cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Echocardiographic evaluation of ventricular assist devices in pediatric patients.

Background The use of ventricular assist devices (VADs) in children is challenging because of small patient size, frequent structural heart disease, and the need for biventricular assist devices. This report describes the role of echocardiography in the management of children supported by VADs. Methods A retrospective review of the records of all pediatric patients who underwent VAD placement between May 2005 and May 2011 was performed to collect demographics, cardiac diagnoses, details of VADs, and transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic findings from the time of initial diagnosis until VAD explantation. Results The study included 32 patients (median age, 3 years; age range, 20 days to 16 years; median weight, 12.3 kg; weight range, 3.5–60 kg), 20 with left ventricular assist devices and 12 with biventricular assist devices. Diagnoses included dilated cardiomyopathy or myocarditis ( n = 27) and congenital heart disease ( n = 5). The median duration of support was 12 days (range, 1–141 days). Patients with decreased right ventricular function were 8 times more likely to undergo biventricular assist device placement compared with those with normal right ventricular function ( P = .026). Pre-VAD intracardiac shunts were identified in 11 patients and intracardiac thrombus in one patient. Cardiac chamber dimensions and mitral insufficiency were significantly reduced after VAD implantation. Postimplantation pericardial effusions were recognized in 16 patients and pericardial hematomas in 12 patients. Conclusions Echocardiography is invaluable in the management of pediatric patients receiving VADs. It is helpful in pre-VAD assessment, guiding intraoperative device placement, recognizing VAD dysfunction, and identifying postimplantation complications.
Plasmonic Enhancement of the Second Order Nonlinear Optical Response of Ionic Self-Assembled Multilayers

The second harmonic generation efficiency of organic ionic self-assembled multilayers has been increased by a factor of 1600 through plasmonic resonance of silver nanostructures fabricated by nanosphere lithography.
A perspective matrix-based seed reconstruction algorithm with applications to C-arm based intra-operative dosimetry

Currently available seed reconstruction algorithms are based on the assumption that accurate information about the imaging geometry is known. The assumption is valid for isocentric x-ray units such as radiotherapy simulators. However, the large majority of the clinics performing prostate brachytherapy today use C-arms for which imaging parameters such as source to axis distance, image acquisition angles, central axis of the image are not accurately known. We propose a seed reconstruction algorithm that requires no such knowledge of geometry. The new algorithm makes use of perspective projection matrix, which can be easily derived from a set of known reference points. The perspective matrix calculates the transformation of a point in 3D space to the imaging coordinate system. An accurate representation of the imaging geometry can be derived from the generalized projection matrix (GPM) with eleven degrees of freedom. In this paper we show how GPM can be derived given a theoretical minimum number of reference points. We propose an algorithm to compute the line equation that defines the backprojection operation given the GPM. The algorithm can be extended to any ray-tracing based seed reconstruction algorithms. Reconstruction using the GPM does not require calibration of C-arms and the images can be acquired at arbitrary angles. The reconstruction is performed in near real-time. Our simulations show that reconstruction using GPM is robust and accuracy is independent of the source to detector distance and location of the reference points used to generate the GPM. Seed reconstruction from C-arm images acquired at unknown geometry provides a useful tool for intra-operative dosimetry in prostate brachytherapy.
Efficacy of Advising Outreach on Student Retention, Academic Progress and Achievement, and Frequency of Advising Contacts: A Longitudinal Randomized Trial

Previous research on advising outreach, including intrusive or proactive advising, suggests required advising improves contact frequency, student retention, and academic achievement, especially for students on probation. We show results of a 4-year randomized trial of 501 students at an urban state university. One half the cohort received advising outreach every semester of enrollment. The other half received typical university announcements about advising but no additional outreach. Advising outreach increased student contact with professional advisors but offered minimal support for outreach to improve retention. Future researchers should continue evaluating advising outreach and proactive advising to improve student success.
Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery Certain Therapeutic Considerations

Nine cases of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery, the patients ranging in age from two months to seven years, have been reviewed. Six of these patients have had mitral insufficiency as well. Of these nine patients, four have undergone operation and all have survived. There have been no postoperative complications. A fifth patient was taken to the operating room, but developed ventricular fibrillation during induction and could not be resuscitated. The remaining patients were not operated upon, and all have died. In a typical case, nonspecific respiratory complaints were present. In addition, some patients experienced episodes of pallor, dyspnea, and excessive perspiration. The electrocardiogram and vectorcardiogram proved helpful in the diagnosis of this anomaly, although selective right coronary arteriography was most effective in establishing the diagnosis. The surgical treatment in all four patients consisted of transection and ligation of the anomalous coronary artery at its origin from the pulmonary artery. The technique is simple and has been described. Of the four surgically treated patients, three have so far remained asymptomatic. One patient continues postoperatively to suffer from angina-like symptoms. The electrocardiogram, vectorcardiogram, and chest X-rays do not show any marked change from preoperative observations in three patients; however, the youngest child operated upon (aged three months) reveals changes consistent with improvement in the electrocardiographic pattern. Early recognition and treatment of this lesion are advocated if preventable deaths from irreversible myocardial damage are to be avoided.
The Pittsburgh Initial Neuropsychological Testing System (PINTS): A neuropsychological screening battery for psychiatric patients

This paper presents a new neuropsychological screening battery for psychiatric patients. It takes 1.5 to 2 hr to administer and briefly assesses general level of performance, memory, language skills, attention, and spatial-constructional abilities. Scoring and profiling are computerized. Initial validation based on discriminant analysis of a group of brain-damaged and non-brain-damaged psychiatric patients yielded a diagnostic accuracy level of 84.51%. Cross-validation on a different population led to a substantial attrition of classificatory accuracy, but cross-validation based on a comparison between two samples drawn from a homogeneous population yielded substantially less attrition. It was concluded that while the battery discriminates accurately in a homogeneous population, it is necessary to develop separate norms for populations varying in level of impairment.
A critical review of deregulated foreign electric utility markets

In recent years there has been a growing consensus within the electric utility industry that increased competition is inevitable. This article examines four competitive utility models from around the world to determine whether a competitive generation market will produce lower electric rates. The analysis shows that the British, Norwegian, Argentinean and Chilean experiences may provide limited support for electric utility reform in the US. But many of these foreign systems have abundant, low-cost, hydroelectric power or involve privatisation of publicly owned facilities which may offer benefits not available in the US, where electric rates are relatively low already.
Temporal changes in the age distribution of inflammatory bowel disease hospitalization: data from England and Scotland.

Objective The ages of patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are characterized by a bimodal distribution. This study used separate hospital statistics from England and Scotland to follow the changes in the age distribution of inflammatory bowel disease. The objective of the analysis was to check whether the time trends of hospitalization would show different patterns among different age groups. Methods Hospital statistics from England (1989-2006) and Scotland (1981-2007) were obtained through special requests to the national statistical offices. Hospitalizations (with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis listed as primary or primary plus secondary discharge diagnosis) were expressed as age-specific and sex-specific rates per 10 000 living population. The separate age-specific rates of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis of consecutive 6-year or 7-year time intervals were plotted against their respective age group. Results The hospital data reveal a bimodal age distribution, with a more prominent first peak occurring in younger patients with Crohn's disease and a more prominent second peak occurring in older patients with ulcerative colitis. During the past two decades, the hospitalization rates for both diseases increased in all age groups. However, the increase was relatively more pronounced in the elderly, especially with ulcerative colitis. The age-shift towards older patients was also more evident for Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis listed as secondary than primary discharge diagnosis. Conclusion The age-related shift in the occurrence of inflammatory bowel disease could reflect the impact of a birth-cohort pattern that underlies the long-term time trends of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Expanding the role of the dentist in the detection of oral and laryngeal cancer.

The clinical symptoms of 1,000 patients with head and neck cancer were reviewed according to primary tumor location. The technique of indirect mirror examination of the larynx, by which dentists can detect carcinomas in that area, is described. The clinical symptoms at the initial examination of 1,000 patients with carcinomas of the oral cavity and larynx were evaluated. A review of the histories of these patients revealed that the dentist played an active role in the early detection of cancers of the palate, alveolar ridge, gingiva, and floor of the mouth. His role was less evident in detection of tumors of the tongue and was negligible in early detection of tonsillar and laryngeal neo-plasms. A technique of examination is explained by which the dentist can contribute greatly to early detection of cancer of the larynx and of those areas in the oral cavity not easily seen by direct vision.
Preliminary results with dye-enhanced selective laser sclerosis of venous varicosities

Laser sclerosis (photosclerosis) of veins after injection of wavelength-specific dyes to enhance and localize energy absorption could provide a useful adjunct to current treatment options. To enhance the absorption of 808nm diode laser energy, ear veins of 18 rabbits were infused with 2-3cc of indocyanine green (maximum absorption 805nm) and exposed for 2 to 20 seconds. Animals were sacrificed between 0 and 28 days after operation. Discrete time intervals of laser exposure exist during which various sized vessels can be photosclerosed without significant thermal injury to the overlying tissue. The use of low power, diode lasers, in conjunction with wavelength-specific dyes, may provide a simple, effective, and cosmetically appealling alternative to current treatment options for superficial varicosities of the extremities.
Listeners judge talker sex more efficiently from male than from female vowels

Speech routinely provides cues as to the sex of the talker; in voiced sounds, these cues mainly reflect dimorphism in vocal anatomy. This dimorphism is not symmetrical, however, since during adolescent development, males specifically diverge from a previously shared trajectory with females. We therefore predicted that listeners would show a corresponding perceptual advantage for male sounds in talker-sex discrimination, a hypothesis tested using very brief, one- to eight-cycle vowel segments. The expected performance asymmetry was observed in threshold-like tests of multiple different vowels in Experiments 1–3, and a signal detection design in Experiment 4 helped rule out possible response bias effects. In confirming our counterintuitive prediction, the present study illustrates that a biological and evolutionary perspective can be helpful in understanding indexical cuing in speech.
Use of the Multi-State Procedure for Variations of Dosage Forms:

In 1987, Du Pont Pharma submitted its first multi-state application for a product named Brevibloc. The two-step application began with submission in France for a concentrated dosage form. Two years later, the company applied for a variation on a diluted dosage form. Initially, no common decision was agreed upon, and a quality working party was assembled to sort out the conditions of approval. Du Pont Pharma found that the multi-state procedure can be a fast track in certain countries, but encountered problems with nonbinding CPMP opinions.
Raman and infrared spectra, conformational stability, barriers to internal rotation, ab initio calculations and vibrational assignment for bromodifluoroacetyl chloride

The Raman (1800–10 cm−1) and infrared (2000–30 cm−1) spectra of bromodifluoroacetyl chloride, CBrF2CClO, are reported for the gas and polycrystalline solid. Additionally, the Raman spectrum of the liquid along with qualitative depolarization ratios have also been obtained. These data have been interpreted on the basis of an equilibrium between the gauche and the trans conformers (bromine atom trans to the chlorine atom) in the gas and liquid phases. From a study of the Raman spectrum of the liquid at various temperatures, a value of 851 ± 56 cm−1 (2.43 ± 0.07 kcal mol−1) was obtained for ΔH with the gauche conformer the more stable form. A similar study of the gas gave a value of 725 ± 150 cm−1 (2.07 ± 0.43 kcal mol−1), again with the gauche rotamer the more stable conformer. Hence the gauche conformer is the predominate rotamer in the gas and liquid and the only conformer present in the annealed solid. Aided by ab initio and scaled computations of the vibrational spectrum with the STO-3G* basis set and, for the trans conformer at the 4–31G*/MIDI-4* level of the theory, complete assignments of observed bands to fundamental vibrations of the gauche conformer are made, whereas partial assignment is reported for the trans conformer. The fundamental torsional mode for the gauche conformer was observed at 46 cm−1 but excited-state transitions were not observed so the potential function governing the conformational interchange could not be determined. Optimized geometries, dipole moments, unscaled and scaled vibrational frequencies and harmonic force fields are reported for both conformers. With the STO-3G*, basis set, the gauche conformer is calculated to be more stable than the trans conformer by 17 cm−1 (48 cal mole−1). These results are compared with the corresponding quantities for some similar molecules.
Laboratory studies of wave-current interaction: Kinematics of the strong interaction

Controlled laboratory experiments have been conducted to study the kinematics of wave-current interactions. The results confirm the conservation of waves under the steady state condition. The data also show that the kinematic effect of the current on waves can be treated as a simple Doppler shift. After the Doppler correction, the kinematics of the waves (either breaking or nonbreaking) follow the linear theory very well.
Vitamin D inhibits G1 to S progression in LNCaP prostate cancer cells through p27Kip1 stabilization and Cdk2 mislocalization to the cytoplasm.

1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) exerts antiproliferative effects via cell cycle regulation in a variety of tumor cells, including prostate. We have previously shown that in the human prostate cancer cell line LN-CaP, 1,25-(OH)2D3 mediates an increase in cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1 levels, inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2) activity, hypophosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein, and accumulation of cells in G1. In this study, we investigated the mechanism whereby 1,25-(OH)2D3 increases p27 levels. 1,25-(OH)2D3 had no effect on p27 mRNA levels or on the regulation of a 3.5-kb fragment of the p27 promoter. The rate of p27 protein synthesis was not affected by 1,25-(OH)2D3 as measured by luciferase activity driven by the 5′- and 3′-untranslated regions of p27 that regulate p27 protein synthesis. Pulse-chase analysis of 35S-labeled p27 revealed an increased p27 protein half-life with 1,25-(OH)2D3 treatment. Because Cdk2-mediated phosphorylation of p27 at Thr187 targets p27 for Skp2-mediated degradation, we examined the phosphorylation status of p27 in 1,25-(OH)2D3-treated cells. 1,25-(OH)2D3 decreased levels of Thr187 phosphorylated p27, consistent with inhibition of Thr187 phosphorylation-dependent p27 degradation. In addition, 1,25-(OH)2D3 reduced Skp2 protein levels in LNCaP cells. Cdk2 is activated in the nucleus by Cdk-activating kinase through Thr160 phosphorylation and by cdc25A phosphatase via Thr14 and Tyr15 dephosphorylation. Interestingly, 1,25-(OH)2D3 decreased nuclear Cdk2 levels as assessed by subcellular fractionation and confocal microscopy. Inhibition of Cdk2 by 1,25-(OH)2D3 may thus involve two mechanisms: 1) reduced nuclear Cdk2 available for cyclin binding and activation and 2) impairment of cyclin E-Cdk2-dependent p27 degradation through cytoplasmic mislocalization of Cdk2. These data suggest that Cdk2 mislocalization is central to the antiproliferative effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3.
Proton scattering from 9Be between 6 and 30 MeV and the structure of 9Be

Abstract Differential cross-section excitation functions at lab scattering angles 86.9°, 120.0°, 140.0° and 160.0° were measured for 9Be(p, po)9Be, 9Be(p, p2)9Be and 9Be(p, d0)8Be at proton lab energies from 6 to 15 MeV in 100 keV steps. A broad anomaly was observed in the 9Be(p, p0)9Be excitation functions. Differential cross-section angular distributions were measured for 9Be(p, p0)9Be and 9Be(p, p2)9Be at lab energies of 13.0, 14.0, 15.0, 21.35 and 30.3 MeV and for 9Be(p, d0)8Be at 13.0, 14.0, 15.0 and 21.35 MeV. Angular distributions of polarization analysing powers for 9Be( p ,p0)9Be, 9Be(p, p2)9Be and 9Be( p , d0)8Be were measured at 8.0, 11.0, 12.0, 13.0 and 15.0 MeV. A spherical optical-model (SOM) analysis of the elastic scattering angular distribution data from 13.0 to 30.3 MeV showed that an energy dependence of only VR and Ws (volume real and surface imaginary depths) is sufficient to reproduce the measurements. Coupled-channels (CC) analyses were made with a quadrupole-deformed optical-model potential and strong coupling of 3 2 − , 5 2 − and 7 2 − levels of a K = 3 2 ground-state rotational band of 9Be. The 9Be(p, p0)9Be and 9Be(p, p2)9Be data from 13.0 to 30.3 MeV were analyzed simultaneously at each energy, varying only VR and Ws with energy, for a potential deformation of β = 1.1. Both SOM and CC analyses indicated the same energy dependence in VR, while Ws averaged 3.5 MeV lower in CC than in SOM, with both energy dependences consistent with previous analyses of nucleon scattering from 1p shell nuclei.
A Scalar PDF Construction Model for Turbulent Non-Premixed Combustion

Abstract A new model is presented to construct a realistic form for the joint-scalar probability density function, as opposed to assuming its shape, with application to the moment equation solution of turbulent (non-premixed) combustion. The model approximates the thermo-chemical pdf in a general turbulent reacting flow by the scalar pdf that decayed from an initial binary field in homogeneous turbulence, parameterized by an appropriate set of lower moments. Full resolution, complex chemistry, scalar decay simulations are achieved with the computationally affordable Linear Eddy Model. The constructed pdf, in contrast to the assumed shape approach, incorporates the underlying physics of advection by all turbulent scales, molecular diffusion and chemical reaction. The constructed pdf has no adjustable constants or calibration factors, and its tabulation allows the expensive turbulence-chemistry interactions to be decoupled from the moment equation solution. In an a-priori experimental comparison using a two...
Workshop Speech: Seawater Desalination by RO membrane

Among desalination technologies available today, RO is regarded as the most economical desalination process for wide range of water salinity. The development of crosslinked aromatic polyamide composite membrane in 1980's was a significant affair, and many types of membranes, such as low-pressure types for brackish water desalination and high-pressure types for seawater desalination, have been developed after that. The permeate flow rate and water quality of RO membranes have been greatly improved, especially high pressure type SWRO membranes have enabled us to carry out the 60% of high recovery rate operation and low cost seawater desalination, which is called Brine Conversion Two Stage Seawater Desalination System and they have been already running in the world. Recently the development of high-performance SWRO membrane is required since the regulation for water quality is getting severer and severer. In particular, boron removal is one of the most important issues to be conquered in seawater desalination. WHO has established severe guideline value in the boron concentration in drinking water because boron is known to kill citrus trees and cause infertility. Boron exists as boric acid in seawater, and its concentration is 4 to 7 ppm. Boric acid is a very small molecule, which has about 0.4 nm in diameter because it is not ionized and not hydrated in a neutral region. So boron is the typical substance, which is difficult to be removed by RO membrane.
Reduced Abdominal Adiposity and Improved Glucose Tolerance in Growth Hormone-Treated Girls with Turner Syndrome

Background: Individuals with Turner syndrome (TS) are at increased risk for impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus. It is unknown whether pharmacological GH treatment commonly used to treat short stature in TS alters this risk. Objective: Our objective was to compare adiposity and glucose tolerance in GH-treated vs. untreated girls with TS. Methods: In a cross sectional study, GH-treated girls with TS (n = 76; age 13.6 ± 3.7 yr) were compared to girls with TS that never received GH (n = 26; age 13.8 ± 3.5 yr). Protocol studies took place in the NIH Clinical Research Center from 2001–2006 and included oral glucose tolerance tests, body composition analysis by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and abdominal fat quantification by magnetic resonance imaging. GH was not given during testing. Results: Total body fat (35 ± 8 vs. 28 ± 8%, P < 0.0001), sc abdominal fat (183 vs. 100 ml, P = 0.001), and intraabdominal fat (50 vs. 33 ml, P < 0.0001) were significantly greater in untreated girls. Fasting glucose and insulin were similar, but the response to oral glucose was significantly impaired in the untreated group (28 vs. 7% with impaired glucose tolerance, P = 0.006). A specific excess of visceral fat and insulin resistance was apparent only in postpubertal girls that had never received GH. GH-treated girls demonstrated lower adiposity compared with untreated girls for an average of 2 yr after discontinuation of GH. Conclusions: Abdominal adiposity is significantly lower and glucose tolerance significantly better in GH-treated vs. untreated girls with TS, suggesting that beneficial effects upon body composition and regional fat deposition outweigh transient insulin antagonism associated with GH administration.
Prophecy and the Performance of Metaphor

In 1975 the movement known as the Catholic Charismatic Renewal held its annual conference in Rome for the first time. In this symbolically charged setting, "prophecy" was uttered by prophets from The Word of God, the largest and most highly organized of charismatic covenant communities. These Rome prophecies were deemed a direct message from God and revealed that the role of the Charismatic Renewal was to protect the church. The prominent metaphor in subsequent prophetic utterances was that of the alliance of covenant communities as a "bulwark" for the church against the apocalyptic onslaught of the forces of darkness.
Malignant degeneration of pulmonary juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP) is a rare disease associated with the human papilloma virus (HPV) in which papillomas form along the aerodigestive tract in children. Pulmonary involvement is uncommon, but associated with worse clinical outcomes, including the rare complication of malignant transformation. We present a patient with JORRP in which lung disease underwent malignant transformation during adolescence. Our goal is to raise awareness of the potential for malignant transformation in children, as well as to familiarize pediatric radiologists with imaging features of malignant lung disease in JORRP. We advocate for the identification of the subgroup of JORPP patients with pulmonary disease who, due to increased risk for malignant transformation, may benefit from closer clinical and imaging surveillance by a multidisciplinary team.
Processing, compression response and finite element modeling of syntactic foam based interpenetrating phase composite (IPC)

Abstract The feasibility of processing lightweight interpenetrating phase composite (IPC) foam is demonstrated. The composite is produced by infiltrating uncured epoxy-based syntactic foam into an open-cell aluminum preform, resulting in an IPC foam with improved compression characteristics relative to conventional syntactic foams. Different IPC foam varieties are prepared by varying the volume fraction of microballoons in the syntactic foam from 20% to 40% while keeping the volume fraction of the metallic network the same. Two variations of these IPC foam are produced using the aluminum preform in (a) ‘as-is’ condition and (b) after coating it with silane to increase adhesion between the metallic network and polymer foam. The IPC foam samples in general and the silane coated ones in particular show significant improvement in elastic modulus, yield stress and plateau stress values when compared to the corresponding syntactic foam of the same volume fraction of microballoons. The increase in plateau stress of IPC foam samples is about eight times that of an unfilled preform and approximately 42% higher than that of the corresponding syntactic foam. Up to 50% higher energy absorption by the silane treated IPC foam relative to the corresponding syntactic foam is also achieved. A Kelvin cell based 3-D elasto-plastic finite element model capable of capturing both linear and nonlinear characteristics of the IPC foams is also presented.
CMP Slurry Design and Developments Related to New Materials

Chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) is recognized by the semiconductor industry as the technology of choice for eliminating local and global topographic variations on flat wafers. Several factors including a large number of input variables play a key role in controlling the CMP output parameters. One of the most important variables is the slurry composition which includes chemical additives and abrasive particles. This talk will provide a fundamental basis for lurry design to control the CMP output parameters.
The nature of peptide interactions with acid end-group PLGAs and facile aqueous-based microencapsulation of therapeutic peptides

An important poorly understood phenomenon in controlled-release depots involves the strong interaction between common cationic peptides and low Mw free acid end-group poly(lactic-co-glycolic acids) (PLGAs) used to achieve continuous peptide release kinetics. The kinetics of peptide sorption to PLGA was examined by incubating peptide solutions of 0.2–4 mM octreotide or leuprolide acetate salts in a 0.1 M HEPES buffer, pH 7.4, with polymer particles or films at 4–37 °C for 24 h. The extent of absorption/loading of peptides in PLGA particles/films was assayed by two-phase extraction and amino acid analysis. Confocal Raman microspectroscopy, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and laser scanning confocal imaging, and microtome sectioning techniques were used to examine peptide penetration into the polymer phase. The release of sorbed peptide from leuprolide-PLGA particles was evaluated both in vitro (PBST + 0.02% sodium azide, 37 °C) and in vivo (male Sprague–Dawley rats). We found that when the PLGA-COOH chains are sufficiently mobilized, therapeutic peptides not only bind at the surface, a common belief to date, but also can be internalized and distributed throughout the polymer phase at physiological temperature forming a salt with low-molecular weight PLGA-COOH. Importantly, absorption of leuprolide into low MW PLGA-COOH particles yielded ~ 17 wt.% leuprolide loading in the polymer (i.e., ~ 70% of PLGA-COOH acids occupied), and the absorbed peptide was released from the polymer for > 2 weeks in a controlled fashion in vitro and as indicated by sustained testosterone suppression in male Sprague–Dawley rats. This new approach, which bypasses the traditional encapsulation method and associated production cost, opens up the potential for facile production of low-cost controlled-release injectable depots for leuprolide and related peptides.
Two-dimensional representation of three-dimensional pelvic motion during human walking: An example of how projections can be misleading

We investigated the movements of skin markers located on the anterior and posterior surfaces of the pelvis during normal walking. Plots of the vertical versus horizontal displacements of the body-surface markers for a single gait cycle yield characteristic horizontal figure-of-eight patterns, often referred to as Lissajous figures. Some literature citations indicate that these figure-of-eight plots represent movement of the body center of mass in the plane perpendicular to the line of progression. We show evidence suggesting that the Lissajous plot for the body center of mass is U-shaped and that the observed figure-of-eight pattern is due to the location of the marker on the body surface coupled with pelvic rotation. A simple rigid-body model is used to demonstrate that pelvic rotation about the vertical axis can appear as horizontal translations in a planar projection. Even small rotations about the vertical axis are observable in the phase relation between horizontal and vertical displacements of surface markers in the projection. As a result, Lissajous plots of vertical versus horizontal displacements, particularly for points on the exterior of a rigid body, may be strongly influenced by rotations. We demonstrate that Lissajous patterns for the model are similar to patterns for the human pelvis during walking and that pelvic rotation has a large influence on Lissajous patterns (vertical movement vs medial-lateral) plotted from pelvic marker data. This demonstration illustrates how two-dimensional representations of three-dimensional movement can lead to incorrect interpretations.
The role of glucocorticoids for spiral ganglion neuron survival

Glucocorticoids, which are steroidal stress hormones, have a broad array of biological functions. Synthetic glucocorticoids are frequently used therapeutically for many pathologic conditions, including diseases of the inner ear; however, their exact functions in the cochlea are not completely understood. Recent work has clearly demonstrated the presence of glucocorticoid signaling pathways in the cochlea and elucidated their protective roles against noise-induced hearing loss. Furthermore, indirect evidence suggests the involvement of glucocorticoids in age-related loss of spiral ganglion neurons and extensive studies in the central nervous system demonstrate profound effects of glucocorticoids on neuronal functions. With the advancement of recent pharmacologic and genetic tools, the role of these pathways in the survival of spiral ganglion neurons after noise exposure and during aging should be revealed.
Ionic strength and buffer effects in the elimination reaction of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane

The rate constant for the abiotic reaction of 1,1,2,2,-tetrachloroethane in aqueous solution has been studied as a function of ionic strength, buffer composition, temperature, and pH. The rate of reaction is found to be independent of ionic strength and buffer composition, with the parent compound quantitatively converted into trichloroethene by a base mediated elimination reaction for values of pH > 3.5. The Arrhenius parameters for the elimination reaction are log10 A = 16.32 ± 0.40; Ea = 95.0 ± 2.5 kJ/mol. No evidence for a neutral hydrolysis reaction was found, indicating that the rate constant for such a reaction is <2 × 10−7 s−1 at 90°C.
Expansion of differential cross sections determined from classical trajectory studies in a series of legendre polynomials

Abstract A novel method to compute differential cross sections from classical trajectory studies is presented. The cross section is expanded exactly in a series of Legendre polynomials. The series coefficients are computed directly from the deflection angles determined from each trajectory. Model calculations presented here show that 3000 trajectories are often enough to give very accurate differential cross sections.
Levels of apoplastic solutes in developing strawberry fruit

Solutes in the apoplast of sink organs can contribute to apoplastic water potential (ψ aw ) gradients that influence transport of water and assimilates. However, sampling the apoplast solution is often technically difficult. Three methods were used to collect apoplastic solution from developing strawberry fruit for determining apoplastic solute potential (ψ as ) and sucrose and glucose concentrations. In addition, ψ as was estimated from the difference between ψ aw (measured via hygrometry) and fruit xylem pressure potential (ψ X-press ) (measured with a pressure chamber). As strawberry fruit developed, ψ aw decreased linearly whereas ψ x-press declined slightly then increased, therefore, the estimated ψ as also decreased. Liquid was recovered from tissue plugs of ripening fruit using centrifugation. The solute potential (ψ s ) of these samples from pink and red fruit varied from -0.9 to -1.1 MPa and was similar to that of the bulk fruit solute potential (ψ s-bulk ). A novel method was developed to sample the apoplastic solution, with little or no cell damage, by collecting liquid on filter paper discs inserted into the hollow cavity naturally formed in ripening fruit. Here the ψ s was about -1.0 MPa, again similar to ψ s-bulk , and sucrose and glucose concentrations were each near 50 mM. Solution recovered from ripening fruit by centrifugation and paper discs from the fruit cavity was red, suggesting leakage of anthocyanins into the apoplast. Liquid collected from the pedicel xylem of detached fruit using a pressure chamber was colourless, had a high ψ s (about -0.3 MPa), and low sugar concentrations (<1 mM) throughout fruit development, suggesting that this method is not effective for sampling the fruit apoplast. Sugars accounted for only about 35% of the ψ s of the apoplast of ripening strawberry fruit.
Effect of viscoelasticity on the analysis of single-molecule force spectroscopy on live cells.

Single-molecule force spectroscopy is used to probe the kinetics of receptor-ligand bonds by applying mechanical forces to an intermediate media on which the molecules reside. When this intermediate media is a live cell, the viscoelastic properties can affect the calculation of rate constants. We theoretically investigate the effect of media viscoelasticity on the common assumption that the bond force is equal to the instantaneous applied force. Dynamic force spectroscopy is simulated between two cells of varying micromechanical properties adhered by a single bond with a constant kinetic off-rate. We show that cell and microvilli deformation, and hydrodynamic drag contribute to bond forces that can be 28–90% lower than the applied force for loading rates of 103–107 pN/s, resulting in longer bond lifetimes. These longer bond lifetimes are not caused by changes in bond kinetics; rather, they are due to the mechanical response of the intermediate media on which the bonds reside. Under the assumption that the instantaneous bond force is equal to the applied force—thereby ignoring viscoelasticity—leads to 14–39% error in the determination of off-rates. We present an approach that incorporates viscoelastic properties in calculating the instantaneous bond force and kinetic dissociation parameter of the intermolecular bond.
Restrictions as stabilizers

Two GF(q)-representations of a matroid are projectively equivalent if one can be obtained from the other by elementary row operations or column scaling. If, in addition, we allow field automorphisms, then the representations are equivalent. A matroid stabilizes its single-element extensions over GF(q), if no two GF(q)-representations of the matroid can be extended to two projectively inequivalent GF(q)-representations of its extension. We prove that if a 3-connected GF(q)-representable matroid stabilizes its single-element extensions, then it stabilizes any GF(q)-representable matroid that contains it as a restriction. As a result, a GF(q)-representable matroid with a line containing at least q points is stabilized by that line and a GF(q)-representable matroid with a plane containing at least 2q points, but no line containing at least q points, is stabilized by that plane.
An exact method for compensation of discrete data systems in the z-plane†

A compensation design technique is presented for discrete data automatic control systems which enables simultaneous satisfaction of specifications on the transient response and the steady-state error of the system. A unique design is possible with this technique, which avoids the usual trial-and-error process. The design is obtained through the solution of a set of equations giving the location of the real pole and zero of a cascade or feedback compensator which causes a pair of complex-conjugate roots of the characteristic equation to exist at a designated location in the z-plane, simultaneously with satisfaction of a specified open-loop gain, which may be different from original system gain. Thus, in effect, the method allows the designer to simultaneously specify the gain margin or relative stability of the system, as well as its steady-state accuracy, which may be modified from its original value. The technique is illustrated by means of a practical example.
Towards a Deeper Understanding of Hope and Leadership

Recently a cognitive based theory of hope developed within the field of positive psychology has been discussed in relation to organizational leadership. (Shorey & Snyder, 1997) Hope in this context...
IRAS study of ESD behavior of CO on Ni(111) at 90 K

Abstract The effect of electron bombardment (270 eV) on chemisorbed CO species on Ni(111) has been studied by reflection infrared and thermal desorption methods. These methods permit the study of the detailed behavior of different hybridization states of chemisorbed CO during electron-stimulated desorption (ESD). Terminal-CO species are found to be removed exclusively from the surface by an electron-induced desorption process with a cross section of Q T =1.26×10 −17 cm 2 . During the removal of terminal-CO by ESD, little change occurs in the coverage of bridged-CO. After ∼ 75% of the terminal-CO has desorbed. bridged-CO begins to dissociate and to desorb under the influence of electron bombardment. The total cross section for bridged-CO depletion is found to be Q B =1.27×10 −18 cm 2 , which is one-tenth that of terminal-CO species. The dissociation cro section of the bridged-CO is found to increase with decreasing bridged-CO coverage, and the desorption cross section of the bridged-CO is found to decrease with decreasing bridged-CO coverage. Thus the relative efficiency of the desorption and dissociation processes is found to depend on the state of hybridization of the CO species as well as the coverage.
The unexpected impact of health on the labor supply of the oldest Americans

Since many workers who retire early do so because of health considerations, one would think that those who continue to work after the traditional retirement age of 65 enjoy good health. By extension, it seems obvious that the elderly who spend the most time working for pay would be in the best health. However, at a time when many in this age group rely on expensive Pharmaceuticals not covered by Medicare, one important consideration is whether these individuals have some form of supplementary insurance to assist with these and other outofpocket medical expenses. The AHEAD (Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old) data set is used to test the hypothesis that elderly working Americans in belowaverage health spend more hours engaged in market work. This result is consistent with the possibility that they do so in order to gain access to employer-provided health insurance or to pay high outofpocket medical expenses. A labor supply analysis, performed using a multistage Heckit procedure, reveals that women are particularly vulnerable: Those in poor or only fair health, those need-ing assistance with one or more Activities of Daily Living, and those with higher medical expenses tend to work significantly more hours than do those in better physical condition, as do men without pensions who presumably lack retiree health benefits.
Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia in Adult Non-HIV Disorders

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) remains a serious infection in the immunocompromised host (in the absence of HIV infection) and presents significant management and diagnostic challenges to ICU...
An advanced computer-based nuclear physics data acquisition system

Abstract A collaborating group of Yale and IBM physicists have begun a sequence of particle-gamma correlation experiments at the Yale Emperor tandem Van de Graaff accelerator, where all data acquisition, analysis, display, and experimental control functions are to be performed within the framework of a general integrated hardware-software nuclear physics data acquisition system designed for the IBM System/360 Model 44 scientific computer. The system, developed jointly by IBM Research and the Yale Nuclear Structure Laboratory, is intended to enable physicists to assemble the required hardware and software for any of a wide variety of experimental configurations with a minimum of attention to detail, and to change configuration with ease upon completion of a given experiment. The core of the system is a versatile control interface, which makes it possible to connect any of a modular and compatible series of digital output nuclear instrumentation directly to the computer by merely plugging the component directly into the control unit. Through the device of a diode plugboard, up to twenty-eight components, for which space is provided in the interface, may be designated as belonging to a given event (i.e., a particular interaction which is singled out by the experimenter's event detection logic), and when that event has been detected, the data generated in the components associated with that event, headed by a word identifying the event, are transmitted to the computer completely under channel-interface control in the cycle-steal mode without interrupting the activity of the central processing unit. As many as sixteen such events may be defined and provision is made for sharing a single component among any number of events. The initial system will be provided with 1024-channel 25 MHz ramp-type analog to digital converters, 25 MHz scaler/timers, and “monitor registers”. The latter are provided to allow the system to read standard logic levels, and may be used to connect other parallel output components to the system. Design approaches for a second generation of components with performance specifications significantly superior to those of the initial system have been considered. A set of programs to perform the tasks of data acquisition, data transformation and analysis, experiment control, and CRT display is in preparation. These subroutines, compiled by a FORTRAN-like language, provide light pen as well as conventional means of communication between physicist and computer, and are intended to make the computer-based system as easy to use as a fixed wire multiparameter analyzer, with significant improvement in flexibility. The on-line processing routines will be embedded in a multiprogramming supervisor, so that compiling and debugging of process and non-process programs and general scientific computing may proceed simultaneously with on-line experiment processing when excess computing power is available.
The glycine brace: a component of Rab, Rho, and Ran GTPases associated with hinge regions of guanine- and phosphate-binding loops

Background Ras-like GTPases function as on-off switches in intracellular signalling pathways and include the Rab, Rho/Rac, Ran, Ras, Arf, Sar and Gα families. How these families have evolutionarily diverged from each other at the sequence level provides clues to underlying mechanisms associated with their functional specialization.
Genetic Analysis of Chromosome Pairing, Recombination, and Cell Cycle Control during First Meiotic Prophase in Mammals

Meiosis is a double-division process that is preceded by only one DNA replication event to produce haploid gametes. The defining event in meiosis is prophase I, during which chromosome pairs locate each other, become physically connected, and exchange genetic information. Although many aspects of this process have been elucidated in lower organisms, there has been scant information available until now about the process in mammals. Recent advances in genetic analysis, especially in mice and humans, have revealed many genes that play essential roles in meiosis in mammals. These include cell cycle-regulatory proteins that couple the exit from the premeiotic DNA synthesis to the progression through prophase I, the chromosome structural proteins involved in synapsis, and the repair and recombination proteins that process the recombination events. Failure to adequately repair the DNA damage caused by recombination triggers meiotic checkpoints that result in ablation of the germ cells by apoptosis. These analyses have revealed surprising sexual dimorphism in the requirements of different gene products and a much less stringent checkpoint regulation in females. This may provide an explanation for the 10-fold increase in meiotic errors in females compared with males. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the use of genetic manipulation, particularly in mice, but also of the analysis of mutations in humans, to elucidate the mechanisms that are required for traverse through prophase I.