cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanotoxicology and Metalloestrogens: Possible Involvement in Breast Cancer

As the use of nanotechnology has expanded, an increased number of metallic oxides have been manufactured, yet toxicology testing has lagged significantly. Metals used in nano-products include titanium, silicon, aluminum, silver, zinc, cadmium, cobalt, antimony, gold, etc. Even the noble metals, platinum and cerium, have been used as a treatment for cancer, but the toxicity of these metals is still unknown. Significant advances have been made in our understanding and treatment of breast cancer, yet millions of women will experience invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. The pathogenesis of breast cancer can involve multiple factors; (1) genetic; (2) environmental; and (3) lifestyle-related factors. This review focuses on exposure to highly toxic metals, ("metalloestrogens" or "endocrine disruptors") that are used as the metallic foundation for nanoparticle production and are found in a variety of consumer products such as cosmetics, household items, and processed foods, etc. The linkage between well-understood metalloestrogens such as cadmium, the use of these metals in the production of nanoparticles, and the relationship between their potential estrogenic effects and the development of breast cancer will be explored. This will underscore the need for additional testing of materials used in nano-products. Clearly, a significant amount of work needs to be done to further our understanding of these metals and their potential role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer.
Variations in Interfacility Transport: Approach to Call Intake, Team Composition, and Mode of Transport

As regionalization of neonatal and pediatric care increases, so does the demand for neonatal-pediatric interfacility transport. Transport teams capable of performing highly sophisticated procedures and medical decision making bring the capabilities of the tertiary care center to the patient's bedside at referring institutions. Despite the maturation of transport medicine, there continues to be tremendous variability in the functionalities and operational procedures of transport programs nationally. This article explores some of the common variations in practice of these specialty teams, particularly in the realms of managing intake calls, selecting team configurations, and choosing modes of transportation.
NEW INFRARED VEILING MEASUREMENTS AND CONSTRAINTS ON ACCRETION DISK MODELS FOR CLASSICAL T TAURI STARS

We analyze K-band infrared (IR) spectra of 14 classical and nine naked T Tauri stars. Using five lines of CO, we determine v sin i and show that IR and optical measurements agree well. From this we conclude that K-band absorption lines generally form in the stellar photosphere. Using line equivalent widths, we measure K-band veiling for classical T Tauri stars in our sample. Accretion disk models constrained by existing stellar and accretion parameters yield testable predictions for K-band veiling. In the context of these models, we examine sources of IR emission from the disk. The importance of disk reprocessing of emission from the accretion shock as material strikes the stellar surface is shown. We then show that current models constrained by the most recent estimates of mass accretion have a difficult time reproducing many of our high-veiling results. We suggest that dust out of the plane of the accretion disk (possibly in the magnetospheric flow itself) may account for much of the emission missing in the models.
Production and characterization of a novel human recombinant alpha-1-antitrypsin in PER.C6 cells.

Abstract Alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1PI) is a proteinase inhibitor of the serpin superfamily and circulates in plasma at about 1–2 g/L. A1PI deficiency in humans often results in organ damage, particularly to the lungs and liver. Current augmentation therapies rely entirely on A1PI isolated from human plasma, thus prompting an evaluation of alternate sources. We have co-expressed recombinant A1PI and α-2,3-sialyltransferase in the human cell line, PER.C6. The requirement for sialyltransferase overexpression in PER.C6 and the essential contribution of sialic acid glycan capping on pdA1PI and recA1PI to prevent rapid A1PI plasma elimination is shown. Using assays to predict high levels of A1PI production and sialylation, stably transfected PER.C6 cells were screened through two rounds of cell cloning to ensure monoclonality. Fed-batch culturing was used to evaluate recA1PI production and cell line characteristics, identifying subclones expressing over 2.5 g/L recA1PI. Cell stability was assessed over 50 generations, verifying subclone stability during continuous culture. Finally, data are presented showing that recA1PI and pdA1PI are equivalent in their ability to block elastase activity in functional cell-based assays and their pharmacokinetic properties. These data show that recombinant human A1PI recovered from PER.C6 cells offers a reliable source of functionally active A1PI for augmentation therapies and, potentially, other diseases.
NOTES ON THE BEHAVIOR OF THE HYDROID, CORYMORPHA PALMA.

Corymorpha, like Porpita , exhibits a synchronous oral flexion, or “concert,” of its proximal tentacles. As this is unlike the contractile writhings of siphonophoran zooids, the concert may be a significant character in linking the behavior of Porpita more closely to hydroids than to siphonophores. Except for this response the behavior of Corymorpha and Porpita are different. In Porpita a through-conducting system forms the only link between tentacles, whereas in Corymorpha both local and through-conducting systems connect tentacles. Corymorpha engages in rhythmic bottom-feeding using distal tentacles which have no homologue in Porpita . The mechanical properties of the musculo-skeletal system are different in the two, giving tentacle motions in Corymorpha a continuous appearance, and in Porpita a spasmodic appearance. Reduced glutathione, glycine, DL-serine, L-cysteine and L-glutamic acid can elicit a feeding response in Corymorpha . Sodium thioglycollate and sucrose elicit no response. Glycine is the most effective stimulant, ca. 5 X 10−7 M solution being effective. L-glutamic acid gives the weakest response. The presence of chemicals alone can be sufficient to elicit the feeding reaction in starved animals. In moderately well-fed animals, touch may be required. In fully fed animals both touch and chemicals may be insufficient. Parker reports that when Corymorpha is shocked electrically on its stalk it will bend the stalk so as to apply the hydranth accurately to the stimulated spot. The response I found was a curling of the stalk toward the side stimulated, but not to a specific spot on the stalk. Chemical or tactile stimuli may be necessary for final location of the stimulated site. Parker reported that the response remained accurate even after several cuts had been made in the stalk. I could find no evidence for this.
Adaptive system identification for estimating future glucose concentrations and hypoglycemia alarms

Many patients with diabetes experience high variability in glucose concentrations that includes prolonged hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Models predicting a subject's future glucose concentrations can be used for preventing such conditions by providing early alarms. This paper presents a time-series model that captures dynamical changes in the glucose metabolism. Adaptive system identification is proposed to estimate model parameters which enable the adaptation of the model to inter-/intra-subject variation and glycemic disturbances. It consists of on-line parameter identification using the weighted recursive least squares method and a change detection strategy that monitors variation in model parameters. Univariate models developed from a subject's continuous glucose measurements are compared to multivariate models that are enhanced with continuous metabolic, physical activity and lifestyle information from a multi-sensor body monitor. A real life application for the proposed algorithm is demonstrated on early (30 min in advance) hypoglycemia detection.
Effects of inhibitory GABA-active neurosteroids on cocaine seeking and cocaine taking in rats

Several compounds that potentiate GABA-induced inhibitory currents also decrease stress, anxiety and addiction-related behaviors. Because of the well-established connection between stress and addiction, compounds that reduce stress-induced responses might be efficacious in treating addiction. Since endogenous neurosteroids such as allopregnanolone may function in a manner similar to benzodiazepines to reduce HPA axis activation and anxiety following stressful stimuli, we hypothesized that exogenously applied neurosteroids would reduce cocaine reinforcement in two animal models. Male Wistar rats were trained to self-administer cocaine and food under a concurrent alternating operant schedule of reinforcement. Two separate groups of rats were trained to self-administer cocaine or food pellets and were then exposed to similar cue-induced reinstatement paradigms. Both groups of rats were pretreated with various doses of neurosteroids. Allopregnanolone and 3α-hydroxy-3β-methyl-17β-nitro-5α-androstane (R6305-7, a synthetic neurosteroid) were ineffective in selectively decreasing cocaine relative to food self-administration. On the other hand, both allopregnanolone and R6305-7 significantly decreased the cue-induced reinstatement of extinguished cocaine seeking, confirmed by one-way ANOVA. These results suggest that neurosteroids may be effective in reducing the relapse to cocaine use without affecting ongoing cocaine self-administration.
Clarifying the Functions of Social Support in Later Life

Research on the stress-buffering properties of social support contains a number of contradictory findings. At least part of this problem may be attributed to the fact that researchers have not developed a well-articulated theory explaining how social support functions in later life. Based on recent developments in identity theory, evidence is presented which suggests that emotional support tends to reduce the deleterious effects of some types of stress (i.e., events arising in salient social roles) but not others (i.e., stressors that emerge in roles that are valued less highly). This theoretical framework is extended by showing that social support operates at least in part by bolstering feelings of control and self-worth that have been eroded by stressful experiences. However, the data indicate that these beneficial effects are restricted to feelings of control and self-esteem that are associated with the same roles in which the stressors emerged.
Reaction of Escherichia coli Cytochrome bo3 with Substoichiometric Ubiquinol-2: A Freeze-Quench Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Investigation†

The reaction of the quinol oxidase cytochrome bo_3 from Escherichia coli with ubiquinol-2 (UQ_2H_2) was carried out using substoichiometric (0.5 equiv) amounts of substrate. Reactions were monitored through the use of freeze-quench EPR spectroscopy. Under 1 atm of argon, semiquinone was formed at the Q_B site of the enzyme with a formation rate constant of 140 s^(-1); the Q_B semiquinone EPR signal decayed with a rate constant of about 5 s^(-1). Heme b and Cu_B were reduced within the 10-ms dead time of the freeze-quench experiment and remained at a constant level of reduction over the 1-s time course of the experiment. Quantitation of the reduction levels of QB and heme b during this reaction yielded a reduction potential of 30−60 mV for heme b. Under a dioxygen atmosphere, the rates of semiquinone formation and its subsequent decay were not altered significantly. However, accurate quantitation of the EPR signals for heme band heme o_3 could not be made, due to interference from dioxygen. In the reaction between the Q_B-depleted enzyme and UQ_2H_2 under substoichiometric conditions, there was no observable change in the EPR spectra of the enzyme over the time course of the reaction, suggesting an electron transfer from heme b to the binuclear site in the absence of Q_B which occurs within the dead time of the freeze-quench apparatus. Analysis of the thermodynamics and kinetics of electron transfers in this enzyme suggests that a Q-cycle mechanism for proton translocation is more likely than a cytochrome c oxidase-type ion-pump mechanism.
Critical heart disease in the neonate: Presentation and outcome at a tertiary care center

Objective:To define the modes of presentation, incidence of major organ dysfunction, predictors of hospital mortality, and adverse outcomes in neonates with critical heart disease admitted to a tertiary care center.Design:Retrospective chart review.Setting:A tertiary care pediatric cardiac intensive
The absence of the VPAC2 receptor does not protect mice from Aspergillus induced allergic asthma

Abstract Allergic asthma is a TH2-mediated disease marked by airway inflammation, increased mucus production, and elevated serum IgE in response to allergen provocation. Among its ascribed functions, the neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is believed to promote a TH2 phenotype when signaling through its VPAC2 receptor. In this study, we assessed the requirement for the VIP/VPAC2 axis in initiating the allergic pulmonary phenotype in a murine model of fungal allergic asthma. C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and VPAC2 knock-out (KO) mice were sensitized with Aspergillus fumigatus antigen and challenged with an aerosol of live conidia to induce allergic airways disease. WT and KO mice exhibited similar peribronchovascular inflammation, increased number of goblet cells, and elevated serum IgE. However, the absence of VPAC2 receptor resulted in a marked enhancement of MUC5AC mRNA with an associated increase in goblet cells and a reduction in eosinophils in the airway lumen at day 3 when VIP mRNA was undetectable in the KO lung. Sustained elevation of serum IgE was noted in KO mice at day 14, while the level in WT mice declined at this time point. These data suggest that the absence of VPAC2 does not protect mice from developing the signs and symptoms of allergic asthma.
Merits of reclaimed asphalt pavement-dominated warm mixed flexible pavement base layers

Use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) has increased considerably over the past few years; approximately 85% of the RAP available is used within either hot mix asphalt (HMA) or warm mix asphalt (WMA). Within this time frame a number of research efforts have been performed, but most efforts have focused on RAP contents of 50% or less. This paper describes a laboratory effort that studied WMA with RAP contents of 50–100% in the areas of rutting, moisture damage, durability, cracking, and mixing uniformity. Lack of a RAP surplus coupled with performance data presented in this paper indicates that mixtures with more than 50% RAP do not, for most applications, add value to the highway system in present day. WMA with 50% RAP for use as an underlying (or base) pavement layer performed adequately in all performance areas investigated, durability and cracking included.
Factors associated with physicians' prescribing behavior for treatment of influenza in the USA

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to identify factors (i.e. age, gender, ethnicity, type of medical facility, geographical location, etc.) associated with physicians' prescribing behavior when treating influenza in the USA. The study aims to examine why the number of antiviral prescriptions remains substandard. Design/methodology/approach – Data were obtained from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey for each influenza season between the years of 2005-2008. Bivariate analyses and two models of multivariate logistic regression analyses (one with no fixed effect and the other including year as a fixed effect) were used to analyze the data. Findings – The results from this study revealed that among family practice physicians, 40.5 percent prescribed antiviral medications to patients presenting with influenza while 59.5 percent prescribed another form of medication. Antibiotics comprised 41.3 percent of the prescriptions for treatment of influenza. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed t...
Age differences on measures of Disinhibition during young adulthood

The trait of Disinhibition (versus Constraint; DvC) figures prominently in numerous personality frameworks and is linked to several psychiatric disorders. Recent findings indicate that this trait changes dramatically during young adulthood. In a cross-sectional analysis, the present study was conducted to explicate the nature of developmental shifts on general and specific components of DvC. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of commonly used DvC measures revealed robust age differences between younger (18–19 years-old) and older (22–25 years-old) participants on three components of DvC: Accomplishment, Self-control, and Agreeableness. However, the Accomplishment dimension demonstrated particularly strong age differences. These results further highlight the important personality development evident during young adulthood and point to both broad and specific changes in DvC during this time period.
Biological Sciences: Quinacrine Staining of Chromosomes and Evolutionary Studies in Drosophila

PARTICULAR chromosome regions have been found to fluoresce intensely after staining with quinacrine and related compounds1–16, and we have been studying the pattern of distribution of these regions in the chromosomes of various species and laboratory stocks from the genus Drosophila. We find that these patterns vary in interesting ways and that they are a characteristic of chromosomes that can be used in studies of evolutionary cytogenetics in much the same way as structural rearrangements17–19. The following are among our observations.
Casualties as a moral measure of climate change

Climate change will cause large numbers of casualties, perhaps extending over thousands of years. Casualties have a clear moral significance that economic and other technical measures of harm tend to mask. They are, moreover, universally understood, whereas other measures of harm are not. Therefore, the harms of climate change should regularly be expressed in terms of casualties by such agencies such as IPCC’s Working Group III, in addition to whatever other measures are used. Casualty estimates should, furthermore, be used to derive estimates of casualties per emission source up to a given date. Such estimates would have wide margins of error, but they would add substantially to humanity’s grasp of the moral costs of particular greenhouse gas emissions.
Immunocytochemical evidence for the presence of an albumin-like substance in the rat pineal gland

Two rabbits and two guinea pigs were immunized with arginine vasotocin (AVT) conjugated to bovine albumin with glutaraldehyde. Only one preparation of antiserum (anti-G 7) was of value. Anti-G 7 immunochemically defined the same rat pineal cells previously reported as presumptive AVT cells. However, absorption of anti-G 7 with bovine albumin inhibited the staining of the pineal cells demonstrating that they contained an albumin-like substance. Positive immunochemical staining of the rat pars nervosa suggested that anti-G 7 contained antibodies able to react with arginine vasopressin (AVP). Loss of a positive reaction in the posterior lobe on absorption of anti-G 7 with AVT or AVP confirmed this. However, the addition of AVT to anti-G 7 failed to inhibit the immunochemical staining of the pineal cells. This study reports the presence of an albumin-like substance in pineal cells previously described as presumptive AVT cells, and discusses possible explanations for the inability of anti-G 7 to recognize immunocytochemically the native AVT molecule. Confirmation of AVT in the pineal gland by immunocytochemistry must await the availability of more specific antisera.
PERCEIVED CONTROL AND MATERNAL SATISFACTION WITH CHILDBIRTH: A MEASURE DEVELOPMENT STUDY

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate two instruments: one to assess patient perceptions of control of the childbirth environment and the other, global satisfaction with the childbirth experience. Participants were 187 women recruited from obstetric clinics, breast-feeding support groups and online who had given birth in the past 4 months. Scale development involved item construction, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the Perceived Control in Childbirth Scale (PCCh), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the Satisfaction with Childbirth Scale (SWCh), reliability analysis and construct validity analyses. EFA identified a single factor underlying a set of items reflecting the patient's belief that her actions influenced the birth environment (i.e. perceived control). CFAs supported a single-factor model reflecting the degree to which the birth experience met the patient's ideal (i.e. satisfaction). Perceived control was associated with childbirth self-efficacy. Childbirth satisfaction was associated with both affective reactions to birth and childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Results support the validity and reliability of two new scales that assess perceived control of the birth environment and global satisfaction with childbirth.
Action of venom phosphodiesterase on transfer RNA from Escherichia coli

Abstract Digestion of tRNA by venom phosphodiesterase was assayed under a variety of conditions. Released nucleotides were characterized and the amount determined by chromatography on Dowex 1-X8. The release was also determined by readdition of AMP and CMP to digested tRNA using purified tRNA-nucleotidyltransferase. The two methods gave identical results as long as the fourth nucleotide from the 3′-OH terminus was not removed. The rate of removal of each of the three terminal nucleotides was determined. The terminal AMP was removed about 4 times faster than the first CMP and 65 times faster than the second CMP. At 37° the rate was 3–5 times faster than at 20° for all three nucleotides. No significant differences were seen for any particular amino acid-specific tRNA. The presence of an aminoacyl group at the 3′(2′) terminus of tRNA decreased the rate of hydrolysis of the terminal AMP by a factor of 5. Differences of the release of aminoacyl-O-AMP were seen for five different aminoacyl-tRNA's tested.
Carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-2 decreases fibrinolysis in human plasma.

Carbon monoxide, derived from carbon monoxide-releasing molecules, has been recently demonstrated to enhance the velocity of formation and strength of plasma thrombi. We tested the hypothesis that carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-2 would modulate fibrinolysis of plasma thrombi. Normal plasma was e
Heterogeneity of CD80 gene transcription by human keratinocytes to allergens and irritants: relevance to allergic contact dermatitis in vivo.

Using an in vitro assay for CD80 promoter activity, the transcriptional response of primary cultured human keratinocytes from different donors in response to allergens and irritants was studied. The CD80 promoter activity was increased reproducibly after exposure to certain chemicals. The epithelial cell lines HeLa and HaCaT also increased CD80 transcriptional activity in response to exposure to a panel of different allergens and irritants. Normal or immortalized keratinocytes responded reproducibly with a unique pattern to a panel of chemicals in which the culture increases CD80 transcription after exposure to certain chemicals and has no increase in CD80 transcription after exposure to other chemicals. Some keratinocyte cultures responded positively to certain chemicals whereas others did not respond to the same chemicals. Cultured keratinocytes from 16 of 20 adult donors (80%) responded to nitrochlorobenzene in vitro by increasing CD80 transcriptional activity, thus predicting subsequent sensitization to this same hapten (χ2 = 7.2, P < 0.0073). Thus, a keratinocyte CD80 gene expression assay exhibits good sensitivity in predicting allergic contact dermatitis for sensitizers such as dinitrochlorobenzene. These data suggest that there is a rationale for developing the use of gene-transcription-based predictive assays to identify individual susceptibility to cutaneous reactivity after exposure to allergens and irritants. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EXPERIMENTAL CONSTRAINTS ON BOSON-EXCHANGE MECHANISMS FOR HIGH Tc SUPERCONDUCTORS

At this point there is no consensus on which of the proposed theories best explains the properties of the high Tc oxides. In addition to anyon theories, there are variations on the more conventional boson-exchange pairing mechanisms which have been suggested. Analyses of experimental data such as the isotope effect, gap to Tc ratio, and heat capacity discontinuity at Tc put constraints on the applicability of these theories and limit the number of acceptable proposals.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Promotes Endothelial Differentiation of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells

ABSTRACT Introduction Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSC) could potentially restore endothelial function in vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED). The mechanism for ADSC endothelial differentiation remained unidentified. Aim To test whether ADSC could differentiate into endothelial cells in the penis and to identify the underlying mechanism of ADSC endothelial differentiation. Methods For in vivo endothelial differentiation, ADSC were labeled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), injected into rat corpora cavernosa, and localized by immunofluorescence and phase-contrast microscopy. For in vitro endothelial differentiation, ADSC were grown in endothelial growth medium 2 (EGM2), stained for endothelial markers CD31, von Willebrand Factor (vWF), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and assessed for the ability to form tube-like structures in Matrigel and to endocytose acetylated low-density lipoprotein (Ac-LDL). To identify factors that promote ADSC endothelial differentiation, ADSC were grown in various media, each of which contained a specific combination of supplemental factors and assessed for LDL-uptake. PD173074, a selective inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) receptor, was used to confirm the importance of FGF2 signaling for ADSC endothelial differentiation. Main Outcome Measures In vivo endothelial differentiation was assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy. In vitro endothelial differentiation was assessed by immunofluorescence, Matrigel tube formation, and Ac-LDL uptake. Results Injected ADSC were localized to the sinusoid endothelium, some of which stained positive for both BrdU and endothelial antigen rat endothelial cell antigen. ADSC proliferated at a faster rate in EGM2 than in standard DMEM, expressed endothelial markers CD31, vWF, and eNOS, formed tube-like structures in Matrigel, and endocytosed Ac-LDL. These properties were greatly diminished when ADSC were grown in the absence of FGF2 but were unaffected when grown in the absence of vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, or epidermal growth factor. Furthermore, ADSC displayed similar endothelial properties when grown in FGF2-supplemented basic medium as in EGM2. Finally, blockade of FGF2 signaling with PD173074 abrogated ADSC endothelial differentiation. Conclusions ADSC could differentiate into endothelial cells in the penis. FGF2 signaling mediates ADSC endothelial differentiation. Ning H, Liu G, Lin G, Yang R, Lue TF, and Lin CS. FGF2 promotes endothelial differentiation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells. J Sex Med **;**:**–**.
A vaccine carrier derived from Neisseria meningitidis with mitogenic activity for lymphocytes.

Abstract Protein carriers vary in their ability to increase the immunogenicity of poorly immunogenic or T-lymphocyte-independent antigens. We examined one such carrier, the outer membrane protein complex derived from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B strain B11, in an attempt to determine why this outer membrane protein complex was more immunogenic in young infants and in relevant animal models than two other carriers used in conjugates made with Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccharide, a T-cell-independent antigen. A single protein of the outer membrane protein complex, the class 2 porin protein, was purified and shown to function as a T-helper lymphocyte carrier protein. Unexpectedly, it was also found to have mitogenic activity for lymphocytes that was not due to lipopolysaccharide. This mitogenic activity appears to date to be unique to this carrier protein of the carrier proteins tested and may contribute to the ability of the H. influenzae type b conjugate vaccine made with the outer membrane protein complex to generate IgG anti-polysaccharide antibody responses in mice and infant monkeys and protective immune responses in infants less than 6 months of age.
Manometric Study of Complete Ostial Occlusion in Chronic Maxillary Atelectasis

The effect of complete ostial occlusion on static pressure within the human maxillary sinus has not been previously studied. In this study, a novel way to directly determine maxillary sinus pressure is described. Maxillary sinus pressures were measured in five patients with chronic maxillary atelectasis (CMA); these values were compared to values obtained from the contralateral side and from patients with chronic sinusitis. Measurements were made by introducing an 18-gauge needle probe through the membranous fontanel of the maxillary sinus and recording the pressure value with an amplified, pressure-sensitive transducer. The average value recorded in five patients with atelectasis of the maxillary sinus and complete ostial occlusion was -8.4 +/- 2.6 cm H20 (mean +/- standard deviation). Static pressure measurements of the contralateral antrum were isobaric, as were measurements found in patients with chronic sinusitis. This study reports for the first time the sinus pressure of completely occluded maxillary ostia in patients with CMA. These results may improve our understanding of the development of ostial occlusion and its role in the pathogenesis of CMA and sinusitis.
The calculated tempero-spatial heart vector in proved isolated left ventricular overwork.

Abstract From the records of the orthogonal 3-lead system of Helm, the polar coordinates of the time-varying spatial heart vector of ventricular activation were calculated. Forty-six patients with clinical conditions which caused isolated left ventricular over-work were compared with 154 normal control subjects. Variation from normal in the group of patients with left ventricular overwork could be divided into two categories: less than normal anterior tilting of the heart vector during the first 40 msec. of ventricular activation, and an increase in the spatial magnitude of the heart vector from 35 msec. to the end of ventricular activation. The results of the study represent the changes in the vector forces derived from the body surface during ventricular activation which occur in isolated overwork of the left ventricle. The difference in result between the orthogonal 3-lead system and the serial 12-lead electrocardiogram appeared to be dependent mostly on the detection of abnormal direction of the heart vector along an anteroposterior body axis for short periods during the initial half of ventricular activation.
Recovering constrained model parameters from a monocular image

In this paper active constraint set methods are applied with classical lagrange multiplier analysis to recover constrained model parameters from monocular images. Specific cases are shown from a number of complex models that demonstrate that the convergence process correctly recovers the original parameters from small amounts of matching data, relative to the large number of parameters and constraints describing the models. Application domains involved are real-time tracking of parametric models and calibration of vision equipment for factory settings.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Nonfluoroscopic imaging systems reduce radiation exposure in children undergoing ablation of supraventricular tachycardia

Background The current standard of care for imaging during supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) ablation uses fluoroscopy, which exposes otherwise healthy children to the potential harmful effects of radiation. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether the adjunct use of nonfluoroscopic imaging reduces radiation exposure during SVT ablation among children. Methods This was a prospective, controlled, single-center study of patients age ≥8 years, weight ≥25kg, with SVT and normal cardiac anatomy. Patients were randomized to control (fluoroscopy only) or study group (fluoroscopy + AcuNav intracardiac ultrasound + NavX electroanatomic mapping), stratified by operator to one of five electrophysiologists. Fluoroscopy times (minutes) and radiation doses (mGy) were recorded, and outcomes and adverse events were noted. Results Seventy-four patients were enrolled (37 control, 37 study). Median age was 14.7 years (range 8.6–22.3 years); 61% had accessory pathways and 39% had atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia. Nonfluoroscopic imaging reduced median fluoroscopy time by 59% (18.3 minutes vs 7.5 minutes, P P P Conclusion Use of nonfluoroscopic imaging during SVT ablation in children resulted in substantial and immediate reductions in fluoroscopy time and radiation exposure without change in acute success or adverse event rates but did increase overall procedural time.
Factors affecting the partitioning of Cu, Zn and Pb in boulder coatings and stream sediments in the vicinity of a polymetallic sulfide deposit

Abstract A sequential extraction scheme is utilized to determine the geochemical partitioning of Cu, Zn and Pb among hydrous Mn- and Fe-oxides, organics and residual crystalline silicates and oxides in the minus-80-mesh ( Fe-oxides > Mn-oxides; Zn, Mn-oxides ⋍ organics > Fe-oxides ; Pb, Fe-oxides > organics > Mn-oxides. In the sediments, organics are the most efficient scavengers of all three ore metals. These results emphasize the importance of organics as sinks for the ore metals, even in environments with high concentrations of Mn- and Fe-oxides. Of the ore metals, Zn appears to be the most mobile, and is partitioned most strongly into the coatings. However, anomaly contrast for hydromorphic Zn, normalized to the MnFe-oxide or organic content, is similar in sediments and coatings. Cu shows the highest anomaly on the boulder coatings, probably due to precipitation of a secondary Cu mineral. In contrast, detrital Pb in the pan concentrates shows a better anomaly than any hydromorphic Pb component.
The Firm Boundary Decision for Sustainability-Focused Companies

This paper examines the vertical integration level of environmentally sustainable and non-sustainable companies. The first part develops the theoretical foundation for linking sustainability strategies to organizational structure. The second part empirically examines the vertical integration level of 144 sustainability-focused companies in 9 different industries. The results demonstrate that sustainability-focused companies in the Health Care Industry and the Industrials Industry tend to have more vertically integrated organizational structures than their industry competitors that are not pursuing such a strategy since these two industries are production oriented and they have closer relationships with their suppliers. There was no significant difference in the vertical integration level of sustainability-focused versus non-sustainability-focused companies for the other seven industries studied. Research shows the linkage between environmental strategies and vertical integration has not been thoroughly examined. This studyâ€™s results are useful to researchers and managers who are interested in corporate sustainability behavior.
The efficacy of a vocabulary intervention for dual-language learners with language impairment

Purpose In this study, the authors evaluated the efficacy of a Spanish–English versus English-only vocabulary intervention for dual-language learners (DLLs) with language impairment compared to mathematics intervention groups and typically developing controls with no intervention. Further, in this study the authors also examined whether the language of instruction affected English, Spanish, and conceptual vocabulary differentially. Method The authors randomly assigned 202 preschool DLLs with language impairment to 1 of 4 conditions: bilingual vocabulary, English-only vocabulary, bilingual mathematics, or English-only mathematics. Fifty-four DLLs with typical development received no intervention. The vocabulary intervention consisted of a 12-week small-group dialogic reading and hands-on vocabulary instruction of 45 words. Postintervention group differences and linear growth rates were examined in conceptual, English, and Spanish receptive and expressive vocabulary for the 45 treatment words. Results Resul...
Synthesis of H-bonding probes of α7 nAChR agonist selectivity

Abstract The α7 subtype of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is the target of studies aimed at identifying features that will lead to the development of selective therapeutics. Five arylidine anabaseines, three with pyridine rings and two with the pyrrole rings, were synthesized in 35–65% yield via aldol condensation. The compounds are homologs of benzylidine anabaseine and were chosen for synthesis because they provide either a hydrogen bond acceptor (pyridines) or hydrogen bond donor (pyrroles) that may interact with the receptor within the benzylidine selectivity motif. Initial analysis of the new compounds at 100 μM concentration reveal that the two pyrrole anabaseines are good partial agonists of the α7 nAChR, having 40% of the efficacy of ACh, efficacy comparable to 4OH-GTS-21, and dramatically enhanced efficacy relative to the 2- and 4-pyridinyl compounds. The pyrrole compounds were confirmed to be α7 selective, displaying preference for this receptor over muscle and heteromeric neuronal receptor subtypes.
Design Strategies for the Topology Synthesis of Dual Input-Single Output Compliant Mechanisms

In this paper, design strategies are presented for the topology synthesis of dual input-single output compliant mechanisms. Decomposition methods are proposed to yield tractable subproblems to achieve motion requirements. The methods make use of the single point synthesis, which effectively generates topologies satisfying the motion requirements at one point by assembling compliant building blocks. In this paper, the compliant deviation angle is proposed to measure the ability of building blocks to transmit load with minimal storage of strain energy. The design strategies are versatile in allowing the designer to incorporate auxiliary design considerations and to synthesize mechanism that traverse a locus of output displacements. The building block approach pursued in this paper provides crucial insight to augment designer understanding and ability.
Psychogenic regurgitation: A specific entity and suggested treatment

Abstract A case report is presented of an entity that is clinically distinguishable from psychogenic vomiting. Esophageal training succeeded in eliminating the symptom. The training procedure was an esophageal exercise program used to restore competency to a weakened gastroesophageal sphincter.
Human Factors and the International Space Station

The purposes of this panel are to inform the human factors community regarding the challenges of designing the International Space Station (ISS) and to stimulate the broader human factors community into participating in the various basic and applied research opportunities associated with the ISS. This panel describes the variety of techniques used to plan and evaluate human factors for living and working in space. The panel members have contributed to many different aspects of the ISS design and operations. Architecture, equipment, and human physical performance requirements for various tasks have all been tailored to the requirements of operating in microgravity.
Working against the grain.

I remain uncomfortable when entering my patients' homes, especially when there is little to offer beyond the dubious benefit of my presence. But that night's visit felt different. Neither my patien...
Studies on Trichloroethylene-Extracted Feeds 8. The Relative Resistance of Avian Species to the Toxic Factor in Trichloroethylene-Extracted Soybean Oil Meal

Abstract A CONSIDERABLE proportion of the soybean oil meal produced in the United States is used for feeding chickens and turkeys. If these species were highly susceptible to the factor present in certain specimens of trichloroethylene-extracted soybean oil meal (TCESOM) which induces aplastic anemia in the bovine (Stockman, 1916; Pritchard et al., 1952; Picken et al., 1952) and the horse (Pritchard et al., 1956), it would be expected that toxic effects would have been observed among commercial flocks of chickens and turkeys. Such effects have not been reported although it is known (Armstrong, 1952), for instance, that the total output of TCESOM of one extraction plant which produced specimens of TCESOM which are highly toxic to the bovine (Schultze et al., 1955) was used for commercial broiler and turkey production without apparent untoward effects. Eveleth and Goldsby (1953), however, observed an increased mortality among baby chicks fed for 50 days a …
Response of granular media to rapid penetration

Abstract There has been a flurry of interest over the past decade in the study of impact and penetration into granular media. A wealth of knowledge has resulted from these efforts. This review summarizes some of the significant findings of these recent studies, and attempts to bridge the resulting insights with those obtained from earlier findings. The effects of projectile properties as well as soil behavior on penetration are examined at the meso- and macro-scales, and significant insights into the fundamental physics of projectile penetration in sand are outlined. Issues relating to laboratory-scale physical modeling are presented to aid with interpretation of experimental data. Empirical and analytical methods to predict the response of soils to projectile impact are also summarized. Finally, a brief description of the impact-cratering and other transients of penetration is presented for completeness.
Thermomechanical Process Innovation via Computer Modeling and Simulation

A new approach is proposed in this paper that describes the development of flexible rolling technology in industrial processing of C – Mn and Low C - microalloyed steels. Scientific knowledge of industrially-significant processes for these materials is presently fragmented and scattered in published literature, which causes impediment to process innovation and optimization. In the current work, it is demonstrated that new process sequences could be developed by breaking down existing process routes in to key elements and then by recombining them to generate novel alternative and more efficient hot processing sequences. The proposed methodology establishes a platform for a more realistic assessment of existing process routes and the development of new hybrid process routes that combine ideas from alternative processes. This enables the identification of an optimal process sequence for specified steel compositions that also satisfies simultaneous design criteria such as process feasibility and property maximization. Application of the proposed algorithm in industrial-scale rod rolling of a medium C-Mn steel is demonstrated and discussed.
Nanoelectronics Device Technologies: CMOS, Beyond and the Mysterious Case of Ockham's Razor

Summary form only given. Devices (and underlying materials and technology) are a starting point towards circuits, and ultimately systems designed using an appropriate architecture that can provide properties desired for the electronics environment. The current research in silicon nanoscale transistor area has a preponderance of efforts aimed towards improvement in electrostatics such as using nanowires and multiple gates or electrodynamics such as using strain to improve transport. The author discusses the more interesting of these as well as other unconventional attempts, and argues that while in the tradition of scaling and Moore's law this looks appropriate, the imperatives of research of the moment are quite different and a significantly broader look is required. Electronics has evolved into a complex system. To understand and to make the system perform, we need to optimize and utilize systematically all the attributes of a complex system: non- linearity, coupling and connection of scales, hierarchy and adaptation. The Ion/Ioff ratio is the currently favored measure of non-linearity at the device level, the approaches of functional integration and system-on-chip relate to the connections of scales, and the various networking/multi-core approaches are examples of hierarchy. Ability to adapt, a central tenet of evolution - the most complex system that we know, does not occupy the attention across all scales of length and time in our traditional partitioned view. The result is an unsustainable evolution of a complex system in which conservation of energy and working within energy limitations does not get the attention it deserves across scales. All electromagnetic systems, charge and spin based, e.g. have fundamental constraints related to energy, and issues of time-scale, defects, temperature, etc. are all interconnected to the energy transfer. The energy scale affects all the characteristics - from the building to the operation. The author shows through results of experimental and theoretical work that adaptation at the device level such as through back-gates, coupling and connections of scales and hierarchy such as through three-dimensional integration and chip-scale networking, are necessary for a sustainable evolution of electronics at nanoscale in the era of complexity. So, in this talk the author connects energy to device, circuit and system needs and show examples to connect energy to defect rates and limits on defect tolerance through design, hierarchical benefits that 3D integration provides in certain cases, and the role that networked chip-scale communication will have to play in massively integrated complex systems.
Asymptotic Theory of LAD Estimation in a Unit Root Process with Finite Variance Errors

In this paper we derive the asymptotic distribution of the least absolute deviations (LAD) estimator of the autoregressive parameter under the unit root hypothesis, when the errors are assumed to have finite variances, and present LAD-based unit root tests, which, under heavy-tailed errors, are expected to be more powerful than tests based on least squares. The limiting distribution of the LAD estimator is that of a functional of a bivariate Brownian motion, similar to those encountered in cointegrating regressions. By appropriately correcting for serial correlation and other distributional parameters, the test statistics introduced here are found to have either conditional or unconditional normal limiting distributions. The results of the paper complement similar ones obtained by Knight (1991, Canadian Journal of Statistics 17, 261-278) for infinite variance errors. A simulation study is conducted to investigate the finite sample properties of our tests.