cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association among rescue neuroleptic use, agitation, and perceived comfort: secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial on agitated delirium.

Few studies have examined how the use of rescue medications could be used to inform on the efficacy of interventions in delirium clinical trials. The objective of this study was to determine the association among rescue medication use, Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS), and perceived comfort by the nurses and caregivers. This was a pre-planned secondary analysis of a double-blind, randomized clinical trial comparing the use of a single dose of lorazepam plus haloperidol versus placebo plus haloperidol in patients with agitated delirium. Rescue medications were considered the gold standard for this analysis. The optimal cutoff for RASS analysis was calculated by using general linear regression models and determining the area of the curve and using the top left approach. We used 2 × 2 tables to examine the association between rescue medication use and perceived comfort. Fifty-eight patients received the study medications and 52 (89%) completed the 8-h observation period. There were 26 (50%) patients in each arm. The lorazepam/haloperidol arm required fewer rescue doses (4/26 (15%)) vs. 16/26 (62%), p = 0.004). Patients with a greater initial RASS reduction required fewer rescue doses. The cutoff value for RASS improvement was 4 points, area under the curve (AUC) 0.64 (95% CI 0.49–0.79) for those who required no rescue doses, and 3 points, AUC 0.74 (95% CI 0.52–0.96) for those who required more than one rescue dose. Rescue medication use was responsive to change and associated with both RASS scores and perceived patient comfort by the nurse and caregiver.
Post-Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 Trends in Lumbar Magnetic Resonance Imaging Use for Patients with Low Back Pain at 1373 Hospitals.

Background Lumbar Spine MRI Use for Low Back Pain (OP-8) is calculated by dividing the number of patients who received lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI-L) before receiving alternative treatments (e.g., physical therapy) by the total number of patients receiving MRI-L in the outpatient setting at a given institution. Since the passage of the Post-Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA), OP-8 scores became tied to hospital finances. This study aims to determine how MACRA has impacted OP-8 scores since its implementation. We also aim to investigate how regional designation, profit status (for-profit, government, and nonprofit), and hospital setting (critical access, non-critical access) affect OP-8 scores. Methods Data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital Compare database were used to extract information on the national trends in OP-8 scores from 2014 to 2020. A multivariable linear regression model was fit to isolate the impact of hospital characteristics on OP-8 scores. Results After a decrease from 2015 to 2016, the mean national OP-8 score plateaued, staying around 40% from 2017 through 2020. A critical access setting increased OP-8 scores by 5.41 (95% confidence interval, 3.51–6.77; P ≤ 0.001), compared with a non-critical access setting. Governmental status increased scores by 1.27 (95% confidence interval, 0.28–2.27; P = 0.012), compared with a nonprofit status. Conclusions The implementation of MACRA seems to have been unsuccessful in altering practice patterns, given the minimal change in OP-8 scores over the last 4 years. Furthermore, institutional factors are clearly correlated with a lack of adherence to magnetic resonance imaging guidelines. Given these findings, there is a need to modify health policies.
Improved Mixed-Mode Bending Test Apparatus through Analytical Modeling and Finite-Element Optimization for Improved Characterization

AbstractThe compliance of the mixed-mode bending (MMB) test fixtures can influence the interlaminar fracture toughness measurements for different mixed-mode ratios in an unpredictable way. The purp...
Global Regulation in Pseudomonas Syringae

Two questions come rather quickly to mind when one is confronted with writing a chapter on global regulation in Pseudomonas syringae. The first of these is very basic, and goes to the eventual scope of the article: what is P. syringae? This is not a straightforward quest ion, as the species is something of a taxonomic mess. P. syringae has long been recognized as a member of the original “inner circle” of pseudomonads, eventually codified as the rRNA Group I47. This group was further refined by both general and molecular characteristics into two additional phylogenetic groupings recently described as the intrageneric clusters (IGC) I and II, with P. syringae being in IGC II63. Detailed analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the gyrB and rpoD genes indicated that the IGC II cluster could be reduced still further to three complexes, with one being the “P. syringae complex” containing the pathovars and nomenspecies traditionally associated with P. syringae 63, After this point, the taxonomic picture becomes less clear. Plant pathogenic pseudomonads are not readily differentiated by standard phenotypic characteristics and have often been classified largely by host range as pathovars or subspecies of P. syringae 53, This is an unusually heterologous grouping, with DNA hybridization studies, ribotyping, and general characteristics having defined at least six47, and possibly as many as nine17, discrete genomospecies within the complex.
Phrasal grammatical tone in the Dogon languages

Tonosyntax in the Dogon languages of Mali is characterized by word-level tone overlays that apply in specific morphosyntactic contexts. This paper focuses on the resolution of competitions that arise when a word is targeted by more than one tone overlay. For example, in Poss N Adj the possessor and the adjective compete to impose their respective tone overlays on (at least) the noun, and Dogon languages show different outcomes. We argue that overlays are tonal morphemes associated with particular syntactic positions and propose a series of phrasal Optimality Theoretic constraints, grounded in syntactic structure, that control the association of these morphemes. The relative ranking of constraints determines the outcome of tonosyntactic competitions in a given language.
Kinetics of two-site immunoradiometric ('sandwich') assays-II. Studies on the nature of the 'high-dose hook effect'.

Abstract The mathematical model of the ideal two-site IRMA developed in the accompanying report. which assumes that both the first (solid phase) and second (labeled) antisera are ‘homogeneous’, fails to provide an explanation for the frequent occurrence of a paradoxical fall in the dose-response curve in the high-dose region (‘high-dose hook effect’). Accordingly, the model has been extended in an attempt to provide a theoretical basis for these phenomena. Two mechanisms were considered: (A) heterogeneity of the first antiserum (which is bound to the solid phase), i.e. presence of two or more classes of sites with moderately to widely differing affinity constants; and (B) incomplete washing of the solid phase after the first reaction. This leads to an expanded system of five differential equations. five equations for conservation of mass. and fourteen rate constants. In the presence of a heterogeneous first antiserum, a high dose ‘hook effect’ will occur. Rapid dissociation of the ligand from the low affinity class of sites during the second ‘wash’ procedure will accentuate this effect. Thus. heterogeneity of binding sites is a sufficient explanation for the high-dose hook effect and is a likely mechanism in practice, since the antisera which are coupled to the solid phase have usually not been fractionated. The present studies also show that, even if dealing with homogeneous first antibody, one may still observe a high-dose hook effect if washing is incomplete after the first incubation with the antigen. Using computer simulation studies, factors affecting the magnitude of the ‘high-dose hook effect’ have been explored.
The Development and Evolution of the Criteria for a Newly Proposed Diagnosis for DSM-5: Hypersexual Disorder

This manuscript discusses the empirical foundations for the initial development and subsequent revisions of the diagnostic criteria for Hypersexual Disorder (HD). Historically, DSM manuals are constructed using behaviors descriptors or symptoms (A Criteria) and a threshold (Criterion B) characterizing distress or impairment associated with the consequences of Criterion A behaviors. In addition, many psychiatric disorders, like HD, are additionally defined by adding “exclusionary” criteria (e.g., Criterion C and D) to reduce the unintended consequences associated false positive or “over-diagnosis.” The definition and criteria associated with Hypersexual Disorder evolved over 3 years and its development was modified by professional discourse, published critiques, input by educated lay persons, as well as, a rigorous internal review by committees associated with the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5 project. Although ultimately rejected for placement in DSM-5, there have been substantive gains associa...
MO‐PIS‐Exhibit Hall‐1: Tools for Collecting and Analyzing Patient Dose Index Information from Imaging Equipment

The current clinical standard of organ respiratory imaging, 4D-CT, is fundamentally limited by poor soft-tissue contrast and imaging dose. These limitations are potential barriers to beneficial “4D” radiotherapy methods which optimize the target and OAR dose-volume considering breathing motion but rely on a robust motion characterization. Conversely, MRI imparts no known radiation risk and has excellent soft-tissue contrast. MRI-based motion management is therefore highly desirable and holds great promise to improve radiotherapy of moving cancers, particularly in the abdomen. Over the past decade, MRI techniques have improved significantly, making MR-based motion management clinically feasible. For example, cine MRI has high temporal resolution up to 10 f/s and has been used to track and/or characterize tumor motion, study correlation between external and internal motions. New MR technologies, such as 4D-MRI and MRI hybrid treatment machines (i.e. MR-linac or MR-Co60), have been recently developed. These technologies can lead to more accurate target volume determination and more precise radiation dose delivery via direct tumor gating or tracking. Despite all these promises, great challenges exist and the achievable clinical benefit of MRI-based tumor motion management has yet to be fully explored, much less realized. In this proposal, we will review novel MR-based motion management methods and technologies, the state-of-the-art concerning MRI development and clinical application and the barriers to more widespread adoption. Learning Objectives: 1. Discuss the need of MR-based motion management for improving patient care in radiotherapy. 2. Understand MR techniques for motion imaging and tumor motion characterization. 3. Understand the current state of the art and future steps for clinical integration. Henry Ford Health System holds research agreements with Philips Healthcare. Research sponsored in part by a Henry Ford Health System Internal Mentored Grant.
Composite Materials: Lamination Theory

The fundamental equations that describe the response of a layered system of fibrous composite materials when subjected to mechanical and thermal loads are described. Effective engineering properties of laminates are developed and representative results are presented for a carbon fiber composite. Keywords: layer; laminate; symmetric; unsymmetric; unidirectional; fiber orientation; in-plane forces; moments; coupling; axial modulus; shear modulus; Poisson's ratio; coefficient of mutual influence; temperature change; coefficient of thermal expansion
High-speed electrical modulation of polariton lasers

Room temperature electrical modulation response of a bulk GaN-based electrically injected polariton laser is reported. The frequency response is derived from the measured time-resolved electroluminescence and a maximum −3dB bandwidth of 0.65 GHz is obtained.
MicroRNAs—Basic Biology and Therapeutic Potential

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses what is currently known about microRNAs, their potential therapeutic uses, and future directions for investigations related to them. MicroRNAs are single-stranded RNA molecules, approximately 22 nucleotides long, which play a significant role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Some microRNAs are required only during development; other microRNAs appear to be important for normal cell homeostasis, and as such, their dysregulation may contribute to human disease. A deeper understanding of their ability to act as regulatory switches, which control individual messenger RNAs (mRNA) and associated pathways, is beginning to emerge. However, this is a relatively novel and rapidly developing field and one for which the rules are still being defined. The identification of aberrant expression of an individual or small group of microRNAs suggests the potential of microRNAs to serve as biomarkers. MicroRNAs are relatively stable, their expression may not fluctuate as much as that of mRNA molecules, and as they are fewer in number, they present a possibly less complex profile. Genome-wide microRNA and targeted expression profiling experiments have identified microRNAs with potential involvement in diseases. Most reports have focused on cancer, for example, leukemias, hepatocellular carcinomas, melanoma, and ovarian cancers.
3-D modeling of modifications to the z accelerator for generating shaped pulses

One option to temporally shape the power pulse at the load on the Z accelerator at Sandia National Laboratories is timing delays between the 36 pulse-forming lines. However, this can lead to the formation of magnetic nulls in the vacuum section, with the potential for greatly increasing electron losses to—and possibly damaging—the anode. Three-dimensional computer simulations are now being conducted to study this concern. The simulation geometry models a single level of Z, with a radial transmission line driven by nine parallel-plate lines. Every third line is driven early relative to the other six. Results from preliminary runs without particle emission are presented. Voltage and current diagnostics agree quite well with circuit simulations, and spatial field profiles illustrate the evolution of the magnetic nulls in detail.
Acidic atmospheric deposition interacts with tree type and impacts the cryptogamic epiphytes in Acadia National Park, Maine, USA

Abstract We examined plot-level interactions among nitrogen and sulfur deposition, tree type, and epiphytic diversity, biomass, and abundance in Acadia National Park (ACAD), Maine, that receives pollutant deposition and is of particular concern for biological conservation. Spruce appeared to acidify incoming deposition resulting in more concentrated inputs of nitrogen and sulfur within the canopy as well as to the soil relative to maple. This resulted in more acidic and sulfur-rich substrates and reduced biomass and species richness for cryptogamic epiphytes on spruce relative to maple. Position vertically on the tree bole was more important for epiphytes on maples than on spruces because spruces were uniform in their bark chemistry. Apparent overlap between the bark chemistry of spruce and maple, particularly for samples from higher on maple boles, suggests a reduction in the area of chemically suitable substratum for epiphytes in ACAD. Because tree species vary markedly in habitat variables important to...
Healthier School Environment Leads to Decreases in Childhood Obesity – The Kearney Nebraska Story

Abstract Background: Schools play a role in addressing childhood obesity by implementing healthy eating and physical activity strategies. The primary aim of this case study was to describe prevalence of overweight and obesity among elementary school students in a rural Mid-western community between 2006 and 2012. The secondary aim was to use a novel approach called “population dose” to retrospectively evaluate the impact dose of each strategy implemented and its estimated potential population level impact on changes in overweight and obesity. Methods: Weight and height were directly measured annually beginning in January 2006 to assess weight status, using BMI (kg/m2), for all kindergarten to fifth-grade students (N ≈ 2400 per year). Multiple evidence-based strategies were implemented in nine schools to increase physical activity and healthy eating behaviors. BMI reporting and revised school meal programs were implemented districtwide. Comprehensive school physical activity programs, school food environme...
Transformational Relationship Events

Exchange events are fundamental building blocks of business relationships and essential to relationship development. However, some events contribute to incremental relationship development, as predicted by life cycle theories, whereas others spark “turning points” with dramatic impacts on the relationship. Such transformational relationship events are encounters between exchange partners that significantly disconfirm relational expectations (positively or negatively); they result in dramatic, discontinuous change to the relationship's trajectory and often reformulate the relationship itself. With a three-study, multimethod design, the authors (1) establish a foundation for differentiating dramatic and incremental exchange events on the basis of relational versus product expectations and disconfirmations, thus revealing that strong relationships benefit product disconfirmations but harm relational disconfirmations, and (2) conceptualize, define, and differentiate transformational relationship events from o...
Conceptualizing functional neuroplasticity

There are at least four major forms of functional neuroplasticity that can be studied in humans: homologous area adaptation, cross-modal reassignment, map expansion, and compensatory masquerade. Homologous area adaptation is the assumption of a particular cognitive process by a homologous region in the opposite hemisphere. Cross-modal reassignment occurs when structures previously devoted to processing a particular kind of sensory input now accepts input from a new sensory method. Map expansion is the enlargement of a functional brain region on the basis of performance. Compensatory masquerade is a novel allocation of a particular cognitive process to perform a task. By focusing on these four forms of functional neuroplasticity, several fundamental questions about how functional cooperation between brain regions is achieved can be addressed.
Oxygen barrier properties of whey protein isolate coatings on polypropylene films

Oxygen permeation characteristics of whey protein isolate (WPI) coatings on polypropylene (PP) films were investigated to examine the feasibility of WPI coating as a novel biopolymer oxygen barrier for food packaging applications. Heat-denatured aqueous solutions of WPI with several plastictzers including plycerol, sorbitol, sucrose, propylene glycol, and polyethylene glycal were applied on the surfaces of PP flims previously treated with corona discharge. Among plasticizers used., sucrose conferred the best oxygen barrter property to the WPI-coated films. Oxygen permeability (OP) of the resulting WPI-coated films. increased significantly with temperature, showing very good agreement with the Arrhenius model, OP of the coated films also increased exponentially with relative humidity.
A data model for approximate query processing of real-time databases

Abstract A real-time system has specific time constraints for the processing of a transaction as well as temporal consistency constraints for its temporal data. If it is not possible to produce an exact answer to a database query within the specified time constraints, for many applications it may be better to produce an approximate answer than to produce no answer at all or to wait for an exact answer and miss a deadline. Approximate query processing can be used to provide approximate answers to database queries for such applications. However, approximate query processing does not address the time dimension of the data. In this paper we extend the theoretical basis of approximate query processing to include the temporal dimension of real-time databases and present a temporal data model for approximate query processing. We describe an approximation that is designed to include the temporal data and address the temporal consistency constraints of a real-time database. We present monotone approximate relational algebra operations that are redefined to include the temporal dimension of the data. We also describe the semantic support of an implementation of an approximate query processor for temporal data that is based on this data model.
Synthetic polypeptides for biomedical applications

This article summarizes recent developments in the synthesis of copolypeptides from polymerization of α-amino acid-N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs), focusing on their development for potential use in biomedical applications. Block and random copolypeptides of controlled dimensions (including: molecular weight, sequence, composition, and molecular weight distribution) can now be prepared. This review summarizes recent efforts to develop polypeptide hydrogels for tissue engineering applications, polypeptide membranes for therapeutic delivery, polypeptide adhesives for use as surgical sealants, antimicrobial polypeptides for treatment against infectious diseases, and immunomodulating polypeptides for treatment of autoimmune disorders. While these materials show great potential, much development is still required before they will be useful in some of these applications. However, the ability to prepare polypeptides with predictable structure and function puts these applications within reach.
The Si(Li) X-Ray energy analysis system: Operating principle and performance

Major improvement in energy resolution in the last two years have made the Si(Li) X-ray energy analysis system a significant tool for X-ray spectroscopy. Its high detection efficiency, coupled with ability to analyse for all element simultaneously, has led to the development of several new techniques for X-ray analysis. This article reviews the present state of the technology for this instrument with respect to performance characteristics and operating principles. A brief reference to its more important applications is also included.
A Review of ETS Differential Item Functioning Assessment Procedures: Flagging Rules, Minimum Sample Size Requirements, and Criterion Refinement

Differential item functioning (DIF) analysis is a key component in the evaluation of the fairness and validity of educational tests. The goal of this project was to review the status of ETS DIF analysis procedures, focusing on three aspects: (a) the nature and stringency of the statistical rules used to flag items, (b) the minimum sample size requirements that are currently in place for DIF analysis, and (c) the efficacy of criterion refinement. The main findings of the review are as follows: • The ETS C rule often displays low DIF detection rates even when samples are large. • With improved flagging rules in place, minimum sample size requirements could probably be relaxed. In addition, updated rules for combining data across administrations could allow DIF analyses to be performed in a broader range of situations. • Refinement of the matching criterion improves detection rates when DIF is primarily in one direction but can depress detection rates when DIF is balanced. If nothing is known about the likely pattern of DIF, refinement is advisable. Each of these findings is discussed in detail, focusing on the case of dichotomous items.
Valvular heart disease: a perspective.

Valve replacement has been one of the most important advances in the management of patients with valvular heart disease. The 10 and 15 year survival rate after isolated aortic and mitral valve replacement with the Starr-Edwards valve is 56 and 44%, respectively. At 5 and 7 years, survival with the Bjork-Shiley, porcine bioprosthesis and the Starr-Edwards valve is similar. Patients operated on during the last 5 to 10 years have a much better survival rate than those operated on in the 1960s; therefore, the 10 and 15 year survival of those operated on recently should improve. All patients with a mechanical prosthesis need long-term anticoagulant therapy with drugs of the coumadin type. Porcine bioprostheses have a low failure rate up to 5 years after valve replacement; after this, valve failure occurs at an increasing rate, but the incidence at 10 and 15 years is not known. Valve replacement usually produces a marked improvement in the symptomatic status of the patient because of improved hemodynamics; ventricular function is improved in selected subsets of patients. The role of long-term vasodilator therapy has not been fully determined. Antibiotic prophylaxis for secondary prevention of rheumatic carditis and for prevention of infective endocarditis is important.
PET versus SPECT: strengths, limitations and challenges

The recent introduction of high-resolution molecular imaging technology is considered by many experts as a major breakthrough that will potentially lead to a revolutionary paradigm shift in health care and revolutionize clinical practice. This paper intends to balance the capabilities of the two major molecular imaging modalities used in nuclear medicine, namely positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The motivations are many-fold: (1) to gain a better understanding of the strengths and limitations of the two imaging modalities in the context of recent and ongoing developments in hardware and software design; (2) to emphasize that certain issues, historically and commonly thought as limitations of one technology, may now instead be viewed as challenges that can be addressed; (3) to point out that current state of the art PET and SPECT scanners can (greatly) benefit from improvements in innovative image reconstruction algorithms; and (4) to identify important areas of research in PET and SPECT imaging that will be instrumental to further improvements in the two modalities. Both technologies are poised to advance molecular imaging and have a direct impact on clinical and research practice to influence the future of molecular medicine.
Smoking and Opioid Detoxification: Behavioral Changes and Response to Treatment

Introduction: The relevance of tobacco use in opioid addiction (OA) has generated a demand for available and more effective interventions. Thus, further analysis of less explored nicotine–opioid clinical interactions is warranted.
The secular trend in the diameter of the femur of American Whites and Negroes

The transverse diameter of the adult femur at the level of its mid-bicondylar length is related to length, age and year of birth in American White and Negro skeletons of both sexes of the Terry Collection. The coefficients of correlation between age at death and birth year are significant in all four sex-race groups, as are also the regression coefficients of transverse diameter on length and on age. The regression of length on age is negative and on birth year positive, although statistically significant only in the Negro male group. The partial regression coefficients of transverse diameter on length, on age, and on birth year, each eliminating the effects of the other two variables, are significant for length, not significant for age except in the Negro male group, and significant for birth year except in the Negro male group. Thus, the statistics of three of the sex-race groups do not support the hypothesis that transverse diameter of the femur increases with age, but rather suggest a negative secular trend; the apparent inconsistency in these findings of the Negro male group can, however, be considered insignificant from a statistical point of view.
Physiologic correction of transposition of the great arteries. Indications for and results of operation in 32 patients.

The total management of a group of 32 patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is reported. All but one had required creation of an atrial septal defect in infancy. Eighteen patients had no associated cardiac defects, and physiologic correction was performed between 8 months and 9½ years of age. The only death in this group occurred 9 months after operation. Eight of nine patients with TGA and an associated ventricular septal defect (VSD) had required pulmonary artery banding in infancy. Physiologic correction was performed between 2¼ and 6 years of age. Three of these patients died during the postoperative period, and one died 9 months after operation. Two patients had TGA and pulmonary stenosis (PS). Physiologic correction was performed at 2 1/3 and 3¾ years of age. Both patients have done well. Three patients had TGA, VSD, and PS. Total correction was performed between 2 1/3 and 3½ years of age. All three patients died in the postoperative period. The over-all operative mortality was 19%...
Effect of Proteases on In vitro RNA Synthesis by Rat Uteri in Different Hormonal States

Studying tissue obtained from ovariectomized rats whichrats which had been untreated (U), treated with estradiol (E) or treated with estradiol plus progesterone (EP) for 3 days we had shown that in vitro, trypsin enhances the template activity of disrupted uterine nuclei. However, the trypsin effect is controlled by the endocrine state of the tissue, being far less for EP than for U or E. In the present study it was shown that a more purified chromatin preparation behaves qualitatively like disrupted nuclei in the test system. Furthermore, in the test system the trypsin enhancement of DNA-directed incorporation of 3H-UTP into RNA held fairly constant over a range from 0.1–33.0 nmoles of UTP/5 μ DNA. In another series of experiments, other proteolytic enzymes were compared to trypsin. At the enzyme concentrations tested, plasmin urokinase and thrombin exhibited considerable activity, albeit less than trypsin. Pronase was far less active and chymotrypsin was virtually inactive. Thus, among the enzymes teste...
Pituitary and Blood Plasma Oxytocic Activity and Oxytocin Disappearance Rates in Cattle

Abstract Oxytocic activity in posterior pituitary glands and blood plasma and rate of disappearance of oxytocin from jugular vein plasma were measured by the in vitro rat mammary cube assay of Van Dongen and Hays. Mean oxytocic activity in 35 posterior pituitary glands with average wet weight of 193.8±12.2mg was 101.7±29.9 IU. Oxytocic activity in jugular vein blood plasma sampled through a cannula varied from 3.3 μ U at five minutes prior to placement of teat cups on the cows to 824 μ U when teat cups were placed. It then declined to .02 μ U at five minutes after the teat cups were first placed on cows. Blood samples taken 30 to 60 seconds after washing the udder were used to relate peak oxytocic activity to milk production. Forty-one observations in 16 cows resulted in a correlation coefficient between milk production and oxytocic activity of .01 (not significant). Determination of the biological half-life (t 1/2 ) of oxytocin by sampling jugular vein blood plasma after injecting 50 IU oxytocin resulted in a mean t 1/2 of 1.03±.10 minutes in 6 cows.
TOPS electronic warfare channelizer program

The TOPS Electronic Warfare channelizer program is an effort being conducted under the DARPA sponsored Transition of Optical Processing into Systems (TOPS) initiative. The objective is a high probability-of-intercept radar receiver for signals in dense environments. Channelization is the preferred receiver approach in interfering signal environments because it instantly sorts time coincident pulse signals. Channelization is performed optically, using acousto-optical techniques, since optics offers size, weight, power and cost advantages. This program is a three year channelizer development effort. Once developed, the receiver will be tested integrated with an existing electronic warfare system. The paper will review the program background. The electronic, mechanical and optical requirements will be addressed. The critical technical issues impacting this program will be analyzed.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Enhanced tumor imaging with pokeweed mitogen

Abstract Traditional tumor imaging with biotracer techniques relies solely on the target specificity of the biomolecule. We hypothesize that specific imaging is possible by altering the rate of tissue clearance (both normal and aberrant) of any given radiotracer. Pokeweed mitogen (PWM) as a biomodulator, represents a class of molecules which regulate cellular differentiation and cell-cell interactions and, as part of these mechanisms alter tissue clearance rates (both normal and aberrant). Utilizing the B-16/C57BL/6 model, 7 days post-transplantation (which represents log phase growth of the tumor), 10 animals were imaged following an i.v. injection of 1–2 mCi 99m Tc-PWM in order to visualize the tumors and determine the optimal imaging kinetics. A specific tumor image is achieved between 120 and 240 min post-injection. In addition, tumor imaging studies using a non-tumor-specific biomolecule were conducted by injecting 19 animals i.v. with 1–2 mCi of 99m Tc-human serum albumin (HSA). Twelve of these animals were given 10 μg of PWM i.p. at various intervals prior to the 99m Tc-HAS administration. Imaging and biodistribution studies were performed at various intervals up to 2 h post- 99m Tc-HSA injection. A 32-59% increase in the tumor-to-muscle ratio was observed in the PWM-treated animals relative to the non-treated controls. To further investigate the PWM-induced tissue clearance alteration hypothesis, tissue clearance studies using 99m Tc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) were conducted in non-tumor bearing ICR mice and the B-16/C57BL/6 tumor bearing animals. 99m Tc-DTPA normal tissue clearance rates were significantly increased in the PWM treated animals relative to the non-treated controls. The use of PWM, and perhaps other structurally defined biomodulators may afford the opportunity to image aberrant tissue without the need for specialized tumor-specific preparations or may enhance the intrinsic properties of biologically-specific agents.
Overexpression and affinity chromatography purification of the Type III restriction endonuclease EcoP15I for use in transcriptome analysis.

Abstract The Type III restriction endonuclease EcoP15I is a multifunctional hetero-oligomeric enzyme that recognizes the non-symmetric DNA sequence 5′-CAGCAG. For efficient cleavage, EcoP15I needs the interaction with two copies of the recognition sequence that have to be inversely oriented in the DNA double strand. The enzyme cuts the upper DNA strand 25–26 bp and the lower DNA strand 27–28 bp, respectively, downstream of the recognition sequence—a distinct feature that makes the enzyme particularly valuable for gene expression profiling methods relying on the SAGE procedure (Matsumura et al., PNAS 100, 15718, 2003). Because the broader use of this transcriptome analysis method requires the availability of larger amounts of restriction endonuclease EcoP15I and the enzyme is not commercially available, we have cloned the genes coding for the EcoP15I restriction endonuclease into pQE-16 plasmid vector that provides the enzyme with a C-terminal 6xHis-tag. After Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and ion exchange chromatography on heparin sepharose, we obtained 5 mg homogeneous EcoP15I per gram cell pellet within 1–2 day(s). Moreover, the C-terminally 6xHis-tagged EcoP15I restriction endonuclease shows comparable enzymatic activity as the untagged enzyme.
EFFECTS OF EXOGENOUS MELATONIN ON GROWTH AND ENERGY METABOLISM OF CHICKENS

Abstract Three experiments utilizing male broiler chicks were conducted to evaluate the effects of pinealectomy, light and exogenous melatonin on chick growth and energetic efficiency. Chicks were pinealectomized, sham operated, or left intact. Other groups of chicks were also treated with dietary melatonin. The two lighting schedules employed were a diurnal light/dark cycle (16L:8D) and constant light (24L:0D). The parameters measured were body weight gain; feed consumption and efficiency; energy retention; efficiency of energy utilization for gain; rates of hepatic lipogenesis and jejunal glucose uptake; and plasma concentrations of triiodothyronine (T 3 ) and thyroxine (T 4 ). Light treatment and melatonin affected feed intake only slightly. Gain, gain/feed ratio, and energy retention were significantly lower in birds housed under constant light. Melatonin increased gain, gain/feed ratio and energy retention by an average of 19%. The gain response to melatonin was significantly less when birds were housed under constant light; but there was not a significant light x melatonin interaction for either gain/feed ratio or energy retention. Pinealectomized birds grew significantly slower and less efficiently and were little affected by light treatment. However, the response of pinealectomized birds to melatonin was of the same magnitude as either unoperated or sham operated birds. Constant light significantly depressed and melatonin significantly increased liver lipogenesis, jejunal glucose uptake and plasma T 3 and T 4 concentrations.
The need for emergency medicine resident training in informed consent for procedures.

Objectives: To determine emergency medicine (EM) residents’ perceptions and reported practices of obtaining informed consent for emergency department procedures. Methods: The authors performed a cross-sectional observational study of EM residents. A brief, shortanswer survey was distributed that covered the following topics related to informed consent: training, confidence and comfort levels, and current practices. Data were analyzed using basic frequency displays, and descriptive statistics are reported. Results: Of the 20 programs contacted, 16 responded and agreed to distribute the invitation to their residents. A total of 402 of 490 eligible residents (82%) in the participating programs responded. The majority of EM residents (56%) had never received formal training on obtaining informed consent, and those who had reported that their primary exposure to formal training occurred during their medical school years (79%). More than half of the residents (56%) have felt uncomfortable obtaining consent for a procedure. Few residents (32%) felt very confident that they provide comprehensive information to patients, while 9% were not very confident that they disclose all pertinent risks, benefits, and alternatives to their patients. Sixty-three percent of all EM residents believed formal training is necessary, and half (52%) reported interest in receiving training (i.e., listings of risks, benefits, and alternatives as well as standards for determining which procedures need consent). The residents’ current perceptions of consent requirements for commonly performed emergency department procedures (emergent and nonemergent) are also reported. Conclusions: Few residents have had formal training in informed consent, and there is wide variability in the perception of which procedures require informed consent. Residents are not confident in their knowledge of all risks and benefits of common procedures, and comfort levels in obtaining informed consent are low. Residents can benefit from additional resources that provide standardized information and formal training on the issue. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2007; 14:785–789 a 2007 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Cytocompatibility evaluation of microwave sintered biphasic calcium phosphate scaffolds synthesized using pH control

Compounds belonging to the calcium phosphate (CaP) system are known to be major constituents of bone and are bioactive to different extents in vitro and in vivo. Their chemical similarity makes them prime candidates for implants and bone tissue engineering scaffolds. CaP nanoparticles of amorphous hydroxyapatite (aHA) and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) were synthesized using chemical precipitation. Uniaxially pressed aHA and DCPD powders were subjected to microwave radiation to promote solid state phase transformations resulting in crystalline hydroxyapatite (HA), tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and biphasic compositions: HA/TCP and TCP/calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) and their subsequent densification. Phase composition of microwave sintered compacts was confirmed via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Solution pH during crystal growth was found to have a profound effect on particle morphology and post-sintered phases, despite constant sintering temperature. Cytocompatibility assessment using 7F2 cells, corresponding to adult mouse osteoblasts, on microwave and conventional, furnace sintered samples demonstrated that manufacturing method does not impact cellular viability after 24 h or proliferation over 7 days. New CaP deposition and extracellular matrix components were observed in vitro via scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
On the velocity gradient tensor and fluid feature extraction

A 3-D Computational Fluid Dynamics flow field may contain many topological features such as vortex cores, separation surfaces, shock surfaces, and recirculation bubbles. We describe several techniques that identify these global features using local analytical tests that can applied independently to any point or cell in a vector field. These techniques draw on concepts from critical point theory and phase plane analysis and utilize the velocity gradient tensor. For this 3x3 tensor an eigen-analysis produces 3 eigenvalues. Mapping these to the complex plane produces the classification signature. Vector field topology can be used as the foundation of automated fluid feature extraction.
Local and systemic toxicity in mice following subcutaneous implantation of latex Penrose drains

Penrose drains are widely used in surgical procedures as an aid in wound healing. The studies presented here investigated the potential toxicity associated with the implantation of latex Penrose drains in BALB/c and B6C3F1 mice. Animals were implanted subcutaneously in the dorsal surface of the neck with 100, 150, or 200 mg of Perry latex drain or 200 mg of Bard (comparative control) latex drain for up to 36 hours. High‐dose (200 mg) exposure to the Perry drain induced severe local and systemic toxicity, resulting in mortality within 24 hours. Time‐ and dose‐responsive effects included decreased response to stimulus, inflammation at the implantation site, epaxial myositis, lesions consistent with hepatic glycogen depletion, apoptotic necrosis of the adrenal “X zone,” and massive thymic apoptosis and atrophy. Negligible levels of endotoxin were quantified from Perry drain samples using the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate Assay. Extraction studies revealed the presence of zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC) in the ...
Methyl and phenyl esters and thioesters of carboxylic acids as surrogate substrates for microassay of proteinase K esterase activity.

The development of a microassay for proteinase K esterase activity with carboxylic acid esters is reported using novel substrates of the general formula R-C(O)-XR′. Highest rates of hydrolysis have been obtained with the O-phenyl esters CH3(CH2)n = 1 – 2-S-(CH2)n = 1 – 2 C(O)-O-phenyl and their thioester analogs in studies where R, X and R′ have been varied. The phenol release has been measured with 4-aminoantipyrine and potassium ferricyanide to determine the rates of O-phenyl ester hydrolyses. Thioester hydrolyses have been monitored continuously with 5,5′-dithio-bis (2-nitrobenzoic acid).
Sindbis virus glycoproteins acquire unusual neutral oligosaccharides in both normal and lectin-resistant Chinese Hamster ovary cell lines.

Abstract The glycosylation of the Sindbis virus envelope glycoproteins was investigated in both normal (CHO-Parent) and lectin-resistant CHO cells (CHO-Pha R and CHO-Pha R ConA R ) with defects in both early and late stages of glycosylation. [ 3 H]Mannose-labeled glycopeptides from mature virions and cell-associated viral glycoprotein were analyzed by gel filtration combined with specific exoglycosidase and endoglycosidase (ENDO-H and ENDO-D) digestions. The mature viral glycoprotein synthesized in the normal cells contained a heterogeneous array of ENDO-H sensitive, neutral-type structures (Man 5–9 -GlcNAc 2 -ASN) and ENDO-H resistant, acidic-type structures [(NeuNAc±Gal-GlcNAc-) n Man 3 GlcNAc 2 -ASN], whereas the major virion glycopeptides synthesized in the two mutant cell lines were identical to those observed previously with the vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (Man 5 GlcNAc 2 -ASN for CHO-Pha R and Man 4 GlcNAc 2 -ASN for CHOPha R Con R ) In addition, unusual small neutral-type structures (Man 3 GlcNAc 2 -ASN; ENDO-H resistant and ENDO-D sensitive) were present in the virion and cell-associated viral glycoproteins from all three CHO host cell lines, but not detected in significant quantities in the cell membrane glycoproteins of the uninfected cells or the glycoprotein of VSV grown in the same host cell lines.
Damage assessment of bridges with jacketed RC columns using vibration test

This study develops a method of detecting the damage of jacketed RC columns measured in terms of stiffness degradation by horizontally exciting the damaged bridge and by identifying the change in its vibration characteristics including frequencies and mode shapes from those of the undamaged bridge. The method combines neural network techniques with finite element analysis to establish a reliable relationship, a well trained neural network, between the vibration characteristics and the stiffness degradation. The unknown stiffness degradation is then identified by inputting the vibration characteristics obtained from the vibration test into the neural network. This method was verified in an earlier study by the present authors on the basis of experiments performed on two half- scale bridge columns wrapped respectively with carbon and glass fiber jackets. The present study validates the usefulness of this method for the assessment of column damage on the basis of the vibration test involving an entire bridge. Specifically, the validation is carried out by comparing damage scenario with the stiffness degradation computed from the vibration characteristics of a three-span bridge model with jacketed columns. It is identification of the stiffness degradation at jacketed columns. This fact indicates that the proposed damage assessment method of combining horizontal vibration test with neural network- based identification is practical and effective because of the ease with which the first mode vibration can ge induced in the field.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Tests of Born Approximations: Differential and Total 2 S 3 , 2 P 1 , and 2 S 1 Cross Sections for Excitation of He by 100- to 400-eV Electrons

The angular dependence of $2^{3}S$, $2^{1}P$, and $2^{1}S$ excitation of He for incident electron energies from 100 to 225 eV ($2^{3}S$) and 400 eV ($2^{1}P$ and $2^{1}S$) has been measured. Apparent generalized oscillator strengths $f(K)$ and differential cross sections for the transition $1^{1}S\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2^{1}P$ are obtained by normalizing to Schiff and Pekeris's optical oscillator strength. From the experimental intensity ratios $\frac{2^{3}S}{2^{1}P}$ and $\frac{2^{1}S}{2^{1}P}$ we then calculate differential $1^{1}S\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2^{3}S$ and $1^{1}S\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2^{1}S$ cross sections. The differential cross sections are integrated to get total cross sections. The $f(K)$ found here for $2^{1}P$ and $2^{1}S$ excitation decrease faster with increasing momentum transfer $K\ensuremath{\hbar}$ than in earlier studies. Departures from the Born approximation appear only below 200 eV for $2^{1}P$ excitation, but occur at higher energy and are larger (especially for large momentum transfers) for $2^{1}S$ excitation. The angular dependence found for $2^{3}S$ excitation disagrees strongly with the Ochkur (Bonham) approximation. Our total $2^{3}S$ cross sections are much lower than all other existing theoretical and experimental data.