cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Specific Agglutinin in the Snail Otala ( Helix ) lactea

BLOOD group specific agglutinins (lectins) were found some years ago in various plants1–3. Such substances have been found also in invertebrate animals4, the most recent report being that by Johnson5 of a weak anti-A1 in the clam Saxidomus giganteus.
Fragrance material review on 6-methyl-β-ionone

Abstract A toxicologic and dermatologic review of 6-methyl-β-ionone when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented.
PAPR reduction performance by active constellation extension for diversity MIMO-OFDM systems

The V-BLAST wireless communication architecture, space-time block code (STBC), and space-frequency block code (SFBC) techniques are strong candidates for achieving very high data rates in 4G broadband wireless communications. This paper extends the efficient Active Constellation Extension Smart Gradient-Project (ACE-SGP) peak-to-average power (PAPR) reduction method to STBC, SFBC, and V-BLAST systems. Simulation results show 4.19 and 3.57 dB of PAPR reduction for the Alamouti STBC and SFBC, respectively.
Scanning optical microscopes close in on submicron scale

The principles and advantages of the confocal scanning optical microscope (CSOM) are described, and the history of the concept is given. The CSOM is compared with the scanning electron microscope, scanning acoustic microscope, scanning tunneling microscope, scanning force microscope, and near-field scanning optical microscope. The imaging properties and applications of the CSOM are discussed. >
Optimal siting of power system stabilisers

This paper presents a methodology to identify the critical eigenvalues, or modes, in electric power systems, and a procedure to determine the optimal siting for power system stabilisers. The critical modes are identified using the contributions of the different eigenvalues to a quadratic performance measure and explicit expressions for these contributions are derived. Feasibility and minimum number of decentralised controllers are obtained from sensitivity analysis. The most effective locations for power system stabilisers are then determined using eigenvalue dynamics and a multimachine power system example is given to illustrate the proposed techniques.
Reanalysis of ATP11B, a Type IV P-type ATPase

P-type ATPases are a venerable family of ATP-dependent ion transporters. Recently, evidence was presented that a rabbit gene in the type IV subfamily of P-type ATPases was missing a transmembrane helix (transmembrane domain 4) thought to be critical for ion transport, a deletion that would place the two major catalytic loops of the enzyme on opposite sides of the membrane. It was proposed that the resulting protein was a RING finger-binding protein that targets transcription factors to specific domains within the nucleus. From analysis of human genomic sequence data, it is shown here that the region containing transmembrane domain 4, corresponding to exon 12, is present in the human homolog of the gene,ATP11B. PCR analysis indicates that the predominantAtp11b transcripts in a rabbit cDNA library and in a mouse cDNA library also contain exon 12. The results suggest that the transcript proposed to encode the RING finger-binding protein is a minor rabbit-specific splice variant. The ATP11B gene thus may not encode a protein with a function radically different from that of other P-type ATPase transporters.
Boll Weevil : Movement into an Uninfested Area and Detection with Grandlure-Baited Traps

Boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, were detected with traps in cotton fields not planted to cotton the previous year an average of 35 days before infestations were found in fields by the square sampling technique. An infestation was not detected by intensive square sampling in one field where four weevils were captured by traps. Overwintered weevils were captured in traps at the same time over an area 3 to 30 km away from fields planted to cotton the previous year, an indication that weevils migrated mainly in the fall. Considerable variation was noted in the boll weevil emergence pattern in two isolated fields.
Predicted Rotordynamic Behavior of a Labyrinth Seal as Rotor Surface Speed Approaches Mach 1

Prior one-control-volume (1CV) models for rotor-fluid interaction in labyrinth seals produce synchronously reduced (at running speed), frequency-independent stiffness and damping coefficients. The 1CV model, consisting of a leakage equation, a continuity equation, and a circumferential-momentum equation (for each cavity), was stated to be invalid for rotor surface speeds approaching the speed of sound. However, the present results show that while the 1CV fiuid-mechanic model continues to be valid, the calculated rotordynamic coefficients become strongly dependent on the rotor's precession frequency. A solution is developed for the reaction-force components for a range of precession frequencies, producing frequency-dependent stiffness and damping coefficients. They can be used to define a Laplace-domain transfer-function model for the reaction-force/ rotor-motion components. Calculated results are presented for a simple Jeffcott rotor model acted on by a labyrinth seal. The model's undamped natural frequency is 7.6 krpm. The fluid properties, seal radius R s , and running speed ω) cause the rotor surface velocity R s ω to equal the speed of sound c 0 at ω = 58 krpm. Calculated synchronous-response results due to imbalance coincide for the synchronously reduced and the frequency-dependent models. For an inlet preswirl ratio of 0.5, both models predict the same log-dec out to ω = 14.5 krpm. The synchronously reduced model predicts an onset speed of instability (OSI) at 10 krpm, but a return to stability at 48 krpm, with subsequent increases in log-dec out to 70 krpm. The frequency-dependent model predicts an OSI of 10 krpm and no return to stability out to 70 krpm. The frequency-dependent models predict small changes in the rotor's damped natural frequencies. The synchronously reduced model predicts large changes. The stability-analysis results show that a frequency-dependent labyrinth seal model should be used if the rotor surface speed approaches a significant fraction of the speed of sound. For the present example, observable discrepancies arose when R s ω = 0.26c 0 .
Cellular oxidant stress mediated by advanced glycation endproducts: the role of native albumin

Abstract Oxidative stress induced by advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Oxidation of dichlorofluorescein diacetate (H 2 DCFH-DA) to form the fluorescent analog DCF in cells exposed to AGE proteins has been widely used as an assay for intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here we show that although AGE proteins apparently enhance DCF fluorescence, the observed effect is in part due to the quenching of DCF fluorescence by native bovine serum albumin (BSA) that leaks out into the medium. Using recombinant domains of human serum albumin, we show DCF fluorescence quenching is most strongly mediated by domains II and III.
A generalized modelling technique for linearized motions of mechanisms with flexible parts

Analysis and control of vibrations of agricultural machines to improve machine performance and vibration comfort of the operator is a major concern of manufacturers these days. In this paper, an analytical method to build the linearized equations of motion of an elastic tree structured mechanism, is presented. The method is based on the principle of virtual work resulting in a set of parameterized linear equations that are functions of the mechanical parameters and the geometry and the interconnection structure of different bodies in the mechanism. The rigid-body motions of the mechanical system are represented by Lagrangian generalized co-ordinates while elastic deformations are described by nodal co-ordinates from a finite element formulation. Explicit expressions for external distributed and concentrated forces and internal concentrated forces acting on the mechanism are given.
Using Simultaneous Downhole Flow-Rate and Pressure Measurements To Improve Analysis of Well Tests

The development of reliable spinner tools may help avoid much of the ambiguity that often accompanies well tests, resulting from interlayer flows through the wellbore. The use of both pressure and flowrate changes, however, requires new methods of well test interpretation. Computer-based techniques have been developed for the simultaneous analysis of pressure and flow-rate measurements. This procedure consists of two key steps: (1) the nonlinear regression is achieved by the calculation of the gradients of the response (with respect to the unknown reservoir parameters) in Laplace space and a numerical inversion; and (2) the variable flow rate is represented in terms of a superposition of many step changes, which was found to work better than a spline fit to the data. One problem was encountered when they attempted to analyze data in which the spinner stalled, causing a jump to zero flow rate. The method shows great promise in that the degrees of freedom on the interpretation are greatly reduced, the wellbore storage effect disappears, and interlayer flows do not affect the results.
The role of the clinical child psychologist in an endstage renal disease program

Abstract The psychosocial problems seen in endstage renal disease offer the child psychologist several opportunities to utilize their specific expertise. Psychological testing, behavior modification, interviewing and counseling, and patient and staff support are areas in which the child psychologist may contribute to the multidisciplinary approach required for the optimal care of children with chronic renal failure.
Uranium dispersion along roads paved with phosphate slag

Roadways constructed with phosphate slag exhibit a gamma radiation dose rate averaging 50 ..mu..R/h. The present study was concerned with the possibility of radioactive contamination of soil, air, and vegetation when uranium is leached from slag roadbeds by precipitation or abraded by traffic and weathering. The results indicate that uranium contamination of the surrounding environment due to the use of phosphate slag in road construction is sufficiently low as not to cause serious concern. However, it does not necessarily imply that the same conclusion can be drawn for the daughter products of uranium. Similar studies on the dispersion of uranium daughter products such as /sup 226/Ra, /sup 222/Rn, /sup 210/Po, and /sup 210/Pb are recommended in order to evaluate the overall environmental effects associated with the use of phosphate slag for road construction.
Conformational states of cowpea chlorotic mottle virus ribonucleic acid components

The conditions determining conformational changes in the four ribonucleic acid components of cowpea chlorotic mottle virus have been studied. All four components have at least two electrophoretically separable conformers, the occurrence of which can be regulated by both monovalent and polyvalent cations. This phenomenon also occurs, in a much less striking way, in the ribonucleic acids of the two other members of the bromovirus group, brome mosaic virus and broad bean mottle virus. Although specific in some respects, these changes have much in common with effects which have been observed in tRNAs, 55 RNAs and rRNAs. A provisional interpretation of the conformational behaviour of the viral RNAs is given in terms which have been proposed for certain tRNAs which have been studied in great detail.
A Grounded Theory of the Development of Noble Youth Purpose

Having a noble purpose in life is an important component of positive youth development; however, little is known about how noble purposes develop over time. Therefore, using three waves of intervie...
Strategic Alliances: State-Business Relations in Mexico Under Neo-Liberalism and Crisis

Abstract This paper examines how neoliberal policies implemented under Carlos Salinas Gortari (1988–1994) changed the nature of state-private sector relations in Mexico. The paper attempts to show how Mexico’s entry into the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) solidified a strategic alliance between the state and business. The drastic peso devaluation of December 1994 and the ensuing economic crisis however, threatened to shatter the very foundation of the new alliance with the private sector. This paper thus, explores how the Ernesto Zedillo regime (1994–2000) addressed the expectations of the capital class and strengthened its transparent ties with the private sector. The paper argues that given the nature of the more transparent strategic alliance formed under the Salinas administration, big business continues to be brought into the policy making process, and that in fact, Zedillo continues to intervene on the side of business.
Relationships among shoot tissue, canopy and photosynthetic characteristics in the feathermoss Pleurozium schreberi

Abstract In bryophytes, rates of net photosynthesis vary among populations. How this variation is shaped by shoot biochemical or structural traits has not been established, yet would be essential to develop useful models of forest floor function in the boreal zone. The objectives of this study were to characterize functional trait relationships in the widespread feathermoss Pleurozium schreberi, to develop an empirical model to predict net photosynthesis in this species, and to compare the performance of a surface model that incorporates the shoot system's average properties with a canopy model that accounts for the vertical distribution of light and shoot area. Maximal rates of net photosynthesis (Amax) and dark respiration (Rd) were measured (n = 25) using gas exchange at optimal water contents. Shoot system concentrations of chlorophyll (a+b), carotenoids and nitrogen were measured in addition to the water content, surface roughness (Lr), canopy height, and the vertical distribution of shoot area and l...
Hearing loss in children with very low birth weight: current review of epidemiology and pathophysiology

An association between birth weight <1500 g (very low birth weight (VLBW)) and hearing loss has been long recognised. As universal hearing screening programmes have become widely implemented and the survival rate of VLBW babies in modern intensive care units has increased, we have gained a substantially better understanding of the nature of this problem. However, many gaps in our knowledge base exist. This review describes recent data on hearing loss in the VLBW population and explains the current level of understanding about the physiological basis underlying the auditory deficits in these patients. Although VLBW alone may not have a severe impact on hearing, it is commonly associated with multiple other risk factors that can alter hearing in a synergistic fashion. Therefore, the risk of hearing loss is substantially higher than in the general newborn population. Also, it is important to perform a more comprehensive audiometric evaluation than standard otoacoustic emission screening for infants who are in the neonatal intensive care unit in order not to miss hearing loss due to retrocochlear pathology. Furthermore, children with VLBW are also at increased risk of experiencing progressive or delayed-onset hearing loss, and thus should continue to have serial hearing evaluations after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit.
Origin and Diversification of Eukaryotes

The bulk of the diversity of eukaryotic life is microbial. Although the larger eukaryotes-namely plants, animals, and fungi-dominate our visual landscapes, microbial lineages compose the greater part of both genetic diversity and biomass, and contain many evolutionary innovations. Our understanding of the origin and diversification of eukaryotes has improved substantially with analyses of molecular data from diverse lineages. These data have provided insight into the nature of the genome of the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA). Yet, the origin of key eukaryotic features, namely the nucleus and cytoskeleton, remains poorly understood. In contrast, the past decades have seen considerable refinement in hypotheses on the major branching events in the evolution of eukaryotic diversity. New insights have also emerged, including evidence for the acquisition of mitochondria at the time of the origin of eukaryotes and data supporting the dynamic nature of genomes in LECA.
Jitter considerations in high bit rate digital video signals

While digital signals tend to be more immune to noise as measured in analog systems, other noise related phenomena such as bit errors can cause problems which are equally as undesirable. This paper addresses one such noise artifact which is jitter in a digital bit stream. While the typical method of measuring jitter is with a sampling oscilloscope, a new technique using modulation domain analyzers was used. This method allows direct measurement of the spectral content of jitter. This technique has been used in the telecommunications industry and examples of their specifications are provided. >
Bubble time-of-flight: A simple method for measuring microliter per minute flows without calibration

Abstract Monitoring liquid flow at microliter per minute (μL/min) rates is important for many lab-on-a-chip applications. Several technologies have been investigated to achieve this resolution, most of which require expensive detection systems and extensive calibration. Those technologies also rely on phenomena impacted by diffusion (e.g., heat pulses) that quickly lose accuracy as flow rates decrease. An alternative method, bubble time-of-flight, surmounts the limitations of diffusion by tracking the flow with bubbles. This method also has the advantage of not requiring calibration or complex sensing circuitry to accurately measure flow rates. We demonstrate this method with a device that uses thermoresisitive sensors to detect the passage of bubbles between two points. This device is able to measure flows from 100 to 1 μL/min. The accuracy of the system increases as flow rates decrease such that the low end uncertainty is 1% (±0.01 μL/min). We also demonstrate the feasibility of measurements in the sub 100 nL/min range by using a single sensor.
Exploring the midgut transcriptome of Phlebotomus papatasi: comparative analysis of expression profiles of sugar-fed, blood-fed and Leishmania major -infected sandflies

In sandflies, the blood meal is responsible for the induction of several physiologic processes that culminate in egg development and maturation. During blood feeding, infected sandflies are also able to transmit the parasite Leishmania to a suitable host. Many blood-induced molecules play significant roles during Leishmania development in the sandfly midgut, including parasite killing within the endoperitrophic space. In this work, we randomly sequenced transcripts from three distinct high quality full-length female Phlebotomus papatasi midgut-specific cDNA libraries from sugar-fed, blood-fed and Leishmania major-infected sandflies. Furthermore, we compared the transcript expression profiles from the three different cDNA libraries by customized bioinformatics analysis and validated these findings by semi-quantitative PCR and real-time PCR. Transcriptome analysis of 4010 cDNA clones resulted in the identification of the most abundant P. papatasi midgut-specific transcripts. The identified molecules included those with putative roles in digestion and peritrophic matrix formation, among others. Moreover, we identified sandfly midgut transcripts that are expressed only after a blood meal, such as microvilli associated-like protein (PpMVP1, PpMVP2 and PpMVP3), a peritrophin (PpPer1), trypsin 4 (PpTryp4), chymotrypsin PpChym2, and two unknown proteins. Of interest, many of these overabundant transcripts such as PpChym2, PpMVP1, PpMVP2, PpPer1 and PpPer2 were of lower abundance when the sandfly was given a blood meal in the presence of L. major. This tissue-specific transcriptome analysis provides a comprehensive look at the repertoire of transcripts present in the midgut of the sandfly P. papatasi. Furthermore, the customized bioinformatic analysis allowed us to compare and identify the overall transcript abundance from sugar-fed, blood-fed and Leishmania-infected sandflies. The suggested upregulation of specific transcripts in a blood-fed cDNA library were validated by real-time PCR, suggesting that this customized bioinformatic analysis is a powerful and accurate tool useful in analysing expression profiles from different cDNA libraries. Additionally, the findings presented in this work suggest that the Leishmania parasite is modulating key enzymes or proteins in the gut of the sandfly that may be beneficial for its establishment and survival.
Channel reservation protocol for over-subscribed channels and destinations

Channels in system-wide networks tend to be over-subscribed due to the cost of bandwidth and increasing traffic demands. To make matters worse, workloads can overstress specific destinations, creating hotspots. Lossless networks offer attractive advantages compared to lossy networks but suffer from tree saturation. This led to the development of explicit congestion notification (ECN). However, ECN is very sensitive to its configuration parameters and acts only after congestion forms. We propose channel reservation protocol (CRP) to enable sources to reserve bandwidth in multiple resources in advance of packet transmission and with a single request, but without idling resources like circuit switching. CRP prevents congestion from ever occurring and thus reacts instantly to traffic changes, whereas ECN requires 300,000 cycles to stabilize in our experiments. Furthermore, ECN may not prevent congestion formed by short-lived flows generated by a large combination of source--destination pairs.
A 2000 transistor p-well CMOS gate array a vehicle for microelectronics manufacturing education

A 2000 transistor p-well CMOS gate array has been designed for use as a teaching tool in the microelectronic engineering program at RIT. Students in microelectronic engineering study integrated circuit design and integrated circuit manufacturing starting in the first year of the five year program. The gate array is manufactured up to level 8 of the 11 level process by students in 5th year manufacturing classes. Levels 8 through 11 include contact cut, metal-one, via and metal-two. These levels are where the gate array is customized. The first year students design simple digital circuits, learn about schematic capture, simulation, bread boarding and layout. They also complete the wafer fabrication as part of their laboratory experience Students in more advanced courses design more complex analog and digital circuits to be realized using the 2000 transistor gate array. The gate array project has provided an interesting educational experience in design, layout and manufacturing for students from freshmen year to graduate level. The device turn around time is about one week for the last 4 levels of the process.
EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT IN VITRO ASSAYS OF INHERENT SENSITIVITY AS PREDICTORS OF RADIOTHERAPY RESPONSE

The inherent sensitivity of cells within a tumor plays an important role in the response of the tumor to radiotherapy. Clonogenic assays show that cells established from in-field radiotherapy failures are significantly more resistant to radiation than cell lines established from pre-treatment samples. Clonogenic assays fail to predict tumor response to radiotherapy, however. The failure might be due to the small sample size in this study, or the complicating factors of staging, surgery, and chemotherapy, and/or in vivo selection by radiotherapy for resistant tumor cells. In vitro selection for resistant cell lines does not appear to be a complicating factor. Nonclonogenic assays such as those that measure DNA strand break rejoining rates (filter elution, pulse-field gel electrophoresis) or chromosome structure (flow cytometric analysis) show promise as alternative rapid assays of radiation sensitivity and possibly tumor response. 16 refs., 2 figs.
Knowledge-information autopoietic cycle: towards the wisdom systems

Decision-making processes are characterised by purposeful coordination of interrelated activities of pre-decision, decision and post-decision stages. In this sense, human decision-making processes require explicit knowledge generation, enhancement and renewal. So far the areas of decision-making have remained mostly free of knowledge and knowledge management, process orientation and autopoiesis and self-producing cycles in general. Yet, in this paper we move further ahead. The transition from information to knowledge is still going on and much remains to be accomplished, but the next transition - from knowledge to wisdom - is already taking shape. We formulate clear, unambiguous and pragmatic definitions and distinctions of knowledge and information, establish simple and natural measures of the value of knowledge and describe the knowledge-Information autopoietic cycle A-C-I-S and its circulatory nature in managing knowledge of the enterprise. Then we elaborate on the future evolution of knowledge management by discussing the outlines of wisdom, wisdom systems and the contours of the Wise Enterprise.
Pediatric residents' perceptions of community involvement prior to residency.

Objectives To describe baseline perceptions of first-year pediatric residents of participating in community activities, to determine whether demographic factors are related to perceived benefits and constraints, and to identify factors associated with expected community involvement. Methods Pediatric residents beginning their training in the fall of 2000 to 2003 participated in a 12-item self-administered written survey as part of the national evaluation of the Dyson Community Pediatrics Training Initiative. Results Of the 612 first-year residents surveyed (90% response rate), most reported they receive personal satisfaction (92%) and gain valuable skills and knowledge (83%) from their involvement in community activities. Less than a quarter felt peer support and professional recognition were benefits. Almost two thirds reported logistics and lost personal time as constraints to community involvement. Compared with their colleagues, older residents (>29 years) and underrepresented minority residents reported fewer constraints. Most residents (72%) expect moderate to substantial involvement in community activities after graduating. Those expecting greater involvement were more likely to report personal satisfaction, gaining valuable skills and knowledge, peer support, and the opportunity to spend time with like-minded peers as benefits. Conclusions Pediatric residents beginning their postgraduate training perceive numerous benefits from their participation in community activities and most expect a moderate degree of future community involvement. Residency directors should: 1) consider their trainees' insights from prior community involvement and 2) integrate meaningful community experiences in ways that confront logistic barriers and time constraints.
Neuromuscular neutral zones sensitivity to lumbar displacement rate.

Abstract Objectives . To determine the displacement and tension thresholds (developed during anterior lumbar flexion) which trigger reflexive muscular activity in the multifidus muscles; their variability with the velocity of flexion; and the pattern of threshold variability across the lumbar spine. Design . An in-vivo study of the feline during passive lumbar flexion applied via the L-4/5 supraspinous ligament. Method . EMG from six pairs of intramuscular electrodes inserted in the L-1/2 to L-6/7 multifidus muscles was recorded while the lumbar spine was passively flexed to 75% of the physiological strain of the supraspinous ligament at rates of 17–100%/s. Three-dimensional models of tension threshold, flexion rate and lumbar levels were developed from the experimental data. Results . Displacement and tension thresholds were the lowest at the fastest flexion rate and gradually increased as flexion rates decreased. Electromyographic activity was detected at low thresholds at the center of the flexion and at gradually increasing thresholds at higher and lower lumbar segments. Conclusion . Multifidus reflexive muscular activity, which stabilize the spine, is triggered at a displacement and tension thresholds of 5–15% of the physiological range. Earlier activation of muscular activity occurs as the velocity of flexion increases. Earlier activation also occurs near the center of flexion. Relevance Sensory-motor neurological feedback maintains spine stability and is responsive to the velocity of lumbar motion. A neuromuscular silence exists in small lumbar movements in which spine stability is not protected by the musculature. Spine models constructed to predict risk factors could benefit from incorporating this new information.
Evaluation of Accuracy and Precision of Downing Population Reconstruction

Downing population reconstruction uses harvest-by-age data and backward addition of cohorts to estimate minimum population size over time. Although this technique is currently being used for management of black bear (Ursus americanus) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations, it had not undergone a rigorous evaluation of accuracy. We used computer simulations to evaluate the impacts of collapsing age classes and violating the assumptions of this technique on population reconstruction estimates and trends. Changes in harvest rate or survival over time affected accuracy of reconstructed population estimates and trends. The technique was quite robust to collapsing age classes as far as 3+ for bears and deer. This method would be suitable for estimating population growth rate (λ) for populations experiencing no trend in harvest rate or natural mortality rate over time. Our evaluation showed Downing population reconstruction to be a potentially valuable tool for managing harvested species with high harvest rates and low natural mortality, with possible application to black bear and white-tailed deer populations.
A novel mask-less method of fabricating high aspect ratio microneedles for blood sampling

The lack of safe, reliable, automated and clinically acceptable blood sampling has been the main problem impeding the development of real-time systems for blood analysis and subsequent closed-loop physiological function control. A key component of a real-time implantable blood sampling microsystem is a microneedle array which directly interfaces with the electronics and tissue. The primary motivation for the development of the microneedle is the need for needles that are economical to fabricate, and are small enough to reduce insertion pain and tissue trauma. Microsystem technology is well suited for batch fabrication of microneedles, intended for blood sampling. In the past decade microneedles have been produced using fixed lithographic mask sets, which is straightforward, but costly for small production volumes. We demonstrate a novel method to fabricate high throughput, three dimensional microneedle arrays with a mask-less process. In this paper we have used laser machining, dicing and wet etching to fabricate high density microneedle arrays.
Single-Needle Venous Dialysis: A Comparison of Three Systems

Single-needle dialysis with femoral vein access was performed on three patient groups using a pressure/time (Vital-Assist) device, a time/time device (Gambro, AK10), and a pressure/pressure device (Cobe Double Blood Pump). Each patient was dialyzed using the same parallel plate dialyzer (PPD 1.3). For each treatment, recirculation was calculated and the clearance of urea and creatinine was determined, both from dialysate content and A-V concentration differences. Recirculation was high (38%) with the Vital-Assist but under 10% with both AK10 and Double Blood Pump. The relatively higher blood flow of the Vital-Assist (180 ml/min) and lower blood flow of the AK10 (100 ml/min) resulted in comparable clearances of urea (80 ml/min) and creatinine (60 ml/min) for these two systems. The Double Blood Pump, with a blood flow of 140 ml/min achieved urea and creatinine clearances of 110 and 80 ml/min. The clearances actually measured were in good agreement with those predicted from theoretical considerations of reci...
The bipedicled anterior septal flap: a radioanatomic and cadaveric study.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Pedicled mucosal flaps are the preferred method of endoscopic skull base reconstruction. Vascularized coverage of the anterior and posterior frontal tables remains a challenge given the lack of large caliber vessels supplying the anterior septum. The objective of this study was to define a novel bipedicled anterior septal (BAS) flap that is hypothesized to be capable of providing reproducible coverage of these difficult areas. Study Design: Radioanatomic and cadaveric study. Methods: The flap outline was superimposed over nine midline sagittal computed tomography images. The pedicles are comprised of the septal branch of the superior labial artery and the nasopalatine artery. The flap length subtended the distance from the incisive canal to the sphenoid face at the level of the choanal arch. Radiometric analysis of the flap length to base ratio and anterior/posterior frontal table coverage were calculated. These projected values were confirmed in four cadaveric dissection specimens. Results: The mean flap length was 39.64 6 4.26 mm with a mean length:base ratio of 3.29 6 0.70 and a total surface area of 916.46 6 262.66 mm 2 . The flap was estimated to provide coverage of 100.316 21.34% of the frontal beak and 50.74 6 32.54% of the posterior frontal table. In all cadaveric specimens the flap extended beyond the superior aspect of the frontal beak and at least 50% of the posterior table. Conclusions: The BAS flap represents a novel septal mucosal flap based on two well-defined arterial inputs. This flap is capable of providing reliable vascularized coverage of the posterior frontal table and the frontal beak following frontal
Inhalation of amyl nitrite and the measurement of left ventricular outflow velocity: studies in normal, young adults.

Amyl nitrite inhalation is useful in the identification of patients with provocable left ventricular (LV) outflow tract obstruction. However, there are no prospective studies that assess the normal change in LV outflow velocity during this intervention. Eighteen normal subjects (mean age, 34 ± 5 years; 9 men and 9 women) inhaled amyl nitrite during measurement of LV outflow velocity. Peak velocity increased from 109 ± 16 cm/s to 144 ± 24 cm/s (P < 0.001). There were no significant gender differences in velocity measurements at baseline or at peak. Our study provides prospective data that may be useful when evaluating young adults for LV outflow tract obstruction with Doppler echocardiography during amyl nitrite inhalation.
Electro-magnetostatic homogenization of bianisotropic metamaterials

We apply the method of asymptotic homogenization to metamaterials with microscopically bianisotropic inclusions to calculate a full set of constitutive parameters in the long-wavelength limit. Two different implementations of electromagnetic asymptotic homogenization are presented. We test the homogenization procedure on two different metamaterial examples. Finally, the analytical solution for long-wavelength homogenization of a one-dimensional metamaterial with microscopically bi-isotropic inclusions is derived.
Evolving Models of Biological Sequence Similarity

For computer scientists the problem of biological data retrieval has become synonymous with homology-based retrieval of primary gene sequence data and their associated protein products. This perspective is accessible to computer scientists, as primary sequence data is modeled as strings and fundamental algorithmic tools can be applied. However, by sticking with this formative foundation, we computer scientists are failing to recognize new challenges and opportunities arising in this rapidly changing arena. Most notably, sequence data represents a polymer; a complex molecule is itself composed of a linear sequence of smaller molecules (monomers). The monomers interact with each other, both with their local neighbors and at long range, forming secondary and tertiary structure. As more sophisticated similarity models incorporate elements of these three-dimensional chemical environments, they have the potential to supplant the use of primary structure homology as the foremost method of data retrieval.
Physician diagnosis of overweight status predicts attempted and successful weight loss in patients with cardiovascular disease and central obesity

Introduction Despite the association of central obesity with adverse outcomes, most patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are unable to successfully lose weight. We undertook this analysis to evaluate the effect of motivational factors, and clinical factors, including physician diagnosis of overweight, on weight loss in patients with CVD and central obesity in the United States. Methods and Results We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999 to 2004. Waist circumference ≥102 cm in men and ≥88 cm in women were used to classify central obesity. We examined demographic, motivational and clinical determinants of attempted and successful weight loss using multivariable logistic regression. Successful weight loss was defined as ≥5% weight loss in the preceding year. There were 907 respondents with CVD and central obesity of which 78% were aware of their overweight status and 80% were desirous to weigh less. Despite this awareness and desire, only 49% of centrally obese adults had attempted weight loss in the last year. Only 62% (n = 584) reported that they had been informed that they were overweight by a physician. On multivariable analysis, physician diagnosis of overweight was a significant predictor of weight loss attempts (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.44-4.09, P = .006) and successful weight loss (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.40-5.19, P = .001). Conclusion In a nationally representative sample of adults with CVD and central obesity, physician diagnosis of overweight status emerged as a significant predictor of attempted and successful weight loss.
Operative Treatment of New Onset Radiculopathy Secondary to Combat Injury

We set out to describe combat-related spine trauma over a 10-year period, and thereby determine the frequency of new onset radiculopathy secondary to injuries sustained in support of combat operations. We performed a retrospective analysis of a surgical database at three military institutions. Patients undergoing spine surgery following a combat-related injury in Afghanistan or Iraq between July 2003 and July 2013 were evaluated. We identified 105 patients with combat-related (Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom) spine trauma requiring operative intervention. Of these, 15 (14.3%) patients had radiculopathy as their primary complaint after injury. All patients were diagnosed with herniated nucleus pulposus. The average age was 39 years, with 80% injured in Iraq and 20% in Afghanistan. The most common mechanism of injury was mounted improvised explosive device (33%). The cervical spine was most commonly involved (53%), followed by lumbar spine (40%). Average time from injury to surgery was 23.4 months; 53% of patients had continued symptoms following surgery, and two patients had at least one revision surgery. Two patients were medically retired because of their symptoms. This study is the only of its kind evaluating the operative treatment of traumatic radiculopathy following combat-related trauma. We identified a relatively high rate of radiculopathy in these patients.
Detection of Free and Protein-Bound ortho-Quinones by Near-Infrared Fluorescence

Aging and oxidative stress are two prominent pathological mechanisms for Parkinson’s disease (PD) that are strongly associated with the degeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons in the midbrain. DA and other catechols readily oxidize into highly reactive o-quinone species that are precursors of neuromelanin (NM) pigment and under pathological conditions can modify and damage macromolecules. The role of DA oxidation in PD pathogenesis remains unclear in part due to the lack of appropriate disease models and the absence of a simple method for the quantification of DA-derived oxidants. Here, we describe a rapid, simple, and reproducible method for the quantification of o-quinones in cells and tissues that relies on the near-infrared fluorescent properties of these species. Importantly, we demonstrate that catechol-derived oxidants can be quantified in human neuroblastoma cells and midbrain dopamine neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, providing a novel model to study the downstream actions of o-q...
Abstract 300: A Biodegradable Wrap for Peri-vascular Delivery of Pro-resolving Lipid Mediators

Introduction: Persistent inflammation following vascular injury leads to excessive scarring, limiting the success of vascular interventions. Recent work has identified that endogenous specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPM) such as resolvin D1 (RvD1) actively orchestrate the process of resolution, exerting vasculo-protective effects without associated toxicity. We propose local vascular delivery of SPM through a biodegradable wrap. Methods: RvD1 (200 ng) was heat-sealed between thin layers of polycaprolactone (PCL) or poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA). PLGA membranes differed in their composition of lactic versus glycolic acid (%-lactide). Directional drug release was measured via EIA in a cell-free system in vitro and into rabbit aortas exposed to pulsatile flow ex vivo. Bioactivity was confirmed on human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) using migration and proliferation assays. Results: Of the constructs tested, a 3-layered PLGA wrap consisting of 85%/75%/50%-lactide provided the most favora...
422 Dsg2 increases exosome release and enhances EGFR/c-Src content: A mechanism for an intercellular mitogenic effect

Dsg2 increases exosome release and enhances EGFR/c-Src content: A mechanism for intercellular mitogenic effect Andrew M. Overmiller1*, Jennifer A. Pierluissi1+, Peter J. Wermuth1, Ubaldo Martinez-Outschoorn2, Madalina Tuluc3, Adam Luginbuhl3, Joseph Curry3, Larry A. Harshyne4, James K. Wahl, III5, Andrew P. South1 and Mỹ G. Mahoney1 1Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Biology,, 2Department of Medical Oncology, 3Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 4Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 5Department of Oral Biology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA *Gene%cs, Genomics, and Cancer Biology Graduate Program; +Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program ABSTRACT
Phase transformations in “less common” materials

Recent years have encompassed the investigation of phase transformations in a wider variety of materials. Such investigations have raised a number of interesting questions. In many cases “less common” materials have been studied in an attempt to more fully characterize them, certain specific advantages and applications having already been recognized (e.g., uranium and its alloys). Generally, the transformations in these more complex materials have been analyzed and compared to “reference” results obtained from the study of simpler systems. Nevertheless, recent investigations of transformations in both common and uncommon systems lead to a number of interesting topics for discussion, such as pretransformation phenomena, nucleation and the role of phonons, a comparison of the martensitic and omega types of transformations, reversible transformations and “shape memory” mechanical behavior, atom shuffles, new types of ordering reactions, and certain effects exhibited by polymers, oxides, lanthanides, and actinides.
The translocation t(1;22)(p13;q13) is a nonrandom marker specifically associated with acute megakaryocytic leukemia in young children

We present the nonrandom occurrence, frequency, and degree of immunophenotype association of the t(1;22)(p13;q13) in children with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL). This karyotype anomaly occurred in leukemia cells from five of 445 (1.1%) children with newly diagnosed ANLL who were successfully studied by cytogenetic analysis at four European centers between January 1987 and January 1992. The occurrence of the t(1;22) was restricted to the French-American-British classification (FAB) subtype M7. The overall incidence in children with acute megakaryocytic leukemia (AMKL) was 27.8% (5/18 cases); in infants with AMKL, the frequency of the t(1;22) was 66.7% (4/6 cases). Three of the patients carrying this anomaly had a diploid karyotype, whereas in two cases a hyperdiploid karyotype was found. However, in all five patients, the t(1;22) was the only translocation event present at diagnosis. All patients received aggressive chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Two patients died within 15 months of diagnosis without entering remission. One of three patients who entered remission died 7 months after diagnosis, most likely from intramedullar hemorrhage. Only two of the five children with the t(1;22) who received autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT) are alive and in complete remission (CR) 23 and 40 months after diagnosis, respectively. At the time of diagnosis, the age of the oldest child carrying the t(1;22) was 18 months. The cases with this chromosome anomaly were compared with an age-matched group of five children with AMKL lacking this translocation. The patients with the t(1;22) had a lower median value of the peripheral white blood cell (WBC) count and a higher median hemoglobin level than the patients from the matched group. In the latter cases, normocellular or hypercellular bone marrow (BM) was detected at diagnosis. In contrast, all children with the t(1;22) in our series had a hypocellular BM. Histological BM analyses were available in three of these patients and showed marked fibrosis. Other clinical and laboratory parameters showed no obvious differences between the matched groups. Despite intensive chemotherapy, AMKL in children appears to be associated with a poor prognosis. The clinical courses of the children with AMKL and the t(1;22) presented may be indicative of a beneficial effect of autologous BMT in this subset of patients.
Comparative study of non-invasive methods for assessing Daphnia magna embryo toxicity.

Embryos, unlike adults, are typically sessile, which allows for an increase in the available metrics that can be used to assess chemical toxicity. We investigate Daphnia magna development rate and oxygen consumption as toxicity metrics and compare them to arrested embryo development using four different techniques with potassium cyanide (KCN) as a common toxicant. The EC50 (95 % CI) for arrested development was 2,535 (1,747–3,677) μg/L KCN. Using pixel intensity changes, recorded with difference imaging, we semi-quantitatively assessed a decrease in development rate at 200 μg/L KCN, threefold lower than the arrested development lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC). Respirometry and self-referencing (SR) microsensors were two unique techniques used to assess oxygen consumption. Using respirometry, an increase in oxygen consumption was found in the 5 μg/L KCN treatment and a decrease for 148 μg/L, but no change was found for the 78 μg/L KCN treatment. Whereas, with SR microsensors, we were able to detect significant changes in oxygen consumption for all three treatments: 5, 78, and 148 μg/L KCN. While SR offered the highest sensitivity, the respirometry platform developed for this study was much easier to use to measure the same endpoint. Oxygen consumption may be subject to change during the development process, meaning consumption assessment techniques may only be useful only for short-term experiments. Development rate was a more sensitive endpoint though was only reliable four of the six embryonic developmental stages examined. Despite being the least sensitive endpoint, arrested embryo development was the only technique capable of assessing the embryos throughout all developmental stages. In conclusion, each metric has advantages and limitations, but because all are non-invasive, it is possible to use any combination of the three.