cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DIFFERENTIAL EFFECT OF ASCORBIC ACID AND N-ACETYL-L-CYSTEINE ON ARSENIC TRIOXIDE MEDIATED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN HUMAN LEUKEMIA (HL-60) CELLS

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has been recommended for the treatment of refractory cases of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Recent studies in our laboratory indicated that oxidative stress plays a key role in ATO-induced cytotoxicity in human leukemia (HL-60) cells. In the present investigation, we performed the MTT assay and trypan blue exclusion test for cell viability. We also performed the thiobarbituric acid test to determine the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) production in HL-60 cells coexposed to either ascorbic acid (AA) and ATO or to n-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and ATO. The results of MTT assay indicated that AA exposure potentiates the cytotoxicity of ATO in HL-60 cells, as evidenced by a gradual increase in MDA levels with increasing doses of AA. In contrary, the addition of NAC to ATO-treated HL-60 cells resulted in a dose-dependent decrease of MDA production. From these results, we conclude that the addition of the AA to ATO-treated HL-60 cells enhances the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas the addition of NAC under the same experimental condition significantly (p < .05) decreases the level of ROS formation. On the basis of these direct in vitro findings, our studies provide evidence that AA may extend the therapeutic spectrum of ATO. The coadministration of NAC with ATO shows a potential specificity for tumor cells, indicating that it may not enhance the clinical outcome associated with ATO monotherapy in vivo.
Simultaneous measurement of displacement and velocity using white light extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometry

Low-power (<5 mW) white light extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric sensors offer micron-level absolute position measurement capability for devices under test (DUTs) over large (cm) displacements. Because the position is determined directly by demodulating the interferogram, the sensors are robust to most common sources of power fluctuations but sensitive to DUT velocity, which induces Doppler shifting. This shifting results in interferogram bias errors as large as 50–100 μm for DUT velocities as low as 0.1 mm/s. This paper derives a model for predicting this Doppler-induced bias in the interferogram and exploits the derived relationship with a dual-filter optical architecture to obtain simultaneously the DUT velocity and bias-corrected absolute displacement. This approach is successfully demonstrated with a prototype in lab bench experiment. (Approved for release; LA-UR #12-23426).
Elastic coefficients of composites containing spherical inclusions in a periodic array

Abstract T he effective elasticity tensor of a composite medium consisting of spherical elastic particles firmly embedded in a periodic cubic arrangement into another elastic medium is characterized by three scalars α, β and γ. We employ a method of singularity distribution and determine these scalars for various values of volume fraction of the spheres and the Lameconstants of the particles and the matrix. The results, which are presented for the simple, body-centered and face-centered cubic arrays, are in agreement with the previously known results of Nunan and Keller (J. Mech. Phys. Solids32, 259, 1984) for the rigid particles and of Iwakuma and Nemat - Nasser (Computers and Structures16, 13, 1983) for the non-rigid particles.
Density functional theory studies of methyl dissociation on a Ni(111) surface in the presence of an external electric field

To provide a basis for understanding the reactive processes on nickel surfaces at fuel cell anodes, we investigate the influence of an external electric field on the dehydrogenation of methyl species on a Ni(111) surface using density functional theory calculations. The structures, adsorption energies and reaction barriers for all methyl species dissociation on the Ni(111) surface are identified. Our results show that the presence of an external electric field does not affect the structures and favorable adsorption sites of the adsorbed species, but causes the adsorption energies of the CHx species at the stable site to fluctuate around 0.2 eV. Calculations give an energy barrier of 0.692 eV for CH3* → CH2* + H*, 0.323 eV for CH2* → CH* + H* and 1.373 eV for CH* → C* + H*. Finally, we conclude that the presence of a large positive electric field significantly increases the energy barrier of the CH* → C* + H* reaction more than the other two reactions, suggesting that the presence of pure C atoms on Ni(111) are impeded in the presence of an external positive electric field.
Conservation of the Pho regulon in Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1

The Pho regulon integrates the sensing of environmental inorganic phosphate (Pi) availability with coregulation of gene expression, mediating an adaptive response to Pi limitation. Many aspects of the Pho regulon have been addressed in studies of Escherichia coli; however, it is unclear how transferable this knowledge is to other bacterial systems. Here, we report work to discern the conservation of the Pho regulon in Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1. We demonstrate by mutational studies that PhoB/PhoR and the Pst system have conserved functions in the regulation of Pi-induced phosphatase activities, as well as expression of other Pi-regulated genes. A genetic screen was carried out to isolate factors that affect Pho-regulated phosphatase activity. We identified the Pho-regulated phosphatases PhoX and PhoD and present evidence that these enzymes are exported via the Tat system. The phoX and phoD genes were shown to be members of the Pho regulon by reverse transcription-PCR, as well as by functional assessment of putative PhoB binding sites (Pho boxes). Our data also suggested that at least one other non-Tat-secreted Pho-regulated phosphatase exists. From the genetic screen, numerous siderophore mutants that displayed severe defects in Pho-activated phosphatase activity were isolated. Subsequently, iron was shown to be important for modulating the activity of Pho-regulated phosphatases, but it does not regulate this activity at the level of transcription. We also identify and demonstrate a novel role in siderophore production and Pho-regulated phosphatase activity for ApaH, the hydrolase for the nucleotide-signaling molecule AppppA. Finally, numerous mutations in multiple cellular pathways were recovered that may be required for maximal induction of the Pho regulon under Pi-limiting conditions.
A 1-D and 2-D Coupled Sediment Transport Model Using the Immersed-Boundary Method

Implementing small-scale rivers and channels within large-scale background sediment transport simulation is challenging because of the significant resolution difference. The modeling requires coupling between the background model and 1-D channel model. Based on a previously developed coupling method for hydrodynamic simulation, in this paper, a novel immersed-boundary (IB) type coupling method is developed and implemented for the sediment transport simulation. This coupling method enables dynamic linking between the channel and background with a relatively simple manner, and improves the efficiency and accuracy of the sediment transport simulation as water exchanges between the channel and background occur during a flooding event.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
LightBundle: grasping light through plant-inspired interactions

LightBundle is an optical fiber bundle for direct manipulation between the bundle and its composing strands. The bundle changes color based on user manipulation. Inspired by our daily interactions with bundles of vegetables (e.g., asparagus), LightBundle affords grabbing, peeling and twisting of bundle and strands. The metaphoric plant properties lend themselves to interaction scenarios ranging from timing, location, social awareness to energy transfer.
Elastodynamic behavior of laminated orthotropic plates under initial stress

Abstract A finite element method of analysis of the vibrational and wave propagational characteristics is presented for a laminated orthotropic plate under initial stress. The plate may have an arbitrary number of bonded elastic orthotropic layers, each with distinct thickness, density and mechanical properties, and the analysis is capable of treating a completely arbitrary three-dimensional state of initial stress. Biot's theory for incremental elastic deformations of a stressed solid forms the basis for this study. A homogeneous, isotropic plate under two different states of initial stress was analyzed and their numerical results showed excellent correlation with those from an exact solution. Further examples of a three layer composite plate and a sandwich plate are offered to add some general insight to the physical behavior of such plates.
Cell-specific regulation of neuronal activity by endogenous production of nitric oxide

Nitric oxide (NO) is a key regulator of neuronal excitability in the nervous system. While most studies have investigated its role as an intercellular messenger/modulator, less is known about potential physiological roles played by NO within NO-producing neurons. We showed previously that intrinsic production of NO within B5 neurons of the pond snail Helisoma trivolvis increased neuronal excitability by acting on three ionic conductances. Here we demonstrate that intrinsically produced NO affected two of the same conductances in another buccal neuron, B19, where it had the opposite, namely inhibitory, effect on neuronal activity. Using single-cell RT-PCR, we show that B19 neurons express NO synthase (NOS) mRNA. The inhibition of intrinsic NO production with NOS inhibitors caused membrane potential depolarization, transient spiking and an increase in input resistance. Inhibition of the main intracellular receptor of NO, soluble guanylyl cyclase, had similar effects on the parameters mentioned above. An investigation of the effects of NO on ion channels revealed that intrinsic NO mediated neuronal hyperpolarization by activating voltage-gated calcium channels that in turn caused the tonic opening of apamin-sensitive calcium-activated potassium channels. The analysis of action potentials in B5 and B19 neurons suggested that the opposite effects on neuronal excitability elicited by intrinsic NO were probably determined by differences in the ionic conductances that shape their action potentials. In summary, we describe a mechanism by which B19 neurons utilise intrinsically produced NO in a cell-type-specific fashion to decrease their neuronal activity, highlighting an important physiological role of NO within NO-producing neurons.
Phase-coherent frequency divider with high speed-gain/power figure-of-merit

A phase-coherent transformer (PCT) enabled 22 GHz dynamic frequency divider in 0.18 mum CMOS with 16 dB power gain, 7 dB phase noise reduction and superb speed-gain/power FOM of 2times10 2 /pJ is demonstrated. The on-chip PCT enforces energy reverberation between the sensing/latching stages and enhances the frequency divider efficiency by eliminating the `slave' stage and the buffer amplifiers
Palliative Management of Parkinson Disease: Focus on Nonmotor, Distressing Symptoms

Parkinson disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that commonly affects elderly persons. In the absence of neuroprotective or curative therapies, currently available therapies only provi...
FAMILIAL RISK AND COLORECTAL CANCER

Familial risk of colon cancer is common. The rare syndromes of FAP and HNPCC account for a small fraction of familial cases. A working knowledge of these syndromes is important, however, because appropriate management can prevent most cases of colon cancer in families with these conditions. Furthermore, the genes that give rise to FAP and HNPCC have been identified, and genetic testing to find gene carriers in affected families is now commercially available. In addition to the syndromes, colon cancer commonly clusters in families. The risk of colon cancer is two to threefold increased when a first-degree relative is affected with this malignancy. The risk is further increased if multiple first-degree relatives have colon cancer or if a diagnosis in a relative is made at an age of 50 years or younger. The genetic causes of this more commonly observed of familial clustering have not been clarified, but screening based on the degree of familial risk has been suggested.
Renal retention of radiothyroxine in adult rats subsequent to neonatal gonadectomy and gonadal transplantation.

SummaryNeonatally castrated male rats (some bearing ovarian transplants) and female rats given testicular grafts at birth were injected chronically with 131I-labeled L-T4 and carrier T4 as adults; the radioactivity in plasma and kidneys was measured and compared with that in normal adult males and females. Both renal and plasma radioactivity were significantly higher in normal male rats than in females. Neonatally castrated males as well as females given testicular transplants at birth exhibited an increase in renal T4 to levels of normal males whereas neonatally castrated males bearing sc ovarian transplants showed a significant reduction in renal retention of T4. A sex difference in the capacity of the kidney to concentrate radiothyroxine was demonstrated. This was not solely related to adult androgen levels and was influenced by neonatal hormonal manipulations which are known to alter hypothalamic-pituitary relationships in the adult rat.The skilled technical assistance of Mr. Phil Cooper and Mrs. Joy ...
Involvement of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in the induction of tolerance to hemorrhagic and endotoxic shock.

Abstract Background. Exposure to sublethal hemorrhage (SLH) makes rats tolerant to subsequent hemorrhagic or septic shock and is associated with altered NF-κB activity. The purpose of this study was to explore whether changes in p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity also occur in the induction of tolerance by SLH. Methods. Rats were made tolerant by SLH or sham operation. Twenty-four hours later rats were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or had peritoneal macrophages (Mφ) isolated. CNI-1493, a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor, or saline was given prior to SLH. Lungs were harvested 1 h after SLH or LPS and total protein was extracted. Peritoneal Mφ were stimulated with LPS (10 μg/ml) and total protein was isolated 1 h later. Active, dually phosphorylated p38 MAP kinase was determined by Western blot. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was measured in Mφ supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) 18 h after LPS. Results. SLH activated p38 MAP kinase in the lung and this was inhibited by CNI-1493. Twenty-four hours later, lung p38 MAP kinase activity increased to the same degree in tolerant and sham rats following LPS, but much more prominently in the CNI-1493 treated rats. There was no p38 activity in peritoneal Mφ at baseline, and similar to lung p38, LPS led to increased p38 activity which was most significant in Mφ from rats that received CNI-1493 prior to SLH. TNF production by tolerant Mφ in response to LPS was significantly ( P t test) decreased and p38 inhibition with CNI-1493 at the time of SLH reversed the inhibitory effects of tolerance on TNF production. Conclusions. TNF production by tolerant Mφ following a second insult (LPS) is attenuated despite preservation of normal p38 MAP kinase activity. However, activation of this intracellular second messenger is a necessary step in the “cellular reprogramming” that occurs during the induction of tolerance by SLH.
Understanding diffraction effects in novel systems containing nanostructures

The recent revelation that diffracted radiance is the fundamental quantity predicted by scalar diffraction theory, combined with the observation that radiance (not irradiance or intensity) is shift-invariant in direction cosine space, has lead to the development of a generalized linear systems formulation of non-paraxial scalar diffraction theory. Thus simple Fourier techniques can now be used to predict a variety of wide-angle diffraction phenomena. These include: (1) the redistribution of radiant energy from evanescent diffracted orders to propagating ones, (2) the angular broadening (and apparent shifting) of wide-angle diffracted orders, and (3) diffraction efficiencies predicted with an accuracy usually thought to require rigorous electromagnetic theory. In addition, this new insight and understanding has led to an empirically modified Brckmann-Kirchhoff surface scatter model that is more accurate than the classical Beckmann-Kirchhoff theory in predicting scatter effects at large incident and scattered angles, without the smooth-surface limitation of the Rayleigh-Rice vector perturbation surface scatter theory. This new understanding of non-paraxial diffraction phenomena is becoming increasingly important in the design and analysis of novel optical systems containing nano-structures.
Role of the right parietal lobe in the mediation of cross-modal associations and reversible operations in space.

Summary Sixteen patients with right hemisphere cerebral damage, 12 with severe and four with mild parietal signs, were administered two intra- and three cross-modal associative tasks as well as three tests requiring spatial reversible operations. The 12 patients with severe parietal signs were impaired on tactile-tactile and auditory-visual matching and on all three spatial tasks, while the four patients with mild parietal signs did not reveal deficits on any test. Further testing indicated that the right parietals' impairments on the auditory-visual task were associated with an inability to decode the auditory patterned stimulus rather than to a failure in cross-modal associations. When the performance of the right hemisphere patients was compared with the data from left hemisphere patients, it appeared that the left parietal region may be dominant for cross-modal associations, but that both the left and right are important for spatial reversible operations.
DIGITAL-IMAGE-BASED COMPUTER MODELING AND VISUALIZATION OF CEMENT-BASED MATERIALS

Over the past several years, digital-image-based computer models and subsequent visualization of microstructure have proven valuable in studying processing-microstructure-property relationships in cement-based materials. This paper reviews the computer modeling techniques used to simulate the microstructure of hydrating cement paste at the micrometer level and the microstructure of concrete and mortar at the millimeter level. In the former case, digital-image-based models using cellular automata offer many advantages in simulating the reactions occurring during the hydration of cement paste. In the latter case, a continuum hard core-soft shell percolation model appears to be most efficient for modeling the aggregates in a mortar or concrete, each surrounded by an interfacial transition zone (ITZ). Here, digitization is employed to compute the volume fractions occupied by aggregate, bulk cement paste, and ITZ cement paste. The influence of microstructure on the diffusivity of these materials is addressed within the overall framework of this multiscale modeling approach.
Distributed-effect optical fiber sensors for trusses and plates

Modal domain optical fiber sensors, or distributed effect sensors, for active vibration suppression in flexible structures are considered. Preliminary modeling results indicate that these sensors can be used to sense vibrations in a flexible beam and the signal can be used to damp vibrations in the beam. Weighted distributed-effect sensors can be used to implement high order compensators with low order functional observers.
456 CONTINUOUS NASOGASTRIC INFUSION (CNGI): A SAFE AND EFFECTIVE WAY TO FEED THE VLBW INFANT

CNGI was evaluated as an alternative to transpyloric or intravenous feeding. Forty three consecutive infants weighing less than 1251 grams were fed Similac PM 60/40 24 cal/ounce or breast milk by the intragastric route: 3 by intermittent gavage and 40 by CNGI. Three infants on CNGI died from respiratory disease in the first week of life. Of the remaining 37 infants, 2 developed intermittent non-specific abdominal distension and 35 remained asymptomatic. Mean fluid and caloric intakes of the 35 asymptomatic infants were 132 ± 20 ml/kg/day and 99 ± 20 cal/kg/day on the fifth day of feeding and 166 ± 18 ml/kg/day and 133 ± 19 cal/kg/day on the tenth day of feeding. Thirty one infants gained weight as expected from the Dancis Growth Curves. None of the 37 infants developed necrotizing enterocolitis or aspiration pneumonia. There was no difference in fluid or caloric intake or symptoms between those infants on respirators (n=19) and those not on ventilatory support (n=18). Four infants on respirators failed to grow adequately despite receiving at least 120 cal/kg/day, suggesting an increased caloric requirement rather than a failure in technique. This experience demonstrated that CNGI is an effective and safe method of feeding even the seriously ill VLBW infant; transpyloric and intravenous alimentation are rarely required.
The new paradigm: integrating genomic function and nuclear architecture.

A new view of the cell nucleus is emerging based on the functional dynamics of nuclear architecture. The striking structural preservation of a variety of genomic processes on the nuclear matrix provides an important approach for correlating nuclear form and function. In situ labeling coupled with three-dimensional microscopy and computer imaging techniques shows that DNA replication and transcription sites are organized into higher-order units, or "zones," in the cell nucleus. The dynamic interplay and "re-zoning" of replication and transcription regions during the cell cycle may form the structural basis for the elaborate global coordination of replicational and transcriptional programs in the mammalian cell. J. Cell. Biochem. Suppls. 30/31:238-242, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An Explosion Model Comparison with Insights from the Source Physics Experiments

Seismic spectral models for chemical and nuclear explosions are used in many applications including network modeling and yield estimation. Here we compare the models presented in Denny and Johnson (1991) and Mueller and Murphy (1971) with each other and with new results from the Source Physics Experiments (SPE). We demonstrate analytically the two models are in substantial agreement for large and normally buried explosions, consistent with much of the historic data collected during American and Soviet nuclear testing. However, for small and/or deeply buried explosions, the spectral predictions of the two models can differ significantly. For example, the predicted yield of a 1 km deep, M w 2 nuclear explosion differs by more than a factor of 5; and, for the same moment and depth chemical explosion, the difference is greater than a factor of 10. We compare the models with initial data from the SPE, which include small and overburied chemical explosions. The corner frequency of the one‐ton SPE explosion (SPE‐2) is slightly higher than the Mueller and Murphy (1971) model and approximately double the Denny and Johnson (1991) model prediction. The absolute moment of the one‐tenth ton SPE explosion (SPE‐1) is near the Denny and Johnson (1991) prediction and an order of magnitude smaller than the Mueller and Murphy (1971) prediction. The low‐frequency moment ratio for SPE‐2/SPE‐1 is more consistent with the Denny and Johnson (1991) model. The results presented here show the need for an improved explosion source model that can accommodate a wider range of yields and emplacement conditions. Online Material: Moment magnitude, corner frequency, and yield for all geologic media.
Human T-cell clonal anergy is induced by antigen presentation in the absence of B7 costimulation.

Abstract The maximal T-cell response to its antigen requires presentation of the antigen by a major histocompatibility complex class II molecule as well as the delivery of one or more costimulatory signals provided by the antigen-presenting cell (APC). Although a number of candidate molecules have been identified that are capable of delivering a costimulatory signal, increasing evidence suggests that one such critical pathway involves the interaction of the T-cell surface antigen CD28 with its ligand B7, expressed on APCs. In view of the number of potential costimulatory molecules that might be expressed on the cell surface of APCs, artificial APCs were constructed by stable transfection of NIH 3T3 cells with HLA-DR7, B7, or both. Here, we show that in a human antigen-specific model system, when tetanus toxoid peptide antigen is presented by cells cotransfected with HLA-DR7 and B7, optimal T-cell proliferation and interleukin 2 production result. In contrast, antigen presentation, in the absence of B7 costimulation, results in T-cell clonal anergy. These results demonstrate that it is possible to induce antigen-specific clonal tolerance in human T cells that have been previously sensitized to antigen. The artificial antigen-presenting system provides a useful model for the investigation of the biochemical events involved in the generation of tolerance and for the study of signals necessary to overcome tolerance.
Diversity of Tet Resistance Genes in Tetracycline-resistant Bacteria Isolated from a Swine Lagoon with Low Antibiotic Impact

Tetracycline resistance has been extensively studied and shown to be widespread. A number of previous studies have clearly demonstrated that a variety of tetracycline resistance genes are present in swine fecal material, treatment lagoons, and the environments surrounding concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). The diversity of tetracycline resistance within a swine lagoon located at a CAFO that used only bacitricin methylene disalicylate as an antibiotic was evaluated by screening 85 tetracycline-resistant isolates for the presence of 18 different genes by performing PCR with primers that target tetracycline efflux genes of Gram-negative bacteria and ribosomal protection proteins. In addition, partial 16S rRNA sequences from each of these isolates were sequenced to determine the identity of these isolates. Of the 85 isolates examined, 17 may represent potential novel species based on BLAST results. Greater than 50% of the isolates (48 out of 85) were found to not contain targeted tet efflux genes...
Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Transplants Prevent Experimental Enterocolitis and Require Host CD11b+ Splenocytes

Background & Aims Bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) are being evaluated as a cellular therapeutic for immune-mediated diseases. We investigated the effects of MSCs in mice with chemically induced colitis and determined the effects of CD11b + cells based on the hypothesis that MSCs increase numbers of regulatory T cells. Methods Colitis was induced in mice using trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid; symptoms were monitored as a function of MSC delivery. An immunomodulatory response was determined by measuring numbers of regulatory T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes. In vitro cocultures were used to assess the interaction of MSCs with regulatory T cells and CD11b + cells; findings were supported using near-infrared tracking of MSCs in vivo. We chemically and surgically depleted splenic CD11b + cells before colitis was induced with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid to monitor the effects of MSCs. We adoptively transferred CD11b + cells that were cocultured with MSCs into mice with colitis. Results Intravenous grafts of MSCs prevented colitis and increased survival times of mice. Numbers of Foxp3 + regulatory T cells increased in mesenteric lymph nodes in mice given MSCs. MSCs increased the numbers of Foxp3 + splenocytes in a CD11b + cell-dependent manner. Transplanted MSCs colocalized near splenic CD11b + cells in vivo. Loss of CD11b + cells eliminated the therapeutic effect of MSCs. MSCs increased the anticolitis effects of CD11b + cells in mice. Conclusions MSC transplants, delivered by specific parameters, reduce colitis in mice. Interactions between MSC and CD11b + regulatory T cells might be used to develop potency assays for MSCs, to identify nonresponders to MSC therapy, and to create new cell grafts that are composed of CD11b + cells preconditioned by MSCs.
I. Electronic structure and thermodynamics of alloys: Alloy Metastability During Nucleation‐Controlled Reactions

The initial stage of a first order transformation reactions is controlled by a nucleation process. In fact, the kinetic constraints provided by nucleation and growth difficulties of the new phase provide the necessary condition to expose metastable reaction pathways. The resulting hierarchy of metastability is viewed in terms of the severity of the imposed kinetic constraints. The identification of nucleation control has been extended to cover solid state reactions such as those involved in solid state amorphization reactions (SSAR) of so-called driven systems. Some of the fundamental characteristics of alloy metastability under kinetic constraints are illustrated by experimental observations and model analyses that highlight the current understanding.
Therapeutic and diagnostic efficacy of adenosine in wide-complex tachycardia

Wide-complex tachycardia is one of the most challenging problems faced by emergency physicians. Adenosine is an endogenous nucleoside that has gained recent popularity as an anti-arrhythmic drug in the setting of supraventricular tachycardia. We present the cases of two patients with stable wide-complex tachycardia in which adenosine was administered for therapeutic and diagnostic effects. Both patients quickly converted into sinus rhythm with subsequent diagnoses of atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia secondary to Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. The role of adenosine in the acute management of wide-complex tachycardia is discussed.
Subcutaneous management of vertical incisions with 3 or more centimeters of subcutaneous fat.

Objective This study was undertaken to determine the most appropriate management of the subcutaneous tissue of midline vertical incisions with 3 cm or more of subcutaneous fat. Study design Patients undergoing surgery within the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at University of South Florida and East Tennessee State University with 3 cm or more of subcutaneous fat were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: suture approximation of Camper's fascia, closed suction drainage of the subcutaneous space, or no intervention as a control group. Participants were evaluated daily during postoperative hospitalization and at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively as an outpatient. Demographic information, perioperative data, and wound complications were recorded and then analyzed with χ 2 , t test, analysis of variance, and logistic regression where appropriate. Results Two hundred twenty-five patients were enrolled with 222 eligible for evaluation. Wound complications were observed in 34 (15.3%) patients, and 25 of these women also had wound disruption. Overall wound complication and wound disruption rates were not significantly different between groups: suture (12.8%, 7.7%), drain (17.9%, 14.9%), control (15.6%, 11.7%); P = .70 and P = .39, respectively. Conclusion Suture approximation or drainage of the subcutaneous tissues of women with 3 cm or more subcutaneous fat measured in midline vertical incisions resulted in no significant change in the incidence of overall wound complications or superficial wound disruption.
Metacommunity patterns in larval odonates

The growth of metacommunity ecology as a subdiscipline has increased interest in how processes at different spatial scales structure communities. However, there is still a significant knowledge gap with respect to relating the action of niche- and dispersal-assembly mechanisms to observed species distributions across gradients. Surveys of the larval dragonfly community (Odonata: Anisoptera) in 57 lakes and ponds in southeast Michigan were used to evaluate hypotheses about the processes regulating community structure in this system. We considered the roles of both niche- and dispersal-assembly processes in determining patterns of species richness and composition across a habitat gradient involving changes in the extent of habitat permanence, canopy cover, area, and top predator type. We compared observed richness patterns and species distributions in this system to patterns predicted by four general community models: species sorting related to adaptive trade-offs, a developmental constraints hypothesis, dispersal assembly, and a neutral community assemblage. Our results supported neither the developmental constraints nor the neutral-assemblage models. Observed patterns of richness and species distributions were consistent with patterns expected when adaptive tradeoffs and dispersal-assembly mechanisms affect community structure. Adaptive trade-offs appeared to be important in limiting the distributions of species which segregate across the habitat gradient. However, dispersal was important in shaping the distributions of species that utilize habitats with a broad range of hydroperiods and alternative top predator types. Our results also suggest that the relative importance of these mechanisms may change across this habitat gradient and that a metacommunity perspective which incorporates both niche- and dispersal-assembly processes is necessary to understand how communities are organized.
Multinational enterprise in insurance: An historical overview

The article traces the history of multinational enterprise (MNE) in insurance from the nineteenth century to the present, highlighting the importance of this topic. The essay breaks new ground in providing the first overall historical snapshot of MNEs in insurance. Long before the First World War, MNE insurers had substantial global interests. MNEs from the UK, the European continent, the United States and Canada in non-life and life insurance as well as in reinsurance established business around the world, obtaining substantial revenues from the operations in foreign locales. In many countries they were the innovators in the provision of this service. The article found differing patterns through time, discontinuities (exits), and a range of differences when comparing the non-life and life insurance sectors. Home and host country regulations and other government actions during war and peace always affected the historical developments and thus are not neglected in this survey. The article provides sample s...
Yield and Nutritive Value of Autumn-Seeded Winter-Hardy and Winter-Sensitive Annual Forages

Winter-hardy small grains produce abundant forage in the spring, but have low forage yield in autumn in the U.S. Midwest. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of mixing annual forages with winter-hardy small grains to improve forage supplies in late autumn without compromising yield the following spring. Field studies were established in mid-September 2001 and 2002 at two locations in Ohio to compare autumn and spring forage yield and nutritive value of the winter-hardy species (WHS) rye (Secale cereale L.), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and winter triticale (Triticum × Secale) seeded alone and in binary mixtures with the winter-sensitive species (WSS) oat (Avena saliva L.), spring triticale (Triticum × Secale), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.), and rape (Brassica napus L.). The WHS + WSS mixtures had greater forage yield in autumn than the corresponding WHS monocultures in 29 of 44 comparisons. Oat and spring triticale mixtures with WHS usually had the greatest autumn yield, greater than the yield of corresponding WHS monocultures in 91% of all comparisons. Forage yield of mixtures was usually similar to that of WHS monocultures in the spring. Forage nutritive value was high for all treatments. Oat, spring triticale, and rape were productive species to include with WHS for optimizing autumn and spring forage yield, but oat and rape had low seed cost ha -1 , and thus were the most economical options.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial of acamprosate for the treatment of cocaine dependence.

Abstract Background Acamprosate is a medication shown to be effective for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Although the exact mechanism of action of acamprosate is unknown, evidence suggests that it decreases excitatory amino acid activity by post-synaptic inhibition of the NMDA subtype of glutamate receptors. It is possible that the activity of acamprosate via modulating glutamatergic activity could also reduce craving for cocaine and impact abstinence in cocaine dependence. Therefore, we conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled pilot trial of acamprosate for the treatment of cocaine dependence. Methods Sixty male and female cocaine dependent patients were included in a nine week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. After a one-week baseline, patients were randomized to receive acamprosate 666 mg three times daily or identical placebo tablets for eight weeks. The primary outcome measure was cocaine use as determined by twice weekly urine drug screens. Results Thirty-six patients (60%) completed the trial, with no significant between-group difference in treatment retention. Percent cocaine positive urine drug screens did not differ between the two groups. Acamprosate was no better than placebo in reducing cocaine craving, reducing cocaine withdrawal symptoms, or improving measures of drug use severity from the Addiction Severity Index. Adverse events in this trial were generally mild and were evenly distributed between the two groups. Discussion Acamprosate was well tolerated but was no more efficacious than placebo in promoting abstinence from cocaine in cocaine dependent patients. Acamprosate does not appear to be a promising medication for the treatment of cocaine dependence.
Computational simulation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutations in Troponin I: Influence of increased myofilament calcium sensitivity on isometric force, ATPase and [Ca2+]i

Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC) is an inherited disease that is characterized by ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac arrhythmias and increased risk of premature sudden death. FHC is caused by autosomal-dominant mutations in genes for a number of sarcomeric proteins; many mutations in Ca(2+)-regulatory proteins of the cardiac thin filament are associated with increased Ca(2+) sensitivity of myofilament function. Computational simulations were used to investigate the possibility that these mutations could affect the Ca(2+) transient and mechanical response of a myocyte during a single cardiac cycle. We used existing experimental data for specific mutations of cardiac troponin I that exhibit increased Ca(2+) sensitivity in physiological and biophysical assays. The simulated Ca(2+) transients were used as input for a three-dimensional half-sarcomere biomechanical model with filament compliance to predict the resulting force. Mutations with the highest Ca(2+) affinity (lowest K(m)) values, exhibit the largest decrease in peak Ca(2+) assuming a constant influx of Ca(2+) into the cytoplasm; they also prolong Ca(2+) removal but have little effect on diastolic Ca(2+). Biomechanical model results suggest that these cTnI mutants would increase peak force despite the decrease in peak [Ca(2+)](i). There is a corresponding increase in net ATP hydrolysis, with no change in tension cost (ATP hydrolyzed per unit of time-integrated tension). These simulations suggest that myofilament-initiated hypertrophic signaling could be associated with decreased [Ca(2+)](i), increased stress/strain, and/or increased ATP flux.
Discrete-space versus continuous-space lesion boundary and area definitions

Measurement of the size of anatomic regions of interest in medical images is used to diagnose disease, track growth, and evaluate response to therapy. The discrete nature of medical images allows for both continuous and discrete definitions of region boundary. These definitions may, in turn, support several methods of area calculation that give substantially different quantitative values. This study investigated several boundary definitions (e.g., continuous polygon, internal discrete, and external discrete) and area calculation methods (pixel counting and Green’s theorem). These methods were applied to three separate databases: A synthetic image database, the Lung Image Database Consortium database of lung nodules and a database of adrenal gland outlines. Average percent differences in area on the order of 20% were found among the different methods applied to the clinical databases. These results support the idea that inconsistent application of region boundary definition and area calculation may substantially impact measurement accuracy.
Pneumonia in Childhood and Impaired Lung Function in Adults: A Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND: Diminished lung function and increased prevalence of asthma have been reported in children with a history of early lower respiratory illnesses (LRIs), including pneumonia. Whether these associations persist up to adulthood has not been established. METHODS: As part of the prospective Tucson Children9s Respiratory Study, LRIs during the first 3 years of life were ascertained by pediatricians. Spirometry was performed at ages 11, 16, 22, and 26 years. The occurrence of asthma/wheeze during the previous year was ascertained at ages 11, 13, 16, 18, 22, 24, 26, and 29 years. Longitudinal random effects models and generalized estimating equations were used to assess the relation of LRIs to lung function and asthma. RESULTS: Compared with participants without early-life LRIs, those with pneumonia had the most severe subsequent lung function impairment, with mean ± SE deficits of −3.9% ± 0.9% (P CONCLUSIONS: Early pneumonia is associated with asthma and impaired airway function, which is partially reversible with bronchodilators and persists into adulthood. Early pneumonia may be a major risk factor for adult chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The More Things Change...: Recognizing and Responding to Trends in Armed Conflict

It is becoming increasingly fashionable to argue that conflict patterns today are fundamentally different from patterns in past eras. If correct, this argument could call into question the future value of decades of seientific research on the sources and consequences of interstate conflict. This paper reviews several Prominent differences that have been proposed and examines major conflict-related data sets for evidence related to these explanations. It appears that intrastate conflict is currelltly more frequent and bloodier than interstate conflict, as many analysts have argued, but that this has been the case for most of the past two centuries. Similarly, while analysts claim that future conflict will revolve around ethnic or cultural issues rather than territoral or ideological questions, the available evidence is mixed. I conclude with seieral suggestions for future research on militarized conflict, focusing on three themes: non-state actors, sub-war intrastate conflict, and (both interstate and intr...
A Rotary-Leg Robot Model That Predicts Both Leg Revolution and Oscillation Behavior

The Clock-Torqued Spring-Loaded Inverted Pendulum (CT-SLIP) model is extended to predict both leg revolution and oscillation behaviors. With this model we demonstrate that the center-of-mass locomotion dynamics of both leg revolution and oscillation cases have identical local stability with respect to small perturbations, while global stability (with respect to large perturbations) shows differences. This extension of the CT-SLIP model and comparative analysis has potential benefits in robot path planning where there may be a choice between a leg revolution or oscillation. Further, this analysis helps relate mathematical models and physical models based on leg revolution to animal locomotion that is dependent on leg retraction and oscillation.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
AN IMPROVED CO2 COLLECTION WELL FOR USE IN INCUBATION STUDIES.

Abstract A center well for collecting CO2 from tissue slices was fabricated from a plastic centrifuge tube. The well is designed for insertion into a serewcap 50-ml Erlenmeyer flask fitted with a rubber diaphragm. The collection effieieney of the well is as high as the conventional incubation flask. The well is easier to handle, adaptable to other uses, easily made, and economical.
Commentary: Relative Presence of Business-to-Business Research in the Marketing Literature: Review and Future Directions

In this commentary we reaffirm the position taken by LaPlaca and Katrichis (2009) that there is an underrepresentation of business marketing research in the marketing literature. Our comments highlight the sector size of business marketing in the economy, document the degree of difference on the inherent nature of business versus consumer marketing, compare the relative representation of business versus consumer emphasis in the marketing literature with other subfields, and close by suggesting means for enhancing business marketing research.
Synthesis, characterization, and biological activity of Nα-(N-fluoresceinthiocarbamoyl)-(Asp1, Ile5)-angiotensin II

Abstract A fluorescent analog of angiotensin II was synthesized by reacting fluorescein 5′-isothiocyanate with (Asp1, Ile5)-angiotensin II. Nα-(N-Fluoresceinthiocarbamoyl)-(Asp1, Ile5)-angiotensin II was purified by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-25. Analysis of the analog by thin-layer chromatography, thin-layer electrophoresis, and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography indicated that the analog was free of angiotensin II and fluorescein 5′-isothiocyanate. N-Terminal sequence analysis demonstrated that fluorescein 5′-isothiocyanate reacted with the N-terminal aspartic acid residue of angiotensin II. Nα-(N-Fluoresceinthiocarbamoyl)-(Asp1, Ile5)-angiotensin II has an absorption maximum at 492 nm, and the value of the molar extinction coefficient, ϵ, is 7.7 × 104 m −1 cm−1. The fluorescence emission maximum occurs at 520 nm. Infusion of the analog (0.69 μg/min/kg body wt) directly into the renal artery of an anesthetized rat reduced the blood flow by 12 to 27% within 2 min. Infusion of angiotensin II (0.48 μg/min/kg body wt) reduced renal arterial blood flow by 35 to 53% within 2 min. Saralasin, a partial agonist and antagonist of angiotensin II, inhibited the biologic effect of the fluorescent analog and angiotensin II by 75 and 70%, respectively. The purity, spectral properties, and in vivo biologic activity of Nα-(N-fluoresceinthiocarbamoyl)-(Asp1, Ile5)-angiotensin II indicate that this analog should facilitate characterization of angiotensin II receptors.
Representation of Collective Electrical Behavior of Cardiac Cell Sheets

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a measure of the collective electrical behavior of the heart based on body surface measurements. With computational models or tissue preparations, various methods have been used to compute the pseudo-ECG (pECG) of bipolar and unipolar leads that can be given clinical interpretation. When spatial maps of transmembrane potential (Vm) are available, pECG can be derived from a weighted sum of the spatial gradients of Vm. The concept of a lead field can be used to define sensitivity curves for different bipolar and unipolar leads and to determine an effective operating height for the bipolar lead position for a two-dimensional sheet of heart cells. The pseudo-vectorcardiogram (pVCG) is computed from orthogonal bipolar lead voltages, which are derived in this study from optical voltage maps of cultured monolayers of cardiac cells. Rate and propagation direction for paced activity, rotation frequency for reentrant activity, direction of the common pathway for figure-eight reentry, and transitions from paced activity to reentry can all be distinguished using the pVCG. In contrast, the unipolar pECG does not clearly distinguish among many of the different types of electrical activity. We also show that pECG can be rapidly computed by two geometrically weighted sums of Vm, one that is summed over the area of the cell sheet and the other over the perimeter of the cell sheet. Our results are compared with those of an ad hoc difference method used in the past that consists of a simple difference of the sum of transmembrane potentials on one side of a tissue sheet and that of the other.