cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of cholesterol absorption in man by intestinal perfusion.

In this study a technique is described for estimating net absorption of total cholesterol (endogenous + exogenous) that enters the intestine. The method employs intubation of patients with a 3-lumen tube that contains a 10-cm mixing segment in the duodenum and a 100-cm absorption segment in the jejunum. A liquid formula diet containing varying amounts of exogenous cholesterol is infused continuously into the upper duodenum for a period of several hours; the formula diet stimulates constant contraction of the gallbladder and thus provides for continous secretion of biliary cholesterol sitosterol as a marker, the input of endogenous + exogenous cholesterol can be measured at the end of the 10-cm mixing segment. Net cholesterol absorption is estimated from the disappearance of cholesterol relative to β-sitosterol over the next 100-cm of jejunum. When radioactive cholesterol was also used as a marker, radioactivity usually disappeared more rapidly than the mass of choleesterol over the absorption segment; this suggests that a significant amount of isotope exchange occurs in the upper intestine. Using β-sitosterol as a marker, the extent of exchange can be determined. In six patients, cholesterol inputs ranged from 51 to 118 mg/hr, and net percentage absorption was 34–56%. When inputs of cholesterol were acutely increased by enhancing exogenous cholesterol, absolute absorption was uniformly increased, but percentage absorption either remained the same or was decreased somewhat. Changine inputs of β-sitosterol had a striking effect on cholesterol absorption, and relatively small increments of β-sitosterol almost always produced corresponding reductions in uptake of cholesterol. The intestinal perfusion method appears to provide certain advantages over previous techniques for estimating total cholesterol entering the upper intestine, including that derived from both endogenous and exogenous sources. Measurements can be made over short periods of time, and the method allows for determination of effects of acute changes in the intestinal milieu on cholesterol absorption. Finally, the technique defines the extent of isotope exchange between cholesterol in the intestinal mucosa and in the lumen.
Vertical tunnel diodes on high resistivity silicon

We demonstrate for the first time vertical tunnel diodes formed by rapid thermal diffusion using spin-on diffusants on high resistivity (100) Si substrates, 1000-5000 /spl Omega/ cm, 100 mm, allowing the extraction of an RF device model. The simple process flow is compatible with techniques found in any commercial front end. The device model is extracted from DC, microwave frequency S-parameter, and RF impedance measurements. The tunnel diode characteristics are well described by the Schulman-Broekaert analytic model, developed for the resonant tunneling diode, and therefore fit readily into SPICE and ADS modeling environments.
Application of Network Experimental Platform in Evaluation of Electric Power Communication Network

Constructing the network experimental platform is one of the effective assessment methods of digital substation communication network. It is introduced in great detail that “Common Network and Shared Port” is the special feature of intelligent substation communication network nowadays. It is a simulation technology based on the network experimental platform and sum up some credible, quantitative and accurate methods. Because they are need to adapt to the development of the digital substation communication network. Specially, the situation of different network architectures and the unpredictable performance have been changed in the near future. As a new generation of intelligent substation communication, this method can provide strong support for network constructions.
Citrus flavonoids repress the mRNA for stearoyl-CoA desaturase, a key enzyme in lipid synthesis and obesity control, in rat primary hepatocytes

Citrus flavonoids have been shown to decrease plasma lipid levels, improve glucose tolerance, and attenuate obesity. One possible mechanism underlying these physiological effects is reduction of hepatic levels of the mRNA for stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1), since repression of this enzyme reduces hyperlipidemia and adiposity. Here, we show that citrus flavonoids of two structural classes reduce SCD1 mRNA concentrations in a dose-dependent manner in rat primary hepatocytes. This is the first demonstration of repression of SCD1 by citrus flavonoids, either in vivo or in cultured cells. Furthermore, it is the first use of freshly-isolated hepatocytes from any animal to examine citrus flavonoid action at the mRNA level. This study demonstrates that regulation of SCD1 gene expression may play a role in control of obesity by citrus flavonoids and that rat primary hepatocytes are a physiologically-relevant model system for analyzing the molecular mechanisms of flavonoid action in the liver.
Laboratory Tests for Defining Bactericidal Activity as Predictors of Antibiotic Efficacy in the Treatment of Endocarditis Due to Staphylococcus aureus in Rabbits

The validity of laboratory tests that define bactericidal activity to predict antimicrobial efficacy was studied in rabbits with endocarditis due to Staphylococcus aureus, both nafcillin-nontolerant (NT) and nafcillin-tolerant (T). Infected rabbits were treated with nafcillin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, or no drug (control) for up to 11 days; dosage was designed so that peak antibiotic serum concentration/minimal inhibitory concentration ratios were approximately 50. During treatment, peak and trough serum concentration/minimal bactericidal concentration ratios and peak and trough titers of serum bactericidal antibacterial activity were determined. The rank order of efficacy, as defined by survival, eradication of bacteremia, and sterilization of cardiac vegetations, was nafcillin = clindamycin greater than chloramphenicol greater than control, both adjusted and unadjusted for the challenge strain of S. aureus. Bactericidal activity (observed only with nafcillin plus S. aureus NT) was associated with lower bacterial counts in vegetations at four days but was otherwise unrelated to therapeutic outcome.
An Extension of Threshold Logic

This paper presents an extension of the concept of linear separation to generate a wider class of Boolean functions. This generalization is affected by modifying the requirements for separation to allow both true and false assignments to reside on the same hyperplane (pseudoseparation) or within the same neighborhood of a hyperplane (marginal separation). Boolean functions which can be separated in either of these ways are called partially separable functions. This paper is divided into two parts. The first deals with pseudoseparable functions and the second deals with marginally separable functions. Some of the theoretical algebraic properties of partially separable functions are investigated, and the relationship between these and the corresponding properties for separable functions is explored. Necessary and sufflcient conditions for each type of separation are also discussed, A parameter which shows whether a given Boolean function is separable, pseudoseparable, or marginally separable is introduced.
Time-Dependent Island Rule and Its Application to the Time-Varying North Hawaiian Ridge Current*

Since November 1988, repeated shipboard ADCP transects have been made across the North Hawaiian Ridge Current (NHRC) north of Oahu. Prominent aspects of the NHRC transport time series include 1) a shift in late 1991 from a relatively strong and steady state to a weaker and more variable state and 2) the absence of an annual cycle, despite the annual cycle in the wind stress. A simple conceptual framework for understanding NHRC variability is provided by our extension of Godfrey’s island rule to upper-layer flow in the baroclinic time-dependent case. The interior ocean flow east of the islands is viewed as the sum of Ekman transport, geostrophic adjustment to Ekman pumping, and long Rossby waves. The net interior flow normal to the offshore edge of the NHRC is carried around the island barrier, with the split between northward and southward flow governed by a simple vorticity constraint involving only the inflow and outflow from the interior and the wind circulation around the island. The latter is of minor importance to the Hawaiian Islands. The time-dependent island rule calculation does not reproduce the observed time series, but it approximates the observed magnitude and character of variability. The result is sensitive to the choice of wind product. To improve the simulation and to investigate the importance of processes missing from the island rule, a numerical 2‰-layer reduced-gravity model of the Pacific Ocean is driven by the FSU winds. Although the modeled NHRC does not match the ADCP observations in every detail, the mean transport and some aspects of the variability are similar: the model shows the 1991 transition and lacks an annual cycle. Experiments with and without temporal wind variability near the equator show that the NHRC is governed primarily by winds east of the Hawaiian Islands; equatorial winds have little effect. Nonlinearity is shown to be important.
The occurrence of opportunistic non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in the setting of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus.

The incidence of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) has increased by over 50% in the United States since 1973. There is epidemiologic evidence that some of this increase is the result of AIDS-related lymphoma and that this component is increasing. Prolonged survival in the setting of a variety of immunodeficiency states is associated with an increased incidence of NHL. The development of antiretroviral therapy and improved therapy for the complications of AIDS has resulted in prolonged survival of patients with AIDS. As these patients survive longer with profound immunodeficiency, they have an increased cumulative risk of developing NHL. This may result in even more AIDS-related NHL in the future than predicted from current epidemiological studies. An increased understanding of the pathogenesis of AIDS-related NHL may lead to means of preventing their occurrence. Also, therapies that may prevent immunodeficiency from developing in HIV-infected patients may reduce the likelihood of NHL developing. Current efforts at treating these lymphomas are aimed at preventing the myelosuppression and immunosuppression associated with current regimens, lymphoma relapses within the central nervous system, and the opportunistic infections associated with treatment of these tumors. Ultimately, the best means of preventing the development of these lymphomas is by preventing infection with HIV.
Current issues in antiplatelet therapy for stroke prevention: the importance of stroke subtypes and differences between stroke and MI patients

Ischaemic stroke, the most common type of stroke, is classified into three main subtypes: large-vessel disease, lacunar or small-vessel disease, and cardioembolic; two further subtypes include a determined aetiology of “other” and cryptogenic. Although a substantial amount of literature exists concerning current guidelines for the secondary prevention of ischaemic stroke, treatment strategies for stroke subtypes as well as the reasons why these subtypes are significant have yet to be clearly defined. Furthermore, treatment strategies for secondary prevention of ischaemic stroke differ between patients who have suffered a previous stroke and those who have suffered a myocardial infarction. Antiplatelet therapies offer treatment that is as efficacious as warfarin, but with less severe bleeding. This review examines the importance of the different subtypes of stroke as well as differentiating between treating a heart patient and a stroke patient for secondary stroke prevention, including the advantages of using antiplatelet therapy over anticoagulants.
Effects of Early Family Experiences on Preschool Teacher Behavior.

The relationship between perceived early family experiences and preschool teaching behavior was investigated. Subjects were 109 female student teachers in two laboratory preschool settings. Subjects completed a questionnaire about their early family experiences and their teaching behavior was recorded by trained observers using McDaniel's Observer Rating Scale (ORS). The nine dimensions of the ORS were reduced to two factors, Teaching Style and Teaching Technique, using a principal-components factor analysis. Pearson product-moment correla tions and a canonical variate analysis were used to analyze the data. Teaching Style was found to be related to family size, family crises, family activities, and family income adequacy. The saliency of these relationships was influenced by the age period in which the family experiences occurred. College major was related to Teaching Technique. Knowing about student teachers' family and ed ucational backgrounds gives some insight into the teaching behavior with pre school children.
Deadlock verification of a DPS coordination strategy and its alternative model in pi-calculus

A key issue for distributed problem solving (DPS) systems is coordination of the agent's actions, and methods for producing effective coordination strategies remain an active area of research. Because there are not yet approaches that can automatically produce such strategies, some human engineering is often still necessary. As a result, there is a need for a formal tool to support such human engineering. In a previous work (Khorasani et al., 2009), we investigated the use of pi-calculus as a formal language for modelling DPS coordination strategies and showed how such models could be used to evaluate the time performance of a strategy. In this paper, we focus on verification of coordination strategies. More specifically, we utilise the formal semantics of pi-calculus to detect deadlocks in a coordination strategy. We also show how, by imposing certain constraints on the pi-calculus model, one would be able to design a deadlock-free coordination strategy.
Controlled Firing of Reaction‐Bonded Aluminum Oxide (RBAO) Ceramics: Part I, Continuum‐Model Predictions

The reaction-bonded aluminum oxide (RBAO) process is a novel, reaction-forming technique for producing monolithic, alumina-based ceramics. Although there has been extensive work on the RBAO process, it is often difficult to reproduce the process and avoid sample cracking. To solve the problems that are associated with the RBAO process, it is necessary to have a fundamental understanding of the reaction-bonding process and the effects of various processing parameters on the reaction behavior. To gain some insight into the process, a continuum model has been developed. The model, which considers the interaction between the macroscopic material and energy balances, is used to predict conditions under which RBAO bodies may be fired in a controlled manner, i.e., avoiding the runaway reaction. In particular, the effects of the oxygen content of the atmosphere, the heat loss by convection and radiation, the heating cycle, and scale (sample size) have been investigated. For small sample sizes, model predictions indicate that the reaction may be controlled by reducing the oxygen content of the atmosphere, increasing the heat loss, and/or incorporating an isothermal hold into the heating cycle at a temperature just below the ignition temperature. For larger sample sizes, model predictions indicate the need for multiple low-temperature holds at increasing temperatures. It is believed that firing RBAO bodies in a controlled manner will allow one to avoid sample cracking. Part II of this work presents a complementary experimental study that investigates the reaction behavior and structural integrity of samples that have been fired under the predicted conditions.
Design of efficient, broadband single-element (20-80 MHz) ultrasonic transducers for medical imaging applications

This paper discusses the design, fabrication, and testing of sensitive broadband lithium niobate (LiNbO/sub 3/) single-element ultrasonic transducers in the 20-80 MHz frequency range. Transducers of varying dimensions were built for an f# range of 2.0-3.1. The desired focal depths were achieved by either casting an acoustic lens on the transducer face or press-focusing the piezoelectric into a spherical curvature. For designs that required electrical impedance matching, a low impedance transmission line coaxial cable was used. All transducers were tested in a pulse-echo arrangement, whereby the center frequency, bandwidth, insertion loss, and focal depth were measured. Several transducers were fabricated with center frequencies in the 20-80 MHz range with the measured -6 dB bandwidths and two-way insertion loss values ranging from 57 to 74% and 9.6 to 21.3 dB, respectively. Both transducer focusing techniques proved successful in producing highly sensitive, high-frequency, single-element, ultrasonic-imaging transducers. In vivo and in vitro ultrasonic backscatter microscope (UBM) images of human eyes were obtained with the 50 MHz transducers. The high sensitivity of these devices could possibly allow for an increase in depth of penetration, higher image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and improved image contrast at high frequencies when compared to previously reported results.
Analysis of the viscosity and second virial coefficients of non-polar polyatomic gases using the m-6-8 potential

(1972). Analysis of the viscosity and second virial coefficients of non-polar polyatomic gases using the m-6-8 potential. Molecular Physics: Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 683-687.
Correlation of histomorphological pattern of cardiac amyloid deposition with amyloid type: a histological and proteomic analysis of 108 cases

Aims Prognostication and treatment selection for cardiac amyloidosis requires accurate amyloid typing. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of histomorphology for predicting type. Methods and results Autopsy cases with cardiac amyloidosis (1998–2010) were typed by the use of mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Deposition patterns were correlated with amyloid type. Among 108 decedents (mean age 75 years; 69% men), 107 had a single type, including transthyretin (ATTR) (60 cases), amyloid light chain (AL) (32 λ; 12 κ), amyloid A (AA) (two), and apolipoprotein AIV (AApoAIV) (one). Interstitial deposition was more extensive in AL amyloidosis cases than in ATTR cases [odds ratio (OR) 6.8, P = 0.0004]. Histomorphological patterns of interstitial deposition were mixed in 61% of AL amyloidosis cases and in 61% of ATTR cases, but diffuse pericellular deposits favoured AL amyloidosis (OR 10.7, P = 0.0001), nodular deposits favoured ATTR (OR 3.1, P = 0.0229), and discrete pericellular deposits tended to partially favour ATTR (OR 1.7, P = 0.1970). Arterial and venous deposits each favoured AL amyloidosis (OR ranging from 9.3 to 192.0, P-value ranging from 0.0022 to <0.0001), and were severe in AL amyloidosis. Endocardial deposits favoured AL amyloidosis (OR 46.3, P < 0.0001) and were also more severe in AL amyloidosis. Conclusions The extent and distribution of cardiac amyloidosis strongly correlate with amyloid type, suggesting fundamental differences in the pathobiology of deposition. The tendency for mixed patterns to occur limits the practicality and accuracy of using histopathology for amyloid typing.
ECG Monitoring in Syncope

Electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring is a well-established procedure in the work-up of patients with syncope or for diagnosing arrhythmias. The investigation of syncope remains, however, challenging and physicians have an increasing armamentarium of diagnostic tools available and with advances in technology the role of these tools has to be continuously evaluated. The gold standard for the diagnosis of syncope is a symptom-ECG correlation, and while many studies have investigated the use and indications of both short-term and long-term monitoring; there is still some uncertainty in their clinical utility and practical approach. The use of ECG monitoring and other diagnostic tools is often subject to a "shot-gun approach" rather than a strict guideline algorithm. A systematic approach and selection of ECG monitoring tools helps permit an effective usage of the limited health care resources available for the management of unexplained syncope. In this review we aim to focus and clarify the role of short-term (Holter and external loop recorders) and long-term (implantable loop recorders) ECG monitoring in the diagnosis and management of patients with unexplained syncope.
Intracardiac transplantation of a mixed population of bone marrow cells improves both regional systolic contractility and diastolic relaxation.

Background Pre-clinical and clinical studies suggest that transplantation of bone marrow-derived stem cells can improve global cardiac function. However, no quantitative assessment of regional systolic contraction and correlation with phenotype has been made. Therefore, we used our model of cryoinfarcted rabbit myocardium for intracardiac transplantation of a mixed population of bone marrow-derived cells and assessed both regional function and myogenic conversion of the cells. Methods Nineteen New Zealand white rabbits underwent cryoinjury of the left ventricle. Autologous bone marrow (BM) cells were expanded in vitro. After 2 weeks, either 1 × 10 8 mixed BM-derived progenitor cells (BM group, n = 11) or vehicle (control group, n = 8) were injected into the cryoinjured region. Regional systolic function was measured using micromanometry and sonomicrometry before and 4 weeks after cell injection; cell phenotype was evaluated histologically. Results All animals in the BM group significantly improved both systolic shortening (0.11 ± 0.7 vs −0.05 ± 0.05 mm in the control group, p p Conclusions Transplanting a mixed population of marrow-derived cells that can adopt a myogenic phenotype improves regional contractility and diastolic relaxation after myocardial infarction.
Non-linear and explicit finite element analysis in dynamic responses of handling sheet-metal parts

AbstractSheet metals are used extensively in automotive, aerospace, aircraft, appliance, and furniture industries. Automating material handling of these flexible sheet-metal parts in the stamping process requires attention due to its significant impact on product quality and productivity. The compliance of large sheet-metal blanks can cause their permanent deformation during handling. In addition, the fluctuated deformation on the sheet-metal edges during handling might be a safety issue, such as interfering with the operator or other equipment. This paper presents the use of the non-linear and explicit finite element (FE) technique to formulate a fully flexible dynamic sheet-metal handling model incorporating the motion condition. The influence of the holding end-effecter layout scheme and movability conditions on the final part quality is investigated.
How Do We Work with Beginning Teachers

The practice of supervising beginning teachers has undergone dramatic changes over the past century. While current conceptualizations of the practice of supervising beginning teachers lend themselves to an interest in cultivating relationships to enhance learning, this has not always been the case.
An acetonitrile solvatomorph of di-chlorido-(1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione)platinum(II).

In the title complex, [PtCl2(C12H6N2O2)]·CH3CN, the PtII atom lies in a slightly distorted square-planar arrangement defined by an N2Cl2 donor set. In the packed structure, columns of complex moieties are stacked such that the neighboring units are oriented at 180° and laterally displaced with respect to each other. This prevents any overlap of the phenanthroline rings and thus there is no possibility of any π–π inter­actions between aromatic rings.
Construction of a topographical road graph for bicycle tour routes

In this paper, we describe an algorithmic procedure for transforming traditional road map data into a novel topographical road graph for generating customized multi-day bicycle routes. To that end, we are using polyline data from the OpenStreetMap (OSM), 1/3-arc second resolution elevation data from a Digital Elevation Model provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, and a model of perceived exertion (PE) for bicyclists of different levels of expertise. Our topographical road graph allows for the calculation of the PE over any sequence of road segments (a path) for bicyclists of different levels of expertise and serves as input for generating paths of minimal PE. Our objective is to enable generation of multi-day bicycle tours of minimal PE for cyclists of different levels of expertise.
Effect of esterase inhibition on the disposition of zomepirac glucuronide and its covalent binding to plasma proteins in the guinea pig.

The disposition of zomepirac (Z) and its acyl glucuronide metabolite were studied in rabbits and guinea pigs to determine if hydrolysis of zomepirac glucuronide (ZG) by tissue esterases occurs in vivo and what effect inhibition of esterases would have on exposure to ZG and subsequent covalent binding to plasma proteins. ZG was hydrolyzed rapidly in vivo by both guinea pigs and rabbits, liberating Z. The effect of inhibition of tissue esterases was determined by administration of phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) concurrently with i.v. doses of Z or ZG to anesthetized, bile duct ligated guinea pigs. Administration of PMSF decreased the apparent plasma clearance of ZG by 86% and elevated the apparent plasma clearance of Z by 300%. Exposure of the guinea pigs to ZG as measured by the area under the plasma concentration vs. time curve (AUC) was increased substantially by PMSF treatment. Covalent binding of Z to plasma proteins in the guinea pig correlated well with AUC of ZG, but not with AUC of Z. The correlation of Z covalent binding with AUC of ZG in the guinea pig is similar to that found in humans suggesting that the degree to which acyl glucuronides form covalent adducts with proteins in humans may be predictable from studies in animals.
Don't disregard ultrasound yet--the jury is still out.

To the Editor: I am writing to provide my viewpoint on the article by Robertson and Baker titled “A Review of Therapeutic Ultrasound: Effectiveness Studies” (July 2001). I commend them on a very rigorous study. They reviewed 35 studies performed between 1975 and 1999, and then deleted 25 studies due to small sample size, nonclinical condition, and so forth. Of the 10 remaining studies, only 2 studies showed that active ultrasound performed better than placebo ultrasound. The authors drew the conclusion that active ultrasound is no more effective than placebo ultrasound. As I studied their report, I discovered flaws in the 8 studies from which they drew their conclusion. I base my opinion on a decade of laboratory research establishing correct ultrasound parameters.1–3 ### Effective Radiating Area Ultrasound crystals are not completely uniform, and some areas transmit sound better than others. The effective radiating area (ERA) is the amount of the crystal that transmits the sound wave. The crystal is housed inside the soundhead and is slightly smaller than the applicator faceplate.1–3 To obtain optimal ultrasound benefits, the treatment size should be no more than 2 times the size of the ERA of the crystal, or roughly twice the size of the soundhead. Only one of the studies deemed …
Learning from preservice teachers’ responses to trans-themed young adult literature: improving personal practice in teacher education

ABSTRACTTensions and contradictions in my personal practice and in the extant research prompted this study of preservice teachers’ responses to trans-themed young adult literature. I adopted a self-study methodology to identify and address the shortcomings in my practice of including trans-themed literature in a Literature for Adolescents course. Through inductive analysis, I discovered that my students made statements related to literary, sociocultural, and personal themes. Next, I considered the data within and across themes to reflect on my personal practice. The students’ responses suggest that I could improve my teaching practice by (1) guiding them to employ specific critical theories and analysis and (2) including multiple texts about the transgender experience. I propose and trouble these practices and consider the ways they confirm or contradict others’ research regarding good teaching practices.
Tests of Circular Steel Tubes in Bending

A series of tests on 10-3/4in. (270-mm) tubes was conducted to determine the plastic rotation capacity of tubular beams. Six different D/t values ranging from 18-102 were used in the tests. Cantilever and fixed-ended beams, with moment gradients (shears) and restraints against ovalizing at the end, are compared with the behavior of the constant moment region of simple beams. Tubes with D/t greater than about 50 do not have sufficient plastic hinge rotation capacity to develop the classical ultimate strength. In the absence of a small moment gradient or stiffening, the plastic moment is not quite reached in tubes with D/t of 35. For inelastic buckling in the range of D/t of 18-80, critical strains appear to be proportional to (t/D)², as opposed to the conventionallinear relationship. Information concerning the complex post-buckling behavior is also presented.
Lack of Clinically Significant Contact System Activation During Platelet Concentrate Filtration by Leukocyte Removal Filters

When blood (plasma) contacts certain foreign surfaces, factor XII can activate and trigger a series of reactions leading to cleavage of kininogens with subsequent release of bradykinin. In this study, we investigated two different widely used leukocyte removal filters, Pall PXL8K (A) and Asahi PLS-5A (B), to test whether clinically significant contact activation occurred during leukodepletion of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Kininogens were measured by particle concentration fluorescence immunoassay (PCFIA), which can detect cleavage of high and low molecular weight kininogens (HK and LK), the parent molecules of bradykinin, to determine if contact activation had occurred. A slight, nonsignificant decrease in HK and LK was observed with filter A after the first 5 mL was filtered that returned to prefiltration levels by the end of the filtration. Specific TotK (the combined measurement of HK and LK heavy chains divided by plasma protein concentration) showed a small, significant decrease with filter A after the first 5 mL of platelet concentrates was filtered that returned to prefiltration levels by the end of the filtration. There were no significant increases or decreases in the cleaved kininogen index (CKI), an index of HK proteolytic activation or HK and LK destruction (with release of bradykinin). These data suggest that small amounts of both HK and LK initially adsorb to filter A and then desorb, primarily intact. These data also indicate that no significant contact activation, as measured by PCFIA, occurs during leukodepletion of platelet concentrates with either filter A or B.
The Limitations of Model-Based Experimental Design and Parameter Estimation in Sloppy Systems.

We explore the relationship among experimental design, parameter estimation, and systematic error in sloppy models. We show that the approximate nature of mathematical models poses challenges for experimental design in sloppy models. In many models of complex biological processes it is unknown what are the relevant physical mechanisms that must be included to explain system behaviors. As a consequence, models are often overly complex, with many practically unidentifiable parameters. Furthermore, which mechanisms are relevant/irrelevant vary among experiments. By selecting complementary experiments, experimental design may inadvertently make details that were ommitted from the model become relevant. When this occurs, the model will have a large systematic error and fail to give a good fit to the data. We use a simple hyper-model of model error to quantify a model’s discrepancy and apply it to two models of complex biological processes (EGFR signaling and DNA repair) with optimally selected experiments. We find that although parameters may be accurately estimated, the discrepancy in the model renders it less predictive than it was in the sloppy regime where systematic error is small. We introduce the concept of a sloppy system–a sequence of models of increasing complexity that become sloppy in the limit of microscopic accuracy. We explore the limits of accurate parameter estimation in sloppy systems and argue that identifying underlying mechanisms controlling system behavior is better approached by considering a hierarchy of models of varying detail rather than focusing on parameter estimation in a single model.
Effect of 5 hydroxyl group of genistein on recombinant human protein kinase CK2 holoenzyme activity

Objective To observed the effects of 5 hydroxyl group of genistein on recombinant human protein kinase CK2 holoenzyme activity.Methods Recombinant human protein kinase CK2α'and β subunits which were abtained by genetic engineering tecnology were mixed into reconstitute CK2 holoenzyme.the effects of 5 hydroxyl group of genistein on recombinant human protein kinase CK2 holoenzyme activity was study by detecting incorporation of 32P of ATP.Results Genistein and daidzein were shown to inhibit obviously recombinant CK2 holoenzyme activity in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 27.95,2.38 μmol/L,respectively,which display a close effect or more potent than previously known inhibitor N-(2-aminoethy1)-5-chloronaphthalene-1-sulfonamide(A3).Structure-activity study indicated that hydroxyl group at position 5 is detrimental per se for the inhibitory effects of genistein on CK2.Conclusion Genistein and daidzein were two effective inhibitors of recombinant human protein kinase CK2 in vitro.
Determination of dimethyl fumarate in baked goods by gel permeation clean-up-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Objective To establish a method for the determination of dimethyl fumatate in baked foods by gel permeation clean-up-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Methods Dimethyl fumatate in baked foods was ultrasonic extracted with ethyl acetate,centrifugalled with freeze centrifuge,condensed with rotating evaporator,then purified with gel permeation chromatography. The purified sample was qualitative and quantitative analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results When the concentration of dimethyl fumatate was among 0. 02 μg / ml-5. 0 μg / ml,the concentration and peak area has a good linear relationship and the standard curve regression equation was y = 1. 071x-0. 044 18 with correlation of 0. 999 99; the detection rate was 0. 012 mg / kg; the additive recovery rates were among 62. 0%-95. 0%,and the relative standard derivation( RSD) was among 2. 1%-5. 0%. Conclusion The precision and accuracy of this method can meet the analysis requirements.It can be operated simply,and provides a good basis for the detection of the content of dimethyl fumarate in baking food.
Early Intervention Practices for Children With Hearing Loss Impact of Professional Development

Early identification and appropriate intervention services for children who are deaf or hard of hearing significantly increase the likelihood of better language, speech, and social-emotional develo...
Straw direct-combustion generation in Henan Province: Prospects, challenge and countermeasure

Straw direct-combustion generation technology conforms to social development and environmental protection requirement, and is vigorously developing in Henan Province. In this article, the prospect of straw direct-combustion generation in Henan Province is elaborated, the challenge facing in this stage is pointed out. At the same time, meaningful countermeasures are provided.
Roundabout (Robo) receptors on pulmonary artery endothelial cells: Implications for pulmonary arterial hypertension

Roundabout (Robo) receptors 1 and 4 and their ligand Slit2, are novel regulators of endothelial cell (EC) function. Robo1/4 can have co-operative and/or opposing effects on cell function. Expression levels vary between EC and it is likely that functional consequences of Slit2 are determined by the predominant Robo receptor. A better understanding of the Slit/Robo pathway in pulmonary artery (PA) EC could be relevant to conditions such as pulmonary artery hypertension. Generally, Slit2-Robo4 interaction protects EC cells during inflammation. We hypothesised that greater Robo4 expression in EC, compared with Robo1, was necessary for an anti-inflammatory effect of Slit2. Our aim was to measure Robo1/4 on human PAEC, in comparison to human umbilical vein (HUV) EC; and to measure responses to Slit2. Our objectives were: (1) to activate EC with TNF (10ng/ml TNF, 23h) and measure Robo-1/4; (2) to assess effect of Slit2 (20nM) on GM-CSF release in PAEC and HUVEC. Robo expression in PAEC and HUVEC were determined by FACS; GM-CSF release, by ELISA. Under basal conditions, 95±1% of HUVEC expressed Robo4; whereas, only 10±3% of cells expressed Robo1 (n=5). TNF significantly (P In PAEC, expressing high levels of Robo1 and less Robo4, Slit2 did not reduce GM-CSF. These findings suggest that PAEC are more resistant to the anti-inflammatory effects of Slit2.
Multiple mechanisms contribute to double-strand break repair at rereplication forks in Drosophila follicle cells

Rereplication generates double-strand breaks (DSBs) at sites of fork collisions and causes genomic damage, including repeat instability and chromosomal aberrations. However, the primary mechanism used to repair rereplication DSBs varies across different experimental systems. In Drosophila follicle cells, developmentally regulated rereplication is used to amplify six genomic regions, two of which contain genes encoding eggshell proteins. We have exploited this system to test the roles of several DSB repair pathways during rereplication, using fork progression as a readout for DSB repair efficiency. Here we show that a null mutation in the microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ) component, polymerase θ/mutagen-sensitive 308 (mus308), exhibits a sporadic thin eggshell phenotype and reduced chorion gene expression. Unlike other thin eggshell mutants, mus308 displays normal origin firing but reduced fork progression at two regions of rereplication. We also find that MMEJ compensates for loss of nonhomologous end joining to repair rereplication DSBs in a site-specific manner. Conversely, we show that fork progression is enhanced in the absence of both Drosophila Rad51 homologs, spindle-A and spindle-B, revealing homologous recombination is active and actually impairs fork movement during follicle cell rereplication. These results demonstrate that several DSB repair pathways are used during rereplication in the follicle cells and their contribution to productive fork progression is influenced by genomic position and repair pathway competition. Furthermore, our findings illustrate that specific rereplication DSB repair pathways can have major effects on cellular physiology, dependent upon genomic context.
Fermion Masses and Mixing in SUSY GUTs: Predictive Theories

In this chapter we consider two complete SUSY GUTs in four space-time dimensions. In both the SU(5) and SO(10) models the theories include the GUT scale physics of spontaneously breaking the GUT symmetry group, Higgs doublet-triplet splitting and a detailed analysis of gauge coupling unification and nucleon decay. In addition they both include the sector of the theory describing fermion masses and mixing angles which can be tested at the LHC.
Nicotine Vapor Method to Induce Nicotine Dependence in Rodents

Nicotine, the main addictive component of tobacco, induces potentiation of brain stimulation reward, increases locomotor activity, and induces conditioned place preference. Nicotine cessation produces a withdrawal syndrome that can be relieved by nicotine replacement therapy. In the last decade, the market for electronic cigarettes has flourished, especially among adolescents. The nicotine vaporizer or electronic nicotine delivery system is a battery-operated device that allows the user to simulate the experience of tobacco smoking without inhaling smoke. The device is designed to be an alternative to conventional cigarettes that emits vaporized nicotine inhaled by the user. This report describes a procedure to vaporize nicotine in the air to produce blood nicotine levels in rodents that are clinically relevant to those that are observed in humans and produce dependence. We also describe how to construct the apparatus to deliver nicotine vapor in a stable, reliable, and consistent manner, as well as how to analyze air for nicotine content. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Modeling the response of exogenously crosslinked tissue to cyclic loading: The effects of permanent set

Bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs), fabricated from exogenously crosslinked collagenous tissues, remain the most popular heart valve replacement design. However, the life span of BHVs remains limited to 10-15 years, in part because the mechanisms that underlie BHV failure remain poorly understood. Experimental evidence indicates that BHVs undergo significant changes in geometry with in vivo operation, which lead to stress concentrations that can have significant impact on structural damage. These changes do not appear to be due to plastic deformation, as the leaflets only deform in the elastic regime. Moreover, structural damage was not detected by the 65 million cycle time point. Instead, we found that this nonrecoverable deformation is similar to the permanent set effect observed in elastomers, which allows the reference configuration of the material to evolve over time. We hypothesize that the scission-healing reaction of glutaraldehyde is the underlying mechanism responsible for permanent set in exogenously crosslinked soft tissues. The continuous scission-healing process of glutaraldehyde allows a portion of the exogenously crosslinked matrix, which is considered to be the non-fibrous part of the extra-cellular matrix, to be re-crosslinked in the loaded state. Thus, this mechanism for permanent set can be used to explain the time evolving mechanical response and geometry of BHVs in the early stage. To model the permanent set effect, we assume that the exogenously crosslinked matrix undergoes changes in reference configurations over time. The changes in the collagen fiber architecture due to dimensional changes allow us to predict subsequent changes in mechanical response. Results show that permanent set alone can explain and, more importantly, predict how the mechanical response of the biomaterial change with time. Furthermore, we found is no difference in permanent set rate constants between the strain controlled and the stress controlled cyclic loading studies. An important finding we have is that the collagen fiber architecture has a limiting effect on the maximum changes in geometry that the permanent set effect can induce. This is due to the recruitment of collagen fibers as the changes in geometry due to permanent set increase. This means we can potentially optimize the BHV geometry based on the predicted the final BHV geometry after permanent set has largely ceased. Thus, we have developed the first structural constitutive model for the permanent set effect in exogenously crosslinked soft tissue, which can help to simulate BHV designs and reduce changes in BHV geometry during cyclic loading and thus potentially increasing BHV durability.
Thermal expansion of LiF at high pressures

Abstract Accurate data on the pressure-volume temperature relationship of LiF are presented and compared with recent X-ray measurements by Yagi[1]. Our measurement is a differential length change measurement between a 25 mm long single crystal of LiF and a tungsten carbide standard as previously described by Boehler and Kennedy [2]. A piston-cylinder apparatus with fluid cell arrangement was used up to 32 kbar and 400°C. In spite of the low compressibility of LiF our volume data are accurate within 0.07%. We find a much stronger decline of the thermal expansivity with pressure than Yagi. The values of α v · K T = ( ∂P ∂T ) v remain constant within the uncertainty over our pressure and temperature range.
There’s no place like home: Integrating pulmonary rehabilitation into the home setting

Traditional, outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation provided to stable COPD patients leads to significant improvements in dyspnea, exercise capacity and health related quality of life. Also, when started during or shortly after a hospitalization for a COPD exacerbation, pulmonary rehabilitation improves these patient-centered outcomes and arguably reduces subsequent health care utilization and mortality. Despite these benefits, the uptake of traditional pulmonary rehabilitation remains disappointingly poor. Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation, a safe and effective alternative to traditional, center-based programs, can broaden access. While proven improvements in dyspnea, exercise capacity and health status justify implementation of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation, it would be helpful to know whether it can also decrease health care utilization and be cost-effective.
Medullary Decompression by Sling Repositioning of Vertebral Artery with Operative Video.

Background Vascular compression of the medullary pyramid resulting in neurologic compromise is rare; therefore diagnosis is difficult and ultimately delayed. Most patients present with a combination of cranial nerve, autonomic, and/or motor and sensory dysfunction. Presentation with a single sign such as hemiparesis is rare. The low number of cases reported has made it impossible to define a standard treatment for this unusual disorder. Case Description Here, we present a patient with progressive left hemiparesis due to compression of the upper medulla by the vertebral artery, which was treated with repositioning of the artery using a sling. Clinical and radiologic features including upper medullary compression by the left vertebral artery with effacement of the left medullary pyramid and T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery signal changes in the right medulla are illustrated. The patient underwent a standard left retrosigmoid craniectomy for mobilization of the left vertebral artery with a Hemashield (Maquet Cardiovascular, San Jose, California, USA) sling (see video). Postoperatively, the patient had significant improvement of the left hemiparesis and follow-up imaging showed decompression of the medulla with edema reduction. Conclusions Vascular decompression using a sling has proven to be a valuable option for treatment of symptomatic vascular brainstem compression.
Improving Quantum Yield of Upconverting Nanoparticles in Aqueous Media via Emission Sensitization.

We demonstrate a facile method to improve upconversion quantum yields in Yb,Er-based nanoparticles via emission dye-sensitization. Using the commercially available dye ATTO 542, chosen for its high radiative rate and significant spectral overlap with the green emission of Er3+, we decorate the surfaces of sub-25 nm hexagonal-phase Na(Y/Gd/Lu)0.8F4:Yb0.18Er0.02 upconverting nanoparticles with varying dye concentrations. Upconversion photoluminescence and absorption spectroscopy provide experimental confirmation of energy transfer to and emission from the dye molecules. Upconversion quantum yield is observed to increase with dye sensitization, with the highest enhancement measured for the smallest particles investigated (10.9 nm in diameter); specifically, these dye-decorated particles are more than 2× brighter than are unmodified, organic-soluble nanoparticles and more than 10× brighter than are water-soluble nanoparticles. We also observe 3× lifetime reductions with dye adsorption, confirming the quantum ...
Functions and Relations

The mathematical symbols used in this book are in common usage in the literature dealing with the quantitative aspects of pharmacology and, for the most part, conform to standard mathematical usage. In our choice of variables, however, we preferred, in some instances, to use single letter symbols such as x, y, and E as variables, rather than the more descriptive symbols such as “conc.” (for concentration), “vol” (for volume), “Eff” (for effect), etc. Our usage was dictated by a desire to reduce the bulk of notation in situations in which there was some reasonable amount of manipulation.