cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypertonic resuscitation modulates the inflammatory response in patients with traumatic hemorrhagic shock.

Hypertonic solutions (7.5% saline ±6% dextran-70) have been investigated as alternative resuscitation strategies in critically injured patients.1–6 Hypertonic resuscitation evokes an increase in serum osmolarity, which results in the redistribution of fluid from the interstitial and intracellular spaces to the intravascular space. This leads to rapid restoration of circulating intravascular volume, requiring a smaller volume of fluid compared with isotonic crystalloid solutions and leading to decreased accumulation of extravascular volume. Additionally, the osmotic effects of hypertonic fluids also reduce intracranial pressure in patients with head injury. Thus, this combination of increased systemic perfusion, which increases cerebral perfusion, along with a decrease in the intracranial pressure, which reduces brain swelling, minimizes the progression of secondary brain injury. Despite evidence that has suggested benefit in early clinical trials and a series of subsequent meta-analyses that pointed toward improved outcome in patients treated with hypertonic resuscitation, hypertonic resuscitation strategies have not gained widespread acceptance in North America.7–10 A renewed interest in this therapeutic approach has developed in response to in-depth basic laboratory investigations that have demonstrated that hypertonicity has significant effects on the innate and adaptive immune response that could mitigate the dysfunctional inflammatory response seen after traumatic injury.11,12 These studies have suggested that the immunomodulatory effects of hypertonic fluids may lead to attenuation of organ injury and immune suppression seen after severe injury. The immunomodulatory effects of hypertonic fluids have been well defined in in vitro and in animal models, but only a small number of pilot studies have investigated these effects in humans.13,14 We hypothesized that administration of hypertonic saline/dextran (HSD) would attenuate the initial neutrophil and monocyte proinflammatory response, which could then lead to reduced inflammatory organ injury. In addition, modulation of the early innate immune response could result in a less dramatic counter inflammatory response and thus a decrease in the risk of subsequent nosocomial infection and late organ failure. This study was designed to determine the effect of prehospital resuscitation with HSD on the activation of circulating neutrophils (PMN) and monocytes after severe injury.
A Physical Layer metric for measuring base station anonymity in Wireless Sensor Networks

In recent years, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have become valuable assets to both the commercial and military communities with applications ranging from industrial automation on a factory floor to reconnaissance of a hostile border. In both examples, the sensors act as data sources and relay information to a central sink or base station (BS). Consider the possible attacks that an adversary could launch against a WSN once the BS is identified. This motivates a significant need for improved network security to protect against such malicious attacks. One such mitigation strategy is to increase the anonymity of the BS such that the adversary is unable to distinguish it from the other nodes of the sensor field. Many techniques have been proposed in the literature to improve BS anonymity by altering network-layer routing algorithms; however, few techniques have been proposed to improve anonymity at the Physical Layer (PHY). This is, in part, due to the lack of metrics to characterize PHY anonymity. In this paper, we propose an algorithm called “Intercept, Correlate, and Follow” (ICF) to characterize PHY anonymity in a WSN network. Simulation results based on the IEEE 802.15.4a Ultra Wideband (UWB) PHY illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed ICF algorithm.
A blinded comparison of angiography, angioscopy, and duplex scanning in the intraoperative evaluation of in situ saphenous vein bypass grafts.

Abstract Angiography, angioscopy, and duplex scanning have each been advocated for intraoperative assessment of in siva saphenous vein grafts. We compared these three modalities during operation in a prospective, blinded study during the construction of 20 femoral-infragenicular in situ saphenous vein grafts. Each modality was used and interpreted by a surgeon blinded to the results of the other studies. Abnormalities requiring intervention were defined as (1) patent vein side branches, (2) residual valve cusps, and (3) anastomotic stenoses > 30%. Criteria, specific to the modality, corresponding to each category were prospectively defined. Fourteen residual valve cusps, 49 patent vein branches, and 6 anastomotic stenoses were suggested by at least one modality. Nine residual valve cusps, 32 patent vein branches, and no anastomotic stenoses were actually found (and corrected) by direct inspection. Sensitivity of detecting patent side branches for angiography, duplex scanning, and angioscopy was 44%, 12%, and 66%, respectively. Both angiography and angioscopy were significantly more sensitive than duplex scanning for detection of unligated side branches ( p p 75% of residual valve cusps. These results suggest that angioscopy is the preferred method for intraoperative in situ vein graft evaluation. (J Vasc Surg 1992;15:121–9.)
A dynamic model to predict responses of millets (Echinochloa sp.) to different hydrologic conditions for the Illinois floodplain–River

Millets grow on floodplain mud flats exposed when seasonal floods recede, and the seeds of this plant are an important food source for waterfowl during their spring and autumn migrations in the Mississippi Flyway. Productivity of millets along the Illinois River has declined because of unnaturally frequent floods that inundate the mud flats and drown the plants during the summer growing season. These small floods are caused by operation of the navigation dams on the main channel and by alterations of the floodplain and tributary watersheds and channels. Predictive models are needed to evaluate the most cost-effective combination of approaches for restoring plant productivity. We developed a moist-soil plant model that simulates millet growth on 1 m2 in response to daily water levels during the summer growing season. The model responds to daily water depth, flood timing (within the growing season), and flood duration, and was qualitatively verified using historical (1938–1959) water levels and plant coverage for three areas along the Illinois River. In the absence of untimely floods, the model predicts net above-ground primary productivity of ∼500 g m−2 yr−1 and plant heights of up to 130 cm by the end of the growing season. As expected, growth declines with decreasing land elevation or with more frequent flooding (or a shorter duration of the dry period) at the same elevation. A dry period of >85 days is required to achieve at least 50% of maximum production during the growing season, which is somewhat longer than the 70-day recommendation based on reported field observations. The model predictions of plant success or failure agree with historical observations, indicating that water regime is a major factor limiting plant success. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Millimeter/Submillimeter-Wave Spectrum of the VCl+ Radical in its X 4Σ− Ground State

The pure rotational spectrum of the molecular ion VCl(+) (X (4)Sigma(-)) has been recorded from 274 to 419 GHz using a combination of millimeter direct absorption and velocity modulation spectroscopy. This study is the first spectroscopic measurement of this species in the laboratory, which has also enabled the determination of the ground state term, (4)Sigma(-). VCl(+) was produced in an AC discharge of VCl(4) and argon. Fifteen and eleven rotational transitions were recorded for the V(35)Cl(+) and V(37)Cl(+) isotopologues, respectively. The fine structure splittings of the (4)Sigma(-) state were found to deviate significantly from a case (b) pattern. Specifically, spin components from adjacent rotational transitions were found to overlap in frequency. Unusual vanadium hyperfine splittings were also observed in the VCl(+) spectra; the expected vanadium octet was clearly present for the F(2) and F(3) spin components but was partially collapsed and reversed in frequency ordering in the F(1) and F(4) cases. The data were analyzed in a global fit, and rotational, fine structure, and hyperfine constants were determined. For VCl(+), the values of both the spin-spin and spin-rotation parameters are extremely large, as were the third-order hyperfine and spin-rotation terms, b(s) and gamma(s). For example, the spin-spin constant is lambda = 417 900(22 700) MHz, while gamma = 6567(51) MHz. The values of these constants indicate a high density of excited electronic states close to the ground state, which contribute to second and third-order spin-orbit coupling. The hyperfine constants suggest a sigma(1)pi(2) electron configuration, as opposed to sigma(1)delta(2), as found in VS and VO. The bond length of VCl(+), r(0) = 2.119(2) A, is shorter than that of VCl by 0.1 A, which has r(0) = 2.219 A. The decrease in bond length is attributed to an increase in the electrostatic attraction between V(2+) and Cl(-), as opposed to V(+) and Cl(-) for VCl.
Broadband microwave fiber optic links with linearized integrated-optic modulators

A universally accepted figure of merit for analog microwave transmission links is the spur-free dynamic range (SFDR), which is the ratio (usually expressed in dB) of the largest to smallest signal a link can transmit and receive without introducing any measurable distortion. This paper presents the result of a study of broadband, microwave fiber optic links that contain high- linearity integrated-optic modulators. This study focused on two distinct modulator forms, the dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator and the linearized directional-coupler modulator. Computer simulations were performed to determine how the SFDR was affected by variations of modulator parameters. In addition, the dynamic range and noise figure of links that included preamplifiers were calculated. The results of the link analysis was that the linearized directional-coupler modulator provided the highest SFDR for a broadband microwave fiber optic link.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Perturbations and rotational intensities observed in CN bands emitted by reactions of organic molecules with nitrogen atoms

Abstract The rotational perturbations between the v = 0 level of the B 2 Σ + electronic state and the v = 10 level of the A 2 Π i electronic state of CN have been re-investigated. CN in the B 2 Σ and A 2 Π states was produced by the reaction of organic molecules with the nitrogen afterglow. Rotational analyses of the 10, 3 and 10, 5 bands of the A 2 Π - X 2 Σ system and of the 0, 0 band of the B 2 Σ - X 2 Σ system have been made. From the wavelength measurements the perturbed wave functions have been determined in terms of the unperturbed wave functions. The relative intensities of the perturbed lines, extra lines, and neighboring unperturbed lines have been studied as a function of pressure from 0.1 to 100 mm Hg. A new pair of extra lines has been found. At the higher pressures the populations of the excited rotational levels of CN approach a Boltzmann distribution. As the pressure is lowered the intensities of the perturbed and extra lines become continuously more anomalous. In the A - X bands no extra lines were found and the perturbed lines become weak, while in the B - X band the unperturbed lines are attenuated most and the extra lines are attenuated least. The interpretation is given that CN is formed in the A 2 Π state more than 20 times as readily as it is formed in the B 2 Σ state in reactions of organic molecules with the nitrogen afterglow.
Extrapolation methods for dynamic partial differential equations

Several extrapolation procedures are presented for increasing the order of accuracy in time for evolutionary partial differential equations. These formulas are based on finite difference schemes in both the spatial and temporal directions. One of these schemes reduces to a Runge-Kutta type formula when the equations are linear. On practical grounds the methods are restricted to schemes that are fourth order in time and either second, fourth or sixth order in space. For hyperbolic problems the second order in space methods are not useful while the fourth order methods offer no advantage over the Kreiss-Oliger method unless very fine meshes are used. Advantages are first achieved using sixth order methods in space coupled with fourth order accuracy in time. The averaging procedure advocated by Gragg does not increase the efficiency of the scheme. For parabolic problems severe stability restrictions are encountered that limit the applicability to problems with large cell Reynolds number. Computational results are presented confirming the analytic discussions.
A synthesis of 2- and 4(5)-(2-pyridinyl)imidazoles by palladium-catalysed cross-coupling reactions

Abstract N-Substituted imidazolylzinc chlorides were reacted with 2-bromopyridine in the presence of Pd(PPh3)4 and a two-fold excess of ZnCl2 to afford cross-coupled products in 58–93% yields. Deprotection provided convenient routes to 2- or 4(5)-(2-pyridinyl)imidazoles.
Delay of cutaneous wound closure by morphine via local blockade of peripheral tachykinin release

Topically applied morphine is routinely used to alleviate pain in cutaneous wounds such as burns and pressure sores. Evidence suggests the topical administration of exogenous opioid drugs may impair wound closure. This study examined the effects of topical morphine on a standardized model of cutaneous wound healing in the rat. Full-thickness 4mm diameter circular skin flaps were excised from the intrascapular region of male Sprague-Dawley rats. IntraSite™® Gel infused with either morphine-sulfate, neurokinin-1 (NK-1) or neurokinin-2 (NK-2) receptor antagonists, substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA), SP + morphine-sulfate, or NKA + morphine-sulfate was applied to the wound twice daily. Results demonstrated a significant overall delay in the time course of wound contraction in morphine-treated animals when compared with gel-only treated controls. The delay in wound contraction seen in morphine-treated animals increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Topical application of NK-1 or NK-2 receptor antagonists mimicked the effects of morphine in delaying wound closure, suggesting topical opioids impair wound closure via the inhibition of SP and NKA release peripherally into the healing wound. Additionally, no significant delays in closure were seen in rats receiving morphine combined with SP or NKA, demonstrating the ability of each neuropeptide to attenuate the effects of morphine in delaying wound closure and restore normal wound closure rates. The combination of SP or NKA and morphine-sulfate for wound therapy may provide local analgesia while maintaining normal closure rates.
Depression is associated with nonspecific physical symptoms in Asian TMD patients.

Original Article Yap AU, Chua EK, Tan KB. Depressive symptoms in Asian TMD patients and their association with non-specific physical symptoms reporting. J Oral Pathol Med 2004;33(5):305-10. Level of Evidence 4 Purpose The main objective of this study was to investigate depressive symptoms and their association with nonspecific physical symptoms in Asian temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients as defined by Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC)/TMD Axis II psychological measures. A second objective was to determine if gender-related differences exist for depressive symptoms and nonspecific physical symptoms in Asian TMD patients. Source of Funding Information not available Type of Study/Design Case series
Multi-lane architecture for eigenface based real-time face recognition

Abstract The concept of simultaneously processing different non-overlapping spatial regions of an image and combining the results to obtain a final image is used in this paper. We apply this concept to the domain of face recognition using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). We have shown in [1] that modular PCA improves the accuracy of face recognition when the face images have varying expression and illumination. In this work we design and implement the modular PCA algorithm for face recognition in a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) environment. Since modular PCA processes non-overlapping regions of a face image to produce weight vectors, we design a parallel architecture where each parallel path has a processing element to process a predefined region of a face image. Each processing element computes a weight vector from a face image region and pre-computed eigenvectors; hence the processing element is also parallelized where each path works on one eigenvector and the face image region to compute one element in the weight vector. Each of these paths is pipelined to process the pixels from the face image region and corresponding elements from the eigenvectors in a faster manner. We name this design having pipelined parallel paths as multi-lane architecture. The architecture is able to recognize a face image from a database of 1000 face images in 11 ms.
Interspecies comparisons of oxisuran metabolism and pharmacokinetics.

(1979). Interspecies Comparisons of Oxisuran Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics. Drug Metabolism Reviews: Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 225-237.
Heat Transfer Measurements and Calculations in Transitionally Rough Flow

Experimental data on a rough surface for both transitionally rough and fully rough turbulent flow regimes are presented for Stanton number distribution, skin friction coefficient distribution and turbulence intensity profiles. The rough surface is composed of 1.27 mm diameter hemispheres spaced in a staggered array four base diameters apart on an otherwise smooth wall. Special emphasis is placed on the characteristics of heat transfer in the transitionally rough flows. Stanton number data are reported for zero pressure gradient incompressible turbulent boundary layer air flow for nominal freestream velocities of 6, 12, 28, 43, 58 and 67 m/s, which give x-Reynolds numbers up to 10,000,000. These data are compared with previously published rough surface data, and the classification of a boundary layer flow into transitionally rough and fully rough regimes is explored. Moreover, a new heat transfer model for use in the previously published discrete element prediction approach is presented. Computations using the discrete element model are presented and compared with data obtained from two different rough surfaces. The discrete element predictions for both surfaces are found to be in substantial agreement with the data.Copyright © 1990 by ASME
High speed inverted optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy

Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) offers label-free, optical absorption contrast. A high-speed, high-resolution PAM system in an inverted microscope configuration with a laser pulse repetition rate of 100,000 Hz and a stationary ultrasonic transducer was built. Four-dimensional in vivo imaging of microcirculation in mouse skin was achieved at 18 three-dimensional volumes per second with repeated two-dimensional raster scans of 100 by 50 points. The corresponding twodimensional B-scan (50 A-lines) frame rate was 1800 Hz, and the one-dimensional A-scan rate was 90,000 Hz. The lateral resolution is 0.23±0.03 μm for Au nano-wire imaging, which is 2.0 times below the diffraction limit.
Occult metastases to the scalene lymph nodes in patients with clinically operable carcinoma of the cervix.

The left scalene fat pad was excised and examined microscopically in 84 consecutive patients with clinically operable carcinoma of the cervix. Eleven, or 13%, of the specimens contained metastatic tumor. The metastases were associated with patients who had tumors in relatively more advanced stages of local growth and usually with parametrial spread, yet exhibited no clinical evidence of local or regional metastasis. Seven of 36 patients with Stages IIB, III, and IV carcinomas of the cervix, and 4 of 22 patients with radiation-recurrent tumors had scalence lymph node metastases as their only evidence of incurability. No metastases were identified in 26 patients with Stage I and IIA cancer. The complications of biopsy were few and minor. The 13% incidence of metastases to clinically benign scalene lymph nodes of patients with advanced but clinically operable carcinoma of the cervix demonstrated in this preliminary study is considered sufficient to justify routine biopsy of these lymph nodes in patients who, on the basis of clinical examination, may require radical surgery for removal of the tumor.
Social support, life stress, pain and emotional adjustment to advanced breast cancer

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between emotional adjustment to advanced breast cancer, pain, social support, and life stress. The cross-sectional sample was compromised of 102 women with metastatic and/or recurrent breast cancer who were recruited into a randomized psychosocial intervention study. All women completed baseline questionnaires assessing demographic and medical variables, social support, life stress, pain, and mood disturbance. Three types of social support were assessed: (1) number of persons in support system; (2) positive support; and (3) aversive support. On the Profile of Mood States (POMS) total score, we found significant interactions between life stress and social support; having more people in the patient's support system was associated with less mood disturbance, but only among patients who had undergone greater life stress. Also, aversive social contact was significantly related to total mood disturbance (POMS), and having more aversive social contact was particularly associated with total mood disturbance (POMS) among patients who had undergone greater life stress. Pain intensity was associated with greater total life stress, and was not significantly related to social support. These results are consistent with the 'buffering hypothesis' that social support may shield women with metastatic breast cancer from the effects of previous life stress on their emotional adjustment; however, aversive support may be an additional source of life stress associated with emotional distress. Also, pain is greater among women with greater life stress, regardless of social support.
Fetuin-A is not associated with mortality in chronic kidney disease

Fetuin-A is a serum protein that inhibits vascular calcification such that lower levels are associated with a higher prevalence of vascular calcification and mortality risk among end-stage renal disease populations. We analyzed data of 822 persons in the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study, a randomized, controlled trial of persons with predominantly non-diabetic stage 3–4 chronic kidney disease (CKD). Serum fetuin-A levels were measured in baseline serum. Survival status and cause of death were determined by the National Death Index. Cox proportional hazard models evaluated the association of fetuin-A levels with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Glomerular filtration ranged from 13 to 55 ml per min per 1.73 m 2 . During a median follow-up of 9.5 years, 25% of persons died from any cause and 12% died from a cardiovascular cause. Compared to the lowest tertile, no association was found between the highest fetuin-A tertile and all-cause or cardiovascular mortality. Similarly, no association was found between fetuin-A as a continuous variable and all-cause or cardiovascular mortality. Our study shows that serum fetuin-A levels are not related to all-cause or cardiovascular mortality among persons with predominantly non-diabetic stage 3 or 4 CKD.
An Unexpected Crystal-Chemical Principle for the Pyrochlore Structure

Phase equilibrium studies of the Bi–Zn–Nb–O system show that pyrochlore does not form at chemical compositions predicted by the traditional formula for this crystal structure, A2B2O6O', where A denotes large (8-coordinated, e.g. Bi3+) and B small (6-coordinated, e.g. Zn2+, Nb5+) cation sites. Instead, pyrochlore forms only at compositions with excess B cations which, surprisingly, occupy the large A-cation sites. Reports of similar behavior in other pyrochlores suggest a previously unrecognized inherent structural feature (displacive disorder) which allows the formation of a large family of cubic pyrochlores with small B cations occupying up to ca. 25 % of the large A-cation sites. Many pyrochlores can now be synthesized by deliberately combining large and small metal ions on the A sites. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
The Ascomycete Verticillium longisporum Is a Hybrid and a Plant Pathogen with an Expanded Host Range

Hybridization plays a central role in plant evolution, but its overall importance in fungi is unknown. New plant pathogens are thought to arise by hybridization between formerly separated fungal species. Evolution of hybrid plant pathogens from non-pathogenic ancestors in the fungal-like protist Phytophthora has been demonstrated, but in fungi, the most important group of plant pathogens, there are few well-characterized examples of hybrids. We focused our attention on the hybrid and plant pathogen Verticillium longisporum, the causal agent of the Verticillium wilt disease in crucifer crops. In order to address questions related to the evolutionary origin of V. longisporum, we used phylogenetic analyses of seven nuclear loci and a dataset of 203 isolates of V. longisporum, V. dahliae and related species. We confirmed that V. longisporum was diploid, and originated three different times, involving four different lineages and three different parental species. All hybrids shared a common parent, species A1, that hybridized respectively with species D1, V. dahliae lineage D2 and V. dahliae lineage D3, to give rise to three different lineages of V. longisporum. Species A1 and species D1 constituted as yet unknown taxa. Verticillium longisporum likely originated recently, as each V. longisporum lineage was genetically homogenous, and comprised species A1 alleles that were identical across lineages.
Pro: The Practice of Cardiac Anesthesia Has Changed After the Withdrawal of Aprotinin

m 9 LEEDING AND TRANSFUSION in cardiac surgery are associated with serious adverse events, including an inreased length of hospital stay, infection, return to the operating oom, length of ventilation/respiratory failure, atrial fibrillation, yocardial infarction, renal failure (RF), and short-term and ong-term mortality.1-5 Strategies to reduce transfusion have een advantageous. Prophylactic pharmaceutic agents foused on reducing transfusion were introduced very early on n cardiac surgery. Antifibrinolytic agents, lysine analog gents (epsilon-aminocaproic acid [EACA] and tranexamic cid [TA]) and the serine protease inhibitor, aprotinin (Bayer harmaceuticals Inc, West Haven, CT) were used from the id-90s to 2007. On November 5, 2007, after consultation ith health regulatory authorities, Bayer announced it had uspended marketing of aprotinin. Aprotinin was effective in decreasing bleeding as well as the emand/usage of perioperative transfusion. Academic arguents have raged as to whether aprotinin was more effective han the lysine analogs, especially for high-risk bleeding roups. Three retrospective studies called into question the afety of aprotinin with regards to renal dysfunction (transient reatinine increase)/dialysis and long-term mortality.6-8 The nal event that caused Bayer to withdraw marketing of the drug as the suspension of the BART (Blood conservation using ntifibrinolytics: a Randomized Trial in high-risk cardiac surery patients) study by the medical safety monitoring board.9 hat board noted a worrisome (nearly statistically significant) ncrease in mortality in aprotinin patients as compared with thers. As such, the board considered it unsafe to continue this nnovative prospective randomized clinical trial. This synopsis is not news to any practicing cardiac anestheiologist. The following assertions had been made by Mangano t al and McSPI: “The association between aprotinin and serius end-organ damage indicates that continued use is not rudent. In contrast, the less expensive generic medications minocaproic acid and tranexamic acid are safe.” Assertions ent on that the withdrawal of aprotinin would reduce renal ailure/cost and “. . . prevent renal failure in 11,050 patients per ear, yielding an indirect savings (from the saved costs of ialysis) of more than $1 billion per year in addition to direct avings (from reduced drug costs) of nearly $250 million per ear.” Also, McSPI said “replacement of aprotinin with tranxamic acid would prevent 9790 complications necessitating ialysis each year, yielding similar direct and indirect savngs.”6 p
The association of psychiatric comorbidity and use of the emergency department among persons with substance use disorders: an observational cohort study

Background Psychiatric and substance use problems are commonly found to be contributing factors to frequent Emergency Department (ED) use, yet little research has focused on the association between substance use and psychiatric comorbidity. This study assesses the association of a psychiatric comorbidity on (ED) use among patients with substance use disorders (SUDs).
Bite wounds in dogs and cats.

Bite wounds are a frequent injury in dogs and cats. Some bites are severe, causing crushing, avulsion, and devitalization of tissues beneath the skin. Bites can also crush the airway or penetrate the abdominal or thoracic cavities, resulting in life-threatening injuries. This article reviews the local mechanisms of trauma and systemic mediators involved in severe bite wound injuries and provides a plan for stabilization, injury assessment, and definitive bite wound management.
Inhibition of Immunoglobulin-Secreting Cells by Antithyroid Drugs

Previous studies have indicated that titers of thyroid-specific autoantibodies decrease in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease during antithyroid drug therapy. In keeping with these observations has been the accumulating evidence that such drugs may have an immunosuppressive action both in vivo and in vitro. To further analyze the mechanism of such activity, we have used an indirect hemolytic plaque assay based on protein A-coated sheep red blood cells and a specific plaqueforming cell (PFC) assay based on human thyroglobulin-linked sheep red blood cells. When freshly prepared peripheral mononuclear cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of methimazole or propylthiouracil (PTU), there was no significant effect on spontaneous plaque-forming cell responses (PFC). However, after incubation for more than 6 days with methimazole or PTU, there was a marked dose-related inhibition of pokeweed mitogen stimulated PFC, the degree of inhibition varying from one individual to another. Overall, there wer...
Identification of BRAF Inhibitors through In Silico Screening

The BRAF protein kinase, a molecule in the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway, is mutated to harbor elevated kinase activity in approximately 7% of human cancers, which makes it an important therapeutic target for inhibition. Several BRAF protein-kinase inhibitors have been developed through high-throughout screening in vitro; however, many of these compounds suffer from a lack of suitable kinase specificity and other chemotherapeutic properties. In silico screening has evolved as a powerful complimentary approach to protein-kinase inhibitor identification. Here we describe an in silico screen for BRAF inhibitors that leads to the identification of a series of purine-2,6-dione analogues with IC50 values in the single-digit micromolar range and with significant selectivity for BRAF over other representative protein kinases. The binding modes of these inhibitors to BRAF are analyzed through molecular docking to derive structure-activity relationships and to assist in the future development of more potent and more specific BRAF inhibitors.
Research priorities in the Arctic: U.S. Arctic Research Commission gets down to business

Ten months after its first meeting, the five-member U.S. Arctic Research Commission (ARC) has begun with the tough task of recommending priorities as a basis for the comprehensive 5-year Arctic Research Plan mandated by the 1984 Research and Policy Act (Eos, August 27, 1985, p. 617). The first phase of this task was accomplished with the preparation of a document entitled “National Needs and Arctic Research: A Framework for Action” [Arctic Research Commission, 1986]. The priorities for broad, overall research thrusts recommended therein were presented publicly to the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee (Eos, August 27, 1985, p. 617) and will be discussed in this article. The opinions in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Arctic Research Commission.
Evaporation from a porous flow control element on a porous heat source

Abstract Evaporation from a microporous flow control element on a porous heat source was studied experimentally and theoretically. Interfacial phenomena were used to couple, in a controllable manner, the mass flux and the heat flux in the flow control element. The vapor exhausted through the heat source and was superheated under some of the experimental conditions. A smooth transition between regimes analogous to normal nucleate and film boiling was obtained with some of the designs. The novel heat transfer surface design could be incorporated into a heat exchange system with uses similar to those of a heat pipe.
Use of Analytic Factor Structure to Increase Heritability of Clonal Progeny Tests of Pinus taeda L.

Diversas estructuras avanzadas de varianzas-covarianzas se han utilizado comunmente en analisis genetico de cultivos agricolas para detectar la variabilidad del micro-sitio y lograr una alta precision en las predicciones del valor genetico, mejorando la eficiencia de la seleccion. Diferentes estructuras de varianza-covarianza fueron exploradas para predecir el mejor predictor linear insesgado del valor genetico en 453 clones de Pinus taeda L., evaluados a traves de 16 sitios en el sureste de Estados Unidos. Los modelos estadisticos fueron comparados usando parametros de diagnostico, componentes de varianza y parametros geneticos. De los modelos comparados, el mejor modelo fue el escenario con ajuste de la varianza residual independiente de la forma autoregresiva para la matriz R mas una estructura de factor analitico para la matriz G. El modelo genero el menor valor del parametro de diagnostico (LogL igual a -2694), una baja varianza residual (12,72), y la mas alta heredabilidad en sentido amplio (0,45), comparada con las estructuras basicas de varianzas-covarianzas homogeneas, a un nivel de significancia de P < 0,05. Se concluye que la combinacion de una estructura especifica para el efecto genetico y residual resulto efectiva para remover la variabilidad relacionada con el espacio, e incrementar la exactitud de la prediccion de los valores geneticos, lo cual podria usarse como herramienta analitica para aumentar la eficiencia de la seleccion en ensayos geneticos forestales
High-Q approximation in the small-signal analysis of resonant converters

The load parameter Q and the ratio of switching frequency to resonant frequency F s /F o completely characterize the operation of resonant converters. The dc and exact analysis have been reported earlier whereby the results were obtained numerically. In this work approximate and simple results of the small-signal response of resonant converters to perturbations in the switching frequency and the input voltage is obtained under high-Q approximation and operation away from resonance. The results of the approximate and exact analysis are in good agreement.
Analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds Containing Nitrogen and Oxygen by Matrix Isolation Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Matrix isolation sampling techniques are used in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of polar aromatic hydrocarbons. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry is used to characterize pure compounds isolated in nitrogen matrices and subsequently to identify individual components in mixtures. Compounds studied are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons containing nitrogen and oxygen heteroatoms or amine substituent groups. These toxic substances are common to coal liquefaction products. The analytical method chosen, matrix isolation Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, is capable of distinguishing between isomers differing only in the position of the heteroatom. Beer's law is obeyed in the range between 20 μg and 500 ng.
Spectral phase retrieval from interferometric autocorrelation by a combination of graduated optimization and genetic algorithms

We describe a method for retrieving spectral phase information from second harmonic interferometric autocorrelation measurements supplemented by the use of the observed spectral intensity. By applying a combination of graduated optimization and genetic algorithms, accurate phase retrieval of laser pulses as short as a few optical cycles was obtained from the measured autocorrelation and spectral intensity. The effectiveness of the combined algorithms is demonstrated on a set of significantly different femtosecond pulse shapes.
Regulation of Staphylococcus aureus immunodominant antigen B (IsaB)

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of nosocomial and community-acquired infections and increased prevalence of antibiotic resistance has necessitated the search for novel therapeutic targets. The immunodominant antigen B induces an antibody response during septicemia and has therefore been proposed as a vaccine target. Because it appears to be expressed during infection but not during colonization, we sought to characterize the regulation of isaB expression by internal transcription factors and external stimuli. We found that expression of isaB was stimulated by glucose, human serum, and plasma. Furthermore isaB transcript levels increased in the absence of the global staphylococcal accessory regulator SarA and decreased in the absence of the carbon catabolite regulator CcpA. Interestingly, glucose and CcpA-mediated isaB expression appeared to be related to the decrease in pH subsequent to carbon metabolism, rather than a direct response to the carbon source and could be prevented by buffering the growth medium.
19F, 13C, and 1H NMR investigations of alkanes and alkenes. I. I-bromo-3,3,4-trifluorobutene-4

Abstract A complete nuclear magnetic resonance investigation has been made of the compound, 1-bromo-3,4,4-trifluorobutene-4 (BTFB). All 19 F, 13 C, and 1 H chemical shifts have been determined and twenty-three coupling constants obtained for this system. The relative signs of the 19 F 19 F coupling constants were determined from spin-tickling experiments. The dependence of the 19 F coupling constants on solvent dielectric constant was studied in an attempt to relate the absolute signs of these coupling constants to the direction of the solvent shift. Temperature and solvent effects on J F  F J F  H , J H  H and 19 F and 1 H chemical shifts were investigated. The temperature dependence of the 3 J (F 5 H 3, 4 and 3 J (H 1, 2 H 3,4 coupling constants was used to obtain rotational barriers about the C 3 C 2 and C 2 C 1 bonds. Solvent effects on these barriers were also analyzed.
Photon azimuthal anizotropy and magnetic field in heavy-ion collisions

Recent measurements of the azimuthal anisotropy of direct photons in heavy-ion collisions at the energies of RHIC showed that it is of the same order as the hadronic one. This finding appears to contradict the expected dominance of photon production from a quark-gluon plasma at an early stage of a heavy-ion collision. A possible explanation of the strong azimuthal anisotropy of the photons, given recently, is based on the presence of a large magnetic field in the early phase of a collision. In this talk, we consider a novel photon production mechanism stemming from the conformal anomaly of QCDxQED and the existence of strong (electro)magnetic fields in heavy ion collisions. Using the hydrodynamical description of the bulk modes of QCD plasma, we show that this mechanism leads to the photon production yield that is comparable to the yield from conventional sources. The comparison of the results to the data from the PHENIX collaboration, show that this mechanism might be the most responsible for the observed azimuthal anisotropy of photons.
Force level and strain patterns during bilateral mandibular osteodistraction.

Purpose: Recent reports have demonstrated that device orientation is important during mandibular distraction osteogenesis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the force level and strain patterns on the mandible during bilateral osteodistraction with devices oriented either parallel to the body of the mandible or parallel to the sagittal axis of distraction. Materials and Methods: Five unembalmed human cadaver mandibles were placed in a specially designed apparatus for stabilization of the proximal segments during distraction. A force transducer was attached to the lateral aspect of the inferior ramus, and strain gauges were attached to the mandibular bone segments proximal and distal to the distraction device. Lateral force and bone strains were then measured at 5 and 10 mm of distraction. Osteodistraction proceeded first with the devices placed parallel to the mandibular body, then parallel to the axis of distraction. Results: Significantly greater lateral forces were seen when the devices were oriented parallel to the mandibular body. With this device orientation, increased tensile strains were seen at the labial symphysis and medial ramus, and increased compressive strains were found at the lingual symphysis and lateral ramus. However, when the devices were oriented parallel to the axis of distraction, the forces and strains were not detected. Conclusions: The results suggest that device orientation has important biomechanical effects on lateral forces and strain patterns during mandibular osteodistraction.
A quiver quantum group

We construct quantum groups at a root of unity and we describe their monoidal module category using techniques from the representation theory of finite dimensional associative algebras.
Student perceptions of tutor effectiveness in a problem‐based surgery clerkship

This study identified the characteristics of effective tutors in a problem‐based learning (PBL) educational setting. Forty‐four junior medical students participated in two 6‐week PBL groups and evaluated their tutors based on a list of 12 characteristics. Statistical analyses of the students’ responses revealed that faculty members differed significantly in their possession of tutor skills, in the way they carried out the tutor skills, and in their performance of group‐management skills. Tutors were rated highest on participation in the sessions, enthusiasm, and level of comfort outside their area of expertise. They were rated lowest on providing feedback to the group and promoting psychosocial issues. The results indicate that students are highly satisfied with overall tutor performance despite significant differences among tutors. Two important characteristics of the effective tutor were identified: (a) helping students identify important issues and (b) providing feedback to students while encouraging f...
Early release of HMGB-1 from neurons after the onset of brain ischemia

The nuclear protein high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1) promotes inflammation in sepsis, but little is known about its role in brain ischemia-induced inflammation. We report that HMGB-1 and its receptors, receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), and TLR4, were expressed in normal brain and in cultured neurons, endothelia, and glial cells. During middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), in mice, HMGB-1 immunostaining rapidly disappeared from all cells within the striatal ischemic core from 1 h after onset of occlusion. High-mobility group box 1 translocation from nucleus to cytoplasm was observed within the cortical periinfarct regions 2 h after ischemic reperfusion (2 h MCAO). High-mobility group box 1 predominantly translocated to the cytoplasm or disappeared in cells that colabeled with the neuronal marker NeuN. Furthermore, RAGE was robustly expressed in the periinfarct region after MCAO. Cellular release of HMGB-1 was detected by immunoblotting of cerebrospinal fluid as early as 2 h after ischemic reperfusion (2 h MCAO). High-mobility group box 1 released from neurons, in vitro, after glutamate excitotoxicity, maintained biologic activity and induced glial expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha). Anti-HMGB-1 antibody suppressed TNFalpha upregulation in astrocytes exposed to conditioned media from glutamate-treated neurons. Moreover, TNFalpha and the cytokine intercellular adhesion molecule-1 increased in cultured glia and endothelial cells, respectively, after adding recombinant HMGB-1. In conclusion, HMGB-1 is released early after ischemic injury from neurons and may contribute to the initial stages of the inflammatory response.
Single-phase subchannel mixing in a simulated nuclear fuel assembly

Abstract Single-phase subchannel mixing data were obtained from a 25 rod square array by measuring precisely subchannel exit temperatures over a range of test conditions. A least-squares type statistic operating on exit enthalpy differences was developed to ascertain, in conjunction with the COBRA-II subchannel computer analysis, an optimum value for the coefficient of Rowe and Angles's single-phase mixing correlation β. When the same analytical procedures were applied to data taken under conditions of subcooled nucleate boiling, an approximately linear correlation of β with average exit quality was found. The values obtained were for conditions of natural, or unaided mixing, and for design purposes should be considered as a dependable lower limit. Commercial rod-spacer designs intended to increase mixing will, of course, show substantially higher values of β.
Miliary aspergillosis associated with alcoholism.

Aspergillosis is rarely considered in the initial differential diagnosis of an acute pneumonic illness unless the patient is known to have a chronic debilitating disease or known to have been taking antimicrobial agents or adrenocortical steroid drugs. Chronic alcoholism has not been previously included as one of the predisposing factors. We describe a patient who presented with a miliary pattern on his chest radiograph which rapidly progressed into a diffuse pneumonia attributable to aspergillosis.
Modernization of Costa Rica's Beef Cattle Economy: 1950-1985

Measured in strictly economic terms of profits, diversified exports, hard currency earnings and a more favorable trade balance, Costa Rica's beef cattle economy took a giant step toward modernization between 1950-1985. Unfortunately, this modernization had a minimum of socially desirable and environmentally adaptive components. Costa Rica, like other developing Latin American countries, is learning that economic development frequently entails painful social and ecological costs.