cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patient Awareness of Stent Type, Risk of Cardiac Events, and Symptoms of Myocardial Infarction Among PCI patients: A Missed Educational Opportunity?

Background: Timely and successful treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) requires accurate recognition by the patient of the signs and symptoms. As patients who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remain at risk for cardiac events, it is important that they have a basic understanding of their cardiac status. Methods: We surveyed 80 consecutive patients following elective PCI using a simple multiple-choice questionnaire. Type of stent (bare metal or drug-eluting), how they perceive the procedure would affect their cardiovascular health, their perceived risk of a future MI, and whether they recalled specific education on how to recognize symptoms of an MI were queried. Results: 45% (n = 36) of patients were unaware of stent type. 10% stated PCI was performed to relieve symptoms of angina, 30% (n = 24) stated it would prevent MI, 56.3% (n = 45) stated that it would both prevent MI and reduce symptoms of angina, while 3.8% stated it would do neither. 86.3% (n = 69) stated they remained at risk for MI despite the procedure. However, 42.5% (n = 34) of patients did not perceive to have received specific education on the signs and symptoms of MI during their hospital stay. Conclusions: Patient understanding of stent type, expected cardiovascular outcomes, and recognition of MI post-PCI appears low in the real-world setting. A systematic approach to post-PCI education should be incorporated into routine care, in order to capitalize on the educational opportunity afforded by this high risk population. (J Interven Cardiol 2011;24:144–148)
Deciphering FG Sagittae

Dr Kraft has just described a unique astronomical object — FG Sagittae — a new rosetta stone. It is our aim here to attempt to decipher this rosetta stone.
Fast-neutron total and scattering cross sections of 58 Ni

Neutron total cross sections of58Ni were measured at 25 keV intervals from 0.9 to 4.5 MeV with 50–100 keV resolutions. Attention was given to self-shielding corrections to the observed total cross sections. Differential elastic- and inelastic-scattering cross sections were measured at 50 keV intervals from 1.35 to 4.0 MeV with 50–100 keV resolutions. Inelastic excitation of levels at 1.458±0.009, 2.462+-0.010, 2.791±0.015, 2.927+-0.012 and 3.059+-0.025 MeV was observed. The experimental results were interpreted in terms of optical-statistical and coupled-channels models.
Erythropoiesis in the newt, Triturus cristatus Laur. I. Identification of the 'erythroid precursor cell'.

Phenylhydrazine injection in salamanders ( Triturus sp.) produces a complete loss of all erythrocytes and haemoglobin but does not result in an immediate erythropoietic response. Splenectomized newts survive absence of the erythron most readily. At 11-14 days after injection, the peripheral blood contains numerous, primitive cells which exhibit large, lepto-chromatic nuclei, wide variation in cytoplasmic basophilia, and variation in cell size. These cells constitute a spectrum of cells collectively called ‘erythroid precursor cells’ (EPC) which terminate in the formation of basophilic erythroblasts. Earlier cell forms (at 11 days) contain few cytoplasmic ribosomes and few organelles but the ribosome concentration gradually increases, as does a fibrillogranular precipitate presumed to be associated with haemoglobin synthesis. Metabolically, these cells are engaged in proliferation, RNA, haem, and protein synthesis. Erythroid precursor cells, which comprise 50-60% of the total blood cell population at 11-14 days, are replaced by basophilic erythroblasts at 15-18 days. The morphological and metabolic properties of these cells are compatible with their role in red blood cell formation. However, their similarity to mammalian marrow ‘transitional’ cells and the occurrence of similar cells in association with macrophages suggest possible differentiative potencies along several cell lines. While little is known about the origin of erythroid precursor cells, preliminary experiments suggest that they may be derived from circulating lymphocytes.
Specific Immunotherapy by Genetically Engineered APCs: The “Guided Missile” Strategy

We tested the hypothesis that APCs genetically engineered to present an Ag and to express Fas ligand (FasL) simultaneously can target and eliminate Ag-specific T cells. Transgenic T cells specific for influenza hemagglutinin (HA) were used as targets. We prepared recombinant vaccinia virus vectors (VVV) to transfer the gene constructs individually or simultaneously into APCs. We prevented unwanted viral replication by attenuating the VVVs with psoralen-UV light treatment. For presentation of the HA Ag, APCs were transduced with cDNA for HA flanked by sequences of the lysosome-associated membrane protein that direct efficient processing and presentation of the Ag by APCs. As a "warhead" for the APCs, we transduced them with the gene for FasL, which induces apoptosis of Fas-expressing activated T cells. To protect the transduced APCs from self-destruction by FasL, we transferred cDNA for a truncated form of Fas-associated death domain, which inhibits Fas-mediated cell death. Our results show that the engineered APCs effectively expressed the genes of interest. APCs transduced with VVV carrying all three gene constructs specifically killed HA-transgenic T cells in culture. Coculture with T cells specific for an unrelated Ag (OVA) had no significant effect. Our in vitro findings show that APCs can be genetically engineered to target and kill Ag-specific T cells and represent a promising novel strategy for the specific treatment of autoimmune diseases.
HER-2/neu Amplification in Benign Breast Disease and the Risk of Subsequent Breast Cancer

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the presence of HER-2/neu gene amplification and/or overexpression in benign breast disease was associated with an increased risk of subsequent breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a nested case-control study of a cohort of women who were diagnosed with benign breast disease at the Mayo Clinic and who were subsequently observed for the development of breast cancer. Patients who developed breast cancer formed the case group, and a matched sample from the remaining cohort served as controls. Benign tissue samples from 137 cases and 156 controls and malignant tissues from 99 cases provided DNA or tissue for evaluation of HER-2/neu amplification and protein overexpression. RESULTS: Among the controls, seven benign tissues (4.5%) demonstrated low-level HER-2/neu amplification, whereas 13 benign (9.5%) and 18 malignant (18%) tissue specimens from cases exhibited amplification. HER-2/neu amplification in benign breast biopsies was associate...
A Unified Theory for the Mechanism of the Lethal Hit by Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTL) and Natural Killer (NK) Cells as Defined by Antisera Capable of Blocking the Lethal Hit Stage of Cytotoxicity

Understanding the mechanisms in which cytotoxic lymphocytes (particularly cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cells) mediate the lysis of target cells has been a fundamental problem in molecular immunology. While these reactions involve complex biochemical and physiological processes the mechanism of cytotoxicity has been resolved into several operationally identifiable stages (1–4). In the most simplistic scheme, the effector lymphocyte must recognize and bind to the appropriate target. Subsequent to binding, the killer cell undergoes of series of physiological responses collectively termed activation. It is during this activation phase that the killer cell initiates infliction of the lethal hit on the target. Once the lethal hit has been completed the killer cell can detach and recycle to other targets. Target cells having received the lethal hit are “programmed to lyse” and will rapidly do so during the final stage of the lytic reaction known as the killer cell independent stage.
Income inequality and social institutions: beyond the Kuznets curve and economic determinism

The paper outlines and examines a social‐institutional conception of income inequality or economic distribution. The fundamental proposition of this conception is that income inequality/distribution is far from being the outcome of the operation of strictly market laws or economic forces but rather one of institutional arrangements or social structures. Of the latter particularly important have shown to be the institutional structure of the economy, particularly labour markets, as well as the degree of democracy of political systems. The results suggest transcending single‐factor economic explanations and predictions of income inequality, as implied in the Kuznets curve and its ramifications, in favour of an alternative multilevel sociological approach.
A closed-loop evaluation and validation of a method for determining the scattering limited carrier velocity in MOSFETs

A closed-loop evaluation of a saturation transconductance (g/sub msat//sup (i)/) based method for determining the scattering limited carrier velocity ( nu /sub sat/) in enhancement MOSFETs was performed with the use of a 2-D device simulator. Consistency in the extracted nu /sub sat/ over a wide range of gate oxide thickness (T/sub ox/), channel doping concentration, and bias condition was tested and verified. Also analyzed are the appropriate measurement condition, the significance of the parasitic effect due to the source and drain resistances, the applicability of the method used for compensating this parasitic effect, and the expected accuracy of the extracted nu /sub sat/ under ideal conditions. A plausible explanation is provided for the inconsistency between nu /sub sat/ determined from g/sub msat//sup (i)/(0), the extrapolated transconductance, and nu /sub sat/ determined from the slope of (g/sub msat//sup (i)/(0))/sup -1/ versus T/sub ox/ characteristics observed in published results. The g/sub msat/ /sup (i)/-based method for extracting nu /sub sat/ has been applied to MOSFETs fabricated with three vastly different technologies, and the experimentally-based nu /sub sat/ of electrons at 300 K ranges from 7.37*10/sup 6/ to 7.92*10/sup 6/ cm/s, which shows its independence of technology. >
Structure Determination of an Interstrand-Type Cis-Anti Cyclobutane Thymine Dimer Produced in High Yield by UVB Light in an Oligodeoxynucleotide at Acidic pH†

UVB irradiation of DNA produces photodimers in adjacent DNA bases and on rare occasions in non-adjacent bases. UVB irradiation (312 nm) of d(GTATCATGAGGTGC) gave rise to an unknown DNA photoproduct in approximately 40% yield at acidic pH of about 5. This product has a much shorter retention time in reverse phase HPLC compared to known dipyrimidine photoproducts of this sequence. A large upfield shift of two thymine H6 NMR signals and photoreversion to the parent ODN upon irradiation with 254 nm light indicates that the photoproduct is a cyclobutane thymine dimer. Exonuclease-coupled MS assay establishes that the photodimer forms between T2 and T7, which was confirmed by tandem mass spectrometric MS/MS identification of the endonuclease P1 digestion product d(T2[A3])=pd(T7[G8]). Acidic hydrolysis of the photoproduct gave a product with the same retention time on reverse phase HPLC and the same MS/MS fragmentation pattern as authentic Thy[c,a]Thy. 2D NOE NMR data are consistent with a cis-anti cyclobutane dimer between the 3′-sides of T2 and T7 in anti glycosyl conformations that had to have arisen from an inter-stand type reaction. In addition to pH-dependent, the photoproduct yield is highly sequence specific and concentration dependent, indicating that it results from a higher order folded structure. The efficient formation of this inter-strand-type photoproduct suggests the existence of a new type of folding motif and the possibility that this type of photoproduct might also form in other folded structures, such as G-quadruplexes and i-motif structures which can be now studied by the methods described.
Global optimization of mixed-integer bilevel programming problems

Two approaches that solve the mixed-integer nonlinear bilevel programming problem to global optimality are introduced. The first addresses problems mixed-integer nonlinear in outer variables and C2-nonlinear in inner variables. The second adresses problems with general mixed-integer nonlinear functions in outer level. Inner level functions may be mixed-integer nonlinear in outer variables, linear, polynomial, or multilinear in inner integer variables, and linear in inner continuous variables. This second approach is based on reformulating the mixed-integer inner problem as continuous via its vertex polyheral convex hull representation and solving the resulting nonlinear bilevel optimization problem by a novel deterministic global optimization framework. Computational studies illustrate proposed approaches.
Single-Particle Tracking of Membrane Protein Diffusion in a Potential: Simulation, Detection, and Application to Confined Diffusion of CFTR Cl− Channels

Confined diffusion of membrane receptors and lipids can result from intramembrane barriers, skeletal interactions, rafts, and other phenomena. We simulated single-particle diffusion in two dimensions in an arbitrary potential, V(r), based on summation of random and potential gradient-driven motions. Algorithms were applied and verified for detection of potential-driven diffusion, and for determination of V(r) from radial particle density distributions, taking into account experimental uncertainties in particle position and finite trajectory recording. Single-particle tracking (SPT) analysis of the diffusion of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl(-) channels in mammalian cells revealed confined diffusion with diffusion coefficient approximately 0.004 microm(2)/s. SPT data fitted closely to a springlike attractive potential, V(r) = kr(2), but not to other V(r) forms such as hard-wall or viscoelastic-like potentials. The "spring constant", k, determined from SPT data was 2.6 +/- 0.8 pN/microm, and not altered significantly by modulation of skeletal protein architecture by jasplakinolide. However, k was reduced by a low concentration of latrunculin, supporting the involvement of actin in the springlike tethering of CFTR. Confined diffusion of membrane proteins is likely a general phenomenon suitable for noninvasive V(r) analysis of force-producing mechanisms. Our data provide the first measurement of actin elasticity, to the best of our knowledge, that does not involve application of an external force.
The synthesis, characterization, and structure of a series of 4H-thieno[3,4-c]pyrroles and their corresponding pyrrolium cyanoborohydride salts

A general, convenient route toward N-substituted 5,6-dihydro-4H-thieno[3,4-c]pyrroles was accomplished by the reductive amination of 2,5-dimethylthiophene-3,4-dicarbaldehyde with various primary amines in a solution of sodium cyanoborohydride and methanol/acetic acid (80–88% yield). For the N-alkyl cases, the product isolated was the cyanoborohydride salt of the desired product, 1,3-dimethyl-5-alkyl-5,6-dihydro-4H-thieno[3,4-c]-5-pyrrolium cyanoborohydride. For the aryl case employing aniline, the desired free pyrrole, 1,3-dimethyl-5-phenyl-5,6-dihydro-4H-thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole, was isolated. X-ray crystallographic analysis of both the N-propyl and N-phenyl trials confirmed the salt and free amine nature of the products.
Hyperdipsia after septal and diagonal band of Broca lesions

In rats, anodal lesions were made in the diagonal band of Broca (DBB) in conjunction with lesions centered in either the posterior (PS) or anterior (AS) septal area. AS lesions produced no elevations in intake, while PS lesions enhanced water intake significantly. DBB-lesioned animals raised their water intake sufficiently to mask any functional relationship between the DBB and a specific locus within the septal nuclei.
5-Fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine for adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck.

Twenty-one patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck were treated with intravenous boluses of cyclophosphamide and vincristine and 5-day continuous intravenous infusions of 5-fluorouracil (CVF) every 4 weeks. Eight patients received CVF as palliation for recurrent or metastatic disease. A sustained complete response (107+ months) was observed in one patient; one partial response and one mixed response each also were observed. In four patients disease stabilized, and in one disease progressed. Thirteen patients received six courses of CVF in the adjuvant setting after surgery and radiation for either primary or locoregional recurrent disease. Recurrences developed in two of seven patients with primary disease and three of six patients with recurrent disease with a median follow-up 45 months (range, 20108+). Recurrence rate and time interval to recurrence were comparable to those of well-matched historical controls. Distant metastases have not developed in patients treated with CVF in the adjuvant setting, whereas distant metastases had developed in historical controls within comparable periods of follow-up. Serious toxicities were not encountered in any patient. The authors conclude that CVF is a well-tolerated combination chemotherapy program with activity in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck. This regimen, however, has not had a major impact in the adjuvant setting in preventing recurrent disease. Cancer 59:887-890, 1987. DENOID CYSTIC CARCINOMA of the head and neck A is characterized by slow but progressive growth with multiple and late local recurrences, often occurring more than 10 years after initial diagnosis. The combination of radiation and surgery does yield high local control rates, but distant metastases may develop in as many as 50% of these patients. The majority of patients eventually die of their disease, although long-term survival and good palliation, even with incurable recurrent or metastatic disease, is not uncommon. The role of chemotherapy in the management of this rare tumor has not been defined.’-6 This study evaluates the efficacy of combination chemotherapy consisting of intravenous boluses of cyclophosphamide and vincristine and continuous intravenous infusions of 5-fluorouracil (CVF) as palliative therapy in patients with recurrent or metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma and also as adjuvant therapy after radiation therapy in patients who had incomplete resection of either
Choline metabolism, proliferation, and angiogenesis in nonenhancing grades 2 and 3 astrocytoma.

Purpose—To study choline metabolism in biopsies from non-enhancing Grade 2 (AS2) and Grade 3 (AS3) astrocytomas to determine whether (1) phosphocholine (PC) dominates in AS3, and (2) PC is associated with proliferation or angiogenesis. PC and glycerophosphocholine (GPC) are involved in phospholipid metabolism that accompanies mitosis. PC is the predominant peak in Grade 4 astrocytoma (GBM) while GPC dominates in AS2. Materials and Methods—We used high resolution magic angle spinning magnetic resonance spectroscopy to compare the concentrations of 10 metabolites in 41 biopsies (16 AS2 and 25 AS3) from 24 tumors. Immunohistochemistry was performed on paired biopsies to determine the cell density, Ki-67 proliferation index, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) angiogenic marker expression. Results—AS3 had higher PC than AS2; however, the PC:GPC was less than 1 in all cases irrespective of tumor grade. Within tumors, GPC increased with Ki-67 and PC and tCho increased with cell density. There was no association between any choline compound and VEGF. Conclusion—These data suggest that PC:GPC less than 1 is not unique to low grade glioma. Further, the PC concentration that is a marker of aggressive glial tumors is not tightly linked to cell proliferation or angiogenesis in non-enhancing astrocytomas.
Testing Priming Effects: Differences Between Print and Broadcast Messages

This study measures source credibility and the differences in priming effects between print and video messages. The analysis of variance shows a significant difference in attitude changes among different groups pre-exposed to priming cues using different media. Results suggest using video to communicate information is more effective in priming than using print and that using the combination of video and print may lead to relatively unfavorable attitudes towards the priming message.
Design of a Miniaturized Thermoelectric Generator Using Micromachined Silicon Substrates

This paper presents the design of a compact (~1 cm3) thermoelectric (TE) generator intended to generate power locally for sensor/electronic device applications using hot gases (~100°C to 400°C). The design employs 13-mm-diameter, ~0.36-mm-thick (48 mm3) silicon-micromachined TE modules that are stacked to form a cylindrical, finned heat exchanger. The stacked structure is intended to establish a large, uniform temperature gradient across radially oriented thermopiles in each module. Analytical heat transfer and electrical circuit models are used to design and optimize the thermopile for maximum output power under microfabrication and system-level constraints. Optimized structures using PbTe and Bi2Te3 thin films are predicted to achieve output power levels of 1.3 mW per module (26.7 mW/cm3) and 0.83 mW per module (17.4 mW/cm3), respectively, for hot gas at 400°C.
Study of a Bohr-Mottelson hamiltonian obtained from an IBM hamiltonian with the symmetry O(6)

Abstract The method of Klein, Li and Vallieres is applied to an IBM hamiltonian with the symmetry O(6). The Bohr-Mottelson hamiltonian obtained has a β-dependence described by a Morse potential oscillator. The low-lying spectrum of this Morse oscillator agrees exactly with the IBM spectrum. A similar analysis is applied to the molecular IBM.
Engaging the poor to challenge corrupt governance

Corrupt governance greatly increases the vulnerability of the poor as they become unmerited victims of predatory practices through the misallocation of public goods, unjust tax assessments, state extortion and dysfunctional public services. These ineffective public institutions disproportionately affect the poor as they are denied access to simple necessities such as food, health and shelter that the privileged often take for granted. Because corrupt practices are firmly rooted in durable institutions, advocates working to change corrupt practices often feel powerless to affect lasting change. Establishing clean political institutions is a complex process, and while intervention is necessary at all levels, the role of citizen participation in creating change is central to this process (Haarhuis and Leeuw, 2004). For social workers practicing internationally, what can be done to help empower poor citizens to combat corrupt practices? This article will deal with this question by first addressing how the poor are affected by corruption. It will outline common approaches used to combat corrupt practices and clarify why a mixed-method, multilevel approach must be employed for effective intervention. It will then focus specifically on social action and democratic participation approaches as a means of intervention, whereby practitioners and advocates can assist the poor in their efforts to combat corruption.
Aqueous Synthesis of Tailored ZnO Nanocrsytals, Nanocrystal Assembiles, and Nanostructured Films by Physical Means Enabled by a Continuous Flow Microreactor

ZnO nanofilms with four distinctly different morphologies were fabricated by adjusting physical parameters including the flow rate of the solution and rpm of the rotating disk in the continuous flow mircroreactor system while keeping the same chemical precursors, precursor solution concentration, and reaction temperature. Controlled reactive species including colloidal ZnO nanocrystal, ZnO assemblies, and molecular and ionic precursors were synthesized from a microreactor at 70 °C reaction temperature by changing the flow rate of the solution. These reactive species were directly delivered onto a thermally grown oxide layer (100 nm) of Si substrate (1.5 cm × 1.5 cm) at 80 °C deposition temperature to densely form a flowerlike film, amorphous film, vertical nanowire (NW) arrays, and crystalline film. ZnO assemblies were delivered onto the substrate and served as seed layers to form a flowerlike film. Amorphous films were formed after depositing Zn(OH)3– ionic species on the substrate. For the vertical ZnO ...
Amelogenesis In Vitro

The processess by which diversity is acquired and maintained during embryogenesis have been repeatedly described but are as yet not understood. One fascinating example of diversity following gastrulation is epidermal organogenesis and in particular embryonic tooth morphogenesis. Tooth morphogenesis in situ and in vitro encompasses such interesting developmental problems as epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, cytodifferentiation, dentine and enamel extracellular matrix production, mineralization, issues of form and enamel maturation. In vitro methods provide access to many of these problem areas. This presentation will review selected issues related to amelogenesis in vitro and will emphasize avenues for future research.
Comment: New models of successful academic mentoring

Mentorship goes beyond the simple passing on of knowledge and skills. It consists of encouragement, support, constructive feedback, role modeling, and a vision for a journey to the highest academic, professional, and personal goals. Increased subspecialization and the multidisciplinary nature of translational science in modern academic departments call for new mentoring paradigms. Faculty seek career advice from various sources and the traditional one-on-one mentorship model is no longer adequate to meet the full spectrum of academic faculty needs. An advisory peer group or committee mentoring within and across departments or across institutions has emerged as an alternative to the traditional mentoring models. Despite the importance of academic mentorship, career advancement, and faculty retention, there are no evidence-based standards recommended for academic …
Excitation energy transfer in the light-harvesting chlorophyll ab · protein

Abstract The “light-harvesting chlorophyll a b · protein ” described by Thornber has been prepared electrophoretically from spinach chloroplasts. The optical properties relevant to energy transfer have been measured in the red region (i.e. 600–700 nm). Measurements of the absorption spectrum, fluorescence excitation spectrum and excitation dependence of the fluorescence emission spectrum of this protein confirm that energy transfer from chlorophyll b to chlorophyll a is highly efficient, as is the case in concentrated chlorophyll solutions and in vivo. The excitation dependence of the fluorescence polarization shows a minimum polarization of 1.9 % at 650 nm which is the absorption maximum of chlorophyll b in the protein and rises steadily to a maximum value of 13.8 % at 695 nm, the red edge of the chlorophyll a absorption band. Analysis of these measurements shows that at least two unresolved components must be responsible for the chlorophyll a absorption maximum. Comparison of polarization measurements with those observed in vivo shows that most of the depolarization observed in vivo can take place within a single protein. Circular dichroism measurements show a doublet structure in the chlorophyll b absorption band which suggests an exciton splitting not resolved in absorption. Analysis of these data yields information about the relative orientation of the S0→S1 transition moments of the chlorophyll molecules within the protein.
Dunaliella Cells in Fluid Inclusions in Halite: Significance for Long-term Survival of Prokaryotes

A 90-m-long (100,000 year old) salt core from Death Valley, California, contains cells of the algal genus Dunaliella co-trapped with prokaryote cells in fluid inclusions in halite. It is hypothesized that Dunaliella cells provided glycerol, the carbon source needed by halophilic Archaea for survival over periods of tens of thousands of years. Support for this hypothesis includes: observations that intracellular materials leaked from Dunaliella cells into fluid inclusions; the distribution of Dunaliella cells in the Death Valley core, which matches the distribution of culturable prokaryotic cells; and halophilic Archaea cultured from the Death Valley core grew in media containing glycerol as the only carbon source.
Simplified hypoosmotic swelling testing (HOST) of fresh and frozen-thawed canine spermatozoa

Abstract The clinical use of the hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) to identify spermatozoa with a functional intact membrane has been reported for humans and domestic species, including the dog. Currently, it is recommended that canine spermatozoa be incubated with the hypoosmotic solution for periods that range from 30 to 60min. In an attempt to simplify the test, it was hypothesized that the degree of the hypoosmotic response at 1min of incubation would not be different from the response documented at 60min after incubation in the hypoosmotic solution at 37°C. The hypoosmotic response of spermatozoa from 50 fresh and 16 frozen-thawed semen samples obtained from 22 adult dogs was recorded at 1 and 60min of incubation. There were no significant differences between the hypoosmotic response recorded at 1 and 60min for all evaluated semen samples ( P >0.10). The hypoosmotic response recorded for canine spermatozoa from fresh semen samples were greater than that recorded for spermatozoa from frozen-thawed semen, both at 1min (86.2% compared with 65.2%; P P Based on the results of this study, it is recommended to decrease the incubation time of the HOST for canine spermatozoa to as short a period as 1min. This incubation time should encourage the application of this relatively simple and inexpensive test of canine sperm membrane function in a clinical setting.
Nicer-slicer-dicer: an interactive volume visualization tool

Patrick J. MoranBiomedical Imaging GroupNational Center for Supercomputing ApplicationsUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignABSTRACTNicer-Slicer-Dicer (NSD) is a new, interactive tool for volume visualization. In addition to single scalarvolumes, NSD can visualize multivariate and time series data. NSD achieves high rendering rates by compositingslice planes back-to-front while blending pixels through the use of alpha buffering hardware. This techniqueintroduces some small artifacts, but it works remarkably well with large data sets where voxels represent smallareas in image space. The plane compositing technique also allows one to generate an isosurface and volumerendering simultaneously by interleaving planes and isosurface polygons.NSD also features a simple but very general animation mechanism based on key frames. A key frame specifiesthe values for parameters that effect the presentation of the data such as view position, cutting plane positionsand isosurface threshold. The animation mechanism is completely integrated within NSD, so specifying keyframes is done in the same manner as that used to interactively explore the data. Given two or more key framesand the number of images to generate between each frame, NSD can interpolate to generate the interveningimages and then play those images back as a movie ioop.To date we have used NSD to visualize data from astrophysics, ocean modeling and severe storm simulationsas well has from biomedical applications. We are using the feedback from researchers in these fields to improvethe tool. NSD is available via anonymous ftp from a location listed at the end of this article.1. INTRODUCTIONA number of recent research efforts have acknowledged that interactivity is an important element in a scientific
Far-Ultraviolet Reflectance Spectra of Ionic Crystals

Synchrotron radiation has been used to measure the reflectance spectra of KCl, KBr, RbCl, CsCl, CsBr, Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, Sr${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, and Ba${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ for photon energies $6l\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\omega}l36$ eV at temperatures $90lTl400$ K. Excitations of both valence and core electrons show sharp structure and strong $T$ dependence. Analysis of the data in terms of excitonic and interband transitions from core states is made with regard to $T$ dependence, crystal structure, and chemical composition.
Further studies on genetically altered purine nucleotide pyrophosphorylases of Salmonella.

Summary Studies on the genetic alteration of purine nucleotide pyrophosphorylases in Salmonella typhimurium has been extended to an analysis of a genetically altered IMP-GMP pyrophosphorylase (IMP:pyrophosphate phosphoribosyltransferase, EC 2.4.2.8). The altered enzyme was isolated from a mutant resistant to growth inhibition by 8-azaguanine. It differed from the wild type enzyme in its (1) inability to use 8-azaguanine as substrate, (2) elution pattern from DEAE-cellulose columns, (3) resistance to inhibition by p -chloromercuribenzoate, and (4) substrate affinities for hypoxanthine and phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate. The mutant enzyme was not altered in its ability to bind 8-azaguanine since the analogue was still active in inhibiting the conversion of natural substrates. A genetically altered AMP-pyrophosphorylase showed similar characteristics, in that inhibition of the conversion of adenine by the mutant enzyme was inhibited by 2, 6-diaminopurine even though the analogue could no longer serve as substrate.
Crisis management as representational strategy: The arrangement of “African” subjectivities and the 2010 world cup

Abstract Africa as the site for the World Cup begs for a media analysis that attends to the dynamics of postcoloniality and globalization. This article looks at the way in which postcolonial subjectivities are arranged in what the authors call a “subject deficit,” where players and fans are already racialized in and against colonial representations that mark them as “backwards” and “savage.” In this representational space, the “deficit” refers not only to a kind of “backwardness” but also to the way in which uneven capital flows mark particular national subjectivities as in debt to (neo)colonial nations of the global North. This subject deficit marks a crisis in the arrangement of postcolonial subjectivities. This article argues that in order to have the World Cup do its neoliberal, multicultural work, these crises have to be managed. This management translates into a representational strategy in which representations of the “other” echo historical forms.
Inhibition of NMDA-gated ion channels by the P2 purinoceptor antagonists suramin and reactive blue 2 in mouse hippocampal neurones

1. The action of suramin and reactive blue 2 on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-activated ion current was studied in mouse hippocampal neurones in culture by use of whole-cell patch-clamp recording. 2. Suramin and reactive blue 2 inhibited steady-state current activated by 25 microM NMDA with IC50 values of 68 and 11 microM, respectively. 3. Reactive blue 2 produced a gradual decline of NMDA-activated current to a steady-state, but this slow onset was not an indication of use-dependence, as it could be eliminated by exposure to reactive blue 2 before NMDA application. In addition, NMDA-activated current recovered completely from inhibition by reactive blue 2 in the absence of agonist. 4. The slow onset of inhibition by reactive blue 2 was not apparently due to an action at an intracellular site, as inclusion of 250 microM reactive blue 2 in the recording pipette did not alter inhibition by 25 microM reactive blue 2 applied externally. 5. Reactive blue 2 and suramin inhibited NMDA-gated channels in a voltage-independent manner. 6. Reactive blue 2, 25 microM, decreased the maximal response to NMDA from 1441 to 598 pA without changing its EC50. In contrast, 75 microM suramin increased the EC50 for NMDA from 13 to 35 microM, and decreased the maximal response to NMDA from 1822 to 1498 pA. Schild analysis of suramin inhibition of NMDA-activated current yielded a nonlinear plot. 7. Both agents decreased the maximal response to glycine without altering its EC50. 8. Suramin and reactive blue 2 appear to inhibit NMDA receptor-channels in a manner that is noncompetitive with respect to both NMDA and glycine. However, inhibition by suramin differed from that by reactive blue 2, in that suramin significantly increased the EC50 of NMDA.
Line-emission cross section for Fe 2 3 +

The $3p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2s$ line-emission cross section for ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{23+}$ is calculated in the configuration-average distorted-wave approximation. Contributions from $2s\ensuremath{\rightarrow}3p$ dielectronic recombination, from $2s\ensuremath{\rightarrow}3p$ direct excitation, and from $2s\ensuremath{\rightarrow}4l$ resonant excitation-autoionization are included. Agreement between the distorted-wave calculations and the recent electron-beam ion-trap experiments of Gu et al. [Astrophys. J. 518, 1002 (1999)] is very good.
Impedance experimentation for an electrode interface in human fetal tissue : Novel pathological régime of anomalous diffusion

Abstract Impedance spectroscopic experimentation at the superfused electrode|living tissue interface for human fetal skin was performed in three-electrode potentiostatic configuration for noble metal electrodes, with spectral analysis of the current. The impedance plane locus observed, reflects a diffusional element frequently in series with a distributed element of Havriliak–Negami type. In a minority of experiments no impedance could be defined, due to the presence of an additional peak in every cycle in the shoulder of the current waveform. This nonlinearity has never been reported before for a system of the present type, and may represent a novel pathological regime of anomalous diffusion.
Wegener granulomatosis in pediatric patients

Wegener granulomatosis is more easily recognized as a distinct clinical entity than other vasculitides because the initial clinical features frequently include granulomatous vasculitis of the upper and lower respiratory tract and glomerulonephritis. Although the disease has been lethal in the past, prolonged survival and avoidance of end-stage kidney disease can now be expected when cyclophosphamide therapy is introduced early in the course. We report four children with Wegener granulomatosis in whom the initial clinical findings suggested Henoch-Schonlein purpura. In two of the patients Wegener granulomatosis was not recognized until after end-stage kidney disease had developed. The course in these patients emphasizes the need for attention to even scant evidence of inflammation of the upper or lower respiratory tract in patients with glomerulonephritis. Appropriate diagnostic studies may then lead to recognition of Wegener granulomatosis and the prompt institution of appropriate treatment.
Use of recombinant FVIIa for intraperitoneal coagulopathic bleeding in a septic patient.

Abstract : Recombinant activated coagulation factor VII (rFVIIa) is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug for use in hemophiliacs with inhibitors.1 It has been safely utilized in this population of patients for over 13 years. rFVIIa functions by increasing local thrombin generation at sites where endothelium is damaged, resulting in increased platelet activation and aggregation and enhanced fibrin deposition.2 Because of its localized action at the site of endothelial damage, it is now being used in treating patients with an acquired coagulopathy.3 The emergency use of intravenous adjuncts for hemorrhage control, other than standard component therapy, has been largely ignored in the massively bleeding surgical patient.4 An injectable substance that would enhance normal clotting might reduce deaths from uncontrolled hemorrhage, decrease units transfused along with their complications, and reduce expense. Several drugs (estrogens and anti-fibrinolytic agents) have been utilized to decrease bleeding during elective surgery, but rFVIIa holds more promise.4 rFVIIa was originally isolated and later produced by recombinant technology to treat hemophilia patients with inhibitors to factors VIII and IX during critical bleeding episodes or major surgery.5 It also corrects the platelet defects associated with Glanzmanns thrombasthenia, Bernard Soulier syndrome, uremia, and other severe congenital and acquired thrombocytopathias.6-8 Furthermore, it has been shown to rapidly reverse coumadin anticoagulation in healthy volunteers and to correct prothrombin times in cirrhotic patients.
Thromboembolism in the Nephrotic Syndrome

Thromboembolism is a rare but often serious and sometimes fatal complication of the nephrotio syndrome in childhood. An inquiry amongst the members of the ESPN and other European paediatric nephrologists disclosed 60 patients (1.8%) with thromboembolic complications of 3377 children with a nephrotic syndrome during 1962 - 1971. We reviewed anamnestic and clinical as well as pathological-anatomical findings and laboratory data from 56 of these patients.
Increased efficiency of food utilization following weight loss

Abstract The efficiency of food utilization following a period of restricted caloric intake was examined under controlled feeding conditions. By restricting caloric intake, the body weight of two groups of rats was reduced to either 92 or 81% of that of an unrestricted control group. For one week, all animals were then fed daily an amount of food equal to their prerestriction intake, adjusted for the intervening change in metabolic mass ( FI BW kg 0.75 = K ). During this period of realimentation, the control animals gained an average of 1.6 g body weight while ingesting 156.1 g of food. The two restricted groups gained 21.4 g on 154.2 g food and 29.6 g on 140.4 g food, respectively. This inverse relationship between weight gain and food intake provides evidence that underweight animals utilize food more efficiently than do undeprived control animals.
The influence of wavelength, temporal sequencing, and pulse duration on resonant infrared matrix-assisted laser processing of polymer films

We have carried out a systematic investigation of laser ablation plume interactions in resonant infrared matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation. The laser source utilized in this study was a mid-infrared OPO capable of dual sequential ns pulses with adjustable delay ranging from 1 to 100 μs. This unique capability enabled us both to probe the ablation plume with a second laser pulse, and to effectively double the laser fluence. The primary ablation target used for this study consisted of poly(methyl methacrylate) dissolved in a binary mixture of methanol and toluene. Both the critical thermodynamic and optical properties of the binary mixture were determined and used to interpret our results. We found that deposition rates associated with single pulse irradiation tracks with the optical absorption coefficient in the spectral range from 2,700 to 3,800 nm. In the case of dual sequential pulses, discrepancies in this trend have been linked to the rate of change in the optical absorption coefficient with temperature. The influence of fluence on deposition rate was found to follow a sigmoidal dependence. Surface roughness was observed to have a diametrically opposed trend with pulse delay depending on whether the OH or CH vibrational mode was excited. In the case of CH excitation, we suggest that the rougher films are due to the absorbance of the second pulse by droplets within the plume containing residual solvent which leads to the formation of molecular balloons and hence irregularly shaped features on the substrate.
Provider perceptions of barriers to the emergency use of tPA for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A qualitative study

Only 1-3% of ischemic stroke patients receive thrombolytic therapy. Provider barriers to adhering with guidelines recommending tPA delivery in acute stroke are not well known. The main objective of this study was to describe barriers to thrombolytic use in acute stroke care. Twenty-four hospitals were randomly selected and matched into 12 pairs. Barrier assessment occurred at intervention sites only, and utilized focus groups and structured interviews. A pre-specified taxonomy was employed to characterize barriers. Two investigators independently assigned themes to transcribed responses. Seven facilitators (three emergency physicians, two nurses, and two study coordinators) conducted focus groups and interviews of emergency physicians (65), nurses (62), neurologists (15), radiologists (12), hospital administrators (12), and three others (hospitalists and pharmacist). The following themes represented the most important external barriers: environmental and patient factors. Important barriers internal to the clinician included familiarity with and motivation to adhere to the guidelines, lack of self-efficacy and outcome expectancy. The following themes were not substantial barriers: lack of awareness of the existence of acute stroke guidelines, presence of conflicting guidelines, and lack of agreement with the guidelines. Healthcare providers perceive environmental and patient-related factors as the primary barriers to adherence with acute stroke treatment guidelines. Interventions focused on increasing physician familiarity with and motivation to follow guidelines may be of highest yield in improving adherence. Improving self-efficacy in performing guideline concordant care may also be useful. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00349479
A new superconducting 1201-type phase (Tl,Cr)Sr2CuO5

Abstract A new 1201-type phase (Tl,Cr)Sr2CuO5 has been synthesized and identified. This phase has a tetragonal unit cell (space group P4/mmm) with a = 3.795 A and c = 8.880 A , and is superconducting at 40–50 K. Cr in (Tl,Cr)Sr2CuO5 plays a similar role to Pb in (Tl,Pb)Sr2CuO5, which is instructive in the search for new Cr-based superconductors.
THE POSSIBLE MIDDLE AMERICAN ORIGIN OF NORTHWEST COAST WEAVING

THE POSSIBLE MIDDLE AMERICAN ORIGIN OF NORTHWEST COAST WEAVING By RONALD L. OLSON LANKETS of dog's hair, mountain goat wool, fireweed cotton, feathers, and of various combinations of these materials were manufactured in considerable numbers on the northwest coast of America in aboriginal times. The art virtually disappeared soon after the arrival of the whites and today it is an old Indian, indeed, who preserves even a memory of them. Unfortunately, less than a dozen of these blankets seem to have been preserved, while the number of the looms extant is certainly not J;Ilore than half that number. A fairly large number of early travellers and pioneer eth­ nographers have described the spinning and weaving of the area, but for the most part with indifferent success. 1 More recently several excellent descriptions of the technique have appeared 2 and a few attempts have been made to solve the problem of its origin.' The possible explanations are that the art is a local development, unconnected with comparable features in either the Old or the New World; that at least the two-bar loom and the spindle are recent innovations due to early European influence; that the historical origin is to be sought in Asia; that it is an elaboration of the suspended warp basket weaving of the greater part of northern North America; and, that it is a far-flung outpost of the more highly developed craft which is found over a large 1 F. W. Howay has given an excellent compilation of mentions by the early explorers imd traders down to 1860 (Wash. Hist. Quart., 9: 83-92, 1918). The early ethnographic material is largely that of Boas (Mem. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., 8, pt. 2; and Rept., Brit. Assoc. Adv. ScL, 1890: 562-715), and Niblack (Rept., U. S. Nat. Mus., 1888: 225-386). Briefer accounts have been given by Teit, Morice, Eells, Hill-Tout, and Curtis. 2 The best are those of E=ons (Mem. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., 3, pt. 4); Kissell (Amer. Anthr., n.s., 18: 264--270, 1916); Willoughby (Amer. Anthr., n.s., 12: 1-10, 1910); and Heye and Orchard (Leaflets, Mus. Amer. Ind., Heye Found., no. 5). 3 Kissell, op. cit.; Wissler, The American Indian, 53-59 (New York, 1922); Kroeber (Amer. Anthr., n.s., 25: 1-20, 1923). B