cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statin use reduces risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma in US veterans with Barrett's esophagus: a nested case-control study

Background & Aims Statins have been reported to protect against esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE). However, there are few data from adequately powered cohort studies of subjects with BE. Methods We conducted a nested case–control study of a cohort of BE patients identified from national Veteran Affairs (VA) outpatient files, diagnosed with BE from 2004 through 2009. New cases of EAC recorded after BE diagnosis were identified during a follow-up period that ended in 2011 and verified using electronic medical records. We selected patients with BE without EAC (controls) using incidence density sampling; 3 controls were matched to each case based on birth year and date of BE diagnosis. Our analysis included only male patients with at least 1 VA visit per year of follow up. We identified prescriptions for statins and non-statin lipid lowering medications filled after BE diagnosis and up to 90 days before EAC diagnosis for cases and controls (during the corresponding time period); we examined the association between statin use and EAC in conditional logistic regression models. Results We compared 311 EAC cases to 856 controls. Cases were less likely to use any statins than controls (40.2% vs 54.0%; P 18 months (19.3% vs 24.0%, respectively; P 40 mg/day, 8.4% vs 12.6%, respectively; P n = 106) and 291 controls, the adjusted OR was 0.44 (95% CI, 0.25–0.79). We found no association between EAC and non-statin lipid-lowering medications. Conclusions In a case–control study of US veterans, statin use among those with BE appeared to decrease the risk of EAC. This protective effect was strongest against advanced-stage EAC, and increased with statin dose.
Measurement of G(Ep)/G(Mp) in (e)over-right-arrowp -> e(p)over-right-arrow to Q(2)=5.6 GeV2

The ratio of the electric and magnetic form factors of the proton G_E_p/G_M_p , which is an image of its charge and magnetization distributions, was measured at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab) using the recoil polarization technique. The ratio of the form factors is directly proportional to the ratio of the transverse to longitudinal components of the polarization of the recoil proton in the elastic ep → ep reaction. The new data presented span the range 3.5 < Q^2 < 5.6 GeV^2 and are well described by a linear Q^2 fit. Also, the ratio √Q^2 F_2_p/F_1_p reaches a constant value above Q^2 = 2 GeV^2.
Challenges to technology transfer: A literature review of the constraints on environme ntal technology dissemination

Daniel K.N. Johnson Kristina M. Lybecker Department of Economics and Business Colorado College 14 E. Cache la Poudre Street Colorado Springs, CO 80903 July 29, 2009 Daniel K.N. Johnson is the Gerald L. Schlessman Professor of Economics and Director of the Innovative Minds Program at Colorado College, 14 East Cache La Poudre, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, tel 719-389-6654, djohnson@ColoradoCollege.edu. Kristina M. Lybecker is Assistant Professor of Economics at Colorado College, 14 East Cache La Poudre, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, tel 719-389-6445, kristina.lybecker@ColoradoCollege.edu
On consanguineous marriages and the genetic load

It has been reported that studies of the genetic consequences of inbreeding should adopt a different strategy in populations having a relatively old inbreeding history and where inbreeding levels have varied over time. This contention is tested with a series of 39,495 single-birth records from Bombay, India, collected in a World Health Organization survey on congenital malformations. Our analysis reveals that: 1. the incidence of major malformations is significantly higher among the inbred offspring (1.34%) as compared to that among non-inbred ones (0,81%)--a finding at variance with a previous study in the same area; 2. the inbreeding effect on perinatal mortality (stillbirths and mortality during the first few days of life) is also found to be significant. In view of the above findings, the genetic load as disclosed by inbreeding is computed for perinatal mortality, major malformations and pooling these together. A + B, the measure of the number of lethal equivalents per gamete, is found to be at variance with other reports. Such variability can be ascribed to non-genetic factors. Supporting evidence collected from Brazil and Malaysia in the same survey is also presented.
Improving preterm infant outcomes: implementing an evidence-based oral feeding advancement protocol in the neonatal intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND:The ability of a preterm infant to exclusively oral feed is a necessary standard for discharge readiness from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Many of the interventions related to oral feeding advancement currently employed for preterm infants in the NICU are based on individual n
Effect of type II diabetes mellitus on outcomes in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

Abstract Purpose The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition, whereas the presence of diabetes has been shown to be protective in its development. We undertook this study to assess the association of type II diabetes mellitus with clinical outcomes in patients with ARDS. Materials and Methods We retrospectively examined the medical records of consecutive series of patients with ARDS requiring mechanical ventilation from January 2008 to March 2011. Patients with type I diabetes were excluded from the study. Clinical outcomes such as ventilator-free days, mortality, length of stay in the hospital and intensive care unit (ICU), and reintubations were compared based on the presence of diabetes. Multivariate regression model was used to find if the presence of type II diabetes mellitus predicts ventilator-free days at day 28. Results Two hundred forty-nine patients with ARDS were admitted to the ICU during the study period. Fifty (20%) subjects had type II diabetes mellitus. Differences in ventilator-free days, in-hospital mortality, reintubation rate, and length of stay in the hospital or ICU were not statistically significant between diabetic and nondiabetic patients with ARDS. Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II, ICU specialty, use of vasopressors, and the need for reintubation were predictors of ventilator-free days at day 28. The presence of type II diabetes mellitus and its adjustment by body mass index did not show association with ventilator-free days at day 28. Conclusions The presence of type II diabetes mellitus is not associated with clinical outcomes in ARDS, even when its presence is adjusted by body mass index.
Corrosion behavior of low-carbon steels in Grande Ronde basalt groundwater in the presence of basalt-bentonite packing

Three low-carbon steels (AISI 1006, AISI 1020, and AISI 1025) were tested at 150/sup 0/ and 250/sup 0/C in Hanford Grande Ronde Basalt groundwater (9.75) pH) under anoxic conditions (less than or equal to 0.1 mg/L oxygen in water) in packing (75 wt% basalt + 25 wt% bentonite) for 1 and 2 weeks. Testing was initially performed in air-equilibrated groundwater (oxic conditions) without packing at 150/sup 0/C. The average corrosion under anoxic conditions with packing was at least a factor of seven lower than that for oxic conditions at 150/sup 0/C. The data indicated that carbon composition apparently affects the corrosion of low-carbon steel under oxic conditions. Under anoxic conditions with packing, corrosion was independent of the carbon composition of the steel as evidenced by almost equal weight losses for all three steels at 150/sup 0/ and 250/sup 0/C. The weight loss at 250/sup 0/C was about the same as that at 150/sup 0/C due to the formation of a very adherent layer of iron-rich clay on the surface of the steel at 250/sup 0/C, reducing the rate at which corrosion proceeds. Pitting was not detected in any of the specimens. Assuming linear corrosion kinetics, extrapolation of the 2-week datamore » to 1,000 yr resulted in approximately 12 mm penetration of the low-carbon steel in Grande Ronde Basalt groundwater under anoxic conditions with packing.« less
The postprandial increase in blood triglycerides has no direct effect on the brain BOLD response

A previous study showed that ingestion of a liquid meal high in polyunsaturated lipids decreased the blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) response measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a finger-tapping motor task, and suggested that this effect was due to a direct effect of blood lipids on the cerebral vasculature. This study compared the time course and magnitude of the BOLD response in fixed anatomic locations before and 3 h after ingestion of high versus low lipid content liquid meals (235 ml Ensure Plus [Abbot Labs] with or without 50 ml added canola oil). Blood triglyceride content peaked 3 h after the high lipid meal and was elevated by 33% compared with the low lipid meal. There was no significant effect of meal composition on the time course or magnitude of the BOLD response in fixed-location clusters of voxels which were activated during either a motor (finger-tapping), a visual (flashing checkerboard), or an integrative/cognitive (number addition) block-design task paradigm. The results indicate that increased blood total triglyceride content after a meal with relatively high polyunsaturated fat does not directly alter the hemodynamic BOLD response to neural activity. However, the postprandial effect on BOLD response of other meals with varying fat types and amounts, as well as other nutrients and phytochemicals, remains to be determined.
Intracellular electrophysiological alterations in canine cardiac conducting tissue induced by aprindine and lignocaine

The effects of aprindine and lignocaine (lidocaine USP) were compared on intracellular^ recorded potentials from normal canine conducting tissues. Only aprindine produced marked depression of the maximum rate of rise (Vmax) of action potentials elicited at normal cycle lengths (1000 ms). Both compounds, however, produced enhanced depression of Vmax at short cycle lengths or at short S1–S2, coupling intervals at normal membrane resting potential. Both lignocaine and aprindine shorten the action potential duration (APD) and effective refractory period (ERP) but increase the ERP/APD ratio. These effects are easily reversible upon perfusion with drug-free solution only in the case of lignocaine.
The Politics of Laughter: Nasser, Sadat, and Mubarek in Egyptian Political Jokes

MANY familiar with post 1952 Egypt will already know of the tremendous popularity of Egyptian political jokes and the frequency with which they are told. Political jokes are an integral part of Egyptian life and can be heard in government offices by bureaucrats passing the time, in local coffee houses, among friends, and in the homes of millions of urban Egyptians. The political joke became particularly important beginning in 1952, when a group of military officers led by Mohammed Naguib and Jamal Abdel Nasser (The Free Officers) overthrew the corrupt monarchy of King Farouk and replaced it with a military regime. With the new regime came the end of parliamentary politics and political freedoms, including the right to organize political parties, and freedoms of speech and the press. When open political expression became dangerous in Egypt, the political joke emerged as a vehicle for the criticism of political leaders, their policies, and government. What is true of Egypt is true of many societies in which political freedoms are repressed. In the U.S.S.R., Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Rumania, Poland, Hungary, Cuba, and China, the political joke has been alive and well for some time.' In Greece, the political joke became an important form of criticism when a military dictatorship suspended freedoms of speech and the press.2 In both Spain, particularly under Francisco Franco, and Mexico, political jokes have thrived in a climate not conducive to other forms of political expression.3 Historically, therefore, when political dissent and criticism have not been tolerated, the political joke has become a vehicle for such criticism; a vehicle which replaces, at least partially, other forms of expression and protest.4
XPB: An unconventional SF2 DNA helicase

XPB is a 3'-5' DNA helicase belonging to the superfamily 2 (SF2) of helicases. XPB is an essential core subunit of the eukaryotic basal transcription factor complex TFIIH which plays a dual role in transcription and DNA repair: 1) to facilitate the melting of the promoter during the initiation of RNA polymerase II transcription; 2) to unwind double stranded DNA (dsDNA) around a DNA lesion during nucleotide excision repair (NER). NER is a highly versatile DNA repair process which is able to remove a broad spectrum of structurally unrelated DNA helix-distorting lesions. The importance of a fully functional XPB is clearly illustrated by the severe clinical consequences associated with inherited defects in XPB including UV-hypersensitive syndromes xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), Cockayne syndrome (CS), combined XP and CS (XP/CS), and trichothiodystrophy (TTD). Here we discuss the structure and function of XPB in NER as well as the impact of a disease mutation in XP11BE patients with XP/CS complex manifestations.
The prospects for detecting spectral shifts due to satellite sensor aging

Along with responsivity changes due to sensor aging, there may be concurrent spectral changes. A field-measurement approach for detecting postlaunch spectral changes is described. For illustration, one hypothetical model of change (spectral band shift) is explored through simulation for five satellite sensors. Two different types of natural terrain - vegetation and bare soil - are used as test targets.
Dynamic characteristics of mental models and dynamic visual displays

Mental models are hypothetical constructs for explaining human cognitive processes of understanding external reality, translating the reality into internal representation and utilizing it in problem solving. Three experiments were conducted to investigate important characteristics of mental models, their influence on task performance, and instructional strategies facilitating their formation. The experiments were conducted in computer-based training environments designed to teach troubleshooting electronic logic circuits. The results suggested: (a) dynamic characteristics of mental models are important for solving problems if understanding functional behaviors of the system is required to perform the task; (b) dynamic characteristics of mental models are determined primarily by subjects' understanding of the system features and functions more than by the visually presented training contents of the system; and (c) motion simulating system functions in visual displays is more effective than static visual displays in facilitating the formation of dynamic characteristics of mental models. Consequently, dynamic visual displays are more effective than static visual displays for teaching electronic troubleshooting skills. These findings provide direct implications for the development of training programs.
GTAs as Organizational Newcomers: The Association between Supportive Communication Relationships and Information Seeking.

This study explored the components of the assimilation stage of GTA socialization, with a specific focus on the relationship between GTA involvement in supportive communication relationships and GTA use of information‐seeking strategies. Participants were 143 GTAs enrolled at a large midwestern university. Results indicate that (a) GTAs are involved in both peer and mentoring supportive communication relationships, (b) GTAs use the overt information‐seeking strategy at a higher rate than monitoring information‐seeking strategies, and (c) a correlation exists between GTA involvement in supportive communication relationships and GTA use of information‐seeking strategies.
Metabolic characterization of nondiabetic severely obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: preoperative classification predicts the effects of gastric bypass on insulin-glucose homeostasis.

Introduction Obese individuals may have normal insulin–glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, or diabetes mellitus. Whereas gastric bypass cures insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus, its effects on normal physiology have not been described. We studied insulin resistance and β-cell function for patients undergoing gastric bypass.
Resource utilization by the freshwater deposit feeder Ptychoptera townesi (Diptera: Ptychopteridae)

SUMMARY 1. False crane fly larvae, Ptychoptera townesi (Diptera), occurred in high densities in a flow-controlled section of stream where fine particulate organic matter (FPOM; 0.45 μm to 1 mm in diameter) had accumulated, but were quite rare both upstream and downstream from the section. 2. In laboratory studies, P. townesi grew only on FPOM less than 250 μm. Larvae consistently grew fastest when fed small particles (0.45–53 μm in diameter). 3. Ptychoptera townesi consumed relatively small amounts (0.002 mg per mg animal dry mass day−1) of FPOM (0.45–53 μm). They had long gut content passage times (greater than 19 h) and relatively high efficiencies of conversion of ingested food to body substance (20.7%). Gut content passage times were variable, and depended partially on the nature of the substrate. 4. False crane fly larvae compacted FPOM into faecal pellets considerably larger in size than particles ingested. They lost mass when allowed to feed on their own faecal material, as well as on faeces greater than 250 μm in diameter produced by shredders. However, they survived and grew on shredder faeces (53–500 μm in diameter) that contained a mixture of smaller particles and particles too large for ingestion. 5. The overall pattern of resource utilization by P. townes involved slow handling of relatively small volumes of food, which probably passed once only through a complex alimentary tract.
ASSESSMENT OF THE RISK FOR DEVELOPING A SECOND MALIGNANCY FROM SCATTERED AND SECONDARY RADIATION IN RADIATION THERAPY

With the average age of radiation therapy patients decreasing and the advent of more complex treatment options comes the concern that the incidences of radiation-induced cancer might increase in the future. The carcinogenic effects of radiation are not well understood for the entire dose range experienced in radiation therapy. Longer epidemiologic studies are needed to improve current risk models and reduce uncertainties of current risk model parameters. On the other hand, risk estimations are needed today to judge the risks versus benefits of modern radiation therapy techniques. This paper describes the current state-of-the-art in risk modeling for radiation-induced malignancies in radiation therapy, distinguishing between two volumes: first, the organs within the main radiation field receiving low or intermediate doses (typically between 0.1 and 50 Gy); and second, the organs far away from the treatment volume receiving low doses mainly due to scattered and secondary radiation (typically below 0.1 Gy). The dosimetry as well as the risk model formalisms are outlined. Furthermore, example calculations and results are presented for intensity-modulated photon therapy versus proton therapy.
Social Construction as an Ethics of Infinitude: Reply to Brinkmann

This article responds to Svend Brinkmann’s (2005) critique of social constructionism, and most particularly to his charges that constructionist ideas contribute to an ethos of consumerism, ultimately related, as he sees it, to an ethics of infinitude. For Brinkmann, such an ethic denies the unconstructed facts of interdependency and mortality. These realities, for Brinkmann, are essential to any moral foundations at all. As I attempt to demonstrate, consumerism is one among many potential implications of constructionist ideas; however, the more demanding question is how to sustain concepts of trust and commitment in a globalizing world of multiple relationships. I further challenge Brinkmann’s characterization of constructionism as individualist and raise the possibility that all attempts to generate ethical foundations may be inimical to human life.
Sperm activation in saturniid moths: some aspects of the mechanism of activation.

Abstract Mature sperm of male saturniid moths, like those of many other organisms, do not become vigorously motile until they are ejaculated. The mechanism of activation in the case of the saturniids is clearly different from that of other animals since neither provision of metabolic substrates nor exposure to oxygen nor change of the ionic milieu induces motility in sperm collected from the male's seminal vesicles. The natural activator obtained from the reproductive tract of the male moth induces motility within as little as 90 sec after its addition. Inhibitors of RNA and protein synthesis failed to inhibit activation. When a small amount of activator was added to immotile sperm and then removed 30 min later, motility persisted for at least 31 hr; this result implies that the activator is necessary only for the induction of motility, not for its maintenance. Certain concentrations of glycerol and dilute proteinase solutions were able to activate sperm, suggesting some sort of action at the surface of the spermatozoon.
Capillary gas chromatographic analyses of headspace volatiles from vegetable oils

Eight different vegetable oils obtained commercially were analyzed for volatiles by capillary gas chromatography (GC). Volatiles generated in a GC static headspace sampler at 180 C were injected automatically onto a chemically bonded capillary column. Only a small number of GC peaks of low intensity were observed in the fresh samples, which varied in peroxide values from 0.2 to 3. Several major peaks were evident in the oils aged eight and 16 days at 60 C with peroxide values ranging from 16 to 65. Thirty-four GC peaks were identified on the basis of relative retention time of reference compounds and on the basis of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Volatile compounds identified were those expected from the autoxidation of principal unsaturated fatty acid components of each vegetable oil tested. The relative concentrations of volatile components increased with the level of oxidation as determined by peroxide value.
Relationships of the MadagascarBignoniaceae: A striking case of convergent evolution

Most MadagascarBignoniaceae have indehiscent fruits and have been assigned to the tribeCrescentieae. As thus constituted, theCrescentieae are remarkably disjunct between Central America (and the West Indies) and Madagascar with a single monotypic genus also on continental Africa. This paper analyzes the evolutionary relationships of the MadagascarCrescentieae and concludes that they are descended from a different ancestral stock than the New WorldCrescentieae. A revised tribal taxonomy is proposed to reflect phylogenetic relationships withCrescentieae restricted to the neotropic species andColeeae resurrected for the indehiscent-fruited Madagascar species.
Representation of Fuel Sloshing in Cylindrical Tanks by an Equivalent Mechanical Model

A mechanical model for representation of linear fuel sloshing with damping is derived by comparison and extension of available theoretical results in both translation and pitching without damping. Available experimental data indicates tha t the mechanical model representation is satisfactory for predicting total force response. A simple interpretation of the formulation also makes it possible to apply the mechanical model to the case of axial thrust acting in addition to the vertical gravitational field.
XXXI. The effect of electric and magnetic fields on the emission lines of solids

(1915). XXXI. The effect of electric and magnetic fields on the emission lines of solids. The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science: Vol. 30, No. 176, pp. 316-320.
A vibrational study of poly (L‐proline) I and II in the far infrared

The far infrared spectra of poly(L-proline) I (190–35 cm−1) and II (400–35 cm−1) were obtained in the solid state at both 300° and 110°K. A significant difference in the region below 100 cm−1 was observed. A very intense band located at 60 cm−1 in the infrared spectrum of form II has no counterpart in form I. This indicates the sensitivity of low-frequency vibrations to the difference in conformation assumed by both forms in the solid state. Additional bands observed in this study are correlated with ir and Raman data previously reported and tentative assignments are made using the results of normal mode calculations (in the single-chain approximation) which have been reported.
The unimolecular dissociation of 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran over a wide temperature range

The thermal decomposition of 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran (DHP, C5H8O) has been investigated by two methods: in shock waves with the laser-schlieren technique using mixtures of 5 and 10% DHP in krypton over 900–1500 K, 110–560 torr; in a flow tube having a reaction pressure 0.5 torr above atmospheric using the decomposition of allylethyl ether as an internal standard, and covering 663–773 K. The retro-Diels-Alder dissociation to the stable acrolein and ethylene is the dominant channel for all conditions. Precise rate constants (rms deviation of 10%) were obtained for this process over the indicated temperature ranges. Unimolecular falloff is evident in the shock-tube results, and RRKM calculations also predict a slight falloff at the lower temperatures. These RRKM calculations use a routine vibration model transition state and agree closely with the high-temperature data when 〈ΔE〉down is a fixed 400 cm−1. Arrhenius expressions for k∞ derived from the two measurements are in close accord and also consistent with most previous studies of this reaction. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cell-surface oxidation of amino acids in seawater

Recently, it was shown that certain phytoplankton species in laboratory culture can use cell-surface enzymes to oxidize amino acids and amines and take up ammonium produced during the oxidation. Previously, we developed a fluorescent analog of the amino acid lysine (LYA-lysine) to act as a tracer of cell-surface oxidation processes. In the present study, a kinetic approach demonstrated that these fluorescent probes effectively compete with natural amino acids and are thus similar to the natural compounds. Field studies showed that naturally occurring phytoplankton and bacteria-size organisms oxidized the fluorescent analog, extending the discovery of this oxidation process to natural waters. Parallel experiments measuring uptake of 14 C-labeled amino acids and oxidation of LYA-lysine showed that oxidation rates could be as much as 40% of the total removal rate. This finding suggests that removal of amino acids from seawater might be significantly underestimated if uptake across the cell membrane were the only process considered. However, cell-surface oxidative deamination was detected only in summer, when temperatures exceeded 22°C
Motivators and Inhibitors for University Faculty in Distance and e-learning

This article reports on four United States studies of how rewards systems, extrinsic and intrinsic, could play an important role in providing incentives for university faculty to teach (or remain teaching) electronic and distance education courses. The first three studies conducted prior to 2003 reported faculty were inherently motivated to teach e-learning and distance education. The fourth study in 2003 reported key findings that differed from the earlier studies. Using a principal components analysis, the researchers found nine indicators of motivation to participate or not participate in electronic or distance education. The implications from the fourth study indicated that, while faculty members were inherently committed to helping students, faculty members wanted their basic physiological needs met by university administration through extrinsic motivators, such as salary increases and course releases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Tensor Analysis of ANOVA Decomposition

Abstract The analogy between ANOVA for general n-factor crossed layouts and the ANOVA-type decomposition of square integrable statistics is demonstrated using the notions and notations of tensor analysis and multilinear algebra. A theory of tensors is developed in such a way that (a) it can be immediately applied in computer programs, and (b) it can be easily generalized to L 2 spaces.
Computer simulation of MRS localization techniques: an analysis of ISIS.

Computer simulations were used to evaluate the ISIS localization technique as implemented with both head and surface coils. The effects ofchemical shift, B1 inhomogeneity, repetition time, T2 relaxation, a postacquisition saturation pulse, and a B1 insensitive observation pulse were examined. Integrals of ISIS signals over the sample volume showed that significant signal loss from the volume of interest (VOI) and contamination from outside the VOI can occur for both head and surface coil ISIS experiments. The results showed that the saturation pulse, order of the various ISIS acquisitions, and repetition time affect contamination but not signal loss. In addition, short T2 and high RF power can combine synergistically to degrade the selective inversion pulses, causing further contamination and signal loss. © 1989 Academic Press, Inc.
Retrosternal thyroid mass resulting in axillosubclavian vein thrombosis.

An 89-year-old man with known thyroid goitre presented to the emergency department with right arm swelling for 5 days. There were no dilated head, neck or upper extremity vessels on examination but the right upper extremity was asymmetrically enlarged compared with the left. An elevated D-dimer prompted venous Doppler studies that confirmed acute thrombosis within the right subclavian vein. This was further evaluated with a modified CT angiogram protocol to assess the venous vasculature. The scout image (figure 1) demonstrated tracheal deviation secondary to …
The fine structure of the sperm of the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus)

Abstract The fine structural details of the spermatozoon of the round goby are presented for the first time in this study. Scanning and transmission electron microscopic examination of testis reveals an anacrosomal spermatozoon with a slightly elongate head and uniformly compacted chromatin. The midpiece contains a single, spherical mitochondrion. Two perpendicularly oriented centrioles lie in a deep, eccentric nuclear fossa with no regularly observed connection to the nucleus. The flagellum develops bilateral fins soon after emerging from the fossa; each extends approximately 1 μm from the axoneme and persists nearly the length of the flagellum.
Appendicitis diagnosed following active observation does not increase morbidity in children

An audit was undertaken to assess the outcome of patients aged less than 16 years who underwent appendicectomy after active obsevation. A comparison was made of the incidence of perforation, complications, and hospital stay of patients who underwent emergency appendicectomy (group A) and those who were operated upon after active observation (group B). A total of 1,672 patients were admitted with acute abdominal pain. Emergency appendicectomy following the diagnosis of acute appendicitis on admission was performed in 744 patients (group A); an appendicectomy was performed in 123 patients following active observation (group B). In group A, 140 patients (18.8%) were found to have macroscopic or microscopic perforations; a normal appendix was removed in 75 (10.1%) cases and 31 (4.2%) patients developed postoperative complications. In group B, perforations occurred in 19 (15.1%) patients, normal appendix was encountered in 25 (19.8%), and postoperative complications occured in 7 (5.5%). The overall normal appendicectomy rate was 11.5%. Mean duration of hospital stay was 3.5 days in group A and 4.7 days in group B. The remaining patients who were actively observed and did not require surgery were discharged when their symptoms and signs had resolved. The study illustrates that appendicectomy after a period of active observation in hospital fro acute abdominal pain carries no increase in morbidity compared with urgent appendicectomy.
Mitochondrial reserve capacity in endothelial cells: the impact of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species

The endothelium is not considered to be a major energy-requiring organ, but nevertheless endothelial cells have an extensive mitochondrial network. This suggests that mitochondrial function may be important in response to stress and signaling in these cells. In this study, we used extracellular flux analysis to measure mitochondrial function in adherent bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). Under basal conditions, BAEC use only approximately 35% of their maximal respiratory capacity. We calculate that this represents an intermediate respiratory state between States 3 and 4, which we define as State(apparent) equal to 3.64. Interestingly, the apparent respiratory control ratio (maximal mitochondrial oxygen consumption/non-ADP-linked respiration) in these cells is on the order of 23, which is substantially higher than that which is frequently obtained with isolated mitochondria. These results suggest that mitochondria in endothelial cells are highly coupled and possess a considerable bioenergetic reserve. Because endothelial cells are exposed to both reactive oxygen (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species in the course of vascular disease, we hypothesized that this reserve capacity is important in responding to oxidative stress. To test this, we exposed BAEC to NO or ROS alone or in combination. We found that exposure to nontoxic concentrations of NO or low levels of hydrogen peroxide generated from 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-napthoquinone (DMNQ) had little impact on basal mitochondrial function but both treatments reversibly decreased mitochondrial reserve capacity. However, combined NO and DMNQ treatment resulted in an irreversible loss of reserve capacity and was associated with cell death. These data are consistent with a critical role for the mitochondrial reserve capacity in endothelial cells in responding to oxidative stress.
High fludarabine exposure and relationship with treatment-related mortality after nonmyeloablative hematopoietic cell transplantation

Despite its common use in nonmyeloablative preparative regimens, the pharmacokinetics of fludarabine are poorly characterized in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients and exposure-response relationships remain undefined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between plasma F-ara-A exposure, the systemically circulating moiety of fludarabine, and engraftment, acute GVHD, TRM and OS after HCT. The preparative regimen consisted of CY 50 mg/kg/day i.v. day -6; plus fludarabine 30-40 mg/m²/day i.v. on days -6 to -2 and TBI 200 cGy on day -1. F-ara-A pharmacokinetics were carried out with the first dose of fludarabine in 87 adult patients. Median (range) F-ara-A area-under-the-curve (AUC((0-∞))) was 5.0 μg h/mL (2.0-11.0), clearance 15.3 L/h (6.2-36.6), C(min) 55 ng/mL (17-166) and concentration on day(zero) 16.0 ng/mL (0.1-144.1). Despite dose reductions, patients with renal insufficiency had higher F-ara-A exposures. There was strong association between high plasma concentrations of F-ara-A and increased risk of TRM and reduced OS. Patients with an AUC((0-∞)) greater than 6.5 μg h/mL had 4.56 greater risk of TRM and significantly lower OS. These data suggest that clinical strategies are needed to optimize dosing of fludarabine to prevent overexposure and toxicity in HCT.
Gross Anatomy of the Brachial Plexus Sheath in Human Cadavers

Background and Objectives: Major nerves and vessels run alongside each other in a “neurovascular bundle” kept together by connective tissue that is often referred to by anatomists, surgeons, and anesthesiologists as the “sheath.” Our goal was to macroscopically demonstrate the brachial plexus sheath in embalmed and fresh cadaver dissections. Methods: Systematic dissections were performed on 11 embalmed cadavers (6 females and 5 males), plus one fresh, unembalmed male cadaver. Dissections were started in the arm, and progressed proximally to the axilla and the supraclavicular area. Notes and photographic documentation were obtained. Results: A sheath around the neurovascular bundle of the brachial plexus was visible to the naked eye in every dissection. The sheath had a fibrous external appearance, and was filled with loose connective tissue. No evidence of septa was found. Conclusions: We observed a macroscopic fibrous structure surrounding the plexus, which was filled with loose connective tissue lacking any apparent organization.
Enhancement of electrical properties due to Cr3+ substitution in Co-ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by two chemical techniques

Abstract Nanocrystalline cobalt ferrites with nominal composition CoCr x Fe 2− x O 4 ranging from x =0.0 to 0.5 with step increment of 0.25 were prepared by sol–gel auto combustion and chemical co-precipitation techniques. A comparative study of structural, electrical and magnetic properties of these ferrites has been measured using different characterization techniques. Structural and micro-structural studies were measured using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Crystallite sizes of the series are within the range of 12–29±2 nm. Lattice parameters decrease by increasing Cr 3+ concentration. FTIR confirms the presence of two lattice absorption bands. DC electrical resistivity increases to a value of ∼10 10 Ω-cm with increase in Cr 3+ concentration, but the most significant increase is in samples prepared by sol–gel combustion. Dielectric properties have been measured as a function of frequency at room temperature. Dielectric loss decreases to 0.1037 and 0.0108 at 5 MHz for chemical co-precipitation and sol–gel combustion, respectively. Impedance measurements further helped in analyzing the electrical properties and to separate the grain and grain boundary resistance effects using a complex impedance analysis. Magnetic parameters were studied using a vibrating sample magnetometer in the applied field of 10 kOe. The saturation magnetization decreased from 63 to 10.8 emu/gm with increase in Cr 3+ concentration.
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells and interferon levels are increased in lymphatic malformations.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the presence of plasmacytoid dendritic cells and type 1 interferon and the activation of interferon signaling pathway in lymphatic malformations. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. MATERIALS: Nineteen lymphatic malformations with matching clinical data were compared to control tissue (normal skin and lymph node). METHODS: Paraffin-embedded tissue was evaluated for plasmacytoid dendritic cells, type 1 interferon, and type 1 interferon signaling with immunohistochemistry and RNA in situ hybridization. Staining results were compared with controls and correlated with clinical data with descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: Lymphatic malformations had increased staining for plasmacytoid dendritic cells, interferons alpha and beta, and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 compared with controls (P < 0.05). Significantly increased interferon beta staining was present in recurrent lymphatic malformation tissue compared with nonrecurrent lymphatic malformations. CONCLUSION: Lymphatic malformations have unusual ongoing local immune activation, possibly affecting recurrence.
Control of perioperative muscle strength during ambulatory surgery.

Purpose of reviewThis review describes strategies to control perioperative muscle strength in patients undergoing ambulatory surgery.Recent findingsAlthough it is impossible to improve muscle relaxation (defined as absence of electrical activity) of intact resting muscle by hypnotics, analgesia is r
A comparison of the adverse reactions associated with isosulfan blue versus methylene blue dye in sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer

Abstract Background Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is an established means of staging the axilla in patients with breast cancer. Recently, methylene blue dye has been shown to be an efficacious and cost-effective alternative to isosulfan blue. With the increasing popularity of SLNB, the potential complications of isosulfan blue use must be appreciated. Methods A literature search for English language articles available on MEDLINE from 1985 to November 2002 using the search terms allergy, allergic reaction, anaphylactic reactions, anaphylaxis, blue dye, breast cancer, isosulfan blue, methylene blue, and sentinel lymph node biopsy identified 24 reports. Conclusions The use of isosulfan blue due for SLNB is associated with a significant number of allergic reactions, some of which are life-threatening. Because methylene blue dye has been shown to be equally effective and does not pose a serious risk of serious allergic reactions, it offers an improved technique above isosulfan blue dye for SLNB.
Choosing a reprocessing technology requires focusing on what we value

Abstract “Technology decisions for reprocessing must take into account technology and policy decisions for the entire fuel cycle” – Chairwoman Biggert before the House Committee on Science, Subcommittee on Energy. How will these decisions be enabled to take both technology and policy into account? This paper presents a set of alternatives for selecting a Light Water Reactor legacy fuel reprocessing technology for the United States based on policy values and technological attributes. Seven example policy value scenarios are modeled showing how dependent technology selection is to values. While four of the scenarios result in the COEX process being selected, the results demonstrate that different technologies could be selected with changes in policy values.
Regional Distribution of Aerosol Deposition in Rat Lungs Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The toxic or therapeutic effect of an inhaled aerosol is highly dependent upon the site and extent of deposition in the lung. A novel MRI-based method was used to quantify the spatial distribution of particles in the rat lung. Rats were exposed to 0.95 μm-diameter iron oxide particles in a controlled manner (N = 6) or to particle-free air (N = 6). Lungs were fixed in 3% glutaraldehyde by vascular perfusion, excised and imaged in a 3T scanner using a gradient-echo imaging protocol. The signal decay rate, $$R_{2}^{\ast}$$ , was measured in each voxel of the entire left lung (1 mm thick slices). $$R_{2}^{\ast}$$ was significantly higher in exposed animals (0.0065 ± 0.0006 ms−1) than in controls (0.0050 ± 0.0003 ms−1, p < 0.001). A calibration curve between $$R_{2}^{\ast}$$ and concentration of deposited particles (C part) was obtained by imaging gel samples with known particle concentrations. Regional deposition was assessed by comparing C part between the outer (C part,peripheral) and inner (C part,central) areas on each transaxial slice, and expressed as the $$\frac{c}{p}$$ ratio. C part,peripheral (1.54 ± 0.70 μg/mL) was significantly higher than C part,central (1.00 ± 0.39 μg/mL, p<0.05), resulting in a $$\frac{c}{p}$$ ratio of 0.65. This method may be used in future studies to quantify spatial distribution of deposited particles in healthy and diseased lungs.
On the shear-band direction in metallic glasses

Abstract This paper shows that it is inappropriate to relate the angle between the loading axis and the shear-band (or fracture) plane in metallic glasses under uniaxial loading conditions to the coefficient of internal friction in the Mohr–Coulomb model. Shear bands in metallic glasses are a result of material instability (which can be predicted from constitutive parameters and loading conditions), which does not correspond to the material yield condition. Specifically, the shear-band directions depend on the Poisson’s ratio, the ratios of three deviatoric principal stresses to the von Mises stress, the coefficient of internal friction, and the dilatancy factor. The last parameter describes whether the plastic flow is associative or non-associative. Theoretical predictions based on the classic Rudnicki–Rice model agree well with a compilation of observations in uniaxial mechanical tests. Furthermore, using the elastic contact solutions and the Rudnicki–Rice model, we identify three (two) regimes under the two-dimensional cylindrical (three-dimensional spherical) contact where different shear-band directions may occur. When using a bonded-interface technique to visualize shear bands under three-dimensional contacts, it should be noted that the stress component normal to the bonded interface is released, resulting in the commonly observed semicircular shear bands whose directions are predicted to follow the larger in-plane principal stress.
Network weight adjustment in a fractional fourier transform based multi-channel brain computer interface for person authentication

Brain is composed of unique complex neural structure thus electrical activity between neurons referred to as electroencephalogram (EEG) in different brain regions varies from one user to another. In this paper EEG distinctiveness is exploited through application to person authentication system based on five mental imagery tasks. Seven electrodes placed at C3, C4, P3, P4, O1, O2 and EOG are used to record EEG signals. A parallel structure of Exact Radial Basis (RBE) neural networks are used as classifiers. Individual classifier response for each mental task is evaluated and a weighting approach is used to regulate contribution of each channel within a multi-channel Brain Computer Interface (BCI) system. The estimated and experimental results indicate an average increase of 14% in system performance when tested on 722 trials of 1sec duration for 7 subjects. Fractional Fourier Transform (FRFT) with order optimization is used for feature extraction, and special one dimensional case of k-means clustering algorithm is used to calculate the threshold for individual classifiers.
The fractal structure of the mitochondrial genomes

Abstract The mitochondrial DNA genome has a definite multifractal structure. We show that loops, hairpins and inverted palindromes are responsible for this self-similarity. We can thus establish a definite relation between the function of subsequences and their fractal dimension. Intriguingly, protein coding DNAs also exhibit palindromic structures, although they do not appear in the sequence of amino acids. These structures may reflect the stabilization and transcriptional control of DNA or the control of posttranscriptional editing of mRNA.
Visualization and perturbation of phosphoinositide and phospholipid signaling

Abstract Cells signal through lipids that are produced by phospholipid (PL) and phosphoinositide (PIP n ) metabolism involve three enzymatic processes: (i) ester and phosphodiester hydrolysis by phospholipases, (ii) monophosphate hydrolysis by phosphatases, and (iii) phosphorylation of hydroxy groups by kinases. Unregulated enzyme activity correlates with specific pathologies, which are specific targets for therapeutic intervention. A variety of reagents now permit monitoring of in vitro enzyme activity, spatiotemporal changes of intracellular lipid concentrations, and identification of lipid–protein interactions. This minireview summarizes a chemical biology approach that illustrates how chemically synthesized affinity probes can be used to characterize changes in lipid signaling in cellular and molecular biology.