cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utilization of an Electronic Medical Record-integrated Dashboard Improves Identification and Treatment of Anemia and Iron Deficiency in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background Iron deficiency (ID) and anemia are one of the most common extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), usually complicating the course both in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Despite their high prevalence and significant impact on patients, this particular aspect is still underestimated by clinicians. Although guidelines have been recently published to address this problem, these recommendations do not address pediatric specific concerns and do not provide guidance as to how implement these guidelines in clinical practice. The aims of this quality improvement (QI) initiative were to improve the rates of detection and treatment of anemia in children with IBD. Methods After the creation of a multidisciplinary team of skateholders in IBD and anemia, we launched a multifaceted QI strategy that included the development of a pediatric evidence-based care pathway, utilization of an electronic medical record (EMR)-integrated dashboard to track patients, and generation of an automated provider-based monthly report. Data were collected and graphed into statistical process control charts. Results These key strategies resulted in improved rates of ID screening from 31.7% to 63.6%, in increased treatment rates from 38.2% to 49.9%, and in decreased prevalence of anemia from 35.8% to 29.7%, which was reflected by a greater decline in patients with quiescent disease. Conclusions Quality improvement strategies incorporating the creation of a pediatric evidence-based care pathway with an EMR-supported electronic dashboard were the foundation of a successful intervention in the management of ID and anemia in pediatric IBD. Our positive results demonstrate the potential of QI initiatives using automated technology to assist clinicians in their commitment to provide evidence-based IBD care and enhance patient outcomes.
Interprofessional End-of-Life Simulation in Nursing Education

Abstract Many students report that they do not have the opportunity to provide end-of-life care before completing their undergraduate nursing degree. High fidelity simulation may prepare both graduate and undergraduate students to collaborate when caring for patients in their last days of life and give them opportunities to explore their own beliefs, perceptions, and feelings related to death and dying. This article provides a brief overview of how one nursing program used simulation to bring prelicensure and graduate family nurse practitioner students together along with campus ministry to successfully deliver collaborative care. This innovative simulation exercise helped students and professionals develop shared goals and promoted communication when providing physical and spiritual care to end-of-life patients.
A Bacterial Bile Acid Metabolite Modulates Treg Activity through the Nuclear Hormone Receptor NR4A1

Bile acids act as signaling molecules that regulate immune homeostasis, including the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into distinct T cell subsets. The bile acid metabolite isoallolithocholic acid (isoalloLCA) enhances the differentiation of anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells (Treg cells) by facilitating the formation of a permissive chromatin structure in the promoter region of the transcription factor forkhead box P3 (Foxp3). Here, we identify gut bacteria that synthesize isoalloLCA from 3-oxolithocholic acid and uncover a gene cluster responsible for the conversion in members of the abundant human gut bacterial phylum Bacteroidetes. We also show that the nuclear hormone receptor NR4A1 is required for the effect of isoalloLCA on Treg cells. Moreover, the levels of isoalloLCA and its biosynthetic genes are significantly reduced in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, suggesting that isoalloLCA and its bacterial producers may play a critical role in maintaining immune homeostasis in humans.
Progress of thiol-amine ‘alkahest’ solutions for thin film deposition

Solution deposition of thin films has garnered interest as a replacement for vacuum deposition techniques due to its scalability and lower cost. While hydrazine processing offered an alternative to vacuum deposition, its commercialization is limited due to its toxicity and explosive nature. Binary thiol-amine mixtures (‘alkahests’) have proven usage in the dissolution of a wide range of inexpensive bulk solids to give inks. Intensive studies of dissolution, solute speciation, and decomposition mechanisms have bridged the quality gap between hydrazine-processed and vacuum-deposited thin films, but analogous studies for thiol-amine mixtures are nascent. Here, we outline recent progress made in identifying the molecular solutes from bulk solid dissolution in thiol-amine solutions. New applications and potential areas of future study are highlighted.
Optical Pulse Compression with Reduced Wings

Most optical pulse compression schemes are based on the generation of a frequency swept pulse, followed by passage through a dispersive delay line. Since the group velocity of the light is determined by its instantaneous frequency, different portions of the frequency swept pulse travel at different speeds through the delay line. If the length of the line is adjusted so that the leading edge of the pulse is delayed by just the right amount to overlap the trailing edge at the output of the delay line, the output pulse can be as short as the reciprocal of the bandwidth of the frequency sweep.
Nitric oxide removal by combined persulfate and ferrous–EDTA reaction systems

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) removal from simulated flue gas is investigated using combined aqueous persulfate (Na2S2O8) and ferrous ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Fe2+–EDTA) systems. The results at 23–70 °C showed significant improvement in NO removal using the optimally obtained molar ratio of 1:1 for the Fe2+ and EDTA compared with temperature-only and combined temperature-Fe2+ activated persulfate systems with 0.1 M Na2S2O8 and 0.01 M Fe2+ in the absence of EDTA. Almost 100% NO conversion can be achieved at 70 °C (flue gas treatment inlet temperature generally at 50–70 °C) compared to temperature and Fe2+-activated persulfate systems which require ⩾90 °C for such high removal efficiency. The percentage increases in NO removal were dependent on temperature, 25–30% and 5–10% at the lower ( 40 °C) temperatures, respectively. A very high concentration of Fe2+–EDTA appears to negatively impact NO removal. However, this process operates at an optimal NO removal pH of near neutral (∼6.5) with efficiency decreasing at very low or high pH. This should reduce the use of auxiliary chemical for pH adjustment and help mitigate the important technological hurdle of undesired ferric product formation associated with Fe2+-only activated persulfate and other Fenton-like systems at pH (>3.5). The material balance on iron species (Fe2+, Fe3+ and Fe2+–EDTA) was determined to better understand the chemistry of persulfate with Fe2+–EDTA for NO removal. The results demonstrate the feasibility of near complete NO removal at relatively lower temperatures (with the advantage of reduced energy usage), and sustained longtime high NO absorption capability.
The Main Street Economic Recovery Proposal: Will it Bring Us out of Recession?

This is a policy paper on the stimulus plan as of December 2008. Fear of a deep recession has led policy makers to propose an unprecedented stimulus package to save the economy, a sort of Main Street economic recovery package that would rely heavily on government-sponsored infrastructure projects to create jobs and stimulate economic activity. The problem is real. The unemployment rate is 6.7 percent and rising: 10.3 million American workers are unemployed, and 2.7 million jobs were lost in the last year alone. If history is any guide, however, the bailout the government proposes won't work. Instead, policy makers should focus on the fundamentals of economic behavior and the incentives faced by individuals, governments, and entrepreneurs. Reducing taxes, insisting on fiscal prudence on the federal level, and encouraging it on the state and local level by cutting, rather than increasing, public spending would do far more to help the economy than any of the proposals currently being discussed in Washington.
Physical Geography: crossing from the past to the future

Now in its 34th year, Physical Geography is moving from the past, in which it was published by Bellwether Publishing, to a future of being published by Routledge/Taylor & Francis. With this change ...
Structural aspects of human cervical mucus.

Abstract Two types of fibrous structures can be demonstrated in midcycle cervical mucus: (1) long, thick fibers that vary in diameter from 0.5 to 5 μm and run parallel to each other, and (2) microfibrils that vary in diameter from 500 to 1,500 A and form bundles or networks. The spaces in such networks usually measure from 800 to 4,000 A. The fibers are made up of the microfibrils and most likely represent the micelles that give spermatozoa their directional transport through the cervix.
Robots and humans reconvening

When communication fails, our ability to reconvene depends on previous planning. Rally points are often used as a way of establishing a communication hub in the event of an emergency. But mobile ad hoc networks give us new capabilities which may change the way we think about rally points. The location is important, and also the mobility and the available connectivity. Considering all these factors, alternative heuristics are discussed to minimize the time it takes to reconvene robots and humans after a loss of communication. Certain situations favor the use of robots to facilitate communication, by forming an ad hoc bridge between isolated areas, or by acting as couriers. If software-defined radios are available, then strategies can be developed that periodically help recalibrate paths toward a rally point. The work has implications for search and rescue, robot design, and emergency response.
Regulation of angiogenesis and endothelial cell function by connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and cysteine-rich 61 (CYR61)

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and cysteine-rich 61 (CYR61) are prototypical members of the CCN family which also contains nephroblastoma overexpressed (NOV) and Wnt-induced secreted proteins-1, -2 and -3 (WISP-1, -2, -3). These proteins function as extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated signaling molecules that contain structural modules allowing them to bind directly with other moieties in the pericellular environment. Although multiple target cell types have been identified for CCN proteins, there is strong evidence supporting a role for CTGF and CYR61 in the regulation of endothelial cell function and angiogenesis. Both CTGF and CYR61 can promote endothelial cell growth, migration, adhesion and survival in vitro and at least some of these effects are mediated through cell surface integrins. Both proteins are transcriptionally activated in endothelial cells in response to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and endothelial cell proliferation and migration in vitro is reduced by antagonists of CTGF production or action. The expression pattern of CTGF and CYR61 in endothelial cells of vessels in situ supports a role for these molecules in normal endothelial homeostasis, as well as participating in the angiogenic process during embryonic development, placentation, tumor formation, fibrosis, and wound healing. CTGF or CYR61 knockout mice exhibit vascular defects during embryogenesis and fetal development. Both CTGF and CYR61 are intrinsically active in in vivo asssays for angiogenic activity. However, they can also regulate the production and/or activity of other angiogenic molecules (e.g. bFGF, VEGF) as well molecules that affect the integrity or stability of the ECM (e.g. collagen, matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs)). Therefore, through their paracrine action as products of cells such as fibroblasts or smooth muscle cells or through their autocrine action as products of endothelial cells, CTGF and CYR61 participate in a variety of direct and indirect mechanisms by which angiogenesis is regulated at multiple control points.
Inequalities for Distributions with Increasing Failure Rate.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews inequalities for distributions with increasing failure rate (IFR). The IFR distributions have been widely studied. A distribution on [0,∞) is defined to be IFR if the residual life is stochastically decreasing in t, that is, is decreasing in t for each s > 0. Analogues of the results of Brown for the renewal theory for DFR interarrival times do not hold in the case of IFR. The IFR class is more difficult to penetrate than DFR for the properties of interest. In some cases, no close analogue of the DFR result holds; in others, the IFR analogue is weaker. IFR on [0,∞) are absolutely continuous except for an atom at the right-hand endpoint of the support. The chapter also discusses renewal function inequalities and exponential approximations.
Keeping the tiger in the army's tanks an approach to commercialize military maintenance

For the majority of the twentieth century, the U.S. military maintenance posture depended upon a large investment in facilities, equipment, and people comprising a vast collection of military depots. In recent years, defense reductions resulted in inadequate funds to sustain the existing depot infrastructure. The ensuing reductions in force, base closures, and disposal of surplus equipment greatly consolidated the military depots. Additionally, opportunities to commercialize military maintenance are being considered as a means to achieve further reductions without impacting military system readiness. The availability of trained personnel, vacant facilities, and unused equipment offers a number of commercialization approaches. The approaches differ in the disposition of these resources among owners and operators. Initially, the U.S. government played all roles. Today, contractors may serve in any of these roles. This paper describes a government-owned, contractor-operated approach to commercialize military maintenance.
The Higher Order Caratheodory-Julia Theorem and Related Boundary Interpolation Problems

The higher order analogue of the classical Caratheodory-Julia theorem on boundary angular derivatives has been obtained in [7]. Here we study boundary interpolation problems for Schur class functions (analytic and bounded by one in the open unit disk) motivated by that result.
Rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck in children: review and update.

Abstract Objective To review the clinical presentation, histology, staging, treatment modalities, and survival for pediatric head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma (non-orbital). Study design Retrospective chart review at a tertiary pediatric hospital of children treated over 18 years (1996–2014) for primary head and neck non-orbital rhabdomyosarcoma. Methods Medical charts were examined for clinical presentation, staging, histology, genetic abnormalities, treatment modalities, recurrence and complications from treatment. Results Our cohort was 17 children (7 male, 10 female) with rhabdomyosarcoma with a median age of 6.3 years (range Conclusion Pediatric non-orbital primary rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck usually has a rapid onset and presents with advanced disease. Our analysis found that the majority of patients in our series had a cranial neuropathy at presentation, which highlights how advanced the disease is in these patients at presentation. The first mode of surgical intervention should be directed toward biopsy in junction with a metastatic work-up. Primary excision with negative microscopic margins for nonparameningeal rhabdomyosarcoma is ideal to spare radiotherapy but was not achievable in our cohort. The benefits of second-look biopsy after chemotherapy and radiation are still unproven; however, we believe that it was beneficial in two patients in our review for further resection thus decreasing subsequent radiation. Fluorodeoxy- d -glucose positron emission tomography (PET) to evaluate disease post treatment may further define the role for second look surgery.
Sonographic features of biliary hamartomas with histopathologic correlation.

Biliary hamartomas (BH) are uncommon benign biliary malformations composed of disorganized bile ducts and fibrocollagenous stroma. Biliary hamartomas are associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), polycystic liver disease (PLD), Caroli disease, and congenital hepatic fibrosis. The major clinical importance of BH is that they may be misdiagnosed as multiple liver metastases, microabscesses, lymphoma, leukemia, Candida albicans, or extrapulmonary Pneumocystis carinii infection at initial imaging. In patients with ADPKD, these may be mistaken for small cysts, cirrhotic changes, or one of these more ominous diseases. The following report illustrates the distinguishing sonographic features of BH in a patient with ADPKD with histopathologic correlation.
The serotonergic anatomy of the developing human medulla oblongata: implications for pediatric disorders of homeostasis.

The caudal serotonergic (5-HT) system is a critical component of a medullary “homeostatic network” that regulates protective responses to metabolic stressors such as hypoxia, hypercapnia, and hyperthermia. We define anatomically the caudal 5-HT system in the human medulla as 5-HT neuronal cell bodies located in the raphe (raphe obscurus, raphe magnus, and raphe pallidus), extra-raphe (gigantocellularis, paragigantocellularis lateralis, intermediate reticular zone, lateral reticular nucleus, and nucleus subtrigeminalis), and ventral surface (arcuate nucleus). These 5-HT neurons are adjacent to all of the respiratory- and autonomic-related nuclei in the medulla where they are positioned to modulate directly the responses of these effector nuclei. In the following review, we highlight the topography and development of the caudal 5-HT system in the human fetus and infant, and its inter-relationships with nicotinic, GABAergic, and cytokine receptors. We also summarize pediatric disorders in early life which we term “developmental serotonopathies” of the caudal (as well as rostral) 5-HT domain and which are associated with homeostatic imbalances. The delineation of the development and organization of the human caudal 5-HT system provides the critical foundation for the neuropathologic elucidation of its disorders directly in the human brain.
Short- and long-term effects of digitalis on resting and posthandgrip hemodynamics in patients with coronary artery disease

The short-term effects at rest of 0.01 mg/kg of ouabain given intravenously and the long-term effects at rest of daily oral administration of 0.25 mg of digoxin on left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic volume, cardiac index, blood pressure and heart rate were measured in eight patients with coronary artery disease using a single crystal scintillation probe. Measurements were also made after handgrip exercise (1 minute of 33 percent of maximal) in two of these patients and in two others with coronary artery disease. In all patients the left ventricular ejection fraction was less than 0.50. Ouabain increased resting left ventricular ejection fraction (0.39 ± 0.03 to 0.55 ± 0.03 [mean ± standard error of the mean], P <0.01) and decreased resting left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (86 ± 12 to 64 ± 5 ml/m2, P <0.01) and heart rate (75 ± 6 to 69 ± 6 beats/min, P <0.02). Ouabain did not change resting cardiac index or blood pressure significantly. Handgrip exercise increased heart rate and blood pressure significantly. Left ventricular ejection fraction after handgrip exercise was 0.33 ± 0.02 (difference not significant), but it increased after ouabain administration to 0.55 ± 0.03 from the control value of 0.36 ± 0.01 (P <0.05). After 2 weeks of daily oral administration of digoxin, associated with a digoxin level of 1.0 ± 0.2 ng/ml, all resting hemodynamic variables were statistically unchanged from control levels. In the four patients tested daily, the return to control levels took 1 to 5 days. Left ventricular ejection fraction after handgrip exercise remained elevated at 0.50 ± 0.04 (P <0.05). Thus, with long-term digoxin administration, volumetric variables at rest are initially improved but later return to control values whereas values after exercise continue improved.
Lateralization of striatal dopamine (D2) receptors in normal rats

A highly significant endogenous lateral asymmetry in striatal dopamine (D2) receptors was found utilizing the binding of [3H]spiroperidol (0.6 nM) to homogenates prepared from the left and the right striata of male rats individually assayed. The mean level of binding was 23% greater in left than in right striatum, while in mesolimbic terminal zones 10% more binding was observed on the right than on the left. These data provide evidence for an intrinsic lateralization of neuroleptic (D2) receptors in the rat brain, and are consistent with prior determinations of endogenous asymmetries in neurochemical and behavioral indices of dopaminergic function in the nigrostriatal system.
Boundary vortices in thin magnetic films

We study the asymptotic behavior of a family of functional describing the formation of topologically induced boundary vortices in thin magnetic films. We obtain convergence results for sequences of minimizers and some classes of stationary points, and relate the limiting behavior to a finite dimensional problem, the renormalized energy associated to the vortices.
Modified Exclusion Technique for Complicated Esophageal Perforation

A case of complicated spontaneous esophageal perforation is presented. The control of gastroesophageal reflux by esophageal banding appears to be a crucial factor in healing. Using a modified esophageal exclusion technique without sacrifice of the esophagus proves to be both effective and lifesaving.
The impact of IRCA on settlement patterns among Mixtec migrants in Tijuana, Mexico

For most of this century, Mexico has been the primary supplier of low-wage workers for agricultural labor in the southwestern U.S. Studies of Mexican migrants have focussed on routes (Jones 1982a, Jones 1982b and Jones 1984), source and destination areas (Dagodag 1975, Jones 1982a, Jones 1982b, Jones 1984, McHugh 1989 and Roberts 1984), and push-pull factors associated with migration (Dinerman 1978, Jenkins 1977 and Portes 1978). Most investigations have involved only mestizos (of "mixed" origin, both Indian and Spanish) from central Mexico. Overlooked are U.S. immigrant-worker settlements on the Mexican side of the border and other non- mestizo ethnic groups who engage in seasonal labor migration to the U.S. A small but growing number of migrants to this country are Mixtec Indians from Oaxaca in southern Mexico. They have established a satellite community to their villages in Oaxaca in the Mexican border city of Tijuana. By comparison with mestizos from central Mexico, Mixtec migrants fit some, but not all, of the generalized patterns of Mexican migration to the U.S. One important difference is the settlement of Mixtec immigrants in the Tijuana satellite community to become international daily-commuters to work in the U.S. This is strictly a border-related phenomenon, which is explained by both the recent U.S. Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) passed in 1986, and historical Mixtec migration patterns.
DNA-based delivery vehicles: pH-controlled disassembly and cargo release

Non-Watson–Crick base pairing provides an in situ approach for actuation of DNA nanostructures through responses to solution conditions. Here we demonstrate this concept by using physiologically-relevant changes in pH to regulate DNA pyramid assembly/disassembly and to control the release of protein cargo.
It is time to rethink tactics in the fight against malaria

April 25 marks World Malaria Day, an opportunity for those who work to defeat the illness, to review progress and renew commitments. After a decade of steady success, this year’s commemoration of the date is also an opportunity to reconsider current approaches and assess the state of the science needed to keep pace in the global effort to combat malaria.
Characterization of polynuclear aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbon fractions of solvent-refined coal by glass capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Abstract Separation and identification of the polynuclear aromatic and aliphatic fractions of solvent-refined coal and its recycle oil were performed using a combination of solvent partition and Chromatographic fractionation procedures with glass-capillary gas chromatography (g.c.)/mass spectrometry (m.s.). Chromatographic profiles were generated for each fraction, and some semiquantitative data were also obtained. In total, 146 polynuclear aromatic components of SRC were tentatively identified by their molecular weights, as indicated by the mass spectra of the g.c. peaks. In addition, whereever possible specific isomers have been indicated, based on comparison of spectral characteristics and retention data.
Vaccine development for non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis: progress and challenges

An urgent need exists for vaccines to prevent infections caused by nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. These bacteria cause otitis media in children, a clinical problem associated with enormous morbidity and cost. H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis also cause lower respiratory tract infections in adults with chronic lung disease. Infections in this clinical setting are associated with disability and death. Recent progress in identifying potential vaccine antigens in both bacteria raises great promise in developing effective vaccines. This paper reviews the key issues in vaccine development for H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis, including areas where progress has been stalled, and proposes areas that deserve investigation in the next 5 years.
Your experience is not my experience: The concept and experience of disability on Chicago's Near West Side

Central to the field of disability studies is the concept of disability culture, because it provides a sense of cohesion for persons with disabilities and helps to explain their identity, place in the world, and management strategies. Discussions of disability culture generally focus on shared experiences, values, and relationships to the environment. An implicit assumption in many analyses is that disability cul. ture is common to all people with disabilities and is experienced in a similar way. The authors of this paper analyzed the contextualized life stories of four African Americans with disabilities in Chicago in order to explore their disability experiences, their ideas about disability and disability culture, and the relevance of and possible participation in the disability community. None of these individuals embraced the idea of disability culture, nor did they participate in the disability community. Instead, they responded to their own inner city context and culture, which is defined by povert...
White coats should not have union labels.

Medicine has been subjected to more changes in the past several years than in any other period in the history of our profession. Now comes the decision by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to change its long-standing view about the nature of residents in training. No longer primarily students, says the NLRB, residents are henceforth to be considered primarily employees under the provisions of the National Labor Relations Act.1 Is this change for the better or for the worse? Change, whether for better or worse, is always difficult. Resistance to change seems hard-wired into our nature as human beings. . . .
Defense of Phalangid: Liquid Repellent Administered by Leg Dabbing

The phalangid Vonones sayi has a pair of exocrine defensive glands that secrete quinones (2,3-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone and 2,3,5-trimethyl-1,4- benzoquinone). When distributed, the animal emits the secretion, dilutes it with aqueous regurgitated fluid, and effects dosaged delivery of the mixture by brushing it on the assailant with the tips of its forelegs. Predators such as ants are effectively repelled.
Autonomous Cornering at the Limits: Maximizing a “g-g” Diagram by Using Feedforward Trail-Braking and Throttle-on-Exit

Abstract This paper explains the design of a feedforward longitudinal controller that will drive an autonomous vehicle through a corner at the limits of tire adhesion. The feedforward longitudinal algorithm applies appropriate amounts of braking force and throttle during cornering to mimic a racecar driver trail-braking into a corner and applying the throttle during corner exit. A “g-g” diagram combined with a clothoid map is used to estimate the feedforward longitudinal command. By introducing this feedforward algorithm into the controller, significant improvements in lap time and cornering exit speed were observed. Analyzing the controller performance during cornering also provides an insight to the future development of the feedback longitudinal controller. The knowledge gained from designing an algorithm that controls a vehicle at the limits can be applied to future driver assistance systems to make cars safer, yet still fun to drive.
Patterns and the democratization of concurrent programming

Although precise numbers are lacking, statistics suggest that the number of concurrent programmers has sky-rocketed over the past few years and will continue to do so. This stems mainly from Java's emergence-it's the first ubiquitous concurrent programming language. The rise in concurrent programmers also reflects an increased use of common C++ multithreaded class libraries and frameworks, Posix pthread library standardization, and other wide spectrum concurrent languages. Although only a small proportion of code found in today's production programs, applications, and systems directly exploits concurrency, every programmer should at least be aware of concurrency.
Effects on peptide binding affinity for TNFα by PEGylation and conjugation to hyaluronic acid

Abstract Conjugation of cytokine-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to hyaluronic acid (HA) having M w of 1.6 MDa was previously shown to be an effective strategy for localized delivery to sites of inflammation. Despite the disparity in size of the mAb and HA, the mAb–HA conjugate was found bind tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) as strongly as the non-conjugated antibody, suggesting conjugation to this charged polysaccharide can provide an alternative to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) conjugation, which has been shown to reduce binding interactions for many proteins. To explore conjugation chemistries more systematically, we report a study on a model peptide inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-α to investigate the effects of site-specific conjugation to HA and PEG. We compared the binding affinities of a variety of WP9QY peptide–polymer conjugates for TNFα in order to examine the effects of PEG molecular weight as well as the effects of PEG versus functionalized hyaluronic acid (HA) conjugation. The results indicate that the binding affinity of the PEG conjugates decreases in comparing PEG with mass 2 k, 10 k, and 30 k, which was attributed to PEG shrouding of the peptide, while conjugation to a 66 kDa HA chain preserved peptide binding affinity. We attribute this difference to the increased solubility of HA compared to PEG, potentially due to the carboxylic acid functional groups. In addition, the results demonstrate that conjugation to HA via a short PEG linker significantly enhances the association rate k on , which may reflect an increased peptide accessibility. By balancing both the advantages associated with the PEG conjugates and with the HA conjugates, the HA–PEG2k–WP9QY conjugate was able to improve the binding affinity of the peptide for TNFα by a factor of two. Optimization of polymer chemistry could be used to improve delivery of protein therapeutics for localized and systemic administration.
A multivariate morphological analysis of the Cardamine concatenata alliance (Brassicaceae)

Principal coordinate analysis using Gower’s similarity coefficient and canonical discriminant analysis were performed using morphological data to assess species distinctness in theCardamine concatenata alliance, comprising the eastern North American dentarias. The results of an overall principal coordinate analysis of the alliance using quantitative and qualitative characters revealed distinct and separate clusters that correspond to five previously recognized species (C. angustata, C. concatenata, C. diphylla, C. dissecta, C. maxima). One additional taxon,C. incisa, was found to group closely with theC. diphylla cluster. In a second principal coordinate analysis including only individuals fromC. diphylla andC. incisa, both are supported as distinct morphological entities. Canonical discriminant analysis of only above-ground quantitative characters was less effective in distinguishing previously recognized taxa, in keeping with the emphasis on qualitative characters in previous taxonomic treatments of the group.Cardamine incisa (Eames) Schumann (pro hybr.) is raised to the rank of species. A key to the species of theCardamine concatenata alliance is provided.
Chemoreception in Aplysia californica. I. Behavioral localization of distance chemoreceptors used in food-finding.

The importance of rhinophores and tentacles to distance food localization by Aplysia californica was investigated using a Y-maze. When food algae was placed in one arm of the maze, a normal animal placed in the stem almost invariably entered the correct arm in search of food. Performance was compared before and after removal of tentacles, rhinophores, and both structures. Only the distal portion of each organ, containing a darkly pigmented groove, was removed. Loss of rhinophores did not affect maze performance if tentacles were intact. Loss of tentacles, however, resulted in an increase in errors even when rhinophores were present. A significant decline in performance occurred only after removal of both structures. Rhinophores are well situated to detect odors carried by passing currents, and could be used initially to alert Aplysia californica to the presence of food upstream. Tentacles, which are closer to the substrate and more widely separated, may then play the dominant role in locating food.
Federal Aid to the States: An Analytical Examination of the Alternatives*

NUMEROUS SUGGESTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE for increasing Federal Government assistance to the states in different ways in dealing with pressing domestic welfare and developmental programs. At the same time, many drawbacks and disadvantages of each of these alternatives have been identified, with the result that no single approach has obtained general support. The purpose of this study is to contribute to breaking the deadlock by arraying and objectively comparing the various alternative approaches to what might be described as a revised fiscal federalism. Hence, this study of the policy mix of federal aid to state and local governments attempts to achieve two objectives: (1) to examine the case for increased federal financial assistance to state governments and their subdivisions; and (2) to analyze as objectively as possible the major alternative ways of distributing the aid. The size and composition of federal aid in the coming years will be strongly influenced by two interrelated factors: (1) the public policies adopted to utilize the resources made available by a post-Vietnam military cutback; and (2) the growing public awareness of the "fiscal mismatch" between federal financial resources and state and local governmental program responsibilities. These two factors are closely related because federal programs designed to reduce the fiscal mismatch also represent possible alternative ways of offsetting the deflationary impacts of a reduction in military spending. Nature of a Likely Post-Vietnam Environment. At this point in time it is extremely difficult to speculate as to the precise nature of a cutback in United States defense spending following peace in Vietnam. If the general dimensions correspond to the Korean experience, it would be expected that spending would decline substantially after the cessation of hostilities but not down to the level prior to the conflict. As Vietnam outlays are now running at over $20 billion a year, a reduction of about $15 billion in United States military demand might be anticipated during
Conjugate linear filtering

Aspects of optimum filtering for complex valued random processes are presented. Ordinary linear filters are complemented with conjugate linear filters. It is found that the incorporation of conjugate linear filtering improves signal-to-noise ratio by a factor of two in matched filter receivers. For optimum least squares filtering the inclusion of conjugate processing reduces mean-square error by a factor as great as two; the improvement depends primarily on the degree of correlation between the real and imaginary parts of the signal process. The analysis utilizes special correlation properties of receiver noise. Also, in the absence of phase lock, conjugate linear processing offers no improvement. Finally, it is observed that in the Gaussian case the least squares nonlinear receiver for modulations consists of the derived linear-conjugate linear receiver followed by demodulators comparable to those used in practice.
Lithium ions inhibit function of lowbut not high-affinity muscarinic receptors of murine neuroblastoma cells (clone N1E-115)

Murine neuroblastoma cells (clone N1E-115) possess both high- and low-affinity muscarinic receptors. The low-affinity muscarinic receptor, when stimulated, initiates the formation of cyclic GMP by activating the enzyme guanylate cyclase; whereas stimulation of the high-affinity receptor inhibits prostaglanding E1-mediated cyclic AMP formation by inhibiting the enzyme adenylate cyclase. We have reported that lithium ion (Li+) inhibits cyclic GMP formation mediated by the muscarinic receptor agonist, carbachol. in a concentration-dependent manner and that neither ammonium nor sodium ions have such an effect. We extended this study to show that Li+ was an apparently noncompetitive inhibitor of the low-affinity muscarinic receptor with an IC50 (±SEM)=13.6±0.8 mM. In addition, Li+ with a similar IC50 inhibited the cyclic GMP response in intact cells to sodium azide, which is thought to stimulate guanylate cyclase directly. Moreover, though Li+ was found to have a slight inhibitory effect on prostaglandin E1-stimulated cyclic AMP formation (15% inhibition at 10 mM), it had no effect on the function of the high-affinity muscarinic receptor in intact murine neuroblastoma cells.
Slippage and re‐initiation of (hydraulic) fractures at frictional interfaces

The analysis of mechanisms which could control the growth of fractures in non-homogeneous regions is of paramount importance. One such mechanism is the behavior of the fracture as it reaches a frictional interface; coupled with this is the question of re-initiation, e.g. whether a fracture can be contained within the region of initiation. Though the problems of slippage have been dealt with by other investigators, the present paper gives a more comprehensive picture and detailed treatment: effects of various frictional models at an interface are considered for a crack which intersects it at any angle; specialization then allows comparison with existing results in the literature. The problem of re-initiation, after slippage has occurred at a frictional interface, is also considered, using two different models. First, by introducing microcracks in the adjacent stratum and looking at the effects on propagation criteria and, secondly, by examining the actual distribution of the stress tangential to the slip surface; detailed computations are performed and a simple criterion for re-initiation is given, relating the re-initiation stress dominantly to the confining stress on the interface.
Synthesis and maturation of cross-reactive glycoprotein in fibroblasts deficient in arylsulfatase A activity.

Abstract The biosynthesis of arylsulfatase A was studied in cultured fibroblasts by pulse-chase labeling with [2- 3 H]mannose; the enzyme was isolated by immunoprecipitation and denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In normal fibroblasts, and in fibroblasts from a patient with multiple sulfatase deficiency, the enzyme was synthesized as a glycoprotein of apparent molecular weight of 59,000; half of it was processed over a period of 4 days to M r = 57,000. The precursor chain of M r = 59,000 was secreted in the presence of 10 mM NH 4 Cl. An immunoprecipitable glycoprotein of normal size was synthesized by fibroblasts from two unrelated patients with metachromatic leukodystrophy, but this material disappeared within twenty hours. In fibroblasts from an individual with pseudodeficiency of arylsulfatase A, the immunoprecipitable precursor glycoprotein was smaller (M r = 56,000). The synthesis of cross-reactive proteins with altered properties supports the concept of allelic mutations as the genetic basis of metachromatic leukodystrophy and of arylsulfatase A pseudodeficiency.
The equilibrium price of futures contracts: A result drawn from capital asset pricing model

A recent study shows that separation theorems in the stock and forward market literatures may not hold in an integrated financial market; therefore, the securities market may influence futures trading. This article investigates the securities market influence on the futures price. The result shows that although the futures price incorporates the investor's expectation about the future spot price, it generally is not a best estimate of the spot price. In addition, it is shown that the speculative activity can destabilize the cash market for some commodities, if initially, the underlying cash price is highly volatile.
Impact of carbon incorporation on the effective work function of WN and TaN metal gate electrodes

Plasma carbonization was used to study the effect of carbon incorporation on the work function of metal nitride gates. The work functions were shifted by as much as 200 mV upon the incorporation of 8% carbon. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that these shifts in the work function values are mainly driven by the formation of metal-carbon and carbon-carbon bonds in the metal gate. In particular, the work function decreased with increasing the metal-carbon bond concentration, reaching as low as 4.28 eV for TaC with 50% carbon. This correlation of bonding with the work function can be used to tune the work function of metal gates.
A comparative study of intraosseous versus peripheral intravenous infusion of diazepam and phenobarbital in dogs

Authors of recent literature have made several references to the use of intraosseous infusion in emergency situations. This method has provided a useful route of medication and fluid administration when peripheral IV access has been unsuccessful. Controlled studies on intraosseous infusion have been limited. To more accurately evaluate the effectiveness of this technique, we administered diazepam to 20 dogs randomly assigned to either peripheral IV (n = 10) or tibial intraosseous (n = 10) groups. Intramedullary placement usually was performed within 15 seconds. Central venous diazepam samples were collected at one-, three-, six-, ten-, and 20-minute intervals. Intraosseous infusion achieved and maintained serum diazepam levels comparable to those achieved by IV administration. This study was repeated with phenobarbital using a different set of 20 dogs with samples collected at one-, three-, six-, and ten-minute intervals. Results were similar in that the levels were comparable regardless of the use of intraosseous or IV administration. Complications using this technique have been few. When peripheral IV access is unobtainable, intraosseous infusion has been shown to be an effective and efficient alternative for administering medications and fluids.
Standard quantification theory in the analysis of English

Standard first-order logic plus quantifiers of all finite orders (“SFOLω”) faces four well-known difficulties when used to characterize the behavior of certain English quantifier phrases. All four difficulties seem to stem from the typed structure of SFOLω models. The typed structure of SFOLω models is in turn a product of an asymmetry between the meaning of names and the meaning of predicates, the element-set asymmetry. In this paper we examine a class of models in which this asymmetry of meaning is removed. The models of this class permit definitions of the quantifiers which allow a desirable flexibility in fixing the domain of quantification. Certain SFOLω type restrictions are thereby avoided. The resulting models of English validate all of the standard first-order logical truths and are free of the four deficiencies of SFOLω models.
Value of an intraoperative real time tissue perfusion assessment system following a nipple-sparing radical mastectomy for advanced breast cancer

INTRODUCTION Standard surgical approach for advanced breast cancer is a modified radical mastectomy with a periareolar elliptical incision. Here a unique surgical approach is presented utilizing intraoperative real time tissue perfusion technology.
Transformations in Crystalline Ammonium Nickel Tutton Salt Induced by Infrared Hole Burning

The title compound doped with a small amount of deuterium shows infrared bands due to the N−D and O−D stretching vibrations. When one of the N−D bands is irradiated with an infrared laser, holes and anti-holes are produced. The pattern of these holes/anti-holes depends on the irradiation time. A ten-minute irradiation produces holes/anti-holes in the N−D bands only. A ten-second irradiation produces holes/anti-holes in the O−D bands as well. The features produced by the ten-second irradiation decay during the longer irradiation. Thus, the burning and decay kinetics of the Tutton salts involve processes that occur on at least two time scales.
Dynamic facility location when the total number of facilities is uncertain: A decision analysis approach

Models developed to analyze facility location decisions have typically optimized one or more objectives, subject to physical, structural, and policy constraints, in a static or deterministic setting. Because of the large capital outlays that are involved, however, facility location decisions are frequently long-term in nature. Consequently, there may be considerable uncertainty regarding the way in which relevant parameters in the location decision will change over time. In this paper, we propose two approaches for analyzing these types of dynamic location problems, focussing on situations where the total number of facilities to be located in uncertain. We term this type of location problem NOFUN (Number Of Facilities Uncertain). We analyze the NOFUN problem using two well-established decision criteria: the minimization of expected opportunity loss (EOL), and the minimization of maximum regret. In general, these criteria assume that there are a finite number of decision options and a finite number of possible states of nature. The minisum EOL criterion assumes that one can assign probabilities for the occurrence of the various states of nature and, therefore, find the initial set of facility locations that minimize the sum of expected losses across all future states. The minimax regret criteria finds the pattern of initial facility locations whose maximum loss is minimized over all possible future states.
Time-modulated oscillatory convection.

We investigate the effect of temporal modulation on the spatial patterns produced by a spatially extended system undergoing a Hopf bifurcation. It is shown that physically this modulation can stabilize standing waves, which would otherwise be stable to traveling waves. Mathematically a codimension-3 point is naturally introduced which encompasses a Takens-Bogdanov codimension-2 point with vanishing Hopf frequency. Experimentally this setup is attractive since the three relevant parameters are easily accessible and the steady bifurcation can be made forward as well as backward near a codimension-2 point.