cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The evolution of acute stroke recorded by multimodal magnetic resonance imaging

Events associated with an evolving cerebral infarction were studied using multiple magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques at 4.7 T in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion. High resolution perfusion images revealed a core of absent perfusion surrounded by a zone of slow, but measurable perfusion. Only the core of severest perfusion deficit demonstrated restricted water diffusion as early as 1 hr, consistent with "cytotoxic" cellular edema in the most vulnerable region. Within 24 hours, the area of restricted diffusion encompassed the entire region destined to become infarcted. In spin-echo images, hypointensity, likely reflecting deoxygenated hemoglobin, was visible in the ischemic hemisphere. Edema accumulated over 72 hr primarily in the surrounding slowly perfused rim, consistent with the concept of "vasogenic" edema. These studies demonstrate that multimodal MRI can visualize events which define the ischemic penumbra--deoxygenation, maintenance of transmembrane ionic gradients, reduced flow, and delayed cell death. These experiments noninvasively visualized differential hemodynamic and biochemical processes within the core and perifocal penumbra and will allow quantitation over time of the relationship between blood flow, cytotoxicity and edema in stroke.
Gender-Related Differences in Myocyte Remodeling in Progression to Heart Failure

Gender-related differences responsible for the better prognosis of females with heart failure have not been clearly established. To address this issue, we investigated potential gender-related differences in myocyte remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive heart failure rats. Echocardiograms and myocyte growth were compared between males and females at compensated (2, 4, and 6 months) and decompensated (18 months in males and 24 months in females) stages of cardiac hypertrophy. Although left ventricular diastolic dimensions did not differ significantly between failing male and female rats, fractional shortening declined significantly only in failing males. Myocyte cross-sectional area did not change after 4 months of age in both genders, which is likely to be responsible for the absence of a change in left ventricular wall thickness during the progression to heart failure. Myocyte volume and cross-sectional area were significantly larger in males than females at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, although there were no significant differences at the failing stage. Reduced adaptive hypertrophic reserve was observed in males, which is likely to contribute to the higher morbidity and mortality of males with chronic heart failure.
View segmentation and static/dynamic summary generation for echocardiogram videos

Echocardiography is the most common type of medical imaging modality in the field of cardiology. Each echocardiogram video shows the cardiac structure from a sequence of different angles and transducer positions. Unlike other types of videos addressed by existing work, echocardiogram video does not include speech, audio, or transcript information that can be used to index the video content. Information is predominantly contained in the visual form. There is usually predictable structure in the production of echo videos. In addition, there is associated information from other modalities, such as ECG and diagnosis reports, which can be used in analyzing the video content or providing useful annotations.
Aqueous ammonium sulfide to modify the surface of low κ dielectric thin films

Abstract The modification of polymeric surfaces can lead to the improvements in metallic and dielectric adhesion. Since most of the polymer surfaces are hydrophobic and relatively inert, it is often the goal to functionalize their surface without damaging the underlying sub-surface material. This study focuses on the use of ammonium sulfide to modify the surface of low κ thin-film materials utilized as interlayer dielectrics for ultra-large-scale integrated (ULSI) devices. Results show that Trikon™ ( κ =2.8), a hybrid material, can easily become hydrophilic with 50 wt.% (NH 4 ) 2 S (aq) exposure, whereas, SiLK™ ( κ =2.65), a poly(arylene ether), is only slightly modified with exposure to (NH 4 ) 2 S (aq) . X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and contact angle goniometry confirm the nature of the surface chemistry of both low κ thin films. Further, ultrathin films (∼32 A) of unannealed poly( p -xylylene) (parylene N) behave much differently with exposure to (NH 4 ) 2 S (aq) compared to relatively thick (∼2500 A) films exhibiting a precipitous drop in contact with the short exposure times. However, the same ultrathin films, when annealed at 350 °C for 1 h in high vacuum, behave much like the thick unannealed films. A proposed mechanism is presented to explain this interesting behavior with the parylene thin films.
Nature of the stable oxide layer formed on an aluminum surface by work function measurements

Abstract The interaction of oxygen with clean aluminum results in formation of a stable oxide layer on the surface of the metal. This stable layer has a lower work function than that of clean aluminum. The nature of this stable layer is studied by measurement of work function changes. Heating of the stable layer, formed at room temperature and low oxygen pressures' (~10 −8 torr), in ultra-high vacuum resulted in a further decrease in the work function. The extent of this additional decrease was a function of temperature and the changes in work function caused by heating were irreversible in nature. At high oxygen pressures (p O 2 > 10 −2 torr) the effect of growth of incorporated oxide on the net limiting work function change appears to be small and the reversible changes in the work function are mainly a result of the variation in the amount of surface oxide. At 250°C, the contribution of incorporated oxide to net limiting work function change was dependent on oxygen pressure when it was formed at low oxygen pressures ( P −7 torr). However, when the incorporated oxide was formed at oxygen pressures above 10 −7 torr, its contribution to the limiting work function change and, perhaps, the structure of the incorporated oxide itself were nearly independent of oxygen pressure. The difference in limiting work function change at various oxygen pressures was mainly because of the difference in the limiting amounts of surface oxide. Similar behavior is expected at room temperature.
Rosette glands in the gills of the grass shrimp Palaemonetes pugio. II. Premolt ductule reformation: Replacement of ciliary processes by cytoplasmic processes in relation to gland maturation.

The events associated with premolt reformation of the cuticularized ductule in the underdeveloped (immature) branchial rosette glands, which are common in the gills of small (14–18 mm, total length) grass shrimp, are described and contrasted with the events of ductule reformation in the fully developed (mature) resette glands most common in larger shrimp. In immature rosette glands, two ciliary processes emerge from each of the component secretory cells and ascend into the basal luminal region of the old ductule. Subsequently a new ductule is formed around the old ductule, and the ciliary processes disappear, either because of degeneration or retraction. The transitory ciliary processes appear to prevent the old ductule from collapsing during the formation of a new ductule. Such transitory ciliary processes, however, are not found in association with premolt ductule reformation in the mature rosette glands; in their place are seen a number of microvilli-like cytoplasmic processes, which emanate from the apices of the secretory cells and from the channels of the central cell. These cytoplasmic processes in mature glands, like the ciliary processes in immature glands, are transitory and appear to prevent the collapse of the old ductule. Cytoplasmic processes comparable to those in mature glands, but relatively few in number and originating only from the secretory cells, are seen together with ciliary processes in some immature glands. The relative abundance of cytoplasmic processes in the mature glands, coupled with the observation that transitory ciliary processes occur in immature glands but not in mature glands, suggests that, during glandular maturation, transitory ciliary processes are replaced by transitory cytoplasmic processes.
Numerical solution of a first kind integral equation of potential theory

A boundary integral equation reformulation of the exterior Dirichlet problem for Laplace's equation yields an integral equation of the first kind, in which the unknown is the normal derivative on the boundary of the unknown harmonic function. The integral equation is solved with a collocation method based on piecewise quadratic interpolation. The discretized linear system is solved by using iterative Krylov-subspace methods such as Conjugate Gradient-like methods. Numerical examples are presented.
Residual Pressor Effects of Chronic Alcohol in Detoxified Alcoholics

Although research in population studies has indicated that recent alcohol intake is positively correlated with blood pressure, there is a need to study the relationship of blood pressure to measures of lifetime alcohol intake in alcoholics. To this end, we assessed systolic and diastolic pressures and lifetime alcohol intake through structured interviews with 253 normotensive recovering alcoholics. Blood pressures were first corrected with multiple linear regression for the influence of confounding or modifying variables and then were regressed against alcohol consumption measures. Systolic pressure was significantly correlated (positively) with only a few measures of recent alcohol intake, and the correlations were not high ( r 2 =.05 to .11, P
Influence of hepatic microsomal mixed function oxidation reactions on cellular metabolic control

From the spectrophotometric observation of pigments, especially cytochrome P-450, in whole liver slices, and correlative studies using isolated endoplasmic reticulum particles, oxidative reactions occurring in the microsomal fraction are suggested as possible significant contributions to liver cell metabolism. The requirement of this system for TPNH and the synergistic involvement of DPNH could markedly affect the cytosol concentration and subsequent oxidized: reduced ratio of these pyridine nucleotides. The involvement of cytochrome b5 in the oxidative reaction, the necessity of enzymes transferring reducing equivalents from the reduced pyridine nucleotides to both cytochromes b5 and P-450 and mercurial inhibition studies demonstrating autonomy of the units catalyzing the microsomal TPNH supported mixed-function oxidation reactions aid, considerably, our understanding of the organization of this important enzymic activity within the endoplasmic reticulum of the liver.
Evaluating collaborative software in supporting organizational learning with Bayesian Networks

Many collaborative software tools have been developed in the recent years to accelerate the growing interest of many organizations to become learning organizations. Selecting a collaborative tool that best suits an organization's needs is a challenging task, given that there are no evaluation criteria against which these tools could be evaluated with respect to various organizational learning concepts. The objective of this paper is twofold. First, it derives a generic set of criteria required to evaluate the suitability of a given collaborative tool in supporting the mental model concept of organizational learning. Second, it investigates the possibility of using Bayesian Networks as an evaluation methodology to rate the suitability of a given collaborative tool with respect to how well it meets the derived evaluation criteria.
Biologically related iron-sulfur clusters as reaction centers. Reduction of acetylene to ethylene in systems based on [Fe4S4(SR)4]3-.

Abstract The possibility that clusters containing the Fe 4 S 4 core unit found in a wide variety of proteins can effect reductive transformations of Fe-S enzyme substrates has been investigated using the reduced synthetic clusters [Fe 4 S 4 (SPh) 4 ] 3- and acetylene, an alternate nitrogenase substrate. The system [Fe 4 S 4 (SPh) 4 ] 3- /acetic acid/acetic anhydride in N -methylpyrollidinone at ~25° was found to reduce acetylene homogeneously to ethylene, and in the presence of a deuterium source to afford as the principal stereochemical product cis -1,2-C 2 H 2 D 2 . No appreciable reduction was found using the oxidized cluster [Fe 4 S 4 (SPh) 4 ] 2- . The system is not catalytic and departs from the strict stoichiometry of the reaction. 2 [Fe 4 S 4 (SPh) 4 ] 3- + C 2 H 2 + 2H + → 2 [Fe 4 S 4 (SPh) 4 ] 2- + C 2 H 4 , primarily because of a competing cluster oxidation reaction which could not be eliminated. Based on this reaction ca. 60% conversion of acetylene to ethylene was achieved. A reaction sequence based on absorption and 1 H nmr spectral observations and product stereo-chemistry is suggested. The results demonstrate that biologically related, reduced Fe 4 S 4 clusters can effect reduction of at least one Fe-S enzyme substrate, and raise the general possibility of substrate transformation with such clusters as reaction sites in biological systems.
Structural characterization of a novel sulfated menaquinone produced by stf3 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, produces unique sulfated metabolites associated with virulence. One such metabolite from M. tuberculosis lipid extracts, S881, has been shown to negatively regulate the virulence of M. tuberculosis in mouse infection studies, and its cell-surface localization suggests a role in modulating host−pathogen interactions. However, a detailed structural analysis of S881 has remained elusive. Here we use high-resolution, high-mass-accuracy, and tandem mass spectrometry to characterize the structure of S881. Exact mass measurements showed that S881 is highly unsaturated, tandem mass spectrometry indicated a polyisoprene-derived structure, and characterization of synthetic structural analogs confirmed that S881 is a previously undescribed sulfated derivative of dihydromenaquinone-9, the primary quinol electron carrier in M. tuberculosis. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a sulfated menaquinone produced in any prokaryote. Together with pre...
Rapid purification, site-directed mutagenesis, and initial characterization of recombinant RC3/neurogranin.

RC3/Neurogranin is a postnatal-onset, forebrain-specific, thyroid hormone-regulated, protein kinase C (PKC) substrate that binds calmodulin (CaM) and accumulates in dendritic spines. We bacterially expressed and purified RC3 and, for comparison, GAP-43/neuromodulin to near homogeneity using relatively simple procedures. We then raised antisera against recombinant RC3 that does not crossreact with GAP-43 and is suitable for immunohistochemical analysis of brain slices. We also constructed over 30 RC3 sequence variants by PCR-mediated, site-directed mutagenesis, and purified four of these to near homogeneity. The elution profiles displayed by RC3 and sequence variants during purification on CaM-Sepharose columns suggest that two different affinity forms of the RC3-CaM complex coexist when Ca2+ is absent and that GAP-43-CaM interactions are far more sensitive to salt than those that occur between recombinant RC3 and CaM. Variant proteins in which serine 36 was changed failed to serve as a substrate for PKC, implicating this as the target residue.
Interleukin-12-mediated tumoricidal activity of patient lymphocytes in an autologous in vitro ovarian cancer assay system.

Abstract This study was designed to examine if interleukin-12 (IL-12) can induce cytolytic function of lymphocytes from ovarian cancer patients against either an ovarian cancer cell line or their own autologous tumor cells. Lymphocytes were obtained from the peripheral bland or ascites of ovarian cancer patients and activated with IL-12 alone or concomitantly with interleukin 2 (IL-2) for 2 to 3 days. Activation of lymphocytes and assessment of tumoricidal function by a chromium release assay were performed directly in a standard control medium (RPMI 1640 containing 2 m M glutamine, 100 μg/ml streptomycin, 100 units penicillin, 5% heat-inactivated human AB serum, and 5 m M 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinesulfonic acid) and in 50% ascitic fluid (50% by volume filter-sterilized ascites with 50% of the above-mentioned control medium). Target cells were added directly into the medium in which the lymphocytes were activated in order to more closely mimic in vivo conditions. Lymphocytes, activated by IL-12 in 50% ascitic fluid, were able to lyse autologous tumor cells in 3 of 6 assays and were able to lyse SKOV3 cells (an ovarian cancer cell line) in 5 of 7 assays. The results were not significantly different in the control medium. When both IL-2 and IL-12 were used to activate lymphocytes in 50% ascitic fluid, significant cytotoxicity was generated in 6 of 6 autologous assays and in all 7 patient assays using SKOV3 as a target ( P P
Different intracellular and intranuclear transport of triiodothyronine enantiomers in rat skeletal myoblasts.

The mechanism(s) responsible for the different biological potency of L- and D-T3 was investigated in rat L6E9 myoblasts. After incubation with intact cells at 37 C L-T3 cellular and nuclear uptakes were 91% and 70% higher than those of DT3, respectively, but values for nuclear uptake as a fraction of cellular uptake were similar. The difference between the enantiomers was abolished at 4 C, and metabolic and endocytotic inhibitors reduced nuclear and extranuclear saturable uptake of L-T3 to a similar degree, but had little or no effect on D-T3 uptake. The affinity constants (Ka) for L- and D-T3 binding to isolated nuclei were similar, but the apparent nuclear Ka of LT3 in intact cells was 5-fold greater than that of D-T3. The findings suggest that stereospecific transport, mainly active at the plasma membrane, occurs in rat skeletal muscle cells. This discriminative pathway of cell entry facilitates L-T3 uptake by an energy-dependent pathway not shared by D-T3 and may explain the greater potency of L-T3 th...
Political Culture, Issues and the Electorate: Evidence From the Progressive Era:

OLITICAL culture has enjoyed something of a comeback in recent years as an alternative to socioeconomic explanations for human behavior (see review by Kincaid 1980). Much scholarly activity in this regard has been directed at testing the utility of Daniel Elazar's wellknown theories regarding cultural patterns within the United States (Elazar 1966, 1972). Research has generally found the subcultures identified by Elazar the moralistic, individualistic and traditionalistic to be useful in explaining differences in participation, bureaucracy, and various types of public programs among the states (see, for example: Sharkansky 1969; Kincaid 1980; and Herzik 1985). Findings on the relationships between Elazar's cultural patterns and mass opinion on various subjects, however, have generally been negative or weak (Kincaid 1980; Schiltz and Rainey 1978, Lowery and Sigelman 1982; though see Joslyn 1980). One might conclude that commonly held political attitudes associated with cultural patterns established at the turn of the century have had little staying power, particularly in comparison to the institutions or policies with which they were linked (Welch and Peters 1980). On the other hand, one might also wonder if, indeed, the cultural values identified by Elazar ever really had much effect on the political attitudes of the general public. Perhaps their prime value is in understanding differences in political attitudes among contending elites. This study focuses on the relationship between culture and mass sentiment on various issues during the progressive era in the first decades of the twentieth century. If mass political opinion on issues ever reflected Elazar's cultural variables it should be evident in this period. Assuming that the cultural patterns identified by Elazar actually existed, they would have been relatively fresh during this period, especially in western states. During this era, moreover, issues which logically evoke cultural divisions along the lines identified by Elazar were unusually salient.
Percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy in patients with calcific mitral stenosis: Immediate and long-term outcome

Objectives. This study analyzed the immediate and long-term outcome of percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy in patients with and without fluoroscopically visible mitral valve calcification. Background. Mitral valve calcification has been shown to be an important factor in determining immediate and long-term outcome of patients undergoing surgical mitral commissurotomy. Patient selection has an important impact on the outcome of percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy. Methods. The immediate and long-term results of percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy were compared in 155 patients with and 173 patients without mitral valve calcification. The patients with calcified valves were assigned to four groups according to severity of calcification. Results. Patients with calcified mitral stenosis more frequently were in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV and more frequently had atrial fibrillation, previous surgical commissurotomy, echocardiographic score >8, higher pulmonary artery and left atrial pressures, higher pulmonary vascular resistance and mean mitral valve gradient and lower cardiac output and smaller mitral valve area. Mitral valve area after valvotomy was significantly smaller in patients with calcified valves (1.8 ± 0.06 vs. 2.1 ± 0.06 cm2) and was ≥1.5 cm2in 65% of patients with and 83% of patients without calcified valves (p = 0.004). A successful outcome, defined as mitral valve area >1.5 cm2without significant mitral regurgitation and left to right shunting, was achieved in 52% of patients with and 69% of patients without uncalcified valves (p = 0.001). The success rate was 59%, 48%, 35% and 33% insubgroups with 1+, 2+, 3+ and 4+ calcification, respectively. The rates of significant left to right shunting and mitral regurgitation after valvuloplasty were similar in the two groups. Estimated survival rate (80% vs. 99%, respectively, p = 0.0001), survival rate without mitral valve replacement (67% vs. 93%, respectively, p < 0.00005) and event-free survival rate (63% vs. 88%, respectively, p < 0.00005) at 2 yean were significantly better in the patients with uncalcified valves. Survival rate curves became progressively worse as the severity of calcification increased. Conclusions. These findings indicate that immediate and long-term results of mitral valvuloplasty are not as successful in patients with fluoroscopically visible mitral valve calcification as in those without calcification.
Mechanisms of adaptive evolution. Darwinism and Lamarckism restated

This article discusses the conceptual basis of the different mechanisms of adaptive evolution. It is argued that only two such mechanisms may conceivably exist, Lamarckism and Darwinism. Darwinism is the fundamental process generating the diversity of species. Some aspects of the gene-centered approach to Darwinism are questioned, since they do not account for the generation of biological diversity. Diversity in biological design must be explained in relation to the diversity of interactions of organisms (or other higher-level units) with their environment. This aspect is usually overlooked in gene-centered views of evolution. A variant of the gene-selectionist approach has been proposed to account for the spread of cultural traits in human societies. Alternatively, I argue that social evolution is rather driven by what I call pseudo-Lamarckian inheritance. Finally, I argue that Lamarckian and pseudo-Lamarckian inheritance are just special cases of faithful replication which are found in the development of some higher-order units, such as multicellular organisms and human societies.
Near-Surface Reduction of Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy Detection Sensitivity

Abstract Cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) is a high-sensitivity technique used to measure the absolute concentrations of absorbing species. We have used CRDS to measure spatially dependent concentration profiles near a physical surface that obstructs the light path. A decrease in detection sensitivity resulting from interaction between the circulating cavity ring-down beam and the surface was observed. Simple calculations based on geometrical obstruction by the solid surface significantly underestimate the sensitivity loss, suggesting that diffraction is important. Calculations that include diffraction effects more closely agree with experimental data.
Rapid procedure for the isolation of cytochrome c peroxidase

Abstract A simple, rapid method is described for the preparation of cytochrome c peroxidase from baker's yeast. The procedure involves lysis of the yeast in the presence of ethyl acetate, extraction of the peroxidase in 0.05 M sodium acetate buffer, pH 5.0, and the concentration of the crude extract on a DEAE-agarose column. The DEAE eluate is further concentrated by ultrafiltration, and gel filtration of the concentrate results in a highly purified form of the enzyme. Consistent yields with 80% recovery are easily obtained. Protein isolated by this method in the presence or absence of the protease inhibitor, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), contains purely high-spin Fe(III) heme as monitored by its resonance Raman spectrum.
Toward a Definition of Social Work Practice: Reframing the Dichotomy

The nature of social work practice is explored, and whether a definition can be achieved that is inclusive of all social work practitioners. Several sources of difficulty in achieving an inclusive definition are presented, such as the profession's history, the range of social work jobs and the different settings. The original definition of social work practice was conceived as a work in progress. There is no reason to believe that a uniform definition will be achieved, if we continue to view social work in a dichotomized manner, i.e., direct and indirect services, and clinical and administration. Reframing the definitional search is presented from the vantage point of the reality of one's job, where direct and indirect tasks and responsibilities are inherent in every social work job. It is the emphasis, focus, and amount of these responsibilities that differs by level. Thus, social work practice remains as a work in progress.
Serre's vanishing conjecture for Ext-groups

Abstract Let R be a noetherian commutative local ring, and M,N be finitely generated R-modules. Then a generalized form of Serre's Vanishing conjecture can be stated as follows: if (1) length (M⊗RN) (2) pd(M),pd(N) (3) dim M+ dim N dim R , then χ(M,N)≔ ∑ i=0 ∞ (−1) i length ( Tor i R (M,N))=0. It is known that Serre's Vanishing conjecture holds for a complete intersection ring R, but is not known for a Gorenstein ring R. We can make a similar conjecture replacing Tor by Ext, namely, if M and N satisfy the above three conditions, then ξ(M,N)≔ ∑ i=0 ∞ (−1) i length ( Ext R i (M,N))=0. In this paper, we will prove that, over a Gorenstein ring R, the Tor-version of the Vanishing conjecture, the Ext-version of the Vanishing conjecture, and the commutativity of the intersection multiplicity defined in Mori and Smith (J. Pure Appl. Algebra 157 (2001) 279) are all equivalent. Further, we will prove that a certain Ext-version of the Vanishing conjecture holds for a large class of noncommutative projective schemes, typically including all commutative projective schemes over a field, by extending Bezout's Theorem.
Chromatographic separation of metal ions on macro-reticular anion-exchange resins of a low capacity

Abstract The capacity of anion-exchange resins is a useful variable in devising practical analytical separations. Metal ions that form anionic chloro complexes are more weakly retained on resins of very low exchange capacity. Palladium(II), platinum(IV), gold(III), bismuth(III) and mercury(II) are retained on a column of 0.21 mequiv./g XAD-4 anion-exchange resin from 0.2 M hydrochloric acid and base metals pass through. The metals are then selectively eluted by various higher concentrations of hydrochloric acid. Batch distribution data are used to show the effect of capacity and to predict what separations are possible.
Randomized Trial of Peer Counseling on Reproductive Health in African American Breast Cancer Survivors

Purpose We designed a peer counseling program to improve sexual function, increase knowledge about reproductive health, and decrease menopausal symptoms and infertility-related distress for African American breast cancer survivors. Patients and Methods Women were randomly assigned to immediate counseling or a 3-month waitlist. Three peer counselors conducted a 3-session intervention using a detailed workbook. Questionnaires at baseline, after the waitlist period, at posttreatment, and at 3-month follow-up assessed spirituality, sexual function, menopause symptoms, emotional distress, relationship satisfaction, fertility concerns, and knowledge about reproductive health and breast cancer. At the postcounseling assessment, women rated the workbook, their counselor, and the program. Results Of 93 women screened, 60 women (65%) enrolled in the study. Women who completed counseling (80%; N = 48) had a mean age of 49 years (standard deviation [SD], 8 years) and a mean follow-up of 4.5 years (SD, 3.8 years) sinc...
Analysis of four-dimensional cardiac ventricular magnetic resonance images using statistical models of ventricular shape and cardiac motion

Conventional analysis of cardiac ventricular magnetic resonance images is performed using short axis images and does not guarantee completeness and consistency of the ventricle coverage. In this paper, a four-dimensional (4D, 3D+time) left and right ventricle statistical shape model was generated from the combination of the long axis and short axis images. Iterative mutual intensity registration and interpolation were used to merge the long axis and short axis images into isotropic 4D images and simultaneously correct existing breathing artifact. Distance-based shape interpolation and approximation were used to generate complete ventricle shapes from the long axis and short axis manual segmentations. Landmarks were automatically generated and propagated to 4D data samples using rigid alignment, distance-based merging, and B-spline transform. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used in model creation and analysis. The two strongest modes of the shape model captured the most important shape feature of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) patients, right ventricle enlargement. Classification of cardiac images into classes of normal and TOF subjects performed on 3D and 4D models showed 100% classification correctness rates for both normal and TOF subjects using k -Nearest Neighbor ( k =1 or 3) classifier and the two strongest shape modes.
Framework for development of conceptual data modelling techniques

Abstract The objective of conceptual data modelling is to produce an abstract model of the data required by a corporation to meet its information needs. Hence the conceptual data model (CDM) is critical to the success of a corporation's information system. Use of the abstract model is highly dependent on the criteria established within the CDM methodology. Review of current CDM methodologies has, however, shown the lack of a standard set of CDM criteria. The paper presents a framework for the development of CDM criteria. The development of these criteria provides a basis for the comparison of current CDM methodologies as well as a framework for the development of new CDM methodologies. While this set is not all inclusive, it can provide a basis for further development and discussion.
Numerous nerves with calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity innervate junctional epithelium of rats

We found an unusually dense concentration of nerves with calcitonin gene-related peptide-like (CGRP-L) immunoreactivity in junctional epithelium of rat gingiva. Adjacent oral epithelium was only sparsely innervated. The CGRP-L innervation may affect the local inflammatory reactions, leukocyte transmigration, and serum outflow that occur in junctional epithelium, as well as having somatosensory functions.
Minoxidil in refractory hypertension

A life-threatening, severe, hypertension refractory to conventional antihypertensive drugs developed in a 10-year-old girl in association with a functional renal transplant. Minoxidil, a new vasodilator, proved to be a life-saving antihypertensive drug and prevented the removal of the functional transplant. During 9 months of minoxidil therapy the blood pressure remained controlled and the renal transplant function excellent. No serious side effects except a moderate hypertrichosis have been observed. It appears that minoxidil can be used to control refractory, life-threatening hypertension in children.
Guidelines for a product technology strategy

In 1917, the American Locomotive and Baldwin Locomotive companies were among the 100 largest corporations in America. This gave them all the advantages associated with companies that dominate their industries: scale, experience, established channels of distribution, solid reputations, and access to capital. Yet within 30 years, the combined market share of these two companies fell from nearly 100 to below 50 percent. Within 52 years, both were out of the locomotive business altogether, and neither company survives today.
Genetic variation in DNA repair pathway genes and melanoma risk.

Abstract Reduced DNA repair capacity has been proposed as a predisposing factor for melanoma. We comprehensively evaluated 1463 genetic variants across 60 DNA repair–related pathway genes in relation to melanoma risk in a nested case–control study of 218 melanoma cases (20% on head and neck) and 218 matched controls within the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS). We then genotyped the two variants with the smallest P value in two replication sets: 184 melanoma cases (28% on head and neck) and 184 matched controls in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS); and 183 melanoma cases (10% on head and neck) and 183 matched controls in the NHS. The SNP rs3219125 in the PARP1 gene was significantly associated with melanoma risk in the discovery set (odds ratio (OR) 3.14; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.70–5.80) and in the HPFS replication set (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.05–3.54) but not in the NHS replication set (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.58–1.97). In the joint analysis, the OR was 1.89 (95% CI, 1.34–2.68) for this polymorphism, and this increased risk was more pronounced among patients with lesions in head/neck (OR, 3.19; 95% CI, 1.77–5.73 for head/neck, and OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.03–2.30 for other sites, P value for heterogeneity test = 0.036). Our findings suggest the possible involvement of the PARP1 variant in melanoma development, especially for sites with high sun exposure. Further work on fine-mapping and on the functional characterization of this and linked SNPs in this region is required.
Risk–return relationships in foreign-currency futures following macroeconomic announcements

This study uses the tick data for foreign-currency futures to examine risk–return relationships on macroeconomic announcements. This study—different from previous studies—examines the risk–return relationship by capturing the announcement effect on returns with announcement surprises and on volatilities with announcement dummies simultaneously in a Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model. Strong risk–return relationships are detected for the first min after the announcements. Furthermore, the return–risk tradeoff ratios differ across currencies and across macroeconomic indicators. The same information can be more profitable when acted on the more liquid currency futures. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 22: 729–764, 2002
Johnsongrass control in conventionally tilled and no-tilled soybean with foliar-applied herbicides

Two applications of selective graminicides did not improve johnsongrass control as compared with one application. Two rope-wick applications of glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine] or sulfosate (trimethyl-sulfoniumcarboxy methylaminomethylphosphonate) improved johnsongrass control, as compared with one application, in one of two years, but soybean yields did not always equal that applied with selective graminacides. Tillage did not significantly affect johnsongrass control with any of the treatments
Topological phase transitions in antimony without gap parity reversal

A common feature for all three-dimensional topologically nontrivial materials is an inverted band gap. Transitioning to a topological state typically involves a gap reversal caused by a strong spin-orbit coupling (SOC), and is accompanied by the appearance of topological surface states. A distinctly different behavior in antimony (Sb), where the topological transition does not involve gap reversal and the surface states survive the transition, is investigated. First-principles calculations are used to determine the electronic band structure of Sb for various SOC strengths. The results illustrate a new type of topological phase transition despite the same underlying Z2 topological order.
A modified power law model for the steady shear viscosity of polystyrene melts

An engineering equation that describes the steady shear viscosity of polystyrene melts is developed as an extension of the well known power law model for non-Newtonian viscosity. The parameters in the equation have been related to weight and number averaged molecular weights and temperature. The model is tested on data for both narrow and broad molecular weight polystyrenes whose properties span most materials of commercial importance. This equation predicts the melt viscosity-shear rate behavior for both narrow and broad distribution polystyrenes from knowledge of weight and number averaged molecular weights and temperature. Our analysis directly yields shift factors for the shear rate and viscosity axes. Therefore, no secondary calculations are necessary to generate master curves for polystyrenes. The shift factors are related to weight and number averaged molecular weights of the polystyrenes and temperature of the melt.
The Los Alamos beacon receiver array

Describes radio receivers that monitor transmissions from beacons on geosynchronous satellites. The receivers can detect ionospheric perturbations of a 300-3000 s period in the electron density integrated from beacon to receiver, for amplitudes as low as (1-2)/spl times/10/sup 13/ m/sup -2/. Data are used in studies of atmospheric acoustic and acoustic-gravity waves. >
Movement and Spatial Distribution of Common Carp in a South Dakota Glacial Lake System: Implications for Management and Removal

AbstractCommon Carp Cyprinus carpio form dense populations that often negatively impact water quality and clarity, native fish communities, and aquatic plant growth in aquatic ecosystems outside their native range, including the U.S. Midwest. In an attempt to guide future management and control activities, we used acoustic telemetry to quantify monthly spatial distributions and movement patterns for adult Common Carp in Brant and Round lakes, South Dakota, during open-water periods for 2 years. During a span of 12 months of manual tracking in the spring, summer, and fall seasons, we obtained 530 locations from 19 acoustically tagged fish. In general, fish displayed a clear tendency to aggregate in shallow depths close to shore during the spawning period in May and June and also postspawn during August. In contrast, fish dispersed offshore into deeper water during July. Mean hourly movement rates during 24-h tracking sessions ranged from 100.3 m/h to 165.9 m/h. Although nonsignificant, the highest movement...
Context shifting arguments

Context Shifting Arguments (CSA) ask us to consider two utterances of an unambiguous, non-vague, non-elliptic sentence S. If the consensus intuition is that what’s said, or expressed or the truth-conditions, and so possibly the truthvalues, of these utterances differ, then CSA concludes S is context sensitive. Consider, for example, simultaneous utterances of ‘I am wearing a hat’, one by Stephen, one by Jason. Intuitively, these utterances can vary in truth-value contingent upon who is speaking the sentence, while holding hat-wearing constant, and so they express distinct propositions and differ in their truth conditions. Since these differences are not the result of ambiguity (lexical or structural), vagueness, conversational implicature, or syntactic ellipsis, we have pretty strong evidence that ‘I am wearing a hat’ is context sensitive. A central premise in all CSA is the assumption that the intuitions appealed to (about various utterances of S) are semantic; viz., they are the sort of intuitions a semantic theory must accommodate. One goal of this paper is to present tests for the semantic significance of such intuitions. If we are right, unsound CSA's are ubiquitous. As a consequence a wide range of philosophers have mistaken views about context sensitivity. Our attack on these positions center around three closely related tests for context sensitivity. 1) We show that an expression e is context sensitive just in case it passes what we call the Inter-Contextual Disquotation test and an expression passes this test just in case there can be what we call a Real CSA for it. Ordinary context sensitive expressions, e.g., ‘I’, ‘she’, and ‘now’, pass this test (and there can be Real CSA for them), whereas, we will argue, controversial cases, such as ‘know’, ‘good’, and ‘red’ don't (and there are no Real CSA for them). 2) An expression e is context sensitive just in case it, in general, blocks 1 Earlier drafts of this paper were presented to various audiences. We would like to thank them all. Special thanks to Ann Bezuidenhout, Kent Bach, Emma Borg, Manuel Garcia-Carpintero, Dan Blair, David Braun, David Chalmers, Keith DeRose, Ray Elugardo, Jerry Fodor, Michael Glanzberg, Gil Harman, John Hawthorne, Kent Johnson, David Kaplan, Sarah-Jane Leslie, Peter Ludlow, Kirk Ludwig, Europa Malynicz, Terry Parsons, Jim Pryor, Mark Sainsbury, Stephen Schiffer, Rob Stainton, Jason Stanley and Brian Weatherson.
Retrocochlear hearing loss in infants: a case study of juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma.

Objective: The purpose of this paper was to describe a child with brainstem juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA) and associated auditory symptoms. Design: Case study of a 5-year-old female who pres...
Anatomy of falling‐stage deltas in the Turonian Ferron Sandstone of the western Henry Mountains Syncline, Utah: Growth faults, slope failures and mass transport complexes

Falling-stage deltas are predicted by sequence stratigraphic models, yet few reliable criteria are available to diagnose falling-stage deltaic systems in surface exposures. Recent work on the Upper Cretaceous (Turonian) Ferron Sandstone in the western Henry Mountains Syncline of south-central Utah has established its environment of deposition as a series of modest-sized (5 to 20 km wide), probably asymmetrical, mixed-influence deltas (‘Ferron Notom Delta’) that dispersed sediment eastwards from the rising Sevier orogenic hinterland into the Western Cordilleran Foreland Basin. Analysis of sandstone body stacking patterns in a 67 km long, depositional strike-parallel (north–south) transect indicates that the growth of successive deltas was strongly forced by synsedimentary growth of a long wavelength (ca 100 km), 50 m amplitude fold structure. Herein, two discrete areas within this transect, superbly exposed in three dimensions, are documented in order to determine the details of stratal stacking patterns in the depositional dip direction, and thereby to assess the stratigraphic context of the Ferron Notom Delta. In the two study areas, dip transects expose facies representing river mouth bar to distal delta front environments over distances of 2 to 4 km. Key stratal packages are clinothems that offlap, downlap, and describe descending regressive trajectories with respective to basal and top datums; they are interpreted as the product of relative sea-level fall. The vertical extent of clinoforms suggests that deltas prograded into <30 m of water. Furthermore, these deltaic successions preserve abundant evidence of delta front slope failure, growth faulting, and incision and filling of deep (<15 m) slope gullies. Gully fills are composed of chaotic intraformational breccia and/or massive sandstone, and constitute linear, ‘shoestring’ sandbodies in the distal portions of individual palaeodelta systems. They are interpreted to have been cut and filled during the late falling-stage and lowstand of relative sea-level cycles. The north–south distribution of the stratal style described above seems to be focused on the flanks of the growth anticline, and so the numerous falling-stage systems tracts preserved within the Ferron Notom Delta probably owe their origin to synsedimentary structural growth, and the unstable fluid pressure regime that this growth imposed on the sea floor and shallow subsurface.
Biomarker discovery: proteome fractionation and separation in biological samples

Proteomics, analogous with genomics, is the analysis of the protein complement present in a cell, organ, or organism at any given time. While the genome provides information about the theoretical status of the cellular proteins, the proteome describes the actual content, which ultimately determines the phenotype. The broad application of proteomic technologies in basic science and clinical medicine has the potential to accelerate our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying disease and may facilitate the discovery of new drug targets and diagnostic disease markers. Proteomics is a rapidly developing and changing scientific discipline, and the last 5 yr have seen major advances in the underlying techniques as well as expansion into new applications. Core technologies for the separation of proteins and/or peptides are one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and one- and two-dimensional liquid chromatography, and these are coupled almost exclusively with mass spectrometry. Proteomic studies have shown that the most effective analysis of even simple biological samples requires subfractionation and/or enrichment before protein identification by mass spectrometry. Selection of the appropriate technology or combination of technologies to match the biological questions is essential for maximum coverage of the selected subproteome and to ensure both the full interpretation and the downstream utility of the data. In this review, we describe the current technologies for proteome fractionation and separation of biological samples, based on our lab workflow for biomarker discovery and validation.