cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of CCAAT displacement protein in neutrophil-specific gene expression

Abstract CCAAT displacement protein (CDP) is a highly conserved, ubiquitously expressed homeodomain protein with extensive homology to the Drosophila cut protein. CDP contains three highly conserved DNA-binding repeats called cut repeats, as well as a conserved homeodomain sequence. CDP is a transcriptional repressor of several developmentally regulated genes, including the phagocyte-specific cytochrome heavy chain gene, gp91-phox, and CCAAT enhancer binding protein epsilon (C/EBPe)and its downstream targets the neutrophil secondary granule proteins (SGPs), including lactoferrin (LF). We have previously shown that CDP binds to and represses both the C/EBPe and lactoferrin (LF) gene promoters thereby preventing expression of secondary granule proteins (SGPs) both directly and indirectly. CDP represses expression of SGPs in 32Dcl3 cells, an IL-3 dependent murine myeloid cell line that undergoes differentiation in response to IL-3 withdrawal and G-CSF stimulation. Moreover, LF is not expressed in NB4 cells, a human acute promyelocytic cell line which contains the t(15;17) PML-RARα translocation. CDP has been found to bind persistently to the LF promoter in NB4 cells after morphological differentiation following ATRA induction. Several attempts at generating a CDP knockout mouse have been performed, but all have produced incomplete knockouts. We have generated short hairpin RNA (shRNA) constructs to knock down mouse CDP in myeloid cells by RNA interference. Single cell clones stably expressing the mouse shRNA have been generated in 32Dwt18 cells, and have been shown to decrease CDP expression. Knockdown of CDP does not change the phenotype of the cells, which remain IL3 dependent and undergo phenotypic maturation upon G-CSF induction. However, increased LF gene expression can be seen in uninduced cells expressing CDP shRNA, and the level of LF expression in single cell clones expressing the shRNA for CDP appears to correlate with the level of CDP repression. Control clones do not express LF until induced with G-CSF for several days. The knockdown of CDP does not appear to affect the expression of C/EBPe, suggesting that LF expression reflects direct modulation of CDP binding to its promoter and is not an indirect effect of increased C/EBPe expression. This suggests that CDP can function as the sole negative regulatory element for LF gene expression, and that relief of CDP repression can increase LF expression independent of increased binding of positive regulatory factors.
Negotiating Quality and Productivity: An Experiential Exercise:

This article presents an active experiential exercise that requires participants to negotiate over scarce resources while assigned separate managerial responsibilities. Students explore concepts as...
Immunization Against Oxidized Elastin Exacerbates Structural and Functional Damage in Mouse Model of Smoke-Induced Ocular Injury.

Purpose Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in Western populations. While an overactive complement system has been linked to pathogenesis, mechanisms contributing to its activation are largely unknown. In aged and AMD eyes, loss of the elastin layer (EL) of Bruch's membrane (BrM) has been reported. Elastin antibodies are elevated in patients with AMD, the pathogenic significance of which is unclear. Here we assess the role of elastin antibodies using a mouse model of smoke-induced ocular pathology (SIOP), which similarly demonstrates EL loss. Methods C57BL/6J mice were immunized with elastin or elastin peptide oxidatively modified by cigarette smoke (ox-elastin). Mice were then exposed to cigarette smoke or air for 6 months. Visual function was assessed by optokinetic response, retinal morphology by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and electron microscopy, and complement activation and antibody deposition by Western blot. Results Ox-elastin IgG and IgM antibodies were elevated in ox-elastin immunized mice following 6 months of smoke, whereas elastin immunization had a smaller effect. Ox-elastin immunization exacerbated smoke-induced vision loss, with thicker BrM and more damaged retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) mitochondria compared with mice immunized with elastin or nonimmunized controls. These changes were correlated with increased levels of IgM, IgG2, IgG3, and complement activation products in RPE/choroid. Conclusions These data demonstrate that SIOP mice generate elastin-specific antibodies and that immunization with ox-elastin exacerbates ocular pathology. Elastin antibodies represented complement fixing isotypes that, together with the increased presence of complement activation seen in immunized mice, suggest that elastin antibodies exert pathogenic effects through mediating complement activation.
Taxonomy and phylogenetic insights for Mexican and Central American species of Acer (Sapindaceae)1

The understanding of the species traits of Acer L. growing in subtropical and tropical America is relevant because this region represents its most southern geographic range in the hemisphere. This study evaluates the morphological variation and updates the taxonomic status, distribution, and phylogenetic relationships of Acer in Middle America. A total of eight taxa are recognized. The presence of Acer negundo subsp. mexicanum is documented for Honduras, while five taxa are restricted to northern Mexico (Acer negundo var. arizonicum, A. negundo var. texanum, Acer glabrum var. neomexicanum, Acer grandidentatum, Acer grandidentatum var. sinuosum), whereas Acer binzayedii is endemic to western Mexico. Only Acer skutchii and A. negundo subsp. mexicanum are widely distributed in the investigated area. The populations are often fragmented and disjunct. The phylogenetic analysis identifies the A. grandidentatum populations from northwestern Mexico as a separate lineage. Descriptions, distribution maps, photographs, and conservation assessments of the species as well as a key to species are provided.
Quadratic axial expansion function with sub-plane acceleration scheme for the high-fidelity transport code PROTEUS-MOC

Abstract PROTEUS-MOC is a pin-resolved high-fidelity transport code that employs the method of characteristics to discretize the radial variables and the discontinuous finite element method to discretize the axial variable. In this study, we extended the hybrid transport solution method to axial quadratic trial functions from the current linear functions. Compared with the linear approximation, the quadratic approximation reduces the memory requirement by 50% by allowing coarser axial meshes, but the coarser axial meshes deteriorate the performance of the CMFD and pCMFD acceleration schemes. To remedy the deteriorated performance of the acceleration schemes, a sub-plane acceleration method was implemented. The sub-plane acceleration scheme can improve the computational performance of the quadratic approximation in conjunction with the GMRES method. It was also observed that for a fixed radial mesh configuration, the flat leakage source approximation error increases with axial mesh refinement while the truncation error of the finite functional expansion decreases.
Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Diacrylate as the Passivation Layer for High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells

In the past decade, greatest effect has been paid on organic-inorganic halide perovskites for approaching high-performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). It was found that severe surface-defect within the perovskite active layer restricted further boosting device performance of PSCs. Here, we report high-performance PSCs by utilization of an ultrathin solution-processed poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) layer to passivate the surface-defect within the perovskite thin film. Systematical studies demonstrate that the PEGDA-passivated perovskite thin film exhibit suppressed nonradiative recombination and trap density, as well as superior film morphology with a smoother surface, larger crystal size, and better crystallinity. Moreover, PSCs by the PEGDA-passivated perovskite thin film exhibit suppressed charge carrier recombination, reduced charge-transfer resistance, shorter charge carrier extraction time, and enlarged built-in potential. As a result, PSCs by the PEGDA-passivated perovskite thin film show a power conversion efficiency of over 21% and a photocurrent hysteresis index of 0.037. Moreover, unencapsulated PSCs by the PEGDA-passivated perovskite thin film possess over 10 day operational stability. All these results indicate that our approach provided a facile way to boost device performance of PSCs.
Presentation and characteristics of breast cancer in young women under age 40

Although uncommon, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in young women. There are limited studies on the presentation and characteristics of breast cancer in women under age 40. This is a retrospective study investigating patient demographics, clinical presentations, imaging findings, and cancer characteristics of a cohort of 145 women under age 40 with breast cancer. Our cohort had more aggressive cancer subtypes than reported in older women; 33.1% triple negative, 80% high Ki-67, and 21.3% with stage 3+ disease. Most were referred from primary care or obstetrician/gynecologist, though 5.5% initially presented from the emergency department and another 2.1% were incidental findings. 16.6% of patients presented while pregnant or breastfeeding. Most patients presented with breast related symptoms. Of the 9.1% of patients diagnosed through our high-risk screening program, 84.6% of the cancers were identified on mammography or simultaneously with mammography and MRI. Most breast cancers presented with typically worrisome imaging (82.6%), though several cancers presented with findings that were typically benign. We recommend prompt breast imaging for young women presenting with breast-related symptoms or an incidental breast finding, as younger patients have more aggressive cancer subtypes and are of a higher grade at presentation compared to older women. We also recommend vigilance when distinguishing suspicious symptoms from pregnancy-related breast changes to minimize delays in diagnosis. Additionally, it is important to identify patients who qualify for high risk screening, since cancers in screening patients were found at a lower grade than those presenting with symptoms.
Effect of whey protein isolate/chitosan/microcrystalline cellulose/PET multilayer bottles on the shelf life of rosebud beverages.

Abstract Multilayer bottles consisting of chitosan (CS), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), whey protein isolate (WPI), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were tested as novel materials for packaging and extending shelf life of rosebud beverages. We studied the storage stability at 4 °C, 25 °C, 37 °C, and 55 °C by assessing the physical and biochemical parameters. The results show that multilayer PET bottles had better barrier performance and improved soluble solids content, pH, polyphenol content, color indices, and browning degree in rosebud beverages over the control at all studied temperatures. A shelf life model was established based on the Arrhenius equation, and the number of days when polyphenol contents dropped to
Synthesis of Ultrathin Perovskite Nanowires via a Postsynthetic Transformation Reaction of Zero-Dimensional Perovskite Nanocrystals

The synthesis of lead-halide perovskite (LHP) thin nanowires (NWs) has been a challenging task that requires delicate control of nanocrystal (NC) nucleation and growth processes. Herein, we present...
Modeling of linear isentropic flow systems

A modeling approach for linear isentropic flow systems based on the quasi-one-dimensional Euler equations of nonviscous, compressible flow is presented. Such systems are representative of certain high-speed propulsion systems. Accurate models useful in control system studies are developed. A supersonic inlet is considered, and the resulting set of partial differential equations with boundary conditions is solved for a linear transfer matrix using Laplace transforms. >
The Effects of Message Type and Sponsorship Disclosure in Influencer Marketing of Prescription Drugs

This study examined the effects of message type and sponsorship disclosure of prescription drug influencer marketing on consumers’ attitude toward the ad and behavioral intentions. The Persuasion K...
Development of the Directly Actuated Variable Valve Control System (1999-01-3319)

New valve control system (HYPER VTEC: Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control System) having valve inactive mechanism which engine power is made to be united to the environment conservation was developed for motorcycle engines of sport type having higher engine speed. Mass increase in the valve operating system of this system is kept to a minimum with a compact, simple mechanism. The system enables high engine speed up to 13,500 rpm without abnormal motion of valves, having high reliability and durability. In addition, the valve control system has the enhancement of fuel economy and the effect of decreasing the intake and exhaust system sound during 2-valve operation. The switching mechanism part of the operating valve number was manufactured by cold forging, and has decreased costs. This system has been adopted to the sport type motorcycle CB400SF for domestic model in 1999.
Optical Vortex Memory

We demonstrate that, upon interaction with different randomly scattering media, vortex beams maintain a certain memory of initial properties. We describe the extent of this memory in relation to variance and spatial correlation of randomness
Innate immune responses after stimulation with Toll-like receptor agonists in ex vivo microglial cultures and an in vivo model using mice with reduced microglia.

Background Past experiments studying innate immunity in the central nervous system (CNS) utilized microglia obtained from neonatal mouse brain, which differ developmentally from adult microglia. These differences might impact our current understanding of the role of microglia in CNS development, function, and disease. Methods Cytokine protein secretion was compared in ex vivo P3 and adult microglial cultures after exposure to agonists for three different toll-like receptors (TLR4, lipopolysaccharide [LPS]; TLR7, imiquimod [IMQ]; and TLR9, CpG Oligodeoxynucleotide [CpG-ODN] 1585). In addition, changes in inflammatory gene expression in ex vivo adult microglia in response to the TLR agonists was assessed. Furthermore, in vivo experiments evaluated changes in gene expression associated with inflammation and TLR signaling in brains of mice with or without treatment with PLX5622 to reduce microglia. Results Ex vivo adult and P3 microglia increased cytokine secretion when exposed to TLR4 agonist LPS and to TLR7 agonist IMQ. However, adult microglia decreased expression of numerous genes after exposure to TLR 9 agonist CpG-ODN 1585. In contrast, in vivo studies indicated a core group of inflammatory and TLR signaling genes increased when each of the TLR agonists was introduced into the CNS. Reducing microglia in the brain led to decreased expression of various inflammatory and TLR signaling genes. Mice with reduced microglia showed extreme impairment in upregulation of genes after exposure to TLR7 agonist IMQ. Conclusions Cultured adult microglia were more reactive than P3 microglia to LPS or IMQ exposure. In vivo results indicated microglial influences on neuroinflammation were agonist specific, with responses to TLR7 agonist IMQ more dysregulated in mice with reduced microglia. Thus, TLR7-mediated innate immune responses in the CNS appeared more dependent on the presence of microglia. Furthermore, partial responses to TLR4 and TLR9 agonists in mice with reduced microglia suggested other cell types in the CNS can compensate for their absence.
Phonology, Diacrisis, and Abstraction

Buhler was one of the first to understand the immense theoretical importance of phonology and of the abstractive procedures underlying the grasp of phonemes not just for language theory but also for the theory of knowledge as a whole. In Sprachtheorie Buhler wrote, “The phenomenon of abstraction holds a key position in sematology [Buhler’s term for semiotics] , to which we will have to return time and again” (ST 45). Indeed, “it is a general sematological principle that all things or events in the world which we use as signs are used according to the principle of abstractive relevance” (ST 224) . The key axiom of the sign character of language, based on this principle, not only pointed, as Karl Popper (1963: 293 ff) saw quite clearly, to the impossibility of a purely physical approach to the phenomena of signs and meanings, but also, by extension, furnished a paradigm for constructing a model of human cognitional process, involving the primacy of an intentional set’ in semiosis. In his earliest book-length semiotically oriented work, Die Krise der Psychologie, Buhler insisted on the central idea of “the clearly recognizable and never mistaken duality of phonic image and g word meaning . . . ; this analogy and the complex relation between sign and meaning which is derived from it is ever to be found in the most complex variations in all sense-filled experiences” (KP 14) .
Young Alumni Donations to a Selective Liberal Arts College: Who Gives?

We examine the factors behind young alumni donations to a selective liberal arts college. Coming from a wealthier background and having less financial need increases giving, but there is no definitive pattern to the effect of differing financial aid on giving. Alumni who majored in economics or government, studied abroad, were 4-year athletes, were members of the Greek system, or had higher GPA’s, contribute more. Students with closer connections to the institution as alumni (living closer, marrying a fellow alum, or through employment) are larger contributors. International and minority American graduates donate less. Giving is higher in key reunion years. A better academic ranking or higher endowment per student leads to lower giving, while athletic team success has little effect. These findings can assist college administrators in their solicitation of donations from alumni and in determination of which programs to protect or enhance during times of budget cutbacks.
Minerals in the Deep Earth: A Message from the Asteroid Belt

Knowing what minerals form at different depths in the Earth9s mantle is crucial for fully understanding processes such as plate tectonics and volcanism. Since the 1930s it has been known that some of this information can come from study of primitive meteorites, which may contain a record of the early solar system. In his Perspective, StA¶ffler discusses recent discoveries of pyroxene in meteorites by groups in Japan, the United States, and Europe. The particular crystal structures--ilmenite and perovskite--are also important constituents of Earth9s lower mantle.
The mass-action law based algorithm for cost-effective approach for cancer drug discovery and development.

The mass-action law based system analysis via mathematical induction and deduction lead to the generalized theory and algorithm that allows computerized simulation of dose-effect dynamics with small size experiments using a small number of data points in vitro, in animals, and in humans. The median-effect equation of the mass-action law deduced from over 300 mechanism specific-equations has been shown to be the unified theory that serves as the common-link for complicated biomedical systems. After using the median-effect principle as the common denominator, its applications are mechanism-independent, drug unit-independent, and dynamic order-independent; and can be used generally for single drug analysis or for multiple drug combinations in constant-ratio or non-constant ratios. Since the “median” is the common link and universal reference point in biological systems, these general enabling lead to computerized quantitative bio-informatics for econo-green bio-research in broad disciplines. Specific applications of the theory, especially relevant to drug discovery, drug combination, and clinical trials, have been cited or illustrated in terms of algorithms, experimental design and computerized simulation for data analysis. Lessons learned from cancer research during the past fifty years provide a valuable opportunity to reflect, and to improve the conventional divergent approach and to introduce a new convergent avenue, based on the mass-action law principle, for the efficient cancer drug discovery and the low-cost drug development.
Coenzyme Interactions V. THE SECOND CARBANION IN REACTIONS CATALYZED BY THIAMINE

Abstract "Active aldehyde" derivatives of thiamine were prepared from thiamine and acetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, and cyclohexanecarboxaldehyde: 2-(α-hydroxyethyl)-thiamine (HET), 2-(α-hydroxybenzyl)-thiamine (HBT), and 2-(α-hydroxy-α-cyclohexylmethyl)-thiamine (HCMT), respectively. The proton magnetic resonance spectrum of each adduct is consistent with its proposed structure. The relative rates of H-D exchange of the α-protons (OCH) of the respective adducts gave an order of acidity of the α-carbon positions consistent with the expected inductive effect of the adjacent substituent on the stability of the carbanion, i.e. HBT g HET g HCMT. Accordingly, a mixture of thiamine, benzaldehyde, and acetaldehyde gave mainly benzoylmethylcarbinol and unreacted HET. This also confirms that the carbonyl carbon of acyloins arises from the carbon atom directly attached to the catalyst. Thiamine-catalyzed benzoin formation is apparently a general base-catalyzed, first order reaction dependent on HBT (α-carbanion) concentration. In the absence of enzyme, thiamine decarboxylates phenylglyoxylate to benzaldehyde.
Abstract 15907: Disruption of HCN2 Leads to Laterality Defects and Cardiac Arrhythmia

Background: Congenital heart defects (CHDs) encompass a large numbers of cardiovascular malformations, and remain the major cause of infant mortality among all types of birth defects. However, molecular mechanisms underlying CHDs remain elusive, largely owning to the complexity of the diseases and lack of animal models that can reproduce the pathophysiological conditions in a laboratory setting. The hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels (HCN) are responsible for generating spontaneous pacemaker activities in cardiac and central nervous systems. These channels are also detected in other cell types such as ventricular myocytes. HCN currents recorded from neonatal cells have an activation threshold of -70 mV while those recorded from adult cells are activated at -110 mV. This difference indicates that HCN activity might be important in early development. However, roles of HCN channels in cardiogenesis and development are not fully understood. Methods and Results: We created a HCN2 conditional knockout (HCN2KO) model in which the full-length HCN2 was disrupted. Two KO lines were subsequently derived from this model. The first line was weaned by 21 days and they all died by 4-5 wks of age. Maternal ultrasound study revealed that these KO mice developed fetal arrhythmia and had an underdeveloped left side in their hearts. The second line was able to live on under our special diet/care. These mice displayed a slower growth rate (1.1±0.2 g/wk) and lower body weight (15.1±2.0 g) relative to their age-matched WT controls (2.2±0.1 g/wk and 27.5±1.5 g; n=9-10, p Conclusions: These novel findings indicate that HCN2 is indispensable in mouse cardiogenesis and development. Our KO models are therefore innovative platforms for future CHD research.
Focus On . . . State Laws Rush in Where ERISA Fears to Tread

One of the most important and controversial provisions of ERISA is its wide-ranging preemption of state laws "relating" to covered employee benefit plans. The U.S. Supreme Court has grappled, largely unsuccessfully, with the scope of ERISA preemption; and the state of the law, particularly with respect to health and welfare plans, is not satisfactory. Despite ERISA preemption, plans cannot ignore state laws. First, there are gaps in ERISA that are sometimes resolved by resort to state law. Second, the ERISA rules often require the application of state law: for instance, who is a "spouse"? This article discusses some state law issues that arise in connection with retirement plans covered by ERISA.
Cysts of Azotobacter vinelandii with Double Coats

Cyst germination was studied in cultures of Azotobacter vinelandii ATCC 12837. The existence of cysts enclosed by double coats is described.
Pacing and Cardiac Resynchronization

Pacemaker therapy for antibradycardia support and cardiac resynchronization for amelioration of congestive heart failure have evolved technologically and application these therapies in different patient populations has been studied extensively. This chapter reviews new indications for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), and application of CRT in patients with atrial fibrillation and patients with right bundle branch block. Strategies to improve response to CRT by echocardiographic screening of candidates as well as schemes to improve response to CRT by alteration of atrioventricular and interventricular timing sequences as well as newer lead and pulse generator technology are reviewed. New information on the potentially deleterious effect of right ventricular pacing and strategies to minimize this are reviewed.
Variety is the Spice of Innovation: Mediating Factors in the Service Idea Generation Process

To create a breakthrough service innovation, firms need to go beyond current customers' needs and tap into the needs of the future market. As marketing theory favours customer-centric approaches, customer-led ideation and co-creation of innovation seem natural candidates for extracting the ‘sticky’ information nested in some of the most innovative customers' minds. Grounded in the service innovation literature, this paper extracts innovative service ideas from ordinary users (n = 388) in three different service domains and seeks to identify the salient characteristics of the most innovative customers. Past research shows that innovative users are more likely to be service defectors, frequently switching from firm to firm, and motivated by their predisposition to seek variety. Using a structural modelling strategy, variety seeking is tested as a mediating factor between the subjective knowledge level and the presence of high level unmet needs leading to the generation of innovative service ideas. The results show that variety seeking fully mediates the relationship between subjective knowledge and unmet needs. Several interpretations of the role of variety seeking on customers' behaviour are explored within the context of capturing innovative service ideas.
An investigation into the mechanism of gas-phase tautomerism using mass specrometry

Abstract Ring-chain tautomerism in 4,4-dimethyl-2-phenyloxazolidine and some aryl-substituted derivatives and keto-enol tautomerism in acetylacetone has been studied by a mass spectrometric method in which the concentration of each species involved in the tautomeric equilibrium is defined in terms of the abundance of a fragment ion uniquely associated with that species. From the effects of changes in source temperature at constant inlet temperature, and inlet temperature at constant source temperature, it is concluded that oxazolidine ring-chain tautomerism in the gas phase is an intramolecular process (which may involve wall collisions) while keto-enol tautomerism in acetylacetone is probably also unimolecular. Approximate values of enthalpy differences have been obtained and are comparable to those found in non-polar solutions. Changes in the spectra of aryl-substituted 2-phenyl-oxazolidines reflect the same trend towards more of the open form with electron-donating substituents as is observed in solution.
Towards Improved Observation Models for Visual Tracking: Selective Adaptation

An important issue in tracking is how to incorporate an appropriate degree of adaptivity into the observation model. Without any adaptivity, tracking fails when object properties change, for example when illumination changes affect surface colour. Conversely, if an observation model adapts too readily then, during some transient failure of tracking, it is liable to adapt erroneously to some part of the background. The approach proposed here is to adapt selectively, allowing adaptation only during periods when two particular conditions are met: that the object should be both present and in motion. The proposed mechanism for adaptivity is tested here with a foreground colour and motion model. The experimental setting itself is novel in that it uses combined colour and motion observations from a fixed filter bank, with motion used also for initialisation via a Monte Carlo proposal distribution. Adaptation is performed using a stochastic EM algorithm, during periods that meet the conditions above. Tests verify the value of such adaptivity, in that immunity to distraction from clutter of similar colour to the object is considerably enhanced.
Modeling, Control Design, and Analysis of a Startup Scheme for Modular Multilevel Converters

Featuring modularity and high efficiency, a modular multilevel converter (MMC) has become a promising topology in high-voltage direct-current transmission systems. However, its distributed capacitors lead to a more complicated startup process than that of a two-level converter. To fully understand this issue, the charging loops of an MMC rectifier and an MMC inverter during an uncontrolled precharge period are analyzed in this paper, with special focus on the necessity of additional capacitor charging schemes. Moreover, a small-signal model of a capacitor charging loop is first derived according to the internal dynamics of the MMC inverter. Based on this model, a novel startup strategy incorporating an averaging capacitor voltage loop and a feedforward control is proposed, which is capable of an enhanced dynamic response and system stability without sacrificing voltage control precision. The design considerations of the control strategy are also given in detail. Simulation results from a back-to-back MMC system supplying passive loads and experimental results from a scaled-down MMC prototype are provided to support the theoretical analysis and the proposed control scheme.
Experience with the extendable computer system simulator

A prototype version of ECSS has been implemented to aid in constructing simulation models of computer systems. A specialized language is used to describe hardware, software and system load and a service-routine package handles many of the bookkeeping details of model control. The full power of SIMSCRIPT II is also available for extending ECSS capabilities. Some weaknesses in the provided facilities have been noticed, however, which has led to a few general conclusions about the design of computer system simulators.
Mortality in Children and Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease

A study of the natural history of sickle hemoglobinopathies was begun in March 1979. By August 1987, a total of 2824 patients less than 20 years of age were enrolled. There have been 14,670 person-years of follow-up. Seventy-three deaths have occurred. Most of the deaths were in patients with hemoglobin SS. The peak incidence of death was between 1 and 3 years of age, and the major cause in these young patients was infection. Cerebrovascular accidents and traumatic events exceeded infections as a cause of death in patients greater than 10 years of age. There was limited success in identifying risk factors for death. Comparison of this study's overall mortality of 2.6% (0.5 deaths per 100 person-years) with previous reports indicates improvement of survival in US patients less than 20 years of age with sickle hemoglobinopathies. This improvement is most likely due to parental education and counseling about the illness and the early institution of antibiotics in suspected infections.
Giant Heart of Classical Infantile-Onset Pompe Disease With Mirror Image Dextrocardia.

A 5-month-old male infant born to consanguinious marriage with past history of feeding difficulties in the form of suck-rest-suck cycle, forehead diaphoresis, and poor weight gain since early infancy presented with increasing severity of respiratory distress and apathy of 2 weeks duration. Physical examination revealed tachypnea, tachycardia, severe respiratory distress with chest wall retractions, and cool peripheries. The liver edge was palpable 4 cm below the left costal margin in midclavicular line. Neurological examination showed floppy infant appearence with generalized hypotonnia and absent deep tendon reflexes. Cardiovascular system examination revealed apex impulse in right 6th intercostal space near anterior axillary line, presence of gallop rhythm, and soft systolic murmur. Chest X-ray (Figure A) was suggestive of visceral situs inversus, dextrocardia, cardiomegaly, and normal pulmonary vasculature. Electrocardiogram showed peaked P waves, severe right and left ventricular hypertrophy with ST-T changes. Echocardiography (Figure B–D; Video in the Data Supplement) showed severe concentric hypertrophy of left ventricle and …
Imaging experimental osteomyelitis using radiolabeled liposomes.

We evaluated radiolabeled liposomes (liposomes labeled both with 99m Tc and 111 In) for the early detection of osteomyelitis in an experimental model. Methods: Liposomes, containing 5% polyethylene glycol-distearoyl phosphatidylethanolamine with encapsulated glutathione and deferoxamine, were prepared and labeled with 99m Tc and 111 In by a previously described method. Acute osteomyelitis was induced in male New Zealand rabbits by intramedullary injection of sodium-morrhuate and Staphylococcus aureus in the tibial bone marrow. Serial imaging studies, consisting of radiolabeled liposome imaging (2-4 mCi 99m c and 75-125 μCi 111 In), 99m Tc-methylene diphosphonate (MDP) (3-5 mCi) and 67 Ga-citrate (500 μCi), were performed starting at the third day after injection. Each radionuclide study was separated by at least 2 days. The animals also underwent radiography of the lower extremities. The animals were then killed and the infected tibia was excised for histopathology. Results: For interpreting relative efficacy of individual radiopharmaceuticals, only animals showing positive histopathological findings (n = 9) were considered. Radiographs (Days 12, 13) were conclusive for osteomyelitis in only 3 rabbits. Radiolabeled liposome imaging (Days 4-6) showed positivity in 8 cases and was equivocal in 1. Though the lesion could be delineated as early as 8 hr postinjection in the 99m Tc window, the best target-to-nontarget ratio (T/NT) of 1.86 ± 0.19 was obtained at 48 hr in the 111 In window. Three-phase 99m Tc-MDP scan (Day 7) was positive in only 5 rabbits with 3 hr T/NT of 1.6 ± 0.23. Galium-67-citrate images (Days 9-11) were positive in 8 cases and equivocal in 1, the mean 48 hr T/NT being 1.74 ± 0.24. These results show liposomes are better than 99m Tc-MDP for imaging bone infection. Given the early localization and better quality of the images, radiolabeled liposomes also exhibited advantages over 67 Ga-citrate for detection of acute osteomyelitis.
A simple model of the a-axis conductivity in graphite intercalation compounds

Abstract A simple calculation, based on the effective mass approximation and assuming a purely two-dimensional Fermi surface, is performed to estimate the dependence of a -axis conductivity σ a upon intercalant concentration X in the lamellar compounds of graphite. The predicted behavior σ a ~ X 1 2 is in approximate agreement with experiment only for the case of ICI, which is attributed to the unusually large layer spacing, hence weak interaction between layers, in this compound.
The impact of power quality when high power pulsed DC and continuous AC loads are simultaneously operated on a MicroGrid testbed

Technological advancements have been made in the field of electrochemistry leading to the development of energy storage devices that are more power dense than ever before. Coupled with their already modestly high energy density, this makes them well suited for use as the prime power source of many high pulsed and continuous power AC and DC loads operated within MicroGrid architectures. The energy storage devices of interest as well as the MicroGrid concept are both technologically immature. Their independent performance characteristics as well as the manner in which they can be integrated with one another need further research in order to understand their limitations and how they will perform in an extreme environment where high pulsed and continuous power loads are sourced simultaneously. With support from the US Office of Naval Research (ONR), a novel MicroGrid test-bed at UTA is being used to characterize how the power quality of different generation sources, including various low impedance energy storage technologies, solar panels, wind turbines, fuel cells, and fossil fuel based generators, are impacted when they are interconnected and used to source these types of high power loads. A description of the experimental setup and some experimental results obtained will be presented.
Characterization of doxylamine and pyrilamine metabolites via thermospray/mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry

Analysis of doxylamine N-oxide and pyrilamine N-oxide as synthetic standards and biologically derived metabolites by thermospray mass spectrometry (TSP/MS) provided [M + H]+ ions for each metabolite. TSP/tandem mass spectrometry (TSP/MS/MS) of the [M + H]+ ions provided fragment ions characteristic of these metabolites. In addition, TSP mass spectrometry and TSP/MS/MS analysis of ring-hydroxylated N-desmethyldoxylamine, N-desmethylpyrilamine and O-dealkylated pyrilamine is also reported. A fragmentation pathway for analysis by MS/MS of pyrilamine and its metabolites is also proposed. The results demonstrate the utility of TSP/MS for biologically derived metabolites of pyrilamine and doxylamine.
N‐terminal bis‐(2‐Chloroethyl)amino and Fluorosulphonyl Analogues of Calcitonin Gene‐Related Peptide(8‐37): Irreversible Antagonists at Calcitonin Gene‐Related Peptide Receptors

Synthesis of the first irreversible calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonists is described. bis-(2-chloroethyl)amino and fluorosulphonyl groups were incorporated into the 4-position of the N-terminal benzoyl group of a potent competitive antagonist, N-alpha-benzoyl-h-alpha-CGRP(8-37) (analogues 4 and 6). Based on previous structure-activity relationships, a second pair of N-terminally modified analogues was synthesized containing a novel benzylated-His residue in position 10 (analogues 5 and 7). In separate experiments, SK-N-MC cells and mouse thoracic aortas were bathed in solutions containing 5 microM and 1.5 microM of each analogue, respectively. After extensive washing, calcitonin gene-related peptide concentration-response curves were generated for cAMP production in SK-N-MC cells and relaxation of mouse aortas. All analogues caused >20% reductions in maximal calcitonin gene-related peptide efficacy in both assays with analogue 5 containing an N-terminal bis-(2-chloroethyl)amino-benzoyl group and a benzylated-His10 residue completely abolishing cAMP production in SK-N-MC cells. Reductions in maximal responses were dependent on the analogue concentration. Analogue 4 also caused more than 10-fold reductions in the potency of the calcitonin gene-related peptide-mediated effects, whereas analogues 5, 6 and 7 have no significant effect on calcitonin gene-related peptide potency. These data indicate that all analogues bind irreversibly to calcitonin gene-related peptide receptors. The bis-(2-chloroethyl)amino-modified analogues 4 and 5 were more effective than the fluorosulphonyl-modified analogues 6 and 7.
Methods Used in Computing Secondary Equities, Wilmington Field, Los Angeles County, California

Many problems were encountered during the construction of net oil sand isopach maps from electric logs in Wilmington field, California. These maps were to be used for secondary equity determinations, and required committee agreement on all details. Problems arose in measuring sand thicknesses from electric logs, delineating exact fault-sand intercepts, and determining oil-water contacts. These problems were resolved with both old and new techniques through committee work. Sand thicknesses were measured from electric logs by a modified spontaneous potential-short normal counting method. Log measurements were compared with all available core data to establish uniform counting techniques. Net oil sand log measurements from directionally drilled wells were corrected to vertical equivalent thicknesses before being placed on the isopach maps. The omitted intervals caused by faulting were shown on the isopach maps by using zonal midpoint fault traces where the faults were within a major block, and by actually isopaching the fault wedge on block boundary faults. The net oil sand was also isopached in the edgewater areas. Sands that were being encroached by edge water were assigned area cut figures representing the estimated per cent of water that a well completed in that interval would produce. From these figures the per cent of originally oil-saturated sand no longer capable of producing oil was calculated. Average zonal oil gravities were assigned. These gravities were then converted to a value based on an historical average price range. Final secondary equities were calculated from the net oil sand isopach volumes penalized for water encroachment, oil gravity, production costs, and zonal differences.
The combinatorial distance geometry method for the calculation of molecular conformation. I: A new approach to an old problem

A new approach to the long-standing local minimum problem of molecular energy minimization is proposed. The approach relies upon a field of computer mathematics known as combinatorial optimization, together with methods of conformational analysis derived from distance geometry. The advantages over the usual numerical techniques of optimization are, first, that the algorithms derived are globally convergent, and second, that the mathematical problems involved are well-posed and suitable for study within the modern theory of computational complexity. In this paper we introduce the approach, and describe a computer program based on it.
The early diagnosis of primary lung cancer.

There is almost no chest disease which may not be simulated by lung cancer, and it is essential that the methods of investigation outlined above should be applied with expedition if the diagnosis is to be made in time for treatment to be effective. The diagnosis should be made by those methods which upset the patient least, but where the problem persists, all aids must be brought into use without delay. To spend three months looking for the tubercle bacillus while a carcinoma is spreading and when other methods of investigation will yield a quick answer is negligent, and it is not in a patient's interest to watch a shadow for weeks or months radiologically when a bronchoscopic examination may give an immediate diagnosis. A thorough search of the literature revealed that over the past 14 years 4,376 of 22,095 cases of lung cancer (reported by some 52 authors) were subjected to resection (19.8 per cent); however, the 1954 resectability rates are practically double those given in 1940—a tribute to an increasingly alert medical population. Since the average duration of symptoms before treatment is instituted is 8 to 13 months, continued vigilance on the part of the physician is necessary; insistence upon accurate diagnoses of lesions appearing within the lung will bring more and more patients having cancer to the thoracic surgeon at a stage where the lesion can be completely removed. The operative mortality rates with pneumonectomy for cancer of the lung have now been reduced in most clinics to about 5 to 10 per cent. Surgical techniques have been perfected, and there is no doubt of their potentials, yet the best results that the most experienced thoracic surgeons can accomplish is an overall 5 to 9 per cent five-year salvage. Two-thirds to three-quarters of all patients are inoperable when they are first seen. From one-third to one-half of those who are explored have disease that is too far advancd to permit resection, and well over one-half of the resections that are done are merely palliative. However, series are accumulating that show that the five year survival rate in resected cases is 18 to 23 per cent; in those patients given "curative" resections the five year survival rate may be as high as 38 per cent. The increase in salvage is not great, but the indications are clear. The more patients who can be gotten to the thoracic surgeon in time for a curative resection, the greater is the hope for a successful attack on lung cancer.
Antecedents of newborn hearing loss.

Abstract Objective To determine what factors are associated with newborn hearing loss. Methods We retrospectively reviewed hospital records of all neonates found on screening to have hearing loss as well as a cohort with normal audiometric findings from January 1998 through December 2000. The two groups were compared for various maternal, obstetric, and perinatal variables. Results Sixty-four neonates had hearing loss. The controls consisted of 270 neonates with normal findings. There were no differences between groups when compared for various maternal and perinatal variables. The mean gestational age (35.9 ± 5.9 weeks versus 37.8 ± 3.1 weeks, P = .01) and birth weight (2698 ± 1173 g versus 3195 ± 816 g, P = .002) were significantly lower in the hearing-loss group. Only 32 of the 64 neonates (50%) had one or more of the ten clinical neonatal high-risk factors for newborn hearing loss. On multivariable analysis, very low birth weight of 1500 g or less (odds ratio [OR] 7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3, 18; P = .001), 5-minute Apgar scores less than 7 (OR 5; 95% CI 2, 18; P = .009), positive family history of congenital deafness (OR 7; 95% CI 2, 197; P = .02), and structural and chromosomal anomalies (OR 64; 95% CI 14, 292; P = .001) were independently associated with the development of newborn hearing loss. Conclusion Congenital structural and chromosomal anomalies appear to be the most significantly associated risk factors for the development of newborn hearing loss. Very low birth weight, low Apgar scores, and family history are also independently associated with newborn hearing loss. However, most infants with hearing loss have no clinical risk factors.
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonitis

PNEUMOCYSTIS CARINII pneumonitis occurs almost exclusively in the debilitated or immunosuppressed individual? Mortality without therapy in this disease exceeds 50%. Treatment with pentamidine isethionate has improved the survival rate to 60 to 95%. However, pentamidine is toxic; adverse reactions occur in approximately 50% of recipients. Trimethoprim-sul famethoxazole is apparently effective and less toxic/ In this report we summarize our experience with TMP-SMZ treatment of five children with P. carinii pneumonitis, CASE REPORTS The age, sex, underlying disease, and diagnostic procedures for five patients with P. carinii infection are listed in Table I. Symptoms in four children were present for four to 21 days before starting treatment. One patient (No. 2) had easy fatiguabilitY, dyspnea, and mild cough for nine weeks; his respiratory symptoms had progressed during the last week. Such an insidious course has been recognized in P. carinii infections/All children had tachypnea, cough, and fever; three were cyanotic. At the time of diagnosis blood Pao2 was over 50 mm Hg in the three survivors and under 50 mm Hg in the two children who died subsequently. Total and differential white blood counts were not helpful in diagnosis but reflected either the underlying disease (Patient 1) or the effects of chemotherapy (Patients 2 to 5). All patients had extensive, bilateral interstitial infiltrates as demonstrated by chest radiographs?. 3 The first patient also developed a spontaneous pneumothorax. Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, and viruses were sought in all cases in smears and cultures of lung biopsy specimens; none was isolated. All lung biopsy