cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rastelli operation for transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis.

Background The optimal surgical treatment of patients with transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect, and pulmonary stenosis is controversial. Although the Rastelli operation has been standard surgical management of this lesion, aortic root translocation with right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction (Nikaidoh) and the pulmonary artery translocation (Lecompte) or REV (reparation a l'etage ventriculaire) are surgical alternatives more recently introduced to treat this complex lesion. This report reviews our 20-year experience with the Rastelli procedure and attempts to compare our outcomes with those recently published using the Nikaidoh and REV procedures. Methods Between 1988 and 2008, 40 patients (median age, 4 years; range, 9 months to 17 years) underwent Rastelli operation at our institutions. The RVOT was obstructed in 32 and atretic in 8. Follow-up was available for all but one patient (mean follow-up, 8.6 ± 5.6 years). The RVOT was reconstructed with homograft (n = 25), bovine jugular vein (n = 8), nonvalved Dacron tube (n = 5), or a porcine valved conduit (n = 2). Two patients required a pacemaker. Results There were no early, but three late deaths and one heart transplantation 12 years postoperative the Rastelli operation. Kaplan-Meier survival was 93% at 5, 10, and 20 years. Univariate risk factors for death or transplantation included surgery before 1998 ( p = 0.03) and concomitant noncardiac anomalies ( p = 0.001). Sixteen patients (40%) had reoperation for right ventricular-pulmonary artery conduit stenosis (mean, 7.8 ± 3.8 years) without mortality. Freedom from conduit replacement was 86%, 74%, 63%, and 59% at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk factors of conduit replacement were younger age at operation ( p = 0.001) and surgery before 1998 ( p Conclusions The Rastelli procedure is a low-risk operation with regard to early and late mortality and reoperation for left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Conduit change operations will be required in most patients regardless of the technique of repair, but currently can be performed with low morbidity and mortality. These midterm outcomes after the Rastelli operation should serve as a basis for comparison with surgical alternatives more recently introduced for transposition of the great arteries and ventricular septal defect with RVOT obstruction.
Structural refinement of membrane proteins by restrained molecular dynamics and solvent accessibility data.

We present an approach for incorporating solvent accessibility data from electron paramagnetic resonance experiments in the structural refinement of membrane proteins through restrained molecular dynamics simulations. The restraints have been parameterized from oxygen (ΠO2) and nickel-ethylenediaminediacetic acid (ΠNiEdda) collision frequencies, as indicators of lipid or aqueous exposed spin-label sites. These are enforced through interactions between a pseudoatom representation of the covalently attached Nitroxide spin-label and virtual “solvent” particles corresponding to O2 and NiEdda in the surrounding environment. Interactions were computed using an empirical potential function, where the parameters have been optimized to account for the different accessibilities of the spin-label pseudoatoms to the surrounding environment. This approach, “pseudoatom-driven solvent accessibility refinement”, was validated by refolding distorted conformations of the Streptomyces lividans potassium channel (KcsA), corresponding to a range of 2–30 A root mean-square deviations away from the native structure. Molecular dynamics simulations based on up to 58 electron paramagnetic resonance restraints derived from spin-label mutants were able to converge toward the native structure within 1–3 A root mean-square deviations with minimal computational cost. The use of energy-based ranking and structure similarity clustering as selection criteria helped in the convergence and identification of correctly folded structures from a large number of simulations. This approach can be applied to a variety of integral membrane protein systems, regardless of oligomeric state, and should be particularly useful in calculating conformational changes from a known reference crystal structure.
Measurement of human placental 5'-AMP deaminase activity by radiometric assay.

Abstract The level of 5′-AMP deaminase in homogenates of human term placenta has been measured by means of a simple radiometric assay. The assay uses 14 C-labeled AMP as substrate and incorporates conditions of pH and K + concentration, which optimize the 5′-AMP deaminase activity, and inhibitors of 5′-nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase to reduce interference from these enzymes. Assay products are separated by descending paper chromatography and quantitated by liquid scintillation counting. The activity of 5′-AMP deaminase in human term placenta determined by this assay was 474 ± 37 nmol min −1 g −1 at 30°C and was less than the 5′-AMP phosphatase activity evident under the same assay conditions. The assay is suitable for measurement of 5′-AMP deaminase in extracts of other tissues in which high levels of phosphatases and adenosine deaminase preclude assay of 5′-AMP deaminase by such techniques as ultraviolet absorption changes or ammonia estimation.
Conceptualization and Assessment of Homonegativity

ABSTRACT The goals of this research include highlighting problematic issues of conceptualization and measurement with respect to research examining homonegativity. Using a sample of nearly 650 university students, we test hypotheses of M. A. Morrison and Morrison (2002) who claim that old-fashioned and modern homonegativity are statistically distinct domains and that university students endorse a higher degree of modern than old-fashioned homonegativity. In addition, we examine relationships between reported negative and positive behaviors involving lesbians and gay men and degrees of modern and old-fashioned homonegativity. Factor analyses did not support the distinctiveness of the two homonegativity domains, and only 16% of the sample endorsed a higher degree of modern compared with old-fashioned homonegativity. Findings are discussed with respect to their implications for future research.
Environmental Ethics Beyond Principle? The Case for a Pragmatic Contextualism

Many nonanthropocentric environmental ethicists subscribe to a ``principle-ist'' approach to moral argument, whereby specific natural resource and environmental policy judgments are deduced from the prior articulation of a general moral principle. More often than not, this principle is one requiring the promotion of the intrinsic value of nonhuman nature. Yet there are several problems with this method of moral reasoning, including the short-circuiting of reflective inquiry and the disregard of the complex nature of specific environmental problems and policy arguments. In the present paper, we advance an alternative, pragmatic contextualist approach to environmental ethics, one grounded in the moral theory of John Dewey. We present the results of an empirical study of public environmental ethics and natural resource management attitudes to support our position, and we conclude with a few recommendations for future inquiry in the field of environmental ethics.
Abstract 3412: Hypoxia induces EMT in primary melanoma and MET in metastatic melanoma

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL A low oxygen microenvironment (hypoxia) is observed in the skin and in solid tumors. In several different types of cancers hypoxia has been shown to induce primary tumor cell migration and cancer metastasis. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important process involving the transition of primary tumor cells to mobile metastatic tumor cells. Hypoxia has been reported to induce EMT in breast and ovarian cancers. However, little is known about the settlement process after metastatic tumor cells reach the distant metastatic site. In this study, we compared the effect of hypoxia on several primary and metastatic melanoma cell lines in cell morphology and cell motility. We observed different expression patterns of cell surface markers and transcription factors regulated by hypoxia that are important for the EMT process between primary and metastatic tumor cells. While hypoxia induces the expression of EMT markers in primary melanoma, it represses the expression of these markers as well as cell migration in metastatic melanomas. Furthermore, cell migration induced by hypoxia in primary melanoma cell is blocked by either HIF1α or HIF2α knock down. Cell migration repressed by hypoxia is reversed by knocking down HIF1α but not HIF2α in metastatic tumor cells. We propose that depending on the state of tumor progression, hypoxia can induce EMT in primary melanomas and MET in metastatic melanomas. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3412. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3412
The Unholy Alliance of Business and Science

This paper will build on a recent article appearing in the Harvard Business Review that blamed the alleged crisis in management education on the scientific model that has been adopted as the sole means of gaining knowledge about human behavior and organizations. The solution, they argue, is for business schools to realize that business management is not a scientific discipline but a profession, and deal with the things a professional education requires. We will expand on this article and discuss its implications by looking at the scientific model from a philosophical perspective and dealing with the issue of whether management is a profession. Our discussion of these issues has implications for our understanding of business in society and the design of the business school curriculum.
Replication of mouse salivary gland virus in secondary mouse embryo cells

Abstract The replication of mouse salivary gland virus in mouse embryo cells was characterized by initiation of cell-associated virus accumulation at 16 to 20 hours post infection and free virus accumulation 20 to 24 hours post infection. Furthermore, the onset of cytopathic effects at 20 hours post infection coincided with development of infectious virus. MSGV synthesis was inhibited in the presence of FUdR under conditions where replication of VSV, an RNA virus, was unaffected.
Foreign body in the lips

Abstract An interesting case of a large retained foreign body in the lip which remained asymptomatic has been presented.
Vulnerability of allografts to rejection by MHC class II-restricted T-cell receptor transgenic mice.

Background Examination of the in vivo activation and function of CD4+ T cells in response to allografts may advance our understanding of the rejection process. We analyzed the capacity of transgenic class II-restricted CD4 T cells to reject skin, cardiac, and islet transplants. Methods TS1 mice possess a high frequency of CD4+ T cells specific for the immunodominant epitope of the viral hemagglutinin (HA) protein. We analyzed the kinetics of rejection of skin, heart, and islet grafts by naive and sensitized TS1 mice and by adoptively transferred TS1 lymphocytes. Results Rejection of heart transplants was more rapid than skin grafts (mean survival time, 12.9 vs. 26.6 days), and islet grafts survived indefinitely in TS1 mice. These findings may be partly attributable to the supranormal frequency of HA-reactive cells in TS1 mice. In support of this, we found that adoptive transfer of 5 x 10(5) TS1 lymphocytes to Balb/c hosts effected consistent rejection of HA-bearing skin transplants, whereas a significantly greater number (3 x 10(6)) was required for heart transplant rejection. The in vivo proliferative response of HA-specific T cells to heart and skin was found to be robust and predominantly localized to the draining lymph nodes. Conclusion We developed a model of allograft rejection in which the responding T cells and relevant graft antigen are specifically defined. Adoptive transfer of carboxy-fluorescein succinimidyl ester-labeled transgenic T cells allowed us to visualize a robust proliferative response in vivo to heart and skin allografts, which in both cases was localized to regional lymph nodes.
Automated precise registration of radar and optical satellite images

Combining data from different sensors of the same scene acquired at different times to create a hybrid is a common task in remote sensing. The first step of this task is to register these same-scene images (geometric integration). The accuracy of this step is important to create a valuable final hybrid image. The second step is radiometric integration (data fusion), which enriches the information of individual pixels in the image. This paper addresses the first task, i.e. geometric integration, and introduces a new method for automatically registering two dissimilar images, such as a radar image and an optical image, with high accuracy. Pre-registration of the two images is required to within a specified tolerance, which in our examples is up to 15 pixels at the higher resolution image and may be achieved by, for example, visually-located control points. The proposed approach then uses large-scale edge gradient contours in a process that automatically locates candidate control points on the contours. The points are selected using a cost function that involves the degree of match between all possible pairs of points. Numerous control points (around 50 pairs are typical) are found from matched pairs of gradient contours and used in a global, rubber sheet polynomial warp to refine the registration. This approach is applied to register a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image (ERS2, 12.5m pixels) and a Thematic Mapper (TM) image (Landsat5, 28.5m pixels) automatically. An example is shown and discussed in terms of residual registration error and processing efficiency.
Impact of brief exercise on circulating monocyte gene and microRNA expression: Implications for atherosclerotic vascular disease

Physical activity can prevent and/or attenuate atherosclerosis, a disease clearly linked to inflammation. Paradoxically, even brief exercise induces a stress response and increases inflammatory cells like monocytes in the circulation. We hypothesized that exercise would regulate the expression of genes, gene pathways, and microRNAs in monocytes in a way that could limit pro-inflammatory function and drive monocytes to prevent, rather than contribute to, atherosclerosis. Twelve healthy men (22-30year old) performed ten 2-min bouts of cycle ergometer exercise at a constant work equivalent to an average of 82% of maximum O2 consumption interspersed with 1-min rest. Blood was drawn before and immediately after the exercise. Monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Flow cytometry was used to identify monocyte subtypes. We used Affymetrix U133 + 2.0 arrays for gene expression and Agilent Human miRNA V2 Microarray for miRNAs. A stringent statistical approach (FDR <0.05) was used to determine that exercise significantly altered the expression of 894 annotated genes and 19 miRNAs. We found distinct gene alterations that were likely to direct monocytes in an anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic pathway, including the downregulation of monocyte TNF, TLR4, and CD36 genes and the upregulation of EREG and CXCR4. Exercise significantly altered a number of microRNAs that likely influence monocytes involvement in vascular health. Exercise leads to a novel genomic profile of circulating monocytes, which appears to promote cardiovascular health despite the overall stress response.
Waste Heat Disposal to Air with Mechanical and Natural Draft—Some Analytical Design Considerations

There is a growing acceptance of the future necessity of dry and wet/dry cooling tower systems for large power stations in spite of their economic penalty compared with once-through cooling, cooling ponds, and evaporative cooling towers. If technological improvements succeed in reducing the current costs of dry cooling towers, their future applications will be accelerated. The main objective of this work is to quantify the factors that reduce the overall size and cost of the tower and the associated heat transfer system and to provide a basis for establishing the conditions that result in dry cooling tower cost reductions. As a first-step, the design equations for forced-and natural-draft dry cooling towers are derived in close form to give explicit relations for salient design variables. Subsequently, these equations are used to establish a set of influence coefficients for quantifying the effects of various key design variables on the design of forced- and natural-draft cooling towers.
Brightness of a Field as a Function of its Area

The brightness of a test field as a function of its area was investigated in the fovea at different levels of luminance. A circular test field, which varied in area, was presented to the subject’s right eye. A circular match field, held at a constant intermediate area, was presented to the subject’s left eye. The subject’s task was to match the two fields in brightness employing the psychophysical method of limits. The dependent variable was the test luminance required either to match a constant match luminance in brightness or to produce a constant threshold effect. The test-field radius was varied in six steps from 2.69′ to 26.86′, for any one of six levels of match-field luminances from threshold to 2.56 logmL. The results showed that only at threshold were there systematic differences in test luminance as a function of test area. Threshold luminance decreased as area increased. At suprathreshold test luminances, differences that did occur were not systematic nor greater than might occur from day to day. A theoretical account is presented based upon possible inhibitory interaction in the retina of “on” by “off” nerve fibers. Curves generated by this theory are fitted to the data.
Calorimetric Evaluation of Some Variables in Black Powder Making

Hand-made, charcoal-containing black powders exhibited higher heats of combustion than commercial black powders; the values were also higher than values previously reported in the literature. However, commercial pellets attained maximum pressure in a closed bomb upon ignition more rapidly and had better physical integrity than the char-coal-containing laboratory products. When channel and furnace blacks were used instead of charcoal, pellets with excellent physical integrity were obtained. These products had lower heats of reaction than commercial black powder and also developed maximum pressure in a closed bomb more slowly. Although adding a small amount of water before or during grinding of mixtures of carbon, sulfur, and potassium nitrate did not affect the heat of reaction of the product significantly, this may have caused the density of some of the products to be abnormally low. Colloidal silica showed promise of being a useful additive in black powder manufacture.
Fitting derivational morphophonology into a developmental model of reading

Oral language is the foundation on which literacy initially builds. Between early developing oral language skills and fluent reading comprehension emerge several types of metalinguistic ability, including phonological and morphological awareness. In this study, a developmental sequence is proposed, beginning with receptive language followed by phonological awareness, morphological awareness, and a new metalinguistic task measuring oral morphophonological accuracy (MPA), followed by decoding and culminating in reading comprehension. MPA is a measure of accurate primary stress placement in the production of derived words with non-neutral, stress changing suffixes (e.g., -ity). A path analysis with data from 76 third graders was used to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of these variables. The developmental model was confirmed, and a metalinguistic continuum, with MPA emerging after both PA and MA, was supported. Decoding and receptive language were the best unique predictors of reading comprehension. Surprisingly, MPA was more important to decoding than was PA, whereas MA was only indirectly implicated in both decoding and reading comprehension.
Physical Mechanisms Linking the Winter Pacific–North American Teleconnection Pattern to Spring North American Snow Depth

Abstract The wintertime Pacific–North American (PNA) teleconnection pattern has previously been shown to influence springtime snow conditions over portions of North America. This paper develops a more complete physical understanding of this linkage across the continent, using a recently released long-term, continental-scale gridded North American snow depth dataset and the 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis data. An empirical orthogonal function–based filtering process is used to identify and isolate the interannual snow depth variations associated with PNA. Then linear and partial correlations are employed to investigate the physical mechanisms that link winter PNA with spring snow depth. In the positive phase of PNA, the enhanced PNA pressure centers lead to warmer temperatures over northwestern North America and less precipitation at midlatitudes. The temperature and precipitation pathways act independently and in distinct geographical regions, and together they serve ...
Lowering Business Education Cost With a Custom Professor-Written Online Text

Inflation-adjusted tuition and fees in education have risen for decades. College textbook costs have risen as well. The authors discuss reasons for higher textbook costs. The development and use of encyclopedic introductory textbooks creates higher monetary cost for students and higher nonmonetary cost for students and teachers, from increased text–course friction. One method to lower costs is the custom, professor-written online textbook. Development issues, such as curriculum coordination, course organization, copyright, institutional cooperation and contractual agreements, pricing, and revenue distribution, are discussed in the business college context. Additionally, student opinion on whether the text was a valuable learning tool is presented and discussed.
Habitat aridity and urine concentrating ability of nearctic, insectivorous bats

Abstract 1. 1. Urine concentrating ability of nearctic, insectivorous bats determined from renal anatomy was significantly correlated to total annual precipitation and potential evapotranspiration to precipitation ratio of the habitat where the animal was collected. 2. 2. Habitat aridity measured by water input accounted for as much variation in urine concentrating ability as habitat aridity measured by both water and energy input. 3. 3. Habitat aridity, regardless of how it was measured, explained only 25% of the among-species variation in urine concentrating ability. Factors other than habitat aridity significantly affect the urine concentrating ability of insectivorous bats.
Product type bounds on the approximation of values ofE andG functions

This paper obtains effective lower bounds on the absolute values of linear forms, over the integers, in power products of values of certain SiegelE-functions or SiegelG-functions. The bounds obtained are in terms of the product of the absolute values of the coefficients. ForE-functions the bound obtained is a best possible result, up to an arbitrarily small positive epsilon. ForG-functions the result is asymptotically best in the following sense: for each epsilon larger than zero there exists an integerN such that ifz, the point of evaluation, equalsM−1 whereM is an integer with absolute value larger thanN, then the bound obtained is within epsilon of a best possible bound. (From the proof it is clear thatz need not be the inverse of an integer. What is necessary that the absolute value of its numerator must be much smaller than the absolute value of its denominator.)
Gene-environment interactions in Parkinson's disease and other forms of parkinsonism.

Abstract It is widely recognized that both genetic and environmental factors are likely to contribute to the pathogenesis of human parkinsonism. While the identification of specific predisposing conditions and mechanisms of disease development remain elusive, new discoveries coupled with technological advances over the past decade have provided important clues. From the genetic standpoint, both causal and susceptibility genes have been identified, with some of these genes pointing to gene–environment interactions. The application of emerging genomic technologies, such as Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS), will certainly further our knowledge of Parkinson's disease (PD)-related genes. From the environmental perspective, toxicant-induced models of parkinsonian syndromes, such as those associated with exposure to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) or β-N-methylamino- l -alanine (BMAA), have revealed potential mechanisms of increased susceptibility based on genetic predisposition. Finally, new hypotheses on mechanisms of disease development include the possibility that exposure to neurotoxicants triggers an upregulation and pathological modifications of α-synuclein. Mutations in the α-synuclein gene are responsible for rare familial cases of parkinsonism, and polymorphisms in the promoter region of this gene confer a higher susceptibility to idiopathic PD. Thus, toxicant–α-synuclein interactions could have deleterious consequences and play a role in pathogenetic processes in human parkinsonism.
Computer aided simulation of cold roll forming — a computer program for simple section profiles

Abstract The design of forming rolls, roll formed products and roll pass sequences remains more of an art than a science. This is due to the complexities involved in the deformation of the sheet metal and design procedure. There are several CAD programs available on the market. However, these programs are based on rather simplified formulas or empirical rules and to a large extent, perform the same experience based functions as is done by the experienced designer, but only faster and more accurately. This paper discusses a computer aided simulation program, Roll Forming Profile Analysis and Simulation Software (RFPASS), which was developed, based on deformation mechanics. Simulation results were compared with experimental measurements found in the literature. The program, RFPASS, has been used to analyze simple cross sectional profiles such as U, V and the C channel.
Distribution of Angiographic Vasospasm after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Implications for Diagnosis by Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography

A study was undertaken to determine how frequently angiographic vasospasm occurs outside the normal access range of transcranial Doppler ultrasound in patients who have suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Vasospasm located in the basal vessels is readily identifiable using transcranial Doppler ultrasound whereas spasm affecting the more distal, vertically oriented arteries is outside the standard detection range. It is therefore speculated that the sensitivity of the technique would be adversely affected by a high incidence of distal vasospasm. A total of 136 angiograms performed on 68 patients after a subarachnoid hemorrhage from anterior circulation aneurysms were reviewed to determine the typical distribution of vasospasm. Of the 40 cases that showed greater than or equal to 25% vessel narrowing, 50.0% had spasm restricted to the basal vessels, 42.5% had spasm involving both basal and distal segments, and 7.5% had spasm of the distal segments only. None of the patients with distal vasospasm alone developed delayed ischemic deficits. It is concluded that most patients with anterior circulation aneurysms who develop vasospasm will have involvement of the basal vessels, but a small number of patients may develop vasospasm only in distal vessels.
Ubiquitous interstellar diamond and SiC in primitive chondrites: abundances reflect metamorphism

It is shown here that interstellar diamond and SiC were incorporated into all groups of chondrite meteorites. Abundances rapidly go to zero with increasing metamorphic grade, suggesting that metamorphic destruction is responsible for the apparent absence of these grains in most chondrites. In unmetamorphosed chondrites, abundances normalized to matrix content are similar for different classes. Diamond samples from chondrites of different classes have remarkably similar noble-gas constants and isotropic compositions, although constituent diamonds may have come from many sources. SiC seems to be more diverse, partly because grains are large enough to measure individually, but average characteristics seem to be similar from meteorite to meteorite. These observations suggest that various classes of chondritic meteorites sample the same solar system-wide reservoir of interstellar grains.
Utilization of clays and zeolites for coagulation treatment of municipal wastewater

This study is to evaluate the role of clays and zeolites on the coagulation and ion exchange treatment of municipal wastewater. Clay minerals used included kaolinite, montmorillonite, halloysite, and bentonite. Zeolites used included mordenite, faujasite, silicalite, and synthetic zeolite‐A. Clays and zeolites proved to be rather ineffective in decreasing the turbidity. Clays and zeolites showed a limited succes in removing Na from the wastewater. Most zeolites appeared to be quite effective in removing Ca and Mg from the wastewater with about 100% removal efficiency for Ca at a dosage of 2.0 g/l. The TOC removal efficiency of primary effluent ranged from 14 to 34% at a dosage of 1.0 g/l. Bentonite and silicalite were most effective in removing organic carbon from primary effluent.
Air bags and ocular injuries

Abstract PURPOSE: This investigation retrospectively examined ocular injuries associated with air bag deployment to gain a better appreciation of potential risk factors in motor vehicle accidents. National statistics regarding the efficacy of air bags were reviewed. METHODS: Review of the literature from 1991 to 1998 identified 44 articles describing 97 patients with air-bag-induced ocular injuries. Variables extracted from each case were age, sex, height, position in the car, eye wear, vehicle impact speed, visual acuity, and specific ocular injuries. RESULTS: Corneal abrasions occurred in 49% of occupants, hyphemas in 43%, vitreous or retinal hemorrhages in 25%, and retinal tears or detachments in 15%. The globe was ruptured in 10 patients. Patients involved in higher-speed accidents (over 30 mph) sustained a greater percentage of vitreous or retinal hemorrhages and traumatic cataracts, while those at slower speeds were more prone to retinal tears or detachments. In a subset of 14 patients with serious ocular injuries, the impact speed of 11 patients was recorded at 30 mph or less. Slower speed may be a risk factor for some ocular injuries. Occupant height was not a significant factor. National statistics confirm that air bags reduce fatalities in motor vehicle accidents. However, children sitting in the front seat without a seat belt and infants in passenger-side rear-facing car seats are at risk for fatal injury. CONCLUSION: Air bags combined with seat belts are an effective means of reducing injury and death in adults during motor vehicle accidents. However, this study has documented a wide variety of ocular injuries associated with air bag deployment. It is hoped that researchers can develop modifications that continue to save lives while minimizing additional harm.
Vitamin E levels in premenstrual syndrome.

Abstract To determine whether changes in peripheral vitamin E levels are associated with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, 10 patients with premenstrual syndrome and 10 control subjects were studied. They gave blood at 2- or 3-day intervals throughout three menstrual cycles. The vitamin E was measured by fluorometry after hexane extraction and luteinizing hormone was measured by radioimmunoassay. In the control group, vitamin E values were 854 ± 45 I.Lg/dl (mean ± SE) during the luteal phase and 925 ± 55 wg/dl during the follicular phase. No significant changes were noted between the two values. In the patients with premenstrual syndrome, the values were 849 ± 53 wg/dl during the luteal phase, which was not significantly different from 858 ± 48 wg/dl during the follicular phase. No significant changes were noted between the control group and the patients with premenstrual syndrome in either the luteal or the follicular phase. Vitamin E deficiency in patients with premenstrual syndrome was not shown by peripheral vitamin E levels in our study. (Ann J OBSTET GYNECOL 1990;163:1591-5.)
Random laser spectroscopy for nanoscale perturbation sensing

We report a spectroscopic method using coherent random lasers for a simple, yet nanoscale, sensing approach. Unique spectral properties of coherent random laser emission can be detectably altered when introducing nanoscale perturbations to a simple nanocomposite film that consists of dielectric nanospheres and laser-dye-doped polymer to serve as a transducer. Random lasing action provides a means to amplify subtle perturbations to readily detectable spectral shifts in multiple discrete emission peaks. Owing to several advantages, such as large-area detection, narrow and multiple emission peaks, straightforward detection, and simple fabrication, random laser spectroscopy has the potential for ultrasensitive, yet simple, biosensors in various applications.
Nodal expansion in a real matter plasma

Abstract The Mayer-Salpeter nodal expansion is extended to two-components high-temperature plasmas.
Comparison of the spectroscopic and saccharide binding properties of lentil and pea isolectins

The lentil isolectins, CMLcH A and CMLcH B, and pea isolectins, CMPSA A and CMPSA B, are compared in terms of their spectroscopic and saccharide binding properties. The paramagnetic contribution to the solvent proton magnetic relaxation dispersion profiles of solutions of the isolectins of each protein are found to be essentially identical. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra suggest a high degree of octahedral symmetry at the Mn2+ site for both pairs of isolectins. The near-ultraviolet absorption spectra of CMLcH A and CMLcH B are identical, as are the spectra of CMPSA A and CMPSA B. Carbohydrate binding activities of the isolectins of each protein are compared using hemagglutination, precipitation, and precipitation-inhibition assays, and are found to be identical, although the activities of CMLcH and CMPSA differ somewhat. These results demonstrate that the spectroscopic and saccharide binding properties of the isolectins of CMLcH are essentially identical, as are those of the isolectins of CMPSA, and suggest that native mixtures of the isolectins may be treated as single proteins in further studies.
ac-superimposed-on-dc characteristics of fuel cell electrode reactions—part I. Partially submerged smooth electrode

Abstract The ac -superimposed-on- dc impedance of oxygen reduction at a partially submerged smooth electrode has been measured and analyzed, to illustrate the potential of this method. Theoretical expressions for its application to multi-step electrode processes are presented and applied to experimental data for oxygen reduction in bulk molten carbonate. The question of how to fit impedance data to a physically meaningful equivalent circuit is considered, and the uncertainty in fitted circuit parameters due to accuracy limitations is discussed for this particular application. Consequences for the interpretation of impedance measurements at electrodes covered by thin electrolyte films, to be reported in part II, are briefly considered.
Enumeration of Mycobacterium leprae Using Real-Time PCR

Mycobacterium leprae is not cultivable in axenic media, and direct microscopic enumeration of the bacilli is complex, labor intensive, and suffers from limited sensitivity and specificity. We have developed a real-time PCR assay for quantifying M. leprae DNA in biological samples. Primers were identified to amplify a shared region of the multicopy repeat sequence (RLEP) specific to M. leprae and tested for sensitivity and specificity in the TaqMan format. The assay was specific for M. leprae and able to detect 10 fg of purified M. leprae DNA, or approximately 300 bacteria in infected tissues. We used the RLEP TaqMan PCR to assess the short and long-term growth results of M. leprae in foot pad tissues obtained from conventional mice, a gene knock-out mouse strain, athymic nude mice, as well as from reticuloendothelial tissues of M. leprae–infected nine-banded armadillos. We found excellent correlative results between estimates from RLEP TaqMan PCR and direct microscopic counting (combined r = 0.98). The RLEP TaqMan PCR permitted rapid analysis of batch samples with high reproducibility and is especially valuable for detection of low numbers of bacilli. Molecular enumeration is a rapid, objective and highly reproducible means to estimate the numbers of M. leprae in tissues, and application of the technique can facilitate work with this agent in many laboratories.
Ferroelectric composites for hydrophones

Abstract Considerations of the influence of crystal symmetry, macrosymmetry, and interphase connectivity have been used to explore possible macrostructures of interest as piezoelectric composites. Based on these design considerations, polymer-ceramic composites have been fabricated with 3–3 phase connectivity by the replication of natural template structures such as coral, or by a simplified fabrication technique of mixing volatilizable plastic spheres and PZT powders. 1–3 or 2–3 composites were made by perforated method. Polymer-Ceramic composites with 3–1 phase connectivity were made by embedding PZT rods or PZT spheres in various polymers. A modified connectivity model with 3–1–0 phase connectivity was introduced to improve the Poisson contraction problem found in 3–1 composites. In 3–1–0 composites voids were introduced into the polymer matrix to form a third phase which is isolated. All types of composites have been studied and it is shown that they have slightly lower permittivity, greatly improved ...
No effect of hyperketonemia on local cerebral glucose utilization in conscious rats.

: Local cerebral glucose utilization was measured by the [14C]2-deoxy-d-glucose method in conscious control and hyperketonemic rats. Hyperketonemia was induced by 3 days of starvation or by infusion of 3- hydroxybutyrate in fed rats. These treatments produced combined blood ketone body concentrations (acetoacetate + 3-hydroxybutyrate) of from 1.2 to 2.4 mM. Neither treatment significantly affected glucose utilization in any of the 15 brain regions studied. These observations indicate that hyperketonemia in resting, conscious rats does not interfere with brain uptake and phosphorylation of glucose.
In vitro dissolution of dapsone

Los normal samples of dapsone (DDS) were prepared in which the geometric mean diameter ranged from 20 to 50 micron while the geometric standard deviation was in the range 1.62 to 1.88. Using a simple in vitro flow-through dissolution cell at 37 degrees C, the data obtained were found to fit the Hixson-Crowell cube root dissolution law up to a critical time, Tc, where a distinct break occurred. Such a biphasic phenomenon has been predicted by other workers and is related to the time at which the smallest particles present have undergone dissolution. The initial slopes of the cube root dissolution plots were shown to be directly related to the reciprocal of the geometric mean diameter.
The Legacy of China’s Wartime Reporting, 1937-1945: Can the Past Serve the Present?

Japan’s invasion of China in the summer of 1937 dealt a devastating blow to Chinese journalism. Yet despite the hardships, China’s wartime reporters produced a legacy of vivid writing. In the face of a series of major defeats, the journalists attempted to shore up morale and stressed the heroic resistance of Chinese forces. They reported on Japanese atrocities such as the Rape of Nanjing, but not to such an extent that might erode morale. During the Maoist era, the legacy of this war reportage largely faded from a public memory which privileged the revolution. When a “new remembering” of the war emerged in the reform era, the heroic resistance narrative from war reportage dovetailed nicely with the new nationalism of today’s China. But this literature has been less helpful in developing the theme of Chinese victimhood, a key component of the new memory of the war. Finally, memoir literature, so common in most combatant nations, has been problematic in China. Those who remember their war experiences do so ...
The Influence of Airborne Doppler Radar Data Quality on Numerical Simulations of a Tropical Cyclone

AbstractThe impact of airborne Doppler radar data assimilation on improving numerical simulations of tropical cyclones (TCs) has been well recognized. However, the influence of radar data quality on the numerical simulation of tropical cyclones has not been given much attention. It is commonly assumed that higher quality radar data would be more beneficial to numerical simulations of TCs. This study examines the impact of the radar data quality control on assimilation of the airborne Doppler radar reflectivity and radial velocity observations in a numerical simulation of Typhoon Jangmi (2008). It is found that the quality of radar data has a strong influence on the numerical simulation of Typhoon Jangmi in terms of its track, intensity, and precipitation structures. Specifically, results suggest that a trade-off between the data quality and data coverage is necessary for different purposes in practical applications, as the higher quality data contribute to intensity forecast improvements, whereas data of ...
Delivery of glucose-6-phosphatase in a canine model for glycogen storage disease, type Ia, with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors

Therapy in glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD Ia), an inherited disorder of carbohydrate metabolism, relies on nutritional support that postpones but fails to prevent long-term complications of GSD Ia. In the canine model for GSD Ia, we evaluated the potential of intravenously delivered adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for gene therapy. In three affected canines, liver glycogen was reduced following hepatic expression of canine glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). Two months after AAV vector administration, one affected dog had normalization of fasting glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and lactic acid. Concatamerized AAV vector DNA was confirmed by Southern blot analysis of liver DNA isolated from treated dogs, as head-to-tail, head-to-head, and tail-to-tail concatamers. Six weeks after vector administration, the level of vector DNA signal in each dog varied from one to five copies per cell, consistent with variation in the efficiency of transduction within the liver. AAV vector administration in the canine model for GSD Ia resulted in sustained G6Pase expression and improvement in liver histology and in biochemical parameters.
A Case of a Single Coronary Artery Originating From the Right Coronary Sinus

A 69-year-old woman presented with a history of intermittent chest pain for 2 years. The pain was leftsided and did not radiate into the left arm. She had a history of hypertension, but had no other risk factors for coronary artery disease. Cardiac and lung auscultation were unremarkable. Electrocardiography revealed a normal sinus rhythm. Chest X-ray was normal. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated no cardiac abnormalities. The patient underwent coronary angiography for further evaluation. Angiography showed no vessels originating from the left coronary sinus (CS). The right coronary artery (RCA) originated from the right CS, the left anterior descending artery (LAD) originated from the proximal RCA (Fig. 1), and the left cricumflex artery (LCx) originated from the postero-lateral branch of the RCA (Fig. 2). The LAD had an anterior course and gave rise to the proximal-mid- and distal LAD (Fig. 3). Medical treatment with antihypertensive and vasodilating agents was recommended. Follow-up examination at 1 year demon Single Coronary Artery strated adequate resolution of angina. Coronary artery anomalies are rare. Of these, an isolated single coronary artery anomaly is the rarest one. 1)2) It’s are found incidentally during routine co
Personal Digital Assistant Infectious Diseases Applications for Health Care Professionals

Personal digital assistants (PDAs; also known as "handheld computers," "pocket personal computers," and Palm Pilots) provide immediate access to vital and clinically relevant infectious diseases information at the point of care. Several infectious diseases applications are available that provide information on pathogens, diagnosis, medication, and treatment. In this article, 4 infectious diseases PDA applications are reviewed: ePocrates ID (part of ePocrates Rx Pro), the Johns Hopkins Division of Infectious Diseases Antibiotic Guide, the 2002 Sanford Guide to Antimicrobial Therapy, and Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobials Notes. Drug information, including clinical pharmacology, dosing in patients with renal insufficiency, adverse reactions, and drug interactions, is evaluated for completeness and accuracy by comparison of each application with the package insert. Treatment recommendations for 6 diseases are compared with current practice guidelines. Each PDA infectious diseases application reviewed has unique advantages and disadvantages. This critical review will help health care professionals select the infectious diseases PDA application best tailored to meet their individual information needs.
Social media's challenges for psychiatry.

The evolution of the Internet to include user-generated content, often referred to as Web 2.0, has altered our basic notions of privacy, connectivity, and communication. As more people are tweeting, blogging, posting on social media websites, and uploading personal videos, one consequence has been the blurring of boundaries between social and professional spheres. Whether as users of data posted by others or creators of information that others can access, psychiatrists are full participants in the social media revolution, creating a complex set of practical and ethical challenges for psychiatric practice. Patients increasingly turn to the Internet to learn about their conditions, physicians, and treatments (1). Once online, they find not only health-related and professional information, but also the social “digital footprints” of their doctors. Physicians similarly have new access to the personal lives of their patients, including the potential to acquire information that patients have not revealed directly and may not want them to have. Here we consider some of the ways in which Internet-based social media may impact psychiatric practice, and address some of the issues that arise when psychiatrists consume and produce social media content.
Neighborhood Watch: Spatial Effects of Human Rights INGOs

This article examines the neighborhood effects of various activities of human rights international nongovernmental organizations (human rights INGOs or, as used hereafter, HROs). We argue that the presence of HRO members or volunteers “next door” increases the advocacy mobilization and resources of a domestic population, resulting in improvements in human rights performance. When contiguous countries have large numbers of HRO members within their borders, these members are able to mobilize resources that are either directly transmitted across borders or diffuse across state boundaries. Using spatial econometric techniques in a sample of 117 states from 1994 to 2003, we examine the effect of neighboring HRO membership, permanent location presence, and shaming on the probability of improvements in human rights practices. We find that the presence of neighboring HRO members increases the probability of human rights improvements, but that this is conditional on the ability of the groups to freely move across ...