cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The fidelity and dynamic response of fluid-filled catheter systems for direct measurement of lumbar cerebrospinal fluid pressure

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the fidelity of pressure signals transmitted through long, narrow (epidural) catheters inserted into the lumbar intrathecal space.Methods. Using a model of the spinal canal we tested three epidural catheters: 20-gauge Arrow, 20-gauge Abbott, 21-gauge Portex. We (1) determined the damping coefficient and natural frequency of the three catheters, (2) correlated the static pressures measured using the three catheters compared to the true pressure in the intrathecal space, and (3) compared the response time of the three catheters connected to transducers vsU-tube manometers.Results. The three catheters had high damping coefficients (α) (Arrow, 0.75; Abbott, 0.85; Portex, 1.10) and low natural frequencies (Arrow, 15.23 Hz; Abbott, 12.83 Hz; Portex, 9.09 Hz). The dynamic response characteristics of the catheter with the largest internal diameter (20-gauge Arrow) were adequate to reproduce pulsatile cerebrospinal fluid pressure reliably. Smaller catheters tracked the mean pressure, although oscillations were damped. Static pressure measurements from all three catheters showed good correlation with test pressures (r=0.99;p<0.001). Using theU-tube manometer, it required 170, 140, and 130 minutes for the Portex, Abbott, and Arrow catheters, respectively, to equilibrate with a test pressure of 30 cm H2O. The rate of rise in theU-tube manometer pressure was limited by the rate of fluid flow through the catheters.Conclusions. We found that a catheter of at least 20 gauge connected to a transducer could record pressures in the cerebrospinal fluid compartment with a high degree of fidelity. The prolonged time to reach equilibrium madeU-tube manometry unsuitable for clinical use.
Don't move: the T-Rex effect in the predator-prey world

To develop robust agents capable of adapting to changes in environment conditions we analyze the effects of introducing noise into multi-agent communication and varying prey movement patterns in a version of the predator-prey pursuit problem. In this simulation, predators communicate with languages evolved using a genetic algorithm. We show the time it takes to capture prey increases as more noise is introduced into the predators' communication string. We show that predator performance under noisy conditions can be improved by training the predators with noise. Increasing the amount of noise during predator training increases the performance capability of the predator, thus reducing the amount of time it takes to capture a prey in noisy conditions. Training against different prey movement patterns can also enhance predator performance. We show that predators trained with prey that stop and move randomly perform best when tested against various prey movements. Alternatively, predators trained against constantly idle, or frozen, prey showed the worst performance. When any type of predator was tested against the frozen prey, the predators had some problems completing the capture. Drawing inspiration from the popular film Jurassic Park, we refer to this phenomenon as the T-Rex effect. Prey that hide or do not move have the greatest probability of surviving. Training predators with factors that normally decrease testing performance helps develop robust predators capable of increased performance under both adverse testing conditions.
Ultrafast Vibrational Spectroscopy of Water in Reverse Micelles

While steady-state vibrational spectroscopy provides information about molecular structure, time-resolved methods makes it possible to follow structural evolution. Using time-resolved infrared spectroscopy, we follow dynamics of water in confined environments present in reverse micelles.
Aflatoxin: a metabolic product of several fungi.

Culture extracts produced by 107 fungi isolated from corn grains were assayed by thin layer chromatography for aflatoxin. Certain isolates ofAspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. parasiticus, A. ruber, A. wentii, Penicillium citrinum, andP. variabile produced aflatoxin.Penicillium frequentans andP. puberulum elaborated this toxin only in trace amounts. Bioassays of extracts from 4 of these fungi showed that only the extract fromA. parasiticus was highly toxic.
Human innate immune responses to hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and HDI–albumin conjugates

Summary Background Isocyanates, a leading cause of occupational asthma, are known to induce adaptive immune responses; however, innate immune responses, which generally precede and regulate adaptive immunity, remain largely uncharacterized. Objective The aim of the study was to identify and characterize the cellular, molecular and systemic innate immune responses induced by hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). Methods Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated in vitro with HDI–albumin conjugates or control antigen, and changes in phenotype, gene and protein expression were characterized by flow cytometry, microarray, Western blot and ELISA. Cell uptake of isocyanate was visualized microscopically using HDI–albumin conjugates prepared with fluorescently labelled albumin. In vivo, human HDI exposure was performed via a specific inhalation challenge, and subsequent changes in PBMCs and serum proteins were measured by flow cytometry and ELISA. Genotypes were determined by PCR. Results Human monocytes take up HDI–albumin conjugates and undergo marked changes in morphology and gene/protein expression in vitro. The most significant (P-values 0.007–0.05) changes in mircoarray gene expression were noted in lysosomal genes, especially peptidases and proton pumps involved in antigen processing. Chemokines that regulate monocyte/macrophage trafficking (MIF, MCP-1) and pattern-recognition receptors that bind chitin (chitinases) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (CD68) were also increased following isocyanate–albumin exposure. In vivo, HDI-exposed subjects exhibited a drastic increase in the percentage of PBMCs with the same HDI–albumin responsive phenotype characterized in vitro (HLA-DR+/CD11c+ with altered light scatter properties). An exposure-dependent decrease (46±11%; P<0.015) in serum concentrations of chitinase 3-like-1 was also observed in individuals who lack the major (type 1) human chitinase (due to genetic polymorphism), but not in individuals possessing at least one functional chitinase-1 allele. Conclusions Previously unrecognized innate immune responses to HDI and HDI–albumin conjugates could influence the clinical spectrum of exposure reactions.
Protein Sorting by Directed Maturation of Golgi Compartments

How does the Golgi stack mediate transport of cargo from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the cell surface? A possibility is that cargo-containing vesicles derived from the ER form early Golgi compartments that then mature by retrieval of processing enzymes from later Golgi compartments. Maturation continues at terminal Golgi compartments by retrieval of transport components from the endocytic pathway to promote sorting of cargo to multiple cellular destinations. Hence, retrograde movement may integrate exocytic and endocytic pathways in eukaryotic cells and coordinate membrane flow and cargo transport through the Golgi stack.
Hemisphere Cylinder at Incidence at Intermediate to High Reynolds Numbers

Careful documentation of the development of leeward vortices and separation bubbles over a hemisphere-cylinder body at intermediate to high Reynolds numbers is presented. Flow visualization, static pressure measurements, seven-hole probe anemometry, and laser Doppler velocimetry were employed to provide a complete picture of the flow at angles of attack of 0, 10, 20, and 30 deg. Composites of skin-friction lines and static pressure data are presented. Comparisons are made of the results obtained by a seven-hole probe and a fiber-optic laser Doppler velocimetry probe
Energy absorption in chopped carbon fiber epoxy composites for automotive crashworthiness

In the crashworthiness of automotive structures, the primary issues to the automotive industry are the overall economy and the weight of the material. To reduce the weight and improve the fuel economy, polymer composite materials have replaced more and more metal parts in vehicles. They have the added benefit of being able to dissipate large amounts of impact energy by progressive crushing. To identify and quantify the energy absorbing mechanisms in candidate automotive composite materials, test methodologies were developed for conducting progressive crush tests on composite plate specimens. The test method development and experimental set-up focused on isolating the damage modes associated with the frond formation that occurs in dynamic testing of composite tubes. Quasi-static progressive crush tests were performed to quantify the effects of specimen width, profile radius and profile constraint on the specific energy absorption and failure modes of composite plates manufactured from chopped carbon fiber (CCF) with an epoxy resin system using compression molding techniques. The carbon fiber was Toray T700 and the epoxy resin was YLA RS-35. It was demonstrated during testing that the use of a roller constraint directed the crushing process and the load deflection curves were similar to the progressive crushing of tubes. Modifications to the basic specimen geometry were required when testing material systems that have low axial stiffness to prevent a global buckling mode. The experimental data in conjunction with the test observations were used to develop analytical models for predicting the crashworthiness of automotive composite structures.
Aspects of electrolyte transport in frog pigment epithelium.

This paper presents preliminary results concerning the effects of altering the electrolyte composition of the bathing media on the potential difference, and short-circuit current, and on the resting membrane potentials of pigment epithelial cells in an in vitro preparation of bullfrog pigment epithelium-choroid. Single-sided ion concentration changes showed that the apical and basal membranes of the pigment epithelium had a high K+ permeability and a relatively low permeability to Na+ and Cl−. The apical membrane was also sensitive to changes in the external HCO3− concentration. Resting membrane potentials recorded across the apical membrane were 65–90 m V with an average of 80 m V. Intracellular recordings from pigment epithelial cells provided evidence for a parallel shunt pathway which reduced the magnitude of the observed diffusion potentials. The results of removing a given ion simultaneously from the solutions bathing both sides of the tissue suggested that Na+ and HCO3− played the major roles in the production of the short-circuit current. Ouabain, 10−5m. when added to the apical solution, markedly reduced the short-circuit current and transepithelial potential.
Printed assembly of micro/nanostructured semiconductor materials for high-performance unusual format photovoltaics

Unconventional approaches to exploit established materials in photovoltaics can create novel engineering opportunities, device functionalities, and cost structures, each of which can have significant values in different technological applications. Here, I present an overview of materials and integration strategies that involve a large collection of monocrystalline silicon in micro and nanostructured forms that are derived from wafer-based source materials. Printinglike assembly techniques offered a practical means to manipulate ultrathin, micro/nanoscale building blocks in a massively parallel, cost-effective manner, thereby enabling device- and module-level integration on various classes of foreign substrates with advantages in areal coverages, formats, and costs that have been difficult in conventional crystalline silicon photovoltaics.
Characterization of a Novel Class of Interspersed LTR Elements in Primate Genomes: Structure, Genomic Distribution, and Evolution

Retrovirus-like sequences and their solitary (solo) long terminal repeats (LTRs) are common repetitive elements in eukaryotic genomes. We reported previously that the tandemly arrayed genes encoding U2 snRNA (the RNU2 locus) in humans and apes contain a solo LTR (U2-LTR) which was presumably generated by homologous recombination between the two LTRs of an ancestral provirus that is retained in the orthologous baboon RNU2 locus. We have now sequenced the orthologous U2-LTRs in human, chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, and baboon and examined numerous homologs of the U2-LTR that are dispersed throughout the human genome. Although these U2-LTR homologs have been collectively referred to as LTR13 in the literature, they do not display sequence similarity to any known retroviral LTRs; however, the structure of LTR13 closely resembles that of other retroviral LTRs with a putative promoter, polyadenylation signal, and a tandemly repeated 53-bp enhancer-like element. Genomic blotting indicates that LTR13 is primate-specific; based on sequence analysis, we estimate there are about 2,500 LTR13 elements in the human genome. Comparison of the primate U2-LTR sequences suggests that the homologous recombination event that gave rise to the solo U2-LTR occurred soon after insertion of the ancestral provirus into the ancestral U2 tandem array. Phylogenetic analysis of the LTR13 family confirms that it is diverse, but the orthologous U2-LTRs form a coherent group in which chimpanzee is closest to the humans; orangutan is a clear outgroup of human, chimpanzee, and gorilla; and baboon is a distant relative of human, chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutan. We compare the LTR13 family with other known LTRs and consider whether these LTRs might play a role in concerted evolution of the primate RNU2 locus.
Cigarette-Smoke-Induced Dysregulation of MicroRNA Expression and Its Role in Lung Carcinogenesis

Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs), particularly their downregulation, has been widely shown to be associated with the development of lung cancer. Downregulation of miRNAs leads to the overactivation of their oncogene targets, while upregulation of some miRNAs leads to inhibition of important tumor suppressors. Research has implicated cigarette smoke in miRNA dysregulation, leading to carcinogenesis. Cigarette smoke may lead to genetic or epigenetic damage to miRNAs, many of which map to fragile sites and some of which contain single nucleotide polymorphisms. Cigarette smoke may also cause dysregulation by affecting regulatory mechanisms controlling miRNA expression. Researchers have shown a correlation between smoke-exposure-induced dysregulation of miRNAs and age. Furthermore, dysregulation seems to be associated with intensity and duration of smoke exposure and duration of cessation. Longer exposure at a threshold level is needed for irreversibility of changes in expression. Better understanding of miRNA dysregulation may allow for improved biomonitoring and treatment regimens for lung cancer.
Occurrence of the Hybodont Shark Genus Meristodonoides (Chondrichthyes; Hybodontiformes) in the Cretaceous of Kansas

Although known from Mesozoic marine, fresh and brackish water deposits from North America, Europe, Africa and Asia, hybodont shark remains have been rarely reported from the Cretaceous formations of Kansas. Remains of hybodonts reported from outside Kansas consist of small teeth, distinctive cephalic hooks, dorsal fin spines, and occasionally even complete fish. Collections of micro-vertebrate remains in Kansas since 1999 have confirmed the presence of hybodontiformes in the Kiowa (Albian), Dakota (Cenomanian) and Carlile (Turonian) formations in three different counties in the state. These specimens have been assigned to the genus Meristodonoides Underwood and Cumbaa 2010, and add an important element to the known marine faunas of the Western Interior Sea during late Early Cretaceous and early Late Cretaceous time.
Alternative Heterocycles for DNA Recognition: A 3-Pyrazole/Pyrrole Pair Specifies for G·C Base Pairs

Synthetic ligands comprising three aromatic amino acids, pyrrole (Py), imidazole (Im), and hydroxypyrrole (Hp), specifically recognize predetermined sequences as side-by-side pairs in the minor groove of DNA. To expand the repertoire of aromatic rings that may be utilized for minor groove recognition, three five-membered heterocyclic rings, 3-pyrazolecarboxylic acid (3-Pz), 4-pyrazolecarboxylic acid (4-Pz), and furan-2-carboxylic acid (Fr), were examined at the N-terminus of eight-ring hairpin polyamide ligands. The DNA binding properties of 3-Pz, 4-Pz, and Fr each paired with Py were studied by quantitative DNase I footprinting titrations on a 283 bp DNA restriction fragment containing four 6-bp binding sites 5′-A TNCCTAA-3′ (N=G, C, A, or T; 6-bp polyamide binding site is underlined). The pair 3-Pz/Py has increased binding affinity and sequence specificity for G·C bp compared with Im/Py.
Phospholipase A activity of highly enriched preparations of cardiac sarcolemma from hamster and dog.

Abstract Cardiac sarcolemma was isolated from hamster and dog and was examined for phospholipase A activity using 1-acyl [2- 14 C]-linoleoyl3-glycerophosphorylethanolamine as substrate. Hamster sarcolemmal preparations contained phospholipases A 1 which had optimal activity at pH 6.0 and pH 9.0 in the presence of 5 m m Ca 2+ ; EDTA was a potent inhibitor of phospholipase activity at both pHs. The specific activities of the hamster sarcolemmal phospholipases A 1 were increased 5.9-fold (pH 6.0) and 8.4-fold (pH 9.0) over the homogenate, while the increase in specific activity of the sarcolemmal marker enzyme, ouabain-sensitive (Na + -K + )-Mg + -ATPase, was 7.5-fold; thus both the (Na + +K + )-Mg + -ATPase and phospholipase A 1 activities were associated with enriched cardiac sarcolemmal membranes. Canine myocardial sarcolemmal preparations also contained a phospholipase A that had optimal activity at pH 7.0 in the presence of 5 m m Ca 2+ and the enzyme exhibited apparent specificity for the 2-position. The phospholipase A and (Na + +K + )-Mg 2+ -ATPase activities were similarly enriched in the canine sarcolemmal preparation. These endogenous, calcium-stimulated phospholipase A activities may be important constituents of the myocardial sarcolemmal membrane; they may modulate the lipid environment of the sarcolemma and may regulate the activity of lipid-dependent enzymes as well as alter membrane permeability.
Body-symbols and social reality: Resurrection, incarnation and asceticism in early Christianity

Abstract Mary Douglas has invited historians of religion to test her hypothesis about the social meaning of body symbols. Her view that body symbolism always points in the direction of social concerns and that efforts to separate body and spirit indicate sentiments of revolt and alienation has proved fruitful in several areas. Of course there is nothing particularly novel in the proposal that the body can be seen as a symbol of wider realities. The Stoics spoke of the universe as a body; Paul could describe individual Christian congregations as a body; and Priscillian referred to the human body in depreciating terms as a figura mundi. Victor Turner has shown that the body symbols of the Ndembu in Zambia are part of a wider pattern which uses ‘an aspect of human physiology as a model for social, cosmic and religious ideas and processes’, including, he adds, ‘the human body [as] … a microcosm of the universe,’57 There is even a considerable literature on the subject.58 Indeed, one cannot help but be struck ...
Nimbolide is the Principal Cytotoxic Component of Neem‐Seed Insecticide Preparations

Several neem-seed extracts, some used for preparing commercial azadirachtin-containing insecticides, are cytotoxic to N1E-115 murine neuroblastoma cells with IC 50 values of 20-200 μg extract ml -1 culture medium. Bioassay-directed fractionation by reversed-phase HPLC shows that the toxicity to N1E-115 cells is associated primarily with a single minor component identified by isolation and NMR and MS as nimbolide with an IC 50 of 1.5 μg ml -1 (3.2 μM). The difference in quantity of nimbolide in seven neem extract sources generally correlates with their overall cytotoxicity. Three other limonoids (epoxyazadiradione, salannin and possibly deacetylsalannin) but not azadirachtin, nimbin and deacetylnimbin contribute in small part to the cytotoxicity. Reconstituted neem extract with only nimbolide removed is less cytotoxic than the original extract. It therefore appears that nimbolide is the principal cytotoxic component of the neem extracts examined and that such minor constituents may warrant consideration in safety evaluations.
Simultaneous Measurement of the Orthogonal Components of Thermal Diffusivity in PVC Sheet

An extension of the flash method is described that measures simultaneously the three orthogonal components of thermal diffusivity in specimens of moderate thermal diffusivity. Only part of the top face of the specimen is illuminated and the temperature histories are recorded at three points on the bottom face. A Marquardt parameter estimation algorithm coupled with a finite difference model of the diffusion equation analyzes these temperature histories to determine the components of thermal diffusivity. Illustrative measurements in stainless steel, glass, and PVC demonstrate that accurate three-dimensional thermal diffusivity measurements can be made in this way. The in-plane components of thermal diffusivity of as-supplied PVC sheet are shown to be about 20% greater than the out-of-plane component. This anisotropy appears to be due to the manufacturing process and exemplifies the need for such measurements.
1385 FRESH FROZEN PLASMA (FFP) IN NEONATAL SEPSIS

This study was undertaken to determine whether the infusion of FFP, in the treatment of neonatal sepsis, enhances phagocytic and chemotactic activity in neonatal sera.25 neonates with presumptive sepsis or meningitis were,by random selection,given infusions of either FFP or 5% albumin (A), 10 ml/K, on 3 successive days. (A) treated infants constituted the control group.14 infants received FFP, and 11 received (A).Birth weights were comparable.Sepsis or meningitis was documented in 48%.Neonatal sera were obtained prior to the first infusion, 1 hr after the second and 24 hrs after the third. Phagocytic capacity of sera was assessed by a quantitative fluorimetric assay; chemotactic potential by Boyden modification.Additionally, 10 components of complement of the classical and alternative pathways were measured serially in 10 of the patients.Phagocytic and chemotactic activities were expressed as % of normal adult activity.Though mean pre to post-infusion increments showed a 15-20% rise in phagocytic activity in both the FFP and (A) groups,the variances were broad and these changes did not achieve statistical significance; nor were significant differences appreciated between groups or in those with sepsis compared to those without.Chemotactic activity showed no increments with infusion.Similarly,no consistent changes in levels of complement were discerned after infusion.We conclude that the infusion of FFP in neonatal sepsis does not enhance phagocytic and chemotactic activity in neonatal sera.
Thermoresponsive Hydrogel as a Delivery Scaffold for Transfected Rat Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The concept of stem cells as a therapeutic agent has been gaining momentum. A common mode of administration of these cells is by direct injection into the target tissue. This can result in many of the cells being lost due to reflux from the injection site leading to a local loss of implanted cells. PoligoGel is a nontoxic hydrogel with an LCST near body temperature. It is also shown to be nontoxic to multiple cell types, and in the case of rat mesenchymal stem cells does not alter their differentiative capacity, either by inducing differentiation, or limiting the potential for subsequent differentiation after removal from the gel. Embedding cells in PoligoGel also does not interfere with the cells’ ability to delivery therapeutic growth factors post transfection with plasmid DNA. Here a thermoresponsive hydrogel, PoligoGel, is shown to have potential to act as a scaffold for the retention of cells at an injection site, mitigating migration or washing of the cells away from the target site after implantation.
Conjugate Modeling of High-Temperature Nosecap and Wing Leading Edge Heat Pipes

A generalized finite-difference computational methodology is presented to model the transient and steady-state behavior of the nosecap and the leading edge heat pipes . The numerical simulation includes a consideration of capillary and sonic limits in the wick structures
Finding integer efficient solutions for multiple objective network programming problems

For many practical multiple objective network programming (MONP) problems, only integer solutions are meaningful and acceptable. Representative efficient solutions are usually generated by solving augmented weighted Tchebycheff network programs (AWTNPs), sub-problems derived from MONP problems. However, efficient solutions generated this way are usually not integer valued. In this study, two algorithms are developed to construct integer efficient solutions starting from fractional efficient solutions. One algorithm finds a single integer efficient solution in the neighborhood of the fractional efficient solution. The other enumerates all integer efficient solutions in the same neighborhood. Theory supporting the proposed algorithms is developed. Two detailed examples are presented to demonstrate the algorithms. Computational results are reported. The best integer efficient solution is very close, if not equal, to the integer optimal solution. The CPU time taken to find integer efficient solutions is negligible, when compared with that taken to solve AWTNPs. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 57(4), 362-375 2011 © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Self-aligned triple patterning for continuous IC scaling to half-pitch 15nm

A self-aligned triple patterning (SATP) process is proposed to extend 193nm immersion lithography to half-pitch 15nm patterning. SATP process combines lithography and spacer techniques in a different manner than the conventional selfaligned double patterning (SADP) by keeping the mandrel lines and the second spacers. Compared with other scaling candidates such as self-aligned quadruple patterning (SAQP), it can relax the overlay accuracy requirement of critical layers and reduce their process complexity by using less masks. A 3-mask SATP mandrel recession (SMR) technique is invented to relax the overlay requirement of critical layer patterning. We also successfully demonstrate a 2-mask SATP process concept for patterning critical layers that contain lines/spaces, pads and peripheral circuits, thus opening an opportunity to significantly reduce the process costs. If applied in deep nano-scale IC fabrication, SATP technique will have a fundamental impact on the design methodology of integrated circuits. Using both dry and immersion lithography, we have fabricated half-pitch 21nm and 15nm patterns with a SATP process. It is found that the mandrels (lines) co-defined by lithography and etch processes have worse line width roughness (LWR) than that of spacers, which poses a unique problem to CD control in IC design. As a major focus of our early-stage research, patterning small mandrels/lines in SATP process is a non-trivial challenge. Different materials have been screened and an optimal scheme of mandrel and spacer materials is necessary to meet key requirements (e.g., LER and CDU) of the lithographic performance.
Levamisole and cocaine synergism: a prevalent adulterant enhances cocaine's action in vivo

Levamisole is estimated by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to be present in about 80% of cocaine seized in the United States and linked to debilitating, and sometimes fatal, immunologic effects in cocaine abusers. One explanation for the addition of levamisole to cocaine is that it increases the amount of product and enhances profits. An alternative possibility, and one investigated here, is that levamisole alters cocaine's action in vivo. We specifically investigated effects of levamisole on cocaine's stereotypical and place-conditioning effects in an established invertebrate (planarian) assay. Acute exposure to levamisole or cocaine produced concentration-dependent increases in stereotyped movements. For combined administration of the two agents, isobolographic analysis revealed that the observed stereotypical response was enhanced relative to the predicted effect, indicating synergism for the interaction. In conditioned place preference (CPP) experiments, cocaine produced a significant preference shift; in contrast, levamisole was ineffective at all concentrations tested. For combination experiments, a submaximal concentration of cocaine produced CPP that was enhanced by inactive concentrations of levamisole, indicating synergism. The present results provide the first experimental evidence that levamisole enhances cocaine's action in vivo. Most important is the identification of synergism for the levamisole/cocaine interaction, which now requires further study in mammals.
Understanding Generation X employees.

Understanding Generation X employees-those born between 1961 and 1981-is essential if they are to be recruited into and retained in nursing and their potential maximized. The author discusses the times, characteristics, and work values and demands of Generation X. Armed with an enhanced understandin
Personalizing therapy for inflammatory bowel diseases.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs; e.g., Crohn’s disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC]) are chronic immunologically mediated diseases characterized by frequent relapses, often requiring hospitalization and surgery. There is substantial heterogeneity in the progressive natural history of disease with cumulative accrual of bowel damage and impairment of functioning. Recent advances in therapeutics have significantly improved our ability to achieve disease remission; yet therapies remain expensive and are associated with significant side effects precluding widespread use in all patients with IBD. Consequently, algorithms for the management of patients with IBD require a personalized approach incorporating an individual’s projected likely natural history, the probability of response to a specific therapeutic agent and an informed approach to management of loss of response to current therapies.
Lipoxygenase inhibition induced apoptosis, morphological changes, and carbonic anhydrase expression in human pancreatic cancer cells.

Epidemiologic and animal studies have linked pancreatic cancer growth with fat intake, especially unsaturated fats. Arachidonic acid release from membrane phospholipids is essential for tumor cell proliferation. Lipoxygenases (LOX) constitute one pathway for arachidonate metabolism. We previously reported that 5-LOX and 12-LOX are upregulated in human pancreatic cancer cells and that blockade of these enzymes abolishes pancreatic cancer cell growth. The present study was aimed at evaluating the effect of LOX inhibition on differentiation and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells in parallel with growth inhibition. Four human pancreatic cancer cell lines, PANC-1, MiaPaca2, Capan2, and HPAF, were used. Apoptosis was evaluated by three separate methods, including DNA propidium iodide staining, DNA fragmentation, and the TUNEL assay. Morphological changes and carbonic anhydrase activity were used to determine the effect of LOX inhibitors on differentiation. The general LOX inhibitor NDGA, the 5-LOX inhibitor Rev5901, and the 12-LOX inhibitor baicalein all induced apoptosis in all four pancreatic cancer cell lines, as confirmed by all three methods, suggesting that both the 5-LOX and 12-LOX pathways are important for survival of these cells. Furthermore, NDGA, Rev5901, or baicalein resulted in marked cellular morphological changes in parallel with increased intracellular carbonic anhydrase activity, indicating that LOX blockade induced a more differentiated phenotype in human pancreatic cancer cells. Together with our previous findings, this study suggests that perturbations of LOX activity affect pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and survival. Blockade of LOX enzymes may be valuable for the treatment of human pancreatic cancer.
The effect of light intensity fluctuations on an autocatalytic photochemical reaction: The case of white shot noise

Abstract We introduce a photochemical model which exhibits a transition from supercritical bifurcation in the deterministic case. We examine the effect of light intensity fluctuations modelled by Poisson white noise on the transition behavior of the system and find a shift of the critical points.
Endosomal proteases and antigen processing

T cells are activated by fragments of antigenic proteins bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and displayed on the cell surface. MHC class II proteins scavenge processed protein antigens from within endosomal compartments. The antigenic peptides are generated within these and other intracellular compartments using the array of proteolytic enzymes normally involved in terminal protein degradation. Antigen-presenting cells use different mechanisms to exploit and control the activity of these enzymes so as to ensure the generation of a wide variety of peptides, while preventing the destruction of antigenic epitopes by excessive proteolysis.
Bearing Force Monitoring in a Three-Shift Production Environment

Premature failure of machine tool spindle bearings is a major problem in production that can result in enormous loss in production and spindle rehabilitation cost. The bearing internal contact force tends to change when the spindle is subjected to abnormal operating conditions. In this paper, the complicated variations in the condition of a grinding spindle in a three-shift production line were studied with a focus on examining the relative magnitudes of the main components of the race/roller contact force, e.g., the bearing initial preload, thermally induced preload, and grinding load, over an extended period of time. The results show that, a stable operating condition was achieved and that the dominant contact force component is the thermal preload. Significant preload variations were observed between shifts when the spindle was restarted. Excessive thermal preload which grew to a value of more than nine limes of the initial preload was also observed. Consequently, excessive preload is likely to be the ...
Shear-lag model for a single fiber metal matrix composite with an elasto-plastic matrix and a slipping interface

Abstract We present a shear-lag stress analysis methodology which accounts for both matrix strain-hardening plasticity and interfacial slip in a single fiber metal matrix composite (MMC) subjected to uniaxial tensile loading and unloading along the fiber direction. The fiber may either be broken or intact. Among other things, the model predicts residual stress and strain distribution after a cycle in the fiber and matrix. The development of the model is motivated by the recent measurement by Hanan et al. [Mater. Sci. Eng. A, in press], of elastic strain evolution with loading in each phase of an Al2O3/Al composite using neutron diffraction. The model also estimates two crucial in situ material parameters using these measurements, which cannot be obtained from bulk tests: the frictional threshold of the interface, and the in situ yield point of the matrix. With these parameters, the predicted elastic strain evolution with loading is in excellent agreement with the experimental data.
Low nuclear DNA variation supports a recent origin of Hawaiian Hylaeus bees (Hymenoptera: Colletidae).

Previous phylogenetic work on the Hawaiian bees of the genus Hylaeus, based on mitochondrial DNA and morphology, appeared to support a recent origin for the group, but support for the resulting tree was weak. Four nuclear genes with varying evolutionary rates— arginine kinase, EF-1α, opsin, and wingless—were sequenced for a reduced taxon set in an attempt to find one or more data set that would provide better support. All showed very low variation (<2%) in the ingroup. Comparison among genes revealed a much higher than expected rate of evolution in mtDNA, especially at first and second positions. While the data from the nuclear genes showed insufficient variation for phylogenetic analysis, the strong sequence similarity among the Hawaiian species supports the previous hypothesis of a recent origin for the group.
Effects of Two Different Strength Training Modes on Motor Performance in Children

(2002). Effects of Two Different Strength Training Modes on Motor Performance in Children. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Vol. 73, No. 3, pp. 340-344.
DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS: INTERACTIONS BETWEEN BALD EAGLES AND COMMON MURRES

We have studied the changing demography of a colonial seabird, the Common Murre, Uria aalge, at a single site on the Washington coast. Whereas informal estimates suggest a steep population increase at Tatoosh Island from ∼1975 to 1990, more rigorous censuses from 1991–1999 indicate that the population has subsequently declined at a rate of ∼3% per year. The primary factor causing this decline appears to be increasing numbers of Bald Eagles, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, visiting the site, where eagles inflict both direct mortality due to eagle predation on adult murres and indirect mortality due to eagle facilitation of gull and crow predation on murre eggs. To explore the contribution of eagles to the observed population decline, we used age-specific vital rates drawn from the literature to develop a wide range of plausible models of murre demography. We found that the match between the projected and observed murre numbers is generally much improved by the inclusion of eagle effects. Our study highlights thr...
Synthesis and Reactivity of Dimeric Ar‘TlTlAr‘ and Trimeric (Ar‘ ‘Tl)3 (Ar‘, Ar‘ ‘ = Bulky Terphenyl Group) Thallium(I) Derivatives: Tl(I)−Tl(I) Bonding in Species Ligated by Monodentate Ligands

The synthesis and characterization of three new organothallium(I) compounds are reported. Reaction of (Ar‘Li)2 (Ar‘ = C6H3-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-Pri2)2) and Ar‘ ‘Li (Ar‘ ‘ = C6H3-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-Me2)2) with TlCl in Et2O afforded (Ar‘Tl)2 (1) and (Ar‘ ‘Tl)3 (2). The “dithallene” 1 is the heaviest group 13 dimetallene and features a planar, trans-bent structure with Ar‘Tl−Tl = 119.74(14)° and Tl−Tl = 3.0936(8) A. Compound 2 is the first structurally characterized neutral, three-membered ring species of formula c-(MR)3 (M = Al−Tl; R = organo group). The Tl3 ring has Tl−Tl distances in the range ca. 3.21−3.37 A as well as pyramidal Tl geometries. The Tl−Tl bonds in 1 and 2 are outside the range (2.88−2.97 A) of Tl−Tl single bonds in R2TlTlR2 compounds. The weak Tl−Tl bonding in 1 and 2 leads to their dissociation into Ar‘Tl and Ar‘ ‘Tl monomers in hexane. The Ar‘Tl monomer behaves as a Lewis base and readily forms a 1:1 donor−acceptor complex with B(C6F5)3 to give Ar‘TlB(C6F5)3, 3. Adduct 3 features an almost linear th...
Electrostatic edge modes along a parabolic wedge

We have calculated the electrostatic edge modes of a dielectric wedge whose boundary is a parabolic cylinder. The spectrum of edge modes is found to be discrete, and to depend on the one-dimensional wave vector $q$ which characterizes the propagation of these modes along the wedge. This is in agreement with the results of recent, similar calculations by Davis for a wedge whose boundary is a hyperbolic cylinder. The dispersion curves for the first four mdoes are plotted for the case of a parabolic wedge characterized by a free-electron metal dielectric constant. The relation of the present results to those of the original electrostatic edge mode calculation by Dobrzynski and Maradudin and to those of Davis is discussed.
A high-order integral solver for scalar problems of diffraction by screens and apertures in three-dimensional space

We present a novel methodology for the numerical solution of problems of diffraction by infinitely thin screens in three-dimensional space. Our approach relies on new integral formulations as well as associated high-order quadrature rules. The new integral formulations involve weighted versions of the classical integral operators related to the thin-screen Dirichlet and Neumann problems as well as a generalization to the open-surface problem of the classical Calderon formulae. The high-order quadrature rules we introduce for these operators, in turn, resolve the multiple Green function and edge singularities (which occur at arbitrarily close distances from each other, and which include weakly singular as well as hypersingular kernels) and thus give rise to super-algebraically fast convergence as the discretization sizes are increased. When used in conjunction with Krylov-subspace linear algebra solvers such as GMRES, the resulting solvers produce results of high accuracy in small numbers of iterations for low and high frequencies alike. We demonstrate our methodology with a variety of numerical results for screen and aperture problems at high frequencies-including simulation of classical experiments such as the diffraction by a circular disc (featuring in particular the famous Poisson spot), evaluation of interference fringes resulting from diffraction across two nearby circular apertures, as well as solution of problems of scattering by more complex geometries consisting of multiple scatterers and cavities.
Corneal Allograft Rejection After Multiple Blood Transfusions

We treated two patients with corneal allograft rejections, both of which occurred within a few weeks after administration of multiple blood, transfusions. In the first case, a patient with a graft that had been previously clear for 11 years developed severe endothelial rejection six weeks after transfusion of ten units of packed red blood cells. In the second case, a graft that had been clear for 14 months irreversibly rejected two weeks after transfusion of six units of packed red blood cells. These cases suggest that multiple blood transfusions may be a risk factor for corneal allograft rejection.
Trimorphism of a model carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide

Three polymorphs of a model carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide were crystallized from its solutions in various organic solvents using either (i) slow cooling or evaporation (form I), (ii) moderate rate of cooling (form II) or (iii) flash cooling (form III). These polymorphs are characterized by distinct crystal morphologies, powder diffractions and IR spectra. Single-crystal X-ray analysis of forms I and II revealed essentially the same geometries of 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide molecules (with the exception of the nitrogroup characteristics), and distinct patterns of multiple hydrogen bonds, electrostatic interactions and π-stacking in their crystal structures.
MAJOR VOLATILE NEUTRAL AND ACID COMPOUNDS OF HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEIN

SUMMARY Interest in the use of hydrolyzed vegetable protein in many food products has led to the need for more basic knowledge of the types of compounds present. The present study shows that a number of aldehydes and furan-type compounds are the major compounds oi significance in a neutral fraction. An acid fraction, which appeared to carry most of the odor associated with the hydrolyzed soy protein, has levulinic acid as a major component. Thirteen other acids, 2 lactones, 4 phenols plus other compounds were also isolated and identified in the acid fraction. The mechanisms for the formation of some of the compounds are discussed.
Evaluation of litter type and dietary coarse ground corn inclusion on broiler live performance, gastrointestinal tract development, and litter characteristics

Abstract Two 49 d floor pen studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of litter type and dietary coarse ground corn (CC) inclusion on broiler live performance, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development, and litter characteristics. Experiment 1 was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of 2 genders (male or female) and 2 CC levels (0 or 50%). From 15 to 35 d, the addition of CC decreased feed intake (P
Optimal testing of structured knowledge

Adopting a decision-theoretic perspective, we investigate the problem of optimal testing of structured knowledge - the canonical example being a qualifying examination of a graduate student. The setting is characterized by several factors: examinee's knowledge structured around several inter-dependent topics, a limited "budget" of questions available to the examiner, a decision to be made (pass/fail), and an utility for good and bad decisions. The existence of multiple professors brings up additional issues such as committee formation, and the existence of multiple students brings up issues such as fairness.
Unseasonal Transmission of H3N2 Influenza A Virus During the Swine-Origin H1N1 Pandemic

The initial wave of swine-origin influenza A virus (pandemic H1N1/09) in the United States during the spring and summer of 2009 also resulted in an increased vigilance and sampling of seasonal influenza viruses (H1N1 and H3N2), even though they are normally characterized by very low incidence outside of the winter months. To explore the nature of virus evolution during this influenza “off-season,” we conducted a phylogenetic analysis of H1N1 and H3N2 sequences sampled during April to June 2009 in New York State. Our analysis revealed that multiple lineages of both viruses were introduced and cocirculated during this time, as is typical of influenza virus during the winter. Strikingly, however, we also found strong evidence for the presence of a large transmission chain of H3N2 viruses centered on the south-east of New York State and which continued until at least 1 June 2009. These results suggest that the unseasonal transmission of influenza A viruses may be more widespread than is usually supposed.
Children on the Homefront: The Experience of Children From Military Families

OBJECTIVE: Although studies have begun to explore the impact of the current wars on child well-being, none have examined how children are doing across social, emotional, and academic domains. In this study, we describe the health and well-being of children from military families from the perspectives of the child and nondeployed parent. We also assessed the experience of deployment for children and how it varies according to deployment length and military service component. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS. Data from a computer-assisted telephone interview with military children, aged 11 to 17 years, and nondeployed caregivers ( n = 1507) were used to assess child well-being and difficulties with deployment. Multivariate regression analyses assessed the association between family characteristics, deployment histories, and child outcomes. RESULTS: After controlling for family and service-member characteristics, children in this study had more emotional difficulties compared with national samples. Older youth and girls of all ages reported significantly more school-, family-, and peer-related difficulties with parental deployment (P P CONCLUSIONS: Families that experienced more total months of parental deployment may benefit from targeted support to deal with stressors that emerge over time. Also, families in which caregivers experience poorer mental health may benefit from programs that support the caregiver and child.
Interfacial reactions in carbon—epoxy composites

A series of models for the carbon-epoxy interphase are developed comprising high surface area carbon blacks, crushed carbon fibres and chopped carbon fibres dispersed in epoxy matrices. The carbon surfaces are modified by oxidative or reducing treatments and the effects of the modified carbon surfaces on the epoxy cross-linking processes are examined by differential scanning calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy. Oxidised carbon surfaces retard the cure of anhydride-epoxy systems by adsorption of the tertiary amine catalyst. Oxidised carbon surfaces initially accelerate epoxy-amine reactions but inhibit the later stages of the reaction such that the final level of cure is reduced. These modifications to the chemistry of the interfacial region influence the properties of carbon-epoxy composites.