cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New Roles for Cysteine and Transsulfuration Enzymes: Production of H2S, a Neuromodulator and Smooth Muscle Relaxant

The enzymes of the transsulfuration pathway also have the capacity to catalyze the desulfhydration of cysteine. Recent studies demonstrate a role of the transsulfuration enzymes, cystathionine gamma-lyase and cystathionine beta-synthase, in catalyzing the desulfhydration of cysteine in brain and smooth muscle. The H2S produced from cysteine functions as a neuromodulator and smooth muscle relaxant. In glutamatergic neurons, the production of H2S by cystathionine beta-synthase enhances N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated currents. In smooth muscle cells, H2S produced by cystathionine gamma-lyase enhances the outward flux of potassium by opening potassium channels, leading to hyperpolarization of membrane potential and smooth muscle relaxation.
Mechanical de-adhesion and incubation of white sturgeon eggs (Acipenser transmontanus Richardson) in jar incubators

Abstract Eggs obtained from five white sturgeon females were fertilized manually and subjected to manual and mechanical de-adhesion by silt coating in jar incubators (described). Embryos resulting from both manual and mechanical de-adhesion yielded similar survival from fertilization to hatch (57 and 54% respectively). Fertilization concomitant with a mechanical silt coating resulted in significantly lower embryonic survival as compared to a manual treatment (4 and 40% respectively).
Stopping cross sections for RBS-analysis of high-Tc superconductors

Abstract Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) using 2–5 MeV 4He-ions is particularly suited for the determination of composition vs depth within the first ∼ 1 μm of compounds such as Y1Ba2Cu3O7. The necessary stopping cross sections for elemental yttrium, barium and copper were determined for the appropriate energy range (0.6–5.14 MeV).
Presentation of bacterial lipid antigens by CD1 molecules

Human CD1 molecules bind and display or present lipid and glycolipid antigens from mycobacteria for recognition by T cells. Presentation requires uptake of antigen into endosomes, where it binds to CD1. T-cell recognition of CD1-presented nonpeptide antigens is a newly defined immune response that could be important for host defense against a variety of pathogens.
Characterization of a DNA Topoisomerase Encoded byAmsacta mooreiEntomopoxvirus

Abstract We have identified an Amsacta moorei entomopoxvirus (AmEPV) gene encoding a DNA topoisomerase. The 333-amino acid AmEPV topoisomerase displays instructive sequence similarities to the previously identified topoisomerases encoded by five genera of vertebrate poxviruses. One hundred nine amino acids are identical or conserved among the six proteins. The gene encoding AmEPV topoisomerase was expressed in bacteria and the recombinant enzyme was partially purified. AmEPV topoisomerase is a monomeric enzyme that catalyzes the relaxation of supercoiled DNA. Like the vaccinia, Shope fibroma virus, and Orf virus enzymes, the AmEPV topoisomerase forms a covalent adduct with duplex DNA at the target sequence CCCTT↓. The kinetic and equilibrium parameters of the DNA cleavage reaction of AmEPV topoisomerase ( k obs = 0.08 sec −1 ; K cl = 0.22) are similar to those of the vaccinia virus enzyme.
Effect of single-channel compression on temporal speech information.

Although syllabic compression systems are available in many currently marketed hearing aids, the benefit of such systems continues to be debated. The goal of this study was to determine the effect ...
Profile stability of a clinical rating scale.

A statistic for describing the reliability of clinical profiles is described. Videotaped interviews are utilized to hold day-to-day variability constant, permitting the evaluation of rater-specific errors. The stability of clinicians' conceptions of the pathology associated with “typical” patients representing various diagnostic categories was evaluated. Even when rater-specific variance is averaged out, patients' observed pathology does not match well with the profile of pathology ascribed to the diagnostic group to which the patient has been clinically assigned.
Vascular pathology and repair in the aging heart: alterations in inflammatory mediators

The severity of cardiovascular pathophysiology increases with advanced age. Recent clinical and experimental investigations have revealed that a shift in inflammation pathways contributes to a senescent predisposition to increased cardiac vascular dysfunction, as well as impaired cardiac vascular repair and regenerative mechanisms. Clinical strategies to counter this age-related pro-inflammatory induction in the heart might reduce the impact of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older persons.
Adult glioblastoma multiforme survival in the temozolomide era: A population-based analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries

BACKGROUND: Survival after a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) diagnosis remained static during the several decades before 1999. We hypothesized that the progressive increase in temozolomide use for GBM treatment that began in 1999 in the United States would be paralleled by a corresponding improvement in survival. METHODS: We included 19,674 GBM cases, ages 20 years or greater, diagnosed 1993 to 2007 in the population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database. We used proportional hazards models to calculate calendar period hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for demographic covariates. We compared survival across periods using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Starting with cases diagnosed in 1999 to 2001, we observed a progressive decrease in HRs compared with cases diagnosed in 1993 to 1995. The multivariate-adjusted HR for 2005 to 2007 versus 1993 to 1995 was 0.69 (95% CI, 0.65-0.72). Age-stratified analyses revealed that this progressive decrease occurred in all age groups except 80+ years. Two-year survival increased from 7% among cases diagnosed in 1993 to 1995 and 1996 to 1998 to 9% among cases diagnosed in 1999 to 2001, 13% in 2002 to 2004, and 17% in 2005 to 2007. The disparity in survival between young and old patients increased in the temozolomide era, with 2-year survival of 39% among cases diagnosed at ages 20 to 44 years and 1% among cases diagnosed at 80+ years in 2005 to 2007. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a modest, but meaningful, population-based survival improvement for GBM patients in the United States. Widespread adoption of temozolomide represents the most likely explanation, although other treatment advances, such as increased extent of surgical resection, also may have played a role. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Ketamine protects cultured astrocytes from glutamate-induced swelling

Abstract Effects of ketamine on glutamate-induced swelling of astrocytes in primary cell culture were studied. Following the exposure to 1 mM glutamate (Glu) for 4 h the intracellular water space (as measured by 3-O-methyl-[ 14 C]glucose uptake) of astrocytes was increased by two-fold concomitant with cell swelling and disappearance of cellular processed observed by phase-contrast microscopy. Ketamine, when co-incubated with Glu, reduced the astrocytic swelling in a dose-dependent manner. These data suggested that ketamine, in addition to its function as a non-comparative N-methyl- d -aspartate receptor antagonist, is also involved in protecting astrocytes from Glu-induced swelling.
Neointimal hyperplasia rapidly reaches steady state in a novel murine vein graft model.

Objective: Neointimal hyperplasia remains a principal cause of vein graft failure. Genetic contributions to vein graft neointimal hyperplasia could be well studied in the mouse; however, surgical approaches to vein bypass surgery in the mouse have yet to replicate approaches commonly employed in human patients. Consequently, the goal of this study was to develop a murine interposition vein graft model that reproduces characteristics of human vein graft disease. Method: Using C57BL/6J mice, we excised inferior venae cavae (IVCs) from donor mice and grafted them, with end-to-side anastomosis, into the carotid circulation of recipients. IVC grafts were harvested from 3 to 56 days postoperatively, and analyzed for the development of neointima and media. Results: Thickening of both the vein graft neointima and media progressed rapidly between postoperative weeks 1 and 4, and reached steady state levels by approximately week four, with a graft-wall thickness of 91 4 m (14 cell layers), a lumen area of 0.56 mm 2 , an average neointima-media ratio of 0.4 to 0.6, and a predominance of -smooth muscle actin-staining cells. Comprising predominately smooth muscle actin-expressing cells, the neointima was 50% thicker in the proximal than in the distal third of the grafts (P < .001), but proximal and distal vein graft anastomoses were widely patent. Conclusions: In syngeneic murine carotid interposition IVC grafts implanted with end-to-side anastomoses, moderate, nonocclusive neointimal hyperplasia reaches steady state after the fourth postoperative week. This neointimal hyperplasia, like that of human grafts, predominates near vein graft anastomoses. This vein graft model should facilitate genetic analyses of the pathogenesis of neointimal hyperplasia. (J Vasc Surg 2002;36:824-32.)
Rent-seeking over time: The continuity of capture

Recently in this journal Skaggs and Wasserkrug (1983) presented a model of bureau monitoring and related it to Federal Reserve behavior. Central to their argument was that bureau constituencies may pressure congressmen in maintaining the monitoring status quo. If competition is to be expected between self-interested parties for the property rights associated with regulation and regulatory commissions, then bureau monitoring, or lack of it, should have value. The capture of a commission by others is made more costly when information on a bureau's activities is restricted. In general, the issues surrounding bureau monitoring bring out the dynamic nature of the capture theory of regulation. Once captured, commissions must remain captured if benefits are to accrue to rent-seekers over time. Empirical support for the capture perspective, however, only relates personal characteristics of the appointed regulators (commissioners) to characteristics preferred by the regulated.' To reveal the dynamic nature of capture one must also account for the continuity of commission membership. A captured regulatory body can only remain captured if there is a continuity of 'desirable' characteristics. By compiling characteristics of appointed members previous studies have examined the output of the appointment process that resulted from competition for positions on regulatory boards. However, the lack of synchronization between appointments to federal regulatory commissions and presidential elections suggests that the distribution of influence among self-interested groups in the selection process may vary over time. Thus, continuous successful capture is more easily achieved if appointees remain on boards for full terms and, if possible, land reappointments. But the process is complicated further because regulators
Fatigue crack propagation in an epoxy polymer

Abstract This experimental study investigates the fatigue crack growth rate behavior in an epoxy resin polymer using the tapered-double-cantilever-beam (TDCB) specimen in ambient and elevated temperature environments. An empirical crack growth rate model based on the change in crack extension force, Δℷ, is proposed. Its relation to current ΔK models is discussed and observations on the fatigue surface morphology presented.
Identification of a normal vertebrate cell protein related to the p21 src of Harvey murine sarcoma virus.

Abstract Harvey murine sarcoma virus (Ha-MSV) is a recombinant virus between genetic sequences of a helper-independent mouse type C virus and rat nucleic acid sequences. The rat sequences of Ha-MSV encode a 21,000-dalton protein (p21) which is responsible for the maintenance of the virus-induced transformation. Employing rat antisera containing antibodies directed against Ha-MSV p21, we have detected lower amounts of a 21,000-dalton cellular homolog in uninfected cells derived from a variety of vertebrate species including rat, mouse, mink, hamster, rabbit, turkey, bat, cat, dog, horse, monkey, and human. Although we could detect with the same antisera a phosphorylated form of the viral p21, we were unable to immunoprecipitate a phosphorylated form of the endogenous p21. Partial proteolytic peptide mapping by Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease demonstrated that the Ha-MSV p21 is structurally very similar to the endogenous cellular homolog which is itself chemically highly conserved in a variety of vertebrate cells. The present data suggest that a normal cellular gene encoding an antigenically and chemically related protein of the Ha-MSV p21 is present in many vertebrate species.
Location of zinc in a conventional dental amalgam matrix

The location of zinc in a conventional dental amalgam matrix has been studied by electroetching, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. It has been shown that zinc is randomly and non-uniformly distributed in the matrix phases. The major portion of zinc is segregated as an intergranular structure atγ1, andγ2 grain boundaries. A zinc-containing substructure has been observed inγ2 but not inγ1. A small amount of zinc may exist as solid solution in both phases.
An analytical electrothermal model of a 1D electrothermal MEMS micromirror

We have developed an analytical model that describes the steady-state thermal behavior of a 1-D electrothermal bimorph MEMS micromirror. The steady-state 1-D heat transport equation is used to solve for the temperature distribution of the device upon actuation. Three models are developed using different thermal conditions on the device. The models consider heat dissipation from conduction and convection and the temperature dependence of the actuator electrical resistor. The temperature distribution equation of each model is analyzed to find critical thermal parameters such as the position of maximum temperature, maximum temperature, average temperature, and equivalent thermal resistance. The simplest model, called the Case 1 model, is used to develop an electrothermal lumped element model that uses a single thermal power source. In the Case 1 model, it is shown that a parameter called the “balancing factor” predicts where the maximum temperature is located, the distribution of power flow, and the division of thermal resistances. The analytical models are compared to FEM simulations and agree within 20% for all of the actuation ranges and thermal conditions tested.
Personality correlates of adjustment in isolated work groups

Abstract Twenty-five personnel from two Antarctic research stations spent the austral winter (February-October) confined in small, isolated stations located on the Antarctic ice cap. At the end of this confinement, they completed two questionnaires. The first asked about alcohol and marijuana use and self-rated adjustment to the living conditions; it also asked for nominations of others with whom each would most like and least like to spend another Antarctic tour. The second questionnaire was a recently developed personality inventory. Personality scale scores were correlated with self-rated adjustment and peer nominations. The results were consistent with previous research, and indicated that adjustment was a function of narrow interests and a low need for stimulation. More importantly, the findings also demonstrated that personality inventories are useful for predicting adjustment to working conditions in such isolated settings.
Elimination of nonconformities: The case of voluntary discontinuance

Abstract Nonconforming use arose as an issue from the earliest zoning proposals, because for each zoning classification established in an area, uses existed which were not compatible with the purpose behind the zoning. The planning philosophy emerged that such uses were to be eliminated over time, and legislative and judicial doctrines were established to accomplish that purpose. This article examines one of those approaches, voluntary discontinuance, in light of varying legislative and judicial interpretations, in an attempt to provide a guide for attorneys and planners to determine the circumstances under which a court might find abandonment.
A field survey of the emergency preparedness of wilderness hikers

The objective was to describe the health, first aid needs, supplies, and knowledge of wilderness hikers. A cross sectional survey was designed using a structured interview and carried out in Yosemite National Park; July 1991. The subjects were overnight hikers ( n = 301) representing 146 groups, spending a minimum of one night at one of nine sites. The average age was 34 years (range 12–84); 63% were male and 37% were female. Of the subjects, 11% had no previous experience and 40% had been on more than ten trips. Over 96% self reported being in excellent or good health; only 10% were smokers. 50% had pre-existing medical conditions requiring additional preparedness; 10% had insect allergies, 6% had asthma. The most common medical problems encountered were insect bites (82%), minor cuts (24%), blisters (24%) and sunburn (22%). Acute mountain sickness (AMS) (6%) and asthma attacks (3%) were the most common serious problems. 6% shortened their current trip due to first aid reasons. Most groups (141 = 99%) had some first aid equipment. On average, groups carried only 48% of the recommended categories of first aid supplies appropriate for their trip duration. The amount of first aid equipment was significantly associated with the maximal score per group on a generalized first aid knowledge test (p
Revascularization of occluded internal carotid arteries by hypertrophied vasa vasorum: report of four cases.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: The vasa vasorum are involved in the pathophysiological development of carotid artery atherosclerosis, providing vascular support to the thickened intima and plaque. When advanced atherosclerosis causes carotid artery occlusion, the vasa vasorum may serve as a means of revascularization. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We studied four patients with internal carotid artery occlusion who exhibited revascularization, distal to the occlusion, by small vascular channels that were inconsistent with recanalization through the thrombus. The channels had an angiographic appearance consistent with their being hypertrophied vasa vasorum. Significant collateral circulation was provided by the revascularization. INTERVENTION: All four patients exhibited adequate collateral circulation and were treated with antiplatelet or anticoagulation medication. CONCLUSION: The vasa vasorum have not been previously reported to contribute to the revascularization of occluded arteries. The four cases presented in this report suggest that the vasa vasorum can be a source of collateral circulation after carotid artery occlusion secondary to atherosclerotic disease.
ENDOCARDITIS IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Clinical presentations and pathogeneses of endocarditis and aspects of its diagnosis and management relevant to emergency department practice are reviewed. Guidelines for admission, laboratory evaluation, and decisions regarding the initiation of therapy in the ED are offered. Also discussed are the role of the emergency physician in the prevention of iatrogenic infection and current recommendations regarding administration of prophylactic antibiotics for ED procedures.
Inhibition of macromolecular synthesis in the malarial parasites by inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes.

Nachweis, dass diverse Hemmstoffe der proteolytischen Enzyme den Einbau ihrer Vorganger in Protein und RNS vonPlasmodium berghei bei in vitro-Kultur in Mause-Erythrozyten verhindern, eine Hemmung, die teilweise durch Aminosauren ruckgangig gemacht wird. Diese Daten sprechen fur einen Aminosaure-Entzug durch die Proteinase-Hemmstoffe im Parasiten, wobei der Hamoglobinabbau blockiert wird.
Carbohydrate-derivatized immunoconjugate of the anti-(carcinoembryonic antigen) monoclonal antibody C46: Immunohistological reactivity and pharmacokinetic comparison with a randomly derivatized C46 immunoconjugate

In this study, a site-specific glycyl-tyrosyl-(N-epsilon-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid)-lysine (GYK-DTPA) immunoconjugate of the anti-carcinoembryonic antigen monoclonal antibody C46 (C46-GYK-DTPA) was characterized by immunohistological and immunofluorescence methods for reactivity with normal and neoplastic human tissues. In addition, pharmacokinetic studies assessed the ability of C46-GYK-DTPA labeled with 111In to localize to and image human tumor xenografts in nude mice. The native antibody and the site-specific immunoconjugate exhibited similar patterns of reactivity with normal human tissues. C46 did not bind to the surface of normal human granulocytes, which indicates lack of reactivity with normal cross-reacting antigen. C46-GYK-DTPA reacted with 100% of the colon, breast and renal carcinomas examined and with two of three lung carcinomas, but did not react with any sarcomas, melanomas or lymphomas examined. Intravenously administered C46-GYK-DTPA-111In rapidly localized to and imaged LS174T human colon adenocarcinoma xenografts in nude mice, reaching maximal levels of about 25% of injected dose/g tumor within 1 day. No unusual localization to any non-tumor tissue or organ was seen; the level of radioactivity in the normal tissues and organs was at or below that in the blood. The accessible binding sites in 1 g tumors appeared to be saturated at an antibody dose between 100 micrograms and 1000 micrograms/mouse. Further, in a direct in vivo comparison, the site-specific conjugate C46-GYK-DTPA had more favorable pharmacokinetics and better tumor localization than a randomly derivatized C46 immunoconjugate (C46-DTPA). These findings suggest that the site-specific immunoconjugate C46-GYK-DTPA may be useful in the diagnosis and therapy of colon cancer and other adenocarcinomas expressing carcinoembryonic antigen.
The impact of brand value on firm valuation: The moderating influence of firm type

The efficient markets hypothesis suggests that the stock price of a firm reflects investor perceptions of the current and future earnings potential of all of its assets, both tangible and intangible. Brand value can be viewed as an intangible firm asset and research suggests brand value impacts stock prices. However, the effect of branding on consumers differs from its effect on organizational buyers. In this study, brand valuation estimates are found to be significantly associated with share prices above and beyond book value and earnings information. However, this relationship is moderated by firm type, and, although the association of brand value and stock prices is significant for consumer firms, it is not significant for industrial firms. Brand valuation associations with stock prices are found to be significant both on a contemporaneous basis and on a 1-year time-lagged basis, suggesting brand value changes have a durable effect on firm valuation. The implications for industrial and consumer branding strategies and research are discussed.
Isolation and characterization of two types of MDCK epithelial cell clones based on glycosphingolipid pattern.

Abstract The Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cell line was shown previously to be heterogeneous with marked differences reported between low-passage (strain I) and high-passage (strain II) cultures (Richardson, J.C.W., Scalera, V. and Simmons, N.L. (1981) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 673, 26–36). This report describes major differences in the glycolipids of the two subpopulations of cells that comprise strain I and strain II cultures. The majority of strain II cells were strongly positive for the Forssman glycolipid antigen, while strain I cells were Forssman-deficient. Upon finding that strain I cells were contaminated with mycoplasma, we rescued Forssman-deficient cells from strain II using an anti-Forssman plus complement lysis procedure. Clones of surviving cells consisted of two distinct cell types. The first were Forssman-deficient, non-ciliated, spindle-shaped cells which generated negative (apical to basolateral) transepithelial potential differences. Clones of the second type were strongly Forssman-positive, ciliated, and formed island-shaped clusters of cuboidal cells. These latter clones generated positive potential differences and grew more slowly than the spindle-shaped clones. Spindle cells were enriched in fucolipids, while cuboidal cells contained higher levels of sulfated glycolipids. These two types of clones should provide excellent model systems in which to study the processing and polarity of glycolipids in epithelial cells.
Oxygen Depletion Speeds and Simplifies Diffusion in HeLa Cells

Many cell types undergo a hypoxic response in the presence of low oxygen, which can lead to transcriptional, metabolic, and structural changes within the cell. Many biophysical studies to probe the localization and dynamics of single fluorescently labeled molecules in live cells either require or benefit from low-oxygen conditions. In this study, we examine how low-oxygen conditions alter the mobility of a series of plasma membrane proteins with a range of anchoring motifs in HeLa cells at 37°C. Under high-oxygen conditions, diffusion of all proteins is heterogeneous and confined. When oxygen is reduced with an enzymatic oxygen-scavenging system for ≥15 min, diffusion rates increase by >2-fold, motion becomes unconfined on the timescales and distance scales investigated, and distributions of diffusion coefficients are remarkably consistent with those expected from Brownian motion. More subtle changes in protein mobility are observed in several other laboratory cell lines examined under both high- and low-oxygen conditions. Morphological changes and actin remodeling are observed in HeLa cells placed in a low-oxygen environment for 30 min, but changes are less apparent in the other cell types investigated. This suggests that changes in actin structure are responsible for increased diffusion in hypoxic HeLa cells, although superresolution localization measurements in chemically fixed cells indicate that membrane proteins do not colocalize with F-actin under either experimental condition. These studies emphasize the importance of controls in single-molecule imaging measurements, and indicate that acute response to low oxygen in HeLa cells leads to dramatic changes in plasma membrane structure. It is possible that these changes are either a cause or consequence of phenotypic changes in solid tumor cells associated with increased drug resistance and malignancy.
Insect cytochromes P450: diversity, insecticide resistance and tolerance to plant toxins.

In the last decade, studies of individual insect P450s have blossomed. This new information has furthered our understanding of P450 diversity, insecticide resistance and tolerance to plant toxins. Insect P450s can be adult specific, larval specific or life stage independent. Similarly, insect P450s vary as to the tissues where they are expressed and in their response to inducers. Insect P450s can now be rapidly sequenced using degenerate PCR primers. Given the huge diversity represented by the Class Insecta, this technique will provide vast amounts of new information about insect P450s and the evolution of the P450 gene superfamily. CYP6D1 is responsible for monooxygenase-mediated resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in the house fly. CYP6D1 is ubiquitously expressed in adults with 10-fold higher levels found in the resistant strain compared to susceptible strains. CYP6D1 is on autosome 1 in house fly. The high level of expression found in the resistant strain is due to genes on autosomes 1 and 2. Whether or not the different CYP6D1 alleles found in resistant and susceptible strains have any role in resistance remains to be elucidated. The CYP6B gene subfamily is involved in the metabolism of host plant toxins (i.e. furanocoumarins). CYP6B gene transcripts in two Papilio (swallowtail) species have been shown to be induced by host plant toxins and in turn to metabolize these toxins. CYP6B P450s play a critical role in allowing Papilio to adapt to furanocoumarin-containing host plants. Similarities in structural and promoter regions of the CYP6B genes suggest that they are derived from a common ancestral gene. Although the P450 monooxygenases of insects are important for the metabolism of hormones and phermones, no individual P450 has yet been shown to metabolize an endogenous compound. Advances in this area are critical because they will provide important new information about insect physiology, biochemistry and development.
Efficiently Certifying Non-Integer Powers

We describe a randomized algorithm that, given an integer a, produces a certificate that the integer is not a pure power of an integer in expected (log a)1+o(1) bit operations under the assumption of the Generalized Riemann Hypothesis. The certificate can then be verified in deterministic (log a)1+o(1) time. The certificate constitutes for each possible prime exponent p a prime number qp, such that a mod qp is a pth non-residue. We use an effective version of the Chebotarev density theorem to estimate the density of such prime numbers qp.
Fault diagnosis for lab-on-chip using digital microfluidic logic gates

Dependability is an important system attribute for microfluidic lab-on-chip systems. Robust testing and diagnosis methods are therefore needed for a lab-on-chip. Previously proposed techniques for reading test outcomes and for pulse-sequence analysis are cumbersome and error-prone. We present a fault diagnosis method to locate a single defective cell and multiple rows/columns with defective cells in a digital microfluidic array. This method utilizes digital microfluidic exclusive-or gates to implement an output compactor. The microfluidic compactor can compress 2r distinct test outcomes to a r-droplet signature. This approach obviates the need for capacitive sensing test-outcome circuits for analysis.
Radiological and pathological changes in hemiballism-hemichorea with striatal hyperintensity.

We report CT and MRI findings in a 50-year-old African-American woman with hemichorea-hemiballism (HCHB) and hyperglycemia with striatal hyperintensity. Histopathologic findings following autopsy are also described, and possible explanations for the MR findings of this unique syndrome are presented. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
6946 Observations during follow-up of dysplasia in patients with barrett's esophagus.

Introduction: The natural history of dysplasia in patients with Barrett s esophagus (BE) is still unclear. Aim: To determine the results of repeated endoscopy in patients with Barrett s esophagus and dysplasia. Methods: We reviewed the endoscopic and pathologic results of 120 endoscopies in 23 patients with BE and a suggestion of dysplasia. Dysplasia was graded as high-grade (HGD), low-grade (LGD) or indefinite (ID). The severity and location of dysplasia (proximal, middle, distal) were recorded for each procedure. The proximal 2 cm of columnar epithelium was considered proximal, the distal 2 cm was considered distal, other locations were considered middle. Results: Some degree of dysplasia was seen on 40 of the endoscopies in 18 patients. 10 patients had ID as the initial finding, five have developed dysplasia (2 HGD, 2 LGD, and 1 Cancer). The location of the dysplasia was more likely to be proximal (27 endoscopies) than middle (11 endoscopies) or distal (13 endoscopies). Dysplasia was multi-focal in 6 patients at the incident endoscopy. When unifocal, dysplasia was nearly always seen proximally (16 proximal, 1 middle, 1 distal). 6 patients with unifocal dysplasia on the incident endoscopy developed multi-focal dysplasia on subsequent endoscopies. On 60 endoscopies following the incident finding of dysplasia, 35 procedures demonstrated a down grade of dysplasia to a lesser level, including the finding of no dysplasia at 25 endoscopies. Only 2 endoscopies were associated with an upgrade to a more severe level. Conclusion: 1) BE dysplasia is usually more proximal, although it can occur at all levels. 2) Dysplasia is frequently multi-focal and this can develop during observation, 3) Indefinite dysplasia often develops into true dysplasia, 4) Down grading of BE/dysplasia is common (including the finding of no dysplasia). 5) Upgrading of BE/dysplasia is rare.
The development of ocean surface wave climatology in support of ship to ship connected transfer of cargo and personnel

The US Military's Joint Logistics Over the Shore, (JLOTS), concept requires transferring cargo and personnel between ships that are moored and fendered together in the open ocean. A number of studies have been done that model the ship to ship motions of various combinations of vessels. The vessels range from small lighters to very large post-Panamax vessels. The smaller vessels are particularly susceptible to the wind seas with periods that are closest to the vessels natural frequencies. The larger vessels were more closely tuned to long period swells, while all but ignoring the wind seas that excite the smaller vessels. Tables of seastate probability of occurrence are readily available but not so for swell-states. The author conducted a wave climatology analysis for a potential test site. Using 35 data years of NOAA/NDBC wave buoy data, the author developed a joint probability of seas and swells, significant wave height against sea and swell modal periods. One of the biggest challenges turned out to be figuring out how to depict the joint behavior of four independent variables in a useful way. The standard method of using the properties of statistical distributions, (le Gaussian or Rayleigh), to predict the maxima into the future is limited by the assumptions that the wave parameters are not changing over time and space. The rates of change, of the seas and swells, over time and space, were captured and studied in the data. The rates of change have important implications for the validity of future modeling efforts, across a broad spectrum of ocean engineering projects.
Neither Socialization Nor Recruitment: The Avocational Careers of Old-Car Enthusiasts

This paper investigates the adequacy of socialization and social influence processes in accounting for the development of leisure interests. Data come from intensive interviews (N=40) and structured interviews (N=189) with antique automobile enthusiasts. Four major patterns of entry into this world are identified; the most important of these suggest that interpersonal influence alone cannot explain involvement in such activities. I suggest that Berger's conception of "underinstitutionalization" of the social environment and its subjective correlate, "1subjectivization," provides an explanation for the findings. It is argued that this process may have wider applicability in studying leisure activity and social participation, and constitutes a form of socialstructural effect that is distinct from socialization and social influence.
Morphologic and Biochemical Changes in Dogs After Portacaval Shunt Plus Bile Fistula or Ileal Bypass: Failure of Bile Fistula or Ileal Bypass to Prevent Hepatocyte Atrophy

External biliary fistula (BF) or ileal bypass (IB) was performed in dogs at the time of or 2 weeks after portacaval shunt (PCS). The pathologic changes in the dog livers 2 to 4 weeks later were compared to those caused by PCS alone. Histopathologic differences between PCS alone vs. PCS plus BF or IB could not be found. Thus, the experiments did not confirm recent observations by others in rats that BF prevents or reverses the hepatic injury of PCS. As estimated by plasma mevalonic acid determinations, the increase in hepatic cholesterol synthesis that is characteristic after BF or IB was suppressed in animals with PCS. BF and IB reduced but did not eliminate the postprandial elevation in serum bile acid that occurs after PCS. The findings have possible relevance in planning the treatment of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia with the combined use of PCS and IB.
An Invariant Shape Representation using the Anisotropic Helmholtz Equation

Analyzing geometry of sulcal curves on the human cortical surface requires a shape representation invariant to Euclidean motion. We present a novel shape representation that characterizes the shape of a curve in terms of a coordinate system based on the eigensystem of the anisotropic Helmholtz equation. This representation has many desirable properties: stability, uniqueness and invariance to scaling and isometric transformation. Under this representation, we can find a point-wise shape distance between curves as well as a bijective smooth point-to-point correspondence. When the curves are sampled irregularly, we also present a fast and accurate computational method for solving the eigensystem using a finite element formulation. This shape representation is used to find symmetries between corresponding sulcal shapes between cortical hemispheres. For this purpose, we automatically generate 26 sulcal curves for 24 subject brains and then compute their invariant shape representation. Left-right sulcal shape symmetry as measured by the shape representation’s metric demonstrates the utility of the presented invariant representation for shape analysis of the cortical folding pattern.
A soft 6-axis active vibration isolator

The paper presents analytical and experimental results with a 6-axis actively controlled vibration isolator. The isolator was designed to attenuate vibrations from reaction wheels, cryogenic coolers and other noisy machines located on board precision optical-class spacecraft. It consists of six active struts each of which includes an electromagnetic voice coil actuator in parallel with a soft spring. Six decoupled analog controllers were used to close broadband feedback loops around six force sensors and the isolator multi-axis transmissibility was measured with twelve accelerometers (six on the noisy side and six on the quite side). Experimental results show a ten-fold improvement in performance over passive isolation alone.
Yamuna Kachru's contributions to South Asian discourse and convergence studies

The range of Yamuna Kachru's publications is tremendously broad, ranging from language pedagogy, to South Asian – especially Hindi – syntax and syntactic typology, to discourse in South Asian and other languages, to the broader issue of South Asia and world Englishes. This paper focuses on a number of those aspects of her work that have stimulated my own work on several facets of South Asian linguistics, and presents a personal perspective on Professor Kachru's work in this arena.
Focusing of electric fields in the active site of Cu‐Zn superoxide dismutase: Effects of ionic strength and amino‐acid modification

In this paper we report the implementation of a finite-difference algorithm which solves the linearized Poisson-Boltzmann equation for molecules of arbitrary shape and charge distribution and which includes the screening effects of electrolytes. The microcoding of the algorithm on an ST-100 array processor allows us to obtain electrostatic potential maps in and around a protein, including the effects of ionic strength, in about 30 minutes. We have applied the algorithm to a dimer of the protein Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) and compared our results to those obtained from uniform dielectric models based on coulombic potentials. We find that both the shape of the protein-solvent boundary and the ionic strength of the solvent have a profound effect on the potentials in the solvent. For the case of SOD, the cluster of positive charge at the bottom of the active site channel produces a strongly enhanced positive potential due to the focusing of field lines in the channel—a result that cannot be obtained with any uniform dielectric model. The remainder of the protein is surrounded by a weak negative potential. The electrostatic potential of the enzyme seems designed to provide a large cross-sectional area for productive collisions. Based on the ionic strength dependence of the size of the positive potential region emanating from the active site and the repulsive negative potential barrier surrounding the protein, we are able to suggest an explanation for the ionic strength dependence of the activity of the native and chemically modified forms of the enzyme.
Arterial and aortic valve calcification inversely correlates with osteoporotic bone remodelling: a role for inflammation.

Aims Westernized countries face a growing burden of cardiovascular calcification and osteoporosis. Despite its vast clinical significance, the precise nature of this reciprocal relationship remains obscure. We hypothesize that cardiovascular calcification progresses with inflammation and inversely correlates with bone tissue mineral density (TMD). Methods and results Arterial, valvular, and bone metabolism were visualized using near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) molecular imaging agents, targeting macrophages and osteogenesis. We detected significant arterial and aortic valve calcification in apoE−/− mice with or without chronic renal disease (CRD, 30 weeks old; n = 28), correlating with the severity of atherosclerosis. We demonstrated decreases in osteogenic activity in the femurs of apoE−/− mice when compared with WT mice, which was further reduced with CRD. Three-dimensional micro-computed tomography imaging of the cortical and cancellous regions of femurs quantified structural remodelling and reductions in TMD in apoE−/− and CRD apoE−/− mice. We established significant correlations between arterial and valvular calcification and loss of TMD ( R 2 = 0.67 and 0.71, respectively). Finally, we performed macrophage-targeted molecular imaging to explore a link between inflammation and osteoporosis in vivo . Although macrophage burden, visualized as uptake of NIRF-conjugated iron nanoparticles, was directly related to the degree of arterial and valvular inflammation and calcification, the same method inversely correlated inflammation with TMD ( R 2 = 0.73; 0.83; 0.75, respectively). Conclusion This study provides direct in vivo evidence that in arteries and aortic valves, macrophage burden and calcification associate with each other, whereas inflammation inversely correlates with bone mineralization. Thus, understanding inflammatory signalling mechanisms may offer insight into selective abrogation of divergent calcific phenomena.
A new design procedure for single-layer and two-layer three-line baluns

This paper describes a design procedure for a class of three-line baluns. It is shown that the three-line balun can be considered as a combination of two identical couplers. Thus, the method developed here uses the design of couplers with an appropriate coupling factor for designing this class of baluns. The derivation leads to the normal mode parameters for the three coupled lines. Physical dimensions are obtained from these parameters. This procedure has been implemented for two-layer configurations and verified by comparison with results from a full-wave electromagnetic simulation and experimental measurement.
Genomewide Study of Salivary MicroRNAs for Detection of Oral Cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in human saliva have recently demonstrated to be potential biomarkers for diagnosis purposes. However, lack of well-characterized/matched clinical groups and lack of suitable endogenous control (EC) for salivary extracellular miRNA detection and normalization are among the restrictions of applying salivary-based miRNA biomarker discovery. In the present study, we examined the differential expression pattern of miRNAs among 4 groups of subjects—including patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), patients with OSCC in remission (OSCC-R), patients with oral lichen planus, and healthy controls (HCs)—using a genomewide high-throughput miRNA microarray. First, we systematically screened 10 pooling samples and 34 individual samples of different groups to find a proper EC miRNA. We then investigated the genomewide expression patterns of differentially expressed miRNAs in saliva of different groups using NanoString nCounter miRNA expression assay and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, followed by construction of receiver operating characteristic curves to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. We identified miRNA-191 as a suitable EC miRNA with minimal intergroup and intragroup variability, and we used it for normalization. Of more than 700 miRNAs tested, 13 were identified as being significantly deregulated in saliva of OSCC patients compared to HCs: 11 miRNAs were underexpressed (miRNA-136, miRNA-147, miRNA-1250, miRNA-148a, miRNA-632, miRNA-646, miRNA668, miRNA-877, miRNA-503, miRNA-220a, miRNA-323-5p), and 2 miRNAs were overexpressed (miRNA-24, miRNA-27b). MiRNA-136 was underexpressed in both OSCC vs. HCs and OSCC vs. OSCC-R. MiRNA-27b levels were significantly higher in OSCC patients compared to those found in HCs, patients with OSCC-R, and patients with oral lichen planus and served as a characteristic biomarker of OSCC. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that miRNA-27b could be a valuable biomarker for distinguishing OSCC patients from the other groups. Our novel findings established a reliable EC miRNA for salivary-based diagnostic and indicate that the salivary miRNA profiles are discriminatory in OSCC patients.
Ionized-impurity scattering of quasi-two-dimensional quantum-confined carriers.

Hall-effect measurements of electron mobility in anti-modulation-doped GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells indicate that the ionized-impurity scattering of a quasi-two-dimensional electron gas immersed in the identical concentration of ionized impurities is greater than that of a bulk electron gas of the same density. This enhancement results from an increase of the overlap of the electronic wave function with the impurities, a decrease in screening, and an increase in large-angle scattering. The enhanced scattering rate may be further increased by confining the dopant ions to a deltalike doping profile in the center of the well
Intimate Partner Violence and HIV Risks: A Longitudinal Study of Men on Methadone

Whereas research has suggested that drug-involved men are at disproportionately high risk of engaging in transmission risk behaviors for HIV and of perpetrating intimate partner violence (IPV) against women, only a few cross-sectional studies have examined the relationship between IPV and HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission risks among heterosexual, drug-involved men. This study builds on previous cross-sectional research by using a longitudinal design to examine the temporal relationships between perpetration of IPV and different HIV/STI transmission risks among a random sample of 356 men on methadone assessed at baseline (wave 1), 6 months (wave 2), and 12 months (wave 3). The findings indicate that (1) perpetration of IPV in the past 6 months at wave 1 was associated with having more than one intimate partner, buying sex, and sexual coercion at subsequent waves and that (2) noncondom use, injecting drugs, and sexual coercion at wave 1 were associated with subsequent IPV. The temporal relationships between perpetration of IPV and HIV risks found in this study underscore the need for HIV prevention interventions targeting men on methadone to consider IPV and HIV risks as cooccurring problems.
Outpatient co-management of the patient receiving oral ritodrine therapy.

The physiologic rationale for historic and contemporary management of preterm labor therapies are reviewed. A protocol, with rationale, for nurse-midwifery comanagement of patients receiving ritodrine hydrochloride (Yutopar) as outpatient therapy is presented. Implications for patient education are discussed.