cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A saddle-shaped annulus reduces systolic strain on the central region of the mitral valve anterior leaflet

Objectives Mitral valve repair for degenerative diseases has shown suboptimal results in selected patients. Improved postinterventional mitral valve mechanics are essential to increase repair durability. Methods Eight porcine mitral valves were tested in a physiologic left heart simulator under normal hemodynamic conditions. Leaflet strain was measured by tracking the displacement of a 5 × 8 marker array located on the central region of the anterior leaflet. Local leaflet strain and strain rates were calculated from measured displacements. The experiments were conducted in 4 different annular configurations associated with saddle height/commissural diameter ratios of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. All experiments were conducted in the normal papillary muscle position. Results For all annular configurations, the anterior leaflet material showed anisotropy, with the major principal strain in the radial direction and the minor principal strain in the circumferential direction. The peak major principal strain was 0.22 ± 0.07, whereas the peak minor principal strain was 0.11 ± 0.049 in the normal annular configuration (saddle height/commissural diameter ratio of 20%). The peak major principal strain was reduced by 13.52% ± 12.79%, 27.53% ± 13.65%, and 29.72% ± 29.79% for the 10%, 20%, and 30% saddle height/commissural diameter ratio configurations, respectively, when compared with reduction for the flat annular configuration. Peak strain in the circumferential direction was unaffected by annular curvature. Reduction in areal strain of 18.62% ± 18.98% and 27.97% ± 35.01% were observed for the 20% and 30% saddle height/commissural diameter ratio configurations, respectively. Conclusion The strain in the central region of the anterior leaflet is reduced with increasing annular saddle curvature. Decreased leaflet strain and associated stress might improve mitral valve repair durability.
Female gene expression in the seminal vesicle of mice after prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol

Previous studies from our laboratory on the feminization of the male mouse reproductive tract after prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) showed that the mRNA for the major estrogen-inducible uterine secretory protein, lactoferrin (LF), was constitutively expressed in the seminal vesicle of male mice exposed prenatally to DES, but not in the seminal vesicle of control mice. After castration, treatment with 17 beta-estradiol (20 micrograms/kg.day) for 3 days induced the LF mRNA in the seminal vesicle of both control and prenatally DES-exposed mice; however, the levels in DES-treated tissues were approximately 6-fold higher than those in control tissue. This report describes the presence of LF in seminal vesicle tissues and secretions of prenatally DES-exposed mice, as determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Further, these data are correlated with immunolocalization of the estrogen receptor in the seminal vesicle tissue. We conclude that the seminal vesicle of prenatally DES-exposed male mice has acquired two key characteristics of female tissues, namely LF production/regulation and estrogen receptor localization/distribution similar to that in uterine tissues.
Map-based cloning in crop plants. Tomato as a model system: I. Genetic and physical mapping of jointless.

A map-based cloning scheme is being used to isolate the jointless (j) gene of tomato. The jointless locus is defined by a single recessive mutation that completely suppresses the formation of the fruit and flower pedicel and peduncle abscission zone. jointless was mapped in an F2 population of an interspecific cross between Lycopersicon esculentum and Lycopersicon pennellii to a 7.1 cM interval between two restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers TG523 and TG194. Isogenic DNA pools were then constructed from a subset of the mapping population and screened with 800 random decamers for random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) polymorphisms. Five new RAPD markers were isolated and mapped to chromosome 11, two of which were mapped within the targeted interval. One marker, RPD158, was mapped 1.5 cM to the opposite side of jointless relative to TG523 and thus narrowed the interval between the closest flanking markers to 3.0 cM. Physical mapping by pulse-field gel electrophoresis using TG523 and RPD158 as probes demonstrated that both markers hybridize to a common 600 kb SmaI restriction fragment. This provided an estimate of 200 kb/cM for the relationship between physical and genetic distances in the region of chromosome 11 containing the j locus. The combined results provide evidence for the feasibility of the next step toward isolation of the jointless gene by map-based cloning — a chromosome walk or jump to jointless.
Utility of a Commercial PCR Assay and a Clinical Prediction Rule for Detection of Toxigenic Clostridium difficile in Asymptomatic Carriers

A commercial PCR assay of perirectal swab specimens detected 17 (68%) of 25 asymptomatic carriers of toxigenic Clostridium difficile, including 93% with skin and/or environmental contamination. A clinical prediction rule, followed by PCR screening, could be used to identify carriers at high risk of C. difficile shedding.
Three-dimensional Technology for Apparel Mass Customization: Part III: Visualization of Three-dimensional Garments

This paper describes procedures to transform 2D garment patterns into a 3D configuration that represents the designed garment wrapped around a specific digital model without surface penetration and significant changes in dimensions of the original patterns. A mass-spring model was chosen to simulate the topological structure and physical properties of a woven fabric for its simplicity and efficiency. A mesh-generation method was developed to form mass-spring connections automatically on irregularly shaped patterns. An adaptive force-field method was created to carry out the 2D–3D transformation of the patterns. The patterns' sewability and fit on a body can be readily assessed by using the created model and garment in a 3D virtual environment.
363 Probiotics Supplementation Increases Intestinal Blood Flow in Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) Neonates

Background: Proposed benefits of probiotics supplementation are multiple; recently, vasoactive properties of trace amines, produced by probiotics, have been shown to affect mesenteric vasculature in animal models. The effects of probiotics on intestinal blood flow have not yet been described. Aims: To determine whether probiotics supplementation affects intestinal blood flow velocity in ELBW neonates. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study probiotics (500 M CFU of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and 500 million CFU of Bifidobacterium infantis) were added to the first enteral feeding and continued until discharge or 34 weeks postmenstrual age. Pulsed Doppler measured preprandial and postprandial (at 30 and 60 min) time-averaged mean, peak and end diastolic velocities (TAMV, PSV, EDV) during second week of life after 7 days of probiotics supplementation. Mean values across time were graphed for probiotics and control groups. The percent change from preprandial to 60 min post was compared by t-test, for each measurement method. Results: Thirty-one infants were studied, 15 randomized to probiotics and 16 to placebo. Postprandial TAMV were increased significantly in probiotics group (p = 0.048), with PSV and EDV showing a trend. There were no significant differences between groups in mean birth weight, gestational age, the time of the study, volume and type of feedings (p > 0.05). The percent of infants undergoing phototherapy, receiving caffeine or being diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus was similar between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Probiotics administration significantly increases intestinal blood flow in ELBW preterm neonates when compared to placebo group.
Abstract 3829: Inhibition of breast cancer metastasis by deguelin in an experimental model

Breast cancer is a second leading cause of cancer related deaths in women. Cancer related deaths in breast cancer patients are due to metastasis of disease. Thus new drugs which could successfully inhibit metastatic disease spread are highly desired. However till date there are only a few experimental models available to study metastatic progression of breast cancer. Murine 4T1 mammary breast cancer cells when transplanted s.c./or into mammary gland metastasizes to lungs, liver and bone similar to that observed in women with stage IV metastatic disease. Thus this model is highly appropriate for studies related to breast cancer metastasis. Previously we have shown that Deguelin, originally isolated from an African plant Mundulea sericea significantly inhibits the growth of triple negative breast cancer and that the Deguelin effect is mediated through inhibition of WNT signaling pathway. However their therapeutic effect in vivo is still unexplored. We evaluated the effects of Deguelin on growth (in vitro and in vivo) and lung metastasis of 4T1 cells. In vitro, Deguelin inhibited growth of 4T1 cells in time and concentration depended manner; optimum growth inhibition was obtained at 250nM Deguelin concentration after 72 hr. treatment. Toxicity study performed in 4-6 weeks old female BALB/c mice suggested that Deguelin administered as a suspension (saline/gum Arabic/Deguelin) daily for two weeks by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection was well tolerated up to 16mg/kg body weight, and no toxicity (loss of appetite, body weight loss, mobility, morbidity, death) was observed in Deguelin treated animals. In vivo, as compared to vehicle treated animals, Deguelin (2 or 6mg/kg body weight) administered daily for 21 days i.p significantly (P Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3829. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3829
Supporting optimal child development through Early Head Start and Head Start programs: Reflections on secondary data analyses of FACES and EHSREP

We are delighted to reflect on the 10 papers highlighted in this important special issue of Early Childhood Research Quarterly devoted to recent secondary data analyses of the FACES and EHSREP datasets. First, we provide some background on Head Start research and give an overview of the large-scale Head Start and Early Head Start datasets that are available for researchers to analyze. Then, we comment on the papers in this special issue from a methodological and statistical standpoint. Finally, we reflect on themes that stood out across the various papers. Throughout, we make recommendations for future large-scale data collection efforts and future research on Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
The CHO XRCC1 mutant, EM9, deficient in DNA ligase III activity, exhibits hypersensitivity to camptothecin independent of DNA replication

We have analyzed the X-ray-sensitive CHO mutant cell line EM9 for sensitivity to the topoisomerase I inhibitor camptothecin. These cells exhibit defective repair of single strand DNA breaks. Recently, EM9 were complemented the DNA ligase III interactive protein, XRCC1. Defective XRCC1 apparently accounts for the low DNA ligase III activity that may explain the single-strand break repair deficiency of EM9 cells. Here, we demonstrate cytotoxic hypersensitivity of EM9 cells following a brief camptothecin treatment. Both the S-phase and non-S-phase populations of EM9 exhibited camptothecin sensitivity relative to the parent cell line AA8. In AA8 cells, only the 55% of the population corresponding to the S-phase subpopulation were sensitive to camptothecin, while the remainder of the population were totally resistant to doses as high as 10 μM. The role of DNA replication in the camptothecin sensitivity was studied using the DNA polymerase inhibitor aphidicolin in co-treatment with camptothecin. Aphidicolin treatment fully protected AA8 cells from camptothecin cytotoxicity. In EM9 cells, aphidicolin protected the S-phase fraction to some degree but all the cells remained sensitive to camptothecin cytotoxicity. These results suggest that EM9 cells are sensitized to camptothecin by a mechanism that is independent of DNA replication and may be a consequence of the XRCC1 mutation or the associated deficiency in DNA ligase III activity. Mechanistic models for the replication-independent cytotoxicity of camptothecin in EM9 cells are discussed.
Magnetic shielding of magnetic resonance systems.

Basic theoretical concepts of static magnetic shielding are summarized. Expressions describing the magnetic field produced by a solenoidal coil confined coaxially inside a long thin ferromagnetic cylinder of constant permeability are derived. Conditions for the optimum arrangement of a magnetic screen for whole-body NMR systems are discussed. © 1989 Academic Press, Inc.
Vitreomacular traction syndrome: two case reports

Abstract Vitreomacular traction syndrome is an idiopathic condition in which an incomplete posterior vitreous detachment with residual attachment and traction at the macula causes visual deficits. Routine examination of one patient and a follow-up examination of a glaucoma suspect revealed decreased visual acuity associated with vitreomacular traction syndrome in both patients. The two cases are discussed and a literature review of vitreomacular traction syndrome is presented.
PL3-1: Advances in Axillary Surgery: Sentinel Nodes and beyond.

Axillary node status is one of the strongest prognostic factors in breast cancer patients. The presence of tumor in axillary nodes, and number of positive nodes, predicts risk of metastatic disease and long term survival. In the past, axillary dissection provided both accurate evaluation of nodal status and excellent local control. However, complications of axillary dissection, including lymphedema, pain, and impaired arm function, have led to keen interest in alternatives to axillary dissection for local control and assessment of prognosis. Sentinel node biopsy provides a low-morbidity alternative to axillary dissection for patients with clinically negative nodes. It was recognized that breast lymphatics converge in the axilla, delivering fluid, travelling tumor cells and dye particles to a small number of “sentinel” nodes. Sentinel node biopsy techniques take advantage of this lymphatic anatomy using dye injection intraoperatively to permit identification and removal of only the most important axillary nodes - those most likely to contain metastases. A negative sentinel node provides accurate staging and reliably predicts a low axillary recurrence rate, eliminating the need for dissection. Sentinel node mapping also allows study of the relationship between the size of a nodal metastasis and impact on prognosis. Sentinel node mapping techniques, morbidity, and data on the reliability of sentinel node biopsy will be reviewed. 40–50% of patients with a positive sentinel node will have additional positive axillary nodes, indicating a need for additional axillary treatment for local control. Completion axillary dissection was initially used for local control and prognostic assessment in patients with a positive sentinel node. Recently, the ACOSOG Z0011 trial showed that patients with 1 or 2 positive sentinel nodes who receive standard whole breast irradiation without further axillary surgery have equivalent local control as patients having completion axillary dissection. Axillary recurrence rates in the Z0011 trial were Management of the axilla will evolve further as options for assessment of tumor and host factors increase. Gene expression profiling may prove more important than primary tumor size and node status for predicting prognosis and guiding therapy - an approach already used in estrogen receptor positive tumors. Future options for incorporating axillary node status with tumor and host factors in breast cancer management will be considered. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr PL3-1.
Fluctuations in the preoptic-anterior hypothalamic temperature in the bat, Eptesicus fuscus

Abstract 1. 1. Bats that are internally heat-loaded vasodilate peripherally. 2. 2. When the preoptic-anterior hypothalamus (PO/AH) of Eptesicus fuscus is heated, only a slight rise in wing temperature occurs along with a small increase in body temperature. 3. 3. Conversely, cooling the PO/AH leads to a slight fall in wing temperature. 4. 4. Furthermore, lesions in the PO/AH fail to abolish thermoregulatory responses. 5. 5. It is suggested, and determined experimentally, that the PO/AH of E. fuscus , an open-mouthed flyer, fluctuates in temperature during simulated flight. 6. 6. This fluctuation in the PO/AH is, perhaps, the primary reason for the decline in importance of the PO/AH as the primary thermal sensor and integrator in E. fuscus . 7. 7. Other open-mouthed flyers are also thermolabile. 8. 8. It is possible that the loss of the PO/AH as a thermally stable area preadapts these organisms for heterothermy.
Long-term effects of pesticide exposure at various life stages of the southern leopard frog (Rana sphenocephala)

Amphibian larvae are commonly exposed to low levels of pesticides during their development. Chronic studies generally examine the effects of long-term exposure, but they often disregard the importance of the individual life stage at which tadpoles are exposed. I determined the point during development at which carbaryl effects are manifested by exposing southern leopard frog tadpoles (Rana sphenocephala) to the pesticide carbaryl at five different times during development. Metamorphs exposed throughout the tadpole stage and throughout development (egg, embryo, tadpole) experienced significant mortality at all chemical levels. Although the length of the larval period was the same for all experimental groups, metamorphs exposed during the egg stage were smaller than their corresponding controls, independent of whether they were exposed at any other stage. Nearly 18% of individuals exposed to carbaryl during development exhibited some type of developmental deformity (including both visceral and limb malformities), compared to a single deformed (< 1%) control tadpole, demonstrating that a chemical hypothesis for amphibian deformities remains viable. Because exposure to nonpersistent chemicals may last for only a short period of time, it is important to examine the long-term effects that short-term exposure has on larval amphibians and the existence of any sensitive life stage. Any delay in metamorphosis or decrease in size at metamorphosis can impact demographic processes of the population, potentially leading to declines or local extinction.
The Extended Parallel Process Model: Illuminating the Gaps in Research

This article examines constructs, propositions, and assumptions of the extended parallel process model (EPPM). Review of the EPPM literature reveals that its theoretical concepts are thoroughly developed, but the theory lacks consistency in operational definitions of some of its constructs. Out of the 12 propositions of the EPPM, a few have not been tested explicitly and not a single one received unequivocal empirical support. This article proposes alternative operationalization for some of the constructs and examines some assumptions of this theory, such as additive relationship between the constructs, the role of time and issue of thresholds, and disregard for the existing state of the audience. Finally, the role of the EPPM as a potential foundation for a general theory of negative emotional appeals is addressed.
Cyclophosphamide modulates CD4+ T cells into a T helper type 2 phenotype and reverses increased IFN-γ production of CD8+ T cells in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system considered to be mediated by T helper type-1 cells. Several agents have been found to modify the disease course of MS, including interferon-beta1 (IFN-beta1), glatiramer acetate mitoxantrone. We have employed pulse therapy with cyclophosphamide in a selected group of patients with actively progressive disease. Chemokine receptors have been found to differentiate between polarized T helper type-1 (Th1) and type-2 (Th2) lymphocytes. The chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR3 are expressed primarily on Th1 cells and CCR3, CCR4 and CCR8 on Th2 cells. Previous studies of the expression of chemokine receptors in MS have shown that active MS plaques are infiltrated by CCR5(+) and CXCR3(+) T cells. Some of these T cells may express both CCR5 and CXCR3. These T cells are major producers of IFN-gamma, which worsens the clinical condition of patients with MS. We previously found that patients with MS had a high proportion of CXCR3(+) T cells and that those with chronic progressive MS had a high proportion of CCR5(+) T cells in their peripheral blood. We report here that in patients with secondary progressive MS, cyclophosphamide induces a marked increase in the percentage of CCR4(+) T cells that produce high levels of IL-4 and reverses the increase in the percentages of IFN-gamma-producing CCR5(+) and CXCR3(+) CD8(+) T cells. Furthermore, therapy with cyclophosphamide increases IL-4-producing CD4(+) T cells and reverses the increase in IFN-gamma-producing CD8(+) T cells. Our study shows that cyclophosphamide has immunomodulatory properties besides its suppressive effects, and that chemokine receptors can be important tools both for understanding the immune dysregulation in MS and for monitoring response to therapy.
TRDB—The Tandem Repeats Database

Tandem repeats in DNA have been under intensive study for many years, first, as a consequence of their usefulness as genomic markers and DNA fingerprints and more recently as their role in human disease and regulatory processes has become apparent. The Tandem Repeats Database (TRDB) is a public repository of information on tandem repeats in genomic DNA. It contains a variety of tools for repeat analysis, including the Tandem Repeats Finder program, query and filtering capabilities, repeat clustering, polymorphism prediction, PCR primer selection, data visualization and data download in a variety of formats. In addition, TRDB serves as a centralized research workbench. It provides user storage space and permits collaborators to privately share their data and analysis. TRDB is available at https://tandem.bu.edu/cgi-bin/trdb/trdb.exe.
Intestinal lymphocyte number, migration and antibody secretion in young and old rats.

This study demonstrates that the mucosal immune response to cholera toxin (CT) is compromised in old rats in comparison with young animals. The total number of immunoglobulin A (IgA)-secreting cells is similar or higher in the intestinal inductor and effector sites in old animals. However, the number of specifically induced anti-CT IgA antibody-secreting cells is lower in these tissues in comparison with those in young animals. The kinetics of this immune response in the different gut-associated lymphoid tissues studied suggests that the age-associated decline in the number of anti-CT IgA-secreting cells in the intestinal mucosa reflects impaired IgA immunoblast migration. Our data from lymphocyte adoptive transfer studies indicate that factors intrinsic to both the donor cells and the host recipient influence the migration of immunoblasts from the Peyer's patches to the effector site. For example, donor cells from old donors transferred to either young or old recipient rats migrate slower than young donor lymphocytes transferred into old host animals. In vitro studies clearly indicate that ageing does not impair antibody secretion by intestinal mucosal plasma cells. Therefore, the age-related decline in the intestinal mucosal immune response, e.g. diminished specific antibody titres in intestinal lavage, reflects fewer antibody-secreting cells in the mucosa.
A comparison of two algorithms for solving closed crack problems

Abstract Interface (or joint) elements introduce errors in the computation of the Stress Intensity Factor, and uncertainties in the definition of the ‘slipping’ and ‘stuck’ regions in some fracture problems. The PATH algorithm is free of these disadvantages and displays the maximum error in the results; in a test case it required about 30% more machine time than the fast algorithm of Elvin and Leung.
Does large-sized cities' urbanisation predominantly degrade environmental resources in China? Relationships between urbanisation and resources in Changjiang Delta Region

Outward expansion of urban lands in the developing nations is often associated with a substantial loss of environmental resources such as forests, wetlands, freshwater and cash crop fields. Yet, determining how different aspects of urbanisation – such as city population size and spread pattern of built-up lands – contribute to the cumulative loss of resources remains controversial. In this study, data sets were constructed describing changes to land cover across 65,200 grid cells at 1 km2 spatial resolution for China's Changjiang Delta Region over the past 60 years. The results showed that the region lost 12.2% of total resource sites. The distribution of resource degradation showed a highly dispersed pattern and was not confined to a few intense areas associated with large cities. No empirical evidence was found that city population size alone accurately predicts the distribution of resource loss. Very large cities (N = 4) contributed 35% to the total loss, demonstrating impacts similar to those of much ...
The Accuracy of Future Forecasts and Past Judgments

Abstract The aim of this paper is to examine the accuracy of probability judgments of future and past events, an issue which has been debated in a number of studies. Two experiments are reported here. The results of both experiments indicate that for between-subject comparisons, i.e., when the individuals making future forecasts differ from those making past judgments, the Brier score, and in particular calibration and noise, is better for future forecasts than it is for past judgments. Further, the results of the first experiment indicate that calibration and noise of past judgments continue to worsen the more remote the events become. In contrast, for within-subject comparisons, i.e., when the individuals making future forecasts are the same as those making past judgments, the Brier score, and in particular discrimination, is better for past judgments than it is for future forecasts. The implications of these results are discussed.
Acute hearing loss and rickettsial diseases.

cooler months. Ann NY Acad Sci 2003; 990: 359-64. 3. Lewis MD, Yousuf AA, Lerdthusnee K, Razee A, Chandranoi K, Jones JW. Scrub typhus reemergence in the Maldives. Emerg Infect Dis 2003; 9:1638-41. 4. Murdoch DR, Woods CW, Zimmerman MD, et al. The etiology of febrile illness in adults presenting to Patan Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2004; 70:670-5. 5. Silpapojakul K, Varachit B, Silpapojakul K. Paediatric scrub typhus in Thailand: a study of 73 confirmed cases. Trans Roy Soc Trop Med Hyg 2004; 98:354-9. 6. Sharma A, Mahajan S, Gupta ML, Kanga A, Sharma V. Investigation of an outbreak of scrub typhus in the Himalayan region of India. Jpn J Infect Dis 2005; 58:208-10. 7. Hu M-L, Liu J-W, Wu K-L, et al. Abnormal liver function in scrub typhus. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2005; 73:667-8. 8. Sirisanthana V, Puthanakit T, Sirisanthana T. Epidemiologic, clinical and laboratory features of scrub typhus in thirty Thai children. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2003; 22:341-5. 9. Ogawa M, Hagiwara T, Kishimoto T, et al. Scrub typhus in Japan: epidemiology and clinical features of cases reported in 1998. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2002; 67:162-5. 10. Singhsilarak T, Leowattana W, Looareesuwan S, et al. Detection of Orientia tsutsugamushi in clinical samples by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2005; 72:640-1.
2012 American Conference on Neutron Scattering (ACNS 2012)

The 6th American Conference on Neutron Scattering was held June 24–28 at Georgetown University, along the scenic Potomac River and near the historic Georgetown section of Washington, District of Co...
Determination of Oxidative Glucose Metabolism in vivo in the Young Rat Brain using Localized Direct-detected 13C NMR Spectroscopy

Determination of oxidative metabolism in the brain using in vivo ¹³C NMR spectroscopy (¹³C MRS) typically requires repeated blood sampling throughout the study to measure blood glucose concentration and fractional enrichment (input function). However, drawing blood from small animals, such as young rats, placed deep inside the magnet is technically difficult due to their small total blood volume. In the present study, a custom-built animal holder enabled temporary removal of the animal from the magnet for blood collection, followed by accurate repositioning in the exact presampling position without degradation of B₀ shimming. ¹³C label incorporation into glutamate C4 and C3 positions during a 120 min [1,6-¹³C₂] glucose infusion was determined in 28-day-old rats (n = 4) under α-chloralose sedation using localized, direct-detected in vivo ¹³C MRS at 9.4T. The tricarboxylic acid cycle activity rate (V(TCA)) determined using a one-compartment metabolic modeling was 0.67 ± 0.13 μmol/g/min, a value comparable to previous ex vivo studies. This methodology opens the avenue for in vivo measurements of brain metabolic rates using ¹³C MRS in small animals.
Scattering of massless and massive monopoles in an SU ( N ) theory

We use the moduli space approximation to study the time evolution of magnetically charged configurations in a theory with an SU(N+2) gauge symmetry spontaneously broken to U(1) x SU(N) x U(1). We focus on configurations containing two massive and N-1 massless monopoles. The latter do not appear as distinct objects, but instead coalesce into a cloud of non-Abelian field. We find that at large times the cloud and the massless particles are decoupled, with separately conserved energies. The interaction between them occurs through a scattering process in which the cloud, acting very much like a thin shell, contracts and eventually bounces off the cores of the massive monopoles. The strength of the interaction, as measured, e.g., by the amount of energy transfer, tends to be greatest if the shell is small at the time that it overlaps the massive cores. We also discuss the corresponding behavior for the case of the SU(3) multimonopole solutions studied by Dancer.
The interaction of nucleons with antinucleons II. Narrow mesons near threshold—Experiments and theory

Abstract We compare and contrast several theoretical approaches which could account for a new class of narrow mesons recently observed in the mass region 1.5 – 3 GeV/c2, particularly those clustered near the antinucleon-nucleon ( N N ) threshold. We examine dual and quark models as well as N N potential models, focusing attention on differences between the quantum numbers of mesons predicted to lie near threshold. A preliminary comparison with data does not yet yield a strong preference for a particular model, although some crucial experiments are suggested. The main emphasis of this paper is on the meson spectrum predicted by N N potential models. In a previous work, referred to as I, we have discussed the level ordering of the spectrum for a number of realistic meson exchange models. In this sequel, we consider in more detail the candidates for narrow structures close to threshold. Estimates of the mixing of N N with other baryon-antibaryon configurations are given, as well as approximate values for the elastic and annihilation widths of these structures. We discuss criteria for identifying relatively pure N N states, as distinct from other multiquark complexes. We inquire to what extent useful constraints on the medium- and long-range nuclear forces could result from identification of an N N meson. Some speculations on the quantum numbers of the “new” mesons are presented.
Holocene paleoenvironments in southeastern Minnesota – chasing the prairie-forest ecotone

This paper uses a multi-proxy approach involving pollen, plant macrofossils, speleothem isotopes, and alluvial history of streams to reconstruct the history of prairie expansion and contraction along the prairie-forest border of southeastern Minnesota, USA. Early Holocene forests were replaced by prairie along this border, but eastward expansion of prairie stalled for 2000 yr when the prairie-forest ecotone stabilized. Prairie invaded the area from the west 8000^9000 yr B.P., but mesic forest remained less than 100 km to the east until about 6000 yr B.P. Changes in N 13 C values in speleothem calcite, that reflect the rise of C4 grasses, correlate well with the presence of C4 grass species identified in the plant macrofossil record. Periods of large floods correlate with speleothem evidence of dry summers, increased cool-season precipitation (both resulting in less plant cover to absorb moisture), and change to prairie vegetation. fl 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Creep and Yield Loci of Zircaloy Cladding at Elevated Temperatures

Crystal plastic models are applied to textured Zircaloy in order to explain the recent experimental results on yield and creep loci by Suzuki et al. Crystallite orientation distribution functions were developed using texture pole figures obtained on cold-worked stress-relieved and recrystallized Zircaloy-4 tubings. The model predictions are in good agreement with experimental loci, and clearly point out the predominance of prism slip contribution for recrystallized material while the contribution of the basal slip increased as the amount of cold work increased.
Floral-Dip Transformation of Flax (Linum usitatissimum) to Generate Transgenic Progenies with a High Transformation Rate

Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation via floral-dip is a widely used technique in the field of plant transformation and has been reported to be successful for many plant species. However, flax (Linum usitatissimum) transformation by floral-dip has not been reported. The goal of this protocol is to establish that Agrobacterium and the floral-dip method can be used to generate transgenic flax. We show that this technique is simple, inexpensive, efficient, and more importantly, gives a higher transformation rate than the current available methods of flax transformation. In summary, inflorescences of flax were dipped in a solution of Agrobacterium carrying a binary vector plasmid (T-DNA fragment plus the Linum Insertion Sequence, LIS-1) for 1 - 2 min. The plants were laid flat on their side for 24 hr. Then, plants were maintained under normal growth conditions until the next treatment. The process of dipping was repeated 2 - 3 times, with approximately 10 - 14 day intervals between dipping. The T1 seeds were collected and germinated on soil. After approximately two weeks, treated progenies were tested by direct PCR; 2 - 3 leaves were used per plant plus the appropriate T-DNA primers. Positive transformants were selected and grown to maturity. The transformation rate was unexpectedly high, with 50 - 60% of the seeds from treated plants being positive transformants. This is a higher transformation rate than those reported for Arabidopsis thaliana and other plant species, using floral-dip transformation. It is also the highest, which has been reported so far, for flax transformation using other methods for transformation.
Percutaneous sclerotherapy of foot venous malformations: Evaluation of clinical response

Aim To evaluate a single institutional experience with percutaneous sclerotherapy of venous malformations (VM) of the foot. Materials and methods Sixteen patients (mean age 14.6 years; range 6–27.3 years), who underwent 34 sclerotherapy procedures were retrospectively analysed. Technical success, Puig classification, VM size reduction, and the complication rate were evaluated. In procedures in which C-arm computed tomography (CT) was performed, the VM-to-skin surface distance was measured. Additionally, an e-mail-based questionnaire to evaluate the response to sclerotherapy was answered by the patients. Results Technical success was 97%. The mean number of procedures per patient was 2.1 (range 1–5). In all procedures, sodium tetradecyl sulphate foam was used. Appropriate follow-up was available for 29/33 procedures (88%). Post-procedural complications occurred after 6/29 procedures (21%), all of which were self-limited skin complications. C-arm CT was performed in 19/33 procedures (58%). The lesion-to-skin surface distance was significantly shorter in patients with skin post-procedural complications (p Conclusion Percutaneous sclerotherapy is an effective option for treating foot VMs. Skin complication rates are higher with shorter VM-to-skin surface distance.
Toxicity, metabolism, and tissue distribution of carbon14-labeled N,N′,N″-triethylenethiophosphoramide (Thio-TEPA) in rats

Abstract The toxicity, histopathology, tissue distribution, and metabolism of Thio-TEPA were studied following intravenous and intra-arterial injection into adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. The LD 50 30 for all animals injected intravenously or intraarterially with Thio-TEPA was 9.06 ± 0.45 mg per kilogram of body weight. The route of injection did not influence the toxicity and histopathology, nor did it markedly affect the distribution of C 14 activity in the tissues obtained 5 minutes after injection of labeled Thio-TEPA. Fixation of Thio-TEPA in tissues appears to be much slower than fixation of NH2 and resembles that of TEM. At least 95% of the C 14 activity of the drug and its metabolites was excreted in the urine 8 hours after drug injection. Following the intravenous injection of 9.0 mg/kg of Thio-TEPA, 20–30% of the drug was excreted as the metabolite TEPA, while 70–80% of the drug was excreted unchanged. Of the 3 alkylating agents (HN2, TEM, and Thio-TEPA) studied in this laboratory, HN2 would appear to be the drug of choice for local cancer chemotherapy and treatment of cancer by perfusion.
Template-Directed Ligation of Tethered Mononucleotides by T4 DNA Ligase for Kinase Ribozyme Selection

Background In vitro selection of kinase ribozymes for small molecule metabolites, such as free nucleosides, will require partition systems that discriminate active from inactive RNA species. While nucleic acid catalysis of phosphoryl transfer is well established for phosphorylation of 5' or 2' OH of oligonucleotide substrates, phosphorylation of diffusible small molecules has not been demonstrated. Methodology/principal findings This study demonstrates the ability of T4 DNA ligase to capture RNA strands in which a tethered monodeoxynucleoside has acquired a 5' phosphate. The ligation reaction therefore mimics the partition step of a selection for nucleoside kinase (deoxy)ribozymes. Ligation with tethered substrates was considerably slower than with nicked, fully duplex DNA, even though the deoxynucleotides at the ligation junction were Watson-Crick base paired in the tethered substrate. Ligation increased markedly when the bridging template strand contained unpaired spacer nucleotides across from the flexible tether, according to the trends: A(2)>A(1)>A(3)>A(4)>A(0)>A(6)>A(8)>A(10) and T(2)>T(3)>T(4)>T(6) approximately T(1)>T(8)>T(10). Bridging T's generally gave higher yield of ligated product than bridging A's. ATP concentrations above 33 microM accumulated adenylated intermediate and decreased yields of the gap-sealed product, likely due to re-adenylation of dissociated enzyme. Under optimized conditions, T4 DNA ligase efficiently (>90%) joined a correctly paired, or TratioG wobble-paired, substrate on the 3' side of the ligation junction while discriminating approximately 100-fold against most mispaired substrates. Tethered dC and dG gave the highest ligation rates and yields, followed by tethered deoxyinosine (dI) and dT, with the slowest reactions for tethered dA. The same kinetic trends were observed in ligase-mediated capture in complex reaction mixtures with multiple substrates. The "universal" analog 5-nitroindole (dNI) did not support ligation when used as the tethered nucleotide. Conclusions/significance Our results reveal a novel activity for T4 DNA ligase (template-directed ligation of a tethered mononucleotide) and establish this partition scheme as being suitable for the selection of ribozymes that phosphorylate mononucleoside substrates.
Fresh‐water Impoundments

Abstract Several features of impoundments and reservoirs, either inherent or the result of operations at the dam, can reduce and limit the biological productivity of an impoundment and consequently the fish production of its waters. Among these characteristics are the stagnation of large masses of water, the removal of food materials in the waters drawn out of the reservoir, the limited lateral areas of shallow water around the margin of the impoundment, extensive fluctuation of water level, and continued and often heavy silting in of the bottom. Water conditions in an impoundment usually are less stable and are often quite different from those found in comparable natural lakes. The limitations of impounded waters for fish productivity can in part be offset by: (1) Controlling the draw-off (where such regulation is compatible with the major interests for which the impoundment is created) so that fairly constant water level will be maintained during the nesting season of the most desirable species of fish....
Heat shock factor Y chromosome (HSFY) mRNA level predicts the presence of retrievable testicular sperm in men with nonobstructive azoospermia.

Objective To evaluate heat shock factor Y chromosome (HSFY) mRNA as a biomarker for the presence of retrievable testicular sperm. Design Case-control study. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) Men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Intervention(s) Testicular tissue from men with successful or failed testicular sperm extraction was evaluated with qunatitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for expression of HSFY mRNA. Main Outcome Measure(s) Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and probability of sperm retrieval based on HSFY testing. Result(s) We found higher HSFY mRNA expression in testicular tissue from NOA patients in whom sperm were successfully retrieved compared with those in whom sperm were not found, with good discrimination between the groups in all histologic variants of NOA (AUC 0.89 overall, 0.98 for patients with Sertoli cell only [SCO] histology, 0.90 for patients with maturation arrest [MA] histology). Sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 67% and 93% overall, 92% and 100% for SCO patients, and 67% and 92% for MA patients. The probabilities of sperm retrieval for HSFY-positive and -negative patients were, respectively, 93% and 31% overall, 100% and 7% for SCO patients, and 91% and 32% for MA patients. Conclusion(s) Detection of HSFY mRNA expression by qRT-PCR has promising application in the evaluation and counseling of men with NOA before attempted sperm retrieval surgery.
Bilayer Lipid Membrane-Semiconductor Junctions. Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Characterizations and Photoelectron Transfer

Abstract Three different systems of glyceryl monooleate (GMO) bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) supported semiconductor particles have been prepared and characterized. A single composition of particulate semiconductor deposited on only one side of the BLM constituted System A, two different compositions of particulate semiconductors sequentially deposited on the same side of the BLM represented System B, and two different compositions of particulate semiconductors deposited on the opposite sides of the BLM made up System C. Effective refractive indices and optical thicknesses of GMO-BLM-supported In2S3 and ZnS particles (System A), determined by Brewster-angle and reflection measurements, allowed the assessment of the maximum sizes and the volume fractions of semiconductor particles to be on the order of 1200 A and 0.3, respectively. Since semiconductor particles are highly porous structures, only the first layer of particulates penetrated into the BLM and were considered in the proposed equivalent circuit and...
Targeted Synovial Fluid Proteomics for Biomarker Discovery in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that targets the synovium. The autoantigens involved in the autoantibody responses in RA are unknown. A targeted proteomics approach was used to identify proteins in RA synovial fluid (SF) that are recognized by autoantibodies in RA sera. RA SF, depleted of abundant proteins, was fractionated by two-dimensional liquid chromatography (chromatofocusing followed by reverse phase HPLC). Protein arrays constructed from these fractions were probed with RA and normal control sera, and proteins within reactive fractions were identified by mass spectrometry. The reactivity of RA sera to an identified peptide was confirmed by ELISA. RA sera specifically reacted to a SF fraction containing fibrin. Mass spectrometry analyses established the presence of a citrullinated arginine at position 271 of the fibrin fragment present in RA SF. A synthetic peptide corresponding to fibrin residues 259–287, containing the citrulline substitution at Arg 271, was recognized by 10 of 12 RA sera, but by two of 18 normal control sera and one of 10 systemic lupus erythematosus sera. Proteomics methodology can be used to directly characterize post-translational modifications in candidate autoantigens isolated from sites of disease activity. The finding that RA sera contain antibodies to the citrullinated fibrin 259–287 peptide may ultimately lead to improved diagnostic tests for RA and/or biomarkers for disease activity.
Foreign medical graduates and U.S. physician supply: old issues and new questions.

Recent increases in the number of foreign medical graduates (FMGs) in U.S. hospital-training positions raise new questions about the future role of FMGs in U.S. medicine. Despite an historical surplus of physicians, forces such as greater demand for resident house officers, stabilization in undergraduate medical education enrollment, increase in demand for medical services, growth in both the number of women in medicine and physician employment in group practices, and continuing imbalances in the distribution of physicians favor FMG migration to the United States. Health system reform must be sensitive to the historical, current, and future role FMGs play in medical care delivery, especially in regard to service in underserved areas, specialties, and employment settings.
Cross-Survey Analysis to Estimate Low-Incidence Religious Groups

Population-based surveys are of limited utility to estimate rare or low-incidence groups, particularly for those defined by religion or ethnicity not included in the U.S. Census. Methods of cross-survey analysis and small area estimation, however, can be used to provide reliable estimates of such lowincidence groups. To illustrate these methods, data from 50 national surveys are combined to examine the Jewish population in the United States. Hierarchical models are used to examine clustering of respondents within surveys and geographic regions. Bayesian analyses with Monte Carlo simulations are used to obtain pooled, state-level estimates poststratified by sex, race, education, and age to obtain certainty intervals about the estimates. This cross-survey approach provides a useful and practical analytic framework that can be generalized both to more extensive study of religion in the United States and to other social science problems in which single data sources are insufficient for reliable statistical inference.