cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acivicin-induced alterations in renal and hepatic glutathione concentrations and in γ-glutamyltransferase activities

gamma-Glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT) catalyzes the hydrolysis of glutathione, glutathione S-conjugates, and gamma-substituted l-glutamate derivatives. Acivicin is an irreversible inhibitor of gamma-GT that has been used to study the role of gamma-GT in glutathione homeostasis and glutathione-dependent bioactivation reactions. The present studies were undertaken because of reported conflicting effects of acivicin on the nephrotoxicity of some haloalkenes that undergo glutathione-dependent bioactivation. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that acivicin may alter renal glutathione concentrations; acivicin-induced changes in renal glutathione concentrations may alter the susceptibility of the kidney to the nephrotoxic effects of haloalkenes. Hence, diurnal and acivicin-induced changes in renal and hepatic glutathione concentrations along with renal and hepatic gamma-GT activities were investigated. The previously observed diurnal variations in hepatic glutathione concentrations in fed rats were confirmed, but no diurnal variations were observed in renal glutathione concentrations or in renal or hepatic gamma-GT activities. Renal and hepatic glutathione concentrations and gamma-GT activities were measured in tissue homogenates from rats given 0, 0.1, or 0.2 mmol acivicin/kg (i.p.) and killed 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, or 24 hr later. Renal glutathione concentrations were increased above control values in acivicin-treated rats, whereas acivicin had no effect on hepatic glutathione concentrations. Renal gamma-GT activities decreased within 2 hr after giving acivicin and remained decreased for 24 hr. Acivicin had no effect on hepatic gamma-GT activities, except at 24 hr after treatment when values in acivicin-treated rats were elevated compared with controls. Although the present studies do not afford an explanation of the mechanism whereby acivicin increases the nephrotoxicity of some haloalkenes, they do indicate that acivicin is not a reliable probe to investigate the role of gamma-GT in haloalkene-induced nephrotoxicity.
Theopalauamide, a Bicyclic Glycopeptide from Filamentous Bacterial Symbionts of the Lithistid Sponge Theonella swinhoei from Palau and Mozambique

Theopalauamide (1) is the major bicyclic peptide from the symbiotic filamentous eubacteria that are found in the interior of Theonella swinhoei from Palau. It was also isolated from T. swinhoei from Mozambique. The structure of theopalauamide was determined by analysis of spectroscopic data, and its stereochemistry was determined by chemical degradation and analysis of the products by chiral GC-MS. The minor peptide, isotheopalauamide (2), was shown to be a stable conformational isomer that was formed by TFA-catalyzed equilibration during the isolation procedure.
A gravity operated recoil transfer system

Abstract This letter describes a system with which reaction recoils caught on aluminum leaf catchers at the reaction site are transferred to the counting site by gravity. The technique allows a reproducible high collection efficiency and rapid (
Studies by Electron Microscopy of Epidermis After Topical Application of Mercuric Chloride Morphologic and Histochemical Findings in Epidermal Cells of Human Subjects Who do not show Allergic Sensitivity or Primary Irritant Reactions to Mercuric Chloride (0.1

The morphologic and histochemical changes seen by electron microscopy after a single topical application of mercuric chloride 10.1% to the skin of subjects not sensitive to it were studied. Whereas signs of injury are not detectable clinically in subjects not sensitive to mercury, they can be detected at the ultrastructural level. The ultrastructure shows varying degrees of cell degeneration which becomes more pronounced the longer the exposure to mercuric chloride. After topical application of mercuric chloride the following was observed: 1) glycogen deposits appeared in cytoplasm of some Langerhans' cells: 2) lysosome-like bodies appeared in keratinocytes, Langerhans' cells and rarely in melanocytes; 3) electron-dense deposits were demonstrable in keratinocytes, Langerhans' cells and melanocytes after specimens were processed with glutaraldehyde, ammonium sulfide and osmium tetroxide; and 4) cells with features of both kerationcytes and Langerhans' cells appeared. Cells in different parts of each specimen showed various degrees of involvement. The findings reported here serve as a basis for comparison of changes seen in clinically reactive skin sites in allergic sensitivity or primary irritant reactions to mercuric chloride.
Towards addressing common security issues in smart grid specifications

Smart grid standards initiatives aim to coordinate the development of protocols and model standards for interoperability. The smart grid derives its functionality from several existing technologies and standards. At issue is that most of these base standards were developed for specific functionality and security was added later. As such, most standards do not have a unified and comprehensive approach to security, which results in security gaps in these standards. In this paper, we investigate common security issues in smart grid standards that employ communication protocols and the common causes for these issues. We then propose security considerations for developing these standards; to address them, we develop guidelines for drafting security into smart grid standards either when they are updated or when new standards are developed. We draw examples from the ZigBee Smart Energy Profile standard for security requirements, objectives, and to make recommendations for designing security in similar standards. We finally present a retrospective discussion of how following our recommendations would have improved the ZigBee Smart Energy Profile standard by including security in a unified and comprehensive way.
Reduced myocardial blood flow during left ventricular assist device support: a possible cause of premature bypass graft closure.

Our aim was to determine the effect of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation on bypass graft patency and to measure myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO 2 ) and blood flow during LVAD support. Five patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and required LVAD implantation for post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock had coronary angiography during device support to assess graft patency. Positron emission tomography measurements were made in a separate cohort of LVAD patients with dilated cardiomyopathy to assess the effects of LVAD support on MVO 2 and myocardial blood flow. In this small series, LVAD unloading led to a high rate of premature graft occlusion in post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock patients supported with a device; whereas, positron emission tomography measurements showed significantly reduced MVO 2 and myocardial flood flow in dilated cardiomyopathy patients supported with an LVAD, compared with healthy subjects. Reduced myocardial blood flow may be implicated in the premature graft failure observed in post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock patients and may negatively impact the potential for myocardial recovery and device weaning in this population.
Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) inhibits cellular proliferation in melanoma.

Background. Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP6) is a naturally occurring polyphosphorylated carbohydrate found in food sources high in fiber content. We have previously reported IP6 to have significant inhibitory effects against pancreatic cancer in vitro. We hypothesized that the IP6 would significantly inhibit cell growth of cutaneous melanoma in vitro. Materials and methods. The melanoma line HTB68 was cultured using standard techniques and treated with IP6 at doses ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 mM/well. Cell viability was measured by MTT at 72 h. VEGF production was measured in the cell supernatants by ELISA. Apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V-FITC and results calculated using FACS analysis. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA. Results. Significant reductions (P < 0.001) in cellular proliferation were observed with IP6. Overall, IP6 exhibited a mean inhibition of cell growth of 52.1 ± 11.5% (range, 1.6-83.0%) at 72 h of incubation. VEGF production was significantly reduced (P < 0.001) by the addition of IP6 (7.5 pg/ml) compared to control (40.9 pg/ml). IP6 significantly increased (P = 0.029) late apoptosis from 5.3 to 7.0% gated events. No changes in necrosis or early apoptosis were observed. Conclusions. Adjuvant treatment of melanoma continues to challenge clinicians and patients. Our findings that IP6 significantly decreased cellular growth, VEGF production and increased late apoptosis in melanoma suggest its potential therapeutic value. Further in vivo studies are planned to evaluate safety and clinical utility of this agent.
Anharmonic oscillator model for driven and vacuum-field Rabi oscillations

The dynamics of electronic excitations coupled to photons in semiconductor microcavities is discussed using an anharmonic oscillator model to represent the electronic excitations. It is shown that this description, unlike the harmonic oscillator model, exhibits driven Rabi oscillations in addition to vacuum-field Rabi splitting, and the magnitude of the anharmonicity needed is discussed. In the limit of large anharmonicity, a two-level description of the electronic excitations is recovered. A picture of the anharmonicity arising from exciton-exciton interactions is discussed.
Reconfiguring Supply Chains for a Global Automotive Industry

As the industrial landscape is altered by emerging markets like China and India and the bankruptcy of Detroit automakers and their parts suppliers, motor vehicle firms are reconfiguring their supply chains in order to be cost-competitive on a global basis. Backup capacity and cross-docking are being incorporated into just-in-time delivery systems in an attempt to keep car prices affordable for first-time buyers. This will entail a rebuilding of the global alliances between automakers and key component suppliers that lead to stringent quality standards, adhered-to-delivery schedules, and productivity increases which are needed to keep operating, procurement, and distribution costs under control.
Extended red objects and stellar-wind bow shocks in the Carina Nebula

We report the results of infrared photometry on 39 extended red objects (EROs) in the Carina Nebula, observed with the Spitzer Space Telescope. Most EROs are identified by bright, extended 8.0 um emission, which ranges from 10'' to 40'' in size, but our sample also includes 4 EROs identified by extended 24 um emission. Of particular interest are nine EROs associated with late O or early B-type stars and characterized by arc-shaped morphology, suggesting dusty, stellar-wind bow shocks. These objects are preferentially oriented towards the central regions of the Carina Nebula, suggesting that these bow shocks are generally produced by the interactions of OB winds with the bulk expansion of the H II region rather than high proper motion. We identify preferred regions of mid-infrared color space occupied by our bow shock candidates, which also contain bow shock candidates in M17 and RCW 49 but are well-separated from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emission or circumstellar discs. Color cuts identify an additional 12 marginally-resolved bow shock candidates, 10 of which are also associated with known late O or early B stars. H II region expansion velocities derived from bow shock candidate standoff distances are ~10 km/s, assuming typical H II region gas densities, comparable to expansion velocities derived from bow shocks in M17 and RCW 49. One candidate bow shock provides direct evidence of physical interaction between the massive stellar winds originating in the Trumpler 15 and Trumpler 14 clusters, supporting the conclusion that both clusters are at similar heliocentric distances.
Standards for Patient-Reported Outcome–Based Performance Measures

Butthisworkhaslargelyoccurredoutsidethework-flowsofthosedeliveringcareandthevocabularyofper-formance measurement. Although data about pa-tients’impressionsoforexperienceswithcaredelivery(ie, satisfaction) are routinely collected, reports aboutsymptoms,functionalstatus,orqualityoflifearenot.To close this gap, recent initiatives by several ma-jorUSorganizationsinvolvedwiththedevelopment,en-dorsement,andimplementationofperformancemea-sures have converged on approaches for collecting,analyzing,andreportingoutcomesthatpatientsnoticeandcareabout(ie,patient-centered).The National Quality Forum (NQF), the NationalCommitteeforQualityAssurance(NCQA),andanum-ber of US medical specialty societies have moved for-wardwithinitiativestopromotetheuseofPROsasaba-sis for performance measurement. These effortsrecognize the need to move from a PRO measure(PROM) to a PRO-based performance measure (PRO-PM),whichspecifieshowpatient-reporteddataareag-gregatedandinterpretedtoreflectperformance(Box).InJanuary2013,theNQFproducedareportoutlin-ingapathwaytotheendorsementofPRO-PMsandcri-teria for evaluating them for endorsement as US na-tionalvoluntaryconsensusstandards.
PRC2 during vertebrate organogenesis: a complex in transition

During organogenesis, tissues expand in size and eventually acquire consistent ratios of cells with dazzling diversity in morphology and function. During this process progenitor cells exit the cell cycle and execute differentiation programs through extensive genetic reprogramming that involves the silencing of proliferation genes and the activation of differentiation genes in a step-wise temporal manner. Recent years have witnessed expansion in our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms that contribute to cellular differentiation and maturation during organ development, as this is a crucial step toward advancing regenerative therapy research for many intractable disorders. Among such epigenetic programs, the developmental roles of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), a chromatin remodeling complex that mediates silencing of gene expression, have been under intensive examination. This review summarizes recent findings of how PRC2 functions to regulate the transition from proliferation to differentiation during organogenesis and discusses some aspects of the remaining questions associated with its regulation and mechanisms of action.
End-to-end optical design for high-altitude balloon experiment tracking and pointing system

The high altitude balloon experiment (HABE) optical system is designed to address target tracking and pointing issues. The HABE optical system is based on a 60 cm telescope and involves an IR (4.4 micrometers ) tracking camera with a 2.3 mrad field of view and a visible (0.532 micrometers ) tracking camera with a 0.257 mrad field of view. An inertial reference alignment laser controls a fast- steering mirror to point a marker laser at the target. The basic optical layout and the optical design issues are discussed. Diffraction-limited performance was achieved for the design of the imaging cameras.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Photoreactivable sectors and the systematics of the genusPichia

Es wird der Beweis erbracht, dass photoreaktivierungsfahige Sektoren von Zellen einen zusatzlichen Affinitatsparameter zwischer Hefen der GattungenHansenula undPichia bilden und vielleicht wertvolle Daten fur die endgultige Erschliessung der intragenerischen Phylogenie derPichia liefern.
Stratification of microbial metabolic processes and redox potential change in an aerobic biofilm studied using microelectrodes

In this study we used oxygen, sulfide, redox potential and pH microelectrodes to examine the stratification of microbial metabolic processes and the change of redox potential within an aerobic biofilm used to treat azo dye containing wastewater. These microelectrodes have tip diameters of 3 to 20 μm and a high spatial resolution. They were used to measure the profiles of oxygen, total dissolved sulfide, redox potential and pH as a function of depth in the biofilm. These profiles demonstrated that oxygen was depleted at 550 μm from the surface and the deeper section of the biofilm was actually anaerobic. While aerobic oxidation took place only in a shallow layer near the surface, sulfate reduction occurred in the deeper anaerobic zone, even with a low concentration of sulfate (6.75 mg/l as SO2−) in the bulk solution. We discovered a sharp decrease of redox potential (271 mV) from a positive potential to a negative potential within a very narrow band of 50 μm near the interface between the aerobic zone and the sulfate reduction zone. The new experimental findings support the concept of stratification of the microbial metabolic processes in biofilms.
Fluorescence quenching effects of nanocrystalline diamond surfaces

Undoped diamond has conductive properties when terminated by hydrogen and exposed to air or aqueous solution. Here, it is shown that nanocrystalline diamond, fabricated with hydrogen termination and deposited on quartz substrates using chemical vapor deposition, significantly quenched the fluorescence of adsorbed, dye-labeled fibrinogen protein in aqueous solutions at near neutral pH. Smaller levels of quenching were observed from oxygen terminated NCD surfaces. We suggest that these near-surface fluorescence quenching effects may arise from surface conductance effects in hydrogen terminated NCD. It is also shown that despite bulk quenching effects, single molecules of fibrinogen could be imaged on nanocrystalline diamond surfaces using epi-fluorescence techniques.
Four faces of baroreflex failure: hypertensive crisis, volatile hypertension, orthostatic tachycardia, and malignant vagotonia.

BACKGROUND: The baroreflex normally serves to buffer blood pressure against excessive rise or fall. Baroreflex failure occurs when afferent baroreceptive nerves or their central connections become impaired. In baroreflex failure, there is loss of buffering ability, and wide excursions of pressure and heart rate occur. Such excursions may derive from endogenous factors such as stress or drowsiness, which result in quite high and quite low pressures, respectively. They may also derive from exogenous factors such as drugs or environmental influences. METHODS AND RESULTS: Impairment of the baroreflex may produce an unusually broad spectrum of clinical presentations; with acute baroreflex failure, a hypertensive crisis is the most common presentation. Over succeeding days to weeks, or in the absence of an acute event, volatile hypertension with periods of hypotension occurs and may continue for many years, usually with some attenuation of pressor surges and greater prominence of depressor valleys during long-term follow-up. With incomplete loss of baroreflex afferents, a mild syndrome of orthostatic tachycardia or orthostatic intolerance may appear. Finally, if the baroreflex failure occurs without concomitant destruction of the parasympathetic efferent vagal fibers, a resting state may lead to malignant vagotonia with severe bradycardia and hypotension and episodes of sinus arrest. CONCLUSIONS: Although baroreflex failure is not the most common cause of the above conditions, correct differentiation from other cardiovascular disorders is important, because therapy of baroreflex failure requires specific strategies, which may lead to successful control.
Lentivirus transduction of human osteoclast precursor cells and differentiation into functional osteoclasts

Gene transfer into stem cells has been an ongoing priority as a treatment for genetic disease and cancer for more than two decades. Methods described herein, form the basis for providing the cell source to determine if osteoclast precursor cells (OcP) can be used as therapeutic gene delivery systems in vivo. Osteoclasts and tumor associated macrophages or OcP, support survival, tumor progression and osteolysis in bone cancers. Two sources of precursor cells are compared: CD14+ cells, the standard OcP, found abundantly in peripheral blood and CD34+ cells, hematopoietic stem cells that are rare, but which can be expanded into OcP. Our findings characterize cell yield at each step of the transduction process and thus provide essential data for planning future in vivo experiments. In addition we demonstrate that essential functions of OcP are preserved following lentiviral transduction. Specifically, neither the transduction method nor the lentiviral transduction influence the OcP's ability to form osteoclasts, express the marker gene, EGFP, or resorb bone. Finally, we conclude that CD34+ cells yield significantly more transduced cells and form functionally superior osteoclasts in vitro. This study represents a step towards considering human gene therapy for bone cancer by demonstrating successful transduction of human OcP for use as cellular delivery vehicles to sites of bone cancer.
The steady-state distribution of the Mt/M/∞ queue with a sinusoidal arrival rate function

Abstract The number of customers in a stable M t / G I / n queue with a periodic arrival rate function and n servers has a proper steady-state limiting distribution if the initial place within the cycle is chosen uniformly at random. Insight is gained by examining the special case with infinitely many servers, exponential service times and a sinusoidal arrival rate function. Heavy-traffic limits help explain an unexpected bimodal form. The peakedness (ratio of the variance to the mean) can be used for approximations with finitely many servers.
Theory of optically pumped submillimeter lasers

Theoretical models of the operating characteristics of both pulsed and CW optically pumped submillimeter (SMM) lasers are reviewed. The SMM laser gain is discussed for both pressure and Doppler broadened transitions. A review is given of expressions for SMM laser gain based on quantum mechanical calculations in a three-level molecular system.
Putting the Comprehension in Metacomprehension

The purpose of the present study was to integrate some current theories of text comprehension with the body of work on metacomprehension, and especially the calibration of comprehension monitoring. This article explores some important methodological and conceptual issues, inspired by current theories in the text comprehension literature, which suggest that the nature of the texts used for metacomprehension studies may be a critical, and currently unrecognized, factor that should be considered. First, we need to re-examine what we mean by "comprehension," and how we should measure it. There are important differences between memory for text and comprehension of text that need to be considered. Second, to fully deal with these concerns, we need to pay more attention to the kinds of expository text that are being used, the different ways in which readers may understand these texts, and how readers may interpret the concept of "understanding" as they make their judgments.
Laser Plasma Production of Metal and Metal Compound Complexes with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Gas-phase complexes of metals and/or metal compounds with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are produced by covaporization of materials in a laser plasma source and detected using a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Mixtures of metal powder, metal salts, metal oxides, or other materials with the PAH of interest are ablated and ionized with a pulsed Nd:YAG laser. Mass spectroscopy reveals that transition and rare earth metals efficiently produce both monoligand and sandwich complexes of the form M + (PAH)x, with x ) 1, 2. Surprisingly, both iron and cobalt resist the formation of complexes when pure metal powder is employed, but produce them efficiently when salts, oxides, or organometallics are employed. Covaporization of the organometallic-﷿ complexes iron cyclopentadienyl and dibenzene chromium with PAHs yields both homoligand and heteroligand complexes. Transition metal oxides and chlorides produce monoligand complexes exclusively. In contrast, rare earth oxides produce both monoligand and sandwich complexes, presumably due to the increased ionic radius of the metal center.
Anemia: an independent predictor of death and hospitalizations among elderly patients with atrial fibrillation.

Background Anemia and atrial fibrillation (AF) are common among the elderly. Anemia is an independent predictor of mortality and morbidity for numerous cardiovascular and noncardiovascular diseases, but the association of anemia with mortality and hospitalizations in patients with AF requires clarification. Methods Subjects were 13,067 Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized with AF and included in the National Registry of Atrial Fibrillation II data set. Index hospitalization hematocrit (Hct) was obtained by structured chart abstraction. Cox proportional hazards models quantified the association of Hct with mortality and re-hospitalizations during a median follow-up period of 12 months. Results The mean age was 79.8 years, 58% were women, and the mean Hct was 39.2%. Hematocrit was significantly ( P P = .006 for interaction). Compared to the category 40% to 44.9%, the risk of rehospitalization was increased to 28% (adjusted hazard ratio 1.28, 95% CI 1.15-1.43) in the Hct category 25% to 29.9%. Conclusion Anemia is an independent predictor of mortality and of hospitalizations in elderly patients with AF. Studies are needed to assess the effect of treatment of anemia on clinical outcomes.
Ability of insulin to modulate hepatic glucose production in aging rats is impaired by fat accumulation.

Increased total fat mass (FM) and visceral fat (VF) may account in part for age-associated decrease in hepatic insulin action. This study determined whether preventing the changes in body fat distr...
Reduced crustal magnetization beneath the active sulfide mound, TAG hydrothermal field, Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 26°N

Abstract A detailed near-bottom magnetic field survey was carried out by the submersibleAlvin over the actively venting mound located within the TAG (Trans-Atlantic Geotraverse) hydrothermal field on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 26°08′N, 44°49′W. Three-dimensional analysis of these data clearly shows a distinct zone of reduced magnetization directly beneath the active mound. This magnetization low is consistent with the highly altered upflow zone of a hydrothermal vent system that feeds the actively venting mound structure. In contrast, the sea surface magnetic anomaly is associated with a broad 2 × 8 km magnetization low elongated along the axis, that includes both the active and inactive mounds. The short-wavelength (250 m), near-bottom magnetic anomaly over the active mound is far too small to produce the long-wavelength (8 km) sea surface magnetic anomaly at TAG however, and even a collection of mounds with similar magnetic structure cannot produce the magnetic moment needed to generate the sea surface anomaly. Other hypotheses, including reversely magnetized crust and structurally thinned crust could account for the sea surface anomaly but are considered unlikely. The existence of vigorous hydrothermal activity at TAG and the lack of microseismic activity in the TAG area suggests that thermal demagnetization is the prime contributor to the sea surface anomaly. The thermal halo associated with a largely solid but still hot intrusion would provide sufficient demagnetization on a kilometer scale to produce the long-wavelength sea surface anomaly. Pervasive alteration at depth would also be an important factor in the destruction of crustal magnetization and is the only way that such a long-wavelength magnetic signal could be preserved in the crust. The overall model of crustal magnetization at a hydrothermal field with discrete zones of demagnetization in the upper crust and a broader zone of demagnetization at depth is consistent with studies of hydrothermal systems in ophiolite suites. These studies show narrow alteration pipes in the upper crust feeding the exhalative seafloor deposits and pervasive alteration at depth which commonly have associated late-stage intrusive bodies [1]. While detailed magnetic surveys may provide some clues to the location of oceanic hydrothermal upflow zones, only drilling will ultimately test these hypotheses.
FIZZ, FROTH, FLAT: The Challenge of Converting China's SOEs into Shareholding Corporations

China's attempts to convert its state firms into shareholding corporations have failed to alter SOE management behavior. This article examines this failure by looking at the flotation of Tsingtao Brewery shares in Hong Kong. The article argues that for reforms to be meaningful, changes need to be made to economic, political and legal institutions by which SOEs operate. These changes, such as allowing SOE directors managerial autonomy and clarifying areas of the Company Law, create incentives for managers to run their firms as business entities responsive to market forces and responsible to their investors.
A Market Share Approach to International Trade: A Longitudinal Analysis of Triad Competitiveness

In this longitudinal extension of a 1983 study by Hawes and Rao, the issue of national competitiveness is examined through the use of a market share approach. Utilizing a shift share methodology, this paper reports a substantial increase in the market power of the Triad economies, particularly Japan, among the 25 largest import economies during the 1980s.
External validation of the Ferguson pulmonary risk score for predicting major pulmonary complications after oesophagectomy

OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary complications remain a frequent cause of morbidity in patients undergoing oesophagectomy. Risk screening tools assist in patient stratification. Ferguson proposed a risk score system to predict major pulmonary complications after oesophagectomy. Our objective was to externally validate this risk score system. METHODS: We analysed our institutional database for patients undergoing oesophagectomy for cancer from August 2009 to December 2012. We analysed patients who had complete documentation of variables used in the Ferguson risk score calculation: forced expiratory volume in the 1 s, diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, performance status and age. One hundred and thirty-six patients qualified for analysis in the validation study. Outcome variables measured included major pulmonary complications, defined as need for reintubation for respiratory failure and pneumonia. The risk score was then calculated for each individual based on the model. Incidence of major pulmonary events was assessed in the five risk class groupings to assess the discriminative ability of the Ferguson score. RESULTS: Major pulmonary complications occurred in 35% of patients (47/136). Overall mortality was 6% (8/136). Patients were grouped into five risk categories according to their Ferguson pulmonary risk score: 0–2, 8 patients (6%); 3–4, 24 patients (18%); 5–6, 49 patients (36%); 29 patients (21%); 9–14, 26 patients (19%). The incidence of major pulmonary complications in these categories was 0, 17, 20, 41 and 77%, respectively. The accuracy of the risk score system for predicting major pulmonary complications was 76% (P< 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This pulmonary risk scoring system is a reliable instrument to be used during the preoperative phase to differentiate patients who may be at higher risk for pulmonary complications after oesophagectomy. These data can assist in patient selection, and in patient education/informed consent and can guide postoperative management.
Summary: Integration of Legacy Grid Systems with Emerging Grid Standards

The open grid services architecture (OGSA) addresses the need for standardization of diverse grid services by defining a set of core capabilities and behaviors needed by loosely coupled, service-oriented grid architectures. These OGSA standards and interfaces are based on ubiquitous, platform-neutral, technologies like SOAP, XML, and Web services. This paper briefly describes our OGSA proxy implementation that interconnects legacy Legion grids with grids that support the emerging OGSA specifications. Specifically we have constructed proxy services that support OGSA-ByteIO, WS-Directory, and WS-Naming
Air-stable, high-conduction solid electrolytes of arsenic-substituted Li4SnS4

Lithium-ion-conducting solid electrolytes show promise for enabling high-energy secondary battery chemistries and solving safety issues associated with conventional lithium batteries. Achieving the combination of high ionic conductivity and outstanding chemical stability in solid electrolytes is a grand challenge for the synthesis of solid electrolytes. Herein we report the design of aliovalent substitution of Li4SnS4 to achieve high conduction and excellent air stability based on the hard and soft acids and bases theory. The solid electrolyte of composition Li3.833Sn0.833As0.166S4 has a high ionic conductivity of 1.39 mS cm−1 at 25 °C. Considering the high Li+ transference number, this phase conducts Li+ as well as carbonate-based liquid electrolytes. This research also addresses the compatibility of the sulfide-based solid electrolytes through chemical passivation.
Distributed application launching for high quality graphics in synchronous distance education

Previous ITiCSE papers have reported on Network EducationWare (NEW), an open source software system that supports synchronous and asynchronous distance education easily and inexpensively via the Internet. This paper reports on an innovative capability recently added to NEW that enables simultaneous execution of applications on all participating computers in both Windows and Linux systems, and explains how we have used this capability to teach a course in Computer Graphics online. Teaching graphics in this way previously was impossible because transmitting the visual output of graphics programs in real time with good quality is too demanding for normal Internet connections. This problem was solved by using the NEW application launcher to invoke Java classes, provided by the instructor, on all student computers simultaneously. The capability works with modest Internet capacity and also is captured in recorded sessions for asynchronous use. We explain how the NEW capability works and describe its use in online teaching of Computer Graphics.
Photonic networks-on-chip: Opportunities and challenges

As the number of processing cores that are integrated into a chip multiprocessors (CMP) continues to grow, the network-on-chip paradigm has emerged as a promising solution to address the problem of providing a robust interconnect network among them. In future high-performance CMPs, however, the high bandwidth requirements for both intra-chip and off-chip communication are severely challenging the electronic communications infrastructure to meet these demands without consuming a large fraction of the overall on-chip power-dissipation budget. The introduction of photonic technology for on-chip communication holds the promise of delivering scalable bandwidth-per-watt performance that cannot be achieved using only electronic communication. After reviewing the key recent technologies advances that are making possible the integration of photonic devices with CMOS processes, we describe a hybrid micro-architecture for NoCs that combines a broadband photonic circuit-switched network with an electronic packet-switched control network and we discuss the pros and cons of using two different network topologies to implement it.
Identification of Two Neutralizing Regions on the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Spike Glycoprotein Produced from the Mammalian Expression System

The Spike (S) protein of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) plays important roles in viral pathogenesis and potentially in the development of an effective vaccine against this virulent infectious disease. In this study, the codon-optimized S gene of SARS-CoV was synthesized to construct DNA vaccine plasmids expressing either the full-length or segments of the S protein. High titer S-specific immunoglobulin G antibody responses were elicited in rabbits immunized with DNA against various segments of the S protein. Two neutralizing domains were identified on the S protein, one at the N terminus (Ser12-Thr535) and the other near the C terminus (Arg797-Ile1192).
Combining botulinum toxin and phenol to manage spasticity in children.

Abstract Gooch JL, Patton CP. Combining botulinum toxin and phenol to manage spasticity in children. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:1121-4. Objective To describe the specific techniques and adverse reactions of using concurrent, multiple injections of both botulinum toxin and phenol to manage spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and other neurologic conditions. Design A retrospective case series. Setting A tertiary care children's hospital. Participants Consecutive patients (N=68) with spasticity related to CP or other neurologic conditions. Intervention Ninety injection sessions combining botulinum toxin and phenol to manage spasticity. Main outcome measure Documentation of adverse reactions. Results The mean phenol dosage was 9.5mL at a mean of 0.6mL/kg per injection dose. The mean botulinum toxin type A (Botox) dose injected was 193U (12U/kg), and the mean of botulinum toxin type B (Myobloc) dose injected was 7750U (530U/kg). The mean number of muscles injected was 14. Adverse reactions are described but were infrequent. Dysesthetic hand pain occurred in 2 patients. One patient developed a systemic reaction to Myobloc. Conclusions Using botulinum toxin and phenol injections allowed many muscles to be injected to manage spasticity in children with CP and other neurologic conditions. Using this combination allowed an increased number of injections at the maximal recommended dose.
What do mothers think about concurrent breast-feeding and smoking?

Objective According to newer policies of the American Academy of Pediatrics, smoking is not contraindicated with breast-feeding, yet smokers initiate and maintain breast-feeding less often than nonsmokers. We sought to describe maternal knowledge and attitudes regarding concurrent breast-feeding and smoking or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and to evaluate the association between maternal smoking and infant feeding practices. Methods Mothers bringing children Results Among 204 survey completers, 63% were African American, 52% had never breast-fed, and 54% had never smoked. Regardless of smoking status, 19% were aware of the recommendation to smoke after breast-feeding; most did not know that nicotine gum (42%) or patch (40%) transfers less or about the same amount of nicotine into breast milk than smoking a pack per day. Most mothers (80%) believed that women should not smoke any cigarettes if breast-feeding; current smokers (25%) were more likely than former (10%) or never smokers (11%) to find it acceptable to smoke one or more cigarettes per day (P = .03). Only 2% found it acceptable to use NRT while breast-feeding. Among ever breast-feeders, 10% stopped breast-feeding because of smoking. Over half of recent or current smokers reported that smoking affected their infant feeding decision. Conclusions Mothers in this sample believe that women who smoke or take NRT should not breast-feed. Smoking status affected women's infant feeding practices. Correction of misinformation could increase breast-feeding rates.
Distributed motion constraints for algebraic connectivity of robotic networks

This paper studies connectivity maintenance of robotic networks that communicate at discrete times and move in continuous space. We propose a distributed algorithm that allows the robots to decide whether a desired collective motion breaks connectivity. Our algorithm works under imperfect information caused by delays in communication and the robots? mobility. We analyze the correctness of our algorithm by formulating it as a game against a hypothetical adversary who chooses system states consistent with observed information. The technical approach combines tools from algebraic graph theory, linear algebra, nonsmooth analysis, and systems and control.
Screendance: Inscribing the Ephemeral Image by Douglas Rosenberg; Dancefilm: Choreography and the Moving Image by Erin Brannigan

Over the years, screendance has generated flurries of interest within the scholarly dance community, only to watch that interest wane again and again with shifting academic trends. The past decade, however, has seen a slow-churning energy that may result in a more sustainable conversation around dance onscreen, much of which has been fueled by screendance artists and programmers themselves. A number of volumes of interest to academia have emerged as screendance artists have made homes for themselves in university settings. For makers of dance onscreen, Katrina McPherson's Making Video Dance: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Dance for the Screen (2006) and Karen Pearlman's Cutting Rhythms: Shaping the Film Edit (2009) are especially noteworthy. After Sherril Dodds's important historical and analytical book Dance on Screen: Genres and Media from Hollywood to Experimental Art (2001), however, screendance scholarship was not positioned to capitalize and build on Dodds's provocation. Liz Aggiss and Billy Cowie's edited collection Anarchic Dance (2006) offers a wonderful model for gathering together the creative work of a team of artists and scholarly writing about their work, but like Envisioning Dance on Film and Video (2002), a collection that was pulled together under Judy Mitoma's direction, the tone is somewhat self-congratulatory and the analysis is tepid. Finally, two books have come out that will stand alongside Dodds's to re-ignite conversations in the screendance field and in Dance Studies generally, and will do so in a generative and critical way: Douglas Rosenberg's Screendance: Inscribing the Ephemeral Image (2012) and Erin Brannigan's Dancefilm: Choreography and the Moving Image (2011).
The Paradox of Group Autonomy

INTRODUCTION This essay explores the prospects of developing a satisfying account of group autonomy without rejecting value-individualism. That is, I will examine whether one can adequately explain the moral reasons to respect a group's claim to self-determination while insisting that only individual persons are of ultimate moral value. I divide this essay into three main sections. First, I explain my understanding of the value of individual autonomy and the implications this has for group autonomy. Next, I review three possible accounts of group autonomy, featuring value-collectivism, individual autonomy, and individual well-being. In the end I find none of these approaches to be fully adequate; thus, I conclude the third and final section by introducing what I label the “Paradox of Group Autonomy.” THE VALUE OF AUTONOMY There is widespread agreement that individuals enjoy a privileged position of moral dominion over their self-regarding affairs. It is not always clear when any given action is purely self-regarding, of course, but many people believe that we should be allowed to choose freely when our behavior is not harmful to others. One justification given for this view of individual self-determination is that it fosters overall well-being. This justification rests upon three plausible observations: each person is likely to be (1) the most knowledgeable about, (2) the most interested in, and (3) the best positioned to promote her own welfare. In light of these three considerations, it seems reasonable to conclude that, in the absence of extenuating circumstances, each agent is likely to fare best when she is given authority over her self-regarding affairs.
Treatment of Acute Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Adolescents: What Are Providers Doing in Various Specialties?

Abstract Study Objective The purpose of this study was to assess whether variability exists in the management of acute abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in adolescents between pediatric Emergency Department (ED) physicians, pediatric gynecologists, and adolescent medicine specialists. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Tertiary care medical center ED. Participants, Interventions, and Main Outcome Measures We included girls aged 9-22 years who presented from July 2008 to June 2014 with the complaint of acute AUB. Patients were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision codes for heavy menstrual bleeding, AUB, and irregular menses. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy and current use of hormonal therapy. One hundred fifty patients were included. Results Among those evaluated, 61% (n = 92) were prescribed hormonal medication to stop their bleeding by providers from the ED, Adolescent Medicine, or Pediatric Gynecology. ED physicians prescribed mostly single-dose and multidose taper combined oral contraceptive pills (85%; n = 24), compared with Adolescent Medicine (54%, n = 7), and Gynecology (28%, n = 13). Pediatric gynecologists were more likely than ED physicians to treat patients with norethindrone acetate, either alone or in combination with a single dose combined oral contraceptive pill (61%, n = 33 vs 7%, n = 2; P Conclusion Variations in treatment strategies for adolescents who present with acute AUB exist among pediatric specialties, which reflects a lack of standardized care for adolescents. Prospective evaluation of the shortest interval to cessation of bleeding, side effects, and patient satisfaction are valuable next steps.
Mechanism of induced epidermization in the mouse uterine cervix: Age effects

Abstract At various intervals following implantation of 10 per cent diethylstilbestrol pellets into 3- or 4-month-old mice, the serially sectioned uterine cervices were compared with untreated control animals and with 1-month-old diethylstilbestrol-treated animals which were described in a previous study. It was observed that new stratified epithelium appeared in the cervices of older animals after shorter periods of treatment than in younger animals. No evidence of metaplasia could be detected during the present study, and it is concluded that there is an age factor influencing the development of stilbest rol-induced stratified epith elium, since evidence of metaplasia is associated with this process only in young animals.
Testing Inferences about American Politics: A Review of the “Oligarchy” Result

In a well-publicized study, Gilens and Page argue that economic elites and business interest groups exert strong influence on US government policy while average citizens have virtually no influence at all. Their conclusions are drawn from a model which is said to reveal the causal impact of each group’s preferences. It is shown here that the test on which the original study is based is prone to underestimating the impact of citizens at the 50th income percentile by a wide margin. In addition, descriptive analysis of the authors’ dataset reveals that average Americans have received their preferred policy outcome roughly as often as elites have when the two groups have disagreed with each other. Evidence that average citizens are effectively ignored by the policy process may not be as strong as is suggested by the authors.
Immunoprevention of Infectious Diseases

During the past century, major progress in the control of infectious diseases has stemmed from the application of several concepts: (1) that microscopic and submicroscopic agents cause particular diseases, (2) that man has specific immunological mechanisms that can be programmed to provide a defense against infectious agents, (3) that vector-transmitted infections can be prevented by control of the vectors, and (4) that specific antimicrobial agents could be used in the treatment of infectious diseases. Another idea is now on the horizon which could become a major force in future developments, viz. the concept that transmissible agents may cause certain malignant and degenerative diseases of man. With this concept goes the assumption that perhaps the impact of these diseases, too, can be blunted with the use of immunological and antimicrobial products.