cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recurrence of infection and hernia following partial versus complete removal of infected hernia mesh: a systematic review and cohort meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine whether complete removal of infected hernia mesh (CMR) provides better results as compared to partial removal (PMR). PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE via Ovid were systematically searched for records published from 1980 to 2018 by three independent researchers (GM, GS, and GG). Quality assessment, data extraction and analysis were performed according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Mantel–Haenszel method with odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (OR (95% CI)) as the measure of effect size of dichotomous primary and secondary endpoints was utilized. Random-effects model was used for meta-analysis. Five observational studies totaling 421 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Rates of infection recurrence were 58.5% (62/106) in PMR and 25.5% (62/315) in CMR. The difference was statistically significant [OR (95% CI) 4.15 (2.30, 7.47); p < 0.001]. Rates of hernia recurrence were 9.7% (8/82) in PMR vs. 40.2% (41/102) in CMR. This difference was not statistically significant [OR (95% CI) 0.25 (0.04, 1.62); p = 0.15]. Low risk of publication bias was found using funnel plots and Egger’s test. This meta-analysis found significantly increased rates of infection recurrence in patients undergoing partial removal of infected hernia mesh as compared to complete removal. Complete removal of infected hernia mesh may be associated with increased rates of hernia recurrence. Further longitudinal observational studies are needed to confirm these findings.
CoPED: a smartwatch based voice cognitive assistant for the pandemic and beyond: demo abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes in daily activities, such as, washing hands and wearing masks regularly. During a pandemic, it is crucial to follow the recommendations from physicians and experts for mental and physical well-being. Also, it is important to know the latest information on the pandemic situation. Although smartwatches are very popular for monitoring and assisting daily life activities, existing systems are not directed towards coping up with the "new normal" life during pandemic. Towards achieving this goal, we present CoPED, a comprehensive voice cognitive assistant on a smartwatch that reminds and assists people for different daily activities during the pandemic and beyond.
Impact of prior preterm or term small for gestational age birth on maternal blood pressure during the menopause transition in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation.

Objective To examine whether blood pressure (BP) accelerates more rapidly during the menopause transition for women with a history of preterm or term small for gestational age (SGA) delivery compared to women with all term and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) births. Methods A longitudinal analysis was conducted with 1,008 parous women who had BP data at ≥2 study visits. We used generalized linear modeling to examine BP before the final menstrual period, at the final mentrual period, and up to 10 years after the final menstrual period, according to pregnancy group. We assessed maternal changes in BP over time in relation to years near the final menstrual period using a piece-wise linear model, consistent with menopause-induced changes. Models were adjusted for socio-demographics, body mass index, smoking, physical activity, medications, parity, age at first birth, gestational diabetes, and gestational hypertension/preeclampsia. Results At baseline, women were on average 46 years old, 101 (10%) reported a prior preterm birth, and 102 (10.1%) reported a term SGA birth. Compared to women with all term AGA births, women with a term SGA birth had higher BP before the final menstrual period, at the final menstrual period, and up to 10 years after the final menstrual period; women with a preterm birth had higher BP in the postmenopausal years. Annual rate of change in BP during the menopause transition did not differ between pregnancy groups. Conclusions Women with a history preterm and term SGA delivery have higher BP than women with all term AGA births during the menopause transition, but rate of change in BP does not differ in these groups relative to final menstrual period.
Impact of pharmacist-led selective audit and feedback on outpatient antibiotic prescribing for UTIs and SSTIs.

PURPOSE An estimated 30% of all outpatient antibiotic prescriptions in the United States are unnecessary. The Joint Commission, in 2016, implemented core elements of performance requiring antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) to expand to outpatient practice settings. A study was conducted to determine whether pharmacist-led audit and feedback would improve antibiotic prescribing for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and skin and soft tissue infection (SSTIs) at 2 primary care practices. METHODS A retrospective, quasi-experimental study was conducted to evaluate antibiotic prescribing for patients treated for a UTI or SSTI at 2 primary care offices (a family medicine office and an internal medicine office). The primary objective was to compare the rate of appropriate antibiotic prescribing to patients treated before implementation of a pharmacist-led audit-and-feedback process for reviewing antibiotics prescribed for UTIs and SSTIs (the pre-ASP group) and patients treated after process implementation (the post-ASP group). Total regimen appropriateness was defined by appropriate antibiotic selection, dose, duration, and therapy indication in accordance with institutional outpatient empiric therapy guidelines. Secondary objectives included comparing rates of infection-related revisits and Clostridioides difficile infection between groups. RESULTS A total of 400 patients were included in the study (pre-ASP group, n = 200; post-ASP group, n = 200). The rate of total antibiotic prescribing appropriateness improved significantly, from 27.5% to 50.5% (P < 0.0001), after implementation of the audit-and-feedback process. There were also significant improvements in the post-ASP group vs the pre-ASP period in the individual components of regimen appropriateness: appropriate drug (70% vs 53%, P < 0.001), appropriate duration (83.5% vs 57.5%, P < 0.001), and appropriate therapy indication (98% vs 94%, P = 0.041). There were no significant between-group differences in other outcomes such as rates of adverse events, treatment failure, C. difficile infection, and infection-related revisits or hospitalizations within 30 days. CONCLUSION A pharmacist-led audit-and-feedback outpatient stewardship strategy was demonstrated to achieve significant improvement in outpatient antibiotic prescribing for UTI and SSTI.
Failure Analysis of “Lantern-Like” Composite Insulator Heating Defects and the Improved Dye Penetration Test Method

In 2019, 27 new 500 kV AC composite insulators showed a severe heating, different from the traditional heating failure reported in recent years, the heating area isn’t limited in the high voltage side and 3–5 discontinuous heating area appears in the middle part. It was named “Lantern-like” heating failure according to the shape of the heating area. With the withstand voltage test, absorption test, X ray micro-CT test and SEM analysis, The 3D structural imaging of the through channels in the rod has been achieved, which would change the electric field distribution significantly. Short internal through channels will change the electrical field distribution and provide the energy to the abnormally heating. To detect these potential channels which should be responsible for the abnormally heating in the rod, the test time of dye penetration test has been extended from 15 minutes to 2 hours, and the improved test methods can find the through channels easily but won’t alert for the normal ones.
The university’s fragile role in fostering societal resilience by facilitating the development of community-engaged professionalism

The university plays an essential role in the education and social development of professionals. This role is vulnerable in that state support is required to foster sustainability and resilience, e...
Putting US First: How Outgroup Hostilities and Defense of the Status Quo Motivate White Evangelical Affect Toward Candidates in U.S. Elections 2004 to 2016:

How do voters construct feelings toward inparty elites? More specifically, how do they do so when they lack a shared policy agenda or shared salient social identity with candidates beyond partisan ...
Immediate & delayed effects of suppression and mindfulness as emotion regulation strategies.

Emotion regulation is an integral component of multiple physical and psychological functions, and problems with emotion regulation are thought to be involved with the development of psychological d...
Collaboration, Compliance, and Cupcakes: A Classroom Exercise:

This in-class, 75-minute exercise creates a context for students to observe some of the challenges to cross-functional collaboration and offers insight into processes to achieve more successful out...
Meta-National Innovation Management in Service Industries

Globalization has a major impact on the practice of innovation across a wide range of service industries. Yet, only limited attention has been paid to the issue of service innovation in a global context. To address this critique of the literature a case study of New Service Development (NSD) and customer interaction was conducted in US Corp Inc. (a pseudonym), a multinational financial services firm in the U.S. This firm had a global presence but wanted to improve its innovation efforts in South Asian nations, particularly India. The case study investigates the development of new services with inputs from firm’s customers in India. It also traces the roles of Indian subsidiary and local managers in developing and managing the overall innovation process. We chose longitudinal research method to identify the main sequence of events of the customer interaction process in NSD while they happen and to avoid the ex-post rationalization phenomena. This method combines qualitative data collection techniques, such as in-depth interviews, brainstorming, ethnographic observation, action research and archival records analysis. We also conducted a confirmatory follow up study using a small sample mail survey. Researchers have emphasized the importance of combining multiple data collection methods in conducting case studies.
A Case of Congenital Long QT Syndrome with Reccurent Syncope

Congenital long QT syndrome(LQTS) is a disease characterized by prolongation of ventricle repolarization and by the occurrence, usually during emotional or physical stress, of life-threatening arrhythmias that lead to sudden death in most symptomatic and untreated patients. Two variants have been initially identified : the original Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome of congenital deafness and autosomal recessive inheritance, and the more frequent Romano-Ward syndrome of autosomal dominant inheritance. Evidence also shows that approximately 25 to 30% of the cases are sporadic with syncope and a prolonged QT interval but without showing evidence for familial involvement. Familial and sporadic cases have been grouped under the definition of congenital long QT syndrome. We experienced a case of congenital long QT syndrome in a 13-year-old female girl. She had episodes of recurrent syncope and QT interval prolongation(QTc=0.46sec) in electrocardiogram(ECG). The ECG of her mother showed QT interval prologation(QTc=0.46sec). After applying atenolol, the QT interval returned to normal range and syncope has not occurred. We report a case of congenital long QT syndrome with a brief review of related literatures. (J Korean Pediatr Soc 2000;43:725-729)
Selective multiuser detection for cellular CDMA systems

We propose a new computationally efficient multiuser detection scheme, based on the multiuser detection of a subset of pre-selected users, and conventional detection of the rest of the users. This approach, called selective multiuser detection (SMD), allows for full exploitation of available processing power at the receiver by use of multiuser detection, and provides the remedy for computational complexity of multiuser detection schemes when the number of active users increases beyond the processing capability. We analyze the SMD scheme using a decorrelator as the multiuser detector, and derive the capacity for the single-cell and the multi-cell CDMA cellular system. We propose and examine three different criteria for selection of users to be processed by the multiuser detector. The capacity improvement with respect to the conventional CDMA detector combines the gain from multiuser detection and reduction of other-cell interference. We analyze the two effects and evaluate them numerically. The results indicate that the SMD is a promising alternative for multiuser detection-oriented CDMA systems with large number of active users.
Role of uric acid in Alzheimer's disease.

For many years, uric acid (UA) was considered to be a waste metabolic product in the human body that can cause gout and kidney stones if elevated, and might also be involved in the development of hypertension, vascular and renal diseases [reviewed 1, 2]. Later it was demonstrated that UA or urate, under physiological conditions, is an efficient scavenger of free radicals including several nitrogen-oxygen based radicals such as peroxynitrite and its derivatives [3,4]. Over the past ten years, several dozen studies were conducted to establish a correlation between serum UA levels and the risk of developing as well as the progression of several neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS) [reviewed in 5], Parkinson’s disease [6], and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) [7]. It was also linked to neuroprotection in several models of viral [8] and bacterial [9] infections in the central nervous system (CNS) and spinal cord injury [10]. So far the role of UA in MS remains the area most studied. In approximately two-thirds of the publications on MS with a total enrollment of about one thousand patients in several different studies, a correlation between a low serum UA level and disease was demonstrated [5]. These findings were followed by clinical trials aimed at ameliorating MS conditions by raising serum UA levels. Clinical trials
Objectivity and expression in Thomas Reid's aesthetics

L'A. analyse la conception esthetique objectiviste de Reid selon laquelle la beaute est une propriete de l'objet et non un sentiment dans l'esprit de celui qui l'apercoit/le percoit
Repertoire Shift in the Humoral Response to Phosphocholine-Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin: VH Somatic Mutation in Germinal Center B Cells Impairs T15 Ig Function

Phosphocholine (PC) is a naturally occurring Ag common to many pathogenic microorganisms. Early in the primary response to PC conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), T15 Id+ Abs constitute >90% of the serum Ig in BALB/c mice. During the late primary and memory response to PC-protein, a shift in the repertoire occurs and T15 Id+ Abs lose dominance. In this study, we use immunohistochemistry and single germinal center microdissection to locate T15 Id+ cells in the spleen in a primary response to PC-KLH. We demonstrate T15 Id+ B cells and VH1-DFL16.1-JH1 and Vκ22-Jκ5 rearrangements in germinal centers early in the immune response; thus loss of T15 dominance is not due to lack of T15 cells within germinal centers. One-hundred thirty one VH1 and 57 Vκ22 rearrangements were cloned and sequenced. Thirty four percent of the VH1 clones and 37% of the Vκ22 clones contained somatic mutations indicating participation in the germinal center response. Six variant T15 H clones were expressed with wild-type T15 L chain in vitro. Two of these Abs were defective in secretion providing the first evidence that mutation occurring in vivo can disrupt Ig assembly and secretion. Of the four secretion-competent Abs, two failed to display binding to PC-protein, while the other two displayed altered carrier recognition. These results indicate that somatic mutation of T15 in vivo can result in the loss of binding and secretion, potentially leading to B cell wastage. The failure of T15 to gain affinity enhancing mutations in the face of these detrimental changes may contribute to repertoire shift.
X-ray diffraction studies of immunoglobulins.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the results obtained in the investigation of the three-dimensional structure of a human Fab´ fragment currently. The chapter explores preliminary results of X-ray diffraction studies of immunoglobulins. X-ray diffraction analysis of single crystals can provide a high-resolution model of a molecule by a Fourier series representation of the electron density, calculated from experimental diffraction data and plotted as a contour map. The four homology subunits of Fab´ closely resemble each other, sharing a basic pattern of polypeptide chain folding or immunoglobulin fold. The arrangement of the Fab´ subunits, linked by narrow stretches of polypeptide chain, suggest flexibility and a potential for conformational changes by a relative movement of the homology subunits. The existence of this underlying structural pattern further supports the postulate that a gene-duplication mechanism gave rise to the subunit structure of immunoglobulins. The chapter concludes that the knowledge of the structure of immunoglobulins per se is of great interest to immunologists and immunochemists and such knowledge will provide a frame of reference for detailed correlations between structure and function and for investigations of physiological reactions and mechanisms of the immune response.
PTAS for densest k-subgraph in interval graphs

Given an interval graph and integer k, we consider the problem of finding a subgraph of size k with a maximum number of induced edges, called densest k-subgraph problem in interval graphs. It has been shown that this problem is NP-hard even for chordal graphs [17], and there is probably no PTAS for general graphs [12]. However, the exact complexity status for interval graphs is a long-standing open problem [17], and the best known approximation result is a 3-approximation algorithm [16]. We shed light on the approximation complexity of finding a densest k-subgraph in interval graphs by presenting a polynomialtime approximation scheme (PTAS), that is, we show that there is an (1+e)-approximation algorithm for any e > 0, which is the first such approximation scheme for the densest k-subgraph problem in an important graph class without any further restrictions.
Does implicit emotion regulation in binge eating disorder matter

Objective To examine if implicit emotion regulation (occurring outside of awareness) is related to binge eating disorder (BED) symptomatology and explicit emotion regulation (occurring within awareness), and can be altered via intervention.
Insights into the mobility of methyl-bearing side chains in proteins from 3JCC and 3JCN couplings

Side-chain dynamics in proteins can be characterized by the NMR measurement of 13C and 2H relaxation rates. Evaluation of the corresponding spectral densities limits the slowest motions that can be studied quantitatively to the time scale on which the overall molecular tumbling takes place. A different measure for the degree of side-chain order about the Cα−Cβ bond (χ1 angle) can be derived from 3JC‘-Cγ and 3JN-Cγ couplings. These couplings can be measured at high accuracy, in particular for Thr, Ile, and Val residues. In conjunction with the known backbone structures of ubiquitin and the third IgG-binding domain of protein G, and an extensive set of 13C−1H side-chain dipolar coupling measurements in oriented media, these 3J couplings were used to parametrize empirical Karplus relationships for 3JC‘-Cγ and 3JN-Cγ. These Karplus curves agree well with results from DFT calculations, including an unusual phase shift, which causes the maximum 3JCC and 3JCN couplings to occur for dihedral angles slightly small...
Obesity and Body Composition for Transplant Wait-List Candidacy—Challenging or Maintaining the BMI Limits?

Most kidney transplantation programs have a maximum body mass index (BMI) above which they will not place a patient on the active waiting list. However, obesity is common among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and weight loss is difficult, resulting in many patients being denied the opportunity to be considered for a transplant. BMI limits are in place because of data that outcomes are worse among obese transplant recipients than among those with lower BMI. However, the data to suggest that patient and graft survival are affected by obesity are not consistent, and obese patients with ESRD have better survival after kidney transplantation compared with remaining on dialysis. Therefore, it is important to carefully examine the question of BMI limits to ensure that we are achieving the right balance and making the best use of donated kidneys.
Germination of 14 freshwater wetland plants as affected by oxygen and light.

a b s t r a c t Oxygen and light are factors that can affect seed germination of wetland plants. We selected seeds from 20 plant species found in temperate eastern North American marsh and wet meadow wetlands, ranging from obligate wetland (OBL), facultative wetland (FAC) and upland (UPL) species. In growth chambers we tested germination success under controlled manipulations of O2 concentration (low [<1%] and atmospheric [∼20%]) and light levels (full light, half light and dark). Our objective was to (1) determine whether oxygen, light and their interaction facilitate germination of wetland seeds; (2) whether timing of germination is affected by oxygen and light; and (3) whether germination is related to wetland functional groups. Six species did not germinate. Of the 14 species that did germinate, a non-native ruderal (Echinochloa crus-galli) had the greatest germination success. However, we found that low O2 reduced germination success of all but three species (Rudbeckia triloba, Sagittaria latifolia and Typha latifolia). Reduction in light levels only reduced germination success of S. latifolia. We conclude that the physiological constraints that control germination operate independently for oxygen and light. It is important to know and anticipate oxygen and light levels when designing a wetland restoration project so that the proper species can be sown that can germinate under the specific conditions. Restoration planners should be aware that anoxic and hypoxic conditions seem to promote the germination of weedy and potentially invasive native and non-native species. © 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Redox-gated electron transport in electrically wired ferrocene molecules

We have synthesized cysteamine-terminated ferrocene molecules and determined the dependence of the electron transport properties of the molecules on their redox states by measuring the current through the molecules as a function of the electrode potential. The current fluctuates over a large range, but its average value increases with the potential. We attribute the current fluctuation and its increase with the potential to the switching of the molecules from low-conductance reduced state to high-conductance oxidized state.
Cloning and sequencing of the cDNA encoding a human testis phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase.

Abstract A human cDNA that encodes a polypeptide that has 94% deduced amino-acid sequence identity to porcine phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase was cloned from a testis library. The sequence shows preservation of the UGA selenocysteine codon, putative active-site Trp and Glu residues and a Tyr residue that is phosphorylated in the porcine protein. The 3′-UTR shows some conservation of sequences implicated in the insertion of selenocysteine at an opal codon in human glutathione peroxidase-1.
Metronome: Coordinating spectrum sharing in heterogeneous wireless networks

Many licensed and unlicensed frequency bands support heterogeneous wireless networks running different physical and link layer protocols. These networks “share” spectrum, but in an anarchic and arbitrary manner, resulting in poor performance for some networks and sub-optimal performance in aggregate. This problem is likely to be of importance in the US 700 MHz TV band, which is being explored for secondary use. This paper describes Metronome, a system that allows heterogeneous networks to coexist well. Metronome provides a flexible and expressive policy language that allows a network operator to specify constraints on receiver performance metrics such as throughput or loss rates. Metronome then configures each participating transmitter with appropriate channel, bandwidth, and transmission power settings automatically. Experiments from an outdoor vehicular platform for monitoring the TV band, and from an indoor heterogeneous network of 802.11, ZigBee and Bluetooth devices demonstrate the utility of Metronome's policy language. In a network of coexisting devices, we find that Metronome improves the throughputs of ZigBee and Bluetooth by more than 6× and that of 802.11 by more than 15%.
“Bishydrazid A2”: A new semiaromatic film and fiber‐forming polymer based on bisacid A2

We report the preparation of the dihydrazide of bisacid A2 (“bisdihidrazide A2”). Its composition and structure have been verified by elemental analysis and by means of infrared and NMR spectra. This material was then converted into a polyhydrazide (“bishydrazid A2”) in an HCl-accepting solvent. The polymer was converted to fiber by wet spinning the dope obtained during the polycondensation reaction without prior neutralization or dilution. Film was cast from a solution of the precipitated and washed polymer which had an inherent viscosity of about 0.8; mechanical tests on the film—both before and after treatment with formic acid—were carried out. Differential scanning calorimetry showed an α/β transition comparable to that shown by bisacid A2 polyaramides and described in preceding papers1,2. Wide-angle x-ray scattering showed that the polymer is amorphous. Scanning electron micrographs revealed the physical structure of wet-spun fiber and the probable mechanism of fiber formation by dope extrusion into a water bath.
Deformation index of MnS inclusions in resulphurized and leaded steels

Abstract The deformation index of manganese sulphide inclusions in a commercial resulphurized and a resulphurized, leaded steel measured in an experimental study are reported. The results obtained show that the same globular, type I MnS inclusions behave as deforming inclusion species at moderate cutting speeds in a resulphurized steel, while they assume a non-deforming characteristic in a leaded steel. This behavior of MnS in a leaded steel implies that there is a dynamic coupling between lead and MnS in this class of alloys that is yet to be exploited fully.
Isolation of a novel 38 residue-hypothalamic polypeptide which stimulates adenylate cyclase in pituitary cells

A novel neuropeptide which stimulates adenylate cyclase in rat anterior pituitary cell cultures was isolated from ovine hypothalamic tissues. Its amino acid sequence was revealed as: His-Ser-Asp-Gly-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asp-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Arg-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Gln- Met-Ala- Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Ala-Ala-Val-Leu-Gly-Lys-Arg-Tyr-Lys-Gln-Arg-Val-Lys-Asn-Lys - NH2. The N-terminal sequence shows 68% homology with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) but its adenylate cyclase stimulating activity was at least 1000 times greater than that of VIP. It increased release of growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), corticotropin (ACTH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from superfused rat pituitary cells at as small a dose as 10(-10)M (GH, PRL, ACTH) or 10(-9)M (LH). Whether these hypophysiotropic effects are the primary actions of the peptide or what physiological action in the pituitary is linked with the stimulation of adenylate cyclase by this peptide remains to be determined.
Alpha bag cell peptide reduces stimulated CAMP levels and pro-ELH synthesis in bag cells

Abstract α-Bag cell peptide (α-BCP), one of the multiple secretory products of the precursor to the egg-laying hormone (proELH) produced by the neurosecretory bag cells of Aplysia , has been variously claimed to have excitatory or inhibitory feedback effects on the cells which secrete it and to exert some of these effects via a reduction in cAMP levels. Since it was shown previously that proELH synthesis is modulated by cAMP, the present study was undertaken to determine if α-BCP causes parallel alterations in cAMP levels and peptide synthesis. The peptide had no effect on bag cell levels of cAMP in the absence of stimulation and no effect on the elevation of this nucleotide by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, isobutylmethylxanthine. However, it reduced the elevations induced by forskolin, dopamine, and high external potassium. Consistent with the above and with the hypothesis that proELH synthesis is accelerated by cAMP, α-BCP reduced proELH synthesis and cAMP production in parallel in forskolin-stimulated preparations, but did not inhibit stimulation of peptide synthesis by isobutylmethylxanthine or zero external Ca 2+ . These results support an autoinhibitory role for α-BCP in modulating bag cell discharge and suggest a mechanism by which it can mediate negative feedback inhibition of proELH biosynthesis.
Detection of melanogenic proteins in cultured chick-embryo melanocytes

Abstract The phorbol ester, 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), was used as a reversible inhibitor of melanogenesis. Chick-melanocyte cultures of the black genotype, EIE, were grown in conditioned medium plus TPA. After growth in TPA and after its removal, the cells were pulse labeled with 3H-leucine. The membrane fraction, which included all tyrosinase activity as well as both mature and immature melanosomes, was solubilized with Triton X-100. The proteins were separated using two-dimensional electrophoresis and visualized by fluorography. One defined melanogenic protein, tyrosinase, was isolated, and its location was determined in the two-dimensional protein pattern. The protein patterns for both the TPA-inhibited cells and the cells in which the TPA effects were reversed after removal were compared. in addition to tyrosinase, at least nine TPA-sensitive proteins were found. These were designated as being putative melanogenic proteins which, along with tyrosinase, may be responsible for melanin-granule synthesis.
Effects of packing density on the gas‐transport properties of poly(phenolphthalein phthalate)s

The gas transport and other pertinent properties of three aromatic polyesters, made by reacting phenolphthalein with terephthaloyl chloride (PPha-tere), 50:50 terephthaloyl and isophthaloyl chlorides (PPha-50:50), and isophthaloyl chloride (PPha-iso), are reported. The glass transition temperatures of PPha-tere, PPha-50:50, and PPha-iso are 299, 279, and 249°C, respectively. Unexpectedly, the densities are 1.297, 1.298, and 1.304 g/cm3 in the same order; PPha-iso, therefore, has a higher packing density than PPha-tere. The permeability of PPha-tere to CO2, CH4, N2, and O2 is roughly 25% higher than that of PPha-50:50, and roughly 100% higher than that of PPha-iso. PPha-tere is roughly five times as permeable as polysulfone but has slightly higher permselectivities for the above gases. On the other hand, the solubilities of each gas in these three aromatic polyesters are roughly the same, suggesting that the higher permeability of PPha-tere is the result of a much larger gas diffusivity in the polymer. It is shown here that the significant difference in gas-diffusivity is a manifestation of the effects of packing density on the transport properties of glassy polymers.
Mechanisms of levetiracetam in the control of status epilepticus and epilepsy.

Status epilepticus (SE) is a major clinical emergency that is associated with high mortality and morbidity. SE causes significant neuronal injury and survivors are at a greater risk of developing acquired epilepsy and other neurological morbidities, including depression and cognitive deficits. Benzodiazepines and some anticonvulsant agents are drugs of choice for initial SE management. Despite their effectiveness, over 40% of SE cases are refractory to the initial treatment with two or more medications. Thus, there is an unmet need of developing newer anti-SE drugs. Levetiracetam (LEV) is a widely prescribed anti-epileptic drug that has been reported to be used in SE cases, especially in benzodiazepine-resistant SE or where phenytoin cannot be used due to allergic side-effects. Levetiracetam’s non-classical anti-epileptic mechanisms of action, favorable pharmacokinetic profile, general lack of central depressant effects, and lower incidence of drug interactions contribute to its use in SE management. This review will focus on LEV’s unique mechanism of action that makes it a viable candidate for SE treatment.
The uncertainty sensitivity index method (USIM) and its extension

This article deals with optimization problems that have some uncertain parameters with unknown probabilities. The article proposes a strategy of transferring the system's uncertainty associated with these optimization problems into a norm or a set of norms that is added to the original objective function(s) within a multiobjective framework. The uncertainty sensitivity index method (USIM) proposed by Haimes and Hall [1977] is extended to several general cases. A robust algorithm is developed to guarantee an ideal solution for cases where the nominal value of the uncertain parameter is itself an uncertain variable. A design problem is also addressed to identify the best-compromise values of the system's parameters by integrating the USIM with the envelope approach.
Fast segmentation of range imagery into planar regions

Abstract A technique is presented for rapidly dividing surfaces in range imagery into regions satisfying a common homogeneity criterion. The result is a segmentation of the range information into approximately planar surface regions. Key features that enhance that algorithm's speed include the development of appropriate region descriptors and the use of fast region comparison techniques for segmentation decisions. The algorithm is a split-and-merge segmentation approach, where the homogeneity criteria is based on a 3-parameter planar surface description technique. The three parameters are two angles describing the orientation of the normal to the local best fit plane and the original range value. Speed is achieved because both the region splitting and the rejection of merge possibilities can often be based on simple comparisons of only the two orientation parameters. A fast, but more complex region-to-region range continuity test is also developed, for use when the orientation homogeneity tests are inconclusive. The importance of merge ordering is considered, and in particular, an effective ordering technique based on dynamic criteria relaxation is demonstrated. Example segmentations of simple and complex range data images are shown, and the effects of noise and preprocessing are examined.
Percutaneous ablation of VX2 carcinoma-induced liver tumors with use of ethanol versus acetic acid: pilot study in a rabbit model.

PURPOSE Acetic acid has been employed as a chemical ablation agent for liver tumors because of its superior diffusion characteristics compared with ethanol and the resulting requirement for smaller volumes and fewer injection sessions. Early tissue changes were compared after injection of acetic acid and ethanol in a rabbit model of hepatocellular carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS VX2 tumors were created in the left lobe of the liver in 11 male New Zealand White rabbits. Each animal underwent a midline minilaparotomy to expose the tumor-laden left lobe, followed by injection of 1.0 mL of 100% ethanol ( n = 5) or 50% acetic acid ( n = 6) with use of a 20-gauge infusion needle. Animals were killed 30 minutes after surgery; explanted livers were sectioned and examined for gross and microscopic changes. RESULTS Injection of each agent produced rapid diffusion through tumor and surrounding hepatic parenchyma, with immediate protein precipitation manifested by blanching as a result of coagulation effect. The sizes of coagulation zones, expressed as mean products of the maximum perpendicular diameters of tumoral diffusion, were 13.0 cm 2 ± 9.4 and 1.3 cm 2 ± 1.8 for acetic acid and ethanol, respectively ( P = .049). No differences in histologic changes were seen between agents. CONCLUSIONS In this animal model, acetic acid produced significantly larger zones of tumor coagulation compared with ethanol when injected into VX2 carcinoma in equal volumes. Further evaluation is necessary before these findings can be extrapolated to a clinical setting.
Simulation of correlated electron tunneling and a Coulomb blockade in a quantum-dot diode

We investigate the effects of electron exchange and Coulomb correlations on resonant tunneling in a quantum-dot diode by numerically solving the two-electron time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation. Electron-electron interaction effects for spin-parallel and spin-antiparallel electrons give rise to specific peaks in the transmission probability. These features resemble the observed fine structure in the I-V curves. The results of two-electron simulations are used to assess the validity of theoretical approaches such as the Hartree-Fock approximation and the local-spin-density approximation (LSDA), with and without the self-interaction correction, in the density-functional theory. Unlike the LSDA, the time-dependent Hartree-Fock approximation and the self-interaction-corrected LSDA work well for a quantum-confined electron pair. The implications of these simulation results on the many-electron transport in ultrasmall devices is also discussed.
Particles versus solid forms of hydroxyapatite as a treatment modality to preserve residual alveolar ridges

Abstract In two separate but related studies, different forms of hydroxyapatite were implanted into the extraction sockets of human teeth to delay alveolar resorption and to form the background for a comparison of the treatment modalities. The significant differences in the treatment modalities and the postoperative sequelae seem to merit this report. The implantation of the particles appears to be clinically, a more expedient procedure than the implantation of cones. The time required to (1) select an appropriate-sized cone, (2) modify the cone as needed to achieve a snug fit into the extraction socket, and (3) seat the cone deeply enough in the extraction socket to assure at least 2 mm of bone above the top of the cone implant was significantly greater than the time required to fit and pack particles into an extraction socket. None of the postimplantation problems encountered with cones was encountered in using the particle implants. The postimplantation problems encountered with cones included (1) submucosal prominence, (2) erosion through the mucosa (dehiscence), (3) migration, (4) loss of the implant, or (5) surgical maintenance or resubmergence. Data from these two studies suggest that the implantation of particles into the extraction sockets of human teeth to delay alveolar ridge resorption is a more prudent, forgiving, considerate, problem-free, and predictable procedure than the implantation of cones.
Cooperative oligonucleotide-directed triple helix formation at adjacent DNA sites

The changes in binding free energies due to cooperativity for oligodeoxyribonucleotides bound to adjacent sites by triple helix formation have been determined by quantitative affinity cleavage titrations. A 20-fold enhancement in equilibrium association constant is realized for an l lmer pyrimidine oligonucleotide binding in the presence of a neighboring bound site at 24 °C and pH 7.0 (25 mM Tris-OAc, 10 mM NaCl, 1 mM spermine). This corresponds to an increase in binding free energy of 1.8 ± 0.2 kcal mol^(-1). This cooperativity is not observed when the two binding sites are separated by one base pair.
Multiple Czochralski growth of silicon crystals from a single crucible

An apparatus for the Czochralski growth of silicon crystals is presented which is capable of producing multiple ingots from a single crucible. The growth chamber features a refillable crucible with a water-cooled, vacuum-tight isolation valve located between the pull chamber and the growth furnace tank which allows the melt crucible to always be at vacuum or low argon pressure when retrieving crystal or introducing recharge polysilicon feed stock. The grower can thus be recharged to obtain 100 kg of silicon crystal ingots from one crucible, and may accommodate crucibles up to 35 cm in diameter. Evaluation of the impurity contents and I-V characteristics of solar cells fabricated from seven ingots grown from two crucibles reveals a small but consistent decrease in cell efficiency from 10.4% to 9.6% from the first to the fourth ingot made in a single run, which is explained by impurity build-up in the residual melt. The crystal grower thus may offer economic benefits through the extension of crucible lifetime and the reduction of furnace downtime.
Water between Plates in the Presence of an Electric Field in an Open System

Molecular dynamics simulations of water at 298 K and 1 atm of pressure are used to investigate the electric-field dependence of the density and polarization density of water between two graphite-like plates of different sizes (9.8 x 9.2 and 17.7 x 17.2 A) in an open system for plate separations of 8.0, 9.5, and 16.4 A. The interactions with water were tuned to "hard-wall-like" and "normal" C-O hydrophobic potentials. Water between the larger plates at 16.4 A separation is layered but is metastable with respect to capillary evaporation at zero field (Bratko, D.; Curtis, R. A.; Blanch, H. W.; Prausnitz, J. M. J. Chem. Phys. 2001, 115, 3873). Applying a field decreases the density of the water between the plates, in apparent contradiction to thermodynamic and integral equation theories of bulk fluid electrostriction that ignore surface effects, rendering them inapplicable to finite-sized films of water between hydrophobic plates. This suggests that the free energy barrier for evaporation is lowered by the applied field. Water, between "hard-wall-like" plates at narrower separations of 9.5 A and less, shows a spontaneous but incomplete evaporation at zero field within the time scale of our simulation. Evaporation is further enhanced by an electric field. No such evaporation occurs, on these time scales, for the smaller plates with the "hard-wall-like" potential at a separation of 8.0 A at zero field, signaling a crossover in behavior as the plate dimension decreases, but the water density still diminishes with increasing field strength. These observations could have implications for the behavior of thin films of water between surfaces in real physical and biological systems.
Simulation of possible adaptive mechanisms in crops subjected to water stress

The dynamics of stress development in crops involves a decrease in turgor potential of leaves which causes decreases in leaf expansion, photosynthesis, and transpiration. A study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of three possible adaptive mechanisms in maintaining turgor potential and growth. These mechanisms — osmotic adjustment, increased root growth, and increased stomatal resistance at full turgor — were examined by a simulation experiment using a dynamic model of the soil-crop-atmospheric system. Osmotic adjustment was found to be ineffective in maintaining turgor for crops grown in a sandy soil because of the rapid development of stress. When a ten-day drying cycle was simulated for a clay soil, cumulative transpiration, photosynthesis and growth were increased by osmotic adjustment, indicating an improved ability of the crop to maintain turgor under the simulated conditions for the clay soil. increased stomatal resistance was ineffective for the simulated conditions because of a concomitant decrease in photosynthetic rate. Increased soil volume occupied by roots was found to be the most effective adaptive mechanism for maintaining turgor, transpiration, photosynthesis and growth of crops in both soil types.
El Niño suppressing storms

A strengthening El Nino has suppressed overall tropical storm activity during the 2002 Atlantic hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced on 25 November. The hurricane season, which ended on 30 November, produced only four hurricanes, half the number during a typical year since 1995. Eight storm systems—twice the average amount—affected the U.S., however. NOAA hurricane forecasters at the agency's Climate Prediction Center, Hurricane Research Division, and National Hurricane Center had predicted normal to below-normal overall storm activity, due to the strengthening El Nino, according to the agency. Climate Prediction Center director Jim Laver said that gaining a better understanding of the atmospheric conditions controlling seasonal hurricane activity is at the core of the agency's extended-range hurricane outlooks. Laver said that while 2002 was the agency's fifth straight year of issuing accurate outlooks for overall hurricane season activity, “future success depends on more research into how global and regional climate patterns affect Atlantic hurricane activity.”
The Rise in Treatment Admissions for Methamphetamine Use in Los Angeles County from 2001 through 2005

Abstract Drug use trends for people entering county-funded treatment programs from 2001 through 2005 were investigated. The sample was drawn from outpatient counseling, residential treatment, and day care habilitative programs. Findings center on the rising number of admissions to treatment programs for primary methamphetamine (MA) use, with a focus on participant gender, age, and race/ethnicity. Additional participant characteristics, such as referral source, employment, housing, and health status were also briefly explored. This investi gation found that the percentage of admissions to treatment programs for primary MA use has substantially increased in Los Angeles County each year from 2001 through 2005. The groups most affected were young people of Asian, Latino, Native American, and White descent. Additionally, it was determined that women were more likely to enter treatment for primary MA use (relative to other drugs) than were males. National implications of these findings, their limitations, and d...
Termination of transcription in vitro in the Escherichia coli tryptophan operon leader region.

Abstract Transcription of the wild-type tryptophan (trp) operon of Escherichia coli was examined in vitro. Virtually all RNA polymerase molecules which initiate transcription at the trp promoter cease transcription within the leader region of the operon after synthesizing about 145 nucleotides of leader RNA, and thus rarely transcribe the structural genes of the operon. Transcription stops with approximately equal frequency at either of two adjacent nucleotide pairs within an A + T-rich region, giving rise to transcripts with U-rich 3′ termini. The site of transcription termination is in a segment of the leader region proposed on the basis of genetic and biochemical evidence to contain a new regulatory element, a transcription attenuator, which functions in controlling the maximum level of expression of the operon.