cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prospective study of extracorporeal photopheresis in steroid-refractory or steroid-resistant extensive chronic graft-versus-host disease: analysis of response and survival incorporating prognostic factors

We enrolled 25 patients with extensive, steroid-refractory chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in a prospective trial evaluating the efficacy of extracorporeal photophoresis (ECP) in both skin and visceral cGVHD. The median time from transplant to initiation of ECP was 790 days. ECP was administered for 2 consecutive days every 2 weeks in 17 patients and once a week in eight patients until best response or stable disease. The median duration of therapy was 9 months (range 3-24 months). In all, 20 patients had improvement in cutaneous GVHD and six had healing of oral ulcerations. Steroid sparing or discontinuation of immunosuppressive medications was possible in 80% of patients. Response rates were similar between patients receiving treatment weekly vs every 2 weeks and in patients commencing ECP less than vs greater than 18 months from transplant (70 vs 66%). When patients were stratified based on the Akpek prognostic score, there was no difference in overall response between the favorable (Akpek score<2.5) and unfavorable risk groups, but patients with progressive onset cGVHD tended to have a higher response than those with de novo onset. In summary, we report improvement in skin and/or visceral cGVHD in 71% overall and 61% of high-risk patients.
Malignant Group B Streptococcal Endocarditis Associated with Saline-Induced Abortion

A 20-year-old woman developed acute group B streptococcal endocarditis following saline-induced abortion. In the pre-antibiotic era, most cases of group B streptococcal endocarditis occurred in parturient or postabortal women. Currently, this disease is rarely described in obstetrical patients, and no previous cases following saline-induced abortion have been reported. Purulent pericarditis and a perivalvular abscess were present in our patient and represent only the second instance in which these findings have been documented in this disease.
The role of NMDA receptors in long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD) in rat visual cortex

The purpose of the present study was to improve our understanding of the role of NMDA receptors in neocortical synaptic plasticity. In slices of rat visual cortex the field potential elicited in layer III in response to white matter stimulation consisted of two components with peak latencies at 5-8 ms (EPSP1) and 12-19 ms (EPSP2). EPSP2 appeared to be polysynaptic since it did not follow stimulation at 0.5 Hz. EPSP1 consisted of both kainate/AMPA and NMDA receptor activity, as revealed by bath application of DNQX and APV. EPSP2 displayed a variable sensitivity to bath-applied APV. Tetanic stimulation of the white matter in normal medium consistently induced long-term potentiation of EPSP1. In the presence of APV, LTP of EPSP1 was induced only when EPSP2 was still present, while there was no change, or LTD was induced, when EPSP2 was completely blocked by APV. In rat visual cortex, blockade of NMDA receptor participation in the postsynaptic response to tetanic stimulation reduces the probability for LTP induction but does not necessarily prevent LTP; synaptic strength may still change in either direction depending, in part, on factors affecting the magnitude of postsynaptic depolarization during tetanus.
Density and speed of sound measurements of 1- and 2-butanol

Abstract The density and speed of sound of 1- and 2-butanol have been measured with two instruments; both instruments used vibrating-tube sensors for measuring density. At ambient pressure (83 kPa), density and speed of sound were measured from 278.15 K to 343.15 K. Adiabatic compressibilities were derived from these density and speed of sound data. Compressed liquid density measurements were carried out in a second instrument over a range from 270 K to 470 K with pressures from 0.5 MPa to 50 MPa. The measured density data were correlated with a modified Tait equation within their experimental uncertainty, and this correlation provides a baseline for extensive comparisons with literature data. Differences between the measured macroscopic properties of the two butanol isomers are related to differences on the molecular level. These were characterized by quantum mechanical calculations using the second-order Moller–Plesset model with the polarization basis set 6-311+G⁎⁎.
Mechanism of Iodide Action on Cholesterol Metabolism

Iodide retards or prevents hypercholesterolemia and the development of experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits. "Protection" is estimated from reduction of plasma and/or hepatic cholesterol. Small doses of iodide do not "protect." Iodide in large doses prevents the hypercholesterolemia resulting from exogenous cholesterol and reduces hepatic cholesterol. This effect is independent of the thyroid gland and is not related to "thyroxin-like" plasma iodine. The influence of iodide on cholesterol metabolism seems to be related to the presence of a butanol-insoluble protein-bound iodine compound in the plasma.
Higher-twist contributions, quantum chromodynamics, and inclusive meson photoproduction at high p T

We investigate higher-twist contributions to inclusive meson photoproduction in the context of perturbative QCD, demonstrating that the higher-twist subprocess $\ensuremath{\gamma}q\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{Mq}$ contributes significantly to the inclusive cross section at large transverse momenta. The normalization of the subprocess is determined entirely by the meson electromagnetic form factor. We show that higher-twist effects are especially dramatic for $\ensuremath{\rho}$ production.
Fatty acid composition of emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) lipids

Abstract 1. 1. The fatty acid compositions of the adipose tissue, brain, and foot skin were determined for an Emperor Penguin. 2. 2. In the adipose tissue, fatty acids 20:1, 20:4, 14:0, 16:0, and 18:1 were the major components, primarily 20:1 and 20:4. Part of this is correlated with the animal's food, and comparisons with the Adelie Penguin are made. 3. 3. The foot skin lipids were comprised primarily of 16:1, 18:1, 20:1, and 20:4. This is discussed as an adaptation to cold environmental temperature. 4. 4. The predominant brain fatty acids were 18:0, 18:1, 16:0, and 22:6 acids, mainly the C-18 acids. This is compared with mammalian brain composition.
Alcohol and psychoactive drug use during pregnancy.

1. Barry Zuckerman 2. Joel J. Alpert 1. Boston City Hospital, Boston University, School of Medicine, Boston The impact of alcohol and psychactive drug use during pregnancy on the newborn has been discussed in two recent articles in Pediatrics in Review 1,2 and continues to be a topic of clinical importance. Some of the effects of these substances are known. Heroin and methadone use results in low birth weight and narcotic abstinence syndrome, although long-term effects on development are uncertain.1 The risk of heavy drinking is unquestioned,2 but investigators disagree as to the effects of lesser amounts of alcohol.2-5 Results of some studies do not show an association between less than heavy drinking during pregnancy and adverse newborn outcome,6-11 in contrast to the consistent findings of the risks associated with cigarette smoking,4,11
On injective homomorphisms between Teichmüller modular groups I

In this paper and its sequel, we prove that injective homomorphisms between Teichmuller modular groups of compact orientable surfaces are necessarily isomorphisms, if an appropriately measured “size” of the surfaces in question differs by at most one. In particular, we establish the co-Hopfian property for modular groups of surfaces of positive genus.
Auditing consistency and usefulness of LOINC use among three large institutions - Using version spaces for grouping LOINC codes

Graphical abstractDisplay Omitted Highlights? A process for auditing the consistency and usefulness of LOINC use. ? Use of the version space approach to reduce auditing tasks to a manageable size. ? Created a system to classify the degree of semantic interoperability between two systems that exchange data using LOINC codes. ObjectivesWe wanted to develop a method for evaluating the consistency and usefulness of LOINC code use across different institutions, and to evaluate the degree of interoperability that can be attained when using LOINC codes for laboratory data exchange. Our specific goals were to: (1) Determine if any contradictory knowledge exists in LOINC. (2) Determine how many LOINC codes were used in a truly interoperable fashion between systems. (3) Provide suggestions for improving the semantic interoperability of LOINC. MethodsWe collected Extensional Definitions (EDs) of LOINC usage from three institutions. The version space approach was used to divide LOINC codes into small sets, which made auditing of LOINC use across the institutions feasible. We then compared pairings of LOINC codes from the three institutions for consistency and usefulness. ResultsThe number of LOINC codes evaluated were 1917, 1267 and 1693 as obtained from ARUP, Intermountain and Regenstrief respectively. There were 2022, 2030, and 2301 version spaces among ARUP and Intermountain, Intermountain and Regenstrief and ARUP and Regenstrief respectively. Using the EDs as the gold standard, there were 104, 109 and 112 pairs containing contradictory knowledge and there were 1165, 765 and 1121 semantically interoperable pairs. The interoperable pairs were classified into three levels: (1) Level I - No loss of meaning, complete information was exchanged by identical codes. (2) Level II - No loss of meaning, but processing of data was needed to make the data completely comparable. (3) Level III - Some loss of meaning. For example, tests with a specific 'method' could be rolled-up with tests that were 'methodless'. ConclusionsThere are variations in the way LOINC is used for data exchange that result in some data not being truly interoperable across different enterprises. To improve its semantic interoperability, we need to detect and correct any contradictory knowledge within LOINC and add computable relationships that can be used for making reliable inferences about the data. The LOINC committee should also provide detailed guidance on best practices for mapping from local codes to LOINC codes and for using LOINC codes in data exchange.
Northwestern University pilot urology residency curriculum: impact of flexible training and residency electives on educational outcomes.

Purpose: We report on our first 4 years of experience with a pilot urology residency curriculum. This novel program was approved by the Urology Residency Review Committee and involves a flexible educational program for residents, incorporating elective time (4 months each in postgraduate years 2 and 4 of training) into the residency rotation schedule.Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective assessment of the urology residency program overall, the electives chosen by the residents, and the impact on resident operative logs and in-service scores compared to residents completing residency before the implementation of the elective curriculum. Overall faculty and resident evaluation of the residency program and elective curriculum was collected, and categorized as positive, negative or neutral.Results: When comparing the first 3 years of the pilot program to the 5 years before implementation of the program, the average final graduated resident case total increased by 232 (2,390 vs 2,158). Resident in-...
Aboveground biomass distribution of US eastern hardwood forests and the use of large trees as an indicator of forest development

Abstract Past clearing and harvesting of the deciduous hardwood forests of eastern USA released large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, but through recovery and regrowth these forests are now accumulating atmospheric carbon (C). This study examined quantities and distribution of aboveground biomass density (AGBD, Mg ha−1) of US eastern hardwood forests and assessed their biological potential for continued biomass accumulation in the future. Studies have shown that the presence of a large proportion of the AGBD of moist tropical forests in large diameter trees (> 70 cm diameter) is indicative of mature and undisturbed conditions. This relationship was tested as a criterion for the eastern US deciduous forests to assess their stage of recovery and maturity, and evaluate their potential for continued C storage. The approach was to compare AGBD and its distribution in large trees for old-growth forests derived from published studies and for oak-hickory and maple-beech-birch forests using the extensive US Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data base. Old-growth forests generally had AGBD of 220–260 Mg ha−1 with up to 30% in trees with diameter > 70 cm. In contrast, maximum AGBD for the FIA units was about 175–185 Mg ha−1 with 8%–10% in large trees. Most units, however, were below these maximum values, suggesting that the forests represented by the FIA inventory are in various stages of recovery from past disturbance. Biologically, therefore, they have the potential to accumulate significant quantities of additional biomass, if left unharvested, and thus storing atmospheric C into the future.
Invivo maturation of an undermodified Escherichiacoli leucine transfer RNA

Abstract Two chromatographically unique leucine tRNAs which accumulate during leucine starvation of relaxed control E. coli have been shown to be undermodified forms of the major, normal isoacceptor species, tRNAILeu. Results from 32P label-chase experiments demonstrate that the undermodified species, deficient in specific dihydrouridine and pseudouridine residues, can be converted to chromatographically normal tRNAILeu but, only slowly. The slow rate of conversion suggests that the undermodified isoacceptors are not normal intermediates in the biosynthetic process and provides additional support to the view that certain of the post-transcriptional modification reactions occur in a sequential manner.
Impact of Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder on the Course of Late-Life Depression

Objective The authors sought to examine the effect of symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) on acute course of depression in a group of older depressed patients. Methods Authors assessed GAD symptoms in a sample of 204 patients age 60 and older with unipolar major depression. Patients were treated naturalistically by study geriatric psychiatrists using a treatment guideline for geriatric depression and assessed with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. They were dichotomized as meeting or not meeting GAD symptom criteria. The groups were analyzed by Cox proportional-hazards models. Results There were 138 remitters and 66 non-remitters. After analysis controlled for benzodiazepine use, stressful life events, social support, and functional status, having GAD symptoms was associated with longer time-to-remission. Conclusions Older depressed patients with GAD have a worse outcome than those without anxiety. Future studies will need to determine the appropriate role of benzodiazepines and other anxiolytics in the treatment of older depressed patients with symptoms of GAD.
On Four-Dimensional Gauge Theories from Type II Superstrings

We study the four-dimensional gauge theories which are associated with classical vacua of the type II superstring, i.e. which correspond to a superconformal field theory on the world sheet. Using the fact that gauge symmetry arises from a supersymmetric affine Kac-Moody algebra, and demanding unitarity of the underlying world-sheet field theory, we show that no such vacua can yield the particle spectrum of the standard model. Of the gauge theories which are permitted by unitarity, we find that many can be constructed explicitly as orbifolds which twist the left- and right-moving degrees of freedom of the string asymmetrically; among these are three N = 4 supersymmetric models – which have previously been constructed in a quite different fashion – and two N = 1 supersymmetric models with chiral gauge representations for the massless fermions.
Rights or Benefits? Explaining the Sexual Identity Gap in American Political Behavior

Lesbians, gays, and bisexuals (LGBs) are far more likely than heterosexuals to support the Democratic Party and its candidates. But is this support due to the Democratic Party support for the civil rights agendas of historically disadvantaged groups, or is it based on other factors? In this article, we use the issue of same-sex marriage to attempt to explain the nature of the sexual identity gap. We demonstrate that a substantial portion of LGBs place a great deal of importance on winning healthcare and other employee benefits for their spouses, but that they are less concerned about having legally recognized marriages. Furthermore, we find that it is the goal of acquiring spousal benefits, not the right to marry, that influences the degree to which LGBs support the Democratic Party. We conclude that the sexual identity gap is generated more from LGB concerns about acquiring tangible economic benefits than from an interest in pursuing civil rights.
Sex differences in depression: a role for preexisting anxiety

The role of anxiety disorders in the development of sex differences in major depression is analyzed. Data come from a longitudinal epidemiologic study of young adults in the Detroit, Michigan area. The Diagnostic Interview Schedule, revised according to DSM-III-R, was used at baseline to measure lifetime psychiatric disorders and at follow-up to measure psychiatric disorders during the 3.5-year interval since baseline assessment. Consistent with previous reports, the lifetime prevalence of major depression was nearly two-fold higher in females than in males. The sex difference was primarily in major depression comorbid with anxiety disorders. Results from Cox-proportional hazards models, with time-dependent covariates, showed that prior anxiety disorder increased the risk for subsequent major depression in both sexes, with no evidence of an interaction. History of anxiety disorder, including number of prior anxiety disorders, accounted for a considerable part of the observed sex difference in major depression. Controlling for prior anxiety reduced by more than 50% the coefficient that estimates the association between gender and major depression. The results suggest that the higher occurrence of anxiety disorders in females than males beginning early in life might explain in large part the higher female risk for major depression. They emphasize the need for further research on sex differences in anxiety disorders.
Hidden from history? Women workers in modern Iran

(2000). Hidden from history? Women workers in modern Iran. Iranian Studies: Vol. 33, No. 3-4, pp. 377-401.
Evaluation of a technique for predicting longitudinal pilot-induced-oscillations

A technique for predicting the susceptibility of an aircraft to longitudinal pilot-induced-oscillations (PIO's) is evaluated using 62 configurations from a pair of flight tests involving the NT-33 variable stability aircraft. The technique is based upon the characteristics of the open-loop pilot/vehicle system for attitude control as predicted by the Optimal Control Model (OCM) of the human pilot. The OCM is simplified so that only the index of performance weighting coefficients need to be considered as problem variables and a simple technique for generating these coefficients is reviewed.
Influence of ethanol on microsomal p‐nitrophenol hydroxylation and ethoxyresorufin deethylation in rat liver and lung

The ability of ethanol to induce the deethylation of ethoxyresorufin and hydroxylation of p‐nitrophenol in rat lung and liver was investigated. The administration of 10% ethanol in the drinking water for 7 d increased hepatic p‐nitrophenol hydroxylation twofold whereas ethanol ip (3 ml/kg/d for 7 d) decreased the activity. Both ethanol treatments decreased the activity in the lung. Ethoxyresorufin deethylation was induced in the liver by both ethanol treatments, and in the lung the bolus dosing ip increased the activity four‐fold. The results indicate that the lung microsomes have p‐nitrophenol hydroxylase and ethoxyresorufin deethylase activities, but only the latter was increased by ethanol treatment.
Binding of neural cell adhesion molecules (N-CAMs) to the cellular prion protein.

Abstract To identify molecular interaction partners of the cellular prion protein (PrPC), we sought to apply an in situ crosslinking method that maintains the microenvironment of PrPC. Mild formaldehyde crosslinking of mouse neuroblastoma cells (N2a) that are susceptible to prion infection revealed the presence of PrPC in high molecular mass (HMM) protein complexes of 200 to 225 kDa. LC/MS/MS analysis identified three murine splice-variants of the neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) in the complexes, which isolate with caveolae-like domains (CLDs). Enzymatic removal of N-linked sugar moieties did not disrupt the complexes, arguing that the interaction of PrP with N-CAM occurs through amino acid side-chains. Additionally, similar levels of PrP/N-CAM complexes were found in N2a and prion-infected N2a (ScN2a) cells. With the use of an N-CAM-specific peptide library, the PrP-binding site was determined to comprise β-strands C and C′ within the two consecutive fibronectin type III (FNIII) modules found in proximity of the membrane-attachment site of N-CAM. As revealed by in situ crosslinking of PrP deletion mutants, the PrP face of the binding site is formed by the N terminus, helix A (residues 144–154) and the adjacent loop region of PrP. N-CAM-deficient (N-CAM−/−) mice that were intracerebrally challenged with scrapie prions succumbed to disease with a mean incubation period of 122 (±4.1, SEM) days, arguing that N-CAM is not involved in PrPSc replication. Our findings raise the possibility that N-CAM may join with PrPC in carrying out some as yet unidentified physiologic cellular function.
Long-term experience with lithium treatment in childhood: correlation with clinical diagnosis.

Abstract The authors report the long-term efficacy of lithium treatment of childhood behavior disorders by diagnosis. One hundred ninety six children were treated for periods of up to 10 years. The usefulness of lithium was tested by double-blind placebo-controlled discontinuation trials in some cases and by open discontinuation trials in all. Lithium was most effective for childhood manic-depression (bipolar affective disorder) (66% successfully treated on long-term follow-up), emotionally unstable character disorder (82%), and offspring of a lithium-responsive parent (71%). It was not effective for attention deficit disorder. Certain children with other disorders (designated, respectively, depression, conduct disorder, attention deficit disorder with affective disorder, affective/explosive/aggressive disorder, and autism) who responded to lithium may have variant forms of childhood bipolar affective disorder. A separate group of children with primary neurological diseases responded to lithium for target symptoms of rage or aggressiveness and encopresis.
41Ca as a tracer for calcium uptake and deposition in heart tissue during ischemia and reperfusion

We have developed techniques and are commencing experiments using enriched {sup 41}Ca as a tracer in isolated rabbit heart preparations. The aims of the study are to measure calcium uptake and deposition in response to cardiac ischemia and reperfusion, and to investigate events and mechanism leading to irreversible myocyte injury.
Noninvasive assessment of myocardial dysfunction in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation

Chronic aortic regurgitation may have minimal symptoms until severe myocardial dysfunction is apparent. Multiple preoperative indicators of postoperative prognosis have been sought. It appears that an elevated left ventricular end systolic dimension on echocardiography or elevated end systolic volume on radionuclide ventriculography in combination with depressed LV function and substantially increased calculated systolic wall stress may present an indicator for aortic valve replacement. Response of ejection fraction to stress may not be as reproducible, but when combined with a depressed resting ejection fraction may also be an indicator for aortic valve replacement. Even patients with severely depressed left ventricular ejection fraction may improve with surgery; however, the risks of a poor postoperative outcome is substantial increased. Appropriate management of a patient with chronic aortic regurgitation requires monitoring of multiple parameters during the patient's clinical course for optimal timing of valve replacement surgery.
Preparation of speech-language pathologists in the United States: The Master's degree.

In order to become credentialed as a speech-language pathologist in the United States, a masters’s degree is required. This degree integrates course work with clinical practica. Course work covers nor
In Ovine Pregnancy Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels (K Ca ) Modulate Basal Uterine Vascular Tone and Estradiol-17β (E 2 β)-Induced Increases in Uterine Blood Flow (UBF)

In Ovine Pregnancy Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels (K Ca ) Modulate Basal Uterine Vascular Tone and Estradiol-17β (E 2 β)-Induced Increases in Uterine Blood Flow (UBF)
Another Look at Racial Differences in Housing Prices

The existence of segregated housing has sparked interest in the question of whether blacks pay more for housing. That racial segregation exists is not in doubt. The effect of segregation on housing prices in black versus white submarkets is less clear. The empirical evidence is not conclusive. Past studies have yielded disparate results because they applied different models to one or a few markets. In addition earlier studies often used data from samples taken a decade or more ago, while evidence exists that submarket price differentials change significantly over time. This paper presents estimates of racial submarket price differentials in 39 large Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas (SMSAs). The household level data used are from the Annual Housing Survey, and are both recent (1974-76 data) and extensive (700 to 2,000 degrees of freedom in each of 78 regressions). Separate equations are estimated for owners and renters. The same two models, based on the method of hedonic equations, are employed in e...
Variational Principles for Symmetric Bilinear Forms

Every compact symmetric bilinear form B on a complex Hilbert space produces, via an antilinear representing operator, a real spectrum consisting of a sequence decreasing to zero. We show that the most natural analog of Courant's minimax principle for B detects only the evenly indexed eigenvalues in this spectrum. We explain this phenomenon, analyze the extremal objects, and apply this general framework to the Friedrichs operator of a planar domain and to Toeplitz operators and their compressions. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Kinase conformations: A computational study of the effect of ligand binding

Protein function is often controlled by ligand-induced conformational transitions. Yet, in spite of the increasing number of three-dimensional crystal structures of proteins in different conformations, not much is known about the driving forces of these transitions. As an initial step toward exploring the conformational and energetic landscape of protein kinases by computational methods, intramolecular energies and hydration free energies were calculated for different conformations of the catalytic domain of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAPK) with a continuum (Poisson) model for the electrostatics. Three protein kinase crystal structures for ternary complexes of cAPK with the peptide inhibitor PKI(5-24) and ATP or AMP-PNP were modeled into idealized intermediate and open conformations. Concordant with experimental observation, we find that the binding of PKI(5-24) is more effective in stabilizing the closed and intermediate forms of cAPK than ATP. PKI(5-24) seems to drive the final closure of the active site cleft from intermediate to closed state because ATP does not distinguish between these two states. Binding of PKI(5-24) and ATP is energetically additive.
Transient water stress in a vegetation canopy: Simulations and measurements

Consideration is given to observational and modeling evidence of transient water stress, the effects of the transpiration plateau on the canopy radiometric temperature, and the factors responsible for the onset of the transpiration plateau, such as soil moisture. Attention is also given to the point at which the transient stress can be detected by remote measurement of surface temperature.
Split sputter mode: a novel sputtering method for flat-panel display manufacturing

Advanced static DC magnetron sputtering methods based on the magnet wobbling technique were investigated to achieve highly uniform and homogeneous metallization layers. The novel split sputter mode (SSM) method, wherein the deposition process is divided into two distinct steps, enables the AKT rotary cathode technology to provide excellent layer properties, while keeping a high production throughput. The effectiveness of the SSM technique was demonstrated through copper-coated large-area substrates.
Facile synthesis and supramolecular chemistry of hydrogen bond/halogen bond-driven multi-tasking tectons

Hydrogen bonds and halogen bonds can be used as synthetic vectors without structural interference as long as the primary molecular recognition events are designed around a careful combination of geometric and electrostatic complementarity. In addition, a one-step procedure for the synthesis of tectons equipped with powerful hydrogen- and halogen-bond donors is presented.
Local peritoneal factors: their role in infertility associated with endometriosis.

In order to detect peritoneal abnormalities that could account for infertility associated with endometriosis, 122 infertile individuals were studied at the time of laparoscopy for diagnostic purposes or for in vitro fertilization. Four groups were defined: group 1, laparoscopy without endometriosis; group 2, laparoscopy with endometriosis; group 3, in vitro fertilization without endometriosis; and group 4, in vitro fertilization with endometriosis. Mean peritoneal fluid volume was greater, although not significantly so, in group 4 (29.0 ± 6.6 ml, mean ± SEM) than in group 3 (18.2 ± 2 ml). The concentration and total number of pelvic macrophages were similar for groups 1 and 2. The total number of pelvic macrophages was increased in group 4 (16.9 ± 4.2 x 106) versus group 3 (10.0 ± 1.8 x 106) (p = 0.08). The mean sperm phagocytosis in vitro did not differ among the four groups studied. Interleukin 1 activity within the peritoneal fluid and the in vitro interleukin 1 production rate did not differ between individuals with and without endometriosis. Peritoneal fluid and macrophage supernatants from individuals with endometriosis were not embryotoxic when studied in an in vitro mouse embryo system.
Wind flow patterns about buildings

Abstract A knowledge of building wake characteristics is useful in a variety of applications including dispersion of pollutants downwind of conventional or nuclear power plants, airport runway interference effect, take-off/landing limitations at heliports, pedestrian wind comfort, and wind loads on structures. Recent investigations have advanced both understanding of physical flow processes occurring in the near and far wake regions and theoretical predictive capability for flow and diffusion in the far wake region. These studies have shown, for example, that separation cavities immediately downwind are not enclosed by free streamlines as in two-dimensional separation/reattachment, that organized vortices can play an important role in wake development, and that theoretical solutions for some wake regions are possible.
Parallelization of polarization state generation and detection for fast Mueller matrix polarimetry

Vector beams exhibit spatially inhomogeneous polarization. Here we show that this diversity of polarization in conjunction with specially designed optical setups can be used to parallelize the respective polarization state generation and detection processes in Mueller matrix polarimetry, which hitherto are done sequentially, limiting the speed with which samples can be characterized. Polarimetry based on these principles, that can extract twelve Mueller matrix elements from a single intensity image, is presented. Simulation results show that this form of polarimetry can be used to study a wide variety of samples such as magnetically active metamaterials.
The quaternary volcanic belt of the southern continental margin of South America: Transverse structural and petrochemical variations across the segment between 38°S and 39°S

Abstract In the segment between 38°S and 39°S of the southern South American continental margin volcanic belt, the volcanoes of the Quaternary “orogenic arc” may be divided into two groups: the first forming the volcanic front, which is located within the Cordillera Principal along a trend oriented 15° east of north; the second east of the volcanic front, occurring upon an uplifted precordilleran block that is east of the Bio-Bio/Alumine fault system, trends west of north, and merges with the Cordillera Principal near 38°S. Quaternary “back-arc” plateau lavas, consisting of basalts erupted from small cones, occur in the valley east of this precordilleran block. Quaternary intra-arc and back-arc extension appear to be occurring in this section (38–39°S) of the southern South American volcanic belt and perhaps as far north as 34°S. South of 39°S, intra-arc extension is absent and the orogenic arc is restricted to the Cordillera Principal. Differences in the structural characteristics of the arc north and south of 39°S may be due to the change in age from older to younger oceanic lithosphere being subducted beneath, respectively, the two regions. Basalts erupted from both Quaternary arc and back-arc centers located east of the volcanic front between 38°S and 39°S have higher K 2 0, Rb, Ba, and LREE contents, and higher La/Yb but lower Ba/La ratios, than basalts erupted along the volcanic front. 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios for arc lavas from volcanic centers both within and east of the volcanic front range from 0.7038 to 0.7041 independent of their Si0 2 content, suggesting that more silicic compositions developed from basalts by crystal-liquid fractionation without significant crustal assimilation. Back-arc plateau basalts from the region 38–39°S have Sr isotopic compositions similar to those of the arc volcanoes. Basalts from both the arc and the back-arc centers between 38°S and 39°S may form by partial melting of a large-ion-lithophile-element-enriched mantle source similar to the source of mantle-xenolith-bearing Quaternary alkali plateau basalts from southern Patagonia (south of 39°S), further modified by the addition of alkali elements derived from subducted oceanic lithosphere.
Physiologically Relevant Oxidative Degradation of Oligo(proline) Cross-Linked Polymeric Scaffolds

Chronic inflammation-mediated oxidative stress is a common mechanism of implant rejection and failure. Therefore, polymer scaffolds that can degrade slowly in response to this environment may provide a viable platform for implant site-specific, sustained release of immunomodulatory agents over a long time period. In this work, proline oligomers of varying lengths (Pn) were synthesized and exposed to oxidative environments, and their accelerated degradation under oxidative conditions was verified via high performance liquid chromatography and gel permeation chromatography. Next, diblock copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) were carboxylated to form 100 kDa terpolymers of 4%PEG- 86%PCL-10%cPCL (cPCL = poly(carboxyl-e-caprolactone); i% indicates molar ratio). The polymers were then cross-linked with biaminated PEG-Pn-PEG chains, where Pn indicates the length of the proline oligomer flanked by PEG chains. Salt-leaching of the polymeric matrices created scaffolds of macroporous and microporous architecture, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. The degradation of scaffolds was accelerated under oxidative conditions, as evidenced by mass loss and differential scanning calorimetry measurements. Immortalized murine bone- marrow-derived macrophages were then seeded on the scaffolds and activated through the addition of γ-interferon and lipopolysaccharide throughout the 9-day study period. This treatment promoted the release of H2O2 by the macrophages and the degradation of proline-containing scaffolds compared to the control scaffolds. The accelerated degradation was evidenced by increased scaffold porosity, as visualized through scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microtomography imaging. The current study provides insight into the development of scaffolds that respond to oxidative environments through gradual degradation for the controlled release of therapeutics targeted to diseases that feature chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
Wireless real-time monitoring system for outdoor abnormal situations in campus

This paper presents a wireless real-time monitoring system for outdoor abnormal situations in campus. The proposed system captured the real-time video via 17 IP (Internet Protocol) cameras and used self-developed software to perform the judgment computing of different campus abnormal conditions. The judged abnormal situation was recorded, and alerts were automatically sent to pre-specified mobile devices to notify the campus security personnel. Experiments show that the developed system can effectively achieve the performance of immediate monitoring of campus anomalies.
Adjustable suture technique for enhanced transposition surgery for extraocular muscles

Purpose To evaluate the results of 2 methods of vertical rectus muscle transposition surgery for sixth (abducens) nerve palsy. Methods Retrospective, comparative case series. Historically at our institution, transposed vertical rectus muscles were adjusted toward or attached at the adjacent corners of the lateral rectus muscle ("conventional transposition") before the development of a technique in which adjustable sutures are passed beneath the lateral rectus muscle to attach at its opposite corners ("crossed-adjustable transposition"). Comparative outcomes with these 2 techniques were analyzed in a consecutive series of sixth nerve palsy patients. Results The change from preoperative to postoperative deviation at distance was 39.3 Δ ± 22.7 Δ in 23 conventional transposition cases and 48.5 Δ ± 27.8 Δ in 19 crossed-adjustable transposition cases, which demonstrated no statistically significant difference ( p = 0.24, t -test). Simultaneous medial rectus weakening was needed less in the crossed-adjustable transposition group (37%) than in the conventional transposition group (83%), and this difference was statistically significant. ( p = 0.004, Fisher exact test). Conclusions Adjustable vertical rectus muscle transposition surgery for the management of chronic sixth nerve palsy, enhanced by passing the adjustable sutures beneath the lateral rectus muscle, requires simultaneous medial rectus muscle weakening less than half as often for satisfactory results.
Prognosis of bladder carcinoma in patients treated with cystectomy.

Prognostic criteria for bladder tumors are the stage and grade of the tumor in the present series of 82 patients, in which all patients received the same treatment. These criteria are related and the combined evaluation increases the prognostic accuracy for the disease. In addition, the diameter and not the number of bladder tumors on primary diagnosis is an important prognostic sign.
Multiple guide stars to improve the performance of laser guide star adaptive optical systems

Multiple guide stars are studied as a mean so of improving the performance of laser guide star (LGS) adaptive optical (AO) systems by reducing the effects of anisoplanatism. Previous work has shown that combining one sodium LGS and one Rayleigh LGS reduces tilt anisoplanatism for some turbulence profiles. In this paper, we investigate two scenarios of multiple guide star configurations. In the first scenario, AO correction based on three or more sodium beacons is studied. The second scenario investigates the use of a single sodium beacon in conjunction with a single Rayleigh beacon. For each of these case, two turbulence profiles, two deformable mirror conjugate altitudes, numerous tip-tilt guide star offsets, and two WFS subaperture array sizes are investigated. The best results of the two scenarios are determined and compared in terms of Strehl Ratio and residual tilt.
The Concentrations of Progesterone, Estrone and Estradiol-17β3 in the Myometrium of the Pregnant Rabbit and Their Relationship to the Peripheral Plasma Steroid Concentrations

ABSTRACT. The concentrations of progesterone (P), estrone and estradiol-17β3 (E2β3) in the myometrium of rabbits during the course of gestation have been determined by radioimmunoassay. The mean concentration of P increased from 8.0 ng/g (wet weight) on day 3 to 23.2 ng/g on day 12, and decreased thereafter to 4.2 ng/g on day 30. The mean concentration of Et decreased from 0.5-0.75 ng/g on days 3 through 18 to an average mean value of 0.26 ng/g after 18 (p <0.001). The mean E2β concentration rose progressively throughout pregnancy to a maximal value of 0.88 ng/g on day 30. The ratio of E2β3:E1, in the myometrium increased gradually during gestation from a value of 0.87 on days 3 and 6, to a value of 3.35 on days 27 and 30 (p <0.002). The ratio of P:E2/3 reached a maximum value of 50 on day 12, and gradually declined thereafter to a value of 8 on day 30. The concentrations of P, E1 and E2β in the myometrium have been compared to the levels of these steroids in arterial plasma (1). For progesterone, the mea...
CD8+ T cells are an in vivo reservoir for human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I

It is thought that human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) preferentially infects CD4 + T cells in vivo. However, observations of high HTLV-I proviral load in patients with HTLV-I–associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis suggest that HTLV-I may infect other cell types in addition to CD4 + T cells. To identify in vivo T-cell tropisms of HTLV-I, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and intracellular protein staining were used. A high amount of HTLV-I proviral DNA was detected from purified CD8 + T cells by quantitative PCR (between 1.64 and 62.83 copies of HTLV-I provirus per 100 isolated CD8 + T cells). CD8 + T cells expressed HTLV-I–related antigens (HTLV-I Tax and p19 protein) after a short time in cultivation. These results demonstrate that CD8 + T cells are also infected with HTLV-I and express HTLV-I antigens at levels that are comparable to HTLV-I–infected CD4 + cells. Therefore, CD8 + cells are an additional viral reservoir in vivo for HTLV-I and may contribute to the pathogenesis of HTLV-I–mediated disorders.
Utilization of Oblique Incidence in Acousto-Ultrasonics

The acousto-ultrasonic test technique has proven itself as a very valuable nondestructive evaluation procedure. The technique, however, is severely limited by using normal beam incidence of two transducers side by side. The current theoretical explanation of the wave propagation phenomena in ultrasonic NDE is limited. The purpose of this paper is to explore the full potential of the acousto-ultrasonic technique by way of including oblique incidence, and some theoretical explanation of wave propagation in the structure. By doing this, greater benefit of acousto-ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation can be realized.
Effects of the Atmosphere on the Penetrating Cosmic Radiation

A comparison is made of the results of three independent studies of upper-atmospheric influences on the penetrating cosmic radiation. The results of Cotton and Curtis are in disagreement with those of Duperier and the author, who agree very closely on the value of the upper-atmospheric temperature coefficient for the hard radiation observed at sea level. The work of Cotton and Curtis is examined with regard to method of data reduction, whereupon it is suggested that they are possibly in error because of statistical inadequacy of the cosmic-ray data and an improper mode of application of meteorological data.
Risk of bacteremia in young children with pneumonia treated as outpatients.

emia was 1.6% (95% confidence interval, 0.7%-2.9%). Streptococcus pneumoniae was the causative organism in all 9 cases. The serotype was available for 8 of 9 cases. Six (75%) of 8 cases of S pneumoniae bacteremia were caused by serotypes included in the current heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, which was not availableatthetimeofthisstudy.Thecontaminationratewas 1.9% (95% confidence interval, 1.0%-3.4%). The mean±SD time to blood culture positive for organisms in a continuously monitored system was significantly shorter for pathogens (13.9±1.3 hours) than for contaminants (21.2±6.1 hours; P=.01). Conclusions:Children aged 2 to 24 months with pneumonia who are treated as outpatients are at low risk of bacteremia. Widespread use of the pneumococcal conjugatevaccinemayfurtherdecreasetheincidenceofbacteremia in this population. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2003;157:389-392
Autophagy as a therapeutic target for ischaemia /reperfusion injury? Concepts, controversies, and challenges

Autophagy is the tightly orchestrated cellular ‘housekeeping’ process responsible for the degradation and disposal of damaged and dysfunctional organelles and protein aggregates. In addition to its established basal role in the maintenance of normal cellular phenotype and function, there is growing interest in the concept that targeted modulation of autophagy under conditions of stress (most notably, ischaemia/reperfusion) may represent an adaptive mechanism and render the myocardium resistant to ischaemia/reperfusion injury. Our aims in this review are to: (i) provide a balanced overview of the emerging hypothesis that perturbation of autophagy may serve as a novel, intriguing, and powerful cardioprotective treatment strategy and (ii) summarize the controversies and challenges in exploiting autophagy as a therapeutic target for ischaemia/reperfusion injury.
Functional characterization of a putative disaccharide membrane transporter in crustacean intestine

Transepithelial absorption of dietary sucrose in the American lobster, Homarus americanus, was investigated by mounting an intestine in a perfusion chamber to characterize mucosal to serosal (MS) (14)C-sucrose transport. These fluxes were measured by adding varying concentrations of (14)C-sucrose to the perfusate and monitoring their appearance in the bathing solution. Transepithelial (14)C-sucrose transport was the combination of a hyperbolic function of luminal concentration, following Michaelis-Menten kinetics, and apparent diffusion. The kinetic constants of the putative sucrose transporter were KM = 20.50 ± 6.00 µM and J max = 1.81 ± 0.50 pmol/cm(2) × min. Phloridzin, an inhibitor of Na(+)-dependent mucosal glucose transport, decreased MS (14)C-sucrose transport. Decreased MS (14)C-sucrose transport also occurred in the presence of luminal trehalose, a disaccharide containing D-glucose moieties. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) identified the chemical nature of radioactively labeled sugars in the bath following transepithelial transport. TLC revealed (14)C-sucrose was transported across the intestine largely intact with no (14)C-glucose or (14)C-fructose appearing in the serosal bath or luminal perfusate. Only 13% of bath radioactivity was volatile metabolites. Results suggest that disaccharide sugars can be transported intact across crustacean intestine and support the occurrence of a functional disaccharide membrane transporter.