cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kidney Outcomes and Hypertension in Survivors of Wilms Tumor: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Objective To assess the prevalence of therapy-related kidney outcomes in survivors of Wilms tumor (WT). Study design This prospective cohort study included survivors of WT who were ≥5 years old and ≥1 year from completing therapy, excluding those with preexisting hypertension, prior dialysis, or kidney transplant. Participants completed 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Abnormal blood pressure (BP) was defined as ≥90th percentile. Masked hypertension was defined as having normal office BP and abnormal ABPM findings. Urine was analyzed for kidney injury molecule-1, interleukin-18, epidermal growth factor, albumin, and creatinine. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the bedside chronic kidney disease in children equation. Recent kidney ultrasound examinations and echocardiograms were reviewed for contralateral kidney size and left ventricular hypertrophy, respectively. Clinical follow-up data were collected for approximately 2 years after study enrollment. Results Thirty-two participants (median age, 13.6 years [IQR, 10.5-16.3 years]; 75% stage 3 or higher WT) were evaluated at a median of 8.7 years (IQR, 6.5-10.8 years) after therapy; 29 participants underwent unilateral radical nephrectomy, 2 bilateral partial nephrectomy, and 1 radical and contralateral partial nephrectomy. In this cohort, 72% received kidney radiotherapy and 75% received doxorubicin. Recent median eGFR was 95.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 (IQR, 84.6-114.0; 11 [34%] had an eGFR of Conclusions In survivors of WT, adverse kidney outcomes were common and should be closely monitored.
A Cyberattack Model for Decentralized Congestions in Smart Distribution Systems

One of the significant challenges jeopardizing the security of smart grids is their vulnerability to cyberattacks which target distribution lines for congestions. Decentralized congestions can lead to cascading failure and even blackout in power systems. This paper proposes a cyberattack model designed to overflow tie lines of distribution networks in a decentralized manner. The main features of the developed model are to target decentralized regions of the system and to consider the optimal time for attack. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is validated on a modified IEEE standard distribution network integrated by charging stations of electric vehicles, wind turbines, photovoltaics, and smart homes.
The Home Purchase Decision: Measurement of Evaluative Criteria

The importance of neighborhood and dwelling unit attributes in the home purchase decision is explored in this study. The findings should be informative and useful to those involved in the marketing of homes. Differences in attitudes by former renters and owners as well as low, medium, and high socioeconomic groups are reported.
Characterization of an Mg-implanted GaN p–i–n diode

An Mg-implanted p–i–n diode was fabricated and characterized. Mg activation was achieved using the multicycle rapid thermal annealing technique with rapid heating pulses up to 1340 °C. The surface of the implanted GaN after annealing was smooth (0.94 nm RMS roughness) with growth steps evident as characterized by atomic force microscopy. The full width at half-maximum of the implanted GaN E2 Raman mode approaches that of the as-grown GaN after the annealing process, indicating that the annealing process is able to reverse most of the implantation damage. The Mg-implanted p–i–n diode exhibits rectification and a low leakage current of 0.11 μA cm−2 at a bias of −10 V. Under forward bias, light emission was observed from the p–i–n diode. The implantation and activation of Mg in a GaN-based device, demonstrated for the first time in this research, is a key enabling step for future optoelectronic and power electronic devices. Current–voltage characteristics of the Mg-implanted p–i–n diode with an inset of the device schematic.
Data Structures: A Pseudocode Approach with C

Part 1: Introduction 1. Basic Concepts 2. Recursion Part 2: Linear Lists 3. Stacks 4. Queues 5. General Linear Lists Part 3: Non-Linear Lists 6. Introduction to Trees 7. Binary Search Trees 8. AVL Search Trees 9. Heaps 10. Multiway Trees 11. Graphs Part 4: Sorting and Searching 12. Sorting 13. Searching Appendices A: ASCII Tables B: Structure Charts C: Integer and Float Libraries D: Selected C Libraries E: Mathematical Series and Recursive Relations F: Array Implementations of Stacks and Queues
Research and implementation on power system stabilizer PSS4B model

This paper introduced the power system stabilizer PSS4B model in detail with its advantages, parameter setting and the implementation method on excitation regulator. It would promote the power system stabilizer technology, and provide a better technical support for the construction of strong and smart grid in our country.
A Non-classical Presentation of Tangier Disease with Three ABCA1 Mutations

Tangier disease is a very rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder characterized by markedly reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, characteristic large, yellow–orange tonsils, and enlarged liver, spleen and lymph nodes. It is caused by mutations in the ABCA1 gene. There is no specific treatment, and medications traditionally used to increase HDL are ineffective. A number of patients with non-classical Tangier disease have been described in the literature, who presented with low HDL levels, corneal lesions, hepatosplenomegaly, and thrombocytopenia. We report here about a 45-year-old female with a past medical history of early coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, multiple episodes of angina, immeasurable HDL, and a history of idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura. She had a tonsillectomy performed previously, but did not remember if the tonsils were of any unusual color. There was no history of peripheral neuropathy. Her family history is significant for her father and mother having Alzheimer disease and hypertension, respectively. On physical examination she did not have any hepatosplenomegaly or corneal opacities. She was found to have three mutations in the ABCA1 gene. These were designated A1046D (c.3137C>A) in exon 22; Y1532C (c.4595A>G) in exon 34, and W1699C (c.5097G>T) in exon 37. All three have been reported to be deleterious in functional studies. The patient has immeasurable HDL, which leads us to assume that two mutations are on one allele and one mutation on the other. We suspect that this condition is under-diagnosed, and as more patients are reported in the literature, the phenotype of Tangier disease will be elucidated further.
Single Molecule Detection Using Optical Microcavities

Optical microcavities have successfully detected a wide range of analytes and analyte properties in a variety of conditions. There are several important parameters of an optical cavity which govern its operation and determine its applicability in a given sensing scenario. An overview of these conditions and a discussion of the primary microcavity geometries used in biological and chemical detection are given. Additionally, a brief explanation of the role of surface functionalization and several specific methods which have been demonstrated with optical resonant cavity sensors is discussed.
Campylobacter jejuni survival within human epithelial cells is enhanced by the secreted protein CiaI

Although it is known that Campylobacter jejuni invade the cells that line the human intestinal tract, the bacterial proteins that enable this pathogen to survive within Campylobacter-containing vacuoles (CCV) have not been identified. Here, we describe the identification and characterization of a protein that we termed CiaI for Campylobacter invasion antigen involved in intracellular survival. We show that CiaI harbours an amino-terminal type III secretion sequence and is secreted from C. jejuni through the flagellar type III secretion system. In addition, the ciaI mutant was impaired in intracellular survival when compared with a wild-type strain, as judged by the gentamicin-protection assay. Fluorescence microscopy examination of epithelial cells infected with the C. jejuni ciaI mutant revealed that the CCV were more frequently co-localized with Cathepsin D (a lysosomal marker) than the CCV in cells infected with a C. jejuni wild-type strain. Ectopic expression of CiaI-GFP in epithelial cells yielded a punctate phenotype not observed with the other C. jejuni genes, and this phenotype was abolished by mutation of a dileucine motif located in the carboxy-terminus of the protein. Based on the data, we conclude that CiaI contributes to the ability of C. jejuni to survive within epithelial cells.
Induced expression of the endogenous beta interferon gene in adenovirus type 5-transformed rat fibroblasts.

Tumorigenesis is a multistep process involving both genetic and epigenetic changes resulting in altered cellular gene expression. While many phenotypic attributes of transformed cells have been described, the cellular genes responsible for these phenotypes are largely unknown. In this study, we show that the interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) ISG15 is expressed in all adenovirus type 5 (Ad5)-transformed rodent cells tested, in an E1A-dependent manner. We find that the level of ISG15 mRNA correlates with the level of the transcription factor ISGF3, which has been postulated to be the transcriptional activator of ISGs. Consistent with the activation of the interferon transduction pathway in Ad5-transformed cells, beta interferon mRNA is expressed in all but the parental untransformed cell line. The level of ISG15 mRNA in Ad5-transformed cells correlated inversely with the ability of these cells to proliferate in soft agar. This appears to have functional significance, since the phenotype of poor growth in agar could be conferred upon a cell line that grows efficiently in soft agar by using conditioned media from cells that grow poorly in soft agar. The same effect could be mimicked by applying rat interferon. We conclude that the degree of activation of the interferon signal transduction pathway explains differences in the transformation phenotypes among Ad5-transformed cell lines. Images
Bistatic ocean surface reverberation simulation

Bistatic ocean surface reverberation is simulated using the bistatic framework (transmitter and receiver not collocated) of the generic sonar model (GSM) modified to incorporate the frequency spreading effects of transmitter, receiver, and scatterer motion and produce time-varying reverberation spectra. A computationally straightforward algorithm has been developed for computing high-frequency bistatic ocean surface scattering strength. The algorithm implements the Kirchoff approximation for near specular angles and composite roughness theory for angles away from the specular. The absorption and scattering effects of subsurface bubbles are also modeled. Simulation results are compared to high-frequency bistatic reverberation measurements made using a directional transmitter and omnidirectional receiver. >
The effects of continuous phonation on 133Xenon-inhalation air curves (of the kind used in deriving regional cerebral blood flow)☆☆☆

Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) may be measured with inhalation techniques that use end-expired values of radioactivity to estimate the isotope concentration in arterial blood. These end-expired data are used as an input function in a mathematical equation to derive rCBF. End-expired air is assumed normally to be in equilibrium with the arterial blood at the alveolar surface of the lung during regular (passive) breathing; this assumption may not be valid during continuous phonation. We therefore have analyzed breathing (inhalation/exhalation) patterns and end-expired radioactivity (133Xe) during (1) speaking, (2) singing, and (3) humming of the national anthem, and also during (4) passive breathing. Statistically significant differences in breathing patterns were measured between a group of nonmusicians and two groups of musicians (singers) during the phonation tasks: The nonmusicians breathed more often (and more rapidly) and exhibited less variability in their breathing patterns than did the musicians. Notwithstanding these differences, the shapes of smoothed functions derived from the end-expired values were not influenced appreciably during phonation (except possibly during talking). The latter finding suggests that estimates of rCBF derived with these data should not be confounded seriously because of the continuous phonation.
Robot choreography: An artistic-scientific connection

Abstract Robot Choreography has been developed to explore an aesthetic dimension of robotic movement. Robots and control techniques developed based on biological principles can assist in the transference of techniques developed for human choreography to programming aesthetic robot motion. The resultant form of choreographed robot movement integrated art and technology as a possible new art form with relevant research implications.
High‐level employee involvement at Delta Air Lines

As described in this unique case study, Delta Air Lines operates one of the most advanced, high-level employee involvement programs in the nation. Based on in-depth field study and personal interviews, the development, structure, operation, and business goals of the program are described. The study then summarizes the business benefits and costs of this type of high-level employee involvement program and concludes with 12 “lessons learned.” © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collecting Sample Weight Data on Various Liquid Handling Robots

Liquid-handling platforms often do not provide a mechanism for collecting weight data needed for instrument qualification and sample transfer confirmation. This paper discusses the development, imp...
The Case of Ms. Nancy Cruzan and the Care of the Elderly

The case of Ms. Nancy Cruzan is the first so-called "right to die" case to be heard by the US Supreme Court. The Missouri Supreme Court had ruled that Ms. Cruzan's parents, who are also her court-appointed guardians, cannot authorize the withdrawal of artificial hydration and nutrition from their daughter. Ms. Cruzan has been in a persistent vegetative state since an auto accident more than six years ago. Even though Ms. Cruzan is only 32 years old, the decision in her case will have serious implications for care of the elderly. Key features of the Missouri Supreme Court decision include their claims that (1) the authority for surrogate decision-making flows from the parens patriae power of the State rather than from the authority of the incompetent person, (2) the State has an unqualified interest in the preservation of life, and (3) the medical provision of nutrition and hydration ought to be considered differently than other forms of medical treatment. Such claims are at considerable variance from accepted standards of ethically defensible decision-making that focus on the well-being of the patient understood according to the patient's own values and life goals. If the US Supreme Court restricts decisions to forgo life-sustaining treatment according to patient prognosis, capacity for decision-making, type of treatment, or state of residence, then a patient-centered standard of medical decision-making will be impossible to sustain and the maximization of life extension will be required without regard to the suffering thereby imposed.
A climatology of equatorial plasma bubbles from DMSP 1989–2004

[1] After examining evening sector plasma density measurements from polar-orbiting Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) spacecraft for 1989–2004, we have established a statistical database of more than 14,400 equatorial plasma bubble (EPB) observations. EPBs are irregular plasma density depletions in the postsunset ionosphere that degrade communication and navigation signals. In general, the DMSP observations support Tsunoda's (1985) hypothesis that EPB rates peak when the terminator is aligned with the Earth's magnetic field, but unpredicted offsets are also evident in many longitude sectors. Plots of EPB rates for solar cycle phases: maximum 1989–1992 and 1999–2002, minimum 1994–1997, and transition years 1993, 1998, and 2003 reveal significant differences in the climatologies for solar maximum and minimum, between the two solar maxima, and in the transition years. To assess local time effects on EPB rates, we also compare observations from F12, F14, F15, and F16 at slightly different postsunset local times for 2000–2004. This study was undertaken to facilitate improvements in ionospheric models in preparation for the Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) mission.
Drosophila ESC-like can substitute for ESC and becomes required for Polycomb silencing if ESC is absent

Abstract The Drosophila esc-like gene ( escl ) encodes a protein very similar to ESC. Like ESC, ESCL binds directly to the E(Z) histone methyltransferase via its WD region. In contrast to ESC, which is present at highest levels during embryogenesis and low levels thereafter, ESCL is continuously present throughout development and in adults. ESC/E(Z) complexes are present at high levels mainly during embryogenesis but ESCL/E(Z) complexes are found throughout development. While depletion of either ESCL or ESC by RNAi in S2 and Kc cells has little effect on E(Z)-mediated methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27), simultaneous depletion of ESCL and ESC results in loss of di- and trimethyl-H3K27, indicating that either ESC or ESCL is necessary and sufficient for di- and trimethylation of H3K27 in vivo. While E(Z) complexes in S2 cells contain predominantly ESC, in ESC-depleted S2 cells, ESCL levels rise dramatically and ESCL replaces ESC in E(Z) complexes. A mutation in escl that produces very little protein is viable and exhibits no phenotypes but strongly enhances esc mutant phenotypes, suggesting they have similar functions. esc escl double homozygotes die at the end of the larval period, indicating that the well-known “maternal rescue” of esc homozygotes requires ESCL. Furthermore, maternal and zygotic over-expression of escl fully rescues the lethality of esc null mutant embryos that contain no ESC protein, indicating that ESCL can substitute fully for ESC in vivo. These data thus indicate that ESC and ESCL play similar if not identical functions in E(Z) complexes in vivo. Despite this, when esc is expressed normally, escl appears to be entirely dispensable, at least for development into morphologically normal fertile adults. Furthermore, the larval lethality of esc escl double mutants, together with the lack of phenotypes in the escl mutant, further suggests that in wild-type ( esc + ) animals it is the post-embryonic expression of esc , not escl , that is important for development of normal adults. Thus escl appears to function in a backup capacity during development that becomes important only when normal esc expression is compromised.
More on norms from algebraic number fields commutators and matrices which transform a rational matrix into its transpose

Abstract The additive commutator AS — SA is studied for rational matrices A, S where A has irreducible characteristic polynomial and S transforms A into its transpose by similarity.
Crystallization behavior of poly(ethylene terephthalate)

The crystallization behavior of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was studied by the methods of small angle light scattering, depolarized light intensity and density measurements. Spherulite growth rates and the overall rates of crystallization were determined at various temperatures. A detailed analysis of the crystallization course has been made with special emphasis on the early stages of crystallization. The results indicate that a significant amount of crystallization takes place in the extraspherulitie material during isothermal crystallization.
Application of lectin histochemistry and carbohydrate analysis to the characterization of lysosomal storage diseases

Abstract In lysosomal storage diseases that involve a defect in the catabolism of glycoconjugates, lectin histochemistry adds new dimension to the characterization of stored carbohydrates as it identifies sugar residues in situ in the affected cells and, thus, determines which celltypes are affected by storage. It may be combined with chemical and biochemical analysis by h.p.l.c. The present review summarizes recent results for a variety of storage diseases and presents new data for GM1-gangliosidosis.
Skeletal age determinations in children of European and African descent: Applicability of the Greulich and Pyle standards

This study assesses the value of the Greulich and Pyle method in determining the skeletal ages of healthy American children of European and African descent born after the year 1980. The hand and wrist radiographs of 534 children (265 boys, 269 girls; 260 European-Americans [EA], 274 African-Americans [AA]), ages 0 to 19 y, were analyzed by two experienced pediatric radiologists blinded to the chronological age of the subjects. A difference score was calculated for each subject by subtracting chronological age from the mean bone ages scores provided by the two raters. One group t-tests were performed to verify the hypothesis that the mean difference score was equal to zero. Skeletal age determinations by the two radiologists showed a high degree of agreement by intraclass correlation coefficient (r = 0.994). The range of values for differences in skeletal and chronological ages was very wide, indicating great individual variability. Comparisons between skeletal and chronological age only reached statistical significance in EA prepubertal girls, whose skeletal ages were delayed, on average, by three months (t = -2.9; p = 0.005). Mean difference between skeletal and chronological age in prepubertal children of African descent was 0.09 +/- 0.66 y, while that in children of European descent was -0.17 +/- 0.67 y; (t = 3.13; p = 0.0019). On average, the bone ages of 10% of all prepubertal AA children were 2 SD above the normative data in the Greulich and Pyle atlas, while the bone ages of 8% of all prepubertal EA children were 2 SD below. In contrast to the racial differences observed in prepubertal children, EA postpubertal males had significantly greater values for bone age than AA postpubertal males (t = 2.03; p = 0.05). In conclusion, variations in skeletal maturation in prepubertal children are greater than those reflected in the Greulich and Pyle atlas; prepubertal American children of European descent have significantly delayed skeletal maturation when compared with those of African descent; and, postpubertal EA males have significantly advanced skeletal maturation when compared with postpubertal AA males. New standards are needed to make clinical decisions that require reliable bone ages and to accurately represent a multiethnic pediatric population.
Influence of elevated temperatures on the isolation and proliferation of mesophyll protoplasts from PVX-and PVY-infected tobacco tissue.

Abstract Preconditioning of potato virus X- or potato virus Y-infected tobacco plants for 10 days at 32° significantly enhanced the efficiency of protoplast isolation. Subsequent incubation of cultured protoplasts from either virus-infected or healthy plants at 32° favored a more rapid and synchronous form of proliferation than at lower temperatures.
Titration of the first component of complement on a molecular basis: suitability of IgM and unsuitability of IgG hemolysins as sensitizer.

Abstract EAC4 prepared with rabbit IgM hemolysins are not suitable for c 1 and Cl titrations on a molecular basis. C 1 titrations with EAIgGC4 are insatisfactory because Cl transfers from site to site even at low ionic strength. Site to site transfer of C 1 during assay leads to an overestimation of C 1 activity. The use of EAIgGC4 for the assay of Cl leads to an underestimation of Cl activity. The latter difficulty is not due to a differential uptake of Cl by EAigGC4 and EAIgMC4 for we found that both cells take up Cl equally well, but the rate of activation of Cl to Cl is far greater on cells prepared with IgM.
Land tenure and rancho expansion in Alta California, 1784–1846

Abstract Popular writers and historians have viewed the rancho as a symbol of the halcyon days of hispanic California and often have overlooked the role of rancho land grants in changing the land tenure system of Alta California during Mexican occupance. This paper views the rancho as an integral part of a land tenure system under which considerable land was granted and examines the patterns of rancho land grants to 1846. The majority of rancho grants were less than six years old at the end of Mexican rule, but they were instrumental in introducing a new land tenure system which imposed a distinct order and design on the Alta California landscape. The land policies of Mexico have been strikingly persistent; rancho boundaries still constitute a prominent part of the modern landscape of California. As a settlement institution, the rancho was more than boundaries delimiting ownership of land, it was the primary means by which resources were distributed, organized and exploited. While the granting of land in Alta California was a distinctive practice, an investigation of how this land system came about and its impact on the land adds to our understanding of tenure practices in general and in particular provides insights into the way in which cultural and economic values are impressed on the land through land ordinances.
Source characterization for an explosion during the 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano from very-long-period seismic waves

Abstract The 2009 eruption of Redoubt produced several very-long-period (VLP) signals associated with explosions. We invert for the source location and mechanism of an explosion at Redoubt volcano using waveform methods applied to broadband recordings. Such characterization of the source carries information on the geometry of the conduit and the physics of the explosion process. Inversions are carried out assuming the volcanic source can be modeled as a point source, with mechanisms described by a) a set of 3 orthogonal forces, b) a moment tensor consisting of force couples, and c) both forces and moment tensor components. We find that the source of the VLP seismic waves during the explosion is well-described by either a combined moment/force source located northeast of the crater and at an elevation of 1.6 km ASL or a moment source at an elevation of 800 m to the southwest of the crater. The moment tensors for the solutions with moment and force and moment-only share similar characteristics. The source time functions for both moment tensors begin with inflation (pressurization) and execute two cycles of deflation-reinflation (depressurization–repressurization). Although the moment/force source provides a better fit to the data, we find that owing to the limited coverage of the broadband stations at Redoubt the moment-only source is the more robust and reliable solution. Based on the moment-only solution, we estimate a volume change of 19,000 m3 and a pressure change of 7 MPa in a dominant sill and an out-of-phase volume change of 5000 m3 and pressure change of 1.8 MPa in a subdominant dike at the source location. These results shed new light on the magmatic plumbing system beneath Redoubt and complement previous studies on Vulcanian explosions at other volcanoes.
Efficient Hilbert transform-based alternative to Tofts physiological models for representing MRI dynamic contrast-enhanced images in computer-aided diagnosis of prostate cancer

In computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems for prostate cancer, dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging is useful for distinguishing cancerous and benign tissue. The Tofts physiological model is a commonly used representation of the DCE image data, but the parameters require extensive computation. Hence, we developed an alternative representation based on the Hilbert transform of the DCE images. The time maximum of the Hilbert transform, a binary metric of early enhancement, and a pre-DCE value was assigned to each voxel and appended to a standard feature set derived from T2-weighted images and apparent diffusion coefficient maps. A cohort of 40 patients was used for training the classifier, and 20 patients were used for testing. The AUC was calculated by pooling the voxel-wise prediction values and comparing with the ground truth. The resulting AUC of 0.92 (95% CI [0.87 0.97]) is not significantly different from an AUC calculated using Tofts physiological models of 0.92 (95% CI [0.87 0.97]), as validated by a Wilcoxon signed rank test on each patient’s AUC (p = 0.19). The time required for calculation and feature extraction is 11.39 seconds (95% CI [10.95 11.82]) per patient using the Hilbert-based feature set, two orders of magnitude faster than the 1319 seconds (95% CI [1233 1404]) required for the Tofts parameter-based feature set (p<0.001). Hence, the features proposed herein appear useful for CAD systems integrated into clinical workflows where efficiency is important.
α2A-Adrenoceptor mediated tachypnea in awake goats

To further elucidate the role of alpha2-adrenoceptors (alpha2-ARs) in the control of respiratory rhythm we examined the ventilatory effects of guanfacine (a preferentially selective alpha2A-AR agonist) and clonidine (a non-selective alpha2-AR agonist) in awake adult goats. Systemic administration of guanfacine in cumulative doses (20 microg/kg; 140-180 microg/kg total cumulative dose) increased breathing in all animals in a dose-dependent manner. The excitatory effect was entirely mediated by increases in respiratory frequency. The magnitude of the guanfacine-induced tachypnea was similar to that produced by systemic administration of cumulative doses of clonidine (1-2 microg/kg; 4-10 microg/kg total cumulative dose) in the same animals studied on a separate day. Both guanfacine- and clonidine-induced tachypnea was reversed by the preferentially selective alpha2A-AR antagonist RX821002 (2-6 microg/kg IV). Unlike clonidine however, guanfacine administration did not produce slow arrhythmic breathing episodes (irregular TE intervals and central apneas) that are characteristic of alpha2-AR stimulation with alpha2-AR agonists in the awake goat. The results suggest that alpha2-AR agonist-induced ventilatory excitation (tachypnea) requires the activation of alpha2A-ARs whereas clonidine-induced ventilatory depression (arrhythmic breathing) requires the activation of an alternate alpha2-AR subtype (presumably alpha2C-ARs). The results further demonstrate that alpha2-AR pathways exert an important influence on respiratory rhythm in the awake goat.
A goal-oriented hp-adaptive finite element method with electromagnetic applications. Part I: Electrostatics

We describe the development and application of a finite element (FE) self-adaptive hp goal-oriented algorithm for elliptic problems. The algorithm delivers (without any user interaction) a sequence of optimal hp-grids. This sequence of grids minimizes the error of a prescribed quantity of interest with respect to the problem size. The refinement strategy is an extension of a fully automatic, energy-norm based, hp-adaptive algorithm. We illustrate the efficiency of the method with 2D numerical results. Among other problems, we apply the goal-oriented hp-adaptive strategy to simulate direct current (DC) resistivity logging instruments (including through casing resistivity tools) in a borehole environment and for the assessment of rock formation properties. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved neural progenitor cell survival when cografted with chromaffin cells in the rat striatum.

Transplantation of stem and neural progenitor cells hold great promise in the repair of neuronal tissue lost due to injury or disease. However, survival following transplantation to the adult CNS has been poor, likely due to a lack of neurotrophic factors, such as basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), that are used to maintain and expand these cells in culture. Chromaffin cells produce several neurotrophic agents, including FGF-2, which may aid in both neuroprotection following injury and progenitor cell proliferation and survival. In addition, increased CNS catecholamines have been shown to improve functional recovery following insult. Thus, cotransplants of neural progenitor cells and chromaffin cells may be a useful clinical strategy. To address this, the survival of rat cortical progenitors transplanted to the adult rat striatum with and without bovine chromaffin cell cografts was assessed. Progenitors obtained from E14 embryos were prelabeled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) before transplantation to enable later identification. Transplants were made both unilaterally and bilaterally, where animals received a monograft (progenitor cells alone) on one side and a cograft (progenitors + chromaffin cells) on the other. Histological results after 7, 17, and 30 days posttransplant revealed greatly improved survival of BrdU-labeled cells in the cografts and also less infiltration of presumptive immune cells. In addition, perivascular cuffing was seen in the monografts. In vitro progenitor cohorts stained positive for nestin, GFAP, and β-tubulin III, but in vivo very few cells were found that were double labeled with BrdU and one of these markers. Thus, in contrast to in vitro findings, chromaffin cells did not enhance differentiation of progenitors in vivo during the 30 days posttransplantation. The results of these studies suggest that chromaffin cells may provide neurotrophic support to enhance survival, but not differentiation, of cortical progenitor grafts in the adult CNS.
Rapid Classification of Protein Structure Models Using Unassigned Backbone RDCs and Probability Density Profile Analysis (PDPA)

A method of identifying the best structural model for a protein of unknown structure from a list of structural candidates using unassigned 15N1H residual dipolar coupling (RDC) data and probability density profile analysis (PDPA) is described. Ten candidate structures have been obtained for the structural genomics target protein PF2048.1 using ROBETTA. 15N1H residual dipolar couplings have been measured from NMR spectra of the protein in two alignment media and these data have been analyzed using PDPA to rank the models in terms of their ability to represent the actual structure. A number of advantages in using this method to characterize a protein structure become apparent. RDCs can easily and rapidly be acquired, and without the need for assignment, the cost and duration of data acquisition is greatly reduced. The approach is quite robust with respect to imprecise and missing data. In the case of PF2048.1, a 79 residue protein, only 58 and 55 of the total RDC data were observed. The method can accelerate structure determination at higher resolution using traditional NMR spectroscopy by providing a starting point for the addition of NOEs and other NMR structural data.
An ergonomic assessment of sample preparation job tasks in a chemical laboratory

Previous research had indicated that repetitive motions and static postures could cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). A review of the ergonomic and safety literature indicated a lack of postural assessment information for job tasks within a chemical laboratory. The study used ergonomic assessment tools to evaluate the postures associated with laboratory sample preparation tasks. Six sample preparation job tasks were evaluated by the following tools: anthropometric and environmental data, a Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and a BodyMap. The REBA assessed six sub tasks within each sample preparation task. The relative range of postures associated with observed tasks were determined. The results indicated medium to high-risk REBA scores in at least one sub task for each sample preparation job task. The resulting differences amongst the tasks and sub task REBA scores were due to environmental and anthropometric variations. Participants noted discomfort in the BodyMap survey, which corresponded to observed awkward postures in the REBA assessment. Frequent short breaks along with workstation re-design and a stretching program could help reduce the risk of MSDs. Further investigation and remediation were recommended for the chemical laboratory work environment.
Amino acid uptake in rabbit blood vessels two weeks after induction of hypertension by coarctation of the abdominal aorta

Rabbits were made hypertensive by partial constriction of the upper abdominal aorta. Two weeks after the operation various arteries and veins were removed from these rabbits and from sham-operated animals, and the in vitro incorporation of tritium-labelled proline and lysine into the vessels was measured to gain information on protein synthesis in the blood vessel walls. The ear and carotid arteries and the thoracic aorta, which are from the proximal (hypertensive) side of the ligature, showed increased uptake of the amino acids when compared with the same vessels from sham-operated animals. The increase showed good correlation with the degree of hypertension, expressed as the mean brachial arterial pressure. TCA-precipitated protein extracts were prepared from the thoracic and abdominal aortae. Comparison of labelled amino acid uptake into whole tissue and into TCA-precipitated protein for these vessels from each animal showed that increased uptake into the tissue indicated increased protein synthesis. Protein samples from thoracic aorta were separated into elastin, collagen, and other proteins for estimation of synthesis of these components. Each of the three protein groups showed increase of synthesis in hypertensive vessels. The greatest absolute increase was in the non-collagen, non-elastin protein, and the increase relative to control levels was similar in each of the three protein groups. In arteries distal to the ligature (normotensive side) and in veins from either side of the ligature no increase in protein synthesis related to brachial pressure was apparent. These results show that the rate of protein synthesis, determined in vitro , increases in arteries subjected to increased blood pressure. Synthesis increases in both the static structural (collagen and elastin) and in the other proteins. The change in protein synthesis is caused by local, rather than systemic, factors.
Non-cancer mortality in poultry slaughtering/processing plant workers belonging to a union pension fund.

BACKGROUND: The role of the biological environment in the occurrence of many chronic human diseases has been little studied. Humans are commonly exposed to transmissible agents that infect and cause a wide variety of subacute and chronic diseases in chickens and turkeys. The objective of this study is to investigate whether these agents cause similar diseases in humans, by studying workers in poultry slaughtering and processing plants who have one of the highest human exposures to these agents. METHODS: Mortality in poultry workers was compared with that in the United States general population through the estimation of standardized mortality ratios. RESULTS: Excess mortality from infectious and parasitic diseases was observed in the poultry workers. In addition, excess occurrences of deaths involving several sites of the cardiovascular, neurological, endocrine, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems, were observed, although the numbers involved were few in some instances. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that poultry workers are at increased risk of dying from certain causes of death, including infections. This is consistent with other reports. Although it is possible that occupational exposure to transmissible agents present in poultry may be one of the causes of the excess occurrence of some of these diseases, other factors that were not considered because of the nature of the study design, could be equally important. Also, the small number of deaths involved in some instances calls for caution in interpreting the results. However, the study is important, as it has succeeded in newly identified areas that need further research, and which may have implications not only for workers, but also for the general population.
Simultaneous calibrated multichannel electronic interferometry and digital particle image velocimetry for the study of transient natural convection

Simultaneous quantitative measurements of both the temperature and velocity fields for 2D transient natural convection in an enclosure are made using calibrated multichannel electronic interferometry and digital particle image velocimetry. Calibrated multichannel electronic interferometry, a technique for quantitative flow visualization of transient phenomena, is discussed. This technique uses an interferometer combined with diffraction gratings to generate the three phase shifted interferograms simultaneously. The optical system is calibrated using standard piezoelectric phase shifting. The alignment is determined using spatial crosscorrelation. The calibration and alignment routines account for errors due to the separation of the phase shifted interferograms. Digital particle image velocimetry is implemented simultaneously with the interferometric measurements using a separate video channel. The system is used to examine the development of transient natural convection in enclosures at three angles of inclination.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Liquid scintillation counting of nickel-63

Abstract A method for the liquid scintillation counting of nickel-63 is described in which the nickel is precipitated as the dipyridine nickel dithiocyanate complex and dissolved in a dioxan-based liquid scintillant for assay. Counting efficiencies well in excess of 60 per cent were obtained with a background of 20–25 counts per min using a Packard Model 3320 liquid scintillation spectrometer. Quench-correction by channels ratio and external standardization is discussed. The technique has been used for the determination of small amounts of nickel-63 present in liquid radioactive wastes from nuclear power stations.
Enhanced retention of in vitro functional activity of platelets from recombinant human thrombopoietin‐treated patients following long‐term cryopreservation with a platelet‐preserving solution (ThromboSol) and 2% DMSO

Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia represents a significant clinical problem in the management of patients with malignancy. Recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO) is a potent stimulator of platelet production in vivo. The ability to cryopreserve rhTPO-derived platelets would enable the use of autologous platelets during the period of thrombocytopenia. ThromboSolTM is a platelet-stabilizing formulation consisting of second messenger effectors that inhibit specific activation pathways endogenous to platelets. To investigate the effect of ThromboSol cryopreservation, platelets from rhTPO-treated patients (n = 23) and normal donors were treated with ThromboSol and 2% DMSO and cryopreserved for up to 6 months. The platelets were thawed at different intervals and tested for retention of platelet functional activity in vitro. Following a short-term storage (1 week), the cryopreserved platelets from patients treated with rhTPO exhibited significantly higher retention of functional activities including discoid morphology (70% v 57%), extent of shape change (19% v 13%) stirring shape change (15% v 11%) and hypotonic shock response (56% v 25%), as compared to the cryopreserved platelets from controls. Furthermore, there was no further significant loss of functional activity following cryopreservation for up to 6 months. These findings suggest that cryopreservation of platelets from rhTPO-treated donors may provide a useful novel strategy for autologous or allogeneic donation for subsequent transfusions to manage treatment-related thrombocytopenia.
To evacuate or shelter in place: implications of universal hurricane evacuation policies on nursing home residents.

Objective: To examine the differential morbidity/mortality associated with evacuation versus sheltering in place for nursing home (NH) residents exposed to the 4 most recent Gulf hurricanes. Methods: Observational study using Medicare claims and NH data sources. We compared the differential mortality/morbidity for long-stay residents exposed to 4 recent hurricanes (Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike) relative to those residing at the same NHs over the same time periods during the prior 2 nonhurricane years as a control. Using an instrumental variable analysis, we then evaluated the independent effect of evacuation on outcomes at 90 days. Results: Among 36,389 NH residents exposed to a storm, the 30- and 90-day mortality/hospitalization rates increased compared with nonhurricane control years. There were a cumulative total of 277 extra deaths and 872 extra hospitalizations at 30 days. At 90 days, 579 extra deaths and 544 extra hospitalizations were observed. Using the instrumental variable analysis, evacuation increased the probability of death at 90 days from 2.7% to 5.3% and hospitalization by 1.8% to 8.3%, independent of other factors. Conclusion: Among residents exposed to hurricanes, evacuation significantly exacerbated subsequent morbidity/mortality.
Commentary: Global leadership in transcultural nursing practice, education and research.

There is a substantial and important body of transcultural knowledge, theory and research that needs to be applied to clinical practice, education, research, administration and consultations. Transcultural nursing has become global in its focus, interests and practices. (non-author abstract)
Large animal model of left ventricular aneurysm

In 28 Dorsett sheep, ligation of the distal homonymous (equivalent to human left anterior descending) and second diagonal coronary arteries produced a constant transmural infarct of 22.9% +/- 2.5% (mean +/- standard deviation) of the left ventricular mass. Serial left ventriculograms showed that within four hours the infarct segment expands, wall thickness decreases, and aneurysmal dilatation occurs and progresses over the next 60 days in all sheep. Epicardial ventricular point references indicated that adjacent noninfarcted myocardium participates in the formation of the aneurysm. Anatomy of the coronary vasculature was studied in 22 excised sheep hearts. In sheep, coronary arterial anatomy is remarkably constant. The left coronary artery provides all of the blood supply to the left ventricle and septum and only a small rim of both the anterior and posterior right ventricles. Cardiac veins from the left ventricle drain into the coronary sinus, which also receives the left azygos vein. Right ventricular veins drain separately. The essentially separate coronary circulations to the two ventricles, the paucity of coronary collateral circulation, and the consistent evolution of left ventricular infarcts into aneurysms are important advantages of the ovine model for both metabolic and ventricular mechanical studies of acute myocardial infarction and left ventricular aneurysm.
Self-silencing and age as risk factors for sexually acquired HIV in midlife and older women.

Objectives: This study explores the contribution of psychosocial factors on sex behaviors of midlife and older women. Methods: A community-based sample of ethnically diverse women (N = 572) between the ages of 50 and 93 completed standardized measures of self-silencing, self-esteem, sensation-seeking behavior, HIV-related stigma behavior, sexual assertiveness, and safer sex behaviors. Results : Results from the regression analysis indicated the model significantly predicted safer sex behaviors (p < .001), with self-silencing (β = —.115, p < .05) and age (β = .173, p < .001) as significant predictors. Bivariate correlation analysis indicated an inverse correlation between HIV stigma (p < .05) and safer sex behaviors. Discussion: Implications for further study and practice are discussed to include considerations for development of age- and gender-appropriate prevention interventions assisting women with interpersonal processes combined with skills for active involvement in addressing high-risk sex behaviors.