cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A pharmaceutical advisory service in a private nursing home: provision and outcome

A survey of pharmaceutical care in two private nursing homes in Norfolk identified concerns relating to the extent and nature of patient therapy as well as its administration and documentation (see p83). With the support of medical and nursing staff, relevant policy documents were reviewed by the investigating pharmacist and then implemented. A laxative policy was also introduced. During the next five months, monthly medication reviews were made for the 60 patients (eight male, 52 female; mean age 84 [±9] years) who remained from the original survey. Recommendations concerning individual drug therapy were subsequently evaluated. Of the 44 recommendations for changes in prescribing and administration of drugs that were accepted by the medical/nursing staff, 37 produced positive outcomes for the patient. Compared with the baseline data, there were significant increases in the number of patients who were free of possible drug induced problems (P<0.05) or no longer constipated (P<0.005) and a significant increase in the proportion of medicines administered in accordance with the prescriber's wishes (P<0.05). The accuracy and completeness of drug administration records had improved and guidelines for nurse prescribing had been rationalised. The mean daily number of items taken by patients had fallen by 1.5. Based on these data, provision of pharmaceutical care to private nursing homes should produce significant cost savings and improve patient care.
Influenza B: hospital activity during a community epidemic.

Abstract During a community epidemic of influenza B, surveillance throat cultures for influenza were collected from febrile adult patients and hospital employees on three medical wards to determine the frequency and source of influenza among hospitalized patients. Twenty-five cases of influenza B (18.5% of febrile patients) were identified; no clusters of influenza-like illness occured. The attack rate on two wards was 4.6%. Peak hospital influenza incidence followed that in the community by 1–2 weeks. Twelve of the cases were community-acquired and 13 were nosocomial. 75% of community-acquired cases had three or more common influenza B symptoms, compared with only 39% of nosocomial cases. A viral etiology of fever was suspected clinically in one-half of the cases, but influenza was specifically suspected in only one case. Two ill culture-positive nurses were identified on the job but no asymptomatic carriers were found among ward personnel. We conclude that influenza B cases were present among hospitalized patients in the absence of recognizable clusters of disease and that patients with community-acquired illness as well as nursing personnel may have introduced influenza into the hospital. Influenza B may be difficult to diagnose clinically in hospitalized patients, but viral throat cultures performed in all suspected cases should identify many infected patients.
Acute management of a cyanotic episode in an infant after a Norwood procedure

In infants with a Norwood stage I reconstruction, the respiratory management to direct pulmonary to systemic blood flow ratio is of critical importance. Disturbance of this delicate blood-flow balance can occur causing rapid deterioration of the infant's condition requiring urgent interventions. However, the emergency staff personnel that are generally the first to be called may not be familiar with these patients' complex pathophysiology. We report on the resuscitation of an infant with a Norwood circulation who developed deep central cyanosis in an out-of-hospital environment. The infant deteriorated because of stenoses in both the neoaortic arch and the aortopulmonary shunt. Emergency therapy, especially for out-of-hospital treatment, can only consist of basic measures, which are discussed.
Negotiating a Vocabulary for Urban Infrastructure, Or, The WPA Meets the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Though historians of technology generally work toward detailed case studies of individual machines or industries, a few voices have lately been raised in a call for broader perspectives. In a recent review essay, Josef W. Konvitz, Mark H. Rose and Joel A. Tarr urge an intellectual history of urban technologies. The discipline that treats the spinning jenny and the cotton gin must also equip itself to analyze the varied and complex technological systems present in the modern city. Only with such a broad vision will the relationships between technology and culture become clear. One helpful version of such an overview has been offered by Rosalind Williams's historical and literary meditations on underground technological environments. But Williams's focus upon nineteenth-century culture has led her to ignore the American experience almost entirely. Bound by Leo Marx's paradigmatic “machine in the garden,” Williams dismisses America in favor of Britain and France, where underground technology first entered the modern landscape. A twentieth-century focus, however, reveals a rich and complex intellectual history of urban technology within the American scene. The built environment of New York City, in particular, has dominated contemporary American expressions of the relationship between culture and technology.
Affordable, Abbreviated Roche Monitor Assay for Quantification of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 RNA in Plasma

The cost for the Roche Monitor assay kit can be reduced 50% by using only the 1:1, 1:25, and 1:625 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the 1:1 quantitation standard dilutions. This abbreviated test applied to 1,774 mostly African samples had results nearly identical to those obtained following the package insert instructions. To make this approach feasible, Roche would have to provide additional lysis buffer and master mix.
Synthesis and characterization of four sequential glycyl/glutamate polypeptides

Poly(Glu(OBzl)-Gly)n, poly(Glu-Gly)n, poly(Gly)-(Glu(OBzl)-Gly), and poly(Gly-Glu-Gly) were synthesized from the pentachlorophenyl esters of the sequential monomer. Both of the polymers containing free glumatic-acid residues are soluble in water, as is the lower molecular weight fraction of the polytripeptides with the benzyl ester in place. Circular dichroism studies and infrared dichroism studies suggest that the 21 helix is favored for the polydipeptide with removal of the benzyl ester reducing the conformational integrity. The polytripeptide showed evidence of 31 helix in addition to the 21 form, depending on solvent. A rationale for the conformations observed is developed based on the bulkiness of the side-chain residues and conformational stabilization, in certain cases, by hydrophobic interactions between the benzyl ester groups.
Human Lymphocytes: Similarity of B and T Cell Surface Morphology

When viewed by scanning electron microscopy human lymphocytes fixed in suspension and processed with minimal cell loss appear uniformly covered with short microvilli. Contrary to previous reports, lymphocytes from subpopulations selectively enriched for T cells are villous and indistinguishable from B lymphocytes. Whereas lymphocyte surface architecture can change rapidly and substantially in response to environmental modifications, such as contact with an underlying surface, these alterations are similar for both B and T cells and do not serve to distinguish these subpopulations.
A conceptual model of nutrient cycling in wetlands used for wastewater treatment: A literature analysis

A conceptual model of nutrient dynamics in wetlands used for wastewater treatment provided the basis for reviewing the literature on the subject. Papers were selected in order to describe the storages and transfers of the conceptual model. This approach serves to develop an understanding of wetland systems behavior and allows easy identification of gaps in the literature and of research needs. The consensus of the literature is that incorporation into peat is the major long-term mechanism for phosphorus removal, whereas denitrification is very significant for nitrogen removal. Long-term, mass balance studies are required in order to identify and quantify the nutrient removal mechanisms and assess the potential of different wetland types for treating wastewater. Areas particularly lacking mass balance studies include hydrology, decomposition processes, and physicochemical reactions between water and wetland soils.
The computer searches for Pascal conics

Abstract An approach to discovering new theorems in geometry using numerical examples is discussed. Four classes of theorems related to Pascal conics have been discovered by this approach. Two of them are new.
The geology of dione

Dione is one of the more geologically complex of Saturn's satellites. Several geologic units have been identified including ancient heavily cratered terrain; two plains units: cratered plains and lightly cratered plains; lobate deposits; crater rim deposits; and bright wispy material. The only structural features observed are a series of troughs which cross portions of th surface and subtle northeast and northwest trending lineaments. The troughs are associated with volcanic deposits and are interpreted to be the vents through which material was erupted. Correlations exist between telescopically observed albedo patterns and the distribution of geologic units.
Cape Fear and the Verdict: Law, Morality and Violence:

As a staple feature of popular culture, films shape our everyday understandings and expectations of relationships among law and violence. This paper compares two films, Cape Fear (1992) and The Ver...
POU domain factor Brn-3b is required for the development of a large set of retinal ganglion cells

Abstract The three members of the Brn-3 family of POU domain transcription factors are found in highly restricted sets of central nervous system neurons. Within the retina, these factors are present only within subsets of ganglion cells. We show here that in the developing mouse retina, Brn-3b protein is first observed in presumptive ganglion cell precursors as they begin to migrate from the zone of dividing neuroblasts to the future ganglion cell layer, and that targeted disruption of the Brn-3b gene leads in the homozygous state to a selective loss of 70% of retinal ganglion cells. In Brn-3b (-/-) mice other neurons within the retina and brain are minimally or not at all affected. These experiments indicate that Brn-3b plays an essential role in the development of specific ganglion cell types.
Isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside, the flavonoid pigment in Batis maritima

Abstract Isorhamnetin-3- O -rutinoside has been shown to be the only flavonoid in Batis maritima .
Making agricultural extension training practical: From evaluation to curriculum change in Southern Sudan

Abstract A shortage of adequately trained agricultural extension workers has been one of the limiting factors in establishing a viable agricultural extension service in the southern region of Sudan. In an effort to more effectively train their extension personnel, the Regional Ministry of Agriculture, with US AID support, established the Southern Manpower Development Project. The authors describe one segment of that project—the revitalization of the Rumbek Agricultural Training Centre (RATC). This revitalization process began with an evaluation of existing extension training conditions. The evaluation resulted in six major changes that were implemented at the RATC. The collective impact of these six changes resulted in the emergence of a curriculum which could become a model curriculum for other institutions with similar missions.
Dynamical mass transfer in cataclysmic binaries

When a binary comes into contact and mass transfer begins, orbital angular momentum is stored in the accretion disk until the disk couples tidally to the binary system. Taam and McDermott (1987) have suggested that this leads to unstable dynamical mass transfer in many cataclysmic variables in which mass transfer would otherwise be stable, and that it explains the gap between 2 and 3 h in the orbital period distribution of these systems. Here the consequences of this hypothesis for the evolution of cataclysmic binaries are explored. It is found that systems coming into contact longward of the period gap undergo one or more episodes of dynamical mass transfer.
Use of a yeast site-specific recombinase to generate embryonic mosaics in Drosophila.

An efficient method for gener- ating embryonic mosaics using a yeast site-specific recombinase (FfP), under the control of a heat shock promoter, is described. FfP-recombinase can promote mitotic exchange between homolo- gous chromosomes that contain FRT (FLP Recom- bination Target) sequences. To demonstrate the ef- ficiency of FIP-recombinase to generate embryonic mosaics, clones of the recessive and cell autono- mous mutation armadillo (arm), detected by their ability to differentiate ectopic denticles in the naked cuticle of each abdominal segment, have been in- duced. We have analyzed the parameters of FP- recombinase induced embryonic mitotic recombi- nation and have demonstrated that clones can be etticiently induced during the postblastoderm mi- totic divisions. We discuss applications of this tech- nique for the analyses of the roles of various mu- tations during embryonic patterning. 0 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Multiple groups confirmatory factor analysis of the motivational factors affecting individuals' decisions about participating in action sports and an inquiry into participant action sports participatory fandom.

The purpose of this current study was to examine if the Participant Motivations Questionnaire (PMQ) (Gill et al., 1983) was still valid for action sports participants. This study also examined factorial invariance of motivational factors of action sports participation across genders. In other words, the study wanted to test the motivational factors of action sports participation assumed to underlie the motivational factors independently for the male and female college students. Based on the results of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), the PMQ motivational factors of action sports participation do fit both male and female college students. The results of the multiple t-tests showed that female college action sports participants had higher motivation levels for achievement (p < 0.001), miscellaneous reasons (p < 0.01), skills development (p < 0.01), friendships (p < 0.01) and fun (p < 0.01).
Imagined Past, Uncertain Future: The Creation of National Ideologies in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

National ideologies were a crucial element in the process of state-building in the independent Central Asian states.
Quantitative bremsstrahlung imaging of yttrium-90 using a Wiener filter

Yttrium‐90 (90Y), a pure beta emitter, is an attractive radionuclide for radioimmunotherapy of cancer.Therapeutic management requires quantitative imaging to measure the pharmacokinetics of the radionuclide in the patient for radiationdosimetric calculations. The bremsstrahlung emissions can be utilized to acquire an image of beta sources using a gamma camera. Quantitation of 90Y by bremsstrahlung imaging is difficult because of poor image quality that results from septal penetration and scatter secondary to the broad bremsstrahlung energies. In this work, quantitative methods for bremsstrahlung imaging of 90Y sources that involved the use of (a) a Wiener filter to deconvolve the septal penetration and scatter while suppressing image noise, and (b) the geometric mean of the conjugate view (GM) and effective point source (EPS) methods to quantify activities were investigated. An abdominal phantom was prepared with 90Y activities in the liver, spleen, tumors, and background volumes that were similar to those observed in patient studies. A twofold improvement in resolution recovery for full width at tenth maximum of the line spread function at 11 cm depth in water was achieved using Wiener restoration. Definition of the organ and tumor edges was greatly enhanced and cross talk between adjacent sources was suppressed after Wiener restoration. These improvements in image quality led to more accurate estimation of organ and tumor activities. Using the optimum attenuation correction method for GM and EPS quantitation of filtered bremsstrahlung images, estimates of individual activities (≤17% error) and cumulated activities (≤8% error) in all of the sources were accurate except for a tumor of 2 cm diameter. The results of this study provide the basis for a method to quantify beta source distribution and demonstrate the potential use of bremsstrahlung imaging in clinical settings.
Relationships between age, sex and symptomatology in psychiatric outpatients.

ABSTRACT: Three hundred and twenty psychiatric outpatients whose ages ranged from 8 to 80 years, were evaluated by five psychiatrists according to a standard checklist describing symptoms and social strengths. The analyses compared the patients over age 50 with those under age 50, on the basis of 22 symptoms and 11 strengths. A finer analysis also was made by dividing all patients into four age groups: under 20, 21–35, 36–50, and 51 or over. A study of male-female differences showed very few systematic changes in symptoms or strengths that were related to age. The observed systematic changes indicated that “family conflicts” decreased with age, and that “relates easily” and “good adjustment” increased with age. The findings indicate that the younger males tended to manifest more schizophrenic symptoms, whereas the older males appeared more depressed than schizophrenic. Apparently age was unrelated to symptomatology in the female groups. In all age groups, the females possessed a greater number of strengths than did the males. Thus aging per se does not necessarily lead to an increase of symptoms or a decrease of social strengths in psychiatric outpatients. This conclusion, however, must be qualified in terms of the possibility of a selective dropout rate for certain types of patients connected with clinics.
Structure-guided Mutational Analysis of Gene Regulation by the Bacillus subtilis pbuE Adenine-responsive Riboswitch in a Cellular Context

Riboswitches are a broadly distributed form of RNA-based gene regulation in Bacteria and, more rarely, Archaea and Eukarya. Most often found in the 5′-leader sequence of bacterial mRNAs, they are generally composed of two functional domains: a receptor (aptamer) domain that binds an effector molecule and a regulatory domain (or expression platform) that instructs the expression machinery. One of the most studied riboswitches is the Bacillus subtilis adenine-responsive pbuE riboswitch, which regulates gene expression at the transcriptional level, up-regulating expression in response to increased intracellular effector concentrations. In this work, we analyzed sequence and structural elements that contribute to efficient ligand-dependent regulatory activity in a co-transcriptional and cellular context. Unexpectedly, we found that the P1 helix, which acts as the antitermination element of the switch in this RNA, supported ligand-dependent activation of a reporter gene over a broad spectrum of lengths from 3 to 10 bp. This same trend was also observed using a minimal in vitro single-turnover transcription assay, revealing that this behavior is intrinsic to the RNA sequence. We also found that the sequences at the distal tip of the terminator not directly involved in alternative secondary structure formation are highly important for efficient regulation. These data strongly support a model in which the switch is highly localized to the P1 helix adjacent to the ligand-binding pocket that likely presents a local kinetic block to invasion of the aptamer by the terminator.
Stimulus familiarization (n) in nonverbal selective learning

One-hundred sixty Ss practiced 10-choice 4-unit tasks on the Selective Mathometer for 40 noncorrection trials under one of 8 different experimental conditions. The stimuli were paralogs of low meaningfulness and familiarity on Noble’s m and f scales, presented in a paired-associate fashion. The 8 matched groups of 20 Ss each were formed by 6 combinations of 3 levels of relevant stimulus familiarization and 2 kinds of criterion-task stimulus treatment plus 2 high-frequency irrelevant stimulus familiarization and articulation control conditions. There were large, significant practice effects but no main effects or interactions due to the other experimental conditions. The null results pose difficulties for theories of stimulus predifferentiation.
The crystal structure determination of π-C5H5Fe(CO)2Mn(CO)5

Abstract The crystal structure of π-C5H5Fe(CO)2Mn(CO)5, has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Eight molecules crystal in a monoclinic unit cell with dimensions a = 7.220 ± 0.006, b = 30.387 ± 0.008, c = 12.498 ± 0.002 A and γ = 90.21 ± 0.10°. The space group symmetry is P21/b. Full matrix least-squares refinement with Fe and Mn atoms anisotropic, resulted in a final R value of 6.4% for 1201 “observed” reflections. The π-C5H5Fe(CO)2Mn(CO)5 molecules contain a MnFe bond of length 2.843 ± 0.004 A and no bridging carbonyls. Both metal atoms may be envisioned as having distorted octahedral coordination. The isx sites about the iron atoms are occupied by two carbonyl groups, the manganese atom, and the cyclopentadienyl ring (which essentially occupies three sites); about the manganese atoms there are five carbonyl groups and the iron atom.
Guidance for Advanced Fire Suppression in Aircraft

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Next Generation Fire Suppression Program (NGP) was born of necessity. Atmospheric science had made it clear that fully halogenated compounds containing chlorine or bromine posed a threat to the earth’s ozone layer. An extensive, multi-year search by the DoD found that the best commercially available alternative to halon 1301, CF3Br, for fire suppression in aircraft carried significant weight and storage volume penalties. In 1997, the NGP began, with an objective that evolved to “develop and demonstrate technology for economically feasible, environmentally acceptable and user-safe processes, techniques, and fluids that meet the operational requirements currently satisfied by halon 1301 systems in aircraft.” Ten years later, the NGP has revitalized the science of fire suppression. There have been advances in delivery of a flame extinguishing chemical to a fire, knowledge of chemical interactions with flames (and limitations to the effectiveness of such chemicals), screening of a large number of chemicals as potential fire suppressants, identification of the properties of fluids that make for effective and safe fire suppression, identification of effective fire suppressant chemicals, engineering of non-fluid suppression systems for improved effectiveness and efficiency, and evaluation of the true cost of a new fire suppression system. The final report of the NGP will be available in book form and on CD this autumn. See the NGP web site (http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/866/NGP) for ordering information.
Circulating biomarkers for discriminating indolent from aggressive disease in prostate cancer active surveillance.

Purpose of reviewTo review research on the use of circulating biomarkers to predict unfavorable tumor pathology in the setting of active surveillance, or in clinical contexts that are informative for active surveillance, such as men with low-risk prostate cancer evaluated for upgrading or upstaging
Role of Cell Body and Microvillus Deformability in Secondary Adhesion of Leukocytes

Circulating leukocytes adhere to endothelium in venules near infection sites; this is one step in leukocyte migration to infection. A leukocyte first forms adhesions between its PSGL-1 receptors and P-selectin on activated endothelium, causing it to roll under to the blood flow around it. As the leukocyte rolls, it activates, deploying LFA-1 to bind with ICAM-1; these bonds are much stronger than P-selectin bonds. These stronger bonds allow the leukocyte to be firmly adhered to the endothelium; it then crawls through the endothelial layer to infected tissue. We study this process numerically using the immersed boundary method. This method allows us to combine the physics of flow around the cell with the deformability of the cell membrane. PSGL and LFA receptors are mostly at the tips of microvilli on the leukocyte. Microvilli (little fingers) are deformable; when force beyond a transition threshold is applied to a microvillus, it tethers and deforms much more easily. Only a fraction of bound microvilli are extended to the point that they form tethers. The small number of microvilli that are tethered (∼25% of the bound microvilli) bear most of the force on the cell, resisting the fluid flow. More microvilli attach and form tethers on softer cells and at higher shear rates because a more deformed cell has larger contact area with the substrate, presenting more microvilli for binding. Cell deformation allows more microvilli to form bonds, and microvillus deformation modulates the force from the cell on the PSGL and LFA bonds, increasing the rate of firm adhesion.
Engineering Tissue with BioMEMS

The emergence of biological microelectromechanical systems (BioMEMS) technology has been spurred by the development of precise microscale fabrication techniques across a wide range of biomaterials substrates. BioMEMS devices are now finding application in areas ranging from genomics and proteomics to clinical diagnostics and implantable drug delivery systems. The design principles of early lab-on-a-chip devices for point-of-care diagnostics are now being extended to platforms for tissue engineering.
Visual evoked potential correlates of early neural filtering during selective attention

Using controls and procedures responsive to criticisms of an earlier study by Eason, Harter, and White (1969), two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that selectively attending to a given spatial location involves a corticofugally controlled precortical neural filter that differentially screens information arriving from relevant and irrelevant locations. Twelve subjects participated in each experiment. The amplitude of an early evoked potential component believed to arise from striate cortex was greater to attended than to unattended stimuli presented in a given visual field. The amplitude also was greater during focused than during divided attention. In addition to corroborating the 1969 study, the results supported the precortical filtering hypothesis.
The Relationship Between Low-Income and Minority Children’s Physical Activity and Academic-Related Outcomes: A Review of the Literature

This article explores an innovative strategy for battling the obesity epidemic. The strategy involves demonstrating to policy makers and education leaders the value of promoting physical activity in school as a way of enhancing academic-related outcomes to narrow the current achievement gap. A literature review was conducted to ascertain the feasibility of this strategy. Seven studies that examined the relationship between physical activity or fitness and academic-related outcomes were reviewed. Although more research is needed in this area, the majority of the articles reviewed found that regardless of socioeconomic status or ethnicity, a positive relationship exists between physical activity and academic-related outcomes. These findings suggest that integrating more physical activity into the school day may be an effective strategy to reduce both health disparities and the achievement gap.
Campaign Activism and the Spatial Model: Getting Beyond Extremism to Explain Policy Motivated Participation

To date, most models of policy motivated campaign participation claim participation derives from the intensity or extremism of one’s policy views. I approach the policy motivation differently, generalizing the logic of proximity voting to model policy motivated campaign participation. Modeling participation as a function of extremism captures the activist’s policy preferences and suggests those with strong preferences participate more, while modeling participation as a function of proximity captures both the activist’s policy preferences and the relevant comparisons to the positions of the candidates. Noting the two alternatives lead to different predictions about variation in individual participation beyond turnout (e.g. campaign activities), I find consistent support for a proximity model of activism and I find no independent effect of extremism once I control for proximity. Moreover, the proximity model’s predictions about ideological responsiveness to changes in the candidates’ locations over time prove robust, while predictions based solely on ideological extremism do not.
Effect of sodium salicylate on the human heat shock response

Sodium salicylate, an anti-inflammatory agent, was examined for its effects on the heat shock response in cultured human cells. Salicylate activation of DNA binding by the heat shock transcription factor (HSF) was comparable to activation attained during heat shock. However, sodium salicylate did not induce heat shock gene transcription even though the HSF was bound in vivo to the heat shock elements upstream of the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp 70) gene. These results reveal that activation of the heat shock transcriptional response is a multistep process. Modulation of extracellular pH augments sensitivity to salicylate-induced activation of HSF.
Incidence, predictors, and temporal trends of sudden cardiac death after heart transplantation

Background Sudden cardiac death (SCD) has been reported to be a significant mode of death after heart transplantation (HT) in small case series. However, the incidence, timing, and predictors of SCD have not been examined in a large multicenter HT cohort. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence, timing, predictors, and temporal trends of SCD after HT. Methods Adults (≥18 years) who underwent first-time HT in the United States between 1987 and 2012 were retrospectively identified from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) registry. Patients with sudden cardiac arrest as the primary cause of death constituted the SCD group. Results Data on 37,492 HT recipients (mean age 51.9 ± 11.7 years, 77% male, 78% Caucasian) were analyzed. During mean follow-up of 6.5 ± 5.7 years, there were 17,324 (46%) deaths, of which 1659 (9.6%) were SCD. On multivariate Cox regression analysis, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% (hazard ratio [HR] 3.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.23–4.17, P P P P P P = .84). Conclusion Approximately 10% of deaths after HT are due to SCD. Allograft rejection and LVEF ≤40% are strong predictors of SCD in adult HT patients. Whether implantable cardioverter-defibrillators would reduce mortality in these patients with a relative higher risk of non–SCD remains to be determined.
Studies on the potentiation of the calcium-mobilizing activity of parathyroid hormone by cysteine hydrochloride and gelatin.

Cysteine HC1 (cys-HCl) enhances the calcium-mobilizing activity of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in rats when the 2 substances are administered together by sc injection. This effect has previously been attributed to the reducing properties of cysteine. We administered bovine PTH to rats by sc, ip and iv routes in dilute HC1 (at different pH values), and mixed with cys-HCl, other reducing agents and cysteine analogs. Levels of calcium and PTH in serum, determined by radioimmunoassay, were measured at frequent time intervals after treatment. Potentiation by cys-HCl was seen only after sc and ip treatment. Potentiation was accompanied by a smaller early peak of PTH and the persistence of PTH in serum for a longer period than seen in rats treated with PTH in HC1 (pH 3–4) alone. These effects of cys-HCl were mimicked by administering PTH in 15% gelatin or in HC1 adjusted to the same pH value as the cys-HCl solution (pH 2). Unlike cys-HCl, other reducing agents and cysteine free base did not potentiate the calcium-...
Solenoid Damping of the Pilot Poppet in a Forced-Feedback Metering Poppet Valve

Forced-feedback metering poppet valves offer several advantages over spool valves as metering elements in hydraulic circuits. Despite these advantages, dynamic instabilities in their performance could limit their acceptance in this role. The pilot poppet damping is a source of uncertainty in dynamic response at certain operating conditions. Presently, in the forced-feedback metering poppet valve, the pilot poppet is damped by the flow of hydraulic fluid through a channel or orifice running through the poppet. Here, it is proposed that the solenoid be used to provide damping to the pilot poppet. The damping input to the solenoid is determined using the pilot poppet velocity. In practice, this is a readily unavailable variable and is estimated according to the self-sensing actuator concept. The proposed damping method is developed and analyzed in simulations. Simulations development and analysis occurred via a simplified, reduced order model of the pilot poppet stage.© 2007 ASME
High-pressure reduced-kinetics mechanism for n-hexadecane autoignition and oxidation at constant pressure

In previous work, a local full self similarity (LFS2) was identified between (properly) normalized thermo-kinetic quantities when plotted against a normalized temperature. The local partial self similarity (LPS2), which is the computationally efficient companion of LFS2, was coupled with a simple tabulation scheme and yielded highly-accurate twenty-light-species reduced mechanisms for constant-mass and constant-volume autoignition and oxidation of n-heptane, n-decane, n-dodecane and iso-octane. The LFS2 and LPS2 reduction framework coupled with tabulation were combined into a method here called Local Self Similarity Tabulation (LS2T). The LS2T method is here extended and validated for constructing reduced kinetics mechanisms for the constant-mass autoignition and oxidation of an even heavier hydrocarbon, n-hexadecane, but now at constant pressure conditions for a wide range of initial conditions. The method employs the same twenty light species as species progress variables as in the lighter alkanes previously studied, and tabulates through the LPS2 all information involving any heavy species. The template mechanism used for reduction is the detailed 2115-species kinetics from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Results are presented for the n-hexadecane autoignition and oxidation at the high pressures encountered during engine operation and for several initial temperatures and equivalence ratios. We show that the utilization of a real-gas equation of state (the Peng–Robinson equation of state with a volume correction) is essential in obtaining accurate results. Reduced-kinetics plots of the temperature and the major species, including the OH temporal evolution, computed with the LS2T method accurately duplicated those obtained with the LLNL detailed mechanism.
Abstract 3365: Identification of target antigens on breast cancer stem cells using phage-developed scFv antibodies: A Proteomic Approach

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC The term ‘cancer stem cell’ has only recently emerged, and is defined as a cancer cell that has the ability to self-renew and give rise to another malignant stem cell, as well as differentiate to give rise to the phenotypically diverse non-tumorigenic cancer cells. The ‘cancer stem cell’ hypothesis emerged from the fact that tumors contain a heterogeneous mixture of cells and that not all the cells within a tumor contribute to tumor growth. Using phage display technology, our previous studies have identified two single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies (clones 207, 208) that were found to specifically bind human SUM159 breast cancer stem cells (BCSC). We have also shown in a murine xenograft tumor model prepared from the implanted SUM159 cells that these scFv antibodies predominantly bind to the cells located at the periphery of the tumors. Taking in light of these discoveries, the next logical question to be investigated was, “What cellular-antigens are these scFvs binding to?” In order to answer this in the present investigation, we used proteomic approaches based on a small scale immunoprecipitation, followed by purification and mass-spectrometry-based identification of the binding target antigens. A pure population of BCSC was acquired by flow cytometry, using ALDEFLUOR®-based sorting of the SUM159 cell line. Cell lysates of the sorted BCSC were prepared and the target antigens were immunoprecipitated with scFv-207 and scFv-208 antibodies using a solid-state immunoprecipitation assay. The immunoprecipitated targets were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The target antigens were purified and mass-spectrometric techniques (LQT-MS/ESI mass-fingerprinting) were employed to compare the proteomic data to protein databases. The details of the recovery of peptide-based target antigens and their identification using the proteomic approach as outlined above, will be presented and discussed. The identification of BCSC-specific targets will be a crucial step in designing and developing better and more specific antibody-based therapies against breast cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3365.
Influence of lipophilicity and carboxyl group content on the rate of hydroxylation of methotrexate derivatives by aldehyde oxidase.

Abstract The influence of lipophilicity and carboxyl group content on the ability of methotrexate (MTX) derivatives to undergo 7-hydroxylation in vitro by partly purified rabbit hepatic aldehyde oxidase was examined. Addition of two to four γ-glutamyl residues to the MTX molecule caused a progressive decrease in the rate of hydroxylation associated mainly with a decrease in Vmax rather than an increase in Km. These results suggest that the number of carboxyl groups in the side chain has a relatively small effect on affinity for the enzyme active site, but hinders the formation of product. The catalytic efficiency of hydroxylation of MTX tetraglutamate, estimated from V max K m ratios, was 36-fold lower than that of the monoglutamate. In contrast, when the number of carboxyl groups was decreased to one, as in 4-amino-4-deoxy-N10-methylpteroic acid, N α -(4- amino -4- deoxy -N 10 - methylpteroyl )- l - lysine , and γ-t-butyl-3′-chloromethotexate, enhanced catalytic efficiency was observed, involving both a decrease in Km and an increase in Vmax. The catalytic efficiency of hydroxylation of these three substrates was 88-, 360-and 2100-fold higher than that of MTX. γ-t-Butyl-3′-chloromethotrexate was a better substrate than γ-t-butyl-MTX, demonstrating the strong contribution of a lipophilic Cl atom on the phenyl ring. N α -(4- Amino -4- deoxypteroyl )-N δ - hemiphthaloyl - l - ornithine , with two carboxyl groups, showed substrate activity similar to that of MTX. The γ-t-butyl esters of MTX, 3′-chloromethotrexate, and 3′,5′-dichloromethotrexate were compared with the parent acids as inhibitors of the growth of cultured human leukemic lymphoblasts (CEM cells) and an MTX-resistant subline (CEM/MTX) defective in MTX transport and polyglutamylation. Although the esters were less effective than the acids against CEM cells except at high concentrations, they were more effective against CEM/MTX cells. This “collateral sensitivity” of CEM/MTX cells to lipophilic MTX esters is consistent with a decreased ability to take up and utilize reduced folates from the culture medium.
Nonlinear Membership Functions in Multiobjective Fuzzy Optimization of Mechanical and Structural Systems

An application of fuzzy mathematical programming techniques to multiple objective design problems is presented. Two examples dealing with the multiobjective design of mechanical and structural systems are considered. The concept of a Pareto-optimal and fuzzy Pareto-optimal solution is discussed, and it is shown that the resulting formulation yields Pareto-optimal solutions. The fundamental assumption in fuzzy mathematical programming applications involving the use of linear membership functions is critically examined. Several nonlinear shapes for the membership functions of the fuzzy sets are proposed, consistent with varying perceptions of the designer, and are analyzed to determine their impact on the overall design process. These shapes correspond to what we define as the coefficient of membership satiation. It is seen that optimum designs for both examples are strongly influenced by the sign of the membership satiation coefficient.
Amelioration of the diabetic glucose tolerance of the sand rat (Psammomys obesus) after hypothalamic injury

Abstract The potentially diabetic sand rat, maintained on vegetable feed exhibits an accelerated “starvation diabetes”, which is improved by either reserpine or stereotaxic lesions placed in the posterior median eminence of the hypothalamus. Implications for the therapy of diabetes are discussed.
Production of biosurfactants from sugar alcohols and vegetable oils catalyzed by lipases in a nonaqueous medium

Porcine pancreatic and Chromobacterium viscosum lipases catalyze transesterification reactions between a number of sugar alcohols and various plant and animal oils in dry pyridine. The products of this process have been identified as primary monoesters of sugar alcohols and fatty acids. These enzymatically prepared sugar alcohol esters have been found to be excellent surfactants in terms of their ability to reduce interfacial and surface tensions and to stabilize emulsions.
Vector space secret sharing and an efficient algorithm to construct a φ function

The threshold scheme, the monotone circuit construction, and the vector space construction are some of the well-known secret sharing schemes in cryptography. The threshold and monotone circuit secret sharing schemes are fairly easy to construct for any given access structure Γ. The construction of a secret sharing scheme realizing a given access structure Γ with Vector Space Construction requires the existence of a function φ from a set of participants into a vector space, that is, φ: P → (Zp)d. This function φ must satisfy certain conditions. There is no known algorithm to construct such a function φ in general. Constructions are mainly done by trial and error. In this paper, we develop polynomial algorithms to construct φ functions for vector space secret sharing scheme realizing certain types of access structures. Some examples are given to illustrate the algorithms.
Optimal distribution-free confidence bands for a distribution function

Abstract Distribution-free confidence bands for a distribution function are typically obtained by inverting a distribution-free hypothesis test. We propose an alternate strategy in which the upper and lower bounds of the confidence band are chosen to minimize a narrowness criterion. We derive necessary and sufficient conditions for optimality with respect to such a criterion, and we use these conditions to construct an algorithm for finding optimal bands. We also derive uniqueness results, with the Brunn–Minkowski Inequality from the theory of convex bodies playing a key role in this work. We illustrate the optimal confidence bands using some galaxy velocity data, and we also show that the optimal bands compare favorably to other bands both in terms of power and in terms of area enclosed.
Microwave Luneburg Lens

This article describes a two-dimensional Luneburg lens, fabricated from steps of foam glass of different refractive index as an approximation to a continuous index gradient. This is an improvement over lenses fabricated by assembly of machined parts, which unavoidably contain some air gaps, resulting in different path lengths through the lens. The foam glass lens is superior to a plastic lens since it is able to withstand higher temperatures and hence higher powers, in addition to having superior aging characteristics. Measurements have been made throughout the microwave band, and the results clearly establish the feasibility of this fabrication technique for the construction of a microwave Luneburg lens.
Intravenous gammaglobulin (Gamimune) for treatment of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP): A two‐year follow‐up

Thirteen subjects 5-20 years of age with the chronic, autoimmune form of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) were given intravenous gammaglobulin (Gamimune; Cutter Biological, Berkeley, CA) in a dose of 400 mg/kg per day for 5 consecutive days. Two of the 13 children had undergone splenectomy; the other 11 had not. Eight of these 13 children had also received corticosteroid therapy with no sustained increase in platelet counts. Six of 13 children had a good or excellent response to the first 5 day course of gammaglobulin therapy, and one had a fair response. The peak platelet count occurred within 7 days of the start of therapy except in one patient, whose platelet count peaked on day 12. Six of seven patients who initially responded to Gamimune required booster doses to maintain platelet counts at a safe level. All children had marked increases in serum IgG following Gamimune except one (who had undergone splenectomy for chronic ITP), who had high baseline levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG). No untoward reactions necessitating cessation of therapy were encountered during this study. The most common side effect observed was headache. During the first year of follow-up after Gamimune, three of seven initial responders became refractory to Gamimune therapy. Two of these three refractory subjects later underwent splenectomy with excellent response. The third refractory patient who was splenectomized prior to gammaglobulin therapy had spontaneous remission of his ITP 5 months after the last dose of Gamimune. Three of the four other initial responders have continued to do well and have maintained platelet counts above 40,000/mm3 (one without booster). The fourth subject dropped out of the study. Thus our observations indicate that Gamimune is an effective form of treatment for some children with chronic ITP, and can be considered as an alternative to splenectomy or as a potential therapeutic modality in those who have failed to respond to splenectomy.
Basal Ganglia Hypermetabolism and Symptoms of Fatigue during Interferon- α Therapy

Interferon (IFN)-α is a cytokine of the innate immune response that is well known for inducing behavioral alterations and has been used to study effects of cytokines on the nervous system. Limited data, however, are available on the sites of action of IFN-α within the brain and their relationship with specific IFN-α-induced symptoms. Using a longitudinal design, whole-brain metabolic activity as assessed by fluorine-18-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose uptake and positron emission tomography was examined before and 4 weeks after IFN-α administration in patients with malignant melanoma. Changes in metabolic activity in relevant brain regions were then correlated with IFN-α-induced behavioral changes. IFN-α administration was associated with widespread bilateral increases in glucose metabolism in subcortical regions including the basal ganglia and cerebellum. Decreases in dorsal prefrontal cortex glucose metabolism were also observed. Prominent IFN-α-induced behavioral changes included lassitude, inability to feel, and fatigue. Correlational analyses revealed that self-reported fatigue (specifically as assessed by the ‘energy’ subscale of the Visual Analog Scale of Fatigue) was associated with increased glucose metabolism in the left nucleus accumbens and putamen. These data indicate that IFN-α as well as other cytokines of the innate immune response may target basal ganglia nuclei, thereby contributing to fatigue-related symptoms in medically ill patients.