cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel coexpression of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)/human luteinizing hormone receptors and their ligand hCG in human fallopian tubes

The human uterus, including its blood vessels, contains hCG/human LH receptors. We now demonstrate that human fallopian tubes also contain a 4.4-kilobase hCG/LH receptor mRNA transcript and an 80-kilodalton immunoreactive protein that can bind [125I]hCG. Tubal mucosa contain more receptor transcripts, receptor protein, and [125I] hCG binding than the tubal smooth muscle or blood vessels. Human fallopian tubes also contain hCG protein and a 0.6-kilobase hCG alpha mRNA transcript. However, very little hCG is found in tubal cell layers other than mucosa. Ampullary segments contain more hCG/LH receptors and hCG than isthmus. Secretory phase tubes contain more than proliferative phase, postpartum, or postmenopause tubes. Incubation with highly purified hCG resulted in an increase in catalytically active 5-lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase-1, and cyclooxygenase-2 enzymes in tubal tissues. In summary, human fallopian tubes, which have never previously been considered a direct target of hCG/LH action, express function...
Systemic apomorphine reverses intrastriatal dopamine-induced contralateral deviation.

Abstract Contralateral deviation induced by unilateral injection of 25 μg or 100 μg dopamine into the dorsal CPU was reversed to ipsilateral deviation by apomorphine administered systemically (1 mg/kg s.c.) before, at the same time, or after the dopamine. Contralateral deviation to a unilateral intrastriatal injection of 6.25 μg apomorphine was also reversed to ipsilateral deviation by systemically administered apomorphine. No significant effects on postural deviation were found when a control solution was injected unilaterally into the striatum, followed by systemic apomorphine. Contralateral deviation to the unilateral intrastriatal dopamine injection continued following a further bilateral intrastriatal injection of either dopamine or apomorphine. These results suggest that intrastriatal dopamine indirectly affects sites receptive to dopamine outside the striatum.
Charge-density waves observed with a tunneling microscope.

Charge-density waves on cleaved surfaces of 1T-${\mathrm{TaS}}_{2}$ appeared at 77 K as hexagonal arrays of mounds with spacings of (3.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3)${\mathrm{a}}_{0}$, where ${\mathrm{a}}_{0}$=3.346 A\r{} is the lattice spacing of the 1T-${\mathrm{TaS}}_{2}$. In contrast, cleaved surfaces of 2H-${\mathrm{TaSe}}_{2}$ at 77 K showed only atoms. The tunneling microscope was operated under liquid nitrogen with a ${\mathrm{Pt}}_{0.8}$${\mathrm{Ir}}_{0.2}$ tip for both types of samples.
A multi-scale assessment of local and contextual threats to existing and potential U.S. protected areas

Assessing threats to protected areas is a critical step to ensure effective resource conservation and to leverage future conservation actions. It is equally important to assess external and internal threats because human activities both in and around a protected area can impair the area's ecological goals or impart important ecological benefits to adjacent lands. We applied a threat framework that accounts for both local and surrounding threats to identify areas in the conterminous United States that provide or offer opportunities for ecological conservation. We find that, of the lands that are least threatened locally, 49% have some existing formal protection, but that more than 35% of the existing protected portfolio is at risk from external threats. However, over 20% of currently unprotected lands provide potential opportunities for conservation. Of the area identified with highest potential conservation opportunities, over 50% is on private lands, highlighting the need to engage owners of private land in conservation. There is greater potential for large, buffered, core conservation areas in the West, but other areas require networks of stepping-stone conservation islands. We summarize our results by ecoregions and within 40 national parks, identifying areas that are notably unthreatened (Colorado Plateau and Northwestern Glaciated Plains ecoregions and Great Basin and Canyonlands parks) versus those that may require more intense management actions (Eastern Great Lakes and Hudson Lowlands and Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains ecoregions and Cuyahoga Valley and Great Smoky Mountains parks). Finally, we discuss how the approach could be applied and improved for finer-grained, local assessments.
The Bacteria Isolated from the Skin of 20 Horses at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Abstract The objective of this study was to isolate bacteria on the skin of the proximal to distal equine limb to guide the practitioner in the selection of prophylactic antimicrobial protocols. This prospective study involved 20 client-owned horses that were admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for routine elective surgery. Each horse spent between 12 and 36 hours at our hospital before sampling. Samples were collected from the skin of the left mid-thorax and the dorsal aspect of nine joints on the left side of each horse: front and hind coffin and fetlock joints, carpi, elbows, shoulders, hocks, and stifles. Samples were cultured aerobically and speciated when possible. When evaluating bacterial composition by location, a 40% difference was considered clinically significant. When comparing proximal sites above the fetlock to distal sites, the odds of isolating gram-positive bacteria were 1.23 times (P = .0124) higher at proximal sites; the odds of isolating coliform bacteria were 1.32 times (P = .023) higher at distal sites; and the odds of isolating a common septic arthritis pathogen were 1.16 times (P = .018) higher at distal sites. Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus was not isolated in this study. All comparisons between sites and between the proximal and distal limb were
Common statistical tests

Abstract A recent survey by BeGole of four major orthodontic journals revealed that76% of the original and scientific articles published in 1997 incorporated statistical procedures in their methodologies. To evaluate the information presented in these scientific articles, the clinician needs to have an understanding of the statistical techniques used in them. Although a number of the statistical methodologies were complex, requiring considerable statistical sophistication to understand and apply, the majority of the statistical methods that were used were more easily understood. The purpose of this article is to familiarize the orthodontic clinician with those statistical procedures commonly encountered in the orthodontic literature. Actual formulas and computations are not reviewed in this article and can be found in standard statistical texts. The focus of this article is to emphasize the appropriate use of techniques such as the Student t test, analysis of variance, the χ 2 test, and the nonparametric alternatives to these methods, which comprise more than 50% of the statistical tests used in the journals from 1997 examined by BeGole.
Tendon rupture in systemic lupus erythematosus

Tendon rupture in SLE is a rare but potentially disabling complication. The etiology of tendon rupture is not well understood, but in some cases it is secondary to trauma and in others it is related to inflammatory changes in and around the tendon as a result of the underlying disease process. Corticosteroid therapy may also be responsible for tendon rupture in some patients. Therapy must be individualized depending on the site of rupture.
Severe Solar Maculopathy Associated with the use of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)

Summary A 23-year-old man sustained severe macular damage by sun gazing during a hallucinogenic drug-induced state. Sequential fundus photography and fluorescein angiography documented prominent focal injury to the retinal pigment epithelium.
Adolescent perceptions of parent and peer influences on teen purchase: An application of social power theory

Abstract This study evaluates parental and peer influences on teen purchase decisions by applying social power theory, which has not been examined in the teen context. The conceptual model examines how family socialization practices might impact teens' perceptions of social power influences from parents and peers. For example, family communication environment may promote teens' reliance on particular bases of social power influence. This study also examines the relationship between the bases of perceived social power and the purchase of different types of products (e.g., luxury/necessity, public/private). Results are generally consistent with predictions, demonstrating that teens from high socio-oriented communication environments are subject to greater perceived peer reward/coercive and referent power, whereas teens from high concept-oriented communication environments perceive greater parental expert and legitimate power. Finally, perceived bases of social power influence differ depending on the type of product purchased. Interpretation of findings and implications are discussed.
Efficient Algorithms for Approximating Polygonal Chains

We consider the problem of approximating a polygonal chain C by another polygonal chain C' whose vertices are constrained to be a subset of the set of vertices of C . The goal is to minimize the number of vertices needed in the approximation C' . Based on a framework introduced by Imai and Iri [25], we define an error criterion for measuring the quality of an approximation. We consider two problems. (1) Given a polygonal chain C and a parameter ɛ \geq 0 , compute an approximation of C , among all approximations whose error is at most ɛ , that has the smallest number of vertices. We present an O(n4/3 + δ) -time algorithm to solve this problem, for any δ > 0; the constant of proportionality in the running time depends on δ . (2) Given a polygonal chain C and an integer k , compute an approximation of C with at most k vertices whose error is the smallest among all approximations with at most k vertices. We present a simple randomized algorithm, with expected running time O(n4/3 + δ) , to solve this problem.
The effect of phosphorus on the properties and structure of GeAsS glasses

Stoichiometric Ge-poor (<50% GeS2) GeAsPS glasses, as well as GeAsPS glasses with a fixed Ge:As:P ratio of 5:1:1 and S contents ranging from 56% to 74%, were synthesized. The compositional dependence of the physical properties and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of the stoichiometric glasses indicates that tetrahedral SPS3/2 groups constitute the dominant P species. On reducing the S content, the absorption edge of variable S GeAsPS glasses remains constant until S deficits of about 25% are attained. Raman spectra of stoichiometric and S-deficient glasses show bands attributed to As2P2S8 and (As,P)4S3 species, respectively, whereas those of variable S glasses with S deficits ⩽15% show a high frequency band indicating the presence of tetrahedral SPS3/2 groups. NMR spectra of glasses with S deficits of 7–15% are dominated by a 31P resonance at about 117 ppm that is assigned to trigonal PS3/2 groups. NMR spectra of glasses with S deficits ⩾10% have a 31P resonance near −100 ppm, indicating that tetrahedral SPS3/2 and trigonal PS3/2 groups are replaced by species containing P–P and, ultimately, P–(Ge, As) bonds as the S content of these glasses decreases. Comparison of these results with those for GeAsS glasses demonstrates that P–P bonds form preferentially to metal–metal bonds containing either Ge or As, and that P tends to associate with As instead of Ge as next nearest neighbors.
Coculture of monkey ovarian tissue increases survival after vitrification and slow-rate freezing.

Objective To assess whether coculture of monkey ovarian tissue after low-temperature storage enhances follicular viability. To assess a novel method of vitrifying ovarian tissue. Design Prospective in vitro study. Setting University-affiliated national research center. Animal(s) Ovaries from 15 cynomolgus or rhesus macaques (1–11 years). Intervention(s) Vitrification using a containerless liquid nitrogen emersion system that involves dropping thin cortical pieces suspended in cyroprotectant directly into liquid nitrogen with outcome compared with slow-rate-controlled freezing. Before analysis, some of the thawed tissue was cocultured on mitotically inactivated mouse fetal fibroblast monolayers supplemented with FSH, insulin, transferrin, and selenium. Main Outcome Measure(s) Percentage of oocytes viable using live-dead fluorescent staining with carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester and propidium iodide. Result(s) Postthaw survival rates were 70.4% ± 4.8% of 1,705 follicles after vitrification and 67.3% ± 1.9% of 1,895 follicles after slow-rate freeze in six trials with each method. Coculture of the thawed tissue increased the viability, respectively, to 89% ± 2.1% of 2,833 follicles previously vitrified and to 90.3% ± 1.9% of 2,109 follicles after a slow-rate freeze ( P Conclusion(s) Coculture of thawed ovarian tissue on mouse fetal fibroblasts and FSH increases the percentage of viable follicles. A novel method of vitrifying ovarian tissue is as effective as slow-rate freezing. These approaches may improve graft survival and function when used to treat chemotherapy-induced sterility.
Functionalization of Nanocrystalline Porous Silicon Surfaces with Aryllithium Reagents: Formation of Silicon−Carbon Bonds by Cleavage of Silicon−Silicon Bonds

Reaction of nanocrystalline (“porous”) silicon with phenyllithium and lithium phenylacetylide results in functionalization of the silicon surface with phenyl and phenylacetylene moieties, respectively. The reaction proceeds by addition of the aryllithium reagent across a surface Si−Si bond, resulting in a Si−aryl bond and Si−Li species. The highly reactive Si−Li surface species is readily hydrolyzed by water, resulting in significant surface oxidation. The surface-bound Li can also be replaced with H or acyl species by addition of trifluoroacetic acid, acetyl chloride, heptanoyl chloride, or 4-butylbenzoyl chloride. These latter treatments significantly reduce the rate of air oxidation of the porous silicon surface. The nanocrystalline silicon samples used display visible photoluminescence arising from quantum confinement effects. Functionalization with phenyllithium preserves some of the photoluminescence, while the lithium phenylacetylide reaction results in almost complete loss of photoluminescence fro...
Usefulness of left atrial abnormality for predicting left ventricular hypertrophy in the presence of left bundle branch block

Abstract The objective of this study was to identify left atrial (LA) abnormality on the electrocardiogram and other related variables as predictors of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in the presence of left bundle branch block (LBBB). In the presence of complete LBBB, the diagnosis of electrocardiographic abnormalities is problematic and that of LV hypertrophy remains difficult. The usual electrocardiographic criteria applied for the diagnosis of LV hypertrophy may not be reliable in the presence of LBBB. Therefore, noninvasive criteria will help physicians diagnose LV hypertrophy with electrocardiography. LA abnormality on the electrocardiogram was assessed by 2 independent observers as predictor of LV hypertrophy in the presence of LBBB in 120 patients, and data were compared with those of 100 patients without LA abnormality. LV mass was calculated from echocardiographic data. Besides LA abnormality, the other variables studied for prediction of LV hypertrophy were gender, age, body surface area, body mass index, frontal axis, and QrS duration. Of the 6 criteria analyzed, the P terminal force was found to be the most common and consistent criterion to detect LA abnormality. LV hypertrophy was confirmed by echocardiographic determination of LV mass in both groups. Observers reliably differentiated between the hypertrophied and normal-sized left ventricle in the presence of LBBB by correlating LA abnormality with LV mass determined by echocardiography. Observer 1 detected LA abnormality in 89% and observer 2 in 84% of patients. False-positive results were present in 11% and 16%. The observer’s recognition of LA abnormality in the present study was 91%. The 2 observers showed a sensitivity of 81% and 79% and a specificity of 91% and 88%, respectively, when diagnosis of LV hypertrophy was determined. LV mass increased significantly and was diagnostic of LV hypertrophy in 92% of patients with LA abnormality. In the remaining 11 patients (8%), the LA abnormality was of marginal abnormal magnitude. Each 0.01-mV/s increase in LA abnormality gave an increase of 30 g of LV mass. LV mass was increased in 86% of patients when corrected by body surface area. LV hypertrophy in the presence of LBBB on electrocardiography was found in only 13 patients (10%) when the 6 frequently used conventional criteria for diagnosis of LV hypertrophy by electrocardiography were used. Regression analysis revealed LA abnormality to be a strong independent predictor of increased LV mass. Multivariate analysis also revealed age, body mass index, body surface area, frontal axis, and QrS duration to be significant predictors of LV mass. This noninvasive study correlates LA abnormality by electrocardiogram and LV hypertrophy with echocardiography to conclude that LA abnormality was significantly diagnostic of LV hypertrophy in the presence of LBBB. Age, body mass index, body surface area, frontal axis, and QrS duration were also significant predictors of LV mass.
Simulating Herringbone and Side-Opening Milking Parlor Operations

Abstract Objectives were to improve a computer simulation model to study side-opening and herringbone style milking parlors by: (1) increasing the operator activity inputs, (2) providing more descriptive input data, and (3) developing additional response measurements. Eleven different operator activity inputs, each with its unique frequency distribution, are included. Simulation included extensive use of random number generators to simulate normal observed variations plus the usual yes-no decisions. Simulation results appear realistic and compare favorably with motion and time studies from comparably equipped milking facilities.
Indirect Modulation of Dopamine D2 Receptors as Potential Pharmacotherapy for Schizophrenia: II. Glutamate (Ant)Agonists

OBJECTIVE:To summarize the published preclinical and clinical data that suggest the possible use of glutamate receptor agonists or antagonists as novel antipsychotic agents.DATA SOURCES:Primary and review articles were identified by MEDLINE search (from 1966 to December 1999) and through secondary sources.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:All of the articles identified from the data sources were evaluated and all information deemed relevant was included.DATA SYNTHESIS:The standard antipsychotic drugs, whose clinical activity correlates with affinity for dopamine D2 receptors, alleviate some of the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, but have limited impact on negative symptoms. Several lines of evidence implicate glutamate-receptor system dysfunction(s) in schizophrenia, either as causative or contributory factors. In addition, several standard antipsychotic drugs modulate glutamate or glutamate receptor activity, suggesting an alternative view of their mechanism of antipsychotic action. Preliminary stu...
Thymalfasin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is a serious problem because of its worldwide distribution and possible adverse chronic sequelae, such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Chronic hepatitis B infection is a dynamic state of interactions between the virus, hepatocyte and host immune response. Interferon-alpha and direct antiviral agents, such as lamivudine (Epivir, GlaxoSmithKline), are effective in the therapy of chronic HBV infection but the efficacy is far from satisfactory. Thymalfasin (thymosin alpha1; Talpha1, Zadaxintrade mark, SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) is a 28-amino acid polypeptide produced synthetically but originally isolated from thymosin fraction 5, a bovine thymus extract containing a number of immunologically active peptides. In vitro studies have shown that Talpha1 can influence T-cell production and maturation, stimulate production of Th1 cytokines such as interferon-gamma and interleukin-2, and activate natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Seven randomized controlled studies on Talpha1 monotherapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B showed that 6 months treatment with Talpha1 (1.6 mg twice-weekly) resulted in a significantly higher sustained response rate than untreated controls. The benefits of Talpha1 therapy is usually not immediately apparent during therapy. There is a trend for complete virological response to increase or accumulate gradually after the end of thymosin therapy. The results of Talpha1 and interferon combination therapy in two open-label trials were also promising. In terms of the mechanisms of action, a combination of Talpha1 and nucleoside or nucleotide analogs is a logical approach in the control of chronic HBV infection and a randomized control study is ongoing.
Experimental seizures in man and animals with acute pyridoxine deficiency produced by hydrazides.

Abstract Three hydrazides, semicarbazide, thiosemicarbazide and thiocarbohydrazide, were given orally to schizophrenic patients to produce a temporary epileptic state for a 1 to 5 hour period. During this time, seizures may occur spontaneously or they may be induced by auditory or photic stimulation. The photic stimulation induced seizure or spontaneous seizure is thought to be less traumatic than electrically induced seizures. Pyrodoxine will antidote completely this temporary epileptic state. Thiocarbohydrazide is the most potent hydrazide for the production of this epileptic state. An oral dose of 100 to 200 mg. of Thio-C will produce a spontaneous seizure in 1 to 3 hours. Hydrazides produce vomiting as a side action which is apparently central in origin. Electroencephalographic studies in animals and man indicate that these seizures all probably originate subcortically. It remains to be determined whether hydrazide convulsions are more effective in schizophrenia than are electrically induced convulsions.
Diamond PCD for Reactor active dosimetry applications

This work reports on the development, calibration, and application of a radiation-hardened diamond photoconducting detector (PCD) for active ionizing dose measurements in research reactors. Results are reported for gamma irradiations between 10 and 10/sup 12/ rad(C)/s.
Considerations on the Use of Remote Cameras to Detect Canada Lynx in Northern Maine

Abstract We used remote cameras to detect Lynx canadensis (Canada Lynx) in northern Maine during July-October 2005. A total of 1680 animal images was collected in 2512 camera-days of effort. Forty-five lynx detections were recorded, at a detection rate of 2 animals/100 camera-days of effort. Our analysis provides baseline detection rates for lynx in northern Maine and recommendations regarding survey design for other biologists. We suggest remote cameras are useful to survey lynx occurrence in an occupancy-estimation and -modeling framework, and in areas where snow-tracking surveys are not practical.
FPGA-based synthesis of FSMs through decomposition

In this paper, we present a heuristic to synthesize a finite state machine as a set of smaller interacting submachines based on FPGA technology. This heuristic partitions inputs as well as outputs. Experimental results show that the sizes of submachines are much smaller than the size of original machine. As a result, the distributed smaller submachines can be operated faster than the original machine because of shorter critical paths. >
Bacterial Growth in Secretions and on Suctioning Equipment of Orally Intubated Patients: A Pilot Study

• BACKGROUND Contamination of equipment, colonization of the oropharynx, and microaspiration of secretions are causative factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia. Suctioning and airway management practices may influence the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia. • OBJECTIVES To identify pathogens associated with ventilator-associated pneumonia in oral and endotracheal aspirates and to evaluate bacterial growth on oral and endotracheal suctioning equipment. • METHODS Specimens were collected from 20 subjects who were orally intubated for at least 24 hours and required mechanical ventilation. At baseline, oral and sputum specimens were obtained for culturing, and suctioning equipment was changed. Specimens from the mouth, sputum, and equipment for culturing were obtained at 24 hours (n = 18) and 48 hours (n = 10). • RESULTS After 24 hours, all subjects had potential pathogens in the mouth, and 67% had sputum cultures positive for pathogens. Suctioning devices were colonized with many of the same pathogens that were present in the mouth. Nearly all (94%) of tonsil suction devices were colonized within 24 hours. Most potential pathogens were gram-positive bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria and antibioticresistant organisms were also present in several samples. • CONCLUSIONS The presence of pathogens in oral and sputum specimens in most patients supports the notion that microaspiration of secretions occurs. Colonization is a risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia. The equipment used for oral and endotracheal suctioning becomes colonized with potential pathogens within 24 hours. It is not known if reusable oral suction equipment contributes to colonization; however, because many bacteria are exogenous to patients’ normal flora, equipment may be a source of cross-contamination. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2002;11:141-149)
Multichannel radar backscatter communication and localization

This paper concerns the use of wideband RF backscatter from semi-passive RF tags for energy-efficient wireless telemetry. Using LFM (Linear Frequency Modulated) signals from a radar base station, we present a method for joint ranging and communications with a distributed set of sensor nodes. Backscatter signaling from each node results in modulation on a sub-carrier frequency determined by the node distance from the radar. Upper bounds on communications rate per coverage area are presented, as well as clutter filtering to suppress ground components. Experimental results from a brass-board microwave system in an indoor environment are presented and discussed.
Myocardial crypts in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: the new gang in town

This editorial refers to ‘Multiple myocardial crypts on modified long-axis view are a specific finding in pre-hypertrophic HCM mutation carriers’ by W.P. Brouwer et al ., on pages 292–297. Since the initial description of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) over 50 years ago, the majority of our understanding of this complex and heterogeneous genetic heart disease has been the result of insights gained through advances in cardiovascular imaging techniques.1–5 In the pre-echocardiographic era, the haemodynamic laboratory provided the sole method of diagnosis for HCM by demonstrating a pressure gradient between the left ventricular cavity and the aorta.1,2 The introduction of echocardiographic imaging in the early 1970s led to a greatly expanded appreciation for the vast heterogeneity of phenotypic expression in this disease, including the first non-invasive demonstration of the characteristic asymmetric pattern of LV hypertrophy, as well as defining the non-obstructive form as an important subset of the HCM disease spectrum.1,2 More recently, advanced imaging techniques such as cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) have emerged, ushering in a new era of cardiac imaging.3–5 CMR provides three-dimensional tomographic images with high spatial resolution, with sharp contrast between the blood pool and the myocardium. These unique imaging strengths make it particularly well suited to characterize the diverse morphological expression of HCM.3 Indeed, CMR has now been applied to large cohorts of HCM patients resulting in a number of clinically relevant observations, further expanding our appreciation and understanding of HCM disease expression beyond traditional imaging modalities.3–7 CMR improves diagnosis of HCM, by detecting LV hypertrophy unrecognized (or not well seen) by echocardiography, particularly when confined to the anterolateral free wall (or apex).3–5 Furthermore, in some HCM patients, the magnitude of wall thickening may be underestimated by echocardiography, which …
Presence of hepatitis B and C viral genomes in US blood donors as detected by polymerase chain reaction amplification

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents a major cause of posttransfusion hepatitis worldwide. Posttransfusion hepatitis associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues to occur. HBsAg-negative donor sera from the Rhode Island Blood Center between 1987 and 1988 were screened using more sensitive techniques to assess the prevalence of low level HBV infection. Group I consists of 866 healthy blood donors without HBV serologic markers, group II consists of 377 donors with ALT elevations (> 45 IU/L), group II consists of 148 donors positive for anti-HBc, and group IV consists of eight donors positive for both surrogate markers. A sensitive monoclonal immunoradiometric assay (M-IRMA) was employed for detection of HBsAg-associated epitopes (detection limit of 20 pg/ml) in serum. A subset of sera were analyzed for the presence of HBV DNA using the method of anti-HBs capture of HBV related virions in serum followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Using these techniques, 0.8% and 1.7% of donors were positive for HBsAg and HBV DNA respectively in group I. In contrast, 0.9% and 9.5% in group II and 0.7% and 18.1% in group III were positive, respectively. There were eight donors with both ALT elevation and anti-HBc; and four (50%) of these were positive for HBV DNA. In the group with anti-HBc, the majority (80%) of donors with HBV DNA had either no or low (signal to noise ratio < 10) anti-HBs titer. Using anti-HCV testing and reverse transcription-PCR for detection of HCV genomes, we detected evidence of HCV infection in nine of the 49 donors with low level HBV DNA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Reduced densities of parvalbumin- and somatostatin-expressing interneurons in experimental cortical dysplasia and heterotopia in early postnatal development

Cortical dysplasia (CD) is strongly associated with intractable epilepsy, probably due to hyperexcitability of neuronal networks. However, the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. GABAergic interneurons provide major inhibitory function in the CNS and have different subtypes, but it is not clear how each subtype is affected in CD during early post-natal development. We have examined the developmental alterations of the densities of two major subtypes of interneurons, parvalbumin (PV)- and somatostatin (SS)-expressing interneurons in an animal model of CD, in utero irradiation, using immunocytochemistry. We found that the density of PV- and SS-positive interneurons increases significantly in CD and controls during the first three weeks of postnatal life. However, compared to controls, the densities of both subtypes are significantly decreased in CD and heterotopia at all age groups although the time of onset for both PV and SS expression remained unchanged. Our results indicate that the densities of both PV- and SS-positive interneurons are significantly decreased in CD and heterotopia, which may be one important mechanism leading to hyperexcitability of CD.
In vivo and in vitro rapid cold-hardening protects cells from cold-shock injury in the flesh fly

The capacity to undergo rapid the cold-hardening response (RCH) has been documented in diverse groups of insects and functions to protect against non-freezing cold injury and to preserve physiological performance in response to environmental cooling. The RCH response is remarkable for the rapidity of its induction; however the mechanism by which insects perceive cold and transduce this input at the cellular level has received little attention. To test the hypothesis that cells from isolated tissues can undergo RCH in response to cold, we assessed cell viability in four tissues that had undergone either RCH (0°C, 2 h followed by −8 °C, 2 h) or cold-shock (−8 °C, 2 h) both in vivo and in vitro from the adult flesh fly Sarcophaga crassipalpis (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) using fluorescent probes. Adult flies showed a significantly higher survival rate in the RCH group than in the cold-shocked group. Similarly, in all tissues tested, both in vivo and in vitro, RCH significantly improved cell survival compared with the respective cold-shocked groups. To our knowledge this is the first report to demonstrate that isolated cells and tissues from insects can undergo RCH. These results indicate that insect cells are capable of cold-sensing without neuroendocrine mediation; direct induction at the cellular level also helps to explain the swiftness of the RCH response.
Severe Methemoglobinemia Linked to Gel-Type Topical Benzocaine Use: A Case Report

Abstract Background: Methemoglobinemia is an uncommon cause of tissue hypoxia, but it can be life threatening if it is not identified and treated promptly. Objectives: To highlight the importance of understanding the potential risks of over-the-counter medications, especially in unsupervised use. Topical benzocaine must be used with caution, even in the healthy population. Case report: We report a case of methemoglobinemia secondary to topical benzocaine gel. A 6-year-old boy presented to our Pediatric Emergency Department with cyanosis, vomiting, and lethargy after using a gel-type, 7.5% benzocaine (Baby Orajel®) for a toothache. Physical examination revealed dusky blue skin, tachycardia, tachypnea, and a normal neurologic examination. His percutaneous oxygen saturation remained 77–83% despite the administration of 100% oxygen. His arterial blood sample had a dark chocolate color appearance, and methemoglobinemia was suspected. His methemoglobin level was 69.9%, which is considered a lethal level. After a single dose of methylene blue (1 mg/kg/dose), cyanosis was reduced and oxygenation improved. Conclusion: Over-the-counter topical benzocaine should be used with caution, and the presence of methemoglobinemia must be promptly identified and treated.
Results from experimental trials testing participant responses to White, Hispanic and Black suspects in high-fidelity deadly force judgment and decision-making simulations

Advance the methodological techniques used to examine the influence of suspect race and ethnicity on participant decisions to shoot in an experimental setting. After developing and testing a novel set of 60 realistic, high definition video deadly force scenarios based on 30 years of official data on officer-involved shootings in the United States, three separate experiments were conducted testing police (n = 36), civilian (n= 72) and military (n = 6) responses (n = 1,812) to the scenarios in high-fidelity computerized training simulators. Participants’ responses to White, Black and Hispanic suspects in potentially deadly situations were analyzed using a multi-level mixed methods strategy. Key response variables were reaction time to shoot and shooting errors. In all three experiments using a more externally valid research method than previous studies, we found that participants took longer to shoot Black suspects than White or Hispanic suspects. In addition, where errors were made, participants across experiments were more likely to shoot unarmed White suspects than unarmed Black or Hispanic suspects, and were more likely to fail to shoot armed Black suspects than armed White or Hispanic suspects. In sum, this research found that participants displayed significant bias favoring Black suspects in their decisions to shoot. The results of these three experiments challenge the results of less robust experimental designs and shed additional light on the broad issue of the role that status characteristics, such as race and ethnicity, play in the criminal justice system. Future research should explore the generalizability of these findings, determine whether bias favoring Black suspects is a consequence of administrative measures (e.g., education, training, policies, and laws), and identify the cognitive processes that underlie this phenomenon.
A longitudinal fMRI study of the paced auditory serial addition task

The paced auditory serial addition task (PASAT) is a test of working memory and attention that is frequently abnormal in MS and is used serially to assess cognitive dysfunction as part of the MS Functional Composite in clinical trials. Previous studies using functional MRI (fMRI) during PASAT performance have shown significant differences in activation patterns between healthy controls and MS patients matched for performance, but serial fMRI measures have not been reported. A confound is that learning effects are common with repeated PASAT testing, diminishing over successive trials. After measuring PASAT performance weekly for four weeks in 10 healthy controls to eliminate practice effects, we assessed brain activity using fMRI at baseline and after six months to determine the reproducibility of activation patterns in healthy controls during PASAT performance. Results showed that scores improved during the first three testing trials and stabilized subsequently. Brain activation during PASAT performance was seen in left frontal and parietal regions consistent with previous reports. After a six-month interval, PASAT performance and fMRI activity were stable, suggesting that serial fMRI during PASAT performance could be used as an outcome measure in trials assessing cognitive decline in clinical populations once practice effects are eliminated.
The Data Deluge -- How Software Engineering Can Help

The world is focused on data as never before. Everything we do, from our professional, academic and social lives, relies on being able to receive, process, analyze and display vast amounts of intricately connected information, represented in many different ways. We show how we can draw on the experience of existing systems that process data and come up with success factors that enable software engineers to make data widely and easily available in different forms at many levels.
Source-receiver reciprocity and empirical Green's functions from chemical blasts

We investigated source-receiver reciprocity in the context of empirical Green' s functions (EGF) for chemical blasts. Theoretically, reciprocity holds between a purely explosive source and the divergence of the displacement field (dilation). Using a pair of large, delay-sequence mining blasts in southern Indiana, we carried out a pilot experiment in the field. Preliminary results show that reliable EGF can be obtained using reciprocity below a frequency threshold of about 2 Hz, where fine details in the source function are not critical. These results have applications for the characterization of seismic sources and wave propagation at local and regional dis- tances using reciprocal geometries.
Understanding natural language commands for robotic navigation and mobile manipulation

This paper describes a new model for understanding natural language commands given to autonomous systems that perform navigation and mobile manipulation in semi-structured environments. Previous approaches have used models with fixed structure to infer the likelihood of a sequence of actions given the environment and the command. In contrast, our framework, called Generalized Grounding Graphs (G3), dynamically instantiates a probabilistic graphical model for a particular natural language command according to the command's hierarchical and compositional semantic structure. Our system performs inference in the model to successfully find and execute plans corresponding to natural language commands such as "Put the tire pallet on the truck." The model is trained using a corpus of commands collected using crowdsourcing. We pair each command with robot actions and use the corpus to learn the parameters of the model. We evaluate the robot's performance by inferring plans from natural language commands, executing each plan in a realistic robot simulator, and asking users to evaluate the system's performance. We demonstrate that our system can successfully follow many natural language commands from the corpus.
Integration of air separation unit with H2 separation membrane reactor in coal-based power plant

A novel process configuration consisting of integrating the air separation unit with a H2 separation membrane reactor (HSMR) in a coal gasification based coproduction facility with near zero emissions is described. The plant utilizes an air separation unit operating at elevated pressure to produce an Intermediate Pressure (IP) N2 stream in addition to the O2 required by the coal gasifier. The syngas produced by the gasifier after cleanup is supplied to the membrane reactor which produces H2 by shifting the carbon monoxide while simultaneously separating the fy. The IP N2 is used as sweep gas to assist in the separation of the H 2 diffusing across the membrane walls by decreasing the partial pressure of the H2 on the permeate side. The total pressure of gases on the permeate side may thus be increased such that the H2 / N 2 mixture may be fed directly to the gas turbines at the required pressure without requiring cooling and compression of the HT. An added advantage is that the total pressure differential across the membrane wall is reduced. The N2 in the fuel gas functions both as a thermal diluent for reducing the formation of nitrogen oxides and as additional motive fluid for expansion in the turbine. The carbon dioxide rich gas (non-permeate) leaving the membrane reactor after catalytic oxidation of the residual combustibles constitutes the carbon capture stream which may be further compressed and pipelined for CO2 sequestration. High purity H2 may be coproduced for export from a portion of the H2-N2 stream leaving the HSMR utilizing a Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) unit. The techno-economic advantages of such a coproduction facility are addressed. Copyright © 2006 by ASME.
A Borsuk–Ulam Equivalent that Directly Implies Sperner's Lemma

We show that Fan's 1952 lemma on labelled triangulations of the n-sphere with nC 1 labels is equivalent to the Borsuk-Ulam theorem. Moreover, unlike other Borsuk-Ulam equivalents, we show that this lemma directly implies Sperner's Lemma, so this proof may be regarded as a combinatorial version of the fact that the Borsuk-Ulam theorem implies the Brouwer fixed-point theorem, or that the Lusternik-Schnirelmann-Borsuk theorem implies the KKM lemma. 1. INTRODUCTION. The Brouwer fixed-point theorem, the Knaster-Kuratowski- Mazurkiewicz (KKM) lemma, and Sperner's lemma are known to be equivalent. Equally powerful, they form a triumvirate of theorems whose interconnections have been exploited with great success in fixed point algorithms (15, 17) as well as in game theory (1). Similarly, the Borsuk-Ulam theorem, the Lusternik-Schnirelmann-Borsuk (LSB) theorem, and Tucker's lemma are another triumvirate of equivalent results. In each of these triples, the first is a topological result, the second is a set-covering result, and the third is a combinatorial result. Moreover, these triples are related to each other. Since the Borsuk-Ulam theorem implies the Brouwer fixed-point theorem, any theorem in the second triple must im- ply any theorem in the first. It is an interesting question to find direct proofs of each implication. For instance, a topological construction shows how a Brouwer fixed point follows from Borsuk-Ulam antipodes (13), and with set-coverings, the LSB theorem can be used to directly prove the KKM lemma (11). But in the combinatorial domain, we are unaware of a direct proof that Tucker's lemma implies Sperner's lemma. In this article, we show that another combinatorial lemma, Fan's NC 1 Lemma, may be a more natural combinatorial analogue to the Borsuk-Ulam theorem, and therefore more worthy to sit in the Borsuk-Ulam triumvirate than Tucker's lemma. In particular, in Section 3 we show that Fan's NC 1 Lemma is equivalent to the Borsuk- Ulam theorem, and in Section 4 we exhibit a direct proof that it implies Sperner's lemma (see Figure 1).
Social contact and perceived loneliness in college students

Absolute level of social contact, perceived loneliness, and perceived number of problems were measured for 90 male and 38 female college students. It was expected that loneliness but not social con...
A consideration of substitutes for alum hematoxylin in routine histologic and cytologic diagnostic procedures.

Four dyes, gallein, gallocyanin, celestin blue B and anthracene blue SWR, were tested in metachrome combinations with aluminum, chromic, and ferric salts for their suitability to replace alum hematoxylin in routine diagnostic preparations. Of these, the iron alum lake of celestin blue B proved the most suitable, furnishing preparations not readily distinguished from usual hematoxylin and eosin stains. In the Papanicolaou method iron alum celestin blue gives a good 1–2-min. nuclear stain with very little effect on cytoplasmic coloration.
Nanomechanical Properties of Polyethylene Glycol Brushes on Gold Substrates

A necessary step in advancing the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) surface coatings in critical biotechnological applications such as cancer treatments is to provide direct and reliable nanoscale property characterization. Measurements for such characterization are currently provided by scanning probe methods, which are capable of assessing heterogeneity of both surface coverage and properties with nanoscale spatial resolution. In particular, atomic force microscopy (AFM) can be used to detect and quantify the heterogeneity of surface coverage, whereas atomic force spectroscopy can be used to determine mechanical properties, thereby revealing possible heterogeneity of properties within coatings. In this work, AFM and force spectroscopy were used to characterize the morphology and mechanical properties of thiol-functionalized PEG surface coatings on flat gold substrates in aqueous PEG solution. Thiol-functionalized PEG offers a direct and simple method of attachment to gold substrates without intermediate ...
Propagation of rabbit fibroma virus in the embryonated egg.

Summary1. The virus which is the causative agent of infectious fibroma, giving rise to tumor-like nodules in rabbits, was maintained by serial passage on the chorioallantoic membrane of the embryonated hen's egg for 18 consecutive passages.2. The titer of virus in infected chorioallantoic tissue was slightly lower than the titer in rabbit tissues. It was maintained by using eggs incubated for 11 days prior to inoculation and making passages at 3-day intervals.3. Invasion of the embryo and extra-embryonic fluids did not take place in eggs inoculated on the choriallantoic membrane. Inoculation of the virus into the allantoic sac, the amniotic sac, the yolk sac and the embryo itself yielded negative results.4. Although marked edema of the chorioallantoic membrane was noted in some of the infected, no pathognomonic lesion, gross or microscopic, was present, so that it was necessary in every instance to resort to back passage into rabbits to demonstrate the presence of virus.5. The type of lesion produced in r...