cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and the Americans with Disabilities Act: A legal duty to treat

Abstract The emergence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as a serious public health threat has rekindled long dormant debate about individual physicians' duty to treat potentially contagious patients. Because of the widely accepted common-law tenet of the "no duty [to treat] rule," previous work on a duty to treat focused on historical reviews, medical society position statements, and the ethical arguments upon which the statements are based. The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act has rendered these discussions moot by creating, through federal civil rights mechanisms, a legal duty to treat patients with HIV, enforceable under considerable penalties. The paper also concludes that there has been inadequate attention paid to similar civil rights concerns of infected physicians.
Life-altering outcomes after lower extremity injury sustained in motor vehicle crashes.

BACKGROUND: Lower extremity injuries (LEIs) sustained in vehicular crashes result in physical problems and unexpected psychosocial consequences. Their significance is diminished by low Abbreviated Injury Scale scores. METHODS: Drivers who sustained LEIs were identified as part of the Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network (CIREN) and interviewed during hospitalization, at 6 months, and at 1 year. All were occupants of newer vehicles with seatbelts and airbags. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were followed for 1 year. Injuries included mild brain injury (43%), ankle/foot fractures (55%), and bilateral injuries (37%). One year post-injury, 46% reported limitations in walking and 22% with ankle/foot fractures were unable to return to work. Depression (39%), cognitive problems (32%), and post-traumatic stress disorder (18%) were significant in the mild brain injury group. CONCLUSIONS: Long-lasting physical and psychological burdens may impede recovery and alter the lifestyle of patients with LEI. These issues need to be addressed by trauma center personnel. Language: en
Regression on Quantile Residual Life

A time-specific log-linear regression method on quantile residual lifetime is proposed. Under the proposed regression model, any quantile of a time-to-event distribution among survivors beyond a certain time point is associated with selected covariates under right censoring. Consistency and asymptotic normality of the regression estimator are established. An asymptotic test statistic is proposed to evaluate the covariate effects on the quantile residual lifetimes at a specific time point. Evaluation of the test statistic does not require estimation of the variance-covariance matrix of the regression estimators, which involves the probability density function of the survival distribution with censoring. Simulation studies are performed to assess finite sample properties of the regression parameter estimator and test statistic. The new regression method is applied to a breast cancer data set with long-term follow-up to estimate the patients' median residual lifetimes, adjusting for important prognostic factors.
The multiple linkages of personality and disease

Associations between personality and health and longevity are increasingly well documented, but the causal inter-connections are often much more complex than originally anticipated. Multiple causal pathways may operate simultaneously as the individual travels an idiosyncratic route across the life-span. Therefore, a straightforward model of personality, immunity, and disease may never be established and validated, because it overlooks other key elements of the causal processes. Psychoneuroimmunology research may profit from closer integration into the broader conceptual understandings of personality and health, using a new life-span epidemiological personality approach.
Singularity considerations in membrane, plate and shell behaviors

This paper describes three types of situations in structural analysis where singularities at points can greatly influence the global behavior of the configuration: (1) concentrated forces acting upon flat or curved membranes, (2) concentrated moments acting upon plates or shells, and (3) sharp corner sigularities in plates and shells. These singularities may have strong effects upon static or dynamic deflections, free vibration frequencies and buckling loads. It is shown that the concentrated forces acting upon flat or curved membranes, or concentrated moments acting upon plates and shells, are improper models, and that correct theoretical analysis indicates that they are meaningless. Examples of sharp corners discussed are (1) the re-entrant corner of a cantilever skew plate, (2) a free circular plate with a V-notch, and (3) the obtuse corners of a simply supported parallelogram plate.
Population databases in development analysis.

Abstract Population databases are fundamental ingredients to analyses of social and economic change and development. Insofar as these analyses are often the basis for policy making and programme formulation, it is important to have a sound understanding of the strengths and limitations of such databases. The present paper focuses on databases that deal with three, relatively important population variables: population size, life expectancy at birth and infant mortality. The issues relating to the production of these databases are primarily conceptual and technical in nature, e.g., definitions, methods and data quality. In addition to these issues, governmental and political circumstances greatly influence the availability and quality of population databases. Although noteworthy progress has been achieved in the production of population databases during the last several decades, considerable difficulties remain with regard to their comparability, completeness of coverage and accuracy. Globally, the comparability of data remains a serious concern due to deviations from standard definitions. Among less developed countries, the completeness of coverage of the databases varies greatly by region. Also, whereas the data for preparing estimates are deficient and have shortcomings, even more problematic are the data utilized to assess demographic trends. While recent technology and the repackaging of population databases have greatly advanced their production and availability, confusion and ignorance have become widespread regarding the original source and nature of the data. As a result, users of the databases all too often undertake faulty analyses, which in turn yield spurious conclusions.
A Cross Comparison of Spatiotemporally Enhanced Springtime Phenological Measurements From Satellites and Ground in a Northern U.S. Mixed Forest

Cross comparison of satellite-derived land surface phenology (LSP) and ground measurements is useful to ensure the relevance of detected seasonal vegetation change to the underlying biophysical processes. While standard 16-day and 250-m Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) vegetation index (VI)-based springtime LSP has been evaluated in previous studies, it remains unclear whether LSP with enhanced temporal and spatial resolutions can capture additional details of ground phenology. In this paper, we compared LSP derived from 500-m daily MODIS and 30-m MODIS–Landsat fused VI data with landscape phenology (LP) in a northern U.S. mixed forest. LP was previously developed from intensively observed deciduous and coniferous tree phenology using an upscaling approach. Results showed that daily MODIS-based LSP consistently estimated greenup onset dates at the study area (625 m $\times$ 625 m) level with 4.48 days of mean absolute error (MAE), slightly better than that of using 16-day standard VI (4.63 days MAE). For the observed study areas, the time series with increased number of observations confirmed that post-bud burst deciduous tree phenology contributes the most to vegetation reflectance change. Moreover, fused VI time series demonstrated closer correspondences with LP at the community level (0.1–20 ha) than using MODIS alone at the study area level (390 ha). The fused LSP captured greenup onset dates for respective forest communities of varied sizes and compositions with four days of the overall MAE. This study supports further use of spatiotemporally enhanced LSP for more precise phenological monitoring.
The anomalous nuclear component in the three-dimensional heliosphere☆

The anomalous nuclear component is neither of solar nor galactic cosmic ray origin. Its presence in the heliosphere is an independent probe for both interplanetary electrodynamical investigations--especially solar modulation--and probably the most direct means for determining the elemental and isotopic composition of those neutral atoms in the local interstellar medium that have high first ionization potentials (e.g., He, N, O, Ne, Ar, etc.). This report is a brief account of the evolution of our knowledge of this component for readers not specializing in the subject. Included are the initial discoveries of the component, its composition, spectra, heliospheric radial and latitudinal intensity gradients, modulation over the approximately 22 year solar magnetic cycle, trapping in the magnetosphere and its use for estimating the location of a heliospheric termination shock. Recent measurements from the ULYSSES spacecraft have provided conclusive evidence that incoming neutral atoms, after photoionization by solar uv, are picked up by the solar wind, thus lending support for the concept that after their acceleration--probably at a termination shock--they return to the inner heliosphere as pseudo-cosmic rays. ULYSSES spacecraft investigations extending to approximately 56 deg south latitude reveal, for both the anomalous nuclear component and the galactic cosmic rays, that there is a surprisingly small latitudinal intensity gradient. Thus, for the current phase of the solar cycle, modulation is much more spherically symmetric in the inner solar system than had generally been believed. A further surprise is the continual presence of approximately 26 day recurrent modulation at hight latitudes, without corresponding magnetic field compressions. These results are changing our ideas and requiring modification of our models for solar modulation in three dimensions.
Attacks on GPS Time Reliability

Malicious events can cause GPS signals to be lost altogether or deliberately incorrect. This article examines two types of such events--jamming and spoofing--and possible defenses against them.
Functional electrical stimulation in incomplete tetraplegia

This paper describes the use of functional electrical stimulation in the management of a 37-year-old male patient who had sustained an incomplete tetraplegia, below C5 on the right and below C7 on the left. The patient's training programme is outlined, with particular reference to gait reeducation.
Acquiring Multi-Scale Images by Pan-Tilt-Zoom Control and Automatic Multi-Camera Calibration

This paper describes a system for automatically acquiring high-resolution images by steering a pan-tilt-zoom camera at targets detected in a fixed camera view. The system uses a novel method to automatically calibrate between multiple cameras, estimating the homography between the cameras in a home position, together with the effects of pan and tilt controls and the expected height of a person in the image. These calibrations are chained together to steer a slave camera. In addition we describe a simple manual calibration scheme
When Trying to Win Competition and Intrinsic Motivation

Males and females solved interesting puzzles in the presence of a same-sex confederate who posed as a second subject doing the same activity. Half the subjects were instructed to compete against each other (i.e., to try to solve the puzzles faster than the other person) while half were simply instructed to work as quickly as they could so as to finish in the allotted time. The results showed a significant main effect in which competition decreased intrinsic motivation. 7his was particularly true for females.
Support for the high efficiency, carbon separation and internal reforming capabilities of solid oxide fuel cell systems

A recent publication by Adams and Barton [1] in the Journal of Power Sources has appropriately espoused and analyzed the high efficiency and carbon separation capabilities of solid oxide fuel cells. Unfortunately, the paper also contains misleading statements and analyses regarding the internal reforming capabilities of solid oxide fuel cells. The current letter to the editor addresses this concern and provides insights into appropriate systems design for solid oxide fuel cells that considers their proven internal reforming capabilities.
The Effect of Gender and Family Status on Ego Identity Development among Early Adolescents

Data from 265 early adolescents (seventh graders) were analyzed to examine the relationship between gender, family status, and ego identity. Analysis of variance results indicated that females were more mature than males on a measure of moratorium (exploration of alternatives); that early adolescents living in an intact family environment were more likely to make commitments without examining alternatives (high foreclosure scores) than were their cohorts who reported living in disrupted family environments; and males from the former condition were more diffused (not questioning and noncommital). Overall, the impact of family disruption was more notable among males than females. Findings support Erikson's contention that identity development is a lifelong prospect which is mediated by change (internal and external).
Catalytic combustion of solvent vapours from adhesives

Abstract Potential hazards of and environmental concerns relating to solvent vapours released by the use of solvent-borne adhesives in the footwear industry are identified, and recent environmental legislation discussed. Exploratory trials on the feasibility of catalytic combustion as a means of eliminating solvent emissions are then reported. Initial results from a demonstration rig with heat recycling, in which force drying of the adhesive is combined with catalytic combustion of the solvent vapours, are shown to be promising.
Fast Fourier Transform Convergence Criterion for Numerical Simulations of Periodic Fluid Flows

Determining when a numerical simulation is fully converged is important in getting accurate and reliable results. In unsteady problems, especially those involving periodic flows, it is not easy to judge convergence based on the existing convergence criteria. In this study, a convergence criterion based on an analysis of the frequency content of several flow variables using the fast Fourier transform (FFT) is suggested. This FFT convergence criterion has an advantage in that it is based on evaluation of the physical flow variables. Two conditions are set to judge convergence using the FFT convergence criterion. The first condition deals with the errors associated with the selection of the number of samples, whereas the other deals with the physical frequencies and their amplitudes. The FFT convergence criterion is tested and applied to two different unsteady flow problems, which have been solved numerically using two different flow solver codes. The results show that the suggested FFT convergence criterion can be applied successfully and easily to judge the degree of convergence of numerical simulations of periodic fluid flows.
Disease Variants of the Human Mitochondrial DNA Helicase Encoded by C10orf2 Differentially Alter Protein Stability, Nucleotide Hydrolysis, and Helicase Activity

Missense mutations in the human C10orf2 gene, encoding the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) helicase, co-segregate with mitochondrial diseases such as adult-onset progressive external ophthalmoplegia, hepatocerebral syndrome with mtDNA depletion syndrome, and infantile-onset spinocerebellar ataxia. To understand the biochemical consequences of C10orf2 mutations, we overproduced wild type and 20 mutant forms of human mtDNA helicase in Escherichia coli and developed novel schemes to purify the recombinant enzymes to near homogeneity. A combination of molecular crowding, non-ionic detergents, Mg2+ ions, and elevated ionic strength was required to combat insolubility and intrinsic instability of certain mutant variants. A systematic biochemical assessment of the enzymes included analysis of DNA binding affinity, DNA helicase activity, the kinetics of nucleotide hydrolysis, and estimates of thermal stability. In contrast to other studies, we found that all 20 mutant variants retain helicase function under optimized in vitro conditions despite partial reductions in DNA binding affinity, nucleotide hydrolysis, or thermal stability for some mutants. Such partial defects are consistent with the delayed presentation of mitochondrial diseases associated with mutation of C10orf2.
Silencing of Hepatic Fatty Acid Transporter Protein 5 in Vivo Reverses Diet-induced Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Improves Hyperglycemia

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a serious health problem linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. To investigate the biological outcome and therapeutic potential of hepatic fatty acid uptake inhibition, we utilized an adeno-associated virus-mediated RNA interference technique to knock down the expression of hepatic fatty acid transport protein 5 in vivo prior to or after establishing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice. Using this approach, we demonstrate here the ability to achieve specific, non-toxic, and persistent knockdown of fatty acid transport protein 5 in mouse livers from a single adeno-associated virus injection, resulting in a marked reduction of hepatic dietary fatty acid uptake, reduced caloric uptake, and concomitant protection from diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Importantly, knockdown of fatty acid transport protein 5 was also able to reverse already established non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, resulting in significantly improved whole-body glucose homeostasis. Thus, continued activity of hepatic fatty acid transport protein 5 is required to sustain caloric uptake and fatty acid flux into the liver during high fat feeding and may present a novel avenue for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
PERSONAL INFORMATION AND SOCIAL LIFE

This paper revolves around the informational aspect of social relationships, attempting to identify the fundamental social patterning of personal information and to establish the basic conceptual framework necessary for analyzing this topic from a sociological perspective. The paper explores the major parameters of personal information (amount, scope, and depth), relating them to sociological variables such as social distance, social power, privacy, and intimacy. It then examines the “information preserve”, a quasi-spatial territory of the self, discussing various forms of defending it (such as discretion, concealment, and fabrication), as well as ways in which it is protected by others (with a particular emphasis on confidentiality and tact).
Ultrastructure of the Spleen and Head Kidney of Striped Bass

Abstract The spleen and head kidney of striped bass Morone saxatilis were examined by electron microscopy, including examination of ultrastructural localization of peroxidase. The spleen is composed of a loosely organized reticulum that supports the red and white pulp. The principal hematopoietic and mature blood cells observed were erythrocytes, erythroblasts, lymphocytes, macrophages, thrombocytes, and aggregates of pigmented macrophages. In addition, limited numbers of neutrophils, neutrophilic myelocytes (immature neutrophils), plasma cells, eosinophils and monocytes were identified. Reticular cells and fibers appeared to provide a structural framework for both cells and blood sinuses in the spleen. Like the spleen, the head kidney contained erythrocytes, macrophages, monocytes, lymphocytes, and other less frequently observed cell types. A distinct difference in the cytologic composition of the two organs, however, was in the greater number of neutrophilic myelocytes found in the head kidney, where th...
Predicting a transcription start site: case study with different genomes

Prediction of a transcription start site (TSS) is one of the many active research areas in bioinformatics. The main purpose of this paper is to study the ability of linear classifiers for predicting a TSS. Also we have focused on the relationship between the length of the subsequences surrounding TSS and their effectiveness.
Different types of long-duration ventricular fibrillation: Can they be identified by electrocardiography

We tested the hypothesis that after 2 minutes of ventricular fibrillation (VF), periods of highly organized activations occur on the endocardium, arising from an intramural mother rotor or triggered activity originating in the Purkinje fibers. In 6 anesthetized dogs, we recorded electrically induced VF from two-thirds of the endocardium with a 64-electrode basket catheter. In another 12 dogs, the study was repeated with the addition of the early afterdepolarization blocker pinacidil in 6 animals and the delayed afterdepolarization blocker flunarizine in the other 6 animals. We found that, in addition to periods of disorganized chaotic activation (type I pattern), at between 3 and 7 minutes of VF, 2 highly organized patterns were observed (type II pattern, regular activity and type III pattern, triggered activity). When present, these patterns were observed in all 64 electrodes simultaneously. Type II arises from the apex and may be an intramural mother rotor and type III arises focally in Purkinje fibers and may be caused by early afterdepolarizations. The optimal defibrillation strategy may be different for the 3 different VF patterns. Therefore, it is important to determine if these 3 patterns can be differentiated from the body surface electrocardiogram.
The transverse location of the retinal chromophore in the purple membrane by diffusion-enhanced energy transfer.

We have used fluorescence energy transfer in the rapid-diffusion limit (RDL) to estimate the trans-membrane depth of retinal in the purple membrane (PM). Chelates of Tb(III) are excellent energy donors for the retinal chromophore of PM, having a maximum Ro value for Forster energy transfer of approximately 62 A (assuming a donor quantum yield of 1). Energy transfer rates were measured from the time-resolved emission kinetics of the donor. The distance of closest approach between chelates and the chromophore was estimated by simulating RDL energy-transfer rate constants according to geometric models of either PM sheets or membrane vesicles. The apparent rate constant for RDL energy transfer between Tb(III)HED3A and retinal in PM sheets is 1.5(+/- 0.1) x 10(6) M-1 s-1, corresponding to a depth of approximately 10 +/- 2 A for the retinal chromophore. Cell envelope vesicles (CEVs) from Halobacterium halobium were studied by using RDL energy transfer to assess the proximity of retinal to either the extracellular or intracellular face of the PM. The estimated depth of retinal from the extravesicular face of the PM is 10 +/- 3 A, based on the RDL energy-transfer rate constant. Energy-transfer levels to retinal in the PM were estimated by an indirect method with energy donors trapped in the inner-aqueous space of CEVs. The rate constants derived for this arrangement are too low to be consistent with the shortest depth of retinal deduced for PM sheets. Thus, the intravesticular face of CEVs, corresponding to the cytoplasmic face of cells, is the more distant surface from the chromophore of bacteriorhodopsin.
Development and Implementation of an Emergency Medicine Podcast for Medical Students: EMIGcast

Podcasts, episodic digital audio recordings downloaded through web syndication or streamed online, have been shown to be an effective instructional method in undergraduate health professions education, and are increasingly used for self-directed learning.1–6 Emergency medicine (EM) has embraced podcasting: over 80% of EM residents report listening to podcasts and a substantial number identify podcasts as the most valuable use of their educational time.4 Despite proven efficacy in undergraduate medical education and remarkable popularity with EM residents and attendings, there remain few EM podcasts targeted to medical students.5 Given that podcast effectiveness correlates with how well content matches the listener needs, a podcast specific to EM-bound medical students may optimally engage this target audience. 6
The complete gravity gradient tensor derived from the vertical component of gravity: a Fourier transform technique.

Abstract A technique has been to developed to determine the complete gravity gradient tensor from pre-existing vertical gravity data using the fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Since direct measurement of the entire gravity gradient tensor is generally unavailable, our technique provides an alternative determination of the gravity gradient tensor components. Traditionally, derivatives of vertical gravity ( g z,x , g z,y , and g z,z ) have been the only gravity gradient tensor components that have been computed directly. Gravity gradient tensor components are computed for four different, three-dimensional (3-D), idealized horst-and-graben models, with varying depths to the horst. Comparing the FFT results with calculated gradient components from the 3-D models shows that the RMS error for each component, between the two results, is at most ∼3.3 Eotvos Units. In addition, measured gravity gradient components from an airborne survey over the Wichita Uplift and Anadarko Basin region of southwest Oklahoma compare favorably with the FFT-derived results using available vertical gravity data. No error analysis was attempted between the two results due to a low signal-to-noise ratio in the measured data. Our technique offers a novel way to transform and visualize the available data, and it also offers an inexpensive and previously unavailable subsurface mapping capability.
Chloride Interactions with Iron Surfaces: Implications for Perchlorate and Nitrate Remediation Using Permeable Reactive Barriers

Perchlorate (Cl O4− ) can be reduced by iron surfaces, suggesting that permeable reactive barriers may represent a useful groundwater remediation strategy. However, chloride produced by the reaction inhibits further perchlorate removal. Adsorption of chloride on iron filings was investigated as a potential mechanism of chloride interference. The effect of chloride on the removal of nitrate, another oxyanion reactive at iron surfaces, was also investigated to draw more general conclusions about anion competition when target compounds adsorb electrostatically. A triple layer adsorption model was used to describe chloride sorption isotherms on the iron filings using magnetite as the model surface and defining a single type of surface hydroxyl sorption site. The model considered electrostatic attraction, specific sorption, and the effect of adsorbed Fe2+ on chloride sorption. Experimental and modeling results indicate that chloride competition is probably not of concern for nitrate reduction in permeable reac...
Odorant Receptor Expression Patterns Are Restored in Lesion-Recovered Rat Olfactory Epithelium

Lesions of the olfactory periphery provide a means for examining the reconstitution of a diverse and highly regulated population of sensory neurons and the growth, en masse, of nascent axons to the bulb. The olfactory epithelium and its projection onto the bulb are reconstituted after ablation by methyl bromide gas, and some measure of olfactory function is restored. The extent to which the system regenerates the full repertoire of odorant receptor-expressing neurons, particularly their spatially restricted distribution across the epithelial sheet, is unknown, however, and altered odorant receptor expression might contribute to the persistent distortion of odorant quality that is observed in the lesioned-recovered animals. To address the question of receptor expression in the recovered epithelium, we performed in situ hybridization with digoxigenin-labeled riboprobes for eight odorant receptors on the olfactory epithelium from unilaterally methyl bromide-lesioned and control rats. The data demonstrate that the distribution of sensory neuron types, as identified and defined by odorant receptor expression, is restored to normal or nearly so by 3 months after lesion. Likewise, the numbers of probe-labeled neurons in the lesioned-recovered epithelium are nearly equivalent to the unlesioned side at this time. Finally, our evidence suggests that odorant receptors are distributed in multiple overlapping bands in the normal, unlesioned, and lesioned-recovered epithelium rather than in the conventionally accepted three or four zones. Thus, the primary sensory elements required for functional recovery of the olfactory system after damage are restored, and altered function implies the persistence of a more central failure in regeneration.
Web-based evaluation of Parkinson's Disease subjects: Objective performance capacity measurements and subjective characterization profiles

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is classified as a progressively degenerative movement disorder, affecting approximately 0.2% of the population and resulting in decreased performance in a wide variety of activities of daily living. Motivated by needs associated with the conduct of multi-center clinical trials, early detection, and the optimization of routine management of individuals with PD, we have developed a three-tiered approach to evaluation of PD and other neurologic diseases/disorders. One tier is characterized as “web-based evaluation”, consisting of objective performance capacity tests and subjective questionnaires that target history and symptom evaluation. Here, we present the initial evaluation of three representative, self-administered, objective, web-based performance capacity tests (simple visual-hand response speed, rapid alternating movement quality, and upper extremity neuromotor channel capacity). Twenty-one subjects (13 with PD, 8 without neurologic disease) were evaluated. Generally good agreement was obtained with lab-based tests executed with an experienced test administrator. We conclude that objective performance capacity testing is a feasible component of a web-based evaluation for PD, providing a sufficient level of fidelity to be useful.
“As Far as They Knew I Came from France”: Stigma, Passing, and Not Speaking about the Holocaust

Today we recognize that storytelling plays an important role in helping survivors of traumatic episodes such as sexual abuse, military combat, or genocide refashion a sense of self and “work through” their traumatic experiences. But before the Holocaust was named and widely acknowledged and the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress had emerged, survivors of Hitler's genocidal policies struggled to tell their stories in a world that did not particularly wish to hear them. While most accounts of Holocaust survivors’ postwar experiences focus on themes of redemption, adjustment, and integration, my analysis of interviews with Holocaust survivors suggests during their first two decades living in the United States they were often silenced by individuals they encountered. I use Goffman's analysis of stigma to document how and why this silencing occurred, and with what consequences, providing an account of the interactions survivors had with family members, neighbors and acquaintances, and the strategies of identity management that survivors devised.
Study of oxide interlayers formed reactively at a silver-electrolyte boundary

Abstract The differential reflectance of reactively oxidized vs unoxidized silver foils in aqueous potassium hydroxide has been measured in the 1.5 to 5 eV energy range. From these results the imaginary part of the dielectric constant of the oxide can be determined directly in the free-electron region of silver, and the zero-frequency interband contribution to the dielectric function of the oxide-covered metal can be estimated. The scattering contribution to the reflectance from the oxide surface non-uniformities is discussed.
Sequence, localization and function of the invasin protein of Yersinia enterocolitica.

Summary The inv locus of Yersinia enterocolitica is sufficient to convert a non-invasive Escherichia coli K12 strain into a microorganism that is able to penetrate cultured mammalian cells. The nucleotide sequence of inv reveals an open reading frame corresponding to an 835-amino-acid protein that is homologous to the invasin protein from Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. A polyclonal antiserum elicited by a synthetic peptide corresponding to the C-terminal 88 amino acids of this open reading frame detected a unique 100kD protein in cell lysates of Y. enterocolitica strain 8081c and in an E. coli strain harbouring the cloned inv gene. This protein localized to the outer membranes of both microorganisms and was cleaved by low concentrations of extracellular trypsin. HEp-2 cells were shown to attach to surfaces coated with bacterial outer membranes containing invasin and this attachment was destroyed by treatment of the membranes with trypsin. Thus it appears that the invasin protein from Y. enterocolitica is able to mediate both attachment to and entry of cultured epithelial cells.
UV Plasmonic Structures: Direct Observations of UV Extraordinary Optical Transmission and Localized Field Enhancement Through Nanoslits

The ultraviolet (UV) extraordinary optical transmission through nanoslit structures in the far field and the localized field enhancement in the near field are directly observed and compared with each other. Numerical modeling results are also presented, and the distribution properties of the UV Surface Plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are analyzed, showing agreement with the experiment results. These phenomena may enrich the studies on subwavelength optics on a chip and especially be useful for performance optimization of UV active devices, e.g., UV light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and UV detectors.
Dose-related neurocognitive effects of marijuana use

Background: Although about 7 million people in the US population use marijuana at least weekly, there is a paucity of scientific data on persistent neurocognitive effects of marijuana use. Objective: To determine if neurocognitive deficits persist in 28-day abstinent heavy marijuana users and if these deficits are dose-related to the number of marijuana joints smoked per week. Methods: A battery of neurocognitive tests was given to 28-day abstinent heavy marijuana abusers. Results: As joints smoked per week increased, performance decreased on tests measuring memory, executive functioning, psychomotor speed, and manual dexterity. When dividing the group into light, middle, and heavy user groups, the heavy group performed significantly below the light group on 5 of 35 measures and the size of the effect ranged from 3.00 to 4.20 SD units. Duration of use had little effect on neurocognitive performance. Conclusions: Very heavy use of marijuana is associated with persistent decrements in neurocognitive performance even after 28 days of abstinence. It is unclear if these decrements will resolve with continued abstinence or become progressively worse with continued heavy marijuana use.
Timing of mitral valve surgery.

Mitral valve surgery has changed considerably in the past decades and is now indicated mostly for pure or predominant mitral regurgitation. This is the result of the regression of rheumatic disease, of the efficacy of mitral balloon valvuloplasty for mitral stenosis, and of the aging of the population with increasing degenerative or ischaemic disease causing mitral regurgitation. Mitral regurgitation can be “organic” (that is, caused by intrinsic mitral disease such as rheumatic disease, ruptured chord, perforation of leaflet) or be “functional” (that is, where a normal valve regurgitates because of ventricular dysfunction). The timing of mitral surgery has remained one of the most vexing problems of clinical cardiology because symptoms can remain absent or minimal despite severe regurgitation caused by adaptive remodelling of left ventricle and atrium, or because of patient adaptation to the disease. However, recent advances in the understanding of the natural history of the disease and of the impact of left ventricular dysfunction on outcome, in the echocardiographic evaluation of mitral diseases and in the risk and success of mitral repair, have resulted in a widespread evolution towards earlier surgery. ### Mitral regurgitation is a progressive disease The new quantitative techniques have allowed the progression of mitral regurgitation to be defined. As was clinically suspected, mitral regurgitation is a progressive disease,1 with an increase on average of 7.5 ml per year for regurgitant volume and of 5.9 mm2 per year for the effective regurgitant orifice. The determinants of progression are anatomic changes, with more rapid progression in patients with mitral valve prolapse, in particular new flail leaflet, and in patients with an enlarging mitral annulus.1 Importantly, progression is not uniform and if half of the patients see notable progression, 11% see also spontaneous regression of mitral regurgitation, related to improved loading conditions. The progression of mitral regurgitation also causes progression of …
Current trends in lower urinary tract health highlights from annual advances in genitourinary health: a scientific update.

S ignificant progress has been made in recent years in the understanding and management of lower genitourinary tract disorders. Such advances pertain to common voiding disorders as well as to sexual function disorders occurring in both men and women. OAB has received considerable clinical and academic attention in recent years, which has led to a better understanding of the condition. One of the more significant developments has been the revised definition of OAB of the International Continence Society, characterizing it primarily by its symptom of urinary urgency. Patients with OAB may or may not experience UI, but the majority experience micturition frequency and nocturia. Regardless of whether incontinence is present, OAB has the potential to significantly impair quality of life in an individual. Embarrassment leads many patients to avoid social interaction, and the common misconception that UI is an unavoidable part of the aging process prevents many from seeking treatment. Sexual dysfunctions in men and women have come to light as major quality of life issues but also as public health concerns. Sexual dysfunction may have both physical and emotional causes, which may coexist in the same patient and, like UI, it is frequently an embarrassing condition for patients to address, both with their physician and their partner. This supplement to The Journal of Urology® summarizes some of the critical research data and other materials presented October 22 to 23, 2004 at Annual Advances in Genitourinary Health: A Scientific Update in Chicago, Illinois. The purpose of the meeting was to bring practitioners from various fields of medicine together, including urologists, gynecologists and urogynecologists, primary care specialists, and clinicians of all types, to discuss and exchange up-to-date information in an interactive and scholarly forum. The focus of the Scientific Update was broad, including lower urinary tract symptoms in men and women, sexual dysfunction, guidelines for managing urological cancers, and surgical issues in obstetrics and gynecology; and it included a State-of-the Art Lecture in Complementary Medicine for Men. The authors of the following review
Whole body vibration therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain: a case report

The aim of the study was to describe a case of type II diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain treated with whole body vibration therapy after a failed trial of conventional drugs and interventional pain management. A 71-year-old male had chronic diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain in his both feet for about 5 years. He tried he tried multiple pain medications and various interventional pain treatment without significant pain relief. After 8 weeks of whole body vibration treatment the patient’s pain level, balance, and gait patterns significantly improved. These findings illustrate the importance of considering whole body vibration as a complimentary treatment in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.
Greece and the Limits of European Solidarity

This paper examines some recent arguments put forward by economists and philosophers that purport to show that Europeans owe Greece some form of solidarity. The paper distinguishes two different firms of solidarity: justice-based solidarity and remedial solidarity. It argues that Europeans -- working through their institutions -- owe the Greeks only remedial solidarity, but only insofar as they actually harmed the Greeks through imposing upon them a dysfunctional monetary union, an exploitative bailout program, or a damaging form of austerity.
The effects of beta-diethylaminoethyl-diphenylpropylacetate (SKE 525-A) on biological membranes. I. SKF 525-A-induced stabilization of human erythrocytes.

Abstract β-Diethylaminoethyl-diphenylpropylacetate (SKF 525-A) results in either hemolysis or stabilization of the red cell membrane. These effects are concentration dependent. At higher concentrations of SKF 525-A (10 −3 M), an increase in hemolysis and a decrease in osmotic resistance is noted, whereas a stabilization of the red cell membranes occurs at lower concentrations of 10 −4 –10 −9 M. The hemolysis of the red cell is temperature dependent and hemolysis increases as temperature decreases. The SKF 525-A action appears to be immediate and the effects prolonged. The concentration at which SKF 525-A demonstrates its greatest membrane stabilization corresponded to the first breaking point observed during measurements of surface tension, and thus perhaps indicates the formation of micelles. It can be calculated that one molecule of SKF 525-A occupied 51 A 2 of red cell area. SKF 525-A (10 −4 M) causes a change in the mean cellular volume of red cells over all osmolar concentrations studied. One possible mechanism of action that would account for these findings is that the erythrocyte membrane expands in combination with SKF 525-A in the same way that lipid monolayers interact with various surface-active drugs such as the phenothiazine derivatives. The resulting expansion of the erythrocyte membrane would lead to an increase in the surface area and volume of the red cell and thus decrease osmotic fragility.
Petrogenesis of the McDermott Formation trachyandesite, San Juan basin, Colorado and New Mexico

Lahar deposits within the Late Cretaceous McDermott Formation (Maastrichtian) contain abundant trachyandesite volcanic clasts with a narrow range of whole rock compositions. The outcrop pattern and thickness variations of the McDermott Formation suggest a source located in the general area of the present-day La Plata Mountains. Major and trace element trends indicate a possible petrogenetic relationship between the McDermott trachyandesite and La Plata Mountains intrusive rocks. Incompatible trace element compositions show subduction signatures in the trachyandesite and La Plata intrusive rocks, as well as in lower crustal xenoliths from the nearby Navajo volcanic field. Trace element patterns of Proterozoic units from the adjacent San Juan uplift rule out involvement of these upper crustal units in McDermott petrogenesis. Near zero ∊Nd t (−1.94 and 0.47) values rule out a Precambrian crustal source for these magmas as crustal values typically range from −6 to −18. Ba/La vs. Nb/La plots and ∊Nd t data suggest a subduction-modified continental lithospheric mantle source for these rocks. This lithospheric mantle may have acquired its orogenic trace-element signature during formation of the Proterozoic Yavapai terrane, which underlies the region.
Biochemical Systematics of Populations of Peromyscus boylii. I. Populations from East-Central Mexico with Low Fundamental Numbers

Electrophoretic variation of proteins encoded by 30 structural loci was examined among 18 populations of Peromyscus boylii with fundamental numbers ranging from 52 to 54. Two genetically distinct forms were identified among the populations of P. b. levipes from Hidalgo. The populations from western Hidalgo were genetically similar to populations of P. b. rowleyi and appear to represent populations of that subspecies. Other populations of P. b. levipes with low fundamental numbers demonstrated total genetic differentiation at two loci (Trf-1 and Amy-1) from populations of P. b. rowleyi . No evidence of gene flow between these two taxa was observed, although no sympatric populations have been identified. Based upon the extent of genetic differentiation and preliminary data from populations of P. b. levipes with higher fundamental numbers, P. b. rowleyi appears to be reproductively isolated from P. b. levipes and should be considered specifically distinct.
Structure of a Near-Coincidence Σ9 Tilt Grain Boundary in Aluminum

A systematic study of the structure of tilt grain boundaries in aluminum has been initiated. High resolution transmission electron microscopy is being used to examine the interface structure of several bicrystals with tilt axes. In this paper, we report the structure determination of a grain boundary close to the Σ9 (221) symmetric orientation. The grain boundary plane, which appears wavy at lower magnification, is actually composed of atomically flat microfacets. Two distinct, symmetric structures with (221) boundary planes have been identified within individual microfacets. These observations have been compared with structures calculated using the Embedded Atom Method. The semi-quantitative comparison between the observed and predicted grain boundary structures is accomplished using multislice image simulations based on the calculated structures. The results of these comparisons and the evaluation of the relative energies of the microfacets are discussed.
Thermionic Power Conversion for Scramjets and Reentry Vehicles Using Nanosecond Voltage Pulses

Modeling and experimental studies were conducted into the use of nanosecond scale voltage pulses in an inert gas in order to provide positive ions in the interelectrode space of a thermionic power converter. These studies show that even with repetition rates lower than 50kHz, the pulses have the ability to sustain a plasma that will allow the passage and collection of a significant fraction of thermionically emitted current without the application of an external bias. Thus the configuration is capable of operating as a thermionic conversion device. This method of dealing with the space charge retarding force has the potential to be applied to large scale, two dimensional surfaces in a way that has not been successfully implemented with conventional methodologies.
Introduction to the issues: detection of retroviruses and associated risks.

A brief overview of retroviral contamination as it relates to biological products produced in cell substrates is presented, including currently used methods of detection and potential risks. The presence of infectious retrovirus in a cell substrate represents what may be a potential risk to recipients of the final product prepared from such cell banks, and it is the approach that can be taken to minimize this risk that is addressed.
Methods For Estimating Price-Quantity Relationships: A Pilot Study Utilizing a Survey Technique

This paper presents a brief review of some of the major studies dealing with the construction of price-quantity relationships. A pilot study is presented that utilizes a survey-technique to illustrate the feasibility of generating price-quantity relationships.