cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Open fractures of the distal radius: the effects of delayed debridement and immediate internal fixation on infection rates and the need for secondary procedures.

Purpose There are few clinical data evaluating the outcome of surgery for open distal radius fractures based on treatment method. Specifically, the major contributing factors to infection are largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of early versus delayed debridement and the choice of initial external versus internal fixation on infection rates and the need for secondary procedures. Methods Thirty-two patients with open distal radius fractures were identified from a database. Ten debridements were early ( 6 h after hospital admission). There were 10 treating surgeons for the 32 patients in this study. Based on the attending surgeon's preference and experience, 20 fractures were treated with external fixation, 7 with plating, and 5 with planned staged conversion from external fixation to plating. The cohort included 19 grade I, 11 grade II, and 3 grade IIIA open injuries. Results There were no infections, regardless of the time to debridement or the use of immediate plating. Other complications requiring secondary procedures occurred more frequently in patients treated with a planned staged conversion from external fixation to plating than in the patients treated with either external fixation or plating. Conclusions We did not encounter infections for grade I and grade II open distal radius fractures, and infections do not appear to be related to either the time to debridement or the initial type of fracture fixation. Plating might be safe at the initial debridement, but temporary external fixation with a staged conversion to plating increases the risk of complications, which necessitates corrective secondary procedures. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic III.
Analysis of three-phase induction motors utilizing 'The Iodekice Locus'-a normalized impedance circle

A method that allows students to analyze the performance of any three-phase induction motor operating at any arbitrary speed, either analytically or graphically, using the same conceptual approach is presented. The method uses a unity-diameter normalized impedance circle with a periphery calibrated in terms of normalized slip, which is defined as the ratio of per unit slip to a readily determined machine constant. Equations that allow the tabulation of the real and imaginery impedance components of the normalized circle as a function of normalized slip are developed. These data may be plotted for use with graphical analysis or used directly in a simplified mathematical analysis. The key factor in the development is shown to be the concept of normalized slip. Using this concept, the specific operating point of a machine can be simply and uniquely determined for any given value of per unit slip. >
Enzymic oxidation of some resistant D-amino acids.

Abstract Complete oxidation of some reportedly “unreactive” d -amino acids—aspartic acid, threonine, lysine—is possible by appropriate adjustments of enzyme concentration (units of activity) and reaction time, using a commercially available enzyme. Under the same conditions, less than 35% oxidation of d -glutamic acid is achieved. To avoid potential bacterial contamination and false negative as well as false positive results for certain compounds, long incubations should be minimized. Corroborative assays such as dual ninhydrin and radioactivity determinations are recommended.
Pluripotent and Developmentally Restricted Neural-Crest-Derived Cells in Posterior Visceral Arches

The early migratory cells of the posterior rhombencephalic neural crest consist of a heterogeneous population of pluripotent and developmentally restricted neural crest cells (Ito and Sieber-Blum, Dev. Biol. 148, 95-106, 1991). To determine if changes in developmental capacities occur during migration, the developmental potentials of posterior visceral arch mesenchymal cells were investigated by in vitro clonal analysis. Most of these cells consisted of the post-migratory cells of the posterior rhombencephalic neural crest. Four morphologically distinct types of clones were observed, and the cells within these clones expressed characteristic phenotypes as shown by their binding of antibodies against cell type-specific markers: (1) "DP" clones consisted of densely packed polygonal cells, with flattened large cells located predominantly at the periphery of these clones. Immunocytochemical analyses showed that DP clones contained smooth muscle cells, connective tissue cells, chondrocytes, and serotonin (5-HT)-positive neurons, and over 90% of the cells per clone were HNK-1 positive. This suggests that DP clone-forming cells are pluripotent neural-crest-derived cells with the capacity to develop into ectomesenchymal derivatives and serotonergic neurons. (2) "DS" clones consisted of densely packed spindle-shaped cells. These clones included smooth muscle cells, connective tissue cells, and chondrocytes. By contrast, neuronal phenotypes were not present. An average of 0.4% of the cells per clone were HNK-1 positive. DS clones appear to be formed by neural-crest-derived cells that are partially restricted, expressing ectomesenchymal phenotypes only. (3) "DF" clones consisted of densely packed small cells and flattened large cells. Although no HNK-1-positive cells were found in DF clones, these clones contained connective tissue cells and/or smooth muscle cells. DF clones appear to be derived from bipotent cells with the ability to differentiate into connective tissue cells and smooth muscle cells, or cells committed to the connective tissue cell lineage. (4) "LF" clones consisted of loosely arranged, flattened large cells. These clones did not contain HNK-1-positive cells. The clones consisted entirely of smooth muscle cells. Therefore, LF clones are most likely formed by precursors that are committed to the smooth muscle cell lineage. These results indicate the presence of pluripotent neural-crest-derived cells, cells with a restricted developmental potential, and apparently committed cells in the posterior visceral arch. Pluripotent cells can generate up to four neuronal and non-neuronal phenotypes. Other cells are restricted to ectomesenchymal cell types, and the proportion of these cells in the posterior visceral arch changes with progressing embryonic development.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
An Analysis of the Representations of the Mapping Class Group of a Multi-Geon Three-Manifold

It is well known that the inequivalent unitary irreducible representations (UIR's) of the mapping class group $G$ of a 3-manifold give rise to ``theta sectors'' in theories of quantum gravity with fixed spatial topology. In this paper, we study several families of UIR's of $G$ and attempt to understand the physical implications of the resulting quantum sectors. The mapping class group of a three-manifold which is the connected sum of $\R^3$ with a finite number of identical irreducible primes is a semi-direct product group. Following Mackey's theory of induced representations, we provide an analysis of the structure of the general finite dimensional UIR of such a group. In the picture of quantized primes as particles (topological geons), this general group-theoretic analysis enables one to draw several interesting qualitative conclusions about the geons' behavior in different quantum sectors, without requiring an explicit knowledge of the UIR's corresponding to the individual primes.
Acrylic, Elastomeric, Particle‐Dispersed Epoxy‐Clay Hybrid Nanocomposites: Mechanical Properties

Nanocomposites wene formulated by curing a sonicated mixture of epoxy resin, C18 clay, and arylic rubber dispersants. At 5.5 phr (parts per hundred) organoclay loading and a rubber concentration of 15 phr, the tensile-failure strain of the nanocomposite was found to be higher than that of epoxy nanocomposite, rubber-dispersed epoxy, and pristine epoxy. A plausible mechanism for improvement of the failure strain of nanocomposites is proposed. Stress strain curves of filled and unfilled epoxy specimen.
Measuring business cycle comovements in Europe: Evidence from a dynamic factor model with time-varying parameters

Abstract Estimation results from a dynamic factor model confirm an increase in output synchronization across European countries during the run-up to the inception of EMU, but EMU by itself has not continued to foster the emergence of a common business cycle.
Anti-T4-Tyrosinase Monoclonal Antibodies—Specific Markers for Pigmented Melanocytes

Tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1) is the enzyme essential to pigment formation in mammals; this enzyme is specifically localized in melanocytes, which occur primarily in the skin, hair bulbs, and eyes. Three hybridomas, TMH1, TMH-2, and TMH-3, which produce monoclonal antibodies directed against tyrosinase, were obtained by fusion of SP2/0 myeloma cells and lymphocytes of rats hyperimmunized with purified melanosomal tyrosinase. These three monoclonal antibodies bound specifically to the mature, T 4 form of tyrosinase, and did not bind to either of the precursor forms (T 1 or T 2 ) of the enzyme, which demonstrates that further posttranslational modifications of this enzyme occur which had not previously been detected. Epitope mapping studies have shown that at least two different immunologic determinants on tyrosinase are recognized by these antibodies. All three antibodies showed positive immunofluorescence staining of pigmented murine melanocytes from various sources, including B16 melanoma growing in vivo and in vitro, epidermal melanocytes, and retinal melanocytes. The antibodies did not cross-react with unpigmented cells, including K1735 amelanotic melanoma cells, albino murine skin or eye tissue, fibrosarcoma cells, rat fibroblasts, or epidermal keratinocytes. These monoclonal antibodies are sensitive, highly specific probes for pigmented mammalian melanocytes.
Myocardial Contractile Force as Influenced by Direct Coronary Surgery

Abstract Myocardial contractile force (MCF) measured by direct application of a strain-gauge arch to the left ventricular surface was determined intraoperatively in 11 patients having saphenous vein graft (SVG) bypass of acute or chronic coronary arterial obstruction. The MCF determinations with the grafts open (control), occluded, and released demonstrated a consistent reduction (average 31%) in contractility during graft occlusion and a prompt return to control levels following graft release without alteration in other aspects of ventricular function. Similar changes were not observed during graft occlusion if the arch was applied to nonviable (scarred) myocardium or to areas outside the region of graft perfusion. The SVG augmentation of blood flow to acute or chronically ischemic but viable myocardium enhances MCF or isometric systolic tension, from which coincident improvement in ventricular function should be anticipated.
HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS : MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND SCREENING APPLICATIONS IN CERVICAL NEOPLASIA : A PRIMER FOR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS

Abstract In recent years, much insight has been gained into the molecular pathogenesis of cervical cancer and its precursor lesions. Specific types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are the principle etiologic agents in cervical neoplasia. Interactions between HPV and cell-derived proteins result in deregulation of cell cycle progression and appear to be critical for the development of cervical cancer. HPV DNA testing may have limited clinical utility as a primary screening tool in underdeveloped countries or underserved populations where access to repeated, reliable cytologic screening is severely limited or in which the prevalence of cervical cancer and precursor lesions is high. In areas where cervical cytologic screening is well established and the incidence of clinically significant pre-invasive disease is not excessive, HPV typing is of unproven benefit as a primary screening tool. In selected settings, triaging women with a minimally abnormal Papanicolaou smear with a combination of repeat cytology and HPV DNA testing appears to be a sensitive alternative to immediate colposcopic evaluation.
A MICROCRACK GROWTH LAW FOR MULTIAXIAL FATIGUE

— Within the past decade, critical plane approaches have gained increasing support based on correlation of experimentally observed fatigue lives and microcrack orientations under predominately low cycle fatigue (LCF) conditions for various stress states. In this paper, we further develop an engineering model for microcrack propagation consistent with critical plane concepts for correlation of both LCF and high cycle fatigue (HCF) behavior, including multiple regimes of small crack growth. The critical plane microcrack propagation approach of McDowell and Berard serves as a starting point to incorporate multiple regimes of crack nucleation, shear growth under the influence of microstructural barriers, and transition to linear crack length-dependent growth related to elastic-plastic fracture mechanics (EPFM) concepts. Microcrack iso-length data from uniaxial and torsional fatigue tests of 1045 steel and IN 718 are examined and correlated by introducing a transition crack length which governs the shift from nonlinear to linear crack length dependence of da/dN. This transition is related to the shift from strong microstructural influence to weak influence on the propagation of microcracks. Simple forms are introduced for both the transition crack length and the crack length-dependence of crack growth rate within the microcrack propagation framework (introduced previously by McDowell and Berard) and are employed to fit the 1045 steel and IN 718 microcrack iso-length data, assuming preexisting sub-grain size cracks. The nonlinear evolution of crack length with normalized cycles is then predicted over a range of stress amplitudes in uniaxial and torsional fatigue. The microcrack growth law is shown to have potential to correlate microcrack propagation behavior as well as damage accumulation for HCF-LCF loading sequences and sequences of applied stress states.
Do Brokerage House Recommendations Add Value

The author examines the recommendations made during the 1990s on stock selection and asset allocation, as published in two Wall Street Journal quarterly articles. Brokerage houses cannot add value in stock selection in the short term (one year or less) but they do over the long term (five years). Asset allocation recommendations do add value over the short term but not the long term. Although some brokerage houses generate consistent relative performance across stock selection and asset allocation over time, the correlation of the relative rankings of the brokerage houses as a group is negative.
Community‐based Security and Justice: Arbakai in Afghanistan

This article discusses the successful bottom‐up justice and security institutions in south‐east Afghanistan that are delivering justice and security to the people in a complex atmosphere characterised by a weak and contested state, high levels of corruption, massive international and regional intervention, internal conflict based on ideology and ethnicity, and exclusion of one ethnic group and overrepresentation of others in the political arena. These local‐level institutions are called Jirga and Arbakai. They have their own conceptual and contextual principles, which differentiate the Arbakai from private security companies, militias, or warlord‐related armed groups. In effect, the Arbakai serves as an alternative system to the state security sector, delivering physical security to individual members of a tribe and community.
Information theoretic measures of energy consumption at register transfer level

The problem of estimating the energy consumption at register transfer level is addressed from an information theoretical point of view. It is shown that the average switching activity can be predicted without simulation using either entropy or informational energy averages. Consequently, two new measures relying on these concepts are developed. The accuracy of these models is investigated using common benchmarks and the results are promising.
Probing timescales for colloidal particle adsorption using slug bubbles in rectangular microchannels

The adsorption of particles to fluid–fluid interfaces is a key step in the generation of colloidosomes and particle-stabilized emulsions. Microfluidic channels are a promising tool for generating particle-stabilized drops and bubbles with independent control over the bubble size and the concentration of particles adsorbed at the fluid interface. In this paper, we present experimental observations of the adsorption of a nanoparticle-surfactant suspension to confined bubbles translating along a microchannel. Long bubbles exhibit a unique two-lobed shape that is linked to the adsorption of surface-active particles to the interface at a timescale comparable to the residence time in the channel. An accompanying decrease in the bubble velocity results from the added viscous drag at the bubble interface. We develop a transport model to describe the rate of particle adsorption to the interface and find good agreement between the model estimates of bubble shape changes and experimental observation. The formation of the two-lobed shape is due to a difference in the velocity of the front and rear of the bubble, which can promote bubble break-up.
A call for guidance in the use of left ventricular assist devices in older adults.

Ethics, Public Policy and Medical Economics Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are approved as �destination therapy� (permanent use without plans for transplantation) in individuals with advanced heart failure who are not candidates for a cardiac transplant; as such, these devices are increasingly being used in older adults. Although LVADs have been shown to increase quality of life and survival, the associated treatment burdens and complications deserve careful consideration. The current study illustrates myriad clinical challenges that can arise during long-term mechanical support using an older adult case history. Current data on LVAD use in older adults is reviewed, and a discussion of relevant points to consider before LVAD implantation in older adults, including advance care planning, assessment of gait and cognition, and the potential for substantial caregiver burden, is undertaken.
Rapid Movement Kinematic and Electromyographic Control Characteristics in Males and Females

Abstract Maximally fast, self-terminated, elbow flexion movements were performed by 10 male and 10 female college-aged subjects to assess potential gender-related differences in kinematics and the triphasic electromyographic (EMG) pattern. The subjects were instructed to move their forearms as fast as possible through 90° of elbow flexion range of motion and stop as sharply as possible at the terminal point. An electromagnet, set to 0, 40, and 70% of each subject's maximal isometric torque, provided resistance to movement initiation and resulted in quick release movements. Surface EMG was collected from the biceps b. and triceps b. muscles. Results indicated that the males had faster movements and accelerations under all conditions. EMG records indicated that the males had faster rates of EMG rise, particularly in the triceps b., and more tightly coupled reciprocal activation. The quick release afforded faster accelerations for both groups, yet only the males moved faster throughout the full range of moti...
Pharmacokinetics of dideoxyinosine in neonatal pigtailed macaques.

Abstract To determine whether age affects the pharmacokinetics of dideoxyinosine in neonatal pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina), dideoxyinosine (10 mg/kg of body weight) was administered as a single intravenous bolus to macaques at ages < 1 week, 1 month, and 4 months. Clearance from plasma at < 1 week of age was significantly lower (P < 0.05) and the terminal half-life was significantly higher than the corresponding values obtained at 1 month and 4 months of age. Our data indicate that the pharmacokinetics of dideoxyinosine change significantly with age in M. nemestrina.
Specific determination of aerosol sulfuric acid in the presence of ammonium sulfate. A laboratory study

Abstract A method has been developed to specifically determine H 2 SO 4 aerosol in the presence of other particulate sulfates, including (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 . Prior to collection, the sample stream is heated to reduce relative humidity to ~40% such that (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 as well as other particulate sulfates are collected as solid particulates and do not react with the collection filter impregnating reagent. The glass fiber collection filter is impregnated with 2-perimidinylammonium bromide and collected H 2 SO 4 is immobilized as the sulfate salt. The collected particulate sulfates are converted to BaSO 4 by treatment with a barium acetate solution in methanol-acetone. Excess impregnating reagent is removed by frontal elution chromatography with methanol and then the organic sulfate is converted into an intensely colored compound, 2-amino, 4,6,9-trinitroperimidine, by reaction with HNO 3 . This compound behaves as an indicator and after adding excess base the intensity of the developed color is measured at 550 nm. The sensitivity of the method is 0.1 μg H 2 SO 4 and the working range is 0.2–50 μg H 2 SO 4 .
Fundamental Nonconvexities in Arrovian Markets and a Coasian Solution to the Problem of Externalities

Abstract D. Starrett [ J. Econ. Theory 4 (1972), 180–199] argues that the presence of externalities implies fundamental nonconvexities which cause Arrow markets to fail. While this is true, we argue this failure is due to the structure of the Arrovian markets that Starrett uses, and not to the presence of externalities as such. We provide an extension of a general equilibrium public goods model in which property rights are explicitly treated. Nonconvexities are not fundamental in this framework. We define a notion of Coasian equilibrium for this economy, and show first and second welfare theorems. In this context, the first welfare theorem is a type of Coase theorem. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: D62, H41.
The PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway: Implications in the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Epidemiologic and experimental studies support a key role of the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) pathway in the biology of human cancers. Alterations resulting in activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling are perhaps the most frequent events observed in solid tumors, including breast cancer, and contribute to neoplastic transformation. The PI3K/mTOR pathway can be activated by overproduction of growth factors or chemokines, loss of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression, or by mutations in growth factor receptors Ras, PTEN, or PI3K itself. Activation of this pathway contributes to cell cycle proliferation, growth, cell cycle entry, survival, cell motility, protein synthesis, and glucose metabolism, all important aspects of tumorigenesis. The most common genetic aberrations in breast cancer are activating somatic missense mutations in the gene encoding the p110a (PIK3CA) subunit of PI3K. The PTEN gene is often hypermethylated or decreased in expression, through as yet unclear mechanisms, in breast cancer. Studies have shown that PI3K/PTEN/AKT pathway modulation is implicated in HER2/neu-tumorigenesis and in response to the HER2-targeting antibody trastuzumab. Components of the pathway are regulated by feed-back and cross-talk to other signaling cascades and appear to be implicated with drug resistance. Over the past few years, a number of components of this signaling cascade have been the subject of intense drug-discovery activities. Rapamycin analogs have already been shown to have antitumor efficacy in some tumor types. Newer-generation PI3K, AKT, and mTOR inhibitors have shown significant promise preclinically and are now in clinical trials. This article summarizes the progress made in the elucidation of the pathway, clinical implications in pathology of breast cancer, and reviews novel drugs targeting this pathway for cancer treatment, particularly inhibitors of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR, currently undergoing clinical trials. Potential combination strategies, safety concerns, and resistance mechanisms for this new generation of anticancer agents are also discussed.
Human eosinophils are activated by cysteine proteases and release inflammatory mediators

Background: Recent studies suggest that serine proteases are involved in various biological responses through activation of protease-activated receptors (PARs). However, the functions of other proteases, such as cysteine proteases, are poorly understood and need elucidation. Objective: We examined the effects of an authentic cysteine protease, papain, and a protease derived from the mite allergen, Der f 1, on functions of human eosinophils. Methods: Purified eosinophils were incubated with papain or Der f 1. Eosinophil activation was monitored by superoxide anion generation and by degranulation. Intracellular signaling pathways were investigated through use of pharmacologic approaches. Results: We found that papain potently induces human eosinophils to degranulate and to produce superoxide anion. A cysteine protease inhibitor, E-64, abolished the stimulatory effects of papain, which suggests that the protease activity of papain is necessary to trigger eosinophil responses. The eosinophil's response to papain was enhanced by IL-5 and mediated by activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway. Interestingly, whereas a serine protease, trypsin, activated eosinophils through PAR2, the effects of papain were not inhibited by an antibody to PAR2, which suggests another novel mechanism for the eosinophils' response to cysteine proteases. It is likely that these observations are clinically important, because eosinophils were activated by a natural cysteine protease allergen, Der f 1, and released granule proteins. Conclusion: Human eosinophils are probably equipped with machineries that recognize and respond to cysteine proteases, such as those found at allergic inflammation sites; the result is active release of proinflammatory mediators.
The translation of turbulent wind energy to individual corn plant motion during senescense

Wind flow within inflexible plant canopies is turbulent and leads to an oscillatory motion of individual plants. A study was conducted to describe the motion of corn (Zea mays L.) stalks in the wind using a transfer function in the frequency domain to gain insight into the transfer of energy between the turbulent wind and the corn plant. Plant motion was measured and the wind moment was estimated on 23 plants during six windy days in October 1988, at West Lafayette, IN. Plant motion was theoretically described by a rigid rod. The results showed that lower stalk motion was generally well described by a second-order response model defined by a damping coefficient, natural frequency, and rotary stiffness.
I Got a Natural Skill…: Hip-Hop, Authenticity, and Whiteness

While hip hop remains forever tied to its African American roots, it is now undeniably evident in all aspects of popular culture. Eminem, a White MC, has achieved a level of success unmatched in the world of hip-hop. Conscious of his race, Eminem stresses that he is not to be placed in the White rapper category but should be respected for his skills. Despite this yearning, his emergence in a musical genre linked to Black culture furnishes a point of entry to outline strategies White MC's use to negotiate and rearticulate Whiteness as they strive for authenticity. Popular culture and media are implicated in the social construction of race by providing texts reinforcing and maintaining essentialized notions of Blackness and Whiteness, and hip hop is central to this process. The power and privilege of Whiteness resides in its non-naming and in response, hip-hop clearly marks Whiteness and provides a space to critically interrogate and question its normalcy. With relatively few discussions pertaining to White...
Erk in kidney diseases.

Acute or chronic kidney injury results from various insults and pathological conditions, and is accompanied by activation of compensatory repair mechanisms. Both insults and repair mechanisms are initiated by circulating factors, whose cellular effects are mediated by activation selective signal transduction pathways. Two main signal transduction pathways are activated during these processes, the phosphatidylinositol 3′ kinase (PI-3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades. This review will focus on the latter, and more specifically on the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) cascade in kidney injury and repair.
Approximating reachable sets for a class of linear control systems

We present a technique for overestimating the reachable set from the origin for a class of n-dimensional linear control systems. The proposed ‘box’ method is based upon decomposing the system into one and two-dimensional subsystems for which bounds on the new variables can readily be found. Using these bounds enables the construction of a n-dimensional parallelepiped containing the reachable set of the original system. Examples of this procedure are given as well as a comparison to an overapproximation afforded by a Lyapunov approach.
Cytochrome P450 2D6 Genotype Variation and Venlafaxine Dosage

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the presence or absence of a fully functioning cytochrome P450 2D6 allele was associated with the dosage of the antidepressant drug venlafaxine in patients who had either adverse effects or absence of a therapeutic response to treatment with the immediate release or extended release form of venlafaxine. PATIENTS AND METHODS We reviewed the electronic medical records of 199 patients enrolled in a previous pharmacogenomic study (June 1, 2002 through April 30, 2004) who had either adverse effects or the absence of a therapeutic response to treatment with psychotropic medications. This review identified 38 patients previously treated with venlafaxine immediate release or extended release and subsequently genotyped for the 2D6 gene with a commercial genotyping assay. Their dosage was examined along with their 2D6 genotype to determine whether the presence or absence of a fully functioning 2D6 allele was associated with their venlafaxine dosage. RESULTS Of the 38 patients, 5 had a 2D6 genotype that consisted of 1 inactive allele and 1 allele associated with decreased activity. None of these 5 patients were able to tolerate treatment with more than 75 mg/d of venlafaxine. The remaining 33 patients had at least 1 fully active 2D6 allele, 26 of whom had been able to tolerate treatment with 150 mg/d or more of venlafaxine ( P CONCLUSION Genetic variations of the P450 2D6 gene may contribute to patient-specific variation in response to treatment with venlafaxine. Physicians should be alert to the possibility that an adverse reaction may indicate a slow metabolizer and consider genotyping such patients.
Effect of subway car design on vibration exposure

Abstract A field study was conducted to determine the vibration characteristics of subway train cars in terms of the whole-body vibration exposure levels transmitted to train operators. A total of five car types was tested and analyzed. To be able to compare different car types, vibration measurements were made under conditions for which all variables other than the car type were constant. The study was carried out in accordance with the measurement and evaluation techniques outlined in the ISO 2631 (1985) standard on whole-body vibration. The results obtained were analyzed to assess the effectiveness of each car type in reducing the mechanical vibrations transmitted to train operators. Up to 31% lower overall vibration levels were observed for cars with air-cushioned suspensions than for the cars with spring-based suspensions. Relevance to industry Operators of trucks, buses, trains, helicopters, fork-lifts, and forestry, mining, and agricultural equipment are exposed to occupational vibration. Daily exposure to whole-body vibration over many years may cause psychological and physiological disturbances. Studies that investigate the sources of vibration and factors that influence vibration exposure levels, and that compare different equipment to provide options to industry, may contribute to the improvement of health, safety, and well-being of the operators.
Assembly and Activity of Respiratory Complex II in Nanolipoprotein Particles

Mitochondrial respiratory Complex II (succinate:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) couples the citric acid cycle to the electron transport chain by oxidizing succinate in the matrix and passing electrons to ubiquinone in the inner membrane. Complex II is comprised of a soluble catalytic heterodimer (Sdh1/Sdh2) and a membrane-bound heterodimer (Sdh3/Sdh4). The structure of Complex II is well established; however, little is known about how the lipid environment regulates holocomplex assembly and activity. To address this question, we reconstituted Complex II from native biomembranes into nanoscale phospholipid bilayers (nanodiscs) containing a defined lipid content. We found that the dimeric phospholipid cardiolipin, the signature lipid of energy-conserving membranes, is critical for Complex II stability and function. First, the presence of cardiolipin in the bilayer promoted the interaction of the soluble and membrane-bound dimers. Second, cardiolipin was essential for enzymatic activity of the reconstituted complex and for curtailment of reactive oxygen species production. The function of cardiolipin could be partially compensated by the presence of phosphatidylglycerol, another phospholipid with an anionic headgroup; moreover, reducing the acyl chain lengths of cardiolipin used for reconstitution prevented its stimulatory effect on Complex II activity. Hence, both the headgroup and hydrocarbon chains of cardiolipin play important roles. Using this experimental platform, we have employed site-specific fluorescence labeling to address which structural elements of Complex II membrane subunits undergo conformational dynamics during assembly. Our results indicate that Sdh3 matrix-facing helix I, which interacts extensively with the catalytic dimer in the holocomplex, undergoes structural changes when reconstituted with Sdh4, but not Sdh4 homologs, suggesting that this helix may act as a conformational switch for downstream assembly steps (e.g., recruitment of the soluble dimer). Taken together, we show that Complex II is structurally dynamic during assembly and that its function is highly lipid-dependent.
Depth-fused multi-focal plane displays enable accurate depth perception

Many different approaches to three-dimensional (3-D) displays have been explored, most of which are considered to be stereoscopic-type. The stereoscopic-type displays create depth perception by presenting two perspective images, one for each eye, of a 3D scene from two slightly different viewing positions. They have been the dominant technology adopted for many applications, spanning the fields of flight simulation, scientific visualization, medicine, engineering design, education and training, and entertainment systems. Existing stereoscopic displays, however, lack the ability to produce accurate focus cues, which have been suggested to contribute to various visual artifacts such as visual fatigue. This paper will review some recent work on vari- and multi-focal plane display technologies that are capable of rendering nearly correct focus cues for 3D objects and these technologies have great promise of enabling more accurate depth perception for 3D tasks.
Block storage listener for detecting file-level intrusions

An intrusion detection system (IDS) is usually located and operated at the host, where it captures local suspicious events, or at an appliance that listens to the network activity. Providing an online IDS to the storage controller is essential for dealing with compromised hosts or coordinated attacks by multiple hosts. SAN block storage controllers are connected to the world via block-level protocols, such as iSCSI and Fibre Channel. Usually, block-level storage systems do not maintain information specific to the file-system using them. The range of threats that can be handled at the block level is limited. A file system view at the controller, together with the knowledge of which arriving block belongs to which file or inode, will enable the detection of file-level threats. In this paper, we present IDStor, an IDS for block-based storage. IDStor acts as a listener to storage traffic, out of the controller's I/O path, and is therefore attractive for integration into existing SAN-based storage solutions. IDStor maintains a block-to-file mapping that is updated online. Using this mapping, IDStor infers the semantics of file-level commands from the intercepted block-level operations, thereby detecting file-level intrusions by merely observing the block read and write commands passing between the hosts and the controller.
Modeling slowly bursting neurons via calcium store and voltage-independent calcium current

Recent experiments indicate that the calcium store (e.g., endoplasmic reticulum) is involved in electrical bursting and [Ca2+]i oscillation in bursting neuronal cells. In this paper, we formulate a mathematical model for bursting neurons, which includes Ca2+ in the intracellular Ca2+ stores and a voltage-independent calcium channel (VICC). This VICC is activated by a depletion of Ca2+ concentration in the store, [Ca2+]CS. In this model, [Ca2+]CS oscillates slowly, and this slow dynamic in turn gives rise to electrical bursting. The newly formulated model thus is radically different from existing models of bursting excitable cells, whose mechanism owes its origin to the ion channels in the plasma membrane and the [Ca2+]i dynamics. In addition, this model is capable of providing answers to some puzzling phenomena, which the previous models could not (e.g., why cAMP, glucagon, and caffeine have ability to change the burst periodicity). Using mag-fura-2 fluorescent dyes, it would be interesting to verify the prediction of the model that (1) [Ca2+]CS oscillates in bursting neurons such as Aplysia neuron and (2) the neurotransmitters and hormones that affect the adenylate cyclase pathway can influence this oscillation.
Empirical Software Change Impact Analysis using Singular Value Decomposition

Verification and validation techniques often generate various forms of software development artifacts. Change records created from verification and validation efforts show how files in the system tend to change together in response to fixes for identified faults and failures. We propose a methodology for determining the impact of a new system modification by analyzing software change records through singular value decomposition. This methodology generates clusters of files that historically tend to change together to address faults and failures found in the code base. We performed a post hoc case study using this technique on five open source software systems. We determined that our technique was effective in identifying impacted files in a system from an introduced change when the developers tended to make small, targeted updates to the source system regularly. We further compared our technique against two other impact analysis techniques (Pathlmpact and Coveragelmpact) and found that our technique provided comparable results, while also identifying non-source files that could be impacted by the change.
Formation of High-Quality, Epitaxial La2Zr2O7 Layers on Biaxially Textured Substrates by Slot-Die Coating of Chemical Solution Precursors

Crystallization studies were performed of epitaxial La{sub 2}Zr{sub 2}O{sub 7} (LZO) films on biaxially textured Ni-3at.%W substrates having thin Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} (10 nm) seed layers. LZO films were deposited under controlled humid atmosphere using reel-to-reel slot-die coating of chemical solution precursors. Controlled crystallization under various processing conditions has revealed a broad phase space for obtaining high-quality, epitaxial LZO films without microcracks, with no degradation of crystallographic texture and with high surface crystallinity. Crack-free and strong c-axis aligned LZO films with no random orientation were obtained even at relatively low annealing temperatures of 850-950 C in flowing one atmosphere gas mixtures of Ar-4% H2 with an effective oxygen partial pressure of P(O2){approx}10{sup -22} atm. Texture and reflection high-energy electron diffraction analyses reveal that low-temperature-annealed samples have strong cube-on-cube epitaxy and high surface crystallinity, comparable to those of LZO film annealed at high temperature of 1100 C. In addition, these samples have a smoother surface morphology than films annealed at higher temperatures. Ni diffusion rate into the LZO buffer film is also expected to be significantly reduced at the lower annealing temperatures.
Gas turbine bottoming cycles: Triple-pressure steam versus Kalina

The performance of a triple-pressure steam cycle has been compared with a single-stage Kalina cycle and an optimized three-stage Kalina cycle as the bottoming sections of a gas turbine combined cycle power plant. A Monte Carlo direct search was used to find the optimum separator temperature and ammonia mass fraction for the three-stage Kalina cycle for a specific plant configuration. Both Kalina cycles were more efficient than the triple pressure steam cycle. Optimization of the three-stage Kalina cycle resulted in almost a two percentage point improvement.
Radiochemical purity and stability of generic 99mTc Tetrofosmin

2731 Objectives Myoview (GE Healthcare) is currently the only Tc-99m Tetrofosmin radiopharmaceutical available in the United States. Shortly, a generic Tetrofosmin preparation may become available. The aim of this study is to evaluate the radiochemical purity and stability of generic Tc-99m Tetrofosmin at higher concentrations than recommended by the manufacturer. Methods Generic Tc-99m Tetrofosmin (AnazaoHealth) was formulated according to manufacturer instructions at two specific concentrations; 503 mCi and 704 mCi. The radiochemical purity and stability of each specific formulation was evaluated up to 8.25 hours after preparation using miniaturized chromatography consisting of Whatman 1 strips with ethyl acetate. At each specific time period, three replicate chromatography samples were analyzed and the data statistically summarized by calculating mean percent labeling. Results For Tc-99m Tetrofosmin prepared at a lower concentration (503 mCi), the initial mean radiochemical purity was 90.4% and remained greater than 90% for the duration of the study (91.0% at 7.25 hours). The mean radiochemical purity of the higher concentration Tc-99m Tetrofosmin preparation (704 mCi) was 88.3% and decreased with increasing time post formulation (85.5% at 8.25 hours). Conclusions The radiochemical purity and stability of generic Tc-99m Tetrofosmin was evaluated up to 8.25 hours post formulation at higher activity concentrations than the manufacturer’s recommendation of 360 mCi. Radiochemical purity results greater than 90% were achieved with the lower concentration (503 mCi) Tc-99m Tetrofosmin formulation and not with the higher concentration (704 mCi) Tc-99m Tetrofosmin formulation
Lack of Expansion of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class Ib-Restricted Effector Cells following Recovery from Secondary Infection with the Intracellular Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes

Sublethal infection of BALB/c mice with the intracellular bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes leads to the development of antilisterial immunity with concurrent stimulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ia- and Ib-restricted CD8+ effector T cells. Secondary L. monocytogenes infection is followed by an accelerated increase in the number of Listeria-specific CD8+ cells and rapid clearance of the bacterium from the murine host. Recovery from secondary infection is associated with increased levels of effector cell function, as measured by gamma interferon secretion following coculture of immune cells with L. monocytogenes infected APCs in vitro, as well as antilisterial cytotoxicity, as measured by effector cell recognition of L. monocytogenes-infected target cells. We assessed the frequency of L. monocytogenes-specific MHC class I-restricted cells following secondary infection by ELISPOT assays utilizing coculture of immune cells with L. monocytogenes-infected antigen-presenting cells that express MHC class Ia and/or Ib molecules. We found that the antilisterial Qa-1b (MHC class Ib)-restricted effector subset is not detected as an expanded population following secondary infection compared to the frequency of this effector population as measured following recovery from primary infection. This is in contrast to the frequency of antilisterial H2-Kd (MHC class Ia)-restricted effector cells, which following recovery from secondary infection are detected as an expanded population, and appears to undergo a substantial expansion event 3 to 4 days post-secondary infection. These results are consistent with the conclusion that although Listeria-specific MHC class Ib-restricted effector cells are present following recovery from secondary infection, this subset does not appear to undergo the expansion phase that is detected for the MHC class Ia-restricted effector cell response.
Cyclizationcycloaddition cascades for the construction of azapolycyclic ring systems

Cyclic 2-amidofuranones were obtained from the Rh(II)-catalyzed reaction of alpha-diazoketo substituted pyrrolidine derivatives. These compounds are derived by a [1,4]-hydrogen transfer from an ini...
Consumer decision support systems: a health care case study

Next-generation business-to-consumer electronic commerce applications will rely more on locating, integrating and presenting valuable information to consumers than implementing simple economic exchanges. While there are certainly profits to be captured in the economic exchange, the upstream information gathering and decision-making activities offer some interesting opportunities for consumer support. Data warehousing offers the ability to implement consumer decision support systems (DSSs) that allow consumers to identify an interesting subset of fine-grained transactions, analyze the data and produce customized reports. This paper uses an existing health-care data warehouse to explore the use of detailed data in constructing consumer DSSs. The health-care arena is characterized by complex consumer decision-making, such as the need to become educated with regard to a particular illness and the various treatment options. The example reports demonstrate how detailed knowledge regarding the health-care delivery system, including hospitals and physicians, can supplement the clinical perspective of an informed consumer.
Temperature dependence of the hysteresis properties of polycrystalline spinel ferrite and garnet materials

The hysteresis properties of polycrystalline spinel ferrite and garnet compositions with 4\piM_{s} in the 380 to 5000 gauss range were investigated to determine their temperature stability over the range from -55 to +85°C. Magnesium, nickel, and garnet type compositions, which possess low microwave dielectric losses ( \tan \delta ) were chosen for investigation. Many of the materials exhibited suitable room temperature characteristics for microwave latching applications. The remanent magnetic flux density, coercive force, and squareness of the hysteresis loop for these compositions were found to be quite temperature dependent, thus placing a limitation on their usefulness. Lithium ferrites, which normally possess high Curie temperatures and high microwave dielectric losses were also investigated. It was found that in these materials the dielectric losses can be reduced to \tan \delta while providing superior temperature stable hysteresis characteristics. The merits of the lithium ferrites indicate promise for microwave latching applications requiring temperature stability.