cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Positron annihilation spectroscopy study of moisture absorption in protective epoxy coatings

Position annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) was used to measure the relative free-volume fraction of protective epoxy coatings before and after exposure to liquid water at room temperature. The relative free volume fraction determined before water exposure was compared to the equilibrium water uptake of each coating and a correlation was found. The relative free-volume fraction of the epoxy coatings decreased slightly after water exposure. This decrease is contrary to the free volume theory of plasticization, but is consistent with the antiplasticization process. Larger decreases in the relative free volume fraction were sought by repeating the water uptake experiments with nitrobenzene which in the bulk, liquid form quenches ortho-positronium (o-Ps). Since the o-Ps lifetime remained approximately constant and the o-Ps intensity decreased after nitrobenzene absorption, nitrcbenzene is believed to be inhibiting the formation of o-Ps in the epoxy free volume cavities. Larger decreases in the relative free volume fractions were found after nitrobenzene exposure than after water exposure. These larger decreases are due to the fact that nitrobenzene is a better inhibitor of o-Ps formation than water in the epoxy free volume cavities. Larger volume fractions of nitrobenzene were absorbed by the coatings than water and were interpreted to be due to interactions between nitrobenzene and the epoxies. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
"Bio-Defense Technologies"

The continuing threat of terrorism has resulted in an aggressive federal biodefense research effort leading to new approaches and interventions to address the threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction. Much of the focus has centered on strengthening defenses and response capabilities related to biological, radiological and chemical incidents. For the past four years, the NIH has been involved in a robust effort promoting the development of medical countermeasures against the leading public health terrorist threats. The threat of terrorism has been made more complex with the evolution on endemic infectious diseases with pandemic potential. This presentation will focus on some of the NIH efforts and the technological applications that have resulted in new approaches in mitigating these threats to national security and global health.
Evaluation Of Focal Spot Distribution By Rms Value And Its Effect On Blood Vessel Imaging In Angiography

It is well known that the x-ray intensity distribution of the focal spot can significantly affect radio-logic images, for example, blood vessel images in angiography (Refs.1, 2). For an accurate evaluation of the effect of this distribution on vessel images, it is essential to use the line spread function (LSF), the point spread function (PSF), or the optical transfer function (OTF) of the focal spot. However, for many years it has been common practice to describe the focal spot by its size, which is looked upon as a single figure of merit for the x-ray intensity distribution of the focal spot. Two methods are relatively well known; one is to measure the pinhole image size by a subjective judgment (Ref.3), and the other is to use the first-zero spatial frequency of the OTF for the determination of an equivalent uniform LSF (Ref.4).
Metabolic stabilization of acetylcholine receptors at newly formed neuromuscular junctions in rat

Abstract The turnover of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) was studied at developing motor endplates in embryonic rat diaphragm and at newly formed ectopic endplates in soleus muscles of adult rats. After the receptors were labeled in situ with 125 I-α-bungarotoxin, the rate of loss of bound toxin was determined by autoradiography of single muscle fibers and was used to calculate the turnover time of AChRs. A new, convenient method for preparing large numbers of single muscle fibers is described. AChRs in extrajunctional regions of embryonic diaphragms turn over with a short half-time (24 hr) similar to that of AChRs in cultured myotubes and of extrajunctional AChRs in denervated adult muscle. AChRs in newly formed clusters in developing muscle and in ectopically innervated adult muscle also turn over with short half-times. Within a few days, however, the turnover time increases to values characteristic of adult junctional receptors (6–10 days). Transection of the nerve at newly formed ectopic endplates prevents the change. The metabolic stabilization of AChRs at motor endplates in rat muscles is thus a relatively early event in synapse formation; it coincides neither with the clustering of receptors, which precedes it, nor with the decrease in AChR channel open time which has been shown to occur postnatally.
Pulse pressure variation tracking using sequential Monte Carlo methods

Abstract The pulse pressure variation (PPV) is a measure of the respiratory effect on the variation of systemic arterial blood pressure (ABP) in patients receiving full mechanical ventilation. It is a promising predictor of increases in cardiac output due to an infusion of fluid. We describe a novel automatic algorithm to estimate the PPV of ABP signals recorded under full respiratory support. The algorithm utilizes our recently developed sequential Monte Carlo method (SMCM), which is called a maximum a-posteriori adaptive marginalized particle filter (MAM-PF). MAM-PF estimates the state-space model parameters of the ABP signal continuously and its upper and lower envelopes are derived as a combination of those parameter estimates. Then, the continuous PPV values can be easily obtained based on those estimated envelopes. We report the assessment results of the proposed algorithm on real ABP signals.
Effects of Lectins on the Interaction of Diphtheria Toxin with Mammalian Cells.

Abstract The effects of concanavalin A (ConA) on diphtheria toxin-cell receptor interactions were studied. ConA had no measurable effect on toxin-receptor binding at 4 °C but increased the total cell-associated toxin 4–5-fold at 37 °C. An assay which distinguishes between cell surface bound and internalized toxin demonstrated that ConA reduces the percentage of internalized toxin while markedly increasing that found on the cell surface. These effects of ConA were blocked by α-methyl mannoside but not by colchicine. Succinyl ConA was as effective as ConA; other lectins, however, were less potent. It is concluded that ConA protects cells from diphtheria toxin by blocking its entry into the cell.
Measurement of trace uranium isotopes using a porous ion emitter

Abstract The extent to which thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) can measure trace quantities of 233U and 236U in the presence of a huge excess of natural uranium is evaluated. This is an important nuclear non-proliferation measurement. Four ion production methods were evaluated with three mass spectrometer combinations. The most favorable combinations are not limited by abundance sensitivity; rather, the limitations are the ability to generate a uranium ion beam of sufficient intensity to obtain the required number of counts on the minor isotopes in relationship to detector background. The most favorable situations can measure isotope ratios in the range of 1 × 10−10 if sufficient sample intensity is available. These are the triple sector mass spectrometer with porous ion emitters (PIE) and the single sector mass spectrometer with energy filtering.
Effect of Mode Coupling on Signal Processing Complexity in Mode-Division Multiplexing

Mode-division multiplexing systems employ multi-input multi-output (MIMO) equalization to compensate for chromatic dispersion (CD), modal dispersion (MD) and modal crosstalk. The computational complexity of MIMO equalization depends on the number of modes and on the group delay (GD) spread arising from CD and MD. Assuming the strong-coupling regime, in which the total system length far exceeds the correlation length of modal fields, we quantify the GD spread arising from MD, showing that it can be reduced significantly by mode coupling. We evaluate the computational complexity of various MIMO single-carrier equalizers, considering separate or combined equalization of CD and MD, in the time or frequency domain. We present numerical examples for the optimally designed graded-index depressed-cladding fibers supporting D=6, 12, 20 or 30 modes in two polarizations. Assuming a 2000-km system length, a 1-km correlation length, and a combined CD+MD frequency-domain equalizer, the complexity (in complex multiplications per two-dimensional symbol) is a factor 1.4, 1.7, 2.2, 2.8 times higher for D=6, 12, 20, 30 than for polarization-multiplexed systems in standard single-mode fiber (D=2).
Hard palate reconstruction with a pedicled osteomyocutaneous mandible flap: case report.

Oncologic resection of palatal neoplasms will predictably lead to significant oral dysfunction, affecting both speech intelligibility and deglutition. The resulting velopharyngeal insufficiency may be corrected with the fabrication of an obturator or by flap reconstruction. The use of obturators is associated with a decrease in operating time and elimination of flap donor site morbidity, whether regional or distant. Disadvantages associated with a prosthesis include a prolonged fabrication process of up to 1 year and the high cost, as well as the need for regular removal and cleaning by the patient. Alternatively, flap reconstruction provides for immediate and permanent correction of the oronasal communication, but increases operating room time and is associated with the possibility of donor morbidity at the flap harvest site. The pedicled osteomyocutaneous mandible flap has shown utility in the reconstruction of composite mandibular defects. 1 Its use as a method of reconstructing the hard palate represents a novel application of this flap, which is described herein using an illustrative case example.
The Consequences of Compulsive Sexual Behavior: The Preliminary Reliability and Validity of the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Consequences Scale

The consequences of any excessive behavior can serve as a proxy indicator of problem severity. This appears especially salient for the diagnosis of non-paraphilic compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) because of the influence of societal norms on the pathologizing of frequent consensual ego-syntonic sexual behavior. The current study is a preliminary examination of the psychometric properties, descriptive features, concurrent validity, and ability to detect change over time of a measure designed to assess the consequences of non-paraphilic CSB. The sample consisted of 34 (26 end of treatment) gay and bisexual men enrolled in a double-blind placebo-controlled medication trial testing the efficacy of an SSRI in reducing CSB symptoms. Results indicate that the measure demonstrated good internal and test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, and was able to detect change in symptoms over the course of the 12-week period. Items related to intimate relations were most resistant to change and items related to intr...
Pulmonary Circulation: Its Relation to Normal and Altered Dynamics

Although the anatomic differences between the pulmonary and systemic circulations have been recognized for years and some of the functional differences between these two circulations were known in animals, the performance of the pulmonary circulation In normal and abnormal states In man was not clearly defined until technics became available which permitted direct measurements of pulmonary blood flow and blood pressures. In this paper some of the important features of the normal human pulmonary circulation which have become apparent during the past decade, will be reviewed as a background against which some of the patterns observed in disease may be projected. The pulmonary circulation could logically be defined from an anatomic point of view as including all the structures from the pulmonary artery through the pulmonary veins. However, dynamically one must add the right ventricle, which in large measure controls the pulmonary blood flow, and the left atrium because the latter Influences markedly pulmonary venous outflow. The blood flow through the pulmonary circulation in normal man Is quantitatively the same as that which flows through the systemic circulation, if one disregards the small contribution of the bronchiolar circulation which adds to the systemic circulation less than 1 per cent of the total cardiac output. The pressures, however, are quite dissimilar. The mean, or dynamically effective, pressure In the pulmonary artery is about onetenth that seen in the aorta and the pressure In the pulmonary capillaries is one-sixth that of the systemic capillaries. These facts Indicate that the pulmonary circulation is a low resistance system. That it Is also readily distensible is shown by the fact that the flow of blood through the pulmonary arteries can be greatly accelerated without necessarily entailing a rise in pressure in these arteries. For example, blood flow through the lungs of normal man may be increased three times above the resting level, reaching values between 8 and 11 liters per minute per square meter of body surface area, without producing pulmonary hypertension. Considered from another point of view, removal of one lung and hence doubling the flow In the remaining normal lung, does not result In pulmonary hypertension and furthermore will not do so until the blood flow through the remaining lung, which before the pneumonectomy was accustomed to receiving approximately 1.5 liters per square meter of body surface area, or one-half the cardiac output, is trebled as It may be during exercise.
Core–shell magnetic nanoparticle carrier for targeted drug delivery: challenges and design

The primary challenge in the delivery of a drug to a tumor site is to target the anticancer drug specifically into and around tumors at concentrations that will decrease their growth and/or viabili...
Effects of attention on infants' preference for briefly exposed visual stimuli in the paired-comparison recognition-memory paradigm.

This study examined the effect of attention on 3- to 6-month-olds' responses to briefly exposed visual stimuli. In Study 1, stimuli presented at 2.5 or 5.0 s resulted in a familiarity preference in a subsequent paired-comparison procedure. A novelty preference was found with 10.0- or 20.0-s exposure durations. In Study 2, a Sesame Street movie elicited heart-rate-defined attention phases and stimuli replaced Sesame Street during sustained attention, attention termination, or 5.0 s following attention termination. For 20 and 26-week-olds, stimuli presented for 5.0 s during sustained attention resulted in a novelty preference similar to that found when exposure time was 20.0 s. The duration of stimulus exposure during sustained attention in the familiarization phase was positively correlated with the preference for the novel stimulus in the paired-comparison procedure. Thus, processing of briefly presented visual stimuli differs depending on the type of attention in which the infant is currently engaged.
Targeting of Melanoma by pH (Low) Insertion Peptide (pHLIP)

pH (low) insertion peptide (pHLIP) is a helical peptide capable of inserting itself across a cell membrane at low pHs, but not at normal physiologic pH. It possesses two carboxyl groups on aspartic acid residues in its transmembrane region which are protonated at low pH, thereby increasing the peptide's hydrophobicity and facilitating transmembrane insertion. As a result, pHLIP can be used to specifically target acidic disease tissues, including solid tumors, in vivo. Here, intravenously injected fluorescent-labeled pHLIP is shown to localize to melanoma in two different genetically engineered mouse models. These mouse models harbor melanocyte-specific conditional alleles for mutations commonly present in melanoma. Upon activation of the mutations by topical 4-hydroxytamoxifen administration, these mice develop tumors from endogenous melanocytes, thereby closely recapitulating the development of tumors in a natural environment (Dankort et al., Nature Genetics 41, 544-52 (2009); Damsky et al., Cancer Cell 20, 741-54 (2011)). To date, this is the most realistic tumor model in which pHLIP has been utilized, and our results demonstrate for the first time that pHLIP is capable of localizing to cutaneous lesions. This opens the possibility of utilizing pHLIP for the detection of melanoma and other skin cancers. In addition, pHLIP is capable of translocating polar molecules attached to its inserting end across cell membranes. Currently, we are taking advantage of this property in order to develop pHLIP-based therapies against melanoma.
Dimension subgroups of semi-direct products

However a recent counterexample of Rips [2] shows that this fails in general. In this paper we study the number s(G) = inf{r: D,(G; Z) = l} (possibly infinite). In the case of a nilpotent semi-direct product G = H >a L, L abelian, we give a bound for s(G) in terms of s(H) and cl(G). As a consequence of this we show that s(G) is finite whenever G is finitely generated and nilpotent, and that r,(G) = D,(G; Z) for G = H x L with both H and L abelian. As a technical tool in these investigations we introduce the notion of dimension subgroups with respect to a G-module. Let M be a kG-module (not necessarily torsion free over k), and let p,~: G + Autk(M) denote the corresponding linear representation of G. Define
Theory of Transient Electrical Effects in Irradiated Insulators

A theoretical analysis of the transient response of insulators to various types of irradiating particles is given by considering the different nature of the paths of ionized electrons that are formed by the primary radiation. Theory shows that for the class of insulators with a low dielectric constant, the transient response from a densely ionizing particle will be much less than that of a lightly ionizing particle for equal amounts of ionization energy deposition because of direct electron-ion recombination. For insulators with a high dielectric constant, the difference in response to the two types of particles is greatly reduced. In addition, a method for predicting the onset of nonlinear response as a function of radiation dose is given. It is seen that competition between direct electron-ion recombination and change in occupancy of the traps can occur. An interesting result of considering the non-uniform generation of electrons is that the response to irradiation by densely ionizing particles should depend on the orientation of the beam with respect to the applied electric field.
The Impact of Weather on Offshore Energy Losses

Abstract Weather plays a major factor in human activities offshore, and extreme weather in particular, is one of the significant perils encountered. Storms and hurricanes regularly challenge and endanger the offshore energy industry, exposing their insurers, owners, and investors to significant capital loss. Each weather event is unique, and the response of platforms, pipelines, rigs, vessels, and other infrastructure in the path of the storm are also unique. Damage can occur in many forms and failures are often due to a combination of conditions. The purpose of this article is to provide a summary assessment of offshore energy losses due to weather using the Willis Energy Loss database. A statistical assessment of weather damage and loss, broken out by region, time, and loss category, is presented covering the time horizon 1970–2004.
Treatment of Acute Aortic Insufficiency with Sodium Nitroferricyanide: Documentation of Beneficial Effect by Noninvasive Means

The findings in a patient with acute aortic insufficiency who was treated with sodium nitroferricyanide (sodium nitroprusside) prior to aortic valve replacement are presented. Administration of the drug resulted in clinical improvement, which was reflected in changes in systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures and in noninvasive measurements. Sodium nitroferricyanide is useful in the management of patients with severe acute aortic insufficiency, and its effect may be monitored by noninvasive means.
Inequalities for frequency-moment sum rules of electron liquids

The relations between the various frequency-moment sum rules of electron liquids, which include even-power moments, are systematically examined by using the Cauchy-Schwarz and Hoelder inequalities. A relation involving the isothermal sound velocity and the kinetic and potential energies is obtained from one of the inequalities in the long-wavelength limit, and is generalized to arbitrary spatial dimensions.
Books to Bytes at the Speed of Light: A Rapid Health Sciences Collection Transformation

To meet the evolving demands of health care delivery, University of Utah Health Care is transforming at an unprecedented pace. The Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library is supporting this transformation through strategic sharing of physical space and critical evaluation of the collection. Key partners have been invited to share library space. To accommodate these new partners, the library had to quickly eliminate most of its print collection. The de-accessioning of print materials afforded an opportunity to evaluate the way in which the library provides content to users and to explore creative alternatives that continue and enhance library services.
Biological optimality: Comparison of generalized feasibility and optimality conditions for linear, error-minimizing systems

An attempt is made to compare the conditions for the general error-optimality of linear systems developed by Kalman with the conditions for feasibility of linear models of neuromuscular and physiological control systems. Models of three actual physiological systems are tested for both the above criteria. Theoretical analysis presented here shows that there are no simple relationships between the two sets of conditions. Analysis carried out on the physiological systems models suggests the need for a general set of conditions for other optimality criteria, such as time and energy minimization, similar to Kalman's condition for error minimization.
Hypnosis and the pathologising of religious beliefs

“Religion and psychopathology” is a phrase of hidden tensions, epistemological clashes, and a complex historical aetiology. Contemporary theory and research attempt to sort out the relation between the two, but overlooked, unseen, and unappreciated is the historical context that shapes inquiry. It is only at the end of the nineteenth century that religion and psychopathology can be juxtapositioned. This paper examines the prehistory of “religion and psychopathology”, tracing the emergence of “psycho” as an entity distinct from religious encumbrances and, equally important, its scientific legitimisation. It is only after both have been accomplished that psychopathology becomes possible. The history of hypnosis offers unique insight into how this happened.
The use of the beck depression inventory with adolescents

Despite numerous theoretical and anecdotal reports of depression in adolescence, and the potential destructiveness of this disorder in this age group, little empirical work has been done. This study presents data on administration of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to an adolescent sample (N= 568). Factor analysis and interitem and itemscale correlations of the BDI suggested that this questionnaire can be used with this population. The mean BDI score for the sample was slightly higher than that obtained in general population studies of younger children or adults. However, only 5% reported depression sufficiently high to be classified as severe, a figure similar to that of younger children but somewhat lower than that for adults. No significant differences across age were obtained, although significantly more females than males reported high depression scores.
Memory gradient method with Goldstein line search

In this paper, we present a multi-step memory gradient method with Goldstein line search for unconstrained optimization problems and prove its global convergence under some mild conditions. We also prove the linear convergence rate of the new method when the objective function is uniformly convex. Numerical results show that the new algorithm is suitable to solve large-scale optimization problems and is more stable than other similar methods in practical computation.
Thomson scattering for determining electron concentrations and temperatures in an inductively coupled plasma-I. Assessment of the technique for a low—flow, low—power plasma

Abstract Electron number densities and electron temperatures have been measured by multichannel Thomson scattering in a low-flow low-power inductively coupled plasma. Preliminary electron-concentration values agree well with those previously determined, and spatial variation in both electron concentration and temperature are largely consistent with existing models of the ICP. One difference is that aqueous aerosol was found here to depress the electron number density throughout the plasma. Unfortunately, the intensities measured in the wings of the Thomson-scattering spectrum exhibit large uncertainties, making data analysis difficult and the measured electron temperatures less reliable than desired.
Pitfall Traps and Grain Samples as Indicators of Insects in Farm-Stored Wheat

Pitfall traps and grain samples taken with a vacuum probe provided data on insect infestation in farm-stored wheat in 26 Kansas counties. Insects were monitored at 65-d intervals from July 1986 through March 1987. Early detection when populations were low in July and March was accomplished best by pitfall traps. The traps detected insects in 61.5% of the bins of wheat within 1 mo of harvest. In September and November, >95% of the bins were infested. More than half the bins contained Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), an especially damaging pest of Kansas farm-stored grain. Absence of insects in either traps or grain samples could not be interpreted as proof that grain was insect-free. Each method was a more efficient detector of infestations than the other in certain seasons and for certain insects. The center of the grain mass contained a significantly greater percentage of the total number of insects in grain samples from September to January and a significantly greater percentage of the trapped insects from July to March than other positions. Correlation coefficients relating the number of all insects in traps to the number in grain samples taken directly below the traps did not exceed 0.65 until March. In September and November, when insect populations were greatest, 25 insects were captured in traps for each insect in grain samples. In January, the ratio decreased to 9:1.
Effects of time on feed and post-mortem aging on palatability and lipid composition of crossbred Wagyu beef

Twenty-seven Wagyu-sired steers were fed for 90 (14 steers) or 170 (13 steers) days to study the effects of time on feed on palatability and fatty acid composition, and the effects of post-mortem aging time (2, 4 or 10 days) on palatability. Hot carcass weight, fat thickness, longissimus dorsi muscle area, yield grade, estimated kidney, pelvic and heart fat and maturity score were increased (p 0.05). Feeding the high concentrate diet for 170 days increased Warner-Bratzler shear force values (p 0.05), flavor intensity and connective tissue scores. For the 90 day feeding group, 4 days of aging improved connective tissue score (p 0.05) tenderness scores and decrease shear force, compared with 2 days of aging. For the 170 day feeding group, 10 days of aging improved (p < 0.05) shear force and all sensory attributes except flavor intensity, compared to 2 days of aging. An additional 80 days on feed decreased (p < 0.05) stearic acid and total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and generally increased (p < 0.05) monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), MUFA:SFA, and PUFA:SFA in subcutaneous fat and longissimus dorsi muscle. The cholesterol content of fat and muscle increased (p < 0.05) as time on feed increased. Ninety days on a high concentrate diet was adequate for yearling crossbred Wagyu steers to produce highly acceptable carcasses. The additional 80 days on feed produced little or no overall benefit and the steers became overfinished and less tender. Ten days post-mortem aging improved (p < 0.05) all palatability attributes except flavor intensity.
Does mood-congruence or causal search govern recall bias? a test of life event recall

Recall bias has been hypothesized to occur as a function of mood congruence or causal-search related mechanisms. This study tested whether either mechanism related to recall of stressful life events over a year. Respondents consisted of 136 cases suffering from chronic facial pain and 131 acquaintance controls. After reporting life events for 1 year at monthly intervals, respondents attempted to recall these same events at year-end. Mood and likelihood of engaging in causal search were also ascertained at year-end. Results showed no effect of mood congruence or causal search on recall of event occurrence. However, mood did influence subjective appraisal of those events that were recalled. In addition, a significant mood-related memory deficit was detected. Findings indicate that mood-related memory deficit may reduce effect sizes artifactually. Furthermore, when assessing effects of recall bias, recall of event occurrence must be considered separately from subjective appraisal of event characteristics.
RESTRUCTURED FRESH MEAT CUTS FROM CHILLED AND HOT PROCESSED PORK

Mechanically tenderized chunks and thin meat slices were combined to form restructured pork chops. A. comparison was made among five pork products: l–restructured pork chop (RPC), no additives; 2–RPC, salt added; 3–RPC, tripolyphosphate (TPP) added; 4–RPC, salt TPP added; and 5–control – boneless pork loin chops. Evaluation of chilled and hot processed pork included tenderness, juiciness, flavor, connective tissue, color, cooking loss; Instron compression and Instron tension. Restructured pork products using the process described have a more desirable eating quality than pork loin chops whether processed from pre-rigor or post-rigor pork. Products containing salt were superior to other restructured products for every variable except color. Color of restructured products was less desirable than loin pork chops. Cooking loss was decreased by the addition of salt alone (for pre-rigor chops) and salt and TPP in combination for both pre-and post-rigor chops.
Regional cerebral blood flow following hypothermic circulatory arrest in newborn dogs

Abstract A model of hypothermic circulatory arrest has been developed in newborn dogs which simulates the procedure used for the operative repair of congenital cardiac defects in human infants. Hypothermic circulatory arrest for 1.0 h causes no brain damage, whereas cardiac arrest for 1.75 h results in damage of the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia and to a lesser extent the claustrum and amygdaloid nucleus. In the present study, we determined regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during 24 h of recovery from hypothermic circulatory arrest. Newborn nitrous oxide anesthetized and artificially ventilated dogs were cooled to 20°C and subjected to cardiac arrest by the i.v. injection of KCl for either 1.0 or 1.75 h. Thereafter, animals were resuscitated, rewarmed to 37°C, and rCBF measured with [14C]iodoantipyrine at either 2 or 18 h of recovery. Control animals were rendered hypothermic to 20°C without cardiac arrest for 1.0 or 1.75 h prior to rewarming. No alterations in CBF at either 2 or 18 h of recovery were present in any of 16 analyzed structures in animals previously subjected to hypothermic circulatory arrest compared to controls rendered hypothermic alone. A direct linear correlation existed between mean arterial blood pressure and blood flow within frontal, parietal and occipital cortex, occipital white matter, hypothalamus and cerebellar vermis in puppies arrested for 1.75 h and recovered for 2 h, suggesting a loss of CBF autoregulation at this interval. No such association between blood pressure and CBF was apparent at 18 h of recovery. The findings suggest that maintenance of adequate systemic blood pressure and hence cerebral perfusion in the early post-operative period are important to prevent or minimize ischemic brain damage in newborn infants subjected to hypothermic circulatory arrest.
Chemotypes sensitivity and predictivity of in vivo outcomes for cytotoxic assays in THLE and HepG2 cell lines.

In the present study, we demonstrate the utility of in vitro ATP depletion assays in both THLE and HepG2 cells for predicting the toxicological outcome in Exploratory Toxicology Studies across 446 Pfizer proprietary compounds. Our results suggest a higher likelihood of selecting suitable compounds for in vivo safety studies by using cytotoxicity assays in multiple cell-lines over a single cell line. In addition, we demonstrate that different cell-lines have different sensitivities to compounds depending on their ionization state, that is, acid, base or neutral. HepG2 cells are more sensitive for basic compounds, whereas THLE cells have a relatively higher sensitivity for the acidic and neutral compounds. These in vitro cytotoxicity assays when combined with physicochemical properties (cLogP >3 and topological polar surface area (TPSA) <75A(2)), are the most effective means to prioritize compounds having a lower probability of causing adverse events in vivo.
Pompe disease: from pathophysiology to therapy and back again

Pompe disease is a lysosomal storage disorder in which acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) is deficient or absent. Deficiency of this lysosomal enzyme results in progressive expansion of glycogen-filled lysosomes in multiple tissues, with cardiac and skeletal muscle being the most severely affected. The clinical spectrum ranges from fatal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and skeletal muscle myopathy in infants to relatively attenuated forms, which manifest as a progressive myopathy without cardiac involvement. The currently available enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) proved to be successful in reversing cardiac but not skeletal muscle abnormalities. Although the overall understanding of the disease has progressed, the pathophysiology of muscle damage remains poorly understood. Lysosomal enlargement/rupture has long been considered a mechanism of relentless muscle damage in Pompe disease. In past years, it became clear that this simple view of the pathology is inadequate; the pathological cascade involves dysfunctional autophagy, a major lysosome-dependent intracellular degradative pathway. The autophagic process in Pompe skeletal muscle is affected at the termination stage-impaired autophagosomal-lysosomal fusion. Yet another abnormality in the diseased muscle is the accelerated production of large, unrelated to ageing, lipofuscin deposits-a marker of cellular oxidative damage and a sign of mitochondrial dysfunction. The massive autophagic buildup and lipofuscin inclusions appear to cause a greater effect on muscle architecture than the enlarged lysosomes outside the autophagic regions. Furthermore, the dysfunctional autophagy affects the trafficking of the replacement enzyme and interferes with its delivery to the lysosomes. Several new therapeutic approaches have been tested in Pompe mouse models: substrate reduction therapy, lysosomal exocytosis following the overexpression of transcription factor EB and a closely related but distinct factor E3, and genetic manipulation of autophagy.
MT1-MMP mediates MUC1 shedding independent of TACE/ADAM17

MUC1, a transmembrane mucin, plays a critical role in embryo implantation, protection of mucosal epithelia from microbial and enzymic attack and various aspects of tumour progression. In some species, a decrease in uterine epithelial MUC1 protein and mRNA expression accompanies embryo implantation. In other species, such as rabbits and humans, MUC1 appears to be locally removed at blastocyst attachment sites, suggesting the action of a protease. We previously demonstrated that MUC1 is proteolytically released from the surface of a human uterine epithelial cell line, HES, and identified TACE/ADAM17 (where TACE stands for tumour necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme and ADAM for A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease-like) as a constitutive and PMA-stimulated MUC1 sheddase [Thathiah, Blobel and Carson (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 3386-3394]. Further characterization of the proteolytic activity(ies) mediating MUC1 release indicates that MUC1 shedding is also accelerated by the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor pervanadate. Pervanadate, but not PMA, stimulates MUC1 shedding in TACE-deficient cells, indicating activation of a metalloproteolytic activity(ies) distinct from TACE. Pervanadate-stimulated MUC1 release is inhibited by the TIMP-2 (tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-2) and TIMP-3, but is unaffected by TIMP-1, consistent with the MT-MMPs (membrane-type matrix metalloproteases). Pervanadate stimulation of MUC1 shedding is absent from MUC1-transfected MT1-MMP-deficient fibroblasts, but is restored after MUC1 and MT1-MMP co-transfection. Furthermore, overexpression of MT1-MMP in HES cells enhances pervanadate-stimulated MUC1 release, and MT1-MMP co-localizes with MUC1 in vivo at the apical surface of receptive-phase human uterine epithelia. Taken together, these studies characterize a MUC1 sheddase activity in addition to TACE and identify MT1-MMP as a pervanadate-stimulated MUC1 sheddase.
Exploring Ground-State Heterogeneity of Hypericin and Hypocrellin A and B: Dynamic and 2D ROESY NMR Study

A NMR study was conducted on the antiviral and antitumor agents hypericin and hypocrellin A and B, whose activity is light induced. Elucidation of the conformational/tautomeric properties of these ...
Effect of driving forces on atom motion

Abstract There are many kinds of driving forces that can bias atom motions in the solid phase. Only the influences of the thermal gradient (thermomigration) and of electric current (electromigration) are treated here. For thermomigration, consideration is given to the action of electron and phonon fluxes and to the “intrinsic” driving force arising from the atom jump process itself. Of the many manifestations of electromigration, attention will be given to anisotropy of the effect in non-cubic single crystals, especially in some of the hexagonal metals. The electromigration of interstitials, both those of the traditional type (conforming to Hagg's rule) and the systems of monovalent solutes in polyvalent matrices (fast diffusers), is another interesting area. The electromigration of the hydrogen isotopes as interstitials in metals has rised some questions of particular interest. Finally, a few comments on the behavior of electromigration in thin films are presented. The emphasis will be on the influence of grain boundary resistivity and the symmetry properties of the interface.
Error bounds for asymptotic expansions of the ratio of two gamma functions

Error bounds are obtained for asymptotic expansions of the ratio of two gamma functions ${{\Gamma (x + a)} / {\Gamma (x + b)}}$ for the case of real, bounded $a,b$ and large positive x. In particular an assertion of Luke about a result of Fields is rigorously justified by showing that the error made in truncating Fields’ asymptotic expansion is numerically less than and has the same sign as the first neglected term. Use is made of some results for completely monotonic functions and enveloping series.
Radiochemical determination of strontium-89 and −90 in uranium minerals and salts

Abstract A combination of low-level counting technique and large-scale analytical operation has been employed to determine extremely small quantities of strontium-89 and -90 in uranium ores and salts. Strontium carrier is added to a kilogram quantity of the samples of non-irradiated uranium ore and salt, exhaustively purified, and counted. The levels of radiostrontium found are of the order of 10−4 disintegrations.sec−1.g−1 of uranium in the sample. These strontium isotopes are formed in non-irradiated uranium salts and ores predominantly by the spontaneous fission of uranium, but neutron-induced fission of uranium-235 also appears to occur in the latter.
Post-transplant increased levels of serum sCD30 is a marker for prediction of kidney allograft loss in a 5-year prospective study.

Abstract Background Levels of sCD30 represent a biomarker for early outcome in kidney transplantation. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of sCD30 levels for prediction of graft loss in the late post-transplant period. Methods Sera were collected immediately pre-transplant and yearly thereafter for up to 5-year post-transplant in 37 primary renal transplant recipients. Levels of serum sCD30 were tested using a fluorescent microsphere assay. Results Levels of sCD30 significantly decreased after transplantation and remained normal in 34 patients without graft loss up to 5-year post-transplant. Elevated levels of serum sCD30 preceded the increase of serum creatinine in patients with subsequent graft loss. Conclusions Elevated levels of serum sCD30 post-transplant might be a marker for predicting subsequent graft loss in the post-transplant period.
Related social behaviors of students in different types of nursing education programs.

Abstract A study was conducted to compare social behaviors of nursing students ( N = 335) enrolled in their last year study in 16 associate degree, diploma, or baccalaureate degree nursing programs. Significant differences ( P
Oscillations of a bubble separated from an air cavity under compression caused by magnetic field in a magnetic fluid

Based on the concept of mapping the free surface geometry of a weakly magnetic medium by the topography of isolines of the magnetic field strength magnitude, the shape of the free surface of a magnetic fluid is studied in the static state at two stages: the initial stage, where an annular magnet is moving toward the surface of the magnetic fluid column in a tube, and at the stage where the air cavity is pressed to the bottom. It is shown that the separation of bubbles from the air cavity occurs at the magnet axis in the immediate vicinity of the magnet symmetry plane. A method and an experimental setup are proposed to investigate possible electromagnetic indication of the size of air bubbles formed in the magnetic fluid. The results of an experimental study of bubble separation from an air cavity held in the magnetic fluid and compressed by the pondermotive forces of the magnetic field are discussed. The results may be of importance for designing a new technique for metering small gas shots to a reactor.
Impact of lipid nanoparticle physical state on particle aggregation and β-carotene degradation: Potential limitations of solid lipid nanoparticles

Abstract The impact of carrier oil composition and physical state on the physical and chemical stability of lipid nanoparticles containing encapsulated β-carotene was investigated. Lipid nanoparticles ( d C ) was ≈ 20 for SLN and ≈ 12 for LLN. These effects were attributed to the ability of the fat crystals within the lipid nanoparticles to promote partial coalescence and expulsion of carotenoids to the particle exterior. This study shows that solid lipid nanoparticles may not be better than liquid lipid nanoparticles for encapsulation of bioactive food ingredients.
Microstructural examination of irradiated and unirradiated V–4Cr–4Ti pressurized creep tubes

Abstract Microstructures of three pressurized tubes of V–4Cr–4Ti heat 832665 following irradiation in the Advanced Test Reactor at ∼300 °C to ∼5 dpa are examined and compared with thermal creep tubes tested at 700 and 800 °C. Irradiation creep response at 300 °C is found to be associated with dislocation development and may be affected by precipitation. Stress appears to encourage grain boundary migration during irradiation creep. Segregation of Cr to boundaries and Si behind boundaries was found to accompany the grain boundary migration. Thermal creep is probably due to dislocation climb influenced by TiO2 precipitation.
Metal Complexes of Thiouracils II: Solubility Analyses and Spectrophotometric Investigations

Abstract Complexes of Cu +2 , Cd +2 , and Pb +2 with 2-thiouracil, 6- n -propyl-2-thiouracil, 6-methyl-2-thiouracil, 5-methyl-2-thiouracil, and 5,6-dimethyl-2-thiouracil have lower absorptivities than the parent thiouracils. On the premise that all metal-ion complexes of thiouracils have similar absorptivities, cupric ion is a much more highly complexing metal (4-10X) than cadmium and lead. The lack of spectral aberration on the addition of Fe +3 and Fe +2 to solutions of these thiouracils shows that no significant complexation occurs with these metal ions. None of the studied metals forms significantly spectrophotometrically observable complexes with 2-ethylmercapto-4-hydroxypyrimidine and 6-methyl- N,N -diethyl-2-thiouracil. This fact implies that only those tautomerizable thiouracils that can form ionizable sulfhydryl groups are capable of metal complexation. Solubility analysis methods were devised for the determination of stability constants and solubilities of 1:1, 1:2, and mixed ligand complexes. However, thiouracil solubility was not significantly different in the absence and presence of metal ions. Also, metal-ion concentrations were not significant in saturated thiouracil solutions and demonstrated that the solubilities of the precipitating complexes were less than the accuracies of the spectrophotometric thiouracil and polarographic metal analyses. A previous literature proposal that a cuprous-2-thiouracil disulfide complex is the major result in mixtures of cupric ion and 2-thiouracil was denied by the demonstration that thiouracil is not oxidized by cupric ion in acidic solutions, that 2-thiouracil disulfide readily disproportionates in acid to the sulfinic acid and 2-thiouracil, and that the rate of such disproportionation is independent of cupricion concentration.
In-vivo studies of reflectance pulse oximeter sensor

Reflectance oximetry can offer an advantage of being applicable to any portion of the body. However, the major problem of reflectance oximetry is low pulsatile signal level which prevents prolonged clinical application during extreme situations, such as hypothermia and vasoconstriction. In order to improve the pulsatile signal level of reflectance pulse oximeter and thus its accuracy, three different sensors, with the separation distances (SPD) between light emitting diode (LED) and photodiode being 3, 5, and 7 mm respectively, were studied on nine healthy volunteers. With the increase of the SPD, it was found that both the red (660 nm) and near-infrared (830 nm) pulsatile to average signal ratio (AC/DC) increased, and the standard deviations of (AC/DC) red /(AC/DC) infrared ratio decreased, in spite of the decrease of the absolute signal level. Further clinical studies of 3 mm and 7 mm SPD sensors on seven patients also showed that the (AC/DC) red /(AC/DC) infrared ratio measured by the 7 mm sensor were less disturbed than the 3 mm sensor during the surgery. A theoretical study based on the three-dimensional photon diffusion theory supports the experimental and clinical results. As a conclusion, the 7 mm sensor has the highest signal-to- noise ratio among three different sensors. A new 7 mm SPD reflectance sensor, with the increased number of LEDs around the photodiode, was designed to increase the AC/DC ratio, as well as to increase the absolute signal level.