cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of diabetes mellitus with an increased risk of recurrence and disease progression in women with ovarian granulosa cell tumors.

e17521Background: Granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are a rare ovarian sex cord-stromal tumor. Diabetes is a predictor of GCT recurrence though data informing outcomes in racially diverse populations is...
A Family Divided: Distinct Structural and Mechanistic Features of the SpoU-TrmD (SPOUT) Methyltransferase Superfamily

The SPOUT family of enzymes makes up the second largest of seven structurally distinct groups of methyltransferases and is named after two evolutionarily related RNA methyltransferases, SpoU and TrmD. A deep trefoil knotted domain in the tertiary structures of member enzymes defines the SPOUT family. For many years, formation of a homodimeric quaternary structure was thought to be a strict requirement for all SPOUT enzymes, critical for substrate binding and formation of the active site. However, recent structural characterization of two SPOUT members, Trm10 and Sfm1, revealed that they function as monomers without the requirement of this critical dimerization. This unusual monomeric form implies that these enzymes must exhibit a nontraditional substrate binding mode and active site architecture and may represent a new division in the SPOUT family with distinct properties removed from the dimeric enzymes. Here we discuss the mechanistic features of SPOUT enzymes with an emphasis on the monomeric members and implications of this "novel" monomeric structure on cofactor and substrate binding.
Anaerobic co-digestion of tannery wastes using two stage anaerobic sequencing batch reactor: focus on process performance of hydrolytic–acidogenic step

This study was carried out to optimize the working conditions hydrolytic–acidogenic step of the two stage anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (ASBR) system during anaerobic co-digestion of tannery wastewater (TWW) and tannery solid waste (TSW) under mesophilic temperature (38 ± 2 °C) for enhanced acidification products. For this purposes four laboratory scale digesters with 0.4 L working volume performed in semi-continuous mode operation were used. Four mixing ratios of substrate (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75) at hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 5, 3 and 1 days and equivalent organic loading rate (OLR) were examined to assess the effect of each operating parameter on process performance of hydrolytic–acidogenic step in the two stage ASBR. The optimized operating conditions obtained in this study for enhanced performance of hydrolytic–acidogenic step were substrate mixing ratio of 50:50, HRT of 5 days, OLR of 1.20 gCOD/L/day and pH of 6.2. The degree of acidification and hydrolysis (%) achieved in the reactor operated at those optimized parameters were 36.55% and 54.8%, respectively. In general anaerobic co-digestion of TWW with TSW is more important than using TWW alone for enhanced acidification products. This is because of the positive synergistic effects of the TSW in terms of well-balanced nutrients and an appropriate C:N ratio.
“Tomorrow There Will Be More of Us”: Rights Discourse, the State, and Toxic Capitalism in Indra Sinha’s Animal’s People

In this chapter, I offer an analysis of Sinha’s Animal’s People, a rousing critique of the mainstream language of rights. Sinha’s novel, in referring to the rights discourse circulating after the 1984 Bhopal industrial accident, shines a light on environmental disasters as a key arena in the ongoing battle for rights, especially in the context of citizens’ struggles against the state. In my analysis, I first highlight the strengths of Sinha’s critique: how he correctly identifies neoliberal ideology in the conjoined discourse of environmentalism and rights, and how he makes clear that rights can only really be acquired through collective struggle(s). Then I discuss a couple of limitations of Sinha’s critique, including how he fails to clarify the relationship between the state, the citizen, and collective struggle.
Neurology consults in emergency departments: Opportunities to streamline care

Objective To use the variations in neurology consultations requested by emergency department (ED) physicians to identify opportunities to implement multidisciplinary interventions in an effort to reduce ED overcrowding. Methods We retrospectively analyzed ED visits across 3 urban hospitals to determine the top 10 most common chief complaints leading to neurology consultation. For each complaint, we evaluated the likelihood of consultation, admission rate, admitting services, and provider-to-provider variability of consultation. Results Of 145,331 ED encounters analyzed, 3,087 (2.2%) involved a neurology consult, most commonly with chief complaints of acute-onset neurologic deficit, subacute neurologic deficit, or altered mental status. ED providers varied most in their consultation for acute-onset neurologic deficit, dizziness, and headache. Neurology consultation was associated with a 2.3-hour-longer length of stay (LOS) (95% CI: 1.6–3.1). Headache in particular has an average of 6.7-hour-longer ED LOS associated with consultation, followed by weakness or extremity weakness (4.4 hours) and numbness (4.1 hours). The largest estimated cumulative difference (number of patients with the specific consultation multiplied by estimated difference in LOS) belongs to headache, altered mental status, and seizures. Conclusion A systematic approach to identify variability in neurology consultation utilization and its effect on ED LOS helps pinpoint the conditions most likely to benefit from protocolized pathways.
Colloidal hydrodynamics of biological cells: A frontier spanning two fields

Colloidal biology is a frontier of exploration in biological cells bridging the operational gap between structural biology (atomistic resolution over nanoseconds) and systems biology (minutes of operation, no spatial resolution). Colloid physics bridges this gap where much of cell machinery operates.
Treating a Patient with Your Hands Tied: Acute Chest Syndrome in a Jehovah's Witness.

Acute chest syndrome (ACS), a vaso-occlusive crisis in patients with sickle cell anemia, is a life-threatening condition and a leading cause of death in these patients. It is treated with analgesics, antibiotics, intravenous fluid, supplemental oxygen (or ventilatory support in severe cases) with simple or exchange transfusion, being the mainstay of therapy. We report a young Jehovah's Witness (JW) patient with sickle cell anemia who presented with ACS. Her religious beliefs precluded the use of blood products. Despite concomitant hemolytic and aplastic crisis and a hemoglobin nadir of 3.1 g/dL, the patient was treated successfully with supportive care - including mechanical ventilation, sedation, paralysis, and erythropoiesis stimulation - and survived. A maximal supportive strategy consisting of ventilatory support with a high fraction of inspired oxygen, sedation, paralysis, erythropoiesis stimulation, and limitation of blood draws can result in the successful treatment of JW patients who refuse blood products.
Multicultural citizenship for the highly skilled? Naturalization, human capital, and the boundaries of belonging in Canada’s middle-class nation-building:

Taking Canada as a widely envied and imitated example of liberal, “difference-blind” economic immigration, in this paper, I examine the permeability, constraints, and symbolic meaning of the differ...
Overview of MMP-13 as a Promising Target for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease characterized by the destruction of articular cartilage and chronic inflammation of surrounding tissues. Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) is the primary MMP involved in cartilage degradation through its particular ability to cleave type II collagen. Hence, it is an attractive target for the treatment of OA. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of OA initiation and progression remain elusive, and, currently, there are no interventions available to restore degraded cartilage. This review fully illustrates the involvement of MMP-13 in the initiation and progression of OA through the regulation of MMP-13 activity at the molecular and epigenetic levels, as well as the strategies that have been employed against MMP-13. The aim of this review is to identify MMP-13 as an attractive target for inhibitor development in the treatment of OA.
The Undyeing Swatch

The Undyeing Swatch utilizes a combination of visible Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and photocatalytic nanoparticles to diminish the color of organically dyed textiles. As such, this swatch explores ’undyeing’ as a design process that utilizes light and dye as materials for controlled interaction. The swatch itself consists of a knitted cotton I-cord coated with silver doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2/Ag) and dyed with hibiscus. The I-cord is used to encase a strand of LEDs and was then continuously woven into a swatch. When the LEDs are turned on, the light activates the nanoparticles which in turn break down organic matter (the dye). This swatch provides a proof of concept for the undyeing process, which I believe could be an interesting area of future exploration for HCI researchers and artists alike.
Epstein-Barr virus lytic replication induces ACE2 expression and enhances SARS CoV-2 pseudotyped virus entry in epithelial cells.

Understanding factors that affect the infectivity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is central to combatting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The virus surface spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 mediates viral entry into cells by binding to the ACE2 receptor on epithelial cells and promoting fusion. We found that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) induces ACE2 expression when it enters the lytic replicative cycle in epithelial cells. By using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) particles pseudotyped with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, we showed that lytic EBV replication enhances ACE2-dependent SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus entry. We found that the ACE2 promoter contains response elements for Zta, an EBV transcriptional activator that is essential for EBV entry into the lytic cycle of replication. Zta preferentially acts on methylated promoters, allowing it to reactivate epigenetically silenced EBV promoters from latency. By using promoter assays, we showed that Zta directly activates methylated ACE2 promoters. Infection of normal oral keratinocytes with EBV leads to lytic replication in some of the infected cells, induces ACE2 expression, and enhances SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus entry. These data suggest that subclinical EBV replication and lytic gene expression in epithelial cells, which is ubiquitous in the human population, may enhance the efficiency and extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection of epithelial cells by transcriptionally activating ACE2 and increasing its cell surface expression. IMPORTANCE SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, has caused a pandemic leading to millions of infections and deaths worldwide. Identifying the factors governing susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 is important in order to develop strategies to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. We show that Epstein-Barr virus, which infects and persists in >90% of adult humans, increases susceptibility of epithelial cells to infection by SARS-CoV-2. EBV, when it reactivates from latency or infects epithelial cells, increases expression of ACE2, the cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2, enhancing infection by SARS-CoV-2. Inhibiting EBV replication with antivirals may therefore decrease susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Reaction Times for Esport Competitors and Traditional Physical Athletes are Faster than Noncompetitive Peers

Reaction time (RT), time to respond to a stimulus, has been shown to be faster among traditional physical athletes and esport competitors than nonathletes/noncompetitors; however, no comparison has been made between traditional physical athletes and esport competitors. This research examined RTs of healthy 18 to 22 year-old college football athletes, esport competitors, and a control group (n = 12 for each group). RT (ms) to visual ( color cue test , ruler drop test ), auditory ( sound cue test ), and tactile stimuli ( probe grabbing test ) was collected in duplicate. RTs for individual tests and calculated composite RTs were compared between groups by ANOVA and post hoc t -tests. RTs to auditory stimuli were significantly slower than to visual or tactile stimuli (F (140, 3) = 286.5, p = 0.0000). Esport competitors significantly outperformed noncompetitive controls in probe grabbing ( p = 0.0175) and ruler drop tests ( p = 0.0016). Football players had similar faster RTs in probe grabbing ( p = 0.0002) and ruler drop tests ( p = 0.0013) compared to controls. Esport competitors also had significantly faster RTs in the color cue test than controls ( p = 0.05). Although esport competitors and football athletes had faster composite RTs than controls ( p = 0.0042 and p = 0.0104, respectively), RTs between esport competitors and football athletes were not significantly different. A trend was seen in that esport competitors had faster RTs than football athletes in all tests except probe grabbing. Involvement in esports or football is positively correlated with faster RT, although it is not demonstrated whether play improves RT or those with inherently faster RTs tend to excel in activities requiring rapid response.
Diffusion tensor imaging reveals greater microstructure damage in lesional tissue that shrinks into cerebrospinal fluid in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Atrophied T2 lesion volume (LV), reflecting the complete transformation of lesions into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), has been associated with disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). The underlying damage leading to lesion destruction remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to use diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to investigate the extent of microstructural tissue damage at baseline in lesions that subsequently transform into CSF. METHODS: Ninety-nine MS patients (67 relapsing-remitting MS [RRMS] and 32 progressive PMS [PMS]) were imaged at baseline and after an average of 5.3 ± 0.6 years of follow-up. Assessments included T2 LV and DTI at baseline and atrophied T2 LV over follow-up. Lesioned areas that became atrophied T2 LV were compared to those that did not. Baseline lesional DTI metrics were compared between RRMS versus PMS patients and between patients with disability progression (DP, n = 35) versus non-DP (n = 64), using ANCOVA models. RESULTS: Lesion tissue that developed into atrophied T2 LV had significantly different baseline DTI parameters compared to nonatrophied T2-LV tissue (p<0.001), with the largest effect for free-water (d = 2.739). Baseline tissue characteristics of future atrophied T2 LV were not significantly different between groups. However, DP patients developed greater atrophied T2 LV (377 vs. 83 mm3 , p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Extensive microstructural damage characterizes lesions replaced by CSF, independently of disease phenotype or future DP. Greater atrophied T2 LV predicts DP.
Using Citizen Science Observations to Develop Managed Area Watch Lists

Invasive species are a major threat to natural ecosystems. To combat the destructive potential of arriving invasive species, many natural resource managers have adopted an “early detection and rapid response” (EDRR) strategy. A key component of EDRR is a “watch list” of invasive species that have yet to be detected in a managed area and are prioritized for surveillance, reporting, and other responses. However, managed areas with limited resources may not have the capacity to develop useful watch lists. To address this need, we developed an automated process to use data from iNaturalist, a popular citizen science platform, and a United States national list of nonnative plant species to compile a provisional watch list of the 100 most frequently reported nonnative species within a 160 km buffer around a managed area. We demonstrated the application of the process using 36 US National Park Service units with relatively small operating budgets. Using Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Washington, as an example, we show how provisional watch lists can be refined by removing species that are unlikely to occur in the unit due to the absence of suitable habitat and prioritizing species from the state priority invasive plant list. The automated process has the advantage of being easily repeatable at regular intervals to alert managers of newly arrived species. Managers can readily modify this method for use anywhere if they have access to observation data from a citizen science platform and a list of nonnative species in the area of interest.
Legal Ethics and Human Dignity

David Luban is one of the world's leading scholars of legal ethics. In this collection of his most significant papers he ranges over such topics as the moral psychology of organisational evil, the strengths and weaknesses of the adversary system, and jurisprudence from the lawyer's point of view. His discussion combines philosophical argument, legal analysis and many cases drawn from actual law practice, and he defends a theory of legal ethics that focuses on lawyers' role in enhancing human dignity and human rights. In addition to an analytical introduction, the volume includes two major previously unpublished papers, including a detailed critique of the US government lawyers who produced the notorious 'torture memos'. It will be of interest to a wide range of readers in both philosophy and law.
Dangers of fetal transfusion: Importance of placental location

Abstract The experience of the authors to January 1971, includes 46 fetal transfusions in 28 patients with Zone III amniotic fluid. Nine of these 28 babies represented the second pregnancy for the mother. For half of these patients (14 of 28), the baby requiring transfusion represented the first affected pregnancy, and more than two thirds (22 of 28) had not experienced a previous hemolytic perinatal death. Most perinatal losses (all 6 neonatal deaths and 9 of 13 fetal deaths) resulted from the inability to reverse fetal hydrops.
Substitution and the control of pollution: A comparison of effluent charges and quantity standards under uncertainty

Abstract Single-valued price and quantity controls of a polluting activity are compared under uncertainty. The ability to substitute other inputs for the pollutant in the production of a positively valued final good, and the usual discrepancy between the amount of pollution actually consumed and the amount emitted are carefully incorporated. The first is found to influence the degree to which cost fluctuation is reflected in the output of the final good. The second concern alters the region of the benefit function into which output is inserted. Both change the welfare losses associated with random fluctuation in the costs of reducing pollution.
Bin-completion algorithms for multicontainer packing and covering problems

Bin-completion, a bin-oriented branch-and-bound approach, was recently shown to be promising for the bin packing problem. We propose several improvements to bin-completion that significantly improves search efficiency. We also show the generality of bin-completion for packing and covering problems involving multiple containers, and present bin-completion algorithms for the multiple knapsack, bin covering, and min-cost covering (liquid loading) problems that significantly outperform the previous state of the art. However, we show that for the bin packing problem, bin-completion is not competitive with the state of the art solver.
High-frequency P wave spectra from explosions and earthquakes

Two explosion P wave spectral models and two earthquake P wave spectral models are reviewed to assess their implications for high frequency (>1 Hz) seismic discrimination between earthquakes and explosions. The importance of the corner frequency scaling, particularly for models with the same high frequency spectral decay rate, is demonstrated by calculating source spectral ratios (a potentially important regional discriminant) for these models. We compare North American events and a limited data set of Central Asian events with these spectral models. We find North American earthquakes are consistent with a constant stress drop modified Brune model between 10 and 30 Hz. Shallow (<700 m depth) Pahute Mesa explosions at the Nevada Test Site have a high frequency spectral decay between 10 and 30 Hz greater than the {omega}{sup {minus}2} predicted by the explosion models. Near regional recordings of the Soviet Joint Verification Experiment (JVE) explosion show a higher corner frequency and lower 1 to 4 Hz spectral ratios than predicted by either explosion model. The higher corner frequency of the Soviet JVE appears not to be due to attenuation, or receiver effects, and may represent a need for different corner frequency scaling, or result from source complications such as spallmore » and tectonic release. A regional recording of the Soviet JVE (NEIC m{sub b} = 6.1) is shown to have a lower 1 to 4 Hz spectral ratio than a smaller earthquake (NEIC m{sub b} = 4.6) recorded on a nearly reciprocal path. 43 refs., 8 figs.« less
Analytical calculation of collapse voltage of CMUT membrane [capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers]

Because the collapse voltage determines the operating point of the capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT), it is crucial to calculate and control this parameter. In this paper, we propose a fast numerical algorithm for the calculation of collapse voltage. The algorithm uses the parallel plate method to approximate the force distribution over the membrane, and then applies an analytical solution for the plate equation, loaded by the approximated force distribution. Using this method, we are able to calculate the collapse voltage in a couple of seconds, within 0.1% accuracy. We report on the collapse voltage calculation results using our method for four different design structures. While the computation time of our method is about three orders of magnitude less than the finite element method, the percentage error of collapse voltage calculation is, nevertheless, less than four percent in all the design structures. The proposed algorithm is also suitable for the inclusion of any external force distribution on the membrane, such as atmospheric pressure.
Brain, Decision, and Debt

In this chapter, we summarize recent findings in neuroeconomics suggesting that emotion (specifically, “anticipatory affect”) can influence financial decisions, and then discuss how individual differences in anticipatory affect may promote proneness to consumer debt. Thanks to improvements in spatial and temporal resolution, functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) experiments have begun to suggest that activation of a brain region associated with anticipating gains (i.e., the nucleus accumbens or NAcc) precedes an increased tendency to seek financial gains, whereas activation of another region associated with anticipating losses (i.e., the anterior insula) precedes an increased tendency to avoid financial losses. By extension, individual differences in increased gain anticipation, decreased loss anticipation, or some combination of the two (plus a third nonreflective factor) might promote proneness to debt (Knutson, Samanez-Larkin, and Kuhnen 2011). Ultimately, neuroeconomic advances may help individuals to optimize their investment strategies, as well as empower institutions to minimize consumer debt. Neuroeconomists seek to explain how brains choose. Thanks to technological advances, scientists can now “open the black box” of the brain, moving below the surface mapping between input and output to identification of mediating neural and psychological processes. Thus, neuroeconomic methods might allow scientists to bridge gaps between neural, psychological, and behavioral levels of analysis. Below, we summarize ongoing attempts to forge links from affective neural circuits to affective experience and, eventually, to decisions that can lead to debt.
Architectures for Heterogeneous Multi-Tier Networks

Next-generation wireless computing platforms will contain flexible communications capabilites. At Rice University, the Rice Everywhere NEtwork (RENE) project is investigating a multi-standard, multi-tier integration of W-CDMA cellular systems, high speed wireless LANs, and home wireless networks. There are many challenges in mapping these advanced communication algorithms to real-time hardware computing platforms. In this paper, we present current work on the development of a reconfigurable baseband physical layer containing DSP processors and FPGA accelerators. Our goal is the design of a multi-tier network interface card (mNIC) which is capable of exploiting efficient, low-power reconfiguration.
UV Luminosity Function at Z ∼ 4, 3, and 2

We use very deep (R lim=27) U n GRI imaging to study the evolution of the faint end of the UV-selected galaxy luminosity function from z ∼ 4 to z ∼ 2. We find that the number of sub-L* galaxies increases from z ∼ 4 to z ∼ 3, while the number of bright galaxies appears to remain constant. We find no evidence for continued evolution to lower redshift, z ∼ 2. If real, this differential evolution of the luminosity function suggests that differentially comparing key diagnostics of dust, stellar populations, etc., as a function of z and L may allow us to isolate the key mechanisms that drive galaxy evolution at high redshift, and we describe several such studies currently underway.
Susceptibility of Experimental Atrophic Gastritis to Ulceration

The hypothesis that gastric ulcer develops in pre-existing areas of atrophic gastritis was subjected to experimental scrutiny. A full thickness wedge of vascularized canine gastric corpus was explanted onto the anterior abdominal wall. Thus exposed, the mucosa developed inflammatory cell infiltration, necrosis, and sloughing. Later, new gland formation by undifferentiated mucus-containing cells occurred. After 6 to 8 weeks the mucosa was reconstituted but contained no parietal or chief cells, secreted no acid in response to histamine stimulation, and histologically resembled human atrophic gastritis. Eight explants returned to the corpus of the stomach at this time retained an atrophic appearance at the time of killing 19 to 21 days later. In 10 dogs, return of the wedge to the stomach was followed by 14 daily injections of histamine suspended in beeswax. Eight of these 10 animals developed penetrating ulcers in the atrophic reimplanted mucosa. No ulcers occurred in eight full thickness wedges which were histologically normal, having been reimplanted into the stomach immediately following construction and subjected to gastric hypersecretion induced by histamine. Blood flow to the atrophic reimplanted mucosa was not significantly different from flow to histologically normal re-implanted mucosa or from intact corpus mucosa. These results suggest that the presence of atrophic gastritis renders stomach mucosa susceptible to acid peptic digestion and ulcer formation.
Analysis of the anklebot training as a method for reducing lower-limb paretic impairment a case study in electromyography

This paper describes the results of a month-long case study of a stroke patient training with the anklebot conducted at the MIT Newman Laboratory for Biomechanics. The study provides promising evidence for reducing paretic impairment using the anklebot in stroke patients. We found a statistically significant increase in the paretic soleus and tibialis anterior EMG levels following anklebot training.
Recycled Waste Paper Mulch Reduces Available Container N

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of pelletized recycled paper mulch on container plant nutrition. In experiment 1 with Petunia floribunda Hort. ‘Midnight Madness’, 9 g (0.32 oz) of Osmocote 14N-6.2P-11.6K (14-14-14) was applied over or under 2.5 cm (1 in) of recycled paper pellet mulch, or to plants with no paper mulch (control). Leachate samples were collected after microirrigation. Both treatments with paper mulch reduced nitrate (NO3-N) and ammonium (NH4-N) levels in container leachate, compared to the control 21 days after planting (DAP). Shoot dry weight was reduced 53% and 70% for plants fertilized under and over the mulch, respectively, compared to the non-mulched control. At the end of the experiment 40–48% of the total N applied over or under mulch was retained by the recycled paper mulch. In experiment 2 with Petunia grandiflora Hort. ‘Ultra Blue’, mulch and three methods of fertilizer application (over mulch, under mulch, and incorporated in the substrate) were c...
Maternal renal disease: effect on the fetus.

A complete understanding of the relationships between pregnancy and renal disease is hindered by the limited number of large series of patients in whom clinical, pathologic, and functional observations have been made. Sufficient information is currently available to enable the clinician to identify those patients with preexisting renal disease who are likely to encounter difficulties, and in most instances a carefully managed pregnancy can be completed successfully in the pi’esence of renal parenchymal disease.
Biomechanical Analysis of a Double-Bundle Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

The objective of this study was to experimentally evaluate a single-bundle versus a double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by comparing the resulting knee biomechanics with those of the intact knee. Ten human cadaveric knees were tested using a robotic/universal force-moment sensor testing system. The knees were subjected to a 134-N posterior tibial load at five flexion angles. Three knee conditions were tested: 1) intact knee, 2) single-bundle reconstruction, and 3) double-bundle reconstruction. Posterior tibial translation of the intact knee ranged from 4.9 +/- 2.7 mm at 90 degrees to 7.2 +/- 1.5 mm at full extension. After the single-bundle reconstruction, posterior tibial translation increased to 7.3 +/- 3.9 mm and 9.2 +/- 2.8 mm at 90 degrees and full extension, respectively, while the corresponding in situ forces in the graft were up to 44 +/- 19 N lower than those in the intact ligament. Conversely, with double-bundle reconstruction, the posterior tibial translation did not differ significantly from the intact knee at any flexion angle tested. This reconstruction also restored in situ forces more closely than did the single-bundle reconstruction. These data suggest that a double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction can more closely restore the biomechanics of the intact knee than can the single-bundle reconstruction throughout the range of knee flexion.
Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor: cytology and differential diagnosis in adults.

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs) are malignant intracranial neoplasms that usually occur in the posterior fossa of children. They are characterized by cells with paranuclear rhabdoid inclusions, a mesenchymal and epithelial immunohistochemical profile, and 22q deletions with inactivation of the INI1/hSNF5 gene. Although they usually occur in young children, AT/RTs are being recognized in adults with increasing frequency. We report the cytologic features of an AT/RT from the cerebellum of a 45-year-old man and discuss the differential diagnosis in adults. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;31:60–63. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
PHYSICIAN ATTITUDES TOWARD MANAGING OBESITY : DIFFERENCES AMONG SIX SPECIALTY GROUPS

Background.The Healthy People 2000 report recommended that physicians more actively address obesity, but little is known about current attitudes and practices of physicians, particularly across specialty areas relevant to obesity as a medical risk factor. Methods.A mail survey of 1,222 physicians from six specialties (family practice, internal medicine, gynecology, endocrinology, cardiology, and orthopedics) investigated beliefs, attitudes, and practices regarding obesity in relation to medical risk, management, and interest in training and other resources. Results.Specialty groups shared high concern for the health risks of moderate and morbid obesity, but distinct attitudes and patterns of practice emerged. For example, family practitioners, internists, and endocrinologists reported treating obesity themselves in about 50% of obese patients, which correlated with reported use of more active treatment approaches (r= 0.62,P< 0.0001). Other groups reported intervening with 5 to 29% of patients, but expressed greater interest in making referrals. Physicians reporting “any specialty training related to . . . obesity” ranged from 4.5% of family practitioners to 36.4% of endocrinologists. Conclusions.Physicians express high concern with management of obesity but variable interest in assuming this role themselves. Mild obesity may be particularly undertreated. Research is critically needed to assess effective physician roles in weight management and to support the development of physician guidelines.
Suppression of immune function and susceptibility to infections in humans: association of immune function with clinical disease.

A number of regulatory agencies in western Europe, Japan and the United States now include guidelines for evaluating the potential immunotoxicity of chemicals, including drugs, as part of routine toxicity testing. Most testing guidelines recommend observational or functional assays that, based on studies in laboratory animals, are able to detect changes in immune function that are associated with increased susceptibility to infectious or neoplastic cell challenge. To appreciate how well observational and functional endpoints are likely to predict an increased risk of infection in humans, it is important to establish correlations between alterations in human immune function and an increased risk of disease. This review will address the clinical evidence for increased risk of disease in humans with mild to moderate levels of immunosuppression using examples from the literature, discuss specific immune system defects associated with increased rates of infection, and examine factors that impact the interpreta...
Diminishing dependence on adhesives for retention of facial prostheses

Attempts to augment or circumvent adhesives for retaining facial prostheses have been beneficial for many patients, particularly when a significant number of prostheses have failed because of insufficient retention. This approach is helpful in overcoming the problems created by the continued reluctance of surgeons to remove an entire facial organ in eradicating a relatively small disease process. There has been a positive response to suggestions that proposed surgery be planned to include the creation of sites which could be used for anatomic or mechanical retention.
Cytometric analysis of the proliferative capacity of HUT 102 lymphoblasts exposed to long-wave UV light and psoralen.

Abstract Cultures of HUT 102 lymphoblasts, comprised of near-diploid and hyperdiploid cells (11 and 22 pg of DNA/nucleus), were irradiated for 2 h by long wave ultraviolet light (UV-A) (2.1 mW/cm 2 ), reacted for the same time in the dark with suprapharmacologic concentrations of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) (15 αg/ml) and exposed to 8-MOP and UV-A (PUVA) under identical conditions. Flow cytometric determinations of cellular DNA content and IdUrd incorporation indicated that UV-A irradiated cells incorporated IdUrd at the control levels and that the number of cells in S and G 2 + M phases of the cell cycle likewise were identical to controls. The dark reaction of HUT 102 cells with 8-MOP has, however, resulted in a transient increase of IdUrd incorporation, but it has not affected cellular proliferation rates. On the other hand, no IdUrd incorporation was detected after PUVA. The analysis of the DNA content of intact and PUVA-exposed cultures showed that the number of near-diploid S-phase cells was greater 24 h after PUVA, whereas the number of hyperdiploid cells in all phases of the cell cycle had decreased. Under stated conditions the viability of HUT 102 cells and their cell cycle disturbances by PUVA are determined in part by the amount of DNA in target lymphoblasts.
Outcome assessment of hand function after radial artery harvesting for coronary artery bypass.

Abstract The radial artery has gained widespread acceptance as a conduit for coronary artery bypass. Advantages include minimal donor site discomfort, ease of handling, excellent early patency rates, and the possibility of freedom from late conduit atherosclerosis. Although most series describe minimal morbidity, a significant incidence of radial sensory neuropathy and isolated instances of hand claudication and ischemia have been reported. We performed an outcome study utilizing the Short Form-36, the Upper Limb-Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand, and a modified self-administered hand diagram to compare 288 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass utilizing the radial artery with a control group of 174 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass without the radial artery. The data were analyzed by the t test for continuous variables and the chi-square test for categorical variables, and subsequently a multivariate regression model was constructed. No patients developed hand claudication or ischemia. Although there was an incidence of radial sensory neuropathy of 9.9% associated with radial artery harvest, it was not significantly higher than the incidence in the control group (5.2%, p=.16). Intrinsic patient factors such as obesity, age, diabetes, and peripheral vascular disease were the principal determinants of overall health and quality of life issues.
Effects of electric current on man

With increasing use of electric fences, insect screens, and other devices having exposed electrodes, information on the magnitude of electric current that is safe for human beings becomes of great importance in determining regulations and safety codes. The authors report the results of experiments showing the maximum 60-cycle alternating current and direct current which the average man can withstand with reasonable safety.
Kinetic nephelometric determination of transthyretin and retinol-binding protein in neonatal serum.

Abstract We have developed a kinetic immunonephelometric method for the determination of retinol-binding protein and modified the method of Jacob et al (Clin Chem 1983; 29: 564) for the determination of transthyretin (prealbumin) in neonatal serum specimens from small, premature infants. The methodologies allow detection of 17.5 mg/l transthyretin and 1.7 mg/l retinol-binding protein in 25 μ1 of serum. Betweenrun precision studies using pooled neonatal serum gave CV values of 3% and 5–6% for transthyretin and retinol-binding protein, respectively. Results obtained for neonatal specimens using this method agreed well with those obtained for the same specimens using radial immunodiffusion. Mean (SD) serum concentrations for 39 neonatal specimens were 100.4 (46.6) and 26.3 (10.8) mg/l for transthyretin and retinol-binding protein, respectively.
Raman cooling of atoms in an optical dipole trap.

We have Raman cooled sodium atoms below the photon recoil temperature in a novel type of blue-detuned optical dipole force trap. In this trap 4.5{times}10{sup 5} atoms have been cooled to an effective three dimensional temperature of 1.0 {mu}K at a final density of 4{times}10{sup 11} cm{sup {minus}3}. No atoms were lost during the cooling process. The phase space density increased by a factor of 320 over the uncooled sample. This is the highest phase space density achieved by an all-optical cooling method. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
On the temperature correlation of δ18O in modern precipitation

Reevaluation of modern precipitation, temperature, and isotope data permits reconciliation of previous disparate values for the correlation between δ18O of modern precipitation and surface temperature. Past analysis has used the mean surface temperature over the time interval of sample collection (e.g., mean weekly, monthly, or annual temperature) to calculate temperature coefficients, and different approaches at mid-latitudes yield different temperature coefficients (Δδ18O/ΔT): spatial correlations among geographically distinct sites yield ∼0.55‰/K; seasonal variations at single sites yield 0.2–0.4‰/K; and 12 month running averages yield 0.5–1‰/K. However, there are systematic differences in temperature during precipitation events vs. time-averaged surface temperature means. Correction for this bias using hourly weather and monthly isotope data from U.S. sites yields a single value of ∼0.55‰/K for all three approaches. Revised temperature coefficients based on surface observations are also commensurate with coefficients obtained using cloud base temperatures and with theoretical distillation models (0.5–0.7‰/K). These coefficients provide a consistent basis for validation of general circulation models that incorporate stable isotopes of precipitation, and for comparison to independent estimators of the isotopic response to climate change.
Time to abandon the notion of personal choice in dietary counseling for obesity

Current approaches to dietary counseling for obesity are heavily rooted in the notion of “personal choice” Typically, patients receive education about dietary contributions to energy balance and are then encouraged to make dietary choices (e.g., food selections, portion sizes) consistent with weight loss. Yet even highly motivated and nutritionally-informed patients often struggle to refrain from highly palatable, energy-dense foods available in the modern environment, and ultimately, only a small percentage of individuals achieve sustained weight loss through dietary modification (1–4). Failed attempts at weight control are frustrating to patients and providers alike. Studies show that both parties frequently attribute obesity to poor “personal choices” or insufficient “willpower” on the part of the patient (5,6). For example, a sample of British dietitians ranked “lack of willpower” as more important to the development of obesity than genetic factors (7), even though adult body mass is 55–75% heritable (8,9). The suggestion that individuals become or remain obese due to their unhealthy personal choices, or a lack of willpower to make healthy choices, is stigmatizing to patients and unlikely to motivate patients to lose weight (10). De-emphasizing the role of personal choice in dietary counseling for obesity would reduce stigma, but doing so carries the risk of undermining patients’ perceived control over their weight loss success. The goal of this commentary is to help dietitians negotiate this dilemma by presenting a scientifically-informed framework that views the personal choices relevant to obesity counseling in terms of three neurobehavioral processes. We argue that applying this framework in dietary counseling can both minimize patient stigma and preserve patients’ sense of empowerment.
Adjustment in India's Textile and Apparel Industry: Reworking Historical Legacies in a Post-MFA World:

India, a late integrator in the global market for clothing, has followed a path to integration that is quite different from the experience of some of its major competitors. Unlike China, Mexico, Eastern Europe, and other South Asian countries, India's recent surge in clothing exports has occurred despite the lack of major foreign direct investment in textile and apparel production, the lack of entry into preferential regional trade agreements with buyer countries, or the lack of any significant direct role of global buyers. Arguing that changes in domestic policy and in the structure of domestic demand throughout the 1980s and 1990s played an important role in triggering new growth in India's textiles and apparel exports, and in reshaping the capabilities of local firms, I examine three features of India's recent integration into global clothing markets: the striking emergence of design as a source of comparative advantage in Indian apparel, the growing importance of outward-bound invest- ment by Indian clothing firms in recent years, and the powerful new role that retail is playing in organizing the Indian domestic market, driven in part by surging consumer demand from entirely new mid-market youth segments associated with the country's information technology^business process outsourcing boom.
Separation of labeled from unlabeled proteins by equilibrium density gradient sedimentation.

Abstract If equilibrium density gradient ultracentrifuge experiments are conducted under carefully designed conditions, the resolution of the method can be markedly improved or, alternatively, the experiment can be designed to describe the nature and amount of many widely varying macromolecules in a single experiment. The theoretical limits on resolution are examined for two types of experiments. Solutes have been found which give high resolution and appropriate densities for protein, RNA, and DNA equilibrium centrifugation. The properties of these solutes are tabulated. The theory has been tested by separation of normal β-galactosidase from samples labeled with N 15 , C 13 , and deuterium. It is shown that the method will resolve labeled from unlabeled proteins if an adequate, but attainable, density difference has been introduced.
Clinical practice. Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea.

A 16-year-old girl presents for evaluation of secondary amenorrhea. Her menarche was at the age of 12 years. Her last menstrual period was 6 months ago. She has lost 2.3 kg (5 lb) over the past 3 months and reports a 2-week history of unilateral foot pain. She typically runs 10 km (6 mi) per day, at least five times per week. Her body-mass index is 19. How should her case be evaluated and managed?
β-Expectation and β-content tolerance intervals for dependent observations

Methods of constructing exact tolerance intervals (β-expectation and β-content) for independent observations are well known. For the case of dependent observations, obtaining exact results is not possible. In this article we provide an approximate method of constructing β-expectation tolerance intervals via a Taylor series expansion. Examples of independent observations are considered to compare the intervals constructed with those obtained by the exact method. For the case of non-stationary type processes we have proposed a method of constructing approximate β-content tolerance intervals. Once again an example is given to illustrate the results.
An enzymatic explanation for dietary induced alterations in hepatic glycerolipid metabolism.

Abstract Diets containing 30, 50 and 75 % glucose and fructose were fed to rats for various time periods. Each diet increased formation of triacylglycerol by several liver cell fractions in the presence of sn-[I,3-14C]glycerol-3-P, ATP, palmitate and CoA. The enzymatic basis for the increased triacylglycerol synthesis was studied using liver microsomal preparations. The activity of two enzymes, sn-glycerol-3-P acyltransferase and phosphatidate phosphohydrolase, was increased by the high fructose and glucose diets. Diets rich in either sugar produced marked increases in the ratio of neutral lipid to polar lipid formed by microsomes or whole liver homogenates indicating that the effect on phosphatidate phosphohydrolase was predominate. Phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity was also recovered in a fraction of the particle free supernatant precipitated by 40 % (NH4)2SO4. The high glucose and fructose diets increased the activity of the supernatant phosphohydrolase three fold. The increase in triacylglycerol formation by various cell preparations correlated temporally with the increase in microsomal and supernatant phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity and with an acceleration in liver triacylglycerol formation as previously estimated in vivo. It is concluded that phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity is important in the regulation of endogenous triacylglycerol formation under these dietary conditions.