cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction of New Onset Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Revascularization Surgery

The aim of this study was to create a simple risk index to predict new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with histories of AF. AF after coronary artery bypass grafting (referred to here as AF) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Identifying patients at high risk for developing AF may help identify a group of patients who might benefit from strategies to prevent postoperative AF. A cohort of 18,517 patients enrolled from January 1, 1996, to December 31, 2009, was used to derive a risk index for AF prediction. A multivariate logistic regression model determined the independent predictive impact of clinical and demographic characteristics on the occurrence of AF. A subset of these variables was used to construct a risk index to predict AF. This risk index was validated in a sequential cohort of 1,378 consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting from January 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011. AF occurred in 3,486 patients in the calibration cohort (18.83%) and in 269 patients in the validation cohort (19.52%). After considering patients' demographics, co-morbid conditions, and severity of illness, advanced age appeared as the most powerful predictor of AF (odds ratio 1.059/year, 95% confidence interval 1.055 to 1.063). Age, height, weight, and the presence of peripheral vascular disease contributed most to the prediction model. An AF risk index including these variables had adequate discriminatory power, with a concordance index of 0.68. In conclusion, using a large cohort of patients, a simple risk index relying only on preoperative clinical variables was developed, which will help predict AF. This risk index can be used clinically to identify patients at high risk for the development of AF.
Electrical transmission properties of the cranium of the dog to steady currents

Abstract Dogs anesthetized with barbiturates were used to investigate the transmission properties of cranial structures using calomel half cell electrodes coupled to a DC amplifier with minimal drift. Standing DC potentials were measured both from scalp to a distant electrode and trans-cranially. DC shifts to photic stimulation could be recorded from the scalp and these potentials are one fourth to one half as large as those recorded simultaneously from the dura. Their amplitude is not accentuated by spinal fluid removal in the present experimental conditions. Average resistivity of spinal fluid measured at 39° C was 45.5 ohm-cm. Average DC trans-cranial resistivity measurement was 240 ohm-cm. No impedance change or phase angle shift was detected with applied currents up to a frequency of 100 c/sec.
The flowering and fruiting of restored Thalassia beds: A preliminary note

Abstract The bed of the subtropical—tropical marine seagrass Thalassia testudinum Banks ex Konig in an estuarine area previously denuded by thermal effluents (diverted permanently offstream at the time of restoration) in Biscayne Bay, Florida, was restored in August 1973 by planting thousands of seeds. In January 1976, non-restored areas contained 0–10 blades of Thalassia or 0.6 g dry wt. m−2, while restored areas had 1010 blades, 53 g dry wt. m−2, and control areas had 1794 blades or 60.8 dry wt. m−2. Spring 1977 abundance values in restored Thalassia beds averaged 2030 blades m−2, almost equivalent to the 2295 of the control areas. Flowering occurred in the restored bed in April 1977 and subsequent fruiting in August 1977. This is the first report of time to sexual maturity for Thalassia testudinum as well as the first report of a restored Thalassia bed resseding the recipient area into which it has been transplanted.
A method for isolation and fluorescent labeling of rat neutrophils for intravital microvascular studies

A method for the isolation, fluorescent labeling, and reinfusion of rat neutrophils for in vivo investigation of white blood cell function in the microcirculation is described. The cell surface morphology and function of the labeled and unlabeled neutrophils were compared in vitro and in vivo. The morphology of the labeled and unlabeled cells was visually assessed by differential interference contrast microscopy before and after exposure to the chemotactic peptide FMLP. Labeled and unlabeled cells were morphologically similar under normal and stimulated conditions. The chemotactic responsiveness of the labeled and unlabeled cells was evaluated in vitro by quantifying the movement of cells across a porous membrane in response to FMLP. No significant difference in chemotactic responsiveness was found. The in vivo behavior of the labeled neutrophils was quantitatively studied by examining their interactions with the venular endothelium in the rat cremaster muscle. Rolling velocity for labeled neutrophils and unlabeled white blood cells was measured at different flow velocities and wall shear rates. No difference was found between the labeled and unlabeled cells. It is concluded that this isolation and labeling procedure yields cells possessing normal morphology and function. These labeled neutrophils may be useful for in vivo study of their behavior in the microcirculation.
Cultural Authenticity and Transnational Latina Youth: Constructing a Meta-Narrative across Borders.

Abstract The data in this article comes from a larger 3-year ethnographic study that examines the transnational immigrant lives of second-generation Latina youth whose families reside in northern California and maintain close ties to small rural communities in western Mexico. In the course of the study, three bilingual youth and I developed a participatory research project where students became researchers of their transnational communities. Findings depict how immigrant students use different language and literacy practices to represent themselves and author a meta-narrative about the U.S.-Mexico transnational experience. Family and community narratives are not only an iterative practice in this cross-border setting but also inscribed in certain household artifacts. This work suggests that sustained transnational contact with communities in Mexico provides linguistic and cultural resources for U.S. immigrant children that schools often overlook.
Effect of detailed surface geometry on riblet drag reduction performance

A comparison is made of the effect of small changes in v-groove geometry, for several riblet films applicable for drag reduction to commercial transport aircraft, whose nominal v-groove dimension is of the order of 0.002 inch. The films were tested in a water towing-tank facility. The results obtained indicate that small riblet peak geometry variations can result in a deterioration of riblet drag-reduction efficacy of as much as 40 percent, while interriblet valley curvature was found not to be critical to riblet performance.
Appalachian and Non-Appalachian Pediatricians’ Encouragement of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine: Implications for Health Disparities

Abstract Background In medically underserved regions such as Appalachia, cervical cancer incidence and mortality are higher than the general U.S. population; therefore, it is important for pediatricians to encourage parents to have their daughters vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV). Unfortunately, little is known about the predictors of pediatricians’ encouragement of the HPV vaccine among medically underserved populations. The current study compared attitudes and behaviors of pediatricians with practices in Appalachia with those in non-Appalachia to identify potential strategies for reducing health disparities. Methods A survey was conducted with 334 pediatricians located in Appalachia and non-Appalachia counties to examine how prior behavior, perceived susceptibility, severity, self-efficacy, response-efficacy, and behavioral intentions are related to self-reported vaccine encouragement. Results Pediatricians in Appalachia perceived their patients to be less susceptible to HPV and reported lower rates of HPV encouragement than pediatricians in non-Appalachia. In addition, self-efficacy had a significant indirect association with vaccine encouragement for pediatricians in non-Appalachia. Conclusion This study’s findings emphasize the importance of increasing Appalachian pediatricians’ awareness of their patients’ susceptibility to HPV. Broader efforts to increase encouragement of the HPV vaccine among pediatricians should focus on promoting self-efficacy to encourage the HPV vaccine to parents of young females.
The rapid transbilayer movement of thiocholesterol in small unilamellar phospholipid vesicles.

Abstract Cholesterol is a major component of biological membranes, yet there is very little information concerning its distribution across the membrane. Recent experiments in our laboratory, using cholesterol oxidase, have demonstrated that cholesterol can undergo a rapid transbilayer movement in lecithin-cholesterol vesicles in a half-time of 1 min or less at 37°C. In order to support this conclusion, we have sought other approaches to the measurement of this process. We now report our finding that the transbilayer movement of thiocholesterol in phospholipid vesicles occurs in a half-time of 1 min or less at 20°C.
C-logic of complex objects

Our objective is to have a logical framework for natural representation and manipulation of complex objects. We start with an analysis of semantic modeling of complex objects, and attempt to understand what are the fundamental aspects which need to be captured. A logic, called C-logic, is then presented which provides direct support for what we believe to be basic features of complex objects, including object identity, multi-valued labels and a dynamic notion of types. C-logic has a simple first-order semantics, but it also allows natural specification of complex objects and gives us a framework for exploring efficient logic deduction over complex objects.
AVERSION CONDITIONING IN RESPONSE TO CANCER AND CANCER TREATMENT

Abstract Cancer patients appear to be at high risk for the development of conditioned responses that can contribute to the discomfort they experience as a consequence of their treatments as well as their disease. Chemotherapy treatments which induce nausea and vomiting can be associated with the acquisition of aversions to novel and familiar foods. Such treatments can also lead to the conditioning of anticipatory symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The disease itself can lead to the development of food aversions and appetite problems. An understanding of the learning processes underlying the generation of these symptoms can contribute importantly to the development of successful behavioral interventions.
Pulmonary fibrosis on multidetector computed tomography and mortality in patients with radiation-associated cardiac disease undergoing cardiac surgery

Objective In the long-term, malignancy-associated thoracic radiation leads to varying degrees of pulmonary fibrosis and radiation-associated cardiac disease, often requiring cardiothoracic surgery. We sought to determine whether pulmonary fibrosis affects mortality in patients with radiation-associated cardiac disease undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. Methods We studied 117 patients (aged 63 ± 15 years, 71% were women) with radiation-associated cardiac disease receiving multimodality imaging who underwent cardiothoracic surgery (21% redo) between 2000 and 2003. Some 50% of patients had breast cancer, 28% of patients had Hodgkin's lymphoma, 9% of patients had lung cancer, and 13% of patients had other cancers. Time from radiation was 18 ± 12 years. Clinical, pulmonary function, angiographic, and echocardiographic parameters were recorded. On multidetector chest computed tomography, ascending aortic calcification and degree of pulmonary fibrosis (in 5 lobes for a score of 15: 0 = none, 1 = linear streaks, 2 = moderate fibrosis, and 3 = severe fibrosis with traction bronchiectasis) were recorded. Results Mean European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation was 7.9 ± 3, and forced expiratory volume at 1 minute/forced vital capacity ratio was 0.75 ± 0.2. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 49% ± 12%, and right systolic ventricular pressure was 42 ± 5 mm Hg. Some 27% of patients had severe aortic stenosis, and 46% of patients had II+ or greater mitral regurgitation. On multidetector chest computed tomography, mean pulmonary fibrosis score was 3.5 ± 3, and 59% of patients had ascending aortic calcification. Isolated coronary artery bypass was performed in 17% of patients; the rest were combination surgeries. At 6.3 ± 0.4 years, there were 59 deaths (50%) (3% died 1 month postoperatively). Forty-five patients (39%) had pulmonary complications in follow-up. Increasing pulmonary fibrosis score (hazard ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.20; P = .02), worse European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (hazard ratio, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.21; P = .04), and lack of beta-blocker (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.94, P = .008) and aspirin (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.94; P = .03) independently predicted mortality. Conclusions In patients with radiation-associated cardiac disease undergoing cardiothoracic surgery, worsening pulmonary fibrosis is associated with increased mortality.
How Well Preschool Children Know Their Friends.

To determine how well very young children know their best friends, 16 preschoolers were observed during classroom and playground play and were subsequently interviewed. The child they played with at least 50% of the observation time was considered their best friend. These observations and the teachers’ selections of best friend pairs were used to confirm the children's verbal interview selections. The children's interviews focused on naming their best friend, the friend's physical characteristics and the functions of friends. The best friend choice of 81 % of the children was confirmed by at least one other source (teacher, classroom or playground observation). The children were also accurate about several of their best friends’ characteristics including their hair color, relative age and height. The children's most common reasons for having friends were “for play” and because they “liked” their friends.
The relationship between the vocal characteristics of men and their ratings of the vocal characteristics of other men

(1956). The relationship between the vocal characteristics of men and their ratings of the vocal characteristics of other men. Speech Monographs: Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 26-30.
Non-isothermal gaseous exchange between soil and atmosphere

The theoretical and experimental basis of a non-isothermal rotary gas exchange (NRGE) between soil and atmosphere is given. A method of measurement for the NRGE intensity in porous media, including soil, is given and its validity is examined. The global NRGE of selected gases is determined. Relatively high NRGE intensities are found to exist for some gases. The heat transfer determination method is given. An electrical scheme for simulating the NRGE process is also described.
Clinical and electrophysiologic features and role of catheter ablation techniques in adult patients with automatic atrioventricular junctional tachycardia

A total of 8 patients with junctional tachycardia (JT) were included for study. Patients with JT had a supraventricular arrhythmia that was initiated by a junctional complex without PR prolongation and episodes of atrioventricular (AV) dissociation. JT could not be initiated by pacing and occurred either spontaneously (3 patients) or with isoproterenol (5 patients). Tachycardia could be consistently terminated by either carotid sinus massage (1 patient), intravenous adenosine (2 patients), or critically timed ventricular premature complexes (3 patients). In 6 of the 8 other patients, tachycardia foci (atrial or ventricular) or mechanisms (AV node reentry) were found. Two patients underwent complete AV junctional ablation and 2 had termination of tachycardia without change in the AV conduction by perinodal application of radiofrequency lesions. AVJT appears to be due to abnormal automaticity and may be successfully ablated by application of radiofrequency energy to perinodal areas.
Body mass index as a risk factor for cesarean delivery in the nulliparous parturient

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and risk of cesarean delivery in a nulliparous population. Methods: The Mayo Medical Center obstetric delivery database for January 1993 to December 1999 was reviewed to identify all singleton nulliparous women. Height, pregestational weight, BMI, indication, and type of delivery were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using the Student t test and χ2 test. Results: Over the study interval, 12,521 deliveries were recorded: 4,302 (34.4%) occurred in nulliparous women with singleton births. Six hundred thirty-nine were excluded for the following reasons: 1) no maternal height recorded (n = 568) or 2) elective cesarean deliveries (n = 71). The overall cesarean rate for the entire study cohort of 3,663 was 17.0%. The cesarean delivery rate was not significantly different (16.9%; 192/1139) for those who underwent labor induction. Interestingly, the cesarean rate was significantly higher in overweight (BMI, 25–29) women (19.1%; 128/659) (P = 0.038) and obese (BMI, > 29) women (23.6%; 124/525) (P <0.0001) as compared with women of normal weight (BMI, 20–24.9) (15.5%; 296/1905). The cesarean rate in women with low BMI (<20) was lower (13.4%; 77/574); however, this was not significantly different from the rate observed in women of normal weight. Conclusion: Increased BMI is a risk factor for cesarean delivery in nulliparous women.
Compounds with Inhibitory Activity against the Channel Catfish Pathogens Edwardsiella ictaluri and Flavobacterium columnare

Abstract Enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC) and columnaris, the most common diseases in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus in the southeastern United States, are caused by the bacteria Edwardsiella ictaluri and Flavobacterium columnare, respectively. Although producers may rely on antibiotics and certain therapeutants to help manage these diseases, the discovery of new compounds that are environmentally safe and efficacious alternatives to current antibiotics and therapeutants would benefit the channel catfish aquaculture industry. A rapid bioassay was used to evaluate compounds as the first step in the discovery process. Tannic acid was highly toxic to E. ictaluri and F. columnare, and it is promising for future efficacy testing against ESC and columnaris. Sodium percarbonate, an environmentally safe compound, is promising for future efficacy testing to determine its potential use in managing and preventing F. columnare outbreaks in small-scale systems used for channel catfish culture or during transport.
Simulation and detector response for the High Efficiency Multimode Imager

Abstract The High Efficiency Multimode Imager (HEMI) is a gamma-ray detection system consisting of two planes of CdZnTe detector elements to allow for both coded aperture and Compton imaging of radioactive sources. The HEMI detector is being developed to detect, characterize, and locate gamma-ray sources within the energy range of tens of keV to a few MeV. This paper details the methods used to make accurate simulations and performance predictions and provides an overview of the data analysis pipeline for imaging sources. Compton mode reconstruction and detector response results of simulations and measurements are shown for a 24-detector HEMI array.
China's National People's Congress: Institutional transformation in the process of regime transition (1978–98)

During the past two decades, the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC) has expanded its functions and power. This has been reflected in the changing images of the NPC depicted by numerous parliamentary scholars. To take advantage of the changes in the political environment, the NPC adopted a network strategy to pursue the goal of legislative development. The environmental factors and the strategy taken explain why the NPC has structured itself as a hierarchy but has maintained a more collegial relationship with sub‐national people's congresses, and why its interactive pattern with other political actors is characterised by a mixture of harmony and friction. The pattern of ’mohe’ (co‐operation through friction) explains why the world's largest legislature has been able to strengthen its position and power in the process of economic development without alienating other political institutions, and presents a peculiar strategy of political development differing from liberal pluralism and hierarchical autho...
Analysis of charge transport during lightning using balloon‐borne electric field sensors and Lightning Mapping Array

[1] Recently, wide band measurements of the electric field near a lightning flash have been obtained by a balloon-borne electric field sonde or Esonde. This paper develops new techniques for analyzing lightning-associated charge transport in a thundercloud by using both the Esonde data and simultaneous Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) measurements of VHF pulses emitted during lightning breakdown processes. Innovations in this paper include the following: (1) A filtering procedure is developed to separate the background field associated with instrument rotation and cloud charging processes from the lightning-induced electric field change. Because of the abrupt change in the signal caused by lightning, standard filtering techniques do not apply. A new mathematical procedure is developed to estimate the background electric field that would have existed if the lightning had not occurred. The estimated background field is subtracted from the measured field to obtain the lightning-induced field change. (2) Techniques are developed to estimate the charge transport due to lightning. At any instant of time during a cloud-to-ground (CG) flash, we estimate the charge transport by a monopole. During an intracloud (IC) flash, we estimate the charge transport by a dipole. Since the location of the monopole and dipole changes with time, they are referred to as a dynamic monopole and a dynamic dipole. The following physical constraints are used to achieve a unique fit: charge conservation during an IC flash, separation (distance between the CG monopole charge center and the ground and separation between IC dipole charge centers both exceed a minimum threshold), location (charge is placed on lightning channel), and likelihood (after a statistical analysis based on instrument uncertainty, highly unlikely charge locations are excluded). To implement the constraint that the charge is located on the lightning channel, we develop a mathematical object called the “pulse graph.” Vertices in the graph are pulse locations obtained from the Lightning Mapping Array. Edges in the graph (that is, the pairs of vertices which are connected by line segments) are obtained by joining, in a systematic way, neighboring vertices. One CG and two IC flashes observed on 18 August 2004 near Langmuir Laboratory are analyzed. In the CG flash, initial strokes drained 12 C charge from an altitude of 5 km, while an intermediate stroke discharged 12 C from a higher charge center at 8 km. For the IC flashes, the current flow lagged behind the channel formation by time intervals on the order of 0.1 s, roughly the same time delay observed for lightning optical signals detected by NASA's Lightning Imaging Sensor.
Diffusion‐controlled vinyl polymerization. I. The gel effect

It is well known that the reaction rate and molecular weight of vinyl polymers can change markedly during the course of polymerization and that these changes are due to the influence of diffusion on the termination reaction. The chain length dependence of the termination rate constant has been considered in this work and has resulted in a general method of treating the polymerization kinetics and molecular weight distribution. This method is independent of the form of the chain length dependency and is capable of dealing with both disproportionation and recombination modes of termination. A specific model for the termination rate constant with chain length dependence is proposed and is based on free volume theory and entanglement coupling. Master curves for the characteristics of the reaction rate and molecular weight distribution are presented with the application of this model.
REPORTING ON THE INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD: WHY GRADE THE NATION'S PUBLIC WORKS?

This article discusses the "report card" issued by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in March 1998, that evaluated 10 categories of infrastructure in the U.S. and gave generally low marks to the current state of the nation's infrastructure in all areas. The ASCE estimated that it would cost $1 trillion to remedy the situation and jointly, with the Civil Engineering Research Foundation (CERF), presented an intiative planned between industry and government to restore the nation's inadequate and decaying infrastructure. The objectives of this article's review are to critique the method used to establish grades, suggest the implications of poor grades for infrastructure systems and public works managers, propose a research/policy agenda, and begin an involvement by Public Works Management & Policy Journal. It is intended that the outcome of this review will be the submission of articles, commentaries, and dialogue in general to keep the conversation going about the challenges suggested by the grading schemes.
Role of Metastable Pitting in Crevices on Crevice Corrosion Stabilization in Alloys 625 and 22

Abstract The metastable pitting behavior inside crevices of Alloy 625 (UNS N06625) and Alloy 22 (UNS N06022) was examined to obtain insight into differences in crevice corrosion susceptibility betw...
Estimation of unsteady lift on a pitching airfoil from wake velocity surveys

The results of a joint experimental and computational study on the flowfield over a periodically pitched NACA0012 airfoil, and the resultant lift variation, are reported in this paper. The lift variation over a cycle of oscillation, and hence the lift hysteresis loop, is estimated from the velocity distribution in the wake measured or computed for successive phases of the cycle. Experimentally, the estimated lift hysteresis loops are compared with available data from the literature as well as with limited force balance measurements. Computationally, the estimated lift variations are compared with the corresponding variation obtained from the surface pressure distribution. Four analytical formulations for the lift estimation from wake surveys are considered and relative successes of the four are discussed.
Occupational and environmental medicine in the United States: A proposal to abolish workers' compensation and reestablish the public health model.

AbstractThe workers' compensation model of occupational and environmental medicine should be converted to a public health model. Occupational and environmental medicine, as a part of the public health infrastructure, could playa much more substantive part in bringing about a national program to deal with occupational and environmental health. The workers' compensation insurance system could be discontinued at any time, but it will be vital to do so when national health insurance is adopted in the United States. Abolishing workers' compensation would remove the perverse incentives that currently undermine the practice of occupational medicine. Medical care for workers should be provided by health care professionals who are not subject to influence by employers or insurers. Eligibility for benefits should not be determined by health and safety professionals. Wage-replacement benefits for workers should be determined by guidelines established by government and industry that prevent manipulation of health and...
Postprandial glycaemia after regular and lispro insulin in children and adolescents with diabetes

We compared the postprandial blood glucose (BG)-levels following preprandial regular insulin or lispro insulin before and after eating in adolescents with diabetes. Lispro is a rapidly absorbed insulin analogue. Lispro insulin injected immediately before breakfast reduced the postprandial BG-rise significantly compared to the 20 min preprandially administered regular insulin (P<0.01). Postprandial lispro injection resulted in similar BG values as the standard treatment with regular insulin 20 min preprandially.
The current status of full-field digital mammography quality control

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations require that medical physicists and technologists adhere to the procedures, testing frequencies, and performance criteria outlined in the quality control (QC) manuals provided by the manufacturers of full-field digital mammography (FFDM) systems. As a result of this requirement, QC for digital equipment has become both complicated and inconsistent. The objective of this study was to compare the current QC protocols for the tests to be performed by medical physicists for three commercially available FFDM systems (the Senographe 2000D, the SenoScan, and the Selenia). Although not yet approved by the FDA, the 5000 MA was also included because of its unique design and extensive use in a major ongoing clinical research trial involving the other three FFDM systems. It was found that currently, a high degree of discord exists between the FFDM QC protocols of the early commercial systems, with wide variation in opinion with respect to the minimum performance criteria and testing intervals and with respect to which tests are necessary and what quantities should be measured. Additionally, very few digital detector-specific tests are currently in place. Although technological differences between the early FFDM systems prohibit a strictly uniform set of QC procedures and performance guidelines, a much greater degree of consensus among manufacturers is desirable as FFDM continues to gain clinical presence during the next few years.
Hydrolysis of ATP and reversible binding to F-actin by myosin heavy chains free of all light chains

Myosin has two ‘heads’ or subfragments-1 (S-1) each containing a heavy chain, a phosphorylatable or ‘regulatory’ light chain and another light chain which is generally referred to as being essential1–3. The regulatory light chains can be removed without loss of ATPase activity3, but until now it has not been possible to remove the other class of light chain without complete loss of ATPase activity4. However, the dissociating conditions used also denature the heavy chains, and inactivation frequently precedes light-chain dissociation5. We now describe the use of mild dissociating conditions combined with affinity chromatography using antibodies to the alkali light chains to produce light-chain-free S-1 heavy chains. The S-1 heavy chain binds reversibly to F-actin and has 30–80% of the ATPase activities of native S-1.
High-contrast fluorescence sensing of aqueous Cu(I) with triarylpyrazoline probes: dissecting the roles of ligand donor strength and excited state proton transfer

Cu(I)-responsive fluorescent probes based on a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism generally show incomplete fluorescence recovery relative to the intrinsic quantum yield of the fluorescence reporter. Previous studies on probes with an N-aryl thiazacrown Cu(I)-receptor revealed that the recovery is compromised by incomplete Cu(I)–N coordination and resultant ternary complex formation with solvent molecules. Building upon a strategy that successfully increased the fluorescence contrast and quantum yield of Cu(I) probes in methanol, we integrated the arylamine PET donor into the backbone of a hydrophilic thiazacrown ligand with a sulfonated triarylpyrazoline as a water-soluble fluorescence reporter. This approach was not only expected to disfavor ternary complex formation in aqueous solution but also to maximize PET switching through a synergistic Cu(I)-induced conformational change. The resulting water-soluble probe 1 gave a strong 57-fold fluorescence enhancement upon saturation with Cu(I) with high selectivity over other cations, including Cu(II), Hg(II), and Cd(II); however, the recovery quantum yield did not improve over probes with the original N-aryl thiazacrown design. Concluding from detailed photophysical data, including responses to acidification, solvent isotope effects, quantum yields, and time-resolved fluorescence decay profiles, the fluorescence contrast of 1 is compromised by inadequate coordination of Cu(I) to the weakly basic arylamine nitrogen of the PET donor and by fluorescence quenching via two distinct excited state proton transfer pathways operating under neutral and acidic conditions.
Stress development in supported polymer films during thermal cycling

A simple and in-situ bending-beam technique has been used to investigate the stress-temperature relationships for three different polymer coatings (viz, poly(methyl methacrylate), FR-4 epoxy resin, and an amide-imide polymer) during thermal cycling. With this technique, we were able to detect stress relaxation near the polymer's glass transition or caused by cracking of the polymer. Knowing the Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus for the polymer, this technique also allows calculation of the polymer's thermal expansion coefficient from measured thermal stress data. The calculated thermal expansion coefficient of poly(methyl methacrylate) (7 × 10−5/°C) is in good agreement with literature values (5 to 9 × 10−5/°C).
Single dose pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of conjugated estrogens (0.625 mg × 2) tablets in healthy post-menopausal female subjects in fasting and fed studies

AbstractConjugated estrogens are sulfate esters of naturally occurring estrogens. The pharmacokinetics of various estrogen formulations is complex and varying due to its endogenous availability. The present studies were designed to evaluate pharmacokinetic parameters and bioequivalence between two formulations of conjugated estrogens (0.625 mg tablets). Both the studies were designed as two-treatment, four-period, replicate cross-over single dose studies in 60 healthy post-menopausal female subjects under fasting and fed conditions, respectively. Since estrone is present endogenously, for baseline correction three pre-dose samples were obtained for total and unconjugated estrone. Plasma samples were analyzed by validated LC-MS/MS method and pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated for total and unconjugated forms of both estrone and equilin. The least square mean ratios and its 90% confidence interval for primary pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, AUC0–t and AUC0–inf were found to be within bioequivalence ...
Climate variability and spatiotemporal dynamics of five Southern Ocean krill species

Abstract Understanding the ecological response of marine organisms to future climate change will benefit from quantifying spatiotemporal aspects of their distribution and abundance as well as the influence of ocean–atmospheric climate modes on their population cycles. Our study provides a synthesis of 18 years of data (1992–2009) for 5 krill (euphausiid) species monitored near the North Antarctic Peninsula (NAP) during austral summer. Distribution and abundance data are presented for postlarval stages of Euphausia crystallorophias , E. frigida , E. superba , E. triacantha and Thysanoessa macrura and larval E. superba and T. macrura . Intraseasonal, interannual and longer-term distribution and abundance patterns are quantified relative to climate modes driving ecosystem variability off the Antarctic Peninsula: El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Southern Annual Mode (SAM) and associated zonal and meridional winds. Interannual abundance variations of all 5 species are significantly correlated with seasonally averaged ENSO indices and, with the exception of E. triacantha , elevated population sizes are associated with the higher productivity La Nina phase. Time-lagged responses of each species to ENSO indices approximate their generation times and suggest evolution of their life histories and reproductive efforts in accordance with the ENSO cycle. Postlarval E. crystallorophias and E. frigida and larval T. macrura demonstrate significant abundance increases after 1998 associated with a shift from an El Nino dominated period to predominantly La Nina and “Nino-neutral” conditions. Seasonal changes in species distributions and co-occurrence indicate portions of the southernmost E. frigida , E. triacantha and T. macrura populations move poleward with E. superba during late-summer, suggesting that environmental conditions associated with sea ice development (e.g., food, retention) may be more favorable than within the Antarctic Circumpolar Current during low productivity seasons. Spatial distributions of larval and postlarval T. macrura suggest 2 separate spawning populations within oceanic and coastal waters. Lastly, mean euphausiid species concentrations and abundance relationships encountered during 1992–2009 are remarkably similar to those reported for the Antarctic Peninsula during the 1928–1935 Discovery Investigations . Circumpolar observations of E. superba “superswarms” associated with a major climatically related ecosystem change in the late 1970s may have represented an episodic period of anomalous peak abundance. Subsequent abundance estimates compared to these anomalies would indicate a significant decrease, but should not be taken to reflect the impact of climate warming.
Some Organizational Factors Affecting Creativity

Until recently, theoretical discussions and careful conceptual analyses have been rare in the literature on creativity. Studies of the organizational and environmental factors affecting the creativity of scientists have also been rare, but are becoming more common. This paper reports on the factors considered important in influencing creativity in a number of research laboratories. The data were gathered through interviews with research directors, administrators, and scientists. Five factors are identified and analyzed.
Adherence to Amiodarone Monitoring Recommendations Before and After Implementation of a Centralized Pharmacy Service A Cohort Study

The objective of this study was to determine whether patients enrolled in a centralized amiodarone monitoring service (AMS) were more adherent to amiodarone surveillance and whether the incidence of amiodarone-related toxicity differed for patients who were enrolled in the AMS. Amiodarone therapy was initiated in 917 patients in an integrated health care delivery system between October 1998 and December 2006. Electronic records were queried to establish the proportion of patients completing recommended amiodarone monitoring during the first year of therapy; specifically, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), electrocardiogram (ECG), and chest radiograph (CXR). Patients were assigned to the AMS or control cohort based on when amiodarone was initiated. Patients assigned to the AMS cohort were more likely to receive ALT monitoring at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year (68% vs 44%, P < .001; 86% vs 76%, P = .002; 84% vs 69%, P < .001; respectively) and ECG monitoring at baseline and 1...
Influence of Vowel Selection on Determination of Phonation Threshold Pressure

Summary Objective/hypothesis Phonation threshold pressure values reported in the literature have largely been determined with use of one of three consonant-vowel sequences, /pi/, /pae/, and /pa/; however, it is not currently known if vowel choice influences phonation threshold pressure values. Based on the evidence that describes velopharyngeal closure variations between vowels, this research effort hypothesized that phonation threshold pressure values measured from the consonant-vowel sequence /pi/ would be significantly lower than the /pae/ and /pa/ sequences. Methods Twelve female participants aged between 20 and 27 years produced five-syllable trains of /pi/, /pae/, and /pa/ at low, modal, and high pitches. Study Design A within-subject repeated measures approach was conducted to compare phonation threshold pressure value differences between the three consonant-vowel sequences for three different pitches while controlling for other task elicitation variables that may also influence phonation threshold pressure values. Results Repeated measures analysis of the data indicated that there was no significant difference ( P Conclusions The vowel selected for task elicitation for phonation threshold pressure determination does not appear to significantly affect phonation threshold values, indicating flexibility of the vowel aspect of this measure for clinical use of phonation threshold pressure.
The dialysis exercise: a learning simulation for medical students

The dialysis exercise is a small group decision-making clinical simulation which has been completely successful as an educational technique. The success of the exercise stems from its ability to engage students cognitively and affectively while teaching problem solving skills. This complete learning package is presented, together with comments on our experience, for use in other settings.
Perfluorinated oils as polymer additives: improving physical properties and processing characteristics

Abstract Used as topical lubricants for over 40 years, perfluoropolyether oils have only recently been introduced as additives for polymers. Bruce Ulissi of DuPont explains how they can provide a number of property enhancements and processing improvements for plastics.
In vivo activity of an islet-reactive T-cell clone.

BDC-6.9 is a CD4-positive T-cell clone, specific for NOD islets, which was isolated from the spleen and lymph nodes of a diabetic NOD mouse. The cells were transplanted in a blood clot adjacent to establishd NOD islet grafts in diabetic (CBA×NOD)F1 recipients. The BDC-6.9 cells initiated extensive damage to the islet grafts, while a non-islet specific clone transplanted adjacent to grafted islets caused no noticeable damage. In addition, the BDC-6.9 cells initiated similar destruction when injected intraperito-neally, suggesting that they may have some migratory capacity. By introducing these islet-reactive cells into the (CBA×NOD)F1, a non-diabetes prone environment, we hope to clarify the role of the islet-specific CD4 cell as related to islet destruction in vivo .
Physicochemical and Sensory Qualities of Fresh Pork Chops as Affected by Phosphate, Ascorbate or Sorbate Dipping Prior to Irradiation

Fresh pork chops were dipped for a target absorption of 0.5% sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), 550 ppm sodium ascorbate (SA), or 0.1% potassium sorbate (PS) prior to irradiation (1.0 kGy). Untreated pork chops, both irradiated and unirradiated, were used as controls. Dipping with STPP decreased drip loss and improved color and lipid stability of irradiated chops and resulted in better tenderness and juiciness scores than undipped, irradiated samples. Also, STPP treated chops had similar or better physicochemical and sensory properties than untreated (no irradiation, no dipping) controls. Dipping with SA or PS had little effect compared with STPP, but improved some sensory qualities.
Complement activation following intravenous contrast material administration

Abstract Untoward reactions to iodinated contrast material (ICM) continue to be a significant medical problem. Complement components were assayed in patients having reactions to evaluate the possibility of complement activation in these reactions. Reactor group samples were drawn from patients during the contrast reactions and then 2 weeks later to provide the equivalent of preinjection baseline samples. Control patient values were determined from blood samples drawn from patients before and 20 minutes after ICM injections without reaction. There were consistent falls in total hemolytic complement (CH 50 ) as well as C 3 , C 4 , and C 5 in both the control group and the reactor group. These falls in complement reached statistical significance only for CH 50 in the reactor group. The results indicate that complement activation occurs after ICM injection. This activation can occur independent of clinical reactions; however, falls in total hemolytic complement and low hemolytic complement titers prior to ICM infusion may be related to the presence of anaphylactoid symptoms.
High-order solutions of three-dimensional rough-surface scattering problems at high frequencies. I: the scalar case

We present a new high-order numerical method for the solution of high-frequency scattering problems from rough surfaces in three dimensions. The method is based on the asymptotic solution of appropriate integral equations in the high-frequency regime, in a manner that bypasses the need to resolve the fields on the scale of the wavelength of radiation. Indeed, inspired by prior work in two dimensions, we seek a solution of the integral equation in the form of a slow modulation of the incoming radiation, and we choose a series expansion in inverse powers of the wavenumber to represent the unknown slowly varying envelope. As we show, this framework can be made to yield an efficiently computable recursion for the terms in the series to any arbitrary order. The resulting algorithms generally provide a very significant improvement over classical (e.g. Kirchhoff) approximations in both accuracy and applicability and they can, in fact, effectively produce results with full double-precision accuracy for configurat...
Early vs delayed administration of G-CSF following autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation

It is well established that recombinant human G-CSF accelerates neutrophil recovery following autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). However, the optimal timing of G-CSF following transplantation remains unknown. We have conducted a retrospective analysis of patients treated with either early, day +1 (n = 42) or delayed, day +4 (n = 39) administration of G-CSF following autologous PBSCT for a variety of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. G-CSF was given at a dose of 5 μg/kg/day i.v. as a 2 h infusion beginning either day +1 or day +4 following PBSC infusion and continued until the total white blood count (WBC) was >10 × 109/l. The numbers of transplanted CD34+ cells were similar in each group. Treatment with early administration of G-CSF resulted in a significantly shorter time to an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of >0.5 × 109/l (8.5 vs 10.0 days, P < 0.0003) and shorter length of hospitalization (16.3 vs 18.6 days, P < 0.0008), a trend towards a reduced incidence of infection (53 vs 72%) and a significant decrease in the duration of non-prophylactic antibiotic (NPA) therapy for neutropenic fever (4.0 vs 7.5 days, P < 0.009) compared to day +4 administration. despite the additional cost of g-csf, the reduction in the hospitalization and npa therapy with early g-csf administration resulted in 11% cost savings overall per transplant at our institution.
In Situ Allylic Oxidations With Collins Reagent

Abstract Chromium trioxide-pyridine complex (Collins Reagent) oxidizes alcohols to aldehydes and ketones in high yield, and has been particularly effective in oxidizing acid-sensitive alcohols. A great improvement in the utility of the reagent was reported by Ratcliffe and Rodehorst who made the complex in situ in methylene chloride – thus avoiding the problems involved in isolating crystalline complex. The primary problems include keeping the crystalline complex dry; avoiding fires during addition of CrO3 to pyridine; and having to make the complex in a separate step in the first place. Dauben, Lorber, and Fullerton found that the isolated complex is extremely effective in allylic oxidations, i.e. in oxidizing olefins to enones. Shaw and Sherry also were able to oxidize alkynes to acetylenic ketones in low yields with the isolated complex. In unpublished experiments, the in situ Ratcliffe procedure was tried for allylic oxidations – but with poor yields. Shaw and Sherry reported similar problems with the...