cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Importance of clinical measures of ischemia in the prognosis of patients with documented coronary artery disease.

Abstract To examine the value of clinical measures of ischemia for stratifying prognosis, 5,886 consecutive patients who had symptomatic significant (≥75% stenosis) coronary artery disease were studied. Using the Cox regression model in a randomly selected half of the patients, the prognostically independent clinical variables were weighted and arranged into a simple angina score: angina score = angina course × (1 + daily angina frequency) + ST-T changes, where angina course was equal to 3 if unstable or variant angina was present, 2 if the patient's angina was progressive with nocturnal episodes, 1 if it was progressive without nocturnal symptoms and 0 if it was stable; 6 points were added for the presence of “ischemic” ST-T changes. This angina score was then validated in an independent patient sample. The score was a more powerful predictor of prognosis than was any individual anginal descriptor. Furthermore, the angina score added significant independent prognostic information to the patient's age, sex, coronary anatomy and left ventricular function. Patients with three vessel disease and a normal ventricle (n = 1,233) had a 2 year infarction-free survival rate of 90% with an angina score of 0 and a 68% survival rate with an angina score ≥9. With an ejection fraction
Hyperfine Structure of Manganese I and Nuclear Magnetic Moment

New measurements of the structure of the green lines of Mn I combined with the data already available make possible a determination of 24 hyperfine interval factors. Interval factor formulas derived by the method of energy sums are in reasonable accord with much of the data. This permits an approximate determination of the nuclear magnetic moment of ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{55}$, which is found to be 3.0 nuclear magnetons.
The effects of n‐methylation in 5, 5‐disubstituted derivatives of barbituric acid, hydantoin, and 2, 4‐oxazolidinedione*

Abstract N‐methylation of the barbituric acids raises the p K' by about 0.4 unit, greatly decreasing the proportion ionized in the physiological range of p H. Methylation in the 3‐position of the hydantoins and oxazolidinediones produces compounds undissociable at physiological p H. Ether/water and benzene/water partition coefficients are increased by methylation. In the barbituric acids methylation raises the apparent volume of distribution (indicative probably of localization in fat), eliminates delay in penetration from blood to brain, decreases renal clearance, and increases anesthetic activity while methylation of the hydantoin derivative, Nirvanol®, decreases anesthetic activity. In the oxazolidinediones methylation of the 5, 5‐dimethyl derivative produces little change in anesthetic activity while methylation of the 5‐ethyl‐5‐methyl derivative approximately doubles activity. Methylation of barbituric acids confers the properties required of intravenous anesthetics. In clinical use of the methylated antiepileptic drugs it is questionable whether the therapeutic effects are not almost entirely produced by the demethylated products into which the drugs are metabolically converted.
Fast Pyrolysis of Biomass Pellets Using Concentrated Solar Radiation: A Numerical Study

Since the 1990s, mountain pine beetles have infested mature pine trees in the forests of western North America. Fast pyrolysis is an encouraging method to convert the beetle killed pine trees into bio-oils. In this study, an unsteady-state mathematical model is developed to simulate fast pyrolysis under concentrated solar radiation. Conservation equations of total mass, species, and energy, coupled with the chemical kinetics model, have been developed and solved to simulate fast pyrolysis of cylindrical biomass pellets in a quartz reactor exposed to various radiant heating fluxes. This study demonstrates the importance of the secondary reactions on fast pyrolysis products.
Localization of human histone gene transcripts predominantly in the nonmatrix nuclear fraction.

Using S1 nuclease protection assays, we have examined the representation of cell cycle-dependent H4 histone RNAs in the nuclear matrix and nonmatrix nuclear fractions of human cells. Cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions were prepared from exponentially growing HeLa S3 cells by double detergent (sodium deoxycholate and NP40) lysis. The nuclear matrix and nonmatrix nuclear fractions were then prepared by digestion of nuclei with RNase-free DNase I and subsequent high-salt [0.4 M (NH4)2SO4] extraction. Subcellular fractions were characterized by (1) DNA, RNA, and protein composition; (2) electrophoretic analysis of the proteins in each fraction; (3) the representation of 45S ribosomal RNA precursors and processed 18S and 28S ribosomal RNAs; and (4) the presence of mitochondrial RNAs. In contrast to ribosomal and messenger RNA precursors, which are largely associated with the nuclear matrix, the human H4 histone RNAs in the nucleus were found predominantly in the nonmatrix nuclear fraction. The presence of H4 histone RNA in the nonmatrix nuclear fraction appeared to be coupled to DNA replication, since inhibition of DNA synthesis by hydroxyurea resulted in a loss of histone RNA from the nucleus. Our results suggest either that the association of histone RNAs with the nuclear matrix is very transient or that posttranscriptional modifications of the rapidly processed histone gene transcripts do not involve the nuclear matrix.
Success of segmentation in a sequence of images tracking the growth of endogenously fluorescent kidneys

A previous paper by the authors presented an algorithm that successfully segmented organs grown in vitro from their surroundings. It was noticed that one difficulty in standard dyeing techniques for the analysis of contours in organs was due to the fact that the antigen necessary to bind with the fluorescent dye was not uniform throughout the cell borders. To address these concerns, a new fluorescent technique was utilized. A transgenic mouse line was genetically engineered utilizing the hoxb7/gfp (green fluorescent protein). Whereas the original technique (fixed and blocking) required a numerous number of noise removal filtering and sophisticated segmentation techniques, segmentation on the GFP kidney required only an adaptive binary threshold technique which yielded excellent results without the need for specific noise reduction. This is important for tracking the growth of kidney development through time.
Building coherence in research on mathematics teacher characteristics by developing practice-based approaches

Scholars have debated which teacher characteristics are primary in determining teachers’ practice. Some claim that identity is at the core of teachers’ ways of being and acting; others argue that teachers’ actions depend principally on their knowledge or beliefs. We argue that, whichever is examined, it is important to study how teachers use specific characteristics in their work, and how the work of teaching is shaped by that use. We claim that this can be done by addressing research questions about teacher characteristics in ways that provide insight into how they contribute to shaping interactions in classrooms—what we call a practice-based approach. To develop and illustrate our argument, we discuss studies that exemplify what we mean by a practice-based approach to the study of a teacher characteristic and we unpack ways in which these studies distinctively contribute to understanding and improving practice. Further, we explore ways in which the development of practice-based approaches might support coherence across efforts to study different characteristics and innovation in studies that consider the interplay of different teacher characteristics in teaching.
Temporal variability of suspended sediment transport and rating curves in a Mediterranean river basin: The Celone (SE Italy)

Abstract In the Mediterranean region suspended sediment transport is the predominant process in sediment export in most river basins. The aim of this paper is to analyze suspended sediment variability over a period of 12 months in the Celone river, a temporary river located in the Puglia region (SE-Italy), and to evaluate sediment rating curves for estimating suspended sediment concentrations for subsequent load calculations. Similarly to most temporary rivers, the Celone river shows relevant differences among mean daily flows and the extreme instantaneous flows during floods. To take into account these peculiarities, the rating curves were developed as a function of hydrological conditions: high, normal and low flows. Continuous measures of streamflow and frequent samplings of suspended solid concentrations (SSCs) during flood events, normal flow and low flow were used. The plot of the SSC against discharge takes the form of a hysteresis loop. Clockwise, anticlockwise and mixed-shaped loops were observed. Suspended sediment yield was found to be in the range of 250–384 t km − 2 y − 1 . The results show that about 94% of the total suspended materials were transported during the high flow regime, while less than 0.1% were under low flow conditions. Moreover, it was observed that 90% of the total annual suspended loads were moved between November to May. Flash floods that occur in summer exhibit the highest values of SSC. The proposed method, which was based on sediment rating curves, has proved to be valuable to generate SSC data for high and normal flows although it tends to underestimate the highest values. It can represent a useful tool for water resource managers who need a quick and inexpensive method, specific for temporary rivers, to evaluate suspended sediment yield.
Peer influences on adolescent alcohol and other drug use outcomes.

Purpose To examine the role of family environment and peer networks in abstinence outcomes for adolescents 1 year after intake to alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment.
Is Earthquake Seismology a Hard, Quantitative Science?

Our purpose is to analyze the causes of recent failures in earthquake forecasting, as well as the difficulties in earthquake investigation. We then propose that more rigorous methods are necessary in earthquake seismology research. First, we discuss the failures of direct earthquake forecasts and the poor quantitative predictive power of theoretical and computer simulation methods in explaining earthquakes. These failures are due to the immense complexity of earthquake rupture phenomena and lack of rigor in the empirical analysis of seismicity. Given such conditions, neither “holistic,” interdisciplinary analysis of geophysical data nor greater reliance on the currently available results of earthquake physics is likely to work without revising scientific methodology. We need to develop more rigorous procedures for testing proposed patterns of earthquake occurrence and comparing them to predictions of theoretical and computer modeling. These procedures should use methods designed in physics and other sciences to formulate hypotheses and carry out objective validation. Since earth sciences study a unique object, new methods should be designed to obtain reliable and reproducible results. It is likely that the application of sophisticated statistical methods will be needed.
MESOSCOPIC FLUCTUATIONS IN THE SPIN GLASS COPPER MANGANESE WITH GOLD

The temperature dependence of discrete spin fluctuation modes is investigated in the spin glass phase of CuMn, doped with Au to produce strong local anisotropy. As with the locally anisotropic spin glass AuFe, and unlike the nearly isotropic CuMn, individual few-state fluctuators are found and can be tracked vs. temperature. The kinetics follow Arrhenius laws, with normal attempt rates.
Repression of c-kit and its downstream substrates by GATA-1 inhibits cell proliferation during erythroid maturation.

Stem cell factor (SCF), erythropoietin (Epo), and GATA-1 play an essential role(s) in erythroid development. We examined how these proteins interact functionally in G1E cells, a GATA-1− erythroblast line that proliferates in an SCF-dependent fashion and, upon restoration of GATA-1 function, undergoes GATA-1 proliferation arrest and Epo-dependent terminal maturation. We show that SCF-induced cell cycle progression is mediated via activation of the Src kinase/c-Myc pathway. Restoration of GATA-1 activity induced G1 cell cycle arrest coincident with repression of c-Kit and its downstream effectors Vav1, Rac1, and Akt. Sustained expression of each of these individual signaling components inhibited GATA-1-induced cell cycle arrest to various degrees but had no effects on the expression of GATA-1-regulated erythroid maturation markers. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that GATA-1 occupies a defined Kit gene regulatory element in vivo, suggesting a direct mechanism for gene repression. Hence, in addition to its well-established function as an activator of erythroid genes, GATA-1 also participates in a distinct genetic program that inhibits cell proliferation by repressing the expression of multiple components of the c-Kit signaling axis. Our findings reveal a novel aspect of molecular cross talk between essential transcriptional and cytokine signaling components of hematopoietic development.
`Elementary particle symmetries' (1965) by T.W.B. Kibble

Around 1960 elementary particle physics seemed to be in the doldrums; over the past two decades a host of new particles had been discovered in accelerator experiments, but while certain symmetries ...
Characterization of baboon pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein

Immunostaining of baboon placental tissues with anti-human pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (SPI) antibodies demonstrated that an SP1-like molecule was present in the syncytiotrophoblasts. Staining was observed on the membrane and in the cytoplasm, but the nucleus was devoid of any staining. Western blot analysis further demonstrated the presence of five protein species in baboon placental extract, whereas four protein bands were detected in human placental extract. Culture medium of baboon placental villi also contained five SP1-like molecules with sizes slightly different from those present in the placental extract. Amniotic fluid and culture medium of decidua basalis and chorioamniotic tissue contained lesser quantities and fewer species of SP1-like molecules. However, an 87 kDa band was present in all samples examined. Northern blot analysis of baboon placenta with a human placental SP1 cDNA probe demonstrated the presence of a 1.65 Kb band, whereas two hybridizing bands (1.65 Kb and 2.25 Kb) were present in human placenta. Southern blot analysis of baboon genomic DNA further demonstrated the presence of multiple bands hybridizing with a human placental SP1 cDNA probe. These results showed the presence in baboons of multiple genes encoding mRNAs and proteins highly similar to human placental SP1.
The impact of perceptual, cognitive and motor factors on bimanual coordination

Bimanual coordination is governed by constraints that permit congruent movements to be performed more easily than incongruent movements. Theories concerning the origin of these constraints range from low level motor-muscle explanations to high level perceptual–cognitive ones. To elucidate the processes underlying coordinative constraints, we asked subjects to use a pair of left–right joysticks to acquire corresponding pairs of congruent and incongruent targets presented on a video monitor under task conditions designed to systematically modulate the impact of several perceptual–cognitive processes commonly required for bimanual task performance. These processes included decoding symbolic cues, detecting goal targets, conceptualizing movements in terms of goal target configuration, planning movement trajectories, producing saccades and perceiving visual feedback. Results demonstrate that constraints arise from target detection and trajectory planning processes that can occur prior to movement initiation as well as from inherent muscle properties that emerge during movement execution, and that the manifestation of these constraints can be significantly altered by the ability to visually monitor movement progress.
Intercalary Allograft Reconstruction

Segmental intercalary deficits occur in varied clinical conditions including traumatic loss, post resection for extensive osteomyelitis, and after tumor resection for diaphyseal or periarticular lesions. The options that exist for bone reconstruction include cortical cancellous autograft, vascularized bone transfer, allograft, bone transport, salvage procedures, such as the creation of one-bone forearm and tibiofibular synostosis for diaphyseal tibial lesions. If none of these options are a viable alternative and/or the technical expertise does not exist amputation may be necessary.
Integrated Control and Navigation for Omni-directional Mobile Robot Based on Trajectory Linearization

In this paper, an integrated navigation and control for omni-directional mobile robot is developed. Both control and navigation algorithms are based on trajectory linearization. The robot control is based on trajectory linearization control (TLC), in which an open-loop kinematic inversion and a closed-loop linear time varying (LTV) stabilizer are combined together to provide robust and accurate trajectory tracking performance. The LTV stabilizer is designed along the nominal trajectory provided by the kinematic inversion. The robot navigation is based on a sensor fusion using nonlinear Kalman filter which is also designed along the nominal trajectory. The sensor fusion combines onboard sensor and vision system measurements together, and provides reliable and accurate location and orientation measurements. Gating technology is employed to remove the inaccurate vision measurement. A real-time hardware-in-the- loop (HIL) simulation system was built to verified the proposed integrated control and navigation. Test results show that the proposed method improves robot location and orientation measurements reliability and accuracy, thus it improves the robot controller performance significantly.
Protein kinase D mediates synergistic expression of COX-2 induced by TNF-α and bradykinin in human colonic myofibroblasts

Myofibroblasts have recently been identified as major mediators of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-associated colitis, but the precise mechanism(s) involved remains incompletely understood. In part...
THERMAL EFFECTS OF DUST ON CLIMATE

ABSTRACT Atmospheric aerosol pollution has a significant effect on global climate. Research on dust particle interactions with solar and thermal radiation reveals the net climatological consequences of altering the dust concentration of the atmosphere. The vertical distribution of aerosols is just as important as their concentration in determining the magnitude and direction of their effects on surface temperature changes. The injection of dust high into the stratosphere by volcanic explosions favors the reduction of surface temperatures. The increase in lower tropospheric aerosol concentrations by either natural or human agents usually initiates a surface warming.
Submersed macrophyte growth at low pH: carbon source influences response to dissolved inorganic carbon enrichment

Summary 1. Twenty-one submersed macrophyte species were grown in the greenhouse at low and high dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentrations and at pH 6 to test the hypothesis that growth response to DIC enrichment in the water column would be greatest for species able to use both bicarbonate (HCO) and free CO2 from the water column, intermediate for species restricted to free CO2 in the water column, and least for those species able to use free CO2 from both sediment porewater and the water column. 2. Relative growth rates (RGR) increased significantly with DIC enrichment for 12 of the 21 species. Bicarbonate users as a group averaged a 4.6-fold increase in RGR with DIC enrichment, significantly greater than the 2.5- and 1.7-fold increases of the water column CO2 users and sediment CO2 users, respectively. 3. The ability to use HCO, as measured by a pH drift technique, was positively correlated with the ratio of RGR at high DIC to RGR at low DIC for the 21 species. 4. Bicarbonate users also exhibited significantly lower belowground : total biomass (R : T) ratios than the other two groups, and alone showed a significant increase in R : T ratio with DIC enrichment. 5. Our results indicate that DIC availability may influence community structure in acidic and circumneutral lakes.
Optimization of cranial resections.

Soon after its development, CT imaging, which provided direct visualization of neural structures, was used for stereotactic guidance. There has been progressive expansion of stereotactic methodology for image guided surgical intervention through minimally invasive corridors. Today, the development of high resolution MR imaging, multiple modes of functional imaging, advancements in three dimensional visualization of image data, and evolution in methods of tissue destruction coupled with computer assisted and computer directed surgical navigation systems, provide the neurosurgeon with the tools to perform more precise and safer surgical resections.
Mechanism and Kinetics of Li2S Precipitation in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

The kinetics of Li2 S electrodeposition onto carbon in lithium-sulfur batteries are characterized. Electrodeposition is found to be dominated by a 2D nucleation and growth process with rate constants that depend strongly on the electrolyte solvent. Nucleation is found to require a greater overpotential than growth, which results in a morphology that is dependent on the discharge rate.
Toward Doctoral Education in Nonprofit and Philanthropic Studies

This article provides an overview of the current nature and state of doctoral education in nonprofit and philanthropic studies. Data regarding student interests and demand for courses was gathered using surveys of faculty members and PhD students. A systematic journal database search was conducted to better understand what disciplines engage in research on nonprofit organizations and voluntary action. Arguing that theory-based, doctoral-level education in the field of nonprofit and philanthropic studies is needed by academia and sought after by doctoral students, a framework for meeting the educational needs of the field's future scholars is proposed.
Sexual Orientation Perspectives of Incarcerated Bisexual and Gay Men: The County Jail Protective Custody Experience

This study examined sexual identity and perceptions of treatment by other prisoners and staff of incarcerated bisexual and gay men in special housing. Eigenberg's social constructionist model guide...
A User-Developed 3-D Hand Gesture Set for Human–Computer Interaction

Objective:The purpose of this study was to develop a lexicon for 3-D hand gestures for common human–computer interaction (HCI) tasks by considering usability and effort ratings.Background:Recent te...
Microwave solid-state active devices

Solid-state devices have had a major impact on the development of microwave and millimeter-wave systems. Starting with development work dating back to the 1940s, a variety of two- and three-terminal device structures have been proposed, fabricated, and found their way into commercial and military applications. These devices have resulted in the realization of numerous systems that would not otherwise be possible. The device development effort has been closely linked to advances in semiconductor materials growth and processing technology. Many of the advanced device concepts can only be implemented with the advent of advanced materials growth technology, such as molecular-beam epitaxy, and fine-line lithography techniques, such as electron-beam lithography. Advanced materials technology has also provided the ability to fabricate heterostructures that permit the advantages of multiple material layers to be optimized for device applications. High-performance diodes and transistors are now available for use from UHF into the millimeter-wave spectrum, approaching terahertz frequencies. The development, operating principles, and state-of-the-art of various diode and transistor structures are reviewed.
Viking bistatic radar experiment: Summary of first-order results emphasizing north polar data

Initial results of bistatic radar observations of Mars made by the Viking Orbiter spacecraft are presented with particular emphasis on the previously unstudied polar regions. Bistatic radar scattering experiments were performed in near-equatorial regions by the Viking Orbiter 1, while other regions of the planet were observed by the polar-orbiting Orbiter 2, with scattered signals received by stations of the NASA Deep Space Network. In the equatorial region, the bistatic radar estimates of rms surface slope are found to be in qualitative agreement with results obtained using earth-based transmitter-receivers, showing a nearly 2:1 decrease in rms surface roughness between 20 and 22 deg N with no appreciable change in dielectric constant. Data in the north polar region reveal variations in surface roughness from 1 to 6 deg, with areas of smooth material generally located within rougher environs, surface roughness decreasing along Vastitas Borealis in the direction of the north pole, and north polar cap rms roughnesses on the order of 2.5-3.0 deg. Trends in radar reflectivity suggest a decreasing surface density with increasing latitude, consistent with a layer of seasonal CO2 or H2O snow increasing in depth as the pole is approached.
Second harmonic components in power system voltages and currents

This letter contains an analysis of voltages and currents in the second harmonic of the power frequency. Explanation is given for the harmful effects of these harmonics, including unequal positive and negative peak values. Simulation and laboratory results are reported.
Autoinactivation of neuronal AMPA receptors via glutamate-regulated TARP interaction.

Summary Neuronal AMPA receptors autoinactivate at high concentrations of glutamate, i.e., the current declines at glutamate concentrations above 10–100 μM. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are unclear. Stargazin-like TARPs are AMPA receptor auxiliary subunits that modulate receptor trafficking and channel properties. Here, we found that neuronal AMPA receptors and recombinant AMPA receptors coexpressed with stargazin autoinactivate at high concentrations of glutamate, whereas recombinant AMPA receptors expressed alone do not. The reduction of currents at high glutamate concentrations is not associated with a reduction of AMPA receptor number, but rather with the loss of stargazin-associated allosteric modulation of channel gating. We show that receptor desensitization promotes the dissociation of TARP-AMPA receptor complexes in a few milliseconds. This dissociation mechanism contributes to synaptic short-term modulation. The results demonstrate a mechanism for dynamic regulation of AMPA receptor activity to tune synaptic strength.
Economics of widespread manure application to irrigated crops: Raw and composted feedlot manure in eastern Colorado

We used linear programming to simulate adoption of manure disposal technologies in eastern Colorado. Manure, either raw or composted, is assumed to be applied to irrigated cropland within 20 miles of feedlots in five subregions of eastern Colorado. We constrained the application so that total N application is no more than the amount used by the crop. N, P and K contents are taken into account, but no benefits are assigned to organic matter or trace minerals and no costs are assigned to soil compaction, weed seed propagation, or inconvenience. Irrigated land within 10 miles of feedlots can easily absorb all manure generated under this scenario. Manure is found to be an economical substitute for chemical fertilizers, assuming N content to be at least 50% that of fresh manure. Composted manure is either more or less profitable than raw manure, depending on its N content. Hauling costs are lower for compost, but composting costs are between $1 and $2 per finished ton. The model does not allow for mixed application of compost and chemical fertilizers, which would increase the value of compost significantly. A feedlot waste sector that composted all feedlot manure in eastern Colorado is predicted to create between 80 and 200 additional jobs.
Effects of oestrogen on cardiovascular events in postmenopausal women

A number of randomized clinical trials have investigated the role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in primary and secondary prevention of clinical and anatomical manifestations of atherosclerosis. There is mounting evidence that HRT does not slow the progression of clinical or anatomical manifestations of atherosclerosis in women with established disease. Indeed, there appears to be a pattern of increased risk among new users of HRT. In contrast, there are encouraging new data that suggest that HRT may be more effective in women who have not yet developed clinical manifestations of coronary disease.
Daily and seasonal movements of a shrubland-obligate breeder in relation to mature forest edge habitat

Abstract The effects of edge habitat on wildlife populations have been studied extensively in recent decades, but most studies have focused on describing patterns of edge effects rather than identifying the mechanisms driving these effects. Based on evidence of lower densities of shrubland birds in edge versus interior habitat, we tested four hypotheses that could produce a pattern of apparent edge avoidance: (1) active avoidance of edges due to high risk of predation in edge habitat, (2) conspecific interactions that promote greater use of interior habitat due to territorial defense, (3) passive displacement of avian home ranges, such that sampling in the interior is more likely to intersect multiple home ranges compared to sampling at edges, and (4) home range expansion along edges. To test these hypotheses, we radio-marked 39 male Yellow-breasted Chats ( Icteria virens ) during the breeding seasons of 2005 and 2006 and relocated each bird 4–5 days/week. Our results did not support the hypothesis that Yellow-breasted Chats avoided habitat edges in either home range placement or habitat usage within their home ranges though there was some support for greater usage of interior habitat during the peak of the breeding season. Size of home ranges did not vary with distance from edge. These results support the passive displacement hypothesis and, to a lesser extent, the conspecific interactions hypothesis. The passive displacement hypothesis predicts lower abundances in the edges compared to the center of a habitat patch because areas in the patch center receive individuals from all directions whereas areas near the edges do not. Thus, edge habitat may still provide quality habitat for shrubland birds in our system.
Opioidergic Transmission in the Dorsal Horn

The potent analgesia produced by opiate drugs is induced, at least in part, in the spinal cord. The three “classical” opioid receptors, µ, δ and κ, are found in dorsal horn neurons and primary afferent terminals. Dorsal horn neurons expressing opioid receptors are mostly excitatory, and their inhibition by opioids decreases pain intensity. In primary afferents, opioid receptors inhibit the release of the pro-nociceptive neuropeptides substance P and CGRP. The spinal cord also contains “atypical” opioid receptors: the nociceptin receptor, the opioid growth factor receptor and toll-like receptors, which modulate pain in ways still not well understood. Enkephalins and dynorphins are the main opioid peptides in the dorsal horn, and are expressed by different neuronal populations. Endorphins are not found in the dorsal horn, and recent studies question whether endomorphins are indeed endogenous. Enkephalins and dynorphins are highly susceptible to peptidase degradation, which has prompted the use of peptidase inhibitors as analgesics. Endogenous peptidase inhibitors with analgesic properties have also been found. Opioid release in the spinal cord is inhibited by several neurotransmitter receptors, including adrenergic α2C receptors, serotonin 5-HT1A receptors and NMDA receptors. Spinal opioid release appears to be driven by signals originating in both in primary afferents and supraspinally. Pain modality appears to determine whether pain induces spinal opioid release through local or supraspinal circuits. Some forms of stress-induced analgesia are also mediated by spinal opioid release. This involves a circuit originating in the dorsal raphe nucleus involved in the fear/anxiety response. Spinal opioids also mediate the analgesia induced by acupuncture.
Fludarabine and Ara-C Combination for Treatment of Adult Acute Myelogenous Leukemia: Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Effects

Based on pharmacologic, clinical, and biochemical investigations, fludarabine and arabinosylcytosine (ara-C) were combined to treat patients with acute myelogenous leukemia. Fludarabine’s effect in this combination therapy was multifaceted, both on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ara-C triphosphate (ara-CTP) in the circulating leukemia cells. Pharmacokinetically, fludarabine infusion increased the rate of ara-CTP accumulation by a median of two-fold (P = 0.001), hence enhancing ara-CTP peak levels and the area under the concentration times time curve of ara-CTP during therapy. In addition, fludarabine infusion added fludarabine triphosphate (F-ara-ATP), a new cytotoxic metabolite, to the leukemia cells (peak, 38 % 16 μM). Pharmacodynamically, fludarabine affected DNA synthesis by perturbing deoxynucleotide pools and incorporating F-ara-ATP into the growing DNA chain. The limited data available on the deoxynucleotide pools after fludarabine infusion suggested a decrease in the dATP pool in the circulating blasts. Finally, an in vitro model system which used primer extension as an assay for DNA synthesis suggested that both ara-CTP and F-ara-ATP are recognized as substrates by polymerase a. DNA polymerase a was able to incorporate these analogs consecutively on the extending primer. When present together during DNA synthesis, these analogs, resulted in synergistic (at low concentrations) or additive (above the 10 μM level of each analog) inhibition of DNA primer elongation. These studies demonstrated that the effects of fludarabine are multifaceted on both the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects of the drugs actions.
Thromboinflammatory response and predictors of outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been increasingly used to treat patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis. Despite improvements in valve deployment, patients that have undergone TAVR are at high risk for major adverse events following the procedure. Blood cell numbers, platelet function, and biomarkers of systemic inflammation were analyzed in 58 patients undergoing TAVR with the Edward's SAPIEN valve. Following valve deployment, platelet count and agonist-induced platelet activity declined and plasma markers of systemic inflammation (interleukin-6 and S100A8/A9) increased. Baseline platelet activity prior to TAVR correlated with perioperative changes plasma interleukin-6 levels. Moreover, perioperative changes in plasma inflammatory markers predicted the decline in platelet count in the days following the TAVR procedure. Additionally, a significant effect of gender on platelet count following TAVR and was observed. Finally, post-procedural mortality was associated with sustained thrombocytopenia after TAVR. Our findings suggest that TAVR elicits a thromboinflammatory state that may contribute to post-procedural thrombocytopenia. Importantly, our results add to the growing body of literature that suggests the thromboinflammatory changes that occur early after TAVR may predict long-term outcomes.
Prolonged Exposure for Combat Veterans with PTSD

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disabling sequelae of war and other traumatic events and poses a significant treatment challenge to clinicians. Several manualized psychotherapeutic treatment modalities have been studied and found efficacious. Among these, prolonged exposure (PE) is an established brief cognitive behavioral therapy. This chapter illustrates the application of PE using a clinical vignette of combat-related PTSD in a young soldier who sustained a gunshot wound and later developed delayed-onset PTSD. It provides a brief review of the current evidence for the application of PE in civilian and military PTSD and addresses the challenges of applying manual-based therapy.
Fabrication of diamond microcavities for quantum information processing

The realization of quantum information processing requires sophisticated fabrication methodologies of its constituents. In this work we demonstrate the fabrication of micron size diamond microdisks from single crystal diamond. Photoluminescence measurements confirm the presence of nitrogen vacancy centers and show the propagation of whispering gallery modes. Such structures are promising for the realization of diamond integrated quantum photonics devices.
Legal Briefs: Extremely Preterm Infant, Pronounced Dead, Comes to Life, But Outcome Is Compromised

A 233/7 weeks’, 592-g female infant was born to a 19-year-old-mother with a benign prenatal course until the development of preterm labor. When contractions began, the mother was hospitalized and received tocolysis and a full course of antenatal corticosteroids. After 3 days of hospitalization, the membranes spontaneously ruptured, labor progressed, and her footling breech fetus was delivered by emergency cesarean section. The neonatologist discussed medical intervention, comfort care, and data on mortality and morbidity in infants of similar gestation with the parents before delivery. The parents wanted resuscitation and full medical intervention after birth if the estimated gestational age and birth weight before birth were validated after delivery and if no unforeseen findings that would alter the outcome appeared. The fetal heart rate (HR) pattern was unremarkable, with the fetal HR being 145 beats per minute immediately before birth. At delivery, the infant had a similar HR, palpable pulses, and respiratory effort. At 30 seconds after birth, a 2.5-mm endotracheal tube (ETT) was inserted through which positive pressure ventilation was started because the respiratory effort was weak. The HR decreased to 58 beats per minute at 1 minute at which point chest compressions were initiated. Two rounds of endotracheal epinephrine via ETT were given because of a HR that continued to decrease. At 11 …
In situ measurement of magnesium carbonate formation from CO2 using static high-pressure and -temperature 13C NMR.

We explore a new in situ NMR spectroscopy method that possesses the ability to monitor the chemical evolution of supercritical CO2 in relevant conditions for geological CO2 sequestration. As a model, we use the fast reaction of the mineral brucite, Mg(OH)2, with supercritical CO2 (88 bar) in aqueous conditions at 80 °C. The in situ conversion of CO2 into metastable and stable carbonates is observed throughout the reaction. After more than 58 h of reaction, the sample was depressurized and analyzed using in situ Raman spectroscopy, where the laser was focused on the undisturbed products through the glass reaction tube. Postreaction, ex situ analysis was performed on the extracted and dried products using Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and magic-angle spinning 1H-decoupled 13C NMR. These separate methods of analysis confirmed a spatial dependence of products, possibly caused by a gradient of reactant availability, pH, and/or a reaction mechanism that involves first forming hydroxy-hydrated (b...
In vitro effect of aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum) on the growth and viability of Cryptococcus neoformans.

The antifungal effect of an aqueous extract of garlic was tested against 18 strains of Cryptococcus neoformans. Nine strains were clinical isolates, eight were laboratory-induced pseudohyphal varia...
Influence of P on Volume Fraction and Morphology of Ferrite Under Sub-rapid Solidification

The ferrite in twin-roll cast strips with different P contents was analyzed by the observation of the microstructure. The results show ed that the volume fraction of ferrite in the cast strip w as obviously more than that in the cast billet w ith the same P content. In a cast strip,the volume fraction of ferrite in the surface layer w as less than that in the center area,and the ferrite in the surface layer w as reduced w ith the reduction of the P content. The morpology of the ferrite in the cast strip w as gradually transformed from the acicular form into the polygonal form w ith smooth surface w ith the increase of the P content. Through the theoretical analysis,it w as show n that the rapid cooling favored ferrite stabilizing in steels,and the polygonal ferrite w ith smooth surface directly precipitated from the liquid steel w hile the acicular ferrite precipitated from the solid austenite.
Temperature Rise Test of Ultra-high Voltage Autotransformer During Simultaneous Three-side Full Power Operation

In order to determine the thermal state of ultra-high voltage(UHV)autotransformer during simultaneous and full power operation on three sides,we analyzed the mechanism and results of testing the particular temperature rise.On the basis of the Kirchhoff's current law and the magnetic potential balance principle,we studied the relationship between the currents of individual windings and derived the formulas to calculate the currents.Through calculation of a practical example,the current values of individual windings in different operation conditions were compared.It is concluded that the current value of a common winding is higher than its rated value during the threeside full power operation.Testing the temperature rise on the main set and the regulation-compensation set separately is feasible and reasonable from the aspect of validity and taking the distribution of current into consideration.Analyzing the data from the practical case reveals that the total loss of winding current and the average temperature rise of common winding calculated from the target value are 9%and 13.9Khigher than those from the rated value,respectively.A method of calculating the total loss is also proposed.It is recommended that the results should be corrected with the target value of winding current,and the thermal capacity of common winding needs to be increased.
Grading Nephroureteral Dilatation Detected in the First Year of Life: Correlation with Obstruction

AbstractTo understand better the significance of pediatric idiopathic nephroureteral dilatation the renal ultrasound images of patients less than 1 year old with hydronephrosis or hydroureteronephrosis were graded and compared to the radiological diagnosis of obstruction as determined by diuresis renography and/or urography. The study included 73 boys and 30 girls with hydronephrosis (76 patients) or hydroureteronephrosis (27).For hydronephrosis obstruction was diagnosed in 56 children (74%) and involved 61 of 97 kidneys (63%). For obstructed kidneys the mean grade of hydronephrosis (3.4 ± 0.7 standard deviation) was statistically different from that of nonobstructed kidneys (1.6 ± 0.8 standard deviation) (p <0.05). When the value to predict obstruction was set at grade 3 hydronephrosis or greater there was an 88% sensitivity and 95% specificity.For hydroureteronephrosis obstruction was diagnosed in 15 of 27 children (56%) and involved 17 of 34 kidneys (50%). The degree of dilatation was weighed as a scor...
Note: Contamination-free loading of lithium metal into a nozzle source

This note describes a system for transferring a load of high purity lithium metal into a molecular or cluster beam source. A hot loading vessel is thoroughly baked out while empty and overpressured with argon. A clean Li rod is then dropped in through a long narrow tube. The thoroughly degassed interior of the vessel and the rapid melting of the inserted rod facilitate contamination-free transfer of the highly reactive liquid metal into the source oven.
Exploring the Zinc Metallome of Cultured Cortical Neurons Using Synchroton Radiation X-Ray Fluorescence Microscopy

Zinc is abundant in the brain, and dysregulation of zinc ion homeostasis has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease pathology and neuronal death after brain ischemia. Many studies have established that cytosolic free zinc ion concentrations are much lower than measured total average cellular concentrations, suggesting a large capacity for intracellular zinc buffering. It is generally believed that protein binding constitutes a major source of intracellular zinc ion buffering. In this study, we explored the subcellular distribution of zinc-binding sites in neurons using synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence microscopy. We observed that nearly all the intracellular zinc in resting neurons is bound and that zinc-binding sites were uniformly distributed in neurons resulting in similar average zinc concentrations (≈300 μM) throughout the cell body including the nucleus, peri-nuclear region, and processes. However, sites of elevated zinc concentration were observed in resting neurons, and were prevalent throughout the neuron (including the cell body and processes) when neurons were loaded with zinc. These sites of elevated zinc could represent either zinc bound to proteins or zinc sequestered in subcellular organelles. Additional studies are needed to completely describe the neuronal zinc metallome and the function of zinc-binding proteins in buffering zinc loads.
Comparison of cell migration mechanical strategies in three-dimensional matrices: a computational study.

Cell migration on a two-dimensional flat surface has been extensively studied and is generally characterized by a front-protrusion–rear-contraction process. In a three-dimensional (3D) environment,...
Programming case studies as context for active learning activities in the classroom

Programming studies are used to achieve a variety of instructional objectives in computer science courses. Instead of using a programming case study as the lecture material, we adapt it to facilitate active learning activities in the classroom. While it preserves most programming tasks in context, our approach provides an opportunity for students to work out desirable solutions as they learn programming concepts and techniques. An anonymous student survey indicates that students' satisfaction with their learning experience was noticeably enhanced. In this paper, we describe our initial experience with a case study-based approach to active learning. We also discuss issues that we have identified with this approach.
Glycoproteins in Claudin-Low Breast Cancer Cell Lines Have a Unique Expression Profile

Claudin proteins are components of epithelial tight junctions; a subtype of breast cancer has been defined by the reduced expression of mRNA for claudins and other genes. Here, we characterize the expression of glycoproteins in breast cell lines for the claudin-low subtype using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Unsupervised clustering techniques reveal a group of claudin-low cell lines that is distinct from nonmalignant, basal, and luminal lines. The claudin-low cell lines express F11R, EPCAM, and other proteins at very low levels, whereas CD44 is expressed at a high level. Comparison of mRNA expression to glycoprotein expression shows modest correlation; the best agreement occurs when the mRNA expression level is lowest and little or no protein is detected. These findings from cell lines are compared to those for tumor samples by the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC). The CPTAC samples contain a group low in CLDN3. The samples low in CLDN3 proteins share many differentia...
STEADY THERMAL AND HYDRODYNAMIC BOUNDARY LAYER FLOWS WITH ROTATION

A theoretical study is conducted on steady, two-dimensional, thermal and hydrodynamic boundary layer flows in radial rotation. The stream function, velocity components, and temperature are obtained by the similarity transformation method. The temperature profile and local Nusselt number are calculated for a fluid with a Prandtl number of 0·7. The predicted local heat transfer performance is compared with the existing experimental data. The results of this study can be applied to the internal cooling of flow passages in radial rotation, such as gas turbine airfoils.