cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vascular complications and special problems in vascular trauma

The evaluation and management of patients with vascular trauma or injury often involve rapid decision making in less than ideal circumstances. Immediate consequences such as hemorrhage, ischemia, compartment syndrome, thrombosis, and embolization may be life threatening and require immediate intervention. In addition, a number of regional and systemic complications of the initial vascular pathology are possible, such as shock, acute renal failure, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Understanding the disease process, as well as the optimal diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, is critically important to minimize the risk of these highly morbid or potentially mortal complications. The managing physician must be adept and well versed at both the initial management of the specific vascular injury and the many potential complications that may subsequently arise. This article will review a number of vascular-specific complications and provide details of strategies for their prevention or optimal management. These problems include traumatic injuries to the arterial or venous system, failure of vascular repairs or reconstructions, surgical site and graft infections, anastomotic complications, and compartment syndromes. In addition, arterial and venous complications secondary to the use of illicit intravenous drug use and cocaine-related vascular injury will be discussed. Finally, the increasingly important topic of iatrogenic or procedure-related vascular injuries and complications will be reviewed.
Effect of Hemoglobin Little Rock on the Physiology of Oxygen Delivery

ncreased blood 02 affinity was found in an I asymptomatic 55-year-old man with a Hct of 70 percent. An abnormal hemoglobin was found which had greater cathodal mobility than Hb A on agar gel electrophoresis at pH 6.0, but did not separate from Hb A on starch gel electrophoresis at pH 7.0, 7.7 and 8.6. Hb Little Rock was heat stable and normally sensitive to alkali. The p-Little Rock chain is abnormal as indicated by its separation from PA on CMC chromatography of whole hemolysate treated with p-chloromecuribenzoate so as to dissociate the a and p chains. The 02 equilibrium of red cells suspended in phosphate buffer at 37OC showed a log of P5002 of 1.03 at pH 7.40 (normal 1.34-1.40), normal Bohr effect, and an "n" value of 1.6. At 02 saturations 80 percent, however, "n" approached 2.5. The log P5002 of cells depleted of DPG and ATP by an in vitro incubation procedure was 0.80 (normal 1.041.07). The in viuo effects of Hb Little Rock on oxygen delivery were assessed by measuring red cell mass - 51 mllkg; plasma volume - 35 ml/kg; plasma iron turnover-two times normal; urine erythropoietin-high normal; red cell DPG-12.2 pM/g Hb (normal 11.9-18.0); red cell ATP-3.7 pM/g Hb
Geometrical isomerization of 1,5‐dienes: Isomers of gossyplure, the pink bollworm sex attractant

The isomeric components of gossyplure, (Z,Z)-and (Z,E)-7,11-hexadecadien-1-o1 acetates, were isomerized cleanly to the (E,E) and (E,Z) acetates by the method of Vedejs and Fuchs. This method is applicable to the double inversion of 1,5-dienes. Thus, geometrical isomers of some compounds of biological interest, such as the insect sex attractants, can be more readily obtained.
Cardiac catheterization in morbidly obese patients

The safety and findings of cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography in morbidly obese patients with suspected coronary heart disease (CHD) have not been fully examined in the modern era. From a database of 4,978 patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization, we identified 110 with morbid obesity (body mass > or = 145 kg and body mass index > or = 40 kg/m(2)). Relative to all the other patients in this database, morbidly obese patients had a lower prevalence of CHD (45% vs. 72%; P < 0.05), reflecting a higher prevalence of false positive noninvasive tests. Overall, noninvasive tests were only 75% sensitive and 39% specific for CHD in this group. Use of radial access (66%) and femoral closure devices (24%) was much more frequent in the morbidly obese cohort. Complications were no more frequent in the morbidly obese group, with major (0 vs. 0.9%) and minor (4.7% vs. 3.5%) adverse outcomes being similar to the rest of the database. We conclude that cardiac catheterization using the radial artery or a femoral closure device is a safe and effective method of evaluating CHD in morbidly obese patients. In contrast, noninvasive testing is frequently not definitive and may be misleading.
Power distribution to multiple implanted sensor devices using a multiport bandpass filter (BPF) approach

This paper presents a magnetically coupled bandpass filter (BPF) approach for power distribution to multiple implanted devices. The BPF design approach accounts for the multiple loads and enables maximum power transfer into each individual receiver for given coupling coefficients between the coils. The proposed concept is demonstrated by showing power distribution to two identical receivers below biological tissue through an external repeater on the tissue surface. In order to mimic biomedical implants, the test structure is fabricated using 25 μm thick liquid crystal polymer (LCP) substrates covered with a surrogate for biological tissue. The power transfer efficiency (PTE) distributed to each receiving unit is measured as 20.7 % for each of two devices while the total power transfer to a single receiver shows an efficiency of 42.2 % indicating that the power distribution only causes a power loss of 0.8 %. Therefore, the results imply the utility of the proposed design approach for power distribution to a network of biomedical implants.
CRT-814 Presence Of Diabetes Is Associated With Aortic Valve Disorder

Diabetes is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The goal of this study was to evaluate any association between aortic valve disease and diabetes using a very large database. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was utilized to perform statistical analysis to evaluate prevalence of
Admittance control of an upper limb exoskeleton - Reduction of energy exchange

The synergy of human arms and wearable robot systems (e.g. exoskeletons) is enabled by a control algorithm that maximizes the transparency between the two subsystems. The transparency can be improved by integrating the admittance control along with an arm redundancy resolution algorithm. Recent research effort resulted in a new criterion for the human arm redundancy resolution for unconstrained arm motions estimating the swivel angle with prediction errors of less than 5°. The proposed criterion for the arm redundancy resolution defines the mouth as the primary target of the the human hand during unconstrained arm motions in free space. It was postulated based on experimental data analysis that this criterion is based on a neural mechanism directing the hand towards the head for self-feeding. In conjunction with the proposed redundancy resolution criteria a task space admittance control algorithm is introduced based on multiple force sensor inputs obtained at the interface between the human arm and the exoskeleton system. The system performance was evaluated by five healthy subjects performing a peg-in-hole task for three different target locations. The velocities and interaction forces at the upper arm, lower arm, handle and tip were recorded and further used to power exchange between the subject and the device. Results indicated that the proposed control scheme outperforms the purely reactive task space admittance control with energy exchange reduced to 11.22%. Improving the quality of the human control of a wearable robot system may allow the robot to be a natural and transparent extension of the operator's body.
Multiple Frequency Tympanometry

Three methods for compensating multiple frequency acoustic admittance measurements for ear canal volume were studied in 26 men with normal middle ear transmission systems. Peak compensated static a...
On complete recovery of geophysical data

One considers an elastic halfspace with depth (x1) dependent density Q and Lame moduli (λ,m). Impulsive stresses τli = δ(x2, x3)δ(t) for x1 = 0 are applied with displacement responses ui = gi(t, x2, x3) at x1 = 0 (i = 1, 2, 3). Let vi(t, x1) = ∫∫uidx2dx3 (i = 1, 2 is enough) and set w(t, x1) = ∫∫x2u1dx2dx3. One obtains a system of 3 differential equations for v1, v2, and w to which the spectral techniques of inverse scattering theory are applied as in [25]. The inverse problems for the uncoupled vi can then be solved to produce 2 functions A1 and A2 involving (Q, λ, μ) as functions of “bound” variables y1 and y2 containing (Q, λ, μ), between which a relation then is determined. Analysis of the coupled equation for w then leads to a Fredholm integral equation whose solution provides an additional relation between (Q, λ, μ) from which (Q, λ, μ) can be determined as functions of x1. The integral equation is reduced to a Volterra type equation by results and techniques of transmutation and then solved by a modification of standard techniques. A number of features and results of independent mathematical interest arise from the transmutation theory.
Phosphorus. 1. Effect of Breed And Strain on Utilization of Suboptimal Levels of Phosphorus in the Ration

Abstract Single Comb White Leghorn cockerel chickens were able to utilize suboptimal levels of phosphorus in the ration more efficiently than broiler cockerel chickens as measured by growth, livability, and bone calcification. The superiority of the Leghorn-type over the broiler-type in utilizing suboptimal levels of phosphorus was accentuated by high levels of calcium in the ration. Among broiler strains the Athens Canadian Randombred cockerel chicken utilized suboptimal levels of phosphorus more efficiently than the two commercial strains tested. The Single Comb White Leghorn chickens showed higher retention values for calcium, phosphorus, and phytin phosphorus than the broiler strain. High calcium levels in the ration caused a much lower retention of phytin phosphorus by both Single Comb White Leghorn and broiler chickens.
A history of alcohol dependence augments HIV-associated neurocognitive deficits in persons aged 60 and older

Excessive alcohol use is common among people living with HIV. Given the growing prevalence of older HIV+ adults and observations indicating higher risk for neurocognitive impairment in older adults with either HIV infection or alcoholism, an increased understanding of their combined impact in the context of this increasingly aged population is crucial. We conducted comprehensive neurocognitive assessment in 112 older HIV+ individuals aged 50 to 69 years. Regression analyses were conducted to examine the interaction between age and the presence of lifetime alcohol dependence on neurocognitive measures, controlling for years of education, hepatitis C serostatus, and lifetime non-alcohol substance use disorder. Significant interactions of age and alcohol dependence history were found for global neurocognitive function, which was driven by the domains of executive function, processing speed, and semantic memory. Follow-up analyses indicated adverse effects of alcohol use history on neurocognitive measures that were evident only in HIV+ individuals 60 years and older. While mounting evidence in younger cohorts indicates adverse synergistic HIV/alcohol effects on neurocognitive function, our novel preliminary findings in this elderly HIV+ cohort demonstrated the importance of even a relatively distant alcohol use history on the expression of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders that may not become apparent until much later in life.
Thermodynamic and kinetic investigation of the protonation of silica-immobilized 3-aminopropylsilane

Interactions occurring between the amino group of silica-immobilized 3-aminopropylsilane (APS) and surface silanol groups were investigated by thermometric enthalpy titration. Enthalpies of reaction of bound APS were compared with values obtained for solution phase analogs. Enthalpograms from titration of APS-silica gel (APS-SG) in aqueous slurry with HClO4 contain two end points. The first is generated by reaction of APS in solution and species attached to the surface. The amine moiety in each case participates in a hydrogen bond as indicated by the experimental enthalpy of protonation. Analysis of filtrates from APS-SG slurries confirmed that APS is rapidly hydrolyzed from the surface. The second end point is generated by protonation of bound species. Immobilized species exhibit sluggish reaction kinetics requiring rates of titrant addition of 0.02 mmol min−1 to minimize end point errors. The enthalpy of protonation of immobilized APS suggests that adsorption of amino groups to silica silanols is more ionic in nature than that to silane silanol groups. As much as 26% of immobilized aminopropylsilane species, found to be present by DRIFT, are not titratable. Amino groups of these species may be irreversibly bound or protonated by acidic surface silanol groups.
Effects of Biliary Obstruction on Hepatic Clearance of Bacteria

• High surgical mortality in patients with obstructive jaundice and sepsis have been attributed to reticuloendothelial system (RES) depression. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of mechanical biliary obstruction on RES clearance of pathogenic bacteria by comparing the phagocytic index (K) with the directly measured hepatic uptake of indium 111–labeled bacteria injected into the portal vein of normal dogs and dogs with partial (PBO) or complete biliary obstruction (CBO). No significant difference was observed between the K in normal dogs (0.19±0.08; n=6) and that in dogs with PBO (0.24±0.06; n=5) or CBO (0.21 ±0.03; n=4). There was no significant difference in uptake of radiolabel by the liver among the three groups of dogs. In our model, biliary obstruction had no effect on hepatic RES function and may not represent a significant determinant of mortality in patients with obstructive jaundice. (Arch Surg1989;124:973-977)
Nonuniversality of weak synchronization in chaotic systems

We show that the separate properties of weak synchronization (WS) and strong synchronization (SS), reported recently by Pyragas [Phys. Rev. E 54, R4508 (1996)], in unidirectionally coupled chaotic systems, are not generally distinct properties of such systems. In particular, we find analytically for the tent map and numerically for some parameters of the circle map that the transitions to WS and SS coincide.
Photometric behavior of 20000 Varuna at very small solar phase angles

Abstract Six nights of R-band CCD observations of the classical Kuiper Belt Object (KBO) 20000 Varuna (2000 WR106) were obtained at the Palomar Mountain 60- and 200-in telescopes. The observations were scheduled to take advantage of a particularly favorable apparition which allowed us to sample down to extremely small solar phase angle ( α = 0.036 ° ) . After rotational lightcurve subtraction, we found that the KBO exhibited a strong opposition surge of ∼0.1 mag at phase angles α 0.1 ° . We modeled our composite solar phase curve of Varuna using both H–G parameterization and Hapke theory and concluded that similar opposition surges may be wide spread among KBOs and that the regolith of Varuna may be significantly more porous than a typical main-belt C-type asteroid. Wide-spread opposition surges lead to higher albedos than derived assuming linear phase behavior: on the whole KBOs may be brighter than previously assumed.
Dopaminergic projections to the medial preoptic area of postpartum rats

Abstract Dopamine receptor activity in the rodent medial preoptic area (mPOA) is crucial for the display of maternal behaviors, as well as numerous other physiological and behavioral functions. However, the origin of dopaminergic input to the mPOA has not been identified through neuroanatomical tracing. To accomplish this, the retrograde tracer Fluorogold was iontophoretically applied to the mPOA of postpartum laboratory rats, and dual-label immunocytochemistry for Fluorogold and tyrosine hydroxylase later performed to identify dopaminergic cells of the forebrain and midbrain projecting to the mPOA. Results indicate that the number of dopaminergic cells projecting to the mPOA is moderate (∼90 cells to one hemisphere), and that these cells have an unexpectedly wide distribution. Even so, more than half of the dual-labeled cells were found in either what has been considered extensions of the A10 dopamine group (particularly the ventrocaudal posterior hypothalamus and adjacent medial supramammillary nucleus), or in the A10 group of the ventral tegmental area. The rostral hypothalamus and surrounding region also contained numerous dual-labeled cells, with the greatest number found within the mPOA itself (including in the anteroventral preoptic area and preoptic periventricular nucleus). Notably, dual-labeled cells were rare in the zona incerta (A13), a site previously suggested to provide dopaminergic input to the mPOA. This study is the first to use anatomical tracing to detail the dopaminergic projections to the mPOA in the laboratory rat, and indicates that much of this projection originates more caudally than previously suggested.
Test-retest reliability, internal item consistency, and concurrent validity of the wheelchair seating discomfort assessment tool.

Discomfort is a common problem for wheelchair users. Few researchers have investigated discomfort among wheelchair users or potential solutions for this problem. One of the impediments to quantitative research on wheelchair seating discomfort has been the lack of a reliable method for quantifying seat discomfort. The purpose of this study was to establish the test-retest reliability, internal item consistency, and concurrent validity of a newly developed Wheelchair Seating Discomfort Assessment Tool (WcS-DAT). Thirty full-time, active wheelchair users with intact sensation were asked to use this and other tools in order to rate their levels of discomfort in a test-retest reliability study format. Data from these measures were analyzed in SPSS using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) model (2,k) to measure the test-retest reliability. Cronbach's α was used to examine the internal consistency of the items within the WcS-DAT. Concurrent validity with similar measures was analyzed using Pearson produ...
Anomaly prediction in mechanical systems using symbolic dynamics

This paper presents anomaly prediction in complex mechanical systems at an early stage where anomaly is defined as an observable deviation from the nominal dynamical response. The anomaly prediction algorithm is built upon two-time-scale analysis of time series data and relies on a combination of nonlinear systems theory and language theory. The algorithm has been validated for anomaly prediction on a rotorcraft gearbox testbed for two different types of anomalies.
Structured coculture of stem cells and disc cells prevent disc degeneration in a rat model.

Abstract Background context Harnessing the potential of stem cells is an important strategy for regenerative medicine. This study explores the use of bilaminar coculture pellets (BCPs) of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) as a cell-based therapy for intervertebral disc regeneration. Prior in vitro experiments have shown that BCP can help differentiate MSCs and substantially improve new matrix deposition. Purpose To evaluate the clinical relevance of BCPs by testing the system in vivo. Study design/setting We have designed a novel spherical BCP where MSCs are enclosed in a shell of NPCs. The pellets were tested in vivo in a rat tail model of disc degeneration. Methods Rat caudal intervertebral discs were denucleated and treated with BCP in a fibrin sealant (FS) carrier (controls were MSCs suspended in FS; NPCs suspended in FS; MSCs and NPCs suspended in FS; FS only; and surgery only). At 14 and 35 days after implantation, the animals were euthanized and discs were evaluated for proteoglycan content, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for inflammatory cytokines, cell retention using polymerase chain reaction, disc height, histology, and disc grade based on a blinded scoring system. Results The proteoglycan and cytokine levels were not significantly different among groups. The BCP group had higher cell retention than controls. Disc height and disc grade increased over time only in the BCP group. Bilaminar coculture pellets were the only treatment to show proteoglycan staining in the nucleus space at 35 days. Conclusions This study shows that BCPs may prevent postnucleotomy disc degeneration in vivo. Larger animals and longer time points will be necessary to further judge potential clinical impact. As opposed to strategies that require growth factor supplements, predifferentiation, or genetic manipulations, BCPs are a self-sustaining and targeted method for tissue regeneration in situ.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Dementia: Review of Pathogenesis, Prophylaxis, and Treatment Studies of Zidovudine Therapy

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated dementia (HIVD) has been reported in up to 15% of HIV-infected adult patients. Although the pathogenesis of HIVD remains unclear, HIV probably plays an important role in the syndrome, as evidenced by the correlation between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) HIV load and neuropsychological functioning. Although a large number of antiretrovirals are used to treat HIVD, zidovudine is the best studied. Zidovudine therapy has been associated with reduced levels of HIV RNA in CSF, fewer HIV-related changes in brain tissue at autopsy, and time-limited improvements in neurological function among AIDS and HIVD patients. More recent studies have investigated the penetration into CSF of other antiretrovirals, including protease inhibitors, and the clinical efficacy of abacavir in the treatment of dementia. HIV encephalopathy may occur in 30%-60% of children with AIDS and causes significant disability. Zidovudine has been associated with improved neuropsychological functioning in children with progressive encephalopathy, but optimum dosing levels, duration of effect, and prophylactic potential remain to be demonstrated.
Ciliary body medulloepithelioma associated with pleuropulmonary blastoma.

A 7-year-old African-American girl was found to have reduced vision in the right eye on routine screening. Visual acuity was hand motions in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye. Intraocular pressure was 17 mm Hg in each eye. Slit-lamp examination of the right eye showed a normal anterior segment, but immediately posterior to the lens was an opaque vascularised cyclitic membrane that blocked the visualisation of the vitreous and retina (figure 1A). The blood vessels appeared to originate superiorly. Fluorescein angiography was performed, which showed brisk circulation and late staining of the cyclitic membrane (figure 1B,C). B-scan ultrasound showed an elevated cystic ciliary body lesion at 12:30 o'clock with irregular internal reflectivity, no apparent calcification and a height of 2.4 mm and basal diameters of 8.4 and 6.6 mm (figure 1D). Figure 1 (A) The right eye contains a vascularised cyclitic membrane obscuring view into vitreous cavity. (B) Fluorescein angiography 43 s after injection of dye highlights the rich vasculature of the cyclitic membrane. (C) Fluorescein angiography 1 min 35 s after injection of dye shows late staining of the cyclitic membrane. (D) B-scan ultrasonography revealed an elevated cystic ciliary body tumour at 12:30 with a height of 2.4 mm and basal diameters of 8.4 and 6.6 mm. (E) CT …
Testing Hierarchical Network-on-Chip Systems with Hard Cores Using Bandwidth Matching and On-Chip Variable Clocking

In this paper, the paper presents a testing scheme for hierarchical network-on-a-chip (NoC) system consisting of hard embedded cores using bandwidth matching. The authors show how bandwidth matching and on-chip clocking techniques can be used in NoC to adapt the hard cores to the network channel width. The authors use a cost function to represent the tradeoff between test time and area overhead. In case of a hierarchical architecture, the authors show that various configurations of a core can be modelled as a set of rectangles and rectangle packing can be used for optimized TAM design. Experimental results show that the proposed method can significantly reduce the overall cost
Manifold alignment for multitemporal hyperspectral image classification

While spectral and temporal advantages of multitemporal hyperspectral images provide opportunities for advancing classification of time varying phenomena, significant challenges are associated with high dimensionality and nonstationary signatures. While manifold learning retains critical geometry and develops a low dimension space where class clusters are recovered, spectral changes in temporal imagery impact the fidelity of the geometric representation of class dependent data. In this paper, we investigate a manifold alignment framework that exploits prior information while exploring similar local structures. The aim is to make use of common underlying geometries of two multitemporal images and embed the resemblances in a joint data manifold for classification tasks. Promising results support the advantages of the proposed manifold alignment approach.
A review of free radicals and antioxidants for critical care nurses

In the critical care setting, nurses frequently care for patients with acute and chronic diseases that affect multiple body systems. Many of these medical conditions have been associated with an imbalance between oxidizing chemicals called free radicals and antioxidants. Free radical damage is now assumed to be a contributing factor in all major diseases. In order to provide the most current and comprehensive care, critical care nurses need to be well informed about how free radicals cause damage and the antioxidant compounds that neutralize their destructive effects. This article provides an overview of oxygen free radicals and antioxidants and how they impact different clinical illnesses familiar to critical care nurses.
Genetic change in mutations at the t/t-locus in the mouse.

Recessive lethal or semilethal alleles at the T/t locus in the mouse generate new t-variants, with characteristics different from the parent allele at a rate of about 10(-3). Almost invariably the variant chromosome carries marker genes derived from the opposite parental chromosome. New t-mutations obtained in this way are sometimes recessive lethals that are indistinguishable from those in already known complementation groups. Most derived t-mutations are viable, however. This paper summarizes data on the rate and types of variants produced by members of each of the six lethal complementation groups, and by semilethal alleles. It appears that particular complementation groups preferentially generate certain types of variants, and that in general, the pattern of variant production runs "uphill," that is, to less abnormal states. The data are compatible with the hypothesis that t-mutations represent some extent of altered chromosome and that variants are produced by loss of abnormal material.
Nonlinearities in color coding: Compensating color appearance for the eye's spectral sensitivity

Most wavelengths change hue when mixed with white light. These changes, known as the Abney effect, have been extensively studied to characterize nonlinearities in the neural coding of color, but their potential function remains obscure. We measured the Abney effect in a new way--by varying the bandwidth of the spectrum rather than mixing with white--and this leads to a new interpretation of the role of nonlinear responses in color appearance. Because of the eye's limited spectral sensitivity, increasing the bandwidth of a spectrum changes the relative responses in the three classes of cone receptor and thus would change hue if the percept were tied to a fixed cone ratio. However, we found that hue is largely independent of bandwidth and thus constant for a constant peak wavelength for stimuli with Gaussian spectra. This suggests that color appearance is compensated for the eye's spectral filtering, and that this compensation embodies specific perceptual inferences about how natural spectra vary. When a wavelength is instead diluted with white light--which does not bias the cone ratios--then the same compensation predicts changes in hue because the "right" response is made to the "wrong" stimulus. This model generates constant hue loci that are qualitatively consistent with measures of the Abney effect and provides a novel functional account of such effects in color appearance, in which postreceptoral responses are adjusted so that constant hue percepts are tied to consistent physical properties of the environment rather than consistent physiological properties such as the cone ratios.
The effects of irradiation temperature and preinjected gases on voids in aluminum

Abstract Voids in high purity aluminum irradiated to a fast (E>1 MeV) fluence of 4 × 1020 n/cm2 at 125 (0.43T m) and 150°C (0.45T m) are fewer in number but very much larger in size than those in material irradiated at 55°C (0.35T m). Additionally, at 125 and 150°C, the voids adopt a variety of shapes including plates, ribbons, cylinders and more equiaxed polyhedra, and are frequently associated with particles of transmutation-produced silicon. At the higher temperatures voids are larger near grain boundaries than in grain interiors. Injection of hydrogen or helium prior to irradiation causes an increase in the number of voids and a corresponding decrease in size in specimens irradiated at 150°C; 3 at. ppm He is more effective than either 3 or 9 at. ppm H. The gases do not appear to influence swelling. A commercial purity (99 per cent) aluminum subjected to the same irradiation treatments did not develop voids whether preinjected with gases or not; the visible radiation damage consisted solely of small lo...
Inducible beta-lactamases: clinical and epidemiologic implications for use of newer cephalosporins.

The emergence of resistance to multiple beta-lactam antibiotics is a major problem in patients infected with organisms that characteristically produce inducible beta-lactamases--e.g., species of Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Serratia, Citrobacter, indole-positive Proteus, and Providencia. Resistance has emerged in 14%-56% of patients infected with these organisms and treated with one of the newer cephalosporins. The emergence of resistance has been associated with clinical failure or relapse in 25%-75% of these patients. Combination therapy appears to have little impact on rates of resistance or its clinical consequences. Multiply resistant organisms have spread widely in some hospitals, and this trend has been correlated closely with the extent of use of the newer cephalosporins. The magnitude of the problem is frequently underestimated because many properly performed susceptibility tests fail to detect resistance when it is actually present and because some methods used to calculate rates minimize the impact of the emergence of resistance among organisms with inducible beta-lactamases.
Fatty acid variation among U.S. Runner-type peanut cultivars

Fatty acid composition was determined among seven U.S. runner-type peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars: Florunner, Sunrunner, GK-7, Southern Runner, Sunbelt Runner, Okrun, and Langley. Significant year and cultivar differences were found within these fatty acid profiles. Southern Runner had the best oleic to linoleic ratio and iodine values; whereas Florunner, Sunrunner, and Langley were the highest in unsaturated and lowest in saturated and long-chain fatty acids. For the future, breeding programs need to continue developing peanut cultivars with improved oil quality.
A computer-based intervention for improving the appropriateness of antiepileptic drug level monitoring

We designed and implemented 2 automated, computerized screens for use at the time of antiepileptic drug (AED) test order entry to improve appropriateness by reminding physicians when a potentially redundant test was ordered and providing common indications for monitoring and pharmacokinetics of the specific AED. All computerized orders for inpatient serum AED levels during two 3-month periods were included in the study. During the 3-month period after implementation of the automated intervention, 13% of all AED tests ordered were canceled following computerized reminders. For orders appearing redundant, the cancellation rate was 27%. For nonredundant orders, 4% were canceled when information on specific AED monitoring and pharmacokinetics was provided. The cancellation rate was sustained after 4 years. There has been a 19.5% decrease in total AED testing volume since implementation of this intervention, despite a 19.3% increase in overall chemistry test volume. Inappropriateness owing to repeated testing before pharmacologic steady state was reached decreased from 54% of all AED orders to 14.6%. A simple, automated, activity-based intervention targeting a specific test-ordering behavior effectively reduced inappropriate laboratory testing. The sustained benefit supports the idea that computerized interventions may durably affect physician behavior. Computerized delivery of such evidence-based boundary guidelines can help narrow the gap between evidence and practice.
Reliability of Quantitative Muscle Testing in Healthy Children and in Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Using a Hand-held Dynamometer

The purpose of this study was to examine intratester and test-retest reliability using a hand-held dynamometer for the measurement of isometric muscle strength in 28 healthy children and children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The Dystrophic Group consisted of 14 children diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and the Healthy Group consisted of 14 age-matched children with no history of orthopedic or neuromuscular disorders. One physical therapist tested hip and knee extension, elbow flexion, and shoulder abduction in each child bilaterally. A two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures was used to analyze differences between measurements taken within and across the testing sessions. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were determined on mean values across the testing sessions for each variable. No significant differences (p greater than .05) between measurements taken within or across testing sessions were found in either the Dystrophic Group or the Healthy Group. Correlation coefficients for the Dystrophic Group ranged from .83 to .99 for the variables tested. Correlation coefficients for the Healthy Group ranged from .74 to .99. The results suggest that the hand-held dynamometer can be used as a reliable instrument in measuring the isometric strength of selected muscles in children.
Neural net-based robust controller design for brushless DC motor drives

A nonlinear neuro-controller is developed for controlling the speed of brushless dc motors operating in a high performance drives environment. The control inputs and the identification parameters of the system are adjusted simultaneously in real time using a system composed of three hidden-layer dynamic neural networks while the system is in operation. The control architecture adapts and generalizes its learning to a wide range of operating conditions and provides the necessary abstraction when measurements are contaminated with noise. The problem of persistently spanning excitation faced with the use of an online neuro-controller is addressed. In particular, the ability of the neuro-controller to "remember" previously trained reference tracks when confronted with an input excitation that is markedly different from what it was trained with is investigated. The intent is to capture the nonlinear dynamics of a brushless dc motor over any arbitrary time interval in its range of operation. The sensitivity of real time neuro-controllers to random changes in the load torque also is investigated and very promising results are observed.
EMPIRICAL METHODS FOR ESTIMATING THE DETONATION PROPERTIES OF ENERGETIC TNAZ MOLECULAR DERIVATIVES

Following the successful synthesis of the TNAZ (1,3,3-trinitroazetidine), the amine reactant is theoretically replaced to yield the hypothesized TNAZ molecular derivatives. Hybrid density-functional theory (DFT) calculation method was applied to model TNAZ and its derivatives. In this investigation, the target molecular volumes were initially obtained using the group additivity approach, and then transferred into molecular densities. The densities and the least squares estimated enthalpies of formation (ΔHf) of TNAZ, and the corresponding derivatives, were obtained and the Kamlet–Jacobs empirical equations were used to determine the related detonation velocity and detonation pressure. The simulation results reveal that four of the TNAZ molecular derivatives perform similarly to the traditionally used RDX (1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane). Two other derivatives outperform RDX, with performance that approach that of HMX (1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetraazacyclooctane).
A germanium-on-silicon laser for on-chip applications

Lasing from Ge was achieved by highly n-type doping and biaxially tensile strain to overcome free carrier absorption. High n-type doping and efficient carrier injection remain the most important issues for electrical excitation of lasing.
Real time systems and public information

It is perhaps obvious that computer technology will open up a new era in public information in the coming decade. What is not so obvious at all is the proper design of the future information systems. Nor do I sense any simple answers.
Alpha-chemokine-mediated signal transduction in human Kaposi's sarcoma spindle cells.

Abstract The role of chemokines and their receptors in HIV biology and Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) pathogenesis has recently gained considerable attention. It has been shown that KS-associated human herpes virus type 8 (KSHV/HHV-8) encodes functional homologues of certain chemokines and chemokine receptors. This suggests that chemokines may contribute to the growth and spread of KS seen in AIDS. We found the expression of CXCR4 in primary KS tissue by using in situ hybridization (ISH). Recently, alpha-chemokine receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 have also been shown to be expressed by KS tissues. We further characterized the expression of these chemokines as well as the signaling events induced upon binding to their respective cognate ligands in the KS 38 spindle cell line. These cells express authentic characteristics of primary KS spindle cells and provide a useful in vitro model for these studies. We observed using RT-PCR that KS 38 cells express mRNA for the alpha-chemokine receptors CXCR1, CXCR2, and CXCR4. We also confirmed the cell surface protein expression by FACS analysis. Characterization of signaling pathways revealed that the alpha-chemokines, IL-8 and stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF1α/CXCL12), activated members of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family, including Erk kinase, c-Jun amino terminal kinase (JNK)/stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) and the p38 MAP kinase. Furthermore, using DNA protein-binding experiments, we have shown that IL-8 increased AP-1 and NF Kappa B activity in these cells. IL-8 also enhanced the chemotaxis of KS cells. These results reveal that chemokine-induced signaling pathways may mediate cell growth, transcriptional activation and cell migration in KS.
Double-Exponential Utility Functions

Ordinal additivity between two attributes X and Y is a property that permits the utility function ux, y to be represented as φvx + wy for some functions φ, v and w where φ may be thought of as a single attribute utility function over v + w. In applications φ is usually taken to be either linear the additive decomposition or exponential the multiplicative decomposition. The utility function can be shown to be exactly one of these forms whenever the two attributes are mutually utility independent. In this paper we introduce a relaxation of utility independence and show that it too implies ordinal additivity. We identify the class of utility functions φ that are consistent with the relaxed assumptions. One member of this class, φz = -expb exp-cz, which we call double-exponential, seems particularly appealing, for when b and c are positive it is increasing, risk averse and decreasingly risk averse for all z. The multiattribute decomposition corresponding to it -expb exp-cv + w may be represented as ux, y = c expcvxwy which we call the exponential product.
Fractals in surface growth with power-law noise

The authors present a microscopic description of interface growth with power-law noise distribution in the form P( eta ) eta 1/ approximately 1+ mu , which exhibits non-universal roughening. For the mu =d+1 case in d+1 dimensions, the existence of a fractal pattern in the bulk of the aggregate is explained, leading trivially to the proof of the identity alpha +z=2 for the roughening and the dynamical scaling exponents alpha and z respectively. Investigations on the distribution of step sizes of the discretized interface and the saturated growth speed further support the arguments.
Chloroquine normalizes aberrant transforming growth factor beta activity in cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial cells.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) remains a fatal progressive disease in spite of the discovery and characterization of the CFTR gene. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) has been implicated in pathophysiology of CF. Previous reports have shown the trans-Golgi network (TGN) is hyperacdified in CF epithelial cells in culture and that this hyperacidification can be corrected with the membrane permeant weak base, chloroquine. In this study bioactive TGF-β produced by CF and normal cells was measured using a reporter cell line with a TGF-β responsive promoter linked to luciferase. Increased levels of TGF-β were detected in the conditioned media from CF epithelial cells compared to their matched controls—(IB3-1 vs. S9; pCEP-R vs. pCEP, CuFi-4 vs. NuLi-1). Levels of TGF-β were normalized with chloroquine indicating that the hyperacidification of the TGN of CF cells is responsible for the altered TGF-β levels. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2006; 41: 771–778. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Identification of a Cell-Surface Antigen (LEA.135) Associated with Favorable Prognosis in Human Breast Cancer

The present study was undertaken with a rationale that loss of certain "normal tissue" antigens might have prognostic significance, reflecting inactivation of the corresponding genes during neoplastic progression. An attempt was made to identify such antigens by means of generating monoclonal antibodies using a tolerization/immunization procedure. A monoclonal antibody generated by immunization of BALB/c mice with normal breast tissue extract, following prior tolerization with mammary carcinoma cells, recognized a cell-surface glycoprotein, luminal epithelial antigen, with an apparent molecular weight of 135,000 (LEA.135). The pattern of expression on LEA.135 was determined by immunohistochemical-staining techniques on frozen and formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections. LEA.135 was demonstrable on the apical plasma membrane of normal and nonneoplastic epithelial cells in breast and other tissues. Studies have shown that LEA.135 is distinct from receptors for epidermal growth factor and from known antigens associated with epithelial cells, including the family of keratins. In a retrospective study, with a follow-up ranging from 5 to 15 years, patients whose breast tumor cells expressed LEA.135 had a superior overall survival rate (78 0.139% at > 5 years; P = 0.025). Furthermore, in patients with histologically poorly differentiated tumors, LEA.135-positive cases had a better prognosis (80 0.179% at > 5 years; P = 0.013) compared with LEA.135-negative cases. In addition, in patients with aneuploid tumors, LEA.135-positive cases again showed an improved survival (90 0.001% at > 5 years; P = 0.039) compared with those that were with LEA.135 negative. The results suggest that the expression of LEA.135 provides a useful indication of clinical outcome in patients with breast carcinomas.
Green and is the new black: a grammar of ecocritical readings in african american poetry and envirommental justice law

"I begin this paper with two excerpts from African American poetry. The first evokes a past in which blacks were possessions; the second, a future in which they are interplanetary pilgrims. To connect them, I’d like to offer a quote not from verse but from the public discourse of African American environmental justice activist, Van Jones: “In my neighborhood, you go around talking to people about polar bears, they are not feeling you..."
T20/DP178, an ectodomain peptide of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp41, is an activator of human phagocyte N-formyl peptide receptor.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope protein gp41 mediates viral fusion with human host cells. The peptide segment T20/DP178, located in the C-terminus of the ectodomain of gp41, interacts with the N-terminal leucine zipper-like domain on gp41 to establish the fusogenic conformation of the virus. Synthetic T20/DP178 peptide is highly efficacious in inhibiting HIV-1 infection in vitro by disrupting the transformation of fusogenic status of viral gp41; thus, it has been proposed for clinical trial. We report that synthetic T20/DP178 is a chemoattractant and activator of human peripheral blood phagocytes but not of T lymphocytes. We further demonstrate that T20/DP178 specifically activates a seven-transmembrane, G-protein–coupled phagocyte receptor for N-formylated chemotactic peptides, formyl peptide receptor (FPR). Moreover, synthetic T20/DP178 analogs lacking N-terminal amino acids acted as FPR antagonists. Our results suggest that gp41 peptides regulate phagocyte function via FPR and identify a novel mechanism by which HIV-1 may modulate innate immunity.
Journalism as Artistic Expression: The Critical Response to Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood

This review examines and synthesizes the critical discourse surrounding Truman Capote’s “nonfiction novel” In Cold Blood to demonstrate the ways various scholars have historically received and positioned the text within the field, as well as the ways that the novel shapes an understanding of truth in relation to art in contemporary American society. Specifically, this paper identifies primary literary elements of the text, including narrative structure, panopticism, and detailed imagery, that In Cold Blood critics identify as deliberate strategies Capote employs to craft a meaningful, evocative novel that forever changed American journalism and reportage. This literature review demonstrates that with traditional novelistic techniques at his side, Capote created an authentic representation of a murder and its repercussions that ultimately probed the complexity of American society in the 1960s.
Robust 5DOF Transesophageal Echo Probe Tracking at Fluoroscopic Frame Rates

Registration between transesophageal echocardiography TEE and x-ray fluoroscopy XRF has recently been introduced as a potentially useful tool for advanced image guidance of structural heart interventions. Algorithms for registration at fluoroscopic imaging frame rates 15-30 fps have yet to be reported, despite the fact that probe movement resulting from cardiorespiratory motion and physician manipulation can introduce non-trivial registration errors during untracked image frames. In this work, we present a novel algorithm for GPU-accelerated 2D/3D registration and apply it to the problem of TEE probe tracking in XRF sequences. Implementation in CUDA C resulted in an extremely fast similarity computation of < 80 μs, which in turn enabled registration frame rates ranging from 23.6-92.3 fps. The method was validated on simulated and clinical datasets and achieved target registration errors comparable to previously reported methods but at much faster registration speeds. Our results show, for the first time, the ability to accurately register TEE and XRF coordinate systems at fluoroscopic frame rates without the need for external hardware. The algorithm is generic and can potentially be applied to other 2D/3D registration problems where real-time performance is required.