cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
D‐Glucaro‐1,4‐lactone: Its excretion in the bile and urine and effect on the biliary secretion of β‐glucuronidase after oral administration in rats

This experiment was designed to test the hypothesis that orally administered D-glucaro-1,4-lactone might be excreted in the bile and thus suppress the activity of biliary beta-glucuronidase, which is believed to play a key role in the development of pigment gallstones. D-Glucaro-1,4-lactone, 50 to 2,600 mu moles, was fed to adult Sprague-Dawley rats which had a bile fistula and were kept in metabolic cages for bile and urine collection. A total of 21 feeding experiments were carried out. Quantitation of D-glucaro-1,4-lactone and total D-glucaric acid as the sum of D-glucaric acid and its lactones in the bile and urine involved extraction of bile with tetrahexylammonium chloride, adjustment of pH, boiling and determination of percentage inhibition of beta-glucuronidase activity. The maximal velocity of beta-glucuronidase in the bile was also determined by the enzyme kinetic method. The results showed that 11% of administered D-glucaro-1,4-lactone was excreted in the urine and only 0.2% in the bile, with D-glucaro-1,4-lactone accounting for 20% of the total excreted D-glucaric acid. The concentration and excretory rate of total D-glucaric acid and D-glucaro-1,4-lactone in the urine, but not in the bile, were proportional to the amount of D-glucaro-1,4-lactone fed. The mean concentration of D-glucaro-1,4-lactone in the bile after feeding was 0.06 mM, which was capable of suppression of 75% of beta-glucuronidase activity. Oral administration of D-glucaro-1,4-lactone decreased biliary beta-glucuronidase concentration, slowed bile flow rate and hence decreased biliary beta-glucuronidase secretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Two-handed static grip strengths in males: the influence of grip width

Abstract Seventeen male adults were tested for static maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) strengths for two-handed grips in a snap-type action at 11 different grip widths, ranging from 3.81–16.51 cm in increment of 1.27 cm. The results indicated that the strength was greatest at the smallest grip width and declined linearly with increasing grip width at the rate of 40.2 N/cm; grip width accounted for 55% of the variation in the strengths; two-handed strength was about 150% as strong as one-handed power grip strength; and the strength–width trend for two-handed gripping was similar to those for one-handed gripping and pinching at widths above approximately 6.4 cm but was different below 6.4 cm. The two-handed strength results in this study are compared to those found in a similar study among females in a previous study. Relevance to industry This study provides data on male grip strengths that may be used for evaluating tasks that require two-handed gripping, designing handtools and handles for two-handed gripping, and comparing strength requirements for one- and two-handed manual tasks, with limitations in scope.
Delayed Administration of Parecoxib, a Specific COX-2 Inhibitor, Attenuated Postischemic Neuronal Apoptosis by Phosphorylation Akt and GSK-3β

Parecoxib is a recently described novel COX-2 inhibitor whose functional significance and neuroprotective mechanisms remain elusive. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate whether delayed administration of parecoxib inhibited mitochondria-mediated neuronal apoptosis induced by ischemic reperfusion injury via phosphorylating Akt and its downstream target protein, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β). Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were administered parecoxib (10 or 30 mg kg−1, IP) or isotonic saline twice a day starting 24 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for three consecutive days. Cerebral infarct volume, apoptotic neuron, caspase-3 immunoreactivity and the protein expression of p-Akt, p-GSK-3β and Cytochrome C in cerebral ischemic cortex were evaluated at 96 h after reperfusion. Parecoxib significantly diminished infarct volume and attenuated neuron apoptosis in a dose-independent manner, compared with MCAO group alone. Increased p-Akt and p-GSK-3β was observed in the ischemic penumbra of parecoxib group after stroke. Moreover, parecoxib also reduced the release of Cytochrome C from mitochondrial into cytosol and attenuated the caspase-3 immunoreactivity in the penumbra. Taken together, these results suggested that parecoxib ameliorated postischemic mitochondria-mediated neuronal apoptosis induced by focal cerebral ischemia in rats and this neuroprotective potential is involved in phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β.
A proactive approach towards always-on availability in broadband cable networks

In this paper, we propose a high availability design of a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) clusters system based on the software rejuvenation technique. This proactive system maintenance technique is aimed to reduce system outages and the associated downtime cost due to the 'software aging' phenomenon. Different rejuvenation policies are studied from the perspectives of design, implementations, and availability assessment. To evaluate these policies, stochastic reward net models are developed and solved by Stochastic Petri Net Package (SPNP). Numerical results show that the deployment of software rejuvenation in the system leads to significant improvement in capacity-oriented availability and reduction in downtime cost. The optimization of the rejuvenation interval in the time-based approach and the effect of the prediction coverage in the measurement-based approach are also studied in this paper.
Pneumoperitoneum following vaginal insufflation and coitus

A 25-year-old woman developed bilateral lower abdominal and pleuritic chest pain radiating to the shoulders 30 min after oral-genital insufflation and conventional coitus. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated a pneumoperitoneum. This was attributed to a traumatic 5-mm rent in the vaginal cuff occurring six months after post-vaginal hysterectomy. Mild symptomatology and the absence of peritoneal irritation should suggest a vaginal etiology for pneumoperitoneum, and allow consideration of conservative management. Post-coital pneumoperitoneum after abdominal hysterectomy has been reported; however, we believe this to be the first such reported case after vaginal hysterectomy and associated with oral-genital insufflation.
Cellular mechanisms of captopril-induced matrix remodeling in Syrian hamster cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUNDAlthough angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have become a mainstay of treatment for chronic congestive heart failure (CHF), it is not known whether the cardiac remodeling effects are a secondary phenomenon, resulting from ACE inhibitors' hemodynamic actions of afterload reduction, or occur through an independent mechanism.METHODS AND RESULTSWe used ultrasonic tissue characterization to define potentially salutary effects of treatment with ACE inhibitors on the material properties of the heart and its potential influence on cardiac remodeling at the cellular level. Ten 1-month-old, cardiomyopathic (CM) Syrian hamsters and 6 normal (NL) hamsters were treated with captopril (2 g/L water ad libitum), and 10 CM hamsters and 10 NL hamsters were maintained untreated for 3 months. Hearts were excised, and backscattered radiofrequency data were acquired from 1200 independent sites from each specimen with a high-resolution 50-MHz acoustic microscope for calculation of integrated backscatter (I...
Does Caregiver Burden Mediate the Effects of Behavioral Disturbances on Nursing Home Admission

Objectives The primary objective of this study was to determine whether caregiving burden mediated the relationship between specific behavior disturbances and time to nursing home admission (NHA) for persons with dementia (i.e., Alzheimer disease or a related disorder). Design The study used secondary longitudinal data from the Medicare Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration, a Medicare-covered home care benefit and case management program for family caregivers of persons with dementia. Primary caregivers of persons with dementia were assessed via in-person and telephone interviews every 6 months over a 3-year period. Setting Dementia caregivers were recruited from eight catchment areas throughout the United States. Participants The baseline sample included 5,831 dementia caregivers. Just more than 40% (43.9%; N=2,556) of persons with dementia permanently entered a nursing home during the 3-year study period. Measurements Individual behavior problems were measured with the Memory and Behavior Problem Checklist. Caregiving burden was assessed with a short version of the Zarit Burden Inventory. Key covariates, including sociodemographic background, functional status, and service utilization, were also considered. Results Event history analyses revealed that time-varying measures of caregiver burden fully mediated the relationship between four behavioral disturbances (episodes of combativeness, property destruction, repetitive questions, and reliving the past) and NHA. Conclusions The findings highlight the multifaceted, complex pathway to NHA for persons with dementia and their family caregivers. The results emphasize the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that incorporate the burden of caregivers and the behavioral/psychiatric symptoms of persons with dementia simultaneously.
Multiple stigma and AIDS: Illness stigma and attitudes toward homosexuals and IV drug users in AIDS-related stigmatization

AIDS-related stigmatization may come from both social and illness sources. The social stigma comes from the association between HIV-related illness and stigmatized bheaviour associated with HIV infection, notably homosexuality and IV drug use. The illness stigma comes from the disease itself - the severity and contagiability of the illness. To compare social and illness stigma, 16 versions of ‘Dan’ were presented to 393 undergraduates. Four ways of transmitting HIV (homosexual behavior, IV drug use, blood transfusions, health care workers' contact with infected blood products) were crossed with four different diseases (AIDS, hepatitis, paraplegia and the flu). Dan was highly stigmatized when he was described as a homosexual or an IV drug user, as compared to a transfusion recipient or a health care worker. Also, Dan was strongly stigmatized for AIDS and hepatitis, as compared to paraplegia and the flu. There was no interaction, suggesting that these stigmas are additive, and that homosexuality and IV drug use are not the primary source of AIDS-stigma. On the health severity index, main effects (for disease state and transmission pathway) emerged, as well as a significant interaction, suggesting that subjects were sensitive to the potential interactions among HIV-related transmission pathways and other diseases.
The influence of sidewall cooling on boundary layer pressure fluctuations for a two-dimensional supersonic nozzle

Broadband root-mean-square (rms) values and frequency spectra for pressure fluctuations in the supersonic boundary layer on a Mach 3 DeLaval nozzle sidewall and in the freestream are reported for both adiabatic and cooled surface conditions. The flat sidewall of the nozzle contained four sections independently cooled by liquid nitrogen. During the experiments, the flat sidewall was operated (1) adiabatically, (2) cooled in an approximately uniform manner to −40°C, and (3) cooled in a nonuniform manner. For all thermal boundary conditions on the sidewall, a dynamic pitot probe was traversed through the boundary layer and into the freestream to measure the broadband pressure fluctuations from 30 Hz to 100 kHz. The influence of sidewall cooling on the measured pressure fluctuations was dependent on the unit Reynolds number. Compared with the pressure fluctuations measured with an adiabatic sidewall, uniform cooling of the sidewall was found to reduce the rms pressure fluctuations in both the boundary layer and the freestream by approximately 50% at the highest stagnation pressures used (unit Reynolds numbers above 44,000/cm). Uniform cooling of the sidewall increased rms pressure fluctuations for lower stagnation pressures (unit Reynolds numbers below 44,000/cm). A reduction in the pressure fluctuation amplitude within the boundary layer resulted in a corresponding reduction in the pressure fluctuation amplitude in the test section freestream. Tests using a nonuniform temperature distribution on the sidewall indicated that cooling the portion of the sidewall covering the nozzle throat had the most influence on the pressure fluctuations in the boundary layer and in the freestream.
Focal cortical dysplasia on magnetic resonance imaging: a case report.

Abstract A case report of an 11 year old boy with new onset of a seizure disorder is presented. A computed tomography scan demonstrated a noncalcified, nonenhancing focal region of abnormal cortex. A magnetic resonance imaging scan delineated both an isointense area of abnormally thickened gyri and linear areas of abnormal high signal intensity in the subjacent white matter. A review of the radiologic and pathologic literature suggests that this lesion represents the entity focal cortical dysplasia as described by Taylor, et al. This abnormality is part of a spectrum of disorders including hamartomas (of tuberous sclerosis), focal cortical dysplasia and heterotopias.
Breastfeeding intention and practice in an urban minority population: relationship to maternal depressive symptoms and mother–infant closeness

Current literature shows that predictors of breastfeeding practice vary depending on women's ethnic background. This study examines predictors of planning to breastfeeding and of successful breastfeeding initiation and persistence, including the relationship to maternal depressive symptoms, social support, and mothers' perception of closeness to their infants, in a sample of low-income African American and Hispanic women in the urban Northeast. Detailed interviews were conducted in the early third trimester, at 2 weeks following delivery, and 3 months postpartum. Rates of intention to breastfeed were similar for Hispanic and African American women. Among Hispanics, greater identification with Hispanic culture was associated with increases in the likelihood of planning to breastfeed. A smaller proportion of Hispanic women persisted, especially among those women who supplemented with formula. For all women, we found no relationship between breastfeeding practice and either social support or depressive symptoms. Mothers' perception of closeness to their infants was greater among breastfeeders compared to bottlefeeders.
Review: Acute geriatric unit care reduces falls, delirium, and functional decline

Source Citation Fox MT, Persaud M, Maimets I, et al. Effectiveness of acute geriatric unit care using Acute Care for Elders components: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2012...
Hypnosis as a facilitating therapeutic adjunct in child psychiatry.

Abstract Hypnosis can be productively utilized to accelerate and augment the impact of psychotherapeutic intervention. Careful studies have established that children are significantly more hypnotizable than adults. Misconceptions about hypnosis have been deflated as its essential features have been clarified and a convenient method of measuring hypnotizability clinically has been established. The authors suggest that these developments should favor the wider clinical use of this potentially helpful adjunct, provided that appropriate limitations and contraindications are appreciated. A number of case summaries are presented, illustrating the broad range of clinical applicability of hypnosis with children.
ATTITUDES TOWARD DEAFNESS AS A FUNCTION OF INCREASING MATURITY.

(1965). Attitudes toward Deafness as a Function of Increasing Maturity. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 66, No. 2, pp. 331-336.
Teaching Technical Skills to Medical Students During a Surgery Clerkship: Results of a Small Group Curriculum

Background Opportunities for medical students to learn and perform technical skills during their clinical years have decreased. Alternative means to provide instruction are increasingly important. Methods Third-year students were assigned to three weekly small group tutorial sessions during their surgery clerkship. One hour sessions covered the following: suturing/knot tying, tubes (Foley catheter/NG tube), and lines (i.v. placement/arterial puncture). Students used a self-reported checklist to report their experience performing these procedures in the hospital after being exposed to them in the skills sessions. These data were compared with results prior to the implementation of the skills curriculum. Results were compared by Fisher's exact test. Results Seventy-seven students had evaluable checklists during the control period, and 69 were evaluable during the study period. Participations in four specific skills were compared: Foley catheter placement, nasogastric tube insertion/removal, i.v. placement, and arterial stick. In all four skills, students were more likely to have performed the task after having been introduced to it in the skills sessions. For both Foley catheter placement (96% versus 90%; P = 0.05) and NG tube insertion/removal (70% versus 53%; P = 0.06) there was a trend toward a higher incidence of participation, although statistical significance was not met. However, for both IV placement (64% versus 18%; P = 0.0001) and arterial puncture (48% versus 18%; P = 0.0002) there were significant increases in participation between the study periods. Conclusions These results suggest that a small group technical skills curriculum facilitates learning of specific technical skills and appears to increase participation in all of the skills taught and assessed. This may be one strategy to introduce students to technical skills during the surgery clerkship and improve participation of these skills in the hospital setting.
The TRPC3/6/7 subfamily of cation channels.

The mammalian transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins consist of a superfamily of Ca2+-permeant non-selective cation channels with structural similarities to Drosophila TRP. The TRP superfamily can be divided into three major families, among them the “canonical TRP” family (TRPC). The seven protein products of the mammalian TRPC family of genes (designated TRPC1–7) share in common the activation through PLC-coupled receptors and have been proposed to encode components of native store-operated channels in different cell types. In addition, the three members of the TRPC3/6/7 subfamily of TRPC channels can be activated by diacylglycerol analogs, providing a possible mechanism of activation of these channels by PLC-coupled receptors. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the mechanism of activation of the TRPC3/6/7 subfamily, as well as the potential role of these proteins as components of native Ca2+-permeant channels.
A method for generating random time intervals.

Abstract A method has been presented for randomization of time intervals in which the subject or the experimenter initiates each time interval. The probability density of the resulting time intervals is approximately rectangular.
Vietnam Veterans: Fighting the Employment War

The extent and nature of unfairly discriminatory hiring practices involving Vietnam veterans was experimentally explored. Sixty-six supervisors and mid-level managers reviewed the resume of an applicant and the position description for the job being sought. Given otherwise identical qualifications, the applicant was described as either a Vietnam veteran or a non-Vietnam veteran. Results demonstrated that subjects made significantly lower recommendations to hire the Vietnam veteran even though both applicants were judged equally qualified for the job. The Vietnam veteran was also perceived to have a higher probability of psychological problems in his life. Findings are discussed in the context of Asch's (1946) central trait theory.
Two different electrophysiological responses toryanodine: Evidence for two populations of muscles isolated from the rabbit right ventricle

We have observed that small trabeculae isolated from the rabbit right ventricle can be grouped into two populations on the basis of action potential configuration and electrophysiological response to ryanodine. These two populations have been designated Groups I and II. Action potentials in Group I muscles were characterized by a long action potential, a fast early phase of repolarization and shortened when exposed to 0.1 microM ryanodine (from 210 +/- 22 (6) ms (Mean +/- S.E.M. (n)) to 176 +/- 20 (6). Group II muscles showed a shorter action potential with a higher plateau phase and was prolonged by 0.1 microM ryanodine (from 175 +/- 7 (9) ms to 236 +/- 18 (9) ms). No significant difference in the mechanical response to ryanodine was observed between the two groups. Two populations of muscles, isolated from the rabbit right ventricle, have been previously described and distinguished on the basis of the presence or absence of transverse (T) tubules. We have attempted to correlate the electrophysiological observations with the presence or absence of (T) tubules. Electron microscopic examination, however, revealed that T-tubules were clearly present in both groups of trabeculae and therefore the two populations cannot be distinguished simply on the basis of the presence or absence of T-tubules. It was considered possible that the difference in the two populations may be related to the existence, and/or predominance, of two transient outward currents (one activated by SR Calcium release and the other that is 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) sensitive). The relative importance of these two currents to repolarization may be different in the two groups. This was investigated by adding ryanodine in the presence of 4-AP. The differential response to ryanodine seen in the two groups was, however, still observed in the presence of 4-AP. In these experiments, three out of seven muscles showed a decrease in action potential duration and four out of seven showed an increase. Other possible explanations for the differences in the two groups of muscles, and their response to ryanodine, are discussed.
Transthoracic Esophagectomy: A Safe Approach to Carcinoma of the Esophagus

Transthoracic esophagogastrectomy is a safe operation. Mechanical staplers and a cervical anastomosis have been emphasized to avoid catastrophic consequences of anastomotic leaks in the chest. Transhiatal esophagectomy has been proposed to bring the anastomosis into the neck. It is meant to be a palliative procedure and consequently denies the patient the best chance for surgical cure. The emphasis should be on anastomotic technique and sound principles of surgical oncology. Since 1980, we have performed 104 esophagectomies for carcinoma of the esophagus. We used a left thoracoabdominal incision for distal tumors (64) and the Ivor Lewis technique (40) for more proximal tumors. A two-layer inverting interrupted silk suture technique was used for all anastomoses. More than 90% of the procedures were performed by resident staff. The operative mortality was 2.9% (3 patients). There were no anastomotic leaks. Five patients required between one dilation and three dilations postoperatively. A positive smoking history was present in 83 patients and substantial alcohol use, in 33. Median estimated blood loss was 500 ml, and 60% of patients required no transfusions. Major complications included pneumonia (12 patients) and reexploration for bleeding (2). Minor complications included atelectasis (71 patients), atrial fibrillation (9), ventricular arrhythmias (9), urinary tract infection (3), and wound infection (2). Squamous cancer was present in 31 patients and adenocarcinoma, in 73. Positive lymph node metastases were present in 75%. Anastomotic recurrence was documented in 6 patients. Standard techniques of esophagogastrectomy and a two-layer anastomosis will give excellent results with low mortality and acceptable morbidity.
Binding Modes of Peptidomimetics Designed to Inhibit STAT3

STAT3 is a transcription factor that has been found to be constitutively activated in a number of human cancers. Dimerization of STAT3 via its SH2 domain and the subsequent translocation of the dimer to the nucleus leads to transcription of anti-apoptotic genes. Prevention of the dimerization is thus an attractive strategy for inhibiting the activity of STAT3. Phosphotyrosine-based peptidomimetic inhibitors, which mimic pTyr-Xaa-Yaa-Gln motif and have strong to weak binding affinities, have been previously investigated. It is well-known that structures of protein-inhibitor complexes are important for understanding the binding interactions and designing stronger inhibitors. Experimental structures of inhibitors bound to the SH2 domain of STAT3 are, however, unavailable. In this paper we describe a computational study that combined molecular docking and molecular dynamics to model structures of 12 peptidomimetic inhibitors bound to the SH2 domain of STAT3. A detailed analysis of the modeled structures was performed to evaluate the characteristics of the binding interactions. We also estimated the binding affinities of the inhibitors by combining MMPB/GBSA-based energies and entropic cost of binding. The estimated affinities correlate strongly with the experimentally obtained affinities. Modeling results show binding modes that are consistent with limited previous modeling studies on binding interactions involving the SH2 domain and phosphotyrosine(pTyr)-based inhibitors. We also discovered a stable novel binding mode that involves deformation of two loops of the SH2 domain that subsequently bury the C-terminal end of one of the stronger inhibitors. The novel binding mode could prove useful for developing more potent inhibitors aimed at preventing dimerization of cancer target protein STAT3.
Evolution of Standardized Clinical Pathways: Refining Multidisciplinary Care and Process to Improve Outcomes of the Surgical Treatment of Esophageal Cancer

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the implementation and evolution of a multidisciplinary esophagectomy care pathway on postoperative outcomes over a 20-year experience. All patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer between 1991 and 2012 were included. Patients were divided into four groups (Gp1 1991–1996, Gp2 1997–2002, Gp3 2003–2007, and Gp4 2008–2012). Five hundred and ninety-five patients were included (Gp1 92, Gp2 159, Gp3 161, and Gp4 183). Age remained consistent over time; however, a progressive significant increase was observed in BMI and Charlson comorbidity index. Increases were also noted in patients with clinical stage III cancers, in the use of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, in salvage esophagectomy and in the utilization of pretreatment jejunostomy. We observed a significant reduction in estimated blood loss (EBL) and operative room IV fluid administration (ORFA) during the study period. Median ICU stay and length of hospital stay (LOS) (10 (5–50) to 8 (5–115) days) decreased over time. In-hospital mortality (0.3 %) and postoperative complications remained consistent over time. cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis showed that EBL, ORFA, and LOS all declined during the study period, reaching mean values at case 120, 310, and 175, respectively. The results of this study show that process improvement within the pathway is likely more significant than the level of comorbidities, application of neoadjuvant chemoradiation, or technical approach in patients undergoing esophagectomy.
SU-E-T-44: Model Prediction of Radiation Induced Duodenal Toxicity for a Dose Escalation in Radiation Therapy of Pancreatic Cancer Using Published Reports

Purpose: Safe dose escalation for RT of pancreatic cancer is limited by the surrounding organs at risk, particularly the duodenum, which is adjacent to the pancreas. The purpose of this work is to estimate the radiation induced duodenal toxicity using dose‐volume response data extracted from the literature for a proposed dose escalation of 72 Gy in 28 fractions via IMRT simultaneously integrated boost.Methods: Two patients treated for pancreatic cancer at our institution were randomly selected to retrospectively alter their treatment plan to simulate the testingdose escalation of 50.4 and 72 Gy in 28 fractions to the pancreatic head and the GTV, respectively. The report by Murphy et al. on SBRT of Grade 2 or higher duodenal toxicity was used to estimate NTCP using testing protocol DVHs. The Modified LQ model by Guerrero and Li was used to calculate the iso‐effective dose in the testing protocol producing the same effect as doses in the SBRT regime. Additional analysis of NTCP variation considered alpha‐beta ratios of 3 to 5 Gy for small bowel/duodenum late effects. Results: The testing protocol iso‐effective dose, D, associated with 25 Gy in a single fraction had a median value of 61.2 Gy and ranged from 56.3 to 68.0 Gy. The first patient had a high estimated risk of toxicity (0.45) due to the duodenal volume being greater than 0.21 cubic centimeters. A lower risk of toxicity was estimated for the second patient due to the duodenal volume being less than 0.21 cubic centimeters. Conclusion: Estimates of duodenal toxicity can be made despite the limited number of toxicity data available. A conservative dose‐volume constraint would limit 0.21 cubic centimeters of the duodenal volume to no more than 56 Gy. The estimates of duodenal toxicity exhibit a dependence on the value of alpha‐beta ratio of the duodenum.
Application of excimer laser angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction.

Background and Objective: Patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction who fail to respond to standard therapy with thrombolytics or have contraindications for their use oftentimes need revascularization with a mechanical device for removal of an occlusive coronary thrombus and its underlying atherosclerotic plaque. As both thrombi and plaques absorb laser energy in the ultraviolet wavelength (308 nm), we studied the feasibility and safety of excimer laser angioplasty in selective patients with complicated acute myocardial infarction. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by continuous chest pain and/or ischemia who had a total of 54 obstructive lesions were treated with percutaneous excimer coronary laser angioplasty (ELCA). A Q-wave myocardial infarction was documented in 56% and a non-Q-wave myocardial infarction in 44%. The baseline left ventricular ejection fraction was reduced at 43 ± 13% and six patients (12%) presented to the cardiac catheterization laboratory in cardiogenic shock. Twenty-nine patients failed to respond to thrombolytic therapy and 16 had contraindications for thrombolytics and IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists. Following laser debulking, all patients received adjunct balloon dilation and then stents were deployed in 83% of the target lesions. Quantitative coronary arteriography (QCA) was performed at an independent core laboratory. Results: Ninety-eight percent laser success and 100% procedural success were achieved. By QCA the minimal luminal diameter increased from baseline of 0.7 ± 0.5 to 1.3 ± 0.5 mm post-lasing and then to 2.0 ± 0.6 with balloon dilation to a final of 3.0 ± 0.5 mm. Pre-laser percent stenosis diameter of 77 ± 17% was reduced to 51 ± 22% post-laser to 3.0 ± 17% post-balloon and to a final of 15 ± 25%. An 83% laser-induced reduction of thrombus burden area was achieved as well as an increase in TIMI flow from baseline of 1.7 ± 1.1 to 2.8 ± 0.4 by laser to a 2.9 ± 0.4 final. There were no deaths, emergency bypass surgery, cerebral vascular accident, neurologic injury, or major perforation. In one case, a laser-induced major dissection was successfully treated by stenting. All 50 patients survived the procedure, improved clinically, and were discharged. Conclusion: Application of excimer laser coronary angioplasty is feasible and safe in selected patients with acute myocardial infarction who either fail to respond to thrombolytics or have contraindications to these agents. Intracoronary thrombus at the target lesion can be successfully dissolved with this wavelength laser energy without adverse effect on the procedure results. Lasers Surg. Med. 29:185–192, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Nature of the Peroxo Intermediate of the W48F/D84E Ribonucleotide Reductase Variant: Implications for O2 Activation by Binuclear Non-Heme Iron Enzymes

Analysis of the spectroscopic signatures of the R2-W48F/D84E biferric peroxo intermediate identifies a cis μ-1,2 peroxo coordination geometry. DFT geometry optimizations on both R2-W48F/D84E and R2-wild-type peroxo intermediate models including constraints imposed by the protein also identify the cis μ-1,2 peroxo geometry as the most stable peroxo intermediate structure. This study provides significant insight into the electronic structure and reactivity of the R2-W48F/D84E peroxo intermediate, structurally related cis μ-1,2 peroxo model complexes, and other enzymatic biferric peroxo intermediates.
Direct detection of polyynes formation from the reaction of ethynyl radical (C2H) with propyne (CH3–CCH) and allene (CH2CCH2)

The reactions of the ethynyl radical (C2H) with propyne and allene are studied at room temperature using an apparatus that combines the tunability of the vacuum ultraviolet radiation of the Advanced Light Source at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory with time-resolved mass spectrometry. The C2H radical is prepared by 193-nm photolysis of CF3CCH and the mass spectrum of the reacting mixture is monitored in time using synchrotron–photoionization with a dual-sector mass spectrometer. Analysis using photoionization efficiency curves allows the isomer-specific detection of individual polyynes of chemical formula C5H4 produced by both reactions. The product branching ratios are estimated for each isomer. The reaction of propyne with ethynyl gives 50–70% diacetylene (H–CC–CC–H) and 50–30% C5H4, with a C5H4-isomer distribution of 15–20% ethynylallene (CH2CCH–CCH) and 85–80% methyldiacetylene (CH3–CC–CCH). The reaction of allene with ethynyl gives 35–45% ethynylallene, 20–25% methyldiacetylene and 45–30% 1,4-pentadiyne (HCC–CH2–CCH). Diacetylene is most likely not produced by this reaction; an upper limit of 30% on the branching fraction to diacetylene can be derived from the present experiment. The mechanisms of polyynes formation by these reactions as well as the implications for Titan’s atmospheric chemistry are discussed.
Coordinated networked estimation strategies using structured systems theory

In this paper, we consider linear networked estimation strategies using the results from structured systems theory. We are interested in estimating a linear dynamical system where the observations are distributed over a network of agents. In this context, we devise both state fusion and observation fusion strategies that guarantee a stable estimator. We assume global observability, i.e., given all of the observations, the dynamical system is observable. To derive our results, we employ the genericity properties of dynamical systems that are studied in the structured systems theory. The genericity properties rely on the graphical properties of the dynamical systems and their outputs, and thus, depend on the zero and non-zero pattern of the system and output (observation) matrices. In particular, we study the generic observability of networked estimators and derive results on the topology of the agent communication graph to ensure a stable estimator. We then focus on the design of local estimator gains that results into iterative procedures to solve a Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) with structural constraints.
Pulse amplification based dynamic synchronizers with metastability measurement using capacitance de-rating

We present dynamic buffer based synchronizers where only pulses rather than stable intermediate voltages cause metastability. We exploit this unique feature by amplifying such pulses to improve MTBF by >106× over jamb latches and double flip-flops at 2GHz in 65nm CMOS. The synchronizers incur single-cycle latency with a MTBF of ~2×1011 years. A new method to experimentally measure metastability on chip is also proposed and used to evaluate synchronizer performance.
Employment Outcomes in Persons With Diabetes: The Role of Health Literacy and Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy

Low health literacy is common among adults and is related to adverse health outcomes. It also impacts health management and one’s ability to control his or her chronic illness. The current study ex...
Plasma Diagnostics: Use and Justification in an Industrial Environment

The importance of plasma diagnostics at semiconductor equipment manufacturers has increased steadily over the past decade. The design and procurement of advanced etching tools now require a full host of plasma diagnostics and modeling capability. Examples of these activities at a semiconductor equipment manufacturer will be given, with specifics of significant and useful results. Examples include the development and optimization of an inductive plasma source, trend analysis and hardware effects on ion energy distributions, and mass spectrometry influences on process development. Discussion will focus on plasma diagnostics for in-house development and proliferation in an environment with strong financial justification requirements.
DISCRIMINATION OF TWO SLEEP STAGES BY HUMAN SUBJECTS

Three adult females were awakened from EEG stage 1 REM and stage 2 of sleep and instructed to guess the stage of sleep from which they had been aroused. One subject obtained 27 correct discriminations (guesses) out of 29 awakenings after 84 training trials (awakenings). A second subject gave no indication of learning the discrimination in 65 trials; a third discriminated the two sleep stages significantly better than chance in 138 trials. It was suggested that the first subject successfully formed a stage 1 REM/2 concept that matched the occurrence of the sleep stages better than did the concept dreaming. Several problems in concept formation of internal states during sleep were discussed.
Orientation in poly(arylene vinylene) copolymers and blends: an infrared dichroism study

Abstract Infrared dichroism measurements have been used to assess orientation in poly(1,4-phenylene vinylene-co-2,5-thienylene vinylene) poly(PV-co-TV). It is shown that poly(PV-co-TV) orientation is dependent on the size of the molecule eliminated during the thermolysis/drawing process. Also the miscibility of poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) and poly(2,5-thienylene vinylene) (PTV) precursor polymer blends has been investigated by analyzing the orientation behavior of the individual components. It is shown that both components orient to the same degree, even at low draw ratios.
Social roles as predictors of cessation in a cohort of women smokers.

There is evidence to suggest that women's smoking and maintenance of smoking is related to the stress associated with women's roles. The purpose of this longitudinal study is to assess social role factors predictive of cessation among a cohort of women - smokers over a 15-year period. The cohort of women examined in this study were interviewed as part of a household interview swey conducted in 1970-71 by the Center for Health Research, of the Northwest Region of Kaiser Permanente, and resurveyed via a mail out questionnaire in 1985-86. This study focusses on the 168 women smokers in the cohort. Of these 168 smokers, 55 (or 33%) had quit smoking by the follow-up 15 years later. The outcome variable is smoking status at follow-up. Predictor variables include both role occupancy and characteristics of social roles. The findings show that role occupancy is unrelated to smoking cessation. Selected characteristics of the work role, however, were found to predict smoking cessation; occupational status and conlro...
The role of context in episodic memory

Subjects were shown black and white drawings of common objects in a common, and therefore plausible, setting, in an unusual but plausible setting, or in a bizarre, that is, unusual and implausible, setting. The objects were also displayed on a homogeneous white background, that is, without a specific scenic context. Tests of both immediate and delayed free recall were made. Recall was best when the object was presented on the homogeneous white background. Among the three conditions involving a scenic context, performance was better when the settings were plausible and poorer when the setting was bizarre.
Rates of incorporation of radioactive molecules during the cell cycle

We report measurements of the incorporation of radioactive molecules during short labeling periods, as a function of cell-cycle stage, using a cell-sorter-based technique that does not require cell synchronization. We have determined: (1) tritiated thymidine (/sup 3/H-TdR) incorporation throughout S-phase in Lewis lung tumor cells in vitro both before and after treatment with cytosine arabinoside; (2) /sup 3/H-TdR incorporation throughout S-phase in KHT tumor cells in vitro and in vivo; (3) /sup 3/H-TdR incorporation throughout S-phase in Chinese hamster ovary cells and compared it with DNA synthesis throughout S-phase; (4) a mathematical expression describing /sup 3/H-TdR incorporation throughout S-phase in Chinese hamster M3-1 cells; and (5) the simultaneous incorporation of /sup 3/H-TdR and /sup 35/S-methionine as they are related to cell size and DNA content in S49 mouse lymphoma cells. In asynchronously growing cells in vitro and in vivo, /sup 3/H-TdR incorporation was generally low in early and late S-phase and highest in mid-S-phase. However, in Lewis lung tumor cells treated with cytosine arabinoside /sup 3/H-TdR incorporation was highest in early and late S-phase and lowest in mid-S-phase. Incorporation of /sup 35/S-methionine increased continuously with cell size and DNA content. Incorporation of /sup 3/H-TdR in CHO cells was proportional tomore » DNA synthesis.« less
Numerical simulation of the Navier-Stokes equations for an F-16A configuration

The results of a numerical simulation are presented for the steady flow over an F-16A aircraft configuration at a freestream Mach number of 1.2, a Reynolds number of 12.75 x 10, and an angle of attack of 6 deg. The three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations in mass-averaged variables were integrated numerically using the MacCormack explicit algorithm with an algebraic turbulence model to provide closure of the system of equations. The grid structure, boundary conditions, and solution procedure are discussed in detail for this complex aircraft geometry. The results are then compared to experimental data in terms of surface pressure coefficients, lift coefficient, and drag coefficient with reasonable agreement. Finally, details of the flow are discussed, such as the strake vortex and the wing vortex structures.
On boundary conditions for adjoint variables in problems with state variable inequality constraints

This correspondence discusses boundary conditions for adjoint variables in problems with state variable inequality constraints. Particular attention is given to inequality terminal constraints. It is shown that it is important to identify whether the boundary of the state space is "absorbing" or not. An example is given to show the importance of these considerations in determining optimal trajectories.
Is our x-ray machine a hazard?

Abstract The hazards to both the patient and the operator in the use of a dental x-ray machine can be vastly minimized by the following: 1. 1. Increased voltage. Higher voltages than the conventional 55 to 65 KVP will produce more of the harder image-forming roentgen rays. 2. 2. Added filtration. At least 2 mm. of pure aluminum will reduce the dose to the patient's face by shielding out the nonimage-forming soft rays. 3. 3. Collimation. A lead diaphragm to reduce the diameter of the primary beam to the limits of the area under diagnosis will reduce exposure to the patient and to the operator. 4. 4. Fast films. Faster films and longer developing time will reduce the exposure time and, consequently, the total exposure to patient and operator. 5. 5. Distance. Exposure to the operator will be greatly reduced for each foot of distance he can put between himself and the machine and patient. 6. 6. Long cone technique. This will reduce exposure to patient and operator. 7. 7. Leaded rubber apron. This may be used to protect reproductive organs of patients, especially children. 8. 8. Holding of film. Under no circumstances should the dentist or technician hold the film in the patient's mouth. 9. 9. Plastic cone. It should be kept in mind that this is a pointer and not a protective device. 10. 10. Protection survey. It is advisable to have a complete monitoring survey made by a qualified expert. Film badge survey may be used as a partial protection analysis.
High frequency characterization and analytical modeling of through glass via (TGV) for 3D thin-film interposer and MEMS packaging

Through glass via (TGV) buried in a Corning glass substrate is characterized and modeled at high frequency range for applications of 3D thin-film interposer and MEMS packaging. A micromachined microstrip ring resonator is used for substrate characterization and a TGV test structure fed by a coplanar waveguide (CPW) is designed and analyzed in the microwave range. The lumped element parameters (RLGC) of the TGV are extracted using 3D electromagnetic (EM) simulations and an equivalent π-circuit model. The TGV with a diameter of 90 μm and a height of 500 μm, which is buried in a glass substrate with a relative dielectric constant of 7.9 and a loss tangent of 0.008, has a resistance of 2.2 Ω, an inductance of 0.3 nH, a conductance of 0.01 S and a capacitance of 1.8 pF at 1 GHz. Also, an effect of the diameter and height of TGV is investigated.
SREBPs: sterol-regulated transcription factors.

Studies of the feedback regulation of cholesterol synthesis in animals have led to the identification of a unique family of membrane-bound transcription factors, sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) ([Brown and Goldstein, 1997][1]). In the presence of cholesterol, SREBPs are
On the fractionation of homopolymers during crystallization from the pure melt

The question as to whether fractionation occurs during the crystallization of homopolymers from the pure melt has been addressed by studying linear polyethylene mixtures. Two methods were used. In one procedure, mixtures of well-defined fractions were crystallized under controlled conditions and the subsequent fusion process was analyzed. In the other procedure, a selective extraction was carried out on an isothermally crystallized polydisperse whole polymer, and the residue was analyzed by gel permeation chromatography. Both methods lead to the same conclusion, namely that during isothermal crystallization only the very low molecular weight species crystallize separately. An extreme upper limit to fractionation corresponds to M = 7000. More likely, fractionation in linear polyethylene during bulk crystallization is restricted to molecular weights of 5000 or less.