cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LVAD Therapy Induces Changes in Myocardial Glucose Metabolism and Clock Genes

Purpose Myocardial recovery with LVAD therapy is challenging and unpredictable. Next generation sequencing technologies allow for quick, quantitative, and large scale measurements of gene expression in small amounts of tissue. Our primary goal was identify transcriptional changes in response to LVAD therapy. Methods Tissues were collected from patients before and after LVAD placement (n=14) along with controls (n=3). RNASeq analysis was done by using a custom targeted panel on the PGM sequencer. The RNA-sequencing data was filtered to keep the genes with nonzero reads for at least 13 samples per condition. The expression of 140 genes including cardiac, inflammatory and clock genes were analyzed in with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathies. The differential expression analysis was conducted using edgeR (Empirical analysis of digital gene expression data in R) package in Bioconductor. The Bejamini-Hochberg method was used to control the false discovery rate (FDR) to be no more than 0.05. Results After filtering there were 122 genes available for analysis. Differential gene expressions were determined between pre- and post- receiving LVAD after adjusting for the patient effect. PDK4 and PER1 were significantly higher post LVAD compared to pre LVAD tissues. Compared to non-failing control tissues, 25 genes were differentially expressed pre-LVAD. These genes included, MYH6, ABCC9, PLEKHA3, ATRLN1, GLS, UBE2B, CCL4 and WEE1. Conclusion PDK4 and PER1 expressions were significantly higher post LVAD. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) is a key regulator of glucose metabolism. PER1 is a clock gene exhibiting rhythmic expression in human hearts. It has been shown that PER1 is involved in BP control and regulates renal sodium transport genes. Recent literature suggests that LVAD therapy improves hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose, and daily insulin requirements. Glucose metabolism and clock proteins are altered with LVAD therapy but numerous other transcriptional changes persist.
Express yourself: Individuals with bold personalities exhibit increased behavioral sensitivity to dynamic herbicide exposure.

The majority of ecotoxicological studies performed measure average responses from individuals which do not account for the inter-individual variation in the responses of animals to environmental stimuli (i.e. the personality of individuals). Thus, these designs assume that all individuals will respond to contaminant exposure in a similar manner. Additionally, commonly used constant, static exposure regime designs neglect to recognize the spatial and temporal variation in contaminant plume structures as they move throughout fluid environments. The purpose of this study was to understand the effects of the structural characteristics (concentration, duration, and frequency) of temporally and spatially variant contaminant plumes on the personality of individuals. This experimental design aimed to construct a sensitive definition of exposure by connecting sublethal effects of toxicants and realistic exposure regimes. This study used escape response of Faxonius virilis crayfish from the predatory odor of Micropterus salmoides prior to and following exposure to the herbicide, atrazine. Atrazine was delivered in pulses to flow through exposure arenas for a total of 47 h while manipulating the concentration, frequency, and duration of the herbicide pulses. Escape response of crayfish prior to exposure was used to categorize animals into bold and shy personalities. The change in escape response was analyzed and resulted in a personality-dependent behavioral sensitivity to the polluted environment. Individuals classified as bold showed increased change in response to predatory odor relative to shy animals. Bold animals exhibited decreased activity after exposure where no change was presented in shy individuals. Shifts in individual behavior have impacts on the population level (e.g. resource acquisition/value; interspecies competition) and the ecosystem level (e.g. food web dynamics; trophic cascades). This study demonstrates the importance of sensitive measures in ecological risk assessment methods.
Illness Understanding and Advance Care Planning in Patients with Advanced Lymphoma.

Background: The prognosis of an aggressive lymphoma can change dramatically following failure of first-line treatment. This sudden shift is challenging for the promotion of illness understanding an...
Consistency of hadronic vacuum polarization between lattice QCD and the R ratio

There are emerging tensions for theory results of the hadronic vacuum polarization contribution to the muon anomalous magnetic moment both within recent lattice QCD calculations and between some lattice QCD calculations and R-ratio results. In this paper, we work toward scrutinizing critical aspects of these calculations. We focus in particular on a precise calculation of Euclidean position-space windows defined by RBC/UKQCD that are ideal quantities for cross-checks within the lattice community and with R-ratio results. We perform a lattice QCD calculation using physical up, down, strange, and charm sea quark gauge ensembles generated in the staggered formalism by the MILC Collaboration. We study the continuum limit using inverse lattice spacings from ${a}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\ensuremath{\approx}1.6\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$ to 3.5 GeV, identical to recent studies by FNAL/HPQCD/MILC and Aubin et al. and similar to the recent study of BMW. Our calculation exhibits a tension for the particularly interesting window result of ${a}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\mathrm{ud},\mathrm{conn}.,\mathrm{isospin},\mathrm{W}}$ from 0.4 to 1.0 fm with previous results obtained with a different discretization of the vector current on the same gauge configurations. Our results may indicate a difficulty related to estimating uncertainties of the continuum extrapolation that deserves further attention. In this work, we also provide results for ${a}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\mathrm{ud},\mathrm{conn}.,\mathrm{isospin}}$, ${a}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\mathrm{s},\mathrm{conn}.,\mathrm{isospin}}$, ${a}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\mathrm{SIB},\mathrm{conn}.}$ for the total contribution and a large set of windows. For the total contribution, we find ${a}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\mathrm{HVP}\text{ }\mathrm{LO}}=714(27)(13){10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$, ${a}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\mathrm{ud},\mathrm{conn}.,\mathrm{isospin}}=657(26)(12){10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$, ${a}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\mathrm{s},\mathrm{conn}.,\mathrm{isospin}}=52.83(22)(65){10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$, and ${a}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\mathrm{SIB},\mathrm{conn}.}=9.0(0.8)(1.2){10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. We also comment on finite-volume corrections for the strong-isospin-breaking corrections.
Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder is a psychiatric disorder characterized by intrusive, recurrent thoughts or images (obsessions), which cause significant distress, and attempts to avoid or ‘neutralize’ the threatening obsessions through repetitive or ritualized actions (compulsions). Obsessions commonly focus on contamination fears, aggressive impulses, blasphemous or sexual thoughts, or fear that one has committed accidental harm. Compulsions include overt behaviors such as cleaning rituals and repetitive checking, or mental compulsions such as counting, praying, or silently repeating words. The disorder tends to be chronic without treatment, and often causes significant personal and occupational impairment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are effective first-line treatments.
Functions of Music Making Under Lockdown: A Trans-Historical Perspective Across Two Pandemics

This paper describes how music fulfills two of its broadly recognized functions-"mood regulation" and "social cohesion"-in times of pandemics and social isolation. Through a trans-historical comparison of the musical activities of the Milanese during an outbreak of plague in 1576 with the musical activities observed during the COVID lockdowns in 2020 (such as balcony-singing and playlist-making), this paper suggests a framework for understanding the role of music in the care of the biological body and the social body in times of medical disaster.
Reductio ad Absurdum: Examining the Validity of the 500-Gram Rule in Reduction Mammaplasty.

Background Reduction mammaplasty is a common procedure associated with a very high patient satisfaction rate. It has been shown to alleviate symptoms related to macromastia, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, poor posture, bra strap grooving, paresthesia, and rashes. Despite the manifold benefits of reduction mammaplasty, some insurance companies require minimum resection weights of at least 500 g per breast in order to distinguish between a reconstructive and aesthetic procedure. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the origins of the 500-g rule used in reduction mammaplasty. Methods A comprehensive literature search of the MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases was conducted for studies published through July 2020 with multiple search terms related to resection weight criteria for breast reduction. Data on criteria, outcomes, and patient satisfaction were collected. Results A total of 14 articles were selected from the 27 articles that were identified. The 500-g rule appears to be arbitrary, and not based on any available hard evidence. However, numerous studies show that patients who have less than 500 g of tissue removed from each breast still experience significant symptomatic relief from reduction mammaplasty with a marked improvement in their quality of life. Conclusions The 500-g rule should be re-evaluated as an insurance company criterion for authorizing reduction mammaplasty. The rule may influence surgeons to choose between form and function. Many additional patients might then benefit from this important procedure.
Modeling growth and development of hydroponically grown dill, parsley, and watercress in response to photosynthetic daily light integral and mean daily temperature.

In controlled environments, crop models that incorporate environmental factors can be developed to optimize growth and development as well as conduct cost and/or resource use benefit analyses. The overall objective of this study was to model growth and development of dill ‘Bouquet’ (Anethum graveolens), parsley ‘Giant of Italy’ (Petroselinum crispum), and watercress (Nasturtium officinale) in response to photosynthetic daily light integral (DLI) and mean daily temperature (MDT). Plants were grown hydroponically in five greenhouse compartments with MDTs ranging from 9.7 to 27.2 °C under 0%, 30%, or 50% shade cloth to create DLIs ranging from 6.2 to 16.9 mol·m‒2·d‒1. MDT and DLI interacted to influence dill fresh mass and height, and watercress maximum quantum yield of dark adapted leaves (Fv/Fm), height, and branch number while only MDT affected dill leaf number and watercress fresh mass and branch length. Besides dry matter concentration (DMC), parsley was influenced by MDT and not DLI. Increasing MDT from ≈10 to 22.4 °C (parsley) or 27.2 °C (dill and watercress), linearly or near-linearly increased fresh mass. For dill, increasing DLI decreased fresh mass when MDT was low (9.7 to 13.9 °C) and increased fresh mass when MDT was high (18.4 to 27.2 °C). DMC of dill, parsley, and watercress increased as MDT decreased or DLI increased, indicating a higher proportion of plant fresh mass is water at higher MDTs or lower DLIs. With these data we have created growth and development models for culinary herbs to aid in predicting responses to DLI and MDT.
One- and two-dimensional quantum lattice algorithms for Maxwell equations in inhomogeneous scalar dielectric media. II: Simulations

Long-time quantum lattice algorithm (QLA) simulations are performed for the multiple reflection–transmission of an initial electromagnetic pulse propagating normally to a boundary layer region join...
Cross-sectional Return Predictability in Indian Stock Market: An Empirical Investigation

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of stock return predictability in the Indian stock market by employing both the portfolio and cross-sectional regressions methods using the data from January 1994 and ending in December 2018. We find strong predictive power of size, cash-flow-to-price ratio, momentum and short-term-reversal, and in some cases of book-to-market-ratio, price-earnings-ratio. The total volatility, idiosyncratic volatility, and beta are not consistent stock return predictors in the Indian stock market. In cross-sectional regression analysis, size, short-term reversal, momentum, and cash-flow-to-price ratio predict the future stock returns. Overall, the two variables momentum and cash flow to price ratio demonstrate reliable forecasting power under all methods and both small and large size samples.
The evolutionary history of vines in a neotropical biodiversity hotspot: Phylogenomics and biogeography of a large passion flower clade (Passiflora section Decaloba).

Abstract Because of their extraordinary flower and leaf morphology, passion flowers (Passifloraceae) have fascinated naturalists since their discovery. Within the large, diverse (600 species) genus Passiflora is an especially enigmatic and species-rich (120 spp.) subclade, Section Decaloba, which occurs in the Neotropics and has its center of diversity in Andean montane forests. A recent phylogenetic study of Passifloraceae showed that Section Decaloba was monophyletic, but was unable to resolve relationships within the clade, thus preventing inferences of evolutionary history and biogeography. The goal of this study was to elucidate the phylogeny and biogeography of Section Decaloba. We sampled 206 accessions representing 91 of the ~ 120 known species in section Decaloba and four outgroups, with samples derived predominantly from herbarium specimens. We generated DNA sequences using a high-throughput DNA sequencing technique called 2b-RAD, reconstructed the phylogeny, and conducted ancestral area reconstructions to infer the biogeographic history of the group. We recovered predominantly well-supported trees in which species were grouped into two main clades: 1) the Central American clade, within which the majority of nodes well supported and species were monophyletic and 2) the South American clade, a large clade that showed overall lower resolution and included several polyphyletic species and species complexes that need additional research. RASP analysis showed that section Decaloba originated in Central America around 10.4 Ma, and then dispersed to South America, the Greater Antilles, and the Bahamas. The South American clade diversified in the Northern Andes and then dispersed to the rest of South America, and Lesser Antilles. Results suggest that both long-distance dispersal and colonization of newly available habitats (i.e., in the Andes) likely promoted diversification of this clade. This study also illustrates how using herbarium specimens and a RAD-seq approach can produce phylogenies for broadly distributed, highly diverse, and poorly accessible groups of plants where field collections would be unfeasible.
Psychosocial and mental health disorders among a population-based, case-control cohort of patients with congenital upper eyelid ptosis.

BACKGROUND/AIM Recent studies have demonstrated adverse psychosocial and mental health disorders among children with ocular disorders. The mental health burden of children with simple congenital ptosis, however, is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the psychosocial and mental health findings of children with simple congenital ptosis with controls. METHODS The medical records of all children (<19 years) diagnosed with simple congenital ptosis from 1 January 1965 through 31 December 2004 while residing in Olmsted County, Minnesota were retrospectively reviewed for psychosocial and mental health morbidity. One-to-one randomly selected age-matched and gender-matched controls from the same population were similarly reviewed. RESULTS 81 children with ptosis were diagnosed at a mean age of 3.2 years (range, 1 month-16 years), 35 (43.2%) of whom were girls. An adverse psychosocial development was diagnosed in 41 (50.6%) patients with simple congenital ptosis monitored to a mean age of 21.4 years, compared with 26 (32.5%) controls (p=0.02). A mental illness was diagnosed in 31 (38.3%) patients with ptosis compared with 16 (20%) controls (p=0.01). Children with ptosis were 2.5 times more likely than controls to develop a mental illness and 2.1 times more likely to develop a psychosocial maladjustment. Patients with ptosis were also significantly more likely to have more mental health disorders (p=0.02) and a longer duration of psychotropic medication use (p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS Children diagnosed with simple congenital ptosis in this population had significantly greater psychosocial and mental health morbidity compared with controls. Children with ptosis may benefit from early psychosocial intervention.
Six Month Trajectories of COVID-19 Experiences and Associated Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and Impairment in American Adults

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on health and well-being worldwide. There is increasing research seeking to better understand the psychological impact of COVID-19 experiences. However, this research has largely been limited in size and scope. The present study examined longitudinal trajectories of COVID-19 experiences on COVID-19 related stress, anxiety, depression, and functional impairment in a convenience sample of 788 American adults recruited through MTURK. Data was collected across four waves between March and October 2020. COVID-19 experiences were consistently associated with higher odds of probable anxiety and depression diagnoses. COVID-19 related stress also predicted large proportions of variance in anxiety, depression, and functional impairment in latent variable analyses. Overtime, the results indicated that while anxiety and depression decreased, functional impairment remained stable. These findings highlight the emotional toll of the COVID-19 pandemic over time. Decreases in COVID-19 related stress, anxiety, and depression over time may reflect resiliency among respondents. Importantly, these results underscore the continued need for mental health services as associations between COVID-19 and functional impairment remained consistent over time.
Middle Age: New Thoughts, New Directions

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses new thoughts and new directions of middle age. A greater understanding of human growth and development during middle age is of crucial importance. With the passage of the baby-boom generation from adulthood into midlife and late life, the need for an expanded knowledge base about midlife development becomes even more important. At middle age, the individual finds herself or himself within an environment molded and shaped by cultural, social, economic, political, and historical forces. The developmental setting, including the local community (churches, educational institutions, neighborhoods, cities, states, and countries), influences the individual's experience. In addition, the interpersonal environment; families, peers, and relationships with co-workers are contextual influences that profoundly shape the lives of individuals. For the first time in history, adults finds themselves living in a global village in which cultural and political dynamics in various parts of the world become influential informational sources for making sense of one's own life. By better understanding cultural and ethnic variability, aspects of midlife development that are universal can be teased apart from those developmental experiences that are constrained by culture-specific influences. The chapter concludes that development during midlife represents a potential period of rich interpersonal functioning, personal productivity, and psychological growth. Some individuals, however, experience developmental trajectories that are less than optimal. The goal for the future is to stimulate greater interest in all areas of biological, psychological, and social functioning during middle age.
Anisotropic thermal conductivity of YBa2Cu3O7- delta thin films

Room-temperature thermal conductivity values were determined for sputtered c-axis oriented YBa2Cu3O7- delta thin films. These values were measured through the plane of the films (Kperpendicular to ) using a thermal comparator technique, and calculated in the plane of the films (K/sub ///) using the Wiedemann-Franz-Lorenz conversion of electrical sheet conductivity values. The films show a thermal conductivity anisotropy, with values of Kperpendicular to approximately=,0.26 W m-1 K-1 and K/sub /// approximately=2.4-4.5 W m-1 K-1. The thermal conductivities are depressed in both directions from expected values based on room-temperature measurements of single-crystal thermal conductivities. While some anisotropy is expected due to the crystallographic orientation of the films, the observed anisotropy is greater than that typically seen in single crystals of YBa2Cu3O7- delta . Possible explanations are presented based on thin film microstructure and phonon and charge carrier scattering mechanisms, but due to the short room-temperature mean free path of this material, phonon scattering mechanisms such as the size effect or scatter from stacking faults may be discounted as significant sources of thermal conductivity reduction. Instead, the formation of a second phase during film deposition is the most likely source of thermal resistance in the films.
Association between Transcobalamin II C776G Polymorphism and Neuropathy is Modified by Folate Intake in Vitamin B-12 Sufficient Elders

The C776G polymorphism of the vitamin B-12 transport protein transcobalamin II (TC2) gene (rs1801198) is associated with lower holotranscobalamin concentration in plasma and can reduce the availabi...
Accurate and efficient extraction of antenna array performance from numerical unit-cell data

This paper presents an efficient method of characterizing phased array antennas by formally reducing analysis of the unit cell to the scattering matrix of an equivalent waveguide junction. The scattering matrix is computed using the transfinite element method, a finite element technique incorporating determination of this matrix directly into the finite element solution process. Most notably, the computed scattering matrix is shown to yield a comprehensive characterization of the array without the need for postprocessing or consideration of internal fields of the unit cell. In particular, the bounded nature of the matrix entries enables robust interpolation in both frequency and scan angle to accelerate the computation of array performance. Examples demonstrate accurate prediction of array performance from the data.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for primary cutaneous/soft tissue angiosarcoma: Determining tumor behavior prior to surgical resection.

Background Given the propensity for hematogenous metastases, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) could treat occult metastatic disease early, potentially improving survival and better defining which primary angiosarcomas (AS) benefit from surgical resection. Methods A retrospective comparison was performed of 23 patients with resectable, localized cutaneous/soft tissue primary AS treated with surgery alone (S, n = 13) or NAC followed by surgery (NAC-S, n = 12). Results Primary sites included breast/chest (n = 9), head/neck (n = 9), extremity (n = 3), and other (n = 2). 23% S versus 40% NAC-S had prior radiation (RT). NAC regimens were paclitaxel (n = 6) or gemcitabine/docetaxel (n = 4). Seventy percent were high grade. Distant metastases were found in 17% after NAC. Non-primary wound closure was required in 54 %S versus 30%NAC-S (P = 0.4). R0 resections were achieved in 85% S versus 80% NAC-S (30% had a complete pathologic response). Two-year local recurrence (LR)-free, disease-free, and overall survivals were 67.1, 38.5, and 61.5% for S versus 68.6, 54.9, and 68.6% for NAC-S (P = 0.52, 0.67, and 0.58). The mean number of surgical resections/patient to maintain local control was 1.8 S versus 1.3 NAC-S (P = 0.06). Conclusions NAC for primary AS was well tolerated. Although there was no statistically significant survival benefit, NAC helped define who would benefit from surgical resection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:829–833. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insulin Gene Expression and Biosynthesis

The insulin gene is expressed specifically and at very high levels in pancreatic β-cells. Most of its tissue-specific expression and metabolic regulation are conferred by approximately 340 bp upstream of the transcription initiation site. Several glucose-responsive elements have been identified within this region, and physiological regulation of insulin gene expression relies on the cooperative and synergistic interactions between DNA-binding factors and coactivators. Glucose is the major regulator of insulin gene expression. It activates transcription and stabilizes insulin mRNA. In addition, insulin gene expression is stimulated by glucagon-like peptide 1, growth hormone, and lactogenic hormones, and inhibited by epinephrine, somatostatin, glucagon, and leptin. In type 2 diabetes, chronic elevations of blood glucose and fatty acid levels impair insulin gene expression. Under most circumstances, the production of insulin is also highly regulated at the translational level. Indeed, this is the predominant control mechanism in the β-cell whereby intracellular insulin stores are efficiently maintained in the short term. Essentially, translation of the preproinsulin mRNA template to preproinsulin protein occurs in a fashion typical of most eukaryotic mRNAs. In general, nutrients that stimulate insulin secretion, of which glucose is the most physiologically relevant, also stimulate proinsulin biosynthesis at the translational level. Recently, it has been shown that specific control of glucose-induced proinsulin biosynthesis in the β-cell resides in cis-elements in the 5′- and 3′-untranslated regions of preproinsulin mRNA itself. After proinsulin is translocated into the lumen of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, correctly folded proinsulin can then be delivered in transport vesicles to the cis-Golgi apparatus in an ATP-dependent process. The major site for processing of the proinsulin to biologically active insulin is the immature granule compartment of the β-cell. Production of insulin occurs via limited proteolysis of the proinsulin precursor molecule, which is catalyzed by two endopeptidases, proprotein convertase 2 (PC2) and proprotein convertase 3 (PC3) (also known as PC-1), and an exopeptidase, carboxypeptidase-H (CP-H). Similar to their deleterious effects on insulin gene expression, chronic hyperglycemia and hyperlipidiemia impair proinsulin biosynthesis. Keywords: insulin gene; promoter; transcription factor; proinsulin; translation; biosynthesis; hyperglycemia; hyperlipidemia
Higher order statistical approach for channel estimation using matrix pencils

We study the blind identification of single input single output linear finite impulse response (FIR) channels via output higher-order cumulant information. Our aim is to find simple and effective approaches for channel estimation. The proposed algorithms identify channel impulse response by solving a cumulant matrix pencil. Compared with several existing linear approaches, the new methods are computationally simpler and less sensitive to channel order over-estimation. We also present simulation results that demonstrate the robustness of the new methods to various channel conditions in practical applications.
Percolation Conductivity in W- Al 2 O 3 Granular Metal Films

The growth of W grains in sputtered W-${\mathrm{Al}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ films as a consequence of annealing results in a narrowing of the transition region from metallic to nonmetallic conductivity. The conductivity, $\ensuremath{\sigma}$, as a function of the volume fraction of the metal, $x$, exhibits a critical behavior given by $\ensuremath{\sigma}\ensuremath{\sim}{(x\ensuremath{-}{x}_{c})}^{p}$, where the critical volume fraction of the metal ${x}_{c}=0.47\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05$ and the critical exponent $p=1.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2$. For $xl0.47$ the temperature dependence of $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ has the form $\mathrm{ln}\ensuremath{\sigma}\ensuremath{\sim}\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{\sqrt{T}}$ which is characteristic of tunneling between isolated grains.
Valsalva's maneuver revisited: A quantitative method yielding insights into human autonomic control

Seventeen healthy supine subjects performed graded Valsalva maneuvers. In four subjects, transesophageal echographic aortic cross-sectional areas decreased during and increased after straining. During the first seconds of straining, when aortic cross-sectional area was declining and peripheral arterial pressure was rising, peroneal sympathetic muscle neurons were nearly silent. Then, as aortic cross-sectional area and peripheral pressure both declined, sympathetic muscle nerve activity increased, in proportion to the intensity of straining. Poststraining arterial pressure elevations were proportional to preceding increases of sympathetic activity. Sympathetic inhibition after straining persisted much longer than arterial and right atrial pressure elevations. Similarly, R-R intervals changed in parallel with peripheral arterial pressure, until approximately 45 s after the onset of straining, when R-R intervals were greater and arterial pressures were smaller than prestraining levels. Our conclusions are as follows: opposing changes of carotid and aortic baroreceptor inputs reduce sympathetic muscle and increase vagal cardiac motor neuronal firing; parallel changes of barorsensory inputs provoke reciprocal changes of sympathetic and direct changes of vagal firing; and pressure transients lasting only seconds reset arterial pressure-sympathetic and -vagal response relations.
Proton-carbon CNI polarimetry and the spin-dependence of the Pomeron

Recent polarized proton experiments at Brookhaven National Laboratory are used as a basis for a model of the energy dependence of the analyzing power of proton-carbon elastic scattering. In addition to their practical value for polarimetry, the results of this analysis give constraints on the size of the Pomeron spin-flip coupling as well as information on the $f_2$ and $\omega$ spin-flip couplings.
Power line communication for lighting applications using binary phase shift keying (BPSK) with a single DSP controller

DSP controllers provide the on-chip peripherals and computational power needed to implement various power electronics applications. A single-chip DSP controller allows designers to implement multiple functions such as power line communication, power-factor correction, and inverter control, all needed for an overall dimmable lighting ballast application. This paper presents a complete implementation of a power line modem following CEA-709 protocol using a single DSP. The paper also shows how to utilize the remaining on-chip peripherals and computing cycles to implement inverter control suitable for lighting and other inverter operations.
A SIMPLE METHOD FOR OBTAINING VENOUS BLOOD FROM SMALL INFANTS

OBTAINING samples of venous blood from small infants presents a problem even to the experienced pediatrician. A method providing least trauma for baby and doctor is always desired. A simple technique for obtaining samples of venous blood from premature and small infants was described by Banus in 1957. A modification of his technique has been adopted in the present technique which employs simpler equipment and easily allows obtaining volumes of blood from 5 to 10 ml. EQUIPMENT (Figs. Ia and Ib) Polyethylene catheter with attached No. 23-gauge needle (modified Murphy-Gardner set). Plastic needle-adapter. No. 20-22 gauge needle. Hemostat. Vacuum test tube. PROCEDURE The polyethylene catheter is connected to [See Fig. 1a,1b in Source Pdf] the plastic needle-adapter and the latter to a No. 20-22 gauge needle (Fig. lb). The catheter is clamped with the hemostat, which will maintain a good vacuum, and the needle inserted through the center of the rubber plug of the vacuum-containing test tube. A scalp vein is entered against the blood flow. As this is done the blood will flow several millimeters into the catheter. The hemostat is then released, permitting blood to flow through the polyethylene catheter into the test tube by means of the vacuum existing in the system. The polyethylene catheter and needle may be rinsed with heparin before assembling, in order to prevent clotting when large volumes of blood are required. Scalp veins are preferred to other peripheral veins, because the needle can be held firmly while in such a superficial vein, assuring a good flow of blood. COMMENT This technique has several distinct advantages over the more commonly used methods of venipuncture. Minimal equipment, which for the most part is inexpensive and disposable, is needed. There is less trauma to the infant than by standard procedures for blood-letting. With very little experience the technique can be performed with facility. Because suction is evenly controlled, the plasma obtained is usually free of hemolysis. There is almost no exposure to air with this system, so that blood for determination of carbon dioxide can be collected with accuracy, providing oil is added to the tube immediately after collecting the blood. The polyethylene catheter can be clamped during the procedure, and the collecting tubes can be changed, should both clotted and non-coagulated specimens be desired.
Synthesis of N4-(Substituted phenyl)-N4-alkyl/desalkyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-2,4-diamines and Identification of New Microtubule Disrupting Compounds that are Effective against Multidrug Resistant Cells

Abstract A series of fourteen N4-(substituted phenyl)-N4-alkyl/desalkyl-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-2,4-diamines was synthesized as potential microtubule targeting agents. The synthesis involved a Fisher indole cyclization of 2-amino-6-hydrazinylpyrimidin-4(3H)-one with cyclohexanone, followed by oxidation, chlorination and displacement with appropriate anilines. Compounds 6, 14 and 15 had low nanomolar potency against MDA-MB-435 tumor cells and depolymerized microtubules. Compound 6 additionally had nanomolar GI50 values against 57 of the NCI 60-tumor panel cell lines. Mechanistic studies showed that 6 inhibited tubulin polymerization and [3H]colchicine binding to tubulin. The most potent compounds were all effective in cells expressing P-glycoprotein or the βIII isotype of tubulin, which have been associated with clinical drug resistance. Modeling studies provided the potential interactions of 6, 14 and 15 within the colchicine site.
Disparate Effects of Repeated Testing: Reconciling Ballard's (1913) and Bartlett's (1932) Results

Bartlett (1932) gave subjects a prose passage and showed how recall dropped when they were tested repeatedly. Ballard (1913), using poetry, and Erdelyi and Becker (1974), using pictures, reported improvements in performance (or hypermnesia) over repeated testing. We investigated two likely factors leading to the discrepant results: the type of material and the interval between tests. The primary cause of the differing outcomes is the interval between tests. In general, when the intervals between successive tests are short improvement occurs between tests. When these intervals are long, forgetting occurs. The type of material used plays little role: Hypermnesia in recall of prose (even “The War of the Ghosts”) occurred with short intervals between tests. We also report a striking confirmation of the power of tests to enhance memory: Repeated tests shortly after study greatly improved recall a week later.
Blending Validation and Content Uniformity of Low-Content, Noncohesive Powder Blends

AbstractBlending validation has become mandatory, partly through good manufacturing practice (GMP), partly through a court action (the Barr decision) in 1993. Although feasibly carried out with existing technology, there are situations where the methodology for sampling causes a suspected bias in the figures, and one such case is where the drug content (expressed as fraction in the following) is low. In particular, this dilemma is predominant where the blended materials are not cohesive. Possible explanations for this are voiced, as are suggestions on how to proceed rationally in such cases.
A comparative study of two procedures used in the determination of hepatic microsomal aniline hydroxylation.

Abstract The hepatic microsomal parahydroxylation of aniline is measured by the determination of its product p -aminophenol (pAP). The pAP formed in incubation mixtures is assayed either after ether extraction or after trichloroacetic acid (TCA) precipitation. The TCA-precipitation method is simpler and less time-consuming than the ether-extraction method, but it has been found that the apparent recovery of pAP was lower in TCA supernatants than with the ether-extraction method. In the present work, it was found that the recovery of pAP by the TCA-precipitation method depended on the nature of NADPH-generating system used in the incubation mixture. When “soluble fraction” was used as a source of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase for the reduction of NADP to NADPH, the recovery of pAP using the TCA-precipitation method was less than that with the ether-extraction method. But when “soluble fraction” was replaced by yeast glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase or by chemically prepared NADPH, the recovery of pAP was approximately equal with both the methods. Lowered recovery of pAP when added to the soluble fraction or its dialyzate might be due to the presence of sulfhydryl reacting groups. The addition of mercuric chloride to the soluble fraction dialyzate resulted in almost “full” recovery of pAP by the TCA-precipitation method, i.e., the apparent loss of pAP was prevented.
Overview of the TAC-BIO sensor

In light of the current state of detection technologies designed to meet the current threat from biological agents, the need for a low-cost and lightweight sensor is clear. Such a sensor based on optical detection, with real time responses and no consumables, is possible. Devices arising from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Semiconductor UV Optical Sources (SUVOS) are the enabling technology. These sources are capable of emitting UV wavelengths known to excite fluorescence from biological agent particles while costing a few dollars apiece and consuming low power. These devices are exploited in the TAC-Bio Sensor. A unique optical design is used to collect the usable portion of the LED emission and focus it into the probing region of the sensor. To compensate for the low UV power density relative to UV lasers, the TAC-Bio utilizes a unique opposed flow configuration to increase the interaction between particles and the UV beam. The current TAC-Bio sensor testbed is capable of detecting fluorescence Bacillus globigii (BG, an anthrax simulant) spore agglomerates down to 5 microns in diameter. Ongoing work is focusing on increasing signal to noise so that smaller particles, possibly single spores, can be detected, as well as on including additional data channels, such as light scattering, to increase selectivity of the sensor.
Long‐term follow‐up of brachytherapy for treatment of allograft in‐stent restenosis

The experience of brachytherapy in the treatment of in-stent restenosis of allograft arteries is limited. We present two cases of in-stent restenosis treated with brachytherapy with favorable angiographic follow-up at 10 months in one patient and at 17 months in the other.
Coccidiosis: Experimental analysis of drug resistance

Abstract Serial propagation of avian coccidia in birds fed mash containing coccidiostats results in the acquisition of a resistance for the specific coccidiostat. This is stable and persists virtually unchanged when the resistant strains are passed serially through groups of unmedicated chickens. When passed through groups of chickens fed mash containing a different coccidiostat, some strains, in addition to acquiring a tolerance for the second chemical, regained their sensitivity to the first, while others did not and were now resistant to two compounds. Although acriflavine did not influence the development of amprolium resistance by a strain of Eimeria tenella , serial exposure of an amprolium-resistant strain to this chemical mediated a reversion to the sensitive state. Attempts to demonstrate transmissible drug resistance among coccidia were unsuccessful.
Interaction between DNA-dependent protein kinase and a novel protein, KIP.

Abstract DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK cs ) is the only eukaryotic kinase activated by DNA ends. Mutation of DNA-PK cs results in murine severe combined immune deficiency in mice and radiation sensitivity. Both the immune and the radiation defects are due to a failure in double-strand break repair. Biochemical studies indicate that DNA-PK cs kinase activity is stimulated by the presence of the DNA end binding protein, Ku. Autophosphorylation of DNA-PK cs results in its inactivation. Based on these studies, DNA-PK cs is presumed to play a direct and important role in the repair of double-strand breaks, but the details of its role are quite unclear. We have done two-hybrid analysis of this entire protein to identify other proteins with which it interacts. Thus far, extensive analysis has only revealed one strong interaction that satisfies both high genetic and biochemical stringency. The interaction is with a novel human protein that has 26% amino acid identity with the phosphatase component, calcineurin B. We discuss the interaction of DNA-PK cs with this novel calcium-binding protein family member in the context of possible kinase–phosphatase regulation of DNA end joining.
Architecture for a high-performance tele-ultrasound system

Clinical prototypes of digital tele-ultrasound systems at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine have provided insight into various design architectures. Until network equipment costs decrease, hybrid systems often provide good cost/feature mixes by using high-cost networking equipment only when digital networking is required. Within the hospital using remote ultrasound system, a video and audio router interconnects the video output of ultrasound modalities and technologist communications subsystems. This is done either manually or by remote signaling, depending on the size of the ultrasound infrastructure and the cost of a remote signaling subsystem. For extramural sites and in hospital areas too distant for cost- effective analog switching techniques, an appropriate coder/decoder (CODEC), with echo cancellation, is used to transfer the audio and visual information to a CODEC in the viewing station location. The CODECs can be T1 (1.544 Mbps) CODECs for areas that cannot be reached economically at asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) data rates. This is contingent upon the diagnostic quality of the output of the T1 CODECs. Otherwise, high-speed CODECs are used with 45 Mbps DS-3 or ATM transmission facilities. This system allows full use of existing hospital infrastructures while adapting to emerging data communications infrastructures being implemented.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Allergic to Autotaxin. A New Role for Lysophospholipase D and Lysophosphatidic Acid in Asthma

In this issue of the Journal, Park and colleagues (pp. 928–940) make a convincing case that an enzyme known as autotaxin (ATX) is produced in the lung and plays an essential role in promoting allergic airway inflammation (1). What is an enzyme implicated in cancer growth and metastasis doing in the lung in asthma? To answer this question, a little background is in order. In 1992, Stracke and colleagues working at the National Cancer Institute identified a factor from the conditioned media of melanoma cells that potently induced autocrine cell motility and was unrelated to any known molecules at the time (2). The effects of this factor, which they termed ATX, could be inhibited by pretreating cells with pertussis toxin—which suggests that it acted through a G protein–coupled receptor. Cloning of the ATX complementary DNA revealed domains similar to the ectonucleotide phosphodiesterase and pyrophosphatase (ENPP) family, and ATX was designated ENPP2. However, an important breakthrough came from the discovery that the preferred substrate for ATX is not a nucleotide but actually a lipid moiety, namely lysophosphatidylcholine (3). ATX cleaves the choline group from lysophosphatidylcholine to generate the pluripotent extracellular mediator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA; see Figure 1), indicating that it was the sought-after extracellular lysophospholipase D. Subsequent research by several groups established a key role for ATX and LPA in promoting the growth and motility of different cancers (4). Twenty years after the original discovery of ATX, ATX antagonists are now under active development with the enormous potential to block tumor growth and metastasis.
Laser physics and tissue interaction.

It is clear that in the practice of oral and maxillofurther heralded the ability of CO lasers to produce facial surgery, lasers have become an important tool in the armamentarium to treat cosmetic and pathologic entities. Although there are numerous wavelengths that can be used by oral and maxillofacial surgeons (carbon-dioxide [CO2], Nd:YAG, pulsed dye, erbium:YAG, holmium:YAG, and copper vapor) [1–5], the workhorse has proved to be the CO2 laser. It has attained this position due to its unique ability to incise skin or mucosa, ablate diseased tissue, and stimulate new collagen formation without scarring. Regarding the use of the CO2 laser, a significant advance occurred in the late 1980s when David et al [6] reported on its use to treat sun-damaged skin. Until that time, the greatest use of CO2 lasers was on intraoral or other mucosal surfaces. Although its use on the skin had been attempted, it frequently destroyed the tumor, leaving a cicatrix in its place. In fact, during the mid-1990s, Geronemus [7] justly reported that the ‘‘removal of skin lesions without scarring was unthinkable even only a decade ago.’’ As a result of modifications of the CO2 laser (increased power and shortened pulse duration, permitting selective photothermolysis of soft tissue), target tissues were able to be treated effectively, limiting unwanted lateral thermal damage. Geronemus [7] illustrated how periorbital and perioral rhytids and nasolabial folds could be treated with reduced alteration of the skin texture and coloration compared with dermabrasion. Numerous additional scientific articles
Strain Control in an Intelligent Die Based Upon Local Force Control and Blank Holder Forces

An experimental evaluation of the strains in an oval stamp forming die is presented. The die design included a flexible blank holder and active draw beads. The die was instrumented with local punch force and wrinkle sensors and control systems were developed in order to follow local punch force and wrinkle trajectories. Strains were measured after pan forming for both open and closed-loop tests. The relation between blank holder force, draw bead penetration, and strains were explored in the critical strain region of the formed pan. Closed-loop control of the local punch forces at the die ends was established using blank holder forces. The strains for tests with various lubrication conditions and draw bead penetrations were compared. It was observed that there is a tendency for the strains in critical locations to converge or remain constant for the closed-loop control tests while the strains tended to increase with blank holder force for open-loop tests. It was concluded that by controlling local punch forces, strain is indirectly controlled.Copyright © 2009 by ASME