cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acellular dermis-assisted breast reconstruction with the use of crescentric tissue expansion: a functional cosmetic analysis of 40 consecutive patients.

Background: Crescentric tissue expanders have the potential to improve postoperative aesthetic results via selective lower pole expansion; however, limited data are available on their efficacy. Objectives: The authors assess postoperative functional and cosmetic outcomes of acellular dermis-assisted breast reconstruction with crescentric tissue expansion. Methods: This study is a single-institution, retrospective review of 40 consecutive patients who underwent acellular dermis-assisted breast reconstruction with crescentric tissue expansion. Demographic data, operative details, and procedural outcomes were recorded and assessed. Cosmetic outcomes were assessed using the Breast Evaluation Questionnaire. Results: Fifty-eight breasts representing 36 bilateral and 22 unilateral reconstructions were analyzed. Of these, 45 (78%) underwent tissue expander (TE) to implant exchange. The mean interval between stage 1 and stage 2 was 92 ± 20 days, with a total follow-up time of 141 ± 16 days. The average intraoperative expander fill volume was 213.5 mL, with an average final fill of 285 mL (range, 180-740 mL). The average number of expansions was 1.6. Overall, there were five complications (8.6%). Eighty-three percent of patients participated in the breast evaluation questionnaire. Answers to each question were reported using a qualitative five-point scale that ranged from 1 ( very dissatisfied ) to 5 ( very satisfied ). For the bilateral reconstructions, the average score in all contexts was 4.5 ± 0.3, 4.33 ± 0.5, and 4.36 ± 0.33 for size, shape, and firmness, respectively. For unilateral reconstructions, the average scores were 4.0 ± 0.58, 3.93 ± 0.38, and 4.13 ± 0.21, respectively. Conclusions: Crescentric expander-based reconstruction with acellular dermis assistance is well tolerated, especially in smaller breasted women. Functional and cosmetic outcomes were acceptable and comparable to previous reports of traditional expander-based reconstructions.
Ascetic or affluent? Byzantine diet at the monastic community of St. Stephen’s, Jerusalem from stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes

Abstract Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios from bone collagen in skeletons from the Byzantine (5th–7th century AD) monastery of St. Stephen’s in Jerusalem were examined in conjunction with a review of historical sources detailing dietary practices during this period in the Levant. Relatively low δ 13 C ratios (−19.0 ± 0.5‰, 1 σ ) indicate a diet consisting primarily of C 3 sources and display continuity with textual records describing monastic daily life. Conversely, human δ 15 N values (9.6 ± 1.2‰, 1 σ ) are enriched in 15 N relative to local fauna (7.3 ± 1.1‰, 1 σ ) and point to the contribution of animal protein to the diet, an unexpected result based on both the rarity and expense of these luxury food items as well as dietary prohibitions associated with an ascetic monastic lifestyle. No sex-based differences in diet were detected for either δ 13 C or δ 15 N values, suggesting that men and women consumed isotopically similar foods. As the vast majority of monastic communities in the ancient Near East were located in the desert, the urban setting of St. Stephen’s monastery allows for a unique glimpse into a rarely-explored facet of Byzantine life.
The effect of concentration of glucagon on output of triglyceride, ketone bodies, glucose, and urea by the liver.

Abstract The output of triglyceride, ketone bodies, glucose, and urea by the isolated perfused rat liver was measured in vitro as a function of the concentration of infused glucagon in the erythrocyte-free perfusate. Glucagon stimulated output of glucose, urea, and ketone bodies, and inhibited secretion of triglyceride. Output of glucose, and ureogenesis, were stimulated by the lowest concentrations of hormone; stimulation of ketogenesis was intermediate, and output of triglyceride was least sensitive. These differential sensitivities of several hepatic metabolic pathways to regulation by glucagon allow the animal mechanisms for initial catabolic utilization of carbohydrate and protein when such is required, secondary oxidation of fatty acids as an energy source, and, finally, reduction in the biosynthesis and secretion of triglyceride in the very low density lipoprotein.
The Role of Tyrosine Phosphorylation of Cortactin in the Locomotion of Endothelial Cells

Cortactin, a filamentous actin cross-linking protein and a substrate of Src protein tyrosine kinase, is phosphorylated at tyrosine residues upon stimulation by extracellular signals. We have previously demonstrated that the filamentous actin cross-linking activity of cortactin is attenuated by Src (Huang, C., Ni, Y., Gao, Y., Haudenschild, C. C., and Zhan, X. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 13911–13915). In vitro, tyrosine phosphorylation of cortactin occurs specifically within the region between the proline-rich sequence and the Src homology 3 domain. Among the nine tyrosine residues in this region, mutations at Tyr421, Tyr466, and Tyr482significantly reduced Src-meditated tyrosine phosphorylation bothin vitro and in vivo. Ectopic expression of wild-type cortactin in ECV304, a spontaneously transformed human umbilical endothelial cell line, resulted in an enhanced cell migration. In contrast, overexpression of a cortactin mutant deficient in tyrosine phosphorylation impaired the migration of endothelial cells. These findings reveal an intracellular signaling mechanism whereby the motility of endothelial cells is regulated by a Src-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of cortactin.
Expanding radiation quarantine treatments beyond fruit flies

1 The potential of ionizing radiation as a disinfestation treatment for insects other than tephritid fruit flies is discussed. Radiation quarantine treatments are unique in that insects are not killed immediately but rendered sterile or incapable of completing development. 2 The most tolerant insect stage to radiation is that which is most developed. Female insects, but not always mites, are sterilized with equal or lower doses than males. 3 Insects irradiated with sterilizing doses usually have shorter longevities than non-irradiated ones. Low oxygen conditions often increase tolerance to radiation. 4 Insects in diapause are not more tolerant of radiation than non-diapausing ones. 5 Some pests of several groups, such as aphids, whiteflies, weevils, scarab beetles, and fruit flies, may be controlled with doses ≤ 100 Gy. Some lepidopterous pests and most mites require about 300 Gy. Stored product moths may require as much as 1 kGy to sterilize, and nematodes could need > 4 kGy. 6 Even though application of irradiation to pallet-loads of produce could mean that up to three times the minimum required dose is applied to the perimeter of the pallet, many fresh commodities tolerate doses required for quarantine security against many quarantined pests. Irradiation is arguably the most widely applicable quarantine treatment from the standpoint of commodity quality.
The effect of cytokines on the expression and function of Fc receptors for IgG on human myeloid cells

Abstract We examined expression and cytotoxic triggering capability of the three Fc receptors for IgG (Fcγ R) on human monocytes, PMNs and myeloid cell lines after in vitro culture with various cytokines. Fcγ R expression was evaluated using specific anti-Fcγ R monoclonal antibodies (mAb). The cytotoxic capability of each Fcγ R was examined after the effector cells were treated with the recombinant cytokines IFN-γ, TNFα, GM-CSF, G-CSF, M-CSF, IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, or IL-6. Hybridoma cell lines (HC) bearing antibody directed to FcγRI (HC 32), FcyRII (HC IV.3) or FcyRIII (HC 3G8) were used as targets, as were chicken erythrocytes (CE) sensitized with heteroantibodies composed of anti-Fcy R mAbs (32, IV.3, 3G8) linked to anti-CE antibody. Only IFN-γ treatment significantly increased FcγR expression and then only FcγRI. IFN-γ dramatically up-regulated FcγRI expression on all cells tested. However, ADCC was enhanced by treatment with a number of cytokines other than IFN-γ. GM-CSF, TNF, and IFN-γ treatment enhanced killing of HC 32 and HC IV.3 by in vitro cultured monocytes. G-CSF treatment enabled PMNs to kill HC through Fcγ RII, whereas PMN killing of HC through FcγRIII could not be induced by any of the cytokines studied. Although only IFN-γ treatment increased ADCC of CE by monocytes, GM-CSF treatment as well as IFN-γ treatment augmented ADCC of CE by PMNs. In addition to IFN-γ treatment, IL-6 treatment enabled U937 cells to lyse CE. Whereas IFN-γ-treated U937 cells killed CE through both FcyRI and FcyRII, IL-6-treated U937 cells killed CE only through Fcγ RI. In addition to IFN-γ treatment, G-CSF treatment enabled HL-60 cells to lyse CE through both FcyRI and Fcγ RII. These results demonstrate that although IFN-γ appears unique in regulating Fcγ R expression on myeloid cells, cytokines other than IFN-γ affect ADCC by these cells in a receptor-specific manner.
Targeting T-cell memory: where do we stand?

Purpose of review The need to control donor-reactive T cell memory for successful organ transplantation is widely acknowledged. Alloreactive memory T cells are present in many human transplant recipients prior to transplantation and are less susceptible to the effects of currently used immunosuppression than naive T cells. This review brings together recent advances in various fields of immunology that are potentially applicable for targeting memory T cells in sensitized transplant patients. Recent findings The topics of the discussion are evoked by the latest findings on immunobiology of memory T cells and include functional diversity of T-cell memory, characteristic features of memory T-cell homeostasis and signaling, costimulatory requirements of memory T cells and their susceptibility to regulation. Summary Despite apparent resistance of memory T cells to currently used therapies, recent findings suggest that recall responses by memory T cells can be controlled at many different levels. Use of this information may facilitate development of future tools managing T-cell memory in transplant settings.
Near-infrared tetra-substituted aluminum 2, 3-naphthalocyanine dyes for optical fiber applications

The synthesis and spectral characterization of several tetra-substituted aluminum 2, 3-naphthalocyanine dyes for the determination of metal ions is reported. The synthesis is done by means of a homogeneous phase reaction, replacing the previously used heterogeneous method. The new scheme allows for improved product yields, higher purity, better product reproducibility and can be monitored at different stages using UV-Vis-near-infrared spectroscopy. The incorporation of electron-donating or -withdrawing groups was found to influence the product yield and to cause a shift in the absorbance maximum. The typical shift in the excitation maximum (of up to 27 nm) enables the dye to match the output of semiconductor laser diodes. In addition the tetra-substituted groups were capable of undergoing an ion-exchange process with the metal ions which produced a change in the fluorescence signal of the dye. Similar results were achieved using an optical fiber metal probe. The detection of metal ions using the near-infrared dyes was accomplished via steady-state fluorescence using both a commerically available instrument and a fiber optic system and also via the fluorescence lifetime technique.
Combined Laser Treatment of Actinic Sun Damage and Acne Scarring

Since its approval for use in 2007, many surgeons have been using the laser for subcutaneous use, primarily for lipolysis, facial neck and body contouring, and skin tightening. Techniques have recently evolved to enable use of the subcutaneous laser with concurrent skin resurfacing techniques for improvement of photoaging and acne or facial scarring. The technique shows great promise in patients with facial aging and photodamage who are not deemed candidates for rhytidectomy surgery. With strict patient-selection criteria of mild to moderate facial laxity and mild to moderate photoaging, the procedure can be gratifying for the surgeon and patient alike.
Dislocation-cracks interaction during fatigue: A discrete dislocation dynamics simulation

In this article, the effect of different shape cracks on fatigue behavior in metals is investigated with the help of the discrete dislocation dynamics technique. The cracks are represented as distributions of infinitesimal dislocation loops. The distribution is determined by an integral equation satisfying stress-free boundary conditions and containing a singular kernel of the third type. The stress field in the cracked domain is calculated using a superposition principle coupled with an iterative technique. The derived stress fields describe the interaction between the cracks and the dislocations into the framework of dislocation dynamics. The simulation results provide an insight on the three-dimensional character of the dislocation structure around the cracks and its relation to the crack shapes. The effect of the cracks on the macroscopic yield stress is also determined for various crack sizes and shapes.
Acute effects of alcohol on inhibitory control and information processing in high and low sensation-seekers.

Sensation-seeking is a personality characteristic that has been associated with drug abuse. Some evidence suggests that sensation-seekers might experience increased rewarding effects from drugs of abuse, possibly contributing to the association between sensation-seeking and risk for drug abuse. The present study examined the effects of three doses of alcohol (0.0 g/kg, 0.45 g/kg, and 0.65 g/kg) on inhibitory control, information processing, and subjective ratings in a group of high sensation-seekers and a group of low sensation-seekers (N = 20). Inhibitory control was measured by a cued go/no-go task and speed of information processing was assessed by the Rapid Information Processing (RIP) task. Alcohol impaired inhibitory control and information processing. Group differences were also observed. Compared with their low sensation-seeking counterparts, high sensation-seekers demonstrated increased sensitivity to the subjective rewarding effects of alcohol and a poorer degree of inhibitory control that was further impaired by alcohol. The findings highlight reward- and cognitive-based mechanisms by which sensation-seeking could operate to increase risk for alcohol abuse.
Designing artificial cells to harness the biological ion concentration gradient

A numerical model of a cell from the electric eel shows that artificial cells can be built to have higher power output densities and greater energy conversion efficiencies than natural cells, allowing them to potentially power medical implants and other devices.
Effects of chitosan on the alignment, morphology and shape of calcite crystals nucleating under Langmuir monolayers

The growth of calcium carbonate crystals under Langmuir monolayers was investigated in the presence of chitosan, a soluble derivative of chitin added to the subphase to better simulate the polyelectrolyte-containing in vivo environment. Chitosan causes distinct concentration-dependent changes in the orientation, shape and morphology of the calcite crystals nucleating under acid and sulfate monolayers. Our results suggest that polyelectrolytes may play essential roles in controlling the growth of biogenic calcite crystals.
Genomewide Prediction Accuracy within 969 Maize Biparental Populations

In genomewide selection, the expected correla- tion between predicted and true genotypic val- ues (r MG ) has been previously derived as a func- tion of the training population size (N), heritabil- ity (h 2 ), and effective number of chromosome segments (M e ) affecting the trait. Our objectives were to determine: (i) the mean and variability of r MG in 969 biparental maize (Zea mays L.) breed- ing populations for seven traits, (ii) if r MG can be predicted in advance, and (iii) how N, h 2 , and number of markers (N M ) affect r MG . We modified a previous equation for expected r MG to account for linkage disequilibrium (r 2 ) between a marker and a quantitative trait locus (QTL). Across the 969 populations, the mean and range (in paren- theses) of observed r MG was 0.45 (-0.59, 1.03) for grain yield, 0.59 (-0.34, 0.96) for moisture, 0.55 (-0.24, 1.10) for test weight, 0.49 (-0.22, 1.04) for stalk lodging, 0.41 (-0.30, 0.93) for root lodging, 0.47 (-0.45, 0.97) for plant height, and 0.42 (-0.43, 0.94) for ear height. The observed r MG values were centered around the expected r MG when r 2 was accounted for, but the observed r MG had a large spread around the expected r MG . The r 2 (Nh 2 ) 1/2 had the strongest association with observed r MG . When r 2 (Nh 2 ) 1/2 exceeded 8, the proportion of r MG equal to or larger than 0.50 reached 90% among all the population- trait combinations. We conclude it is difficult to predict r MG in advance, but that rules of thumb based on r 2 (Nh 2 ) 1/2 can help achieve a high r MG .
Parent interaction with their preterm infants and later mental development

We find that the early home environment does alter developmental competence in preterm children. Although the fact of prematurity and the attendant complications that infants sustain do place them at risk, recovery occurs in most infants. Medical factors do not predict which infants will have later problems in mental development whereas the nature of the environment in which they are being reared does. Yet the early home environment and the interaction an infant has with its mother explains only a small portion of the variation in mental test performance, concurrently and later. All studies of risk children have noted wide variations in outcome. Some children appear to be invulnerable to early sickness, unresponsive caregiving, and poor family circumstances. We need to increase our understanding of children who succeed despite adversity, and the factors that buffer them, as well as factors associated with deficits.
Can We Afford More Health Care

Baumol and his contributors argue that despite the continuing rises in the relative cost of health care and other important civic activities, our societies can afford them.
Coherent coupling effects in pump–probe measurements with collinear, copropagating beams

We demonstrate the existence of coherent coupling effects in pump–probe measurements with collinear, copropagating beams, despite the absence of any induced spatial gratings in this geometry. The coherent interaction, which is found to be similar but not identical to that for crossed beams, must be taken into account in analyzing relaxation processes occurring on the time scale of the laser pulse. These coherent effects cannot generally be eliminated by detecting the total change in energy in both the pump and probe beams.
Whither Yugoslavia? The death of a nation

Abstract The violent and brutal conflict in Yugoslavia today is deeply entrenched in the past. The ethnic origins of this conflict go back thousands of years, but more recently to the experiences of World War II. This study draws out those connections by exploring the rivalries that existed during the war and how they have been translated into the current battle. Predictions about the future of this area can then be made, based on these analogies and assessments of the current conditions.
New thermochronometric constraints on the rapid Palaeogene exhumation of the Cordillera Darwin complex and related thrust sheets in the Fuegian Andes

Thermal modelling of new fission-track and (U–Th–Sm)/He data from the Fuegian Andes reveals rapid cooling (∼12–48 °C Ma−1) during the middle and late Eocene followed by slow cooling (∼1.5 °C Ma−1) to the Recent. We interpret the rapid cooling as a result of exhumation from contractional uplift within the crystalline interior of the orogen. This interpretation is consistent with independent evidence of Eocene shortening, flexural subsidence and provenance changes in the study area, and is approximately coeval with marine geochemical evidence of the onset of Drake Passage opening. In light of the Palaeogene history of Nazca-South American plate convergence and the differences in shortening magnitudes and exhumation histories between the Fuegian and Patagonian Andes, our data support Eocene development of the Patagonian orocline, which also provides a plausible explanation for early opening of Drake Passage.
The New Economy of the Inner City: Restructuring, Regeneration and Dislocation in the Twenty-First-Century Metropolis by Thomas A. Hutton

Thomas A. Hutton, The New Economy of the Inner City: Restructuring, Regeneration and Dislocation in the Twenty-first-century Metropolis (New York: Routledge, 2010).Many works have been published re...
Characterization of Standard Reference Material 2940, Mn-ion-doped glass, spectral correction standard for fluorescence

Standard Reference Material (SRM) 2940 is a cuvette-shaped, Mn-ion-doped glass, recommended for use for relative spectral correction of emission and day-to-day performance validation of steady-state fluorescence spectrometers. Properties of this standard that influence its effective use or contribute to the uncertainty in its certified emission spectrum were explored here. These properties include its photostability, absorbance, dissolution rate in water, anisotropy, temperature coefficient of fluorescence intensity, and fluorescence lifetimes. Long and short lifetime components of the fluorescence displayed different emission spectra, making the certified spectrum useful with fluorescence instruments employing continuous excitation only. The expanded uncertainties in the certified spectrum are about 5% around the peak maximum at 620 nm, using an excitation wavelength of 412 nm. The SRM also exhibits a strong resistance to photodegradation, with no measurable decrease in fluorescence intensity even after 17 h of irradiation with the visible light from a Xe lamp.
The efficacy of the Storz Miller 1 video laryngoscope in a simulated infant difficult intubation.

BACKGROUND:Several studies have shown video laryngoscopy to be a useful technique in the management of patients in whom glottic exposure by direct laryngoscopy is difficult. We conducted this study as a preliminary investigation comparing the Storz DCI Miller 1 video laryngoscope (VL, Karl Storz Gmb
The comparison of a rapid screening MR protocol with a conventional MR protocol for lumbar spondylosis.

To assess the degree of agreement between a rapid T2-weighted fast spin-echo protocol and a detailed protocol for the detection of lumbar spondylosis and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the rapid protocol with respect to the detailed protocol.Forty-eight patients with low back pain were studied with both a detailed four-sequence protocol and a two-sequence rapid screening protocol (acquisition time of 28 and 2.5 min for the detailed and screening protocols, respectively). The two protocol groups were numerically graded for the findings of lumbar spondylosis.Agreement for presence or absence of disc abnormality was 87% for the two techniques. The screening protocol showed a disc abnormality in 91% of all disc herniations and 84% of all disc bulges seen on the detailed study. All moderate and severe (grades two and three in this protocol) bulges and herniations were detected by the screening protocol. Foraminal narrowing, annular tear of the disc, degenerative changes of the facet joints, an...
Arthroscopic portals of the wrist: An anatomic study

Abstract Wrist arthroscopy has become an accepted diagnostic technique, and it is starting to be a useful therapeutic tool. Extensor tendons, the radial artery, and dorsal sensory nerve branches are at risk of injury during this procedure; however, understanding periportal anatomy should make wrist arthroscopy safer. Wrist arthroscopic portals were established in 19 fresh cadaver wrists, after which the limbs were dissected and periportal anatomy was described and quantified. The 1–2, 6R, and 6U portals were the most perilous, while the midcarpal, 3–4, 4–5, and distal radioulnar joint portals were relatively safe. Even "safe" portals had occasional adjacent sensory nerve branches and tendons. A safe technique of establishing wrist arthroscopy portals is emphasized.
Coupled-Inductor Filter: A Basic Filter Building Block

Coupled-magnetics and coupled-inductor filters provide smoothing in a power converter by steering ripple current away from the “quite port.” While this concept is not new, topologies claiming to be “new” or “novel” continue to be reported in the literature, suggesting that the ripple-steering phenomenon may not be well understood to be a property of the filter block itself. This paper describes a general coupled-inductor filter block and presents a brief history of its application starting with the earliest known version of the circuit, which dates back to a 1923 patent application. The coupled-inductor circuit model is reviewed, starting with the basic topology and ideal circuit elements. Real circuit elements are then considered along with the effects of equivalent series resistance and other parasitic elements. A circuit-based filtering approach is used to emphasize the filtering aspect of the coupled inductor. It will be seen that the coupled-inductor filter can exhibit a low pass with notch frequency response. This provides the ability to achieve extra attenuation at a particular frequency, such as the converter switching frequency, which can reduce the overall filtering burden without adding extra inductive components. When the filter components are treated as a functional circuit group, instead of an interconnection of inductors and capacitors, the coupled-inductor filter can be analyzed as a drop-in replacement wherever a smoothing choke would normally be used and does not depend on converter voltage waveforms. A topology transformation of the Cuk converter shows that “zero ripple” in not a special property of the topology, but can be achieved using the coupled-inductor filter block.
A novel nucleoside prodrug-activating enzyme: substrate specificity of biphenyl hydrolase-like protein.

Biphenyl hydrolase-like protein (BPHL, NCBI accession number NP_004323) is a novel human serine hydrolase recently identified as a human valacyclovirase, catalyzing the hydrolytic activation of the antiviral prodrugs valacyclovir and valganciclovir. The substrate specificity of BPHL was investigated with a series of amino acid ester prodrugs of the therapeutic nucleoside analogues: acyclovir, zidovudine, floxuridine, 2-bromo-5,6-dichloro-1-(β-d-ribofuranosyl) benzimidazole, and gemcitabine. The hydrolysis of typical esterase and aminopeptidase substrates by BPHL was also investigated. The results indicate that the substrate specificity of BPHL is largely determined by the amino acid acyl promoiety, and is less sensitive to the nucleoside parent drugs. For all nucleoside parent drugs, BPHL preferred the hydrophobic amino acids valine, phenylalanine, and proline over the charged amino acids lysine and aspartic acid. The position and monoester or diester form of the prodrug were also important, with BPHL ex...
A formula for the induced gravitational constant

Abstract I derive a formula for the induced gravitational constant in unified theories with dynamical scale-invariance breakdown.
Reply by Author to R.L. Simpson

T author apologizes for not examining more carefully the criticisms of the Simpson data given by Square and Baker and Launder (Refs. 11, 12, and 13 respectively of original paper). Apparently the question as to whether the von Karman "constant" remains constant or varies at low Reynolds numbers is still unsettled despite the recent analyses. (Refs. 7, 9 of original paper) which suggest that K does remain constant. The purpose of the paper was not to discredit Simpson's arguments (Ref. 8 of original paper) about the variation of K with Reynolds number in particular but to merely present the results from a turbulence model which was based on the assumption that K does remain constant. If Simpson's impermeable wall data were to be added to Fig. 1 of the paper we would observe that the skin friction coefficient for the lowest Reynolds number, Red = 627, would like 14% above the predictions of Model 2B. Eight of the 10 remaining points would lie within 6% of prediction and two within 8%. The uncertainties cited by Simpson for his data would amount to 4-5%. The Simpson data indicate a trend in cf generally higher (on the order of 5-6%) than that given by the data from the other three investigators shown in Fig. 1 of the paper or the predictions. For completeness it would have been well to have included the Simpson data in Fig. 1 of the paper. On the other hand, since his cy data does stand out as being higher at low Reynolds numbers than the concensus of data from three other investigators, it was easy to interpret the comments about the Simpson data in the papers by Squire and Baker and Launder as suggesting that a systematic error may have been present in Simpson's measurements or data reduction process. Until an infallible means to validate or invalidate experimental data becomes available, we should probably be cautious about disregarding any of it, since in scientific investigations as well as other endeavors the majority is not always right.
Projecting the impact of HAART on the evolution of HIV’s life history

Abstract Alternative reproductive strategies are introduced to HIV population models. A time-invariant stage-classified Lefkovitch matrix population model hypothesizes antiretroviral innovations such as HAART may select for, among other possibilities, an HIV with a semelparous life history and a precocious senescence. The senescence may be embodied by an accelerated time to AIDS or related pathogenesis. The model also shows populations of HAART-treated iteroparous infection can grow at rates comparable to their ‘wildtype’ counterparts even in the face of nearly full nullification of transmissibility for both the asymptomatic and AIDS stages. Indeed, increasing survivorship and decreasing the transition rate from the asymptomatic stage to AIDS, as HAART regimens aim to do, may induce the greatest increase in infection population size. Because infection survivorship is physiologically enmeshed with host survivorship the asymptomatic stage becomes under HAART a demographic shield against epidemiological intervention. The results appear to exemplify how pathogens use processes at one level of biological organization to defend themselves against impediments directed at them at another.
Clearing the air: a review of the effects of particulate matter air pollution on human health.

The World Health Organization estimates that particulate matter (PM) air pollution contributes to approximately 800,000 premature deaths each year, ranking it the 13th leading cause of mortality worldwide. However, many studies show that the relationship is deeper and far more complicated than originally thought. PM is a portion of air pollution that is made up of extremely small particles and liquid droplets containing acids, organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles. PM is categorized by size and continues to be the fraction of air pollution that is most reliably associated with human disease. PM is thought to contribute to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease by the mechanisms of systemic inflammation, direct and indirect coagulation activation, and direct translocation into systemic circulation. The data demonstrating PM's effect on the cardiovascular system are strong. Populations subjected to long-term exposure to PM have a significantly higher cardiovascular incident and mortality rate. Short-term acute exposures subtly increase the rate of cardiovascular events within days of a pollution spike. The data are not as strong for PM's effects on cerebrovascular disease, though some data and similar mechanisms suggest a lesser result with smaller amplitude. Respiratory diseases are also exacerbated by exposure to PM. PM causes respiratory morbidity and mortality by creating oxidative stress and inflammation that leads to pulmonary anatomic and physiologic remodeling. The literature shows PM causes worsening respiratory symptoms, more frequent medication use, decreased lung function, recurrent health care utilization, and increased mortality. PM exposure has been shown to have a small but significant adverse effect on cardiovascular, respiratory, and to a lesser extent, cerebrovascular disease. These consistent results are shown by multiple studies with varying populations, protocols, and regions. The data demonstrate a dose-dependent relationship between PM and human disease, and that removal from a PM-rich environment decreases the prevalence of these diseases. While further study is needed to elucidate the effects of composition, chemistry, and the PM effect on susceptible populations, the preponderance of data shows that PM exposure causes a small but significant increase in human morbidity and mortality. Most sources agree on certain “common sense” recommendations, although there are lonely limited data to support them. Indoor PM exposure can be reduced by the usage of air conditioning and particulate filters, decreasing indoor combustion for heating and cooking, and smoking cessation. Susceptible populations, such as the elderly or asthmatics, may benefit from limiting their outdoor activity during peak traffic periods or poor air quality days. These simple changes may benefit individual patients in both short-term symptomatic control and long-term cardiovascular and respiratory complications.
Laser flash photolysis production of metal-oxo derivatives and direct kinetic studies of their oxidation reactions

Abstract Kinetic studies of oxidation catalysts in real time are necessarily limited by the high reactivity of the active form of the catalysts. One method for direct studies involves photochemical production of the transients in relatively large concentrations using laser flash photolysis methods and kinetic studies under single turnover conditions. Two photochemical entries to high-valent transition metal-oxo derivatives have been developed in our laboratory. In photo-oxidation reactions, irradiation of Compound II and analogues, porphyrin–iron(IV)-oxo species, gave Compound I and analogues, iron(IV)-oxo and porphyrin radical cations. In photo-induced ligand cleavage reactions, metals in n + oxidation state with the oxygen-containing ligands perchlorate, chlorate, or nitrate were photolyzed. Homolytic cleavage of the O X bond in the ligand gives ( n + 1) + oxidation state metal-oxo species, and heterolytic cleavage gives ( n + 2) + oxidation state metal-oxo species.
Neuropeptides and the lung.

Neuropeptides are, by definition, small amino acid components that are localized to neurons. Originally described in the gastrointestinal tract, neuropeptides were first termed “gut hormones.” Subsequently, the same peptides were also found in the brain and were termed “gut-brain hormones.” It is now apparent, however, that these peptides are present throughout the body and may be produced by, and localized to, cells other than cells of the central and peripheral nervous systems. In the respiratory tract, neuropeptides are located in neurons, neuroendocrine cells, and inflammatory cells. Neuroendocrine cells are granulated epithelial cells distributed throughout the conducting airways that contain several peptides, including calcitonin, katacalcin, CGRP, and bombesin.’ Neuropeptides, such as VIP, have been identified in various inflammatory cells, including eosinophils,2
Epidemics of will, failures of self-esteem: Responding to fat bodies in The Biggest Loser and What Not to Wear

Fat people are greatly underrepresented on US television, and when they appear in fictional shows they are usually the objects of derision.1 Reality television, with its claims to authenticity and ...
Accessory draining vein embolization in the salvage of nonfunctioning arteriovenous fistulae

Purpose The potential benefit of accessory vein embolization in the clinical setting of immature arteriovenous fistulae is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that embolization of accessory draining veins in immature arteriovenous fistulae facilitates maturation. Materials and Methods In this single-center retrospective study, we reviewed all diagnostic fistulagrams performed for the indication of non-maturing arteriovenous fistulae from 2005-2012. Patients, whose fistulas could not be used for dialysis and had not received prior therapy, were selected. Of these, we identified the subset of patients who had prominent venous collaterals that were felt to be clinically significant who then underwent coil embolization of these vessels with or without angioplasty. Medical records were examined to determine if the fistulae had matured to allow for hemodialysis through the fistula. These results were then compared with historical data utilizing surgical ligation with or without angioplasty. Results 31 patients were identified who had either coil embolization alone (n=17) or embolization in conjunction with angioplasty (n=14). Of the patients who had coil embolization, 84% (n=26) matured and were able to be used for dialysis. This compares favorably to historical surgical data which reported a salvage rate of 82.5%. 16% of fistulae (n=5) were treated, but did not mature and were abandoned. There were no complications related to embolization reported. Conclusion Surgical ligation of accessory veins has been validated as a therapy for salvage of immature dialysis fistulae. We have shown that endovascular coil embolization of accessory draining veins results in salvage rates similar to conventional surgical ligation.
Genetic regulation of plasma von Willebrand factor levels: quantitative trait loci analysis in a mouse model

Summary. Background: The genetic factors responsible for the wide variation in plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels observed among individuals are largely unknown, although these genes are also likely to contribute to variability in the severity of von Willebrand disease (VWD) and other bleeding and thrombotic disorders. We have previously mapped two genes contributing to the regulation of plasma VWF levels in mice (Mvwf1 on chromosome 11 and Mvwf2 on chromosome 6). Objective: To identify additional quantitative trait loci (QTL) contributing to the genetic regulation of murine plasma VWF levels. Methods: To map genetic loci contributing to the > 7-fold difference in plasma VWF levels between two mouse strains (A/J and CASA/RkJ), high-density individual genotyping and R/qtl analyses were applied to a previously generated set of ∼200 F2 mice obtained from an intercross of these two inbred lines. Results: Genomic loci for two additional candidate VWF modifier genes were identified: Mvwf3 on chromosome 4 and Mvwf4 on chromosome 13. These loci demonstrate primarily epistatic effects when co-inherited with two CASA/RkJ Vwf alleles, although Mvwf4 may also exert a small, independent, additive effect. Conclusions: Mvwf3 and Mvwf4, combined with the effect of Mvwf2, explain ∼45% of the genetic variation in plasma VWF level among the A/J and CASA/RkJ strains. Mvwf3 and Mvwf4 exhibit homology of synteny to three human chromosomal segments (on chromosomes 1, 5 and 6) previously reported by the Genetic Analysis of Idiopathic Thrombophilia (GAIT) study, suggesting that orthologs of Mvwf3 and Mvwf4 may also encode important VWF modifier genes in humans.
ESR studies of light-dependent volume changes in cell envelope vesicles from Halobacterium halobium

Abstract Volume changes in illuminated cell envelope vesicles, prepared from various Halobacterium halobium strains, were measured with an ESR method. We demonstrated light-dependent swelling of vesicles which contained halorhodopsin (an inward-directed light-driven chloride pump), and shrinking of vesicles which contained bacteriorhodopsin (an outward-directed light-driven proton pump coupled to a proton/sodium antiporter). The swelling of the halorhodopsin vesicles was not inhibited by uncouplers or gramicidin, but the shrinking of the bacteriorhodopsin-vesicles was abolished by these ionophores. These findings confirm earlier models for ion circulation in these systems. Vesicles from strains which contained both pigments showed relatively small net volume changes upon illumination. A scheme of ionic transport in H. halobium cells is suggested, in which the inward movement of K + exceeds the outward movement of Na + , and the difference equals the Cl − uptake, so as to provide the net gain of KCl necessary for volume increases during cell growth.
A.S. Byatt, the Woman Artist, and Suttee

Woman is the Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White, she who receives and submits. In song and story the young man is seen departing adventurously in search of a woman; he slays the dragon, he bat...
GaInNAs long-wavelength lasers: progress and challenges

Research to realize long-wavelength, GaInNAs quantum well lasers has been intense in the past three years. The results have been very promising considering the relative immaturity and challenges of this new materials system. This paper reviews both the materials challenges and progress in growth of the metastable GaInNAs alloys required to reach the 1.3–1.55 μm communication wavelengths and the challenges and progress in device design for both vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers and higher power edge-emitting lasers.
Controlling the Permeability of Multilayered Polyelectrolyte Films through Derivatization, Cross-Linking, and Hydrolysis

Partial Fischer esterification of poly(acrylic acid) allows tailoring of the hydrophobicity and charge density of multilayered films containing poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and derivatized poly(acrylic acid) (d-PAA). As hydrophobicity and charge density strongly affect film permeability, control over these properties is vital for possible applications of PAH/d-PAA films as ion-separation membranes and sensors. The hydrophobicity of these films depends on both the extent of esterification and the nature of the derivatizing alcohol. Even though PAH/d-PAA films are composed of polyelectrolytes, the presence of hydrophobic ester groups results in advancing water contact angles as high as 101°. The hydrophobicity of these coatings allows them to effectively passivate underlying electrodes as shown by minimal peak currents in cyclic voltammograms (CVs) of Ru(NH3)63+ and Fe(CN)63-. Cross-linking of hydrophobic PAH/d-PAA films via heat-induced amidation stabilizes coatings over a wide pH range but does no...
Subjective and objective descriptors of clinical lumbar spine instability: A Delphi study

Accurate ability to diagnose lumbar spine clinical instability is controversial for numerous reasons, including inaccuracy and limitations in capabilities of radiographic findings, poor reliability and validity of clinical special tests, and poor correlation between spinal motion and severity of symptoms. It has been suggested that common subjective and objective identifiers are specific to lumbar spine clinical instability. The purpose of this study was to determine if consensual, specific identifiers for subjective and objective lumbar spine clinical instability exist as determined by a Delphi survey instrument. One hundred and sixty eight physical therapists identified as Orthopaedic Clinical Specialists (OCS) or Fellows of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists participated in three Delphi rounds designed to select specific identifiers for lumbar spine clinical instability. Round I consisted of open-ended questions designed to provide any relevant issues. Round II allowed the participants to rank the organized findings of Round I. Round III provided an opportunity to rescore the ranked variables after viewing other participant's results. The results suggest that those identifiers selected by the Delphi experts are synonymous with those represented in related spine instability literature and may be beneficial for use during clinical differential diagnosis.
Commonwealth, Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri, Cambridge, MA.: Belknap-Harvard, 2009

Abstract Commonwealth is the third book co-authored by Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri. As with the previous two books, Empire and Multitude, the task of this book is to both critique the present order and provide the concepts for a radical transformation of that order. This review examines how this third, and final book in the series, changes the argument of the other two, specifically examining the role that the concept of the common plays in restructuring the idea of critique, politics, and political economy.
The effect of animal trampling and DCD on ammonia oxidisers, nitrification, and nitrate leaching under simulated winter forage grazing conditions

Dairy winter forage grazing on free-draining soils is a common practice within the Canterbury region of New Zealand. The high stocking rates involved and the associated deposition of urine onto wet soils during winter create a high risk of nitrate (NO3 −) leaching from soil. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of animal trampling and the use of a nitrification inhibitor, dicyandiamide (DCD), on soil ammonia oxidisers, nitrification, and nitrate leaching under simulated winter forage grazing conditions. A lysimeter trial was carried out using a Balmoral stony silt loam under a kale forage crop. Nitrate leaching losses, the effect of soil trampling, and the effect of DCD were measured. Soil nitrification rates and ammonia-oxidising community abundance and activity were measured in companion soil blocks under simulated dairy winter forage grazing conditions. Animal trampling was found to reduce peak nitrate-N (NO3 --N) concentrations in drainage water from urine patch areas by 43 %. In addition, animal trampling reduced the total amount of NO3 −-N leached from urine patches by 34 %. However, animal trampling did not affect the growth or activity of the ammonia oxidisers. The use of DCD was found to be highly effective in reducing the concentration and amount of NO3 −-N leached from urine patches. Dicyandiamide applications reduced peak NO3 −-N concentrations in drainage water by 66 %, and the total amount of NO3 −-N leached was reduced by 61 % under the simulated dairy winter forage grazing conditions. Ammonia oxidising bacteria (AOB) were more abundant than ammonia-oxidising archaea (AOA) and were responsible for mediating the nitrification process. These results suggest that both animal trampling and the use of DCD separately reduces soil nitrification rates and thus NO3 − leaching.
An Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm for Multiple Travelling Salesman Problem

Multiple travelling salesman problem (MTSP) is a typical computationally complex combinatorial optimization problem, which is an extension of the famous travelling salesman problem (TSP). The MTSP can be generalized to a wide variety of routing and scheduling problems. It is known that classical optimization procedures are not adequate for this problem. The paper makes the attempt to show how the ant colony optimization (ACO) can be applied to the MTSP with ability constraint. In this paper, we compare it with MGA by testing several standard problems from TSPLIB. The computational results show that the proposed algorithm can find competitive solutions even not all of the best solutions within rational time, especially for large scale problems