cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ketamine in Modern Neuroanesthesia Practice

Ketamine has a number of clinical uses and properties that suggest a role for the drug in neuroanestheisa practice. “Dogma” and “myths” persist with regard to its effects on cerebral hemodynamics and intracranial pressure which have limited its use in Neuroanesthesia and care of the critically ill brain-injured patient. This review aims to educate the clinician on the possible role of ketamine in modern neuroanesthesia practice. A number of systemic reviews support the use of ketamine in patients with acute brain injury and raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Pre-clinical work suggests that ketamine may have mechanisms of action compatible with neuroprotection including modifying glutamate excitatory-driven mechanisms of brain injury. There is emerging clinical evidence to suggest that ketamine may inhibit spreading depolarizations (SDs), a cortical electrical phenomenon associated with brain injury. Ketamine is no longer contraindicated in the care of the brain-injured patient, and its properties of potent analgesia, dissociative anesthesia, and minimal effects on both the hemodynamic and respiratory system are being utilized in the pre-hospital and emergency room setting. Good grade data on meaningful clinical outcomes is presently lacking to support the use of ketamine as a drug with neuroprotection properties but is an area of ongoing interest.
Modeling of Liquid Chromatography with Cored Beads

In typical LC operations, the Biot numbers for mass transfer are much larger than 2. This means intraparticle diffusion is typically the limiting step, while interfacial film mass transfer between the bulk-fluid phase and the particle phase is relatively fast. Due to its spherical structure, the center section of a particle has a disproportionately small volume, but it presents a relatively large radial distance for diffusional mass transfer. To the other extreme, nonporous beads offer no intraparticle diffusion due to a lack of macropores. These beads have found success in fast analytical LC that uses very small sample sizes. In the absence of intraparticle diffusion, they offer sharp peaks [1, 2]. However, they have insufficient binding sites per unit volume without the macropores and thus they are unsuitable for preparative- and large-scale LC.
E-Discovery Focused Pre-Trial Litigation Course Syllabus

This is a syllabus for a pre-trial litigation course with an electronic-discovery focus. Instructions for the "Sassy Sentiments Simulation," which was developed for use with this course, is available at SSRN at http://ssrn.com/abstract=1676991.
Fine structure of abscission zones : III. Cytoplasmic changes in abscising pedicels of tobacco and tomato flowers.

The fine structure of the abscission zones of Lycopersicon esculentum and Nicotiana tabacum flower pedicels was studied, with special reference to structural changes in the walls of cells during the abscission process. The separation of cells appeared to be initiated primarily in the middle-lamella region of the cell walls. Disintegration of the primary wall, which usually followed breakdown of the middlelamella region, also occurred concurrently with the lysis of the middle-lamella region. During cell-wall degradation, the walls appeared to swell and became highly flexible. The walls of at least some cells in the zone of separation invaginated during the advanced stages of cell-wall disintegration, and ultimately collapsed. Cell-wall changes in abscising pedicels are almost identical to those which occur in abscising cotton and Coleus leaves, as described by BORNMAN (1967).
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate: lessons learned from an experimental mass vaccination of free-ranging dog populations

Domestic animal populations have the potential to act as reservoirs for multi-host pathogens, which may be transmitted to native species and cause population declines or extirpations. Domestic dogs are known reservoirs for several multi-host pathogens that may be transmitted to native carnivores. Mass vaccination of dogs has been suggested as a tool for mitigating the disease threat to sympatric carnivores. To determine the extent to which such mass vaccination programs are practicable and appropriate for large, free-ranging dog populations, a vaccination experiment was undertaken in six villages adjoining the Great Indian Bustard Wildlife Sanctuary in central India. Dogs from three villages were vaccinated against rabies virus, canine adenovirus (CAV), canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine distemper virus (CDV) (treatment dogs), while those from three other villages were only vaccinated against rabies virus (control dogs). Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titers against CAV, CPV and CDV in control and treatment dogs were determined on four occasions during the study. When first examined, a large proportion of the initially unvaccinated adult dogs in both the control and treatment group were IgG antibody positive, indicating prior natural exposure. Dogs recovering from natural infection because of CAV, CPV and CDV develop a lifelong immunity and are thus protected against these pathogens. For each of the three viruses, background antibody seroprevalence rates were generally > 72%. Furthermore, several unvaccinated adult dogs acquired protection against these pathogens during the study. Vaccination failed to increase the proportion of adult dogs with IgG antibodies against CAV, CPV or CDV in the treatment group compared with the control group, as much of the effort was put into vaccinating dogs that were already antibody positive. In such situations, vaccination of adult dogs against these enzootic viral pathogens seems unnecessary, and would escalate the cost-benefit ratio of dog disease control programs.
Differential surface expression of CD18 and CD44 by neutrophils in bone marrow and spleen contributed to the neutrophilia in thalidomide-treated female B6C3F1 mice

Previously, we have reported that thalidomide (Thd) can enhance neutrophil function in female B6C3F1 mice. The present study was intended to evaluate the mechanisms underlying the enhanced neutrophil responses following Thd treatment intraperitoneally (100 mg/kg) for 14 or 28 days. Treatment with Thd increased the numbers of neutrophils in the spleen, peripheral blood, bone marrow, peritoneal cavity and lungs of female B6C3F1 mice when compared to the vehicle control mice. Thd treatment for 14 days increased the percentage and the number of neutrophils in the spleen in the first 8 h (peaking at 2 h) after the last Thd treatment, and it returned to the baseline after 24 h. However, Thd treatment for 28 days increased the percentage and number of neutrophils in the spleen even at the 24-h time point after the last Thd treatment. These neutrophils were demonstrated to be functional by the myeloperoxidase activity assay. Further studies have ruled out the possibility of an increased bone marrow granulopoiesis following Thd treatment. Flow cytometric analysis of the surface expression of adhesion molecules suggested that Thd treatment for either 14 or 28 days decreased the surface expression of either CD18 or CD44 by bone marrow neutrophils. On the other hand, the surface expression of both CD18 and CD44 by splenic neutrophils was increased following Thd treatment for 28 days but not for 14 days. No effect was produced for other cell surface molecules such as CD62L and CD11a. It was possible that decreased surface expressions of CD18 and CD44 facilitated neutrophils' release from the bone marrow; increased surface expressions of CD44 and CD18 by splenic neutrophils after 28 days of Thd treatment increased their ability to remain in the periphery. Taken together, Thd treatment increased neutrophils in female B6C3F1 mice, at least partially, through differentially modulating the surface expression of CD18 and CD44 by the neutrophils in the bone marrow and spleen.
The reduced open membrane metric

We discuss the reduction of the open membrane metric and determine the (previously unknown) conformal factor. We also construct SL(2;R) invariant open string metrics and complex open string coupling constants by reducing the open membrane metric on a 2-torus. In doing so we also clarify some issues on manifestSL(2;R)symmetryoftheD3-brane. Weremarkontheconsequences ofour results for the recently conjectured existence of decoupled (p;q) non-commutative open string theories in type-IIB string theory.
Pd−Ti and Pd−Co−Au Electrocatalysts as a Replacement for Platinum for Oxygen Reduction in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Fuel cells are appealing for a variety of energy needs, but the high materials and manufacturing costs have hampered their commercialization. The limited availability and the high cost of the curre...
Matched sibling donor haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Fanconi anaemia: an update of the Cincinnati Children's experience

Summary Our results for 18 patients undergoing matched sibling donor stem cell transplant for Fanconi anaemia at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center were published in 1994. The present report updates our results in 35 consecutive patients. Thirty patients transplanted for marrow aplasia received cyclophosphamide 5 mg/kg for 4 d and 400 cGy thoraco-abdominal irradiation. Five patients with clones involving chromosome 7, myelodysplastic syndrome or leukaemia received a more aggressive regimen with total body irradiation. Horse antithymocyte globulin was administered in the pretransplant period to promote engraftment and in the post-transplant period for additional graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. The median age at bone marrow transplantation was 7·6 years. Median day of engraftment was day +12 (range 9–49), eight patients developed acute GVHD and four chronic GVHD, one limited and three extensive. Twenty-nine of 35 patients (89% actuarial survival at 10 years) had survived with a median follow up of 10·2 years; two children had developed secondary malignancy. All surviving patients had normal blood counts with full donor engraftment. These data indicate excellent long-term outcomes and serve as a reference for newer radiation-free preparative regimes that may reduce the risk of late secondary malignancy.
Imaging modalities in obstetrics and gynecology

The practicing emergency physician often encounters diagnostic dilemmas involving the choice of the most appropriate radiologic study to evaluate patients in the emergency department. In addition, the uncertainty of potentially harmful fetal effects of radiation in the pregnant patient may add unnecessary delay and concern in the workup of obstetric emergencies. An emergency physician's in-depth understanding of the strengths, limitations, and potentially harmful effects of radiologic studies allows the safest and most appropriate studies to be ordered for the gynecologic and obstetric population. With the explosion of interest and growing level of expertise in focused emergency department ultrasonography during the last decade, the practicing emergency physician should add this skill to his or her armamentarium in the future. Many emergency physicians are already comfortable in using radiologic technologies in their daily practice and have discovered how quickly vital and specific information can be obtained.
Microscopical studies on the hemocytes of bivalves and their phagocytic interaction with selected bacteria

Hemocytes represent one of the most important defense mechanisms against foreign material in Mollusca. The morphology, hematological parameters and behaviour of hemolymph cells were studied in the southern quahogMercenaria campechiensis, the eastern oysterCrassostrea virginica, and the blood arkAnadara ovalis challenged with the bacteriaVibrio vulnificus andV. anguillarum. Two general classes of hemocytes (granular and agranular) exist inC. virginica andM. campechiensis. In contrast,A. ovalis possesses 3 general classes (granular, agranular and erythrocytes). Three types of granules were identified by light microscopy. When hemolymph cells were studied by transmission electron microscopy, the cytoplasm of hemolymph cells was noted to contain many organelles, including electron dense granules. Both agranular and granular hemolymph cells were capable of colchicine-sensitive pseudopodial movement and spreading. The results indicate that marine bivalves possess hemolymph blood cells which may play a role in the internal defense paralleling mammalian phagocytes. The morphology of these cells, as determined by light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, showed some similarity to mammalian-mononuclear phagocytes. The sub-cellular events of molluscan hemocyte phagocytosis ofV. vulnificus andV. anguillarum were studied by both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The role of these cells and the factors which govern their behavior are of economic and public health importance.
A review of melt extrusion additive manufacturing processes: I. Process design and modeling

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to systematically and critically review the literature related to process design and modeling of fused deposition modeling (FDM) and similar extrusion-based additive manufacturing (AM) or rapid prototyping processes. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic review of the literature focusing on process design and mathematical process modeling was carried out. Findings – FDM and similar processes are among the most widely used rapid prototyping processes with growing application in finished part manufacturing. Key elements of the typical processes, including the material feed mechanism, liquefier and print nozzle; the build surface and environment; and approaches to part finishing are described. Approaches to estimating the motor torque and power required to achieve a desired filament feed rate are presented. Models of required heat flux, shear on the melt and pressure drop in the liquefier are reviewed. On leaving the print nozzle, die swelling and bead cooling are ...
A cyclic nucleotide-gated channel mutation associated with canine daylight blindness provides insight into a role for the S2 segment Tri-Asp motif in channel biogenesis

Cone cyclic nucleotide-gated channels are tetramers formed by CNGA3 and CNGB3 subunits; CNGA3 subunits function as homotetrameric channels but CNGB3 exhibits channel function only when co-expressed with CNGA3. An aspartatic acid (Asp) to asparagine (Asn) missense mutation at position 262 in the canine CNGB3 (D262N) subunit results in loss of cone function (daylight blindness), suggesting an important role for this aspartic acid residue in channel biogenesis and/or function. Asp 262 is located in a conserved region of the second transmembrane segment containing three Asp residues designated the Tri-Asp motif. This motif is conserved in all CNG channels. Here we examine mutations in canine CNGA3 homomeric channels using a combination of experimental and computational approaches. Mutations of these conserved Asp residues result in the absence of nucleotide-activated currents in heterologous expression. A fluorescent tag on CNGA3 shows mislocalization of mutant channels. Co-expressing CNGB3 Tri-Asp mutants with wild type CNGA3 results in some functional channels, however, their electrophysiological characterization matches the properties of homomeric CNGA3 channels. This failure to record heteromeric currents suggests that Asp/Asn mutations affect heteromeric subunit assembly. A homology model of S1–S6 of the CNGA3 channel was generated and relaxed in a membrane using molecular dynamics simulations. The model predicts that the Tri-Asp motif is involved in non-specific salt bridge pairings with positive residues of S3/S4. We propose that the D262N mutation in dogs with CNGB3-day blindness results in the loss of these inter-helical interactions altering the electrostatic equilibrium within in the S1–S4 bundle. Because residues analogous to Tri-Asp in the voltage-gated Shaker potassium channel family were implicated in monomer folding, we hypothesize that destabilizing these electrostatic interactions impairs the monomer folding state in D262N mutant CNG channels during biogenesis.
Effect of starvation on hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid function in the rat

Total starvation in the rat for 2 days did not alter the hypothalamic content of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), but did decrease both pituitary TSH content and serum TSH concentration. Five days starvation resulted in a significant decrease in serum TSH and a slightly enhanced serum TSH response to exogenous TRH, suggesting that the pituitary retains its sensitivity to TRH. Fasting for 5 days resulted in a decreased 1 and 4th, but an increased 24th thyroid 131I uptake. Other starvation-induced abnormalities of intrathyroid 131I metabolism were a consistent increase in the percent of organified 131I present as MIT and DIT and a decreased percent 131I labeled T4 AND T3. These alterations in the intrathyroid metabolism of 131I in the starved rat probably reflect both a decrease in serum TSH concentration and a decrease in urinary and fecal loss of administered 131I. The serum total and free T4 and total and free T3 concentrations were decreased following 2 and 5 days of starvation.
Simulating the recovery of suspended sediment transport and river-bed stability in response to dam removal on the Elwha River, Washington

Abstract U.S. Department of the Interior is planning to remove two high dams (30 and 60 m) from the Elwha River, which will allow the river to erode sediment deposits in the reservoirs, and ultimately restore the river ecosystem. Fluvial sediment transport and deposition paradoxically represent ecological disturbance and restoration. A one-dimensional, movable boundary sediment-transport model was applied at a daily time step to simulate changes in river-bed elevations and particle-size distributions and concentrations of suspended sediment. The simulations included a three-year dam removal period and a four-year recovery period. Simulated concentrations of suspended sediment recover rapidly during the recovery period. Simulated bed elevation and particle-size distributions are stable for much of the river during the recovery period, but high flows periodically disturb the river bed, causing changes in river-bed elevation and particle-size distribution, especially during autumn, when summer/autumn chinook salmon are incubating in redds. Although the river bed will become increasingly stable after dam removal, episodic high flows will interrupt recovery trends. Productivity and diversity of the ecosystem may be lower because of excess sediment immediately after dam removal but should increase during recovery above current levels as the river. Monitoring of the recovery of the Elwha River ecosystem can target ecologically significant physical parameters indicating the transition from a sediment transport-limited state to a supply-limited state.
Comparison of WTC dust size on macrophage inflammatory cytokine release in vivo and in vitro.

Background: The WTC collapse exposed over 300,000 people to high concentrations of WTC-PM; particulates up to ,50 mm were recovered from rescue workers’ lungs. Elevated MDC and GM-CSF independently predicted subsequent lung injury in WTC-PM-exposed workers. Our hypotheses are that components of WTC dust strongly induce GM-CSF and MDC in AM; and that these two risk factors are in separate inflammatory pathways. Methodology/Principal Findings: Normal adherent AM from 15 subjects without WTC-exposure were incubated in media alone, LPS 40 ng/mL, or suspensions of WTC-PM10–53 or WTC-PM2.5 at concentrations of 10, 50 or 100 mg/mL for 24 hours; supernatants assayed for 39 chemokines/cytokines. In addition, sera from WTC-exposed subjects who developed lung injury were assayed for the same cytokines. In the in vitro studies, cytokines formed two clusters with GM-CSF and MDC as a result of PM10–53 and PM2.5. GM-CSF clustered with IL-6 and IL-12(p70) at baseline, after exposure to WTC-PM10–53 and in sera of WTC dust-exposed subjects (n=70) with WTC lung injury. Similarly, MDC clustered with GRO and MCP-1. WTC-PM10–53 consistently induced more cytokine release than WTC-PM2.5 at 100 mg/mL. Individual baseline expression correlated with WTC-PM-induced GM-CSF and MDC. Conclusions: WTC-PM10–53 induced a stronger inflammatory response by human AM than WTC-PM2.5. This large particle exposure may have contributed to the high incidence of lung injury in those exposed to particles at the WTC site. GM-CSF and MDC consistently cluster separately, suggesting a role for differential cytokine release in WTC-PM injury. Subject-specific response to WTC-PM may underlie individual susceptibility to lung injury after irritant dust exposure.
EMcounter-charting the epidemiology of medical emergencies in India: a status report

In the last decade, the specialty of Emergency Medicine has gained tremendous interest in low and middle income countries, with a demand for new training programs, pre-hospital systems, emergency department expansions and policy change. Yet, little is known about the actual distribution of medical emergencies in these settings. Project EMcounter proposes the implementation of this much needed, uniform, multi-center epidemiologic survey of emergencies in India to provide sound scientific data upon which new training programs, infrastructural expansions, and legislative change can be built. A standardized, web-based, user-friendly data entry tool, EMcounter, forms the backbone of this project. The tool is currently piloted at a tertiary center in Chennai, India. The project is aimed at capturing the geographic and temporal variations in over 20 participating centers across the private and public sector in rural and urban India. The uniform use of the web-based tool ensures standardization in data collection across the centers. Our pilot project logs patient demographics, pre-hospital transportation, chief complaints, vitals, interventions, disposition and diagnoses. The volume of data thus collected is large and is currently saved in a spread sheet format. The first quarter has already begun to highlight the epidemiologic differences between a local hospital in Chennai and national averages in the US. The pilot phase has been critical in gauging the robustness of the tool before its expansion to multiple centers and has proved to be invaluable in identifying potential flaws. The early pilot phase has demonstrated that combining the multiple parameters available through the EMcounter database will allow the study of demographics and existing practice algorithms. Expansion of the project to multiple centers will shed objective light on the gaps in health-care provision at various levels and help design triage and transfer guidelines based on these data. This epidemiologic knowledge can potentially have significant influence in shaping the inventories and designs of emergency departments, and identifying staff needs and skill requirements. The project aims to seek and analyze data that will make the development of emergency medicine in India locally relevant.
Predictive models for phosphorus retention in wetlands

The potential of wetlands to efficiently remove (i.e., act as a nutrient sink) or to transform nutrients like phosphorus under high nutrient loading has resulted in their consideration as a cost-effective means of treating wastewater on the landscape. Few predictive models exist which can accurately assess P retention capacity. An analysis of the north American data base (NADB) allowed us to develop a mass loading model that can be used to predict P storage and effluent concentrations from wetlands. Phosphorus storage in wetlands is proportional to P loadings but the output total phosphorus (TP) concentrations increase exponentially after a P loading threshold is reached. The threshold P assimilative capacity based on the NADB and a test site in the Everglades is approximately 1 g m−2 yr−1. We hypothesize that once loadings exceed 1 g m−2 yr−1 and short-term mechanisms are saturated, that the mechanisms controlling the uptake and storage of P in wetlands are exceeded and effluent concentrations of TP rise exponentially. We propose a “One Gram Rule” for freshwater wetlands and contend that this loading is near the assimilative capacity of wetlands. Our analysis further suggests that P loadings must be reduced to 1 g m−2 yr−1 or lower within the wetland if maintaining long-term low P output concentrations from the wetlands is the central goal. A carbon based phosphorus retention model developed for peatlands and tested in the Everglades of Florida provided further evidence of the proposed “One Gram Rule” for wetlands. This model is based on data from the Everglades areas impacted by agricultural runoff during the past 30 years. Preliminary estimates indicate that these wetlands store P primarily as humic organic-P, insoluble P, and Ca bound P at 0.44 g m−2 yr−1 on average. Areas loaded with 4.0 g m−2 yr−1 (at water concentrations>150 μg·L−1 TP) stored 0.8 to 0.6 g m−2 yr−1 P, areas loaded with 3.3 g m−2 yr−1 P retained 0.6 to 0.4 g m−2 yr−1 P, and areas receiving 0.6 g m−2 yr−1 P retained 0.3 to 0.2 g m−2 yr−1. The TP water concentrations in the wetland did not drop below 50 μg·L−1 until loadings were below 1 g m2 yr−1 P.
Modification: A Leader Skill in Group Work

Abstract Modification is introduced as a group leader skill for processing feedback containing both counterproductive and productive elements. The value and application of modification in group work is clarified. SUMMARY Modification is a leader skill in group work that elicits potentially productive feedback from group members. The intervention assists in protecting group participants from damaging interactions, dealing with negative feedback, and saving face in group. Modification is useful when a group member provides feedback to another participant that conveys both counterproductive and productive elements. The group leader's use of a sequence for modifying assists in understanding and applying the skill. A supportive and convincing tone by the leader is also beneficial in the effective use of modification. Frequently group leaders recognize member feedback to other group participants that would be much more helpful if only stated in a more constructive way. Modification is a group leader skill that ...
Diagnostic use of metoclopramide in hypertension caused by pheochromocytoma

Abstract We studied 5-mg metoclopramide provocation in six pheochromocytomatous patients with different tumor locations, varying secretory patterns and large tumor sizes (> 12 g or equivalently) and in 14 patients with essential hypertension as part of diagnostic work-up, usually after screening with vanillylmandelic acid assay by the colorimetric method. Antihypertensive medication continued in three and five patients, respectively. Despite similar basal blood pressures patients with pheochromocytomas developed more prominent pressor responses in five of six patients than the nonpheochromocytomatous patients ( P
Comments on James' Methodological Issues Concerning Analysis of Archaeofaunal Recovery and Screen Size Correction Factors

Abstract James (1997) discussed deriving correction factors to make faunal recovery using 1/4 in. screening compatible with 1/8 in. screening. He urged archaeologists to use 1/8 in. screening more often owing to the better recovery, but mistakenly argued that flotation recovery of fauna was of limited use to zooarchaeologists. Unfortunately, James' derivation of recovery correction values for 1/4 in. screening was flawed, and their misapplication to the Lagomorph Index negated its use as well.
Was race a factor in the outcomes of the Women's Health Eating and Living Study?

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine whether women who were participating in the Women's Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) Study exhibited similar dietary changes, second breast cancer events, and overall survival regardless of race/ethnicity. METHODS: For this secondary analysis, the authors used data from 3013 women who were self-identified as Asian American, African American, Hispanic, or white and who were assigned randomly to a dietary intervention or a comparison group. Changes in dietary intake over time by race/ethnicity and intervention status were examined using linear mixed-effects models. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the effects of the intervention on the occurrence of second breast cancer events and overall survival. Statistical tests were 2-sided. RESULTS: African Americans and Hispanics consumed significantly more calories from fat (+3.2%) and less fruit (−0.7 servings daily) than Asians and whites at baseline (all P < .01). Overall, intervention participants significantly improved their dietary pattern from baseline to the end of Year 1, reducing calories from fat by 4.9% and increasing intake of fiber (+6.6 grams daily), fruit (+1.1 servings daily), and vegetables (+1.6 servings daily; all P < .05). Despite improvements in the overall dietary pattern of these survivors, the intervention did not significantly influence second breast cancer events or overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, all racial groups significantly improved their dietary pattern over time, but the maintenance of these behaviors were lower among African-American women. More research and larger minority samples are needed to determine the specific factors that improve breast cancer-specific outcomes in diverse populations of survivors. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Isolation of I-Quinic Acid in Citrus Fruit

THE organic acids in citrus juices are chiefly citric and malic, although tartaric and oxalic acids also have been reported in grapefruit1. In our laboratory, succinic acid was found in frozen mature oranges. Wolf2 isolated citric, malic and an unidentified acid from citrus fruit. Sinclair and Eny3 reported that in the peel malic acid predominates while citric and oxalic acids occur in smaller amounts.
Identification and quantification of mutagenic halogenated cytosines by gas chromatography, fast atom bombardment, and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Oxidative modification of nucleic acids has been implicated in carcinogenesis. One potential mechanism involves halogenation by the myeloperoxidase and eosinophil peroxidase systems of phagocytes. In the current studies, three mass spectrometric methods for the in vitro and in vivo analysis of halogenated cytosines and deoxycytidines were compared: gas chromatography-electron ionization-mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS) with a quadrupole instrument, fast atom bombardment or electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem MS with a four-sector magnetic instrument, and liquid chromatography ESI tandem MS (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) with an ion-trap instrument. GC-EI-MS with selected ion monitoring of dimethyl-tert-butylsilyl derivatives of nucleobases was the most sensitive method. High-energy collisionally induced dissociation MS/MS analysis with a four-sector magnetic instrument yielded detailed structural information about halogenated nucleoside adducts but required relatively large amounts of material. The most sensitive analysis of intact halogenated deoxycytidine was achieved with extracted ion chromatograms using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS with an ion-trap instrument. Our results indicate that GC-EI-MS is the methodology of choice for ultrasensitive analysis of halogenated cytosines. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS provides greater structural detail for these compounds and may rival GC-EI-MS in sensitivity with more advanced liquid chromatography applications. The mass spectrometric methods we have developed should be useful for evaluating the role of phagocyte-derived oxidants in halogenating nucleobases, nucleosides, and DNA at sites of inflammation.
Northeastern North American Pleistocene megafauna chronologically overlapped minimally with Paleoindians

It has long been argued that specialized big-game-hunting Paleoindians were responsible for the extinction of three dozen large-bodied mammalian genera in North America. In northeastern North America, the overkill hypothesis cannot be tested on the basis of associations of Paleoindian artifacts and remains of extinct mammals because no unequivocal associations are known. The overkill hypothesis requires Paleoindians to be contemporaneous with extinct mammalian taxa and this provides a means to evaluate the hypothesis, but contemporaneity does not confirm overkill. Blitzkrieg may produce evidence of contemporaneity but it may not, rendering it difficult to test. Overkill and Blitzkrieg both require large megafaunal populations. Chronological data, Sporormiella abundance, genetics, and paleoclimatic data suggest megafauna populations declined prior to human colonization and people were only briefly contemporaneous with megafauna. Local Paleoindians may have only delivered the coup de grace to small scattered and isolated populations of megafauna.
Myoglobin and CO: structure, energetics, and disorder

The physiological significance of steric inhibition of CO binding to heme proteins is a fundamentally quantitative issue, since it has meaning only relative to the enhancement of O2 binding by the protein. Previously, difficulties in reconciling structural and energetic data have hindered a quantitative assessment of the energetic cost of distorting the bound CO. Recent progress on both fronts suggests that the energetic cost of CO distortion in myoglobin is quite small. However, distortion of the surrounding protein to accommodate the heme-CO complex may contribute significantly to the free energy of CO binding. Polarized IR measurements on single crystals of MbCO not only yield precise structural information on the CO geometry, but also address the limitations of conventional structural refinement by characterizing conformational disorder in the crystalline state.
Hydraulic criteria for sand-waves

Sand-waves on rivers are rhythmic successions of waves which occur at flood-stages of streams heavily loaded with sediments. They take their name from the fact that sand and associated silts and gravels form a large part of the load transported by a river at such times. They seem to be peculiar to the Southwest and many vivid descriptions of them can be found in the literature of that region. R. C. PIERCE [see 1 of “References” at end of paper[, who observed many sand-waves on the San Juan River in Utah, has described them as resembling in appearance “the waves thrown up by a stern-wheel river steamboat.” He further describes their appearances as follows: “The sand-waves are not continuous, but follow a rhythmic movement. At one moment the stream is running smoothly for a distance of perhaps several hundred yards. Then suddenly a number of waves, usually from six to ten, appear. They reach their full size in a few seconds, flow for perhaps two or three minutes, then suddenly disappear. Often, for perhaps half a minute before disappearing, the crests of the waves go through a combing movement, accompanied by a roaring sound. On first appearance it seems that the wave-forms occupy fixed positions, but by watching them closely it is seen that they move slowly upstream. In the narrow parts of the stream the waves may reach nearly the width of the river, but in the wider parts they occupy smaller proportional widths. Usually they are at right-angles to the axis of the stream, but at some places, particularly in the wider parts of the river, they may suddenly assume a diagonal position, moving rather rapidly across the stream in the direction toward which the upstream side of the wave has turned.” Many such descriptions may be found which in the main bear out PIERCE'S account, varying, however, as to size of wave, rate, and sometimes as to direction of movement.
Some studies of an unusual eucrite: Ibitira

The Ibitira eucrite is remarkable both for its vesicles and its unbrecciated nature. It consists of nearly 63 vol.% pyroxene (Wo14En38Fs48), 31% plagioclase (An95-96), nearly 2% of nickel-iron, troilite, ilmenite, titanian chromite, and 4% of a silica polymorph. It has a mean track density of 1.8 plus or minus 0.3 x 1,000,000 per sq cm, mainly due to cosmic rays. Its pre-atmospheric radius must have been at least 10 cm. The absence of complex radiation effects and presence of vesicles place constraints on the thickness of the Ibitira basalt flow. From the freezing time calculations of Provost and Bottinga, it appears that Ibitira came from a flow no less than 2.5 m and probably no more than 10 or 20 m thick. However, this estimate depends strongly on the viscosity of the melt, which is not well known.
MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS OF THE SURGICAL TREATMENT OF ISCHEMIC CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASE.

Abstract Patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease are divided into three categories of clinical status at the time they are seen by the physician: (1) transient ischemic attacks, (2) progressing stroke, and (3) completed stroke. These categories are used as a framework for discussing which patients are suitable for surgical therapy. Consideration is given to evidence for the presence of extracranial occlusive disease, indications for arteriography and particularly the goals of therapy and the likelihood of obtaining these goals. In patients with transient ischemic attacks, surgical therapy in highly selected cases appears to offer some prophylactic value against the development of cerebral infarcts. It is pointed out, however, that documentation of this conclusion as well as assessment of the effectiveness of surgical therapy for patients who have other types of ischemic cerebrovascular disease remains incomplete.
Enhanced protection from renal ischemia: Reperfusion injury with A2A-adenosine receptor activation and PDE 4 inhibition

Enhanced protection from renal ischemia: Reperfusion injury Novel therapeutic interventions for preventing or re- with A2A-adenosine receptor activation and PDE 4 inhibition. ducing renal tissue injury following ischemia-reperfusion Background. We previously demonstrated in rats and mice remain a focus of intense research. One potential approach that agonists of A2A-adenosine receptors (A2A-ARs) reduce renal in reducing injury from ischemia-reperfusion is through injury following ischemia-reperfusion. We now extend these the activation of A2A-adenosine receptors (A2A-ARs). studies and examine the effects of ATL-146e (formerly DWH- 146e), an A2A-AR agonist, and rolipram, a type IV phosphodi- ATL-146e (previously referred to as DWH-146e), an esterase (PDE 4) inhibitor, on murine renal injury following A2A-AR agonist, has a higher affinity and selectivity for ischemia-reperfusion.
Schwannoma of the seminal vesicle in a patient with rectal cancer

Introduction: Schwannomas are benign tumors arising from the cells responsible for producing the myelin sheath surrounding peripheral nerve cells. Presentation of case: A patient presented with intermittent bloody stools and diarrhea. Following a work-up, including colonoscopy, computed tomography (CT) scan, and endorectal ultrasound and biopsy, he was found to have a clinical T3N1 rectal adenocarcinoma. The CT scan also showed an incidental mass in the right seminal vesicle that on biopsy was consistent with a benign stromal nodule. After neoadjuvant chemoradiation, a low anterior resection (LAR) and concomitant resection of the right seminal vesicle was performed. Pathologic evaluation of the right seminal vesicle revealed a benign schwannoma. Discussion: This unusual case of a solitary schwannoma of the seminal vesicle in a patient with a locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma illustrates the difficulty in diagnosing these rare lesions because of their generally asymptomatic nature.
Aggressive behavior among female inmates: An exploratory study

Over the past decade the issue of inmate violence and victimization in institutions for adult males has dominated the field of penology. Despite evidence of violence and degradation in institutions for women, empirical research documenting this phenomenon is scarce. Using data gathered from the Minnesota correctional facility for adult female felons, this study looks at the extent of agressive behavior among female inmates and examines some of the factors that may be associated significantly with aggressive acts. Race, age, childhood family structure, offense of conviction, time served on present and past offense(s), race relations, and current drug use are examined in light of the prior research on prison violence. The data reveal that both race and childhood family structure are associated significantly with female inmate aggression. The implications of these findings for future research are discussed.
Hypnotic depth and hypnotic susceptibility: a replicated finding.

Abstract A sample of 398 Ss was tested in groups of from 8 to 20 people on the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS:A) of Shor and E. Orne (1962). Retrospective depth reports for each of the 12 HGSHS:A items were taken in order to extend Tart's findings (1970, 1972) on susceptibility and depth. The Ss were tested over 2 successive years in samples of N = 220 and N = 178. Since results were almost identical for each year (thus constituting a replication), the data were pooled for this report. A remarkable consistency in patterns of subjective depth across the 12 items of HGSHS:A was found, particularly noticeable in Items 7, 8, 9, and 10 for 4 susceptibility groups (high, high-medium, low-medium and low-susceptible Ss) which appeared to reflect differential item difficulties. In addition, all correlations between reported depth and HGSHS:A total scores were high and statistically significant. While the findings are in general accord with those of Tart (1970, 1972), further research...
Children with Developmental Disabilities and their Motivation to Play

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how and when children with developmental disabilities aged nine to 12 years spontaneously demonstrated play behaviors indicative of intrinsic motivation. Data was collected from six child participants and four parent participants through the use of the Pediatric Volitional Questionnaire (PVQ) and semi-structured photo-elicitation interviews. Overall, the children who participated in this study sought out play experiences with which they were familiar in their natural environments. Specifically, they sought out experiences that afforded them the opportunity to exercise control over their environment and create a sense of predictability. Each of the children assumed the role of “orchestrator” and conducted his or her engagement in play occupations. The children demonstrated some spontaneous play within their social environment; however, many developmentally age-appropriate behaviors were not observed.
Materials characterization for nonlinear optic polymer waveguide modulator design

For accurate design and modeling of nonlinear optic polymer electro-optic (EO) waveguide devices, potential materials need to be thoroughly characterized. Presented here are the properties of several state of the art materials used for nonlinear optical (NLO) polymer devices, such as Cheng Larry Dalton (CLD) based NLO polymers as well as conductive polymers and epoxies. This characterization includes refractive index, propagation loss, conductivity, nonlinearity, and low and high frequency dielectric constant measurements, as well as materials compatibility.
Simulated caustic patterns for dynamic crack growth in a plate based on a three-dimensional numerical analysis

Abstract The rapid growth of a through-the-thickness crack in a nominally elastic plate under Mode I conditions is considered, with emphasis on the three-dimensional aspects of the elastodynamic crack growth process. For points near the crack edge, the assumptions on stress state consistent with plane stress analysis are not valid, and the possibility of an inertial effect associated with rapid lateral contraction must be considered. The steady crack growth process is analyzed here by means of the finite element method, and the degree to which the local fields are described by plane stress analysis is established. In addition, synthetic shadow spot patterns are generated from the numerical three-dimensional solutions. The inferred values of stress intensity factor are compared with the values of the corresponding plane stress dynamic stress intensity factor.
Mobiles and Cancer: A Case of Phony Connections?

Summary Students learning statistics want to know how our methods are used in the real world. In response, this article offers a discussion of a relevant and timely medical study reported in recent headlines. Careful consideration of the study raises some ideas to get students engaged with statistics.
Density of states for complex molecules.

A framework is presented to compute absolute thermodynamic properties of complex molecules which are described algebraically. Using some basic properties of the algebraic formalism, it is pointed out that one can compute not only ensemble averages, but the absolute thermal quantities such as the density of states and partition function. Some results are presented for a simple diatomic molecule and for ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$.
No-load power losses and motor overheating effects versus PWM switching frequencies

Electric motors driven by pulse-width modulated (PWM) waveforms exhibit different power loss and heating characteristics than line-fed motors. Experimental results indicate that motor losses and heating increase as the drive switching frequency decreases. Motor power losses for low switching frequencies are described, and if the increase in motor power loss is high enough such that motor overheating is a concern, a three-phase line reactor between the drive output and the motor terminals may be used to mitigate the additional motor losses and possible motor overheating. This paper presents the effect of PWM waveforms on motor losses and demonstrates that the use of a small three-phase line reactor between the drive and the motor dramatically reduces the motor losses under low PWM switching frequencies.
Pretectal eyelid retraction and lag

We report 2 patients who had eyelid retraction and eyelid lag with minimal impairment of vertical gaze. In both patients, magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a circumscribed unilateral lesion immediately rostral and dorsal to the red nucleus involving the lateral periaqueductal gray area. Our clinical and radiological findings support the existence of a premotor eyelid control center in the region of the nucleus of the posterior commissure.
Enzymatic lysis of yeast cell walls

Lysis of yeast cell walls using zymolase and lysozyme was studied. During coupled zymolase–lysozyme treatment, nearly three times more reducing sugars were released from the yeast cells compared to controls. Enzyme treatment followed by extraction at pH 9 resulted in a yield of more than 80% of the total nitrogen of the yeast cell. Protein degradation occurred during enzyme treatment. The precipitation of proteins was significantly increased by succinylation after enzyme treatment. This also reduced the nucleic acid content of the yeast proteins to less than 2% and enhanced the extractability of nitrogenous material.
Properties of thin-film YBa2Cu3O7−x superconductors grown on ion-irradiated SrTiO3 substrates

Abstract The surfaces of [001] SrTiO 3 substrates were modified by implantation of 400 keV Ne 2+ ions at 77 K at doses of 5 × 10 14 , 10 15 and 5 × 10 15 ions / cm 2 . Superconducting YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − x thin films were then deposited on these substrates by the electron beam co-evaporation and post-annealing process. The microstructure and properties of these films were characterized by various techniques and compared to a reference film that was grown on an unirradiated SrTiO 3 substrate. The film on the substrate irradiated at the highest dose (5 × 10 16 ions / cm 2 ) showed a deterioration of its properties as reflected by a loss in epitaxy, decrease in transition temperature and increase in transition width. However, films grown on the substrates irradiated at the lower doses showed improvements in the properties as compared to the reference film. The best film was obtained on the substrate irradiated at 10 15 ions/cm 2 . This film exhibited a significant improvement in epitaxy and an increase in the transition temperature as compared to the reference film.