cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Atrial pacemaker complex preserved radiofrequency maze procedure reducing the incidence of sick sinus syndrome in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Background The Cox maze III procedure can effectively restore sinus rhythm in most patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). However, previous studies have shown that the maze procedure results in significant sinus node dysfunction, and, consequently, a considerable number of patients required postoperative pacemaker implantation. Hypothesis This study investigates the hypothesis that the modification of the Cox III maze procedure, to avoid injuring the sinus node and the atrial physiologic pacemaker complex, will reduce the incidence of sick sinus syndrome following surgery. Methods and results This study investigated 71 patients with permanent AF and mitral valve disease who were undergoing concomitant open-heart surgery. Most atrial incisions in the Cox maze III procedure were replaced with radiofrequency ablation, and the intercaval counterablation was moved posterolaterally to avoid injury to the sinus node and atrial pacemaker complex. At a mean (± SD) follow-up time of 46.5 ± 24 months, 59 patients (83.1%) regained sinus rhythm without receiving antiarrhythmic drug therapy or undergoing electrical cardioversion. The transmitral atrial wave was observed in 44 patients (62%), and the transtricuspid atrial wave was also observed in 53 patients (74.6%). Late sinus node dysfunction developed in only two patients (2.8%), who received permanent pacemaker implantation. Conclusion This modified radiofrequency maze procedure produces few patients with sick sinus syndrome and effectively restores sinus rhythm and atrial transport function in most patients with permanent AF undergoing concomitant open-heart surgery.
Optical fiber vortices for STED nanoscopy

We demonstrate the first proof of concept of a fiber-based STED nanoscopy illumination system. The fiber yields naturally co-aligned vortex (dark-spot size∼198nm) and Gaussian beams (size∼340nm), potentially enabling sub-30nm resolution imaging.
Digitalis-induced ventricular asystole treated by an intracardiac pacemaker.

Abstract A case report of digitalis intoxication with electrolyte imbalance and complete atrioventricular block and repeated episodes of ventricular asystole is presented. This patient remained refractory to conventional drug therapy and to the use of the external pacemaker but responded successfully to the use of an intracardiac pacemaker. The technic for establishing intracardiac pacemaking is described. Its advantages and the potential complications and their prevention are briefly discussed.
Further evidence for two di-pion resonances in single neutral pion production

Evidence that the 575 and 750-Mev 2- pi states appear in the reaction pi /sup -/ p yields pi /sup - + pi /sup 0/ Mev in the laboratory system is presented. Data are presented in graphical and tabular forms. (L.N.N.)
A 2D-electron-gas terahertz detector based on the bipolar inversion channel field-effect transistor

Abstract A hot electron bolometer (HEB) for terahertz (THz) radiation detection is proposed based on GaAs/AlGaAs bipolar inversion channel field-effect transistor (BICFET). The 2DEG distribution temperature rise due to THz radiation will enhance the thermionic emission of the electrons from the quantum well, and appreciable collector current increase is expected. The detection mechanism is analyzed. The responsivity of the bolometer is expected to be 5 A/W. The noise of the detector is also analyzed. It is shown that shot noise and the 2DEG temperature fluctuation noise dominate the sensitivity of the detector. This THz detector has the advantage of being able to integrate with post-processing circuits on the same chip.
Origin Remodeling and Opening in Bacteria Rely on Distinct Assembly States of the DnaA Initiator

The initiation of DNA replication requires the melting of chromosomal origins to provide a template for replisomal polymerases. In bacteria, the DnaA initiator plays a key role in this process, forming a large nucleoprotein complex that opens DNA through a complex and poorly understood mechanism. Using structure-guided mutagenesis, biochemical, and genetic approaches, we establish an unexpected link between the duplex DNA-binding domain of DnaA and the ability of the protein to both self-assemble and engage single-stranded DNA in an ATP-dependent manner. Intersubunit cross-talk between this domain and the DnaA ATPase region regulates this link and is required for both origin unwinding in vitro and initiator function in vivo. These findings indicate that DnaA utilizes at least two different oligomeric conformations for engaging single- and double-stranded DNA, and that these states play distinct roles in controlling the progression of initiation.
Development of Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) for Use in Self-Decontaminating Coatings

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of short polypeptides usually associated with the host organism's innate immune system. AMPs have been identified in a wide range of host organisms, including plants, amphibians, fish, and humans. These peptides usually consist of 30-100 amino acids and are most often cationic. In addition to a net positive charge, AMPs often are amphipathic, containing both hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains. This property allows for increased interaction with and insertion into negatively charged cell walls and membranes of microbes. Because of the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among common human pathogens, recent research into AMPs has revolved around the attempt to increase the availability of drugs to which microbes are susceptible. Because the mechanism of kill for AMPs is different from that of most conventional antibiotics, which tend to be very specific in their targets, AMPs are thought to be a very attractive future substitute for traditional antibiotics. The development of novel self-decontaminating surfaces containing two AMPs previously isolated from Chrysophrys major is reported. These AMPs, Chrysophsin-1 and -3, demonstrated 1-4 logs kill of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria when incorporated into control acrylic coating systems.
Pupillometric and personality test score differences of female aggressing pedophiliacs and normals.

A group of 10 incarcerated female-aggressing pedophiliacs was compared with a control group of inmates by their responses to a sexual deviancy scale and by pupillometrics. It was found that on the sexual deviance scale, using a cutting score of 43, only one individual out of the 20 involved was misidentified. The results also indicated significant differences in the pupil change responses between the two groups. The nondeviate males consistently dilated to pictures of adult females and the female-aggressing pedophiliacs did not dilate or constrict to the same pictures. Female-aggressing pedophiliacs, on the other hand, most often showed pupil dilation to pictures of immature females, while only half of the nondeviate males showed pupil dilation to the pictures of a immature females. It appears, on the basis on this study, that both instruments used have significant value in identifying incarcerated female-aggressing pedophiliacs from other incarcerated but nondeviate males.
Should cardiac disease prevent autologous blood donation

AIDS has created considerable concern among the public regarding being transfused with potentially infectious blood. However, autologous blood donations are still not maximally provided nor utilized. Significant heart disease disqualifies all allogeneic and most autologous blood donors (American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) Standards 1994). Disqualification is based on the widespread belief that donating blood could possibly be detrimental to their health. However, this belief has not been sufficiently documented. Sixty-eight donors (ages 14-84 years), all with histories of significant cardiac diseases, donated 111 units of whole blood (1-3 units). Twenty-eight patients donated 1 unit, 37 donated 2 units, and three patients donated 3 units. Fifty-nine patients had ischemic heart disease, and nine had valvular heart disease (five with mitral stenosis and four with mitral valve prolapse). No patient received erythropoietin, and only one received equal volume replacement with normal saline during donation. All these patients eagerly wished to donate in spite of being informed of the possible complications. No patient wishing to donate has been refused, and none has experienced any adverse consequences from donating. Forty-four patients underwent total hip/knee replacements. Only 56 units (50%) were transfused to 37 patients (54%). Although our experience is limited, it appears that many patients with histories of well established cardiac diseases can easily tolerate donating blood without compromising their health.
Oral contraceptives decrease hepatic cholesterol independent of the LDL receptor in nonhuman primates.

Pharmacological doses of estrogens have been reported to increase hepatic catabolism of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by the LDL receptor (LDL-R) pathway and to increase the concentration of mRNA for the LDL receptor. The induction of LDL-Rs by large doses of estrogen may not be relevant to the role of estrogens under physiological conditions. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which oral contraceptives, a combination of synthetic estrogen and progestin, may modulate LDL metabolism remain largely unexplored. Adult female cynomolgus monkeys were given combination ethinyl estradiol/norgestrel preparations (n = 16) for 16 weeks and were compared with a control group that did not receive exogenous sex hormones (n = 7). All animals consumed a diet containing 0.25 mg cholesterol/kcal with 40% of calories from saturated fats. After 16 weeks of treatment there was no significant difference in LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and hepatic LDL-R mRNA concentration between oral contraceptive-treated animals (LDL-C, 242 +/- 113 mg/dL; LDL-R mRNA, 0.60 +/- 0.31 pg/microgram RNA) and control animals (LDL-C, 277 +/- 100 mg/dL; LDL-R mRNA, 0.51 +/- 0.21 pg/microgram RNA). In contrast, the hepatic cholesteryl ester concentration was significantly lower in the oral contraceptive-treated animals (7.28 +/- 3.59 mg/g liver) compared with the control animals (16.07 +/- 11.86 mg/g liver; P = .01) with no significant difference in hepatic free cholesterol concentration between the groups. Thus, oral contraceptives decrease hepatic cholesterol concentration independent of LDL-R expression.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Succinoxidase activity of the liver of rats bearing Walker carcinoma 256.

SummaryThe succinoxidase activity of the liver of rats with Walker carcinoma 256 remained at the normal level while the cytochrome oxidase increased. Thus this increase did not result from a differential loss of protein from the liver of the tumor-bearer. On analysis, dialyzed samples of liver homogenate, upon which enzyme activities are based, gave identical percentages of nitrogen. Hence, whether cytochrome oxidase activity is based on dialyzed dry weight or on nitrogen content, the level in the tumor-bearer would still have been higher than normal.
Helping former foster youth graduate from college through campus support programs

Abstract This exploratory study examines the implementation of campus support programs designed to provide financial, academic, and other types of supports to students who had aged out of foster care. Data were collected from program administrators and student participants in California and Washington State. Telephone interviews were conducted with 10 campus support program administrators that covered a variety of domains. Student participants from 8 of the 10 programs completed a web-based survey that asked about their perceptions of and experiences with the program. Recommendations for moving forward with a methodologically sound impact evaluation of campus support programs are discussed.
Droplet digital signal generation in microfluidic networks using model predictive control

Abstract The ability to actively control the spatial and temporal dynamics of droplets in microfluidic networks can be harnessed for several applications. Achieving such control is nontrivial due to the nonlinear and interactive nature of such systems, where droplets in different branches of the network can affect each other through resistive signalling. In our previous work we have demonstrated the application of a Model Predictive Control (MPC) framework for sort-synchronization in a simple microfluidic loop device, assuming that the final control elements are elastomeric valves. In this paper, we explore the ability of the MPC framework for more intricate control, where the relative drop distances at the exit of a loop are required to conform to desired profiles. We demonstrate that through appropriate MPC objective function choices, a variety of digital signals based on the relative exit distance can be generated. The importance of such control is highlighted.
LD ratios and the entrainment of circadian activity in a nocturnal and a diurnal rodent

The activity rhythms of 5 flying squirrels,Glaucomys volans, and 7 chipmunks,Tamias striatus, were examined under controlled conditions in the laboratory. Free-running, circadian rhythms were demonstrated using a total of 25 LL or DD experiments. With 46 LD schedules the limits of entrainment in a 24-hour day were determined, and the phase angle difference for each schedule measured.Glaucomys was able to synchronize to schedules ranging from 1 second of light per 24-hour day to at least 18 hours light per day with little or no change in the phase angle.Tamias showed an oscillatory type of entrainment when the photoperiod was less than 3 hours per 24-hour day or greater than 23 hours, but in the intervening region was capable of stable entrainment. A tendency was evident for the phase angle difference to become less positive as the LD ratio increased. InGlaucomys single, isolated light pulses of either one second or 24 hours duration were able to bring about relatively large shifts in the phase of the activity rhythm.
The Use of Pharmacogenomics for Selection of Therapy in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Introduction: Performance status (PS) is the only known clinical predictor of outcome in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), although pharmacogenomic markers may also correlate with outcome. The aim of our study was to correlate clinical and pharmacogenomic measures with overall survival. Methods: This was an IRB approved, retrospective study in which the medical records of 50 patients with advanced NSCLC from 1998–2008 were reviewed, and gender, race, PS, and chemotherapy regimens were documented. Stromal expression of pharmacogenomic markers (VEGFR, ERCC1, 14-3-3σ, pAKT, and PTEN) was measured. Clinical factors and pharmacogenomics markers were compared to overall survival using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Forty patients received platinum-based therapy. Median age was 65 years. Improved PS, female gender, and gemcitabine therapy were significantly associated with longer overall survival (P = 0.004, P = 0.04, and P = 0.003, respectively). Age was not associated with survival. Caucasians had better overall survival in comparison to African Americans with median survival of 14.8 months versus 10.4 months (P = 0.1). Patients treated with platinum-based therapy had better survival of 15 months versus 8 months for non-platinum based therapy (P = 0.01). There was no significant association between any of the pharmacogenomics markers and overall survival other than in patients treated with platinum, in whom ERCC1 negativity was strongly associated with longer survival (P = 0.007). Conclusion: ERCC1 negativity with platinum therapy, gemcitabine therapy, good PS, and female gender all correlated with improved overall survival in patients with advanced NSCLC.
An asymptotic analysis of finite deformations near the tip of an interface-crack

This work continues the investigation of the behavior of a traction-free crack at the interface of two semi-infinite slabs bonded together under the conditions of plane strain begun in the first paper [1]. A refinement of the mathematical form of the deformation and stresses near the crack-tip is determined by a second order asymptotic treatment of the deformation.
Population Characteristics, Development Processes and Structure of Radar Echoes in South Florida

Abstract Radar data from the Florida Area Cumulus Experiment were used to study the ensemble characteristics of echo populations and also the structure of echo systems and their phenomenological growth and development process. The diurnal development of the convective field was explored as well. The overall distribution of echoes turned out to be of the truncated lognormal type, which is indicative of growth process that favor the larger, more vigorous clouds. Three principal scales of convective activity were apparent: single cell echoes conglomerates of several individual cells, and large areas of convection that normally form by the joining of existing cloud conglomerates by growth of new cells in the intervening space. The distributions of the radar characteristics of the individual cells were found to be very skewed, which indicates that the large majority of the cells are small and weak, and that only sporadically do a few large and strong cells appear. A considerable number. of the cells originated...
Low-temperature specific heats of BaTiO3 and KH2PO4

The specific heats of ferroelectric, single-crystal samples of BaTiO3 and K.H2PO4 have been measured to temperatures as low as 0.1 K. An anomalous contribution appears below ≈ 0.5 K, but the anomaly is much smaller than reported previously. The data do not provide support for a precise T3/2 temperature dependence.
Effects of an antipsychotic restriction policy in a veteran population

Introduction: Recent trials have failed to demonstrate differences in efficacy between first generation antipsychotics (FGAs) and second generation antipsychotics (SGAs). To reduce costs, many heal...
Polypeptide sequencing by a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer computer system: I—generation and derivatization of complex mixtures of oligopeptides†

A generally applicable strategy for polypeptide sequencing has been developed which involves cleavage of a large peptide (for example, primary degradation peptides obtained by tryptic or cyanogen bromide cleavage of a protein) to a mixture of small peptides whose individual amino acid sequences are then determined without their prior isolation. This is accomplished by conversion of the peptide mixture into the corresponding mixture of O-trimethylsilylated polyamino alcohols through reduction of the N-acetylated peptide esters with lithium aluminum deuteride, followed by treatment with trimethylsilyldiethylamine. The conditions for the enzymatic or chemical cleavage were optimized to yield mixtures of peptides best suited for this technique and which represented complete overlap. Limited acid hydrolysis combined with a second experimen utilizing either an enzyme with broad specificity, a set of enzymes, or dipeptidyl aminopeptidase I on the original and/or Edman-degraded molecule was found to be the best choice. This sequencing strategy was evaluated using 0.4 to 1.4 μmol of peptides with known structures (ribonuclease S-peptide, glucagon) and then applied to primary degradation peptides of rabbit skeletal muscle actin up to twenty amino acids long (0.4 to 1 μmol per experiment).
Slow calcium and potassium currents in frog skeletal muscle: their relationship and pharmacologic properties.

Slow Ca and K currents across frog skeletal muscle membrane were recorded with the Vaseline gap voltage clamp in order to investigate block by divalent cations and various organic compounds. Cd2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Mn2+, Mg2+ all block Ca currents, as do barbiturates, D-600 and nifedipine. Local anesthetics also block Ca currents, with the impermeant quaternary lidocaine derivative, QX-314, being more than an order of magnitude less potent than its permeant parent compound. Surprisingly, all agents that blocked Ca currents also blocked the slow K currents. To explain this pharmacologic parallel, one could suggest that K current is activated by Ca2+ appearing in the myoplasm due to the combination of Ca current and release from internal stores. While possibly correct for intact fibres, this hypothesis appears not to apply in our case where the myoplasm contained the Ca chelator EGTA at high concentration. Instead, K currents seem to be activated by a decrease in external [Ca2+]. In the transverse tubules, Ca current is known to cause [Ca2+] to decline to submicromolar concentrations, and evidence is presented that K currents are activated by Ca depletion from a restricted extracellular space. It is suggested that K currents flow through Ca channels that have become capable of passing monovalent cations after the tubules have become depleted of Ca2+.
Force dependent internalization of magnetic nanoparticles results in highly loaded endothelial cells for use as potential therapy delivery vectors.

Purpose To investigate the kinetics, mechanism and extent of MNP loading into endothelial cells and the effect of this loading on cell function.
Approximation Procedures and Some Key Results for Estimating Expected Target Damage

This paper summarizes some suggested computational procedures for, and further progress on, estimating expected target damage for individual rounds, and for battery or battalion volley-type fire. In particular, it recommends the computational procedures that are best followed for suitably accurate estimation of target damage. Some other useful results relating to the target-damage analysis problem, and possibly to other applied studies, are also recorded.
Hold the sex, please: the discursive politics between national and local abstinence education providers

There are many assumptions made about the beliefs behind abstinence-only until marriage (AOUM) sex education, yet comparatively little research examining the views of abstinence education providers. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 21 abstinence grantees throughout New York State, I examine how individuals working in abstinence organizations conceive of AOUM education and understand their work in the broader spectrum of sex education efforts. I contrast these understandings with the national-level abstinence discourse, using data collected from two national, government-sponsored conferences for federal abstinence grantees. The comparative focus reveals a disjuncture between the national agenda and the varied understandings that local abstinence organizations bring to abstinence education. While the national movement frames abstinence using a discourse of scientific morality, local providers resist this framing. Local providers express ambivalence around AOUM education and manage contradictory feelings ...
La terapia cognitiva en el tratamiento de la depresión mayor

Antecedentes. La teoria cognitiva concibio a la depresion como asociada con patrones de pensamiento negativo, esquemas distorsionados especificos y errores cognitivos o falso procesamiento de la informacion. Objetivos. Revisar los conceptos y la evidencia cuantitativa de la Terapia Cognitiva para el tratamiento del trastorno depresivo mayor. Metodo. Resumir el modelo cognitivo de la depresion y la evidencia consistente de los efectos de este tratamiento solo o en combinacion. Resultados. La Terapia Cognitiva es una terapia breve, estructurada que compromete la colaboracion activa del paciente y el terapeuta en alcanzar metas definidas. Esta orientada hacia la resolucion de los sintomas, el procesamiento depresivo de la informacion y los problemas cotidianos. Conclusiones. Desde la introduccion de la Terapia Cognitiva hace casi 3 decadas, se ha demostrado su eficacia en numerosos estudios que compararon la TC con sin terapia, listas de espera y farmacoterapia antidepresiva
A characterization of projective-planar signed graphs

A signed graph has a plus or minus sign on each edge. A simple cycle is positive or negative depending on whether it contains an even or odd number of negative edges, respectively. We consider embeddings of a signed graph in the projective plane for which a simple cycle is essential if and only if it is negative. We characterize those signed graphs that have such a projective-planar embedding. Our characterization is in terms of a related signed graph formed by considering the theta subgraphs in the given graph.
Mechanisms of Disease: The pathological basis of gastroparesis - A review of experimental and clinical studies

The pathogenesis of gastroparesis is complicated and poorly understood. This lack of understanding remains a major impediment to the development of effective therapies for this condition. Most of the scientific information available on the pathogenesis of gastroparesis has been derived from experimental studies of diabetes in animals. These studies suggest that the disease process can affect nerves (particularly those producing nitric oxide, but also the vagus nerve), interstitial cells of Cajal and smooth muscle. By contrast, human data are sparse, outdated and generally inadequate for the validation of data obtained from experimental models. The available data do, however, suggest that multiple cellular targets are involved. In practice, though, symptoms seldom correlate with objective measures of gastric function and there is still a lot to learn about the pathophysiology of gastroparesis. Future studies should focus on understanding the molecular pathways that lead to gastric dysfunction, in animal models and in humans, and pave the way for the development of rational therapies.
Observation of a new universal resistive behavior of two-dimensional superconductors in a magnetic field.

A new universal behavior has been observed in the zero-bias resistance of two-dimensional superconducting films of amorphous Mo-Ge in a perpendicular magnetic field. The behavior is thermally activated, with a single field-dependent activation energy \ensuremath{\sim}${H}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2/3}$. Additionally, a continuous crossover between two different limiting behaviors is observed, with no evidence for a sharp phase transition. Although the observed universal behavior appears to depend crucially upon the existence of pinning, it is qualitatively different from conventional flux-flow or depinning phenomena.
Using Clinical Workflows to Improve Medical Device/System Development

A clinical work flow is comprised of the sequential events that occur during a specific patient/clinician interaction. Clinical workflows track the human interactions involving equipment, staff, patients, supplies and other elements of the day-to-day environment. Understanding how these interactions work and translating this understanding into well-designed medical technology are vital to patient safety. The healthcare environment is more difficult to understand due to the increased number of unpredictable human interactions in the system. This is often related to culturally-inherited deviations from administrative standard procedures (work-arounds) with technology or processes. These workarounds are often unidentified, misunderstood or ignored during new product development, as the traditional input specifications are derived from widespread market research or limited input from the product's sales or technical support teams. A well-designed integrated system incorporates a thorough understanding of these workarounds, based on analyzing the relevant clinical workflows and using these workflows to inform a system's use-case development. This approach can result in comprehensive design input specifications for use in building the technology.
IMBALANCED WEAK MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC TURBULENCE

Weak MHD turbulence consists of waves that propagate along magnetic field lines, in both directions. When two oppositely directed waves collide, they distort each other, without changing their respective energies. Each wave suffers many collisions before cascading; by contrast, in strong MHD turbulence, waves cascade on the same timescale at which they collide. "Imbalance" means that more energy is going in one direction than the other. In general, MHD turbulence is imbalanced. Yet imbalanced MHD cascades are not understood. For example, turbulence in the solar wind is observed to be imbalanced, so solar wind turbulence will not be understood until a theory of the imbalanced cascade is developed. We solve weak MHD turbulence that is imbalanced. Of crucial importance is that the energies going in both directions are forced to equalize at the dissipation scale. This "pinning" of the energy spectra was discovered by Grappin and coworkers. It affects the entire inertial range. Weak MHD turbulence is particularly interesting because perturbation theory is applicable. Hence, it can be described with a simple kinetic equation. Galtier and coworkers derived this kinetic equation. We present a simpler, more physical derivation, based on the picture of colliding wavepackets. In the process, we clarify the role of the zero-frequency mode. We also explain why Goldreich & Sridhar claimed that perturbation theory is inapplicable, and why this claim is wrong. (Our "weak" is equivalent to Goldreich & Sridhar's "intermediate.") We perform numerical simulations of the kinetic equation to verify our claims. We construct simplified model equations that illustrate the main effects. Finally, we show that a large magnetic Prandtl number does not have a significant effect, and that hyperviscosity leads to a pronounced bottleneck effect.
Synthesis, Structure, Raman, and ESR Characterization of a New Organic Charge Transfer Salt, (BEDT-TTF)2[N(SO2CF3)2]

Abstract The new charge transfer salt (BEDT-TTF)2[N(SO2CF3)2] was synthesized and structually characterized. Its unit cell parameters at 295 K are: a = 6.6394(13) A, b = 8.658(2) A, c = 17.349(4) A, α = 94.70(2)°, β = 97.21(2)°, γ = 68.95(2)°, V = 922.7(4) A3, space group P 1, and Z = 1. The anion, N(SO2CF3)2 −, was found to be disordered, which may relate to the absence of the V4 and V5 Ag modes of the BEDT-TTF molecule in the Raman spectrum. ESR measurements reveal its semiconductive behavior with a small energy gap of 18.7 meV.
Incorporation of 4-14C-22,23-3 H-sitosterol Into diosgenin by Dioscorea deltoidea tissue suspension cultures

Abstract Sitosterol-4-14C-22,23-3H with a 3H/14C ratio of 5.0 was incorporated into diosgenin such that the 3H/14C ratio in diosgenin was approx. 2.3. The per cent of 14C incorporation was 0· and for 3H was 0·42%. The results indicate that C-23 is not involved in the transformation of sitosterol into diosgenin. The first step in the cyclization of the sterol side-chain may either involve oxygenation at C-26 or direct hydroxylation at C-22 via a mixed function oxidase system. Other indirect evidence suggests that the C-26 oxygenation mechanism is operative.
Urinary F2-isoprostanes, obesity, and weight gain in the IRAS cohort.

Obesity has been associated with increased F 2 -isoprostane (F 2 -IsoP) levels cross-sectionally. However, the prospective association may be inverse, based on our earlier finding that elevated urinary F 2 -IsoP levels predict lower risk of diabetes. This earlier finding led us to hypothesize that urinary F 2 -IsoPs reflect the intensity of oxidative metabolism and as such predict lower risk of both diabetes and weight gain. We examined cross-sectional relationships with obesity and prospective relationships with weight gain using the data from 299 participants of the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS), all of whom were free of diabetes at baseline. Four urinary F 2 IsoPs were assayed in stored baseline urine samples using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry: iPF(2α)-III, 2,3-dinor-iPF(2α)-III, iPF(2α)-VI, and 8,12-iso-iPF(2α)-VI (F 2 -IsoP 1–4, respectively). Baseline F 2 -IsoPs were positively associated with baseline measures of obesity; the strongest associations were found with two F 2 -IsoPs: odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for overall and abdominal obesity were 1.74 (1.26–2.40) and 1.63 (1.18–2.24) for F 2 -IsoP2 and 1.47 (1.12–1.94) and 1.64 (1.22–2.20) for F 2 -IsoP4. F 2 -IsoP2 showed the strongest and significant inverse association with weight gain during the 5-year follow-up period: increase in F 2 -IsoP2 equal to 1 s.d. was associated with 0.90 kg lower weight gain (P = 0.02) and the odds ratios for relative (≥5%) and absolute (≥5 kg) weight gain were 0.67 (0.47–0.96) and 0.57 (0.37–0.87), respectively. The other three F 2 -IsoPs were consistently inversely associated with weight gain, although not significantly, suggesting that different F 2 -IsoPs vary in their ability to detect the association with weight gain.
Studies on the inhibition of poly(A) polymerase from rat liver and hepatoma 3924A by rifamycin SV derivatives.

Abstract The inhibition of poly (A) polymerase activity from liver and hepatoma 3924A by several O - n -alky derivatives of rifamycin SV:3-formyloxime was studied. Only the O - n -pentyl (AF/012) and the O - n -octyl (AF/013) analogs were active at the maximum tested concentration of 1 × 10 −4 M. Equivalent concentrations of liver and hepatoma enzymes were inhibited to the same degree by both compounds. The 50 per cent inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) for AF/013 and AF/012 was 1.2 × 10 −5 M and 7.5 × 10 −5 M respectively. Poly (A) polymerase activity was more sensitive to AF/013 if the enzyme was preincubated with the drug before the initiation of the reaction with poly (A) than if the reaction was initiated by the addition of the enzyme. Addition of AF/013 after initiation of the assay led to a rapid inhibition of poly (A) synthesis. The mechanism of inhibition by AF/012 and AF/013 of poly(A) polymerase was of the non-competitive type with respect to ATP.
Nanking : Anatomy of an Atrocity

List of Abbreviations Introduction What Causes War Atrocities: A Historical Analysis The Battle of Shanghai and the Prelude to Nanking Nanking: Analysis of Military Actions and Number of Victims Nanking: Analysis of Individually Committed Crimes and Nature of Atrocities Aftermath and Reaction until 1945 War Crimes Trials Sounds of Controversy Conclusion Appendix Bibliography
Changing cleft widths: a problem revisited.

Abstract A study was undertaken to evaluate changing cleft widths and the timing of surgical repair of the lip in so far as it affects the types of cross-bite occlusion that result in cases treated by presurgical orthopedics (as practiced at Tufts-New England Medical Center Hospitals) and by purely surgical intervention. On the basis of the analyses carried out, the following conclusions were reached: 1. 1. Both the alveolar cleft width prior to lip surgery and the arch form following lip surgery are significantly related to, and are predictors of, the type of cross-bite occlusion that will result from purely surgical intervention. 2. 2. Neither the alveolar cleft width prior to lip surgery nor the arch form following lip surgery is significantly related to, or is a predictor of, the type of cross-bite occlusion that will result from presurgical orthopedics. 3. 3. For both presurgical orthopedic treatment programs and purely surgical treatment programs, there is a significant relationship between the arch form following palate surgery and the type of cross-bite occlusion that will result. 4. 4. In cases treated by presurgical orthopedics there is a higher probability of achieving favorable occlusal relationships than in cases treated by purely surgical intervention. 5. 5. In a period of 6 months following birth, but prior to lip surgery, presurgical orthopedics results in a smaller percentage reduction in alveolar cleft width than does treatment without the use of an appliance. However, the posterior cleft widths and posterior palate widths show comparable changes in size. 6. 6. The larger anterior cleft width maintained by the use of presurgical orthopedics prior to lip surgery is completely compensated for following lip surgery, so that no significant difference remains between cases treated by presurgical orthopedics and those treated by purely surgical intervention. 7. 7. Since previous findings showed a larger reduction in posterior cleft width in cases treated by presurgical orthopedics than in cases treated by purely surgical intervention and these results show that there is a comparable reduction in posterior cleft width when lip surgery is delayed until the age of 6 months, then early lip surgery tends to limit the natural reduction of the posterior cleft width. 8. 8. Additional studies are needed. These studies must be based on as complete a description of the cleft and the treatment program as possible. It is the total implication for patient rehabilitation that must be considered in the evaluation of treatment outcomes.
Alteration in intestinal microbial flora of rats with tail cups to prevent coprophagy.

SummaryUnder conditions in which coprophagy was completely prevented by use of tail cups, the number of lactobacilli in cecal contents and feces of rats was reduced significantly. Thus, the possibility exists that studies of vitamin deficiencies observed under conditions of cupping may be complicated by changes in intestinal microflora.
Walking the Talk and Walking the Walk at the Woods Hole Research Center: Design and Performance of an Award-Winning Green Headquarters

Abstract The Woods Hole Research Center's mission in “environmental science, policy, and education for a habitable Earth” means it's important to practice what we preach. A key part of doing that is our very green headquarters—the Center's Gilman Ordway Campus—on Cape Cod. Designed by the noted green architect Bill McDonough, this state-of-the-art scientific research and office facility demonstrates the successful integration of energy- and resource-conserving design, a ground-source heating and cooling system, and a robust renewable-energy supply. The facility was designed with the express goal of being a zero net-energy building (achieving CO2-neutral operation) and has been instrumented with a whole-facility monitoring system that provides the basis for an on-line educational display system and long-term study of energy performance. The 1793 m2 (19,300ft2) facility used 50.7 kWh of electricity per m2 from March 2004–February 2005 of which 16.9 kWh/m2 or 33% was supplied by the rooftop photovoltaic syst...
Effects of altered olfactory experiences on the development of infant rats' responses to odors.

A “natural” olfactory learning paradigm was used to assess the effects of an altered perinatal olfactory environment on the development of odor-elicited behavor in young rats. Infant rats (from 3 to 12 days of age) reared by dams fed a eucalyptol-adulterated diet responded to the odor of eucalyptol with high levels of activity, mouthing, and probing, and also demonstrated a marked preference for that odor in a two-choice situation (Experiment 1). The effects were observed only in pups whose dam was fed eucalyptol-adulterated diet and were not observed in pups exposed to nonmaternal sources of odor. The intensity of behavioral activity elicited by eucalyptol odor varied, to some extent, with the concentration of the eucalyptol in the dam's diet during prenatal exposure (Experiment 2). Cross-fostering revealed that these effects were due almost entirely to the pups' postnatal exposure to the eucalyptol odor (Experiment 3). These findings indicate that novel odors specifically associated with the mother can gain control over orientation and ingestion-related behaviors. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Comparison of the Antiseptic Effect of Two Iodophor Preparations on Hand Washing in a Well‐Baby Nursery

Two iodophor preparations, Betadine and Prepodyne, used as handwashing antiseptics in two well-baby nurseries, were compared. A total of 1,806 cultures were evaluated. They were taken a) from nurses' hands after washing with either of the products to determine the effectiveness in removing bacteria from the skin surface, b) from the babies' umbilicuses to assess the level of colonization of the infants' skin surfaces to which nurses were exposed during infant bathing, and c) from the nurses' hands immediately after completion of the babies' bathing routine. The results obtained indicated that the products are equally effective in eliminating bacteria in a routine handwashing procedure in similar circumstances. Both presented a comparable skin drying effect after repeated exposures and did not lead to any allergic reaction in the present trial.
Mast cell deficiency attenuates progression of atherosclerosis and hepatic steatosis in apolipoprotein E-null mice.

Mast cells are important cells of the immune system and are recognized as participants in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In this study, we evaluated the role of mast cells on the progression ...
X-ray Scattering From Liquid Surfaces: Effect of Resolution†

Quantitative interpretation of X-ray reflectivity measurements from liquid surfaces requires methodical accounting of the effects of diffuse scattering from thermal capillary roughness. In this paper we discuss how this requires careful attention to the shape of the experimental resolution. These considerations, which are essential for measurement of the intrinsic structure factor of a liquid surface, require knowledge of the liquid surface tension. The paper closes with a brief comment on the most sensitive method for extraction of the surface tension from measurement of the off-specular diffuse scattering.
Nutritional concerns in the older surgical patient.

q h h b a o o a t n p x urgeons, more than most other types of physicians, are equired to have a thorough knowledge of the principles f nutrition because many of their interventions alter the ormal route of alimentation. Yet when surgeons are olled about the frequency with which they conduct a utritional assessment of their older patients, most repond “rarely.” This apparent disconnect between the nowledge of perioperative nutritional issues and the reoperative assessment of nutritional status is unfortuate because the prevalence of undernutrition and malutrition in older patients is considerable. Nine percent o 15% of persons over age 65 years are found to be alnourished in the outpatient clinics, 12% to 50% in he acute inpatient hospital, and 25% to 60% or more in he chronic institutional setting. Because adequate nurition is an important predictor of surgical outcomes, urgeons need to be more aware of the factors involved in etermining the nutritional state of their older patients. o facilitate this understanding we will discuss four uestions: Why do the elderly become malnourished? hy is nutrition important? How is nutritional status ssessed? What can be done once malnutrition is dentified?
A Swallow Preservation Protocol Improves Function for Veterans Receiving Chemoradiation for Head and Neck Cancer

ObjectiveDetermine the efficacy of a swallow preservation protocol (SPP) on maintaining swallow function in patients undergoing chemoradiation (CRT) or radiation therapy alone (RT) for head and nec...
Toward Gestural Control Of Synthetic Speech For Augmentative Communication

There is a growing interest among computer scientists to devise methods by which people can interact with a computer through a combination of manual, visual or facial gestures. For individuals who are unable to speak, a gestural method of communication may offer a more efficient method of communication. If the method of communication can be translated by computer to produce synthetic speech, the requirement that other individuals know the gestural language is eliminated. A strategy for gestural control over synthetic speech has been developed as an alternative to keyboard or single item selection based augmentative communication. The gestural method interprets a gesture indicated by a mouse or track-ball as a syllabic utterance in English which in tun is acoustically synthesized. The strategy includes an orthographic representation of English that takes into account the phonotactic constraints on English syllable structure in order to minimize the complexity and time associated with the production of a syllabic utterances. This study compares two alternative organizations for gestural control over synthetic speech. One organization is based on syllable structure and places perceptually similar phonemes in close proximity; the other organization is based on a design which minimizes the overall time required to indicate a word. Able-bodied adult subjects' performance on generating a vocabulary of approximately twenty frequently used words among able-Wed children in classroom settings is studied with respect to time and accuracy.
The safety of acetaminophen and ibuprofen among children younger than two years old.

Background. Recently ibuprofen has been introduced as a nonprescription analgesic/antipyretic for use in children. Objective. To compare the incidence of serious adverse clinical events among children Study Design. A practitioner-based, randomized clinical trial. A total of 27 065 febrile children were randomized to receive acetaminophen (12 mg/kg), ibuprofen (5 mg/kg), or ibuprofen (10 mg/kg). Rates of hospitalization for acute gastrointestinal bleeding, acute renal failure, anaphylaxis, Reye9s syndrome, asthma, bronchiolitis, and vomiting/gastritis were compared by randomization group. Results. The risk of hospitalization with any diagnosis in the 4 weeks after enrollment was 1.4% (95% confidence interval, 1.3%–1.6%) and did not vary by antipyretic assignment. No children were hospitalized for acute renal failure, anaphylaxis, or Reye9s syndrome. Three children were hospitalized with gastrointestinal bleeding; all 3 had been assigned to treatment with ibuprofen. The risk of hospitalization with gastrointestinal bleeding among children randomized to ibuprofen was 17 per 100 000 (95% confidence interval, 3.5–49 per 100 000) but was not significantly greater than the risk among children given acetaminophen. The risk of hospitalization with asthma, bronchiolitis, or vomiting/gastritis did not differ by antipyretic assignment. Conclusions. The risk of serious adverse clinical events among children
Expression for I-V forward characteristic of MCTs

An expression for the I-V static forward characteristic of an MOS-controlled thyristor (MCT) is obtained using a four- transistor equivalent model of the device.' It is similar to the I-V relationship for forward- biased diodes. The equivalent saturation current of the MCT is a function of both the satura- tion currents and the forward and reverse current gains of the npn and pnp bipolar transistors. The expression gives the results that are very close to experimental ones and almost identical to those obtained with SPICE simulation.
On optimal loop parallelization

The problem of automatic loop parallelization has received a lot of attention in the area of parallelizing compilers. Automatic loop parallelization can be achieved by several algorithms. In this paper we address the problem of time optimal parallelization of loops with conditional jumps. We prove that even for machines with unlimited resources there are simple loops for which no semantically and algorithmically equivalent time optimal program exists.
Relative Stabilities of Dinucleotide and Tetranucleotide Repeats in Cultured Mammalian Cells

The differences in rates of frameshift mutations between a dinucleotide repeat sequence [(CA)(17)] and a tetranucleotide repeat sequence [(GAAA)(17)] have been determined in immortalized, non-tumorigenic, mismatch repair-proficient mouse cells and in mismatch repair-defective human colorectal cancer cells. Clones with mutations were selected on the basis of restoration of activity of a bacterial neomycin resistance gene whose reading frame was disrupted by insertion of the microsatellite upstream of the translation initiation codon. This gene was introduced into the cells on a plasmid, which integrated into the genome of the host cells. Mutation rates of the tetra-nucleotide repeat were much lower than those of the dinucleotide repeat in both cell types. In addition, independent subclones of the colorectal cancer cell line were assayed by PCR for instability of endo-gen-ous tetranucleotide and dinucleotide repeat sequen-ces. In all cases, the mutation frequencies of the dinucleotide repeats were higher than those of the tetranucleotide repeats.