cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applying neural networks to classify influenza virus antigenic types and hosts

Influenza viruses continue to evolve rapidly and are responsible for seasonal epidemics and occasional, but catastrophic, pandemics. We recently demonstrated the use of decision tree and support vector machine methods in classifying pandemic swine flu viral strains with high accuracy. Here, we applied the technique of artificial neural networks for the prediction of important influenza virus antigenic types (H1, H3, and H5) and hosts (Human, Avian, and Swine), which fulfills a critical need for a computational system for influenza surveillance. A comprehensive experiment on different k-mers and different binary encoding types showed classification based upon frequencies of k-mer nucleotide strings performed better than transformed binary data of nucleotides. It has been found for the first time that the accuracy of virus classification varies from host to host and from gene segment to gene segment. In particular, compared to avian and swine viruses, human influenza viruses can be classified with high accuracy, which indicates influenza virus strains might have become well adapted to their human host and hence less variation occurs in human viruses. In addition, the accuracy of host classification varies from genome segment to segment, achieving the highest values when using the HA and NA segments for human host classification. This research, along with our previous studies, shows machine learning techniques play an indispensable role in virus classification.
An algorithm for optimizing CVBEM and BEM nodal point locations

Abstract The Complex Variable Boundary Element Method or CVBEM is a numerical technique for approximating particular partial differential equations such as the Laplace or Poisson equations (which frequently occur in physics and engineering problems, among many other fields of study). The advantage in using the CVBEM over traditional domain methods such as finite difference or finite element based methods includes the properties that the resulting CVBEM approximation is a function: (i) defined throughout the entire plane, (ii) that is analytic throughout the problem domain and almost everywhere on the problem boundary and exterior of the problem domain union boundary; (iii) is composed of conjugate two-dimensional real variable functions that are both solutions to the Laplace equation and are orthogonal such as to provide the “flow net” of potential and stream functions, among many other features. In this paper, a procedure is advanced that locates CVBEM nodal point locations on and exterior of the problem boundary such that error in matching problem boundary conditions is reduced. That is, locating the nodal points is part of modeling optimization process, where nodes are not restricted to be located on the problem boundary (as is the typical case) but instead locations are optimized throughout the exterior of the problem domain as part of the modeling procedure. The presented procedure results in nodal locations that achieve considerable error reduction over the usual methods of placing nodes on the problem boundary such as at equally spaced locations or other such procedures. Because of the significant error reduction observed, the number of nodes needed in the model is significantly reduced. It is noted that similar results occur with the real variable boundary element method (or BEM). The CVBEM and relevant nodal location optimization algorithm is programmed to run on program Mathematica, which provides extensive internal modeling and output graphing capabilities, and considerable levels of computational accuracy. The Mathematica source code is provided.
KALI camera - mid-infrared camera for the Keck Interferometer Nuller

We present a brief overview of the KALI Camera, the mid-infrared camera for the Keck Interferometer Nulling Project, built at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The instrument utilizes mainly transmissive optics in four identical beam paths to spatially and spectrally filter, polarize, spectrally disperse and image the incoming 7-14 micron light from the four outputs of the Keck Nulling Beam Combiner onto a custom Boeing/DRS High Flux 128 X 128 BIB array. The electronics use a combination of JPL and Wallace Instruments boards to interface the array readout with the existing real-time control system of the Keck Interferometer. The cryogenic dewar, built by IR Laboratories, uses liquid nitrogen and liquid helium to cool the optics and the array, and includes six externally motorized mechanisms for aperture and pinhole control, focus, and optical component selection. The instrument will be assembled and tested through the summer of 2002, and is planned to be deployed as part of the Keck Interferometer Nulling experiment in 2003.
Heavy ion excitation of giant resonances — The next generation

Abstract The prospects for high energy heavy ion excitation of giant resonances are discussed. A brief review is provided of the results obtained to date using low/medium energy heavy ions and it is suggested that those results show no substantial advantage of heavy ions for giant resonance excitation. Calculations are presented that show that Coulomb excitation becomes the dominant excitation mechanism of the giant resonances for heavy ions above about 100 MeV/nucleon. The Coulomb excitation provides extremely large differential cross sections for excitation of both isovector and isoscalar resonances. Recent data are presented for inelastic scattering of 84 MeV/nucleon 17 O ions on 208 Pb that demonstrate the effectiveness of Coulomb excitation in providing extremely large cross sections and peak-to-continuum ratios for the isoscalar giant quadrupole resonance and the isovector giant dipole resonance.
Genetic Analysis of the Role of Proteolysis in the Activation of Latent Myostatin

Myostatin is a secreted protein that normally acts to limit skeletal muscle growth. As a result, there is considerable interest in developing agents capable of blocking myostatin activity, as such agents could have widespread applications for the treatment of muscle degenerative and wasting conditions. Myostatin normally exists in an inactive state in which the mature C-terminal portion of the molecule is bound non-covalently to its N-terminal propeptide. We previously showed that this latent complex can be activated in vitro by cleavage of the propeptide with members of the bone morphogenetic protein-1/tolloid (BMP-1/TLD) family of metalloproteases. Here, I show that mice engineered to carry a germline point mutation rendering the propeptide protease-resistant exhibit increases in muscle mass approaching those seen in mice completely lacking myostatin. Mice homozygous for the point mutation have increased muscling even though their circulating levels of myostatin protein are dramatically increased, consistent with an inability of myostatin to be activated from its latent state. Furthermore, I show that a loss-of-function mutation in Tll2, which encodes one member of this protease family, has a small, but significant, effect on muscle mass, implying that its function is likely redundant with those of other family members. These findings provide genetic support for the hypothesis that proteolytic cleavage of the propeptide by BMP-1/TLD proteases plays a critical role in the activation of latent myostatin in vivo and suggest that targeting the activities of these proteases may be an effective therapeutic strategy for enhancing muscle growth in clinical settings of muscle loss and degeneration.
A proinflammatory chemokine, CCL3, sensitizes the heat- and capsaicin-gated ion channel TRPV1

Pain, a critical component of host defense, is one hallmark of the inflammatory response. We therefore hypothesized that pain might be exacerbated by proinflammatory chemokines. To test this hypothesis, CCR1 was cotransfected into human embryonic kidney (HEK)293 cells together with transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), a cation channel required for certain types of thermal hyperalgesia. In these cells, capsaicin and anandamide induced Ca2+ influx mediated by TRPV1. When CCR1:TRPV1/HEK293 cells were pretreated with CCL3, the sensitivity of TRPV1, as indicated by the Ca2+ influx, was increased ≈3-fold. RT-PCR analysis showed that a spectrum of chemokine and cytokine receptors is expressed in rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Immunohistochemical staining of DRG showed that CCR1 is coexpressed with TRPV1 in >85% of small-diameter neurons. CCR1 on DRG neurons was functional, as demonstrated by CCL3-induced Ca2+ ion influx and PKC activation. Pretreatment with CCL3 enhanced the response of DRG neurons to capsaicin or anandamide. This sensitization was inhibited by pertussis toxin, U73122, or chelerythrine chloride, inhibitors of Gi-protein, phospholipase C, and protein kinase C, respectively. Intraplantar injection of mice with CCL3 decreased their hot-plate response latency. That a proinflammatory chemokine, by interacting with its receptor on small-diameter neurons, sensitizes TRPV1 reveals a previously undescribed mechanism of receptor cross-sensitization that may contribute to hyperalgesia during inflammation.
Performing Domination/Theorizing Power: Israelite Prophecy as a Political Discourse beyond the Conflict Model

This essay considers the image of the yoke (Akk. nīru/absānu; Heb. ʿōl) in the context of ancient Near Eastern political discourse. It analyzes the yoke’s function in Jeremiah 27–29 as a means to developing a clearer understanding of how biblical prophecy operated as political speech. The yoke finds abundant attestation in the neo-Assyrian imperial rhetoric that immediately preceded the period of Babylonian domination in Judah. In manipulating this image, the Jeremian poetry strategically reframed an element of imperial ideology within the discourse of the patriarchal, agrarian household. In the course of this critical engagement, the prophet also restructured the basis for his Judean audience’s political identity, grounding it not in complex bureaucratic structures, but in the lifeworld of the basic kinship unit. The prophet’s speech functioned as a type of subaltern political theorizing in a poetic mode; it discloses a coherent theory of power and models intellective practices capable of operation under conditions of political domination.
Micro-Level Management of Agricultural Inputs: Emerging Approaches

Through the development of superior plant varieties that benefit from high agrochemical inputs and irrigation, the agricultural Green Revolution has doubled crop yields, yet introduced unintended impacts on environment. An expected 50% growth in world population during the 21st century demands novel integration of advanced technologies and low-input production systems based on soil and plant biology, targeting precision delivery of inputs synchronized with growth stages of crop plants. Further, successful systems will integrate subsurface water, air and nutrient delivery, real-time soil parameter data and computer-based decision-making to mitigate plant stress and actively manipulate microbial rhizosphere communities that stimulate productivity. Such an approach will ensure food security and mitigate impacts of climate change.
STRUCTURES OF THE CATALYTIC SITE MUTANTS D99A AND H48Q AND THE CALCIUM-LOOP MUTANT D49E OF PHOSPHOLIPASE A2

Crystal structures of the active-site mutants D99A and H48Q and the calcium-loop mutant D49E of bovine phospholipase A2 have been determined at around 1.9 A resolution. The D99A mutant is isomorphous to the orthorhombic recombinant enzyme, space group P212121. The H48Q and the calcium-loop mutant D49E are isomorphous to the trigonal recombinant enzyme, space group P3121. The two active-site mutants show no major structural perturbations. The structural water is absent in D99A and, therefore, the hydrogen-bonding scheme is changed. In H48Q, the catalytic water is present and hydrogen bonded to Gln48 N, but the second water found in native His48 is absent. In the calcium-loop mutant D49E, the two water molecules forming the pentagonal bipyramid around calcium are absent and only one O atom of the Glu49 carboxylate group is coordinated to calcium, resulting in only four ligands.
Progressive changes in microglia and macrophages in spinal cord and peripheral nerve in the transgenic rat model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The role of neuroinflammation in motor neuron death of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is unclear. The human mutant superoxide dismutase-1 (hmSOD1)-expressing murine transgenic model of ALS has provided some insight into changes in microglia activity during disease progression. The purpose of this study was to gain further knowledge by characterizing the immunological changes during disease progression in the spinal cord and peripheral nerve using the more recently developed hmSOD1 rat transgenic model of ALS. Using immunohistochemistry, the extent and intensity of tissue CD11b expression in spinal cord, lumbar nerve roots, and sciatic nerve were evaluated in hmSOD1 rats that were pre-clinical, at clinical onset, and near disease end-stage. Changes in CD11b expression were compared to the detection of MHC class II and CD68 microglial activation markers in the ventral horn of the spinal cord, as well as to the changes in astrocytic GFAP expression. Our study reveals an accumulation of microglia/macrophages both in the spinal cord and peripheral nerve prior to clinical onset based on CD11b tissue expression. The microglia formed focal aggregates in the ventral horn and became more widespread as the disease progressed. Hypertrophic astrocytes were not prominent in the ventral horn until after clinical onset, and the enhancement of GFAP did not have a strong correlation to increased CD11b expression. Detection of MHC class II and CD68 expression was found in the ventral horn only after clinical onset. The macrophages in the ventral nerve root and sciatic nerve of hmSOD1 rats were observed encircling axons. These findings describe for the first time in the hmSOD1 rat transgenic model of ALS that enhancement of microglia/macrophage activity occurs pre-clinically both in the peripheral nerve and in the spinal cord. CD11b expression is shown to be a superior indicator for early immunological changes compared to other microglia activation markers and astrogliosis. Furthermore, we suggest that the early activity of microglia/macrophages is involved in the early phase of motor neuron degeneration and propose that studies involving immunomodulation in hmSOD1transgenic models need to consider effects on macrophages in peripheral nerves as well as to microglia in the spinal cord.
Diverse transcription influences can be insulated by the Drosophila SF1 chromatin boundary

Chromatin boundaries regulate gene expression by modulating enhancer–promoter interactions and insulating transcriptional influences from organized chromatin. However, mechanistic distinctions between these two aspects of boundary function are not well understood. Here we show that SF1, a chromatin boundary located in the Drosophila Antennapedia complex (ANT-C), can insulate the transgenic miniwhite reporter from both enhancing and silencing effects of surrounding genome, a phenomenon known as chromosomal position effect or CPE. We found that the CPE-blocking activity associates with different SF1 sub-regions from a previously characterized insulator that blocks enhancers in transgenic embryos, and is independent of GAF-binding sites essential for the embryonic insulator activity. We further provide evidence that the CPE-blocking activity cannot be attributed to an enhancer-blocking activity in the developing eye. Our results suggest that SF1 contains multiple non-overlapping activities that block diverse transcriptional influences from embryonic or adult enhancers, and from positive and negative chromatin structure. Such diverse insulating capabilities are consistent with the proposed roles of SF1 to functionally separate fushi tarazu (ftz), a non-Hox gene, from the enhancers and the organized chromatin of the neighboring Hox genes.
Polymer-melt interactions during casting formation in the lost foam process

The lost foam casting process utilizes injection modeled polymeric foam patterns for the production of metallic components. Foamed polymer patterns of the desired shape are coated with a water-based refractory slurry, dried and embedded in unbonded sand. Molten metal is poured directly on the coated polymer. The polymer undergoes thermal degradation and is gradually replaced by the liquid metal to yield the casting after solidification. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is the most common pattern material used in commercial practice. The use of EPS patterns with ferrous castings may result in the formation of carbonaceous defects in the casting. Consequently, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and copolymers of EPS and PMMA have been developed for ferrous castings. The thermal degradation of the foamed pattern results in the formation of gaseous degradation products and of a partially depolymerized viscous residue. The fraction of viscous residue increased with temperature and is essentially constant above about 650 C. During the filling of EPS patterns, nearly 60% of the polymer is converted to the viscous residue and 40% is transformed to gaseous products. In the case of PMM, almost 60% of the polymer undergoing degradation at the metal front is transformed to gaseous products. The melt flow velocity duringmore » the filling of the mold generally increases with temperature.« less
Postinhibitory overshoot of insulin release by gastric inhibitory polypeptide

Abstract Following intravenous infusion of somatostatin in vivo occasionally there is a large rebound overshoot of insulin release. An in vitro model to simulate this phenomenon was made by perfusing rat pancreas with gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) during simultaneous perfusion with somatostatin. Adding GIP (100 ng/ml) to the perfusate for 2 minutes beginning either 3 or 9 minutes before terminating the somatostatin perfusion produced a large overshoot in insulin release. The magnitude of overshoot was greater when medium contained 300 mg/dl glucose that when it contained 150 mg/dl glucose. Perfusion with GIP for 2 minutes beginning 9 minutes before increasing the glucose concentration of the medium from 30 to 300 mg/dl elicited a large increase in both the acute and second-phase release of insulin. These suggest that post-inhibitory overshoot of insulin release after somatostatin may be produces in vitro by the suppressed action of stimulatory hormones such as GIP. Prior infusion with GIP can also potentiate glucose-stimulated insulin increase.
Dexmedetomidine for conscious sedation in difficult awake fiberoptic intubation cases

Currently used methods of sedation for fiberoptic intubation such as benzodiazepines, propofol, or opioids have their limitations. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a selective α-2 adrenergic agonist that has been used clinically for its sympatholytic, analgesic, and sedative properties. We report on 4 patients with particularly difficult airways who underwent successful awake fiberoptic intubation with DEX. Dexmedetomidine was used to provide a moderate level of conscious sedation without causing respiratory distress or hemodynamic instability during fiberoptic intubation.
Quantitative profiling of the detergent-resistant membrane proteome of iota-b toxin induced vero cells.

Enzyme-mediated 18O/16O differential labeling of proteome samples often suffers from incomplete exchange of the carboxy-terminus oxygen atoms, resulting in ambiguity in the measurable abundance dif...
A risk assessment for exposure to glass wool.

Synthetic vitreous fibers (SVFs) have been widely used as insulation material in places where asbestos was used many years ago and therefore the hazards have been compared. Since the three principal types of asbestos fibers types have caused lung cancer at high exposures, there is a widely held belief that all fibers are carcinogenic if inhaled in large enough doses. Hence, on a morphological basis, SVFs have been studied for their carcinogenic potential. However, there is considerable evidence that differences exist among fibers in their potency to produce a carcinogenic response. In this attempt to carry out a numerical risk assessment for the installers of blown glass wool (fiber) insulation, we start with a characterization of the material; then we review the exposures both in manufacturing and installation. Neither the epidemiological studies of human exposure nor the animal studies have shown a marked hazardous effect from glass wool and we can therefore be sure that any effect that might exist is small. But in this case, as in many other situations where there is a potential hazard, society desires further reassurance and therefore we have made a mechanistic calculation. There are good estimates of the risk associated with exposure to chrysotile asbestos at high exposures and doses. We have therefore taken these numbers and discussed how much less risky an exposure to glass wool fibers might be. We conclude that for a given fiber count, glass wool is five to ten times less risky (and of course the risk might be zero). The risk for a nonsmoking installer of glass wool fiber insulation who wears a respirator is about 6 in a million (and might be zero) per year. This means that out of a million installers there might be six lung cancers from this cause every year or out of 10,000 installers there might be one in 16 years. The low risk of 6 in a million per year of a worker blowing glass wool is consistent with the fact that no one has found any of cancer attributable to the manufacture or installation of glass wool fibers in spite of diligent searches. This is compared with several other occupational risks. Nonetheless common prudence suggests that any installer of blown glass wool fiber insulation wear a respirator.
Heavy Quark Production from Jet Conversions in a Quark-Gluon Plasma

Recently, it has been demonstrated that the chemical composition of jets in heavy ion collisions is significantly altered compared to the jets in the vacuum. This signal can be used to probe the medium formed in nuclear collisions. In this study we investigate the possibility that fast light quarks and gluons can convert to heavy quarks when passing through a quark-gluon plasma. We study the rate of light to heavy jet conversions in a consistent Fokker-Planck framework and investigate their impact on the production of high-p{sub T} charm and bottom quarks at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the Large Hadron Collider.
Statutory interpretation and the counterfactual test for legislative intention

In this paper I examine the counterfactual test for legislative intention as used in Riggs v. Palmer. The distinction between the speaker's meaning approach and the constructive interpretation approach to statutory interpretation, as made by Dworkin in Law's Empire, is explained. I argue that Dworkin underestimates the potential of the counterfactual test in making the speaker's meaning approach more plausible. I also argue that Dworkin's reasons for rejecting the counterfactual test, as proposed in Law's Empire, are either too weak or unsound. A deeper reason for rejecting the counterfactual test as a method for the speaker's meaning approach is proposed in this paper. The difference between the counterfactual test and other tests for legislative intention which seem also to make use of counterfactual conditions in explained.
Timentin versus moxalactam in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections

T imentin is a combination of two beta-lactam antibiotics, ticarcillin and clavulanic acid. Clavulanic acid, a “suicide” inhibitor of beta-lactamases, enhances the spectrum of activity of ticarcillin to include beta-lactamase-producing Staphylococcus, gram-negative enteric bacteria including Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Serratia, some strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacteroides species including 8. fragilis [1,2]. With this broadened spectrum of antimicrobial activity, Timentin appears to be an ideal candidate for use in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections. In this study, we treated patients who were hospitalized for skin and soft tissue infections with either Timentin or moxalactam to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of this new preparation.
Tuning Metal Nanostructures in Mesoporous Silica by a Simple Change of Metal Complexes and by Reduction with Grafted Imines and Hemiaminals

We report synthetic methods to produce silver (Ag) or gold (Au) monodisperse nanoparticles with different loadings as well as Ag and Au nanorods with tunable aspect ratios and optical properties. This is achieved inside externally functionalized mesoporous SBA-15 material by utilizing a simple change of the type of metal complex that is reduced with imines or hemiaminals that were anchored within the channel walls of the mesoporous material. The imine and hemiaminal groups were produced by reacting grafted 3-aminopropyl groups with CH3CHO or HCHO, respectively. Upon using lower concentrations of aqueous AgNO3 or ammonical [Ag(NH3)2]NO3 solution as the metal source, Ag monodisperse nanoparticles formed. Interestingly, when the concentration of ammonical [Ag(NH3)2]NO3 solution was increased, this resulted exclusively in nanoparticles with a higher loading and with no formation of nanorods; while increasing the concentration of aqueous AgNO3 solution resulted in silver nanorods with higher aspect ratios and ...
Dispersive-optical-model analysis of the asymmetry dependence of correlations in Ca isotopes

A dispersive-optical-model analysis of $p+$$^{40,42,44,48}\mathrm{Ca}$ and $n+$$^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$ interactions has been carried out. The real and imaginary potentials have been constrained by fitting elastic-scattering data, total and reaction cross sections, and level properties of valence hole states deduced from $(e,{e}^{'}p)$ data. The resulting surface imaginary potential increases with asymmetry for protons, implying that in heavier Ca isotopes, protons experience stronger long-range correlations. Presently, there is not enough data for neutrons to determine their asymmetry dependence. Global optical-model fits usually assume that the neutron asymmetry dependence is equal in magnitude, but opposite in sign, to that for protons. Such a dependence was found to give unphysical results for heavy Ca isotopes. The dispersive optical model is shown to be a useful tool for data-driven extrapolations to the drip lines. Neutron and proton data at larger asymmetries are needed to achieve more reliable extrapolations. The present analysis predicts $^{60}\mathrm{Ca}$ and $^{70}\mathrm{Ca}$ to be bound, while the intermediate isotopes are not.
Dispositional Anxiety Blocks the Psychological Effects of Power

A growing body of research demonstrates that power promotes a fundamental orientation toward approach and agency. The current studies suggest that this tendency is moderated by dispositional anxiety. In two experiments, high levels of dispositional anxiety blocked the psychological effects of power. Although people low in anxiety responded to a power prime with greater willingness to take risks, those high in anxiety did not (Experiment 1). Similarly, whereas those low in social anxiety responded to power with increased sexual attraction toward a confederate, individuals high in social anxiety failed to show the same effect (Experiment 2). In both studies, the interaction between power and anxiety was statistically mediated by perceptions of reward. Although power enhanced people's perceptions of reward, this effect was eliminated by high levels of dispositional anxiety. This research provides insight into how, and in whom, power promotes approach and agentic behavior.
A self-modeling intervention for high school students with public speaking anxiety

ABSTRACT The study investigated the effectiveness of self-modeling as an intervention for public speaking anxiety. The participants were six high school students with elevated levels of self-reported public speaking anxiety. Students presented public speeches to randomly selected peer audiences. Direct observations measured the behavioral manifestations of public speaking anxiety. In the intervention phase, students viewed self-modeling videotapes that were edited to remove speech dysfluencies and behavioral symptoms of speech anxiety. The self-modeling tapes depicted only adaptive, exemplary behavior with an edited-in audience feature making it appear that the students were producing a fluent speech to an audience of their peers. All of the participants evidenced substantial decreases in behavioral symptoms of speech anxiety and these changes were maintained throughout follow-up. The range of the participants' effect sizes was 2.7 to 4.9. Self-report measures of state anxiety and confidence as a speaker ...
Thermal recoverability of a polyelectrolyte-modified, nanoporous silica-based system

The thermal recoverability of a nanoporous silica-based system modified by a cross-linked polyelectrolyte is investigated. At room temperature, as a nominally hydrostatic pressure is applied, the gel matrix can be partially dehydrated. The released water molecules will be forced into the initially energetically unfavorable nanopores and are “locked” there. At an elevated temperature, the infiltration pressure increases slightly, which is contradictory to the experimental data of the unmodified system. More importantly, the defiltration of the confined liquid is significantly promoted, leading to a much higher system recoverability.
A 'Dual Simplex Implementation of a Constraint Selection Algorithm for Linear Programming

The constraint selection approach to linear programming begins by solving a relaxed version of the problem using only a few of the original constraints. If the solution obtained to this relaxation satisfies the remaining constraints it is optimal for the original LP. Otherwise, additional constraints must be incorporated in a larger relaxation. The procedure successively generates larger subproblems until an optimal solution is obtained which satisfies all of the original constraints. Computational results for a dual simplex implementation of this technique indicate that solving several small subproblems in this manner is more computationally efficient than solving the original LP using the revised simplex method.
ROLE OF PERCUTANEOUS FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSY IN SUSPECTED INTRATHORACIC MALIGNANCY

Abstract Percutaneous fine-needle aspiration (PFNA) biopsy is an accepted technique for the diagnosis of suspected intra-thoracic malignancy, but the appropriate indications for its use have not been clearly defined. To help establish guidelines, we performed a retrospective analysis of 188 patients who underwent PFNA biopsy for suspected intrathoracic malignancy. Biopsy led to a diagnosis in 72% ( 135 / 188 ) of the patients, but in 27% ( 50 / 188 ) samples were inadequate for cytological diagnosis, and in 2% ( 3 / 188 ) samples were adequate but failed to yield a diagnosis. Fifty-three patients underwent surgical intervention, thus allowing histological confirmation of the cytological diagnosis. In patients with a diagnosis from PFNA biopsy, operation confirmed malignancy in 97% ( 37 / 38 ) and a specific cell type in 79% ( 30 / 38 ). In patients without a diagnosis after biopsy, a malignancy was found in 73% ( 11 / 15 ) at the time of operation. This suggests a high rate of accuracy when PFNA biopsy provides a diagnosis. However, it also illustrates that a substantial percentage of PFNA biopsy attempts fail to yield a diagnosis in patients ultimately found to have malignancies. This implies that PFNA biopsy might best be reserved for patients who are not surgical candidates.
A Multiport Impedance-Matching Feed Network for Directional Antennas

The proposed multiport impedance-matching feed network simultaneously optimizes the operating bandwidth and gain of a two-element superdirective antenna array. Maximum directivity of an N-element isotropic radiator approaches N2 as the element spacing approaches zero. Additionally, the operating bandwidth of superdirective antenna arrays is narrowband. Utilizing a multiport impedance-matching network will increase the operating bandwidth. Special consideration is required in designing the circuit so that the losses introduced by the matching network do not significantly degrade the absolute gain of the antenna array.
Dopaminergic neuronal responses to a non-amphetamine CNS stimulant

The present study compares the effects of d-amphetamine (d-AMP) and the potent non-amphetamine CNS stimulant, amfonelic acid (AFA), on the firing rate of single midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons and on neostriatal DA metabolism (dihydroxyphenylacetic acid—DOPAC). The results indicate that AFA, like d-AMP, reduces the firing rate of DA neurons, although unlike d-AMP, AFA does not cause a decrease in neostriatal DOPAC content and, in fact, enhances that produced by haloperidol (HALO). The AFA-induced decrease in firing rate, like d-AMP, is reversed by the DA receptor blocker HALO, but again unlike d-AMP, the decrease in firing rate is not prevented by catecholamine synthesis inhibition withα-methyl-para-tyrosine. Thus, both amphetamine and amfonelic acid have identical electrophysiological effects on DA neurons but act by different mechanisms.
Ground state of an interacting boson system

Abstract The ground-state wave function for a system of interacting bosons is written in the form ψ = exp 1 2 ∑ i⩽j U(r ij )+ ∑ i⩽j⩽k U 3 (i,j,k)+… . Assuming the existence of Fourier coefficients for the potential V ( r ij ) and the correlation functions U n , the Schroedinger equation transforms into a set of coupled nonlinear differential-intergral equations for the correlation functions. A basic separation property of multidimensional Fourier series is involved in the derivation of the coupled equations. Leading terms in the formula for the energy resemble the corresponding Bogoliubov formula with a partial replacement of the interaction potential by an effective (or renormalized) potential. For a weak interaction, the energy is given correctly through third-order terms. The same leading terms give a useful approximation under realistic conditions. The analysis is useful in giving connections within a wide range of methods and over a wide range of physical conditions.
DIFFERENTIAL SURFACE DEPOSITION OF COMPLEMENT PROTEINS ON LOGARITHMIC AND STATIONARY PHASE LEISHMANIA CHAGASI PROMASTIGOTES

Abstract: Previous works demonstrated that various species of Leishmania promastigotes exhibit differential sensitivity to complement-mediated lysis (CML) during development. Upon exposure to normal human serum (NHS), cultures of Leishmania chagasi promastigotes recently isolated from infected hamsters (fewer than 5 in vitro passages) are CML-sensitive when in the logarithmic growth phase but become CML-resistant upon transition to the stationary culture phase. Visualization by light and electron microscopy revealed dramatic morphological differences between promastigotes from the 2 culture phases following exposure to NHS. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that surface deposition of the complement components C3, C5, and C9 correlated inversely with promastigote CML-resistance. The highest levels of complement protein surface accumulation were observed for logarithmic phase promastigotes, while stationary phase promastigotes adsorbed the least amount of complement proteins. Additionally, fluorescence ...
Critical appraisal of the use of alpha lipoic acid (thioctic acid) in the treatment of symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy

BACKGROUND The most common of the neuropathies associated with diabetes mellitus, diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) is a syndrome of diffuse, length-dependent, symmetric nerve dysfunction. The condition is linked with substantial morbidity, frequent healthcare utilization, and compromised quality of life due to related discomfort. Correspondingly, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opioids are regularly prescribed with the goal of pain control. However, the agents rarely provide complete pain relief and fail to address progression of the disorder. Whereas strict blood glucose control can slow the onset and worsening of DSPN, near-normoglycemia is not easily attainable. Evidence implicating oxidative processes in the pathogenesis of DSPN offers one potentially important therapeutic avenue. Due to its properties as a potent antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid (ALA) could mitigate the development of DSPN and attenuate resultant symptoms and signs. Approved for treatment of DSPN in Germany, the agent is not more widely used due to uncertainty about its efficacy and reported adverse effects. Here we review the effectiveness and tolerability of ALA in the treatment of symptomatic DSPN. METHODS The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for English-language literature on the topic. Randomized, blinded studies comparing parenteral and oral ALA with placebo in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic adults were selected. Analysis included studies with a level of evidence of at least 2b. RESULTS The current appraisal summarizes data from 1160 participants in the ALADIN, SYDNEY, ORPIL, SYDNEY 2, and ALADIN III trials. In four of the studies, ALA provided significant improvement in manifestations of DSPN. CONCLUSION Treatment with ALA 600 mg iv daily for 3 weeks represents a well-tolerated and effective therapy for DSPN. An oral dose of 600 mg daily administered for up to 5 weeks could offer benefits in symptoms and signs of DSPN without significant side effects.
Comorbidity and high-risk behaviors in treatment-seeking adolescents with bulimia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this brief report is to describe the comorbid diagnoses and high-risk behaviors in a sample of adolescents with bulimia nervosa (BN). METHOD: Eighty adolescents enrolled in a RCT for BN that compared family-based therapy with individual-supportive psychotherapy completed the Eating Disorder Examination and the Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia for School Age Children (K-SADS). RESULTS: A total of 62.5% of the sample had a comorbid diagnosis as determined by the K-SADS. The majority of these presented with a major mood disorder. In addition, 25% of the sample had previously attempted suicide or self-harmed, 65.8% had consumed alcohol, and 30% had used illegal drugs. Suicidal behavior, drug use, and presence of a comorbid diagnosis were not related to diagnosis (full BN vs. subthreshold BN) or age. CONCLUSION: Comorbidity and high-risk health behaviors in adolescents with BN mirror those of adults with BN although not at similar rates. Language: en
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition and smoking potentiate the kinin response to cardiopulmonary bypass

Background This study tested the hypothesis that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors potentiate activation of the kallikrein-kinin system during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods The effects of CPB on concentrations of bradykinin and its metabolite bradykinin 1–5 (BK1–5) were determined in 31 patients taking an ACE inhibitor who were randomized to continue ACE inhibitors until coronary artery bypass surgery (ACE inhibitor group, N = 19) or to discontinue them 48 hours before surgery (no ACE inhibitor group, N = 12). Arterial and venous blood was sampled before CPB, at 30 minutes of CPB, at 60 minutes of CPB, after separation from CPB, and on postoperative day 1. Results Arterial bradykinin (P < .001 [from 22.4 ± 24.1 fmol/mL to 86.2 ± 98.7 fmol/mL in the no ACE inhibitor group]) and arterial (P < .001) and venous (P = .016) BK1–5 concentrations increased significantly during CPB. Arterial bradykinin concentrations were significantly higher (P = .017), whereas BK1–5 concentrations (P = .024) and the molar ratio of BK1–5/bradykinin (P = .008) were significantly lower in the ACE inhibitor group compared with the no ACE inhibitor group. In addition, arterial bradykinin concentrations were significantly increased in smokers compared with nonsmokers (P = .015), when we controlled for the ACE inhibitor group. There was no effect of smoking on ACE activity (P = .597 overall). There was a significant inverse correlation between arterial bradykinin and mean arterial pressure (r2 = 0.2137, P = .010) and a significant correlation between arterial bradykinin and tissue-type plasminogen activator antigen concentrations (r2 = 0.174, P = .022) during CPB. Tissue-type plasminogen activator antigen was significantly higher in the ACE inhibitor group than in the no ACE inhibitor group (18.0 ± 7.8 ng/mL versus 12.4 ± 4.5 ng/mL, P = .016) but not in smokers compared with nonsmokers (P = .451). Conclusion Preoperative ACE inhibitors and smoking potentiate the kinin response to CPB and may contribute to the hemodynamic and fibrinolytic response observed during CPB. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 76, 379–387; doi:10.1016/j.clpt.2004.06.004
An analog frequency-measuring circuit accurate to 0.1 percent

During the course of work on an electromechanical analog computer it was necessary to convert frequencies in the range of 2 to 20 kc into shaft rotations. The shaft rotation had to be proportional to frequency with a departure from linearity of less than ±0.1% of full scale. The circuit was required to operate over the temperature range of ?55 to +55 C (degrees centrigrade).
Synchrotron infrared spectroscopy to 0.15 eV of H2 and D2 at megabar pressures.

New synchrotron infrared absorption and reflectivity techniques have been developed to test predicted band overlap metallization in ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ above 150 GPa at various temperatures. Measurements on both isotopes to maximum pressures of 216 GPa show no evidence for Drude excitations in the midinfrared to near-infrared spectrum. The most definitive are measurements on ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$, which remains transparent down to 0.15 eV at 170 GPa and 83 K. The results put new bounds on the optical conductivity and possible band-gap closure at the 150-GPa transition. In addition to strong vibrational transitions, new infrared absorption features are observed.
Block, Drop or Roll(back): Alternative Preemption Methods for RH Multi-Tasking

preemption in multi-tasking operating systems. Multi-tasking, and by consequence, preemption, is key to effective CPU sharing. However, it is much more expensive to save and restore context data in reconfigurable hardware than it is in traditional software. The configuration and current state comprises a large amount of data, making the transfer a long and expensive operation. In this paper, we explore alternatives to the save and restore operation for hardware multi-tasking. We compare the system performance of three alternate policies for reconfigurable hardware kernel preemption in a multi-process system: block, drop and roll. The best-performing policy is able to achieve on average within 4% of the performance of an idealized, zero-overhead save and restore method on a mixed application workload.
On the design of matched orthonormal wavelets with compact support

We develop new algorithms for designing matched wavelets and matched scaling functions using a new parametrization of compactly supported orthonormal wavelets that is developed in [4]. The parametrization specifies the wavelet filter coefficients as a continuous function of an arbitrary vector of half its length. Therefore, the wavelets and the scaling functions are also continuous functions of this vector through the use of the cascade algorithm. Hence, standard minimization procedures can be employed for wavelet design. In the case of matched scaling function we propose a new optimization algorithm that significantly reduces the problem complexity. We provide several design examples that illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Serotonin syndrome associated with polypharmacy in the elderly

The increasing use of serotonergic agents, alone and in combination, across multiple disciplines, makes it likely that the prevalence of serotonin syndrome will rise. Caution should be used, especially in the elderly, to avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful polypharmacy. We describe a case of serotonin syndrome in a 79-year-old man taking mirtazapine, venlafaxine and quetiapine. As this case illustrates, serotonin syndrome can be caused by combinations of direct serotonin agonists (e.g., serotonergic antidepressants) and indirect serotonin agonists (e.g., atypical antipsychotics).
Characterization of protein I from serum-sensitive and serum-resistant transformants of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

The Protein IAs of serum sensitive (FA635) and serum resistant (FA638) transformants of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, having identical pedigrees, which differ in binding of the 4G5 monoclonal antibody, were also shown to be different by proteinase K cleavage, and primary structural and surface peptide mapping. The difference in structure is located within the surface exposed region of the molecule. The only other difference observed between the two strains was a very slight difference in lipooligosaccharide (LOS) migration. These data suggest that P.I. or P.I. in combination with LOS may significantly contribute to serum resistance.
Effects of dietary cation-anion difference and potassium to sodium ratio on lactating dairy cows in hot weather.

Abstract Forty-two lactating Holstein cows 188 ± 59 d in milk were used in an 8-wk randomized complete block trial with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. The objective was to determine the effects of high dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) and K:Na ratio on milk yield and composition and blood acid-base chemistry. Treatments included DCAD concentrations of 45 or 60 mEq (Na + K −Cl)/100 g of feed dry matter and K:Na ratios of 2:1, 3:1, or 4:1. Mean DCAD values were later determined to be 41 and 58. Dry matter intake was similar across treatments. Yield of milk and energy corrected milk were lower for the 3:1 K:Na ratio compared with 2:1 and 4:1 ratios. Blood urea N was lower for the highest DCAD, suggesting that DCAD possibly reduced protein degradation or altered protein metabolism and retention. Mean temperature-humidity index was 75.6 for the duration of the trial, exceeding the critical value of 72 for all weeks during the treatment period. Cows maintained relatively normal body temperature with mean a.m. and p.m. body temperature of 38.5 and 38.7°C, respectively. These body temperatures suggest that cows were not subject to extreme heat stress due to good environmental control. Results of this trial indicate that the greatest effect on milk yield occurs when either Na or K is primarily used to increase DCAD, with the lowest yield of energy-corrected milk at a 3:1 K:Na ratio (27.1 kg/d) compared with ratios of 2:1 (29.3 kg/d) and 4:1 (28.7 kg/d). Results also suggest that greater DCAD improves ruminal N metabolism or N utilization may be more efficient with a high DCAD.