cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the cytotoxic mechanisms mediated by the broad-spectrum antitumor alkaloid acronycine and selected semisynthetic derivatives.

Abstract Acronycine (I) is a broad-spectrum antitumor agent whose development as a clinically useful agent has been hindered, in part, due to its poor solubility characteristics. With the goal of acquiring information that may prove of value in the development of structurally related compounds of greater clinical utility, mechanistic studies were performed with acronycine (I) and two semisynthetic derivatives, 2-nitroacronycine (II) and acronycine azine (III). These three substances demonstrated cytotoxic activity with several human tumor cell lines (breast, colon, lung, melanoma, KB-3, and drug-resistant KB-V1). Compounds II and III demonstrated greater activity than I, and more detailed studies were performed with cultured human breast cancer cells (UISO-BCA-1). Acronycine azine (III) induced the cells to accumulate in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. It effectively inhibited the in vitro catalytic activities of partially purified DNA and RNA polymerases in a manner that was competitive with respect to DNA substrate. As judged by spectrophotometric titration, compound III interacted with calf thymus DNA, calf liver RNA, and a variety of single- and double-stranded (deoxy)ribonucleotides. Although no nucleic acid base specificity was discernable, this interaction appeared to be related to the cytotoxic mechanism of this dimeric substance. Monomeric compounds I and II did not interact with nucleic acids, but were effective inhibitors of DNA and RNA synthesis as judged by in vitro systems comprised of cultured UISO-BCA-1 cells or homogenates derived from these cells. The relative inhibitory activities of compounds I and II correlated with their cytotoxic activities suggesting a causal relationship. In addition, these two compounds induced cultured cells to accumulate in the phase of the cell cycle wherein the DNA content ranged from 2n–4n (S + G2/M), and inhibited in vitro DNA and RNA synthesis in a manner that was competitive with respect to nucleotide (TTP or UTP) substrate. Compounds I and II demonstrated greater cytotoxic activity with drug-resistant KB-V1 cells as compared with the parent (drug-sensitive) cell line, whereas this was not the case with compound III. Based on these results and previous literature reports, compounds I, II and III are likely to function by multiple mechanisms of action. However, it appears that alteration of nucleic acid metabolism is key to the activity of each of the substances.
Modelling the performance of large-scale systems

Performance modelling can be used throughout the development, deployment and maintenance of system hardware and application software. In this work the authors illustrate three uses of performance modelling on large-scale systems: the verification of performance during system installation, the comparison of two large-scale systems, and the prediction of performance on possible future architectures. They detail how a performance model gave an expectation of the performance of ASCI Q, a 20Tflop system recently installed at Los Alamos. A comparison between ASCI Q and the Earth Simulator is also detailed, resulting in the sizing of an AlphaServer system that has the same performance as the Earth Simulator. The modelling approach is application centric. A detailed model is developed for each application of interest based on a static analysis of the code but parametrised in terms of its dynamic behaviour.
Experiences during the first four years of a postpartum perineal clinic in the USA

Abstract Objective To assess the characteristics of patients seen at a postpartum perineal clinic in the USA during the first 4 years of its existence, and to identify factors contributing to the clinic’s success. Methods In a retrospective study, the charts of patients presenting to the clinic between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2011, were reviewed for presenting complaint, findings, treatment, number of visits, and referral source. Strategies that led to successful clinic implementation were reviewed. Results A total of 247 patients were seen during the 4-year period. Indications for referral included lacerations, pain, urinary and fecal incontinence, and fistulas. The most common referral indication was a third- or fourth-degree laceration, which affected 154 (62.3%) patients. Overall, 53 (21.5%) patients required a procedure, of whom 20 (8.1%) underwent surgery. Most women were counseled about pelvic floor exercises, and 39 (15.8%) were referred for pelvic floor physical therapy. Nurse-led triage, patient education, and follow-up were key to the success of the program. Conclusion The postpartum perineal clinic is sustainable and offers an opportunity for early assessment and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction after a complicated vaginal delivery.
Extending precolorings of subgraphs of locally planar graphs

The width of an embedded graph is the length of a shortest noncontractible cycle. Suppose G is embedded in a surface S (either orientable or not) with large width. In this case G is said to be locally planar. Suppose P ⊂ V(G) is a set of vertices such that the components of G[P] are each 2-colorable, have bounded diameter and are suitably distant from each other. We show that any 5-coloring of G[P] in which each component is 2-colored extends to a 5-coloring of all of G. Thus, for an arbitrary surface, the extension theorems for precolorings of subgraphs of locally planar graphs parallel the results for planar graphs. Crucial to the proof of this result is the nice cycle lemma, viz. If C is a minimal, noncontractible, and nonseparating cycle in a so-called orderly triangulation of at least moderate width, then there is a cycle C' such that C' lies within the fourth neighborhood of C, C' is minimal, homotopic to C, and C' either has even length or contains a vertex of degree 4. Such a nice cycle is useful in producing 5-colorings. We introduce the idea of optimal shortcuts in order to prove the nice cycle lemma and the idea of relative width in order to prove the main theorem. Our results generalize to extension theorems for precolorings with q ≥ 3 colors.
Invariant imbedding, difference equations, and elliptic boundary value problems

This paper presents an invariant imbedding approach to the solution of coupled matrix-vector difference equations under two-point boundary conditions. It is shown that the finite difference approach to the solution of elliptic equations results in a special case of the coupled difference equations considered. For linear self-adjoint equations, the invariant imbedding approach yields stable initial value problems. Finally, the standard direct and iterative finite difference methods are derived and analyzed from the invariant imbedding equations.
Individual Temperament and Emerging Self-Perception: An Interactive Perspective.

Abstract Self-perception during the elementary school years was examined as a correlate of individual temperament. One hundred thirty-one children in 3rd and 5th grades completed Harter's Self-Perception Profile for Children and the Dimensions of Temperament Survey-Revised. Positive self-perception was generally associated with lower activity level, higher approach, and higher task orientation. Different aspects of self-perception showed distinct relationships with specific temperament dimensions. Grade and gender also contributed to these relationships. An interactive model was used to explain the research outcomes and to suggest classroom changes that might enhance the development of positive self-perception in a wider range of children.
Flood Modeling in the Coastal Plains and Mountains: Analysis of Terrain Resolution

The number of flood disasters has increased worldwide in recent decades. Identifying the optimal resolution or scale at which to represent digital terrain models DTMs is critical in order to improve our ability to accurately and efficiently model floods. Few studies have attempted to compare flood modeling results using different resolutions of DTMs in divergent environments. In this study flooding on the Tar River in the coastal plains and the Watauga River in the mountains of North Carolina were modeled using hydrologic information obtained following Hurricanes Floyd and Ivan. The effectiveness of DTMs derived from light detection and ranging and United States Geological Survey elevation data at commonly available resolutions in North Carolina were assessed. A quantitative diagnostic method based on measuring the distance flooded along transects was applied for evaluating the horizontal extent and internal pattern of flooding. The use of additional diagnostic metrics area, volume, and shape along with a visual graphic assessment enhanced the evaluation of flood modeling results. The extent and internal pattern of flooding in the low-relief coastal plains was found to be especially sensitive to the representation of terrain, and in the mountains 3030-m data regardless of source were found to be dramati- cally unsuitable for flood modeling.
Scrotal incision orchiopexy for undescended testes with or without a patent processus vaginalis.

Purpose: Bianchi and Squire first described scrotal incision orchiopexy as an alternative to the traditional inguinal approach in the 1980s. The goal of this study was to review our series of scrotal orchiopexies to evaluate operative times, success rates and complications in patients with and without a patent processus vaginalis.Materials and Methods: A total of 121 scrotal incision orchiopexies were performed in 103 patients with palpable undescended testes between November 2002 and January 2006. This technique involves manipulation of the testis down to the scrotum so that it is secured between the thumb and index finger as fixation is performed. Charts were retrospectively reviewed to assess operative times as well as position and size of the testes at followup.Results: Patient age ranged from 6 months to 13 years (mean 4.5 years). The processus vaginalis was patent in 75 testes (62%). A total of 121 testes (100%) were successfully placed within the scrotum using a single incision. Operative times ran...
Chlorophyll photosensitized vectorial electron transport across phospholipid vesicle bilayers: kinetics and mechanism

— The characterization and kinetic analysis by laser Rash photolysis of an improved model system for observing chlorophyll a photosensitized electron transfer across a lipid bilayer membrane is described. In this system, the electron acceptor is a water-soluble naphthoquinone, S-(2-methyl-l,4-naphthoquinonyl-3)-glutathione (MGNQ) which is dissolved in the inner aqueous compartments of phospholipid bilayer vesicles, and the electron donor is glutathione (GSH) which is dissolved in the outer aqueous phase. Chlorophyll (Chl) is dissolved in the membrane. Oxidative quenching of the triplet state of Chl by the quinone at the inner surface of the vesicle produces the Chl+ and MGNQ- radicals. Chi+ is reduced by GSH at the outer surface of the vesicle (k= 2.6 × 106M-1 s-1) in competition with the recombination between Chl+. and MGNO- (k= 2.5 × 103 S-1). It is shown that a kinetic mechanism involving competition between recombination, electron transfer across the bilayer, and reduction by donor at the opposite surface can quantitatively account for the decay of Chl+. Electron transport across the bilayer is postulated to occur by a two-step mechanism involving electron exchange between Chl and Chl+ within the lipid monolayer (k= 3.2 × 106 M-1 s-1) and across the bilayer. The rate constant for the latter exchange process approaches 104 s-1 as the concentration of Chl in the bilayer increases. Under appropriate conditions, approximately 20% of all photons absorbed by the vesicle system result in electron transfer across the mcmbrane from GSH to MGNQ.
A facile synthesis of 8-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)-4-thioxo-3H-pyrazolo[1,5-a]-1,3,5-triazine and its α-anomer

A versatile intermediate 2 for C-nucleoside synthesis was treated with thiosemicarbazide to obtain thiosemicarbazone 6, which was then converted to 3-aminopyrazol-2N-thiocarboxamide derivatives 7 and 8 by the reaction of 6 and sodium ethoxide. 4-Thioxo-4H-pyrazolo[1,5-a]-1,3,5-triazine C-nucleosides 11 and 12 were obtained by the ring closure reaction of 7 and 8 with triethyl orthoformate. Brief treatment of 11 and 12 with 10% methanolic hydrogen chloride afforded C-nucleosides 4 and 13, respectively, without anomerization. Identification of compounds 4 and 13 was made on the basis of 1H nmr and uv spectra, as well as chemical conversion to known compounds with established configurations. Model compounds were also synthesized in order to confirm the heterocyclic moieties.
Estimating Decline and Distributional Change in Amphibians

Concern over species declines has prompted researchers to use historical data as a basis for com- parison with present-day information from the same sites to assess changes in presence/absence distribu- tions. A review of the literature revealed that these resurveys typically lasted for 1 or 2 years, and many were based on museum records or other data relying on known historical presences. Using data on nine amphib- ian species from a set of 32 ponds at the E. S. George Reserve (ESGR) in Michigan, we evaluated the impor- tance of the duration of a resurvey and the type of historical data used (information on historical presences and absences vs. historical presences only). We compared data we collected between 1996 and 2000 with in- formation from the same ponds collected between 1967 and 1974. By systematically degrading the 1996- 2000 data, we determined that a resurvey lasting 1 year would yield an estimated 45% decline in the number of presences, whereas a resurvey lasting 2 years would yield an estimated 28% decline. In contrast, a 5-year resurvey would yield an estimated 3% decline in the number of presences. In addition, when our historical data were limited to known presences in the past, even a 5-year resurvey yielded an estimated 30% decline in the number of presences. Our results suggest that estimates of decline and distributional change can be ex- tremely sensitive to the duration of resurvey effort and the type of historical data used. The pattern we found in analyses of ESGR data is echoed in published studies in which multiple-year resurveys tended to yield smaller estimates of decline than single-year resurveys. Based on our findings, we suggest that future resur- veys extend for long enough to estimate the value of additional data and that geographic scales of inference be chosen based on the amount and quality of historical information.
Effects of Specific and Prolonged Expression of Zebrafish Growth Factors, Fgf2 and Lif in Primordial Germ Cells in vivo

Primordial germ cells (PGCs), specified early in development, proliferate and migrate to the developing gonad before sexual differentiation occurs in the embryo and eventually give rise to spermatogonia or oogonia. In this study, we discovered that nanos3 3'UTR, a common method used to label PGCs, not only directed PGC-specific expression of DsRed but also prolonged this expression up to 26 days post fertilization (dpf) when DsRed-nanos3 3'UTR hybrid mRNAs were introduced into 1- to 2-cell-stage embryos. As such, we employed this knowledge to express zebrafish leukemia inhibitory factor (Lif), basic fibroblast growth factor (Fgf2) and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (Bmp4) in the PGCs and evaluate their effects on PGC development in vivo for over a period of 3 weeks. The results show that expression of Fgf2 significantly increased PGC number at 14- and 21-dpf while Bmp4 resulted in severe ventralization and death of the embryos by 3 days. Expression of Lif resulted in a significant disruption of PGC migration. Mopholino knockdown experiments indicated that Lif illicited its effect on PGC migration through Lif receptor a (Lifra) but not Lifrb. The general approach described in this study could be used to achieve prolonged PGC-specific expression of other proteins to investigate their roles in germ cell and gonad development. The results also indicate that zebrafish PGCs have a mechanism to stabilize and prolong the expression of mRNA that carries nanos3 3'UTR. Understanding this mechanism may make it possible to achieve prolonged RNA expression in other cell types.
Cellular and molecular aspects of vascular dysfunction in systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by vascular alterations, activation of the immune system and tissue fibrosis. Vascular insufficiency manifests early in the disease, and although there is evidence of an active repair process, capillaries deteriorate and regress. Factors that contribute to the failure of vascular regeneration might include persistent injury, an imbalance between proangiogenic and antiangiogenic mediators, intrinsic abnormal properties of the cellular components of the vessels, and the presence of fibroblast-derived antiangiogenic factors. In addition, circulating dysfunctional endothelial progenitor cells might further exacerbate vessel deterioration. Abnormal expression of transcription factors, including Fra2 and Fli1, has been proposed to contribute to SSc vasculopathy. Fli1 regulates genes that are involved in vessel maturation and stabilization, suggesting that reduced levels of Fli1 in SSc vasculature could contribute to the development of unstable vessels that are prone to regression. Conversely, proliferating endothelial cells and pericytes, in the presence of an appropriate stimulus, might transdifferentiate into collagen-producing cells, and thus contribute to the initiation of fibrosis. Despite progress in treating the symptoms of vascular disease in SSc, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. An improved knowledge of the molecular and cellular pathways that contribute to SSc vasculopathy could help in the design of effective therapies in the future.
Above ground protection using petrolatum tapes

Abstract Maintenance of protective coatings on metal structures presents problems of surface preparation, accessibility and the limitations of various coating systems. Traditional liquid coatings generally require a high standard of surface preparation and are often not applied with due regard to the manufacturer's instructions. Hence, breakdown and subsequent corrosion are inevitable. Re-coating leads to further problems with surface preparation and compatibility. Petrolatum tapes require minimal surface preparation and they provide a thick coating and instant preparation. Nowadays petrolatum tapes may be successfully applied to surfaces that have been manually cleaned and the exterior surface of the tape can be coloured and toughened to suit site requirements. Hence, in many environments petrolatum tapes now offer a viable alternative to liquid coatings.
Intergenerational Talk and Communication with Older People

A program of research conducted within an anti-agism paradigm demonstrates that young people process and respond to the speech of older people in stereotypical ways. Such conclusions result from studies using a variety of research methods. Experimental studies demonstrate that older-sounding speech triggers age schematic responses and that young people tend to use agist strategies of information seeking and compliance gaining from older people, while interactive studies explore how stereotypes and age identities are co-produced by young and old people in conversation. We use lifespan and intercultural perspectives to argue that the communicative patterns we observe in our studies are in some senses and contexts counterproductive in both the long and short term, in that they can reproduce negative attitudes toward aging as well as inhibit successful aging.
Demographic and clinical characteristics predictive of asthma diary use among women.

Background. Current asthma guidelines encourage the use of an asthma diary for patients whose symptoms are not under control, who are being introduced to new treatments, or who need help in identifying environmental or occupational exposures. Despite the potential benefit of diaries in asthma management, gaps in the understanding of their use exist. Our objective was to identify demographic and clinical characteristics predictive of diary use by women with asthma as women patients predominate in asthma among adults and have higher rates of associated asthma management problems. Methods. Demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the use of a structured asthma diary were examined using data collected from 424 women with asthma over 18 years of age taking part in a randomized controlled study. Data were analyzed using chi-square statistics and logistic regression. Data reported are for women randomized to the intervention arm (N = 424) who were assigned the diary as part of the educational int...
Reinterpretation of the stratigraphy and structure of the Rancho Las Norias area, central Sonora, Mexico

Abstract New geologic mapping and fossil data in the vicinity of Rancho Las Norias, 30 km east of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, show that rocks previously mapped as Precambrian instead are Paleozoic. Previous geologic maps of the Rancho Las Norias area show northeast-directed, southwest-dipping reverse or thrust faults deforming both Precambrian and Paleozoic rocks. The revised stratigraphy requires reinterpretation of some of these faults as high-angle normal or oblique-slip faults and the elimination of other faults. We agree with earlier geologic map interpretations that compressional structures have affected the Paleozoic rocks in the area, but our mapping suggests that the direction of compression is from southeast to northwest.
Identification of clusters of biallelic polymorphic sequence-tagged sites (pSTSs) that generate highly informative and automatable markers for genetic linkage mapping.

Abstract Using a combination of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and direct DNA sequencing, we have found that multiple (4 to 7) biallelic sequence polymorphisms can be located within short DNA segments, 300 to 2400 bp. Here, we report on the identification of three clusters of DNA polymorphisms, one in each of the constant regions of the human T cell receptor α and β gene complexes on human chromosomes 14 and 7, respectively, and a third among the human t-RNA genes on human chromosome 14. The frequency of these polymorphisms and the extent of linkage disequilibrium between individual polymorphisms have been determined using a semiautomated DNA typing system combining DNA target amplification by the polymerase chain reaction with the analysis of internal sequence polymorphisms by a colorimetric oligonucleotide ligation assay. We have found that individual biallelic polymorphisms in each cluster are often in partial linkage disequilibrium with one another. This partial linkage disequilibrium permits the combined use of three to four markers in a cluster to generate a haplotype with high levels of heterozygosity, 71 to 88%. Therefore, clusters of physically linked biallelic polymorphisms provide an automatable and highly informative type of genetic marker for general linkage analysis as well as an attractive alternative marker system for fine-point mapping of disease-causing genes and phenotypic traits relative to their framework locations in the genome.
A taxonomy and decision support for the design and manufacture of types of product families

The realization that designing products in families can and does have significant technological and economic advantages over traditional single product design has motivated increasing interest in recent years in formal design tools and methodologies for product family design. However, currently there is no guidance for designers in the first key strategic decisions of product family design, in particular determining the type of product family to design. Hence, in this paper, first a taxonomy of different types of product families is presented which consists of seven types of product families, categorized based on number of products and time of product introduction. Next a methodology is introduced to support designers in deciding which type of product family is appropriate, based upon early knowledge about the nature of the intended product(s) and their intended market(s). From this information it follows both which manufacturing paradigm and which fundamental design strategies are appropriate for each type of product family. Finally, the proposed methodology is illustrated through a case study examining a family of whitewater kayaks.
A main-group donor-acceptor adduct: 1,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazol-2-ylidene-tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane.

The solid-state structural analysis of the title compound, Me4C2N2C→B(C6F5)3 or C25H12BF15N2, provides useful metric parameters for the qualitative comparison of the donor strength with other mono- and dicoordinate main-group compounds which feature distinctive lone-pair character.
Latin American Environmental History: Current Trends, Interdisciplinary Insights, and Future Directions

AbstractLatin American environmental history has traditionally focused on three categories of research: colonialism, capitalism, and conservation. It has also emphasized tragic tales of resource ex...
Self-propagating exothermic reactions: the synthesis of high-temperature materials by combustion

Abstract A review of the method of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) is presented. The review emphasizes the mechanisms of the rapid, non-isothermal reactions associated with this method. Theoretical analyses pertaining to such reactions are presented and examples of experimental observations on solid-solid and solid-gas interactions are discussed.
Glaucoma masqueraders: Diagnosis by spectral domain optical coherence tomography

Background Advances in optic nerve and retinal imaging have dramatically changed the care of glaucoma patients, complementing the importance of the clinical exam of the optic nerve and automated perimetry in making the diagnosis of glaucoma. Computerized imaging, however, does not replace the clinical exam, as there can be overlap in the appearance of non-glaucomatous optic neuropathies with glaucoma.
A Validated Disease-Specific Symptom Index for Adults With Celiac Disease

Background & Aims Although the incidence of celiac disease (CD) is increasing, studies have been hampered by the lack of validated outcome measures. We sought to create a disease-specific Celiac Symptom Index (CSI) to reliably assess relevant symptoms. Methods A 36-item questionnaire was created after design by an expert committee and review/revision by patient focus groups. The survey, covering domains of CD-related symptoms and general health, was initially administered to 154 individuals with biopsy-proven CD; immunoglobulin (Ig)A tissue transglutaminase titers were determined, and gluten-free diet adherence was evaluated by a dietitian. The questionnaire was then revised to exclude questions with poor test characteristics and administered to a second, independent group of 52 individuals, to ensure validity. Results The subscales of "specific symptoms" and "general health" had excellent psychometric qualities that consisted of 11 and 5 items, respectively. The additive score based on these items was correlated with current general health, as measured by a visual analog scale and short form 36 general health subscale (P ≤ .001 for both), as well as degree of adherence to the gluten-free diet (P = .008), lending external validity to the CSI. The resulting 16 questions make up the first CD-specific symptom index. Conclusions The CSI allows for disease-specific monitoring of symptoms as an independent outcome measure or as part of a surrogate for disease activity in individuals with CD. The CSI might be an important tool for future clinical CD research.
Evidence in favor of visual representation for the dataflow paradigm: An experiment testing LabVIEW's comprehensibility

This paper reports an experiment that examined the comprehensibility of the LabVIEW programming representation. LabVIEW is a visual programming language (VPL) based on the dataflow paradigm. The experiment compared LabVIEW to a semantically equivalent textual language using three types of tasks: (1) tracing problems: given code and input values, subjects were asked what output the code would produce if executed. (2) Parallelism problems: given code with several program statements highlighted, subjects were asked about the sequence in which those statements could execute. (3) Debugging problems: given code and its specifications, subjects were asked to find a logic error in the code. The experiment measured the subjects' time to solve the problems and accuracy of the answers. The subjects were upper-level university students who were intermediate-level programmers with no prior exposure to LabVIEW. Their performances showed differences due to representation for all three task types. Subjects using the textual representation completed the tracing problems significantly faster than subjects using the visual representation. In contrast, subjects using the visual representation were significantly faster for the parallelism problems and significantly more accurate for both the parallelism and debugging problems. These results contribute clear evidence for selected benefits of a visual representation for small-sized code segments, evidence that LabVIEW succeeds in highlighting data dependencies, and evidence that LabVIEW helps programmers to maintain an overview of their code. The authors consider the implications of these results for VPLs more generally.
Synthesis of a propyldimethylphenylsilane stationary phase using the allyl bonded phase as an intermediate

A propyldimethylphenylsilane stationary phase was prepared by a hydrosilylation reaction on the double bond of an allyl bonded phase intermediate. The carbon load on the silica was between 8.8–9.0%. Evaluation of the material by FTIR indicated high conversion of the double bond by the hydrosilylation reaction. The bonded material displayed reversedphase properties as determined by the retention behavior of alkylarylketones but it was less hydrophobic than either C-8 or C-18. The stability at both low and high pH was excellent. Separations of pharmaceutical compounds, a mixture of anilines, and a mixture of dopamine and epinephrine were satisfactory.
A preliminary study of marine fungi from Abaco Island, the Bahamas

Marine soil, mangrove wood, and free floating algal collections were made in the shallow littoral zone of Abaco Island, The Bahamas. Material was subsequently examined in the laboratory for fungal populations inhabiting seawater shorelines of the island. The study follows previous mycological investigations of Abaco including the keratinophilic fungi (10) and the fresh water fungi (11).
Prevention of reoxygenation injury in hypoxaemic immature hearts by priming the extracorporeal circuit with antioxidants.

Abstract This study tests the hypothesis that abrupt reoxygenation of cyanotic immature hearts when starting cardiopulmonary bypass produces an unintended reoxygenation injury that: (i) nullifies the cardioprotective effects of blood cardioplegia; and (ii) is avoidable by adding the antioxidants, N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine (MPG) plus catalase to the cardiopulmonary bypass prime. Twenty immature piglets (aged 2–3 weeks) underwent 30 min of blood cardioplegic arrest (BCP) with standard clinical blood cardioplegia (hypocalcaemic, alkalotic, hyperosmolar, substrate-enriched). Six piglets remained normoxaemic (BCP). Fourteen others were made hypoxic (P O 2 20–30 mmHg) for up to 2 h by lowering ventilator Fi O 2 (5–7%) before undergoing reoxygenation on cardiopulmonary bypass at P O 2 400 mmHg. In eight animals, the pump prime was not supplemented with antioxidants (Reox+BCP), whereas MPG (80 mg/kg) and catalase (CAT; 5 mg/kg) were added to the pump prime in the other six (MPG/CAT). Myocardial function (end-systolic elastance, conductance catheter), oxidant damage (myocardial conjugated diene production), oxygen consumption and antioxidant reserve capacity were evaluated. Blood cardioplegic arrest caused no functional or biochemical changes in controls without preceding hypoxia. In contrast, hypoxia and reoxygenation in animals undergoing the same blood cardioplegic protocol (Reox+BCP) caused profound myocardial dysfunction, as end-systolic elastance recovered only to 21(2)% (P
A scheme for computation in nanoscale dynamical systems: Gated discrete phase-shift interactions

In this paper, we present a new scheme to process information distributed through a network of locally coupled integrate-and-fire elements, realizable at the nanoscale. As a physical example, we consider single-electron-tunneling in the Coulomb blockade regime as the integrate-and-fire mechanism. We show that each physical gate can act as every possible logic gate, simply selected with an appropriate bias voltage. Since the state variables are persistently stored in the computing elements during the time between operations, and since every operation between state variables can be performed without the need for additional circuitry, our proposed scheme should be ideal for the implementation of collective computation with an array of locally coupled integrate-and-fire elements.
HYPERPARATHYROIDISM DUE TO A CYSTIC PARATHYROID ADENOMA AFTER IRRADIATION OF THE NECK

SUMMARY A 48-year-old female with hypercalcaemia diagnosed 3 years prior to admission is described. The patient underwent x-ray therapy of the neck for keloid scars 35 years prior to the diagnosis of hypercalcaemia. The hypercalcaemia was found to be the result of primary hyperparathyroidism. A cystic parathyroid adenoma was identified during surgery and was, on microscopic examination, composed of oxyphil cells rich in mitochondria. The cystic fluid contained 360 times higher C-terminal PTH than peripheral serum and almost 4000 times higher PTH as intact 1–84 amino acid residue species. We concluded that previous X-ray irradiation was related to the pathogenesis of the patient's parathyroid adenoma. The mild nature of the patient's hyperparathyroidism was possibly related to the composition of the tumour of oxyphil cells, known to be a poorly functioning variant of the parathyroid cell. Since parathyroid‘cysts’are obviously necrotic parathyroid adenomas, aspiration of the cysts alone cannot be expected to be curative and, therefore, it is recommended to treat cystic parathyroid adenomas by surgical extirpation.
Maternal weight gain patterns and birth weight outcome in twin gestation

Objective To evaluate the association between maternal weight gain patterns, based on pregravid body mass index (BMI) and birth weight outcome in twins, and to make specific recommendations for maternal weight gain during twin gestation. Methods One hundred eighty-nine twin pregnancies were reviewed retrospectively. Weekly rates of maternal weight gain before 20 weeks, from 20 weeks to delivery, and for total gestation were calculated. Thresholds of weekly maternal weight gain were determined for underweight and normal-weight women. Results In underweight women, a higher weekly rate of gain before 20 weeks was associated with the birth of both twins weighing at least 2500 g (1.13 versus 0.70 lb/week, P=.017), when compared with mothers of at least one twin weighing less than 2500 g. A higher rate of weight gain from 20 weeks to delivery was associated with the delivery of twins weighing at least 2500 g in both underweight (1.92 versus 1.29 lb/week, P=.031) and normal weight (1.63 versus 1.29 lb/week, P=.046) women. No significant differences in weight gain patterns were found between overweight women delivering twins weighing less than 2500 g or at least 2500 g. A weekly rate of gain from 20 weeks' gestation to delivery of at least 1.75 lb/week in underweight women and at least 1.50 lb/week in normal-weight women was associated with the birth of both twins weighing at least 2500 g. After controlling for other potential determinants of birth weight, the threshold of 1.75 lb/week in underweight women showed a trend toward significance as an independent predictor of both twins weighing at least 2500 g (P=.06). Conclusion Certain maternal weight gain patterns during twin pregnancy are associated with the birth of each twin weighing at least 2500 g. As with singletons, recommendations for maternal weight gain during twin pregnancy can be based on pregravid BMI.
018 Healing Rate for Diabetic Neuropathic Foot Ulcer

The goal of this study was to benchmark by year the likelihood that an individual with a diabetic neuropathic foot ulcer (DNFU) will heal. We observed these rates over a more than 10 year period (1988–2000). For this study, we designed a cohort study within the multi-center Curative Health System wound care network of diabetics who have DNFU and whether they healed by the 20th week of care stratified by calendar year. In total, we evaluated 27, 193 individuals with a DNFU. For, example, between 1988 and 1990 approximately 66% of patients did not heal. By 1999 this percentage had decreased to 49%. Most of the change in improvement occurred before 1998. We noted that the change in the rate of failure to heal was very closely associated with an increase over time in the proportion of patients seen with wounds identified as prognostically favorable as determined by a previously published prognostic model (i.e., individuals with wounds ≤ 2 cm2, wound less ≤2 months old, and wound of grade less ≤ 2). Among those most likely to heal, the likelihood of failing to heal went from 62% in 1990 to 32% in 2000. Therefore, the overall decrease in likelihood that a patient with a DNFU would not heal is not just due to the enrollment of less severe cases. There was, however, no real improvement in the likelihood that those with wounds that were unlikely to heal over time and fewer patients with these wounds sought care over time. In conclusion, those with a DFFU seeking care are more likely to heal today than 10 years ago. This improvement is related to the fact that individuals are seeking care when their wounds are most easily treated and these wounds are now more likely to heal. Unfortunately, those with the most severe wounds are not anymore likely to heal today than they were 10 years ago.
An inner view of the job interview: An investigation of successful communicative behaviors

Research has provided minimal description of the discourse of interviewees engaged in employment interviews. This study investigated the communication of effective and ineffective interviewees to describe their discourse thoroughly and to contrast their communicative choices. Behaviors extracted from rhetorical theory were searched for in “successful” and “unsuccessful” interviews. In comparison to unsuccessful applicants, successful candidates displayed more behaviors that identified them with employers, supported arguments, organized thoughts, clarified ideas, and contributed to effective delivery.
Pretransplant coronary artery disease associated with worse clinical outcomes in pancreas transplantation.

Pretransplant coronary artery disease associated with worse clinical outcomes in pancreas transplantation. Abstract: Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is common in patients with type I diabetes and may be associated with worse outcomes in patients undergoing pancreas transplantation (PT). This study evaluates PT patients to determine the pre transplant prevalence of CAD and assesses the post-transplant outcomes including complications and survival. Methods: This study is a retrospective review of PTs from 2003 to 2011. Diagnosis of CAD required cardiac catheterization. Outcomes included: myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and survival. Results: There were 405 transplants in 389 patients with median follow- up of 56 months. Pre transplant prevalence of CAD was 19% (n = 74). There was no increased risk of perioperative, 90-d or one-yr mortality for patients with CAD. The CAD group did have increased risk of MI (11% vs. 1%, p < 0.001) and stroke (8% vs. 3%, p = 0.02). Controlling for patient and donor age, and history of CAD, the CAD group had decreased patient survival at five yr (82% vs. 90%, p = 0.09, HR 1.77) by Cox regression. Conclusions: Patients with type I diabetes and CAD have increased risk of MI and stroke post-pancreas transplant, with decreased five-yr survival. Patients without CAD and a negative pre transplant cardiac evaluation carry a low risk of post-transplant MI.
Seasonal phytoplankton composition in the lower Chesapeake Bay and old plantation Creek, Cape Charles, Virginia

During a 14-month phytoplankton study in the lower Chesapeake Bay, there was a bi-modal pattern of population peaks with fall and spring maxima. The phytoplankton was dominated bySkeletonema costatum and other diatoms similar to major dominants found on the continental shelf. The composition in an inlet adjacent to the Bay was similar throughout most of the period, but differed from Bay populations during the summer months when larger concentrations and diversity of phytoflagellates and small sized diatoms occurred. Seasonal phytoplankton assemblages characteristic for the lower and entire Chesapeake Bay are given with the seasonal appearances noted for 219 phytoplankters. The importance of nanophytoplankters, both diatoms and the phytoflagellates, to the total phytoplankton composition is also emphasized.
Globule−Stretch Transitions of Collapsed Polymers in Elongational Flow Fields

Here we present our studies on the behavior of collapsed polymer chains in elongational flow fields. In particular, we present scaling and hydrodynamic simulation results on the conformation and dynamics of these macromolecules. In the noncollapsed state, we verify via our simulations that there is a smooth transition from a coil to a stretched conformation. The introduction of self-interactions or nonsolvent effects in a polymer, however, suppresses this transition up to a well-defined threshold flow rate e* at which the chain undergoes an immediate and irreversible transition to a stretched conformation. We characterize this behavior under both freely draining and hydrodynamic interacting assumptions and develop scaling arguments to describe the globule−stretch transition in a variety of regimes. The unraveling dynamics and topologies are characterized with relation to these mechanisms, and the elongational viscosity of dilute solutions of collapsed chains is also investigated.
Characteristics and mechanisms of action of the concanavalin A-activated suppressor cell in man.

Abstract Human peripheral blood lymphocytes treated for 24 to 48 hr with optimally mitogenic doses of concanavalin A suppressed the proliferative response of autologous T cells to mitogens and antigens. Con A-treated cells also suppressed the proliferative response and the immunoglobulin synthetic response of autologous B cells stimulated in vitro by T cell helper factor. The human Con A suppressor cell was sensitive to treatment with mitomycin C and to exposure to radiation doses exceeding 1000 rads. The Con A suppressor cell was shown to reside in the nylon wool-nonadherent, sheep red cell rosette-forming, histamine receptor-bearing population of lymphocytes and to lack surface DRW antigens. One mechanism of action of Con A suppressor cells was shown to be the inactivation of nonspecific T cell helper factor.
Mechanical behavior of porous glasses produced by sintering of spherical particles

Abstract Young's modulus and biaxial flexure strength were measured for compacts of spherical glass particles sintered to various densities. The aim of the work was to relate the mechanical properties to the sintering process. In particular, changes in the interparticle neck sizes during the sintering process were measured from fracture surfaces. It had been postulated previously that the elastic moduli directly depend on the neck radius to particle radius ratio and such measurements allow the elastic behavior to be directly related to the sintering kinetics. The experimental results were consistent with both the mechanical and sintering models. There was also found to be a strong correlation between Young's modulus and strength of the porous glass bodies.
Low-temperature resistivity and magnetoresistance of the quasicrystalline icosahedral Al80Mn20 and decagonal Al78Mn22 alloys.

Resistivity and magnetoresistance measurements are reported for the icosahedral I-${\mathrm{Al}}_{80}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{20}$ and the decagonal T-${\mathrm{Al}}_{78}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{22}$ quasicrystalline alloys. The zero-field resistivity \ensuremath{\rho}(T,H=0), was measured in the range 0.4--50 K. Both samples exhibited a -${\mathrm{log}}_{10}$T dependence for \ensuremath{\rho}(T,H=0) over a broad range of temperatures, followed by an approach to a constant value at the lowest temperature. The longitudinal magnetoresistance, ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{L}$(T,H), which was measured for magnetic fields H up to 75 kOe and for T=1.5 and 4.2 K, is positive for the I-phase sample and negative for the T-phase one. The transverse magnetoresistance, ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{T}$(T,H), is negative for both samples. The values measured for ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{L}$(T,H) and ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{T}$(T,H) are comparable to the ones measured in conventional metallic spin glasses.
An empirical validation of a base-excitation model to predict harvestable energy from a suspended-load backpack system

Suspended-load backpacks have been proposed as a way to provide power for small electronic devices by capturing the mechanical energy generated by the vertical movement of the suspended load and converting it into electrical energy. The aim of the current study was to build a base excitation model able to predict the relative velocity of the load (an index of the amount of harvestable energy of such a system) using as inputs the mass of the suspended load, the walking speed and the leg length of the user. Nine human participants walked on a treadmill under two load conditions (15.8 kg and 22.6 kg load) and three walking speed conditions (1.16 m/s, 1.43 m/s and 1.70 m/s). The predictions of the load velocity by the base-excitation model under these conditions were then compared with the measured load velocity. The results of this study showed a moderately strong correlation (0.76) between the root mean square of the predicted and measured relative velocity of the load, and the average absolute error of the...
Hybrid Wireless-Wired Optical Sensor for Extreme Temperature Measurement in Next Generation Energy Efficient Gas Turbines

Accuracy, reliability, and long lifetimes are critical parameters for sensors measuring temperature in gas turbines of clean coal-fired power plants. Greener high efficiency next generation power plants need gas turbines operating at extremely high temperatures of 1500°C, where present thermocouple temperature probe technology fails to operate with reliable and accurate readings over long lifetimes. To solve this pressing problem, we have proposed the concept of a new hybrid class of all-silicon carbide (SiC) optical sensor, where a single crystal SiC optical chip is embedded in a sintered SiC tube assembly, forming a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) matched all-SiC front-end probe. Because chip and host material are CTE matched, optimal handling of extreme thermal ramps and temperatures is possible. In this article, we demonstrate the first successful industrial combustor rig test of this hybrid all-SiC temperature sensor front-end probe indicating demonstrated probe structural robustness to 1600°C and rig test data to ~1200°C. The design of the rig test sensor system is presented and data are analyzed.