cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrated digital libraries: changing the essence of research, analysis and knowledge management

It is well understood that knowledge management is extremely important in order to achieve the goals and aspirations of research communities. Traditional knowledge management methods linking different knowledge resources are now being augmented by newer models and methods that have excellent potential benefits. The new innovations typically involve creative combinations of technology, human expertise and communication models. Innovations such as digital libraries have attracted significant attention, especially in the publishing industry. Some of these projects have made the transition from prototypes to production systems, enabling relatively quick and reliable access to research publications. Other innovations such as “push technology” or information filtering promise a level of maturity that could offer researchers a constellation of automatic electronic agents that assist with highly specialized aspects of the research process. This paper examines developments in some of these innovations and their potential for researchers.
The logarithmic derivative-variable interval variable step hybrid method for the solution of coupled linear second-order differential equations

Abstract The logarithimic derivative method and variable interval variable step method for the solution of coupled linear second-order differential equations are joined to give a hybrid method which is more efficient than either method alone.
Caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee and endometrial cancer risk: a prospective cohort study among US postmenopausal women.

There is plausible biological evidence as well as epidemiologic evidence to suggest coffee consumption may lower endometrial cancer risk. We evaluated the associations between self-reported total coffee, caffeinated coffee and decaffeinated coffee, and endometrial cancer risk using the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study Research Materials obtained from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Biological Specimen and Data Repository Coordinating Center. Our primary analyses included 45,696 women and 427 incident endometrial cancer cases, diagnosed over a total of 342,927 person-years of follow-up. We used Cox-proportional hazard models to evaluate coffee consumption and endometrial cancer risk. Overall, we did not find an association between coffee consumption and endometrial cancer risk. Compared to non-daily drinkers (none or <1 cup/day), the multivariable adjusted hazard ratios for women who drank ≥4 cups/day were 0.86 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63, 1.18) for total coffee, 0.89 (95% CI 0.63, 1.27) for caffeinated coffee, and 0.51 (95% CI 0.25, 1.03) for decaf coffee. In subgroup analyses by body mass index (BMI) there were no associations among normal-weight and overweight women for total coffee and caffeinated coffee. However among obese women, compared to the referent group (none or <1 cup/day), the hazard
Population risk factor estimates for abdominal aortic aneurysm from electronic medical records: a case control study

Using abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) as a model, this case–control study used electronic medical record (EMR) data to assess known risk factors and identify new associations. The study population consisted of cases with AAA (n =888) and controls (n =10,523) from the Geisinger Health System EMR in Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania. We extracted all clinical and diagnostic data for these patients from January 2004 to December 2009 from the EMR. From this sample set, bootstrap replication procedures were used to randomly generate 2,500 iterations of data sets, each with 500 cases and 2000 controls. Estimates of risk factor effect sizes were obtained by stepwise logistic regression followed by bootstrap aggregation. Variables were ranked using the number of inclusions in iterations and P values. The benign neoplasm diagnosis was negatively associated with AAA, a novel finding. Similarly, type 2 diabetes, diastolic blood pressure, weight and myelogenous neoplasms were negatively associated with AAA. Peripheral artery disease, smoking, age, coronary stenosis, systolic blood pressure, age, height, male sex, pulmonary disease and hypertension were associated with an increased risk for AAA. This study utilized EMR data, retrospectively, for risk factor assessment of a complex disease. Known risk factors for AAA were replicated in magnitude and direction. A novel negative association of benign neoplasms was identified. EMRs allow researchers to rapidly and inexpensively use clinical data to expand cohort size and derive better risk estimates for AAA as well as other complex diseases.
UMBILICAL HERNIA OF INFANTILE MYXEDEMA

AMONG the many symptoms and signs of congenital or early infantile myxedema, and described many years ago, is umbilical hernia. Its reduction or even complete disappearance, solely from the administration of thyroid substance, is demonstrated clearly in the accompanying photographs of the following cases. Case I, M. M. (University of California Hospital, O. P. D., No. U 53747). This girl was normally delivered at term. Her mother was not thought to have suffered from any iodine deficiency, metabolic disturbance or endocrinopathy. The pregnancy and birth occurred in a region where goiter is not endemic and the child was reared there.
Thermal Runaway in the Mantle and Neotectonics

Abstract Rice, A. and Fairbridge, R.W., 1975. Thermal runaway in the mantle and neotectonics. In: N. Pavoni and R. Green (Editors). Recent Crustal Movements. Tectonophysics, 29 (1—4): 59—72.
Broken symmetry of Lie groups of transformation generating general relativistic theories of gravitation

Invariant varieties of suitable semisimple groups of transformations can serve as models of the space-time of the universe. The metric is expressible in terms of the basis vectors of the group. The symmetry of the group is broken by introducing a gauge formalism in the space of the basis vectors with the adjoint group as gauge group. The gauge potentials are expressible in terms of the basis vectors for the case of the De Sitter group. The resulting gauge theory is equivalent to De Sitter covariant general relativity. Group covariant generalizations of gravitational theory are discussed.
Design and simulation of closed-loop electrical stimulation orthoses for restoration of quiet standing in paraplegia

Abstract Simulation models of quiet standing have been developed to study the potential use of closedloop stimulation orthoses in mid-thoracic spinal cord injury. The first model (static) consists of a multi-link inverted pendulum. The second model (dynamic) consists of a single-link inverted pendulum, with electrically stimulated muscles providing balancing activation at the ankle joint and stabilization of the knee and hip joints. The initial simulations have shown that it may be possible to restore quiet standing in paraplegic individuals within certain limits subject to biomechanical constraints and to the available torque produced by the stimulated muscle.
Artery of the cervical enlargement originating from the inferior thyroid artery: an angiographic observation.

degree of hepatic dysfunction. Pulmonary vasodilation could be the result of abnormal neural or hormonal pathways leading to the alteration in the sensitivity of the intrapulmonary vessels, or more likely, to an excess of pulmonary vasodilators such as nitric oxide. Therefore, in cases of portal hypertension and portosystemic shunting, an excess of vasodilators may result in an alteration of their normal hepatic clearance mechanisms, whether by a reduction in their clearance or by altered metabolism by the diseased liver itself. No clearly effective medical therapy for HPS has been found, and liver transplantation is the only proven therapy based on total resolution or significant improvement in gas exchange in more than 80% of reported patients. However, in cases of severe hypoxemia, liver transplantation can be risky or contraindicated and does not always lead to a complete reversal of oxygenation abnormalities. The TIPS procedure, by reducing portal hypertension and its consequences, could reverse the pathophysiology of HPS. It could also induce an increase in cardiac output, leading to a redistribution of pulmonary blood flow and improving ventilation/perfusion ratios. To date, we are aware of six reports of patients with HPS treated with TIPS creation with a short- or midterm follow-up (1– 6). Hypoxemia improved for two patients during a period of 3 weeks before liver transplantation (1,5). It resolved in 1– 4 weeks for three patients followed during a period of 4 – 8 months (2,4 – 6), and two of the patients had a resolution of pulmonary shunting on scintigraphy (4,6). For all five of these patients, the post-TIPS portosystemic gradient was normalized, and the mean measured initial value of pulmonary shunting in four patients was 21.9% (range, 10.1%–29%). For the last patient, the value of the pulmonary shunting was higher (34%), the post-TIPS portosystemic gradient was still high (15 mm Hg), and no improvement of HPS was seen during a 9-month follow-up (3). In our observation, the post-TIPS portosystemic gradient was normalized, hypoxemia resolved 1 year later, and the initial 18% right-to-left shunting was resolved on a control examination performed 3 years later. This suggests that some factors, such as the initial level of the pulmonary shunting and the post-TIPS portosystemic gradient, might influence the results of the TIPS procedure. In addition, the length of time for arterial hypoxemia to resolve after TIPS creation varies and may be longer than a few weeks, as it is after liver transplantation. Finally, if TIPS creation can prepare patients with HPS for liver transplantation, it can also constitute an effective long-term palliative treatment. Further studies are mandatory to assess the exact pathogenesis of HPS and the long-term efficiency of its treatment with TIPS.
Blueberry-Enriched Diet Protects Rat Heart from Ischemic Damage

Objectives to assess the cardioprotective properties of a blueberry enriched diet (BD). Background Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a major role in ischemia-related myocardial injury. The attempts to use synthetic antioxidants to block the detrimental effects of ROS have produced mixed or negative results precipitating the interest in natural products. Blueberries are readily available product with the highest antioxidant capacity among fruits and vegetables. Methods and Results Following 3-mo of BD or a regular control diet (CD), the threshold for mitochondrial permeability transition (tMPT) was measured in isolated cardiomyocytes obtained from young male Fischer-344 rats. Compared to CD, BD resulted in a 24% increase (p<0.001) of ROS indexed tMPT. The remaining animals were subjected to a permanent ligation of the left descending coronary artery. 24 hrs later resulting myocardial infarction (MI) in rats on BD was 22% less than in CD rats (p<0.01). Significantly less TUNEL(+) cardiomyocytes (2% vs 9%) and 40% less inflammation cells were observed in the myocardial area at risk of BD compared to CD rats (p<0.01). In the subgroup of rats, after coronary ligation the original diet was either continued or switched to the opposite one, and cardiac remodeling and MI expansion were followed by serial echocardiography for 10 weeks. Measurements suggested that continuation of BD or its withdrawal after MI attenuated or accelerated rates of post MI cardiac remodeling and MI expansion. Conclusion A blueberry-enriched diet protected the myocardium from induced ischemic damage and demonstrated the potential to attenuate the development of post MI chronic heart failure.
Residual immunity of athymic NCr/sed nude mice and the xenotransplantation of human tumors

This study assessed the residual immunity possessed by NCr/Sed (nu/nu) athymic nude mice and examined strategies to reduce it in order to enhance the transplantability of human tumors for experimentation. Adult (8-week-old) female mice had fewer T cells (11%) and more B and NK (asialo-GM1-positive [ASGM1+]) cells in their spleen than euthymic (nu/+) controls. The number of phenotypically mature T cells increased with age, peaking at 16 weeks. ASGM1+ cells also increased in number over time, although the NK-activity decreased after 12 weeks. B cells remained relatively constant in number. Athymic NCr/Sed nude mice displayed reactivity against a human squamous carcinoma xenograph (FaDu), in a Winn's test and TD50 assay. Immunity against xenografts (TD50 assay) was significantly lower (by a factor of 2) in 4-week-old than in 12-week-old nude mice. Similarly, a significant 2-fold reduction in TD50 was obtained after a single intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide into 8-week-old animals. Chronic (greater than 8 weeks) exposure of the nude mice to subcutaneously administered beta-estradiol markedly reduced the number of splenic NK cells and their cytolytic activity, but the TD50 reduction was not statistically significant (p = 0.1). Six Gray whole-body irradiations (WBI) had been shown to produce a highly significant, 3-fold reduction in the TD50 for FaDu. Flow cytometric analysis of splenic lymphoid cells from whole-body-irradiated recipients revealed: (a) marked initial depletion in the absolute numbers of lymphoid cells; (b) marked and long-lasting depletion of T cells, with slow and minimal recovery only evident between 6 and 12 weeks; (c) rapid, almost complete, depletion of B cells with prompt and partial recovery after 2 weeks; (d) depletion of NK cells and NK activity, with recovery by 10 weeks. No change in the number or phagocytic capacity of resident peritoneal macrophages was seen. These data give further support to a postulated role for residual T cells in the xenoreactivity of NCr/Sed nude mice.
Adsorption of a Low-Molecular-Weight Polyacrylic Acid on Silica, Alumina, and Kaolin

Abstract Polyelectrolytes are often used to prepare highly concentrated dispersions of particles of heterogeneous surfaces of controlled viscosity and stability. However, there is not a satisfactory understanding of the adsorption mechanism of polymers on the surface of heterogeneously charged particles such as kaolin. A systematic investigation of the interaction of silica, alumina, and kaolin, with Na–polyacrylic acid (PAA) polyelectrolyte was performed by conducting adsorption experiments and employing attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (FTIR/ATR) techniques. Adsorption studies indicate that the adsorption density of Na–PAA on the surface of kaolin is considerably smaller than that on alumina particles and there is no indication of adsorption of PAA on the surface of silica particles. FTIR/ATR experiments confirmed that there are specific interactions between PAA and the surface of alumina and kaolin particles as the adsorption bands are shifted to higher wavenumbers.
Psychological assessment of prematurely born infants and young children

The current literature on the cognitive, perceptual, motor, and personal-social development of prematurely born children is reviewed. The implications of this literature for the psychological assessment of prematurely born infants and young children are then discussed.
Orientations: Self, Social, and Environmental Percepts through Auto-Photography

Orientations are defined as behaviors involved in the process of self-definition where the environment is scanned in search of personal points of reference and available sources of self-reinforcement. The method requires the subject to take (or have someone else take) a set of 12 photographs which describe "who you are." Juvenile delinquents were found to reveal lower institutional orientation (home and school) and aesthetic orientation but greater peer orientation than a control group.
Advances in SPECT and PET Hardware

There have been significant recent advances in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) hardware. Novel collimator designs, such as multi-pinhole and locally focusing collimators arranged in geometries that are optimized for cardiac imaging have been implemented to reduce imaging time and radiation dose. These new collimators have been coupled with solid state photon detectors to further improve image quality and reduce scanner size. The new SPECT scanners demonstrate up to a 7-fold increase in photon sensitivity and up to 2 times improvement in image resolution. Although PET scanners are used primarily for oncological imaging, cardiac imaging can benefit from the improved PET sensitivity of 3D systems without inter-plane septa and implementation of the time-of-flight reconstruction. Additionally, resolution recovery techniques are now implemented by all major PET vendors. These new methods improve image contrast, image resolution, and reduce image noise. Simultaneous PET/magnetic resonance (MR) hybrid systems have been developed. Solid state detectors with avalanche photodiodes or digital silicon photomultipliers have also been utilized in PET. These new detectors allow improved image resolution, higher count rate, as well as a reduced sensitivity to electromagnetic MR fields.
Biochemical differences in sympatric color morphs of an aquatic isopod (Asellus brevicauda)

Abstract 1. 1. Eleven protein systems were investigated via electrophoresis in three color morphs of Asellus brevicauda . 2. 2. Genetic variability was present in all but two protein systems. 3. 3. The variability is strongly color dependent with fixed differences occurring at two α-gpdh loci between the white and dark color types. 4. 4. These and other differences suggest that A. brevicauda at Cave Springs Cave, IL, consists of a subspecies complex.
Sonographic Needle Guidance in Cholangiography in Children

PURPOSE To evaluate feasibility and benefits of sonographic guidance of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) in children with liver transplants. MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors prospectively followed 24 PTC procedures in 19 pediatric patients (11 females, 8 males; age 3 months to 17 years) randomized to fluoroscopic or sonographic guidance. The number of needle passes, the contrast material dose, fluoroscopy time, and procedure time for each procedure were recorded. All patients were transplant recipients—six whole and 13 reduced-size grafts. Cases were randomly assigned to two groups: group I, fluoroscopically guided PTC (12 procedures); group II, sonographically guided PTC (12 procedures). RESULTS The technical success rate was 92% (11 of 12) for each group. In group I, there were two procedure-related complications: postprocedural fever caused by biliary to portal vein fistula, and peritoneal bleeding requiring surgery. In group II, there were no procedure-related complications. A mean of 8.2 ± 3.7 needle passes were required in group I compared to only 2.0 ± 1.3 in group II ( P P P P CONCLUSION In pediatric patients who have undergone liver transplantation, sonographic guidance significantly decreases the number of needle passes, contrast material dose, and fluoroscopy time required for PTC.
The effects of errors in α on the mechanism indicated by the reich and stivala procedure

Abstract The effects of errors in α on the mechanism indicated by the Reich and Stivala procedure were studied. It was found that in some cases substantial errors, larger than those present in normal TG experiments, resulted in no change in the indicated mechanism. However, the method appears to be very sensitive to combinations of errors of certain types and to what the correct mechanism is. In those cases, errors in α as small as 0.005 can result in an incorrect rate law being indicated as the correct one.
Dynamics of a type VI reverse turn in a linear peptide in aqueous solution

Background Peptide sequences with aromatic groups flanking a cis -proline residue are known to have a high propensity for adopting compact structures in which the aromatic sidechains pack against the proline ring. In particular, the sequence Ser-Tyr-Pro-Phe-Asp-Val (and variants of this) is known by NMR to form a high proportion of type VI turns in aqueous solution. We set out to explore the energetic and dynamic features of such sequences using molecular dynamics simulation techniques. Results The conformation properties of the linear pentapeptide NH 3 + -Ala-Tyr- cis Pro-Tyr-Asp-NMA ( cis -AYPYD) have been explored in three solvated molecular dynamics simulations. The first began from an NMR-derived model structure containing a type VIa turn and close-stacking interactions between the tyrosine and proline sidechains. During 20 ns of simulation, the peptide made transitions between type VIa and VIb turns, but did not ‘unfold' to more extended conformers, consistent with the unusual stability for folded forms observed by NMR for this sequence. Distances monitored by nuclear Overhauser peaks and sidechain rotamer populations in the trajectory are in good agreement with NMR data. Two additional 5 ns trajectories were begun from more extended conformers. The first folded into a conformer much like the NMR-derived structure within 3 ns and remained folded for the remainder of the trajectory. The second was begun from a structure in which the sidechain orientations were deliberately misfolded relative to that required for turn formation; this structure did not make a transition to a turn-like state. Conclusion The kinetic stability of folded forms of AYPYD, along with the observation of spontaneous folding from an extended conformation, indicates that the special stability seen experimentally is reflected in computer simulations. The results provide new information about the stabilization of secondary structure in short peptides, particularly by aromatic–proline interactions, and offer a description of pathways of interconversion of type VIa and VIb turns.
SHADOW: A synchrotron radiation ray tracing program

Abstract We present the new ray-tracing program SHADOW. The program was written specifically for the XUV optics range, but is now completely general. Its capabilites are discussed in terms of the physical basis on which the program is built, with particular emphasis on the synchrotron radiation applications.
Dust Control Technology Usage Patterns in the Drywall Finishing Industry

A telephone survey was conducted to quantify drywall finishing industry usage rates of dust control technology, identify barriers to technology adoption, and explore firm owner perception of risk. Industry use of the following technologies was described: wet methods, respiratory protection, pole sanders, ventilated sanders, and low-dust joint compound. A survey instrument composed of both Likert-type scaled items and open-ended items was developed and administered by telephone to the census population of the owners of member firms of trade associations: Finishing Contractors Association and Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industries. Of 857 firms, 264 interviews were completed. Along with descriptive statistics, results were analyzed to examine effects of firm size and union affiliation on responses. Responses to open-ended items were analyzed using content analysis procedures. Firm owners rated the risk of dust to productivity and customer satisfaction as low-moderate. Half rated the dust as having s...
Errant innate immune signaling in del(5q) MDS.

In this issue of Blood , Keerthivasan et al have identified that the deletion of mDia1, a chromosome 5q gene, contributes to myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) by increasing innate immune signaling in granulocytes.[1][1] ![Figure][2] Model of DIAPH1/mDia1 deletion in del(5q) MDS. Deletion of
SU-GG-I-153: Experimental Evaluation of a New Anti-Scatter Grid for Digital Radiographic Systems

Purpose: Prototype anti‐scatter grids, constructed specifically to optimize digital image quality for large patient anatomy, were evaluated. The primary and scatter transmission fractions and the quantum signal to noise ratio improvement factor (KSNR) of the grids was measured.Method and Materials: The two new grids have line rates N=25 and 36 cm−1 and ratios r=21 and 15, respectively. The grids have fiber inter‐space material and the lead septa of these grids are 5 mm tall. The primary and scatter x‐ray transmission fractions were measured using a RQA8 beam type. The scatter transmission was measured using a 20 cm thick Solid Water™ phantom and a graduated beam stop method. KSNR was calculated for phantom thicknesses ranging from 10 to 50 cm using the measured transmission fractions and previously reported non‐grid scatter to primary ratio values. Similar and previously reported measurements from other standard grids are included for comparative purposes. Results: The primary transmission fraction of the N25r21 and N36r15 grids were 0.64 and 0.69±0.01, respectively. The scatter transmission fractions were 0.056 and 0.059±0.002, respectively. The corresponding KSNR values range from 1.37 for a 10 cm thick scatter phantom to 2.38 for 50 cm thick phantom. The reasonably good primary transmission and low scatter transmission properties of these grids combine to provide KSNR values which are higher than any of the standard grids previously tested. Because there is more scatter to remove from the x‐ray beam, the potential benefit of the grids improves as phantom thickness is increases. Conclusion: Physical evaluation of prototype grids with 5 mm tall lead septa indicates that they have the potential to improve the quality of digital radiographicimages of large patient anatomy beyond that provided by standard grids. Conflict of Interest: Equipment provided by Smit Roentgen, The Netherlands.
Bidirectional equalization for underwater acoustic communication.

The bidirectional decision feedback equalizer (BiDFE) that combines the outputs of a conventional decision feedback equalizer (DFE) and backward DFE can improve the performance of the conventional DFE by up to 1–2 dB based on simulations. In this letter, the BiDFE concept is extended to multichannel time reversal communications involving a DFE as a post-processor. Experimental data collected in shallow water (10–20 kHz) show that the performance can be enhanced by 0.4–1.8 dB in terms of output signal-to-noise ratio. In particular, a larger improvement (e.g., 1.8 dB) is achieved for time-varying channels where the channel diversity in opposite directions is more profound.
De novo assembly of highly diverse viral populations

Extensive genetic diversity in viral populations within infected hosts and the divergence of variants from existing reference genomes impede the analysis of deep viral sequencing data. A de novo population consensus assembly is valuable both as a single linear representation of the population and as a backbone on which intra-host variants can be accurately mapped. The availability of consensus assemblies and robustly mapped variants are crucial to the genetic study of viral disease progression, transmission dynamics, and viral evolution. Existing de novo assembly techniques fail to robustly assemble ultra-deep sequence data from genetically heterogeneous populations such as viruses into full-length genomes due to the presence of extensive genetic variability, contaminants, and variable sequence coverage. We present VICUNA, a de novo assembly algorithm suitable for generating consensus assemblies from genetically heterogeneous populations. We demonstrate its effectiveness on Dengue, Human Immunodeficiency and West Nile viral populations, representing a range of intra-host diversity. Compared to state-of-the-art assemblers designed for haploid or diploid systems, VICUNA recovers full-length consensus and captures insertion/deletion polymorphisms in diverse samples. Final assemblies maintain a high base calling accuracy. VICUNA program is publicly available at: http://www.broadinstitute.org/scientific-community/science/projects/viral-genomics/viral-genomics-analysis-software . We developed VICUNA, a publicly available software tool, that enables consensus assembly of ultra-deep sequence derived from diverse viral populations. While VICUNA was developed for the analysis of viral populations, its application to other heterogeneous sequence data sets such as metagenomic or tumor cell population samples may prove beneficial in these fields of research.
Klippel-Feil syndrome in a cheerleader.

INTRODUCTIONKlippel-Feil syndrome is a congenital fusion of cervical vertebrae, involving at least two segments, the entire cervical spine or a congenital block vertebra. The syndrome may also involve the cardiopulmonary, auditory, genitourinary, or other systems. The syndrome is often considered an
Three dimensional superlattice in Pb1−χGdχTe (Wigner's crystallization)

Abstract A diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) containing a rare earth, Pb 1− χ Gd χ Te, has been synthesized using the Bridgman technique. The nominal gadolinium concentration was adjusted to be between 1 to 5%. Both n and p-type crystals were grown by synthesizing lead or tellurium rich ingots. Single crystal samples oriented in the (111) direction were used for electrical characterizations. Electron and hole mobilities as high as 1 × 10 7 cm 2 V -1 s -1 and 2.5 × 10 5 cm 2 V -1 s -1 measured at 4.2K. Both types of mobilities as a function of temperature exhibit the typical T - 3 2 law, which is characteristic of semiconductors. Wigner's crystallization is invoked to elucidate the possible existence of an ionized impurity formed three dimensional superlattice to account for these high charge carrier mobilities.
Dynamic model of CHO cell metabolism

Fed-batch cultures are extensively used for the production of therapeutic proteins. However, process optimization is hampered by lack of quantitative models of mammalian cellular metabolism in these cultures. This paper presents a new kinetic model of CHO cell metabolism and a novel framework for simulating the dynamics of metabolic and biosynthetic pathways of these cells grown in fed-batch culture. The model defines a subset of the intracellular reactions with kinetic rate expressions based on extracellular metabolite concentrations and temperature- and redox-dependent regulatory variables. The simulation uses the rate expressions to calculate pseudo-steady state flux distributions and extracellular metabolite concentrations at discrete time points. Experimental data collected in this study for several different CHO cell fed-batch cultures are used to derive the rate expressions, fit the parameters, and validate the model. The simulations accurately predicted the effects of process variables, including temperature shift, seed density, specific productivity, and nutrient concentrations.
Reduction of annexin-V (placental anticoagulant protein-I) on placental villi of women with antiphospholipid antibodies and recurrent spontaneous abortion.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The mechanism by which antiphospholipid antibodies are associated with pregnancy loss and thromboembolic conditions has yet to be elucidated. Annexin-V, an anticoagulant phospholipid-binding photein, is normally present in syncytiotrophoblasts lining the placental villi, where it may play a role in the maintenance of intervillous blood fluidity. We therefore investigated the distribution of annexin-V in placentas of patients with antiphospholipid antibodies in situ and then used short-term villous cultures to study the direct effect of antiphospholipid antibodies on the immunolocation of annexin-V. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a blinded study by means of computerized morphometric analysis of placental tissues that were stained for annexin-V with affinity-purified polyclonal antibody in an avidin-biotin peroxidase system. The distribution of villous surface annexin-V on cross sections of placentas of patients with antiphospholipid antibodies was compared with that of. placentas from patients with uncomplicated pregnancies, elective abortions, and pregnancy losses not associated with antiphospholipid antibodies ( n = 8 for each group). We quantitated villous surface annexin-V in cultured placental villi that were incubated with antiphosphollpid antibodies immunoglobulin G compared with normal immunoglobulin G and measured annexin-V levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in conditioned media and in the villi. RESULTS: The mean villous surface annexin-V of the group with antiphospholipid antibodies was 26.2% ± 17% (SD) versus 93.9% ± 5.7% in the normal control group ( p p p CONCLUSIONS: Patients with antiphospholipid antibodies and a history of previous pregnancy losses have a significant reduction in annexin-V immunostaining on placental villous surfaces, and antiphospholipid antibodies immunoglobulin G can directly decrease levels of villous surface annexin-V on cultured placental villi. Assays of annexin-V in the conditioned media and cell pellets of cultured placental villi suggest that the mechanism for antiphospholipid antibodies-mediated reduced annexin-V surface staining is an inhibition of annexin-V transport to the villous surface rather than displacement by antiphospholipid antibodies from the surface. This antiphospholipid antibodies-induced deficiency of placental surface annexin-V may contribute to the placental thrombosis observed in these patients.
Pass-transistor logic design

Logic functions implemented using CMOS transmission gates provide a moderate improvement in area and speed over logic gate implementations. Several techniques for the implementation of pass transistor logic are presented. These techniques use only nMOS transistors in the pass network. The output logic level is restored using additional circuitry. The proposed designs require less silicon area, less power dissipation, and operate at higher speeds compared with the conventional CMOS pass-transistor networks. The speed of operation depends mainly on the circuitry used to restore the output signal of the pass network. The different techniques are compared with respect to the layout area and operating speed.
CT diagnosis of rib anomalies, tumors, and infection in children

The computed tomography (CT) findings of 3 patients with Ewing's sarcoma and 10 patients with a variety of benign rib lesions including osteomyelitis, hemangiomatosis, eosinophilic granuloma, aneurysmal bone cyst, neurofibromatosis, enchondroma, and Jarcho-Levin syndrome are presented. CT is of great value in demonstrating characteristic findings of several benign rib lesions. Also, CT accurately shows the destructive pattern of the rib lesion, the presence of pleural effusion, and the local spread of the soft tissue mass. When an aggressive rib lesion with pleural effusion is encountered in an infant or child, Ewing's sarcoma must be excluded unless this lesion has characteristic radiographic findings and a strong clinical history that suggest another diagnosis. The CT findings and differential diagnosis of rib lesions are discussed. Three-dimensional CT well demonstrated the appearance of congenital rib anomalies.
Unintentional Child Poisonings Treated in United States Hospital Emergency Departments: National Estimates of Incident Cases, Population-Based Poisoning Rates, and Product Involvement

OBJECTIVES. The goals were to develop national estimates of unintentional child poisoning cases treated in US hospital emergency departments, to determine population-based poisoning rates, and to evaluate characteristics of the victims and the products involved. METHODS. Cases reported through the US Consumer Product Safety Commission National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, involving a national probability sample of US hospital emergency departments, were used as a basis for developing national estimates of product-related poisonings involving children RESULTS. There were an estimated 86194 child poisoning incidents treated in US hospital emergency departments in 2004, amounting to 429.4 poisonings per 100000 children. Approximately 70% of the poisonings involved children 1 or 2 years of age, slightly more than one half involved boys, and 13.3% resulted in hospital admission. Approximately 59.5% of the poisonings involved oral prescription drugs, oral nonprescription drugs, or supplements. Other major product categories resulting in poisonings included cleaning products (13.2%), drugs and ointment preparations intended for external use (4.9%), and personal care products (4.7%). Approximately 54.7% of the poisonings involved products already subject to child-resistant packaging requirements under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. CONCLUSIONS. Despite advances in recent years, unintentional child poisonings remain an important public health concern. The circumstances surrounding poisonings need to be evaluated further, and intervention strategies need to be developed.
Variation of the Interfacial Shear Strength and Adhesion of a Nanometer-Sized Contact

We observe that the frictional force between a platinum-coated atomic force microscope (AFM) tip and the surface of mica in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) varies with load in proportion to the contact area predicted by the Johnson−Kendall−Roberts (JKR) theory (Proc. R. Soc. London, Ser. A 1971, 324, 301) of adhesive elastic contacts. Using the JKR theory, the interfacial adhesion energy and shear strength can be determined. During the experiment, the tip−sample adhesion unexpectedly decreased by more than one order of magnitude, as did the measured frictional forces . These changes were induced by scanning the tip in contact with the mica sample. We attribute the substantial friction and adhesion decreases to changes of the interface, either structural or chemical, as opposed to changes in bulk structure or properties. The interfacial adhesion energy, γ, dropped by more than one order of magnitude while the shear strength, τ, decreased to a lesser extent. Our observations indicate that, for a platinum-coated tip ...
Ketosis and Epilepsy: 31P Spectroscopic Imaging at 4.1 T

Summary: Purpose: To determine whether changes in the high-energy phosphates occur with use of the ketogenic diet in patients with intractable epilepsy. Methods:31P magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging studies were performed at 4.1 T in seven patients with intractable epilepsy (four Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, one absence, one primary generalized tonic-clonic, and one partial complex) before and after institution of the ketogenic diet. Coronal 1H anatomic imaging also was performed to provide correlation to the 31P data. Results: Taking the patients as a group, the ratio of phosphocreatine (PC)/γ-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measured at baseline (regular diet) compared with that measured after the ketogenic diet showed a small but significant increase from 0.61 ± 0.08 to 0.69 ± 0.08 (p < 0.05). Comparing the ratio of PCr inorganic phosphorus (Pi) measured at baseline with the postketogenic diet, there was a significant increase from 2.45 ± 0.27 to 2.99 ± 0.44 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: As a group, improvement of energy metabolism occurs with use of the ketogenic diet. This is in agreement with the chronic ketosis studies performed earlier in rodents.
Micromechanical photothermal spectroscopy of trace gases using functionalized polymers.

We demonstrate a novel method to spectroscopically detect and identify trace gases. Micromechanical photothermal spectroscopy (MPS) with functionalized sorbent materials provides trace gas spectra in an optical interaction length of only a few micrometers. We use microcavity interferometry to read out displacements as low as 25 fm/Hz, heating as low as 200 pW/Hz, and analyte concentrations as low as 65 parts-per-billion for the nerve agent simulant DMMP. MPS integrated with functional materials represents an important new tool in chip-scale optical sensing.
Derivation and Validation of an Initial-Value Method for Certain Nonlinear Two-Point Boundary-Value Problems.

Much of the theory of invariant imbedding is devoted to transforming two-point boundary-value problems into Cauchy problems. Numerous references are given. In this paper, a proof is given that the solution of the Cauchy problem does indeed satisfy the boundary-value problem. The discussion is self-contained and general enough to cover many applications in optimal control and radiative transfer.
Social Attractiveness and Blame

Blame attributions are influenced by various extralegal factors, although at present there is no compelling evidence to link what may be one of the most pervasive sources of bias in blame judgments—an actor's social attractiveness or likableness—to blame attributions. We conducted 2 studies that varied an actor's social attractiveness and assessed its influence on blame. Social attractiveness influenced blame ratings in both studies, and perceptions of the actor's likableness mediated this effect.
Resource use trends in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adults: an analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 1998-2009.

Objective The study objective was to determine whether significant trends over time have occurred in resource use associated with the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in critically ill adults. Methods All adult admissions involving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were examined by using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (years 1998-2009). Trends in volume, outcome, and resource use (including hospital charges, length of stay, and charges per day) were analyzed. Results An estimated total of 8753 admissions involved extracorporeal membrane oxygenation over the study period. Overall length of stay was 18.3 ± 1.3 days. Total hospital charges averaged $344,009 ± $30,707 per admission, with average charges per day of $40,588 ± $3099. Cumulative national charges for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation admissions increased significantly from $109.0 million in 1998 to $764.7 million in 2009 ( P = .0016). Charges per patient and length of stay also increased significantly ( P = .0032 and .0321, respectively). The increasing trend in the number of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation admissions during the study period was not statistically significant ( P = .19). The post-cardiotomy group had more favorable outcomes and lower resource use. A shift was observed in the relative case-mix of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation admissions over the study period, with a relative decrease in the post-cardiotomy group and increases in the cardiogenic shock, respiratory failure, and lung transplant groups. Conclusions These results suggest that dramatic increases in resource use associated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are not solely the result of increased volume, but in part are due to a shift toward extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use in patient groups (other than in the post-cardiotomy setting) with greater resource use and worse outcomes.
Characterization of the Electrochemical Oxidation of Glucose on Pt Nanoparticle Catalysts in pH Neutral Phosphate Buffer Solution

Optimization and characterization of glucose electrooxidizing catalysts for electrochemical continuous glucose sensors and glucose fuel cells has been subject to numerous investigations. Currently, the most advanced catalyst technologies for glucose electrooxidation are enzyme supported. These catalysts show good selectivity and activity towards the oxidation of glucose, however they lack thermal and chemical stability. An alternative to enzyme supported oxidation of glucose is direct oxidation of glucose on abiotic catalysts. The most common abiotic catalysts to electrooxidize glucose are platinum and platinum alloys. Platinum has good thermal and chemical stability, however it is very sensitive to electrode poisoning for the oxidation of glucose at physiological temperatures. The nature of the Pt poisoning intermediates, and the glucose electrooxidation mechanism are not completely understood. This study presents chronoamperometric RDE studies of glucose electrooxidation on Pt nanoparticles at physiological pH. Results of this study help facilitate the design of glucose sensors with abiotic catalysts.
Intergenic Regions between Tandem gp63 Genes Influence the Differential Expression of gp63 RNAs in Leishmania chagasi Promastigotes

Abstract The major surface protease, gp63, of Leishmania chagasi is encoded by 18 or more tandem msp genes that can be grouped into three classes on the basis of their unique 3′-untranslated sequences (3′-UTRs) and their differential expression. RNAs from the mspLs occur predominantly during the logarithmic phase of promastigote growth in vitro, RNAs from the mspSs are present mainly in stationary phase, and RNAs from mspCs occur throughout growth in culture. All three classes of gp63 genes are constitutively transcribed during all growth phases, indicating that their expression is post-transcriptionally regulated. Chimeric plasmids containing the three different 3′-UTRs and downstream intergenic regions (IRs) fused downstream of the β-galactosidase (β-gal) coding region were transfected into L. chagasi, and their effects on β-gal RNA processing and enzymatic activity were examined. The presence of the 3′-UTRs by themselves had no substantive effect on β-gal expression. However, the 3′-UTR from a mspS plus its IR resulted in about 20-fold more β-gal activity and RNA in stationary phase relative to logarithmic phase cells. In contrast, the 3′-UTRs plus IRs of mspL and mspC had either no or little effect, respectively, on β-gal expression. Thus, differential expression of the mspLs and mspSs is post-transcriptionally controlled by different mechanisms.
Pharmacology Review: Why Surfactant Works for Respiratory Distress Syndrome

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Explain the sources of immediate and delayed treatment responses to surfactant. 2. List the factors that affect surfactant distribution in the preterm lung. 3. List the mechanisms that can inhibit surfactant function. 4. Explain why antenatal corticosteroids and surfactant improve lung function and outcomes of preterm infants. Surfactant treatments have been the standard of care for infants who have respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) ever since the United States Food and Drug Administration approved its use in 1990. The development of surfactant is one of the great success stories in neonatal care because the therapy specifically treats the surfactant deficiency and changes the pathophysiology and outcome of RDS. Many clinicians now use surfactant without appreciating the research that was essential to learning how to use it and to understanding why it works so well for most infants. That research history is the basis for interpreting new approaches to the care of infants who have RDS, such as the early use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Surfactant works because of complicated biophysical and metabolic effects within the preterm lung. These effects are modified by clinical variables such as antenatal steroids, lung injury, and gestational age. The standard diagram of the pathophysiology of RDS developed in the 1980s still holds today (Fig. 1). Infants who have RDS have surfactant lipid pools of less than 10 mg/kg compared with the surfactant lipid pool sizes in term infants of perhaps 100 mg/kg. Further, lung structure is immature at less than 32 weeks’ gestation. The fetal human lung is in the saccular stage of development during the period of viability from 23 weeks’ gestation to the initiation of secondary septation (alveolarization), which begins at about 32 weeks’ gestation. The structure of the preterm lung affected by RDS limits lung …
K alpha -band MMIC receiver with ion-implanted technology for high-volume and low-cost application

A monolithic-microwave-integrated-circuit (MMIC) receiver in ion implantation technology, with LNA and mixer integrated circuits (ICs) shows 4.7 dB noise figure and 6.8 dB conversion gain at 35 GHz with a low IF frequency of 10-50 MHz. The data reported are for a receiver in the K alpha -band. The results are for two separate amplifier and mixer ICs combined to form a receiver or downconverter. The authors have successfully demonstrated viable and manufacturable technology that is useful for high volume and cost-effective applications. The measured results show the technology is able to deliver high performance with very good yield. >