cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Paratenon Contributes to Scleraxis-Expressing Cells during Patellar Tendon Healing

The origin of cells that contribute to tendon healing, specifically extrinsic epitenon/paratenon cells vs. internal tendon fibroblasts, is still debated. The purpose of this study is to determine the location and phenotype of cells that contribute to healing of a central patellar tendon defect injury in the mouse. Normal adult patellar tendon consists of scleraxis-expressing (Scx) tendon fibroblasts situated among aligned collagen fibrils. The tendon body is surrounded by paratenon, which consists of a thin layer of cells that do not express Scx and collagen fibers oriented circumferentially around the tendon. At 3 days following injury, the paratenon thickens as cells within the paratenon proliferate and begin producing tenascin-C and fibromodulin. These cells migrate toward the defect site and express scleraxis and smooth muscle actin alpha by day 7. The thickened paratenon tissue eventually bridges the tendon defect by day 14. Similarly, cells within the periphery of the adjacent tendon struts express these markers and become disorganized. Cells within the defect region show increased expression of fibrillar collagens (Col1a1 and Col3a1) but decreased expression of tenogenic transcription factors (scleraxis and mohawk homeobox) and collagen assembly genes (fibromodulin and decorin). By contrast, early growth response 1 and 2 are upregulated in these tissues along with tenascin-C. These results suggest that paratenon cells, which normally do not express Scx, respond to injury by turning on Scx and assembling matrix to bridge the defect. Future studies are needed to determine the signaling pathways that drive these cells and whether they are capable of producing a functional tendon matrix. Understanding this process may guide tissue engineering strategies in the future by stimulating these cells to improve tendon repair.
Control of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection utilizing a novel immunostimulatory peptide

The emergence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is a serious health concern worldwide that requires new therapeutic approaches that extend beyond the development and use of new antibiotics. In this study, a conformationally biased, response-selective agonist of human C5a, known as EP67, was used to induce host innate immunity as a therapeutic method of reducing CA-MRSA infections. Using a murine model of dermonecrosis we show that EP67 treatment effectively limits CA-MRSA infection by promoting cytokine synthesis and neutrophil influx. In contrast, EP67 was ineffective in reducing lesion formation in C5a receptor (CD88(-/-)) knockout mice, indicating that EP67 activates host innate immunity by engagement of CD88 bearing cells. These results suggest that EP67 may serve as a novel immunotherapeutic for prevention and treatment of CA-MRSA dermal infection.
Exposure of rhesus monkeys to 20 000 G steady magnetic field: Effect on blood parameters

Sixteen monkeys were used in a study to determine the effects, or noneffects, of exposure to a steady magnetic field of 2 T (20 000 G). Arterial and venous blood samples were taken before, immediately after, and several weeks following the test. Blood gas analyses were made of arterial samples, and hemotologic cell data and Technicon SMAC TM analyses were made of venous samples. Differential and absolute white blood cell counts of segmented neutrophils and lymphocytes were considerably changed during the test, even for monkeys which were not exposed to the magnetic field. These changes have also been observed in monkeys whose environment and daily routine are modified appreciably. Eight of the 16 monkeys were tested twice: first, in the magnet with the magnet turned on, and second, two months later, in the magnet, but with the magnet turned off. A large superconducting magnet (0.63 m i. d. and 1.85 m long warm‐air bore) was used, which accomodated two monkeys at one time. Paired‐t tests of 45 blood parameters showed no significant differences between the two tests. Exposure to a gradient field compared with exposure to a uniform magnetic field showed no significant differences.
Effect of Exercise and Dietary Restraint on Energy Intake of Reduced-Obese Women

Self-selected food intake of 15 reduced-obese women living in a metabolic ward was studied for 14 consecutive days to determine the effect of exercise and other metabolic and behavioral variables on energy intake. A choice of prepared food items were offered at breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a variety of additional food items were available continuously 24 h/day. Subjects performed either moderate intensity aerobic exercise (A-EX) (n = 8) expending 354 +/- 76 kcal/session or low intensity resistance weight training (R-EX)(n =7) expending 96 +/- kcal/session, 5 days/week. Mean energy intakes (kcal/day, +/- SEM) of the exercise groups were similar: 1867 +/- 275 for A-EX, 1889 +/- 294 for R-EX. Mean energy intakes of individuals ranged from 49 to 157% of the predetermined level required for weight maintenance. Resting metabolic rate per kg 0.75 and the Eating Inventory hunger score contributed significantly to the between subject variance in energy intake, whereas exercise energy expenditure did not. Regardless of exercise, eight women consistently restricted their energy intake (undereaters), and seven other consumed excess energy (overeaters). Overeaters were distinguished by higher Eating Inventory disinhibition (P = 0.023) and hunger (p = 0.004) scores. The overeaters' diet had a higher fat content 34 +/- 1% (p = 0.007). Also, overeaters took a larger percentage of their daily energy, than that of undereaters, 27 +/- 1 energy intake in the evening, 13 +/- 2%, compared to undereaters, 7 +/- 1% (p = 0.005). We conclude that the Eating Inventory is useful for identifying reduced-obese women at risk of overeating, and these individuals may benefit from dietary counseling aimed at reducing fat intake and evening snacking.
Surface Characterization of 7075-T73 Aluminum Exposed to Anodizing Pretreatment Solutions

Localized corrosion damage in Type 7075-T73 aluminum alloy was investigated for various anodizing pretreatment solutions. The postexposure surface corrosion was characterized by use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination. In addition, SEM and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used for second-phase (constituent) particle identification for those found to induce pitting corrosion during solution exposure. The pitting mechanisms were identified as circumferential where the particles are noble with respect to the matrix phase and by selective dissolution where they are anodic. The designated category-1 degreasing and category-2 inhibited alkaline solutions did not initiate localized corrosion after 1200 s exposures. However, the category-3 high-pH NaOH and category-4 low-pH HNO3 based solutions were found to initiate pitting attack, with the NaOH being significantly more aggressive. It was hypothesized that if the pits initiating during the pretreatment exposures were beyond a threshold size, on the order of 10-20 μm, a higher current density existed at these locations during subsequent electrochemical processes, thus resulting in larger and deeper pit structures. These surface defects are of primary concern with respect to accelerated fatigue crack nucleation. For smaller pits, on the order of 1-5 μm, the anodic process had a smoothing affect where the film growth tended to passivate the pits.
General anesthetics hyperpolarize neurons in the vertebrate central nervous system

The effect of general anesthetics on frog motoneurons and rat hippocampus pyramidal cells was examined with sucrose gap and intracellular recording, respectively. A number of volatile and intravenous anesthetics directly hyperpolarized the motoneurons. The potency of these agents in hyperpolarizing motoneurons was strongly correlated with their anesthetic potency. While the responses to barbiturates and alpha-chloralose were blocked by gamma-aminobutyric acid antagonists and were dependent on the chloride gradient, the responses to all the other anesthetics tested were generated by a separate mechanism. Intracellular recording from hippocampal pyramidal cells suggested that an increase in potassium conductance accounts for these responses. Such a nonsynaptic action would contribute to the decreased neuronal responsiveness observed for these compounds and thus to their anesthetic action.
Probing osmotic effects on invertase with L-(−)-sucrose

L-(−)-Sucrose was efficiently synthesized using intramolecular aglycon delivery and used to elucidate osmotic effects on the activity of invertase, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of D-(+)-sucrose. The osmotic effect imposed by L-sucrose was responsible for more than 30% of the activity loss ascribed otherwise to “substrate inhibition.”
Financing the Delivery of Vaccines to Children and Adolescents: Challenges to the Current System

Recent increases in the number and costs of vaccines routinely recommended for children and adolescents have raised concerns about the ability of the current vaccine financing and delivery systems to maintain access to recommended vaccines without financial barriers. Here we review the current state of US financing for vaccine delivery to children and adolescents and identify challenges that should be addressed to ensure future access to routinely recommended vaccines without financial barriers. Challenges were considered from the perspectives of vaccine providers; state and local governments; insurers, employers, and other health care purchasers; vaccine manufacturers; and consumers.
The PEEK measurement program

A computer program called PEEK has been written to measure PL/I computer programs. The PEEK system makes three types of measurements of PL/I programs. PEEK measures (1) basic statistics, (2) cyclomatic complexity, and (3) software science metrics. Each of these types of measures gives a different insight into the nature of the particular computer program that is measured. The PEEK program has been developed as the central tool for doing a set of experiments in program measurement. Future versions of PEEK may be tailored as tools for developing and maintaining computer programs.
EFFECT OF HYPOXIA AND REOXYGENATION ON REGIONAL ACTIVITY OF NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE IN THE BRAIN OF NEWBORN PIGLETS. † 1296

EFFECT OF HYPOXIA AND REOXYGENATION ON REGIONAL ACTIVITY OF NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE IN THE BRAIN OF NEWBORN PIGLETS. † 1296
A Multivariate Statistical Approach to Metrology

This paper presents an approach to metrology that allows one to set a confidence level on geometric parameters using multivariate statistical techniques. Furthermore, the analysis incorporates deviations from nominal geometry that are expected from various manufacturing and measurement processes to reduce the size of the multidimensional confidence interval.
LOW-MAINTENANCE RUBBER CRASH CUSHION

The present research was aimed at development of a low-maintenance crash cushion utilizing reusable rubber elements. Energy dissipation characteristics of full-scale hollow circular rubber cylinders was investigated through static and dynamic testing. Effects of clustering cylindrical elements on energy dissipation was also examined through dynamic testing. A full-scale prototype crash cushion was construction from a cluster of rubber cylinders formed from a natural rubber (NR) product containing a 20% ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) blend and subjected to a series of vehicular crash tests. Although unexpected failures in the rubber cylinders prevented acceptance of the prototype cushion in terms of recommended impact performance criteria, the failures were attributed to a mandrel-wrapping process for which a compression-model process can be substituted. A low-maintenance rubber crash cushion is technically and economically feasible and can reduce life-cycle costs by 60% or more at high-accident locations. Further development is therefore recommended.
Adaptive local basis set for Kohn-Sham density functional theory in a discontinuous Galerkin framework I: Total energy calculation

Kohn-Sham density functional theory is one of the most widely used electronic structure theories. In the pseudopotential framework, uniform discretization of the Kohn-Sham Hamiltonian generally results in a large number of basis functions per atom in order to resolve the rapid oscillations of the Kohn-Sham orbitals around the nuclei. Previous attempts to reduce the number of basis functions per atom include the usage of atomic orbitals and similar objects, but the atomic orbitals generally require fine tuning in order to reach high accuracy. We present a novel discretization scheme that adaptively and systematically builds the rapid oscillations of the Kohn-Sham orbitals around the nuclei as well as environmental effects into the basis functions. The resulting basis functions are localized in the real space, and are discontinuous in the global domain. The continuous Kohn-Sham orbitals and the electron density are evaluated from the discontinuous basis functions using the discontinuous Galerkin (DG) framework. Our method is implemented in parallel and the current implementation is able to handle systems with at least thousands of atoms. Numerical examples indicate that our method can reach very high accuracy (less than 1meV) with a very small number (4-40) of basis functions per atom.
Two-faced catalytic autoantibodies

Factor IX (FIX)–activating catalytic antibodies in acquired hemophilia patients reported in this issue of Blood by Wootla et al[1][1] reveal the potential of the immune system to influence life processes in unexpected ways. Catalytic antibodies were originally described as pathogenic mediators in
In vivo imaging studies of the effect of recipient conditioning, donor cell phenotype and antigen disparity on homing of haematopoietic cells to the bone marrow

Homing of transplanted bone marrow cells (BMC) to the host bone marrow (BM) is the first step of engraftment towards durable multilineage haematopoietic reconstitution. We used an in vivo assay to track PKH-labelled cells in the BM of mice after transplantation, using fluorescence microscopy through an optical window placed over the distal femoral epiphysis. Within hours after intravenous injection, the cells moved in and out the femur, and were mobile within the marrow space. One hour after injection of whole BMC into non-conditioned syngeneic and allogeneic recipients, the homing efficiencies (HE) were 1.23 +/- 0.14% and 0.12 +/- 0.02% respectively (P 80%) were quiescent in the BM during the first 3 d. HE were twofold higher in busulphan-myeloablated recipients (P < 0.001 vs non-conditioned), and allogeneic transplantation resulted in 84 +/- 9% donor chimaerism at 4 weeks. The HE of lin- cells was 16-fold higher than that of lin+ cells (P < 0.001), and the subset of lin- SCA-1+ cells was 4.6-fold higher in the BM-homed cell population (P < 0.001 vs lin- cells). Approximately 1,500 of the BM-homed cells rescued 62-71% secondary syngeneic and allogeneic myeloablated recipients. Strikingly, the HE could be predicted during the first 3 d after transplantation by correcting the measurements performed in vivo for the enrichment of progenitors in donor inoculum, donor-recipient antigen disparity and myeloablative conditioning.
Specular reflectivity studies of the adsorption of halide anions on gold electrodes in 0.2 M HClO4

Summary The specular reflectivity of gold has been measured in 0.2 M HClO 4 with and without halide ions present. The reflectivity potential curves depend on the halide concentration at potentials where halide ions are adsorbed. Increasing halide ion concentration decreases the reflectivity with a limiting value approached at higher halide ion concentrations. The decrease in reflectivity produced by anion adsorption also is potential dependent and approaches a limiting value at more anodic potentials. Hysteresis is evident in the reflectivity-potential curves recorded with cyclic linear potential sweeps when the sweep rates and halide ion concentrations are such that diffusion of halide ions to and from the electrode is expected to be rate controlling. Potential-step techniques and simultaneous reflectivity measurements have been used to demonstrate diffusion control of the adsorption kinetics at low halide concentrations. The factors involved in the change of the reflectivity of the gold-electrolyte solution interface with potential and anion adsorption are discussed. The change in the surface electron charge density appears to be particularly important. The reflectivity and voltammetry data have been used to determine the “adsorption potential” for the I − , Br − , and Cl − anions, (corresponding to the potential of the voltammetry peak or the maximum in the slope of the reflectivity-potential curve). These adsorption potentials have been found to fit a linear dependence on the third power of the ionic radius reasonably well as is to be expected if the principal factor responsible for the difference in adsorptivity of these three ions is their polarizability.
Regressive Values and Public Administration

Public administration in Western nations functions within a liberal-democratic societal context that shapes the roles and work of public service academicians and practitioners. In recent decades, values enacted in the societal context have increasingly been regressive, emphasizing aggressiveness, premodern belief, economics as an end in itself, great social inequality, and Earth as a resource pool for business activities. This trend is in contrast to the progressive values of cooperation, knowledge of and openness to alternatives, economics as means, limited inequality, and Earth as a home to be protected. The emphasis on regressive values is particularly apparent in the United States, which may be used to illustrate the nature of the phenomenon. This paper discusses the potential for public administration academicians to counter the spread of regressive values and encourage enactment of progressive values.
A neural machine interface architecture for real-time artificial lower limb control

This paper presents a novel architecture of a lower limb neural machine interface (NMI) for determination of user intent. Our new design and implementation paves the way for future bionic legs that require high speed real-time deterministic response, high accuracy, easy portability, and low power consumption. A working FPGA-based prototype has been built, and experiments have shown that it achieves average performance gains of around 8x that of the equivalent software algorithm running on an Intel Core i7 2670QM, or 24x that of an Intel Atom Z530 with no perceivable loss in accuracy. Furthermore, our fully pipelined and parallel non-linear support vector machine-based FPGA implementation led to a 6.4x speedup over an equivalent GPU-based design. In this paper, we also characterize our achieved timing margin to show that our design is capable of supporting real-time wireless communications. With additional refinement, such a wireless personal area network (PAN) system will provide improved flexibility on an individual basis for electromyography (EMG) sensor placement.
Cyclosporine A as a potential neuroprotective agent: a study of prolonged hypothermic circulatory arrest in a chronic porcine model.

Objective: To assess whether Cyclosporine A (CsA) or cycloheximide (CHX) can reduce ischemia-induced neurological damage by blocking apoptotic pathways, we assessed their effects on cerebral recovery in a chronic animal model of hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA). Methods: Twenty-eight pigs (28‐33 kg) underwent 90 min of HCA at 208C. In this blinded study, animals were randomized to placebo (na 12), 5 mg/kg CsA (na 8), given intravenously before and subcutaneously for 7 days after HCA, or a single dose of 1 mg/kg CHX (na 8), given after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. Hemodynamics, intracranial pressure (ICP) and neurophysiological data (EEG, SSEP) were assessed for 3 h after HCA; early behavioral recovery was scored, and neurological/behavioral evaluation (9a normal) was carried out daily until elective sacrifice on postoperative day (POD) 7. Brains were selectively perfused and evaluated histopathologically for apoptosis. Results: Basic hemodynamic data revealed no differences between CsA or CHX and control groups. ICP was significantly lower throughout rewarming (Pa 0:009) and reperfusion (Pa 0:05) in the CsA group. EEG recovery 3 h after HCA was observed in four of eight CsA animals but in only 1 of 12 controls (Pa 0:11) and one of eight CHX animals; cortical SSEP recovery also seemed faster in CsA animals, but failed to reach significance. Some early recovery scores were significantly better in the CsA group, and daily behavioral scores were consistently and significantly higher in the CsA-treated animals from POD1 through POD4. Conclusions: The data indicate that treatment with Cyclosporine A but not cycloheximide has a positive effect on cerebral recovery following HCA. Whether CsA results in inhibition of neuronal apoptosis, and/or inhibits release of cytokines and thereby reduces postischemic cerebral edema remains to be elucidated. The neuroprotective effect of CsA, if confirmed in further studies, would make its clinical application conceivable. q 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Annulus formation by White Suckers and the Reliability of Pectoral Fin Rays for Ageing Them

Abstract Juvenile white suckers (Catostomus commersoni) normally developed distinguishable annuli earlier in the summer than did adult fish, probably because yearly somatic growth did not occur in older fish until after cessation of spawning activity. Although ageing by use of pectoral fin rays was more reliable than interpretation by scales, annuli often were not formed on pectoral fin rays of fish in the oldest age classes. Therefore, caution must be taken when assuming that pectoral fin rays properly reflect the true age of older white suckers.
Radiation Of An Electromagnetic Pulse From The Open End Of A Circular Waveguide

When an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) traveling along the inside of a waveguide reaches the open end, it will cause radiation. Can this EMP radiation be an electromagnetic missile,' i.e., a pulse with slowly decaying energy? This analysis of radiation from an open circular waveguide attempts to provide the answer. The problems of radiation of acoustic and electromagnetic waves from a cylindrical waveguide have been solved for many years.2-4 However, interest then was confined to the CW case in the low-frequency region, i.e., when the wavelength A is of the same order of magnitude as the radius a of the tube. It is interesting and significant to study the radiation of an EM pulse in which the wide high-frequency band (λa) plays an important role. The problem of radiation of an EMP is solved and examined first in the frequency domain. The analysis proceeds according to the following steps: 1) Specifying the incident currents for the TEn, modes; 2) Establishing the coupled integral equations for the currents; 3) Using the Wiener-Hopf technique to solve the equations for the currents; 4) Deriving the formula for the electric field along the axis; 5) Evaluating the asymptotic behavior of the radiated field; and 6) Transforming the radiated field into the time domain and calculating the Poynting vector.
Intensity Fluctuations in a Two-mode Ring Laser

Intensity fluctuations in a two-mode ring laser with zero detuning are derived using a noise amplification rate-equation model. Both approximate and exact forms of the gain saturation are treated. Steady-state distributions of the intensity are derived analytically permitting calculation of the mean and normalized variance. Numerical solutions yield the time-dependent evolution of these quantities from initial input noise. Recently derived mode competition effects, such as a steady state value of } for the normalized variance (rather than zero as in a conventional laser) and negative correlations between the intensity fluctuations of the two modes, appear more simply here and their statistical origin is explained.
Rapid Reversal of Parenteral-Nutrition-Associated Cirrhosis Following Isolated Intestinal Transplantation

Liver disease and the development of hepatic fibrosis are complications associated with total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Patients developing cirrhosis and portal hypertension in the setting of intestinal failure have a high mortality and may require combined liver and intestinal transplantation which carries much higher morbidity and mortality than isolated intestinal transplantation. Recently, regression of hepatic fibrosis in patients with TPN liver disease has been described following intestinal transplantation. To date, there has been no demonstration of the reversal of established cirrhosis due to long-term TPN injury. Herein, we describe a patient with intestinal failure who developed cirrhosis from long-standing TPN injury and underwent isolated intestinal transplantation. He had no overt clinical stigmata of portal hypertension and had preserved liver function. Serial liver biopsies were reviewed and assessed with standard histology and quantitation of fibrosis using image analysis. Dramatic regression of fibrosis and reversal of cirrhosis were observed 17 months posttransplantation. Image analysis demonstrated a 14% total decrease in the percentage area of fibrosis. Cirrhosis related to TPN may be rapidly reversible after isolated intestinal transplantation. Such patients may be able to undergo isolated intestinal transplantation if they do not have hepatic synthetic compromise or clinical stigmata of portal hypertension.
GnRH agonist-induced inhibitory and stimulatory effects during ovarian follicular maturation

Abstract The in vivo regulation of ovarian gonadotropin and prolactin receptors and adenylate cyclase activity by FSH, and the potent GnRH agonist [D-Ala 6 ]des-Gly 10 -GnRH N -ethylamide (GnRHa), was studied in immature hypophysectomized diethylstilbestrol-implanted rats. During FSH treatment over a 48 h period, FSH receptors increased 2-fold with the maximum response during the first 12 h, whereas LH and prolactin receptors increased by 10-fold and 6-fold with the maximum response from 12 to 48 h. Administration of GnRHa at any time during the 48 h period of FSH treatment inhibited the subsequent development of gonadotropin and PRL receptors. In contrast, administration of a single dose of 10 μg GnRHa after 48 h of FSH treatment stimulated follicular luteinization and caused increases in basal adenylate cyclase activity, ovarian weight and PRL receptor content, and concomitant decreases in gonadotropin receptors and adenylate cyclase responses. In the immature follicles of animals not primed with FSH, GnRHa caused progressive inhibition of FSH-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity, with a decrease in FSH receptors, but increased both basal and GMP-P(NH)P-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities. These results demonstrate that GnRHa causes marked inhibition of gonadotropin receptor expression in the basal and FSH-stimulated ovary. This decrease in gonadotropin receptors is an important component of the mechanism by which GnRH agonists inhibit ovarian gonadotropin-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity. In addition, these peptides exert stimulatory effects upon ovarian weight and basal adenylate cyclase activity, and cause an increase in PRL receptors and luteinization of mature ovarian follicles. The stimulatory actions of GnRH agonists upon ovarian function are more prominent with increasing maturation of the granulosa cell.
Impact of Interpersonal Conflict on Individuals High in Unmitigated Communion1

The current study examined the impact of interpersonal conflict on mood and physical symptoms for individuals who scored high on a personality characteristic called unmitigated communion (UC), as compared to individuals who did not score high in UC. UC is defined as a focus on others to the exclusion of the self. Forty-one undergraduate students participated in 7 consecutive nightly interviews. Participants described their social interactions, indicated whether the interaction involved interpersonal conflict, and indicated their distress and physical symptoms at the end of the day. Multilevel modeling analysis demonstrated that conflict adversely affected UC and non-UC individuals similarly on the same day, but had a more negative impact for UC individuals on the following day.
Assessing redox status in human plasma: experience in critically ill patients.

Clinical evaluation of metabolic acidosis has involved measurement of lactate (L), pyruvate (P), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB), and acetoacetate (AcAc). We previously demonstrated that these metabolites are not at equilibrium in plasma. Their degree of disequilibrium is reflected in the ratio of apparent equilibrium constants (KLP/KBA) for the two redox couplets, L-P and BOHB-AcAc. The purpose of the study was to examine how well this ratio reflects disequilibrium in patients with metabolic acidosis. Measurements of the four metabolites were obtained in 23 critically ill patients. Disequilibrium was again observed, as manifested in an inconstant ratio (p less than .01). The ratio increased with clinical improvement. Patients were more likely to die during their ICU stay if the estimated ratio was low, particularly if metabolic acidosis was present. Patients with respiratory acidosis had both intermediate probabilities of death and intermediate ratios when compared to inpatient controls (ICU patients without acidosis). Our data indicate that changes in the L-P-BOHB-AcAc cycle reflect the degree of metabolic derangement in critically ill patients.
Developments and applications of biosensors

Biosensors will have an impact on people's daily lives in the not too distant future, since they can fill very real needs in health care, environmental monitoring and control, agriculture and chemical industries. Several companies throughout the world, notably in Japan, have focused on application-oriented product development. Japan is expected to become the world leader in commercialization of biosensors.
Systemic and coronary effects of intravenous milrinone and dobutamine in congestive heart failure.

The effects of dobutamine and intravenous milrinone on systemic hemodynamics, coronary blood flow and myocardial metabolism were studied in 11 patients with severe congestive heart failure. Although milrinone and dobutamine similarly increased cardiac index from 1.9 ± 0.4 to 2.5 ± 0.4 liters/min per m2(p Thus, dobutamine and milrinone produce similar improvement in cardiac index. However, dobutamine increases myocardial oxygen consumption, whereas milrinone does not. This difference can probably be explained by the substantial vasodilating properties of milrinone.
In vitro synthesis of T4 proteins

Abstract Biologically active bacteriophage T4 lysozyme is synthesized in vitro using RNA from T4-infected cells to program a protein-synthesizing system from uninfected cells (Salser et al., 1967). We have confirmed this finding, and have extended it to a number of T4 proteins characterized by their migration on acrylamide gel. Two widely used protein-synthesizing systems differ considerably in their suitability for such experiments.
Quantitative Representation of Alternative Movement Techniques and Motion Variability

In an attempt to objectively represent and differentiate movement techniques, and further understand the variability in human motion behavior, this study presents a quantitative index termed Joint Contribution Vector (JCV) representing a motion in terms of contributions of individual joint degrees-of-freedom to the achievement of the task goal. Given a set of uncharacterized motions, the JCV index and statistical visualization and clustering methods enable identification of alternative movement techniques and graphical representation of motion variability. A motion data analysis was conducted to demonstrate the utility of the JCV index.
Structural studies of cytoskeletal protein arrays formed on lipid monolayers.

Lipid monolayers have been widely used for the production of 2-D crystalline arrays of water-soluble proteins for structural analysis. Less well known is the utility of lipid layers for the assembly of multicomponent structures in two dimensions. This report summarizes current efforts and limitations to utilize a monolayer system composed of the quaternary ammonium surfactant didodecyldimethyammonium and dilaurylphosphatidylcholine to assemble 2-D complexes between actin and cytoskeletal proteins.
Global music making a difference: themes of exploration, action and justice

The educator is not obligated to clear the entire jungle; he is not endowed with the power to remake the law. His responsibility is to eradicate the contemptuous treatment of blacks and to get at the truth, as well as he can, of the socially wounded child's life. (Maxine Greene, 1973, p. 196) How might we, as educators, begin to confront the realities of ‘the socially wounded child's life’ in our classrooms? In this article, the author documents a class collaborative project exploring music instruction as catalyst for social consciousness and transformation. Within a multicultural music education model, participants attempt to take theory into practice by authoring music curricula fostering principles of equity and social justice.
Disturbances During Minirhizotron Installation Can Affect Root Observation Data

Use of minirhizotrons in forested ecosystems has produced considerable information on production, mortality, distribution, and the phenology of root growth. But installation of minirhizotrons severs roots and disturbs soil, which can cause root proliferation in perennial plants. The authors compared the magnitude and vertical distribution of root growth observations in a mature hardwood forest during the growing season immediately after minirhizotron installation with observations more than two years later. They also compared the vertical root growth distribution during these two different years with the preinstallation distribution of fine root biomass. Before minirhizotron installation and again two years later, about 74% of fine root biomass was in the upper 30 cm of soil, but immediately after installation, 98% of the root elongation was in the upper 30 cm. Large differences in the quantity of root elongation were observed across different slope positions in the minirhizotron data from the first growing season (approximately four times greater on the upper slope as the lower slope). Such differences with slope position were not sen in the later minirhizotron data, nor in the preinstallation fine root biomass data. The evidence suggests that the minirhizotron data collected immediately after installation can be biased by disturbance ofmore » roots and soil during installation, which result in excessive root proliferation, particularly near the soil surface. Root proliferation appears to be the result of a response to both root pruning and to nutrient release in microsites near the newly installed minirhizotron.« less
TGF-β inducible early gene 1 regulates osteoclast differentiation and survival by mediating the NFATc1, AKT, and MEK/ERK signaling pathways.

TGF-β Inducible Early Gene-1 (TIEG1) is a Kruppel-like transcription factor (KLF10) that was originally cloned from human osteoblasts as an early response gene to TGF-β treatment. As reported previously, TIEG1−/− mice have decreased cortical bone thickness and vertebral bone volume and have increased spacing between the trabeculae in the femoral head relative to wildtype controls. Here, we have investigated the role of TIEG1 in osteoclasts to further determine their potential role in mediating this phenotype. We have found that TIEG1−/− osteoclast precursors differentiated more slowly compared to wildtype precursors in vitro and high RANKL doses are able to overcome this defect. We also discovered that TIEG1−/− precursors exhibit defective RANKL-induced phosphorylation and accumulation of NFATc1 and the NFATc1 target gene DC-STAMP. Higher RANKL concentrations reversed defective NFATc1 signaling and restored differentiation. After differentiation, wildtype osteoclasts underwent apoptosis more quickly than TIEG1−/− osteoclasts. We observed increased AKT and MEK/ERK signaling pathway activation in TIEG1−/− osteoclasts, consistent with the roles of these kinases in promoting osteoclast survival. Adenoviral delivery of TIEG1 (AdTIEG1) to TIEG1−/− cells reversed the RANKL-induced NFATc1 signaling defect in TIEG1−/− precursors and eliminated the differentiation and apoptosis defects. Suppression of TIEG1 with siRNA in wildtype cells reduced differentiation and NFATc1 activation. Together, these data provide evidence that TIEG1 controls osteoclast differentiation by reducing NFATc1 pathway activation and reduces osteoclast survival by suppressing AKT and MEK/ERK signaling.
A low-power RF integrated circuit for implantable sensors

A low-power low-voltage analog signal processing circuit has been designed, fabricated, and tested. The circuit is capable of processing an analog sensor current and producing an ASK modulated digital signal with modulating signal frequency proportional to the sensor current level. An on-chip regulator has been included to stabilize the supply voltage received from an external RF power source. The circuit can operate with a power supply as low as 1 V and consumes only about 20 µW of power, which is therefore very suitable for implantable biomedical applications. The whole chip was laid out and fabricated in a 0.35 µm bulk CMOS technology. Experimental results show good agreement with the simulation results.
A Role for the Mouse 12/15-Lipoxygenase Pathway in Promoting Epithelial Wound Healing and Host Defense

The surface of the eye actively suppresses inflammation while maintaining a remarkable capacity for epithelial wound repair. Our understanding of mechanisms that balance inflammatory/reparative responses to provide effective host defense while preserving tissue function is limited, in particular, in the cornea. Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and docosahexaenoic acid-derived neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1) are lipid autacoids formed by 12/15-lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways that exhibit anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Here, we demonstrate that mouse corneas generate endogenous LXA4 and NPD1. 12/15-LOX (Alox15) and LXA4 receptor mRNA expression as well as LXA4 formation were abrogated by epithelial removal and restored during wound healing. Amplification of these pathways by topical treatment with LXA4 or NPD1 (1 μg) increased the rate of re-epithelialization (65–90%, n = 6–10, p
Clinical Results of Keratophakia and Keratomileusis

Abstract Thirteen keratophakia patients were followed for 13 to 35 months. Eighteen cases of hyperopic keratomileusis or hyperopic keratomileusis using preserved corneal tissue were followed for 2 to 30 months. All 13 patients who underwent keratophakia achieved 20/50 or better acuity. All seven patients having hyperopic keratomileusis achieved 20/60 or better acuity. Eight of the 11 patiens who had hyperopic keratomileusis using donor corneal tissue achieved 20/60 or better acuity. The preservation of lenticules after lathing did not adversely affect the correlation between predicted and observed dioptric corrections. There was a statistically significant correlation between predicted and observed dioptric correction measured at the corneal surface when the lenticule was lathed from fresh tissue (hyperopic keratomileusis) or from relatively fresh tissue (keratophakia). However, we found that there was poor correlation between the predicted and observed corrections when the lenticule was lathed from donor tissue that had been cryopreserved for long periods of time (hyperopic keratomileusis with preserved corneal tissue).
The Revolution in Graph Theoretic Optimization Problems

Over the last several years there have been major breakthroughs in the design of approximation algorithms for such classic problems as finding the maximum flow in a graph. Maximum flow for undirected graphs can now be approximately solved in almost linear time. This result by researchers at Berkeley and MIT, I claim, is only the beginning of a new era in efficient algorithm design.Graph theoretic optimization problems, that have been dormant for fifty years are now seeing new and exciting algorithms. These advances have been made possible by Spectral Graph Theory, the interplay between linear algebra and combinatorial graph theory. One application of this interplay is a nearly linear time solver for Symmetric Diagonally Dominate systems (SDD). This seemingly restrictive class of linear systems has received substantial interest in the last 15 years. Both algorithm design theory and practical implementations have made major progress. Surprisingly, there is an ever growing list of problems that can be efficiently solved using SDD solvers including image segmentation, image denoising, finding solutions to elliptic equations, computing maximum flow in a graph, graph sparsification, and graphics. All these examples can be viewed as special cases of convex optimization problems that arise from graph problems. I can imagine a world where such optimization problems that seem to require at least quadratic work will all be solvable by practical algorithms guaranteed to run in near linear work and are very parallel.
Increased photosynthetic rates following gibberellic acid treatments to the roots of tomato plants.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of root applications of gibberellic acid (GA3) on photosynthesis in tomato plants grown hydroponically. Photosynthetic rates (mg CO2/dm2/hr) determined using an open infrared CO2 gas exchange system showed a 40–50% increase within 5 hr after treatment with a 1.4 µM gibberellic acid (GA3) to their roots. The effect was shown to persist for the duration of the experiment (9 days). Plants receiving pulses of 1.4 µM GA3 to the roots for 1, 4, 8 or 12 hr exhibited significantly higher photosynthetic rates than the control for 6 days following treatment. By day 9 however, there was no significant difference. Continual treatments with 1.4 µM GA3 to the roots maintained the photosynthetic rate significantly higher than the control for the duration of the experiment. Interestingly, at the lower light levels the percent stimulation was more dramatic. There was approximately a 90% increase in the photosynthetic rate at 80 µE m-2 s-1 while at saturating light conditions (560 µE m-2 s-1) there was approximately a 40% increase over the control rate. The light saturation point for both treated and control plants was 240 µE m-2 s-1. Applications of physiologically relevant concentrations of GA3 to the roots of tomato plants stimulates photosynthesis more consistently than that achieved by previous studies involving foliar absorption.
Translocation of proteins across the endoplasmic reticulum.

Abstract The past year has seen significant advances in the field of protein translocation: the roles of the signal recognition particle and its receptor have been understood in greater detail; many membrane components responsible for translocation have been identified; and insight has been gained into how proteins cross membranes.
Transient analysis of controlled flexible structures with viscoelastic damping material

An innovative method for transient response analysis of controlled structures with viscoelastic damping layers is developed. The method yields closed-form transient response by an accurate inverse Laplace transform procedure. Unlike existing techniques, the method does not depend on any orthogonal relations for the system eigensolutions. Another advantage of the method is that the contributions of specific modes in the transient response can be independently evaluated without involving the computation related to other modes. These features render the proposed method efficient in modeling and control of viscoelastically damped flexible structures.
Infra-Red Transmitting Filters. II. The Region 1 to 6μ*†

A type of visible-absorbing, infra-red transmitting filter is described in which the absorbing units are produced from a plastic film that also serves as a supporting medium. Filters of this kind prepared from polyvinyl chloride and polyvinylidene chloride films are characterized by transmission bands between 1 and 3.3μ and between 3.5 and 5.8μ. Ways of isolating either of these bands are described. Such filters have obvious utility in connection with photoconductive cells.
Chlamydia trachomatis in Adolescents: A Review

Genital infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis represent the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States. An estimated 3-4 million cases annually necessitate the expenditure of more than $2 billion in health care costs per year. The ramifications of infection with this organism have significant reproductive complications. The objective of this paper is to provide the reader with a review of Chlamydia trachomatis in general with particular focus on those areas that are pertinent to the adolescent population. The authors hereby provide an overview of the clinically pertinent microbiology, epidemiology, risk factors, selective screening protocols, diagnostic methods, clinical manifestations, and sequelae of C. trachomatis.
Computerized multiple image analysis on mammograms: performance improvement of nipple identification for registration of multiple views using texture convergence analyses

Automated registration of multiple mammograms for CAD depends on accurate nipple identification. We developed two new image analysis techniques based on geometric and texture convergence analyses to improve the performance of our previously developed nipple identification method. A gradient-based algorithm is used to automatically track the breast boundary. The nipple search region along the boundary is then defined by geometric convergence analysis of the breast shape. Three nipple candidates are identified by detecting the changes along the gray level profiles inside and outside the boundary and the changes in the boundary direction. A texture orientation-field analysis method is developed to estimate the fourth nipple candidate based on the convergence of the tissue texture pattern towards the nipple. The final nipple location is determined from the four nipple candidates by a confidence analysis. Our training and test data sets consisted of 419 and 368 randomly selected mammograms, respectively. The nipple location identified on each image by an experienced radiologist was used as the ground truth. For 118 of the training and 70 of the test images, the radiologist could not positively identify the nipple, but provided an estimate of its location. These were referred to as invisible nipple images. In the training data set, 89.37% (269/301) of the visible nipples and 81.36% (96/118) of the invisible nipples could be detected within 1 cm of the truth. In the test data set, 92.28% (275/298) of the visible nipples and 67.14% (47/70) of the invisible nipples were identified within 1 cm of the truth. In comparison, our previous nipple identification method without using the two convergence analysis techniques detected 82.39% (248/301), 77.12% (91/118), 89.93% (268/298) and 54.29% (38/70) of the nipples within 1 cm of the truth for the visible and invisible nipples in the training and test sets, respectively. The results indicate that the nipple on mammograms can be detected accurately. This will be an important step towards automatic multiple image analysis for CAD techniques.
Reactive dissolution kinetics of lithographic copolymers

A wide range of phenomenological nonlinear dissolution behaviors has often been noted for real resist systems but no comprehensive framework has yet been proposed that explains the underlying physical phenomena and connects them to resist composition. We present a taxonomy of dissolution processes in representative resist copolymers measured using quartz crystal microbalance frequency-resistance analysis and optical reflectance measurements. The underlying physical and chemical processes leading to the observed behaviors are identified using a detailed chemical kinetics implementation of the critical ionization model for resist polymer dissolution.