cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of distinct electrocardiographic patterns from the basal left ventricle: Distinguishing medial and lateral sites of origin in patients with idiopathic ventricular tachycardia

Background Idiopathic ventricular tachycardias (IVTs) can originate from the basal left ventricle (LV). Objective To determine if using magnetic electroanatomic mapping (MEAM) for accurate localization (1) unique ECG morphologies on pace maps from medial and lateral sites in basal LV could be identified and (2) this ECG information would facilitate VT localization. Methods In 12 patients with structurally normal hearts undergoing ablation for IVT, detailed MEAM of LV was constructed in sinus rhythm and pace-mapping was done from the septal-parahisian (S-P) region, aortomitral continuity (AMC), and superior, superolateral, and lateral mitral annular (MA) locations. Pace maps were analyzed for ECG morphologies in limb leads and transition patterns in precordial leads. Results Medial pacing sites (S-P and AMC) compared with lateral sites (superolateral and lateral MA) demonstrated narrower QRS complexes (134 ± 24 msec vs. 182 ± 18 msec; P 1 and predominantly positive forces in lead I (amplitude 0.59 ± 0.27 mV vs. 0.16 ± 0.34 mV; P 1 for all (12 of 12) S-P pace maps and 11 of 12 lateral MA pace maps but remained ≤1 for pace maps from 10 of 12 AMC locations, 11 of 12 superior MA locations, and 10 of 11 superolateral MA locations. Using these ECG criteria, a blinded reviewer was able to accurately localize the site of origin (SOO) of clinical arrhythmia (successful ablation site on MEAM) in 10 of 12 cases (83%) of IVT originating from basal LV. Conclusion Pace maps from basal LV endocardium manifest site-dependent ECG morphologies that can help differentiate medial from lateral locations and can predict the SOO of clinical arrhythmias from this region.
The Appropriateness of Recommendations for Hysterectomy

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the appropriateness of recommendations for hysterectomies done for nonemergency and nononcologic indications. Methods: We assessed the appropriateness of recommendations for hysterectomy for 497 women who had the operation between August 1993 and July 1995 in one of nine capitated medical groups in Southern California. Appropriateness was assessed using two sets of criteria, the first developed by a multispecialty expert physician panel using the RAND/University of California–Los Angeles appropriateness method, and the second consisting of the ACOG criteria sets for hysterectomies. The main outcome measure was the appropriateness of recommendation for hysterectomy, based on expert panel ratings and ACOG criteria sets. Results: The most common indications for hysterectomy were leiomyomata (60% of hysterectomies), pelvic relaxation (11%), pain (9%), and bleeding (8%). Three hundred sixty-seven (70%) of the hysterectomies did not meet the level of care recommended by the expert panel and were judged to be recommended inappropriately. ACOG criteria sets were applicable to 71 women, and 54 (76%) did not meet ACOG criteria for hysterectomy. The most common reasons recommendations for hysterectomies considered inappropriate were lack of adequate diagnostic evaluation and failure to try alternative treatments before hysterectomy. Conclusion: Hysterectomy is often recommended for indications judged inappropriate. Patients and physicians should work together to ensure that proper diagnostic evaluation has been done and appropriate treatments considered before hysterectomy is recommended.
The effect of dietary protein, fat and cholesterol on plasma cholesterol and serum protein components of the growing chick.

Abstract The feeding of a low protein diet results in an elevated plasma cholesterol level and decreased total serum protein and serum albumin levels. The decreased serum albumin level was accompanied by a decreased albumin to globulin ratio. Chicks fed coconut oil had higher plasma cholesterol levels than those receiving similar diets supplemented with corn oil. The body weights of chicks on balanced diets but receiving coconut oil was significantly less than those of chicks fed corn oil. Serum protein fractions separated by paper electrophoresis were unaltered as the result of dietary fats. The addition of cholesterol to the diets resulted in an increase in the alpha 2 + 3 globulin fraction of serum. The amount of lipide bound to the β-lipoproteins was significantly increased by feeding cholesterol and to an even greater extent by feeding a low protein-cholesterol combination regardless of the type of dietary fat.
Agent oriented logic programming in Jinni 2004

Jinni 2004 [1, 2, 3] (available from http://www.binnetcorp.com/Jinni) expresses various agent programming constructs in terms of an Object Oriented Logic Programming layer implemented on top of a Java-based Prolog compiler. The architecture provides a high degree of compositionality through the use of a small set of orthogonal programming language constructs.
Effect of thyroid function on adrenocortical steroid metabolism in a patient with Addison's disease and thyrotoxicosis.

ABSTRACT Urinary adrenocortical steroid metabolites, the half-life of cortisol2 and the salivary electrolyte pattern were studied during the course of treatment of thyrotoxicosis in an addisonian subject maintained on a fixed dose of adrenocortical replacement therapy. As the hyperthyroidism improved, the halflife of cortisol increased and the salivary electrolyte pattern was restored to normal.
Enzymatic N-acetylation of carcinogenic aromatic amines by liver cytosol of species displaying different organ susceptibilities☆

Abstract The relative capability of N -acetyltransferase enzyme systems from liver cytosol of various mammalian species to carry out the transfer of acetyl groups from acetyl-CoA to the amine function of the carcinogens, 2-aminofluorene, 4-aminobiphenyl and 2-aminonaphthalene, was investigated. The carcinogenic arylamines were incubated with liver cytosol in the presence of acetyl-1- 14 C-C6A and enzyme activity was estimated by quantitation of the resulting 14 C-labeled arylacetamides. In hamsters, guinea pigs, mice and rats, 2-aminofluorene was the superior substrate followed in order by 4-aminobiphenyl and 2-aminonaphthalene. Highest enzyme activity was present in liver cytosol from the hamster, followed in order by hepatic cytosol from the guinea pig, mouse and rat. In contrast, dog liver cytosol was incapable of carrying out detectable N -acetylation of any of the three carcinogenic arylamines studied. Administration of a variety of carcinogenic arylamines to dogs has resulted in the formation of only urinary bladder tumors, the liver apparently being refractory to this type of carcinogenic insult. In contrast, administration of carcinogenic arylacetamides to dogs has resulted in the unequivocal formation of both urinary bladder tumors and hepatomas. These considerations suggest that N -acetylation is not required for carcinogenesis of the urinary bladder and that the expression of urinary bladder or hepatocarcinogenicity by arylamines and arylacetamides in a given experimental system may depend on the quantitative ability of the species being studied to utilize pathways for the interconversion of arylacetamide derivatives and arylamine derivatives.
Performance of Diffusion Pumps

REPORTING recently on the vacuums produced by diffusion pumps, Ray and Sengupta1 quote my statement "that the limit of pumping is set at the vapour pressure of the pump fluid at room temperature" and then proceed to take gentle issue with me. The correctness of my statement and of their counter-findings are, surely, both a matter of definition.
Long-term complications of septal dermoplasty in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Objective Septal dermoplasty has been recommended as the treatment of choice for life-threatening epistaxis in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. This study evaluates the complications of septal dermoplasty in the management of transfusion-dependent epistaxis. Study Design Consecutive retrospective study. Subjects and Methods Between 1994 and 2006, septal dermoplasty was performed on 106 consecutive patients with transfusion dependent epistaxis. Of 103 potential patients, 37 either died or were lost to follow-up, which left 66 patients for study. Data on complications and quality of life were collected on 50 (76%) of 66 patients (mean follow-up, 3.75 years) via phone interview. Results Seventy-eight percent experienced nasal odor; 72% had nasal crusting; 58% had decreased sense of smell; 30% noted worsened sinus infection; 88% could breathe through their nose; 86% stated improved quality of life. Conclusion Septal dermoplasty remains an effective way of treating transfusion dependent epistaxis in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and subjectively improves their quality of life.
Use of DNA Probes to Detect Mycobacterium intracellulare and “X” Mycobacteria among Clinical Isolates of Mycobacterium avium Complex

A mycobacterial DNA probe (designated X) was recently developed to help identify Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) isolates that are nonreactive with probes specific for M. avium or Mycobacterium intracellulare. The prevalence of X probe-positive mycobacteria in clinical specimens and their role in causing disease is unknown. Using a DNA probe kit that includes the X probe, we characterized 100 consecutive clinical MAC isolates as M. avium, M. intracellulare, or X. Lysates from 81 of the isolates reacted with the M. avium probe, 13 with the M. intracellulare probe, 3 with the X probe, and 3 failed to hybridize with any of the probes. All three X-positive isolates were recovered from sputa of patients who were recent immigrants to the United States and who presented with hemoptysis. One isolate was from a Hispanic man infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and the other 2 were from Filipino patients with no HIV-1 risk factors. This study also showed a higher than expected number of M. intracellulare isolates from blood and cerebrospinal fluid of HIV-1-infected patients.
“Collective mediocrity”: Alexander Herzen and J.S. Mill on European culture

(1995). “Collective mediocrity”: Alexander Herzen and J.S. Mill on European culture. Nineteenth-Century Contexts: Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 41-61.
Binding of a pancreatic nuclear protein is correlated with amytase enhancer activity

The mouse amylase gene Amy-2.2 is expressed at high levels specifically in the acinar cells of the pancreas. The region between -172 and -110 of this gene includes sequence elements common to pancreas-specific genes. Nuclear proteins with specific affinity for this region were partially purified from rat pancreas. The consensus element of another pancreas-specific gene, elastase 1, competes for protein binding to the amylase sequences. Binding was localized by DNase I protection to the sequence -156 to -122. Site-directed mutagenesis of this sequence resulted in concomitant loss of protein binding and enhancer activity. Photo-affinity labelling of pancreatic nuclear extracts identified one predominant binding protein with a molecular weight of approximately 75 kDa. The data indicate that binding of this nuclear protein is essential for the enhancer activity of this pancreas-specific element.
The Debye–Waller factor of stabilized δ-Pu

Abstract The Debye–Waller factor has been calculated for stabilized δ -phase plutonium with 5% aluminum. A quasi-harmonic Born–von Karman force model with temperature dependent phonon frequencies was used to calculate the mean-square thermal atomic displacement from absolute 0 to 800 K. Implementation of the observed anomalous softening of the long wavelength phonons with increasing temperature cannot account for the softening of the measured thermal parameter at high temperatures nor for its rather high value at low temperatures. The implications for diffraction measurements on δ -phase stabilized plutonium alloys are discussed.
OC62: Fertility outcomes following interstitial pregnancy

Objectives: Cesarean scar pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy, which is associated with significant complications. There is no consensus about the optimal management of scar ectopics and the aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of surgical and conservative treatment. Methods: Women with Cesarean scar pregnancies managed in our unit from 1999 to 2007 were included in the study. Conservative management was either expectant or medical treatment with local methotrexate. Surgical management consisted of evacuation of the scar pregnancy and insertion of a Shirodkar cervical suture to achieve hemostasis. In cases of viable scar pregnancies ≥6 weeks’ gestation intrachorionic methotrexate was administered locally a week prior to the surgical evacuation. Complications of each management option, such as the need for blood transfusion, repeat evacuation for retained products and hysterectomy, were recorded. The success of treatment was defined as a complete resolution of clinical symptoms, hCG decline to 0.05). Conclusions: Surgery is more effective than conservative treatment of Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies and it should be used as the first management option in most cases.
Determination of strength distribution of quasibrittle structures from mean size effect analysis

Abstract This paper presents a new method to indirectly determine the probability distribution function of strength of quasibrittle structures. The method is derived within the framework of the finite weakest link model, which indicates that the size dependence of the mean structural strength can be calculated from the size effect on the probability distribution of the structural strength. By considering the inversion of this model, we show that the cumulative distribution function of structural strength can be explicitly determined from the parameters of the mean size effect curve. The proposed method is verified by a comprehensive set of experiments on asphalt mixture at a low temperature, which involves tests on both the strength histograms and the mean size effect. In the meantime, the agreement between the predicted and experimentally measured strength histograms of asphalt mixture specimens of different sizes further confirms the validity of the finite weakest link model.
Properties Of Optical Thin Films Deposited Using Ion Assisted Deposition

Properties of metal oxide thin films deposited using ion assisted deposition were studied. Previously, we reported increased values of film refractive index, reduction in iqical scatter and changes in film crystalline phase for coatings deposited using ion assisted deposition.1,2 In this report we extend the previous work, and present results illustrating the effects of energetic bombardment of the growing film during deposition of Ta205, Al203 and Si02. The optical constants, optical scatter characteristics, environmental stability and stress measurements of these films are reported. In addition, coatings were deposited onto heavy metal fluoride substrates at low (150°C) temperature using ion assisted deposition. Results illustrating improvement in substrate environmental durability and abrasion resistance are reported.
Method specific for determination of furazolidone in urine: Evidence for drug‐related metabolites

Furazolidone, N -(5-nitro-2-furfurylidene)-3-amino-2-oxazolidinone, is a chemotherapeutic drug used orally for the treatment of bacterial enteritis. A new, more specific analytical method for the determination of furazolidone in urine is described. Utilizing this procedure, furazolidone was not detected in urine samples collected from dogs and humans following oral administration of the drug. Evidence is provided for the presence of drug-related metabolites.
Complication rates associated with transvenous pacemaker implantation in dogs with high-grade atrioventricular block performed during versus after normal business hours.

Background Transvenous pacemaker implantation in dogs is associated with a relatively high complication rate. At our institution, pacemaker implantation in dogs with high-grade atrioventricular block (HG-AVB) frequently is performed as an after-hours emergency. Hypothesis Among dogs with HG-AVB, the rate of major complications is higher when pacemakers are implanted after hours (AH) compared to during business hours (BH). Animals Client-owned dogs with HG-AVB that underwent transvenous pacemaker implantation between January 2002 and December 2012 at the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Methods Retrospective medical record review. Two-year follow-up was required for complications analysis. Results Major complications occurred in 14/79 dogs (18%) and included lead dislodgement, lead or generator infection, lead or generator migration, and pacing failure. Incidence of major complications was significantly higher AH (10/36, 28%) compared to BH (4/43, 9%; P = .041), and all infectious complications occurred AH. Median survival time for all dogs was 27 months and did not differ between AH and BH groups for either all-cause (P = .70) or cardiac (P = .40) mortality. AH dogs were younger than BH dogs (P = .010), but there were no other clinically relevant differences between BH and AH groups in terms of demographic, clinical, or procedural variables. Conclusions and Clinical Importance At our institution, AH transvenous pacemaker placement is associated with a higher rate of major complications (especially infections) compared to BH placement. This difference may be because of a variety of human factor differences AH versus BH.
Long-term evaluation of patients undergoing immediate mandibular reconstruction

Background : Immediate reconstruction following segmental mandibulectomy is an accepted surgical technique. The benefits and patient selection criteria need to be established. Patients and methods : Forty-seven patients who underwent immediate reconstruction of the mandible were followed for up to 14 years. Survival, complication rates, and functional results were analyzed. Results : Median survival was 39 months and actuarial 5-year survival was 40%. Two patients died in the postoperative period, and 9 suffered major reconstruction-related complications. The majority of these complications were related to the use of reconstruction plates, and occurred when the mandibular defect included the arch or when the plates were covered by pectoralis flaps. Half of the patients interviewed were able to eat a regular diet. Conclusions : Mandibular reconstruction can be performed safely and expeditiously in nearly all patients undergoing segmental mandibulectomy. Functional results and long-term survival will be acceptable in many cases.
Spread of activation in the anterolateral papillary muscle of the left ventricle of the dog under normal and pathologic conditions

Abstract The spread of electric activation in the anterolateral papillary muscle of the left ventricle was studied in 30 dogs under normal conditions and in 23 dogs under the influence of induced ischemia using multiple-electrode needles as well as during premature ventricular contractions. The effects of induced ischemia on the electrocardiogram, spatial vectorcardiogram, and phonocardiogram were also studied. The endocardial wave of activation was found to approach the papillary muscle from its septal side and spread in the direction toward the free left ventricular wall and toward the apex of the papillary muscle. The anterolateral papillary muscle of the left ventricle was activated simultaneously by the penetration of wave fronts: (1) from the endocardium into deeper portions of the papillary muscle; and (2) from the central portions of the papillary muscle and from the area of its attachment to the left ventricular wall. The shorter time needed for the excitation wave to arrive at the epicardium in areas of left ventricular wall overlying the papillary muscle and the higher calculated velocity of spread in these areas indicate more abundant penetration of Purkinje tissue than in the adjacent portions of the free left ventricular wall. The pathologic influence on the spread of activation in the papillary muscle was limited to the time interval between 6 and 36 msec. of the cardiac electric cycle, with no significant delays in the time of arrival of the process of activation at the points of earliest activation within the papillary muscle or at its endocardial surface. Ischemia and injection of formalin produced local decrease or disappearance of electric activity and local reversals of the direction of spread of activation in limited portions of the papillary muscle or in the overlying wall of the left ventricle. Three types of aberrant spread of activation in the papillary muscle during premature ventricular contractions were described. No major changes were observed in the QRS complexes of the ECG or QRS sE-loops of the sVCG in dogs with experimentally induced ischemia. The changes involved predominantly the repolarization phase of the ECG and sVCG. Phonocardiograms occasionally revealed a loud systolic murmur which followed immediately the insertion of the multiple electrode needle into the papillary muscle.
Quality assurance in a large american perinatal center

The obstetric service of Hutzel Hospital in Detroit, Michigan is responsible for approximately 7,300 deliveries annually. To monitor the quality and appropriateness of patient care, recognize and pursue opportunities for improving care, and resolve identified problems in the obstetric service as well as other clinical areas, the hospital developed a quality assurance (QA) program. The application of clinical indicators represents the principal method by which relevant QA information is obtained. These indicators are designed to identify problems in patient care. The obstetricigynecologic QA committee analyzes the results of this indicator-based review process as well as other information (appropriateness of surgery, drug usage, transfusions, utilization of hospital resources, etc.) and reports its findings to the full staff of the Department on a monthly basis. If necessary, actions are taken to correct problems. They include lectures, individual counselling, development of guidelines, addition of personn...
Approach to the Patient with Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is the least common but most lethal of thyroid cancers. All patients are classified as stage IV, with the primary lesion restricted to the thyroid gland in stage IVA; locoregional lymph nodes may exist in IVA/IVB; and IVC disease is defined by distant metastases. Prognosis is highly dependent on disease extent at presentation, and staging and establishing a plan of care must be accomplished quickly. Although almost all studies are biased due to their retrospective nature, the most important factors associated with longer survival are completeness of surgical resection (achievable in only a minority of patients) and high-dose (>40 Gy) external beam radiotherapy (preferably intensity modulated radiation therapy). Recent reports suggest that a multimodal approach (surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy) is beneficial. Given the high lethality even with apparent local disease, combination systemic therapy (cytotoxics and/or targeted agents) may improve outcomes in stage IVA/IVB patients. Newer, more effective drug combinations are urgently needed for IVC patients who want aggressive therapy. A candid discussion of the prognosis and management options, including palliative care/hospice, should be held with the patient and caregiver as soon as possible after diagnosis to clarify the patient's preference and expectations. Prospective multicenter clinical trials, incorporating molecular analyses of tumors, are required if we are to improve survival in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.
Detection and characterization of interleukin-1 in human dental pulps

Pulp tissue was obtained from clinically intact third molars and premolars, and from teeth affected by caries and periodontal disease. After incubation and homogenization, supernatants were centrifuged, sampled and assayed for lymphocyte activating factor-like activity using the thymidine-incorporated D10.G4.1 cell-line assay. Significantly higher levels of mitogenic activity were found in the pulp supernatants of symptomatic carious teeth, and in those of third molars with attendant pericoronitis, than in pulps from symptomatic and asymptomatic periodontally affected teeth and asymptomatic third molars and premolars. As both interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) may be involved in the proliferation of D10.G4.1 cells, supernatants from carious pulps were further tested for IL-2 activity using murine natural killer (NK) cells. Those that had elicited a proliferative response of D10.G4.1 cells did not enhance NK proliferation, indicating that the factor responsible for clonal replication of D10.G4.1 cells was IL-1. To confirm the presence of IL-1, immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody to IL-1 was performed on frozen and paraffin-embedded sections of pulps from each group. IL-1 was immunolocalized within cells in pulps from the caries symptomatic group. The cell type producing IL-1 was further characterized as an alpha-naphthyl-acetate-esterase-positive macrophage within the connective tissue stroma of pulps from the caries symptomatic group. This novel demonstration of IL-1 and IL-1 producing cells in human dental pulp indicates the involvement of this mediator of inflammation in dental disease.
Remote phonon scattering in Si and Ge with SiO2 and HfO2 insulators: Does the electron mobility determine short channel performance?

We have computed the low-field electron mobility in inversion layers for single-gate metal–oxide–semiconductor-field-effect-transistor (MOSFET) structures with Si and Ge substrates and high-κ gate dielectrics. Scattering with bulk phonons, surface roughness, and surface optical phonons has been included. The mobility has been studied as a function of electron sheet density, gate dielectric, temperature, equivalent dielectric thickness and for polycrystalline Si and metallic gates. We have also performed full-band Monte Carlo simulations for Si and Ge MOSFETs with gate lengths of 60, 30, and 15 nm, employing SiO2 and HfO2 as gate dielectrics. Our results show that high-κ interface optical modes affect Si and Ge roughly by the same amount, the Ge mobility in HfO2 system still remaining larger than in the Si–SiO2 system. However, the low-field mobility does not entirely determine device performance, measured as transconductance. The transconductance degradation caused by high-κ phonons is much smaller than the mobility degradation, yielding a negligible negative impact, especially in Ge devices, shorter devices, and in the saturation region of operation.
Propagation based differential phase contrast imaging and tomography of murine tissue with a laser plasma x-ray source

An ultrafast, laser-driven x-ray source with a liquid mercury target has been used for phase contrast imaging of an excised murine liver and for computed tomography of an electronic component. The x-ray spectrum emitted at 5kHz repetition rate is found to be similar to that of a 2.5W, 30kV microfocus x-ray tube with a tungsten anode. The images of the excised liver show the venous network with approximately 20μm spatial resolution. Phase contrast features in the tomographic images of the electronic component, transferred to the orthogonal cross sections upon reconstruction, show the internal components of the device with high contrast. Adequate signal-to-noise ratios in the images were achieved with exposure times between 1 and 3min.
PARP1 expression in pediatric central nervous system tumors

Background Despite advances in therapy, outcome in many high-grade pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors remains poor. The focus of neuro-oncology research has thus turned towards identifying novel therapeutic targets. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) is a DNA repair protein that has been studied in a variety of malignancies and may interfere with therapy-induced DNA damage, however expression in pediatric CNS tumors is unknown. Procedure We evaluated PARP1 mRNA expression in 81 pediatric CNS tumors using microarray technology. Protein expression was examined by Western blot. Results PARP1 mRNA is highly expressed in high-grade tumors (P < 0.0001). PARP1 mRNA expression was greater in high-grade glioma than pilocytic astrocytoma (P = 3.5 × 10−5) and in large cell medulloblastoma over classic medulloblastoma (P = 0.0053). PARP1 protein was also prominent in high-grade tumors (P = 0.022). Conclusion These findings indicate that PARP1 is expressed in high-grade pediatric CNS tumors, implicating PARP1 inhibition as a potential therapeutic target. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009; 53:1227–1230. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Visualizing the Influenza Genome

Cellular organisms have evolved complex mechanisms to maintain and regulate genome structure and dynamics. Viruses are no exception. On pages 1634 and 1631 of this issue, Arranz et al. ( 1 ) and Moeller et al. ( 2 ) report three-dimensional views of the genomic RNA-protein complex of the influenza A virus, the infamous pathogen responsible for human flu epidemics and pandemics. These findings should help to elevate our understanding of influenza virus structure and biology to a new level.
Changes in fatty acid profiles of three tissue types in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque, 1818) transferred from river to pond environments

Summary Little information is available regarding the time scale over which tissue fatty acid (FA) profiles change when fish transition between prey resources with different FA profiles, specifically when fish move from a main river channel to a floodplain habitat. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the FA composition of muscle, liver, and adipose fin tissues of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus transferred from the Kaskaskia River, Illinois to earthen ponds at the Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences Pond Facility, Makanda, Illinois, mimicking migration from river to floodplain habitat. Over time, n-3 and C18 polyunsaturated FA (C18 PUFA) decreased in all tissues, whereas monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) increased with pond residence time. Liver profiles changed more rapidly than the muscle or adipose fin profiles (significant change in <2 weeks vs ~10 weeks). The results provide some insight regarding the timing of tissue FA profile change in channel catfish moving between distinct habitats with different prey resources. Results also suggest that adipose fin tissue samples may be a less invasive alternative to muscle tissue for analysis of FA profiles in channel catfish; however, issues with reclassification/identification accuracy using adipose fin tissue must be addressed in order for this approach to be fully justified.
An additive eigenvalue problem of physics related to linear programming

A model of recent interest in theoretical physics concerns an infinite elastic chain of atoms placed in a periodic potential field with period 1. Let @l be the energy per atom when the system attains a state of minimum energy. Robert B. Griffiths was led to the following novel equation for @l:min[K(s,t)+x(t)][email protected]+x(s) Here K(s, t) is a given periodic function of period 1 in s and t. The problem is to find a periodic function x(s) and a constant @l to satisfy equation (G). In this note a fixed point theorem is used to show that a solution of (G) exists. The same proof shows that the eigenvalue @l is unique. To obtain an approximate solution Eq. (G) is discretized. Then the kernel function K(s, t) becomes a finite square matrix K"i"j. It is then shown that the resulting finite system can be solved by two linear programs. The first program has maximum value @l. Then the second linear program furnishes a corresponding eigenvector x.
Spontaneous calcium action potentials in a clonal pituitary cell line and their relationship to prolactin secretion.

IT has been suggested that in the adrenal medulla calcium ions enter the cell as a result of depolarisation caused by acetylcholine1. During this process it is conceivable that a mechanism of membrane potential-dependent calcium permeability change, that is, the calcium action potential, is involved. A certain amount of calcium ions may enter the cell during an action potential and the modulation of the action potential frequency may provide a sensitive way to control the calcium entry. Similar mechanisms may be involved in other secretory systems. Here I describe an attempt to prove this hypothesis in anterior pituitary cells.
Examination of the SeaSonde wave processing settings and the effects of shallow water on wave measurements

Derivation of wave measurements from the SeaSonde high frequency (HF) radar software is challenging when applied to the U.S. East Coast continental shelf. Shallow water depths have the capability of saturating the 1st and 2nd order Bragg, inevitably leading to imprecise estimates of the wave height conditions. This paper looks to examine the settings defined in the SeaSonde in an environment where water depth is less than 30 m within the first few range cells off of the coast of New Jersey. Wave measurements were taken from a 13 MHz standard range CODAR (Coastal Ocean Dynamics Applications Radar) antenna and compared with NDBC (National Data Buoy Center) 3-meter discuss buoys located outside New York Harbor and Delaware Bay.
Pressure support versus thermal broadening in the Lyman α forest – II. Effects of the equation of state on transverse structure

We examine the impact of gas pressure on the transverse coherence of high-redshift (2 6 z6 4) Lyman-� forest absorption along neighboring lines of sight that pro be the gas Jeans scale (pro- jected separationrp 6 500h -1 kpc comoving; angular separation �� . 30 00 ). We compare predictions from two smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations that have differ- ent photoionization heating rates and thus different temperature-density relations in the in- tergalactic medium (IGM). We also compare spectra computed from the gas distributions to those computed from the pressureless dark matter. The coherence along neighboring sightlines is markedly higher for the hotter, higher pressure simulati on, and lower for the dark matter spectra. We quantify this coherence using the flux cross-cor relation function and the condi- tional distribution of flux decrements as a function of trans verse and line-of-sight (velocity) separation. Sightlines separated by �� . 15 00 are ideal for probing this transverse coherence. Higher pressure decreases the redshift-space anisotropy of the flux correlation function, while higher thermal broadening increases the anisotropy. In contrast to the longitudinal (line-of- sight) structure of the Lyforest, the transverse structure on these scales is dominat ed by pressure effects rather than thermal broadening. With the rapid recent growth in the number of known close quasar pairs, paired line-of-sight observat ions offer a promising new route to probe the IGM temperature-density relation and test the unexpectedly high temperatures that have been inferred from single sightline analyses.
Analytic expressions for the constitutive parameters of magnetoelectric metamaterials

Electromagnetic metamaterials are artificially structured media typically composed of arrays of resonant electromagnetic circuits, the dimension and spacing of which are considerably smaller than the free-space wavelengths of operation. The constitutive parameters for metamaterials, which can be obtained using full-wave simulations in conjunction with numerical retrieval algorithms, exhibit artifacts related to the finite size of the metamaterial cell relative to the wavelength. Liu [R. Liu, T. J. Cui, D. Huang, B. Zhao, and D. R. Smith, Phys. Rev. E 76, 026606 (2007)] showed that the complicated, frequency-dependent forms of the constitutive parameters can be described by a set of relatively simple analytical expressions. These expressions provide useful insight and can serve as the basis for more intelligent interpolation or optimization schemes. Here, we show that the same analytical expressions can be obtained using a transfer-matrix formalism applied to a one-dimensional periodic array of thin, resonant, dielectric, or magnetic sheets. The transfer-matrix formalism breaks down, however, when both electric and magnetic responses are present in the same unit cell, as it neglects the magnetoelectric coupling between unit cells [C. R. Simovski, Metamaterials 1, 62 (2007)]. We show that an alternative analytical approach based on the same physical model must be applied for such structures. Furthermore, in addition to the intercell coupling, electric and magnetic resonators within a unit cell may also exhibit magnetoelectric coupling. For such cells, we find an analytical expression for the effective index, which displays markedly characteristic dispersion features that depend on the strength of the coupling coefficient. We illustrate the applicability of the derived expressions by comparing to full-wave simulations on magnetoelectric unit cells. We conclude that the design of metamaterials with tailored simultaneous electric and magnetic response-such as negative index materials-will generally be complicated by potentially unwanted magnetoelectric coupling.
Anti-ethylene Effects of cis-2-butene and cyclic olefins

Abstract The ability of butenes and cyclic olefins to induce an ethylene response or to counteract ethylene's action in etiolated pea seedlings was investigated. 1-Butene gave an ethylene-like response at 25 OOOμl/l. cis -Butene exhibited no ethylene-like response but appeared to overcome the action of 0.3 μl/l. ethylene at the same concentration. trans -Butene was without effect. 2,5-Norbornadiene competitively inhibited ethylene's action with a K i of 170 μl/l. (computed as a gas). The K i for norbornene was 360 μl/l. This value represents about one-half of the activity given by 2,5-norbornadiene. Other K i values obtained were 488 μl/l. for 1,3-cyclohexadiene, 870 μl/l. for 1,3-cycloheptadiene, 1100 μl/l. for cyclopentene, 4700 μl/l. for 1,4-cyclohexadiene, and 6 ml/l. for cyclohexene. Cyclohexane and benzene were without efrect.
Vectors for constructing kan gene fusions: direct selection of mutations affecting IS10 gene expression.

Abstract We describe several vectors for constructing translational fusions to the kan gene of Tn5. Fusions are constructed in vitro using multi-copy vectors containing unique cloning sites situated between upstream transcriptional terminators and a downstream kan gene lacking transcriptional and translational start signals. Multi-copy fusions can be converted to single-copy chromosomal fusions by in vivo recombination with specific phage λ vectors and vice versa. We find that kan fusions are often more suitable than lacZ fusions for the direct selection of mutations that increase fusion expression. These vectors were developed for isolating mutations that increase IS10 transposase expression; we describe strategies used to isolate such mutations, which map to IS10 or the Escherichia coli himA, himD(hip), dam or infC genes.
Optical character recognition techniques applied to the Archimedes Palimpsest

The Archimedes Palimpsest is a 10th century manuscript containing the oldest known copies of seven treatises of Archimedes that was erased and overwritten with a prayer book in the 13th century, obscuring portions of original characters. We report on the application of variations of optical character recognition on this manuscript.
Of fish and chips

Since the introduction of microarray technology into the biologist's arsenal, there have been concerns about the reproducibility of experimental results obtained using different microarray platforms. In this issue, three articles address this point, and show that with carefully designed and controlled experiments using standardized protocols and data analyses, reproducibility across platforms is much better than previously shown.
Hegel’s logic of finitude

In “Violence and Metaphysics” Jacques Derrida suggests that “the only effective position to take in order not to be enveloped by Hegel would seem to be…to consider false-infinity…irreducible.” Inversely, refuting the charge of logocentrism associated with Hegelian true infinity (wahrhafte Unendlichkeit) would involve showing that Hegel’s speculative logic does not establish the infinity of being exempt from the negativity of the finite. This paper takes up Derrida’s challenge, and argues that true infinity is crucial to Hegel’s understanding of ideality as a question of normative authority, which does not fall prey to logocentrism. Through an exposition of the dialectic of the finite and the infinite in Hegel’s Science of Logic, I argue that true infinity is not an ontological category that eliminates division, but rather refers to the metalogical standpoint involved in a philosophical account of determinacy. Although fully achieved at the end of the Logic, the metalogical standpoint that Hegel elaborates in the Seinslogik under the banner of the true infinite already clarifies that determinacy is a product of normative authority that is itself precarious.
Trends in Eastern European telecommunications: the case of Poland

The existence of an efficient telecommunication network is a prerequisite for regional economic development. An inability to exchange information on–line slows down the growth of existing industries and deters potential new investors. In this paper we review the global telecommunications market, and discuss the issues faced by the member countries of the European Economic Community (EEC) as they try gradually to open their telecommunications markets to competition to meet the challenges of Europe 1992. We also discuss the needs of Poland in the area of telecommunications by the year 2000 as an example of the opportunities that exist today in Eastern Europe for the US, European and Far Eastern telecommunications vendors.
Part III: Cultural adaptations to endemic malaria in Sardinia

Abstract Endemic malaria was a primary ecological variable which historically affected traditional Sardinian culture. While the biogenetic impact of malaria has been examined in detail, this paper examines the hypothesis that key features of traditional Sardinian culture had adaptive value against the ecological threat of malaria because they limited exposure of certain social segments to the malaria vector, Anopheles labranchiae. The concept of cultural adaptation is first developed. Cultural adaptations analyzed include: settlement pattern; pastoral transhumance; social organization of production; restricted mobility for pregnant women; and the folk medical beliefs of Intemperie and Colpo d'Aria. These cultural traits are predicated on a folk etiological theory of malaria in which the disease was caused by “bad air,” but they function to reduce exposure to mosquitoes and thereby limit malaria rates for certain social groups. It is argued that this mode of analysis can aid in understanding the interactio...
Ethical hurdles for translational research

Abstract Sugarman, J. and McKenna, W. G. Ethical Hurdles in Translational Research. Radiat. Res. 160, 1–4 (2003). The notion of translational research has gained considerable currency over the past few years. While such an approach promises great scientific and clinical advances, the penumbra of translational research tends to incorporate prioritizing scientific projects based upon their potential for translation; tight financial connections between sponsors, scientists and clinical investigators; and sometimes research involving biological approaches for which there is little experience determining safety. It is these aspects of translational research that raise some serious ethical challenges. In this report, we examine three specific areas that raise ethical questions: (1) the potential implications of prioritizing research objectives based on the potential for translation; (2) cautions related to moving from bench to bedside (and back again); and (3) unique questions for translational research initiat...
Complex cystic renal masses: comparison of cyst complexity and Bosniak classification between 1.5 T and 3 T MRI

Abstract Purpose To retrospectively compare perceived complexity and Bosniak cyst classification of cystic renal lesions between 1.5 T and 3 T MRI. Methods 33 cystic renal lesions in 26 patients that underwent contrast-enhanced MRI at both 1.5 T and 3 T within a 12 month span were included. Two radiologists (R1, R2) independently assessed lesions, unaware of field strength, in terms of number of septations, septal thickening, mural thickening, presence of mural nodule, and Bosniak cyst category. Scores were compared between field strengths for each lesion. Results R1 observed increases in septal number, septal thickening, mural thickening, and presence of mural nodule at 3 T in 8, 7, 4, and 2 lesions, and at 1.5 T in 3, 3, 2, and 0 lesions, respectively; R2 observed increases in septal number, septal thickening, mural thickening, and presence of mural nodule at 3 T in 3, 4, 3, and 0 lesions, and at 1.5 T in 2, 0, 0, and 0 lesions, respectively. R1 provided higher Bosniak category at 3 T in 9 cases and at 1.5 T in 4 cases; R2 provided higher Bosniak category at 3 T in 4 cases and at 1.5 T in 0 cases. Higher scores at 3 T than 1.5 T were associated with differences in advised clinical management in 7/9 cases for R1 and 4/4 cases for R2. Conclusion There was an overall tendency for both readers to upgrade cyst complexity and Bosniak cyst category at 3 T than 1.5 T, which impacted advised management. Thus, we suggest that serial MRI evaluation of cystic renal lesions be performed at constant field strength.
High pressure 29Si NMR study of the sol-gel process

Abstract 29Si-NMR spectroscopy is used to investigate the role of pressure on the hydrolysis and condensation kinetics of the tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) sol-gel process under neutral conditions. The time evolution of the concentrations of the various functional groups in a neutral solution has been monitored as a function of pressure from 40 bar to 460 bar. The concentration changes of TMOS and both the hydrolysis and condensation products are accelerated by pressure. The features of the time evolution of each species are very similar to each other between 40 to 460 bar by using t/t as the time scale. Quantitative reaction rate constants for hydrolysis andgol condensation reactions are found for the early stage of the process; the latter (0.91·10−2/hrM) was higher than the former (1.73·10−4/hrM) at 1 bar. The observed activation volumes of these two reactions are determined as −29 cm3/mole for hydrolysis and −44 cm3/mole for condensation reactions, which confirms that pressure has a larger effect on the condensation rate than on the hydrolysis rate. These ΔV≠ values are discussed in terms of the intrinsic and solvation components of the activation volume based on the transition state theory. A comparison has been made to related data from sol-gel systems under other conditions.