cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A71: Localized Myositis as a Manifestation of Systemic-Onset Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Case Series From a Tertiary-Care Hospital

Background/Purpose: Localized myositis is rarely reported in patients with systemic-onset JIA (sJIA), despite common symptoms of myalgia. We describe sJIA patients with the manifestation of localized myositis. Methods: We reviewed the charts of 6 pediatric patients with sJIA who developed localized myositis during their disease course. Results: The age at presentation with myositis ranged from 5 to 19 years. 4 were males and 2 were females. Races included Caucasian (4), Caucasian/Mayan (1), and African-American (1). Three patients had localized myositis with initial presentation of sJIA, and 3 patients developed localized myositis during disease flares. For the disease flare group, the time from diagnosis of sJIA until development of myositis ranged from 3 to 6 years, and 2 of 3 patients were on immunosuppressive agents: methotrexate (MTX) (1), anakinra and MTX (1). All 6 patients complained of localized swelling and pain in a localized muscle group. Accompanying symptoms included arthralgia, arthritis, fever and rash. Three patients had localized erythema of the skin overlying myositis areas on exam. Sites of myositis included unilateral biceps (3), bilateral biceps (1), quadriceps (1), and flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus (1). All patients had at least one muscle enzyme obtained, and all were normal. Five patients had imaging studies demonstrating evidence of myositis: 2 by ultrasound, 2 by ultrasound and MRI, and 1 by MRI. All 6 patients had laboratory evidence of systemic inflammation, including elevated ESR (41–172 mm/hr) and CRP (54–269 mg/L). Four patients had thrombocytosis (462,000–834,000/μL). Two patients transferred care to another hospital, thus we had no information on follow-up. The remaining 4 patients responded well to prednisone, with resolution of their symptoms within 4 weeks. One patient underwent incision and drainage for a fluid collection and myositis of biceps muscle. He was initially treated with antibiotics and started on anakinra after negative cultures. Duration of follow-up since onset of myositis was 6–14 months, and no patients had recurrent myositis. The current treatment of the 4 patients includes infliximab (1), MTX (1), canakinumab and leflunomide (1), and canakinumab and MTX (1). Conclusion: Localized myositis is a rare extraarticular manifestation of sJIA and can present either as an initial manifestation or during a disease flare. Patients usually present with unilateral or bilateral localized swelling, overlying warmth and erythema, and pain of one muscle group, most commonly the biceps in our series of patients. Our subjects' muscle enzymes were normal, likely secondary to the focal nature of muscle inflammation. Imaging studies are helpful in establishing the diagnosis. To our knowledge, this study represents the largest series to date of sJIA patients with localized myositis.
Exponential Functions, Rates of Change, and the Multiplicative Unit

Conventional treatments of functions start by building a rule of correspondence between x-values and y-values, typically by creating an equation of the form y = f (x). We call this a correspondence approach to functions. However, in our work with students we have found that a covariational appraoch is often more powerful, where students working in a problem situation first fill down a table column with x-values, typically by adding 1, then fill down a y-column through an operation they construct within the problem context. Such an approach has the benefit of emphasizing rate-of-change. It also raises the question of what it is that we want to cal ‘rate’ across different functional situations. We make two initial conjectures, first that a rate can be initially understood as a unit per unit comparison and second that a unit is the invariant relationship between a successor and its predecessor. Based on these conjectures we describe a variety of multiplicative units, then propose three ways of understanding rate of change in relation to exponential functions. Finally we argue that rate is different than ratio and that an integrated understanding of rate is built from multiple concepts.
Hybrid coaxial electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds with limited immunological response created for tissue engineering.

Electrospinning using synthetic and natural polymers is a promising technique for the fabrication of scaffolds for tissue engineering. Numerous synthetic polymers are available to maximize durability and mechanical properties (polyurethane) versus degradability and cell adhesion (polycaprolactone). In this study, we explored the feasibility of creating scaffolds made of bicomponent nanofibers from both polymers using a coaxial electrospinning system. We used a core of poly(urethane) and a sheath of a mixture of poly(e-caprolactone) and gelatin, all dissolved in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluror-2-propanol. These nanofibrous scaffolds were then evaluated to confirm their core-sheath nature and characterize their morphology and mechanical properties under static and dynamic conditions. Furthermore, the antigenicity of the scaffolds was studied to confirm that there is no significant foreign body response to the scaffold itself that would preclude its use in vivo. The results show the advantages of combining both natural and synethic polymers to create a coaxial scaffold capable of withstanding dynamic culture conditions and encourage cellular migration to the interior of the scaffold for tissue-engineering applications. Also, the results show that there is no significant immunoreactivity in vivo to the components of the scaffolds.
MTV and the Music Video: Promo and Product.

Through a combination of deft market research, saturation airplay, and changes in the institutional and technical structures of television itself, MTV (Music Television), virtually alone among the vaunted cable “narrowcasters,” has not only survived but prospered. Its systematic harnassing of the promotional power of rock music has certainly altered the marketing and probably revised the nature of contemporary music. As popular music becomes increasingly dependent on video analogs, the experience becomes more visual and less aural—and “music you don't have to watch” becomes more of a record industry rarity.
On the Distinction between Moral Thinking and Thinking about Morality: A Reply to Quinn, Houts, and Graesser

Quinn, Houts, and Graesser (this issue) have misconstrued my earlier commentary, attributing several conclusions to me that I neither made nor intended. Moreover, they continue to confuse moral thinking, reasoning, and related constructs with thinking about the meaning of the term “morality.” If Quinn et al. are ever to achieve their aims of using the “question-answering” method to study naturalistic moral reasoning and/or to assess the merits of value-prescriptive theories of morality, they will have to ask questions that can indeed illustrate the underpinnings of subjects' moral thought.
Microporous polysaccharide hemospheres for management of laparoscopic trocar injury to the spleen.

Abstract Background Management of iatrogenic injuries during laparoscopy can be arduous. Recent advancements in surgical hemostatic agents have provided beneficial therapeutic alternatives. This project evaluates microporous polysaccharide hemospheres (MPH), with demonstrated efficiency achieving topical hemostasis, in the setting of intracorporeal laparoscopic splenic injury. Methods Four domestic female pigs were subjected to reproducible laparoscopic 12-mm and 5-mm trocar splenic injuries. Each surgery was an identical transperitoneal hand-assisted laparoscopic procedure. Hemostasis, or no bleeding after treatment, was achieved by measured dose applications of MPH. Results The MPH successfully achieved hemostasis for all splenic injuries except in 1 case, where a 12-mm lesion transected the splenic artery. The mean time to hemostasis, applications of MPH, and estimated blood loss for the 5- and 12-mm injuries were 165.3 ± 45.7 and 200.7 ± 106.5 seconds, 1.3 ± .5 applications for both, and 12.0 ± 4.6 and 17.7 ± 9.1g, respectively. Conclusions MPH represents a powerful hemostatic agent that demonstrated complete hemostasis for iatrogenic splenic injury.
Medical Entomology for Students (2nd edn), M.W. Service

Cambridge University Press, 2000. £21.9/$37.95 (x+283 pages)ISBN 0521 666597This book is aimed at public health workers who require a handy source of medical entomology. The author acknowledges that it is not a reference text but that it is useful to graduate students. It is disputable, however, that the text is actually useful ‘for students’, because it is uncritical, has no citations in the body of the text and its references, placed at the end of chapters, are generally not primary publications. If, for example, one wishes to pursue the uncritical statement that head lice are vectors of impetigo (p. 189), one is left with no clear source to consult.Most drawings are in the same style, lending a certain unity to the text, but are often not informative. Thus, the illustration of mosquito salivary glands (Fig. 1.14) is simplistic and does not correspond to the observations of this reviewer. The illustration of adult Dermatobia hominis (Fig. 10.9) is remarkably similar (but cruder) to that by A. Cushman found in Fig. 13.17 of R.F. Harwood and M.T. James’ Entomology in Human and Animal Health, 1979 (MacMillan, 7th edn).In short, although the text fills a certain need, it is unlikely to appeal to readers of Parasitology Today, and there is little difference between the two editions.
THE ELEVATED TEMPERATURE COMPRESSIVE RESPONSE OF NOTCHED COMPOSITE LAMINATES

A compression test at elevated temperature was performed to investigate the notch sensitivity and failure mechanisms of fibrous laminated composite plates containing a stress raiser, in the form of a circular cutout, under equi-biaxial and uniaxial compressive loading. Strains measured at various locations on the specimen surface and cutout edge were used to monitor the initiation of failure. Unloading the specimen before global failure made it possible to understand the failure mechanism associated with the final failure mode.
Plasma Impedance Probe Analysis with a Finite Difference Time Domain Model

Summary form only given. Sweeping frequency plasma impedance probes have been flown on recent sounding rocket missions and also on the International Space Station. These plasma impedance probes have been used to (1) Characterize the low latitude ionosphere, (2) Study the descending layers in the E-region, (3) measure the electron temperature, density, and electron-neutral collision frequency within mid-latitude spread F and (4) measure the ambient plasma properties around the International Space Station. The impedance of the electrically short monopole, dipole or patch antenna used in these missions is determined by generating sweeps of radio frequencies between 200 kHz and 20 Mhz as the spacecraft travels through the ionospheric layers and measuring the current at the probe input terminals. The impedance data is analyzed using a plasma fluid finite difference time domain (PF-FDTD) model developed at Utah State University. In this study, the results of the PF-FDTD simulations are compared with the measured data obtained from the Sudden Atomic Layer (SAL) mission, which was launched as a part of the COQUI II campaign from Puerto Rico on 19 February 1998 at 2009 LT. The parameters that were to be determined were the electron plasma frequency, electron-neutral collision frequency, electron gyro frequency and the ambient magnetic field between 90 to 115 km attitudes. The simulations results of the PF-FDTD model and the impedance curves from the SAL rocket were found to be in close agreement and the ambient plasma electron density and electron collision frequency were able to be retrieved.
Quantitative analysis of ciliary and contractile responses during habituation training in Spirostomum ambiguum.

Previous studies have shown that the ciliated protozoan Spirostomum ambigum shows a gradually decreasing probability of contraction to a repetitive and intermittent vibratory stimulus (habituation). But other behaviors are also affected by repetitive stimulation. The present study characterizes other behaviorally identifiable modifications which occur over time to vibratory stimulation. The purpose of this work is to help lay the ground work for the eventual goal of causally relating specific behavioral and molecular changes by describing in a quantitative way several behavioral changes which occur over time to such stimulation. Forty Spirostomum were individually given 10 min of repetitive stimulation (0.1 Hz). Retention stimuli were given at 2, 5, and 10 min after the end of the stimulation period. Several behavioral modifications were observed: 1. There was a change over time in the probability with which contractions were elicited, such that animals with a low initial probability of contraction (⩽20%) appeared to facilitate (increase in contraction probability), while those with a high initial probability of contraction (⩾80%) habituated. Furthermore, the “high” responders remained more responsive than the “low” responders throughout the 10-min stimulation period. 2. The magnitude of a contraction decreased by about 10% after an animal contracted to several consecutive stimuli. 3. The magnitude of avoidance reactions decreased over trials. These behavioral modifications were found to be independent of the animal's location in the stimulation chamber, attitude (orientation with respect to gravity), body shape, and swimming activity at the time of stimulus delivery. Latencies of contraction to vibratory stimulation were found to be independent of stimulus intensity and were not changed by repetitive stimulation. Differences observed in rate of change for several of the simultaneously occurring behaviors may indicate different underlying mechanisms.
Oligomer antiferromagnetism. III. The validity of heitler-london approximate wavefunctions, and the sub molecule model

Abstract The molecular orbital model and the Dirac-Heisenberg-Van Vleck (DHVV) exchange hamiltonian model for observable magnetic exchange interactions in oligometallic complexes are critically examined in terms of the validity of the implied LCAO or Heiteler-London. (HL) wavefunctions for weak interactions between electrons. It is concluded that in all cases the DHVV-HL method is preferable, and that LCAO descriptions are theoretically invalid due to their incorrect account of electron correlation. The on identifiable exception to this conclusion is where fortuitous high-spin/low-spin crossover exists in the oligomer. In order to accommodate the DHVV-HL method within the full electronic structure model for the oligomer the concept sub-molecular classification of orbitals is proposed.
Cavity size versus anion size in (TMTSF)2X salts: Possible implications for the uniqueness of (TMTSF)2C104

Abstract A simple, effective method for deducing the fit of the complex anion, X, within its structural cavity for (TMTSF) 2 X salts with tetrahedral anions is presented. Subsequent analysis suggests that an electronic instability is operative over the full range of salts, becoming coincident with or leading to anion ordering and an insulating ground state above some critical fit of the anion within its structural cavity. Moreover, (TMTSF) 2 C10 4 can be considered unique in that the perchlorate anion is too small for anion ordering to be the critical instability, yet large enough for anion ordering to occur at a finite temperature.
Autoradiographic localization of opioid receptors in vocal control regions of a male passerine bird (Junco hyemalis)

Previous studies have found opioid peptide-like immunoreactivity in avian vocal control regions, but whether these regions contain receptors for opioid peptides has not been examined. To address this question, we used quantitative in vitro autoradiography to determine the anatomical distribution and to measure the densities of μ, δ, and κ opioid receptors in vocal control regions (area X higher vocal center, and nucleus intercollicularis) of adult male dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis). To evaluate whether opioid receptor densities in these regions depend on the activity of the reproductive system, we also measured these densities in birds collected during the spring, summer, and fall. We found area X, the higher vocal center, and nucleus intercollicularis to contain the three receptor types under study, but opioid receptor densities did not vary seasonally in any of these regions. The presence of specific opioid receptors in avian vocal control regions suggests the participation of opioids in the control of vocal behavior. This participation may consist of short-term (e. g., auditory processing) and/or long-term (e. g., neuronal plasticity) influences. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Usefulness of Post-Ventriculotomy Signal Averaged Electrocardiograms in Congenital Heart Disease

Signal-averaged electrocardiography is a sensitive and specific technique for detecting the slow conduction electrophysiologic substrates of reentrant monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. Although well established, the method has not been used for electrophysiologic assessment after right ventriculotomy for the intracardiac repair of congenital heart disease. This 8-year prospective study provided this assessment. Recordings were obtained from 242 post-ventriculotomy patients with congenital heart disease aged 16 to 72 years (139 males, 103 females). Because ventricular volume or pressure overload can prolong the QRS duration, 40 unoperated patients with hemodynamic overload served as controls. Orthogonal X, Y, and Z body surface electrodes were used to detect ventricular late potentials by permitting the examination of portions of the electrocardiogram otherwise obscured by noise and artifacts. Positive signal-averaged electrocardiographic (SAECG) results were based on established criteria derived from 3 time-domain variables calculated by an automated algorithm. Late potentials were detected in 151 of 242 patients (62%) and were significantly higher than controls (p = 0.0001). Radiofrequency ablation of an inducible slow conduction substrate rendered 20 of 23 positive post-ventriculotomy SAECG results negative, and surgical revision of the ventriculotomy scar rendered 19 of 19 positive SAECG results negative. In conclusion, negative SAECG results connote the absence of a reentrant substrate, and therefore, the absence of risk for reentrant monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, whereas positive SAECG results connote the presence of a slow conduction substrate and the potential risk for monomorphic ventricular tachycardia.
PHOSPHATE EQUILIBRIA IN AN ACID SOIL

Summary A detailed study of the aluminium phosphate ion products in solutions equilibrated with an acid, phosphate-deficient soil showed that the phosphate status of the undisturbed soil is compatible with the existence of variscite (AIPO4·2H2O) in the soil but produced no evidence that this phase has any effect in controlling the composition of dilute solutions equilibrated with the soil for periods of less than 32 days. When the soil is acidified, subsequent changes in the composition of the solution reflect the dissolution of aluminium hydroxide and decay of the clay minerals. Phosphate additions to the acidified soil are rapidly precipitated, and the final phosphate concentration is less than would be supported by variscite under these more acid conditions.
The role of DNA sequence in centromere formation

Centromeres are key to the correct segregation and inheritance of genetic information. Eukaryotic centromeres, which are located in large blocks of highly repetitive DNA, have been notoriously difficult to sequence. Several groups have recently succeeded in analyzing centromeric sequences in human, Drosophila and Arabidopsis, providing new insights into the importance of DNA sequence for centromere function.
Sildenafil citrate-associated priapism

We report the first case of priapism associated with the use of sildenafil citrate. The patient was a 28-year-old man with mild erectile dysfunction after penile trauma who self-treated with a 100-mg dose of sildenafil citrate, resulting in low-flow priapism. After aspiration and intracorporal injection of alpha-agonists, the priapism resolved. The patient's erectile function returned to his prepriapism baseline.
Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor

1. Ibanez ML et al: Thyroid carcinoma-biological behavior and mortality: Postmortem findings in 42 cases, including 27 in which the disease was fatal. Cancer 19:1039, 1966 2. Morgenstein ML, Tiber YL: Carcinoma of the thyroid at autopsy. Arch Intern Med 103581, 1959 3. Satoh M, Yagawa K: A statistical survey of autopsy cases of malignant goiter. Jpn J Cancer Clin 20449, 1974 4. Russell WO et al: Follicular carcinoma of the thyroid gland: Report of 84 cases. UICC Monograph Series, Vol. 12, Heidelberg, New York, 1969 5. Ishizuka Y et al: Clinical study on metastasis of thyroid carcinoma. Saishin-Igaku 23:2621, 1%3 6. Tsuchiya A et al: Clinical study on bone metastasis of thyroid carcinoma. Jpn J Cancer Clin 24: 1187, 1978 7. Abrams HL, Spiro R, Goldstein N: Metastasis in carcinoma: Analysis of 1000 autopsied cases. Cancer 3:74, 1950 8. Castigliano SG, Rominger CJ: Metastatic malignancy of the jaws. Am J Surg 87~496, 1954 9. Clausen F, Poulsen H: Metastatic carcinoma to the jaws. Acta Path01 Microbial Stand 57:361, 1963 10. McDaniel RK, Luna MA, Stimson PG: Metastatic tumors in the jaws. Oral Surg 31:380, 1971
FlashSim: A Simulator for NAND Flash-Based Solid-State Drives

NAND Flash memory-based Solid-State Disks (SSDs) are becoming popular as the storage media in domains ranging from mobile laptops to enterprise-scale storage systems due to a number of benefits (e.g., lighter weights, faster access times, lower power consumption, higher resistance to vibrations) they offer over the conventionally popular Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). While a number of well-regarded simulation environments exist for HDDs, the same is not yet true for SSDs. This is due to SSDs having been in the storage market for relatively less time as well as the lack of information (hardware configuration and software methods) about state-of-the-art SSDs that is publicly available. We describe the design and implementation of FlashSim, a simulator aimed at filling this void in performance evaluation of emerging storage systems that employ SSDs. FlashSim is an event-driven simulator that follows the objected oriented programming paradigm for modularity. We have validated the performance of FlashSim against a number of commercial SSDs for behavioral similarity. We have also used FlashSim to compare the performance of SSD devices employing different Flash Translation Layer (FTL) schemes, and analyzed the energy consumption of different FTL schemes in the SSD. FlashSim has been written to be inter-operable with the well-regarded DiskSim simulator, thus enabling the simulation of a variety of “hybrid” storage systems employing combinations of SSDs and HDDs. Given the current interest in such hybrid systems as opposed to systems with SSDs replacing HDDs (due to higher price), we believe this to be an especially useful feature of FlashSim. We have made FlashSim freely available for download with the hope that it would be of use to researchers exploring the design of SSD-based systems.
Protein Heteronuclear NMR Assignments Using Mean-Field Simulated Annealing

A computational method for the assignment of the NMR spectra of larger (21 kDa) proteins using a set of six of the most sensitive heteronuclear multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance experiments is described. Connectivity data obtained from HNC alpha, HN(CO)C alpha, HN(C alpha)H alpha, and H alpha (C alpha CO)NH and spin-system identification data obtained from CP-(H)CCH-TOCSY and CP-(H)C(C alpha CO)NH-TOCSY were used to perform sequence-specific assignments using a mean-field formalism and simulated annealing. This mean-field method reports the resonance assignments in a probabilistic fashion, displaying the certainty of assignments in an unambiguous and quantitative manner. This technique was applied to the NMR data of the 172-residue peptide-binding domain of the E. coli heat-shock protein, DnaK. The method is demonstrated to be robust to significant amounts of missing, spurious, noisy, extraneous, and erroneous data.
Principal Video Shot: Linking Low-Level Perceptional Features to Semantic Video Events

In this paper, we propose a novel framework for semantic medical event characterization and detection by using principal video shots and semantic principal video shot classification. Specifically, the framework includes: (a) A semantic medical event characterization technique by using principal video shots in a specific surgery education video domain. (b) An automatic principal video shot detection algorithm by determining the domain-dependent and event-driven salient objects. (c) A semantic medical event detection technique by using Bayesian classifier, where the classifier parameters and structure are determined automatically by an adaptive Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm. For semantic medical event detection in a specific surgery education video domain, our technique achieves overall \approx 87:3% accuracy for four pre-defined semantic medical events.
Plantar flexor muscle architecture changes as a result of eccentric exercise in patients with Achilles tendinosis.

Eccentric training for Achilles tendinosis (AT) has been reported to significantly improve patient symptoms. There has been no biomechanical explanation on the mechanism for specific rehabilitation...
Lecithin: Cholesterol Acyltransferase and Atherosclerosis Another High-Density Lipoprotein Story That Doesn’t Quite Follow the Script

Plasma concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are strongly, consistently, and independently inversely associated with risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD).1 A series of animal studies in the 1990s, primarily involving overexpression of the major HDL protein apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) with subsequent increases in HDL-C, showed reduced progression or even regression of atherosclerosis, fitting nicely with the “HDL hypothesis” that raising HDL-C is causally associated with benefit. However, the last decade has seen several observations that do not follow this simple script. Some examples include the following: (1) the demonstration that scavenger receptor class BI knockout mice have increased HDL-C but increased atherosclerosis2; (2) the suggestion that some persons with high HDL-C levels have “dysfunctional” HDL that may not be protective3; and (3) the observation that the cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor torcetrapib raised HDL-C levels considerably but did not decrease, and indeed increased, cardiovascular risk.4,5 These developments have brought into major question the simple hypothesis that higher HDL-C directly and causally results in reduced atherosclerosis and challenge the approach of developing therapies that raise HDL-C levels. Article see p 628 One of the paradoxes in the field of HDL for nearly 3 decades has been the fact that monogenic disorders of extreme low HDL-C are not generally associated with obviously accelerated atherosclerosis. The first report of this phenomenon was the apoA-I Milano mutation, heterozygous carriers of which have HDL-C levels <5th percentile but no increased CVD.6 A number of additional apoA-I point mutations causing very low HDL-C but no increased risk of CVD have since been described, confirming the fundamental observation. Most of these mutant apoA-I proteins are rapidly catabolized rather than secreted in a defective manner, but this is an inadequate explanation for the lack of CVD given that most garden-variety …
Development of pseudointima and stenosis after transjugular intrahepatic portasystemic shunts: characterization of cell phenotype and function.

The clinical utility of transjugular intrahepatic portasystemic shunts (TIPS) is frequently complicated by the ingrowth of tissue into the stent lumen, causing stent stenosis. These studies were undertaken to define the cellular and matrix components of the pseudointima, define the phenotype and function of the mesenchymal cells in the pseudointima and maintain them in culture, and to study the differences between stenotic and nonstenosed stents. A total of 35 stents were evaluated. TIPS pseudointima were examined histologically, by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization to determine the cellular and connective tissue constituents. Mesenchymal cells were grown from tissue within the TIPS and around it, and their phenotype was studied and compared with control smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. Masson's trichrome staining of histological sections demonstrated that TIPS tissue was composed of collagen and palisades of mesenchymal cells and was lined by an endothelium. Immunostaining demonstrated strong and uniform α-smooth muscle staining in TIPS mesenchymal cells and peri-TIPS cells. Type I procollagen mRNA expression was demonstrated in mesenchymal cells in and around the stent by in situ hybridization. TIPS mesenchymal cells secreted less radiolabeled fibronectin, and far more type III, relative to type I, collagen compared with peri-TIPS cells. TIPS cells also expressed high levels of type III procollagen mRNA compared with peri-TIPS cells. There was no difference between stenotic stents and nonstenosed stents with respect to clinical features, time from stenting, gross morphology, histology, presence of bile fistulae, and cell phenotype. However, smooth muscle cells (SMC) from stenotic stents demonstrated both greater cell proliferation and collagen I and III secretion compared with those from nonstenosed stents. These data demonstrate that TIPS stenosis results from an accumulation of collagen and proliferation of SMC within the stent lumen.
CD8αα-Mediated Survival and Differentiation of CD8 Memory T Cell Precursors

Memory T cells are long-lived antigen-experienced T cells that are generally accepted to be direct descendants of proliferating primary effector cells. However, the factors that permit selective survival of these T cells are not well established. We show that homodimeric alpha chains of the CD8 molecule (CD8alphaalpha) are transiently induced on a selected subset of CD8alphabeta+ T cells upon antigenic stimulation. These CD8alphaalpha molecules promote the survival and differentiation of activated lymphocytes into memory CD8 T cells. Thus, memory precursors can be identified among primary effector cells and are selected for survival and differentiation by CD8alphaalpha.
Limitations of Pseudogenes in Identifying Gene Losses

The loss of previously established genes has been proposed as a major force in evolutionary change. While the sequencing of many new species offers the opportunity to identify cases of gene loss, the best method to do this with is unclear. A number of methods to identify gene losses rely on the presence of a pseudogene for each loss. If genes are completely or largely removed from the genome, however, such methods will fail to identify these cases. As the fate of gene losses is still unclear, we attempt to identify losses using nine Drosophila genomes and determine whether these lost genes leave behind pseudogenes in the lineage leading to D. melanogaster. We were able to find 109 cases of unambiguous gene loss. Of these, a maximum of 18 have identifiable pseudogenes, while the other 91 do not. We were also able to identify a large number of previously unannotated genes in the D. melanogastergenome, most of which also had evidence for transcription. Though our results suggest that pseudogene-based methods for finding gene losses will miss a large proportion of these events, we discuss the dependence of these conclusions on the divergence times among the species considered.
A compound T60A and V122I heterozygosity in the transthyretin gene causing early onset severe cardiac amyloidosis.

We would like to report a 49-year-old African-American woman who was referred for worsening of heart failure, which was diagnosed at the age of 44 at a local cardiac clinic when presenting with exe...
Cadherin controls nectin recruitment into adherens junctions by remodeling the actin cytoskeleton.

The mechanism that coordinates activities of different adhesion receptors is poorly understood. We investigated this mechanism by focusing on the nectin-2 and E-cadherin adherens junction receptors. We found that, cadherin was not required for the basic process of nectin junction formation because nectin-2 formed junctions in cadherin-deficient A431D cells. Formation of nectin-2 junctions in these cells, however, became regulated by cadherin as soon as E-cadherin was re-expressed. E-cadherin recruited nectin-2 into adherens junctions, where both proteins formed distinct but tightly associated clusters. Live-cell imaging showed that the appearance of E-cadherin clusters often preceded that of nectin-2 clusters at sites of junction assembly. Inactivation of E-cadherin clustering by different strategies concomitantly suppressed the formation of nectin clusters. Furthermore, cadherin significantly increased the stability of nectin clusters, thereby making them resistant to the BC-12 antibody, which targets the nectin-2 adhesion interface. By testing different E-cadherin–α-catenin chimeras, we showed that the recruitment of nectin into chimera junctions is mediated by the actin-binding domain of α-catenin. Our data suggests that E-cadherin regulates assembly of nectin junctions through α-catenin-induced remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton around the cadherin clusters.
Use of learner-centered instruction in college science and mathematics classrooms

Learner-centered approaches to science and mathematics instruction assume that only when students are active participants will learning be deep, enduring, and enjoyable, and transfer to contexts beyond the classroom. Although their beneficial effects are well known, the extent to which learner-centered practices are used in college classrooms may be low. Surveys of undergraduate science and math majors reveal general dissatisfaction with how courses in their majors are taught, and their number is half what it was 2 decades ago. In response, federally funded systemic reform initiatives have targeted increasing the use learner-centered instruction in science and mathematics courses to improve undergraduate education generally and the training of preservice teachers specifically. Few data exist regarding how effective these initiatives have been or how frequently learned-centered instruction occurs as assessed from faculty's perspective, which may not corroborate undergraduate perceptions. Accordingly, a survey was developed to assess the use of learner-centered techniques and was administered to science and math professors of Louisiana over the Internet. The return rate was 28%. Analyses reveal that they are used infrequently, but when used, are applied to all aspects of teaching. Data also suggest that federal funding has been slightly effective in promoting its use. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 40: 566–584, 2003
Ethylene and flower senescence

The end of the relatively short life of carnations held in air is associated with climacteric rises in ethylene production and respiration, and coordinate rises in activity of the enzymes of the ethylene biosynthetic pathway. Carnation sensescence is associated with derepression of specific genes, increased polyribosome activity, and major changes in patterns of protein synthesis. Isotopic competition assays indicate the presence in carnation petals of ethylene binding activity with the expected characteristics of the physiological ethylene receptor. Inhibition of ethylene production and/or ethylene binding (whether in selected varieties, or by treatment with chemicals) results in longer-lived carnations. Examination of other flowers shows that the carnation is not a universal paradigm for flower senescence. The response to ethylene varies widely, and in many species petal wilting occurs without any apparent involvement of ethylene.
Occlusion robust multi-camera face tracking

This paper presents a novel approach to object tracking by using multiple views to assist with handling occlusion which improves the overall tracking result. The approach is applied to face tracking using a 3D cylinder head model, but any 3D rigid object may be tracked using this approach. All cameras in the system are used to estimate a joint motion model of the face, which is updated at each frame. Self-occlusion is handled by a weighted mask that depends on the pose of the face. Full face occlusion is first detected automatically by measuring and comparing image histograms of the current tracking result and a face template. If an occlusion from a camera is reported, it is not used in the global tracking result of the face from the multi-camera system. Experiments demonstrate that our method succeeds in tracking in both cases of self-occlusion and full face occlusion. Comparisons are made between single camera tracking, multi-camera tracking and occlusion robust multi-camera tracking using results from pose estimation. The performance of the occlusion robust multi-camera face tracking method is shown to produce more accurate estimates of the face pose and is able to estimate the face pose even under severe face occlusion.
Exponential Lower Bounds on the Complexity of a Class of Dynamic Programs for Combinatorial Optimization Problems

We prove exponential lower bounds on the running time of Dynamic Programs (DP) of a certain class for some Combinatorial Optimization Problems. The class of DPs for which we derive the lower bounds is general enough to include well-known DPs for Combinatorial Optimization Problems, such as the ones developed for the Shortest Path Problem, the Knapsack Problem, or the Traveling Salesman Problem. The problems analyzed include the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), the Bipartite Matching Problem (BMP), the Min and the Max Cut Problems (MCP), the Min Partition Problem (MPP), and the Min Cost Test Collection Problem (MCTCP). We draw a connection between Dynamic Programs and algorithms for polynomial evaluation. We then derive and use complexity results of polynomial evaluation to prove similar results for Dynamic Programs for the TSP or the BMP. We define a reduction between problems that allows us to generalize these bounds to problems for which either the TSP or the BMP transforms to. Moreover, we show that some standard transformations between problems are of this kind. In this fashion, we extend the lower bounds to other Combinatorial Optimization Problems.
A monolithic Knudsen pump WITH 20 sccm flow rate using through-wafer ONO channels

This paper describes a lithographically microfabricated Knudsen pump for high gas flow. Knudsen pumps operate by thermal transpiration and require no moving parts. To achieve high gas flow, high-density arrays of microchannels (with over 4000 channels/mm2) are used in parallel. These vertically oriented microchannels have 2×120 μm2 openings surrounded by 0.1 μm-thick silicon oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) sidewalls. The thin ONO sidewalls provide thermal isolation between a heat sink formed within the Si substrate, and a Cr/Pt heater that provides a temperature bias for thermal transpiration. The Knudsen pump is monolithically microfabricated on a single wafer using a four-mask process. It has a footprint of 8×10 mm2. It produces a measured air flow of 20 sccm (i.e., 0.8 sccm/mm2), with typical response times of 0.1-0.4 sec.
The Paradox of Received Social Support: The Importance of Responsiveness

Although the perception of available support is associated with positive outcomes, the receipt of actual support from close others is often associated with negative outcomes. In fact, support that is "invisible" (not perceived by the support recipient) is associated with better outcomes than "visible" support. To investigate this paradox, we proposed that received support (both visible and invisible) would be beneficial when it was responsive to the recipient's needs. Sixty-seven cohabiting couples participated in a daily-experience study in which they reported on the support they provided and received each day. Results indicated that both visible and invisible support were beneficial (i.e., associated with less sadness and anxiety and with greater relationship quality) only when the support was responsive. These findings suggest that the nature of support is an important determinant of when received support will be beneficial.
Municipal aid for the unemployed

Frequency of economic depressions and the economy of decentralized administration dictate that municipalities create permanent organizations for the extension of aid to the unemployed.
Computer modeling of smog chamber data: Progress in validation of a detailed mechanism for the photooxidation of propene and n‐butane in photochemical smog

A detailed mechanism is presented for reactions occurring during irradiation of part-per-million concentrations of propene and/or n-butane and oxides of nitrogen in air. Data from an extensive series of well-characterized smog chamber experiments carried out in our 5800-liter evacuable chamber–solar simulator facility designed for providing data suitable for quantitative model validation were used to elucidate several unknown or uncertain kinetic parameters and details of the reaction mechanism. The mechanism was then tested against the data base from the smog chamber runs. In general, most calculated concentration–time profiles agreed with experiments to within the experimental uncertainties. Fits were usually attained to within ∼±20% or better for ozone, NO, propene, and n-butane, to within ∼±30% or better for NO2, PAN, methyl ethyl ketone, 2-butyl nitrate, butyraldehyde, and (in runs not containing propene) methyl nitrate, to within ⋐±50% or better for the minor products 1-butyl nitrate and propene oxide, and to within a factor of 2 for methyl nitrate in propene-containing runs. Propionaldehyde was consistently underpredicted in all runs; it is probably a chamber contaminant. For formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, the major products in both systems, fits to within ⋐±20% were often obtained, yet for a number of experiments, significantly greater discrepancies were observed, probably as a result of experimental and/or analytical problems. The good fits to experimental data were attained only after adjusting several rate constants or rate constant ratios related to uncertainties concerning chamber effects or the chemical mechanism. The largest uncertainty concerns the necessity to include in the mechanism a significant rate of radical input from unknown sources in the smog chamber. Other areas where fundamental kinetic and mechanistic data are most needed before a predictive, detailed propene + n-butane-NOx-air smog model can be completely validated concern other chamber effects, the O3 + propene mechanism, decomposition rates of substituted alkoxy radicals, primary quantum yields for radical production as a function of wavelength for aldehyde and ketone photolyses, and the mechanisms and rates of reactions of peroxy radicals with NO and NO2.
From vitamin D to hormone D: fundamentals of the vitamin D endocrine system essential for good health

New knowledge of the biological and clinical importance of the steroid hormone 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3)] and its receptor, the vitamin D receptor (VDR), has resulted in significant contributions to good bone health. However, worldwide reports have highlighted a variety of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency diseases. Despite many publications and scientific meetings reporting advances in vitamin D science, a disturbing realization is growing that the newer scientific and clinical knowledge is not being translated into better human health. Over the past several decades, the biological sphere of influence of vitamin D(3), as defined by the tissue distribution of the VDR, has broadened at least 9-fold from the target organs required for calcium homeostasis (intestine, bone, kidney, and parathyroid). Now, research has shown that the pluripotent steroid hormone 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) initiates the physiologic responses of >/=36 cell types that possess the VDR. In addition to the kidney's endocrine production of circulating 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3,) researchers have found a paracrine production of this steroid hormone in >/=10 extrarenal organs. This article identifies the fundamentals of the vitamin D endocrine system, including its potential for contributions to good health in 5 physiologic arenas in which investigators have clearly documented new biological actions of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) through the VDR. As a consequence, the nutritional guidelines for vitamin D(3) intake (defined by serum hydroxyvitamin D(3) concentrations) should be reevaluated, taking into account the contributions to good health that all 36 VDR target organs can provide.
SONG POST AND FORAGING SITE CHARACTERISTICS OF BREEDING VARIED THRUSHES IN NORTHWESTERN CALIFORNIA

Abstract We used a hierarchical approach to describe habitat characteristics of song posts and foraging sites used by Varied Thrushes (Ixoreus naevius) in coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forests of northwestern California. We measured mesohabitat (0.04-ha circular plots) and microhabitat (0.5-m radius) scale attributes centered on occupied and random song posts and foraging locations at four study sites during March–August of 1994 and 1995. Ninety-five percent of song posts were in trees or snags. Male thrushes used song posts with low foliage density near the top of large conifers (microhabitat scale), located on steeper slopes, surrounded by a high density of trees, and centered in drainages closer to water (mesohabitat scale) as compared to random locations. Varied Thrushes foraged predominantly on the ground early in the breeding season, then subsequently included fruit in their diet after the young had fledged. Although many variables were correlated with ground foraging locations, microhabita...
ADME for Therapeutic Biologics: Antibody‐Derived Proteins and Proteins with Novel Scaffolds

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are the largest and most rapidly growing class of therapeutic proteins. Recent advances in protein engineering have opened up new avenues of modulating the desired properties of therapeutic proteins. This includes not only the optimization of existing protein therapeutics by approaches such as glycoengineering, but also the creation of new scaffolds such as antibody- drug conjugates (ADCs), antibody fragments, antibody-based fusion proteins, nanobodies, and bispecifics. ADCs and bipecifics are among the most promising classes of antibody-based therapeutics with a large number of candidates in various stages of preclinical and clinical development. Pharmacokinetic (PK) characterization is one of the most important determinants toward rational development of these novel scaffolds. This chapter discusses the ADME properties of ADCs, and bispecifics and its role in guiding the development of next-generation therapeutic biologics. Keywords: ADME; antibody-derived proteins; antibody- drug conjugates; bispecific antibody constructs; novel scaffolds; pharmacokinetic characterization; therapeutic biologics
Gastrointestinal Bleeding Scintigraphy in the Early 21st Century

Gastrointestinal bleeding scintigraphy performed with (99m)Tc-labeled autologous erythrocytes or historically with (99m)Tc-sulfur colloid has been a clinically useful tool since the 1970s. This article reviews the history of the techniques, the different methods of radiolabeling erythrocytes, the procedure, useful indications, diagnostic accuracy, the use of SPECT/CT and CT angiography to evaluate gastrointestinal bleeding, and Meckel diverticulum imaging. The causes of pediatric bleeding are discussed by age.