cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regional effects of nafamostat, a novel potent protease and complement inhibitor, on severe necrotizing pancreatitis.

Abstract Background. We evaluated the effect of the novel protease inhibitor nafamostat on rat necrotizing pancreatitis through different routes of administration. Methods. Three hours after the induction of severe pancreatitis, the rats received intravenous gabexate or intravenous or local mesenteric intra-arterial nafamostat. At 9 hours, ascites and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were collected for the evaluation of capillary leakage (Evans blue extravasation). Pancreas and lung were excised for histologic features, myeloperoxidase, and trypsinogen activation peptide. Twenty-four hour survival was evaluated. Results. Only the intravenous infusion of nafamostat significantly reduced myeloperoxidase (11.7 ± 2.3 vs 18.3 ± 1.8 mU/mg; P
Ocean Commission mid‐term report

In its mid-term report issued on 24 September, the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy paints a bleak picture of the oceans and marine resources. Among the concerns are dramatic increases in population and pollution along shorelines, which indicate that the management of U.S. coastal areas is inadequate. Other problems outlined include outdated and under-utilized ocean and coastal observing and prediction systems, jurisdictional and legal confusion and ambiguity about coastal laws, and a lack of public awareness about threats to oceans.
The Na–K–Cl Co-transporter in astrocyte swelling

Ion channels, exchangers and transporters are known to be involved in cell volume regulation. A disturbance in one or more of these systems may result in loss of ion homeostasis and cell swelling. In particular, activation of the Na+–K+–Cl− cotransporters has been shown to regulate cell volume in many conditions. The Na+–K+–Cl− cotransporters (NKCC) are a class of membrane proteins that transport Na, K, and Cl ions into and out of a wide variety of epithelial and nonepithelial cells. Studies have established the role of NKCC1 in astrocyte swelling/brain edema in ischemia and trauma. Our recent studies suggest that NKCC1 activation is also involved in astrocyte swelling induced by ammonia and in the brain edema in the thioacetamide model of acute liver failure. This review will focus on mechanisms of NKCC1 activation and its contribution to astrocyte swelling/brain edema in neurological disorders, with particular emphasis on ammonia neurotoxicity and acute liver failure.
Reversible in situ acid formation for β-pinene hydrolysis using CO2 expanded liquid and hot water

Large amounts of waste may result from the neutralization of homogeneous acid catalysts following reaction. Here we present examples of in situ acid formation and self-neutralization, thus eliminating waste and offering advantages for product recovery. The formation of α-terpineol (2) from β-pinene (1) is a reaction of commercial significance that is typically run with strong acid. We demonstrate that the reaction can be performed under more environmentally benign conditions using the in situ acid formation capabilities of two different green technologies: CO2 expanded liquids and reactions in hot water (200 °C). This work presents an example of the application of these methods to a reaction that has commercial significance and adds to our knowledge about the benefits and effects of co-solvents. The relative rates and product distributions achieved in each system are presented and discussed.
Cyclic AMP Does Not Affect the Rate at which Cells Attach to a Substratum

CYCLIC AMP has been reported to increase the adhesion of fibroblasts to a substratum1. In these experiments, theophylline and dibutyryl-3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (dbcAMP) treated cells were shown to be less susceptible than non-treated cells to detachment from Falcon polystyrene tissue culture bottles. As cell detachment and cell attachment (we shall use the term “stickiness”, to mean the tendency to attach) are different properties of cell-substratum interactions2, we wished to measure the effects of theophylline and dbcAMP on cell “stickiness”. We show here that although dbcAMP does decrease cell detachability, it does not increase the “stickiness” of either transformed (BHK-py) or normal (BHK-21-13s) baby hamster kidney cells.
An Ada code generator for VAX 11/780 with Unix

This paper describes the final phase of an Ada compiler which produces code for the VAX 11/780 running the Unix operating system. Problems encountered in the implementation of subprogram calls, parameter passing, function return values, and exception handling and discussed and their solutions outlined.An underlying requirement for the code generator has been speed of implementation consistent with being a test bed for an Ada implementation. To accomplish this, a common model for the target environment has been assumed. The assumptions include: the VAX is a stack machine, a single address space is used, only the general case is implemented (no optimization of special cases), the hardware does as much work as possible, run time routines for lengthy code sequences are acceptable, and the conventions given in the VAX architecture, hardware, and software manuals are used.The code generator has been running on PDP-10 with Tops-10, producing a VAX assembly language source program as output. it has been available to local users since the beginning of 1980.
Socioeconomic Correlates of Smoking Among an Ethnically Diverse Sample of 8th Grade Adolescents in Southern California

Objective. Socioeconomic status (SES) has been associated with smoking among adolescents, but it is not known which attributes of SES are responsible for the added risk, or whether these associations are consistent in ethnically diverse samples. Methods. This study investigated the associations between SES variables and smoking behavior among an ethnically diverse sample of 1847 8th grade adolescents in Southern California in 2002. Several aspects of SES were examined: an objective composite measure of family and neighborhood SES, the adolescent's spending money, and the adolescent's perception of SES (family's ability to afford basic necessities, wealth relative to others, and wealth relative to last year). Results. After controlling for demographic characteristics, smoking behavior of parents and friends, and parental monitoring, low scores on the objective SES index and large amounts of pocket money were associated with an increased risk of smoking. The subjective measures of perceived SES were not associated with smoking. Conclusions. Results indicate that increased smoking prevention efforts are needed in low-SES areas, and that limiting adolescents' pocket money may be an effective strategy for preventing smoking.
Tracking the U.S. Treasury: Footprints from the Treasury's Debt Buy-Back Program

At the turn of the millennium, with its coffers flush from unexpectedly high tax receipts, the U.S. Treasury embarked upon a debt buy-back program, something not seen since 1930. The first question is how well the Treasury did versus its self-espoused goals of minimizing taxpayer financing costs while promoting efficient capital markets. Regarding security selection decisions, give the Treasury solid marks. It made no egregious errors (it avoided buying back the priciest issues) but could have done some additional fine-tuning (it repurchased moderately rich issues as well as cheap ones). The second question is how well the Treasury conducted its business. Here, the good news is that its well-designed reverse auction procedures did not upset the markets for the bonds it actually touched. The bad news is that the buy-backs produced unintended and unwanted reverberations in related markets (those for the single-payment Treasury STRIPS securities). The results presented here confirm that recently proposed reforms of STRIPS market practices may be very good ideas.
Pcr-based rflp screening of the commonly deleted 3p loci in renal cortical neoplasms

Cytogenetic deletions and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at certain restriction fragment length polymorphic (RFLP) loci on the short arm of chromosome 3 occur in most nonpapillary clear cell variants of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Studies of other variants of renal cell carcinomas are sparse and inconclusive. We investigated the LOH at three of the most commonly deleted loci on the short arm of chromosome 3 in 50 neoplasms representing the histopathologic spectrum of renal cortical neoplasms by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based restriction fragment length polymorphism assay and Southern blotting analysis. Our results indicate that PCR-based RFLP analysis accurately identified the LOH on the short arm of chromosome 3 in the different histopathologic variants of renal neoplasms. LOH was observed at D3F15S2 locus (3p21 telomeric) in > 60% of nonpapillary renal cell carcinomas. In contrast, 1 of 6 papillary renal cell carcinomas showed LOH at D3S32 locus (3p21 centromeric), and one of seven oncocytomas demonstrated LOH at D3F15S2 locus. We also report that 1 of 3 collecting duct carcinomas showed LOH at D3S32 locus. In this series there was no correlation between LOH, histologic grade, tumor stage, and DNA content. We conclude that (a) LOH on 3p is not restricted to the clear cell type of RCC, (b) the most common LOH were telomeric to D3S32 locus at the 3p21 region, and (c) no statistical correlation between the LOH at 3p and histologic grade, DNA ploidy, or clinical stage was found in this series.
Comparison and Implementation of Multiple Model Structural Identification Methods

AbstractAlthough multiple-model structural identification (MM ST-ID) approaches appear to offer clear, conceptual benefits over single-model approaches, they have not yet been employed within a transparent scenario that will allow quantitative comparison, critique, and refinement. To fill this gap, the research reported in this paper aimed to (1) implement and compare current MM ST-ID approaches on a physical laboratory model to establish their accuracy and identify their merits and shortcomings, and (2) identify the ability to refine MM ST-ID methods by weighing observations based on their correlation with the desired predictions. The scenario implemented used modal parameters as the observations, and static displacements and strains as the desired predictions. The various MM ST-ID methods were evaluated based on how their prediction distributions agreed with the actual responses of the physical model. The results indicated that while all methods were successful in bounding the actual responses, the Baye...
The Development of Children's Oral Narratives Across Contexts

Research Findings: Children across cultures begin the process of becoming literate well before they begin formal schooling. The early narratives children share in conversation with others lay the foundation for various academic and nonacademic aspects of school readiness. Practice or Policy: The present review synthesizes the major work conducted on the development of oral narratives among children from diverse sociocultural backgrounds, especially those shared at home, at school, and with peers. Contemporary research is discussed in relation to the socialization practices across cultures and the role these practices might play in shaping children's narrative discourse.
Heroic Fantasies: A Cross-Generational Comparison of Two Children's Television Heroes.

Two children's television programs, Roy Rogers of the 1950s and Brave Starr of the 1980s, were analyzed to determine whether cross-generational differences occurred in the television hero children choose to emulate in their play. Results indicated that the modern hero and his followers appeared to be more fearful and self-critical than their 1950s counterparts, and the modern villain and his followers expressed more hostility toward others and made more negative references about others. Differences were found in social behaviors of the two heroes and in characteristics of the struggles in which the two heroes were submerged.
Elastic scattering of polarized deuterons from 27Al, Si and 60Ni between 7 and 11 MeV

Abstract Polarization parameters have been determined for deuteron elastic scattering from 27 Al, Si and 60 Ni at energies between 7 and 11 MeV and laboratory scattering angles from 30° to 135°. The vector polarization, iT 11 , and two tensor parameters T 20 and T 22 , were measured by scattering polarized and unpolarized deuterons which were obtained from a tandem accelerator. The largest polarization was | iT 11 | ≈ 0.3 and | T 20 | ≈ 0.2 for 27 Al at 11 MeV. For 60 Ni, the observed polarizations were substantially smaller. Angular distributions of the unpolarized cross section were also measured for 27 Al and Si. An optical-model analysis of the polarization and cross-section data was performed. The vector polarization was reproduced reasonably well by a vector spin-orbit coupling of similar strength as found for nucleon scattering. A tensor interaction appears to be needed to account for the observed tensor polarizations.
An Applied Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in Academic Advising.

Academic advising research aids faculty members and advisors in detecting, explaining, and addressing macro-level trends beyond their local campus. It also helps legitimize the professional nature of academic advising, moving it beyond mere prescriptive models that focus on rules and course selection. Due to the erroneous belief that skills in advanced statistical analysis or complex research methodologies are needed, many advisors fail to undertake major research projects. We introduce qualitative research in academic advising, compare and contrast qualitative and quantitative research, and discuss three well-recognized qualitative methodologies: ethnography, appreciative inquiry, and case study. We explain the characteristics and give examples of qualitative research questions appropriate to the three qualitative methodologies and in an advising context.
Comparing E field changes aloft to lightning mapping data

[1] A newly developed balloon-borne instrument contains electric and magnetic sensors for determining how lightning alters electric field vectors relative to a coordinate system fixed with the Earth. By combining data from this instrument with results from the compact Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) at Langmuir Laboratory in central New Mexico and the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN), charge transported to ground by several strokes in a cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning flash can be quantified. As the flash progresses, the locations of the charge centers drained by successive strokes are seen to move further from the ground-strike point. Using this new instrument and two different models to map LMA source points onto charge centers, the charge transported in an intracloud (IC) flash is also estimated. Details of the instrument design and data analysis are also presented.
Visualization and quantitative analysis of complex formation between E.coli RNA polymerase and an rRNA promoter in vitro

We have established conditions that stabilize the interaction between RNA polymerase and the rrnB P1 promoter in vitro. The requirements for quantitative complex formation are unusual for E. coli promoters: (1) The inclusion of a competitor is required to allow visualization of a specific footprint. (2) Low salt concentrations are necessary since complex formation is salt sensitive. (3) The addition of the initiating nucleotides ATP and CTP, resulting in a low rate of dinucleotide production, is required in order to prevent dissociation of the complexes. The complex has been examined using DNAase I footprinting and filter binding assays. It is characterized by a region protected from DNAase I cleavage that extends slightly upstream of the region protected by RNA polymerase in most E. coli promoters. We find that only one mole of active RNA polymerase is required per mole of promoter DNA in order to detect filter-bound complexes. Under the conditions measured, the rate of association of RNA polymerase with rrnB P1 is as rapid as, or more rapid than, that reported for any other E. coli or bacteriophage promoter.
Voigt line infrared atmospheric transmittance calculations by Fourier transform.

The absorption coefficient space of an i.r. atmospheric path contains the linear superposition of many Voigt spectral lines. This paper discusses the practical application of Karp's method to the simulation of satellite transmittance and radiance observations by using fast Fourier transforms on the recursively generated Voigt transforms. Although the procedure is physically straightforward, it is nonetheless computationally demanding and suited primarily to narrow isolated Q-branch regions. Performing the calculation on a 2.4 cm-1 wide 15 μ CO2 Q-branch region demonstrates that 4% of the total absorption takes place above 0.1 mb. This absorption is in the cold mesopause and results in a 1–2% radiation deficit with its inclusion in a satellite radiation calculation.
GRANDFATHERS AS INCEST PERPETRATORS: DIRTY OLD MEN OR PREDATORY OFFENDERS?

ABSTRACT This study focuses on thirty grandfathers who are serving prison sentences for sexually abusing forty-four of their grandchildren. The few prior studies that have assessed this type of incest have reported inconsistent results concerning the seriousness of the sexual abuse. Through available quantitative and qualitative data, this research summarizes in detail the offending behavior of these inmates. The results indicate that at least for this group of incest perpetrators, the types of sexual abuse are serious and often accompanied by physical force or threats. Also considered are the backgrounds of the grandfathers, characteristics of the victims, the abuse situation, and how and to whom the abuse was reported The data are analyzed in order to provide as much information as possible about this little understood but important topic.
Global Regularity and Singularity Development for Wave Maps

Here dσ=Πα=0dxα denotes the standard volume element on R n+1. In local coordinates, one finds the equation (1.1) u + Γjk∂αu ∂u =0, = ∂α∂ We shall refer to this as the local coordinate formulation of the wave maps condition. Another possibility is to isometrically embed the target into a Euclidean space M ↪→ Rk, and then work in terms of the ambient coordinates. This is seen to lead to the condition (1.2) u ⊥ TMu which leads to (1.3) u + S jk(u)∂αu ∂u =0 in terms of the ambient coordinates, where Si jk is the 2nd fundamental form of the embedding M ↪→ Rk. 1Throughout, the Einstein summation convention is in force. c ©2008 International Press
126: Left ventricular assist device exchange – indications and outcomes

Purpose: In patients with end-stage heart failure the survival benefit of mechanical circulatory support with LVAD exceeds outcomes of any known medical therapy. With improved outcomes of LVAD implantation, increasing number of patients outlive the life-span of the LVAD, rendering the need for repeated surgeries which is challenging both for the LVAD team as well as the patient. Methods and Materials: We retrospectively reviewed indications and outcomes of device exchange among 188 pts with end-stage heart failure who received LVADs as a bridge-to-transplant (BTT, n 167) or destination therapy (DT, n 21) at the University of Minnesota between 1995 and 2006. One-way repeated measures ANOVA and Kaplan Meier estimates were employed for statistical analysis. Results: 17 pts (9.6%) required device replacement after a median device support time of 19 months. A total number of 44 permanent LVADs were placed in these patients; 7 patients received 3 devices. Indication for device exchange included pump failure (Heartmate, n 22), infected LVAD (Heartmate, n 2), refractory pump thrombosis (MicroMed DeBakey, n 3). Recipients of DT were most likely to undergo VAD exchange; 90% of them required at least one VAD replacement within 2 years (RR 3.5, p 0.01). There was no difference seen between the type of the first device inserted and the likelihood of VAD exchange: HM-IP (0/20 replacements), HM-VE (7/44 replacements), HM-XVE (7/82 replacements), HMII (0/25), and Micromed (3/8). Actuarial survival by Kaplan Meier analysis from the time of 1 implantation was 85.1% and 70.1% at 1 and 2 years respectively. Conclusions: With increasing reliability and durability of newer LVADs the need for LVAD pump exchanges may reduce in frequency. However, there will always be a select group of patients that will present with indications for and may benefit from LVAD pump exchange. Our study shows that with careful patient selection, peri-operative optimization and excellent surgical techniques, LVAD pump exchange is not only feasible, but also associated with good mid-term survival.
Growth-induced roughening of crystalline facets

The dynamic roughening of a growing crystalline facet is reexamined by including nonlinear effects. A new and unusual fixed point controls the crossover between rough and faceted growth. Unlike linear treatments, the dynamics is no longer diffusive, and an anomalous decrease in mobility is predicted. Implications of these results for recent numerical simulations of growth and experiments on He films are discussed.
The (−)-gossypol-2,4-pentanedione (1:2) inclusion complex

(−)-Gossypol and 2,4-pentanedione form an inclusion complex in a one-to-two molar ratio. The compound crystallizes in the tetragonal P41212 space group and has unit cell dimensions of a=b = 10.9966(7) A and c = 60.213(4) A. Both solvent molecules are in the enol form and occupy two distinct cavities within the structure. The first cavity is formed between pairs of gossypol naphthalene rings and contains a pair of symmetry-related solvent molecules that each accept a hydrogen bond from one of the surrounding gossypol molecules. The four molecules together form a wedge-shaped assembly that is repeated throughout the cell. The assemblies stack to form columns, and adjacent columns are aligned parallel to form layers. Neighboring layers are oriented at 90° angles, which accounts for the fourfold symmetry of the space group. The second solvent cavity is located in isolated pockets that form between the layers. These solvent molecules also accept hydrogen bonds from the surrounding gossypol molecules. Although many gossypol solvates have been reported, this structure is unusual in a number of features. It is the first report of a chiral non-conglomerate gossypol solvate. It is also the only known chiral gossypol inclusion complex to not lose appreciable amounts of solvent when removed from its mother liquor.
Endoscopic versus operative gastrostomy: final results of a prospective randomized trial

This study compared operative gastrostomy (OG) (by surgeons) with endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) (by physicians) in a prospective randomized fashion to determine whether one technique was superior. PEG (Sachs-Vine) and OG (Stamm) were done using local anesthesia. Patients were assessed for complications, mortality, tube function, and cost. Groups were equally matched for indications and underlying disease. Fifty-seven had OG and 64 had attempted PEG. Complications occurred in 26% of OG patients and 9% died. Complications occurred in 25% of PEG patients and 12% died. Tube feeding was initiated in both groups within a mean of 29 (24 to 72) hours of the gastrostomy placement. OG cost $1675 and PEG $979 to perform. Twenty-one PEG patients required endoscopic tube change which raised their total cost to $1574. We conclude there is no difference between OG (using local anesthesia) and PEG with regard to morbidity, mortality, or tube function. The endoscopic technique does appear to have economic advantage.
A comparison of systematic desensitization and reinforced practice procedures in fear reduction.

Abstract A t least two strategies of behavior modification seem possible in the treatment of neurotic disorders. In the first, systematic desensitization is used to reduce the anxiety associated with the avoidance behavior, thus reducing avoidance of the feared stimulus. In the second, anxiety is ignored and approach behavior is shaped by direct reinforcement according to operant conditioning principles. Each procedure enjoys a literature of successful application in both laboratory and clinical settings. Systematic desensitization has been effective in treating fears of small animals (Lang and Lazovik, 1963) interpersonal anxieties (Paul, 1966), and classic phobias (Lazarus, 1961). Operant approaches involving reinforced practice have proved successful in treating agoraphobia (Agras et al., 1968), anorexia nervosa (Bachrach et al., 1965), and various types of behavior of psychotic patients (Risley and Wolf, 1967; Ayllon and Azrin, 1968). The present study was designed to examine the relative therapeutic effectiveness of systematic desenzitization and reinforced practice in the treatment of snake phobia. Although Barlow et al. (1970) have suggested that “shaping” is more effective than systematic desensitization in the reduction of avoidance behavior, Ss in their “shaping” condition were given more experience with the aversive stimulus than desensitization Ss. The present study avoids such confounding.
Tubulin isotype usage in vivo: A unique spatial distribution of the minor neuronal-specific β-tubulin isotype in pheochromocytoma cells

Abstract The neuronal cells of vertebrates express two β-tubulin isotypes, called Class II and Class III, that are neuronal specific. In order to determine the distribution of the minor Class III isotype, site-directed antibodies were raised to synthetic peptides representing the carboxyl terminal, isotype-defining domains of the tubulins. These antibodies were applied to PC12 cells at various stages of differentiation. The Class III isotype was found to be expressed in undifferentiated PC12 cells as well as in cells at every stage of differentiation. The concentration of the Class III isotype, relative to the total β-tubulin complement, did not change significantly. Indirect double immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that the Class III isotype was found in the soma and the neurites of differentiated PC12 cells; this spatial pattern of Class III expression paralleled the total β-tubulin pattern. Although the anti-Class III antiserum could stain in vitro assembled neuronal microtubules in a filamentous pattern, a close examination of the Class III staining pattern in flattened PC12 cells revealed that this isotype was not incorporated into the nonaxoplasmic array of microtubules. Rather, the Class III isotype was localized in a nonfilamentous, granular pattern that was not readily extracted with nonionic detergent. Cells treated with taxol and then flattened and stained showed that the Class III isotype could be induced to assemble into microtubule bundles by taxol. Thus, the minor neuronal β-tubulin isotype appears to be spatially specialized in its pattern of expression.
Resident selection of Hand Surgery Fellowships: a survey of the 2011, 2012, and 2013 Hand Fellowship graduates.

Background We desired information from the recent, current, and future matched hand surgery fellows regarding their residency training, number of interviews, position matched, cost of interviewing, influences, opinions on future hand training models, and post-fellowship job information.
P‐AMINOBENZOIC ACID CAN SENSITIZE THE FORMATION OF PYRIMIDINE DIMERS IN DNA: DIRECT CHEMICAL EVIDENCE

Thymine-containing photoproducts with chromatographic properties similar to those of cyclobutyl pyrimidine dimers can be formed in [3H]-thymine-labeled DNA in solution by 313 nm ultraviolet radiation in the presence of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), a compound used in sunscreen preparations. In the absence of PABA, similar fluences of 313 nm radiation do not produce significant numbers of these photoproducts. The thymine-containing photoproducts can be reversed by 254 nm radiation so that the tritium label migrates with the mobility of thymine monomer, a behavior characteristic of thymine-containing cyclobutyl pyrimidine dimers. This result supports previous, but less direct, data from other laboratories indicating that PABA can sensitize dimer formation in the DNA of bacterial and mammalian cells.
Cation Valence in VOx

By comparing the position of the K absorption edge of VOx to that of V metal, V2O4, and V2O5, it is concluded that the cation in VOx has the classical valence of 2 + only for oxygen-rich compositions.
Behavior genetics and the prospect of ''personalized social policy''

I develop ‘‘personalized social policy’’ as a speculative exercise to examine the possibility that policy makers and service providers, making decisions under conditions of uncertainty, could use genetic information to divide clients into ‘‘treatment groups’’ receiving differential service goods to better meet individual needs or achieve efficiency. Using real and hypothetical examples from genetics and social services, I show how personalized social policy might work and discuss its implications for the practical organization and theoretical justification of social policy. The analysis suggests that behavior genetics could dramatically impact social policy, not by sowing fatalism about change, but by offering specific, practical tools that would reorganize the institutional and professional composition of social services delivery and bolster functionalist rationales for social welfare. Policy analysts should focus on specific ways genetic information might affect policy decisions to prepare proactive responses should the prospect of personalized social policy become a reality. # 2009 Policy and Society Associates (APSS). Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
BNP or NTproBNP? A clinician's perspective

Abstract Existing literature on two natriuretic peptides — B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and amino terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) — is overwhelming. Both peptides are acknowledged markers for cardiac dysfunction. Most of the sources present data on either BNP or NTproBNP making the comparison difficult. This paper focuses on reviewing studies directly comparing two peptides in the setting of chronic and acute heart failure (HF) and coronary artery disease. Many concomitant diseases influence these two peptides to varying extent. These characteristics should be taken into consideration when interpreting results. For most practical purposes, BNP and NTproBNP are interchangeable, and can be used based on local preferences and availability. NTproBNP seems to be more advantageous for diagnosing mild HF or asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction.
EFFECTS OF CO2 ON PARAMECIUM MULTIMICRONUCLEATUM.

SYNOPSIS. Experiments were undertaken to examine and to quantitate the effect of CO2 upon movement, contractile vacuole activity, cellular volume and shape, and survival of Paramecium multimicronucleatum. Paramecia tolerated pressures of CO* up to 1 atmosphere for at least 24 hours. Above 1 atmosphere survival was inversely related to pressure of CO2. Increasing CO2 tensions slowed forward movement and altered length and width of the spiral paths. Pulsation rates of anterior contractile vacuoles diminished as the CO2 pressure increased. At 20 psi of CO2 vacuoles ceased to function. Paramecia retained their volume and shape when exposed to high CO2 tensions. Removal of CO2 from the medium decreased speed and length of spirals and caused an increase in cellular volume. These effects of pressure variation of “CO” are examined in terms of the ability of COS to expand the volume of hydrocarbons upon dissolving into these compounds and in terms of bicarbonate competing for cations at the cell membrane.
Fertility in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility in the United States, affecting 5% to 10% of women of reproductive age. Several treatment options exist, including those that target insulin resistance. Once pregnancy is achieved, however, women are faced with several potential complications, including early pregnancy loss (EPL), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders. All these disorders are potentially linked by their association with hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. Preliminary studies suggest that metformin, an insulin-sensitizing agent that is a pregnancy class B drug, may decrease the risk of EPL and GDM in women with PCOS. Although it is reassuring that metformin administration during pregnancy appears to be safe, rigorous randomized controlled trials must be conducted to confirm metformin's efficacy and safety under these conditions before its use during pregnancy can be recommended.
An investigation of the in vivo stability of poly(ether urethaneurea) blood sacs.

In this paper we investigate the biostability of a series of Biolon® blood sacs that were utilized in electric total artificial hearts for time periods of up to 19 weeks. A battery of experimental probes, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were used to characterize the bulk and surface properties of explanted and control blood sacs. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) experiments showed that generally there was a dramatic increase in average molecular weight at longer implantation times. However, SEM and GPC observations suggest significant deterioration of the flex regions of right blood sacs after 17 weeks of service. XPS experiments indicated appreciable silicon and hydrocarbon concentrations on blood-contacting surfaces both before and after implantation, and we speculate as to their origin. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 44, 371–380, 1999.
Fish behaviour, partner choice experiments and cognitive ethology

Recently, evidence for ‘partner choice’ in many different contexts (e.g. foraging, anti-predator behaviour) has been accumulating in the fish behavioural ecology literature. In addition to demonstrating relatively complex behaviour in fish, these studies suggest that work on partner choice may benefit by incorporating a cognitive ethological approach to behaviour. We believe that using this approach when studying partner choice, and social behaviour in general, will allow us to address new questions of interest both to fish biologists and to cognitive ethologists.
Measurement of integrated intensities of acetylene bands at 3·04, 7·53 and 13·7 μm

Integrated intensities of acetylene bands at 3.04, 7.53, and 13.7 microns measured at 300 K at a spectral resolution of 0.6 slit widths per cm, using the technique described by Penner (1959), are presented. Comparisons with other published measurements suggest that the presented intensity values are reasonably well determined.
Characteristics of the high-energy photon beam of a 25-MeV accelerator

The CGR Saturne 25 is an isocentrically mounted standing wave medical linear accelerator that produces dual-energy photon beams and a scanned electron beam with six selectable energies between 4 and 25 MeV. The highest energy photon beam is nominally referred to as 23 MV. For this beam the mean energy of the accelerated electron beam on the 1.3 radiation length (4 mm) tungsten x-ray target is found to be approximately 21 MeV, with the energy acceptance stated to be +/- 5%. The electron beam traverses a 270 degrees bending magnet upstream of the x-ray production target. The resulting bremsstrahlung beam passes through a combination steel and lead flattening filter, 4-cm maximum thickness. Dosimetric data for the 23-MV beam are presented with respect to rectangular field output factor, depth of maximum dose as a function of field size, surface and buildup dose, central axis percent depth dose, tissue-phantom ratios, beam profile, applicability of inverse square, and block transmission. Some data are also presented on the effect of different flattening filter designs on apparent beam energy.
Is There an Information Literacy Skills Gap to Be Bridged? An Examination of Faculty Perceptions and Activities Relating to Information Literacy in the United States and England

Surveys of faculty were conducted at two higher education institutions in England and the United States to ascertain their perceptions of information literacy. Faculty were also asked about the extent to which they incorporated information literacy skills into their courses. Similarities were found across the two institutions both in the importance that faculty attached to information skills and what they actually did to incorporate the skills within curricula. The results reflect an information literacy skills gap between what faculty (and librarians) want for their students and the practical reality. Librarians and faculty should work collaboratively together to bridge this gap.
Examples of GES systems that can be driven to infinity by arbitrarily small additive decaying exponentials

Examples are given of nonlinear, time-invariant systems in continuous-time, discrete-time, and of hybrid type, that have linear sector growth, the origin globally exponentially stable, and that can be driven to infinity by arbitrarily small additive decaying exponentials. Resulting observations about additive cascades and Lyapunov functions are discussed. These observations extend those derived from an example, which recently appeared in the literature, of a globally asymptotically stable continuous-time system destabilized by a piecewise constant, integrable disturbance.
A Systems Approach to Solder Joint Fatigue in Spacecraft Electronic Packaging

Differential expansion induced fatigue resulting from temperature cycling is a leading cause of solder joint failures in spacecraft. Achieving high reliability flight hardware requires that each element of the fatigue issue be addressed carefully. This includes defining the complete thermal-cycle environment to be experienced by the hardware, developing electronic packaging concepts that are consistent with the defined environments, and validating the completed designs with a thorough qualification and acceptance test program. This paper describes a useful systems approach to solder fatigue based principally on the fundamental log-strain versus log-cycles-to-failure behavior of fatigue. This fundamental behavior has been useful to integrate diverse ground test and flight operational thermal-cycle environments into a unified electronics design approach. Each element of the approach reflects both the mechanism physics that control solder fatigue, as well as the practical realities of the hardware build, test, delivery, and application cycle.
Trickle‐bed reactor performance. Part I. Holdup and mass transfer effects

Liquid holdup and mass transfer rates were measured in a 2.58-cm I.D. tube, packed with glass beads and granular CuO · ZnO catalyst or β-naphthol particles, and operated as a trickle bed. Gas-to-liquid (water) transport coefficients were determined from absorption and desorption experiments with oxygen at 25°C and 1 atm. Liquid-to-particle mass transfer was studied using β-naphthol particles. Holdup and both mass transfer coefficients were unaffected by gas flow rate but increased with liquid rate. The data were correlated with equations that could be used for predicting mass transfer coefficients at high temperatures and pressures for use in the reaction studies reported in Part II.
Ceftobiprole: An Extended-Spectrum Anti–Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Cephalosporin

Objective:To summarize and evaluate the literature concerning ceftobiprole.Data Sources:Literature identification was conducted through MEDLINE (1966–February 2008) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–February 2008) using the terms ceftobiprole, medocaril, BAL 5788, RO-5788, BAL 9141, RO 63-9141, pynolidinone cephalosporin. MRSA, complicated skin and skin-structure infections (cSSSIs), community-acquired pneumonia, and nosocomial pneumonia. Additional publications were identified through a review of articles and abstracts from infectious disease meetings.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All articles in English were evaluated and all pertinent information was included.Data Synthesis:Ceftobiprole medocaril is an extended-spectrum cephalosporin with activity against methicillin-reslstant Staphylococcus spp., vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Inac...
Phenolic constituents of cell wall types of normal and brown midrib mutants of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L) R Br) in relation to wall biodegradability

The cell walls of parenchyma, rind and vascular bundle fractions of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L) R Br) were isolated from two brown midrib mutants (bmr) 5753 and 5778 and from their normal (N) near-isogenic line. The cell wall content of parenchyma was lower than that of vascular bundle which, in turn, was lower than that of rind. The amounts of ferulic and p-coumaric acids released by NaOH treatment of the cell walls were in the ranges 3-7 mg g−1 and 2-26 mg g−1, respectively. Parenchyma cell walls of the N line had the highest content of p-coumaric acid (26 mg g−1). This content of p-coumaric acid in the N line contrasts with that of bmr 5753 parenchyma (2 mg acid g−1 walls) and bmr 5778 (7 mg acid g−1 walls). The concentration of p-coumaric acid was highest in parenchyma cell walls that had been found to be the least digested. Parenchyma, rind and vascular bundle cells walls of the N line had much higher ratios of p-coumaric acid to ferulic acid than the mutants; rind and vascular bundle walls were less digestible than parenchyma. Small amounts of truxillic acid dimers were released by NaOH from the parenchyma walls of bmr 5778. Treatment of parenchyma, rind and vascular bundle cells walls with purified ‘driselase’ (containing xylanases and cellulases) released p-coumaroyl and feruloyl trisaccharides. Between 25 and 53% of the ferulic acid that was released by the NaOH treatment could be accounted for as feruloyl trisaccharide, but only 1-19% of the p-coumaric acid was accounted for as p-coumaroyl trisaccharide.
The Expanding Spectrum of Disease Treated by the Transnasal, Transsphenoidal Microscopic and Endoscopic Anterior Skull Base Approach: A Single-Center Experience 2008-2015.

Introduction The transsphenoidal approach was initially developed in neurosurgical practice as an operative approach to the pituitary gland. The introduction of the operating endoscope has improved the versatility of the transsphenoidal approach, broadening the spectrum of lesions that can be treated effectively with this operative strategy. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent transnasal, transsphenoidal operations at Brigham and Women's Hospital from April 2008 to February 2015 and categorized each case by pathologic diagnosis. Results A total of 792 transnasal, transsphenoidal operations (512 endoscopic) were performed by 9 neurosurgeons for 33 pathologies over a 7-year period. Pituitary adenomas (535, 67.55%) were the most common impetus for a transsphenoidal operation. Others included Rathke cleft cysts (86, 10.86%), craniopharyngiomas (25, 3.16%), lympocytic hypophysitis/pituitary inflammation (21, 2.65%), arachnoid cysts (8, 1.01%), spindle cell oncocytoma (4, 0.51%), colloid cysts (4, 0.51%), and pituicytoma (2, 0.25%). Pituitary hyperplasia was treated in 9 cases (1.14%) and pituitary apoplexy in 7 (0.88%). Nineteen operations were undertaken for postoperative repairs (2.40%) and 3 for abscesses (0.38%). Other diseases treated transsphenoidally included chordomas (12, 1.52%), metastases (9, 1.14%), meningiomas (5, 0.63%), clival lesions (4, 0.51%), germinomas (3, 0.38%), granulomas (2, 0.25%), dermoid tumors (2, 0.25%), and 1 (0.13%) each of esthesioneuroblastoma, granular cell tumor, Wegener granulomatosis, olfactory neuroblastoma, glioneuronal tumor, chondromyxoid fibroma, epidermoid, meningoencephalocele, aneurysm, neuroendocrine carcinoma, chondrosarcoma, and lymphoma. Conclusions Although initially devised in neurosurgical practice for tumors of the pituitary gland, developments in technology now make the transsphenoidal approach an effective operative strategy for a wide range of anterior skull base lesions.
Investigation of tuning characteristics of electrically tunable long-period gratings with a precise four-Layer model

In this paper, an investigation of the tuning characteristics of electrically tunable long-period gratings (LPGs) is presented. A precise four-layer model is used to quantitatively analyze the tuning potential of the gratings, and experimental data are provided to support the analysis. The four-layer model includes a silica core layer with an inscribed LPG, a thin silica cladding layer (/spl sim/40 /spl mu/m), an ultrathin (/spl sim/ 50 nm) high refractive index indium-tin dioxide (ITO) inner electrode layer, and a tunable electrooptic (E-O) polymer layer. It has been found that the inner electrode layer, made of high refractive index ITO, can be modeled as a high refractive index overlay and causes the forward-propagating modes in the thin silica cladding to reorganize as the ambient refractive index changes. This reorganization effect can lead to a significant increase (ten plus fold) in the tuning range of LPG tunable filters. Moreover, the required specifications of the tunable polymer layer are quantitatively analyzed. Finally, the required characteristics of the E-O polymer is realized by using a nanocomposite ferroelectric relaxor poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene) terpolymer.
Effect of asthma on the risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in atopic women.

Background Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is associated with significant morbidity and remains underdiagnosed in women. Identification of high-risk groups among women is important for early detection and treatment. Objectives To describe the prevalence of snoring in young women with atopy and to determine the risk factors for snoring in these individuals. Methods The Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study is an ongoing prospective birth cohort study of infants with at least 1 atopic parent. Mothers of study participants were evaluated by questionnaire for snoring, respiratory symptoms, and smoking status. Women who snored were compared with those who did not snore. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors for snoring. Results Data were available on 677 women who had at least 1 live birth. Of these 677 women, 546 (81%) were white, 122 (18%) were African American, and 9 (1%) were biracial or Asian. The mean ± SD age of the cohort at the time of evaluation for snoring was 29.6 ± 5.6 years. Of the 677 women, 231 (34%) reported snoring at least 1 night per week, and snoring almost always (5–7 nights per week) was reported by 85 (13%). An almost 2-fold risk of snoring was associated with asthma (diagnosis and current symptoms) (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–2.8) and African American race (odds ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–2.6) after controlling for income level and smoking status. Conclusions We found a high prevalence of snoring in young women with atopy and a significant association with asthma.
Large-scale production of nano-twinned, ultrafine-grained copper

Large-scale production of high purity (99.999%), nano-twinned, and ultrafine-grained copper foils (22m thick) was successfully implemented by the use of nanoscale multilayer technology. The process allows the production of up to fourteen 10 cm diameter foils during a single deposition run with high levels of reproducibility. Mechanical tests demonstrate that the strength of the Cu foils (σy ∼ 540–690 MPa) compares favorably to ultrafine-grained copper samples produced by other methods. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.