cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of short-term high-caloric feeding and fasting on bone microarchitecture.

Abstract Background States of chronic overnutrition and undernutrition are both associated with impaired bone health and increased fracture risk but there are no data on bone microarchitecture following short-term controlled nutritional challenges. Objective The purpose of our study was to evaluate the impact of short-term high-caloric feeding and fasting on bone microarchitecture. We hypothesized that both high-caloric feeding and fasting would have negative effects on microarchitecture. Materials and methods We recruited 23 adult healthy subjects (13 males, 10 females, mean age 33.2 ± 1.4 years, mean BMI 26.0 ± 1.5 kg/m2). Subjects underwent an in-patient 10-day high-caloric visit (caloric intake with goal to achieve 7% weight gain), after which they went home to resume a normal diet for 13–18 days (stabilization period), and were then readmitted for a 10-day in-patient fasting stay (no caloric intake). All subjects underwent HRpQCT (XtremeCT, Scanco Medical AG, Bruttisellen, Switzerland) of the distal tibia and distal radius after each visit to assess volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), trabecular and cortical microarchitecture, and strength estimates. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to perform within group comparisons. Results During the high-caloric period, there was a mean increase in weight by 6.3 + 1.7% (p 0.05). During the stabilization period there was a significant reduction in weight by −2.7 + 1.9% (p 0.05). During the fasting period there was a further reduction in weight by −8.8 + 1.2% (p Conclusion Short-term fasting after high-caloric feeding improves vBMD, bone microarchitecture and strength estimates of the distal tibia, while short-term high-caloric feeding does not change vBMD or microarchitecture. These results suggest that short-term fasting after high-caloric feeding in healthy individuals improves bone health and that these changes can be detected using HRpQCT in-vivo.
Examining the Effects of Electoral Systems on Minority Representation in U.S. City Councils Using a Large Sample

In recent decades, reform movements have lobbied to remove at-large elections from local governing bodies and replace them with elections by district—in which a city’s electorate is divided into geographic regions that each elect their own council member. Prior social science research has somewhat concluded that in most cases, district elections more reliably elect non- white city councilors than at-large elections. However, these studies are limited by their use of small samples of municipalities, usually only the largest ones (pop. > 25,000) or those from a single state. I hope to overcome this limitation by employing a massive sample of more than 15,000 municipal governments across 49 states. My findings are consistent with and build upon previous research in that I conclude that as the proportion of non-white residents within a city’s population increases, district elections are predicted to elect higher proportions of non-white council members than wholly at-large elections.
Finite difference treatment of strong shock over a sharp leading edge with navier-stokes equations

Abstract : The report develops finite difference techniques for computing with reasonable accuracy the static pressure field downstream of a strong shock wave, based on Navier-Stokes equations. The leading edge shock over a sharp flat plate in a Mach 20 uniform stream is treated as a specific example. Various analytic models have been studied for suggesting the proper approaches to various aspects of computational difficulties, the most important of which are the oscillatory extraneous component in the computed results.
Understanding the Dynamics of State-Respiratory Interaction During Sleep

Over past decade, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of pulmonary clinics dedicated to diagnosing and treating primary sleep disorders. An important contributing factor to this phenomenal expansion of the field of sleep medicine is the recognition of the need to better understand the effects of sleep on respiratory control, since it is during sleep that potentially harmful apneas or hypopneas occur in apparently normal individuals. Previous studies have shown that sleep onset leads to a reduction in metabolic rate and the baseline level of ventilation, and an elevation of circulatory delay and average Paco2 [1],[2]. These changes work together with the accompanying depression of upper airway muscle tone and chemoresponsiveness to alter the operating set-point of the respiratory control system. In the light stages of sleep, the decrease in damping may be large enough to offset the reduction in controller gain leading to a system that is more susceptible to oscillation[3],[4],[5]. Under conditions of high loop gain, spontaneous oscillations in ventilation can develop as a result of feedback instability [6]. Alternatively, because of decreased damping, continual random excitation from a variety of sources, including influences from other physiological control systems, can also produce significant periodic and nonperiodic variability in breathing 7. A number of studies have reported a close association between ventilatory oscillations and fluctuations in sleep states[8],[9],[10]. These observations suggest a third possibility: that respiratory variability during sleep may be due to primary fluctuations in state[11]. It is likely, however, that more than one of the above three mechanisms are at play in any given instance of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Moreover, it is probably reasonable to expect that there will be considerable interplay among the multiple factors and that these relationships will likely be complex and dynamic. Physical intuition and conventional physiological methodology are not the best tools for unraveling the mechanisms underlying such complex interactions. Under these circumstances, the rigorous framework provided by a quantitative dynamic model becomes not only useful but, as one could argue, necessary. The theoretical study of Khoo et al.[12] represented a starting point for this kind of model-based approach. However, a number of assumptions were made that did not have firm empirical bases. In this chapter, we consider potential extensions of the model, incorporating data that have been obtained in recent experimental studies. While the specific goal of this study is to enhance our current understanding of the control of breathing during sleep, an equally important objective is to highlight the utility of modeling as a means for hypothesis testing as well as a tool for extracting relevant information from highly variable and dynamic data.
Relationship of herpes simplex genital infection and carcinoma of the cervix: population studies.

Abstract Population studies of upper middle-class women revealed an extremely low incidence of genital herpesvirus. On the other hand, patients with diagnosed genital herpes infection shed virus during and in the absence of vulvar lesions indicating a chronic infection.
Connexin 43 mediates LPS-induced permeability in lung microvascular endothelial cells (LB785)

Increased microvessel permeability is a major characteristic of lung inflammation. We showed inhibiting connexin 43 (Cx43)-containing gap junctions blunts permeability increases in microvessels due to an inflammatory insult. However, it is unclear whether Cx43 levels directly influence the lung endothelial barrier. Toward this, we cultured rat lung microvascular endothelial cells (RLMVEC) on transwell inserts and determined permeability via flux of FITC dextran 40 kd (FDx40) across the endothelial monolayer. In vehicle-treated monolayers, FDx40 fluorescence in the bottom chamber was 92±2 gray levels (mean±SEM; n=3; measurements in duplicate). Treating RLMVEC with LPS (100 ng/ml) for 4 hours increased FDx40 permeability to 99±3 gray levels. To determine responses to reductions in Cx43 levels, we treated RLMVEC monolayers with Cx43 shRNA lentiviral vector for 24 hours. FDx40 permeability in Cx43 shRNA-treated monolayers was 13% lower than control shRNA-treated cells. Further, LPS-treatment of Cx43 shRNA-tre...
Electrical activity of the human uterus in labor; the electrohysterograph.

Abstract 1. 1. Methods of recording the electrical potentials produced by the human uterus in labor are described. 2. 2. The characteristics of this electrical activity are illustrated. 3. 3. The uterus is proved to be the site of origin of this electrical activity. 4. 4. Patterns of false labor, early labor, advanced labor, and uterine inertia are described. 5. 5. The relation of electrical activity to uterine action is duscussed. 6. 6. The possibility of differentiating normal from abnormal labor by this means is proposed.
Alkaptonuria and Gilbert's syndrome: Report of two affected siblings and hepatic ultrastructure in one sibling*

Siblings affected with two hereditable liver enzyme deficiency disorders, alkaptonuria and idiopathic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (Gilbert's syndrome), are described. A biopsy specimen of liver from one sibling showed no enzyme activity of homogentisic acid oxidase or bilirubin glucuronyl transferase. Electron micrographs of the liver demonstrated a marked increase in the profiles of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, frequent dilation of the Golgi apparatus and a peculiar formation of collagen bundles within the space of Disse. The previously reported disruption of the hepatocytic microvilli in Gilbert's syndrome was not found in this patient. Study of the pedigree suggested autosomal dominant inheritance of the Gilbert's syndrome in these siblings.
Improving Architecture-Based Self-Adaptation through Resource Prediction

An increasingly important concern for modern systems design is how best to incorporate self-adaptation into systems so as to improve their ability to dynamically respond to faults, resource variation, and changing user needs. One promising approach is to use architectural models as a basis for monitoring, problem detection, and repair selection. While this approach has been shown to yield positive results, current systems use a reactive approach: they respond to problems only when they occur. In this paper we argue that self-adaptation can be improved by adopting an anticipatory approach in which predictions are used to inform adaptation strategies. We show how such an approach can be incorporated into an architecture-based adaptation framework and demonstrate the benefits of the approach.
Lactoferrin-mediated modulation of mononuclear cell activities. I. Suppression of the murine in vitro primary antibody responses.

Abstract The effect of the iron-binding glycoprotein lactoferrin (LF) on the in vitro primary antibody response of mouse splenic cells to a T-lymphocyte-dependent antigen, sheep erythrocytes (SE), and a T-lymphocyte-independent antigen, trinitrophenolated Brucella abortus , was examined. Both iron-saturated and native LF (8% saturated) at 10 −10 to 10 −6 M concentrations but not transferrin (an iron-binding glycoprotein similar to LF) significantly ( P
Coherent Wave Induced Particle Precipitation into the Upper Atmosphere

Particle precipitation induced by coherent VLF waves in the magnetosphere is simulated with a computer. It is found that energy fluxes of the order of 0.5 ergs/cm2-sec are precipitated by 10 mγ waves. It is also shown that significant density enhancements will be produced in the D and E regions by these incoming fluxes.
Deductions on a Higher Plane: Medical Marijuana Business Expenses

A discussion of the income tax deductibility of business expenses in the marijuana industry. Emphasis is placed upon those states in which medical marijuana, and now recreational marijuana, is legal under state law, even though it is still illegal under federal law. Current litigation, including the appeal of Olive v. Commissioner to the Ninth Circuit, is addressed.Internal Revenue Code Section 280E, which denies business deductions other than costs of goods sold for those who traffic in controlled substances, should be repealed. Moreover, marijuana, in light of its documented medical use, should be removed from the schedule of controlled substances. Finally, until these steps are taken, the IRS and the Department of Justice should leave the medical and recreational marijuana industry alone.
Synchronous Opening and Closing Motions are Essential for cAMP-Dependent Protein Kinase A Signaling

Conformational fluctuations play a central role in enzymatic catalysis. However, it is not clear how the rates and the coordination of the motions affect the different catalytic steps. Here, we used NMR spectroscopy to analyze the conformational fluctuations of the catalytic subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA-C), a ubiquitous enzyme involved in a myriad of cell signaling events. We found that the wild-type enzyme undergoes synchronous motions involving several structural elements located in the small lobe of the kinase, which is responsible for nucleotide binding and release. In contrast, a mutation (Y204A) located far from the active site desynchronizes the opening and closing of the active cleft without changing the enzyme's structure, rendering it catalytically inefficient. Since the opening and closing motions govern the rate-determining product release, we conclude that optimal and coherent conformational fluctuations are necessary for efficient turnover of protein kinases.
Naso-orbital Fractures, Complications, and Treatment

Abstract Naso-orbital fractures designate a backward displacement of the bones of the nasoskeletal framework into the interorbital space. This anatomical disruption results in deformities, lacrimal dysfunction, medial canthal deformities, ptosis, blow-out fractures, ocular complications, and most severely, penetration of bony fragments into the anterior cranial fossa. Early and late treatment methods are considered. Restoration of the bony contour of the nose and medial canthoplasty procedures are discussed.
Molecular dynamics ensemble, equation of state, and ergodicity.

The variant of the $\mathrm{NVE}$ ensemble known as the molecular dynamics ensemble was recently redefined by Ray and Zhang [Phys. Rev. E 59, 4781 (1999)] to include the specification of a time invariant $\mathit{G}$ (a function of phase and, explicitly, the time) in addition to the total linear momentum $\mathit{M}.$ We reformulate this ensemble slightly as the $\mathrm{NVEMR}$ ensemble, in which $\mathit{R}/N$ is the center-of-mass position, and consider the equation of state of the hard-sphere system in this ensemble through both the virial function and the Boltzmann entropy. We test the quasiergodic hypothesis by a comparison of old molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo results for the compressibility factor of the 12-particle, hard-disk systems. The virial approach, which had previously been found to support the hypothesis in the $\mathrm{NVEM}$ ensemble, remains unchanged in the $\mathrm{NVEMR}$ ensemble. The entropy S approach depends on whether S is defined through the phase integral over the energy sphere or the energy shell, the parameter $\ensuremath{\theta}$ being 0 or 1, respectively. The ergodic hypothesis is found to be supported for $\ensuremath{\theta}=0$ but not for $\ensuremath{\theta}=1.$
Perspective: implementation of nursing language in long-term care and nursing education.

PURPOSE. This article describes one nurse's experiences of returning to school after a 10-year absence, her introduction to nursing theory and terminology, and her subsequent implementation of nursing language in a long-term care setting and later experiences in teaching nursing language to students. DATA SOURCES. A 21-year career as a long-term care nurse coincided with the evolution of the new organization North American Nursing Diagnosis Association International, and she found herself in a position to implement nursing diagnosis in the long-term care setting. Practice experiences and pertinent nursing references and resources were used in clinical implementation and in teaching nursing students. DATA SYNTHESIS. The author reviewed the implementation and teaching of nursing language from a personal historical perspective. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE. The author's experiences and perspectives on implementation of nursing language in clinical practice and in teaching provide information and a perspective for nurses and students involved in these processes.
Nitrites XX. Pharmacologic studies with 1-ethylglyceryl trinitrate.

SummaryIt has been shown that 1-ethyl-glyceryl trinitrate qualitatively and quantitatively evokes the same character of coronary dilatation as does glyceryl trinitrate. Evidence has been produced to show that EGT elicits its dilating response by the activity of the intact ester. Upon alkaline hydrolysis with concomitant formation of nitrite ion its vasodepressor action is nullified.
Split-thickness skin grafting the high-risk diabetic foot.

Objective The application of split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) to chronic extremity wounds has often been considered undesirable because of the perceived high incidence of failure, especially in neuropathic patients with plantar diabetic foot wounds. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of STSG placement in patients with chronic lower extremity wounds. Methods We abstracted data from consecutive patients at our institution from January 2007 through April 2013 who underwent STSG placement by vascular and podiatric surgeons for chronic wounds of the lower limb and foot. Patients were monitored for at least 24 weeks, unless the wounds healed sooner. Results There were 94 patients (72% male) in the study group, with a mean age of 61.0 ± 12.8 years. Of these, 66 patients had diabetes, including 13 who were dialysis-dependent; the remaining 28 had other chronic nondiabetic wounds. The average duration of follow-up was 12.0 ± 12.9 months. After STSG placement, 65 (69.1%) experienced complete graft incorporation and healing, and 18 (19.1%) required revision, five (5.3%) of whom ultimately required major limb amputation. There were no differences in healing when wounds in patients with and without diabetes or plantar vs nonplantar wound locations were compared (P > .05). Similar results were observed after adjusting the results for initial wound size. Although dialysis patients had a threefold higher rate of STSG revision (46.2% vs 14.8%; P = .01), the cumulative rate of wound healing as a function of time was independent of end-stage renal disease (P = .83). Conclusions The results of this study suggest that STSG may be an effective method for promotion of wound healing in the management of chronic lower extremity wounds irrespective of wound location and presence of diabetes.
Effect of virus-modified tumor cell extracts, autologous mononuclear cell infusions and interleukin-2 on oncolytic activity of effector cells of patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

We studied the biological responses of six ovarian cancer patients after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of virus-modified tumor cell extracts (VMTE) and autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells, collected by leukapheresis after two injections of VMTE. VMTE was prepared from allogeneic ovarian cell lines, OV2774 and CaOV3, modified by influenza virus, A/PR8/34. A dose of 9 mg VMTE was given i.p. in total of 2-4 injections, and (1-9) x 10(8) autologous mononuclear cells were infused i.p., 24 h after the second VMTE injection, and 24 h and 72 h after the third VMTE injection. Both peripheral blood (PB) and peritoneal cavity (PC) effector cell cytotoxicity was significantly enhanced against the K562 cell line in the majority of patients, 24-48 h after the second and third VMTE injections. This was accompanied by a dramatic influx of neutrophils into PC (57-550-fold), increase in absolute numbers of lymphocytes, (including large granular lymphocytes) and monocytes, and resulted also in a significant decrease in the number of ascitic tumor cells (98% reduction). The infusion of autologous mononuclear cells did not appear to influence either cytotoxicity or cell infiltration of the peritoneal cavity. We also investigated the in vitro effect of recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) on effector cells from PB and PC from patients before and after VMTE treatment. Cytotoxicity of both of these compartments was significantly potentiated after culture with IL-2. In three out of five VMTE-treated patients, PC cytotoxicity was significantly higher after activation with IL-2 than that of patients before VMTE treatment. These data suggest that VMTE induces regional cellular immunity, which could be further potentiated by culture of PC effector cells with IL-2. Thus, combination of VMTE and IL-2 after regional administration could represent the effective therapy for patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
Better Reception in Europe

Reviewing the films Agora and Oceans, Firestein wonders why they seem to have had hard passages from Europe to the United States.
Ex vivo assessment of contractility, fatigability and alternans in isolated skeletal muscles

Described here is a method to measure contractility of isolated skeletal muscles. Parameters such as muscle force, muscle power, contractile kinetics, fatigability, and recovery after fatigue can be obtained to assess specific aspects of the excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) process such as excitability, contractile machinery and Ca2+ handling ability. This method removes the nerve and blood supply and focuses on the isolated skeletal muscle itself. We routinely use this method to identify genetic components that alter the contractile property of skeletal muscle though modulating Ca2+ signaling pathways. Here, we describe a newly identified skeletal muscle phenotype, i.e., mechanic alternans, as an example of the various and rich information that can be obtained using the in vitro muscle contractility assay. Combination of this assay with single cell assays, genetic approaches and biochemistry assays can provide important insights into the mechanisms of ECC in skeletal muscle.
Sufficient condition for perfect antireflection by optical resonance at dielectric interface

Reflection occurs at an air-material interface. The development of antireflection schemes, which aims to cancel such reflection, is important for a wide variety of applications including solar cells and photodetectors. Recently, it has been demonstrated that a periodic array of resonant subwavelength objects placed at an air-material interface can significantly reduce reflection that otherwise would have occurred at such an interface. Here, we introduce the theoretical condition for complete reflection cancellation in this resonant antireflection scheme. Using both general theoretical arguments and analytical temporal coupled-mode theory formalisms, we show that in order to achieve perfect resonant antireflection, the periodicity of the array needs to be smaller than the free-space wavelength of the incident light for normal incidence, and also the resonances in the subwavelength objects need to radiate into air and the dielectric material in a balanced fashion. Our theory is validated using first-principles full-field electromagnetic simulations of structures operating in the infrared wavelength ranges. For solar cell or photodetector applications, resonant antireflection has the potential of providing a low-cost technique for antireflection that does not require nanofabrication into the absorber materials, which may introduce detrimental effects such as additional surface recombination. Our work here provides theoretical guidance for the practical design of such resonant antireflection schemes.
Functional analysis of Ras in Colletotrichum trifolii.

Ras is a small monomeric GTP binding protein that transduces signals for growth and differentiation of eukaryotic organisms. Previously, a unique ras gene, designated Ct-ras, was cloned from the alfalfa fungal phytopathogen, Colletotrichum trifolii. Expression of Ct-Ras in mouse fibroblast cells (NIH3T3) demonstrated that Ct-ras is functionally similar to the mammalian ras genes since activating mutations of Ct-ras caused oncogenic phenotypes in nu/nu mice, including tumors. In C. trifolii, activated ‘oncogenic’ Ras (Val2) induced abnormal hyphal proliferation, defects in polarized growth and significantly reduced differentiation such as conidiation and appressorium formation in a nutrient dependent manner. Gene disruption of ct-ras was lethal. To further evaluate the function of Ct-Ras in C. trifolii, three different approaches were used: overexpression of cytosolic Ras by CAAX box deletion; expression of dominant negative Ct-RasT22N; and antisense ct-ras expression. Results showed that suppression of Ct-Ras activity significantly decreases fungal germination frequencies and hyphal growth rates. Taken together, these data suggest involvement of Ct-Ras in regulation of fungal cell growth and differentiation.
Endoscopy training in a general surgery program. Results of a survey

• To assess the role of adequate fiberoptic endoscopy training in a general surgery program, a survey was conducted of all graduates of one such program in which supervised endoscopy training was provided for each senior resident. Seventy-two percent of the general surgeons polled performed fiberoptic studies in their practice, including 53% who used upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and 44% who used colonoscopy. The development of competence depended largely on an adequate case load and the availability of supervision. Overall, training in endoscopy was considered essential by 70% of the trainees regardless of their eventual practice. Those not using endoscopy were generally located in metropolitan areas where consulting gastroenterologists were readily available. We conclude that the continued provision of training in fiberoptic endoscopy is justified by its frequent use in clinical practice and by the perception of graduates that it is a necessary component of surgical education. (Arch Surg1984;119:384-386)
Thermal comfort enhancement by using a ceiling fan

A parametric analysis on the effect of using a ceiling fan in an air-conditioned room is performed by two-dimensional (2D) numerical simulation of steady state airflow and heat transfer. Thermal comfort analysis is done for a person standing in a room with an inlet and an outlet for air conditioning and a ceiling fan. Representative three-dimensional (3D) simulation is also performed for the comparison of results obtained by using 2D and 3D models. Distributions of velocity, temperature, and relative humidity are presented. Different cases in which the ceilings fan may be not in use or in use with different air speed normal to the plane of fan blades due to different rotational speeds are considered. Predicted mean vote is computed and used to assess the thermal comfort characteristics. It is found that as the normal air speed from the fan increases, thermal comfort significantly shifts toward the cooler scale to allow higher supply air temperature or higher heat load in the room while maintaining the same comfort level.
Titan aerocapture mission and spacecraft design overview

A detailed Neptune aerocapture systems analysis and spacecraft design study was performed as part of NASA's In-Space Propulsion Program. The primary objectives were to assess the feasibility of a spacecraft point design for a Neptune/Triton science mission. That uses aerocapture as the Neptune orbit insertion mechanism. This paper provides an overview of the science, mission and spacecraft design resulting from that study.
New State Records of Bark and Ambrosia Beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), with Notes on Identification of Hylastes exilis Chapuis and Hylastes tenuis Eichhoff

Forty-five new state records for 41 species of bark and ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are given from the following USA states: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah. The identification of Hylastes exilis Chapuis and Hylastes tenuis Eichhoff is discussed, and differences between the species are noted and illustrated.
Who will develop pemphigus foliaceus

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF), an autoimmune blistering disorder, is characterized by the development of superficial cutaneous blisters in a seborrheic distribution, without mucosal involvement. Autoantibodies target the desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) antigen expressed on the surface of keratinocytes located in the superficial levels of the epidermis (Mahoney et al., 1999), and both sporadic PF and endemic PF can occur. Endemic PF, referred to as fogo selvagem (FS), is endemic to specific areas of the world, most notably Brazil, although it has also been described in Tunisia and Colombia (Abreu-Velez et al., 2003). Both genetic and environmental factors appear to play a role in the development of FS. Certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types appear to be at greatest risk: the HLA-DRB1*0102, HLA-DRB1*0404, and HLA-DRB1*1402 alleles (P < 0.005, relative risk, 14; Moraes et al., 1997). It has been hypothesized that the disease may be triggered by a local environmental agent(s) such as Simulium (a hematophagous insect), causing a cross-reactive anti-Dsg1 antibody response that leads to FS (Diaz et al., 2004). Endemic PF is of special interest, beyond its clinical impact on those affected, because it can serve as a model for organ-specific immune disease with both genetic and environmental components. FS appears to be caused by isotyperestricted, pathogenic anti-Dsg1 autoantibodies that are predominantly IgG4 (Warren et al., 2003) and that increase in concentration in serum upon progression from preclinical to clinical disease. Development of a predictive test for PF would benefit those at high risk, and it could also serve as an investigative tool. In an effort to develop such a test, Qaqish et al. (2009, this issue) used Dsg1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in a study of 214 patients with FS and 261 healthy controls, randomly divided into training (50%), validation (25%), and test (25%) sets. IgG4 was found to be the best predictor of FS, with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 97%. The positive predictive value of this test in the endemic region of Brazil (which has an FS prevalence of 3%) was 49%. This was then validated by testing 11 patients with FS before and after clinical disease onset, as well as 60 Japanese patients with PF. Through the following questions, we examine this paper in greater detail. For brief answers, please refer to http://
Plastibell template circumcision: a new technique

A novel circumcision technique using the Plastibell as a template is described. This technique is fast and ensures excellent cosmesis compared with the standard sleeve circumcision. It is easy to perform and allows the urologist to achieve consistently excellent cosmetic results. We describe the technique in detail.
The conformations of cyclic (1 → 2)-β-d-glucans: Application of multidimensional clustering analysis to conformational data sets obtained by Metropolis Monte Carlo calculations

Abstract Sets containing up to 1.3 × 106 energetically accessible conformations of linear (1 → 2)-β- d -glucan oligosaccharides were obtained by Metropolis Monte Carlo (MMC) calculations performed with the GEGOP (GEometry of GlycOProteins) program. Quantitative analyses of the data sets (which were expressed in terms of the glycosidic dihedral angle coordinates) were obtained by two different clustering methods: (i) the three-distance hierarchical clustering method (3-DM), published by Jure Zupan, and ii a nonhierarchical clustering method (Population-Density Projection, PDP) which, through a segmentation analysis of two-dimensional projections of the population-density surface, establishes a partitioning of conformational space into a set of “qcluster regions”q, followed by a clustering step where each conformation of the data set is assigned to one of these regions. Computer programs (MCLUST and PDPCLUST) were developed to perform the 3-DM and PDP analyses, respectively. The two types of analysis provided very similar sets of conformational families (clusters), which could be expressed as combinations of distinct conformations of the glycosidic torsional angles (Φ, Ψ) centered at (50°, 10°) for conformation. A, (40°, 160°) for conformation B, (55 °, −160°) for conformation B′, and (170°, 10°) for conformation C. The analysis provided the populations of the families, along with relative rates of transitions between families. Examination of the frequencies of the A, B, and C glycosidic bond conformations with respect to their relative positions in the sequence revealed the tendency of the (1 → 2)-β- d -glucan to adopt conformational repeating structures of the general form [An B], where n = 3 or 6. These repeating structures combine in an energetically cooperative fashion to give low-energy cyclic conformations having, for example C5 symmetry [AAAB]5 for the eicosamer, and C3 symmetry [AAAAAAB]3 for the heneicosamer.
MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF THE TRIBOLIUM ABDOMINAL : A ORTHOLOG AND IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PRODUCTS OF THE DROSOPHILA GENE

The Drosophila homeotic selector gene abdominal-A is important for determinative decisions in the anterior abdomen. Insects vary considerably with respect to abdominal morphology, and changes in the function of homeotic selector genes and/or downstream genes under their control presumably have been important to the evolution of these differences. Mutations in Abdominal, the Tribolium ortholog of abdominal-A, have been described, and have more posterior homeotic transformations than do Drosophila variants. Here we present the organization of the Abdominal gene and the sequences of its predicted proteins, the first such report for a non-Drosophilid insect. Two predicted proteins share N-terminal sequences with those proposed to be synthesized by the Drosophila ortholog. In addition, we describe the distribution of Abdominal transcripts during embryogenesis. The Tribolium expression pattern closely resembles that of Drosophila, and does not account for the differences in mutant phenotypes.
Effect of grinding of low-carbon rice husk ash on the microstructure and performance properties of blended cement concrete

Abstract The effectiveness of unground low-carbon rice husk ash (URHA) as a pozzolan and the effect of grinding the URHA to finer fractions for use in portland cement system were investigated. The properties investigated include the setting time and calcium hydroxide depletion of rice husk ash (RHA) pastes; microstructure and flow behavior of RHA mortars; strength and durability of RHA concretes. Results from this investigation suggested that the URHA and ground RHA (GRHA) mixtures performed better than the control mixtures in all tests conducted except water demand and setting time. The URHA mixture revealed denser microstructure compared to the control mixture. The internal porosity created by the coarse RHA grains in the matrix and their inability to completely participate in pozzolanic reaction may be the reasons for the poorer performance of the URHA mixture than compared to the GRHA mixture. The effect of grinding the RHA to finer fractions either substantially or slightly improved all properties except final setting time. With the performance of the GRHA concrete somewhat similar to that of the SF concrete, the use of ground RHA can be concluded to provide acceptable performance in portland cement systems.
Recovery strategies for microburst encounters using reactive and forward-look wind shear detection

The threat of convective microburst wind shear phenomena to aircraft is studied. An attempt was made to quantify the benefits of forward-look sensing and to develop and test a candidate set of strategies for recovery from inadvertent microburst encounters during the landing approach. A batch simulation of various wind shear encounters was carried out; the simulation consisted of a point-mass aircraft model, an analytical microburst, and a simple wind shear detection scheme. It was found that forward-look alerts given 10 sec prior to microburst entry permitted recoveries to be made with little altitude loss.
First psychiatric hospitalizations in the US military: the National Collaborative Study of Early Psychosis and Suicide (NCSEPS).

Background. Military samples provide an excellent context to systematically ascertain hospitalization for severe psychiatric disorders. The National Collaborative Study of Early Psychosis and Suicide (NCSEPS), a collaborative study of psychiatric disorders in the US Armed Forces, estimated rates of first hospitalization in the military for three psychiatric disorders: bipolar disorder (BD), major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia.Method. First hospitalizations for BD, MDD and schizophrenia were ascertained from military records for active duty personnel between 1992 and 1996. Rates were estimated as dynamic incidence (using all military personnel on active duty at the midpoint of each year as the denominator) and cohort incidence (using all military personnel aged 18-25 entering active duty between 1992 and 1996 to estimate person-years at risk).Results. For all three disorders, 8723 hospitalizations were observed in 8120136 person-years for a rate of 10.7/10000 [95% confidence interval (CI) 10.5-11.0]. The rate for BD was 2.0 (95% CI 1.9-2.1), for MDD, 7.2 (95% CI 7.0-7.3), and for schizophrenia, 1.6 (95% CI 1.5-1.7). Rates for BD and MDD were greater in females than in males [for BD, rate ratio (RR) 2.0, 95% CI 1.7-2.2; for MDD, RR 2.9, 95% CI 2.7-3.1], but no sex difference was found for schizophrenia. Blacks had lower rates than whites of BD (RR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7-0.9) and MDD (RR 0.8, 95% CI 0.8-0.9), but a higher rate of schizophrenia (RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3-1.7).Conclusions. This study underscores the human and financial burden that psychiatric disorders place on the US Armed Forces. Language: en
PASSIVE TUNEABLE FIBERS AND MATRICES

Active smart electrorheological fluids in building materials are expensive, need to be widely dispersed, and require large amounts of electricity. These practical considerations led to the consideration of ways of having similar effects in a matrix but using different materials. Tuneable fibers is an inexpensive dispersed passive system, requiring no electricity. The modulus of elasticity of a solid-filled fiber is very different from a liquid- or gas-filled fiber or a hollow fiber. The ability to empty and fill fibers with a material which could change phase in the fiber or in the matrix in response to some stimulus or signal from the environment is promising. In the laboratory we have used filled fibers which empty their contents into the matrix in response to a change in the environment. In this case, in which it is a substitute for ER fluid, a blast, vibration, or shaking motion could release a catalyst, monomer, or adhesive from flexed or uncoated fibers. These could cross-link with a resin or polymerize in the matrix. Passive tuneable fibers could also be used for nonbuilding applications such as radar evasion. The changing modulus profile would be, thus, an advantageous performance parameter.
A Digital Fuel Control System for Marine Propulsion Applications

Woodward Governor Company was presented with the challenge of producing a digital gas turbine fuel control for marine applications. The initial application required a fuel control system that would operate in a high shock/vibration and high EMI level environment. The unusual EMI requirements (for an engine room environment) arose from the control being installed in a non-metal hull craft with high intensity radar and communications transmitter RF sources. Existing industrial digital control hardware was adapted to meet the requirements. This paper describes how the industrial hardware was adapted for marine applications.Copyright © 1992 by ASME
Moisture content impacts the stability of DNA adsorbed onto gold microparticles

Abstract Particle‐mediated epidermal delivery (PMED) of small quantities of DNA (0.5–4.0 μg) has been reported to both induce an immune response and protect against disease in human subjects. In order for the PMED of DNA to be a viable technique for vaccination, the adsorbed DNA must be stable during shipping and storage. Here, we report that the storage stability of plasmid DNA adsorbed to 2‐μm gold particles is strongly dependent on sample water content. Gold/DNA samples stored at 60°C and 6% relative humidity (RH) maintained supercoil content after 4‐month storage, whereas storage at higher RHs facilitated degradation. Storage with desiccants had stabilizing effects on DNA similar to storage at 6% RH. However, storage with “indicating” Drierite and phosphorus pentoxide resulted in enhanced rates of DNA degradation. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 100:4845–4854, 2011
Application of Service Flow Technology Based on IEC 61970/61968 to Electric Power Information System

This paper presents the service flow technology based on IEC 61970/61968, and expounds the definition of the service flow and matching method. Service flow technology can support the SOA framework to meet the increasing demand of fusion to electric power information system. An actual service flow case is applied in power information system, the results show that this technology can make better use of IEC 61970/61968 interface, which provide technical methods for the interaction and expansion between information systems.
Capillary Force-Driven Fluid Flow in Open Grooves with Different Sizes

Penetration of a wetting liquid into open metallic grooves was investigated in this work. Three grooves with different depths but the same width were tested; for each groove, a gently deposited liquid droplet served as the reservoir for liquid penetration. High-speed imaging revealed that, after the initial stage, the penetration in the grooves is in direct proportion to the square root of time, and the penetration is faster in deeper grooves. The maximum penetration speed, corresponding to the moment that a droplet touches a groove, was measured to be in the neighborhood of 250–400 mm/s; the penetration speed then exponentially decreases with time. It was found that the penetration front profile remains nearly unchanged as the liquid penetrates downstream and appears to form a nearly 45 deg angle with respect to the groove bottom for all three grooves tested. It is hypothesized that the capillary flow in any noncircular capillaries can be described by Washburn’s equation with the tube diameter replaced ...
Determination of free Bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations in breast milk of U.S. women using a sensitive LC/MS/MS method

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic, endocrine-disrupting compound. Free BPA has been detected in human samples indicating that humans are internally exposed to estrogenically active BPA. The purpose of this study was to develop a sensitive method to detect free BPA in human breast milk. BPA was isolated from the milk of 21 nursing mothers in the U.S. by solid-phase extraction. It was then derivatized to improve sensitivity and subsequently analyzed by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Free BPA was detected in 62% of the milk samples (≤ 0.22-10.8 ng mL(-1), median 0.68 ng mL(-1), mean 3.13 ng mL(-1)). No statistical difference in BPA concentrations was observed between women with a low or high Body Mass Index (BMI) ( 30 (n=10), respectively). However, there was a significant association between BPA concentration and race. Caucasian women had significantly higher levels of free BPA in their breast milk than non-Caucasian women (mean=4.44 (n=14) and 0.52 (n=7), respectively; p<0.05). The difference between races could be attributed to variations in exposure, lifestyle or metabolism and suggests that certain populations should take extra precautions to limit BPA exposure, particularly during pregnancy and lactation.
Data center cold aisle set point optimization through total operating cost modeling

Operational expenses of servers and the data center to support them account for a significant part of the total cost of ownership of a data center and potentially the total business. Manipulating the inlet temperature to the servers can provide a possible method of lowering the operating cost of a data center. Conventional wisdom regarding management of the cold aisle temperature in the data center has traditionally been that colder temperatures kept the failure rate of the equipment down and higher temperatures reduced energy costs. While it is true that in most cooling strategies, increasing the cold aisle set point temperature reduces the power consumed by the facilities, the overall cost savings may not be realized due to increases in server power and decreased reliability. An investigation using the total operational expense of the data center would be required to find the optimum operating point of the environmental controls. The simulation described in this paper demonstrates that when accounting for total operational cost including component reliability and servicing in addition to energy and water resource costs, there is an optimal data center cold aisle set point. This point will vary with resource rates and climate variations. The run cost effectiveness metric, RCE, allows data center designers and managers to monitor and optimize their data center for the given static costs of the region. It's a measurable value for many data centers that can break out these costs either in real time, or more likely tabulated form collected from monitoring data over time.
Use of ion-exchange chromatography in the spectrophotometric assay for the antineoplastic agent, 2-dimethylamino-3′,4′-dihydroxyacetophenone hydrochloride, in biological fluids

Abstract A simple, rapid, and precise method for the determination of 2-dimethylamino-3′,4′-dihydroxyacetophenone hydrochloride in whole blood, plasma, tissue homogenates, or urine has been described. The method is based upon stabilizing this compound in borate buffer prior to column chromatography on anion- and cation-exchange resins followed by ultraviolet absorption spectrophotometry. Utilizing this method, it was observed that nearly 50 % of the administered compound is excreted unchanged in the urine of patients with cancer, and that it is slowly, and poorly metabolized by rat liver in vitro .
Plasma alkaline phosphatase isozymes: isolation and characterization of isozymes.

Abstract 1. 1. The two isozymes of alkaline phosphatase (orthophosphoric monoester phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.1) detectable in human blood group O plasma have been separated from one another and isolated in a high state of purity. With p- nitrophenyl phosphate as substrate, the catalytic properties of the two isozymes appear to be the same with respect to pH optimum, 10.5; K m , 0.35–0.4 mM, and activity in the presence of EDTA, Mg2+ and Zn2+. The isozymes differ in their electrophoretic mobilities and in their reactivity in the presence of activators and inhibitors. l -Phenylalanine specifically inhibits the minor isozyme. 2. 2. Comparison of the isozymes isolated from plasmas of individuals of different phenotype indicates that the major isozyme is the same in A, B and O. The minor isozymes of B and O appear to be identical, but they both differ from the minor isozyme detectable in A individuals. Although separable electrophoretically on acrylamide disc electrophoresis and on DEAE-cellulose columns, the minor isozyme from group A individuals appears to have the same catalytic properties as the major component from group A plasma.