cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate MRI detects real-time metabolic flux in prostate cancer metastases to bone and liver: a clinical feasibility study.

Hyperpolarized (HP) 13C-pyruvate MRI is a stable-isotope molecular imaging modality that provides real-time assessment of the rate of metabolism through glycolytic pathways in human prostate cancer. Heretofore this imaging modality has been successfully utilized in prostate cancer only in localized disease. This pilot clinical study investigated the feasibility and imaging performance of HP 13C-pyruvate MR metabolic imaging in prostate cancer patients with metastases to the bone and/or viscera. Six patients who had metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer were recruited. Carbon-13 MR examination were conducted on a clinical 3T MRI following injection of 250 mM hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate, where pyruvate-to-lactate conversion rate (kPL) was calculated. Paired metastatic tumor biopsy was performed with histopathological and RNA-seq analyses. We observed a high rate of glycolytic metabolism in prostate cancer metastases, with a mean kPL value of 0.020 ± 0.006 (s−1) and 0.026 ± 0.000 (s−1) in bone (N = 4) and liver (N = 2) metastases, respectively. Overall, high kPL showed concordance with biopsy-confirmed high-grade prostate cancer including neuroendocrine differentiation in one case. Interval decrease of kPL from 0.026 at baseline to 0.015 (s−1) was observed in a liver metastasis 2 months after the initiation of taxane plus platinum chemotherapy. RNA-seq found higher levels of the lactate dehydrogenase isoform A (Ldha,15.7 ± 0.7) expression relative to the dominant isoform of pyruvate dehydrogenase (Pdha1, 12.8 ± 0.9). HP 13C-pyruvate MRI can detect real-time glycolytic metabolism within prostate cancer metastases, and can measure changes in quantitative kPL values following treatment response at early time points. This first feasibility study supports future clinical studies of HP 13C-pyruvate MRI in the setting of advanced prostate cancer.
Stress-Enhanced Metabolism of Abscisic Acid

During water stress, abscisic acid (ABA) accumulates rapidly to high levels in leaves and roots, and various approaches have established that this increase is due to de novo synthesis rather than to liberation of ABA from a conjugate. Biosynthesis takes place via the indirect pathway in which ABA is derived from 9-cis xanthophylls, such as violaxanthin and neoxanthin. The first cleavage product is xanthoxin. Current evidence suggests that the rate-limiting step for ABA biosynthesis is the cleavage reaction. 18O from molecular oxygen is readily incorporated into the side chain of ABA and more slowly into the ring of the ABA molecule. The 18O labelling patterns of ABA from different sources vary due to differences in the size of the precursor pools (xanthophylls) and the turnover rates of intermediates which can result in exchange of 18O with the medium. Thus, although there are differences in the 18O labelling patterns of ABA from different materials, it is clear that in all systems investigated (stress or developmentally regulated) ABA is an oxidative cleavage product of larger precursor molecules, the xanthophylls. In Xanthium leaves, phaseic acid (PA) is the major catabolite of ABA, whereas the glucosyl ester of ABA (ABA-GE) accumulates slowly during prolonged stress. Upon rehydration of wilted leaves only PA is formed. Thus leaf water status is the determining factor for ABA metabolism since water deficits cause rapid ABA biosynthesis, and restoration of turgor results in rapid conversion of ABA to PA until the pre-stress ABA level is restored.
A Cultural Perspective on Functional Limitations and Well-Being:

Functional limitations—difficulty in carrying out activities of daily living—have been linked to poorer well-being in Western cultures. This might be partly due to the lower personal control associ...
Spinal pathologies and management strategies associated with cervical angina (pseudoangina): a systematic review

Objective Cervical angina, or pseudoangina pectoris, is a noncardiac syndrome of chest pain that often mimics angina pectoris but is a disease of the spine. Diagnosis of cervical angina can be difficult and is often overlooked, although once identified, it can be successfully managed through conservative therapies and/or a variety of surgical interventions. Ultimately, cervical angina is an important component of the list of differential diagnoses in noncardiac chest pain. In the present study, the authors report the first comprehensive systematic review of the range of cervical and thoracic pathologies associated with cervical angina, as well as the different treatment methods used to manage this condition. Methods A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines and using PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases from database inception to April 29, 2020, to identify studies describing spinal pathologies related to cervical angina. The following Boolean search was performed: ("cervical" OR "thoracic") AND ("angina" OR "chest pain") AND ("herniation" OR "OPLL"). Variables extracted included patient demographics, cervical angina pain location, pathology and duration of symptoms, treatment and/or management method, and posttreatment pain relief. Results Upon careful screening, 22 articles published between 1976 and 2020 met the study's inclusion/exclusion criteria, including 5 case series, 12 case reports, and 5 retrospective cohort studies. These studies featured a total of 1100 patients, of which 95 met inclusion criteria (mean patient age 51.7 years, age range 24-86 years; 53.6% male). Collectively, symptom durations ranged from 1.5 days to 90 months. Cervical herniation (72.6%) accounted for the majority of cervical angina cases, and surgical interventions (84.4%) predominated over physical therapy (13.0%) and medical management strategies (9.1%). Every patient assessed at follow-up reported relief from symptoms related to cervical angina. Conclusions Cervical angina is a noncardiac syndrome of chest pain associated with a broad range of cervical and thoracic spinal pathologies, the most common of which is cervical disc herniation. Although difficult to diagnose, it can be successfully treated when identified through first-line conservative management or surgical interventions in refractory cases.
The Assessment of Chronic Risk in Youth (ACRY): Development and Initial Validation in a Clinical Sample

Assessment and monitoring of chronic suicidal and homicidal risk are necessary components of care within youth behavioral health clinics. Few standardized assessments or guidelines exist to help cl...
Tired, Hungry, and on Deadline: Affect and Emotion in the Practice of Conflict Journalism

The recent “emotional turn” in journalism studies has yet to substantially focus on the role that affect and emotion play in specific practices of journalism. This paper examines the affective/emot...
MO‐AB‐207‐02: ACR Update in MR

A goal of an imaging accreditation program is to ensure adequate image quality, verify appropriate staff qualifications, and to assure patient and personnel safety. Currently, more than 35,000 facilities in 10 modalities have been accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), making the ACR program one of the most prolific accreditation options in the U.S. In addition, ACR is one of the accepted accreditations required by some state laws, CMS/MIPPA insurance and others. Familiarity with the ACR accreditation process is therefore essential to clinical diagnostic medical physicists. Maintaining sufficient knowledge of the ACR program must include keeping up-to-date as the various modality requirements are refined to better serve the goals of the program and to accommodate newer technologies and practices. This session consists of presentations from authorities in four ACR accreditation modality programs, including magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, and mammography. Each speaker will discuss the general components of the modality program and address any recent changes to the requirements. Learning Objectives: 1. To understand the requirements of the ACR MR Accreditation program. The discussion will include accreditation of whole-body general purpose magnets, dedicated extremity systems well as breast MRI accreditation. Anticipated updates to the ACR MRI Quality Control Manual will also be reviewed. 2. To understand the requirements of the ACR CT accreditation program, including updates to the QC manual as well as updates through the FAQ process. 3. To understand the requirements of the ACR nuclear medicine accreditation program, and the role of the physicist in annual equipment surveys and the set up and supervision of the routine QC program. 4. To understand the current ACR MAP Accreditation requirement and present the concepts and structure of the forthcoming ACR Digital Mammography QC Manual and Program.
Impedance-matching analysis in IR leaky-wave antennas

Planar leaky-wave antennas (LWA) that are capable of full-space scanning have long since been the pursuit for applications including, but not limited to, integration onto vehicles and into cameras for wide-angle of view beam-steering. Such a leaky-wave surface (LWS) was designed for long-wave infrared frequencies with frequency scanning capability. The LWS is based on a microstrip patch array design of a leaky-wave impedance surface and is made up of gold microstrip patches on a grounded zinc sulphide substrate. A 1D composite right/left-handed (CRLH) metamaterial made by periodically stacking a unit cell of the LWS in the longitudinal direction to form a LWA was designed. This paper deals with loading the LWA with a nickel bolometer to collect leaky-wave signals. The LWA radiates a backward leaking wave at 30 degrees at 28.3THz and scans through broadside for frequencies 20THz through 40THz. The paper deals with effectively placing the bolometer in order for the collected signal to exhibit the designed frequency regime. An effective way to maximize the power coupling into the load from the antenna is also explored. The benefit of such a metamaterial/holographic antennacoupled detector is its ability to provide appreciable capture cross-sections while delivering smart signals to subwavelength sized detectors. Due to their high-gain, low-profile, fast response time of the detector and ease of fabrication, this IR LWA-coupled bolometer harbors great potential in the areas of high resolution, uncooled, infrared imaging.
Internet Porn, ICANN, and Families: A Call to Action

Although the International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) technically does not regulate Internet content, its day-to-day decisions consistently influence not only the structure of the Internet, but its content as well. ICANN policies concerning the approval of Top Level Domains and Internationalized Domain Names, maintenance of the WHOIS database, treatment of common vehicles for abuse, and requirements governing speech, for example, have far-reaching implications. Among the ramifications are the potential for protecting children online now or in the future, stopping the flow of child pornography, thwarting predators and sex traffickers, and maintaining legitimate free speech policy.ICANN's mission and effectiveness depends, as its mission statement states, on "broad, informed participation reflecting the functional, geographic, and cultural diversity of the Internet at all levels of policy development and decision-making." However, in practice, only a handful of individuals who share a certain policy viewpoint have represented the billions of non-commercial Internet users around the globe in the ICANN policy-making process. At the crux of many ICANN policies is the debate on unfettered speech, access, and anonymity on the Internet. These issues are complex, culturally and nationally diverse, and changing as we understand more about the Internet and its potential.This Article addresses reasons why advocates for families, consumers, and safety interests have not yet stepped forward to fill the gap in the stakeholder representation at ICANN. It then discusses the makeup, history, and voting power of the current ICANN Non-commercial Users' Constituency (NCUC), and the positions taken by the NCUC and its officers in policy debates. It explores the basis and implications of these positions, including the principle of "Net Neutrality." It compares this principle with the traditional parameters of the right to free expression. Finally, it urges a more robust and balanced discussion of competing rights and interests in the ICANN forum.This Article concludes with recommendations for ICANN to respond to the narrowness of the non-commercial stakeholder representation. It suggests (1) considering further the reasons for keeping separate the NCUC and the At-large Advisory Committee; (2) using ICANN's travel support funding to encourage wider participation of groups and individuals representing the breadth of user interests; (3) developing integration and training programs; (4) maintaining standards for rotating officers and appointments; as well as (5) materially assisting in the revision of the stakeholder structure.
Spatially resolved methane band photometry of Jupiter: II. Analysis of the South Equatorial Belt and South Tropical Zone reflectivity

Abstract This work presents results and analysis of center-to-limb variations and absolute reflectivity measurements of Jupiter's South Equatorial Belt (SEBs) and South Tropical Zone (STrZ) in three narrowband methane filters and three nearby continuum filters. The observations and data reduction are reported in Paper I. The data were analyzed in terms of plane-parallel but vertically inhomogeneous atmospheric models. Diffuse reflecting-scattering models (RSM) and two-cloud models (TCM) with and without an additional high, thin haze layer (required from Pioneer observations) were computed. Computations of multiple scattering were performed with a doubling technique. Anisotropic phase functions derived from Pioneer 10 photometry were used. Observations in the strong 8900-A band severely constrain the position of the upper cloud top. To fit both the center-to-limb variations and absolute reflectivity, the STrZ cloud top must lie between 0.55 bar total pressure, if the aerosols are concentrated (small scattering mean free path), and 0.43 bar for the RSM model with 8 to 10 m-am CH4 per unit cloud optical depth. The 8900-A data also constrain the cloud optical depth. If the cloud particles are concentrated, the top cloud must have optical depths between 1.5 and 2.5. The data at 7250 and 6190 A are well suited to specify the level of the lower cloud. TCM models with concentrated aerosols have lower cloud-top pressure between 2.4 and 2.7 bars in the STrZ. To account for the small but significant differences between observations of the STrZ and SEBs, several configurations are allowed. An RSM model for the STrZ and a TCM model for the SEBs would constitute the greatest possible structural differences. RSM models were not satisfactory for the SEBs. If both the STrZ and SEBs are regions where the aerosols are concentrated, the upper cloud is slightly deeper (by 0.03 to 0.08 bar) in the SEBs; the cloud thickness is less (0 to 15%); and the lower cloud is deeper (by 0.4 to 0.8 bar). A forward scattering haze layer of the type derived from analysis of Pioneer 10 photometry is needed in the present STrZ and SEBs models at the 0.1-bar level to account for the limb darkening in the continuum. The haze could be concentrated in a thin layer or spread diffusely above the cloud top with little effect on the pressure level of the top cloud. A CH4/H2 mixing ratio of 1.2 to 1.5 × 10−3 is estimated from computations by W. D. Cochran of the hydrogen quadrupole absorption strength for present models. The smaller value was used to assign pressure levels stated above.
The Cyber-Posture of the National Information Infrastructure

The infrastructure of every nation is vulnerable to physical and cyber-based attacks. While there is no evidence that “the sky is falling in” or that there is imminent danger of a massive disruption from such attacks, a country cannot be complacent about the issue. Each country has a natural resilience stemming from many sources to offset the effects of such attacks, but more directed and extensive examination of the matter is essential.
Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Although a methotrexate (MTX) precursor, aminopterin, had been used for the treatment of arthritis (rheumatoid and psoriasis) in the 1950’s [1, 2], the widespread utilization of MTX for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) did not occur until the 1980’s [3-5]. In this chapter, we will review the accepted issues regarding the use of this compound in RA as well as those issues which are less well accepted, but also of concern to the practicing rheumatologist. We will, for the most part, focus on adult patients with RA. The reader is referred to a number of publications dealing exclusively with children with juvenile (J) RA or JRA [6-12].
Uterine Arteriovenous Vascular Malformation Masked by Partial Molar Pregnancy: Diagnostic Challenge and Subsequent Embolic Treatment

Uterine arteriovenous vascular malformations (UAVM) are uncommon and usually present in women of reproductive age. When these occur in a pregnant patient or in the immediate postpartum period, clinical presentation may overlap with several other entities such as retained products of conception (RPOC), postpartum endometritis, as well as gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) [1]. We present a case of a UAVM that presented with life-threatening vaginal bleeding several months after dilatation and curettage (D&C) of a molar pregnancy. The UAVM was diagnosed with ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and subsequently treated with transarterial embolization (TAE).
Cannibalistic Imaginaries: Mining the Natural and Social Body in Papua New Guinea

The history of Wau township in Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea, is intimately linked with the development of gold mining throughout the region. The site of a series of gold rushes in the 1920s, Wau emerged as an early administrative outpost, a town complete with all the trappings of frontier Australian communities. In recent years, Wau has declined, and the Biangai communities reflect on this decline in ways that manipulate both the early colonial discourses and their own. Central to these discussions are images of cannibalism, as the consumption of both living flesh and ancestral landscapes. In this paper I examine the gold rush, how early prospectors conceptualized the colonial project, and what Wau's subsequent decline has meant to the Biangai who now pursue new mining opportunities. I trace these events and perspectives through historical and present-day discourses. Throughout, a fascination with mountains, gold, and "cannibals" is prominent, with Wau emerging out of struggles to conquer these elements of the landscape. Cannibalism remains a pervasive theme in contemporary Biangai discourses as they now try to recreate an era of successful gold mining and community life in and around Wau by overcoming many of the same elements. However, the moral terrain between consuming flesh, consuming land, and consuming gold are differently deployed in order to explain success and failure, and to imagine the nation.
Some Sticky Wickets in the Behavioral Objective Game—Looking at Learning Curves

A look at how behavioral objectives are related to learning curves. Definitions and major uses are noted. Havighurst's development tasks are presented as a model for providing better retention of learning. Also includes a brief look at the “infant science” of Psychometrics.
Influence of fatty acids on the binding of calcium to human serum albumin

Fatty acids have been shown to influence the binding of calcium to human serum albumin. The calcium binding to albumin was enhanced when long-chain fatty acids were added to albumin prepared by two different methods and decreased when fatty acids were removed from albumin. Palmitic, stearic and oleic acids all exhibited this phenomenon. The effects of long-chain fatty acids on the binding of calcium to albumin in vitro appears to be of sufficient magnitude to have in vivo implications in calcium homeostasis and in determining the ratio of free to total calcium. Preliminary in vivo experiments have confirmed the calcium binding of fatty acids in serum and suggest a physiological role for this phenomena.
An ontology of randomized controlled trials for evidence-based practice: content specification and evaluation using the competency decomposition method

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are one of the least biased sources of clinical research evidence, and are therefore a critical resource for the practice of evidence-based medicine. With over 10,000 new RCTs indexed in Medline each year, knowledge systems are needed to help clinicians translate evidence into practice. Common ontologies for RCTs and other domains would facilitate the development of these knowledge systems. However, no standard method exists for developing domain ontologies. In this paper, we describe a new systematic approach to specifying and evaluating the conceptual content of ontologies. In this method, called competency decomposition, the target task for an ontology is hierarchically decomposed into subtasks and methods, and the ontology content is specified by identifying the domain information required to complete each of the subtasks. We illustrate the use of this competency decomposition approach for the content specification and evaluation of an RCT ontology for evidence-based practice.
The effects of illumination, food and symbionts on growth of the sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima (Brandt, 1835). II. Clonal growth

Abstract The effects of illumination, feeding regime and endosymbiotic algae on the growth of the intertidal sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima (Brandt, 1835) were examined during a 3 month factorial laboratory experiment. The addition of light (12 h:12 h light:dark), food (fed 3 times per week) and the presence of symbionts each had a significant positive independent effect on percent weight change of anemones, with smaller anemones gaining more weight when fed than larger anemones. There was no difference in percent weight loss between small and large anemones when unfed.
Allergen immunotherapy: Where is it now?

The scientific basis and the proof of clinical effectiveness of allergen immunotherapy administered by subcutaneous injection (SCIT) are well established. It is effective treatment for sensitivity to Hymenoptera venom and for allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. SCIT administered in the proper setting reduces the development of new sensitivities and progression from rhinitis to asthma. Further, the beneficial effects persist long after completion of a course of treatment. Although many people enjoy the benefits of SCIT, extension of its use to the many others who might be candidates for this treatment is limited by its drawbacks of safety concerns and the inconvenience of repeated clinic visits over several years to receive the injections. There are many attempts underway to improve on the safety and convenience while still retaining the benefits of SCIT. These include approaches using current allergen extracts, especially by administering them sublingually. Alternatively, through recombinant technology, extracts are being modified to reduce their allergenicity without reducing their immunogenicity. They are being linked to immunostimulatory DNA sequences that will modify their in vivo processing resulting in an enhanced nonallergic response or they are being incorporated into fusion proteins with inhibitory properties for mast cells and basophils.
Diffusion of copper through dielectric films under bias temperature stress

Abstract Copper diffusion in various dielectric films as a function of electric field and temperature is reported. In this study, we characterized the leakage current through various dielectric films as a function of electrical field and elevated temperature. Both electric field and temperature are observed to affect strongly the dielectric barrier lifetime. Nitride and oxynitride films are found to be much better barriers than thermal oxide while plasma TEOS had a much lower barrier lifetime. The activation energy of copper diffusion in thermal oxide is determined to be 1.2eV. A three-step model is proposed to explain the observed current—time characteristics. In the first stage, the applied bias causes the injection of positively charged copper ions into the dielectric. The lack of a neutralizing electron current results in space-charge build up which sets up an opposing field and reduces the ionic current. The second stage represents primarily the thermal diffusion of copper ions and neutral atoms. Finally, in the third stage, enhanced electric fields in the dielectric lead to breakdown.
An Analysis of Baccalaureate College Mission Statements

We examined baccalaureate colleges mission statements to better understand how these organizations represent themselves to potential students and other external constituent groups. We drew these documents from two sources, the colleges’ official web sites and an archive constructed and maintained by U.S. News and World Report. Most sampled colleges submitted revised or different mission statements to U.S. News than published officially on institutional websites. Our findings suggested that the communication patterns of baccalaureate colleges are both vague and idiosyncratic. Official mission statements often proved descriptive or appealed to normative concepts. The statements submitted to U.S. News, by contrast, often utilized “strategically deployed shifters.” These terms suggested legitimate content but eluded precise definition. Mission statements submitted to U.S. News thereby proved amenable to student recruitment efforts.
Retrospective review of 143 celect IVC filter retrievals: experience at a single institution

Purpose To retrospectively evaluate the safety and retrievability of the Celect IVC filter. Materials and Methods All patients undergoing Celect filter placement and retrieval between 2007 and 2012 were assessed for complications and retrievability. Results Of 690 patients who had Celect filter placement, 143 presented for removal. The indwelling time in these patients was 176.2 ± 150.3 days (range, 2-1413 d). A total of 125 filters (87.4%) were removed; 18 filters were left in situ for the following reasons: filter embedment (7), caval occlusion (3), retained thrombus (3), large floating thrombus in IVC (4), or tilt > 15° (1). With filters in place, 6 patients developed new pulmonary embolism and 2 others presented with severe abdominal pain. The available 135 pairs of placement and removal cavagrams suggested limb penetration in 112 cases (86.1%); intracaval migration > 2 cm in 5; secondary tilt > 15° in 8; filter deformity in 10; retained thrombus within filters in 13; and IVC occlusion in 3. Among 52 available CT scans, 11 cases (21%) demonstrated asymptomatic limb penetration to the duodenum (6), aortic wall (3), kidney (1) and liver (1). No filter fracture was found. Conclusion This study showed a high penetration rate for Celect IVC filters, including penetrations that were symptomatic or involved adjacent structures. Penetration appears to correlate with indwelling time, suggesting that the filter should be removed as soon as PE protection is no longer indicated. Although most of the filters were removed, 5.6% of retrievals were unsuccessful because of technical failure.
Fluorescence enhancement by a two-dimensional dielectric annular Bragg resonant cavity

We show that photons can be efficiently extracted from fluorescent molecules, utilizing the strongly enhanced local field of a two-dimensional dielectric annular Bragg resonant cavity. Due to the diffraction and constructive interference together with the annular focusing, the periodic ring structure converts the normal incident light into planar guided modes and forms a hot spot at the center of the structure. Theoretically, the field can be enhanced more than 40 times, which leads to the averaged 20-fold enhancement of the fluorescence signal observed in experiments. Compared with fluorescence enhancement by plasmonic structures, this dielectric approach does not suffer from pronounced quenching that often occurs near metallic structures. These results not only can be applied as ultrasensitive sensors for various biological systems, but also have broad potential applications, such as optical trapping and fluorescent microscopy.
Thyroid function and other clinical chemistry parameters in subjects eating iodine-enriched eggs

Iodine-enriched (IE) eggs are produced by chickens fed a diet containing kelp. These eggs, which contain an average of 711 micrograms iodine/egg, have been reported to reduce plasma cholesterol in humans and laboratory animals. A modified form of these eggs is under consideration for marketing in the United States. 104 hyperlipidaemic subjects were placed on a low-fat diet for 12 wk. Between wk 4 and 12, approximately half of the subjects were randomized to a dietary control group (n = 53) or a group who ingested one IE egg/day in addition to this diet (n = 51). Some subjects in both groups continued in the study for an additional 4-8 wk. No significant adverse clinical effects were observed or reported, with the exception of one subject who reported an allergic-like reaction soon after beginning egg ingestion. All clinical chemistry values remained within normal limits, and comparisons between the egg group and controls were not significant. Three subjects (two in the egg group and one in the control group) had elevated thyroid stimulating hormone levels during the experimental period. All thyroid function tests remained within normal limits in the remaining subjects. Thus, ingestion of one IE egg of the type used in our study appears to be relatively safe and devoid of clinically significant, short-term adverse effects in healthy individuals.
A Nodal Determination of the Hall Conductance

We investigate the nodal structure of the electronic states which arise in the case of a uniform magnetic field and a weak periodic potential. By making use of the continuous motion of these zeros as the K -value labelling the state is varied, we introduce a simple method of obtaining the quantized value of the Hall conductance of a filled band from the nodal pattern of the band wave function. This method is demonstrated to give the correct results in the cases where the Hall conductances are known, given by the solutions of a Diophantine equation.
The isolation and identification of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid formed by nitrogen-fixing Azomonas macrocytogenes

The mechanism of iron acquisition was studied in nitrogen-fixing Azomonas macrocytogenes. Spent solid agar plating medium samples from Fe-deficient and Fe-sufficient cultures were subjected to the high voltage paper electrophoresis siderophore assay. A yellow-green fluorescent peptide was elicited only under conditions of iron deficiency, whereas a novel dark blue fluorescent, Arnowpositive phenolic compound was detected under both Fe-deficient and Fe-sufficient conditions. Both compounds formed colored complexes with ferric iron. SDS-PAGE analysis of outer envelope protein preparations revealed the hyperproduction of an 83 kDa protein under iron-limiting conditions. Chemical analysis indicated that the phenolate was 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (protocatechuic acid), a compound previously unreported as an extracellular product of a diazotroph.
Guidance of Post Myocardial Infarction Ventricular Septal Defect and Pseudoaneurysm Closure

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm and ventricular septal defect are rare but devastating complications of myocardial infarction. With medical treatment alone, the majority of patients will die from these complications. Until recently, the recommended treatment was surgical closure. These surgeries carried extreme risk due to abnormal hemodynamics, necrotic substrates and the comorbidities of these patients. Recently, trans-catheter closure was shown to be an acceptable alternative to open surgical intervention. 3D echocardiography identifies the location, size, and shape of the defect and can assess, guide, and follow up the closure procedure.
Effect of composition and grain size on electrical discharge machining of BN–TiB2 composites

TiB2 conducts the current and forms a liquid phase at the interface with BN. Neighboring crystals of BN and some TiB2 spall due to thermal shock. During pause periods parts of the liquid and fragments are flushed out by the dielectric. Composites rich in TiB2 or with fine TiB2 grains gave high material removal rates. Increasing the amount of the conducting phase by 10% is as effective as decreasing the grain size from 11 to 7 μm. Coarse TiB2 could withstand high pulse durations before wire breaks. Material removal rate increases with pulse duration, frequency, and current. For the same composition and grain size, increasing the pulse duration or current increased the crater depth (the roughness) up to a certain value, beyond which increasing these parameters yielded a smoother surface. The conductivity of the dielectric was effective only for compositions rich in TiB2 content. In such cases, higher water conductivity lowered the energy required for material removal.
Simulations of a binary-sized mixture of inelastic grains in rapid shear flow.

In an effort to explore the rapid flow behavior associated with a binary-sized mixture of grains and to assess the predictive ability of the existing theory for such systems, molecular-dynamic simulations have been carried out. The system under consideration is composed of inelastic, smooth, hard disks engaged in rapid shear flow. The simulations indicate that nondimensional stresses decrease with an increase in ${d}_{L}{/d}_{S}$ (ratio of large particle diameter to small particle diameter) or a decrease in ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{L}/{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{S}$ (area fraction ratio), as is also predicted by the kinetic theory of Willits and Arnarson [Phys. Fluids 11, 3116 (1999)]. Furthermore, the level of quantitative agreement between the theoretical stress predictions and simulation data is good over the entire range of parameters investigated. Nonetheless, the molecular-dynamic simulations also show that the assumption of an equipartition of energy rapidly deteriorates as the coefficient of restitution is decreased. The magnitude of this energy difference is found to increase with the difference in particle sizes.
Characteristics of a store-operated calcium-permeable channel: sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium pump function controls channel gating.

We examined the single channel properties and regulation of store-operated calcium channels (SOCC). In human submandibular gland cells, carbachol (CCh) induced flickery channel activity while thapsigargin (Tg) induced burst-like activity, with relatively lower open probability (NPo) and longer mean open time. Tg- and CCh-activated channels were permeable to Na+ and Ba2+, but not to NMDG, in the absence of Ca2+. The channels exhibited similar Ca2+, Na+, and Ba2+ conductances and were inhibited by 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborate, xestospongin C, Gd3+, and La3+. CCh stimulated flickery activity changed to burst-like activity by (i) addition of Tg, (ii) using Na+ instead of Ca2+, (iii) using Ca2+-free bath solution, or (iv) buffering [Ca2+]i with BAPTA-AM. Buffering [Ca2+]i induced a 2-fold increase in NPoof Tg-stimulated SOCC. Reducing free [Ca2+] in the endoplasmic reticulum with the divalent cation chelator,N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN), induced burst-like channel activity similar to that seen with CCh + Tg. Thus, SOCC is activated by stimulation of muscarinic receptors, inhibition of the sarcoendoplasmic Ca2+ pump, and lowering [Ca2+] in the internal store. Importantly, SOCC activity depends on [Ca2+]i and the free [Ca2+] in the internal store. These novel findings reveal that SERCA plays a major role in the gating of SOCC by (i) refilling the internal Ca2+ store(s) and (ii) decreasing the [Ca2+]i-dependent inhibition.
Effect of Intravesical Treatment of Transitional Cell Carcinoma With Bacillus Calmette-Guerin and Mitomycin C on Urinary Survivin Levels and Outcome

ABSTRACTPurpose: Urine survivin is a predictive/prognostic molecular marker that detects transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) with high specificity and sensitivity. The presence of urine survivin in patients with TCC who receive intravesical instillation of bacillus Calmette-Guerin or mitomycin C may predict recurrence.Materials and Methods: Urine from 25 subjects receiving 27 intravesical treatments of bacillus Calmette-Guerin or mitomycin C for TCC were collected prior to, during and after treatment. Urinary survivin levels were compared with outcome, as assessed by cytology and cystoscopy with or without biopsy 1 month and up to 12 months after the completion of treatment.Results: Pretreatment survivin levels were higher in subjects in whom TCC recurred following treatment compared with those who achieved remission. Survivin levels increased several-fold during treatment with the highest survivin levels measured in subjects with recurrence. Median posttreatment values of survivin were zero in those who ac...
SALINE-SOLUBLE PREPARATIONS OF DEOXYRIBONUCLEOPROTEINS.

Abstract The solubility of crude deoxyribonucleoprotein (DNP) extracted from malignant mammalian cells was measured in varying concentrations of the salts of monovalent and divalent cations. NaCl, most effective at about 0.12 M , precipitated less DNP than did MgCl 2 , which was most effective at about 0.01 M . DNA from the NaCl-insoluble DNP was fibrous and constituted about 80% of the total DNA; DNA from the NaCl-soluble, MgCl 2 -insoluble DNP was nonfibrous and constituted about 20% of the total DNA. The precipitation of both types of DNP was inhibited by the aminocarboxylic acids glycine, β-alanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and ϵ-aminocaproic acid, in order of increasing effectiveness. ω-Aminocaprylic acid was somewhat less effective than ϵ-aminocaproic acid. The alpha isomers of the aminocarboxylic acids studied were for the most part ineffective. The aminocarboxylic acids did not act as salts with respect to DNP, nor was their solubilizing action related to their ability to chelate divalent cations. The effect appeared to correlate with the dielectric increments of the aminocarboxylic acids.
Online measurement based tool path generation toward integrated robotic laser cladding

– Refurbishing may be the most practical approach under the low volume production. This effort aims to achieve robotic laser cladding with the main purpose of achieving maximum processing flexibility, predictably high quality, lower maintenance and operating costs. This study aims to focus on online measurement and cladding path generation toward automatic laser cladding., – Based on the specific requirements of automatic laser cladding, an approach was proposed toward an automatic laser cladding with powder injection for the refurbishment of components with free‐form surfaces. This study assessed the feasibility of integrating a non‐contact free‐form surface measurement system, an industrial robot, and an algorithm for generating cladding tool paths seamlessly., – 3D laser scanning and laser cladding systems can be embedded into an existing robot motion control system. Online measurement based 3D surface reconstruction is a practical approach toward cladding tool path generation for on‐site refurbishment., – Robotic laser cladding may be a potential application by integrating other measurement devices, such as temperature sensor based monitoring system., – Refurbishing worn‐out components could have significant economic benefits. This study indicates that robotic laser cladding may potentially facilitate improved refurbishment of oversized components.
Game-theoretic Consistency and International Relations

De Figueiredo et al. (this issue) have argued that, to model the American Revolution, game-theoretic consistency assumptions need to be relaxed. In response, we review the methodological rationale for such consistency assumptions, and we find a possible exception in international relations. Any inconsistent theory of games would be invalidated by rational players who are intelligent enough to understand it. Furthermore, within any society, culturally defined principles of justice and legitimate authority serve to generate consistent expectations in games, and these coordinating principles are strengthened by socially constructing them as corollaries of universal natural law. Such universalization of local justice and authority, although a force for local consistency, is a force for inconsistency of beliefs in international relations. In new situations that transcend the recognized domain of international boundaries, people in each society may systematically underestimate the extent to which other societie...
Short and Long-Term Effects of Telaprevir on Kidney Function in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Recent reports suggest that telaprevir, a protease inhibitor used to treat hepatitis C infection, is associated with decline in kidney function during therapy, particularly in patients with baseline renal impairment.
Requiring remission of undue influence of weight and shape on self-evaluation in the definition of recovery for bulimia nervosa

Objective The current study evaluated the concurrent validity of requiring remission of undue influence of weight and shape on self-evaluation (undue influence) in defining recovery from bulimia nervosa (BN). Methods Three groups completed the Beck Depression Inventory, the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and the Social Adjustment Scale: 31 women were fully recovered from BN (FR), 28 women had no behavioral symptoms of BN (partially recovered [PR]), and 59 matched non–eating-disordered controls (MC). Results The PR group had more pathologic scores on depression, anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and social adjustment compared with both the FR and MC groups, which did not differ from each other. Discussion These findings suggest that including remission of cognitive symptoms in a standardized definition of recovery may prove to be clinically useful in establishing reliable prognostic indicators. Future research should evaluate the role played by cognitive symptoms in triggering relapse. © 2003 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 34: 200–210, 2003.
Chloroplast ribosomal RNA genes in Euglena gracilis exist as three clustered tandem repeats

Abstract Chloroplast ribosomal DNA from Euglena gracilis was partially purified, digested with restriction endonucleases Bam HI or Eco RI and cloned into bacterial plasmids. Plasmids containing the ribosomal DNA were identified by their ability to hybridize to chloroplast ribosomal RNA and were physically mapped using restriction endonucleases Bam HI, Eco RI, Hin dIII and Hpa I. The nucleotide sequences coding for the 16S and the 23S chloroplast ribosomal RNAs were located on these plasmids by hybridizing the individual RNAs to denatured restriction endonuclease DNA fragments immobilized on nitrocellulose filters. Restriction endonuclease fragments from chloroplast DNA were analyzed in a similar fashion. These data permitted the localization on a Bam HI map of the chloroplast DNA three tandemly arranged chloroplast ribosomal RNA genes. Each ribosomal RNA gene consisted of a 4.6 kilobase pair region coding for the 16S and 23S ribosomal RNAs and a 0.8 kilobase pair spacer region. The chloroplast ribosomal DNA represented 12% of the chloroplast DNA and is G + C rich.
Simultaneous estimation of T(2) and apparent diffusion coefficient in human articular cartilage in vivo with a modified three-dimensional double echo steady state (DESS) sequence at 3 T.

T(2) mapping and diffusion-weighted imaging complement morphological imaging for assessing cartilage disease and injury. The double echo steady state sequence has been used for morphological imaging and generates two echoes with markedly different T(2) and diffusion weighting. Modifying the spoiler gradient area and flip angle of the double echo steady state sequence allows greater control of the diffusion weighting of both echoes. Data from two acquisitions with different spoiler gradient areas and flip angles are used to simultaneously estimate the T(2) and apparent diffusion coefficient of each voxel. This method is verified in phantoms and validated in vivo in the knee; estimates from different regions of interest in the phantoms and cartilage are compared to those obtained using standard spin-echo methods. The Pearson correlations were 0.984 for T(2) (∼2% relative difference between spin-echo and double echo steady state estimates) and 0.997 for apparent diffusion coefficient (˜1% relative difference between spin-echo and double echo steady state estimates) for the phantom study and 0.989 for T(2) and 0.987 for apparent diffusion coefficient in regions of interest in the human knee in vivo. High accuracy for simultaneous three-dimensional T(2) and apparent diffusion coefficient measurements are demonstrated, while also providing morphologic three-dimensional images without blurring or distortion in reasonable scan times.
Quantitative Measurement of Tissue Optical Absorption Spectrum in a Scattering Medium by Photoacoustic Technique

The photoacoustic technique can be used to quantify tissue absorption spectrum in a wide spectral range from visible to near infrared. As the photoacoustic signal intensity is proportional to tissue optical absorption coefficient and light fluence, it is important to know the local light fluence at the regional target in order to obtain the accurate absorption spectrum because the tissue optical properties including scattering and absorption are wavelength dependent and affect the distribution and intensity of light in the sample. In this work, an optical contrast agent has been employed to enhance the performance of spectroscopic photoacoustic technique. From the photoacoustic measurements with and without the contrast agent in a target tissue, the spectroscopic local light fluence in the tissue can be determined. Then a quantified measurement of the tissue optical absorption spectrum can be realized in a strong scattering medium without need to know the wavelength-dependent optical properties in the scattering medium. A commercially available dye which has strong absorption in the wavelength range of interest was used. The results of the spectroscopic photoacoustic measurements on fresh canine blood specimens in scattering media such as milk and chicken breast tissue have been presented. It was found that photoacoustic measurements after employing this new technique have an improved match with the standard absorption spectra of both oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
Genetic analysis of autoimmune gld mice. I. Identification of a restriction fragment length polymorphism closely linked to the gld mutation within a conserved linkage group

A linkage map of distal mouse chromosome 1 was generated using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of DNA prepared from 95 [C3H-gld/gld X Mus spretus)F1 X C3H-gld/gld] backcross mice. The gene order was: (centromere) C4bp, Ren-1,2, Ly-5, [At-3/gld], Apoa-2/Ly-17, Spna-1 (telomere). All mice expressing the phenotype of gld homozygotes were homozygous for the At-3 RFLP characteristic of C3H mice and none of the mice heterozygous for At-3 RFLPs had characteristics of gld homozygotes, demonstrating close linkage between these genes. The identification of an RFLP closely linked to the gld gene provides a starting point for the identification of a genetic defect that results in abnormal T cells and autoimmune disease.