cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 19139: Impact of Medical Study Publication on Cholesterol Medication Prescriptions

Introduction: The challenges of translating research findings into practice have been well demonstrated, though some high impact studies do change care delivery. It is unknown whether such trials have spillover effects onto similar but unrelated medications. Hypothesis: Cholesterol trial findings change prescriptions for both trial drugs and statins in the direction of the results, even if statins were not directly studied. Methods: The Symphony Health Solutions’ PHAST Prescription Monthly database provided retail prescriptions from 2007 to 2013. We selected 5 cholesterol trials that were all published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The trials [main drug(s) studied, result] were: ENHANCE [simvastatin/ezetimibe, negative], JUPITER [rosuvastatin, positive], ARBITER 6 HALTS [niacin, positive; ezetimibe, negative], ACCORD LIPID [fenofibrate, negative], AIM HIGH [niacin, negative]. For each trial, we performed a difference-in-differences analysis for both the main drug(s) studied and statins using anti-hypertensive drugs as the control, comparing the 1 and 12 month prescription averages after to an average of the 12 months before the trial. Results: The 12-month average study drug monthly prescriptions changed in the direction expected from the trial results for all (p<0.01), except niacin post ARBITER trial. After ENHANCE, simvastatin/ezetimbe changed -533,490 (95% CI -655,008, -411,976); after JUPITER, rosuvastatin changed 337,328 (278,722, 395,934); after ARBITER, niacin changed 1,335 (-17,625, 20,294) and ezetimibe changed -185,587 (-222,697, -148,147); after ACCORD, fenofibrate changed -263,522 (-316,805, -210,238); after AIM HIGH, niacin changed -154,460 (-182,760, -126,160). Over 50% of the year change occurred in the first month after each trial, except niacin post ARBITER. The trend of increasing statin prescriptions was unperturbed by the trial results. Conclusions: Individual cholesterol trial drug prescriptions changed substantially and as expected after trial results, with the majority of the change occurring immediately after trial publication. There was no evidence for detrimental spillover effects on statin prescriptions. These results suggest that the uptake of these trial findings was appropriate.
Surface Enrichment and Evaporation in a Polymer Mixture of Long and Short Chains

Neutron reflectivity has been used to determine the concentration profile at the vacuum-polymer interface for a two polymer blend. To quantify surface enrichment and evaporation due to differences in chain length, we have measured the reflectivity of a mixture of short deuterated and long protonated polystyrene chains (DPS PS), with a weight fraction of 0.5. When a mixture of DPS and PS chains of molecular weight 720 and 910k respectively were annealed, a small but measurable increase in asymptotic reflectivity occurred, coupled with a decrease of film thickness and scattering length density. This is indicative of surface enrichment and evaporation of the light chains (DPS). Ellipsometry studies confirmed that the short chains evaporated and its rate was established as a function of the temperature. Upon increasing the DPS molecular weight to 9600, the enrichment becomes considerably greater whilst the evaporation becomes negligible. 3 figs.
Somatic afferent modulation of thoracic (T9-T10) spinal neurons receiving gastric mechanical input in rats

Objectives: The aim was to determine whether somatic afferent fiber stimulation influences thoracic spinal neuronal activity responding to gastric distensions. Materials and Methods: Extracellular potentials of single T9-T10 spinal neurons were recorded in anesthetized male rats. Ipsilateral median and peroneal nerve afferent stimulation (MNAS, PNAS) was delivered by electrodes. Inflation of a latex balloon was used to produce gastric distension. Results: MNAS and PNAS (1.5 mA, 50 Hz, 10 sec) altered activity of 63% and 66% of the spinal neurons excited or inhibited by gastric distension, respectively. MNAS more frequently reduced spinal neuronal activity with excitatory responses to gastric distension than did PNAS (p < 0.05). PNAS more likely increased neuronal activity with low-threshold excitatory responses to gastric distension than MNAS (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Peripheral somatic afferent information utilizes central pathways to modulate gastric afferent processing in T9-T10 spinal neurons. Thus, somatic afferent stimulation might be used to treat gastric pain and/or hypersensitivity.
Projection Stereolithographic Fabrication of Human Adipose Stem Cell-Incorporated Biodegradable Scaffolds for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Poor self-healing ability of cartilage necessitates the development of methods for cartilage regeneration. Scaffold construction with live stem cell incorporation and subsequent differentiation presents a promising route. Projection stereolithography (PSL) offers high resolution and processing speed as well as the ability to fabricate scaffolds that precisely fit the anatomy of cartilage defects using medical imaging as the design template. We report here the use of a visible-light based PSL (VL-PSL) system to encapsulate human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) into a biodegradable polymer (poly-D,L-lactic acid/polyethylene glycol/ poly-D,L-lactic acid (PDLLA-PEG))/hyaluronic acid (HA) matrix to produce live cell constructs with customized architectures. After fabrication, hASCs showed high viability (84%) and were uniformly distributed throughout the constructs, which possessed high mechanical property with a compressive modulus of 780 kPa. The hASC-seeded constructs were then cultured in Control or TGF-β3-containing chondrogenic medium for up to 28 days. In chondrogenic medium treated group (TGF-β3 group) hASCs maintained 77% viability and expressed chondrogenic genes Sox9, collagen type II, and aggrecan at 11, 232, and 2.29 x 10(5) fold increases, respectively, compared to levels at day 0 in non-chondrogenic medium. The TGF-β3 group also produced a collagen type II and glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-rich extracellular matrix, detected by immunohistochemistry, and Alcian blue and Safranin O staining suggesting robust chondrogenesis within the scaffold. Without chondroinductive addition (Control group), cell viability decreased with time (65% at 28 days) and showed poor cartilage matrix deposition. After 28 days, mechanical strength of the TGF-β3 group remained high at 240 kPa. Thus, the PSL- and PLLA-PEG/HA based fabrication method using adult stem cells is a promising approach in producing mechanically competent engineered cartilage for joint cartilage resurfacing.
Neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of exercise in a chronic mouse model of Parkinson’s disease with moderate neurodegeneration

The protective impact of exercise on neurodegenerative processes has not been confirmed, and the mechanisms underlying the benefit of exercise have not been determined in human Parkinson’s disease or in chronic animal disease models. This research examined the long-term neurological, behavioral, and mechanistic consequences of endurance exercise in experimental chronic parkinsonism. We used a chronic 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced mouse model of Parkinson’s disease with moderate neurodegeneration and examined the effects of treadmill exercise on movement and balance coordination, changes in dopamine neuron biomarkers, mitochondrial functions, and neurotrophic factor activities in the nigrostriatal system. The exercise results were compared with that of the control and sedentary chronic parkinsonian animals. After 18 weeks of exercise training in the chronic parkinsonian mice, we observed a significant deterrence in the loss of neuronal dopamine-producing cells and other functional indicators. The impaired movement and balance incoordination in the chronic parkinsonian mice were also markedly reduced following exercise. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the neuronal and behavioral recovery produced by exercise in the chronic parkinsonian mice was associated with an improved mitochondrial function and an increase in the brain region-specific levels of brain-derived and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factors. Our findings indicate that exercise not only produces neuronal and mitochondrial protection, it also boosts nigrostriatal neurotrophic factor levels in the chronic parkinsonian mice with moderate neurodegeneration. Therefore, modifying lifestyle with increased exercise activity would be a non-pharmacological neuroprotective approach for averting neurodegenerative processes, as demonstrated in experimental chronic parkinsonism.
Unbiased Estimation with Square Root Convergence for SDE Models

In many settings in which Monte Carlo methods are applied, there may be no known algorithm for exactly generating the random object for which an expectation is to be computed. Frequently, however, one can generate arbitrarily close approximations to the random object. We introduce a simple randomization idea for creating unbiased estimators in such a setting based on a sequence of approximations. Applying this idea to computing expectations of path functionals associated with stochastic differential equations (SDEs), we construct finite variance unbiased estimators with a “square root convergence rate” for a general class of multidimensional SDEs. We then identify the optimal randomization distribution. Numerical experiments with various path functionals of continuous-time processes that often arise in finance illustrate the effectiveness of our new approach.
An analysis of trade-offs in food production costs and soil conservation by an interregional programming and multigoal model

This analysis measures trade-offs between soil loss and food production costs. It is made by means of multigoal interregional programming model. The trade-off curve is derived by means of the prior weighing technique. The results indicate that soil loss from agricultural land can be decreased considerably with very little increase in costs and decrease in efficiency in food production. However, the trade-off curve has a ‘corner’ in it, and further reductions in soil loss give rise to sharp increases in food production costs. As higher costs are assigned soil loss, important shifts take place in the interregional patterns of crop production and land use. Also, further decreases in soil loss and increases in food production costs raise food prices for consumers.
Individual differences and leadership: Contributions to a third tipping point

Abstract This commentary describes two tipping points in the history of research on leader individual differences, and suggests the approach of a third. This third tipping point reflects the use of more multivariate (e.g., multiple leader attributes; multistage models; pattern and profile approaches) perspectives to individual differences and leadership. The four papers in the special issue are described as examples of these perspectives.
The Effect of Management on the Vitamin B12 Content of Poultry House Litter II. As Determined by Microbiological Assay

Abstract KENNARD and Chamberlin (1948) have shown that chicks reared on poultry house litter which has been “built-up” or used with additions from time to time, rather than being cleaned out, grow more rapidly on an all-vegetable diet deficient in the “animal protein factor” than when the litter is changed frequently. Similarly, higher hatchability of eggs from hens kept on built-up litter was observed by Kennard, Bethke, and Chamberlin (1948) as compared to eggs from hens kept on frequently changed litter and fed an all-vegetable diet. These observations relative to chick growth have been confirmed by Halbrook, Winter and Sutton (1950) and on hatchability by Schlamb and Winter (1948). Rubin, Bird and Rothchild (1946) observed that the “animal protein factor” was present in hen feces, and McGinnis et al. (1947) that incubating hen feces for 72 hours at 30°C. stimulated further synthesis of the factor as determined by chick growth tests. . . .
Ventricular Actuation Improves Systolic and Diastolic Myocardial Function in the Small Failing Heart

Background Direct mechanical ventricular actuation (DMVA) provides non–blood contacting augmentation of ventricular function. The device has promise for supporting the pediatric heart. The purpose of this study was to assess DMVA's effect in a small animal model of heart failure. Methods Anesthetized rabbits (n = 6) underwent sternotomy and were instrumented for hemodynamic monitoring. A 10-MHz ultrasound probe was used for transesophageal echocardiography imaging. Heart failure (cardiac output Results Mean ejection fraction was significantly increased during DMVA support (0.585 ± 0.035) versus failure (0.215 ± 0.014; p p Conclusions Direct mechanical ventricular actuation augments both systolic and diastolic left ventricular pump function. Diastolic augmentation distinguishes the device from other direct cardiac compression methods. This study demonstrated that DMVA in the small-sized, failing heart improves both systolic and diastolic myocardial function, which has favorable implications for left ventricular recovery. Direct mechanical ventricular actuation's salutary effects can be provided to the failing pediatric heart without complications of blood contact.
Past, Present and Future of RFID

RFID has a history which began with radar in the 1920s and 1930s. Later, transistors made it possible to include lots of chips on a single circuit leading to the tags in use today. The components and functionality of RFID, both active and passive systems, will be explained. The current push for RFID was instituted by Wal-Mart. But, everything has not proceeded according to plan. Presently, there are many instances where the return-on-investment for using RFID is just not there. The presenter will discuss a number of conditions that must exist for RFID to have a healthy future.
Theoretical efficiency analysis of a condenser-embedded grating-based spectral purity filter for EUV lithography

Being based on reflective optics, extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems are, in principle, relatively immune to chromatic errors. However, illumination bandwidth control is still required for EUV lithography. For example, appreciable amounts of UV power, combined with resist sensitivity to this wavelength band, would decrease image contrast. Also, appreciable amounts of IR power would place unacceptable thermal loads on the projection optics. A practical method for spectral filtering, widely used in short-wavelength synchrotron applications, is the grating monochromator. Here we present the theoretical performance analysis of a grating-based spectral purity filter integrated into an EUV lithography condenser system. Although the specific examples presented here are geared towards a specific condenser design, it should be noted that the methods described are generally applicable to a variety of condenser designs as might be found in future EUV lithography systems.
The Late Age of Print: Everyday Book Culture from Consumerism to Control, by Ted Striphas

The Late Age of Print is a welcome contribution to a growing body of work on book (or print) culture. Ted Striphas skillfully navigates potentially choppy waters, defending what is of value in a so...
Seminal Vesicle Cystadenoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Primary tumors of the seminal vesicle are rare; most reported cases are carcinomas, with occasional reports of primary seminal vesicle sarcoma and an uncommon group of mixed epithelial-stromal tumors. The latter have been variably reported in the literature as cystadenoma, phyllodes tumor, and mullerian adenosarcoma-like tumor. We describe a 37-year-old man who presented with symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction and was found to have a pelvic mass. Resection of the mass yielded a biphasic tumor characterized by cystically dilated glandular spaces admixed with spindle-shaped stromal cells. There was no significant cytologic atypia or mitotic activity. The histologic features are most consistent with the reported cases of cystadenoma. The patient is alive, with no evidence of disease, 6 months after surgery. This case adds to the gradually growing body of literature on mixed epithelial-stromal tumors of the seminal vesicle.
Strain paths of three small folds from the Appalachian Valley and Ridge, Maryland

Structural analysis indicates that, for a given set of conditions, subtle differences in layer configuration and rheology can result in major differences in fold kinematics. We studied three hand-sample scale folds from the Maryland Valley and Ridge province in an effort to understand the accommodation of folding on meso- and microscopic scales, and to constrain the deformation histories of the folds sampled. Two single-layer folds and one multilayer fold were taken from two nearby outcrops of the Wills Mountain Anticline, and are therefore interpreted to have developed under virtually identical pressure and temperature conditions. Although all three folds are dominated by carbonate material, structural fabrics are unique for each fold, indicating rheological contributions to and local structural control of fabric development. Both single layer folds have asymmetric vein distributions that are consistent with strain directions expected from asymmetric flexural flow. Slickenlines (on one sample) and cleavage in an adjacent layer (in the other sample) support this interpretation. The first of these folds appears to have undergone late-stage hinge tightening, as evidenced by the development of crosscutting bed-normal stylolites. In contrast, veins, stylolites, and the intracrystalline deformation in the multilayer fold are suggestive of (symmetric) tangential longitudinal strain followed by heterogeneous sub-horizontal flattening. The three folds are interpreted to be buckle folds, with differing mechanisms accommodating strain within the competent layers.
Predictors of Risk Tolerance Among Oral Surgery Patients

Purpose This study attempts to provide insight on how the treatment preference for a mandible fracture and treatment received and its consequences are related to the patient's risk tolerance, as measured by the Standard Gamble (SG). Patients and Methods Data from a prospective cohort study of 203 subjects receiving treatment at the former King/Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA, for either a mandible fracture (n = 98) or third molar removal (n = 105) were examined. Subjects were interviewed at 4 time points: on admission to the medical center and at 3 monthly follow-up visits. Risk tolerance for hypothetical treatment scenarios is measured by use of the SG, a health-value utility measure assessing the tradeoff between good outcomes and serious complications associated with treatment. Separate regression analyses with subsets of predictors (sociodemographic, psychosocial health, and clinical characteristics) were conducted and then synthesized by use of the significant predictors in separate analyses. Results For fracture subjects, there was a noticeable rise in the SG reports from admission to the 1-month follow-up. Their greater risk tolerance was associated with being older, receiving surgery, having a lower post-traumatic stress disorder score, and having a swollen jaw or face. For third molar subjects, SG did not change substantively over the course of the study. Predictors of greater risk tolerance for third molar subjects included the jaw or face being swollen and having to use less pain medication. Conclusions Findings from this study show a preference for less invasive treatment, with the majority of both groups preferring wiring, and support the theory that treatment choices differ between subjects with different health states. Factors associated with risk tolerance include the patient's age, treatment received, psychosocial health state, experience with previous treatment, and value for oral health quality of life.
Costs and Risks of Testing and Segregating Genetically Modified Wheat

Development of genetically modified (GM) crops is challenging the functions of the grain marketing system. A stochastic optimization model was developed in this study to determine optimal testing strategies. The model chooses the optimal testing strategy that maximizes utility (minimizes disutility) of additional system costs due to testing and rejection, and allows the estimation of the risk premium required for sellers to undertake the dual marketing of GM and non-GM segregations over a non-GM system. Costs are estimated for a vertically integrated grain export chain including testing, rejection, and a risk premium. The model includes elements of costs and risks of adventitious commingling at all stages of the marketing chain, variety declaration, grower truth-telling, and accuracy of testing technologies. Sensitivities were evaluated for the effects of GM adoption, risk parameters, variety declaration, and tolerance levels.
Sediment toxicity and the distribution of amphipods in Commencement bay, Washington, USA

Abstract The toxicity of 175 sediment samples from Commencement Bay, Washington, was measured by the survival of marine infaunal amphipods (Rhepoxynius abronius) during ten-day exposure to test sediment. Survival was high in sediment from offshore, deeper parts of the Bay, including two designated dredge material disposal sites. Within each of the major industrialized waterways there was a wide range in amphipod survival. Both acutely toxic and relatively nontoxic samples were collected from various areas within the Hylebos, Blair, Sitcum and City Waterways. Habitat differences, sedimentation rates, proximity to contaminant sources and sinks, and disruption of the seabed by prop scour and dredging could contribute to this variation in toxicity. Community structure data show a correlation between amphipod distribution and sediment toxicity, with lower amphipod density and species richness in the waterways than in the deeper part of the Bay. Phoxocephalid amphipods, a family that includes the bioassay species, were ubiquitous in the deeper Bay, but absent from the waterways. This correlation between laboratory and field results indicates the ecological relevance of the sediment bioassay.
Neighborhood education inequality and drinking behavior

Background The neighborhood distribution of education (education inequality) may influence substance use among neighborhood residents.
Progress in Space Charge Lens Development

A number of space charge lens electrode geometries have been studied for use at very high beam currents at low energy, and for precision optics at MeV energies. One such lens mounted very near a Duo-plasmatron extractor delivered a 30-keV beam of H+ ions through an analyzing magnet at a current of 175 mA for a period of six hours. Another produced a focal spot of diameter 0.2 mm when a 1-cm diameter beam of 1.2-MeV protons was focussed 90 cm from the lens. This paper also describes observations on self-sustaining discharge in the lenses. A very interesting rotation of the lens optic axis about the geometric axis at a frequency near the drift frequency occurs when the vacuum is spoiled by electrode outgassing.
Engineering Selectivity and Discrimination into Ligand-Receptor Interfaces

The reengineering of protein-ligand (or enzyme-substrate) interfaces using a combination of chemical and genetic methods has become an increasingly common technique to create new tools to manipulate and study biological systems. Many applications of ligand receptor engineering require that the engineered ligand and receptor function independently of endogenous ligands and receptors. Engineered ligands must selectively interact with modified receptors, and modified receptors must effectively discriminate against endogenous ligands. A variety of chemical design strategies have been used to reengineer ligand-receptor interfaces. The advantages and limitations of various strategies, which involve the manipulation of hydrophobic, polar, and charged residues, are compared. New design strategies and potential applications of ligand-receptor engineering are also discussed.
The Relationship between Cell and Tissue Strain in Three-Dimensional Bio-Artificial Tissues

Continuum constitutive laws are needed to ensure that bio-artificial tissue constructs replicate the mechanical response of the tissues they replace, and to understand how the constituents of these constructs contribute to their overall mechanical response. One model designed to achieve both of these aims is the Zahalak model, which was modified by Marquez and co-workers to incorporate inhomogeneous strain fields within very thin tissues. When applied to reinterpret previous measurements, the modified Zahalak model predicted higher values of the continuum stiffness of fibroblasts than earlier estimates. In this work, we further modify the Zahalak model to account for inhomogeneous strain fields in constructs whose cell orientations have a significant out-of-plane component. When applied to reinterpret results from the literature, the new model shows that estimates of continuum cell stiffness might need to be revised upward. As in this article's companion, we updated the average cell strain by defining a correction factor (“strain factor”), based upon the elastic response. Three different cell orientation distributions were studied. We derived an approximate scaling model for the strain factor, and validated it against exact and self-consistent (mean-field) solutions from the literature for dilute cell concentrations, and Monte Carlo simulations involving three-dimensional finite element analyses for high cell concentrations.
Plasma-etching-induced oxide degradation: effects upon device performance and circuit yield

Results from this work suggest that multiple oxide traps with a distribution in time constants are generated during reactive ion etching (RIE) of gate antennas and that the amount of oxide degradation generated during plasma etching may be more substantial than that produced during plasma ashing. The oxide traps generated during RIE produce additional drain current fluctuations associated with the slow-state trapping and detrapping of channel electrons. It is found that the amplitude ((Delta) ID) of these random telegraph signal (RTS) fluctuations may be modeled in terms of VT increases and that (Delta) ID scales as 1/Leff2. An example of circuit yield sensitivity to RIE over-etching effects in a Rockwell semiconductor systems production chip is presented. Prior to mask changes addressing an antenna effect, a large yield variance with a mean significantly lower than that predicted by the Do of the process was observed. The large yield variance was attributable to a differential pair VT mismatch induced by an antenna effect. After a simple lay-out change, a tight distribution near the predicted yield for the device was achieved. The analysis used to isolate the failure and the design fixes used to eliminate RIE effects are discussed.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The reliability of measures of amphibole fiber concentration in water

Abstract Water samples from four communities whose source of drinking water is Lake Superior and from one site in the lake itself were examined in eight laboratories by electron microscopy to determine the concentration of amphibole fibers. The number of sites and samples from each site were unknown to the laboratories. Laboratories differed widely, both between and among themselves, in the concentrations reported when aliquots from the same sample of water were examined. Some laboratories varied much more than others. However, the relative variability among laboratories was reasonably uniform. There was general agreement that water from some sites was consistently high in concentrations of amphibole fibers, while other sites were consistently low. We conclude that comparisons of water concentrations of amphiboles at two sites or under two different sets of circumstances as determined by electron microscopy can be done if at least two provisions are fulfilled: (1) all concentration measurements must be made in the same laboratory using the same equipment and the same technician and (2) several aliquots of each sample of water must be examined independently.
Surface alfalfa residue removal by earthworms Lumbricus terrestris L. in a no-till agroecosystem

Abstract Earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris L.) populations increase in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and in no-till corn (Zea mays L.) fields compared to conventionally-tilled fields. The effects of earthworm activity on surface crop residue removal in no-till corn following alfalfa have not been studied. The main objective of this research was to measure earthworm effects on crop residue removal from the soil surface. Soils were Saybrook silt loams (fine-loamy, mixed, mesic Typic Argiudolls) on 2–9% slopes in south-central Wisconsin. We used a mesh-bag method to measure earthworm removal of alfalfa residue and the influence of forage quality on removal of residue from the soil surface. Coarse-mesh bags, with mesh openings 20 × 20 mm2, which allowed earthworms to remove alfalfa residues from the bags, had significantly greater alfalfa surface residue loss than fine-mesh bags with mesh openings 1 × 1 mm2, which prevented worms from removing residues. Forage quality of residues did not affect quantity of residue removed. We calculated that the observed populations of 40 to 60 L. terrestris m−2 could remove surface alfalfa residues at a rate that could account for the measured 122 g m−2 October to May biomass losses, given 60 days of suitable feeding weather and based on the measured loss rate of 69 g residue lost m−2 in 30 days. Potential residue removal by earthworms should be addressed in residue management strategies, especially where populations of L. terrestris are large and where crop residues are palatable to earthworms.
The strength of distal fixation of flexor digitorum profundus tendon grafts in human cadavers.

Abstract Early active motion limits adhesion formation and thus improves functional performance after tendon grafting. The early strength of distal fixation is critical to successful tendon grafting. We describe a new Y-tunnel technique of distal fixation and compare it with 2 established methods, the Pulvertaft transverse tunnel and the Bunnell button over the fingernail techniques, in a human cadaver model to determine which is the strongest method. Hands with a grafted tendon were rigidly mounted on an anatomic tensiometer testing apparatus and loaded to failure. Mean load to failure (newtons ± 95% confidence intervals) of the Y-tunnel technique (155.2 ± 29.4) was greater than those for the Pulvertaft (100.2 ± 13.2) and Bunnell (57.1 ± 4.7) techniques. Two-way analysis of variance showed significant differences, and the Bonferroni multiple pairwise comparison test showed that all 3 intergroup comparisons were statistically significant. These results indicate marked improvement in immediate strength with the Y-tunnel technique and lay the groundwork for further studies using a healing tendon model. (J Hand Surg 2002;27A:599–604. Copyright © 2002 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)
Heterologous expression of thermopsin, a heat-stable acid proteinase.

Abstract We have previously reported the isolation, characterization, and gene sequence of a new thermostable acid protease, thermopsin, from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius , a thermophilic archaebacterium. Thermopsin is similar to aspartic protease pepsin in specificity and pH dependence. However, it optimally catalyzes in the temperature range of 85 to 90°C and it is not structurally related to pepsin. The current report describes the synthesis of recombinant thermopsin in E. coli and in insect cells. Several recombinant thermopsin fusion proteins were expressed as “inclusion bodies” in the cytosol of E. coli. Active thermopsin preparations were obtained by refolding from urea solutions. Recombinant thermopsin was also expressed in insect cells using a baculovirus expression system. The thermostability of recombinant thermopsin is similar to that of the native enzyme.
Fabrication of anisotropic MnBi nanoparticles by mechanochemical process

Abstract MnBi nanoparticles with size in the range 100–300 nm were fabricated from a mixture of Bi2O3 and Mn in the presence of Ca as reducing element by a mechanochemical process. Heat treatment of as-milled powder and subsequent washing yielded nanoparticles with composite morphology of MnBi/Bi. Nanoparticles were crystallographically anisotropic and displayed high remanence ratio (Mr/Ms) of 0.94 and high coercivity (Hc) of 16.3 kOe at room temperature. The spin reorientation temperature of the MnBi nanoparticles was found to be at 119 K showing an increase by 10 K as compared to the bulk sample.
Political and economic issues for internetwork connections

In this paper we will attempt to outline some of the political and economic issues which must be addressed before meaningful network interconnections can come about. The issues we discuss are: Bilateral versus Multilateral Agreements, Standards, The Viewpoint of the Common Carriers, Network Accounting, Tariffs and Excises, Privacy and Security. Our main purpose is to present the problems and issues but not to offer any solutions.
Determining and optimizing the precision of quantitative measurements of perfusion from dynamic contrast enhanced MRI.

Purpose To examine the sensitivity of quantitative dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) perfusion maps to errors in the various source images and to determine optimal imaging parameters for reducing this sensitivity. Materials and Methods A detailed analysis of the precision of a DCE-MRI protocol was performed using the “propagation of errors” technique to investigate the effect of errors in the source images on errors in Ktrans. Optimal parameter values and interactions between parameters were examined. The propagation of errors analysis was validated by Monte-Carlo simulations. Results The precision of Ktrans was found to be most sensitive to artifacts in the tissue portion of the baseline images and least sensitive to noise in the arterial portion of the dynamic images. The tip-angle strongly affected the precision, with the optimum being a function of tissue T10. Conclusion Protocol optimization requires matching the tip-angle to the anticipated T10 of the tissue of interest; however such optimization yields a relatively small improvement. Future developmental efforts would be most productively focused on minimizing the artifact level. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2003;18:575–584. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of Apolipoprotein E Genotype on Spatial Attention, Working Memory, and Their Interaction in Healthy, Middle-Aged Adults: Results From the National Institute of Mental Health’s BIOCARD Study

The cognitive consequences of the apolipoprotein E–ɛ4 (APOE-ɛ4) allele were examined in middle age, before likely onset of symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. The authors identified 3 cognitive processes—visuospatial attention, spatial working memory, and the effect of visuospatial attention on working memory—and devised “behavioral assays” of the integrity of components of these processes. Redirecting visuospatial attention, retention of memory for location, and attentional modulation of memory of target location were affected by APOE genotype. Visuospatial attention showed additive effects of ɛ4 gene dose; each additional ɛ4 allele inherited further slowed disengagement from invalidly cued space. In contrast, working memory performance was affected only in ɛ4 homozygotes. Effect sizes for the APOE gene were moderate to large, ranging from 14% to 24%. Effects of APOE genotype on component processes of cognition in healthy, middle-aged adults is consistent with the emergence in adulthood of an APOE-ɛ4 cognitive phenotype.
Bubble dispersion in free shear flows

Abstract The Stokes number defined in terms of the particle aerodynamic response time is not appropriate for bubble dispersion. Since the aerodynamic response time for bubbles is always very short, acceleration of the surrounding liquid always controls their motion. Thus, the ratio of local to gravitational acceleration is a better measure. The equation for relative bubble motion shows that an inverse Froude number, defined as the ratio of terminal bubble rise velocity to the characteristic velocity fluctuation, has the same interpretation for bubble dispersion as does the Stokes number for particles. This is demonstrated computationally for a sparse bubble swarm rising through a Stuart vortex.
Broadband high-power TRAPATT diode amplifier at S band

This letter describes the use of a coupled TEM line circuit with high-power high-efficiency silicon avalanche diodes to achieve broadband pulsed amplification in S band. An output power of 50 W, with 6 dB gain and 10% instantaneous 3 dB bandwidth centred at 2.7 GHz, has been obtained.
Algal biomass dynamics during colonization of artificial islands: experimental results and a model

Algal biomass during colonization of polyurethane foam islands (5.1 cm × 7.6 cm × 7.6 cm) was approximated by measuring chlorophyll a levels on islands after exposure periods of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks at six locations in a small lake in central Tennessee, USA. Chlorophyll, ash-free dry weight, and concurrent environmental data were collected for two colonization periods: one in late winter and spring (Set 1), a second in summer (Set 2).
Interrelations between Environmental Factors and Freezing Resistance of Cabbage Leaves

Rapid wilting of cabbage leaves (Brassica capitata L.), induced by excision of the shoot, induced as rapid and high a degree of freezing resistance as a similar period of hardening at low temperature. Maximum hardening in the leaf was generally associated with the maximum growth rate. On the other hand, exposure of the excised shoot to low temperature while immersed in aerated water failed to harden the plants. In the absence of light, abrupt wilting at room or low temperature induced little or no hardening. With the available equipment, which required the absence of light, freezing temperatures induced little or no hardening above that obtained by nonfreezing low temperature. In fact, the plant frozen at moderate temperatures showed a gradual but steady decrease in freezing resistance. Since these experiments were performed with plants grown in pots, and since they eventually became pot-bound, the results may not apply equally to field-grown plants.
Assessment of pressure gradient by Doppler ultrasound: experimental and clinical observations.

Abstract Three methods for estimating peripheral artery pressure gradients from ultrasound data were assessed by means of an acute canine aortic coarctation with a variable stenosis and retrospective data from 18 patients with iliac stenoses who had duplex scanning studies and pressure measurements at the time of angiography. The measured pressure difference was correlated with end-diastolic velocity, the presence or absence of reverse flow in diastole, and a pressure difference calculated with the modified Bernoulli equation. Although the calculated pressure gradients correlated well with measured values in animal studies (11 animals, r=0.78, n=224, SD=8.1), they did not in the clinical studies (r = 0.54, n=33, SD=28). In both cases, pressure gradients were consistently overestimated for mild stenoses. There was a strong correlation between end-diastolic velocity and pressure gradient (r = 0.71, n=94, SD=5.2 for animal studies; r=0.81, n=36, SD=23 for clinical studies), but the data were too variable to provide useful pressure estimates. In clinical studies the absence of reverse flow in diastole at the site of the stenosis was the best indicator of a resting pressure gradient of greater than 15 mm Hg. We conclude that the modified Bernoulli equation and end-diastolic velocity correlate highly with the pressure gradient but are not clinically useful because the variability is too great. The absence of reverse flow in diastole is a more reliable indicator of hemodynamically significant stenosis. (J VASC SURG 1987;6:460-9.)
Reply to Lokhandwala and Westefeld.

Abstract Lokhandwala and Westefeld's article highlighting the ethical dilemma in rational suicide raises the pragmatic question of how one would actually assess a client's situation. A particularly relevant diagnosis that should be ruled out is clinical depression. The DSM-IV lists nine symptoms of major depressive disorder, eight of which could easily be masked as symptoms of the physical illness or side effects of treatment. These symptoms can be grouped into three categories: central features of depression, physical signs of depression, and cognitive signs of depression. All three of these categories, particularly physical signs, could easily be mistaken for medical problems. Reviewing the nine criteria for a diagnosis of clinical depression might be a good way to explore the possibility of clinical depression in a terminally ill person who is supposedly making a “rational” decision to commit suicide.
Cross Hilbert time-frequency distributions

It is mathematically convenient to consider both positive nd negative frequencies in signal representation. This idea is critically important to time-frequency analysis. Usually, however one is presented with real signals. It is also well known that the analytic signal is formed using the Hilbert transform. Some interesting and potentially useful relationships are developed for a signal and its Hilbert transform. Some interesting and potentially useful relationships are developed for a signal and its Hilbert transform in this paper. Cross-Hilbert time-frequency distributions (TFDs) between a signal and its Hilbert transform. The relationships between TFDs of signals and cross-Hilbert TFDs of signals are examined. It is shown how interactions between these TFDs yield results which are confined to either the positive or negative frequency planes. Some results which may seem counterintuitive are pointed out. Finally, some interesting results which use the concepts developed for separation of mixed signals by manipulating the associated TFDs are presented.
Context-dependent effects of a single administration of mirtazapine on the expression of methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference.

Re-exposure to cues repeatedly associated with methamphetamine (Meth) can trigger Meth-seeking and relapse in the abstinent abuser. Weakening the conditioned Meth-associated memory during cue re-exposure may provide a means for relapse-reduction pharmacotherapy. Accordingly, we sought to determine if the atypical antidepressant mirtazapine disrupted the long-term maintenance of Meth-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) when administered in conjunction with re-exposure to contextual conditioning cues, and if this effect was altered by Meth being present during cue re-exposure. First, we evaluated the effect of mirtazapine on the maintenance of Meth-induced CPP during re-exposure to either the saline- or Meth-paired chamber 12 days after conditioning. Meth conditioned rats subsequently administered mirtazapine expressed CPP independent of re-exposure to the saline- or Meth-paired chamber; but the magnitude of CPP was significantly less for mirtazapine-treated rats re-exposed to the Meth-paired chamber. Next, we evaluated the effect of mirtazapine on a ‘reinforced re-exposure’ to the Meth-paired context. Administration of mirtazapine vehicle and Meth, prior to re-exposure to the Meth-paired chamber did not disrupt the ability of rats to demonstrate CPP on day 20; however, rats administered mirtazapine and Meth prior to re-exposure to the Meth-paired chamber did not demonstrate CPP. These results indicate a context-dependent effect of mirtazapine, and that the ability of mirtazapine to disrupt the long-term maintenance of CPP is greatest when the atypical antidepressant is tested with a combination of Meth injection and contextual cues.
Nasal ocular reflexes and eye symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis

Background Allergic patients often complain of eye symptoms during the allergy season. A possible mechanism for these eye symptoms is a nasal ocular reflex. Objective To demonstrate eye symptoms after nasal allergen challenge. Methods In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, clinical trial, 20 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis were challenged in 1 nostril with antigen, and the response was monitored in both nostrils and in both eyes. Symptoms were recorded. Filter paper disks (intranasally) and Schirmer strips (intraocularly) were used for collecting secretions, which were subsequently eluted for the measurement of histamine and albumin levels. Patients were treated once topically at the site of challenge with azelastine or placebo. Results After placebo treatment, ipsilateral nasal challenge caused nasal symptoms and an increase in secretion weights; both were blocked by treatment with azelastine. Histamine and albumin levels increased only at the site of nasal challenge. Azelastine pretreatment inhibited the increase in albumin but not histamine levels. Symptoms of itchy and watery eyes increased significantly compared with symptoms with sham challenge after nasal allergen and were blocked by azelastine use. Ocular secretion weights increased bilaterally after placebo use and were not inhibited by azelastine use. Conclusions Nasal allergen challenge releases histamine at the site of the challenge, which probably initiates a nasonasal and a nasal ocular reflex. This reflex is reduced by an H 1 -receptor antagonist applied at the site of the challenge. The eye symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis probably arise, in part, from a naso-ocular reflex.
A meta-analytic review of the effects of exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor

Consistent evidence indicates that exercise improves cognition and mood, with preliminary evidence suggesting that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may mediate these effects. The aim of the current meta-analysis was to provide an estimate of the strength of the association between exercise and increased BDNF levels in humans across multiple exercise paradigms. We conducted a meta-analysis of 29 studies (N = 1111 participants) examining the effect of exercise on BDNF levels in three exercise paradigms: (1) a single session of exercise, (2) a session of exercise following a program of regular exercise, and (3) resting BDNF levels following a program of regular exercise. Moderators of this effect were also examined. Results demonstrated a moderate effect size for increases in BDNF following a single session of exercise (Hedges' g = 0.46, p < 0.001). Further, regular exercise intensified the effect of a session of exercise on BDNF levels (Hedges' g = 0.59, p = 0.02). Finally, results indicated a small effect of regular exercise on resting BDNF levels (Hedges' g = 0.27, p = 0.005). When analyzing results across paradigms, sex significantly moderated the effect of exercise on BDNF levels, such that studies with more women showed less BDNF change resulting from exercise. Effect size analysis supports the role of exercise as a strategy for enhancing BDNF activity in humans, but indicates that the magnitude of these effects may be lower in females relative to males.
Hubbard model for a disordered linear chain: Probability distribution of exchange

The Hubbard model for a disordered linear chain with a half-filled band is studied. At low temperatures ($T\ensuremath{\lesssim}\frac{U}{4k}$) and sufficiently small transfer integrals, the Hamiltonian via a perturbation expansion reduces to that of a disordered one-dimensional Heisenberg antiferromagnet. It is found that the coupling constant $J$ has for $n\ensuremath{\gg}1$ the behavior $J=D{n}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}}{\ensuremath{\beta}}^{2n}$, where $D$, $\ensuremath{\alpha}$, and $\ensuremath{\beta}$ depend on the parameters of the Hamiltonian and $n$ is the number of intermediate sites between localized spins, and is a random variable. An expression for the probability distribution $P(J)$ of exchange integral $J$ is also obtained. For small $J$, $P(J)\ensuremath{\propto}\frac{1}{{J}^{1\ensuremath{-}c}}{|\mathrm{ln}(\frac{J}{D})|}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}c}$. That is, $P(J)$ has a singularity at the origin for $cl1$, where $c$ depends on the parameters of the Hamiltonian.