cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Necrotizing enterocolitis totalis complicates an infantile presentation of ARL6IP1-related spastic paraplegia 61

Abstract Spastic paraplegia 61 is a rare, complicated form of hereditary spastic paraplegia characterized by diffuse sensory and motor polyneuropathy. Knowledge about the clinical manifestations of disease in patients with this genetic condition is limited. We describe a case of a 4-month-old infant with spastic paraplegia 61 (SPG61) who developed severe bowel inflammation consistent with necrotizing enterocolitis totalis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of necrotizing enterocolitis in a patient with this genetic condition.
Evaluation of a drone-based camera calibration approach for hard-to-reach cameras

Several applications of video rely on camera calibration, a key enabler towards the measurement of metric parameters from images. Existing calibration methods have not been adapted for use with cameras that are hard to reach such as security cameras. This paper presents a drone-based camera calibration technique for the calibration of cameras in a broader range of operating environments. The technique is enabled by the use of a drone that is equipped with location sensors. In the proposed approach, the drone is used to sample points in the 3D space and its detection on the images provides the 2D matching points enabling the calibration. To design a flight path that allows for an accurate calibration, the paper proposes a methodology to evaluate the impact of path parameters and drone localization and detection uncertainties on the calibration uncertainty. This methodology is applied to evaluate the performance of different sampling paths for the calibration of a large diversity of cameras for the purpose of recommending reliable path parameters.
Designing an archaeology database: mapping field notes to archival metadata

The Stephen F. Austin State University Center for Digital Scholarship and Center for Regional Heritage Research engaged in a collaborative project to design and implement a database collection in a digital archive that would accommodate images, data and text related to archaeological artifacts located in East Texas. There were challenges in creating metadata profiles that could effectively manage, retrieve and display the disparate data in multiple discovery platforms. The poster illustrates the steps that were taken to map field notes into useful archival metadata. Using original notes and field record information a preliminary data dictionary was created. After collaborative edits and revisions were made, a comprehensive data dictionary was designed to represent the materials in the collection. From this, a profile was configured in the digital archive platform to allow for upload of the metadata and images, and for discovery and display of the archaeological artifacts and related works.
Failed Games: Lessons Learned from Promising but Problematic Game Prototypes in Designing for Diversity.

Iterative game design approaches have proven effective in creating persuasive games, but these approaches inevitably lead to as many abandoned designs as ones that are pursued to completion. This paper serves as a reflective and instructive post mortem for the unpublished non-digital game prototypes developed for our team’s “Transforming STEM for Women and Girls: Reworking Stereotypes & Bias” (BIAS) research project. We outline three abandoned designs and explain why they were ultimately not pursued, focusing on the challenges of balancing enjoyability, feasibility of production, and impact. We discuss design strategies, including: masking games’ persuasive intentions, prioritizing prototypes with their efficacy -to-cost ratio in mind, and designing for fun first. This discussion offers insights into the design of both non-digital and digital “games for impact” that allow designers and researchers alike to learn from these promising but problematic prototypes.
Multivariable Nonlinear Control of a Continuous Polymerization Reactor with Singular Characteristic Matrix: An Experimental Study

In this experimental work, the globally linearizing control (GLC) method is implemented on a micro-computer to control conversion and temperature in a continuous stirred tank reactor by manipulating the reactor residence time and two coordinated heat inputs. Conversion is inferred from on-line measurements of density and temperature. A key feature of the control problem is that its characteristic matrix is generically singular. Singularity of the characteristic matrix is handled by using a dynamic state feedback. The performance of the controller is evaluated in terms of its ability in performing a fast and smooth reactor start-up and tracking set-point changes in the presence of active input and state constraints.
Familial Networks as a Source of Electoral Advantage: Evidence from the Philippines

In this paper we map networks of family relationships among voters and political candidates covering one whole city in the Philippines to examine how familial networks serve as a source of electoral advantage. We rely on local naming conventions to asses blood and marriage links. Using these familial networks, we first simulate a hypothetical election were family relations is the only basis for choosing a particular candidate. We compare the predictions of this hypothetical election to actual election results. Next, we use survey data on 895 randomly selected voters to examine whether familial distance is important for individual vote. We find that familial networks matter both for candidates’ electoral performance and individual voter behavior.
Proceedings of the 2003 ACM SIGPLAN conference on Language, compiler, and tool for embedded systems

It is a great honor to present the program of this year's Conference on Languages, Compilers, and Tools for Embedded Systems. Needless to say, LCTES'03 is special as it is the second time it has had conference status and the first time it is run as a separate event.At the submission deadline, we had received 128 papers -- 75% more papers than last year. The program committee worked energetically to review and solicit external reviews for all the papers. Each paper was reviewed by at least two PC members. We collected in total 486 reviews for an average of 3.8 reviews per paper.The PC meeting was held at Hyatt Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco on March 22. 15 PC members were present at the meeting. Papers with which a PC member had a conflict of interest were discussed according to the 'hot seat model' -- when such a paper was discussed, that PC member left the room. Discussion of papers that I had a conflict of interest with was moderated by David Whalley. We worked a very full day and ended up accepting 29 papers leading to an acceptance rate of only 23%. A sad consequence of this, of course, is that many fine papers could not be accommodated in the program.This year's program spans some of the many topics that are critical to the design of hardware and software systems for embedded systems; especially how to meet performance requirements with the often limited resources at hand. The program emphasizes this by providing sessions on compiler optimizations, memory management, scheduling issues, frameworks for modeling and analysis of embedded systems, tools that can aid in hardware/software synthesis and partitioning, reconfigurable system design, code compression efficiency issues, and techniques to improve energy-efficiency.
Equipment review: Tracheal gas insufflation

Tracheal gas insufflation (TGI) is an adjunctive ventilatory technique that delivers fresh gas into the trachea either continuosly or only during a specific segment of the respiratory cycle (phasic flow) [1,2,3,4]. Two mechanisms are responsible for improving the efficacy of conventional tidal breaths during TGI [5,6,7]. First, fresh gas introduced by the catheter during expiration flushes the series (anatomic) deadspace compartment proximal to its tip free of CO2. Consequently, during the subsequent inspiration, less CO2 is recycled back to the alveoli thus improving CO2 elimination. Second, at high catheter flow rates, turbulence generated at the tip of the catheter can enhance gas mixing in regions distal to the catheter tip, thereby contributing to CO2 removal. Carbon dioxide elimination during TGI depends on catheter flow rate because fresh gas flushes a greater portion of the proximal deadspace at higher flow rates. Moreover, at higher flow rates, turbulence generated at the catheter tip may further enhance distal gas mixing. The volume of fresh gas introduced into the trachea during TGI depends on expiratory time (TE) and catheter flow rate (Vc). At a certain TE × Vc, fresh gas completely sweeps the proximal anatomic deadspace during expiration. At that point, increasing Vc most likely does not dilute the CO2 residing in the series deadspace any further. This operational charactertistic of TGI, and the fact that the decrease in the partial pressure of CO2 (PaCO2) caused by a reduction in total physiologic deadspace fraction (VD/VT) is much less at lower VD/VT, limits the decrement in PaCO2 afforded by TGI at high Vc [8]. Nevertheless, at high Vc (< 10–15 1/min) PaCO2 continues to decrease with increasing Vc, but at a slower rate [8,9,10]. Once the series deadspace is flushed completely by the fresh gas during expiration, the flow dependence of PaCO2 is thought to be secondary to enhanced turbulent mixing in the airways distal to the catheter tip [5,11,12]. TGI is unlikely to be very effective when the alveolar as opposed to the series compartment dominates the total physiologic deadspace; yet, at small tidal volumes (whenever series deadspace is especially high) or when alveolar ventilation is very low. TGI should be a helpful adjunct to conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) [8].
Anti-tumor effects of combination therapy with anti-EGFR and anti-Src therapy in colorectal cancer

B51 Background: Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody to the ligand-binding domain of the EGFR used in treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Despite this apparently clear mechanism of action, neither levels of EGFR in tumors nor EGFR mutations predict clinical efficacy of cetuximab, suggesting that other factors may determine sensitivity to this agent. One potential mediator of colon cancer chemoresistance is activation of Src, a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase. Increased Src activity in colorectal cancer has been shown to correlate with poor prognosis. Combined inhibition of Src and EGFR may provide clinical benefit in metastatic colorectal cancer.Methods: In this report, we investigated the effects of cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody to EGFR, in combination with dasatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor with activity against Src, in human HT29 and LS174T metastatic colorectal cell lines. EGFR is not mutated in these cell lines, which have moderate (LS174T) and low (HT29) levels of EGFR protein expression. MTT assays were performed after 48 h of drug exposure. Clonogenic assays were analyzed after 14 days of continuous drug treatment.Results: In the MTT assay, HT29 cells are not responsive to cetuximab alone at clinically relevant doses, while LS174T cells show minimal inhibitory effects without reaching an IC50. Likewise, both LS174T and HT29 cells are minimally sensitive to dasatinib, with an IC50 outside a clinically relevant range. The combination of cetuximab and dasatinib resulted in supra-additive growth inhibition for both cell lines. This effect was confirmed with clonogenic assays that demonstrated significant augmentation in the inhibition of clone formation with the combination. Initial results suggest that combination treatment is associated with an increase in apoptosis. Molecular studies to elucidate the mechanism of the interaction of EGFR and Src inhibition are currently in progress and will be presented.Conclusions: Cetuximab and dasatinib have at least supra-additive effects in vitro . Based on these findings, the ability of combination therapy with cetuximab and dasatinib in colorectal cancer xenografts is planned. These results suggest that combined inhibition with cetuximab and dasatinib is a promising strategy in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.
Serum Phosphorus Levels, Race, and Socioeconomic Status in Incident Hemodialysis Patients.

Objective We sought to examine the relationship between race, socioeconomic status, and serum phosphorus levels in patients with end-stage renal disease incident to hemodialysis (HD) at a large, integrated health-care delivery system in Southern California. Design Retrospective cohort study. Subjects A total of 5,778 adult patients who initiated HD at our institution between January 1, 2007 and June 30, 2013. Main Outcome Measures Unadjusted and adjusted time-averaged serum phosphorus levels and actual phosphorus levels over time. Phosphorus levels were also analyzed by repeated measures as a continuous measure and by phosphorus category. Baseline patient covariates included age, self-reported race, gender, cause of end-stage renal disease, and Charlson comorbidity index scores. Education and income level were estimated using geocoded data. Results A total of 68,372 phosphorus levels were available for 4,862 patients. Estimated annual family income fell below $40,001 in 66.1% of African Americans (AAs) and 62.7% of Hispanics compared with 43.5% of Asians and 43.7% of whites, P P P P P Conclusions Our findings suggest that serum phosphorus levels are similar among HD patients, irrespective of race or socioeconomic status.
TERGAL AND SEXUAL ANOMALIES IN BOTHRIURID SCORPIONS (SCORPIONES, BOTHRIURIDAE)

New data concerning developmental anomalies observed among species of the family Bothriuridae (Scorpiones) are presented. Tergal malformations in Bothriurus coriaceus, Brachistosternus roigalsinai and Bothriurus noa are described and illustrated. Two new cases of intersexuality in scorpions, in specimens of Brachistosternus pentheri and Bothriurus araguayae, are reported and discussed.
Deodorized Culture: Anthropology of Smell in America

The sense of smell, though rarely considered important in America, clearly delineates cultural boundaries; this is both demonstrated and promoted through marketing and advertising of consumer products. Historical analyses is invoked to explain why Americans have different tolerances for body odor than their European predecessors. Cultural perceptions of smell are assessed according to Mary Douglas's models; they are also related to American views of disease and social structure. Odor control manifests as both the American ideal of self-control and as individual expression, or release. The inherent contradictions of these cognitive models are underscored when American culture is examined in terms of its need to control body and environmental odors.
Crystallographic Investigation of Imidazolium Ionic Liquid Effects on Enzyme Structure.

We present the first crystallographic insight into the interactions of an ionic liquid (IL) with an enzyme, which has widespread implications for stabilizing enzymes in IL media for biocatalysis. Structures of Bacillus subtilis lipase A (lipA) and an IL-stable variant (QM-lipA) were obtained in the presence of increasing concentrations of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM][Cl]). These studies revealed that the [BMIM] cation interacts with surface residues through hydrophobic and cation-π interactions. Of specific interest was the disruption of internal stacking interactions of aromatic side chains by [BMIM], which provides structural evidence for the mechanism of enzyme denaturation by ILs. The interaction of [BMIM] and Cl ions with lipA was reduced by the stabilizing mutations Y49E and G158E in QM-lipA. Ultimately, these findings present the molecular basis for stabilizing enzymes from IL-induced inactivation, as well as the selection of ILs that are less denaturing.
Heparin-binding. EGF-like growth factor is up-regulated in the obstructed kidney in a cell- and region-specific manner and acts to inhibit apoptosis

The expression of certain growth factors in the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family is altered in response to renal injury. Recent studies have demonstrated that heparin binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) expression may be cytoprotective in response to apoptotic signals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential role of HB-EGF in the upper urinary tract following unilateral ureteral obstruction. We present evidence that: i) ureteral obstruction induced cell-specific but transient activation of HB-EGF gene expression; ii) HB-EGF expression in renal epithelial cells increased under conditions where mechanical deformation, such as that caused by hydronephrotic distension, induces apoptosis, but HB-EGF expression did not increase in renal pelvis smooth muscle cells under identical conditions; and iii) enforced expression of HB-EGF served to protect renal epithelial cells from stretch-induced apoptosis. These results suggest a potential mechanism by which the kidney protects itself from apoptosis triggered by urinary tract obstruction.
Holmium:YAG laser effects on articular cartilage metabolism: in vitro

We report effects of applying variable doses of Holmium:YAG laser energy to bovine articular cartilage in vitro. The response of the cartilage to the Holmium:YAG laser energy was determined by quantification of cell proliferation and extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan synthesis. This study demonstrates that articular cartilage cell metabolism was maintained at a normal level following treatment of cartilage at a dose of 0.6 joules/pulse. The laser energy was applied at 10 Hz for 10 seconds at 1 mm distance from the cartilage. Under these conditions and at a dose of 0.6 joules/pulse, the total energy density was calculated to be 240 joules/cm2, assuming minimal loss of energy due to water absorption. Energy levels grater than 0.8 joules/pulse corresponding to calculated energy densities greater than 320 joules/cm2 proved harmful to cartilage. Our data demonstrate that low levels of Holmium:YAG laser energy can be applied to articular cartilage under conditions that maintain and/or stimulate cell metabolism.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Customs Regimes and the Materiality of Global Mobility: Governing the Port of Rotterdam

Focusing on customs operations at the Port of Rotterdam, this essay investigates the problematic of commercial governance at a historical moment characterized by the unprecedented volume and veloci...
Statistical Properties of Horizontally Oriented Plates in Optically Thick Clouds From Satellite Observations

Specular reflection from horizontally oriented plates (HOPs) has significant effects on lidar backscatter. The intensity of specular reflection from HOPs is high in warm mixed-phase clouds and low in cold ice clouds. The theoretical simulations of lidar backscatter and depolarization ratio are consistent with spaceborne measurements for optically thick mixed-phase and ice clouds if an equivalent percentage of HOPs of 0.08%-0.3% is assumed. Based on the joint probability density function of the attenuated backscatter and depolarization ratio observed by the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization aboard the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations platform, it is estimated that HOPs exist in approximately 60% of optically thick (τ > 3) ice and mixed-phase cloud layers. The cloud-layer temperature is the primary factor affecting the distribution of HOPs. Specifically, HOPs exist in approximately 88% of optically thick ice and mixed-phase cloud layers warmer than -30°C, in approximately 84% of ice and mixed-phase cloud layers between -30°C and -45°C, and in approximately 29% of cold ice cloud layers below -45°C.
UDP-glucose: indoleacetic acid glucosyl transferase and indoleacetyl-glucose: myo-inositol indoleacetyl transferase.

Abstract We have demonstrated the in vitro enzymatic synthesis of an ester of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and glucose and of IAA and myo -inositol by the following reaction sequence: lt]o| li]1) IAA + UDPG ↔ IAA-glucose +UDP li]2) IAA-glucose + myo -inositol → IAA- itmyo -inositol +glucose The enzymes were partially purified from extracts of immature kernels of Zea mays sweet corn and the two activities separated on a Sephadex G-150 column. Products were characterized, primarily, by comparison of their 70 eV mass spectra with those of authentic synthetic standards. To our knowledge this is the first example of enzymatically catalyzed acylation by a 1- O -acylsugar.
Phrase structure languages, finite machines, and channel capacity

The concept of channel capacity is applicable and useful in the study of languages with structures more general than those generated by the finite state channels discussed in Information Theory. A technique has been developed in this paper whereby the channel capacity of a class of phrase structure languages can be calculated. It has been shown that certain self-embedding phrase structure languages can be described by means of a finite machine whose symbols are the transformations of the phrase structure grammar.
6-Thioguanine and S6-Methylthioguanine Are Mutagenic in Human Cells

Thiopurines are effective immunosuppressants and anticancer agents. However, the long-term use of thiopurines was found to be associated with a significantly increased risk of various types of cancer. To date, the specific mechanism(s) underlying the carcinogenicity associated with thiopurine treatment remain(s) unclear. Herein, we constructed duplex pTGFP-Hha10 shuttle vectors carrying a 6-thioguanine ((S)G) or S⁶-methylthioguanine (S⁶mG) at a unique site and allowed the vectors to propagate in three different human cell lines. Analysis of the replication products revealed that although neither thionucleoside blocked considerably DNA replication in any of the human cell lines, both (S)G and S⁶mG were mutagenic, resulting in G→A mutation at frequencies of ~8% and ~39%, respectively. Consistent with what was found from our previous study in E. coli cells, our data demonstrated that the mutagenic properties of (S)G and S⁶mG provided significant evidence for mutation induction as a potential carcinogenic mechanism associated with chronic thiopurine intervention.
Translational Research: Innovative Intervention Strategies for Promoting Child and Adolescent Health and Improving the Quality of Pediatric Nursing Practice

Evidence from research and quality improvement projects provides innovative strategies to improve health outcomes for children, adolescents, and their families, thereby advancing the quality of pediatric nursing practice. PROMOTING HEALTH IN children and adolescents and preventing negative health outcomes through innovative intervention strategies improve the quality of pediatric nursing practice. New evidence from research and quality improvement projects translated into practice is useful not only to improve the health of children, adolescents, and their families, but is essential for improving the quality of pediatric nursing practice (Christian, 2011, 2013a, 2013b, 2014a, 2014b). Through nursing research, new evidence is generated to enhance the quality of nursing practice (Polit & Beck, 2012). Evidence-based practice leads to improved health outcomes (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2014), as well as improvements in the quality of pediatric nursing care (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2011). Thus, innovative intervention strategies developed and tested through research and quality improvement projects promote positive health outcomes in children and adolescents when evidence is translated to nursing practice. In this way, the health of children, adolescents, and their families is enhanced, and the quality of pediatric nursing practice is improved. In this issue of the Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 14 articles highlight a variety of topics with respect to pediatric nursing through key health promotion and prevention strategies for children and adolescents by: (a) exploring home firearm storage safety practices to prevent accidents; (b) preventing accidental poisoning among preschool children; (c) discovering adolescents' perceptions about pregnancy during adolescence, (d) evaluating the relevance and acceptability of a Web-based game for HIV prevention
Hydrochemical constraints on fluid-mineral equilibria during compaction diagenesis of kerogen-rich geopressured sediments

Abstract Hydrochemical conditions characteristic of kerogen-rich geopressured sediments contribute to the development of a predictable alteration mineralogy. The following conditions result in the geopressured fluid becoming enriched, and in some cases, saturated with CO 2 and CH 4 : 1. (1) the upward and generally restricted flow of fluids in geopressured sediments, in contrast to the generally more rapid flow of fluids in nongeopressured sediments; 2. (2) the coincidence of the depths of geopressuring with the geothermal temperatures necessary for CO 2 and CH 4 release; and 3. (3) the opposing rates of sediment subsidence and CO 2 and CH 4 transfer into the upward-flowing fluid. Calculation of the phase relations in the systemCaO-FeO-MgO-Na 2 O-Al 2 O 3 -CO 2 -H 2 S-H 2 SO 4 -SiO 2 -H 2 O-HCl, as constrained by the above hydrochemicalcriteria, allows prediction of three patterns of mineral deposition during diagenesis of kerogen-rich geopressured sediments. Quartz deposition is favored in the upper portions and margins of the geopressured section and at the contact between geopressures and normal pressures because of increased fluid flux atshallower depths within the geopressured section. Carbonate deposition could occur above the zone of CO 2 release from kerogen degradation,as a result of the upward flux of CO 2 - and CH 4 -enriched (andpossibly saturated) fluids, and the subsequent decrease in fluid temperature, pressure, and CO 2 solubility.Kaolinite-carbonate could deposit within and above the zone of CO 2 release from kerogen as a result ofsilicate dissolution by CO 2 -rich acid pore fluids, followed by the potential for illite-carbonate and albitecarbonate deposition upon CO 2 depletion. In contrast, laumontite and anhydrite should not depositduring diagenesis of kerogen-rich geopressured sediments but could deposit during diagenesis of nongeopressured or kerogen-poor geopressured sediments. These mineralogic relationships compare favorablywith observed relationships in the kerogen-rich geopressured sediments of the Frio Formation from theTexas Gulf Coast.
The BPS spectrum of Script N = 2 SU(N) SYM

We apply ideas that have appeared in the study of D-branes on Calabi-Yau compactifications to the derivation of the BPS spectrum of field theories. In particular, we identify an orbifold point whose fractional branes can be thought of as ``partons'' of the BPS spectrum of = 2 pure SU(N) SYM. We derive the BPS spectrum and lines of marginal stability branes near that orbifold, and compare our results with the spectrum of the field theories.
Optical crosstalk in monolithically integrated multiple-wavelength vertical cavity laser arrays for multimode WDM local-area networks

The optical crosstalk between lasers in densely-packed multiple-wavelength vertical-cavity photonic integrated emitter arrays is studied for multimode wavelength-division multiplexing applications. It is found that a significant number of photocarriers are generated by spontaneous emission of an adjacent laser. However, an appropriate prebiasing scheme or device design can reduce the crosstalk to < –20 dB.
Phosphatidylserine vesicles inhibit phagocytosis of erythrocytes with a symmetric transbilayer distribution of phospholipids

SummaryIn the plasma membrane of erythrocytes, the phospholipids are asymmetrically distributed between the two leafits of the Mlayer. Erythrocytes that have lost this asymmetric distribution are more readily phagocytosed in virtu by macrophages. Surface expowre of phosphatldylserine (PS), normally restricted to the Inner ieaft8t of the bliayer, has been suggested as a signal by which macrophages recognize erythrocytes. To test whether lipldsymmetric erythrocytes are recognized by this mechanism, artificial lipid vesicles made of PS were tested for their ability to Inhibit phagocytosis. 5774 mouse macrophages, which preferentially phagocytose PS vesicles, were Incubated with a mixture of llpid-symmetric erythrocytes and veslcles. PS vesicles reduced phagocytosls of llpid-symmetric erythrocytes to the level of lipid-asymmetric erythrocytes, whereas phosphatldylcholine vesicles had only a limited effect. These results support a role for PS in recognition of erythrocytes and lend credence to the more general...
Impurity mixing and radiation asymmetry in massive gas injection simulations of DIII-Da)

Simulations of neon massive gas injection into DIII-D are performed with the 3D MHD code NIMROD. The poloidal and toroidal distribution of the impurity source is varied. This report will focus on the effects of the source variation on impurity mixing and radiated power asymmetry. Even toroidally symmetric impurity injection is found to produce asymmetric radiated power due to asymmetric convective heat flux produced by the 1/1 mode. When the gas source is toroidally localized, the phase relationship between the mode and the source location is important, affecting both radiation peaking and impurity mixing. Under certain circumstances, a single, localized gas jet could produce better radiation symmetry during the disruption thermal quench than evenly distributed impurities.
Rapid extraction method for barbiturates from blood for gas-liquid chromatographic analysis

Abstract A rapid micromethod for the simple extraction and tentative identification of barbiturates present in blood in therapeutic doses by gas-liquid chromatography is described. The extraction is made with a mixture of acetone and ethyl ether in equal volumes at the pH of blood and takes only a few minutes. Most of the glassware used is simple and disposable, thus saving time which is wasted in conventional methods. Air which is normally used in the flame ionization detector is replaced by pure oxygen, thus increasing the sensitivity four times, and making possible the use of very small samples of blood. The method is capable of detecting barbiturates in submicrogram quantities.
A mathematical model of the cyclic stress- strain relationship.

A mathematical model has been devised for the analytical treatment of stress-strain relationships of material under cyclic stress. Two assumptions are made: 1) the stress is proportional to the elastic portion of the total strain, and 2) the inelastic portion of the strain can be expressed as a power function of the total strain. Test data of measured stresses as a function of measured strains seem to justify such a semiempirical approach. The parameters used in the model must be determined experimentally. The model permits derivation of the expressions from which the following quantities can be determined: 1) area of the hysteresis loop; 2) the dependence of the local engineering stress upon the measured stress in a specimen with nonuniform stress distribution; 3) the local damping dependence upon the measured average damping; and 4) the numerical value of a specific damping parameter, denned as the ratio of the nonrecoverable work to the applied work in analogy to the logarithmic decrement of a free damped oscillation.
Best monotone approximations in L 1 [0,1]

Abstract For ƒ in L1[0, 1], let μ 1 (ƒ|M) be the set of all best L1-approximations to ƒ by nondecreasing functions, let ƒ = inf μ 1 (ƒ|M) and let f = sup μ 1 (ƒ|M) . We show that μ 1 (ƒ|M) is compact in L1 and provide a description of the elements of μ 1 (ƒ|M) and of its extreme points in terms ƒ and f f
Be I and Be II spectroscopy in divertor plasma relevant conditions

Abstract Intensity ratios of various Be I and Be II lines measured in Be-seeded D and He plasmas in the PISCES-B linear divertor plasma simulator are compared with the corresponding ratios of the photon emissivity coefficient, PEC, calculated by ADAS. Agreement of measured intensity ratios with calculated PEC ratios is satisfactory within a factor of ∼2 for both Be I and Be II. It is proposed that a Be I line ratio of 234.8 nm/265.0 nm and a Be II line ratio of 467.3 nm/313.1 nm can be used to estimate the electron temperature, while a 265.0 nm/332.1 nm Be I line ratio is sensitive to the electron density. Further, S/XB values of a Be I line at 457.3 nm were experimentally determined from a ratio of the sputtered Be flux to the emission intensity. Measured values are systematically lower than calculated ADAS values, which may be explained by the increased sputtering yield of redeposited Be atoms.
Neurodevelopmental outcome after cardiac surgery utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass in children.

Introduction: Modulating the stress response and perioperative factors can have a paramount impact on the neurodevelopmental outcome of infants who undergo cardiac surgery utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass. Materials and Methods: In this single center prospective follow-up study, we evaluated the impact of three different anesthetic techniques on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of 19 children who previously underwent congenital cardiac surgery within their 1 st year of life. Cases were done from May 2011 to December 2013. Children were assessed using the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales (5 th edition). Multiple regression analysis was used to test different parental and perioperative factors that could significantly predict the different neurodevelopmental outcomes in the entire cohort of patients. Results: When comparing the three groups regarding the major cognitive scores, a high-dose fentanyl (HDF) patients scored significantly higher than the low-dose fentanyl (LDF) + dexmedetomidine (DEX) (LDF + DEX) group in the quantitative reasoning scores (106 ± 22 vs. 82 ± 15 P = 0.046). The bispectral index (BIS) value at the end of surgery for the -LDF group was significantly higher than that in LDF + DEX group ( P = 0.011). For the entire cohort, a strong correlation was seen between the standard verbal intelligence quotient (IQ) score and the baseline adrenocorticotropic hormone level, the interleukin-6 level at the end of surgery and the BIS value at the end of the procedure with an R 2 value of 0.67 and P R = 0.4675 and P 0.027). Conclusions: Patients in the HDF group demonstrated overall higher neurodevelopmental scores, although it did not reach statistical significance except in fluid reasoning scores. Our results may point to a possible correlation between blunting the stress response and improvement of the neurodevelopmental outcome.
Designing virtual peers for assessment and intervention for children with autism

Our research focuses on the use and design of virtual peers (life-sized, computer-animated children) as intervention and assessment tools for the social and communication skills of children with social skills deficits, such as autism. To best design a virtual peer that simulates human interaction, we observe and analyze the behaviors of both typically-developing children and children with autism as they play with peers. Later, we apply these behavioral characteristics to the behavioral repertoire of the virtual peers. This analysis identifies the key design attributes of a virtual peer that best elicits the social and communication skills we are interested in evaluating and addressing during the assessment and treatment procedures.
Plastic deformation of polypropylene

Abstract The heats of fusion of drawn polypropylene at different draw temperatures (ranging from 22°C–140°C) and draw rates (ranging from 0.05 cm min−1 to 50 cm min−1) were determined to establish the plastic deformation mechanism of polypropylene. At draw ratio λ = 6 and a draw rate Rd = 0.5 cm min−1 the heat of fusion of drawn polypropylene is a unique function of the draw temperature and is completely independent of the crystallinity of the starting material. The heat of fusion does not change with increased draw rate on drawing at 22°C, but decreases with draw rate on drawing at 60°C or higher temperatures. These results may be interpreted by the phase-transition model of plastic deformation of a semicrystalline polymer. During drawing of polypropylene ‘mechanical melting’ and strained recrystallization take place at the draw temperature and must be very fast. The new structure of drawn polypropylene is solely determined by the draw temperature, with a slight modification. At a Td of 60°C or higher, and at higher draw rates, as a consequence of the shorter exposure of drawn polypropylene to the draw temperature at these higher rates, crystallization proceeds for a shorter time at Td and hence results in a smaller increase in crystallinity.
Neurite outgrowth from cerebral cortical neurons is promoted by medium conditioned over heart cells

Seven day chick embryo cerebral cortical neurons cultured at low density (10,000 cells/16 mm well) in serum-free, defined medium in polylysine-coated wells fail to extend neurites and assume a flattened phase-dark morphology. Addition of serum-free, defined medium conditioned over chick embryo heart cells promotes neurite outgrowth and rounding of the cell body (which becomes phase bright). A sensitive bioassay, based on counting the number of phase-bright neurons with processes at least equal to one cell body diameter after 20 hours in culture, was used to titrate neurite-promoting activity in heart conditioned medium. This activity is completely destroyed by exposure to trypsin. As little as 2 micrograms/ml total conditioned medium protein elicits a half-maximal response in this bioassay.
Are centrilobular emphysema and panlobular emphysema two different diseases

Abstract The study of the pathogenesis of emphysema would be substantially aided if two types of emphysema, centrilobular and panlobular, could be clearly identified as separate diseases with separate pathogeneses. A study was therefore undertaken to test observer agreement on emphysema typing and to determine whether clinical or radiologic differences between these two types could be identified. Emphysema typing was found to be more difficult than the published literature indicates. This experience re-emphasizes previous findings that emphysema is often mixed in type, and that a common source of disagreement in typing is the relative weight given to each type. Only one previously published difference between centrilobular and panlobular emphysema is confirmed: the former tends to be located predominantly in the upper lung whereas the latter does not. It cannot be concluded from our data that the two types either do or do not constitute separate diseases. The difference in predominant location is in favor of such a distinction but all other findings suggest no distinction.
Errors-in-variables in demand systems

Abstract The rejection of symmetry and other restrictions in demand systems may be due to measurement errors in the exogenous variables. It is shown that symmetry conditions can be used to identify and consistently estimate a linear model's parameters when measurement error exists. Several identification rules are derived and estimation of identified models is considered. Results are applied to estimation of the Almost Ideal Demand System for the United Kingdom.
Metabolism and hepatotoxicity of the naturally occurring benzo[b]pyran precocene I.

Abstract The in vitro metabolism of precocene I by liver microsomes from control and treated rats and the effects of precocene I on the function and histology of the rat liver were examined. The major metabolites (80–90% of total metabolites) from all microsomal preparations were the cis and trans 3,4-diols of precocene I produced with a cis/trans isomer ratio of 1:2. These diols appear to arise mainly by spontaneous hydrolysis of precocene I 3,4-oxide. (+)-(3R,4R)-cis- and (−)-(3R,4S)-trans-precocene I 3,4-diols were the predominant enantiomers of the 3,4-diol formed. The enantiomeric excess of these diols (2–50%) is dependent on the microsomal preparation, with microsomes from control rats exhibiting the highest stereoselectivity and microsomes from phenobarbital-treated rats the least. 6-Hydroxyprecocene I was the next major metabolite and was formed to the extent of 5% (control), 10% and 17% (phenobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene treatment, respectively) of total metabolites. Treatment of rats with a single i.p. dose of precocene I (300 mg/kg) resulted in extensive hepatic damage as evidenced by a marked increase of plasma glutamic pyruvic transaminase levels and histologic observation in liver sections of severe centrolobular necrosis. Although phenobarbital treatment of rats increased the rate of liver microsomal metabolism of precocene I by ∼50% (nmol products/nmol cytochrome P-450/min) compared to liver microsomes from control rats, hepatic damage caused by precocene I was not significantly affected. Depletion of glutathione levels in the rats with diethyl maleate prior to precocene I treatment dramatically increased the severity of hepatic insult, whereas treatment of the rats with the mixed function oxidase inhibitor piperonyl butoxide prior to treatment with precocene I blocked hepatic damage. Treatment of rats with cysteamine prior to treatment with precocene I protected the animals against the toxic effects. Neither cis nor trans precocene I 3,4-diol nor 3,4-dihydroprecocene I elicited impaired liver function or cellular damage. The above results are consistent with the view that precocene I 3,4-oxide is the metabolite responsible for the hepatotoxic effects observed when precocene I is injected into rats.
Melting and polymorphic transitions for some group II-VI compounds at high pressures

The fusion curves of HgTe, CdTe, and CdSe have been determined over portions of the pressure interval, 0-50 kbar, by differential thermal analysis. Solid-solid transitions in HgTe, HgSe, CdTe, CdSe, and CdS have been investigated by the volume-discontinuity method. The sequences of pressure-induced polymorphic transitions in the II-VI compounds have been described in terms of mean atomic number and electro-negativity difference and also compared with previous correlations discovered for the Group VI elements and III-V compounds.
Immediate effects of upper thoracic spine manipulation on hypertensive individuals

AbstractPurpose:The aims of this study were to determine if there were any statistically significant immediate effects of upper thoracic spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) on cardiovascular physiology in hypertensive individuals.Introduction:Preliminary research suggests that SMT to various regions of the spine may be capable of lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive individuals. Further studies are warranted to corroborate or refute these findings as well as measure how other attributes of cardiovascular physiology are impacted by SMT.Methods:Fifty hypertensive participants (age = 45·5±13·9 years, height = 1·69±0·10 m, body mass = 93·9±21·5 kg: mean±standard deviation (SD)) were equally randomized into a single-blind, controlled trial involving two study groups: supine diversified anterior upper thoracic SMT of T1–4, or a ‘no T-spine contact’ control. Outcome measures were electrocardiogram, bilateral pulse oximetry, and bilateral blood pressure measurement performed at baseline, p...
Relations of eye color to scores on Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency--Short Form.

The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency—Short Form (8 subtests and 15 motor skill activities) was administered individually to 28 students. Multivariate analysis of variance showed no association with differences in eye color. There were two significant sex differences on univariate F tests; boys scored better at standing broad jump than girls, while girls scored better at standing on one leg and drawing a straight line than boys.
Invariant molecular-dynamics approach to structural phase transitions

Two fictitious Lagrangians to be used in molecular-dynamics simulations with variable cell shape and suitable to study problems like structural phase transitions are introduced. Because they are invariant with respect to the choice of the simulation cell edges and eliminate symmetry breaking associated with the fictitious part of the dynamics, they improve the physical content of numerical simulations that up to now have been done by using Parrinello-Rahman dynamics.
Low-energy deposition and collision-induced dissociation of water ions on Pt(111)

Abstract We studied collision-induced D2O+ dissociation on Pt(111) using a low-energy ion source (developed at PNNL and The University of Colorado) and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). D2O+ ions were deposited on the surface at energies ranging from 3 to 27 eV. The molecular sticking probability decreases rapidly with kinetic energy, from 0.14 at 3 eV to 0.04 at 27 eV. The dissociative adsorption probability (in terms of surface D atoms produced) increases from 0 at 10 eV to 0.8 deuteriums per incident ion at 27 eV. The dissociation appears to involve oxygen ejection, since TPD after deposition shows D2 but no oxygen other than in water. This dissociation threshold is higher than for published results for CO+ and N+2 hitting metal surfaces. This is because metal electrons should neutralize D2O+ to the ground electronic state, limiting its internal energy available for dissociation.
ADP-ribosylation of bovine S-antigen by cholera toxin

The S-antigen (alias 48K protein or arrestin) of bovine rod photoreceptors contains two stretches of amino acid sequence homologous to the ADP-ribosylation sites of the alpha subunit of transducin (Ta). We have found that cholera toxin transfers the ADP-ribosyl group from NAD to purified bovine S-antigen as well as to S-antigen in rod outer segment membranes, while Bordetella pertussis toxin is unable to catalize the transfer reaction efficiently. Under the same conditions, both toxins catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of Ta in rod outer segments. The ADP-ribosylation of S-antigen by cholera toxin indicates that S-antigen not only exhibits sequence homology with the ADP-ribosylation sites of Ta, but it must also resemble Ta in the tertiary structure of the domain which determines the susceptibility of S-antigen to the catalytic action of cholera toxin. These results suggest that S-antigen may function as a competitor of Ta in some stage of the cGMP cascade of visual transduction.
Deoxynivalenol-induced weight loss in the diet-induced obese mouse is reversible and PKR-independent

The trichothecene deoxynivalenol (DON), a potent ribotoxic mycotoxin produced by the cereal blight fungus Fusarium graminearum, commonly contaminates grain-based foods. Oral exposure to DON causes decreased food intake, reduced weight gain and body weight loss in experimental animals - effects that have been linked to dysregulation of hormones responsible for mediating satiety at the central nervous system level. When diet-induced obese (DIO) mice are fed DON, they consume less food, eventually achieving body weights of control diet-fed mice. Here, we extended these findings by characterizing: (1) reversibility of DON-induced body weight loss and anorexia in DIO mice and (2) the role of double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR) which has been previously linked to initiation of the ribotoxic stress response. The results demonstrated that DON-induced weight loss was reversible in DIO mice and this effect corresponded to initiation of a robust hyperphagic response. When DIO mice deficient in PKR were exposed to DON, they exhibited weight suppression similar to DIO wild-type fed the toxin, suggesting the toxin's weight effects were not dependent on PKR. Taken together, DON's effects on food consumption and body weight are not permanent and, furthermore, PKR is not an essential signaling molecule for DON's anorectic and weight effects.