cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emerging targets and novel approaches to Ebola virus prophylaxis and treatment.

Ebola is a highly virulent pathogen causing severe hemorrhagic fever with a high case fatality rate in humans and non-human primates (NHPs). Although safe and effective vaccines or other medicinal agents to block Ebola infection are currently unavailable, a significant effort has been put forth to identify several promising candidates for the treatment and prevention of Ebola hemorrhagic fever. Among these, recombinant adenovirus–based vectors have been identified as potent vaccine candidates, with some affording both pre- and post-exposure protection from the virus. Recently, Investigational New Drug (IND) applications have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and phase I clinical trials have been initiated for two small-molecule therapeutics: anti-sense phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs: AVI-6002, AVI-6003) and lipid nanoparticle/small interfering RNA (LNP/siRNA: TKM-Ebola). These potential alternatives to vector-based vaccines require multiple doses to achieve therapeutic efficacy, which is not ideal with regard to patient compliance and outbreak scenarios. These concerns have fueled a quest for even better vaccination and treatment strategies. Here, we summarize recent advances in vaccines or post-exposure therapeutics for prevention of Ebola hemorrhagic fever. The utility of novel pharmaceutical approaches to refine and overcome barriers associated with the most promising therapeutic platforms are also discussed.
Dietary myo-inositol supplementation does not prevent retinal and glomerular vascular structural changes in chronically diabetic rats.

Abstract To assess effects of dietary myo -inositol supplementation on diabetes-induced vascular structural lesions, diabetes was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats with streptozotocin; one-third of these rats was fed a 2% myo -inositol diet for 9 months, one-third was left untreated for 5 months then treated with myo -inositol for the last 4 months, and one-third was untreated for the entire 9 months. Controls included untreated and myo -inositol-treated groups. Weight gain was impaired and plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, food consumption, urine volume, and albuminuria were increased significantly in diabetic versus age-matched control rats. Plasma myo -inositol levels were increased approximately fivefold in controls and approximately six- to eightfold in diabetic rats treated with myo -inositol. In general, myo -inositol did not affect any of the above parameters in control or diabetic rats. Retinal capillary basement membrane width (CBMW) was increased significantly (∼50% versus controls) after 9 months of diabetes. In the control group myo -inositol increased CBMW to the level of untreated diabetic rats; myo -inositol had no effect on CBMW in each diabetic group. The number of retinal capillaries containing pericyte nuclei and pericyte capillary coverage were increased in untreated as well as myo -inositol-treated diabetic rats and in the myo -inositol-treated control group. Glomerular CBMW was increased after 5 and 9 months of diabetes versus age-matched controls, and was increased even more by myo -inositol. Mesangial fractional volume of the glomerulus was increased 36% by diabetes and was decreased slightly but significantly by myo -inositol. These results indicate that diets supplemented with 2% myo -inositol (1) cause capillary basement membrane (CBM) thickening and pericyte changes in retinal capillaries of normal rats, (2) are ineffective in preventing or reversing diabetes-induced retinal CBM thickening, and (3) cause further thickening of glomerular CBM in diabetic rats.
Incidence of open gingival embrasures after mandibular incisor extractions: a clinical photographic evaluation.

Introduction The purposes of this study were to determine the incidence of open gingival embrasures after a single mandibular incisor extraction and to investigate whether age, sex, interproximal pretreatment and posttreatment contact location, or the type of mandibular incisor were predictors of the incidence and magnitude of open gingival embrasures. Methods Pretreatment and posttreatment intraoral frontal photos of 51 adults who had 1 mandibular incisor extracted were evaluated to determine the incidence and magnitude of open gingival embrasures. Results The incidence of open gingival embrasures was 68%; the embrasures were moderately noticeable to very noticeable in 52% of those patients. Age, sex, incisor type, and location of interproximal contact before treatment were not predictors of open gingival embrasures after mandibular incisor extractions. An interproximal contact in the incisal third at the end of treatment was associated with the formation of an open gingival embrasure. Conclusions Open gingival embrasures are a common finding after the extraction of a mandibular incisor, and the magnitude of this embrasure is clinically noticeable.
Detection Strategies for Malingering A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the SIRS

The clinical assessment of malingering requires the systematic application of empirically validated detection strategies. Prior investigations of the Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms (SIRS) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 have not fully addressed whether individual scales represent well-defined dimensions. The first phase of this study reexamined the original SIRS normative sample via maximum-likelihood factor analysis with promax rotation and subjected the resulting two-factor model to confirmatory factor analysis. The second phase was a cross-validation of the two-factor model on combined data from correctional-mental health and forensic settings. With one modification, the two-factor model was confirmed. The two dimensions (Spurious Presentation and Plausible Presentation) are theoretically relevant to the assessment of malingering.
Abstract PR10: A cyclic AMP-regulated melanocyte lineage program confers resistance to MAP kinase pathway inhibition

BRAFV600E-mutant malignant melanomas depend on RAF/MEK/ERK (MAP kinase) signaling for tumor cell growth. RAF and MEK inhibitors show remarkable clinical efficacy in BRAFV600E melanoma; however, resistance to these agents remains a formidable challenge. Systematic characterization of resistance mechanisms may inform the development of more effective therapeutic combinations. To chart the landscape of potential resistance mechanisms, we performed systematic gain-of-function resistance studies by expressing >15,500 genes individually in a BRAFV600E melanoma cell line treated with RAF, MEK, ERK, or combined RAF/MEK inhibitors. These studies revealed a cyclic AMP-dependent melanocytic signaling network not previously associated with drug resistance, including G-protein coupled receptors, adenyl cyclase, protein kinase A and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). In biopsies from BRAFV600E melanoma patients, phosphorylated (active) CREB was suppressed by RAF/MEK-inhibition but restored in relapsing tumors. Expression of transcription factors activated downstream of MAP kinase and cAMP pathways also conferred resistance, including c-FOS, NR4A1, NR4A2 and MITF. While direct small-molecule inhibition of transcription factors is a current challenge, MITF expression can be suppressed with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. Combined treatment with MAP kinase pathway and a panel of HDAC inhibitors suppressed MITF expression and cAMP-mediated resistance. Collectively, these data suggest that oncogenic dysregulation of a melanocyte lineage dependency can cause resistance to RAF/MEK/ERK inhibition, which may be overcome by combining signaling- and chromatin-directed therapeutics. This abstract is also presented as Poster B23. Citation Format: Cory M. Johannessen, Laura A. Johnson, Federica Piccioni, Aisha Townes, Dennie T. Frederick, Keith T. Flaherty, Jennifer A. Wargo, David E. Root, Levi A. Garraway. A cyclic AMP-regulated melanocyte lineage program confers resistance to MAP kinase pathway inhibition. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Synthetic Lethal Approaches to Cancer Vulnerabilities; May 17-20, 2013; Bellevue, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(5 Suppl):Abstract nr PR10.
Editorial Statement: Accounting Department

This department seeks to publish innovative research on the interrelation between managerial decisions and accounting information. This agenda includes research in managerial accounting as it relates to cost and profitability analysis, internal pricing, performance measurement, and control. The agenda also includes financial accounting as it examines the decision usefulness of accounting information to external parties such as the firm’s investors, creditors, suppliers, competitors, and customers. In terms of research methodology, the department invites a range of alternative approaches including theoretical, empirical, and experimental studies. Field studies are also welcome provided the insights from the study are likely to extend beyond the particular setting. Because Management Science publishes articles in several management disciplines, the editors particularly encourage the submission of manuscripts that are of interest not only to accounting researchers but also to the wide readership in neighboring disciplines such as operations management, strategy, and marketing.
Flow Around Rectangular Cylinders With Trailing Jets

The problem of flow past bluff bodies was studied extensively in the past. The problem of drag reduction is very important in many high speed flow applications. Considerable work has been done in this subject area in case of circular cylinders. The present study attempts to investigate the feasibility of drag reduction on a rectangular cylinder by flow injection from the rear stagnation region. The physical problem is modeled as two-dimensional body and numerical analysis is carried out with and without trailing jets. A commercial code is used for this purpose. Unsteady computation is performed in case of rectangular cylinders with no trailing jets where as steady state computation is performed when jet is introduced. It is found that drag can be reduced by introducing jets with small intensity in rear stagnation region of the rectangular cylinders.© 2004 ASME
Same Destination, Different Paths: When and How Does Observing Others'Choices and Reasoning Alter Confidence in Our Own Choices?

Seeing others make the same decision we do does not always increase choice confidence or tell the whole story of social influence when consumers expect to have to publically discuss their choice and reasoning. Instead, consumers' confidence in their publically stated choices can be diminished if observed others make the same choice but justify the choice using different reasoning. This effect occurs because confidence in one's own reasoning is thrown into doubt, rather than due to a desire to affiliate with the observed other. These effects are eliminated in both private choice contexts and in rejection versus selection tasks.
Paleomagnetic results from the Late Carboniferous/Early Permian Casper Formation: implications for northern Appalachian tectonics

Abstract Paleomagnetic samples were collected from 190 m of the Late Carboniferous/Early Permian Casper Formation in southeastern Wyoming. A total of 549 samples was drilled near the vicinity of Horse Creek Station at an average stratigraphic interval of 33 cm. All samples were reversely magnetized. Rock magnetic analyses indicate that the primary carrier of remanence in the formation is hematite. A selection criterion applied to the partial demagnetized data restricted the sample population to 233, resulting in a paleomagnetic North Pole located at 47.4°N, 127.4°E ( δ p =0.7 ; δ m =1.4 ). The Casper pole agrees well with other Late Carboniferous/Early Permian poles for cratonic North America. The tight clustering of these paleomagnetic poles suggests that little apparent polar motion with respect to North America occurred during this time. Comparing the stable North American poles with paleomagnetic poles from Late Carboniferous/Early Permian strata of the New England-Canadian Maritime region (Acadia) indicates that this region did not reach its present position relative to North America until at least the Early Permian.
FINE STRUCTURE OF MITOSIS AND CLEAVAGE IN FRIEDMANNIA ISRAELENSIS (CHLOROPHYCEAE: CHLOROSARCINACEAE)1

Observations on the ultrastructure of Friedmannia israelensis Chantanachat & Bold revealed the presence of a phycoplast and zoospores with cruciate rootlets. During mitosis, the nuclear envelope partially disintegrates and the basal bodies remain at the cell surface on either side of the developing cleavage furrow. The events during mitosis and cleavage in Friedmannia resemble those reported in the other green algae, Platymonas and Pleurastrum.
Addiction‐Related Assessment Tools and Pain Management: Instruments for Screening, Treatment Planning, and Monitoring Compliance

Objective. To review and critique the various assessment tools currently available to pain clinicians for assessing opioid use and abuse in patients with chronic noncancer pain to allow pain clinicians to make informed selections for their practices. Methods. A literature search on PubMed was conducted in June 2006 using the search terms opioid plus screening or assessment with or without the additional term risk, and opioid-related disorders/prevention and control in order to identify clinical studies published in English over the previous 10 years. Additional studies were identified using the PubMed link feature and Google. When abstracts described or referred to a tool for opioid abuse screening, the corresponding publication was acquired and reviewed for relevance to the pain treatment setting. Results. Forty-three publications were selected for review from the abstracts identified, and 19 were rejected because they did not describe a specific tool or provide adequate information regarding the screening tool used. The remaining 24 publications described relevant screening tools for opioid abuse risk and were reviewed. Conclusions. A variety of self-administered and physician-administered tools differing in their psychometrics and intended uses have been developed, but not all have been validated for use in chronic pain patients seen in a clinical practice setting. Some tools assess abuse potential in patients being considered for opioid therapy, whereas other tools screen for the presence of substance abuse. By recognizing the psychometrics of each tool, clinicians can select the ones most appropriate for their patient population and screening needs.
Bloch oscillations and solitons in Discrete Ginzburg-Landau lattices

We demonstrate that Bloch oscillations and discrete solitons are possible in laser arrays described by Ginzburg-Landau lattices.
Assessment of a ship's performance in accidents

Abstract This paper reviews the state-of-the-art research on collision and grounding. It focuses on the three issues that a standard for design against accidents needs to address: definition of accident scenarios, evaluation approaches, and acceptance criteria. Accident scenarios may be created through surveys of historical data, consulting experts’ opinions, or performing risk analysis. Structural crashworthiness of ships, oil outflow performance, and residual strength of damaged ships can be estimated using simple formulae, simplified analytical methods, or non-linear FEM techniques of different complexity. Performance of a ship in an accident can be measured by energy dissipation, penetration depth, quantity of oil outflow or residual hull girder strength. Acceptance criteria should be established on extensive comparative studies, and provide a means for balancing numerous variables in order to achieve an optimal solution.
Non-Cooperative Persons Identification at a Distance with 3D Face Modeling

We present an approach to identify non-cooperative individuals at a distance from a sequence of images using 3D face models. Most biometric features (such as fingerprints, hand shape, iris or retinal scans) require cooperative subjects in close proximity to the biometric system. We process images acquired with an ultra-high resolution video camera, infer the location of the subjects' head, use this information to crop the region of interest, build a 3D face model, and use this 3D model to perform biometric identification. To build the 3D model, we use an image sequence, as natural head and body motion provides enough viewpoint variation to perform stereo-motion for 3D face reconstruction. Experiments using a 3D matching engine suggest the feasibility of proposed approach for recognition against 3D galleries.
Design of a dye laser for nonlinear spectroscopy

Abstract Special requirements should be met by a pulsed dye laser in order to provide reproducible data in a nonlinear experiment. The cavity and pumping laser are chosen to minimize effects due to detailed dye characteristics. A suitable ruby pumping laser is described.
Reversible spin-flop and irreversible metamagneticlike transitions induced by a magnetic field in the layered Gd5Ge4 antiferromagnet

Temperature and magnetic field dependencies of the magnetization of single crystal ${\mathrm{Gd}}_{5}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{4}$ indicate antiferromagnetic coupling along the $c$ direction below 130 K. Both a reversible spin-flop transition when a magnetic field of $\ensuremath{\sim}8.4\mathrm{kOe}$ is applied along the $c$ direction, and irreversible metamagneticlike transitions when a 20 kOe or greater magnetic field is applied at 4.3 K along any of the three crystallographic axes are observed. Although ${\mathrm{Gd}}^{3+}$ ions have negligible single ion anisotropy, the metamagnetic transitions and magnetization of ${\mathrm{Gd}}_{5}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{4}$ in the ferromagnetic state depend on the crystallographic direction reflecting the anisotropy of the exchange interactions due to the distinctly layered ${\mathrm{Sm}}_{5}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{4}$-type crystal structure.
The Meanings of Trade-Offs in Multiattribute Evaluation Methods: A Comparison

Multiattribute evaluation methods are being used without full understanding of the meanings of the weights which characterize the relative importance of the attributes. The weights in the methods do not carry the same meaning, even though the questions asked in the procedures are similar. The weights imply the trade-offs among attributes with respect to certain transformed measures, and the decisionmaker is presumed to be able to specify the appropriate trade-off judgments based on preferences. Five multiattribute evaluation methods are compared deductively based on a common framework in which the meanings of weights are clarified: multiattribute utility theory (MUT), weighting and rating, the analytic hierarchy process, concordance analysis, and computation of equivalent alternatives. For each method, the evaluation procedures are described in mathematical terms and weights are derived and interpreted by means of the preference structure represented by MUT. Transformations between the methods make clear ...
Female Perceptions of Male Versus Female Intendedness at the Time of Teenage Pregnancy

Teen pregnancy is a major public health concern and the majority of these pregnancies are unintended. The study population included women whose first pregnancy occurred at age 19 or younger (n = 2,142). Data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth was used to determine whether women’s reports of her own pregnancy intentions differed from her perception of her male partner’s pregnancy intentions at the time of conception. Chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression were used to examine perceived discrepant pregnancy intent. Most (55.4%) reported that the pregnancy was unintended by both, 22.1% indicated only he intended the pregnancy, 5.6% indicated only she intended the pregnancy, and 16.9% reported both intended the pregnancy. Compared to adolescent pregnancies respondents recalled being unintended by both her and her partner, Black and Hispanic respondents were more likely than whites to indicate the pregnancy was intended and were more likely to indicate that she did not intend the pregnancy but believed her partner did. Respondents who were older at the time of conception were more likely to indicate that the pregnancy was intended by both her and her partner. There are differences in recall of pregnancy intentions as perceived by respondents. Female adolescents perceived that the male who fathered the pregnancy intended to get pregnant at that time more often than she did. Teen pregnancy prevention efforts should consider both females and males intentions to become pregnant.
Gauge problems with the equations of motion

It is shown that every gauge fixed functional integral represents the expectation value of the T*-ordered product of a gauge invariant-but not necessarily gauge independent-canonical operator. It is this operator, not whatever form it attains when simplified by the gauge condition, which must be time ordered before the equations of motion can be applied. Three examples are presented from quantum electromagnetism, giving full attention to the need for surface gauge fixing. As a non-trivial example in an interacting theory the authors compute the two-point Ricci correlation function to one loop in average De Donder gauge fixed quantum gravity using dimensional regularisation. Naive arguments that this should vanish owing to the absence of one-loop ordering corrections to the local, non-invariant operator are explicitly disproved. It is shown that the appropriate invariantised operator has a non-local structure which permits ordering corrections to survive at one loop and cancel the non-zero T*-ordered result.
Instructional Design Advances in Special Education Technology

When interventions are designed into technology products the results often appear as a black box—the instructional design of the intervention is masked by the technology container and the proprieta...
Aeroelasticity of 2-D lifting surfaces with time-delayed feedback control

Two basic issues related to the open/closed-loop aeroelasticity of 2-D lifting surfaces in an incompressible flow field are considered. These concern the subcritical aeroelastic response to external time-dependent excitations, and the flutter instability of actively controlled airfoils involving a time-delayed feedback control. Results and comparisons regarding the flutter instability obtained via the first Volterra kernel in conjunction with a frequency eigenvalue analysis are presented. In the same context, the implications on the instability boundary and aeroelastic response of the presence of time-delays in the feedback control are investigated and pertinent conclusions are supplied.
Psychosomatic Medicine: Integrating Dynamic, Behavioral and Biological Perspectives

Integration of psychodynamic, behavioral and biological perspectives is necessary to fully practice contemporary psychosomatic medicine. This discipline is best exemplified by the activities within consultation-liaison psychiatry. Common clinical tasks within consultation-liaison work are discussed from this integrated view.
Antibody deficiency with normal immunoglobulins in a child with hypoplastic anemia

Abstract We report a young child with hypoplastic anemia and antibody deficiency with normal serum immunoglobulin levels. Studies of antibody responses to bacteriophage φX 174 revealed an amnestic response but was predominantly limited to IgM. A similar response was observed following booster tetanus toxoid immunization. Analysis of in vitro pokeweed mitogen-induced immunoglobulin synthesis by the patient's B cells suggested an intrinsic B-cell defect.
Rising up with shoe leather? A comment on Fair Society, Healthy Lives (the Marmot Review).

Fair Societies, Healthy Lives (Marmot Review, 2010), the final report of the Marmot Review on health inequalities in England, begins by quoting Pablo Neruda: “Rise up with me against the organization of misery” (p. 2). This passionate call to arms seems well-suited for a treatise that promises cures to some of society’s greatest ills. Commissioned by the British Secretary of State for Health, the Review is charged with consolidating the evidence on health inequalities and developing evidence-based policy proposals to reduce them. In this commentary, we discuss the Review and its prescriptions from the perspective of economists who are interested in using research to inform the design of better public policy. TheReviewbeginswith anoverviewof the relationships between health and various measures of social standing, also known as the social gradient in health. These include the traditional domains of education, income and employment, as well as less-known topics such as work control and neighborhood social capital. The Review also pays special attention to the role of early-life circumstance in shaping the social gradient in health. Health inequalities, the Review contends, arise because of social inequalities, so efforts to reduce health inequalities must start with action in the social sphere. Economists will find this descriptive enterprise of enormous importance. Yet a vast majority of this research remains
Variation of elastic T-stresses along slightly wavy 3D crack fronts

The non-singular terms in the series expansion of the elastic crack-tip stress field, commonly referred to as the elastic T-stresses, play an important role in fracture mechanics in areas such as the stability of a crack path and the two-parameter characterization of elastic-plastic crack-tip deformation. In this paper, a first order perturbation analysis is performed to study some basic properties of the T-stress variation along a slightly wavy 3D crack front. The analysis employs important properties of Bueckner-Rice 3D weight function fields. Using the Boussinesq-Papkovitch potential representation for the mode I weight function field, it is shown that, for coplanar cracks in an infinite isotropic and homogeneous linear elastic body, the mean T-stress along an arbitrary crack front is independent of the shape and size of the crack. Further, a universal relation is discovered between the mean T-stress and the stress field at the same crack front location under the same loading but in the absence of a crack. First-order-accurate solutions are given for the T-stress variation along a slightly wavy crack front with nearly circular or straight confifurations. Specifically, cosine wave functions are adopted to describe smooth polygonal and slightly undulating planar crack shapes. The results indicate that T11, the 2D T-stress component acting normal to the crack front, increases with the curvature of the crack front as it bows out but T33, acting parallel to the crack front, decreases with the crack front curvature.
Isolated right ventricular hypoplasia with atrial septal defect or patent foramen ovale.

With the rare exception of connective-tissue replacement of the right ventricular myocardium ("parchment heart"), underdevelopment of the right ventricle, as a clinical entity, has been related to tricuspid atresia or stenosis, pulmonary atresia and certain cases of transposition of the great vessels. This report is concerned with four cases, aged 2 months to 39 years, in which a diminutive right ventricle was not dependent on these factors. Three cases occurred in the same family and, in association with atrial septal defect, produced distinctive clinical and hemodynamic features. Right-sided heart failure predominated, dyspnea was mild to moderate, and cyanosis was present in association with clinical, electrocardiographic, and roentgenographic evidence of left ventricular enlargement. Cardiac catheterization and venous angiocardiography showed a bidirectional interatrial shunt, normal pulmonary arterial pressure, no pressure gradient across the pulmonic and tricuspid valves, and a diminutive right ventricle. Anastomosis of the superior vena cava to the right pulmonary artery and closure of the atrial septal defect may ameliorate the hemodynamic disturbance.
Zonal Penetration Scale of Model Midlatitude Jets

Abstract All available observations indicate that the most energetic time-dependent currents are located in the vicinity of intense large-scale oceanic current systems. This characteristic is also a basic property of eddy-resolving gyre-scale numerical models. An initial detailed intercomparison of two-layer eddy-resolving numerical experiments with observation focused on the largest scales of horizontal structure in patterns of abyssal eddy kinetic energy, and on time scales. The numerical experiments examined generally had relevant temporal and meridional scales, but not necessarily realistic zonal scales. The model eddy field did not penetrate as far from the western boundary as observed distributions, by a factor of 2 to 3. The present study examines the physical processes that govern the model zonal penetration scale and suggests reasons for the previous discrepancy. It is demonstrated that a subtle balance exists between the complex instability processes that tend to tear the jet apart (restricting ...
ATP mediates tubuloglomerular feedback.

the macula densa cells comprise the sensing component of the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism and respond to changes in tubular fluid composition by transmitting signals to the afferent arterioles thus regulating the preglomerular vascular resistance and filtered load to the tubules ([14][1
Metal-insulator transition and magnetic ordering in Hubbard models near the Nagaoka limit.

We study the metal-insulator transition and magnetic ordering in the Hubbard model using the particle-hole mapping. The analysis simplifies near the ferromagnetic limit. We find that the two-dimensional Hubbard model has a charge excitation gap at half filling for any finite U in this region on both the bipartite square lattice and the nonbipartite triangular lattice. In some cases, the system goes through a first-order phase transition to become a paramagnetic metal as ${\mathit{S}}_{\mathit{z}}$ is lowered. We also discuss the extension to the doped case. We find that in the large U limit, a single doped hole has a bandwidth of order of J rather than t at ${\mathit{S}}_{\mathit{z}}$=0.
Inhibition of endothelium-derived relaxing factor enhances endothelin-mediated vasoconstriction.

BACKGROUNDThe endothelium possesses the ability to modulate vascular tone by the release of vasodilators and vasoconstrictors, among them endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) and endothelin (ET). Abnormalities in EDRF generation have been demonstrated in various cardiovascular pathophysiological states. Moreover, a twofold increase in plasma ET concentration was reported in these disease states. Recent in vitro studies have suggested the interaction between these two endothelium-derived substances, suggesting that imbalance between the two may contribute to alternation in vascular tone characteristic of these disease states. Thus, the hypothesis of this study was that inhibition of endogenous EDRF will enhance the vasoconstrictor response to a twofold increase in plasma ET concentrations.METHODS AND RESULTSExperiments were conducted in three groups of anesthetized dogs. In group 1, ET-1 was infused intravenously to double circulating ET concentrations. Group 2 received both ET and NG-monomethyl L-ar...
An abbreviated alternatives assessment process for product designers: a children’s furniture manufacturing case study

Abstract Alternatives assessment is becoming increasingly popular to evaluate the potential environmental and human health hazards of materials. A three step process was used to identify and evaluate alternative products for a children's furniture manufacturer. An alternatives assessment framework was developed to analyze alternative mattresses. The framework specifically addresses those environmental and safety attributes applicable to the product and the product components in accordance with the product’s intended use. The result of the assessment allowed the manufacturer to select the most environmentally friendly alternative and eliminate polyvinyl chloride from their product.
Ultra-early hemostatic therapy for acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the least treatable form of stroke, and causes high mortality, severe disability, and a staggering economic burden. ICH accounts for 15% of stroke cases in the United States and Europe, and up to 30% in Asian populations. Computed tomography-based studies suggest that ICH growth within the first few hours of onset is common, and the principal cause of early neurological deterioration. Hematoma volume is also a well-established predictor of 30-day mortality. Intervention with ultra-early hemostatic therapy could minimize or prevent this early dynamic bleeding process, and might improve outcome. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa; NovoSeven ® , Novo Nordisk, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) is approved for the treatment of bleeding in patients with hemophilia and inhibitors, but it may also promote hemostasis in patients with normal coagulation by acting locally at the bleeding site without activation of systemic coagulation. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 399 ICH patients treated with a single dose of 40, 80, or 160 μg/kg of rFVIIa or placebo within 4 hours of onset, subsequent hematoma growth was reduced by approximately 50% with rFVIIa. This was associated with a significant reduction (38%) in mortality, and improved functional outcomes among survivors. A phase III trial comparing 20 and 80 μg/kg rFVIIa with placebo is now in progress to confirm these results.
A Crystallographic Study of a Highly Substituted Imidazolinone, (3S,4S,5R)-3-(((S)-4-((1H-Indol-3-yl)Methyl)-5-Oxo-4,5-Dihydro-1H-Imidazol-2-yl)Amino)-4-((Tert-Butyldimethylsilyl)Oxy)-5-Hydroxypiperidin-2-One

The title compound 1 has been prepared from the condensation product of a silyl protected amino-oxazoline lactam (3) and Cbz-protected l-tryptophan (4) after hydrogenolysis of the carboxybenzyl protection group. The synthesis and crystal structure of 1 is described. The compound crystallized from DMSO in the monoclinic system, P21 space group with unit cell parameters a = 9.4029(25), b = 6.2828(12), c = 20.681(45), and β = 96.505(16), Z = 2 and a cell volume of V = 1213.9(2) A3. In the crystal lattice, 1 forms an extensive hydrogen bonded framework consisting of interconnected dimeric chains. The synthesis and crystal structure of the title compound is described.
Thermal and radiation-induced segregation in model Ni-base alloys

Abstract Since Generation IV nuclear energy systems will operate at higher temperatures than current light water reactors, Ni-base alloys are receiving attention as candidate core materials. One aspect of the radiation response of Ni-base alloys to radiation that is not well understood is grain boundary segregation. In this work, three alloys, specifically Ni–18Cr, Ni–18Cr–9Fe, and Ni–18Cr–0.08P were given a series of thermal treatments and quenching to understand the development of thermal non-equilibrium segregation (TNES). Additionally, they were irradiated using 3.2 MeV protons at temperatures from 200 to 500 °C to doses up to 1 dpa. Grain boundary segregation was measured with Auger Electron Spectroscopy and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. Chromium enrichment due to TNES could be caused by interactions between Ni and Cr or by interactions with impurity elements such as B, C, or N. Under irradiation, the addition of iron to Ni–18Cr reduced the grain boundary chromium depletion, while the addition of phosphorous increased the grain boundary chromium depletion.
Interventional Radiology for Necrotizing Pancreatitis

Necrotic pancreatitis is a complex clinical entity that requires collaboration of care from surgeons, gastroenterologists, and interventional radiologists. CT scans play a pivotal role in the diagnosis of pancreatic necrosis, while image-guided percutaneous pancreatic drainage is a safe and effective treatment method in certain cases. The diagnostic criteria for pancreatic necrosis, indications for pancreatic drainage, technique, and efficacy are discussed in this article.
A theory of galactic mass and rotation curves

The goal of this paper is to account for the complete observed rotation curves of disk galaxies without dark matter. To attain that goal, use is made of a conservation law from stability theory of linear waves, leading to a vector-based theory of gravitation. In the theory, galactic centers are sites of strong gravitational fields. The new theory predicts extra matter at the center of disk galaxies, which is well-known to be consistent with intergalactic dynamics. For given disk radiusr0 and edge tangential speedv, the greater the deviation of a rotation curve from linear (solid disk rotation), the greater the mass of the galaxy as a multiple of Newtonian massr0v2/G, up to a factor of about 1000. In an approximate calculation it turns out that disk density δ(r) (in kg m−2) is proportional to 1/r for typical rotation curves. Rotation is characterized by two constants which in turn are determined by the edge speed and mass distribution. Not just any curve shape can be so obtained; in fact, the theoretically possible curves correspond to observed curves.
A single-imager, single-lens video camera prototype for 3D imaging

ABSTRACT A new method for capturing 3D video from a single imager and lens is introduced. The benefit of this method is that it does not have the calibration and alignment issues associated with binocular 3D video cameras. It also does not require special ranging transmitters and sensors. Because it is a singl e lens/imager system, it is also less expensive than either the binocular or ranging cameras. Our syst em outputs a 2D image and associated depth image using the combination of microfluidic lens and Depth from Defocus (DfD) algorithm. The lens is capable of changing the focus to obtain two images at the normal video frame rate. The Depth from Defocu s algorithm uses the in focus and out of focus images to infer depth. We performed our experiments on synthetic and on the real aperture CMOS imager with a microfluidic lens. On synthetic images, we found an improvement in mean squared error compared to the literature on a limited test set. On camera images, our research showed that DfD combined with edge detection and segmentation provided subjective improvements in the resulting depth images.
Intentional internal iliac artery occlusion to facilitate endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms

Abstract Purpose: The safety of intentional occlusion of patent internal iliac arteries (IIAs) to facilitate the endovascular repair of aortoiliac artery aneurysms (abdominal aortic aneurysms [AAAs] and iliac aneurysms [IAs]) was evaluated. Methods: We analyzed the techniques and clinical sequelae of selective occlusion of one or both IIAs in 103 patients and correlated these findings with the results of preoperative angiograms to identify vascular anatomy that may predict postoperative pelvic ischemia. To quantify the clinical presentation of pelvic ischemia, we developed these criteria: class 0, no symptoms; class I, nonlimiting claudication with exercise; class II, new onset impotence, with or without moderate to severe buttock pain, leading to physical limitation with exercise; class III, buttock rest pain, colonic ischemia, or both. IIA occlusion was achieved in 100% of the patients by means of either catheter-directed embolization or orificial coverage with a stent-graft. No patient in this study had angiographic evidence of significant visceral occlusive disease before the procedure. Sixty-four patients had isolated AAAs, 23 patients had AAAs and IAs, and 16 patients had isolated IAs. Ninety-two patients had one IIA selectively occluded, and 11 patients had both IIAs selectively occluded. Results: After IIA occlusion, 12 patients were categorized in class I, 9 patients were categorized in class II, and 1 patient was categorized in class III, for a total of 22 patients (21%) with pelvic ischemia. Sixteen (17%) of 92 patients had unilateral IIA occlusions, and six (17%) of 11 patients had bilateral IIA occlusions. Five patients in class I improved and had no symptoms within 1 year, and one patient in class II was downgraded to class I because of improved symptoms. Two unique preoperative angiographic findings were identified in the remaining 16 patients (16%) with chronic pelvic claudication: (1) stenosis of the remaining IIA origin (> 70%) with nonopacification of more than three of the six IIA branches (63%); and (2) small caliber, diseased or absent medial and lateral femoral circumflex arteries ipsilateral to the side of the IIA occlusion (25%). One patient with class III ischemia died of cardiovascular collapse associated with colon infarction caused by either acute ischemia or particulate embolization. Conclusion: The incidence of pelvic ischemia after IIA occlusion is 20% immediately after endovascular aortoiliac aneurysm repair. A total of 25% of patients had no symptoms within 1 year. Two preoperative radiologic findings may help identify patients who are at risk for pelvic ischemia: stenosis of the patent IIA and disease deep femoral ascending branches ipsilateral to the occluded IIA. The risk of colon ischemia appears to be small after selective IIA occlusion to facilitate endovascular AAA repair. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:204-11.)
A unique set of interactions: the MSU sustained partnership model of nurse practitioner primary care.

Purpose To present a unified conceptual model that identifies the integral processes of nurse practitioner (NP) care delivery and that integrates major structural influences and potential outcomes. The model is further characterized to delineate the unique and “value-added” nature of NP primary care and to describe how this nature may be correlated with specific clinical outcomes. Data Sources Extensive review of the literature, relevant conceptual models, clinical experiences of the authors, and two sets of qualitative data exploring differences between NP practice and other practices. Conclusions The basis of NP primary care is the unique provider-client relationship that develops within the primary care setting. This relationship is oriented toward (a) helping clients become empowered to more appropriately manage their own care in a way that will best meet their needs, (b) encouraging mutual decision making, (c) ensuring clients’ continuity of care, and (d) providing a holistic approach to primary care. The major structural influences are NP role components, interdisciplinary practice relationships, budget resources and payer mix, and environmental characteristics. The potential outcomes are increased healthpromoting behaviors, improved utilization of care, higher client satisfaction levels, and improved health status. Implications for Practice NPs can use this model to articulate the unique contribution of NP practice and its interrelationships within the broader primary care setting. Practicing NPs can use this framework to better understand the complexities of their current and future primary care practices. Faculty can utilize the concepts to help guide students’ understanding of their prospective roles as advanced practice nurses. Finally, this conceptual framework can inform research about specific NP processes and related outcomes. A clearly delineated model that accurately depicts structures, processes, and outcomes relevant to NP primary care can strengthen NP education, distinguish NP practice, and advance evidenced-based research linking NP practice and outcomes.
Technology and economics of ethanol production from fodder beets via solid-phase fermentation

Operating conditions for our semi-continuous, solid-phase fermentation system were optimized for conversion of fodder beets to fuel ethanol and distiller's wet feed (DWF). This information was then used to estimate operating parameters achievable in a commercial plant, and likely baseline production costs of such a plant. Initial acidification of pulp to pH 2.9–3.2 was effective in controlling bacterial contamination. The maximum operating capacity of the fermentor was approximately 92%, with 75% used for commercial application. A fermentation time of 24 h was sufficient to completely ferment the beet pulp to 8–9% (v/v) ethanol. Based on these parameters, a fodder beet cost of $19.25/metric ton ($17.50/ton), other operating and capital costs, and a PF credit of $0.14/L ($0.53/gal), ethanol production costs were estimated to be $0.49/L ($1.87/gal).
U.S. Import Demand for Green Coffee by Variety

Total United States imports of green coffees were divided into three principal components: milds, brazils, and robustas. The aim was to clarify the demand relationships among the major coffee varieties traded internationally and the factors influencing coffee prices by variety. A nine-equation model of the U. S. coffee market was constructed, consisting of import-demand, export-supply, and stock-demand functions describing the structural mechanisms underlying the market for each of the three coffee varieties. Estimates of structural parameters were obtained by different estimation methods, but only three-stage least-squares results are reported in this article. Parameter estimates suggest that milds (the premium coffee variety) are normal economic goods, whereas brazils and robustas are inferior goods with respect to the U. S. economy. Income flexibility estimates at the mean were 0.39, −0.89, and −1.82, respectively, for milds, brazils, and robustas. Estimated price flexibilities at the mean were, for the three coffee varieties in the same order, −0.18, −0.21, and −0.36. These figures suggest that demand for individual coffee varieties is reasonably price-elastic.
Indian chytrids. III. Species of rhizophlyctis isolated on human fibrin film

Human fibrin film has been used as an additional substratum to trap zoosporic fungi in watered soil samples. This semi-transparent film is prepared from human plasma proteins by fractionation and is used as a substitute in dural surgery.
Perseverance Versus Nonperseverance Patterns Among Adult High School Students

Parsons' instrumental internal-external model for classifying action orientations provided the theoretical base to test the relation between perseverance and nonperseverance patterns among sub samp...
Exogenous Norepinephrine Constricts Cerebral Arterioles via α2-Adrenoceptors in Newborn Pigs:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether exogenous norepinephrine mediates cerebrovascular constriction via α1- or α2-adrenoceptors in anesthetized neonatal pigs. Diameters of pial arterioles in anesthetized piglets, 1–6 days old, were investigated using a “closed” cranial window. We examined constrictor effects of norepinephrine on pial arterioles in the absence and presence of relatively selective α1,- (prazosin) and α2-(yohimbine) adrenoceptor antagonists (1 mg/kg i.v.). Yohimbine and prazosin inhibited pial arteriolar constriction induced by topical application of clonidine and phenylephrine (10−6 and 10−4M, respectively), and yohimbine did not affect the response to topical phenylephrine. In one group diameter was 188 ± 13 (mean ± SEM) μm during control and 146 ± 12 (μm during 10−5M norepinephrine (22 ± 5% constriction). Following yohimbine the same vessels did not constrict significantly. In another group 10−5M norepinephrine constricted arterioles by 22 ± 5%, and this response was unaffec...