cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calculation of intraocular lens power after radial keratotomy with computerized videokeratography.

Purpose Because standard methods to determine intraocular lens power are not adequate in eyes that have had radial keratotomy, we undertook this study to evaluate the corneal power derived from computerized videokeratography for use in intraocular lens power calculations. Methods We examined four eyes of three patients who had radial keratotomy and who underwent phacoemulsification cataract surgery with implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens. We used a computerized videokeratography-derived corneal curvature value in the Holladay formula for intraocular lens calculations. We determined the ideal intraocular lens power and the keratometric value that would have led to the ideal intraocular lens power from the postoperative refraction at 6.1 ± 1.1 months after cataract extraction. The ideal keratometric value was compared with the keratometric values derived from computerized videokeratography, standard keratometry, contact lens overrefraction, and refractions before and after radial keratotomy. Results The postoperative refraction at approximately six months averaged −0.32 ± 0.63 diopter (range, −0.88 to +0.75 diopter) different than the aim. The mean power in ring 3, which was the closest keratometric value to the ideal, disclosed only 0.09 ± 0.73 diopter and −0.10 ± 0.72 diopter of deviation from the ideal keratometric and intraocular lens powers, respectively. One to two weeks after phacoemulsification cataract surgery with implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens, the videokeratographic differential map disclosed steepening at the wound site with variable regression by six months in all patients. Conclusion Results suggest that, after radial keratotomy, using the keratometric value derived from computerized videokeratography in intraocular lens calculations is more accurate than using keratometric values measured by routine methods.
Unconventional Intraepithelial Gut T Cells: The TCR Says It All

The intestinal epithelium harbors a large number of T cells, including TCRαβ cells that lack expression of CD4 and CD8αβ coreceptors. In this issue of Immunity, Mayans et al. (2014) and McDonald et al. (2014) shed light on the specificity and development of this enigmatic T cell population.
Optically Seamless Flexible Electronic Tiles for Ultra Large-Area Digital X-Ray Imaging

This paper presents a new flexible electronics assembly technique that combines individual digital X-ray detectors to create a much larger composite digital X-ray detector. The new assembly technique uses multiple flexible digital X-ray detectors manufactured on a thin, transparent, and flexible plastic substrate, which are overlapped to create the larger composite X-ray detector. The assembly technique, illustrated in a mechanical mockup, is optically seamless, and has the ability to scale up to extremely large X-ray imaging arrays. Feasibility and preliminary imaging performance were demonstrated by tiling several 16 $\,\times\,$ 16 pixel resolution prototype flexible X-ray detector test structures. Optical losses under typical digital radiography conditions were also measured by overlapping a plastic substrate flexible X-ray detector onto a commercial glass substrate digital X-ray imaging array. Approximately 5% signal loss was observed in the transparent plastic overlap region, and the seam edge imaging artifact was demonstrated to be correctable using commercial gain calibration. A key medical imaging application for this technology is single-exposure, low-dose, and full-body digital radiography.
Finite element modelling of multisolute activated carbon adsorption

Abstract Multisolute modelling of activated carbon adsorption in a fixed bed reactor can be complex and expensive computationally. The computational techniques that have been utilized over the years are finite differences and a global method of orthogonal collocation. The global method of orthogonal collocation, which is currently gaining popularity over the more traditional finite difference techniques, has some inherent disadvantages. In an attempt to eliminate these disadvantages, finite element models are developed herein by using the characteristic-Galerkin method and the Pertov-Galerkin method. Both the models were found to be sensitive to changes in film transfer coefficients but were relatively insensitive to changes in diffusion coefficients. The models were also found to be stable and computationally efficient. The model predictions were compared to bisolute adsorption data, and it was found that the Pertov- Galerkin model gives a better description of experimental data and, in addition, gives convergent results using a significantly larger time step than the characteristic-Galerkin method.
Gender-related cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease

Recent studies have identified cognitive deficits in semantic memory and verbal language abilities among women with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Few studies to date have explored gender differences in episodic memory function in AD. The present study compared the performance of men and women diagnosed with AD on a battery of neuropsychological measures. Results indicated the presence of gender-related cognitive deficits on tasks of confrontation naming, expressive world knowledge, and both episodic and semantic memory for women with AD, relative to findings in men.
Management of medulloepithelioma of the ciliary body with brachytherapy

Abstract PURPOSE: To report a case of an adult with a ciliary body mass diagnosed as a medulloepithelioma by fine-needle aspiration, confirmed by tissue biopsy, and successfully treated with brachytherapy. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: A 23-year-old white woman presented with a large mass originating in the ciliary body of the left eye. The mass, which measured 6 × 5 × 7.6 mm, was at the upper limits for resection. Treatment with iodine-125 brachytherapy (4,648 cGy) was employed to debulk the mass before eyewall resection. RESULTS: The elevation of the mass by ultrasonography 5 months after brachytherapy was 3.9 mm with no evidence of growth during the 18-month follow-up period. CONCLUSION: We report a case in which a ciliary body medulloepithelioma treated with brachytherapy had a favorable response through 18 months of follow-up after treatment. This is a single case report, and longer follow-up is necessary before treatment efficacy can be fully evaluated.
Diploid and tetraploid clonal cells in culture: Gene ploidy and synthesis of collagen

Six subclones were derived from a single clone isolated from a strain of chromosomally stable rat fibroblast-like cells. Three of the subclones were diploid, three were tetraploid, and all were derived from a single somatic cell. Abnormal chromosomes or total chromosome numbers differing from multiples of haploid were not found. Measurements of rate of formation of hydroxyproline in protein from H3-proline, the accumulation of hydroxyproline in medium and cell layer with time, and the rate of incorporation of C14-leucine into protein that coprecipitates with collagen were employed to determine the rate of synthesis of collagen. By each of these measurements the rate of synthesis was found to respond directly to presumed ploidy of genes for collagen.
Evidence for Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier-dependent Nuclear Import of the Thymidylate Biosynthesis Pathway *

Perturbations in folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism increase rates of uracil misincorporation into DNA during replication, impair cellular methylation reactions, and increase risk for neural tube defects and cancer. One-carbon metabolism is compromised by folate deficiency and common genetic polymorphisms. In this study, the mechanism for the preferential partitioning of cytoplasmic serine hydroxymethyltransferase (cSHMT)-derived methylenetetrahydrofolate to de novo thymidylate biosynthesis was investigated. The cSHMT enzyme was shown to interact with UBC9 and was a substrate for UBC9-catalyzed small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) modification in vitro. SUMOylated cSHMT was detected in extracts from S phase MCF-7 cells, and cSHMT was shown to localize to the nucleus and nuclear periphery during the S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle. A common single nucleotide polymorphism (L474F-cSHMT) impaired the UBC9-cSHMT interaction and inhibited cSHMT SUMOylation in vitro. The three folate-dependent enzymes that constitute the de novo thymidylate biosynthesis pathway, cSHMT, thymidylate synthase, and dihydrofolate reductase, all contain SUMO modification consensus sequences. Compartmentation of the folate-dependent de novo thymidylate biosynthesis pathway in the nucleus accounts for the preferential partitioning of cSHMT-derived folate-activated one-carbon units into thymidylate biosynthesis; the efficiency of nuclear folate metabolism is likely to be modified by the cSHMT L474F polymorphism.
The late phase of post-stroke neurorepair in aged rats is reflected by MRI-based measures.

Non-invasive criteria determining the progress of brain healing are especially important in aging, providing a case-specific therapeutic strategy in populations with dysregulated neurorepair mechanisms. We hypothesized that temporal evolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of T2 tissue relaxation values correlate with neurological severity scores (NS), and provide a robust indicator of healing in the aging brain after stroke. Pre-treatment of aged rats with brain-only proton irradiation was undertaken to pre-condition the inflammatory system. Irradiation was performed 10days prior to right middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 50min (MCAO+Rad). Control rats included naive (no ischemia, no radiation), irradiated-only (Rad), irradiated ischemic, or ischemic-only (MCAO). MRI and NS were obtained at 3, 14 and 28days post-stroke. At 28days post-stroke, immunofluorescence for visualizing blood vessels (Von Willebrand factor; vWF), neurons (neuronal nuclear antigen; NeuN), astrocytes (glial fibrillary acidic protein; GFAP), activated microglia/macrophages (ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1, Iba1), T-lymphocytes (CD3), phagocytes (ED1) and apoptotic cells (caspase-3) was assessed. We found a positive T2-NS correlation in irradiated, ischemic rats that corresponded to late-stage brain recovery. Late-stage brain recovery was characterized by improved neovascularization, formation of glio-vascular complexes (visualized by GFAP/vWF) and enhanced neuronal viability (by NeuN/caspase-3) in the peri-lesional zone. The immune response plateaued at the late stage of repair as evidenced by significantly decreased expression (41.7%) and distribution of phagocytes (phagocytic rim decreased 44.6%). We also found reduced infiltration of T-lymphocytes (CD3) in the brain and normalization of blood lymphocytes. The observed T2-NS correlations may provide a simple MRI-based criterion for recognition of regenerative brain transformation in aged patients following stroke. Selective activation of innate immunity and accelerated transition from pro-inflammatory to pro-healing macrophage phenotypes induced by localized brain irradiation is a potential mechanism for enhancing repair ability in the elderly.
Further Theoretical Evidence for Hydrogen-Assisted CO Dissociation on Ru(0001)

Extensive calculations based on spin-polarized density functional theory were carried out to examine how CHx are formed from the dissociation of CO on Ru(0001) in the presence of hydrogen. Common pathways, such as the direct CO dissociation and H-assisted route leading to HCO or COH, including alternative routes that involve the formation of HCOH and CH2O, were examined. The reaction energy and barrier for each elementary step were calculated. The calculations show that the carbide mechanism is not the main reaction pathway for the conversion of CO on Ru(0001). Complementary microkinetic simulations utilizing results from first-principles quantum mechanical calculations indicate that a branch starting from the hydrogenation of CO to HCOH (via COH intermediate) and subsequent C–O bond cleavage is more plausible.
Reactive adsorption of acidic gases on MOF/graphite oxide composites

Abstract Composites were prepared from metal–organic framework (MOF; copper-containing HKUST-1) and graphite oxide (GO). The synthesized materials were tested as adsorbents of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ). Their surface was characterized using nitrogen adsorption, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicate that formation of new small pores in the composites has a positive effect on the adsorption capacity of both acidic species. Physisorption and reactive adsorption are suggested as main adsorption mechanisms. The latter mechanism is related to the presence of unsaturated copper sites in the MOF structure, which bind H 2 S and NO 2 molecules. This process is followed by further reactions with the MOF network leading to the formation of either copper sulfide or copper nitrate. Although the overall scheme of adsorption process appears to be similar for both H 2 S and NO 2 adsorption, the importance of the surface features governing these mechanisms appears to be different. Consequently, different trends in the performance of HKUST-1 and the composites are observed.
Manipulating I-V Characteristics of a Molecular Switch with Chemical Modifications

We present a study of the effects of chemical modifications on the electron transport properties of the azobenzene molecule, which has been proposed as a component of a light-driven molecular switch. This molecule has two stable conformations (cis and trans) in the electronic ground state, with considerable differences in conductance. The electron transport properties were calculated using first-principles methods combining nonequilibrium Green’s function techniques with density functional theory. Chemical modifications of the azobenzene consist of incorporation of electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups in meta and ortho positions with respect to the azo group. The results show that the transport properties in electronic devices at the molecular level can be manipulated, enhanced, or suppressed by a careful consideration of the effects of chemical modification, and such modifications become crucial in optimizing the electron transport properties of chemical structures.
Subitizing and similarity: Toward a pattern-matching theory of enumeration

Pattern-matching theories of subitizing claim that subjects enumerate displays with small numerosities by retrieving numerical responses associated with similar displays experienced in the past. Such retrieval implies that displays with small numerosities are similar to other displays of the same numerosity and dissimilar to other displays of different numerosities. These hypotheses were tested by having subjects rate the similarities of displays of dot patterns with numerosities in the range of 1–10. One group of subjects rated patterns of the same numerosity. Their ratings were higher for patterns in the subitizing range (numerosities of 1–3) than for patterns beyond the subitizing range (numerosities of 4–10). Another group rated patterns of different numerosities. Their ratings were lower in the subitizing range than beyond the subitizing range. An analysis based on multidimensional scaling suggested that numerosity could be retrieved accurately for displays of 1–3 dots, but not for displays of 4–10 dots.
Low-temperature heat capacities of three molybdenum oxychlorides

Abstract The heat capacities of MoO2Cl2, McOCl3, and MoOCl4 have been determined from 5 to 350 K. No thermal anomalies were detected over this temperature range. At 298.15 K the values of the heat capacity Cp, entropy So, and the function {G o (T) − H o (0) T } found were (for MoO2Cl2), 24.53, 32.42, and −16.71 kcalth K−1 mol−1; (for MoOCl3), 26.85 39.16, and −20.94 kcalth K−1 mol−1; and (for MoOCl4), 33.44, 48.28, and −25.80 kcalth K−1 mol−1. The derived functions stated above assume the extrapolation of the observed results from 0 to 5 K to follow the Debye limiting law; i.e., possible magnetic thermal anomalies below 5 K have not been included.
Chronology of Deformation of Paleozoic and Tertiary Succession Near Railroad Valley, Nevada: ABSTRACT

Principal structures occurring in the Paleozoic sedimentary section of the Horse Range are thrust faults (some placing older over younger rocks, but most placing younger over older), north-south-trending, asymmetrical, eastward-overturned folds, and high-angle faults. Pre-Oligocene deformation of these Paleozoic rocks is indicated by Oligocene volcanic rocks lying with angular unconformity on overturned Ordovician strata. In the dissected pediments west of the Horse Range, a 10,000-foot-thick sedimentary and volcanic succession of Oligocene, Miocene, and Pliocene rocks crops out (Moores, 1965). The Miocene-Pliocene part of the section lies disconformably on Oligocene volcanic rocks and consists of an assemblage of terrestrial strata, including indurated ash beds, lacustrine limestone, and immature detrital deposits which contain angular Paleozoic carbonate and Oligocene volcanic clasts derived from adjacent ranges. The general parallelism of the Paleozoic and Tertiary successions given as evidence for contemporaneous deformation (Moores, 1965) is expressed only in that they are in contact with one another for a distance of approximately 12 miles. There the parallelism ends. Folds and thrust faults in the Paleozoic rocks trend north-south, whereas folds within the Tertiary succession trend east-west and plunge steeply toward the west. These relations, together with the angular unconformity between the Oligocene volcanic rocks and Paleozoic rocks, temporally separate tectonic deformation of the Paleozoic and Tertiary successions. Principal deformation of the Paleozoic succession at least preceded the Oligocene volcanic rocks, and may be as old as Pennsylvanian (Ptacek, 1963). Deformation of the Tertiary succession occurred, at least in part, after the Pliocene rocks were deposited, and probably during the Oligocene and Miocene, as is suggested by several unconformities reported in the Tertiary succession (Moores, 1965). Some occurrences of Paleozoic rocks are in positions that suggest emplacement by gravity sliding during or after deposition of Tertiary rocks. These occurrences can be explained easily as gravity-slide blocks emplaced from adjacent ranges (e.g. Horse and Grant) as the ranges were uplifted along high-angle faults, but in no way imply that the principal deformation of the Paleozoic strata was contemporaneous with deformation of the Tertiary succession. End_of_Article - Last_Page 650------------
Simultaneous analysis of liposomal doxorubicin and doxorubicin using capillary electrophoresis and laser induced fluorescence

Abstract A method based on a capillary electrophoresis with laser induced fluorescence detection was developed and validated for simultaneous separation of doxorubicin (DOX) and liposomal encapsulated DOX. The separation was accomplished using a fused silica capillary (60 cm in total length, 75 μm I.D.) and potassium phosphate buffer [12.5 mM, pH 7.4] as the running buffer. The effect of sample preparation conditions on maintaining liposomal integrity was also investigated. The limit of detection for DOX was 0.1 μg/ml and the precision and accuracy of CE/LIF method was within the ranges of FDA guidelines. The validated method was successfully used to quantify DOX in human plasma using a direct injection of a 4-fold dilution of spiked liposomal DOX in human plasma.
The Potential Causality of the Microbiome and Infectious Pathogens in Primary Vasculitis

Aberrant and dysregulated inflammation of human blood vessels, or vasculitis, results in narrowing of the vessel’s lumen (i.e., stenosis) or aneurysmal wall damage (i.e., sac-like deformity of the vessel wall). This heterogenous group of autoimmune conditions is very rare. The understanding of the potential role of microbiome and infectious pathogens in eliciting immunologic responses and disease pathogenesis is rapidly expanding in many disease states. The precise role of microbiota in vasculitis is yet to be determined, but poses an interesting field of research. Our focus is on the potential role that infections and the microbiome may play in blood vessel inflammation, i.e., vasculitis.
Implementation of iterative methods for large sparse nonsymmetric linear systems on a parallel vector machine

We restructure three outstanding iterative methods for large sparse nonsymmetric linear systems. These methods are CGS conjugate gradient squared, CRS conjugate residual squared, and Orthomink. The re structured methods are more suitable for vector and parallel processing. We implemented these methods on a parallel vector system. The linear systems for the nu merical tests are obtained from discretizing four two- dimensional elliptic partial differential equations by finite difference and finite element methods. A vectorizable and parallelizable version of incomplete LU precondi tioning is used. We restructured the subroutines to en hance the data locality in vector machines with storage hierarchy. Speedup was measured for multitasking by four processors.
Towards emotion prediction in spoken tutoring dialogues

Human tutors detect and respond to student emotional states, but current machine tutors do not. Our preliminary machine learning experiments involving transcription, emotion annotation and automatic feature extraction from our human-human spoken tutoring corpus indicate that the spoken tutoring system we are developing can be enhanced to automatically predict and adapt to student emotional states.
Water-Distance-Based Kriging in Chesapeake Bay

AbstractThe complex shapes of estuaries need to be considered when developing spatial interpolation methods for water quality analyses. In this study, a statistical interpolation method (kriging) is used to interpolate water quality data in Chesapeake Bay, and the issue of shape is addressed by incorporating “water distance” into the method (i.e., the shortest path over water between any two points). Results show that water-distance-based kriging performed just as well as, and in most cases better than, a kriging method based on Euclidean distance. Benefits of the water-distance-based method with kriging include improved estimates in regions with complex geometry and lower uncertainty in the kriging predictions.
Flexible support for managing evolving software product lines

In software product line engineering, core assets are shared among multiple products. Core assets and products generally evolve independently. Developers need to capture evolution in both contexts and to propagate changes in both directions between the core assets and the products. Current version control systems have no support for these tasks and this may be one reason for the slow adoption of the product line approach. We address these issues with a prototype version control system that is designed to support product line engineering, but without imposing a strong process model. The prototype is being tested on the DITA documentation standard. It supports evolution of core assets and of products, as well as propagation of changes from core assets to products and vice versa.
The NRL high level radiation laboratory Part III. Operating experience

Abstract The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory High Level Radiation Laboratory (HLRL) has recently completed its initial eighteen months of operation. This report constitutes the final part of a detailed description of this laboratory and includes a description of radiation operating procedures, the development and modification of specialized equipment, along with plans for further improving overall laboratory operations.
Diffractive optical devices for spatial image separation

Efficient diffractive optical element (DOE) spatial image separator devices that segment an image and redirect corresponding regions to independent photodetectors are presented. These devices constitute a compact single-element alternative to prism arrays or reflective wedge arrays. DOE's with micro features are fabricated suing conventional microlithography techniques amenable to low-cost production. The system application described is a high-speed RF phase measurement processor for the NRL channelized direction finding receiver. This paper describes the design, fabrication, analysis, and empirical measurements of a 3 segment and 15 segment diffractive spatial image separator.
Leakage-and crosstalk-aware bus encoding for total power reduction

Power consumption, particularly runtime leakage, in long on-chip buses has grown to an unacceptable portion of the total power budget due to heavy buffer insertion to combat RC delays. In this paper, we propose a new bus encoding algorithm and circuit scheme for on-chip buses that eliminates capacitive crosstalk while simultaneously reducing total power. We introduce a new buffer design approach with selective use of high threshold voltage transistors and couple this buffer design with a novel bus encoding scheme. The proposed encoding scheme significantly reduces total power by 26% and runtime leakage power by 42% while also eliminating capacitive crosstalk. In addition, the proposed encoding is specifically optimized to reduce the complexity of the encoding logic, allowing for a significant reduction in overhead which has not been considered in previous bus encoding work.
930-103 Endogenous Nitric Oxide Production Contributes to Increases in Coronary Blood Flow During Exercise

Inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production does not impair the normal ability to increase coronary blood flow (CBF) during exercise (Ex). We previously observed that KATPchannel blockade decreased CBF at rest and during exercise, but K+ATPchannel blockade either alone or in combination with adenosine blockade did not prevent exercise-induced increases of CBF. This study was performed to determine whether exercise-induced increases in CBF after K+ATPchannel blockade and adenosine receptor blockade are dependent upon endothelial NO production. Ten dogs with a Doppler flow probe and microcatheter in the left anterior descending coronary artery were studied at rest and during 2 levels of treadmill Ex. Studies were performed during control conditions (CON) and then with the combination of glibenclamide (G) (50 μg/kg/min intracoronary) to produce K+ATPchannel blockade and 8-phenyltheophylline (PT) (5 mg/kg iv) as an adenosine receptor blocker. Finally, measurements were repeated when NO production was inhibited by adding N-nitro-L-arginine (L) (1.5 mg/kg intracoronary). Data are mean ± SE. Heart Rate (beats/min) CBF (ml/min) CVC(×10-2ml/min/mmHg) Con G+PT G+PT+L Con G+PT G+PT+L Con G+PT G+PT+L Rest 119 ± 5 139 ± 6 # 134 ± 10 # 51 ± 4 29 ± 3 # 21 ± 3 # t 59 ± 5 32 ± 4 # 27 ± 2#t Ex 1 191 ± 5 * 195 ± 5 * lSS ± 5 * 77 ± 5 * 37 ± 5 # 24 ± 4 # t 91 ± 10 * 43 ± 6 # 29 ± 6 # t Ex 2 225 ± 7 * 219 ± 7 * 211 ± 8 * 91 ± 10 * 49 ± 6 * t 32 ± 5 # t 113 ± 12 * 58 ± 7 * t 34 ± 5 # t * P l 0.05 vs Rest # p l 0.05 vs Can t p l 0.05 vs G+PT CVC = coronary vascular conductance K+ATPchannel blockade combined with adenosine receptor blockade decreased coronary blood flow, but did not block the increase in coronary blood flow in response to exercise. However, the subsequent addition of LNNA did block exercise-induced coronary vasodilation. Thus, when other vasodilator mechanisms are inhibited, endothelial production of NO can be shown to contribute to vasodilation of coronary resistance vessels during exercise.
Update on prostate pathology

This update on prostate pathology is very timely, as we celebrate the 20 anniversary of our great society, the International Society of Urological Pathologists (ISUP). Most of the key advances in this field over the past two decades have been made by several distinguished members of our society, as will be demonstrated herein. I am therefore indeed honored and privileged to be given the opportunity to present this paper. I will start with a brief historical perspective prior to delving into the update on prostate pathology over the past two decades and beyond. The topics discussed in this update will be somewhat limited, but will include The Gleason grading system; handling and staging of radical prostatectomy specimens; variants of prostatic adenocarcinoma; treatment effect on the prostate; other primary and secondary tumours involving the prostate, and biomarkers of prostate cancer.
A refinement-tree based partitioning method for dynamic load balancing with adaptively refined grids

The partitioning of an adaptive grid for distribution over parallel processors is considered in the context of adaptive multilevel methods for solving partial differential equations. A partitioning method based on the refinement-tree is presented. This method applies to most types of grids in two and three dimensions. For triangular and tetrahedral grids, it is guaranteed to produce connected partitions; no other partitioning method makes this guarantee. The method is related to the OCTREE method and space filling curves. Numerical results comparing it with several popular partitioning methods show that it computes partitions in an amount of time similar to fast load balancing methods like recursive coordinate bisection, and with mesh quality similar to slower, more optimal methods like the multilevel diffusive method in ParMETIS.
Effects of desflurane, sevoflurane and halothane on postinfarction spontaneous dysrhythmias in dogs

Background: Although desflurane (DES) and sevoflurane (SEV) have desirable features for use in patients with coronary artery disease, their effects on ventricular dysrhythmias following infarction are less known. We therefore examined the effects of DES and SEV upon spontaneous postinfarction ventricular dysrhythmias in dogs, and compared those effects to the well-established antidysrhythmic effects of halothane (HAL) in this model. Methods: After institutional approval, the left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated in 16 adult mongrel dogs during isoflurane anesthesia. All dogs developed acute myocardial infarction and severe ventricular tachydysrhythmias. Twenty-two hours after infarction, dogs were anesthetized at 1.5 MAC with desflurane (10.8%) followed by sevoflurane (3.5%) in the treatment group (n=10), or halothane (1.3%) in the other group (n=6). Anesthetic gases were allowed to equilibrate for at least 20 min at each end-tidal concentration. At this time, the ECG was recorded for 9 min and evaluated for the number of ventricular ectopic and sinoatrial beats and summed duration of ventricular tachycardia. Results: DES and SEV reduced the average rate of total ventricular ectopic beats by 40 ±4% and 42 ±4%, respectively. HAL decreased total ventricular ectopic rate by 59 ±6% and 62 ±5% after durations of anesthesia comparable to DES and SEV, respectively. Decreases in dysrhythmia in the presence of DES and SEV were significantly smaller than those produced by HAL after a comparable total duration of anesthesia. Conclusions: DES and SEV inhibit spontaneous postinfarction ventricular dysrhythmias, although attenuation of dysrhythmias was smaller than the inhibition during comparable doses of HAL.
Hypothermia induction and survival in hamsters: The role of temperature acclimation and an anesthetic (halothane)

Abstract In summary, it has been shown that a reduction of biological insult during hypothermic induction with light anesthesia (halothane) will greatly enhance the survival ability of hamsters in hypothermia. Heat acclimation and cold acclimation prior to hypothermia drastically alter the thermogenic capacity of these animals at low body temperatures while apparently not altering the hypothermic survival capabilities. Normalization and shortening of induction times was also achieved with the halothane-helox method which will permit future comparative studies where it is essential to eliminate effects caused by variations in the induction time.
Colored ultrathin hybrid photovoltaics with high quantum efficiency

Most current solar panels are fabricated via complex processes using expensive semiconductor materials, and they are rigid and heavy with a dull, black appearance. As a result of their non-aesthetic appearance and weight, they are primarily installed on rooftops to minimize their negative impact on building appearance. The large surfaces and interiors of modern buildings are not efficiently utilized for potential electric power generation. Here, we introduce dual-function solar cells based on ultrathin dopant-free amorphous silicon embedded in an optical cavity that not only efficiently extract the photogenerated carriers but also display distinctive colors with the desired angle-insensitive appearances. Light-energy-harvesting colored signage is demonstrated. Furthermore, a cascaded photovoltaics scheme based on tunable spectrum splitting can be employed to increase power efficiency by absorbing a broader band of light energy. This study pioneers a new approach to architecturally compatible and decorative thin-film photovoltaics. Ultrathin solar cells that can also act as coloured signs and displays have been developed by scientists in the USA. Kyu-Tae Lee and co-workers from the University of Michigan fabricated them by embedding a very thin (10–30 nm) layer of amorphous silicon within a metal–semiconductor–metal optical cavity. The cavity acts as a Fabry–Perot resonator that reflects a particular colour; importantly, it is insensitive to the polarization state or angle (up to 60°) of the incident light. By combining cells of different thickness (and hence different colours), arbitrary patterns or images can be created. The design has yielded solar cells with power conversion efficiencies of around 3%, despite using an amorphous silicon layer that is ten times thinner than those usually found in solar cells.
Changes in the number of methadone maintenance slots as measures of "fighting back" program effectiveness

This study examined trends in the number of available methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) slots to evaluate a community-based drug prevention program. In the 1990s, the “Fighting Back” (FB) initiative sought to reduce substance use and harm through community-based coalitions in 14 sites across the U.S. Nine state agencies provided MMT data for 28 FB and control communities for a 10-year period prior to and during the program. Opioid use data from a general population survey conducted in the same communities by the national evaluation team were also examined. Counter to expectation, implementation of the FB program was associated with significantly less expansion of MMT slots when compared to control communities. This trend was not attributable to opioid use in those communities, which did not change during the same period. The implication of the findings as well as the historical context of methadone maintenance treatment since the 1990s is also discussed.
Catheter ablation of atrioventricular bypass tracts. Still an investigational procedure.

Une comparaison de la technique d'ablation par sonde au procede chirurgical standard actuel revele que la chirurgie est actuellement nettement plus fiable que la technique par sonde
Not all baselines are created equal: A Q methodology analysis of stakeholder perspectives of additionality in a carbon forestry offset project in Costa Rica

This paper uses a Q methodology for analyzing actor subjectivity in order to examine the extent to which differently situated actors agree or disagree about baseline constructions of land-use change, and the potential role of offsets in an indigenous community. In so doing, this study aims to accomplish three goals. First, it examines the level of convergence or divergence between actors concerning the land-use claims embedded within offset procedures. Second, it examines discursive alignments within actors by gauging how one's view of land-use change correlates with one's understanding of the goal of the offset project itself. Finally, the paper assesses the extent to which a level of discursive agreement is needed for project cooperation. The results show points of radical divergence between indigenous and non-indigenous experts involved in implementing the offset project, as well as points of pragmatic optimism regarding offsets and markets in affecting land-use change. Results indicate that discursive disagreement concerning basic understandings of land-use change and project goals did not preclude collaboration. The strong divergences between actors over the causes of land-use change, and the nature and intent of the offset project, suggest that truly collaborative offset implementation is illusory.
Effects of scopolamine, physostigmine and chlordiazepoxide on punished and extinguished water consumption in rats.

It has been postulated that behavioral inhibition due to punishment or extinction may be mediated by brain acetylcholine, and drugs which have disinhibitory action are thought to interact with this system. This notion was tested by comparing the effects of scopolamine, physostigmine and chlordiazepoxide on punished and extinguished water consumption. Scopolamine hydrobromide (0.3, 0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), a centrally and peripherally acting antimuscarinic agent and physostigmine sulfate, (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.), a centrally and peripherally acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, lowered both non-punished and punishment suppressed water intake and lick rate, whereas their quaternary analogs which primarily act in the periphery, had no significant effect at comparable dose levels. Scopolamine and physostigmine suppressed punished water consumption at lower dose levels than nonpunished intake. In contrast, chlordiazepoxide (5.0, 10.0, 20.0 mg/kg, i.p.) enhanced punished as well as non-punished water intake. In a further experiment comparing punishment and extinction suppression, scopolamine and physostigmine did not affect punished or extinguished water intake; chlordiazepoxide (5.0, 10.0, 20.0 mg/kg) reliably increased punished, but not extinguished licking on the water nozzle. These results suggest (1) that scopolamine and chlordiazepoxide do not act via a common mechanism, and (2) that punishment and extinction suppression are not a pharmacological entity.
External Validity, Internal Validity, and Organizational Reality: A Response to Robert L. Cardy

Cardy argues that studies conducted with students are appropriate for research in management communication when the purpose of the study does not concern generalizing to population parameters. That is, external validity is often irrelevant. This article expresses agreement but responds that the problem of making inferences from any subject sample in management communication is one that demands internal, not external, validity. Student samples in studies of management communication are especially vulnerable to charges that important situational and perceptual variables have not been taken into account in gathering the data.
Calculator least squares evaluation of k for the second order rate equation

Abstract Algorithms are presented for 2KIN1 for adjusting the rate constant of the second order equation for unequal concentrations of reactants. The coding is for the Hewlett-Packard HP-67 and HP-97 programmable calculators but the general algorithms and the design features are adaptable to other programmable calculators of comparable or greater program and memory capacity.
Kinship care: an evolving service delivery option

It has been eight years since the Children and Youth Services Review first special issue on kinship care. That issue was prompted by the large increase in kinship care placements that occurred in the mid-to-later 1980s and the developing research base documenting the relatively new and often controversial practice. Eight years later, state child welfare agencies continue to rely significantly on kin to act as foster parents. Moreover, federal and state policies have added legitimacy and support for kinship care placements. However, when and how kin should be used as foster parents remains an issue of immense debate. This volume adds more fuel to the fire, providing much needed research to inform the debate, yet at the same time raising more questions than it answers.
Determination of manganese(II) in powdered barnacle shells by electron paramagnetic resonance

Abstract A rapid precise method of determining Mn(II) (as opposed to total manganese) in powdered barnacle shells by e.p.r. is described. The method is based on the linear relationships between the intensity of the first-derivative e.p.r. signal and the weight and Mn(II) concentration in the sample. Atomic absorption was used as a reference method. For eleven samples, the difference between the a.a.s. and e.p.r. methods was, on average, within 3 %; the detection limit was 20 p.p.b. A good correlation between the Mn(II) content of the shell and the position of the animal in an inter-tidal zone was found.
Effect of substituent size and dimensionality on potency of phenolic xenoestrogens

Abstract Previous results show the position, size, and shape of the non-phenolic moiety of xenoestrogen effect potency. Para-substituted compounds were more potent than meta-substituted ones, which in turn were more potent than ortho-substituted compounds. A minimum three-carbon-moiety is required for activity and tertiary-branched or highly substituted congeners were more potent than secondary/normal or less substituted ones. In an effort to quantify the relationship between size/shape of the non-phenolic moiety and estrogenic potency, a series of substituted phenols were evaluated and activity was correlated with a series of bulk and shape parameters. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based Lac-Z reporter assay was then used and estrogenicity reported as the logarithm of the inverse of the 50% β-galactosidase activity [log (EC50−1)]. There is a trend of an increase in estrogenicity with an increase in substituent size. Selected size parameters (molecular volume and molar refractivity), Verloop's sterimol shape parameters (L and B5) and the fourth order path/cluster molecular connectivity index were found to be correlate poorly (r2 ≈0.65) with estrogenicity. The r2 value of the order of the path, versus log (EC50−1) showed parabolic relationships. The third order path index (r2 > 0.80) provided the best fit with the estrogenicity.
The Quality of Life of Patients With Life-Threatening Arrhythmias

Background: The treatment of life-threatening arrhythmias with amiodarone or an implantable cardioverter/ defibrillator prolongs patient survival but with significant comorbidity. Previous studies have shown diminished health status and increased psychologic distress and inferred a diminished quality of life; however, a multidimensional analysis of quality of life, including patient perception, has not been performed. Methods: One hundred four consecutive patients were surveyed regarding patient demographics, health status, psychologic distress, and patient-perceived quality of life. The patients were treated with amiodarone (n=30) with an implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (n=45) and the remainder were reference patients (n=29). Results: This study confirms that patients who survive life-threatening arrhythmias have diminished health status and increased psychologic distress; however, patient-perceived quality of life is preserved. These patients report a better perceived quality of life (as measured by the Quality of Life Index) than the reference group (22.3±4.0 vs 20.5±4.4,P Conclusions: Patient-perceived quality of life is maintained in patients who survive life-threatening arrhythmias despite their diminished health status and increased psychologic distress. Measured quality of life is independent of treatment modality. Thus, caution must be exercised in assuming a diminished quality of life in patients who have survived a life-threatening cardiac event. (Arch Intern Med. 1995;155:2086-2091)
The Phospholipases A of Epidermis

Phospholipases A have been characterized in fetal rat epidermis. Both a calcium dependent phospholipase A with pH optimum of 8.5 and a calcium independent enzyme with a pH optimum of 4.5 were found. Activity against both acyl groups of phosphatidyl choline were found for both enzymes and the findings suggested that the acid enzyme (pH 4.5) is primarily phospholipase A 1 . The specificity of the alkaline enzyme with respect to acyl groups could not be determined due to the marked hydrolysis of lysophosphatidyl choline. Lysophospholipase activity had similar pH and calcium requirements as the alkaline phospholipase A and the 2 activities could not be dissociated in these experiments. The acid phospholipase was localized primarily in a fragile large particle fraction while the alkaline enzyme was present in various subcellular fractions and most active in the soluble supernatant. These findings demonstrate that epidermal phospholipases A are similar to those in other mammalian tissues. The presence of both acid and alkaline enzymes at various subcellular loci suggest that the enzymes may play important roles in many facets of epidermal membrane metabolism and in particular in the degradative events of keratinization.
Beyond the circle of poison: Significant shifts in the global pesticide complex, 1976-2008

Abstract Almost 30 years after its introduction, the “circle of poison” remains a common conceptualization of the global pesticide complex among scholars and especially in popular understanding. The circle of poison describes a situation in which, pesticides banned in industrialized countries continue to be manufactured there and exported to developing countries, are then used in developing countries almost entirely on export crops, and return to industrialized countries as pesticide residues on food. Using secondary data and a case study of pesticide use in Costa Rica, I review the applicability of the circle of poison conceptualization to the current global pesticide complex. I argue that (1) the circle of poison is no longer accurate due to important global changes in pesticide regulation, production, trade, sales, and use driven by a number of dynamic economic, social, and ecological processes; (2) using industrialized countries’ pesticide regulations as proxies for safety should be replaced by multi-characteristic risk assessments; and (3) revisions of the circle of poison conceptualization should be updated because of export farmers’ adoption of newer classes of pesticides. The paper concludes by offering a new characterization of the global pesticide complex vis-a-vis pesticide use in developing countries: pesticide divergence by market orientation.
Class III Antiarrhythmic Drugs Block HERG, a Human Cardiac Delayed Rectifier K+ Channel : Open-Channel Block by Methanesulfonanilides

Abstract We recently reported that mutations in HERG, a potassium channel gene, cause long QT syndrome. Heterologous expression of HERG in Xenopus oocytes revealed that this channel had biophysical properties nearly identical to a cardiac delayed rectifier K+ current, IKr, but had dissimilar pharmacological properties. Class III antiarrhythmic drugs such as E-4031 and MK-499 are potent and specific blockers of IKr in cardiac myocytes. Our initial studies indicated that these compounds did not block HERG at a concentration of 1 μmol/L. In the present study, we used standard two-microelectrode voltage-clamp techniques to further characterize the effects of these drugs on HERG channels expressed in oocytes. Consistent with initial findings, 1 μmol/L MK-499 and E-4031 had no effect on HERG when oocytes were voltage clamped at a negative potential and not pulsed during equilibration with the drug. However, MK-499 did block HERG current if oocytes were repetitively pulsed, or clamped at a voltage positive to th...