cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A standardized black pepper seed extract containing β-caryophyllene improves cognitive function in scopolamine-induced amnesia model mice via regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and MAPK proteins.

β-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural sesquiterpene present in plants, is a selective agonist of cannabinoid receptor type-2 (CB2) of the endocannabinoid system. In this study, we have prepared an extract from Piper nigrum (black pepper) seeds using supercritical fluid extraction, standardized to contain 30% BCP (ViphyllinTM ). The beneficial effects of prophylactic treatment with Viphyllin on cognitive functions were demonstrated in Scopolamine-induced dementia model mice. Male Swiss albino mice (25-30 g) were administered with Viphyllin (50 mg and 100 mg/kg body weight p.o.) or donepezil (1.60 mg/kg) for 14 days. Subsequently, cognitive deficits were induced by treating the animals intraperitoneally with Scopolamine (0.75 mg/kg). The cognitive behavior of mice was evaluated using a novel object recognition test (NORT) and Morris water maze (MWM) test. The brain homogenates were studied for biochemical parameters including cholinesterase activities and antioxidant status. Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the mechanism of action. Viphyllin dose dependently improved the recognition and spatial memory and cholinergic functions in Scop-treated mice. The extract was found protective against Scop-induced oxidative damage and histopathologic changes in the brain. At 100 mg/kg Viphyllin markedly reduced the proBDNF/mBDNF ratio (p < .05) and augmented the TrkB expression (p < .01). Viphyllin (100 mg/kg) was found to be neuroprotective by reducing the Scop-induced upregulation of p-JNK and p-p38 MAPK proteins, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and caspase activation in the brain. Viphyllin also exerted anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating Cox-2, TNF-α, and NOS-2 in Scop-induced mice (p < .05). To summarize, our data encourage Viphyllin as a functional ingredient/dietary supplement for brain health and cognition. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Black pepper is a culinary spice having several medicinal attributes. Essential oils in the seeds of the plant give aroma and flavor to it. Here we have prepared an extract from the seeds of black pepper using supercritical fluid extraction, characterized for the presence of β-caryophyllene (not <30%). This research work further validates the neuroprotective mechanism of the extract in Scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment model mice. The findings from this study strongly suggest the beneficial neuroactive properties of black pepper seed extract having the presence of BCP, a CB2 receptor agonist. It can thus be used potentially as a functional food ingredient for cognition and brain function.
Measurement of The Thermal Properties of Epoxied Titanium Contacts at Cryogenic Temperatures

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of the thermal properties across epoxied titanium contacts. Both the contact conductance (hc) across the interface and the thermal conductivity of the titanium are measured from 50 to 200 K. The samples include two pure grades of titanium and two alloys bonded together with four different epoxies, three of which contain glass bead fillers. To date very little data are available on the thermal properties of titanium at low temperatures. As illustrated by the experimental results, for all four samples, the conductivity decreases with decreasing temperature in a fairly linear manner. However, the conductivity for the pure grades of titanium is greater than for the alloyed materials for all temperatures. Although several investigations on the hc of epoxied joints have been conducted, very few if any span the temperature range considered here. The hc across the interface for all four samples increased linearly with increasing temperature.
The Application of the Culturagram in Cross-Cultural Practice with Elder Abuse Victims

ABSTRACT This article discusses the application of the Culturagram, a screening instrument designed to assist practitioners to work more effectively in the assessment and detection of family abuse among immigrant elders. Case studies of selected immigrant groups are presented to illustrate how the Culturagram can be used to promote culturally sensitive practice with immigrant families where elder abuse may be a factor. Assessment, detection, and intervention strategies specific to selected immigrant groups are included in the discussion.
Ordered Sets, Induction, and the Axiom of Choice

Partially ordered sets are studied, and the techniques of inductive proofs and recursive constructions over partially ordered sets with ascending or descending chain condition is formalized. The axioms of Zermelo–Fraenkel Set Theory with Choice, and the arithmetic of ordinals and cardinals, are reviewed, and Zorn’s Lemma is developed. We end with some thoughts on whether set theory is “real”.
Exercise training induced bradycardia: evidence for enhanced parasympathetic regulation without changes in “intrinsic” sino-atrial node function (881.5)

Although bradycardia is a well-established consequence of endurance exercise training, the mechanisms responsible for this reduction in baseline heart rate (HR) remain controversial. Therefore, changes in cardiac autonomic regulation and intrinsic sino-atrial nodal (SAN) rate were evaluated using mixed-breed dogs randomly assigned to either a 10-wk exercise training (ET, n = 15) or an equivalent sedentary period (SP, n = 10). Intrinsic HR was revealed by combined autonomic neural blockade (propranolol HCl, 1.0 mg/kg + atropine sulfate, 50 ug/kg, i.v.) before and after completion of the 10-wk study. At the end of the study, SAN function was further evaluated by examining the SAN recovery time (SNRT) following rapid atrial pacing (1 min at 3.3 - 10Hz). As expected, baseline HR decreased and heart rate variability [HRV, indices of cardiac vagal tone - as measured by the high frequency component of R-R variability (HF) and R-R interval standard deviation (SD)] increased in the ET (HR pre 113.4 ± 3.9, post 105...
Organizational dynamics and global integration: A perspective from subsidiary managers

Abstract This study establishes a relationship between organizational dynamics and overall integration within MNEs from the perspective of foreign subsidiaries in a dynamic environment. While previous empirical studies have emphasized that overall integration is determined by environmental and industrial pressures, we propose that integration is also affected by strategic capabilities, organizational infrastructures and strategic needs of foreign operations. Analysis of survey data including 168 foreign subsidiaries in a large emerging foreign market suggests that the resource distinctiveness committed to local operations is positively associated with overall integration, while the strength of networking with local businesses and governments is positively associated with overall responsiveness. The effectiveness of established information flow and coordination between a focal subsidiary and the rest of the network has a favorable effect on integration. Moreover, strategic needs in exploitation of factor endowment contribute to higher levels of integration. These needs also moderate the relationship between dynamic capability and overall integration.
An Overview of the Isochronets Architecture for High Speed Networks

This paper overviews a novel switching architecture for high-speed networks: Isochronets. Isochronets time-divide network bandwidth among routing trees. Traffic moves down a routing tree to the root during its time band. Network functions such as routing and flow control are entirely governed by band timers and require no processing of frame headers bits. Frame motions need not be delayed for switch processing, allowing Isochronets to scale over a large spectrum of transmission speeds and support all-optical implementations. The network functions as a media-access layer that can support multiple framing protocols simultaneously, handled by higher layers at the periphery. Internetworking is reduced to a simple media-layer bridging. Isochronets provide flexible quality of service control and multicasting through allocation of bands to routing trees. They can be tuned to span a spectrum of performance behaviors outperforming both circuit or packet switching.
Thyroid (Papillary, Follicular, Medullary, Hürthle Cell) Carcinoma

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a component of the World Health Organization (WHO), estimated that there were 141,013 new cases of thyroid (papillary, follicular, Hurthle cell) carcinoma worldwide in 2002 [1]. The IARC estimated that there were 35,375 deaths due to this cause in 2002 [1].
The Effects of Fluid Instabilities on Laser Fusion Pellets

Recently a number of publications have dealt with the phenomena of Taylor instability in attempts to determine how the classical Taylor picture is modified in the presence of ablation and energy transport, and to estimate the importance of the effect to target implosion design. Stephen Bodner,1 now at the Naval Research Laboratory, performed model calculations which indicated that ablative stabilization can partially eliminate Taylor growth.
Upsets in the Freja Magnetic Field Experiment

Several methods exist for estimating single event and proton upset rates based on ground test data. The accuracy of these methods is crucial to successfully designing spacecraft systems. This paper presents flight upset data from static RAMS used in the Freja Magnetic Field Experiment and compares the flight data to estimates generated by commonly used methods. The flight data is also used to test common assumptions about the variability of the orbital environment.
Investigation of heparin‐related hypotensive adverse events during photopheresis: utility of a patient care database

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a procedure in which leukocytes are harvested from a patient's whole blood, treated with a DNA binding dye and ultraviolet light to inactivate lymphocytes, and then returned into the patient's circulation. In January 2008, we observed moderately severe anaphylactoid reactions in eight of 16 patients undergoing ECP. CASE STUDY: Each affected individual exhibited hypotension of sudden onset, usually with tachycardia, during the return of heparin-anticoagulated blood at the end of the first cycle of collection of leukocytes. A systematic investigation of possible contributing factors revealed that all reactions were associated with administration of a single new lot of heparin. RESULTS: Changing to a different manufacturer of heparin eliminated the occurrence of further such hypotensive reactions during ECP. Although the symptoms were initially attributed to vasovagal reactions or dehydration, their temporal association with exposure to a new lot of heparin suggested a procedure-related phenomenon. Of particular note, was the finding that of the eight patients who had reactions at any time, six had initial exposures without reactions, suggesting a process of sensitization. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the value of a patient database listing lot numbers of all medications and components used in each routine ECP procedure for facilitating rapid determination of common patient exposures, making it easier to determine the cause of adverse events, in this case, a particular lot of heparin responsible for the hypotensive adverse events.
Computational self-assembly of a one-component icosahedral quasicrystal

A body-centred icosahedral quasicrystal has been assembled, by using molecular dynamics simulations, from a one-component fluid of particles interacting via a tunable, isotropic pair potential.
Health-related quality of life in patients with sinusitis.

The goal of treatment for patients with sinusitis is the prompt and complete relief of symptoms and consequent improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQL). HRQL has been defined as the component of overall quality of life, determined primarily by the person’s health, which can be influenced by clinical interventions. HRQL is especially useful for conditions like sinusitis in which there is no gold-standard diagnostic test, and "objective" tests correlate poorly with disease severity and outcomes. Patients with sinusitis have measurable, significant decrements in HRQL. Many studies evaluating treatment efficacy in patients with sinusitis have used unvalidated HRQL measures, making their findings, at best, difficult to interpret or, at worst, potentially biased. In this article, we review the definition of HRQL, the meaning and importance of validating HRQL measures, the impact of sinusitis on HRQL, and validated measures of HRQL for use in research and in clinical practice.
Biological Detection of Phytochrome in Callus Tissue of Nicotiana tabacum L.

DURING recent years, considerable information has been gained concerning the role of light in germination, etiolation, and control of flowering. The discovery of phytochrome has greatly aided the understanding of these processes. Briggs and Siegelman1 found that seedling plants had highest phytochrome concentrations in regions of active cell division. We wished to know whether or not phytochrome had any function in actively dividing cells cultured from undifferentiated stem pith. This communication reports evidence that the phytochrome system was involved in growth of callus tissue cultured in vitro from undifferentiated pith from stems of Nicotiana tabacum L.
Cardiovascular Effects in Childhood Cancer Survivors Treated with Anthracyclines

Anthracyclines are commonly used to treat childhood leukemias and lymphomas, as well as other malignancies, leading to a growing population of long-term childhood cancer survivors. However, their use is limited by cardiotoxicity, increasing survivors' vulnerability to treatment-related complications that can markedly affect their quality of life. Survivors are more likely to suffer from heart failure, coronary artery disease, and cerebrovascular accidents compared to the general population. The specific mechanisms of anthracycline cardiotoxicity are complex and remain unclear. Hence, determining the factors that may increase susceptibility to cardiotoxicity is of great importance, as is monitoring patients during and after treatment. Additionally, treatment and prevention options, such as limiting cumulative dosage, liposomal anthracyclines, and dexrazoxane, continue to be explored. Here, we review the cardiovascular complications associated with the use of anthracyclines in treating malignancies in children and discuss methods for preventing, screening, and treating such complications in childhood cancer survivors.
Does restricting choice in referenda enable governments to spend more

If school boards represent the preferences of the median voter, referendums to approve school expenditures should not constrain school expenditures. If school boards would choose expenditures larger than the median voter’s preference, referendums that restrict voters to approving or disapproving a school board’s recommended expenditure level will result in expenditures larger than the median voter would prefer. However, Florida used a unique referendum system which guaranteed the median voter’s most preferred outcome. Using Florida education expenditures as a benchmark, the evidence suggests that spending was slightly higher in restricted choice referendum states than in Florida.
Levofloxacin in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia

Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone that has a broad spectrum of activity against several causative bacterial pathogens of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The efficacy and tolerability of levofloxacin 500 mg once daily for 10 days in patients with CAP are well established. Furthermore, a high-dose (750 mg), short-course (5 days) of once-daily levofloxacin has been approved for use in the USA in the treatment of CAP, acute bacterial sinusitis, acute pyelonephritis and complicated urinary tract infections. Levofloxacin can be used as a monotherapy in patients with CAP, however, levofloxacin combination therapy with anti-pseudomonal beta-lactam (or aminoglycoside) should be considered if Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the causative pathogen of the respiratory infection. The high-dose, short-course levofloxacin regimen maximizes its concentration-dependent antibacterial activity, decreases the potential for drug resistance and has better patient compliance. Oral levofloxacin is rapidly absorbed and is bioequivalent to the intravenous formulation and the patients can switch between these formulations, which results in more options with respect to the therapeutic regimens. Furthermore, levofloxacin is generally well tolerated, has good tissue penetration and adequate concentrations can be maintained at the site of infections.
Aqueous-phase hydrodechlorination of 2,4-dichlorophenol over Pd/Al2O3 : Reaction under controlled pH

The aqueous-phase hydrodechlorination (HDC) of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) over a Pd/Al2O3 catalyst has been studied with adjustment of the bulk solution pH either by base (NaOH and NH4OH) addition prereaction or with a continual supply of base during HDC. With a starting pH in the range 7−11.6, the solution pH can be controlled to within ±0.1 with an external supply of NaOH during HDC. A preliminary kinetic analysis suggests that 2,4-DCP HDC is predominately stepwise, yielding 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) as the partially dechlorinated product, which is further converted to phenol and ultimately to cyclohexanone. Pd/Al2O3, operating under controlled pH, delivered maximum HDC activity in the pH range 7−8, where the selectivity with respect to 2-CP was lower than that associated with pH = 11.6. In the absence of mass transport constraints, initial HDC rate as a function of 2,4-DCP concentration exhibits Langmuir−Hinshelwood mechanistic behavior involving competitive adsorption of H2 and 2,4-DCP with the surface ...
Spurious nonminimum phase zeros in models of smart structures

This paper addresses the implications of spurious nonminimum phase zeros for design of control systems with noncollocated sensors and actuators. The relationship between the finite- element model and the control system model is examined in detail, with particular emphasis on the physical analogies of nonminimum phase zeros in the finite-dimensional representation of the system. Finite element models of constrained systems may be used to determine which zeros are spurious. Synthesis of accurate transfer functions is demonstrated using the idea of constrained modes. By considering the infinity norm of the undermodelling, the exact residue model even with spurious nonminimum phase zeros is the preferred model for control system design.
A generalized cohesive element technique for arbitrary crack motion

A computational method for arbitrary crack motion through a finite element mesh, termed as the generalized cohesive element technique, is presented. In this method, an element with an internal discontinuity is replaced by two superimposed elements with a combination of original and imaginary nodes. Conventional cohesive zone modeling, limited to crack propagation along the edges of the elements, is extended to incorporate the intra-element mixed-mode crack propagation. Proposed numerical technique has been shown to be quite accurate, robust and mesh insensitive provided the cohesive zone ahead of the crack tip is resolved adequately. A series of numerical examples is presented to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the proposed method.
The I-Tribe Community Pharmacy Practice Model: Professional pharmacy unshackled

Abstract Objective To describe a mechanism by which pharmacists could create a disruptive innovation to provide professional primary care services via a Web-based delivery model. Summary Several obstacles have prevented pharmacists from using available technology to develop business models that capitalize on their clinical skills in primary care. Community practice has experienced multiple sustaining innovations that have improved dispensing productivity but have not stimulated sufficient demand for pharmacy services to disrupt the marketplace and provide new opportunities for pharmacists. Pharmacists are in a unique position to bridge the gap between demand for basic primary medical care and access to a competent medical professional. Building on the historic strengths of community pharmacy practice, modern pharmacists could provide a disruptive innovation in the marketplace for primary care by taking advantage of new technology and implementing the I-Tribe Community Pharmacy Practice Model (I-Tribe). This model would directly connect pharmacists to patients through an interactive, secure Web presence that would liberate the relationship from geographic restrictions. Conclusion The I-Tribe is a disruptive innovation that could become the foundation for a vibrant market in pharmacist professional service offerings. The I-Tribe model could benefit society by expanding access to primary medical care while simultaneously providing a new source of revenue for community practice pharmacists. Entrepreneurial innovation through I-Tribe pharmacy would free pharmacists to become the care providers envisioned by the profession's thought leaders.
Chlamydia screening coverage estimates derived using healthcare effectiveness data and information system procedures and indirect estimation vary substantially.

BackgroundScreening coverage is an important determinant of chlamydial control program success.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare chlamydial screening coverage estimates.MethodsWe compared 9 estimates among women aged 15 to 25 years in Washington State, 2009. Four used Healthcare Effecti
Distribution studies of proteoglycan aggregates by ultracentrifugation.

The tendency for cartilage proteoglycans to aggregate or disperse in ultracentrifugation at high ionic strength is influenced by cations. Guanidinium, Li+ and Ca++ promote disaggregation and Na+, K+ and Cs+ support aggregation. The process of disaggregation is fundamentally the separation of low density from high density proteoglycans, the density being an inverse function of the protein content. PPL 5 pellet formation is a packing or aggregation phenomenon occurring well below the isopycnic density of proteoglycan which accounts for its difference from the isopycnic density equilibrated complex. Cations which promote disaggregation result in shifts in distribution of the proteoglycans on equilibrated density gradients. Comparisons of the desulfated products of the high density aggregated and disaggregated complexes and of more selective high and low density proteoglycan fractions clearly show the heterogeneity of proteoglycans related to protein content. It is suggested that the nature of the variable po...
The spontaneous fission half-life of 244Cm

Abstract The partial half-life for spontaneous fission of a 94 per cent sample of 244 Cm has been determined to be (1·250±0·007) × 10 7 yr.
Ovarian mucinous tumors with foci of anaplastic carcinoma

Four ovarian mucinous cystic tumors that contained solid nodules of anaplastic carcinoma in their walls are described. All the tumors had metastasized at the time of or shortly after operation and two have already proven fatal. The anaplastic nodules may be confused on gross and microscopic examination with sarcomas and sarcoma-like nodules, both of which may also be encountered in the wall of mucinous cystic tumors. Although the distinction of foci of anaplastic carcinoma from foci of sarcoma may not have prognostic significance, both of them should be separated from sarcoma-like nodules because of the favorable prognosis associated with the latter. In favor of a diagnosis of anaplastic carcinoma are poor circumscription of the nodules, vascular invasion and absence of a prominent inflammatory reaction with multinucleated giant cells of the epulis type.
DNA methylation in genomic imprinting

As a reversible epigenetic modification which can affect gene expression, DNA methylation has been an attractive candidate for the biochemical mechanism of genomic imprinting. Many correlations in mice and humans link allele-specific DNA methylation to the allele-restricted RNA expression which is the hallmark of imprinted genes. Moreover, abnormal DNA methylation accompanies the pathological functional imprinting of certain human genes on chromosome 11p15.5 in Wilms' tumors and in the Beckwith-Weidemann syndrome and on chromosome 15q11-13 in the Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes. A role for DNA methylation in maintaining the transcriptional silence of imprinted alleles at some loci has been supported by pharmacological manipulation with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and by experiments with methyltransferase deletion mice. Gametic differences in DNA methylation could also account for the initiation of imprints, but this remains unproven. Comprehensive physical models for the role of DNA methylation in imprinting must account not only for local allele-restricted gene expression but also for the existence of large chromosomal domains containing multiple coordinately imprinted genes.
Direct-current fluorescent lighting for experimental chambers.

A low-interference and low-heat build-up fluorescent lighting system, powered by direct current, for use inside psychophysiologic experimental chambers is described. It has been used successfully for several months in experimentation involving high-gain physiologic instrumentation.
The Nuances and Complexity of Illumination System Optimization

Illumination system optimization is in its infancy, which is attributable to its complexity. I discuss issues, including: sampling, interference, convergence, constraints, and merit function. I present examples from the illumination sector, especially lightpipes and reflectors.
Protostellar formation in rotating interstellar clouds. VI - Nonuniform initial conditions

The collapse and fragmentation of rotating protostellar clouds is explored, starting from nonuniform density and nonuniform rotation initial conditions. Whether binary fragmentation occurs during the first dynamic collapse phase depends strongly on the initial density profile. Exponential clouds are only somewhat more resistant to fragmentation than uniform-density clouds, but power-law clouds do not undergo fragmentation for likely values of a relevant parameter. Because binary fragments start from profiles intermediate between uniform density and exponential clouds, minimum protostellar mass for population I stars should be increased to approximately 0.02 solar mass. The axisymmetric Terey et al. (1984) model should be stable with respect to nonaxisymmetric perturbations. Considering the observed binary frequency, collapse from power-law initial conditions appears to be less common than collapse from more uniform initial conditions.
Comparative metabolism in food-producing animals: programs sponsored by the Center for Veterinary Medicine.

(1987). Comparative Metabolism in Food Producing Animals: Programs Sponsored by the Center for Veterinary Medicines. Drug Metabolism Reviews: Vol. 18, No. 2-3, pp. 345-362.
Enzyme-triggered gelation: targeting proteases with internal cleavage sites

A generalizable method for detecting protease activity via gelation is described. A recognition sequence is used to target the protease of interest while a second protease is used to remove the residual residues from the gelator scaffold. Using this approach, selective assays for both MMP-9 and PSA are demonstrated.
Developing clinical decision support within a commercial electronic health record system to improve antimicrobial prescribing in the neonatal ICU.

Objective: To develop and implement a clinical decision support (CDS) tool to improve antibiotic prescribing in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and to evaluate user acceptance of the CDS tool. Methods: Following sociotechnical analysis of NICU prescribing processes, a CDS tool for empiric and targeted antimicrobial therapy for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) was developed and incorporated into a commercial electronic health record (EHR) in two NICUs. User logs were reviewed and NICU prescribers were surveyed for their perceptions of the CDS tool. Results: The CDS tool aggregated selected laboratory results, including culture results, to make treatment recommendations for common clinical scenarios. From July 2010 to May 2012, 1,303 CDS activations for 452 patients occurred representing 22% of patients prescribed antibiotics during this period. While NICU clinicians viewed two culture results per tool activation, prescribing recommendations were viewed during only 15% of activations. Most (63%) survey respondents were aware of the CDS tool, but fewer (37%) used it during their most recent NICU rotation. Respondents considered the most useful features to be summarized culture results (43%) and antibiotic recommendations (48%). Discussion: During the study period, the CDS tool functionality was hindered by EHR upgrades, implementation of a new laboratory information system, and changes to antimicrobial testing methodologies. Loss of functionality may have reduced viewing antibiotic recommendations. In contrast, viewing culture results was frequently performed, likely because this feature was perceived as useful and functionality was preserved. Conclusion: To improve CDS tool visibility and usefulness, we recommend early user and information technology team involvement which would facilitate use and mitigate implementation challenges.
Synthetic Chlorins Bearing Auxochromes at the 3- and 13-Positions

Synthetic chlorins bearing diverse auxochromes at the 3- and 13-positions of the macrocycle are valuable targets given their resemblance to chlorophylls a and b, which bear 3-vinyl and 13-keto groups. A de novo route has been exploited to construct nine zinc chlorins bearing substituents at the 3- and 13-positions and two benchmark zinc chlorins lacking such substituents. The chlorins are sterically uncongested and bear (1) a geminal dimethyl group in the reduced pyrroline ring, (2) a H, an acetyl, a triisopropylsilylethynyl (TIPS-ethynyl), or a vinyl at the 3-position, (3) a H, an acetyl, or TIPS-ethynyl at the 13-position, and (4) a H or a mesityl at the 10-position. The synthesis of the 13-substituted chlorins relied on p-TsOH·H2O-catalyzed condensation of an 8,9-dibromo-1-formyldipyrromethane (eastern half) and 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,3,3-trimethyldipyrrin (western half), followed by metal-mediated oxidative cyclization, affording the 13-bromochlorin. Similar use of a bromo- or TIPS-ethynyl-substituted w...
Strongly coupled quenched QED

We consider quenched quantum electrodynamics at strong coupling as an ultra-violet stable fixed point field theory. We discuss the collapse of the wave function phenomenon of the Dirac equation and its relation to chiral symmetry breaking and the formation of a condensate. The scaling laws of 〈ΨΨ〉 are obtained in the strongly coupled phase and near the critical point using Schwinger-Dyson equations. We formulate the non-compact theory on the lattice and study the scaling laws of 〈ΨΨ〉 numerically. The spectrum of the model is studied by computer simulation methods and we estimate the masses of the pion, sigma, rho and A1.
History-based VLSI legalization using network flow

In VLSI placement, legalization is an essential step where the overlaps between gates/macros must be removed. In this paper, we introduce a history-based legalization algorithm with min-cost network flow optimization. We find a legal solution with the minimum deviation from a given placement to fully honor/preserve the initial placement, by solving a gate-centric network flow formulation in an iterative manner. In order to realize a flow into gate movements, we develop efficient techniques which solve an approximated Subset-sum problem. Over the iterations, we factor into our formulation the history which captures a set of likely-to-fail gate movements. Such a history-based scheme enables our algorithm to intelligently legalize highly complex designs. Experimental results on over 740 real cases show that our approach is significantly superior to the existing algorithms in terms of failure rate (no failure) as well as quality of results (55% less max-deviation).
Interdiffusion of alkali and hydronium ions in glass: partial ionization

Abstract The possibility of incomplete ionization of hydronium ions in glass during their exchange with alkali ions in the glass can be tested by comparing interdiffusion and electrolysis experiments. Lithium ion profiles in an alkali-alkaline earth silicate glass after interdiffusion and electrolysis in water can be interpreted as resulting from the same transport ratios in each experiment, which is the result expected for complete ionization of the hydronium ions. Experiments on tritium diffusion in microporous silica layers do not support the assumption of partial ionization. Thus it is concluded that hydronium ions in hydrated silicates are totally ionized.
Evidence for a GABAergic projection from the central nucleus of the amygdala to the brainstem of the macaque monkey: a combined retrograde tracing and in situ hybridization study

The central nucleus of the amygdala is interconnected with a variety of visceral and autonomic nuclei of the brainstem. These include the parabrachial nucleus, the nucleus of the solitary tract, the nucleus ambiguus and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. Despite repeated attempts, neurochemical characterization of the major subcortical connections of the central nucleus has not yet been accomplished. Based on earlier immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization evidence indicating the presence of numerous GABAergic neurons in the macaque monkey central nucleus, we predicted that a sizeable portion of the descending projections may be GABAergic. We tested this hypothesis using a novel double labelling method with gold conjugated WGA-apoHRP as a retrograde tracer and in situ hybridization for detecting the mRNA that encodes the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67) as a marker for GABAergic cells. Following WGA-apoHRP-gold injections into the brainstem, a large number of retrogradely labelled cells was observed in the medial and lateral divisions of the central nucleus. Of the retrogradely labelled cells observed in the medial division of the central nucleus, approximately half were double-labelled for GAD67 mRNA; about 30% double labelling was observed in the lateral division. These data support the view that a sizeable component of the central nucleus projection to the brainstem is GABAergic.
Imported longhorned weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) injury to soybean: physiological response and injury guild-level economic injury levels.

The imported longhorned weevil, Calomycterus setarius Roelofs, is an occasional pest of soybean, Glycine max (L.), and can cause substantial defoliation of seedling soybean when the weevil is present in large numbers. Because weevil populations can reach high levels, the potential exists for significant seedling injury, so economic injury levels (EILs) are needed for imported longhorned weevil on seedling soybean. Because the bean leaf beetle, Cerotoma trifurcata (Forster), also is present on seedling soybean, injury by this insect should be included in EIL calculations. This study was conducted to (1) determine daily soybean consumption rates of imported longhorned weevil; (2) compare soybean injury responses between weevil injured and noninjured soybeans; and (3) develop multiple species EILs for imported longhorned weevil and bean leaf beetle. Field and laboratory studies were conducted in 1997 to determine weevil daily consumption rates. Field experiments were conducted in 1998 to examine physiological responses of soybean to weevil injury. Field and laboratory consumption rates were 0.16 and 0.21 cm2 per day, respectively. There were no significant differences in physiological responses (i.e., photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rates) between noninjured soybean leaflets (caged) and weevil-injured leaflets. Multiple-species EILs were developed for imported longhorned weevil and bean leaf beetle on VC through V3 soybean.
Is Tumor Necrosis Factor an Important Neurohormonal Mechanism in Chronic Heart Failure

Although heart failure has traditionally been regarded as a circulatory disorder, physicians have recognized for more than 2500 years that patients with heart failure share many of the clinical features of those afflicted with chronic inflammatory or neoplastic diseases.1 2 As heart failure advances, many patients develop a syndrome known as cardiac cachexia, which is characterized by a profound loss of lean body mass and anorexia and is accompanied by many of the biochemical changes of malnutrition (anemia, hypoalbuminemia, leukopenia, and hypocholesterolemia) and inflammation (increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fibrinogen, and acute-phase reactants).3 4 The pathogenesis of cardiac cachexia remained obscure for many years, until it was recognized that patients with cardiac cachexia have high circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF).5 This pluripotent cytokine causes cachexia, anorexia, and inflammation during long-term administration to experimental animals,6 and high circulating levels of TNF have been reported in patients with a variety of neoplastic, infectious, and collagen vascular disorders characterized by muscle wasting and malnutrition.7 8 9 The first study of elevated circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor in heart failure used a cytotoxicity assay to measure concentrations of the cytokine.5 In that study, we noted that circulating levels of the cytokine were increased primarily in patients with the most advanced symptoms, peripheral hypoperfusion and cachexia. Subsequent investigators, using immunologic assays to measure TNF, confirmed that levels of the cytokine were increased in patients with heart failure and that there was a relation between circulating levels of TNF and clinical features of the disease; furthermore, interventions that improved heart failure were accompanied by a decrease in circulating TNF.10 11 12 13 14 15 Because of the parallel findings of these reports, many assumed that the assessment of circulating TNF by the cytotoxicity assays would be highly …
DOWFAX surfactant components for enhancing contaminant solubilization

Surfactant selection is critical to successful implementation of surfactant-enhanced subsurface remediation. Previous research demonstrated the favorable characteristics of commercial grade DOWFAX surfactants for enhancing contaminant solubilization. In this research we studied the effectiveness of higher purity DOWFAX components for enhancing contaminant solubilization. The DOWFAX surfactant components are mono- and di-alkylated diphenyloxide disulfonates and mono- and di-sulfonated alkyl diphenyloxides. Surfactant solubilization of phenanthrene increased as the surfactant hydrophobicity increased (increasing alkyl chain length and with dialkylation for a given chain length) and as the surfactant hydrophilicity decreased (mono- versus di-sulfonate). Surfactant sorption likewise increased with increasing surfactant hydrophobicity and for monosulfonates versus disulfonates. Surfactant sorption was reduced by a factor of 2.5 for the higher purity C-16 MADS component versus commercial grade DOWFAX 8390 (which is a mixture of C16-MADS and DADS). In soil-contaminant systems surfactant-enhanced solubilization was observed to increase dramatically for DOWFAX components with higher solubilization potential and was not significantly impacted by surfactant-media sorption (reflecting the low sorption potential of these surfactants). These results thus further our understanding of how the DOWFAX components, and mixtures thereof, impact surfactant-enhanced soil remediation.
Role of anisomorphic DNA conformations in the negative regulation of a herpes simplex virus type 1 promoter.

Abstract The a sequence is a bifunctional element in the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) genome which possesses both the signals required for the cleavage and encapsidation of replicated vital DNA and the promoter-regulatory sequences for the gene encoding the viral neurovirulence factor ICP34.5. Since the ICP34.5 promoter lacks features that are characteristic of most HSV-1 promoters, including a canonical TATA box, an initiator element, and upstream binding sites for host cell transcription factors, a mutational analysis was undertaken to identify the cis -acting elements which mediate transcription of this gene in transient transfection assays. A deletion derivative containing sequences just 83 nucleotides upstream of the second of two cap sites was found to exhibit full promoter activity. However, the presence of either of two far upstream regions, which coincided with the DR2 and DR6 tandem GC-rich repeat arrays, acted to abrogate transcriptional activity both in this segment of the ICP34.5 promoter and in a heterologous promoter construct. The DR2 and DR6 repeat arrays each possessed an unwound S1 nuclease-sensitive DNA conformation (anisomorphic DNA) whose formation was shown to be critical for mediating this transcriptional repression effect. Moreover, results from in vivo titration experiments suggested the existence of a cellular protein(s) which can mediate transcriptional repression in the ICP34.5 promoter by specifically interacting with the single-stranded regions of these tandem repeat arrays. Such DNA conformation-dependent transcriptional silencing appears to represent a novel mechanism of gene regulation in the HSV-1 life cycle.
Bowel vaginoplasty in children: A retrospective review

Abstract Background/purpose There are numerous congenital genitourinary conditions that result in vaginal agenesis or atresia. Reconstruction presents a challenge to the surgeon who wishes long-term functional and cosmetic results with low morbidity. Historically, reconstruction has involved the use of skin grafts and nonoperative methods with less than ideal results. The preference of the authors is to use intestinal segments for creating the neovagina and herein review their experience with this procedure. Methods The authors identified 10 children who underwent vaginal construction with intestinal segments from 1996 to the present. Patient charts were reviewed for etiology, procedure performed, operative and postoperative complications, and follow-up. Results Average age at surgery was 10.9 years (1 to 29 years). Of the 10 children, 3 required vaginal construction for cloacal extrophy, and 7 had vaginal atresia of various etiology. Sigmoid colon was utilized in 6 cases, ileum in 2, and, in 2 patients with high imperforate anus, their mucous fistula segment was used to create the vagina. Mean follow-up was 24 months. Complications included a right ureteral injury necessitating placement of an indwelling ureteral stent and a girl presenting with cyclic pelvic pain who required reanastomosis of the neovagina to the uterus for an obstructed cervical os. Conclusions Intestinal segments can be used successfully for creation of a neovagina with exceptional cosmetic results and an acceptable complication rate. In appropriate patients, the mucous fistula can be used to create the vagina obviating the need for a bowel anastomosis.
Sodium Chloride Deprivation: Development of Sodium Chloride as a Reinforcement

The effects of deprivation of dietary sodium chloride on operant behavior reinforced by water and sodium chloride were studied. Rats responded at high rates for sodium chloride reinforcements only after they had been fed an inadequate diet for 40 days. These effects were specific to the deprived element of the diet.
A minor perturbing effect of retinal locus on dot pattern recognition: Rejection of a possible artifact

An empirical test of the influence of retinal locus in a dot masking experiment shows it to be a minor perturbing effect about one-tenth of the magnitude of the organizational effects under the worst conditions.
The Problem of Piecemeal Induction

I argue that, in causal inference from many observational studies, the piecemeal collection of data can cause underdetermination, even if arbitrarily large amounts of reliable data are available. Two theorems reveal that, for any variable set V, there are causal theories over V that can be distinguished if and only if all variables are simultaneously measured. These results entail that, a priori, one cannot know which observational studies will be most informative with respect to the true causal theory describing V. Hence, scientific institutions may need to play a larger role in coordinating differing research programs.
MP84-11 NUTRITIONAL PREDICTORS OF PERIOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS AND MORTALITY FOLLOWING RADICAL NEPHRECTOMY: A POPULATION-BASED ANALYSIS

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The standard of care for patients with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UC) is radical cystectomy (RC). Many patients undergoing RC are at significant risk of malnutrition due to a combination of age, comorbidity, and disease-factors. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of markers of malnutrition among a population-based sample of patients treated with RC, and to evaluate the impact of nutritional-features on 30-day complications and mortality rates. METHODS: A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database identified 2055 patients who underwent RC for UC from 2006-2012. Preoperative albumin ( 10% weight loss within 6 months of surgery, and body mass index (BMI, categorized as underweight, normal weight, overweight, class I, II, and III obesity as 10% was observed in 3.5% and preoperative albumin 40kg/m: OR 4.1, p1⁄40.004). CONCLUSIONS: Low serum albumin and increasing degrees of obesity independently predict an increased risk of complications within 30 days of RC. BMI appears to demonstrate a U-shaped relationship with 30-day death, such that the highest risk of postoperative mortality exists in those patients who are underweight or morbidly obese.
A flexible and interactive software package for a laboratory in cognition and perception

This paper introduces the second edition of a software package for use in teaching cognitive psychology and research methods. Detailed are the distinctive features of the edition and how this courseware can be used effectively. Fifteen content programs were developed to provide multiple levels of use, ranging from simple demonstrations to sophisticated templates for designing complex independent research projects. Relative to its predecessor, data handling is greatly enhanced, the overall power of the programs to respond to a wider range of responses is increased, and the breadth of the content is expanded significantly.
Mesenchymal stem cell mechanobiology

Bone marrow-derived multipotent stem and stromal cells (MSCs) are likely candidates for cell-based therapies for various conditions including skeletal disease. Advancement of these therapies will rely on an ability to identify, isolate, manipulate, and deliver stem cells in a safe and effective manner. Although it is clear that physical signals affect tissue morphogenesis, stem cell differentiation, and healing processes, integration of mechanically induced signaling events remain obscure. Mechanisms underlying sensation and interpretation of mechanical signals by stem cells are the focus of intense study. External mechanical signals have the ability to activate osteogenic signaling pathways in MSCs including Wnt, Ror2, and Runx2. It is also clear that intracellular tensile forces resulting from cell-extracellular matrix interactions play a critical role in MSC regulation. Further work is required to determine the precise role that mechanical forces play in stem cell function.