cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acute Appendicitis Review: Background, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

Appendicitis is a common occurrence in both the adult and pediatric populations. The condition most commonly occurs between the ages of 10 and 20 years with a lifetime risk of 8.6% and 6.7% for males and females respectively. Its diagnosis focuses on clinical presentation and imaging modalities classified according to scoring systems such as the Alvarado scoring system. A number of imaging modalities can be used, with CT being the most common one. For acute appendicitis, surgical intervention is considered to be the gold standard of treatment. However, recent research has focused on other modalities of treatment including antibiotics and endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (ERAT) to avoid surgical complications.
The implementation of low-flow anesthesia at a tertiary pediatric center: A quality improvement initiative.

INTRODUCTION: Anesthesia machines have evolved over the years to excel in delivering low-flow anesthesia (<1 L fresh gas flow) in a closed-circuit system, with the obvious benefits being decreased costs and reduced emissions of greenhouse gases. At a pediatric hospital that provides over 25 000 anesthetics a year, a quality improvement project was initiated with the aim of decreasing the amount of sevoflurane used per anesthetic by 20% over the course of a year. METHODS: Three Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles involving gathering comparative data, departmental education, improvement updates on our huddle board, and intraoperative confirmation rounds were completed. The bottles of sevoflurane used and the total number of anesthetics performed were collected each month. To account for the fluctuation of anesthetic cases per month, a metric of "Anesthetics Performed per Bottle of Sevoflurane Used" was created. RESULTS: Compared to a prior twelve-month period, the Anesthetics Performed per Bottle of Sevoflurane Used were higher with a mean increase of 25%. The bottles of sevoflurane used per month was lower with a mean decrease of 20%. The carbon footprint of our sevoflurane use was also decreased and extrapolated over a year, and the decrease was equivalent to 70 000 miles driven, over 3,200 gallons of gasoline consumed, or over 31000 pounds of coal burned. CONCLUSION: A QI initiative aimed at changing the practice of delivering at least 2L fresh gas flow to delivering a low-flow anesthetic has been a successful value-added enhancement to our pediatric anesthesia practice.
The efficiency of electron cyclotron masers with longitudinal wiggler

It has been investigated theoretically1 that a relativistic electron beam with finite transverse dc momentum passing through a region of combined uniform solenoidal and longitudinal wiggler magnetic fields is capable of generating coherent radiation at frequency Ω≈2γ where w C and V 0 are respectively the electron cyclotron frequency and electron axial velocity, but the energy conversion mechanism is concluded to be a low efficiency process. The output frequency is uneable and is higher than either a free electron laser with the same wiggler wave number or a Doppler-shift dominated cyclotron maser with the same solenoidal field. On the other hand, it has been shown through computer simulations2 that a Doppler-shift dominated cyclotron maser can convert 25% of the beam kinetic energy into coherent radiation. In this paper we carry out computer simulations to demonstrate that using the magnetic configuration described above also has potential to achieve high efficiency.
Genome Sequences of Subcluster M2 Mycobacteriophages Estes and Aziz.

ABSTRACT Estes and Aziz are mycobacteriophages that were isolated on Mycolicibacterium smegmatis mc2155 at room temperature from soil samples collected in Spokane, WA. Their genome sequences are 83,601 and 83,412 bp long, respectively, and they are members of subcluster M2. Each contains 21 tRNA genes and short conserved repeats characteristic of cluster M phages.
Diagnostic-driven yield engineering under atypical wafer foundry conditions

Abstract Typically, diagnostic-driven yield engineering consists of two sequential steps- data mining and failure analysis. Data mining seeks early feedback on suspected manufacturing process weakness while failure analysis reveals the physical defect to understand the root cause. However, under atypical conditions such as that in a wafer foundry environment, sufficient information is not available to attain optimal outcomes. Specifically, during volume data analysis, although Root Cause Deconvolution has the ability to predict process weakness using an unsupervised learning algorithm, it only works on random defects. Additionally, GDS layout of IP-secure product might also not be available to a foundry impeding physical failure analysis. Motivated by heightened demands on wafer foundries to deliver faster yield ramp to gain the competitive edge, this paper proposes solutions to overcome these limitations. An enhanced analytical scheme that offers early insights into process weakness (frontend and backend differentiation) regardless of fail mode, and a solution that enables physical failure analysis in the absence of direct access to GDS layout are proposed. An automated approach that captures image snapshots of suspected polygons without compromising confidentiality of the GDS content of IP-protected product is also developed. Experimental results will be presented as an illustration.
Safety and tolerability of preventive treatment options for chronic migraine

INTRODUCTION Relative to migraine generally, chronic migraine (CM) imposes greater disability, healthcare utilization and socioeconomic burden. Six therapies currently possess a credible evidence base for prevention/suppression of CM. This review is intended to provide an assessment of their relative utility, defined as a blend of safety, tolerability and efficacy, focusing in particular on their safety and tolerability.Areas Covered: We discuss all six medications currently FDA-approved for migraine prevention which also specifically possess credible evidence of efficacy in treating CM. While we do address the efficacy of each, our primary emphasis involves assessment of safety and tolerability data derived from clinical trials and post-marketing experience.Expert Opinion: Recent research involving CM has led to the identification of highly targeted and typically well-tolerated therapies. For patients who experience obstacles to accessing these newer therapies, topiramate is available as an evidence-based alternative, but contraindications, drug-drug interactions and poor tolerability may limit or prevent its use. Although data to support such intervention presently is limited, clinically challenging CM cases may benefit from combination therapy. 'Real world' studies are needed to evaluate such polytherapy, along with studies intended to assess the long-term safety of the individual therapies and their use during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Synthetic amphipathic peptides resembling apolipoproteins stimulate the release of human placental lactogen

Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated native high density lipoproteins and apolipoproteins AI, AII, and CI, stimulate the release of human placental lactogen (hPL) from trophoblast cells in culture. To examine the mechanisms by which these apolipoproteins stimulate hPL release, we have studied hPL secretion in response to several synthetic peptide analogs of the amphipathic helical structure of the apolipoproteins. The magnitude of the stimulation of hPL release in response to the analog peptides correlated with the ability to displace apolipoproteins from high density lipoprotein and with other measures of phospholipid binding affinity such as the increase in alpha-helicity and the size of complexes formed between the peptide and phospholipid. The correlation of stimulatory ability and lipid affinity suggests that the action of the apolipoproteins on hPL release may be mediated through an interaction with plasma membrane phospholipids.
AUDITORY BRAINSTRM EVOKED RESPONSES (ABR) IN NEWBORNS WITH NEONATAL NAQRCOTIC ABSTINENCE SYNDROME (NNAS)

AUDITORY BRAINSTRM EVOKED RESPONSES (ABR) IN NEWBORNS WITH NEONATAL NAQRCOTIC ABSTINENCE SYNDROME (NNAS)
Rating Agencies: Facilitators of Predatory Lending in the Subprime Market

This book chapter explores how the three largest rating agencies, Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investor Service and Fitch Ratings, exploited their privileged regulatory status to profit from the booming subprime mortgage market at the expense of homeowners. These rating agencies boosted their own bottom lines and assisted predatory lenders by effectively vetoing state consumer protection initiatives. While regulators have identified enhanced investor protection regulation of credit rating agencies as a priority, future regulation must ensure that the systemic biases of the rating agency industry are no longer permitted to trump legitimate state consumer protection initiatives.
The transport of oxidized glutathione from human erythrocytes.

Abstract The reduced glutathione of normal and glucose-6-P dehydrogenase-deficient human erythrocytes was oxidized by subjecting the cells to H2O2 diffusion or to treatment with methyl phenylazoformate. A portion of the oxidized glutathione thus formed disappeared from the erythrocytes and could be recovered from the medium when the normal cells were incubated in the absence of glucose or when glucose-6-P dehydrogenase-deficient cells were incubated in the absence or the presence of glucose. The movement of GSSG was strictly unidirectional: no GSSG entered the red cell when the normal red cells were incubated in a medium containing a high concentration of added GSSG, so that the ratio of GSSG in the medium to GSSG in the RBC was approximately 600. The rate of GSSG transport from the red cells was found to be approximately linear over a period of 4 hours and could proceed even against a concentration gradient. The transport of GSSG was halted almost entirely by exhausting endogenous high energy compounds such as ATP by preliminary incubation of red cells in a glucose-free medium for 8 hours or by the presence of 0.1 m fluoride in the incubation medium. The rate of GSSG transport from red cells was also found to be markedly temperature-sensitive. Active transport of GSSG from red cells may explain the low levels of total glutathione observed in glucose-6-P dehydrogenase-deficient erythrocytes and the fate of intraerythrocytic glutathione, which has a normal half-life of 2 to 3 days. It may serve as a defense mechanism against inhibition of intracellular enzymes by high levels of GSSG.
Membrane Domain Localization of pH-Regulating Transporters in Frog Skeletal Muscle Membrane Vesicles

The distribution of pH-regulating transporters in surface and transverse (T) tubular membrane (TTM) domains of frog skeletal muscle was studied. 2',7'-Bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein-loaded giant sarcolemmal vesicles, containing surface membrane, exhibited reversible Na + /H + exchange. A microsomal vesicle fraction was shown to be enriched in TTM on the basis of high Na + -K + -ATPase and Mg 2+ -ATPase activity, high ouabain and nitrendipine binding, and low Ca 2+ -ATPase activity. TTM vesicles were well sealed and oriented inside out. Vesicles were loaded with the pH-sensitive dye pyranine. In response to an inwardly directed Na + gradient, vesicles displayed virtually no alkalinization unless monensin was present. No pH response to an imposed Na + gradient was seen regardless of the direction of the pH gradient across the vesicles, after phosphorylation of the vesicles with protein kinase C, or when exposed to guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate). In the presence of CO 2 , addition of Na + or Cl - had no effect on vesicle pH. These data indicate that the TTM lacks functional pH-regulating transporters [Na + /H + and (Na + + HCO 3 - )/Cl - exchangers], suggesting that pH-regulating transporters are localized only to the surface membrane domain in frog muscle.
A Cab Suspension for Transcontinental Operation

Designs were formulated for a heavy duty truck having a sophisticated cab suspension system adaptable to the special conditions of transeuropean operation. The design and development of the Ford Transcontinental cab suspension, and the resulting ride performance, are described, as well as the unique hydraulic cab tilt system. The cab suspension complies with European safety standards; including the exceptionally strict Swedish regulations.
Effect of CCL1 antisense ODN on the M2bMϕ elimination and subsequent generation of M1Mϕ in bacterial translocation sites of mice irradiated with whole body 137Cs γ-rays (WBI-mice) (INC7P.411)

An essential host defense against gut-associated sepsis is a local antibacterial innate immunity mainly expressed by M1Mϕ (IL-10 - IL-12 + Mϕ with marked bactericidal activity). Although Mϕ are radioresistant, M1Mϕ are not generated in bacterial translocation sites (lamina propria and mesenteric lymph nodes) of WBI-mice. M2bMϕ (IL-10 + IL-12 - CCL1 + Mϕ) appearing in response to radiation injuries inhibit Mϕ conversion from resident Mϕ to M1Mϕ. CCL1 has been characterized as an essential chemokine for the maintenance of M2bMϕ properties, and M2bMϕ are shown to be major CCL1 producer cells. In this study, we tried to eliminate M2bMϕ and induce M1Mϕ in the bacterial translocation sites of WBI-mice by treatment with CCL1 antisense ODN. The ODN was administered s.c. to WBI-mice twice a day for 1 week starting 3 days after γ-irradiation (8-11 Gy). One day after the final treatment, these mice were stimulated orally with 10 7 heat-killed E. faecalis . Then, F4/80 + Mϕ were isolated from the bacterial translocation sties of these mice and tested for their M1Mϕ and M2bMϕ properties. In the results, M1Mϕ were not detected in the translocation sites of WBI-mice stimulated with the antigen. However, M1Mϕ were isolated from WBI-mice treated with the ODN and stimulated with the antigen. M2Mϕ were not isolated significantly from these mice. These results indicate that M1Mϕ are inducible by the bacterial antigen in 8-11 Gy WBI-mice after treatment with CCL1 antisense ODN.
Complicated breast cancer-related lymphedema: evaluating health care resource utilization and associated costs of management.

Abstract Background Lymphedema can become a disabling condition necessitating inpatient care. This study aimed to estimate complicated lymphedema incidence after breast cancer surgery and calculate associated hospital resource utilization. Methods We identified adult women undergoing lumpectomy and/or mastectomy with axillary lymph node surgery between 2006 and 2012 using 5-state inpatient databases. Patients were grouped according to the development of complicated lymphedema. The primary outcomes were all-cause hospitalizations and health care charges within 2 years of surgery. Multivariate regression models were used to compare outcomes. Results Of 56,075 women included, 2.3% had at least 1 hospital admission for complicated lymphedema within 2 years of surgery. Despite confounder adjustment, women with complicated lymphedema experienced 5 fold more all-cause (incidence rate ratio=5.02, 95% confidence interval: 4.76 to 5.29) admissions compared with women without lymphedema. This resulted in substantially higher health care charges ($58,088 vs $31,819 per patient, P Conclusions Complicated lymphedema develops in a quantifiable number of patients. The health care burden of lymphedema underscored here mandates further investigation into targeted, anticipatory management strategies for breast cancer–related lymphedema.
Validity of Neonatal Blood Pressure Obtained By The Manometric Method

In neonatal intensive care units where direct arterial blood pressures obtained via a transducer are unavailable, a fluid-filled spinal manometer has been used. The latter method is practical and convenient although its validity has not been confirmed. This study is designed to establish the precise relationship between the blood pressure obtained by the manometric method and by direct recording via the arterial transducer. Materials and Methods Eleven infants with umbilical artery catheters in place 1 to 2 cm above the diaphragm were selected for the study. In all instances, the arterial catheters were placed for clinical management of various illnesses.
HERITABILITY IN RELATION TO SELECTION DIFFERENTIAL IN CATTLE

The concept of heritability as generally used, involves the assumption that additive genetic variance is a constant proportion of total variance over the entire range of phenotypes. If this assumption holds, selection response will be linearly related to selection differential. If not, prediction of selection response will not be possible from a knowledge of the phenotypic selection differential and the average proportion of additive genetic variance. Thus the validity of this assumption has a bearing on the design of efficient selection schemes for many situations. In the field of applied animal breeding, for example, this will affect such important questions as the increase in rate of genetic improvement to be expected from the use of artificial insemination. Milk production records from 5740 first lactation dam-daughter pairs were studied to determine if the heritable fraction of total variation is related to selection differential. Heritability was essentially constant over the entire range of phenotypic variability, there being no evidence for curvilinearity of the offspring-parent regression line. Thus at least short-term selection response is predicted to be linearly related to selection differential, and also to be independent of direction of selection. The estimate of heritability from the total data was .43 ± .03, substantially higher than many published estimates for this trait. The estimate by the paternal half-sib method from the proportion of the data provided by artificially sired daughters (2568) was .25, while the daughter-dam estimate from the same subsample was .44. Possible reasons for the difference between the two estimates are discussed.
Specifying visual languages with conditional set rewrite systems

We propose conditional set rewriting as a general mechanism for describing the syntax of multidimensional languages. We compare the approach with other existing methods, and give a number of examples that illustrate its strengths. >
Situated Learning Online: Assessment Strategies for Online Expeditions

National concerns related to accountability and reform movements greatly influence our classroom presentation and assessment strategies. Online expeditions, situated in authentic, real-world environments, are an effective and exciting way to help students learn in constructivist environments. Traditional paper and pencil tests often do not capture the student's entire learning experience as they participate in these virtual, problem-based learning environments. Alternative assessments and aligning those assessments to standards promote successful performance on accountability tests such as the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT).
Body Mass Index and the Risk of Dementia among Louisiana Low Income Diabetic Patients

Background The association between obesity and dementia risk remains debatable and no studies have assessed this association among diabetic patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and dementia risk among middle and low income diabetic patients.
Differential attraction of females to dominant males: Olfactory discrimination and mating preference in the brown lemming (Lemmus trimucronatus)

This study investigated differential attraction of estrous brown lemmings (Lemmus trimucronatus) to conspecific males recently exposed to each other for a 10-min agonistic encounter. In tests conducted 5 min, 1 h and 24 h after agonistic encounters, females preferred the oder of dominant males to that of defeated males when both odors were presented simultaneously in a Y-maze olfactometer. Defeat in an agonistic encounter did not reduce the propensity of male lemmings to initiate sexual behavior. In one-male, one-female tests conducted 5 min after agonistic encounters, dominant males achieved higher mount and thrust scores while defeated males obtained higher scores for attempted mounts. The sexual behavior of dominant and defeated males did not differ significantly in similar tests conducted 1 h and 24 h later. In contrast, females readily mated with dominant males and tended to avoid defeated males in two-male tethering tests conducted 5 min after agonistic encounters. In these tests, females still showed a preference for dominant males 1 h and 24 h after male agonistic encounters.
Partial purification and properties of guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase from Drosophila melanogaster

The first enzyme (named GTP cyclohydrolase) in the pathway for the biosynthesis of pteridines has been partially purified from extracts of late pupae and young adults of Drosophila melanogaster. This enzyme catalyzes the hydrolytic removal from GTP of carbon 8 as formate and the synthesis of 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-(d-erythro-1′,2′,3′-trihydroxypropyl)-7,8-dihydropteridine triphosphate (dihydroneopterin triphosphate). Some of the properties of the enzyme are as follows: it functions optimally at pH 7.8 and at 42 C; activity is unaffected by KCl and NaCl, but divalent cations (Mg2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, and Ca2+) are inhibitory; the Km for GTP is 22 μm; and the molecular weight is estimated at 345,000 from gel filtration experiments. Of a number of nucleotides tested, only GDP and dGTP were used to any extent as substrate in place of GTP, and these respective compounds were used only 1.8% and 1.5% as well as GTP.
Thermal and Electric Properties of P(VDF-TrFE) and P(VDF-CTFE) Copolymer Blends

PVDF-based electroactive polymers (EAP) exhibit high electromechanical performance that is attractive for developing high performance actuators and sensors. In an effort to develop very inexpensive electroactive polymers, P(VDF-TrFE)/P(VDF-CTFE) copolymer blends are studied and reported. The structure, morphology, thermal transition and miscibility of the blend system were investigated by DSC and X-ray diffraction. It is found that the phase transition behavior of the blends can be significantly modified using thermal and mechanical treatmentss. The modified film exhibits high polarization response and low remanent polarization. More importantly, a high electrostrictive strain of 5% was observed in the treated blends. Combined with Young’s modulus, the results show that the copolymer blends have a electromechanical coupling factor and energy density comparable or even higher than the irradiated P(VDF-TrFE) copolymers.
The Cartagena Declaration, the Baker Plan, and U.S. bank security returns: An empirical investigation

This paper examines the impact of the Cartagena Declaration by 11 Latin American countries and the Baker Plan for resolving the LDC debt problem on the security returns of major U.S. banks. An event parameter approach is employed to investigate two hypotheses, the new-information and the rational-pricing hypotheses, using daily stock market data. Sample banks are grouped into three portfolios depending on their LDC exposure. The results indicate that bank stock returns adjust quickly to new information. Also, there is rational investor reaction to observed events that were neither borrower- nor lender-induced. Those banks displaying greater exposure to LDC loans were affected in a direct and proportionately greater manner.
Porphyroblast crystallization: linking processes, kinetics, and microstructures

Analysis of the processes, kinetics, and microstructures that characterize porphyroblast crystallization identifies the primary factors that govern the progress of metamorphic reactions and highlights the importance of feedbacks among those factors. Commonly, the kinetics of nucleation and the kinetics of intergranular diffusion are rate-limiting in porphyroblast crystallization. That finding should inspire petrologic vigilance, as it implies strong potential for significant thermal overstepping of reactions, crystallization at high levels of chemical affinity, reactions that span protracted intervals of time and temperature, and limited length scales for chemical equilibration.
First extraction tests of the NSCL gas cell

The first tests for stopping and extraction of energetic (92 MeV/u), short-lived 38 Ca and 37 K fragments are reported. The fragments were stopped and thermalized in 50 cm of helium at 1 bar. The ions were transported by electric fields and gas flow and jetted into an expansion chamber through a supersonic nozzle and collected on a metallic foil. The extraction efficiency was measured for different implantation rates and beam degrader thicknesses and compared with the experimental stopping efficiency in the gas cell.
High volumetric power density, non-enzymatic, glucose fuel cells

The development of new implantable medical devices has been limited in the past by slow advances in lithium battery technology. Non-enzymatic glucose fuel cells are promising replacement candidates for lithium batteries because of good long-term stability and adequate power density. The devices developed to date however use an “oxygen depletion design” whereby the electrodes are stacked on top of each other leading to low volumetric power density and complicated fabrication protocols. Here we have developed a novel single-layer fuel cell with good performance (2 μW cm−2) and stability that can be integrated directly as a coating layer on large implantable devices, or stacked to obtain a high volumetric power density (over 16 μW cm−3). This represents the first demonstration of a low volume non-enzymatic fuel cell stack with high power density, greatly increasing the range of applications for non-enzymatic glucose fuel cells.
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF STEM CELL THERAPY ON PERFUSION AND FUNCTION IN ISCHEMIC CARDIOMYOPATHY

Background Small animal models of ischemic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction are important for the preclinical optimization of stem cell therapy. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that temporal changes in LV function and regional perfusion after cell therapy can be assessed in mice using echocardiographic imaging. Methods Wild-type mice ( n = 25) were studied 7 and 28 days after permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Animals were randomized to receive closed-chest ultrasound-guided intramyocardial delivery of saline (n = 13) or 5 × 10 5 multipotential adult progenitor cells (MAPCs; n = 12) on day 7. LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, LV ejection fraction, and stroke volume were measured using high-frequency echocardiography. Multiplanar assessments of perfusion and defect area size were made using myocardial contrast echocardiography. Results Between days 7 and 28, MAPC-treated animals had 40% to 50% reductions in defect size ( P P P P Conclusions High-frequency echocardiography and myocardial contrast echocardiography in murine models of ischemic LV dysfunction can be used to assess the response to stem cell therapy and to characterize the relationship among spatial flow, ventricular function, and ventricular remodeling.
Coiled coil structures and transcription: an analysis of the S. cerevisiae coilome

The α-helical coiled coil is a simple but widespread motif that is an integral feature of many cellular structures. Coiled coils allow monomeric building blocks to form complex assemblages that can serve as molecular motors and springs. Previous parametrically delimited analyses of the distribution of coiled coils in the genomes of diverse organisms, including Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Arabidopsis thaliana, Caenorhabditis elegans and Homo sapiens, have identified conserved biological processes that make use of this versatile motif. Here we present a comprehensive inventory of the set of coiled coil proteins in S. cerevisiae by combining multiple coiled coil prediction algorithms with extensive literature curation. Our analysis of this set of proteins, which we call the coilome, reveals a wider role for this motif in transcription than was anticipated, particularly with respect to the category that includes nucleocytoplasmic shuttling factors involved in transcriptional regulation. We also show that the constitutively nuclear yeast transcription factor Gcr1 is homologous to the mammalian transcription factor MLL3, and that two coiled coil domains conserved between these homologs are important for Gcr1 dimerization and function. These data support the hypothesis that coiled coils are required to assemble structures essential for proper functioning of the transcriptional machinery.
The reaction of cell-free oxyhemoglobin with nitrite under physiologically relevant conditions: Implications for nitrite-based therapies.

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO ) participates in the regulation of a wide array of biological processes and its deficit contributes to the severity of many diseases. Recently, a role of NO deficiency that occurs as a result of intravascular hemolysis and increases in levels of cell-free hemoglobin in the pathway of chronic anemic pathologies has been suggested. Experimental evidence for deoxyhemoglobin-catalyzed reduction of nitrite to NO leads to the possibility of nitrite infusion-based therapies to correct NO deficits. However, the presence of plasma hemoglobin also raises the possibility of deleterious free radical-mediated oxidative damage from the reaction between nitrite and oxyhemoglobin in the vasculature. We show that the conditions required for the reaction between nitrite and oxyhemoglobin to exhibit free radical-mediated autocatalytic kinetics are highly unlikely to occur in the plasma compartment, even during extensive hemolysis and with pharmacological nitrite doses. Although the presence of haptoglobin enhances the rate of the reaction between nitrite and oxyhemoglobin, common plasma antioxidants—ascorbate and urate, as well as catalase—prevent autocatalysis. Our findings suggest that pharmacological doses of nitrite are unlikely to cause free radical or ferrylhemoglobin formation in plasma originating from the reaction of nitrite with cell-free oxyhemoglobin in vivo.
Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Guided Near-Infrared Spectral Tomography: Early Clinical Results

A cohort of 34 normal, benign and malignant breasts were imaged using a combined NIR tomography and breast tomosynthesis unit with two views and compression levels, recovering region based estimates of hemoglobin, oxygen saturation, water and lipids.
Population dynamics of a gametophytic factor controlling selective fertilization

The population behavior of a gametophytic factor (Ga) which involves gametic selection due to failure ofga pollen onGa Ga orGa ga styles in competition withGa pollen, was investigated by computer simulation. A constant versus randomly varying gametic selection parameter (k) and four different schemes of zygotic selection were introduced in this model for analyzing conditions favorable for the maintenance of locusGa polymorphic in a large, mixed selfing and random mating population. Stable polymorphism was obtained only with rather substantial heterozygote advantage at locusGa whereas the opposing pressures of gametic and zygotic selection yielded fixation of alleleGa orga around a critical value of k instead of a range of k-values allowing nontrivial equilibria. With weak selection and stochastic k, however, very slow rates of change in the genotypic proportions allowed transient polymorphism. In these cases, the rate of outcrossing (t) and the initial frequency ofGa were critical in determining the rate of allelic substitution. Moreover, low values of t allowed the replacement of alleleGa byga even with rather weak zygotic selection. These findings on the balance between gametic and zygotic selection and a markedly frequency-dependent process are briefly discussed in relation to the dynamics of similar factors involving the mating system.
A Kirchhoff solution to plasmon hybridization

Using Ohm’s law, a solution to plasmon hybridization via Kirchoff’s equations results in a simple and intuitive picture of a metal nanoparticle dimer as a capacitively coupled circuit. Calculated absorption spectra and surface charge densities show that dimers of different metallic composition support different super- and sub-radiant plasmons compared to homodimers. Strong screening of Coulomb interactions between nanoparticles of different metallic background prohibits the excitation of anti-bonding plasmons, while changes to the free electron conductivity upon a collective response result in coupled plasmon lifetimes which shift as a function of interparticle distance. Smaller separations then result in the longest lived plasmons.
Interventional Procedures Involving Portal Vein Circulation: A Review

Rapid development of diagnostic radiological methods during recent decades has been followed by development of new interventional procedures involving portal circulation. The majority of these interventions were developed for treatment of patients with symptoms secondary to portal hypertension (PH). Interventions involving portal vein circulation have an established position in the treatment of PH and other diseases, and further development of these methods can be expected.
Effect of neutral salts on the structure of collagen and gelatin.

IN a current project in this laboratory, the optical rotatory properties of aqueous solutions of gelatin and soluble collagen from three different species of vertebrates have been examined in the absence and presence of lithium bromide. Results (Table 1) are in general agreement with the earlier work of Carpenter and Lovelace on bovine gelatin1. It will be observed that, although striking changes occur in the specific rotations of collagen and gelatin in the presence and absence of salt, the value of λc (obtained from the slopes of linear Drude plots of λ2[α] vs. [α]) changes only slightly and, if anything, may decrease somewhat.
Defining the Role of Nonprofit Corporations in Community Economic Development

In this paper we outline the unique nonmarket and market functions nonprofit corporations perform in the local economy that are important to community economic development. Their key nonmarket functions include the provision of cultural and environmental amenities, stimulus of community development and entrepreneurial activity in the most economically distressed communities, and delivery of numerous human welfare services. Each of these functions enhances the quality of life factors for its residents. A positive spinoff is that as the community becomes a more desirable place to live, location decisions of households and business enterprises are influenced. As for market functions, nonprofit corporations supply essential services which are treated as inputs into the business production process, attract income into the community or region through sales of services to residents outside the community, attract grants and loans that contribute to the circular flow of income in the community, and facilitate seco...
Stability of Educational Expectations Among Baccalaureate Aspirants Beginning at Community Colleges

Using data from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002, this study explored factors that predict stability of educational expectations among baccalaureate aspirants beginning at community colleges. Based on a nationally representative sample of baccalaureate-aspiring high school seniors of 2004 who entered community colleges as their first postsecondary institutions, this study tested a logistic regression model and found that among precollege characteristics, students’ SES and perceived importance of getting a good education were positively related to the likelihood of retaining baccalaureate expectations 2 years after high school graduation. Among postsecondary predictors, the likelihood of students’ persistence in baccalaureate expectations was positively influenced by interaction with faculty members outside of class and studying in school libraries, but was negatively associated with having reading remediation, receiving financial aid, and being married. These findings have implications for communi...
Optimization of horizontal well staggered patterns

Staggered line-drive patterns are widely used in oilfields. In this paper, to optimize a staggered pattern of horizontal wells, a 3D problem was divided into two 2D (x-y plane and y-z plane) problems with the pseudo-3D method, conformal transformation and superposition principle. A productivity equation for a horizontal well was deduced, which can be used to optimize the well pattern. A relationship between the length of horizontal wells and the shape factor of well patterns was established. The result shows that optimized well patterns can improve oil production from horizontal wells. This provides a theoretical basis for horizontal well applications to the development of oilfields, especially for overall development of oilfields by horizontal wells.
PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase is necessary for lipogenic activation during HCMV infection

PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum (ER) kinase (PERK) is an ER-associated stress sensor protein which phosphorylates eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) to induce translation attenuation in response to ER stress. PERK is also a regulator of lipogenesis during adipocyte differentiation through activation of the cleavage of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1), resulting in the upregulation of lipogenic enzymes. Our recent studies have shown that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in human fibroblasts (HF) induces adipocyte-like lipogenesis through the activation of SREBP1. Here, we report that PERK expression is highly increased in HCMV-infected cells and is necessary for HCMV growth. Depletion of PERK, using short hairpin RNA (shRNA), resulted in attenuation of HCMV growth, inhibition of lipid synthesis and reduction of lipogenic gene expression. Examination of the cleavage of SREBP proteins showed PERK depletion inhibited the cleavage of SREBP1, but not SREBP2, in HCMV-infected cells, suggesting different cleavage regulatory mechanisms for SREBP1 and 2. Further studies showed that the depletion of SREBP1, but not SREBP2, reduced lipid synthesis in HCMV infection, suggesting that activation of SREBP1 is sufficient to induce lipogenesis in HCMV infection. The reduction of lipid synthesis by PERK depletion can be partially restored by expressing a Flag-tagged nuclear form of SREBP1a. Our studies also suggest that the induction of PERK in HCMV-infected cells stimulates SREBP1 cleavage by reducing levels of Insig1 (Insulin inducible gene 1) protein; this occurs independent of the phosphorylation of eIF2α. Introduction of an exogenous Insig1-Myc into HCMV infected cells significantly reduced HCMV growth and lipid synthesis. Our data demonstrate that the induction of PERK during HCMV infection is necessary for full activation of lipogenesis; this effect appears to be mediated by limiting the levels of Insig1 thus freeing SREBP1-SCAP complexes for SREBP1 processing.
Glial reaction to nerve growth factor in the regenerating optic nerve of the newt (Triturus viridescens)

Abstract Nerve growth factor (NGF), administered as a single intraocular injection at the time of nerve transection, elicited cellular hyperplasia and hypertrophy in the astrocyte-like glial cell population of the regenerating newt (Triturus viridescens) optic nerve at 14 days postlesion. More specifically, there was a significant dose-dependent increase in the number of glial cells in response to various NGF concentrations [2 to 2000 biologic units (BU)], which correlated directly with the dose-dependent rise in the neuronal (regenerating axons) area of 14-day regenerating nerve cross sections. We refer to this phenomenon (i.e., cell hyperplasia) as a NGF dose-dependent glial cell response. Quantitation of the astrocyte-like cell perikaryal area and nuclear area, and calculation of cell: nuclear ratios indicated that cell hypertrophy was elicited by the 2000-BU dose of NGF, but not by lower NGF concentrations (i.e., 2 to 200 BU). Corroborative ultrastructural observations were even more revealing. Not only did electron micrographs verify cellular hypertrophy in the astrocyte-like glial cells, but also they revealed hypertrophy of cell processes and a massive increase in the number of microfilaments in response to the 2000-BU NGF treatment. We speculate that these phenomena may represent an NGF dose-independent glial cell response.
A dual beam study with isotopic X- and gamma-rays for in vivo lymph pool assay

Abstract Dual beam absorptiometry utilizes differential absorption of X- and gamma rays of differing energy to determine an absorber's component ratio. This principle has been applied to diverse physical and biological problems. Our method, using the 22 and 88 keV emissions from 109 Cd, resolves the lean and non-lean mammalian tissue fractions. Accuracy of 1%, and reproducibility of 1–2% is attainable in in vitro measurements. Techniques have been developed to apply this system to the more complicated applications involved in human studies. A scanning device capable of measuring limbs has been developed. Mathematical treatment provides an integrated value of lean fraction over the scanned area. Lymphedema is a painful malady in which blockage of lymph flow causes swelling and distension of the extremities. Compressive therapy is the preferred medical treatment. There has been no accurate quantitative index of the efficacy of this therapy. Our research program uses dual beam analysis as a unique quantitative measure of the lymph transport. Lymph pool change is equated to change in the lean. Five measurements are made on subjects undergoing a two week regimen of compressive therapy. These absorptiometric results are analyzed for correlation to other indices of treatment effect. Data shows a progressive decrease in the lean tissue component over the treatment period. Changes seen vary with the individual and the severity of involvement. This study showed that the largest transport rate occurs in the first treatment days. Absorptiometry accurately monitors total adipose mass, total non-adipose mass, extremely cross section, and change in lymph pooling.
BUDGETING AND THE PROPENSITY TO CREATE BUDGETARY SLACK

Abstract This paper reports the results of a field study designed to investigate how managers' propensities to create budgetary slack are affected by the budgeting system and the technical context. The results show that propensities to create slack are lower where managers participate actively in budgeting, particularly when technologies are relatively predictable. But such propensities are higher if a tight budget requires frequent tactical responses to avoid overruns.
Analysis of leaf shedding and dry matter recycling in sweetpotato

Abstract During a normal growing season, sweetpotatoes shed a substantial number of leaves (Somda and Kays, 1990b). To ascertain the potential cost of leaf loss to the plant, the sequential loss of leaves over the entire growing season was monitored and related to losses of dry matter and individual elements when leaf shedding was induced via leaf shading. The number of leaves produced increased as the season progressed, but missing leaves outnumbered by 21% those remaining on the plant by the end of the growing season. Average dry weights of individual leaves increased progressively to a maximum 14 weeks after planting, and then declined until harvest. After the 6th week, leaf area decreased relative to plant dry weight for the remainder of the growing season. Mature leaves remobilized nearly 37% of their total dry matter prior to abscission; the remaining 63% was lost from the plant, representing an estimated dry matter loss of approximately 2.8 MT/ha during the growing season. A significant portion of ...
Differential effects of lipopolysaccharide and thrombin on interleukin-8 expression in syncytiotrophoblasts and endothelial cells: Implications for fetal survival

Syncytiotrophoblasts (SCTs) are directly bathed by maternal blood and, as such, are in direct contact with proinflammatory stimuli present in the maternal circulation. The extent and nature of cytokine responses induced in SCTs play a central role in the maintenance of pregnancy. Thrombin is a critical mediator of tissue factor-initiated blood coagulation. Thrombin has been more recently demonstrated to induce cytokine expression and inflammation in several cell types. To dissect the patterns of regulation of cytokine production in the placental villus, we compared the effects of thrombin and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatments on cytokine expression in SCTs and endothelial cells. For studies, primary cultures of cytotrophoblasts from human term placentas were differentiated to SCTs. We observed that the presence of thrombin only modestly enhanced interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels in SCTs in a manner that was not dose-dependent. Conversely, SCTs were exquisitely sensitive to LPS, the presence of which induced approximately a 10-fold increase in IL-8 levels with an EC(50) approximately 1 ng/mL. Northern blotting and real-time PCR results indicated that LPS (but not thrombin) treatment induced a >4-fold increase in levels of IL-8 mRNA. The addition of the anti-inflammatory steroid, dexamethasone, significantly reduced the LPS-mediated increase in levels of IL-8 in SCTs. Conversely, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, thrombin and LPS treatments induced 10- and 20-fold increases in IL-8 expression, respectively. These results indicate that LPS, but not thrombin, promotes proinflammatory processes in SCTs, with cell-type specificity. The inability of thrombin in the intervillous space to evoke inflammatory responses in SCTs may constitute an important aspect of fetal survival. Conversely, our results suggest that SCTs do play a key role in infection-associated changes in placental cytokine expression.
The future of regional liquidity arrangements in East Asia: lessons from the global financial crisis

Abstract The global financial crisis of 2008–09 presented a critical challenge to East Asian regional financial cooperation. Over a decade of efforts to reduce regional vulnerability to financial crisis and contagion were confronted with the worst global economic crisis since the 1930s. The results for East Asia were mixed. On the one hand, no economies were forced to submit to IMF-led bailouts, as had happened so painfully in 1997–98. On the other hand, the most highly-developed component of the project of ASEAN+3 financial regionalism – the Chiang Mai Initiative (CMI), which set up a system of emergency liquidity provision – appeared irrelevant, as the central banks of South Korea and Singapore prioritized the establishment of new swap agreements with the United States as a means of ensuring dollar liquidity instead of relying on their Chiang Mai partners. Nonetheless, in May 2009, the ASEAN+3 finance ministers agreed to a substantial expansion and ‘multilateralization’ of the initiative. This paper cri...
Defenses of an unstable compromise: Crystallization inhibitors and the kidney's role in mineral regulation

Article de synthese traitant des defenses naturelles des vertebres pour retarder la nucleation et la croissance des cristaux de calcium au niveau du rein. Rappels des donnees; supersaturations et teneur urinaire en mineraux, nucleation et promoteurs, supersaturation au sein du nephron. Les moyens de defense: le citrate, la proteine de Tamm Horsfall, la nephrocalcine. Calculs urinaires et disfonctionnement du systeme protecteur