cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative techniques for assessing and controlling the dispersion and biological effects of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in mammalian tissue culture cells.

In vivo studies have demonstrated that the state of dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) plays an important role in generating adverse pulmonary effects. However, little has been done to develop reproducible and quantifiable dispersion techniques to conduct mechanistic studies in vitro. This study was to evaluate the dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in tissue culture media, with particular emphasis on understanding the forces that govern agglomeration and how to modify these forces. Quantitative techniques such as hydrophobicity index, suspension stability index, attachment efficiency, and dynamic light scattering were used to assess the effects of agglomeration and dispersion of as-prepared (AP), purified (PD), or carboxylated (COOH) MWCNTs on bronchial epithelial and fibroblast cell lines. We found that hydrophobicity is the major factor determining AP- and PD-MWCNT agglomeration in tissue culture media but that the ionic strength is the main factor determining COOH-MWCNT suspendabil...
Ionization of vapor molecules by an electrospray cloud

Abstract We first summarize the early work by Fenn and colleagues on vapor ionization by an electrospray cloud (subsequently dubbed secondary electrospray ionization, or SESI), followed by analysis via an atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometer (API-MS). It was in part reported in Ph.D. theses and presented to ASMS conferences, but remains largely unpublished. After spending 20 years in limbo, various aspects of their method have begun to be used, leading recently to outstanding limits of detection of ambient volatiles (parts per quadrillion; ppq). There is still much room for improvement of the method, as the ionization probability (defined as the concentration ratio n s / n v between ionized vapor and neutral vapor) is p ∼ 10 −3 –10 −4 . This result follows from recent approximate measurements, as well as from a newly derived expression for the equilibrium value p e under space charge dominated conditions typical of an ES cloud (probably also of a corona discharge): p e = kɛ o /( Z s q ). This simple expression is derived from a balance between space charge dilution ( dn s / dt = − Z s n s n i q / ɛ o ) and the rate of ionization of neutral vapor ( dn s / dt = kn v n i ). It is independent of the concentration n i of the charging drops (or ions), but depends on the electrical mobility Z s of the ionized vapor and the net charge q on the charging species (ions or drops). ɛ o is the electrical permittivity of vacuum. Still unresolved is the important mechanistic issue of whether the charge-exchange rate coefficient k corresponds to vapor collisions with ES drops ( k d ), or rather with individual ions formed after complete drop evaporation ( k p , based on the ion-induced-dipole interaction model). Coincidentally, an upper limit obtained for k d is comparable to k p . The ionization efficiency of SESI is compared to that of radioactive and corona sources. Appendices include information on the various rate coefficients fixing p e . They extend the ion-induced-dipole interaction model to account for the relatively large size of most vapor molecules of interest. Size effects on k p are found to be modest, in contrast with the strong size dependence of the mobility of large ions.
Stability of Carotid Artery Under Steady-State and Pulsatile Blood Flow: A Fluid–Structure Interaction Study

It has been shown that arteries may buckle into tortuous shapes under lumen pressure, which in turn could alter blood flow. However, the mechanisms of artery instability under pulsatile flow have not been fully understood. The objective of this study was to simulate the buckling and post-buckling behaviors of the carotid artery under pulsatile flow using a fully coupled fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method. The artery wall was modeled as a nonlinear material with a two-fiber strain-energy function. FSI simulations were performed under steady-state flow and pulsatile flow conditions with a prescribed flow velocity profile at the inlet and different pressures at the outlet to determine the critical buckling pressure. Simulations were performed for normal (160 ml/min) and high (350 ml/min) flow rates and normal (1.5) and reduced (1.3) axial stretch ratios to determine the effects of flow rate and axial tension on stability. The results showed that an artery buckled when the lumen pressure exceeded a critical value. The critical mean buckling pressure at pulsatile flow was 17-23% smaller than at steady-state flow. For both steady-state and pulsatile flow, the high flow rate had very little effect (<5%) on the critical buckling pressure. The fluid and wall stresses were drastically altered at the location with maximum deflection. The maximum lumen shear stress occurred at the inner side of the bend and maximum tensile wall stresses occurred at the outer side. These findings improve our understanding of artery instability in vivo.
Anchoring of surface proteins to the cell wall of Staphylococcus aureus: III. Lipid II is an in vivo peptidoglycan substrate for sortase-catalyzed surface protein anchoring

Surface proteins of Staphylococcus aureus are anchored to the cell wall peptidoglycan by a mechanism requiring a C-terminal sorting signal with an LPXTG motif. Surface proteins are first synthesized in the bacterial cytoplasm and then transported across the cytoplasmic membrane. Cleavage of the N-terminal signal peptide of the cytoplasmic surface protein P1 precursor generates the extracellular P2 species, which is the substrate for the cell wall anchoring reaction. Sortase, a membrane-anchored transpeptidase, cleaves P2 between the threonine (T) and the glycine (G) of the LPXTG motif and catalyzes the formation of an amide bond between the carboxyl group of threonine and the amino group of cell wall cross-bridges. We have used metabolic labeling of staphylococcal cultures with [32P]phosphoric acid to reveal a P3 intermediate. The 32P-label of immunoprecipitated surface protein is removed by treatment with lysostaphin, a glycyl-glycine endopeptidase that separates the cell wall anchor structure. Furthermore, the appearance of P3 is prevented in the absence of sortase or by the inhibition of cell wall synthesis.32P-Labeled cell wall anchor species bind to nisin, an antibiotic that is known to form a complex with lipid II. Thus, it appears that the P3 intermediate represents surface protein linked to the lipid II peptidoglycan precursor. The data support a model whereby lipid II-linked polypeptides are incorporated into the growing peptidoglycan via the transpeptidation and transglycosylation reactions of cell wall synthesis, generating mature cell wall-linked surface protein.
Cytodifferentiation of the crayfish spermatozoon: acrosome formation, transformation of mitochondria and development of microtubules

During spermiogenesis in the crayfish, the acrosome, mitochondrial derivatives and the centrioles are retained within the admixed nucleoplasm and cytoplasm (spermioplasm). Fused nuclear and plasma membranes form the tegument that invests the spermioplasm. A well-defined system of small tubules that originate during spermiogenesis from densities surrounding the centrioles also defines the axes of the nuclear processes in the mature spermatozoon. These tubules are larger in diameter than the microtubules in adjacent interstitial cells and their development coincides with the formation and extension of the nuclear processes. The small tubules seem related to the changes in the cell accompanying nucleoplasmic streaming and to the growth and stabilization of form of the elongate, assymmetric nuclear processes. The mitochondria of spermatocytes are transformed into membranous lamellae that lie in the spermioplasm of the mature spermatozoon, and may by oxidative phosphorylation or some alternative pathway provide energy for metabolic activity and motility. The apical cap of the mature acrosome of the crayfish spermatozoon is enveloped by a sheath of PAS-positive material. The acrosomal process is attached to a dense crescent-shaped acrosome embedded in the spermioplasm. A fine granular substance at the base of the acrosome gives rise to beaded filaments that radiate into the central acrosomal concavity.
Clinical interpretation of opioid tolerance versus opioid-induced hyperalgesia

Opioid analgesics are commonly used to manage moderate to severe pain. However, the long-term use of opioids could lead to opioid tolerance (OT) and opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH). Distinguishing OIH from OT would impact the practice of opioid therapy because opioid dose adjustment may differentially influence OT and OIH. Currently, there are no standard criteria of OT versus OIH causing considerable ambiguity in clinical interpretation and management of these conditions. The authors designed a practitioner-based survey consisting of 20 targeted questions. Answering these questions would require responders' actual clinical experiences with opioid therapy. The survey was conducted between 2011 and 2012 through direct mails or e-mails to 1,408 physicians who are currently practicing in the United States. The authors find that certain clinical characteristics (eg, increased pain despite opioid dose escalation) are often used by practitioners to make differential diagnosis of OT and OIH despite some overlap in their clinical presentation. A key difference in clinical outcome is that OT and OIH could be improved and exacerbated by opioid dose escalation, respectively. Our survey results revealed a significant knowledge gap in some responders regarding differential diagnosis and management of OT and OIH. The results also identified several issues, such as opioid dose adjustment and clinical comorbidities related to OT and OIH, which require future patient-based studies.
Photodegradation of 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol in aqueous solution

A medium-pressure mercury lamp, emitting strongly in the 200–400 nm range was applied for the degradation of 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP), a hydrolysis product of chlorpyrifos. Photodegradation of TCP in aqueous solution exhibited pseudo-first order kinetics with a rate constant that was wavelength dependent and increased below 300 nm. The TCP degradation rate and quantum yield increased with solution pH up to a constant maximum value of (6.40 ± 0.046) × 10−3 cm2 mJ− 1 and 0.178 ± 0.002 mol E−1 respectively, at pH 5 and above. Addition of 5 mg L− 1 H2O2 to generate OH radicals led to an increase in removal rates by a factor of 1.5. Addition of phosphate buffer resulted in decreased photolysis at 3 < pH < 6.
Habituation Assessment in Infancy.

Infant-control habituation methodology, although serving the research community well, has never been carefully analyzed. A main use is to equate infants in their level of habituation prior to experimental manipulations in a posthabituation phase. When studied analytically and with simulation, it is found to have serious difficulties. It inadvertently recruits infants with large variations in performance while discriminating against those with less variable performance. For nonhabituating infants, its Type I error rates can approach 1. A model-based nonlinear regression framework is proposed, which, because of large individual differences in infants, takes as the unit of analysis the individual infant. It is shown to be more powerful and efficient than existing procedures and can offer practical and theoretical benefits.
Preparation of B-ring brominated derivatives of estradiol

Abstract The preparation of 6β-methoxy-7α-bromoestradiol ( 1 ) is reported. Addition of in situ -generated BrOMe to 6-dehydro-estradiol 3-tetrahydropyranyl ether ( 4a ) afforded the expected addition product. Removal of the tetrahydropyranyl protective group was carried out by mild acid hydrolysis to afford 1 in good yields. This base-sensitive compound is chemically stable over long periods of time.
Dissociative electron attachment to carbon dioxide via the 2 Π u shape resonance

Author(s): Moradmand, A; Slaughter, DS; Haxton, DJ; Rescigno, TN; McCurdy, CW; Weber, T; Matsika, S; Landers, AL; Belkacem, A; Fogle, M | Abstract: Momentum imaging measurements from two experiments are presented and interpreted with the aid of ab initio theoretical calculations to describe the dissociative electron attachment (DEA) dynamics of CO2. The dynamics of the transient negative ions of CO2- involve several conical intersections taking part in mechanisms that have only recently been understood. We address the problem of how the 4-eV 2Πu shape resonance in CO2 proceeds to dissociate to CO(1Σ+) + O-(2P) by DEA. © 2013 American Physical Society.
Accurate Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori with Biopsy

Three (author's standard) or five biopsy specimens (two antral, two corpus, one incisura) as suggested by the Sydney system (original and revised version) [figure: see text] correctly separate infected mucosa from uninfected mucosa. No combination identified correctly the presence of intestinal metaplasia to be considered reliable. If intestinal metaplasia is present, the yield of histology for H. pylori decreases despite obtaining three or four biopsy specimens in different gastric compartments. In patients with severe atrophy, if it is important to document cure of H. pylori infection, one might consider a urea breath test if histology is negative.
Incorporating Second Life into online hospitality and tourism education: A case study

Abstract Second Life (SL) is a virtual world that can be used for educational purposes. This Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) project investigated the use of SL in online hospitality education as an integral learning tool, not as a nominal feature. Findings indicated that SL provides students and instructors with interesting learning opportunities and allows students to effectively engage with each other and work together on group projects. Challenges that need to be conquered were also identified, such as the sometimes cumbersome nature of the SL program and the time commitment involved with its use.
A sharp surface tension modeling method for two‐phase incompressible interfacial flows

A surface tension implementation algorithm for two-phase incompressible interfacial flows is presented in this study. The surface tension effect is treated as a jump condition at the interface and incorporated into the Navier-Stokes equation via a capillary pressure gradient. The interface is tracked by a coupled level set and volume-of-fluid (CLSVOF) method based on the finite-volume formulation on a fixed Eulerian grid. It has been shown in a stationary benchmark test the spurious currents are greatly reduced and the sharp pressure jump across the interface is well preserved. Numerical instabilities caused by the sharp treatment on a fixed grid are avoided. Several dynamic tests are performed to further validate the accuracy and versatility of the present method, the results of which are in good agreement with data reported in the literature.
Concurrent deregulation of gelsolin and cyclin D1 in the majority of human and rodent breast cancers.

Decreased gelsolin and increased cyclin D1 are among the most common defects found in human and rodent breast cancers. Our purpose was to determine the frequency of concurrence of these 2 alterations in this malignancy. Our results demonstrate that gelsolin protein and mRNA were significantly reduced in 80–100% of rodent mammary carcinomas that developed spontaneously, following oncogene introduction, or after treatment with viral, chemical or hormonal agents. The reduction in gelsolin most likely occurs during the transition from preneoplasia to carcinoma because hyperplasias had normal levels of gelsolin whereas microtumors had reduced expression. Southern analysis revealed no major mutations in the gelsolin gene of tumors with low expression. Cyclin D1 mRNA was increased in 50–100% of these rodent mammary tumors, although the cyclin D1 gene was not amplified. By nuclear runon assay, downregulation of gelsolin in both human and mouse mammary cancer cells involved diminished transcription and, conversely, human breast cancer cells expressing high levels of cyclin D1 had increased initiation of cyclin D1 transcription compared with cyclin D1 low expressors. Thus, alteration in the rate of transcription appears to be an important factor underlying the dysfunction of these genes. According to our data, concurrent deregulation of gelsolin and cyclin D1 is highly prevalent among breast cancers of humans and rodents, with both defects present in 89% of the neoplasms analyzed in this study. In fact, most tumors in every rodent model of mammary tumorigenesis examined had the 2 alterations. Int. J. Cancer 81:930–938, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fitness Facilities for Adults Differences in Perceived Access and Usage

Background Perceived access to places for physical activity may play an important role in influencing physical activity behavior. Little is known about the prevalence of perceived access to facilities for physical activity. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of a national sample of 27,894 adults from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey was performed to describe the characteristics of those who perceived that they have access to fitness facilities, and determine the prevalence of perceived access, reported use of fitness facilities, and reported barriers to the use of fitness facilities. Analyses were conducted in 2005 and 2006. Results Approximately 61% of adults reported having access to fitness facilities. Perceived access was highest among adults aged 34 and younger, non-Hispanic whites, those with a college education, among adults with a body mass index of less than 35 kg/m 2 , and among those with higher physical activity levels. The most commonly reported perceived barrier to access was cost. Almost 21% of U.S. adults (37.0% of active, 19.9% of intermittently active, 6.0% of inactive) reported having used a health club, wellness program, or fitness facility at least ten times during the past year. Conclusions Fitness facilities provide one option for increasing access to places to be physically active. Having access to fitness facilities is significantly associated with physical activity levels among U.S. adults.
Ultrafast-laser-assisted chemical restructuring of silicon and germanium surfaces

Abstract This article reports a comparative study on texturing in silicon and germanium surfaces after exposure to femtosecond laser irradiation in the gaseous environments of sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) and hydrogen chloride (HCl). The surface texturing results from the combined effect of laser-assisted chemical etching and laser ablation. Optimized processing conditions have produced features on the order of nanometers in size. We demonstrate for the first time that regular conical pillars can be formed in Ge and that HCl can be used to form regular conical pillars in Si.
Paleozoic Atmospheric CO2: Importance of Solar Radiation and Plant Evolution.

Changes in solar radiation, as it affects the rate of weathering of silicates on the continents, and other changes involving weathering and the degassing of carbon dioxide (CO2) have been included in a long-term carbon-cycle model. These additions to the model show that the major controls on CO2 concentrations during the Paleozoic era were solar and biological, and not tectonic, in origin. The model predictions agree with independent estimates of a large mid-Paleozoic (400 to 320 million years ago) drop in CO2 concentrations, which led to large-scale glaciation. This agreement indicates that variations in the atmospheric greenhouse effect were important in global climate change during the distant geologic past.
The effect of interconnect rib size on the fuel cell concentration polarization in planar SOFCs

Abstract The gas transport in the porous electrode is treated by a phenomenological approach such that the gas concentration at the three-phase boundary (TPB) region is the additive superposition of that transported from the source, i.e. the gas channels. With plausible approximations and elemental algebra, analytical expressions are obtained to estimate the effects of ribs on the concentration polarization of planar fuel cell operations. It is shown that the model can closely reproduce the experimental concentration polarization curve for small and medium current density (up to about 2 A/cm 2 ), providing a simple and effective method for engineering application. The concentration polarization caused by the presence of a rib is discussed and the concentration profiles with varying rib widths are illustrated. In connection with the electrical resistance, the determination of the optimal rib width for minimizing the overall polarization is also shown.
Mitochondrial Involvement in Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance

Conflict and mystery are key elements of great suspense stories. Over the last decade, those elements have been present in an intriguing story that has attracted a lot of attention in the field of insulin resistance (IR). The story takes place in a complex scenario: a mix of genetic and acquired abnormalities. The story’s victim is insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle, but the perpetrators remain fittingly elusive. Suspicions fall on intramyocellular lipid oversupply being the villain. According to prevailing theory, skeletal muscle IR develops as a consequence of excessive lipid content within this tissue. However, it has become increasingly evident that lipid oversupply does not act alone in this story. During the last decade, mitochondria have emerged as an “organelle of interest,” with alleged roles ranging from accomplice to collateral-damage casualty. A role for mitochondria in IR emerged when studies reported lower mitochondrial oxidative capacity in skeletal muscle of adults with obesity and/or type 2 diabetes (1,2). Other studies concurrently reported lower mitochondrial activity in IR linked to aging and possibly to genetic background in lean individuals with parental history of type 2 diabetes (3–5). Those reports attracted a lot of interest and gave rise to an appealing idea that mitochondrial deficiency may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of IR. According to such a view, a decrease in total mitochondrial oxidative capacity, due to loss in mitochondrial content and/or function, results in insufficient lipid oxidation with the postulated effect being exacerbation of lipid excess and consequent IR. A surge …
Integrating Title I and Special Education Service Delivery

SPECIAL EDUCATION AND TITLE 1 PROGRAMS COEXIST IN ABOUT 65% OF ALL PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN THE NATION. ALTHOUGH SOME OF THE SERVICES OFFERED BY THE TWO PROGRAMS ARE SIMILAR, THE LEGISLATIVE INTENT, FUNDING MECHANISMS, AND THE POPULATIONS TARGETED BY EACH PROGRAM DIFFER. THIS ARTICLE EXPLORES INTEGRATION OF THE TITLE 1 COMPENSATORY EDUCATION PROGRAM AND SPECIAL EDUCATION. THIS INTEGRATION IS OFTEN ACHIEVED EITHER THROUGH COOPERATIVE TEACHING OR THROUGH BLENDED FUNDING OF STAFF SALARIES. PROFILES OF LOCAL EFFORTS TO INTEGRATE TITLE 1 AND SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES ARE PROVIDED.
Focal-plane image and beam quality sensors for adaptive optics

Control of adaptive optical elements for real-time wavefront phase distortion compensation is a rapidly growing field of research and technology development. Wavefront correction is essential for reliable long distance, near-ground laser communication as well as for imaging extended objects over large distances. Crucial to adaptively correcting the wavefront is a performance metric that can be directly evaluated from the acquired image or received laser beam, to provide real-time feedback to the controller adapting the wavefront. Custom VLSI controllers and sensors are a good match to the requirements of high resolution, real-time adaptive optical systems. In this paper we introduce two VLSI focal plane sensors that supply image and beam quality metrics to an adaptive controller that performs parallel perturbative stochastic gradient descent on a spatial phase modulator in the control loop. For imaging applications, we designed an image quality metric chip that reports the high spatial frequency energy content of the received image. For laser communications applications, we designed a beam variance metric chip that calculates the compactness of the transmitted or received beam as well as its centroid location. We present experimental results from both sensor chips and demonstrate the beam variance metric chip in the feedback loop of an adaptive optics laser receiver.
Obscurin is a ligand for small ankyrin 1 in skeletal muscle.

The factors that organize the internal membranes of cells are still poorly understood. We have been addressing this question using striated muscle cells, which have regular arrays of membranes that associate with the contractile apparatus in stereotypic patterns. Here we examine links between contractile structures and the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) established by small ankyrin 1 (sAnk1), a 17.5-kDa integral protein of network SR. We used yeast two-hybrid to identify obscurin, a giant Rho-GEF protein, as the major cytoplasmic ligand for sAnk1. The binding of obscurin to the cytoplasmic sequence of sAnk1 is mediated by a sequence of obscurin that is C-terminal to its last Ig-like domain. Binding was confirmed in two in vitro assays. In one, GST-obscurin, bound to glutathione-matrix, specifically adsorbed native sAnk1 from muscle homogenates. In the second, MBP-obscurin bound recombinant GST-sAnk1 in nitrocellulose blots. Kinetic studies using surface plasmon resonance yielded a KD 130 nM. On subcellular fractionation, obscurin was concentrated in the myofibrillar fraction, consistent with its identification as sarcomeric protein. Nevertheless, obscurin, like sAnk1, concentrated around Z-disks and M-lines of striated muscle. Our findings suggest that obscurin binds sAnk1, and are the first to document a specific and direct interaction between proteins of the sarcomere and the SR.
Reconfigurable Optical Backhaul and Integrated Routing Algorithm for Load Balancing in Hybrid Optical-Wireless Access Networks

Various wireless and optical access technologies have been developed to address different issues in access networks. By combining the complementary characteristics of wireless and optical networks, a hybrid optical-wireless access network will enable broadband, ubiquitous, and cost-effective last-mile service to the users. In this paper, a reconfigurable optical backhaul leveraging both the standard Time Division Multiplexing Passive Optical Network (TDM-PON) technology and wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) ring is proposed to achieve a higher bandwidth efficiency than simply using point-to-point backhaul links. Furthermore, an integrated routing algorithm which can adapt to the change of overall demand among different service districts by taking advantage of the proposed optical backhaul is also proposed. An experimental testbed is implemented to evaluate the reconfigurable scheme and its feasibility. Also, simulation results show that the proposed integrated routing with load balancing can improve the performance in hybrid optical and wireless networks.
Novel TCF-binding sites specify transcriptional repression by Wnt signalling

Both transcriptional activation and repression have essential functions in maintaining proper spatial and temporal control of gene expression. Although Wnt signalling is often associated with gene activation, we have identified several directly repressed targets of Wnt signalling in Drosophila. Here, we explore how individual Wnt target genes are specified for signal-induced activation or repression. Similar to activation, repression required binding of Armadillo (Arm) to the N terminus of TCF. However, TCF/Arm mediated repression by binding to DNA motifs that are markedly different from typical TCF-binding sites. Conversion of the novel motifs to standard TCF-binding sites reversed the mode of regulation, resulting in Wnt-mediated activation instead of repression. A mutant form of Arm defective in activation was still functional for repression, indicating that distinct domains of the protein are required for each activity. This study suggests that the sequence of TCF-binding sites allosterically regulates the TCF/Arm complex to effect either transcriptional activation or repression.
Three-dimensional models of regionally ischemic left ventricle

Regional wall mechanics were analyzed in a finite element model of the canine left ventricle that included measured three-dimensional geometry and myofiber angles, nonlinear anisotropic material properties, calcium-activated systolic myofilament tension development, and the newly reported observation of significant active stress transverse to the myofiber axis. Strain distributions in the model agreed well with experimental measurements in anesthetized dogs during left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery occlusion.
Psychotropic medication abuse by inmates in correctional facilities

I noted an alarming surge in the prescribing of quetiapine (Seroquel) in our County correctional facility, Santa Rita Jail, approximately five years ago. The number of quetiapine tablets dispensed surpassed all other antipsychotic medications combined, in the observed three-month period. This sudden four-fold increase in prescribing to inmates by our psychiatrists was extremely unusual and warranted further investigation.
Calcium-Channel Antagonists and Nitrates in Coronary Artery Bypass Patients Receiving Radial Artery Grafts

OBJECTIVE:To review the literature assessing the role of vasodilators for the prevention of vasospasm leading to graft failure in patients receiving the radial artery (RA) as a conduit in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).DATA SOURCES:A MEDLINE search (January 1966–May 2000) was performed using calcium-channel antagonists, nitrates, radial artery, and coronary artery bypass as key words. English-language articles were identified, and the references of these articles were used to further identify pertinent articles.DATA SYNTHESIS:RAs can be used as conduits in CABG. It has been suggested that failure of these grafts may be due to vasospasm, leading to occlusion observed angiographically. Calcium-channel antagonists and nitrates have been proposed as a means of preventing vasospasm and subsequent graft failure.CONCLUSIONS:Currently published data on the use of calcium-channel antagonist or nitrate therapy as prophylaxis against vasospasm in patients receiving RA grafts are inconclusive. Systematic eval...
Some analytical results for the fluorescence spectrum of a two-level atom in a bichromatic field

Some analytical expressions are derived for the elastic fluorescence spectrum of a two-level atom in a bichromatic field whose two modes have equal intensities and have equal but opposite detunings from the resonance frequency of the two-level system. The approximations are shown to be in excellent agreement with numerical results that were presented recently in this journal by Agarwal et al. [ J. Opt. Soc. Am. B8, 1163 ( 1991)].
Nanostructure of the nanopores in anodic aluminum oxide films used as template to fabricate Ag nanowires

Well-ordered nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates have been prepared on aluminum substrates by a two-step anodization process. A voltage-controlled branching method was successfully used to thin the barrier layer of the AAO template. The nanostructures of the pores, the branched subpores, and the barrier layer in the AAO template were studied in association with the anodization process and barrier layer thinning methods. Results demonstrate the voltage-controlled branching method is a facile and effective way to thin the barrier layer. Uniform silver nanowires can be easily fabricated using alternating current (ac) electrodeposition into the pores of AAO after redressing the barrier layer.
Eugen Bleuler: Centennial Anniversary of His 1911 Publication of Dementia Praecox or the Group of Schizophrenias

In 1911, a book was published in Europe by Eugen Bleuler describing in detail asylum patients under his care who met clinical criteria for the psychotic disorder named Dementia Praecox by Emil Kraepelin. Bleuler's voluminous publication, now a classic to world psychiatry, validated Kraepelin's observations and extended them in ways that remain familiar to us a full century later in how we describe, diagnose, treat, and understand psychosis.
Diagnostic Problems of Large Tokamaks

The experimental study of high temperature plasmas in tokamaks has recently gained momentum with the occurrence of the first discharges in the two rather similar American PLT (Princeton Large Torus) and Russian T-10 Tokamaks towards the end of last year. Furthermore, the final design stage of the TFTR (Toroidal Fusion Test Reactor) was begun in March this year; the TFTR is roughly twice as large as the other two. Because of its size, the expected high electron temperatures, the very large neutral beam system to provide auxiliary heating and the intention to use tritium as a filling gas as target for deuterium beams with the resultant fusion product particles, TFTR poses some clear problems for diagnostics of the plasma behavior.
Lucent Loses Its Luster: Accounting for Investments Turned Bad

This case provides a rich environment in which students can explore the challenges of applying Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Investments, and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income. By focusing on the stock performance of two technology firms, Lucent Technologies and Microsoft, the case exposes students to issues of determining when a stock price decline is other than temporary, the effects of timing on accounting reporting decisions, and the role of the auditor in determining fair financial reporting. The case provides a qualitative and quantitative application of the two standards that is more complex and less structured than that provided by an intermediate financial accounting text. The case also demonstrates that comprehensive income, unlike net income, is relatively stable and difficult to manipulate.
An efficient first-order horn-clause abduction system based on the ATMS

This paper presents an algorithm for first-order Horn-clause abduction that uses an ATMS to avoid redundant computation. This algorithm is either more efficient or more general than any other previous abduction algorithm. Since computing all minimal abductive explanations is intractable, we also present a heuristic version of the algorithm that uses beam search to compute a subset of the simplest explanations. We present empirical results on a broad range of abduction problems from text understanding, plan recognition, and device diagnosis which demonstrate that our algorithm is at least an order of magnitude faster than an alternative abduction algorithm that does not use an ATMS.
Low Urinary Sodium Is Associated With Greater Risk of Myocardial Infarction Among Treated Hypertensive Men

A sodium-reduced diet is frequently recommended for hypertensive individuals. To determine the relationship of sodium intake to subsequent cardiovascular disease, we assessed the experience of participants in a worksite-based cohort of hypertensive subjects. The 24-hour urinary excretion of sodium (UNaV), potassium, creatinine, and plasma renin activity was measured in 2937 mildly and moderately hypertensive subjects who were unmedicated for at least 3-4 weeks. Morbidity and mortality in these systematically treated subjects were ascertained. Men and women were stratified according to sex-specific quartiles of UNaV. Subjects in these strata were similar in race, cardiovascular status, and pretreatment and intreatment blood pressure. Subjects with lower UNaV were thinner, excreted less potassium, and had higher plasma renin activity. During an average 3.8 years of follow-up, a total of 55 myocardial infarctions occurred. Myocardial infarction and UNaV were inversely associated in the total population and in men but not in women, who sustained only nine events. In men, age- and race-adjusted myocardial infarction incidence in the lowest versus highest UNaV quartile was 11.5 versus 2.5 (relative risk, 4.3, 95% confidence interval, 1.7-10.6). No association was observed between non-cardiovascular disease mortality (n = 11) and UNaV. There was a significant linear trend in proportions of myocardial infarction by UNaV quartile, with a break point after the lowest UNaV quartile.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Design of a Movable Nested-Mesh Primitive Equation Model

Abstract A numerical scheme to construct a two-way, movable, nested-mesh primitive equation model is proposed. Dynamical coupling in a two-way nesting system is performed at a dynamical interface which is separated from a mesh interface by two coarse-grid intervals. Dynamical interaction is achieved by a method which conserves mass, momentum and internal energy of the system. During the course 'Of integration, the nested mesh moves so that the central position of the disturbance contained in The fine-mesh area never deviates from the center of the nest by more than one coarse-mesh interval. New grid data near the leading and trailing edges of the moving nest are obtained by an interpolation method which has a conservation property. The proposed methods of dynamical coupling and mesh movement were extensively tested by a one-dimensional shallow water equation model. Numerical results of these experiments are presented.
Incidence of corneal ulcer in hydrogel contact lens wearers and post-cataract endophthalmitis: Do they Compare?

Our patients today often perceive current corneal refractive surgery to be a painless, successful, and overall safe procedure, which becomes an alternative to contact lenses and spectacles. This thinking is about to be taken one step further—to also embrace and to include as one of refractive surgery’s many options, the implantation of intraocular contact lenses (IOCL) in a healthy phakic eye. The IOCL can be placed either anterior, posterior or adjacent to the iris in an eye with a clear crystalline lens. An example of an anterior chamber IOCL is the Nu Vita lens by Bausch & Lomb Surgical while, the posterior chamber IOCL is represented by Intraocular Contact Lens developed by Staar Surgical. The Artisan lens by Optech BV is the latest designed iris supported lens, which is currently in the final phase of the Food and Drug Administration’s clinical investigation for its safety and efficacy in the treatment of myopia [1]. While IOCLs may require different ocular placement, they all still require the penetration of the globe, which ophthalmic surgeons, due to the risks involved in the past, would avoid unless it becomes clinically necessary. In the case of a cataract, the surgeon opens the globe, removes part or all of the crystalline lens and implants a lens that essentially replaces the function of the crystalline lens. This type of intraocular surgery has a distinct health benefit in restoring lost vision. It is generally accepted that the benefits outweigh the risks inherent with intraocular surgery. However, with clear lens IOCL procedures, there is no such health benefit, but presumably the risks are the same or even greater than those encountered in cataract surgery. The old wisdom of not opening the globe unless it is absolutely clinically necessary is abandoned in these procedures. Logic dictates that the IOCL procedure must not be accepted as a variant of “safe” cataract surgery or another “safe” refractive procedure. The IOCL carries it’s own unique risk benefit ratio, on which it should be eval-
Self-Assembled Cationic Biodegradable Nanoparticles from pH-Responsive Amino-Acid-Based Poly(Ester Urea Urethane)s and Their Application As a Drug Delivery Vehicle.

The objective of this study is to develop a new family of biodegradable and biologically active copolymers and their subsequent self-assembled cationic nanoparticles as better delivery vehicles for anticancer drugs to achieve the synergism between the cytotoxicity effects of the loaded drugs and the macrophage inflammatory response of the delivery vehicle. This family of cationic nanoparticles was formulated from a new family of amphiphilic cationic Arginine-Leucine (Arg-Leu)-based poly(ester urea urethane) (Arg-Leu PEUU) synthesized from four building blocks (amino acids, diols, glycerol α-monoallyl ether, and 1,6 hexamethylene diisocyanate). The chemical, physical, and biological properties of Arg-Leu PEUU biomaterials can be tuned by controlling the feed ratio of the four building blocks. The Arg-Leu PEUU copolymers have weight-average molecular weights from 13.4 to 16.8 kDa and glass-transition temperatures from −3.4 to −4.6 °C. The self-assembled cationic nanoparticles (Arg-Leu PEUU NPs) were prepare...
Trends in anemia treatment among patients with five non-myeloid malignancies treated with chemotherapy in a large integrated health care delivery system in California, 2000-2013.

The aim of this study is to examine treatment patterns for chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) between calendar periods when the changes in the US prescribing information, for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) took place. Patients diagnosed with breast, lung, colorectal, ovarian, or gastric cancer (2000–2012) who developed grade 2+ CIA (hemoglobin (Hb) <10 g/dl) were identified from Kaiser Permanente Southern California Health Plan. We estimated the proportions of CIA episodes with ESA use, red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, or prescription nutritional supplements in three calendar periods: January 1, 2000–December 31, 2006 (P1), January 1, 2007–March 24, 2010 (P2), and March 25, 2010–June 30, 2013 (P3). Multivariable regressions were used to test the differences of CIA treatment approaches and Hb concentration prior to CIA treatment across these calendar periods. The proportions of CIA episodes with ESA use were 28 % in P1, 21 % in P2, and 3 % in P3. For RBC transfusion, they were 8 % in P1, 14 % in P2 and 16 % in P3. The trend of decreasing ESA use and increasing transfusion use were statistically significant. Relative to P1, the odds ratio (OR) was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.86) for P2 and 0.08 (0.30, 0.88) for P3 for ESA use. For RBC transfusion, OR was 2.00 (1.56, 2.56) for P2 and 2.37 (1.88, 3.00) for P3. Use of prescription nutritional supplement was rare across calendar periods. There was a decreasing trend of Hb concentration prior to ESA use (p value <0.01), but no difference in Hb concentrations prior to transfusion. In the management of CIA, use of ESA has decreased over time, while use of RBC transfusion has increased.
A Call to Action: Five Policy Proposals on Behalf of All Families-President's Address to the 2007 Groves Conference on Marriage and Family

This “Call to Action: Five Policy Proposals on Behalf of All Families” was the presidential address presented at Groves Conference on Marriage and Family on June 3, 2007. The theme of the Groves Co...
Hydrolysis of glyceryl tri[1-14C]octanoate and glyceryl tri[1-14C]oleate monolayers by postheparin lipolytic activity

The hydrolysis of monomolecular films of glyceryl tri (I-W)octanoate and glyceryl tri(l-W)oleate has been demonstrated by measurement of the decrease in surface radio- activity that occurs in the presence of postheparin plasma. The hydrolysis displayed first order kinetics and was propor- tional to enzyme concentration over a 10-fold range. No hydrolysis was observed in the absence of enzyme, and only slight activity (1%) was found in plasma taken from subjects before heparin administration. The hydrolysis was stimulated to a variable extent by Ca*+. The first product of hydrolysis of the monolayer was identified as 1,2-diglyceride, which was subsequently converted to 2-monoglyceride. Inhibition of tri- glyceride hydrolysis was observed when postheparin plasma was preincubated in 2 M NaCI, 10-4 M protamine, 10 m~ Na4P207, and 0.1 M NaF. Monolayer techniques avoid some but not all of the problems associated with emulsified lipid substrates and appear to be applicable for study of post- heparin lipolytic activities. systems the enzyme catalysis takes place only at the air- water interface with lipid films of defined composition and physical state. The requirements for enzymic reac- tions involving lipid substrates may be readily deter- mined. The effects of activators and inhibitors on the enzyme, the substrate, and the enzyme-substrate com- plex may thus be differentiated and properly evaluated. The initial objective of the series of experiments presented in this report has been to demonstrate that hydrolysis of triglyceride monolayers can be observed with the postheparin lipolytic activity (8). The mono- layer techniques appear to be applicable to a study of this complex hydrolytic system and the role of the apo- protein cofactors.
SU-G-IeP3-07: High-Resolution, High-Sensitivity Imaging and Quantification of Intratumoral Distributions of Gold Nanoparticles Using a Benchtop L-Shell XRF Imaging System

Purpose: To demonstrate the ability to perform high-resolution imaging and quantification of sparse distributions of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) within ex vivo tumor samples using a highly-sensitive benchtop L-shell x-ray fluorescence (XRF) imaging system. Methods: An optimized L-shell XRF imaging system was assembled using a tungsten-target x-ray source (operated at 62 kVp and 45 mA). The x-rays were filtered (copper: 0.08 mm & aluminum: 0.04 mm) and collimated (lead: 5 cm thickness, 3 cm aperture diameter) into a cone-beam in order to irradiate small samples or objects. A collimated (stainless steel: 4 cm thickness, 2 mm aperture diameter) silicon drift detector, capable of 2D translation, was placed at 90° with respect to the beam to acquire XRF/scatter spectra from regions of interest. Spectral processing involved extracting XRF signal from background, followed by attenuation correction using a Compton scatter-based normalization algorithm. Calibration phantoms with water/GNPs (0 and 0.00001–10 mg/cm3) were used to determine the detection limit of the system at a 10-second acquisition time. The system was then used to map the distribution of GNPs within a 12×11×2 mm3 slice excised from the center of a GNP-loaded ex vivo murine tumor sample; a total of 110 voxels (2.65×10−3 cm3) were imaged with 1.3-mm spatial resolution. Results: The detection limit of the current cone-beam benchtop L-shell XRF system was 0.003 mg/cm3 (3 ppm). Intratumoral GNP concentrations ranging from 0.003 mg/cm3 (3 ppm) to a maximum of 0.055 mg/cm3 (55 ppm) and average of 0.0093 mg/cm3 (9.3 ppm) were imaged successfully within the ex vivo tumor slice. Conclusion: The developed cone-beam benchtop L-shell XRF imaging system can immediately be used for imaging of ex vivo tumor samples containing low concentrations of GNPs. With minor finetuning/optimization, the system can be directly adapted for performing routine preclinical in vivo imaging tasks. Supported by NIH/NCI grant R01CA155446 This investigation was supported by NIH/NCI grant R01CA155446.