems and posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity.

AbstractBackground: Prescription opioids are the most rapidly growing category of abused substances, and result in significant morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Co-occurring with psychiatric disorders, persons with prescription opioid problems have negative treatment outcomes. Data are needed on the prevalence of co-occurring prescription opioid abuse and specific disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to better inform clinical practice. Objective: To determine prevalence rates of current co-occurring prescription opioid use problems and PTSD symptom severity among patients in community addiction treatment settings. Methods: We abstracted administrative and chart information on 573 new admissions to three addictive treatment agencies during 2011. Systematic data were collected on PTSD symptoms, substance use, and patient demographics. Results: Prescription opioid use was significantly associated with co-occurring PTSD symptom severity (OR: 1.42, p < 0.05). Use of prescription op...
ST-03: Reasons for hypoxia in the postoperative period after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity

Background: This study aimed to identify the most frequent etiologies for low oxygen saturation that might result in tachycardia after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) for morbid obesity (MO). Methods: A retrospective medical record review of 127 patients who underwent primary LRYGB for MO between January and November 2006 was performed. All patients were monitored postoperatively in the intermediate care unit. Hypoxia was defined as peripheral oxygen saturation less than 95% on pulse oximetry. Results: Of the 127 patients analyzed, 90(70.86%) experienced hypoxia after LRYGB. Mean age was 47.63 (24-67) years and the Male:Female ratio was 1:2.8; 18(20%) patients had simultaneous sinus tachycardia. Lowest level of desaturation was 90% in 2 patients. Hypoxic episodes were due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)(n 28; 31.1%), shallow respiration due to pain (n 10; 11.1%), atelectasis (n 7; 7.8%), pulmonary embolism (PE) (n 1; 1.1%), atrial fibrillation (AF) (n 1; 1.1%), COPD (n 1; 1.1%), lower lobe bronchopneumonia (n 1; 1.1%) and over-sedation postanesthesia (n 1; 1.1%); no specific cause was identified in 40 (44.4%) patients. Of the 28 patients with OSA, 9 (32.1%) were given Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) ventilation. All patients with atelectasis improved with routine incentive spirometry. Postoperative intra-abdominal bleeding was noted in one patient. The patient with AF was successfully managed with betablockers. There was no mortality. Conclusion: Hypoxia is a common abnormal vital sign in patients after bariatric surgery. Sleep apnea is a common reason for this abnormality. CPAP for patients with obstructive sleep apnea, effective pain management, and incentive spirometry should be optimized to avoid the most common causes of hypoxia after LRYGB.
We all can contribute to training the new generation of pediatric hematologists

To the Editor: Before commenting onDr. Parker’s reaction to our commentary we first wish to thank him for expressing them in this format. We have received numerous calls following publication of our commentary, from colleagues who concur with our concern. Dr. Parker is specifically worried that smaller pediatric hematology/ oncology programs who do not meet the criteria of seeing 60 new oncology patients per year are automatically disqualified from having a fellowship program, even if they see a large number of hematology patients. As Dr. Parker knows the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Pediatrics Residency Review Committee (RRC) is the body responsible for establishing the guidelines for training fellows and their guidelines reflect a consensus opinion of the professionals in the field. The primary responsibility of theRRC is to ensure that trainees obtain the clinical and academic skills that will transform them into bona fide subspecialists. Programs like Dr. Parker’s who are fortunate to care for a large number of hematology patients play a critical role in encouraging young colleagues to consider choosing pediatric hematology as a career. They should encourage the leadership in the Department of Pediatrics to make certain that residents spend time in the pediatric hematology clinics to gain experience in managing patients with hematological disorders. Subsequently, they should encourage residents to apply for approved fellowship programs which have a strong interest in both hematology and oncology. In addition, there is no reason why Dr. Parker’s program could not play a key role in training future pediatric hematologists. It is possible for programs like his’ to collaboratewith the larger oncology programs to provide a unique experience in the education of hematology/oncology fellows. Besides a meaningfully broad clinical exposure to hematology there is a need for the postgraduate fellow to gain experience in clinical design and/or laboratory research that could impact on furthering a better understanding in themanagement and etiology of hematological disorders. We suspect this fundamental need might be better served at larger programs that are often fortunate to have a number of investigators involved in hematological research. In conclusion it should be our goal to provide the best training and experience possible for our postdoctoral fellows both clinically and in research. There is no reason why smaller programs cannot collaborate in training fellows with larger programs, or hematology focused ones with oncology heavy programs. All of us in the field have the ability to generate an interest in hematology care and research and encourage young colleagues to enter a field with a longstanding history of seminal contributions to medicine.
Cellular automata model of cardiac excitation waves

We present a new computer simulation technology suitable for rapid and quantitatively reliable simulation of propagating excitation waves in anisotropic myocardium. Our model utilizes a finite element or cellular automata (CA) approach in which the elements undergo transitions between a finite number of states (e.g., excited, refractory) according to specific rules. The transition parameter values for the CA elements at each location are computed using the characteristic relations governing propagation at the given point in the tissue, such as the anisotropy ratio and the dependence of the plane wave speed on diastolic interval. The model is well-suited for analysis of arrhythmogenesis and hypothetical therapeutic interventions. Once the effects of an antiarrhythmic drug or disease process on the characteristic relationships have been determined for different cardiac cell types, the electrical activity in tissue with the modified properties can be simulated by our model. In this article, we discuss the basic structure of the model and use it to demonstrate wavelet formation in myocardium with a fixed scar (infarct) in the presence of a sodium channel blocker. This mechanism may help explain the proarrhythmic effects of these agents.
Success Factors in Initiating Versus Maintaining a Quality Improvement Process

AbstractA significant body of research has been aimed at identifying factors present within organizations that have enabled them to successfully implement and maintain quality improvement initiatives. None of these studies, however, focus on the differences in importance of these success factors in the initiation phase versus the maintenance phase of a quality improvement effort We, therefore, present a framework for understanding said differences between success factors in the initiation phase and the maintenance phase. This framework was developed by studying highly successful organizations and the chronological development of their improvement processes.
Efforts and efficiency in partial outsourcing and investment timing strategy under market uncertainty

Because outsourcing incurs hidden costs at the preparation stage and future profits are uncertain, outsourcing immediately is not always optimal. Thus, this paper studies when the optimal time to outsource is, by proposing a real option model. The timing strategy takes into account a firm's effort at the preparation stage and an outsourced proportion, because ex post future profits and consequently the optimal time are affected by how well prepared the outsourcing is and how large proportions a firm outsources. Based on the model, this research provides managerial implications about how outsourcing timing strategies should vary when outsourcing environments such as market uncertainty changes and a firm's effort. Our model shows that a firm can outsource earlier when an investment (effort) at the preparation stage is more efficiently made, when market becomes more stable, when it can expect higher marginal profits from the outsourcing, when it can outsource more proportion. Also, by comparing a widely used net present value model to our real option model, we show that the traditional method underestimates a firm's value for outsourcing and misleads a firm to outsource earlier. Finally, we provide a descriptive framework for a decision support system.
Preimplantation Mouse Embryo Selection Guided by Light-Induced Dielectrophoresis

Selection of optimal quality embryos for in vitro fertilization (IVF) transfer is critical to successful live birth outcomes. Currently, embryos are chosen based on subjective assessment of morphologic developmental maturity. A non-invasive means to quantitatively measure an embryo's developmental maturity would reduce the variability introduced by the current standard. We present a method that exploits the scaling electrical properties of pre-transfer embryos to quantitatively discern embryo developmental maturity using light-induced dielectrophoresis (DEP). We show that an embryo's DEP response is highly correlated with its developmental stage. Uniquely, this technique allows one to select, in sequence and under blinded conditions, the most developmentally mature embryos among a mixed cohort of morphologically indistinguishable embryos cultured in optimized and sub-optimal culture media. Following assay, embryos continue to develop normally in vitro. Light-induced dielectrophoresis provides a non-invasive, quantitative, and reproducible means to select embryos for applications including IVF transfer and embryonic stem cell harvest.
The utility of the PND statistic: A reply to Allison and Gorman

Abstract Quantitative synthesis (“meta-analysis”) of single-subject research has rarely been conducted, partly because of a lack of agreement on how study outcomes are to be quantified. This article provides a response to Allison and German ( Behaviour Research and Therapy, 31 , 621–631, 1993), who listed some problematic characteristics of use of the PND (percent of non-overlapping data) statistic for computing single-subject study outcomes, and recommended a regression-based solution to computation of effect sizes from single-subject research reports. Although Allison and Gorman are generally accurate in pointing out some limitations of the use of the PND statistic, they have been less thorough in identifying its relative strengths. Among these strengths is the fact that the PND statistic and its variations (a) have been shown to be strongly related to qualitative, “expert” ratings, (b) have been successfully employed in at least seven separate integrative reviews, and (c) have produced results which are complementary to more qualitative reviews of the same literature. In contrast, Allison and Gorman did not report results of applications of their procedure and, although their procedure has apparent theoretical support, it may be less useful in synthesizing existing single-subject literature.
Seeking the Local State: Gender, Caste, and the Pursuit of Public Services in Post-Tsunami India

Summary How do ordinary citizens access the state in the world’s largest democracy? This paper examines a critical case from India, exploring the channels—formal and informal—through which residents of two tsunami-affected villages pursued public services following the 2004 disaster. External shocks, such as the proliferation of aid and NGOs, created moments in which individuals interacted differently with public agencies. Different village-level groups attempted to access state resources through distinct sets of intermediaries; marginalized groups (women and caste minorities) appeared most willing and likely to utilize formal government channels, while men from the locally dominant caste turned to informal, non-state channels.
Language in the English as a second language and general education classrooms: A tutorial.

As the culturally and linguistically diverse population of the United States continues to increase dramatically, speech— language pathologists (SLPs) and special education teachers in particular face the challenge of how best to assess and teach those students whose primary language is not English. The changing U.S. demographics are driving a need for a more comprehensive understanding of students learning English as a second language and the effect upon their education of learning English as a second language. A substantial number of English language learner (ELL) students, with and without disabilities, may not possess the requisite classroom discourse or pragmatic skills, may face difficulties, and may be incapable of fully benefiting in their learning. This tutorial will discuss factors related to describing classroom discourse in the context of five ethnographic studies, with particular attention paid to pragmatic language skills for ELL students with and without disabilities. This article will also ...
Progestin and sterol synthesis by rabbit ovarian interstitial tissue in response to LH in vivo and in vitro.

A study designed to assess ovarian synthesis of progestins and sterols after injection of LH was performed in estrous rabbits. 2 methods of assay were used: ovarian interstitial tissue content of progestins and sterols after LH injection and the in vitro synthesis of progestins and sterols in interstitial tissue incubated with LH. Within 5 minutes after injection interstitial tissue content of 20-alpha-ol more than doubled and progesterone increased 60%. By 8 hours of postinjection levels were similar to controls. In vitro synthesis of progesterone and 20-alpha-ol was increased above the level of in vivo synthesis.
Sustainable energy development (May 2011) with some game-changers

Abstract This paper presents the opening talk that briefly surveys the present (May 2011) situation in sustainable energy development. Recent estimates and forecasts of the oil, gas, coal resources and their reserve/production ratio, nuclear and renewable energy potential, and energy uses are surveyed. A brief discussion of the status, sustainability (economic, environmental and social impact), and prospects of fossil, nuclear and renewable energy use, and of power generation is presented. Comments about energy use in general, with more detailed focus on recently emerging game-changing developments of postponement of “peak oil”, nuclear power future following the disaster in Japan, and effects of the recent global economy downturn of global sustainability, are brought up. Ways to resolve the problem of the availability, cost, and sustainability of energy resources alongside the rapidly rising demand are discussed. The author’s view of the promising energy R&D areas, their potential, foreseen improvements and their time scale, and last year’s trends in U.S. government energy funding are presented.
Teaching Globalization through a Gender Lens

This article examines the pedagogical benefits associated with teaching globalization from a feminist perspective. In addition to its focus on the often neglected gender dimensions of globalization, the feminist approach provides a less abstract and disempowering understanding of global processes than that found in many political economy accounts. The article uses a variety of examples to show how this perspective helps students make the connection between their daily lives and these complex processes.
Assessment of the Urban Heat Island in Casa Grande, Arizona

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the spatial and temporal aspects of the urban heat island in the small, arid city of Casa Grande, Arizona. Temperature and dewpoint were collected through a combination of fixed stations and two mobile transect routes on four separate clear and calm nights during the period of 15–18 March 2004. A mobile transect on 18 March revealed a maximum heat difference of 4.7°C along an east-to-west route across the city, with a spatially interpolated temperature map illustrating warmest areas in the far eastern commercial corridor and cooler areas in the far southern and western regions of the city, consisting of rural agricultural fields. Wind speed at the Casa Grande Airport during transect times was seen to be a significant factor in determining intensity of heat differences. However, due to very light wind conditions encountered on all three nights (<2.5 m s−1), surface thermal properties and land cover may have played the largest role in determining heat isla...
2 BCR or NOT 2 BCR - receptor dilution: a unique mechanism for preventing the development of holes in the protective B cell repertoire.

Abstract The clonal selection theory and the associated corollaries have had a major influence in shaping our thinking about lymphoid cell development as well as how these cells respond to antigenic challenges. Among these concepts are that a single B cell expresses a single receptor with a single antigen specificity. While these hypotheses have proven invaluable in expanding our understanding of immune response, over time numerous observations have been made that suggest that the single cell, single receptor, single specificity model is not absolute. In this manuscript, we review this literature as it pertains to B cells and provide a summary that supports the notion that in certain situations, the overarching rules by which we consider development and response of immune cells may be compromised. The result of compromising allelic and isotype exclusion is a small but real population of dual receptor expressing B cells. A number of mechanisms that have been proposed for generating these dual expressing B cells are presented and discussed. We also consider the negative implications of dual receptor expression on regulating and controlling autoreactive B cell populations as well as its beneficial contributions to preserving essential receptor specificities and thereby preventing the development of holes in the immune repertoire. Previously, the dual receptor expressing population has received relatively little attention. Improvements in the tools available to examine individual B cell populations have resulted in our identification of and discrimination between novel populations of B cells, including novel dual receptor expressing populations. This combined with continuing increases in our understanding of how the immune repertoire relates to a protective immune response will strengthen and further define this novel aspect of immune cell development.
Vulnerability of oceanic sharks as pelagic longline bycatch

Abstract Bycatch (the unintentional catch of non-target species or sizes) is consistently ranked as one of the greatest threats to marine fish populations; yet species-specific rates of bycatch survival are rarely considered in risk assessments. Regulations often require that bycatch of threatened species be released; but, if animals are already dead, their release serves no conservation purpose. We examined the survival of 12 shark species caught as bycatch in the US Atlantic pelagic longline fishery. Shark survival was evaluated in relation to fishery target (swordfish versus tuna) and four operational, environmental, and biological variables to evaluate the underlying mechanisms affecting mortality. Survival estimates ranged from 33% (night shark) to 97% (tiger shark) with seven of the 12 species being significantly affected by at least one variable. We placed our survival results within a framework that assessed each species’ relative vulnerability by integrating survival estimates with reproductive potential and found that the bigeye thresher, dusky, night, and scalloped hammerhead shark exhibited the highest vulnerabilities to bycatch. We suggest that considering ecological and biological traits of species shows promise for designing effective conservation measures, whereas techniques that reduce fisheries interactions in the first place may be the best strategy for highly vulnerable species.
Prosthetic bioabsorbable mesh for hiatal hernia repair during sleeve gastrectomy.

Background and objectives Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has become a valuable primary bariatric operation. It has an acceptable complication profile and amount of weight loss. However, one of the most distressing complications to the patient is reflux postoperatively. There is thought to be a relationship between a hiatal hernia and postoperative reflux. There is disagreement on how to address a hiatal hernia intraoperatively, and the use of mesh is controversial. Our objectives were to examine the use of a prosthetic bioabsorbable mesh for repair of a large hiatal hernia during a sleeve gastrectomy and to examine the incidence of reflux and mesh-related complications in the near term. Methods This is a case series of patients with hiatal hernia undergoing a primary sleeve gastrectomy. None of the patients had a previous hiatal hernia repair. Three patients with large hiatal hernias diagnosed preoperatively or intraoperatively were included. The hiatus of the diaphragm was repaired with a posterior crural closure, and a piece of prosthetic bioabsorbable mesh was placed posteriorly to reinforce the repair. Results There were 3 patients. The mean follow-up period was 12 months. There were no mesh-related complications. One of the patients needed to resume proton pump inhibitors to control reflux. Conclusion The use of a prosthetic bioabsorbable mesh to repair a hiatal hernia simultaneously with a sleeve gastrectomy is safe. There were no mesh-related complications at 1 year.
Synthesis, characterization and therapeutic efficacy of a biodegradable, thermoresponsive hydrogel designed for application in chronic infarcted myocardium

Injection of a bulking material into the ventricular wall has been proposed as a therapy to prevent progressive adverse remodeling due to high wall stresses that develop after myocardial infarction. Our objective was to design, synthesize and characterize a biodegradable, thermoresponsive hydrogel for this application based on copolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), acrylic acid (AAc) and hydroxyethyl methacrylate-poly(trimethylene carbonate) (HEMAPTMC). By evaluating a range of monomer ratios, poly(NIPAAm-co-AAc-co-HEMAPTMC) at a feed ratio of 86/4/10 was shown to be ideal since it formed a hydrogel at 37 degrees C, and gradually became soluble over a 5 month period in vitro through hydrolytic cleavage of the PTMC residues. HEMAPTMC, copolymer and degradation product chemical structures were verified by NMR. No degradation product cytotoxicity was observed in vitro. In a rat chronic infarction model, the infarcted left ventricular (LV) wall was injected with the hydrogel or phosphate buffered saline (PBS). In the PBS group, LV cavity area increased and contractility decreased at 8 wk (p<0.05 versus pre-injection), while in the hydrogel group both parameters were preserved during this period. Tissue ingrowth was observed in the hydrogel injected area and a thicker LV wall and higher capillary density were found for the hydrogel versus PBS group. Smooth muscle cells with contractile phenotype were also identified in the hydrogel injected LV wall. The designed poly(NIPAAm-co-AAc-co-HEMAPTMC) hydrogel of this report may thus offer an attractive biomaterial-centered treatment option for ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Clinical Significance of Low-Positive Histoplasma Urine Antigen Results

Histoplasma urine antigen (UAg) detection is an important biomarker for histoplasmosis. The clinical significance of low-positive (<0.6 ng/ml) UAg results was evaluated in 25 patients without evidence of prior Histoplasma infection. UAg results from 12/25 (48%) patients were considered falsely positive, suggesting that low-positive UAg values should be interpreted cautiously.
Affinity chromatography of two sets of isomeric antibodies having specificity for different oligosaccharide units of gum arabic

Abstract Two sets of antibodies directed against different carbohydrate units of gum arabic were isolated from the sera of rabbits immunized intramuscularly with gum arabic and Freund's complete adjuvant. The isolation was affected by affinity chromatography on two columns attached in series and containing an adsorbent of AH-Sepharose 4B with ligands of partially hydrolyzed gun arabic in the first column and an adsorbent of AH-Sepharose 4B with ligands of native gum arabic in the second column. The two populations of anti-gum arabic antibodies were obtained and have been designated as Set 1 and Set 2 on the basis of their mobilities on agar diffusion. The antibodies of Set 1 consisted of 4 isomeric antibodies and those of Set 2 consisted of 11 isomeric antibodies. Native gum arabic samples were oxidized with periodate or reduced with sodium borohydride and carbodiimide under standard conditions and the modified samples were totally inactive in the precipitin test. On the basis of methylation data and immunological results it was concluded that terminal disaccharide moieties of the gum having the structure β- d -glucosyluronic acid-(1→6)- d -galactose and α- l -arabinofuranosyl-(1→4)- d -glucuronic acid were the immunodeterminant groups for Set 1 and Set 2 antibodies, respectively.
Concentration Effect on Odor Addition or Synergism in Mixtures of Methyl Sulfide and Tomato Juice

SUMMARY: The effect of various concentrations of tomato juice and methyl sulfide (Me2S) in triple distilled water on threshold values of the juice-Me2S mixtures was studied on juices prepared from five varieties of canning tomatoes. When Me2S and tomato juice were diluted to less than 10 ppb and 1,000 ppm respectively, before mixing, no significant interaction between juice and Me2S was observed in the juice-Me2S mixture. The odor intensities of the two components (as measured by threshold values in distilled water) were additive at subthreshold concentrations. As the concentrations of juice and Me2S were increased before mixing, an increasing degree of interaction or synergism was observed in the mixture. At concentrations of 105 ppm juice and 1 ppm Me2S odor intensity of the mixture was approximately double that which would be expected on an additive basis. However, this may not be a case of true synergism if the concentrations which give rise to the effect produce other products of lower threshold values.
Oct-tree representation of data sets to identify relational attributes subject to well-defined constraints

The physical interpretation of turbulent flow characteristics continues to be a major obstacle in the understanding and modelling of turbulence effects in the field of fluid mechanics. Turbulence modeling plays a major role in the predictive capabilities in engineering applications. Development of new and improved models require better understanding of the mechanism associated with turbulence. Some of the requirements of improved data interpretation include a systematic approach to establishing the relationship among various turbulence quantities at many different scales of interaction. In this paper is discussed some avenues that are thought to be appropriate methods of examining high Reynolds number turbulence in a manner that allows illustration and interpretation of both large and small scale phenomena. The general principle is the requirement to examine data at different levels of abstraction based on the functional relationships that vary through a designated hyper-space. Illustration is made of the enstrophy distribution which is concentrated in regions of high wave numbers. Results are shown for a three dimensional turbulent channel flow.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Determination of Ruthenium on DNA By XRF

An X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique is used to quantitate the binding of [H2O(NH3)5Ru(II)](2+) to DNA. This method is shown to be more sensitive, precise, and convenient than conventional optical absorption (OA) spectroscopy, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), or atomic absorption (AA) techniques. X-ray fluorescence is insensitive to the oxidation state or coordination environment of Ru and so can be used to determine total Ru. The minimum detectable amount of Ru is 10 ng in 1 h of counting time, using a 100-mCi(125)I source. The specific advantages of the XRF method over the conventional methods are outlined.
Patent, copyright and trade secret protection for computer software

Several ways to protect software are examined. Patents confer a limited monopoly, which protects the patent holder against all later independent developers of the same or equivalent program. Utility-patent applications typically require several thousand dollars in fees and costs prior to issuance of the patent. Design-patent applications are relatively much cheaper to file and process through the Patent Office. Copyright protects the literal code, and possibly the programs' structure and organization, against copying. Copyright registration applications can usually be prepared for a few hundred dollars, including any attorney time. Trade-secret protection for software is a viable alternative, if the program cannot be easily copied by purchasers. The cost for protecting a trade secret depends on the measures necessary to keep the information from general public disclosure. >
Electrical-Resistivity Model for Polycrystalline Films: the Case of Arbitrary Reflection at External Surfaces

In this paper, the total resistivity of a thin metal film is calculated from a model in which three types of electron scattering mechanisms are simultaneously operative: an isotropic background scattering (due to the combined effects of phonons and point defects), scattering due to a distribution of planar potentials (grain boundaries), and scattering due to the external surfaces. The intrinsic or bulk resistivity is obtained by solving a Boltzmann equation in which both grain-boundary and background scattering are accounted for. The total resistivity is obtained by imposing boundary conditions due to the external surfaces (as in the Fuchs theory) on this Boltzmann equation. Interpretation of published data on grain-boundary scattering in bulk materials in terms of the calculated intrinsic resistivity, and of thin-film data in terms of the calculated total resistivity suggests that (i) the grain-boundary reflection coefficient in Al is \ensuremath{\approx} 0.15, while it is somewhat higher in Cu; (ii) the observed thickness dependence of the resistivity in thin films is due to grain-boundary scattering as well as to the Fuchs size effect; and (iii) the common observation that single-crystal films possess lower resistivities than polycrystalline films may be accounted for by grain-boundary effects rather than by differences in the nature of surface scattering.
Surgery Clerkship Evaluations Drive Improved Professionalism

Purpose To determine whether a brief student survey can differentiate among third-year clerkship student's professionalism experiences and whether sharing specific feedback with surgery faculty and residents can lead to improvements. Methods Medical students completed a survey on professionalism at the conclusion of each third-year clerkship specialty rotation during academic years 2007-2010. Results Comparisons of survey items in 2007-2008 revealed significantly lower ratings for the surgery clerkship on both Excellence ( F = 10.75, p F = 15.59, p Conclusions A brief survey can be used to measure student perceptions of professionalism and an intervention as simple as a surgery department openly sharing results and communicating expectations appears to drive positive change in student experiences.
Pre- but not post-menopausal female CBA/CaJ mice show less prepulse inhibition than male mice of the same age

Abstract Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reflex (ASR) has been reported to be weaker in females than males for both humans and rats. Although there are exceptions, on balance these data suggest that PPI is sensitive to sex-specific neurosteroids; in contrast, most studies with mice have not replicated this effect. We compared PPI for noise decrement prepulses (quiet gaps) in female CBA/CaJ mice at 3–8 months (pre-menopausal: n = 55) and 17–25 months of age (post-menopausal, n = 33) with similarly aged groups of males (n = 48, 35). Both PPI and ASR levels were significantly reduced in pre-menopausal females compared to young males, but did not differ between post-menopausal females and old males. The observed PPI decrement in young female mice compared to young males agrees with one previous report in young C57BL/6J mice as well as the majority of studies with human subjects and some strains of rats. The absence of a sex difference in PPI for old mice is consistent with the hypothesis that PPI is affected by reproductive hormones present at high levels only in pre-menopausal females. We note that this effect size for PPI is small, perhaps consistent with reports that the PPI decrement in females is restricted to certain times within the menstrual cycle in women and the estrous cycle in rats. The negative findings previously reported in the mouse can be attributed to the small effect size and to procedural differences, including stimulus conditions, and the different strains and ages of mice.
Individualization of therapy using viral markers.

Early intervention with a combination of drugs is generally accepted as the way forward in the management of HIV infection. In general, combination therapy should include agents that demonstrate additive or synergistic activity, do not have similar side-effect profiles, and avoid cross-resistance. Use of these criteria will no doubt lead to the development of more effective combinations. However, it is well known that patients respond to therapy in very different ways. A number of trials have provided clear examples of the individualized nature of patient responses to therapy and have also demonstrated that the use of measures such as viral load and CD4 cell count, in conjunction with phenotypic and genotypic characterization of emerging viral strains, may significantly enhance our ability to predict disease progression. A number of methods are becoming available to quantify accurately viral load, and new methodologies such as the Affymetrix chip-sequencing technique will allow quick detection of genotypic alterations known to be associated with disease progression, such as the appearance of resistance mutations. These developments now enable us to conduct clinical trials to assess the impact of an individualized approach to therapy, i.e., the changing of treatment regimens based on the identification of resistance markers, changes in viral load and CD4 cell count, and conversion from non-syncytium-inducing to syncytium-inducing phenotype. It is hoped that studies conducted in the near future will show that an approach of gaining maximal benefit from one treatment regimen before moving on to another, as a result of genotypic or viral load markers, will prevent destruction of the immune system and will ultimately prolong the well-being and survival of patients with HIV infection.
Measuring the value and impact of health library and information services: past reflections, future possibilities

Objectives: To summarize the context, history and results of research studies conducted on the value and impact of health library and information services by the author since 1975 and to use this as a basis for examining ongoing developments related to evaluation research. To provide a comprehensive bibliography of library value and impact studies. Methods: Literature review and background based on personal involvement in the studies under discussion. Results: The author's studies demonstrate an ongoing evolution of value and impact studies since the mid-1970s. In health sciences libraries, the approach taken to measuring value and impact has been strongly influenced by the type of research being conducted in the health sciences field as a whole. As a result, health sciences library researchers have become early adopters of methods that incorporate outcome and impact measures and rigorous research designs, and the concept of evidence-based library and information practice. The paper recommends that a range of research approaches from various disciplines be used to guide future evaluation research. Conclusions: Value and impact studies will continue to be important resources for evidence-based practice as health information professionals deal with evolving user needs and new ways of delivering information to a variety of audiences.
Relationship of the channels of normal maize starch to the properties of its modified products.

Abstract Starches from 5 inbred lines of normal maize with different relative average degrees of channelization (RADC) that could be divided into two groups (2 with RADC values of 1.49–1.52 and 3 with RADC values of 0.10–0.17) were reacted with 4 highly reactive reagents. No consistent correlations between RADC and the effects of derivatization with the 4 reagents on physical properties, either without or after surface protein removal, were found. Reaction with propylene oxide, a slowly reacting reagent whose reaction should be independent of RADC, resulted in an inverse relationship between several physical properties and RADC. The results indicate that there are inherent granular and molecular differences in the maize starches that control reactivity that are more influential than RADC (at least with the degrees of modification used), that the differences carry through chemical derivatization, and that different reagents react differently with different starches.
Before Mormonism: Joseph Smith's Use of the Bible, 1820–1829

M ORMON HISTORIOGRAPHY is coming of age. In the decades following World War II, scholarship on the Latter-day Saints increased so dramatically in quality and quantity that Moses Rischin, writing in 1969, concluded the great flow of works was "unparalleled for any religious group except the Puritans" (49). Whether Rischin was correct or not, the tide has risen sharply since he wrote.' There are good reasons for this interest. Mormonism is extraordinarily complex, inherently fascinating, has wielded disproportionate influence on national affairs, is rich in sources for study, and yields innumerable clues to the social and religious consciousness of the American people. Despite all this attention, however, puzzling idiosyncrasies exist in the scholarship. In particular, disagreements persist concerning Mormonism's very essence: What is Mormonism, and how does it relate to the rest of American religion? Although opponents and casual observers have easily pigeonholed the Latter-day Saints, more careful students have had a tougher time achieving consensus. Some scholars, such as Timothy Smith (1980), have played down Mormon peculiarities, arguing that the Saints were essentially part of the religious "mainstream." Others, like Klaus Hansen (1981), feel that in the beginning Mormons really were dissenters who at the turn of the twentieth century underwent a transformation and became consummate conservative Americans. Mark Leone (1979) has gone further, asserting that cultural accommodation is the story of Mormonism. More recently, Laurence Moore (1986) has used the Mormons as a prime example of his contention that, in America, self-conscious "outsiders" have been in important ways "insiders," that dissent itself can be seen as quintessentially American, and dissenters shown to wield