cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variable keratin polypeptide profile in human stratum corneum

Stratum corneum samples obtained from 46 members in three generations of seven families were analyzed for keratin pattern by gel electrophoresis. All these samples of apparently normal upper arm skin expressed the 55 kDa, 56.5 kDa, and 65 kDa keratin proteins; while only 28%, 20% and 48% of the samples expressed the 50 kDa, 58 kDa, and 67 kDa proteins, respectively. The keratin phenotype was identical in all members of two families (9 individuals) and variable in members of five other families (37 individuals), in whom the patterns were consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance. These results demonstrate inter-individual variations in stratum corneum keratin pattern and may reflect either polymorphism of genes coding for the various keratin polypeptides or a post transcriptional modification of mature keratins by proteolytic digestion.
Integration using inorganic BARC in a via-first dual-damascene process with low-k dielectric

As via first scheme is employed for dual damascene patterning, via filling process has been posed many challenges to the patterning process. For organic BARC assisted dual damascene patterning, differences in etch selectivity between the organic BARC and ILD material generate fence defect problems. It is highly improbable that organic BARC film remains thick enough to protect the via bottom. To reduce the negative impact on the substrate, the BARC material requires to fill small vias. In addition, anti-reflective behavior for KrF lithography, comparable dry-etching and high wet-etching selectivity to the ILD, and compatibility with photoresist processing are necessary for a successful dual damascene patterning. A sacrificial, spin-on 248nm UV absorbing organosiloxane based inorganic BARC has been developed to meet these needs. Inorganic BARC is a material that fills the vias and reduces iso-dense bias for both fill and top coverage and hole-free substrate at trench lithography. In this paper, the comparison of the performance of inorganic BARC and organic BARC assisted dual damascene patterning with low-k dielectric was conducted. We evaluated the performance of inorganic BARC in terms of the via fill capability, depth of focus, exposure latitude, etch selectivity and etch profile results. The reduction of iso-dense bias from via filling with inorganic BARC instead of organic BARC is discussed.
Persistent effects of prior chronic exposure to corticosterone on reward-related learning and motivation in rodents

Repeated or prolonged exposure to stress has profound effects on a wide spectrum of behavioral and neurobiological processes and has been associated with the pathophysiology of depression. The multifaceted nature of this disorder includes despair, anhedonia, diminished motivation, and disrupted cognition, and it has been proposed that depression is also associated with reduced reward-motivated learning. We have previously reported that prior chronic corticosterone exposure to mice produces a lasting depressive-like state that can be reversed by chronic antidepressant treatment. In the present study, we tested the effects of prior chronic exposure to corticosterone (50 μg/ml) administered to rats or to mice in drinking water for 14 days followed by dose-tapering over 9 days. The exposure to corticosterone produced lasting deficits in the acquisition of reward-related learning tested on a food-motivated instrumental task conducted 10–20 days after the last day of full dose corticosterone exposure. Rats exposed to corticosterone also displayed reduced responding on a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement when tested on day 21 after exposure. Amitriptyline (200 mg/ml in drinking water) exposure for 14 days to mice produced the opposite effect, enhancing food-motivated instrumental acquisition and performance. Repeated treatment with amitriptyline (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally; bid) subsequent to corticosterone exposure also prevented the corticosterone-induced deficits in rats. These results are consistent with aberrant reward-related learning and motivational processes in depressive states and provide new evidence that stress-induced neuroadaptive alterations in cortico–limbic–striatal brain circuits involved in learning and motivation may play a critical role in aspects of mood disorders.
Properties of hot-pressed calcium aluminate cements

Abstract Simultaneous heating and pressing techniques were applied to ordinary calcium aluminate cements (40% Al2O3) and high aluminate (72%) cement. The compressive strength of the former, when hot pressed at 50, 000 psi, 250°C, 1 2 hr. is 51, 000 psi, while the latter is 45, 000 psi. The strengths of comparable standard pastes after 24 hours curing are 6, 000 and 4, 300 psi, respectively. Hot pressing decreases the porosity from 22% in standard pastes to about 4%. Mechanical properties of hot pressed calcium aluminate cements are similar to those of comparably treated portland cements despite compositional and some microstructural differences. XRD, DTA, IR absorption, SEM, leaching, thermal shock, and thermal stability were also studied.
Comparison of Rehydration Regimens for Rehabilitation of Firefighters Performing Heavy Exercise in Thermal Protective Clothing: A Report from the Fireground Rehab Evaluation (FIRE) Trial

AbstractBackground. Performing fire suppression activities results in cardiovascular stress, hyperthermia, and hypohydration. Fireground rehabilitation (rehab) is recommended to blunt the deleterious effects of these conditions. Objective. We tested the hypothesis that three rehydration fluids provided after exercise while wearing thermal protective clothing (TPC) would produce different heart rate or core temperature responses during a second bout of exercise in TPC. Methods. On three occasions, 18 euhydrated firefighters (16 men, two women) wearing TPC completed a standardized, 50-minute bout of upper and lower body exercise in a hot room that mimicked the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) rehabilitation guidelines of “two cylinders before rehab” (20 minutes of work, 10 minutes of recovery, 20 minutes of work). After an initial bout of exercise (bout 1), subjects were randomly assigned water, sport drink, or an intravenous (IV) infusion of normal saline equal to the amount of body mass lost du...
A framework for the assessment of operating systems for small computers

A number of high performance operating systems are now available for small computers on different hardware platforms. These operating systems offer many advanced features formerly reserved for their workstation and minicomputer counterparts. This article surveys the most widely used of such operating systems, namely OS/2, Windows NT, Linux and Macintosh System 7.5. It provides an account on the history, design objectives and evolution of these operating systems and discusses their key features, design concepts and implementation issues. An assessment and comparison of features, and capabilities is also provided. The assessment and comparison is based primarily on key features, such as memory management, multitasking capabilities, file system architecture, I/O support (such as asynchronous I/O, multimedia capabilities, plug and play devices, and on-demand load drivers), and networking capabilities (e.g., support for widely used protocols such as TCP/IP, SLIP/PPP, NetBIOS, NSF mounting, etc.).
The in vivo disposition of 2-bromo-[14C]hydroquinone and the effect of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase inhibition

We have previously shown that the renal necrosis observed after 2-bromohydroquinone (2-BrHQ) administration to rats is probably caused by the formation of 2-Br-(diglutathion-S-yl)HQ (2-Br-[diGSyl]HQ), since injection of this conjugate caused severe proximal tubular necrosis. In the present study we report the in vivo metabolism and covalent binding of 2-[14C]-BrHQ in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The major urinary and biliary metabolite was a glucuronide conjugate. In addition, 2-Br-(di-GSyl)HQ, 2-Br-3-(GSyl)HQ, 2-Br-5-(GSyl)HQ, and 2-Br-6-(GSyl)HQ were all detected as urinary and biliary metabolites of 2-BrHQ. The in vivo covalent binding of 2-[14C]BrHQ to kidney, pancreas, seminal vesicles, intestine, bone marrow, and liver was 21.8, 1.5, 1.2, 4.4, 1.8, and 2.6 nmol/mg protein, respectively. gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) activity measured in these tissues was 947, 159, 55, 31 and 5.5 U/mg. Liver gamma-GT activity was negligible (0.07 U/mg). Thus, maximum covalent binding and gamma-GT activity occurred in the kidney. Renal covalent binding and gamma-GT activity were positively correlated with nephrotoxicity. Pretreatment of rats with L(alpha S,5S)-alpha-amino-3-chloro-4,5-dihydro-5-isoxazole-acetic acid (AT-125) inhibited renal gamma-GT, after 24 hr, by 76%, renal covalent binding by 73%, and 2-BrHQ-mediated nephrotoxicity, as assessed by elevations in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), by 70%. These alterations were accompanied by an increase in the urinary excretion of each of the GSH conjugates, an increase in the fecal excretion of total radioactivity, and a decrease in plasma radioactivity at 24 hr. The present data provide evidence that 2-BrHQ is metabolized in vivo to nephrotoxic GSH conjugates. In addition, AT-125 probably inhibits nephrotoxicity by decreasing the gamma-GT-mediated renal proximal tubule accumulation of the toxic metabolites, thereby facilitating their excretion into urine. Although AT-125 inhibited extrarenal gamma-GT activity by 34-77%, it had variable effects on extrarenal covalent binding. Whereas covalent binding to renal tissue is probably mediated by reactive metabolites of the isomeric 2-Br-(GSyl)HQ conjugates, binding to extrarenal tissue may be mediated by both the conjugates and by 2-bromohydroquinone per se.
Spirituality among young women at risk for eating disorders.

Abstract Objective This study examined the spiritual and religious (S/R) beliefs and practices of college-age women at high-risk for eating disorders, and the relationship between body image distress, coping, and S/R. Method Two hundred fifty-five college-age women with elevated weight and shape concerns, assessed using the Weight/Shape Concerns Scale and the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE), completed surveys about their S/R beliefs and practices. Results Women with strong S/R beliefs and practices cope with body dissatisfaction differently than women without strong S/R beliefs. Participants with strong S/R were significantly more likely to pray, meditate, or read religious/spiritual texts to cope with body image distress. Participants without strong beliefs and practices were more likely to cope utilizing distraction. Women with strong beliefs who prayed found it effective. Discussion Study participants were heterogenenous in their S/R beliefs and practices. These beliefs and practices may be underutilized resources for coping with body image concerns.
Ultrasensitive enzymatic radioimmunoassay: application to detection of cholera toxin and rotavirus

Rotavirus and enterotoxin-producing bacteria are major causes of diarrheal disease in humans. A method of rapid diagnosis, ultrasensitive enzymatic radioimmunoassay, has been developed to quantitatively detect cholera toxin and rotavirus. The method uses features of both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay; however, the sensitivity of the assay is 100- to 1000-fold more sensitive than the two parent assays. Ultrasensitive enzymatic radioimmunoassay should also be useful in measuring other biologically important agents such as drugs and hormones.
Stability of alkyl monolayers on chemomechanically scribed silicon to air, water, hot acid, and X-rays

Abstract We report the stability of alkyl monolayers on scribed silicon to air, water, boiling 0.1 M H 2 SO 4 , and X-rays. Monolayers (ML) were prepared by scribing silicon surfaces in the presence of 1-pentene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-hexadecene, 1-chlorooctane, 1-bromopentane, 1,4-dibromobutane, methyl iodide, 1-iodopentane, 1-iododecane, 1-butanol, and 1-octanol with a computer-controlled, diamond-tipped instrument. In all cases some initial oxidation of the silicon substrate was observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which increased with time, first rapidly, and then more slowly. Oxidation appears to proceed more quickly for silicon scribed under 1-haloalkanes than 1-alkenes, and more quickly for silicon scribed under 1-haloalkanes that were stored in air than in water. In the case of silicon scribed under an iodoalkane, the resulting iodine to silicon XPS ratio decreased with time, but even after extended exposures to air or water some iodine remained on the surfaces. Steric hindrance and/or hydrophobic effects appear to influence the degree of surface oxidation and halogen loss. The C 1s/Si 2p XPS ratios of surfaces prepared from 1-alkenes and 1-haloalkanes remain nearly constant after all exposures to air, water, hot acid and X-rays. Water capacities of hydrophobic corrals were measured in a semi-automated fashion with a Gilson 215 Liquid Handler and showed trends similar to the XPS results. Hydrophobic corrals generally retained significant fractions of their capacities to hold water with time. Sample-to-sample variation in corral capacity was attributed to variation in the scribing procedure, including possible changes in tip shape. To within experimental error no change in the amount of C, O, or Br at the surfaces was observed by XPS after nearly 4 h of illumination with monochromatic Al Kα X-rays.
Array models for category learning.

Abstract A family of models for category learning is developed, all members being based on a common memory array but differing in memory access and decision processes. Within this framework, fully controlled comparisons of exemplar-similarity, feature-frequency, and prototype models reveal isomorphism between models of different types under some conditions but empirically testable differences under others. It is shown that current exemplar-memory models, in which categorization judgments are based on similarities of perceived and remembered category exemplars, can be interpreted as generalized likelihood models but can be modified in a simple way to yield pure similarity models. Distance-based exemplar models are formulated that provide means of investigating issues concerning deterministic versus probabilistic decision rules and links between categorization and properties of perceptual dimensions. Other theoretical issues discussed include aspects of similarity, the role of memory storage versus computation in category judgments, and the limits of applicability of array models.
Geological Society of America Special Paper 297: Archaeological Geology of the Archaic Period in North America

The Archaic was the longest cultural period in the prehistory of North America. Although the timing and duration of the period vary regionally, it spans roughly the six millennia between 8,000 and 2,000 years before present. A number of important cultural changes took place during the Archaic period, including a move toward sedentism, the refinement of a sophisticated hunting and gathering economy coupled with the cultivation of indigenous plants, and interaction and trade among people in distant areas. Given the length of this period and the significance of the cultural transitions that occurred, one would expect that archaeological understanding of Archaic cultures would be thorough. This is not the case, however, and this volume underscores one of the primary reasons why our knowledge is so fragmentary: physical changes that occurred in the land during the Holocene make it difficult to identify Archaic sites.
Understanding cratonic flood basalts

The origin of continental flood basalts has been debated for decades. These eruptions often produce millions of cubic kilometers of basalt on timescales of only a million years. Although flood basalts are found in a variety of settings, no locale is more puzzling than cratonic areas such as southern Africa or the Siberian craton, where strong, thick lithosphere is breached by these large basaltic outpourings. Conventionally, flood basalts have been interpreted as melting events produced by one of two processes: 1) elevated temperatures associated with mantle plumes and/or 2) adiabatic-decompression melting associated with lithospheric thinning. In southern Africa, however, there are severe problems with both of these mechanisms. First, the rifting circumstances of several wellknown basaltic outpourings clearly reflect lithospheric control rather than the influence of a deep-seated plume. Specifically, rift timing and magmatism are correlated with stress perturbations to the lithosphere associated with the formation of collisional rifts. Second, the substantial lithospheric thinning required for adiabatic decompression melting is inconsistent with xenolith evidence for the continued survival of thick lithosphere beneath flood basalt domains. As an alternative to these models, we propose a new two-stage model that interprets cratonic flood basalts not as melting events, but as short-duration drainage events that tap previously created sublithospheric reservoirs of molten basalt formed over a longer time scale. Reservoir creation/existence (Stage I) requires long-term (e.g. ≫1 Ma) supersolidus conditions in the sublithospheric mantle that could be maintained by an elevated equilibrium geotherm (appropriate for the Archean), a slow thermal perturbation (e.g. thermal blanketing or large-scale mantle upwelling), or a subduction-related increase in volatile content. The drainage event (Stage II) occurs in response to an abrupt stress change in the lithosphere, which leads to the initiation and propagation of lithospheric dikes. Such a model accounts for the short eruption time of flood basalts, the evidence for lithospheric control of the eruptions, and the continued survival of cratonic lithosphere following these magmatic events. The most notable consequence of this model is that it implies the existence of large reservoirs of magma, comparable to the eruption volume of flood basalts that have been, and are still likely, present beneath stable continental lithopshere.
CONFIDANT: Collaborative Object Notification Framework for Insider Defense using Autonomous Network Transactions

File Integrity Analyzers serve as a component of an Intrusion Detection environment by performing filesystem inspections to verify the content of security-critical files in order to detect suspicious modification. Existing file integrity frameworks exhibit single point-of-failure exposures. The Collaborative Object Notification Framework for Insider Defense using Autonomous Network Transactions (CONFIDANT) framework aims at fail-safe and trusted detection of unauthorized modifications to executable, data, and configuration files. In this paper, an IDS architecture taxonomy is proposed to classify and compare CONFIDANT with existing frameworks. The CONFIDANT file integrity verification framework is then defined and evaluated. CONFIDANT utilizes three echelons of agent interaction and four autonomous behaviors. Sensor agents in the lowest echelon comprise the sensor level to generate an assured report to companion agents of computed MD5 file digests. At the control level, beacon agents verify file integrity based on the digests from sensor-level agents assembled over time. Upper echelon transactions occur at the response level. Here watchdog behavior agents dispatch probe agents to implement the alarm signaling protocol. CONFIDANT has been implemented in the Concordia agent environment to evaluate and refine its agent behaviors. Evaluation shows that CONFIDANT mitigates single point-of-failure exposures that are present in existing frameworks.
The phosphopantetheinyl transferases: catalysis of a post-translational modification crucial for life

Covering: up to 2013 Although holo-acyl carrier protein synthase, AcpS, a phosphopantetheinyl transferase (PPTase), was characterized in the 1960s, it was not until the publication of the landmark paper by Lambalot et al. in 1996 that PPTases garnered wide-spread attention being classified as a distinct enzyme superfamily. In the past two decades an increasing number of papers have been published on PPTases ranging from identification, characterization, structure determination, mutagenesis, inhibition, and engineering in synthetic biology. In this review, we comprehensively discuss all current knowledge on this class of enzymes that post-translationally install a 4′-phosphopantetheine arm on various carrier proteins.
SU-E-T-445: A Dosimetric Comparison of Gamma Knife Plans with Measurement Based and Image Based Skull Definitions.

Purpose: To compare gamma knife treatment plans that use skull scaling instrument measurements for skull definition vs. CT based skull definition. Methods: Eight previously treated patients who had head CT scans were randomly selected. Their CTimages were imported into Leksell GammaPlan. For each patient, three dose plans were developed: 1. the reference plan. It was planned based on the standard clinical treatment planning guidelines. Measurements were used for skull definition and TMR10 for dose calculation algorithm. 2. CT TMR10 plan, a recalculation of the reference plan with CTimages used for skull definition 3. CT Convolution plan, a recalculation of the TMR10 plan using convolution algorithm. The treatment times for CT TMR10 plan and CT convolution plan were set to be the same as the reference plan by adjusting the prescription dose level. Prescription dose and shots were left unchanged. Plan comparisons were carried out using minimum dose, target coverage, gradient index and selectivity. Results: On average, the minimum dose for CT TMR10 and CT Convolution plans are 1.8% and 6.5% lower than that of the reference plan. The target coverage, gradient index are comparable for these three plans. The selectivity indices for CT TMR10 and CT Convolution plans were found to be 3.1% and 9.8% higher than that of reference plan. Conclusions: This work indicates the measurement based skull definition could Result in inaccurate calculation in minimum dose to the target. The target coverage and gradient index are however uncompromised. The selectivity index was actually underestimated.
Feasibility of Using Piezoelectric Probes to Measure Viscosity in Newtonian Fluids

Viscosity plays an important role in modeling fluid flow in different systems. In Newtonian fluids, viscosity is a constant, measureable property. Currently, viscosity is measured using viscometers that use an array of different techniques depending on the application. In this study, pre-stressed lead zirconate titanate (PZT) composites were used as probes to monitor changes in viscosity. The probes are used as an actuator-sensor pair: a voltage of 1Vrms will be applied to one probe, the actuator; the second probe, the sensor, receives a vibration wave and turns it into an output voltage. Measurements of gain and phase at different input signal frequencies are analyzed. The fluid-medium where the probes are tested consists of different glycerin-deionized water solutions. Results indicate that the frequency of peak phase shift can be correlated to fluid viscosity. This correlation is exponential with viscosity, with an R 2 of 0.99. Results included viscosity values in the range of 0.8cP to 612cP. Possible applications for this type of sensor are numerous, and are both non-time-dependent (simple viscosity measurements of fluids), and time-dependent.
Surface symmetry and homology

In his study of the structure of periodic homeomorphisms of surfaces, Jakob Nielsen [7] asked, in effect, how much about an effective group action on a surface is determined by its induced action on homology. (It is well known that the induced action on homology is faithful, provided the surface has negative Euler characteristic. See Farkas and Kra[3], v·3, for example.) Two periodic maps T 1 and T 2 on an oriented surface M are conjugate if there is an orientation preserving homeomorphism h: M → M such that hT 1 h –1 = T 2 ; the two maps T 1 and T 2 are symplectically equivalent if there is an orientation preserving homeomorphism h: M → M so that hT 1 h –1 and T 2 induce the same automorphisms on H 1 ( M ). By standard results this is the same as T 1 * and T 2 * being conjugate by an automorphism of H 1 ( M ) which preserves intersection numbers.
Tooth preparations for complete crowns: An art form based on scientific principles

Abstract Statement of the problem. No recent literature has reviewed the current scientific knowledge on complete coverage tooth preparations. Purpose. This article traces the historic evolution of complete coverage tooth preparations and identifies guidelines for scientific tooth preparations. Material and methods. Literature covering 250 years of clinical practice was reviewed with emphasis on scientific data acquired during the last 50 years. Both a MEDLINE search and an extensive manual search were used to locate relevant articles written in English in the last 50 years. Results. Teeth should be prepared so that they exhibit the following characteristics: 10 to 20 degrees of total occlusal convergence, a minimal occlusocervical dimension of 4 mm for molars and 3 mm for other teeth, and an occlusocervical-to-faciolingual dimension ratio of 0.4 or greater. Facioproximal and linguoproximal line angles should be preserved whenever possible. When the above features are missing, the teeth should be modified with auxiliary resistance features such as axial grooves or boxes, preferably on proximal surfaces. Finish line selection should be based on the type of crown/retainer, esthetic requirements, ease of formation, and personal experience. Expectations of enhanced marginal fit with certain finish lines could not be validated by recent research. Esthetic requirements and tooth conditions determine finish line locations relative to the gingiva, with a supragingival location being more acceptable. Line angles should be rounded, and a reasonable degree of surface smoothness is desired. Conclusion. Nine scientific principles have been developed that ensure mechanical, biologic, and esthetic success for tooth preparation of complete coverage restorations. (J Prosthet Dent 2001;85:363-76.)
Neuroinflammation Resulting from Covert Brain Invasion by Common Viruses—a Potential Role in Local and Global Neurodegeneration

Neurodegenerative diseases are a horrendous burden for their victims, their families, and society as a whole. For half a century scientists have pursued the hypothesis that these diseases involve a chronic viral infection in the brain. However, efforts to consistently detect a specific virus in brains of patients with such diseases as Alzheimer's or multiple sclerosis have generally failed. Neuropathologists have become increasingly aware that most patients with neurodegenerative diseases demonstrate marked deterioration of the brain olfactory bulb in addition to brain targets that define the specific disease. In fact, the loss of the sense of smell may precede overt neurological symptoms by many years. This realization that the olfactory bulb is a common target in neurodegenerative diseases suggests the possibility that microbes and/or toxins in inhaled air may play a role in their pathogenesis. With regard to inhaled viruses, neuropathologists have focused on those viruses that infect and kill neurons. However, a recent study shows that a respiratory virus with no neurotropic properties can rapidly invade the mouse olfactory bulb from the nasal cavity. Available data suggest that this strain of influenza is passively transported to the bulb via the olfactory nerves (mechanism unknown), and is taken up by glial cells in the outer layers of the bulb. The infected glial cells appear to be activated by the virus, secrete proinflammatory cytokines, and block further spread of virus within the brain. At the time that influenza symptoms become apparent (15 h post-infection), but not prior to symptom onset (10 h post-infection), proinflammatory cytokine-expressing neurons are increased in olfactory cortical pathways and hypothalamus as well as in the olfactory bulb. The mice go on to die of pneumonitis with severe acute phase and respiratory disease symptoms but no classical neurological symptoms. While much remains to be learned about this intranasal influenza-brain invasion model, it suggests the hypothesis that common viruses encountered in our daily life may initiate neuroinflammation via olfactory neural networks. The numerous viruses that we inhale during a lifetime might cause the death of only a few neurons per infection, but this minor damage would accumulate over time and contribute to age-related brain shrinkage and/or neurodegenerative diseases. Elderly individuals with a strong innate inflammatory system, or ongoing systemic inflammation (or both), might be most susceptible to these outcomes. The evidence for the hypothesis that common respiratory viruses may contribute to neurodegenerative processes is developed in the accompanying article.
Multidisciplinary Management of Patients with Localized Bladder Cancer

Multidisciplinary approach to muscle-invasive bladder cancer is imperative to achieve optimal long-term cancer control. Radical cystectomy, pelvic lymph node dissection, and urinary diversion have been the mainstay of therapy for decades. Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgical techniques are becoming increasingly prevalent, and have shown short-term benefits in terms of blood loss, less pain, and smaller incisions. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus surgery results in absolute survival advantage and this approach is encouraged in appropriate patients. A similar survival advantage with the use of adjuvant chemotherapy has yet to be convincingly demonstrated. Bladder-preservation protocols involving a visibly complete transurethral resection followed by chemoradiation may be a feasible option for select patients.
Creatine kinase elevation associated with 5-fluorouracil and levamisole therapy for carcinoma of the colon : A case report

Background There have been no reports of creatine phosphokinase (CK) elevation during levamisole administration. There is only one prior report of CK elevation of noncardiac origin associated with 5-fluorouracil. Methods A 41-year-old man was diagnosed with Stage B2 colon carcinoma and underwent extensive surgical resection. Adjuvant therapy with 5-fluorouracil and levamisole was initiated after surgery. A complete hematologic and chemistry profile was obtained during weekly clinic visits. Results The patient's serum CK levels were normal prior to the initiation of chemotherapy but began to rise after 4 weeks of therapy, Isoenzyme analysis revealed that the CK was 100% from skeletal muscle. When the CK level surpassed 1,000 U/L, chemotherapy was discontinued. The CK levels began to decline immediately, falling to normal within 2 months. All attempts to identify a known cause of the enzyme elevation were negative. Conclusions The temporal relationship between chemotherapy administration, enzyme elevation, and the rapid fall in enzyme levels upon discontinuation of treatment argue strongly in favor of chemotherapy as the etiology of CK elevation in the patient.
A computer system designer's view of large scale integration

Russell has defined faith as the willingness to adhere to a belief in the face of evidence to the contrary. According to this definition it is quite appropriate to describe as faith the forecasts being made by many industry optimists about the imminent future of Large Scale Integration (LSI) of semiconductor logic in digital computers. This paper will attempt to cast a realistic light on the promises and possibilities of mainframe LSI. Two major topics will be discussed:A. Semiconductor technology: What major improvements are possible and under development, and what difficulties must be overcome before these possibilities materialize.B. Computer design: In what ways can the special characteristics of LSI enhance the design of general-purpose computers, and why are some proposals not as promising as they might first seem.
Acute effects of vibration-assisted stretching are more evident in the non-dominant limb

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of a vibration-assisted static stretching intervention on enhancing split range of motion in gymnasts matched on initial range of motion. Twenty-two female artistic gymnasts (mean age 13.8 years, s=2.3) matched for age (±6 months) and competitive level were randomly assigned to a static stretching intervention with or without simultaneous vibration. The test consisted of adopting a forward split position with the rear leg bent to 90° and held vertically against a matted block while the pelvis remained perpendicular to the lines of the two legs. The gymnast was instructed to descend into the lowest split position of her comfortable pain tolerance. Positions were videotaped and digitized creating an angle between the split legs. The stretching intervention consisted of a forward split position with emphasis on the front leg hamstring muscle group, followed by a forward lunge position with emphasis on the rear leg quadriceps muscle group. In...
Caffeine challenge and breath-holding duration in patients with panic disorder.

Abstract Objective Breath-holding (BH) has been used as a simple probe to increase endogenous carbon dioxide (CO2). In patients with Panic Disorder (PD), lower baseline BH duration is associated with caffeine-induced panic attacks. In this paper, we assessed BH duration in PD patients in relation to panic attacks induced by caffeine intake. Methods BH duration and state anxiety were assessed in 40 PD patients (12 males), both at baseline and after a 400-mg caffeine challenge test. Results Patients panicking after caffeine administration (14 patients, 4 males) exhibited a significant reduction of their post-challenge BH duration, while no change of the BH duration was observed in non-panicking patients (26 patients, 8 males). Reduction in post-challenge BH duration was not related to higher anxiety levels – as reflected in the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory-State Form scores – independently of the occurrence of a panic attack. Panickers exhibited significantly lower baseline BH duration, compared to non-panickers. Conclusions Our findings indicate that in PD patients, caffeine-induced panic attacks are strongly associated with a significant reduction of BH duration at both pre- and post-challenge. Jointly, these findings suggest that in a subgroup of PD patients, sensitivity to endogenous CO2 accumulation may underlie both the lower BH durations and the caffeine-induced panic attacks. In this subgroup of PD patients, caffeine might exert its panicogenic properties through the exacerbation of patients' already pathological hypersensitivity to CO2 accumulation, as indicated by both the significant decrease of their BH duration at post-challenge and by their significantly lower baseline BH duration respectively.
Relational Dynamics of Swinging Relationships An Exploratory Study

This exploratory study used qualitative methods to gain a richer understanding of the relational dynamics in modern swinging relationships. Swinging was defined at the onset of the study as sexual ...
Trypsin alters ATP sensitivity of KATP channels in control and hypertrophied myocytes

Increased ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel activity in cardiac muscle during hypertension and myocardial hypertrophy may be induced by the release of endogenous proteases, altering inhibitory binding sites for intracellular ATP. To test this hypothesis, we studied the effects of trypsin (1.5 mg/ml) on channel sensitivity to ATP in myocytes from control (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Trypsin increased channel activity in 63% of membrane patches from WKY rats, but in only 29% from SHR. Pre-treatment with trypsin decreased sensitivity to the inhibitory effects of ATP in both groups. These results support the possibility that KATP channel modification during chronic metabolic stress is caused by intracellular proteolysis, which decreases sensitivity to [ATP]i.
Optimization of microbiological assay of folic acid and determination of folate content in spinach

Summary The microbiological method for the determination of folate in plant foods uses the growth response of folate-dependent Lactobacillus rhamnosus in extracts that have been enzymatically treated to release the bound vitamin. However, the use of cryoprotected cultures is hampered by low recovery of the microorganism after extended frozen storage times. In this study, growth of L.rhamnosus was enhanced using a microaerophilic enrichment procedure and optimal pH conditions and enzyme reaction times were determined for the release of bound folate in spinach. Optimum pH values for the release of bound folate in spinach samples treated with a-amylase or protease were 3.0 and 4.0, respectively. Although treatment with a-amylase had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on measured folate, addition of protease at pH 4.0 significantly (P 6 0.05) increased the release of folate at an optimum incubation time of 8 h. Therefore, a dual-enzyme treatment (protease and conjugase) is sufficient to determine folate content in spinach.
Gene Expression in the Third Dimension: The ECM-nucleus Connection

Decades ago, we and others proposed that the dynamic interplay between a cell and its surrounding environment dictates cell phenotype and tissue structure. Whereas much has been discovered about the effects of extracellular matrix molecules on cell growth and tissue-specific gene expression, the nuclear mechanisms through which these molecules promote these physiological events remain unknown. Using mammary epithelial cells as a model, the purpose of this review is to discuss how the extracellular matrix influences nuclear structure and function in a three-dimensional context to promote epithelial morphogenesis and function in the mammary gland.
Syk Tyrosine Kinase Acts as a Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Tumor Suppressor by Regulating Cellular Growth and Invasion

We have identified the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase syk as a marker of differentiation/tumor suppressor in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Syk expression is lost in poorly differentiated PDAC cells in vitro and in situ, and stable reexpression of syk in endogenously syk-negative Panc1 (Panc1/syk) cells retarded their growth in vitro and in vivo and reduced anchorage-independent growth in vitro. Panc1/syk cells exhibited a more differentiated morphology and down-regulated cyclin D1, akt, and CD171, which are overexpressed by Panc1 cells. Loss of PDAC syk expression in culture is due to promoter methylation, and reversal of promoter methylation caused reexpression of syk and concomitant down-regulation of CD171. Moreover, suppression of syk expression in BxPC3 cells caused de novo CD171 expression, consistent with the reciprocal expression of syk and CD171 we observe in situ. Importantly, Panc1/syk cells demonstrated dramatically reduced invasion in vitro. Affymetrix analysis identified statistically significant regulation of >2000 gene products by syk in Panc1 cells. Of these, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 were down-regulated, suggesting that the MMP2 axis might mediate Panc1/mock invasion. Accordingly, MMP2 inhibition suppressed the in vitro invasion of Panc1/mock cells without effect on Panc1/syk cells. This study demonstrates a prominent role for syk in regulating the differentiation state and invasive phenotype of PDAC cells.
CFD Simulation of the NREL Phase VI Rotor

The simulation of the turbulent and potentially separating flow around a rotating, twisted, and tapered airfoil is a challenging task for CFD simulations. This paper describes CFD simulations of the NREL Phase VI turbine that was experimentally characterized in the 24.4 m × 36.6 m NREL/NASA Ames wind tunnel. All computations in this article are performed on the experimental base configuration of 0o yaw angle, 3o tip pitch angle, and a rotation rate of 72 rpm. The significance of specific mesh resolution regions to the accuracy of the CFD prediction is discussed. The ability of CFD to capture bulk quantities, such as the shaft torque, and the detailed flow characteristics, such as the surface pressure distributions, are explored for different inlet wind speeds. Finally, the significant three-dimensionality of the boundary layer flow is demonstrated.
Heart Rate Changes with Age in Chickens

Abstract Heart rates were determined in White Leghorn male and female chickens at 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks of age before and after administration of atropine alone, propranolol alone and propranolol and atropine administered together. These drugs were administered at the minimal level required to block sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve effects on heart rate. The normal resting heart rates are highest at 2 and 4 weeks of age, then decline appreciably at 8 weeks and then continue to decrease more gradually up to 16 to 20 weeks. Up to 8 weeks of age there are no significant sex differences in rate but at all other ages the rates were significantly different with the higher rate occurring in the female. Sympathetic tone is evident at 8 weeks of age and exhibits a gradual decline at 12 and 16 weeks with no appreciable change afterward. The differences in parasympathetic tone are not significantly different between age groups.
Stochastic theory of molecular collisions

This paper investigates treating inelastic collisions as a stochastic process for the diffusion of probability between quantum states. It is shown that when the interaction is strong, the time‐dependent Schrodinger equation may be approximated by a Pauli master equation. Under certain circumstances this can be further approximated by a Fokker–Planck partial differential equation. These equations can be used to model various collision phenomena. Inelastic and dissociative collision processes are discussed, and it is indicated how the theory may be extended to systems with several degrees of freedom. The theory extends smoothly between (a) the perturbation and (b) statistical limits, although it should be better near limit (b). Nevertheless, comparisons even near limit (a) with a similar exact quantum mechanical collinear vibrational problem show that the diffusion model gives qualitative agreement and predicts certain trends correctly. For example, the usual sudden and adiabatic regimes are readily achieve...
The Increased Utilization of Operating Room Time in Patients with Increased BMI during Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

While obesity is associated with increased need for total hip arthroplasty (THA), the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and operative duration is unknown. We reviewed a series of 425 primary THAs implanted by one surgeon from 2004 to 2010. Patients were grouped by BMI based on the World Health Organization's categorization. Intraoperative time measurements (Total Room Time, Anesthesia Induction Time, Surgery Time) were compared across groups. Mean times were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA with post-hoc least squares difference test. Operating time increased progressively with increasing BMI category. Significant differences were found between normal weight patients and all 3 obesity groups in total room and surgery times. Obese patients spend more time in the OR during THA, reflecting the burden obesity poses to surgeons and hospitals.
Mesenchymal stem cell labeling and in vitro MR characterization at 1.5 T of new SPIO contrast agent: Molday ION Rhodamine-B™

In vivo detection of transplanted stem cells is requisite for improving stem cell-based treatments by developing a thorough understanding of their therapeutic mechanisms. MRI tracking of magnetically labeled cells is non-invasive and is suitable for longitudinal studies. Molday ION Rhodamine-B TM (MIRB) is a new superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) contrast agent specifically formulated for cell labeling and is readily internalized by non-phagocytic cells. This investigation characterizes mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) labeling and MR imaging properties of this new SPIO agent. Effects of MIRB on MSC viability and differentiation as well as cellular loading properties were assessed for MSC labeled with MIRB at concentrations from 5 to 100 mg Fe/ml. Labeled MSC were evaluated, in vitro, on a clinical 1.5 T MRI. Optimal scanning sequences and imaging parameters were determined based on contrast-to-noise ratio and contrast modulation. Relaxation rates (1/T2 *) for gradient-echo sequences were approximated and an idealized limit of detection was established. MIRB labeling did not affect MSC viability or the ability to differentiate into either bone or fat. Labeling efficiency was found to be approximately 95% for labeling concentrations at or above 20 mg Fe/ml. Average MIRB per MSC ranged from 0.7 pg Fe for labeling MIRB concentration of 5 mg Fe/ml and asymptotically approached a value of 20–25 pg Fe/MSC as labeling concentration increased to 100 mg Fe/ml. MRI analysis of MIRB MSC revealed long echo time, gradient echo sequences to provide the most sensitivity. Limit of detection for gradient echo sequences was determined to be less than 1000 MSC, with approximately 15 pg Fe/MSC (labeled at 20mg Fe/ml). These investigations have laid the groundwork and established feasibility for the use of this contrast agent for in vivo MRI detection of MSC. Properties evaluated in this study will be used as a reference for tracking labeled MSC for in vivo studies. Copyright # 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility study of noise pattern analysis based ground fault locating method for ungrounded DC shipboard power distribution systems

A novel fault locating approach based on noise pattern analysis which utilizes the noise caused by the repetitive switching actions of power electronic converters to solve the difficult fault location problem for ungrounded DC shipboard power distribution systems was previously presented. This paper explores the feasibility of the method in terms of noise level when filtering is applied at the input terminal of the DC-DC converter to attenuate the noise. An investigation based on simulation results from a notional, high-fidelity DC Zonal Electrical Distribution System (DCZEDS) model in PSCAD/EMTDC is first conducted. It reveals that the proposed method remains effective even for a DC system in which the noise level is highly limited and, hence, attenuated. The result is then validated through the analysis based on an experimental small scale DC distribution system which includes shielded power cables and DC-DC converters with low switching frequency to capture the high frequency feature of the notional DCZEDS.