cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The atrial proliferative response following partial ventricular amputation in the heart of the adult newt. A light and electron microscopic autoradiographic study

Abstract This investigation characterizes the atrial proliferative response following partial ventricular amputation in adult newts. Newts processed for light microscopic autoradiography were given either a single injection (SI) of 3H-thymidine 1 hr before fixation and killed at intervals up to 25 days after ventricular wounding or were given six injections (MU), one every 12 hr, and fixed at intervals up to 21 days. Atria processed for EM autoradiography (EMA) were removed 1 hr after injection and 15 days after wounding. Mitotic (MI) and thymidine-labeling indices (TI) were calculated for the epicardium, subepicardial CT and myocardium of both atria. Sham-operated and unoperated animals served as controls. There was no localization of labeled or mitotic cells within the atria of SI or MU animals (P > 0.16) for any cell type. MI and TI for the epicardial and CT cells did not differ from sham-operated controls (P > 0.35). A maximum TI of 6.4% and MI of 0.4% was observed in the atrial myocardium of SI animals on day 15. A maximum TI of 13.8 and 5.9% was observed for the left and right atrial myocardium, respectively, of MI animals on day 12. EMA confirmed that atrial myocytes were engaging in mitosis and DNA synthesis.
A Desktop Computer with a Reconfigurable Pentium

Advancements in reconfigurable technologies, specifically FPGAs, have yielded faster, more power-efficient reconfigurable devices with enormous capacities. In our work, we provide testament to the impressive capacity of recent FPGAs by hosting a complete Pentium® in a single FPGA chip. In addition we demonstrate how FPGAs can be used for microprocessor design space exploration while overcoming the tension between simulation speed, model accuracy, and model completeness found in traditional software simulator environments. Specifically, we perform preliminary experimentation/prototyping with an original Socket 7 based desktop processor system with typical hardware peripherals running modern operating systems such as Fedora Core 4 and Windows XP; however we have inserted a Xilinx Virtex-4 in place of the processor that should sit in the motherboard and have used the Virtex-4 to host a complete version of the Pentium® microprocessor (which consumes less than half its resources). We can therefore apply architectural changes to the processor and evaluate their effects on the complete desktop system. We use this FPGA-based emulation system to conduct preliminary architectural experiments including growing the branch target buffer and the level 1 caches. In addition, we experimented with interfacing hardware accelerators such as DES and AES engines which resulted in a 27x speedup.
Synthesis and characterization of three new thermally stable N-heterocyclic germylenes

Abstract Three new stable germylenes, rac -1,3-di- tert -butyl-4,5-dimethyl-1,3-diaza-2-germacyclopentane-2-ylide ( 1 ), 1,3-di- tert -butyl-4,4-dimethyl-1,3-diaza-2-germacyclopentane-2-ylide ( 2 ), and rac -1,3,4-tri- tert -butyl-1,3-diaza-2-germacyclopentane-2-ylide ( 3 ) have been synthesized by the reaction of their corresponding germyl dichlorides with elemental lithium. Full synthetic procedures and characterizations are described.
Synthesis and characterization of flexible, composite, nanorod nunchucks

A simple template-based synthesis of three-component nanorods with flexible central sections is discussed. These nanorods become flexible by dissolving their central silver sections in dilute hydrogen peroxide, to leave behind a flexible yet robust residue. It is also shown that the flexible region can be reinforced by adding a polymer additive to the plating mixture.
Continuum modelling of solids with micro/nanostructures

The use of molecular dynamics (MD) to model and analyze the properties of nanostructured materials is very heavy on computing time. In this paper, the framework of continuum theory is extended so that it can capture the properties which are connected to the microstructure or nanostructure, but still maintain its simplicity and efficiency. The key step in this approach is the establishment of a relationship between the local kinematics and the global continuum variables. The developed model is capable of accounting for local deformation of micro/nanostructures. Propagations of harmonic waves of different wavelengths in layered media and lattice systems are considered and the resulting dispersion curves are used to evaluate the accuracy of the continuum model. The model is also employed to study wave reflection and transmission at the boundary of two media with different micro/nanostructures.
Discrete-time optimal control of flexible structures

Approximation of an ideal infinite dimensional compensator for an infinite dimensional system is discussed. Two approaches are considered; one is to design a compensator for a finite dimensional model of the system, and the other approach, which is stressed here, is to truncate an infinite dimensional ARMA representation of the ideal compensator. Performance of the closed-loop system is discussed, and an example from control of flexible structures is presented.
Parent Practices and Home-School Partnerships: A Differential Effect for Children with Same-Sex Coupled Parents?

Parents can profoundly influence the long-term academic success of their children. Parental involvement with their children's schools has consistently been associated with much better long-term academic and social outcomes. Unfortunately, same-sex parents often feel disconnected and unwelcome in schools. In order to extend the research supporting parent practices and strong family-school collaboration, the present study used the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten Cohort (ECLS-K) data set to examine the following: (1) How same-sex families compare to heterosexual families with respect to the parental practices of helping and communicating; (2) How home-school partnerships compare across same-sex and heterosexual families; and (3) Whether a strong home-school partnership is more important for the academic achievement and social adjustment of children with same-sex parents given the societal context in which these children are embedded. Results indicated that same-sex and heterosexual parents di...
Differential response patterns in the si barrel and septal compartments during mechanical whisker stimulation.

A growing body of evidence suggests that the barrel and septal regions in layer IV of rat primary somatosensory (SI) cortex may represent separate processing channels. To assess this view, pairs of barrel and septal neurons were recorded simultaneously in the anesthetized rat while a 4 × 4 array of 16 whiskers was mechanically stimulated at 4, 8, 12, and 16 Hz. Compared with barrel neurons, regular-spiking septal neurons displayed greater increases in response latencies as the frequency of whisker stimulation increased. Cross-correlation analysis indicated that the incidence and strength of neuronal coordination varied with the relative spatial configuration (within vs. across rows) and compartmental location (barrel vs. septa) of the recorded neurons. Barrel and septal neurons were strongly coordinated if both neurons were in close proximity and resided in the same row. Some barrel neurons were weakly coordinated, but only if they resided in the same row. By contrast, the strength of coordination among pairs of septal neurons did not vary with their spatial proximity or their spatial configuration within the arcs and rows of the barrel field. These differential responses provide further support for the view that the barrel and septal regions represent the cortical gateway for processing streams that encode specific aspects of the sensorimotor information associated with whisking behavior.
Stress field of a planar elliptical dislocation loop

Abstract Analytic expressions are presented for the stress components in the plane of a planar elliptical dislocation loop.
Photochemistry of Substituted Dibenzothiophene Oxides: The Effect of Trapping Groups1

[reaction: see text] Photolyses of dibenzothiophene sulfoxides (DBTOs) with intramolecular trapping functionalities attached in the 4-position show higher quantum yields of deoxygenation. Deoxygenation quantum yields are also less solvent dependent for the substituted DBTOs. Product analysis shows a detectable amount of intramolecular O-trapped products and suggests that solvent effects observed in previous studies of DBTO derive at least mainly from the reactivity between the oxidizing species that is released, presumably O((3)P), and the solvent, rather than from other macroscopic solvent parameters.
Value of functional status as a predictor of mortality: Results of a prospective study☆

Abstract purpose: To assess the value of functional status questions in predicting mortality, we conducted a 4-year prospective longitudinal follow-up study of functionally impaired community-dwelling elderly persons. subjects and methods: A total of 282 elderly (aged 64 years or older) patients of 76 community-based physicians who were UCLA clinical faculty members were assessed at baseline and at an average of 51 months later using scales from the Functional Status Questionnaire. results: By the end of the study, 24% of the sample had died. By means of a multivariate model, the following baseline characteristics were independently predictive of death: greater dysfunction on a scale of intermediate activities of daily living, male gender, living alone, white race, better quality of social interactions, and age. Initial baseline functional measures were also predictive of follow-up health status perceptions. conclusion: The assessment of information on physical functioning and the quality of social interactions provides prognostic information regarding mortality. Furthermore, of the independent predictors of death identified in this sample, only functional impairment and living alone are remediable. Whether improving functional status can reduce the risk of mortality remains to be determined.
Generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes to autologous human leukaemia cells by sensitisation to pooled allogeneic normal cells.

MANY murine and human tumour cells express cell surface antigens cross-reactive with histocompatibility antigens that are expressed on normal cells of unrelated individuals of the species1–7. One approach for generating cytotoxic lymphocytes capable of lysing autologous or syngeneic tumour cells therefore might be to sensitise to the appropriate cross-reactive alloantigen(s). Results obtained in our laboratory indicate that lymphocytes sensitised in mixed leukocyte culture to a pool of normal cells from 20 unrelated individuals8 lyse virtually all allogeneic target cells9, suggesting that the ‘pool’ presents essentially all the target determinants for cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) expressed on normal human cells. We therefore hypothesised that sensitisation of T cells to the ‘pool’ may be a means for generating CTL capable of lysing autologous morphologically transformed cells without the need to experimentally define which alloantigen specificities are expressed on particular transformed cells10. One model in which we have recently demonstrated the efficacy of pool sensitisation involves Epstein–Barr virus transformed human lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL); normal T lymphocytes sensitised in vitro against the pool lyse autologous 51Cr-labelled LCL cells but not autologous normal T cells, B cells or mitogen-induced blast cells11. Studies were thus undertaken to determine whether leukaemia cells, which are incapable of stimulating cytotoxic responses in autologous lymphocytes12–14, would be lysed by T cells from patients sensitised in vitro with pooled allogeneic cells. We report here that ‘pool’ sensitisation of T cells from patients with hairy cell leukaemia (leukaemic reticuloendotheliosis) gives rise to CTL that lyse autologous leukaemia cells but not autologous normal lymphocytes.
SU‐E‐I‐121: MRI Detection of Dominant Intraprostatic Lesions and Correlation with Tumor Microenvironment

Purpose: To determine if MRI is suitable for planning of intratumoral radionuclide therapy of prostatic cancer by correlation of MRIimaging parameters to histologic parameters Methods: All statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism version 5.00 for Windows, GraphPad Software, San Diego California USA, www.graphpad.com. A total of 22 tumors from 10 patients who underwent 3T endorectal MRI and subsequent prostatectomy were investigated retrospectively. Differences in raw T2 signal, T2 signal ratios, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and ADC ratios were tested for significance using one‐way ANOVA for normal tissue, index lesions and secondary lesions as a function of specific pathology parameters (percent stroma, percent glandular area, percent cellularity, glandular area, glandular perimeter, stromal width). Bonferroni multiple comparisons test was performed to test differences in index and secondary tumors as a part of ANOVA analysis. Pearsons correlation was performed for each MRI parameter and pathology parameter based on tissue type as well. Results: Normal tissueMRI parameters were found to be significantly different (p .66). Other moderate to strong correlations were seen for ADC and secondary lesions ( r < −.58) Conclusions: These results show that MRI has he ability to distinguish between index lesions and secondary lesions as well as informing on the tissue microenvironment. A larger, randomized prospective trial should be performed to further test this hypothesis. MRI will play a central role in successfully planning intratumoral radionuclide therapy of prostatic index lesions in the future.
Electroneutral NaCl absorption in the proximal tubule: mechanisms of apical Na-coupled transport.

The proximal tubule utilizes multiple mechanisms to reabsorb filtered NaCl. In the early PCT electrogenic Na-coupled organic solute transport generates a lumen-negative PD which drives Cl- passively through the paracellular pathway. Preferential reabsorption of HCO3- and organic solutes in the early PCT elevates luminal Cl- concentration, which in the late PCT provides the driving force for passive reabsorption of both Na+ and Cl-. However, most of the NaCl reabsorbed in the PCT is mediated by an electroneutral mechanism in which equivalent amounts of Na+ and Cl- move transcellularly across apical and basolateral membranes. In the mammalian PCT the evidence overwhelmingly supports parallel Na+-H+ and Cl- -base exchangers as the mechanism by which Na+ and Cl- cross the apical membrane during electroneutral, transcellular NaCl reabsorption. OH-, HCO3-, formate and Ox- have all been suggested to be the anion exchanged for Cl-. An important physiologic contribution of formate has been shown in in vitro microperfusion studies [29]. Measurements of intracellular pH using fluorescent dyes [59, 60] support a quantitatively important role for formate and argue against a large contribution of OH- and HCO3-. The absence of a role for HCO3- is also supported by in vivo microperfusion studies using methoxazolamide [53]. The potential role of oxalate requires physiologic evaluation. To date, the experimental data suggest that Cl- -formate is probably the predominant anion exchange mechanism. One may ask why, in a process so critical as NaCl reabsorption, the tubule would choose to use a "toxin" rather than one of those ions more familiar to renal physiologists?(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS).
Gold is going forensic

Not long ago, forensic science was mainly focused on fingerprint detection. With the advance in science and technology, forensics has become an increasingly interesting scientific field to explore, and gold is playing an increasingly important role in this area. Gold compounds and gold nanoparticles contribute to fingerprint detection and illicit drug testing. Fingerprints can be detected on diverse suspected articles after being covered with gold followed by another metal such as zinc utilizing vacuum metal deposition technique. An important advantage of using gold in forensic science has been the long-term storage of developed fingerprints due to its inert nature in addition to the high selectivity and the sensitivity of gold nanoparticles. Gold also forms microcrystals with cocaine and heroin of identifiable morphology.
Adolescent's Educational Status and Reasons for Dropout from the School.

Adolescence is a period of acquiring new capacities. It is not only a time of opportunity but also of vulnerability to risky behavior, which can have life-long consequences, especially on education, career, and health. Teachers play an important role in providing information and advice to the adolescents. Spectrum of information can range from routine education to career guidance and health advice. Often teachers play a role of counselor also for the students. Currently, proper system of professional counseling is lacking in our society and wherever they do exist, they are few and beyond the approach of the common person. School is the place where adolescents get opportunity to share many personal issues with their peers. Many queries get easily resolved, merely by having discussion with school friend or teachers, which otherwise may be difficult to get resolved at home. Those adolescents who unfortunately do not get chance to attend the schools during these formative years, may fail to spot such golden opportunities and lag behind in the support which they would have easily attained by just attending the school. This research paper attempts to assess the educational status of adolescent and to analyze the reasons for dropout from the school so that effective strategies can be developed for improving the situation.
Imatinib mesylate (gleevec) hepatotoxicity.

Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ), formerly known as STI571, is a specific inhibitor of BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase. It is widely used for the treatment of patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and c-kit (CD117) positive unresectable and/or metastatic malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) [1, 2]. It is metabolized primarily by the CYP3A4 enzyme as well as CYP2C9 and CYP2D6. Drugs that interfere with cytochrome P450 enzymes could increase the levels of imatinib mesylate causing serious toxic effects [3–6]. Imatinib mesylate is associated with severe hepatotoxicity, which may lead to
On the four-axis hexagonal reciprocal lattice and its use in the indexing of transmission electron diffraction patterns

A four-axis hexagonal reference basis can be constructed in the reciprocal space of hexagonal crystals in such a way that the resulting lattice contains as a subset all the points of the conventional reciprocal lattice. All other points not belonging to this subset have no physical significance since they have non-integral indices and hence cannot represent real crystal planes. Since these points cannot register as spots in an actual diffraction pattern, the four-axis hexagonal lattice and the conventional reciprocal lattice are physically indistinguishable. _ The interpretation of diffraction patterns of hexagonal crystals is easier when indexing is referred to the four-axis basis. The necessary crystallographic relationships can be obtained directly in terms of Miller-Bravais indices using elementary vector analysis and when applied to Kikuchi electron diffraction maps, the problem of determining the foil orientation becomes especially simple.
EXCITATION FUNCTIONS FOR HELION-INDUCED REACTIONS IN IRON.

Target foil stacks of iron were bombarded with beams of helions at incident energies \ensuremath{\le} 70 MeV. $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ spectra of individual foils were measured and analyzed to obtain excitation functions for production of $^{56,\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}57}\mathrm{Ni}$, $^{55,56,57,58}\mathrm{Co}$, $^{52,54,56}\mathrm{Mn}$, and $^{51}\mathrm{Cr}$; for $^{53}\mathrm{Fe}$ and $^{52}\mathrm{Mn}$, data were obtained for both ground and isomeric states. The yields of $^{56}\mathrm{Co}$ and $^{57}\mathrm{Co}$ are much larger than those of the respective Ni isobars. Recoil measurements (to determine momentum transfer to the target nucleus) were made at ${E}_{h}=41 \mathrm{and} 51$ MeV. These data show $^{57}\mathrm{Co}$ to result principally from direct reactions. There is also evidence of a large contribution by direct reactions to the $^{56}\mathrm{Co}$ yield. The excitation-function data are compared with predictions of compound-nucleus evaporation theory; these indicate compound-nucleus reactions to be the dominant contributor to the yields of $^{51}\mathrm{Cr}$, $^{52,\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}54}\mathrm{Mn}$, $^{52,\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}53}\mathrm{Fe}$, $^{55}\mathrm{Co}$, and $^{56,\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}57}\mathrm{Ni}$.
Development of Polyimide Foam for Aircraft Sidewall Applications

In this paper, the use of polyimide foam as a lining in double panel applications is considered. It is being investigated here as a replacement for aircraft grade glass fiber and has a number of attractive functional attributes, not the least of which is its high fire resistance. The test configuration studied here consisted of two 1mm (0.04 in.) thick, flat aluminum panels separated by 12.7 cm (5.0 in.) with a 7.6 cm (3.0 in.) thick layer of foam centered in that space. Random incidence transmission loss measurements were conducted on this buildup, and conventional poro-elastic models were used to predict the performance of the lining material. Results from two densities of foam are considered. The Biot parameters of the foam were determined by a combination of direct measurement (for density, flow resistivity and Young s modulus) and inverse characterization procedures (for porosity, tortuosity, viscous and thermal characteristic length, Poisson s ratio and loss factor). The inverse characterization procedure involved matching normal incidence standing wave tube measurements of absorption coefficient and transmission loss of the isolated foam with finite element predictions. When the foam parameters determined in this way were used to predict the performance of the complete double panel system, reasonable agreement was obtained between the measured transmission loss and predictions made using a commercial statistical energy analysis code.
The mixed-action delta/mu opioid agonist MMP-2200 does not produce conditioned place preference but does maintain drug self-administration in rats, and induces in vitro markers of tolerance and dependence

Previous work in our laboratories provides preclinical evidence that mixed-action delta/mu receptor glycopeptides have equivalent efficacy for treating pain with reduced side effect profiles compared to widely used mu agonist analgesics such as morphine. This study evaluated the rewarding and reinforcing effects of a lead candidate, mixed-action delta/mu agonist MMP-2200, using a conditioned place preference assay as well as a drug self-administration procedure in rats. In place conditioning studies, rats underwent a 2-week conditioning protocol and were then tested for chamber preference. Rats receiving MMP-2200, at previously determined analgesic doses, could not distinguish between the drug and saline-paired chamber, whereas rats receiving the opioid agonist morphine showed a strong preference for the morphine-paired chamber. In self-administration studies, rats were trained to respond for the high efficacy mu opioid receptor agonist fentanyl on an FR5 schedule of reinforcement. Following complete dose-response determinations for fentanyl, a range of doses of MMP-2200 as well as morphine were tested. Relative to the mu agonist morphine, MMP-2200 maintained a significantly lower number of drug infusions. To begin investigating potential molecular mechanisms for the reduced side effect profile of MMP-2200, we also examined βarrestin2 (βarr2) recruitment and chronic MMP-2200 induced cAMP tolerance and super-activation at the human delta and mu receptors in vitro. MMP-2200 efficaciously recruited βarr2 to both receptors, and induced cAMP tolerance and super-activation equivalent to or greater than morphine at both receptors. The in vivo findings suggest that MMP-2200 may be less reinforcing than morphine but may have some abuse potential. The reduced side effect profile cannot be explained by reduced βarr2 recruitment or reduced cAMP tolerance and superactivation at the monomeric receptors in vitro.
The two-stage abdominoperineal resection for carcinoma of the rectum.

A two-stage procedure with radical perineal dissection has been presented for malignant lesions of the rectum. Clinical data concerning 287 patients who underwent this operation have been compiled. A hospital mortality rate of 4.9 per cent was obtained. Three-year and five-year survival rates are 64.3 per cent and 47.4 per cent, respectively. The statement, “the lower the lesion, the poorer the prognosis,” has not been sustained in this series, suggesting that more radical dissection of lateral lymphatic systems is obtained by the two-stage procedure than by some others.
Effects of ergots on adenylate cyclase activity in the corpus striatum and pituitary.

Abstract Adenylate cyclase activity was determined in homogenates of the corpus striatum and pituitary gland. Dopamine and several ergots stimulated cyclic AMP synthesis in the striatum, but no stimulation was seen in the pituitary gland. None of the ergots tested were as active as dopamine itself, and all were able to partially inhibit the dopamine-induced activation of adenylate cyclase. Lergotrile, a simple ergoline derivative which displays dopamine agonist activities in the pituitary gland and striatum, did not stimulate adenylate cyclase in either tissue. These findings show that the in vivo dopaminergic activity of ergots is not reflected in the dopamine-dependent adenylate cyclase assay using either the corpus striatum or the pituitary gland. It is suggested that those dopamine receptors in the pituitary gland which mediate prolactin release are not associated with adenylate cyclase.
Practical ray tracing of trimmed NURBS surfaces

Abstract A system is presented for ray tracing trimmed NURBS surfaces. While approaches to components are drawn largely from existing literature, their combination within a single framework is novel. This paper also differs from prior work in that the details of an efficient implementation are fleshed out. Throughout, emphasis is placed on practical methods suitable to implementation in general ray-tracing programs.
Fitting of calibration-free scanned-wavelength-modulation spectroscopy spectra for determination of gas properties and absorption lineshapes.

The development and initial demonstration of a scanned-wavelength, first-harmonic-normalized, wavelength-modulation spectroscopy with nf detection (scanned-WMS-nf/1f) strategy for calibration-free measurements of gas conditions are presented. In this technique, the nominal wavelength of a modulated tunable diode laser (TDL) is scanned over an absorption transition to measure the corresponding scanned-WMS-nf/1f spectrum. Gas conditions are then inferred from least-squares fitting the simulated scanned-WMS-nf/1f spectrum to the measured scanned-WMS-nf/1f spectrum, in a manner that is analogous to widely used scanned-wavelength direct-absorption techniques. This scanned-WMS-nf/1f technique does not require prior knowledge of the transition linewidth for determination of gas properties. Furthermore, this technique can be used with any higher harmonic (i.e., n>1), modulation depth, and optical depth. Selection of the laser modulation index to maximize both signal strength and sensitivity to spectroscopic parameters (i.e., gas conditions), while mitigating distortion, is described. Last, this technique is demonstrated with two-color measurements in a well-characterized supersonic flow within the Stanford Expansion Tube. In this demonstration, two frequency-multiplexed telecommunication-grade TDLs near 1.4 μm were scanned at 12.5 kHz (i.e., measurement repetition rate of 25 kHz) and modulated at 637.5 and 825 kHz to determine the gas temperature, pressure, H2O mole fraction, velocity, and absorption transition lineshape. Measurements are shown to agree within uncertainty (1%–5%) of expected values.
Spectrum and treatment of small bowel obstruction after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Abstract Background Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a well-recognized complication of bariatric surgery. Many factors that play a role in the etiology of SBO affect the presentation, timing, and treatment after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). We reviewed our experience with SBO after open and laparoscopic RYGB. Methods We reviewed prospectively collected data from 784 consecutive patients who had undergone RYGB (458 open and 326 laparoscopic) from July 1998 to March 2005. The operative techniques were standardized, including closure of the mesenteric defects. The follow-up data were taken from clinic visit records and follow-up questionnaires. The mean follow-up period was 16 ± 1 months (range 1–75). The data presented are the mean ± SEM. Results The overall incidence of SBO after RYGB was 3.2%. Thirteen patients developed SBO after laparoscopic RYGB (4%) and 12 patients did so after open RYGB (2.6%, P = NS). Obstruction at the jejunojejunostomy was more common after laparoscopic RYGB (77%, P P Conclusion Understanding the anatomic considerations of RYGB in the development of SBO after open and laparoscopic approach is essential to timely and effective treatment.
Melanocytic nevi excised during B-Raf proto-oncogene (BRAF) inhibitor therapy: A study of 19 lesions from 10 patients

Background There are limited descriptions of histopathology and immune profiles of new or changing melanocytic nevi in the setting of B-Raf proto-oncogene (BRAF) inhibitor therapy. Objective We sought to identify their distinctive features. Methods Clinical charts and histologic review, neuroblastoma RAS viral (v-ras) oncogene homolog genotyping, and immunohistochemistry for HMB-45, BRAFV600E, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK), phosphorylated protein kinase B, CD4, and CD8 were performed on 19 melanocytic nevi from 10 patients and 23 control nevi. Results BRAF inhibitors were administered for metastatic melanoma (7), colonic adenocarcinoma (2), and papillary thyroid carcinoma (1). The average duration of BRAF inhibition before lesion excision was 8 months. Frequently associated histologic features included pigmentation of the stratum corneum, hyperpigmented keratinocytes, dermal melanophages, and deep HMB-45 expression. The lesions were BRAFV600E and neuroblastoma RAS viral (v-ras) oncogene homolog wild-type, expressed diffuse weak-moderate pERK, and possessed a predominance of CD8 + in comparison with CD4 + T lymphocytes within the dermal infiltrates. Limitation This is a retrospective study of a small and heterogeneous group. Conclusion The nevi associated with BRAF inhibitor therapy invariably lack BRAFV600E mutation. BRAF inhibition appears to cause an increased cytotoxic T-cell response and increased mitogen-activated protein kinase activity in BRAF wild-type lesions, supported by pERK expression, possibly resulting in an activated phenotype characterized by increased melanin pigmentation and deep HMB-45 expression.
Optimum detection and decoding of multiplicative watermarks in DFT domain

Digital watermarking is a powerful technique to help protect the intellectual property right as well as the security of multimedia content. Multiplicative watermarks have strong robustness, and are well-suited for the copyright protection. We investigate the optimal detection and decoding of multiplicative watermarks in DFT domain. For a class of non-Gaussian distributions, we derive locally optimum detector structure and extend it to decoding multiple-bit message. In watermark detection, optimal thresholding for given false-alarm rates is derived. The optimal decoding of multiple-bit messages in data hiding is constructed using generalized maximum likelihood estimation. Theoretical results are verified using experiments.
Aluminium-induced deformations and malfunctions of calmodulin

Aluminium toxicity is recognized as a serious global problem because vast areas of the world, especially in the subtropic and tropic zones, in western Europe and in the eastern United States, suffer from soil acidity which mobilizes soil aluminium1. Because part of the toxic effects exerted by aluminium ions are known to interfere with calcium metabolism, and since calmodulin has been recognized as a multifunctional, calcium-dependent regulatory protein for a variety of cellular responses2, Al-induced structural deformations of calmodulin would therefore have severe repercussions on a multitude of cellular functions. Consequently we have advanced the hypothesis that a complex formed between calmodulin and aluminium may be a key lesion in what is now the broadly defined syndrome of aluminium toxicity3.
Effects of interference on gain saturation in laser resonators

The forward and backward waves in a standing-wave laser resonator are coupled by the nonlinear gain. Proper inclusion of interference effects leads to significant changes in intensity relative to the usual approximation.
Interexpert agreement in the identification of macular location in infants at risk for retinopathy of prematurity.

Objective To characterize variability in the identification of the macular center among retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) experts. Methods A printed set of 25 wide-angle retinal images was compiled from infants at risk for ROP using a commercially available camera. Ten recognized ROP experts were asked to mark the macular center on each image. For each image, we measured the distance from the optic disc center to the marked macular center. Distances were standardized by normalizing the horizontal optic disc diameter in each image to 0.93 mm. In images with visible peripheral disease, interexpert agreement on the presence of zone I disease was also determined. Results For the image with the least variability among experts, mean (SD) distance from the optic disc to the macular center was 3.69 (0.21) mm (range, 3.13-3.81 mm). For the image with the greatest variability among experts, distance from the optic disc to the macular center was 4.32 (1.19) mm (range, 3.21-7.19 mm). In 7 of 21 images (33%) with visible peripheral disease, there would have been disagreement among experts in the diagnosis of zone I disease based on identification of the macular center. Among the 10 experts, in 17 of 25 images (68%), 1 expert identified the distance between the optic disc and macular center to be greater than 1 SD from the mean. Conclusion Significant variability exists among experts in identification of the macular center from wide-angle images, which raises concerns about the reliability of zone I ROP diagnosis.
The influence of do-not-resuscitate status on the outcomes of patients undergoing emergency vascular operations

Background Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders allow patients to communicate their wishes regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Although DNR status may influence physician decision making regarding resuscitation, the effect of DNR status on outcomes of patients undergoing emergency vascular operation remains unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of DNR status on the outcomes of emergency vascular surgery. Methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify all patients requiring emergency vascular surgical interventions between 2005 and 2010. Demographics, clinical data, and outcomes were extracted. Patients were compared according to DNR status. The primary outcome measure was 30-day mortality. Results During the study period, 16,678 patients underwent emergency vascular operations (10.8% of the total vascular surgery population). Of those, 548 patients (3.3%) had a DNR status. The differences in rates of open or endovascular repair or of intraoperative blood requirement between the two groups were not significant. After adjusting for differences in demographics and clinical data, DNR patients were more likely to have higher rates of graft failure (8.7% vs 2.4%; adjusted P P P Conclusions The presence of a DNR order was independently associated with mortality. Patient and family counseling on surgical expectations before emergency vascular operations is warranted because the risks of perioperative events are significantly elevated when a DNR order exists.
Assessment of random and systematic errors in millimeter wave dielectric measurement - open resonator system, Fourier Transform Spectroscopy, W-band spectrometer and broadband free-space measurements

Assessment of random and systematic error is done on the real part of permittivity (/spl epsi/') and loss tangent tan /spl delta/) of ceramics and polymers such as alumina, polyethylene, polypropylene, Teflon and TPX at millimeter wave frequencies by comparing four different measurement systems namely the open resonator system (using both the cavity length and the frequency variation techniques), the Dispersive Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DFTS), the W-band spectrometer with Backward Wave Oscillator (BWO) and the broadband free-space measurement system. The data obtained from DFTS and W-band spectrometer were also compared over W-band frequencies (68-118 GHz) by generating /spl epsi/' and tan /spl delta/ plots of acrylic, fiberglass resin and nylon. Systematic error assessment of the data shows excellent agreement for /spl epsi/' of the specimens measured by the four systems. It is observed that /spl epsi/' of the specimens measured with DFTS and broadband free-space measurement system agree well with a standard deviation as highest as 0.009.
Physiological Effects of High Level Concentrate Feeding

Abstract It is obvious that high-level concentrate feeding usually results in increases in milk production, mainly due to greater intake of energy. However, attention is called to the fact that unlimited grain feeding does not always increase production and may, in fact, be detrimental to the cow. It is postulated that feeding at too high a level of concentrates may force the animal into a fattening type of metabolism which may be antagonistic to a metabolism geared to produce milk efficiently. High levels of dietary concentrates tend to depress milk fat percentage, to increase milk protein, to depress digestion of dietary fiber, and to alter the proportions of rumen volatile fatty acids. Limited evidence is presented that dietary fiber levels below 13–14% of the dry matter consumed may be detrimental to the lactating animal. Data are presented which indicate that maximum nutrient intake is reached when concentrates make up 50 to 60% of the total dry matter consumed. There is a need for much more information on the long-term effects of high proportions of dietary concentrates or low levels of fiber.
FLOW DESTABILIZATION AND HEAT TRANSFER AUGMENTATION IN AN ARRAY OF GROOVED PASSAGES WITH DEVELOPING FLOW

In the current work, two-dimensional spectral element simulations are used to investigate the heat transfer and fan power performance of the developing regions of finite-length, grooved channel passage arrays, including the accelerating and decelerating flows entering and exiting the arrays. The performance of the grooved channel arrays is compared with that of flat passage arrays with the same average wall center-tocenter spacing for Reynolds numbers ranging from 1000 to 3000. The simulations show that unsteadiness develops after a number of groove lengths and results in enhanced heat transfer. The unsteadiness improves the overall heat transfer compared with a flat passage array of equal average channel height by a factor of 1.46 at Re = 1000 and a factor of 2.75 at Re = 3000. The grooves also cause an increase in the required fan power by a factor of 8.56 at Re = 1000 and a factor of 18.10 at Re = 3000. Since past simulations have shown that threedimensional simulations are necessary to accurately predict heat transfer and fan power performance in transversely grooved passages, the current two-dimensional results will be used as a starting point for a three-dimensional model that will ultimately be used to predict heat transfer and friction factor performance in developing grooved channel flows.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE VARIABILITY OF INFLATION AND STOCK RETURNS: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION

Several researchers find a negative correlation between the rate of inflation and stock returns. This phenomenon may be explained by the variability hypothesis, which posits that the negative correlation is caused by the combination of a positive relation between the rate of inflation and the variability of inflation and a negative relation between the variability of inflation and stock returns. An autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic model of inflation is used to measure the variability of inflation. Empirical results do not support the ability of the variability hypothesis to explain the negative correlation between stock returns and inflation.
Examination of ion size effects on the potential drop across the diffuse layer using Monte Carlo simulations

Monte Carlo simulations of the diffuse double layer have been carried out for two unrestricted electrolytes in which the component ions have ionic radii equal to the Shannon and Prewitt radii for Na + ,C s + , and Cl − . In this way the effect of ionic size on the diffuse layer potential drop φ d has been examined at negative charge densities for the simple 1:1 electrolytes NaCl and CsCl. It is shown that the departure of this potential drop from the Gouy–Chapman estimate increases with decrease in the radius of the cation. It is also shown that the Fawcett–Smagala model for ion size effects in the diffuse double layer gives an excellent description of the Monte Carlo data. The significance of the present results is discussed with respect to the effect of alkali cation nature on double layer properties at negative charge density, and on the reduction of the proton at mercury in the same potential region. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
MAKING UP THE TRUTH

A recent account of the meaning of ‘real’ leads to a view of what anti-realism should be that resembles fictionalism, while not being committed to fictionalism as such or being subject to some of the more obvious objections to that view. This account of anti-realism explains how we might ‘make up’ what is true in areas such as mathematics or ethics, and yet these made-up truths are resistant to alterations, even by our collective decisions. Finally it is argued that the sort of anti-realism suggested explains the appearance that the ethical domain supervenes on the naturalistic.
The catastrophizing worry process in generalized anxiety disorder: A preliminary investigation of an analog population

Effects of structured worry interviews were examined among analog-GAD and nonanxious college students. Thirty-four analog-GAD and 29 nonanxious control participants generated sequences of possible catastrophic outcomes for each of six worry topics using the Catastrophizing Interview Technique (Vasey and Borkovec, 1992). Threat ratings for each topic were collected, and ratings of subjective distress, likelihood of the feared outcome, and perceived control over the feared outcome were obtained immediately following each interview. Results indicated that the analog-GAD group rated the worry topics of achievement, social relations, and economics as more threatening than their nonanxious counterparts. The analog-GAD group also generated more catastrophizing steps and reported higher levels of negative mood following the worry interviews. In addition, the eventual fear underlying each worry was determined by coding the content of the final outcome step from each interview. Results from the coded interview responses indicated that fears of negative emotion and of failure were the most frequently coded categories in each of the six topical domains for the analog-GAD group. Although there was no difference in the proportion of negative emotion codes between analog-GAD and nonanxious groups, the analog-GAD group did receive a greater proportion of failure codes than the nonanxious control group. Results largely replicated the findings of Vasey and Borkovec in an analog-GAD sample. In addition, results suggest that fear of negative emotion underlies worry in general, regardless of diagnostic status, while fears of failure or ineffectiveness are more specific to GAD.
A 45-Year-Old Man With Severe Dysphagia and Pulmonary Infiltrates

(CHEST 2007; 131:1256–1259) A 35-year-old African-American man presented with cough and mild dyspnea on exertion over 3 to 4 years. His sister was known to have sarcoidosis. Physical examination revealed a slight man with mild clubbing. The chest radiograph (Fig 1) and chest CT scan (Fig 2) both demonstrated bilateral diffuse nodular interstitial and alveolar infiltrates, mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy, and upper-lobe fibrobullous changes consistent with sarcoidosis. A presumptive diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made; additional evaluation revealed cutaneous anergy, serum angiotensin-converting enzyme level of 108 IU (normal, 8 to 52 IU), chronic uveitis, and marked restriction on pulmonary function testing. No treatment was undertaken at this time. At age 45 years, the patient presented with worsening dysphagia over 1 year, which precluded oral intake. He noted a sensation of food getting stuck in his upper chest and occasional regurgitation, associ
Effects of Cattle Stocking Rates on Nematode Communities in South Florida

Abstract Ranch management practices aimed at cattle and pasture vegetation have the potential to impact other animals as well, including nontarget organisms. Soil-inhabiting nematodes are often used as bioindicators of nontarget effects because of their widespread occurrence and their diverse trophic habits and lifestyles. The effect of cattle stocking rates on nematode communities present in the soil was examined at the MacArthur Agro-Ecology Research Center in south-central Florida. Nematode abundance and richness (genera per sample) were not affected ( P > 0.10) by cattle grazing in 2 different pasture types (tame grass and native) over three seasons. In general, populations of most nematodes showed strong seasonal responses, varying in numbers from year to year, possibly related to soil moisture levels. In comparison, the cattle stocking rates typically used in south-central Florida had little effect on soil nematodes, which were abundant nontarget organisms in this system.
Domain organization of the Escherichia coli RNA polymerase sigma 70 subunit.

Abstract We used limited trypsin digestion to determine the domain organization of theEscherichia coliRNA polymerase σ70subunit. Trypsin-resistant fragments containing σ70conserved region 2 (σ702), and carboxy-terminal fragments containing conserved regions 3 and 4 (σ703 – 4) were identified by a combination of amino acid sequencing and mass spectrometry. The domains were studied for partial biochemical functions of σ70·σ702bound core RNA polymerase competitively with intact σ70. In contrast to σ702alone, the RNA polymerase holoenzyme formed with σ702specifically bound a single-stranded DNA oligomer with a sequence corresponding to the non-template strand of the −10 promoter element (the Pribnow box). σ702also forms crystals that are suitable for X-ray analysis. σ703 – 4bound the T4 AsiA protein with high affinity. The epitope for T4 AsiA on σ70was further localized to within σ70[551 – 608], comprising σ conserved region 4.2.