cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sequestration of priority pollutant PAHs from sediment pore water employing semipermeable membrane devices.

Semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) were employed to sample sediment pore water in static exposure studies under controlled laboratory conditions using (control pond and formulated) sediments fortified with 15 priority pollutant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PPPAHs). The sediment fortification level of 750 ng/g was selected on the basis of what might be detected in a sediment sample from a contaminated area. The sampling interval consisted of 0, 4, 7, 14, and 28 days for each study. The analytical methodologies, as well as the extraction and sample cleanup procedures used in the isolation, characterization, and quantitation of 15 PPPAHs at different fortification levels in SPMDs, water, and sediment were reported previously (Williamson, M.S. Thesis, University of Missouri-Columbia, USA; Williamson et al., Chemosphere (This issue--PII: S0045-6535(02)00394-6)) and used for this project. Average (mean) extraction recoveries for each PPPAH congener in each matrix are reported and discussed. No procedural blank extracts (controls) were found to contain any PPPAH residues above the method quantitation limit, therefore, no matrix interferences were detected. The focus of this publication is to demonstrate the ability to sequester environmental contaminants, specifically PPPAHs, from sediment pore water using SPMDs and two different types of fortified sediment.
The Impact of Donor Renal Function on Cardiac Allograft Survival: Insights into Reno-Cardiac Interactions

Purpose Myocardial necrosis and apoptosis have been observed following experimentally induced renal dysfunction (RD). Given that adverse cardiac outcomes remain strongly associated with acute kidney injury even after RD completely normalizes, many have theorized that the adverse outcomes directly result from RD-induced myocardial injury. However, it remains unclear whether this risk is the result of the RD itself, or if RD is identifying a “sicker” population. As such, we hypothesized that if the adverse cardiovascular outcomes associated with RD result primarily from irreversible RD-induced myocardial injury, transplantation of a heart from a donor with RD should lead to inferior graft survival. Methods and Materials Adult patients in the UNOS registry who underwent cardiac transplantation from 1994 through June 30, 2011 with donor creatinine and urine protein available were evaluated (n=20,438). Results Mean donor GFR was 90.5 ± 48.4 ml/min and 22.3% of donors had RD (GFR 40 (HR=1.4, p 4 hrs (HR=1.2, p Conclusions RD in cardiac allograft donors is not associated with reduced post-transplant graft survival. These data support the hypothesis that irreversible myocardial injury induced by RD is not primarily responsible for the strong epidemiologic association between RD and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Approximations of Interplanetary Trajectories by Chebyshev Series

A METHOD to obtain rapidly convergent series approximations of trajectories with close planetary encounters is presented. The expansions are obtained as finite Chebyshev polynomial series with numerical coefficients. A high-order solution is obtained by the Picard method of successive approximations. The series solution method may be used to solve either initial value or two-point boundary value problems, and may include nongravitational forces. A modification of the Picard method is introduced to reduce considerably the number of iterates. The method yields highly accurate and strongly convergent series solutions as explicit functions of time. The method requires less time of calculation than a more conventional method of numerical integration and provides more definitive and bounded error properties.
A New Method of Fixation of Silicone Rubber Catheters for Long-term Hyperalimentation

ONG-TERM INTRAVENOUS HYPERALIMENTATION is now an established method of treating patients with life-threatening abnormalities of intestinal function.1*2 Success of the method is predicated to a large degree on the proper placement and maintenance of a central venous catheter. In infants and children, satisfactory long-term central venous cannulation is best achieved by passing a catheter into the superior vena cava through a jugular vein in the neck. In our early experience, the use of polyethylene and polyvinyl plastic intravenous catheters was associated with venous thrombosis, extensive edema of the head and neck, and inflammation along the catheter tract. In the past 4 yr, these complications have been almost completely eliminated by the routine use of less reactive silicone rubber catheters. In contrast to the more rigid plastic tubing, fixation of the softer silicone rubber tubing by usual ligature technique has not been satisfactory. A securely tied encircling holding ligature tends to occlude its lumen and a sIightIy less secure ligature faiIs to prevent accidental dislodgement. Because the frequency of inadvertent catheter dislodgement was unacceptable (25%), a new method of fixation was devised to provide adequate fixation (Fig. 1). After the vein is catheterized, a silicone rubber sleeve to which dacron wings are bonded* is passed around the intravenous catheter at its venous entry site. The dacron wings are sutured to the soft tissues of the neck and the sleeve is glued to the catheter with silicone cement.t The sleeve is buried in the neck beneath the subcutaneous tissues. To remove the sleeve and catheter when intravenous alimentation is no longer required, the small neck incision is opened at the bedside after infiltrating a local anesthetic. The dacron wings are cut away from the tissues to which they have become fixed. The intravenous catheter is divided above the sleeve and the distal catheter is withdrawn
Primary production response to seasonal-scale extremes in the Bering Sea simulated by the Community Earth System Model, version 1

Abstract The biological response to long-term trends and the co-occurrence of seasonal extremes of the physical environment and primary production in the eastern Bering Sea, as simulated by the Community Earth System Model (CESM1), are presented. This analysis covers the late-twentieth century (1950–2005) and focuses on critical drivers of the eastern Bering Sea ecosystem, including air temperature, sea ice area, wind mixing, and mixed layer depth. Primary production showed strong linear relationships to both air temperature and sea ice area during winter and spring. The only season that had a positive linear correspondence between wind mixing and primary production was summer. Over the fifty-five year period the CESM1 simulates a trend toward warmer air temperatures and a subsequent reduction in sea ice for every season; however, no trends were seen in seasonally averaged wind mixing or mixed layer depth. Corresponding to the air temperature increase was an increase in occurrence of positive seasonal extremes in primary production, as well as a reduction in negative production extremes. There were some instances of seasonal production extremes coinciding with seasonal extremes in the physical environment; however, neither these co-occurrences, nor the direction of the biological response to the physics, were robust throughout the study period.
Adsorptive properties of magnetite surfaces as studied by temperature-programmed desorption: Studies of O2, NO, CO2, and CO adsorption

Abstract The adsorptive properties of magnetite surfaces of differing oxidation state were studied with respect to various probe molecules (O2, NO, CO2, and CO) using temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). Oxygen existed on these surfaces as molecular species (QO2,≅ 61 and 78 kJ mol−1, where Q is the heat of adsorption), atomic species, and lattice-like species. The number of these various oxygen species decreased as the surface was vacuum-annealed at higher temperatures. Correspondingly, the number and coordinative unsaturation of surface cations increased. Nitric oxide adsorbed as both weakly bound nitrosyl and strongly bound dissociated species. Nitrosyl species (QNO2 ≅ 60–130 kJ mol−1) desorbed as NO and simultaneously reacted to form a small amount (ca. 1%) of desorbed N2O and surface oxygen. Dissociated species reacted to form N2 (with an activation energy of ca. 200 kJ mol−1) and surface lattice oxygen. The surface coverages of both species increased with increasing extent of surface reduction, and total NO coverages correlated with the number of exposed cation sites. Carbon dioxide adsorbed as both monodentate (QCO2 ≅50–60 kJ mol−1) and bidentate (QO2 = 60–120 kJ mol−1) carbonate species. Bidentate carbonate formation, which required cation-anion pair sites, inhibited NO adsorption on cation sites and was blocked by NO preadsorption on these sites. The CO2 forming these carbonate species was capable of exchanging one oxygen with the surface upon desorption. Total CO2 coverages correlated with the number of reactive surface oxygen species. Carbon monoxide weakly adsorbed ( Q O 2 ≌ 46 kJ mol −1 ) in a carbonyl fashion on cation sites of low coordination.
Nonprotein based enrichment method to analyze peptide cross-linking in protein complexes.

Cross-linking analysis of protein complexes and structures by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has advantages in speed, sensitivity, specificity, and the capability of handling complicated protein assemblies. However, detection and accurate assignment of the cross-linked peptides are often challenging due to their low abundance and complicated fragmentation behavior in collision-induced dissociation (CID). To simplify the MS analysis and improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the cross-linked peptides, we developed a novel peptide enrichment strategy that utilizes a cross-linker with a cryptic thiol group and using beads modified with a photocleavable cross-linker. The functional cross-linkers were designed to react with the primary amino groups in proteins. Human serum albumin was used as a model protein to detect intra- and intermolecular cross-linkages. Use of this protein-free selective retrieval method eliminates the contamination that can result from avidin−biotin based retrieval systems and simplifie...
Evolutionary biology: Speciation undone

Hybridization can cause two species to fuse into a single population. New observations suggest that two species of Darwin's finches are hybridizing on a Galapagos island, and that a third one has disappeared through interbreeding.
Uniform L1 posterior consistency in compact Gaussian shift experiments

Abstract For a suitably chosen metric ρ for the topology of weak convergence in the space of prior distributions on the shift parameter of a compact Gaussian shift experiment, the posterior distribution (induced by a full support prior) of the shift parameter given independent and identically distributed observations from the experiment is uniformly (in the shift parameter) L 1 consistent in ρ . The corresponding posterior mean is uniformly L 1 consistent in the norm on the parameter space. ρ -distance between the posterior mean (induced by a full support hyperprior) of the prior (i.e., mixing) distribution given independent and identically distributed observations from the mixture experiment and the empirical distribution of the parameter sequence in the product experiment [the mixing distribution] goes to zero in L 1 of the product [mixture] experiment, uniformly in parameter sequences [mixing distributions].
Synthesis, Structure, and Fluxionality of (μ-Diphenylsilylene)(fulvalene)tetracarbonyldirhenium Double Si−H Activation to the First Fulvalene Silylene Complex

(Fulvalene)hexacarbonyldirhenium (1) furnishes the first silylene fulvalenedimetal complex 3 by double Si−H activation. The solid-state structure of the molecule was determined by X-ray analysis and its solution dynamics by 1H NMR spectroscopy.
Bill size and dimorphism in tidal-marsh sparrows: island-like processes in a continental habitat

Conditions favoring population divergence in trophic features, such as the low levels of species richness and interspecific competition found on islands, can be similar to conditions that increase their sexual dimorphism or overall variance. Male emberizid sparrows of tidal marshes have undergone parallel evolution of large bills. We tested for parallel increases between dimorphism and overall variation in bill size by comparing three groups totaling 30 sparrow subspecies: tidal-marsh sparrows, nontidal relatives of tidal-marsh taxa, and representative sparrow taxa. Bill size (and not other features) showed the following patterns in tidal-marsh sparrows compared to nontidal relatives or sparrows at large: (1) an increase; (2) a greater increase in males than females; (3) an increase in sexual dimorphism; and (4) greater variation in females. A high degree of sexual dimorphism in bill size is consistent with the hypothesis that low levels of interspecific and high levels of intraspecific competition select for intraspecific niche divergence. Alternatively, increased sexual selection in tidal-marsh sparrows, vis-a-vis high densities and hence increased male-male competition, may account for the differentially large increase in bill size in males. Relaxed natural selection due to high ecosystem productivity and low interspecific competition may explain why, in tidal-marsh sparrows, female bills have diverged less than males and show higher levels of variability at larger sizes. Both the niche divergence and sexual selection hypotheses depend upon processes, particularly increases in population density, that are similar to those often reported for island passerines. However, the low species diversity and increased intraspecific competition of salt marsh faunas is probably a result of abiotic constraints on colonization (tides and salinity) rather than the isolating distances of island biotas. Thus, both a shift in bill size and increases in its dimorphism and variability may be favored by high productivity and abiotic constraints.
Progressive collapse analysis of seismically designed steel braced frames

Abstract The progressive collapse resistance of seismically designed steel braced frames is investigated using validated computational simulation models. Two types of braced systems are considered: namely, special concentrically braced frames and eccentrically braced frames. The study is conducted on previously designed 10-story prototype buildings by applying the alternate path method. In this methodology, critical columns and adjacent braces, if present, are instantaneously removed from an analysis model and the ability of the model to successfully absorb member loss is investigated. Member removal in this manner is intended to represent a situation where an extreme event or abnormal load destroys the member. The simulation results show that while both systems benefit from placement of the seismically designed frames on the perimeter of the building, the eccentrically braced frame is less vulnerable to progressive collapse than the special concentrically braced frame. Improvement in behavior is due to improved system and member layouts in the former compared to the latter rather than the use of more stringent seismic detailing.
Sensitivity of different spirometric tests for detecting airway obstruction in childhood asthma.

AbstractObjective: The objective of this study was to compare different measures of airflow obstruction by spirometry in childhood asthma. The objectives were; (a) to compare sensitivity of large airway tests (FEV1 and PEFR) with tests at low lung volumes (small airways) (FEF25–75, FEF50 and FEF75); (b) compare within each group which individual tests are more sensitive. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 2307 spirometry tests performed during outpatient visits on 821 doctor-diagnosed asthma patients aged 6–18. Tests were deemed acceptable if they were acceptable and repeatable by American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria. Results: In mild obstruction, FEV1 detected 6.8% abnormal tests while FEF75 detected 33% (p < 0.0001). In more severe obstruction, the difference was more obvious (FEV1 14.8%; FEF75 71%). Tests at low lung volumes (small airway tests) were also more sensitive than PEFR. Within groups, FEV1 was more sensitive than PEFR in the large airway tests and FEF75 was more sensitive than...
Effect of Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone on the Thermal Phase Transition of 1,2 Dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine Bilayer.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) with phospholipid bilayers in an effort to add a new dimension to our understanding of polymer interaction with lipids. For the preparation of lipid–polymer dispersions, measured amounts of DPPC (1,2 dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and PVP were mixed in chloroform. After complete elimination of organic solvent, the dry mixtures were hydrated at 50–55°C. Interactions between DPPC and PVP were assessed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and photon correlation spectroscopy (PS). Separation of liposomes and micelles was performed by centrifugation. Liquid scintillation counting and a UV spectrophotometer were used for their analysis. PVP added as dry powder or added as aqueous solution to dry lipid or preformed liposomes failed to interact. Only PVP previously dissolved in chloroform interacted with DPPC. The DPPC main phase transition moved to lower temperatures with increasing PVP concentrations. This reduction of the phase transition temperature was accompanied by an increase of the DPPC phase transition enthalpy. Analysis of solubilization indicated that the amount of PVP present in the bilayer is dependent on the PVP bulk concentration. The data suggest interaction of PVP previously dissolved in chloroform with the acyl chains of the phospholipid deep into the bilayer.
Anidulafungin: a new echinocandin with a novel profile.

Abstract Background: Until recently, available treatment for serious fungal infections comprised amphotericin B and azoles, which have limitations. Renal toxicity is a major concern with amphotericin B, while drug-drug interactions, hepatotoxicity, and skin rashes are the primary concerns with the azole medications. The development of the echinocandins, including caspofungin, has helped to fill the need for more efficacious antifungals that are useful across different patient populations and have a good safety profile. Anidulafungin is an echinocandin being developed to treat mucosal and invasive fungal infections. Objective: The aim of this report was to describe the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of anidulafungin. Methods: Data were identified using MEDLINE and National Library of Medicine Gateway searches for English-language literature (key words: anidulafungin, esophageal candidiasis, echinocandin, caspofungin, ravuconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, micafungin , and fluconazole ; years: 1996–2004), and from meeting abstracts of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (Arlington Heights, Illinois), European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (Basel, Switzerland), International Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (Washington, DC), and Infectious Diseases Society of America (Arlington, Virginia). Results: Anidulafungin has potent in vitro activity against Aspergillus and Candida spp, including those resistant to either fluconazole or amphotericin B. Results of several clinical trials imply that anidulafungin is effective in treating esophageal candidiasis (EC), candidemia, and invasive candidiasis (IC). In a Phase III, randomized, blinded clinical trial evaluating anidulafungin (50 mg/d) versus fluconazole (100 mg/d) for the treatment of EC, 97.2% and 98.9% of patients who received anidulafungin and fluconazole, respectively, showed evidence of cure or improvement (treatment difference, −1.6%; 95% CI, −4.1 to 0.8). In a Phase II study of candidasis and candidemia, anidulafungin showed success rates of 72%, 85%, and 83% in patients receiving the drug at dosages of 50, 75, or 100 mg/d, respectively. Studies evaluating the concomitant use of anidulafungin and either amphotericin, voriconazole, or cyclosporine did not show clinically significant drug-drug interactions or altered adverse-event (AE) profiles ( P P Conclusions: Anidulafungin may offer a new option to treat serious fungal infections, such as EC, azole-refractory EC, candidemia, and IC. In addition, anidulafungin has been associated with no clinically significant drug-drug interactions and few treatment-related AEs. Anidulafungin may offer a new option in the management of serious and difficult-to-treat invasive fungal infections.
Fatigue Crack Growth in Cast and Wrought Aluminium Alloys

Fatigue crack growth (FCG) behaviour of cast aluminium alloys with different strengthening mechanisms (A535, 319, A356, A390) and wrought aluminium alloys (6061) was investigated in this study. Among the various parameters that can affect the propagation of fatigue cracks, the initial flaw size and microstructure were studied and correlated. Long and small FCG tests at low and high positive stress ratios were conducted on these materials in room temperature air. The mechanisms of FCG at the microstructural scale were identified and will be compared and discussed. In addition, two-parameter design diagrams were constructed to link loading conditions to microstructural response and fracture modes determined from fractographic observations. Finally, a new methodology and tools that can be used to bridge the differences between small and long fatigue cracks were developed and will be presented.
Global efforts to improve palliative care: the International End‐of‐Life Nursing Education Consortium Training Programme

Title. Global efforts to improve palliative care: the International End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium Training Programme Aim. This paper is a report of an evaluation study to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium-International training conference in providing education and support materials to participants so they might return to their home countries and disseminate palliative care information. Background. More than 50 million people die each year, many without access to adequate pain control or palliative care. Numerous barriers to implementation of palliative care exist, including lack of education provided to healthcare professionals regarding these principles. Because they spend the most time with patients and their families, nurses have the greatest potential to change the way palliative care is provided. Method. A Course Evaluation Form and a Postcourse Activity Evaluation was completed by a convenience sample of 38 nurses from 14 Eastern and Central European, former Soviet, and Central Asian countries. The data were collected in 2006 using Likert scales and open-ended questions. Findings. Evaluations of speakers ranged from a mean of 4·4 to 4·9 on the 5-point scale, with five denoting the highest level. The mean rating of the conference overall was 4·9. Strengths included the professional level of presentations, practical, clinically based content, extensive resources and availability of the educators. Conclusion. The first End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium-International training programme demonstrated the feasibility of providing high-quality, essential education to nurses from a variety of countries. Because End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium is designed as a train-the-trainer programme, assistance with translation to native languages, along with textbooks and other resources, is needed to allow participants to fully implement this curriculum.
Seed Radiosensitivity: A New Constant?

Dormant seeds of different species tolerate varying amounts of ionizing radiation, species having smaller nuclei in the apical meristem generally withstanding greater exposure. Nuclear volume (in µ3) multiplied by radiation exposure (in roentgens) equals a constant, estimated from 12 species to be (10.14 ± 1.17) x 104. From nuclear volumes alone, predictions of radiation response for two unknown species were made; experimental values in both cases fell below the 95 percent but within the 99 percent confidence intervals of the predictions.
How social influence affects consumption trends in emerging markets: An empirical investigation of the consumption convergence hypothesis

The authors empirically test the veracity of the consumption convergence hypothesis for emerging markets (EMs): the hypothesis that through social influences on individual consumers resulting from global integration, and exposure to the United States (U.S.), consumption levels in EMs converge toward U.S. consumption levels. Drawing upon psychological theories of social influence, and using national per capita consumption data from 22 major EMs and the U.S., the authors find strong empirical support for consumption convergence for both, the aggregate consumption level of EMs, as well as for soft-drink consumption therein. After controlling for income and price levels, the results show that global integration and exposure to the U.S. each increase the EM's consumption convergence. The authors also find that degree of global integration interacts with specific exposure to the U.S., accelerating consumption convergence of EMs. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are considered, and future research opportunities are discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enabling collaborative adaptation across legacy components

Software frequently needs to adapt its behavior at run time to respond to changes in its execution environment. Different software components may use different approaches to adaptation. Composing a single adaptive system from existing adaptive components requires an "adaptation infrastructure" to integrate and arbitrate adaptive behaviors. This paper proposes a model for such an infrastructure and describes the design and operation of M2, a prototype implementation. M2 uses a technique called transparent shaping to modify existing components so that they can report events of interest to the M2 core and implement appropriate responses. The architecture and communication infrastructure of M2 are described, followed by a case study in which M2 is used to construct an adaptive multimedia conferencing application from otherwise incompatible components.
The Roots of Beowulf

The first Beowulf Linux commodity cluster was constructed at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in 1994 and its origins are a part of the folklore of high-end computing. In fact, the conditions within Goddard that brought the idea into being were shaped by rich historical roots, strategic pressures brought on by the ramp up of the Federal High-Performance Computing and Communications Program, growth of the open software movement, microprocessor performance trends, and the vision of key technologists. This multifaceted story is told here for the first time from the point of view of NASA project management.
Effects of ultrasonic vibration on degassing of aluminum alloys

In order to investigate the effects of ultrasonic vibration on degassing of aluminum alloys, three experimental systems have been designed and built: one for ultrasonic degassing in open air, one for ultrasonic degassing under reduced pressure, and one for ultrasonic degassing with a purging gas. Experiments were first carried out in air to test degassing using ultrasonic vibration alone. The limitations with ultrasonic degassing were outlined. Further experiments were then performed under reduced pressures and in combination with purging argon gas. Experimental results suggest that ultrasonic vibration alone is efficient for degassing a small volume of melt. Ultrasonic vibration can be used for assisting vacuum degassing, making vacuum degassing much faster than that without using ultrasonic vibration. Ultrasonically assisted argon degassing is the fastest method for degassing among the three methods tested in this research. More importantly, dross formation during ultrasonically assisted argon degassing is much less than that during argon degassing. The mechanisms of ultrasonic degassing are discussed.
Attenuation of hypothermic effects of ethanol by α2-adrenoceptor blockers

Effects of selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists, atipamezole and idazoxan, on ethanol-induced hypothermia were investigated in mice. Ethanol significantly reduced (P less than 0.001) core temperature whilst both alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists were without effect when administered alone. However, both the 1 and 3 mg/kg doses of atipamezole significantly (P less than 0.05) attenuated the ethanol-induced reduction in body temperature 20 and 40 min after administration. The 3 mg/kg dose of idazoxan (but not the 1 mg/kg dose) also significantly (P less than 0.05) attenuated ethanol's hypothermic effect 20 min after administration but this effect was not statistically significant at 40 min. In a subsequent experiment using lower doses of atipamezole (0.03-1.0 mg/kg) the attenuation of ethanol-induced hypothermia caused by atipamezole was found to be dose-related. The effect of the benzodiazepine inverse agonist Ro 15-4513 on ethanol-induced hypothermia was also investigated. This compound possessed an intrinsic hypothermic action but neither attenuated nor enhanced the hypothermic effect of ethanol. These results suggest that alpha 2-adrenoceptor can, at least partially, modulate the hypothermic effects of ethanol.
Cerebrospinal fluid production during temperature stress and feeding in the conscious monkey.

Das Flussigkeitsvolumen des Ventrikelliquors wurde in Affen (im 3. Ventrikel kanuliert) gemessen. Die Produktion von Ventrikelliquor verringerte sich stark wahrend 40–50 min, und zwar bei Nahrungsaufnahme, bei Erwarmung oder Abkuhlung. Hernach Ruckkehr des normalen Liquorvolumens.
Correlated Photon Pair Generation by a Single Dual-Element PPKTP Waveguide at over GHz Repetition Rate

A compact scheme for high-speed frequency doubling and down-conversion on a single dual-element PPKTP waveguide is investigated. Optimal temperature is achieved and coincidence is observed at over GHz repetition rate with pulsed pump input scheme.
NIS03-2: Optical Network Security: Sensing Eavesdropper Intervention

Optical communication networks transport an enormous aggregate client traffic, a good part of which is highly sensitive. As such, the optical signal in the fiber medium becomes attractive to bad actors in an attempt to tap the fiber or a component on the path in order to eavesdrop, source mimic, or attack to cause service denial. Therefore, it is important that the network has built-in security features to monitor the channel integrity and to also detect if and when unauthorized intervention has taken place. It is also important that the network is intelligent to countermeasure bad actors. Because the integrity of optical channels in are also affected by component degradation, photon-matter interactions and other non-linear phenomena, the network should be able to differentiate between malicious interventions and parametric degradations. In this paper we identify observable performance parameters and predictors, we describe a estimating method for in-line parameter monitoring, we conclusively distinguish between component degradations and intervention of a malicious eavesdropper and we describe countermeasure mechanisms.
Determination of perioperative cardiac risk by adenosine thallium-201 myocardial imaging

Abstract To determine the predictive value of adenosine thallium-201 myocardial imaging for perioperative cardiac events, 60 consecutive patients referred for preoperative cardiac evaluation were studied before vascular ( n = 25), orthopedic ( n = 14), or general ( n = 21) surgery. Tomographic ( n = 52) and planar ( n = 8) thallium-201 imaging was performed after adenosine infusion at a rate of 140 μg/kg/min for 6 minutes. Two blinded expert observers graded results of adenosine thallium-201 studies as normal (33%), fixed defect only (2%), reversible defect only (48%), and combined (fixed and reversible) defects (17%). After 8 ± 3 months of follow-up, 81% proceeded to surgery and 43% underwent preoperative coronary angiography. Clinical variables that correlated with perioperative cardiac events were a history of diabetes mellitus ( p = 0.05), left bundle branch block ( p = 0.02), and left ventricular hypertrophy ( p = 0.06) on the resting ECG. This clinically "high-risk" group had an event rate of 22% as compared with no cardiac events in patients in the "low-risk" group without these clinical characteristics ( p = 0.005). Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of a combined (fixed and reversible) adenosine thallium-201 defect ( p = 0.0007), three-vessel coronary artery disease ( p = 0.001), and left bundle branch block ( p = 0.02) was predictive of subsequent cardiac events with relative risk ratios of 4.9, 2.9, and 2.2, respectively. Therefore the presence of an adenosine thallium-201 perfusion defect is correlated with and predictive of an increased risk of perioperative cardiac events in patients referred for preoperative risk evaluation.
Functional Polymorphisms of Base Excision Repair Genes XRCC1 and APEX1 Predict Risk of Radiation Pneumonitis in Patients With Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Definitive Radiation Therapy

Purpose To explore whether functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of base-excision repair genes are predictors of radiation treatment-related pneumonitis (RP), we investigated associations between functional SNPs of ADPRT , APEX1 , and XRCC1 and RP development. Methods and Materials We genotyped SNPs of ADPRT (rs1136410 [V762A]), XRCC1 (rs1799782 [R194W], rs25489 [R280H], and rs25487 [Q399R]), and APEX1 (rs1130409 [D148E]) in 165 patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received definitive chemoradiation therapy. Results were assessed by both Logistic and Cox regression models for RP risk. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated for the cumulative RP probability by the genotypes. Results We found that SNPs of XRCC1 Q399R and APEX1 D148E each had a significant effect on the development of Grade ≥2 RP ( XRCC1 : AA vs. GG, adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24–0.97; APEX1 : GG vs. TT, adjusted HR = 3.61, 95% CI, 1.64–7.93) in an allele-dose response manner (Trend tests: p = 0.040 and 0.001, respectively). The number of the combined protective XRCC1 A and APEX1 T alleles (from 0 to 4) also showed a significant trend of predicting RP risk ( p = 0.001). Conclusions SNPs of the base-excision repair genes may be biomarkers for susceptibility to RP. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate our findings.
Breast conservation therapy for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): does presentation of disease affect long-term outcomes?

For DCIS patients eligible for breast conservation treatment (BCT), it remains unclear whether presenting with physical signs/symptoms (Phys) confers a worse long-term prognosis compared to mammographically detected DCIS (Mam). We collected data on 669 DCIS patients treated with BCT from 1974 to 2007 of whom 80 were identified as category “Phys” and 589 were in category “Mam.” Treatment parameters (i.e., the RT dose delivered, boost, rates of stereotactic biopsy, re-excision, node dissection) did not differ significantly between the two cohorts (p = NS). At a 60-month median follow-up, significant associations included younger age at presentation (p < 0.001), non-white race (p = 0.041), larger tumor size (p = 0.002), more 1°/2° papillary histology (1°, p = 0.001; 2°, p = 0.005) for the Phys cohort. As expected, mammograms were more likely to show mass/nodules/asymmetrical densities and less likely to show microcalcifications for the Phys versus Mam group (p < 0.0001). There were no differences in family history, multifocality, grade, necrosis, or residual disease at re-excision, nodal involvement, status of margins, or ER/PR/HER-2 between the cohorts. The local relapse-free survival was similar at 5 years (100 vs. 96.9 %, p = 0.116) and 10 years (96.2 vs. 96.2 %, p = 0.906), with no significant overall survival difference at 10 years (97.5 vs. 95.9 %, p = 0.364) between the Phys and Mam patients, respectively. On multivariate analysis, presentation was not an independent predictor of local relapse-free survival or overall survival when accounting for age, race, tumor size, mammogram appearance, and adjuvant hormone treatment. Our findings suggest that although some clinicopathological differences exist between DCIS patients presenting with physical signs/symptoms compared with those presenting with mammographically detected disease, long-term outcomes are similar for patients appropriately selected for BCT.
Is a Unified Methodology for System-Level Design Possible?

This article describes the principles of the design of embedded electronic systems from the perspective of the entire system. By not restricting this perspective to the electrical domain, a more disciplined methodology can help bring system-level design to a new level of efficiency.
Does Cigarette Use Modify Blood Pressure Measurement or the Effectiveness of Blood Pressure Medications

Smoking is the most common cause of avoidable cardiovascular disease worldwide. The incidence of hypertension is increased in people who smoke 15 or more cigarettes per day. The acute and chronic effects of cigarette smoking are worth reviewing, as this may impact the choice of drugs and dosing considerations in the hypertensive population. The acute effects of smoking on blood pressure (BP) are related to overactivity in the sympathetic nervous system, which results in an increase in myocardial oxygen consumption due to an acute increase in BP, heart rate, and myocardial contractility. Acutely, BP rises transiently within minutes and starts to decrease back to baseline by 15 minutes after smoking a cigarette. This transient increase in BP may be most prominent after the first cigarette of the day even in habitual smokers. One study showed an average 20-mm Hg increase in systolic BP after the first cigarette. This effect may be amplified with caffeine use. 5 Interestingly, habitual smokers have been shown in some studies to have lower BP than nonsmokers, and this appears to be related to decreased body weight. A major contributor to the lower BP is likely from cotinine, the major metabolite of nicotine, which has some vasodilatory effects. Despite this observation, smoking should be avoided in any hypertensive patient because it can markedly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and result in the progression of chronic kidney disease. Chronic smoking also induces arterial stiffness, which can persist for a decade after smoking cessation, and this alone is an increased cardiovascular risk factor. Smoking has also been shown to cause a decrease in left ventricular function in asymptomatic individuals. A recent prospective study examined factors associated with renal function decline in 53 hypertensive patients whose serum creatinine increased from 1.5 mg ⁄dL to 1.9 mg ⁄dL despite a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure (127–97 mm Hg). Smoking was the most significant independent factor underlying the progression of chronic kidney disease in smokers vs nonsmokers. The mechanism is unclear but may be due to an acute increase in systemic hypertension from smoking resulting in glomerular hypertension. Cigarette smoking can also affect metabolism of antihypertensive drugs and their efficacy. b-Blockers in particular have been implicated in being less efficacious when taken by smokers. b-Blockers have been shown to be less effective for BP and heart rate reductions in smokers compared with nonFrom the Department of Medicine, Hypertension Program, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA Address for correspondence: Debbie L. Cohen, MD, Renal Division, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 210 White Building, Philadelphia, PA 19104 E-mail: cohendl@mail.med.upenn.edu
Die Sublimation von Plutoniumtetrafluorid

Tbe vapor pressure of PuFi in the range of 1000 to 1300~ was measured. Experiments indicate that PuFt is the sublimed species up to the higher temperature limit. The possible disproportionation of PuFi at temperatures above this or the secondary disproportionation in the gaseous phase carunot be ruled out. (auth)
Amino acid sequence of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase from Dictyosteliumdiscoideum as deduced from the cDNA sequence

S-Adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase has been cloned from a λgt11 cDNA library prepared from Dictyostelium discoideum that had been starved for 3 hours. The sequence of the cloned cDNA was determined and the deduced amino acid sequence was compared to the amino acid sequence of rat AdoHcy hydrolase. When the sequences from the two species were aligned, 74% of the amino acids were in identical positions. If conservative changes were taken into account the homology was 84%. Because differences have been reported in the binding characteristics of NAD+ to the D. discoideum and rat AdoHcy hydrolases, changes in the amino acids of the putative NAD+-binding site were of particular interest. Six changes were observed in this region but the changes appeared to be in regions that are not critical to the three dimensional folding of the NAD+-binding site.
MLL translocations, histone modifications and leukaemia stem-cell development

Translocations that involve the mixed lineage leukaemia (MLL) gene identify a unique group of acute leukaemias, and often predict a poor prognosis. The MLL gene encodes a DNA-binding protein that methylates histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4), and positively regulates gene expression including multiple Hox genes. Leukaemogenic MLL translocations encode MLL fusion proteins that have lost H3K4 methyltransferase activity. A key feature of MLL fusion proteins is their ability to efficiently transform haematopoietic cells into leukaemia stem cells. The link between a chromatin modulator and leukaemia stem cells provides support for epigenetic landscapes as an important part of leukaemia and normal stem-cell development.
Requisite roles of A2A receptors, nitric oxide, and KATP channels in retinal arteriolar dilation in response to adenosine.

PURPOSE. Adenosine is a potent vasodilator of retinal microvessels and is implicated to be a major regulator of retinal blood flow during metabolic stress. However, the receptor subtypes and the underlying signaling mechanism responsible for the dilation of retinal microvessels in response to adenosine remain unclear. In the present study, the roles of specific adenosine receptor subtypes, nitric oxide (NO), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K + (K ATP ) channels in adenosine-induced dilation of retinal arterioles in vitro were examined. METHODS. Porcine second-order retinal arterioles (40 -70 μm in internal diameter) were isolated, cannulated, and pressurized to 55 cmH 2 O luminal pressure without flow. Diameter changes in response to agonists were recorded by using videomicroscopic techniques. RESULTS. All vessels exhibited basal tone and dilated dose dependently in reaction to adenosine, N 6 -cyclopentyladenosine (an adenosine A 1 receptor agonist), and 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)]phenylethyl-amino-5'-N'-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS21680; an adenosine A 2A receptor agonist). These responses were not altered by the selective adenosine A 1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine, but were significantly attenuated by the selective adenosine A 2A receptor antagonist 4-(2-(7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]-triazolo[2,3-a] [1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino}ethyl)phenol. Blockade of NO synthase, but not of cyclooxygenase or cytochrome P-450 epoxy-genase, significantly attenuated the vasodilations in response to adenosine and CGS21680. The residual vasodilative reactions to both agonists was nearly abolished by the K ATP channel inhibitor glibenclamide. CONCLUSIONS. These data suggest that adenosine evokes retinal arteriolar dilation via activation of A 2A receptors and subsequent production of NO and opening of K ATP channels. A better understanding of the fundamental signaling pathways responsible for adenosine-induced dilation of retinal arterioles may help shed light on the possible mechanisms contributing to impaired retinal blood flow regulation in patients after retinal ischemia. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2005;46:2113-2119) DOI:10.1167/jovs.04-1438.
SU-E-T-99: From Thermal Response to CT Dose — a Calorimetric Journey in HDPE

Purpose: : CT dose, normally measured with an ionization chamber, can be directly determined by measuring temperature increases in the sub‐mK levels in a material, as shown in a recent proof‐of‐principle study using the proposed AAPM TG200 high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) phantom. The present study set out to investigate radiation‐induced chemical transformation (heat defect) that impacts the dose estimates. Methods: The calorimeter employs two small thermistors (wired into a Wheatstone bridge and monitored via lock‐in detection), embedded in a removable “core” element (1.5 cm dia. × 2 cm cylinder) inserted into a small channel of a cylindrical HDPE phantom (26 cm dia. × 10 cm) along the axis. To improve upon the earlier core which was made of PE, the present one is made of polystyrene (PS), which is expected to have no heat defect. Comparison measurements were made using the two cores and with a calibrated ionization chamber. The typical experimental run consisted of 30 2.8‐s axial scans (16‐slice CT scanner, 120 kV beam, 250 mA, 16x1.5 mm collimation), yielding an aggregate dose at the center of the HDPE phantom of ∼0.5 Gy. Results: The PS core data show a thermal response much closer to the nominal dose than the PE core data, suggesting that much of the difference could be attributable to excess heat from the larger thermistor beads in the PE core plus the heat defect in PE (5 to 10% by literature). However, variability in the traces due to heat transfer distortions limits the precision of the estimate at present. Conclusion: The effect of heat defect mixed in with the excess heat produced from the non‐phantom materials is observable in the present study. Further work is planned to address heat transfer within the phantom, which limits the precision of estimating heat defect corrections.
Herbaria: Sources of medicinal folklore

When Dr. Quentin Jones kinldly invited ine, last January, to present a paper on the methods, procedures and goals of my current research, I was then in the process of setting up a project which, I believe, represents a new approach to gathering data on the medicinal application of plants. This project, which now has been in operation for nearly six months, consists of a sheet by sheet search of the entire collection of flowering plants in one of this country's largest herbaria, the Harvard University Herbarium, which houses the combined collections of the Arnold Arboretum and the Gray Herbarium. The aim of the project is to bring to light such inf ormation accompanying individual plant collections from throughout the world as nmay be valuable to inodern medical science. The inforimiation sought after is primarily anything which indicates medicinal uses of particular plants by native peoples; however, the total information recorded as part of the project is not limited to specifically medical notations but comprises a broad range of data including all information which can be considered suggestive of having possible present-day miedical application. As is well known, the usual sources of ethnobotanical information resorted to in a search for drug plants may be various. Coinimionly, they include ancient botanical literature, modern botanical and ethnological writings, field work and archaeological materials. There are numerous reasons why herbaria should be added to this list as an important and much overlooked source of data. Primary among these reasons is the fact that herbaria are rich in information, probably much richer than generally is realized. A second reason for searching herbaria lies in the logic of furthering the usefulness of work already done, since each herbarium may be looked upon as representing so much field