cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Approvals in 2018: a histology-agnostic new molecular entity, novel end points and real-time review.

In 2018, the FDA approved 19 new drug and biologic applications, 38 supplemental drug and biologic applications and 4 biosimilar applications in oncology. These advances in anticancer therapy included a landmark approval of the first histology-agnostic, biomarker-defined new molecular entity and approvals based on real-time data review and novel end points, such as minimal residual disease rate and metastasis-free survival.
Augmenting Gastrointestinal Health: A Deep Learning Approach to Human Stool Recognition and Characterization in Macroscopic Images

Purpose - Functional bowel diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, and chronic diarrhea, are some of the most common diseases seen in clinical practice. Many patients describe a range of triggers for altered bowel consistency and symptoms. However, characterization of the relationship between symptom triggers using bowel diaries is hampered by poor compliance and lack of objective stool consistency measurements. We sought to develop a stool detection and tracking system using computer vision and deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) that could be used by patients, providers, and researchers in the assessment of chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disease.
Fontan with lateral tunnel is associated with improved survival compared with extracardiac conduit.

Abstract Objectives The study aim was to compare Fontan patients undergoing lateral tunnel (LT) versus extracardiac conduit (ECC) technique. Methods Fontan patients (LT vs ECC) from January 2000 to December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Baseline characteristics were analyzed as covariates. Primary outcomes (ie, mortality, Fontan failure, thrombosis, and pacemaker implantation) were compared using time-to-event models. Subgroup analysis including only initially fenestrated cases and propensity score matching were performed. Results Eight hundred one Fontan patients: LT (n = 638) versus ECC (n = 163) were included. Median follow-up time was 4.8 years (range, 1.1-10.8 years). Baseline characteristics were similar except for age: LT versus ECC: 2.6 years (range, 2.2-3.2 years) versus 3.1 years (range, 2.6-4.7 years) (P Conclusions When compared with ECC, LT Fontan is associated with better short and midterm outcomes. Spontaneous fenestration closure is an independent risk factor for early/late mortality.
Development of a novel tumor phantom model for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and its applications

Tumor phantoms (TP) have been described for the purposes of training surgical residents and further understanding tissue characteristics in malignancy. To date, there has not been a tumor phantom described for the purposes of research and training in oncologic surgery of the head and neck focusing on the larynx and pharynx. With the goal of providing radiographic, visual, and physical mimicry of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a phantom was developed as a proposed training and research tool for trans-oral surgical procedures such as transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) and transoral robotic surgery (TORS). TP’s were constructed with an agar-gelatin chicken stock base to approximate reported physical properties, then glutaraldehyde and Omnipaque-350 were used as a fixative and to enhance CT-visualization respectively. Further, to ensure heterogeneity in radiographic imaging, other materials like olive oil and condensed milk were explored. These ingredients were combined with the use of a novel, 3D printed, syringe adaptor designed to allow for the direct injection of the liquid tumor into model tissue. TP’s fixed quickly in vivo upon implantation and were imaged using CT and segmented. This injection-based model was piloted in bovine tissue and verified in porcine tissue with excess Omnipaque-350 for volumetric reliability then optimized utilizing 6 well plates. Following radiographic optimization, the viscoelastic properties of TP’s were measured through uniaxial compression. We observed a Young’s modulus similar to published literature values and consistent reproducibility. Most notably, our proposed TP can be used by multiple specialties by altering the color and concentration of agar in the base solution to approximate physical properties.
Quantum interference between the optical Stark effect and resonant harmonic generation in WS2

An applied field can modulate optical signals by resonance shifting via the Stark effect. The optical Stark effect uses ultrafast light in the transparency region of a material to shift resonances with speeds limited by the pulse duration or system coherence. In this Rapid Communication, we investigate the optical Stark effect in resonant optical harmonic generation using the $A$ exciton transition of ${\mathrm{WS}}_{2}$. Multidimensional pump-harmonic-probe measurements, in which the probe is second- or third-harmonic emission, reveal not only large Stark shifts that are commensurate with the large optical susceptibilities common to ${\mathrm{WS}}_{2}$ excitons, but also behaviors more complex than simple optical Stark effect treatments predict. We show how another manifestation of the Stark effect, brought forth by coherent photon exchange between the pump and harmonic generation fundamental fields, can strongly enhance or suppress harmonic generation.
Activity Recommendations in Children After Cardiac Surgery

Purpose Clinicians, parents, and patients must decide which sorts of physical activity (recreational activities or sports participation) are most beneficial and safe for children who have had cardiac surgery and when these children should return to normal activities after cardiac surgery. Current recommendations are limited and tailored to the adolescent and young adult population. Methods We invited members of the Midwest Pediatric Cardiology Society to participate in an online survey of their current practice regarding physical activity recommendations in both the immediate post-surgical period and over the long term in patients …
Validating psychometric survey responses.

We present an approach to classify user validity in survey responses by using a machine learning techniques. The approach is based on collecting user mouse activity on web-surveys and fast predicting validity of the survey in general without analysis of specific answers. Rule based approach, LSTM and HMM models are considered. The approach might be used in web-survey applications to detect suspicious users behaviour and request from them proper answering instead of false data recording.
Sodium intoxication in a domestic rabbit

Abstract Background: Sodium chloride intoxication is commonly described in mammals, but there are no clinical reports of sodium chloride intoxication in a pet domestic rabbit. Case description: A pet domestic rabbit was presented for an acute onset of seizure-like activity, ataxia, vestibular-associated rolling, and obtunded mentation. The result of a computed tomography scan of the head was within normal limits and complete blood count revealed neutrophilia. Results of a serum biochemical profile included marked hypernatremia and elevated alanine aminotransferase. Subcutaneous fluids, oral fenbendazole, anti-inflammatory therapy, and assisted feedings were started while the cause of hypernatremia was investigated. Further discussion with owners revealed that the patient was provided a Himalayan salt rock, which was purchased from a pet store and promoted for improving the mood of a pet rabbit. This helped to confirm the cause of hypernatremia and a diagnosis of salt toxicity. The rabbit's clinical signs and serum sodium level resolved after 48 hours of supportive care. Conclusions and case relevance: This is the first report of sodium chloride toxicosis in a pet rabbit and should be considered as a differential diagnosis for acute onset of neurologic signs in rabbits. Clinicians should be aware of commercial salt products being marketed for rabbits.
Refractory cardiac arrest: where extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation fits.

Purpose of review Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is a powerful technique increasingly used to care for patients with refractory cardiac arrest. This review will detail where ECPR fits in the current care of cardiac arrest patients, including the key aspects of ECPR deployment and patient selection shown to maximize its benefit. Recent findings ECPR has been shown to improve neurologically favourable survival in patients with refractory cardiac arrest in numerous nonrandomized cohort studies. The haemodynamic, oxygenation and ventilation support provided by ECPR eliminates the need for return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and prevents ongoing injury from shock or rearrest. However, ECPR is one component of an entire system of resuscitation care necessary for positive outcomes. The intense resources needed require that patient eligibility criteria are well delineated to direct ECPR to patients likely to benefit. The other components of the system, including emergency medical services, cannulation teams and postarrest care teams, also require substantial training and dedication. Summary ECPR is a system of resuscitation care that must be optimized at every level to successfully treat patients with refractory cardiac arrest.
Foster Well-being Throughout the Career Trajectory: A Developmental Model of Physician Resilience Training

Physician burnout is common across specialties and largely driven by demands of the current health care industry. However, the obvious need for systems change does not address the unavoidable impact of providing care to those who suffer. An intentional, developmental, longitudinal approach to resiliency training would not distract from fixing a broken system or blame physicians for their distress. Existing models and approaches to resilience training are promising but limited in duration, scope, and depth. We call for and describe a career-long model, introduced early in undergraduate medical training, extending into graduate medical education, and integrated throughout professional training and continuing medical education, in intrapersonal and interpersonal skills that help physicians cope with the emotional, social, and physical impact of care provision.
Genome-wide detection and analysis of CRISPR-Cas off-targets

The clustered, regularly interspersed, short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology is revolutionizing biological studies and holds tremendous promise for treating human diseases. However, a significant limitation of this technology is that modifications can occur on off-target sites lacking perfect complementarity to the single guide RNA (sgRNA) or canonical protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) sequence. Several in vivo and in vitro genome-wide off-target profiling approaches have been developed to inform on the fidelity of gene editing. Of these, GUIDE-seq has become one of the most widely adopted and reproducible methods. To allow users to easily analyze GUIDE-seq data generated on any sequencing platform, we developed an open-source pipeline, GS-Preprocess, that takes standard base-call output in bcl format and generate all required input data for off-target identification using bioconductor package GUIDEseq for off-target identification. Furthermore, we created a Docker image with GS-Proprocess, GUIDE-seq, and all its R and system dependencies already installed. The bundled pipeline will empower end users to streamline the analysis of GUIDE-seq data and motivate their use of higher throughput sequencing with increased multiplexing for GUIDE-seq experiments.
The Impact of Fatherhood on Men’s Health and Development

Fatherhood has a direct and substantial impact on men’s physical, mental and social health, and sense of paternal generativity over their life course. This chapter, the second of a pair in this volume, explores the bidirectional impact of fatherhood on men’s health in the perinatal period. It pulls together a scattered fatherhood literature and articulates six broad pathways by which fatherhood could potentially impact on men’s health and development, both positively and negatively. This systematic exploration represents a new focus for the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) field, especially in addressing the perinatal time period, a time not usually thought of as impacting on men’s health. This chapter attempts to establish a firmer scientific knowledge base and rationale to support new, targeted perinatal fatherhood health programs, policies, and research. Hopefully, these will also further contribute to the growing efforts to expand men’s and women’s parental gender role expectations and equity, and enhance the parenting health and men’s health movements. Similar to the dual orientation of the women’s preconception health initiatives, earlier, healthier, and more actively engaged fatherhood should lead to both improved reproductive and infant health outcomes and men’s own improved health across the life course.
Navigating culture and sexuality: what social workers need to know

Familismo, a central theme in the Latino community, is viewed as protective factors by providing support, loyalty, and cohesion. However, for Latino gay men, it can also create hurdles and lead to ...
The Impact of Fish Oil Supplementation on Self-Perception of the Voice in Vocal Performers: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Purpose Physically active adults have experienced training benefits from fish oil-derived omega-3 fatty acid (FO n3), which may also be of benefit to singers. The purpose of this research study was to determine if self-reported vocal adaptations and body composition changes occur in singers following FO n3 supplementation in conjunction with a singer's normal training regimen. Method Twenty college students, currently enrolled in vocal lessons at a university, were randomized to receive either 3.0 g of FO n3 or placebo, which they took during a 10-week study period. Participants were blinded to group assignment. Participants completed the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Singing Voice Handicap Index-10 (SVHI-10), and the Evaluation of Ability to Sing Easily (EASE) and submitted to body composition measures (weight, skeletal mass, and body fat mass) before and after the study period. Results Sixteen participants completed all parts of the study protocol. Mean compliance for the placebo group (83.9%) and the supplement group (75.2%) was similar. There were no significant differences in body composition measures, RSI scores, and EASE scores between groups. Scores on the SVHI-10 decreased significantly over time for all participants. Conclusions Improvements seen in the SVHI-10 were not meaningfully different between the supplement and placebo group, pointing to the benefit of weekly lessons. The lack of changes in the questionnaire scores in the supplement group are partially attributed to the low compliance rate and low sample size, which is supported by the lack of change in the body composition measures.
Nucleon-Nucleon Total Cross Section

The total proton-proton and neutron-proton cross sections currently used in the transport code HZETRN show significant disagreement with experiment in the GeV and EeV energy ranges. The GeV range is near the region of maximum cosmic ray intensity. It is therefore important to correct these cross sections, so that predictions of space radiation environments will be accurate. Parameterizations of nucleon-nucleon total cross sections are developed which are accurate over the entire energy range of the cosmic ray spectrum.
A marathon: the immediate effect on female runners' luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, testosterone, and cortisol levels

This study was designed to measure the changes that occur in luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, testosterone, and cortisol levels in women at the immediate conclusion of a marathon and to compare the results with those in women on the United States Women's Water Polo Team at the conclusion of a strenuous practice session. Thirty-one women runners were included in this study, and each woman served as her own control. Thirteen women were studied from the United States Women's Water Polo Team. In the postmarathon group, cortisol levels showed a mean increase of 211% (p = less than 0.005), FSH levels were unchanged; LH levels, contrary to other published reports, were reduced by 36% (p = less than 0.005); and prolactin levels showed a mean increase of 327% (p = less than 0.005). These results were analyzed in the age groups 20 to 30, 30 to 40, and 41 +. All age groups had similar changes. In members of the United States Women's Water Polo Team, there were no significant changes in cortisol, FSH, LH, or testosterone levels. Prolactin levels showed an average increase of 70% (p = less than 0.002). These data indicate that acute exercise by running a marathon does alter the immediate hormonal profile. The data also indicate that acute exercise in an aquatic program results in a different response.
Modified preauricular access to the temporomandibular apparatus. Experience with twenty-eight cases.

Abstract This article demonstrates a modified preauricular approach to the temporomandibular apparatus. The technique is not new, but we have combined the concepts of Al-Kayat and Bramley1 and of Dunn8 and have added several modifications. It is our belief that this technique is superior to the classic preauricular technique and that, with the modifications, several distinct advantages are derived.
Abstract privacy policy framework: addressing privacy problems in SOA

This paper argues that privacy policies in SOA needs a lifecycle model. We formalize the lifecycle of personal data and associated privacy policies in Service Oriented Architectures (SOA), thus generalizing privacy-friendly data handling in cross-domain service compositions. First, we summarize our learning in two research projects (PrimeLife and SecPAL for Privacy) by proposing generic patterns to enable privacy policies in SOA. Second, we map existing privacy policy technologies and ongoing research work to the proposed abstraction. This highlights advantages and shortcomings of existing privacy policy technologies when applied to SOA.
Sulfur Oxides Removal – Heterogeneous

This article describes the significant progress made in recent years in the development and fundamental understanding of catalysts for the reduction of sulfur dioxide by CO, synthesis gas, or methane. The direct catalytic reduction of SO2 to elemental sulfur offers several advantages to power plants and industrial boilers using heavy fossil fuels, the main one being a simple process flowsheet for exhaust gas desulfurization with incorporated sulfur recovery. The environmental benefit is the recovery of sulfur in an innocuous form, which can be safely disposed of. Combined SO2/NOx removal can also be envisioned with such catalysts with ensuing overall system efficiency gains. Several high activity and high selectivity catalysts are presently available for SO2 reduction by CO or syngas (CO + H2), while under development are also catalysts for the reduction of sulfur dioxide with natural gas. These catalysts and the particulars of the associated SO2 reduction processes are described in the article. Emphasis is given to catalysts based on cerium oxide which show promise for SO2 reduction by either CO or methane, over a wide temperature window and in the presence of water and NOx. Mechanistic explanations are offered for the observed activity and selectivity of several of these catalyst compositions. Keywords: desulfurization; sulfur dioxide; sulfur recovery; catalytic SO2 reduction; cerium oxide; elemental sulfur; redox reaction
Microvolt T wave alternans: Mechanisms and implications for prediction of sudden cardiac death

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for greater than 50% of all cardiac deaths every year in the United States alone.1 While therapy with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is effective in treating the ventricular tachyarrhyth-mias most often responsible for SCD, it remains difficult to identify the population that derives the most benefit from this therapy. Recent studies have focused solely on a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as a criteria for selecting patients who benefit from implantation of an ICD. 2,3However, LVEF, as a measure of contractility, is a dynamic measurement that changes over time and poorly defines the electrical substrate that leads to SCD.4 Moreover, the absolute risk reduction derived from ICD therapy in the primary prevention studies based on a low LVEF alone is small (∼2.5%/year), and the rate of appropriate device therapy is ∼5−7% per year. Based on the current paradigm for risk stratification for SCD, it would be necessary to implant approximately 15–20 ICDs to save one life. With these considerations in mind, it is highly desirable to have accurate and reliable tests that improve risk stratification for SCD.
Human behavior theory : Emerging trends and issues

Abstract This manuscript addresses emerging trends and issues in human behavior theory with special reference to the relevance of these trends to social work practice. Specific items addressed are: gender and ethnic racial variables, biological variables, life span development, cognitive variables, learning theory, group level variables, exchange theory, macro level variables and the labeling and perceptual process.
The Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer.

The Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer Mission is described. The purpose of this mission is to search the celestial sphere for astronomical sources of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation (100 - 1000 A). This search will be accomplished with the use of three EUV telescopes, each sensitive to different segments, or colors, within the EUV band. A fourth telescope will perform a higher sensitivity search of a limited sample of the sky in a single EUV band. In six months, the entire sky will be scanned at a sensitivity level comparable to existing surveys in other more traditional astronomical bandpasses.
Syntax, Semantics, and Pragmatics of Contexts

The notion of context is indispensable in discussions of meaning, but the word context has often been used in conflicting senses. In logic, the first representation of context as a formal object was by the philosopher C. S. Peirce; but for nearly eighty years, his treatment was unknown outside a small group of Peirce afficionados. In the early 1980s, three new theories included related notions of context: Kamp's discourse representation theory; Barwise and Perry's situation semantics; and Sowa's conceptual graphs, which explicitly introduced Peirce's approach to the AI community. More recently, John McCarthy and his students have begun to use a closely related notion of context as a basis for organizing and partitioning knowledge bases. Each of the theories has distinctive, but complementary ideas that can enrich the others, but the relationships between them are far from clear. This paper analyzes the semantic foundations of these theories and shows how McCarthy's ist(c,p) predicate can be interpreted in terms of the semantic notions underlying the others.
Passive-aggressive personality disorder: The demise of a syndrome

This article presents an explanation and critique of the rationale for dropping passive-aggressive personality disorder (PAPD) from DSM-IV. The clinical and research literature on PAPD is reviewed along with the historical changes in definition, diagnostic criteria, and usage. PAPD can be reliably diagnosed, is fairly prevalent, and has good internal consistency. Because PAPD is no less valid than other personality disorders, and describes clinical phenomena that are unique among personality disorders, we recommend the reinstatement of PAPD in the official diagnostic nomenclature.
Higher sympathetic nerve activity during ventricular (VVI) than during dual-chamber (DDD) pacing

OBJECTIVES: We determined the short-term effects of single-chamber ventricular pacing and dual-chamber atrioventricular (AV) pacing on directly measured sympathetic nerve activity. BACKGROUND: Dual-chamber AV cardiac pacing results in greater cardiac output and lower systemic vascular resistance than does single-chamber ventricular pacing. However, it is unclear whether these hemodynamic advantages result in less sympathetic nervous system outflow. METHODS: In 13 patients with a dual-chamber pacemaker, we recorded the electrocardiogram, noninvasive arterial pressure (Finapres), respiration and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (microneurography) during 3 min of underlying basal heart rate and 3 min of ventricular and AV pacing at rates of 60 and 100 beats/min. RESULTS: Arterial pressure was lowest and muscle sympathetic nerve activity was highest at the underlying basal heart rate. Arterial pressure increased with cardiac pacing and was greater with AV than with ventricular pacing (change in mean blood pressure +/- SE: 10 +/- 3 vs. 2 +/- 2 mm Hg at 60 beats/min; 21 +/- 5 vs. 14 +/- 2 mm Hg at 100 beats/min; p < 0.05). Sympathetic nerve activity decreased with cardiac pacing and the decline was greater with AV than with ventricular pacing (60 beats/min -40 +/- 11% vs. -17 +/- 7%; 100 beats/min -60 +/- 9% vs. -48 +/- 10%; p < 0.05). Although most patients showed a strong inverse relation between arterial pressure and muscle sympathetic nerve activity, three patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction < or = 30%) showed no relation between arterial pressure and sympathetic activity. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term AV pacing results in lower sympathetic nerve activity and higher arterial pressure than does ventricular pacing, indicating that cardiac pacing mode may influence sympathetic outflow simply through arterial baroreflex mechanisms. We speculate that the greater incidence of adverse outcomes in patients treated with single-chamber ventricular rather than dual-chamber pacing may be due in part to increased sympathetic nervous outflow.
The relationship between interest rate and tourism activities

Abstract Investment theory proposes that interest rate affects an individual's cross-time consumption decision. This study examines the impact of interest rate on air travel, national park stay and restaurant patronage, as compared with its impact on two non-tourism consumption activities. The findings suggest that interest rate has a negative impact on tourism activities involving significant amounts of time and money.
In situ split liver transplantation for adult and pediatric recipients: an answer to organ shortage.

Abstract Background We report our initial experience with in situ split liver transplantation (SLT) for adult and pediatric patients. Patients and Methods From June 2003 to August 2005, 177 liver transplantations in 165 patients, 133 adults (81%) and 32 children (19%), were performed at our institution. Over this period, 45 liver transplantations (25%) were performed with an in situ split liver technique in 44 patients: 17 (39%) were adults and 27 (61%) children. All of the adult split liver recipients were transplanted with an extended right graft (ERG; segments I + IV–VIII), while pediatric recipients received in 23 cases a left lateral segment (LLS; segments II–III) and in 4 cases an ERG from a pediatric donor. The 45 split liver grafts (21 ERGs and 24 LLSs) were generated from 35 donors. In 10 cases we used both grafts generated with an in situ split procedure to transplant our patients, while in 25 cases the procurement procedure was performed in collaboration with other transplant centers. Results After a median follow-up of 9 months (range, 1–27 months), the overall patient survival rate was 88% for adult patients and 82% for pediatric patients. Graft survivals were 88% and 79%, respectively. Two adult patients (12%) died from sepsis in the early postoperative period. Five children (18%) died after their transplantations. Only one pediatric recipient (2%) of primary SLT underwent retransplantation. Vascular complications were absent in adult recipients, whereas 4 arterial (14%) and 4 venous (14%) complications developed in the pediatric population. The incidence of biliary complications was 23% in adult and 18% in pediatric recipients. Conclusions The use of in situ SLT for adult and pediatric populations allowed us to expand the cadaveric donor pool, significantly eliminating pediatric waiting list mortality without penalizing the adult population.
VEGF regulates PCB 104-mediated stimulation of permeability and transmigration of breast cancer cells in human microvascular endothelial cells

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, a group of worldwide, persistent environmental contaminants, are known to cause carcinogenesis and tumor promotion, and may also affect the development of cancer metastasis. Because vascular endothelial cells create a selective barrier to the passage of cancer cells, we hypothesize that specific PCB congeners can disrupt endothelial integrity and increase the transendothelial migration of tumor cells. To examine this hypothesis, we elucidated the effects of 2,2',4,6,6'-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 104), a representative of highly ortho-substituted non-coplanar PCB congeners, on the endothelial permeability and transendothelial migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Exposure of human microvascular endothelial cell 1 (HMEC-1) to PCB 104 induced endothelial hyperpermeability and markedly increased transendothelial migration of MDA-MB-231 cells. These effects were associated with overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). PCB 104-mediated elevation of VEGF expression was induced by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) but not affected by co-treatments with antioxidants or the NF-kappaB inhibitor SN50. In addition, the PI3K-dependent pathway was involved in PCB 104-induced activation of AP-1, a transcription factor implicated in the regulation of VEGF gene expression. The VEGF receptor (KDR/Flk-1) antagonist SU1498 and the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 inhibited PCB 104-induced hyperpermeability. These results indicate that PCB 104 may contribute to tumor metastasis by inducing VEGF overexpression that stimulates endothelial hyperpermeability and transendothelial migration of cancer cells.
Analysis and characterization of naphthenic acids by gas chromatography–electron impact mass spectrometry of tert.-butyldimethylsilyl derivatives

Abstract The renewed interest in naphthenic acid (NA) as a wood preservative has driven the need for analytical techniques to characterize commercial supplies of NA. The compositional heterogeneity of NA makes analytical characterization extremely difficult. Fluoride ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry (FI-MS) has proven to be an effective technique in NA characterization. However, FI-MS is very complicated and expensive to perform. In this paper, an alternative to the FI-MS technique is presented which offers similar results with a more widely available bench-top electron impact (EI) mass spectrometer. By derivatization of NA components to their tert. -butyldimethylsilyl analogs, the extent of molecular fragmentation is greatly decreased and strong base peaks representing the unfragmented NA constituents are obtained in the EI spectra. Molecular mass and tentative structures can be deduced based on sites of unsaturation.
Antioxidant properties of calcium antagonists related to membrane biophysical interactions.

Abstract The antioxidant activities of representative calcium antagonists, including amlodipine, verapamil, and diltiazem, were measured in hepatic microsomal membranes by the Fe-catalyzed, hydroxyl radical–producing system (dihydroxyfumarate + Fe 3+ ) and assessed by malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. Despite the absence of L-type calcium channels in this membrane preparation, the calcium antagonists showed dose-dependent antioxidant activity. The biophysical mechanism for calcium-antagonist antioxidant activity was evaluated using radioligand binding assays, high-resolution differential scanning calorimetry, and small-angle x-ray diffraction approaches. These analyses demonstrated that calcium-antagonist antioxidant potency correlated directly with the compounds’ relative affinity for the membrane lipid bilayer and ability to modulate membrane thermodynamic properties (amlodipine >> verapamil > diltiazem). The charged 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, amlodipine, had the highest affinity for the membrane lipid bilayer ( K P >10 4 ) and produced the largest changes in membrane thermodynamic properties, including a reduction in thermal phase transition temperature (−11%), enthalpy (−14%), and cooperative unit size (−59%), relative to control phosphatidylcholine liposomes. Electron density profiles generated from x-ray diffraction data demonstrated that amlodipine effected a broad and dose-dependent increase in molecular volume associated with the membrane hydrocarbon core. These data indicate that lipophilic calcium antagonists inhibit lipid peroxidation in cellular membranes as a result of modulating physicochemical properties of the membrane lipid bilayer, independently of calcium channel inhibition. Amlodipine had the most potent antioxidant activity as a result of distinct biophysical interactions with the membrane lipid bilayer. The nonreceptor-mediated antioxidant activity of calcium antagonists may contribute to cytoprotective mechanisms of action in cardiovascular diseases.
Creatinine-Based Estimations of Kidney Function Are Unreliable in Obese Kidney Donors

Accurate assessment of kidney function by measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is essential to the risk assessment of prospective living kidney donors. We evaluated the performance of various estimating equations for creatinine clearance (Cockcroft-Gault), GFR (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration), and 24-hour urine collections for creatinine clearance in obese potential kidney donors. We evaluated 164 potential kidney donors including 49 with a BMI of 30–35 and 32 with a BMI >35 that have completed a routine living donor evaluation with a measured GFR. All the estimating equations performed poorly in obese donors. While 24-hour urine collections performed better, only 15% had an adequate 24-hour urine collection. Since obese kidney donors may be at higher than average risk for kidney failure, accurate assessment of kidney function in these donors is crucial to ensure their long-term health postdonation.
Nitric oxide transcriptionally down‐regulates specific isoforms of divalent metal transporter (DMT1) via NF‐κB

Studies were performed to examine the affect of nitric oxide (NO) on expression of the divalent metal transporter (DMT1) in undifferentiated P19 embryonic carcinoma cells. DMT1 has four known isoforms which differ in both the N- and C-terminals. Results demonstrate that exposure of P19 cells to the NO precursor, sodium nitro-prusside (SNP), resulted in a decrease in expression of both positive (+) and negative (-) IRE isoforms of DMT1 with no change in the 1A species. Regulation was not as a result of decreased stability of message but was caused by reduction in transcription of the DMT1 1B isoforms. Similar results were observed in other cell lines, including PC12 and SH-SY5Y cells and rat primary sympathetic neurons. Nuclear NF-kappaB was decreased after SNP treatment, suggesting that NF-kappaB may mediate this response. Luciferase reporter assays with normal and NF-kappaB mutated constructs of the 1B promoter confirm that the NF-kappaB site between -23 to -19 upstream from the transcription start site was responsible for regulating expression. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays further demonstrate that the p65 subunit of NF-kappaB and not p50 binding is specifically decreased by NO treatment. Results of these studies provide a general mechanism responsible for regulating DMT1 expression induced by stress-related signaling processes in vivo.
Patient response to variations in denture technique. Part II: Five-year cephalometric evaluation

This study was designed to determine if differences in rates of residual alveolar bone loss could be found in patients wearing dentures made by a complex technique and a standard technique. Cephalometric radiographs were made for each of 64 patients at initial placement of the dentures and for all active patients at five yearly recall visits. These radiographs were measured to determine rates of mandibular bone loss, maxillary bone loss, loss of total face height, rotation of the mandible, and migration of the denture bases over the 5-year period. At the end of the study no statistically significant differences between the two groups of patients could be found. Examination of all participants in this study revealed rates of bone loss that were very similar to those reported by other investigators.
Growth and characterization of CdMnTe and CdZnTe polycrystalline thin films for solar cells

Thin films of Cd1−xZnxTe and Cd1−xMnxTe with x<0.5 were deposited by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) respectively. Electrical and optical properties of these films were studied in addition to the fabrication and characterization of glass/SnO2/CdS/CdZnTe or CdMnTe/ZnTe/Au front-wall solar cells. Polycrystalline Cd1−xMnxTe films with x as high as 0.3 were successfully grown by the MOCVD technique. The Cd0.95Mn0.05Te film gave cell efficiencies in the range 6.0% – 6.7%. Polycrystalline CdZnTe films with band gaps of about 1.65 eV were successfully grown by MBE. The efficiency of CdZnTe was only about 1%, owing to the very high series resistance of the undoped films, although the spectral response of the CdZnTe cell was much better than that of the 6.2% efficient CdMnTe cells. CdZnTe films are now being doped with antimony.
Radiation Performance of 1 Gbit DDR SDRAMs Fabricated in the 90 nm CMOS Technology Node

We present Single Event Effect (SEE) and Total Ionizing Dose (TID) data for 1 Gbit DDR SDRAMs (90 nm CMOS technology) as well as comparing this data with earlier technology nodes from the same manufacturer.
Structural insight for the roles of fas death domain binding to fadd and oligomerization degree of the fas–fadd complex in the death‐inducing signaling complex formation: A computational study

Fas binding to Fas-associated death domain (FADD) activates FADD-caspase-8 binding to form death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) that triggers apoptosis. The Fas-Fas association exists primarily as dimer in the Fas-FADD complex, and the Fas-FADD tetramer complexes have the tendency to form higher order oligomer. The importance of the oligomerized Fas-FADD complex in DISC formation has been confirmed. This study sought to provide structural insight for the roles of Fas death domain (Fas DD) binding to FADD and the oligomerization of Fas DD-FADD complex in activating FADD-procaspase-8 binding. Results show Fas DD binding to FADD stabilized the FADD conformation, including the increased stability of the critical residues in FADD death effector domain (FADD DED) for FADD-procaspase-8 binding. Fas DD binding to FADD resulted in the decreased degree of both correlated and anticorrelated motion of the residues in FADD and caused the reversed correlated motion between FADD DED and FADD death domain (FADD DD). The exposure of procaspase-8 binding residues in FADD that allows FADD to interact with procaspase-8 was observed with Fas DD binding to FADD. We also observed different degrees of conformational and motion changes of FADD in the Fas DD-FADD complex with different degrees of oligomerization. The increased conformational stability and the decreased degree of correlated motion of the residues in FADD in Fas DD-FADD tetramer complex were observed compared to those in Fas DD-FADD dimer complex. This study provides structural evidence for the roles of Fas DD binding to FADD and the oligomerization degree of Fas DD-FADD complex in DISC formation to signal apoptosis.
Effect of bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy (SCG) on pituitary adrenal function in the male albino rat.

The effect of sympathetic denervation (bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy) on several aspects of pituitary adrenal function was studied in 250–300g rats. Group I=Sham-op, Group 11= superior cervical ganglionectomy. (l)There was no significant difference between these groups in the plasma corticosterone (B) response to ether or immobilization stress or to ACTH administration. (2)Circadian periodicity of plasma B was determined by sequential (q.4h) tail vein sampling under LD (lights on 0800, off 2000) and under DL (lights on 2000, off 0800). Both groups showed similar peak and trough concentrations. Phase shifting occurred in both groups at day 11. (3)Compensatory adrenal hypertrophy of similar magnitude was present in both groups 10 days following unilateral adrenalectomy. These studies indicate that sympathetic input from the superior cervical ganglia is not involved in stress induced, circadian or some feedback aspects of pituitary adrenal function.
Increased size and cellularity of advanced atherosclerotic lesions in mice with endothelial overexpression of the human TRPC3 channel

In previous in vitro studies, we showed that Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 3 (TRPC3), a calcium-permeable, nonselective cation channel endowed with high constitutive function, is an obligatory component of the inflammatory signaling that controls expression of the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and monocyte adhesion to coronary artery endothelial cells. Also, TRPC3 expression in these cells was found to be up-regulated by proatherogenic factors, which enhanced inflammation and VCAM-1 expression. However, it remained to be determined whether these in vitro findings were of relevance to atherosclerotic lesion development in vivo. To answer this important question in the present work, we generated mice with endothelial-specific overexpression of human TRPC3 in an Apoe knockout background (TgEST3ApoeKO) and examined lesions in the aortic sinus following 10 and 16 wk on a high-fat diet. No significant differences were found in size or complexity of early stage lesions (10 wk). However, advanced plaques (16 wk) from TgEST3ApoeKO mice exhibited a significant increase in size and macrophage content compared with nontransgenic littermate controls. Remarkably, this change was correlated with increased VCAM-1 and phospho-IkBα immunoreactivity along the endothelial lining of lesions from transgenic animals compared with controls. These findings validate the in vivo relevance of previous in vitro findings and represent, to our knowledge, the first in vivo evidence for a proatherogenic role of endothelial TRPC3.
Psychology of Computer Use: XXII. Preliminary Development of a Measure of Concerns about Computers

A 35-item survey was developed to measure the concerns users of computers faced when developing competency. A principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation yielded five underlying dimensions. Reliability coefficients were calculated for the total survey and each of the five subscales.
Cyanide induces protein kinase C translocation: Blockade by NMDA antagonists

Activation and translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) during KCN-induced histotoxic hypoxia was studied in rat brain slices prepared from cerebellum, hippocampus, and cortex. Treatment with 1-10 mM KCN produced a significant increase in PKC translocation and enzyme activity in the particulate fraction of cerebellar and hippocampal slices. In cortical slices, PKC activity was not affected by cyanide treatment. The membrane-associated PKC activity reached a maximum 30 minutes after incubation with KCN and remained elevated up to 60 minutes in both the hippocampus and cerebellum. Pretreatment with MK-801 and APV, specific NMDA receptor antagonists, blocked the cyanide-stimulated translocation in the hippocampus and cerebellum, whereas CNQX, an AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist, did not alter the response. These results demonstrate that cyanide stimulates PKC activation and translocation from the cytosol to membranes in select brain areas and NMDA receptor activation mediates this process.
Making contact with the forgotten k-12 influence: are you smarter than your 5th grader?

This paper is an experience report that describes a computer science based workshop titled Are You Smarter than YOUR 5th Grader? and targeted at fourth through sixth grade female students and parents. The novel approach of including parents as a pair programmer with the student is highlighted. Additionally, the paper probes the impact of this workshop and plans for revision and replication of future workshops.
The development of preferences for live models in white peking ducklings

Live stimulus objects were used to assess the developing preferences of white peking ducklings. The live models were all female and were a rouen duck, a white peking duck, and a blue andalusian chicken. Testing occurred at 8 a.m., 1 p.m., and 6 p.m. The rouen duck. was preferred more than the other models, the time of day had no effect, and no position effect was observed. The technique of using live, biologically appropriate, stimulus objects has much potential for assessing attachment behavior in birds.
Fast Method for Computing Pore Size Distributions of Model Materials

Recently developed atomistic models of highly disordered nanoporous materials offer hope for a much more realistic description of the pore morphology and topology in such materials; however, a factor limiting their application has been the computationally intensive characterization of the models, particularly determination of the pore size distribution. We report a new technique for fast computation of pore size distributions of model materials from knowledge of the molecular coordinates. The pore size distribution (PSD) is defined as the statistical distribution of the radius of the largest sphere that can be fitted inside a pore at a given point. Using constrained nonlinear optimization, we calculate the maximum radii of test particles at random points inside the pore cavity. The final pore size distribution is then obtained by sampling the test particle radii using Monte Carlo integration. The computation time depends on factors such as the number of atoms, the sampling resolution, and the desired accuracy. However, even for large systems, PSDs with very high accuracy (>99.9%) are obtained in less than 24 h on a 3 GHz Pentium IV processor. The technique is validated by applying it to model structures, whose pore size distributions are already known. We then apply this method to investigate the pore structures of several mesoporous silica models such as SBA-15 and mesostructured cellular foams.
Sorption of heavy metal ions by silica gel-immobilized, proton-ionizable calix[4]arenes.

Abstract Silica gel-immobilized, di-ionizable calix[4]arenes are employed as stationary phases in ion-exchange chromatography for selected heavy metal ions. Sorption efficiencies for Pb 2+ are dependent on the structure of the calix[4]arene ligand and the linker that joins the ligand to the silica gel, as well as the acidity of the sample solution. Although the resins exhibit only poor sorption of Cd 2+ , they are found to be scavengers for Hg 2+ . Competitive sorption studies are conducted with selected resins.