cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cost Advantage of Dual-Chamber Versus Single-Chamber Cardioverter-Defibrillator Implantation

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the least expensive strategy for device selection in patients receiving implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). Background Device cost for a single-chamber ICD is less than an atrioventricular (dual-chamber) ICD (AV-ICD); however, some patients without clinical need for AV-ICD at implantation might require a later upgrade, potentially offsetting the initial cost advantage of the single-chamber device. Methods Decision analysis was used to estimate expected resource utilization costs of three alternative implantation strategies: 1) single-chamber device in all, with later upgrade to AV-ICD if needed; 2) initial implantation of an AV-ICD in all; and 3) targeted device selection on the basis of results of electrophysiologic testing (presence or absence of induced bradyarrhythmias or atrial arrhythmias). Clinical base estimates were obtained from retrospective review of all patients receiving ICDs between June 1997 and July 2001 at a single university hospital. Economic inputs were collected from national and single-center sources. Results In patients without other indications for electrophysiologic study (EPS), the expected per-person cost was least with the strategy of universal initial AV-ICD implantation ($36,232) compared with initial single-chamber ICD/upgrade as needed ($39,230) or EPS-guided selection ($41,130). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that universal AV-ICD implantation remained least expensive with upgrade rates as low as 10%. At a 5% upgrade rate, AV-ICD remained cheapest if the device cost-differential narrowed to $1,568. For patients undergoing EPS for risk assessment, EP-guided selection was least expensive. Conclusions The strategy of universal AV-ICD implantation, which provides the benefits of dual-chamber capability while obviating any potential need for future upgrade, is the least costly strategy for most patient populations receiving ICDs.
Wheatgerm agglutinin-mediated toxicity in pancreatic cancer cells.

Lectin binding specificities for carbohydrate allow phenotypic and functional characterization of membrane-associated glycoproteins expressed on cancer cells. This analysis examined wheatgerm agglutinin binding to pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and the resulting toxicity. Membrane preparations of nine human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines were studied for lectin binding using wheatgerm agglutinin (WGA), concanavalin A (ConA) and phytohaemagglutinin-L (PHA-L) in a lectin blot analysis. Cell proliferation in vitro was measured by thymidine incorporation in the absence or presence of lectins at various concentrations. Sialic acid binding lectins or succinyl-WGA (succWGA) served as controls. WGA toxicity was tested after swainsonine or neuraminidase pretreatment. Binding and uptake of fluorescein-labelled lectins was studied under fluorescence microscopy. All pancreatic cell lines displayed high WGA membrane binding, primarily to sialic acid residues. Other lectins were bound with weak to moderate intensity only. Lectin toxicity corresponded to membrane binding intensity, and was profound in case of WGA (ID50 at 2.5–5 μg ml−1). WGA exposure induced chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation and DNA release consistent with apoptosis. Important steps for WGA toxicity included binding to sialic acid on swainsonine-sensitive carbohydrate and lectin internalization. There was rapid cellular uptake and subsequent nuclear relocalization of WGA. In contradistinction to the other lectins studied, WGA proved highly toxic to human pancreatic carcinoma cells in vitro. WGA binding to sialic acid residues of N-linked carbohydrate, cellular uptake and subsequent affinity to N-acetyl glucosamine appear to be necessary steps. Further analysis of this mechanism of profound toxicity may provide insight relevant to the treatment of pancreatic cancer. © 1999 Cancer Research Campaign
Molecular dynamics extensions of Monte Carlo simulation in semiconductor device modeling

Abstract The modeling of relaxation and transport is semiconductors is often performed using Monte Carlo techniques in which electrons follow free trajectories between discrete scattering events, the scattering events being defined to include carrier-phonon interactions and Coulomb interactions among various carrier species and the ionized impurities. We consider situations in which this approach is inappropriate, and describe corresponding implementations of a more accurate technique in which the usual Monte Carlo technique is combined with a molecular dynamics time evolution between scattering events. In these approaches, the Coulomb interaction is not approximated as screened scattering between pairs of particles, but instead is treated explicitly by allowing the carriers to follow trajectories accelerated by the electric field of the other charges in the system. In one implementation, the particle dynamics incorporates quantum corrections such as exchange interaction.
Breakdown of high-voltage silicon devices

We present the results of empirical studies of the breakdown of p+-i-n+, n+-i-n+, and p+-i-p+ silicon structures with approximately 1 cm long intrinsic regions. These results show that the contacts have a strong effect on the breakdown characteristics of these devices. We present results for laminated structures and for a device with a ribbed surface which show that the breakdown characteristics of silicon devices can be improved significantly by such geometry modifications. We also present empirical evidence that double injection effects occur in p+-i-n+ devices, and that these effects will limit the efficacy of such devices when subject to relatively long voltage pulses.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Nuclear Receptor Ligands and Cofactor Recruitment: Is There a Coactivator “On Deck”?

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a bile acid sensor that regulates lipid homeostasis. New structural data suggest that, unlike other nuclear receptors, FXR contains a second coactivator binding site and binds bile acids with the steroid backbone flipped head to tail, both of which have important functional ramifications.
Proposed new reactor-activated positron source for intense slow e+ beam production

Abstract A novel method is suggested for producing a new positron (e+) emitting isotope in a nuclear reactor with application to slow e+ beams. The initial radiated sample is 124Xe which is transformed to 126I by two neutron absorptions and an intermediate decay. Over 25 Ci of positrons with a specific activity of 25 Ci gm can be produced by this technique, allowing the generation of a slow e+ beam of over 4 × 107 e + cm 2 −s. As discussed in the conclusion, specific activities approaching 200 Ci gm should be for activation cells are presented, one with Xe in the gas phase, the other with solid Xe. Both designs allow the easy separation of the 126I from other contaminants, permitting the production of a pure, high specific activity source.
Ab Initio Determination of Edge Surface Structures for Dioctahedral 2:1 Phyllosilicates: Implications for Acid-Base Reactivity

The atomic structure of dioctahedral 2:1 phyllosilicate edge surfaces was calculated using pseudopotential planewave density functional theory. Bulk structures of pyrophyllite and ferripyrophyllite were optimized using periodic boundary conditions, after which crystal chemical methods were used to obtain initial terminations for ideal (110)- and (010)-type edge surfaces. The edge surfaces were protonated using various schemes to neutralize the surface charge, and total minimized energies were compared to identify which schemes are the most energetically favorable. The calculations show that significant surface relaxation should occur on the (110)-type faces, as well as in response to different protonation schemes on both surface types. This result is consistent with atomic force microscopy observations of phyllosilicate dissolution behavior. Bond-valence methods incorporating bond lengths from calculated structures can be used to predict intrinsic acidity constants for surface functional groups on (110)- and (010)-type edge surfaces. However, the occurrence of surface relaxation poses problems for applying current bond-valence methods. An alternative method is proposed that considers bond relaxation, and accounts for the energetics of various protonation schemes on phyllosilicate edges.
Knee motion in a long leg cast

Five principles to reestablish static ligamentous sta bility are introduced, including secure, temporary, ti biofemoral fixation to protect against early postoper ative stretch or disruption. The necessity for empha sizing this point is demonstrated by a cadaver study. Knee motion in and out of long leg plaster casts was carefully studied in necropsy specimens. Casts ap plied over minimal or no padding allowed significant varus-valgus, anterior, posterior, and rotatory motion at the knee when manipulated manually. Medial open ing to valgus stress ranged from 64 to 100% after casting as compared to the amount of instability pres ent prior to casting. Legs with normally contoured thighs were not protected against anterior instability after casting, and an average of 48% of precasting rotational instability remained after casting.We believe that these results are relevant to much knee ligament surgery. Current means for solving the problems posed by cast immobilization alone, includ ing case examples, are di...
Sexual desire and satisfaction: The balance between individual and couple factors

The new mantra for couple sexuality is desire, pleasure, eroticism, and satisfaction. This clinical/conceptual commentary examines individual and couple factors that can facilitate or subvert desire and satisfaction. Eight challenging clinical situations are described, some of which can be successfully resolved, whereas others can indicate a fatally flawed relationship. Conceptually, clinically, and empirically, sexual desire and satisfaction requires careful examination, assessment, and interventions with special attention to cultural and value issues.
The quantitative relation between certain amino acids and glycogenesis as influenced by adrenalectomy and adrenal replacement.

introduction The effect of adrenal cortical function upon carbohydrate and protein metabolism has been repeatedly demonstrated. Much evidence has accumulated to indicate that there is a direct effect of certain cortical principles upon the rate of gluconeogenesis from protein, but there is little knowledge as to the reactions involved. Several possible mechanisms have been postulated. Long, Katzin and Fry (1940) suggest that the cortical principle accelerates the mobilization of endogenous proteins. Wells and Kendall (1940) have reported that the phlorhizinized, adrenalectomized rat forms glucose from fed protein at a normal rate. Further evidence in favor of this mechanism is offered by Evans (1941), who found that the rate of deamination of alanine proceeded at a normal rate in the adrenalectomized rat. The possibility that the cortical hormones exert their effect upon the rate of deamination of amino acids was investigated by Lewis, et al (1940). They observed that the formation of glucose from alanine...
God, ethics, and the novel: Dostoevsky and Vasily Grossman

This essay explores how Dostoevsky, in the four great novels of his maturity (Crime and Punishment, The Idiot, Demons, and The Brothers Karamazov) and Vasily Grossman, the author of the Tolstoyan, Soviet-era novel Life and Fate, both attempt to “think God” (penser Dieu), as Emmanuel Levinas puts it, on the basis of ethics (a partir de l’ethique), outside of the question of ontology—outside, that is, of the question of God’s existence or non-existence.
a Survey of the U.S. National Precipitation Network

: Numbers and record lengths of precipitation stations were surveyed in the conterminous United States using climatological data published in 1975 by the National Weather Service (NWS). The total numbers of nonrecording (8247) and recording (3036) gages were about the same as in the 1940s and less than in the late 1950s; about 70 percent of the nonrecording gages have record lengths of 25 years or more. State network densities were increased exponentially with population density and long term precipitation average. Except for a few states, precipitation stations maintained by the NWS are adequate in numbers to ensure a 95 percent statistical probability that state sample means will estimate true means within ± 5 percent.
A Cambrian corynexochoid trilobite with only two thoracic segments

Discovery of articulated specimens of Vistoia? minuta Resser shows that species to be an isopygous corynexochoid trilobite with only two thoracic segments in the holaspid period. A new genus, Thoracocure, is proposed to include Vistoia? minuta Resser and Tonkinella idahoensis Resser, and concepts of those species are revised. Neoteny appears to be responsible for several holaspid characters of T. minuta. its holaspid size may be the smallest known for trilobites, and a pelagic mode of life is suggested. The combination of characters possessed by T. minuta requires revision of current concepts of the orders Agnostida and Corynexochida. As a related matter, it is proposed that the Miomera of Jaekel (1909) be suppressed as a subjective junior synonym of the Agnostida (nomen translatum Kobayashi, 1935) of Salter (1864).
From Dependency To Development: Strategies To Overcome Underdevelopment And Inequality

Pocos temas en las ciencias sociales tienen mayor actualidad que el estudio de las causas del subdesarrollo y las estrategias para su superacion. £1 tema no es nuevo. Desde la creacion de Naciones Unidas y el surgimiento de los nuevos Estados en los anos cincuenta y sesenta, cientistas sociales, expertos de organismos internacionales, politicos, intelectuales, organismos de las Iglesias, etc., han analizado el tema y han emitido sus opiniones por escrito. Se han celebrado incontables conferencias internacionales para ocuparse de este tema, se han escrito volumenes que pueden llenar bibliotecas enteras y centenares de institutos de investigacion repartidos a lo largo del mundo se han dedicado o se dedican aun al estudio de este problema. Y cada vez es mas dramatico la existen-
Role of divalent cations in plasmid DNA adsorption to natural organic matter-coated silica surface.

The adsorption kinetics of supercoiled and linear plasmid DNA onto a natural organic matter (NOM)-coated silica surface are acquired using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) in the presence of common divalent electrolytes CaCl2 and MgCl2. The adsorption kinetics of both DNA are noticeably higher in the presence of CaCl2 compared to MgCl2. We hypothesize that specific bridging between the DNA phosphate groups and NOM carboxyl functional groups in the presence of Ca2+ cations may lead to more efficient attachment than in the presence of Mg2+ cations, which are only likely to allow for charge neutralization. The influence of background Na+ cations on the adsorption kinetics in the presence of CaCl2 is found to be insignificant, while the presence of Na+ leads to slower attachment kinetics in MgCl2. Rinsing the DNA layer adsorbed in the presence of CaCl2 with a solution of low NaCl concentration followed by deionized water does not result in observable detachment, indicating irr...
Monitoring computer users' behaviour in office environments*

Abstract Monitoring computer users' behaviour to enhance the usability of software has become increasingly popular among the developers of computer products. One objective of this paper is to compare the use of a software monitoring technique with other field observation methods. It is argued that when contrasted against traditional observation techniques, the software monitor provides a more accurate and unobtrusive approach to collecting behavioural data on larger samples of individuals for longer periods of time than either participant observation or Thinking Aloud methodologies. A second objective is to demonstrate the application of software monitors on installed multi-user systems. Technical aspects of software monitor design are discussed, with emphasis on specific practical problems in monitor design and utilization when making the transition from the laboratory to an office environment. Data from two studies are presented. The first illustrates how a software monitor can be used to determine the ...
Formant-Frequency Differences Between Isolated Whispered and Phonated Vowel Samples Produced by Adult Female Subjects

This study was designed to investigate the formant frequencies of phonated and whispered productions of five test vowels (/i/,/u/, /ae/, /Δ/, and //). Each test vowel was sustained twice in isolatio...
Biomarkers in early cancer drug development: limited utility.

Sponsors bringing a novel antineoplastic agent into human testing are faced with a slew of decisions regarding dosing, schedule, and regulatory path (e.g., indications, patient population, trial design, and end points), often with a meager scientific foundation on which to base these critical decisions. Thus, the cost (in both time and money) to bring innovative small-molecule drugs or biologics to cancer patients has been enormous, with only a handful of approvals per year despite the more than 700 drugs in clinical development and the more than 1,300 in preclinical testing.1 A biomarker, defined as “a characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biologic processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic responses to a therapeutic intervention,”2 has intuitive appeal as a means of shortcutting drug development processes largely through optimizing the drug's dose and schedule (pharmacodynamic biomarkers), selecting patients most likely to benefit from the therapeutic intervention (predictive biomarkers), and acting as a substitute for a true clinical outcome (outcome biomarkers or surrogate end points).3 However, the enthusiasm for widespread adoption of biomarker studies in early drug development is unjustified because of statistical and cost considerations, as well as a lack of historic evidence for their usefulness. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2009); 85, 2, 134–135 doi:10.1038/clpt.2008.231
Type a behavior, irritability, and cardiovascular response

Previous research suggests that high levels of hostility may augment the cardiovascular reactivity and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) associated with Type A behavior. In contrast, other research indicates that the tendency to deny or suppress anger is associated with enhanced cardiovascular reactivity and risk of CHD. To delineate further the combined role of anger processes and Type A behavior in CHD risk, this study examined the interactive effects of Type A behavior and self-reported irritability on cardiovascular response to a challenging mental task. Type A and Type B college students were further classified as either high or low in self-reported irritability. Type A subjects who were low in self-reported irritability evidenced greater cardiovascular reactivity (i.e., systolic blood pressure and pulse rate) than did Type B subjects low in irritability. However, Type A subjects who were high in irritability tended to demonstrate less cardiovascular response than Type B subjects high in irritability. Further, Type A's low in self-reported irritability evidenced greater cardiovascular response than high-irritability Type A's. It is suggested that reduced reporting of irritability by Type A's may reflect suppression or denial, and further that this reduced reporting is associated with enhanced cardiovascular responsivity.
Lipid hydroperoxide formation in the retina: correlation with retinal degeneration and light damage in a rat model of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome

The Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is an autosomal recessive disease presenting with multiple congenital anomalies, caused by a defect in cholesterol biosynthesis that results in abnormally elevated levels of 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC). Progressive retinal degeneration has been demonstrated in a rat model of SLOS, which is markedly exacerbated by intense light, far more so than occurs in normal albino rats under the same conditions. Herein, we demonstrate that, by six postnatal weeks, retinas in the SLOS rat model contain levels of lipid hydroperoxides (LPOs) comparable to those found in light-damaged albino rats (twice the normal steady-state levels), and that intense light exposure results in a three-fold elevation of LPOs with concomitant severe retinal degeneration. These results suggest a correlation between retinal degeneration and LPO levels. We propose that the presence of 7DHC in the SLOS rat retina potentiates LPO formation, and promotes the observed hypersensitivity to light-induced retinal degeneration.
Control mechanisms of virus replication in naturally SIVsmm infected mangabeys and experimentally infected macaques

As a close cousin to Asian macaques, the African sooty mangabey monkey, a species naturally infected with SIV without ever developing disease, represents an intriguing and thought provoking model for the study of lentiviral infection and disease development. Pursuant to our previous findings that documented the presence of high frequencies of CD8+ T-cells capable of inhibiting lentiviral replication in vitro via a soluble factor, the potential contribution of beta-chemokines and their receptor was evaluated in samples from sooty mangabeys and disease susceptible macaques. Both mangabey and Rhesus macaque PBMC were found to secrete comparable levels of MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta and RANTES after stimulation in vitro. Constitutive expression of CCR-5 appeared lower in mangabey PBMC but the vast majority of T-cells from mangabeys or macaques were found to express CCR-5 after in vitro activation. Sequence analysis of macaque and mangabey MIP-1alpha and RANTES showed complete homology to the human counterpart. MIP-1beta on the other hand while highly conserved among both monkey species, showed only 93% homology to human MIP-1beta. In addition, CCR-5, CCR-2b and CXCR-4 presented no consistent differences between rhesus and mangabey sequences. Thus, based on current data, differences in disease susceptibility between macaques and mangabeys do not appear to rely on differences in chemokine pathways. However, analyses of the ontogeny of CD8+ T-cell-mediated inhibition of SIV replication showed that macaque PBMC acquire this function shortly after infection, and show a progressive loss thereafter, correlated with progression towards disease. Mangabeys, on the other hand, appear to acquire the CD8+ T-cell inhibitory function long before any evidence of seroconversion to SIV and maintain this function for the lifetime of the animal. In vitro analyses of induction of the CD8+ inhibitory function showed that rhesus CD8+ T-cells have the potential to secrete the inhibitory factor(s) prior to SIV infection.
Group and swarm mobility models for ad hoc network scenarios using virtual tracks

The mobility model is one of the most important factors in the performance evaluation of a mobile ad hoc network (MANET). Traditionally, the random waypoint mobility model has been used to model the node mobility, where the movement of one node is modeled as independent from all others. However, in reality, especially in large scale military scenarios, mobility coherence among nodes is quite common. One typical mobility behavior is group mobility. Thus, to investigate military MANET scenarios, an underlying realistic mobility model is highly desired. In this paper, we propose a "virtual track" based group mobility model (VT model) which closely approximates the mobility patterns in military MANET scenarios. It models various types of node mobility such as group moving nodes, individually moving nodes as well as static nodes. Moreover, the VT model not only models the group mobility, it also models the dynamics of group mobility such as group merge and split. Simulation experiments show that the choice of mobility model has significant impact on network performance.
Human Copy Number Variation and Complex Genetic Disease

Copy number variants (CNVs) play an important role in human disease and population diversity. Advancements in technology have allowed for the analysis of CNVs in thousands of individuals with disease in addition to thousands of controls. These studies have identified rare CNVs associated with neuropsychiatric diseases such as autism, schizophrenia, and intellectual disability. In addition, copy number polymorphisms (CNPs) are present at higher frequencies in the population, show high diversity in copy number, sequence, and structure, and have been associated with multiple phenotypes, primarily related to immune or environmental response. However, the landscape of copy number variation still remains largely unexplored, especially for smaller CNVs and those embedded within complex regions of the human genome. An integrated approach including characterization of single nucleotide variants and CNVs in a large number of individuals with disease and normal genomes holds the promise of thoroughly elucidating the genetic basis of human disease and diversity.
Are We Missing the Mark? The Implementation of Community Based Participatory Education in Cancer Disparities Curriculum Development

Objective The Chicago south side, even more so than national populations, continues to be burdened with widening gaps of disparities in cancer outcomes. Therefore, Chicago community members were engaged in addressing the following content areas for a cancer disparities curriculum: (1) the south side Chicago community interest in participating in curriculum design, (2) how community members should be involved in designing cancer disparities curriculum, and (3) what community members believe the curriculum should address to positively impact their community.
A multiresolution representation for massive meshes

We present a new external memory multiresolution surface representation for massive polygonal meshes. Previous methods for building such data structures have relied on resampled surface data or employed memory intensive construction algorithms that do not scale well. Our proposed representation combines efficient access to sampled surface data with access to the original surface. The construction algorithm for the surface representation exhibits memory requirements that are insensitive to the size of the input mesh, allowing it to process meshes containing hundreds of millions of polygons. The multiresolution nature of the surface representation has allowed us to develop efficient algorithms for view-dependent rendering, approximate collision detection, and adaptive simplification of massive meshes. The empirical performance of these algorithms demonstrates that the underlying data structure is a powerful and flexible tool for operating on massive geometric data.
Neuroökonomie und langfristige Investitionen

Ich zeige meinen Studenten oft einen kurzen Videofilm von einer Rattenmutter, der Teil meiner begehrten Sammlung von Filmaufnahmen von Tierverhaltensweisen ist. Besagte Rattenmutter ist Bewohnerin einer stadtischen Kanalisation. Ihr Nest, in dem sie viel Zeit verbringt, um ihre Jungen zu versorgen und zu schutzen, hat sie in einem scheinbar sicheren Winkel in einiger Entfernung zum Wasser gebaut. Als jedoch der Wasserspiegel plotzlich ansteigt, sieht sich die Rattin mit dem Problem konfrontiert, wie sie sich und ihre Nachkommen in Sicherheit bringt. Vorsichtig greift sie eines ihrer Jungen mit den langen Nagezahnen und tragt es an einen sicheren Ort. Da das Wasser weiter steigt, rechnet man nicht damit, dass sie zuruckkommt. Doch genau das tut sie – solange sie noch durchkommt, rettet sie weiter ihre Jungen und zeigt dabei heldenhafte Sprunge und Balanceakte. Mit jedem Weg riskiert sie ihr eigenes Leben.
Perceptions of Assertiveness by Women Involved in a Conflict Situation

This study extends previous research by examining the social impact of assertiveness upon differentially assertive subjects under more naturalistic assessment conditions. Forty-five low-and 45 high-assertive undergraduate, Caucasian females interacted with a female confederate who displayed unassertive, assertive, or empathic-assertive behaviors in the context of conflict resolution. Subsequent to the interactions, the Interpersonal Evaluation Inventory, the Interpersonal Judgment Scale, and a postexperimental questionnaire assessed the subjects' perceptions of the confederate's behavior and other aspects of the study. The results suggest that in a live conflict situation, assertiveness is regarded less favorably on some dimensions of interpersonal attraction than is unassertiveness. Also, low-assertive subjects experienced more anxiety and personal sacrifice during their interaction with the confederate than did high-assertive subjects. High-and low-assertive individuals did not differ in their complianc...
Method for AC Powerline Impedance Measurement

Methods exist today to estimate the AC powerline impedance by taking into account the various components in the distribution system. These calculations are fraught with error due to inaccurate electrical documentation and a lack of information about the physical construction of the system. However, the accuracy of these results are critical because they feed into the calculation of available energy for establishing the degree of arc flash hazard present at a location. This paper presents a novel method for determining the AC powerline resistance and inductance through a process of measuring the real-time reaction of the line to the controlled application of two known impedances. This method has been realized and tested to accurately measure powerline impedances as high as 84 kA in 480 V motor control centers. The available energy can be calculated from this impedance to assist in the determination of the appropriate equipment necessary for arc flash protection.
Clinical and Analytical Standardization Issues Confronting Cardiac Troponin I

Troponin I, a subunit of the ternary troponin complex, is a regulatory protein of the thin filament of striated muscle. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is uniquely different from the troponin I found in either slow or fast skeletal muscle. Possessing an additional 31-amino acid sequence at its N terminus, cTnI is found exclusively in the myocardium and, therefore, has been extensively studied as a sensitive and specific serum marker for myocardial injury (1). The forms of cTnI found in the circulation include complexes with troponin T and C (TIC and IC) as well as free subunits (2). In addition, cTnI has been identified in oxidized, reduced, and phosphorylated forms (3)(4). The signals generated by immunoassays developed with anti-cTnI monoclonal antibodies are dependent on the epitope region recognized by these antibodies (5). Thus, protein regions within the cTnI molecule that are susceptible to oxidation, reduction, or phosphorylation or to degradation by the action of proteases are likely to exhibit variable immunoreactivity and even loss of reactivity, leading to altered signal generation in cTnI immunoassays that use antibodies against such regions. In the December 1998 issue of Clinical Chemistry , Katrukha et al. (6) presented Western blotting and immunoassay data demonstrating the in vivo and in vitro degradation of both the C and N termini of cTnI in human myocardium and serum after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). More importantly, they demonstrated that the signal detected by cTnI immunoassays is highly dependent on the epitope regions recognized by the anti-cTnI antibodies used in the (sandwich) immunoassays. Thus, whether cTnI is complexed with troponin T and or with troponin C as the three-subunit complex TIC or the two-subunit complex IC or as a free subunit, immunoassays designed with antibodies selected against the stable amino acid region between residues 33 and 110 of …
Tubal Ligation Induces Quiescence in the Epithelia of the Fallopian Tube Fimbria

Tubal ligation keeps the fimbriated end of the fallopian tube intact while interrupting the conduit for sperm and egg between the uterus and ovary. Tubal ligation is associated with an approximately 20% decreased risk of high-grade serous ovarian cancers, which mounting evidence suggests arise from the distal fallopian tube epithelium. We postulated that biological changes at the epithelial cellular level of the distal fallopian tube may account for the surgical procedure's observed risk reduction. We compared the histology, presence of epithelial progenitors (basally located CD44-positive cells), and degree of epithelial proliferation (Ki67-positive cells) of distal fallopian tube from 10 patients with previous tubal ligation and 10 age-matched patients with uncut fallopian tubes. A significantly reduced population of proliferating epithelial progenitors (basally located CD44/Ki67 dual-positive cells) was detected in the tubal ligated specimens (P = .0002). To functionally assess the effect of tubal ligation, a murine model was utilized to compare the growth capacity of distal fallopian tube epithelial cells isolated from either ligated or sham-operated tubal epithelia. Murine fallopian tube epithelial cells isolated after tubal ligation showed a significantly reduced capacity to grow organoids in culture compared to sham-operated controls (P = .002). The findings of this study show that tubal ligation is associated with a reduced presence and decreased proliferation of progenitor cells in the distal fallopian tube epithelium. These compositional and functional changes suggest that tubal ligation induces quiescence of distal fallopian tube epithelial cells.
The Liver in Celiac Disease Clinical Manifestations, Histologic Features, and Response to Gluten-Free Diet in 30 Patients

Descriptive reports of liver histologic features in celiac disease (CD) are sparse, and the effect of a gluten-free diet (GFD) on the course of liver injury is poorly understood. We reviewed liver biopsy specimens in 30 patients with CD and performed immunostains for IgG, IgG4, IgM, and IgA. Subsequent liver biochemical tests and compliance with the GFD were recorded. Of the patients, 19 had autoimmune-mediated liver disease (AILD; autoimmune hepatitis, 9; primary sclerosing cholangitis, 7; and primary biliary cirrhosis, 3). The remaining 11 patients had cryptogenic hepatitis (5), hepatitis C (2), steatohepatitis (2), sarcoidosis (1), and T-cell lymphoma (1). The liver disease diagnosis preceded the CD diagnosis in all groups except steatohepatitis. Although 82% of patients without AILD had symptomatic CD, only 26% of patients with AILD had such symptoms. The pathology of the specific liver disease was not atypical in histologic features or IgG/IgM ratios. While GFD improved cryptogenic hepatitis, it did not seem to affect AILD. We propose that AILD and cryptogenic hepatitis in patients with CD represent distinct clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical entities rather than 2 ends of a spectrum of liver injury.
The genetics of colored sequence synesthesia: Suggestive evidence of linkage to 16q and genetic heterogeneity for the condition

Synesthesia is a perceptual condition in which sensory stimulation triggers anomalous sensory experiences. In colored sequence synesthesia (CSS), color experiences are triggered by sequences such as letters or numbers. We performed a family based linkage analysis to identify genetic loci responsible for the increased neural crosstalk underlying CSS. Our results implicate a 23 MB region at 16q12.2-23.1, providing the first step in understanding the molecular basis of CSS.
Are the results correct? - An application of wavelets to analyze heart rate variability

This paper addresses the process to validate research results by illustrating with an example of applying wavelet analysis to heart rate variability.
REMAP: Recursive Estimation and Maximization of A Posteriori Probabilities - Application to Transition-Based Connectionist Speech Recognition

In this paper, we introduce REMAP, an approach for the training and estimation of posterior probabilities using a recursive algorithm that is reminiscent of the EM-based Forward-Backward (Liporace 1982) algorithm for the estimation of sequence likelihoods. Although very general, the method is developed in the context of a statistical model for transition-based speech recognition using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to generate probabilities for Hidden Markov Models (HMMs). In the new approach, we use local conditional posterior probabilities of transitions to estimate global posterior probabilities of word sequences. Although we still use ANNs to estimate posterior probabilities, the network is trained with targets that are themselves estimates of local posterior probabilities. An initial experimental result shows a significant decrease in error-rate in comparison to a baseline system.
Free energy estimation of short DNA duplex hybridizations

Estimation of DNA duplex hybridization free energy is widely used for predicting cross-hybridizations in DNA computing and microarray experiments. A number of software programs based on different methods and parametrizations are available for the theoretical estimation of duplex free energies. However, significant differences in free energy values are sometimes observed among estimations obtained with various methods, thus being difficult to decide what value is the accurate one. We present in this study a quantitative comparison of the similarities and differences among four published DNA/DNA duplex free energy calculation methods and an extended Nearest-Neighbour Model for perfect matches based on triplet interactions. The comparison was performed on a benchmark data set with 695 pairs of short oligos that we collected and manually curated from 29 publications. Sequence lengths range from 4 to 30 nucleotides and span a large GC-content percentage range. For perfect matches, we propose an extension of the Nearest-Neighbour Model that matches or exceeds the performance of the existing ones, both in terms of correlations and root mean squared errors. The proposed model was trained on experimental data with temperature, sodium and sequence concentration characteristics that span a wide range of values, thus conferring the model a higher power of generalization when used for free energy estimations of DNA duplexes under non-standard experimental conditions. Based on our preliminary results, we conclude that no statistically significant differences exist among free energy approximations obtained with 4 publicly available and widely used programs, when benchmarked against a collection of 695 pairs of short oligos collected and curated by the authors of this work based on 29 publications. The extended Nearest-Neighbour Model based on triplet interactions presented in this work is capable of performing accurate estimations of free energies for perfect match duplexes under both standard and non-standard experimental conditions and may serve as a baseline for further developments in this area of research.
Configurational effects of templating on the adsorption isotherms of templated porous materials

The porosity and pore geometry of disordered materials can be influenced by employing a removable template during synthesis. A theoretical and simulation study is reported of the configurational effects of template size and density on the adsorption isotherms of templated porous materials. To isolate the configurational (entropic) contributions, the adsorbate, matrix and template components are modelled as hard spheres. The replica Ornstein-Zernike equations proposed by Zhang, L. and Van Tassel, P. R. (2000) J. chem Phys., 112, 3006 are used within the Percus-Yevick approximation to calculate adsorption isotherms for differently sized adsorbate and template components. These theoretical results are compared with results from Monte Carlo simulation. It is found that adsorption is most enhanced whenever the size of the template is equal to or slightly larger than that of the adsorbate. Also, for systems of constant matrix density or constant matrix plus template density, increasing the density of template e...
Experiments in automatic Library of Congress Classification

This article presents the results of research into the automatic selection of Library of Congress Classification numbers based on the titles and subject headings in MARC records. The method used in this study was based on partial match retrieval techniques using various elements of new records (i.e., those to be classified) as “queries,” and a test database of classification clusters generated from previously classified MARC records. Sixty individual methods for automatic classification were tested on a set of 283 new records, using all combinations of four different partial match methods, five query types, and three representations of search terms. The results indicate that if the best method for a particular case can be determined, then up to 88% of the new records may be correctly classified. The single method with the best accuracy was able to select the correct classification for about 46% of the new records.
Electrical energy storage for transportation—approaching the limits of, and going beyond, lithium-ion batteries

The escalating and unpredictable cost of oil, the concentration of major oil resources in the hands of a few politically sensitive nations, and the long-term impact of CO2 emissions on global climate constitute a major challenge for the 21st century. They also constitute a major incentive to harness alternative sources of energy and means of vehicle propulsion. Today's lithium-ion batteries, although suitable for small-scale devices, do not yet have sufficient energy or life for use in vehicles that would match the performance of internal combustion vehicles. Energy densities 2 and 5 times greater are required to meet the performance goals of a future generation of plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs) with a 40–80 mile all-electric range, and all-electric vehicles (EVs) with a 300–400 mile range, respectively. Major advances have been made in lithium-battery technology over the past two decades by the discovery of new materials and designs through intuitive approaches, experimental and predictive reasoning, and meticulous control of surface structures and chemical reactions. Further improvements in energy density of factors of two to three may yet be achievable for current day lithium-ion systems; factors of five or more may be possible for lithium–oxygen systems, ultimately leading to our ability to confine extremely high potential energy in a small volume without compromising safety, but only if daunting technological barriers can be overcome.
Plasma retinol and plasma and lipoprotein tocopherol and carotenoid concentrations in healthy elderly participants of the Framingham Heart Study

Data on plasma concentrations of tocopherols and the major carotenoids in adults aged > or = 65 y, particularly in those > 80 y, are sparse. In the current study retinol, tocopherol (alpha- and gamma-tocopherols), and carotenoid (lutein/zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthins, lycopene, and alpha- and beta-carotene) concentrations were determined in 638 subjects, 230 men (aged 75 +/- 5 y) and 408 women (76 +/- 6 y), of the Framingham Heart Study. All subjects were free of clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Percentile ranges were comparable with those established in younger cohorts. Moreover, women had significantly higher plasma alpha-tocopherol and plasma and lipoprotein concentrations of beta-cryptoxanthin and alpha- and beta-carotene than did men. Lycopene concentrations were inversely correlated with age and lowest among subjects > or = 80 y. Total intakes (diet+supplements) of vitamin C and vitamin E, but not dietary intakes alone, were positively associated with plasma alpha-tocopherol and inversely associated with gamma-tocopherol concentrations. In multivariate analyses, plasma cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations and total intake of vitamins E and C predicted 64% and 55% of the plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations in men and women, respectively. Important predictors for the majority of carotenoids included plasma cholesterol concentration, body mass index (negative effect), and smoking status (negative effect); for lycopene concentration they included cholesterol concentration and age (negative effect). In summary, percentile ranges and lipoprotein distributions were comparable with those established in younger cohorts, suggesting that overall antioxidant status is not altered in people between the ages of 67 and 96 y.
Whose City Is This? Hucksters, Domestic Servants, Wet‐Nurses, Prostitutes, and Slaves in Late Medieval Western Mediterranean Urban Society

Medieval urban studies have evolved more rapidly in some areas of Europe than in others. Mediterranean Europe (with the exception of Italy) has been slower to focus on urban society than northern polities such as England. However, in the last 30 years, the exploration of the urban population and marginal groups has been expanding. This article examines the experience of the latter in later medieval Mediterranean Europe under the categories of hucksters, wet-nurses, and domestic servants; prostitution; and slavery, with a particular interest in their impact on the topography of the medieval city.
Coherent State Evolution in a Superconducting Qubit from Partial-Collapse Measurement

Measurement is one of the fundamental building blocks of quantum-information processing systems. Partial measurement, where full wavefunction collapse is not the only outcome, provides a detailed test of the measurement process. We introduce quantum-state tomography in a superconducting qubit that exhibits high-fidelity single-shot measurement. For the two probabilistic outcomes of partial measurement, we find either a full collapse or a coherent yet nonunitary evolution of the state. This latter behavior explicitly confirms modern quantum-measurement theory and may prove important for error-correction algorithms in quantum computation.
Subsets of retinal progenitors display temporally regulated and distinct biases in the fates of their progeny

Cell fate determination in the developing vertebrate retina is characterized by the sequential generation of seven classes of cells by multipotent progenitor cells. Despite this order of genesis, more than one cell type is generated at any time; for example, in the rat, several cell types are born during the prenatal period, while others are born postnatally. In order to examine whether there are classes of progenitor cells with distinct developmental properties contributing to this developmental progression, we examined antigen expression in progenitor cells during rat retinal development. Two markers of amacrine and horizontal cells, the VC1.1 epitope and syntaxin, were found to be expressed on a subset of progenitors in a temporally regulated manner that closely paralleled the birthdays of these cell types. In order to investigate which cell types were produced by the progenitors expressing these markers, fluorescent latex microspheres covalently coupled to VC1.1 antibodies were used to indelibly label VC1.1+ progenitor cells and their progeny. Early in retinal development, VC1.1+ progenitors generated a high percentage of amacrine and horizontal cells, but no cone photoreceptors. During this same period, a comparable number of cone photoreceptors were generated by VC1.1- progenitors. In the late embryonic and early postnatal period, VC1.1+ progenitors continued to generate predominantly amacrine cells, but also gave rise to an increasing number of rod photoreceptors. These findings demonstrate that expression of these two markers by progenitors is highly correlated with a bias towards the production of amacrine and horizontal cells. The fact that subsets of progenitors with temporally regulated and distinct biases are intermingled within the retinal neuroepithelium provides a basis for understanding how different cell types are generated both simultaneously and in a particular order by multipotent progenitors during retinal development.