cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oral desensitisation in cow milk allergy: immunological findings.

In the literature there are several reports dealing with the possibility of a desensitising treatment in food allergy, but there are very few studies about the immunological mechanisms of oral desensitisation. We studied the immunological modifications in four children who underwent oral desensitisation with cow milk. Four children with cow milk allergy underwent oral desensitisation according to a standardized protocol. Total IgE, eosinophilic cationic protein in serum, and specific IgE and IgG4 to α-lactalbumin, to β-lactoglobulin and to casein were determined at the beginning of the treatment and after 6, 12 and 18 months in the 4 children treated. All the 4 treated patients successfully completed the treatment. Specific IgE to casein showed a significant reduction (p<0.01), while specific IgG4 to α-lactalbumin (p<0.02), to β-lactoglobulin (p<0.01) and to casein (p<0.01) showed a significant increase. Total IgE, eosinophilic cationic protein, and specific IgE to α-lactalbumin and to β-lactoglobulin did not show any significant modification. Control patients did not show any immunological modification and still had a positive double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge. These results make us think that oral desensitisation in food allergy happens with the same mechanisms of traditional desensitising treatments for respiratory and insect sting allergies.
From Vicksburg to Cedar Creek: The 22nd Iowa Infantry in the Civil War

Review of: "From Vicksburg to Cedar Creek: The 22nd Iowa Infantry in the Civil War," by Thomas P. McKenna.
Preliminary Report on Breeding of “923”a Late Season Indica Rice Variety with High Quality

?23”, a late season indica rice variety with high quality was bred via linear selection from the compound cross among “Liantangzao”,“IR36”,“Wai No.3” and “Lianxuanxian”.The paper reports the breeding of “923”,good traits of “923”,the situation of its planting and the main technologies of its cultivation. It has also discussed the breeding of rice variety with high quality.
Fluorescent Antibody Technique in Clinical Microbiology

Unquestionably a valuable tool for rapid and specific diagnosis of a number of common bacterial and viral infections, the FA technique has not yet achieved routine use at the clinical level. Dr. Na...
A gigantic skull and skeleton of the horned dinosaur Pentaceratops sternbergi from New Mexico

An exceptionally large skeleton of Pentaceratops sternbergi (Ornithischia:Ceratopsia) provides for the first time an accurate impression of the body proportions in this horned dinosaur. This is the only known specimen with a skull associated with most of the postcranial skeleton. The restored skull is nearly three meters in length and is thus the largest of any ceratopsian and the largest skull thus far known in any terrestrial vertebrate. The elongate rostrum, elaborate premaxillary structure, and complex frontal and cornual sinuses demonstrate a high level of intraspecific variability in these features. Such features are therefore likely not useful in providing species-level discrimination in other chasmosaurines. The function of the intricate chasmosaurine premaxillary narial structures is probably associated with an advanced level of herbivory.
Future of Computing Labs at Marriot Library.

Citing recent ECAR study [1], one may ask, when 91% of students own laptops, why continue with the physical computing labs on academic campuses? It is a fair question and one that we, at Marriott Library at University of Utah, constantly keep asking ourselves. Rising numbers in device ownership in student & general population have been predicted for sometime now (by various Educause and Pew research center studies). Some academics and technologists have looked at the implications of these rising numbers in device ownership. Their findings, though, have been mixed -- while some argue that students prefer to use physical computers over their personal laptops for convenience & other factors, others have essentially proclaimed the death of these physical labs. An interesting quote from ECAR 2012 [2], suggests that, this question can be put to rest by "investigating this matter locally" as the local environment will dictate the shaping of successful strategy -- for example, is IT support centralized, is it a commuter campus, does any department issue laptops for students as part of enrollment, etc.? While we plan to conduct student survey later this year, attempting to address this very question, we have taken a few steps that position us very well between the past and possible future.
A Path Model of Expressive Vocabulary Skills in Initially Preverbal Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

We examined direct and indirect paths involving receptive vocabulary and diversity of key consonants used in communication (DKCC) to improve understanding of why previously identified value-added predictors are associated with later expressive vocabulary for initially preverbal children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n = 87). Intentional communication, DKCC, and parent linguistic responses accounted for unique variance in later expressive vocabulary when controlling for mid-point receptive vocabulary, but responding to joint attention did not. We did not confirm any indirect paths through mid-point receptive vocabulary. DKCC mediated the association between intentional communication and expressive vocabulary. Further research is needed to replicate the findings, test potentially causal relations, and provide a specific sequence of intervention targets for preverbal children with ASD.
(Arm) Wrestling with Masculinity: Television, Toughness, and the Touch of Another Man’s Hand

For decades, dating back to the medium’s origins as a commercially viable form of mass communication in the postwar years, US television programs have contributed to the many paradoxes of masculini...
A component of lobular carcinoma in clinically lymph node–negative patients predicts for an increased likelihood of upstaging to pathologic stage III breast cancer

Abstract Purpose Physical examination and diagnostic imaging are often less precise in determining the extent of disease in invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) relative to nonlobular histologies. Anecdotally, surgical axillary evaluation frequently reveals positive lymph nodes in clinically N0 patients with ILC; however, few studies quantify the likelihood of finding unsuspected disease at the time of surgery. In this study, we evaluate whether the presence of lobular histology increases the incidence of surgical upstaging to pathologic stage IIIA or greater in patients with a clinically node-negative axilla and positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy. Methods and materials We examined patients from our institution between 1997 and 2009 treated specifically with mastectomy, SLN biopsy, and completion axillary lymph node dissection due to a positive SLN. For analysis, patients were grouped according to the presence of any lobular component on surgical pathology. The number of total positive lymph nodes, cancer stage, age, final tumor size, and ER/PR/HER2 status were assessed based on tumor histology. Results We evaluated 345 previously untreated women with clinical T0-T2 and N0 disease at the time of surgery. A total of 110 patients (32%) had a component of ILC on surgical pathology. In addition, 295 patients (85.5%) had ER + breast carcinoma, 243 (70.4%) had PR + disease, 56 (16.2%) were HER2 + , and 28 (8.1%) were triple negative. At the time of surgery, women with lobular disease were observed to have a greater number of positive lymph nodes (2.79 vs 2.26; P = .009) and were more frequently upstaged to at least pathologic stage IIIA compared with nonlobular patients (30.9% vs 17.4%; P = .007). Conclusions In this cohort, patients with a component of lobular carcinoma were more often surgically upstaged to pathologic stage IIIA or higher, which is a classical indication for postmastectomy radiation therapy. Our findings suggest that ILC is often more extensive than it appears clinically and has significant implications for management of patients with lobular carcinoma after the discovery of a positive SLN.
Face-to-Face Diplomacy: Social Neuroscience and International Relations

Face-to-face diplomacy has long been the lynchpin of world politics, yet it is largely dismissed by scholars of International Relations as unimportant. Marcus Holmes argues that dismissing this type of diplomacy is in stark contrast to what leaders and policy makers deem as essential and that this view is rooted in a particular set of assumptions that see an individual's intentions as fundamentally inaccessible. Building on recent evidence from social neuroscience and psychology, Holmes argues that this assumption is problematic. Marcus Holmes studies some of the most important moments of diplomacy in the twentieth century, from 'Munich' to the end of the Cold War, and by showing how face-to-face interactions allowed leaders to either reassure each other of benign defensive intentions or pick up on offensive intentions, his book challenges the notion that intentions are fundamentally unknowable in international politics, a central idea in IR theory.
Challenges of managing delirium and catatonia in a medically ill patient

Abstract Background Untangling catatonia and delirium can be challenging. Furthermore, treatment of one syndrome can potentially worsen another. Case presentation We present the case of a 71-year-old patient with a history of schizoaffective disorder, bipolar subtype, who developed catatonia and delirium with prominent psychotic symptoms, during a single hospitalization. Treatment of this patient's catatonia with benzodiazepines exacerbated delirium, while treatment of psychotic symptoms precipitated by delirium with antipsychotics led to catatonia. Catatonia and psychotic symptoms were eventually successfully managed with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Discussion This case report highlights some of the treatment challenges faced when delirium and catatonia overlap in a medically ill patient. The use of benzodiazepines, valproic acid, antipsychotics, ECT and alternate medications to treat catatonia are also discussed.
The antecedents of consciousness: Evolving the "intelligent" ability to simulate situations and contemplate the consequences of novel courses of action.

Offline trial and error is probably the basic way of solving novel problems and, where fancier procedures such as algorithms are used, trial-and-error was probably the main way of evolving them. We need to know how humans evolved such simulation abilities. And it would be nice to know some alternative paths that an extraterrestrial intelligence might have followed. I'm going to give an example of the neural machinery that intelligence might require, a brief description of how it might have evolved, then discuss hominid evolution more generally and speculate about what might happen in the next century as we better understand the machinery underlying our own higher intellectual functions.
Survey of spiritual quality of life among survivorship and distress guidelines.

e21566Background: In 2005, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) published a landmark report, “From Cancer Patient To Cancer Survivor”, highlighting the needs of survivors of adult cancer. The IOM public...
Gender Differences in the Prevalence of Chronic Pain and Leisure Time Physical Activity Among US Adults: A NHANES Study

Gender disparities in chronic pain are well documented in the literature. However, little is known regarding the relationship between physical activity (PA) and gender disparities in chronic pain. This study described gender differences in prevalence of chronic pain and PA, and identified a type of leisure time PA that individuals frequently chose in a nationally representative sample of US adults (N = 14,449). Data from the National Health Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004 were analyzed. Individuals were categorized into no chronic pain (NCP), localized chronic pain (LCP), and widespread chronic pain (WCP) groups based on responses to a pain questionnaire. A self-report PA questionnaire was used to estimate the time spent in different types of PA. Women showed higher prevalence of LCP and WCP compared to men. Men spent more hours per week for leisure time PA compared to women, but men and women showed similar prevalence of sufficient PA to meet a PA recommendation (≥150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA) across chronic pain categories. However, the prevalence of sufficient PA was substantially higher among men and women with NCP compared to men and women with LCP and WCP. Additionally, both men and women chose walking as the primary type of leisure time PA. Together, gender disparities exist in the prevalence of chronic pain and hours spent for leisure time PA. More research is needed to explore the role of increasing leisure time PA, such as walking, in reducing gender disparities in chronic pain.
General Aviation Pilots Transition to Advanced Cockpit Technologies and Adult Learning

Pilots for many years have received training on the round instrument gauges. Can they now safely make the transfer to the new cockpit technologies? Studies show a cognitive deficit with pilots over the age of 40 making transitions to these advanced cockpits. Older pilots as well as older adult learners in general absorb and retain information differently than our younger counterparts. The training and instructional programs are now geared towards a one size fits all. According to the literature, problems seem to surface affecting older pilots. This article addresses these concerns.
Localization of current oscillations and synchronization patterns in microchip-based dual electrode flow cell without resistance balancing

The spatiotemporal patterns formed in a two-electrode cell are investigated with oscillatory nickel electrodissolution in a microfluidic flow channel. Because the distances of the two working electrodes to the reference/counter electrodes at the end of the flow channel are different, there is an underlying dynamical heterogeneity that occurs in the form of different solution resistance. When the electrodes are placed far apart, due to the large heterogeneity, localized current oscillation on upstream or downstream electrode is observed. It is found that the other confounding factor in the generated patterns is the electrical coupling strength, that can be tuned by the distance between the electrodes. As the distance is increased (and the coupling strength is decreased), a transition from (nearly) in-phase synchronized oscillations through no synchrony to anti-phase current oscillations occurs. The localization of oscillatory behavior is explained with a two-parameter stability analysis by a bifurcation diagram of a single electrode. An ordinary differential equation model is derived to predict oscillatory patterns at different placement and all experimental findings can be reproduced. The results thus demonstrate the use of coupled ordinary differential equations modeling approach to the description of self-organized temporal and spatial features of the micro-scale electrochemical system.
Abstract 160: Atg7-Dependent Activation of Mitochondrial Autophagy in Cardiomyocytes

Introduction: Autophagy-related protein 7 (Atg7) has been studied for its role in cellular macroautophagy induction and regulation in different cell systems. We have previously reported that Atg7 r...
Food insecurity is associated with suboptimal sleep quality, but not sleep duration, among low-income Head Start children of pre-school age.

OBJECTIVE To examine the association between food insecurity and child sleep outcomes and to investigate whether parent psychosocial factors mediate such associations. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. Usual wake time and bedtime, bedtime routine and sleep quality were reported by parents using the adapted Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire. Food insecurity was assessed using the eighteen-item US Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Module. Parent psychosocial factors, including perceived stress, parenting self-efficacy and depressive symptomology, were assessed using validated scales. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to determine the association between food insecurity and sleep outcomes controlling for potential confounders. Mediation analyses and Sobel tests were applied to test the mediating effect of psychosocial factors. SETTING Head Start pre-school classrooms in four regions across central Pennsylvania, USA. PARTICIPANTS Low-income children of pre-school age (n 362) and their caregivers. RESULTS Prevalence of household, adult and child food insecurity was 37·3, 31·8 and 17·7 %, respectively. Food security status at any level was not associated with child sleep duration or bedtime routine. Child food insecurity, but not household or adult food insecurity, was associated with 2·25 times increased odds (95 % CI 1·11, 4·55) of poor child sleep quality in the adjusted model. Perceived stress, self-efficacy and depressive symptomology mediated less than 2 % of the observed effect (all Sobel test P > 0·6). CONCLUSION Food insecurity, particularly at the child level, is a potential modifiable risk factor for reducing sleep-related health disparities in early childhood. Future studies are needed to explore the plausible mechanisms underlying the associations between food insecurity and adverse child sleep outcomes.
The Coupled Brains of Captivated Audiences

Abstract. Suspense not only creates a strong psychological tension within individuals, but it does so reliably across viewers who become collectively engaged with the story. Despite its prevalence ...
211 Unintended consequences of carrying firearms in vehicles on firearm thefts: an analysis of Tennessee’s 2014 legal change

Statement of Purpose Stolen firearms are commonly used in firearm assaults. The media have reported a recent increase in firearm thefts from vehicles, but there is little empirical evidence to determine underlying causes. We determined the association between the implementation of a 2014 Tennessee law allowing any citizen not prohibited from owning a firearm to carry a firearm in their vehicle on the rate of firearm thefts from vehicles. Methods/Approach We use monthly data from the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) between 2009 and 2018 on firearm thefts from a vehicle for Tennessee and 13 control states without such a law. We use a quasi-experimental design with multiple-group interrupted time-series analysis to estimate the effect of the Tennessee law on firearm theft from a vehicle. Results Comparison of thefts before and after the enactment of the 2014 Tennessee law show a significant increase in rates of firearm thefts from a vehicle: The average monthly rate was 1.99 per 100,000 before the implementation of the law and 3.26 per 100,000 after (Difference=1.27, t=15.105, p Conclusion While a law passed in Tennessee was intended to allow citizens to protect themselves against intruders in their vehicles, it was associated with a marked increase in firearm thefts from vehicles. Significance and Contributions to Injury and Violence Prevention Science Allowing anyone to carry firearms in their vehicles can have serious unintended consequences due to the increased supply of unsecured firearms in vehicles. This has resulted in thousands of additional firearms flowing from firearm owners in Tennessee into illegal markets, which in turn can increase the supply of weapons for violent crimes. Additional policies, vehicle secure storage innovations, and behavioral interventions are urgently needed to stem this source of illegally obtained firearms.
Design and Operation of Hangzhou Jiangdong flexible DC distribution network

The Jiangdong flexible DC distribution network is the demonstration project of the State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power Company for the exploration of DC distribution technology. The project adopts integrated, pre-installed and modular design, factory commissioning and outdoor container installation. It consists of three AC terminals connected to three distribution areas where AC voltages are 10 kV, 10 kV and 20 kV respectively, and the DC voltage is ±10 kV. No transformers are used for three modular multilevel converters. This paper presents overview of Jiangdong flexible DC distribution network and some parts of specific considerations for the system.
Nipple Engineering: Maintaining Nipple Geometry with Externally Scaffolded Processed Autologous Costal Cartilage.

Summary Introduction Nipple reconstruction is the essential last step of breast reconstruction after total mastectomy, resulting in improved general and aesthetic satisfaction. However, most techniques are limited by secondary scar contracture and loss of neo-nipple projection leading to patient dissatisfaction. Approximately, 16,000 patients undergo autologous flap breast reconstruction annually, during which the excised costal cartilage (CC) is discarded. We propose utilizing processed CC placed within biocompatible 3D-printed external scaffolds to generate tissue cylinders that mimic the shape, size and biomechanical properties of native human nipple tissue while mitigating contracture and projection loss. Methods External scaffolds were designed and then 3D-printed using polylactic acid (PLA). Patient-derived CC was processed by mincing or zesting, then packed into the scaffolds, implanted into nude rats and explanted after 3 months for volumetric, histologic and biomechanical analyses. Similar analyses were performed on native human nipple tissue and unprocessed CC. Results After 3 months in vivo, gross analysis demonstrated significantly greater preservation of contour, projection and volume of the scaffolded nipples. Mechanical analysis demonstrated that processing of the cartilage resulted in implant equilibrium modulus values closer to that of the human nipple. Histologic analysis showed the presence of healthy and viable cartilage after 3 months in vivo, invested with fibrovascular tissue. Conclusions Autologous CC can be processed intraoperatively and placed within biocompatible external scaffolds to mimic the shape and biomechanical properties of the native human nipple. This allows for custom design and fabrication of individualized engineered autologous implants tailored to patient desire, without the loss of projection seen with traditional approaches.
Carbon Monoxide as a Therapeutic for Airway Diseases: Contrast and Comparison of Various CO Delivery Modalities.

The quest to find novel strategies to tackle respiratory illnesses has led to the exploration of the potential therapeutic effects of carbon monoxide (CO) as an endogenous signaling molecule and a cytoprotective agent. Further, several studies have demonstrated the pharmacological efficacy of CO in animal models of respiratory disorders such as acute lung injury and pulmonary hypertension. Because of the gaseous nature of CO and its affinity for multiple targets, its controlled delivery has been a challenge. Past studies have employed different delivery modalities including CO gas, HO-1 inducers, and CO donors, sometimes leading to substantive variations of the resulting pharmacological effects for various reasons. Herein, this review summarizes and analyzes the differences among the profiles of various CO-delivery modalities in terms of their efficacy, dosing regimen, and pharmacokinetics in airways models. We believe that analysis of these issues will help in understanding the fundamental roles of CO in airways and eventually contribute to its development as a medicine for respiratory diseases.
The stereochemistry of bicyclo[3.2.1]octane—XI : The addition of monohalocarbene to norbornene

Abstract Monochloro- and monobromocarbene undergo exo addition to norbornene to give exo-anti -3-halotricyclo[3.2.1.0 2,4 octene-2. The exo-anti adducts were found to be remarkably stable, in contrast to the exo-syn adducts, which, though not observed, were presumed to be the labile precursors of the rearranged products. The reasons for these stereochemical differences are discussed.
Pragmatism and Business Ethics

This article addresses the use of pragmatism as a means to integrate theoretical and actual human experiences to enhance business ethics and ethical decision making skills. Keywords: pragmatism; business ethics
Ecosystem health and management: A culmination of ecosystem ecology

Scientific fields begin with initial conjectures that lead to testable hypotheses, which in turn develop into a theoretical framework. That framework becomes the foundation on which an edifice of p...
Planning multi-paths using speciation in genetic algorithms

A path planning algorithm is developed based on a minimal representation size cluster genetic algorithm (MRSC GA). The algorithm utilizes evolutionary computation techniques for planning paths for mobile robots, piano-movers problems and N-link manipulators. MRSC GA is used for generating multi-paths to provide alternative solutions to the path planning problem. The generation of alternative solutions is especially important for planning paths in dynamic environments. A novel iterative multi-resolution path representation is used as a basis for the GA coding. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated on a number of 2D path planning problems.
Equal by Law, Unequal by Caste: The "Untouchable" Condition in Critical Race Perspective

Caste-based oppression in India lives today in an environment seemingly hostile to its presence: a nation-state that has long been labeled the "world's largest democracy;" a progressive and protective constitution; a system of laws designed to proscribe and punish acts of discrimination on the basis of caste; broad-based programs of affirmative action that include constitutionally mandated reservations or quotas for Dalits, or so-called "untouchables;" a plethora of caste-conscious measures designed to ensure the economic "upliftment" of Dalits; and an aggressive economic liberalization campaign to fuel India's economic growth. This Article seeks to answer the question of how and why this seemingly foolproof recipe for equality has done little to mitigate centuries of oppression and exclusion for over 167 million Dalits at the bottom of India's caste system. To the contrary, caste-based discrimination, inequality, and oppression comfortably survive and even thrive in modern day India. The Article further asks whether the clarion call of "Dalit Rights are Human Rights," increasingly heeded by the international community and heard around the world, can now succeed where all else has seemingly failed. It concludes that "Dalit Rights are Human Rights" is not a self-fulfilling prophecy but one that can galvanize a project of social transformation so long as it does not restrict itself to the constraints of the legal and moral regime in which this struggle now lives. The Article situates "caste" in a global context, particularly in the context of debates around affirmative action, racial inequality, and racial justice in the United States.
Oncogenic Ras activation of Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase-independent pathways is sufficient to cause tumorigenic transformation.

Substantial evidence supports a critical role for the activation of the Raf-1/MEK/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in oncogenic Ras-mediated transformation. For example, dominant negative mutants of Raf-1, MEK, and mitogen-activated protein kinase all inhibit Ras transformation. Furthermore, the observation that plasma membrane-localized Raf-1 exhibits the same transforming potency as oncogenic Ras suggests that Raf-1 activation alone is sufficient to mediate full Ras transforming activity. However, the recent identification of other candidate Ras effectors (e.g., RalGDS and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase) suggests that activation of other downstream effector-mediated signaling pathways may also mediate Ras transforming activity. In support of this, two H-Ras effector domain mutants, H-Ras(12V, 37G) and H-Ras(12V, 40C), which are defective for Raf binding and activation, induced potent tumorigenic transformation of some strains of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. These Raf-binding defective mutants of H-Ras induced a transformed morphology that was indistinguishable from that induced by activated members of Rho family proteins. Furthermore, the transforming activities of both of these mutants were synergistically enhanced by activated Raf-1 and inhibited by the dominant negative RhoA(19N) mutant, indicating that Ras may cause transformation that occurs via coordinate activation of Raf-dependent and -independent pathways that involves Rho family proteins. Finally, cotransfection of H-Ras(12V, 37G) and H-Ras(12V, 40C) resulted in synergistic cooperation of their focus-forming activities, indicating that Ras activates at least two Raf-independent, Ras effector-mediated signaling events.
INTRODUCTION TO SPECIAL ISSUE ON CORPORATE APPLICATIONS OF PREDICTION MARKETS

Most academic journals are destined to be read by a few specialists and then quickly archived to dusty bookshelves. This special issue has a very different aim. It is primarily intended to be a gentle introduction for business practitioners interested in corporate applications of prediction markets. While it is easy to find laudatory reports on these markets in the popular press, such stories are typically based on only one or two case studies. This special issue seeks to bridge this gap, by collecting the experiences of several pioneers in corporate prediction markets.
Vertical Channel Silicon Carbide JFETs Based Operational Amplifiers

Superior performance of the Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductor in high temperature and harsh environment is widely known. However, utilizing the Vertical Channel 4H–SiC JFET (SiC VJFET) for analog circuit design exhibits significant design challenges, even at room temperature. The fundamental challenges are low intrinsic gain, the limitation of the Gate to Source Voltage Range (GSVR), and restrictions on utilizing Channel Length (CL) as a design parameter due to fabrication complexity. These challenges must be successfully overcome at room temperature, before moving forward with high temperature design. After addressing these issues, two operational amplifiers (opamps) with two distinct design topologies are designed and fabricated. The first design (opamp-1) emphasizes on the gain and Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR) performances [1]. The second design (opamp-2) presents a novel opamp [2] with universal applications where the reliability and unity gain frequency performances are also improved. In this paper, the performance parameters of these two opamps along with their design topologies are reported and compared.
Plasma fibronectin concentration in patients with acquired consumptive coagulopathies

Abstract Plasma fibronectin was assayed in 179 hospitalized patients referred for workup of possible acquired coagulopathy. Based on laboratory results and chart review, these patients were classified as having no coagulopathy (N=36), defibrination syndrome (N=31), compensated defibrination syndrome (N=100), microangiopathic thrombocytopenia (N=7), and primary fibrinolysis (N=5). Compared to patients with no coagulopathy, fibronectin concentration was reduced in patients with defibrination syndrome (p
Modification of morphine analgesia and tolerance by flumazenil in male and female rats

This study assessed the effect of the central benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, 8-fluoro-5,6-dihydro-5-methyl-6-oxo-4H-imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepine-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (flumazenil), on morphine-induced analgesia, locomotor effects, and development of tolerance in rats. The thermally evoked pain (tail flick) response was determined after acute and chronic intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of morphine and flumazenil, alone and in combination. In acute studies, flumazenil induced weak analgesia unrelated to dose and sex, whereas morphine-induced analgesia was dependent on both dose and sex (male>female). Flumazenil dose-dependently enhanced the analgesic effect of morphine in female but not in male rats. Isobolographic analysis suggested synergism between flumazenil and morphine in female rats, but antagonism in male rats. Flumazenil-induced locomotor changes (alone and with morphine) were related to sex but not dose. Chronic coadministration of flumazenil with morphine enhanced analgesia and attenuated tolerance development in female rats. The findings suggest a possible role for flumazenil as an adjunct with opioids in acute and chronic pain therapy.
Electron spin resonance studies under dynamic mobile phase conditions on chemically modified silica.

Abstract The electron-spin resonance (ESR) techniques of spin labeling and probing are shown to be powerful methods for the study of bonded silicas used in chromatographic separations under dynamic solvent flow conditions. Microscopic information gained from these studies includes solvation composition of the bonded phase at various locales in the bonded phase, configuration of the bonded phase and solvent-flow effects. In the spin-label study,2-(2,2-dimethyloxazolidine-N-oxy)hexylsilane (DOXYL hexyl siloxane) was used as the label. ESR spectra show changes in the motional freedom of the bonded surface as a function of mobile phase composition and elution time and demonstrate chain stiffening with the introduction of water, as infered by other studies. In the spin-probe work, various nitroxide compounds of the 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-l-piperidinyloxyl (TEMPO) family were introduced under flow conditions as a O.1 m M solution in various water—methanol mobile phases. C 18 sample columns were equilibrated with this mixture. Interpretation of the spectra yielded information about the solvated environment on the surface that was sampled by the probes as a function of both the mobile phase and the polarity of the probe.
Resilience, Ambiguous Loss, and Older Same-Sex Couples: The Resilience Constellation Model

Secondary data analysis examined factors contributing to successful long-term same-sex relationships in older adults. An online survey of couple satisfaction and life factors provided data from 156...
Flow reactor studies of methyl radical oxidation reactions in methane‐perturbed moist carbon monoxide oxidation at high pressure with model sensitivity analysis

New rate constant determinations for the reactions CH3 + HO2 CH3O + OH(1) CH3 + HO2 CH4 + O2(2) CH3 + O2 CH2O + OH(3) were made at 1000 K by fitting species profiles from high-pressure flow reactor experiments on moist CO oxidation perturbed with methane. These reactions are important steps in the intermediate-temperature burnout of hydrocarbon pollutants, especially at super-atmospheric pressure. The experiments used in the fit were selected to minimize the uncertainty in the determinations. These uncertainties were estimated using model sensitivity coefficients, derived for time-shifted flow reactor experiments, along with literature uncertainties for the unfitted rate constants. The experimental optimization procedure significantly reduced the uncertainties in each of these rate constants over the current literature values. The new rate constants and their uncertainties were determined to be, at 1000 K: k1 = 1.48(10)13 cm3 mol−1 s−1 (UF = 2.24) k2 = 3.16(10)12 cm3 mol−1 s−1 (UF = 2.89) k3 = 2.36(10)8 cm3 mol−1 s−1 (UF = 4.23) There are no direct and few indirect measurements of reactions (1) and (2) in the literature. There are few measurements of reaction (3) near 1000 K. These results therefore represent an important refinement to radical oxidation chemistry of significance to methane and higher alkane oxidation. The model sensitivity analysis used in the experimental design was also used to characterize the mechanistic dependence of the new rate constant values. Linear sensitivities of the fitted rate constants to the unfitted rate constants were given. The sensitivity analysis was used to show that the determinations above are primarily dependent on the rate constants chosen for the reactions CH3 + CH3 + M C2H6 + M and CH2O + HO2 HCO + H2O2. Uncertainties in the rate constants of these two reactions are the primary contributors to the uncertainty factors given above. Further reductions in the uncertainties of these kinetics would lead to significant reductions in the uncertainties in our determinations of k1, k2, and k3. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 33: 75–100, 2001
Seasonal relationship between pineal hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT) activity and reproductive status in the pony.

Abstract Pony pineal glands and female reproductive tracts were collected monthly for 1 year from a local slaughterhouse. Pineal gland weights did not change significantly throughout the year. Pineal gland tissue homogenates were assayed for hydroxyindole- O -methyltransferase (HIOMT) activity with N -acetylserotonin as the primary substrate. The greatest HIOMT activity was obtained with N -acetylserotonin as substrate, but three other related 5-OH indole substrates (5-hydroxytryptophol, serotonin, and 5-hydroxy-2-methylindole) were also methylated. HIOMT activity with all substrates was highest during the late fall and winter (November–February) and lowest during the spring, summer, and early fall (April–October). Percentage of mares ovulatory was inversely related to pineal HIOMT activity, except that there was a 1- to 2-month lag phase. These findings are consistent with a hypothesized antigonadal activity of both melatonin and the pineal in mammals.
Dynamics of rotating Bose-Einstein condensates probed by Bragg scattering

Gaseous Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) have become an important test bed for studying the dynamics of quantized vortices. In this work we use two-photon Doppler sensitive Bragg scattering to study the rotation of sodium BECs. We analyze the microscopic flow field and present laboratory measurements of the coarse-grained velocity profile. Unlike time-of-flight imaging, Bragg scattering is sensitive to the direction of rotation and therefore to the phase of the condensate. In addition, we have non-destructively probed the vortex flow field using a sequence of two Bragg pulses.
Fluid-structure interaction involving large deformations: 3D simulations and applications to biological systems

Three-dimensional fluid-structure interaction (FSI) involving large deformations of flexible bodies is common in biological systems, but accurate and efficient numerical approaches for modeling such systems are still scarce. In this work, we report a successful case of combining an existing immersed-boundary flow solver with a nonlinear finite-element solid-mechanics solver specifically for three-dimensional FSI simulations. This method represents a significant enhancement from the similar methods that are previously available. Based on the Cartesian grid, the viscous incompressible flow solver can handle boundaries of large displacements with simple mesh generation. The solid-mechanics solver has separate subroutines for analyzing general three-dimensional bodies and thin-walled structures composed of frames, membranes, and plates. Both geometric nonlinearity associated with large displacements and material nonlinearity associated with large strains are incorporated in the solver. The FSI is achieved through a strong coupling and partitioned approach. We perform several validation cases, and the results may be used to expand the currently limited database of FSI benchmark study. Finally, we demonstrate the versatility of the present method by applying it to the aerodynamics of elastic wings of insects and the flow-induced vocal fold vibration.
The synthesis and hydrogen storage properties of a MgH 2 incorporated carbon aerogel scaffold

A new approach to the incorporation of MgH2 in the nanometer-sized pores of a carbon aerogel scaffold was developed, by infiltrating the aerogel with a solution of dibutylmagnesium (MgBu2) precursor, and then hydrogenating the incorporated MgBu2 to MgH2. The resulting impregnated material showed broad x-ray diffraction peaks of MgH2. The incorporated MgH2 was not visible using a transmission electron microscope, which indicated that the incorporated hydride was nanosized and confined in the nanoporous structure of the aerogel. The loading of MgH2 was determined as 15-17 wt%, of which 75% is reversible over ten cycles. Incorporated MgH2 had >5 times faster dehydrogenation kinetics than ball-milled activated MgH2, which may be attributed to the particle size of the former being smaller than that of the latter. Cycling tests of the incorporated MgH(2) showed that the dehydrogenation kinetics are unchanged over four cycles. Our results demonstrate that confinement of metal hydride materials in a nanoporous scaffold is an efficient way to avoid aggregation and improve cycling kinetics for hydrogen storage materials.
PROBABILISTIC PUSHDOWN AUTOMATA

The properties of Probabilistic Pushdown Automata (PPA) are examined. First PPA is defined, various basic properties of it are derived, and several more restrictive types are considered. Then, the families of random languages acceptable and generable by various types of PPA, as well as the families of languages acceptable and generable by various types of PPA with cut-point, are studied. The relationships among these families are also examined, and many interesting results are obtained. Among them, it is shown that the family of languages generable by PPA having uniform output length is the homomorphic closure of the family of languages acceptable by PPA.
Spontaneously detected photon echoes in excited molecular ensembles: a probe pulse laser technique for the detection of optical coherence of inhomogeneously broadened electronic transitions

We present a simple and versatile laser technique for the detection of photon echoes in molecular excited ensembles. The method utilizes two optical pulses followed by a third probe pulse which converts the optical polarization induced by the laser into a change in excited population that gives rise to spontaneous emission. This way the photon echo burns the spontaneous emission and does not ride on the top of a large laser signal. The observation thus allows one to untangle the inhomogeneous electronic transitions by monitoring the emission into any vibrational level. The technique is capable of measuring as few as 10^6 molecules and should be applicable to a wide variety of problems in gases and solids that echo on the nanosecond (or perhaps picosecond) time scale.
Synthesis and potent antitumor activities of novel 1,3,5-cis,cis-triaminocyclohexane N-pyridyl derivatives.

The iron chelator N,N‘,N‘ ‘-tris(2-pyridylmethyl)-cis,cis-1,3,5-triaminocyclohexane (tachpyr) was recently reported to display potent antitumor activity. The present study was focused on identifying an adequate bifunctional version of tachpyr as a lead compound for use in antibody-targeted iron depletion tumor therapy. Preparation of tachpyr derivatives having a side chain is reported, and their cytotoxic activity is evaluated in the HeLa cell line. The observed cytotoxity appears dependent on the functionalization site of the tachpyr employed for introducing the protein conjugation. Tachpyr derivatives 14 and 15 having a side chain introduced into the 5-position of the pyridyl ring display more potent cytotoxicity than tachpyr derivatives 7 and 8 having a side chain introduced onto one of the secondary amines. BOC-protected tachpyr derivative 14 exhibited the most potent cytotoxicity against this cancer cell line, which was reasonably comparable to the parent tachpyr. Tachpyr derivative 14 was further co...
Patterns of cell viability in the diatom,Skeletonema costatum, in batch culture and in natural populations

Modifications of previously described histological staining techniques employing neutral red and Evan’s blue were used to investigate patterns of viability ofSkeletonema costatum (Grev.) Cl. in batch culture and in natural populations in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. Eight to 37% of the cells of this species present in the winter and spring of 1977 were either dead or dormant. Proportions of inactive cells greater than 25% were usually associated with stationary phase in batch culture and with periods of decline in natural populations. Patterns of viability detected by these stains would be very useful in the interpretation of any phytoplankton data based on cell counts in both descriptive and applied studies.
Energy partitioning in the surface‐induced dissociation of linear and cyclic protonated peptides at an organic surface

Full understanding of the surface-induced dissociation (SID) of biological ions requires the determination of the energy channeling into the surface and the scattered ion kinetic and internal energies. Parent and fragment ion kinetic energy distributions were measured for five peptide ions scattered off a hexanethiolate monolayer on Au(111). Singly protonated ions of triglycine, tetraglycine, cyclo(Pro-Gly), cyclo(His-Phe) and tentoxin were formed by electrospray ionization and scattered at 15–55 eV collision energies off the organic surface. The scattered parent ion kinetic energies were 24% of the incident ion energy for the linear peptides, 21% for the cyclic dipeptides and 17% for the four-peptide ring. These results suggest that ion size and/or structure influences the scattered kinetic energy. Using these values and assuming an average internal excitation efficiency of 17%, it is estimated that the final internal energy given to the surface is 59–66% of the initial collision energy. This energy transfer to the surface is very close to that previously estimated for a host of smaller polyatomic ions scattered from similar organic targets. However, comparison with small ion SID shows that the peptides leave the surface with a wider distribution of kinetic energies. Finally, the measured kinetic energy distributions show that the fragment ions for a given peptide leave the surface with a common velocity, suggesting that dissociation occurs away from the surface. All fragments were found to result from non-reactive, inelastic scattering off the organic surface.
The Armstrong Institute Resident/Fellow Scholars A Multispecialty Curriculum to Train Future Leaders in Patient Safety and Quality Improvement

The objective was to determine if a year-long, multispecialty resident and fellow quality improvement (QI) curriculum is feasible and leads to improvements in QI beliefs and self-reported behaviors. The Armstrong Institute Resident/Fellow Scholars (AIRS) curriculum incorporated (a) a 2-day workshop in lean sigma methodology, (b) year-long interactive weekly small-group lectures, (c) mentored QI projects, and (d) practicum-based components to observe frontline QI efforts. Pre–post evaluation was performed with the Quality Improvement Knowledge Application Tool (QIKAT) and the Systems Thinking Scale (STS) using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test. Sixteen residents and fellows started the AIRS curriculum and 14 finished. Scholars’ pre and post mean scores significantly improved: STS 3.06 pre versus 3.60 post (P < .01) and QIKAT 1.24 pre versus 2.46 post (P < .01). Most scholars (92%) agreed that skills learned in the curriculum will help in their future careers. A multispecialty QI curriculum for tr...