cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiofrequency Identification Track for Tray Optimization: An Instrument Utilization Pilot Study in Surgical Oncology.

ABSTRACT Background Surgical instrument tray reduction attempts to minimize intraoperative inefficiency and processing costs. Previous reduction methods relied on trained observers manually recording instrument use (i.e. human ethnography), and surgeon and/or staff recall, which are imprecise and inherently limited. We aimed to determine the feasibility of radiofrequency identification (RFID)-based intraoperative instrument tracking as an effective means of instrument reduction. Methods Instrument trays were tagged with unique RFID tags. A RFID reader tracked instruments passing near RFID antennas during 15 breast operations performed by a single surgeon; ethnography was performed concurrently. Instruments without recorded use were eliminated, and 10 additional cases were performed utilizing the reduced tray. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds of instrument use across cases. Cohen's Kappa estimated agreement between RFID and ethnography. Results Over 15 cases, 37 unique instruments were used (median 23 instruments/case). A mean 0.64 (median = 0, range = 0-3) new instruments were added per case; odds of instrument use did not change between cases (OR = 1.02, 95%CI 1.00-1.05). Over 15 cases, all instruments marked as used by ethnography were recorded by RFID tracking; 7 RFID-tracked instruments were never recorded by ethnography. Tray size was reduced 40%. None of the 25 eliminated instruments were required in 10 subsequent cases. Cohen's Kappa comparing RFID data and ethnography over all cases was 0.82 (95%CI 0.79-0.86), indicating near perfect agreement between methodologies. Conclusions Intraoperative RFID instrument tracking is a feasible, data-driven method for surgical tray reduction. Overall, RFID tracking represents a scalable, systematic, and efficient method of optimizing instrument supply across procedures.
It's part of who I am: The impact of congenital heart disease on adult identity and life experience

STRUCTURED Abstract Background As clinical care and research in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) increasingly include a focus on quality of life, hearing and reflecting on our patients’ experiences must be a priority. The objective of this study was to describe how living with this chronic illness has affected the adult lives of patients living with ACHD. Methods We conducted a qualitative study of 25 participants in which we asked about the impact of ACHD on their quality of life. We used thematic analysis to analyze the interview data and identified themes reflecting patients’ reported experiences. Results Study participants were a mean age of 38 years (range 21–63 years) and reported good functional status. ACHD was characterized as simple (24%), moderate (32%), or complex (44%). Three major themes arose: 1) impact of ACHD on identity, including perception of “normal,” self-esteem, and motivation; 2) sources of emotional distress; and 3) influence on adult decision-making, including careers and relationships. Conclusion Living with ACHD impacts important aspects related to self-perceived quality of life. Addressing these concerns is important to providing comprehensive, patient-centered ACHD care.
Linear Convergence of the Subspace Constrained Mean Shift Algorithm: From Euclidean to Directional Data

This paper studies linear convergence of the subspace constrained mean shift (SCMS) algorithm, a well-known algorithm for identifying a density ridge defined by a kernel density estimator. By arguing that the SCMS algorithm is a special variant of a subspace constrained gradient ascent (SCGA) algorithm with an adaptive step size, we derive linear convergence of such SCGA algorithm. While the existing research focuses mainly on density ridges in the Euclidean space, we generalize density ridges and the SCMS algorithm to directional data. In particular, we establish the stability theorem of density ridges with directional data and prove the linear convergence of our proposed directional SCMS algorithm.
The role of L1 and L2 in the acquisition of null subjects by Chinese learners of L3 Italian

This study investigates the acquisition of null subjects by Mandarin Chinese native speakers (‘Chinese NSs’ hereafter), with different levels of L2 English proficiency, at initial stages of L3 Ital...
Hydroxyproline-Rich Glycoproteins Extracted from the Cell Walls of Aerated Carrot Root Slices

Hydroxyproline containing proteins were discovered in plants in F.C. Steward’s laboratory in the 1950s (reviewed in Lamport, 1965). In 1960 Dougall and Shimbayashi and Lamport and Northcote independently reported that the bulk of the bound hydroxyproline released on acid hydrolysis was present in the cell wall (reviewed in Lamport, 1965). Since then work from several laboratories has made it clear that hydroxyproline occurs in at least three kinds of proteins -all glycoproteins. These are: 1) the cell wall proteins, 2) the arabinogalactan proteins and 3) certain lectins. These are easily separated from one another and distinguished from one another by virtue of their isoelectric points, amino acid compositions and carbohydrate compositions (reviewed in Lamport, 1981). We shall briefly review the work that has brought us to our present understanding of hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins and present work from our laboratory on the characterization of a cell wall protein that accumulates in aerated carrot slices.
Compiler-Enhanced Incremental Checkpointing

As modern supercomputing systems reach the peta-flop performance range, they grow in both size and complexity. This makes them increasingly vulnerable to failures from a variety of causes. Checkpointing is a popular technique for tolerating such failures in that it allows applications to periodically save their state and restart the computation after a failure. Although a variety of automated system-level checkpointing solutions are currently available to HPC users, manual application-level checkpointing remains by far the most popular approach because of its superior performance. This paper focuses on improving the performance of automated checkpointing via a compiler analysis for incremental checkpointing. This analysis is shown to significantly reduce checkpoint sizes (upto 78%) and to enable asynchronous checkpointing.
Closed Testing in Pharmaceutical Research: Historical and Recent Developments

In pharmaceutical research, making multiple statistical inferences is standard practice. Unless adjustments are made for multiple testing, the probability of making erroneous determinations of significance increases with the number of inferences. Closed testing is a flexible and easily explained approach to controlling the overall error rate that has seen wide use in pharmaceutical research, particularly in clinical trials settings. In this article, we first give a general review of the uses of multiple testing in pharmaceutical research, with particular emphasis on the benefits and pitfalls of closed testing procedures. We then provide a more technical examination of a class of closed tests that use additive-combination-based and minimum-based p-value statistics, both of which are commonly used in pharmaceutical research. We show that, while the additive combination tests are generally far superior to minimum p-value tests for composite hypotheses, the reverse is true for multiple comparisons using closu...
Mouse exploratory behavior and body weight.

Three inbred strains of mice were tested in a modified open field apparatus. Even though these strains were housed together since weaning they were found to differ in exploratory activity, body weight, relationship to activity to body weight, and defecation and urination scores. Body weight was seen to be inversely related to activity for one strain. Obesity of these animals was suggested as being the instrumental factor accounting for this relationship. A strain of animals showing high activity and low emotionality also showed an increase in activity over the three-min. test period. Another strain showing low activity and high emotionality did not show this adaptation over successive minutes. The third strain appeared to be somewhat intermediate on these measures. From this the suggestion was drawn that the primary factor common to all three strains governing the amount of exploration is the extent of the emotional response.
The stereospecific arylation of olefins

Abstract Triphenylvinyl bromide (I) and diphenylvinyl iodide (XII) can be made to undergo replacement of the halogen atom by a phenyl group; n-BuLi (2·5 moles) is added to a mixture of the vinyl halide and o-bromofluorobenzene in ether at −78° followed by warming to −35°. The intermediate o-lithium derivative in the reaction of I could be converted to o-methyltetraphenylethylene (VI) by treatment with methyl iodide or to o-bromotetraphenylethylene (V) with ethylene dibromide. The p-chloro derivatives of I (cis- and trans-IX) undergo the same reaction followed by treatment with ethylene dibromide to give 1-(o-bromophenyl)-2,2-diphenylethylene (X), a different stereoisomer predominating in each case. o-Bromotetraphenylethylene (V) was readily converted back to the lithium reagent with n-BuLi in tetrahydrofuran. Carbonation gave the expected carboxylic acid. With dimethyl carbonate, however, there was formed none of the expected carbonyl addition product but instead up to 25% of 9,10-diphenylphenanthrene (VIII). A study was made of the effect of solvent on the relative amounts of lithium-halogen and lithium-hydrogen exchange in the reaction of n-BuLi with 2,2-diphenylvinyl bromide (XI). It has been found that triphenylvinyl bromide with two models of n-BuLi in ether at room temperature for 24 hr followed by treatment with ethylene dibromide gives as the only dibromide detected 2-(o-bromophenyl)-1,2-diphenylvinyl bromide (XVII). Possible significance of this seemingly selective ortho-metalation reaction is discussed.
MEASLES IN CHILDREN WITH MALIGNANCY PROBLEMS AND PREVENTION.

The clinical course of measles in the m a j o r i t y of chi ldren wi th malignancy does no t differ from t h a t in no rma l individuals . I t is followed by p r o m p t a n t i b o d y format ion , regardless of the p a t i e n t ' s hemato logica l s ta tus or the t h e r a p y he is receiving. Table 1 i l lus t ra tes serological responses of 10 pa t i en t s wi th acute leukemia (8 of t hem in relapse, 2 in remission) to n a t u r a l l y occurr ing infect ion wi th the measles virus.
Interaction of Dietary Vitamin E with Eimeria maxima Infections in Chickens

Abstract In two trials, broiler chickens, processed similarly to those placed in commercial operation, were fed, from 1 d of age, a range (13 to 200 ppm) of DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (VE-AC) levels, and the effects on the pathology of Eimeria maxima infections were assessed at 6 d postinoculation (PI). In Trial 1, dietary levels of VE-AC had little significant effect on variables characterizing pathology except for the number of oocysts shed, which was significantly increased in chicks treated with higher VE-AC levels. The infection was judged to be mild based on moderate lesion scores (2.2 ± 0.2), lack of significant effects on weight gain (7 ± 1.6% decrease), moderate reduction in plasma carotenoids (21 ± 2%) and small increases in plasma NO2−+NO3− (141 ± 12%). In uninfected and infected chickens, plasma alpha-tocopherol (AT) increased with dietary levels of VE-AC; however, E. maxima infection caused a fairly constant decrease in AT of 35.3 ± 3.2% across these levels. Plasma γ-tocopherol (GT) levels were unaffected by dietary VE-AC or E. maxima infection. In Trial 2, pathology, again, was relatively unaffected by dietary VE-AC level. The infection was judged to be severe based on lesion scores (3.5 ± 0.1), reduction in weight gain (30.7 ± 3%), plasma carotenoids (72.4 ± 1.5%), uric acid (16.3 ± 3.4), albumin (37.8 ± 2.8%), large increases (261 ± 8%) in plasma NO2−+NO3−, and high numbers of oocysts shed per chick (4.12 ± 0.4 × 107). Plasma AT again increased with increasing dietary VE-AC levels in uninfected and infected chicks, but the mean decrease across VE-AC levels caused by E. maxima infection was 73.14 ± 3.3%. GT levels were erratic and unrelated to dietary VEAC or infection. Thus, in processed broiler chickens, high dietary VE-AC did not prevent or lessen the pathology caused by mild or severe infections with E. maxima. The main effect of E. maxima infection appeared to be reduction in plasma AT levels. We postulate that this reduction may be due to malabsorption of AT, which results from physical damage to the absorptive mucosa, reduction in esterases required to hydrolyze the VE-AC, and a generalized lipid malabsorption, preventing movement of the free AT to circulating blood and infected tissues.
Salt Effect on Osmotic Pressure of Polyelectrolyte Solutions: Simulation Study

We present results of the hybrid Monte Carlo/molecular dynamics simulations of the osmotic pressure of salt solutions of polyelectrolytes. In our simulations, we used a coarse-grained representation of polyelectrolyte chains, counterions and salt ions. During simulation runs, we alternate Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulation steps. Monte Carlo steps were used to perform small ion exchange between simulation box containing salt ions (salt reservoir) and simulation box with polyelectrolyte chains, counterions and salt ions (polyelectrolyte solution). This allowed us to model Donnan equilibrium and partitioning of salt and counterions across membrane impermeable to polyelectrolyte chains. Our simulations have shown that the main contribution to the system osmotic pressure is due to salt ions and osmotically active counterions. The fraction of the condensed (osmotically inactive) counterions first increases with decreases in the solution ionic strength then it saturates. The reduced value of the system osmotic coefficient is a universal function of the ratio of the concentration of osmotically active counterions and salt concentration in salt reservoir. Simulation results are in a very good agreement with osmotic pressure measurements in sodium polystyrene sulfonate, DNA, polyacrylic acid, sodium polyanetholesulfonic acid, polyvinylbenzoic acid, and polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride solutions.
Leadership, Team Building, and Team Member Characteristics in High Performance Project Teams

AbstractInterviews of project team members about factors that lead to high levels of team performance were used to create a survey that was given to 151 project teams in the engineering and construction industry. The survey focused on project team leader behaviors, use of team building, and team member characteristics as predictors of project cost and schedule performance. Controlling for use of industry best practices, leader behaviors were found to be significant predictors of project cost performance, while neither team building nor team member characteristics were found to be significant predictors of performance.
On the influence of spin - phonon interaction on the specific heat of a ferromagnet

Abstract The influence of spin-phonon interaction on the specific heat of a ferromagnet is calculated for a system in which spin-phonon relaxation is stronger than spin-spin relaxation.
Acceleration of antiearthward electron fluxes in the auroral region

[1] This study presents a statistical analysis of antiearthward electron fluxes associated with the downward current region of the aurora based on 600 events from the FAST mission. A comparison between the observed particle energies and the electrostatic potentials inferred from the perpendicular electric field measurement suggests that the acceleration process can be separated into two types. One type fits a model with quasi-static parallel electric fields which can account roughly one half of the events. A second type consists of events in which the antiearthward electrons appear to be accelerated by a dynamic process such as Alfven waves or evolving parallel electric fields. We also point out that a nonaccelerated class of antiearthward electron fluxes produced by secondary electron production in the ionosphere also exists.
Monitoring and kinetic study of ammonia oxidation using dissolved oxygen electrode and NAD(P) H fluorometer.

Abstract The ammonia oxidation of a mixed culture enriched from a wastewater treatment plant sludge was monitored by a DO probe and a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD(P)H) fluorometer. Under fixed aeration, DO reflected ammonia oxidation effectively. According to the DO profiles and the total ammonia concentrations analyzed experimentally, the ammonia oxidation kinetics of the enriched culture was determined. The ammonia oxidation rate was found sensitive to pH, especially at low total ammonia concentrations. At high concentrations of total ammonia, the maximum ammonia oxidation rate occurred at pH 7.6±0.1. At low concentrations, the pH sensitivity intensified significantly and the apparent optimal pH shifted higher with decreasing total ammonia concentrations, because NH 3 molecules were the true substrate for ammonia oxidation and more NH 4 + ions were converted to NH 3 molecules at higher pH. The ammonia oxidation kinetics was therefore developed according to the concentration of NH 3 molecules, instead of the commonly used total ammonia concentration. The kinetics followed Michaelis–Menten behavior for both DO and NH 3 concentration: the maximum rate was 16.7±0.7 mg NH 3 -N/(g TSS-h) and the Michaelis constants for DO and NH 3 were (14±2)% air saturation and (4.4±0.4)×10 −2 (mg NH 3 -N/L), respectively. It was also concluded from the study that with or without exogenous organic substances, the NAD(P)H fluorescence of the enriched nitrifying culture was undetectable. The fluorescence did not respond to addition or depletion of substrate (ammonia, glucose, or acetate), change between aerobic and anaerobic conditions, or even KCN addition to kill the culture.
Recognizing Safety and Liveness

Formal characterizations for safety properties and liveness properties are given in terms of the structure of the Buchi automaton that specifies the property. The characterizations permit a property to be decomposed into a safety property and a liveness property whose conjunction is the original. The characterizations also give insight into techniques required to prove a large class of safety and liveness properties.
A procedure for obtaining complementary replicas of ultra-rapidly frozen sandwiched samples.

SUMMARY Complementary replicas of samples prepared for electron microscopy by the freeze-fracture/etch technique are extremely valuable in the interpretation of the exposed surfaces, the nature and location of the membrane fracture plane, and as an aid in the recognition of the potential artefacts of this technique. This paper describes a procedure for the preparation of complementary replicas of thin samples sandwiched between copper foil strips and frozen ultra-rapidly in the absence of chemical pretreatments. In this procedure, the copper foil support bearing the replica is floated on the surface of a chromic acid solution, resulting in the controlled dissolution of the copper metal. The replica which remains at the surface of the chromic acid is then stabilized against fragmentation during subsequent cleaning and rinsing steps by placing a 50 mesh gold grid on top of the replica. To minimize agitation of the replica/grid, all cleaning steps are performed in a single depression plate well. The clean replica/grid is picked up from below on a thin Formvar film, dried, and then separated from the extra film. Careful placement of the gold grid on the replicas and low magnification electron micrograph montages of the complementary grids facilitate the location of complementary regions and simplify examination of complementary specimen areas at higher magnification.
Fragmenting identities, shifting loyalties: The influence of individualisation on global transformations

(1998). Fragmenting identities, shifting loyalties: The influence of individualisation on global transformations. Global Society: Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 363-388.
A Factorization problem and the problem of predicting non-stationary vector-valued stochastic processes

In this paper a prediction theory is developed under the general idea that the infinite dimensional covariance matrix is a self-adjoint element in a symmetric Banach algebra. The usual Wiener's spectral factorization method for solving stationary Wiener-Hopf equations has been extended to this algebra. Finally, a theorem for factoring a positive definite covariance matrix into upper and lower triangular factors with similar inverses has been proved.
Hydrogen Reduction of Pu(IV) to Pu(III)

(1965). Hydrogen Reduction of Pu(IV) to Pu(III) Nuclear Applications: Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 310-311.
An Economic Analysis of Maritime Piracy and its Control

Modern-day piracy on the high seas poses a serious threat to international shipping. This paper develops an economic of model of piracy that emphasizes the strategic interaction between the efforts of pirates to locate potential targets, and shippers to avoid contact. Implementation of optimal enforcement policies is complicated by the need for international cooperation in the apprehension and prosecution of pirates. Free riding and other problems therefore impede the effectiveness of current international laws against piracy.
170 Wetland Diatom Assemblages as Indicators of Flooding Influence and Surrounding Landuse in the Willamette Valley, OR

The objective of this study was to examine the influences of the adjacent river and surrounding landuse on wetland diatom distributional patterns. Diatoms were identified in surface sediment samples from 35 riverine-impounded wetlands within the Willamette Valley, OR. A total of 221 species were identified and no single species dominated the assemblage at all sites. Diatom richness was high throughout the area (median 71, range 66–75). The Araphidineae:Centrales index, a measure of periphytic to planktonic species ratio, was lowest at sites within the river's annual floodplain zone. A low A:C index is to be expected at wetlands that receive inputs of river planktonic species through regular flooding by adjacent large rivers. Surrounding landuse can confound the influence of riverine flooding on wetland diatom assemblages by influencing water quality. Relative abundance of the two most common species, Aulacoseira crenulata and Fragilaria capusina related negatively to % agricultural landuse surrounding the wetland. These results indicate that riverine wetland diatom assemblages may be influenced by flooding from adjacent rivers and surrounding landuse and therefore wetland sediment diatoms might serve as useful indicators of both historical environmental changes in nearby large rivers and surrounding watersheds.
Variations in Semiconductor Device Response in a Medium-Energy X-Ray Dose-Enhancing Environment

We have performed a series of experiments to investigate the response of semiconductor devices to medium-energy x-ray irradiation under conditions in which dose-enhancement effects are very important. We find that the response of MOS capacitors to the same "dose-enhanced" radiation depends not only on the increased dose, but also on the incident radiation spectra, device temperature and processing, and/or oxide thickness and electric field. In many cases, these dependencies cannot be explained simply in terms of existing knowledge of basic mechanisms of radiation effects on MOS devices (for example, electron-hole recombination and hole transport and trapping), or by present Monte Carlo electron/photon transport codes such as the Integrated Tiger Series (ITS). In addition, the response of semiconductor diodes to the "dose-enhanced" radiation appears to be qualitatively different from that of MOS capacitors, and differs markedly in value from the ITS code predictions. These results demonstrate that an improved understanding of semiconductor device response to "enhanced" radiation is needed to assure simulation fidelity of tests of devices to be used in dose-enhancing environments.
Solvent-solute interactions in hydrofluoroalkane propellants.

Understanding solvation in hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants is of great importance for the development of novel pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) formulations. HFA-based pMDIs are not only the most widely used inhalation therapy devices for delivering small drug molecules to the respiratory tract, but they also hold promise as vehicles for the delivery of therapeutic biomolecules to and through the lungs. In this work we use binding energy calculations to determine the degree of interaction between HFA propellants and candidate HFA-philes, including a methyl-based tail (isohexane, ISO), and fragments of poly(ethylene oxide) (EO), poly(propylene oxide) (PO), and poly(lactide) (LA). The distinct nature of solvation forces of the two HFA propellants approved by the FDA for use in pMDIs, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFA134a) and 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFA227), is also studied. Binding energy (Ebst) calculations demonstrated that an increase in tail polarity through the addition of oxygen ato...
The sulfur cycle in lake waters during thermal stratification

Abstract The sulfur cycle in Linsley Pond, Connecticut, was studied in 1963 and 1964 with sulfur-35 labelled sulfuric acid as a tracer. During the summer large quantities of the tracer disappeared from the hypolimnion and metalimnion. The loss of sulfate dissolved in water occurred predominantly at the mud-water interface. The reduction took place in the region of the hypolimnion as well as the metalimnion, and the rate of reduction did not seem to differ significantly between regions completely or partly devoid of oxygen. The reduction rate under fully aerobic conditions, such as found in the epilimnion was much smaller and was only one tenth of the reduction rate found in the lower regions of the lake. The diffusion of sulfates in the metalimnion and upper part of the hypolimnion (about 3–8 m depth) was very slow in vertical direction during full stratification. The diffusion coefficient of 1.4 × 10 −3 g cm −1 sec −1 for sulfate eddy diffusion was sufficiently small to prohibit sulfate exchange between hypolimnion and epilimnion. In contrast to the slow vertical diffusion process, diffusion in the horizontal direction is faster. Through this mechanism the sulfates are transported to the surrounding sediments, where reduction takes place. Therefore sulfate concentrations are about uniform at equal depth for a large section of the lake. Sulfur transport through sedimentation of biological material was negligible, even when compared with the slow vertical diffusion process. It is not important in the present sulfur cycle except for furnishing organic material for bacterial metabolism. The total budget, calculated from the sulfur-35 activities of water and of organic materials, indicates that most of the sulfur is stored as sulfate and sulfide in the water, and as sulfide in the sediments. The fraction taken up by organisms is small and does not influence the overall picture. The escape of hydrogen sulfide gas from the hypolimnion to the atmosphere through direct diffusion or through gas bubbles is small, if it happens at all, and cannot account for more than a few per cent of the total sulfur budget. Quantitative aspects of the sulfur cycle during stratification are given in a model.
A Model of Leptons

A new model of leptons based on discrete scale transformations is proposed. It is shown that this model predicts a lepton mass spectrum consisting of an infinite series of electron-like and muonlike particles whose masses and charges are given by ${m}_{n}={m}_{e}{\ensuremath{\rho}}^{n}$ ($\ensuremath{\rho}=\frac{{m}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}}{{m}_{e}}$) $Q=\frac{1}{2}e(1+\frac{n}{|n|})$. Particles with $n$ positive are charged, those with $n$ negative neutral. Possible weak coupling schemes of charged and neutral leptons are considered. The lepton with $n=2$ is a heavy electron at 22 GeV. Decay modes and production mechanisms of this particle are discussed. It is shown that, apart from high production cross sections needed to fit experimental data, some of the recently observed anomalies in cosmic-ray muons can be effects due to heavy leptons predicted by this model.
Epitaxial KNbO3 thin films on KTaO3, MgAl2O4, and MgO substrates

Epitaxial potassium niobate (KNbO3) thin films have been deposited on KTaO3 (100), MgAl2O4 (100), and MgO (100) substrates using ion‐beam sputter deposition. X‐ray‐diffraction results show that KNbO3 films have orthorhombic (110) orientation on all three substrates. Rutherford backscattering channeling analysis of KNbO3 films on KTaO3, MgAl2O4, and MgO exhibits minimum scattering yields (χmin) of 7%, 9%, and 18% for the Nb peak, respectively. This illustrates how the quality of epitaxy improves as the lattice mismatch decreases. Prism‐coupling measurements reveal near‐bulk refractive indices of about 2.27 for TE modes and 2.22 for TM modes for films on each substrate.
Induction of a mitochondrial matrix protein in human fibroblasts by interferon or poly I:C

The abundance of protein Mitcon: 5, a major component of monocytes and granulocytes as observed by high-resolution two-dimensional electrophoresis, is increased in human fibrolasts treated with interferon or poly I:C. Production of this polypeptide is eliminated in cells treated with dinitrophenol, but not in cells treated with chloramphenicol, indicating that it is a cytoplasmically synthesized mitochondrial protein. Neither chloroquine nor tunicamycin, both of which interfere with proper targeting of lysozomal enzymes, affects Mitcon: 5 production. Actinomycin D prevents induction, indicating that new transcription is required. Cell fractionation studies show that Mitcon: 5 is found in the mitochondria/lysosome fraction, and that it is released from this fraction by treatments designed to liberate matrix enzymes. Mitcon: 5 thus appears to be the first example of a direct effect of interferon treatment on the composition of mitochondria. Furher characterization of this effect may help to explain side-effects of interferon treatment, including fever.
Inhibition of the energy-linked fluorescence response of quinacrine with local anesthetics

The fluorescence quenching of quinacrine (QA) which occurs upon association of the dye with energized membranes has been widely used as an indication of the development of the energy-pool [l-5]. The mechanism of the fluorescence quenching has generally included a direct role for the membrane [ 1,6-l 01, while simple diffusion of the diamine into the vesicle in response to the ApH cannot accurately account for the fluorescence quenching [ 11,121. Furthermore, photoaffinity labeling studies [ 131 have suggested that QA interacts with specific hydrophobic sites on the energized membranes, possibly in a fashion similar to local anesthetics [14]. acts as a calcium antagonist displacing Ca*+ from its binding sites on calmodulin [ 171. This report demonstrates that 2 local anesthetics can effectively inhibit the energy-linked fluorescence quenching of QA with submitochondrial membranes. This effect is seen most effectively with chlorpromazine (CP) and to a lesser extent, butacaine (BC), while other anesthetics tested had no effect. The effect is not, however, due to any uncoupling effect of the anesthetic.
HNE-derived 2-pentylpyrroles are generated during oxidation of LDL, are more prevalent in blood plasma from patients with renal disease or atherosclerosis, and are present in atherosclerotic plaques.

Free radical oxidation of human plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) produces 2-pentylpyrrole epitopes that are generated by reaction of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), a product of lipid oxidation, with protein lysyl residues. The HNE-derived 2-pentylpyrrole (“HNE−pyrrole”) epitopes were detected with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using antibodies (ON−KLH) raised against protein-bound 2-pentylpyrrole obtained by the reaction of 2-oxononanal (ON) with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). HNE−pyrrole epitopes in human plasma are not associated primarily with LDL protein, apolipoprotein (apo) B, since only 15% of the total HNE−pyrrole immunoreactivity is removed by immunoprecipitation of apo B. The levels of ON−KLH immunoreactivity detected in human plasma were found to be significantly elevated in renal failure and atherosclerosis patients when compared to those in healthy volunteers. HNE−pyrrole immunoreactivity was also detected in atherosclerotic plaques. The highest levels were associated with ex...
THE EFFECT OF INTERNAL STRESSES DUE TO IRRADIATION GROWTH AND THERMAL CYCLING ON THE CREEP OF URANIUM, IN THE CASES OF BOTH ELASTIC AND PLASTIC BEHAVIOUR

Abstract Theories are developed to derive differential equations from which the effect of irradiation growth and uniform continuous thermal cycling on the creep of uranium under applied uniaxial stress may be determined when the material remains elastic. Two alternative assumptions are made of uniform deformation and of uniform internal stress in the uranium crystals. Solutions are obtained in several cases and an approximate method is presented which applies over a large range if primary creep effects are neglected. Over this range, tables are deduced from which it may be seen how the internal stress at any temperature increases with the irradiation growth and the mean temperature deviation of the cycle, while remaining independent of its period. The way is shown in which the logarithm of the creep acceleration factor varies as the logarithm of the ratio of internal to applied stress decreases, decreasing initially linearly and subsequently more slowly. The creep rate under a uniaxial load has also been deduced when the material has become plastic due to irradiation growth or to a constant rate of change of temperature and, also, if the applied stress is small, when it is plastic due to thermal cycling and irradiation growth acting simultaneously. Satisfactory agreement with experiment is found for the results in both the elastic and plastic ranges.
Three-dimensional mass-conserving elements for compressible flows

Abstract A variety of finite-element schemes has been used in the numerical approximation of compressible flows, particularly in underwater acoustics. In many instances instabilities have been generated due to the lack of mass conservation. In this paper we develop new two- and three-dimensional elements which avoid these problems.
Constructivism and Technology Critique: Replies to Critics

1. Thomson's critique: Despite the efforts of his followers to show that Heidegger had a progressive theory of technology, his work is clouded by nostalgia. His positive contribution is a fragmenta...
Role of the interface in mechanical energy dissipation of composites

Abstract The presence of discrete, inextensible particles which comprise the dispersed phase of a polymer composite can lead to a local magnification of strain in the matrix phase when the composite is subjected to uniaxial extension. The increased strain ratio results in a higher level of mechanical energy dissipation relative to an unfilled polymer. The effects of particle size, geometry, and interface formation on strain magnification are considered and compared with experimental data for three types of glass particle in a polyurethane elastomeric matrix.
Hip Arthroscopy for Labral Tears Review of Clinical Outcomes With 4.8-Year Mean Follow-Up

BackgroundArthroscopy of the hip joint is a relatively new diagnostic and therapeutic option for labral tears.PurposeMore data are needed to characterize the utility and effectiveness of hip arthroscopy and identify patient-related factors that might predict functional outcome.Study DesignCase series; Level of evidence, 4.MethodsThis retrospective study with prospective follow-up examined the clinical outcomes of 52 consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for labral tears. Outcomes measures included clinical outcome and the modified Harris hip score. Any complications associated with the procedure were recorded. Exclusion criteria included age younger than 18 years or prior ipsilateral hip surgery.ResultsMean patient age was 42 years. Mean follow-up was 4.8 years. Twenty-one patients (40.4%) had a traumatic cause of the labral tears. Eight patients (15.4%) had possible secondary gain issues. Four (7.7%) patients suffered transient nerve palsies; in 1 case, the guide wire broke during initial cannu...
Phosphorylation of dynamin by ERK2 inhibits the dynamin‐microtubule interaction

In the present study we show that purified bovine brain dynamin can be phosphorylated by MAP kinase, ERK2, with a stoichiometry of 1 mol phosphate/mol dynamin. The phosphorylated serine residue is located within the C-terminal 10 kDa of dynamin. Dynamin I phosphorylated by ERK2 can be specifically dephosphorylated by calcineurin but not by protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Phosphorylation of dynamin by ERK2 weakens the binding of dynamin to microtubules and inhibits dynamin's microtubule-activated GTPase activity. Stimulation of GTPase activity by either Grb2 or phospholipids was not affected by ERK2 phosphorylation, suggesting that the binding sites for Grb2 and phospholipids do not overlap with that for microtubules.
Structured Inequality, Conflict, and Control: A Cross-National Test of the Threat Hypothesis

Conflict theorists have recently argued that a high level of income inequality is a structural condition which increases the threat to the privileged position of economic elites as well as their ability to influence government social control. We draw from this argument, along with theory and research on political conflict, to develop a simultaneous equation model of sanctioning by national governments. The model is tested using the most recent cross-national data nowv available. We find no evidence of an independent effect of income inequality on sanctions or vice versa. However, we do find that politically exclusive governments tend to impose sanctions more frequently, relative to the level of political opposition, than more "democratic" governments. The implications of the findings for the threat hypothesis are discussed, with emphasis placed on the possibility that economic inequality may indirectly influence acts of government repression through its exacerbating effect on political exclusion.
The Treatment of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma with a Novel Retinoid

Abstract The clinical experience with bexarotene for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) at our center is reviewed here. Disease activity assessment was monitored every 4 weeks in all patients. Five target lesions were monitored, an area score was performed, and a CTCL-specific health assessment questionnaire was administered. Four patients with refractory plaque CTCL were treated with bexarotene gel. All target lesions disappeared after 8 weeks of therapy, with recurrences observed in untreated areas. In the follow-up period, no recurrences of the original target lesions were observed. One patient withdrew from the study. Patients with refractory patch/plaque disease were randomized to a high-dose (300 mg/m 2 ) or low-dose (6.5 mg/m 2 ) daily oral regimen of bexarotene. After showing disease progression, the two patients on the low-dose arm were entered into the high-dose arm after 8 weeks. Marked clinical responses were seen in all patients treated. The target lesions showed either complete disappearance or a reduction in lesion size, duration, and scale. No new lesions were noted in patients on high-dose bexarotene. Self-assessments also confirmed the palliative properties of the observed responses. All patients had hypertriglyceridemia despite the concomitant administration of atorvastatin at 60 mg/day. Dose reductions were required to maintain safe lipid levels. Four patients with erythrodermic CTCL were treated with high-dose oral therapy, and all patients showed rapid (within 2 weeks) improvement of erythroderma and symptoms.
Comparative studies of high performance swimming in sharks I. Red muscle morphometrics, vascularization and ultrastructure.

SUMMARY Tunas (family Scombridae) and sharks in the family Lamnidae are highly convergent for features commonly related to efficient and high-performance (i.e. sustained, aerobic) swimming. High-performance swimming by fishes requires adaptations augmenting the delivery, transfer and utilization of O 2 by the red myotomal muscle (RM), which powers continuous swimming. Tuna swimming performance is enhanced by a unique anterior and centrally positioned RM (i.e. closer to the vertebral column) and by structural features (relatively small fiber diameter, high capillary density and greater myoglobin concentration) increasing O 2 flux from RM capillaries to the mitochondria. A study of the structural and biochemical features of the mako shark ( Isurus oxyrinchus ) RM was undertaken to enable performance-capacity comparisons of tuna and lamnid RM. Similar to tunas, mako RM is positioned centrally and more anterior in the body. Another lamnid, the salmon shark ( Lamna ditropis ), also has this RM distribution, as does the closely related common thresher shark ( Alopias vulpinus ; family Alopiidae). However, in both the leopard shark ( Triakis semifasciata ) and the blue shark (Prionace glauca ), RM occupies the position where it is typically found in most fishes; more posterior and along the lateral edge of the body. Comparisons among sharks in this study revealed no differences in the total RM quantity (approximately 2–3% of body mass) and, irrespective of position within the body, RM scaling is isometric in all species. Sharks thus have less RM than do tunas (4–13% of body mass). Relative to published data on other shark species, mako RM appears to have a higher capillary density, a greater capillary-to-fiber ratio and a higher myoglobin concentration. However, mako RM fiber size does not differ from that reported for other shark species and the total volume of mitochondria in mako RM is similar to that reported for other sharks and for tunas. Lamnid RM properties thus suggest a higher O 2 flux capacity than in other sharks; however, lamnid RM aerobic capacity appears to be less than that of tuna RM.
Ability of fixed B-lymphoma cells to present foreign protein antigen fragments and allogenic MHC molecules to a cloned helper-T-cell line☆

Cloned, L3T4+ T cells have been shown to respond to foreign protein antigens in the context of self-Ia glycoproteins and to non-self Ia glycoproteins. In the case of responses to foreign proteins, fixed antigen-presenting cells can present antigen fragments, but cannot present native proteins. Whether fixed allogenic cells can stimulate has been controversial. We have examined this question using a dual-reactive cloned helper-T-cell line. We find that conditions of fixation that block the presentation of native antigen to this cloned line, but which allow the presentation of antigen fragments, also allow presentation of allogeneic Ia molecules, leading to stimulation of the cloned line. This study also revealed an occult alloreactivity in the cloned T-cell line, which was expressed by fixed, but not by normal, antigen-presenting B lymphoma cells. All of these stimuli proceeded via the same clonotypic receptor, as determined by blocking with anti-T-cell receptor monoclonal antibody. These data suggest that responses to non-self Ia glycoproteins involve direct recognition of the allogeneic Ia molecules and do not require processing and presentation of these antigens by self Ia molecules.
Frequency noise in hysteretic resistive SQUIDs

Abstract We present measurements of hysteretic resistive SQUIDs (R-SQUIDs) as a function of the hysteresis parameter β L =2 πLI c / Φ 0 . Varying β L in situ from 15 to 45, we observe quasiperiodic peaks in frequency noise which decrease toward the thermal limit with increasing temperature. We have developed a model illustrating the dynamics of the two characteristic time scales: Josephson phase oscillations and catastrophic transitions in phase. From this model, an intuitive energy picture emerges wherein low thermal energy is shown to promote trapping in false minima leading to excess frequency noise. The energy model further illustrates that confusion between degenerate branch solutions results in quasiperiodic noise peaks.
INACTIVATION AND REGENERATION OF IMMOBILIZED CATALASE

Catalase was immobilized on collagen membrane. The inactivation of immobilized catalase by 0.01M and 0.1M H2O2 was reported. After the initial stage of inactivation, a stable catalatic activity as measured in a continuous flow of 0.01M H2O2 through a modular reactor was observed for longer than 20 days (2.6 min residence time). The regeneration of catalatic activity from the O.1M H2O2 inactivated catalase occurred after incubating the inactivated modular reactor with 0.01M phosphate buffer, pH 6.8. The amount of activity regenerated is directly proportional to the time of incubation.
“Becoming Feminist”: An Untimely Meditation on Football

This essay looks at the intersection of Big Football, Big Money, and the Child-Sex Abuse Scandal at Penn State. It articulates a “becoming feminist” analysis in this context in order to conduct a d...
The Effect of Salmeterol on Nocturnal Symptoms, Airway Function, and Inflammation in Asthma

Study objective To determine the efficacy of salmeterol alone in a group of patients with moderate asthma with nocturnal worsening of symptoms. Design Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study. Setting Tertiary care hospital specializing in respiratory diseases. Participants Ten patients with nocturnal asthma. Interventions Subjects were randomized to salmeterol, 100 µg twice daily, or placebo for 6 weeks with a 1-week washout between treatment periods. Symptoms, nocturnal awakenings, and β 2 -agonist use were recorded daily. Spirometry was performed at weeks 1 and 6 of each period at bedtime and at 4 AM, and methacholine challenge was performed at 4 AM followed by bronchoscopy with BAL. BAL fluid analysis included cell count and differential count, eosinophil cationic protein, Charcot-Leyden crystal protein, leukotriene B 4 , and thromboxane B 2 . Results The percentage of nights with awakenings decreased significantly with salmeterol (69.8±8.7% vs 30.6±10.8% for placebo and salmeterol, respectively; p=0.02). The percentage of 24-h days with supplemental inhaled β 2 -agonist use significantly decreased with salmeterol (85.9±9.4% vs 70.4±10.1% for placebo and salmeterol, respectively; p=0.04). There were no significant differences in bronchial reactivity, 4 AM FEV 1 , overnight percentage change in FEV 1 , or indexes of airway inflammation. Conclusions Salmeterol alone improves the number of nocturnal awakenings and supplemental 24-h β 2 -agonist use in nocturnal asthma without significantly altering lung function and airway inflammation.