cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Controlled release of drugs with nanostructured capsules in microdroplets

Controlled release of drugs with nanostructured capsules in microdroplets (μdroplets) using a microfluidic device is reported for the first time. Specifically, experiments demonstrated successfully that the drug release can be controlled by dynamically changing the pH of the control solution (water + NaOH) through a microfluidic chip. By observing the fluorescent images of microdroplets, it shows that the drug release inside a microdroplet environment can span from several minutes to several weeks by the control solutions of different pH. Since each microdroplet can serve as a microtiter plate, and hundreds and thousands of microdroplets can be generated rapidly, thus a controlled drug release platform with high throughput for drug screen and discovery could be potentially realized.
Development of PhytoPET: A plant imaging PET system

The development and initial evaluation of a high-resolution positron emission tomography (PET) system to image the biodistribution of positron emitting tracers in live plants is underway. The positron emitting 11CO 2 tracer is used in plant biology research investigating carbon sequestration in biomass, optimization of plant productivity and biofuel development. This PhytoPET design allows flexible arrangements of PET detectors based on individual standalone detector modules built from single 5 cm × 5 cm Hamamatsu H8500 position sensitive photomultiplier tubes. Each H8500 is coupled to a LYSO:Ce scintillator array composed of 48×48 elements that are 10 mm thick arranged with a 1.0 mm pitch. An Ethernet based 12-bit flash analog to digital data acquisition system with onboard coincident matrix definition is under development to digitize the signals. The detector modules of the PhytoPET system can be arranged and stacked to accommodate various sized plants and plant structures.
Electrical properties of axons within probst bundles of acallosal mice and callosi that have reformed upon glial-coated polymer implants.

Abstract Lesioning of the developing cerebral midline and corpus callosum of mice results in the formation of bilateral masses of axons known as Probst's longitudinal bundles. These ectopic axons were examined using an in vitro brain slice technique, and they were found to be functional and to have electrical properties that were similar to those of the unlesioned corpus callosum at a comparable age. When a nitrocellulose bridge is properly oriented at the site of the callosal lesion in neonates, the implant will support the migration of glianates, in turn, promote the redirection of callosal axons across the midline. These axons were also analyzed by in vitro brain slice techniques, and they were found to be functional and to have electrical properties that were similar to the unlesioned corpus callosum with respect to conduction velocity and chronaxie but dissimilar with respect to charge threshold and rheobase current.
Predictors of Depressed Left Ventricular Function in Patients Presenting With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Early in the course of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), therapies that may harm patients who develop left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, such as β-blockers, are often administered. The investigators analyzed the ACTIVATE-SF database, a registry of consecutive STEMI activations presenting to 2 medical centers at the University of California, San Francisco. LV dysfunction was defined as an ejection fraction ≤40% on echocardiography. Of 211 patients included in the analysis, 66 (31%) had LV ejection fractions ≤40%. Patients with LV dysfunction were older (63 ± 15 vs 56 ± 13 years, p = 0.002). In multivariate regression models, decreased renal function (reference group, creatinine 1.5 mg/dl 6.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.66 to 24.31, p = 0.007), a history of coronary artery disease (AOR 3.12, 95% CI 1.26 to 7.71, p = 0.014), ST-segment elevation >2 mm on 12-lead electrocardiography (AOR 2.78, 95% CI 1.31 to 5.87, p = 0.008), and need for mechanical ventilation (AOR 3.98, 95% CI 1.41 to 11.19, p = 0.009) increased the odds of LV dysfunction. Inferior ST-segment elevations were associated with 88% decreased odds of LV dysfunction (AOR 0.12, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.35, p <0.001). A prediction score using these characteristics stratified patients into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups for LV dysfunction; positive likelihood ratios for LV dysfunction in these groups were 0.07, 1.14, and 4.93, respectively. In conclusion, 5 key predictors of in-hospital LV dysfunction after STEMI were identified; a risk score based on these predictors helps to quickly identify patients presenting with STEMI who are at the highest risk for developing significant LV dysfunction and could guide optimal therapeutic choices.
Image processing techniques for quantitative analysis of skin structures.

Abstract Computer-based image processing and analysis techniques were developed for quantitative analysis of skin structures in color histological sections. Performance was compared with traditional non-image processing counting methods. Skin sections were stained with Masson’s trichrome, hematoxylin and eosin, picrosirius red, or one of several elastin stains. The image processing software identified the top of the cellular epidermis and the dermal–epidermal junction and then calculated the volume of the cellular layer of the epidermis, epidermal thickness, and the ratio of the dermal–epidermal junction surface area to the in-plane surface area. It also identified cells and collagen and calculated cellular densities and collagen densities in the papillary and reticular layers of the dermis. Attempts to computationally process elastin-stained sections to determine elastin density were unsuccessful. The described techniques were used in a preliminary study to compare mechanically stressed skin with control skin. Results showed significant differences in cellular density in the papillary dermis and collagen density in the reticular dermis for skin subjected to combined shear/compression or tension compared with an unstressed control. Measurements made with the computer technique and traditional technique showed comparable results; the mean difference in measurements for epidermal features was 5.33% while for dermal features it was 2.76%. Significance testing between control and experimental groups showed similar results, though for three of the 28 comparisons the computer method identified a significant difference while the traditional method did not. The computer method took longer to conduct than the traditional method, though with recent advances in computer hardware this time difference would be eliminated.
Differences in Bcl-2 expression by T-cell subsets alter their balance after in vivo irradiation to favor CD4+Bcl-2hi NKT cells.

Although it is well known that in vivo radiation depletes immune cells via the Bcl-2 apoptotic pathway, a more nuanced analysis of the changes in the balance of immune-cell subsets is needed to understand the impact of radiation on immune function. We show the balance of T-cell subsets changes after increasing single doses of total body irradiation (TBI) or after fractionated irradiation of the lymphoid tissues (TLI) of mice due to differences in radioresistance and Bcl-2 expression of the NKT-cell and non-NKT subsets to favor CD4+Bcl-2hi NKT cells. Reduction of the Bcl-2lo mature T-cell subsets was at least 100-fold greater than that of the Bcl-2hi subsets. CD4+ NKT cells upregulated Bcl-2 after TBI and TLI and developed a Th2 bias after TLI, whereas non-NKT cells failed to do so. Our previous studies showed TLI protects against graft versus host disease in wild-type, but not in NKT-cell-deficient mice. The present study shows that NKT cells have a protective function even after TBI, and these cells are tenfold more abundant after an equal dose of TLI. In conclusion, differential expression of Bcl-2 contributes to the changes in T-cell subsets and immune function after irradiation.
Rapid, time-transgressive, and variable responses to early Holocene midcontinental drying in North America

The end Pleistocene to early Holocene drying of the North American midcontinent is an important case study for understanding regional drought, its drivers, and its impacts. This paper synthesizes pollen, δ13C, eolian, and paleohydrological proxies to document the spatial and temporal patterns in the onset and rate of drying. The timing of onset ranged from 14 to 6 ka with most sites drying between 10 and 8 ka (calendar years ago). The dominant spatial pattern is time transgressive, with interior Great Plains sites beginning to dry before peripheral sites. This time-transgressive trend can be explained as a region-wide drying that caused ecotones to shift eastward, or could indicate a progressive shift in atmospheric drying from west to east. One-third of sites responded rapidly to drying; a cluster of rapid responses occurred ca. 8 ka. The combination of onsets between 14 and 6 ka and rapid responses at 8 ka strongly suggests that (1) the combination of high summer insolation, Laurentide Ice Sheet retreat, and Lake Agassiz drainage drove midcontinental drying, and (2) drying accelerated with Laurentide Ice Sheet collapse at 8.4 ka. Local factors strongly mediate the timing and rate of site responses to regional drying. Local responses to future drying in the Great Plains also should be highly variable, which challenges impact assessments of future climate changes.
Hereditary transcobalamin II deficiency: The role of transcobalamin II in vitamin B12-mediated reactions

Supplemental vitamin B 12 therapy, which was being administered to a child with hereditary transcobalamin II (TC II) deficiency, was temporarily discontinued in order to evaluate the role of TC II in vitamin B 12 -mediated reactions. Within six weeks the child developed megaloblastic anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and granulocytopenia. The concentration of the sulfur amino acids in plasma, which are methyl-B 12 dependent, remained normal during the study. The excretion of methylmalonic acid was not altered, and the oxidation of propionate- 14 C to 14 CO 2 by isolated peripheral leukocytes was not decreased after withdrawal of vitamin B 12 . Each of these latter two parametres is dependent upon the availability of 5′-deoxyadenosyl-B 12 . The data suggest that the presence of TC II is necessary for normal cellular maturation of the hematopoietic system, but TC II may not be essential for the delivery of methyl-B 12 or 5′-deoxyadenosyl-B 12 for metabolic activity.
CMS HCAL installation and commissioning

The installation and commissioning of the Hadron Calorimeter system of the CMS detector is described and the performance of the various monitoring systems, the progress in the calibration work and the current plans for the HCAL calorimeter are summarized.
Markov Models of Signpost Sensor AVL Systems

Certain cities are installing signpost sensor AVL automatic vehicle location systems. Such systems provide a fixed signpost sensor at a fraction ρ of intersections; when a vehicle drives through one of these intersections, its position is detected usually by electronic means and updated on a master file of estimated vehicle locations. In applications one is interested in system performance as a function of ρ, sensor layout, and vehicle turning behavior. Thin paper develops Markov models for computing as a function of these characteristics the probabilistic behavior of the distance traveled between successive passings of sensors. The measure of performance used to compare alternative systems is the coefficient of variation of distance traveled between passings. It is shown that intuitively appealing rectangular sensor layouts are often dominated by other layouts, including in some cases totally random positioning of sensors.
Publication rates of abstracts presented at Biennial Meetings of the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine

A study was carried out to determine the fate of abstracts presented at the Biennial Meetings of the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Sports Medicine. All abstracts presented at the 1997 and 1999 Biennial Meetings of the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Sports Medicine were entered into a database. A Medline search was performed in November 2003 for each abstract to determine whether a full publication resulted from the abstract. The rate of publication and the journals in which they were published were determined. The overall rate of publication from the 1997 and 1999 meetings were 34.6 and 39.3%, respectively. The most common journals for subsequent publication were Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, American Journal of Sports Medicine, and Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. Research presented in abstract form at scientific meetings provides an early look at ongoing research projects. These abstracts are not subjected to the full peer-review process required of publications in journals. Many of the abstracts presented at the Biennial Meetings of the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Sports Medicine did not result in a full journal publication. While it is not possible to determine the reason for abstracts failing to lead to journal publications, it is possible that some of these projects did not meet the scientific scrutiny of the peer-review process required for full publication.
Exploring the potential for multipatch soil-moisture retrievals using multiparameter optimization techniques

This paper explores the potential to retrieve surface soil moisture and optical depth simultaneously for several different patches of land cover in a single pixel from dual polarization, multiangle microwave brightness temperature observations such as will be provided by, for instance, the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission. MICRO-SWEAT, a coupled land-surface and microwave emission model, was used in a. year-long simulation to define the patch-specific soil moisture, optical depth, and synthetic, pixel-average microwave brightness temperatures similar to those that will be provided by SMOS. The microwave emission component of MICRO-SWEAT also forms the basis of an exploratory retrieval algorithm in which the difference between (synthetic) observations of microwave brightness temperatures and modeled, pixel-average microwave brightness temperatures for different input values of soil moisture and optical depth is minimized using the shuffled complex evolution (SCE) optimization procedure. Results are presented for two synthetic pixels, one with eight patches, where only the soil moisture is retrieved, and one with five patches, where both the soil moisture and the optical depth are retrieved.
Great Plagues of the Past and Remaining Questions

Due to the difficulty of obtaining tissue samples from victims of the ancient plagues, it is not always possible to utilise palaeomicrobiology techniques to determine the etiology of ancient infection. Therefore, it is often necessary to utilise other means to arrive at a likely diagnosis. The most helpful of these is the literary description of the disease. While this is often the best evidence available, working with such documents can prove difficult. Three great plagues of the ancient world, the Plague of Athens, the Antonine Plague, and the Justiniac Plague are described in either Latin or ancient Greek. The difficulties encountered when translating any ancient foreign language are com- pounded by the fact that so many words in these languages have a variety of meanings. This chapter reviews the three great plagues of antiquity from a clinical perspective.
Mechanisms of prostatic stromal invasion in patients with bladder cancer: clinical significance.

Purpose: We assess the pathological mechanisms of silent prostatic stromal invasion in patients with bladder cancer for early detection and treatment.Materials and Methods: Between August 1998 and January 1999, 10 patients with clinically organ confined transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and known prostatic stromal invasion on transurethral biopsy or who were high risk for prostatic involvement due to tumor location near the bladder neck were studied for histological patterns of prostatic invasion. There were 5 cystectomy specimens distended for 24 hours with formalin via a Foley catheter, then step sectioned longitudinally at 3 mm. intervals through the bladder neck and prostate. Standard hematoxylin and eosin staining methods were used and sections were analyzed by 2 pathologists.Results: There were 3 separate patterns of prostatic stromal invasion elucidated, including 2 previously described methods of extravesical or intraurethral invasion into the prostatic stroma and a third one through the ...
Half-Integer Resonance Extraction for the NAL Accelerator

The slow extraction from the main ring at NAL utilizes the half-integer resonance at ?x = 41/2. Extraction elements are three quadrupoles and one octupole. Two quadrupoles control the tune during the extraction while the third one is used to compensate for the tune fluctuation, thereby reducing the amount of the beam intensity modulation. The turn separation is produced by the average octupole field in the ring as well as by the special octupole which is located in phase with extraction quadrupoles. The size of turn separation is also controlled by a local bump in the closed orbit near the extraction septum. The beam has been extracted with the spill time up to 700 ms and with the efficiency of 85-90%. Together with a pinger, it is also possible to extract over 90% of the beam in less than 400 ?s.
In Protection of Ourselves: Black Girls' Perceptions of Self-Reported Delinquent Behaviors

The purpose of this study was to explore Black adolescent girls' perceptions of self-reported delinquent behaviors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 Black girls enrolled in alternative schools designated for “delinquent” adolescents. Using dimensional analysis, two general categories emerged from the data: defending/protecting self and self-interest. All of the girls indicated that they used aggressive behaviors to protect themselves from perceived threats. Generally, the girls protected themselves using two strategies: “Hold off” strategies were used to avoid physical and/or verbal conflicts, and “face down” strategies were used to physically confront threats. To a lesser degree, girls discussed gaining materially from specific behaviors (e.g., stealing and lying). One important implication of this research study is that aggressive Black girls may often perceive their environment to be hostile and nonsupportive. Consequently, support needs to be provided for Black girls who engage in aggressive behaviors.
Molecular pathways mediating mechanical signaling in bone

Bone tissue has the capacity to adapt to its functional environment such that its morphology is "optimized" for the mechanical demand. The adaptive nature of the skeleton poses an interesting set of biological questions (e.g., how does bone sense mechanical signals, what cells are the sensing system, what are the mechanical signals that drive the system, what receptors are responsible for transducing the mechanical signal, what are the molecular responses to the mechanical stimuli). Studies of the characteristics of the mechanical environment at the cellular level, the forces that bone cells recognize, and the integrated cellular responses are providing new information at an accelerating speed. This review first considers the mechanical factors that are generated by loading in the skeleton, including strain, stress and pressure. Mechanosensitive cells placed to recognize these forces in the skeleton, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes and cells of the vasculature are reviewed. The identity of the mechanoreceptor(s) is approached, with consideration of ion channels, integrins, connexins, the lipid membrane including caveolar and non-caveolar lipid rafts and the possibility that altering cell shape at the membrane or cytoskeleton alters integral signaling protein associations. The distal intracellular signaling systems on-line after the mechanoreceptor is activated are reviewed, including those emanating from G-proteins (e.g., intracellular calcium shifts), MAPKs, and nitric oxide. The ability to harness mechanical signals to improve bone health through devices and exercise is broached. Increased appreciation of the importance of the mechanical environment in regulating and determining the structural efficacy of the skeleton makes this an exciting time for further exploration of this area.
Meeting Report: The 2nd Annual Argonne Soils Workshop, Argonne National Laboratory, Chicago Illinois, USA, October 6–8, 2010

This report summarizes the proceedings of the 2nd Annual Argonne Soils Workshop held at Argonne National Laboratory October 6–8, 2010. The workshop assembled a diverse group of soil ecologists, microbiologists, molecular biologists, and computational scientists to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to implementation of metagenomics approaches in soil microbial ecology. The overarching theme of the workshop was “designing ecologically meaningful soil metagenomics research”, which encouraged presentations on both ecological and computational topics. The workshop fostered valuable cross-discipline communication and delivered the message that soil metagenomics research must be based on an iterative process between biological inquiry and bioinformatics tools.
A new strategy to decrease risk of resistance emerging during therapy switching in HIV treatment

Although highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) provides a powerful strategy for HIV treatment, it has been shown that HAART cannot eradicate all viruses in patients because of the existence of long-term reservoir. With the use of HAART, resistant strains develop and become the dominant species. Because the number of independent treatment regimens is limited, once resistance to all available drug classes arises, the patient will die. In this paper, we propose a drug switching strategy to minimize resistance risk of resistance and preserve long-term control of the HIV infection based on a simple model of HIV infection with persistent viral reservoirs.
Differential development of high-level visual cortex correlates with category-specific recognition memory

High-level visual cortex in humans includes functionally defined regions that preferentially respond to objects, faces and places. It is unknown how these regions develop and whether their development relates to recognition memory. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the development of several functionally defined regions including object (lateral occipital complex, LOC)-, face (‘fusiform face area’, FFA; superior temporal sulcus, STS)- and place (‘parahippocampal place area’, PPA)-selective cortices in children (ages 7‐11), adolescents (12‐16) and adults. Right FFA and left PPA volumes were substantially larger in adults than in children. This development occurred by expansion of FFA and PPA into surrounding cortex and was correlated with improved recognition memory for faces and places, respectively. In contrast, LOC and STS volumes and object-recognition memory remained constant across ages. Thus, the ventral stream undergoes a prolonged maturation that varies temporally across functional regions, is determined by brain region rather than stimulus category, and is correlated with the development of category-specific recognition memory.
Quality Improvement and Management in a Dermatology Office

Dermatologists must develop an office quality improvement (QI) program to document the quality of care. This activity is being monitored by health maintenance organizations, insurance companies, and accreditation organizations, such as the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, 1 the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and the National Committee for Quality Assurance. 2 The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care considers quality management and improvement to be an essential standard for accreditation. This article will present a QI program that links QI activities, peer review, and risk management in an organized, systematic manner. Through the use of a QI program, patient outcomes can be documented in an office setting.
Dietary factors in Parkinson's disease: The role of food groups and specific foods

PURPOSE The association between self-reported past food intake and Parkinson's disease (PD) was investigated in a case-control study of men and women aged 40–89 years. METHODS Newly diagnosed idiopathic PD cases were ascertained from neurologists, and from outpatient and pharmacy computerized databases, at the Group Health Cooperative (GHC) clinics in the Puget Sound region of Washington state. Control subjects were chosen from the GHC patient roster and had no reported history of diagnosed neurodegenerative disease. Dietary data were obtained from structured questionnaires. RESULTS An increase in PD risk with increasing intake was noted for foods that contain animal fat and foods containing vitamin D. Intake of fruits, vegetables, meats, bread and cereals, or foods containing vitamins A, C, E, or iron was not significantly related to PD risk. Vitamin use, in general, was also not found to be related to PD risk, although a significant trend of increasing risk of PD was noted for intake of vitamin A supplements. CONCLUSIONS Although these data support previous findings of no association of past intake with most food groups and PD risk, they confirm an increased risk of PD associated with foods containing animal fat.
A new FFT-based algorithm to compute Born radii in the generalized Born theory of biomolecule solvation

In this paper, a new method for calculating effective atomic radii within the generalized Born (GB) model of implicit solvation is proposed, for use in computer simulations of biomolecules. First, a new formulation for the GB radii is developed, in which smooth kernels are used to eliminate the divergence in volume integrals intrinsic in the model. Next, the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm is applied to integrate smoothed functions, taking advantage of the rapid spectral decay provided by the smoothing. The total cost of the proposed algorithm scales as O(N^3logN+M) where M is the number of atoms comprised in a molecule and N is the number of FFT grid points in one dimension, which depends only on the geometry of the molecule and the spectral decay of the smooth kernel but not on M. To validate our algorithm, numerical tests are performed for three solute models: one spherical object for which exact solutions exist and two protein molecules of differing size. The tests show that our algorithm is able to reach the accuracy of other existing GB implementations, while offering much lower computational cost.
Singular and combined effects of nebivolol and lifestyle modification on large artery stiffness in hypertensive adults

Background:We hypothesized that the combination of nebivolol and lifestyle modification would reduce large artery stiffness in middle-aged and older hypertensive adults more than either intervention alone.Methods:To address this, 45 men and women (age 40–75 years) with stage I hypertension were randomized to receive either nebivolol (NB; forced titration to 10 mg OD; n = 15; age 57.2 ± 11.4 years; body mass index [BMI] 30.8 ± 5.8 kg/m2), lifestyle modification (LM; 5–10% weight loss via calorie restriction and physical activity; n = 15; age 52.7 ± 8.5 years; BMI 33.9 ± 7.2 kg/m2) or nebivolol plus lifestyle modification (NBLM; n = 15; age 58.9 ± 9.4 years; BMI 32.5 ± 4.9 kg/m2) for 12 weeks. β-stiffness index, a blood-pressure-independent measure of arterial stiffness, and arterial compliance were measured via high-resolution ultrasound and tonometry at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. There was no difference between groups in age, body weight or composition, blood pressure, or in β-stiffness ...
Interaction of border and center rows of multiple row plots in watermelon yield trials

Researchers interested in evaluating watermelon (Citrullus lanatus(Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai) cultivars for yield often use multiple-row plots to simulate the monoculture system growers use or ingle-row plots to save on land, labor, and seeds. An important question is whether there is significant interaction of border rows with center rows when diverse cultivars are planted in adjacent rows. Based on recommendations from watermelon researchers in the U.S., ‘Charleston Gray’, ‘Crimson Sweet’, and ‘Sugar Baby’ were chosen to represent long, medium, and short-vined cultivars, respectively. Cultivars were planted in three-row plots with all nine combinations of the three represented in border and center rows. The experiment was a randomized complete block with the nine border by center plot combinations, two locations (Kinston, Clinton), and three replications at each location. Vine length was measured during the season, and fruit from four harvests were graded (marketable and cull), counted and weighed. Results showed that ‘Charleston Gray’ had the longest vines, followed by ‘Crimson Sweet’ and ‘SugarBaby’. In the analysis of variance, the largest effects (F ratio) on yield were from cultivar, location, and the interaction of the two. The smallest effects were border row and the interaction of center with border row. Center by border interactions were significant (5%level) in some cases, but were usually small and did not involve change in rank. Therefore, researchers interested in running trials with many cultivars and small seed quantities can obtain good data using single-row plots. However, there is a small (but significant) interaction of center with border rows in some cases, so testing at the final stage should be with trials having multiple-row plots or with cultivars grouped by vine length. Additional research is needed to determine the effect of cultivars having extreme plant types, for example dwarf cultivars in bordering rows with long-vined cultivars.
EXPERIENCE AND RECENT CONTRIBUTIONS IN SACRAL NERVE STIMULATION FOR VOIDING IN BOTH HUMAN AND ANIMAL1

SUMMARY Preliminary investigations on sixty-four dogs and five human paraplegics in the past three years have led to the location of neural trigger points, which in the human were found to be the third and fourth sacral nerves at their exit from the sacral foramina anteriorly. Successful voiding was induced with reproducible results for four to five months using an electrical current about 80 to 100 times smaller than the one used for stimulation of the muscle directly. An interesting by-product of this chronic stimulation led to the discovery of a neural trigger point which, when stimulated, causes immediate and sustained erection of the penis in paraplegic patients. We plan to try our methods in cases of impotence caused by a nerve lesion proximal to the point of electrical nerve excitation. The present work consists mainly in improving our surgical approach in the human and designing electrodes of special configuration with material well insulated. The electronic exciting mechanism is also being developed in miniature size for prolonged use. Special precautions are being developed to minimise as much as possible the inflammatory reaction of nerve tissue to the electrodes.
Insulin receptor expression during development and a reproductive cycle in the ovary of the mosquito Aedes aegypti.

A key tyrosine kinase receptor regulates steroidogenesis during egg maturation in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. This study examined expression patterns and phosphorylation states of the mosquito insulin receptor (MIR) in ovaries during the previtellogenic stage and a reproductive cycle. Little or no MIR protein was present until 24 h after adult eclosion, when the mature MIR appeared as a ~400-kDa tetrameric protein composed of two 116-kDa α-subunits and two 95-kDa β-subunits. Immunocytochemistry showed that MIR was localized in the cell membranes of follicle cells surrounding the oocyte and nurse cells. Protein and mRNA transcript levels gradually increased in ovaries during the first few days after eclosion, and remained constant during previtellogenic arrest for up to 21 days. During a reproductive cycle, MIR protein levels remained constant up to 12 h post-bloodmeal (pbm). However, from 24 to 48 h pbm, during chorion deposition, the MIR protein was not detected. By 72 h pbm, after oviposition, the level of MIR protein returned to pre-bloodmeal levels. Two peaks of MIR transcript occurred in ovaries after a bloodmeal, immediately following a bloodmeal and after oviposition. MIR protein was constitutively phosphorylated on tyrosine residues at low levels during the previtellogenic arrest stage. Tyrosine phosphorylation increased three- to fourfold when ovaries were incubated with bovine insulin in vitro, and twofold when incubated with sodium orthovanadate, thus demonstrating a role for MIR in activating steroidogenesis. Notably, MIR protein and transcript were not detected in eggs, larvae, pupae, or pharate adults.
Local variation in plant quality influences large‐scale population dynamics

Spatial variation in ecological systems can arise both as a consequence of variation in the quality and availability of resources and as an emergent property of spatially structured interactions. We used a spatially explicit model to simulate populations of herbivore hosts and their parasitoids in landscapes with different levels of variance in plant patch quality and different spatial arrangements of high- and low-quality plant patches. We found that even small variation in patch quality at a fine spatial scale decreased overall herbivore populations, as parasitoid populations on low-quality plant patches were subsidized by those from high-quality neighbors. On landscapes with large, homogeneous regions of high- and low-quality plant patches, herbivore populations increased with variation in patch quality. Overall, our results demonstrate that local variation in resource quality profoundly influences global population dynamics. In particular, fine-scale variation in plant patch quality enhanced biological control of herbivores by parasitoids, suggesting that adding back plant genetic variation into perennial production systems may enhance the biological control of herbivores by their natural enemies.
Tandemization of a subregion of the enhancer sequences from SRS 19-6 murine leukemia virus associated with T-lymphoid but not other leukemias.

Most simple retroviruses induce tumors of a single cell type when infected into susceptible hosts. The SRS 19-6 murine leukemia virus (MuLV), which originated in mainland China, induces leukemias of multiple cellular origins. Indeed, infected mice often harbor more than one tumor type. Since the enhancers of many MuLVs are major determinants of tumor specificity, we tested the role of the SRS 19-6 MuLV enhancers in its broad disease specificity. The enhancer elements of the Moloney MuLV (M-MuLV) were replaced by the 170-bp enhancers of SRS 19-6 MuLV, yielding the recombinants ΔMo+SRS+ and ΔMo+SRS− M-MuLV. M-MuLV normally induces T-lymphoid tumors in all infected mice. Surprisingly, when neonatal mice were inoculated with ΔMo+SRS+ or ΔMo+SRS− M-MuLV, all tumors were of T-lymphoid origin, typical of M-MuLV rather than SRS 19-6 MuLV. Thus, the SRS 19-6 MuLV enhancers did not confer the broad disease specificity of SRS 19-6 MuLV to M-MuLV. However, all tumors contained ΔMo+SRS M-MuLV proviruses with common enhancer alterations. These alterations consisted of tandem multimerization of a subregion of the SRS 19-6 enhancers, encompassing the conserved LVb and core sites and adjacent sequences. Moreover, when tumors induced by the parental SRS 19-6 MuLV were analyzed, most of the T-lymphoid tumors had similar enhancer alterations in the same region whereas tumors of other lineages retained the parental SRS 19-6 MuLV enhancers. These results emphasize the importance of a subregion of the SRS 19-6 MuLV enhancer in induction of T-cell lymphoma. The relevant sequences were consistent with crucial sequences for T-cell lymphomagenesis identified for other MuLVs such as M-MuLV and SL3-3 MuLV. These results also suggest that other regions of the SRS 19-6 MuLV genome contribute to its broad leukemogenic spectrum.
Petal Blight of Callistephus chinensis Caused by Itersonilia perplexans

From November 1997 to March 1998, a cut-flower grower in southwest Florida reported post-harvest losses due to a petal blight of 10 and 50%, respectively, in China aster (Callistephus chinensis (L....
Guest Editorial Special Section on Applications of Smart Grid Technologies on Power Distribution Systems

There were 22 papers chosen for this special section on applications of smart grid technologies on power distribution systems. The papers cover a wide spectrum of subjects and discuss several aspects of interest for the smart grid industry in the areas of power distribution systems planning, operations and analysis, including: integration of Distributed Generation, Distributed Energy Storage, and Plug-In Electric Vehicles, advanced algorithms for real-time analysis and state estimation, microgrid and dc grid operation, and monitoring, control, protection and pricing of modern and future distribution systems.
Identification and characterization of cDNA clones encoding plant calreticulin in barley.

Two cDNA clones (CRH1 and CRH2) homologous to animal calreticulin, a major calcium storage protein in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, were isolated from an ovary cDNA library of barley through differential screening. The two clones differ in the 39 untranslated region and the 59 region that encodes a putative N-terminal signal sequence. CRH1 was mapped to the minus arm of chromosome 1. CRH2 was mapped to the minus arm of chromosome 2. The deduced amino acid sequences share 50 to 55% identity with animal calreticulins and exhibit the same three-zone characteristic. Recombinant protein stained blue with Stains-all and bound 45Ca2+ when transferred to nitrocellulose membranes. A native protein of approximately 55 kD was identified in ovary extract. Elevated gene expression was observed in ovaries 1 day after pollination and during early embryogenesis. CRH1 was expressed at a higher level than CRH2. These studies demonstrate the presence of calreticulin in plant cells and its developmental regulation in fertilization.
Modeling and analysis of an electronic load sensing pump

This paper describes the modeling and analysis of the dynamics of an electronic load sensing hydraulic system consisting of a load sensing pump, a flow control valve, a hydraulic cylinder and an effective mass representing the linkage inertia. Load sensing hydraulic circuits are prone to instabilities and frequently require hydraulic filters in the form of orifices and control volumes to remove unwanted oscillations. Closed loop controllers for such systems are difficult to design due to the nonlinearities and high order transfer functions. In this paper a linear model is derived from equations of motion, and validated against a nonlinear simulation model based on MATLAB. Then, a third order model is derived that can be used for controller design.
Valve regurgitation with LV dysfunction: how did we get there?

Valve regurgitations can cause left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Historically, we came to this conclusion by observing poor results of valvular surgery, whereby patients who presented with post-operative heart failure often had normally functioning prostheses or repairs but a poorly contracting
Cardiovascular response of chickens to adminstration of nonavian insulin.

SummaryAlterations in heart rate, blood pressures, pulse pressure, mean electrical axis, hematocrit, plasma volume, interstitial fluid volume and total blood volume were measured and statistically analyzed in adult chickens receiving pharmacological doses of bovine insulin. Multiple-group discriminant analysis techniques proved valuable in a critical analysis of the data obtained. Cardiovascular alterations or shifts in body fluid volumes do not appear of sufficient magnitude to explain the so-called “avian resistance” to exogenous insulin.
The effects of light on carotenogenesis, growth, and sporulation of Syzygites megalocarpus.

(1966). The Effects of Light on Carotenogenesis, Growth, and Sporulation of Syzygites Megalocarpus. Mycologia: Vol. 58, No. 5, pp. 671-680.
Update on the WHO classification of myeloid neoplasms

The 2001 WHO Classification of Myeloid Neoplasms was a major advance in the way myeloid malignancies are diagnosed, categorized, and communicated to treating physicians. A major tenet of the system is its reliance on a combination of morphology, immunophenotype, genetics, and relevant clinical information that together define biologically distinct disease entities. Our understanding of the pathogenesis of myeloid neoplasms has evolved rapidly in recent years, largely due to advances in molecular genetic technology and more complete characterization of genetic aberrations and gene expression patterns in various diseases; similarly, treatments have become more refined and increasingly incorporate therapies that target specific genetic lesions. The 2008 WHO Classification incorporated these advances by refining existing disease definitions and introducing new entities. This classification is currently being updated to reflect yet more recent data. In this Symposium, the background principles of bone marrow interpretation with respect to diagnosis of myeloid neoplasms will be reviewed, including accurate morphologic interpretation, use of flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, and appropriate use of cytogenetics, FISH, and molecular genetic studies. Each category of myeloid neoplasms in the 2008 WHO Classification will be reviewed, with emphasis on recent advances and anticipated updates to the classification.
Competition between palatable and unpalatable prairie grasses under selective and non-selective herbivory in semi-arid grassland

ABSTRACTIn a small plot study we used a systematic additive design to evaluate at what severity and frequency of defoliation sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) would remain competitive and recover from defoliation while growing with meadow dropseed (Sporobolus compositus). In the 3-year study plants were transplanted from pots into the experimental design when equal in size. When B. curtipendula was selectively defoliated moderately or severely, at both 30- and 60-day intervals, it still produced as much as when undefoliated growing with undefoliated S. compositus. Moderately defoliated B. curtipendula did not reduce biomass yield of S. compositus growing with it compared to when S. compositus was growing alone. When both plants were non-selectively defoliated severely, S. compositus responded very weakly and B. curtipendula recovered at the same rate as it had under the other defoliation treatments. The total biomass produced by both species growing together was highest when B. curtipendula was mode...
The Revelatory Function of Scenes-and-Frames Semantics for Novel Translation

In the translating process,the biggest challenge for the translator was how to make the translated text a very readable novel,reproducing the characteristics of the source language which draws a vivid picture for its readers.With the aid of Scenes-and-frames Semantics theory,the translator improved her translation from the following approaches.Firstly,to reproduce the characters' dialogues,the translator should associate them with the like people in target culture and imitate those people's way of speaking in the like situations,which requires the translator to translate as a writer.Secondly,when dealing with the rhetoric in the novel,the translator tried to rewrite it in rhetorical speech to keep its power and beauty,which helps readers associate the prototype in life and develop vivid pictures.Thirdly,to amuse readers of the popular novel,the translator tried to break the long sentences,which are normal in English,into short bits,which are more acceptable in Chinese.
34 CONCURRENT LATEX AND SEMINAL FLUID ALLERGY

Rationale To report a case of latex allergy in a patient with seminal fluid (SF) allergy. Methods A 23-year-old female complained of dyspareunia with postcoital vaginal soreness and swelling. She also reported sore throat and lip swelling after oral sex and had experienced abdominal urticaria after ejaculate exposure. She also reported labial pain and swelling after protected sex with condoms. Following unprotected intercourse she experienced an episode of angioedema, generalized urticaria, and dyspnea that required an emergency room visit for treatment with antihistamines, steroids, and epinephrine. Ejaculate from her sexual partner was prepared for skin prick testing (SPT) on the patient and her partner (as a control) by filtration and centrifugation. MEDLINE was searched for case reports of concurrent latex and SF allergy. Results She was SPT positive to SF (1:1000) [6 mm wheal; histamine 8 mm; saline 0 mm]. Her partner was similarly tested and was found to be SF negative [histamine 7 mm]. Her latex RAST was positive. MEDLINE search revealed one report of associated latex and SF allergy. Conclusions To our knowledge, this represents the second reported case of concurrent SF and latex allergy. This patient initially volunteered information related to symptoms after exposure to ejaculate, but later admitted to similar symptoms when exposed to latex condoms. Such a history could lead away from SF sensitivity altogether or could lead to dismissing a role for latex. This may be more frequent than is commonly appreciated. Thus, careful history and latex testing should be considered for patients reporting SF-induced symptoms.
The Effect of Cardiac Function of Atorvastatin Calcium in Patients with CHF

Objective To explore the effect of cardiac function of atorvastatin calcium in patients with CHF.Methods Divided 79 cases of patients with CHF into two groups randomly,while control group received conventional treatment and experimental group received atorvastatin calcium else.After treated six months,compared the cardiac function of two groups.Results After treated six months,LVEF,LVEDD and LVESD of experimental group were improved more significanter than control group(t=8.3,5.3,4.0,P0.05).Improve rate of cardiac function of experimental group(80%) was higher than control group(53.9%),and a significant difference was observed(χ2=6.12,P0.05).Conclusion For patients with CHF,atorvastatin calcium can significantly improve the cardiac function.
Heritage Schemes: The Curtis Brothers and the Indian Moment of Northwest Boosterism

This article examines the photography of Asahel and Edward S. Curtis through the lens of boosterism. Though AsaheVs commercial work seems to have little in common with Edward's sepia-toned images of Indians, both brothers were in the business of selling heritage. In the end, the failure of the heritage industry in cities such as Spokane can be traced to the reliance on representations of Indians rather than partnerships with Indians themselves.
Impostor Syndrome, a Reparative History

This is an attempt to insert the stories we tell about fear and shame into a history of twentieth-century psychology and its obsession with achievement and modernization. It is an attempt to write an affective history of achievement at the turn of the millennium - and to make this feeling history. Impostor Syndrome is a pop-psychological diagnosis, employed to explain the low presence of women in STEM fields, business and academic administration and ’thought leadership’ in the pubic sphere. The article follows the intellectual lineage of two precursors of Impostor Syndrome, Fear of Success and the Impostor Phenomenon. It argues that the grouping of gender/ race/ success/ affect was a keystone of twentieth-century American psychology and development theory. The history of this feeling has consequences for thinking about situated knowledge, realism and epistemic justice.