cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiplexed piezoelectric polymer tactile sensor

An electrically multiplexed robotic tactile sensor has been realized using a monolithic silicon-integrated circuit coupled to a piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film. The integrated circuit incorporates 25 sensor electrodes arranged in a symmetrical 5 × 5 matrix. Each electrode occupies a 600 × 600 mm square area, and they are separated from each other by 600 mm. A 25-mm thick PVDF film was experimentally determined to be compatible with the fabrication process, and also yielded very favorable tactile sensing performance characteristics. The response of the tactile sensor is essentially linear for loads spanning 0.8 to 60 g force (gmf). The response bandwidth is 33 Hz, the hysteresis level is very small, and crosstalk is not a significant problem. A novel precharge bias scheme has been implemented to stabilize the pre- and postload sensor response. A rudimentary tactile object image measurement process was evaluated to recognize the shapes of circular, rectangular, toroidal, and hexagonal loads.
Commentary: treatment of Helicobacter pylori.

for recruitment of patients with ulcers; this may limit the approval of new antimicrobial therapies. It may be time to expand the study of H. pylori treatment beyond patients with ulcer disease to any patient with the bacterial infection. If H. pylori, for the purpose of treatment trials, is considered as an infectious disease, then our ability to test new therapeutic combinations will not be limited by patient recruitment. Present trends suggest that new H. pylori treatment regimens will consist of multiple medications, generally three or more, given in shorter, more convenient dosing schedules. Future research will need to focus on further dose adjustments and efforts to reduce noxious side effects. Vaccination against the bacteria is feasible and can potentially be used for treatment or prevention. Present development is restricted by the need for a safe mucosal adjuvant. In developed countries where the incidence of infection is low, H. pylori vaccination may serve as part of combination antimicrobial therapy. In developing coun­ tries with high rates of acquisition, vaccination could be used to prevent primary infection or to prevent bacterial reinfection.
On improving performance and conserving power in cluster-based Web servers

With the growing use of cluster systems in Web servers, file distribution and database transactions, power conservation and efficiency have been identified as critical issues in the design of cluster systems. Widely adopted, distributor-based systems forward client requests to a balanced set of backend servers in complete transparency to the clients. In this paper, we use power and locality-based request distribution at the distributor to provide optimum power conservation, while maintaining the required QoS of the system. The distribution scheme uses a simple memory management technique using pinned memory on the backend servers and proactive distribution, with the aid of data organization of the Web site, to improve the locality of the files. A simple on-off based power management scheme is applied to conserve power. Our scheme provides reduced response time to the clients and improved power conservation at the backend server cluster without compromising performance. Simulations involving real-time Web traces and latest Web technologies witness performance boost of 15-23% and power conservation of 15-48% over the existing policies.
The first molecular basis of the "missing self" hypothesis.

I still remember the day my advisor, Dr. Rafael Solana, came to me with the article of Karlhofer et al. ([1][1]) in his hands and told me that that paper was the proof for the receptor inhibition model of the “missing self” hypothesis. I had just joined the Laboratory of Immunology in the
U-Pb zircon and geochemical evidence for bimodal mid-paleozoic magmatism and syngenetic base-metal mineralization in the Yukon-Tanana terrane, Alaska

New SHRIMP (sensitive, high-resolution ion microprobe) U-Pb zircon ages and trace element geochemical data for mafic and felsic metaigneous rocks of the pericratonic Yukon-Tanana terrane in east-central Alaska help define the tectonic setting of mid-Paleo-zoic magmatism and syngenetic hydrothermal Zn-Pb-Ag mineralization along the ancient Pacific margin of North America. We compare data from similar greenschist-facies sequences of bimodal volcanic and subvolcanic rocks associated with carbonaceous and siliciclastic marine sedimentary rocks, in the Wood River area of the Alaska Range and the Salcha River area of the Yukon-Tanana Upland, and from amphibolite-facies augen gneiss and mafic gneiss (amphibolite) in the Goodpaster River area of the upland. Allowing for analytical uncertainties, igneous crystallization age ranges of 376–353 Ma, 378–346 Ma, and 374–358 Ma are indicated by 13 new SHRIMP U-Pb dates for the Wood River, Salcha River, and Goodpaster River areas, respectively. Bimodal magmatism is indicated by Late Devonian crystallization ages for both augen gneiss (371 ± 3 and 362 ± 4 Ma) and associated orthoamphibolite (369 ± 3 Ma) in the upland and by stratigraphic interleaving of mafic and felsic rocks in the Alaska Range. Metabasites in all three study areas have elevated HFSE (high field strength element) and REE (rare earth element) contents indicative of generation in a within-plate (extensional) tectonic setting. Within-plate trace element signatures also are indicated for peralkaline metarhyolites that host the largest volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits of the Bonnifield district in the Wood River area and for metarhyolite tuff interlayered with the carbonaceous Nasina assemblage, which hosts sedimentary exhalative sulfide occurrences in the Salcha River area. Most of the other felsic metaigneous samples from the Alaska Range and the Yukon-Tanana Upland have geochemical signatures that are similar to those of both average upper continental crust and continental-margin arc rocks generated in thick continental crust. Given the absence in our study areas of intermediate-composition magmatic products generally found in most arcs, and the presence of bimodal magmatism, the alkalic within-plate chemistry of the mafic rocks and some of the felsic rocks, and the widespread occurrence of interlayered carbonaceous sedimentary rocks indicative of deposition within a restricted marine basin or submerged continental margin, we consider it most likely that this prolonged Late Devonian to Early Mississippian magmatic episode resulted from attenuation of the ancient continental margin of western North America, rather than development of an arc, as proposed by many others.
A modified effectiveness-NTU approach for analysis of low-aspect ratio mini-channel heat sinks using novel shape factor formulations

In the electronics cooling literature, the use of the overall thermal resistance to describe the thermal performance of cooling technologies, has hindered the adoption of more robust and powerful thermal performance metrics, most notably the heat exchanger effectiveness, epsiv , that arises in the theory of heat exchangers. This paper presents a theoretical treatment of the heat transfer in cold plates with low aspect ratio channels which leads to a modified form of the epsiv-NTU equation for single-sided heat exchangers. The heat transfer from the surface where heat is applied to the coolant channels is separated into the thermal impedance caused by conduction through the solid matrix, and that caused by the convection in the coolant channels. The heat conduction through the solid and into the surfaces of the channel is modeled using novel analytical shape factor formulations. This generalized conduction treatment leads to a modification of the traditional epsiv-NTU formulation that includes a generalized Biot number, defined in terms of the conduction shape factor. The new formulation robustly correlates recently reported experimental data from compact copper-water heat sinks used to cool small 1 cm times 1 cm heat sources.
Performance of urine leukocyte esterase in asymptomatic male youth: Another look with nucleic acid amplification testing as the gold standard for Chlamydia detection

Abstract Purpose To re-evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of leukocyte esterase (LE) for screening adolescent and young adult males for Chlamydia trachomatis using a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) as the gold standard. Methods This study was conducted at two Massachusetts Department of Youth Services sites and one Job Corps site. Recently admitted asymptomatic sexually active male youth aged 14 to 25 years (mean 16.6 years) were recruited between January 2001 and July 2003 (N = 1008). Participants provided first part voided urine specimens for testing with LE and Chlamydia NAAT. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of urine LE for identification of Chlamydia infection were determined using NAAT as the gold standard. Results Fifty-seven (5.7%) participants were infected with Chlamydia as defined by a positive NAAT. Defining trace + as the LE cut point resulted in sensitivity and specificity of 57.9% and 78.3%, respectively. Defining 1+ as the cut point resulted in sensitivity and specificity of 47.4% and 96.1%, respectively. Conclusions Urine leukocyte esterase is a moderately sensitive method to screen for Chlamydia. Nevertheless, a substantial proportion of infections are not detected with LE screening. When feasible, urine NAAT provides a much more sensitive and equally noninvasive method of detecting Chlamydia. However, if LE is used as an initial screen followed by NAAT confirmation of LE positive samples, we recommend using trace LE as the cut point for positive results.
Synthesis and characterization of tris(2,2′‐bipyridine)ruthenium‐cored star‐shaped polymers via RAFT polymerization

A new bipyridine-functionalized dithioester was synthesized and further used as a RAFT agent in RAFT polymerization of styrene and N-isopropylacrylamide. Kinetics analysis indicates that it is an efficient chain transfer agent for RAFT polymerization of the two monomers which produce polystyrene and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) polymers with predetermined molecular weights and low polydispersities in addition to the end functionality of bipyridine. The bipyridine end-functionalized polymers were further used as macroligands for the preparation of star-shaped metallopolymers. Hydrophobic polystyrene macroligand combined with hydrophiphilic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) was complexed with ruthenium ions to produce amphiphilic ruthenium-cored star-shaped metallopolymers. The structures of these synthesized metallopolymers were further elucidated by UV–vis, fluorescence, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as well as NMR techniques. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 4225–4239, 2007
Oral Cyclic Melphalan and Dexamethasone for Patients With AL Amyloidosis

Purpose: Aggressive treatment of amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis with high-dose intravenous melphalan followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM/SCT) is effective in inducing hematologic remission and clinical improvement. However, only selected patients with AL amyloidosis are eligible for HDM/SCT because of amyloid-associated organ dysfunction. Patients and Methods: We report on 70 patients with AL amyloidosis treated with oral cyclic melphalan and dexamethasone. Results: Of 48 evaluable patients who survived and returned for follow-up assessment, 6 patients (13%) achieved a complete hematologic response and 12 patients (25%) a partial hematologic response. Responses were non-inferior for patients receiving weekly “low-dose” dexamethasone compared with those receiving 4 day pulses. Median survival for the 70 patients has not yet been reached with a median follow-up of 17 months. Nineteen patients (27%) received additional treatment leading to improvement in survival. Conclusion: Melphalan/dexamethasone can lead to hematologic responses and improvement in survival, particularly for those who can receive additional treatment for AL amyloidosis.
Alternative transcription exceeds alternative splicing in generating the transcriptome diversity of cerebellar development

Despite our growing knowledge that many mammalian genes generate multiple transcript variants that may encode functionally distinct protein isoforms, the transcriptomes of various tissues and their developmental stages are poorly defined. Identifying the transcriptome and its regulation in a cell/tissue is the key to deciphering the cell/tissue-specific functions of a gene. We built a genome-wide inventory of noncoding and protein-coding transcripts (transcriptomes), their promoters (promoteromes) and histone modification states (epigenomes) for developing, and adult cerebella using integrative massive-parallel sequencing and bioinformatics approach. The data consists of 61,525 (12,796 novel) distinct mRNAs transcribed by 29,589 (4792 novel) promoters corresponding to 15,669 protein-coding and 7624 noncoding genes. Importantly, our results show that the transcript variants from a gene are predominantly generated using alternative transcriptional rather than splicing mechanisms, highlighting alternative promoters and transcriptional terminations as major sources of transcriptome diversity. Moreover, H3K4me3, and not H3K27me3, defined the use of alternative promoters, and we identified a combinatorial role of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in regulating the expression of transcripts, including transcript variants of a gene during development. We observed a strong bias of both H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 for CpG-rich promoters and an exponential relationship between their enrichment and corresponding transcript expression. Furthermore, the majority of genes associated with neurological diseases expressed multiple transcripts through alternative promoters, and we demonstrated aberrant use of alternative promoters in medulloblastoma, cancer arising in the cerebellum. The transcriptomes of developing and adult cerebella presented in this study emphasize the importance of analyzing gene regulation and function at the isoform level.
Regulation of RB Transcription In Vivo by RB Family Members

In cancer cells, the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor RB is directly inactivated by mutation in the RB gene or functionally inhibited by abnormal activation of cyclin-dependent kinase activity. While variations in RB levels may also provide an important means of controlling RB function in both normal and cancer cells, little is known about the mechanisms regulating RB transcription. Here we show that members of the RB and E2F families bind directly to the RB promoter. To investigate how the RB/E2F pathway may regulate Rb transcription, we generated reporter mice carrying an eGFP transgene inserted into a bacterial artificial chromosome containing most of the Rb gene. Expression of eGFP largely parallels that of Rb in transgenic embryos and adult mice. Using these reporter mice and mutant alleles for Rb, p107, and p130, we found that RB family members modulate Rb transcription in specific cell populations in vivo and in culture. Interestingly, while Rb is a target of the RB/E2F pathway in mouse and human cells, Rb expression does not strictly correlate with the cell cycle status of these cells. These experiments identify novel regulatory feedback mechanisms within the RB pathway in mammalian cells.
Nanopore-based detection of circulating microRNAs in lung cancer patients

MicroRNAs are short RNA molecules that regulate gene expression, and have been investigated as potential biomarkers because their expression levels are correlated with various diseases. However, detecting microRNAs in the bloodstream remains difficult because current methods are not sufficiently selective or sensitive. Here, we show that a nanopore sensor based on the α-haemolysin protein can selectively detect microRNAs at the single molecular level in plasma samples from lung cancer patients without the need for labels or amplification of the microRNA. The sensor, which uses a programmable oligonucleotide probe to generate a target-specific signature signal, can quantify subpicomolar levels of cancer-associated microRNAs and can distinguish single-nucleotide differences between microRNA family members. This approach is potentially useful for quantitative microRNA detection, the discovery of disease markers and non-invasive early diagnosis of cancer. A biological nanopore is used to detect circulating microRNA in the plasma of lung cancer patients, offering a non-invasive method to screen and diagnose diseases.
Miniature UWB Conformal Aperture with Volumetric Inductive Loading

This paper introduces a new concept for a conformal aperture antenna that operates from 3000 MHz down to VHF frequencies. The intended size is less than 15 in. diameter, corresponding to lambda/22 at 30 MHz, and having a gain better than -15 dBi at the lowest operational frequency with a nominal gain of greater than 0 dB at the higher frequencies. A key aspect of this paper is the use of inductive loading within the entire substrate/superstrate volume rather than modifying the metallization only on the surface of the substrate. The proposed antenna is based on a spiral configuration which has been miniaturized using a combination of dielectric and inductive loading. A significant effort is also made to maintain a thin cavity-backed configuration. This is done by using a ferro-metallic ground plane that is optimally designed and integrated with the dielectric substrate along with volumetric coiling for best performance. Overall, it is shown that a 6 in. aperture can operate down to 130 MHz (lambda/15 aperture) using a combination of dielectric and volumetric inductive loading
Getting Rid of the Jitters: Finding the Trend

Is there a trend toward global warming, or is the relatively warm weather of recent years just part of the variability expected in a process like the weather? This question is much debated partly because it is difficult to see long-term trends in data that is subject to many short-term fluctuations (sometimes called “jitters”). Some of the fluctuations can be removed, however, by “smoothing” the data. In this lesson, moving averages will be used to smooth temperature data from the coastal northeastern United States so that trends can be spotted more easily.
Ovarian characteristics and timed artificial insemination pregnancy risk after presynchronization with gonadotropin-releasing hormone 7 days before PGF2α in dairy cows.

The objective was to determine the benefit of including GnRH and PGF2α (PG) as a part of a presynchronization option before enrolling cows in a timed artificial insemination (AI) program. Holstein cows in one herd were assigned weekly at calving from January 2012 to August 2014 to a completely randomized design consisting of two presynchronization treatments. Cows in the Presynch-11 (n = 290) control were administered two PGF2α injections (Presynch PG-1 and Presynch PG-2) 14 days apart starting at 39 ± 4 days postpartum (study Days 0 and 14). Cows receiving the experimental presynchronization treatment (Gsynch-11, n = 287) were treated with GnRH (pre-GnRH) on study Day 7 and PG (pre-PG) on study Day 14. On study Day 25, all cows were enrolled in the Ovsynch-56 timed AI program: GnRH-1 on study Day 25, PG on study Day 32, GnRH-2 on study Day 34, 56 hours after PG, and timed AI on study Day 35, 16 hours after GnRH-2. In a subsample of 255 cows, ovarian structures were monitored for size and ovulation, and blood samples were collected on study Days 7, 14, 25, 32, 34, and 41 to measure progesterone. Concentrations of progesterone were greater (P 96%), ovulation to GnRH-2 (>90%), and synchronization risk (>88%) did not differ between treatments, but incidence of multiple ovulation after GnRH-2 was larger (P = 0.036) in Presynch-11 than Gsynch-11 cows (28.4% vs. 15.9%), respectively. Pregnancy per AI at 32 days (36.4% vs. 35.1%) and 60 days (30.0% vs. 29.0%) after AI did not differ between Gsynch-11 and Presynch-11 cows, respectively, but was suppressed during summer months in both treatments to less than 70% of the pregnancy per AI of nonsummer months. Because more than 90% of the cows were ovular as treatments were applied, the GnRH treatment of Gsynch-11 could not be assessed for its benefit in anovular cows. The Gsynch-11 presynchronization treatment performed comparably with the standard Presynch-11 program and provides a viable presynchronization option for use before first AI in dairy herds.
Neuere Anschauungen über die Passivität von rostfreiem Stahl

In vorliegender Arbeit wird zuerst ein umfassender Uberblick uber neuere Arbeiten uber die Passivitat von Eisen und von rostfreiem Stahl gegeben, wobei noch keine endgultige Entscheidung daruber gefallt wird, ob die Theorie des Oxydfilms oder die des adsorbierten Sauerstoffs zu Recht besteht. Anschliesend werden neuere Arbeiten an der Ohio State University erortert, die hauptsachlich aus Adsorptionsversuchen bestanden und darauf abzielten, die Adsorption von Sauerstoff auf Oberflachen von rostfreien Stahlen bei Raumtemperatur zu ermitteln. Die Ergebnisse dieser Untersuchungen durften eine Stutze fur die Oxydfilm-Theorie bilden. Der Mechanismus der Passivierung von austenitischem rostfreiem Stahl besteht wahrscheinlich in einer Oxydation. Es ist anzunehmen, das die gebeizte Oberflache bei Lufteinwirkung einer raschen Oxydation unterliegt und das der gebildete Oxydfilm eine kritische Dicke aufweist. Anschliesende Vakuumbildung unterbricht den Oxydationsvorgang, ehe die kritische Dicke erreicht ist. Dem Mechanismus der irreversiblen Sauerstoffadsorption bei Raumtemperatur durfte eine Verdickung des Oxydfilms zu Grunde liegen. Beugungsuntersuchungen fuhren zu der Schlusfolgerung, das der Oxydfilm wahrscheinlich aus amorphen Hydroxyden besteht. A New View of the Passivity of Stainless Steel The article contains a comprehensive survey of recent publications on iron and stainless steels, not yet making a definite decision whether the oxide film or the adsorbed oxygen theory will be right. This is followed by a discussion of recent works of the Ohio States University which consist mainly of adsorption experiments carried out to determine the adorption of oxygen on stainless steel surfaces at roomtemperature. The results of these investigations might support the oxide film theory. It must be assumed that by action of air an etched surface will be oxidized rapidly and that the oxide film will show finally a critical thickness. A following vacuum treatment interrupts the process of oxidation before the critical thickness is reached. The irrevesible adsorption of oxygen at roomtemperature might be due to the growing of the oxide film. Diffraction tests show that the oxide film consists possibly of amorph hydroxides.
Abstract 348: α1a-Adrenoceptor Genetic Variant-Triggered Hyperproliferation Is Mediated Through Aberrant Interaction With Spinophilin in Smooth Muscle Cells

Activation of α1-Adrenergic Receptors (α1ARs), members of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, in response to stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system by catecholamines plays a major role in regulating cardiovascular (CV) function and blood pressure (BP). Among three α1AR subtypes (α1a,α1b,α1d) expressed in vasculature α1aARs predominate in human vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC), particularly in resistant vessels most involved in BP control. Polymorphisms in the α1aAR gene are also related to hypertension (HTN), one of the major CV risk factors. Recently, we discovered a novel, unique mechanism of hypertension triggered by naturally occurring human α1aAR-G247R (247R) genetic variant, identified in the 3rd intracellular loop (3iL) of the receptor in hypertensive patient. In fibroblasts, 247R signals via constitutive active coupling to the βarrestin1/MMP7/EGFR pathway. Here we report that 247R expression in SMC triggers constitutive, Gq- and MMP/EGFR/ERK-dependent hyperproliferation. Agonist (phenylephrine) treatment of cells inhibits hyperproliferation and induces hypertrophy and α1aAR inverse agonist prazosin inhibits hyperproliferation and hypertrophy indicating Gq-dependent pathway. Expression of 247R in SMC also triggers upregulation of spinophilin (SPL), a ubiquitous multi-domain scaffold protein that binds to 3iL of several GPCRs and competes with βarrestins for 3iL binding. We hypothesized that SPL mediates constitutive signaling of 247R and examined whether SPL directly interacts with α1aAR-WT or 247R. Our preliminary results demonstrate a distinct interaction of α1aAR-WT and 247R with SPL, although the SPL-α1AR-WT interaction appears to be strongest. SPL 1-480aa fragment demonstrates stronger interaction with α1aAR-WT indicating that this domain is responsible for interaction with 3iL. Interestingly the SPL 480-817 fragment has stronger interaction with 247R. Thus, expression of the naturally occurring human α1aAR genetic variant in vascular cells activates distinct signaling pathways leading to aberrant hyperproliferation and hypertrophy, and may eventually result in hypertension and other CV diseases suggesting a possible novel mechanism underlying some forms of human hypertension.
Conditional deletion of L1CAM in human neurons impairs both axonal and dendritic arborization and action potential generation

Hundreds of L1CAM gene mutations have been shown to be associated with congenital hydrocephalus, severe intellectual disability, aphasia, and motor symptoms. How such mutations impair neuronal function, however, remains unclear. Here, we generated human embryonic stem (ES) cells carrying a conditional L1CAM loss-of-function mutation and produced precisely matching control and L1CAM-deficient neurons from these ES cells. In analyzing two independent conditionally mutant ES cell clones, we found that deletion of L1CAM dramatically impaired axonal elongation and, to a lesser extent, dendritic arborization. Unexpectedly, we also detected an ∼20-50% and ∼20-30% decrease, respectively, in the levels of ankyrinG and ankyrinB protein, and observed that the size and intensity of ankyrinG staining in the axon initial segment was significantly reduced. Overexpression of wild-type L1CAM, but not of the L1CAM point mutants R1166X and S1224L, rescued the decrease in ankyrin levels. Importantly, we found that the L1CAM mutation selectively decreased activity-dependent Na(+)-currents, altered neuronal excitability, and caused impairments in action potential (AP) generation. Thus, our results suggest that the clinical presentations of L1CAM mutations in human patients could be accounted for, at least in part, by cell-autonomous changes in the functional development of neurons, such that neurons are unable to develop normal axons and dendrites and to generate normal APs.
Cryoablation of Anteroseptal Accessory Pathways with a His Bundle Electrogram on the Ablation Catheter

Abstract Background Radiofrequency catheter ablations of anteroseptal (AS) accessory pathways (AP) in pediatric patients have higher incidence of atrioventricular (AV) block than other AP locations. We report our experience using cryoablation in pediatric patients where a His bundle electrogram was noted on the ablation catheter at the site of the successful ablation. Methods and Results We retrospectively reviewed all patients ≤21 years that underwent cryoablation for an AS AP from 2005 to 2012 at our institution (n=70). Patients with a His bundle electrogram noted on the cryoablation catheter at the location of the successful lesion were identified (n=6, 8.5%). All six patients had ventricular preexcitation. Median age of 15.9 years (7.2 - 18.2). AV nodal function was monitored during the cryoablation with intermittent rapid atrial pacing conducted through the AV node (n=2), with atrial extra-stimulus testing (n=2), or during orthodromic reentrant tachycardia (n=2). Acute success occurred in all patients. Two patients had early recurrence of AP conduction. Both patients underwent a second successful cryoablation, again with a His bundle electrogram on the cryoablation catheter. At a median follow-up of 13 months (3 to 37 months) there was no recurrence of accessory pathway conduction and AVN function was normal. Conclusions In a small number of pediatric patients with AS AP with a His bundle electrogram seen on the ablation catheter, the use of cryotherapy was safe and effective for elimination of AP conduction without impairment of AV nodal conduction.
Discuss the Clinical Significance of D-dimer(DD) in Thrombolysis Treatme nt for Myocardial Infarction

Objective: This study is designed to determine the clinical significance of D-dimer (DD) in myocardial infarction treatm ent. Method: We examined the content of DD during the process of thromboly sis by performing ELSA .Result:The patient without thrombolysis treatment whose content of DD had no striking diffe rence in a short time.The content of DD of thrombolysis treatment patient was do wn regulated (p0.01).Conclusion:It is suggest that DD check might reflect thrombolysis treatment has certain significance and can guide clinical.
Direct Copper(III) Formation from O2 and Copper(I) with Histamine Ligation.

Histamine chelation of copper(I) by a terminal histidine residue in copper hydroxylating enzymes activates dioxygen to form unknown oxidants, generally assumed as copper(II) species. The direct formation of copper(III)-containing products from the oxygenation of histamine-ligated copper(I) complexes is demonstrated here, indicating that copper(III) is a viable oxidation state in such products from both kinetic and thermodynamic perspectives. At low temperatures, both trinuclear Cu(II)2Cu(III)O2 and dinuclear Cu(III)2O2 predominate, with the distribution dependent on the histamine ligand structure and oxygenation conditions. Kinetics studies suggest the bifurcation point to these two products is an unobserved peroxide-level dimer intermediate. The hydrogen atom reactivity difference between the trinuclear and binuclear complexes at parity of histamine ligand is striking. This behavior is best attributed to the accessibility of the bridging oxide ligands to exogenous substrates rather than a difference in o...
Identification of Proteins Associated with Changes in the Linolenate Content of Soybean Cotyledons

The relatively high content of linolenate in soybean seeds has been considered as a major factor resulting in oxidative and flavor instability of soybean oil. Various approaches have been undertaken in attempts to manipulate the linolenate content in soybean seeds. Reduction of linolenate biosynthesis due to a substituted pyridazinone (4-chloro, 5-dimethylamino, 2-phenyl-3 (2H) pyridazinone, also San 9785) was reported in soybean cotyledons developing in vitro.1 Mutants with a lower linolenate content have been identified in soybeans. Of these, the mutant C1640 has about a 50% reduction of linolenate content in mature seeds and this low linolenate mutation is controlled by one nuclear locus.2 This report presents a comparison of the effects of San 9785 and the mutation (C1640) on the reduction of linolenate content and compares the chemical and mutation effects on protein synthesis in order to identify the gene products associated with the regulation of linolenate production in developing soybean cotyledons.
Changing undergraduate human anatomy and physiology laboratories: perspectives from a large-enrollment course

In the present article, a veteran lecturer of human anatomy and physiology taught several sections of the laboratory component for the first time and shares his observations and analysis from this unique perspective. The article discusses a large-enrollment, content-heavy anatomy and physiology course in relationship to published studies on learning and student self-efficacy. Changes in the laboratory component that could increase student learning are proposed. The author also points out the need for research to assess whether selective curricular changes could increase the depth of understanding and retention of learned material.
Optimism, Cynical Hostility, Falls, and Fractures: The Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI‐OS)

Traits of optimism and cynical hostility are features of personality that could influence the risk of falls and fractures by influencing risk taking behaviors, health behaviors or inflammation. To test the hypothesis that personality influences falls and fracture risk, we studied 87,342 women enrolled in WHI-OS. Optimism was assessed by the Life Orientation Test - Revised and cynical hostility, the cynicism subscale of the Cook-Medley questionnaire. Higher scores indicate greater optimism and hostility. Optimism and hostility were correlated at r = -0.31, p This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Language: en
Route-Specific Challenges in the Delivery of Poorly Water-Soluble Drugs

Poor aqueous solubility of new chemical entities presents various challenges in the development of effective drug-delivery systems for various delivery routes. Poorly soluble drugs that are delivered orally commonly result in low bioavailability and are subject to considerable food effects. In addition, poorly soluble drugs intended for parenteral delivery generally have to be solubilized with large amounts of co-solvents and surfactants, oftentimes resulting in adverse physiological reactions. Ocular delivery of poorly soluble drugs is challenging due to the absorption barriers and clearance mechanisms. Poorly soluble drugs administered nasally are limited by a relatively small administered volume, the geometry of the nasal cavity and the strict safety requirements of the excipients used in the formulation. Finally, successful formulation design of poorly soluble drugs intended for pulmonary administration is hindered by the limited number of excipients generally recognized as safe for this route of delivery and the anatomical and physiological clearance mechanisms found in the airways. In summary, this chapter reviews the specific challenges faced in the delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs via oral, parenteral, and pulmonary administration.
Advertising Decisions and Support Services: Domestic versus International Franchising

This study investigates the as yet unexamined topic of advertising decisions by U.S. franchisors operating in multiple markets. The findings of this survey indicate that though the majority of fran...
Abstract 377: Development of a Cell-Based Assay for In Vitro Assessment of Ultrasound Enhanced Bevacizumab Release from Echogenic Liposomes for Delivery into Atherosclerotic Adventitia

Introduction. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important mediator of angiogenesis, not only in tumor growth, but also in vulnerable atheroma progression. Recent research has indicated that bevacizumab, an anti-cancer monoclonal antibody targeting VEGF, can inhibit atheroma progression. We have developed bevacizumab-loaded echogenic liposomes (BEV-ELIP) as an ultrasound-triggered intrinsically targeted controlled release vehicle for treatment of developing atheroma. Hypothesis. PMA-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) cultures can serve as a means of optimizing BEV-ELIP inhibition. Methods. Bevacizumab (1 μg/ml) was added to 18-hour HUVEC cultures in 96-well plates, followed by 10 nM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) 4 hours later and incubated for 24 hours. Controls consisted of no PMA, no BEV; no PMA + BEV; and no BEV + PMA. Cells were enumerated using a hemacytometer and tetrazolium dye MTT. Results. PMA enhanced cell proliferation by 21-50% relative to control cultures, but bevacizumab treatment of PMA cultures inhibited cell proliferation by 30-55%, to levels lower than no PMA + BEV controls (Fig. 1). Cell proliferative effects were paralleled by both cell-associated and secreted VEGF levels (determined by western blot and ELISA, respectively). Conclusions. We have developed an in vitro cell-based assay for testing BEV-ELIP efficacy with and without ultrasound pretreatment, involving addition of a BEV-containing sample before PMA and determining the inhibition of cell proliferation. This allows us to optimize our therapeutic prior to testing in an in vivo developing atheroma model.
Air breathing and gill ventilation frequencies in juvenile tarpon, Megalops atlanticus : responses to changes in dissolved oxygen, temperature, hydrogen sulfide, and pH

This study quantified the air-breathing frequency (ABf in breaths h−1) and gill ventilation frequency (Vf in ventilations min−1) of tarpon Megalops atlanticusas a function of PO2, temperature, pH, and sulphide concentration. Ten tarpon held at normoxia at 22–33°C without access to atmospheric oxygen survived for eight days, and seven survived for 14 days (at which point the experiment was terminated) suggesting that the species is a facultative, rather than an obligate, air breather. At temperatures of 29°C and below ABf was highest and Vf was lowest at low oxygen partial pressures. Tarpon appear to switch from aquatic respiration to air breathing at PO2levels of roughly 40 torr. The gills were the primary organ for oxygen uptake in normoxia, and the air-breathing organ the primary mechanism for oxygen uptake in hypoxia. At 33°C, both ABf and Vf were elevated but highly variable, regardless of PO2. There were no mortalities in tarpon exposed to total H2S concentrations of 0–232 µM (0–150.9 µM H2S); however, high sulfide concentrations resulted in very high ABf and Vf near zero. Vf was reduced when pH was acidic. We conclude that air breathing provides an effective means of coping with the environmental conditions that characterize the eutrophic ponds and sloughs that juvenile tarpon typically inhabit.
Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Biopsy of Thyroid Nodules

There are multiple benefits in performing a diagnostic neck ultrasound examination prior to a thyroid nodule fine-needle aspiration (FNA). These benefits include confirming that a biopsy is required and determining the size and position of a nodule, which allows better selection of needle length and needle size. In patients with a multinodular goiter, ultrasound assures biopsy of the dominant nodule or the nodules most likely to be malignant—those having microcalcifications, increased vascularity, marked hypoechogenicity, blurred irregular borders, or other characteristics associated with malignancy. Finally, ultrasound may redirect the FNA to other areas of suspicion, such as an enlarged, suspicious lymph node or identify an incidental parathyroid adenoma. Once a physician acquires the skill to perform diagnostic neck ultrasonography, it is a simple progression to combine the two procedures into an ultrasound-guided FNA (UGFNA).
Joint perception and patient perceived satisfaction after total hip and knee arthroplasty in the American population.

Abstract Background Total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA) are two of the most successful procedures in orthopedics. Current evaluation trends focus on patient-reported outcomes. We sought to compare the changing WOMAC scores from various time points from pre-operative to 1-year follow-up between separate THA and TKA cohorts. In addition, we compared THA and TKA patients’ joint perception, satisfaction, and function via a questionnaire. Methods One hundred elective THA (n = 50) and TKA (n = 50) patients at one institution were randomly selected and contacted between 2 and 4 years after the index surgery. A questionnaire assessed joint perception, satisfaction and function of their total joint. Clinical function scores utilizing the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) from the pre-operative, 3-month and 1-year post-arthroplasty visits were compared between groups. Results 78% of the THA group perceived their replaced joint as “native” vs 32% of TKA patients. 54% of THA patients (vs 16% of TKA patients) reported uninhibited function of their total joint. 24% of TKA patients noted to be least satisfied with their total joint compared to 2% in the THA group. Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in WOMAC scores after surgery, but the mean 3-month (12.4 (THA) vs 19.3 (TKA)) and 1-year (6.5 (THA) vs 14.1 (TKA)) follow-up WOMAC scores were significantly better in the THA group. Conclusion Evaluation of a patient’s joint perception is a valuable tool that should be used to assess function in conjunction with validated clinical functional scores. Our data suggest further improvements in total knee implant design and implantation strategies are necessary.
Pregnancy and Bariatric Surgery

Utilization of bariatric surgery as a weight loss mechanism has risen over the past few decades, especially in women of childbearing age. While weight loss can improve fertility, pregnancy following bariatric surgery may pose certain unique risks to the mother and fetus. This chapter will discuss changes in fertility, risks of pregnancy in the bariatric surgery patient, and mechanisms to mitigate these risks.
User Participation Prediction in Online Forums

Online community is an important source for latest news and information. Accurate prediction of a user's interest can help provide better user experience. In this paper, we develop a recommendation system for online forums. There are a lot of differences between online forums and formal media. For example, content generated by users in online forums contains more noise compared to formal documents. Content topics in the same forum are more focused than sources like news websites. Some of these differences present challenges to traditional word-based user profiling and recommendation systems, but some also provide opportunities for better recommendation performance. In our recommendation system, we propose to (a) use latent topics to interpolate with content-based recommendation; (b) model latent user groups to utilize information from other users. We have collected three types of forum data sets. Our experimental results demonstrate that our proposed hybrid approach works well in all three types of forums.
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia: a spectrum of eating disorders.

Anorexia nervosa has been recognized as a clinical entity for several centuries. The first clear case report was in the late 1600s and the syndrome was thoroughly documented in the late 19th century. The 20th century has been marked by a series of attempts to explain the disorder, usually by focusing on a single aspect. Strict psychoanalytic interpretations gave way to behavioral, sociocultural, endocrinologic, and familial hypotheses of origin. Long-term observers of this syndrome such as Theander, Bruch, Russell, and Crisp have elucidated its natural history from a more empirical viewpoint over the past several decades. Lucas (1) has traced the stages of conceptualization of anorexia nervosa. Recently, there has been an increase in the development of new cases and the better identification of patients with anorexia nervosa leading to a high present incidence. The first research criteria were formulated by Feighner et al. in 1972 (2) and are still widely used. The diagnosis is usually made by fulfilling the criteria in the Third Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM III) of the American Psychiatric Association. These criteria are listed in Table 1. Based on criteria such as these, there has been a shift away from diagnosing anorexia nervosa by eliminating possible medical disorders and toward a diagnosis by positive identification on mental status examination. In the studies by Vigersky et al. (3), no patient diagnosed as meeting the Feighner criteria for
Application of Distributed Computer Control Systems to Modernization of Metal Rolling Mills

Abstract This paper treats the application of distributed computer control systems technology to modernize and upgrade existing steel plate and strip production facilities. This technology is ideally suited to improve the performance of plate mills, hot strip mills and cold strip mills. First, the processes themselves are distributed geographically. A hot strip mill may extend over one kilometer. Second, functional distribution is already practiced and proven. Hot strip process machinery is enormous and expensive. A new greenfield world market competitive computer controlled hot strip production facility may cost $500 million (USA). Yet even a 30 year-old hot strip mill has high investment and high throughput values. Daily throughput is approximately (USA) $l/day per tonne/year, usually more than $1, 000, 000/day. A modernization and performance upgrade of such a mill is a sound investment, and one that optimizes the use of limited capital resources. Most important, steel physical properties and dimensional qualities can, on most mills, be improved to meet world market requirements. Experiences with such programs exist and may be used to plan the project and forecast performance. The paper discusses application of computers, microprocessors, data highways and the man-machine interface to upgrade hot strip mills utilizing pre-solid state electronics technology. System hierarchies suitable for step-by-step implementation are presented. Since there is no single correct structure, several system structures are discussed. Examples of the use of microprocessors in the distributed control system are presented. Application of distributed computer control system technology to upgrade existing metal rolling mill facilities is a cost effective method to improve steel product physical characteristics and dimensional qualities and to transfer new technology to developing countries.
Metabolic Syndrome as a Risk Factor for Depression

Depression is a multifactorial and debilitating disorder characterized by a variety of symptoms including behavioral, affective, cognitive, and somatic changes along with high risk of relapse/recurrence. Neurochemically, depression is characterized by the reduction in plasma levels of BDNF, elevation in blood levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, alterations in neurotransmitters and neuropeptide levels, and interactions between genes and environmental factors. Like depression, MetS is also a multifactorial condition characterized by insulin resistance, central obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension, and proinflammatory and prothrombotic changes. The major risk factors for depression and MetS are physical inactivity and Western diet, which is enriched in animal fat and red meat, which promote increase in proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β), chronic hyperactivation of HPA (increase in cortisol), and changes in homeostasis between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. In chronic depression, high cortisol levels impair insulin sensitivity and contribute to fat distribution in the waistline area. Adipocytes secrete high levels of adipocytokines and inflammatory cytokines. These mediators have been implicated in the induction of chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Both these processes are important components of the MetS and depression.