cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interferon Consensus Sequence-binding Protein Is Constitutively Expressed and Differentially Regulated in the Ocular Lens

Abstract Interferon signaling is mediated by STATs and interferon regulatory factor (IRF) families of transcription factors. Ten distinct IRFs have been described and most are expressed in a variety of cells except for interferon consensus sequence-binding protein (ICSBP) and lymphoid-specific IRF/Pip that are thought to be exclusively expressed in lymphoid cells. We show here for the first time that ICSBP is constitutively and inducibly expressed in the mouse lens. In contrast to lymphoid cells with exclusive expression of ICSBP in the nucleus, ICSBP is present in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of the lens cell. However, ICSBP in the nucleus is of lower apparent molecular weight. We further show that the ICSBP promoter is constitutively bound by lens nuclear factors and that its activation requires binding of additional factors including STAT1. Furthermore, transcriptional activation of ICSBP gene by interferon γ is accompanied by selective nuclear localization of ICSBP in proliferating epithelial cells but not in the nuclei of nondividing cells in the lens fiber compartment. Constitutive and inducible expression of ICSBP in the ocular lens and differential regulation of its subcellular localization in the developing lens suggest that ICSBP may have nonimmunity related functions and that the commonly held view that it is lymphoid-specific be modified.
Considerations of Alloy 617 Application in the Gen IV Nuclear Reactor Systems: Part I—Mechanical Property Challenges

Alloy 617 is currently considered as a leading candidate material for high temperature components in the Gen IV Nuclear Reactor Systems. Because of the unprecedented severe working conditions beyond its commercial service experience required by the Gen IV systems, the alloy faces various challenges in both mechanical and metallurgical properties. This paper, as Part I of the discussion, is focused on the challenges and issues in the mechanical properties of Alloy 617 for the intended nuclear application. Considerations are given in details in its mechanical property data scatter, low creep strength in the desired high temperature range, lack of long-term creep curves, high loading rate dependency, and preponderant tertiary creep. Some research and development activities are suggested with discussions on their viability to satisfy the Gen IV Nuclear Reactor Systems needs in near future and in the long run.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Spry2 expression correlates with BRAF mutation in thyroid cancer.

Background BRAF mutations activate the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and often confer an aggressive thyroid cancer (TC) phenotype. Spry2 is an inducible negative feedback regulator of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Spry2 in TC. Methods TC cell lines were analyzed for Spry2 expression and MAPK pathway activation. Cells were treated with MEK inhibitor and Spry2 small hairpin RNA. Cells were analyzed for Spry2 expression and MEK/ERK phosphorylation (pMEK, pERK). Thirty human papillary TCs were analyzed for mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activating mutations and Spry2 expression. Results Increased baseline pMEK levels and Spry2 expression was found in BRAF V600E mutant (BRAF+) cells. MEK inhibition in BRAF+ cells showed decreased Spry2 expression and decreased pMEK/pERK levels. From our tissue samples, 10 papillary TCs had BRAF mutation, and increased Spry2 expression was found only in BRAF+ tumors. Conclusion Spry2 expression correlates with BRAF status in vitro and in human tissue. Spry2 may serve as a negative feedback regulator of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in BRAF+ TC. Increased Spry2 expression may serve as a surrogate marker of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation with prognostic and therapeutic implications.
Advanced Ordinary Differential Equations in an Engineering Environment: A Computer-Assisted Approach

(1980). Advanced Ordinary Differential Equations in an Engineering Environment: A Computer-Assisted Approach. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 87, No. 8, pp. 662-669.
Acute lung injury: outcomes and new therapies

Abstract Mortality rates in ARDS are improving, with several recent studies reporting mortality in the order of 20–40% rather than the early descriptions of this disease in which a mortality of 40–60% or higher was frequently cited. The ability to accurately predict outcomes plays an important role in the assessment of the impact of new therapies. Traditionally clinicians have relied on simple respiratory indices to assess mortality risk; however, the predictive ability of such indices, particularly early in the course of the disease, is somewhat limited. Adult data suggest that improved prediction not only of the outcome of established ARDS but also of the development of ARDS in at-risk patients may be obtained by measuring the concentrations of inflammatory mediators and/or surfactant-associated proteins in plasma or bronchoalveolar lavage samples. A bewildering array of therapies for ARDS is available; in many cases the benefits are uncertain. Treatments of proven value in adults include using PEEP beyond the lower inflection point of the pressure-volume curve and limiting tidal volumes to 6 ml/kg. Nitric oxide appears to offer no benefit to outcomes, although it does improve oxygenation in some patients. Surfactant is still undergoing assessment in randomised controlled trials; however, the use of aerosolised surfactant has been recently shown to be ineffective in adult patients with ARDS. Perfluorocarbon-assisted gas exchange (PAGE) or partial liquid ventilation is similarly still being assessed in randomised controlled trials in adults.
Microfabricated Silicon Mixers for Submillisecond Quench-Flow Analysis

Elucidation of fast chemical reactions such as protein folding requires resolution on a submillisecond time scale. However, most quench-flow and stop-flow techniques only allow chemical processes to be studied after a few milliseconds have elapsed. In order to shorten the minimum observation time for quench-flow experiments, we designed a miniaturized mixer assembly. Two “T” mixers connected by a channel are etched into a 1 cm × 1 cm silicon chip which is interfaced with a commercially available quench-flow instrument. Decreasing the volume of the mixing chambers and the distance between them results in an instrument with greatly reduced dead times. As a test of submillisecond measurements, we studied the basic hydrolysis of phenyl chloroacetate. This reaction proceeds with a second-order rate constant, k = 430 M^(-1) s^(-1), and shows pseudo-first-order kinetics at high hydroxide concentrations. The chemical reaction data demonstrate that the silicon device is capable of initiating and quenching chemical reactions in time intervals as short as 110 μs. The performance of these mixers was further confirmed by visualization using acid-base indicators.
Application of the Least-Squares Method*

The least-squares method for optical correction, described in a previous paper is here modified slightly. An “unsophisticated” bending is used, and this permits the use of lens separations as variables. Two applications of the least-squares procedure lead to a good simultaneous correction in all four pencils used.
FM ultrasonography: A revolution?

FM sonography—a signal-processing technique that uses frequency and phase information as well as amplitude data—shows promise in evaluation of patients with diffuse liver disease. In a prospective blinded review of 37 patients with biopsyproved liver disease and 42 healthy volunteers, FM sonography was clearly superior to traditional amplitude-based (AM) sonography in distinguishing healthy from diseased subjects. Statistically significant differences were seen in accuracy (FM, 98.7%; AM, 84.8%), sensitivity (FM, 97.3%; AM, 70.3%), and negative predictive value (FM, 97.7%; AM, 78.8%). Our data also suggest that current FM sonographic techniques cannot differentiate among histologic findings associated with different hepatic parenchymal abnormalitites. It is unclear, therefore, whether FM imaging can reduce the numbers of patients who require biopsy for diagnosis or the frequency of biopsy procedures in patients with known disease.
Opening Organizational Archives to Research: Analog Measures of Organizational Commitment

This research applied the construct equivalence approach for deriving and empirically validating analog measures based on data not originally designed to measure the theoretical constructs of inter...
Biocompatible nanolayered polymerization of MEMS devices

Deposition of polymeric and biocompatible nanolayers on the solid-state substrates is done using a simple vacuum chamber. The chemical characteristics of the deposited nanolayer are analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The surface morphology of the nanolayers is analyzed using contact angle goniometer and scanning electron microscopy. The coated nanolayers show excellent stability in different chemical surroundings including the physiological pH therefore making it applicable in coating 3D MEMS devices and body implants which need medicated coating. A micropore is coated with this approach and results depict uniform coating of the structure.
Risk of death after hospital discharge with traumatic spinal cord injury: a population-based analysis, 1998-2009

Abstract Objective To investigate risk factors associated with mortality among people with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) after discharge from acute care hospitals in South Carolina and to compare their mortality experiences with the general population. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Sixty-two acute care, nonfederal hospitals. Participants Persons (N=2685) with TSCI. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Death after TSCI from all causes within 4288 days of observation after discharge from acute care facilities. Results The crude annual mortality rate during the period was 33 per 1000 person-years. Number of comorbidities, admission into trauma centers, advancing age, type of insurance, injury level and completeness, and being a man were significantly associated ( P Conclusions The causes of postdischarge deaths are multifactorial, and more emphasis should be placed on managing and monitoring chronic diseases throughout the recovery process to improve the survivorship of people with TSCI.
RELATION OF THYMIDYLATE SYNTHETASE (TS) ACTIVITY TO DNA ACCUMULATION RATE IN DEVELOPING RAT CEREBELLUM: EFFECT OF HYPER- AND HYPOTHYROIDISM

TS, an enzyme of the pathway by which uridylate (an RNA precursor) is converted to thymidylate (a DNA precursor), is elevated in cells undergoing replicative DNA synthesis. We measured TS activity and DNA content in developing cerebellum of normal, thyroxine-treated, and propylthiouracil-treated neonatal rats. An expression for cerebellar DNA accumulation rate (DAR) was derived by differentiation of the equation obtained using the method of least squares to fit a slgmoid curve (y=A/l+be−cc) to cerebellar DNA content versus age. Hyperthyroidism induced by thyroxine significantly increased both TS activity and DAR above control values on days 2-7, and significantly decreased both measurements below control on days 9-15. The coefficient of correlation between TS activity and DAR was 0.96 for control and hyperthyrold pups. Hypothyroidism induced by administration of propylthiouracil (PTU) to nursing dams significantly decreased both TS activity and DAR below control values by age 5 days and significantly increased both measurements above control on days 15-21. The coefficient of correlation between TS activity and DAR was 0.98 for pups of both control and PTU-treated dams. The close correlation between cerebellar TS and DAR in control, hyperthyroid, and hypothyroid animals supports the possibility that TS may be critical in the control of cell replication rate in developing rat cerebellum.
Hyperostosis Frontalis Interna

AN 85-YEAR-OLD womanunderwenta headmagneticresonance imaging scan forevaluationofprogressive gait difficulty and memory decline. Her examination findings showedmarkedshort-termmemory problems and postural instability withmildextrapyramidalsigns.She had a history of chronic hypertension but no history of any endocrinopathy. She was receiving diltiazem, hydralazine, and sertraline. Bloodlaboratorytestresultsshowed no significant abnormalities. Brain magnetic resonance images showed severe thickening of the inner table of the skull, with prominent bone lobulations in the frontal regions (Figure), typical of hyperostosisfrontalisinterna(HFI). She also had severe, diffuse smallvessel ischemic changes, most severeinthebilateralbasalgangliaregions (not shown), which probably were the cause of her gait instability, extrapyramidal signs, and memory problems. Hyperostosis frontalis interna is an abnormality of the inner table of the frontal bones of the skull consistingoftypicallysmooth,rounded enostoses covered by dura and projectingintothecranialcavity. 1 These enostosesaretypicallylessthan1cm thick;therefore,theHFIobservedin our patient was unusually severe. Hyperostosis frontalis interna is typically an incidental finding on plain x-ray films, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance images of the head. It has been reported in 5% to 12% of the general population, 2 butismorecommonin elderly patients and postmenopausal women, especially when associatedwithobesity. 2,3 CasesofHFI have been reported in association withanumberofconditionssuchas diabetes, thyroid disorders, virilism,hypertrichosis,acromegaly,obesity, pregnancy, or psychoneurotic symptoms. 1-3 The syndrome of HFI, obesity,virulism,andmentaldisturbance is referred to as MorgagniStewart-Morelsyndrome. 1 Thepathophysiology of HFI is unclear but
A cross-sectional study of vitamin intake in postoperative non-small cell lung cancer patients

Background and Objectives: This cross-sectional study of postoperative non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients examined possible effects of vitamin intake and folate status on disease-free survival. Methods Supplemental vitamin usage, dietary vitamin intake (Willett Food Frequency Questionnaire), red blood cell (RBC) folate, and serum folate concentrations were assessed in patients with a history of NSCLC. Exclusion criteria included factors that alter folate status or that are associated with altered nutritional habits: (1) evidence of cancer on history, physical, or chest radiograph; (2) tobacco, alcohol ingestion (>2 drinks/day), or cancer treatment within 3 months; (3) use of folate antagonists; and (4) age <60 years. Results 36 subjects were evaluated. The median disease-free censored survival was 24 months (range 4–41). Nineteen of 36 patients (53%) reported vitamin supplementation. Vitamin users had a longer median censored survival compared with nonusers (41 months versus 11 months; P = 0.002). With adjustment for cancer stage, the association between RBC folate and censored survival (r = 0.35; P e P &equals 0.083) approached statistical significance. Conclusions NSCLC patients who took vitamin supplements were more likely to be long-term survivors in the patients studied; a similar trend toward long-term survival was seen among patients with higher circulating folate concentrations. J. Surg. Oncol. 68:231–236, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Measuring smoking-related preoccupation and compulsive drive: evaluation of the obsessive compulsive smoking scale

Rationale Tobacco use for many people is compulsive in nature. Compelling theories of how smoking becomes compulsive exist but are largely based on extrapolation from neuroscience findings. Research on smokers is impeded, in part, by a lack of instruments that specifically measure compulsive smoking.
Occurrence of the Waxy Alleles wxa and wxb in Waxy Sorghum Plant Introductions and Their Effect on Starch Thermal Properties

The existence of two waxy alleles, wx a associated with no detectable granule bound starch synthase (GBSS) and wx b associated with apparently inactive GBSS, was recently reported in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. In this paper, the occurrence of the wx a and wx b alleles in the USDA-ARS photoperiod-insensitive sorghum collection was determined, and the effects of the wx a and wx b alleles on thermal properties of sorghum starch (gelatinization temperatures and energy requirements) measured by differential scanning catorimetry. Of the 51 purported waxy accessions examined, 14 tested positive for presence of amylose by iodine staining and were considered to be previously misclassified wild-type lines. Nine accessions were mixed for presence or absence of amylose. Twenty-four of the 28 accessions confirmed to be waxy by negative iodine staining for amylose had no detectable GBSS using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SOS-PAGE) (wx a ), and four were show to contain GBSS (wx b ). Mean gelatinization onset, peak, and end temperatures were significantly lower for wild-type than either of the two waxy genotypes. Mean gelatinization onset temperature was slightly higher for waxy-GBSS+ genotypes than waxy-GBSSgenotypes. Mean gelatinization end temperature was slightly higher for waxy-GBSS- genotypes than waxy-GBSS+ genotypes. Significant genetic variation was observed within genotypic classes, suggesting influence of additional modifier genes affecting sorghum starch structure or micro-environmental effects.
The Ã-state dissociation continuum of NO-Ar and its near infrared spectrum

After preparing NO-Ar in a vibrational state correlating with the first overtone vibration in NO, we recorded its hot band UV spectrum by monitoring simultaneously the intensity in the NO+ and the NO+-Ar ion channels. In this way, the bound as well as the continuous part of the electronic A←X spectrum are observed directly. Below the dissociation threshold, the intensity is found exclusively in the NO+-Ar ion channel while above it is found in the NO fragment ion channel. We observe simultaneously intensity in both ion channels only for a very narrow frequency range near the dissociation threshold. Structures in the dissociation spectrum correlate well with the thresholds for production of NO(A) in different rotational states. At frequencies well above the dissociation threshold, NO-Ar is detected efficiently as a NO fragment. This fact has been exploited to record the near IR spectrum of NO-Ar with significantly increased sensitivity. The dissociation detected spectra are essentially identical to our p...
Placental anti-oxidant gene polymorphisms, enzyme activity, and oxidative stress in preeclampsia

Abstract The etiology and pathophysiology of preeclampsia are not fully understood. However, oxidative stress has been strongly linked to the occurrence of this multi-system disease. This has led to many theories of the pathogenesis of preeclampsia involving placental oxidative stress. In this study, we hypothesized that polymorphisms of anti-oxidant genes in the placental tissue contributed to susceptibility to preeclampsia. Polymorphisms in copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), glutathione- S -transferase M1 (GSTM1), and glutathione- S -transferase T1 (GSTT1) in the umbilical cord tissue were assayed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 23 nulliparous preeclampsia cases and 32 nulliparous normotensive controls. Corresponding enzyme activity levels and an oxidative stress biomarker (8-isoprostane) of the placental tissue were also measured. In addition, maternal plasma 8-isoprostane levels were also determined. Our results showed that no significant differences in polymorphism frequency of the tested genes, enzyme activity levels or 8-isoprostane levels in the placental tissue were detected between the cases and controls. However, maternal plasma 8-isoprostane level was significantly higher in the cases than in the controls (105.8 vs. 27.9pg/ml, p =0.03). In conclusion, our study showed that polymorphisms of CuZn-SOD, MnSOD, GSTM1 and GSTT1 in the placental tissue were not associated with preeclampsia.
A circadian rhythm regulating hyphal melanization in Cercospora kikuchii

Many metabolic and developmental processes in fungi are controlled by biological rhythms. Circadian rhythms approximate a daily (24 h) cycle and have been thoroughly studied in the model fungus, Neurospora crassa. However relatively few examples of true circadian rhythms have been documented among other filamentous fungi. In this study we describe a circadian rhythm underlying hyphal melanization in Cercospora kikuchii, an important pathogen of soybean. After growth in light or light : dark cycles, colonies transferred to darkness produced zonate bands of melanized hyphae interspersed with bands of hyaline hyphae. Rhythmic production of bands was remarkably persistent in the absence of external cues, lasting at least 7 d after transfer to darkness, and was compensated over a range of temperatures. As in N. crassa, blue light but not red light was sufficient to entrain the circadian rhythm in C. kikuchii, and a putative ortholog of white collar-1, one of the genes required for light responses in N. crassa, was identified in C. kikuchii. Circadian regulation of melanization is conserved in other members of the genus: Similar rhythms were identified in another field isolate of C. kikuchii as well as field isolates of C. beticola and C. sorghi, but not in wild-type strains of C. zeae-maydis or C. zeina. This report represents the first documented circadian rhythm among Dothideomycete fungi and provides a new opportunity to dissect the molecular basis of circadian rhythms among filamentous fungi.
System-level, thermal-aware, fully-loaded process scheduling

Processor power consumption produces significant heat and can result in higher average operating temperatures. High operating temperatures can lead to reduced reliability and at times thermal emergencies. Previous thermal-aware techniques use dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) or multithreaded or multicore process migration to reduce thermals. However, these methods do not gracefully handle scenarios where processors are fully loaded, i.e. there are no free threads or cores for process scheduling. We propose techniques to reduce processor temperature when processors are fully loaded. We use system-level compiler support and dynamic runtime instrumentation to identify the relative thermal intensity of processes. We implement a thermal-aware process scheduling algorithm that reduces processor thermals while maintaining application throughput. We favor "cool" processes by reducing time slice allocations for "hot" processes. Results indicate that our thermal-aware scheduling can reduce processor thermals by up to 3 degrees Celsius with little to no loss in application throughput.
Controller design for dispatch of IGCC power plants

The Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) possesses a number of benefits over traditional power generation plants, ranging from increased energy conversion efficiency to flex-fuel and carbon capture opportunities. A less known benefit of the IGCC configuration is the ability to load track electricity market demands. The idea being that material storage can be used to time-shift power production away from periods of low power value to periods of high power value. In this work, we present a supervisory control scheme, known as Market Responsive Control (MRC), which has the objective of maximizing revenue for a given level of plant dispatchablity. The design of this controller is achieved by a fairly simple convex optimization problem. The MRC method is then embedded within an equipment design algorithm. This extended algorithm, known as MRC Embedded Equipment Design (MRC-EED), has the objective maximizing Net Present Value (NPV) in an effort to size the storage units as well as the required energy conversion devices. The design options considered in this study focus on hydrogen and compressed air storage as well as ramping abilities of the gasification block. Under the economic assumptions of this study, it is concluded that the NPV of the hydrogen storage option is significant, while that of compressed air is much less favorable. Finally, no scenario could be found in which ramping of the gasification block provided a positive NPV.
Recent results for the 1.5-MW, 110-GHz gyrotron experiment

High power gyrotrons used for ECH heating of the DIII-D Tokamak at General Atomics have been able to produce 1 MW at 110 GHz for close to 10 s. The next generation of these tubes is being designed and built to produce 1.5 MW. The gyrotron design includes a 96 W, 40 A MIG electron gun to achieve a microwave efficiency of 39% in the TE/sub 22,6/ mode. The physics and engineering features of the 1.5 MW, 110 GHz gyrotron are being examined at MIT, where a short (3 /spl mu/s) pulse experimental version of the gyrotron is used for testing the gun and cavity design. In this study we present the most recent results of these experiments.
Activation of Aromatic, Aliphatic, and Olefinic Carbon–Fluorine Bonds Using Cp*2HfH2

The hafnium hydride Cp*2HfH2 is reacted with a series of fluorocarbons to examine the scope of C–F bond activation. Aromatic, vinylic, and aliphatic C–F bonds all show some degree of reactivity, and possible mechanisms are discussed. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Toll-like receptor ligand links innate and adaptive immune responses by the production of heat-shock proteins.

The report shows that CpG can exert additional adjuvant effects by inducing cells that are normally inferior antigen (Ag)-presenting cells to participate in immune induction by cross-prim- ing. Macrophages (M) exposed to protein Ag in the presence of bioactive CpG DNA released ma- terial that induced primary CD8 T cell responses in DC-naive T cell cultures. This cross-priming event was accompanied by up-regulation of the stress protein response as well as inflammatory cy- tokine expression in treated M. The material re- leased was indicated to contain inducible heat shock protein-70 and epitope peptide, which in turn, were presented by dendritic cells (DCs) to responder T cells. Such an adjuvant effect by CpG may serve to salvage immunogenic material from otherwise inert depot cellular sites and additionally stimulate DCs to effectively cross-prime. The cross-priming, shown also to occur in vivo, may be particularly useful when Ag doses are low and have minimal opportunity for delivery to DCs for con- sequent direct priming. J. Leukoc. Biol. 73: 574-583; 2003.
Three Prevacuolar Compartment Rab GTPases Impact Candida albicans Hyphal Growth

Disruption of vacuolar biogenesis in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans causes profound defects in polarized hyphal growth. However, the precise vacuolar pathways involved in yeast-hypha differentiation have not been determined. Previously we focused on Vps21p, a Rab GTPase involved in directing vacuolar trafficking through the late endosomal prevacuolar compartment (PVC). Herein, we identify two additional Vps21p-related GTPases, Ypt52p and Ypt53p, that colocalize with Vps21p and can suppress the hyphal defects of the vps21Δ/Δ mutant. Phenotypic analysis of gene deletion strains revealed that loss of both VPS21 and YPT52 causes synthetic defects in endocytic trafficking to the vacuole, as well as delivery of the virulence-associated vacuolar membrane protein Mlt1p from the Golgi compartment. Transcription of all three GTPase-encoding genes is increased under hyphal growth conditions, and overexpression of the transcription factor Ume6p is sufficient to increase the transcription of these genes. While only the vps21Δ/Δ single mutant has hyphal growth defects, these were greatly exacerbated in a vps21Δ/Δ ypt52Δ/Δ double mutant. On the basis of relative expression levels and phenotypic analysis of gene deletion strains, Vps21p is the most important of the three GTPases, followed by Ypt52p, while Ypt53p has an only marginal impact on C. albicans physiology. Finally, disruption of a nonendosomal AP-3-dependent vacuolar trafficking pathway in the vps21Δ/Δ ypt52Δ/Δ mutant, further exacerbated the stress and hyphal growth defects. These findings underscore the importance of membrane trafficking through the PVC in sustaining the invasive hyphal growth form of C. albicans.
A comparison of the speed, success rate, and retention of rescue airway devices placed by first-responder emergency medical technicians: a high-fidelity human patient simulation study.

Abstract Background Current airway management for most first-responder basic emergency medical technicians (EMT-Bs) does not include the use of blind-advanced-airway devices. Objective To compare the speed, success rates, and skill retention with which EMT-Bs providers can place three blind-advanced-airway devices. Methods Prospective study of 43 EMT-Bs trained in the use of the Esophageal-Tracheal-Combitube ® (ETC), King LT ® (KLT), and Laryngeal Mask Airway ™ (LMA). The time it took each participant to place each device correctly and ventilate a human patient simulator was assessed. Primary outcome measures were the success rate of proper insertion for each device and time interval from initiation of mouth insertion to initiation of chest rise. To assess skill retention, at 3 months the providers were reassessed under exact conditions. Results At Day 1, time required to place an ETC, LMA, and KLT were 32.7 ± 12.3, 19.2 ± 6.2, and 20.1 ± 6.6 s, respectively. Using paired t -tests, LMA and KLT were faster than ETC, p p p = 0.0034 (36.4 ± 13.1 ETC, 24.8 ± 12.4 LMA, 19.0 ± 6.9 KLT). There was no statistical difference of failures in placing any device. Conclusions Comparison of three rescue airway devices placed by EMT-Bs providers showed that it takes significantly longer to place an ETC compared to an LMA and KLT both on Day 1 and 3 months later. Three-month retention studies revealed that it took significantly longer to place an LMA compared to the KLT.
Chem-Prep PZT 95/5 for Neutron Generator Applications: Effects of Lead Stoichiometry on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of PZT 95/5

The microstructure and mechanical properties of niobium-modified lead zirconate titanate (PNZT) 95/5 ceramics, where 95/5 refers to the ratio of lead zirconate to lead titanate, were evaluated as a function of lead (Pb) stoichiometry. Chemically-prepared PNZT 95/5 is produced at Sandia National Laboratories by the Ceramics and Glass Processing Department (14154) for use as voltage elements in ferroelectric neutron generator power supplies. PNZT 95/5 was prepared according to the nominal formulation of Pb{sub 0.991+x}(Zr{sub 0.955}Ti{sub 0.045}){sub 0.982}Nb{sub 0.018}O{sub 3+x}, where x (-0.0274 {approx}< x {approx}< 0.0297) refers to the mole fraction of Pb and O that deviated from the stoichiometric value. The Pb concentrations were determined from calcined powders; no adjustments were made to Pb compositions due to weight loss during sintering. The microstructure (second phases, fracture mode and grain size) varied appreciably with Pb stoichiometry, whereas the mechanical properties (hardness, fracture toughness, strength and Weibull parameters) exhibited modest variation. Specimens deficient in Pb, 2.74% (x = -0.0274) and 2.15% (x = -0.02150), had a high area fraction of a zirconia (ZrO{sub 2}) second phase on the order of 0.02. As the Pb content in solid solution increased the ZrO{sub 2} content decreased; no ZrO{sub 2} was observed for themore » specimen containing 2.97% excess Pb (x = 0.0297). Over the range of Pb stoichiometry most specimens fractured predominately transgranularly; however, 2.97% Pb excess PNZT 95/5 fractured predominately intergranularly. No systematic changes in hardness or Weibull modulus were observed as a function of Pb content. Fracture toughness decreased slightly from 1.8 MPa{center_dot}m{sup 1/2} for Pb deficient specimens to 1.6 MPa{center_dot}m{sup 1/2} for specimens with excess Pb. Although there are microstructural differences with changes in Pb content, the mechanical properties did not vary substantially. However, the average failure stress and fracture toughness for PNZT 95/5 containing 2.97% excess Pb decreased slightly. It is expected that additional increases in Pb content would result in further mechanical property degradation. The decrease in mechanical properties for the 2.97% Pb excess ceramics could be the result of a weaker PbO-rich grain boundary phase present in the material. If better mechanical properties are desired, it is recommended that PNZT 95/5 ceramics are processed by a method whereby any excess Pb is depleted from the final sintered ceramic so that near-stoichiometric values of Pb concentration are reached. Otherwise, a PbO-rich grain boundary phase may exist in the ceramic which could potentially be detrimental to the mechanical properties of PNZT 95/5 ceramics.« less
Nonlinear Fabry-Perot resonator with a silicon photonic crystal waveguide

We derive an equation that describes the nonlinear operation of a Fabry-Perot resonator with a large group index waveguide. Specifically, a silicon photonic crystal microcavity with two-photon-excited free carrier nonlinearity and Kerr nonlinearity is assumed. The equation clearly explains the bistability of the device and the reduction of the required pump energy for a specific nonlinear phase shift at an appropriate phase detuning from the resonance. We present a simple procedure to predict the required optical pump energy for the modulation and the resulting modulation depth by use of the equation and the device parameters.
Piecewise quadratic approximation of the non-dominated set for bi-criteria programs

A procedure to approximate the non-dominated set for general (continuous) bi-criteria programs is proposed. The piecewise approximation is composed of quadratic curves, each of which is developed locally in a neighbourhood of a non-dominated point of interest and based on primal–dual relationships associated with the weighted Tchebycheff scalarization of the original problem. The approximating quadratic functions, in which decision maker's preferences are represented, give a closed-form description of the non-dominated set. A numerical example is included. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Turbulence, similarity scaling and vortex geometry in the wake of a towed sphere in a stably stratified fluid

Late wakes (Nt > 20) of towed spheres in a stably stratified fluid were analysed in a plane using a reliable, customized DPIV technique that provides sufficient spatial and temporal resolution to cover all important scales of motion in this freely decaying geophysical flow. Systematic experiments were conducted with independent variation of Re ∈ [103, 104] and F ∈ [1, 10] (F ≡ 2U/ND is an internal Froude number based on the buoyancy frequency, N, and the sphere radius, D/2), and for selected {Re, F} pairs above this range.The normalized wake width grows at approximately the same rate as in a three-dimensional unstratified wake, but it becomes narrower, not wider, with decreasing F (i.e. as stratification effects become more important). The centreline defect velocity, on the other hand, reaches values an order of magnitude above those measured for three-dimensional unstratified wakes at equivalent downstream locations. Both observations are argued to be consequences of the very high degree of order and coherence that emerge in the late-wake vortex structures.Streamwise-averaged turbulence quantities, such as the velocity fluctuation magnitude, and mean-square enstrophy, show similar power law behaviour for all Re ≤ 5 × 103, with exponents equal to those expected in three-dimensional axisym-metric turbulent wakes. There is no obvious physical reason why three-dimensional arguments are so successful in such a flow, and at such long evolution times. The scaling collapses none of the cases for Re below 4 – 5 × 103, appearing to establish a minimum Re for a class of self-similar stratified wake flows that evolve from fully turbulent initial conditions.Individual vortex cross-sections appear to be well approximated by Gaussian distributions at all Re, F and Nt studied here. The scaling behaviour of individual vortices mimics that of the statistical, wake-averaged quantities, and differs measurably from a simple two-dimensional viscous diffusion model. The importance of formulating a realistic three-dimensional model is discussed, and some limited steps in this direction point to future useful experiments and modelling efforts.
PRL-3 Expression in Metastatic Cancers

Purpose: Expression of the PRL-3 tyrosine phosphatase is elevated in liver metastases derived from colorectal cancer (CRC). We sought to determine the cellular basis of this elevation and assess the expression of PRL-3 in metastatic lesions derived from cancers of the colon and other tissues. Experimental Design: We developed modifications of in situ hybridization methods that facilitated the study of paraffin-embedded sections. We also evaluated PRL-3 gene copy numbers using fluorescence in situ hybridization and developed antibodies to assess PRL-3 subcellular localization. Results: PRL-3 mRNA expression was elevated in nearly all metastatic lesions derived from CRCs, regardless of the site of metastasis (liver, lung, brain, or ovary). Expression was found in neoplastic cells, although tumor endothelium also expressed the gene. In contrast, little or no PRL-3 expression was observed in normal colon, nonmetastatic primary cancers, or metastatic lesions derived from cancers other than those of the colon (pancreas, stomach, or esophagus). Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed that gene amplification was not the major cause of PRL-3 overexpression. Immunohistochemical analysis with anti-PRL-3 antibodies showed a cell membrane localization, consistent with the predicted isoprenylation of the protein. Conclusions: These studies establish an unexpected and unprecedented specificity in metastatic gene expression profiles: PRL-3 is apparently expressed in CRC metastases to any organ but is not expressed in metastases of other cancers to the same organs or in nonmetastatic CRCs. PRL-3 is also expressed in tumor vasculature, regardless of the tumor source. These data raise intriguing questions about the role of protein phosphorylation in angiogenesis and cell-type-specific metastatic processes.
Concurrent Test Generation

We define a new type of test, called "concurrent test," for a combinational circuit. Given a set of target faults, a concurrent-test is an input vector that detects all (or most) faults in the set. When concurrent tests are generated for fault sets obtained from independence fault collapsing, minimal or near-minimal tests can be expected. This paper gives new simulation-based methods for independence fault collapsing and for deriving concurrent tests using single-fault ATPG.
Mining Approximative Descriptions of Sets Using Rough Sets

Using concepts from rough set theory we investigate the existence of approximative descriptions of collections of objects that can be extracted from in data set, a problem of interest for biologists that need to find succinct descriptions of families of taxonomic units. Our algorithm is based on an anti-monotonicity of borders of object set and makes use of an approach that is, ina certain sense, a dual of the Apriori algorithm used inidentifying frequent item sets.
An evaluation of a hierarchical branching process as a model for species diversification

A hierarchical birth-death process is often used as a model for the diversification of species and higher taxa. We evaluate the validity of this null hypothesis by introducing a new measure: the distribution of species within higher taxa. The proportion of monotypic taxa and the number of species in the largest taxon generated by 1000 simulations are compared with extant mammalian data. The initial model is amended to include two sampling patterns, polyphyletic origins as well as ecological and genetic constraints on higher taxon origination rates. Simulated results are extremely variable. For genera, they are found to predict the true distribution of species quite well. For families, however, the null hypothesis is rejected in all its forms. Simulated distributions have both too many monotypic taxa and too large a dominant taxon. The latter finding stands in contrast to previous claims. Interestingly, although polyphyly and constraints slightly improve the fit of the simulations to the data, sampling does not. Finally, Smith and Patterson9s dismissal of monotypic taxa is reviewed in light of this model. We argue that while some apparently monotypic taxa are sampling artifacts, this observation has no bearing on the true proportion of monotypic taxa.
[EN] Orientalismo em um só País? Raça, Região e Nação no Brasil do Século XX

This article considers the different approaches to the problem of regional inequalities within nations in Latin America, and specifically in Brazil. Beginning in the 1960s, scholars used “internal colonialism” to analyze these inequalities, but this concept fell out of fashion in the 1980s with the post-structuralist/cultural turn. Yet dramatic regional inequalities continued to be a feature of Latin American societies. This article suggests adapting Edward Said’s concept of “orientalism” to the processes by which difference gets produced to naturalize regional inequalities, and then explores the way this “internal orientalism” emerged in the increasingly dominant region of Sao Paulo, especially vis a vis the “Norte” or “Nordeste.” In particular, it looks at the 1932 regionalist movement known as the Revolucao Constitucionalista, in which the insurgent state government of Sao Paulo took up arms against the federal government, and declared its unwillingness to be subordinated to the authority of politicians from “inferior” regions. This period of intense paulista chauvinism allows us to see the way in which regional difference became racialized, and how Sao Paulo’s claims to modernity became associated with whiteness. At the same time, Sao Paulo’s location within the same nation as its regional opponents limited the degree to which it could maintain political and cultural hegemony, even as it remained Brazil’s economic “locomotiva.”
On the Solution of the Elliptic Interface Problems by Difference Potentials Method

Designing numerical methods with high-order accuracy for problems in irregular domains and/or with interfaces is crucial for the accurate solution of many problems with physical and biological applications. The major challenge here is to design an efficient and accurate numerical method that can capture certain properties of analytical solutions in different domains/subdomains while handling arbitrary geometries and complex structures of the domains. Moreover, in general, any standard method (finite-difference, finite-element, etc.) will fail to produce accurate solutions to interface problems due to discontinuities in the model’s parameters/solutions. In this work, we consider Difference Potentials Method (DPM) as an efficient and accurate solver for the variable coefficient elliptic interface problems.
ACUTE MICROCOCCUS CATARRHALIS ARTHRITIS

In this case of arthritis, due to micrococcus catarrhalis, the clinical picture was that of gonorrhoeal arthritis. Organisms aspirated on two occasions from the joint and those found in a cervical smear were identical with the gonococcus morphologically, but cultural methods showed them to be micrococcus catarrhalis. Treatment resulted in complete restoration of function.
Fracture closure and conductivity decline modeling – Application in unpropped and acid etched fractures

Abstract Natural fractures, hydraulically generated fractures, and acid etched fractures have some degree of fracture face roughness that generates flow conductivity. While it has been proven both theoretically and experimentally that fracture conductivity depends on fracture face roughness, there are limited models that can predict fracture conductivity at different closure stresses for these various fracture roughness patterns. In addition, some of the models require detailed statistical and topographical surface profile parameters, which limit their field application. A numerical model is developed to study the closure of rough surfaces in contact. Both asperities and semi-infinite half-spaces are assumed to be deformable. The mechanical interaction among asperities is accounted for and its effect on the fracture closure is investigated. Asperity failure is also considered in the model and the results are compared to that of perfectly elastic contact. Aperture profiles that are the output of the closure model are used to solve the fluid flow problem and study the effect of closure stress on fracture conductivity. It is evident in our results that the closure behavior depends on the etching pattern as well as the elastic properties of the surface. The performance of a rough fracture depends on its initial aperture, asperity height distribution, roughness pattern, and the closure stress range. Certain fracture roughness patterns were able to withstand the closure stress while undergoing lower amounts of closure. Our model tends to predict fracture closure and conductivity behavior better than widely used correlations. This paper discusses the closure of fractures and attempts to shed more light on the performance of such a stimulation technique by comparing the closure behavior of some particular surface patterns. Our model can be used to determine the most optimum fracture system for a given reservoir condition.
Racial and Economic Disparities in Diabetes in a Large Primary Care Patient Population

Objective: We sought to determine if, after adjusting for economic status, race is an independent risk factor for glycemic control among diabetic patients in a large primary care patient population. Design, Setting, Participants: We performed a retrospective chart review of 264,000 primary care patients at our large, urban academic medical center to identify patients with a diagnosis of diabetes (n=25,123). Zip code was used to derive median income levels using United States Census Bureau demographic information. Self-reported race was extracted from registration data. Main Outcome Measures: The prevalence of diabetes, average glycated hemoglobin (A1c), and prevalence of uncontrolled diabetes of White and Black patients at all income levels were determined. Results: White patients had a lower average A1c level and a lower prevalence of diabetes than Black patients in all income quartiles (P<.001). Among White patients, the prevalence of diabetes (P<.001), uncontrolled diabetes ( P <.001), and A1c level (P=.014) were inversely proportional to income level. No significant difference in the prevalence of diabetes (P=.214), A1c level (P=.282), or uncontrolled diabetes related to income was seen in black patients (P=.094). Conclusions: Race had an independent association with diabetes prevalence and glycemic control. Our study does not support two prominent theories that economic and insurance status are the main factors in diabetes disparities, as we attempted to control for economic status and nearly every patient had insurance. It will be important for future analysis to explore how healthcare system factors impact these observed gaps in quality. Ethn Dis. 2016;26(1):85-90; doi: 10.18865/ed.26.1.85
Growth of highly oriented CdS x Se 1-x thin films by laser-induced deposition

CdS and CdSe are important semiconductors with band gaps in the visible region of the spectrum, These thin films are of practical interest as photoconductors, piezoelectric transducers, and laser materials. They also have potential applications to optical switching1 and nonlinear integrated optics.