cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enforcement of state indoor tanning laws in the United States.

INTRODUCTION Twenty-eight US states have passed legislation for indoor tanning facilities. To our knowledge, whether these state laws are actually enforced has not been evaluated previously in all 28 states. Therefore, we interviewed key informants in these states to assess enforcement practices. METHODS Two trained interviewers used a structured survey instrument to interview 28 key informants who were knowledgeable about enforcement practices for laws regarding indoor tanning. Respondents provided information specific to the most populous city in their states. RESULTS Licensure for indoor tanning businesses was required in 22 of the 28 cities. Slightly less than half of the cities gave citations to tanning facilities that violated state law. Approximately 32% of the cities did not inspect indoor tanning facilities for compliance with state law, and another 32% conducted inspections less than annually. Of those cities that inspected at all, most conducted unannounced inspections. CONCLUSION The relatively low rates of annual inspections and citations are of concern. We recommend that future studies assess whether legislation, enforcement practices, or a combination of the 2 affects the practices of indoor tanning facilities or of consumers.
A flow-through system for field measurements of production by marine macroalgae

A continuous flow-through chamber for the in situ measurement of primary production in macrophytic algae (as exemplified by Ulva lactuca) is described. Rapid mixing occurred within the chamber independent of flow rate or amount of algal tissue, so that the “complete-mix reactor” model of sanitary engineering was closely approximated. Field experiments with the apparatus revealed a rapid response to short-term variations in production rate as well as a close correlation between production and changing light levels. The flowthrough apparatus was compared to a closed system (the traditional bell jar approach); when the water in the latter was mixed, the two methods gave similar results for incubations not longer than several hours. However, during longer incubations, the productivity in the static system was sometimes depressed, possibly due to nutrient depletion or to abnormally high levels of oxygen. Thus, the flow-through system permits reliable measurements of macroalgal production for periods of 12 h or longer.
Multisensory activation of ventral cochlear nucleus D-stellate cells modulates dorsal cochlear nucleus principal cell spatial coding.

Key points Dorsal cochlear nucleus fusiform cells receive spectrally relevant auditory input for sound localization. Fusiform cells integrate auditory with other multisensory inputs. Here we elucidate how somatosensory and vestibular stimulation modify the fusiform cell spatial code through activation of an inhibitory interneuron: the ventral cochlear nucleus D-stellate cell. These results suggests that multisensory cues interact early in an ascending sensory pathway to serve an essential function. Abstract In the cochlear nucleus (CN), the first central site for coding sound location, numerous multisensory projections and their modulatory effects have been reported. However, multisensory influences on sound location processing in the CN remain unknown. The principal output neurons of the dorsal CN, fusiform cells, encode spatial information through frequency-selective responses to direction-dependent spectral features. Here, single-unit recordings from the guinea pig CN revealed transient alterations by somatosensory and vestibular stimulation in fusiform cell spatial coding. Changes in fusiform cell spectral sensitivity correlated with multisensory modulation of ventral CN D-stellate cell responses, which provide direct, wideband inhibition to fusiform cells. These results suggest that multisensory inputs contribute to spatial coding in DCN fusiform cells via an inhibitory interneuron, the D-stellate cell. This early multisensory integration circuit likely confers important consequences on perceptual organization downstream.
Thyroid Function and Pregnancy

Multiple organ systems undergo physiologic changes during pregnancy, and the thyroid is no exception. Women with normally functioning thyroid glands remain euthyroid throughout gestation due to compensatory mechanisms that balance the changes that occur. However, in women with thyroid dysfunction, pregnancy can worsen underlying disease and may negatively impact fetal development and other related outcomes. Although untreated overt thyroid disease has been linked to undesirable results, the benefit of treating subclinical thyroid dysfunction is less clear, making routine screening for maternal thyroid disorders in the preconception period or during gestation debatable in asymptomatic women.
LOH and mutation analyses of candidate Wilms’ tumor suppressor genes from 7p15-21

2716 Wilms tumor is a pediatric lesion of the kidney and is one of the most common solid malignancies of childhood. Disease can occur in one or both kidneys, approximately 8% of cases being bilateral. The suggestion of a genetic component in the etiology of the tumor has come from several observations. Firstly, bilateral disease is associated with an early age of onset. Secondly, there is a high incidence of bilateral tumors in cases with a family history of Wilms tumor and in patients with associated congenital anomalies. Histological features indicate that the tumor occurs as a result of aberrant embryological development of the kidney. The kidney is therefore a model for studying the association between processes involved in tissue development and predisposition to malignancy. Although a gene for Wilms tumor (WT1) has been cloned, less than 10% of cases could be explained by mutations and/or alterations of this gene. Several other loci have been implicated in the etiology of Wilms tumors, including the 7p15-21 locus which was shown to be involved in 15-25% of Wilms tumors cases, strongly suggesting that a tumor suppressor gene for this disease must lie within this region. Since homozygous deletions are hallmarks of tumor suppressor genes, we have characterized a homozygous deletion in a Wilms tumor within the 7p15-21 locus and we have now defined the extent of this deletion, using BAC array CGH and PCR-based assays as a first step towards the identification of the Wilms tumor suppressor gene. We have also identified several candidate genes which we screened for point mutations in a large cohort of Wilms tumors, including those tumors that we have identified to show loss of heterozygosity at the 7p15-21 locus using WAVE DHPLC. We have also analyzed the methylation status of the promoter-associated CpG islands which we identified associated with candidate genes from the Wilms tumor critical region. Here, we present a summary of the LOH analysis, the mutation screening, and the methylation analysis of candidate genes for the Wimls tumor suppressor gene from 7p15-21.
Boosting Refugee Outcomes: Evidence from Policy, Academia, and Social Innovation

However measured, refugees are likely to face common barriers towards achieving integration in the West, including language proficiency, difficulty finding a job commensurate with their education and skills, and mental health stressors. This review draws on policy reports and academic studies (descriptive and experimental) to first answer two questions: (1) what do we know about refugee outcomes? and; (2) what factors are associated with these outcomes? I synthesize information on the individual and environmental traits associated with the socio-economic well-being of refugees -- ranging from country of origin and gender to ethnic enclaves and rigid labor markets. I then survey pilots and programs aimed at integrating refugees globally, with a focus on the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The evidence base suggests that programs leveraging community support while supplementing income -- such as apprenticeships, private sponsorship, and cash transfers dovetailed with financial mentorship -- represent promising paths forward.
Penetrating Abdominal Trauma

Patients sustaining penetrating abdominal trauma may have a variable hemodynamic presentation. While the primary evaluation focuses on the identification of immediately life-threatening injuries, the secondary survey becomes critical in triaging patients who are hemodynamically stable. In addition to the physical examination, various adjunctive tests have been used with variable success during the secondary survey. Therefore, computed tomography (CT) has emerged as the procedure of choice for further assessment. The sensitivity, speed and universality of CT allow it to play a central role in the initial evaluation and triage of patients presenting with penetrating abdominal trauma. The use of multi-detector CT enables creation of multiplanar reformatted images that facilitate detection of occult injuries that may be overlooked during physical examination, surgery or imaging with other modalities.
Feasibility of a simple and scalable cognitive-behavioral intervention to treat problem substance use.

ABSTRACTOur proof-of-concept study tested a simple cognitive-behavioral strategy to help people achieve substance use goals – using non-first person self-talk when facing substance use cues or crav...
Feasibility and comparative analysis of Dirofilaria immitis microfilaria freezing and fixation for student instruction and assessment of clinical parasitology skills.

Detection of D. immitis microfilaria (mf) is an important diagnostic skill in veterinary medicine and is critical to Day 1 veterinarians and technicians. Finding a supply of blood containing mf to teach the technique and formalin’s adverse environmental effects used in the diagnostic microscopic tests present a challenge. This study evaluated the use of cryopreserved and recently drawn mf-infected blood along with two fixative reagents, acetic acid or formalin for mf detection. The specific aims included determining if veterinary students could 1) detect cryopreserved mf added to fresh blood using routine diagnostic testing and 2) detect morphological differences in the mf. The 236 students were kept blind from the sample status. The ability of the students to identify mf and the mf morphology were compared for the samples and fixatives evaluated. The results demonstrate using a combination of cryopreservation and acetic acid for teaching microfilaria diagnostic techniques is fleasible; however, the quality of the mf morphology is less than optimal when compared to freshly acquired mf containing blood. Compared to reference values, the mf demonstrated a decrease in size with each additional variable evaluated. A majority (98.3%) of the 236 students correctly identified the presence of mf. Teaching laboratories could utilize cryopreserved mf-spiked donor blood in lieu of freshly collected mf-containing blood from a naturally or experimentally infected dog. Substitution of less hazardous chemicals for the fixative can be used. Finally, the change in size measurements provides a mechanism to ensure students can correctly measure mf as students are required to do verifiable measurements and cannot copy reference values from a text book since the cryopreservation and fixation methods cause the mf to measure smaller than textbook reference values.
Prevalence of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Antibodies in Persons With Hypertension and Relation to Blood Pressure and Medication.

Background We aimed to determine the prevalence of antibodies against angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1RAb) in hypertensive adults and elucidate the relation of antihypertensive medication type to blood pressure (BP) among persons with and without AT1RAb. Methods Sera from participants in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study with hypertension were tested for AT1RAb using a commercial Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (One Lambda; positive ≥17 units/ml). BP measurements, uncontrolled BP (systolic BP ≥140 and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg), and effect of BP medication type were compared for AT1RAb positive (+) vs. negative (-) participants using descriptive statistics and multivariable regression. Results One hundred and thirty-two (13.1%) participants were AT1RAb+. Compared with AT1RAb-, AT1RAb+ persons were more likely to be white (47% vs. 36.7%; P = 0.03) but had similar comorbid disease burden. In models adjusting for age, sex, and race, AT1RAb+ persons had higher diastolic BP (β = 2.61 mm Hg; SE = 1.03; P = 0.01) compared with AT1RAb- participants. Rates of uncontrolled BP were similar between the groups. AT1RAb+ persons on an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB; n = 21) had a mean of 10.5 mm Hg higher systolic BP (SE = 4.56; P = 0.02) compared with AT1RAb+ persons using other BP medications. The odds of uncontrolled BP among AT1RAb+ participants on an ARB was 2.05 times that of those on other medications. AT1RAb- persons prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) had 1.8 mm Hg lower diastolic BP (SE = 0.81; P = 0.03) than AT1RAb- persons not prescribed an ACEi. Conclusions AT1RAb was prevalent among hypertensive adults and was associated with higher BP among persons on an ARB.
Distinct and Orchestrated Functions of RNA Sensors in Innate Immunity

Faithful maintenance of immune homeostasis relies on the capacity of the cellular immune surveillance machinery to recognize "nonself", such as the presence of pathogenic RNA. Several families of pattern-recognition receptors exist that detect immunostimulatory RNA and then induce cytokine-mediated antiviral and proinflammatory responses. Here, we review the distinct features of bona fide RNA sensors, Toll-like receptors and retinoic-acid inducible gene-I (RIG-I)-like receptors in particular, with a focus on their functional specificity imposed by cell-type-dependent expression, subcellular localization, and ligand preference. Furthermore, we highlight recent advances on the roles of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors and DEAD-box or DEAH-box RNA helicases in an orchestrated RNA-sensing network and also discuss the relevance of RNA sensor polymorphisms in human disease.
Genome Sequence of Vibrio natriegens Phage vB_VnaS-AQKL99.

Vibrio natriegens is a naturally occurring marine bacterium that is emerging as a microbiological model system. Here, we describe Aquatic Killer 99 (AQKL99), a novel phage that infects Vibrio natriegens 14048. The genome of the phage is 58,464 bp long, has a GC content of 45.9%, and contains 51 protein-coding genes.
Helicopter Parenting and Drinking Outcomes Among College Students: The Moderating Role of Family Income

Helicopter parenting, a form of overcontrol defined by intense levels of monitoring and supervision, has been linked to an increase in risky behaviors in emerging adults. However, the context may modify how helicopter parenting operates on adjustment in this population. The current study sought to better understand the contextualizing role of family income on the relations between helicopter parenting and drinking behaviors during college. Undergraduates (N = 171; 49% female; M age = 18.82; 68% White; M family income = $60,001–$75,000) completed measures of helicopter parenting, income, and multiple indices of alcohol consumption and problematic drinking. To accommodate the zero-inflated data for the outcome variable, two-part regression modeling was used to examine whether the interaction among (maternal or paternal) helicopter parenting and income was significant. Although the interaction was not significant for the binary models, the interaction generally predicted the magnitude of drinking. For low-income college students, increased helicopter parenting from mothers and fathers deterred most drinking behaviors. For high-income college students, increased maternal and paternal helicopter parenting was associated with a greater degree of average number of drinks consumed per day and drinking to intoxication. Overall, the results suggest that considering the economic conditions of families is important when examining the influence of parenting behaviors on young adult drinking patterns. While helicopter parenting might not be adaptive for high-income families, this form of parenting might serve a different function in low-income families by reducing risky behaviors of undergraduates.
Tandem and Hybrid Processes for Carbon Dioxide Utilization

Download : Download high-res image (208KB) Download : Download full-size image Sean Overa received a B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of South Carolina and is currently a chemical engineering PhD student in the Jiao group at the University of Delaware. His research is on electrochemical processes and reactor design, with a focus in two-step electrochemical conversion of CO2. Primarily his work has focused on the production, design, and scale-up of zero-gap electrolyzers for conversion of CO2 and CO to multi-carbon products. Download : Download high-res image (160KB) Download : Download full-size image Tony Feric received a B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park and is currently a chemical engineering PhD student in the Park group at Columbia University. His research is focused on the design and development of novel nanoparticle organic hybrid materials (NOHMs) for CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion to value-added products. More specifically, he is exploring their dynamics in solution, evaluating their stability under different processing conditions and understanding their unique interactions at the electrode-electrolyte interface. Download : Download high-res image (244KB) Download : Download full-size image Ah-Hyung (Alissa) Park is the Lenfest Professor in applied climate science of Earth and environmental engineering & chemical engineering at Columbia University and is the director of the Lenfest Center for Sustainable Energy. Her research focuses on sustainable energy and materials conversion pathways with emphasis on integrated Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). Park has led a number of global and national discussions on CCUS including the Mission Innovation Workshop on CCUS (2017) and the National Petroleum Council CCUS Report (2019). She is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Chemical Society, and Royal Society of Chemistry. Download : Download high-res image (341KB) Download : Download full-size image Feng Jiao received a B.S. in chemistry from Fudan University and a PhD in chemistry from University of St Andrews. After a postdoctoral training at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Dr. Jiao joined the University of Delaware as a faculty member in 2010. He is now the Robert Grasselli Development Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and serves as the director of the Center for Catalytic Science & Technology. The Jiao group focuses primarily on nanostructured materials, electrocatalysis, and carbon dioxide utilization.
3077 – THE ROLE OF CALCIUM IN HEMATOPOIETIC ONTOGENY

Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) reside in the bone marrow and generate blood cells throughout life. Our lab recently discovered that HSCs from adult bone marrow (ABM HSCs) are endowed with low intracellular calcium and maintained in low calcium environments both in vitro and in vivo (Luchsinger et al., Cell Stem Cell, 2019). ABM HSCs derive from fetal liver (FL) HSCs and while both populations perform multilineage hematopoiesis they differ in key aspects such as cell cycle status, self-renewal capacity, and transcription factor expression, raising the question how HSCs at earlier developmental stages handle calcium. We employed single-cell perfusion live imaging of calcium dyes and flow cytometry of genetically-encoded calcium indicators to show that FL HSCs possess approximately two-fold increased intracellular calcium from ABM HSCs. Perfusion live imaging also showed increased store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and decreased calcium efflux through Plasma Membrane Calcium ATPases (PMCAs) from fetal to adult stages. Consistent with these changes, FL HSCs displayed decreased expression of the PMCA gene Atp2b4 and decreased pan-PMCA protein expression. FL HSCs also showed increased nuclear localization of the transcription factor NFAT1, which translocates to the nucleus upon dephosphorylation by the calcium-dependent phosphatase Calcineurin, consistent with increased calcium of FL HSCs. Finally, we show that NFAT1 localization is controlled in part by cytosolic calcium levels, and only ABM HSCs respond to low extracellular calcium to decrease nuclear NFAT localization. These data indicate profound, developmentally regulated changes in calcium physiology between FL and ABM HSCs, which may potentially explain other functional differences between these populations.
Introduction to Computational Granular Mechanics

The first discrete modeling of soils can be traced to Hertz [90] who formulated a contact law between spheres, and Reynolds [167] who proposed a dilatancy theory. Dantu [55] and Schneebli [180] idealized real soils as assemblies of rigid rods, and noticed some striking similarities between the mechanical responses of these mechanical analogs and real soils. Duffy and Mindlin [70], Deresiewicz [59, 60], and Thurston and Deresiewicz [204] examined the response of soil models made of spheres. Biarez [21] used glass beads and duralumium rods to examine the elastic and limit response of soils, and applied his observations to analyze practical problems in geotechnical engineering. These pioneer works were later followed by photoelastic investigations [e.g., 67, 68] to visualize stresses within granular media.
Coercion Resistant End-to-end Voting

End-to-end voting schemes have shown considerable promise for allowing voters to verify that tallies are accurate. At the same time, the threat of coercion has generally been considered only when voting devices are honest, and in many schemes, voters can be forced or incentivized to cast votes of an adversary's choice. In this paper, we examine the issue of voter coercion and identify one example method for coercing voters in a scheme by Benaloh. To address such attacks, we present a formal definition of coercion resistance for end-to-end voting. We then present a new scheme, extended from Benaloh's, that is provably coercion resistant. In addition to providing accuracy and coercion resistance, our scheme emphasizes ease-of-use for the voter.
The International Congress of Applied Chemistry

I AM told that many chemists are hesitating about attending the eighth International Congress of Applied Chemistry (New York, September, 1912) because of the supposed enormous expense. I ask the hospitality of your columns for the purpose of correcting so utterly false an impression. The minimum expense for comfortable accommodation may be estimated as follows:—
Relationship of age and hypertension to neuropsychological test performance.

Abstract Young adult (X = 29) and middle aged (X = 50) hypertensive and normotensive subjects were compared with respect to seven neuropsychological test scores derived from tests on the Halstead-Reitan battery. Age main effects, with inferior performance for the middle aged subjects, were observed for the localization and time portions of the Tactile Performance Test (TPT) and for the Trail Making A test. The multivariate age effect was significant for the composite of seven scores. A multivariate blood pressure main effect was obtained and main effect blood pressure was significant for the category test; hypertensives made more errors than normotensives. A blood pressure by age interaction was observed for finger tapping scores and the TPT-Memory scores with larger differences between hypertensives and normotensives for the younger than for the middle aged group. Results were discussed in terms of previous studies of age and hypertension with the WAIS, the Primary Mental Abilities Test and serial reacti...
Child Adjustment and Parent Use of the Term "Gifted"

The present study examines the relationship between child adjustment and parent use of the term "gifted." Mothers and fathers of 482 children enrolled in a university-based summer enrichment program were assessed on measures of self-concept, anxiety, and peer status. Although over 90% of parents indicated that they think of their child as gifted, approximately 25-30% of the parents refrained from using the term. Use of the term was not associated with IQ or number of years in a gifted program, but children whose parents used the term were consistently less well adjusted on both self-report and peer-report measures. Findings are discussed in the context of theories about the potentially adverse effects of positive labeling on child development. Methodological cautions about the interpretation of these findings are noted.
Optical Filtering Approach to Regularized Tracking of an Object's Position and Orientation.

We present a regularized nonlinear least-squares algorithm for tracking the position and the orientation of a known object by using an active camera and an optical correlator situated between digital preprocessing and postprocessing operations. The numerical minimization required by the regularized least-squares solution is implemented by use of a rapid look-up table method. Performance of the algorithm is evaluated through a Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis that incorporates models for lens blur, image noise, illumination variation, and partial occlusion. This analysis shows robust performance with respect to image noise, partial occlusion of the object, and errors in the camera pan and tilt used to follow the moving object. The limiting factors in the algorithm’s performance are errors in the preprocessing step used to scale and rotate the input video images. These errors should be maintained within 6% and 3°, respectively.
Steady state heat transfer of helium cooled cable bundles

Abstract In the present study nucleate and film boiling heat transfer characteristicsof horizontal conductor bundles are investigated at steady state conditions. The effect of gaps between wires, number of wires, wire position, wire size and bundle orientation on the departure from nucleate boling and transition to film boiling is studied. For gaps close to the bubble departure diameter, the critical heat flux can approach up to 90% of the single wire value. Consequently, the maximum stable current for a given bundle can be significantly increased above the single conductor value for the same cross-sectional area.
Formation of Tethered Nanolayers: Three Regimes of Kinetics

An investigation of the kinetics of tethering of amine functional-ended polystyrene from good solvent to the surface of a solid substrate showed three distinct regimes of kinetics rather than the two predicted by theory. The first regime was fast and appeared to be controlled by diffusion through the solvent, as predicted by theory. The second regime was slow and appeared to be linear in the natural logarithm of time, as predicted by theory. The third regime, not predicted by theory, was one of accelerated tethering (termed by us “layer-assisted tethering”). The third regime, observed for different solvents, different molecular weights, and different temperatures, ended when saturation was reached. We suggest herein an explanation for the observed acceleration.
A general approach to sampled-data modeling for power electronic circuits

A general, sampled-data representation of the dynamics of arbitrary power electronic circuits is proposed, to unify existing approaches· It leads, via compact and powerful notation, to disciplined modeling and straightforward derivation of small-signal models for perturbations about a nominal cyclic steady state. Its usefulness is further illustrated by considering the representation and analysis of a class of symmetries in circuit operation. Results of application of this methodology to modeling the small-signal dynamics of a series resonant converter are described. The results correlate well with simulation results obtained on MIT's Parity Simulator. What is of more significance to the theme of this paper is the fact that the small-signal model is obtained in a completely routine way, starting from a general formulation and working down to the actual circuit; this contrasts with the circuit-specific analyses that are more typical of the power electronics literature. The paper also discusses the automatability of the above procedure, pointing out that the key ingredients for automatic generation of dynamic models from a circuit specification are now available.
Management of radiotherapy-induced salivary hypofunction and consequent xerostomia in patients with oral or head and neck cancer: meta-analysis and literature review

Objective To analyze the efficacy of various treatment options for radiation-induced hyposalivation in patients with head and neck cancer. Study Design A literature review and meta-analysis was performed on all appropriate literature identified via MEDLINE/PubMed. Results Fourteen articles were identified that met inclusion criteria for review, and 8 articles qualified for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The available literature addressed both objective and subjective responses of hyposalivation, xerostomia, or both to cholinergic agonists (such as pilocarpine and cevimeline), salivary substitutes, hyperbaric oxygen, and acupuncture. Conclusions This analysis indicated that cholinergic agonists were more effective in treating radiation-induced hyposalivation compared with salivary substitutes, hyperbaric oxygen, and acupuncture. However, other treatment modalities, such as salivary substitutes and hyperbaric oxygen, were also found to subjectively improve patients' perception of xerostomia.
Noninvasive In Vivo Clot Dissolution Without a Thrombolytic Drug Recanalization of Thrombosed Iliofemoral Arteries by Transcutaneous Ultrasound Combined With Intravenous Infusion of Microbubbles

Background—Previous in vivo studies have shown that microbubbles not only enhance the effectiveness of thrombolytic agents in the presence of ultrasound but may also augment clot dissolution without thrombolytic drugs. Methods and Results—The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of arterial clot disruption by a noninvasive, nonlytic approach with intravenous administration of perfluorocarbon-exposed sonicated dextrose albumin (PESDA) and transcutaneous delivery of ultrasound alone. Pairs of iliofemoral arteries in 10 rabbits were randomized to receive transcutaneous ultrasound treatment or no ultrasound treatment after an acute artery thrombotic occlusion and intravenous PESDA infusion. Five arteries from 3 additional rabbits served as controls (ultrasound alone). All 10 iliofemoral arteries treated with PESDA+ultrasound were recanalized by angiography after ultrasound treatment. None of the 10 contralateral arteries treated with PESDA alone and none of the 5 arteries treated with ultrasoun...
Facile Hydrometalation of Alkynes by nido-1,2-(Cp*RuH)2B3H7 Yielding Novel Ru−B Edge-Bridging Alkylidenes. Stepwise Conversion of HC⋮CC(O)OMe into nido-1,2-(Cp*RuH)2-3-HOB-4-MeC-5-MeOC-BH3, Cp* = η5-C5Me5

The reaction of the alkyne HC⋮CC(O)OMe with 7 sep 1,2-(Cp*RuH)2B3H7 leads to hydroboration plus hydroruthenation to produce nido-1,3-μ-Me{C(O)OMe}C-1,2-(Cp*Ru)2B3H7, a compound with an exocluster ruthenium−boron μ-alkylidene that exists in two isomeric forms. Both isomers undergo rearrangement with intramolecular chelation of the carbonyl oxygen at a boron site, thereby opening the cluster and generating arachno-2,3,-μ(C)-5-η1(O)-Me{C(O)OMe}C-1,2-(Cp*Ru)2B3H7. Further heating leads to deoxygenation of the carbonyl fragment by a boron center concurrent with insertion of the carbon atom into the metallaborane cage to give nido-1,2-(Cp*RuH)2-3-HOB-4-MeC-5-MeOC-BH3.
Single-pulse Multi-point Multi-component Interferometric Rayleigh Scattering Velocimeter

A simultaneous multi-point, multi-component velocimeter using interferometric detection of the Doppler shift of Rayleigh, Mie, and Rayleigh-Brillouin scattered light in supersonic flow is described. The system uses up to three sets of collection optics and one beam combiner for the reference laser light to form a single collimated beam. The planar Fabry-Perot interferometer used in the imaging mode for frequency detection preserves the spatial distribution of the signal reasonably well. Single-pulse multi-points measurements of up to two orthogonal and one non-orthogonal components of velocity in a Mach 2 free jet were performed to demonstrate the technique. The average velocity measurements show a close agreement with the CFD calculations using the VULCAN code.
Bacterial cytotoxicity and induction of apoptosis in promyelocytic (Line HL-60) cells by novel organotellurium compounds

The increasing importance of tellurium in organic synthesis, in industrial applications, and as a possible component in pesticides means that its introduction into the environment will probably increase in the future. A knowledge of the relative toxicity and the mode of toxic action of tellurium-containing chemicals is therefore important. The work presented here, using growth-rate inhibition effects on Pseudomonas fluorescens of two model compounds, telluranthrene and tetrachlorodiphenyl ditelluride, suggests that these compounds are at least as toxic as the relatively well-known selenium oxyanions, selenate and selenite. Experiments with human promyelocytic (line HL-60) cells indicate that both the above organotellurium compounds induce a form of cell death called apoptosis, or programmed cell death. The induction of apoptosis occurred in both a time- and dose-dependent manner, as assayed by three different analytical methods: fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and gel electrophoresis. The results indicate that organotellurium compounds may find applicability in the fields of chemoprevention and cancer therapy, similar to organoselenium compounds.
Vesicular erythema migrans.

• Background.— Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. The characteristic rash, erythema migrans, is an early sign of the disease. Clinical criteria remain the "gold standard" for diagnosis at this stage of illness. Observations.— Five (8%) of 65 patients with erythema migrans seen in a Lyme disease diagnostic center in Westchester County, New York, had a lesion with vesicles. Borrelia burgdorferi was cultured from two of five. In one case the positive culture came from a swab of the blister fluid. Conclusions.— Recognition of erythema migrans and its variants is important, since early treatment of Lyme disease may prevent late complications. Vesicular erythema migrans should be added to the differential diagnosis of inflammatory vesicular rashes in the appropriate clinical setting. (Arch Dermatol.1992;128:1495-1498)
A new symmetry of partitions

Abstract A simple combinatorial argument, based upon the graphic representation of partitions, leads to an explicit formula for the number of partitions of an integer with a given difference between the largest part and the number of parts. Euler's formula for the reciprocal of the partition generating function is an immediate corollary.
The no donor DETA-NONOate decreases MMP-9 expression and activity in abdominal aortic explants

Objective: The goal of this project is to examine the role of an exogenous NO donor, DETA-NONOate (DETA), on MMP-9, MMP-2, and TIMP-1 expression and activity in interleukin-1β (IL-1β) induced rat aortic explants (RAE). Methods: RAEs were incubated with IL-1β (2 ng/ml) and increasing concentrations of DETA (0, 5.0, 50, 100, and 500 μM) (n = 3 per group). Messenger RNA (mRNA) was extracted from cells after 24 hours and analyzed for MMP-9, MMP-2, and TIMP-1 expression levels by real time RT-PCR. Media at 48 hours was collected and assayed for NO2 and NO3 (NOx) by the Saville Assay, MMP-9 and MMP-2 activity by gelatin zymography, and TIMP-1 activity by reverse zymography. All statistical analyses were performed by ANOVA and Pearson correlation. Results: DETA administration resulted in a dose-dependent increase in media NOx concentration (0.001 +/- 0.0003 ng NOx / mg protein to 0.062 +/- 0.004 ng NOx / mg protein, p < 0.01). In RAE, MMP-9 expression and activity decreased significantly in a dose dependent fashion with increasing DETA concentrations (p < 0.01). At the maximal dose of 500 μM DETA, a 78% decrease in MMP-9 expression (p < 0.05) and a 72% decrease in pro-MMP-9 activity (p < 0.05) was demonstrated compared to RAE treated with IL-1β alone (0 μM DETA). There were no significant differences seen in MMP-2 and TIMP-1 expression or activity in response to DETA exposure. Conclusion: The NO donor DETA-NONOate decreased IL-1β induced MMP-9 expression and activity in RAE in a dose dependent fashion. These data suggest that NO donors may be beneficial in decreasing MMP-9 levels, an enzyme believed to be critical in vessel wall remodeling, and therefore may serve to inhibit MMP-9 dependent vessel wall degradation seen during AAA formation.
Time-Resolved Fluorometric Method for One-Step Immunoassays Using Plasmonic Nanostructures.

The use of plasmonic nanostructures for the detection of interactions between biomolecules is currently a very active field of research. In this report, we demonstrate that localized surface plasmons of metallic particles provide the opportunity for sensitive detection of protein−protein interactions in one-step fluoroimmunoassays. Glass coated with silver island films was used for the construction of a bioactive sensing surface where binding results in fluorescence intensity amplification and highly decreased lifetime of the bound probes. The one-step fluoroimmunoassay is demonstrated for detection of TNF-α using a secondary antibody labeled with DY488 dye. Kinetic and end-point measurements were performed using intensity and lifetime (phase shift and modulation) measurements. The ability to vary the ratio of bound to unbound probes provides a mean to tune the assay sensitivity using lifetime measurement modalities. The estimated enhancement in sensitivity is about 100-fold compared to the standard glass...
Referential specificity in the alarm calls of the black-tailed prairie dog

In this study, we show that black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) have a referential system of communication, i.e., their alarm calls have specificity for different characteristics of humans. In a series of experiments, we tested the ability of black-tailed prairie dogs to encode information into their alarm calls about the color of clothes and general shape of humans who were potential predators. We also assessed the information encoded into the alarm calls elicited after a human fed the prairie dogs, and after a human shot a weapon within the colony. The results show that black-tailed prairie dogs have a referential communication system similar to that described for Gunnison's prairie dogs, with qualitatively and quantitatively different alarm calls for different predator characteristics.
AFM Visualization of Mobile Influenza A M2 Molecules in Planar Bilayers

We report the observation of influenza A M2 (M2) incorporated in a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) supported planar bilayer on mica, formed by use of a modified vesicle fusion method from proteoliposomes and visualized with contact mode atomic force microscopy. Incubation of proteoliposomes in a hyperosmotic solution and increased DPPC/M2 weight ratios improved supported planar bilayer formation by M2/DPPC proteoliposomes. M2's extra-bilayer domains were observed as particles estimated to protrude 1–1.5 nm above the bilayer surface and 6 × 10−15 cm2/s). Protein-protein interactions were also observed directly.
Pediatric clinical decision units: Observations past, present, and future

Abstract Pediatric clinical decision units are a relatively new form of care that are being increasingly provided by pediatric emegency departments. Current evidence suggests that a significant number of children with common emergency department diseases, such as asthma, dehydration, and croup, may be cared for in clinical decision units. This report looks at the development of pediatric clinical decision units from a personal historical perspective, provides a discussion of the utility of clinical decision units, and identifies future directions for this unique form of health care delivery based on research needs and current public policy.
A decairon cluster devoid of polydentate ligands.

Iron(II) chloride reacts with hyroxylamine in methanol to produce the novel iron cluster {Fe10Cl8O4(OCH3)14(CH3OH)6}·2CH3OH (1), the structure of which has been established by X-ray diffraction.
Kinetic and cardiovascular effects of acute topiramate dosing among non-treatment-seeking, methamphetamine-dependent individuals.

Previously, we have shown that orally administered topiramate, a sulfamate-substituted fructopyranose derivative, appears to accentuate rather than diminish some aspects of methamphetamine-induced positive subjective mood and cognitive performance. One possible mechanism by which this might occur would be for topiramate to increase plasma methamphetamine level. Such an effect also would be expected to enhance methamphetamine-induced hemodynamic response. We, therefore, studied — in the same experiment from which the previous findings originated — the effects of topiramate on the kinetic profile and hemodynamic response to methamphetamine. In a 27-day inpatient study, 10 methamphetamine-dependent individuals participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design, with oral doses of topiramate (0, 100, and 200 mg) administered as a pretreatment before intravenous doses of methamphetamine (0, 15, and 30 mg). The 3 × 3 factorial combination of topiramate and methamphetamine resulted in a sequence of the nine treatments administered to each subject in an order determined by a 9 × 9 Latin Square design. Methamphetamine alone was associated with prototypical increases in hemodynamic response that were not altered in the presence of topiramate. While there was no significant kinetic interaction between topiramate and methamphetamine, there was a non-significant trend for topiramate to increase plasma methamphetamine level. No significant adverse events were reported. The combination of topiramate and methamphetamine at pharmacologically relevant doses appears to be safe. Larger laboratory studies with chronic dosing regimens are needed to establish whether or not there is a kinetic interaction between topiramate and methamphetamine.
Interactions among cracks and rigid lines near a free surface

Abstract Cracks and rigid-line inclusions, or anticracks, are commonly observed in many engineering materials, such as intermetallics and ceramic composites. Interactions among these cracks and rigid lines can significantly affect the strength of these materials. Strength degradation due to finishing operations, such as grinding, also depend to a large extent on these interactions near a free surface and their associated surface and subsurface damage evolutions. Accordingly, modeling of interactions among general systems of cracks and rigid lines in the vicinity of a free surface, subject to general loading conditions, is the main thrust of this paper. An integral equation approach based on the fundamental solutions due to point loads and point dislocations in an elastic half plane is utilized for this purpose. The integral equations are reduced to a system of linear equations consisting of the distributions of Burger's dislocation vectors and forces on the cracks and the anticracks, respectively. The proposed solution procedure also allows direct determination of the rigid-body rotations for the rigid lines. The results obtained from the present analysis are first verified against existing results for a single crack or rigid line near a free surface. The amplification and shielding effects on stress intensity factors due to interactions among various distributions of cracks and rigid lines are then investigated. Such interactions near a free surface play crucial roles in surface and subsurface damage evolutions during high-speed machining of ceramic materials.
Prospective Trial of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Versus Unfractionated Heparin in Moderately Injured Patients

The safety and efficacy of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was compared with those of conventional unfractionated heparin (UH) in preventing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in trauma patients with...
A numerical analysis of Stefan problems for generalized multi-dimensional phase-change structures using the enthalpy transforming model

An enthalpy transforming scheme is proposed to convert the energy equation into a nonlinear equation with the enthalpy, E, being the single dependent variable. The existing control-volume finite-difference approach is modified so it can be applied to the numerical performance of Stefan problems. The model is tested by applying it to a three-dimensional freezing problem. The numerical results are in agreement with those existing in the literature. The model and its algorithm are further applied to a three-dimensional moving heat source problem showing that the methodology is capable of handling complicated phase-change problems with fixed grids.
Body-and-lungs-outline penalized-likelihood recon-struction of asymmetric cone-beam transmission data acquired with less than complete gantry rotation

Abstract Background: Ideally a 360-degree acquisition is preferred to avoid truncation with asymmetric cone-beam transmission imaging. However, a 360-degree gantry rotation may not be allowed on some SPECT imaging systems, especially those dedicated to cardiac imaging. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of incorporating the body-and-lungs outline from emission data in penalized likelihood reconstruction with transmission projections acquired over less than complete gantry rotation. Methods: SPECT (Tc99m) emission and sequential transmission data were acquired in list-mode with IRIX SPECT system of the Data Spectrum Anthropomorphic phantom with cardiac insert. The transmission data were acquired using the modified Beacon approach using stationary Ba-133 point sources with 360-degree rotation at 60 angular steps. A three-dimensional mask which approximates the outline of body and lungs was first generated by smoothing, thresholding, and scaling a preliminary emission image and then added to the log-likelihood as an additional quadratic penalty term, which serves to reduce the attenuation coefficient in the blackened regions on the mask. Attenuation-maps were reconstructed for 360, 312, 270, 228, and 180 degree gantry-rotations, respectively, using the Separable Paraboloidal Surrogates algorithm, with and without the additional penalty term. Results: Attenuation maps reconstructed with the prior from the emission image showed reduced truncation of the right lung. Conclusion: Prior information from emission image helps reduce the truncation of attenuation map acquired by limited gantry rotation. Download : Download full-size image
Concealed Mechanical Bradycardia: An Indication for Permanent Pacemaker Implantation

We report a 51-year-old man with severe ischemia cardiomyopathy and heart failure in whom incessant bigeminal ventricular ectopy failed to generate a detectable arterial pressure. This created a mechanical bradycardia despite an adequate electrical heart rate. Dual chamber pacing increased the effective heart rate and allowed discontinuation of an intraaortic balloon pump from which the patient could not otherwise be weaned.