cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
KRAS mutation analysis helps to differentiate between pulmonary metastasis from colon adenocarcinoma in situ and primary lung adenocarcinoma.

A 69-year-old woman never-smoker was noted to have a solitary 4-cm lesion in the left upper lobe on routine preoperative chest x-ray before elective hip replacement. Chest computed tomography redemonstrated the spiculated 4 3.3-cm lesion. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography confirmed that the lesion was fluorodeoxyglucose-avid with no other sites of fluorodeoxyglucose avidity (Figure 1). The patient underwent a core needle biopsy of the lung lesion showing a cytokeratin (CK) 20 and caudal type homeobox transcription factor 2–positive adenocarcinoma, which was negative for CK7 and thyroid transcription factor-1. The expected immunohistochemical markers for a primary lung adenocarcinoma are CK7 and thyroid transcription factor-1, whereas the usual markers for a primary colorectal adenocarcinoma are CK20 and caudal type homeobox transcription factor 2. The patient underwent a video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy and mediastinal lymphadenectomy revealing a 3.8-cm adenocarcinoma with the same histologic (Figure 2A) and immunophenotype (Figure 3) as the previous biopsy. One inferior mediastinal lymph node (level 9L) was also involved with tumor, and levels 5, 10L, 11L, and 12L nodes were negative for disease. A colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, and capsule video enteroscopy did not show any evidence of a primary tumor. Seven years before the discovery of the lung mass, she had a 2-cm sigmoid adenoma with areas of high-grade dysplasia (Figure 2B) and carcinoma in situ resected endoscopically in a piecemeal fashion. Her resected lung tumor was sent for genetic testing and found to harbor a Kirsten ras sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) gene codon 12 GGT to GTT (glycine to valine) missense mutation (KRAS G12V). The tumor was wild-type for the epidermal growth factor receptor gene. Given there was no evidence of primary colorectal tumor on endoscopy, the archived, paraffin-embedded sigmoid adenoma was also genotyped and found to carry the same KRAS codon 12 GTT transversion. This suggested that the lung tumor was a late recurrence from the original KRAS mutant sigmoid carcinoma in situ. She was subsequently found to have multiple new pulmonary lesions.
Differences in competencies of newly licensed accountants in the United States and Great Britain

Abstract This study determined that certain competencies of licensed professional accountants vary according to accounting system. Four international accounting firms with offices in the United States and Great Britain participated in the study. The competencies of new Certified Public Accountants and Chartered Accountants were evaluated by their respective supervisors using a 63-item Likert-type questionnaire. Results indicated that differences in competencies existed for 27 (43 %) and differences in levels of competencies for 13 (21 %) of the 63 competencies on the questionnaire. The G.B. respondents ranked their observations of the competencies higher on all but four of the questionnaire items. Thus, some disharmony exists between the perceived competencies of U.S. and G.B. newly licensed accountants. Cultural differences give rise to a disparity of competencies. IFAC harmonization efforts should consider accounting systems differences when setting standards for education, training, testing, and licensure.
Measuring sorption effects at zeolite acid sites: pursuing ideas from W.O. Haag

Abstract The catalytic activity and selectivity of a Bronsted-acid site in a zeolite is affected not only by the intrinsic strength of the site but also by the environment surrounding the site. Probing the environment, which is largely the result of van der Waals attractions and repulsions with the zeolite cavity in the immediate vicinity of the site, is a challenging problem. This paper will review some recent progress on characterizing the site environment. Calorimetric results for methane adsorption in TON, MTW, and UTD-1 will be reported to demonstrate how strong the effect of pore size can be on the sorption properties. Next, the application of alkylamine temperature-programmed desorption will be discussed for discriminating Bronsted sites in the main channels of FER from those sites that are located inside the eight-ring side channels. Finally, characterization of the site environment using 13 C NMR of adsorbed CH 3 13 COCH 3 and 1 H NMR of CH 3 CN will be discussed. For coverages below one per site, it will be shown that NMR dynamical studies of these molecules in various high-silica zeolites provide important information about confinement of the molecule by its environment.
U.S. housing scholarship, planning, and policy since 1968: An introduction to the special issue

Problem: How have the main themes of housing scholarship, planning, and policy evolved since 1968, and how do they inform current scholarship? Purpose: This introduction explores how housing issues have changed over thelast 40 years, to provide a holistic context for this special issue on the future(s) of housing. Methods: I review secondary sources, and draw on them to synthesize the important themes that shape housing policy and this special issue. Results and conclusions: Increasing owner-occupied housing is still the primary housing goal, as it was 40 years ago, but recent innovations in mortgage finance thatappeared to move it nearer may have backfired. How scholars and policy and planning professionals view the housing problem for lower-income households has evolved from simple housing quantity and quality inadequacies to something more complex: lack of affordability and homelessness, inadequate coordination of existing programs, and housing as an obstacleto economic opportunity. Despite current fed...
Imaging and Percutaneous Treatment of Vascular Anomalies

Vascular anomalies are an extensive group of malformations of the arterial, venous, and lymphatic systems, either in isolation or, more often, in combination. Although mostly congenital, they can occasionally be acquired as well. They present a challenge both for workup and therapy. This article attempts to describe some of their main anomalies, their workup, and their therapies, with the goal of increasing the comfort level of endovascular therapists.
Clinical outcome of unilateral stereotactic pallidotomy without microelectrode recording for intractable Parkinson's disease

Abstract Objective: To study the effects of unilateral stereotactic pallidotomy performed without microelectrode recording for advanced Parkinson's disease. Methods: Stereotactic coordinates were calculated by comparing preoperative inversion recovery MRI sequences with intraoperative CT scans. Conventional stereotactic stimulation techniques were employed to confirm correct probe placement. Patients were assessed using a modified CAPIT protocol with the off-state UPDRS motor score as the primary efficacy measure. Results: A statistically significant decline in off-state UPDRS motor scores occurred at 2 months (21% improvement in 32 patients) and also at 1 year postoperatively (30% improvement in 12 patients). Levodopa-induced dyskinesias on the side contralateral to surgery were reduced 97% in the cohort with 1 year of follow-up. No deleterious effects of surgery on global neuropsychological functioning were seen. A major surgical complication (mild but persistent hemiparesis) occurred in one patient. Conclusions: We believe that stereotactic pallidotomy can be performed safely and effectively without microelectrode recording when coordinates are calculated using CT with comparison to preoperative MRI sequences.
Dexamethasone reduced length of hospital stay in patients with community-acquired pneumonia

Source Citation Meijvis SC, Hardeman H, Remmelts HH, et al. Dexamethasone and length of hospital stay in patients with community-acquired pneumonia: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled t...
Effects of epilimonol and starvation on feeding and oviposition by Leptinotarsa decemlineata

Epilimonol, a limonin derivative, was tested in short and long term feeding bioassays against Colorado potato beetles, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), for feeding reduction and ovipositional suppression. At dosages of 10 to 30 μg/cm2, epilimonol reduced feeding by 42% to 65% in short term no-choice assays. However, beetles did not strongly select untreated potato leaf discs over epilimonol-treated (10 μg/cm2) ones in short term choice assays. In long term tests, epilimonol at 10 μg/cm2 remained effective against feeding, caused mortality, and suppressed oviposition. Starvation (> 16 hours/day) also caused mortality and suppressed oviposition. Resume Effets de l'epilimonol et du jeune sur l'alimentation et la ponte de Leptinotarsa decemlineata Les effets de l'epilimonol, derive de la limonine, ont ete observes sur l'alimentation et la ponte de L. decemlineata au cours d'experiences d'alimentation breves ou prolongees. L'epilimonol a 10 a 30 μg/cm2 reduit de 42 a 65 % la prise de feuillage de Solanum tuberosum lors d'experiences sans choix. Au cours d'experiences prolongees, l'epilimonol a 10 μg/cm2 empeche la ponte et provoque la mort des adultes. Aucune accoutumance des adultes a l'epilimonol n'est apparue quant a l'alimentation et a la ponte. La ponte commence 3 a 5 jours apres des traitements a l'epilimonol de 9 et 25 jours. Le jeune superieur a 16/jour provoque aussi la mortalite des adultes et supprime la ponte et peut etre le mecanisme initial du a l'epilimonol. Cependant, dans des experiences breves de choix entre des rondelles de feuilles de pommes de terre traitees a 10 μg/cm2 et non traitees, L. decemlineata ne choisit pas particulierement les rondelles non traites. On peut ainsi estimer que l'epilimonol n'a que des effets mineurs ou est sans effet sur la selection de l'hote par L. decemlineata. La regression de la prise de nourriture pourrait etre due a l'action sur les sensilles gustatives de la bouche ou de de la cavite preorale qui sont moins impliquees dans le processus de selection de l'hote et plus responsables de la prise de nourriture.
Update in general internal medicine.

This year's Update in General Internal Medicine incorporates articles on thromboembolic disease, imaging, hypertension, combination therapy versus single-drug therapy, preventive medicine, pain, an...
The pre-Mendelian, pre-Darwinian world: shifting relations between genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in early multicellular evolution.

The reliable dependence of many features of contemporary organisms on changes in gene content and activity is tied to the processes of Mendelian inheritance and Darwinian evolution. With regard to morphological characters, however, Mendelian inheritance is the exception rather than the rule, and neo-Darwinian mechanisms in any case do not account for the origination (as opposed to the inherited variation) of such characters. It is proposed, therefore, that multicellular organisms passed through a pre-Mendelian, pre-Darwinian phase, whereby cells, genes and gene products constituted complex systems with context-dependent, self-organizing morphogenetic capabilities. An example is provided of a plausible ’core’ mechanism for the development of the vertebrate limb that is both inherently pattern forming and morphogenetically plastic. It is suggested that most complex multicellular structures originated from such systems. The notion that genes are privileged determinants of biological characters can only be sustained by neglecting questions of evolutionary origination and the evolution of developmental mechanisms.
Jesus as Wisdom in Mark

Mark 6:30-8:21 is a clearly unified part of the Gospel of Mark. It was elaborated from traditional materials into a complex, concentrically organized, literary structure, in order to develop a port...
Juvenile (embryonal and alveolar) rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck in adults. A clinical, pathologic, and immunohistochemical study of 12 cases

Sites in the head and neck region (orbit, nasopharynx, nasal cavity, etc.) are among the most frequent locations for juvenile (embryonal and alveolar) rhabdomyosarcomas in patients younger than 15 years; however, comparable neoplasms in adults are very uncommon. A clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of 12 juvenile rhabdomyosarcomas in patients between the ages of 18 and 36 years is presented. There was a female:male ratio of 2:1. The orbit with or without contiguous paranasal sinus involvement, nasal cavity, sphenoid sinus, middle ear, and soft tissues of the neck and preauricular region were the primary sites. Seven tumors involved a parameningeal site and eight cases were alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas which together contributed to the adverse outcome. Only two patients were long-term, disease-free survivors. Six patients have died of tumor and two others are alive with persistent disease. Immunohistochemical study in 11 cases demonstrated reactivity for vimentin and muscle-specific actin (HHF-35) and desmin in ten cases. Juvenile rhabdomyosarcoma rarely presents in the head and neck of adults but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a small cell neoplasm in patients during the third and fourth decades of life.
Surgical Technique in the Management of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in the Elderly Patient

The successful surgical treatment of a patent ductus arteriosus in a 68-year-old man is presented. A review of current methods for repair is discussed, with emphasis on the simple and safe technique described here.
Unsaturated fatty acids inhibit glucocorticoid receptor binding of trout hepatic cytosol.

Abstract 1. 1. The effect of free fatty acids [FFAs {saturated (S) and unsaturated (U)}] on dexamethasone binding in vitro using liver cytosol from rainbow trout was examined. 2. 2. All UFFAs but none of the SFFAs tested suppressed binding. This suppression is dose-dependent and correlated roughly with the degree of unsaturation of the FFAs. 3. 3. Scatchard analysis indicated that the addition of linoleic C18:2 (150 μM) increased the dissociation constant ( K d = 5.1 ± 0.4 × 10 −8 M vs control of 1.7 ± 0.3 × 10 −8 M) but minimally affected the binding capacity ( B max = 68 ± 6.2 vs control of 88 ± 15.2 fmol/mg protein) suggesting C18:2 caused a conformational change of the receptor. 4. 4. Lineweaver-Burk plot revealed a mixed non-competitive type of inhibition by C18:2. 5. 5. Free acid appeared to be required for inhibition as esterification or derivatization of the acid greatly diminished its potency. 6. 6. C18:2 also promotes the dissociation of bound [ 3 H]-dexamethasone from the steroid-receptor complex but slower in rate and lesser in magnitude compared to that caused by dexamethasone or the glucocorticoid antagonist RU 384486. 7. 7. UFFAs and some of their derivatives can thus modulate glucocorticoid receptor function in vitro and might play essential roles in regulating glucocorticoid action in fish as well. 8. 8. These fatty acids presumably acts at a site different from that of the glucocorticoid binding site.
Paraplegia and congenital contractures as a consequence of intrauterine trauma.

We present a newborn infant with paraplegia and contractures of the lower limbs, consistent with neurologic injury rather than malformation. The mother was involved in a severe motor vehicle accident during the sixth month of pregnancy. We propose that this infant's injuries are a result of that accident. Language: en
Critical current density and atomic structure of grain boundaries in high-Tcsuperconductors

Abstract Geometrical modelling of grain boundaries is applied to determine the changes in their atomic structure as a result of atomic relaxation and reconstruction induced by deformation and diffusion processes. The energy associated with the primary and secondary coincidence tilt boundaries in the superconducting Y-Ba-Cu-O oxide is evaluated. The relaxed grain boundary configuration, wherein the surfaces coalesce to maintain continuity of the atomic planes, is obtained by minimization of the total energy of the boundary. The critical current density associated with the grain boundary is determined from the tunnelling behaviour of the superconducting pairs (electrons or holes) across internal boundaries. A quantitative model is presented to express the critical current density associated with the boundary as a function of the misorientation angle and these results are found to be in good agreement with available experimental data.
Cultural differences in deception: Motivations to deceive in Samoans and North Americans

Abstract The present study examined variance in motivations for deception arising from cultural differences inherent in collectivistic and individualistic cultures. Data collected in North America and American Samoa showed that the more collectivistic Samoan participants indicated they would be more likely to attempt to deceive another when the deception was related to group or family concerns. In addition, Samoans were much more likely to attempt deception for authority-based concerns. U.S. Americans indicated they would be more likely to lie to protect their privacy or to protect the feelings of the target person. Other possible culture-based differences were noted. Suggestions for future research concerns were discussed.
Long-Term Ecological Research and Network-Level Science

With every passing year, the effects of global environmental change are becoming more pervasive and are occurring at a more accelerated pace. Climate change, land use change, atmospheric nitrogen deposition, ocean acidification and sea level rise, loss of biodiversity, and homogenization of Earth's ecosystems are all manifestations of human activities. These short- and long-term effects of environmental changes continue to mount.
How Did Replicating and Coding RNAs First Get Together

The RNA that codes for the delta hepatitis virus is made up of two parts: one that is like RNA viroids and one like a protein-coding sequence. In his Perspective, Robertson discusses the new findings by Brazas and Ganem ([p. 90][1]) in this issue of Science that there is a protein in liver cells that is strikingly like the protein coded for by the “protein-coding” part of the delta RNA. This leads Roberston to propose that this part of the delta RNA may have been “captured” from a normal cell, perhaps in the early prebiotic world, by the viroidlike RNA and might also explain the origin of introns. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.274.5284.90
Ultrahigh Pressure Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Tocopherols in B100 Biodiesel

A reversed-phase gradient ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatographic method with a water–acetonitrile mobile phase and UV detection has been developed to rapidly determine the concentration of the major tocopherol components in B100. The described method requires minimal sample preparation and provides short analysis times compatible with the needs of small to mid-size laboratories involved in B100 analyses. The objectives of this work were twofold. We wished to develop an analytical method both to rapidly screen B100 samples for their tocopherol content and to provide additional information on the source (from the distribution of tocopherols) and the nature of the processing of the B100 (absence of tocopherols would suggest distillation). Information on the tocopherol content of the B100 can be used to assess the inherent antioxidant content of the B100 and the extent to which additional stabilizers are required. The method determines the concentration of alpha, gamma and delta tocopherols and has a chromatographic run time of 4.5 min with minimal sample preparation. Calibration curves were linear over the range of 5–350 μg/mL and had correlation coefficients exceeding 0.999. The short term precision of the method was evaluated, and relative standard deviations were typically 2 % or less. Recovery of spiked tocopherols averaged 97 %.
Isolation of ripening rice (Oryza sativa L.) aleurone protoplasts for uptake studies

The aleurone layer of the developing rice (Oryza sativa L.) caryopsis is the first filial tissue in a position to take up sucrose released into the endosperm apoplast by the maternal nucellus. Adhesion of the aleurone layer to the nucellus during ripening makes it difficult to characterize sucrose transport by the aleurone layer. As an alternative, aleurone protoplasts were isolated enzymatically in a two-step process in which the cells were released from the caryopsis before the protoplasts were isolated. The procedure prevented the formation of maternal and giant (fused) aleurone protoplasts. Low protoplast yield (10% of the number of cells) was correlated with the low viability of the isolated cells. To test the utility of the protoplast system, sucrose uptake by the protoplasts was investigated using the silicone oil centrifugation technique. The concentration-dependence of the influx was biphasic and could be fitted by a function that depended on three parameters to describe the saturable and non-saturable components of the influx. These results demonstrate that it is possible to isolate protoplasts rapidly from the aleurone layer in high enough yield for protoplast uptake studies and are consistent with the aleurone layer having a saturable and a non-saturable component of sucrose influx.
Fluid Intakes and Hydration Status of Institutionalized Elderly Nursing Home Residents

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To define a range of fluid intakes at which institutionalized elderly display signs and symptoms of dehydration. Fluid status among the institutionalized elderly is an important area for dietitians working in long term care. Currently, there is a paucity of research that examines the actual fluid intake and prevalence of signs and symptoms of dehydration among nursing home residents. In this study, a five-day fluid intake and output was conducted on 42 newly admitted or readmitted nursing home residents. During this period, selected clinical and laboratory indices were measured. These included: skin turgor, urinary output, condition or oral membranes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum sodium, serum osmolality, hemoglobin and hematocrit. Information was also gathered on factors believed to affect dehydration risk including age, gender, level of feeding ability, meal consumption, and ability of residents to access fluids freely. Subjects with low fluid intakes (20-24cc/kg body weight) were able to maintain adequate hydration status. However, impaired hydration status became evident with intakes less than 20 cc/kg body weight. Subjects with poor meal intake had significantly lower fluid intakes than those with fair or good meal intakes. Individuals receiving thickened fluids also were at greater risk for developing dehydration. Dietitians should individualize fluid intake recommendations for residents in a long term care setting. Recommendations should be based in part on specific signs and symptoms of dehydration.
Direct shell acquisition by hermit crabs from gastropods

Freilandbeobachtung des Erwerbs von Schalen einer durch Raubschnecken frisch getoteten Schnecke durch Einsiedlerkrebse.
Barriers for Arene C−H Bond Activation in Platinum(II) η2-Arene Intermediates

Protonation of platinum(IV) complexes of the type Tp‘Pt(Ar)(H)(R) [Tp‘ = hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate; Ar = aryl; R = H, C6H5] with [H(OEt2)2][BAr‘4] [BAr‘4 = tetrakis(3,5-trifluoromethylphenyl)borate] results in the formation of cationic platinum(II) η2-arene complexes [κ2-(HTp‘)Pt(η2-HAr)(R)][BAr‘4] [Ar = C6H5, R = H (2); Ar = MeC6H4, R = H (4); Ar = 3,6-Me2C6H3, R = H (6); Ar = R = C6H5 (8)]. A barrier of 9.4 kcal/mol for platinum migration around the η2-p-xylene ring was calculated for complex 6 at 183 K following variable-temperature NMR measurements. Eyring analysis of hydrogen exchange between the bound benzene and the hydride ligand for cationic benzene complex 2 indicates ΔH⧧ = 11.7 ± 0.5 kcal mol-1 and ΔS⧧ = −3.8 ± 2 cal mol-1 K-1. This process is assumed to proceed via arene C−H oxidative addition to give the five-coordinate platinum(IV) phenyl dihydride intermediate 2a. Isolation of ground state η2-arene adducts with adjacent hydride ligands has allowed the barrier to oxidative add...
The Relationship of Protein Supplement to Interior Egg Quality

Abstract STUDIES on eggs, particularly with reference to yolk color and vitamin content due to different feeding and management methods have been reported by a number of investigators. Both of these factors can be controlled within rather definite limits. Data on the physical factors of interior egg quality other than yolk color are limited and methods of control generally lacking. The amount of thick white and the firmness of yolk are two of the physical factors most observed by the housewife in judging quality of an opened egg. Any information on the control of these factors as well as other physical qualities would be most important in the production of market eggs. Some investigations on the interior quality of eggs have been conducted. Sharp and Powell (1930) used yolk index (height/width) as a measure of the decrease of egg quality during storage. Hoist and Almquist (1931) made a study of the . . .
Molecular thermodynamic model for gibbs energy of mixing of nonionic surfactant solutions

A segment-based molecular thermodynamic model for the Gibbs energy of polymer solutions or oligomer solutions is used to represent the Gibbs energy of mixing for aqueous nonionic surfactant solutions. In contrast to the mass-action models and pseudophase models, which are often discussed in the literature, the Gibbs-energy model provides an explicit account of the solution nonideality, including activity coefficients of monomeric amphiphiles in the aqueous phase. The equilibrium between monomeric amphiphiles and micellar amphiphiles is described by the equal-activity relationship. The Gibbs-energy model makes it possible to use a well-accepted molecular thermodynamic framework to correlate and represent phase behaviors of aqueous nonionic surfactant solutions.
Managing New and Remanufactured Products

We study a firm that makes new products in the first period and uses returned cores to offer remanufactured products, along with new products, in future periods. We introduce the monopoly environment in two-period and multiperiod scenarios to identify thresholds in remanufacturing operations. Next, we focus our attention on the duopoly environment where an independent operator (IO) may intercept cores of products made by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to sell remanufactured products in future periods. We characterize the production quantities associated with self-selection and explore the effect of various parameters in the Nash equilibrium. Among other results, we find that if remanufacturing is very profitable, the original-equipment manufacturer may forgo some of the first-period margin by lowering the price and selling additional units to increase the number of cores available for remanufacturing in future periods. Further, as the threat of competition increases, the OEM is more likely to completely utilize all available cores, offering the remanufactured products at a lower price.
Increased drug resistance following retroviral gene transfer of a chimeric P-enolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP)-bacterial O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase gene into NRK cells

Transfection of the Escherichia coli ada gene coding for O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase results in expression of ada in mammalian cells and transmission of nitrosourea resistance to cells lacking alkyltransferase activity. We have used a replication-incompetent retrovirus to transfer into mammalian cells a chimeric gene consisting of 548 bp of the promoter-regulatory region of the gene for P-enolpyruvate carboxykinase (GTP) (EC 4.1.1.32) (PEPCK) linked to ada. The PEPCK promoter was used because it is inducible and highly expressed in liver and kidney cells both in vitro and in vivo. After retrovirus infection of the rat kidney cell line, NRK, intact proviral DNA was integrated into the genome of cloned cells. Individual NRK clones produced up to 200 units/mg protein of bacterial alkyltransferase activity compared to 65 units/mg protein of mammalian alkyltransferase in the parent cell line. Transcription of ada mRNA originating from the PEPCK promoter was induced with Bt2cAMP or dexamethasone and the combination caused a 4-fold increase in ada mRNA while total alkyltransferase activity was induced up to 2-fold. NRK clones expressing ada had up to 2.0-fold increased resistance to 1,3-bis(2- chloroethyl)-1- nitrosourea. Thus, retroviral gene transfer of the PEPCKada chimeric gene allows efficient and inducible expression of ada with a resulting increase in alkyltransferase activity and nitrosourea drug resistance. This retrovirus may be used to study the role of alkyltransferase in repair of mutagenic DNA lesions in mammalian cells in vivo.
Denial and Rehabilitation of the Post-Infarction Patient

The use of denial has been widely accepted as an adaptive and protective coping mechanism in the acute phase of myocardial infarction. Although instrumental in lowering anxiety and mortality in the...
EFFECT OF SUBSTRATE STIFFNESS ON THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF CELLS

Most biological tissues are soft viscoelastic materials with elastic moduli ranging from approximately 100 to 100,000 Pa. Recent studies have examined the effect of substrate rigidity on cell structure and function, and many, but not all cell types exhibit a strong response to substrate stiffness. Some blood cells such as platelets and neutrophils have indistinguishable structures on hard and soft materials as long as they are sufficiently adhesive, whereas many cell types, including fibroblasts and endothelial cells spread much more strongly on rigid compared to soft substrates. A few cell types such as neurons appear to extend better on very soft materials. The different response of astrocytes and neurons to the stiffness of their substrate results in preferential growth of neurons on soft gels and astrocytes on hard gels, and suggests that preventing rigidification of damaged central nervous system tissue after injury may have utility in wound healing. How cells sense substrate stiffness is unknown. One candidate protein, filamin A, which responds to externally derived stresses, was tested in melanoma cells. Cells devoid of filamin A retain the ability to sense substrate stiffness, suggesting that other proteins are required for stiffness sensing.
The fluorocarbon-ozone theory—IV. Fluorocarbon mixing and photolysis. The effects of eddy diffusion and tropospheric lifetime on stratospheric odd chlorine mixing ratios

Abstract Odd chlorine concentrations in the stratosphere arising from CCl2F2 and CCl3F are calculated using a one-dimensional model of diffusion and photolysis together with accurate production and release data. Odd chlorine mixing ratios are mapped as a function of eddy diffusion profile and tropospheric lifetime. The results allow quick conversion of ozone depletion estimates, obtained from complete one-dimensional modelling, from a given assumed tropospheric lifetime and diffusion profile to other assumed lifetimes. In addition to contributions to CIX from CCl2F2 and CCl3F, contributions from other chlorocarbons which have been detected in the troposphere, are assesssed. Our calculated estimate for the currently expected (January, 1977) total stratospheric CIX level is 1.5 ppb. Assuming there are no major calibration problems with current stratospheric CIX measurements, the measured stratospheric C1X levels are higher than calculated suggesting the possibility of other unidentified chlorine sources.
Sonographic appearance of first trimester complete hydatidiform moles

Objective Complete hydatidiform moles are now being diagnosed earlier in gestation, thus the clinical presentation and pathologic findings of complete molar pregnancy have changed. We studied the sonographic appearance of first trimester moles and the ability of ultrasound to detect them. Methods We reviewed the sonographic interpretation and sonograms, when available, from all patients with first trimester complete moles diagnosed at our institution from January 1988 to March 1996. Results Of the 24 patients in our study, the mean gestational age at time of the sonogram was 8.7 ± 2.0 weeks (mean ± SD) with a range of 5.7–12.3 weeks. The initial sonographic interpretation was a complete mole in 17 (71%) cases, partial mole versus failed pregnancy in two (8%), and failed pregnancy in five (21%) cases. Of the 22 patients with sonograms available for review, interpretation on review of the images was a complete mole in 18 (82%) cases, partial mole versus failed pregnancy in one (5%), and failed pregnancy in three (14%) cases. The typical sonographic appearance of a first trimester complete mole was a complex, echogenic, intra-uterine mass containing many small cystic spaces. Conclusion The majority of first trimester complete moles demonstrate a typical ultrasound appearance such that the diagnosis can be made with ultrasound in most cases. Copyright © 2000 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Self-Consistent Drift–Diffusion Transport in Thermoelectrics and Implications for Measuring the Scattering Parameter

We present a microscopic model of the Seebeck effect based on a generalized drift–diffusion equation and use it to predict a simple relationship between the electric field within an operating thermoelectric and the scattering parameter. Our model replicates existing theoretical results and permits an intuitive spatial picture of the Seebeck effect. A similar formalism was independently developed by Cai and Mahan, but this work includes numerical results for high dopant concentrations where the thermoelectric power factor is maximized. Based on these results, we propose that measurement of the bulk electric field should constitute a measurement of the scattering parameter, the improvement of which could lead to greater thermoelectric efficiency.
Normalized lattice pole-zero adaptive filters

Adaptive infinite impulse response (IIR) filtering algorithms in the cascade IR normalized lattice forms are developed. These algorithms correspond to the SHARF algorithm, the prefiltering algorithm, and the Stearns algorithm in the direct form case. Their stability properties are discussed and computer simulations provided to verify their convergence. >
Monotone iterations for numerical solutions of reaction‐diffusion‐convection equations with time delay

In this article we use the monotone method for the computation of numerical solutions of a nonlinear reaction-diffusion-convection problem with time delay. Three monotone iteration processes for a suitably formulated finite-difference system of the problem are presented. It is shown that the sequence of iteration from each of these iterative schemes converges from either above or below to a unique solution of the finite-difference system without any monotone condition on the nonlinear reaction function. An analytical comparison result among the three processes of iterations is given. Also given is the application of the iterative schemes to some model problems in population dynamics, including numerical results of a model problem with known analytical solution. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 14: 339–351, 1998
Structural and functional analysis of two glutamate racemase isozymes from Bacillus anthracis and implications for inhibitor design

Glutamate racemase (RacE) is responsible for converting l-glutamate to d-glutamate, which is an essential component of peptidoglycan biosynthesis, and the primary constituent of the poly-gamma-d-glutamate capsule of the pathogen Bacillus anthracis. RacE enzymes are essential for bacterial growth and lack a human homolog, making them attractive targets for the design and development of antibacterial therapeutics. We have cloned, expressed and purified the two glutamate racemase isozymes, RacE1 and RacE2, from the B. anthracis genome. Through a series of steady-state kinetic studies, and based upon the ability of both RacE1 and RacE2 to catalyze the rapid formation of d-glutamate, we have determined that RacE1 and RacE2 are bona fide isozymes. The X-ray structures of B. anthracis RacE1 and RacE2, in complex with d-glutamate, were determined to resolutions of 1.75 A and 2.0 A. Both enzymes are dimers with monomers arranged in a "tail-to-tail" orientation, similar to the B. subtilis RacE structure, but differing substantially from the Aquifex pyrophilus RacE structure. The differences in quaternary structures produce differences in the active sites of racemases among the various species, which has important implications for structure-based, inhibitor design efforts within this class of enzymes. We found a Val to Ala variance at the entrance of the active site between RacE1 and RacE2, which results in the active site entrance being less sterically hindered for RacE1. Using a series of inhibitors, we show that this variance results in differences in the inhibitory activity against the two isozymes and suggest a strategy for structure-based inhibitor design to obtain broad-spectrum inhibitors for glutamate racemases.
Application of neural networks and machine learning in network design

Communication network design is becoming increasingly complex, involving making networks more usable, affordable, and reliable. To help with this, we have proposed an expert network designer (END) for configuring, modeling, simulating, and evaluating large structured computer networks, employing artificial intelligence, knowledge representation, and network simulation tools. We present a neural network/knowledge acquisition machine-learning approach to improve the END's efficiency in solving the network design problem and to extend its scope to acquire new networking technologies, learn new network design techniques, and update the specifications of existing technologies.
Geopetal Pyrite in Fine-Grained Limestones

ABSTRACT The Late Jurassic Oberalm beds of the Northern Austrian Alps consist largely of fine-grained limestone with abundant radiolaria and other microplanktonic fossils. Pyrite occurs mainly in microscopic spheroidal aggregates (framboids) within radiolarian tests. These framboids are normally lodged in the lower part of the fossil sphere, suggesting that the pyrite was precipitated within the fossil and sank to the bottom of the sphere during early diagenesis. Subsequent precipitation of mineral matter filled the remaining void space. Thus, the pyrite as seen in thin section provides evidence of the gravitational field at the time of diagenesis and is a potential tool for recognition of tectonic overturning. In penecontemporaneous slump folds the pyrite either formed subsequent to folding, r, more likely, adjusted its position to the gravitational field in the overturned limb. Details of pyrite framboids are illustrated in electron photomicrographs.
Transferring Management Theory to Practice

The perceptions of researchers and managers are examined with regard to various aspects of the knowledge utilization process, adding an empirical dimension to earlier descriptive efforts. Substanti...
Agriculture, Free Trade, and Global Development: Some Personal Observations

Luncheon remarks given during Kansas Journal of Public Policy Symposium on Agriculture, Free Trade and Global Development.
Disodium Phosphonoacetate in Cream Base as a Possible Topical Treatment for Skin Lesions of Herpes Simplex Virus in Cebus Monkeys

Disodium phosphonoacetate (PAA) in a cream-ointment base was applied to herpesvirus skin lesions on the genitalia of cebus monkeys. The lesions had been produced by the intradermal injection of herpes simplex virus type 2. Concentrations of 0.2, 2, and 5% PAA were used. Liberal application of PAA at concentrations of 2 and 5% proved extremely irritating and produced extensive, severe lesions over the treated area. The 2% PAA, when applied carefully to the lesion area, proved less irritating, but did not reduce healing time when compared with the placebo-treated animals. The 0.2% PAA caused slight reduction in lesion size and duration, but these differences were not statistically significant when compared with placebo-treated animals.
Staged management of the open abdomen and enteroatmospheric fistulae using split-thickness skin grafts.

Abstract Background Management of the open abdomen with polyglactin 910 mesh followed by split-thickness skin grafts allows safe, early closure of abdominal wounds. This technique can be modified to manage enteroatmospheric fistulae. Staged ventral hernia is performed in a less inflamed surgical field. Methods A retrospective review was performed of 59 consecutive patients who underwent abdominal skin grafting for open abdominal wounds from 2001 to 2011. Results The median length of follow-up was 215 days. Thirty-one percent of patients presented with preexisting enteroatmospheric fistulae, and 41% required polyglactin 910 mesh placement before skin grafting. Partial or complete skin graft failure occurred in 7 patients. Four patients required repeat skin grafting. All patients ultimately achieved abdominal wound closure, and none developed de novo fistulae. Conclusions With proper technique, skin grafting of the open abdomen with a planned ventral hernia repair is a safe and effective alternative to delayed primary closure.
Empirical study to investigate the range of force feedback necessary for best operator performance in a haptic controlled excavator interface

Abstract Haptic, or touch is omnipresent of everyday human activity and provide continual and essential source of information during the performance of virtually any physical activity. A new multimodal human–machine interface “haptic controlled excavator” that uses touch is currently being developed to incorporate haptics into the design of human–excavator interface. Haptics, has great potential to increase efficiency if properly integrated into the haptic controlled excavator interface. One of the difficulties in developing the new haptic controlled excavator interface has been how to determine the range of force feedback values that produce the best operator performance. Range of force feedback was classified as no feedback, low feedback, medium feedback or high feedback based on a pilot study. An empirical study was then conducted using twenty subjects to investigate the range of force feedback that yields best operator performance. The results show that medium force feedback range produced the best operator performance, although this difference was not statistically significant. Relevant to industry In this research, an empirical study was conducted to investigate the range of force feedback that is necessary for best operator performance in the haptic controlled excavator. Results from this study will help to develop efficient haptic controlled excavator interface with proper level of force feedback, and in turn improve the human–excavator interaction.
X-IDDQ: a novel defect detection technique using IDDQ data

A statistical technique X-IDDQ for extracting defect information from IDDQ data is presented that is effective for detection of defects in ICs. The technique treats the IDDQ measurements in a holistic manner to come up with a statistic X that is highly correlated to the presence of defects. X-IDDQ facilitates binning of ICs and enhances the test process by early identification of faults. The transformation metrics, for evaluating X statistic from IDDQ measurements, obtained using one batch works extremely well for different batches, facilitating its use with manufacturing-line testing.
Flat Electrowetting Optics Based on Arrayed Light Valves and Microprisms

The University of Cincinnati has launched a broad program in flat electrowetting optics for displays, beam steering, retroreflectors, and electro-camouflage. An overview of the performance outlook and leading challenges for these early-stage technologies is presented.
Short-term memory span: insights from sign language

Short-term memory (STM), or the ability to hold information in mind for a few seconds, is thought to be limited in its capacity to about 7 ± 2 items. Notably, the average STM capacity when using American Sign Language (ASL) rather than English is only 5 ± 1 items. Here we show that, contrary to previous interpretations, this difference cannot be attributed to phonological factors, item duration or reduced memory abilities in deaf people. We also show that, despite this difference in STM span, hearing speakers and deaf ASL users have comparable working memory resources during language use, indicating similar abilities to maintain and manipulate linguistic information. The shorter STM span in ASL users therefore confirms the view that the spoken span of 7 ± 2 is an exception, probably owing to the reliance of speakers on auditory-based rather than visually based representations in linguistic STM, and calls for adjustments in the norms used with deaf individuals.
Computational Analysis of Catheter-Tip Geometries for Optimizing Drug Infusion in Arterial Blood Flow

Intra-arterial infusion therapy is an effect ive treat ment of localized malignant diseases. This type oftherapy reduces systemic to xicity and enhances tumor response. However, poor mixing and non-uniform drug dispersion can lead to a buildup of toxic local concentrations and thereby decrease the effectiveness of the therapy. In this study, we investigate the mixing properties of six catheters with varying tip geometries to address the problem of local to xicity. Using a 3D, turbulent, incompressible, t wo-fluid, unsteady formulat ion, the goal of the study is to qualitatively co mpare and determine which catheter-tip geometries produce the most optimal mixing characteristics distal to the catheter tip and deliver the highest drug concentration to the vessel walls. The open-source code OpenFOAM is used to model blood and drug flow dynamics. Our resultsshow that modified catheters with side holes exh ibitthe best spreading and mixing properties andthat lower-viscositydrug solutions are more effective than higher-viscosity drug solutionsat the same injection flow rates.
Environmental Control of Microbial Gene Expression and Evolution

The survival of microorganisms is dependent on their ability to respond to a changing environment. In the very stressed environment of the CF lung, with salty and dehydrated mucus, the microorganisms need to protect themselves from losing their intracellular water and one way to accomplishing this is to produce an exopolysaccharide capsule with strong gelling properties as a barrier to dehydration. It is interesting that the algD promoter is activated by those environmental factors that are characteristic of the CF disease, which explains why CF patients are particularly vulnerable to infections by mucoid P. aeruginosa. It is also interesting to note that the alginate capsule, which is presumably produced to protect P. aeruginosa from intracellular dehydration, also affords protection The activation of the algD promoter has been measured by measuring catechol 2,3-dioxygenase (C230) activity, since a construct containing the xylE gene placed under the algD promoter was used in these experiments (see ref. 18 and 19). One unit of catechol 2,3-dioxygenase activity is defined as the amount of enzyme oxidizing one mmol of catechol to 2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde, a product with a molar extinction coefficient of 4.4 × 104 at 375 nm. against antibiotics and antibodies to the detriment of the human patients. When the environment is beset with chlorinated compounds, the immediate response of natural microorganisms is to evolve degradative genes in the form of a plasmid. As a first step, they tend to recruit genes that allow degradation of a structurally analogous non-chlorinated compound, which undergo mutational or recombinational divergence to the appropriate genes whose products have broad substrate specificities to include chlorinated compounds. Such evolutionary processes apparently are not very effective for highly chlorinated compounds for which appropriate enzyme systems have not yet fully developed. In a single incidence of directed evolution, the chromosomal DNA shows the presence of multiple copies of a transposable element near the evolved genes, suggesting that an accelerated process of evolution may bypass the requirement of genetic relatedness of the evolved genes to the genome of the recruiting cells.