cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correction of Airway Stem Cells: Genome Editing Approaches for the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by variations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Although CF affects multiple organs, the primary cause of mortality is respiratory failure resulting from poor clearance of hyperviscous secretions and subsequent airway infection. Recently developed CFTR modulators provide significant therapeutic benefit to the majority of CF individuals. However, treatments directed at the underlying cause are needed for the ∼7% of CF patients who are not expected to be responsive to these modulators. Genome editing can restore the native CFTR genetic sequence and function to mutant cells, representing an approach to establish durable physiologic CFTR correction. Although editing the CFTR gene in various airway cell types may transiently restore CFTR activity, effort is focused on editing airway basal stem/progenitor cells, since their correction would allow appropriate and durable expression of CFTR in stem cell-derived epithelial cell types. Substantial progress has been made to directly correct airway basal cells in vitro, theoretically enabling transplantation of autologous corrected cells to regenerate an airway with CFTR functional cells. Another approach to create autologous, gene-edited airway basal cells is derivation of CF donor-specific induced pluripotent stem cells, correction of the CFTR gene, and subsequent directed differentiation to airway basal cells. Further work is needed to translate these advances by developing effective transplantation methods. Alternatively, gene editing in vivo may enable CFTR correction. However, this approach will require robust delivery methods ensuring that basal cells are efficiently targeted and corrected. Recent advances in gene editing-based therapies provide hope that the genetic underpinning of CF can be durably corrected in airway epithelial stem cells, thereby preventing or treating lung disease in all people with CF.
Dexamethasone Improves Wound Healing by Decreased Inflammation and Increased Vasculogenesis in Mouse Skin Frostbite Model.

Introduction Frostbite is thought to result from initial vasoconstriction, ischemia, intracellular ice crystal formation, and inflammation caused by reperfusion injury. Corticosteroids have demonstrated beneficial anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of other ischemia/reperfusion clinical conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dexamethasone (dex) on wound healing, inflammatory response, and vasculogenesis in a mouse skin frostbite model. Methods Treatment and control groups of C57/BL6 mice were subjected to frostbite using a previously described model. Treatment with intraperitoneal dex (1 mg·kg-1·d-1) began on the day of frostbite induction and lasted for 7 d. Over 4 wk, we compared wound diameter; morphology by visual inspection, hematoxylin–eosin staining, and Masson’s trichrome staining; density of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNFα using Western blot analysis; and formation of microvasculature using immunofluorescence staining. Data were analyzed using 1-way or 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results After frostbite injury, morphological images demonstrated epidermal necrosis and loss in the frostbitten skin as well as infiltration of inflammation-related leukocytes. Increased production of inflammatory cytokines and disappearance of the microvasculature also occurred in the frostbitten skin. In comparison to the control group, treatment with dex promoted wound healing as demonstrated by decreased wound diameter; decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines, and accelerated formation of mature microvasculature. Conclusions In this animal model, dex improved wound healing in frostbitten skin and demonstrated both anti-inflammatory effects and stimulation of vasculogenesis. This study suggests that the use of potent anti-inflammatory agents may be an effective strategy for mitigating frostbite injury.
Clinical characteristics, outcome, and predictors of neurological sequelae of persistent congenital hyperinsulinism: A single tertiary center experience.

Aim Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a heterogeneous disease with variable genetic etiology, histopathology, and clinical phenotype. This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics of persistent CHI and evaluate long-term neurological outcome and its risk factors in a cohort of Egyptian children. Methods Clinical, genetic, and biochemical data of 42 patients with CHI were collected. Patients were invited for neurological assessment, electroencephalogram, and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Results ABCC8 mutation was found in (61%) of cases who underwent genetic testing (17/28). Five cases with homozygous biparental ABCC8 mutation responded to combined diazoxide and octreotide without needing surgery. Seven out of twenty-one patients who had pancreatectomy (33%) developed diabetes after a median period of 4.8 (range:1-10) years following surgery. Fifty-five percent of our patients had neurodevelopmental impairment at follow-up. Logistic regression analysis has shown that delayed referral to tertiary centre for more than 8 days, delayed diagnosis of CHI for more than 14 days and hospital admission for more than 30 days, are significant predictors of unfavorable neurological sequelae in CHI; (OR = 12.7 [2.56], p = 0.001), (OR = 12.7 [2.9-56], p = 0.001), and (OR = 3.8 [0.14.5], p = 0.043), respectively. Conclusions ABCC8 mutation was the commonest genetic mutation underlying CHI in this study group. CHI cases with biparental homozygous ABCC8 mutation may show response to combined octreotide and diazoxide therapy. More than half of our patients had neurodevelopmental impairment at follow-up. Delayed referral to expert centre, delayed diagnosis and longer hospital stay are significant predictors of neurological disability in CHI cases.
Efficient water desalination with graphene nanopores obtained using artificial intelligence

Two-dimensional nanomaterials, such as graphene, have been extensively studied because of their outstanding physical properties. Structure and topology of nanopores on such materials can be important for their performances in real-world engineering applications, like water desalination. However, discovering the most efficient nanopores often involves a very large number of experiments or simulations that are expensive and time-consuming. In this work, we propose a data-driven artificial intelligence (AI) framework for discovering the most efficient graphene nanopore for water desalination. Via a combination of deep reinforcement learning (DRL) and convolutional neural network (CNN), we are able to rapidly create and screen thousands of graphene nanopores and select the most energy-efficient ones. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on promising AI-created graphene nanopores show that they have higher water flux while maintaining rival ion rejection rate compared to the normal circular nanopores. Irregular shape with rough edges geometry of AI-created pores is found to be the key factor for their high water desalination performance. Ultimately, this study shows that AI can be a powerful tool for nanomaterial design and screening.
Advances in Probe Design for Protein NMR

Advances in pulse sequences and increases in static magnetic fields have played major, and well-documented, roles in extending the experimental boundaries of NMR spectroscopy. An equally important component has been the improvement in NMR-probe technology, particularly in terms of sensitivity: this article summarizes some of these recent improvements. The most important breakthrough has been in cryogenic-probe technology, which has resulted in signal-to-noise improvements of up to a factor-of-four in biological samples. There has also been significant progress in NMR probes which can be used for mass-limited samples, and also for reducing sample heating in samples of high ionic concentration.
Stability Investigations into the Force Control of Robots with Nonlinearities

In this paper, several practical issues related to the force control of manipulators are investigated. The main issue studied is instability due to the non-linearity introduced by control signal saturation. By using phase-plane portrait analysis, it is shown that this non-linearity can drive the manipulator system which uses a discrete proportional-type feedback force control structure into a limit cycle, even for a very small sampling period that by far satisfies Shannon's sampling theorem. All studies were performed by using a plant model appropriately developed for force control applications. The main feature of this plant model is that the nonlinear slip-stick friction is conveniently described in terms of a "dead-zone" torque instead of the sign of rotational speed (as usually done in position control). In order to support the theoretical conclusions, preliminary experiments were performed with the PUMA 560 industrial robot testbed facility developed at Colorado State Univ.
SOME FACTORS AFFECTING STEROL FORMATION IN SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE

Starr, Patricia R. (Oregon State University, Corvallis) and L. W. Parks. Some factors affecting sterol formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J. Bacteriol. 83:1042–1046. 1962.—A wild-type diploid strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used in a study of factors that influence sterol synthesis. Maltose, glucose, sodium acetate, and ethanol were shown to be readily available for sterol synthesis in growing cultures of yeast. In cells grown anaerobically and then exposed to various substrates in aerobic resting-cell suspension, only glucose and ethanol stimulated ergosterol formation. Under these conditions, sterol synthesis was directly proportional to the amount of glucose provided. Sulfanilamide decreased the yield of sterol in growing cells, but had no effect on sterol synthesis by resting cultures.
USE OF MULTICOMPARTMENTAL MODELS TO MEASURE RATES OF TRIGLYCERIDE METABOLISM IN RATS.

Specific activities and total radioactivity of liver and serum triglycerides were determined, in glucose-fed rats, at various times after a single intravenous injection of palmitate-l-C14. A multicompartmental model of plasma and liver triglyceride metabolism was constructed which was compatible with the known physiological and biochemical behavior of triglycerides and the observed data. The rates of triglyceride transfer from one compartment to another and the compartment sizes were calculated using a digital computer. Analysis of the data showed that liver was composed of at least two triglyceride compartments, only one of which secreted triglycerides into plasma. Under these experimental conditions, virtually the entire liver turnover of triglycerides was accounted for as secretion into plasma. This rate of secretion was 0.27 mg/min per 100 g body weight. Only 22% of the newly formed liver triglycerides were synthesized directly from plasma free fatty acids.
Combining GPR and EMI data for discrimination of multiple subsurface metallic objects

Cleanup of subsurface metallic objects such as unexploded ordnance (UXO) constitutes an urgent problem worldwide. The heart of the problem is discrimination, as opposed to detection. Ultra-wideband electromagnetic induction sensors (UWB EMI), operating from a few Hz up to 100s of kHz, have shown considerable promise in subsurface discrimination of metallic objects. Unfortunately, a great many objects, including widespread clutter items, produce very broad, smooth EMI signal patterns, over a number of decades of frequency. Shape identification is complicated by the sensitivity of EMI fields to metal type. UWB ground penetrating radar (GPR) has also shown definite discrimination capability for characterizing subsurface metallic targets. Uninfluenced by metal type, GPR is capable of registering complex natural resonances from which target length can be estimated. Further, examination of the spatial patterns of GPR signals can indicate the (X,Y,Z) locations of targets, even of multiple targets present simultaneously in the incident beam. In this paper we consider potential collaborative roles of UWB GPR and UWB EMI for discrimination of multiple subsurface metallic objects. Rigorous 3-D FDTD models demonstrate GPR's ability to estimate target positions, orientations, and length even when reflections overlap. These data can then be used to constrain inversion of UWB EMI patterns. Processing of EMI measurements based on prior estimates of object location and orientation successfully extracts distinct frequency response signatures for two very closely spaced objects.
Parameter plane control design for a stirred-tank chemical system with slow-fast multirate sampling

Abstract The control of a multirate sampled-data, stirred-tank chemical reactor system using a parameter plane method is considered. Due to wide acceptance of proportional-plus- integral-plus-derivative (PID) control in the chemical process industries, a PID controller with a “slow-fast” multirate scheme is used for the chemical reactor system. Based on two related stability equations and using the PID gains as the adjustable parameters, the set of all possible PID gains to maintain the chemical reactor system's stability, and at the same time, to ensure the system has a specified gain margin, phase margin, damping ratio and damping factor is determined. The effects of changing the integer N (which is the ratio of the sampling rates between a slow-and a fast-sampler) and the basic sampling period T on the set of PID gains are examined and the results for single-rate and multirate cases are also studied.
Design of a Dedicated Heavy Ion Accelerator for Radiotherapy

A new heavy ion accelerator facility for radiotherapy is being designed at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. Performance requirements have been established. Ions from helium to argon can be accelerated to a maximum energy of 800 MeV/nucleon with intensities in the range 108-109 particles per second. The accelerator subsystems consist of a linac injector, a synchrotron and a beam delivery system. Specifications have been developed for many of the technical components, and some details of the technical design are presented.
The clinical relevance of endotoxin in human sepsis: a critical analysis

Correlations between circulating endotoxin levels from the blood of septic patients with clinical outcome measures have proven to be rather difficult. The clinical impact of endotoxin in septic patients depends upon the kinetics of LPS release, the concentration of LPS binding proteins, the cellular responsiveness to endotoxin, and numerous other immunogenetic, microbiological and physiological variables. Failure to account for these variables adequately has limited the clinical utility of endotoxin measurement. Several clinical studies have associated high levels of LPS with an excess risk of morbidity and mortality in sepsis that is largely independent of the nature of the micro-organism responsible for the septic episode.
Identification and Quantitative Determination of 2-Furfurol in Sterilized Concentrated Milk

Abstract A large peak appearing in the gas chromatograms of flavor concentrates obtained by vacuum steam distillation of stale sterilized concentrated milk (SCM) was identified as 2-furfurol by gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. Quantitative gas chromatography demonstrated that the amount of 2-furfurol in SCM increased rapidly through 26 weeks storage at 27 C. The amount of 2-furfurol in samples stored for 26 weeks exceeded the flavor threshold (10-12.5 ppm) for this compound in milk. This suggests that 2-furfurol formation contributes to the flavor deterioration of SCM.
Exploring the feasibility of bioaerosol analysis as a novel fingerprinting technique.

The purpose of this review is to investigate the feasibility of bioaerosol fingerprinting based on current understanding of cellular debris (with emphasis on human-emitted particulates) in aerosols and arguments regarding sampling, sensitivity, separations, and detection schemes. Target aerosol particles include cellular material and proteins emitted by humans, animals, and plants and can be regarded as information-rich packets that carry biochemical information specific to the living organisms present where the sample is collected. In this work we discuss sampling and analysis techniques that can be integrated with molecular (e.g. protein)-detection procedures to properly assess the aerosolized cellular material of interest. Developing a detailed understanding of bioaerosol molecular profiles in different environments suggests exciting possibilities of bioaerosol analysis with applications ranging from military defense to medical diagnosis and wildlife identification
Molecular Dynamics Study of Graphite/Electrolyte Interfaces

Molecular dynamics simulations of graphite-electrolyte interfaces are performed on 3D unit cells with periodic boundary conditions at lithium concentrations between 0 and 17% in the carbon phase. The liquid electrolyte consists of a mixture of cyclic carbonates and LiPF 6 , Staging phenomena, structural changes in the modeled graphite systems, charge distribution on the atoms, and lithium-ion diffusion coefficients are evaluated as a function of lithium concentration in the solid phase. Transitions between ordered carbon structures are detected in the model systems, Repulsive lithium-lithium interlayer interactions are predominant during the intercalation process. Calculated solid phase diffusion coefficients of lithium ions for a state of charge between 0 and 17% are in the range 10 8 to 10 -9 cm 2 /s. The maximum increase of graphite interlayer spacing found when the lithium ions are intercalated varies from 6 to 10% depending on the degree of intercalation. An electrostatic double layer is formed between the solid and the electrolyte phase; the average charge at each side of the solid/liquid interface is strongly dependent on the composition and electronic properties of the electrolyte.
Thoracic dorsal rhizotomy in the anesthetized cat: maintenance of eupnic breathing.

Abstract In order to assess the level of participation of thoracic afferents in the determination of the eupnic breathing pattern, thoracic dorsal rhizotomies from T1 through T13 were performed in cats anesthetized with α-chloralose or sodium pentobarbital, with or without intact vagi. While recording several respiratory parameters, no consistent changes in the spontaneous breathing pattern could be demonstrated either 10–20 min or 90–100 min following disruption of thoracic afferent input. Thus, respiratory frequency, tidal volume and total ventilation were unaffected by rhizotomy. Inspiratory (T i ) and expiratory (T e ) durations and T i /T e ratios remained constant. Tracheal air flows during inspiration and expiration and intrapleural pressure were not altered. Finally, end-expiratory %CO 2 and %O 2 did not change after section of the thoracic dorsal roots. Only arterial blood pressure was found to fall as a function of time into the experiment. Since the results were identical in vagotomized and in vagi intact preparations, thoracic reflexes were not being masked by vagal dominance in eupnea. Rather, thoracic afferents, including intercostal muscle spindle afferents, appear to be ineffective in shaping the pattern of quiet breathing in anesthetized cats. This is unlike situations of loaded or stressed breathing where these afferents assume a more active role in the modulation of rate and depth mechanisms.
Radioimmunoassay of plasma elastase

SummaryA radioimmunoassay system was developed for the measurement of canine elastase. The method is able to measure elastase in plasma in concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 2.0 μg/ml. No cross-reactivity was found with trypsin or chymo-trypsin. The elastase levels in canine plasma were measured during experimental pancreatitis. Within 15 min after the induction of pancreatitis, the elastase levels as measured by radioimmunoassay increased to about 2.5 times their control levels. They remained above the control levels through-out the course of the experiment. On the other hand the elastolytic activity decreased after pancreatectomy.
Detonation in TATB Hemispheres

Streak camera breakout and Fabry-Perot interferometer data have been taken on the outer surface of 1.80 g/cm3 TATB hemispherical boosters initiated by slapper detonators at three temperatures. The slapper causes breakout to occur at 54° at ambient temperatures and 42° at −54 °C, where the axis of rotation is 0°. The Fabry velocities may be associated with pressures, and these decrease for large timing delays in breakout seen at the colder temperatures. At room temperature, the Fabry pressures appear constant at all angles. Both fresh and decade-old explosive are tested and no difference is seen. The problem has been modeled with reactive flow. Adjustment of the JWL for temperature makes little difference, but cooling to −54 °C decreases the rate constant by 1/6th. The problem was run both at constant density and with density differences using two different codes. The ambient code results show that a density difference is probably present, but it cannot be quantified.
Doppler echocardiographic measurement of aortic valve area in aortic stenosis: a noninvasive application of the Gorlin formula.

Thirty adult patients with aortic stenosis had Doppler echocardiography within 1 day of cardiac catheterization. Noninvasive measurement of the mean transaortic pressure gradient was calculated by applying the simplified Bernoulli equation to the continuous wave Doppler transaortic velocity recording. Stroke volume was measured noninvasively by multiplying the systolic velocity integral of flow in the left ventricular outflow tract (obtained by pulsed Doppler ultrasonography) by the cross-sectional area of the left ventricular outflow tract (measured by two-dimensional echocardiography). Noninvasive measurement of aortic valve area was calculated by two methods. In method 1, the Gorlin equation was applied using Doppler-derived mean pressure gradient, cardiac output and systolic ejection period. Method 2 used the continuity equation. These noninvasive measurements were compared with invasive measurements using linear regression analysis, and mean pressure gradients correlated well (r = 0.92). Aortic valve area by either noninvasive method also correlated well with cardiac catheterization values (method 1, r = 0.87; method 2, r = 0.88). The sensitivity of Doppler detection of critical aortic stenosis was 0.86, with a specificity of 0.88 and a positive predictive value of 0.86. Cardiac output measured nonsimultaneously showed poor correlation (r = 0.51). Doppler echocardiography can distinguish critical from noncritical aortic stenosis with a high degree of accuracy. Measurement of aortic valve area aids interpretation of Doppler-derived mean pressure gradient data when the gradients are in an intermediate range (30 to 50 mm Hg).
Polish Resistance of Fine Aggregates in Portland Cement Concrete Pavements

Many state agencies have limited the use of some sources of fine aggregates in portland cement concrete pavements because of possible skid issues related to the incorporation of such sands. The Texas Department of Transportation, for example, has adopted the acid-insoluble residue (AIR) test to identify polish-resistant aggregates. Because calcium carbonate is soluble in acid, no carbonate sand passes the AIR test, which has a minimum limit of 60% AIR in Texas. This paper describes research that evaluated the polish resistance of aggregates with a laboratory concrete performance test. Concrete slabs made with different fine aggregates were evaluated for skid with the use of a circular track meter, a dynamic friction tester, and a three-wheel polishing device. For each concrete slab tested, the change in texture and friction was monitored for 160,000 polishing cycles. To ensure that the values obtained in the laboratory related to field performance, test sections constructed with 100% limestone sand and bl...
Electromagnetic transitions in the N = Z + 1 nucleus 71Br

Abstract Electromagnetic transitions in the previously unknown neutron deficient nucleus 71 Br have been identified. Fifteen γ rays have been placed in a decay scheme using n- γ - γ coincidences. The level scheme deduced from the data is remarkably similar to that of 73, 75 Br; in particular, no evidence has been found for a theoretically predicted transition to stable oblate deformation with decreasing N .
Negative regulation of RelA phosphorylation: Emerging players and their roles in cancer

NF-κB signaling contributes to human disease processes, notably inflammatory diseases and cancer. Many advances have been made in understanding mechanisms responsible for abnormal NF-κB activation with RelA post-translational modification, particularly phosphorylation, proven to be critical for RelA function. While the majority of studies have focused on identifying kinases responsible for NF-κB phosphorylation and pathway activation, recently progress has also been made in understanding the negative regulators important for restraining RelA activity. Here we summarize negative regulators of RelA phosphorylation, their targeting sites in RelA and biological functions through negative regulation of RelA activation. Finally, we emphasize the tumor suppressor-like roles that these negative regulators can assume in human cancers.
The biosynthesis of cartilage type collagen during limb regeneration in the larval salamander.

Abstract In order to determine the relationships between the biosynthesis of cell-specific products and the morphological and cytological appearance of cells, the synthesis of cartilage type collagen was examined during different stages of regeneration of larval amphibian limbs. We have found that during blastemal formation, chondrocytes cease their synthesis of detectible levels of cartilage type collagen. This was accomplished by analyzing the radioactively labeled collagens synthesized in short-term culture by pieces of limbs containing a cross section of all limb tissues present, and comparing these collagens to the collagens synthesized by blastemas from corresponding limbs. The labeled collagens were extracted, purified, and analyzed by chromatography on carboxymethyl cellulose columns. Whereas all of the pieces of limbs analyzed, either before regeneration was initiated or after redifferentiation of cartilage had begun, synthesized clearly detectible levels of cartilage type collagen, none of the blastemas produced detectible levels of this cartilage-specific molecule. Thus, it seems that the normal production of (α1)3, cartilage type collagen, is inhibited during the blastemal stage of amphibian limb regeneration.
The Microflora of Poultry House Litter and Droppings

Abstract A SERIES of tests on the relationship of litter management to the vitamin B12 requirements of growing chicks made it desirable to study the microflora of the litter and droppings of these test chicks to determine the possible relationships to vitamin B12 content. Kern (1897) investigated the microflora of the digestive tract of the chicken, other gallinaceous fowl and several of the common wild birds. He and other early investigators, King (1905) and Gage (1911) agreed that Escherichia coli and Aerobacter aerogenes are the predominant organisms of the intestinal flora. Other types of microorganisms commonly found in the chicken’s intestines by these workers were: lactobacilli, micrococci, pseudo-monads, bacilli, sarcinae, clostridia, and yeasts. A more recent study of the intestinal microflora of hens as influenced by various carbohydrates in a biotin-deficient ration was made by Johansson, Sarles and Shapiro (1948). Escherichia coli and E. communior were found to be the predominating . . .
Two monoclonal antibody lines directed against Subunit IV of cytochrome oxidase: A study of opposite effects☆

Two monoclonal lines of antibodies were isolated with specificities against the amino half of Subunit IV of beef heart cytochrome oxidase. The lines had nonoverlapping epitopes. Both bound to the matrix face of membranous oxidase, neither bound to the cytoplasmic face. One line (QA4/C4) stimulated electron transfer in soluble or membranous oxidase, while the other (QA4) inhibited that activity by both oxidase preparations. These effects on electron transfer activity were not altered by the inclusion or omission of detergent. ATP depressed the binding of either antibody to either soluble or membranous oxidase. In the absence of ATP, QA4/C4 stimulated electron transfer only in the high affinity phase of cytochrome c oxidation (with decreased KM and increased Vmax), causing slight inhibition in the low affinity phase (with decreased KM). In the presence of ATP, QA4/C4 abolished the high affinity phase, but did not alter the ATP influence on the low affinity phase. In the absence of ATP, antibodies of line QA4 abolished the low affinity phase, leaving a high affinity phase similar to that induced by ATP. In the presence of ATP, QA4 abolished the high affinity phase, leaving a low affinity phase similar to that seen with ATP alone. This behavior is consistent with the dissection of two catalytic sites for cytochrome c and more than one ATP affector site.
Trade taxes and subsidies with imperfect competition

Abstract Traditional results in the theory of international trade suggest that a country large enough to influence world prices can raise its national income by levying a tariff. In a partial equilibrium model Brander and Spencer (1984) suggest that a country facing a monopolistic supplier of importables may find it optimal to subsidize this activity rather that tax it. This result is reconsidered in a general equilibrium framework. It is, in general, correct; but specific and ad valorem forms of taxation may yield different results.
Postinfarction ventricular septal rupture: surgical considerations and results.

Twenty-two patients had ventricular septal rupture complicating acute myocardial infarction. Sixteen of the 22 patients underwent surgical repair. The clinical findings, catheterization data, and operative results suggest that closure of the rupture should be delayed when possible from three to six weeks after the infarction to allow firm fibrous healing of the region. When surgery is thus delayed, the operative risks are smaller and the long-term results are good.
Beyond the Dichotomy of Symbolic versus Substantive Actions

The symbolic management literature explores loose coupling between substantive and symbolic aspects of organizational activities. The prior literature, however, focuses on the benefits of symbolic ...
Exponentiation and second-order bounded arithmetic

Abstract (1) Vi2⊢A(a) iff for some term t:Si2⊢ “2i(a) exists→ A(a)”, a bounded first-order formula, i≥1. (2) Vi2 (resp. V2) is not Πb1-conservative over Si2 (resp. over S2). (3) Any model of V2 not satisfying Exp satisfies the collection scheme BΣ01. (4) V13 is not Πb1-conservative over S2.
Relationship between Vascular Calcification and Bone Mineral Density in the Old-Order Amish

Vascular calcification and osteoporosis are common age-related processes that are influenced by both genetic and nongenetic factors. Whether common genes underlie these processes is not known. We measured coronary artery calcification (CAC), aortic calcification (AC), and bone mineral density (BMD) in 682 men and women from large Old-Order Amish families. We assessed the heritabilities of these traits and then evaluated, using variance decomposition procedures, whether variation in the traits was influenced by a common set of genes (i.e., pleiotropy). Significant heritabilities were detected for BMD of the femoral neck and spine (0.65, 0.63) and CAC and AC (0.43, 0.42). Mean BMD did not differ significantly across quartiles of either CAC or AC in either sex. In neither the total group nor any single subgroup (men, women, postmenopausal women) did any of the genetic or environmental correlations between BMD and vascular calcification achieve statistical significance. However, subjects with a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events had significantly lower BMD at the femoral neck compared to subjects who reported no prior history of CVD (age-, sex-, body mass index-, and family structure-adjusted P = 0.003). We detected no evidence for shared genes affecting the joint distribution of bone and vascular calcification. However, our results do reveal a lower BMD in subjects with a prior history of CVD in the Old-Order Amish.
Global-local Assessment of Low-velocity Impact Damage in Woven Composites

Global measurements from low-velocity impact experiments and local strain measurements from embedded and surface mounted optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors were used to obtain failure maps for two- and three dimensional woven composites. These maps delineated five distinct regimes spanning behavior from initial impact to complete penetration. Sensor and host damage were separated by signal intensity and the evolution of Bragg peaks due to repeated impact loads. The results indicate that a local-global framework can be used to monitor damage progression in different host materials, and hence it can be potentially used to mitigate damage.
Coping with ever larger problems, models, and data bases

Those who construct models, including models of the quality of the aquatic environment, are driven largely by the search for (theoretical) completeness in the products of their efforts. For if we know of something of potential relevance, and computational power is increasing, why should that something be left out? Those who use the results of such models are probably reassured by this imprimatur, of having supposedly based their decisions on the best available scientific evidence. Our models, and certainly those we would label “state-of-the-art”, seem destined always to get larger. Some observations on possible strategies for coping with this largeness, while yet making well reasoned and adequately buttressed decisions on how to manage the water environment, are the subject of this paper. Because it is so obvious, and because it has been the foundation of analytical enquiry for such a very long time, our point of departure is the classical procedure of disassembling the whole into its parts with subsequent re-assembly of the resulting part solutions into an overall solution. This continues to serve us well, at least in terms of pragmatic decision-making, but perhaps not in terms of reconciling the model with the field observations, i.e., in terms of model calibration. If the indivisible whole is to be addressed, and it is large, contemporary studies show that we shall have to shed an attachment to locating the single, best decision and be satisfied instead with having identified a multiplicity of acceptably good possibilities. If, in the face of an inevitable uncertainty, there is then a concern for reassurance regarding the robustness of a specific course of action (chosen from among the good possibilities), significant recent advances in the methods of global (as opposed to local) sensitivity analysis are indeed timely. Ultimately, however, no matter how large and seemingly complete the model, whether we trust its output is a very strong function of whether this outcome tallies with our mental image of the given system9s behaviour. The paper argues that largeness must therefore be pruned through the application of appropriate methods of model simplification, through procedures aimed directly at this issue of promoting the generation, corroboration, and refutation of high-level conceptual insights and understanding. The paper closes with a brief discussion of two aspects of the role of field observations in evaluating a (large) model: quality assurance of that model in the absence of any data; and the previously somewhat under-estimated challenge of reconciling large models with high-volume data sets.
Mindfulness Skills Training: A Pilot Study of Changes in Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, and Self-Perception of Aging in Older Participants

A randomized clinical trial was conducted to investigate the impact of an eight-session mindfulness meditation (MM) training versus a control training. The older adult participants also answered open-ended questions weekly about any perceived influence the training was having on how they were feeling. Improvements were detected in mindfulness, emotion regulation, negative affect, and self-perception of aging in the experimental group (MM) as compared with the control condition; however, due to small sample size (n = 22) the statistical analyses did not produce significant results. Statements provided by some of the participants of the MM training indicate that they perceived improved emotion regulation and self-perception of aging.
Flux Density for Ray Propagation in Discrete Index Media Expressed in Terms of the Intrinsic Geometry of the Deflecting Surface

An exact, analytical formula for the flux density (energy per unit area per unit time) over an arbitrary receiver surface for rays which have been reflected from or refracted through an arbitrary curved surface is derived. The change in flux density is associated with the geometrical concentration or spreading of the beam produced by the curvature of the deflecting surface. The formula is expressed in terms of the intrinsic geometry of the deflecting surface (Gaussian curvature, mean curvature, and normal curvature). An equation for the caustic surface is also derived. The general formulas are applied to calculate the flux density on an image plane when light from a point source is reflected from and refracted into a spherical surface. Equations are also given for the associated caustic surfaces. These yield, for paraxial rays, the standard mirror and lens formulas.
Adapting Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction for the Treatment of Obsessive-compulsive Disorder: A Case Report

Abstract Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an illness characterized by intrusive and distressing thoughts, images, or impulses (i.e., obsessions) and by repetitive mental or behavioral acts (i.e., compulsions) performed to prevent or reduce distress. Efficacious treatments for OCD include psychotropic medications and exposure and response prevention (EX/RP). The following case report presents an individual diagnosed with OCD who refused treatment with medication or EX/RP and was treated using an adapted Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. After an 8-week adapted MBSR program, the endpoint evaluation revealed clinically significant reductions in symptoms of OCD as well as an increased capacity to evoke a state of mindfulness. Discussion includes generalizability of these findings, potential mechanisms of action, and the role of an adapted MBSR in the treatment of OCD.
Modeling Errors in Microwave Plasma Diagnostics Employing the Reflection Coefficient

The use of the complex reflection coefficient, R, at microwave frequencies as a plasma diagnostic tool in the high electron density range (1012 electrons/cm3) has been reported by several authors. A common assumption is that at microwave frequencies the boundary between free space and a stationary plasma is best described as a step function in electron density. Actually, many practical boundaries consist of a finite-width region wherein the electron density has a finite gradient. The complex reflection coefficient is derived for the finite width boundary and comparisons are made with an assumed sharp boundary. It is shown that improper modeling of the plasma boundary can result in significant error in electron density measurements when R is used as a diagnostic tool.
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS: In Corrosive Environments

In chemical plants, corrosion is present to some extent in practically all electrical installations. Some of this corrosion is of a limited nature and relatively harmless. In other cases a more suitable material or a better appreciation of design factors would avoid severe cases which call for costly shutdowns. Numerous metals and alloys are available for electrical installations; all have advantages and disadvantages. This information, together with pertinent design factors, is the key to trouble‐free electrical units.
Eukaryotic initiation factor 5A-1 (eIF5A-1) as a diagnostic marker for aberrant proliferation in intraepithelial neoplasia of the vulva

Abstract Objective . The mature eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A contains the unusual amino acid hypusine, formed post-translationally from a specific lysine residue and essential for proliferation of eukaryotic cells. We hypothesized that the major eIF5A isoform, eIF5A-1, is an in situ biomarker for proliferation. NIH-353, a polyclonal immunoreagent specific for hypusine-containing eIF5A-1, was used to test this proposal in biopsies of vulvar high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), characterized by the presence of proliferating cells throughout the thickness of the epithelium. Methods . Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded archival samples with an independently established diagnosis of VIN 3 were stained immunohistochemically after antigen retrieval, employing NIH-353 and, for comparison, the standard Ki-67 antibody. Results . NIH-353 labeled neoplastic keratinocytes throughout the thickness of the epithelium in all VIN 3 samples. Malignant cells in a case of focally invasive squamous cell carcinoma also stained strongly for mature, hypusine-containing eIF5A-1. Epithelium adjacent to these lesions, though still of apparently normal morphology, was immunoreactive throughout its full thickness. At inflammatory foci of lesional sites, solitary reactive lymphocytes were positive, as were individual proliferating cells within dermal appendages. The submucosal stroma lacked reactive cells. Conclusion . NIH-353 identifies mature eIF5A-1 as an in situ biomarker for proliferation. Like Ki-67, this immunoreagent promises broad applicability in histopathological diagnosis and may be helpful in outcome prediction. In contrast to Ki-67, NIH-353 visualizes a molecular target for antineoplastic therapy, and thus may guide the development and clinical testing of drugs that, like the fungicide ciclopirox, inhibit hypusine formation and cell proliferation.
Pro-Social Consumer Influence Strategies: When and how do they Work?:

Whereas some firms embrace and successfully exploit pro-social consumer influence strategies (e.g., environmental positionings, cause-related promotions), other firms tend to downplay their effecti...
Association of 45Ca2+ mobilization with stimulation of growth hormone (GH) release by GH-releasing factor in dispersed normal male rat pituitary cells.

Dispersed normal male rat anterior pituitary cells were prelabeled with 45Ca2+ and perifused to study the influence of GH-releasing factor (GRF) on fractional calcium efflux and GH release. The cells were exposed for 2 min to 0, 0.03,0.1,0.3,1.0, or 10.0 nm GRF in separate perifusion columns, and the response to each concentration was determined by integration of the area under the curve. Concentrations of 0.1 nm GRF and higher produced a simultaneous and significant stimulation of calcium efflux and GH release. The increase in calcium efflux was proportional to GRF concentration and was maximally responsive at 1 nm GRF. The value for the entire integrated response of GH release increased continuously with GRF concentration, but GH released rapidly (0–4 min) in response to GRF achieved a maximal response at 1 nm GRF and was significantly correlated with calcium efflux. Somatostatin (100 nm) abolished the stimulation of GH release and calcium efflux due to 10 nm GRF. We conclude that GRF receptor activatio...
Seven secrets of transformation

Purpose – To offer seven guides to institutional change.Design/methodology/approach – The Director of the Office of Force Transformation draws on his experience in transforming the US military to offer seven guides to institutional change.Findings – The seven guides are as follows: some major changes are inevitable and should be noted as such; having a good forecast ahead of others is of little use if they are not ready to acknowledge it; future trends must rely on data‐free research to some extent; it is possible to use the media for your purposes by focusing on pivotal ideas they like to promulgate; to change institutions requires changing their culture, which in turn requires changing carefully selected values and symbols; transformation demands not only creative imagination but the hard work of implementation; and look for those crucial tipping points when achieving a critical mass can swing dramatic changes quickly.Originality/value – Offers an experience‐based insight into the world of organizationa...
Bias in the absorption coefficient determination of a fluorescent dye, standard reference material 1932 fluorescein solution

Abstract The absorption coefficient of standard reference material ® (SRM ® ) 1932, fluorescein in a borate buffer solution (pH=9.5) has been determined at λ =488.0, 490.0, 490.5 and 491.0 nm using the US national reference UV/visible spectrophotometer. The purity of the fluorescein was determined to be 97.6% as part of the certification of SRM 1932. The solution measured was prepared gravimetrically by diluting SRM 1932 with additional borate buffer. The value of the absorption coefficient was corrected for bias due to fluorescence that reaches the detector and for dye purity. Bias due to fluorescence was found to be on the order of −1% for both monochromatic and polychromatic (e.g., diode-array based) spectrophotometers.
Degradation and mineralization of cellulose acetate in simulated thermophilic compost environments

Residual cellulose acetate (CA) films with initial degree of substitution (DS) values of 1.7 and 2.5 (CA DS-1.7 and DS-2.5) were recovered from a simulated thermophilic compost exposure and characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine changes in polymer molecular weight and DS and to study microbial colonization and surface morphology, respectively. During the aerobic degradation of CA DS-1.7 and CA DS-2.5 films exposed for 7 and 18 days, respectively, the number-average molecular weight (Mn) of residual polymer decreased by 30.4% on day 5 and 20.3% on day 16, respectively. Furthermore, a decrease in the degree of substitution from 1.69 to 1.27 (4-day exposure) and from 2.51 to 2.18 (12-day exposure) was observed for the respective CA samples. In contrast, CA films (DS-1.7 and DS-2.5) which were exposed to abiotic control vessels for identical time periods showed no significant changes inMn and DS. SEM photographs of CA (DS-1.7 and DS-2.5) film surfaces after compost exposures revealed severe erosion and corresponding microbial colonization. Similar exposure times for CA films in abiotic control vessels resulted in only minor changes in surface characteristics by SEM observations. The conversion of CA DS-1.7 and DS-2.5 to CO2 was monitored by respirometry. In these studies, powdered CA was placed in a predigested compost matrix which was maintained at 53°C and 60% moisture content throughout the incubation period. A lag phase of 10- and 25-day duration for CA DS-1.7 and DS-2.5, respectively, was observed, after which the rate of degradation increased rapidly. Mineralization of exposed CA DS-1.7 and DS-2.5 powders reported as the percentage theoretical CO2 recovered reached 72.4 and 77.6% in 24 and 60 days, respectively. The results of this study demonstrated that microbial degradation of CA films exposed to aerobic thermophilic laboratory-scale compost reactors not only results in film weight loss but also causes severe film pitting and a corresponding decrease in chainMn and degree of substitution for the residual material. Furthermore, conversions to greater than 70% of the theoretical recovered CO2 for CA (DS 1.7 and 2.5) substrates indicate high degrees of CA mineralization.
A Byronic Heroine in Elizabeth Gaskell's NORTH AND SOUTH

Critics of Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South often debate the author's take on gender roles, examining in particular Margaret Hale's participation in the economic and social struggles that arrest...