cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
USING ACOUSTIC REFLECTOMETRY TO DETERMINE BREATHING TUBE POSITION AND PATENCY

A new technique to guide and determine the patency of tubes placed within the human body was developed using the principles of time domain acoustic reflectometry. An audible sound pulse is introduced into the proximal end of the tube or catheter and the sonic reflections from the tube lumen and body cavity are analyzed to provide patency and position information, respectively. The information can be used to initially place the tube and monitor its position and patency thereafter. A dedicated instrument was developed for use with breathing tubes, known as endotracheal tubes (ETT), that are necessary for the mechanical ventilation of patients. The incident sound pulse is generated and it is measured along with the resulting reflections in a small wave tube connected to the ETT. When the ETT is properly placed in the trachea below the vocal folds, a characteristic reflection from the airways is measured and the timing between the incident pulse and this reflection is used to determine ETT position or movement. The reflection from the discontinuity between the distal ETT tip and the airway is used to estimate the diameter of the airway at this point. In addition, reflections from the ETT lumen are used to generate a profile of the lumen area over the length of the tube. This information allows reliable differentiation between proper and erroneous tube placement, quantification of movement over time, and provides the location and degree of obstructions within the lumen.
A Keynesian general equilibrium model with competitive firms and rational expectations

A Keynesian general equilibrium model is developed from neoclassical principles. The model is based on competitive firm behavior, and optimizing agents that form expectations rationally. Firms determine their product price to maximize expected profits. Non-neutrality results follow from micro foundations that view firms as committing to a price and output level before actual demand is observed. It follows that optimal output levels are in part determined by demand conditions. In the general equilibrium framework, increases in government spending lead to welfare-improving increases in aggregate output.
The local atomic structure and phonons in Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3

The study of the local atomic structure of the solid solution of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 (BST) has shown that its microscopic properties are quite distinct from those of the end members of the series, BaTiO3 (BTO) and SrTiO3 (STO). In contrast to BTO and STO, the BST structure changes as a function of temperature at short length scales, but not on average. However, from the extraction of phonon dynamics from the diffraction measurement, the presence of a soft mode behavior similar to the soft mode observed in BTO is suggested. This indicates that lattice instabilities are driven by mechanisms that are similar to those observed in the ferroelectric transition of BTO and the structural transition of STO.
The centroid method for compressing sets of similar images

Similar images are images with common features, similar pixel distributions, and similar edge distributions. Fields such as medical imaging or satellite imaging often need to store large collections of similar images. In a set of similar images the image similarities represent patterns that consistently appear across all images; this results in ''set redundancy''. This paper presents the Centroid method that extracts and uses these similarity patterns to reduce set redundancy and achieve higher lossless compression in sets of similar images. Experimental results with a medical image database demonstrate that the Centroid method can deliver significantly improved image compression.
Americana or Latina? Gender and identity acquisition among Hispanics in the United States

Existing literature demonstrates that Hispanic men and women incorporate into the USA differently. Research also finds that Latinas participate politically in greater numbers than Latino men on a range of indicators, including voting, naturalization, and citizenship acquisition. Using data from the 2006 Latino National Survey, I extend this line of scholarship to study gendered differences in Latino self-perception. My results demonstrate that despite higher levels of participation in the USA, Latinas are less likely to identify as American than Latino men. Moreover, while these ideas are not mutually exclusive, Latino men express a greater desire to blend into the USA, while Latinas are more likely to want to maintain a distinct Hispanic culture. However, consistent with intersectionality theory, which emphasizes the interaction between race/ethnicity, gender, and class, these differences disappear once a certain socioeconomic status is reached. I also demonstrate a stronger relationship between an Ameri...
Effect of molecular weight and molecular architecture of PMMA on the phase morphology of pseudo-IPN's of PCU/PMMA

Pseudo-IPN's of cross-linked PCU and linear PMMA or four-arm star PMMAs of various molar masses of PMMA and various concentrations in weight percent PMMA were prepared. SEM and DSC investigations reveal that while the lower molar mass PMA samples are phase-separated, the highest molar mass PMMAs of lower concentration in PMMA samples have a single T g and no SEM-resolvable phase domains. The formation of these metastable states is discussed as a consequence of reduction of molecular mobility with increasing molar mass
Skin breakdown in children and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation

Abstract Objective: To investigate the relationship of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) to skin breakdown on the scalp and ears in mechanically ventilated children. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study of 32 patients supported with HFOV paired with 32 patients supported with conventional mechanical ventilation (CV) in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Results: By univariate analysis, more HFOV patients had skin breakdown than did the CV patients (53% vs 12.5%, p = .001); HFOV patients also had greater severity of illness (Pediatric Risk of Mortality scores), higher mortality, and longer durations of neuromuscular blockade, low systolic blood pressure, and time exposed to risk. Life table analysis demonstrated no difference in the rate of skin breakdown between HFOV and CV patients. Multifactorial analysis showed that only PICU time at risk was a risk factor for skin breakdown. Conclusions: HFOV was not an independent risk factor for the development of skin breakdown. PICU time at risk was the sole risk factor for the development of skin breakdown in all mechanically ventilated patients in the PICU.
Analysis of Matched Studies With Dichotomous Outcomes Using Nonparametric Randomization-Based Analysis of Covariance

Analysis of matched studies with dichotomous outcomes may involve McNemar's test and its related odds ratio (in the case of matched pairs) or conditional logistic regression if covariate adjustment is desired. For such studies, nonparametric randomization-based analysis of covariance produces adjusted estimates of a population-averaged treatment effect and only requires a valid randomization to the treatment groups. The analysis forces differences in means of covariables to zero to obtain an adjusted treatment comparison. It is useful in the regulatory environment where statistical assumptions cannot be verified a priori. Other applications include the matched case-control study.
A Possible Source for the Conclusion of Ambrose Bierce's “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”

In an article published in PMLA in 1950 on “Point of View in Dickens,” F. W. Boege mentions briefly in passing, without any elaboration, that “the penultimate paragraph” of Dickens's “A Visit to Ne...
Models of predation and fishing mortality in aquatic ecosystems

The dynamics of fish stocks are greatly influenced by predatory and fishery removals. We describe the strengths and weaknesses of a suite of approaches that assess the scope and magnitude of fishery and predatory mortality in aquatic ecosystems. We examine: (i) empirical models for pattern detection, process exploration, and model parameterization (e.g. multispecies time series and multiple regression); (ii) qualitative process-based models of species interactions (e.g. food web analyses and loop analyses); and quantitative process-based multispecies models that include: (iii) static flow models (e.g. Ecopath); (iv) dynamic models of either numerical abundance (e.g. Lotka–Volterra) or biomass (e.g. Ecosim and multispecies biomass dynamics); and (v) spatially explicit versions of the above. Decisions concerning a specific modelling approach should be evaluated in the context of the goals of the model and empirical database. Important considerations include model use, desired output, and management context. Four important factors to consider in model selection are the spatial and temporal extent and resolution, conservation of mass or numbers, mathematical representation of predator–prey interactions, and mathematical representation of technical interactions. We conclude that the most effective modelling exercise to achieve a given set of goals should incorporate the evaluation of multiple model configurations.
Effect of a Cavity on a Single-Domain Magnetic Particle

It has been suggested that the observed low coercive forces of some ferromagnetic powders, as compared with predictions of single-domain-particle theory, may be due to cavities in the particles. Here this possibility is investigated theoretically. Some general formulas are established for a particle of arbitrary shape and for an ellipsoidal particle containing an ellipsoidal cavity; attention is then turned to the case in which both ellipsoids are spheroids, the particle prolate, the cavity either prolate or oblate. Several special cases are studied. In some cases the cavity increases the coercive force, in others it decreases it; for an originally large coercive force, the usual effect is a decrease. It is concluded that the proposed mechanism is capable of accounting, at least in part, for the observed decrease.
The pragmatic web

People use the Web to share information. For machines to exploit information on theWeb, however, presupposes well-structured, meaningful markups, which is what the WorldWide Web Consortium's Semantic Web activities seek to develop (www.w3.org/2001/sw/). Currentapproaches are limited, however. They provide meaning only to the extent that it can be capturedstatically. I claim that successful approaches to creating the Semantic Web lie within the scope ofpragmatics.
VENTURIA INAEQUALIS (CKE.) WINT. X. GROWTH RESPONSES OF BIOCHEMICAL MUTANTS

THE EARLIER PAPERS of this series, which dealt chiefly with inheritance of pathogenicity in wildtype lines of Venturia inaequalis (Cke.) Wint. and in mutants that arose spontaneously in culture in vitro, have been summarized (Keitt, 1952). As the work on inheritance of pathogenicity advanced, the program was broadened to include correlated studies on the genetics, nutrition, and pathogenicity of this fungus. Beginning in 1950 chief attention was given to the induction and study of many biochemical mutants (Boone and Keitt, 1952; Boone et al., 1954, 1956; Keitt and Boone, 1954, 1955, 1957). It was shown that some of the mutations concerned had no apparent effect on pathogenicity, while others reduced or nullified it. Furthermore, in many cases in which pathogenicity had been lost on account of mutation the pathogenic reaction was restored, wholly or in large part, by supplying the required substances to the mutants during the incubation period (Boone et al., 1954; Kline, 1956; Kline et al., 1956). The materials and methods are thus available for studying in vivo aspects of nutrition of the fungus in relation to pathogenicity. In connection with these studies it was desirable to ascertain whether the induced nutritional deficiencies were partial or complete and to examine the range and extent of growth responses of the mutants to their required substances. Earlier studies on related aspects of the nutrition of V. inaequalis have been reported (Leben and Keitt, 1948; Pelletier and Keitt, 1954). This paper reports the quantitative growth responses of 12 representative biochemical mutants to varied concentrations of their required substances. Preliminary reports on this work have been made (Boone et al., 1954; Lamey, 1954). MATERIALS AND METHODS.-Biochemical mutants studied.-The 12 biochemical mutants used in this studv were derived from wild-type line 365-4 by treatment with nitrogen mustard or ultraviolet radiation (Boone et al., 1956). They require, respectively, choline (U-1905), pantothenic acid (U2584), nicotinic acid (U-2599), inositol (U-2694),
Radioimmunotherapy of Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a generic term describing a malignant tumor originating in lymphoid tissue. In the United States, Western Europe, and other developed countries, it is the most common hematologic malignancy. At the present time, lymphomas, both Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s, represent 5–6 % of all malignant tumors (excluding superficial skin cancers) in these countries. In 2008, there were approximately 450,000 men and women living in the United States who had had the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL); 55 % were men. In 2011, it is estimated that 66,000 new cases of NHL were diagnosed in the United States. NHL can occur at any age but the vast majority (almost 90 %) of cases will be diagnosed after age 50. Hodgkin’s lymphoma can also occur at any age, but it is more common in a younger age group (<30 years old). Consequently, the median age at diagnosis of NHL is 66 years of age with a median survival of 9 years. Many patients respond well to a variety of treatments and in some cases will be cured of the disease. Nevertheless, in 2011, over 19,000 patients in the United States died of the disease [1].
Long‐range CH correlation 2D NMR spectroscopy 3—long‐range J modulation of cross‐peak intensities

In long-range heteronuclear chemical shift correlation experiments, modulation of the response intensities of cross-peaks due to other long-range couplings to the carbon, although slower than that by direct couplings, must be taken into consideration in optimizing the polarization transfer (Δ1) and refocusing (Δ2) delays. The long-range modulation is experimentally confirmed using the standard CH correlation pulse sequence with a BIRD pulse midway through the refocusing delay. Analysis of aromatic correlations using hypothetical coupling constants shows that, in general, a choice of Δ2 = 0.667Δ1 is better than Δ2 = Δ1 for CCH correlations, particularly when other interfering long-range couplings are involved. Guidelines for choosing optimal delays are given by response intensity and attenuation factor contours as a function of J and Δ1 values.
Fractional factorial design study of a pressure swing adsorption-solvent vapor recovery process

A two-level fractional factorial study was performed by computer simulation on the periodic state process performance of a pressure swing adsorption-solvent vapor recovery process (PSA-SVR). The goal was to investigate factor (parameter) interaction effects on the process performance, i.e., interaction effects that cannot be ascertained from the conventional “one-at-a-time” approach. Effects of seven factors, i.e., the purge to feed ratio, pressure level, pressure ratio, heat transfer coefficient, feed concentration, feed volumetric flow rate and bed length to diameter ratio, on the process performance were investigated. The results were judged in terms of the light product purity, heavy product enrichment (and relative enrichment) and recovery, and bed capacity factor. Only the purge to feed ratio, pressure ratio, and feed concentration had significant effects on the benzene vapor enrichment (and relative enrichment); and no two-factor and higher interactions were observed. The light product purity was affected by all seven factors; and the relative importance of the effect of each factor depended on the levels of the other factors, i.e., significant two-factor interaction effects existed. Two-factor interaction effects also existed on the benzene vapor recovery, although the effects of all seven factors and their interactions were relatively small. The bed capacity factor was affected mainly by the purge to feed ratio, the heat transfer coefficient and the feed concentration; two factor and higher order interaction effects were insignificant. Overall, this study demonstrated the utility of fractional factorial design for revealing factor interactions and their effects on the performance of a PSA-SVR process.
Promoter methylation of Egr-1 site contributes to fetal hypoxia-mediated PKCε gene repression in the developing heart

Fetal hypoxia causes protein kinase Ce (PKCe) gene repression in the heart resulting in heightened ischemic injury in male offspring in a sex-dependent manner. The present study tested the hypothesis that heightened methylation of the early growth response factor-1 (Egr-1) binding site at PKCe gene promoter contributes to sex dimorphism of hypoxia-induced programming of PKCe gene repression in the developing heart. Pregnant rats were divided into normoxic and hypoxic (10.5% O2 from day 15 to 21 of gestation) groups. Hypoxia selectively decreased PKCe mRNA and protein abundance in the heart of male, but not female, near-term (21 days) fetuses. Methylation of the CpG site at the Egr-1 binding site of PKCe promoter was significantly increased in the male hearts by hypoxia, resulting in decreased Egr-1 binding affinity and reduced Egr-1 binding to the PKCe promoter. Nuclear Egr-1 levels were not affected by hypoxia. There was significantly higher abundance of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and β (ERβ) isoforms in female than in male fetal hearts, which were not significantly altered by hypoxia. Both ERα and ERβ bind to the Egr-1 binding site with significant greater levels in the female fetal hearts. The increased methylation with reduced Egr-1 binding and PKCe gene repression persisted in 3-mo-old adult male hearts in a sex-dependent manner. The results indicate a key role for heightened methylation of the Egr-1 binding site in hypoxia-mediated programming of PKCe gene repression in the developing heart and suggest a novel protective mechanism of ER by binding to the Egr-1 binding site in epigenetic regulation of PKCe gene expression patterns in the early developmental stage.
Plaque assay for mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-2) on primary macrophage cell cultures.

SummaryA method for titering mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-2) on macrophage cell cultures has been described. These are made in primary cultures of peritoneal macrophages of PRI mice. With this method it was shown that macrophages from susceptible back-cross C3H mice are just as susceptible as the PRI cells.
Symplocos pachycarpa (Symplocaceae), a new species from southern Mexico

Symplocos pachycarpa is described as new, and an illustration is provided. This species grows in cloud forests and oak-pine forests of Oaxaca and Guerrero, Mexico, and is most similar toS. citrea. A key is provided to distinguishS. pachycarpa from related Mexican species.
Increase in the catalytic rate of β-galactosidase by selection in chemostats at changing dilution rates.

The experiments presented in this paper explore whether mutants with catalytically more active beta-galactosidase (E.C. 3.2.1.23) can be selected in lactose-limited chemostats. This experimental system has been chosen because lactose metabolism in Escherichia coli is well understood both from a biochemical and genetic point of view. In a lactose-limited chemostat with constant dilution rates, both beta-galactosidase and the lactose permease increased in quantity. The catalytic rate (kcat) of beta-galactosidase in populations showed no change. On the other hand, in chemostats with periodically changing dilution rates, the catalytic rate of beta-galactosidase increased dramatically. Therefore, the selection for beta-galactosidase with improved catalytic rate occurs in chemostats with fluctuating dilution rates but not in ones with constant dilution. These observations may be of value in the selection of other enzymes with enhanced catalytic rates.
Evidence that cyclic AMP stimulates bacterial glycogen synthesis by relieving AMP inhibition of and by increasing the cellular level of ADP-glucose synthetase

Using Escherichia coli mutants that possess an ADP-glucose synthetase (EC 2.7.7.27, the rate-limiting enzyme of bacterial glycogen synthesis) that differs in its inhibition by physiological levels of AMP, evidence was obtained that cyclic AMP stimulates cellular glycogen synthesis during nitrogen starvation by relieving AMP inhibition of this enzyme (without altering the cellular AMP level). Deinhibition for AMP of an enzyme controlled by the adenylate energy charge allows selective release from this control despite the maintenance of a constant cellular energy charge value. It was also shown that an additional increase in rate, not accounted for by AMP deinhibition, was due to an increase in the cellular level of ADP-glucose synthetase.
Cadmium-induced hepatic and renal injury in chronically exposed rats: Likely role of hepatic cadmium-metallothionein in nephrotoxicity

Abstract Rats were injected sc with 0.5 mg Cd/kg, 6 days/week, for up to 26 weeks. Hepatic and renal function and tissue Cd and metallothionien (MT) content were determined in tissues and plasma at various times after Cd injection. Cd in liver and kidney increased linearly for the first 10 weeks of treatment, but thereafter hepatic concentrations of Cd decreased by 33% whereas the content of Cd in kidney remained constant. MT in liver and kidney increased linearly during the first 12 weeks of Cd treatment to 4400 and 2300 μg MT/g, respectively, but rose only slightly thereafter. Circulating concentrations of MT progressively increased beginning 2 weeks after Cd treatment and were approximately 10 times control values in rats dosed with Cd for 12 or more weeks. Plasma activities of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase exhibited a time course similar to that observed with MT, and were elevated as early as the sixth week of Cd exposure. Sharp increases in activities of these enzymes also occurred after 10 to 12 weeks of dosing. Hepatic microsomal metabolism of benzo[ a ]pyrene and ethylmorphine was severely attenuated beginning 4 weeks after Cd. Renal injury occurred after hepatic damage, as evidenced by decreased in vitro p -aminohippuric acid uptake beginning 8 weeks after exposure. Urine outflow increased threefold 11 weeks after Cd exposure began, while urinary protein and Cd excretion increased beginning at Week 9. These data indicate the liver is a major target organ of chronic Cd poisoning, and suggest that Cd-induced hepatic injury, via release of Cd-MT, may play an important role in the nephrotoxicity observed in response to long-term exposure to Cd.
Progesterone receptor positivity supports hormonal control of syringomas

Syringomas may be at least partially under estrogen and/or progesterone influence, as they are more common in women and are known to proliferate at puberty. During pregnancy and the premenstrual period an increase in tumor size has also been described. We examined nine syringomas using immunohistochemical markers for estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors. Scattered tumor cells displaying nuclear and cytoplasmic staining for ER were noted in one of the nine cases. Intense nuclear and cytoplasmic staining for PR was noted in most (> 80%) of the neoplastic cells in 8/9 syringoma cases. Current immunohistochemical evidence supports the theory that syringomas are under hormonal control.
Assessment of the stochastic nature of dielectric breakdown in advanced CMOS technologies utilizing voltage ramp stress methodology

The stochastic nature of dielectric breakdown in MG/HK and poly-Si/SiON technologies is investigated. The voltage ramp stress (VRS) methodology was employed to demonstrate that the variability of the Weibull shape parameter, β·(n+1), diminishes with increasing sample size as predicted for a purely stochastic process. However, the V63 confidence limits remain essentially the same and do not follow the predictions of a purely stochastic process. It is suggested that the variability of V63 is limited by the local variations in the oxide thickness for metal gate (MG) / high-K (HK) and poly-Si/SiON technologies.
Neonatal diagnosis of an isolated sigmoid colon duplication cyst.

Published online: 2 April 2003 Springer-Verlag 2003 Sir, A 16-day-old male infant was brought to the hospital with poor feeding and irritability. The infant had been born the second of fraternal twins at 37 weeks to a mother who had a pregnancy complicated by hypertension and preterm labor. A prenatal ultrasound had raised the question of a possible fetal pelvic mass. The patient was born by emergent cesarean section for nonreassuring fetal heart tracings and was found to have APGARs of 5 at 1 min, 7 at 5 min and 7 at 10 min. A technically limited follow-up abdominal ultrasound at 1 day of age failed to show the previously suspected pelvic mass, and further evaluation was recommended. At 16 days of age, the infant was brought to the emergency department with poor feeding and colic for 3 days, and a low-grade fever. Physical examination revealed a distended, rigid abdomen. Abdominal radiographs at this time revealed a single, large, well-defined air collection in the pelvis with an air-fluid interface, suggestive of a dilated loop of bowel (Figs. 1, 2). There was no other evidence of obstruction. There was no calcification or free intraperitoneal air. Antibiotics were started and the patient was taken to the operating room, based on the clinical and radiologic findings. At laparotomy, a 10 cm cystic mass was found to be attached by a pedicle to the mesenteric side of the sigmoid colon, in a predominantly retroperitoneal location. Inflammatory changes were seen surrounding the mass without evidence of perforation. The mass was excised and no other abnormalities were noted on intraoperative inspection. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of a squamous-lined duplication cyst of the sigmoid colon with severe acute inflammation and ulceration of the mucosa. The baby recovered well from his procedure and was discharged home after several days. Gastrointestinal duplications are rare, congenital a normalities known to occur at any level of the alimentary tract from the mouth to the anus [1]. Duplications are differentiated from other GI, genitourinary and neuroectodermal cysts by the presence of gastrointestinal mucosa (often gastric), walls containing smooth muscle and a blood supply shared with native GI structures [2, 3, 4]. They arise from the mesenteric side of the bowel. Duplications of the colon are known to constitute between 4 and 18% of alimentary tract duplications and have been described as being either partial or complete [4]. Complete colon duplications are tubular structures arising from and running parallel to the entire large bowel. These duplications are frequently accompanied by spinal, genitourinary or additional GI defects [1, 4]. Partial colon Pediatr Radiol (2003) 33: 436–438 DOI 10.1007/s00247-003-0915-8 LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Resiliency Factors in the Relation between Childhood Sexual Abuse and Adulthood Sexual Assault in College-Age Women.

Research has suggested that childhood sexual abuse (CSA) may be a risk factor for adulthood sexual assault. This study examined associations between CSA experiences, cognitive resiliency variables, and revictimization. Participants were 73 college-age females who completed self-report questionnaires assessing CSA, adult assault, self-efficacy, locus of control (LOC), and coping styles. Sexual assault was categorized as forced or coerced assault based on the tactics used by the perpetrator. Results indicated that CSA alone was the strongest independent predictor of forced adult assault; however, LOC and positive coping were associated with resiliency to coercive sexual assault. The current findings have clinical implications in that LOC and coping styles are characteristics that can be enhanced through therapy.
EFFECTS OF KETAMINE ON VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE FUNCTION

1In vitro studies were undertaken on rat aortic strips and portal vein segments to determine whether or not the amine-type anaesthetic, ketamine, can exert direct actions on vascular smooth muscle.2 Ketamine was found to inhibit development of spontaneous mechanical activity and lower basal tension. This action took place with ketamine concentrations found in anaesthetic plasma concentrations, i.e., 1 x 10(-5) to 2 x 10(-4) M.3 Ketamine (10(-5) to 10(-3) M) dose-dependently attenuated contractions induced by adrenaline, noradrenaline, angiotensin II, vasopressin and KCl. These inhibitory actions were observed with ketamine added either before or after the induced contractions.4 Ca(2+)-induced contractions of K(+)-depolarized aortae and portal veins were also attenuated, dose-dependently, by ketamine.5 In contrast to the above inhibitory actions, ketamine (2 x 10(-6) to 1 x 10(-4) M) was found to potentiate specifically 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)-induced contractions of both aortic and venous smooth muscle. However, this was only observed if ketamine was added after 5-HT had initiated a contractile response.6 All of the inhibitory, as well as 5-HT-potentiating, effects were completely, and almost immediately, reversed upon washing out the anaesthetic from the organ baths.7 A variety of pharmacological antagonists failed to mimic or affect the inhibitory effects induced by ketamine.8 These data suggest that rat plasma concentrations of ketamine commonly associated with induction of surgical anaesthesia can induce, directly, relaxation and contractile potentiation of vascular muscle.9 These diverse findings may aid in explaining the well-known biphasic pressor actions of ketamine.
Abstract LB-54: HOXB7 regulates breast cancer stem cells via induction of TGFβ2

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA HOX genes encode a family of homeodomain-containing transcription factors involved in the determination of cell fate and identity during embryonic development. HOXB7 is overexpressed in more than 70% of breast cancers. Overexpression of HOXB7 in breast epithelial cells and induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In this study, we found that overexpression of the HOXB7 gene in breast cell lines increases cancer stem cell populations and promotes cell invasion, in contrast, knockdown of HOXB7 expression decreases the proportions of cancer stem cells. Colonogenic assay and xenograft transplantation experiments further confirmed that overexpression of HOXB7 in breast cancer cells increases their tumorigenecity both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically we found that HOXB7 strongly induces TGFβ2 expression and activates the canonical TGFβ/SMAD signaling pathways, which may be responsible for induction of EMT leading to expansion of cancer stem cell population. Overall, our results suggest that HOXB7 may be a critical factor which regulates the self-renewal and differentiation of breast cancer stem cells and therefore a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer. Citation Format: Shou Liu, Sarah Johnson, Hexin Chen. HOXB7 regulates breast cancer stem cells via induction of TGFβ2. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-54. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-LB-54
Coagulation inhibition for sepsis.

Following on the heels of multiple failed clinical trials of adjunctive therapeutic agents in sepsis, the positive outcome of a recent phase III study using activated protein C (APC) has led to a renewed optimism in targeted biotherapies for this syndrome. A growing body of data (both preclinical and clinical) suggests that the protection against death afforded by APC cannot be solely explained by its antithrombotic activity but rather is likely explained by its associated anti-inflammatory and profibrinolytic effects. Although a recent phase III study failed to demonstrate any protective effect of another important antithrombotic molecule, antithrombin, it is premature to conclude that the benefit observed with APC is unique among inhibitors of the coagulation system. The result of a third phase III study examining the effect of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) in sepsis is currently awaited, and the possibility that other antithrombotic agents--and combinations thereof--have a place in the therapeutic armamentarium will undoubtedly be the topic of future studies.
LYSIS OF THE PATELLA DUE TO METASTATIC CARCINOMA.

Primary neoplasms rarely originate in the patella, and metastases to the patella are even less frequent. The latter is probably explained by the scant blood supply of this sesamoid bone. Carcinomatous synovitis of one knee was an early manifestation of pulmonary carcinoma in a 67-year-old man. This was associated with rapid, complete lysis of the patella; no other osseous metastases were evident. Il es rar que neoplasma primari occurre in le patella Metastases ad le patella es ancora minus frequente. Le secunde de iste constatationes se explica probabilemente per le magre provision de sanguine ad iste osso sesamoide. Synovitis carcinomatose de un genu esseva un del manifestationes precoce de carcinoma pulmonari in un masculo de 67 annos de etate. Isto esseva associate con le rapide e complete lyse del patella. Nulle altere metastases ossee esseva evidente.
Adapting to aging out: Profiles of risk and resilience among emancipated foster youth

This investigation employed latent profile analysis to identify distinct patterns of multiform competence among 164 emancipated foster youth (Mage = 19.67 years, SD = 1.12; 64% female). Fit indices and conceptual interpretation converged on a four-profile solution. A subset of emancipated youth evidenced a maladaptive profile (16.5%; n = 27), which was characterized by low educational competence, low occupational competence, low civic engagement, problematic interpersonal relationships, low self-esteem, and high depressive symptoms. However, the largest group of emancipated youth exhibited a resilient profile in which they were faring reasonably well in all domains despite marked adversity (47%; n = 77). Two additional groups evidenced discordant adjustment patterns wherein they exhibited high levels of psychological competence despite behavioral difficulties (i.e., internally resilient; 30%; n = 49) or significant emotional difficulties despite manifest competence (i.e., externally resilient; 6.5%; n = 11). The obtained profiles were validated against independent measures of behavioral and socioemotional adjustment. Exploratory analyses examined etiological differences across profiles with respect to child welfare variables, such as age at entry into care, placement disruption, reason for placement, and severity of child maltreatment. The findings highlight the need for multidimensional models of risk and resilience and illustrate the importance of heretofore underappreciated heterogeneity in the adaptive outcomes of emancipated foster youth.
Postoperative analgesia following total knee arthroplasty: a study comparing spinal anesthesia and combined sciatic femoral 3-in-1 block.

Background and Objectives The quality of analgesia and subsequent morphine requirements following spinal anesthetic block (SAB) or combined sciatic and femoral (3-in-1) block (SFB) for total knee arthroplasty were compared. Methods The 39 patients studied were randomly assigned to receive either SAB (n = 19) or SFB (n = 20). All patients received a standardized general anesthetic, patient-controlled analgesia, and regular diclofenac. Visual analog pain scores and morphine requirements were recorded for 48 hours following surgery. Observations were grouped into four 12-hour periods. Pain scores (0-10 cm) were expressed as 95% confidence intervals; the criterion for analgesic success was a confidence interval in the range 0-3 cm. Results Although pain-free on awakening, the SAB patients failed to achieve analgesic success in any of the four periods, while the SFB patients did so in three of the four periods. Morphine consumption was significantly higher in the SAB group during the first two periods but similar to the SFB group thereafter. Conclusion In comparison with SAB, SFB resulted in superior analgesia and reduced morphine consumption for the first 24 hours following total knee arthroplasty.
Dentigerous Cyst of the Nasal Cavity and Maxillary Sinus: Report of Case

An unusual case of a dentigerous cyst of the maxilla is reported. This case is of interest not only because of the extensiveness and the destructive process of the lesion, but also because the lesion contained an impacted developing third molar in the nasal cavity.
Simple Stochastic Models for Cell Division

The experimental measurements show that probability density function for cell generation times in mitosis is non-exponential and goes through the maximum meaning that the rate of cell division depends of the age of cells (the time since theirs birth). The standard Gillespie approach based on the assumption of time independent rate constants is not applicable to model the cell division process. We are aimed to construct the simple model which considers the cell division as a stochastic process. The probability per unit time that a cell undergoes mitosis is time-dependent function that accounts for the typical generation time distributions.The simulations give results analogous to the solution of the von Foerster equation. In addition, we consider the loss of the cells due to their death which is taken as an age-independent process. The simulations enable to establish the relationship between the average generation times determined from the growth curves for the cell populations and the ones defined by probability density functions. We find how the average net growth rate for the cell populations scales with the different death rates.We characterize the exponential growth of cell populations by the deviations from the average by the respective dispersions σ2 which are found also to grow exponentially with time. However, the relative standard deviation, i.e., the ratio of σ to the average size of population converges quickly to a constant value that depends of the spread of generation time distribution. The more narrow spread of distribution of generation times for the same average generation times yields the smaller variations in sizes for the growing cell populations. The model is generalized for the case that involves the transformation of one type of cells to another in addition to cell reproduction of both types.
Palynology of a bog in eastern Norway

Abstract Pollen analysis of a 6.4-m peat section from a bog near Magnor, a few miles from the Swedish border, reveals a vegetation history quite similar to that depicted by pollen profiles in the inner Oslofjord region. Some of the differences suggest that: (1) the Magnor profile is slightly older than those in the west, as shown by appreciable grass pollen in the lower levels; (2) a preponderance of pine during the Preboreal rather than birch; (3) the appearance of spruce in the lowest levels at Magnor, while to the west, it is not recorded before the beginning of the Subboreal; (4) the predominance of birch and pine throughout the profile with the exception of the Subatlantic; (5) the weaker representation of the mixed oak forest during the Atlantic and Subboreal. It should be pointed out, that these differences are based on one profile as compared to the average of 26 profiles in the inner Oslofjord region. The writer has not referred to other pollen which sporadically appear in the section, such as composites, Typha, Myrica, Drosera, and Nuphar, nor has he made interpretations of the many lesser fluctuations, as he still is uncertain as to the ecological requirements of the species involved.
Conduct Disorder: Developmental considerations

Antisocial behavior clearly has its roots in childhood. DSM-IV now recognizes that antisocial behavior follows at least two main developmental routes—a childhood-onset and a post-pubertal adolescent-onset—that vary in etiology, natural course, compounding features, prognosis, and treatment needs. Neuropsychological deficits and family adversity predispose the early starters to a life of antisocial behavior. Aggressive antisocial behavior crystallizes around age 8. Importantly, the adolescent-limited delinquents are free from psychopathology. Findings about developmental pathways and individual factors affecting the development of conduct disorder are presented. Both stability and change characterize the cause of conduct disorder. Conclusions and implications are noted. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The lifetime feeding study in mice and rats — An examination of its validity as a bioassay for human carcinogens

Currently used designs for carcinogenic bioassay (lifetime feeding studies in mice or rats using maximum tolerated doses of the test compound) are examined to see if they meet the requirements of a bioassay, using the results of 170 compounds reported on as of June, 1980, by the National Cancer Institute. It is concluded that the lifetime feeding study has never been subjected to proper validation as an assay for human carcinogens. When an attempt is made to validate it on the basis of these reported studies and those in the literature, it appears to lack acceptable specificity and sensitivity. It is suggested that a drastically different design is needed and that such redesigning of the assay will require proper validation.
Multi-objective preventive maintenance and replacement scheduling in a manufacturing system using goal programming

Abstract This research presents a new multi-objective nonlinear mixed-integer optimization model to determine Pareto-optimal preventive maintenance and replacement schedules for a repairable multi-workstation manufacturing system with increasing rate of occurrence of failure. The operational planning horizon is segmented into discrete and equally-sized periods and in each period three possible maintenance actions (repair, replacement, or do nothing) have been considered for each workstation. The optimal maintenance decisions for each workstation in each period are investigated such that the objectives and the requirements of the system can be achieved. Total operational costs, overall reliability and the system availability are incorporated as the objective functions and the multi-objective model is solved using a hybrid Monte Carlo simulation and goal programming procedure to obtain set of non-dominated schedules. The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed solution methodology are demonstrated in a manufacturing setting and the computational performance of method in obtaining Pareto-optimal solutions is evaluated. Such a modeling approach and the proposed solution algorithm could be useful for maintenance planners and engineers tasked with the problem of developing optimal maintenance plans for complex productions systems.
Proline-hydroxylase activity in human blood.

Abstract Protocollagen proline hydroxylase (P.P.H.) activity was measured in the serum of healthy individuals, patients with a variety of diseases, and patients undergoing major surgery. Elevated levels of P.P.H. activity were found in association with hepatoma, some neoplasms metastasising to liver, and hepatitis and after surgery under anaesthesia with methoxyflurane or halothane. P.P.H. activity was not increased in the presence of neoplasms metastasising to bone, primary bone tumours, or Paget's disease, or after nitrous-oxide anaesthesia. Unlike the situation in tissue, increased P.P.H. activity in the serum seems to reflect altered liver function rather than the rate of collagen synthesis.
Role of Computational Science in Protecting the Environment: Geological Storage of CO2

A portion of this research was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences. The Center for Frontiers of Subsurface Energy Security (CFSES) is a DOE Energy Frontier Research Center, under Contract No. DE-SC0001114. The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the NSF-CDI under contract number DMS 0835745 and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)-AEA-UTA08-687. The last author is supported by Award no. KUSF1-032-04, made by KAUST.
Batch estimation of a jump in the state of a stochastic linear system

A batch algorithm which estimates the state as well as a jump in the state which occurs at a known time is presented. The algorithm is modified such that the state estimate and the jump estimate are treated in a serial manner. A comparison with the estimator given in [1] and [2] is included.
Predicting Rank Attainment in Political Science: What Else Besides Publications Affects Promotion?

We report the results of hypotheses tests about the effects of several measures of research, teaching, and service on the likelihood of achieving the ranks of associate and full professor. In conducting these tests, we control for institutional and individual background characteristics. We focus our tests on the link between productivity and academic rank and explore whether this relationship reveals a gender dimension. The analyses are based on an APSA-sponsored survey of all faculty members in departments of political science (government, public affairs, and international relations) in the United States.
Eliminating harmonic neutral current problems

Powering multiple computer loads connected phase-neutral in a 3-phase wye distribution system places exceptional thermal stresses on the switchgear, transformers and wiring of that system. The presence of harmonic currents can lead to equipment failures and, in the worst case, fires. Harmonic currents also cause reduced efficiency of use resulting in wasted energy and extra operating costs. A number of methods exist to prevent overloading or failure of the distribution system, either by accommodation or elimination of the harmonic currents. This paper will be focus on the problems caused by harmonic currents, methods of dealing with or eliminating these extra currents, and the benefits of doing so.
Characterization of KCNQ1 atrial fibrillation mutations reveals distinct dependence on KCNE1

The IKs potassium channel, critical to control of heart electrical activity, requires assembly of α (KCNQ1) and β (KCNE1) subunits. Inherited mutations in either IKs channel subunit are associated with cardiac arrhythmia syndromes. Two mutations (S140G and V141M) that cause familial atrial fibrillation (AF) are located on adjacent residues in the first membrane-spanning domain of KCNQ1, S1. These mutations impair the deactivation process, causing channels to appear constitutively open. Previous studies suggest that both mutant phenotypes require the presence of KCNE1. Here we found that despite the proximity of these two mutations in the primary protein structure, they display different functional dependence in the presence of KCNE1. In the absence of KCNE1, the S140G mutation, but not V141M, confers a pronounced slowing of channel deactivation and a hyperpolarizing shift in voltage-dependent activation. When coexpressed with KCNE1, both mutants deactivate significantly slower than wild-type KCNQ1/KCNE1 channels. The differential dependence on KCNE1 can be correlated with the physical proximity between these positions and KCNE1 as shown by disulfide cross-linking studies: V141C forms disulfide bonds with cysteine-substituted KCNE1 residues, whereas S140C does not. These results further our understanding of the structural relationship between KCNE1 and KCNQ1 subunits in the IKs channel, and provide mechanisms for understanding the effects on channel deactivation underlying these two atrial fibrillation mutations.