cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electroencephalogram in “locked-in” syndrome

Twenty-three EEG studies in eight patients with "locked-in" syndrome were reviewed. The EEG was either normal or minimally slow in all except one patient. All showed reactivity to various stimuli. Photic stimulation elicited a photic driving response at one time or another in all the seven patients where it was attempted. Althouth the basic activity may be similar, it is the preservation of alertness and the presence of reactivity of the EEG which distinguishes the "locked-in" patients from those comatose due to an extensive brain stem lesion. In an unresponsive patient, an EEG resembling that of the waking state, although highly suggestive of an intrinsic brain stem insult, may also occur at times in association with diffuse cortical damage, secondary to prolonged cardio-pulmonary arrest.
Polarized Alignment and Surface Immobilization of Microtubules for Kinesin-Powered Nanodevices

Kinesin is a nanometer-scale, ATP-powered molecular motor protein that steps along the surface of microtubules. The microtubule tracks are cytoskeletal filaments, 24 nm in diameter, with an overall structural polarity that results from their asymmetric tubulin subunits. Kinesin recognizes the structural polarity and moves toward only one end of a microtubule. A major obstacle in the way of creating kinesin-powered devices is the development of methods for the controlled positioning and alignment of the microtubule tracks. Only by positioning microtubules with defined polarity can kinesin transport, or force generation, be directed efficiently within a device. Here, we report a method to surface immobilize microtubules with approximately 90% parallel alignment using a single-chain antibody that binds α-tubulin exposed at the microtubule minus end.
Modeling of the subthreshold characteristics of SOI MOSFETs with floating body

n-channel SOI MOSFETs with floating bodies show a threshold voltage shift and an improvement in subthreshold slope at high drain biases. The magnitude of this effect depends on the device parameters and the starting SOI substrate. A simple device model is presented that explains the observed characteristics to be due to MOS back-bias effects resulting from the positively charged floating body. The improvement in the subthreshold slope is the outcome of positive feedback between the body potential and the transistor channel current. >
Mitotic regulation of SIRT2 by cyclin-dependent kinase 1-dependent phosphorylation.

Sirtuins are evolutionarily conserved NAD+-dependent deacetylases and ADP-ribosyltransferases involved in the regulation of cell division, apoptosis, DNA damage repair, genomic silencing, and longevity. Recent studies have focused on identifying target substrates for human sirtuin enzymatic activity, but little is known about processes that directly regulate their function. Here, we demonstrate that SIRT2 is phosphorylated both in vitro and in vivo on serine 368 by the cell-cycle regulator, cyclin-dependent kinase 1, and dephosphorylated by the phosphatases CDC14A and CDC14B. Overexpression of SIRT2 mediates a delay in cellular proliferation that is dependent on serine 368 phosphorylation. Furthermore, mutation of serine 368 reduces hyperploidy in cells under mitotic stress due to microtubule poisons.
Interaction of two avalanching layers in GaAs

Abstract The interaction between two high resistivity layers in Mn-doped GaAs, separated by typically 25 μ, can give rise to a bipolar negative resistance when the electrons produced by avalanching in one of the layers reach the other one. The electrons recombine radiatively near the non-avalanching layer. Since the layer next to the negative electrode always avalanches at a lower voltage the spatial origin of the emitted light shifts from one layer to the other, depending on the polarity of the applied voltage.
In vivo Assessment of MR Elastography-Derived Effective End-Diastolic Myocardial Stiffness under Different Loading Conditions

Purpose: To compare magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) effective stiffness to end-diastolic pressure at different loading conditions to demonstrate a relationship between myocardial MRE effective stiffness and end-diastolic left ventricular (LV) pressure. Materials and Methods: MRE was performed on four pigs to measure the end-diastolic effective stiffness under different loading conditions. End-diastolic pressure was increased by infusing Dextran-40 (20% of blood volume). For each infusion of Dextran-40, end-diastolic pressure was recorded and end-diastolic effective stiffness was measured using MRE. In each pig, least-square linear regression was performed to determine the correlation between end-diastolic effective stiffness and end-diastolic LV pressure. Results: A linear correlation was found between end-diastolic LV pressure and end-diastolic effective stiffness with R2 ranging from 0.73–0.9. A linear correlation with R2 = 0.26 was found between end-diastolic LV pressure and end-diastolic effective stiffness when pooling data points from all pigs. Conclusion: End-diastolic effective myocardial stiffness increases linearly with end-diastolic LV pressure. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;33:1224–1228. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Bid is upstream of lysosome-mediated caspase 2 activation in tumor necrosis factor α-induced hepatocyte apoptosis

Background & Aims: During tumor necrosis factor α–mediated hepatocyte cytotoxicity, cathepsin B is released from lysosomes and contributes to apoptosis by indirectly promoting mitochondrial dysfunction. How this lysosomal pathway mediates mitochondrial dysfunction is unclear. Because Bcl-2 family proteins and caspase 2 have been implicated in proximal apoptosis-signaling pathways, we examined the role of these proteins in tumor necrosis factor α–induced lysosomal permeabilization and cathepsin B–mediated mitochondrial dysfunction. Methods: Studies were performed in primary hepatocytes from wild-type cathepsin B knockout, Bid knockout, and caspase 2 knockout mice and in the rat hepatoma cell line McArdle7777 by using tumor necrosis factor α/actinomycin D. Results: Studies in wild-type and Bid knockout hepatocytes showed that tumor necrosis factor α–mediated lysosomal permeabilization is Bid dependent. After tumor necrosis factor α/actinomycin D treatment, caspase 2 activity increased severalfold in wild-type hepatocytes, whereas minimal activity was observed in hepatocytes from cathepsin B knockout mice or in hepatoma cells treated with a cathepsin B inhibitor. In contrast, Bax was activated independently of cathepsin B. Pharmacological, genetic, or small interfering RNA–mediated inhibition of caspase 2 attenuated tumor necrosis factor α–mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, downstream caspase activation, and hepatocyte apoptosis. Conclusions: These data suggest that tumor necrosis factor α triggers Bid-dependent lysosomal permeabilization, followed by release of cathepsin B into the cytosol and activation of caspase 2. Caspase 2 then facilitates efficient mitochondrial cytochrome c release and apoptosis.
Electroencephalographic findings in Rett syndrome.

Abstract Rett syndrome is a progressive neurologic condition, affecting only girls and characterized by acquired microcephaly, dementia, seizures, autistic behavior, spontaneous hyperventilation, spasticity, hyperreflexia and a peculiar characteristic stereotypic movement disorder. A review of 35 EEGs (obtained over 0–8.5 years of follow-up) in 9 such patients revealed a striking age-related change in the electroencephalographic pattern. Often initially normal, the EEG shows a variety of epileptiform abnormalities but intact background activity between 3 and 5 years. Between 5 and 10 years of age, the background activity exhibits some slowing, epileptiform abnormalities persist and paroxysmal high-amplitude theta activity occurs over extended periods, related to spontaneous hyperventilation. After 10 years, there is a general reduction in the epileptiform activity but further slowing of the background rhythms is usually observed. As all other laboratory tests are mostly normal in Rett syndrome, EEG promises to be a powerful tool in (i) conforming the diagnosis in a compatible setting, (ii) in follow-up of these patients, and (iii) in objective evaluation of any future therapeutic interventional modalities in this serious and common condition.
The expanding role of neurosurgeons in the management of brain metastases.

BACKGROUND Brain metastases are the most common type of intracranial tumor. Until recently, whole brain fractionated radiation therapy (WBRT) was the mainstay of treatment, thereby confining the role of neurosurgeons to resection of an occasional solitary, accessible, and symptomatic brain metastasis. Median survival after surgery and radiation typically ranged from 5 to 11 months. METHODS We analyzed various demographic incidence reports and our series of brain metastasis patients treated with radiosurgery. During a 15-year interval (1987-2002), radiosurgery was performed on 5,032 patients of whom 1,088 (21.6%) had metastatic brain tumors. RESULTS In the United States, 266,820 to 533,640 new cases of brain metastases will be diagnosed in the year 2003. Evidence to date demonstrates that radiosurgery provides effective local tumor control for brain metastases. Important prognostic factors affecting patient survival include the absence of active systemic disease, the patient's preoperative performance status, age, and the number of metastases. Survival and local tumor control rates attained with radiosurgery are superior to those of either conventional surgery or WBRT. The morbidity associated with radiosurgery of brain metastasis is very low, and the mortality rate approaches zero. CONCLUSIONS Compelling evidence indicates that radiosurgery is an effective neurosurgical management strategy for intracranial brain metastases. Quite often, favorable tumor control and survival can be achieved without WBRT. With radiosurgery as a therapeutic option, neurosurgeons now have a vastly expanded armamentarium for treatment of patients with brain metastases. The large number of patients with brain metastases who require care by a neurosurgeon for optimal treatment has significant implications for both the patterns of neurosurgical training and practice in the United States.
Drug Absorption II: Effect of Fasting on Intestinal Drug Absorption

The effects of fasting on the intestinal absorption profiles of salicylic acid, barbital, haloperidol, and chlorpromazine were studied in anesthetized rats. The in situ technique employed in this study yielded absorption rate constants which were realistic and comparable to those observed following oral drug administration. The weak acids, barbital and salicylic acid, were found to obey first-order kinetics throughout the experiments. The highly lipidsoluble weak bases, haloperidol and chlorpromazine, obeyed firstorder kinetics after the first 10 min. of experimentation. No apparent deviation in absorption patterns occurred when fasting periods were less than 20 hr. However, when the period of inanition exceeded 20 hr., absorption rates were found to decrease significantly and the decrease was dependent on the duration of the fasting period. It is possible that the unusual drug absorption patterns noted in these studies could be accounted for by one or more of the various physiological and/or biochemical changes which occur within an organism subjected to conditions of prolonged fasting.
Structure and Activity of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Derived from CHO Cells Containing cDNA Coding for Alternatively Spliced Sequences

Two different cDNAs have been isolated, coding for two forms of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF): one for a polypeptide of 174 amino acids and the other for a polypeptide of 177 amino acids. In this paper, we have expressed these two forms in Chinese hamster ovary cells and characterized the purified proteins for activity and conformation. In vitro mitogenic assay showed a 50-fold lower activity for the 177 form than for the 174 form. In vitro receptor binding assay showed that binding of the 177 form to the purified extracellular domain of G-CSF receptor was also diminished, while the 174 form complexed with the receptor. Circular dichroic spectra showed that both forms are similar in the secondary structure, but are slightly different in the tertiary structure. Infrared spectra also showed a slight difference between the two forms. Both techniques also demonstrated differences in stability; i.e., the 174 form is more stable than the 177 form during storage or against heat denaturation.
Gats and gashes: street culture and distinctions in the nature of violence between youth and adult offenders

Only recently has research explored patterns in the nature of violence within and across communities. Recent reports highlight the importance of both the individual characteristics and contextual environments of violent offenders, especially youth offenders. The current study examines the effects of both individual- and contextual-level characteristics on the nature of violence committed by youths as compared to adults. Specifically, we merge incident data from the National Incident Based Reporting System with contextual data on the cities in which the incidents occurred. We then use hierarchical linear modeling techniques to explore variations in predictors of offender gun use and victim injury.
Maximising coverage of spatial demand for service

How to represent geographic space has long been an issue in location modelling. Facilities, demand and/or the region of interest are often abstracted using aggregated points. However, substantial errors can be introduced, and obtained solutions could be dependent on the degree of aggregation. To address this, geographic representation of space is undergoing renewed research interest in spatial analysis and modelling. In this article the maximal coverage problem is studied, with a particular focus on demand coverage representation. Due to the limitations of existing modelling approaches for examining the coverage of space, there exist significant discrepancies between what is modelled and actual geographic coverage. In order to accurately reflect the mechanism of maximal coverage for spatial objects (points, lines or polygons), we introduce a new model explicitly accounting for joint service provided by multiple facilities. The new model can be viewed as an extension of existing approaches, but also a generalisation. An application to warning siren siting is carried out to demonstrate the merits of this new approach.
The Impact of FSP FAS 157-4 on Commercial Banks

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157). Later in 2008, U. S. banks were mired in a credit crisis. Many economists and bankers suggested that one cause of the 2008 credit crisis was the requirements of SFAS 157 and a movement began to have its provisions amended or rescinded. The result of this movement was the passage of FSP FAS 157-4. The purposes of this study are to chronicle the events that lead to the release of FSP FAS 157-4, to report on the impact of FSP FAS 157-4 for the quarter ending March 31, 2009 for a sample of banks and to investigate the characteristics of the banks that early adopted FSP FAS 157-4 as compared to the non-adopters. The results did not find the predicted income increasing effect and indicated that total asset size and financial asset size were significant factors in the early adoption decision.
Development of experimental techniques and an analytical model for aluminum nitriding

The rates of diffusion of nitrogen into aluminum and the subsequent formation of aluminum nitride are unclear. By matching experimental data to analytical models one can gain a better understanding of the diffusion process for nitrogen into aluminum and formation of aluminum nitride. We combine novel experimental and modeling approaches to achieve this goal. We develop a technique for in situ measurement of nitrogen deposition using a microbalance and present a simple reaction diffusion equation to simulate the diffusion of nitrogen into aluminum and subsequent precipitation into aluminum nitride. A mixed boundary condition formulation is presented to account for the initial influx of nitrogen at the surface until a saturation level is reached. We curve fit the derived model equations to the experimental data and determine the system diffusion coefficient and reaction rate constant.
Aldosterone Excretion in Pretectal Disease

Interest in the possible central nervous system regulation of aldosterone secretion has been centered on a region including the pineal gland, the subcommissural organ and the superior colliculi. These parts of the nervous system adjoin the pretectal area and lesions of this area in humans are characterized by unique oculomotor abnormalities. We have studied basal urinary aldosterone levels and their response to sodium restriction in 7 patients with such lesions. Six subjects with focal central nervous system disease not involving the pretectal area served as controls and were similarly studied. All the control subjects showed the expected rise in urinary aldosterone following sodium restriction. In 4 of the 7 patients with pretectal disease such a rise failed to occur.
Tamiflu: 14 flu seasons and still questions

At best, and bearing in mind missing data, the drug shortens flu symptoms by a day In the midst of a worse than average influenza season, clinicians are increasingly prescribing antiviral agents, especially oseltamivir (Tamiflu). Oseltamivir, an oral neuraminidase inhibitor, was first approved for use by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1999. It is indicated “for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated illness due to influenza infection in patients 2 weeks of age and older who have been symptomatic for no more than two days,” and, “for the prophylaxis of influenza in patients 1 year and older,” with similar indications worldwide. Despite these broad indications, some government agencies promote even wider use. For instance, the website of the US Department of Health and Human Services states that oseltamivir may prevent serious complications of flu, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website states that early antiviral treatment may reduce the risk of complications of flu and death.1 2 Business analysts expect rising sales of oseltamivir to reach $750m (£474m; €562m) this year alone.3 Despite such enthusiasm, some basic questions remain unanswered, including the most crucial: what do we really know about oseltamivir’s effectiveness and who benefits from treatment? With the huge number of people affected and such remarkable sales, the evidence to support the …
Retroviruses: delivery vehicle to the liver

Liver-directed gene therapy holds great promise for the treatment of inherited metabolic disease. Two strategies have emerged. Ex vivo gene therapy involves the transplantation of autologous hepatocytes transduced with recombinant retroviruses while in culture. The feasibility of this approach has been demonstrated in several animal models, and a human trial has been initiated. An alternative strategy uses recombinant viruses to deliver the transgene directly to hepatocytes in vivo.
The physical properties of the “local fluff”

Abstract Observations of interstellar gas in front of stars near the Sun are briefly reviewed to obtain for the properties of the local fluff: n−0.1 cm−3, ne≤ 0.003 cm−3, T−11, 500 °K, and B−3−5 μG. The velocity vector obtained from He° λ584 backscattered data (V, 1, b) = (−25 km s−1, 3°, +17°) appears to adequately describe the heliocentric upwind velocity vector for the local fluff.
Protein dynamics and cytochrome c: correlations between ligand vibrations and redox activity.

A recently developed method to directly observe specific protein vibrations, based on deuteration, has been employed to examine the redox-dependent structural and fluctional properties of cytochrome c. The dynamics of the protein-based methionine heme ligand were examined by selectively deuterating the ligand's methyl group. The frequency and line width of the C−D bonds were easily observable and shown to be sensitive to mutation-induced changes in the protein redox potential. However, of seven mutants examined, the C−D line widths were independent of the redox-state of the protein. Therefore, although the ligand dynamics depend on the protein's redox state, there are no detected differences in protein dynamics of the oxidized and reduced proteins.
A Differential Stain for Nucleic Acids

An easily used trichrome stain consisting of orange G, methyl green, and toluidine blue is proposed as a method of differentiating desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) in cells. Carnoy's acetic-alcohol is the fixative of choice, though cold acetone is also satisfactory. Photomicrographs taken with ultraviolet and visible light show that the structures containing nucleic acid are exactly those which stain with methyl green and toluidine blue. Studies with nucleases and extraction of nucleic acids with cold and hot perchloric acid further indicate a specificityy of the dyes for DNA and RNA. Present experiments are directed toward using the stain for quantitative estimation of the nucleic acids.
The effect of α-amylases upon the release of trifluralin encapsulated in starch

Abstract Release of trifluralin [2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenamine] encapsulated in starch was induced by water and starch-degrading α-amylases. Factors investigated that influenced the rate of release are: encapsulation procedure, particle size of the encapsulated material, and pH of the medium. Variations within a procedure such as additional covalent crosslinking, starch retrogradation, and inclusion of enzyme inhibitors can affect the rate of release. For the three basic encapsulation methods used (xanthide, calcium, or borate), the rate of release was borate > calcium > xanthide when the particles were placed in pH 6.0 buffer. Coarse fractions (4–8 mesh) released trifluralin at less than one-fifth the rate of fine fractions (20–40 mesh). Release rates varied little upon varying the source of the α-amylase or the level of active ingredient (4–20%) within the particles. Trifluralin release from particles prepared by the borate procedure was slowed by crosslinking of the starch matrix with epichlorohydrin and by addition of heavy metal ions. The ability to detect variations in the rate of release as a function of these variables can serve as a basis for producing starch-encapsulated herbicides for particular end uses.
A mixed finite element formulation for Reissner—Mindlin plate theory: uniform convergence of all higher-order spaces

Abstract A new mixed finite element formulation of Reissner-Mindlin theory is presented which improves upon the stability properties of the Galerkin formulation. General convergence theorems are proved which are uniformly valid for all values of the plate thickness, including the Poisson-Kirchhoff limit. As long as the dependent variables are interpolated with functions of sufficiently high order, the formulation is convergent. No special devices are required.
Synthesis and characterization of particle loaded sol–gel composite material for microfluidic chip system

Sol–gel immobilization provides a simple method for introducing different functions into microfluidic devices. In this study, sol–gel was employed for the immobilization of C4 modified silica particles in microfluidic channels, which were etched in quartz using photolithography and wet etching. The effect of variation in sol–gel synthesis conditions was evaluated by preparing a variety of composite materials. Sol–gel syntheses were carried out under both acidic and basic conditions. The effect of additives was also evaluated by introducing formamide and urea into the sol–gel precursor solutions. Composite materials prepared under different conditions were characterized using SEM visualization, nitrogen adsorption experiments, conductivity ratio of packed to empty channels, and separation experiments. SEM visualization provided qualitative information about the overall morphology of the composite material. In addition, more quantitative characterization was obtained by calculating pore size distributions and by measurements of conductivity ratios. Separation experiments were employed in order to evaluate the accessibility of the C4 functional group in the materials prepared under different sol–gel synthesis conditions. While acidic conditions promoted accessibility of the C4 functional group and improved separations, other conditions lead to reduced accessibility and separation efficacy.
Antimitotic, Antigenic, and Structural Relationships of Nitrogen Mustard and its Homologues

Of the three degradation products of nitrogen mustard (mechlorethamine. HN2) only N-methyl-2-chloroethyl-2-hydroxyethylamine was antimitotically active and cross-reactive to HN2 in tests for delayed hypersensitivity. The other two degradation products. N, N'-dimethyl-N, N'bis(2-chloroethyl) piperazinium and N-methyldiethanolamine, were neither antimitotically active nor antigenically cross-reactive to HN2. Thirteen of 17 HN2 homologies tested were found to be antimitotically active, but only of them were cross-reactive to HN2 in regard to delayed hypersensitivity. From structure-function analysis it is concluded that with open-chain derivatives cross-reactivity to HN2 requires only a 2-chloroethylamino group as one determinant unit; a substituent with 2 carbon atoms such as ethyl, ethanol, and ethoxy at the nitrogen atom determined a specificity for cross-reactivity to HN2. With cyclic derivatives, however, the ring size determines specificity: 6-and 7, but not 5-membered ring compounds were cross-reactive to HN2. These results are potentially applicable to the therapy of cutaneous disease
Electric and optical transport of MWNT/silicon junctions

The as-sonicated (So), supernatant (Su) and sediment (Se) of the MWNT product were respectively sprayed onto differently doped-silicon wafers. The current rectification properties of these formed heterojunctions between the MWNTs and silicon substrates were compared. It was found that the p-type Si forms an ohmic contact with the MWNT film but the MWNT/n-doped Si heterojunction is rectifying. We also observed photovoltaic conversions in MWNT/n-type Si junction with the illumination of a solar simulator.
Fire-related hyperconcentrated and debris flows on Storm King Mountain, Glenwood Springs, Colorado, USA

The South Canyon Fire of July 1994 burned 800 ha of vegetation on Storm King Mountain near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, USA. On the night of 1 September 1994, in response to torrential rains, debris flows inundated seven areas along a 5-km length of Interstate Highway 70. Mapping from aerial photographs, along with field observations and measurements, shows that the September rainstorm eroded unconsolidated, burned surficial soil from the hillsides, flushed dry-ravel deposits from the tributary channels, and transported loose, large material from the main channels. The hyperconcentrated flows and debris flows inundated 14 ha of Interstate Highway 70 with 70 000 m3 of material. Although the burned area was seeded in November 1994, the potential for continuing debris-flow activity remains. Incision and entrainment of channel alluvium, as well as erosion of loose material from the hillslopes could result in future debris- and hyperconcentrated-flow activity.
Synergism between p68 RNA helicase and the transcriptional coactivators CBP and p300

p68 RNA helicase has been implicated in a variety of processes, including rearrangement of RNA secondary structures, RNA splicing, gene transcription and tumor development, yet its mechanisms of action are not well understood. In this study, we show that p68 is predominantly localized to the cell nucleus, where it partially colocalizes with the transcriptional coactivator p300. Accordingly, p68 and p300, or the paralogous CREB-binding protein (CBP), coimmunoprecipitate. Similarly, p68 and RNA polymerase II (Pol II) are able to interact in vivo. GST pull-down assays confirmed these interactions in vitro, demonstrating that p68 can interact with several domains of CBP, while CBP/p300 bind to amino acids 176-388 of p68 and RNA Pol II binds to the N-terminal 80 amino acids of p68. Furthermore, p68 stimulates transcription mediated by the C-terminal transactivation domain of CBP. p68 is also able to stimulate TPA oncogene responsive unit (TORU) promoter activity, and p300 acts in synergy with p68. On the other hand, suppression of CBP/p300 function by the adenoviral protein E1A abolishes TORU promoter activation by p68. Altogether, our results suggest the existence of a multiprotein complex in which p68 RNA helicase, CBP/p300 and RNA Pol II jointly promote gene expression.
Understanding preservation theorems: chapter VI of Proper and Improper Forcing, I

We present an exposition of Section VI.1 and most of Section VI.2 from Shelah's book Proper and Improper Forcing. These sections offer proofs of the preservation under countable support iteration of proper forcing of various properties, including proofs that $${\omega^\omega}$$ ? ? -bounding, the Sacks property, the Laver property, and the P-point property are preserved by countable support iteration of proper forcing.
Influence of materials and precoating on initial anaerobic biofilm development

This study investigated the possibility of reducing anaerobic reactor start-up times through the use of various support surfaces or through the use of biological precoating (denitrifying biofilm) and chemical precoating (polymer precoating) as means of enhancing anaerobic biofilm development. Results from the support media variation experiment indicated significant differences among the materials. Support media precoating with denitrifying bacterial biofilms and the various polymers tested did not appear to enhance the rate of initial anaerobic biofilm accumulation.
Lactation and the Risk of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Epidemiologists compared data on 393 women with ovarian cancer with data on 2565 age hospital and year-of-interview matched controls to determine whether lactation protects against ovarian cancer. The women were recruited from 9 centers in 7 countries (Australia Chile China Israel Mexico the Philippines and Thailand) between October 1979 and 1988. The epidemiologists noted a 20-25% reduction in risk of developing ovarian cancer in women who breast fed for at least 2 months/pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] = 0.75 for 3-7 months duration) but the reduction was insignificant. There was either little or no further reduction as breast feeding duration/pregnancy increased. The reduction in ovarian cancer risk linked to months of pregnancy was consistently stronger than that linked to months of lactation. For example the ORs for women with 9-18 months of pregnancy decreased from 1 to 0.86 to 0.73 with 0-9 10-18 and more than 18 months of breast feeding respectively. For women who lactated 0-9 months the ORs were 1 0.65 and 0.4 with 9-18 months 19-27 and more than 27 months pregnancy respectively. The weaker effect of lactation on ovarian cancer risk suggested that lactation does not influence ovulation suppression as greatly as pregnancy does. Nevertheless lactation along with pregnancy and oral contraceptive use does indeed contribute to reducing the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Systematic Lossy Error Protection based on H.264/AVC redundant slices and flexible macroblock ordering

The authors propose a scheme for Systematic Lossy Error Protection (SLEP) of an H.264/AVC compressed video bit stream, using standard compatible features such as redundant slices, and flexible macroblock ordering. The systematic portion consists of a conventional H.264/AVC bit stream. For error resilience, an additional Wyner-Ziv bit stream is also transmitted. The Wyner-Ziv bit stream allows the decoding of a coarsely quantized description of the original video signal, and is efficiently gen- erated by using H.264/AVC redundant slices in conjunction with Reed-Solomon coding. The Wyner-Ziv bit stream is decoded in order to recover the redundant video descriptions, which are used in lieu of portions lost from the original video signal due to channel errors. SLEP allows the video quality to degrade gracefully with worsening channel conditions, and provides a flexible trade-off between the achieved error resilience and the coarseness of the redundant description. The performance can be improved especially for low motion video sequences, by applying SLEP to a region-of-interest in the video frame, using flexible macroblock ordering (FMO). Experimental results provided for two video transmission scenarios, demonstrate the advantages of SLEP over forward error correction (FEC) as an error resilience scheme.
Perfluoro-octane in the Treatment of Giant Retinal Tears with Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

Giant retinal tears complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) pose one of the more complex problems in vitreoretinal surgery. The authors developed a technique using perfluoro-octane, a temporary vitreous substitute that is heavier than water, combined with vitrectomy, scleral buckling, fluid-gas exchange, and direct manipulation of the retina to treat these cases. Ten eyes with giant retinal tears and grade D-1 PVR or worse were treated. In all eyes, the retina was successfully reattached at the end of surgery. Nine of the ten retinas remained attached after 6 months of follow-up. Five eyes required a total of six reoperations for epiretinal membrane formation without retinal detachment. The one eye in which the retina did not remain reattached developed severe recurrent PVR and iris neovascularization. Visual acuity improved in 8 of 10 eyes. Final visual acuity was 20/400 or better in 8 of 10 eyes, and 20/80 or better in 4 eyes.
Three-parameter (3-P) aperture distribution: asymptotic characteristics and applications

Asymptotic expressions of the far field of the 3-P distribution are presented. Based on these asymptotic expressions the far-angle behavior of the 3-P distribution can be characterized quantitatively with high accuracy. Also presented is an example of the realization of 3-P distribution by geometrical-optics shaping of dual-reflector antennas. >
Factors influencing patient disposition after ambulatory herniorrhaphy

Abstract Purpose: To determine factors associated with patient disposition status other than discharge to their customary residence (DCR) after elective, ambulatory inguinal hernia repair (IHR). Materials and methods: N = 7953 patients who underwent IHR were identified in the National Survey of Ambulatory Surgery (NSAS). Disposition status was examined by age, sex, race, type of anesthetic, anesthesia provider, expected source of payment, laterality of the procedure, facility type and US region. Logistic regression was used to examine independent risk factors for such disposition status. Results: Independent risk factors for disposition status other than DCR included anesthesia type, anesthesia provider, increasing age of the patient, and bi- versus unilaterality of the procedure. Differences in disposition status were also found by facility type and US region in which the procedure was performed. Discussion: The increased cost associated with a disposition status other than DCR requires identification of factors that independently contribute to such an outcome. In this study a number of anesthesia related and unrelated factors were identified that may impact on the disposition of patients undergoing ambulatory inguinal hernia repair. In light of limitations inherent to analysis of large databases our results should be interpreted with caution and prospective trials are needed for validation of our findings. The value of our results may lie particularly in the hypothesis generation for such trials.
Measures and Interpretations of Vigilance Performance: Evidence Against the Detection Criterion

Operators' performance in a vigilance task is often assumed to depend on their choice of a detection criterion. When the signal rate is low this criterion is set high, causing the hit and false alarm rates to be low. With increasing time on task the criterion presumably tends to increase even further, thereby further decreasing the hit and false alarm rates. Virtually all of the empirical evidence for this simple interpretation is based on estimates of the bias measure Beta from signal detection theory. In this article, I describe a new approach to studying decision making that does not require the technical assumptions of signal detection theory. The results of this new analysis suggest that the detection criterion is never biased toward either response, even when the signal rate is low and the time on task is long. Two modifications of the signal detection theory framework are considered to account for this seemingly paradoxical result. The first assumes that the signal rate affects the relative sizes of the variances of the information distributions; the second assumes that the signal rate affects the logic of the operator's stopping rule. Actual or potential applications of this research include the improved training and performance assessment of operators in areas such as product quality control, air traffic control, and medical and clinical diagnosis.
Maize and sorghum: genetic resources for bioenergy grasses

The highly photosynthetic-efficient C4 grasses, such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and maize (Zea mays), are expected to provide abundant and sustainable resources of lignocellulosic biomass for the production of biofuels. A deeper understanding of the synthesis, deposition and hydrolysis of the distinctive cell walls of grasses is crucial to gain genetic control of traits that contribute to biomass yield and quality. With a century of genetic investigations and breeding success, recently completed genome sequences, well-characterized cell wall compositions, and a close evolutionary relationship with future bioenergy perennial grasses, we propose that maize and sorghum are key model systems for gene discovery relating to biomass yield and quality in the bioenergy grasses.
Existing Programs and Emerging Strategies

An examination of the scope and dimensions of adult counseling programs in the United States. Emphasis is placed upon a 1974 national survey of adult career planning and development programs conducted by the American Institutes for Research. Counseling programs for women, ethnic minorities, and mid-career change are highlighted. Prospective strategies to improve the future effectiveness of adult counseling efforts are discussed.
Gene targeting demonstrates additive detrimental effects of interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis factor during pancreatitis

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: During severe pancreatitis, interleukin (IL)-1beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha are produced in large quantities. The aim of this study was to determine whether either one plays a more dominant role and if their detrimental effects are additive. METHODS: Necrotizing pancreatitis was induced in transgenic (-/-) knockout mice deficient in either IL-1 type 1 receptors, TNF type 1 receptors, or both IL-1 and TNF type 1 receptors. Wild-type mice served as controls. Mortality was assessed for 10 days. Additional animals were killed on days 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 for determination of pancreatitis severity. RESULTS: All three knockout groups showed decreased amylase and lipase, histological score, serum IL-6, and mortality compared with wild-type groups. Animals devoid of receptors for both cytokines showed improved survival and decreased IL-6 levels compared with those devoid of either IL-1 or TNF receptors individually, yet they failed to show a further decrease in pancreatitis severity. CONCLUSIONS: Preventing the activity of IL-1beta or TNF-alpha has a nearly identical beneficial effect on the severity and mortality of acute pancreatitis. Preventing the activity of both cytokines concurrently has no additional effect on pancreatitis severity but further attenuates the systemic stress response and is associated with an additional but modest decrease in mortality. (Gastroenterology 1997 Nov;113(5):1741-6)
A critique of Powell, Woods, and Murphy on the 1920–1921 depression

A series of recent reviews of the depression of 1920–1921 by Austrian School and libertarian economists have argued that the downturn demonstrates the poverty of Keynesian policy recommendations. However, these writers misrepresent important characteristics of the 1920–1921 downturn, understating the actions of the Federal Reserve and overestimating the relevance of the Harding administration’s fiscal policy. They also engage a caricatured version of Keynesian theory and policy, which ignores Keynes’s views on the efficacy of nominal wage reductions and the preconditions for monetary and fiscal intervention. This paper argues that the government’s response to the 1920–1921 depression was consistent with Keynesian recommendations. It offers suggestions for when Austrian School and Keynesian economics share common ground and argues that the two schools come into conflict primarily in downturns where nominal interest rates are low and demand is depressed. Neither of these conditions held true in the 1920–1921 depression.
Finite element program for moisture and heat transfer in heated concrete

Abstract A new axisymmetric finite element program for the analysis of pore pressure, moisture content and temperature in heated concrete is described. The program is based on the diffusion equations for coupled heat and moisture transfer and uses a step-by-step time integration. The finite element scheme is based on Galerkin method. For time integration a step-by-step solution with iterations is used. The numerical analysis is complicated by the fact that the sorption isotherms exhibit a steep jump at saturation-nonsaturation transitions, and that the permeability dependence on temperature exhibits a jump of two orders of magnitude at 100°C. The mathematical model takes into account the release of chemically bound water due to dehydration and the associated changes in the pore space. The program may also be used at normal temperatures. Predictions of the program are compared with tests by HEDL as well as two other existing programs.
Competition with evolution in ecology and finance

Abstract A variant of the multi-species Lotka–Volterra model is studied in which species competing for fixed finite resources are replaced by new randomly chosen species whenever they become extinct. The model exhibits chaos, punctuated equilibria, leptokurtosis, and self-organized criticality. It has application to ecology, finance, and possibly other diverse systems.
Inter-decadal patterns of population and dietary change in sea otters at Amchitka Island, Alaska

After having been hunted to near-extinction in the Pacific maritime fur trade, the sea otter population at Amchitka Island, Alaska increased from very low numbers in the early 1900s to near equilibrium density by the 1940s. The population persisted at or near equilibrium through the 1980s, but declined sharply in the 1990s in apparent response to increased killer whale predation. Sea otter diet and foraging behavior were studied at Amchitka from August 1992 to March 1994 and the data compared with similar information obtained during several earlier periods. In contrast with dietary patterns in the 1960s and 1970s, when the sea otter population was at or near equilibrium density and kelp-forest fishes were the dietary mainstay, these fishes were rarely eaten in the 1990s. Benthic invertebrates, particularly sea urchins, dominated the otter’s diet from early summer to mid-winter, then decreased in importance during late winter and spring when numerous Pacific smooth lumpsuckers (a large and easily captured oceanic fish) were eaten. The occurrence of spawning lumpsuckers in coastal waters apparently is episodic on a scale of years to decades. The otters’ recent dietary shift away from kelp-forest fishes is probably a response to the increased availability of lumpsuckers and sea urchins (both high-preference prey). Additionally, increased urchin densities have reduced kelp beds, thus further reducing the availability of kelp-forest fishes. Our findings suggest that dietary patterns reflect changes in population status and show how an ecosystem normally under top-down control and limited by coastal zone processes can be significantly perturbed by exogenous events.
The control of variables in radiopathological studies on mammalian nervous tissue.

SummaryAn experimental x-irradiation technique for small rodents is described which exposes the segments T2 to T4 of the spinal cord. By keeping the volume of the irradiated tissue small in comparison with the total body volume, the predominant effect of the irradiation is a delayed necrosis of the spinal cord. Abscopal and somatic effects are thus reduced, as shown by the normal weight-curves following the irradiation. This technique permits the obtaining of reproducible lesions after a narrowly defined latency period, thus making possible longitudinal studies on pathogenesis and evolution of delayed radionecrosis of the spinal cord. Since the gaseous environment can be manipulated, studies on the oxygen-effect were carried out and preliminary results are reported.
Role of Microvessel Density and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Angiogenesis of Hematological Malignancies

Angiogenesis plays an important role in progression of tumor with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) being key proangiogenic factor. It was intended to study angiogenesis in different hematological malignancies by quantifying expression of VEGF and MVD in bone marrow biopsy along with serum VEGF levels and observing its change following therapy. The study included 50 cases of hematological malignancies which were followed for one month after initial therapy along with 30 controls. All of them were subjected to immunostaining by anti-VEGF and factor VIII antibodies on bone marrow biopsy along with the measurement of serum VEGF levels. Significantly higher pretreatment VEGF scores, serum VEGF levels, and MVD were observed in cases as compared to controls (p < 0.05). The highest VEGF score and serum VEGF were observed in chronic myeloid leukemia and maximum MVD in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Significant decrease in serum VEGF levels after treatment was observed in all hematological malignancies except for AML. To conclude angiogenesis plays an important role in pathogenesis of all the hematological malignancies as reflected by increased VEGF expression and MVD in bone marrow biopsy along with increased serum VEGF level. The decrease in serum VEGF level after therapy further supports this view and also lays the importance of anti angiogenic therapy.