cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Eisenmenger Syndrome in Adults

For this article, the literature on the pathophysiology, clinical features, natural history, prognosis, and management of the Eisenmenger syndrome in adults was reviewed. English-language articles from 1966 to the present were identified through a search of the MEDLINE database by using the terms Eisenmenger, congenital heart disease, and pulmonary hypertension. Selected cross-referenced articles were also included. Articles on the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, evaluation, natural history, complications, and treatment of the Eisenmenger syndrome in adults were selected, and descriptive and analytical data relevant to the practicing physician were manually extracted. The Eisenmenger syndrome is characterized by elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and right-to-left shunting of blood through a systemic-to-pulmonary circulation connection. Most patients with the syndrome survive for 20 to 30 years. The hemostatic changes associated with the syndrome may lead to thromboembolic events, cerebrovascular complications, or the hyperviscosity syndrome. Erythrocytosis is present in most patients, but excessive phlebotomy may cause microcytosis and exacerbate the symptoms of hyperviscosity. Other complications associated with the Eisenmenger syndrome include hemoptysis, gout, cholelithiasis, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, and decreased renal function. Pregnancy or noncardiac surgery is associated with a high mortality rate in patients with the Eisenmenger syndrome. Because most pediatric patients with the Eisenmenger syndrome survive to adulthood, primary care physicians should have a thorough understanding of the syndrome; its associated complications; and medical and surgical management, especially with regard to the appropriate timing of phlebotomy and lung or heart-lung transplantation. In addition, patients with the syndrome should undergo routine follow-up at a tertiary care center that has physicians and nurses with special expertise in congenital heart disease. In patients with the Eisenmenger syndrome who are pregnant or require noncardiac surgery, a multidisciplinary approach should be used to reduce the excessive mortality associated with these conditions.
Extension of the distributed point source method for ultrasonic field modeling

The distributed point source method (DPSM) was recently proposed for ultrasonic field modeling and other applications. This method uses distributed point sources, placed slightly behind transducer surface, to model the ultrasound field. The acoustic strength of each point source is obtained through matrix inversion that requires the number of target points on the transducer surface to be equal to the number of point sources. In this work, DPSM was extended and further developed to overcome the limitations of the original method and provide a solid mathematical explanation of the physical principle behind the method. With the extension, the acoustic strength of the point sources was calculated as the solution to the least squares minimization problem instead of using direct matrix inversion. As numerical examples, the ultrasound fields of circular and rectangular transducers were calculated using the extended and original DPSMs which were then systematically compared with the results calculated using the theoretical solution and the exact spatial impulse response method. The numerical results showed the extended method can model ultrasonic fields accurately without the scaling step required by the original method. The extended method has potential applications in ultrasonic field modeling, tissue characterization, nondestructive testing, and ultrasound system optimization.
Pure white cell aplasia in a patient with thymic carcinoma.

![Figure][1] A 73-year-old white male presented to his primary care physician with abdominal pain, vomiting, dyspnea, and dysphagia lasting 1 week. He also reported white patches in his mouth and a cough that produced white sputum that started during this time period. A complete blood count
Measurements in three-dimensional laminar separated flow

Abstract Velocity measurements are reported for three-dimensional laminar separated airflow adjacent to a backward-facing step using two-component laser Doppler velocimeter. The backward-facing step, with a height of S =1.0 cm, is mounted in a rectangular duct that has an upstream height of h =0.98 cm, downstream height of H =2 cm, and a width of W =8 cm. This geometry provides an aspect ratio of AR=8 and an expansion ratio of ER=2.02. The flow measurements covered a Reynolds number range between 98.5⩽ Re ⩽525. Measurements of velocity distributions reveal that a swirling “jet-like” flow develops near the sidewall in the separating shear layer, and the impingement of that flow on the stepped wall causes a minimum to develop in the spanwise distribution of the reattachment region. Reverse and recirculation flow regions develop adjacent to both the sidewall and the step, and these regions increase in size as the Reynolds number increases. Velocity distributions that were measured at various planes downstream from the step are presented, and predictions compare favorably with these measurements. The results show some interesting flow behaviors that could not be deduced from two-dimensional studies.
Differential effects of adrenocorticotropic hormone on human and mouse adipose tissue

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) induces lipolysis in a dose-dependent fashion in rodent adipose tissue and adipocytes in vitro. The role of ACTH on lipolysis in human adipose tissue is less clear, however. In this study, we address the hypothesis that ACTH induces lipolysis in human adipose tissue. We used ex vivo organ culture to examine lipolysis in human and mouse adipose tissue. Adipose tissue fragments suspended in culture medium and human ACTH, isoproterenol (positive control), or insulin (negative control) was added in varying concentrations. Lipolysis was measured using glycerol appearance. ACTH receptor mRNA expression was assessed using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In mouse adipose tissue, ACTH induced lipolysis in dose-dependent manner; 100 pmol/l ACTH induced 67±19% of isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis and 500 pmol/l ACTH: 86±13%. In contrast, human adipose tissue shared no significant response to 100 pmol/l ACTH; ACTH was associated with 9±6% and 500 pmol/l of ACTH, 8±6% of isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis. ACTH receptor mRNA was present in mouse adipose tissue, but undetectable in human adipose tissue. These results suggest lipolysis regulation differs between human and mouse adipose tissue in response to ACTH.
Bifurcation Behavior of Premixed Hydrogen/Air Mixtures in a Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor

ABSTRACT Ignitions, extinctions, and Hopf bifurcations are studied in the oxidation of premixed hydrogen/air mixtures in a continuous stirred tank reactor using detailed kinetics. One- and two- parameter bifurcation diagrams are constructed using numerical bifurcation theory to examine the roles of composition, temperature, pressure, residence time, preheating of reactants, and wall reactions in reactor stability. The stability of stationary branches is determined using local stability analysis. We have found that chemical autocatalysis drives isothermal ignition, extinction, and oscillations at high pressures and low residence times. C-shaped and Z-shaped pressure-temperature (P-T) diagrams are observed reminiscent of the explosion limits of hydrogen/oxygen mixtures in closed vessels. Mass transfer outflow becomes important on the first branch (low pressures) of a P-T diagram, but kinetic coupling controls ignition and extinction limits on the intermediate branch (high pressures). We have found that reac...
Mammalian triacylglycerol metabolism: synthesis, lipolysis, and signaling

Triacylglycerol (TAG) is the primary unit of energy storage in eukaryotic cells. TAG comprises more than 90% of the content of white adipocytes, and TAG synthesis is essential in enterocytes for the absorption of dietary lipids, in hepatocytes for the synthesis and transport of VLDL, and in mammary epithelial cells for the production of milk. TAG is critical for the formation of the water barrier of skin, it acts as a mechanical cushion within joints and around internal organs, and it also serves an important role in insulation. In virtually every type of cell, stored TAG sequesters essential fatty acids (FAs) and precursors of eicosanoids, as well as the DAG precursor of phospholipids. Storage of FAs in TAG protects cells from the potential detergent-like properties of FAs or their acyl-CoA derivatives which may injure cellular membranes. In addition, recent studies suggest that cellular stores of TAG in lipid droplets release FAs that are channeled selectively to β-oxidation and that act as signals to influence the transcriptional control of gene expression. Additional studies suggest that the process of synthesizing or degrading TAG produces lipid intermediates like lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), phosphatidic acid (PA), and diacylglycerol (DAG) that may serve as activators or inhibitors of signaling pathways controlled by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), or protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms. These signaling pathways may link excess intracellular TAG storage with insulin resistance. It is the goal of this review to provide an overview of TAG metabolism as a dynamic process that allows its lipid participants to play numerous inter-related roles within cells. Thus, we will focus on both the synthesis and degradation of TAG, the enzymes involved and their regulation, and the overall physiological regulation of these dynamic processes. In addition to the lipolytic enzymes, this review will also highlight co-regulatory proteins that affect the activity of specific lipases. We have chosen to focus primarily on information reported during the past 10 years and recommend to readers several excellent reviews that present more detailed information from older studies: for the synthetic pathway as a whole,1 for GPAT,2 for GPAT, AGPAT and PAP,3–4 for DGAT,5 for the lipolytic pathway and ATGL,6 for HSL,7 and for MGL.8
Particle modeling of dynamic fracture simulations of a 2D polymeric material (nylon-6,6) subject to the impact of a rigid indenter

Abstract This paper employs particle modeling (PM) for the simulation of dynamic fragmentation in a 2D polymeric material (nylon-6,6) subject to the impact of a rigid indenter. A new particle interaction scheme (nearest–second neighboring particle interaction) is raised in an attempt to eliminate a mesh bias in the direction of fracture propagation that a regular lattice model with uniform axial linkage possesses in common. The modeling results compare favorably with the according experimental observations, in terms of the impact load and energy profiles, the specimen deflection value at the peak of the load, and the eventual crack pattern. A mesh dependence problem of PM is discovered while using different mesh resolutions and preliminarily investigated. Furthermore, a number of investigations are conducted accounting for other parameters: (i) sharpness of indenter (flat, small or large curvature), (ii) different drop velocity of indenter, and (iii) microscale perturbation in the material’s property. These investigations show that the dynamic response of the impact and the resultant fracture patterns are dependent on the material’s constitutive property, the geometric shape of indenter, and the impact velocity.
Comparison of Rinkel injection therapy with standard immunotherapy

Abstract We compared the results of a controlled, double blind study of standard immunotherapy (SIT) in subjects with ragweed hay fever during 1980 with the results of our study of Rinkel injection therapy (RIT) in a group of subjects with ragweed hay fever in 1979. Both groups were of comparable sensitivity. During the 1980 hay fever season in Milwaukee, 20 subjects with atopic rhinitis due to ragweed pollen (eight from the 1979 group treated with RIT) were given SIT (Tr), while 14 matched subjects (eight from the 1979 placebo group) were treated with a histamine placebo (Pl). The same glycerinated aqueous ragweed extract and glycerinated histamine placebo were used in both studies. The mean cumulative dose of ragweed extract in the 1980 study was 5391 PNU (20.1 μg of antigen E [AgE]) as compared with 41.5 PNU (0.16 μg of AgE) in 1979. Results indicated a significantly lower weekly mean symptom score (SxSc) in the Tr group compared with that of the Pl group in 5 of the 6 wk that ragweed pollen was counted in 1980. Weekly mean medication score (MxSc) and physical exanination score (PESc) showed similar but less striking differences. The mean seasonal SxScs, MxScs, and PEScs of the SIT Tr group were significantly lower than those of the Pl group in 1980 as well as those of the RIT Tr group in 1979. The same indices were also significantly lower in 1980 by paired analyses in the subset of eight subjects treated in both years. RAST scores showed a significant decrease in the "after season" means in the Tr group as compared with the Pl group in 1980 but not in 1979 (analysis of covariance). We conclude that SIT is more effective than a placebo or RIT in reducing SxSc, MxSc, and PESc as well as in diminishing postseason RAST values. We cannot recommend therapy as proposed by Dr. H. J. Rinkel for clinical use at this time.
Volatile Hop Esters

WE have identified a number of previously unreported ester constituents of hops. The esters, identified rather positively by comparison of their mass spectral patterns and retention times with those of authentic samples, were 2-methylbutyl propionate, 2-methyl-butyl 2-methylbutyrate, hexyl propionate, hexyl isobutyrate, heptyl propionate, heptyl isobutyrate, octyl propionate and octyl isobutyrate.
The role of coping in moderating within-day associations between negative triggers and substance use cravings: A daily diary investigation

To address the lack of research examining within-person processes associated with the maintenance of abstinence from substance use, this study examines both associations between negative affect and social experiences and same-day levels of substance use cravings among college students in 'Twelve-Step' substance abuse recovery and the role of coping strategies in moderating these within-day associations. The sample consisted of 1222 end-of-day reports made by 55 recovering college students, 39 males and 16 females. Findings include that daily cravings were predicted by same-day negative affect and each of four negative social experiences. Moreover, each of these within-day associations was moderated by individuals' levels of avoidance coping. In contrast, problem-solving coping only moderated the associations between negative affect and cravings. These findings document a within-day mechanism through which coping strategies, especially avoidance coping, may influence daily variation in cravings and in turn affect abstinence.
Fertilization by sperm injection in the rabbit

Whole rabbit spermatozoa and isolated sperm nuclei were microinjected directly into the ooplasm of hamster and rabbit ova. These injected sperm decondensed and formed male pronuclei during subsequent in-vitro culture. Injection of whole spermatozoa and sperm nuclei prepared by a protocol known to allow in-vitro capacitation of ejaculated spermatozoa yielded a significantly higher (P less than 0.01) number of activated rabbit ova containing male pronuclei than did injection of uncapacitated epididymal sperm nuclei or ejaculated sperm nuclei. Rabbit ova fertilized by sperm injection were capable of undergoing normal-appearing cleavage division during 22 h of culture.
Urinary Incontinence in Women

The majority of 200 women in community living between the ages of 55 and 90 described themselves as having some degree of uncontrolled urine loss. They reported severe wetting (63%) on a daily basis (69%), and most (56%) had had the problem for more than five years. These women completed the diagnostic phase of a treatment-evaluation program currently in process.
Application of neutron radiography to image flow phenomena in porous media

This paper reports on neutron transmission imaging which is a technique ideally suited for imaging various flow phenomena in consolidated porous media because the porous matrix is virtually transparent to thermal neutrons. Hydrogen-containing fluids, however, provide a contrast in the image due to their large thermal neutron cross-sections. This technique has uncovered new phenomena in the study of dissolution and precipitation in porous media. Neutron images of acid-etched porous patterns show that the degree of branching, and the tortuosity of the etched patterns depend on competing effects of acid flow rate, dissolution rate and precipitation rate of the reaction products. The fine structure of etched pathways show that they can propagate against the direction of flow, a phenomenon not previously observed. In a second study, realtime neutron transmission imaging was used to visualize miscible tracer dispersion. It was shown how quantitative information such as the in-situ spatial distributions of the tracer concentrations can be obtained with this technique.
Density fluctuations of flames in grid-induced turbulence

Abstract Density fluctuations have been measured using Raleigh scattering in the heat release zone of a rod-stabilized C 2 H 4 /air flame propagating into a grid-induced turbulent flow field. Probability density functions show that intermediate states between burned products and cold reactants are significant in determining density statistics. A comparison of the statistics for fluctuation intensity with results predicted by the model of Bray, Moss, and Libby, in which intermediate states are neglected, further confirms this point. However, the skewness is accurately predicted by the Bray-Moss-Libby model. Since intermediate states are approximately symmetrically distributed, they do not contribute significantly to the skewness.
Estimation of mutation frequencies in normal mammalian cells and the development of cancer

Abstract A current controversy in cancer research is whether the rate of accumulation of mutations in normal somatic cells is sufficient to account for the number of mutations in malignant cells. This review will focus on the types of mutations that can occur in mammalian somatic cells and the frequency at which some of these mutations have been shown to occur in vivo . Human and mouse mutation detection systems will be highlighted. The possibility that distinct mutational events can arise from a common precursor will be discussed, as will the possibility that inherited and sporadic cancers can acquire mutator phenotypes at different times in tumor development. Consideration will also be given to a potential relationship between an age-related accumulation of mutations and cancer.
HsRec2/Rad51L1, a protein influencing cell cycle progression, has protein kinase activity.

Human Rec2/Rad51L1 is a member of the Rad51 family of proteins. Although recombinase activity, typical of this family, could not be established, its overexpression in mammalian cells has been shown to cause a delay in G1. Moreover, since hsRec2/Rad51L1 has been found to be induced by both ionizing and UV irradiation, it is likely that hsRec2/Rad51L1 is elevated following any DNA damage and causes a G1 delay to allow time for DNA repair to occur. Limited homology with catalytic domains X and XI of protein kinase A suggested that kemptide, an artificial substrate containing one phosphorylatable residue, a serine, might serve as a substrate for hsRec2/Rad51L1. Here, we report that hsRec2/Rad51L1 can phosphorylate kemptide, as well as myelin basic protein, p53, cyclin E, and cdk2, but not a peptide substrate containing tyrosine only. The finding that hsRec2/Rad51L1 exhibits protein kinase activity is a first step toward identifying a mechanism whereby this protein affects the cell cycle.
The estimation of space and time dependent strength of a volumetric heat source in a one-dimensional plate

Abstract An inverse analysis utilizing the conjugate gradient method of minimization and the adjoint equation is used to estimate the space and time dependent strength of a volumetric heat source with no prior information for the functional forms of timewise and spatial variations of the source strength. Simulated experimental data, needed for the inverse analysis, are generated by adding random errors to the calculated exact temperatures for the boundaries and interior of the plate. In order to examine the accuracy of estimations under the most strict conditions, test cases such as sawtooth shaped spatial variation of the source strengths are considered. The effects of the number and location of temperature sensors on the accuracy of the estimations are systematically examined. The estimates are significantly improved when the thermocouples are positioned close to the locations where the source strength exhibits peaks and valleys.
Ten-year incidence of myocardial infarction and prognosis after infarction. Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

BACKGROUNDThe 10-year incidence of myocardial infarction (fatal and nonfatal) and the prognosis after infarction were evaluated in 686 patients with stable angina who were randomly assigned to medical or surgical treatment in the Veterans Administration Cooperative Study of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.METHODS AND RESULTSMyocardial infarction was defined by either new Q wave findings or clinical symptoms compatible with myocardial infarction accompanied by serum enzyme elevations with or without electrocardiographic findings. Treatment comparisons were made according to original treatment assignment; 35% of the medical cohort had bypass surgery during the 10-year follow-up period. The overall cumulative infarction rate was somewhat higher in patients assigned to surgery (36%) than in medical patients (31%) (p = 0.13) due to perioperative infarctions (13%) and an accelerated infarction rate after the fifth year of follow-up (average, 2.4%/yr in the surgical group versus 1.4%/yr in the medical group). The...
Effects of supporting electrolyte on the mass-transfer limited current for coupled chemical-electrochemical reactions

Abstract A Nernst diffusion-layer model is developed for the study of reactant diffusion-migration in electrolyte solutions with coupled chemical-electrochemical reactions. Specifically, proton reduction to hydrogen gas and the Kolbe oxidative dimerization of acetate to ethane and carbon dioxide are studied in an acetic acid solution with supporting electrolyte: an inert (LiClO4) and a reactive electrolyte (NaOH) are each considered. The model predicts concentration and potential profiles within the diffusion layer and the mass-transfer limited current density as a function of the ratio of the supporting-electrolyte concentration to that of acetic acid. For proton reduction, the ratio of the limiting to diffusion current increases with decreasing acid strength in the limit of zero supporting-electrolyte, while the opposite is true for the Kolbe oxidative dimerization of acetate. For the Kolbe oxidative dimerization of acetate in sodium hydroxide, a maximum exists in the ratio of the limiting to diffusion current when the concentration of sodium hydroxide is approximately equal to that of acetic acid. The maximum is a result of the weak-acid strong-base chemistry. Numerical calculations for proton reduction from acetic acid as a function of the supporting-electrolyte concentration are compared with published experimental data. The numerical results and experimental data are in agreement when there is an excess of supporting-electrolyte present, but diverge as the supporting-electrolyte concentration approaches zero.
Numerical Modeling of Spread Footings at Bridge-Embankment Interfaces

The use of spread footings on slopes is a common practice in the design of bridge foundations. Footings generally are constructed in the slope or at its crest to minimize the bridge length, thereby minimizing costs. However, the analytical methods that frequently are used to predict the ultimate bearing capacity of shallow spread footings on slopes yield a wide range of solutions. There has been an increased effort in recent years to evaluate and improve techniques for predicting the deformation and ultimate bearing capacity of shallow spread footings located on or near slopes. Research in the development of numerical techniques used in conjunction with sophisticated elastoplastic constitutive models continues to be an area in which additional effort is needed. Physical model tests were used to obtain maximum bearing pressures of shallow spread footings located near sand slopes. These results were compared with classical bearing capacity solutions and numerical predictions obtained with finite element dis...
Eritrea's military unprofessionalism and US security assistance in the Horn of Africa

The United States military's Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) is in need of capable and dependable regional military allies as it seeks to bring stability to the Horn of Africa...
Arterial and Venous Blood Sampling in Pharmacokinetic Studies: Griseofulvin

The pharmacokinetics of griseofulvin were evaluated simultaneously using both arterial and venous plasma in three dogs and one rabbit after a rapid bolus intravenous dosing. Initial arterial-venous ratios 20 sec after injection were the highest and ranged from 15- to 752-fold for dogs; the ratio was 3240-fold for the rabbit. Both curves decayed paralleling each other at the terminal phase with the venous levels higher than arterial levels by 14-43 and 8.4% for the dogs and the rabbit, respectively. The use of the instantaneous input principle was found to overestimate the total area under the plasma level-time curve by as much as 166%. An exponential term with a negative coefficient was used to account for the short and steep rising phase of plasma levels after injection. Detailed analyses showed significant differences in various calculated pharmacokinetic parameters based on arterial or venous data. The present study exemplifies the need for careful assessment and interpretation of classical pharmacokinetic parameters. It appeared that short intravenous infusion rather than the instantaneous or rapid bolus intravenous injection should be preferred for routine pharmacokinetic studies.
Wound Healing: A Paradigm for Regeneration

Human skin is a remarkably plastic organ that sustains insult and injury throughout life. Its ability to expeditiously repair wounds is paramount to survival and is thought to be regulated by wound components such as differentiated cells, stem cells, cytokine networks, extracellular matrix, and mechanical forces. These intrinsic regenerative pathways are integrated across different skin compartments and are being elucidated on the cellular and molecular levels. Recent advances in bioengineering and nanotechnology have allowed researchers to manipulate these microenvironments in increasingly precise spatial and temporal scales, recapitulating key homeostatic cues that may drive regeneration. The ultimate goal is to translate these bench achievements into viable bedside therapies that address the growing global burden of acute and chronic wounds. In this review, we highlight current concepts in cutaneous wound repair and propose that many of these evolving paradigms may underlie regenerative processes across diverse organ systems.
Myelosuppression and Infectious Complications in Children With Down Syndrome and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Children with Down syndrome (DS) bear an increased risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and treatment complications. We compared blood counts and toxicities in 22 DS and 44 non-DS ALL patients. Patients with DS had deeper, longer neutrophil and monocyte count nadirs; more toxicities (HR 2.0, p = 0.0005); longer hospitalizations (HR 1.4, p < 0.0001); and more frequent microbiologically documented infections (HR 5.7, p = 0.0019), mucositis (HR 29.0, p = 0.0006), and cellulitis (HR 3.0, p= 0.033). Severe neutropenia, monocytopenia and increased cellulitis in DS-ALL suggest the importance of skin hygiene, vigilance and aggressive treatment of cutaneous infections.
A function of the Golgi apparatus in outer rootcap cells.

Modification of the Golgi apparatus has been studied in rootcap cells through progressive states of normal cellular development. Large vesicles, with contents of considerable electron density, are produced by the hypertrophied portions of the Golgi cisternae of outer rootcap cells. These undergo change as they pass from the apparent site of their origin to and through the plasma membrane. This passage does not seem to involve discontinuities in the plasma membrane and it is assumed that the membranes of the Golgi-produced vesicles are incorporated into the plasma membrane. There is close packing of these bodies between the surface of the protoplast and the surface of the definable cell wall, with accompanying displacement of the protoplast around the masses. The discrete nature of the bodies is finally lost but their position is still discernible. Ultimately there is a disappearance of these masses, an increase in cell wall volume, and a return to smooth contour by the protoplast surface, paralleled by a return of the Golgi apparatus to an unhypertrophied state.
Lipid profiling using catalytic pyrolysis/metal oxide laser ionization-mass spectrometry

Abstract A procedure for lipid analysis using catalytic pyrolysis metal oxide laser ionization mass spectrometry (CP-MOLI MS) is described. When surface activated CaO is mixed with a lipid sample and analyzed using CP-MOLI MS, cleavage of lipids occurs by a reaction that resembles thermal hydrolysis methylation. CP-MOLI MS of monoacylglycerides (MAG), diacylglycerides (DAG), triacylglycerides (TAG), varied fatty acids on DAGs and TAGs, phospholipids, algae, and bacteria produced Ca adducts of fatty acid constituents from the respective molecular species without matrix background interference. CP-MOLI MS offers increased speed and a streamlined analysis in which intact lipids as well as their representative fatty acid constituents can be profiled on the same instrument.
A functional animation starter-kit

A functional approach presents a fresh perspective on the problem of animation. We present an implementation of a functional animation system written in Haskell, and illustrate how it may be used to create simple and colourful animations.
Detection and partial characterization of a broad-range bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus plantarum (ATCC 8014)

Lactobacillus plantarum (ATCC 8014) was tested for production of antimicrobial compounds. This study demonstrates that the cell-free supernatant of L. plantarum is effective in inhibiting the growth of a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Listeria innocua, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The inhibitory compound lost activity when heated to temperatures greater than 30°C and when subjected to pH changes that lowered the pH below 4 or above 5. In addition, the inhibitory protein was susceptible to digestion by various proteases. The apparent molecular weight based on SDS-PAGE analysis is 122 KDa. These findings support the idea that the inhibitory compound is a protein and can be considered a bacteriocin secreted from the Gram-positive bacterium L. plantarum.
Self-efficacy and depression in late life: a primary prevention proposal

Feelings of sadness and loneliness are ubiquitous in late life and a risk factor for depression and perhaps other mental illnesses in late life. Targeting sadness and loneliness for an intervention addresses both primary risk reduction for depressive disorders and promotion of overall mental health in the elderly. Nevertheless, few studies document the efficacy of primary prevention efforts in preventing depressive disorders in the elderly. The author argues that the attainment of positive mental health depends in considerable part upon an individual's self-efficacy--the belief that one can organize and execute the courses of action required to develop and enhance a person's belief that he or she can act in ways that lead to a desired goal. Self-efficacy is strengthened, not by some general or abstract instruction, but rather by the experience of successfully dealing with and thus overcoming specific problems. The extant literature suggests that many potential approaches may be available to develop and enhance self-efficacy in the elderly--approaches that potentially could be broadly applicable in community settings.
Lessons from complex systems modeling: Crisis, innovation, decision making

Model and truth: By thinking in terms of and with the help of models, we consciously give up a language, which implies that we might be the only ones, who are able to know the only truth. We do not say that “these are the facts, and only the facts matter”. A more appropriate language says: “By assuming this and that, and adopting the set of these rules, we may imply this and that”. This is not a shame. We may admit that we are not the owners of the final and infallible truth.
Histamine-2-Receptor Antagonist Administration and Gastrointestinal Bleeding When Used for Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis in Patients With Severe Sepsis or Septic Shock

Background: The Surviving Sepsis Campaign suggests that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) be considered over histamine-2-receptor antagonists (H2RA) for stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP), but there are no studies demonstrating superiority with PPIs in this population. Objective: To determine if H2RAs are associated with an increased risk for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. Methods: This study queried the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care II database to identify adult patients with severe sepsis or septic shock requiring mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours. Patients were excluded if they had GI bleeding as a primary diagnosis, variceal bleeding, received both PPIs and H2RAs or no acid suppression. Demographic characteristics, medication use and potential confounders for GI bleeding were recorded. ICD-9 coding was used to identify GI bleeding listed as a secondary diagnosis. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the role of H2RAs...
Gate-all-around silicon nanowire 25-stage CMOS ring oscillators with diameter down to 3 nm

We demonstrate the world's first top-down CMOS ring oscillators (ROs) fabricated with gate-all-around (GAA) silicon nanowire (NW) FETs having diameters as small as 3 nm. NW capacitance shows size dependence in good agreement with that of a cylindrical capacitor. AC characterization shows enhanced self-heating below 5 nm.
LOGARITHMIC-TIME LINK PATH QUERIES IN A SIMPLE POLYGON

We develop a data structure for answering link distance queries between two arbitrary points in a simple polygon. The data structure requires O(n3) time and space for its construction and answers link distance queries in O(log n) time, after which a minimum-link path can be reported in time proportional to the number of links. Here, n denotes the number of vertices of the polygon. Our result extends to link distance queries between pairs of segments or polygons. We also propose a simpler data structure for computing a link distance approximately, where the error is bounded by a small additive constant. Finally, we also present a scheme for approximating the link and the shortest path distance simultaneously.
Mapping the Glycoprotein Ib-binding Site in the von Willebrand Factor A1 Domain

The von Willebrand factor (vWF) mediates platelet adhesion to exposed subendothelium at sites of vascular injury. It does this by forming a bridge between subendothelial collagen and the platelet glycoprotein Ib-IX-V complex (GPIb). The GPIb-binding site within vWF has been localized to the vWF-A1 domain. Based on the crystal structure of the vWF-A1 domain (Emsley, J., Cruz, M., Handin, R., and Liddington, R. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 10396–10401), we introduced point mutations into 16 candidate residues that might form all or part of the GPIb interaction site. We also introduced two mutations previously reported to impair vWF function yielding a total of 18 mutations. The recombinant vWF-A1 mutant proteins were then expressed in Escherichia coli, and the activity of the purified proteins was assessed by their ability to support flow-dependent platelet adhesion and their ability to inhibit ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination. Six mutations located on the front and upper anterior face of the folded vWF-A1 domain, R524S, G561S, H563T, T594S/E596A, Q604R, and S607R, showed reduced activity in all the assays, and we suggest that these residues form part of the GPIb interaction site. One mutation, G561S, with impaired activity occurs in the naturally occurring variant form of von Willebrand's disease-type 2M underscoring the physiologic relevance of the mutations described here.
Assignment of Transmitter Powers by Linear Programming

Transmitter power is a fundamental parameter with respect to the performance of electromagnetic equipment, determining the strength of signals that may be either desired or undesired at particular receivers. The rational assignment of power output to transmitters for which this is a controllable variable is one method of enhancing compatibility in congested electromagnetic environments. It is shown here that the power assignment problem can be formulated mathematically as a linear programming problem. Efficient algorithms for obtaining optimum solutions to such problems are known; with computer implementation systems composed of many transmitters and receivers can be treated. A small-scale field test in which communication equipment was operated in accordance with the concept of optimum power assignment by linear programming has confirmed the basic validity of the approach.
Student Perceptions in Teaching Principles of Management Information Systems.

Teaching concepts of information systems to general business students through a course such as management information systems (MIS) can be challenging in today's fast-changing environment of information technology (IT). Such a course must provide not only an understanding of the development, applications, and management of information systems, but also some experience on these concepts taught in the classroom. The latter requires innovative ideas and changing modes of instruction, which may include activities for students such as hands-on practice with common IT tools and technologies, case studies, group projects, and group presentations. Engagement of students through various course activities is the key factor in creating a suitable learning environment for students. The authors focus on finding a suitable mode of instruction for a graduate-level MIS course that would provide necessary knowledge to future managers in a changing IT environment. Their results, based on the statistical analysis of an in-c...
The influence of sleep disruption and pain perception on indicators of quality of life in individuals living with dementia at home

This cross-sectional study evaluated the influence of sleep quality and pain perceptions on different dimensions of quality of life in community-dwelling persons with dementia. Evaluations of pain were collected using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), sleep disruption using Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) items, and quality of life indicators using the DemQOL-Proxy in 88 persons with dementia and their family caregivers. Lower overall quality of life was associated with the presence of pain and symptoms of sleep disruption when controlling for mental status, age, and number of health conditions. Pain and sleep symptoms were differentially associated with different aspects of QoL. As symptoms negatively impact quality of life but are modifiable, better clinical procedures are needed to prevent and also identify and treat symptoms of pain and sleep disturbance in community-dwelling persons with dementia.
Biomechanical analysis of the pectoralis major tendon and comparison of techniques for tendo-osseous repair

Background:Various described surgical techniques exist for the repair of pectoralis major ruptures at the tendo-osseous junction. It is unclear how these techniques restore the native properties of the pectoralis major tendon because its biomechanical properties have not been described.Hypothesis:All repairs will have lower initial biomechanical profiles than the native attachment, and transosseous sutures will demonstrate improved initial biomechanical performance compared with anchors or buttons.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Twenty-four fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were randomized to 4 equal groups, including 3 experimental repair groups and 1 control group of intact pectoralis major tendons. The characteristics of the native anatomic footprint were recorded, and the experimental groups underwent pectoralis detachment, followed by subsequent repair. The restoration of the anatomic footprint was recorded. All specimens were tested with cyclic loading and load-to-failure protocols w...
Hybrid silicon evanescent lasers

Silicon photonic platforms have been of great interest for the integration of photonic and electronic circuits on a silicon substrate. However, efficient light generation inside a silicon crystal has been the major obstacle due to the indirect bandgap characteristics of silicon. To overcome this problem, recently we demonstrated optically pumped hybrid silicon evanescent lasers, in which III-V based quantum wells are bonded to silicon rib waveguides. This approach enables to build active silicon photonic devices by combining high optical gain of Ill-V materials with well developed silicon processing technology. The work presented here is a first step of the future development of the electrically driven silicon active photonic devices as well as the photonic integration with electrical circuitry on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers.
Beneficial actions of the anti-inflammatory dimethyl fumarate in glioblastomas.

Background: Dimethylfumarate (DMF), a drug used in the treatment of psoriasis and multiple sclerosis, has been shown to limit the growth of melanoma cells. The ability of DMF to inhibit the Rel protein has been used to explain the antioncogenic properties of this drug. Studies analyzing the effect of DMF in gliomas are limited. Therefore, we investigated the potential antitumor effects of DMF by assessing its effects on proliferation, cell death, and differentiation in gliomas in several glioma models.
Investigation of Isosorbide Distillation Bottoms as a Bio-Based Warm-Mix Additive

AbstractBiorefineries are increasing in number and size and include products based on food, energy, and chemicals. Depending on size and targeted products, biorefineries produce distillation bottoms with surfactant characteristics in sufficient quantities that can be used as a warm-mix asphalt (WMA) technology. Isosorbide distillation bottoms (IDB), having amphiphilic properties much like a classical ionic surfactant, are derived as coproducts of bio-based chemical production and show potential for reducing mixing and compaction temperatures as well as having low-temperature performance grade (PG) benefits. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the performance and potential of IDB as an asphalt additive through asphalt binder testing and mixture testing. Binder gradations were conducted for multiple binders at several dosage rates to verify compatibility with various petroleum crude sources and determine the optimum dosage level. Testing indicates promising results and shows an optimal dosage rate at...
Prospective Studies of Dairy Product and Calcium Intakes and Prostate Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis

Background: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 recommends that Americans increase their intake of dairy products. However, some studies have reported that increasing dairy product intake is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. We conducted a meta-analysis to examine associations between intakes of calcium and dairy products and the risk of prostate cancer. Methods: We searched Medline for prospective studies published in English-language journals from 1966 through May 2005. We identified 12 publications that used total, advanced, or fatal prostate cancer as end points and reported associations as relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by category of dairy product or calcium intake. Data were extracted using standardized data forms. Random-effects models were used to pool study results and to assess dose-response relationships between dairy product or calcium intakes and the risk of prostate cancer. We conducted sensitivity analyses by changing criteria for inclusion of studies or by using fixed-effects models. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: Men with the highest intake of dairy products (RR =1.11 [95% CI = 1.00 to 1.22], P = .047) and calcium (RR = 1.39 [95% CI = 1.09 to 1.77], P = .018) were more likely to develop prostate cancer than men with the lowest intake. Dose-response analyses suggested that dairy product and calcium intakes were each positively associated with the risk of prostate cancer (Ptrend = .029 and .014, respectively). Sensitivity analyses generally supported these associations, although the statistical significance was attenuated. The pooled relative risks of advanced prostate cancer were 1.33 (95% CI = 1.00 to 1.78; P = .055) for the highest versus lowest intake categories of dairy products and 1.46 (95% CI = 0.65 to 3.25; P > .2) for the highest versus lowest intake categories of calcium. Conclusions: High intake of dairy products and calcium may be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, although the increase appears to be small.
Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase and Blood Pressure

In the present studies, the influence of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition with aminoguanidine on renal function and blood pressure was examined in rats. Intravenous aminoguanidine infusion (60 mg x kg-1 x hr-1) for 40 minutes to anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats (n=7) resulted in no significant changes in mean arterial pressure or renal cortical blood flow, while medullary blood flow was slightly increased. Despite minimal effects on renal blood flow, urine flow was significantly decreased from 14.2+/-2.7 to 10.4+/-2.3 microL x min-1 x g kidney wt-1 during aminoguanidine infusion. To examine the possible effects of inducible NOS on blood pressure, aminoguanidine (10 mg x kg-1 x h-1 IV) was infused chronically into uninephrectomized rats maintained on a high salt (4.0% NaCl) diet. Mean arterial pressure significantly increased from 104+/-2 to 118+/-3 mm Hg after 6 days of aminoguanidine infusion (n=7) and returned to levels not different from those in the control group after 2 days of postcontrol infusion. Calcium-independent NOS activity in the renal medulla, a tissue that expresses inducible NOS in normal rats, was significantly decreased by 49% in the aminoguanidine-infused group (n=6) compared with that activity in the vehicle-infused control animals (n=6). In contrast, calcium-dependent NOS activity in the renal medulla was not significantly altered by aminoguanidine infusion, indicating specificity of aminoguanidine for inducible NOS in these experiments. In a final group of rats (n=5), oral L-arginine administration in drinking water (2% wt/vol) increased plasma arginine levels from 118+/-5 to 232+/-16 micromol/L and blocked the increase in arterial pressure after 6 days of aminoguanidine infusion. The present experiments provide evidence supporting a role for inducible NOS in the control of arterial pressure, possibly by renal tubular effects.