cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Common Non-Small Cell Carcinomas

Lung cancer now represents the leading overall cause of cancer in the world. These neoplasms are predominantly carcinomas, and are commonly caused by cigarette smoking. The three most common histologic types of non-small cell carcinomas – adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma – can be distinguishable by morphologic features defined by international classifications, most notably the World Health Organization Classification of the Tumours of the Lung (2015). Though morphology is the mainstay for tissue diagnosis, histochemical and immunohistochemical testing are commonly employed to make these diagnoses, especially in poorly differentiated tumors. Most importantly, molecular testing to define targetable mutations for therapeutic use is employed in these carcinomas and has resulted in improved clinical outcomes.
A note of gratitude

The publication of our articles occurs thanks to the extraordinary editorial work of seasoned scholars who go above and beyond the call of duty to select the very best of manuscripts that are publi...
Policy-based disaster recovery planning model for interdependent infrastructure systems under uncertainty

Due to continuous population expansion and the threat of climate change, the past century has witnessed increasing occurrences of natural hazards, leading to significant global losses and requiring...
An inductive qualitative content analysis of stigma experienced by people with rare diseases.

There are more than 6,000 known rare diseases (RDs), which are often serious, chronic, and progressive conditions. Cumulatively, having a RD is actually common, impacting an estimated 300 million p...
Virtual Art and Non-fungible Tokens

Fueled in part by the wealth recently created from digital currencies, major art dealers such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s have embraced the sale of non-fungible tokens attached to unique digital works of art. What are non-fungible tokens, how is this related to the blockchain and what do we know about this ancient market for digital art? It now appears that digital art can be added to the growing list of uses for blockchain technology now becoming a part of modern life. This article proceeds in seven parts. First, is a discussion about the new and explosive market for digital art. Second, I explore the evolution of the digital world and virtual property. Third, is an explanation and historical account of the blockchain and virtual currencies. Fourth, non-fungible tokens are discussed. Fifth, is a brief look at unresolved issues impacting the law of NFTs and potential solutions are provided. Sixth, a few thoughts about the future of digital property are presented. And last, I conclude. This dramatic extension of blockchain and other digital technology to the world of art and music represents a new and exciting platform for creative expression. This paper is a valuable addition to the literature by providing a readable introduction and overview of what is now known about the likely impact of blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens to music and art. This important development should have a significant impact on the future of innovation and property law.
Are Mental Health Apps Adequately Equipped to Handle Users in Crisis

Background: Mental health (MH) apps are growing in popularity. While MH apps may be helpful, less is known about how crises such as suicidal ideation are addressed in apps. Aims: We examined the proportion of MH apps that contained language mentioning suicide or suicidal ideation and how apps communicated these policies and directed users to MH resources through app content, terms of services, and privacy policies. Method: We chose apps using an Internet search of "top mental health apps," similar to how a user might find an app, and extracted information about how crisis language was presented in these apps. Results: We found that crisis language was inconsistent among apps. Overall, 35% of apps provided crisis-specific resources in their app interface and 10.5% contained crisis language in terms of service or privacy policies. Limitations: This study employed a nonsystematic approach to sampling apps, and therefore the findings may not broadly represent apps for MH. Conclusion: To address the inconsistency of crisis resources, crisis language should be included as part of app evaluation frameworks, and internationally accessible, vetted resources should be provided to app users.
Earnings Trends and Performance Relative to Benchmarks: How Consistency Influences Their Joint Use

Archival research shows that the market reacts to earnings trend as well as to earnings performance relative to analysts’ forecasts (i.e., benchmark performance). We conduct four experiments to investigate how and why investors react to these two measures when both are available over multiple time periods. Our results show that investors rely on an earnings measure only when it is consistent over time. When both measures are consistent over time, investors use them in an additive fashion, suggesting that they view them as providing different information about the firm. Further tests show that investors believe that earnings trend and benchmark performance each provides information about a firm’s future prospects and management’s credibility. Although judged future prospects fully explains the effect of earnings trend on investor judgments, neither judged future prospects nor management credibility completely explain the effect of benchmark performance. Our study has implications for firm managers and researchers.
Kumquat essential oil decreases proliferation and activates JNK signaling and apoptosis in HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells

Kumquats are small citrus fruits produced by the Fortunella japonica tree. In addition to its aroma, kumquat essential oil may have antiproliferative effects; however, research on the effects of kumquat essential oil on human cell lines is limited. This study investigated the effects of kumquat essential oil on the proliferation of three human cell lines (HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells, HeLa cervical adenocarcinoma cells, and CUA-4 normal human fibroblasts). As the concentration of kumquat essential oil increased, cell proliferation and viability, as measured by MTT activity assays, decreased in all three cell lines. Compared to untreated cells, HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells exposed to kumquat essential oil exhibited an increased presence of phosphorylated JNK. Apoptosis was also stimulated, as PARP cleavage of treated HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells was detected. Use of a JNK inhibitor resulted in decreased PARP cleavage in HT-1080 cells following treatment with kumquat EO, suggesting that activity of JNK is implicated in the stress response. The kumquat essential oil constituents limonene and myrcene both independently led to decreased proliferation and apoptosis.
A moment-based stochastic method for response moment and reliability analysis

Publisher Summary This chapter provides a new moment-based stochastic method to calculate response moments and reliability of uncertain mechanical systems. It is based on the weighted sum of an appropriate integrand evaluated at selected realizations of random input. The method does not require exact probability density of random input as it uses only the moments of input random variables and predicts both response moments and reliability accurately. Two numerical examples are presented to illustrate the proposed method. The response moments or failure probability in uncertain mechanical systems are formulated in terms of a multidimensional probability integral. A popular approach to calculate this integral involves first- and second-order reliability methods, which requires Rosenblatt transformation to map the input random vector into an independent standard Gaussian random vector and then into the application of linear and quadratic approximations of the performance function. The method is effective when the probability distribution of input is not known. However, only their statistical moments are prescribed.
Pension Design in the Presence of Systemic Risk

I consider the possibility that individual agents’ savings and portfolio choices can have negative externalities on public finances, whenever retirement consumption drops below a minimum level. Within this framework, I discuss optimal pension design. I show the optimality of two policies. The first policy mandates that retirees use part of their accumulated assets to purchase a claim providing a fixed income stream for the duration of their life. The second policy mandates the purchase of an appropriately structured portfolio insurance policy. Both policies are financed by an appropriate mandatory minimum savings requirement. It is also shown that it is optimal to “back- load” mandatory savings towards the end of an agent’s work-life, when borrowing constraints cease to bind.
A hybrid SBR/FE-BI technique for computing the RCS of electrically large objects with deep cavities

The radar cross section (RCS) computation of electrically large objects is still a major challenge in the field of computational electromagnetics (CEM). In the industrial world, the shooting and bouncing ray (SBR) technique remains the method of choice to solve high-frequency problems. However, it is well known that the SBR encounters major difficulties with cavity scattering. Recently, a special higher order finite element-boundary integral (FE-BI) approach has been developed that allows us to compute the RCS of deep cavities at a very low cost compared to the usual low-frequency techniques. Therefore, it is possible to hybridize this new technique with an SBR code to obtain an affordable high-frequency code that overcomes the cavity problem. This paper briefly describes the hybrid method and shows some numerical results.
Clinical availability of neonatal blood culture results at 48 hours

Background/aim: To minimize the use of antibiotics in the neonatal unit, it is crucial to know the time needed for a blood culture to become positive. With the development of newer automated blood culture systems, the time needed to detect a positive culture is said to be reduced to 48 hours. The aim of this study was to determine the time at which neonatal blood culture results become clinically available to the attending neonatologist. Design and methods: In an eighteen-months-period prospective study we collected 361 blood cultures from neonates admitted to our neonatal unit. Time to positivity (TTP) (the time between culture sampling and the moment the neonatologist received the results) was determined. Incubation time (time actually spent in the Bactec machine) was automatically registered. Results: 72 out of 361 blood cultures were positive (20%). 93% (67/72) of the positive cultures had a TTP of less than 48 hours. One sample had a TTP of 50 and one of 53 hours. Three samples had an incubation time of more than 94 hours. A total of 99% (68/69) of the remaining cultures were positive within 30 hours of incubation. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that 93% of blood cultures results are determined by 48 hours. Incubation time in the Bactec is consistent with reliable detection of pathogen microbes by 30 hours. If effort is made to improve logistics TTP can further be reduced to 30 hours resulting in further reduction of antibiotic usage in neonatal intensive care units.
Effects of cardiac output levels on the measurement of transpulmonary thermodilution cardiac output in patients with acute lung injury.

Transpulmonary thermodilution cardiac output (CO) correlates closely with pulmonary artery (PA) thermodilution CO. Levels of CO may contribute varying amounts of thermal indicator loss and recirculation during thermodilution CO measurement. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CO levels on the agreement between transpulmonary and PA thermodilution CO in acute lung injury (ALI) patients.
The Role of Physical Activity in Prevention and Treatment of Body Weight Gain in Adults

Overweight and obesity are increasing in prevalence, and this has resulted in a significant public health burden. Therefore, it is important to identify interventions that prevent weight gain and prevent weight regain after weight loss. Energy expended in physical activity has the potential to affect energy balance, and this can potentially affect body weight regulation. There is some evidence that physical activity can minimize weight gain, and it appears that needs to be moderate to vigorous in intensity to significantly affect body weight. Moreover, it appears that improvements in fitness are associated with reductions in risk of weight gain. Physical activity also is associated with improved maintenance of weight loss. Although it appears that interventions targeting physical activity are necessary to affect weight gain and improve long-term weight loss, the impact of these interventions on other components of energy balance should be examined. In addition, although minimal public health recommendations can significantly affect health outcomes, additional research is needed to identify the optimal dose of physical activity to prevent weight gain and improve long-term weight loss.
Expanding Teacher Understanding of Wisconsin's Prairie Chickens

The principal author developed a workshop through the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program, based on central Wisconsin's prairie chicken population, to present teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to provide quality environmental education. Seventeen high school teachers attended the 2003 workshop. Pre-and post-workshop surveys were used for evaluation. Teacher knowledge about the subject increased from 48% correct responses pre-workshop to 83% correct responses following the workshop. Most participants indicated intent to infuse the information gained during this workshop into their curriculum. All participants agreed that the BOW workshop format is effective and that this workshop would influence their future teaching.
Ultraviolet fluorescence for detection of organic compounds on paper

Abstract A general fluorescence procedure utilizing 0.5% and 1% solutions of quinine sulfate. 2H2O in absolute ethanol or 1% sulfosalicylic acid in acetone has been developed for the non-selective detection of a variety of organic compounds on paper chromatograms. When the developed and dried papers are dipped in the appropriate solution, dried and observed under ultraviolet light, organic compounds are visible against the background fluorescence of the paper. Inorganic or non-volatile developing solvents interfere with this procedure. Included in the list of compounds which were tested is the sapogenin lucernic acid which has heretofore defied detection on paper chromatograms.
Cytodifferentiation of the chick pancreas. II. Ultrastructure of the acinar cells

The ultrastructural changes occurring during the differentiation of the pancreatic acinar cell were studied in White Leghorn chick embryos from the onset of pancreatic morphogenesis on day 3 of incubation (day 3) to hatching. Generally, the changes included a loss of some structures, the addition of others and modification of existing structures. Numerous cytoplasmic filaments which were present in the early migrating cells of the pancreatic bud were no longer present on day 5. The nucleoli enlarged temporarily on days 5–6 and then resumed a reduced size. The Golgi apparatus enlarged by day 6 and remained this way throughout the embryonic period. Associated with these changes was the initial appearance of the zymogen granules on day 5. The endoplasmic reticulum was present initially in both the smooth and the rough forms. The rough form and the outer nuclear membrane were both initially studded intermittently with aggregates of ribosomes. Subsequently, there was an increase in the number of attached ribosomes, an increase in the amount of rough reticulum and a decrease in smooth membranes. The ribosomes attached to the membranes appeared to augment the large free ribosome population characteristic of the early cells. Mitochondria did not appear to increase in number but there was an increase in size. The granules varied in kind, number and size with developmental age. The first granules formed (days 3–5) appeared to be miniatures of the mature type. Subsequently, a heterogeneity of granule morphologies was present.
Radiation therapy for postoperative local-regionally recurrent lung cancer.

Abstract Twenty-four patients with post-resection local-regionally recurrent non-small-cell-undifferentiated lung carcinoma received external beam radiation therapy over an 18-year period at the Department of Radiation Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. No patient had demonstrable distant metastases; the median time interval from initial surgery to recurrence was 15 months. Fully 1724 patients (71 %) had histopathologic/cytologic proof of recurrence, and none had either prior, concurrent, nor adjuvant chemotherapy. The 5-year actuarial survival rate for the 24 patients was 10%; our 2 long term survivors each had early-stage initial lesions: (one T 2 N 0 patient with later hilar/supraclavicular recurrence who received a dose Time-Dose-Fractionation (TDF) 67 and lived 7.3 years with normal chest x-ray (CXR) at death; the other patient, T 1 N 0 with first stump/hilar recurrence removed surgically but had later stump re-recurrence, received a dose TDF 67 and lived 9.5 years with normal CXR at death). In 11 patients local tumor control was achieved, documented by autopsy and/or CXR at death or last follow-up. complete and permanent disapperance was achieved post-irradiation for 15/31 thoracic symptoms (48%). Of 8 patients with isolated bronchial stump ± adjacent hilum recurrence, local control was achieved in 5.
Charge transport and trapping in organic field effect transistors exposed to polar analytes

Pentacene based organic thin-film transistors were used to study the effects of polar analytes on charge transport and trapping behavior during vapor sensing. Three sets of devices with differing morphology and mobility (0.001−0.5 cm2/V s) were employed. All devices show enhanced trapping upon exposure to analyte molecules. The organic field effect transistors with different mobilities also provide evidence for morphology dependent partition coefficients. This study helps provide a physical basis for many reports on organic transistor based sensor response.
Toxicity of adductor muscles from the purple hinge rock scallop (Crassadoma gigantea) along the Pacific coast of North America

Mouse bioassay results of rock scallops occasionally monitored by official agencies of British Columbia, Washington and California before and/or after algal blooms from 1980-1990 revealed that 24%, 38% and 87% of adductor muscles, whole body and viscera, respectively, were unsafe (greater than or equal to 80 micrograms saxitoxin equivalents/100 g tissue) for human consumption. The safety of adductor muscles could not be predicted from corresponding toxicity levels of the viscera but the absence of detectable toxin could.
Molecular properties of a stratum corneum model lipid system: large unilamellar vesicles

Stratum corneum lipids are relatively complex, and there is little detailed understanding of their chemical and physical properties at the molecular level. Large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) with lipid compositions similar to those of stratum corneum were prepared at pH 9 with commercially available lipids. This system was used as a model system for molecular studies of stratum corneum lipids. LUVs were chosen as the model system as they are comparatively more stable and can be characterized more quantitatively in terms of lipid concentration, surface area, and volume than model systems such as lipid mixture suspensions, lipid films, and small unilamellar vesicles. Results from freeze-fracture and cryo electron microscopy studies of our LUVs showed spherical vesicles. Quasi-elastic light scattering measurements revealed a narrow size distribution, centering around 119 nm. At room temperature, the LUVs were stable for several weeks at pH 9 and for more than 15 h but less than 24 h at pH 6. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements indicated broad endothermic transitions centered near 60–65 degrees C, closely matching the transition temperature reported for stratum corneum lipid extracts. Spin probes, 5-doxylstearic acid and 12-doxylstearic acid, were used for electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies of the molecular dynamics of the lipids. EPR results indicated more restricted motion near the polar headgroup region than near the center of the alkyl chain region. Motional profiles of the spin labels near the polar headgroup and within the alkyl chain region in the LUVs were obtained as a function of temperature, ranging from 25 to 90 degrees C. We also found that the partitioning between the lipid and aqueous phases for each spin probe was temperature dependent and was generally correlated with phase transitions observed by differential scanning calorimetry and with alkyl chain mobility observed by EPR. Thus, this LUV system is well suited for additional molecular studies under different experimental conditions.
The effects of bilateral and unilateral castration on the epididymis, with special reference to the mitochondria-Golgi complex†

Rats in different stages of maturity were castrated in pairs–bilaterally and unilaterally–with respect to the effects upon the epipidymis. The epididymis was also studied during its developmental stages. A special study was made of the mitochondria and Golgi materials; and a comprehensive review of the literature is included. Bilateral castration was followed by a marked regression of functional activity on the part of the epithelial cells of the epididymis. Unilateral castration produced no similar change. The mitochondria-Golgi complex in the epithelial cells of the epididymis was reduced decidedly following bilateral castration; while unilateral castration had no visible effect upon these materials. The mitochondria-Golgi complex increased and decreased in amounts in keeping with the state of secretory activity of the epithelial cells. Golgi nets were found within the lumina of the tubules. Granules within the cells and the tubules were colored with osmic acid, Altmann's anilin acid-fuchsin, iron hematoxylin, or acid fuchsin-orange G. Osmic acid impregnation was removed from granules and nets and Altmann's anilin acid-fuchsin stain put in its place. It is believed that mitochondria and Golgi materials are very similar and furthermore that they are secretory products of the cells. It is also believed that the state of development of the mitochondria-Golgi complex is an indication of the functional state of the epithelial cells of the epididymis.
Properties of clear plaque mutants of the Bacillus larvae bacteriophages PBL0.5 and PBL2

Abstract Two temperate bacteriophages, designated PBL0.5 and PBL2, were obtained from two independently isolated strains of Bacillus larvae . Clear plaque mutants of both phages were isolated and characterized. By a number of different criteria the phages were identical. These phages are not ideal for prevention of American foulbrood of honey bees, because they are temperate phages. They are potentially useful for epidemiological studies.
Sensitivity of prostate tumors to wild type and M protein mutant vesicular stomatitis viruses.

Abstract Because of its potent ability to induce apoptosis, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is an attractive candidate as an oncolytic virus for tumor therapy. Previous studies have suggested that VSV selectively infects tumor cells due to defects in their antiviral responses making them more susceptible to VSV infection than normal cells. We tested this hypothesis in the prostate tumor system by comparing LNCaP and PC-3 prostate tumor cells to benign human prostatic epithelial cells from patient prostatectomy specimens. We compared the cell killing ability of a recombinant virus containing a wild-type (wt) M protein (rwt) and an isogenic M protein mutant virus (rM51R-M) that induces interferon (IFN) in infected cells and should display a greater selectivity for tumor cells. Our results showed that in single-cycle infection experiments, LNCaP cells were sensitive to killing by both wt and mutant viruses, while PC-3 cells were highly resistant to VSV-induced cell killing. LNCaP and benign prostate cells were similarly susceptible to both viruses, indicating that normal prostate cells are not inherently resistant to killing by VSV. In each of the cell lines, the rM51R-M virus induced similar levels of apoptosis to rwt virus, showing that the M protein does not play a significant role in apoptosis induction by VSV in these cells. In multiple-cycle infection experiments, LNCaP cells were more sensitive than benign prostatic epithelial cells to virus-induced cell killing by rM51R-M virus, but not rwt virus. Both viruses were equally effective at reducing LNCaP tumor volume in vivo following intratumoral and intravenous inoculation in nude mice, while PC-3 tumors were resistant to VSV treatment. None of the mice treated with rM51R-M virus died as a result of virus infection, while 50–71% of mice treated with rwt virus succumbed to virus infection. Similarly, when inoculated by the more sensitive intranasal route, the rM51R-M virus was less pathogenic than the rwt virus from which it was derived. These results indicate that M protein mutant viruses are superior candidates as oncolytic viruses for therapies of prostate tumors, but future strategies for use of VSV will require testing individual tumors for their susceptibility to virus infection.
A method of arranging artificial teeth for Class II jaw relations

Abstract Two methods for establishing effective occlusal contacts on dentures for patients who have had Class II malocclusions of their natural teeth have been described.
Pilot study on the use of audio feedback for sEMG-based brain-machine-body interface

We recently demonstrated the use of a novel sEMG based brain-machine-body interface in which subjects learned to continuously navigate a cursor to targets by modulating a surface electromyography signal (sEMG) at a single muscle site. Subjects visually observed the cursor position as it moved on the screen. Two-dimensional control was achieved by simultaneously manipulating the power in two separate frequency bands contained within the one single sEMG measurement. Here, we preliminarily investigate the efficiency of audio feedback on a cursor-to-target task, where subjects cannot observe the cursor position. Two pilot subjects had to infer the cursor position from two-dimensional audio feedback presented in forms of tones through a stereo head set. Testing took place over five separate one-hour long sessions. In the last session, audio feedback was removed half-way through testing. Our preliminary findings show that these two subjects could achieve accuracies of up to 70% despite not seeing the cursor moving on the screen. When the audio feedback was removed, performance accuracies dropped significantly and times-to-target increased.
More on acyclovir for chickenpox.

To the Editor: Dunkle et al. (Nov. 28, 1991, issue)1 reported that treatment with acyclovir reduces the duration and severity of chickenpox in normal children when therapy is begun during the first 24 hours after the appearance of rash. The effect of acyclovir treatment on susceptibility to recurrent or reactivated varicella-zoster virus infection is controversial2. In April 1992, the three-year-old daughter of one of us (Patient 1) contracted chickenpox and inadvertently inoculated five children, including her sister (Patient 2) and her best friend (Patient 3). Patient 1 had hundreds of vesicles on her trunk and face and still has . . .
Evaluation of ion activation strategies and mechanisms for the gas-phase fragmentation of sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol lipids from Rhodobacter sphaeroides

Sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG) lipids, found in plants and photosynthetic bacteria, can substitute for phospholipids under phosphate limiting conditions. Here, various low-energy ion activation strategies have been evaluated for the identification and characterization of deprotonated SQDG lipids from a crude membrane lipid extract of Rhodobacter sphaeroides, using collision-induced dissociation-tandem mass spectrometry (CID-MS/MS) in either a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer or in a hybrid quadrupole ion trap-multipole mass spectrometer coupled with high resolution/accurate mass analysis capabilities. In the triple quadrupole instrument, using energy resolved CID-MS/MS experiments, the SQDG head group specific product ion at m/z 225 (C6H9O7S−), rather than m/z 81 (SO3H−), was determined to provide the greatest sensitivity for SQDG lipid detection, and is therefore the preferred ‘fingerprint’ ion for the identification of this lipid class from within complex lipid mixtures when using precursor ion scan mode MS/MS experiments. A comparison of conventional ion trap CID-MS/MS and -MSn, with ‘low Q’ CID-MS/MS, pulsed Q dissociation (PQD)-MS/MS and higher energy collision induced dissociation (HCD)-MS/MS performed in an LTQ Orbitrap Velos mass spectrometer, revealed that HCD-MS/MS coupled with high resolution/accurate mass analysis represents the most sensitive, and perhaps most importantly the most specific strategy, for ion trap based identification and characterization of SQDG lipids, due to the ability to readily distinguish the SQDG head group specific product ion at m/z 225.0069 from other products that may be present at the same nominal m/z value. Finally, the mechanisms responsible for formation of each of the major product ions observed by low-energy CID-MS/MS of deprotonated SQDG lipids were elucidated using uniform H/D exchange, HCD-MS/MS and high resolution mass analysis. Formation of the m/z 225 ‘fingerprint’ ion occurs via a charge-remote cis-elimination reaction, likely involving transfer of a hydrogen from the hydroxyl group located on the C2 position of the sugar ring.
A Target Plane Imager For Inertial Confinement Fusion

The Nova laser, completed in December 1984 at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, is being used to conduct inertial confinement fusion experiments. It is capable of focusing more than 100 kJ of energy on small fusion targets. This paper discusses an optical system called the target plane imager that is used during the beam alignment phase of these experiments. The TPI includes a three meter long periscope with a wide field of view, F/3 objective. The telescope relays images of the target focal plane to viewing optics and a video sensor located outside the target chamber. Operation of the system is possible at three wavelengths: 1.05..mu.., 0.527..mu.., and 0.351..mu... These are the three wavelengths at which the ten Nova laser beams can irradiate targets. Both nearfield and farfield images of the ten beams can be viewed with the TPI. This instrument is used to properly align the laser to the target before each target irradiation.
Review of Selected Analytical Applications of Laser Plasmas and Laser Ablation, 1987-1994

Abstract Laser-induced plasmas are widely used as ablation sources and as generators of emission spectra for analytical and diagnostic purposes. We review the literature from 1987 to 1994 dealing with characterization of the techniques, the effect of electric and magnetic fields, the application to gas ignition, and new techniques and applications. The review is confined to plasmas initiated by lasers with per pulse energies less than 1 J, typically 10-100 mJ.
Temporal relationships of postmolt deposition of calcium, magnesium, chitin and protein in the cuticle of the atlantic blue crab, Callinectes sapidus Rathbun

Abstract 1. 1. The relative and absolute amounts of calcium, magnesium, chitin, water-soluble protein, HCl-soluble protein, and sclerotin in the carapace of postmolt blue crab, Callinectes sapidus Rathbun all increased during the first 10 days postmolt, with calcium and HCl-soluble protein changing the most. 2. 2. The proportion of each component of the cuticle stabilized by 2 days postmolt although the absolute amount of each was still increasing at 10 days postmolt. 3. 3. There was a direct correlation between the disposition of HCl-soluble protein and calcium.
Update in Pulmonary Medicine: Evidence Published in 2014

This Update summarizes studies published in 2014 that the authors consider highly relevant to the practice of pulmonary medicine. Topics include diffuse parenchymal lung disease, asthma, chronic ob...
Optical spectroscopy study of neodymium in sodium alumino-borosilicate glasses

Abstract Over the composition range from peraluminous to peralkaline (RPA = Na2O/(Na2O + Al2O3) from 0 to 1), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy was used to study the local environment of Nd–O in glasses (molar composition): 60SiO2 · 15B2O3 · xNa2O · (25 − x)Al2O3 · yNd2O3 (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 25 and y = solubility limit). Our study focused on Judd–Ofelt oscillator strength parameters: Ω2 – ligand field asymmetry and Ω6 – bond covalence. We explain the similarity between Ω2/Ω6 and the Nd2O3 solubility curve in terms of Nd partitioning into borate- and silicate-rich environments. However, Ω2/Ω6 is nearly independent of RPA for the glasses containing Nd2O3 at the solubility limit irrespective of glass composition, suggesting that average local Nd–O environment is nearly the same for all glasses.
Temperature responsive hydroxypropyl cellulose for encapsulation

This work focuses on the use of temperature responsive gels (TRGs) (polymeric hydrogels with a large temperature-dependent change in volume) for flavor retention at cooking temperatures. Specifically, we have studied a gel with a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) that swells at low temperatures and collapses at high temperatures. In the collapsed state, the polymer acts as a transport barrier, keeping the volatile flavors inside. We have successfully synthesized a cellulose gel that exhibits this volume change and have encapsulated an oil phase inside the gel. The flavor-loaded encapsulated oil exhibited an increased release time when compared to similar gelatin capsules.
The Determination of Cis-Trans Conformations in Tetrahedral p-Phenylene Vinylene Oligomers

Time-of-flight mass spectrometry and ion-mobility studies were used to probe the conformations of a tetrahedral oligo p-phenylene vinylene sample. The radical cation and sodiated parent species as well as one fragmented ion were analyzed using ion mobility. Extensive molecular mechanics modeling was used to understand the effects that secondary structure has on the observed cross sections from ion-mobility experiments. The major features in the ion-mobility spectra appear to be due to arm-arm interactions caused by cis defects near the tetrahedral core of these oligomers.
Crystal Structures of U8 snoRNA Decapping Nudix Hydrolase, X29, and Its Metal and Cap Complexes

X29, a 25 kDa Nudix hydrolase from Xenopus laevis that cleaves 5' caps from U8 snoRNA, crystallizes as a homodimeric apoenzyme. Manganese binds crystals of apo-X29 to form holo-X29 only in the presence of nucleot(s)ide. Structural changes in X29 on nucleo-t(s)ide-assisted Mn(+2) uptake account for the observed cooperativity of metal binding. Structures of X29 with GTP or m7GpppA show a different mode of ligand binding from that of other cap binding proteins and suggest a possible three- or four-metal Nudix reaction mechanism. The X29 dimer has no known RNA binding motif, but its striking surface dipolarity and unique structural features create a plausible RNA binding channel on the positive face of the protein. Because U8 snoRNP is essential for accumulation of mature 5.8S and 28S rRNA in vertebrate ribosome biogenesis, and cap structures are required for U8 stability in vivo, X29 could profoundly influence this fundamental cellular pathway.
Calibration requirements and methodology for remote sensors viewing the ocean in the visible

The calibration requirements for ocean-viewing sensors are outlined, and the present methods of effecting such calibration are described in detail. For future instruments it is suggested that provision be made for the sensor to view solar irradiance in diffuse reflection and that the moon be used as a source of diffuse light for monitoring the sensor stability.
Botulinum toxin type A injections: adverse events reported to the US Food and Drug Administration in therapeutic and cosmetic cases.

Background Botulinum toxin type A (BTA) (Botox) received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for therapeutic treatment of strabismus and blepharospasm in 1989, cervical dystonia in 2000, and cosmetic treatment of glabellar wrinkles (Botox Cosmetic) in 2002. In 2002 alone there were approximately 1.1 to 1.6 million patients using cosmetic BTA. Our objective was to review adverse event (AE) reporting to the FDA after BTA administration. Methods We reviewed all (therapeutic and cosmetic use) serious (per FDA regulations) AEs reported to the FDA for the 13.5 years since licensure of the product (December 1989-May 2003) and nonserious AEs reported from December 2001 to November 2002. AEs are reported to the FDA through the MedWatch system. Results We reviewed 1437 AE reports; 406 followed therapeutic use of BTA (217 serious and 189 nonserious) and 1031 followed cosmetic use (36 serious and 995 nonserious). Reported AEs occurred predominantly in female patients, with a median age of 50 years. In the year December 2001 to November 2002, when both serious and nonserious reports were evaluated, the proportion of reports classified as serious was 33-fold higher for therapeutic than for cosmetic cases. The 217 serious AEs reported in therapeutic cases involved a wide spectrum of events and included all 28 reported deaths. Among cosmetic users, no deaths were reported and, of the 36 serious AEs, 30 were included as possible complications in the FDA-approved label. The remaining 6 serious AEs did not display a pattern suggesting a common causal relationship to BTA. Among the 995 cosmetic cases reported to have nonserious AEs, most commonly noted were lack of effect (623, 63%), injection site reaction (190, 19%), and ptosis (111, 11%). Conclusions Serious AEs were more likely to be reported for therapeutic than for cosmetic use, which may be related to higher doses, complicated underlying diseases, or both. Among cosmetic cases, few serious AEs were reported, and these were predominantly events that were previously recognized in clinical trials of BTA for the labeled use. This study is limited primarily by the incomplete nature of AE reporting by clinicians. Numerous departures from FDA-approved recommendations for drug dose, dilution, handling, site of injection, and storage were noted in these AE reports.
The Value of Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second Decline in the Assessment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Progression

Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) declines normally with aging by approximately 30 mL/yr, but in susceptible smokers, the decline is greater (about 60 mL/yr), resulting in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking cessation usually restores the normal or near-normal rate of FEV1 decline, whereas intermittent quitting provides less benefit. Thus, smoking cessation is a critical component for the prevention of COPD progression. FEV1 is central to the definition of COPD and classification of its severity. FEV1 is a good predictor of exercise tolerance and correlates with survival and quality of life. More rapid FEV1 decline is also predictive of morbidity, mortality, and hospitalization rates. Risk factors for accelerated decline in FEV1, in addition to smoking, include frequent exacerbations, airways reactivity, and possibly chronic systemic inflammation. Genetic components of the decline in FEV1 are being actively explored, but none has been extensively validated other than alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. To date, only smoking cessation has been definitively shown to be effective in reducing the rate of FEV1 decline, but other therapeutic strategies are under active research. Consequently, FEV1 and its change over time are important outcomes in COPD and valuable measures for the assessment of disease progression.
An inter-hemisphere comparison of the persistent stratospheric polar vortex

Based on 19 years (1979–1998) of NCEP/NCAR reanalyses data and potential vorticity (PV) area diagnostics, we found that in the southern hemisphere (SH) the polar vortex has lasted about two weeks longer in the 1990s than in the early 1980s and the northern hemisphere (NH) polar vortex has lasted four weeks longer. The SH vortex persisted within the layer (12–22 km) with almost complete ozone loss, but did not persist at higher altitudes where ozone was not depleted. However, the NH vortex persisted in a broader vertical range not limited to the ozone-depletion layer. We show that wave activity has weakened in recent years in the NH, but not in the SH. The springtime Antarctic ozone hole seems to be the main cause for the SH polar vortex persistence, while the cause for the NH vortex persistence involves changes in polar ozone as well as changes in dynamics.
Spectroscopic studies of O-type stars. VIII. Radial velocities and the K-term.

Radial velocities are measured on coude spectrograms of over 200 O-type stars in both hemispheres. The selection of effective wavelengths for the stellar lines to be measured is reviewed, and the measured velocities are compared with those available in a catalog of O stars. The Trumpler (1935) effect (a reported anomalous redshift in certain O stars) is inconclusively reinvestigated, atmospheric motions in Of stars are examined, and some kinematic properties of O stars are discussed statistically. It is found that 58% of all O stars and 41% of all the Of stars considered are certain or probable binaries. A K-term in the range from 1 to 2 km/s is derived for the O stars, but the Of stars are shown to have a highly significant negative K-term. It is suggested that the systematically negative peculiar velocities of the Of stars are due to outflow of material beginning at the photospheric level.
Radioreceptor assay of benzodiazepines in cerebrospinal fluid during chronic flurazepam treatment in cats

A radioreceptor assay was used to measure benzodiazepine-like activity in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of cats during chronic flurazepam treatment. Benzodiazepine-like activity was measured by the displacement of [3H]flunitrazepam from benzodiazepine receptors in homogenates of rat cerebral cortex. Cats were given 5 mg/kg flurazepam daily, and tolerance was measured by rating several indicators of neurological impairment. CSF was sampled 1 h after flurazepam administration, when drug actions were greatest. Ataxia and muscle relaxation were greatest on the first treatment day, then decreased despite increasing CSF benzodiazepine-like activity. By day 11, CSF activity was 3 times that measured 1 h after the first chronic dose. CSF benzodiazepine-like activity declined slowly after treatment and approached zero by the 10th day after treatment. This residual activity, probably due to active flurazepam metabolites, correlates with the observation that physical dependence is present in these cats up to 7 days after the end of chronic treatment. The rapid loss of drug effect despite increasing active drug levels shows that the nervous system is capable of a rapid and profound adaptation to the presence of benzodiazepines.
Receptors specific for IgE on rat alveolar and peritoneal macrophages

Abstract Alveolar and peritoneal macrophages (aMφ and pMφ) from normal rats were analyzed for their ability to form rosettes with fixed ox erythrocytes (E o ′) coated with a rat IgE myeloma protein (E o ′-IgE). The macrophages were also examined for rosette formation with E o ′ coated with rat IgG (E o ′-IgG) and fresh ox erythrocytes sensitized with rabbit IgG anti-E o antibodies (E o A). A mean ± SD of 87.0 ± 5.2% aMφ and 56.4 ± 4.2% pMφ from normal Buffalo rats formed E o ′-IgE rosettes. Approximately 85% of the aMφ from Lewis and brown Norway rats also formed E o ′-IgE rosettes. The E o ′-IgE rosettes were inhibited by two different rat IgE myeloma proteins but not by rat or rabbit IgG nor by human IgE. Indicator cells coated with 56 °C heated or reduced and alkylated rat IgE did not form rosettes. Furthermore, heated or reduced and alkylated IgE failed to inhibit E o ′-IgE rosette formation, suggesting that the native structure of rat IgE was necessary for rosette formation. Approximately 80% of both aMφ and pMφ formed rosettes with E o ′-IgG or E o A indicator cells. The E o ′-IgG rosettes were inhibited by rat and rabbit IgG but not rat IgE. Treatment of macrophages with high doses of trypsin abolished E o ′-IgG and E o ′-IgE rosette formation and slightly decreased the percentage of E o A rosettes. The experiments indicate that the majority of rat aMφ and pMφ possess trypsinsensitive receptors for IgE, which are class and species specific.
Variability of respiratory effort in relation to sleep stages in normal controls and upper airway resistance syndrome patients.

Abstract Objective : Investigation of the role of sleep states on the respiratory effort of controls and subjects with upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) using nasal cannula/pressure transducer system and esophageal manometry. Patients and methods : One night's monitoring of sleep and breathing, including the determination of peak end inspiratory esophageal pressure (respiratory effort) with esophageal manometry and flow limitation with nasal cannula. Analysis of the data, breath-by-breath, using visual inspection and a computerized program. Setting – a university sleep laboratory. Patients were nine men with UARS and nine control men matched for age, ethnicity, and body mass index. Results : A modulation of respiratory effort by sleep state and stages is seen in all subjects, the lowest noted during REM sleep and the highest associated with Slow Wave Sleep. When total nocturnal breaths are investigated, a significant difference between peak end inspiratory esophageal pressure [(Pes)-considered as an index of respiratory effort] is noted between normal subjects and UARS. Two specific breathing patterns, seen primarily in UARS patients, are NREM sleep stage dependent. Crescendos (defined as more negative peak end inspiratory Pes with each successive abnormal breath) occur mostly during stages 1–2 NREM sleep, while segments consisting of regular and continuous, breath-after-breath, high respiratory efforts are associated with Slow Wave Sleep. Depending on sleep stage, visually scored arousal response displays differences in Pes negativity. The termination of the abnormal breathing pattern, always well defined with Pes, is not necessarily associated with a pattern of ‘flow limitation' at the nasal cannula tracing, even when a visually scored EEG arousal is present. Conclusions : UARS patients have significantly more breaths, with more negative peak end inspiratory Pes, than do control subjects. The modulation of peak end inspiratory Pes (an index of respiratory effort) by sleep stage and state differs in UARS patients and control subjects. The nasal cannula/pressure transducer system may not detect all abnormal breathing pattern during sleep. As indicated by the visual sleep scoring, repetitive arousals may lead to more or less severe sleep fragmentation.