cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of some Formulation Adjuncts on the Stability of Hydrocortisone

AbstractThe stability of hydrocortisone in aqueous solutions containing (v/v) either 20% ethyl alcohol, 50% glycerin or 50% propylene glycol with or without other excipients was investigated. The study was conducted at higher temperatures (50° or 60°) and for some solutions at room temperature also. The effect of four antioxidants (ascorbic acid, L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate, propyl gallate, and sodium bisulfite), two surface active agents (polysorbate 80, and sodium lauryl sufate) and a thickening agent (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) were also investigated.At a higher temperature (60°) propylene glycol proved to be better than glycerin for the stability of hydrocortisone. None of the antioxidants improved the stability. Cysteine hydrochloride and sodium lauryl sulfate had an adverse effect on the stability of hydrocortisone. Propylene glycol and polysorbate 80 may be used for the preparation of stable hydrocortisone solutions provided that the pH is acidic (3.5).
Adaptation of sweeteners in water and in tannic acid solutions

Repeated exposure to a tastant often leads to a decrease in magnitude of the perceived intensity; this phenomenon is termed adaptation. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of adaptation of the sweet response for a variety of sweeteners in water and in the presence of two levels of tannic acid. Sweetness intensity ratings were given by a trained panel for 14 sweeteners: three sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose), two polyhydric alcohols (mannitol, sorbitol), two terpenoid glycosides (rebaudioside-A, stevioside), two dipeptide derivatives (alitame, aspartame), one sulfamate (sodium cyclamate), one protein (thaumatin), two N-sulfonyl amides (acesulfame-K, sodium saccharin), and one dihydrochalcone (neohesperidin dihydrochalcone). Panelists were given four isointense concentrations of each sweetener by itself and in the presence of two concentrations of tannic acid. Each sweetener concentration was tasted and rated four consecutive times with a 30 s interval between each taste and a 2 min interval between each concentration. Within a taste session, a series of concentrations of a given sweetener was presented in ascending order of magnitude. Adaptation was calculated as the decrease in intensity from the first to the fourth sample. The greatest adaptation in water solutions was found for acesulfame-K, Na saccharin, rebaudioside-A, and stevioside. This was followed by the dipeptide sweeteners, alitame and aspartame. The least adaptation occurred with the sugars, polyhydric alcohols, and neohesperidin dihydrochalcone. Adaptation was greater in tannic acid solutions than in water for six sweeteners. Adaptation of sweet taste may result from the desensitization of sweetener receptors analogous to the homologous desensitization found in the beta adrenergic system.
Regulation of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase and Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding Protein-1 Gene Expression by Insulin: THE ROLE OF WINGED HELIX/FORKHEAD PROTEINS

Winged helix/forkhead (Fox) transcription factors have been implicated in the regulation of a number of insulin-responsive genes. The insulin response elements (IREs) of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) genes bind members of the FKHR and HNF3 subclasses of Fox proteins. Previous mutational analyses of the PEPCK and IGFBP-1 IREs revealed mutations which do not affect the binding of HNF3 proteins to these elements but do eliminate the ability of the IREs to mediate an insulin response. This dissociation of binding and function provided compelling evidence that HNF3 proteins,per se, are not insulin response proteins. The same approach was used here to determine if FKHRL1, a member of the FKHR subclass of Fox proteins, binds to the PEPCK and IGFBP-1 IREs in a manner that correlates with the ability of these elements to mediate an insulin response. Overexpression of FKHRL1 stimulates transcription from transfected reporter constructs that contain a multimerized PEPCK IRE or an IGFBP-1 IRE and this stimulation is repressed by insulin. There is a direct correlation between the ability of mutant versions of the PEPCK and IGFBP-1 IREs to bind FKHRL1 and their ability to mediate FKHRL1-induced transcription when FKHRL1 is overexpressed. However, under conditions where FKHRL1 is not overexpressed, there is a lack of correlation between FKHRL1 binding to mutant versions of the PEPCK and IGFBP-1 IREs and the ability of these elements to mediate an insulin response. Therefore, the PEPCK and IGFBP-1 IREs mediate FKHRL1-induced transcription and its inhibition by insulin when this protein is overexpressed, but at the normal cellular concentration of FKHRL1 the insulin response mediated by these elements must involve another protein.
The spectrum of monogenic autoinflammatory syndromes: Understanding disease mechanisms and use of targeted therapies

Monogenic autoinflammatory diseases encompass a distinct and growing clinical entity of multisystem inflammatory diseases with known genetic defects in the innate immune system. The diseases present clinically with episodes of seemingly unprovoked inflammation (fever, rashes, and elevation of acute phase reactants). Understanding the genetics has led to discovery of new molecules involved in recognizing exogenous and endogenous danger signals, and the inflammatory response to these stimuli. These advances have furthered understanding of innate inflammatory pathways and spurred collaborative research in rheumatology and infectious diseases. The pivotal roles of interleukin (IL)-1β in cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in TNF receptor-associated periodic syndrome, and links to inflammatory cytokine dysregulation in other monogenic autoinflammatory diseases have resulted in effective therapies targeting proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF and uncovered other new potential targets for anti-inflammatory therapies.
Concentrating Hospital-Wide Deaths in a Palliative Care Unit: The Effect on Place of Death and System-Wide Mortality

Abstract Introduction: We studied the impact of an 11-bed inpatient palliative care unit (PCU) on site of death and observed mortality in the health system, oncology, and palliative care units. Observers were concerned that an active PCU would attract dying patients and worsen comparative mortality rates for Medicare and U.S. News & World Report comparisons. Methods: We reviewed 10 years of experience with all patients who died in the hospital before and after we opened our PCU in 2000. Results: The PCU concentrated dying patients on the PCU but total deaths did not change over 10 years and remained approximately 3% of admissions. Within 2 years, one quarter of all health system decedents died on the PCU. The proportion who died on the oncology floor and general units declined, but the number of intensive care unit deaths did not change. Conclusions: An inpatient PCU did not increase the hospital-wide death rate. The PCU did change the site of death to a more appropriate venue for one quarter of patients.
Atomic-scale observation of temperature and pressure driven preroughening and roughening.

Preroughening and roughening transitions are observed on the GaAs(001) surface using scanning tunneling microscopy. By tuning the substrate temperature or ${\mathrm{A}\mathrm{s}}_{4}$ pressure the surface morphology can be made free of islands, covered with one monolayer high islands or covered with islands on top of islands forming a wedding-cake--type structure. These three distinct surface morphologies are classified as ordered flat (OF), disordered flat (DOF), and rough within the restricted solid-on-solid model. Here, the DOF phase is macroscopically flat; however, an up-down-up-down step pattern persists across the entire surface. Using this model we have determined the next-nearest-neighbor interaction energy to be about 0.05 eV.
Advances in the processing of quantum-coupled devices

It has recently been demonstrated[1,2] that zero-dimensional semiconductor structures ("quantum dots") can be fabricated with electrical contact to individual dots, and that the current voltage characteristics correspond to tunneling through the discrete density of states of a zero-dimensional system[3]. Because the density of states in such a quantum dot is a series of delta functions there is the potential for sharp transitions between tunneling and non-tunneling (on and off) states in devices fabricated from quantum dots. Such devices therefore could form the basis of a post-VLSI integrated circuit technology. These quantum dot devices are laterally-confined variations on the resonant tunneling diode (RTD). RTDs consist of a two dimensional quantum well surrounded by tunnel barriers. RTDs exhibit current peaks when electron energies in their contacts are aligned with quantum states in the well. As the quantum well states drop below the emitter conduction band edge, the current falls and there is negative differential resistance (NDR). Quantum dot diodes (QDDs) are RTDs which have lateral dimensions small enough to split the sub-bands in the quantum well into discrete energy states. This lateral confinement also creates 1-d sub-bands in the contact regions adjacent to the dot which become one dimensional quantum wires, leading to a more complex situation than exists in large area RTDs.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Selenoprotein P Is Required for Mouse Sperm Development

Abstract Selenoprotein P (SEPP1), an extracellular glycoprotein of unknown function, is a unique member of the selenoprotein family that, depending on species, contains 10–17 selenocysteines in its primary structure; in contrast, all other family members contain a single selenocysteine residue. The SEPP1-null (Sepp1−/−) male but not the female mice are infertile, but the cellular basis of this male phenotype has not been defined. In this study, we demonstrate that mature spermatozoa of Sepp1−/− males display a specific set of flagellar structural defects that develop temporally during spermiogenesis and after testicular maturation in the epididymis. The flagellar defects include a development of a truncated mitochondrial sheath, an extrusion of a specific set of axonemal microtubules and outer dense fibers from the principal piece, and ultimately a hairpin-like bend formation at the midpiece-principal piece junction. The sperm defects found in Sepp1−/− males appear to be the same as those observed in wild...
Iron Sufficiency with Prolonged Exclusive Breast-feeding in Peruvian Infants

Serum ferritin and erythrocyte porphyrin concentrations were measured in seven Peruvian infants, who ranged in age from 7.5-12.0 months (mean: 9.3 months), who had been exclusively breast-fed all their lives. No infant had evidence of iron deficiency as reflected by a reduced serum ferritin, or an increased erythrocyte porphyrin. Mean serum ferritin and erythrocyte por phyrin values in these seven infants were similar to those of 40 nonanemic, noniron-deficient U.S. infants who ranged in age from 9 to 12 months, on a mixed diet. These findings illustrate that exclusively breast-feeding an infant for at least 9 months of life meets the iron requirements of the full-term infant.
On self-dual codes over $${\mathbb{F}}_5$$

The purpose of this paper is to improve the upper bounds of the minimum distances of self-dual codes over $${\mathbb{F}}_5$$ for lengths [22, 26, 28, 32---40]. In particular, we prove that there is no [22, 11, 9] self-dual code over $${\mathbb{F}}_5$$ , whose existence was left open in 1982. We also show that both the Hamming weight enumerator and the Lee weight enumerator of a putative [24, 12, 10] self-dual code over $${\mathbb{F}}_5$$ are unique. Using the building-up construction, we show that there are exactly nine inequivalent optimal self-dual [18, 9, 7] codes over $${\mathbb{F}}_5$$ up to the monomial equivalence, and construct one new optimal self-dual [20, 10, 8] code over $${\mathbb{F}}_5$$ and at least 40 new inequivalent optimal self-dual [22, 11, 8] codes.
Gender, Religion, and the Experience of Suffering: A Case Study

This article explores how gender and religious belief come together in an elderly woman’s experience of suffering. It is based on qualitative research that explored experiences of suffering in a group of community-dwelling elders (80+) living in a North American city. We use the case study method to introduce themes that show suffering’s uniqueness to the individual whose narrative we report, as well as similarity to themes that emerged in other participants’ narratives. In this case, an elderly woman’s gender and religious identities merge in her stories of suffering, which include the memory of a childhood disability and an incident of clergy abuse that occurred 70 years previously. A key finding in this paper is that key themes in her story of suffering, which are disablement and clergy abuse, resonate to the general themes of suffering found in our study, which are (1) threats to personal identity; (2) loss of a valued item, quality, or relationship; and (3) a lack of control over self or the circumstances of life.
Balloon aortic valvuloplasty as a bridge to liver transplantation in patients with severe aortic stenosis: a case series.

Abstract Background Patients with end-stage liver disease and severe aortic stenosis pose a significant perioperative management challenge during liver transplantation (OLT). This patient population is at risk for significant morbidity and mortality and is often denied transplantation. Case Series We describe the successful use of balloon aortic valvuloplasty as a bridging therapy to facilitate perioperative management during OLT with traditional open aortic valve replacement after recovery from OLT. Conclusions Valvuloplasty should be considered as an option to reduce perioperative risk in this patient population.
Redundant surgical publications: Tip of the iceberg?

Abstract Background. A redundant publication is one which duplicates previous, simultaneous, or future publications by the same author or group or, alternatively, could have been combined with the latter into one paper. As there is no information about the extent of this problem in the surgical literature, we set out to assess the incidence, spectrum, and salient characteristics of redundant publications in 3 leading surgical journals. Methods. Original articles (excluding reviews, editorials, abstracts, and letters) published during 1998 in the journals Surgery, The British Journal of Surgery, and Archives of Surgery were searched by using the on-line search engine PUBMED. Each original article was scrutinized to identify redundancy by combining the names of the first, second, and last authors with a few key words from the title. Papers were defined as “suspected” redundant publications if they were found to address the same topic as the “index” article and shared some or most of the elements of methodology, results, or conclusions. The full versions of all suspected papers were retrieved and compared with the index articles. A grading system was developed to define several types of redundant publications: A. “dual”; B. “potentially dual”; C. “salami-slicing.” Results. A total of 660 articles were screened. There were 92 index articles (14%) leading to 147 suspected papers found in other journals, representing some potential form of a redundant publication. The vast majority of suspected papers were published within approximately a year of the index paper and were not cited by the latter. Most (69%) of the suspected papers were also published in surgical journals. Only 12 (8.1%) appeared in, or originated from, a “local-foreign” journal. Twenty (13.6%) of the suspected papers met the criteria for dual publications, 50 (34%) for potentially dual publications, and 77 (52.4%) were considered products of salami-slicing. Conclusions. Almost 1 in every 6 original articles published in leading surgical journals represents some form of redundancy. Current on-line search technology provides an effective tool for identifying and tracing such publications, but it is not used routinely as part of the peer review process. Redundancies occur in several well-defined patterns; the phenomenon is widespread, and it cuts across the entire spectrum of surgeons in the United States and abroad. Redundant publications must be recognized not as a mere nuisance but as a real threat to the quality and intellectual impact of surgical publishing. (Surgery 2001;129:655-61.)
Brainstem control of cerebral blood flow and application to acute vasospasm following experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract Symptomatic ischemia following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is common but poorly understood and inadequately treated. Severe constriction of the major arteries at the base of the brain, termed vasospasm, traditionally has been thought to be a proximal event underlying these ischemias, although microvascular changes also have been described. The vast majority of studies aimed at understanding the pathogenesis of ischemic deficits, and vasospasm have focused on the interaction of the “spasmogen” of the extravasated blood with the smooth muscle and endothelium of the arteries. This has led to a comparative neglect of the contribution of the CNS to the maintenance of cerebral perfusion. In the present study, we focused on the role of the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) in modulating cerebral perfusion at rest and following an experimental SAH in the rat. Changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) were measured using laser-Doppler flowmetry and three-dimensional optical microangiography. Focal application of a GABA A receptor agonist and antagonist was used to respectively inactivate and activate the RVM. We show here that the RVM modulates cerebral blood flow under resting conditions, and further, contributes to restoration of cerebral perfusion following a high-grade SAH. Failure of this brainstem compensatory mechanism could be significant for acute perfusion deficits seen in patients following subarachnoid hemorrhage.
The optimality of the online greedy algorithm in carpool and chairman assignment problems

We study several classes of related scheduling problems including the carpool problem, its generalization to arbitrary inputs and the chairman assignment problem. We derive both lower and upper bounds for online algorithms solving these problems. We show that the greedy algorithm is optimal among online algorithms for the chairman assignment problem and the generalized carpool problem. We also consider geometric versions of these problems and show how the bounds adapt to these cases.
How the Radiologic and Nuclear Medical Communities Can Improve Nuclear Security

Highly enriched uranium (HEU) is used to manufacture technetium-99m, the most widely used medical radioisotope in the world. Highly enriched uranium is also used to make nuclear bombs; 50 kg of HEU is enough to make a Hiroshima-type bomb. It is generally agreed that this technology is within the reach of a terrorist group; the main obstacle is acquiring HEU. Currently, as a legacy of the US and Soviet Atoms for Peace Program, there are civilian users of HEU in 40 countries, and about 1,000 kg are still being shipped each year. Unfortunately, the major international manufacturers of technetium-99m have been refusing to convert their production facilities to use low-enriched uranium (LEU), which cannot be used to make a nuclear bomb. Only 1% to 2% of the HEU is consumed in the process of producing technetium-99m. The remainder is accumulating in radioactive waste storage facilities. The radiologic and nuclear medical communities could make a tremendous contribution to a safer world by supporting the replacement of HEU with LEU in the production of technetium-99m. Low-enriched uranium is just as cost effective as HEU for the manufacture of technetium-99m and does not contribute to the risk for nuclear terrorism.
Bleeding solitary renal cysts.

Abstract In some current textbooks it is suggested that benign renal cysts do not bleed. However,our findings, as well as the contemporary literature, indicate that benign solitary cysts, with some degree of hematuria, are seen with relative frequency.
Metastatic cancer. A relative contraindication to vena cava filter placement.

From October 1979 to November 1984, 41 patients underwent placement of vena cava filters for prevention of pulmonary emboli. After filter placement, no pulmonary emboli were documented. No patient died due to filter placement. However, 20 of these 41 patients are dead. Eighteen deaths were caused by cancer. Ten (24%) patients died within 2 months of filter placement. Five (12%) patients died prior to hospital discharge. All ten of these patients had known, widely metastatic cancer. Among the ten patients who died more than 2 months after filter placement, six had well-differentiated, slow growing tumors. Only three of these patients had brain metastases. Among the 21 survivors only two suffered from cancer. Strict adherence to accepted indications for vena cava filter placement required operative procedures on a small but significant number of patients who demonstrated no significant improvement in quality of life or time out of hospital. Filter placement in patients with aggressive cancers and proven metastases should be performed only after analysis of predicted survival and after detailed discussions with patients and referring physicians. Filter placement in patients with aggressive metastatic cancer may cause discomfort, risk, and expense with little hope for improvement of hospital course, longevity, or quality of life. Cancer 59:161–163, 1987.
The Role of the School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist Serving Preschool Children With Dysphagia: A Personal Perspective.

Increasing numbers of medically complex children are being referred to preschool programs managed by the public school systems. Public school speech-language pathologists have the responsibility of...
Using ultra-low field nuclear magnetic resonance for direct neural current measurements

Abstract. We present the physical basis and experimental evidence for a new technique to detect the direct consequences of neural activity. While ultra-low field (ULF) NMR may be more sensitive for measuring the phase effect that was proposed by other researchers for high-field MRI, yet more compelling is the fact that the proton Larmor frequency at ULF can be tuned to overlap with a band of the neural activity spectrum. We hypothesize that resonant mechanisms at ULF would significantly enhance the effect of neural activity on the NMR signal that can then be imaged using standard MRI methods.
Annular Modes in a Multiple Migrating Zonal Jet Regime

The authors investigate the dynamics of zonal jets in a semihemisphere zonally reentrant ocean model. The forcings imposed in the model are an idealized atmospheric wind stress and relaxation to a latitudinal temperature profile held constant in time. While there are striking similarities to the observed atmospheric annular modes, where the leading mode of variability is associated with the primary zonal jet's meridional undulation, secondary (weaker) jets emerge and systematically migrate equatorward. The model output suggests the following mechanism for the equatorward migration: while the eddy momentum fluxes sustain the jets, the eddy heat fluxes have a poleward bias causing an anomalous residual circulation with poleward (equatorward) flow on the poleward (equatorward) flanks. By conservation of mass, there must be a rising residual flow at the jet. From the thermodynamics equation, the greatest cooling occurs at the jet core, thus creating a tendency to reduce the baroclinicity on the poleward flank, while enhancing it on the equatorward flank. Consequently, the baroclinic zone shifts, perpetuating the jet migration.
Controlled Nonlinear Stochastic Delay Equations: Part I: Modeling and Approximations

This two-part paper deals with “foundational” issues that have not been previously considered in the modeling and numerical optimization of nonlinear stochastic delay systems. There are new classes of models, such as those with nonlinear functions of several controls (such as products), each with is own delay, controlled random Poisson measure driving terms, admissions control with delayed retrials, and others. There are two basic and interconnected themes for these models. The first, dealt with in this part, concerns the definition of admissible control. The classical definition of an admissible control as a nonanticipative relaxed control is inadequate for these models and needs to be extended. This is needed for the convergence proofs of numerical approximations for optimal controls as well as to have a well-defined model. It is shown that the new classes of admissible controls do not enlarge the range of the value functions, is closed (together with the associated paths) under weak convergence, and is approximatable by ordinary controls. The second theme, dealt with in Part II, concerns transportation equation representations, and their role in the development of numerical algorithms with much reduced memory and computational requirements.
New Risk-Averse Control Paradigm for Stochastic Two-Time-Scale Systems and Performance Robustness

This work is concerned with the optimal control of stochastic two-time-scale linear systems with performance measure in a finite-horizon integral-quadratic form. Nature, modeled by stationary Wiener processes whose mean and covariance statistics are known, malevolently affects the state dynamics and output observations of the control problem class. With particular focus on the system performance robustness, the use of higher-order statistics or cumulants associated with the performance measure of chi-squared random variable type makes it possible to restate the stochastic control problem as the solution of a deterministic one, which subsequently allows disregarding all sample-path realizations by Nature acting on the original problem. The distinguishing feature of the risk-averse control paradigm is that the performance index is multiobjective in nature, being composed of both risk-neutral integrals and risk-sensitive costs associated with the ubiquitous linear-quadratic-Gaussian (LQG) and rather recent risk-sensitive control problems. Another issue that makes this class of control particularly interesting is the fact that Nature has the ability to exercise all the higher-order characteristics of the uncertain chi-squared performance measure. The efficient controller, having access to Nature’s apriori statistical knowledge and employing dynamic output feedback, seeks to minimize the performance uncertainty that Nature can do over the set of mixed random realizations. Furthermore, the results herein potentially generalize the existing results for the single-objective H 2, H ∞, and risk-sensitive control problems to a substantially larger class of systems, wherein Nature selects mixed sample-path realizations that need not be Gaussian. That is, the entire probability density function of Nature’s choices is not necessarily known except for its first two statistics. Finally, the numerical simulations for a two-time-scale longitudinal dynamics of the F-8 jet aircraft demonstrate that the proposed control paradigm has competitive performance in the closed-loop system responses and offers multiple levels of robustness for the system performance.
Gradients of microhabitat and crappie (Pomoxis spp.) distributions in reservoir embayments

Embayments are among the most widespread littoral habitats found in Mississippi flood-control reservoirs. These macrohabitats represent commonly used nursery zones for age-0 crappies, Pomoxis spp., despite barren and eroded shorelines formed over 60–70 years of annual water level fluctuations. We tested if embayments displayed microhabitat gradients linked to the effect of water level fluctuations on riparian vegetation and if these gradients were paralleled by gradients in age-0 crappie distribution. Habitat composition changed longitudinally along the embayments with the most pronounced gradient representing a shift from nonvegetated mudflats near the mouth of embayments to herbaceous material upstream. The degree of habitat change depended on the water level. Similarly, catch rates of crappies increased upstream toward the rear of embayments, differing among water levels and reservoirs, but the longitudinal pattern persisted. Our results indicate that habitat composition gradients occur in embayments o...
Insights into the Central Metabolism of Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf‐9) and Trichoplusia ni BTI‐Tn‐5B1‐4(Tn‐5) Insect Cells by Radiolabeling Studies

The insect cell baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) is one of the most commonly used expression systems for recombinant protein production. This system is also widely used for the production of recombinant virus and virus-like particles. Although several published reports exist on recombinant protein expression using insect cells, information dealing with their metabolism in vitro is relatively scarce. In this work we have analyzed the metabolism of glucose and glutamine, the main carbon and/or energy compounds, of the two most commonly used insect cell lines, Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf-9) and the Trichoplusia ni BTI-Tn-5B1-4 (Tn-5). Radiolabeled substrates have been used to determine the flux of glucose carbon entering the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) and the pentose phosphate (PP) pathway by direct measurement of 14CO2 produced. The percentage of total glucose metabolized to CO2 via the TCA cycle was higher in the case of the Sf-9 (2.7%) compared to Tn-5 (0.6%) cells, while the percentage of glucose that is metabolized via the PP pathway was comparable at 14% and 16% for the two cell lines, respectively. For both cell lines, the remaining 83% of glucose is metabolized through other pathways generating, for example, lactate, alanine, etc. The percentage of glutamine oxidized in the TCA cycle was approximately 5-fold higher in the case of the Tn-5 (26.1%) as compared to the Sf-9 cells (4.6%). Furthermore, the changes in the metabolic fluxes of glucose and glutamine in Tn-5-PYC cells, which have been engineered to express a cytosolic pyruvate carboxylase, have been studied and compared to the unmodified cells Tn-5. As a result of this metabolic engineering, significant increase in the percentage of glucose oxidized in the TCA cycle (3.2%) as well as in the flux through the PP pathway (34%) of the Tn-5-PYC were observed.
Highly compact high-order micro-ring filters

We fabricate and characterize highly compact second-order and third-order silicon ring (radii ~2.5 um) filters with large free spectral ranges over 30 nm and high drop filtering contrast ratios over ~40 dB.
Macular degeneration in older adults.

Macular degeneration, a chronic, progressive eye disease, is the leading cause of blindness in older Americans. As the aging segment of society grows, the number of seniors diagnosed with macular degeneration will increase. Caring for individuals with this disease is a task that will be increasingly allotted to nurses. This article presents information on the disease process, risk factors, medical therapies, and nursing implications involved in caring for individuals with this condition. When nurses gain a thorough understanding of macular degeneration and the implications of living with this disease, quality care can be provided to an expanding segment of society. (Geriatr Nurs 2001;22:96-9)
A Practical Measurement Method for Back EMF Coefficients of Switched Reluctance Motors

In this paper, a novel double excitation measurement method is proposed and the BEMF coefficient parameter can be obtained directly without performing any differentiation and integration operation.
Postoperative Emergency Response Team Activation at a Large Tertiary Medical Center

Objective To study characteristics and outcomes associated with emergency response team (ERT) activation in postsurgical patients discharged to regular wards after anesthesia.
Optimum shape construction of flexible manipulators with tip loads

The problem of constructing the optimum shape of a one-link flexible manipulator (FM) with a tip load under the total weight constraint is investigated using the variational method. It is shown that the fundamental frequency (FF) of vibration of an FM can be increased substantially through the optimum tapering of the cross section of its beam. A thorough analytical analysis based on variational formulations has been conducted, and a set of successive iteration schemes has been developed for solving the corresponding nonlinear eigenvalue problem. Numerical analysis has shown that, depending on the values of hub inertia and tip load parameters, an increment between 149.76% and 642.31% in the FF can be achieved for manipulators with beams of geometrically similar cross section. It has also been found that the tip load greatly influences the optimum frequency of a flexible link. A minimax design method is proposed to construct the optimum shape under a finite range of tip loads. >
Model-based estimation of wind fields over the ocean from wind scatterometer measurements. I. Development of the wind field model

For pt.II see ibid., vol.28, no.3, p.361-373 (1990). A parametric model for near-surface mesoscale wind fields suitable for use in a model-based approach to estimate the wind field over a large region of the scatterometer measurement swath from measurements of the radar backscatter of the ocean's surface is discussed. The assumptions made in developing the model are described, and the accuracy of the resulting model is evaluated. The model is based only on scatterometer data and is computationally tractable, consisting of a linear equation relating the near-surface wind field to a vector of model parameters which is estimated from the scatterometer measurements. Tradeoffs in the accuracy of the model and the number of unknown parameters are considered. >
The effect of feeding experience on clinical outcomes in preterm infants

The purpose of this analysis was to investigate the effect of oral feeding experience on clinical outcomes (time to full oral feedings and length of stay) in preterm infants. This analysis was completed on 92 infants who participated in a longitudinal, non-experimental study. Data were collected daily for maturity, weight and experience at oral feeding. Additional data were collected to assess overall morbidity. Time to full oral feedings was predicted by experience at oral feeding and morbidity. Length of stay from the start of oral feedings until discharge was predicted by feeding experience and by maturity at the first oral feeding. Weight gain was not affected by feeding experience. Experience at feeding may result in more rapid transition to full oral feedings regardless of severity of illness and may contribute to shorter length of stay. These positive clinical outcomes related to feeding experience warrant further research attention.
Analysis of soft handoff algorithms with dynamic spreading WCDMA system

The undergoing 3G wireless network needs to support integration of voice and multimedia data services with varying QoS requirements. It is critical that the least BER for voice traffic, WWW traffic, and streaming video traffic be guaranteed at all time. With the capability of dynamically changing spreading factor, CDMA system could provide a range of QoS fitting the needs for different traffic type. In this paper, we extend our dynamic spreading admission control scheme to a multi-cell situation, by proposing a dynamic spreading enable soft handoff framework. The static system behavior is analyzed through the studying of the updating probability for both handoff mobile and target cell. Our analysis shows that the updating probability varies according the traffic of interest. A general expression of the joint updating probability is given assuming an equal distribution of traffic type. The processing time of the handoff request is analyzed. We found that the update process caused by handoff is the major component of delay. Further investigation shows that the update associated with handoff might consume too much access channel time, and increase the delay of handoff, especially when handoff traffic is heavy. We therefore adopt a batch mechanism such that multiple handoff requests could be processed simultaneously. The average delay is reduced from 1.12 seconds to 800 ms in heavy handoff rate.
Implementation and testing of research infrastructure for practice-based research in hearing and communication disorders.

Objective. To describe site capability and experience of the CHEER network (Creating Healthcare Excellence through Education and Research) to rapidly collect descriptive data on patients with tinni...
Combustion-derived flame generated ultrafine soot generates reactive oxygen species and activates Nrf2 antioxidants differently in neonatal and adult rat lungs

Urban particulate matter (PM) has been epidemiologically correlated with multiple cardiopulmonary morbidities and mortalities, in sensitive populations. Children exposed to PM are more likely to develop respiratory infections and asthma. Although PM originates from natural and anthropogenic sources, vehicle exhaust rich in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) can be a dominant contributor to the PM2.5 and PM0.1 fractions and has been implicated in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Current studies of ambient PM are confounded by the variable nature of PM, so we utilized a previously characterized ethylene-combusted premixed flame particles (PFP) with consistent and reproducible physiochemical properties and 1) measured the oxidative potential of PFP compared to ambient PM, 2) determined the ability of PFPs to generate oxidative stress and activate the transcription factor using in vitro and ex vivo models, and 3) we correlated these responses with antioxidant enzyme expression in vivo. We compared oxidative stress response (HMOX1) and antioxidant enzyme (SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and PRDX6) expression in vivo by performing a time-course study in 7-day old neonatal and young adult rats exposed to a single 6-hour exposure to 22.4 μg/m3 PFPs. We showed that PFP is a potent ROS generator that induces oxidative stress and activates Nrf2. Induction of the oxidative stress responsive enzyme HMOX1 in vitro was mediated through Nrf2 activation and was variably upregulated in both ages. Furthermore, antioxidant enzyme expression had age and lung compartment variations post exposure. Of particular interest was SOD1, which had mRNA and protein upregulation in adult parenchyma, but lacked a similar response in neonates. We conclude that PFPs are effective ROS generators, comparable to urban ambient PM2.5, that induce oxidative stress in neonatal and adult rat lungs. PFPs upregulate a select set of antioxidant enzymes in young adult animals, that are unaffected in neonates. We conclude that the inability of neonatal animals to upregulate the antioxidant response may, in part, explain enhanced their susceptibility to ultrafine particles, such as PFP.
The debate over dopamine’s role in reward: the case for incentive salience

Introduction Debate continues over the precise causal contribution made by mesolimbic dopamine systems to reward. There are three competing explanatory categories: ‘liking’, learning, and ‘wanting’. Does dopamine mostly mediate the hedonic impact of reward (‘liking’)? Does it instead mediate learned predictions of future reward, prediction error teaching signals and stamp in associative links (learning)? Or does dopamine motivate the pursuit of rewards by attributing incentive salience to reward-related stimuli (‘wanting’)? Each hypothesis is evaluated here, and it is suggested that the incentive salience or ‘wanting’ hypothesis of dopamine function may be consistent with more evidence than either learning or ‘liking’. In brief, recent evidence indicates that dopamine is neither necessary nor sufficient to mediate changes in hedonic ‘liking’ for sensory pleasures. Other recent evidence indicates that dopamine is not needed for new learning, and not sufficient to directly mediate learning by causing teaching or prediction signals. By contrast, growing evidence indicates that dopamine does contribute causally to incentive salience. Dopamine appears necessary for normal ‘wanting’, and dopamine activation can be sufficient to enhance cue-triggered incentive salience. Drugs of abuse that promote dopamine signals short circuit and sensitize dynamic mesolimbic mechanisms that evolved to attribute incentive salience to rewards. Such drugs interact with incentive salience integrations of Pavlovian associative information with physiological state signals. That interaction sets the stage to cause compulsive ‘wanting’ in addiction, but also provides opportunities for experiments to disentangle ‘wanting’, ‘liking’, and learning hypotheses. Results from studies that exploited those opportunities are described here.
The Impact of EGFR T790M Mutations and BIM mRNA Expression on Outcome in Patients with EGFR-Mutant NSCLC Treated with Erlotinib or Chemotherapy in the Randomized Phase III EURTAC Trial

Purpose: Concomitant genetic alterations could account for transient clinical responses to tyrosine kinase inhibitors of the EGF receptor (EGFR) in patients harboring activating EGFR mutations. Experimental Design: We have evaluated the impact of pretreatment somatic EGFR T790M mutations, TP53 mutations, and Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death ( BCL2L11 , also known as BIM ) mRNA expression in 95 patients with EGFR -mutant non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) included in the EURTAC trial (trial registration: NCT00446225). Results: T790M mutations were detected in 65.26% of patients using our highly sensitive method based on laser microdissection and peptide-nucleic acid-clamping PCR, which can detect the mutation at an allelic dilution of 1 in 5,000. Progression-free survival (PFS) to erlotinib was 9.7 months for those with T790M mutations and 15.8 months for those without, whereas among patients receiving chemotherapy, it was 6 and 5.1 months, respectively ( P BCL2L11 expression levels, whereas among chemotherapy-treated patients, it was 5.8 and 5.5 months, respectively ( P = 0.0003). Overall survival was 28.6 months for patients with high BCL2L11 expression and 22.1 months for those with low/intermediate BCL2L11 expression ( P = 0.0364). Multivariate analyses showed that erlotinib was a marker of longer PFS (HR = 0.35; P = 0.0003), whereas high BCL2L11 expression was a marker of longer PFS (HR = 0.49; P = 0.0122) and overall survival (HR = 0.53; P = 0.0323). Conclusions: Low-level pretreatment T790M mutations can frequently be detected and can be used for customizing treatment with T790M-specific inhibitors. BCL2L11 mRNA expression is a biomarker of survival in EGFR -mutant NSCLC and can potentially be used for synthetic lethality therapies. Clin Cancer Res; 20(7); 2001–10. ©2014 AACR .
Effect of a new international reference preparation for proteins in human serum (certified reference material 470) on results of the College of American Pathologists Surveys for plasma proteins.

Abstract Objective.—To examine the impact of a new international reference preparation for serum proteins on the among-manufacturer variance in the College of American Pathologists Surveys. Data Source.—The results of the Surveys for the years 1993–1998, supplied by the College of American Pathologists. Data Extraction and Synthesis.—Mean values for manufacturers' assays were compared for each protein in the quality control samples. Results were separated by the reported reference material from which values for calibrators had been transferred. Standard statistical parameters (means, standard deviations, and coefficients of variation) were calculated from the reported means. Conclusions.—Among-manufacturer coefficients of variation have dropped significantly for most serum proteins since the introduction of the new reference material. Possible reasons for continued differences are discussed.
[Mn(bpb)(DMAP)(NO)], an {Mn–NO}6 nitrosyl with Z′ = 8

The structure of the title compound octa­kis­{[4-(dimethyl­amino)­pyridine](nitros­yl)[N,N′-(o-phenyl­ene)bis­(pyridine-2-carboxamidato)]manganese(II)} ethanol hepta­solvate 3.5-hydrate, [Mn(C18H12N4O2)(C7H10N2)(NO)]8·7C2H5OH·3.5H2O, or 8[Mn(bpb)(DMAP)(NO)]·7EtOH·3.5H2O, is an unusual example of a structure with Z′ = 8. The tetra­dentate bpb ligand, together with the nitrosyl and dimethyl­amino­pyridine ligands, gives rise to a distorted octa­hedral coordination environment for the Mn(II) ion. The average Mn—N(N=O) bond length is 1.631 (13) A. The eight mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit differ mainly in the rotation of the DMAP pyridine plane with respect to a reference plane of the Mn and three N atoms, one of which is the N atom of the NO group. The dihedral angles between the normals to these planes range from a minimum of 28.0 (2)° to a maximum of 64.2 (2)°. There are also some differences in O—H⋯O hydrogen bonding inter­actions. For example, of the sixteen C=O acceptors, there are seven different inter­actions with EtOH donors and two inter­actions with H2O donors. The crystal studied was found to be a two-component twin, with a 179.9° rotation about the real axis [−0.535, 0.004, 1.000]. Due to the presence of a superlattice and, consequently, the large number of weak reflections, the refinement utilized rigid solvate groups and isotropic displacement parameters for all except the Mn atoms. H atoms were not located for hydrate molecules.
Some current issues in workload assessment

Two current issues related to operator workload assessment include the effects of operator strategy on levels of load experienced by the operator and the nature of operator information processing capacities and resources. Several current positions related to each of these issues are presented, and implications for workload assessment are discussed. It is concluded that workload is a multidimensional construct which requires the development of an assessment battery which should include subjective, performance-based, and physiological measures. Language: en
Effects of restricted feed intake in intact and ovariectomized rats on pituitary lactogen and gonadotrophin.

SummaryThe lactogenic and gonado-trophic hormone content of pituitaries of intact and ovariectomized rats was determined after full, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4 and no-feed regimes. The full or partially-fed groups were sacrificed at the end of 14 days and the unfed group at the end of 7 days. Pituitary lactogen content was reduced in the intact and ovariectomized rats on the 1/2, 1/4 and no-feed regimes below that of the 3/4 and full-fed controls. No change occurred in the gonadotrophin content of the pituitaries of either the intact or ovariectomized rats, regardless of the level of feed intake. In the intact but not in the ovariectomized rats, restricted feed intake caused a marked reduction in the weights of the pituitary, thyroid and adrenals, except that on the no-feed regime adrenal weight was increased in both groups.
Chromosomal Translocations in Benign Tumors: The HMGI Proteins

The high-mobility group (HMG) proteins are a family of nonhistone chromatin-associated proteins that have an important role in regulating chromatin architecture, as well as in regulating gene expression. The gene encoding one HMG protein, HMGI-C, is frequently rearranged or overexpressed by chromosomal translocations in common benign mesenchymal tumors including lipomas, leiomyomas, fibroadenomas, pleomorphic adenomas, aggressive angiomyxomas, and pulmonary hamartomas. The HMGI-C translocations involve many different translocation partners and are remarkable for their low risk of progression to malignancy. Recently, another member of this subfamily, HMGI(Y), has also been shown to be rearranged in lipomas and pulmonary chondroid hamartomas. Given the high frequency of these benign mesenchymal tumors, it is likely that translocations involving the HMGI subfamily are one of the most common chromosomal rearrangements in human neoplasia. The HMG proteins are reviewed with an emphasis on the HMGI subfamily, and the potential role of these proteins in human tumorigenesis is discussed.