cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NAD(P)H oxidase and eNOS play differential roles in cytomegalovirus infection-induced microvascular dysfunction

Abstract Primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection promotes oxidative stress and reduces nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability in endothelial cells. These events are among the earliest vascular responses to cardiovascular risk factors. We assessed the roles of NAD(P)H oxidase and NO bioavailability in microvascular responses to persistent CMV infection alone or with hypercholesterolemia. Wild-type (WT) or gp91phox (NAD(P)H oxidase subunit) knockout mice received mock inoculum or 3 × 104 PFU murine CMV (mCMV) ip 5 weeks before placement on a normal or high-cholesterol diet (HC) for 4 weeks before assessment of arteriolar function and venular blood cell recruitment using intravital microscopy. Some WT groups received sepiapterin (a precursor of the nitric oxide synthase cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin) or apocynin (NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor/antioxidant). Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was impaired in mCMV vs mock WT, regardless of diet. This was not affected by sepiapterin, and pharmacological inhibition of nitric oxide synthase reduced dilation similarly in mock and mCMV mice. Apocynin or deficiency of total, but not blood cell or vascular wall only (tested using bone marrow chimeras), gp91phox protected against arteriolar dysfunction. Blood cell recruitment was induced by mCMV–HC. Sepiapterin, but not NAD(P)H oxidase deficiency/apocynin, reduced leukocyte accumulation, whereas platelet adhesion was reduced by sepiapterin, apocynin, or total, platelet-specific, or vascular wall gp91phox deficiency. These data implicate activation of both hematopoietic and vessel wall NAD(P)H oxidase in mCMV-induced arteriolar dysfunction and platelet and vascular NAD(P)H oxidase in the thrombogenic phenotype induced by mCMV–HC. In contrast, findings with sepiapterin suggest that eNOS dysfunction, perhaps uncoupling, mediates venular, but not arteriolar, responses to mCMV–HC, thus indicating that NAD(P)H oxidase and eNOS differentially regulate microvascular responses to mCMV.
Analysis of digital LANDSAT MSS and SEASAT SAR data for use in discriminating land cover at the urban fringe of Denver, Colorado

Abstract Digital SEASAT synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and LANDSAT multispectral scanner (MSS) data were evaluated to determine their utility to discriminate suburban and regional cover in the eastern fringe area of the Denver, Colorado, metropolitan area. The primary emphasis of the study was land-cover discrimination performance of MSS versus SAR and SAR/MSS combined. In addition, both a median-filtering and a data-smoothing procedure were tested in an attempt to increase the spectral separability between land-use/land-cover classes for SAR data. The results indicated that analysis of LANDSAT MSS data alone provided a significantly (α = 0·05) higher overall classification accuracy or improved spectral class separation than the best SEASAT SAR classification. However, when using LANDSAT MSS and SEASAT SAR data simultaneously, a significant increase in classification accuracy was obtained. Analysis indicated that SEASAT SAR data provided a measure of surface geometry that complemented the reflective chara...
Assay of Plasma Insulin in Human Subjects by Immunological Methods

WE have previously reported on the immuno-assay of beef insulin and certain other animal insulins, employing antiserums from human subjects treated with commercial mixtures of beef and pork insulin1. The insulin-binding antibodies present in these anti-serums do not form precipitable complexes with insulin, but with the use of insulin labelled with iodine-131 the complexes are readily demonstrable by paper chromatography and electrophoresis2. Beef, pork, sheep and horse insulins can be assayed quantitatively by measurement of the degree of competitive inhibition of binding of any insulin labelled with iodine-1311–3. As might have been anticipated, however, human insulin competes too weakly in systems employing human antiserum to be measurable at concentrations which obtain in vivo. Furthermore, the lack of availability of significant quantities of pure human insulin precludes its use as an antigen for animal immunization. However, in the present work, it has been found that human insulin cross-reacts strongly with insulin-binding antibodies in guinea pigs immunized with crystalline beef insulin, and that guinea pig anti-beef insulin serum has characteristics suitable for the detection and measurement of human insulin at concentrations which exist in the plasma of normal fasting subjects.
Schistosomiasis and pregnancy.

Currently, schistosomes infect ∼40 million women of child-bearing age, yet little is known about schistosome-associated morbidity in pregnant women and their offspring. Animal models indicate a deleterious effect of schistosome infection on maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes. Case reports have documented maternal infection in association with poor birth outcomes, and two observational studies indicate that maternal schistosome infection might be associated with decreased birth weight. Rigorously identifying and quantifying the impact of schistosome infection on pregnancy outcomes with well-designed observational and treatment studies are crucial for improving birth outcomes in schistosome-endemic areas. In addition, studies that address the safety of praziquantel during pregnancy could lead to further adoption of the recent informal recommendation by the World Health Organization to treat schistosome-infected pregnant and lactating women.
Hypocalcemia with hypoparathyroidism and renal tubular dysfunction associated with aminoglycoside therapy

Seventeen patients with malignant disease developed a complex metabolic syndrome of 2-8 weeks' duration characterized by hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia following administration of the aminoglycoside group of antibiotics. Gentamicin, Tobramycin, Amikacin, and Sisomicin were all involved. Other features noted were hypoalbuminemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypouricemia. Low immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (i-PTH) levels in the presence of hypocalcemia and absence of hyperplastic changes in the parathyroid gland examined at postmortem confirmed a diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism. Immunoreactive calcitonin levels (i-CT) were not elevated. Renal tubular wasting of potassium and magnesium was documented in six patients and excessive urinary loss of sodium, phosphate, and uric acid was noticed. Twelve patients died before recovering from the metabolic stress and five patients developed progressive renal impairment. A possible potentiating action of chemotherapeutic agents, especially Adriamycin, is suggested.
Relative rates of reaction of Pt(en)Cl (NH2R)+ with guanosine monophosphate as a function of amino group substituent: Toward efficient labeling of DNA for TEM imaging

Abstract In an attempt to understand the factors that govern the rates of reaction of the complexes [Pt(en)Cl(NH2R)]+NO3− (en = ethylene diamine) with guanosine monophosphate (dGMP) a series of amine complexes, where R C8H9NO2 (benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-ylmethanamine) (1), C8H11N (phenethylamine) (2), C7H9N (benzylamine) (3), C6H7N (aniline) (4), C6H6IN (p-iodo-aniline) (5) C3H9NO (2-methoxy-ethylamine) (6) and C6H13N (cyclohexylamine) (7), were synthesized and their reactions with deoxyguanosine monophosphate (dGMP) were followed by 1H NMR. Compound 1 was initially chosen because it showed significant water solubility. Compound 1 reacted quantitatively but slowly with dGMP and a subsequent Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) study of the binding 1 to a GATC DNA repeat gave a TEM micrograph that showed selective labeling of DNA at guanine, using a technique that allowed the laying down of a straight single strand of DNA on a carbon platform. The TEM suggested a possible side reaction with adenine and so a study of the reaction of 1 with adenine was performed and showed slow and what appeared to be non-specific binding to deoxyadenosine monophosphate (dAMP). The reactions of compounds 2–7 with dGMP were then studied by 1H NMR and it was found that 2 reacted much faster than 1 with dGMP while the remaining complexes reacted more slowly. No reaction of 2 with dAMP was observed in the same time frame. The ultimate goal of the project was to bind a third row transition metal cluster to guanine and given the effective binding of 1 to DNA the synthesis of the complex [Os3(CO)11PPh2(CH2)2NH2(en)PtCl]NO3 (9) is also reported that contains Pt as a linker to label guanine. The synthesis was performed by reacting Os3(CO)10(CH3CN)2 with Ph2PCH2CH2NH2 which gave an η2 chelate complex Os3(CO)10PPh2(CH2)2NH2 (8). Complex 8 was reacted with [Pt(en)Cl(DMF)]NO3 in a CO atmosphere to give 9. 1H and 195Pt NMR indicate formation of an adduct with dGMP but too slowly to be of use in labeling DNA. The solid-state structure of 8 is also reported.
MOCVD-Grown InGaN nanowires for photovoltaic applications

Dislocation-free, vertically-aligned, and strain-relaxed InGaN nanowires were realized using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The indium composition is continuously tunable from 3.4 to 2.5 eV, with the latter being significant for a four-junction photovoltaic device. Growth mechanism, morphological evolution, and optical as well as structural properties were analyzed. Photovoltaic response was also shown.
Physical Activity Patterns of Latina Immigrants Living in Alabama.

Background Latinos are the fastest growing minority group in the Southeastern USA. Latinos living in the USA have a higher prevalence of obesity, metabolic diseases, and physical inactivity compared to non-Latino Whites, particularly Latina women. The objective of this study is to assess the patterns of physical activity (PA) in overweight Latina immigrants in Alabama using a self-report and an accelerometer.
Hypothesis Concerning the Causes of the Disappearance of Boreal Toads from the Mountains of Colorado

Recent reports of world-wide declines and extinctions of amphibian populations have raised questions about the relation of environmental change to the demise of certain amphibian species. Between 1974 and 1982, 11 populations of boreal toads (Bufo boreas boreas) in the West Elk Mountains of Colorado totally disappeared. The apparent cause of extinction of these toads was infection with the bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila. In this paper, the presence of disease in declining populations of these toads is used in conjunction with a variety of data from the literature to formulate a working hypothesis for explaining the cause of the decline of this species, and perhaps others: 1 Some environmental factor or synergistic effects of more than one factor changes sufficiently to cause sublethal “stress”; 2 This stress directly causes suppression of the immune system, or indirectly causes immunosuppression by effecting elevated secretion of adrenal cortical hormones; 3 Immunosuppression, coupled with the apparent effect of cold body temperatures on the ability of immune systems of ectothermic animals to fight disease, leads to infection by Aeromonas or other infectious agents and to subsequent death of individuals and extinction of populations. Reportes recientes sobre la declinacion a nivel mundial de poblaciones de anfibios han traido a colacion preguntas acerca de la relacion entre cambio ambiental y extincion de ciertas especies de anfibios. Entre 1974 y 1982, 11 poblaciones de sapos boreales (Bufo boreas boreas) desaparecieron totalmente de las montanas de West Elk en Colorado. La causa aparente de la extincion de estos sapos fue la infeccion ocasionada por la bacteria Aeromonas bydrophila. En el presente trabajo, la presencia de la enfermedad en pobalciones en declinacion de estos sapos es usada conjuntamente con una variedad de datos obtenidos de la literatura a los efectos de formular una hipotesis de trabajo para explicar la causa de la declinacion de esta especie, y quizas otras: 1 Algunos factores ambientales o efectos sinergisticos de mas de un factor cambian lo suficiente como para causar “stress” subletal. 2 Este stress causa la supresion del sistema immunologico en forma directa, o bein la immunosupresion en forma indirecta al producir una elevada secrecion de hormonas adreno corticales. 3 La immunosupresion, sumada al efecto aparente que las bajas temperaturas corporales tienen sobre la capacidad de los sistemas immunologicos de los animales ectotermicos para luchar contra las enfermedades, conduce a la infeccion por Aeromonas u ostros agentes infecciosos, y a la subsecuente muerte de los individuos y la extincion de las poblaciones.
Gene enrichment in plant genomic shotgun libraries.

The Arabidopsis genome (about 130 Mbp) has been completely sequenced; whereas a draft sequence of the rice genome (about 430 Mbp) is now available and the sequencing of this genome will be completed in the near future. The much larger genomes of several important crop species, such as wheat (about 16 000 Mbp) or maize (about 2500 Mbp), may not be fully sequenced with current technology. Instead, sequencing-analysis strategies are being developed to obtain sequencing and mapping information selectively for the genic fraction (gene space) of complex plant genomes.
Ultrastructure and formation of abnormal capsules in a granulosis virus of the moth Plodia interpunctella (Hbn.)

An account is given of some mutant and aberrant capsules in the granulosis virus of Plodia interpunctella (Hbn.), the Indian meal moth. Several types of abnormal capsules have been found in the cells of this insect. One is a cubic (parallelepiped) “mutant” capsule in which crystallization and the occlusion of the virus rod are similar to these processes in the type virus. However, this form has a rectangular shape and the capsules are usually found arranged into orderly arrays within the infected cells. Giant capsules exhibiting more or less normal morphology but a several fold increase in volume were found associated with both the normal and cubic capsule forms. The following aberrant capsule types were found irregularly but with enough frequency to be characterized: elongate capsules are occasionally bent and consist of a long crystalline structure with a central channel; compound capsules also have a central channel but are made up of several component crystals; multiparticulate capsules are found with from 2 to 9 virus rods in a single capsule; agglomerated capsules consist of large irregular aggregations of crystalline capsular material but with only an occasional virus rod occluded in the structure. Additionally, crystals of non viral origin in the cells of both healthy and infected insects have been observed. The origin of these peculiar aberrant capsules is discussed especially in relation to the possible control of development in normal capsules.
A Sub-200mV 6T SRAM in 0.13μm CMOS

A deep-subthreshold 6T SRAM functions from 1.2V to 193mV and is fabricated in an industrial 0.13μm CMOS technology. It provides greater than 2× energy-efficiency improvement over the previously proposed MUX-based subthreshold SRAM designs while using half the area. Adjustable footer and headers are introduced, as well as body-bias techniques to allow low-voltage operation.
Strongly interacting new physics

In this talk. I will describe two aspects of the breaking of electroweak symmetry by new, strong interactions. First I will review the model independent approach to the low energy form of such new interactions—the electroweak chiral Lagrangian. Next I will summarize some of the phenomenological challenges facing technicolor theories, in particular those associated with the generation of the top and bottom masses.
On holomorphic factorization of WZW and coset models

It is shown how coupling to gauge fields can be used to explain the basic facts concerning holomorphic factorization of the WZW model of two dimensional conformal field theory, which previously have been understood primarily by using conformal field theory Ward identities. We also consider in a similar vein the holomorphic factorization ofG/H coset models. We discuss theG/G model as a topological field theory and comment on a conjecture by Spiegelglas.
Dual Adhesive Recognition Systems in Chick Embryonic Cells

One of the fundamental processes of animal development is morphogenesis, the sculpting of embryonic pattern and form from ever-changing pools of multi plying, differentiating cells. That it is a process of staggering complexity is compellingly obvious, and even the most casual observer might be drawn to ask how a series of events so involved can possibly be directed and coordinated. In many cases, the inherent complexity of developmental interactions defies direct analysis within the natural context—the growing organism. To understand morphogenesis in its larger sense, then, one is constrained to start small, to ask answerable questions about the individual aspects of morphogenesis that together generate the cascade of events we observe. It is within this context that the molecular analysis of cellular adhesive interactions can provide a beginning for a more comprehensive understanding of developmental processes.
Determinants of object choice in adulthood: a test case of object-relations theory

A clinical example of the effects of the absence of the father during the early childhood of a male analysand and its consequences for his later object choice is presented. This patient's biological father left the household when the patient was only a few months old, and his mother did not remarry until he was five years of age. Unconscious fantasies of the lost father, with whom the patient had no contact in reality, and longing for him organized the patient's drives and determined his self-identity as well as his later object choice. The patient developed both a positive and negative identification with the lost father. The identification was with a fantasy object not a real one. The case highlights the need to use a precise term in talking of the object, namely the mental representation of the object which may or may not be built up out of experiences with the real object.
Determination of $W$ boson properties at hadron colliders

Methods for measuring the W-boson properties at hadron colliders are discussed. It is demonstrated that the ratio between the W- and Z-boson observables can be reliably calculated using fixed order perturbative QCD, even when the individual W- and Z-boson observables are not. Hence, by using a measured Z-boson observable and the perturbative calculation of the ratio of the W- over Z-boson observable, we can accurately predict the W-boson observable. The use of the ratio reduces both the experimental and theoretical systematic uncertainties substantially. Compared to the currently used methods it might, at high luminosity, result in a smaller overall uncertainty on the measured W-boson mass and width. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Price manipulation at the NYSE and the 1899 battle for Brooklyn Rapid Transit shares

In 1899, James Keene, a prominent bear, and Roswell Flower, a well-known bull, both attempted to manipulate the share price of Brooklyn Rapid Transit (BRT), a young commuter railway company. Flower and Keene were stock ‘operators’, who used pools of cash from like-minded investors to push share prices higher or lower. In their efforts to garner profits, BRT operators claimed insider status, planted rumors in the press, used leverage to accumulate large positions, manipulated borrowing costs and camouflaged trades. The events of 1899 can shed light on current market dynamics, and we draw parallels between the predatory trading strategies used in 1899 and those of today.
Valence-band coupling and Fano-resonance effects on the excitonic spectrum in undoped quantum wells

An investigation is made of the effects of the valence-band coupling on the excitonic spectrum of undoped GaAs-${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$As quantum wells. The electron and hole are taken to interact via a screened Coulomb attraction, and their respective subbands are determined in the effective-mass approximation. The binding energy of the lowest heavy-hole exciton, ${E}_{0h}^{\mathrm{ex}}$, is found to increase only slightly. That of the lowest light-hole exciton, ${E}_{0l}^{\mathrm{ex}}$, shows a more substantial increase because the light-hole exciton derives from a strongly nonparabolic hole subband and, in addition, exhibits a Fano-like resonance with the electron--heavy-hole continuum.
The Political Sociology of American Suburbia: A Reinterpretation

A MONG THE MANY consequences of American urbanism, the mass migration to the suburbs has been the most striking. These fringe towns orbit around megopolis, at once tied to it by gravitic bonds of commerce, transportation, and entertainment-and yet independent in many local affairs. A whole new literature has arisen about them, including a school of fiction depicting transplanted but rootless inhabitants who strive to find meaning in a life of metropolitan work, suburban civics, and newly adopted values. Non-fiction literature at the popular level has been of the whither-are-we-drifting variety, finding in these places a source of concern. Social research into suburbs has dealt with their demographic characteristics, but surprisingly little depicts suburban political life. Lubell depicted the great Eisenhower support in suburbia in the 1950's. But he was uncertain that this was a permanent addition to the Republican party; rather it might be merely an expression of support of Eisenhower which other locales, such as core cities, were also showing.' Despite his cautions as to the future of suburban politics, much popular writing tended to see these places as predominantly Republican. This condition was explained by a simple theory. New immigrants and their children had realized vital aspirations through political attachment to the New Deal, and as one consequence of their prosperity moved to better surroundings, eventually to the suburbs. Here they tended to switch political loyalty to the Republican party. They did so for several reasons: partly to adapt to the immediate environment of these areas, but mostly because Republicanism was one characteristic of upper-class Americans. For the newcomer, voting Republican was an act of identification symbolizing his arrival. This thesis of suburban Republican growth is termed by Robert Wood as the "conversion" theory, although he
Electrode attachment, aging and thermal-cycling characteristics of yttria-based thermistors

Abstract The long-term stability of a thermistor is an important requirement for its use in industrial environments. This paper describes the testing of long-term stability of two systems, yttria–zirconia and yttria–tin oxide, with two methods of electrode attachment, solid state diffusion bonding (SSDB) and in situ lead wire attachment method (ISAM). Electrodes attached using the SSDB method show limited degradation during first few thermal cycles possibly due to the formation of microcracks. While ISAM processed Y2O3 samples show substantial aging behavior (resistance drift over time), Y2Sn2O7 samples show very little aging. This is because Y2Sn2O7 has a lower melting point than Y2O3 and hence sinters better leading to a denser microstructure. Thermal cycling tests conducted on the ISAM processed thermistors indicate that the assembly remains stable up to 20 cycles.
TWO SIMPLE PREDICTION ALGORITHMS TO FACILITATE TEXT PRODUCTION

Several simple prediction schemes are presented for systems intended to facilitate text production for handicapped individuals. The schemes are based on single-subject language models, where the system is self-adapting to the past language use of the subject. Sentence position, the immediately preceding one or two words, and initial letters of the desired word are cues which may be used by the systems.
A multi trench analog+logic protection (M-TRAP) for substrate crosstalk prevention in a 0.25 /spl mu/m smart power platform with 100V high-side capability

We have previously reported a 74 V (typical) high-side capable 0.25 /spl mu/m smart power technology with deep trench and a thick p-epi on P++ substrate (V. Parthasarathy et al, IEDM, p.459-462, 2002). A unique trade-off between high-side capability and substrate injection protection in a power IC process was identified and discussed. In this paper, we reveal a key technology enabler on this platform: an isolation structure which utilizes a series of deep trenches with fixed width outside the power device as a physical barrier to redirect electron flow into a more heavily doped region with low lifetime. We have exploited this technique to realize a parasitic collection current of less than 100 nA for an injected NLDMOS negative drain current of 3 A in a distance of less than 30 /spl mu/m without any guard ring biasing scheme. The high side capability of this platform has been upgraded to 100 V (typical) through innovative device and layout design and without any process modification.
Surface-emitting complex-coupled second-order distributed-feedback lasers for high-power applications

Theoretical analysis of complex-coupled, surface-emitting distributed feedback (CC-SE-DFB) diode lasers with distributed Bragg reflectors (DBR) is presented. These devices are shown to produce symmetric-mode (single-lobe) surface emission with high efficiency (30%) and uniform near-field in the longitudinal direction. High efficiency and uniform near-field are both necessary for achieving high powers in a single-lobed beam. It is also shown that the device studied here may be combined with a Resonant Optical Waveguide array device which has a uniform near-field in the lateral direction to achieve a two-dimensional surface-emitting device capable of providing greater than 1W CW power in a stable, single-lobed beam.
Electrodeposition of Textured Ceramic Superlattices in the Pb−Tl−O System

Superlattices in the Pb−Tl−O system were electrodeposited at room temperature from aqueous solution. The deposition solution was 0.005 M Tl(I) and 0.100 M Pb(II) in 5 M NaOH. The superlattices grew...
Money-metric utilitarianism

We discuss a method of ranking allocations in economic environments which applies when we do not know the names or preferences of individual agents. We require that two allocations can be ranked with the knowledge only of agents present, their aggregate bundles, and community indifference sets—a condition we refer to as aggregate independence. We also postulate a basic Pareto and continuity property, and a property stating that when two disjoint economies and allocations are put together, the ranking in the large economy should be consistent with the rankings in the two smaller economies (reinforcement). We show that a ranking method satisfies these axioms if and only if there is a probability measure over the strictly positive prices for which the rule ranks allocations on the basis of the random-price money-metric utilitarian rule. This is a rule which computes the money-metric utility for each agent at each price, sums these, and then takes an expectation according to the probability measure.
Thoracoscopic surgery for diseases of the lung and pleura. Effectiveness, changing indications, and limitations.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the results of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) with thoracoscopic surgery (TS) for diseases of the lung and pleura. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: No studies exist that compare the capabilities of VATS with advanced video systems and instrumentation to that of TS which has been done for 80 years. METHODS: A retrospective study was done comparing the effectiveness, indications, complications, and limitations of TS and VATS done for four categories of pleural disease: 1) pleural fluid problems, 2) diffuse lung disease, 3) lung masses, and 4) pneumothorax. The TS period was 1981-1990. The VATS period was 1991-1992. RESULTS: Eighty-nine consecutive TS cases and 64 consecutive VATS cases were reviewed. TS for resolution of pleural fluid problem was successful in 29 of 34 patients (85%), and VATS was successful in 18 of 20 (90%). Diffuse lung disease was diagnosed by TS using a cup biopsy on end-stage patients in respiratory failure. Since 1991 the diagnosis has been made with VATS using stapled wedge excisions on ambulatory patients. Surgical mortality decreased from 33% (10 of 30) to 9% (1 of 11) and the postoperative stay from 16.6 +/- 2.4 days to 8.2 +/- 2.2 days. Lung masses were diagnosed entirely by incisional biopsies using TS. Diagnosis was made in 83% and postoperative stay was 5.3 +/- 1.0 day. VATS allowed excisional biopsies permitting diagnosis in 100% with a postoperative stay of 3.0 +/- 0.2 days (p = 0.05). However, 20% required conversion to thoracotomy to locate the subpleural mass. TS was performed for spontaneous pneumothorax in only 26% (5 of 19) of the total pneumothorax cases, whereas, VATS was used for spontaneous pneumothorax in 67% (12 of 18). CONCLUSION: VATS has continued the effectiveness of TS for treating pleural fluid problems, has resulted in earlier surgical diagnostic intervention in diffuse lung disease and earlier therapeutic intervention in primary pneumothorax states, and has markedly expanded the safety, efficacy and indications for lung mass biopsy.
Intense myocardial and lung uptake of 99m-Tc-pyrophosphate using single photon emission computed tomography in a patient with end-stage renal disease and secondary hyperparathyroidism

Metastatic calcification, a frequent and potential lethal complication of chronic renal failure, is rarely detected before death because of the absence of specific radiographic abnormalities. We report the case of a patient on haemodialysis, with secondary hyperparathyroidism and a second degree A-V block who had a 99m-Tc-pyrophosphate scan to rule out myocardial infarction. The scintigram showed marked myocardial and lung uptake that is indicative of severe metastatic hydroxyapatite calcifications.
Magnetic Moment of the Deuton

IN a previous note1 we reported, together with Mr. Frisch, on experiments concerning the deflection of a beam of ‘ordinary’ hydrogen molecules in an inhomogeneous magnetic field. From these experiments, we were able to derive the magnetic moment of the proton. The value obtained was 2·5 nuclear magnetons (not 1, as expected theoretically).
Biochemcial systematics of the North American Pteronarcys (Pteronarcyidae: Plecoptera)

Abstract Allozyme data from eight species of Pteronarcyidae were used to determine phylogenetic relationhips within the family and genus Pteronarcys . Data were analysed as allele frequency data using the BIOSYS-1 computer package and as discrete characters using the PENNY (parsimony) and MIX (mixed parsimony) options of the PHYLIP computer program. Certain analyses yielded species relationships which are in agreement with phylogenies based upon morphological characters from various life-history stages. Bootstrap confidence limits on phylogenies based on allozyme as well as morphological data are discussed. The age of the family likely contributes to the lack of concordance with previously proposed phylogenies.
Consistency of the GMLE with Mixed Case Interval‐Censored Data

In this paper we consider an interval censorship model in which the endpoints of the censoring intervals are determined by a two stage experiment. In the first stage the value k of a random integer is selected; in the second stage the endpoints are determined by a case k interval censorship model. We prove the strong consistency in the L 1 (μ)-topology of the non-parametric maximum likelihood estimate of the underlying survival function for a measure μ which is derived from the distributions of the endpoints. This consistency result yields strong consistency for the topologies of weak convergence, pointwise convergence and uniform convergence under additional assumptions. These results improve and generalize existing ones in the literature.
Intermediate-term outcome of the simplified laparoscopic antegrade continence enema procedure: less is better.

Purpose: The Malone antegrade continence enema procedure revolutionized the surgical management of fecal incontinence. Open and laparoscopic antegrade continence enemas are often performed with cecoplication and mesenteric manipulation. Since our initial laparoscopic antegrade continence enema description, we have simplified our technique. We present our series of laparoscopic antegrade continence enema procedures, discuss technique and outcomes, and review the literature.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed children who underwent laparoscopic antegrade continence enema between 2001 and 2007. Outcome measures included operative time, length of stay, stomal complications and resolution of incontinence or constipation. Using an umbilical port and 1 to 2 additional ports, the appendix was mobilized to allow transposition to the umbilicus. No cecoplication was performed. The appendix was not straightened unless catheterization was difficult.Results: A total of 22 patients (mean age 7.8 years) un...
Noninvasive Risk Stratification of Lung Adenocarcinoma using Quantitative Computed Tomography

Introduction Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and worldwide. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer and encompasses lesions with widely variable clinical outcomes. In the absence of noninvasive risk stratification, individualized patient management remains challenging. Consequently a subgroup of pulmonary nodules of the lung adenocarcinoma spectrum is likely treated more aggressively than necessary. Methods Consecutive patients with surgically resected pulmonary nodules of the lung adenocarcinoma spectrum (lesion size ⩽3 cm, 2006–2009) and available presurgical high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging were identified at Mayo Clinic Rochester. All cases were classified using an unbiased Computer-Aided Nodule Assessment and Risk Yield (CANARY) approach based on the quantification of presurgical HRCT characteristics. CANARY-based classification was independently correlated to postsurgical progression-free survival. Results CANARY analysis of 264 consecutive patients identified three distinct subgroups. Independent comparisons of 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) between these subgroups demonstrated statistically significant differences in 5-year DFS, 100%, 72.7%, and 51.4%, respectively ( p = 0.0005). Conclusions Noninvasive CANARY-based risk stratification identifies subgroups of patients with pulmonary nodules of the adenocarcinoma spectrum characterized by distinct clinical outcomes. This technique may ultimately improve the current expert opinion-based approach to the management of these lesions by facilitating individualized patient management.
Tunneling delay times in one and two dimensions.

We demonstrate that although the well-known analogy between the time-independent solutions for two-dimensional tunneling (e.g., frustrated total internal reflection) and tunneling through a one-dimensional potential barrier cannot, in general, be extended to the time domain, there are certain limits in which the delay times for the two problems obey a simple relationship. In particular, when an effective mass is chosen such that ${\mathit{mc}}^{2}$=\ensuremath{\Elzxh}\ensuremath{\omega}, the ``classical'' traversal times for allowed transmission become identical for a photon of energy \ensuremath{\Elzxh}\ensuremath{\omega} traversing an air gap between regions of index n and for a particle of mass m traversing the analogous square barrier of height ${\mathit{V}}_{0}$ in one dimension. The quantum-mechanical group delays are also identical, given this effective mass, both for E\ensuremath{\approxeq}${\mathit{V}}_{0}$ (\ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{\approxeq}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\theta}}}_{\mathit{c}}$) and for E\ensuremath{\gg}${\mathit{V}}_{0}$ (\ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{\ll}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\theta}}}_{\mathit{c}}$). (For a smoothly varying potential or index of refraction, the agreement persists for all values of E where the WKB approximation applies.) The same relation serves to equate the quantum-mechanical ``dwell'' times for any values of E and ${\mathit{V}}_{0}$. On the other hand, in the ``deep tunneling'' limit, E\ensuremath{\ll}${\mathit{V}}_{0}$ (\ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{\approxeq}\ensuremath{\pi}/2), one must choose ${\mathit{mc}}^{2}$=${\mathit{n}}^{2}$\ensuremath{\Elzxh}\ensuremath{\omega} in order to make the group delays equal for the two problems. These equivalences simplify certain calculations, and the two-dimensional analogy may also be useful for geometrically visualizing the tunneling process and the anomalously small group delays known to occur in the opaque limit. We also demonstrate that the equality of the group delays for transmission and reflection for lossless barriers follows from a simple intuitive argument based on time-reversal invariance, and discuss the extension of the result to the case of lossy barriers.
DNA damage by carbonyl stress in human skin cells.

Abstract Reactive carbonyl species (RCS) are potent mediators of cellular carbonyl stress originating from endogenous chemical processes such as lipid peroxidation and glycation. Skin deterioration as observed in photoaging and diabetes has been linked to accumulative protein damage from glycation, but the effects of carbonyl stress on skin cell genomic integrity are ill defined. In this study, the genotoxic effects of acute carbonyl stress on HaCaT keratinocytes and CF3 fibroblasts were assessed. Administration of the α-dicarbonyl compounds glyoxal and methylglyoxal as physiologically relevant RCS inhibited skin cell proliferation, led to intra-cellular protein glycation as evidenced by the accumulation of N e -(carboxymethyl)- l -lysine (CML) in histones, and caused extensive DNA strand cleavage as assessed by the comet assay. These effects were prevented by treatment with the carbonyl scavenger d -penicillamine. Both glyoxal and methylglyoxal damaged DNA in intact cells. Glyoxal caused DNA strand breaks while methylglyoxal produced extensive DNA–protein cross-linking as evidenced by pronounced nuclear condensation and total suppression of comet formation. Glycation by glyoxal and methylglyoxal resulted in histone cross-linking in vitro and induced oxygen-dependent cleavage of plasmid DNA, which was partly suppressed by the hydroxyl scavenger mannitol. We suggest that a chemical mechanism of cellular DNA damage by carbonyl stress occurs in which histone glycoxidation is followed by reactive oxygen induced DNA stand breaks. The genotoxic potential of RCS in cultured skin cells and its suppression by a carbonyl scavenger as described in this study have implications for skin damage and carcinogenesis and its prevention by agents selective for carbonyl stress.
Camphor intoxication treated by lipid dialysis.

Lipid hemodialysis was successful in an elderly patient who had accidentally ingested camphorated oil.
The genomic response to 20-hydroxyecdysone at the onset of Drosophila metamorphosis

Background The steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) triggers the major developmental transitions in Drosophila, including molting and metamorphosis, and provides a model system for defining the developmental and molecular mechanisms of steroid signaling. 20E acts via a heterodimer of two nuclear receptors, the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and Ultraspiracle, to directly regulate target gene transcription.
Review: Electron Crystallography: Present Excitement, a Nod to the Past, Anticipating the Future

From a modest beginning with negatively stained samples of the helical T4 bacteriophage tail, electron crystallography has emerged as a powerful tool in structural biology. High-resolution density maps, interpretable in terms of an atomic structure, can be obtained from specimens prepared as well-ordered, two-dimensional crystals, and the resolution achieved with helical specimens and icosahedral viruses is approaching the same goal. A hybrid approach to determining the molecular structure of complex biological assemblies is generating great interest, in which high-resolution structures that have been determined for individual protein components are fitted into a lower resolution envelope of the large complex. With this as background, how much more can be anticipated for the future? Considerable scope still remains to improve the quality of electron microscope images. Automation of data acquisition and data processing, together with the emergence of computational speeds of 10 12 floating point operations per second or higher, will make it possible to extend high-resolution structure determination into the realm of single-particle microscopy. As a result, computational alignment of single particles, i.e., the formation of ‘‘virtual crystals,’’ can begin to replace biochemical crystallization. Since single-particle microscopy may remain limited to ‘‘large’’ structures of 200 to 300 kDa or more, however, smaller proteins will continue to be studied as helical assemblies or as two-dimensional crystals. The further development of electron crystallography is thus likely to turn increasingly to the use of single particles and small regions of ordered assemblies, emphasizing more and more the potential for faster, higher throughput. r 1999 Academic Press
Molecular dynamics simulations of plasma-surface interactions: importance of visualization tools

Molecular visualization enhances computational plasma-surface studies, offering better ways to analyze and present the atomic-scale details of the simulation. An example is given in which a standard rendering of a simulation cell suggests it is well mixed, while a more sophisticated rendering of the same cell shows otherwise.
Electrically-tunable pore morphology in nanoporous gold thin films

Nanoporous gold (np-Au) is an emerging nanostructured material that exhibits many desirable properties, including high electrical and thermal conductivity, high surface area-to-volume ratio, tunable pore morphology, well-established surface-binding chemistry, and compatibility with microfabrication. These features make np-Au a popular material for use in fuel cells, optical and electrical biosensors, drug delivery vehicles, neural electrode coatings, and as a model system for nanoscale mechanics. In each of its many applications, np-Au morphology plays an essential role in the overall device operation. Therefore, precise morphological control is necessary to attain optimal device performance. Traditionally, thermal treatment by furnaces and hot plates is used to obtain np-Au with self-similar but coarser morphologies. However, this approach lacks the ability to create different morphologies on a single substrate and requires high temperatures (> 250 °C) incompatible with most plastic substrates. Herein, we report electro-annealing as a novel method that permits control of the extent and location of pore coarsening on a single substrate in one fast treatment step. The electro-annealing entails much lower temperatures (< 150 °C) than traditional thermal treatment, putatively due to electrically assisted phenomena contributing to the thermally activated surface diffusion of gold atoms, responsible for coarsening. Overall, this approach is easily scaled to display multiple pore morphologies on a single chip, therefore enabling high-throughput screening of optimal nanostructures for specific applications.
Replicated studies of two randomized trials of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors: further empiric validation of the 'prior event rate ratio' to adjust for unmeasured confounding by indication.

Purpose Using data from the United Kingdom General Practice Research Database (GPRD) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were replicated to determine whether identifiable study characteristics and/or analytic methods influence the validity of observational studies. Methods This study reports GPRD replications of 2 RCTs that investigated whether angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients without congestive heart failure at high risk for cardiovascular disease (heart outcomes prevention evaluation (HOPE) and EUROPA). The GPRD studies replicated to the extent feasible all aspects of these RCTs except for randomization. Results With adjustment for confounders using conventional biostatistical techniques, both GPRD studies exhibited results divergent from the RCTs. Myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, and coronary revascularization were increased in the Exposed group of both GPRD studies; whereas these outcomes either were decreased or unchanged by ACEI therapy in both RCTs. The results also were analyzed with a new method that appears to adjust for both identified and unmeasured confounders. With this methodology that employs the ratio of event rates between the Exposed and Unexposed cohorts prior to study start time to adjust the study hazard ratio (HR), the GPRD results for myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary revascularization were largely similar to those found in the two RCTs. Conclusions This study provides additional empiric evidence suggesting that this new analytic methodology, ‘prior events rate ratio (PERR)’ adjustment, is a promising solution for the vexing problem of ‘unmeasured confounding’ in observational studies. Additional statistical simulations are needed to fully appreciate the applicability and limitations of this method. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of deoxynucleotide metabolism in cancer: novel mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Regulation of intracellular deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) pool is critical to genomic stability and cancer development. Imbalanced dNTP pools can lead to enhanced mutagenesis and cell proliferation resulting in cancer development. Therapeutic agents that target dNTP synthesis and metabolism are commonly used in treatment of several types of cancer. Despite several studies, the molecular mechanisms that regulate the intracellular dNTP levels and maintain their homeostasis are not completely understood. The discovery of SAMHD1 as the first mammalian dNTP triphosphohydrolase provided new insight into the mechanisms of dNTP regulation. SAMHD1 maintains the homeostatic dNTP levels that regulate DNA replication and damage repair. Recent progress indicates that gene mutations and epigenetic mechanisms lead to downregulation of SAMHD1 activity or expression in multiple cancers. Impaired SAMHD1 function can cause increased dNTP pool resulting in genomic instability and cell-cycle progression, thereby facilitating cancer cell proliferation. This review summarizes the latest advances in understanding the importance of dNTP metabolism in cancer development and the novel function of SAMHD1 in regulating this process.
A mathematical model of immune response to tumor invasion

Recent experimental studies by Diefenbach et al. [1] have brought to light new information about how the immune system of the mouse responds to the presence of a tumor. In the Diefenbach studies, tumor cells are modified to express higher levels of immune stimulating NKG2D ligands. Experimental results show that sufficiently high levels of ligand expression create a significant barrier to tumor establishment in the mouse. Additionally, ligand transduced tumor cells stimulate protective immunity to tumor rechallenge. Based on the results of the Diefenbach experiments, we have developed a mathematical model of tumor growth to address some of the questions that arise regarding the mechanisms involved in the immune response to a tumor challenge. The model focuses on the interaction of the NK and CD8 + T cells with various tumor cell lines using a system of differential equations. We propose new forms for the tumor-immune competition terms, and validate these forms through comparison with the experimental data of [1].