cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The prediction of the 19f nmr spectra of fluoroarenes using mathematical modeling techniques part 2: The generation of symmetrical models

Abstract Equations which use symmetric variables have been computed which predict the 19 F NMR signal positions for fluoroarenes. The advantage of symmetric variables is that no prior arbitrary orientation of the molecule is necessary before the computation of the signal. Using these equations the best correlation coefficient for observed versus predicted signal positions for a data base of 839 signals was 0.99.
Glycogen Metabolism of the Thyroid1

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and dibutyryl cyclic 3′,5′-AMP (dbcAMP) enhanced glycogenolysis in bovine and canine thyroid slices. In canine thyroid slices, prostaglandin E1 and F1α, like TSH and dbcAMP, enhanced glycogenolysis as well as organic binding of iodine, including formation of thyroxine. In bovine thyroid slices, however, despite their glycogenolytic effect, dbcAMP and low concentration of TSH (0.8 mU/ml) did not stimulate organic binding of iodine. Sodium fluoride accelerated glycogenolysis and thyroid hormone formation in both canine and bovine thyroid slices. In bovine thyroid slices, epinephrine and serotonin stimulated both glycogenolysis and organic binding of iodide, while insulin, ACTH, FSH and growth hormone stimulated neither glycogenolysis nor organic binding of iodine’ These findings suggest that 1) TSH-induced glycogenolysis in thyroid slices is mediated by cyclic 3′,5′-AMP, 2) agents which enhance organic binding of iodine generally seem to be glycogenolytic, but 3) stimulatio...
Geophysical weight loss diet

Having for numerous reasons acquired a three digit kilogram mass, the author is experienced at the painful struggles that the gourmand must suffer to reduce weight, particularly if he/she enjoys reasonably large amounts of good food. To the avant-garde geophysicist, utilizing the following approach could be pleasurable, rewarding, and may even enable the accomplishment of what Ghengis Khan, Alexander the Great, Napolean, and Hitler could not! The basic approach is the full utilization of Newton's formula for the attraction of two massive bodies: F=GM1M2/r2, where G, is the gravitational constant; r, the distance between the two bodies; and M1 and M2, the masses of the two bodies. Although one usually chooses M1 to be the earth's mass ME and M2 to be the mass of a small object, this unnecessarily restricts the realm of phenomena. The less restrictive assumption is M1 + M2 = ME.
Resource allocation for statistical QoS provision in buffered crossbar switches

In this paper, we quantify the resources-bandwidth and credits-required to guarantee an upper bounded of a prescribed violation probability violates the probability of a prescribed class-based target packet delay. We assume that the upper bound on the traffic arrival process for each class can be described statistically via effective envelopes. Our results are derived using a network calculus-based model of the system. We consider both deterministic and probabilistic delay guarantees. We find that the resources required to guarantee a probabilistic delay upper bound are less than those required to guarantee a deterministic delay upper bound of the same value.
Anemia associated with anestrus in beef heifers inoculated with Anaplasma marginale : Endocrinology and ovarian changes

Abstract Eleven cyclic Hereford heifers were synchronized to estrus with a commercial luteolytic agent. Eight heifers had been inoculated with Anaplasma marginale . Six of the eight inoculated heifers became anemic, i.e. packed cell volume, red blood cell counts and hemoglobin decreased. White blood cell counts were elevated during severe anemia. Anemic heifers did not show behavioral estrus or ovulate, and during this stage, serum concentrations of progesterone and estradiol-17β were significantly depressed. Mature beef heifers that have acute anaplasmosis suffer from inhibited ovarian function and anestrus.
Circular DNA of Entamoeba histolytica encodes ribosomal RNA.

. The presence of repeated DNA sequences encoding RNA in Entamoeba histolytica has been reported. In the present study we demonstrate by agarose gel electrophoresis, DNase digestion and electron microscopic analysis that these genes are located on extrachromosomal circular DNA molecules with an approximate size of 26 kb. Detection of replication intermediates suggests the episomal nature of these molecules. Amplified, extrachromosomal rRNA genes appear to be a common feature among the lower eukaryotes, occurring more commonly as linear molecules and less commonly as circles. Entamoeba histolytica is 1 of the few organisms studied in which rRNA genes are located predominantly on extrachromosomal circles.
Optimization of the Rowland circle grating for high-resolution astrophysical spectrometers working at soft x-ray and EUV wavelengths.

The continued maturation of x-ray and EUV astronomy has created a requirement for high-resolution spectroscopy to resolve spectral features and measure line profiles and Doppler shifts. We consider in this paper the familiar fixed-grating spectrometer (Rowland configuration) operating at grazing incidence behind the focus of a grazing-incidence telescope. By optimizing the grating shape and grating-detector geometry, we find that a peak resolving power near 104 and greater should be achievable in the 50–500-A band. An important innovation to the standard configuration is the addition of an elliptical mirror. The optimization technique used is adaptable to other geometries as well as other applications in which a fixed grating is desired.
Parathyroid hormone-related protein is not an autocrine growth factor for normal prostatic epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND. Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is the primary factor responsible for humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. The hypercalcemic actions of PTHrP occur via stimulation of renal distal tubular calcium reabsorption and increased osteoclastic bone resorption. These effects of PTHrP are thought to be mediated through a common parathyroid hormone (PTH)/PTHrP receptor. In addition to the well-established role of PTHrP in bone remodeling, PTHrP is believed to be an important mediator of cellular growth and differentiation in a number of nonbony tissues. We recently demonstrated abundant expression of PTHrP in normal and malignant human prostatic tissues, and in cultured prostatic epithelial cells. METHODS. In vitro assays were used to test growth-regulatory activity of synthetic and endogenous PTHrP peptides on normal prostatic epithelial cells. RESULTS. No growth-regulatory activity could be demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS. PTHrP is not an autocrine growth factor for normal prostatic epithelial cells.
The edge effect in some ultisols in the North Carolina coastal plain

Abstract The soil landscape in the middle Coastal Plain of central North Carolina is gently undulating. It has many abrupt to gradual changes in soil drainage that cause corresponding changes in soil texture. These textural changes are not related to textural variation of the original sediment. These changes in soil texture are produced by eluviation from the A2 or the B2 horizons. This eluviation is related to water table regimes. The area of greatest evluviation from the A2 is at the dissected edge of a flat to gently undulating surface where the water table is relatively deep. The area of greatest eluviation from the upper B2 horizon is in the transitional zone between the moderately well- and poorly drained soils where there is a relatively high but fluctuating water table.
Long-lived standards for the efficiency calibration of Ge(Li) detectors

Abstract The intensities of the γ-rays and K X-rays associated with the decay of 249 Cf, 243 Am, 239 Np and 243 Cm were measured with respect to IAEA standards. Because of their long half-lives and ease of standardization by accurate alpha counting, these nuclides are recommended as standards for absolute efficiency calibration of Ge(Li) detectors.
Facies-Controlled Diagenesis and Reservoir Character, Entrada Sandstone (Late Jurassic), Durango, Colorado: ABSTRACT

The Entrada was deposited as part of a Late Jurassic erg that covered much of the western United States. Depositional environments of the Entrada include: (1) small-scale, coarse-grained eolian dunes, (2) eolian sand sheet, (3) large-scale eolian dunes, and (4) water-laid sands. Quartz and potassium feldspar overgrowths are the most abundant cements, followed by dolomite, calcite, and kaolinite. Current reservoir models for eolian depositional environments suggest that well-sorted dune sands should have higher permeability than the finer grained and poorly sorted sand sheets. However, in the Entrada, no difference in permeability was End_Page 638------------------------------ detected between the facies, owing to the high percentage of preserved intergranular porosity in the sand sheet. Intergranular porosity is preserved by the development of thick clay coats, composed of illite and smectite, which inhibited porosity reduction by quartz and potassium feldspar overgrowths. The clay coats are derived from mechanically infiltrated windblown clay deposited penecontemporaneously with the sand. This type of clay deposition is common in modern deserts. The thickest clay coats develop in facies where the grains undergo the least abrasion, such as sand sheets and interdunes. Therefore, upon lithification, sand sheets and interdunes will retain a high percentage of their intergranular porosity and will not act as permeability barriers to fluid migration. End_of_Article - Last_Page 639------------
Inhibition of tropoelastin secretion by incorporation of DL-3,4-dehydroproline.

Abstract Cells isolated from embryonic chick aorta were incubated in suspension culture with labeled amino acids and proline analogs. Incorporation of 4- cis -hydroxy- l -proline inhibited the secretion of labeled procollagen but not tropoelastin, while incorporation of dl -3,4-dehydroproline inhibited the secretion of both proteins and caused them to accumulate intracellularly. Protein synthesis did not appear to be significantly diminished during the 2-h incubation period. Incorporation of dl -3,4-dehydroproline may alter the conformation of tropoelastin leading to abnormal intracellular processing and a decreased rate of secretion.
Applied Computational Chemistry for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

We describe accommodations that we have made to our applied computational–theoretical chemistry laboratory to provide access for blind and visually impaired students interested in independent investigation of structure–function relationships. Our approach utilizes tactile drawings, molecular model kits, existing software, Bash and Perl scripts written in-house, and three-dimensional printing in a process that allows a blind or visually impaired student to satisfy her or his curiosity about structure–function relationships with minimal assistance from sighted co-workers.
Effects of heat stress and oxytocin on plasma concentrations of progesterone and 13,14-dihydro-15-ketoprostaglandin F2α in goats

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of heat stress (HS; 37 °C 12 h day−1, 30 °C 12 h day−1) on plasma concentrations of progesterone (P), 13,14-dihydro-15-ketoprostaglandin F2α (PGFM), and oxytocin (OXY) induced secretion of PGFM in pregnant goats. Goats experienced constant relative humidity (35%) with either HS (n = 16) or thermoneutral (TN; 21 °C; n = 20) temperatures from Day 8 to Day 17 of pregnancy. Respiration rates were elevated (P 0.1) but elevated plasma PGFM concentrations in bred/non-pregnant goats (oxytocin × time, P < 0.01). Pregnant goats exposed to HS had elevated plasma concentrations of P in the afternoon (HS, 8.33 ± 0.36 ng ml−1; TN, 6.38 ± 0.42 ng ml−1) but not in the morning (HS, 6.84 ± 0.42; TN, 6.58 ± 0.42 ng ml−1; temperature × time, P < 0.05). Therefore, elevated ambient temperatures during Days 8–17 of pregnancy increased plasma concentrations of P and PGFM in pregnant goats. A rise in uterine prostaglandin secretion may influence corpus luteum function during early pregnancy and affect conceptus growth and development.
Age-associated changes in synaptic lipid raft proteins revealed by two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis

Brain aging is associated with a progressive decline in cognitive function though the molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Functional changes in brain neurons could be due to age-related alterations in levels of specific proteins critical for information processing. Specialized membrane microdomains known as ‘lipid rafts’ contain protein complexes involved in many signal transduction processes. This study was undertaken to determine if two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2D DIGE) analysis of proteins in synaptic membrane lipid rafts revealed age-dependent alterations in levels of raft proteins. Five pairs of young and aged rat synaptic membrane rafts were subjected to DIGE separation, followed by image analysis and identification of significantly altered proteins. Of 1046 matched spots on DIGE gels, 94 showed statistically significant differences in levels between old and young rafts, and 87 of these were decreased in aged rafts. The 41 most significantly altered (p < 0.03) proteins included several synaptic proteins involved in energy metabolism, redox homeostasis, and cytoskeletal structure. This may indicate a disruption in bioenergetic balance and redox homeostasis in synaptic rafts with brain aging. Differential levels of representative identified proteins were confirmed by immunoblot analysis. Our findings provide novel pathways in investigations of mechanisms that may contribute to altered neuronal function in aging brain.
Field Dependence and Ability to Judge Spatial Coordinates

The hypothesis that field dependence and the ability to judge spatial coordinates are related skills was tested by having 75 female and 29 male undergraduates complete a test, based on Piagetian concepts, that required subjects to solve problems involving spatial coordinates, and a test of field dependence that used embedded-figure problems. Results supported the hypothesis to a moderate degree and were consistent with previous research showing that men perform more competently than women on paper-and-pencil spatial problems.
Developmental versus sensory deficit effects on perceptual processing in the reading disabled.

Thirty children and 5 adults participated in two experiments designed to compare visual processing in normal and reading disabled children. The children were aged 8, 10, and 12 years. In Experiment 1, subjects were asked to detect the temporal order of two briefly presented stimuli. In Experiment 2, subjects sorted cards containing bracket stimuli that did or did not produce perceptual grouping effects. Poor readers required more time to make accurate temporal order judgments and showed stronger perceptual grouping effects. For both good and poor readers, the amount of time necessary to make a correct temporal order judgment decreased, and perceptual grouping effects became weaker with age. However, the magnitude of the difference between the groups did not lessen with age. These results suggest that there are visual processing differences between good and poor readers that do not appear to correct by age 12.
The analysis of anthropological ideas in historical perspective: A new approach

John J. Honigmann. The Development of Anthropological Ideas. Homewood, Illinois: Dorsey Press, 1976. xii + 434 pp. Chapter notes, appendix, bibliography, and index. $16.50.
Solution to the lot size multi-item deterministic inventory problems with budget and/or space constraints using a microcomputer

Abstract This paper presents solutions for the multi-item deterministic inventory problem with constraints. Langrange multipliers are used to find mathematical solutions to the problems. A microcomputer program in BASIC has been developed for this purpose and due to the complexity of the problem solved by hand. The use of the program is illustrated by solving numerical examples of these types of inventory problems.
Postdepositional injections of uranium-rich solutions into East Pacific Rise sediments

Abstract An 8.5 m long apparently undisturbed core from a hilltop on the crest of the East Pacific Rise has uranium and thorium isotope distributions that are very unusual. The core is very poor in 232Th, and very rich in U, particularly at the 500-cm level, where a value of about 150 ppm is reached. At the same depth the 230Thxs reaches very large negative values. These facts could be accounted for if one assumes that solutions rich in U and poor in Th had been postdepositionally injected into the sediments about 90,000–110,000 years ago. The top of the sediment received much of its U from seawater, judging from the 234 U 238 U ratio. Possibly carbonate rich solutions were the carriers of the injected uranium.
Effect of phosphorus supplementation on growth rate, blood minerals, and conception rate of dairy heifers.

Abstract Two trials with Holstein heifers evaluated their ability to meet phosphorus requirements from natural feedstuffs and the adequacy of minimums for phosphorus recommended by the National Research Council in 1974. Thirty-eight Holstein heifers were used in a 364-day study in Trial I and 28 heifers in a 238-day study in Trial II. Treatments were all phosphorus from natural feed-stuffs, and sufficient dicalcium phosphate to increase phosphorus .10% in dry matter of the total ration. All feeds, except pasture forage, were supplied as complete mixed rations. Supplementation of natural feedstuffs with .10% phosphorus had no significant effect on weight gains, efficiency of converting feed to gain, calcium and magnesium in blood serum, and conception rate. Animals supplemented with phorphorus in Trial II maintained higher phosphorus in blood serum than unsupplemented animals. Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in blood serum were within normal limits for both groups. Average daily gains were 721 and 745g for the two groups in Trial I and 821 and 789g in Trial II. Addition of .10% phosphorus to natural diets containing approximately .22% phosphorus had no effect on animal health or production. The minimum amounts of phosphorus suggested by the National Research Council are adequate for growing dairy heifers.
Achieving effective floor control with a low-bandwidth gesture-sensitive videoconferencing system

Multiparty videoconferencing with even a small number of people is often infeasible due to the high network bandwidth required. Bandwidth can be significantly reduced if most of the advantages of using full-motion video can be achieved with low-frame-rate video; unfortunately, the impact of low-frame-rate video on communication is relatively unexplored. We implemented a multiparty videoconferencing system that supports full-motion video, low-frame-rate video where the video is updated only once every few seconds, and a hybrid scheme where full-motion video is transmitted when the system detects that a user is making a gesture and low-frame-rate video is transmitted at all other times. We studied people using our system for small-group discussions and found that low-frame-rate video limited people's ability to request to speak or judge when to stop speaking. The hybrid scheme, conversely, was as effective as full-motion video for floor control, resulting in a similar number of speaker changes, while using only ten percent of the bandwidth.
Generation of group VI binuclear metal carbonyl dianions by ion-pair extraction

Abstract Ion-pair extraction has been used to provide a new synthetic route to binuclear dianions of the type M2CO)102− (M = Cr, Mo, W) from the corresponding μ-hydrido anions; yields are good to excellent (62–90%). 13C NMR data for the binuclear dianions and μ-hydrides are reported and compared to that for the hydrido anions, HM(CO)5−. Efforts to prepare μ-methylene complexes by reactions of the binuclear dianions with dihaloalkanes resulted only in formation of haloanions, M(CO)5X−.
Fate of large structural allograft for treatment of severe uncontained glenoid bone deficiency.

Background Structural allografts have been used for management of large defects of the glenoid. We describe a surgical technique for graft preparation and the radiographic and clinical results of a series of patients using this technique. Materials and methods In 19 consecutive patients, a polymethyl methacrylate mold was used to shape a single graft from a fresh-frozen femoral head to press fit within the glenoid defect. We evaluated the clinical and radiographic results with a minimum 2-year follow-up or until revision to another total shoulder replacement. Results Six patients showed more than 50% resorption of the graft. Four of these six patients also had less than 50% graft incorporation, and these findings were associated with a less favorable clinical outcome. In 3 of 6 cases in which poly-L-lactic acid bioresorbable screws were used, a significant giant cell reaction was noted at the time of revision surgery. Seven of nine patients with metal screw fixation had bent, broken, or worn screws because of graft collapse and contact with the prosthetic humeral head. Four of the five revision cases that were converted to a reverse total shoulder replacement had sufficient bone incorporation and volume of bone to allow for secure glenoid and screw fixation. Conclusion The surgical technique described is useful in creation of a well-fitting graft. The amount of bone resorption and bone incorporation and clinical outcome have wide variability. In those cases where revision was performed with another total shoulder replacement, there was sufficient bone incorporation and sufficient bone mass to allow component fixation.
On the existence of convex classical solutions to a generalized Prandtl-Batchelor free-boundary problem-II

We give an analytical proof of the existence of convex classical solutions for the (convex) Prandtl-Batchelor free boundary problem in fluid dynamics. In this problem, a convex vortex core of constant vorticity µ > 0 is embedded in a closed irrotational flow inside a closed, convex vessel in R2. The unknown boundary of the vortex core is a closed curve Γ along which (υ+)2 - (υ-)2 = Λ. where υ+ and υ- denote, respectively, the exterior and interior flow-speeds along Γ and Λ is a given constant. Our existence results all apply to the natural multidimensional mathematical generalization of the above problem. The present existence theorems are the only ones available for the Prandtl-Batchelor problem for Λ 0, and because (b) there is no analytical existence theory available for this problem in the non-convex case. regardless of the sign of Λ.
Dopamine in rat adrenal glomerulosa.

Abstract There is increasing evidence that dopamine (DA) inhibits aldosterone production, but the source of DA for this dopaminergic influence is not known. In the present study we examined the adrenal's zona glomerulosa for the presence of DA. Rats maintained on an intake of regular food were killed by decapitation and the adrenal capsule (containing zona glomerulosa) and the remainder of the gland (containing both cortex and medulla) were examined for their content of DA and also for norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E). DA was found in adrenal glomerulosa in substantial quantity, 1.92 ± 0.17 (SEM) ng/mg wet weight, representing an approximate concentration of DA of 1–100 μ M. DA in adrenal capsule represented 12.2% of the total adrenal content of DA. NE and E were also present in glomerulosa, 3.46 ± 0.32 and 18.7 ± 2.1 ng/mg respectively, but, unlike DA, about 98% of the total adrenal content of NE and E was contained in adrenal medulla. The NE/E ratio in capsule and medulla were similar, although slightly higher in adrenal medulla, suggesting that the medulla is the source of the NE and E found in glomerulosa. On the other hand, the DA/E ratio was several-fold higher in glomerulosa than medulla - suggesting that glomerulosa DA was derived at least partially from a source other than adrenal medulla. We also found that short-term culturing of the adrenal reduced DA levels to 1/3 that observed in fresh tissue. This could explain in part why cultured glomerulosa has been shown to be more responsive to administered stimuli. In summary, the findings indicate a significant concentration of DA in adrenal glomerulosa, and suggest that the effects of DA on aldesterone production are mediated locally within the adrenal.
Progression of Coronary Artery Disease in Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy: An Under-Estimated Phenomenon?

Background: Advances in medical therapies for heart failure (HF) have resulted in improvements in survival rates. For patients initially diagnosed with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM), the potential exists for coronary artery disease (CAD) to develop and/or progress over time: 11.4% of patients with non-ischemic/ unknown etiologies in the SOLVD trial were hospitalized for myocardial infarction or angina during the study [Lancet 1992;340:1173–78]. While the time course of and likelihood forCADprogression in non-cardiomyopathy patients has been described [Circulation 1999;100:903–9], little is known about the NIDCM cohort. Therefore, we sought to delineate the magnitude of and risk factors for CAD progression in a NIDCM cohort referred to a tertiary care HF disease management program.Methods: Retrospective chart review of NIDCM cases excluding valvular, peripartum, hypertrophic and restrictive etiologies seen by one practitioner over a 12-month period (Oct. 2001-Sep. 2002). CAD was classified as non-obstructive or obstructive (by RAND criteria [Leape LL et al. CABG: Ratings of appropriateness. p51, Santa Monica CA 1991]) at initial coronary angiography (CA-1); progression was classified on repeat angiography (CA-2) only if obstructive lesions were diagnosed per RAND. In all cases with CAD, the degree of ventricular dysfunction was out of proportion to the severity of obstruction. Differences between patient groups were assessed by chisquare for categorical variables and the Student’s t-test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for continuous variables. Results: The cohort consisted of 125 cases (32% new referrals, 37% of all outpatient visits, mean age 45.5 11.8 years, 72% male) of whom 93 underwent CA-1 at a mean of 345 880 days after first HF diagnosis (median 26.0d). CAD of any degree was found in 8 (obstructive in 4; interventions in 3) with a mean age of 58.5 9.6y compared to 46.6 9.8y without any CAD (p 0.01). A history of cigarette smoking and longer duration of HF were associated with CAD at CA-1 (odds ratios 5.8 and 5.6 respectively, p 0.05). 11 patients Impedance Cardiography: A Comparison of Cardiac Output Versus Waveform Analysis for Assessing Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction Arthur P. DeMarzo, Russell F. Kelly, James E. Calvin2—Dermed Diagnostics Inc, Wheaton, IL; Division of Adult Cardiology, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, IL
Stress relaxation in coiled ribbons of Fe40Ni40P14B6 and Fe29Ni49P14B6S6

The stress relaxation at elevated temperatures in coiled ribbons of Fe-Ni base metallic glasses is calculated for both power law creep and Eyring activated flow. The results are compared with experimental data on the spring-back of coiled ribbons after various anneals. Good agreement is obtained for Eyring activated flow, but not for power law creep. Comparison with stress relaxation experiments on straight sections indicates that stress relaxation in coiled ribbons is largely due to transient creep.
Simultaneous assessment of myocardial perfusion and function during mental stress in patients with chronic coronary artery disease

Background Mental stress (MS) is an important provocateur of myocardial ischemia in many patients with chronic coronary artery disease. The majority of laboratory assessments of ischemia in response to MS have included measurements of either myocardial perfusion or function alone. We performed this study to determine the relationship between alterations in perfusion and ventricular function during MS.
Interleukin-4 production in asthmatic patients during allergen immunotherapy: A preliminary study

Background Chronic inflammation and cytokine amplification play a major role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Allergen immunotherapy in atopic asthma has been shown to be effective, but the precise immunologic mechanisms for clinical improvement are poorly understood. CD4+T-cells from atopic asthmatics produce increased levels of the cytokines such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), compared with CD4+T-cells from nonatopic nonasthmatic individuals and these cytokines are believed to be directly involved in allergic disease process. It is not clear if IL-4 secretion patterns change during immunotherapy. Objectives Monitoring IL-4 levels may be very useful in evaluating the effectiveness and response to allergen immunotherapy. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from healthy nonasthmatic controls (n = 5) and from atopic asthmatic patients (n = 5) prior to immunotherapy and at 3 and 6 months after initiation of immunotherapy to monitor IL-4 secretion in unstimulated and grass allergen-specific stimu...
Non-Gaussian statistical properties of breast images

Purpose: Several studies have shown that the power spectrum of x-ray breast images is well described by a power-law at lower frequencies where anatomical variability dominates. However, an image generated from a Gaussian process with this spectrum is easily distinguished from an image of actual breast tissue by eye. This demonstrates that higher order non-Gaussian statistical properties of mammograms are readily accessible to the visual system. The authors’ purpose is to quantify and characterize non-Gaussian statistical properties of breast images as influenced by processing of a digital mammogram, different imaging modalities, and breast density. Methods: To quantify non-Gaussian statistical properties, the authors consider histograms of filter responses from the interior of a breast image that have similar properties to receptive fields in the early visual system. They quantify departure from a Gaussian distribution by the relative entropy of the histogram compared to a best-fit Gaussian distribution. This entropy is normalized by the relative entropy of a best-fit Laplacian distribution into a measure they refer to as Laplacian fractional entropy (LFE). They test the LFE on a set of 26 patients recalled at screening for which they have available full-field digital mammography (FFDM), digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), and dedicated breast CT (bCT) images as well as breast density scores and biopsy results. Results: A study of LFE in FFDM comparing the raw “for-processing” transmission data from the device to log-converted density estimates and the processed “for-display” data shows that processing mammographic image data enhances the non-Gaussian content of the image. A check of the methodology using a Gaussian process with a power-law power spectrum shows relatively little bias from the finite extent of the region of interests used. A second study comparing LFE across FFDM, DBT, and bCT modalities shows that each maximized the non-Gaussian content of the image for different ranges of spatial frequency. FFDM is optimal at high spatial frequencies (>0.7 mm−1), DBT is optimal at mid-range frequencies (0.3–0.7 mm−1), and bCT is optimal at low spatial frequency (<0.3 mm−1). A third study of breast density in FFDM and bCT shows that LFE generally rises slightly going from the low-to moderate density, and then falls considerably at higher densities. Conclusions: Non-Gaussian statistical structure in breast images that is manifest in the responses of Gabor filters similar to receptive fields of the early visual system is dependent on how the image data are processed, the modality used to acquire the image, and the density of the breast tissue being imaged. Higher LFE corresponds with expected improvements from image processing and 3D imaging.
Short- and long-acting angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors: A randomized trial of lisinopril versus captopril in the treatment of congestive heart failure

A randomized, parallel, double-blind study was performed with lisinopril, a long-acting angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, versus captopril, a shorter-acting angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, in the treatment of congestive heart failure. All patients were in New York Heart Association class II, III or IV and had remained symptomatic despite therapy with digoxin and diuretics. After a 4 to 14 day placebo baseline period, patients were randomized to receive either lisinopril, 5 mg orally once per day (n = 94), or captopril, 12.5 mg orally three times per day (n = 95), in addition to continuation of digoxin and diuretics. The dose of study drug could be doubled at 4 week intervals for a total of 12 weeks of double-blind therapy. The maximal dose was 20 mg once per day of lisinopril or 50 mg three times per day of captopril. The addition of either lisinopril or captopril to a regimen of diuretics or digoxin, or both, caused an increase in exercise duration as assessed on a motorized treadmill. When protocol violators were excluded, patients receiving lisinopril had a statistically greater increase in exercise duration than that of patients receiving captopril. In patients with renal impairment (serum creatinine greater than 1.6 mg/dl at baseline), lisinopril was superior to captopril in improving exercise duration. Lisinopril, but not captopril, increased left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with moderately to severely (less than 35%) decreased function (p less than 0.05). Improvement in functional capacity and quality of life, as assessed by the Yale Scale dyspnea/fatigue index, was significantly greater for the lisinopril group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
White Blood Cell Counts, Insulinlike Growth Factor-1 Levels, and Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Women

Background. Elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts and decreased insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels are individually associated with frailty in older adults. WBC subpopulations are known to produce IGF-1 and express IGF-1 receptors in vitro. However, in vivo relationships between WBC and IGF-1 and their joint contribution to frailty have not been investigated. Methods. Baseline data from 696 community-dwelling older women in the Women ’ s Health and Aging Study I were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between WBC counts and IGF-1 levels. Odds ratios (ORs) for frailty were evaluated across tertiles of WBC counts and IGF-1 levels, adjusting for age, race, education, body mass index, and smoking. Results. WBC counts correlated with IGF-1 levels (Spearman coeffi cient: .10, p < .01). Compared with participants in the low WBC and high IGF-1 tertiles (reference group), those in the low WBC and low IGF-1 tertiles had OR of 2.33 for frailty (95% confi dence interval [CI]: 1.04 – 3.65, p < .05), those in the high WBC and high IGF-1 tertiles had OR of 3.86 (95% CI: 1.13 – 4.07, p < .01), and those in the high WBC and low IGF-1 tertiles had OR of 3.61 (95% CI: 1.64 – 4.97, p < .01), adjusting for covariates. Conclusions. These fi ndings demonstrate in vivo correlation between WBC and IGF-1. They suggest U-shaped joint associations of WBC and IGF-1 with frailty, with the strongest association at adverse levels of both. They also provide a basis for further investigation into the complex immune – endocrine dysregulations in frailty.
Spline nonparametric quasi-likelihood regression within the frame of the accelerated failure time model

The accelerated failure time model provides direct physical interpretation for right censored data. However, the homogeneity of variance assumption of the log transformed data does not always hold. In this paper, we propose using a generalized linear model for right censored data in which we relax the homogeneity assumption. A new semiparametric analysis method is proposed for this model. The method uses nonparametric quasi-likelihood in which the variance function is estimated by polynomial spline regression. This is based on squared residuals from an initial model fit. The rate of convergence of the nonparametric variance function estimator is derived. It is shown that the regression coefficient estimators are asymptotically normally distributed. Simulations show that for finite samples the proposed nonparametric quasi-likelihood method performs well. The new method is illustrated with one dataset.
How and why does a fly turn its immune system off

With its powerful genetics and rapid generation time, the fruit fly, Drosophila, provides crucial insights into the evolution and conservation of fundamental immune mechanisms. The best example of molecules discovered in the fly that are shared in human immunity operate in the Toll signaling pathway, one of first lines of defense against pathogens. Drosophila can also benefit human health by providing a model for immune systems of arthropod vectors of infectious disease. Additionally, from a comparative immunological perspective, it is useful to know how different organisms have evolved solutions for fighting infections, because this information can lead to new ways of thinking about disease. At a simple level, it is clear that many immune responses are designed to turn on when needed, presumably because their constitutive expression would be deleterious. After induction, immune responses must also be turned off, for the same reason they are not left on from birth. The resolution of inflammation in humans occurs through a complex active signaling program [1]. This negative regulation is important because excessive inflammation leads to pathology and death. The fly served as a good model for the induction of an innate immune response, pointing to conserved pathways and mechanisms. Recent work shows that the fly's immune response is more subtly regulated and produces a wider range of responses than was thought possible even just a few years ago. Specifically, this new work shows that the fly immune response is edited and repressed. These newly discovered systems provide us with an opportunity to study both immune signaling and the pathology that can result from unregulated immune responses, and they promise to teach us about mechanisms that might be translated back to human health.
The Philippines' first ever science museum

Creating a haven for science in a country where evolution and fossils are controversial topics is no simple feat.
Genetic Polymorphisms of the β2-Adrenergic Receptor Relate to Guanosine Protein-coupled Stimulator Receptor Dysfunction in Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Objective To determine the genotype frequencies of s2-adrenergic receptor (s2AR) gene polymorphisms (Gly16Arg, Glu27Gln) in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) by comparison with unrelated healthy controls. We sought any clinical association with these polymorphisms and determined whether the polymorphisms would associate with a biologic guanosine protein-coupled stimulator receptor (Gs) dysfunction in FM. Methods Study subjects included 97 clinically characterized patients with FM and 59 controls. The s2AR polymorphisms at codons 16 and 27 were determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The Gs functions of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were tested using isoproterenol (ISO) as the adrenergic Gs ligand and measuring intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. Results The frequency of the s2AR gene polymorphism Gly16Arg in FM (43.5%) was significantly lower than in controls (63.2%), suggesting that this genotype might have some effect on the risk of developing FM. The only clinical association in FM was with sleep dysfunction. Patients with FM who carried the s2AR polymorphism Arg16Arg also exhibited significantly lower PBMC basal cAMP levels (p < 0.05) and lower ISO-stimulated cAMP levels (p < 0.05) than FM carrying Gly16Gly or Gly16Arg. Conclusion This confirms a relationship between s2AR polymorphism and FM. It is the first study to demonstrate s2AR polymorphism-related differences in intracellular cAMP responses of FM PBMC after s2AR stimulation in vitro. These findings may explain some of the differences in responsiveness of FM subgroups to the adrenergic agonist medications currently approved for FM treatment.
Structure of the Cs-induced (1×3) reconstruction of Au(110)

The clean Au(110) surface exhibits a (1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2) reconstruction with an atomic arrangement corresponding to a missing-row (MR) structure. By depositing Cs on this surface, we have formed two new structures with (1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}5) and (1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}3) low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) patterns, corresponding to Cs coverages of (3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2)% and ${(5}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2}^{+6}$)% of a monolayer, respectively. The superstructures therefore correspond to further substrate reconstructions. We have used medium-energy ion scattering (MEIS) with channeling and blocking to study the structure of the (1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}3) reconstruction. Our results show a clear indication of a missing-row-type structure which displays long and narrow (111) microfacets that go deep into the crystal. The most important surface distortions are an inwards relaxation of the first layer by 22%, and a large buckling in the third layer. Other subsurface rearrangements are such that they produce a slight smoothing of this highly corrugated structure. These results are discussed in the light of recent theoretical calculations of the total energy of the fcc (110) surfaces. In these calculations the relative stability of the different surface geometries is dominated by the s-p electrons at the surface. For the Cs/Au system, a charge transfer from the alkali to the Au substrate alters the energy distribution of these electrons and shifts the equilibrium geometry from the (1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2) MR to the observed (1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}3) structure.
Gas chromatography of trimethylsilyl derivatives of α-methoxyalkyl hydroperoxides formed in alkene–O3 reactions

The synthesis of trimethylsilyl (TMS) hydroperoxide derivatives for gas chromatography (GC) was studied using N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA) for derivatization of cumene hydroperoxide (CMOOH) (alpha,alpha'-dimethylbenzyl hydroperoxide) and alpha-methoxyalkyl hydroperoxides formed by liquid- and gas-phase ozonolysis of a series of terminal alkenes in the presence of methanol (CH3OH). Derivatization efficiencies >90% were achieved over a wide range of solution concentrations. The major compounds identified by GC-mass spectrometry of the derivatized products of alkene-O3 reactions were alpha-methoxyalkyl hydroperoxides, methyl esters, and aldehydes. Yields of alpha-methoxyalkyl hydroperoxides and methyl esters were quantified using effective carbon numbers (ECNs) and used to determine the yields of stabilized Criegee intermediates (SCIs) from gas-phase ozonolysis reactions. Such measurements are important for understanding the atmospheric chemistry of alkene emissions. SCI yields measured for the reactions of 1-octene [CH3(CH2)5CH=CH2], 1-nonene [CH3(CH2)6CH=CH2 ], and 2-methyl-1-octene [CH3(CH2)5C(CH3)=CH2] are consistent with previous measurements or predictions based on literature data. SCI yields measured for the reactions of 1-decene [CH3(CH2)7CH=CH2], 1-dodecene [CH3 (CH2)9CH=CH2], and 1-tetradecene [CH3(CH2)11CH=CH2] are much lower than expected, apparently due to side reactions with low volatility aldehydes that form peroxyhemiacetals, which are not amenable to GC analysis. In general, the results indicate that off-line MSTFA derivatization can be an efficient means for increasing the stability of thermally labile hydroperoxides for identification and quantitation by GC, and offers a new approach for the analysis of these environmentally important compounds.
Flow cytometric time-resolved measurements by frequency heterodyning of fluorescence emission signals

A first generation phase-sensitive flow cytometer has been developed that combines flow cytometry (FCM) and fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy measurement principles to provide unique capabilities for making time-resolved fluorescence measurements in the frequency-domain or particles/cells labeled with fluorescent probes. Cells are analyzed as they flow through a chamber and intersect a high-frequency, intensity-modulated (sine-wave) laser excitation beam. Fluorescence emission signals are currently processed by analog homodyne methods to quantify lifetimes and resolve heterogeneous fluorescence based on differences in lifetimes expressed as phase shifts, while maintaining the capability to make conventional FCM measurements. in this study we report the current status of our phase flow cytometer using homodyne signal processing, including recent applications, along with the description of a flow cytometric method for quantifying fluorescence lifetimes by frequency heterodyning techniques. Lifetimes are determined from homodyned and heterodyned (1 MHz difference frequency) signals using analog signal processing electronics. These signals are then digitized and displayed as frequency distribution histograms in real time.
A Method For Conducting Airborne Infrared Roof Moisture Surveys

Airborne infrared roof moisture surveys can be conducted by using the following method. Maps of the area and plans showing the location of buildings to be surveyed are studied prior to the flights. Permission for the flights is secured and local authorities are notified of the work. An infrared imaging system is mounted on the helicopter and headsets are installed to ensure that all members of the team can communicate. Color airphotos are obtained of each roof early in the afternoon. The flight crew and the spotter are each provided with maps of the installation, with numbers and highlighting used to indicate each building to be surveyed. The spotter has a clear plastic overlay on his copy that he marks to indicate buildings completed. The daytime photographic flight serves to train the team for the more difficult thermographic survey that evening. The color film is submitted to an over-night print processor just after the flight.
The symptomatic IV nerve palsy

The majority of IV nerve palsies are benign, either idiopathic, congenital, or the result of known trauma. This report describes the stories and atypical features of five patients with isolated IV nerve palsies on examination, who proved to have underlying structural lesions. The first case had a trochlear schwannoma that caused a IV nerve palsy that recurred years later. The second had an orbital apex metastasis that caused a IV nerve palsy with a history of mild fluctuating ptosis. The third had a cavernous sinus fistula that presented with an unusual month-long prodrome of headaches and eye pain prior to diplopia. The fourth was a young patient who suffered a hemorrhage along the tentorium cerebelli from excessive anticoagulation. The fifth had an arachnoid cyst posterior to the cavernous sinus that presented with long-standing head tilt, suggesting a congenital palsy, but normal vertical fusional amplitudes. Detailed imaging of the sella with coronal and axial sections and gadolinium administration wa...
Chemical communication of enzymatic ATP hydrolysis using a fluorescent chemosensor

Abstract An anthrylpolyamine chemosensor, whose fluorescence is partially quenced upon electrostatic complexation to ATP, can be used to monitor the action of an enzyme (apyrase) that hydrolyses ATP to AMP and inorganic phosphate.