cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perinatal Asphyxia with Hyperoxemia within the First Hour of Life Is Associated with Moderate to Severe Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Objective To determine whether early hyperoxemia in neonates with severe perinatal acidemia is associated with the development of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Study design We identified 120 infants at ≥36 weeks gestational age with perinatal acidosis born at Parkland Hospital who qualified for a screening neurologic exam for cooling therapy. Based on a PaO 2 measurement during the first hour of life, the cohort was divided into infants with hyperoxemia (PaO 2 >100 mmHg) and those without hyperoxemia (PaO 2 ≤100 mmHg). The rate of moderate-severe encephalopathy was compared between the groups using χ 2 analysis, as well as multiple logistic regression, taking into account baseline characteristics and confounding variables. Results Thirty-six infants (30%) had an initial PaO 2 >100 mmHg. Infants with and without hyperoxemia had similar baseline maternal and infant characteristics. Infants with hyperoxemia had a higher incidence of HIE than those without hyperoxemia (58% vs 27%; P = .003). Admission hyperoxemia was associated with a higher risk of HIE (OR, 4; 95% CI, 1.4-10.5; adjusted P = .01). Among the neonates with moderate-severe HIE during the first 6 hours of life, those with hyperoxemia had a higher incidence of abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging results, consistent with hypoxic ischemic injury, compared with those without hyperoxemia (79% vs 33%; P = .015). Conclusion In neonates with perinatal acidemia, admission hyperoxemia is associated with a higher incidence of HIE. Among neonates with HIE, admission hyperoxemia is associated with abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging findings. The judicious use of oxygen during and after resuscitation is warranted.
Effects of prolonged androgen on the sexual behavior of intact and spayed female rats

Abstract Adult intact and spayed female rats were treated daily with testosterone propionate (TP) and tested for male and female behavior on alternate days for a period of 3 weeks. Histology of the ovaries, which were removed from the intact animals after the last behavioral test, revealed that TP had arrested the ovary in either a follicular or corpora luteal stage. The behavioral data, grouped according to the histological finding, indicated that the corpora lutea group showed as much male behavior as the castrate group and significantly more than the follicle group. The castrate group showed no female behavior while both of the intact groups showed constant low levels of female receptivity. However, the number of lordosis responses emitted by the corpora lutea group was significantly higher than for the follicle group. It was concluded that TP's behavior eliciting effectiveness in the intact adult female rat is dependent on the stage of the estrous cycle in which it arrests the ovary.
Carbothermal treatment for the improved discharge performance of primary Li/CFx battery

Abstract Carbothermal treatment was used to improve the discharge rate performance of primary lithium/carbon monofluoride (Li/CFx with x = 1) batteries. The treatment was carried out by heating a mixture of CFx and carbon black (CB) just below the decomposition temperature of CFx under nitrogen for 2 h. In the treatment, poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (Kynar) was used as a fluorinated polymer binder to press the CFx/CB mixture into pellets. It was shown that the content of Kynar significantly affected the discharge performance of the resulting treated-CFx (T-CFx). This can be attributed to the catalytic effect of HF formed by the pyrolysis of Kynar on the decomposition of CFx and on the reaction of CB with the volatile fluorocarbons formed by the decomposition of CFx. The discharge performance of T-CFx cathode was also affected by the temperature of carbothermal treatment and by the ratio of CFx to CB. In this work the best result was obtained from a treatment conducted at 470 °C on a 87CFx/10CB/3Kynar (by weight) mixture. In the discharge condition of C/5 and 20 °C, the Li/CFx cell with such-obtained T-CFx cathode showed about 95 mV higher voltage than the control cell while retaining nearly the same specific capacity. Impedance analyses indicate that the improved discharge performance is mainly attributed to a reduction in the cell reaction resistance (Rcr) that includes an ohmic resistance related to the ionic conductivity of the discharge product shell and a Faradic resistance related to the processes of charge-transfer and Li+ ion diffusion in the CFx reaction zone.
Gold Digger or Video Girl: the salience of an emerging hip-hop sexual script

Concerns have been expressed in the common discourse and scholarly literature about the negative influence of Hip-Hop on its young listeners' ideas about sex and sexuality. Most of the scholarly literature has focused on the impact of this urban, Black media on young African American girls' sexual self-concept and behaviours. In response to this discourse, Stephens and Phillips (2003) proposed a Hip-Hop sexual scripting model that theorises about specific sexual scripts for young African American women. Their model includes eight different sexual scripts including the Gold Digger script. The present study proposes a ninth emerging script – the Video Girl. Participants were 18 female African American college students, between the ages of 18 and 30 years old from a large urban public university in the Southwest USA. Using q-methodology the present study found support for the existence of a Video Girl script. In addition, the data indicates that this script is distinct but closely related to Stephens and Phi...
A sequential behavioral analysis of cravings sweets in obese women

Abstract This study compared 40 female participants in a behavioral weight loss program who frequently reported cravings sweets to 40 who rarely reported craving sweets using 2-week behavioral eating diaries. The two groups were compared on physiological, demographic, and questionnaire measures and no significant differences were found. There were no significant differences in macronutrient intake either overall or in wide range of specific situations. The relative proportions of carbohydrate, protein, and fat consumed in association with craving sweets differed only slightly from the composition of other meals and snacks. Carbohydrate and protein intake when craving sweets was similar to breakfasts while the relative amount of fat consumed when craving sweets comparable to episodes of overeating. The two groups differed in their reporting of moods with the high-craving group reporting more boredom and less stress than the low-craving group. The relationship between situational andmood variables and reports of craving sweets did not differ between the two groups. Craving sweets was negatively associated with hunger and was not associated with meal skipping. A sequential analysis demonstrated that eating in response to craving sweets triggers an abstinence violation effect. These data are not consistent with the hypothesis that sweet craver's consume high-carbohydrate, low- protein meals and snacks in order to self-medicate depression caused by serotonin depletion. Instead, the data suggests that we should further explore the role of food palatability and food- related cognitions in order to understand cravings sweets.
The molecular determinants of de novo nucleotide biosynthesis in cancer cells

Tumor cells increase the use of anabolic pathways to satisfy the metabolic requirements associated with a high growth rate. Transformed cells take up and metabolize nutrients such as glucose and glutamine at high levels that support anabolic growth. Oncogenic signaling through the PI3K/Akt and Myc pathways directly control glucose and glutamine uptake, respectively. In order to achieve elevated rates of nucleotide biosynthesis, neoplastic cells must divert carbon from PI3K/Akt-induced glycolytic flux into the nonoxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway to generate ribose-5-phosphate. This redirection of glucose catabolism appears to be regulated by cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases. Myc-induced glutamine metabolism also increases the abundance and activity of different rate-limiting enzymes that produce the molecular precursors required for de novo nucleotide synthesis. In this review, we will focus on recent progress in understanding how glucose and glutamine metabolism is redirected by oncogenes in order to support de novo nucleotide biosynthesis during proliferation and how metabolic reprogramming can be potentially exploited in the development of new cancer therapies.
Cycling endurance optimization scheme for 1Mb STT-MRAM in 40nm technology

Spin-transfer-torque (STT) MRAM is considered as a good candidate for next-generation memory that can replace Flash, SRAM and DRAM as well. As a replacement of SRAM or DRAM, write endurance more than 1012 cycles is required. However, due to limitation in the reliability of magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ), the required endurance may not be achieved if the MTJ is overstressed by the write voltage. In this paper, a new write-path design with wire-resistance-balance scheme is presented that minimizes the voltage stress on MTJ during write operation for cells near the write buffer. Simulation shows the voltage across MTJ becomes more uniform for cells from top to bottom of array. This new scheme is implemented into 1Mb MRAM test-chip and is fabricated in TSMC 40nm low-power process. Cycling testing shows that write endurance can be improved as compared to the previous design.
Stroke and Design: Background and Context

Elliot J. Roth, MD, is Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago; Project Director, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Technology Promoting Integration for Stroke Survivors: Overcoming Societal Barriers; and Professor and Chairman, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
Determination of the Axial Potential Distribution in Axially Symmetric Electrostatic Fields

It has long been known that the potential distribution in axially symmetric electrostatic fields can be expressed in terms of a Fourier integral. This form of solution is not generally very useful because of the difficulties encountered in evaluating the integral. The present paper shows how this integral can be evaluated for a particular type of potential distribution, and shows how it may be applied to obtain the variation in potential along the axis when the potential variation along any cylinder is known. The result is then used to obtain an approximate solution for the particular case of two infinitely long cylinders of equal diameter separated by an amount comparable to their diameters.
The pigments of the symbiotic algae (cyanomes) of Cyanophora paradoxa and Glaucocystis nostochinearum and two Rhodophyceae, Porphyridium aerugineum and Asterocytis ramosa

The pigments of the endosymbiotic algae in Cyanophora paradoxa (colorless cryptomonad) and Glaucocystis nostochinearum (colorless Chlorophyceae) and two Rhodophyceae, Porphyridium aerugineum and Asterocytis ramosa have been examined. Both endosymbionts contain chlorophyll a, β-carotene, zeaxanthin, C-phycocyanin and small amounts of allophycocyanin. Porphyridium has been shown to contain chlorophyll a, β-carotene and zeaxanthin, as does Asterocytis ramosa. The biliproteins of Porphyridium have not been examined, but evidence is presented to suggest that Asterocytis ramosa may contain R-phycocyanin and possibly C-phycocyanin. The taxonomic implications of these results have been discussed, especially with regard to cyanome symbionts and their evolution from and classification with the Cyanophyceae.
Improved Direct Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Cyclopiazonic Acid in Corn, Peanuts, and Mixed Feed

An improved direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dc-ELISA) was developed for the analysis of cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) in corn, peanuts, and mixed feed. Two new approaches were used for the preparation of enzyme markers; one involved coupling CPA−bovine serum albumin (CPA-BSA) conjugate to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) using either the glutaraldehyde (GA) or the periodate (PI) method, and the other involved conjugating CPA carboxymethyl oxime (CPA-CMO) derivative to an ethylenediamine-modified HRP using a water-soluble carbodiimide (WSC) method. The concentrations causing 50% binding inhibition of the labeled HRP to the antibody by CPA in the dc-ELISAs using markers prepared by PI, GA, and WSC methods (IC50) were 0.42, 0.68, and 0.93 ng/mL, respectively. The dc-ELISAs using CPA-BSA-HRP prepared by either PI or GA method were more effective and subsequently used for the analysis of CPA in corn, peanuts, and mixed feed. Four extraction solvent systems with 70−80% of methanol in different buff...
Genital benign chronic pemphigus (Hailey-Hailey disease) presenting as condylomas

Background: Genital lesions of benign chronic pemphigus (FBCP)(Hailey-Hailey disease) may present as verrucous papules. Genital warts and papular acantholytic dyskeratosis of the genitalia may be considered in the differential diagnosis. Objective: Our purpose was to describe the clinical characteristics and histologic features of verrucous anogenital FBCP. Methods: Six patients, five women and one man, with verrucous anogenital lesions of FBCP, initially diagnosed as warts, were examined and biopsy specimens were evaluated histologically. Results: The lesions were located exclusively in the perineal and perianal regions with axillary involvement in one case. Family history was negative in three of the six cases. Histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of FBCP but was significant for the absence of crusts and the presence of only minimal inflammation. Conclusion: Our cases and the literature are reviewed with the conclusion that all verrucoid genital lesions with the histologic characteristics of Hailey-Hailey disease may represent FBCP.
Precarious connections: Making therapeutic production happen for malaria and tuberculosis

The One Health Movement has been a primary advocate for collaboration across disciplinary and organizational sectors in the study of infectious diseases. There is potentially much to be gained by incorporating the interrelations of animal and human ecosystems, as well as the expertise of veterinary, medical, and public health practitioners. Too often, however, the idea rather than the realities of collaboration become valorized within One Health approaches. Paying little to no attention to the motivations, ontologies, and politics of collaborative arrangements, however, is a critical mistake, one that diminishes considerably One Health framework explanatory powers. Using Anna Tsing's framework of friction, in this paper I take the examples of malaria and tuberculosis pharmaceuticals collaborations, often called Product Development Partnerships, to argue for the need to attend to the conditions under which collaborations across divergent disciplines, geographies, organizations, and institutions might work productively and when they do not.
Vision based robotic control

The University of Colorado at Denver robotics society is constructing an autonomous ground vehicle (AGV) capable of accomplishing the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) competition objectives. The design presented features an engineering focus on a statistical, vision based discrete-time control system optimized for an exterior robotic vehicle. A simple robust strategy incorporates ultrasonic ranging to make this vehicle capable of negotiating the features presented in the autonomous challenge. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Towards a Social Science of the Social: The Contribution of Praxeological Research.

Educational research developed initially using the natural science model based on the positivist tradition. Education was then seen as an application of the positivist science thus produced. This research could predict some effects but not explain the processes through which these effects came about. This exclusively numerical representation of educational social reality led to oversimplifications. The natural sciences paradigm is not adequate to conduct research in social sciences since the object of the research is not an inert raw material. Pedagogical praxis as educational action ‘infused with’ theory, supported by a belief system and an ethical code needs an inquiry method that can take into account this complexity. Praxeological research in education has emerged recently as a powerful alternative for the change of pedagogical praxis, the transformation of educational contexts and the construction of empirical knowledge about complex educational realities. Praxeological research is inscribed in the m...
Calf vein thrombosis in spinal cord injured patients: Conservative management of two cases

Several studies have suggested that if a calf vein thrombosis does not propagate above the knee when followed up with serial diagnostic studies, full anticoagulation may not be necessary. These studies have not included spinal cord injured patients. Two patients with spinal cord injury were diagnosed with acute calf vein thrombosis after admission to a spinal cord injury rehabilitation unit. Both patients refused intravenous heparinization. Serial duplex Doppler studies were performed on both patients to evaluate for propagation of thrombus. Neither patient developed propagation of thrombus, pulmonary embolus, or persistent thrombophlebitis. Full anticoagulation including intravenous heparinization is costly, subject to complications, and interferes with intensive rehabilitation therapies. Observation of calf vein thrombosis with appropriate serial follow-up studies may be a viable alternative to anticoagulation in spinal cord injured patients. Further studies need to be done with this unique patient population.
Generalization of smith-herrmann problem with the aid of computerized symbolic algebra

This paper presents a generalization of the Smith-Herrmann problem, namely that of flutter of a uniform cantilever on an elastic foundation with uniform stiffness, under a follower force—by considering attachment of the foundation to part of the column. The unexpected finding of Smith and Herrmann, that the elastic foundation has no influence, is re-established for total attachment, while for partial attachment the flutter load is found to increase up to an optimum attachment ratio which maximizes the flutter load. The derivation was carried out with the aid of computer manipulation algebra.
Graph Theory and Group Contributions in the Estimation of Boiling Points

Estimation of normal boiling points of organic compounds using a group contribution method is known to be unsatisfactory and an attempt has been made to improve the accuracy of the estimations by including chemical graph information in the regressions. This leads to a measurable improvement in the results obtained for both a set of 63 alcohols and also a set of 541 structurally diverse organic compounds. This new approach was found to have better predictive ability than the group contribution approach both in the cross-validation tests and in predicting the normal boiling points for 32 new compounds.
Reliable data on 5- and 10-year survival provide accurate estimates of 15-year survival in estrogen receptor-positive early-stage breast cancer

There are few studies of model-based survival projections using early empirical results for estimating long-term survival. Utilizing Early Breast Cancer Trialists’ Collaborative Group (EBCTCG) data, a Markov model was generated to compare empirical results with those modeled beyond the empirical result time horizon in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive early-stage breast cancer (ESBC). Modeling 15-year survival based on 5- and 10-year EBCTCG data resulted in an average error estimate in breast cancer mortality of 0.75% [range −0.83 to 2.19%]. Although modeling life expectancy differences ranged from an underestimate of −7.93% to an overestimate of 12.64%, over the span of 15 years this corresponded to a loss of 18 days or a gain of 40 days of life. Reliable early survival data may be used to generate models that accurately estimate 15-year survival in ER-positive ESBC. Whether early survival data can be employed over the lifetime horizon remains to be demonstrated.
The Role of Angiotensin II in the Regulation of Blood Flow to Choroid Plexuses and Cerebrospinal Fluid Formation in the Rat

Summary: The effect of peripherally administered angiotensin II (All) on blood flow to choroid plexuses was examined in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats. The indicator fractionation method with 123I- or 125I-AT-isopropyl-p-iodoamphetamine as the marker was employed to measure blood flow. Basal blood flow to choroid plexus of the lateral cerebral ventricle (LVCP) (3.19 ± 0.23 ml g-1 min-1) was lower than that to choroid plexuses of the third (3VCP) and fourth (4VCP) ventricles (3.90 ± 0.38 and 3.95 ± 0.36 ml g-1 min-1, respectively). The effect of AH on choroidal blood flow varied depending on pep-tide dose and anatomical location of the choroidal tissue. All infused intravenously at rates of 30 and 50 ng kg-1 min-1 decreased blood flow to both LVCP and 4VCP by 12-20%. Both lower (10 ng kg-1 min-1) and higher (100 and 300 ng kg"' min-1) All doses did not alter blood flow to LVCP and 4VCP. Blood flow to the 3VCP was not affected by any dose of the peptide used. In comparison, blood flow to cerebral cortex increased by 33% during intravenous All infusion at a rate of 300 ng kg-1 min-1. The choroidal blood flow-lowering effect of moderate All doses was abolished by both AT[ (losartan) and AT2 (PD 123319) receptor subtype antagonists (3 mg kg-1 i.v.). To determine whether the hemodynamic changes observed in choroid plexuses with moderate All doses influence CSF formation, the ventriculocisternal perfusion was performed in rats (under the experimental conditions described) with Blue Dextran 2000 as the indicator. CSF production was not altered during intravenous infusion of All at a rate of 30 ng kg-1 min-1. It is suggested that CSF formation is maintained in pathophysiological situations accompanied by increased plasma All levels, which implicates a potential role for All in regulating ion and water balance in the CNS.
Sufficient conditions for the convergence of asynchronous iterations

Abstract Asynchronous algorithms have the potential to be more efficient than synchronized algorithms in multiprocessors because the overheads associated with synchronization are removed. The sufficient conditions for the convergence of numerical asynchronous iterations have been established; however, relaxation procedures are also common in non-numerical applications. In this paper, we introduce sufficient conditions for the convergence of asynchronous iterations defined on any set of data, finite or infinite, countable or not. The sufficient conditions are then applied to the scene-labeling problem. A multitasked implementation of the scene-labeling algorithm in a distributed global memory system is detailed. In this implementation, no synchronization nor critical sections are necessary to enforce correctness of execution.
Otologic and audiologic features of Nager acrofacial dysostosis

Summary Objective: To describe the otologic and audiologic characteristics of pediatric patients with Nager acrofacial dysostosis. Design: Retrospective case series. Setting: Multidisciplinary clinic in a tertiary care children's hospital. Subjects: Patients less than 18 years of age with Nager acrofacial dysostosis. Methods: Nager syndrome is a mandibulofacial dysostosis associated with preaxial limb abnormalities and multiple craniofacial anomalies. Ten patients with Nager syndrome were reviewed. Relevant literature, 1966 to the present, was reviewed with the assistance of Medline. Results: External and middle ear abnormalities are common in Nager syndrome. All non-atretic ears had significant difficulty with otitis media, requiring an average of two sets of tympanostomy tubes. Cholesteatoma was diagnosed in one patient. Pure conductive hearing loss was identified in eight patients with mixed hearing loss noted in two patients. Conductive hearing loss greater than 30 dB HL was noted in 90% (9/10) of patients, with 40% (4/10) having 55–70 dB HL loss. Although amplification was effective, results of surgical interventions to correct conductive hearing loss were inconsistent. Two patients with mixed hearing loss developed the sensorineural component in later childhood, indicating that progressive or fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss is also possible in this population. Conclusions: Pediatric patients with Nager acrofacial dysostosis exhibit conductive hearing loss due to middle and external ear pathology. Prolonged ventilation of the middle ear via tympanostomy tubes and amplification with hearing aids are often required. Some patients also demonstrate mixed hearing loss that may be progressive and should be monitored carefully. Early and aggressive management in a multidisciplinary team approach is recommended.
Farming Sponges to Supply Bioactive Metabolites and Bath Sponges: A Review

Sponges have been experimentally farmed for over 100 years, with early attempts done in the sea to supply “bath sponges”. During the last 20 years, sponges have also been experimentally cultured both in the sea and in tanks on land for their biologically active metabolites, some of which have pharmaceutical potential. Sea-based farming studies have focused on developing good farming structures and identifying the optimal environmental conditions that promote production of bath sponges or bioactive metabolites. The ideal farming structure will vary between species and regions, but will generally involve threading sponges on rope or placing them inside mesh. For land-based sponge culture, most research has focused on determining the feeding requirements that promote growth. Many sea- and land-based studies have shown that sponges grow quickly, often doubling in size every few months. Other favorable results and interesting developments include partially harvesting farmed sponges to increase biomass yields, seeding sexually reproduced larvae on farming structures, using sponge farms as large biofilters to control microbial populations, and manipulating culture conditions to promote metabolite biosynthesis. Even though some results are promising, land-based culture needs further research and is not likely to be commercially feasible in the near future. Sea-based culture still holds great promise, with several small-scale farming operations producing bath sponges or metabolites. The greatest potential for commercial bath sponge culture is probably for underdeveloped coastal communities, where it can provide an alternative and environmentally friendly source of income.
A new synthesis of an α-haloalkaneboronic ester, 1-bromo-1-ethylenedioxyboryl-2-phenylethane, and a supervenient synthesis of a 1,2-diboronic ester. 1,2-bis(ethylenedioxyboryl)-1-phenylethane

Abstract Conversion of tris(ethylenedioxyboryl) methane, HC(BO2-C2H4)3 (I) to lithium bis(ethylenedioxyboryl)methide, Li HC(BO2C2H4)2 (II), with methyllithium, followed by alkylation with benzyl bromide, has yielded 1,1-bis(ethylenedioxyboryl)-2-phenylethane, PhCH2CH(BO2C2H2)4 (III). Reaction of III with one equivalent each of mercuric chloride and sodium methoxide in anhydrous methanol resulted in the selective replacement of one boron atom by mercury to form 1-chloromercuri-1-ethylenedioxyboryl-2-phenylethane (IV), which reacted with bromine in dichloromethane to yield 1-bromo-l-ethylenedioxyboryl-2-phenylethane, PhCH2CHBrBO2C2H4 (V). Several attempts to convert V to an aminoboronic acid were unsuccessful. In an attempt to find a more convenient route to III, the dihydroboration of phenylacetylene with borane in tetrahydrofuran followed by treatment with ethylene glycol unexpectedly yielded not III, but its isomer 1,2-bis(ethylenedioxyboryl)-1-phenylethane (VI), which is consequently the first 1,2-alkanediboronic ester to be easily made in substantial quantities.
Impact of treatment response metrics on photodynamic therapy planning and outcomes in a three-dimensional model of ovarian cancer

Common methods to characterize treatment efficacy based on morphological imaging may misrepresent outcomes and exclude effective therapies. Using a three-dimensional model of ovarian cancer, two functional treatment response metrics are used to evaluate photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy: total volume, calculated from viable and nonviable cells, and live volume, calculated from viable cells. The utility of these volume-based metrics is corroborated using independent reporters of photodynamic activity: viability, a common fluorescence-based ratiometric analysis, and photosensitizer photobleaching, which is characterized by a loss of fluorescence due in part to the production of reactive species during PDT. Live volume correlated with both photobleaching and viability, suggesting that it was a better reporter of PDT efficacy than total volume, which did not correlate with either metric. Based on these findings, live volume and viability are used to probe the susceptibilities of tumor populations to a range of PDT dose parameters administered using 0.25, 1, and 10 μM benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD). PDT with 0.25 μM BPD produces the most significant reduction in live volume and viability and mediates a substantial shift toward small nodules. Increasingly sophisticated bioengineered models may complement current treatment planning approaches and provide unique opportunities to critically evaluate key parameters including metrics of therapeutic response.
A DFT Approach for Testing Embedded Systems Using DC Sensors

In this article, we propose a sensor-based BIT scheme. By using sensors, we mitigate any issues related to signal integrity and diversity in the test response capture process. Also, BIT can provide a test framework to estimate specifications during production testing for various modules in a heterogeneous SoC or SiP. This scheme involves designing sensors for each module directly into the device under test (DUD and capturing sensor outputs that are low-frequency DC signals. A low-frequency mixed-signal tester can capture these sensor responses, analyze them to infer each specific module's performance, and determine the overall pass-fail decision for the DUT. The embedded sensors perform the necessary signal conditioning of the DUT output signals, thereby significantly reducing the ATE's response capture and analysis overhead. As an example, it's possible to test a digital module for rise time by incorporating an integrator at the output node as a sensor. As the output node voltage increases, the integrator's output capacitance charges to a DC value. The ATE samples the capacitor's DC voltage at a specific time, and the DC voltage would be proportional to the DUT's rise time. In this case, there would be no need to sample the rising waveform, and the ATE's digitizer requirements could be significantly relaxed. This example indicates that during production testing, carefully chosen sensors can effectively simplify the overall test procedure
The Effect of Blood Removal on Oxidation and Shelf Life of Broiler Breast Meat

Blood components, especially hemoglobin, are powerful promoters of lipid oxidation and may decrease the shelf life of meat products. Therefore, this study examined different slaughter techniques to determine their effects on pH (24 h), color (L*a*b* values at 24 h), lipid oxidation, residual hemoglobin concentration (24 h), and sensory evaluation (d 1 and 4 postmortem; PM) in broiler breast fillets. The treatments included 1) CO(2) slaughter and not bled, 2) no stunning and bled, 3) electrical stunning (ES) and bled, 4) CO(2) stunning and bled, and 5) ES and decapitation. The birds were conventionally processed, and analyses were performed at 24 h PM except residual hemoglobin for which the samples were frozen (-80 degrees C) until analyses ( < 2 mo). There were no significant differences in pH or b* values at 24 h PM among any of the treatments. L* values were significantly higher, indicating lighter fillets in the ES and decapitated birds compared with the darker fillets from the CO(2) stunned and bled birds. The CO(2) slaughter and not bled birds had significantly higher a* values, indicating more red color, when compared with the ES and bled and decapitated birds. There were no significant differences in the residual hemoglobin contents in the broiler breast muscle when comparing all of the treatments except CO(2) slaughter and not bled, which was significantly (around 15%) greater. Overall TBA-reactive substances (TBARS; raw, cooked at 24 h, and cooked at 72 h PM) indicated that ES and bled birds had the lowest TBARS when compared with the remaining treatments. Consumer panels detected increased aroma (chicken meaty and warmed-over aromas) and flavor (chicken meaty and warmed-over flavors) in not bled samples at 24 h PM. By 72 h PM, however, there were no significant differences in aroma or flavor. Therefore, different slaughter and bleeding method may affect color and sensory properties of the broiler breast fillets, and the ES and decapitation method had the most favorable results for sensory quality.
Incidence of symptomatic atrial fibrillation in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

Objectives. This study was performed to determine the incidence of symptomatic, sustained atrial fibrillation in a group of patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The effects of the mechanism of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (atrioventricular [AV] node reentry vs. AV reentry through an accessory pathway) and heart rate during the tachycardia on the occurrence of atrial fibrillation were also assessed. Background. There is a substantial incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, but the precise incidence and the factors that determine it are unknown. Methods. One hundred sixty-nine patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia were followed up by regular clinic visits and transtelephonic electrocardiographic monitoring during symptomatic episodes of arrhythmia. The Kaplan-Meier product-limit method was used to estimate the proportion of patients remaining free of atrial fibrillation during the observation period. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the effect of mechanism and heart rate during paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia on the atrial fibrillation—free period. Results. Thirty-two (19%) of the 169 patients had an episode of atrial fibrillation during a mean follow-up period of 31 months. The cumulative percent of patients experiencing an episode of atrial fibrillation was 6% within 1 month, 9% within 4 months and 12% within 1 year. The mechanism of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia was not associated with the time to occurrence of atrial fibrillation; the hazard ratio corresponding to classification in the AV node reentry group was 0.8 (p > 0.6). The heart rate during paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia was not associated with the time to occurrence of atrial fibrillation; the hazard ratio associated with an increase in heart rate of 50 beats/min during the tachycardia was 1.15 (p > 0.5). Conclusions. This study suggests that atrial fibrillation will develop in ∼12% of patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia during a 1-year follow-up period. The occurrence of atrial fibrillation is not related to the mechanism or heart rate of the paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
Solute strengthening of both mobile and forest dislocations: The origin of dynamic strain aging in fcc metals

A full rate-dependent constitutive theory for dynamic strain aging is developed based on two key ideas. The first idea is that both solute strengthening and forest strengthening must exist and must exhibit aging phenomena. The second idea is that a single physical aging mechanism, cross-core diffusion within a dislocation core, controls the aging of both the solute and forest strengthening mechanisms. All the material parameters in the model, apart from forest dislocation density evolution parameters, are derivable from atomistic-scale studies so that the theory contains essentially no adjustable parameters. The model predicts the steady-state stress/strain/strain-rate/temperature/concentration dependent material response for a variety of Al-Mg alloys, including negative strain-rate sensitivity, in qualitative and quantitative agreement with available experiments. The model also reveals the origin of non-additivity of solute and forest strengthening, and explains observed non-standard transient stress behavior in strain-rate jump tests. (C) 2008 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Histopathologic predictors of the behavior of surgically treated stage IB squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. A Gynecologic Oncology Group study.

Disagreement persists about the superiority of Reagan and Ng's method over that of Broders' for the histologic grading of squamous carcinoma of the cervix. Uncertainty about the predictive value and reproducibility of any of the grading methods prompted a comparison of factors previously suggested as indicating the biologic behavior for cervical squamous carcinoma. One hundred ninety-five women, who were enrolled in a Gynecologic Oncology Group treatment protocol of Stage IB squamous carcinoma of the cervix and underwent radical hysterectomy with pelvic and paraaortic node sampling, formed the study population. The tumors were graded first by participating institutional pathologists, with submitted slides subjected to an independent review by two pathologists (R.J.Z. and S.W.). The histologic parameters examined included the presence and amount of keratinization, nuclear pleomorphism, mitotic rate, gestalt grading, pattern of invasion at the stromal interface, and inflammatory cell infiltrate. The depth of invasion and presence or absence of vascular invasion also were assessed. The probability of pelvic lymph node metastasis and the progression-free interval were determined for each parameter. Surprisingly, none of the grading methods was effective in predicting nodal spread or progression-free interval. However, an increasing depth of invasion strongly correlated with nodal spread and a diminished progression-free interval (P less than 0.0001). Vascular invasion was less effective in these predictions (0.05 less than P less than 0.10). Both measurements were reasonable reproducible. It was concluded that histologic grading of surgically treated cervical carcinoma is not useful but that the depth of invasion and vascular invasion are important predictors of behavior that should be reported routinely.
Characterization of a ribonuclease S refolding intermediate

During ribonuclease S (RNase S) refolding, two peptide fragments recognize each other, and bind together to form a refolding intermediate which slowly converts to the native state. We have characterized this refolding intermediate using absorbance, circular dichroism (CD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies. These techniques reveal significant amounts of both secondary and tertiary structure; the intermediate differs from a molten globule in being packed and native-like, but it resembles a molten globule in having no near-ultraviolet (UV) CD spectrum. Final refolding is slow and accompanies proline isomerization. The results show that at least two separate stages are observed in the formation of the tertiary structure of RNaseS.
Rapid protection of rat spermatogenic stem cells against procarbazine by treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (Nal-Glu) and an antiandrogen (flutamide).

GnRH antagonist (Nal-Glu) treatment combined with the antiandrogen flutamide was used to suppress rat spermatogenesis to achieve protection of spermatogonial stem cells against the anticancer drug procarbazine. Daily injections with Nal-Glu alone suppressed spermatogenesis in a dose-responsive manner. However, it was necessary to combine Nal-Glu (600 micrograms/kg.day) with flutamide at 20 mg/kg.day to decrease testicular weight in 2 weeks to less than 0.6 g, a level previously demonstrated sufficient to protect stem cells in our model system. The Nal-Glu-flutamide pretreatment suppressed serum gonadotropin levels and intratesticular testosterone levels (6% of control) and action, resulting in a reversible decrease in the number of late spermatids to 1% of control levels. When rats were given Nal-Glu-flutamide for 2 weeks before a 250 mg/kg dose of procarbazine, recovery of spermatogenesis, as measured by testis weight, testicular sperm head counts, and repopulation indexes, was significantly better than ...
Auditory Perceptual Tasks as Predictors of First Grade Reading Success

The study sought to determine the predictive power of a test battery measuring a horizontal continuum of auditory perceptual skills (discrimination, memory, integration, auditory-visual integration...
Modification of quasi-morphine withdrawal with serotonin agonists and antagonists: evidence for a role of serotonin in the expression of opiate withdrawal

Methylxanthines produce a quasi-morphine withdrawal syndrome (QMWS) in opiate naive rats. Additionally, methylxanthine-induced suppression of conditioned behavior in rats is reversed by the alpha 2 adrenergic agonist clonidine which also attenuates true opiate withdrawal and the QMWS. Therefore, the operant behavioral effects of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) provide a model with which to study mechanisms involved in the expression of opiate withdrawal. In order to examine the role of serotonin (5-HT) in the rate-decreasing effects of IBMX on operant behavior, the 5-HT precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan, and 5-HT reuptake blocker fluoxetine were administered in combination with IBMX to rats performing a fixed-ratio 30 operant for food reinforcement. Both drugs failed to reverse the behavioral suppression caused by relatively low doses of IBMX, suggesting that elevated 5-HT neurotransmission contributes to, rather than attenuates, the QMWS. The relatively selective 5-HT2 antagonists mianserin and pirenperone blocked the IBMX-induced suppression, whereas the classic 5-HT antagonist methysergide had no effect. The results indicate that the operant behavioral effects of IBMX and possibly the QMWS may be mediated by serotonergic mechanisms.
Effect of some material and operating variables on scuffing

Abstract This paper summarizes the results of scuffing tests performed on AMS 6260 steel disks, covering three oils (a MIL-L-7808G oil, a MIL-L-23699A oil, and a straight mineral oil), two oil supply temperatures, a variety of sliding and sum velocities, and two modes of operating the test disks such that the potential failure sites on the disk surfaces either do or do not synchronize precisely in repeated cycles of operation. It is shown that, under otherwise comparable situations, (a) different oil-steel combinations allow the operation to penetrate by different degrees into the boundary lubrication regime before scuffing occurs, (b) an increase in the sliding velocity, at constant sum velocity, decreases the scuff failure load and the critical temperature, (c) an increase in the sum velocity, at constant sliding velocity, increases the scuff failure load and the critical temperature, (d) the effect of changing the sliding velocity or sum velocity, at a constant sliding-to-sum velocity ratio, depends on the balance of the opposing effects of sliding ans sum velocities at the particualar velocity ratio of interest, and (e) the scuff failure load and the critical temperature are markedly increased when the potential failure sites on the disk surfaces do not precisely synchronize on repeated cycles of operation. It is further demonstrated that the variations of the oil film thickness at scuffing, the coefficient of friction at scuffing, and the critical temperature with respect to all surface and operating variables correlate satisfactorily with a dimensionless parameter ξf.
Vasodilator effects of estrogen are not diminished by androgen in postmenopausal women.

Abstract Objective: To compare the effects of estrogen with estrogen-androgen treatment on vaginal blood flow velocity and fingertip postocclusive hyperemic blood flow response. Design: Prospective, randomized, parallel, double-blind study. Setting: Healthy human volunteers in an academic research environment. Patient(s): Postmenopausal women receiving estrogen replacement therapy for at least 12 months and treated with placebo before this investigation. Intervention(s): Esterified estrogens or esterified estrogen + methyltestosterone were administered orally; laser Doppler velocimetry was used to determine vaginal and fingertip blood flow responses at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks of daily drug administration. Main Outcome Measure(s): Fingertip postocclusive area under curve (AUC); vaginal blood flow velocities. Result(s): The AUC for postocclusive fingertip blood flow and vaginal blood flow increased to a greater extent in the estrogen-androgen group, but changes were not statistically significant between groups. Conclusion(s): Estrogen-androgen treatment does not diminish the vasodilator effects of estrogen treatment in postmenopausal women.
Repeated measures of urinary oxidative stress biomarkers during pregnancy and preterm birth

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate oxidative stress as a mechanism of preterm birth in human subjects; we examined associations between urinary biomarkers of oxidative stress that were measured at multiple time points during pregnancy and preterm birth. Study Design This nested case-control study included 130 mothers who delivered preterm and 352 mothers who delivered term who were originally recruited as part of an ongoing prospective birth cohort at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Two biomarkers that included 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-isoprostane were measured in urine samples that were collected at up to 4 time points (median 10, 18, 26, and 35 weeks) during gestation. Results Urinary concentrations of 8-isoprostane and 8-OHdG decreased and increased, respectively, as pregnancy progressed. Average levels of 8-isoprostane across pregnancy were associated with increased odds of spontaneous preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio, 6.25; 95% confidence interval, 2.86–13.7), and associations were strongest with levels measured later in pregnancy. Average levels of 8-OHdG were protective against overall preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio, 0.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.10–0.34), and there were no apparent differences in the protective effect in cases of spontaneous preterm birth compared with cases of placental origin. Odds ratios for overall preterm birth were more protective in association with urinary 8-OHdG concentrations that were measured early in pregnancy. Conclusion Maternal oxidative stress may be an important contributor to preterm birth, regardless of subtype and timing of exposure during pregnancy. The 2 biomarkers that were measured in the present study had opposite associations with preterm birth; an improved understanding of what each represents may help to identify more precisely important mechanisms in the pathway to preterm birth.