cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Periaqueductal tumor as a cause of late-onset aqueductal stenosis

Localized periaqueductal tumors usually present as hydrocephalus, which is then thought to be late-onset congenital aqueductal narrowing. In the past, radiological investigations, including positive contrast ventriculography, pneumoencephalography and even contrast CT scanning, have frequently failed to show tumors in this region in the early stages. However, recent experience using MRI on patients with unexplained late-onset aqueductal stenosis has in some instances shown the presence of a localized periaqueductal tumor as the cause of obstruction of the aqueduct. Four patients are described with hydrocephalus secondary to presumed late-onset congenital aqueductal stenosis, all of whom were shown to have a periaqueductal tumor. One patient had been investigated with a pneumoencephalogram and positive contrast ventriculogram and CT with an early-generation scanner, but the tumor was diagnosed only at the time of autopsy. In one patient, the tumor was diagnosed by CT and also confirmed with MRI; a histologic diagnosis has been obtained. In two other patients, CT with and without contrast enhancement was negative and in one of these, a positive contrast ventriculogram was also negative, but the tumor was easily identified on MRI scans. In both of these patients, a histologic diagnosis was obtained by stereotactic biopsy. Periaqueductal tumors must be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients who present with late onset aqueductal occlusion and in such patients, MRI would appear to be the investigation of choice.
MRNA detection in living cells: A next generation cancer stem cell identification technique

Cancer stem cells (CSC) are a distinct subpopulation within a tumor shown to drive tumor progression, metastasis, and recurrence. A review of the literature reveals poor consensus, with the use of a wide variety of surface markers and functional assays to identify and isolate cancer stem cells. Utilizing a novel technology that enables live-cell mRNA quantitation, we have demonstrated the ability to identify and sort viable CSC based on markers associated with stemness in pluripotent cells. Fresh tumor samples from a variety of cancer types were examined by flow cytometry for Nanog expression. Levels of CSC detected ranged from 6% to 19%. This method of CSC detection was cross-validated with other commonly used surface markers with good correlation. Matrigel invasion assays confirmed that CSC isolated using this method are both highly motile and invasive. This approach simplifies the process of identifying viable CSC from fresh tumor tissue, providing a level of accuracy not previously available. This method may also provide a valuable tool for screening and validating new CSC biomarkers.
Controlled/living radical polymerization. Atom transfer radical polymerization using multidentate amine ligands

Three multidentate amines, tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA), N,N,N‘,N‘,N‘‘-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) and 1,1,4,7,10,10-hexamethyltriethylenetetramine (HMTETA) have been successfully used as new ligands in the copper mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene, methyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate. All the polymerizations were well controlled with a linear increase of molecular weights (Mn) with conversion and relatively low polydispersities throughout the reactions. Compared to the 2,2‘-bipyridine (bipy) based ligands, most multidentate amines are less expensive and the polymerization mixtures are less colored. In particular, the use of the tridentate PMDETA and the tetradentate HMTETA as the ligands resulted in faster polymerization rates for styrene and methyl acrylate than those using bipy as the ligand. This may be in part attributed to the fact that the coordination complexes between copper and the simple amines have lower redox potentials than the copper−bipy co...
Dynamically biased low power high performance 3.3V output buffer in a single well bulk CMOS 1.8V oxide 45nm process

Integration of legacy interfaces demand need for 3.3V I/Os in modern day SOCs. Low cost solutions exists by build 3.3V I/Os using specially biased 1.8V transistors imposing a serious limitation of trade-off between power, performance and reliability. This paper presents an I/O built using a dynamically biased differential amplifier based pre-driver circuit, with which excellent performance has been achieved up to 200MHz along with up to 30X reduction in power without compromise to reliability.
Dynamic Tensile Loading Improves the Mechanical Properties of MSC-Laden Aligned Nanofibrous Scaffolds

Fibrocartilaginous tissues such as the meniscus and annulus fibrosus serve critical load-bearing roles, relying on arrays of highly organized collagen fibers to resist tensile loads experienced with normal physiologic activities [1]. As these specialized structures are often injured, there exists great demand for engineered tissues for repair or replacement. Towards recreating the structural and mechanical features of these anisotropic tissues in vitro, we fabricate scaffolds composed of co-aligned, ultra-fine biodegradable polymer fibers. These 3D micro-patterns direct mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) orientation and the subsequent formation of organized extracellular matrix (ECM) [2]. As this cell-produced matrix continually develops with time in culture, the mechanical properties of the construct gradually increase. In previous studies aimed at engineering human meniscus tissue, constructs achieved moduli of ∼40MPa after 10 weeks of culture, representing a two-fold increase in the starting properties of the scaffold [3]. Despite this demonstrable increase, this value remains well below that of the native tissue. As mechanical forces are essential to the maintenance of musculoskeletal tissues, this work examined the effect of cyclic tensile loading on MSC-laden nanofibrous constructs to enhance their in vitro maturation. We hypothesized that this loading modality would modulate the transcriptional behavior of seeded MSCs, spur the deposition of collagen-rich matrix, and lead to additional improvements in construct mechanical properties.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
A Flow Intensification Model for Granular Filter Applications

Abstract A flow intensification model was proposed for calculation of the initial collector efficiency of a granular filter. In this model, the flow acceleration within voids of granular media is taken into account with an intensification factor β . Simple physical argument gives an estimation of β , which should be close to 1/ e . Creeping flow is assumed and Happel model is used to represent the granular media. After obtaining the flow field, the initial collector efficiency η 0 is calculated from trajectory analysis and compared with experimental data. The reasonably good agreement between the theory and experiments suggests that the current model is physically plausible and potentially useful for granular filter performance prediction if further theoretical development is implemented.
Characterization of Interfacial Structure in PEFCs: Water Storage and Contact Resistance Model

In this work, an analytical model of the microporous layer MPL and the catalyst layer CL interface under compression is developed to investigate the effects of the MPL|CL interfacial morphology on the ohmic and mass transport losses at the MPL|CL interface in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell PEFC. The model utilizes experimentally measured surface profile data as input. Results indicate that the uncompressed surface morphology of mating materials, the elasticity of PEFC components, and the local compression pressure are the key parameters that influence the characteristics of the MPL and CL contact. The model predicts that a 50% drop in the MPL and CL surface roughness may result in nearly a 40% drop in the MPL|CL contact resistance. The model also shows that the void space along the MPL|CL interface can potentially store a significant amount of liquid water 0.9‐3.1 mg/cm 2 , which could result in performance loss and reduced durability. A 50% drop in the MPL and CL surface roughness is expected to yield nearly a 50% drop in the water storage capacity of the MPL|CL interface. The results of this work provide key insights that will enhance our understanding regarding the complex relation between MPL|CL interfacial structure and cell performance.
Statin Pleiotropy: Fact or Fiction?

Accumulating evidence from clinical trials and basic research indicates that statin therapy favorably influences a number of diverse clinical events through both effects related to lowering of LDL cholesterol levels and effects independent of the lowering of LDL cholesterol levels. The latter effects are referred to as pleiotropic. The full potential of this exciting class of drugs in vascular and nonvascular protection is only just being realized. The pleiotropic effects of the statins improve vascular relaxation, promote new vessel formation, and stabilize unstable plaques. Statins reduce glomerular injury, renal disease progression, insulin resistance, and bone resorption. Ezetimibe, a recently approved medication, enhances the lipid-lowering effects of the statins by lowering LDL and increasing HDL levels through its property of inhibiting absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine. These salutary effects of ezetimibe on statin levels presumably enhance the beneficial effects attributed to statin pleiotropy. It is noteworthy that the pleiotropic properties of the statins have been beneficial in a variety of diseases that involve a number of organs and organ systems. No other therapeutic agent can claim equally stellar results in such a wide variety of diseases. The common denominator in all of the diseases that have been shown to improve with statin pleiotropy could be arteriolar pathology due to hyperlipidemia, which improves in response to statins by a return of arteriolar function to normal rather than through statin pleiotropy. Recent reports indicate that higher doses of statins reverse atheromatous changes in the coronary artery when the LDL cholesterol level is lowered to well below 2.59 mmol/L (100 mg/dL). These results lend additional support to the probability that similar pathological changes that may be present in the small arteries and arterioles also can respond to adequate statin therapy. Statin pleiotropy: fact or fiction?
Normal-Strain Induced Change in Lattice-Type for Confined Cyclohexane Films

One to three layer cyclohexane films confined between mica-like surfaces are studied to elucidate changes in the films' lattice-type. The laterally confined film is in equilibrium with the bulk fluid that is well into the liquid regime of its phase diagram. Monte Carlo simulations are conducted at constant chemical potential, temperature, and V=Ah, where A is the lateral area and h is the separation between the walls. One and two layers of fluid freeze as h increases. The one layer fluid has a triangular lattice, while the two layer fluid exhibits first a square lattice and then a triangular lattice with increasing surface separation. In contrast to previous studies, solidlike order is induced primarily by the strong fluid-solid interaction and is largely a function of pore width. A shift in the relative alignment of the surfaces perturbs the solidlike fluid structure but does not cause the sudden shear melting transition associated with epitaxial alignment of the fluid atoms with the surface. There is a correlation between the shear stress calculated in the computer experiments and that measured in Surface Forces Apparatus experiments.
High-nickel insects and nickel hyperaccumulator plants: A review

Insects can vary greatly in whole-body elemental concentrations. Recent investigations of insects associated with Ni hyperaccumulator plants have identified insects with relatively elevated whole-body Ni levels. Evaluation of the limited data available indicates that a whole-body Ni concentration of 500 g Ni/g is exceptional: I propose that an insect species with a mean value of 500 g Ni/g or greater, in either larval/nymphal or adult stages, be considered a "high-Ni insect". Using the 500 g Ni/g criterion, 15 species of high-Ni insects have been identified to date from studies in Mpumalanga (South Africa), New Caledonia and California (USA). The highest mean Ni concentration reported is 3 500 g Ni/g for nymphs of a South African Stenoscepa species (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae). The majority of high-Ni insects (66%) are heteropteran herbivores. Studies of high-Ni insect host preference indicate they are monophagous (or nearly so) on a particular Ni hyperaccumulator plant species. Much of the Ni in bodies of these insects is in their guts (up to 66%-75%), but elevated levels have also been found in Malpighian tubules, suggesting efficient elimination as one strategy for dealing with a high-Ni diet. Tissue levels of Ni are generally much lower than gut concentrations, but up to 1 200 g Ni/g has been reported from exuviae, suggesting that molting may be another pathway of Ni elimination. One ecological function of the high Ni concentration of these insects may be to defend them against natural enemies, but to date only one experimental test has supported this "elemental defense" hypothesis. Community-level studies indicate that high-Ni insects mobilize Ni into food webs but that bioaccumulation of Ni does not occur at either plant-herbivore or herbivore- predator steps. Unsurprisingly, Ni bioaccumulation indices are greater for high-Ni insects compared to other insect species that feed on Ni hyperaccumulator plants. There is some evidence of Ni mobilization into food webs by insect visitors to flowers of Ni hyperaccumulator plants, but no high-Ni insect floral visitors have been reported.
Metal-Based Iodine Bearing Materials Prepared by Mechanical Milling

Recent research has demonstrated that ternary aluminum-boron-iodine (Al-B-I2) materials prepared by mechanical milling are effective in generating biocidal combustion products. Such reactive materials are of interest for the munitions aimed to defeat stockpiles of biological weapons. In this research, ternary Mg∙B∙I2 composites were synthesized using two-stage milling. The first stage consisted of a binary B∙I2 powder prepared by mechanical milling, followed by addition of magnesium for iodine stabilization. Specific compositions for each ternary material were varied. Stability of the samples was assessed by their heating in argon at a constant rate using Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and observing weight loss. Oxidation of the prepared powders was also studied by TGA. Ternary Mg∙B∙I2 composite powders prepared by two-stage milling were more stable than any of the previously prepared iodine-bearing materials with the same concentration of iodine (20 wt %). Particle size distributions were measured using low-angle laser light scattering. Powders were ignited using in an air-acetylene flame and in a constant volume explosion apparatus. Particle burn times and temperatures were measured optically. Substantially longer burn times and lower temperatures were observed for the prepared materials compared to the reference pure Mg powder.
Vibrotactile Feedback Improves Laparoscopic Palpation Skills

Sensory augmentation using vibrotactile stimulation has been shown to compensate for distorted haptic feedback in tissue compliance differentiation tasks in laparoscopic surgery. This study investigated its usefulness for tumor palpation. A controlled experiment was conducted using a wearable vibrotactile device that responded with various levels of vibration signal parameters (i.e., amplitude, frequency and duty-cycle) as a function of applied force during a palpation task. Results showed that subjects were able to perform more accurately and more confidently, applying lower peak forces and smaller force ranges to make a judgment regarding the presence of an embedded structure, with vibrotactile augmentation than without. In addition, as more parameters of the vibration signal were modulated (up to three), the vibrotactile augmentation tended to be more effective, possibly due to the greater information content in the multi-parameter signal. This suggests that palpation can be improved by implementing a ...
Strong association of MRI meniscal derangement and bone marrow lesions in knee osteoarthritis: data from the osteoarthritis initiative

Summary Introduction: Meniscal damage is common in knee Osteoarthritis (OA) and predictive of structural progression, suggesting that their disruption plays a role in the development of OA. The bone marrow lesion (BML) is associated with pain and is a strong risk factor for structural pro- gression. These lesions are associated with abnormal loading in a knee joint. Therefore, our hypothesis was that in those with symptomatic knee OA, large BMLs would be associated with ipsi-compartmental meniscal derangement. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of a subsample of the Osteoarthritis Initiative where one set of magnetic resonance (MR) images from each participant was scored for tibiofemoral BMLs and meniscal derangement. We performed chi-squared tests comparing the preva- lence of large BMLs in those with ipsi-compartmental meniscal derangement and those without. Results: 160 Participants had a mean age of 61 (� 9.9), mean BMI of 30.3 (� 4.7) and 50% were female. 79% of medial and 39% of lateral menisci showed MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) derangement. In those with medial meniscal MRI derangement, 44% had large medial BMLs while in those without medial meniscal derangement, 0% had large BMLs. Similar results were seen in the lateral compartment.
The isothiocyanate class of bioactive nutrients covalently inhibit the MEKK1 protein kinase.

Dietary isothiocyanates (ITCs) are electrophilic compounds that have diverse biological activities including induction of apoptosis and effects on cell cycle. They protect against experimental carcinogenesis in animals, an activity believed to result from the transcriptional induction of "Phase 2" enzymes. The molecular mechanism of action of ITCs is unknown. Since ITCs are electrophiles capable of reacting with sulfhydryl groups on amino acids, we hypothesized that ITCs induce their biological effects through covalent modification of proteins, leading to changes in cell regulatory events. We previously demonstrated that stress-signaling kinase pathways are inhibited by other electrophilic compounds such as menadione. We therefore tested the effects of nutritional ITCs on MEKK1, an upstream regulator of the SAPK/JNK signal transduction pathway. The activity of MEKK1 expressed in cells was monitored using in vitro kinase assays to measure changes in catalytic activity. The activity of endogenous MEKK1, immunopurified from ITC treated and untreated LnCAP cells was also measured by in vitro kinase assay. A novel labeling and affinity reagent for detection of protein modification by ITCs was synthesized and used in competition assays to monitor direct modification of MEKK1 by ITC. Finally, immunoblots with phospho-specific antibodies were used to measure the activity of MAPK protein kinases. ITCs inhibited the MEKK1 protein kinase in a manner dependent on a specific cysteine residue in the ATP binding pocket. Inhibition of MEKK1 catalytic activity was due to direct, covalent and irreversible modification of the MEKK1 protein itself. In addition, ITCs inhibited the catalytic activity of endogenous MEKK1. This correlated with inhibition of the downstream target of MEKK1 activity, i.e. the SAPK/JNK kinase. This inhibition was specific to SAPK, as parallel MAPK pathways were unaffected. These results demonstrate that MEKK1 is directly modified and inhibited by ITCs, and that this correlates with inhibition of downstream activation of SAPK. These results support the conclusion that ITCs may carry out many of their actions by directly targeting important cell regulatory proteins.
Toscana virus NSs protein promotes degradation of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase.

ABSTRACT Toscana virus (TOSV), which is transmitted by Phlebotomus spp. sandflies, is a major etiologic agent of aseptic meningitis and encephalitis in the Mediterranean. Like other members of the genus Phlebovirus of the family Bunyaviridae, TOSV encodes a nonstructural protein (NSs) in its small RNA segment. Although the NSs of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) has been identified as an important virulence factor, which suppresses host general transcription, inhibits transcription from the beta interferon promoter, and promotes the proteasomal degradation of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR), little is known about the functions of NSs proteins encoded by less-pathogenic members of this genus. In this study we report that TOSV is able to downregulate PKR with similar efficiency as RVFV, while infection with the other phleboviruses—i.e., Punta Toro virus, sandfly fever Sicilian virus, or Frijoles virus—has no effect on cellular PKR levels. In contrast to RVFV, however, cellular transcription remains unaffected during TOSV infection. TOSV NSs protein promotes the proteasome-dependent downregulation of PKR and is able to interact with kinase-inactive PKR in infected cells.
BLUE FLASHERS: ATTRACTING FEMALES AND DETERRING PREDATORS

![Figure][1] Similar modes of communication can be applied to confer very different messages based on specific ecological contexts. And depending on the message – either ‘stay away’ or ‘come hither’ – the effectiveness of the communication signals can be crucial for survival and/
Emergency department diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.

Study objectives: To asses the accuracy of the history and physical examination as compared to the addition of serum progesterone screening for ectopic pregnancy in women presenting to the emergency department. Design: Prospective, consecutive case series, N=2,157. Setting: ED of the Regional Medical Center at Memphis, a publicly subsidized, 450-bed acute care hospital staffed by residents and faculty of the University of Tennessee, Memphis. Type of participants: All ED patients with a positive urine pregnancy test treated between January 1 and December 31, 1988. Interventions: Screening history, physical examination, and serum progesterone (P) and quantitative human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) liter. Measurements: All discharged patients were given follow-up appointments within two weeks; those found to have a P Main results: One hundred sixty-one of 2,157 patients (7.5%) with a positive urine pregnancy test mere found to have an ectopic pregnancy. All but five had a P of Conclusion: The standard history and physical examination, including those performed by gynecologic specialists, are insufficiently sensitive for early detection of unruptured ectopic pregnancy. EDs with a high incidence of ectopic pregnancy should strongly consider implementation of a universal progesterone screening program to decrease unnecessary patient morbidity and the risk of mortality from undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy.
Novel active FET circular patch antenna arrays for quasi-optical power combining

This paper discusses two-dimensional planar arrays of weakly coupled active circular patch antennas suitable for quasi-optical power combiners. A novel radiating element that has low cross-polarization is described. A two-dimensional array analysis was developed to address radiation pattern and phase problems. Equivalent isotropic radiated power levels of 1.5 W for a two by two FET array and 3.8 W for a two by four FET array have been obtained at X-band. >
Harvesting vibration energy using nonlinear oscillations of an electromagnetic inductor

Harvesting energy from ambient vibration is a promising method for providing a continuous source of power for wireless sensor nodes. However, traditional energy harvesters are often derived from resonant linear oscillators which are capable of providing sufficient output power only if the dominant frequency of input vibrations closely matches the device resonant frequency. The limited scope of such devices has sparked an interest in the use of nonlinear oscillators as mechanisms for broadband energy harvesting. In this study, we investigate the harvesting performance of an electromagnetic harvester sustaining oscillations through the phenomena of magnetic levitation. The nonlinear behavior of the device is effectively modeled by Duffing's equation, and direct numerical integration confirms the broadband frequency response of the nonlinear harvester. The nonlinear harvester's power generation capabilities are directly compared to a linear electromagnetic harvester with similar dynamic parameters. Experimental testing shows that the presence of both high and low amplitude solutions for the nonlinear energy harvester results in a tendency for the oscillator to remain in a low energy state for non-harmonic vibration inputs, unless continuous energy impulses are provided. We conclude by considering future applications and improvements for such nonlinear devices.
Predictive dynamic model of single‐stage ultra‐rapid pressure swing adsorption

A dynamic model is developed based on the preliminary set of assumptions to determine the viability of a pulsed Ultra-Rapid Pressure Swing Adsorption (URPSA) air-separation process using a 5A zeolite monolith adsorbent. The new model was shown to predict the performance of the Rapid PSA process investigated experimentally in 1986 by Pritchard and Simpson. The model predicts that single-stage URPSA is capable of producing oxygen purities of 85%, product recoveries of around 60%, and a bed-size factor of around 0.00073. A very small bed-size factor and large product recoveries are characteristic of this novel process, which implies improved efficiency of separation per unit mass of adsorbent material. The model developed here provides the first assessment of the viability of ultra-rapid cycles and thin monolithic adsorbents for air separation by PSA. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 50: 953–962, 2004
Interactions of tervalent lanthanide ions with bacterial collagenase (clostridiopeptidase A)

Tervalent cations of the lanthanide (rare-earth) elements reversibly inhibit bacterial collagenase (clostridiopeptidase A; EC 3.4.24.3). Sm3+, whose ionic radius is closest to that of Ca2+, is the most effective inhibitor, completely suppressing clostridiopeptidase activity at a concentration of 100μm in the presence of 5mm-Ca2+. Er3+ and Lu3+, which both have ionic radii smaller than either Ca2+ or Sm3+, inhibit less efficiently, and La3+, which is slightly larger than Ca2+ or Sm3+, inhibits only weakly. These findings indicate a closely fitting, stereospecific, Ca2+-binding pocket in clostridiopeptidase, which excludes ions that are only slightly larger than Ca2+ [ionic radius 0.099nm (0.99 Ȧ)]. By contrast, trypsin, an enzyme whose activity does not depend on Ca2+, requires lanthanide concentrations 50–100-fold greater for inhibition. Furthermore, the relative efficiency of inhibition of trypsin by lanthanides increases as the lanthanide ions become smaller and the charge/volume ratio increases. At a concentration of 50μm, Sm3+ lowers the apparent Km for the hydrolysis of Pz-peptide by clostridiopeptidase from 5.4mm to 0.37mm and the apparent Vmax. from 0.29 Wunsch–Heidrich unit to 0.018 unit. Thus Sm3+ enhances the affinity of this enzyme for its substrate; inhibition of hydrolysis of Pz-peptide may result from the excessive stability of the enzyme–Sm3+–substrate complex. Inhibition by Sm3+ is competitive with regard to Ca2+. The apparent dissociation constant, Kd, of Ca2+ is 0.27mm, where the Ki for Sm3+ is 12μm. Clostridiopeptidase is more thermolabile in the absence of Ca2+. With Sm3+, thermoinactivation of the enzyme at 53°C or 60°C is initially accelerated, but then becomes retarded as heating continues. Lanthanide ions bind to gelatin and collagen. In so doing, they appear to protect these substrates from lysis by clostridiopeptidase through mechanisms additional to supplanting Ca2+ at its binding site on the enzyme. Collagen and gelatin sequester sufficient lanthanide ions to gain partial protection from clostridiopeptidase in the absence of an extraneous source of these inhibitors.
ST segment elevation and other ECG findings in myocardial infarction

The ST segment is isoelectric under normal conditions, since after ventricular depolarization the ventricular myocytes are at the plateau phase (phase 2). During this period the ventricular cells have similar voltages, so that no voltage gradient exists. In certain pathophysiologic conditions the ST segment can change from baseline. The most important cause for changes in the ST segment is myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarction. Evaluation for the presence of myocardial ischemia or myocardial infarction is one of the most important uses of the ECG.
Induction of interleukin-6 by coal containing bioavailable iron is through both hydroxyl radical and ferryl species.

Coal mining causes health problems, such as pneumoconiosis. We have previously shown that prevalence of pneumoconiosis in workers from various coalmine regions positively correlates with levels of bioavailable iron (BAI) in the coals from that region. In the present study, the nature of reactive oxygen species formed by BAI in the coals and its mechanisms of the induction of biological responses were investigated. Human lung epithelial cell line, A549 cells, were used to examine the induction of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, which is known to play a crucial role in the development of pneumoconiosis. We found that levels of IL-6 protein as well as its mRNA were significantly increased in the cells treated for 24 h with 20 μg/cm2 of the BAI-containing Pennsylvania (PA) coal; for example we observed 6.7-fold increase in IL-6 protein. Levels of IL-6 protein in cells treated with the Utah (UT) coal containing low-BAI were only 1.9-fold of the control levels. The enhancing effect on the IL-6 by the PA coal was similar to that caused by hydrogen peroxide. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) all had inhibitory effects on the PA coal-induced IL-6 formation. However, CAT had the least protective effect as compared to SOD and NAC. Our results indicate that BAI in the PA coal may induce IL-6 through both ferryl species (via iron autoxidation) and hydroxyl radicals (via the Fenton/Haber Weiss reactions).
Individual β Cells within the Intact Islet Differentially Respond to Glucose

Insulin production by the pancreatic islet is tightly coupled to the concentration of blood glucose. The mechanism by which glucose controls proinsulin biosynthesis in β cells is poorly understood. Analysis of insulin gene expression in individual cells within whole, living islets using adenovirus gene transfer and direct observation of insulin promoter-directed green fluorescent protein activity indicates that β cells are functionally heterogeneous. An increase in glucose concentration not only stimulates expression within individual β cells, but unexpectedly acts to increase the total number of positive cells. The net islet response to a given glucose stimulus reflects an integrated action of β cells with individually differing behaviors. This additional level of functional complexity may provide new insights into the pathophysiology and treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Heat transfer characteristics of porous rocks: II. Thermal conductivities of unconsolidated particles with flowing fluids

Experimental heat transfer studies were carried out in beds of unconsolidated glass beads and sand through which fluids were flowing. The scope of the measurements included four fluids, helium, air, carbon dioxide, and water liquid at atmospheric pressure in beds packed with four sizes of glass beads, 110, 370, 570, and 1,020 μ and with two sizes of sand, 110 and 240 μ. Flow rates ranged form 1 to 26 lb./(hr. sq.ft.) in a direction parallel and countercurrent to energy flow. The data were interpreted in terms of apparent, effective thermal conductivities of the bed. The values of ke increase significantly with mass velocity of fluid. By considering the mechanism of heat transfer in porous media a relationship was developed between ke and the heat transfer coefficient between fluid and particle. Treatment of the experimental data in this fashion, combined with available information for larger particles, results in a correlation of Nusselt and Reynolds numbers for air that covers the range N = 10−1 to 104.
Origin of the fittest: link between emergent variation and evolutionary change as a critical question in evolutionary biology

In complex organisms, neutral evolution of genomic architecture, associated compensatory interactions in protein networks and emergent developmental processes can delineate the directions of evolutionary change, including the opportunity for natural selection. These effects are reflected in the evolution of developmental programmes that link genomic architecture with a corresponding functioning phenotype. Two recent findings call for closer examination of the rules by which these links are constructed. First is the realization that high dimensionality of genotypes and emergent properties of autonomous developmental processes (such as capacity for self-organization) result in the vast areas of fitness neutrality at both the phenotypic and genetic levels. Second is the ubiquity of context- and taxa-specific regulation of deeply conserved gene networks, such that exceptional phenotypic diversification coexists with remarkably conserved generative processes. Establishing the causal reciprocal links between ongoing neutral expansion of genomic architecture, emergent features of organisms' functionality, and often precisely adaptive phenotypic diversification therefore becomes an important goal of evolutionary biology and is the latest reincarnation of the search for a framework that links development, functioning and evolution of phenotypes. Here I examine, in the light of recent empirical advances, two evolutionary concepts that are central to this framework—natural selection and inheritance—the general rules by which they become associated with emergent developmental and homeostatic processes and the role that they play in descent with modification.
Imaging of the aorta

The aorta is an integral part of the cardiovascular system and should not be considered as just a conduit for blood supply from the heart to the limbs and major organs. A range of important pathologies affect the aorta and are responsible for a high level of morbidity and mortality in affected patients. Many of these conditions are seen in the adult congenital population, especially as advances in diagnosis and treatment mean these patients are surviving well into adulthood. As we gain a greater understanding of these disorders, especially the underlying genetics and pathophysiology, it becomes clear that the aorta is a highly complex part of the vascular tree. As such, the aorta requires increasingly sophisticated imaging techniques for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of these patients. The advantages and disadvantages of the various imaging techniques available to clinicians will be discussed in the context of both acute and chronic aortic pathology.
Embracing New Members? Public Opinion on Immigration Among Whites and Minorities

Now that immigration reform is at the top of the Obama agenda and likely to be a key topic of debate in the next presidential election, we must evaluate how mass opinion on the issue will respond to proposed solutions and other related concerns. More importantly, we must recognize that the electorate is more racially diverse than ever before, which will change how we understand the attitudes of the 'average' American voter. This paper examines the contours of public opinion on immigration and naturalization policy and how attitudes may vary across racial group. We treat attitudes on immigration as a multidimensional construct rather than a simple dichotomous variable of 'restrictive' versus 'open' and so identify the distinctive dimensions on immigration opinion which reflect distinctive expressions of citizenship and inclusion. We show that marginal distributions of these measures indeed varies systematically across racial and ethnic groups. We gain further leverage by examining measures on immigration opinion used in multiple surveys: a 2006 nationally representative survey with large minority oversamples collected by the authors, the General Social Survey, and a 2006 Pew study. Findings from this paper offer some empirical grounds for understanding how racial attitudes function in this new era of racial diversity.
Maximizing capacity subject to a spectral mask: Faster than Nyquist or OFDM?

We consider maximizing achievable information rate subject to a transmission mask constraint on power spectral density, with specific attention to two primary transmission strategies: faster than Nyquist (FTN) transmission and OFDM. OFDM is a mature PHY-layer technology, but there has been significant recent interest in faster than Nyquist transmission (see [1]), a single carrier approach that admits significant ISI rather than avoiding it, and for which attainment of the mask-constrained capacity is achievable, given sufficient receiver complexity and alphabet size at the transmitter. While FTN is theoretically interesting it's our view that traditional OFDM, with aggressive design, can more easily attain the capacity implied by the mask.
Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy for Evaluation of Breast Cancer in Human Breast Tissue

Abstract: Confocal fluorescence microscopy can be used to rapidly acquire high resolution images of normal, benign, and neoplastic breast cellular features in ex vivo human breast tissue.
Formularies, costs, and quality of care: Limiting formularies is not harmful to patients.

Drug formularies have existed since the 1940s. The formulary in any health system is not a static list of drugs; it is not a “light switch” or a “yes” and “no” system. The formulary is part of a system for quality drug therapy within that system. The formulary in hospitals and large systems is established by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee (or similar body) by a medical staff committee establishing policies for the effective, safe, and cost-effective use of drugs. Overall, a formulary should meet the needs of individual patients based on the best available evidence. The formulary is part of quality improvement and education programs within a health system.
Lab Automation Insights in Sample Preparation for LC/MS Analysis

Copyright: © 2014 Rogatsky E. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. This week in San Diego, USA the Society for Lab Automation and Screening (SLAS) annual meeting and expo is taking place. This conference features 132 word class podium presentations and 400 poster presentations attracting experts from industry and academia, students, engineers and business leaders from around the World. This is only the third annual meeting, representing a relatively young and rapidly growing and developing field of automation for different laboratory workflows and processes, which is steadily replacing semi-automatic or manual methods. Initially, the complete automation of manufacturing processes was achieved in industry for various production lines. Next, automation has brought benefits to sterile environments, e.g. vaccine production and blood banks in order to minimize employee exposure to biological hazards, minimizing human error, and ensuring product purity and integrity. The next breakthrough of automation was in routine laboratory operations, such as immunoassays, crystallography, DNA screening/sequencing, cell culture and stem cells assays. Automation of immunoassays has allowed multiplexing (multiple parallel assays) using single source serum samples significantly speeding up analysis while enhancing sample integrity by eliminating multiple freeze thaw cycles, and/or reducing sample requirements by reformatting from a single source sample. ELISA and other plate based immunoassay are the most frequently used assays in clinical diagnostics. They allow fast, relatively specific and sensitive assays of many analytes or metabolites. A workflow bottleneck for immunoassays is a typical incubation time of several hours, that makes the processing throughput of manual processing relatively slow only a few plates per day per lab technician. Automation of plate based assays, which has matured over the past few years has increased the productivity of clinical laboratories, decreased operational costs, minimized (human) errors, while enhancing workplace safety for laboratory personnel.
Law Reform by Courts, Legislatures, and Commissions Following Empirical Research on Jury Instructions

Empirical research demonstrates that jurors have difficulty understanding and following traditional instructions about the law. The social science literature recommends several procedural reforms, including giving important instructions at the start of the trial and providing jurors with written instructions. This article examines changes in the law following the p!ublication of this social science research, omrparing courts, legislatures and rule-making ornommisions. Analysis reveals that although all three institutions are dominated by lawyers, they have acted differently. Commisrsions have made substantial changes in the law consistent with the recommendations of social scientists, legislatures have made few changes, and courts have changed case law in the opposite direction, suggesting support for a theory of institutional context.
Determination of gel fraction of NEPE propellant

The gel fraction of NEPE propellant was determined using the process of solvent extractionA sample which is cut into pieces was dipped in 50∶50 (v/v) acetonitrile/dimethyl sulfoxde for more than 12h, then the sample was extracted with 88∶12(v/v) acetone/methyl alcohol for 4～5h in Soxhlet's extractorThe gel fraction was calculated on the basis of mass of the insolubles, mass of Al power and total mass of binder systemThe standard deviation of the method is not more than 0.45%
Looking at polytene chromosomes.

Publisher Summary One goal of genome projects is construction of contig maps that allows any DNA or RNA sequence from an organism to be mapped directly to a specific site on its genome. For Drosophila , contig maps come ready-made in the form of polytene chromosomes. The resolution of mapping on Drosophila polytene chromosomes is comparable to the resolution of mapping on an arrayed DNA clone library. On the polytene chromosome, the resolution depends on the morphology of the regions of interest. This chapter focuses on methods and problems associated with the use of polytene chromosomes. The most useful polytene chromosomes are found in the salivary gland of the late third instar larvae. The number of chromatids in a polytene nucleus is affected by the growth conditions of the larvae. It is also affected by the genotype of Drosophila melanogaster and genetics can sometimes be used to advantage for studying the chromosomes. Polytene chromosomes are larger than metaphase chromosomes both because of the multiple chromatids and because of lower compaction. In region 87E1-2, the packing ratio is 180, whereas in region 87D5-10 the ratio is 23. The variations in packing reflect the chromatid structure of a given region and because of the precise alignment of chromatids, the packing differences form bands and interbands that extend across the width of the chromosomes.
Balancing benefits and risks of melanoma treatment: what do we tell our patients?

All of us treating patients with melanoma must educate our patients about the importance of participating in clinical trials with these new agents so that we can systematically validate the benefits and risks of these agents in prospectively defined patient settings.
Diffuse papillomatosis of rat urinary bladder occurring in association with vesical calculi.

Abstract Repeated intravesical administrations of 0.9 per cent NaCl solution with or without bladder carcinogen N-butyl-N-(3-carboxypropyl)nitrosamine resulted in a high incidence of calculus formation in the urinary bladder. In all such cases, diffuse papillomatosis of the bladder urothelium was observed. “Invasion” of the tunica muscularis and the tunica adventitia by tumor was demonstrated as early as week 9 of the experiment. Morphologically, the lesions could not be distinguished from the bladder tumors induced by an orally administered carcinogen. Evidence was presented to conclude that they represent neoplasms of low malignant potential. The results indicate that bladder tumors may develop in the absence of known exposure to carcinogen provided the urothelium is chronically stimulated. Tumors solely attributable to N-butyl-N-(3-carboxypropyl)nitrosamine treatment did not occur.
Viral and mycoplasmal pneumonias: reviewing current concepts

The pathogenesis of viral and mycoplasmal infections is probably similar, but pathologic findings vary, depending on the etiologic agent. In the absence of inclusion bodies in epithelial cells, definitive diagnosis of viral pneumonia depends on isolation of the virus. Viral pneumonias are more insidious in onset than bacterial types. In the early stages, physical findings may be minimal. Complications include those associated with viremia or bacterial superinfection. Culture of a throat swab is suitable for isolation of almost all respiratory viruses except respiratory syncytial virus, which requires special techniques. Antibody studies are also of great value. The major effort in controlling viral illness has been prevention of infection by vaccination. Treatment at present is symptomatic.
Lysine demethylase KDM3A regulates breast cancer cell invasion and apoptosis by targeting histone and the non-histone protein p53

Invasive growth and apoptosis resistance of breast cancer cells are associated with metastasis and disease relapse. Here we identified that the lysine-specific demethylase KDM3A played a dual role in breast cancer cell invasion and apoptosis by demethylating histone and the non-histone protein p53, respectively. While inducing pro-invasive genes by erasing repressive histone H3 lysine 9 methylation, KDM3A promotes chemoresistance by demethylating p53. KDM3A suppressed pro-apoptotic functions of p53 by erasing p53-K372me1, as this methylation is crucial for the stability of chromatin-bound p53. Unexpectedly, depletion of KDM3A was capable of reactivating mutated p53 to induce the expression of pro-apoptotic genes in breast cancer with mutant p53. Moreover, KDM3A knockdown also potently inhibited tumorigenic potentials of breast cancer stem-like cells and rendered them sensitive to apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutic drugs. Taken together, our results suggest that KDM3A might be a potential therapeutic target for human breast cancer treatment and prevention.
The mechanism of the development of anemia in untreated chronic lymphatic leukemia.

The following conclusions can be made concerning the cause of anemia in patients with untreated chronic lymphatic leukemia excluding the rare case with an autoimmune hemolytic anemia: 1. Early in the natural history of the disease there is a normal amount of erythroblastic tissue which produces red cells at a normal rate. The rate of red cell destruction is also normal. 2. With progression of the disease the erythroblastic tissue is gradually replaced by lymphatic tissue, leading to a decrease in red cell production. The rate of red cell destruction is still normal. 3. Only late in the disease may decreased rate of red cell production be aggravated by an increased rate of red cell destruction.