cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Effect of Splanchnic Nerve Stimulation on Body Composition and Food Intake in Rats

Systemic sympathetic stimulation with caffeine and ephedrine increased metabolic rate, reduced food intake, and improved body composition but had systemic adverse events. We hypothesize that selective sympathetic stimulation of the upper gastrointestinal tract will preserve the advantages of systemic sympathetic stimulation without its adverse events. This study evaluated the effect of splanchnic nerve stimulation on metabolic rate, food intake, and body composition. Sixteen Sprague Dawley rats had monopolar electrodes placed on the superior common splanchnic nerve innervating the celiac ganglia. An indifferent electrode was placed subcutaneously on the back. The animals were placed on a 60% fat diet, and eight rats were stimulated for 6 weeks. The stimulation was advanced over 3 days from 0.6 mA to 3 mA. Metabolic rate and food intake were measured daily; weight change was monitored weekly, and body composition was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) at the end of the study. Four of the eight animals had metabolic rate measured three times over 2-day periods at 0 mA, 1 mA, and 3 mA of stimulation in a metabolic chamber. Except for the first week of stimulation, there was no difference in body weight between the stimulated and control groups. Cumulative food intake was less in the stimulated group (p < 0. 001). The lean-to-fat ratio was greater in the stimulated group (p < 0. 01), and the animals that received incremental stimulation showed significantly augmented metabolic rate (p < 0. 02). Splanchnic nerve stimulation decreased food intake, increased metabolic rate, and improved body composition.
Controversies at the cytoplasmic face of the cadherin-based adhesion complex.

Abstract Cadherin-mediated cell–cell interactions are modulated by protein interactions at the cytoplasmic face of the membrane. Recent work has shown that phosphorylation of both p120 ctn and β-catenin affects their interaction with cadherins and the molecular connections to the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeletal connections most probably include interactions between α-catenin, and/or α-actinin, vinculin, ZO-1, actin and possibly spectrin.
Comparative accuracy of anal and cervical cytology in screening for moderate to severe dysplasia by magnification guided punch biopsy: a meta-analysis.

Background The accuracy of screening for anal cancer precursors relative to screening for cervical cancer precursors has not been systematically examined. The aim of the current meta-analysis was to compare the relative accuracy of anal cytology to cervical cytology in discriminating between histopathologic high grade and lesser grades of dysplasia when the reference standard biopsy is obtained using colposcope magnification. Methods and findings The outcome metric of discrimination was the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area. Random effects meta-analysis of eligible studies was performed with examination of sources of heterogeneity that included QUADAS criteria and selected covariates, in meta-regression models. Thirty three cervical and eleven anal screening studies were found to be eligible. The primary meta-analytic comparison suggested that anal cytologic screening is somewhat less discriminating than cervical cytologic screening (ROC area [95% confidence interval (C.I.)]: 0.834 [0.809-0.859] vs. 0.700 [0.664-0.735] for cervical and anal screening, respectively). This finding was robust when examined in meta-regression models of covariates differentially distributed by screening setting (anal, cervical). Conclusions Anal cytologic screening is somewhat less discriminating than cervical cytologic screening. Heterogeneity of estimates within each screening setting suggests that other factors influence estimates of screening accuracy. Among these are sampling and interpretation errors involving both cytology and biopsy as well as operator skill and experience.
Strain oriented microstructural change during the fabrication of free-standing PbSe micro-rods

In this work, we are reporting fabrication of micro-rods based on epitaxially grown lead selenide (PbSe) on (111) oriented barium fluoride (BaF2). The micro-rods were formed by folding back action of PbSe and their dimension was determined by the initial layer thickness and etching parameters. The micro-rods scattered throughout the surface were measured to have diameters mainly in the range of ∼14–18 μm and lengths ∼40–300 μm. These robust micro-rods can be used for future research on semiconductor microstructures and mid infrared opto-electronic devices.
An unusual case of pulmonary-renal syndrome associated with defects in type IV collagen composition and anti-glomerular basement membrane autoantibodies

Commercial serological assays for the presence of anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibodies are thought to be indicative of Goodpasture's syndrome. We report a case in which commercial tests inaccurately suggested that a patient with a pulmonary-renal syndrome had Goodpasture's disease. Additional laboratory testing using recombinant type IV collagen NC1 domain proteins showed that the autoantibodies in question were not directed against the Goodpasture antigen (the alpha3NC1 domain), but against the alpha2NC1 domain of type IV collagen. Our findings represent the first known case of human autoantibodies to the alpha2NC1 domain. Further investigation showed that this patient has decreased alpha3 and alpha5 chain expression in the GBM and defects in type IV collagen, resembling abnormalities in patients with Alport's syndrome.
The Governance of Things: Documenting Limbo in the Greek Asylum Procedure

Some anthropological examinations of documents have emphasized their role as regulatory technologies that enact control and legibility over both citizens and “aliens.” This article shows, however, that documentary practices and forms both reinforce and undermine attempts to make persons governable. My analysis centers on the “pink card,” the identity document issued to asylum seekers in Greece, which in 2010 was the European country with the highest number of asylum cases pending in limbo. Examining how both state functionaries and asylum seekers engage with it, I show how the pink card takes on unpredictable meanings with indeterminate effects, which can disrupt the regulatory functions of the asylum procedure. Through ethnographic data drawn from encounters between asylum seekers and police, interviews with asylum seekers, and case material, I argue for a consideration of how things themselves govern—that is, dispose, position, and shape—the activities and tools of state regulation.
International portfolio diversification: A study of linkages among the U.S., European and Japanese equity markets

Abstract In this paper, we examine the short-term linkages among five leading stock markets with the objective of evaluating the case for international portfolio diversification as well as the stability of stock market interdependence after an exogenous shock. We utilize daily closing equity price data from U.S., U.K., France, Germany and Japan during the period from January 1999 to February 2002 and investigate the joint impact of any four equity markets on the fifth market. The findings indicate that even though the interdependencies among the markets are significant, there is still room for international portfolio diversification. Also, the study provides mixed results for the hypothesis that the international market correlations change after an exogenous shock. The tests of stability of correlations are based on before-and-after analyses of two events: the introduction by the European Union of the euro as official currency and the September 11, 2001, terrorist events in U.S.
Medically managed gout precipitating acute carpal tunnel syndrome

The most common compressive neuropathy affects the median nerve in the carpal tunnel; it is typically chronic and progressive. Acute carpal tunnel syndrome (ACTS), on the other hand, is a less frequently encountered surgical emergency that usually occurs in the setting of trauma, such as a displaced fracture of the distal radius or carpal dislocation. To our knowledge, there are only two cases of acute carpal tunnel secondary to gout reported in the literature, with both being outside of the USA and the last case being over 20 years ago. We reviewed the literature describing acute carpal tunnel syndrome (ACTS) caused by gout and present a recent case of atraumatic ACTS caused, in part, by a tophaceous gouty mass. Review of the literature consisted of a PubMed search of all articles in the English language using the following keywords: “Acute Carpal Tunnel Syndrome” and “Tophaceous Gout” and “Gout.” We present the youngest reported case of atraumatic ACTS caused by tophaceous gout and the only reported case with a documented history of gout being actively medically managed with a uric acid lowering agent. This was successfully treated with an emergent extended carpal tunnel release, a complete flexor synovectomy, and excision of a gouty mass adhered to the carpal tunnel floor. Atraumatic ACTS secondary to gout is rare and has never been reported in a patient already being managed with uric acid lowering agents. Such a presentation requires rapid surgical exploration with release of the carpal tunnel, debridement of all gouty tissue, and increasingly aggressive adjuvant medical therapy.
Identification of a region of hantavirus nucleocapsid protein required for RNA chaperone activity

Sin Nombre hantavirus (SNV) is a New World hantavirus and causes hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome. The viral nucleocapsid protein (N) is an RNA chaperone and has multiple functions important in virus replication. The three negative sense RNA segments of hantaviruses form panhandle structures through imperfect hydrogen bonding of the 5’ and 3’ termini, and the chaperone activity of N can mediate correct panhandle formation. N also functions during transcription and translation initiation and the chaperone activity of N is likely to be involved in aspects of these processes. Using a series of mutations in the N gene we identified a region of N required for chaperone activity. The N-terminal 100 amino acids of N contain a domain that is both necessary and sufficient for RNA chaperone activity. We propose that this region of N may reside in one of two potential states. First, the region may be highly disordered and function in N-mediated RNA chaperone activity. Alternatively, in trimeric form, the region l...
Specificity of the Deoxyhypusine Hydroxylase-Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor (eIF5A) Interaction IDENTIFICATION OF AMINO ACID RESIDUES OF THE ENZYME REQUIRED FOR BINDING OF ITS SUBSTRATE, DEOXYHYPUSINE-CONTAINING eIF5A

Deoxyhypusine hydroxylase (DOHH) is a novel metalloenzyme that catalyzes the final step of the post-translational synthesis of hypusine (Nepsilon-(4-amino-2-hydroxybutyl)lysine) in the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A). Hypusine synthesis is unique in that it occurs in only one protein, denoting the strict specificity of the modification enzymes toward the substrate protein. The specificity of the interaction between eIF5A and DOHH was investigated using human eIF5A (eIF5A-1 isoform) and human recombinant DOHH. DOHH displayed a strong preference for binding the deoxyhypusine-containing form of eIF5A, over the eIF5A precursor or the hypusine-containing eIF5A, indicating a role for the deoxyhypusine residue in binding. In addition to the deoxyhypusine residue, a large portion of the eIF5A polypeptide (>20-90 amino acids) is required for effective modification by DOHH. We have identified the amino acid residues of DOHH that are critical for substrate binding by alanine substitution of 36 conserved amino acid residues. Of these, alanine substitution at Glu57, Glu90, Glu208, Glu241, Gly63, or Gly214 caused a severe impairment in eIF5A(Dhp) binding, with a complete loss of binding and activity in the E57A and E208A mutant enzymes. Only aspartate substitution mutants, E57D or E208D, retained partial activity and substrate binding, whereas alanine, glutamine, or asparagine mutants did not. These findings support a proposed model of DOHH-eIF5A binding in which the amino group(s) of the deoxyhypusine side chain of the substrate is primarily anchored by gamma-carboxyl groups of Glu57 and Glu208 at the DOHH active site.
Dynamical instability of new-born neutron stars as sources of gravitational radiation

The dynamical instability of new-born neutron stars is studied by evolving the linearized hydrodynamical equations. The neutron stars considered in this paper are those produced by the accretion induced collapse of rigidly rotating white dwarfs. A dynamical bar-mode (m=2) instability is observed when the ratio of rotational kinetic energy to gravitational potential energy $\beta$ of the neutron star is greater than the critical value $\beta_d \approx 0.25$. This bar-mode instability leads to the emission of gravitational radiation that could be detected by gravitational wave detectors. However, these sources are unlikely to be detected by LIGO II interferometers if the event rate is less than $10^{-6}$ per year per galaxy. Nevertheless, if a significant fraction of the pre-supernova cores are rapidly rotating, there would be a substantial number of neutron stars produced by the core collapse undergoing bar-mode instability. This would greatly increase the chance of detecting the gravitational radiation.
Union Formation Among Men in the U.S.: Does Having Prior Children Matter?

Our study investigates whether fatherhood, and specifically involvement with nonresident children, influence men’s entrance into marital and cohabiting unions. Using the National Survey of Families and Households, our findings suggest that neither resident nor nonresident children affect men’s chances of entering a new marriage, but nonresident children have a positive effect on cohabitation. The positive association between nonresident children and men’s union formation is not uniform; instead, we find that it is involvement with nonresident children, specifically visitation, that enhances men’s chances of forming new unions. Whereas women’s obligations to children from prior unions represent a resource drain that lowers their chances of union formation, our analysis suggests that involved nonresident fathers are more likely to enter subsequent unions than other men.
Managing flow, sediment, and hydropower regimes in the Sre Pok, Se San, and Se Kong Rivers of the Mekong basin

The Lancang/Mekong River Basin is presently undergoing a period of rapid hydropower development. In its natural undeveloped state, the river transports about 160 million metric tons of sediment per year, maintaining the geomorphologic features of the basin, sustaining habitats, and transporting the nutrients that support ecosystem productivity. Despite the importance of sediment in the river, currently little attention is being paid to reservoir sediment trapping. This study is devoted to assessing the potential for managing sediment and its impact on energy production in the Se San, Sre Pok, and Se Kong tributaries of the Mekong River. These tributaries drain a set of adjacent watersheds that are important with respect to biodiversity and ecological productivity, and serve as a significant source of flow and sediment to the mainstream Mekong River. A daily sediment transport model is used to assess tradeoffs among energy production and sediment and flow regime alteration in multiple reservoir systems. This study finds that eventually about 40%–80% of the annual suspended sediment load may be trapped in reservoirs. Clearly, these reservoirs will affect the rivers' sediment regimes. However, even after 100 years of simulated sedimentation, reservoir storage capacities and hydropower production at most reservoir sites are not significantly reduced. This suggests that the strongest motivation for implementing measures to reduce trapped sediment is their impact not on hydropower production but on fish migration and survival and on sediment-dependent ecosystems such as the Vietnam Delta and Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake.
Observations on the Life and Works of Liu Yiqing

As the compiler of several noted collections of Chinese tales, Prince Liu Yiqing was one of the most important figures in the history of early medieval Chinese culture, yet his life has never been fully studied. This article provides the first complete English translation of Liu’s biography, observations on Liu’s life from three different perspectives, and a discussion of his works.
Microsomal lauric acid 11- and 12-hydroxylation: A new assay method utilizing high pressure liquid chromatography

Abstract A new assay method using high pressure liquid chromatography has been developed which permits the simultaneous isolation, determination, and quantitation of lauric acid and its hydroxylated products after methylation of extracts from kidney or liver microsomal incubation mixtures. The small differences in polarity between the lauric acid, 11-hydroxy- and 12-hydroxy-lauric acid after methylation permit their separation on reverse phase columns packed with octadecyltrichlorosilane bonded to silicone polymers. The total time required for the chromatography is less than 1 hr. Using this method, the formation of hydroxylated products was shown to have a linear dependence on protein concentration and time. The K m for lauric acid and NADPH were determined to be 8 μ m and 54 μ m in kidney microsomes, respectively.
Characterization of two different alkaline phosphatases in mouse teratoma. Partial purification, electrophoretic, and histochemical studies.

Alkaline phosphatase (E.C.3.1.3.1.) has been used as a marker for embryonal carcinoma cells which constitute the multipotential stem cells of the mouse teratoma. Studies by other investigators based on kinetics of thermal inactivation and L-phenylalanine inhibition have shown that the alkaline phosphatase of the teratoma differs from the mouse intestinal and liver isozymes, but resembles the isozymes of kidney and placenta. Since functional characterization of nonpurified enzymes is not the most accurate means for distinguishing different molecular forms of an enzyme, we have partially purified the enzymes from the ascitic (embryoid body) and solid tumor forms of the OTT-6050 teratoma line, and utilized the technique of electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels to compare the teratoma enzyme with isozymes from kidney and placenta. Covalent 32PO4-labeling of the alkaline phosphatases and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecylsulfate was also used to compare the subunit molecular weights of the enzymes. The results indicate that the mouse teratoma enzyme is distinct from the kidney and placental isozymes. Since histochemical studies have localized the enzyme to the stem cell population of the teratoma, the results imply that stem cell alkaline phosphatase is a distinct isozyme. The embryoid bodies contain a second alkaline phosphatase which may correspond to the placental isozyme. This enzyme may be attributed to the outer cell layer of embryoid bodies of the ascitic tumor, since this cell type histochemically demonstrates alkaline phosphatase activity.
Enzymic procedures for determining the average state of adenylylation of Escherichia coli glutamine synthetase.

Abstract Under physiological conditions, the activity of the glutamine synthetase in gram-negative bacteria is inversely proportional to the number of its subunits that are adenylylated [Kingdon, H. S., Shapiro, B. m., and Stadtman, E. R., (1967), Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. U. S. A.58, 1703 – 1710]. Six different enzymic procedures have been developed for determining the average state of adenylylation, i.e., the average number of adenylylated subunits per enzyme molecule, which can vary from 0 to 12. These methods depend on measurements of the γ-glutamyltransferase activity in assay mixtures containing Mn2+ at a pH where adenylylated and unadenylylated subunits are equally active and also under conditions where only unadenylylated subunits are active. The methods can be used to measure the state of adenylylation of glutamine synthetase in crude extracts with an accuracy of ±7%.
The Utility of MMPI-2-RF Substantive Scales in Prediction of Negative Treatment Outcomes in a Community Mental Health Center

This study examined the utility of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2–Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) substantive scales in the prediction of premature termination and therapy no-shows while controlling for other relevant predictors in a university-based community mental health center, a sample at high risk of both premature termination and no-show appointments. Participants included 457 individuals seeking services from a university-based psychology clinic. Results indicated that Juvenile Conduct Problems (JCP) predicted premature termination and Behavioral/Externalizing Dysfunction and JCP predicted number of no-shows, when accounting for initial severity of illness, personality disorder diagnosis, therapist experience, and other related MMPI-2-RF scales. The MMPI-2-RF Aesthetic-Literary Interests scale also predicted number of no-shows. Recommendations for applying these findings in clinical practice are discussed.
Shaker-related potassium channels in the central medial nucleus of the thalamus are important molecular targets for arousal suppression by volatile general anesthetics.

The molecular targets and neural circuits that underlie general anesthesia are not fully elucidated. Here, we directly demonstrate that Kv1-family (Shaker-related) delayed rectifier K+ channels in the central medial thalamic nucleus (CMT) are important targets for volatile anesthetics. The modulation of Kv1 channels by volatiles is network specific as microinfusion of ShK, a potent inhibitor of Kv1.1, Kv1.3, and Kv1.6 channels, into the CMT awakened sevoflurane-anesthetized rodents. In heterologous expression systems, sevoflurane, isoflurane, and desflurane at subsurgical concentrations potentiated delayed rectifier Kv1 channels at low depolarizing potentials. In mouse thalamic brain slices, sevoflurane inhibited firing frequency and delayed the onset of action potentials in CMT neurons, and ShK-186, a Kv1.3-selective inhibitor, prevented these effects. Our findings demonstrate the exquisite sensitivity of delayed rectifier Kv1 channels to modulation by volatile anesthetics and highlight an arousal suppressing role of Kv1 channels in CMT neurons during the process of anesthesia.
Improving the control of systematic uncertainties in precision measurements of radionuclide half-life

Abstract Many experiments designed to precisely determine the half-life of a radionuclide employ a long lived reference source to help determine the impact on the data of any systematic variation in the detector and associated electronics. The half-life of the radionuclide of interest is determined from the ratio of its decay rate data to the decay rate data from the reference source. This correction procedure assumes that any underlying systematic affects the data and reference measurements in exactly the same way. In this paper we show that when some systematic effects affect the two differently, the ratio procedure can leave artifacts in the corrected data that can compromise an unbiased and precise assessment of the radionuclide half-life. We describe two methods that can help overcome this problem. We also describe several statistical tests that help determine which effects may underlie systematic variations in the data. We discuss an illustrative example based on previously published 32Si and 36Cl data recorded by an experiment at Brookhaven National Laboratory. We correct the data for systematic variation related to climate variation and estimate the 32Si half-life to be T 1 / 2 = 171.8 ± 1.8 . The reduction in uncertainty in the 32Si half-life, relative to the previous estimate based upon this data, is equivalent to that which would be achieved through increasing the size of the data set by almost 3.5 times.
Comparison of multi-arm VRX CT scanners through computer models

Variable Resolution X-ray (VRX) CT scanners allow imaging of different sized anatomy at the same level of detail using the same device. This is achieved by tilting the x-ray detectors so that the projected size of the detecting elements is varied producing reconstructions of smaller fields of view with higher spatial resolution. 1 The detector can be divided in two or more separate segments, called arms, which can be placed at different angles, allowing some flexibility for the scanner design. In particular, several arms can be set at different angles creating a target region of considerably higher resolution that can be used to track the evolution of a previously diagnosed condition, while keeping the patient completely inside the field of view (FOV). 2 This work presents newly-developed computer models of single-slice VRX scanners that allow us to study and compare different configurations (that is, various types of detectors arranged in any number of arms arranged in different geometries) in terms of spatial and contrast resolution. In particular, we are interested in comparing the performance of various geometric configurations that would otherwise be considered equivalent (using the same equipment, imaging FOVs of the same sizes, and having a similar overall scanner size). For this, a VRX simulator was developed, along with mathematical phantoms for spatial resolution and contrast analysis. These tools were used to compare scanner configurations that can be reproduced with materials presently available in our lab.
The Effectiveness of Implementing an Electronic Health Record on Diabetes Care and Outcomes

The U.S. health care system is geared toward responding to patients’ acute needs. As the population ages and the prevalence and complexity of chronic diseases increase, substantial reorganization is needed. Various forms of health IT have the potential to facilitate and support this reorganization: electronic health records (EHRs), for example, provide a mechanism to streamline communication between physicians using a universal patient record; make clinical guidelines available at the point of care and/or provide active evidence-based clinical decision support; provide registry-type functions whereby physicians can track compliance with disease-specific screening tests and intermediate outcomes; and provide a convenient mechanism for determining physician-level compliance with recommended clinical guidelines from which individual performance reports can be created (Bodenheimer 2003). Systematic reviews of EHRs and clinical decision support systems developed in-house and customized over time show improved adherence to clinical guidelines (Delpierre et al. 2004; Garg et al. 2005; Chaudhry et al. 2006). Small studies following implementation of commercially available EHRs have not shown as positive results (O'Connor et al. 2005; Crosson et al. 2007), but the current evidence base lacks large, rigorous studies examining the impact of relatively rapid implementation of commercially available EHRs (rather than incremental customization and dissemination of homegrown systems) on quality of chronic disease care and patient outcomes (Chaudhry et al. 2006; Stead 2007). This gap in the evidence has been noted by critics of the Obama administration's “full steam ahead” approach to national adoption of EHRs (Federowicz et al. 2010). This study is a naturalistic experiment that takes advantage of the staggered rollout of a commercially available EHR within a large network of ambulatory care physician practices. This rollout occurred over several years for which the network collected detailed information on diabetes care, allowing us to examine the impact of EHR implementation on both process of care and outcome measures.
Variations in drinking patterns in the rural South: joint effects of race, gender, and rural residence.

Objectives: To understand the relative contribution of gender, race (African-American vs. Caucasian), and rural residence on variations in drinking patterns, including past year abstinence, at-risk drinking, and recent drinking quantity and frequency for drinkers only. Methods: A brief health survey was administered by telephone to a probability sample of 11,529 residents of six southern states, over-sampling rural inhabitants. Results: Drinking patterns varied by gender, race, and rural residence in bivariate analysis. Gender effects were independent of rural residence, but race effects on abstinence and at-risk drinking were found only in urban residents and race differences in drinking quantity only in rural residents. Multivariate analysis, controlling for age and education, found gender and rural residence to be the strongest predictors, as well as being an African-American female. Conclusions: Female gender, African-American race, and rural residence appear protective for at-risk drinking but rural ...
Hydrogels: Wet or let die.

Proteins are like fish in that they need water to survive — without it they lose vitality and become unable to carry out their functions. A new hydrogel material for protein microarray chips keeps the proteins wet and lively.
Transcranial electrical motor evoked potential monitoring for brain tumor resection.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to examine whether transcranial electrical motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring is safe, feasible, and valuable for brain tumor surgery. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients undergoing brain tumor resection were studied, using nitrous oxide/propofol anesthesia. MEPs were continuously recorded throughout surgery, using a Sentinel 4 evoked potential system (Axon Systems, Inc., Hauppauge, NY). The MEPs were elicited by transcranial electrical stimulation (train of 5; stimulation rate, 0.5-2 Hz; square wave pulse with a time constant of 0.5 ms; stimulation intensity, 40-160 mA) through spiral electrodes placed over the primary motor cortex and were recorded by needle electrodes inserted into the contralateral orbicularis oris, biceps, abductor pollicis brevis, and anterior tibialis muscles. When MEP amplitudes decreased by more than 50%, MEP stimulation was repeated, with increased stimulation intensity, and MEP changes were reported to the surgeon. The motor function of each patient was examined before and after surgery, using a reproducible scale. The relationship between MEP amplitude decreases and worsening motor status was analyzed using linear regression. RESULTS: Preoperative neurological examinations revealed mild to moderate motor deficits (2/5 to 4/5) for 38% of patients (19 of 50 patients). Most of the patients (96%) exhibited recordable baseline MEPs. Persistent MEP decreases of more than 50% were noted for eight patients (16%) (11 muscles). The MEPs were completely abolished in two patients (three muscles). The degree of postoperative worsening of motor status was correlated with the degree of intraoperative MEP amplitude reduction (r = -0.864; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Persistent intraoperative MEP reductions of more than 50% were associated with postoperative motor deficits. The degree of MEP amplitude reduction was correlated with postoperative worsening of motor status. Transcranial electrical MEP monitoring is feasible, safe, and valuable for brain tumor surgery.
Enterprise-wide networking for manufacturing

Abstract Leading-edge corporations are striving to weave their entire organizations — as well as the pieces of their supply chains — into resilient and responsive fabrics for capturing customers. Strategic planners who are concerned with manufacturing competitiveness in the late 1990s advocate the implementation of systems that fabricate very high quality products and provide ultrarapid delivery while maintaining the lowest cost. Publications from United States and Europe point to the need for improving flexibility and concurrence in all facets of the production process. To remain competitive in today's economy, organizations need to link engineering, production, and management into one computerized information system. All the elements are slowly coming together: hardware, software, communications, costs, and most of all, attitudes. Besides information tracking, an integrated network will enable staff to communicate more effectively and thereby improve the overall productivity of the company.
Hyperhomocysteinemia following a methionine load in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and macrovascular disease

Abstract In the setting of an outpatient diabetic clinic, we determined whether macrovascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus is associated with hyperhomocysteinemia (elevated plasma homocysteine [H(e)] concentrations) following a methionine load. Methionine-load tests were performed in 18 healthy controls, 11 diabetics without vascular disease (five insulin-dependent [IDDM] and six non-insulin-dependent [NIDDM]), and 17 diabetics with vascular disease (five IDDM and 12 NIDDM). All subjects were male, and there was no significant difference in mean age among the three groups. We measured plasma H(e) concentrations before and 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours after an oral methionine load. Hyperhomocysteinemia (peak plasma H(e) concentration > control mean ± 2 SD) occurred with significantly greater frequency (seven of 18, 39%) in patients with NIDDM as compared with age-matched controls (7%), being more common in those with macrovascular disease (five of 12, 41%). The area under the curve (AUC) over 24 hours, reflecting the total period of exposure to H(e), was also elevated with greater frequency in patients with NIDDM and macrovascular disease (33%) as compared with controls (0%). We conclude that hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with macrovascular disease in a significant proportion of patients with NIDDM. Further investigation of this association may determine whether hyperhomocysteinemia contributes to the increased frequency and accelerated clinical course of vascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Numerical formulation for constant-gain chemical laser calculations

Abstract Equations are formulated for determining conditions in a chemically reacting gas situated inside an optical laser cavity. During lasing, the gain is held constant throughout the cavity as determined by a gain-equals-loss condition. For each vibrational level, a Boltzmann distribution for the rotational levels is assumed with lasing on each vibrational band at line center of the transition that has maximum gain. The final system consists of flow, chemical rate, and gain-equals-loss equations. Special numerical procedures for solving this system of coupled, nonlinear equations are described.
Connective tissue influences on patterns of epithelial architecture and keratinization in skin and oral mucosa of the adult mouse

Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions play an important role during embryogenesis but it is uncertain whether such interactions influence the maintenance of epithelial structure in the adult. To examine this problem, separated epithelial and connective tissue components of skin and mucosae from various regions of adult mice were homoor heterotypically recombined and transplanted to histocompatible hosts. The patterns of tissue architecture and keratinization of the resultant epithelia were examined for changes indicative of mesenchymal influences on the epithelial phenotype. Each type of epithelium, in some recombinations, fully conserved its normal pattern of phenotypic expression indicating that subepithelial connective tissue from all regions is permissive and that regionally-specific connective tissue influences are not necessary for conservation of epithelial specificity. In other recombinations, however, the epithelium acquired features of tissue architecture or keratinization typical of the epithelium normally associated with the connective tissue component, indicating directive influ ences from the connective tissue. The patterns of epithelial response observed suggest that there may be separate connective tissue influences on epithelial architecture and cytodifferentiation and that there is a regionally-related variation in the competence of epithelia to respond to these influences.
Objectivism and Bias on the Study of the Israeli–Palestinian Conflict

The author responds to reviews of his book, Planting Hatred, Sowing Pain: The Psychology of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. Reviewers argue that you cannot understand the psychology of this conflict from an objective perspective, without taking issues such as historical context and social justice in consideration. The author argues that this detachment is necessary in order to find a solution, since we need to move beyond an orientation to the past that amounts to a culpability paradigm, and into an orientation to the future and a resolution paradigm. Only after you achieve peace and build mutual trust, could the parties be ready to do soul searching and take responsibility for their past actions.
Evaluating high spatial resolution imagery for detecting citrus orchards affected by sooty mould

This study evaluated high spatial resolution colour‐infrared (CIR) (2.44 m) and pansharpened CIR imagery (0.61 m) for detecting citrus (Citrus spp.) orchards affected by sooty mould (Capnodium citri), an indicator of insect infestation of a citrus grove. These resolutions were chosen because they are equivalent to the spatial resolution of multispectral and pansharpened QuickBird imagery. Citrus groves north‐west of Mission, Texas, USA, were assessed. CIR photography and image processing software were used to develop the images. Sooty mould‐affected areas were readily detected on the CIR and pansharpened CIR images. The latter provided better detail, increasing image interpretation accuracy. Findings of this study support the theory that high spatial resolution satellite imagery may be used to detect sooty mould‐affected citrus orchards.
Sex of faculty role model and students' self-perceptions of competency

This study investigated sex of faculty role model and students' professional development. Subjects were 80 female and 77 male graduate students enrolled in the same academic department who responded anonymously to a questionnaire assessing self-evaluations of competency, stress, and satisfaction in regard to the student and intended professional roles. Female graduate students who identified female professors as role models viewed themselves as more career oriented, confident, and instrumental than did female students who identified male role models. However, female students with female role models did not differ in these self-descriptions from male students identifying male faculty as role models. Choice of role model did not similarly relate to self-reports of stress in the student role or of departmental satisfaction, but female students with female role models reported higher satisfaction with their student role than did male or female students with a male role model. Alternate explanations for the findings are discussed and questions for future research in this area are raised.
The vertical distribution of phosphate and nitrite in the upper one-half meter of the southeast Pacific Ocean

Abstract Phosphate and nitrite concentrations were measured at 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 50 cm. Two types of phosphate distribution were encountered. One consisted of higher concentrations in the first 5 cm; the other of distinct maxima in concentration at lower depths (10–30 cm). Nitrite concentrations were generally uniform throughout the first 50 cm.
Improvements in a Source for Use in the Vacuum Ultraviolet

An improved version of a low-pressure hot cathode discharge lamp for use in the vacuum ultraviolet is described. It has been used with hydrogen, helium, argon, and nitrogen to furnish line radiation from below 500 A to about 1650 A and continuum radiation from hydrogen from 1650 A to 3500 A. The lamp operates at low voltages, is reliable, and simple to rejuvenate when the output becomes low. Figures are given on its output as seen through a specific monochromator.
E-007 Spontaneous post-partum cervical carotid artery dissection in a patient with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome

Postpartum cervicocephalic artery dissection (pp-CAD) is a rare and poorly understood condition. To our knowledge, only 21 cases have been reported. Reversible cerebral segmental vasoconstriction was first described by Call and Fleming in 1988, and its association with pp-CAD has only been reported in three cases. However, in those cases it is unclear whether the pp-CAD may have been caused by straining during labor and therefore merely coincidental to the intracranial arteriopathy. We report a 42-year-old right handed African-American woman who developed the syndrome of pp-CAD (headaches, trace sub-arachnoid hemorrhage and diffuse cerebral arteriopathy on angiogram) 2 weeks after delivery. In this unique case, the patient had fortuitously undergone an MR study twice over a 4-day period which included the carotid bifurcations. During that time the patient was an inpatient, on bed rest and subject to continuous cardiac monitoring. The interval studies documented a true spontaneous right internal carotid artery dissection occurring without obvious cause. The patient had noted moderate right neck pain developing between the two MR studies but experienced no neurological deficits. Subsequent conventional angiography confirmed the presence of postpartum cerebral arteriopathy and the cervical dissection. The patient was managed conservatively with antiplatelet medication and had an otherwise uneventful course. We hypothesize whether transient arterial wall abnormalities, postpartum hormonal changes or subtle connective tissue aberrations play a similar role in the pathogenesis of these two associated conditions.
Reference Values for Median Nerve Conduction to the Pronator Quadratus

Abstract Foley BS, Roslonski ET, Buschbacher RM. Reference values for median nerve conduction to the pronator quadratus. Objective To derive a normative database for nerve conduction values of the median nerve to the pronator quadratus using a large and varied subject population. Design Descriptive study. Setting Private office or university-based clinic. Participants Volunteers (N=207), recruited, without risk factors for neuropathy. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Onset latency, duration, amplitude, and area were recorded for all subjects. Side-to-side variability was calculated and the normative ranges were derived (97th percentile of observed values). Results Because the latencies increased with longer distances (longer forearms), the data were divided into 3 categories. The mean latency for those subjects whose distance from stimulator to recording electrode was 23cm or less was 3.8±0.4ms; the comparable values for those subjects with distances of 23.5 to 24.5cm was 4.0±0.4ms; and for those with distances of 25cm and more, 4.5±0.4ms. The amplitude and area varied with age. The mean amplitude for those subjects under 60 years of age was 4.4±1.8mV, while those 60 years and over had an amplitude of 3.7±1.7mV. The upper limit of normative side-to-side variability for latency was 0.6ms, and the upper limit decrease in amplitude from 1 side to the other was 37%. Conclusions This study establishes normative values for the median motor nerve conduction to the pronator quadratus.
Plasmin-induced smooth muscle cell proliferation requires epidermal growth factor activation through an extracellular pathway

Background Plasminogen activators are used routinely for thrombolysis. They lead to the generation of the protease, plasmin, which can induce smooth muscle cell proliferation and may thus promote further intimal hyperplasia in the thrombolysed vessel. We have shown recently that plasmin induces extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)–mediated cell proliferation. Plasmin can also activate metalloproteinases on the cell surface, which can release the tethered ligand heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF), which can in turn activate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Methods Murine aortic smooth muscle cells were cultured in vitro. Assays of DNA synthesis and cell proliferation, EGFR phosphorylation, and ERK1/2 activation were examined in response to plasmin in the presence and absence of the plasmin inhibitors (ɛ-aminocaproic acid and aprotinin), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor GM6001, HB-EGF inhibitor CRM197, HB-EGF inhibitory antibodies, EGF inhibitory antibodies, and the EGFR inhibitor AG1478. Results Plasmin-induced smooth muscle cell DNA synthesis, which was blocked by EGFR and HB-EGF inhibition. Plasmin-induced time-dependent EGFR phosphorylation and ERK1/2 activation, which were inhibited by AG1478. This response was dependent on the proteolytic activity of plasmin since both plasmin inhibitors blocked the response. EGFR phosphorylation by plasmin was blocked by inhibition of MMP activity and the ligand HB-EGF. EGFR phosphorylation by EGF was not interrupted by inhibition of plasmin, MMPs, or HB-EGF. Direct blockade of the EGFR prevented activation by both plasmin and EGF. Conclusions Plasmin can induce smooth muscle cell proliferation through activation of EGFR by an extracellular MMP-mediated, HB-EGF–dependent process.
Faculty-Librarian Collaboration in Building the Curriculum for the Millennium: The US Experience

Une revolution silencieuse est en train de s'operer sur plusieurs campus des Etats Unis. La technologie, les organismes de soutien et la competition forcent les professeurs a repenser leur programme d'etude dans la plupart des disciplines enseignees tant au niveau du contenu qu'au niveau de l'enseignement. Parallelement, les bibliothecaires universitaires ressentent eux aussi ces pressions, qui les forcent a reflechir sur leur fonction au sein de l'education superieure. Les besoins des etudiants et des professeurs pour une maitrise des outils de recherche amenent les bibliothecaires a assumer un plus grand role d'enseignant. Ils sont en train d'etablir des programmes de liaison afin de travailler de facon plus etroite avec leurs collegues professeurs afin de mieux integrer une connaissance des outils de l'information dans le programme d'etude. Des exemples d'universites a travers les Etats Unis montreront la diversite des efforts auxquels les bibliothecaires se sont associes pour modifier le programme d'etude afin que les etudiants soient prepares a la societe de l'information.
The effect of mineral oil on food utilization II. Changes of beta-carotene in mineral oil

On the basis of the experiments reported here, stereoisomerization of beta-carotene is believed to occur both in vitro and in vivo in the presense of mineral oil. The lower biological activity of the stereo-isomers may account in part for the deleterious action of mineral oil on carotene utilization.
Spinodal decomposition: A reprise

Tiller et al. have recently attempted(1) to reformulate the theory of spinodal decomposition. Unfortunately, the equations they propose violate the second law of thermodynamics as well as displaying other incongruities. It is shown that, even if their intentions are carried out correctly, the results are at variance with existing diffusion data. It is also demonstrated that their criticisms of the mathematics of the original treatment are invalid.
Satellite observations of the date of snowmelt at 60° and 70° north latitude

In this paper we show changes in the dates of snow disappearance in the Arctic between the late 1960s and the early 2000s, from arbitrary but consistent boundaries, using National Oceanic Atmospheric and Administration (NOAA) satellite observations. The date the snowline retreats during the spring (when it first moves north of the 60° and 70° parallels) has occurred approximately a week earlier in recent decades compared to the late 1960s, for many Arctic locations. During this same period, substantial portions of the Arctic have been experiencing higher temperatures and a conspicuous diminution of sea ice, especially in the past 10 years. Our results generally agree with these observations -- tendency toward earlier snowmelt was sustained until about 1990. Since that time, however, the date of snow disappearance has not been occurring noticeably earlier, and snow cover has actually been forming earlier in the autumn.