cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automatic center point determination in two-dimensional short-axis echocardiographic images

Abstract This report indicates how “matched filter” techniques can be used to provide an accurate approximation of the center of the left ventricle (LV) in a two-dimensional (2D) short-axis echocardiographic image. These filters can be thought of as modifications of the well-known Hough transform. Since the epicardial-pericardial interface along the posterior wall is usually the most reproducible feature in a 2D short-axis image, a “circular arc” matched filter is used to estimate this border location. Once this posterior estimate has been made, a “coupled circular arc” matched filter is employed to estimate the position of the epicardial and endocardial borders of the anterior wall. The estimate of the center of the LV is the midpoint between the estimates of the two epicardial border estimates. The method is used to calculate center points in 36 normal subjects (36 frames at end diastole and 36 frames at end systole). At end diastole, 23 of the computer defined center points are found to be in excellent agreement with the center points defined independently by an expert observer; 9 are in good agreement and 4 are poor. Of the centers calculated in the 36 end systolic frames, 26 are in excellent agreement, 9 are good, and 1 is poor. Thus, these methods are capable of automatically providing accurate estimates of the center of the ventricle for a wide range of images.
ACE inhibitors versus ARBs versus DRIs: a systematic update.

To the Editors:—I read with interest the well-done meta-analysis by Powers and colleagues in the June issue of JGIM that described the limitations of the newer antihypertensive medications in examining long-term cardiovascular outcomes.1 The article was well summarized in the very clinically useful editorial written by Dr. Smetana.2 While I agree with Dr. Smetana that thiazide diuretics remain the mainstay of initial therapy as outlined in the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7),3 I am concerned that for most practicing physicians, thiazide-type diuretics means hydrochlorothiazide. As Dr. Smetana correctly points out, chlorthalidone (or indapamide) have the most robust cardiovascular outcomes data amongst all antihypertensive agents, but this has not penetrated widely into practice. Approximately 125 million prescriptions were written for hydrochlorothiazide alone or in combination in 2008; yet, unlike previously mentioned, longer-acting thiazide diuretics, there are no data to support hydrochlorothiazide’s ability to improve cardiovascular outcomes.4 The recent British National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines published last year suggest that ACE inhibitors should be the drug of first choice for those less than fifty-five years old, and calcium channel blockers for those fifty-five years or older.5 Thiazide diuretics were relegated to third-line medications in these guidelines, but remained ahead of beta-blockers and newer agents. I think all practicing clinicians anxiously await the upcoming JNC 8 guidelines to help wade through this growing controversy.
Euclidean Geometry LDPC-VBLAST System Design and Performance Evaluation

Among popular multi-transmit and multi-receive antennas techniques, the VBLAST (Vertical Bell Laboratories Layered Space-Time) architecture has been shown to be a good solution for wireless communications applications that require the transmission of data at high rates. Recently, the application of efficient error correction coding schemes such as low density parity-check (LDPC) codes to systems with multi-transmit and multi-receive antennas has shown to significantly improve bit error rate performance. Although irregular LDPC codes with non-structure are quite popular due to the ease of constructing the parity check matrices and their very good error rate performance, the complexity of the encoder is high. Simple implementation of both encoder and decoder can be an asset in wireless communications applications. In this paper, we study the application of Euclidean geometry LDPC codes to the VBLAST system. We assess system performance using different code parameters and different numbers of antennas via Monte-Carlo simulation and show that the combination of Euclidean geometry LDPC codes and VBLAST can significantly improve bit error rate performance. We also show that interleaving data is necessary to improve performance of LDPC codes when a higher number of antennas is, used in order to mitigate the effect of error propagation. The simplicity of the implementation of both encoder and decoder makes Euclidean geometry LDPC codes with VBLAST system attractive and suitable for practical applications.
Stress and fish reproduction: The roles of allostasis and hormesis

This paper is a review of the effects of stress on reproduction in fishes. I hope to further the development of the concepts of allostasis and hormesis as relevant to understanding reproduction in general and in fish in particular. The main contentions I derive in this review are the following: Stressors affect fish reproduction in a variety of ways depending on the nature and severity of the stressor. The effects are transduced through a hormonal cascade initiated by perception of the stressor and involving the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal axis, the catecholamines, and also cytokines. Mounting a stress response and resisting a stressor is an energetically costly process, including costs associated with allostasis, attempting to reset homeostatic norms. Responses in emergency situations (e.g., being chased by a predator or a net) can be different from those where fish can cope (e.g., being in a more crowded environment) with a stressor, but both situations involve energy re-budgeting. Emergency responses happen in concert with the onset of energy limitations (e.g., the fish may not eat), while coping with allostatic overload can happen in a more energy-rich environment (e.g., the fish can continue to eat). Low levels of stress may have a positive effect on reproductive processes while greater stress has negative effects on fish reproduction. The concept of hormesis is a useful way to think about the effect of stressors on fish reproduction since responses can be nonmonotonal, often biphasic.
Graft revision after transit time flow measurement in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objective: To determine whether coronary graft patency can be predicted by transit time flow measurement (TTFM). Methods: From May 1 1997 to December 31 1998, TTFM was prospectively evaluated in 409 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). All grafts (1145) were tested with TTFM. Results: Thirty-seven out of 1145 grafts (3.2%) were revised in 33 patients (7.6%). In six cases (18.1%) use of CPB was necessary during revision due to hemodynamic instability. The remaining patients underwent revision off-pump. Thirty-four grafts (91.9%) were revised for both low flow and abnormal flow curve patterns. Findings at revision included: thrombosis of the anastomosis (na 6), stenosis at the toe or heel of the anastomosis (na 8), coronary flap or dissection (na 5), dissection of the internal mammary artery (na 5), graft kinking (na 4), flap at proximal anastomosis (na 1), coronary stenosis distal to the graft (na 3), and no findings (na 2). After revision all flow values and flow patterns improved. Although three additional grafts (8.1%) were revised for low flow (,7 ml/min) despite normal flow patterns, there were no findings at revision and flow values and curves remained unchanged after revision. Postoperatively, one patient developed a stroke (3%), one had an acute myocardial infarction (MI) (3%), one had a sternal wound infection (3%), and one required prolonged ventilatory support (3%). Conclusion: Evaluation of TTFM is valuable in determining the status of a coronary graft after CABG. Correct interpretation of flow patterns allows for correction of abnormalities prior to chest closure. q 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Nucleic acid transfer through cells membranes: Towards the underlying mechanisms

Various cases of DNA (RNA) transfer through membranes of living cells are reviewed. They are classified into two major categories: those which occur in Nature (natural transfer) and those imposed by various physical and chemical treatments of cells (induced transfer). Among the examples of natural transfer surveyed are the transfer during bacterial conjugation, genetic transformation, viral infection of bacteria, and nuclear membrane trafficking. Consideration of the induced transfer is focused on the two methods most widely used at present to introduce foreign genetic information into pro- and eukaryotic cells: Ca2+ (and some other divalent cations)-induced and calcium phosphate-induced transfer, and transfer during electroporation of cells. Emphasis is made on the underlying mechanisms of transfer, or rather on what is currently known about them. Energetic aspects of transfer are also discussed and different tentative models of transfer are presented.
Changes in Neuropsychological Performance after Traumatic Brain Injury from Inpatient Rehabilitation to 1-Year Follow-Up in Predicting 2-Year Functional Outcomes

The present study explored the predictive value of interval change in neuropsychological performance at three time-points following moderate-to-severe TBI (inpatient rehabilitation, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up) on functional outcome measures collected at 2-year follow-up. Symmetrized percent change scores were calculated and used to predict scores on functional measures using linear regression while controlling for age and injury severity. Results showed that change in performance from inpatient to 1-year on total list learning (CVLT-II or RAVLT) and oral SDMT significantly predicted 2-year ratings of functional status. By comparison, most neuropsychological measures taken at 1-year follow-up also accounted for unique variance in 2-year functional outcomes. These results indicate that changes in learning and processing speed during the first year of recovery are sensitive indicators when predicting long-term disability and degree of functional independence, though absolute performance at 1 year is also highly associated with functional outcome at 2 years post-injury.
Retrievability of Optional Inferior Vena Cava Filters with Caudal Migration and Caval Penetration: Report of Three Cases

The present report describes the safe retrieval of caudally migrated optional inferior vena cava (IVC) filters with significant IVC penetration. Three patients had optional IVC filters placed for deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary emboli and contraindications for anticoagulation. Subsequent imaging showed caudal migration and penetration of the filter legs through the IVC wall. All filters were removed without major complications. One patient experienced abdominal pain after filter removal, which required no treatment. Caudal migration of optional filters with IVC wall penetration by the filter legs may be more common with new filter designs in which the secondary and primary struts are separated.
Nanoscale Rapid Melting and Crystallization of Amorphous Silicon Thin Films

Nanostructuring of thin films is gaining widespread importance owing to ever-increasing applications in a variety of fields. The current study details nanosecond laser-based rapid melting and crystallization of thin amorphous silicon (a-Si) films at the nanoscale. Two different near-field processing schemes were employed. In the first scheme, local field enhancement in the near-field of a SPM probe tip irradiated with nanosecond laser pulses was utilized. As a second approach, the laser beam was spatially confined by a cantilevered near field scanning microscope tip (NSOM) fiber tip. Details of various modification regimes produced as a result of the rapid a-Si melting and crystallization transformations that critically depend on the input laser fluence are presented. At one extreme corresponding to relatively high applied fluence, ablation area surrounded by a narrow melt region was observed. At the other extreme, where the incident laser energy density is much lower, single nanostructures with a lateral dimension of ~90 nm were defined. The ability to induce nucleation and produce single semiconductor nanostructures in a controlled fashion may be crucial in the field of nano-opto-electronics.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Biracial Self-Identification: Impact on Trait Anxiety, Social Anxiety, and Depression

Sixty-one Biracial participants were assessed on measures of depression, trait anxiety, and social anxiety to ascertain if their racial identity choice impacted their scores on these psychological measures. Societal pressure to identify as monoracial was also measured to determine if the various racial identity groups perceived these pressures differently and if these pressures were related to the reported quality of psychological functioning. Results indicated that a validated Biracial identity may serve as a protective factor for anxiety and depressive symptoms, whereas Biracial individuals who consider their race to be meaningless or fluid based on situational factors reported significantly higher levels of depression and trait anxiety symptoms than other Biracial individuals. The latter group also reported the least pressure from family to identify as monoracial. Societal pressure from peers to identify as monoracial was found to predict social anxiety and fear of negative evaluation among all Biracia...
Comment on the impact of gene patents and licensing practices on access to genetic testing: lessons from hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Comment on the impact of gene patents and licensing practices on access to genetic testing: Lessons from hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
1315 SYNDROMIC AND ISOLATED CRYPTOPHTHALMOS

Cryptophthalmos syndrome is an autosomal recessive pattern of malformation characterized by cryptophthalmos, syndactyly, laryngeal atresia, abnormal genitalia and renal agenesis. We have found 72 cases of the syndrome and 40 of isolated cryptophthalmos among 112 cases reported in the literature since Zehender's first description in 1872. The isolated cases, which have not been previously analyzed, contain three families showing vertical transmission, while the syndromic ones suggest autosomal recessive inheritance. We report three stillborn siblings pairs who presented with cryptophthalmos, bilateral renal agenesis, oligo-hydramnios sequence, genital abnormalities and syndactyly. Four had laryngeal stenosis or atresia and two siblings had aplasia or hypoplasia of the thymus. Review of the literature and our own experience illustrate the high frequency of renal agenesis in Cryptophthalmos syndrome and the existence of the disorder without cryptophthalmos. Abnormalties similar to those found in this syndrome, some of which may involve defects in programmed cell death, have been observed in two vitamin A deprived animal models. The Cryptophthalmos syndrome should be considered more frequently in the differential diagnosis of multiple congenital malformations, especially when associated with renal agenesis and even in the absence of cryptophthalmos.
Can case management be used to facilitate diagnostic testing in publicly funded breast cancer screening programs

The earlier breast cancer can be diagnosed and treated, the better the odds for survival. The literature has shown many of the barriers to timely diagnosis are not individual behaviors but problems in delivery of health care. Case management has been suggested to facilitate diagnostic testing and treatment. Models of case management exist in other practice settings but have not always been rigorously described or evaluated. Determining optimal models for case management has been established federally as a research priority to ensure medically underserved women are promptly diagnosed and treated. One model has been developed and pilot-tested in this setting. This article will describe elements of case management and the characteristics of a publicly funded screening program that make use of case management to facilitate timeliness of diagnostic testing different from case management in other settings. These differences have implications for successfully implementing case management in public programs.
The body wall of cheilostome Bryozoa. II. Interzoidal communication organs

Communication organs (septulae) of cheilostome Bryozoa are more complex than perviously believed. Annuli, present only in lateral septulae, are thickenings of the intercalary cuticle. Each communication pore is filled with a ring-like “pore cincture,” through which project a pair of “special cells.” Septulae of all species examined (10 species from 6 families) can be considered modifications of the same structure, varying only in degree of calcification and number of communication pores. External walls, including basal and lateral walls, are best defined as reinforcements of the ectocyst, which is derived by intussusception from the primary cuticle of the ancestrula. The lateral ectocyst must be considered a double layer formed by invagination of the distal ectocyst. Internal walls are developed by apposition from inner parts of the ectocyst; they include pore plates and transverse walls. External walls are laid down first. Lenticular masses develop unilaterally on the uncalcified lateral ectocyst; the pore plate develops by apposition from the interior part of the ectocyst. Depending on the species, the pore plate may or may not be calcified at the time of its formation. Communication pores are formed when the developing pore plate abuts against embryonic special cells. The septular ectocyst never calcifies; it breaks down when the pore plate is complete. Some ascophorans undergo “reparative budding,” in which new zoids are formed within dead zoecia. Hollow, ectocyst-covered buds lined with blastemic epithelia are produced from septulae of live zoids; adjacent buds may fuse. These findings are consistent with the view that lateral septulae are aborted zoids and that pore plates represent transverse walls.
Noncompartmentally-based pharmacokinetic modeling

Objective: To present an overview of noncompartmentally-based modeling which is a modeling that makes use of systems analysis, predominantly linear systems analysis (LSA). Findings: Fundamental elements of LSA presented from a linear operational viewpoint have a sound foundation in molecular stochastic independence (MSI). Powerful LSA procedures based on MSI presented such as convolution, deconvolution and disposition decomposition analysis (DDA) enable PK predictions and evaluations of drug input and delivery using models with simple general structures and few verifiable assumptions. DDA nonparametrically differentiates the unit impulse response (UIR) into generalized elimination and distribution functions. DDA applied in a linear and nonlinear context is central to many LSA procedures such as analytically exact direct deconvolution, nonparametric evaluation of drug elimination and distribution, steady state predictions, evaluation of mean time parameters for drug delivery and disposition (mean residence time, mean transit time, mean arrival time), relative tissue affinity (residence time coefficients), nonparametric exact clearance correction of UIR, and time variant convolution and deconvolution. The general response mapping operation procedure of LSA presented provides a powerful rational alternative to problematic structured modeling of multivariate PK systems. Conclusion: The wide arsenal of underutilized LSA-based kinetic analysis tools provide a rational, powerful alternative to traditional kinetic modeling.
Development of oral insulin: progress and current status.

NOBEX oral drug delivery technology is centered on modification of peptides, proteins and small organic molecules by attachment of one or more amphiphilic oligomers. Attachment of these oligomers results in stability to enzymatic degradation, improved solubility to allow optimized formulation, and modification of pharmacology to prolong circulating half-life and activity. NOBEX has applied this technology to insulin, creating an orally absorbed, bioactive conjugate which is safe and rapidly absorbed and which demonstrates dose-dependent, glucose-lowering effects in animal models, healthy volunteers and type 1 diabetic patients. Results of recently completed and ongoing studies in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes suggest a promising role for conjugated insulin in the management of fasting and post-prandial hyperglycemia. Orally administered conjugated insulin is delivered first to the liver through the portal circulation, similar to the physiological route of insulin secretion in non-diabetic individuals. Potential benefits from this route of insulin delivery include improved disease management and reduction of long-term complications of diabetes. Further studies with oral conjugated insulin are planned in both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients.
Remote Near-IR Spectroscopy Over an Optical Fiber with a Modified FT Spectrometer

A Fourier transform (FT) spectrometer was configured to measure near-infrared (near-IR) transmission spectra using 80 meters of a 206-μm optical fiber. The single-beam signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) was evaluated for the remote-sensing spectrometer for both Ge and InSb detectors. The instrumental performance was compared with that of the conventional FT spectrometer. The optical attenuation of several different fibers was measured and their possible use as transmission sensors was evaluated. Some advantages and implications of combining an FT spectrometer with optical-fiber sensor measurements are discussed.
The growth, structure and disintegration of Arctic ice shelves

The north coast of Ellesmere Island is the location of the only known ice shelves in the northern hemisphere. Present Arctic ice shelves are as much as 40–50 m thick and occupy sheltered fiords and embayments. These thick floating ice masses are remnants of the once-extensive Ellesmere Ice Shelf that has disintegrated since 1876–1906, when Aldrich and Peary respectively travelled along the coast. Reasons for the disintegration are not clear, but it has created many ice islands that have been known to circulate in the Arctic Ocean for 35 years or more. Both ice islands and ice shelves are readily distinguished from their surroundings by an undulating surface topography of parallel ridges and troughs up to 300 m apart. The undulations probably owe their origin to the effects of wind and meltwater. Since 1952 these large ice masses have been the subject of considerable research. Ice shelf growth began about 4000 BP, when glaciers flowed off the land and remained afloat in fiords and inlets, and sea ice grew thick and remained fast to the coast. The glacier and sea ice acted as platforms for further thickening both by surface accumulation of snow and ice and by undersurface accretion of fresh, brackish and saline ice. Although much has been learned about the growth, structure and behaviour of arctic ice shelves, questions still remain concerning ice island calving mechanisms, bottom freezing, thick sea ice growth and origins of the ridges and troughs.
Reggeon calculus for the production amplitude. I

A Reggeon calculus for the production amplitude is derived by using Gribov's method of analyzing hybrid Feynman diagrams. We find that, for any Reggeon diagram, the production amplitude can be written in the representation discussed in part I of this study, and each term can be evaluated according to rules which are a rather straightforward extension of Gribov's Reggeon calculus and have the same character of a nonrelativistic field theory. We briefly show how the concept of Reggeon field theory can be applied to production amplitudes.
Chemical ionization mass spectrometery utilizing and isotopically labeled reagent gas

The use of a mixture of 5% ammonia in methane, where the ammonia is 50% 15N-labeled, provides a very useful reagent gas for chemical ionization mass spectrometry. We find that this combination gives spectra very much like pure ammonia reagent gas except that all of the adduct ions are clearly labeled.
PS-GC Nanodiscs Assembly for Structural Studies of Coagulation Proteins and Their Complexes

Nanodiscs (ND) are well known as a lipid membrane platform for structural and functional studies of transmembrane proteins but they can be also helpful for structural studies of membrane associated proteins. The membrane-bound structure of Factor VIII active form (FVIIIa) within the Factor VIIIa - Factor IXa (Tenase) complex is crucial for normal hemostasis and requires binding to the surface of the negatively charged activated platelet membrane. Despite the critical role of FVIII for coagulation process, the knowledge of its membrane-bound organization alone or within the Tenase complex is incomplete which hampers drug discovery for effective regulation of the complex activity and thus design of new pro- and anti-coagulant drugs. In this study we present our work on ND designed for structural studies of membrane-bound FVIII by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and single-particle analysis (SPA). ND assembled from galactosylceramide (GC) and negatively charged phosphatidylserine (PS) lipid mixtures, and with two different membrane scaffolding proteins forms (MSP1D1 and MSP1E3D1) were characterized by negatively stained TEM showing that their size and homogeneity strongly depended on the lipid composition and lipid to membrane scaffolding protein ratio. Our results show that the ND with highest PS content (80%) and average diameter of 12 nm are the most suitable for structure determination of the membrane-bound FVIII molecules by single particle analysis. Our preliminary 3D reconstruction of the FVIII bound to the PS containing ND demonstrates the suitability of the optimized ND for structural studies by TEM and SPA. Further assembly of the FVIIIa and the whole FVIIIa-FIXa complex on ND will help to identify the protein-protein and protein-membrane interfaces critical for the Tenase complex assembly and function.
Far-Infrared Spectra, ab Initio Calculations, and the Ring-Puckering Potential Energy Function of 2,3-Dihydrofuran

The far-infrared spectrum resulting from the ring-puckering vibration of 2,3-dihydrofuran (23DHF) has been re-examined, and 11 single-quantum jump transitions and nine triple-quantum jump transitions were observed. High-level ab initio calculations were used to predict the structure which was then used to calculate the kinetic energy (reciprocal reduced mass) as a function of the puckering coordinate. The experimental data along with the kinetic energy expression produced the potential energy function V(x) ) 1.019 10 6 x 4 1.946 10 4 x 2 which has a barrier to planarity of 93 cm -1 and energy minima at dihedral angles of (22°. The values agree well with the ab initio values of 96 cm -1 and (23°. Quantum transitions to the 11th and 12th puckering states are fit less well with the potential function, and this apparently reflects the fact that higher-order (x 6 ) potential energy terms become more important due to steric effects at larger values of x. The interaction between the ring-puckering and ring-twisting modes was analyzed by examining the hot bands near 446 cm -1 . A two-dimensional potential energy surface, which fits the puckering data well in both the twisting ground and excited states, was determined. The interaction cross term was somewhat smaller than those for cyclopentene and related molecules.
Headspace Gas Chromatography for Objectively Determining Intensity of Haylage Flavor in Raw Milk

Abstract Thirty-six samples of raw milk, from cows fed haylage, were evaluated organoleptically and chromatographically. Gas chromatographic analyses of milk samples were performed by injecting 2ml of headspace vapor onto a 6.10m X 3.17mm Porapak Q column programmed from 85 to 150C. Separated gases were analyzed with a hydrogen flame detector. Organoleptic evaluations were made by the American Dairy Science Association procedure. Correlation coefficient between haylage flavor scores and total peak areas of gas chromatograms for the milk samples was – .933. A regression equation predicted the flavor score of milk from total peak area of a gas chromatogram obtained on the milk sample.
Longitudinal measurements of MRI-T2 in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: effects of age and disease progression.

Abstract Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by an increased muscle damage and progressive replacement of muscle by noncontractile tissue. Both of these pathological changes can lengthen the MRI transverse proton relaxation time (T 2 ). The current study measured longitudinal changes in T 2 and its distribution in the lower leg of 16 boys with DMD (5–13years, 15 ambulatory) and 15 healthy controls (5–13years). These muscles were chosen to allow extended longitudinal monitoring, due to their slow progression compared with proximal muscles in DMD. In the soleus muscle of boys with DMD, T 2 and the percentage of pixels with an elevated T 2 (⩾2SD above control mean T 2 ) increased significantly over 1year and 2years, while the width of the T 2 histogram increased over 2years. Changes in soleus T 2 variables were significantly greater in 9–13years old compared with 5–8years old boys with DMD. Significant correlations between the change in all soleus T 2 variables over 2years and the change in functional measures over 2years were found. MRI measurement of muscle T 2 in boys with DMD is sensitive to disease progression and shows promise as a clinical outcome measure.
Compositional dependence of the first sharp diffraction peaks in alkali silicate glasses: A molecular dynamics study

The compositional dependence of the first sharp diffraction peaks (FSDPs) of lithium, sodium and potassium silicate glasses were studied by calculating the neutron static structure factors. The advantage of using molecular dynamics simulations is that the contributions of partial structure factors to the FSDPs can be easily determined and provides the basis for detailed analysis. Examination of the correlations of the FSDP with the short and medium range structure reveal that the position and the shape of FSDP strongly depend on the type and concentration of alkali oxide in alkali silicate glasses. The characteristic repeating distances and the characteristic correlation lengths both decrease with increasing alkali oxide concentration indicating a decrease in the intermediate range order. In the lithium silicate glasses, the characteristic correlation length increases with lithium oxide concentration that is anomalous in that the trend is opposite to the other alkali silicate glasses. This anomaly is explained by the high field strength of lithium ions that increases the intermediate range order of the silicon oxygen network.
Fuzzy sets and the organization of literary texts: a conceptualization and two‐stage pilot study

– The purpose of this paper is to describe a conceptualization and two‐stage pilot study that explores ways in which fuzzy sets can be used to measure the indexability of literary texts., – Participants provided a subject description for each in a series of literary and nonliterary texts. Each participant was also randomly assigned to one of three tasks: using a visual analog scale to rate the clarity of each text, using a visual analog scale to rate the confidence each participant felt in describing the subject of each text, or sorting the texts from most to least clear without the use of a visual analog scale. Nonparametric statistics and qualitative analysis were used to analyze the data., – Participants and coders used the visual analog scales successfully. The participants perceived literary texts as less clear than nonliterary texts, and expressed less confidence in their subject description of literary texts than in their descriptions of literary texts. The study found preliminary support for the idea that fuzzy sets can provide a useful theoretical basis for examining the indexability of texts., – A measure of the indexability of literary texts could help provide sound theoretical guidance for construction of tools to organize those texts. A structured comparison of literary and nonliterary texts could help to build a theoretical base from which to make practical decisions about whether and how to perform subject analysis on each type of text.
Russian–American health care: Bridging the communication gap between physicians and patients

Abstract Objectives The objectives of this article are two-fold: (1) to gather in one place reliable information about Russian–Americans’ past medical practices and their current outlook on health care and to provide health care professionals with an overview of the major afflictions suffered by this ethnic group; and (2) to educate Russian-speaking patients about the American heath care system and social services geared towards immigrants by locating and evaluating free, culturally appropriate patient education Web sites available in Russian. Methods In order to draw data on specific diseases and conditions affecting the Russian-speaking population, the author searched various scholarly health-related electronic databases. A number of well-established U.S. government consumer-health Web sites were searched to locate patient education resources that can be utilized by recent Russian immigrants. Results The author provides an overview of the major health problems encountered by the Russian-speaking population before emigration and potential health concerns for Russian immigrant communities. In addition, the author provides a scholarly exploration of patient education materials available in Russian. Conclusion In this increasingly diverse society, physicians are faced with the challenge of providing culturally sensitive health care. Multicultural Web-based health resources can serve as a valuable tool for reducing communication barriers between patients and health care providers, thus improving the delivery of quality health care services. Recommendations for further research are indicated. Practice implications The author offers recommendations for practitioners serving Russian-speaking immigrants. Suggestions on utilization of Web resources are also provided.
Landscape management: The conservation of a capability brown landscape — Harewood, Yorkshire

Abstract The conservation of Brown's landscapes, because of their “natural” style and vast scale, presents particular problems of identification, preservation and adaptation. One of Brown's finest designs at Harewood, Yorkshire, is taken as representative of the problems facing many other English 18th century landscapes. Using surveys and correspondence preserved in the Harewood Archives, the contribution of Brown is distinguished from that of other consultants, and the importance of the coordinating role of the owner, Lascelles, and his agent, Popplewell, is emphasized. The design intent in the laying out of plantations and pastures, landform and water, is defined with quotations from the 18th century correspondence. The original management intent and the question of combining beauty and profit is discussed. The preservation of the historic landscape is a major goal of the present Earl of Harewood and his agent; but a tension exists between the preservation policies and the requirements of commercial land management. The reduction in the size of the estate as a result of death duties and the rising cost of maintenance have required a commercial attitude to the woodlands and farmland. The adaptation of the 18th century design to meet these needs is analyzed using data supplied by the Estate. After nearly 200 years a major replanting programme was necessary and this presented difficult silvicultural decisions, in the choice of species, design of planting blocks and planning of management operations. The parkland is now an integral part of the Estate's “agribusiness” operations, the “uniform verdure” replaced by a pattern of fields providing fodder for a capital intensive dairy enterprize. The issue of beauty or profit in the 20th century landscape emphasizes the relevance of 18th century concepts of land stewardship.
Do T cells need endogenous peptides for activation

T cells are sensitive to small numbers of antigenic peptide-MHC ligands that are distributed among an excess of endogenous peptide-MHC complexes on the surface of antigen-presenting cells. Although there are accumulating data that indicate a role for these endogenous peptide-MHC complexes in T-cell receptor triggering, whether they are necessary, and the nature of their function, is controversial. In this Opinion article, I argue that endogenous peptide-MHC complexes are required for T-cell stimulation and that their mechanism of action differs between CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells.
Effect of interfacial bonding on the strength of adhesion of elastomers. III. Interlinking by molecular entanglements

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) networks have been formed by end-linking linear PDMS molecules. When a second layer is cast on top of a fully gelled lower layer, the new molecules diffuse into the surface of the lower layer and form molecular loops (“entanglements”) in the course of end-linking with themselves. The two layers are then joined only by these macromolecular loops. Measurements have been made of the work required to separate such layers under threshold conditions, i.e., at low rates, high temperatures, and, in some cases, in the swollen state. Values of the work of detachement have been found to be 15–25 J/m2, generally about one-half of the work of fracture of the layers themselves, and consistent with the inferred density of interlinking molecular loops at the interface. Values of the work of detachment were higher for higher densities of interlinking, roughly in proportion, and for interlinking molecular strands of higher molecular weight, in accordance with the theory of Lake and Thomas. In the absence of interlinking the work of detachment was extremely small, only about 70 mJ/m2.
Mouse specific-locus test for the induction of heritable gene mutations by dibromochloropropane (DBCP)

Abstract The nematocide DBCP (1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane) produced negative results in a specific-locus test for gene-mutation induction in the germline of male (101 × C3H)F 1 mice, most of which were treated with 5 daily intraperitoneal injections of 80 mg/kg (total exposure, 400 mg/kg); a few received lower exposures. For treated spermatogonial stem cells, the finding of 2 mutations among 39 519 offspring — a rate almost identical to the control rate — rules out (at the 5% significance level) an induced mutation frequency greater than 2.0 times the historical control rate. From treated poststem-cell stages, no mutants were found among 6240 offspring, ruling out (at the 5% significance level) a multiple of 8.0 times the control for these cell types. A multiple rearrangement (7 chromosomes involved in 3 translocations) found in one of the mutants probably arose as a postmeiotic event not associated with the DBCP treatment. The fertility of DBCP-treated males was not disturbed, in keeping with the absence of germ-cell toxicity and dominant lethals found by other investigators in these mice, and in contrast to results in certain other species. While the treated (101 × C3H)F 1 mice are Ah -responsive, other findings make it questionable whether biotransformation of DBCP to reactive intermediates is accomplished via the Ah -receptor system.
Reduction of optical field noise by differential detection in atomic clocks based on coherent population trapping

We present preliminary results showing that some noise sources in vapor cell atomic clocks based on coherent population trapping (CPT) can be suppressed with differential detection. The scheme we propose differs from more conventional differential detection in that both optical fields pass through the alkali vapor cell but have different polarizations, one circular and one linear. Because CPT resonances are only excited by the circularly polarized beam, the linearly polarized beam can be used to reduce several important sources of noise. With this technique, we demonstrate reduction of the short-term frequency instability of a CPT atomic frequency reference by a factor of about 1.5.
Accelerated Atrioventricular Conduction in Fabry's Disease: A Case Report

Three unrelated men with Fabry's disease (angiokeratoma corporis diffusum universale) and accelerated atrioventricular conduction are described. AQn His bundle electrogram in one patient who reported episodes of tachycardia demonstrated a prolonged deflection preceding the ventricular complex. This deflection is thought to represent an abnormal His bundle potential, possible resulting from glycolipid deposition. In the second patient the PR interval decreased from 0.18 to 0.11 second during 10 years, and in the third patient it decreased from 0.12 to 0.10 seconds during 13 years. Accelerated atrioventricular conduction may develop in Fabry's disease.
Bacterial competition: surviving and thriving in the microbial jungle

Most natural environments harbour a stunningly diverse collection of microbial species. In these communities, bacteria compete with their neighbours for space and resources. Laboratory experiments with pure and mixed cultures have revealed many active mechanisms by which bacteria can impair or kill other microorganisms. In addition, a growing body of theoretical and experimental population studies indicates that the interactions within and between bacterial species can have a profound impact on the outcome of competition in nature. The next challenge is to integrate the findings of these laboratory and theoretical studies and to evaluate the predictions that they generate in more natural settings.
The Gorilla Did It: Some Thoughts on Dissociation, the Real, and the Really Real

This is about a small boy and his “imaginary” friend, who happens to be a gorilla—a friend the boy considers very real indeed. It is also about the fact that no part of the self, including every child's relationship to his own “gorilla,” is ever “reasoned” out of existence. It becomes, instead, “not really real,” because it has had to be relegated to “not really me” in order for the child to preserve his attachment bond with significant others. However, it will continue to make its presence known through being relationally enacted, dissociatively, in ways that eventually become repetitious enough and painful enough to bring the child (now an adult) into our office years later. As analysts, our job at that point becomes one of trying to restore the connection between the little boy and his gorilla in the face of intense pressure by the now “grown-up” patient to keep them apart and to discourage the therapist from trying to bring these old friends back from dissociation into the “really real.” The source of...
Factors affecting outcome of depressive symptoms in alcoholics

Eighty-eight patients consecutively admitted to an alcohol treatment program were studied to determine the amount of depressive symptoms on entry to the program and after 4 weeks of treatment. The degree of symptoms was in turn related to various aspects of their drinking behavior. Twenty-two of the patients were classified as having moderate to marked depressive symptoms, 40 had mild symptoms, and 26 had no significant symptoms at the time of entry into the program. Factors in drinking behavior that best characterized those with moderate to marked symptoms were addiction, sleep disturbance, hangover incapacitation, loss of control, neurological signs, and organicity/toxicity. At the end of treatment, only four patients could actually be diagnosed as depressed, while 12 had mild residual symptoms and 72 no longer had significant symptoms. The one factor that clearly distinguished those patients with residual depressive symptoms was the use of drinking for social facilitation. For such individuals, bars and drinking were the focus of social life. The favorable course of depressive symptoms in alcoholics soon after they stop drinking suggests that they are more likely the consequence of drinking than the cause of it. The fact that patients who drink primarily to facilitate social aspects of their lives were the most likely to have residual symptoms suggests that treatment of such individuals should involve development of alternative mechanisms of social interaction.
Case report 370

Fig. 1 A, B. The radiological features in these anteroposterior and lateral roentgenograms of the distal half of the left femur are those of considerable new bone, which appears to be tumor bone, involving the posterior half of the femur and growing extensively into the soft tissues. Multiple radiolucent lesions, mainly confluent in appearance, are noted in the medullary cavity of the femur, adjacent to and interspersed thruout the new bone formation
Truce: strategies for post-apocalyptic computation

In their seminal paper, "Flying in Tune: Sexual recognition in mosquitoes," Gabriella Gibson and and Ian Russell from the University of Greenwich discovered an inspiring phenomenon: male mosquitoes change their buzzing frequency to match that of female mosquitoes. This synchronization brings their wing beats to within a millisecond or less of one another. The authors suggest that this phenomenon facilitates mosquitoes' ability to copulate mid-flight.
Electroabsorption of polyacetylene.

We present the results of electroabsorption measurements for nonoriented cis- and trans-polyacetylene and for oriented trans-polyacetylene. The electroabsorption spectrum of the as-grown (nonoriented) material is dominated by a series of field-induced absorptions and bleachings near the band edge. These spectral features are interpreted as vibronic sidebands (arising from electronic coupling to the excited-state phonon modes) which are broadened by the applied electric field. The existence of such vibronic sidebands in the as-grown material indicates that the band-edge states are localized. In oriented trans-(CH${)}_{\mathrm{x}}$ the vibronic features (the strongest of which is observed as a ``knee'' near 1.5 eV in the absorption spectrum) are highly suppressed, while the induced absorption at 1.28 eV is enhanced relative to the unoriented case. No electroabsorption signal is present when the external field is applied perpendicular to the chain direction. The dependences of the electroabsorption spectrum on temperature, electric field strength, incident light polarization, and intensity are also presented. Since stretch orientation suppresses the vibronic sidebands, we conclude that such postsynthesis processing leads to improved structural order and to delocalization of the band-edge electronic states.
Real-time imaging of TRAIL-induced apoptosis of glioma tumors in vivo

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been shown to induce apoptosis in neoplastic cells. While many previous studies have been performed in cell culture, the delivery and efficiency of TRAIL variants in vivo is less well established. Using dual substrate/reporter bioluminescence imaging (Fluc: firefly luciferase-luciferin and Rluc: Renilla luciferase-coelenterazine), we tested the efficacy of TRAIL using replication-deficient herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 amplicon vectors in gliomas. The cDNA for complete TRAIL and the extracellular domain of TRAIL (aa 114-281) were cloned into HSV amplicons and packaged into helper virus-free vectors. Both forms of TRAIL induced similar degrees of apoptosis in human glioma cells (Gli36) in culture within 24 h of infection with TRAIL amplicon vectors. Growth of tumors stably transfected with Fluc (Gli36fluc+) was readily monitored in vivo by bioluminescence imaging following luciferin administration. HSV amplicon vectors bearing the genes for TRAIL and Rluc injected directly into Gli36fluc(+)-expressing subcutaneous gliomas revealed peak Rluc activity 36 h after intratumoral injection as determined by coelenterazine injection followed by imaging. TRAIL-treated gliomas regressed in size over a period of 4 weeks as compared to the mock-injected gliomas. These results show the efficacy of vector delivered TRAIL in treating tumors in vivo and offer a unique way to monitor both gene delivery and efficacy of TRAIL-induced apoptosis in tumors in vivo in real time by dual enzyme substrate (Rluc/Fluc) imaging.