cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Faecal incontinence in male patients

Objective Data concerning faecal incontinence (FI) in men are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the historical aetiology and contrast aetiologies in younger and older men suffering from FI. Method After institutional review board approval, a retrospective chart review was undertaken of all patients with FI seen between 1999 and 2005. The data of male patients was further analysed to assess the impact of age and historical aetiology on FI. Results A total of 404 males were included, 203 patients were <70 years of age (group A) and 201 patients were ≥70 years of age (group B). The most common prior diagnosis in group A was perianal sepsis in 23 (11.3%) patients and symptomatic haemorrhoids in 20 (9.9%) patients; in group B it was prostate cancer in 57 (28.4%) patients, symptomatic haemorrhoids in 31 (15.4%) patients and neurological diseases in 18 (9%) patients. The most common prior procedure in group A was restorative proctectomy/proctocolectomy in 32 (15.8%) patients, fistulotomy or haemorrhoidectomy in 21 (10.3%) and 19 (9.4%) patients respectively. In group B, radiation therapy for prostate cancer was utilized in 48 (23.9%) patients and haemorrhoidectomy in 29 (14.4%) patients. Comparing group A and group B relative to diagnosis – perianal sepsis, perineal trauma, congenital disorders, HIV infection and anal cancer were more common in group A, whereas prostate cancer, neurological diseases and colon cancer were significantly more common in group B. Conclusion Prostate cancer, symptomatic haemorrhoids, perianal sepsis, rectal cancer and a history of restorative rectal resection were common associations with FI in men. The aetiologies for FI in men vary with age.
Utility maximization and catasphore aversion: A simulation test

Abstract Economists have proved that the exclusion of the effects of irreversibility from a decision-making framework is a specification error which leads to sub-optimal solutions. Consequently, in any cost-benefit framework, the effects of an irreversibility are included in the form of an option value. Unfortunately, in the real world, there exist certain potential irreversibilities that jeopardize the very existence of the decision-making entity, were they to occur. We demonstrate that if the effects of such irreversibilities are modeled in terms of a finite option value (in cost-benefit analysis) then the optimal solutions derived therefrom may be unable to avert a potential catastrophe. In theory, an infinite option value should lead to catastrophe-averting decisions in such situations. However, in practice, such mathematical formulations tend to be intractable. In many situations, irreversible catastrophes proceed from a positive reinforcement of fluctuations in system behavior, primarily due to sympathetic responses in sub-systems. Engineers have designed relatively low-cost methods to dampen similar oscillations in physical systems. We demonstrate how such engineering type analysis can be used successfully to identify catastrophe-averting policies for a model ecosystem that faces irreversible famine that must be avoided as a precondition for survival.
Hydrologic Impacts of Climate Change in the Upper Clackamas River Basin, Oregon, USA

The Pacific Northwest of the USA is dependent on seasonal snowmelt for water resources that support its economy and aquatic ecosystems. Increased temperatures resulting from higher concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gases may cause disruptions to these resources because of reductions in the annual snowpack and the earlier occurrence of seasonal snowmelt. We applied a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based distributed hydrologic model at a monthly scale to assess the effects of future climate change on runoff from the Upper Clackamas River Basin (UCB; located near Portland, Oregon, USA). Once validated using historic flow data, the model was run for 2 future time periods (2010–2039 and 2070–2099) using climate change simulations from 2 global circulation modelling groups (HadCM2 from the Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research, and CGCM1 from the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis) as inputs. The model runs projected that mean peak snowpack in the study area will drop dramatically (36 to 49% by 2010–2039, and 83 to 88% by 2070–2099), resulting in earlier runoff and diminished spring and summer flows. Increases in mean winter runoff by 2070–2099 vary from moderate (13.7%) to large (46.4%), depending on the changes to precipitation projected by the general circulation models (GCMs). These results are similar to those of other studies in areas dependent on snowpack for seasonal runoff, but the reductions to snowpack are more severe in this study than in similar studies of the entire Columbia River Basin, presumably because the elevations of much of the Upper Clackamas Basin are near the current mid-winter snow line.
A modified crime: The apprenticeship system in St. Kitts

(1995). A modified crime: The apprenticeship system in St. Kitts. Slavery & Abolition: Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 331-345.
Astrophysics: Gravity ripples chased.

Discovering gravitational waves would not only validate Einstein’s theory of gravitation but also reveal aspects of the Universe’s earliest moments. The hunt for these elusive ripples is now well under way.
The development of radiotracer methods for laminar flow measurements in small channels—I. The basic response model principle and rationale

Abstract A general tracer principle is identified for the determination of laminar flow rate in channels of constant cross section. It is based on the development of a mathematical model that relates the detector response to the tracer initial condition and the pertinent flow parameters in the channel. The flow rate and other flow parameters of interest are obtained by fitting the model predictions to the experimental responses obtained. The principle is generally applied by: (1) injecting the tracer in a reproducible way so that a known initial condition is obtained, (2) monitoring the resulting tracer concentration at a suitable downstream point, and (3) obtaining the flow rate and other flow parameters of interest by a nonlinear search for the minimum reduced χ2 value obtained from model predictions and experimental responses. Considerations pertinent to the principle and general method are discussed in this present part while two specific methods are treated subsequently in Parts II and III.
Using a Single Test to Determine Specific Gravity and Absorption of Aggregate Blends

The ability to measure the specific gravity of an aggregate accurately and consistently is paramount to transportation materials engineers. Current standard test methods (AASHTO T-84 and T-85) typically are not used for routine quality control purposes because of long testing times and questions about variability. Among new techniques developed for measuring specific gravity and absorption is a vacuum-sealing method, which eliminates the need for long soaking periods and for determining aggregate mass in a saturated-surface-dry moisture state. The vacuum-sealing method also has the potential to measure the specific gravity of a blend of aggregates in a single test. Specific gravity and absorption of six coarse and four fine aggregates composed of various mineralogy types were measured by both traditional and vacuum-seal methods. Ten blends, whose gradations generally met Superpave® hot-mix asphalt specifications, were created by using various combinations of aggregates and tested in a single vacuum-seal t...
Quantitative increases in DNA binding affinity and positional effects determine 9-cis retinoic acid induced activation of the retinoid X receptorβ homodimer

Abstract Retinoid X receptors (RXRs) exert transcriptional activities through heterodimerization with members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. RXRs also act as homodimers and stimulate transcription from an RXR responsive element (RXRE) when bound to 9-cis-retinoic acid (9cRA). Here direct effects of 9cRA have been examined on biochemical and mechanistic parameters of RXRβ. It is shown that 9cRA significantly increases RXRβ homodimer binding affinity to an RXRE (Kd without ligand = 18 nM, Kd with ligand = 6 nM), while decreasing significantly the affinity of RXRβ/thyroid hormone receptor (T3Ra) heterodimer binding to the same element. Effects on other response elements are also examined. The RXRβ homodimer was found to contact both halves of the RXRE direct repeat, irrespective of the effect of added ligand, while the RXRβ/T3R(α) heterodimer contacted the element only through a specific half-site. Binding of the homodimer to the element functionally activates RXRβ, since RXRβ enhanced transcription in vitro from a specific template in a ligand-dependent fashion. In agreement, transfection of RXRβ alone (but not RXRβ/TSR(α)) led to liganddependent activation of a reporter containing the RXRE. Taken together, 9cRA facilitates functional activation of the KXRβ homodimer in an element-dependent manner.
Localization of cyanine dye binding to brush-border membranes by quenching of n-(9-anthroyloxy) fatty acid probes.

Abstract The location and orientation of 3,3′-dipropylthiodicarbocyanine (diS-C3-(5)) binding sites in renal brush-border membrane vesicles was examined from the quenching of n-(9-anthroyloxy) fatty acid (n-AS) fluorescence. Based on previous kinetic studies (Cabrini, G. and Verkman, A.S. (1986) J. Membrane Biol. 90, 163–175) monomeric aqueous diS-C3-(5) binds to brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) by an initial 6 ms association to form bound monomer, a 30–40 ms equilibrium between bound monomer (M) and bound dimer (D), and a 1–1.3 s translocation of D from the outer to inner membrane leaflet. Based on Stern-Volmer and lifetime analyses, M and D quench the fluorescence of the n-AS probes by a collisional mechanism. At low [diS-C3-(5)]/[BBMV] (R), where M predominates, the n-AS quenching efficiencies (Q) are similar (n = 2−16); at high R, where D predominates, Q increases with n (16 > 12 ⋙ 6 > 2) , suggesting that M is oriented parallel, and D perpendicular, to the phospholipid chains deep within the membrane. Mixture of diS-C3-(5) with brush-border membrane vesicles containing n-AS in a stopped-flow apparatus gave a biexponential fluorescence decrease (excitation 390 nm, emission above 450 nm) with time constants 30–40 ms and 1–1.5 s; there was no 6 ms quenching process. These findings are incorporated into a model in which diS-C3-(5) adheres loosely to the outer membrane surface in 6 ms, binds parallel to the membrane phospholipid in 30–40 ms, dimerizes and rotates by 90° in much less than 30 ms, and translocates to the opposite half of the bilayer in 1–1.5 s.
The contour model of block structured processes

There appears to be a need for an intuitive implementable cell-based model of the semantics of algorithm execution. It is contended that for block structured processes, such a model must be based on the concepts of nested blocks, access environments, labels, and cell retention. A model so based, the contour model, is introduced by illustrating the execution of an ALGOL 60 program in terms of the model. The model is informally specified and some of its major features are pointed out. A companion paper by D. M. Berry shows that semantically powerful languages can be directly implemented in terms of the model.
Induction of chemokine expression by adiponectin in vitro is isoform dependent

Adiponectin is reported to have both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Because adiponectin circulates in isoforms of various sizes and some responses to adiponectin are isoform dependent, it was postulated that the proinflammatory effects of adiponectin may be isoform specific. To test this theory, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs), and human glomerular mesangial cells (HMCs) were treated with high-molecular-weight (HMW) or low-molecular-weight (LMW) recombinant human adiponectin, and chemokine production was measured. The PBMCs were isolated from healthy volunteers by density gradient centrifugation of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulated whole blood through endotoxin-free Ficoll (General Electric Healthcare Bio-Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden). The MVECs were of dermal origin, and the HMCs were isolated from kidneys not suitable for transplantation. Overnight (16 h) incubation with HMW adiponectin (0.01-1 microg/mL for PBMCs; 5-20 microg/mL for MVECs and HMCs) induced a dose-dependent increase in production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-8 by PBMCs and MVECs, but it had no effect on HMC chemokine production (n=3-5). LMW adiponectin at the same concentrations did not induce chemokine production in any of the cell types tested, and it did not block cytokine-induced chemokine production by PBMCs or MVECs (n=3-5). These in vitro data suggested that the HMW adiponectin isoform is proinflammatory. To examine the possibility of a relationship between HMW adiponectin and inflammation in vivo, the urine of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and kidney involvement, which was shown previously to contain immunoreactive adiponectin, was examined for the presence of specific adiponectin isoforms by nondenaturing gel electrophoresis. HMW adiponectin was found in the urine of patients with active lupus nephritis. Therefore, HMW adiponectin may contribute to the renal inflammation of SLE.
Adsorption and Decomposition of Dimethyl Methylphosphonate on TiO2

By using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) we have witnessed the sequential steps of surface diffusion, weak chemical bonding, and decomposition of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) on TiO2 powder. At temperature lower than ∼160 K, DMMP condenses as an ice layer on the outer surface of the TiO2 sample. In the temperature range 160− 200 K, diffusion into the TiO2 interior occurs and hydrogen bonding of DMMP to isolated TiOH groups is observed. In addition, bonding to Lewis acid sites occurs. Above 214 K, cleavage of P−OCH3 groups takes place, with the production of Ti−OCH3 surface species and this is accompanied by the consumption of surface hydroxyl groups. A reduction of P−O bond order then occurs as adsorbed phosphonate species are formed.
Assessing the Performance of Model-Based Clustering Methods in Multivariate Time Series with Application to Identifying Regional Wind Regimes

The desire to group observations generated from multivariate time series is common in many applications with the goal to distinguish not only between differences in the means of individual variables but also changes in their covariances and in the temporal dependence of observations. In this analysis, we compare ten model-based clustering methods in terms of their ability to identify such features under four scenarios in which data are simulated with varying levels of variable and temporal dependence. To consider these methods in a realistic environment, we focus our analysis on wind data, where observations are often strongly correlated in time, and the dependence of variables is known to vary across different regional weather patterns. In particular, we assess each method’s performance when applied to wind data simulated under a realistic two-regime Markov-switching vector autoregressive (VAR) model with a diurnally varying mean. A Gaussian mixture model and a basic Markov-switching model outperform the other methods considered in terms of misclassification rates and number of clusters identified. These two methods and an additional Markov-switching VAR model are then applied to one year of averaged hourly wind data from twenty meteorological stations, and we find that the methods can identify very different features in the data. Supplementary materials accompanying this paper appear on-line.
INCREASED EXPRESSION OF FIBRILLIN-1 IN HUMAN CORNEAS WITH BULLOUS KERATOPATHY

Purpose To characterize the expression of fibrillins, microfibril components, in human corneas with pseudophakic/aphakic (PBK/ABK) bullous keratopathy. Methods Normal and PBK/ABK corneas were stained by immunofluorescence for fibrillin-1 and -2. The expression of fibrillin-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) was studied by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern analysis. Results Only fibrillin-1 was detected in normal and diseased corneas. As described previously, in normal corneas, it was found in the limbal stroma and basement membrane (BM) and in the peripheral corneal epithelial BM for a short distance near the limbus. Central corneal BM, stroma, and Descemet's membrane were negative. All PBK/ABK corneas were positive for fibrillin-1, which was detected in fibrillar deposits at the endothelial face of Descemet's membrane, in the epithelial BM, subepithelial fibrosis areas, and posterior collagenous layer. By RT-PCR, low levels of fibrillin-1 mRNA were detected in normal corneas, and they increased significantly in PBK/ABK corneas. Conclusion The deposition of fibrillin-1, together with tenascin-C, in PBK/ABK corneas may be part of an abnormal fibrotic/wound-healing process that occurs during the development of postsurgical corneal edema with the formation of bullae and posterior collagenous layer.
Myocardial factor for timing of surgery in asymptomatic patients with mitral regurgitation.

The prognosis for patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) is brighter in the last 2 decades because of improved detection and management, and better surgical methods, which can achieve successful repair for MR at low risk in many subpopulations. The availability of high quality echocardiography has enabled accurate diagnosis of the severity, the mechanism, and the hemodynamic impacts of MR, which has led to better therapy. The decision of when to operate in MR requires a comprehensive, individually determined assessment of the patient, using echocardiographic and clinical methods. In selected patients, the optimum timing of mitral surgery may be even earlier than was recommended by recent consensus guidelines or past opinions. If a low risk, highly successful repair is available, the timing of surgery should be earlier. The threshold for recommending operation for MR should be lower if it will prevent secondary problems that would limit postoperative survival. In most patients, surgery should not be delayed until symptoms have occurred that are medically unmanageable. The questions still remain: How can development of those secondary problems be optimally predicted? How early is too early? How late is too late?
Analytical properties of the quadratic density response and quadratic dynamical structure functions: Conservation sum rules and frequency moments.

The quadratic density response function and the quadratic dynamical structure function ~the Fourier transform of the equilibrium three-point density correlations! contain important information about a many body system; they are also ingredients for an improved dynamical mean field theory for strongly coupled Fermi systems. We examine the analytic properties of the density response function and establish new single frequency and double frequency moment sum rules. We relate the sum rule coefficients to the high frequency expansion of the response function. Next we invoke the quadratic fluctuation-dissipation theorem to relate these frequency moments to weighted frequency moments of the dynamical structure function. These latter reduce to straight frequency moments in the high temperature classical and zero temperature degenerate limits. @S1063-651X~96!09010-1# Sum rules for the linear response functions have played an important role throughout the development of electronliquid theory. The knowledge of the compressibility sum rule and the v 3 moment of the density-density response function x(q,v) has led to much improved local field corrections. Less explored are possible sum rules relating to quadratic response functions. With a little reflection it is easy to realize that the fundamental physical effects that operate in the generation of the linear sum rules—namely, symmetry and conservation laws—must also be responsible for creating sum rules for quadratic response functions. Some of these sum rules for the quadratic density-density response function x(q1 ,v 1 ;q2 ,v 2) have already been identified: Golden, Kalman, and Datta @1# have shown the existence of a static compressibility sum rule and established the high frequency behavior of x(q1 ,v 1 ;q2 ,v 2); more recently Tao and Kalman @2# have derived a frequency moment sum rule, analogous to the linear f -sum rule. In this paper we will systematically establish and analyze a number of sum rules for the quadratic density-density response and the quadratic dynamical structure function. The precise definition of the former is the relation
Scar assessment scales: a dermatologic overview

Background: This overview critically compares subjective assessment tools and available objective measurement tools with potential devices becoming available. Our goal is to lay out the benefits of each scar assessment scale in order to propose good management skills for scars along with strong metric skills. Methods: Classifying a scar is important in daily clinical practice. Ultimately choosing which treatment modality best fits can become a challenge. Scar classification needs a more detailed and systematic approach. We researched all different factors contributing to scar formation to come up with a more detailed criteria. Such factors included pigmentation/vascularity, surface texture, surface area, thickness (scar height), and pliability. Results: Few studies have assessed scars; each provided an assessment scale of their own. Each scale is compared on the basis of accuracy, reliability, convenience in terms of feasibility and price. Conclusions: There remains still no ideal objective measurement out there despite promise seen in subjective evaluation. Method refinement will however accelerate our knowledge and interventions – based on increasing study power with enhanced metrics.
Modeling and Simulation for Microelectronic Materials Research

Recent development in modeling and simulation for microelectronic materials research in the areas of Cu alloy interconnect is presented. A model for defect generation and diffusion through a Frenkel pair formation process at grain boundaries under electromigration conditions was developed. The model has consistently predicted the activation energies well for all the interconnect materials, namely Al, Al-Cu, Cu, and Cu alloys. A virtual simulation procedure was developed to screen a beneficial dopant to Cu based on the assumption that grain boundary (GB) diffusion dominantly controls the electromigration performance. The procedure covers dopant segregation to GB, dopant bulk diffusion, dopant and Cu diffusion along GB, and the effect of presence of a dopant on Cu diffusion at GB by dragging and blocking (stuffing) mechanisms. The success of the procedure has convincingly shown that modeling and simulation is the first choice to design advanced materials systems for next generation of interconnect.
Interactions Between the Rhodobacter sphaeroides ECF Sigma Factor, σE, and its Anti-sigma Factor, ChrR

Rhodobacter sphaeroides sigma(E) is a member of the extra cytoplasmic function sigma factor (ECF) family, whose members have been shown to regulate gene expression in response to a variety of signals. The functions of ECF family members are commonly regulated by a specific, reversible interaction with a cognate anti-sigma factor. In R.sphaeroides, sigma(E) activity is inhibited by ChrR, a member of a newly discovered family of zinc containing anti-sigma factors. We used gel filtration chromatography to gain insight into the mechanism by which ChrR inhibits sigma(E) activity. We found that formation of the sigma(E):ChrR complex inhibits the ability of sigma(E) to form a stable complex with core RNA polymerase. Since the sigma(E):ChrR complex inhibits the ability of the sigma factor to bind RNA polymerase, we sought to identify amino acid substitutions in sigma(E) that altered the sensitivity of this sigma factor to inhibition by ChrR. This analysis identified single amino acid changes in conserved region 2.1 of sigma(E) that either increased or decreased the sensitivity of sigma(E) for inhibition by ChrR. Many of the amino acid residues that alter the sensitivity of sigma(E) to ChrR are located within regions known to be important for interacting with core RNA polymerase in other members of the sigma(70) superfamily. Our results suggest a model where solvent-exposed residues with region 2.1 of sigma(E) interact with ChrR to sterically occlude this sigma factor from binding core RNA polymerase and to inhibit target gene expression.
Experimental microsurgical vein grafts: quantitative temporal analysis of progressive media fibroplasia.

The sequential histopathologic changes in microvenous grafts placed in a microarterial system were studied. In 48 Sprague Dawley rats, a 1 cm segment of epigastric vein was interposed into a defect created in the femoral artery. Grafts were explored at 1, 2, 4, and 12 weeks. After an initial smooth muscle hyperplasia, a progressive fibroplasia of the media was observed. Only small focal areas of intimal hyperplasia were seen. The width of the media was measured with an eyepiece micrometer. A statistically significant (P < 0.01) increase in width from 17 μm at 1 week to 462 μm at 12 weeks was noted. Although this process has been described before, this is the first quantitative assessment. © 1993 Wiley-Liss Inc.
Brazing with (NiCoCr)-B-Si amorphous brazing filler metals: alloys, processing, joint structure, properties, applications

Abstract This paper is a detailed and updated review of the properties and specifics of METGLAS amorphous brazing foil (MBF) and a review of the positive qualities it has brought to many applications in the last two decades. The major emphasis is to provide practical guidance for intelligent use that will contain, in the first part, a description of these materials in the virgin as cast state. This state has a unique combination of physical properties. The metallurgical background will also be given in this part to the existing range of available chemical compositions and their potential compatibility with various base metals. The amorphous alloy mechanical properties and thermal stability, wettability over various metals and its dependence on the brazing atmosphere and preform preparation will also be described. The second part presents the properties of MBF joints manufactured from various classes of base metals and obtained under optimised brazing conditions for each class of base metals. Particular at...
Humor in American, British, and German ads

Abstract Some 665 advertisements were sampled from American, British, and German trade magazines and assessed by three bilingual judges to determine incidence of humor. Although there was some evidence that humorous messages may be less appropriate in business-to-business advertising, 23% of the ads contained humor. There were no differences in humor frequency among the three nationalities. Humor use varied by industry, and there was significant interaction between nationality and industry in humor ratings. Five types of humor were investigated: aggressive, sexual, nonsense, warm, and pun. Puns, nonsense humor, and warm humor were employed most often, with no national differences. Aggressive humor was used in some industries more than others.
Cyclization of 1,4-hydroxycarbonyls is not a homogenous gas phase process

Previous studies of 1,4-hydroxycarbonyls derived from alkanes have suggested that they can cyclize to saturated furans, which can subsequently eliminate water to form the corresponding dihydrofurans. CBS-QB3 and G3 studies of 5-hydroxy-2-pentanone and 2-hydroxypentanal show that both steps have activation barriers far too large for these reactions to occur as homogenous gas phase reactions. Similar results were obtained in CBS-QB3 studies of the analogous process leading from 2- and 3-methyl-4-hydroxy-2-butenal (species posited to form in the degradation of isoprene) to 3-methylfuran. The latter two processes are much more favorable, thermodynamically, than the formation of dihydrofurans from the saturated 1,4-hydroxycarbonyls.
Cattell-Horn-Carroll Abilities and Cognitive Tests: What We've Learned from 20 Years of Research.

This article reviews factor-analytic research on individually administered intelligence tests from a Cattell–Horn–Carroll (CHC) perspective. Although most new and revised tests of intelligence are based, at least in part, on CHC theory, earlier versions generally were not. Our review suggests that whether or not they were based on CHC theory, the factors derived from both new and previous versions of most tests are well explained by the theory. Especially useful for understanding the theory and tests are cross-battery analyses using multiple measures from multiple instruments. There are issues that need further explanation, of course, about CHC theory and tests derived from that theory. We address a few of these issues including those related to comprehension–knowledge (Gc) and memory factors, as well as issues related to factor retention in factor analysis. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The structure and electronic properties of passive and prepassive films of iron in borate buffer

Abstract The films that form on pure iron during potentiodynamic anodic polarization in aqueous borate buffer were investigated by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Mott–Schottky analysis at selected potentials. According to SERS, the passive film is a bilayer film with an outer layer of an as yet undetermined Fe(III)oxide/hydroxide, identified by a strong Raman peak at 560 cm −1 . The inner layer was a spinel compound. The capacitances of passive iron were frequency dependent and a constant phase element (CPE) best described the frequency dispersion. Current increases in cathodic polarization scans confirmed the accuracy of flatband potentials calculated from Mott–Schottky tests at two different film formation potentials. Both films were found to be n-type and flatband potentials of −846 and −95 mV vs. SHE and carrier densities of 1.6 × 10 22 and 8.3 × 10 20 /cm 3 were found for films grown at −500 and +1000 mV, respectively. The cathodic polarization curve of passivated iron exhibited a complex shape that was explained by the electronic properties of iron's passive and prepassive films. The reductive dissolution of the films abruptly began when the potential was lowered below their flatband potentials. It is suggested that the cathodic polarization behavior contributes to iron's susceptibility to localized corrosion.
Mistranslation in E. coli

Flagellin, the protomeric subunit of bacterial flagella, contains no cysteine. We have detected the incorporation of trace quantities of 35S-cysteine into flagellin, highly purified and then resolved by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, to measure mistranslation in vivo. Under normal conditions, this value is about 6 X 10(-4) pmoles cysteine per pmole flagellin. This value is greatly increased during growth in low concentrations of streptomycin and neomycin, antibiotics which are known to stimulate misreading in vitro. Of the specific types of misreading which streptomycin stimulates in vitro, only misreading of the CGU and CGC arginine codons could give rise to illegitimate incorporation of cysteine. In agreement, partial arginine starvation increases the incorporation of 35S-cysteine into flagellin in a relA- mutant, with or without streptomycin, but has no such effect in its isogenic relA+ partner- Assuming from these results that 35S-cysteine incorporation into flagellin reflects misreading of CGU/C coda, we deduce a misreading probability per codon in the range of 10(-4).
The frequency of replacement of dental restorations may vary based on a number of variables, including type of material, size of the restoration, and caries risk of the patient.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information An evaluation of replacement rates for posterior resin-based composite and amalgam restorations in US Navy and Marine Corps recruits. Simicek JW, Diefenderfer KE, Cohen ME. JADA 2009;140(2):200-9 . Reviewer Eleni D. Roumanas, DDS Purpose/Question Is there a difference in the frequency of replacement of amalgam versus composite restorations and is the frequency affected by the size of the restoration and caries risk status of the patient? Source of Funding Naval Institute for Dental and Biomedical Research, Great Lakes, IL. Type of Study/Design Cohort study. Level of Evidence Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of platelet antibodies using detergent-solubilized platelets immobilized on nitrocellulose discs

Abstract A method is detailed for the solubilization of human platelets using a dialyzable detergent, decanoyl-N-methylglucamide (Mega-10). At a detergent/protein ratio of 1:12, the efficiency of solubilization was 27%. This platelet lysate (PLy) was then bound to nitrocellulose (NC) discs to assay retention of the native immunological functions of the platelet membrane antigens. Using alkaline phosphatase-coupled anti-IgG, the major platelet membrane glycoproteins GPIb, GPIIb, and GPIIb/IIIa were detectable with as little as 20 ng of monoclonal antibody. Antisera to the class I histocompatibility antigens HLA-A1, B7, B8, the P1A1 allodeterminant, and serum from multiply transfused, alloimmunized patients were reactive even after 100 days storage of the discs at 4°C, and with as little as 1.0 μg of NC-bound PLy. The binding of the same antisera to intact, immobilized platelets as well as specific complement-mediated lymphocytotoxicity was also inhibited by PLy. PLy from HLA-A3- or B44-positive donors, however, did not inhibit cytotoxicity of lymphocytes expressing either antigen using several different antisera. Our results indicate that Mega-10 is an excellent solubilizing agent for the immunological study of platelet membranes. The fact that clinically relevant platelet membrane antigens are preserved, immunologically reactive, and stable over long periods of storage, makes this assay amenable to a routine crossmatching procedure for platelet transfusions.
Circular dichroism of DNA in the vacuum ultraviolet.

The circular dichrosim spectrum of DNA in aqueous solution is advanced far into the vacuum ultraviolet region to about 164 nm. Both native and heat-denatured forms of DNA from calf thymus, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus lysodeikticus, and bacteriophage T7 were studied. A new band at about 168 nm is observed for the native form. The vacuum ultraviolet region of the spectrum is much more sensitive to the source of DNA than is the near ultraviolet portion. In fact, the band at 188 nm, which had previously been reported for calf thymus DNA only, is resolved into two peaks for C. perfringens DNA. For the heat-denatured form, two new bands at about 171 nm and 191 nm are reported for the first time. The vacuum ultraviolet region of the spectrum changes much more strikingly upon heat denaturation than the near ultraviolet. The extension of the circular dichroism spectrum results in new parameters that should aid in the precision of empirical correlations and theoretical calculations on the sequence and conformation of the DNA.
High-speed prefix-preserving IP address anonymization for passive measurement systems

Passive network measurement and packet header trace collection are vital tools for network operation and research. To protect a user's privacy, it is necessary to anonymize header fields, particularly IP addresses. To preserve the correlation between IP addresses, prefix-preserving anonymization has been proposed. The limitations of this approach for a high-performance measurement system are the need for complex cryptographic computations and potentially large amounts of memory. We propose a new prefix-preserving anonymization algorithm, top-hash subtree-replicated anonymization (TSA), that features three novel improvements: precomputation, replicated subtrees, and top hashing. TSA makes anonymization practical to be implemented on network processors or dedicated logic at Gigabit rates. The performance of TSA is compared with a conventional cryptography based prefix-preserving anonymization scheme which utilizes caching. TSA performs better as it requires no online cryptographic computation and a small number of memory lookups per packet. Our analytic comparison of the susceptibility to attacks between conventional anonymization and our approach shows that TSA performs better for small scale attacks and comparably for medium scale attacks. The processing cost for TSA is reduced by two orders of magnitude and the memory requirements are a few Megabytes. The ability to tune the memory requirements and security level makes TSA ideal for a broad range of network systems with different capabilities.
Use of a cooperative‐motion domain model to analyze brillouin light scattering measurements of the dynamic modulus in triblock copolymers

The use of the relaxation function is widespread in the study of polymer dynamics. Since the popular empirical KWW relaxation function consistently underestimates dielectric loss at high frequency, several models dealing explicitly with intermolecular cooperativity have been proposed as alternatives. In this article, the domain model proposed by Matsuoka, previously used only to analyze dielectric relaxation results, is used to analyze Brillouin light scattering results from polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene triblock copolymers. A single relaxation time analysis and the KWW model are both compared to the domain model. Neither of these models fits the Brillouin data well. The single relaxation time analysis gives a physically unrealistic results; the KWW analysis fits the data at low frequency, but fails in the high-frequency region by underestimating the attenuation. The domain model fits the Brillouin data well over the entire temperature/frequency range. The results show that in order to understand the full range of dynamics in these materials and in polymeric materials in general, the KWW model is insufficient due to its underestimation of attenuation at high frequency. A model including cooperative motion is crucial to fully understand polymer dynamics.
Effect of Uniaxial Stress upon Remanent Magnetization: Stress Cycling and Domain State Dependence

Polycrystalline magnetite and rock samples have been subjected to uniaxial compression and stress cycling at room temperature. The changes in the components of remanent magnetization were recorded continuously as a function of stress, and the changes in direction and total intensity of magnetization were inferred. Different types of response were recognized, according to the type of magnetization the sample was carrying, i.e., high field or weak field remanence. The anomalous increase of weak field remanence previously reported, appears partly reversible under stress cycling. However, the changes in the lowest stress range are irreversible and reduce the zero stress magnetization from cycle to cycle. Reversible rotations of the magnetization vector of as much as 180° were observed during each half cycle and were primarily due to changes in the sign of the component of magnetization parallel to compression. An andesite whose magnetic phases are single domain according to hysteresis criteria showed a much smaller effect regardless of the type of magnetization it carried. These results again draw attention to the variety of stress responses and the importance of three component observations in field attempts to detect seismomagnetic precursors.
Multiple loose bodies in rheumatioid arthritis

Intra-articular loose bodies are usually secondary to osteochondral fractures, osteochondritis dissecans, synovial osteochondromatosis, and degenerative arthritis. The authors report four patients with longstanding rheumatoid arthritis and multiple loose bodies in a variety of joints. All patients have remained active despite their disease, suggesting that the loose body production was secondary to trauma of continued activity superimposed on joints containing pannus and eroded cartilage.
Fever Management Practices of Neuroscience Nurses: National and Regional Perspectives

Neuroscience patients with fever may have worse outcomes than those who are afebrile. However, neuroscience nurses who encounter this common problem face a translational gap between patient-outcomes research and bedside practice because there is no current evidence-based standard of care for fever management of the neurologically vulnerable patient. The aim of this study was to determine if there are trends in national practices for fever and hyperthermia management of the neurologically vulnerable patient. A 15-item mailed questionnaire was used to determine national and regional trends in fever and hyperthermia management and decision making by neuroscience nurses. Members of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses were surveyed (N = 1,225) and returned 328 usable surveys. Fewer than 20% of respondents reported having an explicit fever management protocol in place for neurologic patients, and 12.5% reported having a nonspecific patient protocol available for fever management. Several clear and consistent patterns in interventions for fever and hyperthermia management were seen nationally, including acetaminophen administration at a dose of 650 mg every 4 hours, ice packs, water cooling blankets, and tepid bathing. However, regional differences were seen in intervention choices and initial temperature to treat.
Synthesis and application of submicrometer fluorescence sensing particles for lysosomal pH measurements in murine macrophages.

Phagocytosis of bioparticles such as bacteria and viruses by macrophages is a critical component of the immune response against infections. In this paper we describe the synthesis of submicrometer fluorescent particles with pH sensing capability. The particles are used to measure the pH and to monitor the effect of chloroquine, an antimalarial drug, on the pH in the lysosome, the cellular organelle involved in the phagocytosis process. The synthesis of the pH sensing particles is realized by the covalent attachment of amine reactive forms of Oregon Green (pH sensitive dye) and Texas Red (pH insensitive dye) to the surface of amino-modified submicrometer polystyrene particles. The particles are absorbed by J774 Murine Macrophages through phagocytosis and directed to lysosomes. Despite the high lysosomal levels of digestive enzymes and acidity, the absorbed particles remain stable for 12 h in the cells when they are stored in a PBS buffer solution at pH 7.4. The pH dynamic range of the sensing particles is ...
87Sr/86Sr as a tracer of groundwater discharge and precipitation recharge in the Glacial Lake Agassiz Peatlands, northern Minnesota

A contrast in the 87Sr/86Sr ratio of atmospherically derived Sr (∼0.710) and Sr from regional bedrock (>0.730) allows quantification of the proportions of precipitation recharge and groundwater discharge into peat columns of bogs and fens in the Glacial Lake Agassiz Peatlands. Two contrasting bog-fen pairs were studied: the Lost River peatland located over a regional groundwater discharge zone and the Red Lake peatland situated atop a hydrologic divide where recharge is expected to occur. Bog pore waters consist of 90–100% precipitation in the upper 2 m, below which they mix with groundwater. Adjacent fens consist mostly of groundwater, ranging from ∼30% near the surface to ∼100% with depth. At the Red Lake peatland, mixing relations suggest an additional Sr source that may be peat mineralization. Distinct 87Sr/86Sr and [Ca]/[Sr] ratios for groundwater discharging into bog and fen sites are indicative of distinct groundwater sources and are likely indicative of flow paths at two different length scales.
Age-dependent germline mosaicism of the most common noonan syndrome mutation shows the signature of germline selection.

Noonan syndrome (NS) is among the most common Mendelian genetic diseases (∼1/2,000 live births). Most cases (50%–84%) are sporadic, and new mutations are virtually always paternally derived. More than 47 different sites of NS de novo missense mutations are known in the PTPN11 gene that codes for the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2. Surprisingly, many of these mutations are recurrent with nucleotide substitution rates substantially greater than the genome average; the most common mutation, c.922A>G, is at least 2,400 times greater. We examined the spatial distribution of the c.922A>G mutation in testes from 15 unaffected men and found that the mutations were not uniformly distributed across each testis as would be expected for a mutation hot spot but were highly clustered and showed an age-dependent germline mosaicism. Computational modeling that used different stem cell division schemes confirmed that the data were inconsistent with hypermutation, but consistent with germline selection: mutated spermatogonial stem cells gained an advantage that allowed them to increase in frequency. SHP-2 interacts with the transcriptional activator STAT3. Given STAT3’s function in mouse spermatogonial stem cells, we suggest that this interaction might explain the mutant’s selective advantage by means of repression of stem cell differentiation signals. Repression of STAT3 activity by cyclin D1 might also play a previously unrecognized role in providing a germline-selective advantage to spermatogonia for the recurrent mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinases that cause Apert syndrome and MEN2B. Looking at recurrent mutations driven by germline selection in different gene families can help highlight common causal signaling pathways.
Magnetic response of aperiodic wire networks based on Fibonacci distortions of square antidot lattices

The static and dynamic magnetic responses of patterned ferromagnetic thin films are uniquely altered in the case of aperiodic patterns that retain long-range order (e.g., quasicrystals). We have fabricated permalloy wire networks based on periodic square antidot lattices (ADLs) distorted according to an aperiodic Fibonacci sequence applied to two lattice translations, d1 = 1618 nm and d2 = 1000 nm. The wire segment thickness is fixed at t = 25 nm, and the width W varies from 80 to 510 nm. We measured the DC magnetization between room temperature and 5 K. Room-temperature, narrow-band (9.7 GHz) ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectra were acquired for various directions of applied magnetic field. The DC magnetization curves exhibited pronounced step anomalies and plateaus that signal flux closure states. Although the Fibonacci distortion breaks the fourfold symmetry of a finite periodic square ADL, the FMR data exhibit fourfold rotational symmetry with respect to the applied DC magnetic field direction.
Statistical and Computational Methods for High-Throughput Sequencing Data Analysis of Alternative Splicing

The burgeoning field of high-throughput sequencing significantly improves our ability to understand the complexity of transcriptomes. Alternative splicing, as one of the most important driving forces for transcriptome diversity, can now be studied at an unprecedent resolution. Efficient and powerful computational and statistical methods are in urgent need to facilitate the characterization and quantification of alternative splicing events. Here we discuss methods in splice junction read mapping, and methods in exon-centric or isoform-centric quantification of alternative splicing. In addition, we discuss HITS-CLIP and splicing QTL analyses which are novel high-throughput sequencing based approaches in the dissection of splicing regulation.