cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Limb venous compliance responses to lower body negative pressure in humans with high blood pressure

This study tested the hypothesis that limb venous responses to baroreceptor unloading are altered in individuals with high blood pressure (HBP) compared with normotensive (NT) controls. Calf venous compliance was assessed in 20 subjects with prehypertension and stage-1 hypertension (mean arterial pressure, MAP: 104±1 mm Hg) and 13 NT controls (MAP: 86±2 mm Hg) at baseline and during lower body negative pressure (LBNP), using venous occlusion plethysmography. Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was measured using the sequence technique and total peripheral resistance (TPR) was estimated from finger plethysmography. Baseline venous compliance was not different between groups, but the HBP group had lower baseline lnBRS (2.22±0.14 vs 2.7±0.18 ms mm Hg−1) and greater baseline TPR (3828±138 vs 3250±111 dyn sec−1 cm−5 m2, P<0.05). Calf venous compliance was reduced in response to LBNP only in the NT group (P<0.05). The HBP group had a greater increase in TPR (ΔTPR) compared with the NT group (+1649±335 vs +718±196 dyn sec−1 cm−5 m2, P<0.05). In conclusion, the early stages of hypertension are characterized by an attenuated venoconstrictor response to baroreceptor unloading, which may compensate for an exaggerated vasoconstrictor response and protect against further increases in blood pressure.
Anesthetics interfere with the polarization of developing cortical neurons.

Numerous studies from the clinical and preclinical literature indicate that general anesthetic agents have toxic effects on the developing brain, but the mechanism of this toxicity is still unknown. Previous studies have focused on the effects of anesthetics on cell survival, dendrite elaboration, and synapse formation, but little attention has been paid to possible effects of anesthetics on the developing axon. Using dissociated mouse cortical neurons in culture, we found that isoflurane delays the acquisition of neuronal polarity by interfering with axon specification. The magnitude of this effect is dependent on isoflurane concentration and exposure time over clinically relevant ranges, and it is neither a precursor to nor the result of neuronal cell death. Propofol also appears to interfere with the acquisition of neuronal polarity, but the mechanism does not require activity at GABAA receptors. Rather, the delay in axon specification likely results from a slowing of the extension of pre-polarized neurites. The effect is not unique to isoflurane as propofol also appears to interfere with the acquisition of neuronal polarity. These findings demonstrate that anesthetics may interfere with brain development via effects on axon growth and specification, thus introducing a new potential target in the search for mechanisms of pediatric anesthetic neurotoxicity.
Dynamics of the Interface in a Model Composite System

Abstract : A review of recent experiments from the authors laboratory on the dynamics of aminofunctional silane coupling agents is given. Of special emphasis are two coupling agents, aminopropylsilane (APS) and aminobutylsilane (ABS) which were deuterated in gamma-position. These two coupling agents have similar chemical behavior, but different dynamics. Deuterium NMR studies reveal that the APS moves slower on the silica surface than ABS. The mobility of the interfacial ABS was also found to be significantly slowed when it was overcoated with a polymerized layer of bismaleimide to form a composite. When the composite was treated with water, the interfacial mobility of the ABS increased. The flexural strength of the APS treated composite was the highest compared to ABS-treated and bulk glass in an epoxy-glass composite. NMR, Polymers, Composites, Interfaces, Coupling agents.
Emulsifying Capacity and Emulsion Stability of Soy Proteins Compared with Corn Germ Protein Flour

Both emulsifying capacity (EC) and emulsion stability (ES) increased with increasing concentrations from 0.4% to 0.8% of soy flour (SF), soy concentrate (SC), soy isolate (SI) and corn germ protein flour (CGPF) when studied by response surface methodology. EC and ES increased as pH increased from 6 to 8 in all samples. Increasing incubation temperatures of protein solutions from 20–70°C or from 4–20°C did not affect EC or ES, respectively. SF had the highest EC, followd by SI, SC, and CGPF.
Efficacy of Elevated Dietary Fluoride for the Control of Renibacterium salmoninarum Infection in Rainbow Trout Salmo gairdneri

Laboratory studies were performed to evaluate the efficacy of dietary fluoride for the control of Renibacterium salmoninarum infection in rainbow trout and to determine potential dietary fluoride toxicity to the fish. Fish were fed diets containing fluoride (F), as NaF, to give doses of 0, 2, 4, 8, or 16 mg F/kg fish weight per day. Efficacy of fluoride for the control of bacterial kidney disease (BKD) was observed at 4, 8, and 16 mg/kg doses. No signs of toxicity due to dietary fluoride were observed in the fish.
Accuracy of parabolic wave equation method in short propagation range

Modeling radio propagation over ocean surface is important for homeland security applications. Due to its fast simulation speed, the parabolic equation (PE) method is a good candidate for and has been used in such simulations for decades. Since PE method is based on paraxial approximation of wave equation, its accuracy is not guaranteed for short ranges and larger propagation angles. On the other hand, Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method is well known as an accurate method in short range but not suitable for large regions (in terms of wavelengths). For homeland security applications, it is necessary to deal with both short and long range propagation problems and it is natural to integrate PE and FDTD for simulating such scenarios. To exploit the advantages of PE and FDTD, quantifying the ranges suitable for these two methods is important and practically useful. In this paper, we examine the accuracy of PE method as a function of range (in short range regime) for smooth/flat ocean surfaces.
The pharmacokinetics of benzo[a]pyrene in the isolated perfused rabbit lung: The influence of benzo[a]pyrene, n-dodecane, particulate, or sulfur dioxide

Abstract The pharmacokinetics of benzo[ a ]pyrene (BaP) in the isolated perfused rabbit lung (IPL) following pretreatment of the whole animal or simultaneous administration to the IPL with n -dodecane, ferric oxide, crude airborne particulate (CAP), fly ash or sulfur dioxide have been investigated using a one compartment model. The rate constant for the appearance ( k a ) of BaP in the blood, the clearance of BaP from the blood, and the rate of appearance of BaP metabolites (RAM) were the kinetic parameters determined. BaP entered the blood rapidly with an average half-life of 11 min in experiments in which the IPLs received only BaP on perfusion. The logarithms of the clearances from these experiments were linearly correlated with the RAMs. In these experiments, pretreatment of the whole animal with BaP produced a 48–55-fold increase in BaP clearance while pretreatment with n -dodecane increased the clearance 4-fold in comparison with no pretreatment. Pretreatment with ferric oxide or ferric oxide and BaP increased the clearance by factors of 5.5 and 1.5, respectively, over those of unpretreated and BaP pretreated experiments. When BaP adsorbed on either ferric oxide, CAP or fly ash were introduced to the IPLs there was a decrease in the k a s and a large increase in the values for clearance over those estimated from the corresponding RAMs. The decrease in k a was probably the result of altered bioavailability of BaP adsorbed to the particulate, such that the effective dose was less than the administered dose. When particulate matter was introduced, the IPLs could no longer be treated as a simple one-compartment model, but the clearance from such experiments could be estimated from the RAMs. Sulfur dioxide decreased k a and increased the clearance and RAM compared to the unpretreated experiment. Introduction of CAP along with sulfur dioxide cancelled the effect that sulfur dioxide had on BaP clearance. These results suggest that the IPL represents a good system for the complex interactions of BaP with other environmental pollutants in the lung, such as sulphur dioxide, ferric oxide, and n -dodecane under a variety of experimental conditions. Data further indicate that coadministration of particulate with BaP in the lung alters the bioavailability of BaP such that more complicated pharmacokinetic models will be needed to fully explain these interactions.
Reduction of inversion errors in helicopter EM data using auxiliary information

A technique for minimising the calibration errors in helicopter electromagnetic data (HEM) is developed. The method is based on resistivity-depth information obtained from auxiliary geophysical data at locations scattered over the survey area. The technique compares measured HEM values with the calculated responses from resistivity-depth models at the auxiliary data sites. Correction factors which minimise the differences between the calculated and measured values are obtained by a least-squares method. The correction factor incorporates amplitude, phase and bias adjustments. The analysis shows that only the amplitude and phase corrections are stable enough to be of use. After the correction factors are applied to the data, resistivity-depth models for the entire survey area are determined by inversion. The correction procedure results in better agreement between measured and inverted bird elevation, as well as a smaller inversion misfit error.
Mobile refinding of web information using a voice interface: an exploratory study

Refinding information found on the web is a considerable problem for many users, especially when in mobile situations. In this paper, we explore how a voice-controlled service, accessible by telephone, could help to support mobile users' needs for refinding specific information previously found on the web. We outline challenges in creating such a service and describe architectural and user interfaces issues involved in an exploratory prototype system called WebContext.We also present the results of a study - motivated by our experience with WebContext - to explore what people remember about information that they are trying to refind and how they express information refinding requests in a collaborative conversation. The results and observations from our study: 1) add support and extend prior research on the importance of waypoints in the refinding process, 2) provide evidence that refinding may be accomplished using an iterative, two-stage model in which users first search for the information source, and then browse for the particular information being sought, revealing details of their information need as they make progress, and 3) give insights into the use of annotations added to web pages by the user to help in a collaborative refinding process. We also note the importance of context and artifacts in the refinding process and comment on the possible implications of our findings for the design of tools and interfaces for information refinding with a special emphasis on implications for voice interfaces for mobile refinding.
Smokeless tobacco expectancies among a sample of rural adolescents.

OBJECTIVE To examine the role of expectancies in adolescent smokeless tobacco (ST) use. METHODS Self-report measures of students' ST expectancies, cigarette and ST use, and peer and family tobacco use were collected from a sample of 978 rural high school students. RESULTS Student expectancy beliefs significantly predicted ST use and intention to try ST in the next year. Student expectancies about ST were influenced by gender, cigarette use, and peer tobacco use. Family-member tobacco use did not strongly affect expectancies. CONCLUSION Expectancies play a meaningful role in students' current and future decisions whether to use ST.
Multiple modular promoter elements drive graded brinker expression in response to the Dpp morphogen gradient

Morphogen gradients play fundamental roles in patterning and cell specification during development by eliciting differential transcriptional responses in target cells. In Drosophila, Decapentaplegic (Dpp), the BMP2/4 homolog, downregulates transcription of the nuclear repressor brinker (brk) in a concentration-dependent manner to generate an inverse graded distribution. Both Dpp and Brk are crucial for directing Dpp target gene expression in defined domains and the consequent execution of distinct developmental programs. Thus, determining the mechanism by which the brk promoter interprets the Dpp activity gradient is essential for understanding both Dpp-dependent patterning and how graded signaling activity can generate different responses through transcriptional repression. We have uncovered key features of the brk promoter that suggest it uses a complex enhancer logic not represented in current models. First, we find that the regulatory region contains multiple compact modules that can independently drive brk-like expression patterns. Second, each module contains binding sites for the Schnurri/Mad/Medea (SMM) complex, which mediates Dpp-dependent repression, linked to regions that direct activation. Third, the SMM repression complex acts through a distance-dependent mechanism that probably uses the canonical co-repressor C-terminal Binding Protein (CtBP). Finally, our data suggest that inputs from multiple regulatory modules are integrated to generate the final pattern. This unusual promoter organization may be necessary for brk to respond to the Dpp gradient in a precise and robust fashion.
Critical electric field strengths of onion tissues treated by pulsed electric fields.

The impact of pulsed electric fields (PEF) on cellular integrity and texture of Ranchero and Sabroso onions (Allium cepa L.) was investigated. Electrical properties, ion leakage rate, texture, and amount of enzymatically formed pyruvate were measured before and after PEF treatment for a range of applied field strengths and number of pulses. Critical electric field strengths or thresholds (Ec) necessary to initiate membrane rupture were different because dissimilar properties were measured. Measurement of electrical characteristics was the most sensitive method and was used to detect the early stage of plasma membrane breakdown, while pyruvate formation by the enzyme alliinase was used to identify tonoplast membrane breakdown. Our results for 100-μs pulses indicate that breakdown of the plasma membrane occurs above Ec = 67 V/cm for 10 pulses, but breakdown of the tonoplast membrane is above either Ec = 200 V/cm for 10 pulses or 133 V/cm for 100 pulses. This disparity in field strength suggests there may be 2 critical electrical field strengths: a lower field strength for plasma membrane breakdown and a higher field strength for tonoplast membrane breakdown. Both critical electric field strengths depended on the number of pulses applied. Application of a single pulse at an electric field up to 333 V/cm had no observable effect on any measured properties, while significant differences were observed for n ≥10. The minimum electric field strength required to cause a measurable property change decreased with the number of pulses. The results also suggest that PEF treatment may be more efficient if a higher electric field strength is applied for a fewer pulses.
Concordance of X-linked glycerol kinase deficiency with X-linked congenital adrenal hypoplasia.

Abstract Four individuals from two families had glycerol kinase deficiency and congenital adrenal hypoplasia. All had psychomotor retardation, and the inheritance of the concordant disorders was X linked. The two conditions need not always coexist, and the relation between them in the patients described remains to be defined.
Use of neural fuzzy networks with mixed genetic/gradient algorithm in automated vehicle control

This paper is concerned with the design of automated vehicle guidance control. First, we propose to implement the guidance tasks using several individual controllers. Next, a neural fuzzy network (NFN) is used to build these controllers, where the NFN constructs are neural-network-based connectionist models. A two-phase hybrid learning algorithm which combines genetic and gradient algorithms is employed to identify the NFN weightings. Finally, simulations are given to show that the proposed technology can improve the speed of learning convergence and enhance the performance of vehicle control.
Expression of P-450 enzyme activities in heterologous cells by transfection.

The product of the A gene of simian virus 40 (SV40), T antigen, is synthesized and accumulates in the nucleus of infected cells. This regulartory protein acts to initiate viral DNA replication as well as regulating SV40 gene transcription (Tjian 1981). Following transformation of CV-1 cells with an origin-defective mutant of SV40, the resultant monkey kidney cell line (called COS 1) produces T antigen (Gluzman 1981). Transfection of COS 1 cells with plasmid vectors which contain an SV40 origin of replication leads to replication of the plasmid DNA under the influence of T antigen. Accordingly the number of plasmid vectors is amplified in transfected COS 1 cells and the amplified plasmid DNA can then be transcribed leading to production of relatively large quantities of RNA derived from the plasmid. This RNA can, of course, be translated by the endogenous protein synthetic machinery in the COS 1 cells. When the plasmid vector contains a cDNA insert encoding a specific protein, readily detectable quantities of the protein encoded by the insert can be produced in COS 1 cells. A convenient vector for such expression studies is the pcD vector constructed by Okayama and Berg (1982) which contains an SV40 origin of replication and SV40 promotor sequence. A similar vector (pSVL) can be purchased from Pharmacia. pSVL contains a limited multiple cloning site which facilitates insertion of different cDNAs into this expression vector.
GENERA AND DEGREES OF TORUS KNOTS IN CP 2

The ℂP2-genus of a knot K is the minimal genus over all isotopy classes of smooth, compact, connected and oriented surfaces properly embedded in ℂP2 - B4 with boundary K. We compute the ℂP2-genus and realizable degrees of (-2,q)-torus knots for 3 ≤ q ≤ 11 and (2,q)-torus knots for 3 ≤ q ≤ 17. The proofs use gauge theory and twisting operations on knots.
Über Pterinchemie: 24. Mitteilung: Charakterisierung des 5,6,7,8-Tetrahydropterin-(THP)-Radikals in saurer Lösung†

One-electron oxidation of 5, 6, 7, 8-tetrahydropterine (THP) in acidic media has produced EPR signals with hyperfine structure. Deuterium exchange and perturbation of the THP molecule by methyl groups in different positions allow the interpretation of the observed splitting. It is shown that the free spin of the cationic THP radical is strongly localized in position N(5), which is in agreement with previous theoretical calculations. Der Autor dankt Herrn Prof. M. Viscontini fur sein stetes Interessc an den vorliegenden Untersuchungen und Herrn Prof. R. T. Myers fur eine Kopie des fortran-Programms zur Simulie-rung von ESR.-Spektren. Der Aufenthalt in Berkeley wurde ermoglicht durch ein Stipendium des Schweizerischen Nationalfonds, wofur bestens gedankt sei. Fur seine Gastfreundschaft und viele nutzbringende Anregungen gebuhrt Herrn Prof. M. Calvin besonderer Dank. Die Arbeit wurde teilweise von der U. S. Atomic Energy Commission unterstutzt.
Grandparents Today: A Demographic Profile

This article presents a demographic profile of grandparents, using the National Survey of Families and Households. Specific dimensions of grandparenthood addressed include grandparents' survival, the timing of grandparenthood, grandparents' involvement in other roles, surrogate parenting, and stepgrandparents. The data indicate considerable heterogeneity among grandparents of different genders and races or ethnicities. They also suggest modifications in previous descriptions of modern grandparenthood.
The role of collective efficacy in exercise adherence: a qualitative study of spousal support and Type 2 diabetes management

Adhering to increased exercise is often reported as one of the greatest challenges facing adults living with diabetes, a perception shared by the married middle-aged and older adults living with diabetes who participated in this study. Understanding how that challenge can best be met is both research and program relevant. Drawing on the social cognitive theory and social support literature, this qualitative study explored the powerful couple relationship in Type 2 diabetes management. The overarching goal of this paper was to illuminate the potentially key role of collective efficacy in exercise adherence in order to develop and test interventions that provide more effective supports for adults living with diabetes. Analyses revealed three core themes used by the couples to describe their perceived beliefs: ‘Collective support’, ‘Collective motivation’ and ‘Collective responsibility’. Our findings provide insights regarding how collective beliefs of spousal support may influence the adoption and maintenance of an exercise program. As health educators look for approaches to improve exercise adherence in diabetes management, it is important to understand how couples can be empowered to assume responsibility for their management.
Bloody diarrhea in an elderly patient

75-year-old woman presents with a 1-day history f left lower-quadrant abdominal pain and loose tools that contain blood. She denies fever. She has ypertension for which she takes a diuretic and an ngiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. She has ad irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) since she was a oung woman and it has been stable with only ccasional bloating and constipation for which she akes no medications. For many years, she has been aking occasional ibuprofen for joint aches. Her lood pressure is 128/82 mm Hg and her heart rate s 80 beats per minute. Examination of her abdomen eveals mild left lower-quadrant tenderness and ormal bowel sounds.
Application of para-nitrophenol (pNP) enzyme assays in degraded tropical soils

Enzyme activities have been used as indicators of soil quality and changes in biogeochemical function due to management or perturbations. The objective of this study was to answer a number of methodological questions regarding sampling schemes, sample handling recommendations, and assay procedures to facilitate the use of enzyme assays in the tropical highlands of East Africa. We used para-nitrophenol (pNP) based substrates for five enzymes: β-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, chitinase, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase. In the first experiment, we examined sampling procedures and compared the results of determining enzyme activities on a plot using composite or discrete samples. Composite samples usually had higher activities than the means of individual cores (P 0.4), probably because the assays were of short duration and microbial growth was minimized. Finally, we looked at the incubation time necessary to produce reliable results. Phosphatases, with relatively high activities could reliably be determined in 2 h incubations, but the other enzymes had much lower activities and required longer incubation times for reliable determination. For the enzymes we looked at, 4 h was a good standard time for determining the activity of even the lowest activity enzymes. The results of this study provide practical guidelines for applying these enzyme assays in the degraded tropical soils.
Mesoscale patterns of altitudinal tenancy in migratory wood warblers inferred from stable carbon isotopes

We analyzed carbon isotope ratios (delta13C) of liver and pectoral muscle of Black-throated Blue Warblers (Dendroica caerulescens) to provide a mesoscale perspective on altitudinal tenancy in the Appalachian Mountains, North Carolina, U.S.A. Movements of males are poorly understood, particularly the degree to which yearlings (first breeding season) and older males (second or later breeding season) wander altitudinally during the breeding season. Liver and muscle delta13C values of warblers exhibited significant year and altitude effects, but yearling and older males were isotopically indistinguishable. Liver delta13C values increased with altitude at the rate of approximately 0.5% per hundred per 1000 m. The altitudinal lapse rate of muscle delta13C (approximately l1.1% per hundred per 1000 m) was nearly identical to the average rate of increase reported in several groups of C3 plants (approximately 1.1% per hundred per 1000 m). This suggests that the majority of males foraged within relatively narrow altitudinal zones during the breeding season. We caution, however, that the discrimination of altitudinal trends in carbon isotope ratios depends on relatively large multiyear samples. Given the scatter in data, it is unlikely that individuals can be accurately assigned to a particular altitude from carbon isotope values. Rapid adjustment of liver and muscle delta13C values to local altitudinal environments is consistent with the results of experimental dietary studies that show carbon turnover rates are relatively rapid in small migratory passerines. In a broader context, carbon isotope data have been increasingly used as proxies for wintering habitat use of Nearctic-Neotropical migratory passerines. However, tissues with high metabolic rates are unlikely to retain much isotopic signal of wintering habitat use by the time migrants reach their breeding territories.
Detection of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 in cat implantation sites.

This study was undertaken to determine whether insulin-like growth factor binding protein-i (IGFBP-1) was synthesized by the cat uterus and placenta during implantation and pregnancy. Endometrial and placental tissue explants from pregnant, pseudopregnant, and ovariectomized steroid-treated cats were cultured in the presence of 5S-methionine. Culture media proteins were separated by one-dimensional ( -D) and two-dimensional (2-D) SDS-PAGE, transferred to nitrocellulose, and immunostained using a rabbit polyclonal antibody against baboon IGFBP-1 and a murine monoclonal antibody to human IGFBP-1. The antibody cross-reacted with a protein with an M, = 30 000 and a pI = 5.1-5.4. Immunoreactive product was found in implantation site media from 16 days postcoitum (PC) through the end of pregnancy, and was confined to the superficial placental/junctional zone. Immunoreactivity was not detected in non-implantation site media until 7 wk PC and was never detected in serum or in media from liver, pseudopregnant endometrium, or endometrium from steroid-treated cats. Autoradiography and immunostaining of 2-D Western blots of culture media proteins demonstrated that implantation site and not non-implantation site tissue synthesized and released immunoreactive IGFBP-1 into the culture medium. "'5Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) specifically bound to this protein on 1-D Western ligand blots. Avidin-biotin immunocytochemistry utilizing the monoclonal antibody was used to localize IGFBP-1 in paraffin sections. Specific immunostaining was observed in the surface and glandular epithelium of the nonsite endometrium throughout pregnancy, with stromal cell staining being detected later. The placental labyrinth had widespread specific immunostaining, especially in the syncytiotrophoblast and maternal giant cells after 4 wk; after 9 wk, immunostaining could be detected only in the giant cells. All cells in the junctional zone and the deep glandular region of the implantation site contained IGFBP-1 staining. The synthesis of IGFBP-1 and its release into culture medium appears to be dependent on the process of implantation in the cat and may play an autocrine/paracrine role in the control of trophoblast growth and invasion.
Teaching Approaches in Programs Serving Preschool Handicapped Children in North Dakota

This study examined the nature of programs serving preschool handicapped children in North Dakota, with particular focus on curriculum and instruction. A survey of teachers of preschool handicapped children was completed, covering the topics of population served, teaching approaches, and curricula. Results were obtained from 82% of programs serving such children in the state. The following problems were identified: (a) insufficient services for children under the age of 4; (b) isolation of handicapped preschoolers from their nonhandicapped peers; (c) lack of appropriate assessment procedures; (d) unbalanced curricula (i.e., overemphasis on language with inadequate consideration of social and affective development); and (e) narrow teaching approaches (i.e., deficit orientations with little regard for the importance of play social interactions, or children as active learners). Underscored was the need for programs to move beyond a minimal provision of services to the adoption of refined teaching approaches.
Assessing 3rd year medical students' interprofessional collaborative practice behaviors during a standardized patient encounter: A multi-institutional, cross-sectional study.

AbstractBackground: To understand how third-year medical student interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) is affected by self-efficacy and interprofessional experiences (extracurricular experiences and formal curricula).Methods: The authors measured learner IPCP using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) with a standardized nurse (SN) and standardized patient (SP) during a statewide clinical performance examination. At four California medical schools from April to August 2012, SPs and SNs rated learner IPCP (10 items, range 0–100) and patient-centered communication (10 items, range 0–100). Post-OSCE, students reported their interprofessional self-efficacy (16 items, 2 factors, range 1–10) and prior extracurricular interprofessional experiences (3 items). School representatives shared their interprofessional curricula during guided interviews.Results: Four hundred sixty-four of 530 eligible medical students (88%) participated. Mean IPCP performance was 79.6 ± 14.1 and mean self-effica...
Reduction in wound morbidity rates following endoscopic saphenous Vein Harvest

To determine whether less-invasive saphenous vein harvest reduces morbidity in patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass, we retrospectively compared 61 patients undergoing endoscopic harvest (ENDO) with 49 patients undergoing conventional harvest (OPEN) over the past 13 months. Patients were classified as potential short-stay if adjunctive suprainguinal inflow procedures or foot amputations were not required and the patient was ambulatory prior to elective operation. Mean endoscopic harvest time was 50 ± 18 (range 25–90) min, and no more than three 5-cm incisions were required in 87% of cases. Szilagyi class II or III wound complications occurred after 1 of the 61 (2%) ENDO procedures and 7 of the 49 (14%) OPEN (p < 0.01), and any complication occurred in 13 (21%) vs. 25 (51%) of ENDO and OPEN procedures, respectively (p < 0.002). Mean postoperative length of stay was significantly shorter in the 24 short-stay ENDO (4.0 ± 2.4 days) vs. 25 short-stay OPEN (6.0 ± 3.2 days) patients (p < 0.02). Thirty-day patency rates between the two groups were not different. Endoscopie saphenous vein harvest is associated with a reduced incidence of serious wound complications and, in selected patients, shortened postoperative hospital stay.
A TWO-DIMENSIONAL ROTOR INFLOW MODEL DEVELOPED IN CLOSED FORM FROM A GALERKIN APPROACH

Finite-state wake models have proven themselves very useful for rotorcraft design. However, current theories have some remaining unanswered questions. In this paper, a complete two-dimensional rotor inflow model is developed for axial flow. The new theory includes previously unaccounted for inflow modes that are zero on the rotor disk but present otherwise. The theory is developed from a Galerkin approach using potential functions that correspond to both pressure and mass source terms. The new model is used to compute results for various frequencies and pressure distributions. These results are then compared to current theories and to an exact solution in the frequency domain found by a convolution integral. The new theory gives the exact solution at zero frequency, and the infinite inflow modes are well approximated by the finite expansion terms used in the theory. Results show that the new theory agrees with the exact solution. Errors associated with the old theory are presented for the entire frequency range. MOTIVATION Whenever a rotorcraft manufacturer wishes to increase the performance, affordability, reliability, maintainability, or maneuverability of one of its aircraft, certain steps must always be followed whether the aircraft is entirely new or whether the aircraft is only to be modified. In particular, someone must have an idea (based on science and engineering) of what might be done to the aircraft to effect the required improvement. Second, one must determine how to model the change to the aircraft mathematically and numerically. Third, one must run an evaluation or simulation of the system (with and without the proposed changes) to determine the effectiveness of the proposed changes and the technical risks involved. This implies that, sooner or
Ecological Effects of Invasive Slugs, Arion rufus, on Native Cascade Oregon Grape, Mahonia nervosa

Abstract Invasive species frequently affect urban ecosystems, but few studies investigate primary and secondary mechanisms to determine overall ecological effects. Previous work demonstrates slugs can negatively affect seedling recruitment and vegetation biomass, and positively affect litter decomposition, nutrient cycling, and litter invertebrate populations. This study aimed to assess components of how invasive European black slugs (Arion rufus) affect native Cascade Oregon grape (Mahonia nervosa), in Pacific Northwest forests. We hypothesized that slug herbivory would decrease leaf area, but excretion of leaf and litter matter would enhance soil and litter conditions. Field experiments aimed to alter slug densities to measure effects on leaf area, litter biomass, soil nutrients, and non-slug litter invertebrates. Leaf area was lower in areas with high slug densities along with slight increases in non-slug invertebrate abundance; whereas leaf area, number of leaves, and branches per plant were higher in...
What Can We Do To Decrease the Risk of Vas Deferens Injury due to Inguinal Hernioplasty

The implantation of polypropylene mesh in inguinal hernia repair surgery has been a tremendous breakthrough. It has significantly reduced the hernia recurrence rate from 15–20% to 0.5–5% and therefore has decreased the rate of spermatic cord, vas deferens, and testicular artery injury due to reoperation for recurrence [1]. We have only limited information, however, about the long-term effects of polypropylene mesh implantation on the vas deferens, especially with regard to fertility.
Modifying the United States National Hydrography Dataset to improve data quality for ecological models

Abstract The US National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) is the primary spatial hydrography data source for research and conservation of stream ecosystems in the United States due to its national coverage, high resolution, and delivery of high-volume attribute data. However, despite its wide use, numerous topological errors limit the utility of the NHD for the critical needs of ecological and environmental modeling when network connectivity is of interest. In this paper we demonstrate an automated process that integrates a set of GIS tools to identify, track, and correct four major types of topological errors in the entire NHD network (at the scale of 1:100,000) of the conterminous United States, thereby quantifying and summarizing the type, magnitude, and spatial distribution of topological errors in the NHD. Topological errors occurred on approximately 20% of the flowline features in the NHD dataset, with pseudo nodes being the dominant type of error. In a case study of New River Basin of North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia USA, after correcting the topology of the NHD network the number of streams in the database designated as first order decreased by 14%, and the average length of stream between confluences (i.e., inter-confluence stream segments) increased by slightly over half of a kilometer (0.53 km). The topology-corrected NHD dataset should particularly facilitate large-scale (e.g., national or regional) ecological and environmental applications requiring topologically sound stream networks.
Programming into adulthood of islet adaptations induced by early nutritional intervention in the rat

To investigate the influence of a high carbohydrate (HC) intake during the suckling period on pancreatic function in adult life, neonatal rats were artificially reared on a HC milk formula during t...
Hepatic arterial buffer response: pathologic evidence in non-cirrhotic human liver with extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis

Increase in hepatic arterial flow in response to reduced portal flow (hepatic arterial buffer response) has been demonstrated experimentally and surgically. We provide pathologic evidence for hepatic arterial buffer response in non-cirrhotic patients with extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis and elucidate the histopathologic spectrum of non-cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis. Liver biopsies and resections from non-cirrhotic patients with extra-hepatic portal vein thrombosis were retrieved. Morphologic features, extent of CD34 staining, outer diameters, luminal diameters and wall thickness of hepatic arteries cut in cross-section and outer diameters of cross-sectioned paired bile ducts were compared with age- and gender-matched controls. There were 12 male and 9 female patients. Measurements of 280 and 193 arteries from patients and controls, respectively, demonstrated statistically significant (P<0.05) arterial dilatation (increase in percentage of arterial lumen to outer diameter) and arterial wall thinning in resection specimens of non-cirrhotic patients with extra-hepatic portal vein thrombosis. Subtle and/or focal dilatation of central veins, portal veins and sinusoids; focal trabecular thinning/thickening and mild ductular reaction were common findings in both the patient and control groups. Diffuse and obvious changes, and portal vein absence or attenuation were seen only in the patient group. Capillarization of sinusoids was not seen on CD34 stain. Two patients showed significant ductular reaction, one of who developed biliary strictures on follow-up. Hepatic arterial dilatation and wall thinning in non-cirrhotic patients with portal vein thrombosis provide pathologic evidence of hepatic arterial buffer response in the human liver. Obvious and diffuse sinusoidal dilatation and absence or attenuation of portal veins are highly suggestive of extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis in non-cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. Periportal shunt vessels, hypervascular portal tracts, muscularized portal veins, large thick-walled or dilated arteries aid diagnosis but are rare findings. Normal or near-normal biopsies do not rule out portal vein thrombosis.
Optimal LPV control with hard constraints

This paper considers the optimal control of polytopic, discrete-time linear parameter varying (LPV) systems with a guaranteed l2 to l∞ gain. Additionally, to guarantee robust stability of the closed-loop system under parameter variations, H∞ performance criterion is also considered as well. Controllers with a guaranteed l2 to l∞ gain and a guaranteed H∞ performance (l2 to l2 gain) are a special family of mixed H2=H∞ controllers. Normally, H2 controllers are obtained by considering a quadratic cost function that balances the output performance with the control input needed to achieve that performance. However, to obtain an optimal controller with a guaranteed l2 to l∞ gain (closely related to the physical performance constraint), the cost function used in the H2 control synthesis minimizes the control input subject to maximal singular-value performance constraints on the output. This problem can be efficiently solved by a convex optimization with linear matrix inequality (LMI) constraints. The main contribution of this paper is the characterization of the control synthesis LMIs used to obtain an LPV controller with a guaranteed l2 to l∞ gain and >H∞ performance. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the convex optimization.
Scattering and reflection identification in H-scan images

Medical ultrasound imaging scanners typically display the envelope of the reflected signal on a log scale. The properties of this image and speckle patterns from collections of scatterers have a number of well-known disadvantages. One is the inability to differentiate between different scatterers that may have fundamentally different frequency-dependent scattering cross sections. This study proposes a framework for characterizing scattering behavior and visualizing the results as color coding of the B-scan image. The methodology matches a model of pulse-echo formation from typical situations to the mathematics of Gaussian weighted Hermite functions. The results show an ability to reveal some of the information otherwise hidden in the conventional envelope display, and can be generalized to more conventional bandlimited pulse functions. This new class of images is termed H-scan where 'H' stands for 'Hermite' or 'hue' to distinguish it from conventional B-scan format.
U.S. service members' satisfaction with family dental care.

This paper reports on U.S. service members' satisfaction with family dental care. The data come from a 26-site survey of active duty Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force personnel conducted from April 1994 to January 1995. Of 12,050 respondents (81% response rate) to a prestratified, random sample, 4,412 had at least one child younger than age 21 or a nonmilitary spouse and answered 16 questions on satisfaction with family dental care. We derived simple distributions and an overall composite satisfaction score using factor analysis. Composite scores, transformed into a continuous variable with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 10, were regressed on respondent demographic and other factors to determine which factors influence overall satisfaction. Descriptive results show high satisfaction with family dental care. Regression results show that overall satisfaction varies with sex, branch of service, perceived barriers to dental care, and family dental insurance status. Because this survey was conducted before the change to the current dental insurance contractor, these findings may not reflect current service members' satisfaction with family dental care.
Chronic Total Coronary Occlusions, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, and Mortality: A "Hybrid Approach" to Interpretation.

Chronic total coronary occlusions (CTOs) represent one of the final frontiers in the evolution of revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Although CTO revascularization relieves symptoms, reduces ischemic burden, improves left ventricular systolic function, and attenuates
Parallel feedback compensation for LDO voltage regulators

A novel low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator compensation technique is demonstrated. A parallel feedback path is used to insert a zero at approximately three times the output pole. The parallel feedback consists of passive elements only and occupies small area. The proposed technique completely eliminates the output pole at different load conditions and results in high LDO bandwidth, which achieves fast output tracking of the input reference and fast recovery of sudden load changes. Moreover, the output pole elimination at different load conditions enables the potential scaling of the error amplifier quiescent current with the load without compromising stability. The proposed LDO has been implemented in 65-nm TSMC low-power CMOS process, and achieves 0.24-ns response time at 94% current efficiency. For a 1.2-V input voltage and 1-V output voltage the regulator enables 79mVp-p output droop for a maximum load step.
Abstract A40: Targeting TBK1 promotes apoptosis in MEK-inhibitor resistant mutant NRAS melanoma cells

Melanoma is a devastating form of skin cancer. Fifteen to twenty percent of melanoma patients have an activating mutation in the GTPase, NRAS. Despite advances in the targeted inhibitor treatment for mutant BRAF melanoma patients, the options for mutant NRAS patients remain poor. TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is an atypical IκB kinase family member that acts downstream of the RAS effector RalGEF but the role of TBK1 in melanoma is not known. We found that NRAS overexpression in wild-type NRAS melanoma cells increased TBK1 phosphorylation. In a panel of NRAS mutant melanoma cells, we characterized sensitivity to MEK inhibition in 2D as well as 3D cell cultures that mimic the dermal microenvironment. We show that there is a differential response to MEK inhibition in this panel. TBK1 inhibition, through either siRNA transfection or pharmacological inhibitors, cooperated with MEK inhibition to promote apoptosis. These effects were particularly noted in those NRAS mutant cell lines that are insensitive to MEK inhibition. By contrast, this effect was absent in melanoma cell lines wild type for NRAS. These results identify TBK1 as a downstream effector for NRAS mutant melanoma and as a potential target for use in combinatorial therapy in this subset of patients for whom current therapeutic options are limited. Citation Format: Ha Linh Vu, Andrew E. Aplin. Targeting TBK1 promotes apoptosis in MEK-inhibitor resistant mutant NRAS melanoma cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on RAS Oncogenes: From Biology to Therapy; Feb 24-27, 2014; Lake Buena Vista, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2014;12(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A40. doi: 10.1158/1557-3125.RASONC14-A40
Uncertainties on Atomic Data

AbstractThere have been long outstanding requests from the modeling community for uncertainty estimates on atomic data. This paper outlines a systematic approach from fundamental atomic structure and collisional calculations, through to well-known spectral diagnostic lines, correlating the uncertainties from each contributing process.
Photochemical and Photobiological Activity of Ru(II) Homoleptic and Heteroleptic Complexes Containing Methylated Bipyridyl-type Ligands

Light-activated compounds are powerful tools and potential agents for medical applications, as biological effects can be controlled in space and time. Ruthenium polypyridyl complexes can induce cytotoxic effects through multiple mechanisms, including acting as photosensitizers for singlet oxygen (1O2) production, generating other reactive oxygen species (ROS), releasing biologically active ligands, and creating reactive intermediates that form covalent bonds to biological molecules. A structure–activity relationship (SAR) study was performed on a series of Ru(II) complexes containing isomeric tetramethyl-substituted bipyridyl-type ligands. Three of the ligand systems studied contained strain-inducing methyl groups and created photolabile metal complexes, which can form covalent bonds to biomolecules upon light activation, while the fourth was unstrained and resulted in photostable complexes, which can generate 1O2. The compounds studied included both bis-heteroleptic complexes containing two bipyridine li...
A Convenient and Safer Synthesis of Diaminoglyoxime

A new procedure for the synthesis and isolation of diaminoglyoxime (DAG) is described. A previous procedure involved treating glyoxal with 2 equiv each of hydroxylammonium chloride and sodium hydroxide to form glyoxime, followed by further treatment of this intermediate with two additional equivalents of hydroxylammonium chloride and sodium hydroxide at 95 °C to form DAG. Two recrystallizations were needed to obtain the desired product in pure form. Another previous procedure employed glyoxal in the presence of 4 equiv each of hydroxylammonium chloride and sodium hydroxide at 95 °C to form DAG. Though this latter procedure gives product after a few hours, yields do not exceed 40%, and the reaction is prone to thermal runaway. Furthermore, the use of decolorizing carbon and recrystallization of the crude solid are necessary to obtain a pure product. The new disclosed procedure involves treating a preheated aqueous hydroxylamine solution (50 wt %, 10 equiv) with aqueous glyoxal (40 wt %), followed by heatin...