cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computational wrist analysis of functional restoration after scapholunate dissociation repair

The scapholunate ligament stabilizes the scaphoid and lunate of the proximal row in the wrist which allows for proper force transmission with the radius and ulna. Damage to this structure degenerates into arthritis and disability. Controversy exists over the best technique to restore function and reduce pain. A three-dimensional computational model of the wrist and hand was used to investigate the biomechanical effects of scapholunate ligament dissociation and its repair. The model replicated 3D bony anatomy, soft tissue structures, and muscle loading. The model predicted the increased instability caused by the injury, consistent with experimental and clinical evidence, and a return of more healthy kinematics with the repair. Changes to load transmission across the radiocarpal joints were noted with the injury, only some of which were mitigated by the repair. As better understanding of the biomechanics of the wrist joint is achieved, this model could prove to be an important tool to further investigate wrist mechanics and inform the effects of treatment options.
Reactive oxygen species and cyclooxygenase products explain the majority of hypoxic cerebral vasodilation in healthy humans.

AIM The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human cerebral blood flow (CBF) during hypoxia is largely unknown. Additionally, it is unknown whether ROS interact with cyclooxygenase-derived signals during hypoxia to increase CBF. We hypothesized ROS inhibition would reduce hypoxic CBF, and combined inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) and ROS would decrease hypoxic CBF more than ROS suppression alone. METHODS We measured middle cerebral artery velocity with transcranial Doppler ultrasound in 12 healthy adults during normoxia and 2 isocapnic hypoxia trials. Intravenous ascorbic acid infusion during the first hypoxia trial suppressed ROS. Oral indomethacin inhibited COX between hypoxia trials. The second bout of hypoxia tested the combined effects of ROS and COX inhibition. Middle cerebral artery velocity was normalized for blood pressure as cerebrovascular conductance index. RESULTS Hypoxia increased cerebrovascular conductance index in both trials (P < 0.05). Ascorbic acid infusion did not alter cerebrovascular conductance index during hypoxia. Combined ascorbic acid and indomethacin significantly reduced hypoxia-mediated increases in cerebrovascular conductance index from 17 ± 2 to 4 ± 1 cm s-1 100 mm Hg-1 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION ROS are not obligatory for hypoxic cerebral vasodilation. Current data indicate ROS and COX together may account for the majority of the increase in CBF through the middle cerebral artery during hypoxia. These data are the first to demonstrate compensatory hypoxic vasodilatory signalling in human cerebral circulation.
Efficacy and toxicity of particle radiotherapy in WHO grade II and grade III meningiomas: a systematic review

OBJECTIVEAdjuvant radiotherapy has become a common addition to the management of high-grade meningiomas, as immediate treatment with radiation following resection has been associated with significantly improved outcomes. Recent investigations into particle therapy have expanded into the management of high-risk meningiomas. Here, the authors systematically review studies on the efficacy and utility of particle-based radiotherapy in the management of high-grade meningioma.METHODSA literature search was developed by first defining the population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and study design (PICOS). A search strategy was designed for each of three electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Data extraction was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Outcomes of interest included local disease control, overall survival, and toxicity, which were compared with historical data on photon-based therapies.RESULTSEleven retrospective studies including 240 patients with atypical (WHO grade II) and anaplastic (WHO grade III) meningioma undergoing particle radiation therapy were identified. Five of the 11 studies included in this systematic review focused specifically on WHO grade II and III meningiomas; the others also included WHO grade I meningioma. Across all of the studies, the median follow-up ranged from 6 to 145 months. Local control rates for high-grade meningiomas ranged from 46.7% to 86% by the last follow-up or at 5 years. Overall survival rates ranged from 0% to 100% with better prognoses for atypical than for malignant meningiomas. Radiation necrosis was the most common adverse effect of treatment, occurring in 3.9% of specified cases.CONCLUSIONSDespite the lack of randomized prospective trials, this review of existing retrospective studies suggests that particle therapy, whether an adjuvant or a stand-alone treatment, confers survival benefit with a relatively low risk for severe treatment-derived toxicity compared to standard photon-based therapy. However, additional controlled studies are needed.
Intranasal Midazolam and Fentanyl for Analgesia and Sedation in Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Purpose: The intranasal route is a minimally invasive method for rapidly delivering midazolam and fentanyl to provide short-term analgesia and sedation in infants. However, intranasal use of midazolam and fentanyl is not labeled for use in infants and safety data are sparse. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of intranasal midazolam and intranasal fentanyl in infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Methods: Using electronic health record data, we identified all infants receiving intranasal midazolam or fentanyl …
Incidence, morbidity, and mortality of traumatic superior mesenteric artery injuries compared to other visceral arteries.

ObjectivesCeliac artery, superior mesenteric artery, and inferior mesenteric artery injuries are often grouped together as major visceral artery injuries with an incidence of <1%. The mortality rat...
Transport rate of EAAT2 is regulated by amino acid located at the interface between the scaffolding and substrate transport domains.

Abstract Excitatory Amino Acid Transporters (EAATs) are plasma membrane proteins responsible for maintenance of low extracellular concentrations of glutamate in the CNS. Dysfunction in their activity is implicated in various neurological disorders. Glutamate transport by EAATs occurs through the movement of the central transport domain relative to the scaffold domain in the EAAT membrane protein. Previous studies suggested that residues located within the interface of these two domains in EAAT2, the main subtype of glutamate transporter in the brain, are involved in regulating transport rates. We used mutagenesis, structure-function relationship, surface protein expression and electrophysiology studies, in transfected COS-7 cells and oocytes, to examine residue glycine at position 298, which is located within this interface. Mutation G298A results in increased transport rate without changes in surface expression, suggesting a more hydrophobic and larger alanine results in facilitated transport movement. The increased transport rate does not involve changes in sodium affinity. Electrophysiological currents show that G298A increase both transport and anion currents, suggesting faster transitions through the transport cycle. This work identifies a region critically involved in setting the glutamate transport rate.
Patient Education in Neurosurgery: Part 1 of a Systematic Review.

Background Patient education has become increasingly important in neurosurgery. However, little is known regarding how to comprehensively educate neurosurgical patients. In the first part of a 2-part systematic review, we identify baseline patient understanding and educational needs, examine existing patient education materials, and characterize shortcomings in neurosurgical patient education practices. Our findings may guide neurosurgeons, departments, and professional associations in improving communication with patients. Methods A 2-part systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. Titles and abstracts were read and selected for full text review. Studies meeting prespecified inclusion criteria were reviewed in full and analyzed for study design, aim, population, interventions, and outcomes. Results Of 1617 resultant articles, 41 were included. Patient comprehension was low. Patient informational needs differed across patients and between patients and neurosurgeons. Patient informational needs were often unmet, promoting dissatisfaction. Written educational materials from government agencies, professional associations, neurosurgery departments, neurosurgeons, or widely read Web sites were written at a reading level above the recommended reading level, with complex topics written at a higher level. Information found on hospital and university Web sites was poor quality because of self-marketing and lack of reference to peer-reviewed literature. Educational videos created by universities and hospitals were poor quality. Conclusions Current in-clinic discussions and education materials show shortcomings, promoting poor comprehension. Neurosurgeons, departments, and professional organizations can act to improve the effectiveness of patient education initiatives. This policy will better inform patients, increase rapport between neurosurgeons and patients, and improve patient decision making and satisfaction.
Religious culture and rural car ownership

Abstract Transportation policy generally restricts the predictors of car ownership to socio-economic variables without consideration of cultural factors. However, culture – the ideas, norms, and objects that a society shares – affects consumption decisions. Excluding this cultural context may limit consideration of potentially successful policy interventions. The research presented here statistically tests the impact of religious culture on rural car ownership in the United States by incorporating religious adherence rates into statistical models of countywide motorization rates. This research explores whether religious affiliation is a statistically significant predictor of car ownership and whether the addition of those religious variables results in a statistically significant improvement in model fit. The findings suggest that religious affiliation, expressed as countywide adherence rates, is a statistically significant predictor of car ownership and that its inclusion improves model fit; however, while statistically significant, that improvement in model fit is quite small. This research concludes that considering culture is a valuable direction for targeting car consumption policies aimed at curbing climate change. This research also demonstrates the need for additional exploration using disaggregated cultural data to better understand the import of this approach to policy development.
A Systematic Literature Review of Wireless Sensor in Safety Application.

With the rapid development of wireless sensor technology, wireless sensors have the potential to be applied in various fields. The introduction of wireless sensors in safety application is one of the feasible applications. The wireless sensors can be used to monitor human and environment to avoid potential safety issues. In this study, a systematic literature review was conducted by software like VOSviewer, CiteSpace, Harzing’s Publish or Perish, MAXQDA and Mendeley. A trend analysis was conducted. It was found that the wireless sensors in the safety application are becoming increasingly popular. However, compared with a large number of wireless sensor papers, there is still a lot of research space in the safety application. The engagement measurement by Vicintas showed there is a lot of room for popularization of wireless sensors for safety in daily life. A co-citation analysis demonstrated the three clusters of wireless sensors in the safety application: wireless sensor network, location privacy and communication protocol. The citation burst analysis showed the trend has shifted from sensor network design to location privacy, Internet of Things (IoT) and applications. The Content Analysis listed the most frequent words from 15 selected key articles (such as data, node, network, monitoring). It can be concluded that safety applications of wireless sensors are increasing, and there is still a lot of work to be done.
Characterizing the spatial and temporal patterns of farmers' market visits

Abstract This research presents a study of visits to farmers' markets, a rapidly growing urban phenomenon in the U.S., from a geographic perspective. Although the social and economic impacts of farmers' markets have received considerable attention recently, examining farmers' market access in space-time is still lacking in the existing analytical frameworks. This study challenges conventional food access measures that have been primarily focused on the spatial separation between markets and consumers' homes and proposes a more realistic space-time based strategy. A survey was conducted on twelve markets in Tucson, Arizona. Analysis results show that majority of market patrons went to a market that was different from the one nearest to their homes, and the market choice, including the geographic location and the associated market operating time, was highly affected by patrons' other daily activities. The particular types of activities combined with farmers' market trips were found to vary temporally and fluctuate based on patron's employment characteristics. Our study suggests that conventional food access measures should be used in caution to assess farmers' market access as these measures can lead to an overestimate of the travel consumers are willing or even able to incur.
Effects of Laser Damage Processes on Microwave Propagation

Preliminary analysis has indicated that laser radiation may alter microwave propagation in transparent solids by both electron avalanche and thermally induced plasmas. These effects may occur at fluence levels below that at which visible damage occurs. Temperature rises well below the melting point may create sufficiently dense plasmas to affect propagation. The dependence of propagation effects upon plasma density and size has been modeled. Effects of varying the initial temperature have been studied. Irreversible changes in microwave absorption are also considered. Effects are analyzed for a CdTe microwave modulator for CO2 laser radiation. Plasmas with densities 1015-1016 cm -3 are generated at temperatures 500-700 A‚Â°C in CdTe. At these densities, microwave propagation may be significantly affected. Microwave measurements of simulated plasmas have been carried out using metallic and resistive materials of different dimensions Comparison is made with theoretical models. An experimental setup using a high energy pulsed CO2 laser and a sensitive microwave reflectometer for measuring laser induced effects will be discussed.
2 – Digital Communication System Concepts

This chapter provides an overview of digital communication system concepts. It focuses on formatting and transmission of baseband signal. When digitally transmitted, the characters are first encoded into a sequence of bits, called a bit stream or baseband signal. This chapter Data already in a digital format would bypass the formatting procedure. Textual information is transformed into binary digits by use of a coder. Analog information is formatted using three separate processes: sampling, quantization, and encoding. In all cases, the formatting steps result in a sequence of binary digits. These digits are transmitted through a baseband channel, such as a pair of wires or a coaxial cable. However, before transmitting the digits, one must transform the digits into waveforms that are compatible with the channel. For baseband channels, compatible waveforms are pulses. The conversion from binary digits to pulse waveform takes place in a wave encoder also called a baseband modulator. The output of the waveform encoder is typically a sequence of pulses with characteristics that correspond to the binary digits being sent. After transmission through the channel, the received waveforms are detected to produce an estimate of the transmitted digits, and then the final step is (reverse) formatting to recover an estimate of the source information.
SEX-ROLE DIFFERENTIATION IN A FEMALE JUVENILE DELINQUENT POPULATION:

In a study of 179 prostitutes and other female juvenile delinquents, most subjects were found to be androgynous or undifferentiated in terms of their sex-role orientation. Female subjects with a masculine sex-role orientation were found to have a relatively higher incidence of prostitution. Results raise question about the assumption of a simple and uniformly positive relationship between androgyny and mental health in both adolescent and clinical populations.
Ecological release in White Sands lizards

Ecological opportunity is any change that allows populations to escape selection from competition and predation. After encountering ecological opportunity, populations may experience ecological release: enlarged population size, broadened resource use, and/or increased morphological variation. We identified ecological opportunity and tested for ecological release in three lizard colonists of White Sands, New Mexico (Sceloporus undulatus, Holbrookia maculata, and Aspidoscelis inornata). First, we provide evidence for ecological opportunity by demonstrating reduced species richness and abundance of potential competitors and predators at White Sands relative to nearby dark soils habitats. Second, we characterize ecological release at White Sands by demonstrating density compensation in the three White Sands lizard species and expanded resource use in White Sands S. undulatus. Contrary to predictions from ecological release models, we observed directional trait change but not increased trait variation in S. undulatus. Our results suggest that ecological opportunity and ecological release can be identified in natural populations, especially those that have recently colonized isolated ecosystems.
Chemical Pathways of Peptide Degradation. V. Ascorbic Acid Promotes Rather than Inhibits the Oxidation of Methionine to Methionine Sulfoxide in Small Model Peptides

The effect of primary structure and external conditions on the oxidation of methionine to methionine sulfoxide by the ascorbate/Fe3+ system was studied in small model peptides. Degradation kinetics and yield of sulfoxide formation were dependent on the concentration of ascorbate and H+, with a maximum rate observed at pH 6–7. Phosphate buffer significantly accelerated the peptide degradation compared to Tris, HEPES, and MOPS buffers; however, the formation of sulfoxide was low. The oxidation could not be inhibited by the addition of EDTA. Other side products besides sulfoxide were observed, indicating the existence of various other pathways. The influence of methionine location at the C terminus, at the N terminus, and in the middle of the sequence was investigated. The presence of histidine in the sequence markedly increased the degradation rate as well as the sulfoxide production. The histidine catalysis of methionine oxidation occurred intramolecularly with a maximum enhancement of the oxidation rate and sulfoxide production when one residue was placed between the histidine and the methionine residue.
Antitrust Enforcement and Nonenforcement as a Barrier to Imports – with Illustrations from the Japanese Film Dispute

The role of antitrust in opening foreign markets to imports is a strong yet often unpredictable undercurrent in international trade disputes. The U.S. government may seek to protect its exporters who are denied access to a foreign market either by enforcing U.S. antitrust laws or by using trade law remedies against the importing country for not enforcing its antitrust laws. Both actions raise issues of extraterritorial jurisdiction and comity.
Gendered race: are infants' face preferences guided by intersectionality of sex and race?

People occupy multiple social categories simultaneously (e.g., a White female), and this complex intersectionality affects fundamental aspects of social perception. Here, we examined the possibility that infant face processing may be susceptible to effects of intersectionality of sex and race. Three- and 10-month-old infants were shown a series of computer-generated face pairs (5 s each) that differed according to sex (F or M) or race (Asian, Black, or White). All possible combinations of face pairs were tested, and preferences were recorded with an eye tracker. Infants showed preferences for more feminine faces only when they were White, but we found no evidence that White or Asian faces were preferred even though they are relatively more feminized. These findings challenge the notions that infants’ social categories are processed independently of one another and that infants’ preferences for sex or race can be explained from mere exposure.
Efficacy of an intranasal modified live bovine respiratory syncytial virus and temperature-sensitive parainfluenza type 3 virus vaccine in 3-week-old calves experimentally challenged with PI3V

Two experimental parainfluenza type 3 virus (PI3V) challenge studies were undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a single intranasal dose of an attenuated live vaccine containing modified live bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and temperature-sensitive PI3V in 3-week-old calves. In the first study, vaccine efficacy was evaluated in colostrum deprived calves. Nasal shedding of PI3V was highly significantly reduced in vaccinated calves challenged 10 days or 21 days after vaccination. In the second study, vaccine efficacy was assessed in calves with maternal antibodies against PI3V by challenge 66 days post-vaccination. Vaccination also significantly reduced PI3V excretion after challenge in this study. In both studies, clinical signs after challenge were very mild and were not different between vaccinated and control calves.
Disarming Lyme Disease

Antibiotics are usually curative. A vaccine is in clinical trials. Next on the research agenda: how to help people suffering from chronic symptoms.
Extended-field radiation therapy with whole pelvis radiotherapy and cisplatin chemosensitization in the treatment of IB2-IIIB cervical carcinoma: a retrospective review

Objective This retrospective study evaluated the toxicity of extended-field radiation therapy (EFRT), whole pelvis radiotherapy, and concurrent chemotherapy in patients treated with IB2-IIIB cervical carcinoma. Study Design Patients treated with EFRT, whole pelvis radiotherapy, and concurrent chemotherapy were analyzed for toxicity. Median prescribed dose to the whole pelvis was 45 Gy (45-50 Gy). Median prescribed dose to the paraaortic lymph nodes was 45 Gy (36-50). Thirty-five patients received cisplatin chemosensitization at a median dose of 40 mg/m 2 (40-51), with a median of 5 cycles (2-6). Results Thirty-six patients were treated, 3 with positive paraaortic lymph nodes. The median follow-up interval was 32 months. Twenty-four patients (66.7%) had no evidence of disease at last follow-up. Thirteen patients (36.1%) had recurrence. Fifteen patients (41.7%) experienced acute grade 3 toxicity. Conclusion Increased toxicity in patients warrants careful patient selection.
The least number of edges for graphs having dihedral automorphism group

The least (and greatest) number of edges realizable by a graph having n vertices and automorphism group isomorphic to D"2"m, the dihedral group of order 2m, is determined for all admissible n.
The aortic bodice: A life-saving maneuver

A technique is described for control of bleeding from the site of aortic cannulation after removal of the cannula. The technique employs a Dacron graft wrapped under some tension around the site.
Feeding by larvae of two different developmental modes in Streblospio benedicti (Polychaeta: Spionidae)

Females of the spionid polychaete Streblospio benedicti (Webster) produce either small eggs (60–70 μm diameter) and planktotrophic larvae, or large eggs (100–200 μm) and lecithotrophic larvae that reportedly do not feed. This intraspecific polymorphism, a form of poecilogony, is potentially useful in studies of larval ecology and evolution, but necessary data on larval form and function are lacking. This study describes the morphology and nutritional biology of larvae obtained from Atlantic (South Carolina) and Pacific (California and Washington) populations from 2003 to 2005. The two types of larvae produced by Atlantic S. benedicti differed greatly in length (229±22 μm SD for planktotrophs vs. 638±40 μm for lecithotrophs) and chaetiger number (2–5 vs. 10–11) at release from the female’s brood pouch. Planktotrophic larvae bore long provisional chaetae on their first chaetiger; provisional chaetae were absent in lecithotrophic larvae. Larvae from Pacific populations were all of the lecithotrophic form, and were similar to their Atlantic counterparts in all respects. High-speed video microscopy revealed that both types of larvae used opposed bands of cilia to capture suspended particles and transport them to the mouth, where they were often ingested. Lecithotrophic larvae reared with suspended phytoplankton (Rhodomonas sp., 104 cells ml−1) for 2 days grew significantly faster than sibling larvae reared without added food, indicating that these larvae can digest and assimilate ingested food. Larvae of S. benedicti that develop from large eggs are thus facultative planktotrophs instead of obligately non-feeding lecithotrophs, a result that affects the interpretation of comparative studies of the ecology and evolution of larvae in S. benedicti and certain other marine invertebrates.
Prenatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis using linked DNA markers and microvillar intestinal enzyme analysis.

Prenatal dignosis was performed for 47 pregnancies with 1 in 4 risk of cystic fibrosis, including 7 cases analyzed with linked DNA markers, 16 cases analyzed by microvillar intestinal enzyme testing, and 24 cases where both methods of testing were attempted. DNA was obtained by chorionic villus sampling in 10 cases and by amniocentesis in 21 cases, and diagnosis was based on analysis with the tightly linked DNA markers D7S8 and met. DNA analysis using these probes was fully informative in 74.4% of 90 couples with 1 in 4 risk. In 18 cases where both DNA results and microvillar intestinal enzyme data were diagnostic, there was agreement regarding the predicted status of the fetus. No adequate diagnosis was achieved in two cases where both diagnostic tests were attempted. Ourcome is known for 24 pregnancies including 10 where DNA analysis was diagnostic, and no errors in diagnosis were detected. Prenatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis using DNA markers is highly informative and accurate, but microvillar intestinal enzyme analysis remains a valuable part of a complete diagnostic program.
Multimolecular films of triiodostearic acid

Abstract The study of thin films floating on a liquid hypophase (“H-layer”) has emphasized the properties of unimolecular layers. The important force/area curves have been studied in detail at low lateral pressures in the so-called gaseous, highly compressible state and in the condensed state at higher pressures. Beyond this range collapse was observed and most investigators were satisfied with recording the visual observation of crumpling. During the years a few observations have been collected which suggest the formation of homogeneous polymolecular layers, “situated” in the upper left corner of the conventional force/area diagram. The present report treats, as an example of this observation, the behavior of triiodostearic acid, which appears to change from the unimolecular to the trimolecular state. The analogy to a few other cases is discussed.
Visual asymmetry biases assessment of conjugate lateral eye movement

This paper reports a serendipitous observation. Prior research led to the expectation that equal numbers of right-movers and left-movers would be found in a study aimed at exploring individual differences in conjugate lateral eye movement. Instead, most subjects were found to be right-movers (p <.001). Scrutiny of the study’s procedures revealed that the subjects had inadvertently been placed next to the left wall of the room. Apparently asymmetrical visual stimulation during the assessment of conjugate lateral eye movement can affect the right versus left directionality of such movement, an interpretation consistent with earlier formulations and findings of the sensory-tonic theory of perception.
Lattice Gauge Higgs Theories With Local X Global Symmetry Groups Including Exact Solutions

Abstract We discuss a class of lattice gauge-Higgs models with local x global symmetry groups. These may also be viewed as a new class of disordered spin models. We give general properties of these theories and present exact solutions for certain (infinite) classes of discrete 2D models. Given the strong gauge coupling limit involved, the latter constitute the first nontrivial exactly solved gauge-Higgs theories. Our results provide the first existence proof of theories which satisfy a necessary condition of realistic gauge-Higgs models, namely that the mass gaps for the Higgs and gauge sectors must both vanish and their ratio must approach a finite constant, in the continuum limit.
ATP modulation of L-type calcium channel currents in guinea pig outer hair cells

Ca2+ channel currents and their modulation by adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) in acutely isolated guinea pig outer hair cells (OHCs) were investigated using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The current-voltage (I-V) relation of OHCs indicated that the Ca2+ channel opened near -30 mV, and the current reached a maximum at +10 and 0 mV in 20 mM Ca2+ and Ba2+ external solutions, respectively. BayK 8644 (BayK, 2 microM) caused a 3.5-fold increase in peak Ca2+ currents and shifted the I-V curves toward more negative potentials. These results suggest that the majority of Ca2+ channels in OHCs have L-type characteristics. The effects of ATP on Ca2+ channels of OHCs were heterogenous. ATP (100 microM) decreased Ca2+ channel currents by 31.7 +/- 5.6% at 0 mV and shifted Ca2+ tail activation curves toward more depolarized potentials in some cells (N = 6). By contrast, in others, ATP enhanced the currents by 43.5 +/- 12.5% at +10 mV (N = 6). In the presence of BayK, however, ATP-induced inhibition or enhancement of Ca2+ channel currents was attenuated. In addition, 100 microM ATP produced little effect on Ca2+ channel currents in another subpopulation of cells (N = 12). This heterogenous neuromodulation of Ca2+ channel currents by ATP may reflect a functional diversity among OHCs.
A theoretical study of like ion pairs in solution

Theoretical studies of ionic distributions in aqueous solutions have been carried out. The spatial pair distribution in ions in solution and the distribution of water near pairs of ions have been computed. Influences of solvent structure on ion pairing and the structural mechanisms of the pairing (or unpairing) process are investigated
On visual speed

According toJ. F. Brown the dependence of visual speed on field factors is principally due to influences which such field factors exert on phenomenal time.K. Koffka has pointed out that the same dependence may be due to variations of the spatial threshold in fields of different properties. In this paper experiments have been reported which in two cases decide in favor ofKoffka's explanation. This explanation is likely to be applicable to further instances. — Some ofBrown's own experimental results appear to be incompatible with his theory.
Efficient computation of equifrequency surfaces and density of states in photonic crystals using Dirichlet-to-Neumann maps

We present an efficient method for computing the equifrequency surfaces (EFSs) and density of states of a photonic crystal. The method is based on repeatedly solving a small nonlinear eigenvalue problem formulated using the Dirichlet-to-Neumann map of the unit cell. A simple contouring algorithm is presented for sampling EFSs as well as computing group velocity vectors. We compare our method with several published results to demonstrate its efficiency and accuracy.
Low-temperature air oxidation of caking coals. 2. Effect on swelling and softening properties

Abstract Three highly swelling bituminous coals ( 63 um size) were pre-oxidized to various levels of weight gain and then their plastic properties monitored during carbonization. Additions of relatively small amounts of oxygen (
Defining a bacteriophage T4 late promoter: Absence of a “−35” region

We performed a deletion analysis to identify the minimal DNA sequence required for the function of the T4 late promoter, P23. A minipromoter derivative of P23 was constructed, containing 35 bp of T4 DNA from -18 to +17 with respect to the transcriptional initiation site. This derivative retains the TATAAATA homology and is competent to serve as a T4 late promoter both in vitro and in vivo. Its transcriptional activity in vivo is regulated identically to a wild-type plasmid-borne P23, requiring the function of T4 genes essential for late transcription, but not requiring T4 DNA replication. Recombination with the T4 phage chromosome is not significant for mini-P23 activity in vivo.
Sub-Lithographic Patterning Technology for Nanowire Model Catalysts and DNA Label-Free Hybridization Detection

Sub-lithographic nanowires and nanogaps were fabricated by spacer lithography (size reduction technology), which is a parallel processes for nanometer pattern generation on a wafer scale with resolution comparable to the best electron beam lithography. Sub-10nm line width is defined by using a sacrificial ultrathin film deposited by low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD), in a process similar to formation of gate sidewall spacers in CMOS processing. Furthermore, a novel method called iterative spacer lithography (ISL) is demonstrated by alternating materials and repeating the spacer lithography multiple times in order to multiply the pattern density. Silicon structures with sub-10nm width fabricated by this process were used as a mold in nanoimprint lithography and lift-off patterning of sub-30nm platinum nanowires for use as model catalyst systems. A similar process called reversed spacer lithography (RSL) is demonstrated to form sub10nm nanogap device and fluid channels in poly-Si. This nanogap device provides a label-free tool for DNA hybridization detection based on measuring capacitance changes in the gap.
A note on the valuation of contingent claims

Abstract We present an approach, which is derived from functional analysis, to the valuation of contingent claims on a stock whose price is a random variable with a given distribution. When the price of the stock is a geometric Wiener process the Black-Scholes price is obtained. Following this approach, formulas are derived in a general setting for the price of a call-option and its sensitivity to changes in the price of the underlying stock.
On Rotations and the Generation of Binary Trees

The rotation graph, Gn, has vertex set consisting of all binary trees with n nodes. Two vertices are connected by an edge if a single rotation will transform one tree into the other. We provide a simpler proof of a result of Lucas that Gn, contains a Hamilton path. Our proof deals directly with the pointer representation of the binary tree. This proof provides the basis of an algorithm for generating all binary trees that can be implemented to run on a pointer machine and to use only constant time between the output of successive trees. Ranking and unranking algorithms are developed for the ordering of binary trees implied by the generation algorithm. These algorithms have time complexity O(n2) (arithmetic operations). We also show strong relationships amongst various representations of binary trees and amongst binary tree generation algorithms that have recently appeared in the literature.
437 MOLECULAR CLONING OF THE BOVINE 21 HYDROXYLASE GENE

About 1 in 5000 people has congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to disordered 21 hydroxylation. 21 hydroxylase is a single specific 49000 daltori microsomal cytochrome P450, (P450c21) which is less than 0.1% of adrenocortical protein. Most in vitro studies of steroidogenesis have been bovine adrenals. We manually synthesized 23- and 30-base oligonucleotides corresponding to different regions of the bovine P450c21 cDNA sequence. After screening 2 × 105 bovine genomic DNA clones in λEMBL3A we identified a single plaque hybridizing to both oligos. This phage (λEll) was plaque-purified and the 17 kb insert was characterized by restriction endonuclease mapping. The whole 50 kb phage was denatured and hybridized to each synthetic oligo and used to initiate dideoxy DNA sequencing, proving that λE11 contains bovine P450c21 gene sequences. Hybridization of 32P-labeled total bovine genomic DNA to restriction fragments of λE11 suggests some, but not all of the noncoding regions contain repetitive DNA. A 1.2 kb EcoRI fragment lacking repeats was sequenced in M13, revealing 3 exons and 3 introns with classic splice sites. Southern blots of genomic DNA indicate the bovine and human genomes contain two P450c21 genes (or pseudogenes). Northern blots of bovine and human adrenocortical mRNA indicate P450c21 mRNA is ~ 2 kb long and arises from precursors as large as 9.5 kb. This cloned bovine 21 hydroxylase gene will permit detailed characterization of the structure and regulated expression of the gene(s) for this important steroidogenic enzyme.
Rain and the distribution of Nodilittorina exigua (Dunker) (Gastropoda: Littorinidae)

Abstract On a rocky shore in Shirahama, Japan, Nodilittorina exigua (Dunker) inhabits a shore-cliff above M.H.W.S., but its range often abruptly extends downward onto the rock platform below the cliff. Such range extension was suggested to be caused by falling of the snails from the cliff. The snails which appeared on the platform rapidly restored their original range — probably by directional upward crawling induced by detachment. The extension was usually coincident with the passage of an atmospheric depression, and was significantly correlated with rainfall of > 10 mm/h. Field observations and laboratory experiments showed that some mechanical shock accompanied by rainfall likely caused detachment of the snails. In some cases the snail density in the study area significantly decreased after the range extension, the mean amount of decrease being 10% of the population.
Female-male social interactions in wedge-capped capuchin monkeys: benefits and costs of group living

Abstract The relative importance of male and female dominance rank, age and other socio-demographic variables to female-male social interactions was examined for a wild population of wedge-capped capuchin monkeys, Cebus olivaceus , in Venezuela. Females groomed females more frequently than males but were equally aggressive to males and females. Females associated with the dominant male and groomed the dominant adult male more than subadult males. Females were most intolerant of middle-ranking subadult males and most female-male aggressive interactions involved these males. Female rank and male rank were the most important determinants of interactions initiated by females. During interactions initiated by males, ranks of male and female were not important. Social preference for the dominant male appears to reflect breeding preference; females do not improve access to resources or receive infant care as a result of this preference. Females may minimize the chance of infanticide by restricting social/breeding preference to the dominant male. Although subadult males represent a social cost to females, they may be tolerated because they are important for inter-group competition for resources.
Long-term results of small fenestra stapedectomy compared with large fenestra technique.

Objectives/Hypothesis: A comparison is made of the postoperative long-term hearing results of small fenestra stapedectomy versus large fenestra techniques. Several reports in the literature favor improved hearing results in small fenestra stapedectomy compared with large fenestration and/or total stapedectomy. Methods: A retrospective review of 34 patients who had stapedectomy performed by the same surgeon between 1982 and 1992. All patients have been followed for up to 10 years postoperatively. Results: In 18 ears of 17 patients, surgery was performed with small fenestra technique, and 17 ears of 17 patients had total stapedectomy or posterior-half fenestration. After small fenestra stapedectomy, initial average air-bone gap at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz was 9 dB hearing loss. Hearing thresholds at 4000 Hz deteriorated to 4% over the study period. Speech reception thresholds declined 15%. After total or posterior-half stapedectomy the average air-bone gap at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz was 5 dB hearing loss. Hearing thresholds at 4000 Hz deteriorated 8% and 18% for the small fenestra and large fenestra groups, respectively, over time. Statistically, there was no difference in hearing deterioration rate between these two groups. Conclusions: An experienced surgeon can obtain excellent results using either large or small fenestra technique for otosclerosis. After initial successful closure of the air-bone gaps at all measured frequencies, hearing thresholds over the study period were stable for both groups.
Localized cutaneous cryptococcosis in an immunosuppressed man.

: Isolated cutaneous cryptococcosis developed in a 62-year-old white man with an idiopathic deficiency of J-lymphocytes. The patient was healthy, except for the cutaneous infection, and displayed no other evidence of an immunodeficiency disorder. An immunologic workup should be conducted in all patients with cryptococcal infection, regardless of their apparent health status.
Antibodies to desmoplakin in a patient with pemphigus foliaceous.

Abstract Background Antibodies to desmoplakins have been associated with paraneoplastic pemphigus. Here, we report a case of non-neoplastic pemphigus foliaceous with antibodies to desmoplakins. Observation A 61-year-old woman with pemphigus foliaceous by clinical, histological and immunofluorescent criteria was found to have circulating antibodies to 250 and 215 kDa antigens identified as desmoplakin I and II by immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation. The patient had no evidence of cancer during a follow-up period of 3 years. Conclusion Although antibodies to desmoplakin I and II have previously been associated with paraneoplastic pemphigus, their occasional finding in erythema multiforme and bullous pemphigoid indicates that they can also occur in non-neoplastic pemphigus.
Portal venous air: the poor prognosis persists.

Abstract Background/Purpose: The prognostic importance of portal vein air (PVA) in babies with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has been controversial. This study compares the outcome in babies with NEC and PVA treated surgically versus those with medical management. Methods: Forty neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU; 1995 through 1999) had (PVA) during their hospitalization. Babies were analyzed for gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), and survival after operative versus medical management. Results: The average GA was 26 weeks, average BW was 1,173 g. Twenty-three patients (57.5%) tolerated full feedings and 8 (20%) partial feedings at diagnosis. All 40 babies required intubation at birth with 23 (57.5%) requiring reintubation with onset of PVA. In all cases, PVA was present within 24 hours of onset of abdominal distension, feeding intolerance, or heme-positive stools. Two cases of PVA "resolved" only to recur later in the patients' courses. Thirty-two patients (80%) manifested pneumatosis intestinalis on abdominal radiographs, and 8 (20%) had perforations. Acidosis was present in 25 (63%) patients, and vasopressor support (dopamine) was required in 15 (38%), with 2 patients requiring support only preoperatively. Initial management consisted of bowel rest, fluid resuscitation, orogastric decompression, and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Operation was performed in 31 (78%). Seventeen underwent resection with ostomy formation with 6 deaths and 11 survivors. Four underwent resection using the clip and drop back method, with one death and 3 requiring an ostomy at second look laparotomy. Ten had NEC totalis and closure of the abdomen only. Overall operative mortality rate was 17 of 31 (54%). Nine seemingly stable patients were treated nonoperatively. Six had progressed disease and died before salvage laparotomy could be performed, whereas 3 (33%) survived without further therapy. Conclusions: PVA has been a relative indication for operation. This view has been challenged by the survival of some patients without laparotomy. Although nonoperative therapy seems appealing in hemodynamically stable patients without acidosis, our data confirm the poor prognosis of infants with PVA and NEC. J Pediatr Surg 36:1143-1145. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
A Market-Based Model of News Production

This article proposes the first model to show how markets—not just for consumers, but also for advertisers, investors and sources—shape commercial news production. By applying to news what we know of how markets work with other commodities, the model clarifies the logic of news selection in an era of increasing economic rationalism in print and broadcast journalism. Most importantly, the article also explores how news fails to meet the minimum conditions economists have established as necessary for markets to benefit society.
Simultaneous determination of cortisol, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, prednisone, prednisolone, mycophenolic acid and mycophenolic acid glucuronide in human plasma utilizing liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Chronic combination immunosuppressive regimens are commonly prescribed to renal transplant recipients. To develop an assay method for pharmacokinetic studies and therapeutic drug monitoring of multiple immunosuppressives, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) approach for the simultaneous analysis of several glucocorticoids, mycophenolic acid (MPA) and mycophenolic acid glucuronide (MPAG) was investigated. The resultant method utilized a gradient reverse phase separation over a Symmetry C18 column using an ammonium acetate-methanol mobile phase at pH 3.5. The analytes were detected by coupling the chromatography system via electrospray to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Multiple-reaction monitoring in the negative mode ion (MH-/product) was employed selecting MPA at 319.1/190.9, MPAG at 495.1/191.0, dexamethasone at 391.0/361.0, hydrocortisone at 361.1/331.1, methylprednisolone at 373.1/343.1, prednisone at 357.1/327.2, and prednisolone at 359.1/329.1. The calibration curve concentrations ranged from 3.60 ng/mL to 50 microg/mL with the lowest limit of quantitation for corticosteroids being 3.60-7.20 ng/mL and 0.656-6.75 microg/mL for MPA and MPAG, respectively. The relative standard deviation for quality control intraday variation and interday variation was between 0.76% and 9.57% for all analytes. This assay offers a versatile, unique method for multi-analyte immunosuppressive determinations during combination immunosuppression.