cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Near infrared characterization of water and hydroxyl groups on silica surfaces

Infrared absorption spectroscopy m the 1–3 micron region has been employed to investigate the behavior of surface hydroxyl groups and adsorbed water molecules during hydration and dehydration of silica gel. Interpretation of the infrared spectra has provided a general description of the adsorption process and a qualitative picture of the important hydrogen-containing species involved. The presence of (1) non-hydrogen-bonded surface hydroxyl groups, (2) hydroxyl groups hydrogen-bonded to water molecules, (3) monomeric water hydrogen-bonded to surface hydroxyl groups, and (4) clusters of water molecules forming a hydrogen-bonded network has been inferred. The hydrogen bond between surface hydroxyls and water molecules is estimated to be of similar strength to hydrogen bonds in hydrargillite (γ Al(OH)3). The bonding in the network water appears from the spectra to be similar to that in liquid water. Use of infrared absorption spectroscopy to aid in the interpretation of data obtained by other experimental techniques is discussed.
Electronic spin—orbit interaction and the molecular Aharonov—Bohm effect

Abstract The molecular Aharonov—Bohm (MAB) effect is an effective vector potential term which must be inserted in the Born—Oppenheimer nuclear hamiltonian when two electronic potential energy surfaces experience a conical intersection. If spin—orbit interaction is included, and if the total electronic spin is half-odd integer, the number of conditions for such an intersection increases from two to three (if there is a plane of symmetry) or five (in the general case), so the conical intersection will in general disappear. Here we consider a three-nucleus system and show explicitly that the qualitative results remain unchanged for this case. Instead of a vector potential corresponding to a delta-function pseudo-magnetic field, the field is now spread out over a finite region where the curves nearly intersect. The effective nuclear hamiltonian is obtained, and the behavior under permutations of identical nuclei is studied. In all cases, it is shown that the results of earlier studies in which the spin—orbit interaction was neglected are not qualitatively altered.
Redox potentials, laccase oxidation, and antilarval activities of substituted phenols

Laccases are copper-containing oxidases that are involved in sclerotization of the cuticle of mosquitoes and other insects. Oxidation of exogenous compounds by insect laccases may have the potential to produce reactive species toxic to insects. We investigated two classes of substituted phenolic compounds, halogenated di- and trihydroxybenzenes and substituted di-tert-butylphenols, on redox potential, oxidation by laccase and effects on mosquito larval growth. An inverse correlation between the oxidation potentials and laccase activity of halogenated hydroxybenzenes was found. Substituted di-tert-butylphenols however were found to impact mosquito larval growth and survival. In particular, 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)phenol (15) caused greater than 98% mortality of Anopheles gambiae larvae in a concentration of 180 nM, whereas 2-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-methylpropanal oxime (13) and 6,8-di-tert-butyl-2,2-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-chromene (33) caused 93% and 92% mortalities in concentrations of 3.4 and 3.7 μM, respectively. Larvae treated with di-tert-butylphenolic compounds died just before pupation.
Laparoscopic live-donor nephrectomy: a call to action

Despite advances in immunosuppressive regimens, expansion of donor acceptability criteria and introduction of paired kidney donation programs, the disparity between the number of patients awaiting a kidney transplant and the number of available organs is widening. The authors of this Viewpoint argue that increasing the rate of living kidney donation is the most promising means of enlarging the donor pool, and that laparoscopic nephrectomy has a crucial role in this endeavor.
Real-Time Minimal-Bit-Error Probability Decoding of Convolutional Codes

A recursive procedure is derived for decoding of rate R = 1/n binary convolutional codes which minimizes the probability of the individual decoding decisions for each information bit, subject to the constraint that the decoding delay be limited to Δ branches. This new decoding algorithm is similar to, but somewhat more complex than, the Viterbi decoding algorithm. A "real-time," i.e., fixed decoding delay, version of the Viterbi algorithm is also developed and used for comparison to the new algorithm on simulated channels. It is shown that the new algorithm offers advantages over Viterbi decoding in soft-decision applications, such as in the inner coding system for concatenated coding.
DA6 Strategies for Formulary Comparisons in the Medicaid Managed Care Era

Traditional state Medicaid programs that adopt an open managed care model must adapt their oversight from a single drug formulary to multiple formularies. Following the workshop, participants should be able to identify and describe successful strategies for obtaining and analyzing data needed to evaluate appropriateness of multiple drug formularies. Practical experience with obtaining information and creating a database containing multiple formularies, procedures to incorporate analysis of drug therapy by disease sate, and different methods used to categorize drugs for evaluation will be presented. These will be demonstrated by comparing medications used for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease by Medicaid managed care formularies in the state of Tennessee. This workshop is intended for government and healthcare industry decision makers and others involved in quality control and improvement.
The effect of potassium on the cell membrane potential and the passage of synchronized cells through the cell cycle

The cell membrane potential of cultured Chinese hamster cells is known to increase at the start of the S phase. The putative role of the cell membrane potential as a regulator of cell proliferation was examined by following the cell cycle traverse of synchronized Chinese hamster cells in the presence or absence of high exogenous levels of potassium. An increase in external potassium levels results in a depressed membrane potential and a reduced rate of cell proliferation. A potassium concentration of 115 mM was used in experiments with synchronized cells since at that level cell proliferation is almost completely halted, recovery of growth is rapid and complete, and the membrane potential is reduced to a level well below that normally found in cells in the G1 phase. A mitotic population was divided into four aliquots and plated in either control medium or medium containing 115 mM K+. Cells placed directly into high K+ medium were retarded in their exit from mitosis and displayed a delayed and abnormal entry into the S phase. If control medium was added after two hours, cell cycle traverse was normal, but delayed by two hours compared to control cells. If the mitotic cells were plated directly into control medium and two hours later were shifted to high K+ medium, the cells entered the S phase in the absence of the normally observed increase in membrane potential and proceeded to the next mitosis normally. It was concluded that the increase in membrane potential observed at the start of the S phase in isolated synchronized cells is not a requirement for the initiation of DNA synthesis. In addition, sensitivity to the high potassium regimen was found at two different times during the cell cycle. In one case, cells were impeded in their transit through mitosis. Such cells displayed an altered chromosome structure which may account for the partial mitotic block. In the second case, synchronized cells displayed a sensitivity to the high potassium regimen in early G1 which appeared to be separate from the block in mitosis and independent of a change in the membrane potential.
Natalizumab and HSV meningitis.

Natalizumab (Tysabri, Biogen Idec and Elan Pharmaceuticals) is a monoclonal antibody approved for use in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) as well as moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. We report the first case of a patient with a history of MS, on monthly natalizumab, who developed HSV-2 meningitis. We discuss the mechanism of action of natalizumab and review what is known about the reactivation of herpes infection in association with this medication. The question of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) prophylaxis for patients is raised.
The pharmacology of inhaled anesthetics

The two most popular potent inhaled anesthetics, desflurane and sevoflurane, differ in pharmacological advantages and disadvantages in sometimes subtle and sometimes obvious ways. Sevoflurane has a low solubility and absent pungency that makes it easy to use and is the anesthetic of choice for an inhalational induction of anesthesia. It does not stimulate the circulation. In contrast, concentrations exceeding 6% desflurane can cause airway irritation and circulatory stimulation, especially early in anesthesia. Desflurane requires a greater educational investment to deal with these issues. The lower solubility of desflurane (half that of sevoflurane) allows a faster recovery, often an earlier time to PACU discharge, and an earlier restoration of adequate ventilation and control of protective pharyngeal reflexes. Desflurane’s resistance to degradation by normal absorbents allows its use at low inflow rates (eg, 500 mL/min), whereas sevoflurane must be used at inflow rates of 1 L/min or more (2 L/min after 2 MAC-hours). Higher inflow rates increase cost. Desiccated absorbent degradation of sevoflurane (but not desflurane) can result in high temperatures and fires. Desiccated absorbents degrade both anesthetics to carbon monoxide, more with desflurane. Sevoflurane, but not desflurane, can cause convulsions. Desflurane and sevoflurane share several desirable attributes. Both may be used with laryngeal mask airways with minimal evidence of airway irritation during maintenance of anesthesia in either smokers or nonsmokers. Organ toxicity is unremarkable. Both may protect vital organs by “anesthetic preconditioning” (APC). In animals, APC with desflurane may provide greater myocardial protection against hypoxia, but in humans, desflurane and sevoflurane appear to be equally protective. Because both are halogenated solely with fluorine, neither materially affects the ozone layer.
Variation in the Presence of the Virus of Visceral Lymphomatosis in the Eggs of the Same Hens

Abstract PREVIOUS studies have demonstrated the presence of the causative agent of visceral lymphomatosis in the eggs of certain hens. This was done by incubating eggs to the fifteenth day, and preparing an inoculum from the pooled livers of 3 to 6 embroys of each hen. This inoculum was tested by intraperitoneal injection into susceptible day-old chicks. Deaths to 270 days of age were almost entirely due to visceral lymphomatosis (Cottral et al., 1954; and Burmester et al., 1955). Although Burmester and co-workers (1955) found that most hens of a susceptible and infected flock deposited a significant amount of virus in their eggs, further work (Burmester and Waters, 1955) showed that such virus did not appear to be responsible for much, if any, lymphomatosis in the progeny of such dams. They found no significant difference with respect to the incidence of lymphomatosis between families of dams that under test were known …
A Checklist To Assess the Need for Home Health Care: Instrument Development and Validation

The development of a one-page checklist is described, and results of validity and reliability studies are reported. The purpose of the checklist is to help practitioners assess the health status of patients upon discharge from adult or pediatric stations. The form was designed and validated for routine use by nurses on in-patient stations. A pre-post study of the effect of the prospective reimbursement plan on a teaching hospital-based home health service in which the instrument is being used is described.
Extensive posterior-lateral tracheal laceration complicating percutaneous dilational tracheostomy.

Abstract Background . An extensive posterior-lateral longitudinal tracheal laceration is an uncommon but serious complication of percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT). We report the successful management of three ventilator-dependant patients whose percutaneous tracheostomy was complicated by an extensive longitudinal posterior-lateral tracheal laceration requiring operative repair. Methods . A retrospective review of 134 cases of PDT with concurrent bronchoscopy was performed between April 1997 and July 1999 and compared with a review of 124 cases of open tracheostomy. Tracheal lacerations were primarily repaired and augmented with intercostal muscle pedicle buttress. Results . Three cases of an extensive posterior-lateral longitudinal tracheal laceration that required operative repair were reported in the PDT group. None were reported in the open tracheostomy group. The 3 patients were managed with an adult high-frequency oscillating ventilator or pressure control ventilation during the postoperative period to limit barotrauma, and all healed without evidence of tracheal leak or stenosis. Conclusions . The increasing popularity of PDT, particularly among nonsurgical disciplines, may generate an increasing number of complications requiring operative attention. Thoracic surgeons need to be cognizant of the pitfalls of PDT technique and be prepared to manage these difficult clinical scenarios.
Bacon‐Bercey Award to Dignon

Nancy E. Dignon, a graduate student at Florida State University in Tallahassee, is the recipient of the 1984 June Bacon-Bercey Scholarship for Women in Atmospheric Sciences. The scholarship, administered by AGU, is provided through a gift from the noted meteorologist June Bacon-Bercey. Dignon's interest in meteorology developed during her undergraduate studies at the State University of New York at Oneonta. While working there on her bachelor of science degree in meteorology, which she completed in May 1983, she developed a strong interest in severe storms and hurricanes. During the past year at Florida State, she has taken courses in tropical meteorology, mesoscale meteorology, numerical weather prediction, and atmospheric circulations. She hopes to work for a government research group following completion of a master's degree and possibly a Ph.D. She is currently working under the guidance of T.N. Krishnamurti on research involving detailed diagnoses of past hurricanes.
Multiphoton detachment, ionization, and simultaneous excitation of two-electron systems.

We present results of calculations of perturbative rates for two- and three-photon detachment and ionization of ${\mathrm{H}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ and He, and for simultaneous excitation of ${\mathrm{H}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$, by linearly polarized light over a range of frequencies extending into the ``excess-photon detachment and ionization'' region, a region replete with resonances. Simultaneous excitation of H is more probable than not in the case of two-photon detachment of ${\mathrm{H}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$.
Food chain chaos due to Shilnikov’s orbit

Assume that the reproduction rate ratio ζ of the predator over the prey is sufficiently small in a basic tri-trophic food chain model. This assumption translates the model into a singularly perturbed system of two time scales. It is demonstrated, as a sequel to the earlier paper of Deng [Chaos 11, 514–525 (2001)], that at the singular limit ζ=0, a singular Shilnikov’s saddle-focus homoclinic orbit can exist as the reproduction rate ratio e of the top-predator over the predator is greater than a modest value e0. The additional conditions under which such a singular orbit may occur are also explicitly given.
An adaptive control algorithm for linear systems

A modified gradient procedure is presented for adjusting parameters in a linear control system in the absence of complete knowledge of the plant dynamic characteristics. The algorithm operates to make discrete-time changes in the adjustable parameters during the normal course of system operation and incorporates the best available information on the unknown quantities. Sufficient conditions for the error corrective properties of the algorithm are derived, and the results of a simulation study are discussed.
The APGAR rubric for scoring online discussion boards.

The World Health Organization has called for a dramatic increase in the number of midwives and supports the use of innovative programs to assist students in achieving midwifery competencies. Online discussion boards are excellent educational tools for stimulating in-depth student engagement. However, complex discussions can be difficult to grade without a well-constructed rubric. The ‘discussion-board APGAR’ provides clear scoring criteria for discussions of midwifery care. The discussion-board APGAR has 5 components: Application, Professionalism, Group work, Analysis, and Rationale and provides scoring criteria for unacceptable, marginal, and proficient performance. The discussion-board APGAR is based on the Core Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice in the United States (US), consistent with the International Confederation of Midwives Essential Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice, and can be adjusted to be congruent with other midwifery standards.
Natural selection at genomic regions associated with obesity and type-2 diabetes: East Asians and sub-Saharan Africans exhibit high levels of differentiation at type-2 diabetes regions

Different populations suffer from different rates of obesity and type-2 diabetes (T2D). Little is known about the genetic or adaptive component, if any, that underlies these differences. Given the cultural, geographic, and dietary variation that accumulated among humans over the last 60,000 years, we examined whether loci identified by genome-wide association studies for these traits have been subject to recent selection pressures. Using genome-wide SNP data on 938 individuals in 53 populations from the Human Genome Diversity Panel, we compare population differentiation and haplotype patterns at these loci to the rest of the genome. Using an “expanding window” approach (100–1,600 kb) for the individual loci as well as the loci as ensembles, we find a high degree of differentiation for the ensemble of T2D loci. This differentiation is most pronounced for East Asians and sub-Saharan Africans, suggesting that these groups experienced natural selection at loci associated with T2D. Haplotype analysis suggests an excess of obesity loci with evidence of recent positive selection among South Asians and Europeans, compared to sub-Saharan Africans and Native Americans. We also identify individual loci that may have been subjected to natural selection, such as the T2D locus, HHEX, which displays both elevated differentiation and extended haplotype homozygosity in comparisons of East Asians with other groups. Our findings suggest that there is an evolutionary genetic basis for population differences in these traits, and we have identified potential group-specific genetic risk factors.
The pivotal role of cyanobacteria in the evolution of cellulose synthases and cellulose synthase-like proteins

Cellulose synthase and other members of the family 2 glycosyltransferases are ubiquitous in all kingdoms of life. To date, no attempt has been made to construct a phylogeny that positions cellulose synthases in relation to other members of this family or to elucidate relationships within the cellulose synthase group. In this study, a sequence from the unicellular, marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 is shown to share a unique common ancestor of a clade consisting of cellulose synthases from Dictyostelium discoideum and Nostoc, as well as a plant grouping that includes CesA proteins and cellulose synthase-like (Csl) proteins G, E, B, D, and F. A branching order is established for Csl proteins that places CslG as ancestral to other members of the Csl/CesA clade. Sequences from Ciona intestinalis and Aspergillis fumigatus are shown to branch at the base of the Eukaryota/Cyanobacteria clade. These data suggest multiple independent transfers of cellulose synthases. The implications of these findings in relation to the evolutionary history of cellulose synthase are discussed.
Microsatellite assessment of multiple paternity in natural populations of a live-bearing fish, Gambusia holbrooki

Three polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and employed to examine paternity patterns in two natural populations of live-bearing mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki. Each locus displayed four to five alleles per population in samples of presumably unrelated adults. Nearly 900 embryos from a total of 50 pregnant females were assayed individually, and paternal alleles in each embryo were identified. Counts of paternal alleles, Mendelian segregation patterns, multilocus allelic associations and genetic relatedness coefficients were employed to estimate the minimum and effective numbers of fathers per brood. At least 90% of the assayed broods were shown to have been fathered by multiple males, a figure substantially higher than previous estimates based on less polymorphic genetic loci. However, the genetic data yield a face-value estimate of only about 2.2 fathers per brood, a number that seems perhaps surprisingly low based on frequencies of attempted copulations by males. Both biological and sampling factors that might bias mean sire counts downward are considered. Although higher sire counts per brood might be obtained from loci with even greater numbers of alleles, little statistical room remains for higher frequency estimates of multiple paternity in Gambusia.
Interpretation of high-spectral-resolution remote-sensing reflectance

Remote sensing reflectance is easier to interpret for the open ocean than for coastal regions since bottom reflectance and fluorescence from colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) need not be considered. For estuarine or coastal waters, the reflectance is less easy to interpret because of the variable terrigenous CDOM, suspended sediments, and bottom reflectance, since these factors do not covary with the pigment concentration. To estimate the pigment concentration, the water-leaving radiance signal must be corrected for the effects of these non- covarying factors. A two-parameter model is presented to model remote sensing reflectance of the water-column, to which contributions due to CDOM fluorescence, water Raman scattering, and bottom reflectance have been added. The purpose of this research is to try to understand the separate contributions of the water-column, CDOM fluorescence, water Raman, and bottom reflectance for stations on the West Florida Shelf and Lake Tahoe. This model requires data with spectral resolution of 10 nm or better, consistent with that provided by AVIRIS and expected from HIRIS.
Logic for languages containing referentially promiscuous expressions

Some expressions of English, like the demonstratives ‘this’ and ‘that’, are referentially promiscuous: distinct free occurrences of them in the same sentence can differ in content relative to the same context. One lesson of referentially promiscuous expressions is that basic logical properties like validity and logical truth obtain or fail to obtain only relative to a context. This approach to logic can be developed in just as rigorous a manner as David Kaplan’s classic logic of demonstratives. The result is a logic that applies to arguments in English containing multiple occurrences of referentially promiscuous expressions.
The Akt/PKB Family of Protein Kinases: A Review of Small Molecule Inhibitors and Progress Towards Target Validation: A 2009 Update

This article describes recent advances in the development and biological evaluation of small molecule inhibitors for the serine/threonine kinase Akt (PKB) as a reprise of our 2005 review with new data from the 2006-2009 time period. Akt plays a pivotal role in cell survival and proliferation through a number of downstream effectors. Recent studies indicate that unregulated activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway is a prominent feature of many human cancers and Akt is over-expressed or activated in all major cancers. Akt is considered an attractive target for cancer therapy and inhibition of Akt alone or in combination with standard cancer chemotherapeutics has been postulated to reduce the apoptotic threshold and preferentially kill cancer cells. Recently, several series of small molecule, ATP-competitive inhibitors have been reported with a range of Akt potencies and selectivities. Phosphatidylinositol (PI) analogs have been reported to inhibit Akt, but these inhibitors may also have specificity problems with respect to other pleckstrin homology (PH) domain containing proteins and may have poor bioavailability. In addition, novel allosteric inhibitors have been reported which are PH domain dependent, exhibit selectivity for the individual Akt isozymes and inhibit the activity and the activation of Akt. Compounds within these classes Akt inhibitors have sufficient potency and specificity which have culminated in recent reports of efficacy in tumor xenograft models. Moreover, Merck just disclosed positive Phase I data with an oral allosteric Akt inhibitor (MK-2206).
Synthesis of novel 20-oxo-pregnacalciferol analogs with binding affinity to the progesterone receptor

Abstract 3-Desoxy-20-oxo-19-nor-pregnacaliferol (6a) and its 2-oxo analog 6c were prepared from 22-acetoxy-Grundmann's ketone 1 and the corresponding (cyclohexylidene)ethyl phosphine oxides 2a, b and their binding to the progesterone receptor examined.
Prediction of surface potential temperature over complex terrain

Based on a statistical approach, the surface potential temperature at seven observing stations in complex terrain has been examined. It is shown that the surface potential temperature depends primarily on the rate of change of slope wind and on the geostrophic-level potential temperature.
Clock multiplier with a range up to 370 MHz for video/display signal processing

This paper describes the design of a clock generation circuitry to be used as part of an affordable gigabit module head mounted display. A self-calibrated tapped delay line is used to generate different clock signals, which are then passed through logical function to produce an integral- multiple of an input clock. The system is fabricated on 0.8 micrometers CMOS triple layer using MOSIS CMOS process. All processes technology can operate at 3.3 V or 5.0 V. Experimental results show a realization of 4 times clock multiplier circuit with an output range of up to 370 MHz with almost zero-clock skew. The proposed clock multiplier circuitry is simple, temperature independent, uses a very small number of transistors and hence requires less area and power dissipation than earlier realizations.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Monte Carlo simulations of p- and n-channel dual-gate Si MOSFET's at the limits of scaling

Summary form only given. Previous work which used the Monte Carlo model DAMOCLES to explore the limits of scaling for n-channel Si MOSFETs is extended to include p-channel Si MOSFETs and quantization effects in the n-channel FETs. The previously published n-channel results (see D.J. Frank et al., 1992) have been resimulated taking into account the quantization of the electrons in the very narrow channel using the quantum capabilities in DAMOCLES. Because of the double-gated structure of these devices, the quantized levels extend to well above the 1 eV achieved by hot electrons, a regime in which the full band structure ought to be used. Since quantization of the full band structure is not practical, the calculations have been carried out in both parabolic and first-order nonparabolic approximations, to evaluate the differences. The two methods differ by up to 30%, with the parabolic case showing higher currents and carrier velocities. The nonparabolic case, which is thought to be more reliable, shows a approximately 15% increase in current compared to the nonquantum simulations, and has a lower source-to-drain resistance of 0.19 Omega mm, indicative of a higher channel mobility. >
A Finite-Element Approach for Modeling Inviscid and Viscous Compressible Flows using Prismatic Grids

The Galerkin finite-element method is used to solve the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations on prismatic meshes. It is shown that the prismatic grid is advantageous for correctly and efficiently capturing the boundary layers in high Reynolds number flows. It can be captured accurately because of the ability to cluster grid points normal to the body. The efficiency derives from the implicit treatment of the normal direction. To treat the normal direction implicitly, a semi-implicit Runge-Kutta time stepping scheme is developed. The semi-implicit algorithm is validated on simple geometries for inviscid and viscous flows and its convergence history is compared to that of the explicit Runge-Kutta scheme. The semi-implicit scheme is shown to be a factor of 3 to 4 faster in terms of CPU time to convergence.
Household reporting of childhood respiratory health and air pollution in rural Alaska Native communities

BackgroundAir pollution is an important contributor to respiratory disease in children.ObjectiveTo examine associations between household reporting of childhood respiratory conditions and household characteristics related to air pollution in Alaska Native communities.DesignIn-home surveys were administered in 2 rural regions of Alaska. The 12-month prevalence of respiratory conditions was summarized by region and age. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to describe associations between respiratory health and household and air quality characteristics.ResultsHousehold-reported respiratory health data were collected for 561 children in 328 households. In 1 region, 33.6% of children aged <5 years had a recent history of pneumonia and/or bronchitis. Children with these conditions were 2 times more likely to live in a wood-heated home, but these findings were imprecise. Resident concern with mould was associated with elevated prevalence of respiratory infections in children (ORs 1.6–2.5), while reported wheezing ...
The Ultra Low Birth Weight (LBW) Infants May Be Particularly Vulnerable to Intestinal Perforation (IP) 1103

Reports indicate that for preterm infants intestinal perforation (IP) is an emerging disease (Acta Ped 1996). Others quote high mortality (48%) with NEC and perforation (Surgery 1996) but no specific cause is delineated. Recently, we experienced an increased incidence of IP in ELBW infants.
Primary carcinoma of the renal pelvis.

Primary carcinoma of the renal pelvis is believed to represent nearly 8% of all malignant renal tumors. The clinical problems of this tumor have been a continuing challenge to early diagnosis and successful therapy. The present experience of 78 cases using the classification of Grabstald showed there is a significantly direct relationship between the tumor stage and the tumor grade. Of these cases, 39.7% manifested bladder malignancy; 38.6% had ureteral tumors. Nephro-ureterectomy with removal of a cuff of bladder as well as frequent followup of cystoscopic examinations continues to offer the best chance of survival. Surprisingly, urine cytology has been, to date, of little value as a screening test because of only slightly better than 30% accuracy. The long-term results using postoperative radiation as well as various chemotherapeutic agents or both are presently not encouraging. Only 10.3% of cases had known occupational exposure to various known carcinogens. Cancer 33:1642–1648, 1974.
Qualitative Identification of an Unknown Pesticide Using GC-MS and Online Resources

A senior-level instrumental analysis experiment is described in which students examine fruit for pesticide residues. This experiment involves fundamental instruction in sample preparation, the use of gas chromatography (GC) to resolve and deduce important components of a commercial pesticide preparation by matching against a certified standard, and unambiguous identification of the active pesticide by using mass spectrometry in conjunction with public data available on the Internet.
Scanning tunneling microscope design with a confocal small field permanent magnet

The field of ultra-sensitive measurements with scanning probes requires the design and construction of novel instruments. For example, the combination of radio frequency detection and scanning probe can be exploited to measure thermal properties and mechanical resonances at a very low scale. Very recent results by Komeda and Manassen (2008 Appl. Phys. Lett. 92 212506) on the detection of spin noise with the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) have further expanded previous results reported by one of the authors of this manuscript (Messina et al 2007 J. Appl. Phys. 101 053916). In a previous publication, one of the authors used a new STM instrument (Messina et al J. Appl. Phys. 2007 101 053916 and Mannini et al 2007 Inorg. Chim. Acta 360 3837–42) to obtain the detection of electron spin noise (ESN) from individual paramagnetic adsorbates. The magnetic field homogeneity at the STM tip–sample region was limited. Furthermore, vacuum operation of the STM microscope was limited by the heat dissipation at the electromagnet and the radio frequency (RF) recovery electronics. We report here on a new STM head that incorporates a specially designed permanent magnet and in-built RF amplification system. The magnet provides both a better field homogeneity and freedom to operate the instrument in vacuum. The STM microscope is vacuum compatible, and vertical stability has been improved over the previous design (Messina et al 2007 J. Appl. Phys. 101 053916), despite the presence of a heat dissipative RF amplifier in the close vicinity of the STM tip.
Architectural and Biochemical Adaptations in Skeletal Muscle and Bone Following Rotator Cuff Injury in a Rat Model

Background: Injury to the rotator cuff can cause irreversible changes to the structure and function of the associated muscles and bones. The temporal progression and pathomechanisms associated with these adaptations are unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the time course of structural muscle and osseous changes in a rat model of a massive rotator cuff tear. Methods: Supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscle architecture and biochemistry and humeral and scapular morphological parameters were measured three days, eight weeks, and sixteen weeks after dual tenotomy with and without chemical paralysis via botulinum toxin A (BTX). Results: Muscle mass and physiological cross-sectional area increased over time in the age-matched control animals, decreased over time in the tenotomy+BTX group, and remained nearly the same in the tenotomy-alone group. Tenotomy+BTX led to increased extracellular collagen in the muscle. Changes in scapular bone morphology were observed in both experimental groups, consistent with reductions in load transmission across the joint. Conclusions: These data suggest that tenotomy alone interferes with normal age-related muscle growth. The addition of chemical paralysis yielded profound structural changes to the muscle and bone, potentially leading to impaired muscle function, increased muscle stiffness, and decreased bone strength. Clinical Relevance: Structural musculoskeletal changes occur after tendon injury, and these changes are severely exacerbated with the addition of neuromuscular compromise.
Matching Concepts: Deconstructive and Foundationalist Tendencies in Buddhist Thought

Bipolarite deconstruction (Derrida) et fondationnalisme dans le canon pali, chez Nagarjuna, chez Dharmakirti| la rencontre de ces deux penseurs : Svatantrika (Inde) et Prasangika (Tibet)
Self-reported patient outcomes at a minimum of 5 years after allograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with or without medial meniscus transplantation: an age-, sex-, and activity level-matched comparison in patients aged approximately 50 years.

Purpose: Patient outcomes at a minimum of 5 years after medial meniscus transplantation and primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction via allograft tissues were compared with those of age–, sex–, and activity level–matched patients who underwent meniscal repair or partial meniscectomy and primary ACL reconstruction via allograft tissues. Methods: Eight patients (mean age, 51 ± 5 years; three women and five men) at 5.5 ± 0.5 years after medial meniscus transplantation and ACL reconstruction (group 1) and eight matched patients (mean age, 50 ± 5 years; three women and five men) at 5.1 ± 0.5 years after meniscal repair or partial meniscectomy and ACL reconstruction (group 2) completed the meniscus allograft clinical registry questionnaire, which combined the modified Lysholm knee scoring scale, the 1999 International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee evaluation, and the knee pain level score on a 10-cm visual analog scale. Results: Both groups displayed similar improvements in the modified Lysholm knee scoring scale components of pain, knee stability, squatting, stair climbing, and limping, as well as overall score ( P P Conclusions: Although group 1 had greater preoperative knee pain levels, their pain levels at 5 years postoperatively were comparable to those in group 2. With the exception of swelling, comparable improvements were observed between groups for all other variables. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective, case-control study.
Dissolution of a Stationary Bubble in a Glassmelt with a Reversible Chemical Reaction: Rapid Forward Reaction Rate Constant

The effects of a reversible chemical reaction on the dissolution of a stationary gas bubble in a glassmelt are considered. The governing equations for a model system are presented and analyzed for a variety of the controlling parameters. Approximation methods are used to obtain analytical results for the bubble radius shrinkage rate. These results are compared to numerical solutions of the complete governing equations. A comparison is made between the influence of reversible and irreversible reactions on gas bubble dissolution behavior.
Functions of the extracellular matrix and matrix degrading proteases during tumor progression

Cell interactions with extracellular matrices are important to pathological changes that occur during cell transformation and tumorigenesis. Several extracellular matrix proteins including fibronectin, thrombospondin-1, laminin, SPARC, and osteopontin have been suggested to modulate tumor phenotype by affecting cell migration, survival, or angiogenesis. Likewise, proteases including the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are understood to not only facilitate migration of cells by degradation of matrices, but also to affect tumor formation and growth. We have recently demonstrated an in vivo role for the RGD-containing protein, osteopontin, during tumor progression, and found evidence for distinct functions in the host versus the tumor cells. Because of the compartmentalization and temporal regulation of MMP expression, it is likely that MMPs may also function dually in host stroma and the tumor cell. In addition, an important function of proteases appears to be not only degradation, but also cleavage of matrix proteins to generate functionally distinct fragments based on receptor binding, biological activity, or regulation of growth factors.
The Relationships Among Pulmonary Function, Aerobic Fitness, and Cognitive Functioning in Older COPD Patients*

Study objectives: To study the predictive relationships among age, pulmonary function, aerobic fitness, and cognition in people with COPD. Design: Observational study conducted during baseline testing with COPD patients who volunteered to participate in an exercise intervention. Participants: Older adults (age, 56 to 80 years) with COPD. Measurements and results: Age, depression, education level, aerobic fitness, blood oxygen saturation levels, and pulmonary function were assessed. Participants were randomly assigned to take cognitive tests of (1) fluid intelligence, (2) processing speed and working memory span, or (3) processing speed and inhibition. After controlling for education and depression (F2,57 5 7.43; r 2 5 0.21), performance on the 6-min walk (F1,56 5 15.27; r 2 5 0.17) and age (F1,55 5 7.52; r 2 5 0.08) were significant predictors of fluid intelligence. On the speed-of-processing task, performance on the 6-min walk (F1,30 5 8.17; r 2 5 0.20), maximum voluntary ventilation (F1,29 5 5.81; r 2 5 0.16), and age (F1,28 5 5.26; r 2 5 0.10) were significant predictors. FVC was a significant predictor (F1,25 5 6.37; r 2 5 0.18) of working memory span. The ability to inhibit a response was not significantly predicted by any of the variables assessed. Conclusions: In an older COPD sample, age, aerobic fitness, and pulmonary function are predictive of cognitive performance on various tasks. In particular, age and aerobic fitness are predictive of speed of processing, which is a cognitive variable that may itself underlie performance on a majority of cognitive tasks. (CHEST 1999; 116:953‐960)
Two-Photon and Fluorescence Spectroscopy and the Effect of Environment on the Photochemical Properties of Peridinin in Solution and in the Peridinin-Chlorophyll-Protein from Amphidinium carterae†

The ground and excited-state properties of peridinin in solution and in the peridinin-chlorophyll-protein (PCP) complex are studied by using one-photon and two-photon spectroscopy, solvent effects, and quantum theory. Two-photon excitation spectra, two-photon polarization data, and fluorescence spectra in CS2 reveal three low-lying excited singlet states in peridinin: a lowest-excited1Ag*--like state with a system origin at ∼16 200 cm-1, a 1Bu*+-like S2 state with a system origin at ∼19 300 cm-1, and a 1Bu*--like S3 state with a system origin at ∼22 000 cm-1. The 1Bu*+-like S2 state dominates the two-photon excitation spectrum of peridinin in solution and in PCP because of type II enhancement associated with a large oscillator strength (f ≈ 1.6) coupled with a change in dipole moment upon excitation (Δμ ≈ 3 D). Thus, the two-photon spectrum looks very much like the one-photon spectrum although weak vibronic bands of the 1Ag*--like state are observed at ∼17, ∼18.1, and ∼19.2 kK in the two-photon spectrum ...
Application of Molecular Fingerprinting for Qualitative Assessment of Small-Intestinal Bacterial Diversity in Dogs

The aims of this study were to evaluate the use of molecular fingerprinting for assessment of bacterial diversity in canine duodenal juice and to evaluate the variation in the small intestinal microflora at repeated sampling. Two groups of dogs were used. Duodenal juice was collected from eight dogs euthanized for an unrelated project (group 1). Duodenal juice was also collected endoscopically from six dogs at weekly intervals for a total of 3 weeks (group 2). The variable V6-V8 region of bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA was amplified, and PCR amplicons separated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The reproducibility of DGGE profiles and variations in bacterial diversity between dogs were evaluated by comparing similarity indices (Dice's coefficient; 100% represents complete identity) of DGGE profiles from group 1 dogs. Weekly variations in the flora of the small intestine were evaluated by comparison of DGGE profiles from different time points within the same individuals in group 2. The mean (± standard deviation) similarity of DGGE profiles of duodenal juice between the dogs in group 1 was 38.3 ± 15.7% (range, 12.5 to 76.65%). There was a significantly higher variation in DGGE profiles between different dogs than between duplicates obtained from the same dog (P < 0.0001). DGGE profiles from samples collected at different time points varied within individuals, possibly due to variation over time or slight variation in sampling location. DGGE profiles indicate that dogs have a highly diverse microflora of the small intestine, with marked differences between individual dogs.
Coherent changes in relative C4 plant productivity and climate during the late Quaternary in the North American Great Plains

Evolution of the mixed and shortgrass prairie of the North American Great Plains is poorly understood because of limited proxies available for environmental interpretations. Buried soils in the Great Plains provide a solution to the problem because they are widespread both spatially and temporally with their organic reservoirs serving as a link to the plants than once grew on them. Through stable carbon isotopic analysis of soil organic carbon (d
The Drug Facts Box: Improving the communication of prescription drug information

Communication about prescription drugs ought to be a paragon of public science communication. Unfortunately, it is not. Consumers see $4 billion of direct-to-consumer advertising annually, which typically fails to present data about how well drugs work. The professional label—the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) mechanism to get physicians information needed for appropriate prescribing—may also fail to present benefit data. FDA labeling guidance, in fact, suggests that industry omit benefit data for new drugs in an existing class and for drugs approved on the basis of unfamiliar outcomes (such as depression rating scales). The medical literature is also problematic: there is selective reporting of favorable trials, favorable outcomes within trials, and “spinning” unfavorable results to maximize benefit and minimize harm. In contrast, publicly available FDA reviews always include the phase 3 trial data on benefit and harm, which are the basis of drug approval. However, these reviews are practically inaccessible: lengthy, poorly organized, and weakly summarized. To improve accessibility, we developed the Drug Facts Box: a one-page summary of benefit and harm data for each indication of a drug. A series of studies—including national randomized trials—demonstrates that most consumers understand the Drug Facts Box and that it improves decision-making. Despite calls from their own Risk Communication Advisory Committee and Congress (in the Affordable Care Act) to consider implementing boxes, the FDA announced it needs at least 3–5 y more to make a decision. Given its potential public health impact, physicians and the public should not have to wait that long for better drug information.
Does Episodic Memory Influence Initial Reading Instruction

Research in experimental psychology, computer intelligence, and linguistics indicates that semantic memory can be organized into episodic units. There are five aspects of reading comprehension that are potentially episodic: the identity of reading, the identity of the person communicating, the identity of the audience to which the message was directed, the circumstances under which the message was transmitted, and the reason for transmitting the message. As these aspects become progressively abstract, the complexity of forming an episodic association increases. A structure for assessing episodic, mnemonic complexity of reading materials is developed.
A logarithmic approach to energy-efficient GPU arithmetic for mobile devices

Graphic processing units (GPUs) have emerged as useful components in the realization of high-performance and cost-effective digital systems for numerically intensive applications, from simple personal devices to large-scale supercomputers. In this paper, we consider GPUs that incorporate energy-efficient logarithmic arithmetic units. After analyzing numerical errors arising from such an implementation scheme, we present a simple fine-tuning of the design to reduce the worst-case error.