cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Revision Risk Based on Timing of Knee Arthroscopy Prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND Knee arthroscopy may be performed prior to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with symptomatic degenerative knee changes that do not yet warrant TKA. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the time interval between knee arthroscopy and subsequent primary TKA is associated with increased rates of revision and certain complications following TKA. METHODS Data from 2006 to 2017 were collected from a national insurance database. Patients who underwent knee arthroscopy within 1 year prior to primary TKA were identified and stratified into the following cohorts based on stratum-specific likelihood ratio (SSLR) analysis: 0 to 15, 16 to 35, 36 to 43, and 44 to 52 weeks from the time of knee arthroscopy to TKA. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to determine the association between these specific time intervals and rates of revision surgery, periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), aseptic loosening, and manipulation under anesthesia. RESULTS In total, 130,128 patients were included in this study; 6,105 (4.7%) of those patients underwent knee arthroscopy within 1 year prior to TKA and 124,023 (95.3%) underwent TKA without any prior knee surgery, including arthroscopy (the control group). Relative to the control group, the likelihood of undergoing revision surgery was significantly greater in patients who underwent knee arthroscopy ≤15 weeks (odds ratio [OR]: 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.43 to 2.22; p < 0.001) or 16 to 35 weeks (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.42; p = 0.035) prior to TKA. Patients were at significantly increased risk for PJI if knee arthroscopy was done ≤35 weeks prior to TKA, and all 4 time groups that underwent knee arthroscopy within 1 year before TKA were at increased risk for manipulation under anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS We found a time-dependent relationship between the timing of knee arthroscopy and complications following TKA, with the prevalence of revision surgery and PJI increasing as knee arthroscopy was performed closer to the time of TKA. This study suggests that an interval of at least 36 weeks should be maintained between the 2 procedures to minimize risks of PJI and revision surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Elderly Diagnosis of Essential Tremor as a Possible Confound for Prodromal Parkinson’s Disease (38)

Objective: To describe the demographic features of subjects with essential tremor (ET) who develop Parkinson’s disease (PD) in order to improve follow-up and counseling decisions. Background: The incidence of PD is suggested to be elevated among ET patients. In 2008, Minen and Louis identified 53 patients with ET who developed PD, of which 30.8% developed PD in under five years. However, no large-scale study to date has assessed the demographic features of subjects with ET who develop PD. Design/Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study. Patients included all subjects diagnosed with ET within Geisinger Health System, which serves a stable rural population within central Pennsylvania. All diagnoses of ET and PD were made by a neurologist. Exclusion criteria included subjects with a diagnosis of PD made on or before the date of ET diagnosis, or subjects with atypical, secondary, vascular, or drug-induced parkinsonism or tremor. Results: A total of 3226 patients with ET were included, of which 331 patients were subsequently diagnosed with PD. 39.3% of ET patients who developed PD were diagnosed in under one year from the date of ET diagnosis; these subjects were significantly older than subjects with only ET, with mean ages 68.6 (95% CI 66.8–70.4) and 61.2 (95% CI 59.0–63.3) respectively. In total, during all follow-up, 20.8% of patients with a family history of tremor or parkinsonism developed PD, compared to 9.4% without positive family history, and 11.4% of male and 9.2% of female patients with ET developed PD. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that once diagnosed with ET, gender, family history of tremor or parkinsonism, and especially age 65 or older, are associated with an increased risk of subsequent PD diagnosis. Our findings indicate that new-onset action tremor in patients 65 or older often reflects early PD and should at least prompt closer follow-up for monitoring these higher risk patients. Disclosure: Dr. Seemiller has nothing to disclose. Dr. Owens has nothing to disclose. Dr. Crissinger has nothing to disclose. Dr. Joseph has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sandulescu has nothing to disclose.
CODEX multiplexed tissue imaging with DNA-conjugated antibodies.

Advances in multiplexed imaging technologies have drastically improved our ability to characterize healthy and diseased tissues at the single-cell level. Co-detection by indexing (CODEX) relies on DNA-conjugated antibodies and the cyclic addition and removal of complementary fluorescently labeled DNA probes and has been used so far to simultaneously visualize up to 60 markers in situ. CODEX enables a deep view into the single-cell spatial relationships in tissues and is intended to spur discovery in developmental biology, disease and therapeutic design. Herein, we provide optimized protocols for conjugating purified antibodies to DNA oligonucleotides, validating the conjugation by CODEX staining and executing the CODEX multicycle imaging procedure for both formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and fresh-frozen tissues. In addition, we describe basic image processing and data analysis procedures. We apply this approach to an FFPE human tonsil multicycle experiment. The hands-on experimental time for antibody conjugation is ~4.5 h, validation of DNA-conjugated antibodies with CODEX staining takes ~6.5 h and preparation for a CODEX multicycle experiment takes ~8 h. The multicycle imaging and data analysis time depends on the tissue size, number of markers in the panel and computational complexity. This protocol describes co-detection by indexing, a highly multiplexed imaging technology that uses DNA-conjugated antibodies to image up to 60 markers in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded and fresh-frozen tissues.
Translation Initiation by Internal Ribosome Binding of Eukaryotic mRNA Molecules

A unique feature of all eukaryotic mRNA molecules is the presence of a m7GpppN (where N can be any nucleotide) “cap” structure at the 5’ end of the RNAs (Shatkin, 1976; Banerjee, 1980). This cap structure interacts with eukaryotic initiation factor (elF) 4F, a three subunit protein complex composed of elF-4E, eIF4A and p220 (Tahara et al. 1981; Edery et al., 1983; Grifo et al., 1983). It is thought that binding of elF-4F to the 5’- terminal cap-structure facilitates the recruitment of the 40S ribosomal subunit to the 5’ end of the mRNA (Ray et al., 1985; Rozen et al., 1990).Subsequently, the 40S ribosomal subunit, carrying factors elF2-GTP, elF3 and the initiator tRNA (tRNAmeti), is postulated to move in a 5’ to 3’ direction along the mRNA until an appropriate AUG codon is encountered, which is then used to start protein synthesis. This model is known as the “scanning mechanism” for translation initiation (Kozak, 1989a). Evidence supporting this model includes the inability of circular RNAs to bind eukaryotic ribosomes (Kozak, 1979; Konarska et al., 1981), suggesting that the 40S subunit can enter the mRNA only at its free 5’ end. Furthermore, 40S subunits can be trapped both upstream of the AUG start codon if ATP is depleted (Kozak, 1980) and upstream of stable RNA hairpin structures (Kozak, 1989b). Thus, the scanning mechanism can explain translation initiation of most vertebrate mRNAs containing short 5’ noncoding regions (5’NCRs), harboring one or only a few AUG codons.
Using speech processing methods to model blood flow signals

This paper shows how the multipulse method from digital speech processing can be used to accurately model signals obtained from blood pressure and flow velocity sensors. This model produces very good modelling of the signals on a resolution that allows analysis between heartbeats. The AR coefficients can be transformed to reflection coefficients and tube radii associated with digital wave guides, as well as pole-zero representation. These parameters permit additional insight and interpretation that will produce deeper insight into the biological control mechanisms.1
The thyme polyethers: An approach to the synthesis of a molecular knotted ring

Abstract Recent progress on a realization of the Mobius strip approach to the synthesis of a molecular trefoil knot is discussed. Specifically, the synthesis and cyclization of a 4-rung ladder-shaped diol-ditosylate composed of crown ether rings fused by the tetrahydroxymethylethylene (THYME) unit are presented. In addition, some novel results in low dimensional topology deriving from consideration of the geometry of the novel molecular graphs defined by the subject compounds are discussed.
A genome-linked copy of the NS-1 polypeptide is located on the outside of infectious parvovirus particles

The 5' ends of all newly synthesized single-stranded (s1) DNA genomes of the autonomous parvovirus minute virus of mice are covalently linked to the major virally coded nonstructural protein NS-1, but later in infection this association is disrupted, giving rise to an abbreviated form of single-stranded DNA designated s2. Both s1 and s2 forms are encapsidated and migrate in velocity gradients as 110S particles, and, as such, both appear to be infectious. Most virions are released from A9 cells as s1 particles, but the NS-1 molecules are located on the outside of the virion where they are accessible to both antibodies and enzymes. These polypeptides are cleaved from the encapsidated DNA by nucleolytic or proteolytic digestion, which can occur either in the culture medium or upon subsequent entry into further host cells. Since the s1 to s2 cleavage can be minimized by blocking viral reentry, it is likely that most of the processing occurs after entry into the host cell. Incoming virus is rapidly converted to the s2 form when it is used to infect new host cells, but in vitro removal of the NS-1 molecules with proteases or nucleases fails to influence the infectivity of s1 particles under normal culture conditions. Limited proteolysis of s1 particles with trypsin demonstrates that NS-1 is linked to the DNA via its amino-terminal domain. Analysis of the 5' ends of s1 and s2 forms indicates that there are approximately 24 externally located nucleotides linking the NS-1 molecules to the 5.1-kilobase nuclease-resistant DNA core of the virion.
Evaluation of cost benefit analysis for the reconfigured distribution system

In this paper, a reliable and cost-effective scheme for reconfiguration of the distribution system has been designed to handle the multi-objective problem of re-configuration. The objectives considered are service restoration and load balancing. Mathematical programming approach has been utilized for the reconfiguration considering cost effective scheme under contingencies. The scheme has been tested on a 32-bus radial distribution system under different contingencies. Electric distribution system under fault requires an effective scheme to ensure quick service restoration and load balancing during contingencies. The reliability of the integrated reconfiguration scheme for performing service restoration and load balancing on a stressed distribution system with optimal cost is considered. Potential benefits and costs were estimated for the reconfigured system. The integrated scheme comprising the reconfigured reliability system has been tested for the cost-benefit analysis on a benchmark 32-bus radial distribution system in order to demonstrate the capability of the scheme. Different cases were studied and the corresponding cost benefit analysis for variation in faulted scenarios as well as variation in loading levels are presented.
A Matter of Language or Culture: Coverage of the 2004 U.S. Elections on Spanish- and English-Language Television

This article fills a gap in the communication and political science literature by comparing how Spanish- and English-language television stations cover U.S. elections. A content analysis of more than 400 national network news stories and nearly 3,000 local news stories reveals that local and network Spanish-language stations provide less election coverage than their English-language counterparts. Although Spanish-language stations are more likely to focus election coverage on “Latino” issues or interests, the results indicate only moderate differences in how stations in each language frame their election stories, with stations in both languages concentrating more coverage around campaign strategy and the horse race than substantive issues.
Going to the Dogs: Greyhound Racing, Animal Activism, and American Popular Culture

Review of: "Going to the Dogs: Greyhound Racing, Animal Activism, and American Popular Culture" by Anna Thompson Hajdik.
Financial collateral – an opportunity missed

The Financial Collateral Arrangements (No 2) Regulations 2003 have recently been amended to include credit claims as financial collateral, to provide a partial definition of “possession” and to allow the claims of a person holding floating security on financial collateral to rank ahead of claims ranking as administration and liquidation expenses. This article analyses the effects of these changes and identifies other changes which were not made – the opportunity missed.
COMPUTER OPTIMIZATION OF SECOND ORDER RESPONSE SURFACE DESIGNS.

Abstract : A method is described for determining the optimum levels for the input variables of a quadratic response surface design. The problem is formulated as a mathematical program, and an algorithm for solving the problem is described. Specifically, the problem requires the minimization of the generalized variance subject to linear constraints. Attention is given to the non-convexity of the objective function, and a stochastic control is developed. A number of examples are given to illustrate the method. (Author)
The Myth of Mondragón: Cooperatives, Politics, and Working‐Class Life in a Basque Town

The Myth of Mondragon: Cooperatives, Politics, and Working-Class Life in. Basque Town. Sharryn Kasmir. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1996. 243 pp.
Rolling-sliding wear behavior of three bainitic steels☆

Abstract Railroad rails and wheels are produced from fully pearlitic eutectoid steel. Until very recently it has been a commonly held view that bainitic steels, although offering advantages in terms of toughness and weldability, could not compete with the wear resistance of pearlitic steels. Rolling-sliding wear tests have been carried out on three bainitic steels with 0.04, 0.10 and 0.52 wt.% C. The contact conditions employed simulate the most severe wear situation encountered by wheels and rails in curved track. Wear resistance was not dominated by initial hardness. The lowest carbon steel, with a granular bainite structure and a Rockwell hardness of 29 HRC, provided the best performance. Its wear resistance was comparable with that of a conventional pearlitic steel with a hardness of 33 HRC. The results confirm the potential of bainitic steels for wear resistance, particularly at high contact pressures. The wear behavior of the bainitic steels has been examined in relation to microstructure and the surface damage experienced by the worn rollers. It is considered that such studies could lead to new insights into the wear process itself.
Serum aminotransferase levels and platelet counts as predictors of degree of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Serum aminotransferase levels and platelet counts as predictors of degree of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Embedded noninteractive continuous bot detection

Multiplayer online computer games are quickly growing in popularity, with millions of players logging in every day. While most play in accordance with the rules set up by the game designers, some choose to utilize artificially intelligent assistant programs, a.k.a. bots, to gain an unfair advantage over other players. In this article we demonstrate how an embedded noninteractive test can be used to prevent automatic artificially intelligent players from illegally participating in online game-play. Our solution has numerous advantages over traditional tests, such as its nonobtrusive nature, continuous verification, and simple noninteractive and outsourcing-proof design.
On the organization and specification of manner features

Within feature geometry, different claims have been made about the range, unity and location of manner features with little support for a Manner node as a unit of subsegmental structure. The issue is reconsidered, drawing on evidence of interacting error patterns in the developing systems of three young children acquiring English. The results reveal that obstruent stops and glides can serve as targets of assimilation when the triggering features are [continuant], [nasal], or [approximant], but also block as targets under superficially similar circumstances. It is argued that these three features are dependents of the same node, namely Manner, and that default features must be permitted to be both specified and underspecified underlyingly.
Technology to Support the Clinical Management of Psychotherapy Cases: Commentary on the Polaris-MH

Advances in the technology of measurement and informatics have potential for supporting the clinical management of individual cases of psychotherapy. The Polaris-MH system described by Grissom and Lyons (2006) is one example of these advances. The potential utility of this and similar systems is discussed in light of research on feedback to therapists and of prediction of treatment outcomes.
Monte Carlo Calculation of Normal and Abnormal Diffusion in Ehrenfest's Wind-Tree Model*

Abstract Numerical machine calculations combining the Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics methods are used to study the diffusion behavior in the two versions of Ehrenfest's wind-tree model recently studied by Hauge and Cohen. The mean-square displacement Δr 2 > is found to be the most suitable variable for precise calculation, and its behavior as a function of time tends to confirm the findings of Hauge and Cohen: Namely, when the oriented square “trees” are allowed to overlap one another, the diffusion is “abnormal”, in that Δr 2 > increases less rapidly than linearly in the time, so that the usual diffusion constant vanishes. When the oriented square “trees” are hard, i.e., non-overlapping, the diffusion appears to be normal.
Potato Stem Density Effects on Canopy Development and Production

Controlled environment studies with potato frequently assume responses from single-stem potato plants can be extrapolated to the field where multiple-stemmed plants are common. Controlled environment studies were conducted to characterize differences in canopy growth, development, and dry matter production between single- and multiple-stemmed potted potatoes. Leaf area distribution was influenced by stem density, with main stem and apical lateral branch leaf area being 150% to 200% larger in triple-stemmed (3S) versus single-stemmed (1S) pots (P < 0.01), while basal lateral branch leaf area was 50% less (P < 0.01). Basal lateral branches were more developed in 1S pots with longer branch lengths, more leaf area, and higher orders of branching. In a second experiment, more leaves were initiated in higher-density pots; however, individual leaf areas were approximately 50% smaller than those in 1S pots. Total leaf area and total, vegetative, and tuber dry matter production were unaffected by stem density in either experiment on a per pot basis. Development and growth of lower basal lateral branches in the 1S potato canopy offset any initial advantage in leaf numbers in the multiple-stemmed plants. These results appeared to validate the assumption that, given a late maturing cultivar and adequate nutrition, responses from single-stemmed plants can be extended to multiple-stemmed plants when expressed on a production area basis. These findings have practical considerations for potato researchers who conduct growth chamber experiments and potato modelers.
Generalization of Weber's adiabatic bond charge model to amorphous group IV semiconductors☆

Abstract The generalization of Weber's adiabatic bond charge model to amorphous group IV semiconductors is described. Methods of relaxing the coordinates to their equilibrium configuration and of calculating the dynamical matrix for the phonon spectra are given. Particular emphasis is given to the optimization of the Coulomb subroutines required in this model. Estimates of computation time are included for the calculation of equilibrium configuration on a Cray computer.
Tactical systems applications for terahertz devices

Currently several weapons systems use millimeter wave, infrared or both for sensing. THz technology is spectrally located so as to be able to exploit the best features of MMW and infrared technology. The items for discussion are Army needs that could be addressed by THz technology. The emphasis is on active and passive sensing parameters for 'smart' munitions and combat vehicles.
Comments on the use of LOWTRAN in transmission calculations for sites with the ground elevated relative to sea level

This Letter discusses adjusting the amount of aerosol to calculate atmospheric transmittance when the ground is higher than sea level.
Development of Autonomous Cargo Transport for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Using Visual Servoing

This paper presents the design and testing of systems for autonomous tracking, payload pickup, and deployment of cargo via a UAV helicopter. The tracking system uses a visual servoing algorithm and is tested using open loop velocity control of a 3DOF gantry system with a camera mounted via a pan-tilt unit on the end effecter. The pickup system uses vision to control the camera pan tilt unit as well as a second pan tilt unit with a hook mounted on the end of the arm. The ability of the pickup system to hook a target is tested by mounting it on the gantry while recorded helicopter velocities are played back by the gantry. A preliminary semi-autonomous deployment system is field tested, where a manually controlled RC truck is transported by a UAV helicopter under computer control that is manually directed to GPS waypoints using a ground station.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Inhomogeneous quarter-wave transformers for a waveguide electro-optic modulator

ABSTRACT Electro-optic frequency shifters, or modulators, have been built with almost 100% efficiency. Conversions over 50% require the interaction of a circularly polarized high power microwave beam traveling synchronously with a circularly polarized laser beam in an electro-optic crystal. We describe the inhomogeneous quarter-wave transfonner structures made for a C02 laser beam modulator with a conversion efficiency in excess of 80%. Conventionalimpedance matching synthesis was adapted to include the requirements for maintaining circular polarization and handling high power. Measured results are presented. 1. INTRODUCTION Electro-optic frequency shifters, or modulators, have been built with almost 100% efficiency.1 Very high conversions, over 50%, require the interaction of a circularly polarized microwave beam traveling synchronously with acircularly polarized laser beam in an electro-optic crystal, such as Cadmium Telluride (CdTe). This paper describes theinhomogeneous quarter-wave transformer structures made for a C02 laser beam modulator with a 3 dB bandwidthgreater than 1 GHz at a center frequency of 16 GHz and a maximum conversion efficiency in excess of 80%.
Tool wear monitoring and breakage detection based on intelligent filtering

Abstract Several physical quantities can be used for indirect tool wear monitoring and breakage detection. Cutting forces are appropriate, since they determine the suitability of a tool for cutting. However, disturbances make the accurate and fast tool condition monitoring based upon force analysis difficult. To eliminate disturbances averaging or filtering within a predetermined bandwidth has often been applied. A new method of decomposing the force signal into components having close relationships with physical phenomena taking place during cutting is presented. The term “intelligent filtering” denotes decomposition based on on-line identification of model(s) of the cutting process. Application of “intelligent filtering” for the milling process with two cutting insert tools is discussed.
Multiple thymine dimer excising nuclease activities in extracts of human KB cells.

Crude extracts of human KB cells grown in suspension culture contain enzyme activity that catalyzes the preferential excision of thymine-containing pyrimidine dimers from uv-irradiated E. coli DNA specifically incised adjacent to dimer sites. Fractionation of KB cell crude extracts reveals the presence of three such activities with distinct affinities for both DEAE-cellulose and phosphocellulose. One of the activities (activity B) is distinguished by its S/sub 20,w/ (2.6) and isoelectric point (9.0) from the other two (activities A and C) which have similar S/sub 20,w/'s (3.0 to 3.2) and isoelectric points (6.0). All three differ in their extent of stimulation by divalent cation and inhibition by NaCl or a sulfhydryl group inhibitor. These results indicate that multiple 5' ..-->.. 3' dimer excision nuclease activities exist in human cells; however, there is as yet no direct evidence that these enzymes are functional in nucleotide excision repair in vivo.
Regulators of the Toll and Imd pathways in the Drosophila innate immune response

The innate immune response is the first line of defense against microbial infections in both insects and mammals. Systematic analysis of the innate immune response in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster has provided important insights into the mechanisms of pathogen recognition and host response. Recognition of pathogen-associated molecules, such as peptidoglycans, stimulates the Toll and immune deficiency (Imd) pathways to induce antimicrobial responses. The Toll and Imd pathways are homologous to the mammalian Toll-like receptor (TLR) and tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) signaling pathways, respectively, and are essential for Drosophila to survive infection. In this Review, we will discuss the recent genetic, genomic and RNA interference analyses that have unveiled additional intricacy in the Toll and Imd pathways.
Chrysogorgia from the New England and Corner Seamounts: Atlantic – Pacific connections

Recent exploration of the New England and Corner Seamounts revealed four new species of Chrysogorgia, described here using a combination of molecular and morphological data. These four species are characterized by a sinistral spiral, a character that, with one known exception, has only been reported for Pacific species. In addition, two species have a sclerite composition typical of the Pacific (‘squamosae typicae’). This faunal connection between the Atlantic and the Pacific is confirmed by analysis of the mitochondrial msh1 gene. The exceptional preservation of specimens collected with remotely operated vehicles allows us to discuss the effect of growth on some morphological characters.
Inhibition of benzo[ a ]pyrene-activating enzymes and DNA binding in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells by methoxylated flavonoids

Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor in lung carcinogenesis via carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrosamines. In this study, we used benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) as the classic PAH compound and BEAS-2B cells, a model of normal human bronchial epithelial cells, to investigate whether 5,7-dimethoxyflavone (5,7-DMF) and 3',4'-DMF compared with resveratrol (RV) have chemopreventive properties in this cancer. Exposure of BEAS-2B cells to [(3)H]BaP (1 microM) showed increasing binding to DNA up to 72 h of exposure, about 20-fold higher than that at 0.5 h exposure. BaP exposure also increased both CYP1A1/1B1 and microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) enzyme activities with a maximum 10-fold increase at 48 h. BaP induced CYP1A1 protein and mRNA levels maximally after 48 h. In contrast, although CYP1B1 mRNA was rapidly induced, its protein expression showed a very poor response. Simultaneous treatment with BaP and 5,7-DMF, 3',4'-DMF or RV for 48 h inhibited BaP-DNA binding by > or =75%, with 3',4'-DMF being the most effective. 5,7-DMF affected CYP1A1 mRNA levels only modestly, whereas 3',4'-DMF was a potent inhibitor. The catalytic activity of CYP1A1/1B1 was reduced over 95% after exposure to 5,7-DMF, 3',4'-DMF or RV, most effectively by 3',4'-DMF. BaP-induced mEH activity was not affected by treatment with 5,7-DMF, but was significantly inhibited by 3',4'-DMF. In contrast, mEH activity was notably increased by RV. Most importantly, western blotting showed all three polyphenols dramatically reducing BaP-induced CYP1A1 protein expression. Both 5,7-DMF and 3',4'-DMF demonstrated very high, about 40-fold, accumulation in BEAS-2B cells. In summary, BaP exposure results in a high level of DNA binding in BEAS-2B cells, which is mainly mediated by induction of CYP1A1 protein, just as in the human lung. Two methoxylated dietary flavonoids with highly specific effects on BaP bioactivation block this DNA binding and CYP1A1 protein expression as effectively as RV, thus making them potential chemopreventive agents for BaP-induced lung carcinogenesis.
Time dependence of particle size distribution and number concentration in la mer sulfur sols

Abstract The growth of La Mer sulfur sols has been studied by light scattering analysis using absolute intensity measurements at 18 angles of observation. Analysis by high speed computer has used the Mie formulas and distribution functions skewed both toward larger particle sizes (logarithmic) and smaller particle sizes (Khrgian-Mazin). The results indicate a small variation in particle concentration with different sols and a smaller variation in concentration with time for a given sol.
Free-association responses to verbal stimuli of varying meaningfulness as a function of presentation mode

The present study contrasted the hierarchy of associations elicited by the 96 dissyllables scaled by Noble and Parker (1960) for meaningfulness ( m ) when these stimuli were received aurally (Cond. A) as opposed to their having been received visually (Cond. V). A total of 200 S s, 100 under visual and 100 under aural conditions, was employed. The following represent the major findings: (a) The commonality (C) between the associations elicited in the two modes was directly related to m with the correlation between C and m being .80; (b) The frequency characteristics of the distributions of associations were similar in the two modes; (c) The degree of overlap among associations to different stimuli was low and appeared to be largely independent of m and mode; (d) Associations beginning with the same first letter as the first syllable of the dissyllable stimulus were given with increasing frequency as m decreased with this trend being more marked in Cond. V than in Cond. A. The results were discussed in terms of their implications for the effects of m and mode via associative mediational processes in paired-associate learning.
Formal Verification of Square Root Algorithms

We discuss the formal verification of some low-level mathematical software for the Intel® Itanium® architecture. A number of important algorithms have been proven correct using the HOL Light theorem prover. After briefly surveying some of our formal verification work, we discuss in more detail the verification of a square root algorithm, which helps to illustrate why some features of HOL Light, in particular programmability, make it especially suitable for these applications.
An Empirical Formula for the Radar Cross Section of Ships at Grazing Incidence

From a collection of measurements of the radar cross section of ships at grazing incidence, an empirical formula is presented that relates cross section to radar frequency and ship displacement.
The effect of frivolous lawsuits on the settlement of litigation

It is commonly alleged that a substantial proportion of lawsuits are frivolous or “strike” suits, that is, lacking merit and filed only in the hopes of obtaining a favorable settlement.’ The handling of such suits has given rise to popular and scholarly criticisms of American civil procedure, on grounds both of efficiency and fairness. Indeed, in certain areas such as medical malpractice, antitrust, and corporation law, the asserted prevalence of frivolous suits is commonly cited as an argument for law reform. For example, recent critiques of treble damages in antitrust have emphasized the supposed encouragement such damages give to strike suits. The fairness objection to frivolous lawsuits is that such suits can result in opportunistic persons obtaining payments to which they are not entitled, at the expense of innocent defendants who may be viewed as defrauded or under duress. The efficiency objection is that the rent-seeking occasioned by frivolous suits wastes resources both directly and indirectly. Direct costs include resources used in filing and defending such suits, as well as costs of investigation and discovery as defendants attempt to distinguish frivolous from genuine claims. Indirect costs stem from the additional trials required because the presence of frivolous plaintiffs in the population of litigants interferes with the settlement of genuine claims. This article develops a model of litigation and settlement in the presence of frivolous lawsuits, which I define as suits that have a sufficiently low chance of prevailing at trial that they would not be brought but for the prospect of settlement. The analysis does not address suits in which the prospect of judicial error or jury confusion at trial permits a plaintiff to obtain a settlement that is undeserved according to some external normative standard. Instead, I take a strictly positive view of the law and treat all suits expected to prevail at trial as genuine. Neither do I address suits that turn out ex post to have little basis in law, but that ex ante seemed plausible. There are undoubtedly many such cases brought, but it is
Solvent‐dependent conformational system in hydroxyureas detected by NMR spectroscopy

Abstract The proton magnetic resonance spectra of the antileukemia agent hydroxyurea and substituted hydroxyureas in several solvents were recorded and correlated with structural features. Solvent‐dependent differences in conformational preferences due to effects on internal hydrogen bonding, a temperature‐dependent conformational feature, and the exchangeability of protons with deuterium oxide and acetone‐ d 6 were observed. The conformational features consistent with the spectral data are discussed.
Supporting scientific SE process improvement

The increasing complexity of scientific software can result in significant impacts on the research itself. In traditional software development projects, teams adopt historical best practices into their development processes to mitigate the risk of such problems. In contrast, the gap that has formed between the traditional and scientific software communities leaves scientists to rely on only their own experience when facing software process improvement (SPI) decisions. Rather than expect scientists to become software engineering (SE) experts or the SE community to learn all of the intricacies involved in scientific software development projects, we seek a middle ground. The Scientific Software Process Improvement Framework (SciSPIF) will allow scientists to self-drive their own SPI efforts while leveraging the collective experiences of their peers and linking their concerns to established SE best practices. This proposal outlines the known challenges of scientific software development, relevant concepts from traditional SE research, and our planned methodology for collecting the data required to construct SciSPIF while staying grounded in the actual goals and concerns of the scientists.
Antibody catches T-cell receptor in the act

Comment on Risueno et al, page [601][1] Risueno and colleagues report that APA1/1 monoclonal antibody can be used to detect TCRs that have interacted with antigenic MHC-peptide complexes in vivo. Along-standing controversy in T-cell activation is whether the T-cell receptor (TCR) undergoes
Use of the Open Field Maze to Measure Locomotor and Anxiety-like Behavior in Mice

Animal models have proven to be invaluable to researchers trying to answer questions regarding the mechanisms of behavior. The Open Field Maze is one of the most commonly used platforms to measure behaviors in animal models. It is a fast and relatively easy test that provides a variety of behavioral information ranging from general ambulatory ability to data regarding the emotionality of the subject animal. As it relates to rodent models, the procedure allows the study of different strains of mice or rats both laboratory bred and wild-captured. The technique also readily lends itself to the investigation of different pharmacological compounds for anxiolytic or anxiogenic effects. Here, a protocol for use of the open field maze to describe mouse behaviors is detailed and a simple analysis of general locomotor ability and anxiety-related emotional behaviors between two strains of C57BL/6 mice is performed. Briefly, using the described protocol we show Wild Type mice exhibited significantly less anxiety related behaviors than did age-matched Knock Out mice while both strains exhibited similar ambulatory ability.
4-Watt Ka-Band AlGaN/GaN Power Amplifier MMIC

A broadband Ka-band AlGaN/GaN on SiC HEMT power amplifier MMIC was developed for millimeter-wave antenna applications. The output stage is composed of a 1.2-mm-wide device with 0.18 mum gate length. The two-stage 50-ohm matched MMIC produces 13plusmn1 dB of gain from 26 GHz to 36 GHz. At 35 GHz, the measured CW saturated output power was 4 W, indicating a power density of 3.3 W/mm. The power added efficiency was 23%. Across the band, the measured CW output power was > 2 W. While individual (or partially matched single stage) devices have been demonstrated with good output power, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a 10 GHz-bandwidth Ka-band GaN MMIC with high output power, gain, and return loss
Characterization and Biosynthesis of Cyclic‐AMP‐Binding Proteins in the Rat Central Nervous System

: Cyclic-AMP-binding proteins in membrane and soluble fractions from rat forebrain were compared; membrane fractions included smooth and rough microsomes and a plasma membrane fraction enriched in synaptic membranes. Protein fractions were treated with 8-azido-[32P]cyclic AMP and ultraviolet irradiation to covalently tag cyclic-AMP-binding proteins. Labeled proteins were then analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DGE) and fluorography. The soluble CNS proteins contained two major cyclic-AMP-binding species at 48K (48K 5.5 and 48K 5.45), differing slightly in their isoelectric points. Another protein was seen at 54K (54K 5.3) adjacent to the β-tubulin subunits in the 2D electrophoretogram. The analysis of the smooth microsome and plasma membrane fractions differed from the soluble fraction in that there were two cyclic-AMP-binding proteins adjacent to the β-tubulin region (54K 5.3 and 52K 5.3) differing slightly in apparent molecular weight. The membrane fractions also contained a cyclic-AMP-binding protein at 54K 5.8. The 52K 5.3 and 54K 5.8 species were unique to the membrane fractions. The rough microsomes did not contain detectable amounts of cyclic-AMP-binding proteins. Free polysomes were isolated from brain tissue, and translation products were analyzed by cyclic AMP affinity chromatography and immunopurification with antibodies to the brain specific type II regulatory subunit. The translation products that were found to bind cyclic AMP Sepharose are as follows: 48K 5.5, 48K 5.45, 52K 5.3, and 54K 5.8. These species comigrated with proteins that were photoaffmity-labeled in cytosol and membrane fractions. A translation product at 54K 5.3 was not detected, and, therefore, the possibility exists that this protein may result from posttranslational modification of another protein. The translation product at 52K 5.3 was precipitated with antibodies against the brain specific type II regulatory subunit of cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase.
Construction and Characterization of a Functional GLIC-GABAρ Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Chimera

Pentameric ligand gated ion channels (pLGICs), especially anion-selective GABAARs, are major targets of general anesthetic (GA) drugs. GAs mediate their actions by binding in the transmembrane domain (TMD) of pLGICs, which potentiates anion-selective pLGIC currents and inhibits cation-selective pLGICs. Recently, crystal structures of prokaryotic cation-selective pLGIC homologs, GLIC and ELIC, have been solved with several GAs bound. High-resolution structures that reveal how GA's interact with anion-selective channels such as the GABAAR are not available, which justifies a quest for pLGIC constructs that preserve GA positive modulation and are amenable for structural studies.Here, we report the construction and characterization of a GLIC-GABAρ chimeric pLGIC that is positively modulated by the GA pentobarbital. We fused the extracellular domain (ECD) of the prokaryotic proton-gated homopentameric channel GLIC with the eukaryotic GABAρ subunit TMD. GABAAR ρ1 subunits form homopentameric channels making them ideal for constructing chimeras with GLIC. The GLIC-ρ chimeric construct formed functional proton-gated channels when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The reversal potential of the chimeric channels was −31mV, which is similar to the reversal potential of GABAρ receptors suggesting that the channel is chloride-selective. GABAρ receptors are normally insensitive or inhibited by GAs but a point mutation in GABAρ TMD W328M converts it to a channel that is positively modulated by pentobarbital. When this mutation was made in the GLIC-GABAρ chimeric construct, the mutant chimeric channel was directly gated by pentobarbital and proton-mediated currents were potentiated by pentobarbital. Protocols for expressing and purifying high levels of the GLIC-GABAρ chimeric channel protein are currently being developed.
Impact of pharmacy student and resident-led discharge counseling on heart failure patients.

Purpose:Many health systems have implemented interventions to reduce the rate of heart failure readmissions. Pharmacists have the training and expertise to provide effective medication-related education. However, few studies have examined the impact of discharge education provided by pharmacy students and residents on patients hospitalized with heart failure exacerbations.Methods:This was a nonrandomized intervention study evaluating the impact of a pharmacy student and resident-led discharge counseling program on heart failure readmissions. The primary end point was the 30-day heart failure readmission rate. Secondary end points included self-reported patient understanding of medications, number of medication errors documented, and estimated associated cost avoidance.Results:A total of 86 and 94 patients were enrolled into the intervention and control groups, respectively. No statistically significant difference in readmission rates was detected between the intervention and the control groups. Thirty-fou...
In TCR-stimulated T-cells, N-ras regulates specific genes and signal transduction pathways.

It has been recently shown that N-ras plays a preferential role in immune cell development and function; specifically: N-ras, but not H-ras or K-ras, could be activated at and signal from the Golgi membrane of immune cells following a low level T-cell receptor stimulus. The goal of our studies was to test the hypothesis that N-ras and H-ras played distinct roles in immune cells at the level of the transcriptome. First, we showed via mRNA expression profiling that there were over four hundred genes that were uniquely differentially regulated either by N-ras or H-ras, which provided strong evidence in favor of the hypothesis that N-ras and H-ras have distinct functions in immune cells. We next characterized the genes that were differentially regulated by N-ras in T cells following a low-level T-cell receptor stimulus. Of the large pool of candidate genes that were differentially regulated by N-ras downstream of TCR ligation, four genes were verified in qRT-PCR-based validation experiments (Dntt, Slc9a6, Chst1, and Lars2). Finally, although there was little overlap between individual genes that were regulated by N-ras in unstimulated thymocytes and stimulated CD4+ T-cells, there was a nearly complete correspondence between the signaling pathways that were regulated by N-ras in these two immune cell types.
An empirical investigation of the impact of ‘antitakeover’ amendments on common stock prices

Abstract ‘Antitakeover’ amendments are amendments to a corporation's charter that impede the ability of an ‘outsider’ to gain control of the firm. A number of individuals and institutions have onjected to such amendments on the grounds that they are not in the best interests of the shareholders of the firms that adopt them. This paper employs event-time methodology to investigate the impact of antitakeover amendments on the common stock prices of firms that adopt them. The results indicate that the announcement of such amendments is associated with a positive revaluation of stock price. Contrary to the concerns of their critics, we conclude that antitakeover amendments are proposed by managers who seek to increase the value of the firm and are approved by stockholders who share that objective.
Long-Term Hypoxia Alters Endocrine and Physiologic Responses to Umbilical Cord Occlusion in the Ovine Fetus

This study was designed to determine the effect of umbilical cord occlusion (UCO) on fetal endocrine responses in the long-term hypoxemic (LTH) ovine fetus. Pregnant ewes were maintained at high altitude (3820 m) from day 30 of gestation. Normoxic control and LTH fetuses were catheterized, and an inflatable occluder was placed on the umbilical cord at day 132 of gestation. In the LTH group, maternal oxygen tension was maintained at approximately 60 mmHg by nitrogen infusion through a maternal tracheal catheter. On day 137, two 5-minute UCOs were performed. On day 139, the study was repeated with a 10-minute UCO. Basal adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels and peak responses to the first 5-minute UCO were not different between control and LTH fetuses (17.6 ± 4.0 to 418.8 ± 41.3 in controls, 25.7 ± 4.0 to 530.0 ± 93. Opg/mL in LTH fetuses). A similar pattern was observed during the second UCO. Basal Cortisol levels were similar in both groups. In response to UCO, a significant increase in Cortisol was observed in both groups, but peak concentrations in the LTH group were significantly higher than those in the control group (23.9 ±4.8 versus 14.8 ± 2.9 ng/mL, respectively, P <.05). The second occlusion also increased Cortisol concentrations, but no differences were observed between groups. After the 10-minute UCO, the ACTH and Cortisol responses were similar to the first 5-minute occlusion, with higher Cortisol levels in the LTH fetuses. Despite similar ACTH responses to UCO, the Cortisol response was greater in the LTH fetuses than in normoxic controls. LTH appears to result in enhanced adrenal sensitivity to a secondary stressor or altered Cortisol metabolism. (J Soc Gynecol Investig 2004; 11:131-40)
Managing Care and Managing Budgets: The Development of Care Management in Suffolk

This Case Study describes the history of care management policy and practice in Suffolk Social Services Department in the period 1992‐97. It highlights both the achievements gained and the problems encountered, and explains why, in the light of a comprehensive review in 1996, it was decided to continue rather than change the model.