cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Internal carotid artery: correlative anatomy as a guide to surgery

Abstract The course of the internal carotid artery (ICA), particularly the C4–C6 segments, cavernous, clinoid, and ophthalmic, respectively, as described by Bouthillier et al. traverses a relatively compact region of complex anatomical relationships. The bony, dural, connective tissue, and neurovascular elements of this region frequently deter access or “block” surgical entry. The key to unlocking this region is a detailed understanding of its surgical anatomy. The treatment of aneurysms in proximity to the distal dural ring (DDR), e.g. clinoid, superior hypophyseal, or carotid ophthalmic aneurysms, presents considerable challenges to the neurosurgeon. The anterior clinoid process (ACP) and its associated anatomical variations, including a prominent middle clinoid process (MCP) and aerated optic strut, must be considered and anticipated when performing an anterior clinoidectomy. Aneurysms of the C4–C6 segments can transgress either the proximal or distal dural rings or both; this transgression (so-called transitional aneurysms) can occur in either direction making an extradural aneurysm and also intradural or vice versa. The existence of a carotid cave as originally described by Kobayashi et al. must be taken into consideration in the analysis of aneurysms of the ICA in proximity to the DDR. Again, determination of the relationship of the aneurysm to the DDR is critical to the decision making process; extradural aneurysms have a considerably different prognosis and treatment than intradural aneurysms. The correlation of cadaveric anatomy to surgical anatomy will serve as a guide to improve surgical techniques, strategies, and outcome.
An electrochemical impedance study of Alloy-22 in Nacl brine at elevated temperature : II. Reaction mechanism analysis

Abstract The development of deterministic models for predicting the accumulation of corrosion damage to high level nuclear waste (HLNW) canisters requires the acquisition of values for various model parameters. In the present work, we describe the extraction of values for various parameters in the point defect model (PDM) for the growth of passive films on Alloy-22, from electrochemical impedance data for this alloy measured in saturated NaCl brine (6.2 m, m = mol kg−1) at 80 °C, as described in Part I. The barrier layer of the passive film on Alloy-22 in the passive region (V y) with cation interstitials being the principal defect, but it is not possible to exclude oxygen vacancies, unequivocally, as being the principal defect. If the barrier layer is cation rich, the phase is estimated to have the composition Cr2.028O3 close to the metal|film interface, whereas if it is oxygen deficient, the stoichiometry is estimated to be Cr2O2.981 at the same location. The thickness of the barrier layer in the passive region is found to increase linearly with voltage while the passive current density is constant. In the transpassive range (V > 0.6 VSHE), the passive film is found to be a p-type semi conductor, and the thickness of the barrier layer decreases, while the log of the passive current increases, with increasing applied potential. These observations are consistent with the predictions of the PDM for passive films on metals and alloys, including the transition from the passive to the transpassive states, which is predicted to coincide with a change in oxidation state of the chromium species being ejected from the barrier layer from Cr(III) to Cr(VI) and with the oxidative dissolution of the film. The principal defect in the barrier layer in the transpassive state appears to be the Cr(III) cation vacancy, which is generated by the oxidative ejection of cations from the barrier layer. Optimization of the PDM on the impedance data has yielded a set of parameter values for the passive state that can be used in deterministic models for predicting the accumulation of general corrosion damage to Alloy-22 in HLNW repositories.
A Myosin-Derived Peptide C109 Binds to GLUT4-Vesicles and Inhibits the Insulin-Induced Glucose Transport Stimulation and GLUT4 Recruitment in Rat Adipocytes

Abstract The yeast-based two-hybrid screening of a human cardiac myocyte cDNA library revealed a peptide, C109 that interacted with the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain of GLUT4 (GLUT4C). cDNA-duced amino acid sequence of C109 was identical to the human cardiac muscle myosin heavy chain β isoform sequence 1469-1909. GST-fusion protein of C109 (GST-C109) bound synthetic GLUT4C-peptide in vitro, but not GLUT1C-peptide. GST-C109 avidly bound to the GLUT4-vesicles isolated from basal rat adipocytes but not those isolated from insulin treated adipocytes. Furthermore, the incorporation of C109 into rat adipocytes greatly reduced the plasma membrane GLUT4 level and the 3-O-methyl D glucose flux in host cells without affecting total cellular GLUT4 content. These findings suggest that myosin or a myosin-like protein plays a key role in insulin-regulated movement of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane in rat adipocytes.
Sex while intoxicated: a meta-analysis comparing heterosexual and sexual minority youth.

Abstract Background The social marginalization and victimization experienced by sexual minority youth (SMY) may lead to increased risk behaviors and higher rates of negative health outcomes compared with their heterosexual peers. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis to examine whether SMY reported higher rates of sex while intoxicated. Studies that report rates of substance use during sex in both SMY and heterosexual youth and had a mean participant age of 18 or less were included in our meta-analysis. Effect sizes were extracted from six studies (nine independent data sets and 24 effect sizes) that met study criteria and had high inter-rater reliability (.98). Results Results indicated that SMY were almost twice as likely to report sex while intoxicated as compared with heterosexual peers. A random-effects meta-analysis showed a moderate ([overall weighted effect OR] = 1.91, p Discussion Our findings highlight the need for healthcare providers to screen SMY for participation in substance use during sexual intercourse and to offer risk reduction counseling during office visits.
Response to Letter Regarding Article, “Upsurge in T-Wave Alternans and Nonalternating Repolarization Instability Precedes Spontaneous Initiation of Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Humans”

We thank Drs Selvaraj and Chauhan for their interest in our work1 and discussion of the possible impact of white noise and respiration. We do not feel that white noise is a significant problem, although respiration (along with other physiological factors) may play a role, as emphasized in our report. We used the “surrogate” analysis (ie, test of baseline stability) to control for white noise, respiration, movement, and other sources of artifacts. In addition, we removed noisy segments of data and used sectional (T-wave) averaging to …
Phosphorylation of the β-Galactoside-binding Protein Galectin-3 Modulates Binding to Its Ligands

Abstract The β-galactoside-binding protein galectin-3 has pleiotropic biological functions and has been implicated in cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, RNA processing, apoptosis, and malignant transformation. Galectin-3 may be phosphorylated at N-terminal Ser6, but the role of phosphorylation in determining interactions of this endogenous lectin with its ligands remains to be elucidated. We therefore studied the effect of phosphorylation on binding of galectin-3 to two of its reported ligands, laminin and purified colon cancer mucin. Human recombinant galectin-3 was phosphorylated in vitro by casein kinase I, and separated from the native species by isoelectric focusing for use in solid phase binding assays. Non-phosphorylated galectin-3 bound to laminin and asialomucin in a dose-dependent manner with half-maximal binding at 1.5 μg/ml. Phosphorylation reduced saturation binding to each ligand by >85%. Ligand binding could be fully restored by dephosphorylation with protein phosphatase type 1. Mutation of galectin-3 at Ser6 (Ser to Glu) did not alter galectin ligand binding. Metabolic labeling or separation by isoelectric focusing confirmed the presence of phosphorylated galectin-3 speciesin vivo in the cytosol of human colon cancer cells from which ligand mucin was purified. Phosphorylation significantly reduces the interaction of galectin-3 with its ligands. The process by which phosphorylation modulates protein-carbohydrate interactions has important implications for understanding the biological functions of this protein, and may serve as an “on/off” switch for its sugar binding capabilities.
Synthetic methodology: Catalytic control of chlorination

Previously conspicuous by its absence, a syn-selective dichlorination reaction of alkenes has now been reported, bringing together decades-old stoichiometric chemistry in a useful catalytic process.
An Adaptive Detection Algorithm

A general problem of signal detection in a background of unknown Gaussian noise is addressed, using the techniques of statistical hypothesis testing. Signal presence is sought in one data vector, and another independent set of signal-free data vectors is available which share the unknown covariance matrix of the noise in the former vector. A likelihood ratio decision rule is derived and its performance evaluated in both the noise-only and signal-plus-noise cases.
Semantic and formational clustering in deaf and hearing subjects' free recall of signs.

To investigate whether formational properties of sign language are used spontaneously to organize long-term memory, 16 deaf college students were given a free recall task with items that could be categorized either by shared semantic category or by shared sign language hand shape. Both presentation and response modes (signed or written) were varied between subjects. Analyses revealed no effects of mode on trials to criterion or number of items recalled at 1 week. The clustering that occurred was exclusively semantic, with significantly higher clustering scores during acquisition trials in subjects required to sign their responses. In Experiment 2, formational clustering was encouraged by including formational similarity as the only experimenter-defined basis of categorization, by increasing formational similarity within categories, and by testing only subjects with high signing skills. Input and output modes were again varied between subjects. Subjects were deaf college students with deaf parents (n = 10) or hearing parents (n = 16), and hearing adults with deaf parents (n = 8). Again, spontaneous clustering by formational similarity was extremely low. In only one case— deaf subjects with hearing parents given signed input—did formational clustering increase significantly across the eight acquisition trials. After the categorical nature of the list was explained to subjects at a 1-week retention session, all groups clustered output by formational categories. Apparently, fluent signers do have knowledge of the formational structure of signs, but do not spontaneously use this knowledge as a basis of mnemonic organization in long-term memory.
Neurosecretion in the terminal ganglion of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana

Abstract The neuropile of the cockroach terminal ganglion contains chains of granules which stain deep purple with aldehyde-fuchsin. The granules vary in size from 1 to 6 μm and are predominantly associated with the ventral group of giant and smaller fibres which pass through the anterior two-thirds of the ganglion. The granules appeared to be enlarged regions within neurosecretory fibres. They were sometimes seen in the neuropile of other abdominal ganglia, but were never found in the thoracic or suboesophageal ganglia. The granules were most abundant in adult males and females. Second and third instar larvae had very few granules, and they were much smaller (1–3 mμ in dia.) in larvae than in the adults. Direct electrical stimulation of the terminal ganglia caused some depletion of the stainable material. Little or no change in the amount of neurosecretion was evident after electrical stimulation (2 or 6 hr) of the cerci or the ventral nerve cord (1 hr). The terminal ganglia from white, newly ecdysed adult cockroaches had about the same amount of neurosecretion as ganglia from older, tanned animals. Reserpine and high-potassium solutions had little or no effect on the amount of material present. It is suggested that the granules represent a protein or peptide neurosecretory substance with a possible neuro-regulatory role.
Overmethylation of DNAs by the EcoRI methylase

EcoRI methylase is able to catalyze methy incorporation into DNA at sequences other than the canonical EcoRI site. At high enzyme concentrations and over a wide range of pH and ionic strengths, EcoRI methylase modifies polyoma DNA (which contains one EcoRI site) at a number of sites. This modification prevents EcoRI endonuclease activity, and thus is presumably at or near the EcoRI sequences (5') NAATTN.
Himasthla quissetensis and Lepocreadium setiferoides: Emergence patterns from their molluscan host, Nassarius obsoletus☆

Abstract The timing of cercarial release from the intermediate host Nassarius obsoletus, was determined for two species of larval trematodes, Himasthla quissetensis and Lepocreadium setiferoides. In a light-dark schedule the cercariae of H. quissetensis emerged in the first few hours of darkness, while emergence of L. setiferoides was predominantly diurnal. Evidence from both species suggests endogenous control of release under constant conditions. Larvae of L. setiferoides, which possess pigmented eyespots, were photonegative in a light gradient; H. quissetensis larvae, which lack eyespots, showed no phototactic response.
Role of p38 MAPK in Burn-Induced Intestinal Barrier Breakdown

Background. Severe burn results in intestinal barrier breakdown, which may lead to the generation of a systemic inflammatory response and distant organ injury. Intestinal barrier integrity is regulated, in part, by the tight junction protein myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). Previous studies in cell culture have shown that activation of p38 MAPK plays an important role in modulating intestinal barrier function. We hypothesized that (1) severe burn up-regulates p38 MAPK activation and results in increased intestinal permeability via augmented expression of MLCK, and (2) inhibition of p38 MAPK will prevent the burn-induced increase in MLCK expression, resulting in improved intestinal barrier integrity. Materials and Methods. Male balb/c mice were subjected to a 30% total body surface area (TBSA) full thickness steam burn, then randomized to receive an intraperitoneal injection of a p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580, 25 mg/kg) or vehicle. In vivo intestinal permeability to 4kDa FITC-Dextran was measured. Expression of phosphorylated p38 MAPK, total p38 MAPK, MLCK, and phosphorylated MLC from intestinal extracts was assessed by immunoblotting. Results. Severe burn increased intestinal permeability, which was associated with activation of p38 MAPK, and increased expression of MLCK. Treatment with SB203580 significantly attenuated burn-induced intestinal permeability (212 μg/mL versus 81 μg/mL, P < 0.05), and decreased expression of intestinal MLCK resulting in decreased phosphorylation of MLC. Conclusion. p38 MAPK plays an important role in regulating burn-induced intestinal permeability through activation of MLCK. Inhibition of p38 MAPK may be an important therapeutic target aimed at attenuating intestinal barrier breakdown by preventing the burn-induced alterations in tight junction proteins.
Mental and Physical Disturbances in Children Recovered from Infantile Interstitial Plasma Cell Pneumonia

Summary The development has been observed of the first years of life of 47 interstitial plasma cell pneumonia infants born in 1948-52. A reply was received to the questionnaire sent out in 42 of the cases and a follow-up examination was made at the hospital in 31. Two of the children died. In quite a number of cases the development of the child has been slow even compared with other children of the same birth—weight class. At the time of the investigation 9 of the children were distinctly backward and 5 slightly backward. It proved possible to examine the former group clinically. The growth of the children has been slow. The bone age is almost regularly behind that of children of the same age, but the correlation with height approximates the normal. For 25 cases of the material the plasma calcium was determined during the acute phase of int. pneum. and had clearly risen in 20. Of the distinctly backward children the majority belong to the group with the highest calcium values. However,. some of the children with equally high plasma calcium values developed fully satisfactorily. In four children who are all distinctly backward both the plasma calcium and residual nitrogen continue to be high. The bone age in these children is exceedingly low though corresponding approximately to the growth in height. In three of the children osteosclerotic changes can be established in the bones. All four children squint. They are all around 3 years of age and have begun to progress, especially recently.
HIV testing, behaviors, and knowledge among adolescents at high risk.

Purpose: We examined HIV testing behavior and its predictors among adolescents considered at high risk for HIV. Methods: Self-reports of HIV testing, knowledge, attitudes, and high-risk acts were examined among 272 adolescents aged 13–23 years ( M = 18.7; SD = 2.3) attending community-based agencies that serve youth at high risk for HIV in Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco. Results: Evidence of adolescents' risk for HIV is reflected in a rate of 4.8% seropositivity, 24% injecting drug use, a mean of 4.3 ( SD = 11.6) sexual partners during the previous 3 months, and 71% condom use during vaginal/anal sex. HIV testing was common (63%) and often repeated ( M = 3.6, SD = 4.0). Knowledge of the meaning and consequences of testing was high (84% correct). Contrary to service providers' expectations, youth were likely to return for their test results (90% returned). Youth who were older, labeled themselves gay or bisexual, lived in Los Angeles or San Francisco, and those who injected drugs were significantly more likely, compared to peers, to get tested for HIV. Conclusions: These results suggest a need for more detailed observational studies of HIV testing behavior that include evaluation of characteristics of the youth, the testing site, and the attitudes and beliefs of providers offering HIV testing.
A precordial systolic murmur of extracardiac origin during pregancy

Abstract Two cases are presented where loud precordial systolic murmurs were heard over the base of the heart during pregnancy. In both cases pressure by the stethoscope bell at a point in the region where the murmur was heard caused it to vanish. It is concluded that the murmur was due to an engorged tortuous mammary vessel.
Modulation of steroid affinity for the androgen receptor by sucrose

Abstract The effects of sucrose on androgen binding to its receptor were investigated. Sucrose decreased the rate of thermal inactivation of unoccupied and occupied androgen receptor (AR) and the rates of [3H] 5α-dihydrotestosterone ([3H]DHT) dissociation from both activated and nonactivated AR complexes. Binding of [3H] DHT to AR in vivo , or in intact cells at 37°C, caused reduction of [3H] DHT dissociation from cytosolic and nuclear complexes, as compared to in vitro labeled receptor complexes. Further, exposure of these complexes to sucrose at 0°C caused an additional reduction of dissociation rates. Thus, the decrease of [3H] DHT dissociation induced by sucrose is independent of the reaction that reduces DHT dissociation from activated and transformed AR. Sucrose also reduced the ability of mersalyl acid to inactivate AR complexes. This effect of sucrose was markedly diminished in the presence of 2M urea. Sucrose did not significantly affect the association rate, sedimentation properties, or nuclear binding ability of AR complexes, but it did decrease the equilibrium dissociation constant. Other monosaccharides and disaccharides also stabilized AR. These data suggest that sucrose induces conformational changes in the steroid binding domain of androgen receptor, thereby reducing the rates of inactivation, steroid dissociation, and the accessibility of sulfhydryl groups to mersalyl.
1026 COMPARISON OF INCANDESCENT AND FLUORESCENT LIGHT SOURCES IN PHOTOTHERAPY

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficiency of an incandescent light source of high intensity in phototherapy of neonatal jaundice in comparison with a standard fluorescent source. Forty well infants with physiologic jaundice (1810-3320 gm.) were assigned at random to two groups of 20 each: Gp. A under a quartz-halide tungsten filament lamp (6.5 μW/cm2/nm) 80 cm. above skin surface, next to a radiant warmer; Gp. B under a canopy of 8 standard blue (F20T12/B) lamps (4.1 μW/cm2/nm.) 45 cm. above skin surface. Phototherapy was begun when serum bilirubin concentration exceeded 10.0 mg/dl in first 72 hr of life. In Gp. A, phototherapy was stopped when conc. <80 mg/dl. In Gp. B, this was done in two-thirds of infants, but stopped p 36 hr. in one-third because of failure of phototherapy. In Gp. A mean hr. Rx = 41.5, mean bili. drop 1.92 mg/dl/24 hr.* We conclude that the quartz-halide lamp placed high above the infant is more effective in the clinical use of phototherapy than the standard blue fluorescent light source. It has spatial advantage and lack of light scatter. Body temperatures in Gp. A were not increased by use of the quartz-halide lamp. *In Gp. B mean hr. Rx = 46.7 , mean bili. drop 0.48 mg/dl/24 hr.
Factors prolonging survival of unfrozen bovine spermatozoa.

Abstract Bovine spermatozoa were extended with Cornell University Extender (CUE) and other buffered yolk extenders, placed in glass ampules and sealed, or gassed with various combinations of air, O 2 , CO 2 , and N 2 before sealing. Inclusion of catalase was highly beneficial to spermatozoa stored in air or a CO 2 -O 2 atmosphere. Sperm cell survival in CUE containing catalase with air in the gas phase was equal to survival observed in the presence of any gases used. Up to 42% of the spermatozoa were motile after 30 days of storage at 5C.
Toward a unifying regulatory structure for the delivery of broadband telecommunications services

This paper analyzes the regulatory environment in which three potential competitors — the telephone companies, the cable industry, and SMATV systems — currently operate. In order to provide a more competitive market for the delivery of broadband video services, a unifying regulatory system that will level out the regulatory playing field for these three industries is constructed. This unifying regulatory structure corrects such problems as current entry barriers, uneven market power and the ability to cross‐subsidize competitive services with monopoly profits, and jurisdictional structure among federal, state, and local governments.
Electrophysiologic testing in the management of patients with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and atrial fibrillation.

Abstract Twenty patients with the Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome and 1 or more episodes of symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) due to rapid anterograde bypass tract conduction underwent electrophysiologic testing. The mean ventricular rate during spontaneous AF was 242 ± 56 beats/min (± standard deviation) and the shortest preexcited R-R interval was 194 ± 40 ms. Six patients underwent surgical bypass tract ablation and 14 were treated medically, based on the results of electropharmacologic testing. Over a mean follow-up period of 35 ± 19 months (± standard deviation), only 1 patient treated medically had a recurrence of minimally symptomatic AF. The successful chemoprophylaxis of symptomatic AF was associated with the inability to induce AF and atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia during drug testing (7 patients) or with the induction of AF with a ventricular rate 250 ms (7 patients). Electrophysiologic testing can identify a subgroup of patients with WPW and AF in whom medical therapy is a suitable alternative to bypass tract ablation.
PROINSULIN: RECENT OBSERVATIONS AND CONTROVERSIES

Proinsulin has generally been regarded as an inert precursor to insulin. However, over the past few years, proinsulin has established itself as a useful research tool for understanding how cells synthesize and secrete peptide hormones. Last year, proinsulin attracted renewed interest for its role as the precursor to C peptide, which may prove useful in the treatment of patients suffering from insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. This mini-review focuses on three aspects of proinsulin, each of which attracted attention in 1997. These three aspects illustrate how this peptide hormone precursor may yet prove to be more important than its primary role as a prohormone, with only one bioactive product, would suggest.
Proton-proton bremsstrahlung calculations at 280 MeV.

Proton-proton bremsstrahlung calculations are compared to the 280-MeV experimental results from TRIUMF, which use a polarized proton beam. Calculations are included for all experimental results. The Bonn radial potential is compared to a modified Hamada-Johnston and the Bryan-Gersten potentials. Potentials with different short-range radial behavior are compared in order to examine the penetration of the photon radiation. Rather good agreement with experiment for the Bonn potential is achieved without the arbitrary normalization of 2/3 applied to the TRIUMF cross-section data. The rescattering included in our work accounts for an increase of up to approximately 20% in the cross section, which is not large enough to explain the differences with other calculations, and it contributes up to a factor of 2.5 in the analyzing power. Our present results include partial waves up to {ital J}{sub max}=6.
Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model and charge independence.

For different up and down current quark masses, charge independence follows in the Nambu\char21{}Jona-Lasinio model from chiral-symmetry breaking; however, chiral symmetry is restored at high densities. The dependence of the constituent quark masses and the neutron-proton mass difference on the density are examined. The effect of the up-down-quark mass difference on the neutron-proton mass difference is large and in the right direction to explain the Nolen-Schiffer anomaly.
Estimation of critical micelle concentrations of bile acids by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography

The critical micelle concentration (CMC) for bile salts or other surfactants is defined as that solute concentration at which appreciable changes in such phenomena as light scattering, surface tension, or solubilization of other organic molecules occur, these changes indicating appearance of surfactant aggregates. The CMC thus reflects hydrophobic interactions of the surfactant with itself. The self-association of hydrophobic molecules resembles the partition of a solute into the lipophilic phase in reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RPLC): Both processes can be considered as transfers of a molecule from an aqueous to a lipophilic medium. The critical micelle concentration of a particular bile salt, being a measure of its hydrophobic self-association, should therefore be correlated with its Chromatographic mobility since they are fundamentally related phenomena. Experimentally, significant correlations between these quantities are obtained, both for bile salts andn-alky1 sulfonates, and only microgram amounts of sample are required for RPLC measurements. Among three homologous series of bile salt surfactants, CMC values predicted from RPLC measurements agree, within a standard error of 7%, with CMC values determined directly. This suggests the applicability of reversed-phase liquid chromatography to the micro-scale determination of critical micelle concentrations of bile salts,n-alkyl sulfonates, and other homologous series of surfactants.
Inverse Kriging to Enhance Spatial Resolution of Imagery

We describe a unique approach to image resolution enhancement, inverse kriging (IK), which takes advantage of the spatial relationship between high- and low-resolution images within an area of overlap. Once established, this mathematical relationship then can be applied across the entire low-resolution image to significantly sharpen the image. The mathematical relationship uses the spatial correlations within the low-resolution image and between the low and high spatial-resolution imagery. Two of the most important requirements of the technique are that the images be co-registered well within the resolution of the larger pixels and that the spatial structure of the training area (where the spatial correlation statistics are computed) is similar to the structure of the remaining image area where it will be applied. Testing was performed using same-sensor and multi-sensor imagery. We show results that indicate that the method does improve the low spatial-resolution imagery. The selection of a training area spatial structure similar to the area being processed is important, as areas with different spatial structure (e.g., vegetation versus buildings and roads) will produce poor results. Comparisons with bilinear interpolation demonstrate that IK could be used as an improved interpolation tool, for example, in the image-registration process.
The role of faecal diversion in low rectal cancer: a review of 1791 patients having rectal resection with anastomosis for cancer, with and without a proximal stoma.

Aim The morbidity of anastomotic dehiscence may be mitigated by a defunctioning stoma, but it is unclear if it is required for most low rectal anastomoses. Preoperative risk factors leading to anastomotic complications and the indications for faecal diversion have yet to be clearly defined. Method Using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) participant-use file, patients were identified who underwent low anterior resection with anastomosis for cancer at the 211 participating hospitals in 2005–08. Results A total of 1791 patients underwent low anterior resection. Patients were subdivided into two groups based on the level of the anastomosis. Of these 1266 patients had a low pelvic anastomosis (LPA) and 525 a coloanal anastomosis (CAA). In the LPA group, 606 patients had a stoma and 660 had no stoma. There were no differences in wound complications, sepsis or septic shock. Patients who had a stoma were more likely to have postoperative acute renal failure (1.7 vs 0.5%, P = 0.0485, OR 3.674). In the CAA group, 352 had a stoma and 173 had no stoma. In patients without faecal diversion, there was a significantly greater incidence of sepsis (8.7 vs 3.7%, P = 0.022, OR 2.47), septic shock (3.5 vs 0.57%, P = 0.018, OR 6.29) and need for reoperation (11 vs 1.7%, P = 0.0001, OR 7.11). Hospital length of stay was significantly longer with CAA and no stoma. On multivariate analysis, not having a stoma with a CAA was a risk factor for serious postoperative morbidity. Conclusion While a defunctioning stoma with a coloanal anastomosis seems to protect from postoperative sepsis, septic shock and need for reoperation, it is likely that it is overused in rectal cancer surgery.
The Adsorption of Polyelectrolytes on Hydroxyapatite Crystals.

The adsorption of two polyelectrolytes, poly-L-Glutamate and poly-L-Aspartate, on hydroxyapatite (HAP) crystals was studied both experimentally and theoretically. Langmuir adsorption isotherms were obtained for both these molecules, with binding constantsK= 6 × 106and 3 × 106M−1, respectively, at 37.0°C, pH 7.4, and 0.15 M ionic strength. A theoretical analysis of the data, based on a model proposed by Hesselink, suggested a “train-loop” type of adsorption with non-electrostatic energy terms 3.51 and 4.76 (kT) for poly-L-Glu and poly-L-Asp, respectively.
THEORIES OF THE NUCLEAR SURFACE

Surface thickness, surface energy, relative extent of protons and neutrons, and extent of nuclear forces compared with matter are discussed in terms of the different theories on nuclear surface. (W.D.M.)
The Effect of Lift Height on Maximal Lifting Capabilities of Men and Women

Abstract : The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of lift height on the one repetition maximum box lifting strength (1 RM) of men and women. Ten men and eleven women lifted to heights of 1,2,3,4,5,and 6 ft using a 46.5 cm long x 31 cm wide x 23 cm high aluminum box with handles. All lifts were accomplished using correct lifting technique while facing forward. An ANOVA, focused on six heights and blocked for gender was used for analysis. A Newman-Kuels post-hoc analysis was used to examine the significant differences between means.
Characteristics of the Large (dA).(dT) Homopolymer Tracts in D. discoideum Gene Flanking and Intron Sequences

Abstract D. discoideum, the slime mold, is one of the most AT rich eukaryotic genomes known. In this paper we examine this organism's database for overlapping N-tuples of high frequency and find A and T tracts possess among the highest frequencies in flanking sequences but not in coding sequences. We examined both overlapping and non-overlapping frequencies of the A T, G and C homopolymer tracts of 2>N>6. Overlapping (dG)·(dC) and (dA)·(dT) tracts occur at greater frequencies than expected, based on random occurrence. Long (dA)·(dT) tracts of N< 10 occur at well above expected frequencies in flanking and intron regions, while (dG)·(dC) tracts above N=5 are rarely found. Some of the implications of these findings for tract origins in slip-strand replication and for chromatin stucture are discussed.
Mechanisms responsible for coronary vasospasm

Studies have been conducted on isolated segments of the left circumflex coronary artery of the dog to gain information on the mechanism or mechanisms of vasospasm. Coronary arteries contain both postjunctional alpha 1- and beta 1-adrenoceptors, and both are accessible to norepinephrine released from the sympathetic nerves. However, owing to the dominance of the beta 1-adrenoceptors, sympathetic stimulation causes relaxation of the vascular smooth muscle. In the primary branches of the circumflex artery, only beta 1-adrenoceptors are present. In patients with spasm of the coronary arteries, blockade of the beta 1-adrenoceptors may aggravate the spasm by permitting the unopposed constrictor action of the sympathetic nerves on the alpha 1-adrenoceptors on these vessels. The blood platelets contain substances, including 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) and thromboxane A2, which can cause constriction of vascular smooth muscle. These substances are released whenever platelets aggregate. The normal endothelium, by forming and releasing prostacyclin, inhibits platelet aggregation. In addition, in response to platelet products, the normal endothelium forms one or more inhibitory substances that cause relaxation of the underlying smooth muscle. Also, if any thrombin is formed, this also causes an endothelium-mediated relaxation of the artery. Patients with coronary artery spasm usually have morphologic changes in the artery at the site of the spasm. Thus, platelets can aggregate at the site and the resultant release of serotonin and thromboxane A2, acting directly on the smooth muscle, causes constriction of the artery. Hypoxia of the myocardium follows and this augments the constriction.
Critical review of international standards for respiratory protective equipment - I. Respiratory protective equipment for particulate-laden atmospheres.

The standards for respiratory protective equipment (R.P.E.) from eleven countries and standards organizations were grouped according to type as particulate removing, gas and vapor removing, airline (fresh air hose and compressed air types), and self-contained breathing apparatus (open circuit and closed circuit). Each group of standards was further divided into specification and performance requirements. This paper is one in a series of three that highlights and critically reviews international respirator standards; it deals specifically with R.P.E. for protection against particulate-laden atmospheres. Great Britain, Australia, European Committee for Standardization (CEN), France, South Africa, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Scandinavia, Japan, and Germany have standards for R.P.E. against particulate-laden atmospheres. Tabular summaries and accompanying discussion of national requirements are presented in the following categories: solid and liquid aerosol removal efficiency, clogging, and rough usage. Large differences and some notable omissions exist among standards. For example, the protection capacity of the filter can be tested by using solid particulate or liquid challenge aerosols. The majority of the countries evaluate protection capacity using solid particulate aerosols, while the remainder use both solid and liquid or liquid aerosols only. Other differences in filter testing deal with the composition of the test aerosol and the characteristic of the filter measured. The initial penetration or the penetration of the filter as it is being loaded over a specified period of time can be measured. In the latter case penetration is averaged over the test period and the degree of protection is assessed only for that overall time period; information is not provided concerning the protection afforded by the filter in the earlier stages of use.
Information-theoretic estimation of individual consideration set

Abstract Generally, in the choice modeling literature, each individual decision-maker is assumed to be aware of a set of alternatives at the start of the decision process. This initial set defined as the awareness set usually includes a mixture of alternatives, some seriously and some casually under contemplation. The decision-making process leads to a partitioning of the awareness set into two disjoint subsets: consideration set and non-consideration set. The consideration set consists of the more seriously considered alternatives. This paper proposes an information-theoretic algorithm for estimating the consideration set. The proposed algorithm estimates the choice probabilities in the awareness sets according to the maximum entropy principle which by use of a multinomial logit model, computes an individual information index for each set, identifies the weak or unacceptable alternatives for each individual, and reduces each awareness set to a consideration set. The average of the selected alternative probabilities is proposed as a statistic by which the predicmtive quality of various consideration sets can be compared. We empirically illustrate the proposed method by estimating consideration sets for a sample of industrial decision-makers using a real world marketing data set. The analysis leads to an important finding; that the predictive power of the multinomial logit is in identifying the weak (non-considered) alternatives rather than predicting the chosen alternative among the choices in the consideration set. The proposed algorithm enables us to empirically implement choice set reduction for a given data set using an information criterion. Thus, the stage is set for advancing choice theory by investigating the impact of using additional data and/or other choice models on the derived consideration sets.
The evolution of crystalline stresses of a polycrystalline metal during cyclic loading

Abstract The presence of a positive average applied stress during cyclic uniaxial loading leads to a reduction in fatigue life of metallic parts. The metals are typically polycrystalline, with stresses varying from crystal to crystal due to differences in lattice orientation and slip system strength. Simulations enable us to better understand how polycrystals behave under cyclic loading and how the changing stress over many cycles influences fatigue life. Specifically, uniaxial cyclic simulations of pre-strained HY100 steel were conducted using an elastic viscoplastic continuum slip model employing a Taylor hypothesis. Stress-controlled loading conditions were employed to mimic fatigue tests on cold-bent bar specimens for three different load levels. The macroscopic axial strains and the crystal axial stresses were monitored during the cycles. The stress–strain response for the first cycle was used to determine the load input for the material point simulations. The peak values of crystal axial stress were found to evolve continuously with the number of loading cycles. It was found that the stress change in a crystal is influenced not only by its own orientation but also by the orientations of the other crystals in the aggregate. Furthermore, the distribution of crystal stresses after thousands of cycles at a lower stress amplitude closely resembled the distribution after tens of cycles at a larger stress amplitude.
Microstructural effects of heat treatment on the bond interface of explosively welded metals

The microstructure and composition of the interface of nickel-to-copper, copper-to-steel, and tantalum-to-steel explosion welds which had been subjected to heat treatments between 500° and 1100°C was investigated by electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis. The results confirmed that explosive welding establishes continuous and practically diffusionless metallurgical bonds. Diffusion induced by heat treatment causes characteristic microstructural changes along the bond zone which depend on the type of binary phase diagram to which the specimen belongs. The diffusion penetration in nickel explosively welded to copper is noticeably more extensive than in the similar electroplated couple. In all three metal pairs the diffusion rate varies cyclically along the weld interface. These latter effects appear to be related to the unique concentration and distribution of lattice defects characterizing explosively bonded metals.
Axial and Lateral Impact Prediction of Composite Structures Using Explicit Finite Element Analysis

The use of composite materials in the automotive industry is growing since these materials exhibit high stiffness, strength and low weight. As such, analytical capabilities must be developed in order for these materials to be used in more structural applications. Previous work in the area of crush performance has concentrated on experimental and empirical studies that have qualitatively characterized the crush process. These studies have shown that the crush process in composite materials is complex, and is dominated by fiber/matrix microcracking, which is the main energy absorption mechanism. In this study, the crush performance of a set of tubular composite structures were modeled using the explicit code RADIOSS™. Unlike many of the other commercially available codes, the composite material model within RADIOSS uses material input parameters that can be easily extracted from basic material test. These tests would include a 0° and 90° tensile and compressive test, as well as an in-plane shear test. The model can also accommodate strain rate effects. As the structure is loaded, the stresses within each element and ply are calculated. Using a Tsai-Wu failure criterion, the material fracture is simulated by removing a failed ply within a given element. As a consequence, the material degradation within and ahead of the crush front is simulated. The results of the study showed that the steady state crush load could be predicted accurately. However, the exact failure mode with the crushed structure was not as accurately represented in the model. In addition, two other case studies one being a 3-point bending on a hexagonal section and composite sandwich plate impact analysis were also performed. The results showed good agreement with experiments in both load levels and failure modes.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Simple analytical methods for computing the gravity-wave contribution to the cosmic background radiation anisotropy.

We present two simple analytical methods for computing the gravity-wave contribution to the cosmic background radiation (CBR) anisotropy in inflationary models; one method uses a time-dependent transfer function, the other methods uses an approximate gravity-mode function which is a simple combination of the lowest order spherical Bessel functions. We compare the CBR anisotropy tensor multipole spectrum computed using our methods with the previous result of the highly accurate numerical method, the {open_quote}{open_quote}Boltzmann{close_quote}{close_quote} method. Our time-dependent transfer function is more accurate than the time-independent transfer function found by Turner, White, and Lindsey; however, we find that the transfer function method is only good for {ital l}{approx_lt}120. Using our approximate gravity-wave mode function, we obtain much better accuracy; the tensor multipole spectrum we find differs by less than 2{percent} for {ital l}{approx_lt}50, less than 10{percent} for {ital l}{approx_lt}120, and less than 20{percent} for {ital l}{le}300 from the {open_quote}{open_quote}Boltzmann{close_quote}{close_quote} result. Our approximate graviton mode function should be quite useful in studying tensor perturbations from inflationary models. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Regulation of cytokinesis by the formin cdc12p.

Summary For successful cell division, cytokinesis must be properly timed to occur only after the segregation of chromosomes during mitosis. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe , contractile ring assembly initiates at the onset of mitosis, and ring contraction occurs concomitant with septation at the end of anaphase. Although many of the conserved factors necessary for ring assembly and regulation of cytokinesis have been characterized [1, 2], still little is known about cell-cycle regulation of events that initiate cytokinesis. The formin cdc12p is an essential ring component with a well-characterized function in F-actin assembly [3–6]. Here we show that overexpression of a cdc12p fragment bypasses normal cell-cycle controls and induces contractile ring assembly and sometimes even ring contraction and septation, all during interphase. Activation of cytokinesis occurs without the apparent activation of cell-cycle regulators such as polo kinase or the septation initiation network [7]. For this effect, cdc12p contributes at least two separable activities: actin assembly and one or more additional functions in cytokinesis initiation. These observations suggest that the formin cdc12p participates downstream of cell-cycle regulators in a network that drives the initiation of cytokinesis.
Linear and nonlinear theory of Cherenkov maser operation in the intense relativistic beam regime.

The linear dispersion relation for axisymmetric TM modes in a cylindrical waveguide lined with a dielectric material and enclosing a thin annular electron beam is derived and solved. Approximate analytic solutions are obtained for both weak and moderate beam regimes. A model of nonlinear saturation is developed. This model, combined with the linear theory in the moderate beam regime, defines the most efficient and compact Cherenkov maser.
Water‐soluble copolymers. III. Dextran‐g‐poly(acrylamides) control of grafting sites and molecular weight by Ce(IV)‐induced initiation in homogeneous solutions

Model graft copolymers were synthesized by grafting acrylamide onto dextran (Mw = 500,000) utilizing an initiation method in which a Ce(IV)/HNO3 solution was added to the dextran solution in order to allow coplexation prior to monomer addition. Three synthetic reaction parameters were optimized on the basis of conversion and solution viscosity: monomer concentration, dextran concentration, and nitric acid concentration. Molar ratios of [Ce(IV)]/[dextran] were changed systematically to affect the number and length of the acrylamide grafts. The number of grafting sites and graft chain lengths, determined by selective hydrolysis of the carbohydrate backbone, were in good agreement with those theortically predicted from knowledge of initiation efficiency and monomer conversion. Rheological studies of the model graft copolymers were conducted in aqueous solutions as a function of temperature, added salt, and copolymer concentration.