cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical oxidation of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d] pyrimidine-4,6-dione (oxipurinol) at the pyrolytic graphite electrode

Abstract The electrochemical oxidation of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d] pyrimidine-4,6-dione (oxipurinol) at the pyrolytic graphite electrode (PGE) has been studied. Oxipurinol exhibits up to three voltammetric oxidation peaks at the PGE between pH 1–12. The first pH-dependent peak (peak Ia) is proposed to be an initial, irreversible 2e-2H+ reaction to give 5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrazolo[3,4-d] pyrimidine-4,6-dione. This primary product further reacts by two routes. The major route, accounting for ca. 90% of the latter compound, involves a Michael addition of water followed by further electrochemical oxidation and hydrolysis to give 5,6-dihydro-5,6-dihydroxy-5-carboxy-6-diazenouracil. The minor route involves further electrochemical oxidation of 5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]-pyrimidine-4,6-dione in a 2e-2H+ reaction to give 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]-pyrimidine-3,4,6-trione. Decomposition and, generally, additional electrochemical reactions of 5,6-dihydro-5,6-dihydroxy-5-carboxy-6-diazenouracil result in the formation of alloxan, parabanic acid, 6-diazo-isobarbituric acid and 5′-hydroxy-5-carboxy-6,6′-azouracil. The two latter compounds have never previously been reported. Decomposition of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-3,4,6-trione results in formation of uracil-5-carboxylic acid. Detailed reaction schemes have been proposed to explain the observed electrochemistry and the formation of the observed products.
Dangerous Dyads: Conditions Affecting the Likelihood of Interstate War, 1816-1965

Theoretical arguments and some empirical evidence suggest that war is more likely to occur between states that are geographically proximate, approximately equal in power, major powers, allied, unde...
Analysis of instrumentation/fusion survivorship without reoperation after primary posterior multiple anchor instrumentation and arthrodesis for idiopathic scoliosis.

Abstract Background During the past 25 years, spinal instrumentation systems and surgical techniques used to treat idiopathic scoliosis have evolved, achieving fewer patient restrictions during arthrodesis healing, shorter constructs, and better correction. The purposes of this retrospective comparative study were to determine the survivorship of the implant/fusion without reoperation and the risk factors influencing such survival. Methods From 1989 through 2002, 208 consecutive patients (index patient included, age 10–20 years) underwent primary posterior instrumentation and arthrodesis with the same multiple anchor implant system by one surgeon, a co-designer of the system. Two hundred seven were followed for more than 2 years; reoperation status was available for them at an average follow-up of 8.3 years. Twenty-one independent demographic, deformity, instrumentation, and process variables possibly influencing the need for reoperation were studied by comparing the reoperated group with the unreoperated group. Results Nineteen patients (9.2%) had reoperation; 16 (7.7%) were for indications related to posterior spine instrumentation. Survival of the implant/fusion without reoperation for spine instrumentation–related indications was 96% (95% confidence interval [CI], 93.2–98.7%) at 5 years, 91.6% (95% CI, 86.9–96.3%) at 10 years, 87.1% (95% CI, 79.5–94.6%) at 15 years, and 73.7% (95% CI, 48.6–98.6%) at 16 years, when the number at risk was nine. Reoperation need was significantly influenced by two implant variables: transverse connector design (p=.0012) and the lower instrumented vertebra anchors used (p=.0004). At 9 years, the longest interval allowing comparison, survival of the implant/fusion without reoperation for these two variables was 100% (six subjects at risk) compared to 82% (95% CI, 74.2–90.3%) with 59 patients still at risk for reoperation for those who did not have them, p=.0014. Conclusions The most stable lower instrumented vertebra anchor configuration, bilateral pedicle screws, and the stronger transverse connector design, closed drop entry, provided the best survival of the implant/fusion without reoperation with this system and the techniques used at 9-year follow-up. We hope that this post-market study using survivorship techniques will be a guide for studies of other spinal implants.
Nerve growth factor effects and receptors in cultured human neuroblastoma cell lines

We studied the effects of nerve growth factor (NGF) to determine whether neuroblastoma (NB) cells share the pattern of altered response to growth regulatory factors shown by various malignant transformed cells. NGF induces neurite outgrowth, arrests growth, and enhances survival in normal neurons and in the rat pheochromocytoma, a tumor cell closely related to NB. With respect to neurite outgrowth, lines SK-N-SH, SH-SY5Y, LA-N-5, and CHP-126 were sensitive, IMR-32 was resistant, and SH-EP1, SK-N-MC, MC-IXC, CHP-100, and CHP-134 were unresponsive. Conditioned media from unresponsive cells did not inhibit response in sensitive cells. Unexpectedly, NGF neither reduced the growth rate nor enhanced survival in any NB cell line. Conditioned medium from all NB cell lines enhanced 125I-NGF binding in embryonic sensory cells. Regulation of growth rate and neurite outgrowth, then, are separable. A fundamental defect in NB may be the acquisition of a capacity for growth and survival independent of NGF. 125I-NGF was bound to both Fast and Slow receptors in MC-IXC cells, but only to Slow receptors in NGF-responsive SH-SY5Y and LA-N-5 cells, showing Fast receptors are not required for neurite outgrowth. Independence from NGF-regulated growth and survival is unexplainable by an absence of NGF receptors.
The construction and characterization of colanic aciddeficient mutants in an extraintestinal isolate of Escherichia coli (O4/K54/H5)

Abstract Extraintestinal strains of Escherichia coli possess a variety of virulence factors that enablethem to cause disease. These strains express a group 2 capsular polysaccharide which is important in the pathogenic process. Extraintestinal strains evaluated to date are also capable of producing the group 1 capsular polysaccharide colanic acid. The blood isolate CP9 (O4/K54/H5) constitutively produces the group 2, K54 capsule but can be induced to produce colanic acid. In this report we assess whether colanic acid contributes to the pathogenesis of this extraintestinal pathogen. CP9 and its derivatives that are deficient in their ability to produce colanic acid (TR94), the K54 group 2 capsule ± colanic acid (CP9.137, TR1374) and the 04 specific antigen ± colanic acid (CP921,CP925) were used to test whether the group 1 capsule colanic acid conferred protection against the bactericidal effects of serum and recombinant bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (rBPI-23) in vitro. Additionally, CP9, CP9.137 and TR94 were evaluated in the rat granuloma pouch, an in vivo model for localized infection, and by intraperitoneal inoculation into mice, a systemic infection model. In summary, the inability of CP9 to produce colanic acid in the presence or absence of its K54 and O4 antigens had no effect on its ability to survive these host defenses in vitro and did not affect its virulence in these two in vivo models of infection.
Research in 9 weeks, can it be done?

This talk is based on the presenter's experience directing two outreach research projects funded by the US National Science Foundation with the aim of increasing the interest of students in K-16 in science and engineering education and research in the United States. Both programs are interdisciplinary in nature building on the experience of faculty from Electrical, Mechanical, and Chemical engineering faculty. The general theme of the research effort is industrial applications of sensing modeling and control. The first of these programs focused on presenting undergraduate students with a summer research experience while the second exposes high school math and science teachers to a similar experience. In both programs, the participant is immersed in a hands-on true research experience. Preparing to work with undergraduates or high school teachers in a research endeavor can be an intimidating task. This is especially true, under the limitation of few weeks available during summer time, if the goal is to create an authentic research environment for students and teachers. Such an environment should offer the chance for the participant to frame a research question, develop a research plan, utilize available resources, consult with faculty and graduate students, and experience successes and failures. In other words, the participant plays the role of the principal investigator on his own limited-scope research question. This talk discusses the general structure of the programs, touches on lessons learned from directing these research experience projects for several years. It presents an assessment of the model of student/teacher as a PI based on the presenter's experience.
Endoscopic endonasal middle clinoidectomy: anatomic, radiological, and technical note.

Background The middle clinoid is an osseous prominence that arises from the body of the sphenoid bone at the anterolateral margin of the sella. Objective To illustrate the radiological and surgical anatomy of the middle clinoid and describe the technical nuances for endonasal endoscopic middle clinoid removal. Methods The fine-cut head CT-angiogram scans of 100 patients and 50 anatomic specimens were examined. The middle clinoid was categorized as: absent, small, prominent, or caroticoclinoidal ring. Ten colored silicon-injected anatomic specimens were used to study the surgical anatomy for the endonasal middle clinoidectomy. Extensive surgical experience allowed for intraoperative observations regarding the surgical anatomy of the middle clinoid and the technical nuances for its removal. Results The middle clinoid was identifiable in 60% of scans (bilateral in 35%), and 20% had at least one caroticoclinoidal ring (bilateral in 6%). When present, the middle clinoid is located at the transition between the intracavernous internal carotid artery (ICA) and paraclinoidal ICA, and covers the anteromedial roof of the cavernous sinus. Endonasal removal of the middle clinoid improves access to the parasellar region. The middle clinoidectomy is completed exposing the following structures sequentially: sellar dura, anterior wall of the cavernous sinus, dura of the lateral tuberculum sella, and paraclinoidal ICA. When a caroticoclinoidal ring is identified, progressive reduction of the middle clinoid can be achieved without fracturing the ring. Conclusion Recognition of the middle clinoid and caroticoclinoidal ring on preoperative imaging is critical for surgical planning and middle clinoid removal in endonasal skull base surgery.
Effect of Docosahexaenoic Acid on the Synthesis of Phosphatidylserine in Rat Brain Microsomes and C6 Glioma Cells

Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) is the major polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in the CNS and accumulates particularly in phosphatidylserine (PS). We have investigated the effect of the 22:6n-3 compositional status on the synthesis of PS. The fatty acid composition of brain microsomes from offspring of rats artificially reared on an n-3-deficient diet showed a dramatic reduction of 22:6n-3 content (1.7 +/- 0.1%) when compared with control animals (15.0 +/- 0.2%). The decrease was accompanied by an increase in docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-6) content, which replaced the 22:6n-3 phospholipids with 22:5n-6 molecular species, as demonstrated using HPLC/electrospray mass spectrometry. The n-3 deficiency did not affect the total amount of polyunsaturated phospholipids in brain microsomes; however, it was associated with a decrease in the total polyunsaturated PS content and with increased levels of 1-stearoyl-2-docosapentanoyl (18:0/22:5n-6) species, particularly in phosphatidylcholine. Incorporation of [3H]serine into PS in rat brain microsomes from n-3-deficient animals was slightly but significantly less than that of the control animals. Similarly, C6 glioma cells cultured for 24 h in 22:6n-3-supplemented media (10-40 microM) showed a significant increase in the synthesis of [3H]PS when compared with unsupplemented cells. Our data show that neuronal and glial PS synthesis is sensitive to changes in the docosahexaenoate levels of phospholipids and suggest that 22:6n-3 may be a modulator of PS synthesis.
Can satyrs control pests and vectors

A population dynamics model is presented that simulates two species interacting by Lotka-Volterra competition and by mating interference (satyrism) in a context of low-density dependence and large reproductive rates. The effects of limited male mating ability, interdeme migration, and somatic viability of the hybrids are analyzed. Results indicate that asymmetric mating interference, a characteristic often found in allopatric species, is a powerful component to be looked for when selecting species that can be used for control of vectors or pests.
The effects of ethionine administration and choline deficiency on protein carboxymethylase activity in mouse pancreas.

Abstract Protein carboxymethylase of mouse pancreas is both soluble (70%) and particulate (30%). The K m for S -adenosylmethionine is 7.5·10 −7 M and the K i for S -adenosylethionine is 1.3·10 −5 M. Administration of an ethionine containing diet results in a decrease in protein carboxymethylase activity. Ethionine ingestion also increases pancreatic amylase content by interfering with digestive enzyme discharge. The reciprocal changes in amylase content and protein carboxymethylase activity can be detected within 12 h of commencing the ethionine administration and are enhanced by simultaneous choline deficiency. These studies support the hypothesis that protein carboxymethylase plays an important role in secretion of exportable material. Inhibition of pancreatic protein carboxymethylase activity in vivo may be one important mechanism by which ethionine interferes with digestive enzyme discharge.
Changes in Root Cell Wall Chemistry Induced by Manganese Exposure with Two Tobacco Genotypes

Abstract Induced effects by manganese (Mn) uptake on root cell walls of two tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) genotypes KY 14 (Mn sensitive) and T.I. 1112 (Mn tolerant) were evaluated. The tobacco genotypes were grown in half‐strength Hoagland solutions containing 0 (deficient), 46 (non‐toxic), and 300 µM (toxic) Mn. Root cell walls were isolated and characterized for total polysaccharides, proteins, and individual sugars and amino acids. For both genotypes, the largest and significant difference (P ≤ 0.01) in cell wall polysaccharides and proteins were between Mn levels of 0 and 46 µM. Either deficient or toxic levels of Mn exposure decreased uronic acid, a component of cell wall pectins although the decrease was smaller in T.I. 1112 than in KY 14. Beside uronic acid, significant changes in arabinose, galactose, and rhamnose contents were also observed in cell wall pectins. In addition, toxic level of Mn exposure greatly elevated serine in T.I. 1112 whereas the Mn deficient condition generally reduced serin...
Effect of ligand modifications and varying metal-to-ligand ratio on the catalyzed hydrolysis of phosphorus triesters by bimetallic tetrabenzimidazole complexes

Abstract Systematic ligand modifications on certain elements of the binucleating tetrabenzimidazole ligand N , N , N ′, N ′-tetrakis[(2-benzimidazolyl)methyl]-2-hydroxy-1,3-diaminopropane ( 1 L ) (i.e., certain functional groups, bridging linker length) and changes to the metal-to-ligand ratio were investigated as avenues for improving the catalytic performance of its dizinc(II) complex for the hydrolysis of the model phosphorus triester, p -nitrophenyl diphenyl phosphate (PNPDPP). Collectively, these studies showed that homobimetallic zinc(II) complexes made from the toluoyl-ester modified ligand ( 2 L ) with 2 equiv. of ZnCl 2 show the highest overall reactivity (nearly an order of magnitude improvement over the analogous dizinc complex of 1 L ). Addition of a one- to four-fold excess of ZnCl 2 to these systems led to an observed rate enhancement of nearly two orders of magnitude, making these systems the fastest known metal-based hydrolysis catalysts for phosphorus triesters currently known. The results obtained, in turn, were able to provide certain clues to the nature of the mechanism of action of these new bimetallic tetrabenzimidazole complexes.
Hot-Spot Engineering in Polygonal Nanofinger Assemblies for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Multiparticle assemblies of nanoscale structures are the fundamental building blocks for powerful plasmonic devices. Here we show the controlled formation of polygonal metal nanostructure assemblies, including digon, trigon, tetragon, pentagon, and hexagon arrays, which were formed on top of predefined flexible polymer pillars that undergo self-coalescence, analogous to finger closing, with the aid of microcapillary forces. This hybrid approach of combining top-down fabrication with self-assembly enables the formation of complex nanoplasmonic structures with sub-nanometer gaps between gold nanoparticles. On comparison of the polygon-shaped assemblies, the symmetry dependence of the nanoplasmonic structures was determined for application to surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), with the pentagonal assembly having the largest Raman enhancement for the tested molecules. Electromagnetic simulations of the polygonal structures were performed to visualize the field enhancements of the hot spots so as to g...
Characteristics of a succinate-di chlorophenolindophenol reductase reconstituted with bovine heart electron transport components

Abstract The reconstituted succinate-dichlorophenolindophenol reductase complex described previously (1) has been further characterized. The complex is very sensitive to 4,4,4 trifluoro-1-(2-thienyl)-1,3 butanedione (TTB), being inhibited 50% by a concentration of 2.5 μM. Combinations of complex III (reduced ubiquinone-cytochrome c reductase) and the DCPIP reductase catalyze a TTB and antimycin A sensitive succinate-cytoohrome c reductase. These observations suggest that the reconstructed succinate-DCPIP reductase is very similar in properties to isolated complex II (succinate-ubiquinone reductase).
Retrograde Ureteral Stents for Extrinsic Ureteral Obstruction: Nine Years’ Experience at University of Michigan

OBJECTIVES To review our experience with retrograde ureteral stenting for extrinsic ureteral obstruction because previous reports have suggested only moderate success. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of the course of patients who underwent retrograde ureteral stent placement from March 1996 to April 2005. The gathered clinical parameters included stent failure, which was defined as any ureteral unit (UU) that remained obstructed. RESULTS A total of 54 patients treated for extrinsic ureteral compression, representing 87 UUs, were followed for an average of 16 months (range 0.7 to 98) in successful cases. Of the stents, 68% were placed for malignancy, 23% for retroperitoneal fibrosis, and 9% for benign masses. The overall success rate was 84%, with malignancy, retroperitoneal fibrosis, and benign masses having an 81%, an 85%, and a 100% success rate, respectively. Fourteen UUs failed, with a mean time to stent failure of 4.8 months (range 0.07 to 27). Multiple stents were placed in 54 UUs, with a mean of 5.5 stent exchanges, at a mean interval of 3.6 months. On univariate analysis, only greater posttreatment creatinine was associated with stent failure (P <0.01), although stents placed for localized disease tended to be more successful than those placed for regional disease (100% versus 81%, P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS If initial stent placement was possible, extrinsic ureteral obstruction was managed successfully with retrograde ureteral stent placement in 84% of cases. Because no preoperative characteristics could be identified, except for a trend toward less success in cases of regional disease, retrograde stenting can be considered first-line treatment in patients with extrinsic ureteral obstruction.
Effects of γ-irradiation on optical, electrical, and laser characteristics of pure and transition metal doped II-VI semiconductors

We report a comprehensive study of gamma-irradiation on optical, electrical, and laser characteristics of pure and transition-metal doped single and polycrystalline ZnS and ZnSe. Polished pure, Cr-doped, and Ag, Au, Cu, Al, In, and Mn co-doped ZnS and ZnSe crystals after absorption and electro-conductivity characterization were gamma-irradiated at doses of 1.37x10 8 , and 1.28x10 8 rad at +10 and -3°C, respectively. Dynamic RT absorption studies, electro-conductivity measurements and mid-IR lasing were performed for different exposition times of crystals at RT. Cr:ZnSe and Cr:ZnS lasers based on identical gamma-irradiated and non-irradiated crystals featured a very similar pump thresholds, slope efficiencies, and output powers.
Comparative analysis of 2-D versus 3-D ultrasound estimation of the fetal adrenal gland volume and prediction of preterm birth.

Objective We aim to test the hypothesis that two-dimensional (2-D) fetal adrenal gland volume (AGV) measurements offer similar volume estimates as volume calculations based on 3-D technique. Methods Fetal AGV was estimated by three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound (VOCAL) in 93 women with signs/symptoms of preterm labor and 73 controls. Fetal AGV was calculated using an ellipsoid formula derived from 2-D measurements of the same blocks (0.523 × length × width × depth). Comparisons were performed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of repeatability, and Bland-Altman method. The corrected AGV (cAGV; AGV/fetal weight) was calculated for both methods and compared for prediction of preterm birth (PTB) within 7 days. Results Among 168 volumes, there was a significant correlation between 3-D and 2-D methods (ICC = 0.979; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.971 to 0.984). The coefficient of repeatability for the 3-D was superior to the 2-D method (intraobserver 3-D: 30.8, 2-D:57.6; interobserver 3-D:12.2, 2-D: 15.6). Based on 2-D calculations, cAGV ≥ 433 mm 3 /kg was best for prediction of PTB (sensitivity: 75%, 95% CI = 59 to 87; specificity: 89%, 95% CI = 82 to 94). Sensitivity and specificity for the 3-D cAGV (cutoff ≥ 420 mm 3 /kg) was 85% (95% CI = 70 to 94) and 95% (95% CI = 90 to 98), respectively. In receiver-operating-curve curve analysis, 3-D cAGV was superior to 2-D cAGV for prediction of PTB (z = 1.99, p = 0.047). Conclusion 2-D volume estimation of fetal adrenal gland using ellipsoid formula cannot replace 3-D AGV calculations for prediction of PTB.
Epistemic authority in employment interviews: Glancing, pointing, touching

Interviewers routinely orient to applicant files as they produce first pair parts (e.g. questions) that forward the business of the interview. As they do so, they make clear what they know, whether they already know it or are discovering it in the moment, whether it comes from the file in hand, and whether the applicant holds primary rights to confirm or amend that information. In these moments, participants work out issues of epistemic authority through an orchestration of multimodal behaviors, including talk, gesture, gaze, and touch. Our analysis focuses specifically on two discourse slots: when interviewers confirm specific information in side sequences; and when they gloss and assess general information while calling for an account. In the former, interviewers display minimal knowledge and secondary (deferred) epistemic authority; in the latter, they show strong knowledge and assert primary epistemic authority. This article demonstrates how epistemic authority, negotiated through embodied talk-in-int...
Ionosphere Explorer I Satellite: First Observations from the Fixed-Frequency Topside Sounder

The satellite has yielded new information on the arrangement of irregularities in sheets and the structure of plasma resonances in the ionosphere. Studies of the geographical distributions of the different kinds of spread F, sporadic E, and other phenomena will be facilitated by the satellite. More phenomena will undoubtedly be recognized as the records are studied.
COMPLETE RECOVERY OF GONADOTROPIC SUBSTANCES FROM THE URINE OF PREGNANT WOMEN

There are now available several methods which can be relied upon for the preparation of pregnancy urine extracts which are highly gonadotropic in character. Many of the processes are outgrowths or modifications of the one described by Zondek (1) for obtaining prolan from urine. One or more of the fundamental steps of the Zondek method are therefore common to subsequently developed procedures. Table 1 gives a synopsis of the essential steps of eight recently published methods. It may be seen that two procedures, concentration of the urine, or hormone, and precipitation of the active principle by acetone or alcohol, are employed in all of these methods. Concentration of the urine to one-eighth or to one-tenth the original volume is an advantageous procedure, from the standpoint of ease of manipulation, when extracts are to be prepared from large quantities of urine. Dickens (2), Wiesner and Marshall (3), Katzman and Doisy (4), and others effect volume reduction by distillation in vacuo at temperatures rangi...
Planning for implementation

Although the urban transportation planning process has evolved into the most sophisticated of all urban planning processes, the increasirig difficulty in implementing long-range transportation plans in urban areas today suggests basic questions concerning the process which deserve critical examination. Planning for implementation of urban transportation programs, particularly during periods of rapidly changing human values, requires a continuing re-evaluation of both technical and organizational strategies and their interrelationships. This paper raises some fundamental questions about the traditional activities and relationships that have characterized most urban transportation planning programs in the past. It also suggests a number of strategies, both technical and organizational, that may contribute to the implementation of plans and programs resulting from the transportation planning process. The first portion of this paper discusses the implications of not providing transportation services to match metropolitan growth. The experience of the Washington Metropolitan Area over the past decade is used to illustrate these implications. A discussion of organizational and institutional constraints upon the planning process follows. Then, the implications for the planning process are explored, and the scale of planning is reviewed as well as the need for monitoring the performance and impact of facilities. Next, the paper deals with the need to broaden the range of solutions to transportation problems, including consideration of economic and land development policies to reduce travel demand, as well as the provision of new facilities. Finally, techniques for involving decision-makers in the planning process are discussed. Examples of special project activities in the Washington area are used to illustrate these techniques and their value.
Stimulation-dependent induction of CD154 on a subset of CD4+ FoxP3+ T-regulatory cells

CD40-ligand/CD154 is predominantly expressed on activated CD4 T cells and plays a central role in regulating CD4 T-cell-dependent responses. To define the relative abilities of CD4 T-cell functional subsets in the induction of CD154—specifically FoxP3− effector, versus FoxP3+ regulatory, CD4 T cells—multiple CD4 T cell preparations were isolated from B6 and B6.FoxP3-GFP mice and stimulated in vitro to examine the kinetics of stimulation-dependent CD154 expression. CD154 was induced in 40–60% of total CD4 T cells in various cell preparations. However, despite similar kinetics of CD154-induced expression, the average percentage of CD154 expression among CD4+ FoxP3+ T regulatory (Treg) cells was only about 4–9%. Such differential, stimulation-dependent CD154 induction by total CD4+ T cells versus CD4+ FoxP3+ Treg cells was consistent, despite multiple stimulation conditions utilizing a variety of cell preparations of different composition. Similar induction of CD154 occurred irrespective of whether the CD4+ FoxP3+ Treg cells were first sorted to 98% purity and stimulated in vitro alone, or stimulated as non-purified cells in the presence of CD4+ FoxP3− T effector cells, suggesting that CD154 induction by CD4+ FoxP3+ Treg cells is regulated by cell-intrinsic mechanisms. Differential CD154 induction may be a key factor in determining the distinguishable functions of FoxP3− T-effector, versus FoxP3+ Treg, CD4+ T cells.
Risk Management Models for Flip-Chip Electronics in Extreme Environments

In this work, risk-management and decision-support models for reliability prediction of flip chip packages in harsh environments have been presented. The models presented in this paper provide decision guidance for smart selection of component packaging technologies and perturbing product designs for minimal risk insertion of new packaging technologies. In addition, qualitative parameter interaction effects, which are often ignored in closed-form modeling, have been incorporated in this work. Previous studies have focused on development of modeling tools at sub-scale or component level. The tools are often available only in an offline manner for decision support and risk assessment of advanced technology programs. There is need for a turn key approach, for making trade-offs between geometry and materials and quantitatively evaluating the impact on reliability. Multivariate linear regression and robust principal components regression methods were used for developing these models. The first approach uses the potentially important variables from stepwise regression, and the second approach uses the principal components obtained from the eigen-values and eigen-vectors, for model building. Principal-component models have been included because if their added ability in addressing multi-collinearity. The statistics models are based on accelerated test data in harsh environments, while failure mechanics models are based on damage mechanics and material constitutive behavior. Statistical models developed in the present work are based on failure data collected from the published literature and extensive accelerated test reliability database in harsh environments, collected by center of advanced vehicle electronics. Sensitivity relations for geometry, materials, and architectures based on statistical models, failure mechanics based closed form models and FEA models have been developed. Convergence of statistical, failure mechanics, and FEA based model sensitivities with experimental data has been demonstrated.© 2006 ASME
Reduction of hernia “en masse”

Abstract One of the hazards of taxis reduction of incarcerated groin hernias is reduction en masse. Three instances of this rare complication have been presented. Two occurred after reduction of femoral hernias and one after reduction of an indirect inguinal hernia. The diagnosis should be suspected when symptoms persist after the reduction of any hernia in the groin.
Improved Performance of Point-of-Care and Over-the-Counter Qualitative Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Measurement Devices

To the Editor: Several studies have demonstrated the susceptibility of qualitative human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)1 measurement devices to false-negative results caused by high concentrations of hCG β core fragment (hCGβcf) (1–3). Although the prevalence of these false negative results is unknown, it is clear that increased urine hCGβcf concentrations can be observed during normal pregnancy. The use of such devices poses a risk to patients if treatment is inappropriately administered to pregnant women (4). In a recent study (3), we evaluated the susceptibility of 11 point-of-care (POC) hCG devices to false-negative results due to hCGβcf. We reported that 9 of the devices were affected by hCGβcf. One of the 2 most affected devices was the Elite Plus by Cen-Med. As a follow-up to that study, we tested 5 over-the-counter (OTC) devices (Accuclear 2 min Pregnancy Test, Lot# 3295937233, exp. 03/2016; Clearblue Plus Pregnancy Test, Lot# 3196937231, exp. 09/2015; EPT, Lot# 57477, exp. 10/2015; Equate Early Result Pregnancy Test, Lot# 65841, exp. 03/2016; First Response Early Result Lot# BU3183PA, exp. 06/2015). Intact hCG was obtained from Scripps Laboratories (C0714, lot 2436602, 11584 IU/vial). hCGβcf was purified as described previously (3). hCG-negative urine was obtained from the BJH Chemistry Laboratory. Institutional review board approval was obtained for this study. We observed a clearly detectable positive signal with a solution containing 500 pmol/L intact …
Do Cinnamon Supplements Cause Acute Hepatitis

Background The use of herbal medications to treat various diseases is on the rise. Cinnamon has been reported to improve glycolated hemoglobin and serum glucose levels. When patients consider the benefit of such substances, they are often not aware of potential adverse effects and drug interactions. Cinnamon, via coumarin, can cause liver toxicity. Therefore, its concomitant use with hepatotoxic drugs should be avoided. Case report A 73-year-old woman was seen in the Emergency Department complaining of abdominal pain associated with vomiting and diarrhea after she started taking cinnamon supplements for about 1 week. The patient had been taking statin for coronary artery disease for many months. The laboratory workup and imaging studies confirmed the diagnosis of hepatitis. The detail workup did not reveal any specific cause. Cinnamon and statin were held. A few weeks after discharge, the statin was resumed without any further complications. This led to a diagnosis of cinnamon-statin combination-induced hepatitis. Conclusions A combination of cinnamon supplement and statin can cause hepatitis, and it should be discouraged.
Cervical ectopy and the acquisition of human papillomavirus in adolescents and young women.

OBJECTIVE: Higher rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) in adolescents and younger women have been attributed to their greater extent of “cervical ectopy,” defined as columnar and metaplastic epithelia on the ectocervix. Our objective was to estimate associations between ectopy and incident HPV in healthy adolescents and young women. METHODS: Enrolled between October 2000 and October 2002, this prospective cohort included women aged 13–21 years who were sexually active, without previous cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, cervical procedures, or immunosuppression, with menarche within 6 years before enrollment, and negative for HPV DNA at baseline. Every 4 months, extent of ectopy was quantitatively measured using colpophotography and computerized planimetry. Cox proportional hazards models examined associations between ectopy and incident HPV, defined as the first positive HPV result during follow-up. RESULTS: The 138 women attended 509 total visits. At baseline, mean age was 16.7 years and mean extent of ectopy was 25% of the total cervical face. Incident HPV of any type was detected in 42 (30%) women and was not significantly associated with baseline ectopy (hazard ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval 0.96–1.25; P=.20; ectopy in units of 10%), or with ectopy measured 4 months before HPV detection (hazard ratio 1.09, confidence interval 0.94–1.26; P=.25). Our sample size had 80% power to detect a hazard ratio of 1.9 (with two-tailed α=0.05). Results were similarly insignificant for HPV subgroupings of incident high-risk, low-risk, α9, and α3/α15 types, and when adjusted for new sexual partners. CONCLUSION: Extent of cervical ectopy was not associated with HPV acquisition in healthy adolescents and young women. Biological vulnerabilities may lie in immune function or other characteristics of the cervical epithelium. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
Suppression of HAZ cracking during welding of helium-containing materials

Abstract Catastrophic intergranular failures of the heat-affected zone have been observed in gas tungsten arc (GTA) welds of type 316 stainless steel containing helium greater than 2.5 appm. The failures have been attributed to helium bubble growth along grain boundaries during cooling of the weld. In this study, autogenous single pass, full penetration welds without cracking were produced in type 316 stainless steel, containing 256 appm helium.These successful welds were produced by applying a compressive stress (approximately 25% of the room temperature yield stress) perpendicular to the weld joint. Experimental results show that grain boundary helium bubble growth has been effectively reoriented from grain boundaries parallel to the weld path to grain boundaries perpendicular to the weld path. These results suggest that the application of a compressive stress during welding may be used to obtain successful welds in helium-containing irradiated materials.
Considerations of crack initiation and crack propagation in low-cycle fatigue☆

The low-cycle fatigue behavior of Type 304 stainless steel at 593/sup 0/C is examined along with aspects of crack propagation in smooth specimens. Results show that the number of cycles to initiate cracks in smooth specimens decreases as the strain range increases. Crack-initiation life can be directly determined from plots of strain cycles vs crack length. (JRD)
The Boundaries of the Firm Revisited

Why do firms exist? What is their function, and what determines their scope? These remain the central questions in the economics of organization. They are also central questions for business executives and corporate strategists. The worldwide volume of corporate mergers and acquisitions exceeded $1.6 trillion in 1997. It is hard to imagine that so much time, effort and investment bankers’ fees would be spent on adjusting firm boundaries unless there was some underlying economic gain. Indeed, the exceptional levels of merger and acquisition activity over the past two decades are a strong indication that economically significant forces do determine organizational boundaries. The study of firm boundaries originated with the famous essay by Coase (1937), who raised the question of why we observe so much economic activity inside formal organizations if, as economists commonly argue, markets are such powerful and effective mechanisms for allocating scarce resources. Coase’s answer was in terms of the costs of transacting in a world of imperfect information. When the transaction costs of market exchange are high, it may be less costly to coordinate production through a formal organization than through a market. In large part thanks to the work of Williamson (1975, 1985), recent decades have seen a resurgence of interest in Coase’s fundamental insight that firm boundaries can be explained by efficiency considerations. Our understanding of firm boundaries has been sharpened by identifying more precisely the nature and sources of transaction costs in different circumstances. In the process, the focus of
Defective Coenzyme Biosynthesis in B12-dependent Methylmalonicaciduria

Chairman GILBERT B.FORBES: Would you like to multiply vitamin B6 by a factor of 2 and talk about vitamin B12? CHARLES R. SCRIVER (Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Que.): If only I had half the expertise to attempt it! The authors have presented a beautiful piece of work and there is nothing I can say to add to it. I would like to ask about something that may be of interest in the future, and which could be one of the legacies of your observations. When these patients respond to the administration of vitamin B12, you are also giving an atom of cobalt for every molecule of vitamin B12. About 3 years ago, in Quebec we had an epidemic of cobalt toxicity with cardiomyopathy. Do you know whether long-term administration of vitamin B12 to your patients will also give them a load of cobalt that may actually be toxic? Do you think this is a danger? Dr. MAHONEY: I believe we will need a long follow-up period to answer that question. The cobalt atom is held in a tight organic complex in the cobalamine molecule and the cobalamine molecule is rapidly cleared from the blood by renal excretion. Thus we can hope that the cobalt load will not reach a high toxic level. We have treated the first patient described for over 2 years with twice a week injections of 1 mg of cyano-B12. At times we have substituted the same amount of the coenzyme, deoxyadenosyl-B12.
Shortening carbon nanotube-tipped AFM probes

A method is presented to indirectly measure and shorten Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) grown from the tips of Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) probes. The measurement component exploits the nanotubes ability to elastically buckle and requires only those signals and actuators available on a standard AFM. The shortening operation is facilitated by electric arcing using a conducting niobium substrate. The shortening operation produces stable CNTs at the tips of AFM probes which can then be functionalised for use as high-resolution, chemically specific force probes. An application to AFM-based DNA sequencing is also discussed.
Factors affecting fertilization of porcine oocytes following intracytoplasmic injection of sperm.

The objective of this study was to optimize intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and to assess the effects of membrane-damaged sperm on development of porcine oocytes following ICSI. For optimization of development following the ICSI process, sperm injected oocytes were activated 0.5–1.0 hr after ICSI with 1 × 30 μs pulse of 1.2, 1.7, 2.2, and 2.7 kV/cm DC in experiment 1. After 7-days of culture ICSI oocytes activated with [×1]2.2 kV/cm produced more blastocyts ([×2]34.4%, P < 0.05) than other treatment groups. In experiment 2, oocytes were activated with 1 × 30 μs pulse of 2.2 kV/cm at either 0, 1.5, 3, or 6 hr after ICSI. Oocytes activated 1.5 hr after [×3]ICSI yielded more blastocysts (27.6%)[M4] than in other treatments. In experiment 3, sperm were briefly exposed to 0.1% Triton X-100 to induce membrane damage. Live-dead staining of Percoll-sorted untreated spermatozoa (frozen-thawed) used in this study showed that over 96% were “alive” whereas none were “alive” after Triton X-100 treatment. The rate of development to blastocyst of oocytes injected with Triton X-100 treated sperm combined with electrical activation (EA) at 1 × 30 μs pulse of 2.2 kV/cm (EA, 40.0%) was the best, when compared with those injected with untreated sperm plus EA (P < 0.05). In experiment 4, the development rate of oocytes to the blastocyst stage ([×5]32.1%) following injection of a sperm head only was not significantly different from that of oocytes injected with whole sperm (31.0%). In conclusion, we found that an intact membrane and tail structures of pig spermatozoa are not essential for embryo development by ICSI, and furthermore, dead porcine spermatozoa, at an early stage of necrosis caused by plasma membrane damage, support better embryo development than do live non-damaged sperm. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 96–102, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Unity power factor single phase power conditioning

This work presents the results of a detailed theoretical and experimental analysis of an elementary switched power conditioning system with unity power factor. The line current stays sinusoidal and in phase with the bus voltage while its amplitude can be varied within a wide range. The introduction of a Penalty Factor (cents/kWh) enabled to define the most cost effective operation in the context of a given resistive load and maximum allowable amplitude of the ripples in the line current.
Postanesthetic Vasoconstriction Slows Peripheral-to-core Transfer of Cutaneous Heat, Thereby Isolating the Core Thermal Compartment

UNLABELLED Forced-air warming during anesthesia increases core temperature comparably with and without thermoregulatory vasoconstriction. In contrast, postoperative forced-air warming may be no more effective than passive insulation. Nonthermoregulatory anesthesia-induced vasodilation may thus influence heat transfer. We compared postanesthetic core rewarming rates in volunteers given cotton blankets or forced air. Additionally, we compared increases in peripheral and core heat contents in the postanesthetic period with data previously acquired during anesthesia to determine how much vasomotion alters intercompartmental heat transfer. Six men were anesthetized and cooled passively until their core temperatures reached 34 degrees C. Anesthesia was then discontinued, and shivering was prevented by giving meperidine. On one day, the volunteers were covered with warmed blankets for 2 h; on the other, volunteers were warmed with forced air. Peripheral tissue heat contents were determined from intramuscular and skin thermocouples. Predicted changes in core temperature were calculated assuming that increases in body heat content were evenly distributed. Predicted changes were thus those that would be expected if vasomotor activity did not impair peripheral-to-core transfer of applied heat. These results were compared with those obtained previously in a similar study of anesthetized volunteers. Body heat content increased 159 +/- 35 kcal (mean +/- SD) more during forced-air than during blanket warming (P < 0.001). Both peripheral and core temperatures increased significantly faster during active warming: 3.3 +/- 0.7 degrees C and 1.1 +/- 0.4 degrees C, respectively. Nonetheless, predicted core temperature increase during forced-air warming exceeded the actual temperature increase by 0.8 +/- 0.3 degree C (P < 0.001). Vasoconstriction thus isolated core tissues from heat applied to the periphery, with the result that core heat content increased 32 +/- 12 kcal less than expected after 2 h of forced-air warming (P < 0.001). In contrast, predicted and actual core temperatures differed only slightly in the anesthetized volunteers previously studied. In contrast to four previous studies, our results indicate that forced-air warming increases core temperature faster than warm blankets. Postanesthetic vasoconstriction nonetheless impeded peripheral-to-core heat transfer, with the result that core temperatures in the two groups differed less than might be expected based on systemic heat balance estimates. IMPLICATIONS Comparing intercompartmental heat flow in our previous and current studies suggests that anesthetic-induced vasodilation influences intercompartmental heat transfer and distribution of body heat more than thermoregulatory shunt vasomotion.
In vivo neurotoxic effects of dieldrin on giant nerve fibers and escape reflex function in the earthworm, Eisenia foetida

Abstract Neurotoxicological effects of dieldrin were assessed in adult earthworms, Eisenia foetida , using noninvasive electrophysiological recordings of escape reflex activity. After 48 hr body surface exposure to aqueous suspensions of dieldrin, dose-dependent reductions in medial and lateral giant nerve fiber conduction velocities were seen within a concentration range of 1.4 to 288 ppm. At a high concentration (288 ppm) the decreases in velocity occurred in as little as 90 min, but at low concentrations decreases in velocity occurred much more gradually. Other physiological and behavioral effects of dieldrin treatment included (i) after-discharges of giant fibers following brief mechanical stimulation, (ii) spontaneous bursts of giant fiber spikes, (iii) reductions in the amplitude of giant fiber-mediated muscle potentials, (iv) tonic spasms involving end-to-end shortening and body stiffening, (v) ataxia, and (vi) reduction in body weight. Thus, the in vivo effects of dieldrin in earthworms are characterized by a diverse and complex set of physiological and behavioral symptoms. Possible mechanisms underlying these effects are discussed in relation to the generally accepted mode of dieldrin action on synaptic transmission.