cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of laparoscopic-assisted transhiatal esophagectomy for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and esophago-gastric junction

Esophagectomy is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, yet it is the only modality that offers the possibility of cure for esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (E-GEJ) adenocarcinoma. Several minimally invasive techniques have been developed to decrease the morbidity of the operation, but to date, the results have not led to its wide adoption in part due to their complexity. We developed a technique of laparoscopic-assisted transhiatal esophagectomy (LA-THE) with the idea of preserving some of the advantages of the minimally invasive approach while eliminating the degree of complexity and the time required to complete the operation solely using laparoscopy. The course of all patients who underwent LA-THE for E-GEJ adenocarcinoma at the University of Washington Medical Center was determined by analysis of all hospital records to determine perioperative variables, complications, and survival. Patients were also given a follow-up survey in order to assess long-term health-related quality of life (Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index or GIQLI). Seventy-two patients underwent LA-THE between 1995 and 2007. Median age was 64 years (range, 42-83 years), and the median body mass index was 28 (range 17-35). Twenty-eight tumors (39%) were categorized as Siewert I, 41 (57%) as Siewert II, and 3 (4%) as Siewert III. Median operative time was 299min (range, 212-700min). All the resections were R-0. The median number of lymph nodes harvested was 11 (range, 2-32). Using the Dindo-Clavien classification of surgical complication, we had a total of 48 postoperative complications in 37 patients: 26 (53%) grade I, 20 (41%) grade II, 1 (2%) grade IIIb, 1 (2%) grade IVb, and 1 (2%) grade V complications. Median length of hospital stay was 9 days (range, 7-58 days). One patient (1.4%) died within 30 days. Overall, 3- and 5-year survival (calculated Kaplan-Meier) was 68% and 63%, respectively. Forty-nine patients (90% of those still alive) answered the GIQLI survey. Median follow-up was 26 months (range, 6-144 months). The mean GIQLI score was 108 (range, 74-138) from a maximum possible value of 144. Our study shows that LA-THE is feasible, safe, and effective in the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and GEJ and should probably be considered an alternative to open esophagectomy and other minimally invasive techniques in the treatment of this disease.
Neonatal outcome: is adolescent pregnancy a risk factor?

It has been widely reported that adolescent mothers are more likely to experience poor pregnancy outcome, especially low-birth-weight and/or premature infants. Recent data suggest that this poor outcome may be attributed to confounding health and social characteristics of adolescent mothers. A study of maternal health and neonatal development at Boston City Hospital provided an opportunity to assess whether adolescent mothers deliver infants with poorer outcomes at birth than nonadolescents independent of numerous social and health differences between adolescent and nonadolescent mothers. A total of 275 infants of primiparous adolescents (aged 13 to 18 years) were compared at birth with 423 infants of primiparous nonadolescents. Size at birth, length of gestation, Apgar scores, and birth trauma were examined. The only statistically significant difference between the two groups was that adolescent mothers delivered infants whose mean weight was 94 g less (P less than .03) than infants of nonadolescent mothers. Multiple and logistic regression analyses demonstrated that several health and social factors, but not adolescent status, were independently associated with the measures of adverse infant outcome. A subsequent regression analysis demonstrated similarly that being a younger adolescent (16 years and younger) did not independently predict low birth weight at delivery or other measured adverse neonatal outcomes. These data support the view that health and social factors are more important to poor fetal outcome among primiparous mothers than adolescent status. Some of the health factors are amenable to clinical intervention.
A Ran-independent pathway for export of spliced mRNA

All major nuclear export pathways so far examined follow a general paradigm. Specifically, a complex is formed in the nucleus, containing the export cargo, a member of the importin-beta family of transporters and RanGTP. This complex is translocated across the nuclear pore to the cytoplasm, where hydrolysis of the GTP on Ran is stimulated by the GTPase-activating protein RanGAP. The activity of RanGAP is increased by RanBP1, which also promotes disassembly of RanGTP-cargo-transporter complexes. Here we investigate the role of RanGTP in the export of mRNAs generated by splicing. We show that nuclear injection of a Ran mutant (RanT24N) or the normally cytoplasmic RanGAP potently inhibits the export of both tRNA and U1 snRNA, but not of spliced mRNAs. Moreover, nuclear injection of RanGAP together with RanBP1 blocks tRNA export but does not affect mRNA export. These and other data indicate that export of spliced mRNA is the first major cellular transport pathway that is independent of the export co-factor Ran.
Unsupervised Learning of Biologically Plausible Object Recognition Strategies

Recent psychological and neurological evidence suggests that biological object recognition is a process of matching sensed images to stored iconic memories. This paper presents a partial implementation of (our interpretation of) Kosslyn's biological vision model, with a control system added to it. We then show how reinforcement learning can be used to control and optimize recognition in an unsupervised learning mode, where the result of image matching is used as the reward signal to optimize earlier stages of processing.
An Apparatus for the Measurement of Regenerator Performance in Pulse Tube Refrigerators

This paper discusses the design and construction of an apparatus to measure the ineffectiveness of regenerators used for pulse tube refrigerators. Because of the fairly large mass flow rates which occur in pulse tube refrigerators, the regenerator ineffectiveness must be made quite small. The apparatus described here allows for the measurement of the regenerator’s heat loss under actual operating conditions in a pulse tube refrigerator. A low temperature heat sink of liquid nitrogen is used since it approximates the temperatures normally achieved in a one-stage pulse tube.
Miscoding Rates for Professional Anesthesia Billing: Trial Results - Software Solution

Background: Accurate anesthesia billing requires selection of Anesthesia Current Procedural Terminology (Anesthesia CPT-4) codes that are in concordance with the American Medical Association CPT-4 (AMA CPT-4) codes selected by the surgeon. We present a study examining the impact of a novel software at addressing sources of coding error. Methods: An exploratory coding trial was performed using a constructed surgical procedure data set (n=142). Two expert anesthe- sia coders coded each procedure using standard surgery-to-anesthesia conversion techniques. Coding accuracy was subsequently determined by consensus of experts and the type of error (if present) was categorized. After analyzing the process and sources of error, a software solution was developed. Using two different but similarly constructed data sets, the trial was repeated with the new software solution (n=298) and after an enhanced version (n=334). Results were reported using descriptive statistics. Results: There was a 38% error rate using standard coding; 16% from selecting the wrong body region, 11% from under coding and 6% from over coding the anesthesia CPT-4 code. After design and implementation of the software, the error rate was reduced to 4% and then to 3% using the enhanced version. Conclusions: Using the current cross-referencing system to determine Anesthesia CPT-4 codes has the potential for error. Using a computerized system has the potential to diminish this error. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether miscoding is elevated in other settings and if this solution can be more broadly applied.
Analysis of Arsenical Metabolites in Biological Samples

Quantitation of iAs and its methylated metabolites in biological samples provides dosimetric information needed to understand dose-response relations. Here, methods are described for separation of inorganic and mono-, di-, and trimethylated arsenicals by thin-layer chromatography. This method has been extensively used to track the metabolism of the radionuclide [73As] in a variety of in vitro assay systems. In addition, a hydride generation-cryotrapping-gas chromatography-atomic absorption spectrometric method is described for the quantitation of arsenicals in biological samples. This method uses pH-selective hydride generation to differentiate among arsenicals containing trivalent or pentavalent arsenic. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 42:4.33.1-4.33.17. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: arsenic; methylated arsenicals; [73As]; thin-layer chromatography; hydride generation-cryotrapping-gas chromatography-atomic absorption spectrometry; pH-selective hydride generation; arsenic oxidation state
Simulaltaneous generation of ultra-low noise optical pulse and microwave signal

In this paper, we describe the coupled opto-electronic oscillator (COEO) that simultaneous generates both low-jitter optical pulses and low phase noise microwave signal. It has been shown that the mode-locked laser has a microwave transfer property similar to that of a high-Q microwave resonator, which is responsible for the ultra-low noise achieved in the COEO system.
Caveman Politics: Evolutionary Leadership Preferences and Physical Stature

Objective Following evolutionary psychology, we argue that physical stature matters in preferences regarding political leadership. Particularly, a preference for physically formidable leaders evolved to promote survivability in the violent human ancestral history. Methods We present two studies of original data to assess individual attitudes regarding the association between physical stature and political leadership. Analytical methods include ordered probit regression. Results The findings are consistent with the evolutionary theory presented here. Study 1 indicates that individuals tend to prefer leaders with greater physical stature, while Study 2 indicates that males with greater physical stature are more likely to think of themselves as qualified to be a leader and, through this increased sense of efficacy, they are more likely to demonstrate interest in pursuing a leadership position. Conclusion Consistent with emerging evidence from other research perspectives, political behavior, in this case preferences regarding political leadership, is shaped by both environmental and evolutionary forces.
Global knowledge networking for site specific strategies: The International Conference on Biodiversity and Society

The UNESCO/Columbia University International Conference on Biodiversity and Society was held at Columbia University in the city of New York in May 2001. The conference was jointly organized by the UNESCO Ecological Sciences Division and the Columbia Earth Institute of Columbia University, with the goal of identifying a research agenda and methodology providing solid science as a foundation for field engagement that would influence social and political strategies for the long-term stewardship and conservation of culturally and biologically significant sites. The conference brought together leading environmental and social scientists, managers of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, high-level policy-makers from over 20 developed and developing countries, journalists, and leading institutions, including private corporations, environmental NGOs, United Nations agencies, and international lending institutions. The focus was on local level phenomena and responses, as well as on the potential and limitations of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve concept for coordinating biodiversity conservation with human security. The conference was built around a set of nine case studies prepared by teams of policy makers and researchers.
On-chip integration of enzyme and immunoassays: Simultaneous measurements of insulin and glucose

A microfluidic device coupling immunological and enzymatic assays within a single microchannel has been developed for simultaneous measurements of insulin and glucose. Such a dual-mode (enzyme/immu...
Show-That-I-Can (Homework) in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxious Youth: Individualizing Homework for Robert

Abstract Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been reviewed and described as an empirically supported treatment for anxious youth. One component of CBT is the use of out-of-session “Show That I Can” tasks (STIC; i.e., homework tasks). STIC tasks vary in content and are to be completed between sessions. We discuss homework in CBT for Robert, a 13-year-old boy with social anxiety. Robert experienced distressing anxiety participating in and giving presentations at school and was fearful of open-ended questions. Robert had difficulty maintaining conversations with peers and reported being preoccupied with a concern that he would say something “weird” or “stupid.” Robert avoided numerous situations, and his social anxiety affected his grades, social interactions, family, and quality of life. Robert’s initial homework tasks entailed (a) journaling and self-monitoring anxious feelings and thoughts, and (b) practicing relaxation skills. During the second half of treatment, Robert’s STIC assignments were exposure tasks, including (a) opinion discussion assignments, (b) participating in class, and (c) initiating conversations with children at the bus stop. The present discussion focuses on how homework was individualized and presented so that it was palatable and sensitive. Issues regarding out-of-session exposure tasks that elicit sufficient anxiety, resistance to high-level exposure tasks, and parent involvement are explored.
Carbon monoxide exposure from commercial brand cigarettes under controlled smoking conditions

Abstract Carbon monoxide (CO) exposure from ultralow-, low- and high-CO delivery commerical cigarettes was examined under controlled smoking conditions. Seven chronic smokers of mid- to high-CO delivery commercial cigarettes served in the experiment. CO level increases of 2.10, 5.76 and 7.38 ppm were obtained from ultralow-yield (1.6 mg CO delivery), low-yield (5.9 mg CO delivery) and high-yield (14.3 mg CO delivery) cigarettes, respectively. Subjects achieved significantly higher increases in CO levels from both low- and high-yield cigarettes than from ultralow-yield cigarettes, but increased levels of CO from low-and high-yield cigarettes were not different from each other. The data suggest that degree of CO absorption by the lungs during a short period of time may limit increases in CO levels obtained from high-yield cigarettes.
Position Readout by Charge Division in Large Two-Dimensional Detectors

The improvement in readout spatial resolution for charge division systems with subdivided readout electrodes has been analyzed. This readout forms the position and sum signals by a linear, unambiguous analogue summation technique. It is shown that the readout resolution is a function of only electrode capacitance and shaping parameters. The line width improves as 1/N? where N is the number of electrode subdivisions.
Structure of acrylic fibres prior to cyclization

Abstract The phase structure and thermal transition of acrylic fibres have been investigated at several temperature increments from 22 to 200°C. Two glass transition temperatures at 82 and 140°C have been identified and corresponded to the structural transitions of the paracrystalline and amorphous regions, respectively. These experimental observations give strong evidence to support the ‘limited two-phase’ model.
THE HOST RANGE OF THE CHLORELLAVOROUS BACTERIUM (“VAMPIROVIBRIO CHLORELLVORUS”)

The chlorellavorous bacterium. “Vampirovibrio chlorellavorus”Gromov et Mamkaeva, grows only by killing and consuming the cell contents of species of the green alga Chlorella Beijerinck. Of the 76 algal strains examined in this study, the bacterium attacks all 31 strains of the species C. vulgaris. C. sorokiniana, and C. kessleri, but attacks only two of 39 strains of nine other Chlorella species. Neither of two Prototheca strains was susceptible to attack. This narrow host specificity may be related to cell surface properties.
C-terminal Sequences Direct Cyclin D1-CRM1 Binding

GSK-3β-dependent phosphorylation of cyclin D1 at a conserved C-terminal residue, Thr-286, promotes CRM1-dependent cyclin D1 nuclear export. Herein, we have identified a short stretch of residues adjacent to Thr-286 that mediates CRM1 association and thus cyclin D1 nuclear export. We found that disruption of this hydrophobic patch, stretching from amino acids 290 to 295 within cyclin D1, results in constitutively nuclear cyclin D1-CDK4 complexes with an increased propensity to potentiate transformation of murine fibroblasts. Our data support a model wherein deregulation of cyclin D1 nuclear export might contribute to human neoplastic growth.
On the marginal area under the receiver operating characteristics of diversity energy detectors in generalized fading channels

In this article, we exploit an exponential-type integral representation for the generalized Marcum-Q function Qv(a,b) (which is valid for any ratio a/b) to unify the performance evaluation of the marginal area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) metric of average energy detectors with diversity reception in a myriad of fading environments (including the η-μ, κ-μ and α-μ generalized fading distributions). This new metric facilitates the comparison of two different energy detectors within a specified detection threshold range and can also be used to compute the total AUC as a special case. Our numerical results also show that the marginal AUC performance of an average energy detector is superior to that of the classical total energy detector with the increasing sample size due to the noise averaging effect. Our new analytical framework also facilitates the investigation of the effects of dissimilar fading parameters and/or signal strengths, diversity order and diversity combining techniques on the marginal AUC performance of energy detectors.
High temperature deformation of titanium diboride

Specimens of high purity polycrystalline titanium diboride, TiB2, were tested in uniaxial compression under vacuum at a strain rate of 5 × 1O−4sec−1 to determine the plastic yield behaviour. Generally, plastic deformation was detected only above 170O° C. The apparatus was able to apply u stress of 900 MPa at a maximum temperature of 2000° C. The yield stress data fit an Arrhenius function, with an apparent activation energy of O.8 eV atom−1. Dislocation glide over the Peierls barrier is thought to be the deformation mechanism, The dependence of the yield stress on the grain size obeyed the Hall-Petch relation within the bounds of experimental error. A TiB2 single crystal containing TiC precipitates was also compression - tested at 2000° C, and its yield stress was approximately four times the stress predicted by the Hall-Petch expression for e pure TiB2 single crystal, suggesting that the precipitate raises the yield stress but that the intrinsic lattice resistance is still significant. Submicrometre-sized graphite inclusions were observed in the polycrystalline specimens, but are thought not to have a direct effect on the yield stress in the temperature regime of the present study.
Reduction of food intake and body weight by chronic intraventricular insulin infusion

Abstract This study examined the effect of chronic infusions of insulin in one of three doses (5, 7.5 or 10 mU/day) into the third ventricle, on food and water intake and body weight in the rat. Solutions were infused via osmotic minipumps at a rate of 1 μ1/hour for seven days. The two highest doses of insulin produced a dose-related suppression of food intake and weight loss, which was greater than the effect produced by 5 mU/day or a control infusion of Ringers solution. The effect of 5 mU/day on food and water intake and body weight was similar to the effect of the control infusion. All groups treated with insulin decreased food intake during the day and night, although only differences in nighttime food intake were statistically significant. Ten mU/day also produced a significantly greater reduction in water intake than each of the other solutions. Weight loss in the animals infused with insulin could not be explained by a decrease in caloric intake alone. Food intake returned to normal in all groups by the end of a seven day post-infusion period, with recovery being slowest among the animals receiving the highest doses of insulin. All animals recovered body weight at approximately the same rate. These results provide further evidence for the view that brain insulin plays a role in the regulation of food intake and body weight.
Visualization of tumor-induced VEGF expression using in vivo bioluminescence

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most potent mediators of both physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis. Normal physiologic induction of VEGF occurs during periods of extreme growth, wound healing, as well as immune inflammatory response. Pathologically, however, VEGF is largely responsible for tumor induced angiogenesis and cell survival. Traditional methods of VEGF expression analysis involve either in vitro studies, or highly invasive in vivo methods. We have developed a unique transgenic mouse model (VGL) that possesses a truncated human VEGF promoter attached to a GFP-Luciferase fusion protein. Incorporating this model with both spontaneous and orthotopically injected tumors allow VEGF promoter activity to be visualized in vivo by luciferase luminescence in response to tumor growth non-invasively and over time. By also utilizing bioluminescent tumor cells, we were able to generate models that identify host, tumor, or combined VEGF promoter activity. Results indicate that tumor tissue is responsible for the majority of VEGF promoter activity during tumor growth. Additional studies into the mechanism by which tumor cells initiate VEGF production will yield much needed insight into tumor survival. In conclusion, we have shown that the VGL bioluminescent mouse model is indeed capable of yielding compelling information on host-tumor interactions.
A possible replacement of single crystal by melt-textured material in the study of YBa2Cu3O7-y

Improved superconducting properties were observed in melt-textured YBa2Cu3O7-y ceramic material. The inductive current density has a small field dependence up to 5.5 T over a wide temperature range. The field and temperature dependences of the magnetic properties are similar to the behavior found in single crystals. Values of the intragrain critical current density in melt-texture samples have the same order of magnitude as in single crystals. The reduced porosity and improved grain alignment help to probe intrinsic physical properties that depend on crystallographic orientation. Thus experiments similar to those involving single crystals are possible. The modified Bean critical state model applied to single crystals can also be used in these melt-textured samples. Thus, it is possible to use melt-textured samples in some basic research which originally required the use of single crystals.
High-energy reactions with exchange of strangeness-carrying trajectories

On the basis of the Regge pole hypothesis, some two-body reactions of spin-zero particles interacting with protons are discussed in the high-energy limit which involve the exchange of strangenesscarrying trajectories. The differential forward cross-sections and the polarization of the recoiling fermion are obtained, and the consequences of Gell-Mann’s line reversal and of the factorization principle are considered. The experimental angular distribution of K−+p→Σ++π−, although at relatively low energy, may be fitted with a one-trajectory formula.
A comparison of online PD measurement systems applied to gas compression plant motors

There are a number of competing online partial discharge (PD) measurement systems available in the marketplace today. Since most of these systems utilize procedures and equipment that differ from one another, it has been difficult to compare the results between the varying systems and difficult to provide guidelines that apply to all. To undertake a comparison of several competing systems it was necessary to apply the instruments on the same machines, at the same time, using a baseline sensor system that all vendors agreed to work with. This paper summarizes the results of the comparison, provides objective insight into the similarities of and the differences between the three vendors, and introduces a scaling F factor that allows for normalization of PD data measured in different units. Although this paper comments on the inconsistency found in some PD data with respect to loading and temperature rise, its primary focus is the consistency between PD data taken with a variety of competing equipment.
A quantitative procedure for the study of cells in experimentally induced granulomas.

SummaryA procedure for a quantitative cell analysis involving enzymatic digestion of granulomatous stroma was described. The results of its ability to differentiate between granulomas induced by antigenic and nonantigenic material and granulomas from primed and unprimed mice were presented. Correlation with conventional histopathological methods was shown. The use of this procedure for studying cells reacting to foreign material was discussed.
Effects of Peer Presence on Sex-Typing of Children's Play Behavior.

Abstract Effect of peer presence on the sex-typed toy choices of 3- and 4-year-olds was investigated in a repeated measures experimental design. Twenty-six girls and thirty-six boys were tested under three conditions: (a) alone; (b) in the presence of a same-sex peer; and (c) in the presence of an opposite-sex peer. Amount of time spent playing with three feminine- and three masculine-stereotyped toys was recorded. For both boys and girls, play with “sex role-inappropriate” toys was significantly lower in the presence of an opposite-sex peer than in the solitary condition. Across conditions boys exhibited less play with opposite-sex-typed toys than girls. Rate of play with opposite-sex-typed toys increased in successive trials for both sexes. These results indicate that the presence of an opposite-sex peer functions as a discriminative stimulus for avoidance of “sex role-inappropriate” play in preschoolers and suggests that preschoolers may have a history of differential reinforcement for sex-typed play in the presence of peers.
Data trends on minorities and people with disabilities in computing

Seeking a comprehensive view of minority student demographics to determine what programs and policies are needed to promote diversity.
Induction of substrate specificity shifts by placement of alanine insertions within the consensus amphipathic region of the Escherichia coli GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) transporter encoded by gabP.

The Escherichia coli GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) permease GabP is a prototypical APC (amine/polyamine/choline) super-family transporter that has a CAR (consensus amphipathic region) containing multiple specificity determinants, ostensibly organized on two helical surfaces, one hydrophobic [SHS (sensitive hydrophobic surface)] and the other hydrophilic [SPS (sensitive polar surface)]. To gauge the functional effects of placing alanine insertions at close intervals across the entire GabP CAR, 64 insertion variants were constructed. Insertions, particularly those in the SHS and the SPS, were highly detrimental to steady-state [(3)H]GABA accumulation. TSR (transport specificity ratio) analysis, employing [(3)H]nipecotic acid and [(14)C]GABA, showed that certain alanine insertions were associated with a specificity shift (i.e. a change in k (cat)/ K (m)). An insertion (INS Ala-269) located N-terminal to the SHS increased specificity for [(3)H]nipecotic acid relative to [(14)C]GABA, whereas an insertion (INS Ala-321) located C-terminal to the SPS had the opposite effect. Overall, the results are consistent with a working hypothesis that the GabP CAR contains extensive functional surfaces that may be manipulated by insertion mutagenesis to alter the specificity ( k (cat)/ K (m)) phenotype. The thermodynamic basis of TSR analysis provides generality, suggesting that amino acid insertions could affect specificity in many other transporters, particularly those such as the E. coli phenylalanine permease PheP [Pi, Chow and Pittard (2002) J. Bacteriol. 184, 5842-5847] that have a functionally significant CAR-like domain.
E-Taxation-An Introduction to the Use of TaxXML for Corporate Tax Reporting

Online tax systems are rapidly replacing paper-based tax reporting systems. Promising many advantages over the traditional method of hard copy tax filing, these systems promise faster process, lower costs and increased efficiency. Using a specific language from the eXtensible Markup Language family called TaxXML, TIGERS, a government subcommittee for the establishment of electronic taxation standards is looking to revolutionize the way government administers taxation. TaxXML draws upon the concepts and constructs of basic XML and utilizes tax-related vocabularies to create a standardized and systematized framework of electronic tax preparation and reporting. Having said that electronic tax reporting is advantageous over traditional paper-based reporting, there are further advantages of using a TaxXML based electronic system than one that is engineered using non-standard proprietary technologies. While it is still in its early stages of development, it is unclear how hard the government will impose this technology onto the industry and also how the industry will react to this new technology. This paper will provide some background for the study of TaxXML and will suggest why TaxXML is a very significant development in the realm of online tax systems.
A simple device for planting replicate mammalian cell cultures.

The design and use of a unit for planting uniform inocula for replicate cultures are described. Its design permits continuous gassing of suspensions of mammalian cells with humidified CO2, thus stabilizing the pH (±<0.05 pH unit) of culture media buffered with sodium bicarbonate. The unit can be readily modified to deliver different volumes; identical samples can be dispensed simply and rapidly, with minimal cell damage and chance of microbial contamination. Quantitative data regarding sample uniformity and growth subsequent to planting with this unit are presented.
Evaluation of copper-64 labeled AmBaSar conjugated cyclic RGD peptide for improved MicroPET imaging of integrin αvβ3 expression

Recently, we have developed a new cage-like bifunctional chelator 4-((8-amino-3,6,10,13,16,19-hexaazabicyclo [6.6.6] icosane-1-ylamino) methyl) benzoic acid (AmBaSar) for copper-64 labeling and synthesized the positron emission tomography (PET) tracer 64Cu-AmBaSar-RGD. In this study, we further evaluate the biological property of this new AmBaSar chelator by using 64Cu-AmBaSar-RGD as the model compound. In vitro and in vivo stability, lipophilicity, cell binding and uptake, microPET imaging, receptor blocking experiments, and biodistribution studies of 64Cu-AmBaSar-RGD were investigated, and the results were directly compared with the established radiotracer 64Cu-DOTA-RGD. The 64Cu-AmBaSar-RGD was obtained with high radiochemical yield (≥95%) and purity (≥99%) under mild conditions (pH 5.0−5.5 and 23−37 °C) in less than 30 min. For in vitro studies, the radiochemical purity of 64Cu-AmBaSar-RGD was more than 97% in PBS or FBS and 95% in mouse serum after 24 h of incubation. The log P value of 64Cu-AmBaSar-...
Anticoagulants and thrombolytics during pregnancy

Although venous thromboembolism is a rare complication of pregnancy, it is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. As many as 40% of asymptomatic women with deep venous thrombosis may indeed have a pulmonary embolism. Therefore, pregnant women with thromboembolic disease, a history of thromboembolic disease, or those who are at increased risk of thromboembolism (mechanical cardiac valve prostheses, antithrombin II, or protein C or S deficient) should receive anticoagulant therapy. The choice of anticoagulant therapy in a pregnant woman as well as the dose and duration will depend on the specific condition being treated. Although anticoagulant therapy is beneficial, it is not without risks to both mother and fetus. This article discusses the use of anticoagulants and thrombolytics in pregnant women.
Flavor Changing Decays of the $\Z^0$ and Supersymmetry

Supersymmetric QCD violates flavor symmetry and this can permit the rare decays Z/sup 0/..-->..Qq-bar through radiative corrections, where Q and q are quarks of different flavor. The most distinguishable such decay mode is found to be Z/sup 0/..-->..tc-bar, which could be observed at future e/sup +/e/sup -/ machines for some ''typical'' values of the masses of the supersymmetric particles and top quark. This is in contrast to the standard model, where the rate is very small and so the discovery of such a mode could be a dramatic indication of new physics.
Combustion performance of pyrolysis oil/ethanol blends in a residential-scale oil-fired boiler ☆

Abstract A 40 kWth oil-fired commercial boiler was fueled with blends of biomass pyrolysis oil (py-oil) and ethanol to determine the feasibility of using these blends as a replacement for fuel oil in home heating applications. An optimal set of test parameters was determined for the combustion of these blends with minimal soot and carbon monoxide formation. These set parameters were used to compare the performance of blends of ethanol with different concentrations of py-oil (10%, 20%, and 30% py-oil by mass) and py-oil produced from different biomass feedstocks, including switchgrass, miscanthus, eucalyptus, pennycress, forest residues, and soiled animal bedding, using #2 fuel oil as a control. Performance was measured in terms of the total heat input, the axial temperature profile of the combustion chamber, the gross heat output, and heat losses to the flue gas. Exhaust gas was analyzed for O 2 , CO 2 , CO, NO x , and total hydrocarbon concentration. It was found that a blend of 20% py-oil/80% ethanol could be used as a fuel in residential boilers with minimal retrofitting. This blend ratio produced no detectable change in the CO and hydrocarbon emissions compared to #2 fuel oil. When the py-oil fraction of this blend was produced from biomass with low amounts of nitrogen such as eucalyptus, NO x emissions were reduced by 12% compared to #2 fuel oil. When the py-oil was produced from proteinaceous feedstocks the py-oil stability improved but high nitrogen led to an order of magnitude increase in NO x emissions.
A novel six-port circuit based on four quadrature hybrids

A novel six-port circuit is proposed and demonstrated. The circuit is based on four quadrature hybrids. A prototype circuit is fabricated and characterized with microstrip lines. Reflection coefficients for a few loads are measured with the fabricated circuit to evaluate its performance. The results agree with those from an HP8510C network analyzer reasonably well. Using active inductors and varactors, the six-port circuit is also designed with a 0.13 μm CMOS process. The simulation results show that the operating frequency is tunable from 1 to 6.8 GHz. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE, 2010.
Cardiopulmonary bypass reduces peripheral microvascular contractile function by inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase activity.

Abstract Background. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) have been implicated in pathophysiologic responses to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). MAPK are deactivated by phosphatases, such as MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1). We hypothesized that MAPK mediate peripheral microvascular contractile dysfunction caused by CPB in humans. Methods. Skeletal muscle was harvested before and after CPB. Protein levels of MKP-1 and activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 were measured. MKP-1 gene expression was measured. Peripheral microvessel responses to vasopressors were studied by videomicroscopy. Contractile function also was measured after MAPK inhibition with PD98059 (ERK1/2) and SB203580 (p38). ERK1/2, p38, and MKP-1 were localized by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Results. ERK1/2 and p38 activity was decreased in peripheral tissue after CPB. MKP-1 was increased after CPB. Contractile responses of peripheral arterioles to phenylephrine and vasopressin were decreased after CPB. Microvessel reactivity also was reduced after treatment with PD98059 and SB203580. ERK1/2, p38, and MKP-1 localized to peripheral arterioles in tissue sections. Conclusion. CPB reduces ERK1/2 and p38 activity in peripheral tissue, potentially by MKP-1. Contractile responses of peripheral arterioles to phenylephrine and vasopressin are dependent on ERK1/2 and p38 and are decreased after CPB. These results suggest that alterations in MAPK pathways in part regulate peripheral microvascular dysfunction after CPB in humans. (Surgery 2003;134:247-54.)
Anger as a cue to truthfulness

A fairly robust finding in the deception literature is that lie-tellers show more negative emotion than truth-tellers. Ekman (1985), however, has reasoned that a specific type of negative emotion – anger – is especially difficult to feign and therefore should be more prevalent in truth-tellers who are falsely accused of a transgression than in lie-tellers who are guilty. To our knowledge, Ekman’s prediction has not yet been empirically tested. By comparing the verbal and nonverbal cues associated with truths and lies across a number of lie-eliciting situations, we demonstrate that truth-tellers accused of a wrongdoing do show more anger, both verbally and nonverbally, than lie-tellers accused of the same act, but only in situations where students choose to commit a transgression (or not) and actually believe themselves to be in trouble. Results underlie the importance of taking into consideration the type of lie being told in order to accurately predict deceptive cues.
A formulation concerning the electrical effects of axon variations from cylindrical shape: Spindle cells and bulbous synapses

Abstract The reformulation [5, 6] of the equations of A. L. Hodgkin and A. F. Huxley, designed to eliminate a gross numerical instability found in [4], still treats axons which are circular cylinders. Here an investigation in precise terms is undertaken to determine the electrical effects of cross-section perimeter variations with distance on the axon. The H-H empirical determinations relating to the ion conductances of the membrane of the giant axon of the squid Loligo, being the only such data available in precise terms, are still used. We develop the necessary partial differential equations and find that a certain set of ordinary differential equations, modified to account for radius variations, can be used to model the electrical behavior of some important axons which are still thin but markedly noncylindrical. It is assumed that a bulbous chemical synapse can still be treated as thin, although the perimeter of the cross section at the widest girth of the cell body is quite large compared to that at the hillock. It is more obvious, but perhaps not so important, that spindle cells can be so treated.
Neural network approach to fatigue-crack-growth predictions under aircraft spectrum loadings

An artificial neural network (NN) method is developed to represent the fatigue-crack-growth and cycle relationships under spectrum loadings of the Mirage aircraft operated by the Royal Australian Air Force. This method utilizes load cycle spectrum using available flight and experimental data for crack growth vs cycles as input. The trained network is able to predict the relationship between the crack-growth and the loading cycles. The neural network is able to predict the crack-growth cycle behavior for different variations in the original loading spectrums. The results predicted by the NN model seem reasonable and the model is capable of representing crack-growth behavior for various arbitrary aircraft spectrum loadings with certain limitations. In addition, an attempt is made to predict the material parameters for Walker's fatigue-crack-growth relationship using a different neural network. Because of the demonstrated performance, it is possible that the proposed NN approach can be extended with more research effort to estimate the fatigue life of arbitrary cracked structural components under complex loadings in real time.
Efficient image compression algorithm

An image compression algorithm is described in this research paper. The algorithm is an extension of the run-length image compression algorithm. The implementation of this algorithm is relatively easy. This algorithm was implemented and compared with other existing popular compression algorithms. As we show in this paper, sometimes our algorithm is best in terms of saving memory space, and sometimes one of the competing algorithms is best. Once the data is in the real memory a relatively simple and fast transformation is applied to uncompress the file. In image processing and computer graphics a scene drawn on the screen requires considerable amount of RAM space. This space in todays computers is in the order of 1 Mb. To create animation it is often required that we calculate several scenes, some of them stored on the disk and considerable number of them stored in real memory. Our algorithm compresses images that ordinarily take in the order of 1 Mb of memory to a few tens of Kbs of memory thus enabling us to store many images in real memory in a relatively small space.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Products of idempotents in algebraic monoids

Let M be a reductive algebraic monoid with zero and unit group G. We obtain a description of the submonoid generated by the idempotents of M. In particular, we find necessary and sufficient conditions for M/G to be idempotent generated.
A Supercode for Inflammation

Siegelman and colleagues demonstrate unexpected synergism of CD44 and VLA-4 during lymphocyte extravasation. This is the first time that molecules mediating rolling and firm adhesion have been shown to associate biochemically leading to direct functional cooperation.
TGFβ1 selectively up-regulates CCR1 expression in primary murine astrocytes

Chemokine receptors dictate the cellular responses to chemokines on target cells. Therefore, the regulation of expression of chemokine receptors is likely a crucial point for the regulation of chemokine action. Here we show that CC chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1) expression by primary mouse astrocytes is increased after transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) stimulation. TGFbeta1 caused a pronounced up-regulation of CCR1 mRNA in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. TGFbeta1-mediated increase of CCR1 mRNA accumulation resulted in increased CCR1 protein expression and augmented cell migration to a physiological ligand, macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha). The half life of CCR1 mRNA in the presence and absence of TGFbeta1 stimulation was comparable, suggesting that TGFbeta1-induced CCR1 mRNA accumulation occurred at the transcriptional level. TGFbeta1 did not affect CCR1 mRNA expression in hematopoietic cells, indicating that TGFbeta1 effect on CCR1 expression in primary astrocytes is cell-type specific. This is the first evidence that TGFbeta1 may modulate central nervous system (CNS) inflammation in part by affecting chemokine receptor expression on astrocytes.
THE 'COLLECTIVE' INTERPRETATION OF UTILITARIAN GENERALIZATION

Utilitarian Generalization (UG) is the theory that an act is right if and only if the consequences of everyone's performing that sort of action would be at least as good as the consequences of everyone's performing any alternative sort of action. A standard issue raised by the theory is how we specify what 'sort' an action is for purposes of applying the theory. According to David Lyons, the action's 'sort' is determined by all and only its 'consequentially significant' properties, i.e., those in virtue of which it produces utilities or disutilitiesJ This implies that in certain cases the action's sort must refer to the activities of other agents, for they form an important part of the action's circumstances which contribute to the production of its consequences. In applying UG, one must determine what the consequences would be of everyone's performing acts of the relevant sort; this in turn requires one to determine how many agents will have the opportunity to perform acts of this sort) But, as Sobel and Silverstein have pointed out, the question 'How many agents can perform acts of type A ?' can be interpreted in two different ways. 3 On the more natural distributive interpretation, the question means 'How many agents will have as individuals the opportunity to perform an act of type A ?' Since there are insurmountable difficulties with the theory on this interpretation, these investigators have urged a second, or collective, interpretation, according to which the question means 'How many agents can perform acts of type A collectively or together?' Clearly the answers to these two questions are different, for, when two people pass each other on the street without saying anything, both have the opportunity as individuals to be the only one to say 'hello ', but it is possible for only one of them to perform this act when they are viewed as a collectivity. In a previous paper I argued that the distributive version of UG (on a Lyons-type interpretation) cannot be used by agents as an action-guide, since in many cases an agent who attempts to use it in deciding whether or not to perform an act of type A cannot determine how many agents will have the
Degradation of Low-Energy Electrons in Alkali Halides

The degradation of low-energy electrons in alkali halides is calculated using Gryzinski's cross-section and the Monte Carlo method. The stopping power, the extrapolated range, and the degradation spectrum are obtained in the energy range of 100 to 15000 eV and compared with the results of other theoretical and experimental studies. The yield of double ionization produced by the Auger process and by the direct process is also obtained, and it is shown that the former increases as the energy of the incident electron increases, and the latter decreases as the energy increases above a certain value which is about three times the direct double ionization energy. Die Degradation der Elektronen mit niedriger Energie in Alkalihalogeniden wurde mit Hilfe der Gryzinskischen Querschnitte und der Monte Carlo-Methode berechnet. Das Bremsvermogen, die Reichweite und das Energiespektrum wurden im Energiebereich von 100 bis 15000 eV bestimmt und mit anderen theoretischen sowie experimentellen Ergebnissen verglichen. Die Ausbeute der durch Augerprozesse und durch direkte Prozesse erzeugten Doppelionisierung wurde ebenfalls erhalten. Es zeigt sich, das sie mit zunehmender Energie der einfallenden Elektronen im ersten Fall zunimmt, im zweiten Fall dagegen abnimmt, wenn die Energie ungefahr das Dreifache der direkten Doppelionisierungsenergie ubertrifft.
Anxiety, somatic complaints, and depressive symptoms in rural adolescents.

PROBLEM Undiagnosed and untreated anxiety in adolescents is often associated with greater rates of mood and behavior problems, somatic complaints, and risk for future psychiatric disorders. METHODS A self-report anxiety instrument was administered as part of a community survey of 466 rural adolescents. FINDINGS Anxiety symptoms were strongly correlated with both physical complaints and depression. Females had higher scores for total anxiety and the anxiety subtypes of generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, and school phobia. CONCLUSIONS Implications for nursing practice are provided.