cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Is ventilation necessary

BACKGROUNDPrompt initiation of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) improves survival. Basic life support with mouth-to-mouth ventilation and chest compressions is intimidating, difficult to remember, and difficult to perform. Chest compressions alone can be easily taught, easily remembered, easily performed, adequately taught by dispatcher-delivered telephone instruction, and more readily accepted by the public. The principal objective of this study was to evaluate the need for ventilation during CPR in a clinically relevant swine model of prehospital witnessed cardiac arrest.METHODS AND RESULTSThirty seconds after ventricular fibrillation, swine were randomly assigned to 12 minutes of chest compressions plus mechanical ventilation (group A), chest compressions only (group B), or no CPR (group C). Standard advanced cardiac life support was then provided. Animals successfully resuscitated were supported for 2 hours in an intensive care setting, and then observed for 24 hours. All 16 swine in grou...
Addressing the Tertiary Structure of Human Parathyroid Hormone-(1–34)

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates mineral metabolism and bone turnover by activating specific receptors located on osteoblastic and renal tubular cells and is fully functional as the N-terminal 1-34 fragment, PTH-(1-34). Previously, a "U-shaped" conformation with N- and C-terminal helices brought in close proximity by a turn has been postulated. The general acceptance of this hypothesis, despite limited experimental evidence, has altered the direction of the design of PTH-analogs. Examining the structure of human PTH-(1-34) under conditions that encompass the different environments the hormone may experience in the approach to and interaction with the G-protein-coupled receptor (including benign aqueous and saline solutions and in the presence of dodecylphosphocholine), we observe no evidence for a U-shape conformation or any tertiary structure. Instead, the N- and C-terminal helical domains, which vary in length and stability depending on the conditions, are separated by a highly flexible region of undefined conformation. These observations are in complete accord with recent conformational studies of PTH-related protein analogs containing lactams (Mierke, D. F., Maretto, S., Schievano, E. , DeLuca, D., Bisello, A., Mammi, S., Rosenblatt, M., Peggion, E., and Chorev, M. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 10372-10383) or a model amphiphilic alpha-helix (Pellegrini, M., Bisello, A., Rosenblatt, M., Chorev, M., and Mierke, D. F. (1997) J. Med. Chem. 40, 3025-3031). Reliable structural data from different environmental conditions are absolutely requisite for the next step in the design of non-peptide PTH analogs.
Tactile information system for a telerobotic cell

This paper describes a tactile sensing and feedback system which was developed by the Kansas Augmented Telerobotics (KAT) Laboratory for its dual-arm telerobotic cell. The system includes a tactile sensing array incorporated into the slave's parallel-jawed grippers, a computer system and electronics used to scan the array and command the feedback systems, and three different methods of communicating the tactile information to the operator. The three methods of tactile feedback used were kinesthetic, cutaneous, and visual. The kinesthetic feedback mechanism provides the operator with a sense of how tightly an object is being held within the gripper. The cutaneous feedback mechanism, an array of vibrating solenoids, helps the operator perform grip verification and recognize slip. The visual display gives kinesthetic and cutaneous information through the use of a graphic display. One of the three types of feedback, kinesthetic, posed an interesting problem for which two different methods of control were investigated: simple proportional control and fuzzy logic control. Characteristics of each method are discussed.
A neural system for automatic target learning and recognition applied to bare and camouflaged SAR targets

This paper presents a neural based approach to target learning and recognition in synthetic-aperture radar imagery. Targets consist of a variety of camouflaged and uncamouflaged military vehicles taken at different radar view and depression angles in both spotlight and stripmap radar collection modes. Results from a variety of recognition experiments are reported.
Inhibition of Leaf Processes by p-Fluorophenylalanine During Induction of Flowering in the Cocklebur

The amino acid antimetabolite, DL- p -fluorophenylalanine (FPA), inhibited induction of flowering in the short-day cocklebur plant, Xanthium pensylvanicum Wall., primarily by interfering with processes occurring during the inductive dark period. At the concentrations used the inhibitor had little effect on subsequent vegetative development of the plant. The inhibition was largely reversed (internally) by L-phenylalanine, but not by D-phenylalanine nor by DL-tyrosine. The FPA strongly inhibited the absorption of labeled phenylalanine, leucine, and glycine, and inhibited the conversion of phenylalanine into protein in experiments where incorporation was separated in time from effects upon absorption. The FPA, too, was incorporated into protein, at nearly half the rate of phenylalanine. Neither D- nor L-phenylalanine significantly interfered with absorption of FPA, showing the FPA did not affect amino acid absorption by simple competition for a common carrier site. It was concluded that FPA may affect flower induction because of its interference with normal enzyme synthesis, although effects on other processes might also be involved.
Peptide purification by gel filtration in aqueous pyridine-ammonia

Abstract A method is described for the purification of peptides by gel filtration on Sephadex. The success of the method is due mainly to the use of 70% ( v v ) pyridine-30% ( v v ) 1 m aqueous ammonia, an excellent volatile solvent for peptides which does not degrade Sephadex. The method has been used to purify all of the major peptides of cowpea chlorotic mottle virus coat protein, after an initial fractionation by ion-exchange chromatography, and selected separations are used to illustrate the degree of fractionation which can be achieved.
Selective predation by Neomysis mercedis in Lake Washington1

Ahstroct Feeding experiments and examination of gut contents show that Neomysis mercedis is an effective predator on zooplankton in Lake Washington. Daphnia is consistently preferred to other prey; Diaptomus and Cyclops copepodids and nauplii are always underrepresented in mysid diets. This pattern of selectivity is consistent with the hypothesis that a large population of Neomysis formerly excluded Daphnia from the lake. Because of their strong size selectivity and high feeding rates, vertebrate predators (especially visually feeding fish) are often considered the primary threat to freshwater zooplankton. The low feeding rates of the blindly foraging invertebrate planktivores led Hall et al. (1976) to doubt that invertebrate predation alone causes the extinction of populations of zooplankton. The invertebrates, however, are usually more abundant than fish, and there is growing appreciation of their potential significance to total predation pressure (Lane 1979).
Modulation of muscarinic receptors and acetylcholinesterase activity in lymphocytes and in brain areas following repeated organophosphate exposure in rats.

Abstract Modulation of Muscarinic Receptors and Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Lymphocytes and in Brain Arcas Following Repealed Organophosphate Exposure in Rats. Fitzgerald, B. B., and Costa, L. G. (1993). Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 20, 210-216. Repeated exposures to organophosphorus (OP) insecticides has been shown to cause a decrease of cholinergic muscarinic receptors (mAChR) in brain and in peripheral tissues. These changes are believed to be involved in the development of tolerance to OP toxicity and may play a role in cognitive dysfunctions observed following repeated OP exposure. Recently, mAChRs identified in circulating lymphocytes have been shown to be modulated similarly to brain mAChRs following repealed OP exposure, suggesting that these peripheral cells may be useful as indicators of mAChR changes in the central nervous system. This study was designed to further investigate whether mAChRs on lymphocytes could serve as a biomarker for changes in brain mAChRs during prolonged OP exposure and during recovery from such exposure. Using the mAChR antagonist [ 3 H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) to label mAChRs, we found that exposure to disulfoton for 14 days (2 mg/kg/day by gavage) caused a significant decrease (25-35%) in muscarinic receptors density in the cerebral cortex, hippocampas, and striatum, as well as in circulating lymphocytes. The decline of mAChR density in lymphocytes paralleled those observed in brain, particularly in cortex and hippocampus, during exposure to disulfoton; however, while brain mAChR levels recovered slowly after termination of exposure and remained significantly reduced 4 weeks after the last treatment, [ 3 H]QNB binding in lymphocytes recovered rapidly within 1 week. Similarly, lymphocyte acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) activity was significantly inhibited and correlated well with brain AChE activity during exposure, but the recovery was rapid relative to AChE activity in brain. On the other hand, the recovery of red blood cell AChE paralleled that observed in brain tissue. These findings suggest that lymphocytes may be useful as peripheral markers to monitor for changes in mAChR and AChE in brain tissue during repeated OP exposure, but are not suitable markers for these CNS parameters after termination of exposure.
Near‐Infrared Light‐Emitting Diodes (LEDs) Based on Poly(phenylene)/Yb‐tris(β‐Diketonate) Complexes

Near-infrared-emitting electroluminescent (EL) devices using blue-light-emitting polymers blended with the Yb complexes Yb(DBM)3phen (DBM = dibenzoylmethane), Yb(DNM)3phen (DNM = dinaphthoylmethane), and Yb(TPP)L(OEt) (L(OEt) = [(C5H5)Co{P(O)Et2}3]–) have been studied. EL devices composed of Yb(DNM)3phen blended with PPP-OR11 showed enhanced near-IR output at 977 nm when compared to those fabricated with Yb(DBM)3phen/PPP-OR11 blends. The maximum near-IR external efficiencies of the devices with Yb(DBM)3phen and Yb(DNM)3phen are, respectively, 7 × 10–5 (at 6 V and at 0.81 mA mm–2) and 4 × 10–4 (at 7 V, and 0.74 mA mm–2). The optimal blend composition for EL device performance consisted of PPP-OR11 blended with 10–20 mol-% Yb(DNM)3phen. A device fabricated using Yb-(TPP)L(OEt)/PPP-OR11 showed significantly enhanced near-IR output efficiency, and future efforts will focus on devices fabricated using porphyrin-based materials.
An Investigation of Heat Generation Characteristics of Brush Seals

Brush seals are considered as a category of compliant seals, which tolerate a great high level of interference between the seal and the rotor or shaft. Their superior leakage characteristics have opened many application fields in the turbo-machinery world, ranging from industrial steam turbines to jet engines. However, brush seal designers have to find a trade-off between the lower parasitic leakage but higher heat generation properties of brush seals for given operation conditions. As brush seals can maintain contact with the rotor for a wide range of operating conditions, the contact force/pressure generated at the seal-rotor interface becomes an important design parameter for sustained seal performance and longevity of its service life. Furthermore, due to this contact force at the interface, frictional heat generation is inevitable and must be evaluated for various design and operating conditions. In this paper, frictional heat generation at the sealrotor interface is studied. To capture temperature rise at the interface, a thermal image of the seal and rotor is taken with an infrared camera under various operating conditions. The temperature map of the rotor is compared to results from thermal finite element analysis of the rotor to back calculate the heat flux to the rotor. A closed form equation for frictional heat generation is suggested as a function of seal design parameters, material properties, friction coefficient and empirical factors from testing.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Beating words to life: subtitles, assemblage(s)capes, expression

Ostensibly, subtitles in films serve as linguistic approximations of meaning. Expectedly then, much of the debate surrounding subtitling has been concerned with representational accuracy, fidelity and authenticity. In this article I argue that by encountering subtitles as affective bodily expressions, as opposed to approximate representations of pre-existent meanings or intentions, filmic experiences may be(come) transformed and differently transformational. As a result, meaning and accuracy in subtitles as superimposed signifiers or static representations become secondary to subtitles as spatially affective- and expressive-movements intimately part of filmic scapes. The creative use of subtitling in Bekmambetov’s Russian language film Night Watch (Nochnoy dozor; 2006 [2004]) is discussed.
Let's Talk: Creating Energy for Action through Strategic Conversations

In this paper, we offer a model of how leaders and managers can generate energy for action by engaging in the right kinds of conversations. We develop the model by linking social constructionist thought with theory from the field of positive psychology. We propose that effective leaders generate energy for action by engaging people in conversations that provide them (and themselves) with a sense of autonomy, competence and relatedness. Energy is expressed in the form of support, time, money and resources, which contribute to the success of the work. Continuous attention to conversations that invite the co-creation of desired futures creates upward spirals of energy and increases the probability of successful change over time. These ideas are illustrated with a case study of a successful IT change initiative in a Fortune 100 insurance company and conclude by discussing implications for research and practice.
Receptors in proximal tubular epithelial cells for tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen

Receptors in proximal tubular epithelial cells for tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen. Tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen (TIN-ag) is a novel basement membrane macromolecule that is involved in human anti-tubular-basement-membrane-mediated tubulointerstitial nephritis. The presence of antibodies to TIN-ag may result in an alteration of proximal tubule epithelial cell interaction with surrounding matrix and contribute to the pathogenesis of immune-mediated tubulointerstitial disease. To study the adhesive interactions between TIN-ag and proximal tubule epithelial cells and the macromolecules that mediate these interactions, an immortalized proximal tubular epithelial cell line from normal adult human kidney (HK-2) was used. Plastic-coated TIN-ag was able to promote adhesion of HK-2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The strength of the adhesive interaction was comparable to that of type IV collagen or laminin. To explore which members of the integrin family of cell surface receptors were involved in this interaction, we performed fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis and adhesion-inhibition studies using monoclonal antibodies against various integrins. Both approaches suggested that integrins α 3 β 1 and α ν β 3 are crucial for the adhesion of proximal tubule epithelial cells on TIN-ag, and that they are probably using independent domains of TIN-ag for their action. These data will help us to understand the interactions between proximal tubule epithelial cells and the underlying basement membrane, and will provide clues to the pathogenesis of kidney tubular diseases at the molecular level.
The identity and significance of the valmīkiavapā´ in the Vedic ritual

Les termes valmīka et valmīkavapā apparaissent frequemment dans la litterature vedique. La signification de valmīka est claire : le mot designe une termitiere. En revanche, celle de valmīkavapā (vv) reste floue. L'A. se propose de l'elucider en se fondant uniquement sur les occurences du terme dans les rites vediques, principalement les rituels śrauta. Il montre ainsi que vv peut designer le nid d'une termitiere dont l'apparence materielle, proche de celle du cerveau humain, induit une symbolique rituelle
Resonant structure in charmed-meson decays

It is suggested that the multihadronic states observed recently at SLAC from the decay of new particles have a resonant structure. The composition of such a structure is discussed on the basis of a phenomenological model for the nonleptonic decays of charmed mesons.
Inactivation by 6-hydroxydopamine of the cerebral factor(s) responsible for the inhibition of the autoxidation of norepinephrine in vitro

Abstract The effect of extracts from rat cerebral cortex was examined on the stability of norepinephrine-HCl (NE) in 16 mM Na-phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, at 37°C. The autoxidation products of NE were detected spectrophotometrically at 480 nm. Dialysed samples from a synaptosomal preparation and from the 100,000 g supernatant of a crude homogenate were tested. Aliquots from these preparations, in the range of 0.005–5.0 or 0.01–10.0 μg protein/ml, respectively, produced up to 80–85% inhibition of the autoxidation of 100 μM NE for a period of at least 3 h. Similar results were obtained with albumin and ovalbumin at 10- and 10 3 -times higher concentrations, respectively. After the preparations were exposed to 0.1–1.0 mg 6-hydroxydopamine-HCl/mg protein for 5 min at 25°C followed by rapid dialysis, the maximal inhibitory effect was reduced to between 95% to less than 5% of control values. The percent inactivation by a given quantity of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) was inversely related to the potency of the untreated sample. Additional observations are presented which suggest that the destruction of the antioxidant activity is caused by breakdown products of 6-OHDA reacting with nucleophilic sites of the preparation. Similar inactivating substances are expected to be formed from other autoxidizing catecholamines, although at a slower rate.
How Nanomaterials Are Reshaping Biomedical Technology: A conversation with Eric Keller, Art Coury, and Tarek Fadel

Three leading figures in the world of nanotechnology research, commercialization, and policy were invited by IEEE Pulse to discuss how this rapidly emerging area has been shaping biomedical technology in recent years, as well as its most promising applications in years to come. The panel consists of Eric Keller, CEO of Nano Terra Inc., a company devoted to bridging the gap between laboratory research in nanomaterials and coatings and scalable, marketable products; Art Coury, an organic chemist with decades of experience in research for various companies including several years at Genzyme; and Tarek Fadel, a staff scientist with the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, a central coordinating body for federal research in nanotechnology.
Conjugated linoleic acid induces uncoupling protein 1 in white adipose tissue of ob/ob mice.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduces body weight and adipose mass in a variety of species. The mechanisms by which CLA depletes adipose mass are unclear, but two independent microarray analyses indicate that in white adipose tissue (WAT), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) was among genes most changed by CLA. The objective of this study was to determine whether CLA induces ectopic expression of UCP1 in WAT, which may contribute to increased energy expenditure and weight loss. Six-week old, male ob/ob mice were fed either a control diet (CON) or a diet supplemented with 1.5% mixed isomer CLA (CLA) for 4 weeks. A third group of mice (LEPTIN) was fed the control diet and received daily injections of recombinant leptin as a positive control for adipose depletion in ob/ob mice. CLA did not alter several mRNA markers of lipid oxidation in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) , but significantly increased carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1b (CPT1b) and PPAR gamma coactivator-1α (PGC1α) expression. Notably, CLA increased both mRNA and protein expression of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1). β3-adrenoceptor mRNA and phosphorylated-p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) protein levels were not affected by CLA, but were upregulated by LEPTIN. These data suggest the increased CPT1b, PGC1α, and UCP1, in WAT of CLA-fed mice may contribute to the depletion of adipose, and CLA does not appear to increase UCP1 through β3-adrenergic signaling. Future studies will focus on understanding how CLA increases mitochondrial oxidation and energy dissipation in white adipose tissue.
Quantitative microscope characterization for optical measurements with sub-nm parametric uncertainties

Recently, a new technique called Fourier normalization has enabled the parametric fitting of optical images with multiple or even a continuum of scattered spatial frequencies. Integral to the performance of this methodology is the characterization of the high magnification imaging microscope used in these experiments. Scatterfield microscopy techniques yield the necessary angular resolution required for determining the effects of the illumination and collection paths upon the electric field within the microscope. A multi-step characterization methodology is presented with experimental examples using a microscope operating at λ = 450 nm. A prior scatterfield characterization technique for specular reflectors is reviewed and shown to be a special case of the newer generalized approach. Possible implications of this methodology for improved critical dimension measurements are assessed.
Quantification of Hourly Variability in NOx Emissions for Baseload Coal-Fired Power Plants

Abstract The objectives of this paper are to (1) quantify variability in hourly utility oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emission factors, activity factors, and total emissions; (2) investigate the autocorrelation structure and evaluate cyclic effects at short and long scales of the time series of total hourly emissions; (3) compare emissions for the ozone (O3) season versus the entire year to identify seasonal differences, if any; and (4) evaluate interannual variability. Continuous emissions monitoring data were analyzed for 1995 and 1998 for 32 units from nine baseload power plants in the Charlotte, NC, airshed. Unit emissions have a strong 24-hr cycle attributable primarily to the capacity factor. Typical ranges of the coefficient of variation for emissions at a given hour of the day were from 0.2 to 0.45. Little difference was found when comparing weekend emissions with the entire week or when comparing the O3 season with the entire year. There were substantial differences in the mean and standard deviation ...
Mitochondrial function and carotid body transduction.

Donnelly, David F., and John L. Carroll. Mitochondrial function and carotid body transduction. High Alt Med Biol 6:121–132, 2005.—Carotid body chemoreceptors respond to a decrease in arterial oxygen tension by increasing spiking activity on the sinus nerve. Our understanding of the oxygen-transducing ability of the organ arose from studies in the 1930s intended to understand how metabolic poisons stimulated breathing. Since that time, an intimate link between energy state and hypoxia sensing has been assumed and forms the basis of the metabolic hypothesis of oxygen sensing. This hypothesis is supported by studies demonstrating a loss of mitochondrial potential in carotid body cells at oxygen tensions that cause no change in cells from other tissues. Although the nature of the coupling between mitochondrial function and nerve excitation remains unresolved, experimental evidence supports roles for (1) release of mitochondrial calcium stores, (2) modulation of membrane channels that are linked to mitochondri...
An Improved Method for Evaluating Testosterone Biosynthetic Defects

A double-label, double-substrate incubation technique has been developed and used to study the conversion of progesterone to testosterone in testes extracts from incompletely virilized males. The procedure involves separation of the microsomes from a testicular homogenate, incubating the microsomes with 1 microM [7-3H] progesterone, 1 microM 17-hydroxy[4-14C]progesterone, and 0.25 mM NADPH in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer at 37 degrees C. Steroid precursors and products are separated by column chromatography on Sephadex LH-20 with a solvent system of isoctane:ethyl acetate:methanol (4:1:1 by volume). These procedures can be completed in 2 days, and thus the method represents an improvement in time, reproducibility, and simplicity when compared to techniques based on thin layer or paper chromatography. The method has been used to distinguish the biochemical abnormality in three cases with XY sex chromatin, posterior labial fusion, clitoromegaly, and hypospadias. The abnormalities identified were: Case 1, no defect in testosterone synthesis (probable androgen insensitivity); Case 2, 17-ketosteroid reductase deficiency; and Case 3, steroid-17, 20-lyase deficiency.
Evaluation of a novel Constant Envelope Spread-Spectrum Modulation technique

Constant envelope, spread spectrum modulation is highly desirable for low-power, battery-operated systems - but only if the cost of any increase in receiver complexity or reduction in bit error rate performance is offset by a realizable reduction in either the transmit power or DC power requirements for the system. This paper defines and analyzes a novel approach to a constant envelope spread spectrum modulation type and provides an analysis of the complexity and performance of the modulation scheme. The hybrid continuous phase modulation (CPM) waveform is a constant-envelope modulation that provides an inherent phase and frequency diversity which has similar properties to the standard spread-spectrum m-PSK DSSS modulation. The performance in AWGN, multipath, and a severe interference environment is provided and compared to a simple example of random PN spread-spectrum BPSK modulation and a gold-code spread MSK modulation - both modulation schemes with a similar receiver complexity as the hybrid CPM modulation scheme.
Bulls grazing Kentucky 31 tall fescue exhibit impaired growth, semen quality, and decreased semen freezing potential.

Abstract Serum prolactin (PRL) and testosterone concentrations, body weight, body composition, semen quality, and semen freezing potential for bulls grazing the toxic tall fescue ( Lolium arundinaceum [Schreb.] Darbysh. = Schedonorous arundinaceum [Schreb.] Dumort.) cultivar Kentucky 31 (E+) compared with a novel endophyte cultivar lacking ergot alkaloids (E−) were evaluated. Angus bulls were allotted to treatment (Day 0) and grazed E+ or E− for 155 days. Treatment-by-day interaction was significant (P 0.05). Further, bulls on the E+ treatment exhibited decreased total gain, average daily gain, and body weight by Day 140 (P
Evaluation of the effects of diazepam and an experimental anti-anxiety drug on regional cerebral blood flow.

In the normal brain, cerebral blood flow (CBF) and function are closely coupled. Thus, changes in brain function associated with drug-induced anxiety reduction should be accompanied by parallel CBF changes. Benzodiazepines such as diazepam have been reported to reduce CBF. It is unclear, however, if this CBF decrease is specifically a function of the anti-anxiety property of the drug. To examine the relationship between drug-induced anxiety reduction and CBF changes more closely, i.v. injections of an established anxiolytic agent and an experimental anti-anxiety drug were given to patients with generalized anxiety disorder. CBF and anxiety levels were measured before and 30 min after i.v. administration of diazepam (0.12 mg/kg), ondansetron (0.24 mg/kg), and normal saline during separate visits to the laboratory. The order of drug administration was randomized, and the injections were given under double-blind conditions. Diazepam but not ondansetron or saline reduced anxiety. Global CBF reduction was seen after diazepam, but no changes were found following the other two experimental conditions. The CBF values were adjusted for test-retest changes in carbon dioxide levels. Postdiazepam decreases in CBF and anxiety levels did not correlate.
Gelling Properties of Gellan Solutions Containing Monovalent and Divalent Cations

Gelling temperatures of gellan solutions with the addition of Na + and K + ranging from 15 to 450 mM or Ca ++ and Mg ++ from 2 to 40 mM were determined by dynamic rheological testing at four polymer concentrations between 0.4 and 2.0% (w/w). Gelling temperatures were much higher for gellan solutions containing divalent cations than for those containing the same amount of monovalent cations. Solutions containing K' gelled at higher temperatures than those containing Na + . Effects of Ca ++ and Mg ++ on gelling temperatures were not significantly different. A general model was developed to predict the gelling temperature of gellan solutions as functions of cation and polymer concentrations.
The Myoepithelial Immunophenotype in 135 Benign and Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors Other Than Pleomorphic Adenoma

Abstract Background.—We have previously studied the immunoreactivity of 3 novel smooth muscle–specific proteins, α-smooth muscle actin, smooth muscle myosin heavy chains, and calponin, to assess my...
EARLY INTERVENTION WITH AUTISTIC CHILDREN: A CASE PRESENTATION WITH PRE-PROGRAM, PROGRAM AND FOLLOW-UP DATA

Follow-up reports of children with autism have generally showed poor outcome. Much of the data used in these reports was derived from studies in which the children were treated at some point beyond infancy or in which the treatment was not behavioral. This article, which presents a case and describes a program, documents through pre- and post-intervention, as well as follow-up data, dramatic intellectual and behavioral/social changes in a child who, at age 2 yr., entered an early intervention program for autistic infants. The article is of significance in that it shows what might be accomplished with a child with these difficulties through early intervention.
El “Desarrollo de Software” como “Ingeniería de Software”

Software development can be predictable and controllable, economic and manageable, but at present time software projects usually are not run that way, although it is possible to achieve it. In this article software development is approached as an emerging and necessary "Software Engineering", and is described the need of proper learning processes from universities to recognize software development practice as an engineering profession.
PiHelper: An Open Source Framework for Drug-Target and Antibody-Target Data

Motivation: The interaction between drugs and their targets, often proteins, and between antibodies and their targets, is important for planning and analyzing investigational and therapeutic interventions in many biological systems. Although drug-target and antibody-target datasets are available in separate databases, they are not publicly available in an integrated bioinformatics resource. As medical therapeutics, especially in cancer, increasingly uses targeted drugs and measures their effects on biomolecular profiles, there is an unmet need for a user-friendly toolset that allows researchers to comprehensively and conveniently access and query information about drugs, antibodies and their targets. Summary: The PiHelper framework integrates human drug-target and antibody-target associations from publicly available resources to help meet the needs of researchers in systems pharmacology, perturbation biology and proteomics. PiHelper has utilities to (i) import drug- and antibody-target information; (ii) search the associations either programmatically or through a web user interface (UI); (iii) visualize the data interactively in a network; and (iv) export relationships for use in publications or other analysis tools. Availability: PiHelper is a free software under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL) v3.0. Source code and documentation are at http://bit.ly/pihelper. We plan to coordinate contributions from the community by managing future releases. Contact: pihelper@cbio.mskcc.org
Adjustable small-incision selective tenotomy and plication for correction of incomitant vertical strabismus and torsion.

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of adjustable small-incision selective tenotomy and plication of vertical rectus muscles in correcting vertical strabismus incomitant in horizontal gaze positions and cyclotorsion. Methods The medical records of all patients who underwent adjustable small-incision selective tenotomy or plication of a vertical rectus muscle for correction of horizontally incomitant vertical strabismus or cyclotorsion by a single surgeon at a single eye institute from July 2013 to September 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Selective tenotomy and plication were performed on either the nasal or temporal side of vertical rectus muscles, based on the direction of cyclotorsion and incomitance of vertical strabismus. Results Of 9 patients identified, 8 (89%) had successful correction of horizontally incomitant vertical strabismus, with postoperative vertical alignment within 4 Δ of orthotropia in primary position, lateral gazes, and downgaze. Of the 8 patients with preoperative cyclotorsion, 4 (50%) were successfully corrected, with Conclusions Adjustable small-incision selective tenotomy and plication effectively treat horizontally incomitant vertical strabismus. These surgeries may be less effective for correcting cyclotorsion in patients with restriction or prior strabismus surgery. Advantages are that they may be performed in an adjustable manner and, in some cases, under topical anesthesia.
Calcineurin is required for virulence of Cryptococcus neoformans

Cyclosporin A (CsA) and FK506 are antimicrobial, immunosuppressive natural products that inhibit signal transduction. In T cells and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, CsA and FK506 bind to the immunophilins cyclophilin A and FKBP12 and the resulting complexes inhibit the Ca2+-regulated protein phosphatase calcineurin. We find that growth of the opportunistic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans is sensitive to CsA and FK506 at 37 degrees C but not at 24 degrees C, suggesting that CsA and FK506 inhibit a protein required for C. neoformans growth at elevated temperature. Genetic evidence supports a model in which immunophilin-drug complexes inhibit calcineurin to prevent growth at 37 degrees C. The gene encoding the C. neoformans calcineurin A catalytic subunit was cloned and disrupted by homologous recombination. Calcineurin mutant strains are viable but do not survive in vitro conditions that mimic the host environment (elevated temperature, 5% CO2 or alkaline pH) and are no longer pathogenic in an animal model of cryptococcal meningitis. Introduction of the wild-type calcineurin A gene complemented these growth defects and restored virulence. Our findings demonstrate that calcineurin is required for C. neoformans virulence and may define signal transduction elements required for fungal pathogenesis that could be targets for therapeutic intervention.
Percutaneous transhepatic access for catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias.

Aims Femoral venous access may be limited in certain patients undergoing electrophysiology (EP) study and ablation. The purpose of this study is to review a series of patients undergoing percutaneous transhepatic access to allow for ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. Methods and results Six patients with a variety of cardiac arrhythmias and venous abnormalities underwent percutaneous transhepatic access. Under fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance, a percutaneous needle was advanced into a hepatic vein and exchanged for a vascular sheath over a wire. Electrophysiology study and radiofrequency ablation was then performed. All tachycardias, including atrial tachycardia, atrial flutter, atrioventricular nodal tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation, were ablated. Procedural times ranged from 227 to 418 min. Fluoroscopy times ranged from 32 to 95 min. There were no complications. All six patients have been arrhythmia-free in follow-up (5–49 months, mean 23.1 months). Conclusion Percutaneous transhepatic access is safe and feasible in patients with limited venous access who are undergoing EP study and ablation for a range of cardiac arrhythmias.
Generation, Translocation, and Action of Nitric Oxide in Living Systems

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous diatomic radical that is involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological functions in biology. Conceptually, the biochemistry of NO can be separated into three stages: generation (stage 1), translocation (stage 2), and action (stage 3). In stage 1 the oxygenase domain of NO synthase converts L-arginine to L-citrulline and NO (g). Owing to its short-lived nature, this molecule is converted into a different nitrogen oxide such as NO 2 , an organonitrosyl such as a nitrosothiol, or a metal nitrosyl such as a heme-nitrosyl, for transportation in stage 2. Each of these derivatives features unique physical characteristics, chemical reactivity, and biological activity. Upon delivery in stage 3, NO exerts its physiological or pathological function by reaction with biomolecules containing redox-active metals or other residues.
Pooled genome linkage scan of aggressive prostate cancer: results from the International Consortium for Prostate Cancer Genetics

While it is widely appreciated that prostate cancers vary substantially in their propensity to progress to a life-threatening stage, the molecular events responsible for this progression have not been identified. Understanding these molecular mechanisms could provide important prognostic information relevant to more effective clinical management of this heterogeneous cancer. Hence, through genetic linkage analyses, we examined the hypothesis that the tendency to develop aggressive prostate cancer may have an important genetic component. Starting with 1,233 familial prostate cancer families with genome scan data available from the International Consortium for Prostate Cancer Genetics, we selected those that had at least three members with the phenotype of clinically aggressive prostate cancer, as defined by either high tumor grade and/or stage, resulting in 166 pedigrees (13%). Genome-wide linkage data were then pooled to perform a combined linkage analysis for these families. Linkage signals reaching a suggestive level of significance were found on chromosomes 6p22.3 (LOD = 3.0), 11q14.1-14.3 (LOD = 2.4), and 20p11.21-q11.21 (LOD = 2.5). For chromosome 11, stronger evidence of linkage (LOD = 3.3) was observed among pedigrees with an average at diagnosis of 65 years or younger. Other chromosomes that showed evidence for heterogeneity in linkage across strata were chromosome 7, with the strongest linkage signal among pedigrees without male-to-male disease transmission (7q21.11, LOD = 4.1), and chromosome 21, with the strongest linkage signal among pedigrees that had African American ancestry (21q22.13-22.3; LOD = 3.2). Our findings suggest several regions that may contain genes which, when mutated, predispose men to develop a more aggressive prostate cancer phenotype. This provides a basis for attempts to identify these genes, with potential clinical utility for men with aggressive prostate cancer and their relatives.
Twitter and e-health: A case study of visualizing cancer networks on Twitter

This paper seeks to understand health-related social networks on social media websites. The paper explores fundamental questions about social networks formed in the prominent social media website Twitter and demonstrates innovative new methods to conduct applied research in the health sciences using social media networks. The paper aims to address fundamental questions about health-related social networks in emergent social media regarding information flow and network structure. The paper uses a dataset built from Twitter data using a well-known American oncologist as a ‘seed’ and crawled the Twitter network three degrees out to form a total network of over 30 million nodes
Complications of right lobe living donor liver transplantation

Background/Aims Right lobar living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has been controversial because of donor deaths and widely variable reports of recipient and donor morbidity. Our aims were to ensure full disclosure to donors and recipients of the risks and benefits of this procedure in a large University center and to help explain reporting inconsistencies. Methods The Clavien 5-tier grading system was applied retrospectively in 121 consecutive adult right lobe recipients and their donors. The incidence was determined of potentially (Grade III), actually (Grade IV), or ultimately fatal (Grade V) complications during the first post-transplant year. When patients had more than one complication, only the seminal one was counted, or the most serious one if complications occurred contemporaneously. Results One year recipient/graft survival was 91%/84%. Within the year, 80 (66%) of the 121 recipients had Grade III ( n =54) Grade IV ( n =16), or Grade V ( n =10) complications. The complications involved the graft's biliary tract (42% incidence), graft vasculature (15%), or non-graft locations (9%). Complications during the first year did not decline with increased team experience, and adversely affected survival out to 5 years. All 121 donors survive. However, 13 donors (10.7%) had Grade III ( n =9) or IV ( n =4) complications of which five were graft-related. Conclusions Despite the satisfactory recipient and graft survival at our and selected other institutions, and although we have not had a donor mortality to date, the role of right lobar LDLT is not clear because of the recipient morbidity and risk to the donors.
A new method for estimating Markov random fields

A method is introduced for estimating the parameters of Markov random fields from complete or incomplete data. The method is computationally more efficient than its best competitor, the method of maximum pseudo-likelihood. For incomplete data, the method leads to an algorithm which is similar to, but simpler than, the EM algorithm. >
Electrophysiological investigation of sympathetic cardiac afferent fibers.

SummaryCardiac sympathetic afferent activity was electrically evoked from several close cardiac nerves and recorded from the left T3 white ramus and sympathetic chain below T3 in anesthetized dogs. Electrical stimulation of sympathetic afferent fibers in the ventrolateral, ventromedial, and left stellate close cardiac nerves distal to the stellate ganglion resulted in the evoking of Aδ and C fibers potentials for each nerve stimulated. A predominance of C-fiber potentials in comparison to Aδ potentials was observed for each nerve, from dog to dog. This result correlates well with earlier anatomical evidence. Most potentials were recorded from the T3 white ramus, with little activity obtained from the sympathetic chain below that level. The presence of the left stellate cardiac nerve, which was found in only 40% of the dogs, appeared to dictate the distribution of afferent fibers to the VLCN. In the absence of the SCN, the number of potentials obtained from the VLCN was greatly increased relative to that o...
Walking the straight and narrow: Examining the role of traditional gender norms in sexual prejudice.

In the current work, we examine the extent to which prejudice toward gay men and lesbian women may be driven in part by traditional gender norms and the violation of these norms that same-sex couples represent. Although these relationships have long been theorized, strong empirical evidence is lacking. Across two studies, men who strongly endorsed (Study 1) or were primed with (Study 2) traditional gender norms perceived relationship violence directed toward gay men as less severe, less in need of intervention, and more likely caused by the victim than participants low in gender norm endorsement or primed with neutral content. In contrast, traditional gender norms were less predictive of heterosexual men’s prejudice toward lesbian victims of relationship violence, and not predictive of heterosexual women’s prejudice toward gay and lesbian victims. Thus, the relationship between traditional gender norms and sexual prejudice appears to be strongest for heterosexual men’s prejudice toward gay men.
Assessment on Target of Eliminating Iodine Deficiency Disorders,Xuchang County,2012

Objective To understand the current situation of iodine nutrition status in Xuchang county,so as to provide the scientific basis for the further prevention and control strategy of iodine deficiency disorders. Methods Proportional probability sampling method(PPS)was used to randomly sample.Iodinated salt(SI)of 288inhabitants,urinary iodine(UI)of 99students aged 8to 10and health education questionnaire of 150primary school children was respectively inspected. Results In Xuchang county,iodine salt covered 98.96% of the population,and 98.25% pass rate of iodized salt,and the rate of taking qualified iodinated salt was 97.22% of 288inhabitants.The median of urinary iodine was 278μg/L of 99students.The basic knowledge of iodine deficiency disorders was 96.93%penetration rate of 150pupils aged 8to 10. Conclusion Xuchang county has reached the technical standards for eliminating iodine deficiency disorders.
Evidence for Surface Recognition by a Cholesterol-Recognition Peptide.

Abstract Two cholesterol recognition/interaction amino-acid consensus peptides, N -acetyl-LWYIKC-amide, and N -acetyl-CLWYIK-amide, have been coupled to exchangeable mimics of Chol (cholesterol) and Phos (1,2-dipalmitoyl- sn -glycerol-3-phospho-(1′rac-glycerol)) via disulfide bond formation. Equilibration between Chol and Phos via thiolate-disulfide interchange reactions has revealed that both peptides favor Chol as a nearest-neighbor in liquid-disordered ( l d ) bilayers to the same extent. In contrast, no Chol- or Phos-recognition could be detected by these peptides in analogous liquid-ordered ( l o ) bilayers. Fluorescence measurements of the tryptophan moiety have shown that both peptides favor the membrane-water interface. Taken together, these results provide strong evidence that the recognition behavior of the LWYIK motif is, fundamentally, a surface phenomenon but that partial penetration into the bilayer is also necessary.
Effects of pregnancy on digesta kinetics and ruminal fermentation in beef cows.

Four pregnant and four nonpregnant, ruminally cannulated beef cows were used to evaluate the effects of the last trimester of pregnancy on digesta kinetics and ruminal fermentation. Before breeding, cows were allotted randomly either to pregnant (PR) or to nonpregnant (NP) groups; PR cows were bred at the first estrus after synchronization. All cows were fed long-stem fescue hay at 15 g of DM/kg of BW based on BW 120 d before parturition of pregnant cows (average BW of 642 kg). Collection periods, each lasting 9 d, began at 96, 68, 41, and 10 +/- 1.3 d before parturition. Particulate passage rate was greater (P .10) by pregnancy. A physiological state x sampling day interaction was noted (P .10) between PR and NP cows, except for valerate, which was less (P < .05) for PR than NP cows. Results suggest that in late pregnancy with restricted feeding, passage rate of particulates increases without substantial changes in fermentation or extent of digestion.