cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lumbar Fusion With Polyetheretherketone Rods Use for Patients With Degenerative Disease.

Introduction Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) rods for lumbar fusion have been available since 2007. However, literature about their utility is sparse and of mixed outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of PEEK rod lumbar fusion cases was performed. Data were analyzed from 108 patients of the senior author Donald Ross who underwent PEEK lumbar fusion. Results There were 97 single and 11 2-level fusions. Rates of tobacco use, diabetes mellitus, low bone density, depression, and immunosuppression were 23.1%, 24.1%, 14.8%, 32.4%, and 6.5%, respectively. In the study population, the mean age was 60.2 years, body mass index was 30.1, and there was a mean 31.3 months for follow-up. There were no wound infections or new neurologic deficits. Of 81 patients with > 11 months of follow-up, 70 (86.4%) had an arthrodesis, 8 (9.9%) had no arthrodesis, and 3 (3.7%) were indeterminate. No patients had revision fusion surgery and 2 patients had adjacent level fusions at 27 and 60 months. One patient had an adjacent segment laminectomy at 18 months and one a foraminotomy at 89 months, resulting in a 3.7% adjacent segment surgery rate. Mean preoperative Short Form-36 (SF-36) physical functioning (PF) score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score were 28.9 and 24.8, respectively. Mean SF-36 PF postoperative score at 1 and 2 years were 59.3 and 65, respectively. Mean ODI postoperative score at 1 year was 14.5. Conclusions In a large patient cohort lumbar fusion with PEEK rods can be undertaken with low complication rates, satisfactory clinical improvements, low rates of hardware failure or need for revision surgery. Longer follow-up is needed to confirm findings.
Localized Tetrazolium Reduction in Relation to N(2) Fixation, CO(2) Fixation, and H(2) Uptake in Aquatic Filamentous Cyanobacteria.

Abstract The aquatic filamentous cyanobacteria Anabaena oscillarioides and Trichodesmium sp. reveal specific cellular regions of tetrazolium salt reduction. The effects of localized reduction of five tetrazolium salts on N2 fixation (acetylene reduction), 14CO2 fixation, and 3H2 utilization were examined. During short-term (within 30 min) exposures in A. oscillarioides, salt reduction in heterocysts occurred simultaneously with inhibition of acetylene reduction. Conversely, when salts failed to either penetrate or be reduced in heterocysts, no inhibition of acetylene reduction occurred. When salts were rapidly reduced in vegetative cells, 14CO2 fixation and 3H2 utilization rates decreased, whereas salts exclusively reduced in heterocysts were not linked to blockage of these processes. In the nonheterocystous genus Trichodesmium, the deposition of reduced 2,3,5-triphenyl-2-tetrazolium chloride (TTC) in the internal cores of trichomes occurs simultaneously with a lowering of acetylene reduction rates. Since TTC deposition in heterocysts of A. oscillarioides occurs contemporaneously with inhibition of acetylene reduction, we conclude that the cellular reduction of this salt is of use in locating potential N2-fixing sites in cyanobacteria. The possible applications and problems associated with interpreting localized reduction of tetrazolium salts in cyanobacteria are presented.
Leveraging value locality in optimizing NAND flash-based SSDs

NAND flash-based solid-state drives (SSDs) are increasingly being deployed in storage systems at different levels such as buffer-caches and even secondary storage. However, the poor reliability and performance offered by these SSDs for write-intensive workloads continues to be their key shortcoming. Several solutions based on traditionally popular notions of temporal and spatial locality help reduce write traffic for SSDs. However, another form of locality - value locality - has remained completely unexplored. Value locality implies that certain data items (i.e., "values," not just logical addresses) are likely to be accessed preferentially. Given evidence for the presence of significant value locality in real-world workloads, we design CA-SSD which employs content-addressable storage (CAS) to exploit such locality. Our CA-SSD design employs enhancements primarily in the flash translation layer (FTL) with minimal additional hardware, suggesting its feasibility. Using three real-world workloads with content information, we devise statistical characterizations of two aspects of value locality - value popularity and temporal value locality - that form the foundation of CA-SSD. We observe that CA-SSD is able to reduce average response times by about 59-84% compared to traditional SSDs. Even for workloads with little or no value locality, CA-SSD continues to offer comparable performance to a traditional SSD. Our findings advocate adoption of CAS in SSDs, paving the way for a new generation of these devices.
Lack of effect of the α2C-adrenoceptor Del322-325 polymorphism on inhibition of cyclic AMP production in HEK293 cells

Background and purpose: The α2C-adrenoceptor has multiple functions, including inhibiting release of noradrenaline from presynaptic nerve terminals. A human α2C polymorphism, Del322-325, a potential risk factor for heart failure, has been reported to exhibit reduced signalling in CHO cells. To further understand the role of the Del322-325 polymorphism on receptor signalling, we attempted to replicate and further study the reduced signalling in HEK293 cells. Experimental approach: Human α2C wild-type (WT) and Del322-325 adrenoceptors were stably transfected into HEK293 cells. Radioligand binding was performed to determine affinities for both receptors. In intact cells, inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP production by WT and Del322-325 clones with a range of receptor densities (200–2320 fmol·mg−1 protein) was measured following agonist treatment. Key results: Noradrenaline, brimonidine and clonidine exhibited similar binding affinities for WT and Del322-325. Brimonidine and clonidine also had similar efficacies and potencies for both receptors for the inhibition of cyclic AMP production at all receptor densities tested. A linear regression analysis comparing efficacy and potency with receptor expression levels showed no differences in slopes between WT and Del322-325. Conclusions and implications: The α2C WT and Del322-325 adrenoceptors exhibited similar binding properties. Additionally, inhibition of cyclic AMP production by Del322-325 was similar to that of WT over a range of receptor densities. Therefore, in intact HEK293 cells, the α2C-Del322-325 polymorphism does not exhibit reduced signalling to adenylyl cyclase and may not represent a clinically important phenotype.
Speech-Based Navigation: Improving Grid-Based Solutions

Speech-based technology is a useful alternative to traditional input techniques such as the keyboard and mouse. For people with disabilities that hinder use of traditional input devices, a hands-free speechbased interaction solution is highly desirable. Various speech-based navigation techniques have been discussed in the literature and employed in commercial software applications. Among them, grid-based navigation has shown both potential and limitations. Grid-based solutions allow users to position the cursor using recursive grids to `drill down' until the cursor is in the desired location. We report the results of an empirical study that assessed the efficacy of two enhancements to the grid-based navigation technique: magnification and fine-tuning. Both mechanisms were designed to facilitate the process of selecting small targets. The results suggest that both the magnification and the fine-tuning capabilities significantly improved the participants' performance when selecting small targets and that fine-tuning also has benefits when selecting larger targets. Participants preferred the solution that provided both enhancements.
Third-Party Wars, Vicarious Learning, and Rapprochement in International Rivalries*

Abstract will be provided by author.Wars reveal information about states’ capability, intentions, and resolve. Wars thus provide opportunities for states to learn about their rivals, and existing studies suggest that rivals do learn from their conflict interactions, especially crises and wars. But do rivals also learn from wars other than their own? The present study investigates the possibility that states learn by observing “third-party wars”—wars involving a rival state and some third party. Vicarious learning is discussed with a particular focus on the rivalry context. An historical case study of the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian wars is used to illustrate and further explore the potential learning processes associated with third-party wars. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of other cases suitable for investigation.
Mechanism of cigarette smoke condensate-induced acute inflammatory response in human bronchial epithelial cells

Background To demonstrate the involvement of tobacco smoking in the pathophysiology of lung disease, the responses of pulmonary epithelial cells to cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) — the particulate fraction of tobacco smoke — were examined.
Population growth rates forAmblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) onBos indicus, B. taurus andB. indicus x B. taurus cattle

Densities ofAmblyomma americanum (L.) onBos indicus, B. taurus andB. indicus x B. taurus cattle are compared over a 3-year period, and the growth rate (rate of increase or decrease) of parasitic tick populations on each cattle genotype is estimated.
Numerical modeling of CdS/CdTe solar cells: a parameter study

CdTe-based solar cells are candidates for inexpensive and relatively efficient solar cells. Efficiencies of as high as 13.4% have been reported for these cells. In order to evaluate their potential numerical modeling is performed to analyze the factors that limit cell performance. The purpose is to model the effects of the pertinent material parameters on predicted cell performance so that a better understanding of the material characteristics can be achieved. Numerical modelling is performed to determine a set of material parameters consistent with measured cell performance. These parameters can then be used to make realistic performance projections. >
Differential Degradation Rates of Inactivated Alkyltransferase in Blood Mononuclear Cells and Tumors of Patients after Treatment with O6-Benzylguanine

O(6)-Alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) repairs O(6)-alkylating DNA adducts generated by alkylating therapeutic agents. Therefore, AGT activity may be an important marker of tumor and normal tissue sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents and a predictor for the success of chemotherapeutic regimens. It is rapidly inactivated by O(6)-benzylguanine (BG) that mimics its substrates, O(6)-methylguanine and O(6)-chloroethylguanine DNA adducts. In a Phase I clinical trial, BG was given in increasing doses (from 10 to 120 mg/m(2)) by 1-h infusion. We previously reported depletion of AGT activity, and in this report, we demonstrate the relationship between degradation of BG-inactivated AGT protein and the depletion of AGT activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and tumor samples obtained by computed tomography-guided cutting needle biopsy from patients prior to BG and either 2 or 18 h after BG. In PBMCs, BG inactivated AGT activity by over 95-100% at the end of a 1-h infusion, and depletion was maintained for 18 h. In contrast, AGT protein remained almost unchanged for up to 18 h after BG, suggesting that inactivated AGT proteins remain immunoreactive and are not rapidly degraded in PBMCs. In patient tumor biopsies, AGT activity was depleted approximately 90% 2 h after BG. Tumor AGT protein levels were reduced to approximately 40% of pretreatment values when detected by either Western blot or immunohistochemistry staining. In tumor samples obtained 18 h after BG, >95% inactivation of tumor AGT activity was observed at BG doses of 36-80 mg/m(2), and complete depletion of tumor AGT activity occurred at 120 mg/m(2) BG. However, residual AGT protein (5-10% of baseline) was detectable in all tumor samples. Therefore, the degradation of BG-inactivated AGT protein appeared to be much more rapid in tumors than that in PBMCs, which may impact on AGT regeneration rates as well. Because degradation of BG-inactivated AGT takes place slowly, antibody-based measurements of AGT protein correlate poorly with depletion of AGT activity immediately after BG. Thus, biochemical activity measurements remain the appropriate monitor of AGT during therapeutic modulation. These data provide the first and conclusive evidence of differential degradation rates of inactivated AGT in PBMCs and tumors of patients after treatment with BG and suggest that immunoreactive AGT measurements in PBMCs are a poor surrogate for AGT activity in tumor tissue.
Ionization-Raman Double-Resonance Spectroscopy

Ionization-detected stimulated Raman spectroscopy (IDSRS)[1] is a new technique for high-sensitivity, high-resolution Raman studies based on resonant laser ionization/detection of vibrationally excited molecules. We present results on the application of IDSRS to the Raman spectroscopy of benzene. Our spectra concentrate on the region near 1600 cm-1 where the overlap of transitions to the (v 16, v 2+v 18) Fermi dyad produces a particularly complex spectrum. By taking advantage of the double-resonance capabilities of IDSRS, we are able to cleanly separate transitions to each of the two vibrational bands, and thereby greatly simplify their spectra.
Stance in talk : a conversation analysis of Mandarin final particles

Guided by the methodology of conversation analysis (CA), this book explores how participants in Mandarin conversation display stance in the unfolding development of action and interaction, and, in particular, how this is accomplished through the use of two Mandarin final particles. Through a close examination of the sequential environments of these two particles and the interactional work accomplished by their use, the research presented in this book seeks to demonstrate how a participant-oriented, action-based micro approach to data can help us gain analytic leverage in understanding the functions and meanings of these particles – an area which has long posed a challenge to Chinese linguists. On the other hand, in utilizing a CA-based framework applied to Mandarin, this study also seeks to contribute to conversation analytic research by revealing previously uninvestigated language-specific phenomena while at the same time showing how talk-in-interaction in a non-western language, i.e., Mandarin, can also display the same striking systematicity and orderliness as observed in many western languages. As one of the pioneering CA studies of Mandarin, this book will be of interest to researchers in Chinese linguistics and conversation analysis, as well as those in fields which touch upon the relationships between languages and cultures.
Infrasonic crackle and supersonic jet noise from the eruption of Nabro Volcano, Eritrea

The lowermost portion of an explosive volcanic eruption column is considered a momentum-driven jet. Understanding volcanic jets is critical for determining eruption column dynamics and mitigating volcanic hazards; however, volcanic jets are inherently difficult to observe due to their violence and opacity. Infrasound from the 2011 eruption of Nabro Volcano, Eritrea has waveform features highly similar to the crackle phenomenon uniquely produced by man-made supersonic jet engines and rockets and is characterized by repeated asymmetric compressions followed by weaker, gradual rarefactions. This infrasonic crackle indicates that infrasound source mechanisms in sustained volcanic eruptions are strikingly similar to jet noise sources from heated, supersonic jet engines and rockets, suggesting that volcanologists can utilize the modeling and physical understandings of man-made jets to understand volcanic jets. The unique, distinctive infrasonic crackle from Nabro highlights the use of infrasound to remotely detect and characterize hazardous eruptions and its potential to determine volcanic jet parameters. Key Points Nabro Volcano produced sound similar to supersonic jet engines and rockets Volcanic and man-made jets have similar sound source mechanisms Infrasound can remotely detect and characterize volcanic eruptions and jets. © 2013. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.
Fossils in Burmese Amber

AMBER mines have long been known in Upper Burma, or rather in the adjacent “unadministered tracts.” In 1916 Mr. R. C. J. Swinhoe, of Mandalay, began to send me specimens of Burmese amber (Burmite) containing insects. As opportunity has offered, he has continued to obtain such material, all of which has been transmitted, after investigation, to the British Museum (Natural History). Up to the present time I have been able to describe 38 species of insects, three arachnids and one diplopod. Many other species, which I did not feel competent to deal with, or which could not be seen properly, exist in the amber, and will, I hope, eventually be described by others. On the whole, the fauna is very remarkable, containing a large preponderance of types which are usually considered primitive. The amber was said to come from Miocene clay, in which, however, it was presumably of secondary origin. Judging from the fossils, I suggested as early as 1917 that the amber might be actually very much older than Miocene, conceivably even Upper Cretaceous (Amer. Journ. Sci., Nov. 1917, p. 360).
In vivo and in vitro characteristics of contagious ecthyma virus isolates: Host response mechanism

Three Vero cell culture-adapted contagious ecthyma virus (CEV) isolates were compared by plaque morphology, ability to induce vesicles in skin and in vivo growth curve characteristics by sampling sequentially experimental skin lesions produced in four sheep and one goat. Two of the isolates (CEV-29A and CEV-378) were from outbreaks of ecthyma in sheep and one (CEV-102) from a human case of orf. When replicating in Vero cells, the viruses exhibited similar growth parameters, but were distinguishable from each other on the basis of plaque morphology. In vivo latent periods for these isolates were 48 h (CEV-29A), 96 h (CEV-102), and 120 h (CEV-378). When isolates CEV-102 and CEV-29A were passaged into another sheep, they produced similar patterns of growth. Isolate CEV-102 produced the highest infectivity titer [1.4 X 10(9) plaque forming units (PFU) g-1], followed by CEV-29A (6.8 X 10(7) PFU g-1) and CEV-378 (2.5 X 10(7) PFU g-1). In addition, these viruses varied in their ability to induce vesicle formation. Virus was no longer detectable at the inoculation sites at 288 h post-infection (PI). We conclude that plaque morphology, ability to induce vesicle formation in the skin and growth curves in the skin can be considered as important criteria to differentiate CEV isolates. A comparison of the growth curves of CEV-378 in the skin of sheep and goats suggested differences in virus-host interaction between the two animal species. Since intravenous injection of 1 X 10(9) PFU of CEV failed to produce lesions in the sham-scarified skin of sheep, virus spread via the hematogenous route from one site to another appears unlikely. No virus-neutralizing antibody or interferons were found in serum samples or in skin homogenates collected between 0 and 24 days PI. Virus-neutralizing antibody was present in the circulation as late as 24 days PI. Lymphocytes collected from CEV-exposed sheep as early as 12 days PI responded specifically to stimulation with CEV antigen. As this was about the time when infectious virus disappeared from the sites, we assume that cell-associated immune mechanisms may play a larger role in virus clearance from skin lesions than virus-neutralizing antibody.
The hnRNPs F and H2 bind to similar sequences to influence gene expression

The hnRNPs (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins) F and H2 share a similar protein structure. Both have been implicated as regulating polyadenylation, but hnRNP H2 had a positive effect, whereas hnRNP F acted negatively. We therefore carried out side-by-side comparisons of their RNA-binding and in vivo actions. The binding of the CstF2 (64 kDa cleavage stimulatory factor) to SV40 (simian virus 40) late pre-mRNA substrates containing a downstream GRS (guanine-rich sequence) was reduced by hnRNP F, but not by hnRNP H2, in a UV-cross-linking assay. Point mutations of the 14-nt GRS influenced the binding of purified hnRNP F or H2 in parallel. Co-operative binding of the individual proteins to RNA was lost with mutations of the GRS in the G1-5 or G12-14 regions; both regions seem to be necessary for optimal interactions. Using a reporter green fluorescent protein assay with the GRS inserted downstream of the poly(A) (polyadenine) signal, expression in vivo was diminished by a mutant G1-5 sequence which decreased binding of both hnRNPs (SAA20) and was enhanced by a 12-14-nt mutant that showed enhanced hnRNP F or H2 binding (SAA10). Using small interfering RNA, down-regulation of hnRNP H2 levels diminished reporter expression, confirming that hnRNP H2 confers a positive influence; in contrast, decreasing hnRNP F levels had a negligible influence on reporter expression with the intact GRS. A pronounced diminution in reporter expression was seen with the SAA20 mutant for both. Thus the relative levels of hnRNP F and H2 in cells, as well as the target sequences in the downstream GRS on pre-mRNA, influence gene expression.
An Ion Beam Sputtering System for Electrode Surface Conditioning

Summary form only given. In the past there has been considerable research performed using electromagnetic plasma thrusters as the primary ion source in sputtering applications. In the experiments conducted here, thin film coatings of various hard metallic alloys and oxides were applied to stainless steel electrodes using ion beam deposition. An SPT type Hall effect thruster capable of producing an ion beam with energies between 150 eV and 350 eV was used as the deposition ion source. The surface coatings were applied to Bruce profiled stainless steel electrodes which have an effective surface area of 5 cm2 and a roughness average of roughly 70 nm. The electrodes were then examined using an optical profiler to accurately measure the roughness average of the thin film coating as well as the effective layer thickness. A comparison of the results obtained from each surface material is performed
Group therapy and its barriers for women suffering from postpartum depression

Data were collected to pilot-test the feasibility and the effects of the "Gruen" Postpartum Depression Group Therapy as an intervention for depression for a small treatment and control group of postpartum depressed mothers. Treatment was a ten-week group therapy consisting of four interacting aspects: (1) education and information, (2) stress reduction techniques,(3) development of support systems, and (4) cognitive restructuring. Beck Depression Inventory II scores were significantly lower post treatment in the treatment group. Women stated psychoeducation was the greatest help to them. One of the problems associated with treating postpartum women was their inability to get to therapy because of childcare responsibilities.
Activities and ternary phase diagrams

Abstract A set of theoretical formulae for calculating activities along the liquid surface in ternary phase diagrams has been presented. These formulae are rigorous since no assumption is made in the derivation. The expressions are generalized and can be simplified to the forms presented by Pelton, Chou, Elliott and Gokcen under certain conditions. In practice, the activity of the components are desired at a fixed temperature instead of a variable temperature like that along a liquid surface. Under this situation, with reasonable assumptions the equations can be further simplified such that they do not contain any partial thermodynamic properties. Activities can then be readily calculated from phase diagrams. The method presented in this paper is for a ternary system and can be extended to multicomponent systems.
Assessing life stressors and social resources: Applications to alcoholic patients

A growing body of evidence points to the importance of life stressors and social resources in the development and course of alcoholism and other substance abuse disorders. This article describes the Life Stressors and Social Resources Inventory (LISRES), which provides an integrated assessment of life stressors and social resources in eight domains: physical health, home/neighborhood, financial, work, spouse/partner, children, extended family, and friends. The indices were developed on data obtained at two points in time 18 months apart from four demographically comparable groups: alcoholic patients, depressed patients, arthritic patients, and non-problem-drinking adults. As expected, alcoholic patients reported more acute and chronic stressors and fewer social resources than did non-problem-drinking adults. More important, the indices were predictively related to changes in alcohol consumption, drinking problems, depression, and self-confidence. Procedures such as the LISRES have some potential clinical and research applications and may be helpful in examining the process of recovery and relapse in substance abuse disorders.
Laparoscopic appendectomy is superior to open appendectomy in obese patients

Background: There are minimal data comparing laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) with open appendectomy (OA) in obese patients. Methods: We reviewed consecutive adult patients from 2003 to 2005 who underwent an appendectomy at a University-affiliated teaching hospital. Obesity was defined as a body mass index of 30 or greater. Outcome measures included length of stay, surgical times, intra-abdominal abscesses, wound infections, and hospital charges. Results: There were 116 patients with a mean body mass index of 35. Eighty-five patients underwent LA, 12 were converted to open, 4 of 12 (31%) were perforated. Thirty-one patients underwent OA. Overall, 21 (18%) were perforated. Length of stay for LA was better, 3.4 days versus 5.5 days for OA (P = .02), and wound closure rate was better, 90% for LA versus 68% for OA (P <.01). Other outcome measures were equivalent. Conclusions: LA is associated with shorter lengths of stay, fewer open wounds, and equivalent hospital charges and intra-abdominal abscess rates; and should be considered the procedure of choice for obese patients with appendicitis.
Training Design: Scenarios of the Future:

The problem and the solution. The design phase of systematic training is directed toward program strategies and the processes of instruction. It is essentially oriented at creating a program strategy and how to teach the content identified in the analysis phase to the identified learners, under identified conditions, so that the instruction is effective, efficient, appealing, and cost-effective. This involves the selection of the (a) optimal overall training program strategy and (b) methods of instruction. The systematic design of instruction, as a professional practice, is likely to undergo changes as a result of multiple environmental variables. This article predicts what some of those changes might be and how they might affect those charged with (a) operating and sustaining existing training systems or (b) creating new systems for improving organizational system performance.
Comparison of monoclonal antibodies with potential specificity for restricted isoforms of the leukocyte common antigen (CD45R).

Abstract Ten monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), that comprised temporary cluster TC1, and included a previously published CD45R mAb, were compared together with mAb IL-A116 which did not cluster with any workshop mAb. The ten mAbs of TC1 immunoprecipitate molecules with an M r of 220 and 205 kDa; sequential precipitation with a CD45 mAb indicates that these mAbs recognize restricted isoforms of the leukocyte common antigen. Cellular and tissue distribution suggests that mAbs within TC1 recognize at least two different specificities of the CD45 family of molecules. mAb IL-A116 precipitated a molecule of 180 kDa suggesting that it may recognize the CD45RO isoform of the leukocyte common antigen.
Evaluation of Face Datasets as Tools for Assessing the Performance of Face Recognition Methods

Face datasets are considered a primary tool for evaluating the efficacy of face recognition methods. Here we show that in many of the commonly used face datasets, face images can be recognized accurately at a rate significantly higher than random even when no face, hair or clothes features appear in the image. The experiments were done by cutting a small background area from each face image, so that each face dataset provided a new image dataset which included only seemingly blank images. Then, an image classification method was used in order to check the classification accuracy. Experimental results show that the classification accuracy ranged between 13.5% (color FERET) to 99% (YaleB). These results indicate that the performance of face recognition methods measured using face image datasets may be biased. Compilable source code used for this experiment is freely available for download via the Internet.
Enhanced microdialysis recovery of some tricyclic antidepressants and structurally related drugs by cyclodextrin- mediated transport

The enhanced microdialysis relative recovery (RR) of some hydrophobic tricyclic drugs (imipramine, desipramine, amitriptyline, carbamazepine and promethazine) is discussed. Enhanced RR was achieved by including a binding agent [β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) or 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD)] in the microdialysis perfusion fluid to form inclusion complexes with the drugs, which increases the analyte flux through the membrane material. The maximum effect of the RR increase for all the drugs studied was observed using a commercially available polycarbonate–polyether (PC) membrane. With a 4 mm PC membrane and 4.41 mmol l–1 (0.5% w/v) β-CD included in the microdialysis perfusion fluid (0.9% saline, pH 7.4) at a flow rate of 0.5 µl min–1, RR enhancements over controls were as follows: carbamazepine 136, imipramine 268, desipramine 298, amitriptyline 634, and promethazine 987%. Increasing β-CD [up to 17.63 mmol l–1 (2% w/v)] or HP-β-CD [up to 32.5 mmol l–1 (5% w/v)] concentration in the microdialysis perfusion fluid enhanced carbamazepine RR three (β-CD) to four (HP-β-CD) times compared to controls through PC microdialysis membranes. The PC membrane gave enhanced RR values that were twice those for cuprophan or AN-69 membranes. Enhanced RR with cyclodextrins was successfully applied to sampling from a protein solution containing desipramine in a 4% w/v bovine serum albumin solution. These results suggest that addition of cyclodextrins to microdialysis perfusion fluids may be used to increase microdialysis RRduring blood sampling.
Culturally articulated neoliberalisation: corporate social responsibility and the capture of indigenous legitimacy in New Caledonia

This paper expands our understandings of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a form of roll-out neoliberalism, building on analyses of CSR initiatives as elements of a capitalist system actively working to create its own social regularisation – to secure a socio-politico-economic context supporting capitalist development. Using an ethnographic analysis of the rise and fall of an indigenous protest group that targeted a multinational mining project in New Caledonia, this paper has two theoretical aims. First, it builds on literature that analyses neoliberalism as ‘articulating’ with particular politico-economic conditions in order to argue that such articulation is also, necessarily, cultural. I describe how the mining company undercut and ultimately co-opted local resistance, largely by successfully capturing culturally-based ideologies of customary and indigenous legitimacy. Thus, neoliberalisation's articulations may involve attempts to capture not only formal but also informal regulation or regulators, through direct personal benefits and also indirectly through the capture of culturally valued ideologies. These ideologies, in turn, are caught up in culturally grounded hegemonic processes. This leads to the paper's second theoretical aim, which is to explore what happens when different forms of hegemony, based in distinct cultural formations, encounter each other as well as counter-hegemonic forces. In engaging directly with customary authorities rather than exclusively with activists, the company re-legitimised itself by delegitimising its activist opponents, repositioning them as subordinates within their own culturally informed social hierarchy, and reinstating customary authorities’ privileged hegemonic status. Thus, multiple, culturally distinct hegemonic processes may co-exist and interact; here, they reinforced each other by suppressing counter-hegemonic activities. However, some customary authorities still sympathised with the protestors’ aims and perceived potential threats from the company's expanding economic power. I end by suggesting that counter-hegemonic possibilities reside in the perpetual dynamism of cultures.
Ophthalmologic Manifestations of X-linked Childhood Adrenoleulcodystrophy

The ophthalmologic findings in 15 patients with childhood adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) are reviewed. In this X-linked demyelinating disease with adrenal dysfunction, relentlessly progressive visual loss followed by optic atrophy occurs months to years after the diagnosis is established based on neurologic symptoms and biochemical abnormalities. Visual loss is mainly due to central nervous system (CNS) demyelination involving the visual tracts, but primary retinal ganglion cell degeneration may also be operative. All patients in this study were male. Vision ranged from 20/20 to no light perception (NLP). All but one patient with bilateral cataracts had normal anterior segment examinations. Seven patients had exotropia, and esotropia developed in one patient. Electroretinography (ERG) and electrooculography (EOG) findings were normal in two patients with severe visual loss. Macular pigmentary changes were observed in three patients. Optic pallor was noticed in seven patients. Optic nerve hypoplasia was seen in one patient. Visual-evoked responses were abnormal in two patients and borderline in one. Progressive visual field abnormalities were noticed in three patients, large field cuts in two patients, and normal fields in another two patients. The diagnosis of ALD should be considered in all boys presenting with unexplained visual loss, dementia, and adrenal dysfunction.
Hyperfine Structure, Nuclear Moments, and Isotope Shifts of 197 Tl and 198 Tl

The hyperfine structure of 197Tl has been derived from an analysis of two lines in the optical spectrum observed under high resolution. The magnetic dipole interaction constants are A(S12)=394±3mK and A(P12)=691±4mK. The dipole moment of 197Tl calculated from the ratio of hyperfine splittings is μI(197) = 1.55 ± 0.02 nm. The hyperfine structure of 198Tl was not resolved. Isotope shifts measured with respect to 205Tl were found to be Δ (197–205) = −234 ± 4 mK and Δ (198–205) = −229 ± 4 mK in the 5350-A line and Δ (197–205) = −210 ± 4 mK and Δ (198–205) = −209 ± 4 mK in the 3776-A line.
Efficient Ada multitasking on a RISC register window architecture

This work addresses the problem of reducing context switch overhead on a processor which supports a large register file - a register file much like that which is part of the Berkeley RISC processors and several other emerging architectures (which are not necessarily reduced instruction set machines in the purest sense). Such a reduction in overhead is particularly desirable in a real-time embedded application, in which task-to-task context switch overhead may result in failure to meet crucial deadlines. A storage management technique by which a context switch may be implemented as cheaply as a procedure call is presented. The essence of this technique is the avoidance of the save/restore of registers on the context switch. This is achieved through analysis of the static source text of an Ada tasking program. Information gained during that analysis directs the optimized storage management strategy for that program at run time. A formal verification of the technique in terms of an operational control model and an evaluation of the technique's performance via simulations driven by synthetic Ada program traces are presented.
Adamantane-like cluster complexes of mixed-valent copper-copper and nickel-copper thiolates.

Square-planar copper(II) and nickel(II) derivatives of the cis-dithiolate N2S2 ligand bis(N,N‘-2-mercapto-2-methylpropyl)-1,5-diazocyclooctane, (bme*daco)M, nucleate four CuICl moieties, forming MII2CuI4S4 clusters with unusual triply bridging thiolates, μ3-SR, in the topological form of adamantane. As determined by X-ray crystallography, the (bme*daco)M (M = Cu or Ni) metallothiolate serves as a bidentate ligand that bridges four CuI ions, utilizing all lone pairs on sulfurs. Further characterization by electrochemical and electronic spectral measurements suggests greater electron delocalization in the all-copper complex as compared to the NiCu heterometallic complex. Mass spectral data imply that the mixed-metal NiII2CuI4S4 is more stable toward CuCl loss than CuII2CuI4S4, a result that is corroborated by extraction of CuI by 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane in the latter but not the former.
A randomized trial of endoscopic versus open saphenous vein harvest in coronary bypass surgery.

Abstract Background . The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not endoscopic vein harvest is a reliable, beneficial, and cost-effective method for saphenous vein harvest in coronary bypass surgery (CABG). Methods . A total of 100 patients having primary CABG were prospectively randomized to either endoscopic (EVH; n=47) or open saphenous vein harvest (OVH; n=50). Three patients in the EVH group required both techniques and were excluded from analysis. Results . The groups did not differ in preoperative characteristics, including: age, gender, left ventricular function, height, weight, percent over ideal body weight, incidence of diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or preoperative laboratory values (creatinine, albumin, or hematocrit). The EVH group had longer vein harvest and preparation times than the OVH group, while the incision length was significantly shorter. There was no difference between groups in mortality, perioperative myocardial infarction, intensive care unit or postopera-tive length of stay, blood product utilization, or discharge laboratory measures. There was more drainage noted from leg incisions at hospital discharge in the OVH (34%) versus EVH group (8%; p = 0.001), but more ecchymosis in the EVH group. Although there was a trend towards reduced leg incision pain in the EVH group, there was no statistically significant difference in pain or in the quality of life measure at any point in time. There was no difference between groups in readmission to hospital, administration of antibiotics, or incidence of leg infection. While mean hospital charges for the EVH group were approximately $1,500 greater than for OVH, this difference did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions . EVH is a safe, reliable, and cost-neutral method for saphenous vein harvest. The best indication for EVH may be in patients who are at increased risk for wound infection and in those for whom cosmesis is a major concern.
Antioxidant Activity in Lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) and Its Inhibitory Effect on Activator Protein-1, Nuclear Factor-κB, and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases Activation

Lingonberry has been shown to contain high antioxidant activity. Fruits from different cultivars of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) were evaluated for fruit quality, antioxidant activity, and anthocyanin and phenolic contents. The fruit soluble solids, titratable acids, antioxidant capacity, and anthocyanin and phenolic contents varied with cultivars. Lingonberries contain potent free radical scavenging activities for DPPH•, ROO•, •OH, and O2•- radicals. Pretreatment of JB6 P+ mouse epidermal cells with lingonberry extracts produced a dose-dependent inhibition on the activation of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) induced by either 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) or ultraviolet-B (UVB). Lingonberry extract blocked UVB-induced phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling members ERK1, ERK2, p38, and MEK1/2 but not JNK. Lingonberry extract also prevented TPA-induced phosphorylation of ERK1, ERK2, and MEK1/2. Results of soft agar assays ind...
Conformational isomers of a class II MHC-peptide complex in solution

A number of kinetic measurements of peptide dissociation from class II MHC-peptide complexes provide compelling evidence for the existence of conformational isomers in solution. There is evidence that T-lymphocytes can distinguish such isomers. However, virtually nothing is known about the structure of these isomers. Accordingly, we have investigated a water-soluble version of the murine class II MHC molecule I-Ek complexed with an antigenic peptide derived from pigeon cytochrome c residues 89-104 (PCC) by 19F-NMR. Two fluorine labels were placed on the PCC peptide; one fluorine label was placed at a MHC contact site, the other at a position involved in T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition. Introduction of these labels did not alter the observed kinetics of the PCC/I-Ek complex. The NMR data show two conformational isomers of this immunogenic complex. The presence of conformational isomers at a TCR contact site suggests that these structures may be recognized differently by the TCR. The agreement between the dissociation kinetics and the 19F-NMR data demonstrate that kinetic heterogeneity is correlated with structural counterparts observed by NMR. Dissociations in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide were used to show that the rate of interconversion of these conformational isomers at pH 7.0 is low, with a lifetime on the order of hours or more. Modification of a peptide residue of PCC occupying the minor MHC binding pocket P6 alters the 19F-NMR spectra of both labels. This demonstrates that distant changes of amino acid residues can influence the conformation of the whole antigenic peptide inside the MHC binding cleft.
Dielectric Susceptibility of an Anharmonic Crystal

The dielectric susceptibility of a noncentrosymmetric anharmonic crystal is computed by finding and solving the equations of motion for the appropriate Green's functions. The effect of a static field is also investigated. The main absorption line has an additional shift and broadening when the crystal is in a static electric field. In the absence of a static electric field, the higher order electric dipole moments contribute only to the sideband structure of the absorption spectrum, while in a static electric field both the higher order electric dipole moments and the anharmonic terms contribute to the main absorption peak as well as to the sidebands.
Radiated fields of microstrip patches at arbitrary angular positions

This article investigates the radiation characteristics of microstrip patch antennas located at arbitrary angular positions. The aperture method was employed to determine the radiated far field of the patch. A circular arrangement of the patch antennas was studied. The effect of the array configuration on the radiation characteristics are presented and analyzed.
Improved photographic production of Pt nano-particles for fuel cell electrodes

Abstract An improved photographic Pt printing process has been developed, which is called the print-out process (POP). No developer is required in this process and the deposition efficiency was significantly improved by more than 6 times on carbon paper (CP) and 22 times on carbon-black-coated carbon paper (CB/CP) over the previously reported develop-out process (DOP) [1] . The Pt particle size can be easily controlled by varying the moisture content in the substrate and was reduced to 5 nm on blank CP by adding a stabilizing agent, ethylene glycol (EG), to the photo-emulsion. Due to the hydrophobic nature of CB/CP, both Nafion ionomer solution and ethylene glycol (EG) were mixed with the emulsion during the printing. SEM revealed that on this substrate Pt was distributed as ∼25 nm clusters consisting of 5 nm particles on the carbon-black. The mass specific catalytic activity for methanol oxidation of Pt printed on CB/CP by POP was increased five times compared to that of Pt printed by the previous DOP. The performance of the POP Pt in a H2 PEM single fuel cell (5 cm2) was also evaluated. A peak power density of 288 mW cm−2 was achieved with an anode POP Pt catalyst loading of 0.16 mg cm−2 at 70 °C and 0.9 mg cm−2 JM Pt at the cathode. Compared to the DOP Pt catalyst at about the same loading, peak power density was improved more than four times by using the POP Pt.
James Bond, Peter Pan, and A Sticky Night of Love: Irony and Masculinities in Amateur Animated Videos

This paper analyzes a genre of videos created and distributed online mostly by young men. These videos use a variety of playful and decontextualized images to present messages about masculinities. ...
Comment on "Nuclear ( π , p ) Reaction Is Consistent with a 2 N Absorption Process"

Cross sections and angular distributions data are discussed for /sup 12/C(..pi../sup +/,2p) in order to determine the pion absorption mechanism.(AIP) ;e
Electrophoretic Deposition of Sol-Gel-Derived Ceramic Coatings

The physical, optical, and chemical characteristics of electrophoretically- and dip-coated sol-gel ceramic films are compared. The results indicate that electrophoresis may allow a higher level of control over the chemistry and structure of ceramic coatings than dip-coating techniques. For example, controlled-thickness sol-gel coatings can be prepared by adjusting the deposition time or voltage. Additionally, electrophoretic coatings prepared in a four-component alumino-borosilicate sol display interesting optical characteristics. For example, the ellipsometrically-measured refractive indices of electrophoretic coatings are higher than the refractive indices of dip-coated films cast from identical sols, and they are also higher than any of the individual sol components. This result suggests that there are physical and/or chemical differences between films prepared by dip-coating and electrophoresis.
Applying for the predoctoral internship: Training program strategies to help students prepare.

The predoctoral internship signifies the culmination of applied training in professional psychology. With the increasing supply and demand gap, securing an internship has become competitive and has resulted in many students employing a wide variety of steps in an attempt to ensure a successful internship application. However, little is known about how academic training programs assist students in applying for an internship. The purpose of this study was to describe what activities training programs engage in to prepare their students for the internship application process, and to better understand students’ perception of their preparedness to apply as well as to understand their experience applying. The results suggested that training programs prepared students well for general aspects of the process but did not adequately prepare them for the more specific tasks related to the application process. Results also suggested that while the students didn’t find the application process confusing or difficult they found it stressful and anxiety provoking. Suggestions for programs to inform and assist their students in preparing for applying are presented as well as recommendations for future
Russian Nursing Education Reform Project: New Nurses for a New Russia

PURPOSE To describe a 2-year nursing exchange project, 1992-1994, designed to assess Russian nursing education and to make recommendations for change. RESULTS Nursing education in Russia is at a level similar to vocational schools in the United States and is closely linked to medicine. Russian nurse educators were assisted in developing a philosophy of nursing, developing definitions for nursing, and incorporating process into practice. CONCLUSIONS The Russian government and Russian nurse educators are committed to improving the quality of health care and nursing. This exchange project provided an impetus for the movement of Russian nursing education toward a process-based baccalaureate model.