cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sequence of the canine major histocompatibility complex region containing non-classical class I genes.

: We have sequenced a segment of 150,102 nucleotides of canine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) DNA, corresponding to the junction of the class I and class III regions. The distal portion contained five class III genes including two tumor necrosis factor genes and the proximal portion contained five genes or pseudogenes belonging to the class I region. The order of the class III region genes was conserved as in the porcine and human MHC regions. The order of the class Ib loci from the proximal side outwards was DLA-53, DLA-12a, DLA-64, stress-induced phosphoprotein-1, followed by DLA-12. Only DLA-64 and DLA-12 display an overall predicted protein sequence compatible with the expression of membrane-anchored glycoproteins. The other class 1b loci do not appear to be functional by sequence analysis. In all, these 10 genes spanned 24% of the total sequence. The remaining 76% comprised of a number of non-coding and repetitive DNA elements including long interspersed nuclear element (LINE) fragments, short interspersed nuclear elements (SINE), and microsatellites.
Bearing behavior of triaxially braided flat and tubular composites

An experimental study was carried out to evaluate the bearing behavior of glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites made from the triaxial braiding process. The bearing strengths of braided and machined holes in flat as well as tubular samples were compared. The effects of specimen geometry, braid angle, and specimen consolidation condition were investigated. Comparison between specimens with braided and machined holes indicated a higher bearing capacity for the braided joint hole compared with the machined one in tubular specimens whose thickness was not precisely controlled. For flat samples with uniform thickness, the braided hole showed similar or even lower bearing capacity compared with the machined hole, possibly due to the disturbance in fiber arrangement around the braided hole.
Adherence of Candida albicans to immobilized extracellular matrix proteins is mediated by calcium-dependent surface glycoproteins

The adherence of Candida albicans to the extracellular matrix proteins type I collagen and fibronectin (Fn) is dependent upon the presence of extracellular calcium. In the absence of calcium, 14 +/- 3% of yeast cells added to type I collagen adhered, whereas 62 +/- 3% of yeast cells adhered in the presence of 2 mM calcium. EDTA and EGTA reduced C. albicans adherence in a dose-dependent manner. Calcium, and to a lesser extent, cesium and magnesium, enhanced yeast cell adherence. The fluorescent probe, terbium (Tb+3), bound to the surface of yeast cells in a dose-dependent manner demonstrating the presence of cationic metal-binding sites on the yeast cell surface. When extracts of C. albicans yeast cells were applied to columns of Fn or gelatin coupled to agarose, two surface proteins of C. albicans were specifically eluted with 10 mM EDTA, 2% alpha-methylmannopyranoside or an Arg-Gly-Asp-containing peptide. The fungal proteins had relative molecular masses of 60,000 and 105,000 in the unreduced state. The proteins were present in the cell membrane as well as the cell wall and were demonstrated to be glycoproteins by their ability to bind concanavalin A. Immunoblot analysis of yeast extracts demonstrated that anti-integrin antibodies to the human fibronectin, vitronectin and complement receptor cross-reacted with the Candida 60 kDa glycoprotein. Thus, calcium-dependent fungal cell wall glycoproteins likely related to integrins may be receptors responsible for yeast cell adherence to host tissue such as the extracellular matrix.
Enzyme activities in ‘non-oilseed’ sunflowers and sunflower products (variety greystripe)

Abstract Amylase, protease, cellulase and hemicellulase activities of ‘non-oilseed’ sunflower products (unshelled sunflower seeds, sunflower kernels and hulls as well as roasted unshelled sunflower seeds and sunflower kernels) were determined. Amylase and cellulase activities were highest in unshelled sunflower seeds and lowest in the shelled kernels. Protease and hemicellulase activities were highest in the kernels and lowest in the hulls. Enzyme activities were reduced by roasting.
Effect of oral supplementation on nutrition indicators in hemodialysis patients

Abstract Objective: To test the effectiveness of daily consumption of enteral nutrition supplement in improving serum levels of albumin, cholesterol, and creatinine, dietary intake of protein and calories, and anthropometrics. Design: Four-month prospective clinical trial with self-selected assignment to intervention (nutrition supplement and education) or control (nutrition education). Patients: Eleven maintenance hemodialysis patients who are routinely dialyzed at the University of Virginia Kidney Center. Six patients were selected for intervention group. Main outcome measure: Increase in serum albumin levels for patients consuming nutrition supplement. Results: All short-term nutritional parameters increased for the supplemented group. Serum albumin levels showed statistically significant ( P Conclusions: The nutritional status of hemodialysis patients is frequently compromised by uremia, catabolism, poor appetite, dialysis losses, dietary restrictions, and psychosocial constraints. The pilot trial shows the use of consistent intake of nutritional supplements in improving short-term nutrition indicators of hemodialysis patients, and suggests the potential for long-term use of these products in improving health and well-being.
The search for new global health entrepreneurs

There is no one 'right mix' of skills and experience to be a champion in a public–private partnership, but you must be prepared to do what is best for the mission; that is, develop new and desperately needed products for developing countries.
Innovation diffusion: Implications for evaluation

Whether looking at the spread and adoption of an intervention across a community, across multiple units, or within a single unit, an understanding of diffusion theory can help evaluators uncover patterns and impacts that might otherwise be overlooked. The theory alerts evaluators to examine why uptake of an intervention appeared different in different sites, according to the characteristics of the people involved, the social systems involved (for example, neighborhoods, states, or organizations), or the communications channels used. Insights might explain intervention intensity across sites and consequent differential effects. It also yields useful information to assist with subsequent replication of the intervention by practitioners and policymakers. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Reaction time, memory strength, and fMRI activity during memory retrieval: Hippocampus and default network are differentially responsive during recollection and familiarity judgments.

Retrieval is often subdivided into recollection and familiarity. Memory strength and reaction time (RT) differ for each, complicating functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of these processes. Recollection leads to greater activity in the hippocampus and default network (DN). Increased DN activity with recollection is thought to reflect self-referential processes, but prior studies have not accounted for varying RT, which modulates DN activity and is consistently faster for recollection than for familiarity. This study examined the influence of RT and memory strength on recollection and familiarity activity. The results show the hippocampus functionally dissociated from DN during retrieval. DN was generally influenced by RT and signal was suppressed when subjects were task-engaged in recollection or familiarity; suppression was greater for slower trials of either type. The hippocampus showed a positive deflection of fMRI activity only for recollection trials; activation was greater for slowe...
Absorption strength measurement of the ν1 band of methyl chloride

The absorption strengths of the Q-branch manifolds of the nu-1 band of methyl chloride were measured. The results were used to deduce the band strength, which is 32.1 plus or minus 2.9 per sq cm-atm at 297 K. The P-branch absorptions were investigated to assess the possibility of determining a vibration-rotation factor for the band. This factor is approximately 1.026.
The Divine Husband and the creation of a transamericana subject

This article reads Francisco Goldman's 2004 novel The Divine Husband as a transamerican foundation narrative. The author explains how Goldman's work challenges particular aspects of Latin American foundational texts, specifically via the relationships depicted between women's bodies and state institutions. In the character of Maria de las Nieves Moran, Goldman has created a woman who refuses to subject her body to any man or state. Moreover, the narrative structure of the work – focusing as it does on women's lives and women's stories – offers a rebuke to historical and literary accounts that have privileged men's lives and men's stories. Finally, in reading Goldman's work as a “transamerican” text, this article proposes a new perspective on the relationship between Central America and the United States. This perspective emphasizes the exchanges that have always taken place between different nations in the Americas, while it also argues for the inherent heterogeneity of Latina/o communities.
Mutations in the calcium-sensing receptor and their clinical implications.

Specialized cells (i.e., parathyroid chief cells) that sense changes in the extracellular calcium concentration are a key element in mineral ion homeostasis. The Ca2+o-sensing receptor (CaR) originally cloned from bovine parathyroid is also present in multiple nephron segments involved in Ca2+o homeostasis as well as in other sites that are not, such as brain, lung, large and small intestine. The physiological relevance of the CaR has been established by identifying hyper- and hypocalcemic disorders resulting from CaR mutations: familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) and neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism result from inactivating CaR mutations, while an autosomal dominant form of hypocalcemia is caused by activating mutations. In addition to sensing Ca2+o and Mg2+o abnormally (the latter suggesting the CaR acts as an Mg2+o-sensing receptor), persons with FHH have alterations in their handling of water, supporting a role for the CaR in integrating mineral ion and water metabolism. Drugs that activate the CaR (‘calcimimetics’) are currently undergoing clinical trials and will permit pharmacological manipulation of the receptor when it functions abnormally (e.g., in primary hyperparathyroidism).
Biobased thermosets from the free‐radical copolymerization of conjugated linseed oil

New polymeric thermosets were prepared through the bulk free-radical copolymerization of 100% conjugated linseed oil, acrylonitrile, and divinylbenzene. Under the appropriate reaction conditions and with the appropriate curing sequence, 61–96 wt % of the oil was incorporated into the crosslinked thermosets. The resulting yellow, transparent thermosets varied from being soft and flexible to being hard and brittle. Dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis showed that these thermosets had good mechanical properties and thermal stability. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 979–985, 2007
Slit-mounted LED Fiducial System for Rotating Mirror Streak Cameras

Slit-mounted LED Fiducial Systemfor Rotating Mirror Streak CamerasLarry L. Shaw, Steven A. Muelder, Anthony T. RiveraLawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of CaliforniaP.O. Box 808, Livermore, California 94550ABSTRACTWe have developed a fiducial system for rotating mirror streak cameras that utilizes light emittingdiodes mounted at the slit position of the camera. The diodes are driven to the required highbrightness by a unique pulse power circuit designed to provide high voltage, high current pulses18 nanoseconds in length at a frequency of up to 2.5
An overview of variance inflation factors for sample-size calculation

For power and sample-size calculations, most practicing researchers rely on power and sample-size software programs to design their studies. There are many factors that affect the statistical power that, in many situations, go beyond the coverage of commercial software programs. Factors commonly known as design effects influence statistical power by inflating the variance of the test statistics. The authors quantify how these factors affect the variances so that researchers can adjust the statistical power or sample size accordingly. The authors review design effects for factorial design, crossover design, cluster randomization, unequal sample-size design, multiarm design, logistic regression, Cox regression, and the linear mixed model, as well as missing data in various designs. To design a study, researchers can apply these design effects, also known as variance inflation factors to adjust the power or sample size calculated from a two-group parallel design using standard formulas and software.
A Practical Synthesis of d-α-Terpineol via Markovnikov Addition of d-Limonene Using Trifluoroacetic Acid

d-α-Terpineol (1), which is a useful flavor and fragrance compound, has been synthesized from d-limonene by Markovnikov addition using trifluoroacetic acid, followed by hydrolysis in 76% yield with 98% purity.
Scientific Caricatures in the Earth Science Classroom: An Alternative Assessment for Meaningful Science Learning

Archive-based, historical research of materials produced during the Golden Age of Geology (1788–1840) uncovered scientific caricatures (SCs) which may serve as a unique form of knowledge representation for students today. SCs played important roles in the past, stimulating critical inquiry among early geologists and fueling debates that addressed key theoretical issues. When historical SCs were utilized in a large-enrollment college Earth History course, student response was positive. Therefore, we offered SCs as an optional assessment tool. Paired t-tests that compared individual students’ performances with the SC option, as well as without the SC option, showed a significant positive difference favoring scientific caricatures (α = 0.05). Content analysis of anonymous student survey responses revealed three consistent findings: (a) students enjoyed expressing science content correctly but creatively through SCs, (b) development of SCs required deeper knowledge integration and understanding of the content than conventional test items, and (c) students appreciated having SC item options on their examinations, whether or not they took advantage of them. We think that incorporation of SCs during assessment may effectively expand the variety of methods for probing understanding, thereby increasing the mode validity of current geoscience tests.
Incorporating anthropometry into design of ear-related products

To achieve mass customization and collaborative product design, human factors and ergonomics should play a key development role. The purpose of this study was to provide product designers with the anthropometic dimensions of outer ears for different demographic data, including gender and age. The second purpose was to compare the dimensions of various ear-related products (i.e., earphone, bluetooth earphone and ear-cup earphone) with the anthropometic database and recommend appropriate solutions for design. Two hundred subjects aged 20-59 was selected for this study and divided into four age stratifications. Further, three different dimensions of the outer ear (i.e., the earhole length, the ear connection length and the length of the pinna) were measured by superimposed grid photographic technique. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to investigate the effects of gender, and age on ear dimensions. The results showed that all ear dimensions had significant gender effects. A comparison between the anthropometric dimensions and those of current products revealed that most current ear-related products need to be redesigned using anthropometric data. The shapes of earhole and pinna are not circular. Consequently, ear products need to be elongated so that users may feel more comfortably and not have the product slip off easily.
Trading accuracy for speed in parallel simulated annealing with simultaneous moves

Abstract A common approach to parallelizing simulated annealing is to generate several perturbations to the current solution simultaneously, requiring synchronization to guarantee correct evaluation of the cost function. The cost of this synchronization may be reduced by allowing inaccuracies in the cost calculations. We provide a framework for understanding the theoretical implications of this approach based on a model of processor interaction under reduced synchronization that demonstrates how errors in cost calculations occur and how to estimate them. We show how bounds on error in the cost calculations in a simulated annealing algorithm can be translated into worst-case bounds on perturbations in the parameters which describe the behavior of the algorithm.
Hepatotoxicity mediated by pyrazole (cytochrome P450 2E1) plus tumor necrosis factor alpha treatment occurs in c-Jun N-terminal kinase 2-/- but not in c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1-/- mice.

CYP2E1 induction and TNF-α production are key risk factors in alcoholic liver injury. Increased oxidative stress from CYP2E1 induction by pyrazole in vivo sensitizes the liver to TNF-α-induced hepatotoxicity by a mechanism involving activation of c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and mitochondrial damage. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether JNK1 or JNK2 plays a role in this potentiated hepatotoxicity. Wild type (wt), jnk1−/− and jnk2−/− mice were used to identify changes of hepatotoxicity, damage to mitochondria and production of oxidative stress following pyrazole plus TNF-α treatment. Increased serum ALT, inflammatory infiltration and central necrosis were observed in the jnk2−/− and wt mice treated with pyrazole plus TNF-α, but not in the jnk1−/− mice. Pyrazole elevated the activity and protein level of CYP2E1 in all mice. There was a significant increase of malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal adducts, 3-nitrotyrosine and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the jnk2−/− and wt mice compared to the jnk1−/− mice upon pyrazole plus TNF-α treatment, or compared to mice treated with either pyrazole alone or TNF-α alone. The antioxidants catalase, GPx-4, thioredoxin and glutathione were lowered and cytochrome c was released from the mitochondria in the jnk2−/− and wt mice. Mitochondrial production of superoxide was increased in the jnk2−/− and wt mice compared to the jnk1−/− mice upon pyrazole plus TNF-α treatment. Electron microscopy showed altered mitochondrial structure in the jnk2−/− and wt but not the jnk1−/− mice. Conclusions JNK1 plays a role in the hepatotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress mediated by pyrazole plus TNF-α treatment. These findings raise the question as to the potential mechanisms of JNK1 activation related to alcoholic liver injury.
Delayed posttraumatic brain hyperthermia worsens outcome after fluid percussion brain injury: a light and electron microscopic study in rats

The morphological consequences of delayed posttraumatic brain hyperthermia (39 degrees C) after fluid percussion brain injury were assessed in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats anesthetized with 4% halothane and maintained on a 70:30 mixture of nitrous oxide:oxygen and 0.5% halothane underwent moderate (1.5-2.0 atm) traumatic brain injury with the injury screw positioned parasagittally over the right parieto-occipital cortex. At 24 hours after traumatic brain injury, the rats were reanesthetized and randomized into two groups in which either a 3-hour period of brain normothermia (36.5 degrees C, n = 18) or hyperthermia (39 degrees C, n = 18) was maintained. Sham-operated controls (n = 10) underwent all surgical and temperature-monitoring procedures. After the 3-hour monitoring period, the rats were allowed to survive for 3 days for light microscopic analysis or were injected with the protein tracer horseradish peroxidase and were perfusion-fixed 15 minutes later for light and electron microscopic analysis. At 4 days after traumatic brain injury, delayed posttraumatic hyperthermia (n = 12) significantly increased mortality (47%) and contusion volume (1.7 +/- 0.69 mm3, mean +/- standard error of the mean), compared to normothermia (n = 12) (18% mortality and 0.13 +/- 0.21 mm3 contusion volume) (P < 0.01, analysis of variance). At 15 minutes after the 3-hour hyperthermic period, the area of hemorrhage and horseradish peroxidase extravasation overlying the lateral external capsule was significantly increased (2.52 +/- 0.71 mm2, mean +/- standard error of the mean, versus 0.43 +/- 0.16 mm2) (P < 0.01), compared to normothermic rats. Examination of toluidine blue-stained plastic sections demonstrated a higher frequency of abnormally swollen myelinated axons per high microscopic field with hyperthermia. For example, numbers of swollen axons within the sixth layer of the right somatosensory cortex, corpus callosum, and internal capsule were 7.3 +/- 1.3, 4.2 +/- 1.4, and 3.0 +/- 1.2 axons (mean +/- standard error of the mean) with normothermia, respectively, compared with 24.7 +/- 12.1, 33.1 +/- 4.2, and 27.3 +/- 3.1 axons with hyperthermia, respectively (P < 0.01). An ultrastructural examination of the swollen axons demonstrated a severely thinned myelin sheath containing axoplasm devoid of cytoskeletal components. These experimental results indicate that posttraumatic brain hyperthermia might increase morbidity and mortality in patients with head injury by aggravating axonal and microvascular damage.
On the structure, performance, and application to modem timing recovery of recursive all-pass filters with adjustable equal-ripple group-delay

A digitally controlled sampled data delay line is implemented with recursive all-pass filter sections. This is in marked contrast to the standard implementation of programmable time delays that use fixed non-recursive polyphase stages or adjustable Farrow FIR filters. The recursive filter exhibits an equal-ripple approximation to constant group delay. The phase slope is programmable to present a continuously variable time delay network. Applications of a continuously adjustable, linear-time delay structure offers unique signal processing options to address various communication system tasks. These include timing recovery in DSP based receivers, adaptive beamforming and steering, communication systems channel modeling, and reverberation modeling in acoustic chambers and instruments.
In Vitro Activity of Ceftaroline against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Heterogeneous Vancomycin-Intermediate S. aureus in a Hollow Fiber Model

Ceftaroline is a broad-spectrum injectable cephalosporin exhibiting bactericidal activity against a variety of bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Using a two-compartment in vitro pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model, we evaluated the activity of ceftaroline at 600 mg every 8 h (q8h) and q12h in comparison with that of vancomycin at 1,000 mg q12h over a 72-h time period against six clinical MRSA isolates, including two heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (hVISA) isolates. The MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration ranged between 0.125 to 2 and 0.5 to 2 μg/ml for ceftaroline and vancomycin, respectively. In the PK/PD model, ceftaroline was superior to vancomycin against all isolates (P < 0.05), except one to which it was equivalent. No difference in activity was observed between both q8 and q12h dosing regimens of ceftaroline. Bacterial regrowth was observed after 32 h for two isolates treated with ceftaroline. This regrowth was uncorrelated to resistance, instability of the drug, or tolerance. However, subpopulations with higher MICs to ceftaroline were found by population analysis for these two isolates. Finally, and in contrast to ceftaroline, MIC elevations up to 8 to 12 μg/ml were observed with vancomycin for the hVISA isolates. In conclusion, in addition to a lower potential to select resistant mutants, ceftaroline demonstrated activity equal to or greater than vancomycin against MRSA isolates. Although further in vitro and in vivo investigations are warranted, ceftaroline appears to be a promising alternative for the treatment of MRSA infections.
The catalytic and electrocatalytic coupling of methane over yttria-stabilized zirconia

The catalytic and electrocatalytic oxidation of methane to ethane and ethylene was studied at 900 °C over a gold-supported yttria-stabilized zirconia (Au-YSZ) catalyst. The catalyst was found to be active for C2 formation with C2 selectivities up to 67% and C2 yields up to 15%. Yttria-stabilized zirconia compared favorably to unstabilized yttria-zirconia. Electrochemical oxygen pumping was investigated and found to affect product distribution.
Disparate effects of acute and chronic infection with SIVmac239 or SHIV-89.6P on macaque plasmacytoid dendritic cells.

Blood plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) contribute to both innate and adaptive immune responses by secreting high levels of IFN-alpha following acute bacterial and viral infections and indirectly by augmenting cell-mediated immunity. Cross-sectional studies have shown that the number of circulating pDCs in HIV patients, compared to that in uninfected individuals, is reduced. However, since the time of infection is usually unknown in HIV-infected patients, pDC-virus interactions that occur immediately after virus exposure are poorly understood. The current study investigated pDC dynamics during acute and chronic infections of macaques with either SIVmac239 or the pathogenic SIV-HIV chimera, SHIV-89.6P, as models for HIV infection. In three rhesus and three pig-tailed macaques infected intravenously with SIVmac239, the percentages of pDCs in blood declined 2- to 6-fold during the first 6 weeks after infection and remained depressed throughout the disease course. Surprisingly, no consistent, comparable decline in peripheral blood pDCs was observed in six macaques infected with SHIV-89.6P. In this latter group, percentages of pDCs did not correlate with CD4(+) T cells, but there was an inverse relationship with viral load. In addition, when compared to naive controls, the percentages of pDCs were reduced in spleens and peripheral lymph nodes of SIVmac239- but not SHIV-89.6P-infected animals that had progressed to AIDS. Proviral DNA was detected during the acute phase in pDCs isolated from macaques infected with either virus. These results imply that, even though macaque pDCs can be infected by both SIVmac239 and SHIV-89.6P, the subsequent effects on in vivo pathogenesis differ. The underlying mechanism(s) for these differences is unclear, but the selection of SIV or SHIV as a challenge virus might influence the outcome of some studies, such as those evaluating vaccines or the therapeutic efficacy of drugs.
Retail shopping typology of American teens

Abstract Teenagers often use labels to describe each other (i.e., cool, geek, hottie) as shorthand that sums up a teen in the minds of his or her peers. Marketers use the same kind of heuristic devices to describe segments in target markets. Currently measuring over 30 million strong, today's teens are the adult consumers of tomorrow. Therefore, marketers need the ability to divide this teen market into unique segments. In this study, the authors develop a psychographic retail shopping typology of American teens' retail channel preferences depending on levels of self-esteem (SE), extraversion, and interpersonal communication (IC). Three distinct market segments evolve – Social Butterflies, Confident Techies, and Self-Contained Shoppers – and link to channel shopping, spending, and future intentions. These segment descriptions should be valuable to retailers in determining primary teen markets and how to best market to them.
The failure of new entrants in commercial banking markets: a split-population duration analysis $

Abstract Almost one in four of the new commercial banks chartered in the United States during the 1980s failed. This study uses a split-population duration model to examine failure patterns and failure determinants for these banks and compares the results to a benchmark model estimated for small established banks. The results are consistent with a “life cycle” pattern of new bank failure: compared to small established banks, newly chartered banks are initially less likely, then substantially more likely, and finally equally likely to fail. These patterns were most extreme for banks chartered just prior to the banking recession of the late 1980s or early 1990s.
On the ultraviolet absorption spectrum of polyvinyl alcohol

A study of the ultraviolet absorption spectrum of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was made. Spectral examination of the solvolysis products of vinyl acetate and 1-methoxyvinyl ester copolymers shows unequivocally that the absorption bands in PVA at 225, 280, and 330 mμ are related to carbonyl-containing structures. The high intensities of these bands in the solvolyzed copolymers is additional evidence that the absorbing groups cannot be unconjugated carbonyl and are probably of the type Ultraviolet dichroism measurements tend to confirm this view. The ultraviolet absorbing bands in PVA arise predominantly from two sources: the presence of acetaldehyde, and dissolved air in the vinyl acetate monomer during polymerization. In the case of the latter, the formation of the vinyl acetate—oxygen copolymer and its subsequent decomposition to aldehydic-type products introduce, into the polymer, chain structures similar to those introduced by acetaldehyde. By the careful exclusion of acetaldehyde and air during vinyl acetate polymerization and by a judicious choice of initiator, PVAs having minimal ultraviolet absorptions can be prepared. Treatment of PVA at room temperature with dilute aqueous alkali results in a marked diminution in the intensities of all three absorption bands. Hot dilute acid, while essentially removing the 330 mμ band, produces no consistent change in the relative intensities of the 225 and 280 mμ bands.
The role of bronchoalveolar lavage in interstitial lung disease

Considerable progress has been made in understanding the similarities and differences among the forms of the interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), particularly the forms of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, now recognized as distinct clinicopathologic entities. Lung parenchymal evaluation by high-resolution CT scanning of the chest may provide images that are virtually diagnostic of certain forms of ILD, but other testing, including bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung biopsy, may be required for accurate diagnosis. The differential diagnosis of these disorders rests on the clinician's interpretation of the clinical presentation and physical examination findings, pulmonary function testing, radiographic imaging, and, if required, sampling of lung tissue. This discussion examines the usefulness of BAL in the diagnosis of specific forms of ILD.
Emergency physicians' experience with pediatric death

Abstract Based on the hypothesis that managing pediatric death—particularly, communicating with survivors—is extremely difficult for most emergency physicians, 122 general emergency physicians at a written board review course were surveyed to assess their attitudes toward pediatric death. Sixty-six percent reported that communicating with the family of a child who had died was the most difficult experience in emergency medicine. Sixty-six percent considered communication with the family of a child who had died to be much more difficult than communication with the family of an adult who had died. Sixty-four percent reported feelings of guilt or inadequacy after unsuccessful pediatric resuscitation, and 47% reported feeling impaired for the remainder of their shift. Only 8% of physicians were aware of published guidelines regarding managing pediatric emergency department (ED) deaths, and only 14% of physicians had ever had any training in death notification. Ninety-two percent of physicians responded that a course directed toward managing the family of a child who had died in the ED would be helpful in dealing with this difficult situation.
Metabolism of carcinogenic 2-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene in rodent and human cells

The rates of metabolism of the carcinogenic 2-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene (2-OH-B(a)P) and the noncarcinogenic 3- and 9-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrenes in cultured cell systems have been studied and compared. While 70 to 80% of the non-carcinogens are converted to water-soluble derivatives by hamster embryo fibroblasts in 24 h, carcinogenic 2-OH-B(a)P is metabolized at a slower rate (45% in 24 h), comparable to that for the parent hydrocarbon, benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P). Analysis of extracellular organic solvent-soluble metabolites of 2-OH-B(a)P in cultured hamster embryo fibroblasts, using h.p.l.c., indicates the presence of a single major metabolite, which has been identified by mass spectroscopy as a dihydroxy derivative of B(a)P. At least one additional major organic solvent-soluble metabolite is formed in cultures of either mouse epidermal epithelial cells or human foreskin fibroblasts, indicating a different balance of metabolic pathways in these cell systems. The greater persistence of carcinogenic 2-OH-B(a)P in cells and its higher concentration in the cell cytoplasm compared with the noncarcinogenic phenols may be related to its relatively high biological activity. Differences in metabolism of 2-OH-B(a)P in several cultured cell systems indicate the importance of an appropriate choice of activating system in understanding the relationship between metabolism and carcinogenesis.
Development and Initial Validation of a Program Director's Evaluation Form for Medical School Graduates

ABSTRACT Background: In the early 1990s, our group of interdepartmental academicians at the Uniformed Services University (USU) developed a PGY-1 (postgraduate year 1) program director evaluation form. Recently, we have revised it to better align with the core competencies established by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. We also included items that reflected USU's military-unique context. Purpose: To collect feasibility, reliability, and validity evidence for our revised survey. Method: We collected PGY-1 data from program directors (PD) who oversee the training of military medical trainees. The cohort of the present study consisted of USU students graduating in 2010 and 2011. We performed exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to examine the factorial validity of the survey scores and subjected each of the factors identified in the EFA to an internal consistency reliability analysis. We then performed correlation analysis to examine the relationship between PD ratings and students' med...
Economic growth and income inequality: the case of the US

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of income inequality on economic growth in the US.Design/methodology/approach – This paper applies the endogenous growth model including human capital and technological progress. The generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) technique is applied to estimate regression parameters. The number of patents granted is chosen to measure technological progress. Percentage of people 25 years old and over who have completed 4 years of college or more is selected to measure human capital.Findings – The findings show that a higher Gini index hurts economic growth. Economic growth has a positive relationship with the growth in civilian employment, investment spending, technological progress, and human capital. When three other indicators of income inequality are considered, similar conclusions can be reached.Research limitations/implications – A major implication is that a deterioration of inequality would be harmful to economic growt...
Whiteboard scanning and image enhancement

A whiteboard can be an easy tool for collaboration such as brainstorming, and is widely used, but the content on a whiteboard is hard to archive and share. While digital cameras can be used to capture whiteboard content, the images are usually taken from an angle, resulting in undesired perspective distortion. They may contain other distracting regions such as walls and shadows. The visual quality of those images is usually poor. This paper describes a system that automatically locates the boundary of a whiteboard, crops out the whiteboard region, rectifies it into a rectangle, and corrects the color to make the whiteboard completely white. In case a single image is not enough (e.g., large whiteboard and low-resolution camera), we have developed a robust feature-based technique to automatically stitch multiple overlapping images. The system has been tested extensively, and very good results have been obtained.
Risk factors for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism during pregnancy or post partum: a population-based, case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine risk factors for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism during pregnancy or post partum. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a population-based case-control study. All Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents with a first lifetime deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism during pregnancy or post partum from 1966 to 1990 were identified (N = 90). Where possible, a resident without deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism was matched to each patient by date of the first live birth after the patient's child. The medical records of all remaining patients and all control subjects were reviewed for >25 baseline characteristics, which were tested as risk factors for deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis smoking (odds ratio, 2.4) and prior superficial vein thrombosis (odds ratio, 9.4) were independent risk factors for deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary thrombosis during pregnancy or post partum. CONCLUSION: Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis may be warranted for pregnant women with prior superficial vein thrombosis. Smoking cessation should be recommended, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Robust Gate Assignment

ights through gates, but the propagation can be reduced if gate assignments are robust against stochastic delays. In this paper, we analyze stochastic delays and suggest an approach to assign gates while making them robust against stochastic delays. We implement the proposed approach and compare it with dierent approaches that are studied in the literature. Also, we extract a sample ight schedule from the data source and generate 1.5x and 2x schedules based on the sample ight schedule. Simulation results show that our approach improves the robustness of gate assignment. Particularly, the approach reduces the number and level of disturbed assignments by 92.2% and 95.7%, respectively, compared to the original assignment of the sample ight schedule. However, the approach is limited because aircraft and gate compatibility is not considered.
Calcineurin and cardiac function: is more or less better for the heart?

calcineurin (cn) is a Ca2+-calmodulin-activated serine-threonine phosphatase that is ubiquitously expressed and plays an important role in transducing Ca2+-dependent signals. Cn is a heterodimer composed of calmodulin binding catalytic subunit A (CnA) and a Ca2+ binding regulatory subunit B (CnB) ([
Wireless clinical alerts for critical medication, laboratory and physiologic data

Clinical information systems (CIS) are increasingly employed to manage the information associated with hospital and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. CIS are typically interfaced to a variety of other systems which provide bedside physiologic data, laboratory results and medication information for video displays and reports. However, having all this information together in electronic format provides an opportunity to detect critically adverse patient conditions, which may be complex. The authors have devised a software system which extracts all pertinent information from the CIS on a continuous basis and sends the data through a series of event detection algorithms. These algorithms are configured to detect critically abnormal physiologic and laboratory values, critical trends and critical indicators of drug reactions and side effects. Once an alert is detected, the software system codes it into a readable alphanumeric alert message and automatically sends it to a commercial paging system. Alerts are received on pagers carried by designated physicians and pharmacists who can take immediate actions to reverse the alert condition.
Effect of sorption and desorption resistance on aerobic trichloroethylene biodegradation in soils

Biodegradation of trichloroethylene(TCE) by toluene-degrading bacteria was measured under aerobic conditions in aqueous and soil-slurry batch microcosms. For soil-phase experiments, a freshly contaminated soil and a soil containing only the desorption-resistant fraction of TCE were tested. In both cases, presence of soil resulted in biodegradation rates substantially lower than those determined in the absence of soil. In aqueous-phase experiments, an appreciable increase in the rate and extent of TCE biodegradation was observed in microcosms when toluene was added multiple times. The TCE degradation rates were clearly correlated with toluene dioxygenase (TOD) enzyme activity over time, thus providing an indication of the cometabolic pathway employed by the microbial population. In soil-slurry experiments containing freshly contaminated soil, a TCE degradation rate of approximately 150 μg TCE/kg/h was observed during the first 39-h period, and then the TCE degradation rate slowed considerably to 0.59 and 0.84 μg TCE/kg/h for microcosms receiving one and two additions of toluene, respectively. The TCE degradation rates in soil-slurry microcosms containing the desorption-resistant fraction of TCE-contaminated soil were approximately 0.27 and 0.32 μg TCE/kg/h in microcosms receiving one and two additions of toluene, respectively. It is clear from these results that mass transfer into the aqueous phase limited bioavailability of TCE in the contaminated soil.
Photoacoustic lifetime imaging of dissolved oxygen using methylene blue

Measuring distribution of dissolved oxygen in biological tissue is of prime interest for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy optimization. Tumor hypoxia indicates poor prognosis and resistance to radiotherapy. Despite its major clinical significance, no current imaging modality provides direct imaging of tissue oxygen. We present preliminary results demonstrating the potential of photoacoustic lifetime imaging (PALI) for noninvasive, 3-D imaging of tissue oxygen. The technique is based on photoacoustic probing of the excited state lifetime of methylene blue (MB) dye. MB is an FDA-approved water soluble dye with a peak absorption at 660 nm. A double pulse laser system (pump probe) is used to excite the dye and probe its transient absorption by detecting photoacoustic emission. The relaxation rate of MB depends linearly on oxygen concentration. Our measurements show high photoacoustic signal contrast at a probe wavelength of 810 nm, where the excited state absorption is more than four times higher than the ground state absorption. Imaging of a simple phantom is demonstrated. We conclude by discussing possible implementations of the technique in clinical settings and combining it with photodynamic therapy (PDT) for real-time therapy monitoring.
The Relative Importance of Systolic Versus Diastolic Blood Pressure Control and Incident Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease in Women

Prospective data regarding risk factors for peripheral artery disease (PAD) are sparse, especially among women; the relative contribution of systolic versus diastolic blood pressure control for incident PAD has not been well studied. We evaluated the association of self-reported blood pressure control with incident symptomatic PAD in middle-aged and older women. We examined the relationship between reported hypertension and incident confirmed symptomatic PAD (n = 178) in 39,260 female health professionals aged ≥ 45 years without known vascular disease at baseline. Median follow-up was 13.3 years. Women were grouped according to presence of reported isolated diastolic (IDH), isolated systolic (ISH), or combined systolic-diastolic hypertension (SDH) using cut-points of 90 and 140 mmHg for diastolic and systolic blood pressure, respectively. SBP and DBP were modeled as continuous and categorical exposures. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs), including adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, were derived from Cox proportional hazards models. Adjusted HRs compared to women without reported hypertension were 1.0 (0.4-2.8) for IDH, 2.0 (1.3-3.1) for ISH, and 2.8 (1.8-4.5) for SDH. There was a 43% increased adjusted risk per 10 mmHg of reported SBP (95% CI 27-62%) and a gradient in risk according to SBP category (< 120, 120-139, 140-159, and ≥ 160 mmHg); HRs were 1.0, 2.3, 4.3, and 6.6 (p-trend < 0.001), respectively. Reported DBP, while individually predictive in models excluding SBP, was not predictive after adjustment for SBP. In conclusion, these prospective data suggest a strong prognostic role for uncontrolled blood pressure and, particularly, uncontrolled systolic blood pressure in the development of peripheral atherosclerosis in women.
Hydrogen peroxide activates focal adhesion kinase and c-Src by a phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase-dependent mechanism and promotes cell migration in Caco-2 cell monolayers.

Recent studies showed that c-Src and phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3) kinase mediate the oxidative stress-induced disruption of tight junctions in Caco-2 cell monolayers. The present study evaluated th...
Situated Ideals in Strategic Social Media: Applying Grounded Practical Theory in a Case of Successful Social Media Management

For as many theories about why using social media works in communication management, there are few studies that analyze how it actually works, leaving communicators with few standards beyond gut-instinct and “what’s working for now” management. This study explores social media management empirically on an in-depth level, using grounded practical theory principles and in-depth interviews with strategic communication professionals to uncover the strategies, processes, and situated ideals that underpin successful strategic communication via social media. Findings demonstrate the importance of communicator expertise and communication integration in managing social media communication.
Problem-based learning (PBL) trial in the Department of Anatomy, Jordan University of Science and Technology

Objectives: To train second year medical students to use anatomical knowledge to analyze, correlate and explain symptoms, signs, examinations and forms of treatment as an attempt to make them appreciate the significance of this branch of medical knowledge and to make their efforts in this direction more enjoyable. To achieve this it was thought that a modified model of problem-based learning (PBL) could do the job. In addition, the created model could be used as a starting focus of PBL in a traditional medical school for experimenting and possibly for further expansion. Design: The full scale PBL has been modified so that it can be implemented along with the ongoing traditional curriculum. The modifications included basically exchanging the students as tutors by the teacher and in some instances exposing the students to medical problems after exposure to the core knowledge. Setting and Subjects: Seventy-five second year medical students were exposed to one session a week for 10 weeks. The active discussion group included a small number of interested students and the rest formed an audience. Results: The students had 5 MCQs related to subjects discussed in the sessions in their formal exam and computer analysis of their results showed fine details of the problems were well perceived. The questionnaire's feedback showed a positive impact on the students.