cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Primary and secondary affective disorder. 1. Past social history and current episodes in 92 depressed inpatients

Abstract Patients with a clinically significant depressive syndrome are divided into those with another preexisting psychiatric illness (secondary affective disorder) and those whose depression antedates any other diagnosable psychiatric illness (primary affective disorder). Ninety-two randomly selected patients with primary and secondary affective disorder were followed throughout their hospitalization. The current paper reports differences between the two groups in the following areas: past social history; recent psychiatric history including suicidal behavior, type of onset of symptoms and reason for admission; drinking patterns; and certain areas of current symptomatology. Patients with secondary affective disorders have been shown to have a greater disturbance in practically every area.
Hierarchical controllers and diagnostic units for semi-autonomous teleoperation of a fluid handling laboratory

A discussion is presented of the utilization of hierarchical diagnosers for hierarchical event-based control systems for robot-controlled experiments aboard the forthcoming space station Freedom. The analysis was performed using discrete-event simulation. The hierarchical discrete-event model was implemented in DEVS/Scheme. The concepts are exemplified by the analysis of a general-purpose fluid-handling facility, which has been proposed for inclusion as one component, in the life science module. The proposed methodology will provide the laboratory robot with sufficient intelligence so that it can perform most of the needed tasks in a semiautonomous mode. Experiments can be remotely guided by the scientific investigator from the ground, thus minimizing the need for crew interaction. >
Parvovirus-mediated antineoplastic activity exploits genome instability

The generation and accumulation of genetic mutations have been associated with carcinogenesis. Epidemiological and experimental evidence implicate parvoviruses in growth inhibition (oncosuppression) and selective destruction (oncolysis) of tumor cells. It is proposed here that parvoviruses can preferentially target genetically unstable tumor cells, which are deficient in DNA repair mechanisms. This selective strategy may serve as a virus-based therapeutic approach against cancer.
Fuel breaks affect nonnative species abundance in Californian plant communities

We evaluated the abundance of nonnative plants on fuel breaks and in adjacent untreated areas to determine if fuel treatments promote the invasion of nonnative plant species. Understanding the relationship between fuel treatments and nonnative plants is becoming increasingly important as federal and state agencies are currently implementing large fuel treatment programs throughout the United States to reduce the threat of wildland fire. Our study included 24 fuel breaks located across the State of California. We found that nonnative plant abundance was over 200% higher on fuel breaks than in adjacent wildland areas. Relative nonnative cover was greater on fuel breaks constructed by bulldozers (28%) than on fuel breaks constructed by other methods (7%). Canopy cover, litter cover, and duff depth also were significantly lower on fuel breaks constructed by bulldozers, and these fuel breaks had significantly more exposed bare ground than other types of fuel breaks. There was a significant decline in relative nonnative cover with increasing distance from the fuel break, particularly in areas that had experienced more numerous fires during the past 50 years, and in areas that had been grazed. These data suggest that fuel breaks could provide establishment sites for nonnative plants, and that nonnatives may invade surrounding areas, especially after disturbances such as fire or grazing. Fuel break construction and maintenance methods that leave some overstory canopy and minimize exposure of bare ground may be less likely to promote nonnative plants.
Loss of Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase I in Small- Intestinal Adenocarcinoma

Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I (CPS1), normally found in hepatocytes and small-intestine (SI) enterocytes, is the antigen of Hep Par 1 antibody. Expression of CPS1 in invasive SI adenocarcinoma seems to be lost. We retrospectively collected 36 total specimens, which included 31 SI adenomas and 21 adenocarcinomas. We used 34 cases of duodenitis as a control group. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses were performed to determine CPS1 expression. The normal SI mucosa, all 34 cases of duodenitis, and all 29 adenomas with low-grade dysplasia demonstrated diffuse Hep Par 1 expression. Of the 21 invasive adenocarcinomas, 15 lost antigen expression (71%). These data are statistically significant (P < .05). Western blot analysis confirmed the immunohistochemical findings, with strong CPS1 expression within the normal mucosa and adenoma and complete loss in the invasive tumor. The differential expression of Hep Par 1 in dysplastic vs malignant tumors of the SI may be diagnostically useful in difficult cases.
On the path to efficient XML queries

XQuery and SQL/XML are powerful new languages for querying XML data. However, they contain a number of stumbling blocks that users need to be aware of to get the expected results and performance. For example, certain language features make it hard if not impossible to exploit XML indexes.The major database vendors provide XQuery and SQL/XML support in their current or upcoming product releases. In this paper, we identify common pitfalls gleaned from the experiences of early adopters of this functionality. We illustrate these pitfalls through concrete examples, explain the unexpected query behavior, and show alternative formulations of the queries that behave and perform as anticipated. As results we provide guidelines for XQuery and SQL/XML users, feedback on the language standards, and food for thought for emerging languages and APIs.
D.C. leakage currents in ferroelectric memories

Abstract Experimental data on d.c. leakage currents in lead zirconate titanate thin films (210 nm) are presented. The data show a flat, ohmic response up to a thresh-hold of approximately 2.0 V, above which they satisfy a modified Childl's Law, with a perfectly quadratic dependence: I = aV2. This suggests that at 5 V operation the film behaves as a fully depleted device. The difficulty in distinguishing between Frenkel-Poole, Schottky emission, and true space-charge limited currents is briefly discussed.
Photorefraction Screening in Premature Infants

Background: Photorefraction is a screening technique capable of detecting potentially amblyogenic ophthalmic abnormalities. This screening technique was included as part of a longitudinal outpatient follow-up program of premature infants. The purpose of this investigation is to test the applicability of this screening method in a population of infants at risk for visual compromise. Methods: One-hundred eighty-two premature infants older than 3 months chronologic age were screened using a commercially available, off-axis photorefraction device. Ophthalmic examinations were performed concomitant with each photorefraction. In most cases, photorefractions were performed before and after administration of cycloplegic medications. All photorefractions were analyzed by an observer masked to the results of the ophthalmic examination. Results: For the 182 patients, the mean birth weight and mean gestational age were 1034.5 g and 28.2 weeks, respectively. The prevalence of ophthalmic abnormalities in the study population was 18%. Sensitivity and specificity rates for the overall screening were 77% and 90%, respectively. Photorefractions were analyzable in 77% of patients studied, with the remaining 23% of our study population unsuccessfully screened. Very young infants (younger than 3 months corrected age) were particularly difficult to photograph, as evidenced by the preponderance of these patients (85%) in the nonanalyzable group. The readability of photorefractions in black infants was improved when cycloplegia was used for the photorefraction. Conclusions: Photorefraction screening was an acceptable method of screening for ophthalmic abnormalities in a group of premature infants. Future studies of photorefraction screening techniques in premature infants will need to improve the success rate in young infants, perhaps by improving the fixation device.
Human occupation of the continental shelf during the late pleistocene/early Holocene: Methods for site location

Archaeological sites containing significant information not available from terrestrial sites occur along former land surfaces now submerged and buried on the continental shelf. Although sites may occur anywhere along these former land surfaces, factors essential to man's survival, such as fresh water and food resources, make site locations somewhat predictable. Landforms such as rivers, lakes, and bays represent locations where one or more of the basic subsistence factors are provided. These relict landforms on the continental shelf can be detected easily using high-resolution seismic profilers. Physical sampling of landforms targeted as potential site areas is usually the only method for confirming the presence of an archaeological site. Sediment samples from a potential site are subjected to a series of sedimentary analyses which discriminate between archaeological deposits and natural sedimentary deposits. These methods for locating inundated and buried archaeological sites on the continental shelf were tested in a Gulf of Mexico study funded by the United States Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service. The study suggests that at least two locations sampled along the ancient Sabine River Valley represent archaeological deposits dating from the Late Wisconsinan period of lower sea stand.
Differential Expression of Apoptotic Proteins Following Hypoxia-induced CREB Phosphorylation in the Cerebral Cortex of Newborn Piglets

The present study investigates the correlation between the hypoxia-induced phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element binding protein and the expression of apoptotic proteins (proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bad and antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl) during hypoxia in the cerebral cortex of newborn piglets. Piglets were divided into normoxic (Nx) and hypoxic (Hx, FiO2 = 0.06 for 1 h) groups. Cerebral tissue hypoxia was documented by ATP and phosphocreatine (PCr) levels. Ser133 phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element binding (CREB) protein was determined by Western blot analysis using a specific anti-phosphorylated Ser133-CREB protein antibody. The expression of apoptotic proteins was determined by using specific anti-Bax, anti-Bad, anti-Bcl-2 and anti-Bcl-xl antibodies. ATP and PCr values (μmoles/g brain) in Hx were significantly different from Nx (ATP: 4.40 ± 0.39 in Nx vs. 1.19 ± 0.44 in Hx, P < 0.05 vs. Nx; PCr: 3.60 ± 0.40 in Nx vs. 0.70 ± 0.31 in Hx, P < 0.05 vs. Nx). Ser133 phosphorylated CREB protein (OD × mm2) was 74.55 ± 4.75 in Nx and 127.13 ± 19.36 in Hx (P < 0.05 vs. Nx). The expression of proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bad increased and strongly correlated with the increase in CREB protein phosphorylation (correlation coefficient r = 0.82 and r = 0.85, respectively). The expression of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl did not show correlation with CREB protein phosphorylation. We conclude that cerebral hypoxia results in differential regulation of CREB protein-mediated expression of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic proteins in the cerebral cortex of newborn piglets. We propose that the increased expression of proapoptotic vs antiapoptotic genes will lead to an increased potential for apoptotic programmed cell death in the Hx newborn brain.
Constructive Lyapunov control design for turbocharged diesel engines

Presents a control design method for diesel engines equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger and an exhaust gas recirculation valve. Our control objective is to regulate the air-fuel ratio and the fraction of recirculated exhaust gas to their respective set points that depend on engine operating conditions. Interactions between the two actuators and nonlinear behavior of the system make the problem difficult to handle using classical control design methods. Instead, we employ a control Lyapunov function (CLF) based nonlinear control design method because it possesses a guaranteed robustness property equivalent to gain and phase margins. The CLF is constructed using input-output linearization of a reduced order diesel engine model. The controller has been tested in simulations on the full order model as well as experimentally in the dynamometer test cell.
Cytokine concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid of great danes with cervical spondylomyelopathy.

Background Chronic inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of human cervical spondylotic myelopathy and could also play a role in cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) in dogs. Hypothesis/Objectives That cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokine concentrations would differ between clinically normal (control) and CSM-affected Great Danes (GDs), with affected GDs showing higher levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/chemokine ligand 2 (MCP-1/CCL2). Animals Client-owned GDs: 15 control, 15 CSM-affected. Methods Prospective study. Dogs underwent cervical vertebral column magnetic resonance imaging and collection of CSF from the cerebellomedullary cistern. Cytokine concentrations were measured using a commercially available canine multiplex immunoassay. Cytokine concentrations were compared between groups. Associations with the administration of anti-inflammatory medications, disease duration and severity, severity of spinal cord (SC) compression, and SC signal changes were investigated in affected GDs. Results Affected GDs had significantly lower MCP-1/CCL2 (mean 138.03 pg/mL, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 114.85–161.20) than control GDs (212.89 pg/mL, 95% CI = 165.68–260.11, P = .028). In affected GDs, MCP-1/CCL2 concentrations correlated inversely with the severity of SC compression. There were no associations with administration of anti-inflammatory medications, disease duration, or disease severity. IL-6 concentrations were significantly higher (2.20 pg/mL, 95% CI = 1.92–2.47, P < .001) in GDs with SC signal changes. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Lower MCP-1/CCL2 in CSM-affected GDs might compromise clearance of axonal and myelin debris, delay axon regeneration, and affect recovery. Higher IL-6 in CSM-affected GDs with SC signal changes suggests more severe inflammation in this group.
SPECTRAL AND GRAVIMETRIC ANALYSIS OF COMPLETELY OXIDIZED AMALGAM SYSTEMS

Analysis of the soluble solution species, insoluble solution precipitate, adherent corrosion products, and microstructural changes of the substrate amalgam after selected polarization to -0.2v and +0.5v in a chloride solution is reported. Results indicate only small concentrations of soluble species, high concentrations of a Sn insoluble solution precipitate at -0.2v, and high concentrations of a Cu precipitate at +0.5v, related to CuCl2·3Cu(OH)2. The completely oxidized amalgam microstructure indicates a thin outermost layer of predominantly Sn-Cl, a thick corroded layer of Ag-Sn-Hg-Cl, and the remaining substrate amalgam. The compound of (SnO) 160 is also associated with the thick corroded layer. The microstructure of the substrate amalgam exhibits, besides the normally occurring phases and products, four new phases or alterations due to the redistribution of Sn, Cl and O from the gamma–2 corrosion products, (1) the reappearance of voids, (2) a grey Ag-Sn-Cl phase with and without Cu localized at specif...
Factoring networks by a statistical method

We show that it is possible to factor a multilayered classification network with a large output layer into a number of smaller networks, where the product of the sizes of the output layers equals t...
The Heavens Inscribed: the instrumental poetry of the Virgin in early modern France

The expert in the early modern period was frequently looked upon with suspicion. Though expertise was associated with specialized knowledge and skill, it was also associated with cunning, deception and social climbing. Indeed, such knowledge threatened well-defined and time-honoured social and disciplinary boundaries. This was certainly the case with practical mathematics, which was considered by many to be an inferior grade of knowledge, especially when compared with natural philosophy and theology. This spawned numerous attempts to elevate the status of practical mathematics and to lend legitimacy to its practitioners. This article focuses on one such attempt, that of an early sixteenth-century French cosmographer-explorer-poet named Pierre Crignon. Crignon participated in voyages of exploration and was renowned as a cosmographer and navigator, but his contemporaries perhaps best knew him as a poet. The paper examines how Crignon attempted to bring together and legitimate the disparate forms of his expertise as a navigator, cosmographer, humanist poet and theologian through the multivalent medium of his poetry, and in particular through a poem comparing the Virgin Mary to the astrolabe.
Arterial hypoxemia in exercising thoroughbreds is not affected by pre-exercise nedocromil sodium inhalation.

Abstract It has been reported that pulmonary injury (i.e. capillary stress failure) evoked histamine release from airway inflammatory/mast cells contributes to exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia (EIAH) and that pre-exercise inhalation of nedocromil sodium mitigated EIAH in human subjects ‘Med. Sci. Sports Exercise 29, (1997) 10–16’. Because exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage due to capillary stress failure is routinely observed in racehorses, we examined whether nedocromil inhalation would similarly benefit EIAH and desaturation of hemoglobin in horses. Two sets of experiments, namely, placebo studies followed in 7 days by pre-exercise nedocromil sodium (30 puffs=60 mg) inhalation experiments were carried out on 7 healthy, sound, exercise-trained thoroughbred horses. In both treatments, arterial and mixed-venous blood–gas/pH measurements were made at rest pre- and post-placebo/drug inhalation, as well as during incremental exercise leading to galloping at 14 m/sec on a 3.5% uphill grade—a workload that elicited maximal heart rate and caused pulmonary hemorrhage in all horses in both treatments, thereby indicating capillary stress failure had occurred. In both treatments, significant ( P 2 tension did not occur as exercise duration progressed to 120 sec. Thus, pre-exercise inhalation of nedocromil sodium was ineffective in modifying the development and/or severity of EIAH in the present study. These findings argue against the airway inflammatory mediator(s) release hypothesis for causing arterial hypoxemia in racehorses.
Element-local level set method for three-dimensional dynamic crack growth

SUMMARY An approximate level set method for three-dimensional crack propagation is presented. In this method, the discontinuity surface in each cracked element is defined by element-local level sets (ELLSs). The local level sets are generated by a fitting procedure that meets the fracture directionality and its continuity with the adjacent element crack surfaces in a least-square sense. A simple iterative procedure is introduced to improve the consistency of the generated element crack surface with those of the adjacent cracked elements. The discrete discontinuity is treated by the phantom node method which is a simplified version of the extended finite element method (XFEM). The ELLS method and the phantom node technology are combined for the solution of dynamic fracture problems. Numerical examples for three-dimensional dynamic crack propagation are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method. Copyright q 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chylomicron Remnants and Nonesterified Fatty Acids Differ in Their Ability to Inhibit Genes Involved in Lipogenesis in Rats

Primary hepatocytes treated with nonesterified PUFA have been used as a model for analyzing the inhibitory effects of dietary polyunsaturated fats on lipogenic gene expression. Although nonesterified fatty acids play an important signaling role in starvation, they do not completely recapitulate the mechanism of dietary fat presentation to the liver, which is delivered via chylomicron remnants. To test the effect of remnant TG on lipogenic enzyme expression, chylomicron remnants were generated from the lymph of rats intubated with either safflower oil or lard. The remnants were added to the medium of primary rat hepatocytes in culture and the accumulation of mRNA for genes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism was measured. Both PUFA-enriched remnants and nonesterified PUFA inhibited the expression and maturation of sterol response element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and the expression of lipogenic genes regulated by this transcription factor. These remnants also inhibited the expression of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), a gene regulated at post-transcriptional steps. In contrast, PUFA-enriched remnants did not inhibit the accumulation of mRNA for malic enzyme, glucokinase, and L-pyruvate kinase, whereas nonesterified fatty acids caused a decrease in these mRNA. These genes are regulated independently of SREBP-1c. SFA-enriched remnants did not inhibit lipogenic gene expression, which is consistent with a lack of inhibition of lipogenesis by dietary saturated fats. Thus, the inhibitory action of dietary polyunsaturated fats on lipogenesis involves a direct action of chylomicron remnants on the liver.
Dependence on epiphytic bacteria for freezing protection in an Antarctic moss, Bryum argenteum

Mosses are the dominant flora of Antarctica, but their mechanisms of survival in the face of extreme low temperatures are poorly understood. A variety of Bryum argenteum from 77° S was previously shown to have strong ice-pitting activity, a sign of the presence of ice-binding proteins (IBPs) that mitigate freezing damage. Here, using samples that had been stored at -25(o) C for 10 years, it is shown that much if not all of the activity is due to bacterial ice-binding proteins secreted on the leaves of the moss. Sequencing of the leaf metagenome revealed the presence of hundreds of genes from a variety of bacteria (mostly Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes) that encode a domain (DUF3494) that is associated with ice binding. The frequency of occurrence of this domain is one to two orders of magnitude higher than it is in representative mesophilic bacterial metagenomes. Genes encoding 42 bacterial IBPs with N-terminal secretion signals were assembled. There appears to be a commensal relationship in which the moss provides sustenance to the bacteria in return for freezing protection.
The Determinants of Economic System Legitimacy in Kazakhstan

Despite robust, and much touted, growth, Kazakhstan's economic system enjoys only tepid support among large swathes of the population and is viewed by many as neither fair nor legitimate. Extreme juxtapositions of new wealth and new poverty against a historic background of economic and social egalitarianism combine to make this a potent and combustible issue. Women, ethnic Slavs, the poor, people in urban areas most afflicted by post-Soviet de-industrialisation, those who feel they have lost out in the transition to a market economy, and those who are pessimistic about their financial prospects are more likely to question the legitimacy of the current economic system. Because scepticism about the distributive system contributes to political and social strife, these findings provide grounds for concern about Kazakhstan's long-term stability.
Hypoglycemia Secondary to Sulfonylurea Ingestion in a Patient with End Stage Renal Disease: Results from a 72-Hour Fast.

Insulin, proinsulin, and C-peptide levels increase with sulfonylurea exposure but the acuity of increase has not been described in dialysis patients. We present a case of a dialysis patient who presented with hypoglycemia and was found to have accidental sulfonylurea ingestion. This is a 73-year-old man with ESRD on peritoneal dialysis, without history of diabetes, who presented with hypoglycemia. Past medical history includes multiple myeloma, congestive heart failure, and hypertension. At initial presentation, his blood glucose was 47 mg/dL, with concomitant elevations in the following: C-peptide 30.5 (nl: 0.8–3.5 ng/mL), insulin 76 (nl: 3–19 μIU/mL), and proinsulin 83.3 (nl: ≤8.0 pmol/L). During the 72-hour fast, which he completed without hypoglycemia, insulin declined to be within normal limits (to 12 μIU/mL); proinsulin (to 12.1 pmol/L) and C-peptide (to 7.2 ng/mL) levels decreased but remained elevated. The sulfonylurea screen ultimately returned positive for glipizide, clinching the diagnosis. This is the first reported case which characterizes the chronic elevation of proinsulin in a patient with ESRD, as well as its dramatic increase after a presumed solitary exposure to sulfonylurea. The 72-hour fast conducted gives insight into the clearance of insulin, proinsulin, and C-peptide after sulfonylurea ingestion in ESRD.
A novel score to estimate the risk of pneumonia after cardiac surgery.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to derive and validate a risk score for pneumonia (PNA) after cardiac surgery. Methods Adults undergoing cardiac surgery between 2005 and 2012 were identified in a single-institution database. The primary outcome was postoperative PNA. Patients were randomly assigned to training and validation sets in a 3:1 ratio. A multivariable model was constructed incorporating univariate pre- and intraoperative predictors of PNA in the training set. Points were assigned to significant risk factors in the multivariable model based on their associated regression coefficients. Results A total of 6222 patients were included. The overall rate of postoperative PNA was 4.5% (n = 282). A 33-point score incorporating 6 risk factors (age, chronic lung disease, peripheral vascular disease, cardiopulmonary bypass time, intraoperative red blood cell transfusion, and pre- or intraoperative intra-aortic balloon pump) was generated. The model used to generate the score in the training set was robust in predicting PNA (c = 0.72, P r = 0.74, P Conclusions This 33-point risk score is strongly predictive of postoperative PNA after cardiac surgery. The composite score has utility in tailoring perioperative management and in targeting diagnostic and preventative interventions.
Use of Agrobacterium radiobacter in agricultural ecosystems

Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a soil inhabitant that infects many dicotyledonous plants, causing crown gall disease. The success of Agrobacterium radiobacter K84 to control this disease in agroecosystems throughout the world has been impressive. This review describes the attributes of K84, its mechanism of control, its failures, and other alternative biocontrol agents.
Applying statistical process control to the adaptive rate control problem

Due to the heterogeneity and shared resource nature of today's computer network environments, the end-to-end delivery of multimedia requires adaptive mechanisms to be effective. We present a framework for the adaptive streaming of heterogeneous media. We introduce the application of online statistical process control (SPC) to the problem of dynamic rate control. In SPC, the goal is to establish (and preserve) a state of statistical quality control (i.e., controlled variability around a target mean) over a process. We consider the end-to-end streaming of multimedia content over the internet as the process to be controlled. First, at each client, we measure process performance and apply statistical quality control (SQC) with respect to application-level requirements. Then, we guide an adaptive rate control (ARC) problem at the server based on the statistical significance of trends and departures on these measurements. We show this scheme facilitates handling of heterogeneous media. Last, because SPC is designed to monitor long-term process performance, we show that our online SPC scheme could be used to adapt to various degrees of long-term (network) variability (i.e., statistically significant process shifts as opposed to short-term random fluctuations). We develop several examples and analyze its statistical behavior and guarantees.
High-aspect-ratio sub-micron trench etching on SOI using wet metal-assisted chemical etching (MaCE) process

This paper reports the first successful fabrication of a silicon (Si) MEMS resonator defined by submicron, high aspect-ratio vertical trenches using a fast ‘wet’ Si etching method, named metal-assisted chemical etching (MaCE). Submicron vertical trenches with aspect ratio of 16:1 were etched by MaCE in a wet bath with assistance of gold thin film (Au) as a moving etching catalyst on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. The etching was completed in only 10 minutes at room temperature. The sidewall of the trenches possesses roughness below 20 nm without scalloping features. These promising results of the first Si MEMS resonators fabricated by MaCE could pave the way for manufacturing of MEMS and NEMS devices using a simple, fast and low cost process compared to Deep Reactive-Ion Etching (DRIE).
Expression pattern of messenger ribonucleic acid for the activin type II receptors and the inhibin/activin subunits during follicular development in broiler breeder hens

The expression of mRNA for the activin type II receptors (ActRII and ActRIIB), follistatin, and the inhibin/activin subunits was investigated in the follicles of broiler breeder hens. Total RNA was isolated from individual granulosa and theca layers of the F1 through F5 follicles, a pool of the F6 and F7 follicles, the small yellow follicles, and from the combined granulosa and theca layers of the large white follicles from six birds. Northern blot analysis was performed, and two ActRII mRNA transcripts of 6.5 and 3.7 kb were detected in granulosa and theca samples. Both ActRII transcripts were equally expressed in the granulosa samples, but in the theca samples expression of the 3.7-kb transcript was greater than the 6.5-kb transcript. ActRIIB was not detected by Northern analysis in any of the samples. Expression of the mRNA for the activin/inhibin binding protein, follistatin, was detected in theca and granulosa samples with the greatest expression found in small yellow follicle samples for both cell layers. Expression of the inhibin alpha-subunit was detected in the granulosa layer of all the follicles, but expression was greatest in the F6 and F7 follicles. Granulosa from the large hierarchical follicles expressed the most inhibin/activin betaA-subunit, whereas expression of the inhibin/activin betaB-subunit was greatest in the granulosa of small yellow and F6 and F7 follicles. This report is the first, to our knowledge, on detection of activin type II receptor mRNA in the hen ovary and characterization of the expression pattern of the inhibin family in both the theca and granulosa layers throughout follicular development. The presence of activin receptor and follistatin mRNA in the theca and granulosa layers of the small developing follicles suggests that locally produced activin may be highly regulated and have a vital role in early follicular development.
Influence of Bradykinin on Water, Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium Content of Segments of Arteries and Veins of Dogs in vitro.∗:

SummaryFrom in vitro studies of vessel segments, bradykinin has been shown to decrease the sodium content of arteries and veins and increase the calcium content of both arteries and veins, whereas it increased the magnesium content of veins only. However, in spite of the changes in the electrolyte content noted, the water content of the veins and arteries was not altered by bradykinin.
Determination of rotational alignment of N 2 + B Σ u + 2 and C O + B Σ + 2 following photoionization of N 2 and CO

When a low-pressure (${10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$-Torr) sample of ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ or CO is exposed to a beam of linearly polarized synchrotron radiation (18-34 eV), electronically excited molecular ions are formed whose subsequent unresolved emission is found to be partially polarized. The degree of polarization of the ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}^{+}$ $B^{2}\ensuremath{\Sigma}_{u}^{+}\ensuremath{-}X^{2}\ensuremath{\Sigma}_{g}^{+}$ fluorescence (\ensuremath{\sim}391 nm) and the C${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ $B^{2}\ensuremath{\Sigma}^{+}\ensuremath{-}X^{2}\ensuremath{\Sigma}^{+}$ fluorescence (\ensuremath{\sim}220 nm) is studied as a function of the energy of the ionizing radiation from threshold to higher energies. This information determines the alignment of the photoion, which in the case of ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ must be corrected for depolarization caused by spin-rotation and hyperfine interaction. From the polarization of the fluorescence we deduce $\ensuremath{\gamma}$, the ratio of parity-unfavored to the sum of parity-favored contributions for photoelectron ejection. Comparison of the dynamical channel ratio $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ with theoretical calculations for $\ensuremath{\sigma}$- and $\ensuremath{\pi}$-photoelectron ejection shows poor agreement for ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ and fair agreement for CO.
Topiramate's reduction of body mass index in heavy drinkers: lack of moderation by a GRIK1 polymorphism.

Topiramate, which interacts with multiple neurotransmitter and enzyme systems, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat seizure disorder, prevent migraine, and (in combination with phentermine) reduce weight. Topiramate has also been shown in multiple studies to reduce heavy drinking. We found that topiramate 200 mg/day significantly reduced heavy drinking in heavy drinkers with a treatment goal of reduced drinking (Kranzler et al. 2014). Further, in the European American (EA) subsample (n=122), a single nucleotide polymorphism (rs2832407) in GRIK1, which encodes the GluK1 subunit of the kainate receptor, moderated the effect on heavy drinking days. Here we examined the effects of topiramate on body-mass index (BMI) and the moderating effect of rs2832407 in the EA subsample from Kranzler et al. (2014). Across the 12 weeks of treatment, BMI was reduced by 1.2 kg/m2 (p<0.001) in the topiramate group, but was unchanged in the placebo group. There was no evidence of moderation by rs2832407 of topiramate’s effects on BMI. Controlling for changes in drinking and other potential confounders did not alter the findings. These results suggest that the effect of topiramate on drinking behavior, in which the GluK1-containing kainate receptor appears to play a key role, can be dissociated from its effect on weight, the specific mechanism of which remains to be determined. www.clinicaltrials.gov registration: {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT00626925","term_id":"NCT00626925"}}NCT00626925
Structure analysis of adapter case for ball impact based on ANSYS/LS-DYNA

Ball impact test is one important test of safety tests,which main aim is to check whether the power supply injures the end user if unknown object impacts it.First the paper introduces the impact test in GB 4943,then done the simulation to investigate how the thickness of adapter case impact the test based on 127×66×15 mm outline dimension by LS/DYNA,the simulation result shows that the destroy becomes less with changing of thickness from 1.1mm to 2.0 mm,meanwhile,rebounded speed of ball becomes faster after 5 ms when impact occurred except 1.1mm.So,we can draw a conclusion,LS/DYNA can simulate this kind of test and it is reliable that thickness is 2.0 mm for the simulation model only considering ball impact case.
Use-Effectiveness and Analysis of Satisfaction Levels with the Billings Ovulation Method: Two-Year Pilot Study

A 2-year study of 135 women using the Billings Ovulation Method as their method of family planning is reported. There were 1381 exposure cycles during the 1st year and 580 during the 2nd year. The total conception rates were 1.303 for the 1st year and 1.896 for the 2nd year. If one subtracts the user failures from these rates, the biologic failure rates are 0.072 for the 1st year and 0.517 for the 2nd year. The continuation rate is 51.8%. An analysis of satisfaction levels is presented with a discussion of possible underlying emotional factors.
Two distinct phenotypes of rat vascular smooth muscle cells: growth rate and Production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

The monoclonal theory of atherosclerosis postulates that a subpopulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is selectively expanded in response to pathologic stimuli and accumulates in vascular intima. The purpose of this research was to clone VSMC, determine growth rates of the clones and their ability to release the mitogenic cytokine tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a). With approval of the institutional animal care and use committee, VSMCs were isolated and cultured from the thoracic aortas of three rats. To confirm that the cells in primary culture were of smooth muscle origin, they were immunostained with anti-α-smooth muscle-actin antibodies. Single cell-derived individual colonies with uniform appearance were surrounded by cloning rings, released with trypsin, and expanded. Growth rates of the clones were assessed by the mitochondrial dependent reduction of methyltetrazolium (MTT) to formazan after 24-hour stimulation with 10 per cent serum. Additionally, cloned cells were stimulated with 0.1, 1, 10, and 20 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 hours, and TNF-α was determined in the culture medium. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Two clones were isolated that could be divided into categories based on distinctly different morphology: 1) spindle-shaped (SP) or 2) epithelioid-shaped (EP) VSMCs. The SP clone had a growth rate that was 25 per cent higher than the EP clone (P < 0.05). Also, the SP clone had significantly higher release of TNF-α in response to LPS. For instance, TNF-α released in response to 0.1 μg/mL of LPS in the SP clone was 157 ± 45 pg/mL versus 21 ± 8.5 pg/mL in the EP clone (P < 0.05). Primary cultures of rat VSMCs are heterogeneous and consist of at least two morphologically distinct cell types. These clones are different in growth rate and cytokine production. It is possible that selective expansion of one of these clones contributes to formation of stenotic vascular lesions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are understood to result from dysregulation of the brain–gut axis. Cognitions, emotions, and behaviors play an important role in these disorders by causing, maintaining, or exacerbating symptoms. Recommendations for therapies, therefore, often emphasize the need for integrative care, by combining medical therapies with psychological or behavioral interventions. Among the various psychosocial interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has the widest popularity and largest evidence base for the treatment for FGIDs. This chapter discusses the content and efficacy of CBT in children with functional gastrointestinal disorders. It also explores what aspects of CBT may be most helpful, which patients are most receptive, and includes alternative ways of delivering CBT.
24-Methylenecyclopropane steroidal inhibitors: A Trojan horse in ergosterol biosynthesis that prevents growth of Trypanosoma brucei

Abstract A new class of steroidal therapeutics based on phylogenetic-guided design of covalent inhibitors that target parasite-specific enzymes of ergosterol biosynthesis is shown to prevent growth of the protozoan-Trypanosoma brucei, responsible for sleeping sickness. In the presence of approximately 15 ± 5 μM 26,27-dehydrolanosterol, T. brucei procyclic or blood stream form growth is inhibited by 50%. This compound is actively converted by the parasite to an acceptable substrate of sterol C24-methyl transferase (SMT) that upon position-specific side chain methylation at C26 inactivates the enzyme. Treated cells show dose-dependent depletion of ergosterol and other 24β-methyl sterols with no accumulation of intermediates in contradistinction to profiles typical of tight binding inhibitor treatments to azoles showing loss of ergosterol accompanied by accumulation of toxic 14-methyl sterols. HEK cells accumulate 26,27-dehydrolanosterol without effect on cholesterol biosynthesis. During exposure of cloned TbSMT to 26,27-dehydrozymosterol, the enzyme is gradually inactivated (kcat/kinact = 0.13 min− 1/0.08 min− 1; partition ratio of 1.6) while 26,27-dehydrolanosterol binds nonproductively. GC–MS analysis of the turnover product and bound intermediate released as a C26-methylated diol (C3-OH and C24-OH) confirmed substrate recognition and covalent binding to TbSMT. This study has potential implications for design of a novel class of chemotherapeutic leads functioning as mechanism-based inhibitors of ergosterol biosynthesis to treat neglected tropical diseases.
Role of Clinical Decision Tools in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to describe the importance of clinical decision rules for pretest assessment of the probability of the presence of pulmonary embolism (PE), the effect of use of the rules on the yield of pulmonary CT angiography, and obstacles to implementation of the rules in clinical practice. CONCLUSION. Pulmonary CT angiography is the imaging modality of choice for evaluating patients with suspected PE. Despite increased use of pulmonary CTA, the diagnostic yield for PE remains low. Study results suggest a potential benefit to the use of clinical decision tools in the diagnostic workup of suspected PE.
Cross-Componential Causativity

Unlike their English counterparts, Chinese resultatives allow reverse theta role assignment under predictable conditions and do not demonstrate the effect of the Direct Object Restriction. Both differences are shown to result from a single structural factor: an empty subject is not permitted in the bare resultative phrase in English. The analysis also accounts for various subtle distinctions between the lexical and bi-clausal resultative constructions inside Chinese. An implication of this theory is that the causal relation in a resultative is computed directly off of the construction and that this computation takes place in different components of language: lexicon, syntax, and the post-syntactic semantics.
Cardiac Regeneration in the Human Left Ventricle After CorMatrix Implantation

CorMatrix is an organic extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from porcine small intestine submucosa and is used for pericardial closure and cardiac tissue repair. During explantation of a HeartMate II (Thoratec Corp, Pleasanton, CA) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) because of infection, CorMatrix was used to repair the left ventricular apex and aorta. Three months later, a HeartWare HVAD (HeartWare International, Inc, Framingham, MA) was implanted for recurrent heart failure. Excised apical CorMatrix samples showed cardiac tissue remodeling with viable cardiomyoblasts similar to native myocardium. Excised CorMatrix from the aorta showed organization of collagen and elastin similar to native aortic tissue.
Pittsburgh Compound B and AV-1451 positron emission tomography assessment of molecular pathologies of Alzheimer's disease in progressive supranuclear palsy.

Abstract Introduction Little is known about Alzheimer's disease molecular proteins, beta-amyloid and paired helical filament (PHF) tau, in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Recent techniques have been developed to allow for investigations of these proteins in PSP. We determined the frequency of beta-amyloid deposition in PSP, and whether beta-amyloid deposition in PSP is associated with PHF-tau deposition pattern, or clinical features. Methods Thirty probable PSP participants underwent MRI, [18F]AV-1451 PET and Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) PET. Apolipoprotein (APOE) genotyping was also performed. A global PiB standard-uptake value ratio (SUVR) was calculated. AV-1451 SUVRs were calculated for a set of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related regions and a set of PSP-related regions. Voxel-level analyses were conducted to assess for differences in AV-1451 uptake patterns and MRI atrophy between PiB(+) and PiB(−) cases compared to 60 normal PiB(−) controls. Statistical testing for correlations and associations between variables of interest were also performed. Results Twelve subjects (40%) showed beta-amyloid deposition. Higher PiB SUVR correlated with older age but not with AV-1451 SUVR in the AD- or PSP-related regions. Higher AV-1451 SUVR in AD-related regions was associated with higher AV-1451 SUVR in PSP-related regions. We found little evidence for beta-amyloid related differences in clinical metrics, proportion of APOE e4 carriers, pattern of AV-1451 uptake, or pattern of atrophy. Conclusion Beta-amyloid deposition occurs in a relatively high proportion of PSP subjects. Unlike in Alzheimer's disease, however, there is little evidence that beta-amyloid, and PHF-tau, play a significant role in neurodegeneration in PSP.
Limbic Encephalitis associated with neurosyphilis (P1.307)

Objective: We describe a case of limbic encephalitis (LE) involving bilateral, metachronous mesial temporal lobe injury associated with neurosyphilis. Background: Neurosyphilis remains an under-recognized and readily-treatable cause of LE that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with an appropriate clinical syndrome. Design/Methods: Case report from a single academic neurology center. Results: A 46-year-old man presented with bizarre behaviors of one-week duration and a single generalized seizure. He was disoriented to place and time, with pronounced impairment of memory encoding and delayed recall. He recognized familiar people and recalled remote history but was amnestic from the time of symptom onset. Interictal EEG showed bilateral lateralized periodic discharges. Brain MRI revealed left mesiotemporal T2/FLAIR hyperintensity, without associated enhancement, and right hippocampal formation atrophy. Toxicology panel and HIV testing were negative. CSF analysis demonstrated mild pleocytosis (11/μL, 97% lymphocytes), rare red blood cells (2/uL), elevated protein (110mg/dl), and normal glucose (61mg/dl). CSF herpes simplex virus PCR, varicellazoster virus PCR, serum and CSF autoimmune/paraneoplastic panel were negative. Serum Lyme antibody was positive with negative serum Western blot. Rapid plasma reagin was reactive (titer 1:32), and serum Treponema pallidum particle agglutination and CSF Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) were positive (CSF VDRL titer 1:8). Brain PET showed bitemporal (right greater than left) cortical hypometabolism. There were no arterial irregularities on CT angiogram. He was treated with IV penicillin G for two-weeks. On follow-up two months later, persistent memory encoding and delayed recall deficits were noted. Repeat brain MRI showed progression to bilateral mesial temporal lobe atrophy. Conclusions: LE is an uncommon manifestation of neurosyphilis requiring prompt recognition and treatment. It can present with a clinical syndrome and MRI appearance similar to other causes of LE. In contrast to autoimmune/paraneoplastic LE, brain PET imaging reveals hypometabolism of the affected temporal lobe and may be a useful adjunct. Disclosure: Dr. Al-Louzi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mason has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rondeau has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rubin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lyons has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bhattacharyya has received personal compensation for activities with Advance Medical.