cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural study of an unusual cubic pyrochlore Bi1.5Zn0.92Nb1.5O6.92

Single-phase pyrochlore-type specimens of Bi1.5Zn0.92Nb1.5O6.92 were studied using combined electron, X-ray and neutron powder diffraction techniques. Rietveld refinements using neutron powder diffraction data confirmed an average pyrochlore structure A2B2O6O′ (Fd&3macr;m, a=10.5616(1) A) with both Bi and Zn mixed on the A-sites. However, refinements revealed significant local deviations from the ideal pyrochlore arrangement which were caused by apparent displacive disorder on both the A and O′ sites. The best fit was obtained with a disordered model in which the A-cations were randomly displaced by ∼0.39 A from the ideal eight-fold coordinated positions. The displacements occur along the six 〈112〉 directions perpendicular to the O′–A–O′ links. In addition, the O′ ions were randomly displaced by ∼0.46 A along all 12 〈110〉 directions. Crystal–chemical considerations suggest the existence of short-range correlations between the O′ displacements and both the occupancy of the A-sites (i.e., Bi or Zn) and the directions of the A-cation displacements. The combined A-cation and O′ displacements change the coordination sphere of the A-cations from 8 to (5+3); the resulting coordination environment of the A-cations bears similarities to that of the (5+1)coordinated Zn in zirconolite-like Bi2Zn2/3Nb4/3O7. The observed displacive disorder in the A2O′ network of the Bi1.5Zn0.92Nb1.5O6.92 structure involves atoms associated with the lowest-frequency vibrational bending mode, and is likely responsible for both the high dielectric constant and the dielectric relaxation reported for this compound.
A study of the reaction 16O(p, p')16O exciting the 6.05 MeV O+ level

Abstract The cross section for excitation of the 6.05 MeV state in 16 O is measured. A parameter-free microscopic calculation gives good agreement with the data.
Instrument and Method for Visualizing and Characterizing Gravity-Induced Flow of Gels in an Environment Simulating Aspects of the Vaginal Lumen

Developing a mechanism capable of protecting the vaginal or rectal epithelium from sexually transmitted pathogens can be an effective tool in the prevention of HIV infection [1]. One such tool can come in the form of a microbicide gel, which provides a physical barrier and acts as a delivery vehicle for its active ingredient [1]. In order for the microbicide to be an effective barrier and delivery vehicle, it must have the capability to coat the epithelium for a specific amount of time and sustain its structural integrity under the influence of gravity and other perturbation forces. In addition, to be used as a drug delivery vehicle the microbicide must serve the following functions: coat the surface completely without leaving any of the surface exposed, stay on the surface while influenced by external forces such as gravity and squeezing, and must be able to contain potent concentrations of one or more active microbicidal ingredients.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Transportation with common carrier and private fleets: system assignment and shipment frequency optimization

In this chapter, a shipment can either be served by a private carrier or a common carrier. The cost of using the private carrier declines as the space between stops decreases. Therefore, if more stops are assigned to private carriage, the cost of adding another stop will decline. The methodology presented in this chapter for assigning stops to private and common carriage accounts for this cost interaction through use of a square-root route length approximation. Techniques are presented for systems with (1) fixed shipping cycle for all stops with a variable fleet size, (2) fixed shipping cycle for all stops with a fixed fleet size, and (3) variable shipping cycles with a variable fleet size. In the last case, the optimal time between shipments accounts for both transportation and inventory costs.
Synthetic LGE derived from cardiac T1 mapping for simultaneous assessment of focal and diffuse cardiac fibrosis

Background While late gadolinium enhanced (LGE) MRI is the gold standard for detection of focal myocardial scarring [1], it is less effective than cardiac T1 mapping (ECV) for detection of diffuse fibrosis. LGE, in principle, can be synthesized from cardiac T1 maps. We sought to derive synthetic LGE images from saturation-recovery based cardiac T1 maps for simultaneous assessment of focal and diffuse cardiac fibrosis.
Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS)

In patients with ALPS, defective homeostasis of lymphocytes is reflected in abnormal accumulation of lymphocytes, leading to lymphadenopathy, (hepato)splenomegaly and hypersplenism, autoimmunity due to a failure to remove autoreactive lymphocytes, and inappropriate survival of lymphocytes associated with an increased occurrence of lymphoma. Several of the laboratory findings are unique for ALPS and reflect defective Fas-mediated apoptosis and abnormal immune regulation. Much has been learned about the molecular mechanisms that underlie defective Fas-mediated apoptosis and the complex relationship between genotype, phenotype and disease penetrance. Family studies strongly suggest the contribution of one or more additional factors to the pathogenesis of ALPS. This may pertain to defective immunoregulation by an altered IL-2/IL-2 receptor system, reflected in the specific loss of CD4+/CD25+ T cells, and/or by the highly increased IL-10 levels, but other factors may equally be involved. Treatment strategies remain mostly targeted at the disease manifestations, but more specific therapies directed at the primary pathogenic defects themselves might become possible in the future. Continued efforts directed at both careful clinical follow-up and basic scientific investigation are needed to increase our understanding of the incidence, natural history, and pathogenesis of ALPS. In return, this may prove of benefit for the understanding of autoimmune disease in general.
Contributions to the heat capacity of alpha (HCP) titanium from 200 1000 K

The heat capacity at constant pressure Cpof alpha (HCP) titanium from 200 to 1000 K has been analyzed for contributions from lattice vibrations and electron excitations. Experimental data in the literature have been used to obtain the heat capacity at constant volume CVby the dilation correction. From CVhas been subtracted an harmonic lattice contribution CVHgiven by the Debye heat capacity using a single Debye temperature and an electronic contribution CVE. The difference CV−(CVH+CVE) is positive, and from about 600 to 1000 K it is real in the sense that it is larger than the experimental uncertainty in CV. This difference is attributed to an anharmonic lattice vibration contribution CVA. Two models for CVE have been used. One, which includes electron-phonon enhancement, leads to a CVAof about 15% of CVat 1000 K. The other takes into account the shift in the density of states with temperature and leads to a CVAof about 5% of CV
Educational Training: A Reevaluation

There is an undeniable need for improved coordination of educatio al trai ing efforts. The only surprise is that the education profession is taking so long to do something about it. There are fewer students now select ing teaching careers and consequently less support money for individual training programs. The outlook is for continued lower enrollments and progressively tighter taxpayer control over monies to support higher educa tion.
Accuracy of Pedometry on a Head-mounted Display

The accuracy of pedometry varies depending on where an inertial sensor is located on the body. Motivated by the increasing popularity of wearable computing, this paper investigates the accuracy with which pedometry can be achieved on a head-mounted device: something previous research has not investigated. A study with 16 subjects compares the accuracy of pedometry for walking and running with an inertial sensor located at the head, pocket and hand/arm. Our study did not detect a significant difference in step counting accuracy between sensor locations, which demonstrates the feasibility of pedometry-based apps for head-mounted displays.
Effective photochromic nonlinearity of dried blue-membrane bacteriorhodopsin films.

We report the effective nonlinearity for photochromic conversion in a blue-membrane bacteriorhodopsin film hosted in a dry polyvinyl alcohol matrix. The shift in absorption maximum on photoconversion in this film is larger than that of the same material in hydrated form, thus offering a larger modulation of the refractive index. The photoexcited index modulation is stable for several months, which provides for holographic data recording and long-term photochromic data storage. The effective index modulation is experimentally measured and is in good agreement with the theoretical predictions based on the Kramers–Kronig transformation.
A phenomenological study of the shape memory effect in polycrystalline uranium-niobium alloys

When uranium-niobium alloys containing between 13.9 and 17.9 at. pct Nb are quenched to room temperature from the BCC (γ) phase at elevated temperatures, diffusion-controlled precipitation of the equilibrium phases is prevented and martensitic transformations to transition phases occur instead. Dilatometry was used to detect transformation temperatures and with the help of X-ray diffraction analysis, a metastable phase diagram was established. At room temperature after quenching, alloys containing < 15.2 at. pct Nb were monoclinic (α″) and those with < 16.6 at. pct Nb were tetragonal (γ°). The deformation behavior and shape memory effects (SME) accompanying the reverse martensitic phase transformations in polycristalline specimens were surveyed and characterized phenomelogically. From uniaxial tensile tests at room temperature, macroscopic stress-strain parameters, associated with the reversible deformation modes in the α″ and γ° martensites, were defined and their composition and structural state dependencies delineated. A diffuse maximum manifested in the stress-strain diagrams was identified with the reversible strain limit, which varied inversely and continuously with composition. A concentration-independent value of 693 MPa was found for the plastic yield strength of the alloys. All the alloys exhibited heat-activated shape recovery but the degree depended on structural state and composition. The α″ alloys showed a much larger effect than γ° alloys. Shape recovery occurred in two stages in all alloys. The first stage of recovery accompanied martensite reversion but final reversion to the equilibrium y phase was not accomplished until much higher temperatures were reached. Rapid, low temperature aging reactions were thought to affect the finish of shape recovery and delay it to higher temperatures.
Comparison of Four Cursor Control Devices for Development of a Powered Laparoscopic Surgery Tool – Users' Opinions:

Laparoscopic surgery greatly benefits the patient: it reduces recovery time, has a lower cost than other procedures, and has a greater cosmetic benefit. With every benefit, there is usually a cost. Laparoscopic surgery comes at the cost of the surgeons. Surgeons must cope with disadvantages caused from unergonomic handles. The current tools create awkward postures, pressure points and nerve legions. The purpose of the current study was to determine the best input device for a hot, powered, laparoscopic surgery tool. The current study tested four different input devices on a previously designed ergonomic laparoscopic tool handle using a target acquisition task. The input devices tested were the: Mouse Button Module, TouchPad, MiniJoystick Module, and MicroJoystick. Users' provided feedback via a questionnaire. Results show that the TouchPad and MicroJoystick are the best input devices for a powered tool with the MicroJoystick leading the pack.
The Decomposition of Molybdenum Hexacarbonyl on Thin Alumina Films at High Temperatures: Formation and Reduction of Carbides

Film growth by reaction of molybdenum hexacarbonyl with an alumina film deposited onto a Mo(100) substrate is investigated under ultrahigh vacuum where a significant deposition rate is found only for substrate temperatures above ∼670 K. Auger and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements reveal that a monolayer of molybdenum carbide (MoC) is deposited onto the alumina surface forming a monolayer after an exposure of ∼40 L. This layer is reduced to the metal by heating to ∼1500 K by reaction with the alumina substrate to evolve CO and form metallic molybdenum. The carbide can be re-formed by heating the metal-covered alumina sample in ethylene at 900 K, and the carbide can once again be reduced to the metal by heating to 1500 K. This process can be repeated so that the carbide can be regrown by reaction with ethylene and reduced by annealing in vacuo to 1500 K.
Separation of H-activity from isolated glycoproteins of human O erythrocyte membranes.

. H activity can be dissociated from human erythrocyte membrane glycoproteins prepared from OMM or ONN erythrocytes utilizing Phaseolus vulgaris phytohemagglutinin coupled to Sepharose 4B or by precipitation of the glycoproteins with soluble phytohemagglutinin. The three glycoprotein components of the erythrocyte membrane, as resolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, bind specifically to phytohemagglutinin. Although such glycoproteins no longer exhibit H activity, they do retain M or N activity. H activity can be recovered in a fraction that does not bind to phytohemagglutinin coupled to Sepharose or to soluble phytohemagglutinin, contains no detectable glycoprotein components, and binds to Ulex lectin coupled to Sepharose.
Unmasking tandem site interaction in human acetylcholinesterase. Substrate activation with a cationic acetanilide substrate.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) contains a narrow and deep active site gorge with two sites of ligand binding, an acylation site (or A-site) at the base of the gorge, and a peripheral site (or P-site) ...
Bicultural Advertising and Hispanic Acculturation.

This study examined the moderating effects of acculturation modes (assimilated, integrated, and separated) on Hispanic consumers’ responses to three advertising targeting strategies (Caucasian targeted, bicultural, and Hispanic targeted). The hypotheses were empirically tested in a 3 × 3 factorial experiment with 155 self-identified Hispanic adult consumers, where their acculturation modes were measured and the advertising stimuli they viewed were manipulated. Based on the ANCOVA (analysis of covariance) test results, it was found that Hispanic consumers’ attitudes toward different targeted ads and their purchase intentions for the products promoted in the ads were significantly influenced by their acculturation modes. The study results also highlighted integrated Hispanic consumers’ dual identification with both mainstream society and their Hispanic heritage, and their preference for bicultural and bilingual ads.
The Nipple: A Simple Intersection of Mammary Gland and Integument, but Focal Point of Organ Function

Having glands that secrete milk to nourish neonatal offspring characterizes all mammals. We provide a brief overview of the development and anatomy of nipples and mammary glands in monotremes, marsupials, and marine mammals, and focus on the nipples and mammary glands in terrestrial eutherian species. We first classify eutherians into three groups: the altricial, precocial, and arboreal types based on their rearing system. We then summarize the physiology of lactation and the cell biology of nipples with specific focus on comparing these in the mouse, cow, and human, which represent the three different groups. Finally we propose that the nipple is an example of specialized epidermis. As specialized epidermis, it is dependent the underlying stroma for development and maintenance in adult life. The development of the nipple and signaling pathways that regulate its formation are described.
Methodological variability in microbial community level physiological profiles

We performed two experiments to assess the methodological variability of microbial community-level physiological profiles (CLPP, using the BiOLOG assay) in soil from a California annual grassland ecosystem. In a study to assess the impact of sample preparation, we found that bacteria adhered to soil surfaces are numerically dominant and have CLPPs indistinguishable from that of intact soil. Studies that allow soil particles to settle prior to dilution or plating may not accurately reflect the substrate utilization pattern of whole soil. In a hierarchical ANOVA, we found that nearly all of the methodological variability in the CLPP assay comes from soil replicates rather than plate replicates. Many laboratories replicate at the level of the CLPP plate. Our results indicate that to best represent a given soil sample, it is important to replicate soil subsamples, rather than CLPP plates.
An ultra-wideband dual, stacked, U-slot microstrip antenna

A common technique to improve the impedance bandwidth of a microstrip antenna is the use of electromagnetically coupled stacked patches. A novel topology of an ultra-wideband, dual, stacked, U-slot patch antenna is proposed. The antenna is simulated using the commercially available CAD tool, IE3D. The results of the performance simulation of the antenna are included. The proposed antenna topology exhibits a 2:1 VSWR bandwidth of 65% and a peak gain of 9.4 dBi.
Dissecting the psoriasis transcriptome: inflammatory- and cytokine-driven gene expression in lesions from 163 patients

Psoriasis lesions are characterized by large-scale shifts in gene expression. Mechanisms that underlie differentially expressed genes (DEGs), however, are not completely understood. We analyzed existing datasets to evaluate genome-wide expression in lesions from 163 psoriasis patients. Our aims were to identify mechanisms that drive differential expression and to characterize heterogeneity among lesions in this large sample. We identified 1233 psoriasis-increased DEGs and 977 psoriasis-decreased DEGs. Increased DEGs were attributed to keratinocyte activity (56%) and infiltration of lesions by T-cells (14%) and macrophages (11%). Decreased DEGs, in contrast, were associated with adipose tissue (63%), epidermis (14%) and dermis (4%). KC/epidermis DEGs were enriched for genes induced by IL-1, IL-17A and IL-20 family cytokines, and were also disproportionately associated with AP-1 binding sites. Among all patients, 50% exhibited a heightened inflammatory signature, with increased expression of genes expressed by T-cells, monocytes and dendritic cells. 66% of patients displayed an IFN-γ-strong signature, with increased expression of genes induced by IFN-γ in addition to several other cytokines (e.g., IL-1, IL-17A and TNF). We show that such differences in gene expression can be used to differentiate between etanercept responders and non-responders. Psoriasis DEGs are partly explained by shifts in the cellular composition of psoriasis lesions. Epidermal DEGs, however, may be driven by the activity of AP-1 and cellular responses to IL-1, IL-17A and IL-20 family cytokines. Among patients, we uncovered a range of inflammatory- and cytokine-associated gene expression patterns. Such patterns may provide biomarkers for predicting individual responses to biologic therapy.
Studies on (Na+K+)-activated ATPase XVII. Effect of ouabain and erythrophleine on potassium concentration and membrane potential of frog sartorius muscle

Abstract 1. 1. The effect of ouabain and erythrophleine on K + , Na + and Cl − concentrations and membrane potential in frog sartorius muscle was studied in view of reports that changes in internal ionic concentrations would not be concerned in the effect of ouabain on membrane potential. 2. 2. The two drugs each caused a decrease in membrane potential and K + concentration. The observed change in potential agreed with the expected change calculated from the decrease in K + concentration. 3. 3. There was also an uptake of Na + , larger than the loss of K + , and an uptake of Cl − equivalent to the excess Na + uptake, as well as an uptake of water sufficient to make the entering NaCl solution isotonic. 4. 4. The results are in quantitative as well as qualitative agreement with a role of ouabain- and erythrophleine-sensitive (Na + K + )-activated ATPase in the cation transport of frog sartorius muscle.
Divergent Paths of Counter-Neoliberalization: Materiality and the Labor Process in Bolivia's Natural Resource Sectors:

Social scientists have often focused upon how transnational corporations and elites mold socioeconomic organization and change in an era of neoliberal globalization. Often overlooked, however, are the active roles played by labor and nature in the construction of contemporary forms of capitalism. Examining the case of Bolivia, this paper explores how the laborers and natures in the country's two dominant economic sectors—hydrocarbons and minerals—shaped the country's neoliberal and counter-neoliberal shifts. I argue that, while both sectors were subjected to similar processes of neoliberalization, the materiality of the natural resources and the labor required to extract them have created divergent paths of counter-neoliberalization with different implications for the scope and reach of post-neoliberal possibilities. In theorizing neoliberal and counter-neoliberal shifts, scholars should thus seek to understand not only changing property rights, regulations, and institutional forms, but also the intimate ...
Calculation of the Burning Rates of Interacting Fuel Droplets

Abstract The quasi-steady (QS) burning rates of interacting spherical fuel droplets are calculated by transforming the equations governing the inter-droplet fields to the Laplace equation and then solving the transformed equations by the method of images. The results of this work indicate that QS interactions can significantly reduce the droplet burning rates even for large droplet spacings. Further, the well known D2-law is found to be only approximately correct when applied to interacting droplets.
Maintaining sinus rhythm with antifibrillatory drugs in atrial fibrillation

Management of atrial fibrillation is a common and complex clinical problem. Two major treatment strategies have emerged: suppression of recurrences versus control of ventricular rate and anticoagulation to reduce the risk of stroke. Maintaining sinus rhythm offers the hemodynamic benefits of improving ventricular performance and exercise capacity but may expose the patient to the risk of proarrhythmia/sudden death and drug-related morbidity. Controlling ventricular rate helps decrease symptomatic palpitations and improve exercise capacity but necessitates long-term anticoagulation (which may also be needed despite the use of antiarrhythmics to suppress recurrences of atrial fibrillation) with some risk of bleeding. Randomized trials are now needed to define the relative benefits of these 2 treatment strategies. Such trials should be designed to provide information on the impact of the 2 approaches on symptoms, exercise capacity, quality of life, and mortality rate in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Focal adhesions regulate Aβ signaling and cell death in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that results from a loss of synaptic transmission and ultimately cell death. The presenting pathology of AD includes neuritic plaques composed of beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau, with neuronal loss in specific brain regions. However, the mechanisms that induce neuronal cell loss remain elusive. Focal adhesion (FA) proteins assemble into intracellular complexes involved in integrin-mediated communication between the extracellular matrix and the actin cytoskeleton, regulating many cell physiological processes including the cell cycle. Interestingly, recent studies report that integrins bind to Aβ fibrils, mediating Aβ signal transmission from extracellular sites of Aβ deposits into the cell and ultimately to the nucleus. In this review, we will discuss the Aβ induced integrin/FA signaling pathways that mediate cell cycle activation and cell death.
Speech errors of amnesic H.M.: Unlike everyday slips-of-the-tongue

Three language production studies indicate that amnesic H.M. produces speech errors unlike everyday slips-of-the-tongue. Study 1 was a naturalistic task: H.M. and six controls closely matched for age, education, background and IQ described what makes captioned cartoons funny. Nine judges rated the descriptions blind to speaker identity and gave reliably more negative ratings for coherence, vagueness, comprehensibility, grammaticality, and adequacy of humor-description for H.M. than the controls. Study 2 examined "major errors", a novel type of speech error that is uncorrected and reduces the coherence, grammaticality, accuracy and/or comprehensibility of an utterance. The results indicated that H.M. produced seven types of major errors reliably more often than controls: substitutions, omissions, additions, transpositions, reading errors, free associations, and accuracy errors. These results contradict recent claims that H.M. retains unconscious or implicit language abilities and produces spoken discourse that is "sophisticated," "intact" and "without major errors." Study 3 examined whether three classical types of errors (omissions, additions, and substitutions of words and phrases) differed for H.M. versus controls in basic nature and relative frequency by error type. The results indicated that omissions, and especially multi-word omissions, were relatively more common for H.M. than the controls; and substitutions violated the syntactic class regularity (whereby, e.g., nouns substitute with nouns but not verbs) relatively more often for H.M. than the controls. These results suggest that H.M.'s medial temporal lobe damage impaired his ability to rapidly form new connections between units in the cortex, a process necessary to form complete and coherent internal representations for novel sentence-level plans. In short, different brain mechanisms underlie H.M.'s major errors (which reflect incomplete and incoherent sentence-level plans) versus everyday slips-of-the tongue (which reflect errors in activating pre-planned units in fully intact sentence-level plans). Implications of the results of Studies 1-3 are discussed for systems theory, binding theory and relational memory theories.
Coulomb energy systematics

A new type of plot for the Coulomb energy differences between isobaric analogue states of neighboring isobaric nuclei withT z =T−1 andT z =T is introduced. The available experimental data when displayed in this form reveal nuclear structure effects.
Are Athletes also Students? The Educational Attainment of College Athletes

Though the educational attainment of college athletes has become a major concern in the United States, there has been little research on the relationship between participation in college sports and educational attainment. We studied more than two thousand athletes over 10 years at a major western university and found that athletes were less prepared for college and achieved less academically in college than the general student population. All athletes did not perform equally, however. Scholarship holders, blacks, and participants in the major revenue-producing sports of football and basketball had the poorest academic potential and performance.
High voltage (450 V) 6H-SiC lateral MESFET structure

A high voltage 6H-SiC lateral MESFET has been fabricated using a three mask process. Selective ion implantation was used to create the conducting layer (N-region) demonstrating the RESURF effect in SiC for first time, as well as easy isolation and edge termination. This MESFET was able to withstand a forward blocking voltage of 450 V at a gate voltage of -20 V. The specific on-resistance and transconductance for a device with a drain gate separation of 15 /spl mu/m was found to be 83 m/spl Omega/ cm/sup 2/ and 2 mS/mm, respectively.
The aflatoxin B1 formamidopyrimidine adduct plays a major role in causing the types of mutations observed in human hepatocellular carcinoma

A G to T mutation has been observed at the third position of codon 249 of the p53 tumor-suppressor gene in over 50% of the hepatocellular carcinoma cases associated with high exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Hypotheses have been put forth that AFB1, in concert with hepatitis B virus (HBV), may play a role in the formation of, and/or the selection for, this mutation. The primary DNA adduct of AFB1 is 8,9-dihydro-8-(N7-guanyl)-9-hydroxyaflatoxin B1 (AFB1-N7-Gua), which is converted naturally to two secondary lesions, an apurinic site and an AFB1-formamidopyrimidine (AFB1-FAPY) adduct. AFB1-FAPY is detected at near maximal levels in rat DNA days to weeks after AFB1 exposure, underscoring its high persistence in vivo. The present study reveals two striking properties of this DNA adduct: (i) AFB1-FAPY was found to cause a G to T mutation frequency in Escherichia coli approximately 6 times higher than that of AFB1-N7-Gua, and (ii) one proposed rotamer of AFB1-FAPY is a block to replication, even when the efficient bypass polymerase MucAB is used by the cell. Taken together, these characteristics make the FAPY adduct the prime candidate for both the genotoxicity of aflatoxin, because mammalian cells also have similar bypass mechanisms for combating DNA damage, and the mutagenicity that ultimately may lead to liver cancer.
Postsurgical pain syndromes: Chronic pain after hysterectomy and cesarean section

Persistent postsurgical pain may be an underreported phenomenon after cesarean section (CS) and hysterectomy with a large impact on daily living. Estimated incidences of persistent pain following CS and hysterectomy are 6% to 18% and 5% to 32%, respectively. Variations are partly the result of different postoperative time intervals at assessment and definitions of pain, but occurrence is consistent across nations and cultures. Severe acute postoperative pain predicts increased risk for persistent postsurgical pain in multiple studies and also contributes to the risk for postpartum depression. Other factors such as preexisting pain problems, genetics, psychological state, and gender may also impact persistent postsurgical pain. Types of anesthesia and analgesics used, as well as surgical approaches, have an impact on postcesarean and hysterectomy pain. This article reviews information on the occurrence of and risk factors for severe postoperative pain after CS and hysterectomy. Treatments of incisional pain and intractable pelvic pain through somatic blocks, sympathetic blockade with lumbar sympathetic, hypogastric, and ganglion impar blocks, and recent spinal cord stimulator use are summarized.
Olanzapine-Induced Hyperglycemic Nonketonic Coma

OBJECTIVE:To report a case of olanzapine-induced hyperglycemia leading to a hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic, nonketonic coma.CASE SUMMARY:A 51-year-old, 85.5-kg (ideal body weight 79.9 kg), white man presented to a Veterans Affairs hospital with a serum glucose concentration of 1596 mg/dL. Soon thereafter, he went into a hyperosmolar, hyperglycemic, nonketonic coma. Olanzapine therapy had been instituted less than six months prior to this event; approximately two months before this event, his blood glucose was 108 mg/dL. Eight days after stopping olanzapine, the glucose concentration returned to normal, and the patient no longer required insulin nor any other glucose-lowering agents.DISCUSSION:The insulin resistance caused by olanzapine is normally attributed to the weight gain associated with the drug. In this patient, it appears that olanzapine caused hyperglycemia by a mechanism other than weight gain.CONCLUSIONS:This case report and others from the literature suggest that olanzapine therapy may induce hyp...
Methods to become a high performer in characterization of colorectal polyp histology

The recent advent of advanced imaging technologies has brought real time characterization of polyp histology to the forefront. This concept of optical diagnosis of diminutive polyp histology can bring about a huge paradigm shift in the management of these lesions. Instead of resecting and sending all the diminutive polyps to pathology, there is the potential to practice "resect and discard" for those predicted to be adenomas and "do not resect" strategy for the recto-sigmoid polyps predicted to be hyperplastic. However, one of the major steps before the clinical implementation of real-time histology can be a reality, will be training endoscopists with varying levels of experience in novel imaging technologies. The two major methods for training include didactic teaching and the computer based method. After the initial training, it is imperative that the endoscopists practice this skill during performance of routine colonoscopy to auto validate and assess their own competency. Both practice and reinforcement can help endoscopists become high performers in the characterization of polyp histology.
Donor graft interferon regulatory factor-1 gene transfer worsens liver transplant ischemia/reperfusion injury

Background Liver ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury is a phenomenon that leads to graft dysfunction after liver transplantation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind this process is crucial to developing strategies to prevent short- and long-term graft dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) in a model of orthotopic rat liver transplantation. Methods Orthotopic syngeneic LEW rat liver transplantation (OLT) was performed after 18 or 3 hours preservation in cold University of Wisconsin solution. Adenovirus-expressing IRF-1 (AdIRF-1) or control gene vector (Adnull) was delivered to the liver by donor intravenous pretreatment 4 days before graft harvesting. Uninfected grafts also served as controls. Recipients were humanely killed 1–24 hours post-transplantation. Results Rats that underwent OLT with long-term preserved grafts (18 hours) displayed increased hepatic nuclear expression of IRF-1 protein at 1 and 3 hours. Rats pretreated with AdIRF-1 before transplantation had elevated alanine aminotransferase levels and increased expression of interferon (IFN)-β, IFN-γ, interleukin-12, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the short-term period (3 hours) when compared with donor livers pretreated with Adnull. AdIRF-1 pretreated donor livers also exhibited increased susceptibility to early apoptosis in the transplanted grafts as shown by increased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and expression of cleaved caspase-3. Additionally, AdIRF-1 pretreated donor livers had increased activation of the MAP kinase Jun N-terminal kinase as compared with Adnull pretreated donor livers. Conclusion IRF-1 is an important regulator of IR injury after OLT in rats. Targeting of IRF-1 may be a potential strategy to ameliorate ischemic liver injury after transplantation to minimize organ dysfunction.
Microstrip Elliptic-Function Low-Pass Filters Using Distributed Elements or Slotted Ground Structure

This paper presents two microstrip elliptic-function low-pass filters, one using distributed elements and one using a slotted ground structure. The one using distributed elements consists of a microstrip line section in parallel with an interdigital capacitor; the other one using a slotted ground structure consists of a low-impedance microstrip line with a slotted ground structure cell under the center of the line. A transmission-line model and a full-wave simulation are used to calculate the inductance/capacitance values of the equivalent circuits. The design concept was validated through experiments showing good agreements with the full-wave simulated results
Fathers in the Social Work Literature: Policy and Practice Implications:

Fatherhood is a topic of national conversation that is receiving considerable media attention. The number of single and noncustodial fathers is on the rise, and social workers will have increased c...
Hydrogen ion concentration in the gastrointestinal tract of channel catfish

Hydrogen ion concentrations (pH) of the digestive tracts of channel catfish were determined for fish of two sizes (892 and 134 g average weight) at two environmental temperatures (28 and 23°C). Acidic conditions (pH 2–4) were present in the stomach contents of all catfish with slightly higher pH values in stomachs of fish at 28°C. The pH increased to slightly alkaline values (pH 7–9) in the duodenum and reached a maximum level (pH 8.6) in the upper intestinal region and then decreased in the lower segments to approach neutrality in the colon. The pH of the bile ranged from 6.1 to 7.5 and was higher in fish maintained at 28°C. Higher environmental temperatures (28°C) resulted in a slightly lower pH throughout the intestinal and colon segments. The larger catfish had lower intestinal length/body weight ratios than smaller catfish. As the result of distension due to increased food consumption, catfish maintained at 28°C had shorter intestinal tracts than catfish maintained at 23°C.
Evidence that Alzheimer’s disease is a microvascular disorder: the role of constitutive nitric oxide

Evidence is fast accumulating which indicates that Alzheimer's disease is a vascular disorder with neurodegenerative consequences rather than a neurodegenerative disorder with vascular consequences. It is proposed that two factors need to be present for AD to develop: (1) advanced ageing, (2) presence of a condition that lowers cerebral perfusion, such as a vascular-risk factor. The first factor introduces a normal but potentially insidious process that lowers cerebral blood flow in inverse relation to increased ageing; the second factor adds a crucial burden which further lowers brain perfusion and places vulnerable neurons in a state of high energy compromise leading to a cascade of neuronal metabolic turmoil. Convergence of the two factors above will culminate in a critically attained threshold of cerebral hypoperfusion (CATCH). CATCH is a hemodynamic microcirculatory insufficiency that will destabilize neurons, synapses, neurotransmission and cognitive function, creating in its wake a neurodegenerative state characterized by the formation of senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, amyloid angiopathy and in some cases, Lewy bodies. Since any of a considerable number of vascular-related conditions must be present in the ageing individual for cognition to be disturbed, CATCH identifies an important aspect of the heterogeneic disease profile assumed to be present in the AD syndrome. It is proposed that CATCH initiates AD by distorting regional brain capillary structure involving endothelial cell shape changes and impairment of nitric oxide (NO) release which affect signaling between the immune, cardiovascular and nervous systems. Evidence is presented that in many tissues there is a basal level of NO being produced and that the actions of several signaling molecules may initiate increases in basal NO levels. Moreover, these temporary increases in basal NO levels exert inhibitory cellular actions, via cellular conformational changes. Findings indicate that (a) constitutive NO is responsible for a basal or 'tonal' level of NO; (b) this NO keeps particular types of cells in a state of inhibition and (c) activation of these cells occurs through disinhibition. Consequently, tissues not maintaining a basal NO level are more prone to excitatory, immune, vascular and neural influences. Under such circumstances, these tissues cannot be down-regulated to normal basal levels, thus prolonging their excitatory state. Thus, the clinical convergence of advanced ageing in the presence of a chronic, pre-morbid vascular risk factor, can, in time, contribute to an endotheliopathy involving basal NO deficit, to the degree where regional metabolic dysfunction leads to cognitive meltdown and to progressive neurodegeneration characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.
Awareness and risk factors associated with barbers in transmission of Hepatitis B and C from Pakistani population: Barber's role in viral transmission

Background: In Pakistan, most patients with Hepatitis B and C have history of facial and armpit shaving from barbers. Objective: Evaluate the awareness and risk factors associated with barbers in transmission of Hepatitis B and C. Subjects and methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the twin capital cities of Pakistan between January and July 2009. Five hundred and eight barbershops were surveyed. Results: Out of 508 barber shops, 99.8% and 98.2% were washing their razor with water and water plus antiseptic solution, respectively, while 99.8% were using new blades. Only 39.6% knew that hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) were viral diseases, 26.6% knew that it can lead to cancer, 90.7% thought that hepatitis could be transferred by blade sharing, 47.8% knew that a vaccine for HBV was available, and 43.0% had education beyond the primary level. None of the barbers used a new or washed apron/towel on every customer. Conclusion: In Pakistan, a small number of barbers are shaving clients with an old style razor with a permanent blade. There is moderate awareness about the various modes of transmission of hepatitis among the barbers, and most of them don’t know about vaccination. A predominant number of them are considering interferon treatment as a vaccine for hepatitis B and C. Keywords: Awareness, barbers, hepatitis, razor
Predictors of Post-School Success: A Systematic Review of NLTS2 Secondary Analyses

The purpose of this systematic review was to (a) systematically review the literature to identify National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 secondary analyses articles published since 2009 that met ...
The impact of phospholipids and phospholipid removal on bioanalytical method performance

Phospholipids (PLs) are a component of cellmembranes, biological fluids and tissues. These compounds are problematic for the bioanalytical chemist, especially when PLs are not the analytes of interest. PL interference with bioanalysis highly impacts reverse-phase chromatographic methods coupled with mass spectrometric detection. Phospholipids are strongly retained on hydrophobic columns, and can cause significant ionization suppression in the mass spectrometer, as they outcompete analyte molecules for ionization. Strategies for improving analyte detection in the presence of PLs are reviewed, including in-analysis modifications and sample preparation strategies. Removal of interfering PLs prior to analysis seems to be most effective atmoderating thematrix effects fromthese endogenous cellular components, and has the potential to simplify chromatography and improve column lifetime. Products targeted at PL removal for sample pre-treatment, as well as products that combine multiplemodes of sample preparation (i.e. Hybrid SPE), show significant promise inmediating the effect on PL interference in bioanalysis.
Raman spectroscopy of the N-N bond in rare earth dinitrogen complexes.

Raman spectra have been collected on single crystals of over 20 different rare earth complexes containing reduced dinitrogen ligands to determine if these data will correlate with periodic properties or relative stability. Four types of complexes were examined: [(C5Me5)2Ln]2(μ–η2:η2-N2), 1-Ln, [(C5Me4H)2(THF)Ln]2(μ–η2:η2-N2), 2-Ln, [(C5H4Me)2Ln]2(μ–η2:η2-N2), 3-Ln, and {[(Me3Si)2N]2(THF)Ln}2(μ–η2:η2-N2), 4-Ln. Although each of the complexes contains a side-on bound dinitrogen ligand that is formally (N2)2−, the N–N bond distances determined by X-ray crystallography range from 1.088(12) to 1.305(6) A. In the 4-Ln series (Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er and Tm), the 1.26–1.31 A N–N distances do not follow any periodic trends, but the Raman stretching frequencies for Gd–Tm were found to decrease regularly with decreasing atomic number and increasing Lewis acidity of the metal. Similar correlations can be seen with the late metals in complexes of the other series, 1-Ln, 2-Ln and 3-Ln, but exceptions exist, particularly for the larger metals. Comparisons between the several types of complexes as a function of ligand were more complicated and variations in stretching frequency as a function of L in the {[(Me3Si)2N]2Y(L)}2(μ–η2:η2-N2) substituted versions of 4-Y did not give trends consistent with bond distances or Gutmann donor numbers.
J. McIntyre and the Global Stream of Commerce

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269 R I. FACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273 R II. ANALYSIS—NEW JERSEY SUPREME COURT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277 R III. IN THE SUPREME COURT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282 R A. Kennedy’s Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282 R B. The Supreme Court Decision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286 R 1) Minimum Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291 R 2) Fair Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292 R IV. POST-J. MCINTYRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 R A. Cases Following the J. McIntyre Plurality . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302 R B. Cases Not Following J. McIntyre Plurality . . . . . . . . . . . . 306 R C. State Court Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310 R CONCLUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317 R
Effect of Amino Acids on Acetylcholine Synthesis.

Summary1. The effect of amino acids, some polypeptides, and a few decomposition products on the synthesis of acetylcholine was investigated. 2. Most of the amino acids, carnosine, glutathione, and creatine increased the synthesis. 3. Glycine, leucine, and creatinine did not modify the synthesis. 4. Ammonia decreased the amount of acetylcholine synthesized.
Entry, Descent, and Landing Performance of the Mars Phoenix Lander

On May 25, 2008, the Mars Phoenix Lander successfully landed on the northern arctic plains of Mars. An overview of a preliminary reconstruction analysis performed on each entry, descent, and landing phase to assess the performance of Phoenix as it descended is presented and a comparison to pre-entry predictions is provided. The landing occurred 21 km further downrange than the predicted landing location. Analysis of the flight data revealed that the primary cause of Phoenix s downrange landing was a higher trim total angle of attack during the hypersonic phase of the entry, which resulted in Phoenix flying a slightly lifting trajectory. The cause of this higher trim attitude is not known at this time. Parachute deployment was 6.4 s later than prediction. This later deployment time was within the variations expected and is consistent with a lifting trajectory. The parachute deployment and inflation process occurred as expected with no anomalies identified. The subsequent parachute descent and powered terminal landing also behaved as expected. A preliminary reconstruction of the landing day atmospheric density profile was found to be lower than the best apriori prediction, ranging from a few percent less to a maximum of 8%. A comparison of the flight reconstructed trajectory parameters shows that the actual Phoenix entry, descent, and landing was close to pre-entry predictions. This reconstruction investigation is currently ongoing and the results to date are in the process of being refined.
Optimal Facility-Location.

Dr. Christoph Witzgall, the honoree of this Symposium, can count among his many contributions to applied mathematics and mathematical operations research a body of widely-recognized work on the optimal location of facilities. The present paper offers to non-specialists a sketch of that field and its evolution, with emphasis on areas most closely related to Witzgall’s research at NBS/NIST.