cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Central nervous system and cardiac effects from long-acting amide local anesthetic toxicity in the intact animal model

With the development of the newer long-acting amide local anesthetics,ropivacaine and levobupivacaine, numerous animal studies of LA systemic toxicity have emerged. Because of the complex nature of the human response to LA intoxication, the task of designing and interpreting these animal studies of LA toxicity can be difficult. Accordingly, this report will review the selection of an animal model for the study of LA toxicity; examine the pertinent in vivo animal studies that compare the central nervous system toxicity, cardiovascular toxicity, and the ease of resuscitation of the single enantiomer local anesthetics to racemic bupivacaine; and extrapolate these findings to the clinical setting.
Heavy metals and the etiology of Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders

Heavy metals, such as iron and manganese, are involved in neurologic disease. Most often these diseases are associated with abnormal environmental exposures or abnormal accumulations of heavy metals in the body. There is increasing recognition that heavy metals normally present in the body also may play a role in disease pathogenesis through free radical formation. When a part of the brain known as the basal ganglia is affected, movements become disordered. Parkinson's disease is one of the most common movement disorders and is related to destruction of neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of the basal ganglia. The combination of high concentration of iron and the neurotransmitter, dopamine, may contribute to the selective vulnerability of the SNpc. Dopamine can auto-oxidize to produce free radicals particularly in the presence of iron and other heavy metals.
Secondhand Effects of Substance Use for Rural College Students

This pilot study addresses a gap in the research with rural college students by examining substance use secondhand effects for students at a rural northeastern college. Students (N = 157) participated in a web-based survey on their substance use behaviors and their experiences of secondhand effects during the school year. Many students reported experiencing secondhand effects including, 66.9% having cared for an intoxicated student, 52.2% having sleep or study interruption, 33.1% being insulted or humiliated, and 22.9% experiencing an unwanted sexual advance. Compared to men, a greater proportion of women reported experiencing the secondhand effects of: caring for intoxicated others (women 76.7% vs. men 54.9%; χ2 = 8.3, df = 1, p = .004), having a serious argument (women 37.2% vs. men 15.5%; χ2 = 9.2, df = 1, p = .002), and having sleep or study interrupted (women 59.3% vs. men 43.7%; χ2 = 3.8, df = 1, p = .05).
Autonomy in physical therapy: less is more.

This issue of the JOSPT is the second of 2 dedicated to the topic of direct access physical therapy. Achieving direct access is an important component of the Vision 2020 statement set forth by the American Physical Therapy Association. This aspect of Vision 2020 is coming to fruition, with the majority of states now permitting direct access to physical therapists. Other related concepts promoted within Vision 2020 are professionalism and autonomy. Vision 2020 promotes the goal that physical therapists will “hold all privileges of autonomous practice, with autonomous practice defined as ”independent, self-determined, professional judgment and action.” Measuring the achievement of direct access is relatively straightforward. We may simply tally the number of states whose practice acts permit such access. Gauging our advance toward the goals of autonomy or professionalism is more difficult. The first step in analyzing our progress is to define our target so that we might be aware of where we are headed and r...
Venous congestive flap salvage with subcutaneous rtPA

Free-flap success has been the rule with technical advancements in microsurgery. Despite improvements, thrombosis and flap loss still occur occasionally. Salvaging a sick flap can be a harrowing experience, even in the most experienced hands. Thrombolysis using intravenous and intra-arterial urokinase, streptokinase, and/or tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) administered through the flap vascular pedicle has been reported in free-flap salvages. In such situations, success depends on early diagnosis and emergent exploration. Recently, we successfully used rtPA subcutaneously to salvage a venous congested free transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous (TRAM) flap. Here, we report on that case.
The Supposed Physical Attractiveness Bias Against Supporters of the Women's Movement: A Meta-Analysis

Meta-analyses were performed on the body of literature investigating whether a bias against women who support the women's movement existed. It had been suggested that supporters were perceived as less physically attractive than nonsupporters. Yet numerous attempts to replicate the bias has resulted in a complex set of findings. The overall pattern of results did not support the existence of a bias (p = .58), and the mean effect size was virtually zero (+.01). It was concluded that people rate others with similar attitudes as more physically attractive than those with dissimilar attitudes.
The Rayleigh method in network calculations

An approximation method for determining the input impedance of a resistive circuit, or one in which the reactance-resistance ratio is the same for every branch, hence permitting treatment as a resistive circuit, is presented. The method is based on the minimum power-dissipation characteristics of such networks and provides both an upper and a lower bound to the true impedance. It is presented with the view that in certain cases, as in power-system short-circuit calculations where the resistive component may often be neglected, the necessity of evaluating high-order determinants or manipulating star-mesh transformations can be eliminated.
Friction-induced sliding instability in a multi-degree-of-freedom system with oscillatory normal forces

Abstract A multi-degree-of-freedom (m.d.o.f.) system excited by a rough moving surface has been developed to study friction-induced oscillations. The normal degrees of freedom allow for oscillatory normal forces, while the normal–tangential coupling of friction produces parametric excitation in the slipping equations of motion. After a modal change of variables, first order averaging has been used to produce a set of autonomous equations of motion. Eigenvalue analysis of the averaged equations has produced stability predictions for the steady sliding position. Numerical integration of the original system of equations has verified the existence of locally unstable oscillations for a system excited by a rough surface input. The combination of velocity-dependent friction and a harmonically varying normal force have been shown to produce large-amplitude oscillations, in some cases leading to stick–slip responses.
Glass forming ranges of Al–rare earth metal alloys: thermodynamic and kinetic analysis

Abstract Using CALPHAD databases, chemical short-range ordering is analyzed and related to metastability of undercooled melts of Al–rare earth metals (including Ce, Gd, Nd and Y). A quasi-kinetic analysis of the primary crystallizations predicts the best glass forming ranges for the quenched alloys, in agreement with those experimentally determined.
Preliminary observations on a new antiarrhythmic agent (Ro 2-5803).

Abstract The antiarrhythmic effect of Ro 2–5803 was investigated in thirty-four patients with various cardiac arrhythmias. The results obtained were excellent in thirteen patients in whom the drug restored and then maintained normal sinus rhythm. A good effect was achieved in an additional six patients in whom the frequency of extrasystoles was decreased by at least 75 per cent. In four patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and in an additional patient with paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, normal sinus rhythm was restored. The incidence of side effects and untoward reactions was low.
Functional measurement of qualitative variables in mode choice: Ratings of economy, safety and desirability of flying versus driving

Abstract A method of controlled experimentation is developed for operationally defining and measuring qualitative variables and validating these measures. Hypothetical vacation trip scenarios were generated by varying the distance to be traveled, air fare, driving cost, number of travelers, and season. For each scenario, respondents rated the comparative economy, safety, and desirability of flying and driving. Responses were analyzed to determine how each qualitative variable varies as a function of the manipulated attributes, to determine the interrelationships between the qualitative variables, and to examine the relationship between the qualitative variables and overt behavior.
Studies on Lipid and Fatty Acid Compositions of Puffer Livers from Indian Coastal Waters with Seasonal Variation

The puffer fishes Chelonodon patoca, Sphaeroides oblongus, Lagocephalus lunaris, and L. inermis of Indian coastal waters are wasted in huge quantity. The livers of these fishes were investigated for their lipid contents and fatty acid compo- sitions in different seasons. It was found that monsoon season is the suitable time to obtain the maximal lipids (40.1-48.8%) from their livers, an amount similar to cod liver lipid content (39.5-55.0%). The fatty acids were mostly saturates and mono- enes (60-70%). Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosa- hexaenoic acid (DHA) concentrations (7-12%) were high dur- ing monsoon season. Neutral lipids were the predominant lipid class (>80%) and comprised triglycerides (277-674 mg/g) and cholesterol (0.6-3.1 mg/g). Quality indices of puffer liver lipids, e.g., specific gravity, refractive index, acid value, iodine value, saponification value and unsaponifiable matter, were evaluated. Puffer liver lipids were quantitatively and qualitatively compa- rable to other commercially important marine fish oils. The overall study suggests the possibility of future commercial uti- lization of liver lipids from puffer, an unconventional, cheap, and easily available source. JAOCS 75, 1673-1678 (1998).
Postcolonial Literature and the Curricular Imagination: Wilson Harris and the Pedagogical Implications of the Carnivalesque.

(2004). Postcolonial Literature and the Curricular Imagination: Wilson Harris and the pedagogical implications of the carnivalesque. Educational Philosophy and Theory: Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 201-213.
Failure to achieve a complete hematologic response at the time of a major cytogenetic response with second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors is associated with a poor prognosis among patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in accelerated or blast phase

Second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors are effective in Philadelphia chromosome–positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Occasionally, patients with Ph+ ALL, or accelerated phase (AP) or blast phase (BP) CML achieve a major cytogenetic response (MCyR) but not a complete hematologic response (CHR). We analyzed 126 patients with CML in AP or BP, or with Ph+ ALL treated with dasatinib or nilotinib after imatinib failure. Twenty patients received sequential treatment with both dasatinib and nilotinib for a total of 146 instances. CHR and MCyR rates were 54% and 37%, respectively in AP, 17% and 39% in BP, and 33% and 50% in Ph+ ALL. Failure to achieve a CHR at the time of achievement of a MCyR was associated with an inferior outcome, similar to that of patients without a MCyR (2-year survival rate, 37% and 35%, respectively). In contrast, patients with MCyR and concomitant CHR had a 77% 2-year survival rate. Twelve of 29 patients with MCyR without concomitant CHR later achieved a CHR; the 2-year survival rate for these patients was 55% compared with 22% for those who never achieved a CHR. These results suggest that achievement of a MCyR without concomitant CHR is associated with poor outcome.
Long-Term Changes in Basal Ganglia Function after a Neurotoxic Regimen of Methamphetamine

The abuse of psychostimulants, such as methamphetamine (METH), can cause long-lasting deficits in the dopamine (DA) innervation of the striatum. Although the consequences of large DA depletions on basal ganglia function have been well characterized, less is known about the alterations associated with smaller depletions, such as those produced by high doses of METH. The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term consequences of METH-induced DA depletion on basal ganglia function. Three weeks after rats were given multiple administrations of METH (5-10 mg/kg, four times at 2-h intervals), dose-related decreases in DA tissue content in striatum and tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA in the substantia nigra pars compacta were observed. In situ hybridization histochemistry revealed a selective decrease in preprotachykinin mRNA in striatum, predominantly at the highest dose of METH, and no change in striatal preprodynorphin, preproenkephalin, or neurotensin/neuromedin N mRNAs. Cytochrome oxidase activity was significantly elevated in the entopeduncular nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata of METH-treated rats, but not in the striatum, globus pallidus, or subthalamic nucleus, consistent with a selective decrease in striatonigral, but not striatopallidal, neuron function. Additionally, rats treated with a neurotoxic regimen of METH were impaired on a radial maze sequential learning task when tested 3 weeks following METH administration. These data indicate that exposure to a neurotoxic regimen of METH results in long-term changes in striatonigral, but not striatopallidal neuron function and, consequently, altered basal ganglia function.
Alterations of Substance P Metabolism and Neuropeptidases in Alzheimer's Disease

The levels of specific neuropeptides and the activity of neuropeptidases known to degrade neuropeptides have been shown to be altered in senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type (SDAT) postmortem brain. We examined the metabolism of exogenous substance P, a neuropeptide with a putative role in SDAT pathology, in human postmortem temporal cortex, hippocampus, and caudate membrane homogenates from SDAT and sex- and age-matched control brain. The activity of two neuropeptidases known to metabolize substance P, neutral endopeptidase E.C.3.4.24.11 and metalloendopeptidase E.C.3.4.24.15, was also determined in the same postmortem, human tissue samples. The metabolic half-life of substance P was significantly increased in SDAT, postmortem, temporal cortex. The increased half-life of substance P was correlated with a decreased activity of the metabolic enzyme metalloendopeptidase 24.15 in temporal cortex. Substance P metabolism was not significantly altered in hippocampus or caudate tissues from SDAT brain compared to controls. The alteration of neuropeptidases demonstrated in this study and as shown by altered substance P metabolism may have a significant effect on the level of several biologically important neuropeptides in SDAT brain.
Experimental and numerical investigation of inertial particle clustering in isotropic turbulence

This paper presents the first detailed comparisons between experiments and direct numerical simulations (DNS) of inertial particle clustering in nearly isotropic 'box turbulence'. The experimental system consists of a box 38 cm in each dimension with fans in the eight corners that sustain nearly isotropic turbulence in the centre of the box. We inject hollow glass spheres with a mean diameter of 6 μm and measure the locations of several hundred particles in a 1 cm 3 volume in the centre of the box using three-dimensional digital holographic particle imaging. We observe particle concentration fluctuations that result from inertial clustering (sometimes called 'preferential concentration'). The radial distribution function (RDF), a statistical measure of clustering, has been calculated from the particle position field. We select this measure because of its relevance to the collision kernel for particles. DNS of the equivalent system, with nearly perfect parameter overlap, have also been performed. We observe good agreement between the RDF predictions of the DNS and the experimental observations, despite some challenges in the interpretation of the experiments. The results provide important guidance on ways to improve the measurement.
Oxygen Diffusion Coefficient and Solubility in a New Proton Exchange Membrane

The electrochemical monitoring technique is used to measure the solubility and the diffusion coefficient of oxygen in a new proton exchange membrane that is being developed by Cape Cod Research, Inc., Using the method of least squares, the data were fit to an analytical solution of Fick's second law to determine D and c{sub 0}. Values of 0.40 x 10{sup {minus}6}cm{sup 2}/s and 4.98 x 10{sup {minus}6} mol/cm{sup 3} were obtained for the diffusion coefficient and solubility, respectively, of the Cape Cod membrane. These values are significantly less than those of Nafion 117 tested under identical conditions.
ATTITUDES OF ADULT 46,XY INTERSEX PERSONS TO CLINICAL MANAGEMENT POLICIES

Purpose: We surveyed a clinic sample of adult 46,XY intersex patients regarding attitudes to clinical management policies. Materials and Methods: All adult former patients of 1 pediatric endocrine clinic in the eastern United States whose addresses could be obtained and who consented to participation were surveyed by a comprehensive written followup questionnaire. Three questions on attitudes concerning the desirability of a third gender category and the age at which genital surgery should be done were presented in the context of ratings of satisfaction with gender, genital status and sexual functioning. Results: A total of 72 English speaking patients with 46,XY, including 32 men and 40 women 18 to 60 years old, completed the questionnaire. The majority of respondents stated that they were mainly satisfied with being the assigned gender, did not have a time in life when they felt unsure about gender, did not agree to a third gender policy, did not think that the genitals looked unusual (although the majority of men rated their penis as too small), were somewhat or mainly satisfied with sexual functioning, did not agree that corrective genital surgery should be postponed to adulthood and stated that their genital surgeries should have been performed before adulthood, although there were some significant and important differences among subgroups. Conclusions: The majority of adult patients with intersexuality appeared to be satisfied with gender and genital status, and did not support major changes in the prevailing policy. However, a significant minority was dissatisfied and endorsed policy changes.
Interaction between the black yeast Aureobasidium pullulans and the gall midge Lasioptera ephedricola in gall formation on the desert shrub Ephedra trifurca

Galls produced by the cecidomynd Lastoptera ephedncola on Ephedia trifurca always have a black ring associated with them while galls produced by the congener L ephedrae never do Black ring material after microscopic examination and culture proved to be Aureobasidium pullulans In addition to lacking black ring material neither L ephedrae galls nor healthy stems consistently yielded Aureobasidium on culture Gall and larva size measurements indicated that continued larval presence is not necessary for gall development, suggesting fungus initiated gall formation However inoculation of healthy stems with Aureobasidium caused lesions hut not galls The mycelium m galls did not appear grazed and neither larvae nor pupae contained Aureobasidium propagules suggesting that larvae do not feed directly on fungi These data also suggest that there is no trans-pupal passage of fungus from larvae or pupae to adults Newly emerged females do not carry fungal propagules suggesting that thcy are not inoculated upon exiting the gall Gall position leaf culture and stem culture data suggest that the fungus is picked up from leaves prior to oviposition
Laser interferometric thermometry for substrate temperature measurement.

This paper investigates a simple noncontact optical thermometry technique based on the laser interferometric measurement of the thermal expansion and refractive index change of a thin transparent substrate or temperature sensor. The technique is shown to be extendible from room temperature to at least 900°C with the proper choice of a thermally stable sensor. Sensor materials investigated included c-axis Al2O3, MgO, MgAl2O4 (spinel), Y2O3–ZrO2 (yttria stabilized zirconia), and fused silica. Calibration data were taken at 633 nm by measuring the sensor response to known temperature changes. These data provided (1) the information needed for quantitative thermometry (i.e., the functional relationship between interference fringes and temperature for samples of known thickness) and (2) the thermal coefficient of refractive index for those materials with known thermal expansion coefficients.
Comparison of methods to assess change in children's body composition.

Background: Little is known about how simpler and more available methods to measure change in body fatness compare with criterion methods such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in children. Objective: Our objective was to determine the ability of airdisplacement plethysmography (ADP) and formulas based on triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to estimate changes in body fat over time in children. Design: Eighty-six nonoverweight and overweight boys (n 34) and girls (n 52) with an average age of 11.0 2.4 y underwent ADP, TSF measurement, BIA, and DXA to estimate body fatness at baseline and 1 0.3 y later. Recent equations were used to estimate percentage body fat by TSF measurement (Dezenberg equation) and by BIA (Suprasongsin and Lewy equations). Percentage body fat estimates by ADP, TSF measurement, and BIA were compared with those by DXA. Results: All methods were highly correlated with DXA (P 0.001). No mean bias for estimates of percentage body fat change was found for ADP (Siri equation) compared with DXA for all subjects examined together, and agreement between body fat estimation by ADP and DXA did not vary with race or sex. Magnitude bias was present for ADP relative to DXA (P 0.01). Estimates of change in percentage body fat were systematically overestimated by BIA equations (1.37 6.98%; P 0.001). TSF accounted for only 13% of the variance in percentage body fat change. Conclusion: Compared with DXA, there appears to be no noninvasive and simple method to measure changes in children’s percentage body fat accurately and precisely, but ADP performed better than did TSF or BIA. ADP could prove useful for measuring changes in adiposity in children. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;80:64 –9.
The power and politics of blogs

The rise of bloggers raises the vexing question of why blogs have any influence at all, given their relatively low readership and lack of central organization. We argue that to answer this question we need to focus on two key factors—the unequal distribution of readers across weblogs, and the relatively high readership of blogs among journalists and other political elites. The unequal distribution of readership, combined with internal norms and linking practices allows interesting news and opinions to rise to the "top" of the blo- gosphere, and thus to the attention of elite actors, whose understanding of politics may be changed by frames adopted from the blogosphere.
High speed single dopant spin manipulation with a single electrical gate

The smallest semiconductor spintronic devices possible for logic or memory will likely involve individual control of single spins while leaving nearby spins unaffected[1]. Readout of the stored state, or the result of a logic operation, would then be done by single-spin readout. Use of electric fields to control individual spins through the spin-orbit interaction is an attractive, scalable alternative to attempting to confine oscillating magnetic fields. Previous work on spins in quantum dots in a static magnetic field has shown that a single vertical electrical gate can be used to fully control the spin orientation[2]. For electron spins in InAs/GaAs quantum dots the spin reorientation times are predicted to be 6 ns for a 1 Tesla static magnetic field, and 0.6 ns for a 10 Tesla static magnetic field. The same geometry, when applied to a the single electron spin bound to a silicon donor in GaAs, yields spin reorientation times of 30 ns for a 4 Tesla magnetic field. More rapid spin manipulation in much smaller magnetic fields would be highly desirable. The substitutional Mn acceptor in GaAs has a large orbital moment, and thus is especially attractive for electrically-driven spin reorientation through the spin-orbit interaction. A geometry with two perpendicular electric fields has been predicted to yield potential spin manipulation frequencies in excess of 10 GHz[3] for electric fields in excess of 20 kV/cm, however the two perpendicular fields required complicates the device geometry.
Galactic structure from trigonometric parallaxes of star-forming regions

Recently, astrometric accuracy approaching ~ 10 μas has become routinely possible with Very Long Baseline Interferometry. Since, unlike at optical wavelengths, interstellar dust is transparent at radio wavelengths, parallaxes and proper motions can now be measured for massive young stars (with maser emission) across the Galaxy, enabling direct measurements of the spiral structure of the Milky Way. Fitting the full 3D position and velocity vectors to a simple model of the Galaxy yields extremely accurate values for its fundamental parameters, including the distance to the Galactic Center, R0=8.38 ± 0.18 kpc, and circular rotation at the Solar Circle, Θ0 = 243 ± 7 km s−1. The rotation curve of the Milky Way, based for the first time on ‘gold standard’ distances and complete 3D information, appears to be very flat.
Performance Management in Mixed Wireless Networks Using Multi Distortion Measures

We discuss a new approach that uses a modified k-means clustering algorithm for modeling and managing performance in a cellular and ad-hoc mixed wireless network. This paper describes the analytical foundation and provides extensive simulation results to prove that the enhanced clustering scheme can be used to organize nodes in the mixed network so that it's performance is jointly optimized using three different distortion measures: location, traffic, and interference. The paper concludes by showing that the proposed clustering algorithm can be extended by using additional distance measures such that the mixed network is organized and jointly optimized for QoS, spectrum, or interference management.
Revisiting ice nucleation from precipitation samples

An emerging and unsolved question is the sensitivity of cloud processes, precipitation, and climate to the atmospheric ice nucleus spectrum. This work revisits estimation of atmospheric ice-nucleating particle concentration derived from cloud water and precipitation samples representing a wide range of geographical locations, seasons, storm systems, precipitation types, instruments, concentrations, and temperatures. Concentrations of ice-nucleating particles are shown to vary over 10 orders of magnitude. High variability is observed in the −5°C to −12°C range which is suggested to be biologically derived nuclei whose life cycle is associated with intermittent source and efficient sink processes. The highest ever observed nucleus concentrations at −8°C are 3 orders of magnitude lower than observed ice crystal concentrations in tropical cumuli at the same temperature. The observed upper and lower limits of the nucleus spectrum provide a possible constraint on minimum enhancement factors for secondary ice formation processes.
Characterization of calcium efflux by osteoblasts derived from long bone periosteum

Abstract Inside-out vesicles were prepared from the plasma membrane of osteoblasts which had been isolated from the periosteum of 2–3-week-old chicken tibia and cultured for 6–8 days. Calcium uptake was initiated by adding 0.4 mM ATP and detected as a reduction in fluorescence from the reaction medium using the Ca2+-specific fluoroprobe, fluo-3. The reaction medium contained ouabain (1 mM) to block Na+, K+-ATPase activity and oligomycin (20 μg/ml) to block mitochondrial activity. Thapsigargin (5 μM) had little effect, indicating that contributions to Ca2+ uptake by endoplasmic reticulum derived microsomes were minimal. The Ca2+ uptake rate was 9.9 ± 2.3 nmol/mg protein/min. Trifluoperazine (0.1 mM), which impairs the capacity of calmodulin to activate Ca2+-ATPase, substantially inhibited transport, as did quercetin (10 mM) and vanadate (10 μM), inhibitors of Ca2+-ATPases. This study has shown the presence of an outwardly directed, calmodulin-sensitive calcium transport system in the primary osteoblast plasma membrane. The pumping rate is substantially less than rates found in the intestine, a tissue which is involved in massive transport of Ca2+, but is similar to rates found in many other tissues. It is concluded that the enzyme does not support calcium translocation to sites of mineralization.
Statistical Characterization of Damage Propagation Properties in Structural Health Monitoring

Structural health monitoring provides sensor data that follow fatigue induced damage growth in service. This information may in turn be used to improve the characterization of the material properties that govern damage propagation for the structure being monitored. These properties are often widely distributed between nominally identical structures because of differences in manufacturing and aging. The improved accuracy in damage growth characteristics allows more accurate prediction of the remaining useful life (RUL) of the structural component. In this paper, a probabilistic approach using Bayesian statistics is employed to progressively narrow the uncertainty in damage growth parameters in spite of variability and error in sensor measurements. Starting from an initial, wide distribution of damage parameters that are obtained from coupon tests, the distribution is progressively narrowed using the damage growth between consecutive measurements. Detailed discussions on how to construct the likelihood function under given variability of sensor data and how to update the distribution are presented. The approach is applied to crack growth in fuselage panels due to cycles of pressurization and depressurization. It is shown that the proposed method rapidly converges to the accurate damage parameters when the initial damage size is 20mm and the variability in sensor data is 1mm. It is observed that the distribution narrows down rapidly when the damage grows fast, while slows down when the damage grows slowly. This property works in favor because more accurate information will be obtained when the damage is dangerous. Using the identified damage parameters, the RUL is predicted with 95% confidence in order to obtain conservative prediction. The proposed approach may have the potential of turning aircraft into flying fatigue laboratories.
On “Field Significance” and the False Discovery Rate

The conventional approach to evaluating the joint statistical significance of multiple hypothesis tests (i.e., “field,” or “global,” significance) in meteorology and climatology is to count the number of individual (or “local”) tests yielding nominally significant results and then to judge the unusualness of this integer value in the context of the distribution of such counts that would occur if all local null hypotheses were true. The sensitivity (i.e., statistical power) of this approach is potentially compromised both by the discrete nature of the test statistic and by the fact that the approach ignores the confidence with which locally significant tests reject their null hypotheses. An alternative global test statistic that has neither of these problems is the minimum p value among all of the local tests. Evaluation of field significance using the minimum local p value as the global test statistic, which is also known as the Walker test, has strong connections to the joint evaluation of multiple tests in a way that controls the “false discovery rate” (FDR, or the expected fraction of local null hypothesis rejections that are incorrect). In particular, using the minimum local p value to evaluate field significance at a level global is nearly equivalent to the slightly more powerful global test based on the FDR criterion. An additional advantage shared by Walker’s test and the FDR approach is that both are robust to spatial dependence within the field of tests. The FDR method not only provides a more broadly applicable and generally more powerful field significance test than the conventional counting procedure but also allows better identification of locations with significant differences, because fewer than global 100% (on average) of apparently significant local tests will have resulted from local null hypotheses that are true.
In vitro self-assembly of tailorable nanotubes from a simple protein building block

We demonstrate a method for generating discretely structured protein nanotubes from the simple ring-shaped building block, homohexameric Hcp1 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Our design exploited the observation that the crystal lattice of Hcp1 contains rings stacked in a repeating head-to-tail pattern. High-resolution detail of the ring–ring interface allowed the selection of sites for specific cysteine mutations capable of engaging in disulfide bond formation across rings, thereby generating stable Hcp1 nanotubes. Protein nanotubes containing up to 25 subunits (≈100 nm in length) were self-assembled under simple conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the tube ends and interior can be independently and specifically functionalized to generate nanocapsules.
New reactions in the crotonase superfamily: structure of methylmalonyl CoA decarboxylase from Escherichia coli.

The molecular structure of methylmalonyl CoA decarboxylase (MMCD), a newly defined member of the crotonase superfamily encoded by the Escherichia coli genome, has been solved by X-ray crystallographic analyses to a resolution of 1.85 A for the unliganded form and to a resolution of 2.7 A for a complex with an inert thioether analogue of methylmalonyl CoA. Like two other structurally characterized members of the crotonase superfamily (crotonase and dienoyl CoA isomerase), MMCD is a hexamer (dimer of trimers) with each polypeptide chain composed of two structural motifs. The larger N-terminal domain contains the active site while the smaller C-terminal motif is α-helical and involved primarily in trimerization. Unlike the other members of the crotonase superfamily, however, the C-terminal motif is folded back onto the N-terminal domain such that each active site is wholly contained within a single subunit. The carboxylate group of the thioether analogue of methylmalonyl CoA is hydrogen bonded to the peptidi...
Problems in grading soft tissue sarcomas.

Clinicians, particularly medical oncologists, place increasing importance on histologic grading as a means of informing their treatment decisions in patients with soft tissue sarcoma. Numerous different grading systems (with a variable number of grades) have been described. Although these have often used different parameters, it is nevertheless generally accepted that histologic grade, however derived, is probably the best prognostic indicator in these sarcoma patients. Unfortunately, however, there is no consensus as to the best grading system, and even those schemes that are most widely applied (those of the French National Cancer Centers and the National Cancer Institute in the United States) have important and acknowledged limitations. Furthermore, assessment of many of the most popular grading parameters is necessarily subjective, and, to date, potentially more objective measures of proliferative activity and ploidy (eg, using immunohistochemistry or DNA flow cytometry) have not improved on experienced morphologic grading. In addition, the confounding (and often misleading) effect on histologic grade of preoperative therapy, which is increasingly used, has not been addressed in any meaningful way. This overview highlights the limitations, problems, and concerns regarding histologic grading of soft tissue sarcomas. There is striking variability in the behavior and overall survival associated with the lesions that we generically group under the heading of soft tissue sarcoma. Unfortunately, their relative rarity means that clinical and prognostic studies often consist of an unselected amalgam of histologically diverse lesions. While most sarcomas share the tendency for local recurrence, they vary substantially with regard to their metastatic potential. Some metastasize only very rarely, some types metastasize in about 50% of cases, and some metastasize in most cases. Even then, the metastasis may develop rapidly (eg, in less than 2 years) or after very many years (eg, alveolar soft part sarcoma or low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma). Some soft tissue sarcomas show histotype-specific behavior, whereas other single histologic subsets (eg, leiomyosarcoma) show a broad spectrum of behavior. For these reasons of complexity, histologic grading of sarcomas was introduced with the aim of better predicting prognosis
Abstract 286: Myocardin-related Transcription Factors Control Epicardial EMT and Coronary Vessel Homeostasis

The epicardium is a source of multi-potent progenitor cells that envelop the heart and contribute to various cardiac lineages through the process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Although known upstream cues promote epicardial EMT via changes in gene expression and actin cytoskeletal dynamics, the link between these signals and progenitor cell motility remain unclear. Myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) cofactors are primarily retained in the cytoplasm through interactions with G-actin. However, upon cytoskeletal reorganization and G-actin depletion, nuclear MRTFs associate with serum response factor (SRF) to drive cellular motility and contractility gene programs reminiscent of EMT. Here, we identify the SRF/MRTF gene regulatory axis as a key mediator of epicardial EMT. We found significant enrichment of MRTF-A and -B in the epicardium prior to EMT. MRTFs were later expressed in a spatial and temporal manner concurrent with EMT and epicardial-derived cell (EPDC) differentiation. F...
Imaging Hypoxia with 18F-Fluoromisonidazole: Challenges in Moving to a More Complicated Analysis

Cancer imaging using 18F-fluromisonidazole (18F-FMISO) has been developed over the past 30 y and is the most established agent for noninvasively assessing hypoxia. Research into hypoxia imaging agents began, as many imaging agents arise, through laboratory investigations using cultured cancer cells
Changing chemistry by degrees

It is easy to overlook just how important temperature is when it comes to chemistry and Michelle Francl wonders if thermometers had a role in turning alchemists into chemists.
Telescoping intramedullary rodding with Bailey-Dubow nails for recurrent pathologic fractures in children without osteogenesis imperfecta

We reviewed four children with multiple, recurrent, pathologic fractures caused by bone disease, excluding osteogenesis imperfecta, and in whom multiple osteotomies with telescoping intramedullary stabilization had been performed. The diagnoses were myelomeningocele in two children and Rett syndrome and fibrous dysplasia in one child each. Five long bones were stabilized; four femora and one tibia. The average age at surgery was 6 years 6 months; the average number of fractures that had occurred in the involved bone before surgery was 3.0 per bone. At an average follow-up of 2 years 4 months, the average number of fractures that had occurred after surgery in the stabilized bones was 0.2 per bone. There were no infections, nonunions, or rod complications. We believe that in the carefully selected patient, multiple osteotomies with intramedullary telescoping rod stabilization can be quite successful in solving the problem of recurrent fractures in children with diseases other than osteogenesis imperfecta.
Human Trial of a Genetically Modified Herpes Simplex Virus for Rapid Detection of Positive Peritoneal Cytology in the Staging of Pancreatic Cancer.

Introduction Patients with peritoneal dissemination of pancreatic adenocarcinoma do not benefit from surgical resection, but radiologic and cytologic detection of peritoneal cancer lack sensitivity. This trial sought to determine if an oncolytic virus may be used as a diagnostic agent to detect peritoneal cancer.
Potency and stability of compounded cyclophosphamide: a pilot study.

Compounding of drugs for use in veterinary oncology is becoming increasingly common. We obtained 15 mg cyclophosphamide capsules from five different compounding pharmacies and performed potency analyses at two time points, as well as stability at 60 days. Potency results for four out of five and zero out of five (4/10) samples analysed were inadequate. Stability at 60 days was acceptable for all but one sample. This pilot study raises several important points of concern when compounding chemotherapy in dogs and cats. Further studies are necessary to solidify this data. Collaboration between pharmacists, veterinarians and regulatory bodies is needed to ensure safe and accurate delivery of compounded drugs to client-owned animals.
Academic freedom versus nonproliferation: the Libyan case

Libya is determined to study its way into the nuclear club. While keeping Libyans out of “nuclear-related” programs in U.S. schools challenges academic freedom, the regulations have so far been applied judiciously.
Influenza Surveillance and Epidemic Character of the Virus in Xinxiang, from 2011 to 2013

Objective To understand the epidemic characteristics of influenza in Xinxiang from 2011 to 2002. Methods Specimens derived from the outpatients for influenza-like illness(ILI)were collected for the detection of influenza virus RNA, virus isolation and identification. Epidemiological and laboratory surveillance data were analyzed statistically. Results The highest levels of the ILI visits percentage were during November to March, and the ILI visits rate(1.24 %) from November in 2011 to March in 2012 was significantly high, compared to that(0.73 %)during the same period in 2012-2013(P0.01). Similarly, the positive rate of virus detection peaked during January to March. Although the predominant virus was different each year, H3N2 virus always remained active. Additionally, H1N1(2009)virus reappeared after nearly two years of silence. Conclusions The peak of influenza virus activities in Xinxiang area was during November to March, and the epidemics of influenza were gradually increasing in 2011~2013. It is necessary to strengthen viral surveillance and prevention.
162 DIRECT ACTION OF GLUCOSE AND GLUCAGON-LIKE PEPTIDE-1 ON THE PANCREAS MIGHT NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE INCRETIN RESPONSE DURING A MIXED MEAL

It is generally accepted that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1,) an insulinotropic peptide released from the intestinal L-cells in response to a meal, acts via specific GLP-1 receptors in pancreas, in the presence of a postprandial rise in systemic glucose. However, most GLP-1 released from the intestine is inactivated before it reaches the β-cells, such that the pancreas is exposed to only a fraction of the secreted peptide. Also, in normal dogs there can be little increase in systemic glucose after a mixed meal. This suggests that other mechanisms (e.g., neural) might play a role in the insulin response to a mixed meal or, alternatively, synergism between glucose and GLP-1 might account for the insulin secretory response. The aim of our study was to determine if changes in systemic glucose and/or GLP-1 during a mixed meal are adequate to account for the postprandial insulin secretory response. We fed a mixed meal to conscious male mongrel dogs (n=8). We measured a 2.5-fold insulin response (52{1389 pM to 13613814 pM, p≤0.05) with increases in portal glucose and GLP-1, but small increases in systemic glucose (from 95.3 1381.7 mg/dl to 102.71383.1 mg/dl, p=0.1) and GLP-1 (from 6138}0 pM to 7{1381 pM, p=0.6). In a separate group (n=5) we infused systemically either glucose alone or glucose plus GLP-1, simulating the meal test systemic values of these parameters. Infusion of glucose alone resulted in a systemic glucose increase similar to the meal test (maximum increase 7.6 mg/dl vs. 7.4 mg/dl); it produced only a small insulin increase (32±11 pM to 56±29 pM), accounting for 23% of the meal test insulin response. Addition of systemic GLP-1 to the systemic glucose infusion raised systemic GLP-1 values higher than the meal test (5±1 pM to 28±10 pM). However said infusion did not produce an insulin response significantly different from that produced by glucose alone (26±4 pM to 39±2 pM, p=0.8), amounting to only 20 % of the meal test insulin response.
A “How-To” Guide to the Stark Spectroscopy of Flavins and Flavoproteins

Flavins and flavoproteins have been studied by a plethora of spectroscopic techniques. Beginning with the characterization of DNA photolyases and the discovery of the diversity of roles played by excited-state flavins in photobiology, the characterization of the electronic excited state of flavins has become increasingly important. In this protocol, we provide a guide to using Stark spectroscopy in obtaining the degree of electronic charge redistribution in simple flavins and in flavoproteins. Stark spectroscopy is technically simpler than more common approaches used to explore the structure of the excited state, considerably cheaper to implement, and yet very powerful in its scope. At the end of this guide, we present data taken on non-photobiological flavoproteins, glutathione reductase and lipoamide dehydrogenase, that suggest that Stark spectroscopy is a unique way to elucidate the electrostatic environment that the flavin cofactor experiences bound inside the protein.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Lumbar Decompression Adjacent to Instrumented Segments.

BACKGROUND Multilevel lumbar stenosis, in which 1 level requires stabilization due to spondylolisthesis, is routinely treated with multilevel open laminectomy and fusion. We hypothesized that a minimally invasive (MI) decompression is biomechanically superior to open laminectomy and may allow decompression of the level adjacent the spondylolisthesis without additional fusion. OBJECTIVE To study the mechanical effect of various decompression procedures adjacent to instrumented segments in cadaver lumbar spines. METHODS Conditions tested were (1) L4-L5 instrumentation, (2) L3-L4 MI decompression, (3) addition of partial facetectomy at L3-L4, and (4) addition of laminectomy at L3-L4. Flexibility tests were performed for range of motion (ROM) analysis by applying nonconstraining, pure moment loading during flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. Compression flexion tests were performed for motion distribution analysis. RESULTS After instrumentation, MI decompression increased flexion-extension ROM at L3-L4 by 13% (P = .03) and axial rotation by 23% (P = .003). Partial facetectomy further increased axial rotation by 15% (P = .03). After laminectomy, flexion-extension ROM further increased by 12% (P = .05), a 38% increase from baseline, and axial rotation by 17% (P = .02), a 58% increase from baseline. MI decompression yielded no significant increase in segmental contribution of motion at L3-L4, in contrast to partial facetectomy and laminectomy (<.05). CONCLUSION MI tubular decompression is biomechanically superior to open laminectomy adjacent to instrumented segments. These results lend support to the concept that in patients in whom a multilevel MI decompression is performed, the fusion might be limited to the segments with actual instability. ABBREVIATION MI, minimally invasive.
Dispersion-managed solitons: a new paradigm for high data rate

Summary form only given. The WDM properties of dispersion managed (DM) solitons and the reduction in Gordon-Haus jitter means that it is possible to contemplate multiple channels each at 10 Gbit/s for transoceanic distances without the need for elaborate soliton control. This paper will concentrate on fundamental principles of DM solitons, but will use these principles to indicate optimum maps for future high-speed soliton systems.