cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Elevated oxidized lipids, anti-lipid autoantibodies and oxidized lipid immune complexes in active SLE

Abstract Background Here, we explore the serum levels of anti-oxidized lipid autoantibodies as well as immune complexes in patients with SLE and determine their correlation with disease. Methods Serum levels of oxidized-LDL immune complexes, autoantibodies to dsDNA, ox-LDL, MDA-LDL, 9-HODE, 13-HODE and POVPC were detected by ELISA in 64 SLE patients and 9 healthy controls. Results Active SLE patients exhibited increased serum levels of autoantibodies compared to healthy controls, including anti-MDA-LDL-IgG (p = .003), anti-ox-LDL-IgG (p = .004), anti-9-HODE-IgG (p = .001), anti-13-HODE-IgG (p = .0003), anti-POVPC-IgG (p = .001) and ox-LDL-IC (p = .003). Serum anti-ox-LDL-IgG was positively correlated with SLEDAI (r = 0.34; p = .01), and negatively with C3 (r = −0.40; p = .01). Anti-9-HODE-IgG and anti-POVPC-IgG were positively correlated with SLEDAI and negatively with C4. Conclusions Active SLE patients exhibit significantly increased serum levels of IgG anti-oxidized-lipid autoantibodies. Coordinated elevation of oxidized lipids, autoantibodies to these lipids, and immune complexes of these lipid-antibody components could potentially serve as pathogenic drivers and serum markers of SLE disease activity.
Expression profiles of osteosarcoma that can predict metastatic potential

3380 Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor in children. Patients with metastatic disease generally have poorer prognosis and those who have metastases detected subsequent to the initiation of therapy have the worst outcome. Thus it is important to develop a strategy to predict the likelihood of developing lung metastasis at the time of diagnosis in patients who initially present with localized disease, so that these patients could potentially benefit from more aggressive therapy upfront. We hypothesized that expression profiling of osteosarcoma would lead to the identification of a molecular signature that can predict metastatic potential. Using cDNA microarray, we have analyzed the expression profiles of a training set of 29 independent post-treatment samples made up of 17 primary tumors and 12 metastases. The expression profiles of these specimens were used to identify a metastatic signature consisting of 44 features, many of which were previously reported as related to metastasis. The differential expressions of some of the genes in the signature were further validated by quantitative real time PCR. Various classification algorithms were employed to construct classifiers using the metastatic signature. Once the classifiers were fully specified in the training set, they were used to classify metastatic status or predict the metastatic potential of patients using a test set of 29 initial biopsy specimens. The best classifier was the Nearest Centroid algorithm, which correctly classified 28 out of 29 patients (classification accuracy of 97%, sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 86%). Most importantly, the classifier correctly predicted all 11 patients who had localized disease at diagnosis but developed metastatic disease later. In summary, we have used expression profiles to build a classifier that can predict metastatic potential of osteosarcomas at diagnosis. This classifier, together with our previous chemoresistant classifier, will help to refine the classification of osteosarcoma and ultimately impact the stratification of these patients in future clinical trials.
Cooling and machining strategies for high speed milling of titanium and nickel super alloys

Abstract Proper selection of machining parameters, cooling strategies, and machining methods in high speed machining of difficult-to-cut metals like titanium and nickel super alloys is of significant importance to enhance their machinability, productivity, and decrease cost. These difficult-to-cut metals pose serious difficulties during their machining like high heat generated at the cutting zone as a result of high friction between chip/tool/workpiece interfaces, which is not extracted rapidly as is generated due to their low thermal conductivity. Thus, most of the heat generated stays at the cutting zone causing severe tool wear, large cutting forces, and tool failure. This chapter will introduce the reader to the latest research/case study on the effect of machining parameters, milling methods, and cooling strategies on machinability during high speed machining of titanium alloys and nickel super alloys. The work described in here is a result of series of research conducted in the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and Virtual Manufacturing Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri, United States. The aim of this chapter is to provide useful information to researchers, professors, graduate students, and practicing engineers or production managers working in high speed machining area. Their application will lead to environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable manufacturing.
An Institutional Approach to Managing the Opioid Crisis

The opioid crisis is a major concern of most health care institutions, including our large academic center. In this article, an organized approach to managing the epidemic institutionally is discussed. An Opioid Stewardship Program was instituted at our tertiary-care center with multiple sites and states of practice, which included diverse membership and expertise. Charges of the program included reviewing current practice, workflows, and external and internal guidelines and evaluating and standardizing prescribing practices. The development of an Opioid Stewardship Program resulted in: (1) an understanding of our diverse prescribing practices and the formation of patient- and procedure-specific guidelines to manage them, (2) education tools for our patients and providers, and (3) workflows and practice advisories within the electronic health record to support appropriate prescribing and monitoring of patients. This ongoing work continues to evolve in response to the needs of our patients, changing regulatory environments, and our improved understanding of our practices.
Molecular Biology of Iris

The iris main cellular residents are fibroblasts and melanocytes similar to the skin, with the exception or lack of Keratinocytes in the iris. There are constant molecular cross talking and interactions between these cells via paracrine, and autocrine messaging. In order to understand these interactions, the comparison of iris and skin seems crucial and relevant.
Neurophysiological and Behavioral Responses of Ixodes scapularis to host odors

Background As well-known, the gut microbiota is associated with many human complex diseases. The change of microbiota community is observed in diseased individuals. However, the disorder of gut microbiota during disease occurrence is still unclear, and especially the pre-disease or early-disease signal on individual gut microbiota requires systematical researches. Methods Different from conventional studies on the differential average abundance of gut microbiota between normal and diseased samples, we investigate the variance of the abundance of gut microbiota on consecutive samples from a healthy state to pathogen state for each individual person because the change of microbiota abundance variance would be a critical signal of the biological dynamical system. Edge-network analysis (ENA) is our proposed newly computational approach to analyse the network of associations rather than the network of base variables; especially it can consider the change of variance and covariance simultaneously. Thus we used ENA to integratively analyse the metagenomics data of total 15 individuals from three cohorts in public domain, and each person in the cohorts would have multiple faeces samples for more than one year. Results Six individuals keep healthy, and six individuals occur seroconversion, and three individuals occur seroconversion along with final Type 1 Diabetes. Focused on the seroconversion, a key stage to T1D, the conventional analysis found some microbiota with changed abundance after the occurrence of seroconversion (figure 1a). Meanwhile, our analysis further show that a lot of microbiota actually have great abundance variance change before seroconversion (figure 1b), which can even be efficient features to classify the healthy and seroconversion individuals with about 80% accuracy (figure 1c). More importantly, this microbiota with critical abundance variance as key species is also associated with T1D clinical antibody or even some new (figure 1d). Conclusions Dissimilar to common biomarkers like a clinical antibody, the individual specific signatures, e.g. variance of gut microbiota abundance, would be an alternative approach for personalised pre-disease or early-disease diagnosis.
Elevated thalamic glutamate levels and reduced water diffusivity in alcohol use disorder: Association with impulsivity.

Abstract Alcohol induces neuroinflammation but its role in cognitive impairment and impulsivity in alcohol use disorder (AUD) has been poorly investigated. We used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure brain glutamate (Glu) levels and diffusion-weighted imaging to measure functional anisotropy (FA) in the thalamus and ventral anterior cingulate cortex (vACC) in 15 recently detoxified patients with AUD and 14 matched controls. Compared to controls, AUD patients showed higher Glu levels (p = 0.04) and lower FA in the thalamus (p = 0.04) but not in the vACC. In AUD, thalamic Glu levels (r = 0.62, p = 0.019) and FA (r=-0.55, p = 0.034) were associated with severity of drinking (drinks/week). Compared to controls, AUD patients showed higher scores on Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale for impulsivity (p = 0.03), which correlated with glutamate levels in the thalamus (r = 0.58, p = 0.03) and vACC (r = 0.55, p = 0.036). In a second cohort of AUD patients (n = 32), Glu in dorsal ACC (dACC) also correlated with Barrett Impulsiveness Scale total score (r = 0.43, p = 0.014). We interpret the elevated thalamic Glu levels and the parallel reduction in FA in AUD—which correlated with drinking severity—as possible evidence of neurotoxicity from neuroinflammation. The association of Glu with impulsivity suggests that neurotoxic effects of chronic alcohol exposure in the thalamus and dACC may contribute to impulsivity.
Environmental toxicant-induced maladaptive mitochondrial changes: A potential unifying mechanism in fatty liver disease?

Abstract Occupational and environmental exposures to industrial chemicals are well known to cause hepatotoxicity and liver injury. However, despite extensive evidence showing that exposure can lead to disease, current research approaches and regulatory policies fail to address the possibility that subtle changes caused by low level exposure to chemicals may also enhance preexisting conditions. In recent years, the conceptual understanding of the contribution of environmental chemicals to liver disease has progressed significantly. Mitochondria are often target of toxicity of environmental toxicants resulting in multisystem disorders involving different cells, tissues, and organs. Here, we review persistent maladaptive changes to mitochondria in response to environmental toxicant exposure as a mechanism of hepatotoxicity. With better understanding of the mechanism(s) and risk factors that mediate the initiation and progression of toxicant-induced liver disease, rational targeted therapy can be developed to better predict risk, as well as to treat or prevent this disease.
Mechanical behavior of an agricultural soil

116 INTRODUCTION 117 MATERIALS AND METHODS 119 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 121 CONCLUSIONS 125 REFERENCES 126
DNA polymerases II and 3 of Escherichia coli.

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with the recent developments concerning the isolation and characterization of DNA polymerases II and III of Escherichia coli. Genetic and physiological experiments designed to elucidate the biological function of these enzymes are also discussed. The chapter explores the properties of the first DNA polymerase to be isolated from E. coli, DNA polymerase. The isolation of a mutant of E. coli defective in DNA polymerase I activity (PolA 1 - ) provided the basis for several investigations into the nature of the enzymatic mechanism of DNA replication in such cells. After the isolation of the PolA 1 - mutant, it was generally assumed, since no other polymerase had yet been discovered in E. coli, that either residual amounts of DNA polymerase I or some yet undiscovered polymerase with perhaps unusual requirements for activity provided the enzymatic activity required for DNA replication. Initially, we described an enzyme activity in PolA 1 - cells that catalyzed the synthesis of DNA. This activity was resistant to antiserum capable of inactivating DNA polymerase I. It was also discovered that there indeed exists another DNA polymerase activity in E. coli and the isolation and purification of this enzyme, DNA polymerase II, from cells lysed after toluene or detergent treatment and by more conventional means were reported. No strong evidence yet exists that the preparation of this enzyme requires any unconventional procedures; its low activity compared to that of DNA polymerase I probably accounts for the fact that it was previously unnoticed in wild-type E. coli.
A note on goodness of fit test using moments

The purpose of this article is to introduce a general moment-based approach to derive formal goodness of fit tests of a parametric family. We show that, in general, an approximate normal test or a chi-squared test can be derived by exploring the moment structure of a parametric family, when moments up to certain order exist. The idea is simple and the resulting tests are easy to implement. To illustrate the use of this approach, we derive moment-based goodness of fit tests for some common discrete and continuous parametric families. We also compare the proposed tests with the well known Pearson-Fisher chi-square test and some distance tests in a simulation study.
Basic Processes in the Stratosphere and the Mesosphere

The dominant transport and chemical processes controlling the distribution of minor species — particularly ozone — in the stratosphere and mesosphere were discussed. Emphasis was placed on identifying the regions in which particular reaction cycles involving OX, ClX, HOX and NOX are dominant and feedback effects that may occur when sources of these species are altered. In particular, the implications of recent measurements of height profiles for O, OH, N2O and HCl were discussed, as well as such interactions as ClO with NO and ClO with N2O to form ClON2O. The question of the terrestrial sources and sinks of N2O and CH4 was addressed. Finally, the factors controlling the distribution of hydrogen species in the stratosphere and the mesosphere were related to the escape of hydrogen.
Physical Modeling of Flow and Diffusion Over an Urban Heat Island

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the physical modeling of flow and diffusion over an urban heat island. An urban complex acting as a heat source produces a positive temperature perturbation on the thermal field of the airflow in the lower layers of the atmosphere. In the study described in the chapter, the physical modeling of an idealized three-dimensional heat island in a wind-tunnel facility capable of simulating the stratified atmospheric boundary layer was undertaken in an attempt to reach a better understanding of the basic mechanisms involved. Similarity of two flow systems requires geometric similarity, kinematic similarity, dynamic similarity, thermic similarity, and similarity of boundary conditions. Partially similar flows representing urban heat islands that reproduce the gross full-scale flow features can be achieved in a meteorological wind tunnel. Partial similarity results from relaxing the requirements for exact similarity by not requiring equal Reynolds numbers and equal Rossby numbers for the laboratory and atmospheric flows but retaining the requirements for the equality of approach flow Richardson number and equality of height above heat island/Monin–Obukhov length over the heat island. The flow observations revealed that the buoyancy forces produced by heating cause larger perturbations in the oncoming two-dimensional boundary layer flow than are produced by the roughness of the heat island.
Infectobesity: Obesity of Infectious Origin

In the U.S., the prevalence of obesity increased by 30% from 1980 to 1990, and this increase appears to be continuing. Although obesity has multiple etiologies, an overlooked possibility is obesity of an infectious origin. Six pathogens are reported to cause obesity in animals. Canine distemper virus was the first virus reported to cause obesity in mice, followed by Rous-associated virus-7, an avian retrovirus, which has been shown to cause stunting, obesity and hyperlipidemia in chickens. Next, the obesity-promoting effect of Borna disease virus was demonstrated in rats. Scrapie agents were reported to induce obesity in mice and hamsters. The final two reports were of SMAM-1, an avian adenovirus, and Ad-36, a human adenovirus that caused obesity in animals. Additionally, an association with human obesity is the unique feature of SMAM-1 and Ad-36. Although the exact mechanism of pathogen-induced obesity is unclear, infection attributable to certain organisms should be included in the long list of potential etiological factors for obesity. In addition, the involvement of some pathogens in etiology of obesity suggests the possibility of a similar role for additional pathogens.
Integrating gerontological content across advanced practice registered nurse programs.

AbstractPurpose:Faculty members across the country are faced with integrating gerontological content and competencies across advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) programs that focus on the adult-gerontology population. The purpose of this initiative was to effectively and efficiently integrate
Cultural Complexities and Conflict

Eidelson and Eidelson’s (2003) analysis of five beliefs that can lead individuals or groups towards conflict can be used to examine challenges for Black LGBT populations, in conjunction with an examination of relevant cultural complexities. Vulnerability, superiority, injustice, distrust, and helplessness relate to several issues of significance for Black same gendered loving people. Issues related to these concepts may bring Black LGBT people into conflict with heterosexual members of their own race, as well as into conflict with others outside of the race who are sexual minorities. This chapter examines a few of such issues. Tensions may exist between Black heterosexuals and LGBT populations surrounding feelings of vulnerability; racial tension and conflict may exist between Black LGBT persons and white LGBT persons surrounding beliefs about superiority; conflict may exist between Black MSM’s sexual expression, their needs for feelings of control, and the sometimes failed safe sex HIV campaigns hoping to reach them; and the injustices of racism, heterosexism, and marginalization for Black LGBT populations may lead to helplessness and distrust-related conflicts such as avoidance of culturally insensitive health related services. Adherence to rigid gender roles associated with power and dominance may also lead to feelings of helplessness, negative coping, and difficult emotional experiences leading to escalating violence in domestic partnerships.
A Novel, High Range-to-Resolution Ratio, Optical Sensing Technique for High Speed Surface Geometry Measurements

A novel combination of image formation theory, along with optimal digital estimation theory was employed in development of a new optical probe suitable for a variety of high speed sensing applications, such as in-process manufactured part inspection. Experimental results demonstrate a robust, 40,000:1 range-to-resolution ratio. The sensing strategy also utilizes multiple, simultaneous illumination beams such that it is possible to accurately estimate surface orientation for robotic guidance applications. A significant element in this research was the development of a technique which is least influenced by surface finish roughness as commonly found on manufactured surfaces. Experimental results are provided to demonstrate the validity of the theoretical models.
Self-Association and Solubility Behaviors of a Novel Anticancer Agent, Brequinar Sodium

Abstract To aid in the selection of appropriate excipients to formulate brequinar sodium [6-fluoro-2-(2′-fluoro-1,1′-biphenyl-4-yl)-3-methyl-4-quinolinecarboxylic acid sodium salt; DuP 785], studies were initiated to characterize thoroughly its solubility behavior. The measured solubilities at RT (~23°C) agreed with the theoretical values in the pH range from 0.5 to 7.2, but became significantly greater than theoretical values at pH values above 7.2. This deviation was likely due to the vertical stacking-type self-association between brequinar molecules in water. The NMR and pH methods determined a critical association concentration of 15 mg/mL. Sodium salicylate, which has been proven to interfere with molecular self-association, reduced drug solubility from 116 to 10 mg/mL. But urea, another deaggregative agent, gave about a twofold increase rather than a decrease in solubility. Addition of sodium chloride caused a 226-fold decrease in solubility. The apparent solubility product did not remain constant but decreased as sodium chloride concentration increased, suggesting that the added salt decreased the degree of self-association between brequinar molecules. Among four surfactants examined (a bile salt with a rigid fused ring versus three ordinary surfactants with a flexible chain structure), only sodium cholate significantly increased the aqueous solubility of brequinar sodium.
Studying geoengineering with natural and anthropogenic analogs

Solar radiation management (SRM) has been proposed as a possible option for offsetting some anthropogenic radiative forcing, with the goal of reducing some of the associated climatic changes. There are clearly significant uncertainties associated with SRM, and even small-scale experiments that might reduce uncertainty would carry some risk. However, there are also natural and anthropogenic analogs to SRM, such as volcanic eruptions in the case of stratospheric aerosol injection and ship tracks in the case of marine cloud albedo modification. It is essential to understand what we can learn from these analogs in order to validate models, particularly because of the problematic nature of outdoor experiments. It is also important to understand what we cannot learn, as this might better focus attention on what risks would need to be solely examined by numerical models. Stratospheric conditions following a major volcanic eruption, for example, are not the same as those to be expected from intentional geoengineering, both because of confounding effects of volcanic ash and the differences between continuous and impulsive injection of material into the stratosphere. Nonetheless, better data would help validate models; we thus recommend an appropriate plan be developed to better monitor the next large volcanic eruption. Similarly, more could be learned about cloud albedo modification from careful study not only of ship tracks, but of ship and other aerosol emission sources in cloud regimes beyond the narrow conditions under which ship tracks form; this would benefit from improved satellite observing capabilities.
Exploring complex 2D layouts for 22nm node using double patterning/double etch approach for trench levels

With the delay of a next-node lithography solution, lithographers are required to evaluate double patterning techniques such as double pattern/double etch (DP/DE) to meet scaling targets for the 22nm logic node. The tightest design rule level to pattern has traditionally been the first metal level. For this node, target minimum pitches are below 32 nm half pitch in order to meet cell area requirements. In this paper, we explore implications of the DP/DE approach when applied to complex 2D metal patterns. In addition to evaluating stitching rules for line ends, we move into complicated patterning structures such as landing pads neighboring metal runners and arrays of dense landing pads. These feature types are critical for area scaling; however, when these structures are patterned in a DP/DE scheme, the minimum area of the features needed for each pattern layer can be quite small. In this work, we explore minimum area rules for stitching together patterns as function of overlap with first pattern, minimum area and proximity to unrelated trench features on the same pattern. These results are shown thru simulation and on the wafer scale using a DP/DE approach which uses current 28 nm node imaging techniques.
Effects of Endothelium-Derived Nitric Oxide on Renal Hemodynamics and Function in the Sheep Fetus

We investigated the effects of the endothelium-derived nitric oxide system on renal hemodynamics and function during the 3rd trimester in a chronically catheterized fetal sheep preparation. Acetylcholine caused a significant decrease in renal vascular resistance (60% of the baseline value) as compared with aortic constriction (142% of the baseline value). The effects of acetylcholine could be blocked by prior administration of N omega-nitro-L-arginine (renal vascular resistance = 102% of baseline). Sodium nitroprusside also caused a significant drop in renal vascular resistance (63% of baseline), but this could not be blocked by N omega-nitro-L-arginine (77% of baseline). Infusion of N omega-nitro-L-arginine with blood pressure maintained at a constant level resulted in a significant increase in renal vascular resistance (148% of the baseline value) as compared with saline alone (94% of baseline). Glomerular filtration rate increased after saline infusion (156% of the baseline value), but this increase was blocked by N omega-nitro-L-arginine (87% of baseline). Sodium excretion also increased (340%), and this increase was blunted by N omega-nitro-L-arginine (235%). We conclude that basal production of endothelium-derived nitric oxide results in ongoing renal vasodilation in 3rd-trimester fetal sheep, maintaining baseline renal blood flow. The endothelium-derived nitric oxide system can also be stimulated to an increased level of activity, and its blockade partially prevents the homeostatic response of the fetus to volume and salt overload.
Scintillations of a partially coherent beam in a laboratory turbulence: experiment and comparison to theory

A partially coherent beam generated by coupling the output of a superluminescent diode to a multimode optical fiber is propagated through a stationary laboratory turbulence. Statistical quantities are measured as a function of propagation distance and coherence radius of the beam and are compared to existing theories in the regime of weak fluctuations.
A complex of Nuclear Factor I-X3 and STAT3 regulates astrocyte and glioma migration through the secreted glycoprotein YKL-40

Nuclear factor I-X3 (NFI-X3) is a newly identified splice variant of NFI-X that regulates expression of several astrocyte-specific markers, such as glial fibrillary acidic protein. Here, we identified a set of genes regulated by NFI-X3 that includes a gene encoding a secreted glycoprotein YKL-40. Although YKL-40 expression is up-regulated in glioblastoma multiforme, its regulation and functions in nontransformed cells of the central nervous system are widely unexplored. We find that expression of YKL-40 is activated during brain development and also differentiation of neural progenitors into astrocytes in vitro. Furthermore, YKL-40 is a migration factor for primary astrocytes, and its expression is controlled by both NFI-X3 and STAT3, which are known regulators of gliogenesis. Knockdown of NFI-X3 and STAT3 significantly reduced YKL-40 expression in astrocytes, whereas overexpression of NFI-X3 dramatically enhanced YKL-40 expression in glioma cells. Activation of STAT3 by oncostatin M induced YKL-40 expression in astrocytes, whereas expression of a dominant-negative STAT3 had a suppressive effect. Mechanistically, NFI-X3 and STAT3 form a complex that binds to weak regulatory elements in the YKL-40 promoter and activates transcription. We propose that NFI-X3 and STAT3 control the migration of differentiating astrocytes as well as migration and invasion of glioma cells via regulating YKL-40 expression.
Methoxide ion mediated reactions of methyl azidoacetate with 4-and 2-cyanobenzaldehyde. An unexpected cyclization of the ortho isomer to a 2(1H)-benzazepine derivative

A condensation reaction of 4-cyanobenzaldehyde (1) with methyl azidoacetate (2) in the presence of sodium methoxide produces a mixture of geometrical isomers of azidocinnamates 3 which undergoes thermolysis to give an indole 4. By contrast, the treatment of 2-cyanobenzaldehyde (5) with 2 in the presence of sodium methoxide and followed by the usual workup furnishes an azepine derivative 6.
Shifts in Functions of a New Technology over Time: An Analysis of Logged Electronic Intensive Care Unit Interventions

A study of logged interventions at an electronic intensive care unit (e-ICU) was conducted to examine how functions changed over a two-year period. In total, 2301 log entries of e-ICU interventions from 2005 and 2007 were uniquely coded as to function. A Chi square goodness of fit analysis revealed that 7 out of 11 functions (64%) significantly changed over the two years that were measured. There were increases seen by the log data in the e-ICU nurses calling ICU nurses to supply missing information, recommend the use of best practices, and providing education to ICU nurses. Additionally, increases were seen for e-ICU physicians receiving requests for ordering actions to be taken on patients. Decreases were seen in e-ICU nurses communicating critical lab results and vital sign changes to ICU nurses. We discuss how these shifts relate to several of our predicted archetypical patterns for how new technologies change over time, both in terms of their primary functions as well as changes to positive and negat...
EFFECTS OF OXOTREMORINE AND ACETYLCHOLINE ON ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIC PROPERTIES OF THE FETAL HEART

We determined the relative effects of acetylcholine (ACh) and oxotremorine (Oxo) on sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodal function in the fetal heart. Oxo is a cholinesterase-resistant agonist. Hearts from fetal guinea pigs in the last trimester were perfused retrogradely through their coronary vasculature with a physiologic salt solution containing ACh or Oxo, 1×10−8 to 2.5×10−7M. We measured sinoatrial (SA) rate; atrioventricular conduction time (AVCT); and the Wenckebach cycle length (WBCL), the shortest paced cycle length resulting in 1:1 AV conduction. Control values were (X±SE, n=8):SA rate, 196±15 beats per min; AVCT, 81±3 msec; WBCL, 208±11 msec. Both ACh and Oxo induced concentration dependent, reversible changes in all 3 variables. Maximum effects of ACh occurred at 2.5×10−7M; those of Oxo between 1×10−8 and 5×10−8M. Maximum percent change, compared to control, of ACh and Oxo were, respectively, -28±3% and -51±7% for SA rate (p<.01); +10±6% and +23±2% for AVCT (p<.02); and +34±9% and +1141±48% (p<.02) for WBCL. These data indicate that Oxo is a more potent agonist than ACh with respect to its electrophysiologic effects on the fetal heart. These differences may result from a relatively high cholinesterase activity which attenuates the action of ACh but not of Oxo.
Finite Codimension Subfields of a Field Complete with Respect to a Real Valuation

ABSTRACT Let K be a field complete with respect to a real valuation v and not algebraically closed. We will show that every finite codimension subfield of K is closed in the v-adic topology if and only if the degree of imperfection of K is finite. It follows that there are incomplete finite codimension subfields of K when the degree of imperfection of K is infinite. These examples exhibit other interesting pathologies. We are able to give a necessary (and in the case of a discrete real valuation also sufficient) condition for a given finite codimension subfield to be complete. Finally, we give some applications to fields of Laurent series. Communicated by A. Prestel.
Culture Change Under Pressure: A Hausa Case

Programs of technical assistance and community development create culture contact conditions which are particularly well suited to the study of change. The contact situation is narrowly delimited and it is easier to identify the agents of change, the pressures for change and the results of the contact. The study here reported in preliminary fashion is an attempt to capitalize on such a research situation in northern Nigeria. Here, among the Hausa, the British Colonial government instituted a program of resettlement, health improvement and economic development. The Anchau Scheme, as it was known, was initiated in 1937 and continued with diminishing intensity for the next decade. Since 1948 the area has received no special attention. These facts about the scheme contributed to the decision to study it, for they provided one condition frequently lacking in previous case studies. The assistance program was old enough that its ultimate effects, rather than just its immediate effects, should be evident. The pri...
Aggressive malignant phyllodes tumor.

Introduction Originally described in 1838 by Muller, phyllodes tumor is a rare fibroepithelial neoplasm which represents roughly 0.3–0.9% of all breast cancers. Phyllodes tumor are divided into benign, borderline and malignant histologic categories. Malignant phyllodes tumor represent anywhere from 10–30% of all phyllodes tumors. This group has both the potential to recur locally and metastasize, however not all malignant phyllodes behave this way. The challenge lays in predicting which tumor will recur locally or metastasize. Distinguishing this subset of malignant phyllodes tumor is paramount.
Internal Friction/Attenuation in a β-Spodumene Glass-Ceramic

Transient creep and attenuation (internal friction) of a β-spodumene glass-ceramic has been examined. Four-point flexural creep tests have been performed at high tempera-ture(T = 925°-1000°C) and modest stress levels (σl,max= 7-25 MPa). The flexural creep response of the glass-ceramic is characterized by a large decelerating transient that precedes the establishment of a steady state. The creep response is transformed via a numerical algorithm to give the attenuation spectrum. In addition, low-stress (2.5-30 MPa), subresonant-frequency (10 −5 Hz ≤ f ≤ 1 Hz), com-pression-compression attenuation experiments have been performed. A first-order thermodynamic analysis of the effect of effective pressure on the volume fraction of re-sidual glass suggests that the dilatational process that is associated with the flexural deformation mode should be characterized by a single loss mechanism. The predictions that are available from the flexural creep tests, as well as those that have been directly measured in experiments, in-dicate that attenuation behavior is insensitive to both fre-quency and temperature and exhibits a characteristic band of absorption. The weak frequency dependence of this an-elastic response is well-characterized by a power law of the form Q−1χfα, where 0.15 ≥ a ≥ 0.3, which suggests a physical mechanism that possesses a distribution of relax-ation times. A plausible explanation exists in the fluid-mechanics description of deformation-induced melt migra-tion, in which the crystalline β-spodumene “matrix” undergoes compaction or dilatation while the residual glass phase, which forms an interpenetrative network along grain triple junctions of the matrix, flows: the evolution with time of the compacted (and/or dilated) layer thickness of the deforming matrix produces a distribution of compli-ances.
Surface segregation in ternary alloys: a BFS study of Ni–Al–Cu(100) surface composition

Abstract Atomistic simulations of surface segregation constitute an essential tool in determining the surface composition and structure of binary or higher order alloys. The presence of metastable states, where widely different surface composition profiles are energetically possible, are severe tests for the ability of experimental techniques for accurately determining the composition of the surface. A clear example of such phenomenon is analyzed in this paper, where the Bozzolo–Ferrante–Smith (BFS) semiempirical method for alloys is applied to the study of surface composition of Ni-rich Ni–Al–Cu alloys. A wide range of Cu concentration is considered, showing distinct segregation trends characterizing the low-Cu and high-Cu concentration regimes. The existence of metastable states with energy close to that of the ground state is identified and shown to drive the resulting segregation pattern. The results of several Monte Carlo/Metropolis simulations are shown, highlighting the role of the initial state used in the simulation and the temperature treatment of the sample.
Regional Nonuniformity of Contraction in the Left Ventricular Free-wall

The function of the heart is characterized by nonuniform wall motions working coordinately to generate a smooth and effective pump action; however, the functional importance of these heterogeneous motions are largely unknown. To bridge the understanding of the basis for regional variations in contraction, we have analyzed left ventricular free-wall motion using echocardiography and sonomicrometry and quantified the expression of protein levels and post-translational modifications using gel electrophoresis. Porcine myocardium was used for investigation and a stress test, i.e. dobutamine infusion, was performed to amplify transmural contractile gradients during beta-adrenergic stimulation. Here we report greater segmental shortening, strain and strain rate in the endocardium compared to the epicardium in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions (p<0.05), but not in the radial dimension, at baseline and during dobutamine infusion. The gradient of strain and shortening mirrors the expression of the myosin heavy chain isoforms, alpha- and beta-MyHC, across the wall, i.e., there is more alpha-MyHC in the epicardium. We propose that differences in expression of specific protein isoforms in healthy, control myocardium is directly related to the shorter period of stretch in the epicardium during the heart cycle, or stretch activation, and that differences in myosin heavy chain isoform content is a direct determinant of the strain differential. This work supported by NIH RO1-HL61635 (RLM) and T32-HL07936 (HSN).
Nature of induced persistent vaginal cornification in mice. II. Effect of estradiol and testosterone on vaginal epithelium of mice of different ages.

Immature female mice of the BALB/c strain were treated with 25 mg/day of estradiol or testosterone for five days, beginning at various ages. Ovary-independent persistent vaginal cornification was obtained only when the treatment was started within 24 hours after birth, although some irreversible hyperplasia of the epithelium was observed in mice treated with estradiol beginning at three days of age. Ovary-dependent persistent vaginal estrus occurred when treatment was begun at ten days or earlier with estradiol, and at seven days or earlier with testosterone. Vaginae of one-day and three-week-old BALB/c mice were transplanted into one-day-old and into three-week-old syngeneic hosts. Hosts were treated with various doses of estradiol. Irrespective of the age of the hosts, ovary-independent hyperplasia or cornification occurred in transplants from one-day-old donors. Transplants from three-week-old donors showed only ovary-dependent cornification. The results suggest, however, that both vaginal tissue age and host age play some role in determining the nature and occurrence of steroid-induced persistent vaginal changes.
The Rise and Fall of the Fengtien Dollar, 1917—1928: Currency Reform in Warlord China

FINANCIAL chaos was the rule during China's warlord period from I916 to 1928. The Central Government in Peking was often short of funds because the warlords who controlled the provinces refused to forward tax receipts to the capital. The effectiveness of the financial administrative machinery in each province varied greatly, and if careful accounts were kept by the provincial governments, they have not been made public. Most confusing of all was the assortment of currencies circulating in the provinces. A bewildering variety of coins and paper notes, generally issued by local banks and money-changing shops, were used in each province, though they would probably not be accepted at face value in the neighbouring province. In some areas foreign currency, such as Mexican silver dollars or Japanese gold yen notes, could also be found in the key market towns. So many currencies were in use that local chambers of commerce met daily to calculate the relative values of the currencies traded in their immediate area.
Role of the 3'-untranslated region of RPE65 mRNA in the translational regulation of the RPE65 gene: identification of a specific translation inhibitory element.

Abstract Previously, we demonstrated that explanted bovine retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells lose RPE65 protein, a major microsomal protein specific to RPE, while the RPE65 mRNA remains, suggesting posttranscriptional regulation of RPE65 expression in vitro. Accordingly, we analyze here the effect of the 5′- and 3′-untranslated regions (UTRs) of RPE65 mRNA on translational efficiency using in vitro translation systems. We compared the levels of translation products and mRNA stability among RPE65 transcripts containing deletions of the 5′- and 3′-UTRs. First, the 5′-UTR does not affect translational efficiency. However, the 3′-UTR does influence translation efficiency. A putative translation inhibitory element (TIE) is contained within the 170-nucleotide (nt) sequence downstream of the stop codon. There is also a weak destabilizing effect that is associated with the region 3′ to the putative TIE. But the effect of this is much less than that of the TIE. This TIE, however, does not inhibit translation of the heterologous chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene, suggesting that a specific interaction with the upstream RPE65 coding sequence, or its product, may be required. Thus, the posttranscriptional regulation of RPE65 mRNA expression observed in cultured RPE may be via a mechanism of translational inhibition.
Transtendon, Double-Row, Transosseous-Equivalent Arthroscopic Repair of Partial-Thickness, Articular-Surface Rotator Cuff Tears

Arthroscopic transtendinous techniques for the arthroscopic repair of partial-thickness, articular-surface rotator cuff tears offer the advantage of minimizing the disruption of the patient's remaining rotator cuff tendon fibers. In addition, double-row fixation of full-thickness rotator cuff tears has shown biomechanical advantages. We present a novel method combining these 2 techniques for transtendon, double-row, transosseous-equivalent arthroscopic repair of partial-thickness, articular-surface rotator cuff tears. Direct visualization of the reduction of the retracted articular tendon layer to its insertion on the greater tuberosity is the key to the procedure. Linking the medial-row anchors and using a double-row construct provide a stable repair that allows early shoulder motion to minimize the risk of postoperative stiffness.
Large eddy simulation/probability density function modeling of a turbulent CH4/H2/N2 jet flame

Abstract In this work, we develop the large-eddy simulation (LES)/probability density function (PDF) simulation capability for turbulent combustion and apply it to a turbulent CH 4 / H 2 / N 2 jet flame (DLR Flame A). The PDF code is verified to be second-order accurate with respect to the time-step size and the grid size in a manufactured one-dimensional test case. Three grids ( 64 × 64 × 16 , 192 × 192 × 48 , 320 × 320 × 80 ) are used in the simulations of DLR Flame A to examine the effect of the grid resolution. The numerical solutions of the resolved mixture fraction, the mixture fraction squared, and the density are duplicated in the LES code and the PDF code to explore the numerical consistency between them. A single laminar flamelet profile is used to reduce the computational cost of treating the chemical reactions of the particles. The sensitivity of the LES results to the time-step size is explored. Both first and second-order time splitting schemes are used for integrating the stochastic differential equations for the particles, and these are compared in the jet flame simulations. The numerical results are found to be sensitive to the grid resolution, and the 192 × 192 × 48 grid is adequate to capture the main flow fields of interest for this study. The numerical consistency between LES and PDF is confirmed by the small difference between their numerical predictions. Overall good agreement between the LES/PDF predictions and the experimental data is observed for the resolved flow fields and the composition fields, including for the mass fractions of the minor species and NO. The LES results are found to be insensitive to the time-step size for this particular flame. The first-order splitting scheme performs as well as the second-order splitting scheme in predicting the resolved mean and rms mixture fraction and the density for this flame.
Ruthenium Dihydroxybipyridine Complexes are Tumor Activated Prodrugs Due to Low pH and Blue Light Induced Ligand Release

Ruthenium drugs are potent anti-cancer agents, but inducing drug selectivity and enhancing their modest activity remain challenging. Slow Ru ligand loss limits the formation of free sites and subsequent binding to DNA base pairs. Herein, we designed a ligand that rapidly dissociates upon irradiation at low pH. Activation at low pH can lead to cancer selectivity, since many cancer cells have higher metabolism (and thus lower pH) than non-cancerous cells. We have used the pH sensitive ligand, 6,6'-dihydroxy-2,2'-bipyridine (66'bpy(OH)2), to generate [Ru(bpy)2(66'(bpy(OH)2)](2+), which contains two acidic hydroxyl groups with pKa1=5.26 and pKa2=7.27. Irradiation when protonated leads to photo-dissociation of the 66'bpy(OH)2 ligand. An in-depth study of the structural and electronic properties of the complex was carried out using X-ray crystallography, electrochemistry, UV/visible spectroscopy, and computational techniques. Notably, RuN bond lengths in the 66'bpy(OH)2 complex are longer (by ~0.3A) than in polypyridyl complexes that lack 6 and 6' substitution. Thus, the longer bond length predisposes the complex for photo-dissociation and leads to the anti-cancer activity. When the complex is deprotonated, the 66'bpy(O(-))2 ligand molecular orbitals mix heavily with the ruthenium orbitals, making new mixed metal-ligand orbitals that lead to a higher bond order. We investigated the anti-cancer activities of [Ru(bpy)2(66'(bpy(OH)2)](2+), [Ru(bpy)2(44'(bpy(OH)2)](2+), and [Ru(bpy)3](2+) (44'(bpy(OH)2=4,4'-dihydroxy-2,2'-bipyridine) in HeLa cells, which have a relatively low pH. It is found that [Ru(bpy)2(66'(bpy(OH)2)](2+) is more cytotoxic than the other ruthenium complexes studied. Thus, we have identified a pH sensitive ruthenium scaffold that can be exploited for photo-induced anti-cancer activity.
A reciprocal phase-perturbation theory for rough-surface scattering

Abstract We study the scattering of a scalar plane wave from a two-dimensional, randomly rough surface, on which the Dirichlet boundary condition is satisfied. The scattering amplitude is obtained in the form of the Fourier transform of an exponential, in which the exponent is written as an expansion in powers of the surface profile function. It is shown that the latter expansion can be written in such a way that the corresponding scattering matrix is manifestly reciprocal. Numerical results for the reflectivity, and for the contribution to the mean differential reflection coefficient from the incoherent component of the scattered field, are obtained and compared with the predictions of small-amplitude perturbation theory and the Kirchhoff approximation. As the wavelength of the incident wave is varied continuously the results of the phase-perturbation theory change continuously from those of the small-amplitude perturbation theory to those of the Kirchhoff approximation.