cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of implanted minipumps to study the effects of chelating drugs on renal 63Ni clearance in rats

Abstract Continuous administration of 63 NiCl 2 solution (2 μg Ni/hr) was performed in rats by ip implantation of osmotically driven minipumps. Renal 63 Ni clearance (±SD) averaged 6.4±0.9 ml/hr ( N = 8) during the interval from 24 to 96 hr after initiation of the infusion. During the infusion, plasma 63 Ni concentrations at 4:00 pm averaged 36% higher than those at 9:00 am ( p 63 NiCl 2 , in order to compare the effectiveness of the drugs in enhancing renal 63 Ni excretion. d -Penicillamine (1 μmol/hr) increased renal 63 Ni clearance by 53% (mean = 9.4±1.3 ml/hr, p 63 Ni clearance by 26% (mean = 7.7±1.1 ml/hr, p 63 Ni clearance (mean = 6.1±0.8 ml/hr, vs 6.2±1.1 ml/hr in NaCl-treated control rats).
Gadolinium oxide coated fully depleted silicon-on-insulator transistors for thermal neutron dosimetry

Abstract Fully depleted silicon-on-insulator transistors coated with gadolinium oxide are shown to be effective thermal neutron dosimeters. The theoretical neutron detection efficiency is calculated to be higher for Gd2O3 than for other practical converter materials. Proof-of-concept dosimeter devices were fabricated and tested during thermal neutron irradiation. The transistor current changes linearly with neutron dose, consistent with increasing positive charge in the SOI buried oxide layer generated by ionization from high energy 157Gd(n,γ)158Gd conversion electrons. The measured neutron sensitivity is approximately 1/6 the maximum theoretical value, possibly due to electron–hole recombination or conversion electron loss in interconnect wiring above the transistors.
Aortic regurgitation first appearing 12 years after successful septal myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

Substantial aortic regurgitation developed in a patient with hypertrophic (obstructive) cardiomyopathy (HCM) who underwent septal myectomy. It was first noted 12 years after surgery. There was no evidence for surgical damage to the valve, subacute bacterial endocarditis, coexisting discrete subaortic stenosis or any other known etiology of aortic incompetence. This experience suggests that aortic regurgitation occasionally may be a late mode of deterioration in surgically treated patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Possible mechanisms for the development of aortic incompetence in such patients are discussed.
Multi-Antenna Blind Spectrum Sensing for Cognitive Radios Using Path Correlations

We consider the problem of spectrum sensing in cognitive radios when the secondary user (SU) radio is equipped with multiple antennas. Using an estimate of the cross-correlation among the signals received at different antenna elements, we propose a blind detection method which assumes no prior knowledge of the primary user's (PU) signaling scheme, the noise power, or the channel path coefficients. Detection and false alarm probabilities of the proposed algorithms are evaluated using an asymptotic analysis and the results are compared to simulation results. It is shown that the proposed method outperforms several recently-proposed blind sensing techniques for cognitive radios using multiple antennas.
Likelihood and Mechanisms of Cross-Allergenicity Between Sulfonamide Antibiotics and Other Drugs Containing a Sulfonamide Functional Group

Concerns about cross-allergenicity between sulfonamide antibiotics and nonantibiotic, sulfonamide-containing drugs persist and can complicate patients' drug therapy unnecessarily. No interaction between the human immune system and the sulfonamide functional group has been demonstrated. The immunologic determinant of type I, immediate hypersensitivity responses to sulfonamide antibiotics is the N1 heterocyclic ring. Nonantibiotic sulfonamides do not contain this structural feature. Non-type I hypersensitivity responses to sulfonamide antibiotics are largely attributable to reactive metabolites that may cause either direct cytotoxicity or immunologic response. Formation of these metabolites is a stereospecific process that occurs at the N4 amino nitrogen of the sulfonamide antibiotics, a structure also not found on any nonantibiotic sulfonamide drugs. The stereospecificity of these reactions implies that cross-reactivity with nonantibiotic sulfonamide-containing drugs is highly unlikely; this assertion is supported by recent literature. However, T-cell recognition of unmetabolized, nonhaptenated parent sulfonamide antibiotic appears to occur in a small subset of hypersensitive patients. Several of the severe cutaneous reactions associated with sulfonamide antibiotics are mediated by T cells. It is not known whether T-cell recognition of antibiotic is related to the sulfonamide functional group. Until the mechanism of this recognition is elucidated, cross-reactivity with nonantibiotic sulfonamides appears to remain at least theoretically possible.
Analysis of the EZ scan measurement technique

Abstract The Z scan experiment has been found to be a useful and simple technique for the measurement of both the real and imaginary parts of the third order (and higher orders) of the optical nonlinearity of a wide variety of materials. The sensitivity of the technique, typically λ/300, may be enhanced by over an order of magnitude in the EZ scan method by the substitution of field stop and collecting lens in place of the usual aperture. In this paper such a detection scheme is analysed numerically and a compact empirical expression for the nonlinearity in terms of the stop transmittance and the change in transmittance during the scan is derived.
Systemic toxicity of ropivacaine during ovine pregnancy.

Ropivacaine is a new amide local anesthetic structurally related to bupivacaine and mepivacaine. Its potency and duration of action are similar to those of bupivacaine but its therapeutic index may be greater. Since pregnancy enhances the cardiotoxicity of bupivacaine, the current study was devised to compare the toxicity of ropivacaine in chronically instrumented nonpregnant and pregnant ewes during continuous intravenous infusion of the drug at the rate of 0.5 mg.kg-1.min-1. In all animals, symptoms of local anesthetic toxicity occurred in the usual order--convulsions, hypotension, apnea, and circulatory collapse. There were no significant differences between the two groups of animals in the doses and plasma concentrations of ropivacaine associated with each toxic manifestations. For example, circulatory collapse occurred at a mean dose of 11.3 +/- 1.1 mg.kg-1 in nonpregnant and 12.4 +/- 0.9 mg.kg-1 in pregnant animals, with corresponding plasma concentrations of 7.3 +/- 0.3 and 9.6 +/- 2.1 micrograms.ml-1 (P = not significant). Protein binding of ropivacaine in the concentration range associated with toxic manifestations was similar in sera obtained from nonpregnant and pregnant ewes. In conclusion, ovine pregnancy does not enhance the systemic toxicity of ropivacaine, possibly because of an absence of gestation-related increase in the availability of free drug.
Depressive symptoms and cytokine levels in Serum and Tumor Tissue in patients with an Astrocytoma: a pilot study

Preoperative depressive symptoms are associated with poor outcomes in patients with an astrocytoma. Cytokines are associated with depressive symptoms in the general population and are important mediators of tumor growth and progression. The aims of this study were to: (1) characterize depressive symptoms, other treatment-related symptoms and biological mediators; and (2) determine whether preoperative depressive symptoms were associated with the selected biological mediators. A prospective, exploratory study was carried out among 22 patients with a high-grade astrocytoma. Self-report questionnaires and peripheral blood samples were collected on the day of surgery. Tumor tissue was collected intraoperatively. Self-report questionnaires were assessed at 3, 6, 9, and 12-months postoperatively. In circulation, serum IL-8 was inversely correlated with depressive symptoms while IL-17 measured in tumor tissue supernatant was inversely correlated with depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms showed a significant increase at 12 months from baseline levels and were positively associated with treatment-related symptoms at 3 months and symptom distress at 12 months post-surgery. In this pilot study, depressive symptoms were negatively associated with IL-8 in serum and IL-17 in tumor tissue. The changes among depressive symptoms, treatment-related symptoms and symptom distress highlight the need for multi-faceted symptom management strategies over the treatment trajectory in this patient population.
Züchtung von Bakterien in Filtrierbarem Zustand

1. Es wird die Theorie dargelegt, das auf einem relativ eiweisreichen und peptonarmen Nahrboden Bakterien in filtrierbarem Zustand isoliert und erhalten werden konnen. 2. Es wird die Herstellung eines sterilisierbaren Eiweisnahrbodens, der das Wachstum von Bakterien in filtrierbarem Zustand zu unterhalten vermag, beschrieben und erortert. 3. Es werden die Einzelheiten der Isolierung und Zuchtung von Typhusbakterien in filtrierbarem Zustand beschrieben, und das Verfahren zur Wiedergewinnung der Typhusbacillen in ihrem nichtfiltrierbaren Zustand dargestellt. 4. Die Anwendung des sterilisierbaren Eiweisnahrbodens zur Isolierung von Bakterien aus dem Blut wird kurz erwahnt.
Die kosmische Strahlung in der astrophysikalischen Forschung

Alle Kenntnis uber die Naturgesetze, die die Geschichte, die Zukunft und den derzeitigen Zustand des Weltalls bestimmen, stammt aus Beobachtungen der Strahlung, die von Himmelskorpern ausgesandt wird und die Umgebung der Erde erreicht. Elektromagnetische Strahlung im sichtbaren Spektralgebiet ist der Beobachtung am leichtesten zuganglich und war daher fur lange Zeit das einzige Mittel, um Erfahrungen uber die physikalischen Vorgange, die sich in groser Entfernung von der Erde abspielen, zu erlangen. Sie ist zweifellos noch heute die reichste Quelle astronomischer und astrophysikalischer Entdeckungen. Durch die theoretische Ausdeutung optischer und spektroskopischer Untersuchungen sind die chemische Zusammensetzung, die Energiequellen, die Entwicklung, die Bewegung von Sternen und Sternsystemen innerhalb und auserhalb unserer Milchstrase zum Teil in groben Zugen, zum Teil mit erstaunlichen Einzelheiten bekannt geworden.
Formation of Nanodimensional 3C-SiC Structuresfrom Rice Husks

We have demonstrated that large quantities of β-SiC nanostructures can be obtained from rice husk agricultural waste by using controlled conditions in a thermogravimetric setup. This simple and inexpensive method of producing these structures on a large scale is critical for applications in nanoelectronics, nanosensors, and biotechnology. The temperature and atmosphere are two critical elements in forming either α-cristobalite (SiO2) or β-SiC. Using different characterization methods (x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy), we have shown that pyrolysis of rice husks in argon atmosphere at 1375°C results in simultaneous formation of carbon nanotubes, β-SiC nanowires/nanorods, and β-SiC powder.
Angiographic and Hemodynamic Predictors for Successful Outcome of Transcatheter Occlusion of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Infants Less Than 8 Kilograms

Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) using Gianturco coils (GCs) has been performed for the past decade. However, little has been written regarding anatomical and hemodynamic predictors for successful occlusion of the PDA in infants. This report is to evaluate the outcome of transcatheter occlusion of PDA in symptomatic infants less than 8 kg and to assess predictors of successful occlusion. Retrospective review of catheterization charts and cineangiograms of 42 symptomatic infants who underwent cardiac catheterization for attempted transcatheter occlusion of their PDA was conducted. The hemodynamic and angiographic data evaluated included the length/diameter (L/D) ratio, defined as the length divided by the narrowest diameter of the ductus arteriosus, and preocclusion pulmonary artery pressures. Thirty-one out of 42 patients (74%) had successful occlusion. Twenty-nine out of 42 infants had an L/D ratio > 3. Of these, 26 (90%) had successful occlusion of their PDA. Thirteen out of 42 patients had an L/D ratio ≤ 3. Of these, 8 (62%) had unsuccessful occlusion. Complications encountered were transient loss of femoral arterial pulse (n = 6), coil embolization (n = 5), hemolysis (n = 2), and mild left pulmonary artery obstruction (n = 2). No permanent loss of femoral arterial pulse was noted. These complications resulted in no mortality and minimal morbidity. The L/D ratio was the strongest predictor of successful outcome, with an L/D ratio greater than 3.0 being more amenable to transcatheter occlusion (odds ratio of 4.6). Other predictors for success included lower preocclusion systolic, diastolic, and mean pulmonary artery pressure and smaller ductal diameter. Our conclusion was that infants less than 8 kg with an L/D ratio > 3.0 can safely and successfully undergo transcatheter occlusion of their PDA using transcatheter coils. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:117–122. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Inelastic analyses of a 17-story steel framed building damaged during Northridge

A series of two- and three-dimensional static and dynamic inelastic frame analyses are performed for a 17-story steel moment frame building damaged by the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The primary objectives of the study are to: (1) exercise state-of-the-art inelastic static and dynamic analyses for the evaluation and design of steel buildings; (2) establish to what degree frame analyses can be used to predict the types of brittle connection damage that occurred during the Northridge earthquake; and (3) investigate the reliability of the analyses and the influence of modeling parameters on computed performance indices. In general, this study shows that calculated interstory drift ratios and curvature demands obtained from inelastic time history analyses correlate reasonably well with the pattern of connection damage observed in the building. However, there is significant scatter in the computed deformation demands that are strongly dependent on the degree to which three-dimensional torsion, secondary structural elements and strength/stiffness degradation (associated with connection fractures) are modeled in the analyses. Further, comparisons of static and dynamic analyses indicate that for this building static pushover analyses do not capture higher vibration modes that are significant.
Toward version 7 of the world professional association for transgender health's standards of care: Hormonal and surgical approaches to treatment

ABSTRACT Standards of Care (SOC)—Sixth Version of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH, formerly the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association) is in the process of revision. In considering the next revision of the SOC, a number of articles were commissioned to examine various parts of the current WPATH SOC and review the literature pertaining to those sections. These papers were designed to (1) review the evidence (and provide us with references); (2) point out where research is lacking and needed; and (3) make possible recommendations (significant and cosmetic) to the SOC based upon new evidence. This article introduces the third set of articles pertaining to hormonal and surgical approaches to treatment.
DNA binding of mixed-metal supramolecular Ru, Pt complexes

Abstract The mixed-metal supramolecular complexes [(tpy)Ru(PEt 2 Ph)(dpp)PtCl 2 ](PF 6 ) 2 and [(tpy)Ru(PEt 2 Ph)(bpm)PtCl 2 ](PF 6 ) 2 are of interest in that they couple light absorbing ruthenium centers to a reactive metal site through a communicative bridge (tpy=2,2 ′ :6 ′ ,2 ′′ -terpyridine, bpm=2,2 ′ -bipyrimidine and dpp=2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine). These systems have been studied and shown to avidly bind to DNA, greatly reducing its mobility through an agarose gel.
Electron-Transfer Reactions with Significant Changes in Structure. Unsymmetrical Crowded Ethylenes

The electrochemical reduction mechanisms of xanthylideneanthrone, 6, thioxanthylideneanthrone, 7, 10-(diphenylmethylene)anthrone, 8, and 9-(diphenylmethylene)-9H-fluorene, 9, have been studied in dimethylformamide. The reduction of the first two compounds proceeds from folded forms of the neutral to twisted forms of the anion radical according to a square scheme. The data for reduction of 8 can be well accounted for by the same square scheme. However, one-step reduction with concerted electron transfer and structural change cannot be ruled out. Compound 9, whose fluorene ring system cannot fold, exists only in twisted forms in the neutral, anion radical, and dianion. Consequently, there are no major changes in structure upon reduction, and the compound is reduced in two reversible steps with the second complicated by rapid loss of the dianion that is probably due to protonation by components of the medium.
Structure of the silica phase extracted from silica/(TPA)OH solutions containing nanoparticles

Subcolloidal particles of a few nanometers in diameter are observed during the clear-solution synthesis of silicalite-1. These nanoparticles (3−5 nm) can be synthesized at room temperature starting from tetrapropylammonium (TPA) hydroxide, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and water, and they have been reported to have a uniform structure identical to that of zeolite ZSM-5 (called nanoblocks or nanoslabs). To study their structure, we followed the extraction procedure proposed in the literature to obtain a dry powder of the particles. These dried particles were analyzed with powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), solid-state NMR spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and N2 adsorption isotherms. The results are compared with those obtained for colloidal size silicalite-1, amorphous silica, and the mesoporous silicate SBA-15. To obtain a better idea of the shape and structure of the particles, we conducted simulated annealing modeling to fit the particle shape to the fractions of Qn obtained ...
Hospital Quality Competition and the Economics of Imperfect Information

Competition in the health care industry has traditionally focused on indices of quality rather than price. Even in a period of vigorous price competition, the issue of quality remains central, given patient uncertainty. Quality in the future will be assessed, however, not only on the basis of structural characteristics--such as the acquisition of new clinical technologies--but also in terms of patient outcomes. Because outcome statistics are influenced by the severity of the patient's disease at the time of treatment, it is likely that health plans and medical care institutions may accelerate their preference for healthier patients. Pure price competition may have only a modest role to play.
"Computer as Data Gatherer" for a New Generation: Martorella's Predictions, the Past, the Present, and the Future of Technology in Social Studies.

In his 1997 article “Technology and the Social Studies - or: Which Way to the Sleeping Giant?” Peter Martorella made several predictions regarding technology resources in the social studies. Through a 2014 lens, Martorella’s Internet seems archaic, yet two of his predictions were particularly poignant and have had a significant impact on social studies instruction: the phenomenon of “computer as data gatherer” (p. 513) and a “new generation” of the Internet that would become more interactive (p. 512). This paper highlights the literature in these two areas, beginning with a focus on the vantage point from which Martorella was writing. The paper also describes the learning potential inherent in more recent technological developments, particularly mobile technology devices, and the degree to which they are currently being used in K-12 social studies. Books will soon be obsolete in schools. Scholars will soon be instructed through the eye. It is possible to teach every branch of human knowledge with the motion picture. Our school system will be completely changed in ten years (Thomas Edison, 1913, as quoted in Saettler, 1990, p. 100).
Urethane-induced lymphopenia in normal and adrenalectomized rats.

A decrease in the circulating lymphocytes as well as other physiological changes in normal rats after urethane injections was reported by Hawkins and Murphy (1925). The palliative treatment of human and experimental lymphatic and myelogenous leukemia with urethane has been reported by several investigators (Patterson, Thomas, Haddow and Watkinson, 1946; Haddow and Saxton, 1946; Webster, 1947; Kirschbaum and Lu, 1947; Engstrom, Kirschbaum and Mixer, 1947). Murphy and Strum (1946) reported that urethane treatment of rats with transplanted lymphatic leukemia resulted in a decrease in the white blood cell count and the lymphocytes. Since these investigators also observed adrenal gland hypertrophy, they suggested that this might be of significance in causing the depression of the lymphocytes in their leukemic rats. In this laboratory we had observed enlarged adrenal glands in normal rats after urethanization during the course of an investigation of some of the physiological effects of urethane (unpublished data).
Architecture-level dependence analysis in support of software maintenance

Software maintenance is the most costly phase of software development. Two factors contributing to the high cost are the late detection of system failures and the increasing difficulty of understanding a system as it ages. The advent of formal architecture description languages (ADLs) provides an opportunity to reason about the correctness of a system at the earliest stages of development as well as at a high level of abstraction throughout its life. ADLs capture information about a system’s components and how those components are interconnected. Some also capture information about the possible states of components and about the component behaviors that involve component interaction; behaviors and data manipulations internal to a component are typically not considered at this level. Techniques have been developed for architectural analysis that can reveal problems such as potential deadlock and component mismatches [2, 12, 14, 18]. In general, there are many kinds of questions one might want to ask at an architectural level for maintenance purposes as varied as reuse, reverse engineering, fault localization, impact analysis, regression testing, and workspace management. These kinds of questions are similar to those currently asked at the implementation level and answered through static dependence analysis techniques applied to program code. It seems reasonable, therefore, to apply similar techniques at the architectural level, either because the program code may not exist at the time the question is being asked or be-
Readout performance analysis of a cryogenic magnetooptical data storage system

The readout signal and noise generation processes have been studied for a magnetooptical data storage model using a GaAs laser source for both thermal writing and Faraday readout on a Fe doped EuO film. Experience with a laboratory model indicates that the usual analysis which treats only detector shot noise leads to incorrect values for optimum film thickness and analyzer angle. For additional details, see Digests of the 1972 Intermag Conference (available from IEEE Headquarters).
Determining Protein-Induced DNA Bending in Force-Extension Experiments: Theoretical Analysis

Computer simulations were used to investigate the possibility of determining protein-induced DNA bend angles by measuring the extension of a single DNA molecule. Analysis of the equilibrium sets of DNA conformations showed that shortening of DNA extension by a single protein-induced DNA bend can be as large as 35 nm. The shortening has a maximum value at the extending force of ∼0.1 pN. At this force, the DNA extension experiences very large fluctuations that dramatically complicate the measurement. Using Brownian dynamics simulation of a DNA molecule extended by force, we were able to estimate the observation time needed to obtain the desired accuracy of the extension measurement. Also, the simulation revealed large fluctuations of the force, acting on the attached magnetic bead from the stretched DNA molecule.
Hydroxyurea therapy for priapism prevention and erectile function recovery in sickle cell disease: a case report and review of the literature

Prolonged ischemic priapism in patients with sickling hemoglobinopathies is a urologic emergency requiring immediate intervention to avoid irreversible anoxic penile injury, corporal fibrosis, and erectile dysfunction. Therapeutic options, however, are limited and often ineffective. Here, we report recovery of erectile function with hydroxyurea therapy in an adolescent with hemoglobin SS following a prolonged episode of priapism and subsequent severe erectile dysfunction. This case suggests a potential role of hydroxyurea in reversing end organ damage in patients with hemoglobin SS and also supports basic science work indicating involvement of the NO-dependent pathway in the pathogenesis of sickle cell disease-associated priapism.
The Practicality of Algorithms in Instructional Development.

Two of the most critical issues in instructional development (ID) are cost and time. Algorithmization promises to be a practical technology in optimizing instructional development, reducing costs, and saving development time. The notion of algorithms is briefly examined in this article. The differences between the pure, mathematical algorithms developed and applied in educational endeavors are discussed. Several algorithms employed in ID are spotlighted as examples of the varying roles they can take. The issues which set algorithms apart from other procedural forms are examined in light of available methodology for algorithms development. Some implications for developers of areas of application and research are noted. Finally, conclusions are drawn regarding the practicality of algorithms in instructional development.
Logic simulation using an asynchronous parallel discrete-event simulation model on a SIMD machine

The Chandy-Misra-Bryant (CMB) model has been applied to logic simulation of synchronous sequential circuits using a massively parallel SIMD computer, a CM-2 Connection Machine. Several methods of reducing message traffic in a logic simulation have been adapted to the SIMD architecture of the CM-2, with the result that each method of reducing message traffic actually decreases the speed of the simulation. This suggests that communication costs required to support logic simulation are small compared to the cost of deciding which messages need not be sent. >
Ecology and management of rodents in no‐till agriculture in Washington, USA

No-till farming is an important approach to sustainable agriculture because it can conserve soil and water resources. Unfortunately, rodent populations can thrive under no-till conditions because burrow systems are not disrupted by annual plowing and plant residues build-up on the surface, providing cover and insulation. This can result in substantial crop damage. We assessed rodent populations, habitat use, food habits, and crop damage in a no-till cropping system in Washington, USA. We also conducted preliminary trials of methods to reduce rodent populations and crop damage. In the fall, many more rodents were captured in fields with unharvested crops than in fields containing only plant stubble, suggesting that rodents leave fields after crop harvest, providing that suitable habitats are nearby, even when adequate cover is still available in harvested crop fields. By spring, the number of voles captured was much lower relative to fall. Despite this, capture rates were much higher in surrounding permanent grass areas than in crop (barley, wheat, pea) fields, suggesting that these grassy areas serve as refugia for rodents. Furthermore, the permanent grass cover type was the landscape variable most associated with rodent capture rates. In three winter pea fields, rodents removed 5–15% of the pea plants over winter. Examination of stomach contents revealed that voles mainly fed on grain plants in spring, but that their diet was more diversified in fall. Deer mice fed heavily on grain plants in both spring and fall, but also used insects as food. Metal barrier exclosures (9 m × 9 m), extending above and below ground, did not prevent access by rodents. Rodent populations in areas treated with zinc phosphide on grain were comparable to untreated areas 1 year after application of the rodenticide, perhaps because of immigration and recruitment, suggesting that baiting does not provide a long-term solution to rodent damage in no-till agricultural fields.
A topological version of a theorem of Mather on twist maps

Abstract : In this report shows that a twist map of an annulus with a periodic point of rotation number p/q must have a Birkhoff periodic point of rotation number p/q. Topological techniques are used so no assumption of area-preservation or circle intersection property is needed. If the map is area preserving then this theorem and the fixed point theorem of Birkhoff imply a recent theorem of Mather. It is also shown that periodic orbits of (significantly) smallest period for a twist map must be Birkhoff. (Author)
GW24-e3585 Differentiating vascular dementia from Alzheimer's disease with the Memory and Executive Screening test (MES)

Objectives Alzheimer’ disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) are the most common causes of dementia in the elderly. The Memory and Executive Screening test (MES) is a brief and sensitive screening assessment for cognitive impairment, including the most commonly impaired cognitive domains in dementia, the memory and the executive function. Our aim of the study is to investigate the differentiating ability of MES for mild VaD and mild AD. Methods Three groups of mild VaD, mild AD and normal control were involved. Every group had 30 subjects, matched for gender, age and education. All participant were evaluated by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and MES. Apolipoprotein E(APOE) genotype was performed in all samples. The vascular factor score (i.e. coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, alcoholism, every factor was evaluated as 1, the total factor score is the sum of all the factors) were also calculated. Results (1) There was no difference of total cognitive function between the VaD group and the AD group (AD MMSE = 19.6 ± 3.3 vs VaD MMSE = 20.6 ± 5.5, P > 0.05). The vascular factor score and APOE genotyping had significant differences between the VaD group and the AD group (P 0.05). (3) The sensitivity of MES-R≤0.7 for differentiating VaD and AD was 76.7% with a specificity of 83.3%,with the area under ROC curve (AUC) is 0.863. The MES-R has the same discriminate ability of vascular factor score (cut-off score = 2, both sensitivity and specificity are 82.8%, AUC = 0.878) and is better than the APOE genotype (83.3% for sensitivity, 53.3% for specificity, AUC = 0.638). Conclusions Most notably executive dysfunction in VaD and memory deficiencies in AD. Individuals with AD typically display impairment on memory recall and recognition while the memory faculties of VaD patients are more intact, yielding some recall deficits and little or no impairment in recognition. Compared to AD patients, VaD patients typically perform considerably poorer on tasks dependent on executive function. MES has two portions in scoring. Fifty score is for memory and fifty for executive function evaluation. The ratio for the two subscale scores will reflect the more impaired domain and will indicate the possible origin of dementia. The value of MES in differentiating VaD from AD proved effectively.
Tracking control of general nonlinear systems

A new approach is proposed for tracking control law design for general nonlinear systems in which the control does not necessarily appear linearly. The tracking errors are predicted by appropriate functional expansions. An implicit feedback control law based on pointwise minimization of the tracking errors is derived. The numerical values of the control can be obtained through a fixed-point iteration which is guaranteed to converge. >
Breakdown of interlocking domains may contribute to formation of membranous globules and lens opacity in ephrin-A5−/− mice

Ephrin-A5, a ligand of the Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases, plays a key role in lens fiber cell packing and cell-cell adhesion, with approximately 87% of ephrin-A5(-/-) mice develop nuclear cataracts. Here, we investigated the extensive formation of light-scattering globules associated with breakdown of interlocking protrusions during lens opacification in ephrin-A5(-/-) mice. Lenses from wild-type (WT) and ephrin-A5(-/-) mice between 2 and 21 weeks old were studied with light and electron microscopy, immunofluorescence labeling, freeze-fracture TEM and filipin cytochemistry for membrane cholesterol detection. Lens opacities with various densities were first observed in ephrin-A5(-/-) mice at around 60 days old. Dense cataracts in the mutant lenses were seen primarily in the nuclear region surrounded by transparent cortices from all eyes examined. We confirmed that a majority of nuclear cataracts were dislocated posteriorly and ruptured the thinner posterior lens capsule. SEM analysis indicated that numerous interlocking protrusions and wavy ridge-and-valley membrane surfaces in deep cortical and nuclear fibers did not cause lens opacity in both transparent ephrin-A5(-/-) and WT mice. In contrast, abundant isolated membranous globules of approximately 1000 nm in size were distributed randomly along the intact fiber cells during early stage of all ephrin-A5(-/-) cataracts examined. A further examination using both SEM and TEM revealed that isolated globules were generated from the disintegrated interlocking protrusions originally located along the corners of hexagonal fiber cells. Freeze-fracture TEM further revealed the association of square-array aquaporin junctions with both isolated globules and interlocking membrane domains. This study reports for the first time that disrupted interlocking protrusions are the source of numerous large membranous globules that contribute to light scattering and nuclear cataracts in the ephrin-A5(-/-) mice. Our results further suggest that dissociations of N-cadherin and adherens junctions in the associated interlocking domains may result in the formation of isolated globules and nuclear opacities in the ephrin-A5(-/-) mice.
Americans by Heart: Undocumented Latino Students and the Promise of Higher Education

Americans by heart: Undocumented Latino students and the promise of higher education is an in-depth exploration of the experiences of Latino undocumented immigrant young people. Perez’s primary focus is on the factors that shape the pathway to college for undocumented Latino students. The book captures the challenges and risks associated with growing up undocumented in the United States, and also highlights how undocumented Latino students cope with these challenges. Perez’s compassionate and informative book is a welcome addition to the growing body of research about undocumented immigrant young people.
Structure Determination by Single Crystal X-ray Crystallography

Abstract X-ray crystal structures of thiolate-protected gold and silver clusters undergird current structural understanding of these clusters. Both small-molecule and macromolecular crystallography traditions prove useful in the practical aspects of solving these single crystal structures. Here we give an overview of structural chemistry methods, with emphasis on single crystal X-ray methods. We highlight areas where the crystallography of clusters poses special challenges, such as in crystal growth and disorder refinement. We present a comprehensive overview of the structures solved so far, and discuss the frontiers of structure determination for thiolate ligand-protected Au, Ag, and bimetallic clusters.
Beyond decreased bowel enhancement: acute abnormalities of the mesenteric and portal vasculature

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a potentially life-threatening condition with an associated high mortality. Prompt diagnosis is crucial to achieve a favorable outcome. The radiologist plays a central role in the initial evaluation of a patient with suspected AMI. In this pictorial essay, we review the appropriate imaging evaluation of a patient with suspected AMI, and we review both the common and uncommon etiologies of mesenteric ischemia. With each etiology presented, relevant clinical and imaging findings, as well as potential treatments, are reviewed.
On the Long-Run Labor Supply Curve of Married Women in the USSR

The profound importance of women in the labor force of the Soviet Union is well-known. Women have moved from a point in 1928 when they were 24% of the total labor force to 51% of the labor force in the seventies.1 Concomitantly, 89.1% of all able-bodied, working age (16-54) Soviet women were in the labor force in 1970, only slightly below the 90.8% figure for men.2 In both instances the figures for Soviet women are the highest in the world.3 Several broad factors are responsible for having produced this situation. Most notable among these influences are: (1) the impact of Marxist-Leninist thought and early Soviet legislation which argued that women were no longer oppressed under socialism and they had both the right and obligation to participate in social production as a prerequisite to full equality; (2) the high rate of Soviet industrialization which demanded labor to sustain the growth drive; (3) the massive movement of the population out of the rural areas and into the cities which was partially a reaction to the collectivization of agriculture; (4) the impact of World War II male population losses so that in 1951, 56 % of the population was female. This not only increased the relative number of females, but also placed economic pressure on women because of the deficit of males. The extent to which women work in the USSR is important because of the labor shortage faced by the Soviet planners. Under optimistic assumptions about the number of births during the period 1975-1981, Soviet demographic projections indicate an increase of only five million people in the working age population during the period 1986-2001. However, if the current level of the crude birth rate persists, there will be no increase in the size of the working age population. This is in striking contrast to the projected increase of 30 million during the period 1971-1986.4 Moreover, current trends suggest that increase in the working-age population during the 1980's will not take place in those geographic areas proximate to the major industrial centers of the USSR where the labor force base will instead likely decline. Although postponement of retirement will help somewhat in raising labor force participation rates, the existing high level of participation indicates that there is little room for increase here. Thus, the slowdown in economic growth which has been experienced in the seventies will be aggravted in the eighties by the retardant effects on output of a further slowing in labor force growth.5
Outcome of lower trapezius transfer to reconstruct massive irreparable posterior-superior rotator cuff tear

Background Management of massive irreparable posterior-superior rotator cuff tear can be very challenging. This study reports the outcome of the lower trapezius transfer to reconstruct massive irreparable posterior-superior rotator cuff tear. Methods Included were 33 patients with an average age of 53 years (range, 31-66 years). All patients had symptomatic massive irreparable rotator cuff tear that failed conservative or prior surgical treatment and underwent reconstruction with lower trapezius transfer prolonged by Achilles tendon allograft. The tear was considered irreparable based on the magnetic resonance imaging finding of ≥2 full-thickness rotator cuff tears associated with shortening and retraction of the tendon to the level of the glenoid and a high grade of fatty infiltration of the muscles. This was confirmed at the time of the surgery. Results At an average follow-up of 47 months, 32 patients had significant improvement in pain, subjective shoulder value, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score and shoulder range of motion, including flexion, 120°; abduction, 90°; and external rotation 50°. One patient, with a body mass index of 36 kg/m 2 , required debridement for an infection and then later underwent shoulder fusion. Patients with >60° of preoperative flexion had more significant gains in their range of motion. Shoulder external rotation improved in all patients regardless of the extent of the preoperative loss of motion. Conclusions Transfer of the lower trapezius prolonged with Achilles tendon allograft to reconstruct massive irreparable posterior-superior rotator cuff tear may lead to good outcome in most patients, specifically for those who have preoperative flexion of >60°.
Effectiveness of red blood cell exchange, partial manual exchange, and simple transfusion concurrently with iron chelation therapy in reducing iron overload in chronically transfused sickle cell anemia patients.

BACKGROUND Chronic transfusion therapy (CTT) is indicated for stroke prevention in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) and is complicated by iron overload and alloimmunization. CTT is performed by simple transfusion (ST), partial manual exchange (PME), or erythrocytapheresis (RCE). Although small case series have demonstrated RCE in combination with iron chelation therapy stabilizes and/or decreases ferritin, there are no reports comparing the effect of ST, PME, and RCE on liver iron concentration (LIC). CTT modality effect on serum ferritin and LIC were compared in SCA patients on iron chelation, with hemoglobin (Hb)S goal of 30%. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Medical records of SCA patients on CTT and deferasirox (≥25 mg/kg/day) were retrospectively reviewed. Mean HbS%, change in ferritin and LIC, and alloimmunization rate were determined for each CTT group. RESULTS Twenty-eight patients were included; six crossed over (one from ST to PME, one from ST to PME then to RCE, three from ST to RCE, and one from PME to RCE) to include 36 transfusion modality intervals. Median pretransfusion HbS% levels were 32.7% (ST), 36.2% (PME), and 34.7% (RCE; p = 0.732). Median ferritin changes were +15 (−17 to +45), +38 (+24 to +105), and −91 (−141 to −48) ng/mL/month (p = 0.003), and median LIC changes (available in 22 patient transfusion modality intervals) were +1.3 (−1.6 to +4.3), +2.3 (−6.5 to +8.9), and −5.7 (−10.7 to −0.5) mg/g/year (p = 0.024) in ST, PME, and RCE, respectively. There was no significant difference in alloimmunization rate between ST/PME and RCE groups. CONCLUSION We recommend RCE plus chelation as an effective method for reducing iron overload, while maintaining HbS at 30% to 35%.
Fatigue Crack Growth Behavior of Small Sn-Bi-Ag Solder Joints

Reliability of solder interconnects is normally characterized by extrapolation of bulk solder reliability data, such as crack growth measurements of solder materials in the bulk form. In the present study, experimental evidence will be presented to show that crack growth, which is the most commonly observed failure mode in small solder joints strongly depends on the size and shape of the joint cross-section. Furthermore, the crack growth rate can be appropriately correlated to the size of the intense plastic yielding zone at the crack tip using a plastic decohesion argument.
Transcription Arrest by a G Quadruplex Forming-Trinucleotide Repeat Sequence from the Human c-myb Gene

Non canonical DNA structures correspond to genomic regions particularly susceptible to genetic instability. The transcription process facilitates formation of these structures and plays a major role in generating the instability associated with these genomic sites. However, little is known about how non canonical structures are processed when encountered by an elongating RNA polymerase. Here we have studied the behavior of T7 RNA polymerase (T7RNAP) when encountering a G quadruplex forming-(GGA)4 repeat located in the human c-myb proto-oncogene. To make direct correlations between formation of the structure and effects on transcription, we have taken advantage of the ability of the T7 polymerase to transcribe single-stranded substrates and of G4 DNA to form in single-stranded G-rich sequences in the presence of potassium ions. Under physiological KCl concentrations, we found that T7 RNAP transcription was arrested at two sites that mapped to the c-myb (GGA)4 repeat sequence. The extent of arrest did not c...
Electron-transfer reactions at the plasma-liquid interface

Electrochemical reactions are normally initiated in solution by metal electrodes such as Pt, which are expensive and limited in supply. In this Communication, we demonstrate that an atmospheric-pressure microplasma can act as a gaseous, metal-free electrode to mediate electron-transfer reactions in aqueous solutions. Ferricyanide is reduced to ferrocyanide by plasma electrons, and the reduction rate is found to depend on discharge current. The ability to initiate and control electrochemical reactions at the plasma–liquid interface opens a new direction for electrochemistry based on interactions between gas-phase electrons and ionic solutions.
LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES.

Evidence is mounting that diabetes is an auto-immune disease. It should soon be possible to control the auto-immune reactions responsible for severe complications such as retinopathy and glomerulosclerosis. The diabetic spectrum serves as a guide to proper therapy. It is composed of seven stages ranging from prediabetes to diabetic coma. The use of insulin is mandatory in stage 5 or beyond. Most brittle diabetes is produced by brittle doctors.
Healing Behavior for Caregivers

There are several behaviors that can facilitate adaptation to a terminal disease and the dying process. Connectedness with others, an interest area, goal or purpose for living, spiritual support, peace with the past, positive reflections on life satisfactions and accomplishments, leaving a legacy and gratitude for the gift of caregiving are ways that both surviving relatives and dying patients can help to soften survivors to have positive memories following the death. Time runs out differently for each one of us. While we do not control the timing of terminal disease and death, we can influence to some degree, how they affect the quality of our time living.
Cryoglobulins and Cryoglobulinemia

Cryoglobulins are proteins that can undergo reversible precipitation from the serum upon cooling to a temperature lower than 37 °C. These proteins are composed of immunoglobulins with or without a mixture of complement proteins. Wintrobe and Buell first described this cryoprecipitation phenomenon in 1933 in a patient with multiple myeloma who presented with hyperviscosity-related symptoms (Wintrobe and Buell 1933). It was Lerner and Watson who coined the term “cryoglobulin” in 1947 (Lerner and Watson 1947). Strictly, the term “cryoglobulinemia” refers to the presence of cryoglobulins in serum. However, it is commonly used to refer to a syndrome whose symptoms are a consequence of these cryoglobulins. This condition was first described by Meltzer and Franklin in 29 patients with serum cryoglobulins and a common pattern of symptoms that comprised of purpura, arthralgias, and weakness in the presence of elevated rheumatoid factor and end-organ dysfunction such as neuropathy and renal disease (Meltzer and Franklin 1966). This chapter will attempt to answer some of the key clinical questions that arise among physicians taking care of patients with cryoglobulinemia syndrome.