cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of 1-acyl-2-lyso-phosphatidylcholine acyl transferase in the biosynthesis of pulmonary phosphatidylcholine

The majority of pulmonary dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, whose surface tension lowering properties are necessary for maintenance of alveolar structural integrity and lung function, is synthesized via a reacylation mechanism. Vmax and Km values were obtained with the 1-acyl-2-lyso-PC: acyl-CoA acyl transferase system in rabbit lung microsomes and long term cultures of rabbit lung cells derived from type ll pneumonocytes enriched fractions. The data, especially for Vmax, can be interpreted to indicate that this reacylation system may be an important factor in the biosynthesis of lung dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine.
Ultrasensitive micro/nanoscale resistive pulse sensors by integrating fluidic devices with MOSFETS

Nanofluidic sensors have been developed over the past decade and demonstrated the capability of sensing single DNA molecules. One class of nanofluidic devices is based on the resistive pulse sensing technique and a modulation of the baseline ionic current can be observed when molecules are translocated through the sensing nanopore or nanochannel. In this scheme, the ionic current modulation is approximately the same as the channel resistance modulation, requiring the channel size be comparable to the molecules to be detected. In this paper, we present a new sensing scheme to detect the translocation of particles through a fluidic channel, which amplifies the resistance modulation by 40–80 times. The device connects the gate of a MOSFET with a fluidic circuit and monitors the drain current modulation of the MOSFET to detect particles, instead of directly monitoring the ionic current through the fluidic channel. The minimum volume ratio detected is 0.006%, about ten times smaller than the lowest detectable volume ratio reported in the literature by using the resistive pulse sensing technique. Although at current stage the device is only fabricated at microscale level, we envision that the same scheme can be applied in nanofluidic devices for single molecule detection.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Ultrasound of the skeleton: Review of its clinical applications and pitfalls

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is receiving considerable attention in the assessment of osteoporosis because of its ease of use, lack of radiation exposure, region of interest, and relatively low costs. These features have made the technique appealing for screening adult and pediatric patients. This article discusses some of the clinical applications, limitations, and strengths of QUS.
Government-sponsored university-industry collaboration and the production of nanotechnology patents in US universities

This paper investigates the effectiveness of university research centers as a Science and Technology policy mechanism. Using the case of nanotechnology, it assesses if establishing dedicated research centers at universities influences their patterns of knowledge production, and specifically the production of commercially relevant nano-knowledge. Based on bibliometric data on patents and publications for a panel of the top patenting US universities (n = 82), the study finds that nano-centers positively impact nano-patent production at universities. Policy and theoretical implications are discussed.
Thermographic assessment of the thenar thumb muscles during pipetting

Hand disorders as a result of pipetting are common because of its nature (repetitive, precise, controlled movements, sustained forces, etc.). Techniques to quantify risk factor exposures are needed to understand pathophysiological mechanisms associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, an exploratory study was conducted to assess the value of thermography as a potential assessment tool during pipetting. Temperatures of the skin surface over the thenar thumb muscles were collected from 12 participants (six males and six females) while using high or low volume pipettes to transfer viscous or non-viscous solutions between tubes. Subjective ratings of discomfort were also collected. Rate of change in thermal readings and perceived discomfort over time was observed, and a moderate correlation (r = 0.47) between these variables was found. Gender was found to significantly affect the thermal readings. These results suggest that thermography may be potentially used to further understand pathophysiological mechanisms for upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders.
Evaluation of Parturition and Other Reproductive Variables as Risk Factors for Urinary Incontinence in Later Life

Abstract Objective: To assess specific parturition and reproductive variables as potential risk factors for urinary incontinence in later life. Methods: A mail survey was conducted with a random sample of 1922 women members of a large health maintenance organization. Multivariate analysis was used to estimate the independent association between parturition factors, hysterectomy, hormone use, and incontinence. Results: Completed surveys were returned by 939 women (49%), 682 of whom reported at least one episode of incontinence in the past 12 months or ever having been treated for incontinence. On univariate analysis, women with incontinence were more likely to be white and heavier and to have had a hysterectomy before age 45, at least one live birth, a postdate (at least 42 weeks’ gestation) birth, a labor lasting longer than 24 hours, and exposure to oxytocin. The risk of incontinence increased significantly with the number of exposures to oxytocin. In a multivariate model including age, there was a significant association between incontinence and white race (odds ratio [OR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2, 2.8), body mass (OR for fourth quartile 3.0, 95% CI 1.8, 5.0), estrogen replacement (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3, 2.8) and oxytocin (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0, 3.6). Parity was also associated with incontinence (P Conclusion: This study supports previous findings of a positive association between urinary incontinence and body mass, parity, and use of estrogen. In addition, we found a significant independent association between exposure to oxytocin during labor and incontinence in later life.
Therapeutic itineraries in a global world: Yemenis and their search for biomedical treatment abroad.

Focusing upon how Yemenis travel to Jordan and other countries for medical reasons, this article explores a variety of issues and experiences pertaining to care-seeking abroad. Topics include state support for treatment outside the country, links between countries that facilitate movements, therapeutic reputations leading to destination selection, medical travelers' funding and logistical decisions, and notions of "good" patient care. The study is set within a context of increasing globalization, where advances in communication, transportation, and medical devices and procedures all contribute to people's ideas about where to go for medical care. As such, it extends care'seeking research beyond local services and national boundaries.
The effects of morphine on Parkinson's-related genes PINK1 and PARK2.

Background Parkinson's disease (PD) continues to be an important neurological disorder. It is caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Dopamine, the neurotransmitter produced from dopaminergic neurons, is a major precursor of endogenous morphine. There are approximately 18 genes associated with PD; their roles have not yet been completely established. PARK2 is a gene that encodes for the protein parkin, and PINK1 is a gene that encodes for PTEN-induced putative kinase 1. Material and methods Our objective was to determine if morphine treatment of HTB-11 cells affects the expression of PINK1 and PARK2. HTB-11 cells were treated with 10-7 M morphine for 2 h and a microarray analysis was conducted. To verify the microarray analysis, 3 Q-PCR trials were run using 10-6 M naloxone, morphine (10-7 M), or a naloxone/morphine mix. Results In both the microarray analysis and the Q-PCR analysis, PARK2 was up-regulated and PINK1 was down-regulated. Conclusions Morphine can affect the expression of PD-associated genes.
How to Read Richard Avedon

Relying on earlier work on metaphor by Black, Lakoff and Johnson, Forceville and others, this investigation explores the practices of photographic sequencing used by American media photographer Richard Avedon, and interrogates the circumstances under which a photographic sequence might qualify as a pictorial metaphor. Avedon's sequences often depend on claims of similarity among photographic subjects, and they expose a gap in existing theories of pictorial metaphor, which can only function by translating purely visual content into verbal equivalents. Avedon's work suggests the possibility of a theory of metaphor that is purely visual in both its expression and interpretation.
Central inhibition of sexual response in the male: a theoretical perspective

A theoretical model for central inhibition of sexual response is proposed, postulating individual variability in the propensity for such inhibition. Whereas such inhibition is typically adaptive, individuals with high propensity may be vulnerable to sexual dysfunction, and those with low propensity to high risk sexual behavior. Evidence of the existence and localization of such inhibitory mechanisms from both the animal and human literature is reviewed. Evidence of central neurotransmitters with sexual inhibitory effects is substantial, though in most cases the inhibition is not specific to sexual response or behavior. Recent studies have identified centers in the brain stem and lateral hypothalamus which appear to have specific inhibitory effects on sexual response. A variety of adaptive mechanisms involving inhibition of sexual response are considered, some involving perception of threat, others occurring more directly as consequences of previous sexual activity. These different adaptive functions may well involve different inhibitory mechanisms. This theoretical model opens a new agenda for experimental research into adaptive sexual behavior, both human and animal.
MT-4 plaque formation can distinguish cytopathic subtypes of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Using the MT-4 plaque assay, differences in the plaque-forming ability among various isolates of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were observed. Kinetic studies showed that these differences reflected the enhanced ability of individual HIV to replicate rapidly in T cells and cause cytopathic changes. The plaque-forming HIV all came from patients with disease; no healthy seropositive individuals had these types of isolates. Plaque formation may be a useful assay for identifying pathogenic strains of HIV.
Modifications to basic functional analysis procedures in school settings: a selective review

This review describes applied behavioral research involving functional analyses conducted in public school settings. Functional analyses in public school settings often require added conditions. The modified conditions described herein include changes to experimental designs, antecedent changes that include task variation, tasks included, idiosyncratic variables, physiological conditions, and modified escape conditions. Finally, consequent modifications cover peer attention, tangibles, varied attention, and altered escape. Copyright # 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The character standard: Will it survive RKO?

The use of “character” as a standard in the evaluation of applicants by the Federal Communications Commission is reviewed and analyzed. Following a brief survey of the evolution of the standard, an analysis of its application in the RKO decisions, and a review of contemporary attitudes towards “character” as an evaluative instrument, it is suggested that the character standard could be eliminated as it is not needed and may be more trouble than it is worth.
Novelty search creates robots with general skills for exploration

Novelty Search, a new type of Evolutionary Algorithm, has shown much promise in the last few years. Instead of selecting for phenotypes that are closer to an objective, Novelty Search assigns rewards based on how different the phenotypes are from those already generated. A common criticism of Novelty Search is that it is effectively random or exhaustive search because it tries solutions in an unordered manner until a correct one is found. Its creators respond that over time Novelty Search accumulates information about the environment in the form of skills relevant to reaching uncharted territory, but to date no evidence for that hypothesis has been presented. In this paper we test that hypothesis by transferring robots evolved under Novelty Search to new environments (here, mazes) to see if the skills they've acquired generalize. Three lines of evidence support the claim that Novelty Search agents do indeed learn general exploration skills. First, robot controllers evolved via Novelty Search in one maze and then transferred to a new maze explore significantly more of the new environment than non-evolved (randomly generated) agents. Second, a Novelty Search process to solve the new mazes works significantly faster when seeded with the transferred controllers versus randomly-generated ones. Third, no significant difference exists when comparing two types of transferred agents: those evolved in the original maze under (1) Novelty Search vs. (2) a traditional, objective-based fitness function. The evidence gathered suggests that, like traditional Evolutionary Algorithms with objective-based fitness functions, Novelty Search is not a random or exhaustive search process, but instead is accumulating information about the environment, resulting in phenotypes possessing skills needed to explore their world.
Diagnosis and treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis.

Herpes simplex encephalitis, HSE, remains the most common cause of sporadic fatal encephalitis in the Western World.(1–3) Since its recognition in 1941 as a cause of rapidly progressive and diffuse encephalitis in a four week old child which was fatal (4), hundreds of case reports have described various aspects of this disease in the literature. Likely, this first case report represented a child with neonatal herpes simplex virus, HSV, infection of the brain, an entity somewhat different than that which we designate as HSE of older children and adults where the infection is characterized by the focal hemorrhagic necrosis of the brain. Clinical presentation, diagnosis and outcome of patients with HSE had remained confusing until studies performed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIAID, Collaborative Antiviral Study Group. Unequivocal diagnosis often has created both practical dilemmas (3,5,6) and intellectual controversies (7–9). The clarification of many of these issues has become possible because of a uniform diagnostic approach, namely, brain biopsy. This procedure is not routinely employed in therapeutic, natural history or diagnostic investigations performed outside the United States for the prospective evaluation of patients with focal encephalitis.
The Consequences of Public Policy for Democratic Citizenship: Bridging Policy Studies and Mass Politics

Democracies, and the citizenries that stand at their center, are not natural phenomena; they are made and sustained through politics. Government policies can play a crucial role in this process, shaping the things publics believe and want, the ways citizens view themselves and others, and how they understand and act toward the political system. Yet, while political scientists have said a great deal about how publics influence policies, they know far less about the ways policies influence publics. In this article, we seek to clarify how policies, once enacted, are likely to affect political thought and action in the citizenry. Such effects are hard to locate within the standard framework of approaches to mass behavior, and they are generally ignored by program evaluators and policy analysts. To bridge this gap, we direct attention toward a long and vibrant, but underappreciated, line of inquiry we call the “political tradition” of mass behavior research. Drawing this tradition together with recent work on “policy feedback,” we outline a framework for thinking about how policies influence mass politics. The major types of such effects include defining membership; forging political cohesion and group divisions; building or undermining civic capacities; framing policy agendas, problems, and evaluations; and structuring, stimulating, and stalling political participation.
Is Female Sex a Risk Factor for Red Blood Cell Alloimmunization After Transfusion? A Systematic Review

Large scale red blood cell (RBC) antigen genotyping of donors is currently well developed. There is scarce information, however, to select patients who might benefit from preemptive extended RBC antigen-matched transfusions. Female sex has been proposed as a risk factor for RBC alloimmunization after transfusion. To asses whether females respond differently to RBC alloantigens compared with males, we conducted a literature review on RBC alloimmunization. Clinical studies on RBC alloimmunization incidence were searched for in databases from 1950 through 2011. Studies were included when data were available to calculate the female-to-male risk ratio for alloimmunization. Based on the reported age, adult patients (>18 years) were distinguished from pediatric patients (≤18 years), and articles were analyzed according to disease categories. Thirty articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The Mantel-Haenszel risk ratio estimate of combined adult studies showed that women with sickle cell disease had an increased relative risk (27%) on RBC alloantibodies compared with men. Other groups showed equal alloimmunization risk in women and men. Women slightly more often than men possess RBC antibodies. This is likely explained by more exposure to immunizing events through pregnancy and/or transfusions in females with sickle cell disease. The results support the current policy implemented in many countries for Rhesus/Kell matching in patients with a hemoglobinopathy irrespective of sex. Thus, based solely on sex difference, the results do not justify recommending additional matching for women, besides preemptive K and c antigen matching for women during the (pre-) fertile age, as already applied in many European countries for the prevention of fetal morbidity.
Inclusion complexes of coumarin in cucurbiturils.

Coumarin was found to form stable inclusion complexes with cucurbiturils. In the presence of cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]), 1 : 1 inclusion complexes were observed in aqueous solution, as monitored by 1H NMR and UV-visible absorption spectroscopies, and further supported by ab initio calculations, whereas with cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) a solid phase 1 : 2 host : guest complex was found in a single crystal X-ray diffraction structure determination.
Relation of the Golgi apparatus to the cell coat in amoebae.

Abstract Amoebae were induced to undergo pinocytosis in the presence of an electron-opaque tracer—either horseradish peroxidase or ferritin. Electron-opaque material was initially associated with the cell surface, including long invaginations or pinocytic channels. At increasing intervals after the induction of pinocytosis, tracer was detected in cytoplasmic vesicles and in food vacuoles. None of the tracers appeared in the Golgi apparatus. Staining for glycoproteins with periodic acid-silver methenamine revealed their presence in the cell coat and the cisternae on the concave face of the Golgi apparatus. The results indicate that the Golgi apparatus is not derived from the cell surface. The possibility that the Golgi apparatus may contribute to the formation of the cell coat is considered.
Al62- − Fusion of Two Aromatic Al3- Units. A Combined Photoelectron Spectroscopy and ab Initio Study of M+[Al62-] (M = Li, Na, K, Cu, and Au)

Photoelectron spectroscopy is combined with ab initio calculations to elucidate the structure and chemical bonding of a series of MAl6- (M = Li, Na, K, Cu, and Au) bimetallic clusters. Well-resolved photoelectron spectra were obtained for MAl6- (M = Li, Na, Cu, and Au) at several photon energies. The ab initio calculations showed that all of the MAl6- clusters can be viewed as an M+ cation interacting with an Al62- dianion. Al62- was found to possess an Oh ground-state structure, and all of the MAl6- clusters possess a C3v ground-state structure derived from the Oh Al62-. Careful comparison between the photoelectron spectral features and the ab initio one-electron detachment energies allows us to establish firmly the C3v ground-state structures for the MAl6- clusters. A detailed molecular orbital (MO) analysis is conducted for Al62- and compared with Al3-. It was shown that Al62- can be considered as the fusion of two Al3- units. We further found that the preferred occupation of those MOs derived from the...
A REVIEW OF THE EFFECTS OF RADIATION THERAPY ON BONE

A literature review describes bone changes that may develop after radiation therapy. Irradiation of mature bone results in vascular and cellular changes best characterized as osteopenia. Irradiated bone is susceptible to subsequent fracture, septic osteoradionecrosis, and sarcoma formation. Irradiation of fractured bones may result in delayed healing or nonunion of the fracture; however, in some patients, healing will occur. Pathologic fractures associated with neoplasia may heal after radiation therapy if internal fixation is employed. Irradiation of growing bone typically results in retardation of longitudinal growth. Clinical manifestations of radiation-induced changes of bone are uncommon; however, when they occur, the results may be devastating.
Obtaining derivatives of stationary queue length probabilities through the matrix-geometric solution method

Abstract In this paper, we show that using the matrix-geometric solution method we can express the derivatives of the stationary queue length probabilities of the M / PH /1/ K queue or the M / PH /1/(∞, K ) multiclass queue in terms of the stationary queue length probabilities of the M / PH /1 queues with infinite buffer capacity. The results can be used in the optimization of networks consisting of nodes with finite buffers.
Proton driven vase-to-kite conformational change in cavitands at an air-water interface monitored by surface SHG

The conformational changes of quinoxaline-bridged cavitands deposited as Langmuir films were monitored at different pH values of the subphase using surface second harmonic generation during the compression of the monolayer at the water surface. A quantitative analysis of the susceptibility tensor elements was performed for methylene (MeCav)- and quinoxaline (QxCav)-bridged cavitands for pH values varying between 5.7 and 0.1. For MeCav (reference compound), no significant changes were observed for different pHs, confirming that the cavity does not undergo protonation or a drastic conformational change. For the QxCav, however, the results suggest a partial opening of the cavity on the basis of analysis of the compression curves.
Fault modelling of ECL devices

Logic behaviour of an ECL OR/NOR gate under different physical faults is examined. It is shown that the conventional stuck-at fault modelling may be inadequate for obtaining a sufficiently high fault coverage. A new augmented stuck-at fault model is presented which provides a better coverage of physical failures.
Geriatric Knowledge and Educational Needs among Rural Health Care Professionals.

Geriatrics has only recently been incorporated into the health science curriculum and, consequently, students continue to graduate with little or no formal training in this area. A survey of 84 rural health care professionals was conducted to determine their geriatric knowledge, their educational needs, and their preferred venue for continuing education. A variety of health care professions was represented in the sample, with the greatest representation from physicians (44%), pharmacists (15%), and nurses (14%). Approximately 39% of the sample reported above average knowledge in geriatrics and 64% indicated that they were interested in learning more about geriatrics. The three most common geriatric areas respondents were interested in included Alzheimer's disease/dementia, medication use/polypharmacy, and adverse medication events. The most preferred training materials included videotapes and CD-ROM courses, and preferred venues of educational activities were in the community or region. An interdisciplina...
Development of serotonergic neurons and their projections

Neurons producing serotonin are among the earliest to be born in the developing central nervous system. These cells are largely restricted to the hindbrain, where there form primarily in ventral regions. This review describes some of the mechanisms that regulate patterning and differentiation of the embryonic brain, which are implicated in neurogenesis of serotonergic neurons. It also covers the development of serotonergic axon pathways and the potential role of serotonin in regulating developmental processes.
A Duhamel Integral Based Solution for the Sideways Heat Equation Applied to the Non-intrusive Temperature Measurement

Abstract In the present study, an inverse heat conduction problem is considered, the Sideways Heat Equation, which is a model of a problem, where one wants to determine the temperature on both sides of a thick wall, but where one side is inaccessible to measurements. Considering the problem of an intrinsic thermocouple attached to a slab, and no thermal contact, a transfer function is proposed. It is based on Duhamel Integral and the measured response is approximated by a quasi-periodical function. The derived transfer function is the product of two transfer functions, for the slab and for the intrinsic thermocouple respectively. To validate the present model, a comparison with actual measurements is carried out. It was found that the present model can predict the inner temperatures more accurately than the previous model, which did not take into account the effect of the thermocouple.
chi Mutations of Phage Lambda

Results of experiments carried out in a number of laboratories demonstrate the interdependence of replication, recombination, and maturation in phage lambda (see, for example, the review by Stahl et al., 1973, and references cited there). The experiments summarized in this report relate to the role of recombination promoted by the Escherichia coli Rec system in the growth of deletion mutants of lambda that have lost the genes between att and cIII (Fig. 1). A detailed description of this work will be presented elsewhere (Henderson and Weil, manuscript in preparation).
Principle of Superposition by Direction Images

This paper discusses the decomposition of the image by direction images, which is based on the concept of the tensor representation and its advanced form, the paired representation. The 2-D image is considered of the size N×N, where N is prime, a power of two, and a power of odd primes. The tensor and paired representations in the frequency-and-time domain define the image as a set of 1-D signals, which we call splitting-signals. Each of such splitting-signals is calculated as the sum of the image along the parallel lines, and it defines the direction image as a component of the original image. The unique decomposition of the image by direction images is described, and formulas for the inverse tensor and paired transforms are given. These formulas can be used for image reconstruction from projections, when splitting-signals or their direction images are calculated directly from the projection data. The number of required projections is uniquely defined by the tensor representation of the image.
Debris dams and the relief of headwater streams

In forested, mountain landscapes where debris flows are common, their deposition commonly forms valley-spanning dams of wood, boulders, or complex mixtures of both in headwater valleys. Sediment impoundment behind these dams causes alluviation in what would otherwise be bedrock channels. In this paper, the effects of debris dams on the evolution of headwater valley profiles over geologic time are examined. In the Oregon Coast Range, USA, longitudinal profiles of three headwater channels (approximately 2 km 2 maximum contributing area), two of which are nominally bedrock, and all debris dams were surveyed. Channel and valley widths were measured, and surface bed material measurements (pebble counts) were taken at several locations along one stream. Cumulative relief in debris dams is highly variable within and among streams, reaching a maximum of 58% of profile relief at one location. The surveyed dams comprise 9.8%, 19%, and 6.4% of total basin relief in the three corresponding drainage basins, respectively. A model of bedrock erosion and channel profile evolution is derived that accounts for (a) fractional coverage by the channel of total valley width at any given time and (b) shielding by sediment impounded behind debris dams. The equation for incision rate, assumed constant, is solved for valley gradient as a function of contributing area, and parameter values are estimated from or supplied by field data. Results are compared to stream-gradient–contributing-area relationships obtained for the field sites. These comparisons suggest a strong effect of network structure, which varies significantly among the sites, on profile shape and relief because of the different susceptibilities to debris-flow deposition and, therefore, debris-dam formation. Longitudinal profiles with and without the effects of debris dams are modeled for one forced-alluvial, i.e., nominally bedrock, channel. For these model profiles, which extend only as far as the surveyed profile at this site, 55% of the profile relief is due to debris dams and the concomitant shielding of the bed by impounded sediment. The results suggest that a significant fraction of the relief of such forested, mountain landscapes is due to the effects of relatively immobile wood and boulders deposited in the valleys by debris flows.
Low-Pressure Discharges Emitting Light of Minimum Noise*

For the observation of weak absorption lines a background is desired that shows as small fluctuations as possible. The light from a low pressure discharge serves this purpose under the following conditions: a dc discharge, viewed end on, using a plane cathode mounted in a glass tube of larger diameter; the pressure that provides the highest conductivity of the discharge or a somewhat higher rather than lower pressure; a power supply of high voltage combined with a large series resistance. Under favorable conditions the light from the discharge produces a photoelectric current whose fluctuations are only about twice the inevitable shot noise.
Vortex boundary layer under quadratic surface stress

The influences of the quadratic surface stress on the two-dimensional structure of boundary-layer flows in hurricane-like and tornado-like vortices are investigated by solving the nonlinear boundary-layer equations in the vertical direction through power series expansion and expressing the expansion coefficients in terms of parameters of the vortex profile. It is found that the series solutions converge rapidly and the vertical velocity wbcreated by the boundary-layer flow is upward everywhere for the hurricane type vortex, with the maximum vertical velocity wbmoccurring inside the radius of maximum tangential wind. This result is of utmost importance for the hurricane development problem on account of the organizing influence of wbon cumulus convection and latent heat release in the conditionally unstable tropical atmosphere. On the other hand, the vertical velocity created by the boundary layer of the pure potential vortex with zero absolute vorticity is downward.
Plant sterols–enriched diet decreases small, dense LDL-cholesterol levels in children with hypercholesterolemia: a prospective study

Small dense low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (sdLDL-C) molecules are more atherogenic compared with large buoyant ones. Phytosterols-enriched diets are effective in decreasing total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations in hyperlipidemic children without significant adverse effects. Limited data on the impact of such a diet on sdLDL-C levels is available in adults while there are no reports concerning children. The purpose of this study is to prospectively evaluate the effect of the daily consumption of 2 g of plant sterols on sdLDL-C levels in children with hypercholesterolemia. Fifty-nine children, 25 with LDL-C ≥ 3.4 mmol/l (130 mg/dl) and 34 with LDL-C 10% in sixteen children (64%), independently from baseline levels, sex, age and body mass index (BMI). High density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), lipoprotein a [Lp(a)], and triglycerides (TGs) levels remained unaffected. Plant sterols decrease sdLDL-C significantly and may be beneficial for children with hypercholesterolemia.
Ecological and social factors affecting the vocal behavior of adult female squirrel monkeys.

Focal recordings of the vocalizations of squirrel monkeys, Saimiri sciureus, occupying an undisturbed Peruvian habitat were collected to evaluate the importance of both the ecological and social functions of female vocal behavior. The rates and sequences of six call types were examined by context: single, double, and multiple chuck, peep, tweet, and tweet-chuck. In contrast to laboratory studies, our findings emphasize the primacy of ecological functions in the wild, where calling permits females to operate as a convoy of spatially separated individuals in an arboreal habitat where visual contact is limited. Chuck calls are probably best interpreted as contact calls. The rate of chucks and tweet-chucks increased when the nearest adult female was > 5 m away. However, call production did not predict a change in the spatial separation between a female and her nearest adult female. During travel, the rate of single and double chucks was greater and the rate of multiple chucks was reduced. No direct relationship was found between foraging activities and vocal behavior. Although secondary, social factors did have a subtle effect on vocal behavior: the larger the social alliance of a female, the lower the rate and repetitiveness of her chuck vocalizations. We also consider the role of variations in vocalization rates among primates and the differing conclusions of field and captive studies of squirrel monkey vocal behavior.
Atypical involvement of frontostriatal systems during sensorimotor control in autism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder involving dysmaturation of widely distributed brain systems. Accordingly, behaviors that depend on distributed systems, such as higher level cognition and sensorimotor control, are compromised in the disorder. The current study investigated alterations in neural systems underlying sensorimotor disturbances in autism. An fMRI investigation was conducted using saccadic and pursuit eye movement paradigms with 13 high functioning individuals with autism and 14 age- and IQ-matched typically developing individuals. Individuals with autism had reduced activation in cortical eye fields and cerebellar hemispheres during both eye movement tasks. When executing visually guided saccades, individuals with autism had greater activation bilaterally in a frontostriatal circuit including dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, caudate nucleus, medial thalamus, anterior and posterior cingulate cortex, and right dentate nucleus. The increased activation in prefrontal–striatal–thalamocortical circuitry during visually guided saccades indicates that systems typically dedicated to cognitive control may need to compensate for disturbances in lower-level sensorimotor systems. Reduced activation throughout visual sensorimotor systems may contribute to saccadic and pursuit disturbances that have been reported in autism. These findings document that neurodevelopmental disturbances in autism affect widely distributed brain systems beyond those mediating language and social cognition. © 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Fine needle aspiration biopsy of liver – an update

Because appropriate clinical management is guided by the nature of the mass, accurate diagnosis of discrete hepatic masses is very important. Possible treatments range from supportive care for advanced metastatic lesions to partial hepatectomy for primary carcinomas. Despite recent improvement, radiological imaging does not always allow precise characterization of the lesions. Serological markers (such as alpha fetoprotein) can be useful in narrowing the differential diagnosis when they are markedly elevated but a substantial number of patients unfortunately do not have high levels of these markers at the time of presentation. Therefore, a tissue diagnosis is often required to guide subsequent management. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) under image guidance has gained increasing acceptance as the diagnostic procedure of choice for patients with focal hepatic lesions. It can be performed percutaneously or endoscopically. This review will discuss fine needle aspiration biopsy of liver from a pathologist's perspective. The review will also address the cytology and the pitfalls of some of the more commonly encountered hepatic lesions as well as those that may pose diagnostic challenges. Currently, there are several diagnostic procedures to obtain preoperative tissue diagnosis to guide subsequent therapy. They include image guided fine needle aspiration biopsy, blind percutaneous needle core biopsy, and transjugular needle core biopsy. Percutaneous needle core biopsy without imaging guidance is excellent for diagnosing diffuse liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and metabolic diseases. Accuracy is superb and the complication rate is low. However, it is not indicated for focal, discrete hepatic lesions. To minimize the risk of hemorrhage, transjugular approach is often reserved for patients with a bleeding diathesis. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) under image guidance has gained increasing acceptance as the diagnostic procedure of choice for patients with focal hepatic lesions. It can be performed percutaneously or endoscopically. The latter approach is technically difficult for lesions located far away from the tip of the echoenodoscope and lesion near the 2nd or 3rd portion of the duodenum because of poor visualization [1]. FNA may also be performed at laparoscopy or laparotomy under direct vision when imaged guided FNA fails to provide diagnostic tissue [2]. This review is not intended to be exhaustive. Therefore, the discussion is limited to the lesions that are more commonly encountered in day-to-day practice and those that may pose diagnostic challenges.
SHEAR DOMINATED TRANSONIC INTERFACIAL CRACK GROWTH IN A BIMATERIAL-I. EXPERIMENTAL OBSERVATIONS

In this work we describe a series of impact experiments performed on PMMA/4340 steel edge cracked bimaterial plates. Specimens were impacted at 20 m s−1 in a one point bend configuration using a high speed gas gun. Dynamic interfacial crack propagation was observed using the optical method of Coherent Gradient Sensing and high speed photography. Very high crack tip accelerations (108 m s−2) and very high crack tip speeds (up to 1.5cRPMMA) were measured and are reported. Quantitative measurements show that in experiments in which the crack tip speed entered the intersonic range for PMMA, the stress field surrounding the crack tip was shear dominated. The observation of high shear around the crack tip can also be explained using wave propagation arguments. It is found that the reason for attainment of intersonic (with respect to PMMA) crack tip speeds is directly related to the large amounts of energy necessary to initiate the crack tip under shear dominated conditions. A comparison with the theoretical results of Part II in this study is also made. There seems to be an unfavorable region of stable crack propagation velocities in the intersonic regime. This region is cspmma < v < √2csPMMA. In all experiments performed, the propagating crack accelerated quickly out of this region. In the few interferograms that do actually correspond to crack propagation in this unfavorable velocity range, crack face contact was observed. This observation is also in agreement with the findings of Part II of this investigation.
A cyanide-bridged bimetallic complex, [CrPr(CN)6(C3H7NO)4(H2O)3].H2O

The crystal structure of the bimetallic cyanide-bridged title complex, tri­aqua-1κ3O-μ-cyano-1:2κ2N:C-penta­cyano-2κ5C-tetrakis(N,N-di­methyl­form­amide)-1κ4O-chromium(III)­prase­odymium(III) monohydrate, was obtained by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The central praseodymium(III) ion is eight-coordinate, arranged in a square antiprism, while the chromium(III) ion is six-coordinate, oriented octahedrally. Molecules in the crystal lattice are held together by a network of hydrogen bonds.
New surface radiolabeling schemes of super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) for biodistribution studies

Nanomaterial based drug delivery systems allow for the independent tuning of the surface chemical and physical properties that affect their biodistribution in vivo and the therapeutic payloads that they are intended to deliver. Additionally, the added therapeutic and diagnostic value of their inherent material properties often provides extra functionality. Iron based nanomaterials with their magnetic properties and easily tailorable surface chemistry are of particular interest as model systems. In this study the core radius of the iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) was 14.08 ± 3.92 nm while the hydrodynamic radius of the NPs, as determined by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), was between 90–110 nm. In this study, different approaches were explored to create radiolabeled NPs that are stable in solution. The NPs were functionalized with polycarboxylate or polyamine surface functional groups. Polycarboxylate functionalized NPs had a zeta potential of −35 mV and polyamine functionalized NPs had a zeta potential of +40 mV. The polycarboxylate functionalized NPs were chosen for in vivo biodistribution studies and hence were radiolabeled with 14C, with a final activity of 0.097 nCi mg−1 of NPs. In chronic studies, the biodistribution profile is tracked using low level radiolabeled proxies of the nanoparticles of interest. Conventionally, these radiolabeled proxies are chemically similar but not chemically identical to the non-radiolabeled NPs of interest. This study is novel as different approaches were explored to create radiolabeled NPs that are stable, possess a hydrodynamic radius of <100 nm and most importantly they exhibit an identical surface chemical functionality as their non-radiolabeled counterparts. Identical chemical functionality of the radiolabeled probes to the non-radiolabeled probes was an important consideration to generate statistically similar biodistribution data sets using multiple imaging and detection techniques. The radiolabeling approach described here is applicable to the synthesis of a large class of nanomaterials with multiple core and surface functionalities. This work combined with the biodistribution data suggests that the radiolabeling schemes carried out in this study have broad implications for use in pharmacokinetic studies for a variety of nanomaterials.
Randomized, Controlled Trial of Prednisone, Cyclophosphamide, and Cyclosporine in Lupus Membranous Nephropathy

Patients with lupus membranous nephropathy (LMN) are at substantial long-term risk for morbidity and mortality associated with protracted nephrotic syndrome, including ESRD. The optimal treatment for this condition is controversial. Forty-two patients with LMN participated in a randomized, controlled trial to compare adjunctive immunosuppressive drugs with prednisone alone. Adjunctive regimens included either cyclosporine (CsA) for 11 mo or alternate-month intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide (IVCY) for six doses; the control group received alternate-day prednisone alone. Median proteinuria was 5.4 g/d (range 2.7 to 15.4 g/d). We assessed the primary outcome, time to remission of proteinuria during the 12-mo protocol, by univariate survival analysis. At 1 yr, the cumulative probability of remission was 27% with prednisone, 60% with IVCY, and 83% with CsA. Although both IVCY and CsA were more effective than prednisone in inducing remissions of proteinuria, relapse of nephrotic syndrome occurred significantly more often after completion of CsA than after IVCY. By multivariate survival analysis, treatment with prednisone and high-grade proteinuria (>5 g/d) but not race or ethnicity were independently associated with a decreased probability of remission. Adverse effects during the 12-mo protocol included insulin-requiring diabetes (one with prednisone and two with CsA), pneumonia (one with prednisone and two with CsA), and localized herpes zoster (two with IVCY). In conclusion, regimens containing CsA or IVCY are each more effective than prednisone alone in inducing remission of proteinuria among patients with LMN.
Treating individuals with social anxiety disorder and at-risk drinking: phasing in a brief alcohol intervention following paroxetine.

Paroxetine alone is not sufficient to decrease alcohol use in socially anxious alcoholics seeking anxiety treatment. We tested the hypothesis that adding a brief-alcohol-intervention (BI) to paroxetine would decrease alcohol use. All subjects (N = 83) had a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder, endorsed drinking to cope with anxiety, were NIAAA-defined at-risk drinkers, and were randomized to either paroxetine alone, or paroxetine plus BI. Both groups showed significant improvement in both social anxiety severity (F(5,83) = 61.5, p 0.3). Paroxetine decreased social anxiety severity in the face of heavy drinking and decreasing the anxiety was related to a concurrent decrease in coping related drinking. BI was not effective at decreasing drinking or drinking to cope.
Identification and Recombinant Expression of a Mycobacterium avium Rhamnosyltransferase Gene (rtfA) Involved in Glycopeptidolipid Biosynthesis

The Mycobacterium avium complex is a source of disseminated infections in patients with advanced AIDS. This group of mycobacteria is distinguished by the presence of highly antigenic, surface-exposed glycopeptidolipids, and these glycolipids possess variant oligosaccharide structures that are the chemical basis of the 28 distinct serovars of the M. avium complex. We previously described the ser2 gene cluster, encoding the synthesis of the haptenic oligosaccharide (2,3-dimethylfucose-rhamnose-6-deoxytalose-) of the serovar 2-specific glycopeptidolipid, and revealed a locus (ser2A) encoding a putative rhamnosyltransferase. Sequencing of the ser2A locus demonstrated the presence of three open reading frames, two of which yielded significant homology to several glycosyltransferases, and the deduced amino acid sequences of these two putative glycosyltransferases had 63% identity. These two genes were expressed in Mycobacterium smegmatis, and the resulting recombinant glycopeptidolipids were characterized by thin-layer chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. These analyses demonstrated that only one of these genes, termed rtfA, encoded the rhamnosyltransferase responsible for the transfer of rhamnose to 6-deoxytalose. The identification of rtfA will permit further evaluation of glycopeptidolipid biosynthesis and the construction of isogenic mutants of multiple M. avium complex serovars. Moreover, such mutants will help define the role of glycopeptidolipids in the intracellular survival of these bacteria.