cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preoperative CA 125 in endometrial cancer: is it useful?

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the clinical utility of preoperative CA 125 measurement in determining the need for lymphadenectomy in patients with endometrial carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective nonrandomized study was performed over a 2-year period. Patients referred with the diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma had CA 125 levels determined before surgical staging. Operative findings were then correlated with preoperative CA 125 values. Standard statistical calculations were used to determine sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and false-positive and false-negative rates. The Student t test was used to determine differences between mean values. RESULTS: Either a CA 125 level of >20 U/mL or a grade 3 tumor or both of these correctly predicted 87% of patients requiring surgical staging. In patients with a preoperative diagnosis of stage I, grade 1 or 2 tumors, a CA 125 level of >20 U/mL correctly identified 75% (9/12) of patients requiring lymphadenectomy compared with only 50% (6/12) identified when a CA 125 level of >35 U/mL was used. Two of 16 low-risk patients with preoperative grade 1 tumors and CA 125 levels of 35 U/mL strongly predicted extrauterine disease but lacked sensitivity in identifying patients needing staging. Either a CA 125 level of >20 U/mL or a grade 3 tumor or both of these correctly identified 75% to 87% of patients requiring lymphadenectomy. Until more data are collected, abdominal hysterectomy should be the procedure of choice for patients with grade 1 tumors and CA 125 levels of <20 U/mL.
Defining the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The recently published working definition of the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a necessary first step toward a consistent effort to research this controversial illness. Before this definition was developed, cases often were defined vaguely, according to the perceptions and biases of the individual researchers, so that the results of some studies were unclear. However, few specific diagnostic parameters for CFS exist, and the new definition may not delineate a single clinicopathologic entity. Future efforts at researching this illness should be aimed at identifying parameters that differentiate CFS from psychiatric conditions such as major depression and from other defined chronic diseases. Because CFS may be the result of multiple disease processes, the separate study of well-defined subgroups of patients with CFS is appropriate. Such subgroups of patients are probably more likely to have common pathogenetic features than are patients with CFS as a whole group.
Candida chorioretinitis and endophthalmitis

Ocular candidiasis is a common cause of endogenous fungal endophthalmitis and can also occur in the postoperative setting. The diagnosis of ocular candidiasis is usually made on clinical grounds but microbiological cultures are helpful to establish the identity of the infecting organism and determine the antimicrobial sensitivities. It is likely that PCR technology will become more important in the near future for rapid identification of infecting organisms, as it is applicable to both anterior chamber fluid and vitreous sampling. Furthermore, PCR has the potential to assist in directing antifungal therapy. There are many different antifungal agents in clinical use. Recent studies of newer antifungals, such as voriconazole, show significant potential for their use in the treatment of intraocular infections. Vitrectomy may provide benefit in cases presenting with severe vitritis at presentation or in cases with mild vitritis unresponsive to medical therapy.
Expression of enterovirus 70 capsid protein VP1 in Escherichia coli.

Abstract The VP1 gene of enterovirus 70 (EV70) possesses a large number of Escherichia coli low-usage codons (11.0%) and a bacterial ribosome binding site complementary sequence (RBSCS) 5′-UGUCUCCUUUUC-3′ flanking the codon 139. Plasmids containing EV70 cDNA encoding the full-length VP1 failed to express in E. coli (BL21 ( DE3 ), Rosetta 2 ( DE3 ) or Rosetta (DE3)pLysS) . High expression (>8% of total protein) of recombinant VP1 (rVP1m) in E. coli required engineering of the encoding cDNA (conserved modification of the native cDNA) by simultaneous substitution of a rare-codon cluster located between codons 103 and 132, and replacement of the RBSCS-TCCTTT sequence. The rare-codon frequencies of the cDNAs encoding VP1 non-overlapping terminal fragments N138 (1–138 aa) and C170 (141–310 aa) are similar (10.9 and 11.2%, respectively). However, in E. coli , high expression of recombinant C170 (rC170) required no modification of the native cDNA whereas high expression of recombinant N138 (rN138m) required minimal synonymous substitution of the above rare-codon cluster. The rare-codon cluster of EV70 VP1 gene has five least-usage arginine codons (AGG/AGA) and three tandem rare-codon pairs (AGGAGG, CUAAGG, and AGACUA). Our results suggest that the rare-codon cluster (its rare codon arrangement per se and/or its related mRNA secondary structure(s)) and the RBSCS in EV70 VP1 gene, not the rare-codon frequency, constitute the key elements that suppress its expression in E. coli .
Crawling wave detection of prostate cancer: Preliminary in vitro results

Purpose: The focus of this article is to develop signal and imaging processing methods to derive an accurate estimation of local tissue elasticity using the crawling wave (CrW) sonoelastography method. The task is to reduce noise and to improve the contrast of the elasticity map. Methods: The protocol of the CrW approach was first tested on heterogeneous elastic phantoms as a model of prostate cancers. Then, the contrast-to-noise ratio of the estimation was calculated iteratively with various sequences of algorithms to determine the optimal signal processing settings. Finally, the optimized signal processing was applied to ex vivo prostate cancer detection. The comparison of the segmented elasticity map and the histology tumor outline was made by quadrants to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the protocol. Furthermore, the CrW approach was combined with amplitude-sonoelastography to achieve a higher specificity. Results: This study demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed approach for clinical applications. In the application to ex vivo prostate cancer detection, the established approach was tested on 43 excised prostate glands. The combination of the CrW approach and amplitude-sonoelastography achieved an accuracy of over 80% for finding tumors larger than 4 mm in diameter. The elasticity values and contrast found by the CrW approach were in agreement with the previous results derived from mechanical testing. Conclusions: Crawling waves can be applied to detect prostate cancer with accuracy approaching 80% and can quantify the stiffness or shear modulus of both cancerous and noncancerous tissues. The technique therefore shows promise for guiding biopsies to suspect regions that are otherwise difficult to identify.
The relative impact of health education for low- and high-risk patients with hypertension

Abstract An experimental study was carried out to test and analyze the effects of an educational program on a group of hypertensive patients, comparing those with known higher risks of stroke and heart attack, e.g., secondary organ damage, with a group whose risks were relatively lower. Specific interventions have been shown to be differentially effective on specific patient behaviors (e.g., compliance with therapy) and on blood pressure control for both higher- and lower-risk patients in most of the experimental groups. Such findings emphasize the importance of tailored educational approaches, not only for a hypertensive population, but, more importantly, for patients who are known to have more difficulty achieving their blood pressure control and who are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality, i.e., patients who have secondary organ damage, have been previously hospitalized for hypertension, or are black males under 50 years of age.
Listening to our clinical partners: informing researchers about children's fears and phobias.

Abstract We surveyed a national sample of clinical psychologists to expand on Graziano and De Giovanni's (Behaviour Research and Therapy, 1979, 17, 161–162) findings that 6.8% of clinically referred children present with problems with fears and/or phobias. The survey was also conducted to assets how clinicians could inform researchers about current needs for investigations in this area. Questions involved epidemiological, demographical, and treatment characteristics of cases recently seen by therapists. The percentage of referred cases for fears/phobias in children was determined to be similar over time. In addition, types of fears, length of history of fear, intensity of fear, length of treatment, types of treatments used, and degree of parental involvement were measured and reported. The results were found to suggest a substantial degree of heterogeneity among types of fears and treatment methods for this population, as well as important lines of future research. They also suggest the need for controlled studies to assess the efficacy of a number of widely used treatments that lack an empirical base.
Effect of Ingredients in the Ice Cream Mix on its Freezing Point

Summary 1.Milk fat has no effect on the freezing point of the ice cream mix. 2.Increasing the sucrose content of the ice cream mix will lower the freezing point in direct proportion to the amount of sucrose added to the mix. 3.As a percentage of sucrose is increased the variation caused by 1 per cent is constant. 4.The effect of increasing the lactose content of the ice cream mix is that of lowering the freezing point with the same regularity that the freezing point is lowered by sucrose. 5.The variation caused by 1 per cent of lactose steadily decreases as the total percentage of lactose in the mix increases. 6.Egg albumen (casein) does not affect the freezing point of the ice cream mix. 7.Gelatin that has had its jelling strength destroyed by heating does not affect the freezing point of the ice cream mix. 8.Souring lowered the freezing point of the ice cream mix but the lowering is not regular. 9.Neutralizer in the form of sodium bi-carbonate when added to the ice cream mix caused a lowering of the freezing point.
Alteration of Oligosaccharide Biosynthesis by Genetic Manipulation of Glycosyltransferasesa

The alteration of oligosaccharide structures through genetic manipulation of glycosyltransferase activities is now a reality. It is apparent that this technique has greater consequences on oligosaccharide structure when an exogenous enzyme is introduced into cells, and in particular when this enzyme is responsible for a terminal glycosylation step. By contrast, only one study has examined the effects of overexpressing an endogenous glycosyltransferase, in which there was no detectable effect on glycosylation. However, there are still other key regulatory biosynthetic enzymes, such as GlcNAc transferase V and beta 1,3 GlcNAc transferase, whose overexpression may alter glycosylation. Both of these enzymes are required for the biosynthesis of polylactosaminoglycans (polymers of N-acetyllactosamine disaccharides), and their elevation in tumor cells correlates with increased expression of polylactosaminoglycans. Recently, the gene encoding GlcNAc transferase V has been isolated, but its transfection into cells and characterization of the resulting oligosaccharides awaits further study. Alternate strategies for modifying oligosaccharide structures could involve the introduction of more than one glycosyltransferase into cells to ensure the availability of biosynthetic intermediates. Alternatively, the disruption of specific glycosyltransferase genes by homologous recombination could be used to eliminate competing glycosyltransferases that act on a common substrate. Although oligosaccharide biosynthesis is directly dependent upon the presence or absence of specific glycosyltransferases, other factors also contribute to glycosylation. For example, the transport rate of a glycoprotein through the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex, the levels of processing glycosidases, the availability of substrates, the host cell, and ultimately, the peptide backbone of the particular glycoprotein of interest are important contributors to the final outcome of oligosaccharide structure. Despite these complications, further study into the manipulation of glycosyltransferase genes may ultimately allow the controlled and predictable biosynthesis of glycoprotein sugar chains.
Renaming of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in honor of Mrs Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

“ I am delighted to approve the legislation authorizing the creation of a National Institute of Child Health and Human Development … . The future health of our Nation rests on the care of our children and the development of our knowledge of the medical and biological sciences … . Research in recent years has established beyond question that adult behavior, intelligence, and motivation are established by the experience and patterns of response developed in the formative years of life …”President John F. Kennedy, signing HR 11099, Public Law 87-838 (76 Stat. 1072), on October 17, 1962 With those prophetic words, President John F. Kennedy signed into law the creation of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), dedicated to conducting and supporting research on the health, development and well-being of women, infants, and children.1 Forty-five years later, in December 2007, the US Congress enacted legislation renaming the NICHD as the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.2 On March 3, 2008, the NIH honored Mrs Shriver, 86, in a ceremony, formally changing the name of the institute and inducting her into the NICHD Hall of Honor (Fig 1). In the same ceremony the NICHD released its new logo, prominently … Address correspondence to Tonse N. K. Raju, MD, 6100 Executive Blvd, Room 4B03, Bethesda, MD 20892. E-mail: rajut{at}mail.nih.gov
Civil Oceanic Remote Sensing Needs

The analysis of the requirements for satellite-derived oceanic data to meet the needs of the civil marine community has been a continuing effort by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The priorities established for the most critical data are, in decreasing order: winds, sea surface temperature, waves, sea ice, ocean color, and circulation and currents. The general needs of academic, commercial, and governmental users are considered, with more detailed requirements for wave data presented as an example. The consideration of these needs are presented within the context of planned satellites that have been designed to meet national and international scientific and operational requirements.
MUTATION AMONG HOG-CHOLERA BACILLI

1. In the hog-cholera group the mutation from smooth (A) to granular (B) type occurs and a mutant with a moist, opaque colony formation was noted. 2. The B mutant when obtained pure remains a B type without reversion in the stock cultures. 3. The B mutant can be made to assume some of the A characters by rapid successive transplanting in bouillon. 4. The B mutant can usually be found in older transplants of A. 5. The two types may be distinguished by certain cultural characters, by slightly different agglutination reactions, and by different degrees of virulence.
Effects of High Frequency Stimulation on Cardiac Tissue with an Inexcitable Obstacle

We study numerically the effects of high-frequency stimulation in excitable cardiac tissue with an inexcitable obstacle using a Fitz-Hugh Nagumo type model. We show that if the frequency of stimulation is sufficiently high and the size of the inexcitable obstacle is sufficiently large, then a re-entrant pattern can be initiated. We also show that with overdrive stimulation a re-entrant pattern can be removed provided there are no obstacles at which new re-entrant patterns are created.
A prospective, randomized, double-blinded single-site control study comparing blood loss prevention of tranexamic acid (TXA) to epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) for corrective spinal surgery

Background Multilevel spinal fusion surgery has typically been associated with significant blood loss. To limit both the need for transfusions and co-morbidities associated with blood loss, the use of anti-fibrinolytic agents has been proposed. While there is some literature comparing the effectiveness of tranexamic acid (TXA) to epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) in cardiac procedures, there is currently no literature directly comparing TXA to EACA in orthopedic surgery.
Heidegger's gods

The notorious difficulty of Heidegger's post‐Second World War discussions of ‘the gods’, along with scholarly disagreement about the import of those discussions, renders that body of work an unlikely place to look for a substantive theory of religion. The thesis of this article is that, contrary to these appearances, Heidegger's later works do contain clues for developing such a theory. Heidegger's concerns about the category of ‘religion’ are addressed, and two recent attempts to ‘de‐mythologize’ Heidegger's ‘gods’ are examined and criticized. The paper concludes by outlining four substantial contributions that Heidegger's later work makes to a phenomenological account of religion.
Estradiol and testosterone metabolism and production in men with prostatic cancer

We recently observed a familial influence on the plasma concentration of sex-steroids and the metabolic clearance in men with prostatic cancer. We have now determined, by isotope dilution techniques, the blood estradiol and testosterone production and clearance rates in men with prostatic cancer and in unrelated controls. Thirty-eight men had a diagnosis of prostatic cancer before the age of 63, and 22 controls matched for age were randomly selected from the general population. None of the patients or controls had received endocrine therapy. The plasma content of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estrone, estradiol, 3 alpha-androstanediol glucuronide, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, sex-hormone binding globulin, apparent free testosterone concentration, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were not significantly different between the groups. The metabolic clearance and production rates of testosterone were significantly (P = 0.008 and P = 0.013, respectively) higher in patients [447 +/- 26 L/day/body surface area(m2) and 2.21 +/- 0.17 mg/day/m2, n = 38] than in controls [346 +/- 20 L/day/m2 and 1.70 +/- 0.11 mg/day/m2, n = 22]. The PR and MCR of estradiol were not significantly different between patients with prostatic cancer (n = 19) and controls (n = 12). These results indicate that men with prostatic cancer have elevated clearance and production rates of testosterone without an alteration of estradiol production or clearance.
Testing transformations for the linear mixed model

Transformation of the response of a linear model is a popular method in practice when attempting to satisfy the assumptions of the model. Environmental research routinely uses log-transformations due to the nature of the observed data. The choice of the transformation is often made based upon previous experience or on the comparison of models with different transformed responses. Often a transformation parameter is estimated when fitting a model to a set of data. However, in practice interpretability becomes an issue, as it is only desired to know if a particular transformation is appropriate. Thus, inference tools for a hypothesized value of the transformation, such as the log-transformation in environmental exposure models, have their merit. An examination of hypothesis tests of the transformation parameter in the general linear mixed model will be beneficial due to its practical applications, particularly for areas of environmental research. The effect of outliers on inference about the transformation parameter is also studied.
EFFECT OF ACTINOMYCIN D AND CHLORAMPHENICOL ON PROTEIN SYNTHESIS IN CHICK FIBROBLASTS.

Abstract 1. 1. Chick embryo fibroblasts deprived of serum fail to achieve net synthesis of protein or of ribonucleic acid. Turnover of protein is limited while that of ribonucleic acid is extensive. 2. 2. Cells supplied with serum after deprival reinitiate protein synthesis slowly, reaching a maximal rate in about 12 h. 3. 3. The decayl or protein synthesis after actinomycin addition is prolonged as cells recover from serum deprival. 4. 4. Chloramphenicol inhibits protein synthesis in cells recovering from serum deprival. The inhibition is overcome spontaneously. 5. 5. The results are interpreted to suggest that serum-starved cells are depleted both of ribosomes and of messenger ribonucleic acid.
Transcervical gunshot injuries: mandatory operation is not necessary.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that all transcervical gunshot wounds should be explored surgically because of the high incidence of injuries to vital structures. The present prospective study investigated the clinical presentation, the role of various diagnostic investigations, and the need for surgery in patients with transcervical gunshot injuries. METHODS: Ninety-seven patients sustained gunshot injuries to the neck and 33 of them (34%) were transcervical. All victims were assessed clinically according to a written protocol and subsequently were evaluated angiographically, and, in the appropriate case, by means of endoscopy and esophagography. RESULTS: Overall, 24 (73%) of the 33 patients with transcervical gunshot wounds had injuries to cervical structures. Vascular injuries were found in 48%, spinal cord injuries in 24%, and aerodigestive tract injuries in 6% of patients with transcervical injuries. In the 64 patients without midline crossing, the incidence of cervical structure injuries was 31%. Despite the high incidence of injuries to cervical structures in transcervical wounds, only 21% of the patients had a therapeutic operation. The overall mortality was 3%. There were no in-hospital deaths or local complications in the nonoperatively managed group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study do not support the current recommendations of mandatory operation for all transcervical gunshot wounds. A careful clinical examination combined with the appropriate diagnostic investigations should determine the treatment modality. About 80% of these patients can safely be managed nonoperatively. Language: en
Transmission electron microscopy study of high energy product Fe-Nd-B ribbons

Transmission electron microscopy has been used to characterize the microstructure and crystal structure of high energy product (14.1 MG.Oe) melt-spun Fe-Nd-B ribbons with an alloy composition of Nd 13 Fe 82.6 ,B 4.4 . The microstructure of these ribbons consists of very fine grains, and they are practically single-phase materials. It appears that there are also very thin grain boundary films surrounding the grains. The grain size varies from 10 to 80 nm, with an average of about 15 nm. The crystal structure of these ribbons was also studied by using electron diffraction analysis. All the diffraction patterns can be fitted very well by a tetragonal structure with lattice parameters a = 0.880 nm and c = 1.218 nm, in very good agreement with x-ray diffraction and neutron diffraction results. The superior magnetic properties are probably due to the fine-grained Nd 2 Fe 14 B compound in these ribbons (i.e., single-domain fine particles).
Gender-based perceptions of the 2001 anthrax attacks: Implications for outreach and preparedness

Extensive research dealing with gender-based perceptions of fear of crime has generally found that women express greater levels of fear compared to men. Further, studies have found that women engage in more self-protective behaviors in response to fear of crime, as well as have different levels of confidence in government efficacy relative to men. The majority of these studies have focused on violent and property crime; little research has focused on gender-based perceptions of the threat of bioterrorism. Using data from a national survey conducted by ABC News/Washington Post, this study contrasted perceptions of safety and fear in response to anthrax attacks among male and female respondents. Results indicated some gender differences in perceptions and responses to possible anthrax exposure, although not all achieved statistical significance. Results are discussed in relation to their implications for criminological theory, security and bioterrorism preparedness.
Fluorescence analysis of size distribution and mode of dye release from carboxyfluorescein-loaded vesicles: application to the study of complement-membrane interactions.

Abstract We wish to report a novel method for visualizing large unilamellar vesicles loaded with a fluorescent dye and for monitoring changes in the size distribution as well as state of aggregation of such dye-loaded liposomes. In addition, we demonstrate that this method can be used to distinguish between all-or-none release of dye and graded release of dye from individual vesicles. Using this technique, we have characterized complement-mediated release of car☐yfluorescein from large unilamellar vesicles and have found that C5–8 complexes mediate a graded release of dye while C5–9 complexes cause an all-or-none release. Furthermore, complement appears to preferentially attack the medium to larger-sized vesicles in our population of large unilamellar vesicles while smaller vesicles appear to be selectively spared.
Influence of escape from traps on parameters in the positron trapping model

Abstract Positron detrapping may explain weak trapping in some metals, and it can affect deduced vacancy formation energies. However, it appears that the recently observed additional temperature dependence of the positron capture rate cannot be attributed to escape from traps.
In vitro biohydrogenation of four dietary fats

Abstract This study was designed to determine in vitro rates of biohydrogenation of dietary unsaturated fatty acids by a mixed population of rumen microbes. The four dietary fats [Alifet High-Energy® (AHE), Alifet-Repro® (AR), Megalac® (MG), and Energy Booster® (EB)] differ in method of preparation, fatty acid composition, or both of these factors. Dietary fats (20 mg) were incubated with 4 mL strained rumen fluid diluted with 16 mL of medium, 0.8 mL of reducing solution buffer, and 200 mg of a synthetic diet (370 g cellulose, 370 g starch, and 160 g casein per kg DM) at 37 °C. Total contents were collected after 0, 6, 12, 24, or 36 h and change in fatty acid content determined. Disappearance of oleic acid was minimal (0.05–0.20) in AR and MG but moderate (about 0.60) in AHE and EB after 36 h of incubation. Rate of biohydrogenation of linoleic and linolenic acids from AR were similar (0.025 ± 0.009 h−1) and 0.65 of these fatty acids remained intact after 36 h. Rate of biohydrogenation of linoleic acid was four times greater than for oleic acid (0.040 ± 0.013 h−1 versus 0.009 ± 0.002 h−1) in MG. Thus, 0.65 of the linoleic acid but only 0.20 of the oleic acid had disappeared from MG after 36 h. Trans-11 and trans-12 were the predominant trans-isomers in AHE and AR cultures whereas trans-9 and trans-10 were the predominant trans-isomers in EB and MG cultures. None of the dietary fats contained conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) but CLA was present in the incubation inoculum. The amount of CLA decreased with time but this was not affected by source of dietary fat. Most (0.90–0.95) of the long-chain fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) in AR remained after 36 h of incubation. Results demonstrate that biohydrogenation varied among fatty acids and among source of dietary fat and indicate that AR can be used to increase post-ruminal supply of linolenic, EPA and DHA.
An integrated data mining approach to real-time clinical monitoring and deterioration warning

Clinical study found that early detection and intervention are essential for preventing clinical deterioration in patients, for patients both in intensive care units (ICU) as well as in general wards but under real-time data sensing (RDS). In this paper, we develop an integrated data mining approach to give early deterioration warnings for patients under real-time monitoring in ICU and RDS.Existing work on mining real-time clinical data often focus on certain single vital sign and specific disease. In this paper, we consider an integrated data mining approach for general sudden deterioration warning. We synthesize a large feature set that includes first and second order time-series features, detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA), spectral analysis, approximative entropy, and cross-signal features. We then systematically apply and evaluate a series of established data mining methods, including forward feature selection, linear and nonlinear classification algorithms, and exploratory undersampling for class imbalance.An extensive empirical study is conducted on real patient data collected between 2001 and 2008 from a variety of ICUs. Results show the benefit of each of the proposed techniques, and the final integrated approach significantly improves the prediction quality. The proposed clinical warning system is currently under integration with the electronic medical record system at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in preparation for a clinical trial. This work represents a promising step toward general early clinical warning which has the potential to significantly improve the quality of patient care in hospitals.
Behavior of erythrocytes in ternary solvent systems.

Abstract The effect of ternary solvent systems on erythrocytes was investigated. Hemolysis experiments were run at 37° in solutions containing various amounts of water, two nonaqueous solvents, and 0.9% sodium chloride. The nonaqueous solvents were propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol 400, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide, and tetramethylurea. Ternary diagrams based on the critical hemolytic compositions of the various ternary systems are presented.
A Wireless Condition Monitoring System Powered by a Sub-100 /spl mu/W Vibration Energy Harvester

A wireless sensor network for condition monitoring and its corresponding sensor node powered by a vibration energy harvester producing about 100 μW are presented. The sensor network utilizes an asynchronous beacon-detection based duty cycle control architecture to reduce power consumption and support ID-based TDMA while avoiding the need for timing synchronization between nodes. It also provides FDMA and fixed-time slot TDMA for further network flexibility. The sensor node transceiver includes a duty-cycle timing control unit to minimize power consumption; an LO-less, TDMA-capable, addressable beacon receiver; an FDMA-capable transmitter; and a low-power, universal sensor interface. The proposed sensor node, implemented in 0.13- μm CMOS technology, achieves low power consumption and a high degree of flexibility without requiring calibration or the use of BAW or SAW filters. The sensor node is experimentally demonstrated to operate autonomously from the power provided by a piezoelectric vibration energy harvester with dimensions of 27 × 23 × 6.5 mm3 excited by 4.5-m/s2 acceleration at 40.8 Hz. The WSN condition monitoring behavior is measured with a capacitive temperature sensor, and achieves an effective temperature resolution of 0.36 °C.
Susceptibility Profiles, Molecular Epidemiology, and Detection of KPC-Producing Escherichia coli Isolates from the New York City Vicinity

The detection of Enterobacteriaceae carrying the carbapenemase KPC has been problematic. Thirty isolates of KPC-possessing Escherichia coli were gathered from hospitals in New York City and Connecticut. The imipenem, meropenem, doripenem, and ertapenem MIC50 values were 4, 2, 1, and 4 μg/ml, respectively. Over half of the isolates belonged to a single ribotype. Using an ertapenem breakpoint of 0.25 μg/ml would efficiently detect these isolates.
Reluctance to Transmit Bad News When the Recipient Is Unknown: Experiments in Five Nations.

Postcards containing a message either high or low in importance, and either favorable or unfavorable for the recipient, were individually "lost" in the public transportation systems of Paris, Madrid, London, Geneva, and Frankfurt am Main. More postcards were returned when the message was favorable than when it was unfavorable, but only in the high importance conditions. This pattern of results occurred in each location except Madrid. The findings are discussed in terms of Rosen and Tesser's (1970) reluctance to bear bad news (MUM) effect.
Presenilin-1 protects against neuronal apoptosis caused by its interacting protein PAG.

Mutations in the presenilin-1 (PS-1) gene account for a significant fraction of familial Alzheimer's disease. The biological function of PS-1 is not well understood. We report here that the proliferation-associated gene (PAG) product, a protein of the thioredoxin peroxidase family, interacts with PS-1. Microinjection of a plasmid expressing PAG into superior cervical ganglion (SCG) sympathetic neurons in primary cultures led to apoptosis. Microinjection of plasmids expressing wild-type PS-1 or a PS-1 mutant with a deletion of exon 10 (PS1dE10) by themselves had no effect on the survival of primary SCG neurons. However, co-injection of wild-type PS-1 with PAG prevented neuronal death, whereas co-injection with the mutant PS-1 did not affect PAG-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, overexpression of PAG accelerated SCG neuronal death induced by nerve growth factor deprivation. This sensitizing effect was also blocked by wild-type PS-1, but not by PS1dE10. These results establish an assay for studying the function of PS-1 in primary neurons, reveal the neurotoxicity of a thioredoxin peroxidase, demonstrate a neuroprotective activity of the wild-type PS-1, and suggest possible involvement of defective neuroprotection by PS-1 mutants in neurodegeneration.
Randomized, controlled trial of phytoestrogen in the prophylactic treatment of menstrual migraine

Approximately 30% of women afflicted with migraine have menstrually associated attacks. These migraines are often refractory to treatment. Evidence suggests estrogen and progestin fluctuations may influence menstrual migraine. Phytoestrogens have demonstrated estrogenic effects in some tissues, but are without stimulation of the endometrium, suggesting decreased risk with long-term use. This study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of a phytoestrogen combination in the prophylactic treatment of menstrual migraine. Forty-nine patients were randomized to receive either placebo, or a daily combination of 60 mg soy isoflavones, 100 mg dong quai, and 50 mg black cohosh, with each component standardized to its primary alkaloid. Patients received study medication for 24 weeks. Average frequency of menstrually associated migraine attacks during weeks 9-24 was reduced from 10.3 +/- 2.4 (mean +/- s.e.m.) in placebo treated patients to 4.7 +/- 1.8 (P < 0.01) in patients treated with the phytoestrogen preparation.
Struggles to correct published errors

The following is an account of what happened when two researchers independently tried to correct errors in articles published in the leading US chemical journa1.
A Microfluidic Cell Concentrator

Cell concentration via centrifugation is a ubiquitous step in many cell culture procedures. At the macroscale, centrifugation suffers from a number of limitations, particularly when dealing with small numbers of cells (e.g., less than 50 000). On the other hand, typical microscale methods for cell concentration can affect cell physiology and bias readouts of cell behavior and function. In this paper, we present a microfluidic concentrator device that utilizes the effects of gravity to allow cells to gently settle out of a suspension into a collection region without the use of specific adhesion ligands. Dimensional analysis was performed to compare different device designs and was verified with flow modeling to optimize operational parameters. We are able to concentrate low-density cell suspensions in a microfluidic chamber, achieving a cell loss of only 1.1 ± 0.6% (SD, n = 7) with no observed loss during a subsequent cell staining protocol which incorporates ∼36 complete device volume replacements. This m...
THE TEMPERATURE RANGE OF LIQUID LEAD AND SILVER AND AN ESTIMATE OF THEIR CRITICAL CONSTANTS

Abstract The temperature range diagrams of liquid Pb and Ag are constructed from experimental density data, from their melting points to their normal boiling points, the law of rectilinear diameter and the theorem of corresponding states. From these diagrams or the equations on which they are based, the critical constants are estimated as follows: For Pb For Ag Tc(°K) 5400 7500 Dc(g/cm3) 2·2 1·85 Vc(cm3/g atom) 94 58·3 Pc(atm) 850 (5000) Liquid densities below the critical range can be calculated with much greater reliability and are as follows: T(°K) Pb Ag 2024 8·801 2500 8·167 8·197 3000 7·488 7·741 3500 6·786 7·276 4000 6·061 6·795 4500 5·313 6·295 5000 5·771 5500 5·223 6000 4·652 6500 4·060
Hippocampus of Ames dwarf mice is resistant to β-amyloid-induced tau hyperphosphorylation and changes in apoptosis-regulatory protein levels

The Ames dwarf mouse has a long lifespan and is characterized by a marked resistance to cellular stress, an event that is implicated in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative disorders that are associated with aging, including Alzheimer's disease. However, very little is known on the extent to which the Ames dwarf mouse is protected against Alzheimer's disease. We have developed an organotypic slice system cultured from hippocampi of adult dwarf mice and examined deleterious effects of beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptide, a key pathogenic event in the course of Alzheimer's disease. We present the first evidence that long living Ames mice resist beta-amyloid toxicity. We demonstrate that organotypic slices from adult dwarf mice, but not their normal phenotype counterparts (wild type), are resistant to Abeta25-35-induced hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, reduction in levels of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, increase in levels of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, and activation of caspase 3. Moreover, incubation of organotypic sections with the GSK-3beta inhibitor SB216763 prevented tau phosphorylation but not alterations in levels of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3. Because the hippocampus is a brain area that is severely affected in Alzheimer's disease, our study proposes that organotypic slices from hippocampi of adult Ames dwarf mice may constitute a model system for understanding endogenous factors that may confer protection against Abeta.
Dissolved oxygen, total organic carbon and temperature relationships in southeastern U.S. coastal plain watersheds☆

Abstract Streams in nine subwatersheds of the Little River Watershed near Tifton, Georgia, were monitored for dissolved oxygen (DO) in order to determine seasonal changes and assess the effect of land use patterns. Measurements of DO were conducted weekly from January 1979 to December 1981 using an ion-specific electrode attached to an extension rod. Weekly grab samples were analyzed for total organic carbon (TOC) during 1981. Air and water temperature and gauge height were also recorded. The percentage oxygen saturation for the nine watersheds ranged from 59 to 100% in winter, from 46 to 89% in spring, from 12 to 80% in summer and from 23 to 87% in autumn. As expected the DO was highly correlated ( r = −0.95 and r = −0.94) with air and water temperature, respectively. In general DO is lowest in headwater areas, increases in the central portions and decreases again downstream. Neither the size of a watershed nor the proportion of area in forest or cropland correlated significantly with DO. The TOC did, however, increase with an increase in percentage of area cropped. The streams of the Little River Basin have less DO in the summer than other Coastal Plain rivers suggesting a higher nutrient and organic matter input. Water temperature variance showed no pattern with increasing stream order.
Wound repair in the context of extracellular matrix

Wound repair requires a continually evolving network of interactions among cells, cytokines and the extracellular matrix. Cell-surface integrins provide a mechanical connection between matrix components and the cytoskeleton, and integrins can transduce an astonishing variety of signals along pathways that may intercept the pathways triggered by cytokine receptors.
The value for service industry firms of environmental initiatives

Purpose – This study aims to examine the impact of taking environmental initiatives on the returns for service companies.Design/methodology/approach – The authors gathered data for firms that are recognized for their leadership in environmental responsibility using a well‐known social responsibility ranking list. These data were used to compare with those that were ranked high on the index with those that were ranked lower, using Jensen's alpha and Sharpe ratio performance measures relative to a benchmark.Findings – The upper‐ and lower‐ranked socially responsible firms had significantly higher risk adjusted returns and superior performance than the benchmark. Additionally, there is evidence that firms ranked in the lower group are better valued overall.Research limitations/implications – A higher return for socially responsible firms suggests that public investors value environmentally‐friendly firms more highly today. Future research could build on this study by examining additional performance measures...
Cycloheximide produces amnesia for extinction and reconsolidation in an appetitive odor discrimination task in rats.

Abstract A considerable literature has shown deficits in memory resulting from the administration of protein synthesis inhibitors; however, most of the past literature in this field has focused on acquisition of new memory using aversively-motivated tasks. The effect of protein synthesis inhibition on appetitive learning and memory as well as extinction is less clear. The present study employed an appetitive odor discrimination paradigm to examine the effects of acute cycloheximide administration (1 mg/kg) on reconsolidation and extinction. Male, Long-Evans adult rats were trained to discriminate between two odors (i.e., cocoa and cinnamon) and then received extinction trials following an intraperitoneal injection of cycloheximide or vehicle. Twenty-four hours later, rats were tested via one non-reinforced test trial. Results showed amnesia for extinction as well as original training (i.e., correct odor choice) in cycloheximide-injected rats in this appetitive task, while vehicle-injected controls showed good memory for extinction. These data add to a growing literature showing the importance of protein synthesis inhibition for extinction and reconsolidation in appetitive learning and memory.
Assessment of Elliptical Conformal Hertz Analysis Applied to Constant Velocity Joints

To analyze the contact between two spherical bodies with different radii of curvature, the three-dimensional (3D) Hertz theory for elliptical contact is typically used. When the two contacting bodies have high conformity, such as the case for ball-in-groove, the Hertz theory may break down. In this research, finite element analysis (FEA) was used to assess the validity of 3D Hertz theory as found in the roller-housing contact of constant velocity joints. The contact area, normal approach, and contact pressure results show that Hertz agrees with FEA predictions for low compressive loads, where the contact ellipse is within the geometrical contact dimensions. At higher loads the contact ellipse extends beyond the contacting geometrical dimensions and the simplified analytical Hertz results diverge from the FEA results.
The effects of chronic morphine administration upon a modified sidman avoidance schedule that utilizes response-independent shock

Six male squirrel monkeys were subjected to a Sidman nondiscriminated avoidance schedule (R-S, S-S-20 sec) that superimposed 3-min conditioned stimuli (CS) unavoidable shock pairings upon the ongoing avoidance behavior. Five of the 6 animals demonstrated facilitated avoidance response rates during the CS, while one animal demonstrated suppressed rates during the CS. Morphine sulfate (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 mg/kg) altered these patterns, causing the suppressor to facilitate, while the facilitators demonstrated reduced levels of response elevation during the aversive CS. Morphine also led to a reliable reduction in overall response rate and an increase in the number of shocks received. No consistent drug effects were noted with regard to general motor activity. These results were interpreted to suggest that a potent analgesic agent, such as morphine, was able to reduce the level of fear motivation normally generated by the aversive CS. Since changes in relative rate during the aversive CS were quite reliable both within and between animals, it was suggested that this behavioral schedule might prove useful in assaying the fear-reducing qualities of a variety of drugs. A cautionary note, however, indicated that other explanations, most notably, a rate dependent hypothesis, could account for the data without assuming that level of fear was altered.
Risk analysis and asset valution: A Monte Carlo Simulation using stochastic rents

Introduction of the Present Value Distribution Model (PVD) offers an alternative method for the valuation of projects yielding intertemporal stochastic rents. A combination of concepts from many areas of the literature yields the given model. The base procedure relies on Monte Carlo Simulation with the application of recently established theories on stochastic rents, path dependent cash flow trajectories, and period dependent discount rates.
Tariff Liberalisation and Increased Administrative Protection: Is There a Quid Pro Quo?

Theoretical models and intuition suggest that the amount of non-traditional protection such as anti-dumping duties will increase as more traditional forms such as tariffs are lowered under multilateral trade agreements. This paper is the first empirical study of the role of tariff liberalisation in the spread of anti-dumping. Through both correlations and regression approaches we analyse the relationship between tariff concessions made during the Uruguay Round trade negotiations and the filing of anti-dumping petitions, with particular interest in whether multilateral trade reductions have spurred the recent growth in new users of anti-dumping policies. We find that, at least for developing economies, tariff reductions agreed to under the Uruguay Round not only increased the likelihood of a country using anti-dumping protection but also the total number of anti-dumping petitions filed by countries.
Multistaged esophageal elongation technique for long gap esophageal atresia: experience with 7 cases at a single institution

Abstract Background/Purpose Esophageal reconstruction for long gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) is still controversial. We successfully managed 7 cases of patients with LGEA by doing staged elongation of the native esophagus and subsequent end-to-end anastomosis. The technique and efficacy of this procedure are evaluated. Methods During the last 10 years, 7 patients with LGEA (Gross type A, 5; B, 1; C, 1) underwent multiple extrathoracic esophageal elongations (ETEEs) of the upper esophagus and subsequent esophagoesophagostomy. Medical records were reviewed in regard to the number of ETEE before definitive esophageal reconstruction, interval between each ETEE, operation time, time before initiation of sham feeding, duration of hospital stay, and complications. Results The definitive esophageal reconstruction was successfully achieved without major complications in all patients after 2 to 4 stages of ETEE. The interval between each ETEE was 72 days on average. The average operation time was 98 minutes. The elongation was 1 to 3.5 cm during each session. Oral sham feeding was recommenced 4.1 days after each ETEE, and the hospital stay was 9.6 days on average. Gastroesophageal reflux occurred in all patients, requiring antireflux surgery. Conclusions We conclude from our experience ( a ) that effective esophageal lengthening with preservation of the native esophagus was achieved with multiple ETEE in LGEA and ( b ) that this procedure allows oral sham feeding at home until esophageal reconstruction.