cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
WINNING STRATEGIES FOR SHAREHOLDER VALUE CREATION

The author contends that shareholder wealth creation should be the primary thrust of corporate strategy. But something more than excellent operations is required to provide excellent returns to shareholders. For one, revising the corporation's financial structure can strategically position a company to have dramatic, high‐stake, wealth‐creating results.
Oxygenated intraluminal perfluorocarbon protects intestinal muscosa from ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Abstract Ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury to the intestinal mucosa occurs in several commonly encountered clinical situations, such as necrotizing enterocolitis and nonocclusive mesenteric insufficiency. No clinically feasible technique is available for mucosal preservation during ischemia. The goal of this work was to determine whether the continuous intraluminal flow of oxygenated perfluorocarbon (PFC) could protect mucosal integrity and function in a rat model of intestinal IR injury. Rats were subjected to ischemia by clipping the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) for 60 minutes. Reperfusion was achieved by release of the clip for 120 minutes. Animals were divided into 4 groups: Sham (laparotomy alone), IR (IR alone), I + PFCR (PFC was administered during the ischemic interval only), IR + PFC (PFC was delivered only during reperfusion). Tissue sections were examined blindly to assess mucosal integrity, and mucosal dissacharidase activities were measured to assess function. Oxygenated PFC, when administered during ischemia alone, ameliorated IR-induced mucosal injury; however, when it was delivered during reperfusion alone, the mucosal injury worsened. When oxygenated PFC was administered throughout IR, the degree of mucosal injury was similar to the I + PFCR group, and dissacharidase activities were preserved when compared with the IR group. Intraluminal perfusion of oxygenated PFC during ischemia preserves mucosal function and integrity, and may offer a new treatment modality for a variety of mesenteric ischemic disorders.
ACE inhibitors: upper respiratory symptoms

Cough and angioedema are well-known adverse reactions of ACE inhibitors. However, other adverse effects of upper airways such as postnasal drainage, rhinitis and nasal blockage, are less frequently recognised. These might share the same pathophysiological mechanism: bradykinin accumulation. We present two patients with ACE inhibitor-induced upper respiratory symptoms that improved after the discontinuation of ACE-inhibitors and substitution with angiotensin II receptor blockers. The incidence of these adverse events is not accurately known, since these are not required to be reported, but it is estimated to be low. This presents challenges to the physician and demonstrates the importance of keeping it as a differential diagnosis. Most physicians are aware of ACE inhibitor-induced cough but not of ACE inhibitor-induced nasal blockage, rhinitis or postnasal drainage. Identifying these can avoid unnecessary diagnostic tests and inappropriate treatment.
Paradoxical impact of antioxidants on post-Amadori glycoxidation: Counterintuitive increase in the yields of pentosidine and Nepsilon-carboxymethyllysine using a novel multifunctional pyridoxamine derivative.

The inhibition of post-Amadori advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation by three different classes of AGE inhibitors, carbonyl group traps, chelators, and radical-trapping antioxidants, challenge the current paradigms that: 1) AGE inhibitors will not increase the formation of any AGE product, 2) transition metal ions are required for oxidative formation of AGE, and 3) screening AGE inhibitors only in systems containing transition metal ions represents a valid estimate of potential in vivo mechanisms. This work also introduces a novel multifunctional AGE inhibitor, 6-dimethylaminopyridoxamine (dmaPM), designed to function as a combined carbonyl trap, metal ion chelator, and radical-trapping antioxidant. Other AGE inhibitors including pyridoxamine, aminoguanidine, o-phenylenediamine, dipyridoxylamine, and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid were also examined. The results during uninterrupted and interrupted ribose glycations show: 1) an unexpected increase in the yield of pentosidine in the presence of radical-trapping phenolic antioxidants such as Trolox and dmaPM, 2) significant formation of N ϵ-carboxymethyllysine (CML) in the presence of strong chelators and phenolic antioxidants, which implies that there must be nonradical routes to CML, 3) prevention of intermolecular cross-links with radical-trapping inhibitors, and 4) that dmaPM shows excellent inhibition of AGE. Glucose glycations reveal the expected inhibition of pentosidine and CML with all compounds tested, but in a buffer free of trace metal ions the yield of CML in the presence of radical-trapping antioxidants was between the metal ion-free and metal ion-containing controls. Protein molecular weight analyses support the conclusion that Amadori decomposition pathways are constrained in the presence of metal ion chelators and radical traps.
Value of male remating and functional sterility in redback spiders

In the Australian redback spider, Latrodectus hasselti, males typically use their paired copulatory organs (palps) to copulate twice with a single female then sacrifice themselves to their cannibalistic mates in a strategy that increases their paternity in that one mating, but leads to death. This type of terminal investment in one mating is predicted only if the expected value of future matings is low for males relative to the value of repeated mating with the same female. In this laboratory study, we quantified the reproductive value of mating more than once with the same female (repeated mating) and mating with more than one female (multiple mating) for male redback spiders. We tested two natural selection hypotheses for repeated mating, sperm limitation and reproductive insurance, but found no support for either hypothesis. We show that, in the absence of sperm competition or cannibalism, male lifetime reproductive output is the same whether a male copulates once, twice, or several times with a given female. Repeated mating does not increase the probability of successful fertilization, nor does it increase the number of offspring produced in successful matings. Although male repeated mating is not favoured because of increased fertility of mates, other studies suggest it may be important in sperm competition. Here we show that the relative reproductive value of the first two copulations is very high for redback males because they are functionally sterile after each palp has been used once; nonvirgin males are unable to father offspring. Functional sterility and repeated mating by male redbacks may be favoured by the same factors that lead to male sacrifice behaviour: ecological constraints on multiple mating combined with competitive benefits of maximal investment in the first mating. Copyright 2002 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
School services for children with epilepsy in urban areas.

Abstract This paper describes the results of a questionnaire sent to all 106 cities of the United States with a population of 100,000 and over, in regard to school services currently being provided for children with epilepsy. There is considerable variation in the range of services provided as a whole. Suggestions are made for the further strengthening of such services, if children with epilepsy are to have the opportunity of reaching their full potential.
Modularity in the lattice of Σ-permutable subgroups

For a Hall system Σ of a finite solvable group G, it is known that the set % MathType!Translator!2!1!AMS LaTeX.tdl!TeX -- AMS-LaTeX! % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaafiart1ev1aqatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn % hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr % 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9 % vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x % fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaWefv3ySLgznf % gDOfdaryqr1ngBPrginfgDObYtUvgaiuaacqWFpepucaGGOaGaeu4O % dmLaaiykaaaa!442A! $$\mathcal{P}(\Sigma )$$ of Σ-permutable subgroups is a sublattice of the subgroup lattice of G. We investigate the class SPM of groups in which the lattice % MathType!Translator!2!1!AMS LaTeX.tdl!TeX -- AMS-LaTeX! % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaafiart1ev1aqatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn % hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr % 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9 % vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x % fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaWefv3ySLgznf % gDOfdaryqr1ngBPrginfgDObYtUvgaiuaacqWFpepucaGGOaGaeu4O % dmLaaiykaaaa!442A! $$\mathcal{P}(\Sigma )$$ is modular. We prove that if % MathType!Translator!2!1!AMS LaTeX.tdl!TeX -- AMS-LaTeX! % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaafiart1ev1aqatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn % hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr % 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9 % vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x % fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaWefv3ySLgznf % gDOfdaryqr1ngBPrginfgDObYtUvgaiuaacqWFpepucaGGOaGaeu4O % dmLaaiykaaaa!442A! $$\mathcal{P}(\Sigma )$$ is modular, then U⊥ V for all % MathType!Translator!2!1!AMS LaTeX.tdl!TeX -- AMS-LaTeX! % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaafiart1ev1aqatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn % hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr % 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9 % vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x % fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGaamyvaiaacY % cacaWGwbGaeyicI48efv3ySLgznfgDOfdaryqr1ngBPrginfgDObYt % UvgaiuaacqWFpepucaGGOaGaeu4OdmLaaiykaaaa!4813! $$U,V \in \mathcal{P}(\Sigma )$$ (an evidently stronger condition). Both of these phenomena—the modularity of % MathType!Translator!2!1!AMS LaTeX.tdl!TeX -- AMS-LaTeX! % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaafiart1ev1aqatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn % hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr % 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9 % vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x % fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaWefv3ySLgznf % gDOfdaryqr1ngBPrginfgDObYtUvgaiuaacqWFpepucaGGOaGaeu4O % dmLaaiykaaaa!442A! $$\mathcal{P}(\Sigma )$$ and whether two Σ-permutable subgroups U and V permute with each other—are shown to be determined “locally,” by what happens at each prime. The class SPM is shown to be quotient closed, but not direct product or subgroup closed.
Psychological distress among Chinese immigrants to the USA

Migration is a major life event that alters the functioning of individuals, often leading to the disruption of families and other social networks. When adaptation and coping fail, psychological distress may result. The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of psychological distress and to identify risk factors associated with the development of psychological distress symptoms in Chinese immigrants. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a Chinese community in Maryland, USA. A total of 247 people completed the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic and prevalence data. Differences in means of psychological distress scores by group were examined with t-tests and analysis of variance. Multiple regression analysis was used to test multiple predictors of psychological distress scores. The prevalence of psychological distress among Chinese immigrants in this study was 22.3%, double the expected frequency in the general US population. Being younger, self-reported with po...
Properties of an endogenous arachidonic acid-elicited relaxing mechanism in human placental vessels

Abstract OBJECTIVE : Our objective was to examine the action of arachidonic acid on tone in isolated humanplacental arteries and veins (1 to 2 mm diameter) for mechanisms involving endothelium-derived mediators, the stimulation of guanylate cyclase, and prostaglandin and cytochrome P450 metabolites. STUDY DESIGN : Pharmacologic probes and endothelium-removal were used to examine the mechanismof relaxation to arachidonic acid (10 nmol/L to 10 μmol/L) observed in placental arteries and veins obtained after delivery from uncomplicated term pregnancies and precontracted with prostaglandin F 2a . RESULTS : Neither removal of the endothelium nor inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis with 10 μmol/Lindomethacin, arginine-derived nitric oxide formation with 30 μmol/L nitro-l-arginine, or guanylate cyclase stimulation with 10 μmol/L LY83583 altered the observed relaxation to arachidonic acid in either preparation. However, this relaxation was markedly attenuated by 30 μmol/L proadifen (SKF-525A), an inhibitor of cytochrome P450, suggestive of a role for arachidonic acid metabolism by an epoxygenase or monooxygenase pathway. CONCLUSION : Human placental arteries and veins possess an endogenous mechanism of relaxation toarachidonic acid, which seems to be mediated by metabolites formed by a cytochrome P450 enzyme. This endogenous relaxation mechanism could function as a suppressor of vasospasm in the placental circulation. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1992;167:1064–70.)
Perfluoro‐ethylene‐1,2‐bis‐phosphonic Acid Fuel Cell Electrolyte

Concentrated aqueous perfluoroethylene-1,2-bis-phosphonic acid has been investigated as an alternative to phosphoric acid as the electrolyte in the H{sub 2}/O{sub 2} acid fuel cell. Phosphoric and bis-phosphonic acid solutions were equilibrated with pure O{sub 2} (P = 1 atm) and were used in (1) chronoamperometry experiments performed with a Pt microelectrode to estimate the O{sub 2} diffusion coefficient, D, and solubility, C, and (2) O{sub 2} electroreduction polarization studies done with a gas-fed Teflon-bonded carbon electrode with a high surface area Pt catalyst in a microfuel cell. At 22 C in 85% bis-phosphonic acid, C was found to be 3.4 {+-} 0.3 {times} 10{sup {minus}4} mol/liter and D was 5.0 {+-} 10{sup {minus}7} cm{sup 2}/s as compared with C = 2.8 {+-} 0.3 {times} 10{sup {minus}4} mol/liter and D = 1.2 {+-} 0.1 {times} 10{sup {minus}6} cm{sup 2}/s in 85% phosphoric acid at T = 22 C. The over-potential for O{sub 2} reduction on the microfuel cell cathode was smaller in 85% bis-phosphonic acid than in 85% phosphoric acid for current densities up to 200 mA/mcm{sup 2} at 100 C. This indicates that the oxygen electroreduction kinetics on Pt increased when phosphoric acid was replaced with the perfluorinated bis-phosphonic acid.more » At higher current densities where mass transport may influence cathode performance, the performance with bis-phosphonic acid was not as good as with phosphoric acid at 100 C, which is consistent with the higher viscosity and lower D found for bis-phosphonic acid relative to phosphoric acid at 22 C. As the temperature was raised from 100 to 200 C, the cathode performance improved with the bis-phosphonic acid electrolyte. The enhanced O{sub 2} reduction kinetics with the bis-phosphonic acid persistend in the fuel cell environment at temperatures up to 200 C for 500 h which demonstrated a major improvement in stability for a high performance perfluorinated fuel cell electrolyte used at higher temperatures such as 200 C.« less
Intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes for metastatic melanoma by imprint cytology.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLN) has revolutionized nodal staging. Accurate intraoperative evaluation of SLN permits a single procedure, with lymphadenectomy being performed during the initial operative procedure when the SLN is positive. There is a paucity of literature on intraoperative imprint cytology (IIC) evaluation of the SLN in melanoma. The purpose of this article is to present an update to our experience with IIC for SLN in melanoma. Melanoma patients had SLNs examined by IIC. SLNs were bisected, and imprints were made from each half. Imprints were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and with Diff-Quik. Paraffin-embedded sections were examined with multiple hematoxylin and eosin–stained sections from the SLNs in conjunction with immunohistochemical staining for S-100, Melan-A, and HMB-45 proteins. Metastases were identified in 40 (17%) of 229 patients. Of these, 13 patients were detected by IIC (sensitivity, 33%). The negative predictive value was 88%. No false-positive results were identified (specificity, 100%). The positive predictive value was 100%. The accuracy of IIC was 78%. The sensitivity for detecting macrometastases (>2 mm) was better than that for detecting micrometastases (≤2 mm): 62% vs. 16% (P < .01). Patients with positive SLNs by IIC had lymphadenectomy under the same anesthetic. A total of 533 nonsentinel lymph nodes were identified in 42 patients. Only two patients (8%) had positive nonsentinel lymph nodes after a negative IIC. IIC is a viable alternative to frozen sectioning when intraoperative evaluation is desired. IIC is significantly more sensitive for macrometastases. IIC evaluation of SLNs in melanoma makes a single operative procedure possible for a significant proportion of patients with regional nodal metastases.
Triplet state dynamics in polycyclic aromatic molecules

Abstract Utilizing the technique of triplet absorption detection of magnetic resonance (TADMR), we have determined the rates of intersystem crossing for the individual spin levels of the anthracene- h 10 and - d 10 and 3,4-benzpyrene triplet states in Shpolskii solvents. The anthracene results are in agreement with other experimental and theoretical work on intersystem crossing in aromatic hydrocarbons. The benzpyrene results, however, are unique, showing a large contribution from the out-of-plane spin level. Possible explanations of this result are discussed.
Evidence that GABA augmentation of norepinephrine release is mediated by interneurons

GABAA receptor activation augments stimulated release of 3H-norepinephrine (NE) in brain slices from female rats. This effect is not blocked by acetazolamide or MK-801, indicating that permeability of the GABAA chloride channel to bicarbonate ions and NMDA receptor activation do not mediate GABA-induced NE release. Furthermore, GABA augments 3H-NE release from slices, but not from isolated nerve terminals (synaptosomes), indicating that interneurons mediate GABA effects on 3H-NE release.
Sign language use and the appreciation of diversity in hearing classrooms

This article is the result of a year‐long study into the effects of sign language use on participation in one mainstream preschool setting. Observations and interviews were the primary data‐collection tools used during this investigation. This article focuses on how the use of sign language in the classroom affected the learning community's appreciation of diversity. The central themes discussed include appreciation of diverse language and diverse ways of communicating and appreciation of cultural diversity.
Housing Segregation of a Predominantly Middle Class Population: Residential Patterns Developed by the Cuban Immigration Into Miami, 1950-74

. Latin Americans, principally Cubans, have entered Miami in large numbers since 1950. Although most who arrive have both urban and middle class backgrounds, which greatly facilitate their economic assimilation within the city, they have come in such large numbers that they are not becoming residentially assimilated with the non-Latin population. Instead, through invasion and succession they are creating their own ethnic ghettoes, a fact which is proven in this study through use of the location quotient and indexes of dissimilarity. Miami's Black population has always been isolated from both the Latin and non-Latin White populations. The city's major ethnic and family-cycle groups, however, have steadily become more isolated from the Latins since 1950. Furthermore, following the departure of these groups from neighborhoods invaded by Latins, they have relocated throughout the city in a way so that they are becoming increasingly more isolated from each other.
A critical period for long-term potentiation at thalamocortical synapses

In mammalian development, the refinement of topographical projections from the thalamus to the cortex is thought to arise through an activity-dependent process in which thalamic axons compete for cortical targets. In support of this view, if activity is altered during a critical period in early development, normal connectivity is disrupted. It has been proposed that synaptic connections are strengthened during development by correlated pre- and postsynaptic activity, and a likely mechanism for this process would be N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP). However, the evidence that LTP is involved in normal development remains inconclusive. We have examined LTP in the thalamocortical synapses that form whisker barrels in rat somatosensory cortex (S1). We report here that the period during which LTP can be induced matches closely the critical period during which the barrels can be modified by sensory perturbations. Moreover, the loss of susceptibility to LTP with age is accompanied by a decrease in NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic currents. These findings provide compelling evidence that LTP is important for the development of cortical circuitry.
Theory of NMR in a quasi-one-dimensional fast ion conductor

Abstract The NMR relaxation rate of diffusing nuclei interacting with paramagnetic impurities is treated in a quasi lD system. The rate is proportional to c for low impurity concentration c, rather than to c 2 , the result for pure lD. Comparison is made with data on iron-doped β-eucryptite (β-LiAlSiO 4 ).
Patient satisfaction and the impact of written material about postpartum contraceptive decisions.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of written educational material about patient satisfaction and decision-making regarding postpartum contraception. Study Design: Baseline patient satisfaction and effectiveness of contraceptive counseling on a postpartum unit was evaluated with the use of a self-administered questionnaire. Data were compared with patients who received additional comprehensive written educational material during their postpartum hospitalization. Results: A total of 109 women participated in the study (control subjects, 53; intervention group, 56). Demographics and patient satisfaction with contraceptive counseling were similar between groups. Thirty-four percent of the control subjects reported having received some sort of written information; all women in the intervention group received a standardized comprehensive booklet of information during their postpartum stay (P <.01). Among the women who received written information, the intervention group was more likely to state that written material contributed to their ultimate choice in birth control (P <.01). Conclusion: The postpartum distribution of written material about contraceptive options increases a woman's ability to make an informed decision regarding birth control. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;188:1202-4.)
The Application of Kinetic Fracture Mechanics to Life Prediction for Polymeric Materials

A recently developed theory of kinetic crack growth is applied to the problem of the time-dependent failure of polymeric materials subject to a timewise constant state of stress. The theory is generalized to include a rather complete treatment of statistical variability. When restricted to the power law range of behavior, it is found that an assumption of a Weibull distribution of static strengths implies rigorously that the corresponding lifetime distributions are also Weibully distributed. In fact, an extremely simple interrelation is found whereby the shape parameter for lifetime is equal to the product of the shape parameter for static strength times the magnitude of the log stress versus log lifetime slope of the scale parameter for the lifetime distribution. These theoretical predictions are compared with the experimental results available from the testing of a particular polymeric fiber composite material, Kevlar 49/epoxy. The theoretical prediction for the lifetime distribution compares favorably with the observed data.
Ribavirin: How Does it Work and is it Still Needed?

Ribavirin is a synthetic guanosine analogue, which acts against hepatitis C virus (HCV) through several mechanisms that include 1) immune modulation; 2) inhibition of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase 3) inhibition of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase; 4) induction of HCV mutagenesis; and 5) modulation of interferon-stimulated gene expression. Addition of ribavirin to peginterferon-α substantially improves sustained virologic response (SVR) and decreases relapse rates. Ribavirin can be associated with hemolytic anemia. However, recent data suggest that SVR is not negatively impacted by treatment-induce anemia. Notably, optimal dosing strategy and the proper management of anemia are crucial to achieve the best treatment outcome. Several advances have been made in the areas relevant to ribavirin, such as the discovery of inosine triphosphatase gene as a promising pharmacogenetic marker and a predictor of anemia, and the role for erythropoiesis-stimulating agent in the management of anemia related to ribavirin use. Recent observations indicate that ribavirin will remain as a critical component of HCV therapy, even in the context of direct acting antivirals.
High-pressure deformation of coal from Powder River Basin, Wyoming

Abstract Data on the mechanical response of Powder River Basin coal at high pressures are needed to model the fracture properties of coal beds subjected to explosive loading. The pressure-volume relation to 3.0 GPa, and shear-strength v. mean-pressure failure properties, to a confining pressure of 0.7 GPa, are reported. Brittle fracture was found to limit the shear strength of the coal, even at 0.7 GPa. The coal was compressible (22% volume strain at 3.0 GPa) with little or no unloading hysteresis. The discontinuous, pressure-induced phase transitions normally associated with free water were not evident in the coal compressions, although water was present.
Interstitial cystitis and silk allergy

Interstitial cystitis patients often have a history of allergies, and frequently, a history of gynecological or obstetric operative procedures. Silk is a potent antigen, and so it is suggested that the symptomatology of interstitial cystitis is an allergic reaction to buried silk sutures.
Associations between urban air pollution and pediatric asthma control in El Paso, Texas

Exposure to traffic-related pollutants poses a serious health threat to residents of major urban centers around the world. In El Paso, Texas, this problem is exacerbated by the region's arid weather, frequent temperature inversions, heavy border traffic, and an aged, poorly maintained vehicle fleet. The impact of exposure to traffic pollution, particularly on children with asthma, is poorly understood. Tracking the environmental health burden related to traffic pollution in El Paso is difficult, especially within school microenvironments, because of the lack of sensitive environmental health indicator data. The Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) is a survey tool for the measurement of overall asthma control, yet has not previously been considered as an outcome in air pollution health effect research. We conducted a repeated measure panel study to examine weekly associations between ACQ scores and traffic- and non-traffic air pollutants among asthmatic schoolchildren in El Paso. In the main one- and two-pollutant epidemiologic models, we found non-significant, albeit suggestive, positive associations between ACQ scores and respirable particulate matter (PM10), coarse particulate matter (PM10–2.5), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), benzene, toluene, and ozone (O3). Notably, associations were stronger and significant for some subgroups, in particular among subjects taking daily inhaled corticosteroids. This pattern may indicate heightened immune system response in more severe asthmatics, those with worse asthma “control” and higher ACQ scores at baseline. If the ACQ is appropriately used in the context of air pollution studies, it could reflect clinically measurable and biologically relevant changes in lung function and asthma symptoms that result from poor air quality and may increase our understanding of how air pollution influences asthma exacerbation.
Optical microwave cellular systems for plant automation

Abstract As large factories, chemical plants and oil refineries become more and more automated, it becomesnecessary to relay information from a large number of sensors to central control sites. In addition, it hasalso become important to transmit large amounts ofinformation in the form ofdata, voice, video etc., toworkers around the plant or factory. A unique technique based on optical microwave cellular system isdescribed which is highly suitable for such an application. 1. Motivation for Optical Microwave Cellular Systems for Plant Automation As large factories become increasingly automated, the demand for relaying information from a largenumber of sensors to central or distributed control sites has grown. In manufacturing environments inwhich small volumes ofhigh value products are fabricated (e.g. ships, oil drilling platforms), the need tomaintain and distribute accurate drawings and assembly information is stressing traditional documentdistribution schemes. Advances in image processing, communication, and display are expected to enableassembly workers in high-value product environments to project assembly drawings and information ontothe work in progress through the use ofhead-mounted displays. Such a scheme will demand themovement oflarge amounts of data from a central database, through a local server, and ultimately to theuser in the factory. Another area in which advances in information services for large plants will impactfuture manufacturing paradigms is in the use of remote experts. Instead of sending an inspector toexamine each ofa large number ofwelds in a ship, for example, images may be sent from operators orrobots around the factory to a central technical expert, demanding real-time distribution of dozens of TVimages.Many techniques exist for the movement oflarge amounts ofreal time data, including wireless links, coax,and fiber optics. The need for unimpeded movement ofworkers demands that the final link to a mobileworker be wireless, and significant developments in recent years have led to the deployment of cellularnetworks in many environments. In distributing the data over large distances however (some large plantsmay extend kilometers), difficulties associated with reflection from metallic structures make a centralantenna solution unattractive. Alternatives include repeating stations distributed around the plant,interconnection between central control and the remote antenna stations by coax, and also by fiber optics.Each has its advantages, and the selection of a particular solution will depend on the cost in relation to theperformance provided.Cellular wireless systems can provide overall coverage of a large plant by using many interconnectedcells. Optical microwave technology provides one of several possible solutions for interconnecting cells,transmitting and receiving from remote antennae, and providing transmission to and from site control.
Triglyceride-lowering effect of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid: eicosapentaenoic acid vs. docosahexaenoic acid.

It is widely accepted that fish oil decreases serum triglycerides. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are believed to be the active components. By far the majority of animal experiments and human trials investigating the effect of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid on serum triglyceride levels were carried out with fish oil concentrates containing both EPA and DHA. Little information exists on the effect of EPA or DHA on serum triglyceride levels as a single agent. This paper reviews the results of human studies which investigated the effect of EPA and DHA on serum triglycerides. The results of human intervention studies investigating the effects of purified EPA and DHA on plasma triglycerides clearly demonstrate that EPA as well as DHA, given as a single agent, significantly and consistently lowers plasma triglyceride levels. In the papers reviewed, the triglyceride-lowering effect of 2.7-4.0 g EPA per day varied between 16 and 33%. A daily dose of t.25-2.5 g of DHA resulted in a trigtyceride reduction of 17-21%. Only a few studies have been published SO far which were designed to investigate the effect of purified EPA vs. purified DHA on fasting triglycerides. Two recently published clinical trials investigated the triglyceride-lowering effect of 4.0 g EPA vs. 4.0 g DHA in healthy young men. These studies revealed a serum triglyceride decrease of 12 and 18% in the EPA group and of 17 and 20% in the DHA group, respectively. A study which investigated the effect of a supplementation with EPA vs. DHA on the postprandial triglyceride surge reported a marked decrease of the postprandial triglyceridemia in both the EPA and the DHA group, though this effect was more pronounced in the people who received DHA. The effect of EPA and DHA on serum lipids such as total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and high density lipoprotein, however, appears to be less consistent. In summary, the available evidence points to the fact that both EPA and DHA have a marked hypotriglyceridemic effect in humans. As it regards the effect of purified EPA and DHA on lipoprotein subfractions, there may be some differences that warrant further clarification.
HAPTEN-SANDWICH LABELING I. A GENERAL PROCEDURE FOR SIMULTANEOUS LABELING OF MULTIPLE CELL SURFACE ANTIGENS FOR FLUORESCENCE AND ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

A hapten-sandwich procedure has been developed for specific labeling of cell surface antigens for fluorescence or electron microscopy. Haptens are azo-coupled to immunoglobulins specific for a cell surface antigen; the hapten-modified cell-bound antibodies can then be visualized by adding fluorescent antihapten antibody, or by adding antihapten antibody followed by hapten-modified markers for electron microscopy. Virus or high molecular weight protein markers are lightly cross-linked before conjugation with hapten to prevent their disruption. Such stable hapten-modified markers, and the accessibility of many different purified anti-azophenyl-hapten antibodies, make it feasible to distinguish more than one membrane antigen in a given labeling experiment. When mouse lymphoid cell populations are labeled with separate markers for Ig and for thymus-associated antigens, many cells exhibit the Ig marker exclusively or the thymic marker predominantly, and some cells are completely free of label.
Variable expression of 11β Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) isoforms in vascular endothelial cells

Abstract Vascular tissue expresses two isoforms of the enzyme 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD2. These enzymes are responsible for the local metabolism of endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs). 11β-HSD1 deactivates GCs to their 11 keto metabolites or transforms inert 11 keto metabolites back to active GCs. Although, bi-directional, vascular 11β-HSD1 favors reactivation (reductase) over the deactivation (dehydrogenase) reaction, 11β-HSD2 only functions as a dehydrogenase. GC deactivation by enhanced 11β-HSD2 dehydrogenase activity or by impaired 11β-HSD1 reductase activity correlates with lower vascular resistance. These studies were designed to demonstrate the existence and regulation of these isoforms in vascular endothelial cells and to determine whether the expression varied by species and locale. Western blots were prepared from pre-confluent and confluent cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). 11β-HSD1 was clearly expressed while 11β-HSD2 was much less prominent. Cultured rat aortic and bovine glomerular endothelial cells showed a similar pattern. Using immunohistochemistry, endothelial cells from human and mouse artery preparations clearly demonstrated 11β-HSD1. In separate experiments, pre-confluent growing HUVEC expressed more 11β-HSD1 compared to confluent cells. Serum-deprived growth-retarded HUVEC expressed significantly less 11β-HSD1. The enhanced expression of 11β-HSD1 was also observed 24 h following a scratch “injury” to the culture plates. Changes in 11β-HSD1 with growth and during repair occurred at the transcription level. Thus, 11β-HSD1 protein expression predominates in endothelial cells and varies during periods of growth.
PGE2 and PGF2α biosynthesis in stimulated and nonstimulated peritoneal preparations containing macrophages

Abstract The biosynthesis of PGE2 and PGF2α was measured in intact peritoneal exudate preparations obtained fom C. parvum -treated and control C3H mice. Although both the control and stimulated preparations biosynthesized PGF2α and PGE2 from [1–14C] arachidonic acid, the stimulated preparations generated more of both prostaglandins than did nonstimulated preparations, probably as a result of increased synthesis within macrophages. Increased transformation of PGE2 into PGF2α 9-ketoreductase was noted in stimulated preparations when compared to that in control cells. The data suggest that stimulated macrophages are capable of generating increased quantities of PGF2α and therefore might function as one source of this substance in resolving inflammatory reactions.
Influence functions applied to the estimation of mean rain rate

In this paper we illustrate the usefulness of influence functions for studying properties of various statistical estimators of mean rain rate using space-borne radar data. In Martin (1999), estimators using censoring, minimum chi-square, and least squares are compared in terms of asymptotic variance. Here, we use influence functions to consider robustness properties of the same estimators. We also obtain formulas for the asymptotic variance of the estimators using influence functions, and thus show that they may also be used for studying relative efficiency. The least squares estimator, although less efficient, is shown to be more robust in the sense that it has the smallest gross-error sensitivity. In some cases, influence functions associated with the estimators reveal counterintuitive behaviour. For example, observations that are less than the mean rain rate may increase the estimated mean. The additional information gleaned from influence functions may be used to understand better and improve the esti...
Instrumentation for PEM fuel cell transient degradation monitoring

Fuel cells have attracted considerable interest as environmentally friendly sources of electrical power. However, fuel cell reliability and failure mechanisms are among the less well-understood trade-offs in fuel cell system design. This work introduces a PEM membrane degradation test stand and monitoring system that runs membranes in a realistic, load-transient environment. The data collected with this system may ultimately establish electrical terminal diagnostics for fuel cells and guidelines for reliable fuel cell operation.
Aging and Productivity Among Economists

Economists' productivity over their careers and as measured by publication in leading journals declines very sharply with age. There is no difference by age in the probability that an article submitted to a leading journal will be accepted. Rates of declining productivity are no greater among the very top publishers than among others, and the probability of acceptance is increasingly related to the author's quality rather than the author's age.
Evaluation of Visible Implant Elastomer for Marking Juvenile Red Drum

Abstract Visible implant elastomer (VIE) was evaluated for marking juvenile red drum Sciaenops ocellatus in experimental studies. We tested VIE on hatchery-reared red drum (standard length, 29.6–38.7 mm; SE, 0.23) in a laboratory study to examine mortality, tag retention, and growth effects associated with the marking method. We examined two tagging locations and two control treatments in anesthetized and unanesthetized fish. Red drum were tagged below and parallel to the dorsal fin and above and parallel to the anal fin. Five fish were anesthetized, marked, and stocked into replicated tanks and held for 14 d. Tag retention was 100%, and overall mortality was 10%. The mortality of fish tagged below the dorsal fin was 0%, whereas that of fish tagged above the anal fin was 40% (SE, 30.5). No significant difference in growth rates was observed between the marked and unmarked treatment groups. A field study was performed with wild and hatchery-reared red drum marked with VIE and released at three replicate si...
Summer Movements of Sub-Adult Brook Trout, Landlocked Atlantic Salmon, and Smallmouth Bass in the Rapid River, Maine

ABSTRACT Summer movement patterns and spatial overlap of native sub-adult brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), non-native landlocked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), and non-native smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) in the Rapid River, Maine, were investigated with radio telemetry in 2005. Fishes were captured by angling, surgically implanted with radio transmitters, and tracked actively from June through September. Most brook trout (96%) and landlocked salmon (72%) displayed long distance movements (>1 km) to open water bodies (28 June to 4 July) followed by periods of time spent in presumed thermal refigia (5 July to 16 September). Summer water temperature rose above 25 °C, near the reported lethal limits for these coldwater species. In contrast, the majority of smallmouth bass (68%), a warrnwater species, did not make long distance movements from areas of initial capture, remaining in mainstem sections of the river (28 June to 16 September). Spatial overlap of smallmouth bass and brook trout in the s...
Prosthetic Management and Speech Improvement in Individuals with Dysarthria of the Palate

The palatal lift, designed as a special speech aid for patients with palatal dysarthria, provides a partial or complete closure of the velopharyngeal orifice during speech. After management with this appliance, patients have a more normal vocal tract shape during production of vowels, and consonant articulations are more precise.
Toe wiggling and starting cars: A re-examination of trying

L'A. etudie le cas d'une femme au volant d'une voiture qui ne demarre pas et celui d'un homme paralyse qui essaie de faire bouger ses orteils. Paradigmatiques de la theorie de l'action instrumentale d'une part, et de la theorie de la volition d'autre part, qui traitent de la nature physique et mentale de la tentative associee a des actions manquees, engageant le statut de la volition et de l'intention dans leurs rapports au monde externe
Computational Fluid Dynamics Uncertainty Analysis for Payload Fairing Spacecraft Environmental Control Systems

Spacecraft thermal protection systems are at risk of being damaged due to airflow produced from Environmental Control Systems. There are inherent uncertainties and errors associated with using Computational Fluid Dynamics to predict the airflow field around a spacecraft from the Environmental Control System. This proposal describes an approach to validate the uncertainty in using Computational Fluid Dynamics to predict airflow speeds around an encapsulated spacecraft. The research described here is absolutely cutting edge. Quantifying the uncertainty in analytical predictions is imperative to the success of any simulation-based product. The method could provide an alternative to traditional"validation by test only'' mentality. This method could be extended to other disciplines and has potential to provide uncertainty for any numerical simulation, thus lowering the cost of performing these verifications while increasing the confidence in those predictions. Spacecraft requirements can include a maximum airflow speed to protect delicate instruments during ground processing. Computationaf Fluid Dynamics can be used to veritY these requirements; however, the model must be validated by test data. The proposed research project includes the following three objectives and methods. Objective one is develop, model, and perform a Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis of three (3) generic, non-proprietary, environmental control systems and spacecraft configurations. Several commercially available solvers have the capability to model the turbulent, highly three-dimensional, incompressible flow regime. The proposed method uses FLUENT and OPEN FOAM. Objective two is to perform an uncertainty analysis of the Computational Fluid . . . Dynamics model using the methodology found in "Comprehensive Approach to Verification and Validation of Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations". This method requires three separate grids and solutions, which quantify the error bars around Computational Fluid Dynamics predictions. The method accounts for all uncertainty terms from both numerical and input variables. Objective three is to compile a table of uncertainty parameters that could be used to estimate the error in a Computational Fluid Dynamics model of the Environmental Control System /spacecraft system. Previous studies have looked at the uncertainty in a Computational Fluid Dynamics model for a single output variable at a single point, for example the re-attachment length of a backward facing step. To date, the author is the only person to look at the uncertainty in the entire computational domain. For the flow regime being analyzed (turbulent, threedimensional, incompressible), the error at a single point can propagate into the solution both via flow physics and numerical methods. Calculating the uncertainty in using Computational Fluid Dynamics to accurately predict airflow speeds around encapsulated spacecraft in is imperative to the success of future missions.
Earthquake Hazard Assessment: Has Our Approach Been Modified in the Light of Recent Earthquakes?

This may be an historic event for many of you. It will be the first time that you have ever heard a geologist give a talk related to earthquakes that was not replete with Kodachrome slides of cracks in the ground and maps of active faults, or at least of "allegedly" active faults, or "potentially" active faults or even "possibly" active faults! But I would like to go beyond the detailed discussion of individual earthquakes this afternoon, and instead discuss the broader problem of whether our studies of numerous recent earthquakes -- here and abroad -- are leading to modifications in our hazard assessment techniques, speaking from the point of view of a geologist or seismologist. I emphasize that I make no pretext of speaking for either the geotechnical or structural engineers. You already know, of course, the answer posed by the title. It's both "yes" and "no". And I would like to focus on the question of: In what scientific areas, in particular, are our approaches changing, and in what areas do the traditional methods remain credible?
Mechanism of cell contact-dependent glycolipid synthesis: further studies with glycolipid-glass complex.

Summary Glycosphingolipids were linked covalently to fine glass particles (diameter 2–10 μ) or glass plates bearing aminopropylsilane. When NIL and BHK cells contacted such a glass complex, the glycolipids on glass were glycosylated. The glycosylation occurred under physiologic conditions with or without exogenously added sugar nucleotide and required no detergents. It took place to a lesser degree when the glycolipids-glass complex made contact with cells transformed by polyoma virus (BHKpy, NILpy). Thus, cell contact-dependent glycolipid synthesis (reference no.: 1–5 of the text) could be ascribable to the activation of cell-surface localized glycosyltransferases on cell contact. Such a surface mechanism is not normally operating or is defective on the surface of transformed cells.