cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract P3-01-27: Ectonucleotidase ATP hydrolysis facilitates breast cancer bone metastasis

Bone is the most common site for breast cancer metastasis. Osteocytes are the most abundant bone cell and can signal nearby cells by releasing ATP through connexin 43 hemichannels. We previously found that this signaling pathway hindered breast cancer growth in bone. In this study, we investigated the role of purinergic signaling on breast cancer bone metastasis in patient samples. Surprisingly, no ATP receptors were differentially expressed in bone metastases compared to other sites. However, enzymes that degrade ATP into adenosine (CD39/ENTPD1 and CD73/NT5E) were upregulated, as was the ADORA3 adenosine receptor (Limma, p=0.037, 0.016, 0.0019, respectively). We next investigated whether this expression signature in primary tumors predicts bone metastasis. In primary ER+ breast cancer, which predominately metastasizes to bone, high expression of these genes is correlated with lower distant metastasis-free survival (HR = 1.97, 1.49, 2.03, logrank p=0.0017, 0.0004, 0.0012). Moreover, this expression pattern is correlated with a bone metastasis signature (Spearman R=0.28, p=1.2 × 10−20). In a pharmacologic screen of 750 cancer cell lines, breast cancer lines and especially ER+ ones, are uniquely sensitive to a pan-adenosine receptor inhibitor (Limma, p=2.9 × 10−5) and ADORA3/2B inhibitor (p=5.4 × 10−5). Our findings suggest that an expression program to convert ATP to adenosine facilitates bone metastasis and begins in the primary tumor. ADORA3 inhibition is proposed as a pharmacologic strategy for preventing or treating bone metastasis. Furthermore, bone metastases should be analyzed in anti-CD39 and CD73 clinical trials. Citation Format: Daniel B Shropshire, Jaime Benavides, Jean X Jiang. Ectonucleotidase ATP hydrolysis facilitates breast cancer bone metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-01-27.
Characterizing and Forecasting Emergency Department Visits Related to COVID-19 Using Chief Complaints and Discharge Diagnoses

Abstract In response to the unprecedented public health challenge posed by the SARS CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) in the United States, we and our colleagues at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) have developed a model of COVID-19 progression using emergency department (ED) visit data from the National Capital Region (NCR). We obtained ED visits counts through targeted queries of the NCR Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics (ESSENCE). To focus on ED visits by COVID-19 patients, we adjusted the query results for typical ED visit volumes and for reductions in ED volumes due to COVID-19 precautions. With these ED visit data, we fitted a logistic growth model to characterize and forecast the increase in cumulative COVID-19 ED visits. Our model achieves the best fit when we assume that the first NCR visit occurred in early January. We estimate that approximately 15,000 COVID-19 ED visits occurred prior to May 2020 and that approximately 17,000 more visits will occur in subsequent months. We plan to deploy an operational pilot of this model in the NCR ESSENCE environment, assisting local public health authorities as they brace for a second wave of COVID-19. Additionally, we will iteratively assess potential model refinements, aiming to maximize our model’s relevance for local public health authorities’ situational awareness and decision-making.
Revisiting the Surgical Infection Society Delphi Analysis of the Research Agenda in Surgical Infections: Advancements and Unanswered Questions.

Background: In 2006, the Surgical Infection Society (SIS) used a modified Delphi process to enlist SIS member-experts to identify 15 research priorities in the field of surgical infectious diseases; it was intended to serve as a research road map for the next one to two decades. We sought to evaluate the progress made in each of these priority areas. Hypothesis: We examined the progress achieved with respect to the 15 research areas identified by the Delphi process at that time, hypothesizing that advances in knowledge would be achieved in most domains, if not all. Methods: Surgical Infection Society members were surveyed to determine whether each priority area question had been satisfactorily answered in the last 14 years; to assess the quality of evidence answering each question (1-3 scale); and to delineate whether there is a current unmet need for continued research in each area. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding these initiatives were also identified via literature search and their citations in the literature were tabulated. Results: Sixty-six members of the SIS responded to the survey. Thirteen of 15 research priority areas saw an increase in data perceived to be available as adjudged by experts, as well an increase in the number of RCTs addressing that topic. However, there were only six questions that were deemed by experts to be answered sufficiently, primarily regarding antibiotic duration for certain conditions and the impact of glycemic control on infection. The questions that remained unanswered related to nosocomial infections, sepsis/septic shock, prevention of SSI, and antimicrobial pharmacokinetics. For a majority of the questions that experts believed were not answered sufficiently (8/9), respondents opined that continued research into these areas was warranted. Conclusion: Whereas 40% (6/15) of the research questions prioritized by the SIS in 2006 were answered to the satisfaction of member-experts, there are many questions that remain unanswered despite an increase of available data. Revisiting these research priorities highlights advancements made in the field of surgical infections, but also helps identify the areas that would benefit from continued study. That a majority of questions remain unanswered underscores an opportunity for member-experts to collaborate on SIS-managed or -endorsed RCTs.
Implementing targeted poverty alleviation: a policy implementation typology

Existing research on the targeted poverty alleviation program in China struggles to explain the dynamics of policy implementation. This article incorporates individual-level factors such as street-...
Edge scaling limit of Dyson Brownian motion at equilibrium for general $β\geq 1$

For general $\beta \geq 1$, we consider Dyson Brownian motion at equilibrium and prove convergence of the extremal particles to an ensemble of continuous sample paths in the limit $N \to \infty$. For each fixed time, this ensemble is distributed as the Airy$_\beta$ random point field. We prove that the increments of the limiting process are locally Brownian. When $\beta >1$ we prove that after subtracting a Brownian motion, the sample paths are almost surely locally $r$-H{o}lder for any $r<1-(1+\beta)^{-1}$. Furthermore for all $\beta \geq 1$ we show that the limiting process solves an SDE in a weak sense. When $\beta=2$ this limiting process is the Airy line ensemble.
A double negative post-transcriptional regulatory circuit mediates the virgin behavioral state

Summary The survival and reproductive success of animals depends on the ability to harmonize their external behaviors with their internal states. For example, females conduct numerous social programs that are distinctive to virgins, compared to post-mated and/or pregnant individuals. In Drosophila, the fact that this post-mating switch is initiated by seminal factors implies that the default state is virgin. However, we recently showed that loss of miR-iab-4/8-mediated repression of the transcription factor Homothorax (Hth) within the abdominal ventral nerve cord (VNC) causes virgin females to execute mated behaviors. To elucidate new components of this post-transcriptional regulatory circuit, we used genomic analysis of mir-iab-4/8 deletion and hth-miRNA binding site mutants (hth[BSmut]) to elucidate doublesex (dsx) as a critical downstream factor. While Dsx has mostly been studied during sex-specific differentiation, its activities in neurons are little known. We find that accumulation of Dsx in the CNS is highly complementary to Hth, and downregulated in miRNA/hth[BSmut] mutants. Moreover, virgin behavior is highly dose-sensitive to developmental dsx function. Strikingly, depletion of Dsx in SAG-1 cells, a highly restricted set of abdominal neurons, abrogates female virgin conducts in favor of mated behavioral programs. Thus, a double negative post-transcriptional pathway in the VNC (miR-iab-4/8 -| Hth -| Dsx) specifies the virgin behavioral state.
Techno-Economic Analysis of decentralized preprocessing systems for fast pyrolysis biorefineries with blended feedstocks in the southeastern United States

Abstract This study evaluated the economic feasibility of fast pyrolysis biorefineries fed with blended pine residues and switchgrass in the Southeastern U.S. with different supply chain design. Previous techno-economic analyses (TEA) have focused on either blended biomass or decentralized preprocessing without investigating the impacts of varied process parameters, technology options, and real-world biomass distribution. This study fills the literature gap by modeling scenarios for different biomass blending ratios, biorefinery and preprocessing site (so-called depot) capacities, and alternative preprocessing technologies. High-resolution, real-world geospatial data were analyzed using Geographic Information Systems to facilitate supply chain design and TEA. For a decentralized system, the minimum fuel selling price (MFSP) of biofuel was $3.92–$4.33 per gallon gasoline equivalent (GGE), while the MFSP for the centralized biorefinery at the same capacities ranged between $3.75–$4.02/GGE. Implementing a high moisture pelleting process depot rather than a conventional pelleting process lowered the MFSP by $0.03–$0.17/GGE. Scenario analysis indicated decreased MFSP with increasing biorefinery capacities but not necessarily with increasing depot size. Medium-size depots (500 OMDT/day) achieved the lowest MFSP. This analysis identified the optimal blending ratios for two preprocessing technologies at varied depot sizes. Counterintuitively, increasing the proportion of higher cost switchgrass reduced the MFSP for large biorefineries (>5000 ODMT/day), but increased the MFSP for small biorefineries (1000–2500 ODMT/day). Although the decentralized systems have a higher MFSP based on current analysis, it has other potential benefits such as mitigated supply chain risks and improved feedstock quality that are difficult to be quantified in this TEA.
Delamination Fault Compensation in Composite Structures

In this study, a methodology is presented to use smart materials for compensation of the negative influences of delamination on the natural frequencies of composite structures. Natural frequency as a physical characteristic of these structures should be designed and kept within a specific range. Delamination, being one of the most common and important types of faults in composite structures, strongly affects the natural frequencies. Based on the fault specifications (i.e., number, severity, location, etc.) the numerical values of the natural frequencies would be different. During the operation of these structures, it is normally impractical or expensive to fix the delamination fault, but it is desirable to keep the structure’s functioning intact. In this study, we present a methodology to partially activate pre-embedded Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) and keep the natural frequencies of delaminated composite structures in the desired ranges.
Neighborhood, Peer, and Parental Influences on Minor and Major Substance Use of Latino and Black Adolescents.

Self-report survey data were collected from 797 adolescents (47.2% Latino, 52.8% Black) in North Carolina. Path analyses were conducted to examine relationships between youth perceptions of maternal and paternal monitoring, neighborhood crime/drugs, friends’ delinquency, peer victimization, minor substance use, and major substance use. After establishing a good fitting model, multigroup models were conducted for Blacks vs. Latinos. The results indicated perceived maternal monitoring (and paternal monitoring for Latinos) was directly related to decreased exposure to neighborhood crime/drugs and friends’ delinquency. For Latinos and Blacks, maternal and paternal monitoring were directly related to gateway substance use, and indirectly related to major substance use through gateway substance use. Additionally, friends’ delinquency and peer victimization were directly related to gateway and major substance use for Blacks and Latinos. Thus, exposure to neighborhood crime/drugs was indirectly related to substance use through friends’ delinquency and peer victimization.
Thyrotropin Suppression for Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Physician Survey Study.

Background: Current guidelines recommend against thyrotropin (TSH) suppression in low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer patients; however, physician practices remain underexplored. Our objective w...
Differential Diagnosis, Decision-Making, and Pathways of Care: Acute Thrombosis and Non-thrombotic Positional Compression

Venous thoracic outlet syndrome (VTOS) may present with a variety of symptoms and at different stages of the disease process. While the common denominator of these varied presentations is subclavian vein compression at the thoracic outlet, management of each presentation has different elements and decision making. Thrombolysis, angioplasty, stenting, and surgical decompression may be appropriate for some presentations, but may not serve for others. This chapter discusses the management of acute subclavian vein thrombosis (Paget Schroetter syndrome) and non-thrombotic positional compression (McCleery’s syndrome). The focus of this chapter is on the evaluation and the care pathways which lead to best outcomes for these patients.
Bevel Your Distal Ascending or Hemi-Arch Anastomosis

When performing a distal aortic (clamp-on) or hemi-arch (clamp-off) anastomosis, bear in mind the following:
Design Study for the Conversion of the Oak Ridge Isochronous Cyclotron from an Energy Constant of K=90 to K=300 MeV

A possible method of achieving a K=300 MeV cyclotron by increasing the average magnetic field of the Oak Ridge Isochronous Cyclotron (ORIC) from 18.6 to 33.9 kG with superconducting coils has been investigated.
Taxation and the Competitiveness of Sovereign Wealth Funds: Do Taxes Encourage Sovereign Wealth Funds to Invest in the United States?

Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) control vast amounts of capital and have made and are continuing to make numerous large, high-profile investments in the United States, especially in the financial services industry. Those investments in particular and SWFs in general are highly controversial. There is much discussion of the advantages and disadvantages to the United States of investments by SWFs and there is an intense and ongoing debate over what should be the United States' policy towards investments by SWFs. In the course of that debate, some critics have called upon the US government to abandon its long-held public position of neutrality towards foreign investment and to use the income tax to discourage investments by SWFs. Surprisingly, in light of such calls, there is little understanding of how the tax system affects the competition among SWFs, private foreign investors and US investors to acquire US assets. It is that issue I seek to explore. Accordingly, in this essay, I develop a model for how taxes influence the ownership of assets, and I then apply that model to investments in US equities, US debt, and US real estate. Where feasible, I estimate the tax-induced advantage or disadvantage SWFs have relative to private foreign investors and US investors for each asset class under current law. I also discuss how US tax law could be reformed to reduce the existing tax-induced advantages and disadvantages of SWFs.
Electrophoretic characterization of glucose dehydrogenase, β-glucuronidase, and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase from placenta and gestational serum

Abstract Methods were devised for demonstrating isoenzyme patterns of 3 enzymes from human placenta: glucose dehydrogenase, β-glucuronidase, and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase. Starch gel electrophoresis of extracts from 12 placentas revealed electrophoretic variants of all 3 enzymes. A single isoenzyme of β-glucuronidase and one of N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase were found to be increased in gestational serum. The placenta did not seem to be the source of either elevated serum level. In contrast to increases seen in both isoenzymes during pregnancy, an increase in only the serum β-glucuronidase isoenzyme was noted in women taking an oral contraceptive preparation.
Solar-Wind Magnetosphere Coupling

magnetosphere is described in general terms within the context of two antipodal coupling models: the Dungey (open) model and the Axford-Hines (closed) model. The basic element of solar-wind magnetosphere coupling is the magnetospheric convection flow driven by the solar-wind flow at their common boundary. The voltage across this flow is the fundamental measure of the coupling rate. The magnitude of this voltage, and its dependence on interplanetary magnetic-field direction, are the two basic observational data, and both data appear to favor the open model. The data, however, admit the possibility of observable closed-model coupling processes which, although they may not have global terrestrial consequences, are nevertheless of intrinsic interest.
Reconciling the needs of architectural description with object-modeling notations

Complex software systems require expressive notations for representing their software architectures. Two competing paths have emerged. One is to use a specialized notation for architecture - or architecture description language (ADL). The other is to adapt a general-purpose modeling notation, such as UML. The latter has a number of benefits, including familiarity to developers, close mapping to implementations, and commercial tool support. However, it remains an open question as to how best to use object-oriented notations for architectural description, and, indeed, whether they are sufficiently expressive, as currently defined. In this paper we take a systematic look at these questions, examining the space of possible mappings from ADLs into object notations. Specifically, we describe (a) the principle strategies for representing architectural structure in UML; (b) the benefits and limitations of each strategy; and (c) aspects of architectural description that are intrinsically difficult to model in UML using the strategies.
H2A- and H2E-Derived CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells: A Potential Role in Reciprocal Inhibition by Class II Genes in Autoimmune Thyroiditis

We recently described a novel H2E class II-transgenic model (A − E + ) of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) that permits disease induction with heterologous thyroglobulin (Tg), but unlike conventional susceptible strains, precludes self-reactivity to autologous mouse Tg. In transgenic E + B10 (A + E + ) mice, the presence of endogenous H2A genes is protective against H2E -mediated thyroiditis, inhibiting EAT development. The suppressive effect of H2A genes on H2E -mediated thyroiditis mirrors previous reports of H2E suppression on H2A -mediated autoimmune diseases, including EAT. The mechanism of the reciprocal-suppressive effect between class II genes is unclear, although the involvement of regulatory T cells has been proposed. We have recently reported that CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells mediate peripheral tolerance induced with mouse Tg in CBA mice. To determine whether these cells play a role in our E + -transgenic model, we first confirmed the existence of CD4 + CD25 + T cells regulating thyroiditis in E + B10.Ab 0 (A − E + ) and B10 (A + E − ) mice by i.v. administration of CD25 mAb before EAT induction. The depletion of CD4 + CD25 + T cells enhanced thyroiditis induction in the context of either H2E or H2A. Moreover, reconstitution of CD4 + CD25 + T cells from naive B10 mice restored resistance to EAT. E + B10 (A + E + ) mice were also depleted of CD4 + CD25 + T cells before the challenge to determine their role in thyroiditis in the presence of both H2A and H2E genes. Depletion of CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells offset the suppression of H2E -mediated thyroiditis by H2A . Thus, these regulatory T cells may be involved in the reciprocal-suppressive effect between class II genes.
Regulatory elements within the murine leukemia virus enhancer regions mediate glucocorticoid responsiveness.

Abstract Enhancer elements within nonleukemogenic (Akv) and T-cell leukemogenic (SL3-3) murine leukemia viruses demonstrate strong cell type preference in transcriptional activity. These transcription elements are additionally regulated by the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone, and this pattern of regulation varies according to cell type. The sequences required for dexamethasone regulation for both Akv and SL3-3 are shown to include a 17-nucleotide consensus sequence previously termed the glucocorticoid response element (GRE). Although the GREs are identical for both viral enhancers, the sequences surrounding these elements differ, as does the spatial arrangement of the GRE sequences with respect to one another. It is proposed that the spatial arrangement of the GREs, as well as their precise sequence context, determines the difference in the response to dexamethasone of the enhancers in different cell types.
Postoperative outcomes with cholecystectomy in lung transplant recipients.

Introduction There is a paucity of data on outcomes for lung transplant (LT) recipients requiring general surgery procedures. This study examined outcomes after cholecystectomy in LT recipients using a large database. Methods The National Inpatient Sample Database (2005–2010) was queried for all LT patients requiring laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and open cholecystectomy (OC). Results There were a total of 377 cholecystectomies performed in LT patients. The majority were done for acute cholecystitis (n = 218; 57%) and were done urgently/emergently (n = 258; 68%). There were a total of 304 (81%) laparoscopic cholecystectomies and 73 (19%) OC. There was no difference in age when comparing the laparoscopic and open groups (53.6 vs 55.5 years; P = .39). In addition, the Charlson Comorbidity Index was similar in the 2 groups (P = .07). Patients undergoing OC were more likely to have perioperative myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolus, or any complication compared with the laparoscopic group. Total hospital charges ($59,137.00 vs $106,329.80; P = .03) and median duration of stay (4.0 vs 8.0 days; P = .02) were both greater with open compared with LC. Conclusion Cholecystectomy can be performed safely in the LT population with minimal morbidity and mortality.
Tying textures of breadcrust bombs to their transport regime and cooling history

The thermal evolution of explosive eruptive events such as volcanic plumes and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) is reflected in the textures of the material they deposit. Here we evaluate how the rinds of breadcrust bombs can be used as a unique thermometer to examine mafic to intermediate explosive eruptions. These eruptions can produce breadcrust bombs in either PDCs or as projectiles following nearly ballistic trajectories. We develop an integrated model to examine bubble growth, pyroclast cooling, and dynamics of PDCs and projectiles from buoyant plumes. We examine rind development as a function of transport regime (PDC and projectile), transport properties (initial current temperature and current density), and pyroclast properties (initial water content and radius). The model reveals that: 1) rinds of projectile pyroclasts are in general thicker and less vesicular than those of PDC pyroclasts; 2) as the initial current temperature decreases due to initial air entrainment, the rinds on PDC pyroclasts progressively increase in thickness; and 3) rind thickness increases with decreasing water concentration and decreasing clast radius. Therefore, the modeled pyroclast's morphology is dependent not only on initial water concentration but also on the cooling rate, which is determined by the transport regime.
Synthesis, Characterization and Pharmacodynamics of Vitamin-B12-Conjugated Glucagon-Like Peptide-1

Clearing the way: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are proving a potent weapon in the treatment of type II diabetes. A new vitamin B(12)-GLP-1 conjugate is investigated and shown to have insulinotropic properties similar to the unmodified peptide. These results are critical to the exploitation of the vitamin B(12) oral uptake pathway for peptide delivery.
Hepatic prolactin binding is rapidly altered by endotoxin in lactating mice

Abstract Endotoxin or lippolysaccharide (LPS), a component of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, produces profound physiologic changes in most mammals. The effects of LPS on ovine prolactin (oPRL) binding by hepatic membranes of lactating mice is explored in this report. Specific 125 I-oPRL binding by liver membranes from LPS-responder C3HfB/HeN mice increased two-fold within fifteen minutes of the injection of LPS, while no change was observed in the non-responder C3H/HeJ mice. Specific 125 I-insulin binding did not change. Scatchard analysis of equilibrium binding of oPRL to C3HfB/HeN liver membranes indicated that within fifteen minutes of LPS injection, a receptor of differing binding affinity appears and then disappears by one hour post-injection. We propose that these rapid alterations in the specific binding of oPRL by liver membranes from LPS-injected, lactating C3HfB/HeN mice are due to the transient creation or unmasking of a novel class of PRL receptor.
Silicone Sponge Rejection: Early and Late Complications in Retinal Detachment Surgery

Thirty-one cases in a series of 127 cases operated on by the Lincoff technique for retinal detachment surgery required removal of the silicone sponge implants. Sponge rejection or infection can be divided into two distinct categories: Early and late. Nine cases were classified early and required removal of the sponge within the first eight weeks following surgery. These cases were a result of contamination at the time of surgery or in the immediate postoperative period. Twenty-three cases required sponge removal between two months and four years following surgery. We believe that mechanical factors affecting the implant are primarily responsible for sponge rejection in these late cases and that infection and foreign body reaction play only a secondary role.
Laminar thermal plume rise in a thermally stratified environment

Abstract The problem investigated is that of a heated laminar plume rising in a quiescent fluid with stable thermal stratification. Equations, valid for Pr ≤ 1, which describe the behavior of the centerline plume velocity, temperature excess, and plume radius are developed, based on an approximate entrainment rate theory for narrow laminar flows originally proposed by Morton [2]. The theory assumes that profiles of mean vertical velocity and excess temperature are Gaussian distributions at all heights, and that the entrainment coefficient, which is the ratio of radial inflow velocity to mean centerline velocity, is a constant. Experiments are performed with plumes generated by small disk heaters using air as the stratified fluid. The terminal height of rise of these plumes are measured for various thermal stratifications and heat release rates. A method is devised whereby the results for actual, finite sized heat sources can be related to the theoretical results for point sources. The experimental results are then used to determine the value of the entrainment coefficient, which is found to be nearly 1.
Advances in Human Mitochondrial Diseases: Molecular Genetic Analysis of Pathogenic mtDNA Mutations

The mitochondrial diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders that have been defined by specific morphological alterations in muscle and by deficits of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. The morphological hallmarks of these diseases include ragged-red fibers (an extensive proliferation of mitochondria in muscle fibers) and abnormal paracrystalline inclusions and membrane structures in mitochondria. The identification of pathogenic mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has resulted in a genetic classification of mitochondrial diseases. Investigations are being conducted to understand the molecular basis for the biochemical and morphological alterations of mitochondria associated with mtDNA mutations. © 1997, Elsevier Science Inc. (Trends Cardiovasc Med 1997;7:16-24).
Linear and rotation motion aftereffects as a function of inspection duration

Subjects rated the strength of linear and rotary motion aftereffects (MAEs) on an eleven point scale. Inspection durations ranged from 30 to 180 sec in 30 sec steps. In Expt 1, trials using a single inspection duration were spaced at least 22 hr apart to minimize the possibility of interactions between adapting stimuli and long lasting aftereffects. In Expt 2, a counterbalanced sequence of inspection durations was completed in a single session. Total duration of the MAE and durations of the decay phase and tail were measured directly. The decay time constant (DTC), the time it takes for rated strength of the MAE to drop to 1/e of its initial value, was calculated from a line fit to a semilog plot of the ratings during the decay phase. The DTC is inversely related to the decay rate which is indexed by the slope of this line. In both experiments, the duration and DTC increased, and decay rate decreased, with increasing inspection duration for both rotary and linear MAEs. This finding replicates the results for linear MAEs and extends them to rotation MAEs. There were no discernible differences between the two types of MAEs. When the trials were spaced, the total duration increased with the square root of inspection duration. The DTC did not follow the square root rule over the entire range but appeared to approximate it for inspection durations of 90 sec and above. When trials were massed, the square root rule did not appear to apply at all.
A technical services perspective of implementing an organizational review while simultaneously installing an integrated library system

In December 1992, Appalachian State University Library personnel embarked on a lengthy, wide-ranging assessment of the Library's organizational structure. In March 1994, after over a year of preparation, examination, and study, a steering committee presented a new organizational model to Library staff and faculty. In February 1994 a contract was signed to install a new integrated library system (INNOPAC). The latter half of 1994 was devoted to implementing the new organizational model while simultaneously installing the new automated system. This paper describes the unique challenges this situation presented to the organization from a technical services perspective.
Propranolol in the Management of Airway Infantile Hemangiomas

Objective To report our experience with propranolol in managing airway infantile hemangiomas. Design Case series of 3 consecutive patients who had extensive, symptomatic airway infantile hemangiomas treated with propranolol. Setting Tertiary academic medical center. Patients Three infants with facial cutaneous hemangiomas who developed stridor that progressed to respiratory distress, which according to laryngoscopic examination results was confirmed to be caused by extensive subglottic hemangiomas. These patients underwent follow-up during their course of therapy, ranging from 3 weeks to 15 months. Results Patient 1 failed to respond to systemic corticosteroids, laser ablation, and intravenous vincristine for her airway hemangioma and had to undergo tracheotomy. She was given propranolol after her tracheotomy and had a significant reduction in her subglottic airway obstruction. Patient 2 developed progressive stridor secondary to airway hemangioma at age 6½ months following tapering of systemic corticosteroids prescribed for her periorbital hemangioma. Systemic corticosteroids were restarted with the addition of propranolol. The stridor improved within 24 hours, and she was able to be weaned off corticosteroids. Patient 3 was also treated with initial combined therapy of systemic corticosteroids and propranolol. He had a significant reduction in stridor within 24 hours and was weaned off corticosteroids. Conclusions Our 3 patients had severe respiratory symptoms related to their airway infantile hemangiomas. In the first patient, propranolol was used when other treatments were ineffective or associated with intolerable adverse effects. In the second and third patients, propranolol was part of a dual regimen that resulted in rapid resolution of airway symptoms and allowed for quicker weaning of corticosteroids.
Seasonal ozone behavior along an elevation gradient in the Colorado Front Range Mountains

Abstract Ambient surface ozone was monitored for one year at a series of seven sites along an elevation gradient from 1600 m to 3500 m above sea level (ASL) in Boulder County, Colorado. Spatial variability of ozone, quantified as the root mean squared deviation of hourly ozone per kilometer horizontal separation, decreased with elevation and distance from local sources, validating the assumption that (except at the City of Boulder (BO) site) the results of the study are representative of the Colorado Front Range. The northern hemisphere (NH) tropospheric spring ozone peak was clearly apparent in late April and early May and affected ozone at all elevations. Ozone consistently increased with elevation during winter, with a mean monthly rate of 1.5 ppbv per 100 m elevation. In summer, this monotonic increase in ozone with elevation was not observed; instead mean monthly ozone increased in two steps, by ∼15 ppbv between 1610 m and 1940 m ASL and by ∼10 ppbv between 3350 m and 3530 m ASL to a maximum of 60 ppbv. The amplitude of the diurnal ozone cycle decreased with increasing elevation. Average summertime diurnal swings in ozone concentration had a magnitude of 29 ppbv at 1610 m ASL, and 7–16 ppbv at the mid-elevation sites. In winter a diurnal cycle was observed only at the BO site, ozone concentrations at the remaining six locations changed on a multi-day timescale, indicating regional background behavior as the primary factor for wintertime ozone. Even the highest elevation site was influenced by transported urban air pollution in summer, indicated by the average 5 ppbv diurnal increase in ozone. Ozone exposure at the mid- to high-elevation sites in many instances approached and exceeded the 8-h National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 75 ppbv. The elevated ozone levels along this transect were interpreted to be caused by the confounding effects of the high elevation of these sites, increased ozone in long-range transported air, and anthropogenic ozone production in air transported from the nearby urban and suburban areas east of the Colorado Front Range Mountains.
Application of richardson extrapolation to linear functional equations with mildly smooth solutions

Sufficient conditions are given under which discretization errors for numerical methods applied to linear functional equations possess power series expansions of a special form. The conditions are quite general and are applicable, for example, to problems whose solutions are only mildly smooth. It is shown that Richardson extrapolation can be applied to numerical methods that possess such error expansions. Several numerical examples are presented that illustrate application of the conditions.
UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT BLEEDING

Upper GI bleeding is a serious and common emergency. Most upper GI bleeding will stop spontaneously but determining which patients will continue to bleed or rebleed is very difficult in the ED. Resuscitation and stabilization are the primary goals of the emergency physician. Hemorrhage control with pharmacotherapy or balloon tamponade may be necessary until urgent or emergent consultation with a gastroenterologist or surgeon is obtained. Early detection and treatment of H. pylori and the development of safer NSAIDs should alter the future of upper GI bleeding dramatically.
An Integrated Model of Privacy Decision Making in State Supreme Courts

This study predicts state supreme court judges' votes on claims based on a right to privacy by estimating an integrated model that incorporates contextual, attitudinal, and legal variables, includi...
Finishing mitosis, one step at a time

The final stages of mitosis begin in anaphase, when the mitotic spindle segregates the duplicated chromosomes. Mitotic exit is then completed by disassembly of the spindle and packaging of chromosomes into daughter nuclei. The successful completion of mitosis requires that these events occur in a strict order. Two main mechanisms govern progression through late mitosis: dephosphorylation of cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) substrates and destruction of the substrates of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC). Here, we discuss the hypothesis that the order of late mitotic events depends, at least in part, on the order in which different Cdk and APC substrates are dephosphorylated or destroyed, respectively.
The thermal analysis of alkylarsonic acids

Abstract The behavior of a series of alkylarsonic acids, CnH2n+1AsO3H2 (n = 1-20), has been studied by thermogravimetry (TG). At atmospheric pressure the compounds have been observed to undergo dehydration to the pyroarsonic acids, which on further heating decomposed into arsenic trioxide, the alkanol, and gases which could not be trapped in CCl4 at −20 to −30°. At 10 mm Hg, TG curves showed that the arsonic acids lost 1 mole of H2O per mole of acid. The insoluble polymeric anhydrides which were produced decomposed on further heating into arsenic trioxide and the alkanols. These anhydrides are hygroscopic and were easily converted to the parent acids by moisture.
The effect of nitrogen on the structure and mobility of dislocations in Fe-Ni-Cr austenite

The structure and the critical resolved shear stress for the motion of the straight a/2〈110〉 edge and screw dislocations in Fe-Ni-Cr and Fe-Ni-Cr-N austenite have been analysed using the conjugate gradient method to minimize the potential energy of the crystal and the embedded atom method to quantify atomic interactions at 0 K. In Fe-Ni-Cr austenite both the edge and the screw dislocations dissociate along one of the {111} planes forming a stacking-fault ribbon. The ribbon widths are comparable to their values calculated using continuum theory. Dissociated edge and screw dislocations require very similar levels of shear stress for their motion. In Fe-Ni-Cr-N austenite, the structure of the dislocation core of the a/2〈110〉 edge dislocation does not seem to be significantly affected by the presence of nitrogen. In sharp contrast, the core structure of the dissociated a/2〈110〉 dislocation undergoes a major change, resulting in spreading of the core on to two or more non-parallel planes. As a result, a significantly higher level of stress is required for the motion of a screw than an edge dislocation. Under certain conditions the interaction of nitrogen atoms with screw dislocations can result in pinning of the dislocations. The potential mechanism for the motion of the pinned screw dislocations by formation and motion of edge-type kinks is briefly discussed.
Technical and Patient-related Characteristics Associated with Challenging Retrieval of Inferior Vena Cava Filters

Objective To identify patient-related and device-specific predictors of challenging and failed inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrievals. Methods Retrospective single center review of consecutive retrievable IVC filters placed between 2004 and 2009. Retrieval was defined as challenging when it was unsuccessful owing to reported technical failure or when adjunctive endovascular maneuvers or access sites were recruited. Data regarding patient- and filter-specific information were collected. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of the reported outcomes. Statistical significance was set at p Results Four hundred and one patients underwent retrievable IVC filter placement—the majority indicated for prophylaxis (67%). Two hundred and fifty-nine retrievals were attempted and 237 filters were successfully retrieved (overall retrieval rate: 59.1%). Eleven out of 259 (4.2%) attempts were aborted owing to significant thrombus within the filter and 11 (4.2%) were technically unsuccessful. In 142 patients no attempt for filter retrieval was made—the major reason being physician oversight (44.3%). Thirty-eight out of 248 (15.3%) non-aborted filter retrievals were recorded as challenging. Failed retrievals were predicted by prolonged dwell time (96.9 ± 111.9 vs. 29.5 ± 25.1 days, odds ratio [OR] 1.034, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.016–1.053, p p = .028), and filter wall apposition (OR 11.857, 95% CI 2.069–67.968, p = .006). Challenging retrievals were predicted by dwell time (51.1 ± 69.8 vs. 29.1 ± 24.5 days, OR 1.017, 95% CI 1.005–1.029, p = .007), filter tilt (OR 2.607, 95% CI 1.045–6.508, p = .040) and filter wall apposition (OR 6.149, 95% CI 2.398–15.763, p = Conclusions Physician oversight leads to poor IVC filter retrieval rates. Retrievals can be challenging or fail when the dwell time is >50 days and >90 days, respectively, and when the filter hook apposes the caval wall. Filter tilt increases retrieval difficulty but not failure rates.
Computer Aided Design of Experiments

A computer oriented method which assists in the construction of response surface type experimental plans is described. It takes into account constraints met in practice that standard procedures do not consider explicitly. The method is a sequential one and each step covers the experimental region uniformly. Applications to well-known situations are given to demonstrate the reasonableness of the procedure. Application to a ‘messy” design situation is given to demonstrate its novelty.
Disorder in the representational warehouse.

Although developmental psychologists are generally happy to endorse dissociationist and gradualist views of development like Woolley's (2006), the design and interpretation of developmental research often suggests an implicit commitment to a cleaner, less dissociative, sudden-transition view of development. Such an implicit commitment may derive some of its power from the “representational warehouse” model of cognition and development that rose to prominence in the cognitive revolution. An alternative model of cognition and development, grounded in dispositional patterns of responding to stimuli, more naturally accommodates dissociative phenomena in development and highlights mechanisms for self-regulation and for fashioning and deploying representations, or depictions, in a uniquely human way.
Synthesis, photophysics, and reverse saturable absorption of platinum complexes bearing extended π-conjugated C^N^N ligands.

The synthesis of ligands 1-L–6-L that feature the 6-[9,9-di(2-ethylhexyl)-7-R-9H-fluoren-2-yl]-2,2′-bipyridine (C^N^N) core (R = 4-R′-phenylethynyl with R′ = NO2, benzothiazol-2-yl (BTZ), H and OCH3 or R = 4′-BTZ-phenyl or BTZ) and their platinum complexes 1–6 were reported in this paper. The photophysical properties of these ligands and the Pt(II) complexes, including the UV-vis absorption spectra, emission characteristics at room temperature and at 77 K, and the triplet transient difference absorption spectra, were systematically investigated in order to understand the effects of the substituent at the 4-position of the 1-ethynylphenyl component and the extension of π-conjugation between the C^N^N core and the BTZ substituent. Reverse saturable absorption (RSA) of complexes 1–6 was demonstrated at 532 nm using 4.1 ns laser pulses. The UV-vis absorption spectra of 1-L–6-L are featured by strong 1π,π* transitions in the blue spectral region, and the absorption bands are effectively red-shifted by substitution at the 4-position of the ethynylphenyl motif and by the extended π-conjugation of the linkage. A similar effect was observed for the fluorescence spectra of these ligands in CH2Cl2 at room temperature, but the nature of the fluorescence varies from 1π,π* fluorescence in 3-L and 6-L, to intraligand charge transfer (1ILCT) fluorescence in 1-L, 2-L and 5-L; while 4-L possesses mixed 1π,π*/1ILCT characters. All ligands exhibit moderate triplet transient absorption (TA) in the visible spectral region, with substitution at the 4-position of the ethynylphenyl component broadening of the TA bands, while extended π-conjugation of the linkage inducing red-shifts of the TA bands. For Pt(II) complexes 1–6, their UV-vis absorption spectra constitute red-shifted 1π,π* transitions and low-energy metal-to-ligand charge transfer (1MLCT/1ILCT) tails. The emission of these complexes at room temperature in CH2Cl2 predominantly originates from the C^N^N core localized 3π,π* state, probably mixed with minor 3MLCT character. 4-Position substitution and extended π-conjugation on the ligands exert a negligible effect on the shape and energy of the emission spectra. Similar to their respective ligands, 1–6 all exhibit broader and red-shifted TA spectra with respect to their ligands and both the 4-position substitution and extended π-conjugation bathochromically shift the TA band maxima. The nonlinear transmission experiments carried out for 1–6 at 532 nm reveal that all complexes exhibit strong reverse saturable absorption (RSA), and the degree of RSA follows this trend: 6 <4 <5 <2 ≤3 <1. The RSA performance is efficiently improved by electron-withdrawing substituents (NO2 and BTZ) and by extending the π-conjugation; while electron-donating substituent (OCH3 in 4) decreases the RSA at 532 nm.
Comparison of the Structural Properties of the Active Site Cavities of Human and Rat Monoamine Oxidase A and B in Their Soluble and Membrane-Bound Forms†

Structural properties of the active site cavities in human and rat monoamine oxidases (MAOA and MAOB) have been studied in their detergent-purified and outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) bound forms using a spin-labeled irreversible inhibitor (ParSL) as an active specific spin probe. ParSL has been found to be 5−10-fold more specific for human MAOB (hMAOB) with a Ki of ca. 20 μM, compared to Ki's in the range of 100−200 μM observed for other human and rat MAOs. Solvent accessibilities of the active-site-bound spin probes have been determined by studying the power saturation properties of the spin probe EPR signals in the presence and absence of a polar paramagnetic reagent NiEDDA and by measuring the extent of spin probe reductions on treatment with excess ascorbic acid. Results presented here show that the spin probe bound to the hMAOA active site is ca. 7−8-fold more accessible than in hMAOB. In contrast, the spin probes covalently attached to the two rat enzyme active sites show comparable accessibilit...
Effects of Stress on Perceived Performance of Collegiate Aviators

Studies have shown that elevated levels of stress can have a significant impact on an individual’s cognitive processes. This study evaluated the effects of stress on the perceived flight performance of collegiate aviators. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to group the participants into one of three stress groups (low, medium, or high). The study participants’ levels of perceived flight performance were also measured using a survey. The results of the study indicated that the low stress group and the medium stress group had perceived flight performance scores that were significantly higher than those of the high stress group. Additionally, a strong negative correlation was found between the participants’ stress levels and their perceived performance levels.