cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combining left ventricular systolic time intervals and M-mode echocardiography in the evaluation of primary pulmonary hypertension in women†

Eight patients with primary pulmonary hypertension underwent systolic time intervals, M-mode echocardiography, and direct hemodynamic studies in order to determine the correlation between noninvasive parameters and hemodynamic variables and to evaluate the utility of these noninvasive studies in primary pulmonary hypertension. The ratio of the pre-ejection period to left ventricular ejection time (PEP/LVET) of the systolic time intervals was abnormally increased (greater than 0.42) for each subject; the increase in the PEP/LVET was secondary to a shortening of the left ventricular ejection time in four patients, prolongation of the pre-ejection period in one, or a combination of such, noted in three patients. In contrast, echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular function, specifically percent change in the minor axis of the left ventricle with systole, velocity of circumferential fiber shortening, and ejection fraction, were normal. In addition, a very good correlation was noted between PEP/LVET and total pulmonary resistance (r value = -0.89, p less than 0.05), while the echocardiographic parameters correlated well with stroke volume and cardiac output (r values ranged from 0.68 to 0.72, p less than 0.05). These results indicate that in primary pulmonary hypertension, the performance of both systolic time intervals and M-mode echocardiography noninvasively provides useful information concerning the hemodynamic status of these patients. Systolic time intervals provide an estimation of overall cardiac-cardiovascular performance, rather than left ventricular function alone, which in turn, is validly examined by M-mode echocardiography.
About Face: Comic Books in Library Literature

Hailed by scholars as an original American art form, the comic book has served as a source of entertainment for millions for well over sixty years. Almost from its inception, though, the comic book...
Appearance vs. health reasons for seeking treatment among obese patients with binge eating disorder.

Objectives: This study examined reasons for seeking treatment reported by obese patients diagnosed with binge eating disorder (BED). Research Methods and Procedures: Participants were 248 adults (58 men and 190 women) who met DSM criteria for BED. Participants were recruited through advertisements for treatment studies looking for persons who wanted to “stop binge eating and lose weight.” Patients’ reasons for seeking treatment were examined with respect to demography (gender and age), obesity (BMI and age of onset), features of eating disorders, and associated psychological functioning (depression and self-esteem). Results: Of the 248 participants, 64% reported health concerns and 36% reported appearance concerns as their primary reason for seeking treatment. Reasons for seeking treatment did not differ significantly by gender. Patients seeking treatment because of appearance-related reasons had lower BMIs than those reporting health-related reasons (34.8 vs. 38.5, respectively), but they reported greater body dissatisfaction, more features of eating disorders, and lower self-esteem. Discussion: Reasons that prompt treatment seeking among obese individuals with BED reflect meaningful patient characteristics and, therefore, warrant assessment and consideration during treatment planning. Further research is needed to determine whether reasons for treatment seeking among different obese patient groups affect treatment outcomes.
Spectroscopic Studies of Intracluster Chemistry

Infrared predissociation spectroscopy of ion-solvent clusters has allowed us to examine the effects of sequential hydration on the reactivity of cations such as NO^+, NO_2^+, and protonated formaldehyde, H_2COH^+, stable gas phase ions which are known to undergo rapid reactions in aqueous solution. Our experiments demonstrate that these ions undergo hydration reactions at critical cluster sizes. The smaller clusters have spectra characteristic of H_2O ligans bound to stable ion cores, but as the cluster size increases, there is a sudden onset for intracluster rearrangements, e.g. NO_2^+ + H_2O yields H_3O^+ + HNO_3 which occurs upon hydration with four water molecules. With this approach, we can probe microscopic aspects of solvent effects on chemical reactions including the hydration of carbonyls and acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of amides.
A complementary theory of light scattering by homogeneous spheres

A theory of the scattering of electromagnetic waves by homogeneous spheres, the so-called Mie theory, is presented in a unique and coherent manner in this paper. We begin with Maxwell's equations, from which the vector wave equations are derived and solved by means of the two orthogonal solutions to the scalar wave equation. The transverse incident electric field is mapped in spherical coordinates and expanded in known mathematical functions satisfying the scalar wave equation. Determination of the unknown coefficients in the scattered and internal fields is achieved by matching the electromagnetic boundary conditions on the surface of a sphere. Far-field solutions for the electric field are then given in terms of the scattering functions. Transformation of the electric field to the reference plane containing incident and scattered waves is carried out. Extinction parameters and the phase matrix are derived from the electric field perpendicular and parallel to the reference plane. On the basis of the independent-scattering assumption, the theory is extended to cases involving a sample of homogeneous spheres.
Statistical deconvolution of beta spectra: Implications for neutrino mass detection

Abstract We performed a Monte-Carlo simulation study of β− spectrum of 35S. A statistical deconvolution of the spectrum was then developed to address a priori detectability of heavy neutrino (such as the much-discussed 17 keV) in calorimetric β− measurements. We described the influence of detector energy resolution and other response parameters on the distortions in the β− spectrum and possible neutrino mass detection. A design of a Xe gas-scintillation proportional detector for precision β− spectroscopy is described.
Enhanced recovery from acute renal failure by the postischemic infusion of adenine nucleotides and magnesium chloride in rats

Although a number of manipulations prior to or during the initiation phase of an acute renal injury will modify the degree of functional impairment, agents administered after the acute insult usually have been ineffective. In the present study, adenine nucleotides (AMP, ADP, or ATP) combined with magnesium chloride were infused after an ischemic renal injury. Twenty-four hours later: (1) rats that received no infusion or one of the components of the mixture alone had reduced CIn (355 +/- 40 microliter/min/100 g of body wt vs. 977 +/- 40 control value), decreased RBF (3550 +/- 205 microliter/min/100 g of body wt vs. 5095 +/- 171 control value), elevated FENa (0.65 +/- 0.10% vs. 0.17 +/- 0.04 control value), and diminished UOsm (862 +/- 110 mOsm/kg vs. 1425 +/- 132 control value); (2) rats given dopamine or phenoxybenzamine maintained low CIn (365 +/- 50) despite improved RBF (4678 +/- 222); (3) rats infused with either AMP, ADP, or ATP combined with magnesium chloride had markedly improved CIn (594 +/- 44, P < 0.01), increased RBF (4269 +/- 223, P < 0.01); normalized FENa (0.18 +/- 0.07%, P < 0.01), and improved UOsm (1201 +/- 106 mOsm/kg, P < 0.05). In animals given no infusion or only magnesium chloride, ultrastructural studies demonstrated focal cellular necrosis and marked generalized tubular cell and mitochondrial swelling, whereas rats infused with ATP and magnesium chloride had fewer ultrastructural changes with better preservation of cellular morphology. Rats treated with ATP and magnesium chloride had improved CIn despite ischemic periods of 30, 45, and 60- min; and the degree of improvement was directly related to the quantity of ATP and magnesium chloride administered. The cellular content of exogenously administered ATP was 2.5 times greater in previously ischemic kidneys than in nonischemic kidneys. The data indicate that adenine nucleotides combined with magnesium chloride when infused after the initiation of acute renal failure significantly improve both CIn and tubular function and suggest that these agents effectively enhance recovery following an ischemc renal insult.
Ignition phenomena and controlled firing of reaction-bonded aluminum oxide

Abstract The reaction-bonded aluminum oxide (RBAO) process utilizes the oxidation of attrition-milled Al/Al2O3/ZrO2 powder compacts, that are heat treated in air, to make alumina-based ceramics. A simultaneous mass and energy balance has been used to model the propagation of the ignition front that has been observed during reaction-bonding. The model is used to determine conditions under which ignition can be avoided.
X-ray structure of a truncated form of cytochrome f from chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

A truncated form of cytochrome f from Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii (an important eukaryotic model organism for photosynthetic electron transfer studies) has been crystallized (space group P212121; 3 molecules/ asymmetric unit) and its structure determined to 2.0 Angstrom by molecular replacement using the coordinates of a truncated turnip cytochrome f as a model. The structure displays the same folding and detailed features as turnip cytochrome f including: (a) an unusual heme Fe ligation by alpha-amino group of tyrosine 1, (b) a cluster of lysine residues (proposed docking site of plastocyanin), and (c) the presence of a chain of 7 water molecules bound to conserved residues and extending between the heme pocket and K58 and K66 at the lysine cluster. For this array of waters we propose a structural role. Two cytochrome f molecules are related by a non-crystallographic symmetry operator which is a distorted proper 2-fold rotation. This may represent the dimeric relation of the monomers in situ, however the heme orientation suggested by this model is not consistent with previous epr measurements on oriented membranes.
Formation of Defect Structures during Annealing of Cold-deformed L10-ordered equiatomic FePd Intermetallics

Planar defects produced in L10-ordered FePd during annealing after cold-deformation in the disordered cubic state have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The defects evolving during annealing include arrays of overlapping stacking faults (SF’s), {111}-conjugated microtwins (µT’s) and thermal antiphase boundaries (APB’s). The defect formation mechanisms proposed here are similar to twinning mechanism reported for FCC-metals during annealing. Thus, SF arrays and faulted µT’s in the L10-ordered FePd appear to form during the early stages of annealing by atomic attachment faulting on {111}-facets of the transformation interfaces. During later stages of annealing the reduced amount and the change in nature of the driving forces for the microstructural rearrangement result in changes in the predominant defect formation mechanism. The features of the defect genesis in L10-FePd are discussed with respect to solid-state transformations during processing of these ferromagnetic intermetallics.
IMMUNOTARGETED NANOSHELLS FOR INTEGRATED CANCER IMAGING AND THERAPY

Nanoshells are a novel class of optically tunable nanoparticles that consist of a dielectric core surrounded by a thin gold shell. Based on the relative dimensions of the shell thickness and core radius, nanoshells may be designed to scatter and/or absorb light over a broad spectral range including the near-infrared (NIR), a wavelength region that provides maximal penetration of light through tissue. The ability to control both wavelength-dependent scattering and absorption of nanoshells offers the opportunity to design nanoshells which provide, in a single nanoparticle, both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. Here, we demonstrate a novel nanoshell-based all-optical platform technology for integrating cancer imaging and therapy applications. Immunotargeted nanoshells are engineered to both scatter light in the NIR enabling optical molecular cancer imaging and to absorb light, allowing selective destruction of targeted carcinoma cells through photothermal therapy. In a proof of principle experiment, ...
Reovirus Hemagglutination: Inhibition by N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine

Purified reoviruses types 1, 2, and 3 were specifically inhibited in their hemagglutination of human erythrocytes by 250 micromoles or more of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine but not by over 20 other sugars tested. N-acetyl-D-glucosamine inhibited reovirus hemaglutination by binding to capsid virus; it did not attach to the erythrocytes. It is possible that reovirus hemagglutination involves union between N-acetyl-D-glucosamine on the surface of the red cell and the glycoprotein of the virus coat.
Diagnosing Gallbladder Disease

Excerpt To the Editor:In its recent position paper ( 1 ) on diagnosing gallbladder disease, the Health and Policy Committee of the American College of Physicians recommended use of ultrasonographic...
A tunable bandpass filter based on varactor loaded split‐ring resonators

This article presents an electronically tunable varactor-loaded microstrip bandpass filter based on the planar split ring resonators (SRRs). The varactor is a reverse-biased semiconductor diode, and is connected between the concentric rings of the SRR. An individual varactor loaded SRR based bandpass tunable filter module is analyzed. Then a third order tunable filter with 2% fractional bandwidth and a tuning range from 2.11 to 2.34 GHz is assembled from basic filter modules. A prototype filter is designed, fabricated and tested. The maximum tuning range of the prototype filter is 10.2% and the size of the filter is reduced by a factor of 3.5 compared to a coupled line filter. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2394–2396, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24641
Leptin modulation of peripheral controls of meal size.

Leptin reduces food intake through a specific effect on meal size. Investigations into how this within meal effect of leptin is mediated have demonstrated that leptin increases the ability of within meal inhibitory feedback signaling to limit intake and activate neurons within the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). Leptin's effects on neural activation can be demonstrated both as an increase in c-fos activation and as increase in electrophysiolgoical activity in response to peripheral stimuli. Leptin can exert these effects through interactions at hypothalamic sites and activation of a descending pathway. NPY has opposite effect suggesting a role for reduced NPY signaling in the actions of leptin. Forebrain ventricular administration of a melanocortin agonist does not mimic the actions of leptin. As well as modulating within meal signaling through a descending pathway leptin, NPY and melanocortins could work directly at hindbrain integrative sites suggesting the possibility of distributed controls of meal size by anorexigenic and orexigenic signaling.
Use of SPOOF's in the Analysis of Faulty Logic Networks

In general, one cannot predict the effects of possible failures on the functional characteristics of a logic network without knowlegde of the structure of that network.
Associations between iliotibial band injury status and running biomechanics in women

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a common overuse knee injury that is twice as likely to afflict women compared to men. Lower extremity and trunk biomechanics during running, as well as hip abductor strength and iliotibial band flexibility, are factors believed to be associated with ITBS. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine if differences in lower extremity and trunk biomechanics during running exist among runners with current ITBS, previous ITBS, and controls. Additionally, we sought to determine if isometric hip abductor strength and iliotibial band flexibility were different among groups. Twenty-seven female runners participated in the study. Participants were divided into three equal groups: current ITBS, previous ITBS, and controls. Overground running trials, isometric hip abductor strength, and iliotibial band flexibility were recorded for all participants. Discrete joint and segment biomechanics, as well as hip strength and flexibility measures were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance. Runners with current ITBS exhibited 1.8 (1.5)° greater trunk ipsilateral flexion and 7 (6)° less iliotibial band flexibility compared to runners with previous ITBS and controls. Runners with previous ITBS exhibited 2.2 (2.9) ° less hip adduction compared to runners with current ITBS and controls. Hip abductor strength 3.3 (2.6) %BM×h was less in runners with previous ITBS but not current ITBS compared to controls. Runners with current ITBS may lean their trunk more towards the stance limb which may be associated with decreased iliotibial band flexibility.
Human endometrial prostaglandin E2 binding sites and their profiles during the menstrual cycle and in pathologic states

Endometrial tissue from uteri of 35 nonpregnant, premenopausal women was assayed for prostaglandin E2 and F2 alpha binding site content as a function of the phase of the menstrual cycle and the pathologic state. For all specimens, tritium-labeled prostaglandin F2 alpha, binding was very low (less than 8 fmol/mg of protein) or undetectable regardless of the phase of the menstrual cycle or pathologic state or in the presence or absence of 10 mumol/L of indomethacin, a prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor. However, tritium-labeled prostaglandin E2 binding was detected in every specimen and was independent of the presence or absence of indomethacin. Binding of tritium-labeled prostaglandin E2, as determined by Scatchard analyses, was biphasic (dissociation constant approximately 1 nmol/L; dissociation constant for low-affinity sites approximately 10 nmol/L) for both proliferative and secretory endometrial tissue. However, the total number of prostaglandin E2 binding sites, determined from Scatchard or single-point analyses, was significantly higher (p less than 0.01) in proliferative endometrium compared to secretory endometrium. In addition, for endometrium from the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle, the diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding was associated with higher (p less than 0.01) tritium-labeled prostaglandin E2 binding than diagnosis of dysmenorrhea, stress urinary incontinence and uterine prolapse, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Endometrial specimens with the last four diagnoses did not differ significantly (p greater than 0.1) from each other.
Troposphere–stratosphere communication through local vertical waveguides

The effects of zonally non-uniform background flow on the three-dimensional propagation of extratropical Rossby waves are examined using the WKB (Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin) formalism. Emphasis is placed on the vertical propagation of wave activity. An extended Charney–Drazin (CD) condition that is valid for zonally non-uniform background flow is derived. The extended CD condition shows that local vertical propagation (trapping) is possible for wave scales for which the traditional CD condition predicts trapping (propagation). Local vertical propagation is shown to be strongly dependent on the phasing of the wave source relative to the background flow. Specifically, in zonally non-uniform background flow, vertical propagation is confined to local vertical waveguides whose formation is controlled by the orientation of the background wind relative to the wave fronts. Within the waveguide, vertical propagation is optimized when the disturbance wind field is parallel to the background potential vorticity gradient. As the wave packets move from the tropospheric source into the stratosphere they expand in zonal scale. The implications of these results to stratospheric sudden warmings are discussed. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Enhanced in vivo sensitivity to interferon with in vitro resistant B16 tumor cells in mice.

Mouse B16 melanoma cells rapidly develop resistance to the antiproliferative effects of interferon α (IFNα) and interferon β (IFNβ) when they are exposed to the interferons in vitro. This resistance was characterized to be non-genetic and dose-dependent, and does not alter other IFN-induced effects such as antiviral effects and elevation of 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase activity in IFN-treated cells. The study of these IFN-resistant cells has been extended to an in vivo tumor model. Resistance, if it occurred in vivo, did not adversely affect the survival of IFN-treated mice. Further, IFN-treated mice inoculated with B16 cells that were resistant in vitro (B16αres cells) survived significantly longer than IFN-treated mice inoculated with B16 cells that were sensitive in vitro. The IFN-treated B16αres-inoculated mice had a significantly higher cure rate as well. The prolonged survival of the mice bearing B16αres cell tumors did not seem to be caused by the slower growth rate of the B16αres cells, since experiments performed with a tenfold higher B16αres cell inoculum and a tenfold lower B16 cell inoculum did not show any change in the survival pattern. It is clear that in vitro resistant B16αres cells are more sensitive to antitumor effects induced by IFN in vivo than in vitro sensitive B16 cells.
Super-resolution registration using tissue-classified distance fields

We present a method for registering the position and orientation of bones across multiple computed-tomography (CT) volumes of the same subject. The method is subvoxel accurate, can operate on multiple bones within a set of volumes, and registers bones that have features commensurate in size to the voxel dimension. First, a geometric object model is extracted from a reference volume image. We use then unsupervised tissue classification to generate from each volume to be registered a super-resolution distance field-a scalar field that specifies, at each point, the signed distance from the point to a material boundary. The distance fields and the geometric bone model are finally used to register an object through the sequence of CT images. In the case of multiobject structures, we infer a motion-directed hierarchy from the distance-field information that allows us to register objects that are not within each other's capture region. We describe a validation framework and evaluate the new technique in contrast with grey-value registration. Results on human wrist data show average accuracy improvements of 74% over grey-value registration. The method is of interest to any intrasubject, same-modality registration applications where subvoxel accuracy is desired.
A Quantum Theory of Consciousness

Classical physics has no natural place for consciousness. According to the classical precepts, the sole ingredients of the physical universe are particles and local fields, and every physical system is completely described by specifying the dispositions in space and time of these two kinds of localizable parts. Furthermore, the dispositions of these parts at early times determine, through certain “laws of motion”, their dispositions at all times. The system is logically complete in the sense that it does not logically require, for its description of nature, any things beyond the dispositions of the particles and local fields.
Changes in ranges of large ocean fish

The report by Worm and Tittensor in PNAS (1) is a superb example of using a macroecological approach to address an important question that could not be answered in any other way. In the late 1980s, Brian Maurer and I wrote two papers that laid the foundations for what has become macroecology (2, 3). Nothing in science is ever really new, and our papers and subsequent books borrowed liberally from earlier studies. We applied a statistical mechanics approach to ecological systems, and coined the term macroecology to emphasize two senses of “macro.” The first was an emphasis on large scales of space and time in which ecology intersects with biogeography and paleobiology. The second was an emphasis on compiling and analyzing large databases, and on drawing inferences from patterns in the statistical distributions of large numbers of equivalent “ecological particles” such as individuals within populations or species within communities. We saw macroecology not so much as an alternative to the mostly small-scale experimental ecology that was in vogue at the time, but as a complementary approach that could be used to address questions at scales at which manipulative experiments are not feasible. It was timely, and macroecology has since taken off (4–7), in large part because of its application to investigate trends, correlates, causes, and consequences of global environmental change.
TO THE PLANETARIUM—THERE IS STILL TIME!

This review essay examines James McFarland's Constellation: Friedrich Nietzsche and Walter Benjamin in the Now-Time of History, which stages a comparative reading of the two thinkers’ works and argues that they shared a resistance to the conventions of nineteenth-century historicism as well as a desire to attend not to causation as a force in history but rather to the importance of each individual “present.” Benjamin's term “dialectics at a standstill” is a formulation only a reader of Nietzsche could have produced, as McFarland ably demonstrates. This review essay also delves into Benjamin's own use of the “constellation” motif, identifying complexities McFarland leaves out of his account. Influenced by Nietzsche's own uses of astronomical and astrological motifs, Benjamin employed the image of the constellation as a symbol not only for temporality (say, of the time it takes for starlight to reach our planet). He also used it to examine our transforming relationship with the cosmos and with nature most broadly, and, in the famous “Theses on the Philosophy of History,” he used it as a figure for the proper relationship historians should establish between their own period and the past; this is what yields an understanding of the present moment as the Jetztzeit, the “time of the now” enjoying its own dignity beyond any causal relationship with the future it may have. However, and as this review essay suggests, Benjamin's uses of the constellation image, and of images of stars, telescopes, and planetariums more generally, were highly ambivalent. They can serve as indices of his shifting views of modernity and of his desire that modern experience, seemingly condemned to alienation, might be redeemed.
Biomechanics of Submaximal Recumbent Cycling in Adolescents With and Without Cerebral Palsy

Background and Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanics of recumbent cycling between adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) classified at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III and IV and adolescents with typical development (TD). Subjects Twenty subjects, ages (X±SD) 15.2±1.6 years (10 with TD, 10 with CP), participated. Methods Lower-extremity kinematics and muscle activity were measured at 30 and 60 rpm while subjects pedaled on a recumbent cycle. Energy expenditure and perceived exertion were measured during a 5-minute test, and efficiency was calculated. Noncircular data were analyzed with analyses of variance. Circular data were analyzed using circular t tests. Results Differences were found between groups for joint kinematics for all motions. Subjects with CP displayed earlier onsets and later offsets of muscle activity, increased co-contraction of agonist and antagonist muscles, and decreased efficiency compared with subjects with TD. There were no differences in perceived exertion. Discussion and Conclusion Differences in cycling biomechanics between children with CP and children with TD may be due to decreased strength and motor control in the children with CP.
IN SITU TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION MEASUREMENT IN AN OPERATING POLYMER ELECTROLYTE FUEL CELL

The temperature distribution in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is of critical importance to the water balance, as well as to other kinetic and transport phenomena that are known to be functionally dependent on temperature. However, direct measurement of localized temperature is difficult, due to the two-phase nature of flow in the gas channels and the small through-plane dimensions of a typical electrolyte. To circumvent these difficulties, an array of microthermocouples was embedded directly between two 25 µm thick Nafion™ electrolyte sheets of a membrane electrode assembly. The embedded array was used to measure electrolyte temperature as a function of current density and fuel cell flow channel location. For the fuel cell tested with natural convective cooling, a temperature increase in the electrolyte of as much as 15 o C is observed for current densities
Simulation in Otolaryngology

The long, illustrious history of simulation in otolaryngology includes Chevalier Jackson, the father of modern bronchoesophagology, who was committed to simulation almost a century ago. Dissecting cadaveric temporal bones to learn both the anatomy and the techniques important for mastoid surgical procedures is a time-honored mainstay of otolaryngology residencies. Even experienced surgeons use various types of simulation to explore new technologies and to hone their skills as advances in imaging, surgical tools, surgical devices, and surgical procedures evolve. Whether for training future residents or for refining the skills of experienced surgeons, a wide variety of simulators are available in otolaryngology, ranging from simple, physical models to virtual electronic marvels and from low cost to high technology. Some simulators still exist as prototypes continuing to undergo validation, while others are available for purchase already or are described in detail in the literature so that they can be constructed with easily available materials.
AVR/NAVR deficiency lowers blood pressure and differentially affects urinary concentrating ability, cognition, and anxiety-like behavior in male and female mice

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and angiotensin II (ANG II) are distinct peptide hormones involved in multiple organs modulating renal, cardiovascular, and brain functions. They achieve these functions ...
Design and analysis of a dynamic MEM chemical sensor

One possible definition of MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) encompasses any electro-mechanical structure or device which has feature sizes on the order of 1/spl times/10/sup -6/ m. In this size regime certain effects become important which were not important at more macroscopic scales. These effects include damping and electrostatic actuation methods. In addition, fabrication methods and design of microsystems has progressed to the point where simple structures can be fabricated which isolate certain features or aspects of the structure. Not only can these dynamic effects be utilized in transduction systems, but they can be used to visualize and study systems which cannot readily be duplicated in a macroscopic system. In this paper, an example of microelectromechanical system is presented which utilizes novel dynamics for sensing. Such devices can also be used to investigate the experimental behavior of mathematical systems previously not accessible. The example presented here is a mass/chemical sensor based on parametric resonance.
Recurring chromosomal abnormalities in leukemia in PML-RARA transgenic mice parallel human acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized by the t(15;17)(q22;q11.2), which results in the PML-RARA fusion gene. In previous studies, we demonstrated that expression of a human PML-RARA complementary DNA in murine granulocyte precursor cells initiated the development of leukemia. However, leukemogenesis by PML-RARA required additional genetic alterations. To identify genetic changes that cooperate with PML-RARA in leukemogenesis, we performed spectral karyotyping analysis of myeloid leukemias from hMRP8-PML-RARA mice (11 cases) and from mice coexpressing PML-RARA and BCL2 (8 cases). Clonal abnormalities were detected in 18 of 19 cases (95%). Recurring numerical abnormalities identified in these murine leukemias included +15 (15 cases, 79%); loss of a sex chromosome (12 cases, 63%); +8 (10 cases, 53%); +10 (9 cases, 47%); +4, +7, or +14 (8 cases each, 42%); +16 (7 cases, 37%); and +6 (5 cases, 26%). In a series of 965 patients with APL, we identified secondary abnormalities in 368 (38%). The most common recurring abnormalities were +8 or partial trisomy of 8q (120 patients, 12.4%) and ider(17) t(15;17) (42 patients, 4.4%). The critical consequence of +8 in human leukemias appears to be the gain of 8q24, which is syntenic to mouse 15. Thus, our results suggest that PML-RARA–initiated murine leukemia is associated with a defined spectrum of genetic changes, and that these secondary mutations recapitulate, in part, the cytogenetic abnormalities found in human APL.
A Plea for Semantic Localism

The purpose of this paper is to defend a conception of language that does not rely on linguistic meanings, and use it to address the Sorites and Liar paradoxes.
Influence of Variable Native Arterial Diameter on Fractional Flow Reserve: An In-Vitro Study

Fractional flow reserve (FFR), the ratio of the pressures distal (Pd) and proximal (Pa) to a stenosis, and coronary flow reserve (CFR), the ratio of flows at maximal vasodilation to the resting condition, are widely used for determining the functional severity of a coronary artery stenosis. However, the diameter of the native artery might influence the FFR values. Therefore, using an in-vitro experimental study, we tested the variation of FFR for two arterial diameters, 2.5 mm (N1) and 3 mm (N2). We hypothesize that FFR is not influenced by native arterial diameter. For both N1 and N2, vasodilation-distal perfusion pressure (CFR-Prh) curves were obtained using a 0.35 mm guidewire by simulating physiologic flows under different blockage conditions: mild (64% area stenosis (AS)), intermediate (80% AS) and severe (90% AS). The FFR values for the two arterial models differed insignificantly, within 3%, for mild and intermediate stenoses but differed appreciably for severe stenosis (~25%). This significant difference in FFR values for severe stenosis can be attributed to relatively larger difference in guidewire obstruction effect at the stenotic throat region of the two native arterial models. These findings confirm that FFR will not differ for the clinically relevant cases of mild and intermediate stenosis for different arterial diameters.
Ten-Year Follow-Up of Patients Younger Than 50 Years With Modern Ceramic-on-Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty

Recent technologic advances in total hip arthroplasty (THA) have focused on improving the longevity and wear characteristics of bearing surfaces that can withstand the high demands of younger and more active patients. Recent reports of early failures of metal-on-metal THA have introduced doubts to its ability to be a viable long-term hard-on-hard bearing surface for hip arthroplasty. Like metal-on-metal, ceramic-on-ceramic (COC) bearing surfaces have excellent in vitro wear characteristics, but there is little information about their long-term track record in vivo, particularly in those patients who are younger and more active. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of COC THA in active patients younger than 50 years of age. We retrospectively reviewed 82 consecutive THAs in 64 patients performed by a single surgeon from 1997 to 2000. There were 42 men and 22 women with an average age of 38.6 years. Of the 82 THAs, 39 were performed for avascular necrosis of the hip, 30 for osteoarthritis, 8 for developmental dysplasia, and 5 for inflammatory or posttraumatic arthritis. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Harris hip score, and serial radiographs were evaluated for signs of component loosening. The mean follow-up period was 10.1 (range, 10.0-12.3) years. One patient died, and another was lost to follow-up. The mean Harris hip score was 89.8. There were no implants with subsidence or circumferential radiolucent lines. Two patients required revision surgery of their THA for a ceramic liner fracture. One patient complained of squeaking that required revision. There were no cases of revision for ceramic head fracture, instability, or aseptic loosening. At a minimum 10-year follow-up, the survivorship of the COC THA was 96.3%. Modern COC THA in active patients younger than 50 years of age is durable at a minimum 10-year follow-up; however, patients should be advised of the small chance of squeaking and ceramic fracture.
4Is of social bully filtering: identity, inference, influence, and intervention

As the increasing of popularity of social web, cyber bullying has become a more and more serious issue among children. Bullying causes huge negative effects on children, even suicide. SocialFilter is a realtime system that helps parents and educators track children's messages on Twitter, especially in order to detect whether they have been bullied or bullying others. The aim of the system is 4 I's, identity of bullies, inference of bullying message, influence of bully behavior, and intervention. We solve this problem by using machine learning technique. The current system is tracking tens of thousands of active children users on Twitter and automatically detect bullying messages at real time.
Breast Cancer Prognostic Biomarker Using Attractor Metagenes and the FGD3–SUSD3 Metagene

Background: The winning model of the Sage Bionetworks/DREAM Breast Cancer Prognosis Challenge made use of several molecular features, called attractor metagenes, as well as another metagene defined by the average expression level of the two genes FGD3 and SUSD3 . This is a follow-up study toward developing a breast cancer prognostic test derived from and improving upon that model. Methods: We designed a feature selector facility calculating the prognostic scores of combinations of features, including those that we had used earlier, as well as those used in existing breast cancer biomarker assays, identifying the optimal selection of features for the test. Results: The resulting test, called BCAM (Breast Cancer Attractor Metagenes), is universally applicable to all clinical subtypes and stages of breast cancer and does not make any use of breast cancer molecular subtype or hormonal status information, none of which provided additional prognostic value. BCAM is composed of several molecular features: the breast cancer–specific FGD3–SUSD3 metagene, four attractor metagenes present in multiple cancer types (CIN, MES, LYM, and END), three additional individual genes ( CD68 , DNAJB9 , and CXCL12 ), tumor size, and the number of positive lymph nodes. Conclusions: Our analysis leads to the unexpected and remarkable suggestion that ER, PR, and HER2 status, or molecular subtype classification, do not provide additional prognostic value when the values of the FGD3–SUSD3 and attractor metagenes are taken into consideration. Impact: Our results suggest that BCAM's prognostic predictions show potential to outperform those resulting from existing breast cancer biomarker assays. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(12); 2850–6. ©2014 AACR .
In situ reactive blending to prepare polystyrene-clay and polypropylene-clay nanocomposites

Nanocomposites of polystyrene and polypropylene with organically-modified clay may be prepared by melt blending in a Brabender mixer the clay and the polymer. The presence of maleic anhydride increases the likelihood of nanocomposite formation for polystyrene but is less important for polypropylene. The materials that result are immiscible materials, in that the clay is not uniformly distributed throughout the polymer matrix, but there is polymer inserted between the clay layers. The results from cone calorimetry suggest that nanocomposite formation has occurred, since there is a significant reduction in the peak heat release rate.
A monoclonal antibody specific for Candida albicans Als4 demonstrates overlapping localization of Als family proteins on the fungal cell surface and highlights differences between Als localization in vitro and in vivo

The Candida albicans agglutinin-like sequence (ALS) family encodes large cell surface glycoproteins that function in adhesion of the fungus to host and abiotic surfaces. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for each Als protein were developed to study Als localization on the C.albicans surface. An anti- Als4 mAb demonstrated that Als4 covers the surface of yeast cells, with a greater abundance of Als4 on cells grown at 30 °C compared to 37 °C. On germ tubes, Als4 is localized in a restricted area proximal to the mother yeast. Immunolabeling with several anti- Als mAbs showed overlapping localization of Als1 and Als4 on yeast cells and Als1, Als3 and Als4 on germ tubes. Overlapping localization of Als proteins was also observed on yeast and hyphae recovered from mouse models of disseminated and oral candidiasis. Differences between Als localization in vivo and in vitro suggested changes in regulation of Als production in the host compared to the culture flask. Characterization with the anti-Als mAbs reveals the simultaneous presence and differences in relative abundance of Als proteins, creating an accurate image of Als representation and localization that can be used to guide conclusions regarding individual and collective Als protein function.
The Cytology and Microchemistry of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

The tubercle bacillus was described by Koch 52 as a nonmotile, rodshaped organism, varying in length from one-fourth to one-half the diameter of a red blood corpuscle (1.5 to 3.5^) but of a fairly constant thickness with the same method of staining. The cell appears, however, thicker when stained by Ehrlich's method than when Koch' s original alkaline methylene blue is used. The rod is usually curved and, in long forms, may be spiral, showing in unstained, wet preparations two to six shiny (highly refringent) bodies which do not take up stains and which "mussen echte Sporen sein." The peculiar behavior of the organism toward dyes is attributed by Koch to the peculiarities of its membrane which becomes permeable to dyestuffs under the action of alkalis, aniline and similar substances, but which is more or less impermeable to acids, a modification of the hypothesis formulated before by Ehrlich 23'2i who, contrary to what is attributed to him by Eisenberg,25 made no assumption regarding the chemical nature of his "Hiille." Later on Koch 53 abandoned this view in favor of a fatty acid layer in the cell. This layer was thought by Koch to be made up of two unsaturated fatty acids both of which are acidfast, but especially the one insoluble in dilute alcohol was held responsible for the behavior of the cell, for the soluble one is removed in the process of decolorization. On treatment of a stained preparation with a hot solution of sodium hydroxide, Koch claims to have seen the colored fatty acid droplets run out of the cell and collect into larger ones, while the cell lost its acid fastness. The first mention of a "Fetthiille" around the cell of the tubercle
Synthesis and biophysical characterization of tRNA(Lys,3) anticodon stem-loop RNAs containing the mcm(5)s(2)U nucleoside.

Phosphoramidite reagents of the naturally occurring modified nucleosides mcm5s2U and mcm5U were synthesized and along with pseudouridine were incorporated into 17-nucleotide lysine tRNA anticodon stem-loop domains. Standard RNA phosphoramidite coupling chemistry allowed us to systematically investigate the thermodynamic effects of nucleoside modification and to correlate thermodynamic trends with qualitative structure effects seen by NMR spectroscopy.
Membrane Protein Interactions in Sickle Red Blood Cells: Evidence of Abnormal Protein 3 Function

The pattern of membrane abnormalities in sickle red blood cells suggests that sickle hemoglobin damages membrane proteins. We have previously shown a functional defect in sickle ankyrin, poor spectrin-binding ability. Here we examine the other major binding interactions of sickle membrane proteins including spectrin self-association, binding of ankyrin and protein 4.1 to protein 3, and the formation of the spectrin-actin-protein 4.1 complex. We found that sickle spectrin was normal in self-association and ability to participate in the spectrin-actin-protein 4.1 complex. Sickle protein 4.1 bound normally to protein 3 and formed normal complexes with actin and spectrin, even when sickle spectrin was used. The only major abnormality we found was a reduced ability of sickle protein 3 to bind ankyrin. This functional defect could not be explained experimentally on the basis of cysteine modification or enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation. We conclude that damage of sickle membrane proteins is not a diffuse scattershot process, but is largely confined to regions near membrane-associated hemoglobin, the spectrin-binding domain of ankyrin and the ankyrin-binding domain of protein 3. The mechanism and consequences of this damage continues to be investigated.
Study on the resistance of Blattella germanica to seven insecticides in passenger train

Objective To test resistance of Blattella germanica from passenger train of Jinan railway area to seven kinds of common used insecticides,and explore the prevention and management strategy. Methods The emulsions by the world health organization( WHO) recommended by using the contacting with chemical cover in jar,KT50 was used to calculate the resistance coefficient. The bait agent by using the method of feeding,and calculated the 12 d mortality rate. Results The resistance coefficient of passenger train-collected strains of Blattella germanica were7. 37 to CIS cypermethrin,1. 01 to beta-cypermethrin,2. 37 to bate-cyfluthrin,1. 12 to phoxim. The 12 d mortalities were no difference between sensitive and field strains of Blattella germanica to 2% hydramethylnon gel bait,0. 05%fipronil gel bait and 1. 5% acephate gel bait,suggesting that the 3 kinds of gel bait did not result in drug resistance.Conclusion Blattella germanica from passenger train of Jinan railway area produced resistance to the cis cypermethrin,and sensitivity to cypermethrin fluorine.
Biological characteristics of Fusarium avenaceum isolated from Tibet highland barley kernels

Fusarium avenaceum causes not only highland barley diseases and yield decrease,but also human diseases,such as Kaschin-Beck disease,Keshan disease. The effects of temperature,pH,light,nutrition and moisture on the mycelia growth and conidial germination of F.avenaceum Hb39 isolated from Tibet highland barley kernels were studied.Hb39 isolate could grow on 10 different kinds of media.PDBA,PDA,PSA were favorable for its mycelium growth.Monosaccharides,polysaccharides and soluble starch were all utilized as carbon sources,in which glucose,saccharose and maltose were better than the others.Both organic nitrogen and inorganic nitrogen were utilized as nitrogen sources,in which peptone was the best one.The fungus could grow under 5～30℃,pH 3～12,with optimal condition at 25℃,pH 6.The fungus growth was inhibited under 24 h/d lighting.The conidia could germinate at 10～30℃,RH 85%～100% and pH 3～12,with the optimal condition at 25℃,RH100%,and pH 6.The lethal temperature of the fungus was 45℃ for 10 min.