cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Forearm Following Autologous Blood Reinfusion: A Case Report

Compartment syndrome is a condition with multiple reported etiologies, and permanent disability may ensue if not treated in a timely fashion. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of acute forearm compartment syndrome caused by intravenous autologous blood reinfusion. The patient underwent forearm fasciotomy, and hematoma was encountered deep to the superficial volar fascia, presumably extravasated from the reinfusion catheter. With the rise in the number of knee and hip arthroplasties, surgeons need a heightened awareness of the possible complications and morbidity associated with a presumed increase in autologous blood reinfusion.
Anesthetic considerations for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

Development and implementation of lithotripsy for treatment of renal and ureteral stone disease in the early 1980s was a major advance in patient care. Prior to the use of extracorporeal lithotripsy, surgical removal was the most common therapy for retained stones in the ureter and the kidney. Development and worldwide acceptance of an effective and noninvasive therapy for urinary tract stone disease represented a monumental step in the reduction of patient morbidity and economic costs.
Performance Appraisal for Reference Librarians

Given the variety of a reference librarian's duties, it is difficult to measure the quality of his or her performance. In this article, Tom Carter describes the employee evaluation procedure used at an academic library, and explains the principles on which the method is based.
Multifeature Landmark-Free Active Appearance Models: Application to Prostate MRI Segmentation

Active shape models (ASMs) and active appearance models (AAMs) are popular approaches for medical image segmentation that use shape information to drive the segmentation process. Both approaches rely on image derived landmarks (specified either manually or automatically) to define the object's shape, which require accurate triangulation and alignment. An alternative approach to modeling shape is the level-set representation, defined as a set of signed distances to the object's surface. In addition, using multiple image derived attributes (IDAs) such as gradient information has previously shown to offer improved segmentation results when applied to ASMs, yet little work has been done exploring IDAs in the context of AAMs. In this work, we present a novel AAM methodology that utilizes the level set implementation to overcome the issues relating to specifying landmarks, and locates the object of interest in a new image using a registration based scheme. Additionally, the framework allows for incorporation of multiple IDAs. Our multifeature landmark-free AAM (MFLAAM) utilizes an efficient, intuitive, and accurate algorithm for identifying those IDAs that will offer the most accurate segmentations. In this paper, we evaluate our MFLAAM scheme for the problem of prostate segmentation from T2-w MRI volumes. On a cohort of 108 studies, the levelset MFLAAM yielded a mean Dice accuracy of 88% ± 5%, and a mean surface error of 1.5 mm ± .8 mm with a segmentation time of 150/s per volume. In comparison, a state of the art AAM yielded mean Dice and surface error values of 86% ± 9% and 1.6 mm ± 1.0 mm, respectively. The differences with respect to our levelset-based MFLAAM model are statistically significant (p <; .05). In addition, our results were in most cases superior to several recent state of the art prostate MRI segmentation methods.
Solid state photophysics of a π-stacked 9,10-anthraquinone derivative oriented by cooling through a liquid crystalline phase

Abstract The absorption spectrum of a solid state film of anthraquinone derivative 1 differs significantly from that observed in solution and depends on the degree of film crystallinity. At room temperature, a solution of 1 exhibits weak fluorescence ( Φ f ≈ 0.001 in 2-propanol), but is totally non-emissive in aprotic solvents (e.g., in diethyl ether or chloroform). Stronger fluorescence can be observed in rigid glasses, suggesting that rapid and efficient internal conversion deactivates the lowest excited state in fluid solution. An ordered solid state film of 1 exhibits weak luminescence at room temperature, and emission intensity increases more than 100-fold upon cooling to 77 K.
Use of lipid-lowering medications at discharge in patients with acute myocardial Infarction: Data from the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction 3

Background—The present study aimed to assess use of lipid-lowering medication at discharge in a current national sample of patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction and to evaluate factors associated with prescribing patterns. Methods and Results—Demographic, procedural, and discharge medication data were collected from 138 001 patients with acute myocardial infarction discharged from 1470 US hospitals participating in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction 3 from July 1998 to June 1999. Lipid-lowering medications were part of the discharge regimen in 31.7%. Among patients with prior history of CAD, revascularization, or diabetes, less than one half of the patients were discharged on treatment. In multivariate analysis, factors independently related to lipid-lowering use included history of hypercholesterolemia (odds ratio [OR] 4.93; 95% CI 4.79 to 5.07), cardiac catheterization during hospitalization (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.24 to 1.34), care provided at a teaching hospital, (OR 1.26; 95% ...
Thermomechanik molekularer Netzwerke

Die Darstellung vermittelt anhand ausgewahlter Sachverhalte ein Grundverstandnis der Gleichgewichtseigenschaften deformierter molekularer Netzwerke und zeigt, wie weit heute hinsichtlich der thermomechanischen Kennzeichnung eine theoretische Beherrschung moglich ist.
OPTICAL ASSESSMENT OF CORN OIL DETERIORATION DURING FRYING

The ultraviolet (UV), visible and near-infrared (NIR) absorption changes in corn oil were measured during processes simulating deep fat frying. Corn oil, maintained at 185C, was exposed to various treatments with nitrogen, air, water injection, air with water injection, and steam. Autoxidation due to a combination of air and high temperature in the simulated frying trials caused visible absorption changes between 400 and 580 nm as the oil deteriorated similar to those observed in potato frying experiments. These absorption changes were found to be associated with changes in an ultraviolet absorption band with a maximum near 270 nm. Second-derivative calibration equations developed at various visible and NIR absorption wavelengths successfully predicted the percentage of total polar materials (%TPM) which accumulated in the corn oil during simulated trials of autoxidation (R values from 0.93 to 0.98). Using spectral data from repetitive potato frying experiments, the predicted %TPM calculated with these equations correlated well with kinematic viscosity measurements (R values from 086 to 0.97).
Bioremediation of soluble heavy metals with recombinant Caulobacter crescentus.

To achieve one-step separation of heavy metal ions from contaminated water, we have developed a novel bioremediation technology based on self-immobilization of the Caulobacter crescentus recombinant strain JS4022/p723-6H, which overexpresses hexahistidine peptide on the surface of the bacterial cells and serves as a whole-cell adsorbent for dissolved heavy metals. Biofilms formed by JS4022/p723-6H are effective at retaining cadmium from bacterial growth media or environmental water samples. Here we provide additional experiment data discussing the application potential of this new technology. Supplementation of calcium to the growth media produced robust JS4022/p723-6H cells by alleviating their sensitivity to chelators. After growth in the presence of 0.3% CaCl2⋅2H2O, double the amount of JS4022/p723-6H cells survived the treatment with 2 mM EDTA. Free cells of JS4022/p723-6H effectively sequestered 51% of the total cadmium from a Lake Erie water sample at pH 5.4, compared to 37% retrieved by the control...
Financial analysts' reports: an extended institutional theory evaluation

Abstract Financial analysts employed by securities firms play an important role in the capital markets. Most importantly, the reports that they produce are given great consequence by many market participants. A review of the practitioner descriptions and academic studies about these analysts reveal several open questions. For these purposes, institutional theory is brought to bear upon this quasi-professional group. Four specific hypotheses are proposed and evaluated using both latent and manifest content analysis. The results indicate that the work of financial analysis cannot be understood except as part of the social fabric that embeds professional claims. The institutions that surround the delivery of opinions regarding the merits of equity investments are powerful influences on the work product of analysts.
TAFII250-independent Transcription Can Be Conferred on a TAFII250-dependent Basal Promoter by Upstream Activators

TAFII250, a component of the general transcription factor, TFIID, is required for the transcription of a subset of genes, including those involved in regulating cell cycle progression. The tsBN462 cell line, with a temperature-sensitive mutation of TAFII250, grows normally at 32 °C, but when grown at 39.5 °C, it differentially arrests transcription of many, but not all, genes. The present studies examine the basis for the requirement for TAFII250. We show that the basal promoter of a major histocompatibility complex class I gene requires TAFII250. This dependence can be overcome by select upstream regulatory elements but not by basal promoter elements. Thus, the coactivator CIITA rescues the basal promoter from the requirement for TAFII250, whereas introduction of a canonical TATAA box does not. Similarly, the SV40 basal promoter is shown to require TAFII250, and the presence of the 72-base pair enhancer overcomes this requirement. Furthermore, the SV40 72-base pair enhancer when placed upstream of the basal class I promoter renders it independent of TAFII250. These data suggest that the assembly of transcription initiation complexes is dynamic and can be modulated by specific transcription factors.
Selective Expression of a Dominant-Negative Type Ια PKA Regulatory Subunit in Striatal Medium Spiny Neurons Impairs Gene Expression and Leads to Reduced Feeding and Locomotor Activity

Striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) mediate many of the physiological effects of dopamine, including the regulation of feeding and motor behaviors. Dopaminergic inputs from the midbrain modulate MSN excitability through pathways that involve cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA), but the physiological role of specific PKA isoforms in MSN neurons remains poorly understood. One of the major PKA regulatory (R) subunit isoforms expressed in MSNs is RIIβ, which localizes the PKA holoenzyme primarily to dendrites by interaction with AKAP5 and other scaffolding proteins. However, RI (RIα and RIβ) subunits are also expressed in MSNs and the RI holoenzyme has a weaker affinity for most scaffolding proteins and tends to localize in the cell body. We generated mice with selective expression of a dominant-negative RI subunit (RIαB) in striatal MSNs and show that this dominant-negative RIαB localizes to the cytoplasm and specifically inhibits type I PKA activity in the striatum. These mice are normal at birth; however, soon after weaning they exhibit growth retardation and the adult mice are hypophagic, lean, and resistant to high-fat diet-induced hyperphagia and obesity. The RIαB-expressing mice also exhibit decreased locomotor activity and decreased dopamine-regulated CREB phosphorylation and c-fos gene expression in the striatum. Our results demonstrate a critical role for cytoplasmic RI-PKA holoenzyme in gene regulation and the overall physiological function of MSNs.
Cytogenetic and survival adaptive responses in G1 phase human lymphocytes.

Abstract Human lymphocytes from six donors were treated with 5 cGy of X-rays followed by 200 or 400 cGy in the first G 1 phase after PHA stimulation, and assayed for cytogenetic aberrations and cell survival. Four donors showed cytogenetic adaptive responses with 400 cGy, and one with both 200 cGy and 400 cGy. Both exchanges and delections were reduced, indicating that the cytogenetic adaptive response acts by restitution of chromosome breaks. Good correlations were found between nonaberrant cells and survival, although the former were often higher than the later, especially with the 400 cGy dose. In four of six donors, 5 cGy alone had significant effects on cell survival; however, this was independent of the 5 cGy effect on high-dose-induced responses. Two donors had survival adaptive responses with 5+200 cGy, while none were found with the 5 + 400 cGy treatment. The comparisons between the cytogenetic and survival responses suggests that a survival adaptive response will only be seen with a sufficient increase in nonaberrant cells. To date, adaptive responses to ionizing radiation have been reported to occur in G 0 , G 1 and late S/early G 2 lymphocytes.
Agrobacterium -mediated transformation and inbred line development in the model grass Brachypodium distachyon

Brachypodium distachyon (Brachypodium) has been proposed as a model temperate grass because its physical, genetic, and genome attributes (small stature, simple growth requirements, small genome size, availability of diploid ecotypes, annual lifecycle and self fertility) are suitable for a model plant system. Two additional requirements that are necessary before Brachypodium can be widely accepted as a model system are an efficient transformation system and homogeneous inbred reference genotypes. Here we describe the development of inbred lines from 27 accessions of Brachypodium. Determination of c-values indicated that five of the source accessions were diploid. These diploid lines exhibit variation for a variety of morphological traits. Conditions were identified that allow generation times as fast as two months in the diploids. An Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol was developed and used to successfully transform 10 of the 19 lines tested with efficiencies ranging from 0.4% to 15%. The diploid accession Bd21 was readily transformed. Segregation of transgenes in the T1 generation indicated that most of the lines contained an insertion at a single genetic locus. The new resources and methodologies reported here will advance the development and utilization of Brachypodium as a new model system for grass genomics.
Global Engineering Ethics: A Marketing Approach

There is no doubt that the world is shrinking in many ways, including the ways that engineers from various nations collaborate and share ideas. Along with major international projects such as the international space station, corporations in the United States and abroad are carrying out international engineering tasks on a daily basis. Such collaborations have been of great benefit to the engineering profession because of the free exchange of ideas and engineering talents. One of the main problems facing engineers in the international arena, however, is the lack of a common ethical background. The debate about how to create a common, global code of ethics for engineers has been carried out for several years. The aim of this paper is not add to the arguments about what should be included in a global code of ethics. The purpose of this paper is, in fact, to present a method by which an international organization tasked with the development and administration of such a code could go about attracting potential members. A common code of ethics, containing tenets that most engineering societies around the world already agree upon, is laid down as the framework. From this the basic operation of an international engineering society is outlined. With this basic starting point established the discussion proceeds to the techniques that an international society would need to employ in order grow in numbers and gain credibility among the profession. Further discussion leads to incorporation of these ideas into the education of engineers at the undergraduate level. Ethical training is currently incorporated into undergraduate curricula at many universities in the US. In many cases, however, this portion of the curriculum is limited to western ethical philosophies and the codes of ethics of the American engineering societies. Undergraduate engineering education is designed to develop the next generation to lead their engineering fields. With the prevalence of international collaboration in engineering it is almost assured that these future engineers will be international engineers, to some degree. This paper presents not only a method for attracting potential members to an international engineering society, but also means to prepare future engineers to be responsible members of the international engineering community.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
A non-iterative extension of the multivariate random effects meta-analysis.

Multivariate methods in meta-analysis are becoming popular and more accepted in biomedical research despite computational issues in some of the techniques. A number of approaches, both iterative and non-iterative, have been proposed including the multivariate DerSimonian and Laird method by Jackson et al. (2010), which is non-iterative. In this study, we propose an extension of the method by Hartung and Makambi (2002) and Makambi (2001) to multivariate situations. A comparison of the bias and mean square error from a simulation study indicates that, in some circumstances, the proposed approach perform better than the multivariate DerSimonian–Laird approach. An example is presented to demonstrate the application of the proposed approach.
Multifunctional Role of Human SPLUNC1 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection

The human short PLUNC1 (SPLUNC1) protein has been identified as a component of the pulmonary antimicrobial response based on its structural similarity to the bactericidal/permeability-increasing (BPI) protein. Using a genetically modified mouse model, we recently verified the antimicrobial activity of SPLUNC1 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vivo. To further define the mechanism of epithelial SPLUNC1-mediated antibacterial action, we carried out studies to determine how SPLUNC1 protects the host from acute respiratory infections. P. aeruginosa treated with recombinant human SPLUNC1 protein showed decreased growth in vitro. This antibacterial activity was due to growth inhibition, as a consequence of a SPLUNC1-induced increase in bacterial cell permeability. Removal of SPLUNC1 allowed the recovery of P. aeruginosa and suggested no permanent cell injury or direct killing of bacteria. Further investigation showed coating of bacterial cells by SPLUNC1. We suggest that this “bacterial cell coating” is necessary for the bacteriostatic function of SPLUNC1. Additionally, we demonstrated a novel role for SPLUNC1 as a chemoattractant that facilitated migration of macrophages and neutrophils. Taking the findings together, we propose synergistic roles for human SPLUNC1 as an antibacterial agent with bacteriostatic and chemotactic activities.
The most important issues in knowledge management

What can KM do for corporate memory, management thinking, and IS responsibility, as well as for overall business performance?
The rest of the story: Sociocultural patterns of story elaboration

Abstract In getting the day's news, many individuals never move beyond headlines, story leads, and sound bytes. Rather, in their attempts to apprehend and evaluate matters, readers and viewers process these brief media summaries and proceed to ‘fill in the blanks’. They construct the details that media summaries fail to provide. This action embodies a unique practice to which I refer as story elaboration . Story elaboration involves the enhancement, and most importantly, the extension of professionally constructed media materials . When engaged in elaboration, readers and viewers become storytellers themselves. Faced with limited data, they choose to build a narrative of their own - a narrative guided not by professional storytelling strategies, but by rules and scripts located in an audience member's sociocultural context. Using data derived from an exploratory study of media messages and their effects, this article explores four specific elements of story elaboration practices. First, I distinguish story elaboration from interpretation, and I provide a full illustration of the practice. Second, I highlight the social profile of those who typically engage in elaboration and I contrast this profile with that of individuals who refrain from elaborative practices. Next, I examine the theme of media stories, and I probe the links between this dimension and readers' and viewers' propensity towards elaboration. Finally, I explore the ‘conventions’ that guide subjects as they create story elaborations.
Neptune's Atmospheric Circulation and Cloud Morphology: Changes Revealed by 1998 HST Imaging

Abstract On 11–12 August 1998, we imaged Neptune using the Hubble Space Telescope WFPC2 CCD camera and NICMOS InSb camera to obtain high-spatial-resolution, absolutely calibrated imagery from the visible through the near infrared. We used nine HST orbits to intensively sample one rotation of Neptune, and four additional orbits to sample cloud evolution and motions one and two rotations later. In 1998 Neptune displayed more bright cloud features at southern mid-latitudes (mainly at 30°S and 45°S) than in 1996, producing small, but significant, increases in Neptune's disk-integrated albedo of 1.4±1, 1.9±1, and 9.5±1% for F467M, F673N, and F850LP filters respectively. Averages over longitude regions relatively free of discrete bright clouds did not show substantial brightness changes for most filters. Although we were unable to directly confirm the continued presence in 1998 of the 1996 Northern Great Dark Spot NGDS-32, we did find what we believe to be its bright northern companion cloud at 39°N. The increased extent of both northern and southern companions in 1998 may have obscured the normally dark core of this circulation feature. The 1996 Great Dark Spot NGDS-15 was not visible in 1998. The 1996 dark circumpolar band near 60°–70°S was present in 1998, with somewhat enhanced contrast. Significant evolution of cloud features was found over short time intervals of one and two rotations of Neptune, especially at 31°S, 45°S, and 70°S. Cloud motions in 1998 agree relatively well with the 1989 Voyager smoothed profile of L. A. Sromovsky et al. (1983, Icarus105, 110–141), with some exceptions associated with bright companion clouds, and with small but significant deviations that are consistent with those observed in 1995 and 1996 (Sromovsky et al. 2001, Icarus149, 459–488). These wind profile deviations contribute important modifications to the potential vorticity gradients that control latitudinal drift rates of GDS-scale vortices on Neptune (according to numerical simulations of R. P. LeBeau and T. E. Dowling (1998, Icarus132, 239–265)). However, these modifications alone do not explain the zero latitudinal drift of 1996 NGDS-32.
Electronic Thermal Conduction in Thin Gold Films

In this work, electronic thermal conduction in thin gold film is modeled via the Boltzmann Transport Equation (BTE). The BTE is solved using a Monte Carlo Method (MCM). Temperature profiles for various film thicknesses are computed. Results show that the electronic thermal transport in gold is still diffusion-like at film thicknesses as small as 100 nm, implying that the Fourier law of conduction can be applied at this scale to predict the steady-state thermal heat transfer without comprising the physics. However, the Fourier law does not predict the temperature profiles accurately if the film thickness is reduced to 10 nm or below.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
The liquid crystal display (LCD) for medical imaging in comparison with the cathode ray tube display (CRT)

This paper discusses display parameters such as display function, contrast, dynamic range, veiling glare and spatial resolution of displays useful in digital radiology. After a review of the traditional display in diagnostic radiology, namely the film-lightbox, based on the film-screen combination, the paper concentrates on the Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Flat Panel Display (AM-LCD). The AM-LCD will most likely mature and may become the display of choice in the near future, replacing the Cathode Ray Tube Display (CRT), which is presently the dominating softcopy display. A comparison between pertinent performance characteristics of AM-LCD and CRT demonstrates that spatial resolution (Modulation Transfer Function or MTF) and veiling glare for the AM-LCD are already superior to those of the CRT.
Excess alcohol consumption and health outcomes: a 6-year follow-up of men over age 50 from the health and retirement study.

Aims This study examined the association of problem drinking history and alcohol consumption with the onset of several health conditions and death over a 6-year follow-up period. Setting We analyzed two waves of longitudinal data on men over 50 who participated in the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative sample of people aged 51–61 and their spouses living in the United States in 1992. Measurements Five types of health outcomes—mortality, general health, functional status, cognitive status, and mental health—were examined. Drinking categories were based on average drinks per day (0, <1, 1–2, 3–4, 5+), with 5 + defined as ‘very heavy drinking’. Problem drinking history was identified as 2+ affirmative responses to the CAGE questionnaire. We controlled for smoking and other factors at baseline. Findings Over the 6-year follow-up period, very heavy drinking at baseline quadrupled the risk of developing functional impairments (OR: 4.21 95% CI: 1.67, 10.61). A problem drinking history increased the onset of depression (OR: 1.67 95% CI: 1.02, 2.74), psychiatric problems (OR: 2.15 95% CI: 1.47, 3.13) and memory problems (OR: 1.71 95% CI: 1.14, 2.56). Heavy drinking among mature adults was not associated with increased incidence of other adverse health events (i.e. angina, cancer, congestive heart failure, diabetes, myocardial infraction, lung disease or stroke). Conclusion Very heavy drinking and a problem drinking history greatly increased rates of onset of functional impairments, psychiatric problems and memory loss in late middle age for men who had not experienced these impairments at their initial interview.
Esthetically objectionable fluorosis attributable to water fluoridation

Objective: We compared estimates of fluorosis prevalence and risk attributable to fluoridation using an index applied to the entire dentition and to the maxillary anterior teeth. We also estimated the prevalence of perceived esthetic problems attributable to current fluoridation policy (Attributable Burden). Methods: Fluorosis prevalence estimates were obtained from the National Survey of Oral Health in US School Children (1986–87) for the 1839 survey children aged 12 −14 years who were scored for fluorosis, had never received fluoride drops or tablets, and had lived in only one home. For each child we calculated Dean's fluorosis index, and an anterior fluorosis index (value of the highest scored maxillary anterior tooth). We used each index to calculate risk of fluorosis attributable to fluoridation by subtracting at each level of severity the prevalence of fluorosis among those living in low fluoride areas (F ≤ 0.3 ppm) from the prevalence among those living in optimally fluoridated areas (0.7 ppm F ≤1.2 ppm). Findings from five published studies were used to calculate risk of perceived esthetic problem attributable to fluorosis, by severity, i.e. the difference in the mean percentage of respondents who were satisfied with the appearance of their teeth with and without fluorosis. Finally, Attributable Burden was estimated by summing the products of risk of perceived esthetic problems attributable to fluorosis and risk of fluorosis attributable to fluoridation for each level of fluorosis severity. Results: Prevalence of fluorosis, very mild or greater, was 26% with Dean's Index, which was significantly higher than the 18% figure calculated with the anterior index. Using the anterior index, fluoridation was a risk factor for very mild (attributable risk = 15%) and mild fluorosis (attributable risk = 3%). Risk of fluorosis (very mild or greater) attributable to fluoridation was significantly higher when calculated from prevalence estimates using Dean's Index than estimates calculated with the anterior index (24% versus 18%). The mean values of risk of perceived esthetic problems attributable to very mild and mild fluorosis were 9% and 33%, respectively. Conclusion: We found that approximately 2% of US schoolchildren may experience perceived esthetic problems which could be attributed to the currently recommended levels of fluoride in drinking water. The findings further suggest that both estimates of fluorosis prevalence and risk of fluorosis attributable to fluoridation will be higher when calculated with an index applied to the entire dentition. Data were unavailable for fluoridated toothpaste and diluted formula consumption, thus the risk of fluorosis attributable to fluoridation may be overestimated if consumption was higher in fluoridated areas. The risk of perceived esthetic problems attributable to fluoridation must be weighed against its lifetime benefits and the associated costs of alternative solutions such as educating parents about appropriate toothpaste use and lowering the fluoride content of children's toothpaste.
OMVPE growth of GaAs1-xSbx: solid composition☆

III/V ratio is found to have a major effect on the Sb distribution coefficient for OMVPE growth of GaAs1-xSbx. Experimental results are described well by thermodynamic calculations. For III/V > 1, essentially all As and Sb in the vapor are incorporated into the solid allowing the growth of GaAs0.5Sb0.5 right in the center of the solid phase miscibility gap at 600°C.
Simulation of fatigue cracking and life distribution of SCS-6 fiber-reinforced orthorhombic titanium aluminide composites

The evolution of matrix cracking, degradation of mechanical properties, and distribution of fatigue life of a SiC fiber-reinforced orthorhombic titanium aluminide (Ti-22Al-23Nb) composite under various applied cyclic stresses were analyzed by computer simulation. The propagation of matrix cracks was modeled by a modified fiber-bridging model which incorporates the effect of fiber breakage on crack growth. The residual stiffness was then predicted by using the shear-lag model, and the post-fatigue tensile strength was predicted by using the residual load-carrying capacity of the fatigued composites as the failure criterion. Finally, the distribution of fatigue lives was predicted according to various fiber strength distributions simulated by a random number generator. The simulated matrix crack propagation rates, residual stiffness, residual tensile strength and fatigue life are correlated with experimental results.
Dielectronic recombination rate coefficients for highly ionized heliumlike ions.

Abstract Dielectronic recombination rate coefficients have been calculated in a distorted wave approximation for several highly ionized heliumlike ions. Special attention is given the role of intercombination s stabilizing transitions. The results are in reasonable agreement with the simple formula of Burgess.
Prostate brachytherapy. An overview

Background. Prostate brachytherapy represents one of the oldest techniques of using radiation therapy to treat prostate cancer. Over the past 10 years, there have been major changes in the types of prostate brachytherapy that can be performed with the introduction of new radioactive isotopes, new afterloading techniques, and an improved understanding of the radiobiology associated with differing dose rates. Methods. Prostate brachytherapy can be divided into temporary implantation using high activity sources such as iridium-192, or permanent brachytherapy using the interstitial implantation of iodine-125 or palladium-103 sources
Revivals in engineered waveguide arrays

We show that perfect and fractional revivals are possible in finite waveguide arrays with engineered parameters. We consider potential applications of waveguide lattices utilizing operations such as multi-couplers and multi-beam-splitters. Specific examples of finite lattices with four and five elements that allow such operations are presented.
Co-regulated transcriptional networks contribute to natural genetic variation in Drosophila sleep.

Trudy Mackay and colleagues measure sleep phenotypes in 40 wild-derived Drosophila lines, and report candidate genes and transcriptional networks associated with sleep regulation. Sleep disorders are common in humans, and sleep loss increases the risk of obesity and diabetes1. Studies in Drosophila2,3 have revealed molecular pathways4,5,6,7 and neural tissues8,9,10 regulating sleep; however, genes that maintain genetic variation for sleep in natural populations are unknown. Here, we characterized sleep in 40 wild-derived Drosophila lines and observed abundant genetic variation in sleep architecture. We associated sleep with genome-wide variation in gene expression11 to identify candidate genes. We independently confirmed that molecular polymorphisms in Catsup (Catecholamines up) are associated with variation in sleep and that P-element mutations in four candidate genes affect sleep and gene expression. Transcripts associated with sleep grouped into biologically plausible genetically correlated transcriptional modules. We confirmed co-regulated gene expression using P-element mutants. Quantitative genetic analysis of natural phenotypic variation is an efficient method for revealing candidate genes and pathways.
Anomalies, analogies, and sacred profanities: Mary Douglas on food and culture, 1957–1989

(1990). Anomalies, analogies, and sacred profanities: Mary Douglas on food and culture, 1957–1989. Food and Foodways: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 53-71.
Electrochemical fluorination of N-chloroalkyl-substituted cyclic amines

Abstract The electrochemical fluorination of such N-chloroalkyl substituted cyclic amines as N-chloromethylpyrrolidine ( 1 ), N-(3-chloropropyl)pyrrolidine ( 2 ), N-chloromethylpiperidine ( 3 ), N-(2-chloroethyl)piperidine ( 4 ), N-(3-chloropropyl)piperidine ( 5 ), N-chloromethylmorpholine ( 6 ), N-(3-chloropropyl)morpholine ( 7 ), N-(2-chloroallyl)morpholine ( 8 ) has been conducted. Except in the cases of the N-chloromethyl-substituted ones ( 1 , 3 and 6 ), the corresponding chlorine-retaining-perfluoroamines were obtained in a yield of 5 ∼ 20% together with perfluorinated ones (Yield = 20 ∼ 60%). Neither chlorine-retaining amines nor perfluorinated amines, both of which having the original skeleton, was produced from fluorinations of 1 , 3 and 6 in an appreciable yield. The spectroscopic data and physical properties of newly synthesized perfluoro-N-chloroalkyl-substituted cyclic amines are presented.
Age and Differential Predictability of Delinquent Behavior

This paper views delinquent behavior as a defense against low selfesteem brought about by poor performance in school. Defensiveness is operationalized as a discrepancy between scores on measures of conscious self-esteem (high) and unconscious esteem (low). A representative national sample of 720 boys was divided into two age groups: 11-14 years, 15-18 years. Among the older group, successive interaction hypotheses predicting increasing levels of delinquent behavior were supported. The result was a predicted high delinquency defensive group whose mean delinquency score was at the 86th percentile of the population distribution. The hypotheses were not supported in the younger age group. Differences in accumulated social experience in school are suggested as accounting for the difference between age groups. The perspective to be evaluated here treats delinquent behavior as the result of influences in the social environment of adolescents interacting with common psychological characteristics of individuals. It is a motivational perspective, asserting that the explanatory link between performance in the student role and involvement in delinquent behavior operates through individual motivation. It is also an interactive perspective. As such, it asserts that sole reliance on role performance or on individual attributes will result in less accurate predictions of delinquent behavior than if both are taken into account. In speaking to the questions of why and how experiences produce delinquent behavior, this approach is an alternative to structural, control, and labeling perspectives. The cross-sectional data to be presented below preclude a thorough evaluation of the merits of these different viewpoints.
Simultaneous saccharification and extractive fermentation for acetone/butanol production from pretreated hardwood

An integrated bioreactor-extractor was investigated for applicability in simultaneous saccharification and extractive fermentation (SSEF), and production of acetone/butanol from pretreated hardwood byClostridium acetobutylicum and cellulase enzymes. The SSEF system was constructed such that products of fermentation were extracted from the broth through a semipermeable membrane.In situ removal of inhibitory products was found to be beneficial in sustaining cell viability, thus allowing fed-batch operation of the bioreactor over a period of several weeks. Hardwood chips were pretreated by mono-ethanolamine in such a way that hemicellulose and cellulose were retained in high yield. The feed material thus prepared was readily converted by SSEF. The ability ofacetobutylicum to ferment both glucose and xylose was a major factor in simplifying the overall process into a single-stage operation.
The effect of diazepam and picrotoxin on brainstem evoked dorsal root potentials

Abstract Diazepam has been demonstrated to have the effect of enhancing presynaptic inhibition or facilitation from supraspinal sites in cats as determined by increased negative or positive dorsal root potentials and inhibition or facilitation of the monosynaptic reflex. Experiments were performed on cats made decerebrate at the precollicular level. Dorsal root potentials were recorded from the most caudal rootlet of L6 or L7 and the monosynaptic reflex was recorded from the ventral root of L7. Stimulation was either a single shock to the gastrocnemius-soleus or common peroneal nerve or a 20msec train at 500 Hz to sites in the brainstem reticular formation. The initial negative dorsal root potentials were enhanced by diazepam regardless of origin. Diazepam also enhanced positive dorsal root potentials from the pontine reticular formation. Some pure positive dorsal root potentials from the caudal medullary reticular formation were depressed by diazepam. Picrotoxin was always found, including when diazepam depressed dorsal root potentials, to have the antagonistic action of diazepam; i.e., usually depressing the negative or positive supraspinal dorsal root potential.
Stabilization of plasma fibronectin following sulfhydryl blockade

Abstract Treatment of fibronectin with either methyl mercuric bromide or iodoacetamide as sulfhydryl blocking agents added substantial protection against precipitational losses that ordinarily occur in purification, storage and freeze-drying. Simple procedures are described for incorporating mercurial into the protein in course of affinity purification to yield stable preparations, and for removing the mercurial when needed to regenerate its sulfhydryl groups. The sulfhydryl groups are not required for activity of the protein in mediating absorption of macroaggregated albumin by liver slices.
The mother of battles: confronting the implications of automobile dependence in the United States.

Since the turn of the century, the pace of U.S. society has become synchronized with the rate at which we consume fossil fuels, which has anchored the automobile as a focal point in daily life. The automobile allows most of us to live where we live, work where we work, enjoy ourselves where and when we enjoy ourselves, and to connect the many different, distant dimensions of our daily lives. However, the invention which was once synonymous with boundless opportunity is already engaged in a cycle of limitation. With this cycle we are equally synchronized, as our society becomes increasingly dependent on the automobile. Of this process most Americans have, at best, a fragmented understanding. In refusing to recognize the malignant effects of our automobile dependence, which requires a straightforward acceptance and direct treatment, we allow its ill-effects to grow beyond control. Each day that our automobile dependence grows, our capacity to affect the character of this change slips a notch. The objective of this paper is to characterize the true cost of automobile dependence on our society, not in a dollar estimate, but in human terms.
Vacuum ultraviolet reflectivity of crystalline LaF3 and PrF3

Abstract The reflectivity of single crystals of LaF 3 and PrF 3 has been measured using synchrotron radiation. Transitions of the types Pr 4 f -5 d , fluorine 2 p -conduction band and lanthanide 5 p -conduction band have been identified. The latter give rise to a number of sharp peaks in the 20–25 eV region which may be excitonic in origin.
Recovery of injured children: parent perspectives on family needs.

Abstract Aitken ME, Mele N, Barrett KW. Recovery of injured children: parent perspectives on family needs. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:567–73. Objective To study the broader impact of emotional and financial burdens of injury in children on their families, along with solutions to these problems. Design Focus groups were conducted to reveal the needs of parents and children after injury. Audiotaped semistructured interviews were conducted by a team of qualitative researchers. Setting Tertiary care children's hospital. Participants Mothers of children who had sustained traumatic injury. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures Summary of reported themes of experience and suggested interventions. Data were analyzed by using content analysis software. Results Overall satisfaction with care was high. Parents expressed concerns with communication, access to care, and the transition both within the phases of medical care and from medical care into the community. Consistent financial and social stressors were voiced, along with the need for peer support during all phases of care. Conclusions Parents provided valuable insight into their needs after their child's injury. Attention to constructive communication, clarification of the system of care, continued family-centered care, and development of peer support programs may meet the needs of caregivers and therefore facilitate improvement in pediatric injury recovery.
Physical Determinants of Strong Voltage Dependence of K+ Channel Block

Many pharmacological agents, as well as some endogenous biological molecules, act by blocking ion channels in a strongly voltage-dependent manner. In retrospect, the first and most dramatic example of such action is the “anomalous” voltage dependence of inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) conductance discovered by Bernard Katz six decades ago. He observed that, contrary to the classic voltage-gated K+ conductance, the Kir conductance tends to zero with membrane depolarization but increases with hyperpolarization. In intact cells and within physiological voltage ranges, certain Kir channels are as steeply voltage dependent as Kv channels yet, unlike Kv channels, they have no inherent voltage sensors: the observed voltage sensitivity instead reflects voltage-dependent block of their ion pore by intracellular cations such as the polyamine spermine. Our group has proposed that the high valence associated with block of strong rectifiers primarily reflects the movement, not of tetravalent spermine itself, but of five K+ ions displaced by spermine across the steep electric field in the narrow K+ selectivity filter. We will present experimental evidence for key requirements of this blocker-K+ displacement model, and will discuss the essential features that render a pore-blocking process strongly voltage dependent.
Short-term hyperglycemia induces lymphopenia and lymphocyte subset redistribution.

Alterations in lymphocytes are a common finding in both type I and type II diabetes. Autoimmune phenomena in type I diabetes, the stage of the diabetic disorder and metabolic effects of therapeutic interventions may also affect actual distribution of lymphocyte phenotypes. This study investigated immunological effects specific to standardized hyperglycemia in non-diabetic individuals to exclude immunological changes potentially related to diabetes stage and treatment. 37 subjects (mean age +/- SD 39 +/- 5 years) underwent a sequence-controlled crossover with oral administration of a solution containing either 75 g glucose or artificial sweetener (i.e. placebo). At rest and at two hours, counts of white blood cells (WBC), mixed lymphocytes, mature T-cells (CD3), T-helper cells (CD4), T-suppressor/ cytotoxic cells (CD8), B-cells (CD19), natural killer cells (CD16/CD56), and interleukin-2 receptor bearing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (CD25) were measured by flow cytometry. Subjects showed a significant decrease in WBC, lymphocytes, and all lymphocyte subsets with the OGTT compared with the placebo solution (p < .05 to p < .001). In non-diabetic individuals, short-term hyperglycemia induces immunological changes that may be relevant to explain similar findings in patients with diabetes mellitus. Future studies need to validate these findings and their potential clinical implications in a diabetic population.
Increased synovial expression of the adhesion molecules CD66a, CD66b, and CD31 in rheumatoid and osteoarthritis

Leukocyte-endothelial interaction mediated by adhesion molecules may play a role in the ingress of inflammatory cells into the rheumatoid (RA) synovial tissue (ST). A number of these molecules have been shown to be up-regulated in the inflamed compared to normal ST. We studied the distribution of two members of the CD66 carcinoembryonic antigen adhesion molecule family, as well as that of CD31, an antigen structurally related to CD66, on various cell types in the RA compared to osteoarthritic (OA) and normal ST. Immunoperoxidase histochemistry was carried out using monoclonal antibodies to CD66a, CD66b, and CD31. This study was performed on ST from 10 patients with RA, 10 with OA, and 4 normal individuals. CD66a and CD66b were expressed on RA and OA ST myeloid cells but not on normal ST lining cells and interstitial macrophages, suggesting that these antigens may be specific markers of diseased compared to normal ST macrophages (P < 0.05). CD31 was present on more RA and OA than on normal ST macrophages. Also, CD31 was present on most RA, OA, and normal ST endothelial cells. Our results indicate that the expression of CD66a, CD66b, and CD31, members of the immunoglobulin superfamily of adhesion receptors, is up-regulated on cells of myeloid origin in the inflamed compared to normal ST. These results suggest that the CD66 antigens and CD31 may be involved in the adhesive events in the inflamed synovium.