cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of Pyrene Spectroscopic Probes in the Study of Colloidal Systems.

Abstract The interfacial behavior of polyethylene oxide (PEO) end-labeled with the often-used fluorescent probe pyrene was monitored to asess the effect of use of such hydrophobic probes on system behavior. Mixtures of labeled and unlabeled PEO were adsorbed on silica and the resulting suspension properties noted. The suspension behavior was found to be markedly different, depending on the ratio of labeled-to-unlabeled PEO employed. While it was “safe” to use pyrene probes in amounts of 3% or less for spectroscopic investigation of PEO effects, it was found that ratios equal to, or greater than, 1 : 3 produced anomalous behavior of the silica suspensions. This was manifested in the form of decreased suspension stability, as evidenced by significantly higher settling rates. Similar experiments using free pyrene revealed that these effects could be attributed to the chemical attachment of the pyrene probe to the polyethylene oxide chain. Fluorescence spectroscopy was used to simultaneously monitor the behavior of the adsorbed polyethylene oxide molecules. These results were used to explain the observed suspension behavior as a function of the labeled-to-unlabeled polymer mixing ratio. Bridging effects facilitated by hydrophobic interaction between pyrene end groups is proposed as the reason for the observed phenomena.
Prospective study of children with cyanotic and pallid breath-holding spells.

Objective. In this investigation, we sought to prospectively document the natural history of severe breath-holding spells (BHS) among children with both cyanotic and pallid BHS who were referred for neurologic consultation. Design. Prospective cohort study. Methods. A structured interview was undertaken at the time of initial consultation and at subsequent 1-year intervals regarding type of BHS, frequency of spells, associated phenomenon, sequelae, family history, and age at termination of spells. Results. A total of 95 children (48 boys, 47 girls) with BHS were identified and followed over a 9-year interval. There were no significant differences between genders. Median onset age was between 6 and 12 months old with 15% presenting younger than 6 months. A median frequency of spells was weekly with 30% experiencing 1 or more spells per day. The median age at peak frequency was between 12 and 18 months old with a range extending from 6 months to 4 years of age. Of the patients whose BHS had remitted for >12 months9 time (n = 67), the last spell occurred at a median age of 37 to 42 months. Of those children whose BHS were still occurring, the oldest age at time of latest spell was at 7 years old. Hypoxic convulsions were associated with BHS in ≤15% of all participants. A positive family history of BHS was identified in 34% of all families with equal frequency distributed between paternal and maternal sides. Conclusions. In this study, new data concerning the natural history of BHS have been determined. The information is important for family counseling and identifying intervention strategies, and serves as baseline data to evaluate the efficacy of future treatment approaches.
Nanostructures Self-Assembled in Polymer Solutions Confined in Cylindrical Nanopores

Polymer nanostructures self-assembled from solutions confined in cylindrical nanopores were investigated via Monte-Carlo simulations. The nanostructures, including some novel ones, were self-assembled under a wide range of conditions. It is shown that the interactions of the segments with the wall, reflecting the wetting/dewetting by the polymer segments of the wall, constitute a crucial factor in the nanostructure formation. When there are attractive interactions between the segments of a homopolymer or between one kind of segment of a copolymer and the wall, short nanorods, long nanorods, and long nanorods containing channels are generated, and the diameters of the nanostructures are close to the diameter of the cylindrical nanopores. When the above interactions are repulsive, nanospheres, short nanorods, nanocapsules, long nanorods, and nanocylindroids are formed, and generally, the diameter of the nanostructure is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical nanopores because of the formation of a depletion layer near the wall of the cylindrical nanopores. Our results also indicate that nanostructures that occupy the entire height of the nanopores are more easily generated in nanopores with larger diameters. It should be noted that the nanostructures formed from solutions are usually irregular and cannot be characterized by a unique diameter.
Support Surfaces for Pressure Ulcer Prevention

Pressure Ulcers (also referred to as pressure sores, decubitus ulcers, and bed sores) are areas of localized damage to the skin and underlying tissue, and are thought to be caused by pressure, shear, or friction. PUs are more likely to occur in patients who are critically ill, have impaired mobility or are immobile, have impaired nutrition and/or obesity, or those using equipment that does not provide appropriate pressure relief, such as beds. PUs are of importance to the perioperative setting, as preoperative patients may present with multiple risk factors that can predispose them to PU development. These patients with ‘‘skin at risk’’ are subsequently immobilized for a period of time during the operative procedure.
Advanced recipient age (>60 years) alone should not be a contraindication to liver retransplantation

Advanced age has been shown to be a risk factor for survival in primary liver transplantation. We sought to determine the independent influence of recipient age on retransplantation survival. The UNOS dataset was analyzed for adult, nonstatus 1, liver retransplantations since February 27, 2002. The univariate effect of age on 90-day and 1-year survival was analyzed. Multivariate survival models were used to determine 90-day, 1-year, and overall survival. Recipient age, donor age, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and hepatitis C status were used to construct multivariable survival models. Some 2141 liver retransplantations were analyzed. Overall, increasing recipient age was independently predictive of increasing mortality after liver retransplantation. In recipients between 18 and 60, there remained a direct relationship between age and mortality. However, in recipients aged over 60, increasing age was not independently associated with 90-day mortality (P = 0.88) and 1-year mortality (P = 0.74), despite adjusting for donor age, MELD score, and viral hepatitis status, suggesting that their original liver condition, their co-morbidities or perioperative condition plays an important role in retransplantation survival. Increasing recipient age up to 60, adversely affects liver retransplantation survival. After 60, there are no additional risks. Advanced age alone should not be an exclusionary factor when considering liver retransplantation; only the overall ability of the patient to tolerate a major surgery should be the determining factor.
Ethical and Therapeutic Acceptability: A Study of Paradoxical Techniques

This study investigated the perceived acceptability of various paradoxical techniques. Clinical vignettes representing compliance and defiance based paradoxical techniques were presented to four groups: marriage and family therapists, counseling psychologists, clients, and a nonclient control group. Results indicated that ratings of acceptability were dependent on both the type of paradoxical technique and the participant group. Participant group differences were most apparent between marriage and family therapists and clients. Results are discussed in terms of previous research and the continuing controversy over the use of paradoxical procedures in counseling.
Hemodynamic response to chronic sepsis in the conscious subhuman primates

The rhesus monkey was used to design a chronic conscious model for the study of sepsis. Sepsis in this model produces either a hyperdynamic or hypodynamic circulatory response similar to that seen in the human suffering from sepsis. This variable hemodynamic response is also similar to that noted in short-term experiments using conscious subhuman primates, but differs from the consistent depression of the circulation seen by investigators studying anesthetized subhuman primates.
DISTINCTIVENESS IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER: CROSS-RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN PERCEPTIONS OF FACES

46 participants rated the distinctiveness of a series of 40 photographed faces of black and white targets. Average ratings of African-American male and female targets were higher for African-American raters than for white raters. Average ratings of Caucasian male and female targets were higher for Caucasian raters than for African-American raters. No significant effects of targets' sex or raters' sex were seen. Results are discussed in relation to cross-racial effects in face recognition by eyewitnesses.
Metallic nanostructures for plasmonic sensors using surface-enhanced fluorescence and Raman detection

ABSTRACT We present the fabrication and characterization of silver island films with SiO 2 coatings for application in plasmonic sensors based on surface-enhanced fluorescence and Raman detection. The emission spectral properties of goat anti-mouse immunoglobulin (IgG) F(ab) 2 labeled with one or two fluorescein residues were examined on substrates with metallic silver islands. The self-quenching of fluorescein emission was mostly eliminated when this antibody fragment was held 60-90 A from the surface of metallic silver islands, and our preliminary experiments demonstrated an 8-fold emission intensity increase. Similar surfaces were also examined for surface-enhanced Raman analysis of Rhodamine 123, a potential drug for photodynamic therapy. Keywords : Metallic nanostructures, silicon oxide coating, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, surface-enhanced fluorescence, fluorescein, rhodamine 123, plasmonic sensors 1. INTRODUCTION Surface-enhanced fluorescence (SEF) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) are two of the most promising optical techniques for bioanalytical applications yet not fully explored.
A transpersonal approach to care: a qualitative study of performers' experiences with DooR to DooR, a hospital-based arts program.

The arts have a history of relaxing and calming patients in the hospital setting, yet research is limited on how arts may aid in the healing process. DooR to DooR was established to bring comfort, ...
A test of simultaneous parity and time reversal violation in γ-decay

Abstract The time reversal properties of the anomalously large parity violating E2 contribution to the 501 keV γ-ray from 180Hfm are examined. The time-reversal violating out-of-phase contribution is found to be − 0.7 ± 0.6 of the in-phase E2 component.
Histochemical fluorescence of tissue and brain mono amines: Results in 18 minutes using the sucrose-phosphate-glyoxylic acid (SPG) method

A rapid and sensitive modification of the glyoxylic acid method for the histofluorescent visualization of catecholamines and serotonin in mammalian brain, and other tissues, from cryostat sections is described. The procedure uses a phosphate-sucrose buffer solution combined with 1% glyoxylic acid. Tissues are reacted for 3 s at room temperature. Catecholaminergic cell bodies, pre-terminal, and terminal varicosities, well-localized and brightly fluorescent, are seen throughout cortical and subcortical structures. Serotoninergic cells show a weak fluorescence in rat and mouse brain but a strong fluorescence in dog and monkey brain.
Two Equally Valid Interpretations of the Linear Multicompartment Mammillary Pharmacokinetic Model

In pharmacokinetic modeling it is common to use compartmental structures to describe the disposition of a drug in the blood or plasma. Typically, a linear multicompartment mammillary model is equated with the multiexponential equation derived from observing the decay of the plasma drug concentration following an intravascular injection. Classically, the mammillary models are constructed so that the concentrations in each of the compartments are equal at steady state, the apparent volume of distribution at steady state is equal to the sum of the individual compartment volumes, and the apparent volume of each peripheral compartment is equal to the ratio of its intercompartmental rate constants times the central compartment volume. On the basis of what can be measured in the plasma, however, it is equally valid to assume that the sizes of the peripheral compartment volumes are equal to the central compartment volume and that the steady-state concentration in each peripheral compartment is equal to the ratio of its intercompartmental rate constants times the concentration in the central compartment. In fact, these are but two of an infinite number of interpretations of the peripheral compartment volumes.
The JAK-STAT Transcriptional Regulator, STAT-5, Activates the ATM DNA Damage Pathway to Induce HPV 31 Genome Amplification upon Epithelial Differentiation

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) must evade innate immune surveillance to establish persistent infections and to amplify viral genomes upon differentiation. Members of the JAK-STAT family are important regulators of the innate immune response and HPV proteins downregulate expression of STAT-1 to allow for stable maintenance of viral episomes. STAT-5 is another member of this pathway that modulates the inflammatory response and plays an important role in controlling cell cycle progression in response to cytokines and growth factors. Our studies show that HPV E7 activates STAT-5 phosphorylation without altering total protein levels. Inhibition of STAT-5 phosphorylation by the drug pimozide abolishes viral genome amplification and late gene expression in differentiating keratinocytes. In contrast, treatment of undifferentiated cells that stably maintain episomes has no effect on viral replication. Knockdown studies show that the STAT-5β isoform is mainly responsible for this activity and that this is mediated through the ATM DNA damage response. A downstream target of STAT-5, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) contributes to the effects on members of the ATM pathway. Overall, these findings identify an important new regulatory mechanism by which the innate immune regulator, STAT-5, promotes HPV viral replication through activation of the ATM DNA damage response.
Life-threatening megaloblastic pancytopenia with normal mean cell volume: Case series

The mean red blood cell volume (MCV) is usually increased in severe megaloblastic anemia due to pernicious anemia. However, during one year in a university hospital, three patients with life-threatening pancytopenia and normal MCV were proven to have severe vitamin B12 deficiency. The red blood cell distribution width was markedly increased (three times normal) and led to review of the blood smear and recognition of megaloblastosis as well as prominent red cell fragmentation. These three cases illustrate that vitamin B12 status should be evaluated in cases of pancytopenia, independent of the MCV value.
Beliefs About the Motivation of the Poor and Attitudes Toward Poverty Policy

The thesis that ideological beliefs about the poor and about poverty policy are in large measure a function of economic self-interest is examined. Socioeconomic status is best described as a consistent, but weak predictor of beliefs about the motivation of the poor and of support for greater efforts to aid the poor. What have generally been referred to as middle-class misconceptions about the motivation of the poor are often held by the poor themselves. Evidence is presented indicating that a marked decrease in extent of commitment to the work ethic could have a substantial impact on beliefs about the poor and the extent of support for efforts to reduce the degree of economic inequality.
Effect of clonidine and naloxone on the pressor response during contraction of cat hind-limb muscles

The possible involvement of an adrenergic-endorphin system in the mediation of the pressor response to isometric muscular contraction was studied in cats. Fatiguing contractions of the gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles caused an increase in the mean arterial blood pressure by 35 to 70 mmHg. Intravenous infusion (30 μg·kg−1) as well as intracisternal injection (2.5 μg) of clonidine-HCl eliminated the pressor response to muscular contraction. In both sets of experiments, the mean blood pressure remained at the resting level throughout the duration of the isometric contraction. Injection of naloxone (0.5 μmol·litre−1) into the cisterna magna did not alter the resting blood pressure and did not affect the rise in mean arterial pressure during muscle contractions. Intracisternal injection of naloxone (0.5 μmol·litre−1) prior to an intracisternal injection of clonidine (2.5 μg) did not alter the resting blood pressure but effectively antagonised the anti-pressor effects of clonidine during fatiguing isometric contractions. These data may indicate that activation of muscle “ergoreceptor” afferents (group III and IV fibres) during muscular contraction may cause an increase in the arterial blood pressure by interfering with an inhibitory adrenergic-endorphinergic pathway in the brainstem.
Tensor-krylov methods for solving large-scale systems of nonlinear equations

This paper develops and investigates iterative tensor methods for solving large-scale systems of nonlinear equations. Direct tensor methods for nonlinear equations have performed especially well on small, dense problems where the Jacobian matrix at the solution is singular or ill-conditioned, which may occur when approaching turning points, for example. This research extends direct tensor methods to large-scale problems by developing three tensor-Krylov methods that base each iteration upon a linear model augmented with a limited second-order term, which provides information lacking in a (nearly) singular Jacobian. The advantage of the new tensor-Krylov methods over existing large-scale tensor methods is their ability to solve the local tensor model to a specified accuracy, which produces a more accurate tensor step. The performance of these methods in comparison to Newton-GMRES and tensor-GMRES is explored on three Navier--Stokes fluid flow problems. The numerical results provide evidence that tensor-Krylov methods are generally more robust and more efficient than Newton-GMRES on some important and difficult problems. In addition, the results show that the new tensor-Krylov methods and tensor-GMRES each perform better in certain situations.
Factors associated with nephrotoxicity and clinical outcome in patients receiving amikacin.

Data from 60 patients treated with amikacin were analyzed for factors associated with nephrotoxicity. In 42 of these patients, data were examined for factors associated with clinical outcome. Variables evaluated included patient weight, age, sex, serum creatinine level, creatinine clearance, duration of therapy, total dose, mean daily dose, organism minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), mean peak levels, mean trough levels, mean area under the serum concentration-time curve (AUC), total AUC, mean AUC > MIC, total AUC > MIC, mean Schumacher's intensity factor (IF), total IF, and ln (mean maximum concentration [Cmax]/MIC). Model-dependent pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by computer based on a one-compartment model. When the parameters were examined individually, duration of therapy and total AUC correlated significantly (P <.05) with nephrotoxicity. In contrast, a stepwise discriminant function analysis identified only duration of therapy (P < .001) as an important factor. Based on this model and on Bayes' theorem, the predictive accuracy of identifying “nephrotoxic” patients increased from 0.17 to 0.39. When examined individually, mean IF, MIC, total dose, mean daily dose, and ln (mean Cmax/MIC) correlated significantly (P < .05) with cure. In contrast, a simultaneous multivariable analysis identified IF, MIC, and total dose according to one model and ln (mean Cmax/MIC) according to a second statistical model of parameters selected to have the greatest prospective value. Based on Bayes' theorem and the first model, the predictive accuracy of identifying patients not cured increased from 0.19 to 0.83. For the second model, the predictive accuracy increased from 0.19 to 0.50. These findings may assist clinicians in improving cure rates while minimizing the occurrence of nephrotoxicity.
Performance-based functional assessment: integrating multiple perspectives

The lack of quantifiable, reliable and repeatable methods for assessing functional capabilities of users with physical limitations creates challenges for accessibility researchers and practitioners. Current practice includes descriptors such as medical diagnoses, third-party observations, and self-assessment to characterize physical capabilities of information technology users. These solutions are inadequate due to similarities in functional capabilities between diagnoses, differences in capabilities within a diagnosis, and the potential for bias when characterizing functional capabilities. The current research examines performance-based functional assessment as an alternative to existing assessment techniques. Initial study results based on a single focus model (task efficiency) were reported earlier [1, 2]. This paper builds on that work, highlighting the benefits of integrating multiple perspectives such that both efficiency and anomalies are considered. A decision tree was produced combining results from several performance-based functional assessment models providing improved predictive capabilities.
Trabeculated embryonic myocardium shows rapid stress relaxation and non-quasi-linear viscoelastic behavior

Abstract Passive viscoelastic behavior is important in embryonic cardiovascular function, influencing the rate and magnitude of contraction and relaxation. We hypothesized that if viscoelastic behavior is influenced by interstitial fluid flow, then the stage-21 (3 1 2 d) and stage-24 (4 d) chick myocardium with large intertrabecular spaces will exhibit much different viscoelastic behavior than stage-16 (2 1 2 d) and stage-18 (3 d) compact myocardium and a non-quasi-linear response. Excised left ventricular sections were tested with ramp-and-hold stress relaxation tests at axial stretch ratios of 1.05 : 1.1 : 1.2 : 1.3. The measured stress relaxation was much more rapid than previously observed in the compact, non-trabeculated myocardium. The reduced relaxation curves depended significantly on the stretch level. A continuous-spectrum quasi-linear relaxation function described their shape well but the model-fit parameters also depended on the stretch level. Sinusoidal stretching of ventricular sections at rates from 0.2 to 25 Hz showed that the steepening of stress–strain curves with increasing strain rate was half as much as predicted by a quasi-linear model. Hysteresis ranged from 25–35%, varied little with loading rate from 0.2 to 8 Hz, and was twice that predicted from a quasi-linear model. Doubling the viscosity of the perfusate in stress-relaxation tests produced increased stiffness and decreased relaxation rate. These results demonstrate that the passive viscoelastic behavior of the trabeculated embryonic myocardium is markedly different from that of younger, compact myocardium and is not quasi-linear.
Abstract 4527: Sensitization of cancer cells to cisplatin by curcumin: mlecular mechanism and drug delivery.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Curcumin, the major active component of the spice Turmeric, is known to sensitize cancer cells to treatment with cisplatin. However, the exact mechanism by which this occurs is unresolved. We hypothesize that sensitization is dependent on curcumin-mediated inhibition of thioredoxin reductase 1, a major antioxidant enzyme. We have shown that a knock down of TxnRd1 expression ameliorates sensitization by curcumin and that over-expression of TxnRd1 in cells with low endogenous levels enhances cisplatin sensitivity. The use of curcumin clinically has been limited by is its low bioavailability outside the GI tract. Therefore, we have also encapsulated curcumin into polymersome nanoparticles composed of poly(ethylene oxide)-block-polycaprolactone co-polymer to improve drug delivery. These vesicles have the unique advantage of being completely biodegradable and can be dual loaded with individual drugs in the membrane and aqueous core allowing for simultaneous delivery of curcumin and cisplatin. Preliminary studies have demonstrated that these polymersomes encapsulate both curcumin in the hydrophobic membrane and cisplatin in the aqueous core and can deliver them to tumor cells. Future studies will determine whether these bifunctional polymersomes demonstrate enhanced cytotoxicity to animal models of solid tumors. Citation Format: Natalie Daurio, Stephen Tuttle, Nimil Sood, Daniel Hammer, Constantinos Koumenis. Sensitization of cancer cells to cisplatin by curcumin: mlecular mechanism and drug delivery. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4527. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4527
Aneurysms of the coronary arteries

Abstract The fifty-second case of an aneurysm occurring on the coronary artery is reported. It is suggested that the aneurysms located at the bifurcation of the major branches of the coronary arteries develop as a result of a congenital defect which occurs in the media of the artery. The cases of aneurysms occurring on the coronary arteries previously reported are briefly reviewed. It appears that some of these may have developed as a result of a defect at the point of bifurcation of the coronary vessels. The location of some of these aneurysms in regard to the aorta and the branches of the coronaries is similar to that in our case. Etiological agents other than congenital defects may produce aneurysms in the coronary arteries.
Complex-temperature Ising model: Symmetry properties and behavior of correlation length and susceptibility

Abstract We derive symmetry properties of Ising models on general lattices under complex translations of inverse temperature. These are applied in particular to study correlation functions, and the susceptibility, χ, for complex temperatures. We determine the full set of complex-temperature points in the square-lattice Ising model where the correlation functions are not damped exponentially at large spin-spin separations. The complex-temperature behavior of χ is described by certain theorems and a Pade analysis of high-temperature series expansions. Finally, a new series expansion variable which incorporates the exact symmetry of χ is proposed.
Suppression of anchorage-independent growth and matrigel invasion and delayed tumor formation by elevated expression of fibulin-1D in human fibrosarcoma-derived cell lines

Using differential display, we identified an mRNA that is markedly down-regulated in cell line 6A/SB1, derived from a fibrosarcoma formed in an athymic mouse following injection of carcinogen-transformed MSU-1.1 cells. The nontumorigenic parental cell strain, MSU-1.1, expresses high levels of this mRNA. Sequencing of the corresponding cDNA fragment revealed that it corresponded to an expressed sequence tag, which ultimately led to its identification as the fibulin-1D gene. Fibulin-1 is a cysteine-rich, calcium-binding extracellular matrix and plasma protein, which has four isoforms, A-D, derived from alternative splicing. Northern and Western blotting analysis of 16 cell lines established from tumors formed in athymic mice by MSU-1.1-derived cell strains independently transformed in culture showed that 44% exhibited low level or lack of expression of fibulin-1D mRNA and protein. In a similar analysis of 15 malignant cell lines derived from patients, 80% showed low level or no expression. To study the role of fibulin-1D in transformation, we transfected 6A/SB1 cells and a human fibrosarcoma-derived cell line (SHAC) with a fibulin-1D cDNA expression construct. Transfectants displaying high levels of fibulin-1D were isolated and characterized. Elevated expression of fibulin-1D led to reduced ability to form colonies in soft agar and reduced invasive potential as tested in a matrigel in vitro invasion assay. Furthermore, expression of fibulin-1D resulted in a markedly extended latency in tumor formation in athymic mice. These results indicate that low expression of fibulin-1D plays a role in tumor formation and invasion.
Concerted inhibition of a NADP+-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase and the implications for metabolic regulation☆

Abstract A possible physiologic role for the concerted inhibition of a NADP+-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase by oxalacetate and glyoxylate is presented. The significance of this inhibition is also discussed with respect to the “induced fit” theory of enzyme-substrate interaction. However, since numerous structural analogues of these two compounds were without effect, it is believed that these two components are not acting as a “synthetic” substrate.
Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant with melphalan and thiotepa is safe and feasible in pediatric patients with low normalized glomerular filtration rate.

Normalized glomerular filtration rate (nGFR) < 60 mL/min/ 1.73 m 2 often precludes hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) in pediatric patients. Three patients with nGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 enrolled on an institutional phase I trial of HSCT preparative therapy for advanced and recurrent solid tumors with escalating melphalan, ranging from 135 to 180 mg/m 2 , thiotepa (600 mg/m 2 ), and vincristine (2 mg/m 2 ). An additional patient with low nGFR was treated with the same preparative therapy. None of the patients developed acute renal failure, excess toxicities during HSCT or delayed engraftment. These cases demonstrate that it is feasible and safe to perform HSCT in pediatric patients with low nGFR using melphalan- and thiotepa-based preparative therapy.
ULTRASOUND CRITERIA AND GUIDED FINE‐NEEDLE ASPIRATION DIAGNOSTIC YIELDS IN SMALL ANIMAL PERITONEAL, MESENTERIC AND OMENTAL DISEASE

Peritoneal, mesenteric, and omental diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality in humans and animals, although information in the veterinary literature is limited. The purposes of this retrospective study were to determine whether objectively applied ultrasound interpretive criteria are statistically useful in differentiating among cytologically defined normal, inflammatory, and neoplastic peritoneal conditions in dogs and cats. A second goal was to determine the cytologically interpretable yield on ultrasound-guided, fine-needle sampling of peritoneal, mesenteric, or omental structures. Sonographic criteria agreed upon by the authors were retrospectively and independently applied by two radiologists to the available ultrasound images without knowledge of the cytologic diagnosis and statistically compared to the ultrasound-guided, fine-needle aspiration cytologic interpretations. A total of 72 dogs and 49 cats with abdominal peritoneal, mesenteric, or omental (peritoneal) surface or effusive disease and 17 dogs and 3 cats with no cytologic evidence of inflammation or neoplasia were included. The optimized, ultrasound criteria-based statistical model created independently for each radiologist yielded an equation-based diagnostic category placement accuracy of 63.2-69.9% across the two involved radiologists. Regional organ-associated masses or nodules as well as aggregated bowel and peritoneal thickening were more associated with peritoneal neoplasia whereas localized, severely complex fluid collections were more associated with inflammatory peritoneal disease. The cytologically interpretable yield for ultrasound-guided fine-needle sampling was 72.3% with no difference between species, making this a worthwhile clinical procedure.
Analysis of incompressible massively separated viscous flows using unsteady Navier-Stokes equations

The unsteady incompressible Navier–Stokes equations are formulated in terms of vorticity and stream-function in generalized curvilinear orthogonal co-ordinates to facilitate analysis of flow configurations with general geometries. The numerical method developed solves the conservative form of the vorticity transport equation using the alternating direction implicit method, whereas the streamfunction equation is solved by direct block Gaussian elimination. The method is applied to a model problem of flow over a backstep in a doubly infinite channel, using clustered conformal co-ordinates. One-dimensional stretching functions, dependent on the Reynolds number and the asymptotic behaviour of the flow, are used to provide suitable grid distribution in the separation and reattachment regions, as well as in the inflow and outflow regions. The optimum grid distribution selected attempts to honour the multiple length scales of the separated flow model problem. The asymptotic behaviour of the finite differenced transport equation near infinity is examined and the numerical method is carefully developed so as to lead to spatially second-order-accurate wiggle-free solutions, i.e. with minimum dispersive error. Results have been obtained in the entire laminar range for the backstep channel and are in good agreement with the available experimental data for this flow problem, prior to the onset of three-dimensionality in the experiment.
Vibratory analysis of an x-ray mask membrane during stepping

Abstract The feasibility of 0.125 μm x-ray lithography and beyond depends on the availability of low-distortion masks. The mask contribution to the total error budget must be kept below approximately 30 nm, and of this the component allocated to the e -beam writing is approximately 20 nm. Thus the mechanical distortions of the mask during writing and exposure must be minimized. This paper discusses the oscillatory motion induced in the membrane by stepping the mask during e -beam writing, and its effect on the writing accuracy.
Pharmacotherapy of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

The incidence of diabetes and diabetic foot ulcers is increasing significantly in the United States. These ulcers and infections are the result of long-term complications of diabetes including neuropathy and vascular insufficiency. These infections can be classified into mild, limb threatening, and life threatening. This classification helps clarify the expected organisms involved and consequently appropriate, empiric antibiotic therapy. Mild infections are generally caused by Gram-positive organisms and can usually be treated as an outpatient with oral antibiotics. Antibiotics used for mild infections-include cephalexin, clindamycin, and amoxicillin/ clavulanate. Moderate to severe or limb-threatening infections are usually polymicrobial and frequently require hospitalization. These infections are typically treated with more broad-spectrum antibiotics including ampicillin/sulbactam, imipenem, or the combination of clindamycin and a fluoroquinolone. Severe or life-threatening infections also require broad...
Emergence of zebrafish models in oncology for validating novel anticancer drug targets and nanomaterials

The in vivo zebrafish models have recently attracted great attention in molecular oncology to investigate multiple genetic alterations associated with the development of human cancers and validate novel anticancer drug targets. Particularly, the transparent zebrafish models can be used as a xenotransplantation system to rapidly assess the tumorigenicity and metastatic behavior of cancer stem and/or progenitor cells and their progenies. Moreover, the zebrafish models have emerged as powerful tools for an in vivo testing of novel anticancer agents and nanomaterials for counteracting tumor formation and metastases and improving the efficacy of current radiation and chemotherapeutic treatments against aggressive, metastatic and lethal cancers.
THE HEMOGLOBIN OF THE SEA LAMPREY, PETROMYZON MARINUS

The blood hemoglobin of the sea lamprey presents a curious mixture of primitive and highly specialized properties. Like muscle hemoglobin, it has a molecular weight of about 17,000, and apparently contains a single heme. Its isoelectric point is like that of a typical invertebrate hemoglobin. Its amino acid composition is partly characteristic of invertebrate) partly of vertebrate hemoglobins (Pedersen; Roche and Fontaine). In the present experiments, the oxygen equilibrium curve of this pigment was measured at several pH's. As expected, it is a rectangular hyperbola, the first such function to be observed in a vertebrate blood hemoglobin. Other hemoglobins known to possess this type of oxygen dissociation curve-those of vertebrate muscle, the worm Nippostrongylus, and the bot-fly larva-appear to serve primarily the function of oxygen storage rather than transport. Lamprey hemoglobin on the contrary is an efficient oxygen-transporting agent. It achieves this status by having, unlike muscle hemoglobin, a relatively low oxygen affinity, and a very large Bohr effect. In these properties it rivals the most effective vertebrate blood hemoglobins.
THE COLLEGE SPORTS REFORM MOVEMENT: Reframing the “Edutainment” Industry

Evidence abounds that college sports are rife with corruption. Over a century of reform efforts have failed to bring about lasting structural and cultural changes. Drawing on interview, participant observation, and archival data, the present study examines the diagnostic and prognostic framing of the contemporary college sports reform movement. The faculty-driven wing of the social movement has identified several problems with intercollegiate athletics including (1) commercialization; (2) university involvement in the entertainment industry; (3) damage to the integrity of higher education; (4) exploitation of athletes; and (5) harm to nonathletes. Reform proposals and strategies of The Drake Group and the Coalition on Intercollegiate Athletics are summarized and compared.
The Drosophila decapentaplegic and short gastrulation genes function antagonistically during adult wing vein development.

TGF-beta-related signaling pathways play diverse roles during vertebrate and invertebrate development. A common mechanism for regulating the activity of TGF-beta family members is inhibition by extracellular antagonists. Recently, the Drosophila short gastrulation (sog) gene was shown to encode a predicted diffusible factor which antagonizes signaling mediated by the TGF-beta-like Decapentaplegic (Dpp) pathway in the early blastoderm embryo. sog and dpp, which are among the earliest zygotic genes to be activated, are expressed in complementary dorsal-ventral domains. The opposing actions of sog and dpp in the early embryo have been highly conserved during evolution as their vertebrate counterparts, chordin and BMP-4, function homologously to define neural versus non-neural ectoderm in Xenopus. Here we exploit the genetically sensitive adult wing vein pattern to investigate the generality of the antagonistic relationship between sog and dpp. We show that dpp is expressed in vein primordia during pupal wing development and functions to promote vein formation. In contrast, sog is expressed in complementary intervein cells and suppresses vein formation. sog and dpp function during the same phenocritical periods (i.e. 16–28 hours after pupariation) to influence the vein versus intervein cell fate choice. The conflicting activities of dpp and sog are also revealed by antagonistic dosage-sensitive interactions between these two genes during vein development. Analysis of vein and intervein marker expression in dpp and sog mutant wings suggests that dpp promotes vein fates indirectly by activating the vein gene rhomboid (rho), and that sog functions by blocking an autoactivating Dpp feedback loop. These data support the view that Sog is a dedicated Dpp antagonist.
EVALUATION OF OCCUPANT VOLUME STRENGTH IN CONVENTIONAL PASSENGER RAILROAD EQUIPMENT

To ensure a level of occupant volume protection, passenger railway equipment operating on mainline railroads in the United States must be designed to resist an 800,000-lb compressive load applied statically along the line of draft. An alternative manner of evaluating the strength of the occupied volume is sought, which will ensure the same level of protection for occupants of the equipment as the current test, but will allow for a greater variety of equipment to be evaluated. A finite element (FE) model of the structural components of a railcar has been applied to examine the existing compressive strength test and evaluate selected alternate testing scenarios. Using simplified geometric and material properties, a generic single-level railcar model was constructed that captured the gross behaviors of the railcar without excessive processing time. When loaded, the carbody structure exhibits some single beam-like behaviors. Application of the existing 800 kip compressive load results in a significant bending moment as well as significant compressive forces. The alternative load cases examined show that a larger total compressive force may be distributed across the end structure of the railcar and result in similar stress levels throughout the structural frame as observed from application of the conventional proof load.
Open Clusters: Open Windows on Stellar Dynamics

The extensive stellar radial-velocity surveys of the WIYN Open Cluster Study now allow comprehensive studies of the solar-type hard-binary populations in open clusters as a function of age. We first describe an empirical “initial” hard-binary population as derived from the young open cluster NGC 2168 (M35). Given the limited analyses so far, the cluster binary population is indistinguishable from that of the field. We then compare the hard-binary population in the old open cluster NGC 188 to the binary population in the sophisticated N-body simulations of the old cluster M67 by Hurley et al . The binary populations in the cluster and the simulation show significant differences in binary frequency and fraction of circularized binaries, while otherwise showing similar orbital eccentricity distributions. Since the simulations were designed to match the encounter products in M67, such as blue stragglers, the large reduction in binary fraction indicated by the empirical results likely will also require changes in the simulation physics producing blue stragglers and other anomalous stars arising from stellar dynamics. We present three case studies of stars in open clusters which very likely are products of dynamical encounters between binaries and either single stars or other binaries: the M67 blue straggler S1082, the M67 sub-subgiant S1113, and the horizontal branch star 6819-3002 in the intermediate-age open cluster NGC 6819. Finally, we remind the reader of recent empirical results on the rates of tidal interactions, using tidal circularization periods in open clusters. Every indication is that current theories underestimate the effectiveness of tidal circularization, a result that need to be incorporated into dynamical simulations of dense stellar systems.
Endocrine Control of the Fetal Circulation

The ability of circulating hormones to affect the fetal circulation was cited by Bar-croft (1946), who showed that large doses of epinephrine increased arterial pressure in the fetal lamb. Subsequently, studies were directed to assessing the ability of the circulation to respond to infusion of various hormones, with little regard to the amounts given or to plasma concentrations achieved. Only recently, with the development of techniques to measure plasma concentrations of many hormones, has the role of endocrine systems in controlling fetal circulation under resting conditions and in response to stress begun to be defined. Several issues need to be addressed. These include: whether the fetus is capable of producing the hormone, what concentrations are achieved at rest, whether secretory responses to appropriate stimulation occur, and comparison of plasma concentrations with adult values. Furthermore, the ability of the heart and blood vessels to respond to various concentrations of hormones as well as the magnitude and direction of response have to be defined. In addition, it has become apparent that hormones may be important in the maturation of vascular structures during fetal development, in a manner similar to that shown for lung maturation (Ballard et al. 1977; Mescher et al. 1975). In this review, the role of hormones in normal regulation of the circulation, their responses to stress, and their influence on circulatory responses to stress will be presented briefly, while the effects of hormones on maturation of the circulation, particularly the ductus arteriosus and the heart, will be emphasized.
Emerging trends in infections among renal transplant recipients

Outcomes following renal and simultaneous kidney–pancreas transplants have improved significantly due to better surgical techniques and improved modalities of antirejection therapy. However, infection remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The use of new modalities of immunosuppression and routine use of antimicrobial prophylaxis has changed the pattern of infections post-transplantation. Cytomegalovirus remains a significant problem and BK virus has emerged as an important pathogen. New antimicrobial agents are now available to treat infection, however, antimicrobial resistance remains a concern.
General Solution of the Problem of Hydrostatic Equilibrium of the Earth

Summary If de Sitter’s hydrostatic equations are developed independent of the external potential theory, the hydrostatic geopotential coefficient Jh occurs explicitly on the right-hand side of these equations. Since this Jh has to be treated as an unknown in the solution of the problem, it becomes rather difficult to solve these hydrostatic equations independently, regardless of which of the dynamical parameters associated with the Earth is taken as the initial datum. The solution of these equations is possible, however, with the help of a boundary condition derived from the external potential theory which neither assumes nor discounts the presence of equilibrium conditions in the Earth’s interior. If a general solution is constructed on these lines, the three particular solutions, usually quoted in literature, stem from it in the wake of the appropriate assumptions. Of course, out of these the only meaningful solution is that corresponding to the polar moment of inertia as the initial datum. It is essential that the solution be constructed in this way in order to demonstrate clearly the correct structure of the problem of hydrostatic equilibrium. The anomalous gravity field of the Earth referred to the hydrostatic figure is compared with that referred to the international reference ellipsoid.
Potential Delivery of Contraceptive Agents to the Female Reproductive Tract

Vaginal contraceptives have played a positive role in fertility planning for years. Prior to the introduction of intrauterine devices (IUDs) and oral contraceptives (OCs), jellies, creams, and suppositories were used, sometimes in conjunction with the diaphragm or condom, but usually they served as the sole barrier.1 The higher failure rates of the vaginal contraceptives in relation to other contraceptive devices (IUDs and OCs) were believed to be due primarily to the inconsistent use of the method rather than to failure of the method during use.
Powder X-ray diffraction of oriented and intercalated lead iodide

Polycrystalline lead iodide, PbI2, was recrystallized from hot water to reproducibly obtain flat plate-like crystals, which manifested extreme preferred orientation greatly favoring the 001, 002, 003, and 004 planes. Polycrystalline samples of PbI2 were intercalated with tripropylamine, simultaneously producing a “new” intercalate 001 peak at 7.791°2θ (d=1.1347 nm) and diminishing the host PbI2 001 peak at 12.67°2θ (d=0.6980 nm). This is consistent with large increases in the c direction of the unit cell associated with inserting a guest between adjacent iodide layers of the host PbI2. Experimental powder diffraction results are compared to theoretical values calculated using CRYSTALMAKER and CRYSTALDIFFRACT software