cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract P5-03-10: IL-6 and CCL5 secretion by adipose-derived stem cells and the breast tumor microenvironment

Introduction: Obesity is a key factor in promoting aggressive breast cancers in women. In previous studies, we found increased production of IL-6 and CCL5, common pro-inflammatory cytokines, in co-cultures of adipose stem cells and triple negative breast tumor cells. When we probed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) for triple negative breast cancer, we discovered that CCL5 overexpression was associated with improved survival. This finding contradicts the majority of in vitro studies regarding the role of CCL5 in the breast tumor microenvironment; the literature suggests that CCL5 promotes tumor metastatic ability. Furthermore, TCGA data did not indicate a significant correlation between IL-6 production and survival outcomes. It remains unclear whether CCL5 and IL-6 are produced by adipose stromal cells or cancer cells within the tumor microenvironment. We predict that the primary source of CCL5 and IL-6 is from adipose stromal cells. However, the production of these cytokines may be altered when exposed to tumor-secreted factors. Methods: Adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) and preadipocytes differentiated from ASCs (Pread(A)) were treated with the conditioned media of triple negative breast tumor cells (MDA-MB-231) and luminal A breast tumor cells (MCF-7). In addition, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells were treated with the conditioned media of each adipose stromal cell type. After 72 hours of treatment, the media harvested from each cell type was analyzed for secreted IL-6 and CCL5 proteins. Results: IL-6 and CCL5 levels in the conditioned media of ASCs treated with MDA-MB-231 or MCF-7 cells were significantly lower (p Citation Format: Vona-Davis L, Lundstrom E, Berrebi D, Werwie N, Yadav A. IL-6 and CCL5 secretion by adipose-derived stem cells and the breast tumor microenvironment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-03-10.
Application of Poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) as a Protective Coating for High Rate Cathode Materials

Poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT), a conducting polymer studied extensively for its optoelectronic devices, offers a number of advantageous properties when used as a conductive binder for lithium-ion battery cathode materials. By mixing with carbon nanotubes (CNT), P3HT-CNT serves as a surface coating for the cathode material LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA). Oxidation of the P3HT enables high electronic and ionic conductivity to be achieved over the potential range where the NCA is electrochemically active. In addition to the conductivity benefits from electrochemical doping, the P3HT-CNT coating suppresses electrolyte breakdown, thus inhibiting growth of the solid electrolyte interphase layer and preventing intergranular cracking in the NCA particles. The use of the P3HT-CNT binder system leads to improved cycling for NCA at high power density with capacities of 80 mAh g–1 obtained after 1000 cycles at 16 C, a value that is 4 times greater than that achieved in the control electrode.
Recent advances in cardiopulmonary bypass and the clinical application of myocardial protection.

Recent developments in the design and delivery of cardioplegic solutions and ongoing modifications in extracorporeal support systems have allowed the cardiac surgeon to operate in a quiet, bloodless field without creating myocardial necrosis. Future research will attempt to detect intraoperative ischemic damage so that permanent myocardial injury can be avoided.
Ideal Compressible Fluid

Ideal compressible fluid can be considered as an elastic body the internal energy of which depends only on the mass density of the body. Therefore, the variational principles formulated for elastic bodies are valid for compressible fluids as well. However, they deserve special consideration because, due to a simplified energy structure, they are enriched by new interesting features.
End-user design in virtual worlds: development of theory and virtual design environments

Understanding end-users not merely as passive consumers of technology but as intelligent actors that can play an active role during the design of interactive technology has changed how technology is adopted and designed. The proposed research focuses on unpacking the transition points that define the steady involvement of novice end-users in technology design. Virtual world environments are chosen to study end-users engaged in design practices. The implementation of a virtual design environment for developing novel, humancentered design approaches is proposed.
The anti-CD19 immunotoxin (HD37-dgRTA) is more effective when combined with chemotherapy

685 The anti-CD19 (HD37-dgRTA) immunotoxin (IT) is a murine IgG1 monoclonal antibody conjugated to a deglycosylated ricin A chain (dgRTA). This IT is effective in selectively killing B-lineage leukemia cells obtained from children with leukemia. It is also effective in prolonging the survival and curing severe combined immunodeficient mice (SCID) mice injected with the NALM-6-UM-1 human pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell line. The purpose of this study was to identify effective combinations of HD37-dgRTA with chemotherapy agents. To evaluate the efficacy of this IT in combination with chemotherapy, we performed in vitro and in vivo experiments combining the IT with two chemotherapy agents commonly used in the treatment of childhood ALL. The in vitro cytotoxicity assays demonstrate that the combination of HD37-dgRTA with daunorubicin or with vincristine is synergistic. The in vivo experiments show that mice treated with HD37-dgRTA had improved survival when compared to the chemotherapy agents. The mean survival for mice treated with HD37-dgRTA was 90.7 days vs 91.8 days for those receiving HD37-dgRTA plus daunorubicin. Mice that were treated with HD37-dgRTA plus vincristine survived a mean of 147.1 days. Most strikingly, 80% of the mice treated with combination of HD37-dgRTA and vincristine were long term survivors. The disease burden in each of 8 organs was also determined for the different treatment groups by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. None of the mice treated with the combination of HD37-dgRTA plus vincristine had evidence of residual disease.
CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED CARDIOMYOPATHY: ANTHRACYCLINES AND TRASTUZUMAB REQUIRE DIFFERENT APPROACH TO MONITORING AND PREVENTION

Trastuzumab is a highly effective drug for breast cancer, but it is cardiotoxic, especially if used after anthracyclines. Monitoring of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is required. Several studies found benefit of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and beta blockers for prevention of
The macrophage checkpoint CD47 : SIRPα for recognition of ‘self’ cells: from clinical trials of blocking antibodies to mechanobiological fundamentals

Immunotherapies against some solid tumour types have recently shown unprecedented, durable cures in the clinic, and the most successful thus far involves blocking inhibitory receptor 'checkpoints' on T cells. A similar approach with macrophages is emerging by blocking the ubiquitously expressed 'marker of self' CD47 from binding the inhibitory receptor SIRPα on macrophages. Here, we first summarize available information on the safety and efficacy of CD47 blockade, which raises some safety concerns with the clearance of 'self' cells but also suggests some success against haematological (liquid) and solid cancers. Checkpoint blockade generally benefits from parallel activation of the immune cell, which can occur for macrophages in multiple ways, such as by combination with a second, tumour-opsonizing antibody and perhaps also via rigidity sensing. Cytoskeletal forces in phagocytosis and inhibitory 'self'-signalling are thus reviewed together with macrophage mechanosensing, which extends to regulating levels of SIRPα and the nuclear protein lamin A, which affects phenotype and cell trafficking. Considerations of such physical factors in cancer and the immune system can inform the design of new immunotherapies and help to refine existing therapies to improve safety and efficacy. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Forces in cancer: interdisciplinary approaches in tumour mechanobiology'.
Resin Impregnation During the Manufacture of Thermoplastic Matrix Composite Materials

A numerical investigation was performed into the resin flow that occurs during the manufacture of thermoplastic matrix composite materials. Specific attention was directed towards modeling the fiber/matrix consolidation that occurs during resin film stacking/compression molding processes. The understanding of these processes is important to the field of composite materials because it is desirable to know the proper processing conditions to apply during manufacturing to obtain completely consolidated, void-free thermoplastic resin composite parts. The numerical study was based on the assumption of two-dimensional Darcy flow through stationary porous media. Fiber motion was neglected and quasi-steady state flow conditions were assumed. Inhomogeneity and anisotropy of fibrous preforms were allowed for. Due to the degree of geometrical complexity inherent to impregnation processes, the computational technique of boundary-fitted coordinate systems encompassing numerical grid generation was used and was found to be suitable for solving flow problems involving moving boundaries. The boundary conditions chosen for the investigation include constant applied pressure at the inlet, no-slip flow conditions along all walls, and vanishing shear stress along the impregnation front. Resin front/mold wall contact point movement was accomplished using either a no-slip based relocation algorithm or an imposed orthogonality method. Results are presented in the forms of temporal impregnation front positions and neat resin depth distributions for two sample process configurations. From the analysis of this information, processing parameters are suggested with which the successful manufacturing of thermoplastic composite materials can be accomplished. The need for further experimental and analytical work in this area is also discussed.
Transactional eHealth Literacy: Developing and Testing a Multi-Dimensional Instrument

Theoretically informed measures of eHealth literacy that consider the social affordances of eHealth are limited. This study describes the psychometric testing of a multi-dimensional instrument to m...
Rides for Refugees: A Transportation Assistance Pilot for Women's Health.

Transportation barriers can limit access to healthcare for refugee and asylum seeking women. This study assesses the efficacy of a healthcare-directed rideshare application for overcoming these barriers at an urban health clinic. A pilot study was conducted at Boston Medical Center’s Refugee Women’s Health Clinic from June 2018 to February 2019. Women with gynecologic visits reporting transportation difficulties were offered rides. The primary outcome was no-show rates. Secondary outcomes included cost, and patient/provider experiences. Of 102 eligible visits, 31 reported transportation insecurity and received rides. Those women had a 6% no-show rate, compared to 30% in women denying transportation barriers, and 50% amongst unreachable women (p < 0.0001). The intervention cost $2033 and generated $30,337 in charges. Minimal adverse experiences were reported. Healthcare-directed rideshare applications are an effective and cost-efficient strategy for refugee and asylum seeking women to access essential health services.
Comparison of Signal Processing Methods for Reducing Motion Artifacts in High-Density Electromyography During Human Locomotion

Objective: High-density electromyography (EMG) is useful for studying changes in myoelectric activity within a muscle during human movement, but it is prone to motion artifacts during locomotion. We compared canonical correlation analysis and principal component analysis methods for signal decomposition and component filtering with a traditional EMG high-pass filtering approach to quantify their relative performance at removing motion artifacts from high-density EMG of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles during human walking and running. Results: Canonical correlation analysis filtering provided a greater reduction in signal content at frequency bands associated with motion artifacts than either traditional high-pass filtering or principal component analysis filtering. Canonical correlation analysis filtering also minimized signal reduction at frequency bands expected to consist of true myoelectric signal. Conclusions: Canonical correlation analysis filtering appears to outperform a standard high-pass filter and principal component analysis filter in cleaning high-density EMG collected during fast walking or running.
Pharmacotherapeutic options for kidney disease in HIV positive patients

Since the developmentof combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), HIV-associated mortality and the incidence of HIV-associated end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) has decreased. However, in the United St...
The Multifarious Lives of the Sixth ‘Abbasid Caliph Muhammad al-Amin: Collective Memory Construction, Queer Spaces, and Historical Television Drama in Egypt and Syria

A vast array of narratives found in medieval historical chronicles and literary sources have referenced the particular ways in which the culture associated with the ‘Abbasid caliphate diverged from a binary model of gender. Despite debate about the historical accuracy of these early chronicles, the repeated references to the sixth ‘Abbasid caliph Muhammad al-Amin's non-heteronormativity indicate at least a kernel of truth. This article examines the collective memory construction of al-Amin in the Egyptian series Harun al-Rashid (1997) and two Syrian series, Abna’ al-Rashid: al-Amin wa-l-Ma'mun (The Sons of al-Rashid: al-Amin and al-Ma'mun, 2006) and Harun al-Rashid (2018). These contemporary portrayals of the life of al-Amin simultaneously illustrate the process by which history is altered by authorial perspective and the erasure of nonheteronormative space within the ‘Abbasid caliphate. My own authorial perspective inclines toward an interpretation of al-Amin as queer; through this lens, an inspection of wide-ranging accounts of al-Amin's life reveals the historical biases of his time and our current moment, too, as historians then and now variably recognize al-Amin's queerness in constructing collective memory. Some have argued that anti–al-Amin chroniclers may have engaged in historical revisionism and referred to al-Amin as queer to discredit the caliph, but ultimately, whether or not this is true, the current application of those early references by contemporary screenwriters is the most revealing historiographical decision, as his many representations serve as a mirror for our contemporary subjectivities, interests, and agendas. At a time when queer lives and experiences are notably absent from traditional historical narratives, this article proposes that regardless of the accuracy of the original sources, the absence itself in contemporary portrayals is significant, as patterns of exclusion yield tangible meaning. In this particular case, the ready elimination of queerness from contemporary narratives shows the ways in which queerness is vulnerable to erasure in favor of other, more politically expedient identity characteristics and values.
COVID-19 and obstructive lung disease: Are COPD and asthma risk factors for severe COVID-19? evaluating the data from the largest health system in New York State

RATIONALE: An analysis of data collected between March 1, 2020 through July 1, 2020 from the largest health system in New York sought to investigate the association between COVID-19 and obstructive lung disease including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: A total of 21,865 patients were included in the analysis, 2,518 had obstructive lung disease and COVID-19. There were 1,370 [HA1] patients who had asthma and COVID-19, and 847 patients had COPD and COVID-19. There were 301 patients who had overlapping asthma and COPD diagnoses. There were 19,347 patients who had a diagnosis of COVID-19 without asthma or COPD. Logistic regression analysis of the data was performed. Results: Analysis of our data showed COPD patients with COVID-19 were more likely to be intubated as compared to the control group (OR 1.346 95% CI 1.061-1.707 p=0.0095). Additionally, there was no association between COPD and mortality in patients with COVID-19 (OR 0.845, 95% CI: 0.685-1.042 p=0.1436). There was no association between asthma and COVID-19 and intubation (OR 1.175 95% CI 0.936-1.475 p=0.2193). There was no statistical association between asthma and mortality in patients with COVID-19 (OR 0.849 95% CI 0.669-1.079 p=0.2455). However, patients with asthma were at a decreased risk of dying from COVID-19 compared to COPD patients with COVID-19 even after controlling for comorbid conditions (OR 0.718, 95% CI 0.526-0.979 p=0.0329). Patients presenting with asthma exacerbation or COPD exacerbation in the setting of COVID-19 infection were not at increased risk of death as compared to COPD or asthma patients with COVID-19 (Asthma exacerbation OR 1.042, 95% CI 0.62-1.73 p=0.8796), (COPD exacerbation OR 0.95 95% CI 0.67-1.36 p=0.762). Conclusion: Our finding with regards to intubation may be explained by an aggressive approach early on in the pandemic towards intubation especially in patients that may have been perceived as high-risk patients' due to underlying lung disease. Our data also showed no association between COPD and death in COVID-19 and asthma and mortality in COVID-19-meaning COPD and Asthma were not risk factors for death in our patient population. As to why asthma patients were at decreased odds of dying compared to COPD patients may be related to the different pathophysiological mechanisms of asthma as compared to COPD or a small protective effect of inhaled corticosteroids. Lastly, presenting with an asthma exacerbation or COPD exacerbation in the setting of COVID-19 infection did not increase your odds of mortality.
Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS assay for the quantification of allopregnanolone and its progesterone-derived isomers, precursors, and cortisol/cortisone in pregnancy

Neuroactive steroids are potent neuromodulators that play a critical role in both maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. These stress-responsive compounds are reportedly low in women with perinatal depression and may be associated with poor pregnancy outcomes in animal models. Chronic stress is a risk factor for adverse birth outcomes. Simultaneous quantification of neuroactive steroids, in combination with stress hormones cortisol/cortisone, provides an opportunity to investigate the synergistic relationship of these analytes within the convenience of one assay. A simple, reliable, and sensitive method for quantifying these endogenous compounds is necessary for further research with the potential to advance clinical diagnostic tools during pregnancy. Analytes were extracted from serum with a simple protein precipitation using methanol and then separated and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). After online extraction, analytes were separated using an Agilent Poroschell 120, 50 × 4.6 mm, 2.7 μm particle size, EC-C18 analytical column. The reliable quantification range was from 0.78 to 1000 ng/mL. QC sample inter- and intraday trueness was between 90 and 110% while inter- and intraday imprecision was less than 10%. Extracted samples were stable up to 7 days at 4 °C and extraction recovery was above 95%. Serum samples from 54 women in pregnancy were analyzed using this method. Here, we provide a validated, fast, and specific assay with sufficient sensitivity that allows for simultaneous quantification of blood serum concentrations of allopregnanolone (3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one), pregnanolone (3α-hydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one), epipregnanolone (3β-hydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one), pregnenolone, progesterone, cortisol, and cortisone in pregnancy for clinical study samples and clinical diagnostics.
Sled dogs as a model for PM2.5 exposure from wildfires in Alaska.

Abstract Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) exposure induces oxidative stress associated with many negative health outcomes such as respiratory disorders, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disease. Research shows that diet and exercise can improve antioxidant defense against oxidative stress. This study is the first to use an Arctic animal model to investigate the cumulative effects of two lifestyle interventions on the antioxidant response before, during, and after ambient PM 2.5 exposure from wildfire: antioxidant supplementation (Arthrospira platensis) and exercise. In a two-factorial, longitudinal design, this study divided sled dogs (n = 48) into four groups (exercise and supplemented, exercise, supplemented, and control) to (1) test the effects of a 30-day exercise and antioxidant supplementation protocol on antioxidant response; and (2) measure the antioxidant response of all groups during and after a natural wildfire event. Commercial assays for total antioxidant power (TAP) and the enzymatic antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) were used as markers for antioxidant status and response. During the forest fire, SOD was increased 5- to 10-fold over pre/post-exposure levels in all groups suggesting an endogenous upregulation of defense systems in response to the acute environmental stress. TAP was lower in all groups at peak PM2.5 exposure compared to 48 h after peak exposure in all groups except the exercise alone group which may indicate that exercise offers improved endogenous defense.
Race, Equality, and the Burdens of History

Introduction 1. Racism 2. Race 3. Slavery 4. Racial equality 5. Poverty and race 6. Compensatory justice: restitution, reparations, and apologies 7. Merit and race 8. Affirmative action and equal opportunity.
Dominoes and the Aea Case of the Decision Problem

It has recently been established that the AEA case is unsolvable and forms a reduction class. Several people have looked into possible directions along which the result can be strengthened, using in part earlier methods developed by Buchi for the F & AEA case. There are three different aspects. First, unsolvable AEA subcases such as restrictions on the number of dyadic predicates, on the form of the quantifier free component, on the complexity of the models (e.g., finite, essentially periodic, etc.). Second, solvable AEA subcases. Third, the detailed structure of the reduction of the general case to the AEA case. A survey of these questions is presented.
An ultrastructural and immunocytochemical study of astrocytic differentiation in vitro: Changes in the composition and distribution of the cellular cytoskeleton

Astroglia in cultures of dissociated neonatal rat optic nerves were studied by light microscopy, immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy to determine whether intermediate filaments play a role in defining the multipolar morphology of the mature astrocyte. Immature, polygonal astroblasts contained few glial filaments, in spite of exhibiting positive staining with antiserum against glial fibrillary acidic (GFA) protein. Microtubules were the most prominent cytoskeletal component at early stages of cytodifferentiation, but these were progressively reduced in number at later intervals and were gradually replaced by intermediate filaments. These observations suggest that microtubules are involved in the initial establishment of cytoplasmic asymmetry and process development. Subsequently, glial filaments may play a role in maintaining and stabilizing the overall geometry of the mature astrocyte.
Adhesion Characteristics of Murine Metastatic and Nonmetastatic Tumor Cells in Vitro

We have studied the attachment of mouse fibroblasts, transformed nonmetastatic fibroblasts, and metastatic fibrosarcoma cells to various substrates. The metastatic cells attach preferentially to type IV (basement membrane) collagen in the absence of serum, compared to type I collagen and plastic. In the presence of fibronectin, these cells attach well to both type I and type IV collagens. The normal and transformed fibroblasts attach to all these substrates, although the transformed fibroblasts attach more slowly. The ability to attach to type I collagen and plastic is correlated with the levels of fibronectin and collagen produced by these cells. The data indicate that the transformed and metastatic cells differ from normal cells in their attachment properties and ability to synthesize matrix proteins. The metastatic cells possess a unique system for binding to type IV collagen that could be important in enabling these cells to penetrate tissues bounded by basement membranes.
Radioimmunoassay of Human Collagenase SPECIFICITY OF THE ASSAY AND QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF IN VIVO AND IN VITRO HUMAN SKIN COLLAGENASE

Abstract A specific, highly sensitive radioimmunoassay has been developed for human skin collagenase. The assay is based upon competition of purified collagenase, or collagenase of tissue extracts, with isotopically labeled purified enzyme for specific antibody binding sites after which a second antibody precipitation is used to separate bound 125I-labeled human skin collagenase from free enzyme. The radioimmunoassay provides a range of 2 to 40 ng for determining enzyme concentration and has permitted quantitation of collagenase in crude tissue extracts of human skin under conditions in which enzymatic activity cannot be detected. In addition, other human collagenases can also be measured with 200 to 300 times greater sensitivity than can be achieved by enzymatic techniques. In comparative studies, the ability of a variety of human and animal collagenases to compete with 125I-labeled human skin collagenase for antibody binding sites has been assessed as a measure of the similarity between these enzymes. Human synovial, gingival, and granulocytic collagenases are identical in their cross-reactivity with human skin collagenase in the immunoassay, supporting the concept that extensive homologies probably exist among collagenases from various human organs. Although collagenase from another primate, the baboon, shows marked cross-reactivity with the human enzymes, collagenases from more distantly related species cross-react only at protein concentrations which are 20 to 30 times greater than those needed to detect the human enzymes. These findings suggest that fewer similarities to the human enzymes will be found when purified preparations of these animal collagenases become available.
Musculoskeletal Imaging: The Requisites. 2nd ed.

“Requisite” is defined by Webster's Ninth New College Dictionary as “essential” or “necessary.” Musculoskeletal Imaging, as part of the Requisites series, certainly reflects its title and sometimes more. Drs. Manaster and Disler are well known in the field of musculoskeletal radiology. Dr. May is making a name for himself. All of the authors are highly respected in their specialty. The text is comprehensive in its coverage of common and sometimes not-so-common conditions such as arthritis, trauma, tumor, and other disorders …
Situational Constraints and Absconding Behavior: Toward a Typology of Parole Fugitives

ABSTRACT This study analyzes semi-structured interviews with 25 parole violators at large (PVALs) from Ohio. Identity theory is used to organize and create a typology of absconder types. These types include: the social isolates, drug fiends, villains, night life swingers, and the family men and women. After elaborating the situational constraints related to absconding, arguments are presented which demonstrate that actuarial prediction techniques can be improved using the PVAL identity typology. Policy implications are discussed.
Design/process learning from electrical test

Modern design-for-test (DFT) practices not only simplify test generation but also make it much easier to diagnose problems uncovered in electrical test. In fact, many diagnostics steps can be automated enough to enable batch processing of large quantities of fail data captured during production test. Hidden in these fail data is very valuable information about the product design, manufacturing process, and interactions between the two. The embedded tutorial provides an overview of some of the analysis methods that are being used and/or prototyped in the industry, as well as the underlying data sharing between the design and manufacturing areas that is required for and enabled by the analyses.
Humans: Demographic History

The genome of our species preserves a record of population dynamics – changes in size and of subdivision into partially isolated demes. Genetic data have revealed that our humans arose from a small population, with as few as several thousand members, during the last interglacial period. Since then, we have spread rapidly over the earth. Keywords: demography; modern human origins; Bushman model; Yanomami model; population growth; demographic history; warfare
An imaging model for analog macrocell layout generation

The unique construction properties for the layout of commonly used analog circuit topologies or macrocells are defined. An object-oriented imaging model is introduced for automatically generating the physical layout of analog macrocells for an annotated net list. Each macrocell is represented as a generic layout template which adapts its two-dimensional shape to specific applications. Macrocell composition is directed by a set of commands that satisfy layout constraints such as area, matching, and element ratioing. The model can construct complex geometric shapes such as common-centroids and serpentines and may be queried after cell composition for information required in parasitic element extraction. A library of some 20 commonly used CMOS analog macrocells has been described using this model. >
Abrasiveness of high-strength sutures used in rotator cuff surgery: are they all the same?

Background The suture–tendon interface remains the most common point of failure in rotator cuff repairs via suture pullout. Several high-strength braided sutures are available for rotator cuff surgery and are more abrasive than monofilaments. However, a comparison of these sutures has not been performed in a tissue model. Methods Ninety infraspinatus sheep tendons were randomized among 9 groups of sutures (n = 10), including FiberWire (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA), Collagen Coated FiberWire (Arthrex), Orthocord (DePuy Mitek, Raynham, MA, USA), MaxBraid (Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA), Force Fiber (Teleflex, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA), ULTRABRAID (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, TN, USA), Phantom Fiber BioFiber (Tornier, Bloomington, MN, USA), and Ti-Cron (Syneture, Mansfield, MA), with Surgipro (Syneture) monofilament as a control. Each suture was cycled 50 times through the tendon, which was fixed to a mechanical testing system under a constant load in saline solution. The distance cut through the tendon was measured and divided by the distance of suture sliding to determine displacement (mm/cm). Twist angle and picks per inch of each suture were measured using digital photography. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the displacement and twist angle between sutures. Results Collagen Coated FiberWire was the most abrasive of the high-strength sutures. Four of the sutures (Collagen Coated FiberWire, Phantom Fiber BioFiber, FiberWire, Ti-Cron) had a mean displacement rate greater than 0.150 mm/cm. The remainder of the sutures had a mean displacement rate less than 0.050 mm/cm (Orthocord, Force Fiber, MaxBraid, ULTRABRAID). The difference in the displacement rates between these 2 groups was significant ( P Conclusion Significant differences in suture abrasiveness were identified among high-strength braided sutures and correlated with lower twist angle and lower picks per inch.
2‐[2‐(Diphenylphosphanyl)ethyl]pyridine (pyphos)

[10150-27-3] C19H18NP (MW 291.33) InChI = 1S/C19H18NP/c1-3-10-18(11-4-1)21(19-12-5-2-6-13-19)16-14-17-9-7-8-15-20-17/h1-13,15H,14,16H2 InChIKey = ARSGXAZDYSTSKI-UHFFFAOYSA-N (ligand used in transition metal mediated reactions) Physical Data: mp 58–62 °C. Solubility: soluble in most organic solvents. From Supplied in: white to tan solid, available from select catalog suppliers. Preparative Methods: most commonly prepared by the reaction of 2-vinylpyridine and diphenylphosphine in the presence of acid,1 base,2 or transition metal3 catalysts. Purification: chromatography or crystallization from alcohol-water mixtures. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: to prevent oxidation material should be stored and handled under nitrogen.
Daily reservoir-scale subsurface monitoring using ambient seismic noise

[1] Seismic interferometry is applied to continuous seismic recordings spanning 5 days and over 2200 stations at the Valhall Life-of-Field Seismic array in the Norwegian North Sea. We retrieve both fundamental-mode and first-overtone Scholte waves by cross correlation. Ambient seismic noise tomography using the vertical component of this dense array produces group velocity maps of fundamental-mode Scholte waves with high repeatability from only 24 h of recording. This repeatability makes daily reservoir-scale near-surface continuous monitoring of the subsurface feasible. Such monitoring may detect production-related changes over a long time scale (months to years) and may be useful for early detection of short time scale hazards (days to weeks) such as migrating gases and fluids. We validate our velocity maps by comparing them with maps obtained independently from controlled-source data.
A protein sequence meta-functional signature for calcium binding residue prediction

The diversity of characterized protein functions found amongst experimentally interrogated proteins suggests that a vast array of unknown functions remains undiscovered. These protein functions are imparted by specific geometric distributions of amino acid residue chemical moieties, each contributing a functional interaction. We hypothesize that individual residue function contributions are predictable through sequence analytic knowledge based algorithms, and that they can be recombined to understand composite protein function by predicting spatial relation in tertiary structure. We assess the former by training a meta-functional signature algorithm to specifically predict calcium ion binding residues from protein sequence. We estimate the latter by testing for match between predictive contribution of positions in predicted secondary structures and patterns of side chain proximity forced by secondary structure moieties. Specific training for calcium binding results in 83% area under the receiver operator characteristic curve added value over random (AUCoR) and p<10^-^3^0^0 significance as measured by Kendall's @t in 10-fold cross validation for parallel sets of 811 residues in 336 proteins and 696 residues in 299 proteins. Training for generalized function results in 63% AUCoR and [email protected]?10^-^2^2^1 for the same tests. Including inference of side chain proximity improves predictive ability by 2% AUCoR consistently. The results demonstrate that protein meta-functional signatures can be trained to predict specific protein functions by considering amino acid identity and structural features accessible from sequence, laying the groundwork for composite sequence based function site prediction.
Weak solutions of initial-boundary value problems for class of nonlinear viscoelastic equations

Existence and uniqueness theorems are established for initials-boundary value problems corresponding to the equaction under assumptions on P and a that include as special cases the isentropic gas law P(v) = v−γ with γ>1 with α(v) = v −1 along with generalizations that allow for Non convex P. The smoothness assumptions made on P and α are much weaker then are usual in studying these problems and the initial data is only required to satisfy .
Modeling household fertility decisions: estimation and testing of censored regression models for count data.

This paper adds to the recent body of research on fertility by estimating and testing censored poisson regression models and censored negative binomial regression models of household fertility decisions. A novel feature of this study is that in each case the censoring threshold varies from individual to individual. Also, a Lagrange multiplier or score test is used to investigate overdispersion. In these regression models the dependent variable is the number of children. In this situation, censored poisson regression models and censored negative binomial regression models have statistical advantages over OLS, uncensored poisson regression models, and uncensored negative binomial regression models. The censored models employed in this study are estimated using panel data collected from the Consumer Expenditure Survey compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The findings of this study support the fertility hypothesis of Becker and Lewis (1965-70).
Glucocorticoid antagonists in neuropsychotic disorders

Neuropsychiatric disorders often involve considerable psychological stress and elevated cortisol activity. Glucocorticoid receptors have relatively low affinity for cortisol and are found distributed throughout the brain, particularly in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. In recent years, glucocorticoid receptors antagonists have been actively studied in both animal models of several disorders as well as a potential treatment in specific types of neuropsychiatric patients. Data from these various studies are reviewed with an emphasis on seven clinical disorders or problems: major depression with psychotic features, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, cognitive disorders, (e.g., Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment), cognitive side effects of electroconvulsive therapy, and weight gain with atypical antipsychotic agents. Potential benefits and limitations are discussed.
Purine nucleoside phosphorylase. 2. Catalytic mechanism.

X-ray crystallography, molecular modeling, and site-directed mutagenesis were used to delineate the catalytic mechanism of purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP). PNP catalyzes the reversible phosphorolysis of purine nucleosides to the corresponding purine base and ribose 1-phosphate using a substrate-assisted catalytic mechanism. The proposed transition state (TS) features an oxocarbenium ion that is stabilized by the cosubstrate phosphate dianion which itself functions as part of a catalytic triad (Glu89-His86-PO4). Participation of phosphate in the TS accounts for the poor hydrolytic activity of PNP and is likely to be the mechanistic feature that differentiates phosphorylases from glycosidases. The proposed PNP TS also entails a hydrogen bond between N7 and a highly conserved Asn. Hydrogen bond donation to N7 in the TS stabilizes the negative charge that accumulates on the purine ring during glycosidic bond cleavage. Kinetic studies using N7-modified analogs provided additional support for the hydrogen...
Modelling particle formation and growth in a plasma synthesis reactor

A model for particle nucleation and growth in a thermal plasma reactor is discussed. A nondimensional form of the aerosol general dynamic equation is derived under a set of simplifying assumptions which are appropriate to plasma powder synthesis, and the resulting set of equations is solved numerically. The results are converted to dimensional form for the case of iron powder, for which experimental data are available, and for silicon carbide. Calculated particle sizes increase significantly with increasing reactant concentrations and with decreasing cooling rate, although the influence of cooling rate is mainly a residence time effect.
High frequency real business cycles

Abstract This paper investigates how the choice of timing interval within a standard real business cycle (RBC) model can help resolve two well-known labor-market puzzles. Standard quarterly RBC models have had difficulty replicating certain empirical regularities arising from the US labor market. A weekly version of the RBC model is able to partially resolve these puzzles. The improvement in the performance of the model is due to the interaction between theoretical modifications to the standard RBC model and careful accounting for the sampling properties of US aggregate data.
Housing affordability among elderly female heads of household in nonmetropolitan areas

This study investigates the extent and nature of housing affordability for elderly nonmetropolitan female heads of household using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. The results indicate that over one-third of elderly nonmetropolitan female heads of household experience housing poverty and that those who rent, who have fair to poor health, and who are minorities are particularly vulnerable. Housing affordability, measured by the concept of housing poverty, identifies households struggling to meet basic needs while the conventional 25% of income for housing expenditures ratio identifies a larger population. The findings suggest the need for multifaceted public policies to address the problem of housing poverty.
Which observations from the complete blood cell count predict mortality for hospitalized patients

Background Information on the prognostic utility of the admission complete blood count (CBC) and differential count is lacking.
Effects of plastic and steel surfaces on clotting time of human blood.

SummaryA standardized method for the measurement of clotting time on surfaces of different materials has been described. Several glass, plastic, and stainless steel surfaces, and surface coating agents, were studied for their comparative effects on the clotting of whole human blood. The results may provide an indication, with regard to clotting, of the suitability of these materials for use in the construction of blood systems and vascular prostheses.
S-R and R-S paired-associate learning with varying occurrence of response members

Summary Two experiments were conducted, each relating the percentage of occurrence of response members (% ORM) to both S-R and R-S learning. The pairs were nonsense syllable-adjective in Exp. I and adjective-adjective in Exp. II. In addition, the interaction between intertrial interval (4 sec. and 14 sec.) and % ORM (100% and 50%) was investigated in Exp. II and found to be negligible. In both experiments reduced % ORM (down to 50%) was accompanied by a significantly greater number of trials to S-R criterion. Contrary to previous findings, there was an absence of an inverse relationship between % ORM and the C/O ratio. In fact, in Exp. I the relationship was significantly direct, suggesting the importance of other task characteristics as sources of interaction with % ORM in determining the stage of S-R acquisition most likely to be affected. The R-S data suggested a possible facilitating effect of reduced % ORM on R-S learning, which was interpreted as indicating an increase in stimulus differentiation under reduced % ORM.
Incomplete Ion Dissociation Underlies the Weakened Attraction between DNA Helices at High Spermidine Concentrations

We have investigated the salt sensitivity of the hexagonal-to-cholesteric phase transition of spermidine-condensed DNA. This transition precedes the resolubilization of precipitated DNA that occurs at high spermidine concentration. The sensitivity of the critical spermidine concentration at the transition point to the anion species and the NaCl concentration indicates that ion pairing of this trivalent ion underlies this unusual transition. Osmotic pressure measurements of spermidine salt solutions are consistent with this interpretation. Spermidine salts are not fully dissociated at higher concentrations. The competition for DNA binding among the fully charged trivalent ion and the lesser charged complex species at higher concentrations significantly weakens attraction between DNA helices in the condensed state. This is contrary to the suggestion that the binding of spermidine at higher concentrations causes DNA overcharging and consequent electrostatic repulsion.
Core values brand building in sport: Stakeholder attitudes towards intercollegiate athletics and university brand congruency

Abstract The purpose of this case study was to investigate stakeholder attitudes toward athletic department behavioral congruency with the stated core values of a major BCS 1 university located in the Southwestern portion of the United States. Research has indicated that positive and negative attitudes toward intercollegiate athletics can contribute to the perceptions of congruency with the established university mission and values. Over time, however, the increase in negative attitudes attributed to athletic department behavior brings into question their congruency with the university core values. Document analysis and personal interviews ( N = 13) were conducted with individuals from each of six university internal and external stakeholder groups. Findings revealed four primary themes: (a) Excellence Equals Winning, (b) For Public Relations Purposes Only, (c) Separation and Isolation of the Athletic Department, and (d) Lack of Leadership from the Top-Down. Implications and future research concerning university brand image and core value accountability are discussed.
Immunohistochemical localization of protein-O-carboxylmethyltransferase in rat brain neurons

The distribution of the enzyme protein-O-carboxylmethyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.24) has been investigated in the rat brain using both immunohistochemical and biochemical techniques. The enzyme, which carboxylmethylates free aspartic and glutamic acid residues of protein substrates, was localized in neurons, but not other cell types throughout the brain. The highest immunoreactivity was detected throughout the cortex, followed by the hippocampus, the corpus striatum, the thalamus and the amygdala. Immunoreactive cells were detected in other brain regions but were not as prominent as those regions listed above. The distribution of immunoreactivity in the hippocampus was most striking, with considerable labelling of the pyramidal and granule cells in all regions. Numerous pyramidal cells were labelled in the cerebral cortex, with some ascending processes exhibiting immunoreactivity. The corpus striatum was uniformly labelled, suggesting that the enzyme was not localized to any specific neurotransmitter system. The antisera employed in this study was generated against purified bovine brain protein-O-carboxylmethyltransferase and Western immunoblot analysis showed cross reactivity against both rat brain and human erythrocyte forms of the enzyme. Enzyme activity and methyl acceptor protein capacity were examined in 1.5 mm coronal sections of rat brain. The regions with highest enzyme activities were found in cross-sections containing cortex and corpus striatum or cortex and hippocampus. The lowest enzyme activities were noted in slices of brainstem and cerebellum, areas exhibiting low amounts of immunoreactive protein-O-carboxylmethyltransferase. Methyl acceptor protein capacity was highest in slices of cortex and corpus striatum, cortex and hippocampus and was lowest in slices of brainstem and cerebellum. These results demonstrate that protein-O-carboxylmethyltransferase has an unique neuronal pattern of distribution in the rodent central nervous system, and suggest that the carboxylmethylation of proteins may be of functional significance in these neurons.