cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leiomyoma of the trachea: a case report and a novel surgical approach.

Benign tumors of the trachea are rare, and reports of leiomyomas are even less common. We present a young, asymptomatic woman with a tracheal leiomyoma. This tumor was removed by a posterior approach to the trachea through a lateral cervical incision, which is a previously undescribed technique. In prior reports, surgical techniques have included removal by bronchoscopy, tracheostomy, or tracheal resection. 1-11 In addition to being one of only 20 cases reported in the literature, the new surgical approach is also described in detail.
Barrier height for the abstraction reaction of methylene with hydrogen, CH2(3B1) + H2 → CH3 + H

Abstract The abstraction reaction of methylene with hydrogen reinvestigated with a double zeta plus polarization basis at the configuration interaction level. The results are found to be very similar to those previously obtained without polarization functions, in line with previous findings at the SCF level. The barrier is computed to be 11.8 kcal/mole when an estimate of the effect of quadruple excitations is included.
An XMM-Newton Observation of the Drifting Pulsar B0943+10

Radio pulsar subpulse drifting has been interpreted as rotation of subbeams (sparks) of pair plasma produced by intermittent breakdowns of an inner vacuum gap above the pulsar polar cap. This model also predicts strong thermal X-ray emission from the polar cap caused by inflowing particles created in spark discharges. We have observed the best-studied drifting pulsar B0943+10 with XMM-Newton and detected a point source coincident with the radio pulsar position. Its spectrum could be fitted with a thermal blackbody model, although a power-law model is also acceptable. The thermal fit gives a bolometric luminosity Lbol ≈ 5 × 1028 ergs s-1 and a surface area A ≈ 103(T/3 MK)-4 m2, much smaller than the conventional polar cap area, 6 × 104 m2. Such thermal radiation can be interpreted as emitted from footprints of sparks drifting in an inner gap of a height h ~ (0.1-0.2)rpc, where rpc is the polar cap radius. However, the original vacuum gap model by Ruderman & Sutherland requires some modification to reconcile the X-ray and radio data.
Computer morphometrics in craniofacial biology

HIRSCHFELD,(~~~~~) HUXLEY, JOHNSON, KOWALSKI,(~~) MEDAWAR,(‘~) SCOTT and WALKER et u/.,(~~P~~) to name just a few, but the fundamental difficulty is the inherent complexity of craniofacial morphology and structural change. During growth the face
Stress leak point pressure: A simple and reproducible method utilizing a fiberoptic microtransducer

Objectives This work demonstrates a simple technique utilizing a fiberoptic microtransducer that provides statistically reproducible stress leak point pressure (SLPP) results without the use of fluorourodynamics.
Sheeted intrusion of the synkinematic McDoogle pluton, Sierra Nevada, California

Field, microstructural, and geochronologic evidence indicates that the Late Cretaceous McDoogle pluton, located near the eastern margin of the Sierra Nevada batholith, was emplaced as a subvertically sheeted complex into a steep reverse-sense shear zone. Evidence of internal subvertical sheeting includes abundant concordant wall-rock inclusions and screens that separate the pluton from adjacent Jurassic plutons, preservation of a ghost tectonostratigraphy in the distribution of the inclusions, and rare interphase contacts. The solid-state tectonic fabric in the wall rocks and the magmatic, submagmatic, and weak solid-state fabrics in the McDoogle pluton all are concordant and record northeast-southwest horizontal shortening, subvertical extension, and a significant component of northeast-side-up simple shear. Intrusive contacts generally are concordant with the fabrics but, where discordances occur, the wall-rock fabric invariably is truncated by the contact. However, late synkinematic emplacement of the McDoogle pluton is indicated by synintrusive boudinage of apophyses of the pluton and by the overall concordance of pluton fabrics including magmatic lineation. Zircon U-Pb isotope dates were obtained from the quartz monzodiorite central phase of the McDoogle pluton (94 ± 4 Ma), the mafic granodiorite border phase (94.8 ± 0.6 Ma), and an older hornblende granodiorite included in the central phase (97.6 ± 0.4 Ma). Granodiorite orthogneiss in the wall rock yielded a U-Pb zircon date of 164 +2.1/–6.8 Ma, which we interpret to be the crystallization age and which is indistinguishable from a new age of 164.5 ± 2.3 Ma for the Twin Lakes pluton. A U-Pb titanite date of 94.4 ± 0.9 Ma from the 164 Ma orthogneiss sample may reflect thermal effects of the intruding McDoogle pluton, synkinematic growth of titanite in the shear zone, or perhaps both. The age of the Sawmill Lake shear zone that hosts the McDoogle pluton is bracketed between 148 Ma, the age of the Independence dike swarm, and 92 Ma, the age of the Lamarck pluton that crosscuts both the McDoogle pluton and the shear-zone fabrics. Regional evidence suggests a shear-zone age younger than 110 Ma, but older deformation is possible. The predominance of horizontal shortening over transcurrent motion and an age older than 90 Ma exclude a direct relationship to the dextral Sierra Crest shear system, which has been proposed to pass near the study area. The location, age constraints, and kinematics of the shear zone are consistent with both the later stages of movement in the East Sierran thrust system and isostatic sinking of the arc magmatic complex into its substrate.
Vapor pressures of 17 miscellaneous organic compounds

Experimental vapor pressures are reported for 3,3-diethylpentane, methylenecyclobutane, ethylbenzene, biphenylene, 1,2-diphenylethane, trimethylene oxide, 1,2-epoxybutane, trans-2,3-epoxybutane, 1,3-difluorobenzene, 1,4-difluorobenzene, methanethiol, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-3-thiapentane, phenylmethanethiol, 2-isopropylthiophene, ethyleneimine, cyclopropylamine, and isobutylamine.
Nasal Mechanical Ventilation (NMV) as an Alternative to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in Sleep Apnea

1990;97;1272-1273 Chest A J Williams and S Santiago (CPAP) in sleep apnea. pressure alternative to continuous positive airway Nasal mechanical ventilation (NMV) as an http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/content/97/5/1272.citation can be found online on the World Wide Web at: The online version of this article, along with updated information and services ) ISSN:0012-3692 http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/site/misc/reprints.xhtml ( without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. reserved. No part of this article or PDF may be reproduced or distributed Chest Physicians, 3300 Dundee Road, Northbrook, IL 60062. All rights of been published monthly since 1935. Copyright1990by the American College is the official journal of the American College of Chest Physicians. It has Chest
A Comparison of Spore Polypeptides in Microsporidia from a Grasshopper Control Program1

Spore polypeptide profiles of Nosema locustae and an unidentified microsporidium infecting Aulocara elliotti and Psoloessa delicatula are compared with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Unique spore polypeptide profiles are not detected for the unknown microsporidium from A. elliotti and P. delicatula whereas these profiles are distinctly different from N. locustae spore polypeptide profiles. These results indicate that the microsporidium is not a polymorphic form of N. locustae but a separate species.
Doppler forward flow profiles of St. Jude Medical prosthetic valves in pediatric patients.

Abstract In summary, this data on baseline and follow-up Doppler flow characteristics of small caliber SJM prosthetic valves should be extremely valuable for identifying valve dysfunction in children. Because of the high risk of developing valve obstruction, these children should be closely monitored with serial Doppler examinations.
No evidence of test priming between solving anagrams and completing word fragments

In this paper, we report two experiments on priming or transfer effects between two implicit memory tasks—solving anagrams and completing fragments. Substantial priming effects were found only when the solution words were primed as well, either by the experimenter or by means of the subject’s exposure to the item through having solved it. No evidence for test priming was found in the absence of repetition priming. Item difficulty across the tasks was highly correlated.
Endobronchial Lesions in HIV-infected Individuals

Endobronchial manifestations of HIV infection are rare. The endobronchial appearance and clinical presentation of these lesions may suggest the correct diagnosis. Establishing an appropriate differential diagnosis at the time of visualization of the endobronchial lesion is important because some lesions require specific biopsy techniques or special stains. The bronchoscopist must consider the risks vs benefits of biopsy when confronted with an endobronchial lesion. With the notable exception of pseudomembranous necrotizing tracheobronchial aspergillosis, there are no specific endobronchial lesions associated with HIV infection which increase the risk of complications when they are biopsied. Although EKS is a vascular lesion and an early case report suggested that endobronchial biopsy might result in excessive bleeding, this complication was not observed in two subsequent series. Fortunately, a presumptive diagnosis of EKS can usually be made without biopsy by the characteristic appearance of the lesion. EKS is the most common endobronchial lesion associated with HIV infection; however, its incidence will probably decline as the incidence of KS declines. Many of the other endobronchial lesions described herein have been reported recently. We suspect these and other lesions will be found more frequently, as the epidemic of HIV continues to evolve.
Chronic segmental spinal muscular atrophy of upper extremities in identical twins

We present the 1st report of chronic segmental spinal muscular atrophy confined to the upper extremities in identical male twins. This occurrence in identical twins, together with reports of siblings and parent-child pairs of a disorder phenotypically similar to the more common sporadic form in the literature, suggests a genetic etiology in some cases.
Using Family Leisure Activities to Support Families Living With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Support for families of children with autism spectrum disorders continues to be important, but formal support groups may not fit every need. The authors describe Family Fun Days, a program that paired leisure activities with opportunities for support. There was an increase in the number of participants over traditional support meetings, communication, and knowledge.
The dopamine D4/D2 receptor antagonist affinity ratio as a predictor of anti-aggression medication efficacy

Aggression is a major clinical problem that spans multiple medical and psychiatric diagnoses. The etiology of aggression is complex, comprising social, psychological, and biological factors. Treatment of aggression is equally heterogeneous with structural (environmental), behavioral, and pharmacologic approaches. Among medications, mood stabilizers and antipsychotics are usually considered first line. Antidepressants are frequently recommended but their anti-aggression effect is limited. Within the available limited data, clozapine stands out as more effective than other antipsychotic medications. One of the prominent differences between clozapine and less effective medications is that the affinity of the compound to the dopamine D4 receptor is quite high and significantly greater than to the D2 receptor (defined as a ratio that is >1). Medications that inhibit both receptors equally, e.g., haloperidol, have anti-aggression properties that are less than seen with clozapine. A specific variant of the D4 receptor with an expansion of the third cytoplasmic loop, which interacts with the G protein second messenger system, has been implicated in the etiology of aggression. The proposal is put forward that blockade of the D4 receptor, without concomitant significant blockade of D2, increases the anti-aggression effect of the medication. This hypothesis can be tested using a new antipsychotic, asenapine, which is the only other antipsychotic with antagonistic affinity ratio of D4/D2 > 1.
The Exocyst Complex Regulates Free Fatty Acid Uptake by Adipocytes

The exocyst is an octameric molecular complex that drives vesicle trafficking in adipocytes, a rate-limiting step in insulin-dependent glucose uptake. This study assessed the role of the exocyst complex in regulating free fatty acid (FFA) uptake by adipocytes. Upon differentiating into adipocytes, 3T3-L1 cells acquire the ability to incorporate extracellular FFAs in an insulin-dependent manner. A kinetic assay using fluoresceinated FFA (C12 dodecanoic acid) uptake allows the real-time monitoring of FFA internalization by adipocytes. The insulin-dependent uptake of C12 dodecanoic acid by 3T3-L1 adipocytes is mediated by Akt and phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3)-kinase. Gene silencing of the exocyst components Exo70 and Sec8 significantly reduced insulin-dependent FFA uptake by adipocytes. Consistent with the roles played by Exo70 and Sec8 in FFA uptake, mCherry-tagged Exo70 and HA-tagged Sec8 partially colocalize with lipid droplets within adipocytes, suggesting their active roles in the development of lipid droplets. Tubulin polymerization was also found to regulate FFA uptake in collaboration with the exocyst complex. This study demonstrates a novel role played by the exocyst complex in the regulation of FFA uptake by adipocytes.
Effects of delay conditioning and pseudoconditioning on heart rate and suppression of drinking

In each of two experiments, the tachycardic response to a CS was equivalent for classical delay conditioning and pseudoconditioning groups. Subsequent to conditioning sessions, the first experiment showed that the CS had effects on the initiation of drinking that were dependent on prior conditioning procedures, while the second experiment showed differential CS effects on the suppression of an already established drinking response.
Confucius's Virtue-Centered Rhetoric: A Case Study of Mixed Research Methods in Comparative Rhetoric

Abstract This paper employs mixed methods, namely, corpus linguistic and rhetorical analysis methods, to examine Confucius's theory on language, persuasion, and virtue as reflected in the Analects. The triangulation of methods allows in-depth analysis of Confucius's use of key concepts surrounding the language—virtue relationship and the way these concepts operate in different levels of persuasion. The study shows Confucius's theory as a virtue-centered rhetoric. For him, virtuous conduct, rather than artful words, should be employed as the primary persuasive tool.
The Financial Crisis, Systemic Risk, and the Future of Insurance Regulation

The bursting of the housing bubble and resulting financial crisis have been followed by the worst economic slowdown since the early 1980s if not the Great Depression. This Issue Analysis considers the role of AIG and the insurance sector in the financial crisis, the extent to which insurance involves systemic risk, and the implications for insurance regulation. It provides an overview of the causes of the financial crisis and the events and policies that contributed to the AIG intervention. It considers sources of systemic risk, whether insurance in general poses systemic risk, whether a systemic risk regulator is desirable for insurers or other non-bank financial institutions, and the implications of the crisis for optional federal char tering of insurers and for insurance regulation in general.
Autonomous Video Scoring and Dynamic Attitude Measurement

The paper focuses on the development and evaluation of an autonomous payload tracking capability for determining time, state and attitude information (TSPI) of all types of airdrop loads. This automated capability of accurately acquiring TSPI data, will reduce the labor time and eliminate man-in-the-loop errors. The paper analyses the problem and then proceeds with the description of the PerceptiVU Target Tracking System (TTS) software adopted for obtaining the TSPI. The key features of this software include a choice of three basic tracking algorithms (dynamic centroid, hottest spot thresholding, dynamic correlation), capability of capturing from both standard analog video sources (such as NTSC and/or RS170) and digital video sources, control of the entire system with an off-the-shelf joystick controller. The paper further describes algorithms to be used in conjunction with the data provided by the TTS to determine system’s state variables. A position estimation solution is based on tracking a payload’s center (or any other predetermined point) by several cameras with known positions. A pose (position and orientation) estimation solution is based on tracking of four distinctive non-coplanar points. Pre-selected and artificially marked points on the moving target cooperatively serve as beacons, therefore providing precise measurements of the line of sign toward these points. This allows unique position and attitude estimation and no need for additional pattern recognition. In conclusion, the paper provides examples of video data processing and parameters estimation.
Natural Resistance to Methotrexate in Human Melanomas

Human melanomas are naturally resistant to methotrexate (MTX). The mechanism of intrinsic drug resistance has been explored in 3 melanoma cell lines not previously exposed to tins agent. All 3 lines exhibited relative MTX resistance with ID 50 values of greater than 1 μ m. Drug uptake studies were performed over an extracellular concentration range of 0.1 to 10 μ m MTX. The uptake was linear over the initial 10min at all concentrations and subsequently reached plateau level only at the 10 μ m Concentration. Lineweaver-Burke transformations yielded apparent Km (uptake) values of 1.4 to 5 μ m, similar to data obtained from other human cell lines. The level of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) in the human melanoma cells ranged between 8.42 to 11.98 pmoles/mg protein. The melanoma DHFR levels are several fold higher than in MTX-sensitive human tumor lines and up to a hundred-fold higher than that measured in human brain tumor cells by our assay. The intrinsic resistance of these melanoma lines has therefore been attributed to elevated intracellular levels of DHFR.
Novel therapeutic approaches for heart failure by normalizing calcium cycling.

Congestive heart failure is the leading cause of death in the Western world. Abnormal intracellular calcium (Ca2+) handling is central to the pathogenesis of heart failure because it contributes to a decrease in ventricular contractile function. Chronic hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system causes increased phosphorylation of the ryanodine receptor intracellular Ca2+-release channel, a key Ca2+-handling protein in the heart, by protein kinase A. Alteration of the structure and function of ryanodine receptors contributes to defective intracellular Ca2+ handling and an increased propensity for cardiac arrhythmias in failing hearts. Novel therapeutic strategies are now being evaluated to specifically correct defective Ca2+-handling in heart failure.
Use of the varying coefficient model in an exercise and depression meta-analysis.

AIM: Use a recently developed varying coefficient model to determine the effects of exercise in adults with depression. METHODS: Data from a recent meta-analysis addressing the effects of exercise on depression in adults were used. Studies were limited to randomized controlled intervention trials of any type of chronic exercise (for example, walking and jogging) in adults greater than or equal to 18 years of age with a diagnosis of depression. For each study, the standardized mean difference (exercise minus control) effect size for depression, adjusted for small-sample bias, was calculated. Variance statistics for each effect size and pooling of results were calculated using the recently proposed varying coefficient (VC) model for standardized mean differences. Standardized effect-sizes of 0.20, 0.50 and 0.80 were considered to represent small, medium and large effects. Results were considered statistically significant if the 95% confidence intervals did not cross 0, with negative results indicative of reductions in depression. These findings were then compared with results using traditional random-effects (RE) models. RESULTS: A total of 23 studies representing 907 men and women (476 exercise, 431 control) were pooled for analysis. Both RE and VC models resulted in large, statistically significant improvements in depression as a result of exercise in adults. However, the VC model resulted in a larger overall effect size as well as confidence intervals that were narrower than previously reported using the RE model. The overall mean effect size for the RE model was -0.82 with a 95% confidence interval of -1.12 to -0.51. For the VC model, overall mean effect size was -0.88 with a 95% confidence interval of -1.08 to -0.68. The relative difference between the RE and VC approaches was 7.3%. CONCLUSION: The VC model, a potentially preferable model, confirms the positive effects of exercise on depression in adults.
Dysplasia in Barrett's Esophagus: Limitations of Current Management Strategies

Dysplasia is a very imperfect biomarker for malignancy in Barrett's esophagus. Invasive cancer has been found in 30-40% of esophagi resected because preoperative endoscopic examinations had shown high-grade dysplasia. Reports on the natural history of this disorder are sometimes contradictory, but suggest that 10-30% of patients with high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus will develop a demonstrable malignancy within 5 yr of the initial diagnosis. Proposed management strategies for high-grade dysplasia include esophagectomy, endoscopic ablative therapies, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), and intensive endoscopic surveillance. Endoscopic ablative therapies and EMR may not be effective if neoplastic cells have invaded the submucosa or disseminated through mucosal lymphatic channels, and a number of studies suggest that the endoscopic therapies usually leave metaplastic or neoplastic epithelium with malignant potential behind. Limited data suggest that intensive endoscopic surveillance might be a reasonable approach for elderly or infirm patients, but some patients managed in this fashion have developed incurable esophageal cancers. The fundamental question of what is the appropriate length of follow-up for studies on dysplasia treatments has not been resolved. Although 5 yr might be considered the absolute minimum duration for a meaningful follow-up on dysplasia therapy, the follow-up duration in most studies is substantially less than 5 yr. Specific recommendations for management based on these considerations are proposed at the end of this report.
Cryo-image Analysis of Tumor Cell Migration, Invasion, and Dispersal in a Mouse Xenograft Model of Human Glioblastoma Multiforme

Purpose The goals of this study were to create cryo-imaging methods to quantify characteristics (size, dispersal, and blood vessel density) of mouse orthotopic models of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and to enable studies of tumor biology, targeted imaging agents, and theranostic nanoparticles.
The inclusion of mobile helium in a rate theory model of void swelling

The effect of mobile helium on swelling has been studied by using a rate theory model of void growth. The partitioning of mobile helium to various internal sinks and the trapping of interstitial helium atoms by vacancies were included in the model. Helium gas generated during neutron irradiation increases swelling at temperatures above the peak void swelling temperature. Two temperature regimes of enhanced swelling are related to gas-assisted void growth and gas-driven bubble growth. Swelling due to void and bubble growth in a fusion reactor first wall is predicted using nickel as an example, and the effects of dislocation density and grain size on swelling are discussed. It is found that, as compared to simultaneous helium injection during heavy-ion bombardment, the method of helium preinjection is inadequate in simulating a fusion reactor condition.
Effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis on human gingival fibroblasts from healthy and inflamed tissues

Background and Objective: This study compared the ability of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) isolated from healthy and inflamed gingival tissues to degrade collagen in the presence and absence of Porphyromonas gingivalis supernatant. Material and Methods: Human gingival fibroblasts were cultured from explants of 21 healthy and 21 inflamed periodontal tissues. The HGFs that grew out of the explants were seeded in the center of six-well plates coated with collagen in the presence and absence of 10%P. gingivalis supernatant. An inflamed and a healthy cell line were also evaluated with Arg-gingipain. After 6 days, Coomassie Blue was used to visualize the collagen cleavage. Results: The collagen was totally cleaved in 12 (aggressive) of the 21 cell lines isolated from the inflamed tissues in the presence of P. gingivalis. The remaining nine cell lines (non-aggressive) cleaved only the collagen underneath the cell colonies in the presence of P. gingivalis. Of the healthy tissues, five (aggressive) of the 21 cell lines cleaved all the collagen and 16 cell lines (non-aggressive) only cleaved the collagen underneath the cell colonies in the presence of P. gingivalis. All the collagen was cleaved by an aggressive cell line and only the collagen underneath the cell colonies was cleaved by a non-aggressive cell line in the presence of Arg-gingipain. Conclusion: The collagen in the wells was more readily cleaved by the inflamed than by the healthy cell lines, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0278). Arg-gingipain gave identical results to the P. gingivalis supernatant.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children: initial experience and recommendations.

Abstract Our initial experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children and the modification of techniques required for pediatric surgical patients is reported. Six children aged 6 to 17 years underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis. All patients had biliary colic and did not require concomitant intraabdominal surgical procedures. Average operative time was 89 minutes; none were converted to open cholecystectomy. One patient returned home the evening of surgery, two patients were discharged the following morning, and two patients were discharged 2 days following the procedure because of their distance from home. There were no complications. All patients have remained asymptomatic on follow-up of 1 to 5 months. Based on this initial experience, several changes in the technique as reported in adults are recommended. Due to the softness and laxity of the anterior abdominal wall, an infraumbilical incision for the 10-mm camera trocar is more cosmetically acceptable and just as efficient. There is a smaller intraabdominal space with which to work, tempting one to overinflate the abdomen for better visualization. Care should be taken to ensure that the intraabdominal presure does not exceed 15 mm Hg despite the small volumes required to do so. Placement of the second epigastric incision is more inferior and lateral than the standard recommendation for adults. The cystic duct must be controlled as early as possible in the operative course to prevent egress of stones from the gallbladder into the common duct. In one patient, these migrating stones were milked back into the gallbladder and a second clip placed. It is imperative that the entire length of the cystic duct be well visualized and clearly defined before clips are placed. Smaller titanium clips may be used. Blunt dissection with electrocautery is a safe and expedient method of dissection. Laser dissection is not recommended for pediatric cholecystectomies. Based on our very encouraging early experience, when no other concomitant procedure is required, we strongly recommend laparoscopic cholecystectomy for any pediatric patient with symptomatic cholelithiasis.
Stimulation of lens regeneration from the newt dorsal iris when implanted into the blastema of the regenerating limb

Dorsal iris from the eyes of adult Notophthalmus viridescens was transplanted into the blastema of regenerating limbs, subcutaneously in the limb or shoulder region, into the dorsal fin of larval newts and into the hindbrain of larval Ambystoma maculatum. The iris implants into the blastema regenerated lens vesicles or lenses with fibers in 40–75% of the cases. Multiple lenses were found in a few instances. No lenses developed from iris implants into the dorsal fin. Twenty percent of subcutaneous implants of iris formed lenses or lens vesicles, but lens regeneration from implants into the brain occurred only rarely. Denervation of the limb at the time of iris transplantation into the blastema greatly reduced the number of lenses regenerated. Studies on nerve fiber distribution in dorsal fin, subcutaneous areas, and denervated and innervated regenerating limbs, using the Bodian method, showed a general correlation between density of nerve fibers in the implant site and the incidence of lens regeneration from iris implants into that site. These results provide some evidence for a trophic action of nerve fibers on lens regeneration from the iris.
Usefulness of EEG in the evaluation of brain death in children: the cons

The electroencephalogram (EEG) remains the most widely utilized neurodiagnostic confirmatory study in the diagnosis of brain death. Physicians-in-training invariably ask me not about my neurologic evaluation of a near dead child, but inquire whether the «EEG is flat»
Crystallographic structure and functional implications of the nitrogenase molybdenum-iron protein from azotobacter vinelandii.

The crystal structure of the nitrogenase molybdenum–iron protein from Azotobacter vinelandii has been determined at 2.7 A resolution. The α- and β-subunits in this α_2β_2 tetramer have similar polypeptide folds. The FeMo-cofactor is completely encompassed by the α-subunit, whereas the P-cluster pair occurs at the interface between α- and β-subunits. Structural similarities are apparent between nitrogenase and other electron transfer systems, including hydrogenases and the photosynthetic reaction centre.
Psychology: The empathy gap

Malfunctioning brain networks only partly explain why some people act cruelly, finds Stephanie Preston
DYNAMICS OF THE COLLATERAL CIRCULATION IN PATIENTS WITH SUBCLAVIAN STEAL.

The occurrence of retrograde blood flow in the ipsilateral vertebral artery of patients with proximal occlusion of the subclavian or innominate artery has been amply demonstrated by selective angiography. However, since flow artifacts may be induced by the physical or chemical effects of injections of contrast media, it was thought desirable to employ a different method for physiologic demonstration of the reversed flow. In the first case, cardio-green dye was injected into the innominate artery and a dilution curve was recorded from the left brachial artery. The early appearance of the dye (6 seconds) proved that a short circuit existed between the arterial injection and sampling sites, and confirmed the authenticity of the reversed vertebral flow shown in previous angiograms. In the second patient, who had symptoms of cerebral ischemia during exercise of the left (affected) arm, dye injected into the left carotid artery did not appear early in the brachial artery of the resting left arm. When it was injected during a period of intense hyperemia of the left arm, a fraction of the dye did appear early. This confirmed that, when the demand of the arm increased, blood was shunted to it not only from the vertebral-basilar system but also from the carotid system. The importance of anatomic factors was evident in another case in which absence of the anticipated retrograde flow was explained by the fact that the vertebral artery arose directly rectly from the aorta and did not communicate with the affected subclavian artery. These observations illustrate how radiographic and hemodynamic technics may usefully be combined to assess the effects of acquired diseases of the major blood vessels.
LIPID ABNORMALITIES IN CHILDREN WITH GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY

The relationship between growth hormone action and lipid metabolism is unclear. Some reports note an increase in total cholesterol levels in patients with growth hormone deficiency but this finding is not consistent between studies. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the lipid levels in all children with short stature who were being evaluated for possible growth hormone deficiency with an arginine/glucagon stimulation test. Lipid levels were determined in 110 fasting children and 33 of these children were found to be growth hormone (GH) deficient (but euthyroid). The mean cholesterol values were not significantly different between the control and GH deficient groups (171.8 mg/dl vs. 184.2) however, a distinct bimodal pattern GH deficient group with 45% of the levels ≥ 190 as opposed to 26% for the normal short stature group. Hypercholesterolemia (≥ 200) was present in 24% of the GH deficient children. The cholesterol levels did not correlate with the peak growth hormone response or pretreatment growth velocity. This subset of GH deficient children with hypercholesterolemia needs to be characterized further and supports the role of GH in modulating lipid metabolism.
Asymmetric synthesis of the ab-ring of aklavinone

A formal synthesis of the AB-ring of aklavinone 3 was achieved via the asymmetric synthesis of diol 8 prepared in three steps from tetralone 5. The crucial step involved the asymmetric hydroxylation of 5 in ≥ 95% ee using (camphorylsulfonyl)oxaziridine derivative (+)-4b.
A Note on the Relativistic Problem of Uniform Rotation

A study of uniform rotational motion about an axis is made on the basis of a definition of hydrokinetic character. A solution is found in which the particle speed is linear with distance from the axis of rotation to terms in ${(\frac{R{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}}{c})}^{2}$, but approaches the speed of light at great distances. This result is unchanged by the introduction of relativistic accelerated Euclidean axes. Reasons are given for concluding that Ehrenfest's paradox in the problem of the rotating disk, and the question of the "geometry" of the motion, in the sense of general relativity theory, can be answered only on the basis of a theory of the generation of the rotation.
On the Approximate Solution of Nonclassically Damped Linear Systems

The error introduced by disregarding the off diagonal elements is evaluated, and a quadrature formula for the approximation error is derived. A tight error bound is then obtained. In addition, an effective scheme to improve the accuracy of the approximate solution is outlined
FGFR2 Point Mutations in 466 Endometrioid Endometrial Tumors: Relationship with MSI, KRAS, PIK3CA, CTNNB1 Mutations and Clinicopathological Features

Mutations in multiple oncogenes including KRAS, CTNNB1, PIK3CA and FGFR2 have been identified in endometrial cancer. The aim of this study was to provide insight into the clinicopathological features associated with patterns of mutation in these genes, a necessary step in planning targeted therapies for endometrial cancer. 466 endometrioid endometrial tumors were tested for mutations in FGFR2, KRAS, CTNNB1, and PIK3CA. The relationships between mutation status, tumor microsatellite instability (MSI) and clinicopathological features including overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard models. Mutations were identified in FGFR2 (48/466); KRAS (87/464); CTNNB1 (88/454) and PIK3CA (104/464). KRAS and FGFR2 mutations were significantly more common, and CTNNB1 mutations less common, in MSI positive tumors. KRAS and FGFR2 occurred in a near mutually exclusive pattern (p = 0.05) and, surprisingly, mutations in KRAS and CTNNB1 also occurred in a near mutually exclusive pattern (p = 0.0002). Multivariate analysis revealed that mutation in KRAS and FGFR2 showed a trend (p = 0.06) towards longer and shorter DFS, respectively. In the 386 patients with early stage disease (stage I and II), FGFR2 mutation was significantly associated with shorter DFS (HR = 3.24; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.35-7.77; p = 0.008) and OS (HR = 2.00; 95% CI 1.09-3.65; p = 0.025) and KRAS was associated with longer DFS (HR = 0.23; 95% CI 0.05-0.97; p = 0.045). In conclusion, although KRAS and FGFR2 mutations share similar activation of the MAPK pathway, our data suggest very different roles in tumor biology. This has implications for the implementation of anti-FGFR or anti-MEK biologic therapies.
Loss of HDAC6, a novel CHIP substrate, alleviates abnormal tau accumulation

The abnormal accumulation of the microtubule-binding protein tau is associated with a number of neurodegenerative conditions, and correlates with cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. The ubiquitin ligase carboxy terminus of Hsp70-interacting protein (CHIP) and the molecular chaperone Hsp90 are implicated in protein triage decisions involving tau, and have consequently been targeted for therapeutic approaches aimed at decreasing tau burden. Here, we present evidence that CHIP binds, ubiquitinates and regulates expression of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6). As the deacetylase for Hsp90, HDAC6 modulates Hsp90 function and determines the favorability of refolding versus degradation of Hsp90 client proteins. Moreover, we demonstrate that HDAC6 levels positively correlate with tau burden, while a decrease in HDAC6 activity or expression promotes tau clearance. Consistent with previous research on Hsp90 clients in cancer, we provide evidence that a loss of HDAC6 activity augments the efficacy of an Hsp90 inhibitor and drives client degradation, in this case tau. Therefore, our current findings not only identify HDAC6 as a critical factor for the regulation of tau levels, but also indicate that a multi-faceted treatment approach could more effectively arrest tau accumulation in disease.
Physical and psychological maltreatment in middle childhood and adolescence

Although maltreatment is known to have detrimental effects on socioemotional development, the relation of those effects to type of maltreatment and child age is not clear. Most studies either focus solely on physical abuse or do not differentiate among types of maltreatment. Furthermore, most concentrate on young children. Studies of psychological maltreatment in young children indicate that physical abuse and psychological maltreatment tend to co-occur, severity of injury is not related to severity of psychological maltreatment or to developmental problems, and severity of psychological maltreatment is related to developmental outcomes. The present study investigated (a) relations among types of physical and psychological maltreatment and (b) their effect on development in an ethnically diverse sample of maltreated school-age children and adolescents. The results indicated that, as in young children, physical and psychological maltreatment co-occurred in most cases. As with young children, severity of emotional abuse was related to severity of physical neglect in school-age children; among adolescents, however, it was related to severity of physical injury. Moreover, severity of emotional abuse was related to both behavior problems and depression. The differences between the patterns of effects for school-age children and those for adolescents are discussed, as are implications of the findings for intervention.
Roles for transcript leaders in translation and mRNA decay revealed by transcript leader sequencing

Transcript leaders (TLs) can have profound effects on mRNA translation and stability. To map TL boundaries genome-wide, we developed TL-sequencing (TL-seq), a technique combining enzymatic capture of m(7)G-capped mRNA 5' ends with high-throughput sequencing. TL-seq identified mRNA start sites for the majority of yeast genes and revealed many examples of intragenic TL heterogeneity. Surprisingly, TL-seq identified transcription initiation sites within 6% of protein-coding regions, and these sites were concentrated near the 5' ends of ORFs. Furthermore, ribosome density analysis showed these truncated mRNAs are translated. Translation-associated TL-seq (TATL-seq), which combines TL-seq with polysome fractionation, enabled annotation of TLs, and simultaneously assayed their function in translation. Using TATL-seq to address relationships between TL features and translation of the downstream ORF, we observed that upstream AUGs (uAUGs), and no other upstream codons, were associated with poor translation and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). We also identified hundreds of genes with very short TLs, and demonstrated that short TLs were associated with poor translation initiation at the annotated start codon and increased initiation at downstream AUGs. This frequently resulted in out-of-frame translation and subsequent termination at premature termination codons, culminating in NMD of the transcript. Unlike previous approaches, our technique enabled observation of alternative TL variants for hundreds of genes and revealed significant differences in translation in genes with distinct TL isoforms. TL-seq and TATL-seq are useful tools for annotation and functional characterization of TLs, and can be applied to any eukaryotic system to investigate TL-mediated regulation of gene expression.
FAULT DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS IN INDUSTRIAL FED-BATCH CELL CULTURE

Multivariate statistical process monitoring techniques are applied to pilot-plant, cell culture data for the purpose of fault detection and diagnosis. Data from 23 batches, 20 normal operating conditions (NOC) and three abnormal, were available. A PCA model was constructed from 19 NOC batches, while the remaining NOC batch was used for model validation. Subsequently, the model was used to successfully detect (both o†ine and online) abnormal process conditions and to diagnose the root causes. Copyright c ∞ 2006 IFAC
Infection of Primary Bovine Macrophages with Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis Suppresses Host Cell Apoptosis.

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is one of the most important infectious agents in the American dairy industry. MAP is survives intracellularly in macrophages by preventing normal phagosome maturation utilized to destroy bacteria. Macrophages often undergo apoptotic cell death in response to intracellular pathogens. This allows for efficient presentation of bacterial antigens to adaptive immune cells, a process known as efferocytosis. Recent studies with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), a mycobacterium related to MAP, showed that macrophages infected with MTB are less likely to undergo apoptosis than control, uninfected cells. It is proposed that regulation of macrophage apoptosis is an important immune evasion tactic for MTB. Based on similarity of MAP and MTB, we hypothesized that MAP infected macrophages would be resistant to apoptosis relative to uninfected cells. Our results demonstrate that populations of MAP-infected macrophages contain fewer apoptotic cells than similar populations of control cells, and that MAP-infection reduces sensitivity of infected macrophages to induction of apoptosis by H2O2. MAP-infected cells also contain reduced caspase activity relative to uninfected cells. Reduced caspase activity in infected macrophages is maintained after strong H2O2 stimulation. This reduction in activity is accompanied by a reduction in transcription of caspase genes when compared to control, uninfected cells. MAP-infection also drastically effects expression of several host cell proteins important for regulation of apoptosis. Studies using mutant MAP strains demonstrate the importance of several bacterial factors in control of host macrophage apoptosis. Together these data demonstrate that MAP specific factors may prevent caspase activation and apoptosis related protein expression leading to decreased spontaneous host cell apoptosis and decreased sensitivity to apoptosis inducing agents.
Early Outcomes Using the Florida Sleeve Repair for Correction of Aortic Insufficiency due to Root Aneurysms

Background The Florida sleeve procedure is a simplified valve-sparing technique for repair of functional type I aortic insufficiency associated with root aneurysms. Midterm outcomes are reported, including standard echocardiographic measurements. Methods The study included all patients undergoing the Florida sleeve procedure who had at least 2 years of postoperative echocardiographic follow-up. Data were acquired preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 week and 1, 2, and 3 years. Measurements analyzed included left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), and degree of aortic insufficiency. Results Complete echocardiographic data for a mean 32 ± 6.3 months after repair were available for 18 patients. Mean LVEDD decreased from 51.6 ± 7.4 to 49.7 ± 6.3 mm at 1 week ( p = 0.05) and 47.1 ± 6.3 mm at 1 year ( p = 0.008), and remained unchanged at 47.2 ± 6.6 and 47.1 ± 5.0 mm at 2 and 3 years. Mean LVESD decreased from 35.2 ± 7.6 to 32.9 ± 7.0 mm at 1 week ( p = 0.002) and 30.7 ± 5.6 mm at 1 year ( p ω 0.001), and remained unchanged at 30.9 ± 6.2 and 31.7 ± 4.9 mm after 2 and 3 years. The mean grade of aortic insufficiency decreased from 2.61 ± 0.78 to 1.39 ± 0.85 mm at 1 week ( p ω 0.001) and remained 1.39 ± 0.84 mm at 1 year. Aortic insufficiency increased to 1.72 ± 0.89 ( p = 0.03) at 2 years and decreased to 1.67 ± 0.50 ( p = 0.59, from 1 week postoperatively) at 3 years. Conclusions The sustained reduction of left ventricular dimensions 3 years after operation suggests the Florida sleeve procedure is a durable valve repair. A minor increase in the degree of aortic insufficiency warrants close follow-up, but the absence of an increase of LVEDD supports continued use of the procedure in closely studied series.
Virtual Contact: The Continuum from Purely Visual to Purely Physical:

Providing appropriate cues to users when interacting with objects in immersive virtual environments (IVEs) is a difficult task. In addition to individual user differences, environmental factors, and task-specific requirements, the technological complexity of the current state of the art in haptic feedback further increases the difficulty. Though the technology continues to improve, we are still a long way from having haptic feedback that meets the demands of a “general solution” to the problem. This paper focuses on ways of providing effective contact cues in IVEs, starting with purely-visual approaches and moving along a continuum to the use of actual physical objects as high-fidelity interfaces.