cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acquired Cold-Induced Urticaria in Pediatric Patients: A 22-Year Experience in a Tertiary Care Center (1996-2017).

Background Acquired cold-induced urticaria (ACU) has not been well evaluated in pediatrics. Objective To further evaluate the presentation of ACU in children and associated risk of anaphylaxis. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed in children 18 years or younger diagnosed with ACU at Boston Children's Hospital (US, Northeast) from 1996 to 2017. Results A total of 415 patients with ACU were identified, aged 4 months to 18.3 years at the time of diagnosis, with similar male:female distribution. Most patients had a history of atopic disease (78.3%), and 25.8% had other urticaria. Around two-third of patients experienced only localized cold-induced symptoms (grade 1), whereas 14.0% had diffuse cutaneous symptoms (grade 2) as the most severe reaction, and 18.6% experienced anaphylaxis (grade 3). Swimming triggered 77.6% of grade 3 reactions, whereas the rest were secondary to ingestion of cold food or beverages, or cold air or cold water exposure. Seven percent of subjects had more than 1 episode of anaphylaxis. Cold stimulation test (CST) was performed in 61.7% of patients, and the result was positive in 69.9% of those tested. Positive CST result was significantly associated with increased risk of anaphylaxis. There was a 11.7% rate of anaphylaxis among patients with negative CST result. Disease resolution at any point in the study period was documented in 8.9% of patients and was associated with a negative history of anaphylaxis. Conclusions In the largest study to date on ACU, grade 3 reactions occurred in about a fifth of patients. Positive CST result was associated with a higher risk for anaphylaxis from ACU. Epinephrine prescription and patient/family counseling about risk factors for grade 3 reactions are recommended.
Acquaintance Type 1: Associates

This is the first acquaintance level type, and one important distinction should be made explicit here. A person can only adopt one type at the individual level, and typically just one family type, at least at a given time. However, at the acquaintance level, a person typically adopts several different types for different types of acquaintances. It is rare for someone to form just one type of acquaintance relationship, such as the associates discussed here.
Leadership for quality early childhood education and care

This literature review examines the research on early childhood education and care (ECEC) leadership and how leaders impact process quality in ECEC settings. Process quality refers to interactions and relationships between and among children and ECEC staff, and is a strong predictor of children’s learning, development and well-being. Research suggests that leadership plays a central role in improving and sustaining process quality in ECEC settings. This literature review presents findings about: 1) the functions, roles and structures of leadership in ECEC settings, 2) factors that may support or hinder leadership and its effectiveness, 3) working conditions and professional development for staff, and 4) how these factors might impact process quality. The results suggest that supports for ECEC leadership may be needed to strengthen areas such as leadership recruitment, preparation and professional development, credentialing and compensation, job design and further research.
Chronic Right-Hand Pain

A 45-year-old seamstress presents to the clinic with a 4-year history of paresthesias of the volar right thumb, index, and middle finger with associated pain. Patient notes symptoms are worse at night. On examination, patient has decreased sensation on the volar thumb, index, and middle finger as well as the dorsal finger tips and a positive Tinel’s sign and Phalen’s test at the wrist. Strength in her abductor pollicis brevis is normal at 3/5 compared to the contralateral side and she has moderate thenar atrophy, but no hypothenar or intrinsic muscle atrophy. The hand is well perfused and there are no surgical or traumatic scars of the hand or wrist. She has no past medical history and no history of cancer.
Fatal rupture of pseudoaneurysm following angioplasty

We report the sudden unexpected death from exsanguination of a 60-year-old white female who underwent balloon angioplasty of her right popliteal artery via a right common femoral arteriotomy 3 weeks before death. This resulted in a mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the right femoral artery that ruptured, causing fatal exsanguination. A pseudoaneurysm is an arterial wall defect in which part of the wall consists of fibrin and fibrous tissue, lacking components of the normal arterial wall, that is intima, media, and adventitia. Pseudoaneurysms result from traumatic arterial injury, infection, rupture of a true aneurysm, or surgery. A literature search revealed no reports with the patient dying unexpectedly outside the hospital. Immediate surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy are preferred treatments.
Comparison of water nanodroplet properties on different graphite-based substrates

The molecular structure and dynamics of water differ considerably at various interfaces. We compare the interfacial water structure–property relationship on three different carbon substrates, namely, amorphous carbon, compressed expanded natural graphite, and pure graphite by utilizing atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. The effect of different substrates on the structural and dynamical properties of water can readily be observed. The density distributions parallel and normal to the substrates show oblate droplet structures. The normal to the substrate water distribution shows a strong hydration layer at the interface that does not vary with substrates. However, the disparity in the structure and dynamics on three different substrates shows that the surface morphologies of the substrates are critical for determining nanoscale water properties. Furthermore, it is observed that the formation of an interfacial water layer or the hydration layer is a direct consequence of both water “confinement” at the nanoscale and “attraction” between water molecules and the carbon substrates.
The influence of a simulated game on muscular strength in female high-school and collegiate softball pitchers.

Softball pitchers often pitch several games within a day and over consecutive days during a competitive season. High volumes of pitches thrown can decrease muscular strength, resulting in less prox...
Disparities in telemedicine utilization among surgical patients during COVID-19.

Background Telemedicine has been rapidly adopted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is limited work surrounding demographic and socioeconomic disparities that may exist in telemedicine utilization. This study aimed to examine demographic and socioeconomic differences in surgical patient telemedicine usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Department of Surgery outpatients seen from July 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020 were stratified into three visit groups: pre-COVID-19 in-person, COVID-19 in-person, or COVID-19 telemedicine. Generalized linear models were used to examine associations of sex, race/ethnicity, Distressed Communities Index (DCI) scores, MyChart activation, and insurance status with telemedicine usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results 14,792 patients (median age 60, female [57.0%], non-Hispanic White [76.4%]) contributed to 21,980 visits. Compared to visits before the pandemic, telemedicine visits during COVID-19 were more likely to be with patients from the least socioeconomically distressed communities (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.08,1.58; P = 0.005), with an activated MyChart (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.17-1.64; P Conclusions During the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine was more likely utilized by female patients and those without government or commercial insurance compared to patients who used in-person visits. Interventions using telemedicine to improve health care access might consider such differences in utilization.
Other Relations in Modes of Convergence

As in the previous lesson, we take all RVs on a fixed probability space and finite a.s. Here we will discuss the following relationships: $${X_{n}}\mathop{ \to }\limits^{P} X implies {X_{n}}\mathop{ \to }\limits^{D} X;$$ Xn→ X in pth mean implies Xn→ X in qth mean, 1 ≤ q < p; $${X_{n}} \to X in pth mean implies {X_{n}}\mathop{ \to }\limits^{P} X.$$
Screening for fetal and neonatal risk in the postdate pregnancy

One hundred four postdate pregnancies were managed according to a well-defined protocol calling for weekly oxytocin challenge tests and urinary estriols three times per week. Although the perinatal mortality rate in these patients was not increased there was a significant increase in the incidence of neonatal morbidity and complications. The clinical syndrome of dysmaturity was seen in 20 per cent of the neonates. When meconium was present in the amniotic fluid the incidence of neonatal and fetal complications was higher. The cesarean section rate was twice the normal rate, with nonprogression of labor being the commonest indication. It is recommended that: (1) pregnancies carried beyond 42 weeks do not require termination simply because they are post dates; (2) all postdate patients should be monitored during labor; (3) trained personnel to initiate neonatal resuscitation should be present at each postdate delivery.
Ventricle wall movements and cerebrospinal fluid flow in hydrocephalus: Clinical article

Object The dynamics of fluid flow in normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) are poorly understood. Normally, CSF flows out of the brain through the ventricles. However, ventricular enlargement during NPH may be caused by CSF backflow into the brain through the ventricles. A previous study showed this reversal of flow; in the present study, the authors provide additional clinical data obtained in patients with NPH and supplement these data with computer simulations to better understand the CSF flow and ventricular wall displacement and emphasize its clinical implications. Methods Three NPH patients and 1 patient with aqueductal stenosis underwent cine phase-contrast MR imaging (cine MR imaging) for measurement of CSF flow and ventricle wall movement during the cardiac cycle. These data were compared to data previously obtained in 8 healthy volunteers. The CSF flow measurements were obtained at the outlet of the aqueduct of Sylvius. Calculation of the ventricular wall movement was determined from the complete ...
TRAUMATIC INTRAUTERINE ADHESIONS. A REPORT OF 8 CASES WITH EMPHASIS ON THERAPY.

Abstract 1. 1. Eight cases of traumatic intrauterine adhesions are reported. 2. 2. The condition is revealed most often by hysterography in patients with a history of curettage of a recently pregnant uterus or a history of repeated abortion. 3. 3. The treatment of fundal adhesions is principally by dilatation while that of complete isthmic atresia is by abdominal hysterotomy or hysterectomy. 4. 4. The prognosis for relief of menstrual disability is excellent but the prognosis for delivery of a living child is more guarded, though not hopeless.
Rotor designs for small inverter-dedicated induction machines

Alternative performance criteria governing steady state operation of an induction motor are applied to design an 'inverter-dedicated" induction machine. The design is focused on the rotor, especially on the rotor slot shape and the bar material. A Monte Carlo approach is used for optimization of the slot geometry. As a result, a wide variety of different slot shapes are explored. Performance calculations are done in a finite element environment, using a simplified model of the machine. A new "optimal" slot design is presented, along with simulation results. It is shown that the performance is insensitive to small changes in the slot shape, as long as the cross section remains constant. The bar material has a small influence on the slot shape.
X-ray spectroscopy of EuBa2(Cu1-yZny)3O7-x: Suppression of superconductivity.

We have studied the x-ray-absorption near-edge spectra of ${\mathrm{EuBa}}_{2}{{(\mathrm{C}\mathrm{u}}_{1\ensuremath{-}y}{\mathrm{Zn}}_{y})}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ as a function of Zn and O content. There is clear evidence for the development of ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{1+}$ ions as the O content is reduced to levels sufficient to suppress superconductivity. However, there is no effect on the electronic state of the Cu ion as the Zn content is increased and superconductivity vanishes. We tentatively conclude that the suppression of superconductivity is in both cases due to the preferred occupancy of certain planes by nonmagnetic (filled $d$ subshell) atoms, as proposed in Y${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{6}$ on the basis of neutron scattering.
Analysis of the Jacobian-free multiscale method (JFMM)

In this paper we perform in-depth analysis of Jacobian-free multiscale method (JFMM) in which explicit computation of the Jacobian matrix at the macroscale is circumvented using a Newton---Krylov process. Not having to explicitly compute and store the Jacobian matrix at each Newton step reduces storage requirements and computational costs compared to previous efforts based on homogenized material coefficients with Jacobian computation at every Newton step. We present an estimate of the optimal perturbation step-size that minimizes the finite difference approximation error associated with the Jacobian-vector product in the Jacobian-free approach. Two- and three-dimensional numerical examples demonstrate that while the rate of convergence of Newton iterations for the JFMM and the computational homogenization-based two-level finite element $$(\hbox {FE}^{2})$$(FE2) multiscale method is comparable, the computational cost of JFMM varies linearly with increasing number of degrees of freedom (n) at the macroscale, and not exponentially as in the $$\hbox {FE}^{2}$$FE2 method. The storage requirement for the method increases linearly with increasing n at the macroscale, whereas, it increases as approximately $$O(n^{8/5})$$O(n8/5) and $$O(n^{9/5})$$O(n9/5) for the $$\hbox {FE}^{2}$$FE2 method in two- and three-dimensions, respectively.
An overview of humans and autonomy for military environments: safety, types of autonomy, agents, and user interfaces

The objective of this review is to extract design implications from multiyear US Army sponsored research investigating humans and autonomy. The programs covered diverse research paradigms: (a) effects of autonomy related to pedestrian safety during urban robotic missions, (b) supervision of multiple semi-autonomous robots assisted by an intelligent agent, (c) field investigations of advanced interfaces for hands- free and heads- up supervision of robots for dismounted missions and also investigations of telepresence, (d) effects of haptic control and stereovision for exploiting improvised explosive devices. Thirteen general design guidelines related to mixed initiative systems, pedestrian safety, telepresence, voice control and stereovision/haptic control are discussed.
Laughter and Enjoyment: La Fontaine and Fragonard

In illustrating Jean de La Fontaine’s fables and tales, the eighteenth-century French artist Jean-Honore Fragonard brought to life the immensely popular works of the seventeenth-century author. Although La Fontaine — upon the recommendation of a priest, who threatened the dying old poet with the fires of hell — recognized the unchristian licentiousness and sexual allusions of his Contes, they regained popularity in the eighteenth century and were read with fervor.1 It is no surprise that Fragonard — also known for depicting sensuality in painting and drawing — chose to portray his perspectives and perceptions of La Fontaine’s works. Both men enjoy great reputations today and have a wide appeal, whether it be among the intellectual elite or in the common, popular world: Fragonard is studied as a master of rococo painting and a precursor to romantic art. His paintings are depicted on objects ranging from book covers to chocolate boxes. La Fontaine’s poems are learned and studied by the French, from school children to university students; they are quoted in television advertisements as well. The morals of his fables have entered the world of aphorisms. As all great art and literature do, the never-ending attraction and beauty of La Fontaine and Fragonard’s works enlighten the soul of spectator and reader, providing him or her with aesthetic and spiritual edification as well as visual delight.
Transfer of neurotoxigenicity from Clostridium butyricum to a nontoxigenic Clostridium botulinum type E-like strain.

Abstract Two Clostridium butyricum strains from infant botulism cases produce a toxic molecule very similar to C. botulinum type E neurotoxin. Chromosomal, plasmid, and bacteriophage DNAs of toxigenic and nontoxigenic strains of C. butyricum and C. botulinum type E were probed with (i) a synthesized 30-mer oligonucleotide encoding part of the L chain of type E botulinum toxin and (ii) the DNA of phages lysogenizing these cultures. The toxin gene probe hybridized to the chromosomal DNA of toxigenic strains but not to their plasmid DNA. All toxigenic and most nontoxigenic strains tested were lysogenized by a prophage on the chromosome. Prophages of toxigenic strains, irrespective of species, had related or identical DNAs which differed from the DNAs of prophages in nontoxigenic strains. The prophage of toxigenic strains was adjacent or close to the toxin gene on the chromosome. Phage DNAs purified from toxigenic strains did not hybridize with the toxin gene probe but could act as the template of the polymerase chain reaction to amplify the toxin gene. The toxin gene was not transferred between C. botulinum and C. butyricum (either direction) when different pairs of a possible gene donor and a recipient strain were grown as mixed cultures. Nontoxigenic C. butyricum or C. botulinum type E-like strains did not become toxigenic when grown in broth containing the phage induced from a toxigenic strain of the other species.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Indirect determination of isocyanates by gas chromatography.

Abstract A gas chromatographic method was developed to determine the purity of synthesized isocyanate monomers, specifically isocyanatoacrylates, and to determine the isocyanate content of synthesized polymers and prepolymers. The method is a modification of an ASTM procedure in which an isocyanate is allowed to react with excess di-n-butylamine. In the ASTM method, the amount of isocyanate present is calculate indirectly from the amount of unreacted di-n-butylamine, determined by back titration with standard hydrochloric acid. Determination of the excess di-n-butylamine by the gas chromatographic method developed has the advantages of providing better precision and requiring less sample than the titrimetric method. The two methods were compared using phenyl isocyanate as a model test compound. A synthesized monomer, methyl α-isocyanatocrylate, was also analyzed, for comparison by both methods.
Stress-induced dendritic remodeling in the medial prefrontal cortex: effects of circuit, hormones and rest

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been implicated as a site of dysfunction and abnormal morphology in major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, two illnesses that can be brought on by exposure to stress. In animal models, stress has long been shown to induce impairments in tasks known to be mediated by the mPFC, and recent work has demonstrated that chronic stress can lead to morphological changes in mPFC pyramidal cells. This review explores the current literature on stress-induced dendritic remodeling in the mPFC, with particular focus on new findings that illuminate modulators of these effects.
Privatization morphs into ‘publicization’: businesses look a lot like government

Private companies become like public agencies because competition for contracts is keen and they must be perceived by the contacting agent, government, as being agreeable with the government's demands in order to be contracted with again. Government makes suggestions, sets requirements, and provides recommendations to private companies which, over time, cause the private companies/facilities to look more and more like government agencies – and company managers are left pressed between their need to re-contract and the business instincts and acumen for which they’ve presumably been contracted with in the first place. This paper will briefly visit the common arguments for and against privatization. Additionally, the results of a limited study of the effect of publicization on private prison companies operating nationally in the US will be examined.
Snowmobile Contributions to Mobile Source Emissions in Yellowstone National Park

Increases in the number of winter visitors to Yellowstone National Park during the past decade have raised concerns over the environmental impacts of snowmobiling in the park. During the 1998−99 season, more than 62000 snowmobile and 1300 snow coach trips entered the park. Using the University of Denver's vehicle exhaust remote-sensing equipment, 1385 measurements of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions were collected from in-use snowmobiles at the west and south entrances to the park. Overall means of 392 ± 4 g CO and 237 ± 1 g HC were observed per kilogram of fuel consumed. In addition, using an ultraviolet monochromator, 460 measurements of toluene emissions were collected with a mean of 39 ± 1 g toluene/kg of fuel. Using these data, a mobile source emissions inventory based on fuel use for Yellowstone National Park shows that snowmobiles account for 27% of the annual emissions of carbon monoxide and 77% of annual emissions of hydrocarbons using an equivalent best estimate for the summer...
The Beginning [Graduate Life]

On 23 August 2010, I paid US$8.00 to drive across the George Washington Bridge and enter New York City for the first time. I was moving into my new apartment in Morningside Heights, anxious to get settled and officially start graduate school. Bewildered by the complete absence of available street parking and foiled by the endless and bizarre parking restrictions, I felt immediately that this was going to be a rough transition.
Chronic Nonhereditary Blistering Disease in Children: Immunofluorescent Studies

The chronic nonhereditary blistering diseases (pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, dermatitis herpetiformis) have been reported or observed in children, and examples have been studied immunologically. Fluorescent staining has revealed characteristic immunologic changes in children with pemphigus and with bullous pemphigoid; no immunologic findings have been reported in patients with papulovesicular dermatitis herpetiformis or so-called bullous pemphigoid of childhood. This last entity, initially thought to represent bullous pemphigoid or a bullous form of dermatitis herpetiformis, may best be separated from both of these diseases, and better referred to as "benign chronic bullous dermatosis of childhood."
Midlatency auditory evoked responses: differential effects of a cholinergic agonist and antagonist

The effects of a cholinergic antagonist (scopolamine) and agonist (physostigmine) on the auditory middle latency evoked responses (MLRs) were studied in 7 normal male volunteers. Scalp recordings were made from a central (Cz) electrode referenced to linked ear lobes on one channel and to a non-cephalic, sternovertebral reference on a second channel. Three components were statistically analyzed for changes in latency and amplitude: Pa, with peak positivity in the 25-40 msec latency range, Nb, with peak negativity 40-50 msec, and P1, with peak positivity 50-65 msec. Control recordings included responses to click rates of 1, 5, 8 and 10/sec; as has been previously reported, P1 showed a marked decrease and disappeared at the faster rates of stimulation whereas Pa showed no change in amplitude. Intravenous injections of scopolamine resulted in a rapid and complete disappearance of P1 and a slight increase in Pa; concurrently, the subjects reported feeling drowsy but were awake with eyes open through the recordings. Subsequent injections of physostigmine resulted in a rapid reversal of the scopolamine effects so that the subjects became alert, Pa decreased, and P1 reappeared and increased to control amplitudes. Rapid click rates caused P1 to diminish, as in the control period, indicating a common P1 recovery cycle in both the control and physostigmine conditions. These data are discussed in terms of the hypothesis that the P1 generator system is comprised of a cholinergic brain-stem-thalamic component of the ascending reticular activating system.
Carotid Reconstruction in Nonagenarians: Is Surgery a Viable Option?

Because of limited longevity and perceived increased perioperative risk, the optimal treatment of significant carotid stenosis in nonagenarians is controversial. This study was conducted to evaluate our results in this demographic group. A retrospective review was performed of carotid endarterectomies (CEAs) done in nonagenarians at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center between 1996 and 2006. During this period, a total of 2,038 CEAs were performed on patients of all ages. Data abstracted included demographics, patient risk factors, indications for surgery, perioperative complications, and survival. Fifty-three (2.8%) CEAs were performed as the primary procedure on 49 patients aged 90 or greater during the study period. Of these patients, 11 (22.4%) had diabetes, 38 (77.5%) had hypertension, and 31 (63.3%) had coronary artery disease. Eleven patients (22.4%) had a history of smoking, and there were no current smokers. Renal disease was present in three (6.1%) patients, one of whom was dialysis-dependent. The median length of stay was 2 days with a range of 1 to 24 days. Five patients (10.2%) required the intensive care unit following surgery. There were no postoperative strokes, and none of the patients had suffered ipsilateral stroke during follow-up. One patient (1.8%) had a perioperative myocardial infarction. One patient died in the perioperative period (1.8%). The 1-month stroke and mortality results did not differ significantly from those in patients under the age of 90, 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively (p = nonsignificant by Fisher's exact test). Using Kaplan-Meier life-table analysis, the 1- and 5-year survival rates were 84 +/- 5% and 33 +/- 9%, respectively. Our study demonstrates that in a group of well-selected nonagenarians, CEA is a safe procedure with acceptable perioperative morbidity.
Outcomes assessment as a component of good educational practice.

Many resources are available from other domains that are relevant to veterinary education. “Currents in Education,” edited by Katherine M. Edmondson, is intended to present thought-provoking information about teaching and learning from sources outside the veterinary field. This regular feature of JVME will highlight relevant educational research published elsewhere, and provide a brief synopsis and analysis of the work and its implications for veterinary education. Submissions are welcome.
Thermal maxima for juvenile shortnose sturgeon acclimated to different temperatures

Many populations of shortnose sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum, in the southeastern United States continue to suffer from poor juvenile recruitment. High summer water temperatures, which may be exacerbated by anthropogenic activities, are thought to affect recruitment by limiting available summer habitat. However, information regarding temperature thresholds of shortnose sturgeon is limited. In this study, the thermal maximum method and a heating rate of 0.1°C min−1 was used to determine critical and lethal thermal maxima for young-of-the-year (YOY) shortnose sturgeon acclimated to temperatures of 19.5 and 24.1°C. Fish used in the experiment were 0.6 to 35.0 g in weight and 64 to 140 days post hatch (dph) in age. Critical thermal maxima were 33.7°C (±0.3) and 35.1°C (±0.2) for fish acclimated to 19.5 and 24.1°C, respectively. Critical thermal maxima significantly increased with an increase in acclimation temperature (p < 0.0001). Lethal thermal maxima were 34.8°C (±0.1) and 36.1°C (±0.1) for fish acclimated to 19.5 and 24.1°C, respectively. Lethal thermal maxima were significantly affected by acclimation temperature, the log10 (fish weight), and the interaction between log10(fish weight) and acclimation temperature (p < 0.0001). Thermal maxima were used to estimate upper limits of safe temperature, thermal preferences, and optimal growth temperatures of YOY shortnose sturgeon. Upper limits of safe temperature were similar to previous temperature tolerance information and indicate that summer temperatures in southeastern rivers may be lethal to YOY shortnose sturgeon if suitable thermal refuge cannot be found.
A Direct and Nondestructive Approach To Determine the Folding Structure of the I-Motif DNA Secondary Structure by NMR

I-motifs are four-stranded DNA secondary structures formed in C-rich DNA sequences and consist of parallel-stranded DNA duplexes zipped together in an antiparallel orientation by intercalated, hemiprotonated cytosine+−cytosine base pairs. I-motif structures have been indicated to form in various regions of the human genome as well as in nanotechnological applications. While NMR is a major tool for structural studies of I-motifs, the determination of the folding topologies of unimolecular I-motifs has been a challenging and arduous task using conventional NMR spectral assignment strategies, due to the inherent sequence redundancy of the C-rich strands in the formation of unimolecular I-motif structures. We report here a direct and nondestructive method that can be utilized to unambiguously determine the hemiprotonated C+−C base pairs and thus the folding topology of unimolecular I-motif structures formed from native C-rich DNA sequences. The reported approach uses affordable low-enrichment site-specific la...
Semiconducting polymers (as donors) and buckminsterfullerene (as acceptor): photoinduced electron transfer and heterojunction devices

Abstract Experimental results on the metastable, reversible, photoinduced electron transfer between semiconducting polymers and buckminsterfullerene are reviewed. Photoinduced absorption (photoexcitation spectroscopy), steady state and picosecond time-resolved photoluminescence and light-induced electron spin resonance measurements are summarized as experimental evidence for photoinduced electron transfer. Comparative studies with different semiconducting polymers as donors demonstrate that in the degenerate ground state the polymer's soliton excitations form before the electron transfer can occur, thereby inhibiting charge separation. In non-degenerate ground state systems, photoinduced electron transfer occurs in less than 10 −12 s, quenching the photoluminescence as well as the intersystem crossing. The importance of electron-phonon coupling in these low-dimensional semiconductor polymers, resulting in structural relaxation upon photoexcitation, is proposed to contribute to the stabilization of the charge-separated state. Utilizing thin films of the semiconducting polymer (donor) and buckminsterfullerene (acceptor) to form a heterojunction interface, we fabricated diode bilayers which functioned as photodiodes and as photovoltaic cells. The results are discussed in terms of opportunities for solar energy conversion, for photodiode detector devices and for a variety of other applications which use photoinduced intermolecular charge separation.
Reduction in colon cancer risk by consumption of kava or kava fractions in carcinogen-treated rats.

Epidemiological studies suggest that kava reduces colon cancer risk. However, no experimental studies of the chemopreventive properties of kava toward colon cancer have been reported. Further, there are concerns regarding hepatotoxicity of kava. The goal of this study was to determine whether kava consumption reduces markers of colon cancer in an animal model and to study the safety of kava. An ethanolic extract and polar and nonpolar fractions of the kava extract were fed to rats for 12 days prior to, during, and after administration of dimethylhydrazine, a colon-specific carcinogen. After 14 wk, rats fed the nonpolar extract had a significant reduction in precancerous lesions [aberrant crypt (AC) foci (ACF)] as well as large (≥4 AC/ACF) sialomucin-only expressing foci, an indicator of greater tumorigenic potential, compared to the control group. Groups fed the ethanolic extract and polar kava fraction trended toward reductions in ACF and large sialomucin-only expressing foci. The combined kava groups ha...
Unsaturated Fatty Acids Inhibit Proteasomal Degradation of Insig-1 at a Postubiquitination Step

Proteasomes mediate the regulated degradation of Insig-1, a membrane protein of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism. We showed previously that sterols inhibit this degradation by blocking ubiquitination of Insig-1. Here we show that unsaturated fatty acids stabilize Insig-1 without affecting its ubiquitination. Instead unsaturated fatty acids inhibit extraction of ubiquitinated Insig-1 from membranes, a process known to be mediated by valosin-containing protein and necessary for ER-associated degradation. Valosin-containing protein is recruited to Insig-1 through the action of another protein, Ubxd8. Unsaturated fatty acids block the binding between Ubxd8 and Insig-1, thereby abrogating the membrane extraction of Insig-1. Unsaturated fatty acid-mediated stabilization of Insig-1 enhances the ability of sterols to inhibit proteolytic activation of SREBP-1, which activates transcription of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis. The current study provides a molecular mechanism for regulation of proteasome-mediated ER protein degradation at a postubiquitination step.
Management of Hyperglycemic Emergencies

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus makes the occurrence of hyperglycemic emergencies a key component in clinical practice. The expert nurse is well positioned to manage both diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states. Patient care management includes a high index of suspicion for awareness for the possibility of diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states in patients based on a multifactorial etiology, evidence-based treatment of the emergent episode, and tertiary prevention to prevent recurrent episodes.
Effective emittance for Cassini multilayer insulation blankets and heat loss near seams

Thermal performance of Cassini multilayer insulation (MLI) blankets was characterized in thermal vacuum tests. Effective emittance was derived for the standard and high-temperature layups, with or without micrometeoroid protection standoffs, and for a high-performance duo-layup with staggered seams. The all-Kapton® layup was shown to have a 19% higher effective emittance than the hybrid KaptonMylar® layup, and the duo-layup exhibited a dramatic capability of reducing heat dissipation by 2.6-fold. Several different definitions of effective emittance are discussed, and their relations to distinct hardware-MLI configurations and corresponding modeling techniques clarified. Large temperature differences (up to 70°C) were observed between the center and seam of a blanket. Heat losses in the vicinity of seams are quantified, and a major MLI heat loss mechanism elucidated.
Carbonate mineral distribution and isotope-fractionation: An approach to depositional environment interpretation, Green River Formation, Wyoming, U.S.A.

Carbonate mineral phases were investigated with respect to distribution and isotopic composition from core holes in the Green River Formation, Wyoming, an ancient lake complex. Mineral distribution data suggest dolomite genesis on a carbonate mudflat surrounding a central lake facies with transportation and subsequent later alteration in the lacustrine facies. Calcite was the dominant carbonate mineral deposited in the lacustrine facies. Samples, investigated by stable isotopes, representing each member of the Green River Formation, displayed isotopic values for δ13C of from − 1.3 to + 7.5‰ and for δ18C of − 6.0 to −0.8‰. Isotopic values representing modern and paleolacustrine sequences were compared. δ13C-values in the Green River Formation sediments were below values that might be expected from sediments which formed in a stratified lake. Mineral distribution and stable isotope evaluations demonstrated evidence to support a playa-lake depositional environment.
Efficacy of Atropine Sulfate in Combination with Albuterol in the Treatment for Acute Asthma

Objective: To determine the efficacy of combination therapy using atropine sulfate and albuterol in the treatment for an acute exacerbation of asthma. Methods: A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed in the ED of a large, inner-city, university-affiliated teaching hospital. Participants were a convenience sample of patients presenting to the ED between September 1993 and March 1994 with acute exacerbations of their asthma. Patients judged to be in extremis were excluded. All patients received 3 nebulized treatments with 2.5 mg of albuterol at 0, 30, and 60 minutes. Patients were randomized into 1 of 3 groups with the following added to their nebulizer solutions: 1) saline placebo during all 3 treatments; 2) 2.0 mg atropine sulfate added to the first nebulizer and saline in the second and third; or 3) 2.0 mg atropine to the first and third treatments (with saline in the second). No other medication was administered during the study period. At 90 minutes, the patients were evaluated for admission or release from the ED according to predetermined criteria, and additional medications were given as necessary. Vital signs, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), degree of wheezing, level of distress, and side effects were measured before and after each nebulizer treatment. Results: Of the 153 patients eligible for the study, 126 completed the entire study protocol. There was no significant difference between the 3 groups on any parameter studied, including improvement of PEFR, vital signs, or level of distress. There was no difference in the admission rate between the 3 groups, nor was there a difference in the incidence of side effects among the groups. Conclusion: In this study population, combination therapy with atropine sulfate and albuterol offered no significant benefit over the use of albuterol alone in the treatment for acute exacerbation of asthma.
Magnetic field dependence of the longitudinal and transverse spin correlation in the Blume-Hubbard theory

The longitudinal and transverse spin-correlation functions of local paramagnetic impurities are solved in the long-time limit on the basis of the Blume-Hubbard theory. The magnetic field dependence of the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation via paramagnetic centers is in good agreement with the experimental data by McHenry et al.
Private Sector Development in Poland: Shock Therapy and Starting Over

Poland's economic recovery exceeds other post-communist countries in East and Central Europe despite limited privatization and state enterprise restructuring. Rapid growth in the new private sector: trade, manufacturing, and services account for much of the success. Very little capital was required to enter the private sector and private-sector growth so far has been largely financed from retained earnings.
Purification of human interleukin 1 from human monocyte culture supernatants and identity of thymocyte comitogenic factor, fibroblast-proliferation factor, acute-phase protein-inducing factor, and endogenous pyrogen.

Abstract Human interleukin 1 (IL-1) in lipopolysaccharide and silica-stimulated human peripheral blood monocyte culture supernatants was purified to apparent homogeneity by sequential chromatography using DEAE-Sephacel, Sephacryl S-200, CM-high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and hydroxyapatite-HPLC. Analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacryl-amide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) yielded only one band detectable by silver staining with an apparent molecular weight (MW) of 19,000 under nonreducing conditions. IL-1 activity was eluted from a single site from PAGE performed in the absence of SDS. About 4.4 μg of IL-1 was purified from 5.0 liters of culture supernatant of lipopolysaccharide- and silica-stimulated human peripheral blood monocytes, with 46.6% recovery of biological activity. The specific activity of the purified IL-1 was 4.3 × 10 7 U/mg protein. Amino acid composition analysis of the purified human IL-1 was similar to that previously described for murine IL-1. The purified IL-1 exhibited the biological activities previously attributed to IL-1, including thymocyte comitogenic activity, fibroblast proliferation activity, acute-phase protein (haptoglobin)-inducing activity, and endogenous pyrogen activity.
TH‐F‐211‐02: Evaluation of a Proton Pencil Beam Alogirithm for Dose Calculations in Heterogeneous Media

Purpose: To develop an improved nuclear halo dose model of a pencil beam algorithm (PBA) for dose calculation of proton beams in heterogeneous media. Methods: The proton PBA consisted of a central axis term and an off axis term. The central axis term was determined from a central axis depth dose of a proton beam in water and was scaled by the mass stopping power ratio to account for other materials. The off axis term was determined from Fermi‐Eyges scattering theory with material‐dependent scattering powers to calculate the spread of the proton beam in heterogeneous media. The nuclear halo dose arising from large angle and non‐elastic scatter was modeled using two terms: a Gaussian and a Cauchy‐Lorentz distribution. Depth‐dependent widths and amplitudes of each distribution were determined by fitting a simulated 1‐mm × 1‐mm pencil beam in water. The PBA was evaluated in approximately 30 test phantoms containing bone and/or air heterogeneities for 4 energies and 2 field sizes. Agreement between PBA and Monte Carlo simulations of the test conditions was quantified by computing the percentage of points within 2 percent dose difference or 1 mm distance to agreement. Results: With the improved nuclear halo model, PBA calculations showed better than of 97% of dose points within 2%/1 mm of MC distributions for all geometries examined. For phantoms containing laterally infinite heterogeneities, agreement between PBA and MC distributions was 100% at 2%/1mm. For phantoms containing laterally finite heterogeneities, agreement was at least 97%. The points failing were due to the central axis approximation of the PBA in regions not influenced by the nuclear halo model. Conclusions: The halo model developed in this work improves the agreement of the PBA with MC simulations in heterogeneous phantoms, particularly in low‐dose regions that can be important for scanned‐beam proton therapy. “This research was supported by contract W81XWH‐10‐1‐0005 awarded by The U.S. Army Research Acquisition Activity, 820 Chandler Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702‐5014. This report does not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Government, and no official endorsement should be inferred.”
On the Failure of Prostaglandin Synthetase Inhibitor Indometacin to Affect the Osmoregulation of Plasma Arginine Vasopressin in Rats

The role of central endogenous prostaglandin (PG) in the regulation of osmotically mediated vasopressin secretion under normal physiological conditions in rats was studied employing a prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor, indomethacin, and sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for plasma arginine vasopressin.A single dosage and doses for two and five days by s. c. injection of 5.0mg/kg BW of indomethacin, which can produce significant depletion of endogenous PG in the hypothalamus, resulted in a high correlation (r>0.9) between plasma arginine vasopressin (pAVP) and plasma osmolality (pOSM). This relation could be fitted to straight lines of the form pAVP=2.1 (pOSM-296)(N=10), pAVP=3.2 (pOSM-298)(N=13) and pAVP=0.9 (pOSM-295.6)(N=10), after i. p.injection with hypertonic saline, for the three dosages, respectively. The control regression lines could be described by relations of the form pAVP=2.9 (pOSM-298)(N=11), pAVP=3.1 (pOSM-299)(N=8) and pAVP=1.1 (pOSM-296.9)(N=13), respectively. The slope and intercepts (on the osmolality axis) were thus comparable with those of the control group, which had not been influenced by plasma urea nitrogen, glucose or blood volume.These results suggest that the administration of indomethacin did not influence the osmoregulation of AVP directly.From this evidence, we conclude that central endogenous PG has no primary role in the control of the osmoregulation of arginine vasopressin secretion under normal physiological conditions.
Distinguishing between process upsets and sensor malfunctions using sensor redundancy

Abstract The ability to differentiate between process upsets and sensor malfunctions is crucial in the monitoring of a chemical process as different compensatory responses are required. Process upsets threaten the quality of the chemical product and may require immediate intervention by the process operator, while malfunctioning sensors can be replaced or compensated for mathematically. This paper addresses this problem and describes a new voting system procedure, based on probabilistic and empirical rules, for distinguishing between process upsets and sensor malfunctions. In contrast to traditional voting techniques which require the strict duplication of sensor elements, the redundant sensor voting system (RSVS) presented is rooted on the concept of state redundancy. Diagnosis employing state redundant sensors is based on the observation that process upsets are typically registered by a band of correlated sensors, while sensor malfunctions are commonly localized. According to the RSVS procedure, if the number of identified sensors equals or exceeds a predefined threshold value, a process disturbance is diagnosed. If the number of identified sensors is less than the threshold value, this is strong evidence of sensor malfunction. While situations can be envisioned in which the assumptions of RSVS are violated (e.g., disturbed sensors have not been correctly identified, the occurrence of localized process upsets), the bandwidth-based approach is reasonable for many types of processes, as is demonstrated for data collected on a liquid fed ceramic melter.
The effects of aluminum oxide in restructuring iron single crystal surfaces for ammonia synthesis

Abstract The effect of aluminum oxide and potassium on the ammonia synthesis over the (111), (100), and (110) faces of iron has been investigated. A restructuring of the Fe(110) and Fe(100) surfaces, induced by the presence of aluminum oxide and 20 Torr of water vapor, takes place making the restructured surfaces almost as active as the clean Fe(111) plane in the ammonia synthesis reaction (20 atm reactant pressure of hydrogen and nitrogen). The high activity of the restructured surfaces is maintained for over 4 hr of ammonia synthesis. Without the presence of aluminum oxide, treatment of the Fe(110) and Fe(100) surfaces with 20 Torr of water vapor again produces restructured surfaces which are almost as active as the Fe(111) plane for a short period. However, in this case deactivation of the restructured surfaces into the respective clean, unrestructured surfaces occurs within 1 hr of ammonia synthesis. Restructuring of the Fe(111) with 20 Torr of water vapor produces only a slight decrease in ammonia synthesis activity. The enhancement in rate of the restructured Fe(110) and Fe(100) surfaces, with or without aluminum oxide, might be explained by the formation of active surface orientations for ammonia synthesis (i.e., Fe(111) and Fe(211)), which contain C7 sites (iron atoms with seven nearest neighbors), during the water vapor treatments. These restructured surfaces are only stable in the ammonia synthesis conditions when aluminum oxide is present. Potassium adsorbed alone or with coadsorbed aluminum oxide exhibits no promotional effects under the water vapor pretreatment conditions used in this study.