cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical presentation, comorbidities, and age but not female gender predict survival after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Objective The objective was to study associations between clinical variables, demographic factors, and outcome after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods Data of consecutive patients who underwent EVAR between 1997 and 2011 at a tertiary center were analyzed. Comorbidity scores stratified patients into low/normal-risk (score ≤ 10) or high-risk categories (score > 10). The primary end point was mortality; secondary end points were morbidities, reinterventions, conversions, and ruptures. Results The study included 934 patients, 117 women (13%) and 817 men (87%) (mean age, 76 ± 7.3 years; range, 51-99 years). There were 870 (93%) asymptomatic, 36 (3.9%) symptomatic, and 28 (3.0%) ruptured AAAs. The 30-day mortality was 1.4% (13 of 934), 1.0% (9 of 870) for asymptomatic patients, 2.8% (1 of 36) for patients with symptomatic AAAs, and 11% (3 of 28) for patients with ruptured AAAs ( P = .004). Clinical presentation with symptoms or rupture was associated with more complications ( P = .02), reinterventions ( P = .003), and a lower 5-year survival ( P = .04). Association between surgical risk, female gender, age, and outcome was studied in 870 asymptomatic patients. Both 30-day mortality and complication rates were higher for high-risk vs low/normal-risk patients (2.3% vs 0.2%, P = .003; 15% vs 10%, P = .04); reintervention rates were equivalent (3.8% vs 4.4%; P = .67). The 30-day mortality and complication rates were similar in women and men (2.8% vs 0.8%, P = .09; 17% vs 11%, P = .11), but reintervention rate was higher in women (8.5% vs 3.5%; P = .02). Follow-up averaged 3.8 years (1 month-13.5 years). In asymptomatic patients, 5-year survival was 74% for low/normal-risk patients and 54% for high-risk patients ( P P = .24), reinterventions (71% vs 75%; P = .36), or rupture (99.3% vs 99.7%; P = .42). Women had more complications (47% vs 34%; P = .04) and reinterventions than men did (39% vs 26%; P = .02); freedom from rupture was the same (100% vs 99.3%; P = .30). There were eight ruptures, all in asymptomatic patients. In multivariate analysis, high surgical risk and age were associated with all-cause mortality ( P P Conclusions Clinical presentation predicts early mortality and complications, age predicts both early and late mortalities after EVAR. Although women had an increased rate of complications and reinterventions, women did not have significantly higher mortality than men.
The brain renin–angiotensin system: a diversity of functions and implications for CNS diseases

The classic renin-angiotensin system (RAS) was initially described as a hormone system designed to mediate cardiovascular and body water regulation, with angiotensin II as its major effector. The discovery of an independent local brain RAS composed of the necessary functional components (angiotensinogen, peptidases, angiotensins, and specific receptor proteins) significantly expanded the possible physiological and pharmacological functions of this system. This review first describes the enzymatic pathways resulting in active angiotensin ligands and their interaction with AT(1), AT(2), and AT(4) receptor subtypes. Next, we discuss the classic physiologies and behaviors controlled by the RAS including cardiovascular, thirst, and sodium appetite. A final section summarizes non-classic functions and clinical conditions mediated by the brain RAS with focus on memory and Alzheimer's disease. There is no doubt that the brain RAS is an important component in the development of dementia. It also appears to play a role in normal memory consolidation and retrieval. The presently available anti-dementia drugs are proving to be reasonably ineffective, thus alternative treatment approaches must be developed. At the same time, presently available drugs must be tested for their efficacy to treat newly identified syndromes and diseases connected with the RAS. The list of non-classic physiologies and behaviors is ever increasing in both number and scope, attesting to the multidimensional influences of the RAS. Such diversity in function presents a dilemma for both researchers and clinicians. Namely, the blunting of RAS subsystems in the hopes of combating one constellation of underlying causes and disease symptoms may be counter-balanced by unanticipated and unwanted consequences to another RAS subsystem. For example, the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and AT(1) and/or AT(2) receptor blockers have shown great promise in the treatment of cardiovascular related pathologies; however, their use could negate the cerebroprotective benefits offered by this system.
A Comparison between Mathematics Textbook Content and a Statewide Mathematics Proficiency Test.

Seven mathematics textbook series used for Grades 1 through 8 were examined. Textbook pages were counted as arithmetic, measurement, geometry, data analysis, or algebra. Percentages of mathematics textbook content were compared with percentages of mathematics content on the Ohio Ninth Grade Proficiency Test. Areas of greatest mismatch were arithmetic, measurement, and algebra. The overall percentage of arithmetic in the textbook series was about twice that on the test; the percentage of measurement was less than half that on the test; and the percentage of algebra was a third or less than that on the test. Results are also presented by grade level, and implications for teaching are discussed.
Aggregation of chlorophyll a probed by resonance light scattering spectroscopy

We report the resonance light scattering (RLS) spectra of chlorophyll a aggregated in a 9:1 solution of formamide and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer. The aggregate formed after 2 h of mixing, referred to as Chl469, shows a strong scattering feature at 469 nm (Soret band) and a much weaker feature at 699 nm (Qy band). A kinetic investigation confirmed that the aggregation process is cooperative, and also detected one intermediate (Chl458) with a strong RLS spectrum but only a weak CD spectrum. We propose that aggregation proceeds via at least three steps: 1) formation of a nucleating species, probably a dimer of chlorophylls; 2) formation of large aggregates with little or no secondary structure (e.g., Chl458); and 3) conformational change to form helical aggregate (Chl469).
Regulation of liver metallothionein and plasma zinc by the glucocorticoid dexamethasone.

Abstract Administration of the glucocorticoid dexamethasone to adrenalectomized rats significantly decreased the serum zinc concentration within 14 hr. Dexamethasone did not detectably alter the liver zinc content, but markedly increased the proportion of zinc associated with liver metallothionein. The rate of incorporation of 35 S-cystine into this protein was stimulated to a maximal extent 7 hr after administration of the glucocorticoid. Poly(A) + mRNA from liver polysomes was isolated and translated in a cell-free protein synthesizing system. Nearly twice as much polysomal metallothionein mRNA was found 7 hr following treatment with dexamethasone. These results suggest that glucocorticoids can regulate the plasma zinc concentration by a process that is related to the biosynthesis of the hepatic zinc-binding protein, metallothionein.
Palmar wrist pain caused by ulnar nerve entrapment in the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon

A 38-year-old female nurse was seen initially with several years' history of recurring intermittent ulnar wrist pain and paresthesias. The pain was aggravated by specific tasks using her hands, such as typing. Splinting and two steroid injections into the area gave only temporary relief. Surgical exploration revealed a segment of the ulnar nerve composing approximately 15% of its volume to split from the main trunk of the ulnar nerve, perforate the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon, and then rejoin the ulnar nerve. The nerve branch was extracted from the flexor carpi ulnaris by dividing approximately 15% to 20% of the tendon, allowing the nerve to be removed from the perforation, and anatomically relocated. The patient resumed her normal activities and has had no further discomfort in her wrist.
Treatment of hallux valgus (bunion)

Abstract Bunion, consisting of an exostosis of the first metatarsal head and an inflamed bursa, is presented as a complication of the pathological complex, hallux valgus. Hallux valgus is, in turn, demonstrated to result from inward deflection, or varus, of the first metatarsal. This latter condition, metatarsal varus, may arise in any one of several different ways. It may be the result of splay foot, it may be a congenital condition (metatarsus varus primus), or it may be due to the presence of an os intermetatarseum. The mechanism of production is described in each instance. Treatment is presented in detail under three headings: eradication of the bunion per se; correction of hallux valgus; and correction of metatarsal varus, either operative or non-operative.
Dynamic Analysis of Soft Tissue Viscoelasticity Under Ultrasonic Radiation Force Using FEM

We have developed a solid mechanics model of nearly incompressible, viscoelastic soft tissue for finite element analysis (FEA) in MATLAB 7.2. Newmark’s method was used to solve the finite element equations of motion for our model. The solution to our dynamic problem was validated with a transient dynamic analysis in ANSYS 10.0. We further demonstrated that our MATLAB FEA qualitatively agrees with those results observed with acoustic radiation force methods on soft tissues and tissue-mimicking materials. We showed that changes in Young’s modulus and the damping coefficient affect the displacement amplitude and phase shift of the response data in the same manner: An increase in Young’s modulus or damping coefficient decreases both the displacement amplitude and response lag. Future work on this project will involve frequency analysis on response data and studying the initial transient region to help uncouple the effects of Young’s modulus and damping coefficient on response characteristics. This will get us one step closer to being able to explicitly determine Young’s modulus and the damping coefficient from the temporal response data of acoustic radiation force methods, which is the ultimate goal of our project.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Physiological effects of hypoxia on metabolism and growth of turtle embryos

Hypoxic effects on embryonic metabolism and growth of Florida red-bellied turtle (Pseudemys nelsoni) embryos were studied. Eggs were assigned to either normoxic (21% O2) or hypoxic (10% O2) treatment on day 21. Oxygen consumption (VO2) and embryonic mass were measured periodically. On day 21 and 33, critical oxygen tension (Pc) of embryos and morphometry of blood vessels in chorioallantoic membranes were measured. Although embryos exposed to normoxia increased VO2 and mass at a rate greater than those in the hypoxic condition during incubation, both groups hatched at the same time. Hatchlings from the hypoxic treatment had elevated hematocrit and greater relative dry ventricular mass compared to hatchlings from the normoxic treatment. The Pc of hypoxic embryos was significantly lower than normoxic embryos on day 33 (P < 0.001). Morphometric comparison of blood vessels in chorioallantoic membranes revealed no significant differences except in length density on day 33 (P < 0.05). It is concluded that exposure to chronic hypoxia resulted in retarded growth, depressed metabolism, comparable incubation period, and reduced hatchling mass. In addition, embryos exhibited some physiological plasticity which allowed increased oxygen transport in response to hypoxia.
Characterization of mutation-induced changes in the maize ( Zea mays L.) ADH1-1S1108 alcohol dehydrogenase

The homodimeric alcohol dehydrogenase gene product of maize (Zea mays L.)Adh1-1S1108 mutation was purified and compared with the parentalAdh1-1S enzyme. The mutant alcohol dehydrogenase activity had pH optima and substrate specificity similar to those of the parental enzyme, but exhibited somewhat increased and decreasedK mvalues for acetaldehyde and NADH, respectively. The mutant enzyme was also markedly less stable than the enzyme from parental tissues to temperatures as low as 50°C. Sequence analysis of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-generated cDNA clone revealed a G-to-C mutation at position 406 and a C-to-T mutation at position 974. These would result in residue 103 of each protein subunit being changed from an alanine to a proline and residue 292 being changed from an alanine to a valine. Whether one or both of these changes in primary sequence is responsible for the altered substrate affinities and stability is not yet understood.
Amperometric determination of sulfite with sulfite oxidase immobilized at a platinum electrode surface

Abstract Sulfite oxidase is immobilized on collagen membrane at the surface of a platinum electrode and catalyzes the oxidation of sulfite to sulfate with stoichiometric production of hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide is detected amperometically at the platinum electrode at an applied potential of 700 mV. The system responds linearly to sulfite in the range 1–150 μM, with a detection limit of 0.2 μM. The enzyme retains over 95% of its activity for three weeks if stored at −20° C when the probe is not in use.
Use of exercise for treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition that results in moderate to severe disability, the primary feature of which is fatigue of unknown origin. There is a lot of interest in classifying, characterising and treating patients with CFS. Currently, the two major theories of a medical cause of CFS are viral infection and immune dysregulation. Patients report critical reductions in levels of physical activity, and many experience ‘relapses’ of severe symptoms following even moderate levels of exertion. Despite this, most studies report CFS patients to have normal muscle strength and either normal or slightly reduced muscle endurance. Histological and metabolic studies report mixed results: CFS patients have either no impairment or mild impairment of mitochondria and oxidative metabolism compared with sedentary controls. Current treatments for CFS are symptom-based, with psychological, pharmacological and rehabilitation treatments providing some relief but no cure. Immunological and nutritional treatments have been tried but have not provided reproducible benefits. Exercise training programmes are thought to be beneficial (if ‘relapses’ can be avoided), although few controlled studies have been performed. CFS is a long-lasting disorder that can slowly improve with time, but often does not. Further studies are needed to better understand the multiple factors that can cause chronic fatigue illness, as well as the effect that exercise training has on the symptoms of CFS.
Characterization of Microcrack Development in BMI-Carbon Fiber Composite under Stress and Thermal Cycling

The objective of this research was to determine the effect of thermal cycling on the development of microcracks in bismaleimide (BMI)-carbon fiber composites (5250-4 RTM/IM7 4-harness satin weave fabric). By clamping composite specimens on the radial sides of half cylinders having two different radii (78.74 and 37.96 mm), two different strain conditions with respect to the neutral axis (0.406 to 0.406% and -0.843 to 0.843%) were applied to the composites. Three different thermal cycling experiments: (1) -196 to 250°C, (2) 23°C to (i) 150°C, (ii) 200°C, (iii) 250°C, and (3) -196 to 23°C were performed as a function of stress, number of thermal cycles, heating or cooling rate, and humidity conditions. An in situ monitoring microscope was used to observe the microcrack development during the experiment. The results suggest that there is a higher probability of microcracking with increasing number of thermocycles, higher prestrain, and humidity. The principle findings are that the full cycles from 196 up to 2...
A linear approximation for chance-constrained programming

Decision environments involve the need to solve problems with varying degrees of uncertainty as well as multiple, potentially conflicting objectives. Chance constraints consider the uncertainty encountered. Codes incorporating chance constraints into a mathematical programming model are not available on a widespread basis owing to the non-linear form of the chance constraints. Therefore, accurate linear approximations would be useful to analyse this class of problems with efficient linear codes. This paper presents an approximation formula for chance constraints which can be used in either the single- or multiple-objective case. The approximation presented will place a bound on the chance constraint at least as tight as the true non-linear form, thus overachieving the chance constraint at the expense of other constraints or objectives.
Rigging the Pepper Wreck. Part 2—Sails.

Discovered in 1993 at the mouth of the Tagus River, the SJB2 shipwreck—or Pepper Wreck—was tentatively identified as the Portuguese Indiaman Nossa Senhora dos Martires, lost there on its return voyage from Cochin, in India, on 15 September 1606. Its archaeological excavation led to a tentative reconstruction of the hull, based in contemporary texts on shipbuilding. Further analysis of these texts allowed us to propose a reconstruction of the rigging. © 2008 The Author
School Readiness among Low-Income, Latino Children Attending Family Childcare versus Centre-Based Care.

Latino children often struggle in school. Early childhood education programmes are seen as critical for fostering children's school readiness. Latino families often choose family childcare (FCC) over centre-based childcare (CBC), yet little is known about the school readiness of Latino children attending FCC. We compared school readiness over the pre-kindergarten year for low-income Latino children who attended either FCC or CBC with childcare subsidies. Teachers and parents rated children's social skills and behaviour with the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment. Cognitive, motor, and language development were assessed with the Learning Accomplishment Profile Diagnostic. Although there were no family demographic differences between children who attended FCC versus CBC, children in CBC improved over time in cognitive, language, and social skills, whereas children in FCC stayed the same or lost ground in these areas over time, especially boys. The school readiness of Latino children, especially boys, may b...
An Assessment of the vdW-TS Method for Extended Systems

The Tkatchenko–Scheffler vdW-TS method [Phys. Rev. Lett.2009, 102, 073005] has been implemented in a plane-wave DFT code and used to characterize several dispersion-dominated systems, including layered materials, noble-gas solids, and molecular crystals. Full optimizations of the structures, including relaxation of the stresses on the unit cells, were carried out. Internal geometrical parameters, lattice constants, bulk moduli, and cohesive energies are reported and compared to experimental results.
Application of simple fertility awareness-based methods of family planning to breastfeeding women.

Abstract Objective To determine the potential efficacy of two simple fertility awareness–based methods of family planning—the Standard Days Method™ and the TwoDay Method™—among breastfeeding women. Design Analysis of pre-existing data set, collected in 1986–1990. Setting Pre-existing data from Australia, Britain, and Canada. Patient(s) Seventy-three breastfeeding women in Australia, Britain, and Canada, who were followed starting 42 days postpartum, until they had at least two potentially fertile cycles (defined as cycles with adequate levels of urinary estrogens (E) and pregnanediol glucuronide and a long enough luteal phase to support a pregnancy). We examine this existing data set. Intervention(s) None. Main outcome measure(s) Probability of pregnancy from intercourse on different days of the cycle relative to ovulation for breastfeeding women following the instructions of the Standard Days Method or the TwoDay Method. Result(s) These two methods may be appropriate for different groups of breastfeeding women at different times. The Standard Days Method may be appropriate after cycle regularity is established, whereas the TwoDay Method may be a more effective option earlier in the postpartum period. Conclusion A need remains for a more appropriate simple fertility awareness–based method during this early period.
Variability of AV nodal potentials recorded, in vivo: direct demonstration of dual AV nodal physiology.

Objectives of Study: We developed a method to record extracellular A-V nodal potentials in the beating dog heart, in vivo. Methods: In eleven Na-pentobarbital anesthetized, open-chest dogs, an octapolar electrode catheter (2 mm rings, 2 mm spacing) was inserted through a purse-string suture in the coronary sinus (CS) distal to the ostium and positioned electrographically so that the tip electrode recorded a His bundle (Hb) potential. Results: Stable recordings of A-V nodal potentials (amplitude, 178 ± 94 μV; duration 78 ± 26 msec) were consistently made during sinus rhythm from the second and/or third bipolar pairs of electrodes. Programmed atrial stimulation and vagal stimulation resulted in loss of amplitude and increased duration of the A-V nodal potentials associated with A-H prolongation. In another series of experiments, crushing the sinus node in 6 dogs resulted in AV nodal rhythms with AV nodal potentials of varying amplitudes (132 to 840 μV) and durations (range 25 to 71 msec) as the earliest activation which preceded the Hb, atrial and ventricular deflections. One dog, showing dual AV nodal physiology as documented from the AV nodal function curve, had two distinctly different AV nodal potentials. The low-level, longer duration potentials were associated with longer (slow pathway) A-H intervals; whereas the shorter higher amplitude potentials (fast pathway) showed shorter A-H intervals, each occurring at a critical paced cycle length. Conclusion: We conclude that consistent extracellular AV nodal electrograms can be recorded in vivo although the configuration of these potentials varies depending on heart rate, autonomic stimulation and different arrhythmic conditions such as AV nodal escape rhythms and dual AV nodal physiology.
Estimate of gas hydrate resource, northwestern Gulf of Mexico continental slope

Abstract Estimates of gas hydrate sequestered on the northwestern Gulf of Mexico (NWGOM) continental slope are presented. The volume of gas hydrate reservoir is estimated based on the relationship between geologic setting, water depth and the gas hydrate stability zone. A conceptual model of gas hydrate occurrence defines two types of gas hydrate accumulations in the NW GOM: (1) structurally focused thermogenic and bacterial gas hydrate on the rims of minibasins, and (2) disseminated bacterial methane hydrate that resides within minibasins. Structurally focused gas hydrate is estimated to contain ∼8–11×10 12 m 3 of C 1 –C 5 hydrocarbon gas at standard temperature and pressure (STP), representing an important target for future economic exploitation. The estimated volume of bacterial methane hydrate in minibasins is ∼2–3×10 12 m 3 of methane at STP, but appears to be too widely disseminated to represent a viable exploration target. Gas hydrate resource density estimated in this study is at least 15 times less than that calculated from previous gas hydrate resource estimates in the GOM. Furthermore, total gas hydrate resource in the GOM is not likely to significantly exceed gas hydrate resource in the NWGOM estimated in this study.
The active space of red-winged blackbird song

Active space, that distance from the source over which signal amplitude remains above the detection threshold of potential receivers, was determined for Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) song in an upland pasture near Ithaca, New York. Song amplitude, the rate of signal attenuation, the amplitude of ambient noise, and the sensitivity of redwings to song masked by noise determine active space and were measured in the field: 1. Maximum root-mean-square song amplitude at 1 m from a singing bird ranged from 88.5–93.5 dB SPL (\(\bar X\)± SE = 90.8±0.21 dB SPL). 2. Close to the source, song attenuates at a rate which closely matches that predicted by spherical spreading (6 dB/doubling of distance) alone. At distances beyond about 30 m, however, excess attenuation becomes important (Fig. 4). The rate of attenuation varies with relative wind direction (Table 1). 3. Ambient noise level is relatively low in early morning, rises in late morning and afternoon as air turbulence increases, and then drops again in the evening as turbulence decreases (Table 2 and Appendix). Measured on a 4 kHz octave filter scale (center frequency = 4 kHz, octave pass-band = 2.83– 5.66 kHz), noise during one day ranges from 15 dB SPL (at 06∶00 h) to 36 dB SPL (at 11∶00 h), more than a 10-fold variation in ambient sound pressure. 4. A 3 dB signal to noise ratio is sufficient for detection of song masked by noise in the field (Figs. 5 and 6). Also, redwings are able to detect differences in this ratio as small as 3 dB. 5. In the absence of wind, the maximum active space of redwing song is about 189 m for a signal SPL of 93.5 dB at 1 m. This distance varies with changes in ambient noise level during the day, and with relative wind direction.
Experimental evaluation of a surface charge method for computing the induced magnetic field in trabecular bone.

Abstract The magnetic field induced in the pores of trabecular bone as a result of the susceptibility difference between bone and bone marrow was computed with the aid of magnetic surface charge models generated from images of trabecular bone specimens acquired at 78 and 63 μm resolution. The predicted field was compared with the values derived from 2D and 3D field maps obtained by echo-offset imaging techniques and excellent agreement was found between the two methods. Finally, from the slopes of regression between the experimental and computed fields, the absolute susceptibility of bone was nondestructively determined as −11.0 × 10 −6 (MKS), which is in close agreement with a reported value of −11.3 × 10 −6 obtained with powdered bone by means of a spectroscopic susceptibility matching technique (J. A. Hopkins and F. W. Wehrli, Magn. Reson. Med. 37, 494–500 (1997)).
Abstract P5-13-03: Factors associated with prophylactic mastectomy among BRCA-positive patients with no personal history of breast cancer

Background: The rate of prophylactic mastectomy (PM) has recently increased1. A deleterious mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA 2 genes is among the major reasons why patients pursue PM 2, 3. Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations have up to an 87% risk to develop an invasive breast cancer (BC), and up to 45% risk for ovarian cancer (OC)2, 3. Most studies evaluating predictors of PM in BRCA mutation carriers are performed among women with breast cancer; however, accurate predictors for PM among unaffected BRCA mutation carriers are less defined. In a single institution study we aimed to evaluate predictors of PM among BRCA carriers with no personal history of breast cancer. Method: One hundred seventy seven women with no personal history of BC, who tested positive for a BRCA1 or BRCA 2 germline mutation, were included in the study. Patients’ characteristics were obtained from a prospectively maintained research database under an IRB approved protocol at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. Univariate analyses using chi-square and logistic regression analysis were used to determine predictive factors associated with PM. The patient characteristics examined included age, martial and educational status, bilateral salphingo-oophorectomy (BSO), family history of 1st and 2nd degree relatives with breast (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC), race, and BRCA genetic test result. Results: Out of the 177 BRCA1 and BRCA 2 positive patients, 51 (29%) elected for PM. The average age for the cohort was 44 years (range 23-91). The majority were Caucasian (81%), and married (72%) with a college degree (64%). One hundred sixty-four (92%) patients had 1st and 2nd degree relatives with BC, 93 (53%) had 1st and 2nd degree relatives with OC, and 85 (48%) had undergone BSO. A logistic regression model was run to identify factors associated with undergoing PM, including family history of OC, family history of BC, BSO and age. Patients with a family history of OC were 2.5 times more likely than those without to have had a PM (p = 0.0125), and patients who had a BSO were 0.137 times less likely to have had a PM (p <.0001). Only 12 patients did not have a family history of BC and none of those patients had a PM, so an Odds Ratio could not be calculated. However, it was determined through the Fisher's exact test that patients with a family history of BC were more likely to undergo a PM (p = 0.0198). Conclusion: The rate of PM in our cohort was slightly lower than expected. Factors associated with PM included a family history of BC and OC. Interestingly, having had a BSO was associated with lower likelihood of undergoing PM (menopausal status will be further evaluated); possibly due to the knowledge that BSO reduces breast cancer risk. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P5-13-03.
Effects of a juvenile hormone analogue on honey bee foraging behaviour and alarm pheromone production

Abstract Worker honey bees treated with 250 μg of the juvenile hormone analogue methoprene shifted from the broodnest to the food storage region prematurely and displayed precocious foraging behaviour. Treatments with 25 and 2.5 μg caused slight but non-significant effects. Methoprene did not influence individual foraging performance as measured by mean number of foraging trips/h, mean amount of time spent foraging/h or mean duration of the total foraging period. Methoprene also induced premature production of two alarm pheromones, 2-heptanone and isopentyl acetate. These results support the hypothesis that juvenile hormone regulates temporal division of labour in the honey bee colony.
Thin layer flows due to surface tension gradients over a membrane undergoing nonuniform, periodic strain.

Measurements of surface tension in the lung have shown that a time-mean gradient exists with the potential to generate clearance flows toward the mouth in the thin liquid layer that lines the airways. A model is developed to explore this phenomenon in the simple case of a membrane with linear variation in strain along its length, coupled with the unique properties of pulmonary surfactant. The evolution equations are solved numerically for liquid layer thickness and surfactant concentration during a single oscillatory cycle, and the net volume exchanged is computed. The parameters governing the flow are shown to be time scales for viscous effects, {ie913-1}, surface diffusion, {ie913-2}, surfactant adsorption, {ie913-3}, surfactant desorption, {ie913-4}, oscillation, {ie913-5}, and the average membrane strain {ie913-6}. The volume pumped toward the less compliant end on the initial cycle is maximized when {ie913-7} and is relatively insensitive to {ie913-8}. Rapid adsorption generally augments liquid transport for {ie913-9}. Pumping drops precipitously if {ie913-10}. Effects of strain amplitude are reported as well. For parameter values approximating those in the lung, pumping rates are near optimal; the mean surface velocity is ∼0.05 mm/sec, compared with 0.2 mm/sec produced by the action of cilia on the mucus layer. This mechanism might therefore be important in assisting clearance from the lung or maintaining a liquid layer over alveolar facets.
Experimental determination of barium uptake in shells of the planktonic foraminifera Orbulina universa at 22°C

Abstract We have sought to directly test the assumption that the Ba Ca ratio of foraminifera shells is proportional to the Ba Ca ratio of the seawater in which the shells precipitated via experiments with living planktonic foraminifera. Specimens of the symbiont-bearing species, Orbulina universa, were grown in seawater with five different Ba concentrations at a temperature of 22°C. Individual foraminifera shells (spherical chambers) were then cleaned and analyzed for Ba Ca . We found that the response for Ba incorporation is linear within and somewhat above the range of Ba concentrations found in the ocean. The calculated distribution coefficient for Ba incorporation lies between 0.14 and 0.17. The value determined previously by comparison of core-top fossil planktonic foraminifera and surface water compositions was 0.19 ± 0.05. Foraminifera grown under low-light conditions to simulate reduced symbiont photosynthetic activity did not have significantly different Ba Ca . This suggests that for this species, biogenic precipitation rates of calcite varying in response to changing light levels do not affect the degree of Ba discrimination. Earlier observations of Ba incompatibility and lack of substitution in inorganically precipitated calcite at higher Ba activities do not apply to coprecipitation of Ba in the planktonic foraminifera Orbulina over the range of Ba concentrations found in seawater.
Surface Vibrational Modes of α-Quartz(0001) Probed by Sum-Frequency Spectroscopy

Infrared-visible sum-frequency spectroscopy was used to probe surface vibrations of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-quartz(0001) under ambient conditions. Two modes at 880 and $980\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ were observed and identified as arising from Si-O-Si and Si-OH structures of the surface. Heat treatment and hydroxylation could convert Si-OH to Si-O-Si and vice versa. The technique is generally applicable to studies of surface phonons of other oxides, semiconductors, and insulators.
Modeling of Magnetorheological Dampers under Various Impact Loads

Magnetorheological (MR) damper has received great attention from structural control engineering because it provides the best features of both passive and active control systems. However, many studies on the application of MR dampers to large civil structures have tended to center on the modeling of MR dampers under seismic excitations, while, to date, there has been minimal research regarding the MR damper model under impact loads. Hence, this paper investigates nonlinear models of MR dampers under a variety of impact loads and control signals. Two fuzzy models are proposed for modeling the nonlinear impact behavior of MR dampers. They are compared with mechanical models, the Bingham and Bouc-Wen models. Experimental studies are performed to generate sets of input and output data for training, validating, and testing the models: the deflection, acceleration, velocity, and current signals. It is demonstrated that the proposed fuzzy models are effective in predicting the complex nonlinear behavior of the MR damper subjected to a variety of impact loads and control signals. The proposed fuzzy model resulted in an accuracy of 99% to predict the impact forces of the MR damper.
Data center crossflow heat exchanger study under different transient temperature boundary conditions

Heat exchangers are primary components of HVAC systems. The effectiveness of the heat exchangers strongly influences the thermal performance of cooling systems. Rear door heat exchangers, in-row and overhead coolers, and fully contained cabinets, are some examples of liquid and hybrid cooling systems used in data centers. Characterizing the dynamic behavior of heat exchangers is important for thermal management of data centers, especially for the design of control strategies to improve energy efficiency. In this study, a model based on energy conservation of the transient temperature response of an unmixed-unmixed crossflow heat exchanger, of the type that is widely used in data center cooling equipment, is solved numerically. Detailed analysis of the transient temperature boundary conditions such as a step, ramp or exponential change to the inlet temperature of the hot fluid are conducted. Two governing parameters, heat capacity rate ratio (E) and number of transfer units (NTU), are varied in a wide range to determine their influence on the transient performance of heat exchangers under different transient input conditions. Also, the effects of the magnitude and time period of the transient input conditions are evaluated. Some specific data center cooling scenarios are analyzed based on the results from the heat exchanger dynamic performance study. The results obtained provide a means for predicting the transient behavior of heat exchangers used in data center cooling equipment.
Synthesis of tyrocidine a: Use of oxime resin for peptide chain assembly and cyclization

Abstract Application of the Kaiser oxime resin to the synthesis of the thirty-membered ring cyclo-decapeptide Tyrocidine A (TA) is described. Assembly of the linear peptide chain and its subsequent cyclization with concomitant cleavage off the solid support were both achieved in high yield (73.2 % and 55 %).
The molecular conformation and dipole moment of thiane from the microwave spectrum

Abstract The microwave spectrum of thiane, a heterocyclic analog of cyclohexane, has been studied in the region 26.5–40 GHz. The molecule is a highly asymmetric rotor (κ = 0.050154). From the analysis of both the a -type and c -type transitions, the rotational constants determined are (in MHz): A = 3992.719, B = 3005.812, and C = 1914.683. A study of the Stark effect has yielded the dipole moment components (in Debye units) μ a = 1.684 ± 0.009, μ c = 0.578 ± 0.002, which give a total dipole moment of μ = 1.781 ± 0.010. Comparison of the spectral data from tetrahydropyran, thiane, and 1,4-thioxane demonstrates the similarity in structure of these three compounds. It is found that a very reasonable set of structural parameters can be found which adequately fits the spectral data of all three molecules.
Enynones in organic synthesis. I: Spiroannulation by tandem oxy-Cope rearrangement-electrocyclic ring closure

Abstract Bis-acetylenic alcohols of proper design undergo a facile oxy-Cope rearrangement to afford mixtures of E- and Z-enynones. These latter compounds afford methylenecyclopentenones upon enolization and electrocyclic ring closure.
Daily experience of serious leisure, flow and subjective well-being of older adults.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how serious leisure and flow contribute to subjective well‐being (SWB) in the daily lives of older adults. Twenty‐two older adults were recruited from a local aging agency in a midwestern city in the USA. Experience Sampling Method was used to collect data on the daily experiences of the older adults. Hierarchical Linear Modelling was used to predict levels of SWB from experience variables (i.e. serious leisure, flow) and individual difference variables (i.e. gender, retirement). One‐way analyses of variance, random coefficient, and intercepts and slopes‐as‐outcomes models were tested. Serious leisure was positively associated with positive affect (PA), and flow had a significant negative relationship with PA. The results of this study confirm previous findings that SWB is an important consequence of serious leisure in everyday life.
A Robust Gradient Sampling Algorithm for Nonsmooth, Nonconvex Optimization

Let f be a continuous function on $\Rl^n$, and suppose f is continuously differentiable on an open dense subset. Such functions arise in many applications, and very often minimizers are points at which f is not differentiable. Of particular interest is the case where f is not convex, and perhaps not even locally Lipschitz, but is a function whose gradient is easily computed where it is defined. We present a practical, robust algorithm to locally minimize such functions, based on gradient sampling. No subgradient information is required by the algorithm. When f is locally Lipschitz and has bounded level sets, and the sampling radius $\eps$ is fixed, we show that, with probability 1, the algorithm generates a sequence with a cluster point that is Clarke $\eps$-stationary. Furthermore, we show that if f has a unique Clarke stationary point $\bar x$, then the set of all cluster points generated by the algorithm converges to $\bar x$ as $\eps$ is reduced to zero. Numerical results are presented demonstrating the robustness of the algorithm and its applicability in a wide variety of contexts, including cases where f is not locally Lipschitz at minimizers. We report approximate local minimizers for functions in the applications literature which have not, to our knowledge, been obtained previously. When the termination criteria of the algorithm are satisfied, a precise statement about nearness to Clarke $\eps$-stationarity is available. A MATLAB implementation of the algorithm is posted at http://www.cs.nyu.edu/overton/papers/gradsamp/alg.
Semi-automated image analysis: detecting carbonylation in subcellular regions of skeletal muscle

The level of carbonylation in skeletal muscle is a marker of oxidative damage associated with disease and aging. While immunofluorescence microscopy is an elegant method to identify carbonylation sites in muscle cross-sections, imaging analysis is manual, tedious, and time consuming, especially when the goal is to characterize carbonyl contents in subcellular regions. In this paper, we present a semi-automated method for the analysis of carbonylation in subcellular regions of skeletal muscle cross-sections visualized with dual fluorescent immunohistochemistry. Carbonyls were visualized by their reaction with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) followed by immunolabeling with an Alexa488-tagged anti-DNP antibody. Mitochondria were probed with an anti-COXI primary antibody followed by the labeling with an Alexa568-tagged secondary antibody. After imaging, muscle fibers were individually analyzed using a custom-designed, lab-written, computer-aided procedure to measure carbonylation levels in subsarcolemmal and interfibrillar mitochondrial regions, and in the cytoplasmic and extracellular regions. Using this procedure, we were able to decrease the time necessary for the analysis of a single muscle fiber from 45 min to about 1 min. The procedure was tested by four independent analysts and found to be independent on inter-person and intra-person variations. This procedure will help increase highly needed throughput in muscle studies related to ageing, disease, physical performance, and inactivity that use carbonyl levels as markers of oxidative damage.
In vivo activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases in rat intestinal neoplasia.

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: To investigate whether mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades might play a role in the progression of colon cancer, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal regulating kinase (ERK) activity during colonic tumorigenesis were examined. METHODS: The 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon carcinoma model was used to study the activation of these kinases during intestinal carcinogenesis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with DMH for 24 weeks. Normal-appearing intestinal mucosa from control and treated animals and DMH-induced intestinal tumors were assayed for JNK and ERK activity using solid phase in vitro kinase assays. Tumors were typed for mutations in the K-ras gene. RESULTS: There was little or no difference in JNK and ERK activity in hyperproliferative mucosa from DMH-treated animals compared with normal mucosa from control animals. However, in 16 colonic neoplasms, an average of 23-fold and 29-fold increases in JNK and ERK activities were observed, respectively, over control levels. In addition, activating protein-1 binding was strongly induced in the colonic tumors. Activation did not correlate with the presence of mutations in K-ras. CONCLUSIONS: Both the JNK and ERK MAPKs are highly activated during late progression of colorectal carcinoma. This change is dependent on the tumorigenic state rather than changes in proliferation. (Gastroenterology 1997 Nov;113(5):1589-98)
Brutalism exposed: Photography and the zoom wave

Photography was instrumental in conceiving representation as the effort to grasp the variable rather than the objective appraisal of reality. This paper explores how avant-garde practitioners in th...
Fibrinolytic-assisted removal of experimental subretinal hemorrhage within seven days reduces outer retinal degeneration.

Purpose: To better determine the surgical window for removing experimental subretinal hemorrhages in the cat model and to compare the histopathologic effect of such removal with the natural history of untreated subretinal hemorrhages. Methods: Twenty-three large experimental subretinal hemorrhages were created with a neodymium:YAG laser focused through a preformed retinal bleb in a cohort of cats. Fourteen subretinal hemorrhages were observed without treatment, six were removed at 7 days through a micropipette after injecting 10 μg/ml of human recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) into the subretinal space, and three were removed through an access retinotomy without the use of rt-PA. The tissues from these eyes were examined with light and electron microscopy 14 to 28 days after creation of the subretinal hemorrhages. Results: Severe outer retinal degeneration was evident by day 14 in all of the untreated subretinal hemorrhages 3 disc diameters or greater in size. In contrast, the outer retinal architecture was better preserved in the eyes that underwent rt-PA—assisted removal of their subretinal hemorrhage that was 3 disc diameters or greater on day 7. In these eyes, mild abnormalities such as abnormally short and misaligned photoreceptor outer segments with vacuolization were present within the retina that was formerly located over the hemorrhage center. The eyes that underwent subretinal hemorrhage removal through an access retinotomy without rt-PA on day 7 had a low-lying retinal detachment and outer retinal degeneration. Conclusion: Removing experimental subretinal hemorrhages within 7 days of their occurrence with the assistance of rt-PA and an ultramicrosurgical approach may reduce outer retinal degeneration in the cat model.
Novel cyanobiphenylpolysiloxane stationary phases for gas and supercritical fluid chromatography

Nine different 25% cyanobiphenyl-substituted polysiloxane (CBP) stationary phases were evaluated for use in gas and supercritical fluid chromatography. They were easily coated and cross-linked on fused silica capillaries to produce highly efficient columns. For a 200 μm i.d. column, an efficiency of as high as 5,100 plates m−1 was obtained. For most of the new phases, the upper temperature limit was 300°C. A comparative study of the chromatographic behaviors of the cyanobiphenyl and commercial reference phases was made. Some of the cyanobiphenyl stationary phases showed polarities higher than those for carbowax 20M or 50% cyanopropyl. All six positional isomers of dodecylxylene and the five isomers of four-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were baseline resolved on GC capillary columns with certain of the cyanobiphenyl phases, demonstrating higher selectivity over SE-54 or Carbowax 20M phases. In SFC, a cyanobiphenyl column provided better separation of a standard coal tar sample than columns with biphenyl or cyanopropyl phases. The retention behavior of fatty acid methyl esters and a mixture of polar solutes was investigated on the cyanobiphenyl and references phases. With respect to certain solute pairs, the selectivities of the new stationary phases were found to increase with temperature. The new cyanobiphenyl phases were found to be useful for GC and SFC separations of various classes of complex mixtures including essential oils, explosives, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.