cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Capillary flow velocity measurements in vivo and in situ by television methods.

Abstract A system for the measurement of red blood cell velocity in televised images of the microcirculation is described. The method measures the time delay between the photometric signals which originate from two “windows” positioned along the centerline of the televised capillary under study. The photometric windows are generated directly within the composite video signal, and are positioned by means of manual analog controls. Spatial and temporal resolution limitations set by the characteristics of broadcast television systems, in conjunction with the characteristic distances over which a configuration of red blood cells does not change substantially in its transit through the capillary, determine an upper limit for velocity measurements of 10 mm/sec. The system was utilized to measure RBC velocities in the capillaries of the rabbit omentum, cat tenuissimus muscle, and the pial microcirculation. These tissues present three limiting cases in terms of optical resolution, correlation length, and velocity patterns. In each case, adequate velocity measurements were routinely obtained.
LABORATORY SYNTHESIS OF POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL DERIVATIVES

Abstract In recent years, derivatives of polyethylene glycol (PEG) have proven valuable in a variety of diverse chemical and biological endeavors. Such applications include peptide synthesis, phase transfer catalysis, pharmaceutical modification, protein and cell purifications, polymer-bound reagents, and binding assays. Because of the great deal of interest surrounding this subject, this review will describe generally applicable laboratory methods for preparing PEG derivatives from the parent PEG. We have largely restricted discussion to this starting material because most research laboratories interested in applications are not equipped to handle complex ethylene oxide polymerizations used in large-scale industrial preparations and because PEG and some of its ethers and esters are the only commonly available polymeric starting materials. For the purpose of this review, PEG is defined as those polyoxyethylenes having hydroxyl endgroups and a molecular weight of 20,000 daltons or less.
In Vitro Reconstitution of Membrane Budding by Influenza A Virus Matrix Protein 1

Influenza A is an enveloped virus comprised of eight RNA segments that encode the virus's ten major structural and non-structural proteins. In the final stage of its replication cycle, influenza virus's genetic and structural components assemble at the plasma membrane of the infected cell, where they form a bud that extrudes and eventually separates from the host. Although the production of infectious virus particles requires the convergence of all viral components at the site of bud formation, the mechanism by which assembly is coordinated remains poorly understood. One candidate that appears to play a central role is the matrix protein M1. M1 forms an oligomeric layer immediately adjacent to the viral membrane, shaping the virus and providing a link between the envelope proteins (HA, NA, and M2) and the internal ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex that packages the viral genome. Despite evidence for its importance in the budding process, efforts to characterize the role of M1 and other viral proteins in cells has been challenging due to the complexity of the cellular environment. In order to study influenza A M1 in a well-defined setting, we have developed a minimal in vitro system that reconstitutes M1 assembly and budding on giant unilamellar vesicles. With this system, we have found that M1 oligomerization shapes the membrane into structures that geometrically and topologically resemble the budding virus. These structures are capable of incorporating cargoes with dimensions comparable to the RNP complex, and their assembly drives sorting of both lipids and membrane-bound proteins. By varying the mechanical and biochemical environment in which M1 assembles, we have identified a key mechanistic role for M1 in coordinating influenza A virus bud assembly.
A new way into the Phaedrus and composition: A review

Plato's Phaedrus; A Defense of the Philosophical Art of Writing. Ronna Burger, University, Alabama: The University of Alabama Press, 1980. 160 pp.
The indications for elective treatment of the neck in cancer of the major salivary glands

To define the indications for elective neck treatment, the cases of 474 previously untreated patients were reviewed who had locally confined major salivary gland cancers treated between 1939 and 1982. Clinically positive nodes were present in 14% (67 of 474). Overall, clinically occult, pathologically positive nodes occurred in 12% (47 of 407). By univariate analysis, several factors appeared to predict the risk of occult metastases; however, multivariate analysis revealed that only size and grade were significant risk factors. Tumors 4 cm or more in size had a 20% (32 of 164) risk of occult metastases compared with a 4% (nine of 220) risk for smaller tumors (P less than 0.00001). High-grade tumors (regardless of histologic type) had a 49% (29 of 59) risk of occult metastases compared with a 7% (15 of 221) risk for intermediate-grade or low-grade tumors (P less than 0.00001). In view of the low frequency of occult metastases in the entire group, routine elective treatment of the neck is not recommended. High-grade tumors and larger tumors have a high rate of occult neck metastases, and treatment should be considered in this group.
In vitro culture of hymenopterous larval endoparasitoids

Abstract The solitary endoparasitoids Cotesia (= Apanteles) marginiventris and Microplitis croceipes, which attack noctuid larvae, were successfully cultured from post-germband stage eggs to fully grown first-instar larvae in completely artificial (but undefined) media. However, growth rates were slower than in vivo, and while some larvae of each species attained apparent competence to moult (based upon characteristic size and form), none did so. Up to 75% of pregermband M. croceipes eggs developed and hatched when co-cultured with fat body from non-parasitized larvae of the habitual host, Heliothis zea. Heat-treated haemolymph plasma from a non-permissive host, Manduca sexta, also fostered development by ca. 40% of newly laid M. croceipes eggs, but plasma from H. zea larvae was not beneficial. Growth rates of C. marginiventris and M. croceipes larvae were not improved by haemolymph plasma from their habitual hosts (Spodoptera frugiperda and H. zea, respectively). Heat-treated foetal bovine serum was growth-promoting for post-germband eggs and larvae of both parasitoids. Treatment of foetal bovine serum by charcoal adsorption (to remove sterols and peptide hormones) diminished its value as a supplement. Two major proteins of the serum, foetuin and albumin, also promoted survival and growth for both parasitoid species. The potential relevance of these findings to in vitro rearing of endoparasitoids is discussed.
Some effects of motion cues on manual tracking.

Inverted pendulum and VTOL control experiments with and without motion cues, discussing various motion effects
Interventions for Family Management of Patients With Alzheimer's Disease

As the 21st century approaches, ever-increasing life expectancy and longevity bring into awareness the concerns of an aging population. One of these concerns pertains to the care of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The cause of AD continues to baffle science in spite of its high research priority in recent years. However, while we wait for science to discover both causative and curative factors, the illness continues to take its toll, placing the burden of care on the families of those stricken. The increased responsibility for care of dementia patients by families in the community calls for interventions that reduce family stress and provide support for caregivers who manage the behavioral manifestations of the dementia.
Extracellular conditions affecting the induction of yeast alcohol dehydrogenase II

Abstract The alcohol dehydgrogenases in yeast form one of the best-understood eukaryotic regulatory systems at the genetic level, but very little is known about their regulation at the biochemical level. We report on a simple whole-cell assay system for the induction of the inducible isozyme, alcohol dehydrogenase II, which has been used to show that no single compound added to the medium is responsible for the induction. The compounds which show the greatest inducing activity — malate, glutamate and fumarate — are all directly or indirectly involved in mitochondrial transport systems. No single compound can be purified from extracts of yeast cells to give inducing activity at low concentrations, suggesting that the inducing activity is an endogenous function of the cell. Tentative models for regulation of this isozyme involving the mitochondrion are proposed, and suggestions are made for testing these models further.
Free-Carrier Absorption And Saturation Of Intervalence-Band Transitions In P-Type Semiconductor Quantum Wells

Calculations of free-carrier absorption in p-type semiconductor quantum wells as a function of carrier density, temperature and light intensity are reported. Valence band dispersions used in the calculation are obtained by a multi-band effective mass method which includes the effects of warping and heavy-light hole mixing. Carrier lifetimes are taken into account within the deformation potential approximation. Deviation of hole distribution from thermal equilibrium due to optical pumping is included in the calculation, and the saturation behavior is studied.
The case for moral perception

In this paper, I defend the view that we can literally perceive the morally right and wrong, or something near enough. In defending this claim, I will try to meet three primary objectives: (1) to clarify how an investigation into moral phenomenology should proceed, (2) to respond to a number of misconceptions and objections that are most frequently raised against the very idea of moral perception, and (3) to provide a model for how some moral perception can be seen as literal perception. Because I take “moral perception” to pick out a family of different experiences, I will limit myself (for the most part) to a discussion of the moral relevance of the emotions.
Relationship between depressive symptom severity and emergency department use among low-income, depressed homebound older adults aged 50 years and older

Background: Previous research found a high prevalence of depression, along with chronic illnesses and disabilities, among older ED patients. This study examined the relationship between depressive symptom severity and the number of ED visits among low-income homebound older adults who participated in a randomized controlled trial of telehealth problem-solving therapy (PST). Methods: The number of and reasons for ED visits were collected from the study participants (n=121 at baseline) at all assessment points—baseline and 12- and 24-week follow-ups. Depressive symptoms were measured with the 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD). All multivariable analyses examining the relationships between ED visits and depressive symptoms were conducted using zero-inflated Poisson regression models. Results: Of the participants, 67.7% used the ED at least once and 61% of the visitors made at least one return visit during the approximately 12-month period. Body pain (not from fall injury and not including chest pain) was the most common reason. The ED visit frequency at baseline and at follow-up was significantly positively associated with the HAMD scores at the assessment points. The ED visit frequency at follow-up, controlling for the ED visits at baseline, was also significantly associated with the HAMD score change since baseline. Conclusions: The ED visit rate was much higher than those reported in other studies. Better education on self-management of chronic conditions, depression screening by primary care physicians and ED, and depression treatment that includes symptom management and problem-solving skills may be important to reduce ED visits among medically ill, low-income homebound adults.
Worst-case execution time analysis of security policies for deeply embedded real-time systems

Deeply embedded systems often have unique constraints because of their small size and vital roles in critical infrastructure. Problems include limitations on code size, limited access to the actual hardware, etc. These problems become more critical in real-time systems where security policies must not only work within the above limitations but also ensure that task deadlines are not missed. A critical piece of information for security policies in real-time systems is the worst-case execution time (WCET) of the security code. This paper addresses some of the issues faced in the implementation of such security policies and also the process of determining WCETs for them.
Further Comment on “Examining the Scientific Consensus on Climate Change”

The feature article “Examining the scientific consensus on climate change,” by Peter Doran and Maggie Kendall Zimmerman (see Eos, 90(3), 20 January 2009), while interesting, has a primary flaw that calls their interpretation into question. In their opening sentence, the authors state that on the basis of polling data, “47% [of Americans] think climate scientists agree… that human activities are a major cause of that [global] warming….” They then described the two-question survey they had posed to a large group of Earth scientists and scientifically literate (I presume) people in related fields. While the polled group is important, in any poll the questions are critical. My point revolves around their question 2, to wit, “Do you think human activity is a significant contributing factor in changing mean global temperatures?” Note that the opening sentence of their article uses the phrase “major cause” in reporting the results of the polling, while the poll itself used the phrase “significant contributing factor.” There is a large difference between these two phrases.
Part VII: Alterations of coronary flow velocity during intervention for acute myocardial infarction : responses to complications of intracoronary thrombolysis and angioplasty

Alterations, either an increase or decrease, in the distal flow velocity over time are associated with alterations in vessel diameter and/or unstable flow velocity. Unexplained unstable flow velocity patterns should act as early warning signs to prompt the interventionalist to assess continued coronary patency and need for renewed interventions.
Bulimia nervosa with enema abuse: A preliminary analysis based on four case reports

Four cases of bulimia nervosa characterized by enema abuse as a means of purging are described and summarized. A brief overview of this variant form of bulimia nervosa follows, along with suggestions for clinicians who may encounter such cases.
Decay of 40 d 103Ru and 17 d 103Pd to levels of 103Rh

Abstract The structure and properties of the levels of 103 Rh have been further characterized by studying the electrons and γ -rays emitted in the decay of 40 d 103 Ru and 17 d 103 Pd. K-conversion coefficients of 0.0043±0.0006 and 0.0025±0.0005 have been measured for the 497 and 610 keV γ -transitions respectively and indicate positive parity for the 537 and 650 keV levels. Using a time-to-amplitude conversion system, an upper limit of 0.4 ns has been determined for the lifetime of the 93 keV level. Angular correlations have been observed for the 444-53 and 557-53 keV cascades and indicate spins of 5 2 or 7 2 for the levels at 537 and 650 keV. A weak 242 keV γ - ray from the 537 keV level to the 3 2 − level at 295 keV establishes the spin and parity of the 537 keV level as 5 2 + . The log ft values for the β − decay and E. C. decay to the levels of 103 Pd have been determined and sizeable hindrances noted.
Selling and the salesman: prediction of success and personality change

By administering a personality inventory and attitude questionnaire to 201 college-student salesmen prior to and after a selling experience, an attempt was made to (1) measure the predictive value ...
The Role of Leucine Residues in the Structure and Function of a Leucine Zipper Peptide Inhibitor of Paramyxovirus (NDV) Fusion

To investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in paramyxovirus-induced cell fusion, the function and structure of synthetic peptide analogs of the sequence from the leucine zipper region (heptad repeat region 2) of the Newcastle disease virus fusion protein (F) were characterized. As previously reported (Young et al., Virology, 238, 291), a peptide with the sequence ALDKLEESNSKLDKVNVKLT (amino acids 478-497 of the F protein) inhibited syncytia formation after transfection of Cos cells with the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase and F protein cDNAs. A peptide analog which had an alanine residue in place of the first leucine residue in the zipper motif (ALDKAEESNSKLDKVNVKLT) retained inhibitory activity but less than the original peptide. Further loss in activity was observed in a peptide in which two of the leucine residues were replaced with alanine (ALDKAEESNSKADKVNVKLT), and a peptide which had all leucine residues in the zipper motif replaced with alanine (ALDKAEESNSKADKVNVKLT) had no inhibitory activity. The three-dimensional conformations of these peptides in aqueous solution were determined through the use of nuclear magnetic spectroscopy and molecular modeling. Results showed that while the wild-type peptide formed a helix with properties between an alpha-helix and a 3(10) helix with leucine residues aligned along one face of the helix, progressive substitution of leucine residues with alanine resulted in the progressive loss of helical structure. The results suggest that alterations of leucine residues in the zipper motif disrupt secondary structure of the peptide and that this structure is critical to the inhibitory activity of the peptide.
Glycol and Olefin Electrophoric Release Tags

Abstract An “electrophoric release tag” is a molecular labeling reagent which comprises three covalently-connected groups: electrophore/release/ reactivity. This reagent is first covalently attached via its reactivity group to a substance of interest. The subsequent release tag-substance conjugate is detected by chemically cleaving the release group within the release tag, liberating the electrophore for eventual detection by electron capture in the gas phase. Here electrophoric release tags are advanced by the preparation of three similar tags having a glycol release group. One of the glycol tags, N -(pentafluorobenzoyl)-4-piperidylidenyl-acetic acid glycol, is attached to glycine methyl ester as a model analyte. The resulting conjugate is cleaved within 5 minutes by aqueous periodate at room temperature, releasing the electrophore N -(pentafluorobenzoyl)-4-piperidone, for detection. Also a tag with an olefin release group is prepared: m -(pentafluorobenzyloxy)-E-3-methylcinnamoyl chloride. The latter reagent is attached to thymidine as a model analyte and a subsequent methylated conjugate is cleaved within 1 hr by aqueous permanganate/ periodate, releasing the electrophore m -(pentafluorobenzyloxy)-acetophenone for detection.
A Neo-Weberian Approach to Constitutional Courts in the Transition from Authoritarian Rule: The Mexican Case (1994–1997)

Abstract Current theories of the breakdown of authoritarian rule do not mention the role of supreme courts in the democratization process (Schmitter & O'Donnell 1986; Diamond, Linz & Lipset 1989; Gunther & Higley 1992). In the literature on this breakdown, constitutional courts are treated as an adjunct to executive power and hence as relatively unimportant to the process of democratization. One exception to this general trend is Huntington (1991: 228–231), who comments on the importance of rapid, formal justice by courts in prosecuting officials who violated human rights during the authoritarian phase of the regime. Nevertheless, Huntington (1991: 228) assumes that courts have no functional independence from the executive and that justice is “a function of political power”. In this essay I address this theoretical gap in the literature from a neo-Weberian perspective, which I illustrate empirically with the 1994 judicial reforms in Mexico. These reforms resulted in an increase in the Mexican Supreme Court's powers of judicial review of legislation during the breakdown of authoritarian rule (1994–1996). My central hypothesis is that supreme courts' promulgation and exercise of expanded abstract powers of judicial review of legislation will be used both by reformist authoritarian politicians and by democratizing groups, respectively (1) to increase the perception of democratic legitimacy for an authoritarian regime in crisis and (2) as an anti-authoritarian strategy in the effort to effect the legal leveling of authoritarian political elites to the rule of law (Weber 1978: 813). The democratizing effort to promote abstract justice through greater judicial review of legislation by supreme courts must be understood as a slow rationalizing effort riddled with the tension between formal and substantive rationality (Weber 1978: 641–895). I conclude that one also must study the punitive consequences of legal formalism to see whether it is actually implemented; Weber did not predict this aspect of the trend toward abstract formal justice. In my empirical analysis I demonstrate the shift from a Mexican Supreme Court with no generalizable powers of judicial review (before December 1994) to a Mexican Supreme Court with the power to generalize the effects of its powers of judicial review (after December 1994). I contend that the events of these initial 2 years are sufficient to show a trend toward formal rationalization and to demonstrate the tension-ridden nature of this process. Indeed, I argue that the earliest years of a supreme court's shift to generalizable powers of the judicial review of legislation show most clearly the strongest struggles over the scope and reach of its new powers. I use the Mexican Supreme Court's expanded powers of judicial review to illustrate the general Weberian point that the rationalization process is subject to the dialectical tension between formal and substantive rationality.
Abraxane in the treatment of ovarian cancer: The absence of hypersensitivity reactions

Abstract Background. Paclitaxel is one of the most active agents in the treatment of ovarian carcinoma. However, paclitaxel is solubilized in cremophor, a polyoxyethylated castor oil. Cremophor is allegedly responsible for many paclitaxel-associated hypersensitivity reactions (HSR). Novel agents such as abraxane are solvent free and currently being evaluated to potentially avoid certain patient side effects. Case. We present a case involving a 60-year-old ovarian cancer patient with a significant history of chemotherapy induced HSR. She underwent optimal cytoreductive surgery and began adjuvant chemotherapy in 2000 until she suffered a severe HSR to paclitaxel. In 2002, she was diagnosed with recurrent disease and underwent subsequent treatment with carboplatin, cisplatin, and doxorubicin, all of which resulted in severe HSR. The patient began abraxane therapy in 2005 and has shown no signs of HSR. Conclusion. Abraxane is a solvent free taxane, which can be administered without the pre-medications routinely used to prevent HSR. Abraxane may offer paclitaxel HSR patients the benefit of continued taxane treatment. Although the clinical activity of abraxane has not been extensively investigated in ovarian carcinoma, the distinct activity of paclitaxel and good results with recurrent metastatic breast cancer patients suggest additional evaluation with this drug is important.
Art and science.

To the Editor: I was excited when I saw the title of your March 2000 Editor's Note: “Sex Appeal.” As I read the editorial, I agreed—something is missing. I also agreed with your comments on the need for research and the application of theory, creativity, and science in moving the profession forward. Yes, we need evidence to justify what we do and to encourage consumer confidence …
Wider Caribbean Region—A Pivotal Time to Strengthen Regional Instruments For Biodiversity Conservation

The countries of the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR) are linked economically by their transboundary living marine resources. The region is facing a continued decline of these resources. Science is improving our understanding of the human contributions to this decline, but national policies and programmes have not kept pace with this understanding. The Caribbean Regional Seas Programme and its Cartagena Convention and Protocols provide the regional legal framework for protection and sustainable management of the WCR's living marine and coastal resources. This article focuses on the Cartagena Convention's Protocol for biodiversity conservation, the Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW), arguing that governments and organizations need to significantly increase participation in this regional treaty regime to effectively address transboundary environmental challenges. A new initiative, the Global Environment Facility-supported Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem project, will help in this effort. International policy supports strengthened regional seas programmes. It is now imperative for all levels and sectors to assist governments in strengthening this important treaty regime for biodiversity conservation in the Wider Caribbean Region.
PERFORMANCE OF URINE TEST IN PATIENTS MONITORED FOR RECURRENCE OF BLADDER CANCER: A MULTICENTER STUDY IN THE UNITED STATES

ABSTRACTPurpose: We assessed the performance of the ImmunoCyt® immunocytochemical test for detecting bladder cancer recurrence in patients with prior superficial bladder cancers compared with cystoscopic and histological findings.Materials and Methods: A total of 341 patients with a history of bladder cancer undergoing monitoring were evaluated at 4 sites. The results of cytology and/or ImmunoCyt® were analyzed for sensitivity and specificity compared with biopsy confirmed cancer.Results: The overall sensitivity of cytology alone, ImmunoCyt® alone and the 2 methods combined was 23%, 81% and 81%, respectively. The specificity of cytology alone, ImmunoCyt® alone and of the 2 methods combined was 93%, 75% and 73%, respectively. The immunocytochemical test was more sensitive than cytology for detecting grades 1 and 2, and stages Ta, T1, and T2 urothelial carcinoma, and it was equally sensitive for detecting grade 3 cancers and carcinoma in situ (CIS). The sensitivity of the combined tests for grades 1 to 3/CI...
Response to intracerebral administration of cerebrospinal fluid in the pentobarbital pretreated rat

Abstract Artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was intracranially administered into the medial septal region of the pentobarbital pretreated rat. Hydrogen ion concentration was varied to give an injection pH ranging from 3.7 to 11.5. It was found that at a pH of 3.7 the duration of pentobarbital narcosis was significantly shortened as compared to animals receivinq the more physiolooic CSF at pH = 7.5.
Studies on the light and dark interconversions of leaf xanthophylls.

Changes in the carotenoid content of spinach and lima bean leaf segments were studied under various conditions. Under intense light in N2, a decrease in the violaxanthin concentration was accompanied by a nearly stoichiometric increase in zeaxanthin. This light reaction was accompanied by a transient increase and decrease in the antheraxanthin concentration. In spinach when exposure to strong light in N2 was followed by dark incubation in O2, there was a decrease of zeaxanthin, an increase in antheraxanthin, and a small increase in violaxanthin. In the case of bean leaf, the decrease in zeaxanthin was accompanied by a nearly stoichiometric increase in antheraxanthin. The concentrations of lutein, neoxanthin, and carotene remained constant or changed only slightly throughout these experiments. These results suggest the following relationship of the β-carotene-derived xanthophylls: .
IgG Subclass Deposits in Glomeruli of Lupus and Nonlupus Membranous Nephropathies

Membranous nephropathy (MN) accounts for approximately 10% of all renal lesions of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). These membranous lesions often have a clinical presentation similar to that of idiopathic MN and may present before SLE is apparent clinically. However, unlike proliferative lesions of lupus nephritis (LN), membranous LN often does not show a "full-house" pattern of glomerular immunoglobulin and complement (C) deposits by immunofluorescence (IF); only nine of 14 such lesions that we examined stained for all of the following: IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, and C1q. Iskandar et al reported in 1992 that most cases of diffuse proliferative LN showed IgG3 as the major IgG subclass present in glomerular deposits; by contrast, IgG4 predominated in six of seven cases of MN of unspecified etiology. If IgG subclass deposition is similar in membranous and proliferative lesions of LN, then IF staining for IgG3 and IgG4 may be helpful in distinguishing lupus from nonlupus lesions in patients with MN who are lacking a firm diagnosis of SLE. We therefore stained cryostat sections of renal biopsies from 14 patients with SLE and MN (without a proliferative component; World Health Organization [WHO] classes Va and Vb) and 28 non-SLE patients with MN for IgG subclasses by direct IF; the observer was blind to the diagnosis for each case until all were read. The intensity of glomerular staining was graded on a 0 to 4+ scale with increments of 0.5+.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Results of transition zone biopsy in black and white men with suspected prostate cancer

Abstract Objectives. To determine whether biopsy-detectable transition zone tumors are more common in black than in white men with suspected Stage T1c and T2 prostate cancer. Methods. We performed a prospective study of transition zone prostate biopsy (TZ biopsy) in 178 black and 261 white men who had not undergone previous prostate biopsy and in 61 black and 65 white men who had undergone one benign sextant peripheral zone prostate biopsy (PZ biopsy). Results. The mean age of the 239 black and 326 white study patients was 68.6 ± 7.4 and 67.2 ± 7.2 years, respectively ( P = 0.02), the mean prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 8.4 ± 7.4 and 6.4 ± 5.4 ng/mL, respectively ( P = 0.003), and the mean PSA density was 0.20 ± 0.23 and 0.16 ± 0.16 ng/mL/mL, respectively ( P = 0.006). Overall, cancer was diagnosed by TZ biopsy only in 7 black men (3%) and in no white men (0%) ( P = 0.003). However, cancer detection with a TZ biopsy only was not significantly different in the black and white men when controlled for age, PSA, or PSA density ( P > 0.90). A TZ biopsy only detected cancer in 1% of patients who had not undergone prior PZ biopsy and in 2% of patients who had undergone prior PZ biopsy. Of the seven cancers detected with TZ biopsy, six (86%) had a Gleason score of 2 to 6. Conclusions. Prostate cancer detection with a TZ biopsy only is not common and when controlled for confounding variables is the same in black and white men. The preferential use of TZ biopsies in black men is not warranted, and the low diagnostic yield argues against routine use of the biopsy technique in men of either race.
Perspectives on obesity: The unknown handicap

This article was written in order to explore the literature as it relates to the obese child as seen in the perspective of a handicapping condition. Obesity is viewed as a medical condition requiring intervention both medically and educationally. The review focuses on a clarification of the concept childhood growth patterns, current diagnostic procedures, physiological and psychological implications, etiology, environmental influences, and the special needs of the obese child.
Genetic systems development in the clostridia

This review describes recent developments in the genetic manipulation of the solventogenic clostridia, Clostridium acetobutylicum and C. beijerinckii. It is to be noted that our laboratory stock of C. acetobutylicum ATCC 824, which was obtained from the American Type Culture Collection, has recently been re-identified as C. beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 based on DNA similarity studies using the S1 nuclease method (personal communication, Dr. Jiann-Shin Chen, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University). Reference to our laboratory 824 culture has been changed to C. beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 throughout this paper in order to be consistent with this finding. The focus of this review specifically involves the characterization of an M13-like genetic system for the clostridia based on the pCAK1 phagemid, as well as preliminary work on development of a plasmid-based vector based on the indigenous pDM11 plasmid recovered from C. acetobutylicum NCIB 6443. The construction of a C. beijerinckii strain with amplified endoglucanase activity was achieved by inserting the engB gene from C. cellulovorans into C. beijerinckii. The successful expression of a heterologous engB gene from C. cellulovorans in C. beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 has important industrial significance for the eventual utilization of cellulose by this acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation microorganism.
Synthesis and characterization of novel semiconducting polymers containing pyrimidine

The acidic methyl protons of 4,6-dimethylpyrimidines can be easily deprotonated with a base to generate a resonance stabilized carbanion which can be used as a substrate for aldol condensation reactions. A series of novel conjugated polymers were synthesized by the aldol condensation reaction of 2-decyloxy-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine with various aromatic dialdehydes.
Synthetic seismogram modelling of the oceanic Pn phase

The seismic oceanic Pn phase is characterized by low spatial attenuation, a high-frequency wavetrain of extremely long duration and an onset velocity near 8.0 km s−1. In an effort to explain these properties, models have been proposed for the mode of propagation of this phase which include energy entrapment within a low-velocity channel1,2, propagation within an extremely low-attenuation lithosphere waveguide3,4 and forward-scattering from local heterogeneity within the oceanic crust5,6. Through synthetic seismogram modelling, we have generated realistic oceanic Pn phases for an oceanic lithosph¨re model that did not contain any of these intrinsic properties. The synthetic Pn phase can be explained rather simply as a set of refractions from the lower lithosphre with subsequent reverberations within the oceanic water column and sediment layer. Many of the spectral properties associated with layer reverberation observed in the synthetic Pn phase are revealed in data collected in the south-west Pacific. Complicated oceanic lithosphere models are not required to explain the gross characteristics of Pn propagation.
Carotid surgery without external carotid endarterectomy: A 6-year clinical experience with 1027 cases

Abstract Purpose: previously we routinely performed endarterectomy of the external carotid artery (ECA) during carotid surgery. However, discouraging experience and lack of supportive data in the literature made us question its necessity. The present report describes our experience with a modified carotid endarterectomy (CEA) technique where the ECA is left undisturbed regardless of its degree of stenosis. Methods: from January 1996 to June 2001, 1027 CEAs were performed in 905 patients with this technique at our institution. All operations were performed for at least 60% internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. A preoperative carotid duplex scan was available for review in 990 cases (96%). Follow-up duplex scans were recovered from 0 to 1 months in 851 cases (83%) and from >1 month in 655 cases (64%). Seventy percent of these cases were performed for asymptomatic lesions. Results: the perioperative (30-day) mortality rate for the entire group of patients was 0.5% and the stroke rate was 0.7%. Mean follow-up was 18 months (range: 2-66 months). Only two ECAs occluded in the first postoperative month. During the follow-up period, 37 additional ECAs (5.6%) were found to progress from mild to severe (>75%) stenosis post-operatively. In addition, 7% of the cases were found to have worsened the degree of stenosis, 8% improved and 85% remained unchanged. Conclusion: these data support sparing of the ECA during CEA. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 25 , 458-461 (2003)
Production and characterization of an anti-serotonin 1A receptor antibody which detects functional 5-HT1A binding sites.

Abstract We describe the production and characterization of a specific anti-5-HT1A receptor antibody made against a fusion protein consisting of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) coupled to a 75-amino acid sequence from the middle portion of the third intracellular loop (5-HT1A-m3i, serine253–arginine327) of the rat 5-HT1A receptor protein. This region was chosen to avoid putative phosphorylation and glycosylation sites and regions of known homology with other 5-HT receptors. Western blot analysis indicated that the polyclonal anti-5-HT1A-m3i antibody accurately recognized the fusion protein expressed in bacteria and labeled a prominent 67 kDa protein band in the hippocampus, cortex, brainstem, cerebellum and kidney with a density profile corresponding to the relative abundance of the 5-HT1A receptor in these tissues. No protein was detected in liver or muscle tissue preparations, and no protein bands were labeled in any of the above tissues following preabsorption of the antibody with the 5-HT1A-m3i fusion protein. Immunohistochemistry revealed prominent labeling in limbic structures including the hippocampus, amygdala, entorhinal cortex, and septum as well as in raphe nuclei. In the hippocampus, 5-HT1A-m3i labeling revealed a characteristic laminar pattern that coincided with that seen by autoradiographic binding of the 5-HT1A agonist [ 3 H ]-8-OH-DPAT in all strata of the hippocampal formation. In the dorsal and medial raphe nuclei, anti-5-HT1A-m3i antibodies labeled the somatodendritic membranes of 5-HT neurons, consistent with its role as an autoreceptor. The detailed matching of the anti-5-HT1A-m3i antibody with [ 3 H ]-8-OH-DPAT binding suggests that the antibody recognizes a functionally active form of the 5-HT1A receptor protein capable of binding 5-HT1A agonist ligands. These anti-5-HT1A antibodies may therefore be useful tools in localizing functional 5-HT1A receptors in specific regions of the brain as well as in studying the plasticity and ontogeny of the 5-HT1A receptor at the cellular and subcellular level.
Vitrectomy with silicone oil or long-acting gas in eyes with severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy: results of additional and long-term follow-up. Silicone Study report 11.

Background: The Silicone Study evaluated the outcomes of vitreoretinal surgery for retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Objective: To evaluate short-term (up to 36 months) outcomes in eyes randomized to silicone oil or perfluoropropane gas and long-term (up to 72 months) outcomes in eyes with attached maculas at 36 months. Design: Prospective, randomized, multicentered surgical trial. Setting: Community- and university-based vitreoretinal practices. Patients: Two-hundred sixty-five eyes with PVR randomized to perfluoropropane gas and silicone oil with follow-up through 3 years (cohort 1) and 249 eyes with attached maculas at 36 months (121 eyes randomized to long-acting gas [either sulfur hexafluoride or perfluoropropane] and 128 eyes randomized to silicone oil) with follow-up up to 6 years (cohort 2). Both cohorts consisted of eyes that had and had not undergone vitrectomy for PVR (groups 1 and 2, respectively) before randomization. Of the 265 eyes in cohort 1, 24-month follow-up data were available for 218 eyes (82%) and 36-month follow-up data were available for 196 eyes (74%). Of 208 eyes in cohort 2, 48-month follow-up data were available for 146 eyes (70%), 60-month follow-up data for 119 eyes (57%), and 72-month follow-up data for 73 eyes (35%). Interventions: Vitrectomy surgery for PVR with a long-acting gas or silicone oil as the intraocular tamponade. Main Outcome Measures: Changes in visual acuity, recurrent retinal detachment, and incidence of complications. Results: In group 1 of cohort 1, compared with oiltreated eyes, gas-treated eyes had a higher rate of complete retinal reattachment from 18 to 36 months ( P P P =.02). Compared with oil-retained eyes, oil-removed eyes had higher rates of complete posterior attachment ( P =.01) and of a visual acuity of 5/200 or better ( P P P P Conclusion: The Silicone Study showed that silicone oil and perfluoropropane gas were equal in most respects for the management of retinal detachments with PVR. Success in the first surgery for PVR is paramount for obtaining better visual results. Overall, surgery for PVR had a high likelihood of retinal reattachment, and if anatomically and visually successful at 3 years, there is an excellent chance that the results will be maintained over the long-term.
Measurement of sulfamethizole clearance rate by nonthrombogenic constant blood-withdrawal system.

Abstract A method for the measurement of the total body clearance rate (CR) of drugs is described. It involves a single intravenous injection of a known quantity of the drug (D) and automatic integration of the plasma concentration curve, using a portable,nonthrombogenic. constant blood-withdrawal system. When blood withdrawal is carried out until theconcentration of the drug in the plasma approaches zero, the concentration of the drug in the collected pool, the integratedconcentration (IC T ) multiplied by the time of collection (T) yields the integral of the concentration curve: ∫ ∞ 0 X’ dt = ICT × T and CR = (D/∫ ∞ 0 X’ dt). The method was tested by measuring the clearance rate of sulfamethizole in five dogs by the established constant infusion method. At three plasma levels (25, 75, and 200 mg/liter), the plasma concentration had no significant effect on the clearance rate. The clearance rate of sulfamethizole was subsequently measured in the same dogs by the new single-injection constant withdrawal method. Multiple blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals simultaneously with the constant withdrawal of blood. There was no significant difference between the clearance rate of sulfamethizole measured by the two methods. The initial peak mean concentration of the drug from the time of injection (t = 0) to the time of the first blood sampling (t = 15 min) was calculated from the difference between ∫ ∞ 0 X’ dt obtained by the constant withdrawal method and that obtained from the results of the multiple blood withdrawals by the trapezoidal rule. The integrated concentration ICis was significantly higher than its estimation by the semilogarithmic linear regression method.
Characteristics of the radiation emerging from the top of a rayleigh atmosphere—I: Intensity and polarization

Abstract S. Chandrasekhar's solution of the equation of radiative transfer m a medium scattering according to Rayleigh's law has been used for an extensive series of computations of the scattered and diffusely reflected radiation directed outward from the top of a plane stratified model of the atmosphere. The results are discussed in two parts, the first of which deals with the intensity, degree of polarization, plane of polarization and the neutral points of the scattered and diffusely reflected radiation. Part II (see following article) will be a discussion of the upward flux, integrated over the hemisphere, as a function of wavelength of the incident radiation, and of the albedo of the atmospheric model for an energy distribution of the incident light similar to that of the extra-terrestrial solar spectrum. The results are compared with similar quantities for the diffusely scattered radiation from the sunlit sky.
A Hierarchical Identity-Based Signature Scheme

Cloud computing is a new technology for complex systems shared among numerous users. Therefore, for the trust and security of the cloud computing, authentication of users is a significant issue. Based on the fact that SSL Authentication Protocol (SAP) applied in cloud computing undergo a heavy computation and communication, we support the protocol based on the identity-based hierarchical model for cloud computing in this paper. By random oracle, we give the proof of the security of the protocol.
Localization of actin in basal cells of stria vascularis

Abstract The distribution of actin in the lateral wall of the cochlear duct was investigated in the gerbil, rat, mouse and hamster. A monoclonal antibody specific for muscle α and γ actins, and a polyclonal antiserum reactive with smooth muscle γ and non-muscle β actins yielded strong immunostaining of basal cells in the stria vascularis and of smooth muscle cells in lateral wall blood vessels. Both cell types stained in all four genera. Diffuse cytosolic staining was observed along the full-length of the basal cell layer including the blunt cell processes which they extend toward strial marginal cells. Immunoreactive basal cells appeared continuous with morphologically similar cells investing vessels penetrating the stria from the spiral ligament. The basal cells failed to bind antibodies to smooth muscle α actin and sarcomeric actin. By electron microscopic immunocytochemistry, gold labeling for actin was observed on dense, fine fibrils in the cytoplasm of the basal cells. In paraffin sections adjacent to those stained for actin, antibody to vimentin stained intermediate and basal cells in the stria vascularis whereas antibody to isoform I of the facilitated glucose transporter protein family (GLUTI) labeled only the non-overlapping apical and basal plasmalemma of basal cells. Content of vimentin, GLUTI and muscle γ actin supports the derivation of basal cells from mesoderm. The presence of stress fibers containing muscle γ actin points to a possible contractile activity of basal cells which conceivably could be related to transport of K + to and within the intrastrial compartment or regulation of blood flow in the stria vascularis.
POSITRON ANNIHILATION IN HELIUM

Positron mean lives were measured in helium gas over a wide temperature range at densities from 4.6 to 534 times the STP density and in liquid helium at 4.2 and 5.1\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The orthopositronium mean life in the liquid at 5.1\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K was found to be (9.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.6)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}$ sec which differs little from the lifetime in liquid at 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Except at very low temperatures, the pick-off rate in gas agreed moderately well with theory. The low pick-off rate associated with orthopositronium in liquid was observed also in the gas at temperatures below 9\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for densities greater than 250 times the STP density.
Linear-scaling tight binding from a truncated-moment approach.

We present an approximation to the total-energy tight-binding (TB) method based on use of the kernel polynomial method within a truncated subspace. Chebyshev polynomial moments of the Hamiltonian matrix are generated in a stable and efficient manner through recursive matrix-vector multiples. To compute the energy, either the electronic density of states (DOS) or the zero-temperature Fermi function is smeared by convolution with the kernel polynomial, with Jackson damping to minimize Gibbs oscillations while maintaining the positivity of the DOS. These are shown to give approximate lower and upper bounds, respectively, on the exact TB energy, and are averaged to obtain an improved energy estimate. The scaling of the computational work is made linear in the number of atoms by truncating the moment computation at a certain range about each atom. Energy derivatives necessary for molecular dynamics are obtained via a matrix-polynomial derivative relation. The method converges to exact TB as the number of moments and the truncation range are increased. We demonstrate the convergence properties and viability of the method for materials simulations in an examination of defects in silicon. We also discuss the relative importance of truncation range versus number of moments. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}