cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of Pt(II) Complexes with Pyridyl Ligands: Elongated Octahedral Ion Pairs and Other Factors Influencing 1H NMR Spectra.

Our goal is to develop convenient methods for obtaining trans-[PtII(4-Xpy)2Cl2] complexes applicable to 4-substituted pyridines (4-Xpy) with limited volatility and water solubility, properties typical of 4-Xpy, with X being a moiety targeting drug delivery. Treatment of cis-[PtII(DMSO)2Cl2] (DMSO = dimethyl sulfoxide) with 4-Xpy in acetonitrile allowed isolation of a new series of simple trans-[PtII(4-Xpy)2Cl2] complexes. A side product with very downfield H2/6 signals led to our synthesis of a series of new [PtII(4-Xpy)4]Cl2 salts. For both series in CDCl3, the size of the H2/6 Δδ [coordinated minus "free" 4-Xpy H2/6 shift] decreased as 4-Xpy donor ability increased from 4-CNpy to 4-Me2Npy. This finding can be attributed to the greater synergistic reduction in the inductive effect of the Pt(II) center with increased 4-Xpy donor ability. The high solubility of [PtII(4-Xpy)4]Cl2 salts in CDCl3 (a solvent with low polarity) and the very downfield shift of the [PtII(4-Xpy)4]Cl2 H2/6 signals for the solutions provide evidence for the presence of strong {[PtII(4-Xpy)4]2+,2Cl-} ion pairs that are stabilized by multiple CH···Cl contacts. This conclusion gains considerable support from [PtII(4-Xpy)4]Cl2 crystal structures revealing that a chloride anion occupies a pseudoaxial position with nonbonding (py)C-H···Cl contacts (2.4-3.0 A). Evidence for (py)C-H···Y contacts was obtained in NMR studies of [PtII(4-Xpy)4]Y2 salts with Y counterions less capable of forming H-bonds than chloride ion. Our synthetic approaches and spectroscopic analysis are clearly applicable to other nonvolatile ligands.
State estimation in computer virus epidemic dynamical systems using hybrid extended Kalman filter

This paper considers the problem of state estimations in virus/ worm epidemic dynamic system with time-dependent parameters in arbitrary sparse networks by using continuous-discrete Extended Kalman Filter (so-called Hybrid Extended Kalman Filter [1]). The virus spreading dynamic model has unmeasurable states and with highly nonlinearities which makes the state estimation complicated and not straightforward. Because of the continuous-time dynamic and discrete-time measurement, in this paper, a Hybrid Extended Kalman Filter to estimate states has been introduced. To move one step further, the homogeneity assumption in Kephart and White [2], [3] has been removed and a model that accommodate realistic scenarios where the model parameters may change with respect to time has been introduced. Simulations are taken to demonstrate, via a small sparse network of constant number of nodes, that the Hybrid Kalman Filter still gives a fast and accurate estimation. Of course, there are subtle issues that must be tackled before the problem can be fully addressed.
Role of glycoprotein V in the formation of the platelet high-affinity thrombin-binding site.

The glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V complex contains a high-affinity binding site for thrombin on the platelet surface with a poorly defined role in platelet activation by this agonist. Four polypeptides comprise the complex: GP Ibα, GP Ibβ, GP IX, and GP V. The site within the complex that binds thrombin has been localized to a 45-kD region at the amino terminus of GP Ibα, which also contains the site through which the complex interacts with von Willebrand factor. A GP Ib-IX complex that lacks GP V can be efficiently expressed on the surface of transfected cells. We examined the ability of L cells expressing the GP Ib-IX complex (L2H cells) to bind thrombin at high affinity, and found no increase over the level of thrombin binding to control L cells. Because it is one of the few substrates for thrombin on the platelet surface, GP V has also been implicated as possibly participating in thrombin's actions on the platelet. To examine the role of GP V in forming the high-affinity thrombin-binding site, we compared the binding of thrombin to L2H cells versus cells that express the entire GP Ib-IX-V complex (L2H/V cells). Surface expression of GP Ibα was equivalent in these two stable cell lines. Thrombin binding to L2H/V cells was detectable at 0.25 nmol/L thrombin and reached a plateau at 1 nmol/L. No binding to L2H cells was detectable at these concentrations. Comparable results were obtained when thrombin binding to L2H cells transiently expressing GP V was compared with its binding to sham-transfected L2H cells. Again, only cells transiently expressing GP V bound thrombin specifically. As with the platelet polypeptide, thrombin cleaved GP V from the surface of L2H/V cells. To test whether GP V cleavage was required for enhancing thrombin binding to the complex, we tested the binding of enzymatically inactive D-phenylalanyl-Lprolyl-L-arginine chloromethylketone (PPACK)-thrombin to L2H and L2H/V cells. Like native thrombin, PPACK-thrombin at 1 nmol/L bound only to L2H/V cells, indicating that GP V cleavage is not a prerequisite for the formation of the high-affinity thrombin receptor. These data provide the first indication of a physiologic function for GP V, and suggest that formation of the high-affinity thrombin receptor on the platelet surface has complex allosteric requirements.
Presurgical Assessment Using Telemedicine Technology: Impact on Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Patient Experience of Care.

Abstract Background: Preadmission testing (PAT) before surgical procedures ensures patient safety and decreases last minute case cancellations. Introduction: PAT before surgery improves efficiency ...
Investigating a novel split-filter dual-energy CT technique for improving pancreas tumor visibility for radiation therapy.

PURPOSE Tumor delineation using conventional CT images can be a challenge for pancreatic adenocarcinoma where contrast between the tumor and surrounding healthy tissue is low. This work investigates the ability of a split-filter dual-energy CT (DECT) system to improve pancreatic tumor contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for radiation therapy treatment planning. MATERIALS AND METHODS Multiphasic scans of 20 pancreatic tumors were acquired using a split-filter DECT technique with iodinated contrast medium, OMNIPAQUETM . Analysis was performed on the pancreatic and portal venous phases for several types of DECT images. Pancreatic gross target volume (GTV) contrast and CNR were calculated and analyzed from mixed 120 kVp-equivalent images and virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) at 57 and 40 keV. The role of iterative reconstruction on DECT images was also investigated. Paired t-tests were used to assess the difference in GTV contrast and CNR among the different images. RESULTS The VMIs at 40 keV had a 110% greater image noise compared to the mixed 120 kVp-equivalent images (P < 0.0001). VMIs at 40 keV increased GTV contrast from 15.9 ± 19.9 HU to 93.7 ± 49.6 HU and CNR from 1.37 ± 2.05 to 3.86 ± 2.78 in comparison to the mixed 120 kVp-equivalent images. The iterative reconstruction algorithm investigated decreased noise in the VMIs by about 20% and improved CNR by about 30%. CONCLUSIONS Pancreatic tumor contrast and CNR were significantly improved using VMIs reconstructed from the split-filter DECT technique, and the use of iterative reconstruction further improved CNR. This gain in tumor contrast may lead to more accurate tumor delineation for radiation therapy treatment planning.
Profiling of the Microbiome Associated With Nitrogen Removal During Vermifiltration of Wastewater From a Commercial Dairy

Vermifiltration is a biological treatment process during which earthworms (e.g., Eisenia fetida) and microorganisms reduce the organic load of wastewater. To infer microbial pathways responsible for nutrient conversion, past studies characterized the microbiota in vermifilters and suggested that nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria play a significant role during this wastewater treatment process. In contrast to previous studies, which were limited by low-resolution sequencing methods, the work presented here utilized next generation sequencing to survey in greater detail the microbiota of wastewater from a commercial dairy during various stages of vermifiltration. To complement sequence analysis, nitrogenous compounds in and gaseous emissions from the wastewater were measured. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene profiles from untreated wastewater, vermifilter influent, and vermifilter effluent suggested that members of Comamonadaceae, a family of the Betaproteobacteria involved in denitrification, increased in abundance during the vermifiltration process. Subsequent functional gene analysis indicated an increased abundance of nitrification genes in the effluent and suggested that the nitrogen removal during vermifiltration is due to the microbial conversion of ammonia, a finding that was also supported by the water chemistry and emission data. This study demonstrates that microbial communities are the main drivers behind reducing the nitrogen load of dairy wastewater during vermifiltration, providing a valuable knowledge framework for more sustainable and economical wastewater management strategies for commercial dairies.
Abstract WP91: Chemogenetic Activation of Cholinergic Neurons in the Mouse Nucleus Basalis During Stroke Recovery

The cholinergic projection neurons of the nucleus basalis (NB) mediate learning and cortical plasticity. Artificial activation of NB during tone presentation has been shown to increase the represen...
Technical Considerations in the Use of the E-Value

The E-value is defined as the minimum strength of association on the risk ratio scale that an unmeasured confounder would have to have with both the exposure and the outcome, conditional on the measured covariates, to explain away the observed exposure-outcome association. We have elsewhere proposed that the reporting of E-values for estimates and for the limit of the confidence interval closest to the null become routine whenever causal effects are of interest. A number of questions have arisen about the use of E-value including questions concerning the interpretation of the relevant confounding association parameters, the nature of the transformation from the risk ratio scale to the E-value scale, inference for and using E-values, and the relation to Rosenbaum’s notion of design sensitivity. Here we bring these various questions together and provide responses that we hope will assist in the interpretation of E-values and will further encourage their use.
Solid Electrolyte Interphase on Native Oxide-Terminated Silicon Anodes for Li-Ion Batteries

Summary To shed light on the formation process and structure of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on native oxide-terminated silicon wafer anodes from a carbonate-based electrolyte (LP30), we combined in situ synchrotron X-ray reflectivity, linear sweep voltammetry, ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and first principles calculations from the Materials Project. We present in situ sub-nanometer resolution structural insights and compositional information of the SEI, as well as predicted equilibrium phase stability. Combining these findings, we observe two well-defined inorganic SEI layers next to the Si anode—a bottom-SEI layer (adjacent to the electrode) formed via the lithiation of the native oxide, and a top-SEI layer mainly consisting of the electrolyte decomposition product LiF. Our study provides novel mechanistic insights into the SEI growth process on Si, and we discuss several important implications regarding ion and electron transport through the SEI layer.
r.sim.terrain: a dynamic landscape evolution model

Abstract. While there are numerical landscape evolution models that simulate how steady state flows of water and sediment reshape topography over long periods of time, r.sim.terrain is the first to simulate short-term topographic change for both steady state and dynamic flow regimes across a range of spatial scales. This free and open source, GIS-based topographic evolution model uses empirical models for soil erosion at watershed to regional scales and a physics-based model for shallow overland water flow and soil erosion at subwatershed scales to compute short-term topographic change. This either steady state or dynamic model simulates how overland sediment mass flows reshape topography for a range of hydrologic soil erosion regimes based on topographic, land cover, soil, and rainfall parameters. As demonstrated by a case study for Patterson Branch subwatershed on the Fort Bragg military installation in North Carolina, r.sim.terrain can realistically simulate the development of fine-scale morphological features including ephemeral gullies, rills, and hillslopes. Applications include land management, erosion control, landscape planning, and landscape restoration.
Solid State Physics Aspects of Solar Energy Conversion

Solar Energy will contribute to future needs provided that existing devices can be improved in performance, and lowered in cost. Problem areas involve materials, and processes of manufacture. In its search for better solutions, solar energy technology must engage the various aspects of material science more effectively. This may involve parts of the field presently unconnected to the mainstream of solar research, and outside the recognized solutions and approaches.
Data-driven failure diagnosis in transmission protection system with multiple events and data anomalies

To guarantee the reliable power supply, the expected operation of all the components in the power system is critical. Distance protection system is primarily responsible of isolating the faulty section from the healthy part of the grid. Failure in protection devices can result in multiple conflicting alarms at the power grid operation center and complex events analysis to manually find the root cause of the observed system state. If not handled in time, it may lead to the propagation of the faults/failures to the adjacent transmission lines and components. With availability of the synchronized measurements from phasor measurement units (PMUs), real-time system monitoring and automated failure diagnosis is feasible. With multiple adverse events and possible data anomalies, the complexity of the problem will be escalated. In this paper, a PMU based algorithm is presented and discussed to detect the root cause of the failure in transmission protection system based on the observed state, e.g. multiple line tripping, breaker failures. The failure diagnosis algorithm is further enhanced to come up with the fully functional version of the failure diagnosis tool, which is tailored for the cases in which the PMU anomalies are present. In the developed algorithm the validity of the PMU data is critical; however, such causes as communication errors or cyber-attacks might lead to the PMU data anomalies. This issue is well-addressed in this paper and some major types of anomaly detection methods suitable for PMU data are discussed. Results show that the ensemble approach has some distinct advantages in data anomaly detection compared to the previously used standalone algorithms. Additionally, the enhanced failure diagnosis method is developed to clean the inaccurate data in case of the anomaly in measured voltage magnitudes. Finally, both original and enhanced versions of the tool are tested on 96-bus test system using the real-time OPAL-RT simulator. The results show the accuracy of the enhanced tool and its advantages over the primary version of the tool.
Non-invasive cell counting of adherent, suspended and encapsulated mammalian cells using optical density

In situ measurement to determine mammalian cell number in a non-invasive, non-destructive and reagent-free manner is needed to enable continuous cell manufacturing. An analytical method is presented for non-invasive cell counting by conducting multiwavelength spectral analysis of mammalian cells achieving a minimal detectable cell count of 62,500 at 295 nm. Light absorbance was insensitive to culture volume, giving an absolute cell count rather than a concentration. The activation state of cells was also considered. The study was extended to quantification within polymeric microcapsules as an advanced substrate for mammalian cell growth in bioreactor formats and resulted in an offset directly correlating with the absorbance maxima of the polymer. These studies provide feasibility for optical density as a simple end point to indirectly quantify mammalian cell number for continuous monitoring of cell cultures.
Outcomes Following Post-Hemorrhagic Ventricular Dilatation among Infants of Extremely Low Gestational Age.

Objective To assess outcomes following post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) among infants born at ≤26 weeks of gestation. Study design Observational study of infants born April 1, 2011, to December 31, 2015, in the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network and categorized into 3 groups: PHVD, intracranial hemorrhage without ventricular dilatation, or normal head ultrasound. PHVD was treated per center practice. Neurodevelopmental impairment at 18-26 months was defined by cerebral palsy, Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition, cognitive or motor score Results Of 4216 infants, 815 had PHVD, 769 had hemorrhage without ventricular dilatation, and 2632 had normal head ultrasounds. Progressive dilatation occurred among 119 of 815 infants; the initial intervention in 66 infants was reservoir placement and 53 had ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. Death or impairment occurred among 68%, 39%, and 28% of infants with PHVD, hemorrhage without dilatation, and normal head ultrasound, respectively; aOR (95% CI) were 4.6 (3.8-5.7) PHVD vs normal head ultrasound scan and 2.98 (2.3-3.8) for PHVD vs hemorrhage without dilatation. Death or impairment was more frequent with intervention for progressive dilatation vs no intervention (80% vs 65%; aOR 2.2 [1.38-3.8]). Death or impairment increased with parenchymal hemorrhage, intervention for PHVD, male sex, and surgery for retinopathy; odds decreased with each additional gestational week. Conclusions PHVD was associated with high rates of death or impairment among infants with gestational ages ≤26 weeks; risk was further increased among those with progressive ventricular dilation requiring intervention.
School deserts: Visualizing the death of the neighborhood school:

The purported purpose of school choice policies is to increase students’ access to “good schools.” There is little discussion, however, of where those good schools are located, nor of the ways in w...
Abstract 16265: Acute Coronary Syndrome in Patients With Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Incidence, Predictors, and Outcomes

Introduction: Individuals with Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) are at high risk for ASCVD events. However, little is known about the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of admissions for acute c...
Intensity of resistance training via self-reported history is critical in properly characterizing musculoskeletal health

Intensity of resistance training history might be omitted or poorly ascertained in prescreening or data questionnaires involving musculoskeletal health. Failure to identify history of high-versus low-intensity training may overlook higher effect sizes with higher intensities and therefore diminish the precision of statistical analysis with resistance training as a covariate and bias the confirmation of baseline homogeneity for experimental group designation. The purpose was to determine the degree to which a single question assessing participant history of resistance training intensity predicted differences in musculoskeletal health. In the first research aim, participants were separated into groups with a history (RT) and no history (NRT) of resistance training. The second research aim evaluated the history of resistance training intensity on muscular strength, lean mass, and bone mineral density (BMD), RT participants were reassigned into a low- (LIRT) or high-intensity resistance training group (HIRT). 83 males and 87 females (19.3 ± 0.6 yrs., 171.1 ± 9.9 cm, 67.1 ± 10.5 kg, 22.9 ± 2.8 BMI, 26.2 ± 7.2% body fat) completed handgrip dynamometry (HG) and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans (DXA) for BMD and bone mineral-free lean mass (BFLM). A 3-group method (NRT, LIRT, HIRT) reduced type-I error compared with the 2-group method (NRT, RT) in characterizing the likely effects of one’s history of resistance training. For the second aim, HIRT had significantly (p < 0.05) greater HG strength (76.2 ± 2.2 kg) and arm BFLM (6.10 ± 0.16 kg) than NRT (67.5 ± 1.3 kg; 4.96 ± 0.09 kg) and LIRT (69.7 ± 2.0 kg; 5.42 ± 0.14 kg) while also showing significantly lower muscle quality (HG/BFLM) than NRT (13.9 ± 0.2 vs. 12.9 ± 0.3). HIRT had greater BMD at all sites compared to NRT (whole body = 1.068 ± 0.008 vs. 1.120 ± 0.014; AP spine = 1.013 ± 0.011 vs. 1.059 ± 0.019; lateral spine = 0.785 ± 0.009 vs. 0.846 ± 0.016; femoral neck = 0.915 ± 0.013 vs. 0.970 ± 0.022; total hip = 1.016 ± 0.012 vs. 1.068 ± 0.021 g/cm2) while LIRT revealed no significant skeletal differences to NRT. Retrospective identification of high-intensity history of resistance training appears critical in characterizing musculoskeletal health and can be ascertained easily in as little as a single, standalone question. Both retrospective-questionnaire style investigations and pre-screening for potential participation in prospective research studies should include participant history of resistance training intensity.
On temporal controls and the stochastic behaviour of renewable natural resources

Abstract This paper provides a theoretical analysis of the effects of temporal controls on the stochastic behavior of renewable natural resources such as fisheries and rangelands. First, we show that temporal resource management is characterized by the existence of a threshold effect. Second, we point out that in the presence of environmental uncertainty, the ability of a manager to move a resource to a desirable state depends on the magnitude of the effect that the temporal control has on the state of the resource. Third, we show that if this magnitude is below a critical threshold then it will be impossible for the manger to reach any desirable state of the resource in a finite amount of time. Finally, we solve an optimization problem from the standpoint of a resource manager. Our analysis of this problem shows that the proper course of action involves choosing the temporal control in a way so that the resource is able to provide society with a flow of consumptive and non-consumptive services, and the persistence of the undesirable state is minimized.
Particularly Red, by a Woman: Anne B. Poyntz and the Printing and Digitization of Her Je ne sçai quoi

This article recovers Anne B. Poyntz’s Je ne scai quoi (1769), a collection of letters and odes, as a case study for identifying junctures during printing and digitization where an author’s stated ...
Advances in preservation and access

This volume is a collection of essays by librarians and information specialists on issues surrounding preservation of materials in libraries and access to holdings of special or unique information or artifacts. Topics include discussion of electronic and other media preservation techniques.
The stapl Skeleton Framework

This paper describes the stapl Skeleton Framework, a high-level skeletal approach for parallel programming. This framework abstracts the underlying details of data distribution and parallelism from programmers and enables them to express parallel programs as a composition of existing elementary skeletons such as map, map-reduce, scan, zip, butterfly, allreduce, alltoall and user-defined custom skeletons.
Exploring the integration of energy efficiency and disaster management in public policies and programs

Energy efficiency is a climate change mitigation measure that has gained little attention within disaster management. This paper argues that energy efficiency shares some common benefits and challenges with disaster management, and therefore, some extent of integration within public policy and programs would be beneficial to society. This descriptive study identifies co-occurrences of energy efficiency and disaster management within a sample of US national policies and programs. Content analysis of public policies, program requirements, and government agency’s websites is employed to reveal how energy efficiency and disaster management have been integrated and also lend insight into future potential integration. Findings reveal that energy efficiency and disaster management have some complementary policies, actors, interest groups, regulatory systems, goals, and desired outcomes. However, these two fields have not comprehensively converged, missing opportunities for greater positive impact on society.
Some Correlations between the Appearance of Human Fetal Reflexes and the Development of the Nervous Systemast

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the characteristics of human fetal reflexes at different developmental periods are and reviews the sequence for the development of cutaneous sensitivity. Human fetal reflexes resulting from the stimulation of sensory trigeminal areas are classified into (1) avoiding and/or protective reflexes and (2) those that function later in feeding. The sequence of development of reflexes of each type, with the area from which it is elicited, is tabulated in the chapter. The development of the spinal tract and the peripheral receptors of the trigeminal nerve and the differentiation of the sensory trigeminal nuclear complex are correlated with the appearance of the various fetal reflexes elicitable by stimulation of this nerve. The chapter considers the known developmental relations for the motor neurons involved in these reflexes and discusses the probable reflex arc for the first reflexes from trigeminal stimulation. Reflexes obtained by stimulating the upper and lower extremities are discussed and correlated with known nervous system development. The chapter also tabulates the correlations with the development of peripheral exteroceptive and proprioceptive receptors and with motor end plate differentiation. The reflexes elicited by anal and genital stimulation are discussed and the latter correlated with the differentiation of the peripheral receptors. The differences in the reflexes obtained on double simultaneous stimulation before and after 14 weeks of menstrual age are discussed.
Inference and Estimation of a Long-Range Trigram Model

We describe an implementation of a simple probabilistic link grammar. This probabilistic language model extends trigrams by allowing a word to be predicted not only from the two immediately preceeding words, but potentially from any preceeding pair of adjacent words that lie within the same sentence. In this way, the trigram model can skip over less informative words to make its predictions. The underlying "grammar" is nothing more than a list of pairs of words that can be linked together with one or more intervening words; this word-pair grammar is automatically inferred from a corpus of training text. We present a novel technique for indexing the model parameters that allows us to avoid all sorting in the M-step of the training algorithm. This results in significant savings in computation time, and is applicable to the training of a general probabilistic link grammar. Results of preliminary experiments carried out for this class of models are presented.
Exigency alert and tracking system

Now a day's people feel insecure due to increase in the crime rate and accidents. Technology can be used at a greater scale to reduce these and with this inspiration we are proposing a system that can provide instant help in a better and faster way. The most common applications we have are panic alarm/ danger alert, requiring user to take actions to keep themselves safe. Practitioners saw some value of information and evidence gathering functions but, had safety concerns relating to their use by domestic violence victims still living with the perpetrator. The proposed system is using GPS which will take the location of the user from Google map. The main concept would be sending a voice message and a message template to the selected contacts and emergency numbers when in danger. Enhancement from the earlier systems we are providing user tracking when he/she is in a position that he cannot alert others.
Tests of an approximate scattering amplitude

The results of a comparison of recent Regge representations for the scattering amplitude are given. The comparison is made to exact results for two attractive potentials: −1.8e−r/r and −5e−r/r. A representation with the Born term explicitly written is found to be a considerable improvement over another where it was not displayed. A one-pole approximation is seen to be fairly good at intermediate and higher energies, the agreement becoming worse as the potential becomes more attractive. It is hoped that the results may be useful in attempts to approximately satisfy the crossing relations.
Dendritic cells and the control of immunity

B and T lymphocytes are the mediators of immunity, but their function is under the control of dendritic cells. Dendritic cells in the periphery capture and process antigens, express lymphocyte co-stimulatory molecules, migrate to lymphoid organs and secrete cytokines to initiate immune responses. They not only activate lymphocytes, they also tolerize T cells to antigens that are innate to the body (self-antigens), thereby minimizing autoimmune reactions. Once a neglected cell type, dendritic cells can now be readily obtained in sufficient quantities to allow molecular and cell biological analysis. With knowledge comes the realization that these cells are a powerful tool for manipulating the immune system.
Animal studies with thymosin β4, a multifunctional tissue repair and regeneration peptide

Studies in various animal models of disease and repair with thymosin beta(4) (Tbeta(4)), the major actin-sequestering molecule in mammalian cells, have provided the scientific foundation for the ongoing dermal, corneal, and cardiac wound repair multicenter clinical trials. Tbeta(4) has of multiple biological activities, which include down-regulation of inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, and promotion of cell migration, blood vessel formation, cell survival, and stem cell maturation. All of these activities contribute to the multiple wound healing properties that have been observed in animal studies. This paper reviews and discusses the topical and systemic uses of Tbeta(4) in various animal models that demonstrate its potential for clinical use.
Tuberculosis case finding in first-degree relative contacts not living with index tuberculosis cases in Kampala, Uganda.

Purpose To assess the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among first-degree relative (FDR) contacts not living with tuberculosis (TB) cases. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of household contacts living with an index TB case and FDR contacts living outside of households in Kampala, Uganda, is presented. Results A total of 177 contacts (52 FDRs and 125 index household contacts) of 31 TB cases were examined. Compared with index household contacts, FDR contacts were older, more likely to be TB symptomatic (50% vs 33%), had a higher percentage of abnormal chest X-rays (19% vs 11%), sputum smear positive (15% vs 5%), and many similar epidemiologic risk factors, including HIV infection (13% vs 10%). Contact groups had similar pulmonary tuberculosis prevalence: 9.6% in FDR vs 10.4% in index household contacts and similar Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection: 62% in FDR vs 61% in index households. Conclusion TB is common among FDR contacts. High TB prevalence justifies targeting FDRs during household contact investigations. Combining TB active-case finding among FDR contacts with household contact investigation in low-income setting is feasible. This should be part of national TB control program strategies for increasing TB case-detection rates and reducing community TB transmission and death.
Hospitalizations, costs, and mortality among infants with critical congenital heart disease: How important is timely detection?

BACKGROUND Critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) was recently added to the U.S. Recommended Uniform Screening Panel for newborns. States considering screening requirements may want more information about the potential impact of screening. This study examined potentially avoidable mortality among infants with late detected CCHD and assessed whether late detection was associated with increased hospital resource use during infancy. METHODS This was a state-wide, population-based, observational study of infants with CCHD (n = 3603) born 1998 to 2007 identified by the Florida Birth Defects Registry. We examined 12 CCHD conditions that are targets of newborn screening. Late detection was defined as CCHD diagnosis after the birth hospitalization. Deaths potentially avoidable through screening were defined as those that occurred outside a hospital following birth hospitalization discharge and those that occurred within 3 days of an emergency readmission. RESULTS For 23% (n = 825) of infants, CCHD was not detected during the birth hospitalization. Death occurred among 20% (n = 568/2,778) of infants with timely detected CCHD and 8% (n = 66/825) of infants with late detected CCHD, unadjusted for clinical characteristics. Potentially preventable deaths occurred in 1.8% (n = 15/825) of infants with late detected CCHD (0.4% of all infants with CCHD). In multivariable models adjusted for selected characteristics, late CCHD detection was significantly associated with 52% more admissions, 18% more hospitalized days, and 35% higher inpatient costs during infancy. CONCLUSION Increased CCHD detection at birth hospitals through screening may lead to decreased hospital costs and avoid some deaths during infancy. Additional studies conducted after screening implementation are needed to confirm these findings. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 97:664–672, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultrasonographic appearance of torsion of a testicular seminoma in a cryptorchid dog

An intra-abdominal testicular tumour was diagnosed in a 10-year-old, male, cryptorchid golden retriever. Upon surgical removal, torsion of the testis was found. The histopathological diagnosis was seminoma. The ultrasound examination in this case revealed a parenchymal mass lesion. An ultrasound examination is a useful supplemental diagnostic tool for differentiation of abdominal mass lesions.
Exercise response of the systolic pressure to end-systolic volume ratio in patients with coronary artery disease.

The exercise response of the ratio of systolic blood pressure to end-systolic volume was studied in 243 patients with chest pain and coronary artery disease who underwent supine rest and exercise equilibrium radionuclide angiography. There was a wide variation in both rest and exercise variables in this group. The exercise response of the systolic pressure/volume ratio also varied greatly, ranging from a decrease of 59% to an increase of 136%. Twenty-one clinical, catheterization and radionuclide angiographic variables were examined to determine their relation to the exercise response of the systolic pressure/volume ratio; nine variables were individually correlated with this ratio. Multiple regression analysis identified the change in end-diastolic volume index with exercise, rest systolic blood pressure, coronary artery Gensini score and peak work load as significant independent predictors of the exercise response of the systolic pressure/volume ratio; the latter correlated significantly with the change in ejection fraction with exercise (r = 0.73, p These results demonstrate that the exercise response of the systolic pressure/end-systolic volume ratio is a complex response that is influenced by several pathophysiologic variables in the presence of coronary artery disease. It does not offer any advantage over ejection fraction measurements for the detection of exercise-induced ischemia.
Detection and quantification of 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (10-FTHFDH) in rat retina, optic nerve, and brain

Abstract Methanol poisoning is characterized by the accumulation of formic acid, a metabolite of methanol, which can lead to metabolic acidosis and ocular toxicity. Formate metabolism to CO2 is governed by tissue H4folate and 10-FTHFDH levels. Presumably, rats are not normally susceptible to formate toxicity because they possess high hepatic H4folate and 10-FTHFDH levels. However, the ability of target tissues to metabolize formate is not known. Therefore, studies were performed to determine whether 10-FTHFDH was present in rat retina, optic nerve, and brain. 10-FTHFDH levels were determined using Western blot analysis of mitochondiral and postmitochondrial preparations from these tissues. Hepatic mitochandrial and postmitochondrial levels of 10-FTHFDH were 13 and 12 ng/μg protein, respectively. Postmitochondrial levels of 10-FTHFDH in rat retina, optic nerve and whole brain were 0.2, 1.3, and 2.1 ng/μg protein; mitochondrial values in retina and brain were 0.2 and 1.5 ng/μg protein, respectively. Postmitochondrial values obtained for rat brain regions were similar to those found for whole brain. These results suggest that, in rats, target tissues possess the capacity to metabolize formate to CO2 and may be protected from formate toxicity through this folate-dependent system.
The influence of high temperatures on milk proteins

High temperatures Induce certain changes in milk constituents, but the degree of these changes depends on both the temperature and time of heat treatment. The most pronounced changes take place in milk proteins. The forewarming of milk causes an increase in acidity, the precipitation of soluble Ca-phosphate, whey protein denaturation and coagulation, as well as the interaction with casein micelles, the Maillard browning reaction, the dephosphorylation of casein, the hydrolysis of casein micelles, changes in whey proteins, an extension of the rennet coagulation time and an exchange of the rheological properties of the acid and rennet casein gels, changes in the zeta-potential and casein micelle hydration, the interaction between the milk proteins and proteins of milk fat globule membrane.
Estimating the manipulation errors in finite element analysis, part I

Abstract In Part I of this two-part work, the relative errors in representing and processing real numbers in digital computers are reviewed, and the computation of the digits lost from the relative errors is shown. The upper bound estimate of the relative error in the solution of Kξ = p for the displacements ξ is given as a function of the condition number of the stiffness matrix K , and the relative errors in K and the load vector p . The computation of relative errors for p and K by equilibrium checks is outlined, and various estimates for the condition number of the stiffness matrix are given.
A computer model to dynamically simulate protein folding: Studies with crambin

The current work describes a simplified representation of protein structure with uses in the simulation of protein folding. The model assumes that a protein can be represented by a freely rotating rigid chain with a single atom approximating the effect of each side chain. Potentials describing the attraction or repulsion between different types of amino acids are determined directly from the distribution of amino acids in the database of known protein structures. The optimization technique of simulated annealing has been used to dynamically sample the conformations available to this simple model, allowing the protein to evolve from an extended, random coil into a compact globular structure. Many characteristics expected of true proteins, such as the sequence-dependent formation of secondary structure, the partitioning of hydrophobic residues, and specific disulfide pairing, are reproduced by the simulation, suggesting the model may accurately simulate the folding process.
Detecting the inner and outer borders of the retinal nerve fiber layer using optical coherence tomography.

Background. The purpose of this study was to develop a new algorithm to detect the inner and outer borders of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) using optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Phenomena in silicon nanostructure devices

In nanostructures, whenever the electron mean-free-path exceeds the appropriate dimensions of the device structure, quantum natures may dictate the physical properties of devices. Among many important issues, some are selected in this work, whereas others, such as the reduction of dielectric constant, the increased binding energy of dopants, etc., are discussed briefly with references for further considerations. In the past several years, resonant tunneling via nanoscale silicon particles imbedded in an oxide matrix has shown striking similarity to the so-called soft breakdown (SBD), an important current subject in devices with ultrathin oxide gates. The relevance in applying results discussed here to SBD is discussed. A Si/O superlattice, a particular form of a new type of superlattice, semiconductor-atomic superlattice (SAS), is fully discussed. This Si/O superlattice can be used in silicon quantum and light-emitting devices. A diode structure with green electroluminescence has been life-tested for more than one year without degradation. High-resolution TEM shows defect density below 109/cm2. Preliminary calculation shows that the Si/O complexes result in a barrier height of 0.9 eV for silicon, sufficient for an epitaxially grown SOI, which is potentially far better than the SOI using buried oxide implantation followed by high temperature anneal.
DANIIL KHARMS'S PARODY OF DOSTOEVSKII: ANTI-TRAGEDY AS POLITICAL COMMENT

" Staruska " s'inscrit en parallele avec " Crime et Châtiment " : memes interrogations religieuses, memes situations... Manquent des episodes importants chez D. relatifs a la transgression, la revelation. Ces omissions ne sont pas arbitraires et correspondent au role de la causalite (absente) chez H. dont l'A. montre les implications politiques et sociologiques. Le roman tragedie de D. est intimement lie a la reforme judiciaire de 1864| la nouvelle de K., anti-tragique, a celle de 1938
Aqueous fluid connectivity and chemical transport in clinopyroxene-rich rocks

Abstract In order to assess the efficacy of fluid-assisted chemical transport in deep-seated, pyroxene-rich rocks, two types of experiment involving synthetic clinopyroxenites were performed at 900°–950°C and 1.5 GPa: (1) annealing of ferrosalite (CaMg 0.4 Fe 0.54 Mn 0.06 Si 2 O 6 ) or diopside (CaMg 0.94 Fe 0.06 Si 2 O 6 ) powder in the presence of aqueous fluids (water NaCl, CaCl 2 or CO 2 ) to produce near-equilibrium fluid/crystal dihedral angles (θs), and (2) diffusion-couple experiments in which an H 2 O-bearing cylinder of Fe-rich clinopyroxenite (ferrosalite) was placed against one of Mg-rich clinopyroxenite (diopside). ‘Control’ diffusion experiments on fluid-free clinopyroxenite and on single clinopyroxene crystals were also carried out. The dihedral angle experiments consistently yielded median apparent θ values (i.e., in 2D section) of 65–69°, well above the ‘pinch-off’ value of 60° and independent of additives NaCl, CaCl 2 and CO 2 . In all cases, however, the θ frequency distributions were broad enough to suggest a range of real θs on either side of the median. The textures were also complicated by frequent crystal faceting at pore margins. The diffusion-couple experiments, carried out with 0, 0.6, 1.3, 2.7, 4.0 and 8.0 vol% H 2 O (at run P and T ) showed no Fe = Mg interdiffusion for all but the most fluid-rich (8%) couple. This result is consistent with the determinations in showing that, for geologically realistic fluid abundances, aqueous fluids in clinopyroxenite form isolated (noninterconnected) pores. This conclusion implies that aqueous fluids play no role in larger-than-grain-scale chemical transport in pyroxene-rich rocks under conditions of mechanical equilibrium. The results also allow the possibility that water can be deeply subducted as a separate (but trapped) phase beyond the stability limit of amphibole.
The Molecules That Initiate Cardiac Hypertrophy Are Not Species-Specific

Extracts from hypertrophying dog hearts perfused through isolated rat hearts increase the synthesis of messenger RNA and initiate hypertrophy in the treated hearts. Total RNA extracted from experimental and control hearts was translated in vitro and hybridized with polyuridylate. Synthesis of protein and polyadenylate-containing RNA was greater in rat hearts perfused with extracts of hypertrophying dog hearts than in control hearts. The results demonstrate that molecules from hypertrophying dog hearts are not species-specific since they are effective in stimulating transcription of messenger RNA in rat hearts as well as in dog hearts.
Shear-wave speeds and elastic moduli for different liquids Part 3. Experiments-update

Tables of values of shear-wave speeds, shear moduli and relaxation times for 18 new liquids are presented, supplementing the tables for 51 liquids given in Part 2. A brief discussion of errors and analysis of the oscilloscope traces is presented. The relation of the effective moduli measured on the wave-speed meter to independent measurements using phase-modulated birefringence and delayed die swell is discussed. A method of measuring wave speeds and rigidities for sheared media is proposed.
Kin recognition and the 'armpit effect': evidence of self-referent phenotype matching.

In species with multiple paternity or maternity, animals may best assess their relatedness to unfamiliar conspecifics by comparing their own phenotype(s) with those of unidentified individuals. Yet whether animals can recognize kin through self–matching is controversial. Because golden hamsters ( Mesocricetus auratus ) mate multiply and can produce multiply sired litters, they were tested for their ability to use self–matching for kin recognition. Hamsters that were reared only with non–kin since birth responded differentially to odours of unfamiliar relatives and non–relatives. Postnatal association with kin was not necessary for this discrimination. Prenatal learning was unlikely because of delayed production and perception of social odours. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that a vertebrate can use its own phenotype for kin–recognition purposes without prior experience with kin. By using itself as a referent, rather than its siblings or parents, a golden hamster may be better able to direct nepotism towards the most appropriate individuals. Kin discrimination via self–inspection may be especially important in nepotistic contexts (to identify most closely related conspecifics), whereas inclusion of the phenotypes of close kin as referents may be favoured in mate–choice contexts (to identify all related individuals).
FHIT-Substrate Complexes: a New Paradigm in Reversible Protein Phosphorylation

Fhit is a tumor suppressor protein encoded at the most fragile site in the human genome that is inactivated by genetic deletions early in the development of many cancers. A member of the Histidine Triad (HIT) superfamily of nucleotide-binding proteins, Fhit binds diadenosine triphosphate (ApppA) and cleaves it to produce AMP + ADP. The His96Asn mutation of Fhit, which reduces kcat by more than a million-fold, does not reduce tumor suppressor activity in a nude mouse assay. Thus, genetic and biochemical evidence suggest that ApppA binding but not cleavage is required for tumor suppression. Crystal structures of Fhit bound to a nonhydrolyzable ApppA analog revealed that Fhit binds two substrates per dimer, presenting all of the phosphates and two of the adenosines on the surface of the protein in place of a deep, positively charged groove in the empty Fhit protein dimer. It is proposed that signaling by Fhit is mediated by presentation of nucleotide substrates to cytosolic effectors.