cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acoustic Liver Biopsy Using Endoscopic Ultrasound

Background Transabdominal ultrasound cannot be used to quantitate fibrosis in patients with cirrhosis because of variability in the abdominal wall thickness and variability in the components of the abdominal wall (fat versus muscle). Endoscopic ultrasound through the gastric wall is always at a constant distance, approximately 3 mm, away from the liver when the transducer is just below the gastroesophageal junction, thereby eliminating this variability. Purpose To differentiate between cirrhotic and noncirrhotic liver using endoluminal ultrasound. Methods Eleven patients without known liver disease and eight patients with cirrhosis underwent endoscopic ultrasound using an Olympus linear ultrasound scope. The gain, contrast, frequency, and acoustic power were kept constant on the Aloka ultrasound processor. Videotaped images of the liver were recorded and then digitized on Image-Pro Plus software. The brightness of the image was adjusted to a standard brightness for each image and an area of interest was chosen using Photoshop 7.0. Vessels and artifacts were eliminated digitally and a histogram was produced using Photoshop to quantitate the pixel density for the area of interest from 0 (black) to 255 (white). Approximately 250,000 pixels were evaluated for each subject. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) pixel density of the noncirrhotic subjects was evaluated against the cirrhotic patients using a Student unpaired t-test. Results The mean echogenecity in patients with cirrhosis was 116.85 and the mean echogenecity in patients without cirrhosis was 92.75 (P < 0.002). The mean standard deviation of the pixel density in patients with cirrhosis was 19.08 and the mean standard deviation of the pixel density in patients without cirrhosis was 13.25 (P < 0.0004). Using these criteria the subjects with cirrhosis were segregated from the noncirrhotic subjects (normal subjects and the subjects with steatosis) with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Conclusion A new method of evaluating the liver parenchyma (acoustic liver biopsy) that takes advantage of the proximity of the endoscopic ultrasound transducer to the liver and uses commercial image analysis technology that is inexpensive and widely available was developed. This is a preliminary study of this new technology, which demonstrates that endoscopic ultrasound, can be standardized in order to image, analyze, and compare the mean echogenecity and mean standard deviation of the pixel density in the liver in order to distinguish cirrhotic patients from patients without cirrhosis.
Effective compression and noise reduction configurations for hearing protectors

The author proposed to adopt wide dynamic range compression and adaptive multichannel modulation-based noise reduction algorithms to enhance hearing protector performance. Three experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of compression and noise reduction configurations on the amount of noise reduction, speech intelligibility, and overall preferences using existing digital hearing aids. In Experiment 1, sentence materials were recorded in speech spectrum noise and white noise after being processed by eight digital hearing aids. When the hearing aids were set to 3:1 compression, the amount of noise reduction achieved was enhanced or maintained for hearing aids with parallel configurations, but reduced for hearing aids with serial configurations. In Experiments 2 and 3, 16 normal-hearing listeners’ speech intelligibility and perceived sound quality were tested when they listened to speech recorded through hearing aids with parallel and serial configurations. Regardless of the configuration, the noise reduction algorithms reduced the noise level and maintained speech intelligibility in white noise. Additionally, the listeners preferred the parallel rather than the serial configuration in 3:1 conditions and the serial configuration in 1:1 rather than 3:1 compression when the noise reduction algorithms were activated. Implications for hearing protector and hearing aid design are discussed.
Response of double wall composite shells

This paper presents an analytical study of double wall laminate cylindrical shell response to random loads. A soft viscoelastic core with dilatational modes included is used. The theory of laminate shells is simplified by assumptions similar to those in the Donnell-Mushtari development for isotropic shells. Modal solutions of simply supported shells are obtained. Modal frequencies and deflection response spectral densities are determined. It is found that this approach allows for easy parametric evaluation and that by proper selection of dynamic parameters, viscoelastic core characteristics and fiber reinforcement orientation, vibration response can be reduced.
Trait-mediated functional responses: predator behavioural type mediates prey consumption

The predator functional response (i.e. per capita consumption rate as a function of prey density) is central to our understanding of predator-prey population dynamics. This response is behavioural, depending on the rate of attack and time it takes to handle prey. Consistent behavioural differences among conspecific individuals, termed behavioural types, are a widespread feature of predator and prey populations but the effects of behavioural types on the functional response remain unexplored. We tested the effects of crab (Panopeus herbstii) behavioural type, specifically individual activity level, on the crab functional response to mussel (Brachidontes exustus) prey. We further tested whether the effects of activity level on the response are mediated by the presence of toadfish (Opsanus tau) predation threat in the form of waterborne chemical cues known to reduce crab activity level. The effects of crab activity level on the functional response were dependent on crab body size. Individual activity level increased the magnitude (i.e. slope and asymptote) of the type II functional response of small crabs, potentially through an increase in time spent foraging, but had no effect on the functional response of large crabs. Predation threat did not interact with activity level to influence mussel consumption, but independently reduced the slope of the type II functional response. Overall, this study demonstrates size-specific effects of a behavioural type on a predator-prey interaction, as well as a general pathway (modification of the functional response) by which the effects of individual behavioural types can scale up to influence predator-prey population dynamics.
Effects of the CRH receptor antagonist CP-154,526 on intravenous cocaine self-administration in rats.

The role for corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) receptors in the maintenance of intravenous cocaine self-administration in rats was investigated using the centrally active, small molecule CRH1 receptor antagonist CP-154,526. In these experiments, adult male Wistar rats were allowed alternating 15-min periods of access to food reinforcement and cocaine self-administration (0.125, 0.25 or 0.5 mg/kg/infusion) during daily 2-h sessions. A 1-min timeout separated access to the two reinforcers. Pretreatment with CP-154,526 produced dose-related decreases in cocaine self-administration without affecting food-reinforced responding, suggesting a specific effect of the antagonist on cocaine-maintained behavior. Drug intake was decreased across several doses of cocaine, with the dose-response curve for cocaine self-administration shifted downward and flattened, suggesting that CP-154,526 decreased cocaine reinforcement. Furthermore, responding on the cocaine lever following CP-154,526 pretreatment was significantly suppressed, even during the first 15 min of the session, a time when rats typically sample the cocaine lever during extinction, suggesting that CRH receptors may also be involved in some of the conditioned effects of cocaine as well. These data are discussed in terms of the role for CRH in the neurobehavioral effects of cocaine.
Aggregation and assembly of crescent foldamers

Recent studies have started to provide initial insights into the aggregation and assembly of two classes of back-rigidified foldamers with flat, curved backbones consisting of aromatic residues. With their persistent shape that presents large, well-defined aromatic surface areas, these crescent foldamers were found to undergo size-dependent aggregation in solution and pack into 1D assemblies in the solid state. Crescent aromatic oligoamides undergo stacking interactions not only in polar solvents but also in nonpolar ones, a unique property that is not associated with many other molecules that associate via π-π stacking interaction. The stacking of oligo(m-phenylene ethynylenes) is similar to aromatic hydrocarbons, being promoted in polar solvents such as methanol while being discouraged in nonpolar solvents such as halohydrocarbons. The ready synthetic availability of crescent foldamers makes it possible to directly control the intermolecular interaction by tuning surface areas. Besides, the columnar assembly of these cavity-containing molecules provides a new strategy for constructing supramolecular nanotubular structures.
Design of high-activity mutants of human butyrylcholinesterase against (-)-cocaine: structural and energetic factors affecting the catalytic efficiency.

The present study was aimed to explore the correlation between the protein structure and catalytic efficiency of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) mutants against (−)-cocaine by modeling the rate-determining transition state (TS1), i.e., the transition state for the first step of chemical reaction process, of (−)-cocaine hydrolysis catalyzed by various mutants of human BChE in comparison with the wild type. Molecular modeling of the TS1 structures revealed that mutations on certain nonactive site residues can indirectly affect the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme against (−)-cocaine through enhancing or weakening the overall hydrogen bonding between the carbonyl oxygen of (−)-cocaine benzoyl ester and the oxyanion hole of the enzyme. Computational insights and predictions were supported by the catalytic activity data obtained from wet experimental tests on the mutants of human BChE, including five new mutants reported for the first time. The BChE mutants with at least ∼1000-fold improved catalytic efficiency...
Managing climate risks in California: the need to engage resource managers for successful adaptation to change

In this paper we propose a framework for evaluating how prepared California resource managers are for risks of continued climate change. The framework presented suggests three critical dimensions of preparedness - awareness of climate-related risks, analytic capacity to translate such climate risks information into specific planning and management activities, and the extent of actions taken to address the risks. We illustrate the application of this framework in this paper through preliminary research of California coastal managers where we identify limited awareness of climate-change related risks, limited analytic capacity, and significant constraints on the abilities of institutions and individuals to take adaptation actions. Our analysis suggests that for California to realize its significant adaptive capacity and be able to manage the unavoidable impacts of climate change, resource managers need to be engaged more effectively in future discussions of managing climate risks in the state.
Playful and mindful interactions in the recursive adaptations of the zone of proximal development: a critical complexity science approach

We discuss Konstantinos Alexakos, Jayson Jones and Victor Rodriguez’s hermeneutic study of formation and function of kinship-like relationships among inner city male students of color in a college physics classroom. From our Critical Complexity Science framework we first discuss the reading erlebnisse of students laughing at and with each other as something that immediately captured our attention in being transformative of the classroom. We continue by exploring their classroom and research experience as an emergent structure modifying their collective as well as their individual experiences. As we analyze both the classroom and the research space as a complex system, we reflect on the instructor/students interactions characterized by an asymmetrical “power” relationship. From our analysis we propose to consider the zone of proximal development as the constantly emerging and transforming person experience (erlebnisse and erfahrung).
The Impact of Urbanization and Geographical Dispersion on the Linguistic Russification of Soviet Nationalities

This paper tests a set of hypotheses about the impact of urbanization and geographical mobility on the linguistic Russification of 46 Soviet nationalities. The hypotheses are based on theoretical literature regarding the differing career aspirations of urban and rural residents, Soviet policies of providing native-language cultural facilities to non-Russian groups, and the probable levels of contact between non-Russians and Russians in specific residential settings. The data are aggregate data on place of residence, nationality, and native language derived from the 1959 Soviet Census. It is shown that (a) both urbanization and geographical dispersion have substantial Russificatory effects, (b) geographical dispersion (residence outside the official national area of the group) alone has a stronger impact on Russification than does urban residence, and (c) residence inside the official national territory partially suppresses what might otherwise be an even stronger Russificatory effect of urbanization, so that (d) urban residence and residence outside the official national area interact to produce a higher level of Russification than one might predict on the basis of the simple additive effects of urban and outside residence. It is also shown that males are more highly Russified than females in all of the residential settings examined but that these differences are quite small, especially for urbanites and residents outside the official national area.
Clinical responses to atomoxetine in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: the Integrated Data Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) study.

Abstract Objectives Clinical experience suggests that some (but not all) patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are highly responsive to the nonstimulant atomoxetine. We conducted a retrospective analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to identify potential baseline (moderator) and on-treatment (mediator) predictors of responses. Method Data from 6 U.S. RCTs among patients aged 6 to 18 years were pooled ( N = 1,069; subjects treated with atomoxetine, n = 618). Subjects were categorized as much improved (≥40% decrease in ADHD Rating Scale-IV-Parent Version: Investigator Administered and Scored total score), minimally improved (25%- Results Forty-seven percent of patients showed a much improved clinical response, and 40% did not respond. Only 13% of the patients had a minimal response. No baseline characteristics predicted achieving a much improved clinical response; the only predictor of achieving this response was being at least minimally improved by treatment week 4 (sensitivity = 81%, specificity=72%, positive predictive value=75%, and negative predictive value=79%). Conclusions Clinical response to atomoxetine was bimodal, with most subjects being either responders who were much improved or nonresponders. There were no demographic or clinical predictors of response. However, subjects who ultimately achieved a much improved response were likely to be at least minimal responders by week 4. The recommendation to consider either augmenting or switching treatment in patients who do not achieve at least this level of response to atomoxetine by 4 weeks offers a method for limiting the extended duration of titration to subjects who are most likely to benefit further, while minimizing the duration of exposure in those less likely to achieve an excellent response.
Ketamine for palliative sedation in the Emergency Department

Abstract Background Palliative sedation to treat severely distressing symptoms in those with a poor prognosis is well-accepted. Objective We discuss palliative sedation in the Emergency Department and the use of ketamine. Case Report We present the case of a patient with angioedema of the tongue and severe respiratory distress. The patient's nursing home was unable to control her symptoms and she was transferred to the Emergency Department. The patient received fentanyl 50 μg i.v. and ketamine 50 mg i.v. every 5 min until adequate palliative sedation was achieved. Conclusion Ketamine can be considered for Emergency Department palliative sedation in selected patients. Identifying and caring for unmet palliative care needs is an important skill for Emergency Medicine.
Picture processing techniques applied to autoradiographic studies of visual cortex.

Abstract Picture processing techniques are applied to 2-deoxyglucose autoradiographs of sections from striate cortex and to patterns resulting from staining these sections for cytochrome oxidase. This procedure allows computer identification of deoxyglucose active and inactive regions in the autoradiographs and cytochrome active and inactive regions in the stain patterns. Subsequently, the topographical relationship between these patterns can be quantitatively analyzed by means of overlap and density distribution measures and can be displayed using color enhanced graphics. The processing techniques have been applied in studies of the functional organization of visual cortex in primates. Computer graphic techniques have allowed implementation of split-field presentations of stimuli in deoxyglucose experiments. An application of this split-field technique for presenting multiple-stimuli to distinct parts of the visual field is described and an autoradiograph from a split-field experiment is shown.
Defect-Oriented Test for Ultra-Low DPM

Business demand for ultra-low defects-permillion (DPM) levels and the emergence of subtle defects that often manifest as functional errors only in the presence of certain specific environmental conditions such as crosstalk, have led to a critical need for intelligent, adaptive, and targeted defectoriented test. The classical model of test, in which integrated circuits (ICs) are subjected to a blanket suite of stuck-fault, transition and Iddq test patterns generated without consideration to layout and chip-to-chip differences are now insufficient to bring DPM levels for cutting-edge ICs down to the requisite 10-100 range demanded by qualityconscious customers.
Effects of stimulus intensity on the habituation of flexor withdrawal activity mediated by the functionally transected human spinal cord

Ten patients with a chronic, transverse lesion of the cervical spinal cord were submitted to two daily sessions involving a relatively high- or low-intensity habituating stimulus applied unilaterally to a midplantar site at the rate of 1/sec. Test stimuli of relatively high, intermediate, and low intensity were applied before and after habituation training. Response measures were based upon the integrated electromyographic activity of the tibialis anterior muscle. Analyses of both absolute and relative responses measures obtained during and at the termination of habituation training indicated that the degree of habituation was inversely related to the intensity of stimulation. The incremental growth in responsiveness observed during the first few repetitions of the habituating stimuli was greater for strong stimulation than for weak. Analyses of responses to test stimuli applied before and after habituating training suggested that the effects of the strong habituating stimulus generalized more to a posthabituation test stimulus of intermediate intensity than did the effects of the weak habituating stimulus.
Application of three-component VSP technology at seismically difficult sites: An example from the FutureGen 2.0 site, Morgan County, Illinois, USA

Abstract Reflection seismic data provide the primary technology for imaging subsurface geology between and distal to wellbores; and where rock physics properties are suitable, surface seismic and vertical seismic profiles (VSP's) can provide important CCUS monitoring modalities. In addition, seismic data provide the subsurface framework for locating microseismic events and reducing risk of induced seismicity. Seismic surveys have traditionally been limited to acquisition and processing of compressional (P) -wave data, but modern technology includes the use of three-component receivers that can additionally record shear (S) wave modes that have been generated at the surface or converted from P-waves in the subsurface. Each collected waveform can potentially produce a separate data volume and new information on the subsurface. This paper reviews the insights gained through application of multicomponent VSP technology at the FutureGen2.0 site where, typical of many proposed CCUS and CCS sites, traditional P- wave surface seismic imaging is considerably impacted by seismic noise. We conclude that a comparison of shear and P-wave data and interferometric processing allows a better understanding of subsurface geology, and provides input parameters for improved acquisition of surface seismic data at CCUS sites in old, fast rocks or below depleted oil and gas fields. Although results will vary by locality, we suggest that because of the insights provided by an analysis of multicomponent data, multicomponent acquisition and processing should become part of standard best practices for site characterization and evaluation.
Effect of 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol and other lipids on phosphatidylcholine synthesis and cholinephosphate cytidylyltransferase activity in cultured type II pneumocytes.

Abstract We previously reported that addition of phosphatidylglycerol to the culture medium stimulates phosphat-idylcholine synthesis and cholinephosphate cytidylyltransferase activity in type II pneumocytes. In view of the known biological effects of diacylglycerols and since phosphatidylglycerol could be metabolized to diacylglycerol, we now examined the effects of diacylglycerols on the same parameters. The rate of choline incorporation into phosphatidylcholine was increased 30–60% by 10 μM phosphatidylglycerol, diolein, mixed diacylglycerols and 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG). The effects of phosphatidylglycerol and OAG were not additive, suggesting a similar mechanism of action. The diacylglycerols and phosphatidylglycerol increased the activity of cholinephosphate cytidylyltransferase in type II cell sonicates by 35–50%, but had no effect on the activities of choline kinase, cholinephosphotransferase or 1-acylglycerophosphocholine acyltransferase. Again, the effects of OAG and phosphatidylglycerol on cytidylyltransferase were not additive. It is known that addition of lipids to the assay mixture increases the activity of cholinephosphate cytidylyltransferase in vitro and inclusion of the above lipids (1.1 mM) in the in vitro assay mixture increased cytidylyltransferase activity in type II cell sonicates. In addition, the stimulatory effects of OAG and of diolein, as well as of phosphatidylglycerol as reported previously, in the culture medium on cytidylyltransferase activity in type II cells were diminished or abolished when the assay was carried out in the presence of sufficient amounts of the same lipids to stimulate maximally the activity in vitro. These data show that lipids in the culture medium stimulate phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis in type II cells by direct activation of cholinephosphate cytidylylransf erase.
Materials Data for Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis

The materials science and engineering world has been focusing much attention in recent months on issues related to materials data, and the innovations and advancements needed to speed up the development of new materials and processing methods. In June 2011, the Materials Genome Initiative (MGI) was announced by the National Science and Technology Council of the Executive Office of the President. The MGI is a ‘‘new, multi-stakeholder effort to develop an infrastructure to accelerate advanced materials discovery and deployment in the United States.’’ The ultimate goal of MGI is to fast-track the development and deployment of materials for critical medical, transportation, and national security applications. Similar programs have been announced in the European Union, and it is fair to say that research and development groups across the globe are looking for ways to speed up materials innovations. In May 2012, the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) held a workshop in Washington, DC, ‘‘Building the Materials Innovation Infrastructure: Data and Standards.’’ Participants represented a broad cross section of materials research and development organizations, with experience in materials at various length scales (from nano to macro) and application areas. Some of the most pressing issues identified by participants were related to
Neutral changes during divergent evolution of hemoglobins

A comparison of the mRNAs for rabbit and humanβ-hemoglobins shows that synonymous changes in codons have accumulated three times as rapidly as nucleotide replacements that produced changes in amino acids. This agrees with predictions based on the so-called ‘neutral theory’. In addition, seven codon changes that appear to be single-base changes (according to ‘maximum parsimony’) are actually two-base changes. This indicates that the construction of “primordial sequences” is of limited significance when based on inferences that assume minimum base changes for amino acid replacements.
A Programmatic View of Portfolios for Urban Teacher Preparation

This exploratory study represents an analysis of 15 exit portfolios of students enrolled in a program to prepare teachers for urban schools. Portfolios were analyzed holistically across entries to determine the degree to which students integrated multiple concepts related to teaching in urban schools, including: asset/deficit perspectives, connections with families, social justice, high expectations for student learning, and contextualized teaching and learning. The portfolios fell into three groups along a continuum from limited practice to inconsistent practice to principled practice. The data are interpreted in relationship to faculty development and scaffolding preservice students as aspiring teachers for urban schools.
A prototype expert system in OPS5 for data error detection

A prototype expert system was developed in the OPS5 language to perform error checking on data which spacecraft builders/users supply to NASA GSFC for processing on the Communications Link Analysis and Simulation System (CLASS) computer. This prototype expert system, called Trajectory Preprocessing System (TRAPS), contains 49 rules and at present runs on an IBM PC in the OPS5+ software package from Artelligence, Inc. In its operational phase, TRAPS will run in the Oak Ridge Production Language (ORPL) on the CLASS computer (a Perkin-Elmer 3244 supermini). ORPL, an implementation of OPS5 by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in MULTOFORTH on a Hewlett-Packard 9836 desktop computer, is now being ported to SS-FORTH on the CLASS computer. This paper discusses the expert system problem domain, development approach, tools, results and future plans stemming from the TRAPS project.
The effect of phospholipase Dα3 in Arabidopsis response to hyperosmotic stress and glucose

Membranes are the primary sites of perception for extracellular stimuli and are rich sources for signaling messengers. Phospholipase D (PLD) hydrolyzes membrane lipids to produce the messenger phosphatidic acid (PA), and the activation of PLD occurs under different hyperosmotic stresses, including dehydration and salt stress. We have recently found that PLDI±3 that plays a positive role in hyperosmotic stress. PLDI±3 hydrolyzes multiple substrates with distinguishable preferences. The involvement of PLDI±3 in hyperosmotic stress is through a different mechanism from that PLDI±1, which mediates the effect of abscisic acid on stomatal movements. PLDI±3 enhances root growth and accelerates flowering time under hyperosmotic stress. Alterations of PLDI±3 affect the level of PA, transcripts of TOR and AGC2.1, ABA-responsive genes, and phosphorylated S6K protein under hyperosmotic stress. Our further observation shows that PLDI±3 is also involved in glucose response. PLDI±3-KO seeds and seedlings are less sensit...
Automated layout recognition

To develop document image layout classifiers, each document image is represented by a set of labeled polygons corresponding to the pair-wise relationships between objects on the page. "Wanted" and "Unwanted" training sets are used to generate a polygon weight based on frequency of occurrence in both sets (term frequency). Unknown documents are scored by comparing polygons to those occurring in the wanted set. A score, weighted by the term frequency for the matching polygons, is computed. Experiments are performed against the NIST Structured Forms Database based on single and multiple layout collections using a variety of training samples.
The generation effect with pictures and nonsense figures

Abstract A series of four experiments demonstrate a generation effect with pictorial materials. Drawing the to-be-remembered pictures of objects or scenes from descriptions during study leads to better recall than either copying down already drawn versions of the same pictures or simply looking at them. Thus, the effect is generalized to the nonverbal domain. In addition, experiments 3 and 4 demonstrate the effect with nonsense figures. Such a result appears to be inconsistent with the widely advocated view that activation of preexisting semantic representations of the items is a necessary condition for the generation effect.
Bicycle Journey-to-Work: Travel Behavior Characteristics and Spatial Attributes

The relationship between the demographic attributes and spatial clustering of individuals making a weekday bicycle journey-to-work commute and their commuting travel time is explored. The study uses data from a 1993 bicycle-intercept survey distributed in Seattle, Washington, in which individual bicycle-travel behavior characteristics were collected. The data include socioeconomic information, such as age, gender and income. The results indicate that these three factors may play unexpected roles in the length of bicycle commuting travel times for the journey-to-work trips. This study also suggests that separated bicycle paths play an integral part in the overall bicycle transportation network. Statistical analysis also indicated that cyclists traveling primarily on separated paths tend to make significantly longer trips.
Ion-induced radiation-enhanced diffusion of silver in nickel☆

Abstract Radiation-enhanced diffusion (RED) was observed during the Auger electron spectroscopy sputter depth profiling of multilayered Ag/Ni thin films. Broadening of the thin (4 nm) silver layers occurred during sputter profiling and resulted in silver Auger intensity profiles for each of these five layers which were asymmetric, exhibiting a steep leading edge followed by a more slowly decreasing tail. These findings can be interpreted in terms of interface broadening due to two main factors: (1) surface roughening—symmetric broadening; (2) RED of silver—asymmetric broadening. With this model, it has been possible to separate these factors and to determine the rate of RED.
Copper Deficiency and Elastin Metabolism in Avian Lung

AbstractCopper deficiency in the chick causes anatomical changes in lung that are characterized by an apparent thinning of the air-blood capillary network of tertiary bronchi. Although the net content of the elastin in lung was not changed significantly by nutritional copper deficiency, it was possible to demonstrate an increase in the lysine content and a decrease in the desmosine content of lung elastin from copper-deficient chicks compared to that from controls. Further, the content of soluble elastin was also increased two- to fourfold in lung from copper-deficient chicks. Subsequently, nutritional copper deficiency was used to facilitate the isolation of chick lung tropoelastin. This lung protein appeared to be similar in selected properties to tropoelastin isolated from aorta of copper-deficient chicks. In addition, data are presented that indicate elastin in avian lung is possibly subject to only limited turnover.
Invariant chain+ N2a neuroblastoma cells stably expressing the class II MHC transactivator CIITA fail to stimulate anti-tumor immunity

A promising cancer treatment strategy involves stimulation of anti-tumor immune responses. CD4(+) T cell responses are particularly desirable, as they enhance CD8(+) T cell activity and provide immune memory. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II transactivator CIITA can be used to stimulate expression of MHC II on tumor cells, thereby promoting CD4(+) T cell activation. In this study, N2a neuroblastoma cells were stably transfected with CIITA. N2aCIITA cells displayed increased expression of MHC I, MHC II and invariant chain; CD80 and CD86 were expressed by neither the parental N2a cells nor by the N2aCIITA cells. All mice injected with N2aCIITA cells developed tumors. Furthermore, no increase in the numbers of T cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, or eosinophils was observed in the spleens or tumors of mice injected with N2aCIITA cells, compared to tissues from mice injected with the parental N2a cells. This absence of an anti-tumor immune response despite MHC II expression is likely due to the presence of invariant chain, in support of the MHCII(+)/Ii(-) paradigm.
Safety and efficacy of thrombectomy in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for Acute ST elevation MI: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Clinical trials comparing thrombectomy devices with conventional percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have produced conflicting results. The objective of our study was to systematically evaluate currently available data comparing thrombectomy followed by PCI with conventional PCI alone in patients with acute STEMI. Methods: Seventeen randomized trials (n = 3,909 patients) of thrombectomy versus PCI were included in this meta-analysis. We calculated the summary odds ratios for mortality, stroke, post procedural myocardial blush grade (MBG), thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grade flow, and post procedural ST segment resolution (STR) using random-effects and fixed-effects models. Results: There was no difference in risk of 30-day mortality (44/1914 vs. 50/1907, OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.54-1.29, P = 0.42) among patients randomized to thrombectomy, compared with conventional PCI. Thrombectomy was associated with a significantly greater likelihood of TIMI 3 flow (1616/1826 vs. 1533/1806, OR 1.41, P = 0.007), MBG 3 (730/1526 vs. 486/1513, OR 2.42, P < 0.001), STR (923/1500 vs. 715/1494, OR 2.30, P < 0.001), and with a higher risk of stroke (14/1403 vs. 3/1413, OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.06-7.85, P = 0.04). Outcomes differed significantly between different device classes with a trend towards lower mortality with manual aspiration thrombectomy (MAT) (21/949 vs.36/953, OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.35-1.01, P = 0.05), whereas mechanical devices showed a trend towards higher mortality (20/416 vs.10/418, OR 2.07, 95% CI 0.95-4.48, P = 0.07). Conclusions: Thrombectomy devices appear to improve markers of myocardial perfusion in patients undergoing primary PCI, with no difference in overall 30-day mortality but an increased likelihood of stroke. The clinical benefits of thrombectomy appear to be influenced by the device type with a trend towards survival benefit with MAT and worsening outcome with mechanical devices.
Forgiveness and Alcohol Problems: A Review of the Literature and a Call for Intervention-Based Research

Despite empirical associations with many health-related outcomes and its fundamental place in Alcoholics Anonymous, the scientific study of forgiveness in addiction and recovery has only recently begun. Evidence derives from naturalistic studies and, when used, a short follow-up interval. It is time to expand the empirical study of the salutary forgiveness–alcohol association to include intervention-based research with sufficient follow-up intervals. Understanding the basic and nuanced effect of forgiveness among people with alcohol and other drug problems, though not a panacea, will inform the development of more refined and efficient treatment strategies for individuals struggling with alcoholism and addiction.
CLINICAL REVIEW 2: Diagnostic Approach and Management of Patients Exposed to Irradiation to the Thyroid

Exposure of the human thyroid to external irradiation is directly related to subsequent development of thyroid nodules and cancer. There is probably no threshold dose; even 7 rads increases the incidence of cancers. The relationship is linear through a thousand rads, and may fall off at higher levels. About five cancers will develop per year in a million individuals exposed to 1 rad of radiation. With significant doses (200–500 rads), nodularity develops at the rate of 2%/yr and carcinoma at the rate of up to 0.5%/yr. With doses of 200–500 rads, the overall incidence of malignancy is approximately 5% by 20 yr after exposure. Benign nodules develop in the thyroid at a much higher rate, but the exact incidence is less well documented. Malignancies begin to appear within 3–5 yr after radiation exposure, and reach peak incidence between 15–25 yr after exposure.
A comparative study of allergic and primary irritant contact dermatitis with dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in dogs.

Attempts were made to induce allergic contact dermatitis in dogs, a species generally considered poorly responsive to experimental allergic contact dermatitis. Young Beagles were sensitized to 2,4 dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) by multiple intradermal injections. Two weeks after sensitization, these dogs were challenged topically with 0.1% DNCB by a standard closed-patch technique. Sensitization evidenced by various degrees of reaction following challenge was established in all of 14 pups used, while 7 nonsensitized control pups did not react to challenge. Primary irritant contact dermatitis was induced in the skin of nonsensitized Beagle pups by 1%, 5%, and 10% solutions of DNCB. In allergic contact dermatitis the sites of challenge were grossly indurated, erythematous, and edematous. Histologically at these sites there was an infiltration of mononuclear cells which reached maximum intensity at 3 to 4 days. Accumulations of lymphoid cells were marked around sweat glands and hair follicles. Penetration of leukocytes into these cutaneous adnexa was associated with degenerative processes in their cellular structures. Mononuclear cell infiltration into the epidermis was mild. Spongiosis was observed in the epidermis, but vesicle formation was rare. In primary irritant contact dermatitis gross lesions were characterized by severe erythema, edema, and gangrene of the skin. Microscopically, the main lesions were necrosis of the epidermal cells, separation of the epidermis from the dermis, dermal edema, and massive infiltration of the dermis with polymorphonuclear cells.
A numerical procedure for finding the positive definite matrix closest to a patterned matrix

Abstract Patterned covariance matrices arise naturally from models in the physical, biological, psychological and social sciences. When the underlying data arises from a multivariate normal distribution, maximum likelihood estimates of the population covariance matrix can be obtained numerically, via an iterative procedure, or in some special cases, as closed form expressions. Without the assumption of normality we address the problem of obtaining an estimator that has the appropriate pattern and is close to the sample covariance matrix.
Genetic mapping of bovine mitochondrial DNA from a single animal

Abstract Using a physical map of bovine mitochondrial DNA derived from the liver of a single Holstein cow, we have determined the location of the genes specifying the large and small riibosomal RNAs by hybridization analysis and electron microscopic observations of R-loop forms. Also, the position of the origin of DNA replication (D-loop) has been located by electron microscopy. Additionally, the direction of D-loop expansion and the polarity of the large and small ribosomal RNA genes were determined.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, PrP Trafficking, and Neurodegeneration

In this issue of Developmental Cell , Rane et al. report a cellular pathway to link PrP Sc , via ER stress and the activation of a preemptive quality control process, to neurodegeneration in a PrP-dependent manner. This pathway puts together several pieces in the puzzle of the relationship between PrP Sc and brain damage and may in part explain the mechanism of prion neurodegeneration.
Arterial Spin Labeling for Acute Stroke: Practical Considerations

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a non-contrast method of measuring cerebral perfusion with MRI. It has several advantages over traditional contrast-based perfusion-weighted imaging, including non-invasiveness, more straightforward cerebral blood flow (CBF) quantification, and repeatability. However, because of its lower signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) per unit time and its high sensitivity to arterial transit delays, it has not been used frequently in acute stroke, where arterial delays and time-efficiency are of the essence. This is beginning to change, driven by higher SNR implementations of ASL and the increasing use of 3T scanners. Furthermore, velocity-selective ASL sequences that are largely insensitive to arrival times are beginning to be applied to patients with cerebrovascular disease and promise the ability to quantify CBF even in regions supplied by late-arriving collateral flow. Despite these advances, many practical issues must be addressed to optimize ASL for its use in acute stroke studies. These include optimizing the trade-off between time, SNR, imaging resolution, and sensitivity to slow flow. Rapid and robust post-processing of image data must be made routine, such that CBF maps are available in real time so that they can be considered when making treatment decisions. Lastly, automated software needs to be developed in order to delineate hypoperfused tissue volumes, which is challenging due to the inherent differences between gray and white matter CBF. Attention to these details is critical to translate this promising research tool into mainstream clinical trials and practice in acute stroke.
Energy dissipation of a vibrating Timoshenko beam considering support and material damping

Abstract This paper studies the effect of boundary conditions, via end-fixity and damping, on the overall damping capacity of a flexibly supported cantilever under the condition of steady-state vibrations. The effect of the beam's length to depth ratio is accounted for through the use of Timoshenko beam theory. The cases of a cantilever having a flexible viscously damped support and a cantilever-support system having a combination of structural support damping and beam material damping are focused upon. Comparisons are made with the results of other investigators.
Olanzapine in the treatment of anxiety symptoms due to Alzheimer's disease: a post hoc analysis.

Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with both cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Agitation, hallucinations, delusions, aggression, irritability, and anxiety are observed in up to 90% of patients with dementia. Although new information has emerged in recent years on the treatment of psychosis and agitation in dementia, very little information is available about the treatment of anxiety symptoms in this population. Objectives To assess the efficacy and tolerability of olanzapine in the treatment of significant anxiety symptoms in patients with AD. Methods A post hoc analysis of a previously published study was performed. Those post hoc analysis evaluated the response to treatment with olanzapine of a subgroup of AD patients presenting with significant symptoms of anxiety. Patients were considered to have significant symptoms of anxiety if their baseline in the Nursing home version of the Neuropsychiatric Instrument NPI/NH anxiety scores were ≥ 2. The analysis included 120 patients. Results Patients receiving olanzapine 5 mg/d were statistically significantly improved on the NPI/NH Anxiety item compared to those receiving placebo (olanzapine, 5 mg/d: −3.72; placebo: −1.67; p = 0.034). In the group of patients with clinically significant anxiety, somnolence was the only treatment-emergent event that was statistically different in any olanzapine treatment group compared with placebo (olanzapine 5 mg/d: 9 patients [25%], p = 0.034; 10 mg/d: 7 [23%], p = 0.054; 15 mg/d: 7 [26%], p = 0.050; placebo: 1 [3.7%]). When controlling for treatment-emergent somnolence, the improvement in anxiety in the olanzapine 5 mg/d group remained statistically significant (p = 0.049). Conclusions These findings suggest that olanzapine could be a safe and effective treatment for anxiety in Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study of passive films on valve metals

Abstract Most metals that form passive films suffer pitting corrosion at film breakdown. There is a possibility of anion entry into the passive films. Various methods are employed for the study of passive films and breakdowns causing pitting corrosion; techniques such as scanning Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectroscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy-energy-dispersive analysis of X-rays should play an increasing role in the future.
Nanoindentation properties of compression-moulded ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

This paper investigates the elastic modulus and hardness of untreated and treated compression-moulded ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) tibial inserts of a total knee replacement (TKR) prosthesis. Investigations were carried out at a nanoscale using a Nanoindenter at penetration depths of 100,250 and 500 nm. The nanomechanical properties of surface and subsurface layers of the compression-moulded tibial inserts were studied using the untreated UHMWPE. The nanomechanical properties of intermediate and core layers of the compression-moulded tibial insert were studied using the cryoultrasectioned and etched UHMWPE treated samples. The cryoultrasectioning temperature (-150 degrees C) of the samples was below the glass transition temperature, Tg (-122 +/- 2 degrees C ), of UHMWPE. The measurement of the mechanical response of crystalline regions within the nanostructure of UHMWPE was accomplished by removing the amorphous regions using a time-varying permanganic-etching technique. The percentage crystallinity of UHMWPE was measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the Tg of UHMWPE was determined by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to assess the effect of surface preparation on the samples average surface roughness, Ra. In this study, it was demonstrated that the untreated UHMWPE samples had a significantly lower (p 0.05) in elastic modulus and hardness between the cryoultrasectioned and etched samples was observed. These results suggest that the surface nanomechanical response of an UHMWPE insert in a total joint replacement (TJR) prosthesis is significantly lower compared with the bulk of the material. Additionally, it was concluded that the nanomechanical response of material with higher percentage crystallinity (67 per cent) was predominantly determined by the crystalline regions within the semi-crystalline UHMWPE nanostructure.