cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bioactivity of Circulatory Factors After Pulmonary Exposure to Mild or Stainless Steel Welding Fumes

Studies suggest that alterations in circulating factors are a driver of pulmonary-induced cardiovascular dysfunction. To evaluate, if circulating factors effect endothelial function after a pulmonary exposure to welding fumes, an exposure known to induce cardiovascular dysfunction, serum collected from Sprague Dawley rats 24 h after an intratracheal instillation exposure to 2 mg/rat of 2 compositionally distinct metal-rich welding fume particulates (manual metal arc welding using stainless steel electrodes [MMA-SS] or gas metal arc welding using mild steel electrodes [GMA-MS]) or saline was used to test molecular and functional effects of in vitro cultures of primary cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (PCMEs) or ex vivo organ cultures. The welding fumes elicited significant pulmonary injury and inflammation with only minor changes in measured serum antioxidant and cytokine levels. PCME cells were challenged for 4 h with serum collected from exposed rats, and 84 genes related to endothelial function were analyzed. Changes in relative mRNA patterns indicated that serum from rats exposed to MMA-SS, and not GMA-MS or PBS, could influence several functional aspects related to endothelial cells, including cell migration, angiogenesis, inflammation, and vascular function. The predictions were confirmed using a functional in vitro assay (scratch assay) as well as an ex vivo multicellular environment (aortic ring angiogenesis assay), validating the concept that endothelial cells can be used as an effective screening tool of exposed workers for determining bioactivity of altered circulatory factors. Overall, the results indicate that pulmonary MMA-SS fume exposure can cause altered endothelial function systemically via altered circulating factors.
Outcomes Associated With Early vs Late Initiation of Exclusive Enteral Feeding Regimens Following Laparoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement in the Pediatric Patient.

OBJECTIVES Despite frequent placement of pediatric laparoscopic gastrostomy tubes (GTs), no rigorous evaluation of initial feeding and advancement regimens exists. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether early enteral feeding after GT placement is associated with increased symptoms, procedural complications, or length of stay (LOS). METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, the records of all patients at a tertiary care pediatric hospital who had gastrostomy placement were reviewed. Only patients fed exclusively via gastrostomy were included. Feeding was monitored starting with the first postoperative feed and subsequently in 24-hour increments. Adverse events were recorded based on clinical documentation. RESULTS A total of 480 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients who started feeds between 24 and 36 hours had a shorter LOS compared with those who started at 36-48 hours (P = .0072) or >48 hours (P < .0001). Patients requiring ≥60 hours to reach goal feeds had significantly longer LOS than the other groups. There was no difference in the distribution of the LOS based on percentage of goal feeds initiated. Patients who required ≥60 hours to attain goal feeds had the most feeding complications. CONCLUSIONS More aggressive feeding advancement and earlier initiation of feeds were associated with decreased LOS without an associated increase in adverse clinical events.
Optimal Control of Reactive Power and Voltage in Active Distribution Network Based on Source-Grid-Load Interaction

The large-scale access of distributed generation to the grid has brought about a huge change of the structure and operation mode in distribution network. In this situation, the power flow changes from unidirectional to bidirectional, and the traditional reactive power and voltage optimization control methods will be limited. In addition to the traditional grid-side regulating equipment, the distributed generation and load side also have control capabilities in active distribution network. Therefore, in order to make full use of the resources in the power grid, this paper proposes a method for optimal control of reactive power and voltage in active distribution network based on source-grid-load interaction. Firstly, the concept of source-grid-load interaction and its feasibility in optimal control of reactive power and voltage are introduced. Then power loss and voltage offset are taken as objective functions to establish a reactive power and voltage optimization control model. Finally, the multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm is applied to solve the model. A simulation verifies the correctness of the proposed method.
One-Step Synthesis of Acylboron Compounds via Copper-Catalyzed Carbonylative Borylation of Alkyl Halides*.

A copper-catalyzed carbonylative borylation of unactivated alkyl halides has been developed, enabling efficient synthesis of aliphatic potassium acyltrifluoroborates (KATs) in high yields by treating the in situ formed tetracoordinated acylboron intermediates with aqueous KHF2 . A variety of functional groups are tolerated under the mild reaction conditions, and primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl halides are all applicable. In addition, this method also provides facile access to N-methyliminodiacetyl (MIDA) acylboronates as well as α-methylated potassium acyltrifluoroborates in a one-pot manner. Mechanistic studies indicate a radical atom transfer carbonylation (ATC) mechanism to form acyl halide intermediates that are subsequently borylated by (NHC)CuBpin.
Longitudinal Diet Quality Trajectories Suggest Targets for Diet Improvement in Early Childhood.

Abstract Background There is little information about how diet quality evolves in early childhood, whether children exhibit varying diet quality trajectories, or which components of diet quality should be targeted for intervention. Objective The goal of this study was to identify and evaluate trajectories of dietary quality in young children. Design This was a secondary analysis of an observational, longitudinal cohort study of non-Hispanic African American or White children and their parents from racially concordant households with 4 years of follow-up (up to 13 study visits). Data on mother, infant feeding, and body mass index were assessed at baseline. Diet was evaluated using 3-day diaries at each visit. Participants/setting Of 372 children enrolled, 349 children had at least 3 study visits with dietary data for this analysis. Participants were enrolled at age 3 years between March 2001 and August 2002 in Cincinnati, OH. Final study visits were conducted between February 2005 and June 2006. Main outcome measure The main outcome measure was the total Healthy Eating Index 2005 (HEI-2005) score and HEI-2005 component scores. Statistical analyses Diet quality trajectories were modeled using group-based modeling techniques. Results The total HEI-2005 score was low at age 3 years (mean ± standard error = 55.1 ± 0.4 of maximum 100 points) and remained stable to age 7 years (mean ± standard error = 54.0 ± 0.6; P = 0.08 for trend). Five HEI-2005 trajectory groups were identified, of which 1 declined and 1 improved over time. HEI-2005 component scores, except milk intake and meat/beans scores, differed significantly (all, P ≤ 0.02) among trajectory groups at age 3 years, and most differences were maintained at age 7 years. Total vegetables, dark green and orange vegetables and legumes, and whole grains component scores were low for all trajectory groups. Whole fruit; total fruit; saturated fat; and calories from solid fats, alcoholic beverages, and added sugars (SoFAAS) were highly variable among trajectory groups. Children in the lowest diet quality trajectory group were less likely to be breastfed and more likely to have been regular consumers of soft drinks (e.g., powdered drink mixes, sport drinks, or soda pop) before age 3 years. Conclusions Young childhood diet quality was low at age 3 years and remained stable to age 7 years. Improving intake of vegetables and whole grains is needed for all children. Focused attention regarding increasing fruit intake and reducing SoFAAS may be needed for families at increased risk for low overall diet quality.
Quantification of occupational and community risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among healthcare workers in a large U.S. healthcare system

Abstract Background Quantifying occupational risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers can inform efforts to improve healthcare worker and patient safety and reduce transmission. This study aimed to quantify demographic, occupational, and community risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among healthcare workers in a large metropolitan healthcare system. Methods We analyzed data from a cross-sectional survey conducted from April through June of 2020 linking risk factors for occupational and community exposure to COVID-19 with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. A multivariable logistic regression model was fit to quantify risk factors for infection. Participants were employees and medical staff members who elected to participate in SARS-CoV-2 serology testing offered to all healthcare workers as part of a quality initiative, and who completed a survey on exposure to COVID-19 and use of personal protective equipment. Exposures of interest included known demographic risk factors for COVID-19, residential zip code incidence of COVID-19, occupational exposure to PCR test-positive healthcare workers or patients, and use of personal protective equipment. The primary outcome of interest was SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Results SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was estimated to be 5.7% (95% CI: 5.2%-6.1%) among 10,275 healthcare workers. Community contact with a person known or suspected to have COVID-19 (aOR=1.9, 95% CI:1.4-2.5) and zip code level COVID-19 incidence (aOR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0-2.0) increased the odds of infection. Black individuals were at high risk (aOR=2.0, 95% CI:1.6-2.4). Overall, occupational risk factors accounted for 27% (95% CI: 25%-30%) of the risk among healthcare workers and included contact with a PCR test-positive healthcare worker (aOR=1.2, 95% CI:1.0-1.6). Conclusions Community risk factors, including contact with a COVID-19 positive individual and residential COVID-19 incidence, are more strongly associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among healthcare workers than exposure in the workplace.
The Effect of Coal-Fired Power Plant Closures on Emergency Department Visits for Asthma-Related Conditions Among 0- to 4-Year-Old Children in Chicago, 2009-2017.

Objectives. To investigate the effects of coal-fired power plant closures on zip code–level rates of emergency department visits for asthma-related conditions among 0- to 4-year-old children in Chi...
Chemical testing of lightweight longitudinal long fiber optic colorimetric chemical sensing platform

We report chemical warfare agent (CWA and) Toxic Industrial Compound (TIC) detection with colorimetric dyes, dispersed in porous polymer coatings on long (>1 m) fibers, for lightweight remote fiber-based sensing exploiting optical fibers’ quality, length, and low weight/power requirements. Illuminating LED light travels longitudinally within the polymer fiber core and evanescently interacts with the colorimetric dyes, dispersed in a porous polymer cladding. Reflectivity and absorption, measured by a precise COTS sensor, change with small amounts of TICs or CWAs. The cladding regenerates its signal after ~15 minutes. Minimum Detectable Concentration is below 1 ppm for ammonia. We report chemical testing at 2 different facilities against 3 CWAs, 2 agent-relevant TICs, and ammonia as a control, and field trials. We plan applications in remote sensing, reconnaissance, perimeter and airborne sensing, detecting other toxic materials, and manufacturing. We acknowledge funding from DTRA.
Nostalgic Voting? Explaining the Electoral Support for the Political Left in Post-Soviet Moldova

How does political nostalgia influence voting? Although nostalgic voters have been often mentioned as central to the rise of populism in the West, scholars have rarely shown empirically how nostalg...
Would You Sell Your Vote

Prominent scholars in recent years have expressed alarm about political polarization, weakened civil liberties, and growing support for authoritarianism in the United States. But discussions of dem...
Equity in designing a summer international research experience: Recruitment and partnerships for a graduate field school in El Salvador

An inclusive international research experience for graduate students is being developed based on equitable, interdisciplinary opportunities in field research and training and proactive efforts in recruiting a diverse cohort. Michigan Technological University, the Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc., and Lutheran World Relief are collaborating to support local development interventions for agricultural and water-access challenges in the "Dry Corridor" of El Salvador. The three-year effort is supported by the National Science Foundation International Research Experiences for Students program. This project, titled "Agricultural Community Adaptations to Extreme Hydrometeorological Events," recruited students for the summer 2020 experience before the COVID-19 interruption. Lessons from this past year pertaining to student recruitment, application selection, and preparatory training will enhance the processes for the coming year. Students were recruited through professional meetings, listservs, social media, and professional contacts. Proactive efforts were implemented to broaden student diversity. The selection process was systematically structured to evaluate applicant experience abroad, language abilities, and academic program relevance to the project goals. Pre-departure training content was developed to provide students with relevant tools and background for the travel, living, and research methods training in El Salvador. The project teams work with universities and governmental agencies in El Salvador. Agronomists, hydrologists, geologists, social scientists, and engineers are collaborating to explore new ways to couple participatory and hydrological research for informing adaptive strategies to water scarcity in agricultural communities. A planning visit in 2019 sought input from local farmers, representatives from governmental and non-governmental institutions, and project partners to help prioritize project research plans. This pre-planning approach fostered greater integration of the interdisciplinary project activities;planning to enhance local engagement in field work and continuous data collection;and development of insightful recruitment and promotional materials. © ASCE.
Revisiting the effects of spectral interfering substances in optical end-point coagulation assays.

Introduction Hemolysis, icterus, and lipemia (HIL) are common pre-analytical variables in the clinical laboratory. Understanding their effects on coagulation laboratory results is essential. Methods HIL effects on the prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), dilute Russell's viper venom time (DRVVT), thrombin time (TT), and protein C chromogenic activity (CFx) were evaluated on the ACL TOP 750 optical analyzer and STA-R Evolution mechanical analyzer (PT and APTT only) by spiking normal donor, patient, and commercial control samples with varying concentrations of hemolysate, bilirubin, or a lipid emulsion. The relative difference or bias compared to the original results was determined. Results Hemolysis (H) indices up to 900 mg/dL did not affect the APTT, PT, DRVVT Confirm, TT, and CFx; however, H indices above approximately 200 mg/dL resulted in a false-negative DRVVT screen and screen/confirm ratio in samples with a lupus anticoagulant. There was an artifactual prolongation of the PT and APTT when conjugated bilirubin was dissolved in aqueous solvents and not when it was dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide. Icterus (I) indices up to 45 mg/dL did not result in significant (>15%) bias for all assays evaluated. The PT and APTT assays failed to produce a robust clot curve when the lipemia (L) index exceeded 6000 milliabsorbance units (mAbs), and the TT and DRVVT assays failed when the L index exceeded 3000 mAbs; the CFx assay was unaffected by lipemia. Conclusions Verification of the manufacturer's recommended interference thresholds is important since it may avoid inappropriate instrument flagging and/ or sample rejection.
Applied cancer immunogenomics in glioblastoma

Abstract The use of novel immunotherapeutic agents in treating malignant brain tumors faces considerable challenges. Cancer immunogenomics represents a genomic framework for studying the dynamic interactions between the host immune system and tumor microenvironment. Characterization of the tumor-specific antigen landscape has already yielded a multitude of clinical trials testing personalized glioblastoma vaccines. Furthermore, significant advancements in high-throughput sequencing technologies and bioinformatic analyses have enabled high-resolution analysis of local and peripheral adaptive immune repertoires in the setting of central nervous system malignancies. These robust methods offer exciting new techniques for quantifying antitumor immune responses that can be harnessed as biomarkers for response to immune treatment or as a means to design cell therapy strategies. In the future, immunogenomic studies will be critical to understanding the genomic basis of immunotherapy response and resistance and to inform the next generation of immunotherapy trials.
Case 76: A Sudden Intraoperative Change in EKG Amplitude. Any Concern?

You work in a medium-sized hospital in northern Egypt. A 4-year-old (32 lbs) boy is scheduled for a left nephrectomy for a Wilms tumor. With the exception of hematuria and abdominal mass, the child has no other major concerns. He has no drug allergies and the family history is negative for anesthesia-related problems.
Association of Self-reported High-Risk Allergy History With Allergy Symptoms After COVID-19 Vaccination.

Importance Allergic history in individuals with confirmed anaphylaxis to a messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine is common. However, the risk factors for allergy symptoms after receiving the vaccine are unknown. Objective To assess the association between self-reported history of high-risk allergy and self-reported allergic reactions after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination of health care employees. Design, setting, and participants This cohort study obtained demographic, medical, and vaccine administration data of employees of Mass General Brigham from the institutional electronic health record. Employees who received at least 1 dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine between December 14, 2020, and February 1, 2021, and who completed at least 1 postvaccination symptom survey in the 3 days after vaccination were included. Exposures Self-reported history of high-risk allergy, defined as a previous severe allergic reaction to a vaccine, an injectable medication, or other allergen. Main outcomes and measures The primary outcome was 1 or more self-reported allergic reactions in the first 3 days after dose 1 or dose 2 of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Multivariable log binomial regression was used to assess the association between allergic reactions and high-risk allergy status. Results A total of 52 998 health care employees (mean [SD] age, 42 [14] years; 38 167 women [72.0%]) were included in the cohort, of whom 51 706 (97.6%) received 2 doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and 474 (0.9%) reported a history of high-risk allergy. Individuals with vs without a history of high-risk allergy reported more allergic reactions after receiving dose 1 or 2 of the vaccine (11.6% [n = 55] vs 4.7% [n = 2461]). In the adjusted model, a history of high-risk allergy was associated with an increased risk of allergic reactions (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 2.46; 95% CI, 1.92-3.16), with risk being highest for hives (aRR, 3.81; 95% CI, 2.33-6.22) and angioedema (aRR, 4.36; 95% CI, 2.52-7.54). Conclusions and relevance This cohort study found that self-reported history of high-risk allergy was associated with an increased risk of self-reported allergic reactions within 3 days of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. However, reported allergy symptoms did not impede the completion of the 2-dose vaccine protocol among a cohort of eligible health care employees, supporting the overall safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
Emotions, Empathy, and the Choice to Alleviate Suffering

This chapter offers a conceptual framework for the role of emotions and empathy in the desire and choice to alleviate suffering. Because the locus of the suffering (self, other, or social) may change the role of emotions in suffering, they are discussed collectively and separately. The structure of the empathy process is outlined in ten steps or phases, including emotional resonance and self-regulation. This larger perspective on empathy encompasses shared experience as well as the potential for compassion and altruism. Mindfulness is discussed in terms of its role in readiness for the alleviation of suffering through exercises in resonance and self-regulation. The chapter ends by showing how emotional processes can apply to large-scale social suffering and the potential they hold for contributing to even broader relief.
Conjugal Union: What Marriage Is and Why It Matters

This book defends the conjugal view of marriage. Patrick Lee and Robert P. George argue that marriage is a distinctive type of community: the union of a man and a woman who have committed to sharing their lives on every level of their beings (bodily, emotionally, and spiritually) in the kind of union that would be fulfilled by conceiving and rearing children together. The comprehensive nature of this union, and its intrinsic orientation to procreation as its natural fulfillment, distinguishes marriage from other types of community and provides the basis for the norms of marital exclusivity and permanence. Lee and George detail how the basic moral norms regarding sexual acts follow from the ethical requirement to respect the good of marriage and explain how the law should treat marriage, given its conjugal nature, examining both the same-sex-marriage issue and civil divorce.
Optimum Seismic-Resistant Design of R/C Frames

The procedure is based on a computer-aided iterative technique. It consists of two main phases: (1)A preliminary design phase, which is repeated until an acceptable preliminary design is obtained; and (2)a final design phase. Seismic design forces are found from an inelastic design spectrum employing a modal analysis technique. A weak-girder strong column design criterion is imposed and member design is based on a story-wise optimization procedure using a linear programming technique. Once a design is obtained, a series of linear and nonlinear structural analyses are carried out to evaluate in the preliminary design phase, the acceptability of the design, and in the final design phase, the reliability of this design. Two designs obtained by employing the optimization procedure and a design based on UBC seismic forces and conforming to the requirements of this code are compared with respect to volume of material required and to response characteristics. The use of computers allows alternate designs to be rapidly and economically formulated and evaluated.
Renal, hepatic, and marrow dysfunction in a patient with chronic renal insufficiency

Severe illness with acute renal failure, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and coagulopathy frequently occurs with hemolytic uremic syndrome/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, hematological malignancies, sepsis, and collagen-vascular diseases. We present a 16-year-old male fast-food worker with underlying chronic renal insufficiency who manifested these abnormalities as a result of Ehrlichia chaffeensis sepsis. Doxycycline therapy and aggressive supportive care led to complete recovery.
Interleukin-4 and 13 concentrations in infants at risk to develop Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

An exaggerated inflammatory response occurs in the first few days of life in infants who subsequently develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The increase of inflammatory cytokines in many disease processes is generally balanced by a rise in anti-inflammatory cytokines. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) have been shown to inhibit production of several inflammatory cytokines important in the development of BPD. We sought to determine if a correlation exists between the presence or absence of IL-4 and IL-13 in tracheal aspirates (TA) during the first 3 weeks of life and the development of BPD in premature infants. Serial TAs were prospectively obtained from 36 very low birth weight infants and IL-4 and IL-13 concentrations were determined by ELISA. Infants who developed BPD (n = 19) were less mature (25.3 ± 0.02 wks vs. 27.8 ± 0.05 wks; p < 0.001), and had lower birth weights (739 ± 27 g vs.1052 ± 41 g; p < 0.001). IL-4 and IL-13 were detectable in only 27 of 132 and 9 of 132 samples assayed respectively. Furthermore, the levels detected for IL-4 and IL-13 were very low and did not correlate with the development of BPD. TA concentrations of IL-4 and IL-13 do not increase significantly during acute lung injury in premature infants.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutation is expressed in messenger RNA of skeletal as well as cardiac muscle.

BACKGROUND The beta-myosin heavy chain (beta-MHC) gene has been identified as a major locus for familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHCM). We recently showed that one of the common mutations associated with FHCM is expressed in the cardiac muscle messenger RNA (mRNA) of an affected individual. Since beta-MHC is a major sarcomeric protein of cardiac and skeletal muscle, studies were performed to determine whether the mutation is also expressed in skeletal muscle. METHODS AND RESULTS Biopsies were obtained of skeletal muscle (biceps brachii) from a proband with FHCM known to have the missense mutation in exon 13 of the beta-MHC gene. RNA was extracted from skeletal muscle and lymphocytes by the RNAzol method. First-strand complementary DNA was synthesized by reverse transcription using an antisense primer to exon 16. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using primers to exons 12 and 14 to amplify the segment encompassing exon 13. The PCR products were digested with Ddel restriction endonuclease. Undigested PCR product in the control and the proband was 321 base-pairs (bp). Ddel digestion of the PCR product from normal skeletal and lymphocytes showed two DNA fragments of 181 and 140 bp as expected, whereas digestion of the PCR product from the proband's skeletal muscle and lymphocytes showed four DNA fragments of 181, 149, 140, and 32 bp due to the mutation in exon 13. This indicates that the mutation in affected individuals is also expressed in the mRNA of skeletal muscle and lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first documentation of a beta-MHC gene mutation expressed in skeletal muscle. This finding is provocative. Does it impair skeletal muscle function? If so, how? If not, why not? Is the impairment, or lack of it, a clue to the molecular defect of cardiac muscle? Furthermore, skeletal muscle provides a readily accessible source of mRNA for expression studies and for purification of the beta-MHC protein, which is probably essential to future investigation designed to unravel the molecular basis of this disorder.
The Interaction of a Cationic Detergent with Bovine Serum Albumin and Other Proteins

The binding of tetradecyltrimethylammonium chloride to bovine serum albumin and several other globular proteins was measured, and the resulting conformational changes were studied by optical and hydrodynamic techniques. Native serum albumin was found to have four discrete binding sites for the detergent, to which binding occurs without conformational change, and with a much lower binding constant than for anionic detergents with alkyl chains of similar length. At higher detergent concentrations the cationic detergent resembles sodium dodecyl sulfate, binding cooperatively to serum albumin and to all other proteins studied, with accompanying gross denaturation to form extended rod-like complexes. However, this cooperative process occurs for the cationic detergent at a 10-fold higher concentration than is required for sodium dodecyl sulfate, with the result that completion of the transition was prevented (under the conditions used) by the onset of micelle formation. A possible explanation is offered for this difference, which probably applies to all cationic detergents. The results suggest that cationic detergents are not suitable as substitutes for sodium dodecyl sulfate in procedures in which the denaturing action of the detergent is an essential feature, as, for example, in the determination of molecular weight by gel chromatography or gel electrophoresis.
Chapter 1: Gap Junction Structure: New Structures and New Insights

Publisher Summary Gap junctions among tissue cells play an essential role in the passage of molecules from the cytoplasm of one cell to its neighbor. Gap junction channels can be isolated as two-dimensional crystals containing hexagonally packed membrane channels, individual channels, or individual hemichannels. Electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction have been used to characterize these structures since the first discovery by electron microscopy of these cell–cell contacts in the 1960s. The gap junction membrane channel consists of two hexameric oligomers. The gap junction proteins are a multigene family with a specific folding topology and oligomerize to form distinct macromolecular structures. The “Holy Grail” of the molecular structure determination is the organization of the atoms of the intercellular channels in these maculae. Although this goal seems unachievable, new and independently determined gap junction structures at higher resolutions have helped to elucidate the secondary structural organization of the connexins. Simultaneously, site directed mutagenesis and chimeras of the connexins have provided information about structure through data on loss, gain, or change in function. This chapter presents these new structures in the context of the earlier structural models that were based on previous structures obtained from electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and genetic manipulation of the protein. In particular, this chapter discusses the arrangement of α -helical and β sheet components in the gap junction membrane channel and their functional role in the cytoplasmic, transmembrane, and extracellular domains of the connexin oligomer, the connexon.
Precision torque control in inverter-fed induction machines using fuzzy logic

In direct torque control of induction machines, none of the switching states is able to generate the exact voltage vector to produce the desired changes in torque and flux in most of the switching instances. This causes a high ripple in torque. This ripple can be reduced by applying a selected inverter switching state for a portion of switching period (defined as duty ratio /spl delta/) and the zero switching state for the rest of the period. The duty ratio during each switching state is a nonlinear function of torque error, flux error and flux position therefore fuzzy logic control is used to determine the duty ratio during each switching state. The simulation results indicate the ripple is reduced to less than 1/3 of the conventional DTC using the duty ratio control. Under duty ratio control the torque depends upon the changes in torque and flux during the zero switching state. These changes are minimized by using the stator flux optimization. >
Pd encapsulation in automotive exhaust-gas catalysts

Raman spectroscopy was used to detect strained PdO in fully formulated Pd-based automotive exhaust-gas catalysts that had been subjected to high-temperature accelerated aging treatments. The presence of strained PdO provides evidence of Pd encapsulation by ceria-zirconia, as in a previous study of a model powder catalyst. The relationship between strained PdO and Pd encapsulation was further examined for other model catalysts, and major factors influencing the application of this detection method were identified.
Five-step protocol for carotid endarterectomy in the managed health care era.

Abstract Background: We developed a protocol combining 5 cost-effective strategies to determine whether elective carotid endarterectomy (CEA) could be performed safely without adversely affecting well-established low morbidity and mortality rates and with significant hospital cost savings. Methods: Between April 1, 1995, and December 31, 1996, 109 of 141 patients were prospectively enrolled as candidates into a 5-step CEA protocol: (1) duplex ultrasonography (DU) performed at an accredited vascular laboratory as the sole diagnostic carotid preoperative study, (2) admission the day of operation, (3) cervical block anesthesia to eliminate intraoperative electroencephalogram monitoring, (4) transfer from the recovery room after a 4-hour observation period to the vascular ward, and (5) discharge the first postoperative morning. The other 32 patients were excluded from analysis; 16 patients were treated by vascular surgeons not participating in the protocol, 9 were treated concomitantly for other medical problems, and 7 were admitted emergently. Results: One patient died of carotid hemorrhage the first postoperative morning, and one had an intraoperative embolic stroke for a combined mortality-stroke rate of 1.8% (2 of 109). Of the 109 patients, 70% (76) underwent operation using DU as the sole diagnostic study, 95% (104) were admitted the day of operation, 76% (83) had cervical block anesthesia, 59% (64) were transferred to the floor the day of operation, and 83% (90) were discharged the morning after operation. None of the 109 patients were adversely affected by these 5 cost-saving strategies except potentially the patient who bled the first postoperative morning. The predicted charges of a patient treated with a perioperative protocol that many vascular surgeons currently use (preoperative arteriography, general anesthesia with intraoperative electroencephalogram monitoring, overnight intensive care unit stay, discharge on postoperative day 2) was $16,073 compared with $10,437 for a patient who completed all 5 steps of the protocol detailed above. Conclusions: On the basis of these results documenting significant cost savings and acceptably low morbidity and mortality rates, this 5-step protocol may be considered the standard for performing CEA in this era of cost containment. These results may be compared with endovascular intervention, which has recently been proposed as a less expensive technique to treat carotid disease. (Surgery 1999;125:96-101.)
Heterosynapsis and suppression of chiasmata within heterozygous pericentric inversions of the Sitka deer mouse.

The patterns of chromosomal pairing and chiasma distribution were analyzed in male Sitka deer mice (Peromyscus sitkensis) polymorphic for terminally positioned pericentric inversions of chromosomes 6 and 7. Gand C-banding of somatic metaphases indicated that the inversions involved 30% and 40% of chromosomes 6 and 7, respectively. Analysis of silver-stained synaptonemal complexes in surface-spread zygotene and pachytene nuclei from heterozygous individuals revealed that inversion loops were not formed. The inverted segments proceeded directly to heterosynapsis without an intervening homosynaptic phase, and the heteromorphic bivalents remained straight-paired throughout pachynema. C-banded pachytene nuclei corroborated the occurrence of heterosynapsis, as the heteromorphic bivalents exhibited nonaligned centromeres. Analysis of diplonema and diakinesis indicated that crossing over had not occurred within the heterosynapsed inverted segments. The observation of chiasma suppression within the inversions indicates that pericentric inversion heterozygosity does not lead to the production of unbalanced gametes. Heterosynapsis of the inverted segments during zygonema and pachynema and the resulting chiasma suppression therefore represent a meiotic mechanism for the maintenance of pericentric inversion polymorphisms in this population of P. sitkensis.
Numerical instabilities in level set topology optimization with the extended finite element method

This paper studies level set topology optimization of structures predicting the structural response by the eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM). In contrast to Ersatz material approaches, the XFEM represents the geometry in the mechanical model by crisp boundaries. The traditional XFEM approach augments the approximation of the state variable fields with a fixed set of enrichment functions. For complex material layouts with small geometric features, this strategy may result in interpolation errors and non-physical coupling between disconnected material domains. These defects can lead to numerical instabilities in the optimized material layout, similar to checker-board patterns found in density methods. In this paper, a generalized Heaviside enrichment strategy is presented that adapts the set of enrichment functions to the material layout and consistently interpolates the state variable fields, bypassing the limitations of the traditional approach. This XFEM formulation is embedded into a level set topology optimization framework and studied with "material-void" and "material-material" design problems, optimizing the compliance via a mathematical programming method. The numerical results suggest that the generalized formulation of the XFEM resolves numerical instabilities, but regularization techniques are still required to control the optimized geometry. It is observed that constraining the perimeter effectively eliminates the emergence of small geometric features. In contrast, smoothing the level set field does not provide a reliable geometry control but mainly improves the convergence rate of the optimization process.
Clinical and radiographic findings of focally infected polycycstic kidneys

Three patients with localized polycystic kidney infections are presented with the pertinent clinical, laboratory, and radiographic findings. Gallium-67 citrate and angiography play an important role in evaluation of these patients. Angiography in particular is valuable in the diagnosis and the exact localization of the inflammatory disease. Localization is extremely important in planning surgical treatment should conservative therapy fail.
Timing and trials of hearing aids and assistive devices

Abstract Of all the factors under consideration during the evaluation for a cochlear implant, perhaps the most critical is the speech perception ability of the candidate when using appropriate amplification. For children, this issue is often complicated by inadequate training or limited use of the sensory aid. Guidelines for implantation suggest that there be a “lack of benefit from hearing aids” to qualify as a candidate. This “lack of benefit” must be explored when using the most appropriate aid coupled with the proper rehabilitation. In determining candidacy for children, it becomes extremely important to assess benefit using a variety of sensory aids while having access to well-directed auditory intervention. The types of amplification that can be used during the preimplant evaluation stage include conventional behind-the-ear devices, FM units, vibrotactile aids, and frequency transposition aids. Although some of these devices are used more often than others, centers implanting children should be aware of the role that each plays in the evaluation process. To determine the frequency with which these devices are used as well as the types of strategies that are emphasized in the preimplant training interval, a questionnaire was developed to gather information from the cochlear implant facilities in the United States. The results of this survey will be presented to demonstrate training and device trends that are incorporated during the preimplant process. Additionally, the use of frequency transposition hearing aids as part of the preimplant training procedure will be explored. The facility at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital has studied these devices in a small group of adults and children. Data pertaining to the speech perceptual abilities obtained with both the TranSonic and the Emily will be presented and compared to results with the Nucleus cochlear implant system. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1997;117:208-13.)
Management and care of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: Variations across different health care settings

Objectives To examine variation in the process of care for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to highlight the need for rigorous research into the ideal management of TKA. We hypothesize that variation in the process of care for TKA across and within health care systems is associated with identifiable financial and historical factors. Methods We compared access to TKA and typical postoperative rehabilitation management in 12 orthopedic centers in the United States (4 centers), United Kingdom (6 centers), and Australia (2 centers). We collected data from two sources: 1) Empirical data on length of stay and discharge management were collected as part of a prospective study of the outcomes of primary TKA for patients with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis; 2) Structured qualitative interviews were conducted at each of the participating centers to collect data on academic status and reimbursement structure, as well as waiting times for orthopedic consultation and TKA surgery once it had been scheduled. Results We demonstrated differences in length of acute hospital stay, use of extended care facilities, home physical therapy, and outpatient physical therapy within our cohort of hospitals. The publicly funded hospitals had a significantly longer acute hospital length of stay (mean 11.8 days, SD 7.1) than the private hospitals (mean 6.6 days, SD 4.1; P < 0.0001). Variation in waiting times was associated with the method of surgeon reimbursement and whether the hospital is publicly funded or private. Patients attending private hospitals waited 1–8 weeks for the first consultation and 2–12 weeks for a surgical date after scheduling. In contrast, patients attending publicly funded hospitals waited 4–12 months for a first consultation and 12–18 months for a surgical date after scheduling. Conclusions Our observations are consistent with the hypothesis that financial reimbursement schemes influence the management of TKA. Further research needs to be done to quantify effects of varying processes of care on the outcome of TKA surgery across different health care settings. This data would elucidate the optimal management of TKA using objective evidence rather than relying on financial incentives or the preservation of historical practices.
Understanding and modeling basin hydrology: interpreting the hydrogeological signature

Basin landscapes possess an identifiable spatial structure, fashioned by climate, geology and land use, that affects their hydrologic response. This structure defines a basin's hydrogeological signature and corresponding patterns of runoff and stream chemistry. Interpreting this signature expresses a fundamental understanding of basin hydrology in terms of the dominant hydrologic components: surface, interflow and groundwater runoff. Using spatial analysis techniques, spatially distributed watershed characteristics and measurements of rainfall and runoff, we present an approach for modelling basin hydrology that integrates hydrogeological interpretation and hydrologic response unit concepts, applicable to both new and existing rainfall-runoff models. The benefits of our modelling approach are a clearly defined distribution of dominant runoff form and behaviour, which is useful for interpreting functions of runoff in the recruitment and transport of sediment and other contaminants, and limited over-parameterization. Our methods are illustrated in a case study focused on four watersheds (24 to 50 km2) draining the southern coast of California for the period October 1988 though to September 2002. Based on our hydrogeological interpretation, we present a new rainfall-runoff model developed to simulate both surface and subsurface runoff, where surface runoff is from either urban or rural surfaces and subsurface runoff is either interflow from steep shallow soils or groundwater from bedrock and coarse-textured fan deposits. Our assertions and model results are supported using streamflow data from seven US Geological Survey stream gauges and measured stream silica concentrations from two Santa Barbara Channel–Long Term Ecological Research Project sampling sites. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abstract 5463: Serum aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatases as biomarkers of hepatotoxicity in sprague-dawley rats exposed to silver nanoparticles

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Nanoparticles are small scale substances (<100 nm) used in biomedical applications, electronics, and energy production. Increased exposure to nanoparticles being produced in large scale industry facilities elicits concerns for the toxicity of certain classes of nanoparticles. In particular, the oral toxicity of silver nanoparticles is of concern to ensure public and consumer health. Due to the intensive commercial application of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), health risk assessment of this nanoparticle is of great importance. The previous in vitro studies demonstrated that Ag-NPs caused toxicity in various cell-lines. However, toxicity of Ag NPs in vivo is largely lacking. This study evaluated the effect of Ag-NPs on the activities of specific liver enzymes such as aminotransferases (GOT/GPT), and alkaline phosphatases (ALP) which may be useful as biomarkers of hepatotoxicity. Four groups of five male rats each weighing approximately 80 + 2 g were orally administered once a day for five days with doses of 5, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg BW of silver nanoparticles. A control group was also made of 5 rats. At the end of the experiment, serum samples were collected following standard protocols. The data obtained from the hepatotoxicity study clearly show that highest two dose 50 and 100 mg/kg of silver nanoparticles has statistically significantly increased the activity of serum aminotransferases (GOT and GPT) and alkaline phosphatases (ALP) when compared to control. The results demonstrate that Ag-NPs have the potential to induce hepatotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats. Our result does not imply that silver nanoparticles should be banned from use but more in vivo studies with histopathological characterization should be designed to confirm the results of this study. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5463. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5463
RAGE mRNA Expression and Its Correlation with Nuclear Factor Kappa Beta mRNA Expression in Inflamed Human Periradicular Tissues

Abstract Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been found to play a role in inflammation and vascular complications. The receptor for AGE (RAGE) is expressed on many cells and is up-regulated during inflammation. To date, RAGE expression or its correlation with nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κβ) expression has not been demonstrated in inflammatory periapical lesions. In this study, periapical tissue was obtained from 38 patients and processed for RAGE and NF-κβ expression by using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Various patient variables were examined as predictors for these novel protein expressions. The results demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation between the expression of RAGE and NF-κβ ( P = .001). When comparing whites and African Americans, a statistically significant difference was noted, with the African American group exhibiting a higher expression of RAGE (analysis of variance, F= 12.746, P = .002). A positive linear correlation of their presence was demonstrated in inflamed periradicular tissues. This study outlines the possible use of these proteins as potential markers for periapical inflammation.