cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhabited wilderness : Indians, Eskimos, and national parks in Alaska

Land reborn -- The privileged and the dispossessed -- Fallen indians -- "A game country without rival in America" -- The saga of the seventy-mile kid -- Bob Marshall's Alaska -- The lost tribe -- "We Eskimos would like to join the Sierra Club".
Pathogenesis of percutaneous infection of goats with Burkholderia pseudomallei: clinical, pathologic, and immunological responses in chronic melioidosis.

Melioidosis is a severe suppurative to granulomatous infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. The disease is endemic to South-East Asia and Northern Australasia and is also of interest as a potential biological weapon. Natural infection can occur by percutaneous inoculation, inhalation or ingestion, but the relative importance of each route is unknown. Experimental infection models using mice have shown inhalation to be the most lethal route of exposure, but few studies have examined the pathogenesis of percutaneous infection despite its presumptive importance in natural disease. Caprine models are useful in the study of melioidosis because goats are susceptible to natural infection by B. pseudomallei, display similar epizootiology/epidemiology to that of humans within the endemic range and develop similar pathologic lesions. Percutaneous inoculation with 10(4) CFU of B. pseudomallei produced disease in all experimental animals with rapid dissemination to the lungs, spleen and kidneys. Initial fever was brief, but temperatures did not return to pre-infection levels until day 18, concurrent with a dramatic lymphocytosis and the transition to chronic disease. Distribution and appearance of gross pathologic and radiographic lesions in goats were similar to caprine aerosol infection and to reported human disease. The similarities seen despite different routes of infection suggest that host or bacterial factors may be more important than the route of infection in disease pathogenesis. The nature of melioidosis in goats makes it amenable for modelling additional risk factors to produce acute clinical disease, which is important to the study of human melioidosis.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to support cardiopulmonary resuscitation in adults.

Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to support cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been shown to improve survival in children and adults. We describe outcomes after the use of ECMO to support CPR (E-CPR) in adults using multiinstitutional data from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry. Methods Patients greater than 18 years of age using ECMO to support CPR (E-CPR) during 1992 to 2007 were extracted from the ELSO registry and analyzed. Results Two hundred and ninety-seven (11% of 2,633 adult ECMO uses) reports of E-CPR use in 295 patients were analyzed. Median age was 52 years (interquartile range [IQR], 35, 64) and most patients had cardiac disease (n = 221; 75%). Survival to hospital discharge was 27%. Brain death occurred in 61 (28%) of nonsurvivors. In a multivariate logistic regression model, pre-ECMO factors including a diagnosis of acute myocarditis (odds ratio [OR]: 0.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05 to 0.69) compared with noncardiac diagnoses and use of percutaneous cannulation technique (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.87) lowered odds of mortality, whereas a lower pre-ECMO arterial blood partial pressure of oxygen (Pao 2 ) less than 70 mm Hg (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.21 to 6.07) compared with a Pa o 2 of 149 mm Hg or greater increased odds of mortality. The need for renal replacement therapy during ECMO increased odds of mortality (OR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.34 to 4.34). Conclusions The use of E-CPR was associated with survival in 27% of adults with cardiac arrest facing imminent mortality. Further studies are warranted to evaluate and better define patients who may benefit from E-CPR.
SU‐GG‐I‐53: Focal Spot Measurements Using a Digital Flat Panel Detector

Purpose: In the past, pinhole measurements of x‐ray focal spots used high‐resolution analog film detectors. With digital detectors replacing film, focal‐spot measurements can be made quickly, but care must be taken to account for the potentially poorer spatial resolution and limited usable range of magnifications available. We measured various focal spots with a pinhole camera using a digital flat‐panel detector(FPD) and corrected for the blur of the FPD to obtain accurate measurements. Method and Materials: A standard FPD with 600 micron thick CsI(T1) phosphor and 1024X1024 194‐micron pixels (Varian PaxScan 2020+) mounted on a C‐arm gantry (Toshiba Medical Systems Infinix) was used with a standard 10 micron pinhole (Fluke Biomedical, Model‐07‐633). The two‐dimensional MTF for the FPD was measured very accurately using the newly‐developed Noise‐Response (NR) method and the pinhole images of the focal spots were deconvolved to correct for the detector blurring. After the pinhole images were rescaled to correct for magnification, the resulting focal spots were compared with those obtained with a very high‐resolution detector with 35‐micron pixels for which blurring was negligible. Results: Results showed very good agreement in the focal‐spot sizes measured with the FPD after detectordeconvolution and those measured with the high‐resolution detector. We measured 0.37 mm for the small and 0.56 mm for the medium focal spot after deconvolution, virtually the same as the sizes measured with the high‐resolution detector, 0.36 mm and 0.55 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that accurate measurement of x‐ray focal spots can be done using a standard digital detector as long as the associated detector blurring is removed by deconvolution. Additionally, using the NR method for measuring the two‐dimensional MTF, any non‐isotropies in detector resolution can be accurately corrected for, enabling routine measurement of non‐isotropic x‐ray focal spots. (Support: NIH‐Grant R01EB002873, Toshiba Equipment Grant)
Reverse osmosis desalination costs derived from the Coalinga pilot plant operation

Abstract Since June, 1965 a 5 kilogallon per day (kgpd) reverse osmosis desalination pilot plant has been providing a needed supplement to the potable water supply of the city of Coalinga, California. This plant utilizes 112 “composite tubular assemblies” arranged in series for the containment of brine passing through in turbulent flow. Each assembly consists of a tubular cellulose acetate desalination membrane wrapped in a porous sheet, and retained within a perforated copper support tube, one inch in diameter, ten feet long, and having flare-type end fittings. The plant operates at 600 psig, at which pressure nominally 50% of the feed brine (containing 2500 parts per million dissolved solids) is recovered as fresh water passing through the membranes. Based on the Coalinga results, estimates were made, in accordance with the Office of Saline Water format, on costs of fresh water produced from Coalinga-type feed brine plants employing the composite tubular assembly geometry. Water from the Coalinga plant, a combination experimental tool and production unit, costs 1.94 dollars per kilogallon ($/kg). Production-only plants of the same capacity, 5 kgpd, and of 50 kgpd capacity, would produce water for 1.33 and 0.50$/kg respectively. Estimates were also made on a 50 kgpd plant utilizing moderately advanced but unproven assembly components, namely two-inch fiberglass-reinforced plastic support tubes having flanged ends. The estimated water cost from this development plant would be 0.37$/kg.
Post-Procedure Mortality after Cardiovascular Treatment Procedures in Patients with Pneumoconiosis

Pneumoconiosis (PNC) is a major occupational disease that develops as a result of occupational exposure to dust via inhalation. In addition to its harmful effects on the respiratory system, PNC can increase vulnerability to coronary heart disease (CHD)—the leading cause of death in the United States and in the world. Currently, two types of cardiovascular intervention procedures for CHD treatment are percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The objective of this study was to investigate comparative effectiveness of the two major cardiovascular intervention procedures—PCI and CABG—in PNC patients with CHD. Data from 1094 hospitalizations of adult patients with PNC and CHD (CHD-PNC patients) and 534,120 hospi-talizations of CHD patients without PNC (CHD-nonPNC) were investigated. Adjusted odds ratios for in-hospital death in relation to the type of procedure, adjusted for patient socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and hospital characteristics, were calculated using multivariable logistic regression. Men constituted 97.8% of CHD-PNC patients and 68.6% of CHD-nonPNC patients. Within the CHD-PNC group, crude (unadjusted) in-hospital mortality after CABG and PCI did not differ significantly (1.35% vs. 2.00%, p = 0.425) and remained insignificant in the multivariable analysis, adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics (adjusted OR = 0.714, 95% CI 0.220 - 2.323, p = 0.576). But in the CHD-nonPNC group, in-hospital mortality after CABG was significantly higher than after PCI both in crude analysis (2.83% vs. 1.28%, p
Why Doctors Prescribe Opioids to Known Opioid Abusers

Sixty percent of the opioids that are abused in the U.S. are obtained through a physician's prescription. Changes in philosophy about pain treatment, trends in attitudes toward suffering, and financial disincentives for treating addiction contribute to this problem.
A technical analysis of an intraoperative radiation detection probe.

A technical evaluation was made of a commercial intraoperative radiation probe. This device utilizes a CsI(Tl) scintillation detector and light pipe arrangement to count gamma radiationin vivo. After determining the optimal window and threshold setting, additional evaluations included linearity, distance response function, detector dead time, counter reproducibility, detector sensitivity, angular resolution, and energy resolution. Detector dead time (21.2 μs) was found to be characteristic of a nonparalysable system. Activity response for each radionuclide was linear (R=0.99) both with and without collimation. Energy resolution, 25% at 210 keV, was not sufficient to separate the two photons (172 and 247 keV) emitted by 111In. Detector sensitivity was 1136 and 626 counts per s per microcurie of 111In and 99mTc, respectively. The mean effective distance from the face of the uncollimated probe to the crystal was determined to be 2.03 cm in air.
Amplification by globally coupled arrays : coherence and symmetry

We study the general problem of small-signal amplification by globally coupled oscillator arrays. The analysis is relevant, for example, to series-array Josephson-junction parametric amplifiers and to certain multimode laser systems. Maximum amplification is achieved near symmetry-preserving bifurcations; the response near symmetry-breaking bifurcations is substantially worse. In the presence of noise, we find a seemingly paradoxical phenomenon wherein individual array elements suffer large-scale random fluctuations, yet the total array response remains steady.
Contractile force is enhanced in Aortas from pendrin null mice due to stimulation of angiotensin II-dependent signaling.

Pendrin is a Cl−/HCO3− exchanger expressed in the apical regions of renal intercalated cells. Following pendrin gene ablation, blood pressure falls, in part, from reduced renal NaCl absorption. We asked if pendrin is expressed in vascular tissue and if the lower blood pressure observed in pendrin null mice is accompanied by reduced vascular reactivity. Thus, the contractile responses to KCl and phenylephrine (PE) were examined in isometrically mounted thoracic aortas from wild-type and pendrin null mice. Although pendrin expression was not detected in the aorta, pendrin gene ablation changed contractile protein abundance and increased the maximal contractile response to PE when normalized to cross sectional area (CSA). However, the contractile sensitivity to this agent was unchanged. The increase in contractile force/cross sectional area observed in pendrin null mice was due to reduced cross sectional area of the aorta and not from increased contractile force per vessel. The pendrin-dependent increase in maximal contractile response was endothelium- and nitric oxide-independent and did not occur from changes in Ca2+ sensitivity or chronic changes in catecholamine production. However, application of 100 nM angiotensin II increased force/CSA more in aortas from pendrin null than from wild type mice. Moreover, angiotensin type 1 receptor inhibitor (candesartan) treatment in vivo eliminated the pendrin-dependent changes contractile protein abundance and changes in the contractile force/cross sectional area in response to PE. In conclusion, pendrin gene ablation increases aorta contractile force per cross sectional area in response to angiotensin II and PE due to stimulation of angiotensin type 1 receptor-dependent signaling. The angiotensin type 1 receptor-dependent increase in vascular reactivity may mitigate the fall in blood pressure observed with pendrin gene ablation.
Characterization of oxidative guanine damage and repair in mammalian telomeres

8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG) and 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine (FapyG) are among the most common oxidative DNA lesions and are substrates for 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1)–initiated DNA base excision repair (BER). Mammalian telomeres consist of triple guanine repeats and are subject to oxidative guanine damage. Here, we investigated the impact of oxidative guanine damage and its repair by OGG1 on telomere integrity in mice. The mouse cells were analyzed for telomere integrity by telomere quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (telomere–FISH), by chromosome orientation–FISH (CO–FISH), and by indirect immunofluorescence in combination with telomere–FISH and for oxidative base lesions by Fpg-incision/Southern blot assay. In comparison to the wild type, telomere lengthening was observed in Ogg1 null (Ogg1−/−) mouse tissues and primary embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) cultivated in hypoxia condition (3% oxygen), whereas telomere shortening was detected in Ogg1−/− mouse hematopoietic cells and primary MEFs cultivated in normoxia condition (20% oxygen) or in the presence of an oxidant. In addition, telomere length abnormalities were accompanied by altered telomere sister chromatid exchanges, increased telomere single- and double-strand breaks, and preferential telomere lagging- or G-strand losses in Ogg1−/− mouse cells. Oxidative guanine lesions were increased in telomeres in Ogg1−/− mice with aging and primary MEFs cultivated in 20% oxygen. Furthermore, oxidative guanine lesions persisted at high level in Ogg1−/− MEFs after acute exposure to hydrogen peroxide, while they rapidly returned to basal level in wild-type MEFs. These findings indicate that oxidative guanine damage can arise in telomeres where it affects length homeostasis, recombination, DNA replication, and DNA breakage repair. Our studies demonstrate that BER pathway is required in repairing oxidative guanine damage in telomeres and maintaining telomere integrity in mammals.
HEDONIC AND UTILITARIAN MOTIVATIONS FOR ONLINE RETAIL SHOPPING BEHAVIOR

Motivations to engage in retail shopping include both utilitarian and hedonic dimensions. Business to consumer e-commerce conducted via the mechanism of web-shopping provides an expanded opportunity for companies to create a cognitively and esthetically rich shopping environment in ways not readily imitable in the nonelectronic shopping world. In this article an attitudinal model is developed and empirically tested integrating constructs from technology acceptance research and constructs derived from models of web behavior. Results of two studies from two distinct categories of the interactive shopping environment support the differential importance of immersive, hedonic aspects of the new media as well as the more traditional utilitarian motivations. In addition, navigation, convenience, and the substitutability of the electronic environment to personally examining products were found to be important predictors of online shopping attitudes. Results are discussed in terms of insights for the creation of the online shopping webmosphere through more effective design of interactive retail shopping environments.
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 4 Is Required for the Transcription Factor T-bet to Promote T Helper 1 Cell-Fate Determination

Transcriptional regulatory networks direct the development of specialized cell types. The transcription factors signal tranducer and activator of transcription 4 (Stat4) and T-bet are required for the interleukin-12 (IL-12)-stimulated development of T helper 1 (Th1) cells, although the hierarchy of activity by these factors has not been clearly defined. In this report, we show that these factors did not function in a linear pathway and that each factor played a unique role in programming chromatin architecture for Th1 gene expression, with subsets of genes depending on Stat4, T-bet, or both for expression in Th1 cells. T-bet was not able to transactivate expression of Stat4-dependent genes in the absence of endogenous Stat4 expression. Thus, T-bet requires Stat4 to achieve complete IL-12-dependent Th1 cell-fate determination. These data provide a basis for understanding how transiently activated and lineage-specific transcription factors cooperate in promoting cellular differentiation.
The zebrafish dyrk1b gene is important for endoderm formation.

Nodal-signaling is required for specification of mesoderm, endoderm, establishing left–right asymmetry, and craniofacial development. Wdr68 is a WD40-repeat domain-containing protein recently shown to be required for endothelin-1 (edn1) expression and subsequent lower jaw development. Previous reports detected the Wdr68 protein in multiprotein complexes containing mammalian members of the dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase (dyrk) family. Here we describe the characterization of the zebrafish dyrk1b homolog. We report the detection of a physical interaction between Dyrk1b and Wdr68. We also found perturbations of nodal signaling in dyrk1b antisense morpholino knockdown (dyrk1b-MO) animals. Specifically, we found reduced expression of lft1 and lft2 (lft1/2) during gastrulation and a near complete loss of the later asymmetric lft1/2 expression domains. Although wdr68-MO animals did not display lft1/2 expression defects during gastrulation, they displayed a near complete loss of the later asymmetric lft1/2 expression domains. While expression of ndr1 was not substantially effected during gastrulation, ndr2 expression was moderately reduced in dyrk1b-MO animals. Analysis of additional downstream components of the nodal signaling pathway in dyrk1b-MO animals revealed modestly expanded expression of the dorsal axial mesoderm marker gsc while the pan-mesodermal marker bik was largely unaffected. The endodermal markers cas and sox17 were also moderately reduced in dyrk1b-MO animals. Notably, and similar to defects previously reported for wdr68 mutant animals, we also found reduced expression of the pharyngeal pouch marker edn1 in dyrk1b-MO animals. Taken together, these data reveal a role for dyrk1b in endoderm formation and craniofacial patterning in the zebrafish. genesis 48:20–30, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cerebral endothelial cell culture I. The presence of β2 and α2-adrenergic receptors linked to adenylate cyclase activity

Abstract Cultured endothelial cells derived from cerebral microvessels separated from 2-day-old rat brain contain a specific β2 and α2-adrenergic sensitive adenylate cyclase (AC). Among the various tested hormones, PGE1 and PGE2 were found to be the most potent activators, while adenosine, angiotensin I and II, γ-aminobutyric acid and vasoactive intestinal peptide inhibited the enzyme activity. However, acetylcholine, histamine, serotonin, glycine, glutamine, bradykinin, neurotensin and vasopressin (Lysine and Arginine) had no effect on the adenylate cyclase activity in this model. The susceptibility of the cerebrovascular endothelial AC system to the vasoactive substances as well as presence of β2 and α2-type adrenergic receptors in the cultured endothelium provides additional support for the proposed endothelial involvement in the regulation of cerebrovascular permeability and blood flow.
Desktop publishing for the chemist on an IBM PC: A middle of the road approach

Abstract A method for the preparation of scientific documents incorporating both texts and chemistry-oriented graphics such as structural formulae and chemical apparatus was described. A commercially available graphic package was modified to provide templates of basic symbols for the preparation of chemical structures, apparatus and other pictorial diagrams. A technical document processing package was used to merge the graphics with the text. The templates are included in disk subdirectory TEMPLATE.
Wave-Induced Momentum Transport and Flow Drive in Tokamak Plasmas

Wave-induced flows are calculated from high-resolution electromagnetic field calculations with either a compressible Reynolds stress or a second-order kinetic pressure model for the radio frequency forces. Results show that electron Landau damping and magnetic pumping, by themselves, do not lead to significant poloidal flow as long as there is little net input of momentum by the wave. But ion-cyclotron damping of either fast magnetosonic waves or ion-Bernstein waves can drive significant poloidal flows at power levels typical of plasma-heating experiments. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Duration of electroconvulsive shock-induced retrograde amnesia in rats.

Abstract A passive-avoidance, one-trial learning experiment was run in a step-through apparatus in which rats were given foot shock followed 5 sec later by posttrial electroconvulsive shock (ECS). Tests of the duration of the amnestic effect of the ECS were made at intervals of 24 hr, 48 hr, 72 hr, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks after the foot shock-ECS pairing. Animals in the 48 hr, 1 week and 4 weeks groups were also given repeated tests at weekly intervals after the initial tests. ECS-produced retrograde amnesia (RA) was present up to 4 weeks with single tests. Recovery from RA occurred with weekly repeated tests in the 48 hr and 1 week groups. The question of the permanence of ECS-induced RA for passive-avoidance responses is discussed.
The gamma phase of high-molecular-weight polypropylene: 1. Morphological aspects

Abstract A high-molecular-weight polypropylene ( M w = 83000, M w M n = 3.0 ) has been crystallized isothermally as a function of pressure at a constant supercooling of 50°C. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) shows that the X-ray diffraction spectrum of the γ phase is identical to that reported for low-molecular-weight polymers, with the exception that the peaks are broader. Calculations of the γ content using WAXD show the nearly 100% γ phase is formed at 2 k bar, but a mixture of γ and α crystals are formed at lower crystallization pressures. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies show that γ lamellae are approximately one-half the thickness of α lamellae produced at an equivalent supercooling. Morphological studies conducted using transmission electron microscopy of carbon replicas of permanganically etched surfaces confirm the thin nature of the lamellae and demonstrate their inherent waviness. Unlike α crystals, γ lamellae do not form cross-hatched textures. A model is proposed, involving γ α lamellae and epitaxy during the growth process, to account for all the observable morphological data.
Exact solutions of interactive POMDPs using behavioral equivalence

We present a method for transforming the infinite interactive state space of interactive POMDPs (I-POMDPs) into a finite one, thereby enabling the computation of exact solutions. I-POMDPs allow sequential decision making in multi-agent environments by modeling other agents' beliefs, capabilities, and preferences as part of the interactive state space. Since beliefs are allowed to be arbitrarily nested and are continuous, it is not possible to compute optimal solutions using value iteration as in POMDPs. We present a method that transforms the original state space into a finite one by grouping the other agents' behaviorally equivalent models into equivalence classes. This enables us to compute the complete optimal solution for the I-POMDP, which may be represented as a policy graph. We illustrate our method using the multi-agent Tiger problem and discuss features of the solution.
Abstract 4350: Normal stem cells exhibit hypersensitivity and cell death in response to ionizing radiation

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Radiotherapy is an efficient method of treating cancer. Several decades of clinical observation in patients treated with radiation/ radiomimetic drugs has, however, revealed undesirable consequences to the normal tissue. Ionizing radiation induced normal tissue injury manifests through symptoms such as hair loss, skin regeneration defects, erosion of intestinal epithelium, hematopoietic anomalies, diminished sperm counts, infertility, neuro-cognitive impairments etc. The phenomenon of “stem cell drop-out” can be attributed as the underlying cause for these side effects. However, insufficient research has been conducted for investigating the relative radiosensitivity of undifferentiated stem/ progenitor cells compared to their differentiated progenies and the underlying molecular mechanisms of this differential radiation response (DNA damage response and IR induced apoptotic response). We demonstrate stem cell specific apoptosis and hypersensitivity to low dose IR in various stem cell niches in vivo. Further, this stem cell hypersensitivity observed in the mouse tissue niches, is recapitulated in multiple primary cell culture models of undifferentiated stem cells and isogenic differentiated cells grown in appropriate stem cell culture/ differentiation conditions. Cell cycle parameters, checkpoint response and radiosensitive phases of these cells have been studied. Towards characterizing the novel associations between cellular differentiation, DNA damage response and apoptotic response, we have studied alterations in transcription profiles of stem and isogenic differentiated cells with and without radiation. Our investigation has uncovered transcriptional induction and suppression of genes that are unique to differentiation states. Results of our studies will be presented. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4350. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4350
On order statistics from the log-logistic distribution

Abstract Recurrence relations for negative and fractional moments of single order statistics and product and quotient moments of two order statistics drawn from log-logistic distribution have been obtained.
Surface engineering and microtribology for microelectromechanical systems

Micromachines, particularly surface micromachines, often include smooth and chemically active surfaces. Because the kinetic energies, start-up forces and torques involved in their operation, and hence available to overcome retarding forces, are necessarily small, surface effects will be critical whenever micromachine contact occurs, whether unintentionally or as part of normal operation. Consequently, basic knowledge of the surface topography characteristics and microscale tribological phenomena arising at micromachine interfaces is of paramount importance to the reliability and robustness of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). In view of the very small masses and tight tolerances, smooth surfaces, and light loads, characterization of chemomechanical surface interactions must be performed at the microscale. Microtribology is an emerging field dealing with friction and wear phenomena occurring at micrometer scales. Recent developments in this field have begun to lend valuable insight into surface interaction and material property characterization on scales relevant to MEMS. In this publication, the emphasis is on the analysis of various surface micromechanisms, such as solid bridging, liquid meniscus formation, van der Waals force, and electrostatic charging, and the significance of surface roughness and material properties. Experimental and theoretical results for the stiffness of silicon micromachines needed to overcome stiction are compared for different surface roughnesses. The fabrication, basic operation features, and measuring capabilities of microstructures designed specifically to perform microscale tribotesting under controlled conditions are presented. The efficacy of different surface engineering techniques, such as formation of standoff bumps on one of the countersurfaces, roughening (texturing), and surface chemistry modification (e.g. self-assembled monolayers), to reduce high adhesion forces at MEMS interfaces is interpreted in light of analytical and experimental results. It is demonstrated that surface engineering and modification of physicochemical surface properties are effective means of enhancing the reliability and performance of microsystems.
Coronary arterial surgery in patients with incapacitating angina pectoris and myxedema.

Abstract Patients with severe angina pectoris and untreated myxedema pose a clinical dilemma because angina may be exacerbated by thyroid hormone replacement therapy, the usual medical management of angina may be ineffective or even dangerous and invasive diagnostic procedures (cardiac catheterization) and surgery have generally been thought to be contraindicated in myxedema. Because of incapacitating progressive angina refractory to medical management, six patients (mean age 58 years) with severe hypothyroidism (mean serum thyroxine level 0.66 μg/100 ml, normal 4 to 11) underwent selective coronary angiography and quantitative biplane left ventriculography. All patients tolerated cardiac catheterization without complication. Five of the six patients had 70 percent or greater stenosis in three coronary vessels, including three patients with left main coronary artery disease. Coronary revascularization was recommended to each patient. One patient refused surgery and subsequently died suddenly. Another patient was scheduled for elective surgery but in the interim died of a massive acute anterior infarction. Four patients underwent saphenous vein bypass grafting to a mean of 2.8 vessels without complication. Preoperative thyroid hormone replacement ranged from 0 to 50 μg of L-thyroxine daily. Postoperatively adequate thyroid hormone replacement was administered to all patients without complication. At follow-up, a mean of 18 months postoperatively, each of the four operative patients is euthyroid, and all have noted either complete resolution or marked amelioration of their angina. It is concluded that (1) patients with incapacitating angina and myxedema often have severe coronary artery disease; (2) cardiac catheterization can be performed safely in the absence of thyroid replacement; (3) coronary revascularization surgery can be performed safely with minimal thyroid replacement; (4) full thyroid replacement can be safely achieved during the postoperative period.
Changes in Maximal Exercise Performance in the Evaluation of Saphenous Vein Bypass Surgery

To evaluate the improvement in myocardial oxygen delivery following saphenous vein graft surgery (SVG) for angina pectoris (AP), 46 patients underwent a multistage treadmill test of maximal exercise capacity before and 3-22 (average 8) months after SVG. Variables from exercise testing were correlated with symptomatic response, left ventricular hemodynamics, and graft patency. Functional capacity (NYHA) improved in 38 (85%), while 27 (59%) had a significant improvement in exercise performance. Functional aerobic impairment (FAI), or the percentage deviation from expected VOO2max, improved by a mean of 16% ( P < 0.001). Maximal systolic pressure-rate product/100 increased 36 ( P < 0.002). Twenty of 29 (66%) with presurgical S-T segment depression had a normal response after surgery. Thirty-three patients were studied for graft patency and had quantitative angiography. Seventeen had all grafts patent and demonstrated a mean improvement of 21% in FAI ( P < 0.0007). Those with occluded grafts showed no improvement in exercise performance. Sixteen of 22 (73%) with severe exercise impairment showed significant improvement, but only four of 14 (29%) with mild impairment showed a significant improvement. There were no mean changes in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, cardiac index, contraction plot, or systolic ejection fraction (SEF) in any of the patients. Preoperatively nine had a depressed SEF (<50%), and no improvement in exercise performance could be demonstrated. Maximal treadmill testing has demonstrated objectively that SVG can improve functional capacity and that it is correlated with graft patency. Ideal surgical candidates appear to be those with severe exercise impairment and unimpaired ventricular performance.
A Continuum Approach to Global Motion Planning for Networked Agents under Limited Communication

Presented is a new method of coordinated global path planning of a group of mobile agents. It is based on a continuum theory for motion of deformable bodies. Considered is a swarm of vehicles at rest in an initial configuration with no restrictions on the initial shape or the locations of the vehicles within that shape. We present a motion plan to move this swarm of vehicles from the initial configuration to a new configuration such that there are no collisions between any vehicles at any time instant. It is achieved via a linear map between the initial and desired final configuration such that the map is invertible at all times.
The value of a special pepsin-pancreatic preparation in the treatment of peptic ulcer and gastric hyperacidity.

1. A special pancreatic-pepsin preparation (P. P. tablet) was given to each of 30 patients with an active peptic ulcer. A moderate to marked relief of pain occurred in 70% of the cases, which indicates that this form of therapy is rather effective in the treatment of peptic ulcer.
Spinal opioid analgesic effects are enhanced in a model of unilateral inflammation/hyperalgesia: possible involvement of noradrenergic mechanisms.

We have examined the spinal analgesic activity of opioid agonists and antagonists in a model of short term, unilateral, carrageenan-induced inflammation/hyperalgesia. Rats received a single s.c. injection of carrageenan (2-6 mg in saline) 3-24 h prior to testing hindpaw withdrawal latencies to noxious thermal stimuli. Dose-response curves for intrathecally administered agonists with mu- and/or delta-opioid activity were shifted to the left for inflamed hindpaws when compared to contralateral non-inflamed paws. The selective kappa-receptor agonist U-50,488H had no activity in this analgesic assay on either inflamed or non-inflamed paws when administered intrathecally. However, systemic administration of U-50,488H did produce significant elevations of paw withdrawal latencies in inflamed paws. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine also produced dose-dependent antinociception in the paw withdrawal assay after systemic or intrathecal administration. Inflamed hindpaws were significantly more sensitive to the antinociceptive effect of morphine on inflamed hindpaws was blocked by the opioid antagonist naloxone or the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan. The effect of clonidine was only blocked by idazoxan. Antagonists alone had no significant effect on withdrawal latencies. The data indicate that the analgesic action of opioids during conditions of inflammation may depend on an interaction with spinal noradrenergic pathways.
Structure, reactivity, and mobility of carbonaceous overlayers during olefin hydrogenation on platinum and rhodium single crystal surfaces

The hydrogenation of olefins (ethylene, propylene, and isobutene) and a cyclic olefin (cyclohexene) has been characterized on platinum and rhodium single crystal surfaces under conditions ranging from ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) to elevated pressures. A carbonaceous overlayer, formed by C–H bond activation, exists on the metal surface during catalytic hydrogenation, and the structure of this overlayer has been characterized using sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy. The dehydrogenated carbonaceous species are unreactive even in the presence of excess hydrogen, while the intermediates that turnover are weakly bonded to the metal surface. The formation of this carbonaceous overlayer is accompanied by a restructuring of the metal surface. The overlayer is mobile on the surface during hydrogenation, as shown by high pressure scanning tunneling microscopy (HP-STM) results. Coadsorbed CO induces ordered surface structures, and as a consequence poisons the reaction.
Treatment of patients with ovarian carcinoma with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin: analysis of toxicities and predictors of outcome.

BACKGROUND Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin is a new formulation with activity against epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). The authors sought to determine patient characteristics that may predict for response to this treatment and favorable time to failure as well as survival. METHODS Eight patients in a Phase I study and 44 patients in two consecutive Phase II studies who were treated with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (40–60 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for the first two cycles and 40 mg/m2 every 4 weeks thereafter) after failing initial platinum-based chemotherapies for ovarian carcinoma were analyzed. Associations were sought for response, time to failure (TTF), and survival after the treatment and various pretreatment characteristics. RESULTS Treatment with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin yielded 23% objective responses in measurable disease and 31% overall responses, including serum CA 125-defined responses. The median TTF was 5.2 months (95% confidence interval, 4.1–6.9 months) in all patients, and the median response duration in all responders was 13.2 months (95% confidence interval, 11.9–18.5 months). The overall median survival was 15 months (95% confidence interval, 11–40 months). The main predictive factors were tumor size and baseline hemoglobin level for TTF, and these plus Karnofsky performance status were the main predictive factors for survival. CONCLUSIONS Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin is an effective drug when it is given as secondary therapy to patients with EOC. Lack of bulky disease is the major predictor for a favorable response, TTF, and survival. The role of this treatment in combination with other effective drugs should be explored in both previously treated and untreated patients with ovarian carcinoma. Cancer 2001;91:90–100. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
Two-body missile separation dynamics

The dynamics of the separation of a two-body missile has been investigated. This missile consists of an outer boost vehicle and an inner center body vehicle. Upon completion of the boost phase the two bodies separate as a result of differing aerodynamic loads applied to each body and the thrust from a sustainer motor contained within the center body. Through simulation, the separation event was evaluated for interaction between the two bodies as a function of flight-path-angle, interstage pressure, sustainer motor thrusting force, thrust misalignment angles, and radial clearance. The impact and friction forces created by any interaction were evaluated and their effects on the separation event were quantified. The flight characteristics of the center body after the separation event were also calculated for use in determination of the missile flight profile. Finally, recommendations are made regarding the design and performance conditions for the specific two-body missile addressed in this study.
Delivery of TEM β-lactamase by gene-transformed Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis through cervical cell monolayer

Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis transformed with Plasmid ss80 (encoding the production and secretion of TEM beta-lactamase) was used for the delivery of beta-lactamase through the C-33A (cervix cell) monolayer. The viability of the cell monolayers co-cultured with L. lactis was examined by the trypan blue exclusion method. The integrity of the monolayers was monitored by measuring the transport of mannitol and propranolol as well as the transepithelial electrical resistance. The transport rate of beta-lactamase through C-33A monolayer was increased by four- and nine-folds (p 0.05). The increase in transport rate by the transformed L. lactis is most probably due to the concentrate of beta-lactamase on C-33A monolayer. When co-cultured with the L. lactis, the C-33A cell viability and the monolayer TEER remained steady for 10 h. The presence of L. lactis did not change the transport of propranolol and mannitol through the monolayers. In conclusion, the transformed L. lactis significantly (p < 0.05) increased the transport of beta-lactamase through the cervical monolayers, indicating probiotic bacteria delivery may be a promising approach for protein delivery through the vagina.
Oxidation-erosion of metals and alloys: Models, verification and prediction☆

Abstract Models have been developed for the synergistic interaction of oxidation and erosion of metals and alloys. The models are based on an extension of earlier work on paralinear kinetics in which oxidation of a metal is assumed to be controlled by diffusion and erosion is assumed to result in a uniform removal of materials. Predictions of oxidation-erosion behavior as a function of temperature and erosion conditions have been made for several chromia- and alumina-forming alloys. Two master plots for these alloys, the construction of which was made possible by the models, allow distinction of oxidation- or erosion-dominated regimes as a function of the kinetic rate constants. The models have also provided reasonable explanations of the results obtained in the oxidation-erosion experiments on pure nickel and cobalt.
Thermodynamic coupling of protonation and conformational equilibria in proteins: theory and simulation.

Ionization-coupled conformational phenomena are ubiquitous in biology. However, quantitative characterization of the underlying thermodynamic cycle comprised of protonation and conformational equilibria has remained an elusive goal. Here we use theory and continuous constant pH molecular dynamics (CpHMD) simulations to provide a thermodynamic description for the coupling of proton titration and conformational exchange between two distinct states of a protein. CpHMD simulations with a hybrid-solvent scheme and the pH-based replica-exchange (REX) protocol are applied to obtain the equilibrium constants and atomic details of the ionization-coupled conformational exchange between open and closed states of an engineered mutant of staphylococcal nuclease. Although the coupling of protonation and conformational equilibria is not exact in the simulation, the results are encouraging. They demonstrate that REX-CpHMD simulations can be used to study thermodynamics of ionization-coupled conformational processes—which has not possible using present experimental techniques or traditional simulations based on fixed protonation states.
Changes in the secretory acinar cells of the rat parotid gland during aging

The secretory acinar cells of parotid glands from rats of varying ages have been examined by electron microscopy to determine what age-related changes occur in these cells. The most prominent change noted in these cells is the progressive increase in the amount of lipofuscin granules with age. Lipofuscin granules are membrane-bound structures consisting of lipids, other subcomponents, and a matrix. In addition, these cells contain lipid droplets that are not associated with any other components and tend to accumulate at the base of the cells in older rats. Also, many acinar cells in the glands of old rats contain altered secretory granules which appear to be in the process of degeneration. The accumulation of lipid and degenerating secretory granules appears to be related to the reduced level of cellular secretory activity in the glands of older rats. It is possible that these two types of inclusions contribute to the formation of lipofuscin granules. Lipofuscin and degenerating secretory granules are associated with acid phosphatase, which is demonstrated cytochemically, indicating that these granules are lysosomal structures.
A Renewal Strategy for Higher Education

(1980). A Renewal Strategy for Higher Education. The Journal of Continuing Higher Education: Vol. 28, No. 2, pp. 2-9.
Abstract 5570: An affinity lectin chromatography approach to characterize N-linked glycoproteome in metastatic osteosarcoma

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone cancer in children and adolescents. Approximately 20% of OS patients have clinically detectable metastasis at the time of diagnosis, which is the most consistent indicator of poor outcome. Therefore, an easy-to-use and sensitive method is urgently needed to detect and monitor metastatic patients in order to offer an intensified or personalized therapy. By analyzing glycoproteins in OS cells, we may identify biomarkers that would help detect early metastasis and shed light on how this cancer develops. Thus, we used a tumor-targeted glycoproteomic approach in order to identify metastasis-associated glycoproteins in OS cells, and test if these can be used as blood biomarkers to indicate metastasis or spread of disease at diagnosis. In this pilot study, we have analyzed a previously established human OS metastatic cell line (LM7). We captured a specific subset of N-linked glycoproteins from LM7 cells by Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA) affinity chromatography. Subsequently, we identified the captured glycoproteins by a multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT). In addition, two samples with or without PNGase treatment were tested to estimate the impact of protein glycosylation on the MS/MS analysis. A total of 121 and 368 unique peptides were identified in the non-treated and PNGase treated samples, respectively. All of the proteins identified with two or more distinct peptides were predicted to have potential N-linked glycosylation sites, and 57% of these were found to have one or more typical Asn-X-Ser/Thr N-glycosylation sites. Many of the identified glycoproteins are known to be involved in tumorigenesis. To this end, we have optimized the affinity lectin chromatography and mass spectrometry to capture and identify N-linked glycoproteins in metastatic osteosarcoma cells. Differentially expressed glycoproteins in metastatic OS will be further identified by comparing LM7 with a non-metastatic control. The candidate biomarkers will be validated in the plasma and tumor samples collected from OS patients. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5570.
A normalized detector of beam transverse oscillations

Abstract This beam detector accepts the narrow pulses typically encountered in electron storage rings. It is composed of a peak detector with a threshold held constant by means of an automatic gain control (AGC) loop, and of a sampler. The output is proportional to the instantaneous position of the beam center of charge and is independent of the beam current. In addition, the very small phase shift of the AGC attenuator allows the use of the undetected, constant amplitude pulse as a trigger for time of flight measurements, with a remarkably small time slewing over a 30 to 1 beam current range.