cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expanded indications for ultrasound-guided thrombin injection of pseudoaneurysms

Abstract Purpose: We previously reported preliminary data on a new procedure that we developed for the treatment of femoral pseudoaneurysms after catheterization. This study presents our current results of percutaneous ultrasound-guided thrombin injection for treating pseudoaneurysms that arise from various locations and causes. Methods: Between February 1996 and May 1999, we performed thrombin injection of 83 pseudoaneurysms in 82 patients. There were 74 femoral pseudoaneurysms: 60 from cardiac catheterization (36 interventional), seven from peripheral arteriography (four interventional), five from intra-aortic balloon pumps, and two from dialysis catheters. There were nine other pseudoaneurysms: five brachial (two cardiac catheterization, two gunshot wounds, one after removal of an infected arteriovenous graft), one subclavian (central venous catheter insertion), one radial (arterial line), and one distal superficial femoral and one posterior tibial (both after blunt trauma). Twenty-nine pseudo-aneurysms were injected while on therapeutic anticoagulation. Patients underwent repeat ultrasound examination within 5 days and after 4 weeks. Results: Eighty-two of 83 pseudoaneurysms had initial successful treatment by this technique, including 28 of 29 in patients who were undergoing anticoagulation therapy. The only complication was thrombosis of a distal brachial artery, which resolved spontaneously. There were early recurrences in seven patients: four patients underwent successful reinjection; reinjection failed in two patients, who underwent surgical repair; and one patient had spontaneous thrombosis on follow-up. After 4 weeks, ultrasound examinations were completely normal or showed some residual hematoma, and there were no recurrent pseudoaneurysms. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided thrombin injection of pseudoaneurysms has excellent results, which support its widespread use as the primary treatment for this common problem. (J Vasc Surg 2000;31:289-98.)
Simultaneous analysis of carbon oxides and hydrocarbons by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

The simultaneous determination of carbon monoxide, carbon oxide, and C1C4 hydrocarbons is demonstrated by gas chromatography-mass spect
Human polyomaviruses and brain tumors

Polyomaviruses are DNA tumor viruses with small circular genomes. Three polyomaviruses have captured attention with regard to their potential role in the development of human brain tumors: JC virus (JCV), BK virus (BKV), and simian vacuolating virus 40 (SV40). JCV is a neurotropic polyomavirus that is the etiologic agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system occurring mainly in AIDS patients. BKV is the causative agent of polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVN) which occurs after renal transplantation when BKV reactivates from a latent state during immunosuppressive therapy to cause allograft failure. SV40, originating in rhesus monkeys, gained notoriety when it entered the human population via contaminated polio vaccines. All three viruses are highly oncogenic when injected into the brain of experimental animals. Reports indicate that these viruses, especially JCV, are associated with brain tumors and other cancers in humans as evidenced from the analysis of clinical samples for the presence of viral DNA sequences and expression of viral proteins. Human polyomaviruses encode three non-capsid regulatory proteins: large T-antigen, small t-antigen, and agnoprotein. These proteins interact with a number of cellular target proteins to exert effects that dysregulate pathways involved in the control of various host cell functions including the cell cycle, DNA repair, and others. In this review, we describe the three polyomaviruses, their abilities to cause brain and other tumors in experimental animals, the evidence for an association with human brain tumors, and the latest findings on the molecular mechanisms of their actions.
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients with diamond-blackfan anemia receiving high-dose corticosteroids

The authors describe three infants with Diamond-Blackfan anemia receiving corticosteroids who were diagnosed with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Two patients exhibited intermittent neutropenia as well. Each child had been receiving relatively high doses of corticosteroids for at least 2 months, and two were having prednisone tapered when pneumonia developed. One child responded to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and pentamidine, but the other two patients died. Infants with Diamond-Blackfan anemia receiving prolonged corticosteroid therapy should receive P. carinii pneumonia prophylaxis, such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and prophylaxis should continue during corticosteroid tapering.
A system of processes related by cause and effect Part I. The model

This paper develops a mathematical model for a system composed of product producing processes. The system is divided into subsets of processes called cycles. In each cycle the processes are linearly ordered and related by a cause and effect relationship where a change in any one process propagates from process to process throughout the entire cycle. This cause and effect relationship is a structure on processes of a cycle which asserts that each process of the cycle performs a step in a sequence of steps that finally load to the main product for which the cycle is identified. It is shown here that this model exhibits many of the empirical properties we would expect. It obeys a conservation law. Also in its state of equilibrium reserves are unchanged and it is neither efficient nor inefficient. There are also additional empirically expected phenomena which it exhibits. With this model the system is also shown to be able to insulate itself from environmental stimuli which could be regarded as a state of sle...
Mechanism of the synergistic induction of CYP2H by isopentanol plus ethanol: comparison to glutethimide and relation to induction of 5-aminolevulinate synthase.

Abstract We had previously found that combined treatment with isopentanol and ethanol synergistically induced CYP2H protein and activity in cultured chick nepatoytes. Here we investigated the mechanism of induction of CYP2H by the alcohols and whether they caused a coordinate induction of 5-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS) mRNA. Treatment with isopentanol alone or in combination with ethanol resulted in coordinate increases in CYP2H1 and ALAS mRNAs. With isopentanol alone, the amounts of CYP2H1 and ALAS mRNAs at 4 to 6 h were similar to those observed after treatment with the alcohol combination, but declined by 11 h. Readdition of isopentanol at 11 h again increased the expression of both mRNAs, indicating that the decreases at 11 h were due to limiting amounts of inducer. Similar results were observed in cells exposed to low concentrations of glutethimide. In the combined alcohol treatment, increases in CYP2H1 and ALAS mRNAs were sustained from 4 h to 11 h after addition of the alcohols, but decreased to control levels by 24 h. Using pulse labeling to measure de novo synthesis of CYP2H1/2 protein, we found that the increases in CYP2H1/2 protein reflected the increases in CYP2H1 mRNA. The half-life of CYP2H1/2 protein, measured from pulse-chase experiments, was approximately twofold greater than the half-life of CYP2H1 mRNA. Our results indicate that the alcohols and glutethimide coordinately increase ALAS and CYP2H1 mRNA, and that increases in CYP2H1/2 protein arise from increases in its mRNA.
Characteristics of low-income African-American and Caucasian adults that are important in self-management of type 2 diabetes.

Incidence of type 2 diabetes has greatly increased in the US, with over 90 percent having type 2. A cross-sectional, self-report survey was conducted for the purpose of assessing characteristics associated with self-management of type 2 diabetes (attitudes, certain behaviors, and perceived knowledge) among low-income Caucasian and African-American adults enrolled in the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP). At the time of the study, almost 11 percent of FSNEP adult participants (457 individuals) throughout the state had type 2 diabetes. Among 196 subjects interviewed for the study, 86 were Caucasian (44%) and 100 (51%) were African-American. Results indicated that over three-fourths of subjects had been counseled on diet and exercise, but less that half were following dietary recommendations and only one-fourth were getting adequate exercise. No significant differences were found between the two race groups on assessed characteristics or among subjects grouped by place of residence (p ≤ 0.01). Significant correlations were found among subjects' characteristics, including perceived health status, perceived knowledge of diabetes, attitudes towards diabetes, meal-plan adherence, perceived barriers to physical activity, and reported diabetes control (p ≤ 0.0001). Findings imply that (a) self-management education for type 2 diabetes does not need to be different for African-Americans vs. Caucasians in southern states and (b) best disease control is achieved when those with type 2 diabetes have a high degree of knowledge of diabetes, positive attitudes, good meal plan adherence, and few perceived barriers to physical activity.
Primary lymphatic tumors of the mediastinum

Primary lymphatic tumors of the mediastinum have both benign and malignant counterparts. Of the malignant lymphomas, Hodgkin's disease of the mediastinum, Stage IA, has a good prognosis. Three cases of Hodgkin's disease of the thymus, treated only by total surgical excision, recurred as classic extramediastinal Hodgkin's disease; Hodgkin's thymoma is now managed by combined surgical and radiotherapy. Mediastinal malignant lymphomas of histiocytic, lymphocytic, and plasma cell types had a uniformly poor prognosis. Mediastinal angiomatous lymphoid hamartomas must be differentiated from the malignant lymphomas.
The relationship between psychological capacities and neurobiological activities

This paper addresses the relationship between psychological capacities, as they are understood within cognitive psychology, and neurobiological activities. First, Lycan’s (1987) account of this relationship is examined and certain problems with his account are explained. According to Lycan, psychological capacities occupy a higher level than neurobiological activities in a hierarchy of levels of nature, and psychological entities can be decomposed into neurobiological entities. After discussing some problems with Lycan’s account, a similar, more recent account built around levels of mechanisms is examined (Craver 2007). In the second half of this paper, an alternative is laid out. This new account uses levels of organization and levels of explanation to create a two-dimensional model. Psychological capacities occupy a high level of explanation relative to the cellular and molecular levels of organization. As a result, according to this model, psychological capacities are a particular way of describing the activities that occur at the cellular and molecular levels of organization.
Relationship of growth cessation with the formation of diferulate cross-links and p-coumaroylated lignins in tall fescue leaf blades.

We examined relationships among cell wall feruloylation, diferulate cross-linking, p-coumarate deposition, and apoplastic peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) activity with changes in the elongation rate of leaf blades of slow and rapid elongating genotypes of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Growth was not directly influenced by ferulic acid deposition but leaf elongation decelerated as 8–5-, 8–O–4-, 8–8-, and 5–5-coupled diferulic acids accumulated in cell walls. Growth rapidly slowed and stopped with the deposition of p-coumarate, which is primarily associated with lignification in grass cell walls. Accretion of ferulate, diferulates and p-coumarate continued after growth ended, into the later stages of secondary wall formation. The concentration of 8-coupled diferulates dwarfed that of the more commonly measured 5–5-coupled isomer, suggesting that the latter dimer is a poor indicator of diferulate cross-linking in cell walls. Further work is required to clearly demonstrate the role of diferulate cross-linking and p-coumaroylated lignins in the cessation of leaf growth in grasses.
Corticolimbic gating of emotion-driven punishment

Determining the appropriate punishment for a norm violation requires consideration of both the perpetrator's state of mind (for example, purposeful or blameless) and the strong emotions elicited by the harm caused by their actions. It has been hypothesized that such affective responses serve as a heuristic that determines appropriate punishment. However, an actor's mental state often trumps the effect of emotions, as unintended harms may go unpunished, regardless of their magnitude. Using fMRI, we found that emotionally graphic descriptions of harmful acts amplify punishment severity, boost amygdala activity and strengthen amygdala connectivity with lateral prefrontal regions involved in punishment decision-making. However, this was only observed when the actor's harm was intentional; when harm was unintended, a temporoparietal-medial-prefrontal circuit suppressed amygdala activity and the effect of graphic descriptions on punishment was abolished. These results reveal the brain mechanisms by which evaluation of a transgressor's mental state gates our emotional urges to punish.
Violence and Social Conflict In Mid-Tudor Rebellions

Two of the most common manifestations of social tension in Tudor England were the enclosure riot and the seditious rumor. Both are essentially pre-political forms of social protest, but the first must be viewed as more primitive than the second. Enclosure riots, at least prior to the riots and rebellions of 1548-49, were not particularly directed against the governing elite, but rather were aimed at innovations which threatened the traditional agrarian routine within the manorial or village economy. Thus, enclosure riots, which were procured as frequently by gentry as by peasants and often were calculatingly combined with litigation, did not especially menace the social order. On the other hand, seditious rumors — particularly those that were threatening and anonymous — raised the possibility of social polarization and violent protest on a larger scale than that of the enclosure riot. Before the rebellions and riots of 1548-49, enclosure riots were almost invariably confined within a single village community or between two neighboring communities, but during those troubled years the wide-spread circulation of rumors threatening the gentry resulted in the destruction over a widely-scattered area of enclosing hedges which had stood unchallenged for generations.The rumor as a vehicle of social protest could either express the collective fear that some supposedly hostile group such as the rural aristocracy had put together a conspiracy to harm the peasantry, or could, conversely, convey the desire of peasants and artisans for social levelling or even social inversion.
Hourly changes in serum cholesterol concentration effects of the anticipation of stress.

Further evidence has been obtained to indicate that the concentration of serum cholesterol can vary widely during the course of a few hours in certain individuals. The data are consistent with a hypothesis that changes in the concentration of serum cholesterol may relate to the anticipation of an event as well as to the event itself. Similarity in the hourly variation in serum cholesterol concentration occurring among eight carefully selected subjects, during control as well as during test periods, is note-worthy.
Effects of timing and duration of cognitive activation in [15O]water PET studies

The multiple injection [15O]water method offers unique opportunities for studying cognitive processing by the human brain. The influence of the duration and temporal placement of an activation task, in relation to the arrival of the radiotracer in the brain, is a fundamental methodologic question for cognitive activation studies. A quantitative positron emission tomography (PET) study of five normal volunteers was performed in which the stimulation consisted of a visual activation task (alternating checkerboard pattern) superimposed on an auditory baseline task (syllable monitoring). Ten injection conditions, with varying duration and timing of the visual activation, were used. Regional CBF (rCBF) in visual cortex was measured quantitatively using the autoradiographic method. A 20-s stimulation, centered on the bolus arrival in the brain, produced significant changes in rCBF. Because varying the duration and timing of the activation task technically violates the temporal homogeneity assumption of the auto...
Clinical outcome in 94 cases of dermal haemangiosarcoma in dogs treated with surgical excision: 1993-2007*

Canine dermal haemangiosarcoma (HSA) is believed to have a better prognosis compared to HSA in other organs, but outcome has only been reported in a small number of dogs. The purpose of this study was to assess outcome and prognostic factors in a larger cohort of dogs with dermal HSA. Clinical data was collected retrospectively for 94 dogs and histopathology was reviewed in 53 dogs. Median overall survival time was 987 days. Dogs of predisposed breed with ventral location and histologic solar changes had longer survivals. Loco-regional recurrence occurred in 72/94 (77%) dogs. Predisposed breeds with ventral location and multiple masses were more likely to develop recurrence. Non-predisposed breeds with invasive tumours were more likely to develop metastasis. Results suggest that dogs with solar-induced dermal HSA may have high recurrence rates, but prolonged survivals. Dogs with non-solar tumours may be at increased risk for metastasis and shorter survival.
A High-Performance Low-Ringing Ultrawideband Monocycle Pulse Generator

In this paper, a performance-enhanced ultrawideband monocycle pulse generator circuit using a step recovery diode is designed and tested. Factors that could cause pulse waveform distortions are analyzed. By applying an attenuator and a simple yet effective pulse-shaping circuit, the impedance matching between the pulse generator and the oscillator source is considerably improved, and a quality monocycle pulse is generated with small ringing and leveraged amplitude. Measured results validate the design.
Phylogenetic aspects of tooth and jaw structure of the Medaka, Oryzias latipes, and other beloniform fishes

Tooth structure is described for adult male, female, and juvenile Oryzias latipes (Temminck & Schlegel), the Medaka. Adult males have enlarged, unicuspid teeth posteriorly on the premaxilla and dentary. Oral teeth are smaller and more numerous in females, in which no tooth is notably larger than the others. Juveniles have numerous small teeth from about 3 mm SL (standard length) onwards. By about 16 mm SL, males begin to develop the large posterior teeth, as well as other secondary sexual characters. Lower and upper pharyngeal teeth of both males and females are fine, and in numerous even rows. The large, posterior oral teeth of males are fully-ankylosed to the attachment bone, and, hence, are not depressible. In female Medaka, as in the Halfbeak Dermogenys pusillus van Hasselt, the oral teeth have a ring of unmineralized collagen at the base, and are not depressible. Pharyngeal teeth of Medaka have a ring of unmineralized collagen at the base, and a distinct wedge of collagen absent posteriorly, such that the pharyngeal teeth may be depressed. Bone in adult Medaka is acellular. Incompletely mineralized teeth, acellular bone, a protrus- ible upper oral jaw, and a mobile branchial apparatus with an interhyal bone, form a complex characteristic of advanced teleosts. The Medaka differs in several ways from the model advanced teleost: absence of an interhyal bone, ascending and articular processes of the premaxilla, and the rostral cartilage, as well as presence of cartilaginous symphyses between the dentaries and premaxillae, all contribute to the fixed or nonprotrusible jaws. Reduction in the premaxilla is a derived character within beloniform fishes for which an enlarged, beaked outer jaw is considered plesiomorphic.
Pathologic changes in biliary dyskinesia

Abstract Purpose For children with upper abdominal pain and evaluation for acalculous biliary disease, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an accepted treatment with inconsistent outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of outcomes. Methods One hundred sixty-seven children underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a single children's hospital. Radiographic findings, histopathology, family history, and demographics (sex, age, height, weight, body mass index–for-age percentile) were evaluated as predictors of postoperative symptomatic resolution using a binomial probability model. The data for radiologic studies and pathologic specimens were obtained via re-review in a blinded fashion. Results Of 167 children, 43 (25.7%) had a preoperative diagnosis of biliary dyskinesia and 41 (95.3%) had documented follow-up. Mean follow-up was 8.4 months. Twenty-eight patients (68.3%) had symptom resolution. Ejection fraction less than or equal to 15%, pain upon cholecystokinin injection, and a family history of biliary disease were not predictors of symptomatic resolution. Nonoverweight patients (body mass index–for-age Conclusions Most gallbladders removed for biliary dyskinesia are pathologic. Being overweight can be considered a relative contraindication to cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia.
Detecting Nucleotide Additivity from Direct Sequences is a SNAP: An Example from Sidalcea (Malvaceae)

: Superimposed nucleotide additivity patterns (SNAPs) were detected from direct sequences of the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers in a complex of perennial Sidalcea species (Malvaceae) from the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Although only 2.8 % sequence variation exists among the eight ITS accessions, parsimony analysis identified two distinct lineages within this complex consistent with known ploidy levels. Six SNAPs were identified in a known tetraploid S. virgata, suggesting allopolyploid origins from diploid S. virgata and one of two hexaploid Sidalcea species. A dosage effect detected at all six SNAP sites is consistent with the unequal sized parental genomes of allopolyploid S. virgata.
Lithium and GSK-3: one inhibitor, two inhibitory actions, multiple outcomes

The intrigue of lithium, the simplest drug in the modern pharmacopoeia, extends from its complex actions in cells to its therapeutic effects as a mood stabilizer. New surprises from studies of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) show that lithium reduces GSK-3 activity in two ways, both directly and by increasing the inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK-3. These dual effects can act in concert to magnify the influence of lithium on crucial GSK-3-regulated functions (gene expression, cell structure and survival).
Is EMU more justifiable ex post than ex ante

Abstract Yes. A country's suitability for EMU entry depends on the intensity of trade with EMU members, and the extent to which its business cycles are correlated with those of other members. But both international trade patterns and international business cycle correlations are endogenous. Theoretically, economic integration has an ambiguous effect on the degree to which business cycles are correlated across countries. Empirically though, countries with closer trade links tend to have more tightly correlated business cycles. It follows that countries are more likely to satisfy the criteria for entry into a currency union after taking steps toward economic integration than before.
How the Interplay between Mechanical and Nonmechanical Interactions Affects Multiple Kinesin Dynamics

Intracellular transport is supported by enzymes called motor proteins that are often coupled to the same cargo and function collectively. Recent experiments and theoretical advances have been able to explain certain behaviors of multiple motor systems by elucidating how unequal load sharing between coupled motors changes how they bind, step, and detach. However, nonmechanical interactions are typically overlooked despite several studies suggesting that microtubule-bound kinesins interact locally via short-range nonmechanical potentials. This work develops a new stochastic model to explore how these types of interactions influence multiple kinesin functions in addition to mechanical coupling. Nonmechanical interactions are assumed to affect kinesin mechanochemistry only when the motors are separated by less than three microtubule lattice sites, and it is shown that relatively weak interaction energies (∼2 kBT) can have an appreciable influence over collective motor velocities and detachment rates. In agree...
Comparison of Adenosine to Dipyridamole in Degree of Coronary Hyperemic Response in Hearth Transplant Recipients

Abstract Transplant coronary vasculopathy is associated with endothelial dysfunction. Microvascular function, assessed as coronary flow reserve, has been reported to be normal. We used intracoronary ultrasound technology to simultaneously assess conductance and resistance vessel function in response to standard dosages of the vasodilators adenosine and dipyridamole. Coronary hemodynamic changes were assessed in 11 heart transplant recipients, at a mean duration of 784 ± 516 days after transplantation, using a 3.2Fr or 4.3Fr, 30-MHz ultrasound imaging catheter over a 0.014-inch Doppler guidewire. Measures of coronary average peak flow velocity (APV) and coronary cross-sectional area (CSA) were used to calculate volumetric flow during intravenous infusions of adenosine (140 μg/kg/min over 4 minutes) and dipyridamole (140 μg/kg/min over 4 minutes). Flow reserve was assessed as a ratio of maximal pharmacologically induced flow to steady baseline flow before infusion. Increase in APV (261.9% vs 194.6%, p = 0.005), lumenal CSA (+11.8% vs +4.2%, p = 0.01), peak volumetric blood flow (515.8 vs 317.2 ml/min, p = 0.007), and coronary flow reserve (2.93 ± 0.74 vs 1.99 ± 0.53, p (Am J Cardiol 1996;78:908–913)
Tumor imaging in diagnostic radiology

Medical imaging benefitted from major technological advances during the decade of the 1970s. These newly evolving procedures have been accused of significantly adding to health care expenditures and confusing clinicians in the selection of the appropriate examination. The purpose of this presentation is to place these new technologies in their current perspectives, emphasizing the advantages and limitations of each. To illustrate the appropriate imaging technique, decision trees will be developed for each major anatomic site. In many instance, the complementary rather than competitive nature of these imaging studies will become apparent. Average national charges for these procedures will be shown to illustrate the impact of cost on these decisions. Each imaging decision must still be individualized to the patient and disease, as well as the institution's equipment and professional expertise.
Studies on the artificial feeding of the aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer)—I. Relative uptake of water and sucrose solutions

Abstract A method is described for feeding the green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) on liquids accessible via artificial membranes of stretched Parafilm ‘M’ (R) . The aphids ingest considerable amounts of water and sugary fluids entirely by their own sucking efforts. A simple colour scoring method is described which is convenient for routinely assessing the relative uptake by the aphids of various diets. The numbers and kinds of salivations produced by the aphids when penetrating and feeding through membranes are related to the amount of liquid imbibed. The numbers of larvae born to adult apterous aphids are dependent on both the amount of fluid imbibed and its composition. Probing and associated feeding behaviour under the artificial feeding conditions is discussed in relation to the normal feeding behaviour of aphids on their host plants. On the basis of the different criteria of uptake considered in this study, sucrose is distinctly phagostimulatory to M. persicae , 10 to 20 per cent being the optimal concentration range.
In vitro blastogenesis inhibited by Erwinia carotovora L-asparaginase.

Escherichia coliL-asparaginase, an antileukaemic agent in man1, inhibits in vitro mitogen or antigen-induced blastogenesis in man2,3 and in animals (M. Bennett, E. G. Mayhew and T. Han, unpublished data) and suppresses bone-marrow derived antibody precursor cells in the mouse4. We now report that another L-asparaginase preparation—from Erwinia carotovora—also possesses antileukaemic activity5,6 and has a more pronounced immunosuppressive effect on in vitro blastogenesis than the E. coli enzyme.
Attractant Regulation of the Aspartate Receptor–Kinase Complex: Limited Cooperative Interactions between Receptors and Effects of the Receptor Modification State

The manner by which the bacterial chemotaxis system responds to a wide range of attractant concentrations remains incompletely understood. In principle, positive cooperativity between chemotaxis receptors could explain the ability of bacteria to respond to extremely low attractant concentrations. By utilizing an in vitro receptor-coupled kinase assay, the attractant-dependent response curve has been measured for the Salmonella typhimurium aspartate chemoreceptor. The attractant chosen, alpha-methyl aspartate, was originally used to quantitate high receptor sensitivity at low attractant concentrations by Segall, Block, and Berg [(1986) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 83, 8987-8991]. The attractant response curve exhibits limited positive cooperativity, yielding a Hill coefficient of 1.7-2.4, and this Hill coefficient is relatively independent of both the receptor modification state and the mole ratio of CheA to receptor. These results disfavor models in which there are strong cooperative interactions between large numbers of receptor dimers in an extensive receptor array. Instead, the results are consistent with cooperative interactions between a small number of coupled receptor dimers. Because the in vitro receptor-coupled kinase assay utilizes higher than native receptor densities arising from overexpression, the observed positive cooperativity may overestimate that present in native receptor populations. Such positive cooperativity between dimers is fully compatible with the negative cooperativity previously observed between the two symmetric ligand binding sites within a single dimer. The attractant affinity of the aspartate receptor is found to depend on the modification state of its covalent adaptation sites. Increasing the the level of modification decreases the apparent attractant affinity at least 10-fold in the in vitro receptor-coupled kinase assay. This observation helps explain the ability of the chemotaxis pathway to respond to a broad range of attractant concentrations in vivo.
Epitaxial Layer Thickness Measurement by Far Infrared Ellipsometry

This paper outlines the development of an ellipsometer operating at far ir wavelength (118.6 μm). The system has been used to measure thickness of n-type silicon epitaxial layers grown on heavily doped n-type silicon substrate. It is shown that the technique provides accurate measurements for both thick (>3-μm) and thin (<3-μm) epitaxial layers, and when used in conjunction with near ir interference measurements, a measure of junction grading is obtained.
Usable key agreement in home networks

With the rapid emergence of new home networking technologies and proliferation of devices that use them, innovation has focused on rich functionality and largely ignored the associated security threats. The heterogeneous set of home appliances, their varied communication mediums, the lack of any ubiquitous standard to manage the communication across these devices, and the lack of a skilled security administrator all pose significant new challenges in securing these networks. In this work, we identify security challenges and considerations that are unique to home networking and take a first step toward solving one of the key security issues-key establishment. We describe a simple, secure and user-friendly solution to handle the special case of a device rejoining its home network after a brief absence. Our approach serves as a basic building block to ensure security and privacy in a home network.
Deltoid Ligament Injuries in Athletes: Techniques of Repair and Reconstruction

Deltoid ligament injuries are a source of valgus and rotational ankle instability and often occur as a result of athletic injury. The anatomy of the medial ankle ligament complex is reviewed and pertinent radiological findings are emphasized. The clinical evaluation of athletes with medial ankle instability as well as methods of repair and reconstruction of the deltoid ligament complex in those patients requiring surgical care are described.
GATA6 Is a Crucial Regulator of Shh in the Limb Bud

In the limb bud, patterning along the anterior-posterior (A-P) axis is controlled by Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), a signaling molecule secreted by the “Zone of Polarizing Activity”, an organizer tissue located in the posterior margin of the limb bud. We have found that the transcription factors GATA4 and GATA6, which are key regulators of cell identity, are expressed in an anterior to posterior gradient in the early limb bud, raising the possibility that GATA transcription factors may play an additional role in patterning this tissue. While both GATA4 and GATA6 are expressed in an A-P gradient in the forelimb buds, the hindlimb buds principally express GATA6 in an A-P gradient. Thus, to specifically examine the role of GATA6 in limb patterning we generated Prx1-Cre; GATA6fl/fl mice, which conditionally delete GATA6 from their developing limb buds. We found that these animals display ectopic expression of both Shh and its transcriptional targets specifically in the anterior mesenchyme of the hindlimb buds. Loss of GATA6 in the developing limbs results in the formation of preaxial polydactyly in the hindlimbs. Conversely, forced expression of GATA6 throughout the limb bud represses expression of Shh and results in hypomorphic limbs. We have found that GATA6 can bind to chromatin (isolated from limb buds) encoding either Shh or Gli1 regulatory elements that drive expression of these genes in this tissue, and demonstrated that GATA6 works synergistically with FOG co-factors to repress expression of luciferase reporters driven by these sequences. Most significantly, we have found that conditional loss of Shh in limb buds lacking GATA6 prevents development of hindlimb polydactyly in these compound mutant embryos, indicating that GATA6 expression in the anterior region of the limb bud blocks hindlimb polydactyly by repressing ectopic expression of Shh.
Regulation of the PAI-1 promoter by circadian clock components: differential activation by BMAL1 and BMAL2

Abstract Circadian variation in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) production likely contributes to increased risk of myocardial infarction and decreased efficacy of thrombolytic therapy during the morning. In this study, we characterize the abilities of fundamental molecular components of intrinsic circadian clocks to regulate the human PAI-1 promoter in transfected endothelial cells. Both CLOCK:BMAL1 and CLOCK:BMAL2 heterodimers activate the PAI-1 promoter through requisite proximal (–565 to –560 bp) and distal (–680 to –675 bp) E-box enhancers. Although the distal E-box overlaps the 4G/5G polymorphism of the PAI-1 promoter, allelic variation at this site does not influence CLOCK:BMAL1-and CLOCK:BMAL2-mediated transactivation. Together, CLOCK:BMAL1 and CLOCK:BMAL2 make additive contributions to PAI-1 gene transcription. While the abilities of these heterodimers to activate gene expression differ by twofold, the susceptibilities of these circadian activators to inhibition by period and cryptochrome proteins are equivalent and redox independent. Given that BMAL1 and BMAL2 differ in their spatiotemporal distributions, such distinctions may allow intrinsic circadian clocks to modulate the amplitudes of their oscillators, while maintaining circadian periodicity. In this way, fundamental circadian clock components may drive circadian variation in PAI-1, which in turn influences the pathogenesis, timing, and treatment of acute atherothrombotic events.
Investigation of the Deuteron-Deuteron Reaction.

The excitation curve for the reaction ${\mathrm{D}}^{2}+{\mathrm{D}}^{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{He}}^{3}+{n}^{1}$ has been measured from 40 up to 300 kv. The yield of fast neutrons measured in the forward direction from a thick ${\mathrm{D}}_{3}$P${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ target bombarded by 100 kv deuterons is equivalent to 44 mc of radium-beryllium per microampere. The number of neutrons observed in the forward direction (estimated from the number of recoils produced in air) corresponds to 8.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{4}$ neutrons per second per \ensuremath{\mu}a at 100 kv over the entire solid angle if isotropic emission is assumed. However, there is a definite preponderance in the forward direction. The increase of "$C$" neutrons with the increasing thicknesses of paraffin surrounding the neutron source and the neutron detector has been measured for both the D-D neutrons and the Ra-Be neutrons. The two such curves correspond for thicknesses of paraffin greater than 5 cm. With less paraffin, relatively more neutrons are observed from the Ra-Be source. The yield of "$C$" neutrons from a ${\mathrm{D}}_{3}$P${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ target bombarded by 1 \ensuremath{\mu}a of 100 kv deuterons is equivalent to that of 15 mC of radium-beryllium, but the yield is very sensitive to the geometrical arrangement of the paraffin surrounding the target. The excitation curve of the reaction ${\mathrm{D}}^{2}$+${\mathrm{D}}^{2}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathrm{H}}^{1}$+${\mathrm{H}}^{3}$ coincides with that of the alternative reaction for the energy range measured (45-100 kv). The absolute yield of protons, after correcting for the stopping power of the target, is one proton for 6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{6}$ deuterons, no correction being made for anisotropy of emission. This agrees within a factor of two within the neutron yield. No resonance was found in either excitation curve.
Low birth weight-associated adult hypertension in the rat

Epidemiological surveys have suggested that intrauterine growth retardation is a risk factor for the development of hypertension in later life. A rat model of intrauterine growth retardation, induced by maternal low-protein diet during the second half of pregnancy, was used to study the relationship between birth weight and adult hypertension. The offspring were born at term and were allowed to nurse normally until weaned to standard chow at 4 weeks of age. They had 15% lower birth weights than control offspring, with complete catch-up growth by age 4 weeks. Both females and males developed progressively worsening hypertension beginning at 8 weeks. The 11-month survival rate was 69% versus 100% in control animals. During the early stages of the hypertension, plasma creatinine was normal, plasma sodium concentration was slightly higher than that of control animals, plasma renin activity was suppressed, and the males had mild proteinuria. Renal function remained normal throughout the 11-month observation period, but plasma renin activity gradually rose above control values. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition by enalapril, begun at 8 weeks of age, was effective in completely normalizing the blood pressure, but did not totally prevent the extra mortality. Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rat strains developed equally severe hypertension after maternal protein deprivation, despite their different susceptibilities to nephrosclerosis with aging. In conclusion, maternal low-protein diet resulted in low birth weight and adult hypertension in the rat. Primary sodium retention and expanded extracellular volume may be critical factors during the development of the hypertension.
MCARD-mediated gene transfer of GRK2 inhibitor in ovine model of acute myocardial infarction.

β-Adrenergic receptor (βAR) dysfunction in acute myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with elevated levels of the G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK2), which plays a key role in heart failure progression. Inhibition of GRK2 via expression of a peptide βARKct transferred by molecular cardiac surgery with recirculating delivery (MCARD) may be a promising intervention. Five sheep underwent scAAV6-mediated MCARD delivery of βARKct, and five received no treatment (control). After a 3-week period, the branch of the circumflex artery (OM1) was ligated. Quantitative PCR data showed intense βARKct expression in the left ventricle (LV). Circumferential fractional shortening was 23.4 ± 7.1 % (baseline) vs. −2.9 ± 5.2 % (p < 0.05) in the control at 10 weeks. In the MCARD-βARKct group, this parameter was close to baseline. The same trend was observed with LV wall thickening. Cardiac index fully recovered in the MCARD-βARKct group. LV end-diastolic volume and LV end-diastolic pressure did not differ in both groups. MCARD-mediated βARKct gene expression results in preservation of regional and global systolic function after acute MI without arresting progressive ventricular remodeling.
Fire disturbance and forest structure in an old-growth Pinus ponderosa forest, southern Cascades, USA

Questions: Did fire regimes in old-growth Pinus ponderosa forest change with Euro-American settlement compared to the pre-settlement period? Do tree age structures exhibit a pattern of continuous regeneration or is regeneration episodic and related to fire disturbance or fire-free periods? Are the forests compositionally stable? Do trees have a clumped spatial pattern and are clumps even- or mixed-age? How might information from this old-growth forest inform current restoration and management practices? Location: A 235-ha old-growth forest in the Ishi Wilderness, southern Cascade Mountains, California. Methods: Age, size, and spatial pattern of trees were quantified in seven stands. Fire history was reconstructed using fire scar dendrochronology. The influence of fire on stand structure was assessed by comparing fire history with age, size, and spatial structure of trees and identifying and measuring trees killed by two recent fires. Results: Species composition in plots was similar but density and basal area of tree populations varied. Age structure for P. ponderosa and Quercus kelloggii showed periods of episodic recruitment that varied among plots. Fire disturbance was frequent before 1905, with a median period between fires of 12 years. Fire frequency declined after 1905 but two recent fires (1990, 1994) killed 36% and 41% of mostly smaller diameter P. ponderosa and Q. kelloggii. Clusters of similar age trees occurred at scales of 28-1018 m2 but patches were not even-aged. Interactions between tree regeneration and fire promoted development of uneven age groups of trees. Conclusions: Fire disturbance strongly influenced density, basal area, and spatial structure of tree populations. Fire exclusion over the last 100 years has caused compositional and structural changes. Two recent fires, however, thinned stands and created gaps favorable for Q. kelloggii and P. ponderosa regeneration. The effects of infrequent 20th century fire indicate that a low fire frequency can restore and sustain structural characteristics resembling those of the pre-fire suppression period forest.
Variations in Jail Sentences and the Probability of Re-Arrest for Driving While Intoxicated

OBJECTIVE: The probability of re-arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI) is compared for four different groups of individuals classified by whether the individual was convicted and, if so, the type of sentence received. METHOD: Subsequent re-arrests for DWI were examined for all individuals whose index arrest for DWI had occurred between 1994 and 2001 in a county in New Mexico. The groups included (1) those convicted as a result of the index arrest and sentenced to a 28-day jail/treatment program (N (#)=(#) 2,703); (2) all those not convicted as a result of the index arrest (N = 709); (3) those who were convicted but not sentenced to jail (N = 1,047); and (4) those convicted and sentenced to jail (N = 1,290). RESULTS: Adjusting for covariates of BAC, number of prior arrests, ethnicity, age, and sex, the probability of not being re-arrested was greatest among those sentenced to the jail/treatment program (Group 1), next highest in the two groups convicted but not sentenced to jail/treatment (Groups 3 and 4), and lowest in the group that was not convicted (Group 2). Length of jail sentence among people convicted but not sentenced to the jail/treatment program was unrelated to the probability of re-arrest. CONCLUSION: Conviction for DWI, regardless of the sentence, appears to reduce the probability of re-arrest, and being sentenced to a multi-modal treatment/incarceration program further reduces the probability of re-arrest. However, the other types of sentences do not appear to differ in their impact on probability of re-arrest.
Effect of contrast dosage on image quality of MR angiography and Late Gadolinium enhancement imaging of the left atrium

Introduction MR angiography (MRA) of left atrium (LA) is performed to provide an anatomical map of the LA for use during RF ablation procedures. High-resolution Late Gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging of LA is used to assess the left atrial wall [1,2] in patients undergoing RF ablation [3] typically with full (0.1 mmol/kg) doses of contrast (Gd-BOPTA). It is of interest to determine if smaller doses (0.05 mmol/kg) give comparable image quality, especially to image patients with abnormal kidney function.
Zaleplon and triazolam: drug discrimination, plasma levels, and self-administration in baboons.

Abstract Zaleplon is a chemically novel hypnotic that preferentially binds α 1 -subunit containing subtypes of the αβγ configuration of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptor. Zaleplon and the non-subtype-selective hypnotic triazolam occasioned 100% drug-appropriate responding in baboons trained to discriminate lorazepam or pentobarbital from vehicle. Flumazenil shifted the zaleplon generalization gradient at least five-fold to the right. A plasma elimination half-life of 6–8 h for oral 10 mg/kg zaleplon and 0.32 mg/kg triazolam was paralleled by discriminative control for 7 h. Zaleplon maintained self-injection greater than vehicle, as did comparison doses of the similarly selective hypnotic zolpidem and triazolam. Concurrent food-maintained responding increased during self-injection of all three drugs. Preferential binding at this α 1 -containing GABA A subtype did not diminish the benzodiazepine (Bzs)-like behavioral effects of zaleplon.