cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Defective Viral Infection: The Rescue of Virus from Antigen-Negative Cells

There is epidemiologic evidence for a viral infection in multiple sclerosis (MS). Over the years, frequent attempts to rescue virus and demonstrate viral antigens in the brain of MS patients have failed. There have been a number of isolates, but none have been found to play a role in the etiology of the disease. We have been studying an animal model of viral-induced acute and chronic demyelination. The virus, a mouse coronavirus, JHM, is a neurotropic strain of mouse hepatitis virus. In order to better understand JHM virus chronic infection, we have developed an in vitro carrier culture system of persistently infected mouse neuroblastoma cells [6].
Relative Performance Transparency: Effects on Sustainable Choices

We study how transparency into the levels and changes of relative sustainability performance affects consumer choices. Our work considers two forms of transparency: process transparency, in which customers receive information about the company's sustainability performance relative to other companies, and customer transparency, in which customers receive information about their own sustainability performance relative to other customers. Through three studies with 7,308 participants, we observe that revealing the levels of relative performance is more motivating for customers in the process transparency domain, whereas revealing relative changes in performance is more motivating for customers in the customer transparency domain. We employ structural equation modeling to identify the underlying mechanisms for these results. We show that levels information is more reflective of objective performance comparison, thus strengthening motivation in the domain of process transparency. In contrast, changes information helps to mitigate self-serving attribution biases in the customer transparency domain, thus playing a more significant role in affecting motivation.
Fundamentals of climate change policy

In the previous chapters of this book, we have seen that 1) the Earth is warming, 2) most of the recent warming is very likely due to human activities, 3) warming over the next century will likely be a few degrees Celsius, and 4) such warming carries with it a risk of serious, perhaps even catastrophic impacts for humans and the rest of the planet's ecosystems. Given those facts, what shall we do about climate change? Science, it turns out, is just one of several factors needed to answer this question. Deciding what to do also requires information about the options available to us to respond to climate change, and the costs, benefits, and risks of each option. In addition, we must consider not just monetary costs but also the moral trade-offs inherent in each policy. In this chapter, I will outline the various options available to us to address climate change.
Unraveling Race, Socioeconomic Factors, and Geographical Context in the Heterogeneity of Lupus Mortality in the United States.

Objective Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease disproportionately affecting women and racial/ethnic minorities. We examined SLE-related mortality over time to assess whether the impact of race is attenuated when social economic status (SES) and geographic context are also considered. Methods This study examined whether social environment attenuates racial disparities in SLE-related mortality using race-geographical combinations of the US population known as the "Eight Americas." This framework jointly characterizes race, SES, and geographical location in relation to health disparities in the United States. Using National Vital Statistics and US Census data, we estimated mortality parameters for each of the Eight Americas. Results We identified 24 773 SLE deaths (2003-2014). Average annual mortality rates were highest among blacks in three race-geographical contexts: average-income blacks, southern low-income blacks, and high-risk urban blacks (14 to 15 deaths per million population) and lowest among nonblacks living in average-income settings (3 to 4 deaths per million population). Age at death was lowest (~47.5 years) for blacks and Asians and highest among low-income rural whites (~64.8 years). Conclusion Blacks sharing the same social and geographical contexts as whites were disproportionately more likely to die young. Although blacks inhabited three vastly different contexts, SLE-related mortality parameters did not vary among socially advantaged and disadvantaged blacks. These findings suggest that race may transcend SES and geographical parameters as a key determinant of SLE-related mortality.
Dynamic Risk Factors in Carry Trades

The authors decompose a simple cross-country interest rate differential into three cross-country differential factors, originated from the Nelson–Siegel model. Results suggest that return premiums for carry trades are highly associated with parallel yield curve shifts in investment currencies against the US yield curve. Currency portfolios based on cross-country yield curve gap can be profitable, with lowest tercile portfolios yielding sizable risk-adjusted returns adjusted for transaction costs. The authors’ model identifies higher currency carry returns for hedge funds when cross-country yield curves exhibit a wide interest gap over all maturities and finds that investment currency yields have greater curvature relative to funding currency yields. TOPICS:Currency, performance measurement, global markets
Efficient apoptosis requires feedback amplification of upstream apoptotic signals by effector caspase-3 or -7

Apoptosis is a complex multi-step process driven by caspase-dependent proteolytic cleavage cascades. Dysregulation of apoptosis promotes tumorigenesis and limits the efficacy of chemotherapy. To assess the complex interactions among caspases during apoptosis, we disrupted caspase-8, -9, -3, -7, or -6 and combinations thereof, using CRISPR-based genome editing in living human leukemia cells. While loss of apical initiator caspase-8 or -9 partially blocked extrinsic or intrinsic apoptosis, respectively, only combined loss of caspase-3 and -7 fully inhibited both apoptotic pathways, with no discernible effect of caspase-6 deficiency alone or in combination. Caspase-3/7 double knockout cells exhibited almost complete inhibition of caspase-8 or -9 activation. Furthermore, deletion of caspase-3 and -7 decreased mitochondrial depolarization and cytochrome c release upon apoptosis activation. Thus, activation of effector caspase-3 or -7 sets off explosive feedback amplification of upstream apoptotic events, which is a key feature of apoptotic signaling essential for efficient apoptotic cell death.
Sentiment Analysis of Yelp using Advanced V Model

Yelp is a business review site that helps people find relevant places, based on the informed opinions of its users. It uses a five-point star rating system with user reviews. The main aim of the paper is to analyze sentiments on the reviews and devise a new five-scale sentiment rating to match it to the star rating that the user provided. Following the n-gram approach, this paper analyzes the adjective and adverbs occurring sequences and determines the trend or pattern of occurrence. After calculating a weighted score for each review, users’ ratings are predicted by treating multi class classification using different classifiers. The objective of the research in this paper is to try and determine how accurate the users are, in giving the ratings by comparing their star based on the calculated results.
Investigation of the Christiansen effect in indium tin oxide bulk materials

The Christiansen Effect occurs when the refractive index (η) of a given material matches that of its surrounding medium at a particular wavelength, leading to a transmission window. When air is chosen as the medium, the Christiansen Effect is observed when the refractive index of a given material passes through η=1 at a specific wavelength (λ), thereby matching that of air, and subsequently producing a transmission at wavelength (λ). In general, materials that exhibit a refractive index of η=1 in the near infrared are of particular interest for a variety of glass optics and imaging applications. In this paper, spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) is used to determine the complex refractive index of bulk Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) in the near Infrared (IR) and shortwave IR region. This work utilizes the SE results and optical reflectance measurements to demonstrate the utility of using bulk indium tin oxide (ITO), in combination with air, as a means of generating and tuning the Christianson Effect within the near infrared region. Colloidal suspensions of ITO particles produced from the bulk wafers were also studied to explore the Christiansen effect for obscurant applications.
Strategies to minimize lung injury in extremely low birth weight infants

Objective: To review the main causes of new bronchopulmonary dysplasia and the strategies utilized to decrease its incidence in extremely low birth weight infants. Sources of data: For this review a MEDLINE search from 1966 to October 2004, the Cochrane Database, abstracts from the Society for Pediatric Research and recent meetings on the topic were used. Summary of the findings: The survival of extremely low birth weight infants has increased significantly due to improvement in both scientific knowledge and technology. This improvement in survival has therefore resulted in an increased incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The characteristics of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely low birth weight infants, the so called inewi bronchopulmonary dysplasia are quite different from the classic bronchopulmonary dysplasia described by Northway. This new bronchopulmonary dysplasia has a multifactorial etiology, which includes volutrauma, atelectrauma, oxygen toxicity and lung inflammation. Therapy such as prenatal corticosteroids, exogenous surfactant, nasal continuous positive airway pressure, new mechanical ventilation modalities and gentle ventilation have been used in attempts to decrease lung injury severity. Conclusions: In order to prevent lung injury in extremely low birth weight infants, it is necessary to minimize several factors that induce bronchopulmonary dysplasia and to utilize less aggressive therapeutic strategies. In addition to the current therapy used to decrease lung injury, knowledge of these causative factors may create new therapies that may be fundamental in improving the clinical outcomes of premature infants.
Biogenic volatile organic compound ambient mixing ratios and emission rates in the Alaskan Arctic tundra

Abstract. Rapid Arctic warming, a lengthening growing season, and the increasing abundance of biogenic volatile-organic-compound-emitting shrubs are all anticipated to increase atmospheric biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) in the Arctic atmosphere, with implications for atmospheric oxidation processes and climate feedbacks. Quantifying these changes requires an accurate understanding of the underlying processes driving BVOC emissions in the Arctic. While boreal ecosystems have been widely studied, little attention has been paid to Arctic tundra environments. Here, we report terpenoid (isoprene, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes) ambient mixing ratios and emission rates from key dominant vegetation species at Toolik Field Station (TFS; 68 ∘ 38 ′ N, 149 ∘ 36 ′ W) in northern Alaska during two back-to-back field campaigns (summers of 2018 and 2019) covering the entire growing season. Isoprene ambient mixing ratios observed at TFS fell within the range of values reported in the Eurasian taiga (0–500 parts per trillion by volume – pptv), while monoterpene and sesquiterpene ambient mixing ratios were respectively close to and below the instrumental quantification limit ( ∼2 pptv). Isoprene surface emission rates ranged from 0.2 to 2250 µ gC m −2 h −1 (mean of 85 µ gC m −2 h −1 ) and monoterpene emission rates remained, on average, below 1 µ gC m −2 h −1 over the course of the study. We further quantified the temperature dependence of isoprene emissions from local vegetation, including Salix spp. (a known isoprene emitter), and compared the results to predictions from the Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature version 2.1 (MEGAN2.1). Our observations suggest a 180 %–215 % emission increase in response to a 3–4 ∘ C warming, and the MEGAN2.1 temperature algorithm exhibits a close fit with observations for enclosure temperatures in the 0–30 ∘ C range. The data presented here provide a baseline for investigating future changes in the BVOC emission potential of the under-studied Arctic tundra environment.
Electrochemical and Surface Chemistry Analysis of Lithium Lanthanum Zirconium Tantalum Oxide (LLZTO)/Liquid Electrolyte (LE) Interfaces

Abstract A stable solid electrolyte/liquid electrolyte (SE/LE) interface is essential to enable hybrid electrolytes, where the SE protects Li metal anodes and the LE improves SE/cathode interfacial kinetics. However, previous reports have shown that the promising SE Lithium Lanthanum Zirconium Tantalum Oxide (LLZTO) reacts with LiPF6-based state-of-the-art LEs. This work aims to identify the source of this instability and propose approaches to ameliorate it. This is achieved by studying and isolating the effects of organic solvents and Li salts present in the LE on LLZTO. The results indicate that the reactions with the typical solvents are not as detrimental as with the corresponding salts. For example, LiPF6 salt reacts with LLZTO to form LiF, LaF3 and ZrF4, which leads to an increased SE/LE interfacial resistance (Rinterface). The Rinterface after reacting with LiPF6 and LiBOB salts is ~120 and 2000 Ohms.cm2, respectively. However, LiTFSI salt is compatible with LLZTO with Rinterface ~55 Ohms.cm2. Furthermore, optimization of the LiTFSI salt concentration (3 M) results in an Rinterface of ~30 Ohms.cm2. We demonstrate preliminary cycling of Li/LLZTO/LE/NCA cells with ~100% utilization and 98.5% capacity retention over 10 cycles. Overall, this study provides a step towards the successful implementation of hybrid electrolytes in Li metal batteries.
Abstract B16: STAT3 promotes ovarian cancer spheroid growth and metastasis

High-grade serous ovarian cancer remains deadly for the majority of woman who are diagnosed every year. The high mortality rate necessitates new treatment options for physicians and patients to consider. To produce new therapies, different signaling pathways that are activated in ovarian cancer need to be identified. In order to mimic the growth of ovarian cancer in the body, 3D culturing systems were used to grow clusters of ovarian cells (spheroids). Comparing gene expression from cells grown in 2D and 3D, we identified the STAT3 signaling pathway as being highly enriched in ovarian spheroids. STAT3 is a transcription factor that is activated by tyrosine phosphorylation. Once phosphorylated, STAT3 dimerizes, translocates to the nucleus, and regulates the expression of many genes involved in cell survival and migration. To determine if STAT3 was activated in 3D growing cells, we analyzed protein from cells grown in 2D and 3D and determined that STAT3 was tyrosine phosphorylated in cells grown in 3D We have found that the increase in STAT3 phosphorylation in 3D grown cells was associated with increased expression of STAT3 target genes. Consistent with this, we found enhanced STAT3 DNA binding to regulatory regions of STAT3 target genes. Recognizing that STAT3 activation is upregulated in 3D, we wanted to know if STAT3 is necessary for growth in 3D. By using siRNA to reduce the expression of STAT3, we were able to hinder the ability for ovarian cancer to grow in 3D. Moreover, reducing the expression of various components in the STAT3 signaling pathway also reduced the growth of ovarian spheroids. One of the major steps in ovarian cancer metastasis is the clearance of mesothelial cells by the cancer cells. To assess the effects of enhanced STAT3 activity in spheroids, we performed a mesothelial clearance assay with spheroids containing and lacking STAT3 expression. We found that ovarian spheroids with reduced STAT3 expression had a decreased ability to metastasize. This suggests that the STAT3 signaling pathway is a critical pathway involved in the growth and metastasis of ovarian cancer spheroids. This raises the possibility of using STAT3 inhibitors by themselves or in conjunction with standard-of-care therapeutics in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. Thus, targeting signaling pathways important in 3D growth may be beneficial for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Citation Format: David F. Walker, Sarah J. Lacroix, Zachary T. Giaccone, David A. Frank, Sarah R. Walker. STAT3 promotes ovarian cancer spheroid growth and metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr B16.
A 21-Year-Old Immunocompetent Man With Hemoptysis and Rash.

Case Presentation A 21-year-old man presented to the ED of The George Washington University Hospital complaining of chills, shortness of breath, hemoptysis, and a generalized rash. Three days before admission, he noticed a productive cough, severe sore throat, and subjective fever. He also experienced extreme fatigue, generalized sweating, and chest pain with coughing. On the day before admission, he experienced a nonpruritic rash on his neck, palms, and dorsal surfaces of his feet and sputum with streaks of blood. The patient had no significant medical or family history. He had no sick contacts, and his only recent travel was to an outdoor concert in a woody area of the northeastern United States about a month earlier. He did not report recent contact with birds or visits to caves. He is single, lives alone in an apartment, and consumes about 4 alcoholic beverages a week. Occasionally, he smokes cannabis and e-cigarettes. He is sexually active with men, and his last unprotected sexual encounter was a month earlier. He denied photophobia, rhinorrhea, ear pain, nasal congestion, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dysuria.
Factors associated with 5-year survival of combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma.

Background Combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma (HCC/CC) is a rare primary hepatic malignancy which carries a poor prognosis due to its aggressive nature. Few centers have enough cases to draw definitive conclusions and there is limited understanding of prognosis. Given the rarity of HCC/CC, an analysis of large national cancer database was needed to obtain larger number of HCC/CC cases. Aim To identify associated factors for 5-year survival of HCC/CC. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database obtained from SEER*Stat 8.3.6 software. Previously defined histology code 8180 for the International Classification of Disease for Oncology, 3rd edition was used to identify HCC/CC cases from 2004 to 2015. We collected demographics, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, treatment, tumor size, and survival data. These data were converted to categorical variables. The Shapiro-Wilk normality test was used to assess normal distribution. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare continuous variables without normal distribution, and t-test was used to compare continuous variables with a normal distribution. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analyzed 5-year survival. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze factors associated with 5-year survival. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression was done on 5-year survival. We defined P Results We identified 497 patients with the following characteristics: Mean age 62.4 years (SD: 11.3), 149 (30.0%) were female, racial distribution was: 276 (55.5%) white, 53 (10.7%) black, 84 (16.9%) Asian and Pacific Islander (API), 77 (15.5%) Hispanic, and 7 (1.4%) others or unknown. Stage I/II disease occurred in 41.5% and tumor size 60, sex, race, AJCC stages, metastasis, and LRT were not significant. However, API vs white showed significant OR of 2.793 (CI: 1.120-6.967). Cox proportional hazard regression showed AJCC stages, tumor size Conclusion HCC/CC patients with tumor size
Neuroendocrine regulation of vocalizations and other sounds in nonsongbirds

Abstract In birds, our understanding of the neuroendocrine mechanisms that mediate acoustic communication and advertisement largely focuses on learned song. This means that the majority of research in this area centers around oscine passerines that are the predominant vocal learners of the avian world. However, several other bird species generate complex acoustic signals through phonation or body movements. The neural and hormonal basis of these displays is less clear; thus, we have reviewed work, herein, that explores the mechanisms. We have focused on land fowl, doves, and other Neoaves (modern birds) that generate an array of sounds using either their vocal organ (syrinx) or their body. We have described our current knowledge of the brain areas that underlie such behavior and the hormones that act on these areas to mediate communication.
Stealth compensation

The current media focus on backdated stock options obscures a broader and more enduring problem: top executives and compliant boards of directors continue to seek means of disguising executive compensation, that is, stealth compensation. In shareholder proxy statements, financial statements and other reports, many of these escape easy identification-in nature and amount-as forms of executive compensation. After introducing the parameters of the stealth compensation problem and the threat it represents to the corporate governance goal of financial reporting transparency in the first section, the second section of this paper outlines and illustrates some of the more common forms of stealth compensation of corporate executives. Examples include a panoply of company-paid perks, accelerated vesting of pensions, corporate payment of executives’ income taxes and imaginative contrivances in golden parachute plans. The third section analyses key parts of the new SEC rules that seek to address the stealth compensation problem with various new disclosure requirements. The fourth section questions whether the greater transparency constrained by the new SEC rules sufficiently addresses the underlying corporate governance issues that led to the pervasiveness of stealth compensation in particular and, more generally, to excessive executive compensation. It is unknown, for example, whether more rigorous transparency will inhibit excessive executive compensation or merely change its forms. Additional remedies are proffered to improve corporate governance via enhancements of: government regulation; board independence; judicial guidance; and shareholder influence.
Exposed bone in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiation therapy: An analysis of the Observational Study of Dental Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients (OraRad).

BACKGROUND Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) treated with radiation therapy (RT) are at risk for jaw osteoradionecrosis (ORN), which is largely characterized by the presence of exposed necrotic bone. This report describes the incidence and clinical course of and risk factors for exposed intraoral bone in the multicenter Observational Study of Dental Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients (OraRad) cohort. METHODS Participants were evaluated before RT and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after RT. Exposed bone was characterized by location, sequestrum formation, and other associated features. The radiation dose to the affected area was determined, and the history of treatment for exposed bone was recorded. RESULTS The study enrolled 572 participants; 35 (6.1%) were diagnosed with incident exposed bone at 6 (47% of reports), 12 (24%), 18 (20%), and 24 months (8%), with 60% being sequestrum and with 7 cases (20%) persisting for >6 months. The average maximum RT dose to the affected area of exposed bone was 5456 cGy (SD, 1768 cGy); the most frequent associated primary RT sites were the oropharynx (42.9%) and oral cavity (31.4%), and 76% of episodes occurred in the mandible. The diagnosis of ORN was confirmed in 18 participants for an incidence rate of 3.1% (18 of 572). Risk factors included pre-RT extractions (P = .008), a higher RT dose (P = .039), and tobacco use (P = .048). CONCLUSIONS The 2-year incidence of exposed bone in the OraRad cohort was 6.1%; the incidence of confirmed ORN was 3.1%. Exposed bone after RT for HNC is relatively uncommon and, in most cases, is a short-term complication, not a recurring or persistent one.
Protein—surface interactions in the presence of polyethylene oxide: II. Effect of protein size

Abstract Polyethylene oxide (PEO) surfaces exhibit low protein adsorption. PEO surface—protein interactions are examined theoretically as a function of surface density and chain length of PEO and variation in the size of the protein (assumed to be a sphere). Recent studies suggest that the PEO surface may have a small hydrophobic character. We study the effect of surface density of PEO and protein size and deduce the PEO surface density conditions for optimal protein resistance. For small proteins ( R ∼ 20 A ), D should be small (∼ 10 A), while for large proteins ( R ∼ 60–80 A ), D should be larger (∼ 15 A), where R is the protein radius and D is the average distance between end-attached PEO chains. These results evolve from the trade-offs between steric repulsion and the assumed weak hydrophobic interaction between the PEO layer and the protein. The longest chain length of PEO at optimum surface density appears best for protein resistance. As a number of assumptions and estimates are involved in the model, the results can be taken only as qualitative trends at this time. The trends should be helpful in the design and evaluation of surfaces resistant to protein adsorption.
Effect of ACL transection on internal tibial rotation in an in vitro simulated pivot landing.

Background: The amount of resistance provided by the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) to axial tibial rotation remains controversial. The goal of this study was to test the primary hypotheses that ACL transection would not significantly affect tibial rotation under the large impulsive loads associated with a simulated pivot landing but would increase anterior tibial translation. Methods: Twelve cadaveric knees (mean age of donors [and standard deviation] at the time of death, 65.0 ± 10.5 years) were mounted in a custom testing apparatus to simulate a single-leg pivot landing. A compound impulsive load was applied to the distal part of the tibia with compression (∼800 N), flexion moment (∼40 N-m), and axial tibial torque (∼17 N-m) in the presence of five trans-knee muscle forces. A differential variable reluctance transducer mounted on the anteromedial aspect of the ACL measured relative strain. With the knee initially in 15° of flexion, and after five combined compression and flexion moment (baseline) loading trials, six trials were conducted with the addition of either internal or external tibial torque (internal or external loading), and then six baseline trials were performed. The ACL was then sectioned, six baseline trials were repeated, and then six trials of either the internal or the external loading condition, whichever had initially resulted in the larger relative ACL strain, were carried out. Tibiofemoral kinematics were measured optoelectronically. The results were analyzed with a nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Following ACL transection, the increase in the normalized internal tibial rotation was significant but small (0.7°/N-m ± 0.3°/N-m to 0.8°/N-m ± 0.3°/N-m, p = 0.012), while anterior tibial translation increased significantly (3.8 ± 2.9 to 7.0 ± 2.9 mm, p = 0.017). Conclusions: ACL transection leads to a small increase in internal tibial rotation, equivalent to a 13% decrease in the dynamic rotational resistance, under the large forces associated with a simulated pivot landing, but it leads to a significant increase in anterior tibial translation. Clinical Relevance: An ACL reconstruction that restores both ligament orientation and stiffness will provide major resistance to anterior tibial translation while providing minor resistance to axial tibial rotation.
Gas-liquid chromatographic analysis of diglycerides

Abstract A gas-liquid chromatography method for the resolution of 1,2-diglycerides of a given carbon number from the 1,3-isomers of the same carbon number is presented. Resolution of saturated diglycerides from the unsaturated diglycerides is also achieved, although complete resolution of unsaturated diglycerides is not obtained.
Black start control of a solid state transformer for emergency power restoration

This paper demonstrates the black start capabilities of a single phase 20kVA solid state transformer (SST), specifically for microgrid power restoration during islanding. SST's have many benefits including better management of renewable energy resources and more intelligent control than the classical transformer which acts only as a passive device. An additional benefit of the SST that is demonstrated in this paper is the ability to use these renewable energy resources directly connected to the SST to restore microgrid load power during an islanding event. During the black start procedure the SST can switch the control operation of its three cascaded power converter stages, AC/DC rectifier, Dual Active Bridge, and DC/AC inverter, in order to restore the microgrid load. The benefits of using the SST for black start restoration are also discussed and compared with other traditional methods.
Emergent cesarean delivery in patients undergoing a trial of labor with a transverse lower-segment scar

Abstract The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women with previous low transverse cesarean sections who are candidates for a trial of labor should undergo such a trial only in a special environment. Such recommendations imply that these women are at greater risk than the general population for developing complications necessitating emergent operative intervention. A retrospective review of 5 years' experience reveals that in 1156 term pregnancles in which the patients were given a trial of labor, 18 (1.56%) patients underwent emergent abdominal delivery. This rate and the indications for the emergent operative delivery were not found to be different from those cited for patients without a uterine scar. The incidence of symptomatic uterine rupture was higher in patients scheduled for repeat cesarean section than for patients who underwent a trial of labor. Recommendations for a trial of labor might be reconsidered as they imply an increased risk for matemal and fetal morbidity and mortality that has yet to be demonstrated.
Identification of Large Scale Structures in Cavitating Wakes

Large-scale three-dimensional cavitating structures can be found in the wake of two-dimensional hydrofoils, as a result of sheet/cloud cavitation on the suction side. This type of cavitation produces unsteady lift on most hydrofoils, including the NACA 0015 hydrofoil studied here, but is periodic and therefore offers the potential for control. In addition to hydrofoils on marine vehicles complex cavitation characteristics are observed in many types of fluid machinery. Examples range from the high-pressure fuel pumps in the Space Shuttle Main Engine to a variety of hydroturbines. Associated with the deleterious effects of performance breakdown, noise, and vibration, there is a possibility of erosion. The purpose of this research is to investigate the twophase flow structure in the wake of a hydrofoil undergoing unsteady partial cavitation using an integrated experimental/numerical approach. This topic provides both numerical and experimental challenges. A two-dimensional NACA 0015 hydrofoil was selected for study, because of its previous use by several investigators around the world. The simulation methodology is based on a Large Eddy Simulation (LES), using a barotropic phase model to couple the continuity and momentum equations. The complementary experiments were carried out at two different scales in two different water tunnels. Tests at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL) were carried out in a 0.19×0.19m2 water tunnel and a geometrically scaled up series of tests was carried out in the 0.3×0.3 m2 water tunnel at the Versuchsanstalt fur Wasserbau (VAO) in Obernach, Germany. The tests were designed to complement each other and to capitalize on the special features of each facility. Time-resolved Particle Image Velocimetry (TR-PIV) was used at SAFL to confirm the existence of the large-scale flow structure observed with the LES.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Rectal-scalp temperature difference predicts brain death in children.

When brain death in children occurs, commonly the scalp feels cold despite a normal core temperature. This phenomenon might reflect absent cerebral blood flow and metabolic activity. The authors, therefore, measured rectal-scalp temperature differences in critically ill comatose children to test the hypothesis that a particular temperature difference may correlate with clinical brain death. In a prospective cohort study set in a pediatric intensive care unit, rectal-scalp, rectal-abdomen, and rectal-mastoid temperatures in critically ill comatose children older than 18 months of age were measured before and during brain death evaluations. Twelve children were enrolled. Clinical criteria for brain death were met by seven patients, and five patients survived. All of the seven children who died had rectal-scalp temperature differences greater than 4°C (mean = 6.7, range = 6.0-7.4) at the time of clinical brain death. No survivor had a rectal-scalp temperature difference of 4°C at any time (mean = 3.4, range = 2.9-3.9). Rectal-scalp temperature differences of those who died and those who survived were significantly different at the P < 0.005 level. Rectal-abdomen and rectal-mastoid temperature differences did not correlate with clinical brain death or rectal-scalp temperature difference. In this preliminary study a rectal-scalp temperature difference of greater than 4°C correlates with clinical criteria for brain death in children.
Somatic mutations in aging, cancer and neurodegeneration

The somatic mutation theory of aging posits that the accumulation of mutations in the genetic material of somatic cells as a function of time results in a decrease in cellular function. In particular, the accumulation of random mutations may inactivate genes that are important for the functioning of the somatic cells of various organ systems of the adult, result in a decrease in organ function. When the organ function decreases below a critical level, death occurs. A significant amount of research has shown that somatic mutations play an important role in aging and a number of age related pathologies. In this review, we explore evidence for increases in somatic nuclear mutation burden with age and the consequences for aging, cancer, and neurodegeneration. We then review evidence for increases in mitochondrial mutation burden and the consequences for dysfunction in the disease processes.
A "new" Simian-type blood factor, Lc, associated with the C-E-F blood group system of chimpanzees.

A new blood factor Lc of chimpanzee red cells has been defined with two isoimmune sera. The blood factor Lc is the seventh blood factor associated with the chimpanzee C-E-F blood group system which is the counterpart of the human Rh-Hr system.
Risk assessment approaches: General definitions, limitations, and research needs∗

Abstract Research needs in health effects assessment are discussed within the broad framework of a multidisciplinary approach. Approaches for comparing and analyzing data at all levels of biological organization are identified. These approaches should provide insights that will stimulate advances in the general art of risk assessment.
A New Methodology for Studying Protein Adsorption at Oil–Water Interfaces☆

A new methodology has been developed for studying the adsorption behavior of proteins at oil–water interfaces. This technique employs the radiotracer method for monitoring adsorption of14C-labeled proteins at the oil–water interface. The uniqueness of the new method lies in the formation of a 1000 A thick triglyceride oil film on the water surface. β-casein was used to generate a standard curve for relating interfacial radioactivity (μCi/m2) to cpm at the oil–water interface. Adsorption isotherm of β-casein was determined in the bulk protein concentration range 1.5 × 10−5–3.8 × 10−3% by weight of solution. The saturated monolayer coverage was found to be about 7.3 mg/m2. This value was quite different from other values reported in the literature. Adsorption studies with another protein, lysozyme, at the oil–water interface also revealed a high surface concentration of 3.0 mg/m2. The most significant difference between the adsorption of β-casein at the oil–water and air–water interfaces was the lack of an induction period for the development of interfacial pressure in the former. This difference may be attributed to the attractive dispersion interaction between protein molecules and the oil phase.
A comparison of aztreonam plus vancomycin and imipenem plus vancomycin as initial therapy for febrile neutropenic cancer patients.

BACKGROUND The improved efficacy of imipenem over other beta-lactam antibiotics in the treatment of febrile neutropenic patients has been attributed to its broad spectrum of activity. METHODS A prospective, randomized, clinical trial was performed comparing vancomycin 1 g every 12 hours plus imipenem/cilastatin 500 mg every 6 hours and the same dose of vancomycin plus aztreonam 2 g every 6 hours for empiric treatment of febrile episodes in neutropenic patients with cancer. RESULTS The imipenem regimen cured 76% of the 148 evaluable episodes compared with a 67% cure rate for the 152 episodes treated with the aztreonam regimen (P = 0.1). Most of the polymicrobial infections (77% or 10/13) treated with the imipenem responded, whereas only 38% (5/13) of these infections responded to the aztreonam regimen. Although the cost of the imipenem regimen was less than the cost of the aztreonam regimen, it was associated significantly more with skin rashes (12/194 vs. 3/189, P = 0.02). In a multivariate analysis, a poor outcome was independently associated in both instances with the persistence of neutropenia and the presence of pneumonia (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Overall, in a multifactorial analysis that included efficacy, toxicity, and cost, the imipenem and aztreonam regimens were comparable. Cancer 1996;77:1386-94.
Effect of a gelatin coating on the shelf life of fresh meat

The end of shelf life for fresh meat is determined by unacceptable aroma, appearance, and color, which appear before unacceptable microbial counts. Addition of a bovine gelatin coating to fresh meat may extend its shelf life. This study utilized a 20% bovine gelatin solution that was spray-coated onto beef tenderloins, pork loins, salmon fillets, and chicken breasts which were packaged in an 80% O(2) and 20% CO(2) modified atmosphere and stored under fluorescent light at 4 degrees C for 2 wk. All of the gelatin-coated fresh meat products showed a reduction in purge. The gelatin reduced purge by acting as a barrier to water loss. There was a reduction in color deterioration for gelatin-coated beef, a slight reduction of color deterioration for gelatin-coated pork, and no reduction in color deterioration for salmon and chicken. The gelatin coat reduced color deterioration by acting as a barrier to oxygen, but also had a negative effect on color due to its own color deterioration. No change in lipid oxidation was seen with any of the gelatin-coated meat products. The gelatin coat was not an effective barrier for lipid oxidation at refrigeration temperatures. Sensory analysis of beef tenderloins confirmed that color deterioration was reduced, and flavor was not affected by the application of a gelatin coat. The gelatin coat was equally effective during light and dark storage. It was more effective on vacuum packaged products than on modified atmosphere packaged products.
The correlation between ArF resist dispense volume and surface tension

Resist spin coating has already been applied to IC industry for a very long time. Uniform spin coat of photoresist has been demonstrated on 12” wafers with conventional 6” and 8” methods. Meanwhile, resist dispense volume reduction has also been widely studied and investigated. In our paper, we focus on the physical properties of photoresist and prewet solvent. We try to figure out the interfacial behavior/mechanism between ArF resist and its related pre-wet solvent by systematic methods and DOE splits. In the experiments, different ArF resists among various solvent systems and two distinct pre-wet systems are tested and researched. Certain ArF resists generate smaller dispense volume compared with other PRs even under the same process condition. Eventually, from the splits we find out the trend which correlates to the interaction between resist and pre-wet solvent. The trend proves that our hypothesis is correct. The conclusion will contribute to our future resist selection. The conclusion will also provide new resist design concept to resist vendors. Basic studies and experiments are carried out under our limited resources, equipment and time. We have tried our best to find out the mechanism and have proved it.
In-Situ Fabrication of Bi/BiMn–BiMn–Mn Graded Materials by High Magnetic Field Gradients

In order to develop a new method for in situ fabricating multilayer functionally graded materials (FGMs), high magnetic field gradients are proposed to control the solidification behaviors of peritectic alloys. Solidification experiments of Bi–11.8wt%Mn alloys under various magnetic field gradient conditions have been conducted and the macro- and microstructures of the magnetic field-treated specimens were examined. The primary Mn and βBiMn crystals can successively precipitate during the solidification process. Bi/BiMn–BiMn–Mn FGMs with various gradients have been successfully fabricated during solidification process. The results indicate that the gradient distribution of precipitates could be adjusted by controlling the solidification strategy and the magnetic parameters such as the product of the magnetic flux density and its gradient BdB/dz.
Structure of Precambrian Rocks of Medicine Bow Mountains and its Relationship to Post-Precambrian Structural Patterns: ABSTRACT

A basement complex of gneisses and schists in the Medicine Bow Mountains has a northwestern trend that was established during early Precambrian time. On this, a series of sedimentary rocks, typical of a stable shelf tectono-environment and exceeding 30,000 feet in thickness, was deposited. In later Precambrian time all these rocks were deformed, and a northeastern to east-northeastern structural pattern was superimposed on the older trend. During or following this orogeny major northeast-trending faults and shear zones developed, the major one being the Mullen Creek-Nash Fork shear zone that separates the Medicine Bow Mountains into two major segments. During this second orogeny the Precambrian basement yielded by flexure and passive folding and the older northwestern tre d is preserved in one small area south of the Mullen Creek-Nash Fork shear zone and in a large block along the northwest slope of the mountains north of the shear zone. The original northwest basement trend did not affect the structural pattern established during the second orogeny. In contrast, structural patterns formed during post-Precambrian orogenies are influenced, in part, by both previously established trends. Isopachs of Pennsylvanian strata show major north to northwest-trending zones of thinning and less well-developed northeastern zones of thinning, suggesting the two major Precambrian trends were reactivated during the development of the Ancestral Rockies. During the early part of the Laramide orogeny pronounced northeastern fold systems developed in the Laramie basin. These are considered to be basement-controlled. Later major north-south folds that developed in southeastern Wyoming do not appear related to basement structure, but segmentation of the Medicine Bow Mountain front during the final stage of the Laramide orogeny is clearly controlled by basement structure. On the northeast slope of the Medicine Bow Mountains the major thrusts developed during the last stage trend northwest and the cross-faults trend northeasterly, each paralleling one of the Precambrian structural patterns. Similarly, later faulting during Tertiary time is related to these two main basement trends. End_of_Article - Last_Page 115------------
Position of modifying groups on starch chains of octenylsuccinic anhydride-modified waxy maize starch

Octenylsuccinic anhydride (OSA)-modified starches with a low (0.018) and high (0.092) degree of substitution (DS) were prepared from granular native waxy maize starch in aqueous slurry. The position of OS substituents along the starch chains was investigated by enzyme hydrolysis followed by chromatographic analysis. Native starch and two OS starches with a low and high DS had β-limit values of 55.9%, 52.8%, and 34.4%, respectively. The weight-average molecular weight of the β-limit dextrin from the OS starch with a low DS was close to that of the β-limit dextrin from native starch but lower than that of the β-limit dextrin from the OS starch with a high DS. Debranching of OS starches was incomplete compared with native starch. OS groups in the OS starch with a low DS were located on the repeat units near the branching points, whereas the OS substituents in the OS starch with a high DS occurred both near the branching points and the non-reducing ends.
Measures of Adiposity and Coronary Heart Disease Mortality in the Chicago Western Electric Company Study

Abstract Associations of body mass index (BMI), two measures of percent body fat derived from skin-folds, body weight adjusted for height, triceps and subscapular skinfolds, and their sum, with 22-year coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality were compared in 1707 white men ages 40–55 years at baseline (1958) and free of CHD and cancer in 1961 in the Western Electric Study. Because associations of adiposity measures with CHD mortality differed by length of follow-up, analyses were conducted separately for the first 14 years of follow-up and years 15 through 22. In Cox regression analyses, none of the adiposity measures was significantly related to CHD mortality for the first 14 years of follow-up. For years 15–22, all adiposity measures, except triceps skinfold, were significantly related with adjustment for age, as well as eight other covariates. These results indicate that a positive relation of adiposity to CHD risk may not become apparent until several years after the assessment of adiposity.
Chemoprotection by Phenolic Antioxidants INHIBITION OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR α INDUCTION IN MACROPHAGES

Phenolic antioxidants exhibit anti-inflammatory activity in protection against chemical toxicity and cancer. To investigate the molecular mechanism of anti-inflammation, we analyzed the regulation of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) expression in macrophages, a key step in inflammation, by the antioxidants. Whereas lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an inflammatory inducer, stimulates rapid synthesis of TNF-α protein, phenolic antioxidants, exemplified bytert-butyl hydroquinone and 1,4-dihydroquinone, block LPS-induced production of TNF-α protein in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Inhibition of TNF-α induction correlates with the capacity of the antioxidants to undergo oxidation-reduction cycling, implicating oxidative signaling in the inhibition. The antioxidants blocked LPS-induced increase of the steady-state mRNA of TNF-α but did not affect the half-life of the mRNA. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay reveals a total inhibition of LPS-induced formation of nuclear factor κB·DNA binding complexes by phenolic antioxidants. Finally, 1,4-dihydroquinone blocks the induction of TNF-α target genes interleukin 1β and interleukin 6 at both mRNA and protein levels. Our findings demonstrate that phenolic antioxidants potently inhibit signal-induced TNF-α transcription and suggest a mechanism of anti-inflammation by the antioxidants through control of cytokine induction during inflammation.