cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Gallbladder Fossa Complicated by a Duodenal Fistula.

Cancer of unknown primary is defined as a metastatic disease present in the absence of an identifiable primary site of origin. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of unknown primary is a relatively uncommon subtype that usually involves metastases to the cervical or inguinal lymph nodes. We present a rare case of SCC of unknown primary metastasizing to the gallbladder fossa and creating a duodenal fistula. This case highlights the rarity of SCCs in the gallbladder region and the risks posed by chemotherapy in patients with gastrointestinal fistulas.
Representation in the Collection: Assessing Coverage of LGBTQ Content in an Academic Library Collection

Academic library collections have been built and shaped by a focus on dominant voices and perspectives. In order for collections to reflect the value librarianship places on diversity as well as re...
Measuring Compassionate Care among Interprofessional Health Care Teams: Developing and Testing the Feasibility of a Collaborative Behaviors Observational Assessment Tool

Abstract Background Few published instruments that enable the objective measurement of compassionate care exist. Simulation techniques allow for controlled settings in which interprofessional tools that assess compassionate care can be developed and tested. Method Delphi methodologies were used to create a Collaborative Care Best Practices Model that identified key compassionate behaviors in a high-stress medical scenario. A Collaborative Behaviors Observational Assessment Tool (CBOAT) was derived from the Collaborative Care Best Practices Model to rate these compassionate behaviors and its feasibility was tested in a simulation. Results Inter-rater reliability demonstrated that the CBOAT can support researchers and educators in observing and measuring compassionate care behaviors. Conclusions The CBOAT can be used in a simulation setting to observe, measure, and help teach compassion which is an essential aspect of high-quality health care.
Retrosigmoid Transtentorial Approach Compared to Traditional Transpetrosal Approaches for the Resection of Petroclival Meningiomas: A Case-Control Study

Background Transpetrosal approaches have become standard technique for resection of petroclival meningiomas (PCM). The retrosigmoid craniotomy has also been extensively studied as an alternative approach. The need to resect the tentorium at the end of a retrosigmoid approach has been described, but the upfront transtentorial variation of the retrosigmoid craniotomy has never been described nor evaluated in detail as a possible alternative to the standard petrosectomy approaches. Objective This study was aimed to directly compare the transpetrosal approaches to the retrosigmoid transtentorial approach (RSTTA) in terms of degree of resection, duration of surgery, and estimated blood loss (EBL). Methods A retrospective case-control study of patients who underwent resection of PCM between January 2014 and December 2018 was performed. Patients in the two surgical approach groups were matched for age and tumor location. The primary measured outcomes were duration of surgery, EBL, extent of resection, length of postoperative hospital stay, and complications. Data analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) tests. Results Thirteen patients had microsurgical resection of PCM at our center between January 2014 and December 2018. Nine patients underwent a transpetrosal approach and four patients underwent RSTTA. The average duration of surgery was shorter in the RSTTA group (425 vs. 525.4 minutes) and had less blood loss (94 vs. 425 mL). Extent of resection was comparable between the groups. Conclusion The RSTTA appears to be a safe and efficient technique for resecting PCMs and in selected cases a valid alternative to standard petrosectomies approaches.
Emerging and Reemerging Viral Pathogens: A Microscopic Overview

During the 20th century, the advent of vaccines and antibiotics, and continued improvements in urban sanitation and water quality resulted in a dramatic decline in mortality due to infectious diseases. There was a brief period of optimism in the mid-1900's that infectious pathogens would no longer be a significant cause of death in the United States. For a number of reasons, this trend had reversed by the end of the century, and the rates of death caused by infectious diseases began rising. in recognition of this change, the Institute of Medicine issued a report in 1992 that called attention to the major factors contributing to the emergence and reemergence of infectious diseases. Among these were the following: increased human encroachment on wilderness habitats, resulting in changes in the ecosystem and increased contact with animal and insect vectors which may harbor unknown infectious agents; sizable growth in human population, resulting in increased urbanization and crowding; increased global travel; changes in human behaviors; and microbial evolution.
Asmic Isocyanide [3 + 2] Cascade to Dihydrooxazoles and Dihydroimidazoles.

The versatile isocyanide building block Asmic, anisylsulfanylmethylisocyanide, reacts with aldehydes and ketones in a BF3·OEt2-mediated condensation to afford thioimidoyl-substituted 2,5-dihydrooxa...
GraSeq: Graph and Sequence Fusion Learning for Molecular Property Prediction

With the recent advancement of deep learning, molecular representation learning -- automating the discovery of feature representation of molecular structure, has attracted significant attention from both chemists and machine learning researchers. Deep learning can facilitate a variety of downstream applications, including bio-property prediction, chemical reaction prediction, etc. Despite the fact that current SMILES string or molecular graph molecular representation learning algorithms (via sequence modeling and graph neural networks, respectively) have achieved promising results, there is no work to integrate the capabilities of both approaches in preserving molecular characteristics (e.g, atomic cluster, chemical bond) for further improvement. In this paper, we propose GraSeq, a joint graph and sequence representation learning model for molecular property prediction. Specifically, GraSeq makes a complementary combination of graph neural networks and recurrent neural networks for modeling two types of molecular inputs, respectively. In addition, it is trained by the multitask loss of unsupervised reconstruction and various downstream tasks, using limited size of labeled datasets. In a variety of chemical property prediction tests, we demonstrate that our GraSeq model achieves better performance than state-of-the-art approaches.
Cryogenic Calibration of a Quantum-based Radio Frequency Source

We report on the calibration of quantum-based radio frequency waveforms generated by a Josephson arbitrary waveform synthesizer system. We measure these waveforms using a vector network analyzer and calibrate them at 4 K using a custom-designed cryogenic on-wafer multi-line thru-reflect-line calibration kit and a two-tier calibration procedure. The signals tested in this work can be used as reference signals to calibrate measurement instruments with potential benefits in terms of accuracy and flexibility compared to the conventional methods.
Pharmacological Comparison of Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine: In Vitro Affinity and Efficacy for μ-Opioid Receptor and Opioid-Like Behavioral Effects in Rats

Relationships between µ-opioid receptor (MOR) efficacy and effects of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are not fully established. We assessed in vitro binding affinity and efficacy and discriminative stimulus effects together with antinociception in rats. The binding affinities of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine at MOR (Ki values 77.9 and 709 nM, respectively) were higher than their binding affinities at κ-opioid receptor (KOR) or δ-opioid receptor (DOR). [35S]guanosine 5'-O-[γ-thio]triphosphate stimulation at MOR demonstrated that mitragynine was an antagonist, whereas 7-hydroxymitragynine was a partial agonist (Emax = 41.3%). In separate groups of rats discriminating either morphine (3.2 mg/kg) or mitragynine (32 mg/kg), mitragynine produced a maximum of 72.3% morphine-lever responding, and morphine produced a maximum of 65.4% mitragynine-lever responding. Other MOR agonists produced high percentages of drug-lever responding in the morphine and mitragynine discrimination assays: 7-hydroxymitragynine (99.7% and 98.1%, respectively), fentanyl (99.7% and 80.1%, respectively), buprenorphine (99.8% and 79.4%, respectively), and nalbuphine (99.4% and 98.3%, respectively). In the morphine and mitragynine discrimination assays, the KOR agonist U69,593 produced maximums of 72.3% and 22.3%, respectively, and the DOR agonist SNC 80 produced maximums of 34.3% and 23.0%, respectively. 7-Hydroxymitragynine produced antinociception; mitragynine did not. Naltrexone antagonized all of the effects of morphine and 7-hydroxymitragynine; naltrexone antagonized the discriminative stimulus effects of mitragynine but not its rate-decreasing effects. Mitragynine increased the potency of the morphine discrimination yet decreased morphine antinociception. Here we illustrate striking differences in MOR efficacy, with mitragynine having less than 7-hydroxymitragynine. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: At human µ-opioid receptor (MOR) in vitro, mitragynine has low affinity and is an antagonist, whereas 7-hydroxymitragynine has 9-fold higher affinity than mitragynine and is an MOR partial agonist. In rats, intraperitoneal mitragynine exhibits a complex pharmacology including MOR agonism; 7-hydroxymitragynine has higher MOR potency and efficacy than mitragynine. These results are consistent with 7-hydroxymitragynine being a highly selective MOR agonist and with mitragynine having a complex pharmacology that combines low efficacy MOR agonism with activity at nonopioid receptors.
Thoracic aortic dissection repair in women

Abstract A diagnosis of thoracic aortic dissection should be considered in any patient presenting with chest pain. Thoracic aortic dissection is relatively rare but when undiagnosed, often portends to poor prognosis. Owing to relatively small numbers of patients presenting with aortic dissection, the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection was established to better understand aortic dissection pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and, in turn, treatment options. The registry has more recently evaluated differences of clinical presentations, management in outcomes, between sexes. In-hospital complications have occurred with greater frequency in women than men, resulting in higher in-hospital mortality. What causes this disparity? Women tend to have a longer life-expectancy than men. Should this gap affect the criteria in which uncomplicated Type B aortic dissections are treated in women? Women tend to have smaller access vessels and greater angulation of the aortic arch. Should this difference tailor treatment options? This chapter aims to identify the sex differences in clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment options, and outcomes of thoracic aortic dissections in hopes of identifying opportunities to improve morbidity and mortality in management of this disease.
Participation in the Community Rating System of NFIP: Empirical Analysis of North Carolina Counties

AbstractTo motivate flood insurance purchase and promote flood hazard awareness and mitigation, the Community Rating System (CRS) of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) credits floodplain management activities and awards flood insurance premium discounts. CRS, however, has been marked by a lack of active participation since its inception. The objective of this study is to provide empirical evidence related to community decisions involving incentive-based flood risk mitigation projects. A number of hypotheses offered by previous researchers regarding factors that motivate local hazard management initiatives are tested through an examination of patterns in CRS participation across all 100 North Carolina counties from 1991 to 2002. Specifically, the influence of flood experience, hydrological risk, local capacity, and socioeconomic factors on county hazard mitigation decisions are examined. Results indicate that flood history and physical risk factors increase likelihood of local hazard mitigation ad...
Studies on Escherichia coli sex factors. II. Some physical properties of F'Lac and F DNA.

Abstract Labeled F'Lac DNA prepared by the technique described in the preceding paper (Freifelder & Freifelder, 1968) has been studied by various physicochemical methods. A rough measurement of the sedimentation coefficient of the labeled DNA has yielded a value of 39 ± 2. From this value the molecular weight has been calculated to be 55 ± 8 × 10 6 . A discussion of the possible conformation of the molecule is given. A melting curve of the labeled material has been obtained by agar-gel chromatography; T m at an ionic strength of 0.04 is 71 °C. These experiments have been repeated in less complete form with the F factor, giving a tentative molecular weight of 35 ± 7 × 10 6 .
Predicting plate velocities with mantle circulation models

[1] We predict plate motions from a comprehensive inversion of theoretical estimates of tectonic forces in order to evaluate the relative importance of these and the uncertainties of such models. Plate-driving forces from the mantle are calculated using global flow models that are driven by tomography and subduction-derived density fields. Observed and predicted plate velocities agree well for a variety of models, leading to varied conclusions about the relative importance of forces. The dominance of the subduction related density pattern in the mantle is confirmed; it appears that P wave models do not satisfactorily image all of the slab-associated anomalies in the upper mantle. Furthermore, lower mantle structure always improves the plate motion fit with respect to models that are based on upper mantle anomalies and lithospheric thickening only. We show that the average torques from the lower mantle scale with the radial flow through the 660-km phase transition; the amplitude of the lower mantle torques will be significant for a range of models if there is mass flux through 660 km. We also evaluate parameterized edge forces and find that the additional inclusion of such torques does not significantly improve the model fit. The main reason for the nonuniqueness of the inversions is plate boundary geometry since all plate motions are dominated by the trench-ridge system, and plates move from ridges to trenches.
The Nature of the IRAS Ring G159.6−18.5 in Perseus and Its Exciting Star HD 278942

We discuss an extended feature in the Perseus molecular cloud complex, most prominent in the IRAS database as an almost complete ring of radius 0.75 degrees, but also clearly seen in optical surveys and in radio continuum emission.
Studies of B0 Decays for Measuring sin(2*beta)

Future asymmetric e+e- --> Upsilon(4S) B factories are being constructed to search for CP violation in B0 decays. It is hoped that a CP asymmetry may be observed in B0-B0bar mixing in analogy with that found in neutral kaons. In this mixing measurement, B0 decays to CP eigenstates, such as the rare decay B0 psi Kshort, may provide information on the CKM angle sin(2beta). I discuss decay additional CP eigenstate branching ratios measured by the CLEO experiment that may be used by future B factories to measure sin(2beta).
Computerized Surveillance for Adverse Drug Events in a Pediatric Hospital

There are limited data on adverse drug event rates in pediatrics. The authors describe the implementation and evaluation of an automated surveillance system modified to detect adverse drug events (ADEs) in pediatric patients. The authors constructed an automated surveillance system to screen admissions to a large pediatric hospital. Potential ADEs identified by the system were reviewed by medication safety pharmacists and a physician and scored for causality and severity. Over the 6 month study period, 6,889 study children were admitted to the hospital for a total of 40,250 patient-days. The ADE surveillance system generated 1226 alerts, which yielded 160 true ADEs. This represents a rate of 2.3 ADEs per 100 admissions or 4 per 1,000 patient-days. Medications most frequently implicated were diuretics, antibiotics, immunosuppressants, narcotics, and anticonvulsants. The composite positive predictive value of the ADE surveillance system was 13%. Automated surveillance can be an effective method for detecting ADEs in hospitalized children.
Multiple techniques approach failure analysis for a blocked p+ implant induced leakage in an ESD protection diode

In this paper, we present the multiple techniques analysis of a blocked p+ implant in a p/sup +//N-well diode which forms the ESD protection of a pin. We will describe the leakage model and various observations that are made by advanced failure analysis tools. Since the pn junction forms one of the fundamental devices in realizing the MOSFET, the understanding of the characteristics of the malformed diode is crucial for predicting the effect of partially blocked source/drain implants for future failure analysis.
Novel Team-based Approaches to Advance Academic Translational Research

The Academic Health Center (AHC) at the University of Minnesota (UMN) has multiple internal, peer-reviewed grant programs that support biomedical research. Our programs have several themes including preferential support for early career faculty, support of novel ideas that have not matured to the point of being competitive for federal funding, and bridge grants to support faculty who are experiencing a temporary lapse in federal funding. Many of the funded projects are conducting translational research that aspires to have an impact on human health. This research often culminates in publications and new NIH grant submissions. However, it frequently loses momentum in the quest to develop new diagnostic products and therapies, due to the absence of a process and a paucity of institutional resources that can facilitate the evolution of successful translational research to a practical impact on human health [1–2]. Facilitating translational research into outcomes that have an impact on human health can be hindered in research environments that still emphasize independent investigative achievement and autonomy. There can also be a general lack of understanding regarding the challenges and best practices necessary to achieve success. Many faculty do not have the expertise necessary to understand the business, regulatory, and intellectual property issues that must be successfully navigated in order to maximize the potential for their research to move past translational discovery and into practical application [3–4]. In an effort to overcome these challenges, the UMN CTSA has created the Office of Discovery and Translation (ODAT) to develop unique approaches that provide translationally-focused support through funding programs and project teams.
Will the Public's Health Fall Victim to the Home Foreclosure Epidemic?

Over two million United States households have been affected by home foreclosure (or “home repossession”) in 2008 alone [1], and the epidemic shows no signs of abating. Following market downturns caused by the bursting of the dot-com bubble, mortgage interest rates were sharply lowered in the US and abroad [2],[3]. These actions resulted in massive home refinancing, dramatic increases in home demand, and higher home prices—from 1997–2006, home prices increased 124% in the US, with greater increases in Europe: 194% in Britain and 180% in Spain, and 253% in Ireland. Home ownership in the US also hit record levels [2],[3],[4] and was especially pronounced among racial/ethnic minorities, those of low socioeconomic status, and young adults [2], likely driven by the widespread availability of subprime mortgages [4],[5]. However, housing supply soon outstripped demand, prices dropped, and many homeowners—more than 7.5 million in 2005—owed more than their homes were worth [6]. Between 2006 and 2008, foreclosure filings increased 225% in the US [1]. While the literature has not fully explicated the health effects of foreclosure, related exposures have been linked with increased risk for several mental and physical health conditions [7]–[13]. This, combined with the frequent finding that home ownership has largely positive associations with health and well-being [14]–[17], suggests that the current raft of home foreclosures may represent an increasing health threat.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other predictors of mortality and morbidity in young children with cystic fibrosis.

We conducted a registry-based study to determine prognostic indicators of 8-year mortality and morbidity in young children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Patients ages 1-5 years from the 1990 U.S. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) National Patient Registry served as the study cohort (N = 3,323). Registry data provided information on baseline characteristics in 1990, 8-year mortality, and clinical outcomes in 1998.P. aeruginosa respiratory infection was found to be a major predictor of morbidity and mortality. The 8-year risk of death was 2.6 times higher in patients who had respiratory cultures positive for P. aeruginosa in 1990 (95% confidence interval 1.6, 4.1) than in children without P. aeruginosa in their respiratory cultures. Culture-positive patients in 1990 also had a significantly lower percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV(1)) and weight percentile at follow-up, and they had an increased risk of continued P. aeruginosa respiratory infection and hospitalization for acute respiratory exacerbation in 1998. Among the other predictors of increased morbidity and mortality were lower baseline weight percentiles and number of CF-related hospitalizations during the baseline year.These findings confirm reports from previous smaller studies of outcomes among young children with CF, and highlight the potential to decrease the morbidity and mortality of young patients with CF through early intervention.
Modification of experimental arthritis in rabbits by tenotomy

Summary Utilizing an enzymatic method for producing degenerative changes in the rabbit knee joint showed that tenotomy of the patellar tendon prior to treatment significantly slowed articular deterioration. This is interpreted as demonstrating experimentally that altering the compressive and related forces across a joint by tenotomy favorably influences the course of developing degenerative joint changes.
Spinal Mechanisms of Acute and Persistent Pain

Although there is considerable information about the mechanisms through which injury stimuli produce acute pain, recent studies indicate that there are significant long-term consequences of persistent injury. Pain is exacerbated, in part, because of a reorganization of spinal cord circuitry in the setting of persistent injury. This review describes our studies of the contribution of the primary afferent neurotransmitter, substance P (SP), to these changes. By following internalization of the SP receptor in spinal cord dorsal horn neurons, we have identified the stimuli that evoke SP release and the neurons that respond to these stimuli. Importantly, based on the intensities of stimuli required to evoke internalization, we conclude that SP is only released under conditions in which severe pain would be produced, that the release can be evoked by intense stimulation of somatic and visceral tissue, and that multiple stimulus modalities are effective. We also found that the numbers of neurons that are influenced increases dramatically in the setting of inflammation. Using a knockout strategy, we have also raised mice with a deletion of the preprotachykinin-A (PPT-A) gene, which encodes for SP and neurokinin A (NKA), and have identified a specific behavioral phenotype in which the animals do not detect a window of "pain" intensities; this window cuts across stimulus modalities. These results provide an important behavioral correlate of the receptor internalization studies. On the other hand, the allodynia (lowered pain threshold) that occurs in the setting of injury was not altered in these animals. Among the factors that could underlie injury-induced allodynia are the second messenger systems that are activated in dorsal horn neurons. Our studies have recently implicated the gamma isoform of protein kinase C (PKCgamma) in the development of nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. Specifically, we found that although acute pain responses of mice with a deletion of PKCgamma are not altered, partial injury to the sciatic nerve (which induces a severe thermal and mechanical allodynia in the wild type mouse) is without effect in the knockout. Furthermore, the anatomical/neurochemical reorganization that typically follows sciatic nerve section does not occur in the PKCgamma mutant mice. Because the spinal cord distribution of interneurons that express PKCgamma is concentrated almost exclusively in the inner part of lamina II, we believe that changes in the properties of these neurons are key to the development of nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain conditions. Taken together, these studies emphasize that persistent pain should be considered a disease state of the nervous system, not merely a symptom of some other disease conditions. In the setting of persistent injury, the nervous system undergoes dramatic changes that exacerbate and prolong the pain condition. Our studies underscore the importance of preventing the long-term changes that result from persistent injury.
Finite temperature corrections to field theory: Electron mass and magnetic moment, and vacuum energy

Abstract A finite temperature formalism which maintains Lorentz covariance is rederived and compared to other approaches. It is used to obtain the order-α temperature shifts in the electron mass and magnetic moment, vacuum energy. The mass and magnetic moment shifts, for kT ⪡ m, are of order α( kT m ) 2 and hence beyond the present experimental observation limits. An explicit form for the general temperature mass shift is obtained.
The initial stages of autoxidation

The autoxidation of polyunsaturated lipids is initiated by a discrete reaction occurring prior to the formation ofstable hydroperoxides. The products of the initiating reaction were detected by thin-layer chromatography and by ultraviolet spectral analysis. The reaction initiating autoxidation does not necessarily involve interactions with metals, although it is catalyzed by some heavy metals when these are present in sufficient concentrations. α-Tocopherol does not inhibit the initiation reaction, and in general, the stability of preparations of esters of polyunsaturated fatty acids is related to the content of prooxygenic substances resulting from this reaction. By taking special precautions to remove these prooxygenic substances, methyl esters containing as many as six double bonds were prepared having significant induction periods at 40C during which there was no measurable uptake of oxygen.
A meiotic cytogenetic study in mice of a commonly used tranquilizer reported to concentrate in mammalian follicular fluid

The ability of meprobamate, a commonly used tranquilizer, to be concentrated in human ovarian follicular fluid and to block superovulation in the mouse prompted an examination of its potential as a meiotic mutagen. Examination of in vitro meiotic behavior of mouse ova in a medium containing 1–10,000 μg/ml of meprobamate revealed that at 500 μg/ml abnormal second metaphase configurations were induced and that at a concentration of 750 μg/ml the progression of meiosis was essentially stopped. Superovulation was blocked in young mice each treated with 5 mg meprobamate and examination of intrafollicular oocytes principally revealed normal second metaphase configurations with first polar bodies. A single iv or chronic treatment throughout the time required for total maturation of a mouse follicle did not affect subsequent meiotic maturation of ova. The data suggest that the in vitro effects of the tranquilizer on mouse ova are prevented in vivo by an unknown barrier or mechanism within the ovarian follicle, and that at relatively high doses no detectable chromosome change in ova would be expected.
Rethinking centrality: Methods and examples☆

Abstract A new model of centrality is proposed for networks. The centrality measure is based on the “information” contained in all possible paths between pairs of points. The method does not require path enumeration and is not limited to the shortest paths or geodesies. We apply this measure to two examples: a network of homosexual men diagnosed with AIDS, and observations on a colony of baboons. Comparisons are made with “betweenness” and “closeness” centrality measures. The processes by which structural changes in networks occur over time are also discussed.
Exhumation of the southern Sierra Nevada–eastern Tehachapi Mountains constrained by low-temperature thermochronology: Implications for the initiation of the Garlock fault

New apatite and zircon fission-track and apatite (U-Th)/He data from nine samples collected on a north-south transect across the southern Sierra Nevada–eastern Tehachapi Mountains constrain the cooling and exhumation history over the past ∼70 m.y. The four northernmost samples yielded zircon and apatite fission-track ages of ca. 70 Ma, indicating rapid cooling from ∼250 °C to
Mass fragmentography of phenylethylamine, m- and p-tyramine and related amines in plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, and brain.

—A mass fragmentographic method for the assay of phenylethylamine (PEA) and a number of related amines in several biological materials is described. The gas chromatographic column employed for this analysis is a 12ft 1/8 in. o.d. steel column packed with 0.5% OV22+ 2% SE54 + 1% OV210 coated on 80/100 mesh chromosorb W (HP). The mass spectral characteristics of these amines are illustrated, compared, and discussed. Of the various monoamines which could be measured, only PEA, m- and p-tyramine were detected in measurable quantities. Phenylethanolamine and p-octopamine were found in trace amounts in urine, plasma, cerebrosponal fluid, and rat brain. No diurnal variation in the urinary excretion of PEA, m- and p-tyramine was observed. Plasma concentration of PEA or p-tyramine did not significantly change 1 h after eating a breakfast. Furthermore, consuming 200 g of Cadbury milk chocolate containing about 1 mg of PEA, 0.1 mg of phenylethanolamine and 10 mg of p-tyramine did not significantly alter urine excretions of these three amines. In the brain, as has been reported by others, we found that PEA and p-tyramine are not evenly distributed and that the highest concentrations are found in the hypothalamus and caudate. From the results obtained we concluded that PEA, m- and p-tyramine are probably produced from endogenous sources and that the direct contribution of diet to their urine excretion is small.
GENETIC STUDIES IN INBRED RATS. V. XENOANTISERA AGAINST TWO MAJOR HISTOCOMPATIBILITY ANTIGENS RAISED BY IMMUNIZATION WITH RED CELLS

SUMMARY Xenoantisera were raised in New Zealand white rabbits by immunizing with red blood cells from the S5B (Ag-B1) and ALB or BUF (Ag-B6) strains of inbred rats. By appropriate absorptions, specific Ag-B1, but not Ag-B6, reagent antiserum could be made. The anti-Ag-B antibodies required Ficoll as a diluent for haemagglutination, implying that they are IgG.
Reproductive tract lesions in male mice exposed prenatally to diethylstilbestrol

Sixty percent of the male offspring from pregnant mice treated with diethylstilbestrol during gestation were sterile. The affected animals had gonadal changes which included intra-abdominal or fibrotic testes, or both. Additionally, nodular masses in the ampullary region of the reproductive tract were observed in 6 of 24 animals; one of these appeared to be preneoplastic.
Amphotericin B releasing nanoparticle topical treatment of Candida spp. in the setting of a burn wound.

Abstract Candida spp. infection in the context of burn wounds leads to invasive disease with a 14–70% mortality rate. Unfortunately, current administrations of AmB, an important therapeutic demonstrating minimal resistance, are only available via potentially cytotoxic IV infusions. In order to circumvent these sequelae, we investigated the efficacy of nanoparticle encapsulated AmB (AmB-np) as a topical therapeutic against Candida spp. (drug release equilibrated solubilized AmB [AmB-sol] included as control). Clinical strains demonstrated equal or enhanced killing efficacy with 72.4–91.1% growth reduction by 4 hours. AmB-nps resulted in statistically significant reduction of fungal biofilm metabolic activity ranging from 80% to 95% viability reduction ( P From the Clinical Editor The control of fungal infections with Candida species remains a challenge in the context of burn wounds. A nanoencapsulated topical amphotericin-B compound was studied in a murine model of full thickness burn injury, showing remarkable efficacy in controlling Candida infection. This may become a viable alternative to the potentially toxic intravenous formulations.
Paroxysmal kinesigenic dystonic choreoathetosis associated with a thalamic infarct

We describe a patient with the development of paroxysmal kinesigenic dystonic choreoathetosis (PKDC) after a thalamic infarct. PKDC consists of brief episodes of dystonia or choreoathetosis triggered by movement. PKDC improves with anticonvulsants, and in some cases, with L-Dopa or anticholinergics. We review PKDC, and relate its salient features to idiopathic and secondary torsion dystonia. We postulate a similar underlying pathophysiology.
Perceived Frequency of role Conflict and Relationship Quality for Caregiving Daughters

A role-conflict approach was employed to explore the impact of perceived frequency of conflict between caregiving and other obligations on the quality of relationships between daughters and their care-receiving mothers. Frequency of conflict between caregiving and responsibilities as a wife, mother, and paid and unpaid worker was assessed. Daughters reported relatively infrequent conflict between caregiving and other obligations. A multiple regression analysis revealed that daughters who reported frequent conflict between their obligations as caregivers and their obligations as wives had poorer relationships with their mothers. The findings emphasize the importance of a supportive spouse for married caregivers.
Analytical solution for the transient thermal response of volumetrically heated fixed porous nuclear debris beds

Abstract An analytical solution is presented for the problem of the transient distribution of fluid and solid temperatures in a volumetrically heated fixed porous nuclear debris bed through which a single-phase fluid, either subcooled liquid or superheated vapor, is flowing. The one-dimensional, time-dependent Modified Dispersion-Concentric Model (D-C Model) is used in the analysis of this problem. The method of solution is based on transformations that reduce the equations and then the application of Green's function in a straightforward manner. The mathematical solution characteristics for the transient fluid and solid temperature distributions are analyzed for subcooled liquid flow and for superheated vapor flow. Also, the transient fluid and solid phase temperature distributions for infinite time are compared with steady-state experimental data.
High resolution electron energy loss spectroscopic characterization of ordered atomic overlayers on Fe(100)

Several ordered atomic overlayers, c(2 × 2)-C, c(2 × 2)-N, p(1 × 1)-O, c(2 × 2)-C,O, and c(2 × 2)-S on the Fe(100) surface, have been prepared and studied by High Resolution Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (HREELS). The following vibrational peaks were observed: a peak at 520 cm −1 for c(2 × 2)-C, a peak at 490 cm −1 for c(2 × 2)-N, two peaks at 280 cm −1 and 430 cm −1 for p(1 × 1)-O, two peaks at 395 cm −1 and 515 cm −1 for c(2 × 2)-C,O and a peak at 270 cm −1 for c(2 × 2)-S. The metal-atom stretching frequencies are ordered as ṽ Fe-C > ṽ Fe-N > ṽ Fe-O on the Fe(100) surface. Differences between these observations and previous measurements on the Fe(111) surface are discussed.
Monte Carlo simulation of high field electron transport in ZnS

Abstract An ensemble Monte Carlo simulation of high field transport in ZnS has been developed. The model includes a nonparabolic three valley model of the first conduction band and a single valley in the second conduction band. The density of states for the first conduction band was modeled phenomenologically to resemble the density of states obtained by numerical pseudopotential calculations. This density of states was used only in the calculation of the scattering probabilities and no attempt was made to modify the conductivity effective mass to conform to the band structure at higher energies. The fourth valley in the conduction band is included even though not much is known about the band parameters associated with it. In our first approximation, we treat it as a valley similar to the X valley of the first conduction band, with similar effective mass, deformation potentials, etc. This assumption is not much different from what has been done in previous Monte Carlo treatments. The simulation includes scattering mechanisms associated with acoustic, intervalley and polar optical phonons, as well as ionized impurity scattering and impact ionization. The inclusion of the second conduction band is found to have a significant impact on the energy distribution at fields above 1 MV/cm. The second conduction band is also important because of its effect on the impact ionization rate, which has been calculated. Other results such as drift velocity and average electron energy are presented and are found not to differ much from the results of previous investigations.
Parental hopes for therapy outcomes: children with sensory modulation disorders.

Objective Understanding parents' hopes for therapy outcomes is essential to family-centered care. This qualitative study explored parents' points of view regarding their hopes for the outcomes of occupational therapy using a sensory integration treatment approach. Method Data were collected as part of a larger research project on the effectiveness of rehabilitating children who have sensory modulation disorders. Five interviews were randomly selected from 17 parent interviews conducted in the larger study. Data were analyzed using grounded theory methods. Findings Three themes pertinent to the occupations of children and two themes related to the occupations of parenting and sustaining family life emerged. Child-focused outcomes include social participation, self-regulation, and perceived competence. Parent-focused outcomes include learning strategies to support children and obtaining personal validation. Discussion Interventions are proposed that relate to children's participation in contexts in which they live, learn, and play, as well as the support of parents in the occupations of parenting.
Inhibition of dystroglycan cleavage causes muscular dystrophy in transgenic mice

Dystroglycan (DG) is an essential component of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex, a molecular scaffold that links the extracellular matrix to the actin cytoskeleton. Dystroglycan protein is post-translationally cleaved into alpha dystroglycan, a highly glycosylated peripheral membrane protein, and beta dystroglycan, a transmembrane protein. Despite clear evidence of the importance of dystroglycan and its associated proteins in muscular dystrophy, the purpose of dystroglycan proteolysis is unclear. By introducing a point mutation at the normal site of proteolysis (serine 654 to alanine, DGS654A), we have created a dystroglycan protein that is severely inhibited in its cleavage. Transgenic expression of DGS654A in mouse skeletal muscles inhibited the expression of endogenously cleaved dystroglycan, while overexpression of wild type dystroglycan by similar amounts did not. DGS654A animals had increased serum creatine kinase activity and most muscles had increased numbers of central nuclei. Overexpression of wild type dystroglycan, by contrast, caused no dystrophy by these measures. Dystrophy in DGS654A muscles correlated with reduced binding of antibodies that recognize glycosylated forms of alpha dystroglycan. Lastly, neuromuscular junctions in DGS654A muscles were aberrant in structure. These data show that aberrant processing of the dystroglycan polypeptide causes muscular dystrophy and suggest that dystroglycan processing is important for the proper glycosylation of alpha dystroglycan.
Uptake of PCBs by potatoes grown on sludge-amended soils

Katahdin potatoes were grown on soil treated with anaerobically digested sewage sludge to determine the level of PGBs absorbed. The sewage sludge treated soil contained 1.52±0.71µg/g PCB. Potato plant leaves and tuber pulp contained less than the detectable level (<0.007µg/g) of PCB. Potato peels contained 0.04µg/g PCB which is less than the FDA tolerance limit. From these data it appears unlikely that potatoes grown in PCB-contaminated soil will absorb sufficient quantities of PCBs to pose a significant health risk, especially if the potatoes are peeled prior to eating.
Investigation of Turbulent Tip Leakage Vortex in an Axial Water Jet Pump with Large Eddy Simulation

Detailed steady and unsteady numerical studies were performed to investigate tip clearance flow in an axial water jet pump. The primary objective is to understand physics of unsteady tip clearance flow, unsteady tip leakage vortex, and cavitation inception in an axial water jet pump. Steady pressure field and resulting steady tip leakage vortex from a steady flow analysis do not seem to explain measured cavitation inception correctly. The measured flow field near the tip is unsteady and measured cavitation inception is highly transient. Flow visualization with cavitation bubbles shows that the leakage vortex is oscillating significantly and many intermittent vortex ropes are present between the suction side of the blade and the tip leakage core vortex. Although the flow field is highly transient, the overall flow structure is stable and a characteristic frequency seems to exist. To capture relevant flow physics as much as possible, a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) calculation and a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) were applied for the current investigation. The present study reveals that several vortices from the tip leakage vortex system cross the tip gap of the adjacent blade periodically. Sudden changes in local pressure field inside tip gap due to these vortices create vortex ropes. The instantaneous pressure filed inside the tip gap is drastically different from that of the steady flow simulation. Unsteady flow simulation which can calculate unsteady vortex motion is necessary to calculate cavitation inception accurately even at design flow condition in such a water jet pump.
Surface-tethered protein switches

Protein switches are engineered fusion proteins with an input domain that recognizes and responds to an input signal and an output domain whose function is regulated by the state of the input domain. Here we demonstrate a fully functional surface tethered protein switch that offers a potential route to a universal biosensing platform.
The Influence of a Diffuser Width on the Unsteady Performance of a Centrifugal Compressor Stage

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the effect of the vaneless diffuser width on the unsteady flow performance of a centrifugal compressor stage. Two compressor configurations with different vaneless diffuser width were investigated at four different impeller speeds and compared in the frequency and time domain. Only one diffuser rotating stall but different types of impeller rotating stalls were detected. The experiments show that the diffuser has a strong influence on the flow in the impeller including in areas way upstream. Analysis of the results indicated: • With increasing diffuser width the onset of impeller rotating stall was shifted to lower flow rates. • With increasing diffuser width the frequencies of the rotating stalls decreased. • There is a common tendency in most of the experiments to lower numbers of rotating cells with increasing relative speed. The impeller rotating stalls can be subdivided in a slow pattern with a relative speed to the impeller of 0.21 to 0.29 and a fast pattern with a relative speed of 0.50 to 0.56. This occurrence of two rotating pressure patterns confirms analytical results presented in previous investigations.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Detergency of Used Motor Oil from Cotton and Polyester Fabrics

A study was conducted to identity factors contributing to the difficult removal of used motor oil from textile materials by detergency. Infrared spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography of used motor oil showed that the oil was a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon with molecular weight around 950. X-ray analysis revealed that particulates present in the used motor oil contained S, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Fe, Ni, Cu, and Zn. Used motor oil was distributed throughout the cotton fibers with similar concentration of oil in the lumen, secondary wall, and surface crenulation. Higher relative concentrations of used motor oil were observed in the secondary wall of the fiber than has been reported for human sebum. No oil was found in the interior of polyester fibers although high concentrations of oil were detected in the interfiber spaces and on the fiber surfaces of polyester fibers. Dispersant additives of motor oil are though to enhance penetration into the cotton structure and wicking over the polyester fibers, making the nonpolar used motor oil very difficult to remove by detergency.
Reduced-stringency DNA reassociation: sequence specific duplex formation

Reduced-stringency DNA reassociation conditions allow low stability duplexes to be detected in prokaryotic, plant, fish, avian, mammalian, and primate genomes. Highly diverged families of sequences can be detected in avian, mouse, and human unique sequence dNAs. Such a family has been described among twelve species of birds; based on species specific melting profiles and fractionation of sequences belonging to this family, it was concluded that permissive reassociation conditions did not artifactually produce low stability structures (1). We report S1 nuclease and optical melting experiments, and further fractionation of the diverged family to confirm sequence specific DNA reassociation at 50 degrees in 0.5 M phosphate buffer.
Metasomatic clinopyroxene inclusions in diamonds from the Liaoning Province, China

Major and trace element compositions were determined for 6 clinopyroxene (cpx) inclusions in diamonds from a kimberlite pipe in northeastern China. The observed high mg# ratios [100∗Mg/(Mg+Fe)] (92.8–94.3), strong enrichment in light rare earth elements, and the coexistent mineral assemblage suggest that the inclusions do not represent the compositions of the original mantle cpx, but rather may have formed by a metasomatic reaction between mantle peridotite and carbonatic melt prior to enclosure in diamonds. The trace element compositions of the metasomatic melts in equilibrium with the inclusions were calculated from the trace element concentrations of the inclusions using experimentally determined element-partition coefficients of cpx/melt. With the exception of Sr, the obtained concentrations are in good agreement with the trace element contents of natural erupted carbonatites. The results show that metasomatism by carbonatic melts could cause significant changes in the major and trace element composition of the deep mantle, and is highly active even at the depths corresponding to the base of the continental lithosphere (150–200 km). The carbonatic melts could also be the source of carbon for the crystallization of diamond. Considering the large variations in mineral chemistry of the cpx inclusions from different localities worldwide (e.g., mg#, K2O content), a variety of processes could be responsible for their origin.