cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MR imaging characterization of postischemic myocardial dysfunction ("stunned myocardium"): relationship between functional and perfusion abnormalities.

Stunned myocardium has been detected in patients treated successfully with thrombolytic agents. The hypothesis of this study was that fast gradient echo (GRE) imaging could be used to characterize the regional functional and perfusion abnormalities that are indicative of myocardial stunning. This study was designed to monitor and correlate the extent of wall thickness and perfusion abnormalities as determined by fast (segmented k space) cine and contrast enhanced GRE imaging, respectively. Dogs were subjected to left circumflex (LCX) coronary artery occlusion (15 min) followed by 30-minute reperfusion (n = 8). Perivascular flow probes were used to continuously measure flow in left anterior descending (LAD) and LCX coronary arteries. Short-axis inversion recovery prepared fast GRE and cine images were acquired at baseline, at occlusion, and at 1, 10, and 30 minutes of reflow. Regional signal intensity and percent systolic wall thickening were determined at 26 equally spaced circumferential positions to compare the extent of functional and perfusion abnormalities. During occlusion and reperfusion, the ischemic region was demonstrated on contrast-enhanced images as a hypointense and hyperintense region, respectively. During occlusion, the extent of the perfusion defect (32% ± 2% of the circumference of the equatorial slice) correlated closely (r = .74) with the extent of contractile dysfunction (35% ± 2%). After reperfusion, there was transient recovery in the percent wall thickening (26% ± 4% vs 36% ± 4% normal), coinciding with the reactive hyperemic response, but this was followed by a significant decline in wall thickening at 10 minutes (19% ± 4%) and 30 minutes (12% ± 2%). Fast MR imaging may be useful to monitor postischemic myocardial abnormalities after thrombolytic therapy and the response to pharmacologic interventions.
Supersymmetry and positive energy in classical and quantum two-dimensional dilaton gravity.

An N=1 supersymmetric version of two-dimensional dilaton gravity coupled to matter is considered. It is shown that the linear dilaton vacuum spontaneously breaks half the supersymmetries, leaving broken a linear combination of left and right supersymmetries which squares to time translations. Supersymmetry suggests a spinorial expression for the Arnowitt-Deser-Misner energy M, as found by Witten in four-dimensional general relativity. Using this expression it is proven that M is non-negative for smooth initial data asymptotic (in both directions) to the linear dilaton vacuum, provided that the (not necessarily supersymmetric) matter stress tensor obeys the dominant energy condition. A quantum positive-energy theorem is also proven for the semiclassical large-N equations, despite the indefiniteness of the quantum stress tensor. For black-hole spacetimes, it is shown that M is bounded from below by ${\mathit{e}}_{\mathit{H}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varphi}}}$, where ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varphi}}}_{\mathit{H}}$ is the value of the dilaton at the apparent horizon, provided only that the stress tensor is positive outside the apparent horizon. This is the two-dimensional analogue of an unproven conjecture due to Penrose. Finally, supersymmetry is used to prove positive-energy theorems for a large class of generalizations of dilaton gravity which arise in consideration of the quantum theory.
Pulmonary metastases neutralization and tumor rejection by in vivo administration of β glucan and bispecific antibody

Bispecific antibody (BsAb) with specificity for tumor cell surface antigen and the CD3 molecule on T cells can redirect activated T cells to lyse tumor cells. Since the ex vivo expansion and activation of T cells is impractical and ineffective for treating established tumors, we tested whether the immune stimulant beta glucan could in situ-activate T cells, which could secondarily be retargeted with BsAbs to lyse tumor cells. To test for tumor neutralization, C3H/HeN mice were injected i.v. with Cl-62 melanoma cells and immediately treated with i.p. beta glucan and/or anti-CD3 (500A2) x anti-p97 (96.5) F(ab')2 BsAb i.v. Pulmonary metastases were counted 14 days later. To test for tumor rejection and survival in a solid tumor model, mice were injected s.c. and i.p. with Cl-62 cells and 7 days later administered beta glucan i.p. and/or F(ab')2 BsAb i.v. In the neutralization model, there was a significant reduction in the number of metastases in the beta glucan + BsAb group, as compared with controls, and with beta glucan alone. In the established tumor model, beta glucan + BsAb reduced the incidence of s.c. tumors as compared with control, with BsAb alone and with beta glucan alone. It also prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice compared with control, BsAb alone and beta glucan alone. We conclude that T cells can be activated in vivo by beta glucan and retargeted with F(ab')2 BsAb.
Spectrum of cardiovascular function during gram-negative sepsis.

G RAM-NEGATIVE sepsis represents an increasingly important problem as a distinct disease entity in 1980. It presents a complex problem of altered cardiovascular physiology that results in a high mortality rate in spite of significant advances in antimicrobial therapeutics. This disease entity is relatively new, dating from 195 1, and the largest body of data on the subject exists in the surgical literature. From the cardiologist’s point of view, this problem has all but been neglected, and yet it represents the type of pathologically perturbated cardiovascular function that should be improved by further investigation. It is the purpose of this review to point out the significance of the problem, define the intolerable insult that leads to death, and then construct, utilizing data from both clinical studies and animal experimentation, the sequence of gram-negative sepsis into a systems model that organizes the existing voluminous and paradoxical data base. It is obvious that every paper on the subject could not be reviewed, but it is our opinion that a strong data base has been created that is amenable to critical systems analysis. This review does not purport to answer all questions but should stimulate new and innovative investigation in order to decrease the unacceptably high mortality rate of gramnegative sepsis.
Ultrastructural changes in the ependymal lining of the median eminence following the intraventricular administration of catecholamine.

Changes in the ependymal surfaces of the floor of the third ventricle and lateral recess have been studied in male rats by electron microscopy after the intraventricular administration of epinephrine or dopamine. In control rats the floor of the third ventricle has essentially a smooth contour interrupted only by occasional bleb-like protrusions or microvilli. In the floor of the lateral recess this surface gradually becomes more irregular due to the appearance of increased surface modifications. A further increase in the number of complexly-folded microvilli, pinocytotic vacuoles and coated vesicles occurs on the epen-dymal surface of the roof of the lateral recess and adjacent ependyma. These morphological findings are consistent with the concept that the ependymal cells of the lateral recess may serve as important sites for the absorption of materials from the CSF. Increased numbers of bleb-like protrusions were observed on the ependymal surface of the floor of the third ventricle five minutes after the intraventricular administration of either epinephrine or dopamine. The ependymal surface of the roof of the lateral recess also showed bleb-like protrusions and a complexly-folded microvillus border. Fifteen minutes after either the epinephrine or dopa-mine administration all of the ependymal surfaces studied appeared as in control rats. The increase in bleb-like protrusions noted in the floor of the third ventricle after the injection of epinephrine or dopamine are suggestive of a secretory process rather than a manifestation of an absorptive function in this region.
Mosquitoes, models, and dengue.

In the last 10 years dengue has spread markedly through Latin America and the Caribbean (Dominican Republic Jamaica Barbados Mexico Guatemala El Salvador Honduras Nicaragua Costa Rica Panama Ecuador Colombia Venezuela and Brazil). The mosquito Aedes aegypti has taken advantage of increased urbanization and crowding to transmit the dengue virus. The mosquito infests tires cans and water jars near dwellings. The female mosquito practices multiple interrupted feeding. Thus mosquito infesting and feeding practices facilitate dengue transmission in crowded conditions. Factors contributing to the spread of dengue include numbers of infected and susceptible human hosts strain of dengue virus size of mosquito population feeding habits time from infection to ability to transmit virus for both vector and host likelihood of virus transmission from human to mosquito to human and temperature (which affects vector distribution size feeding habits and extrinsic incubation period). Public health models may use simulation models to help them plan or evaluate the potential impact of different intervention strategies and/or of environmental changes (e.g. global warming). Other factors contributing to the dengue epidemic are international travel urbanization population growth crowding poverty a weakened public health infrastructure and limited support for sustained disease control programs. Molecular epidemiology by nucleic acid sequence analysis is another sophisticated technique used to study infectious diseases. It showed that dengue type 3 isolated from Panama and Nicaragua in 1994 was identical to that responsible for the major dengue hemorrhagic fever epidemics in Sri Lanka and India in the 1980s. Public health officials must remember three priorities relevant to dengue and other emerging infections: the need to strengthen surveillance efforts dedicated and sustained involvement in prevention and control needs at the local level and a strong public health infrastructure at the international national and local levels to maintain support for surveillance and control activities.
Calculation of period doubling in a Josephson circuit

The method of harmonic balance is used to obtain analytic results for the differential equation describing a current-biased Josephson junction with self-capacitance that is shunted by a resistor with substantial self-inductance. This system is known to exhibit period-doubling cascades, chaos, and other exotic nonlinear phenomena. After an accurate representation of the basic voltage oscillation is determined for high-bias currents, the value of bias current is computed for which this solution loses stability to a period-doubled mode. The predictions agree to remarkable accuracy with results obtained from both analog simulations and digital integration of the circuit equation, typically 5% for moderate values of inductance. Moreover, the method of calculation provides a systematic scheme for achieving increasing accuracy.
Interelectronic collisions and electron-optical phonon interactions in polar semiconductors: A criterion for the electron temperature model

Abstract In this letter a new criterion for the electron temperature model in polar semiconductors is proposed. This criterion accounts for the low energy e-e interaction which replenishes the depletion of electrons caused by intense optical phonon emission above the phonon energy h ω . It shows that a maxwellian distribution can hardly be achieved at all in the presence of polar optical phonon scattering and non-equilibrium conditions.
Lipid storage disorders block lysosomal trafficking by inhibiting a TRP channel and lysosomal calcium release

Lysosomal lipid accumulation, defects in membrane trafficking and altered Ca(2+) homoeostasis are common features in many lysosomal storage diseases. Mucolipin transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPML1) is the principle Ca(2+) channel in the lysosome. Here we show that TRPML1-mediated lysosomal Ca(2+) release, measured using a genetically encoded Ca(2+) indicator (GCaMP3) attached directly to TRPML1 and elicited by a potent membrane-permeable synthetic agonist, is dramatically reduced in Niemann-Pick (NP) disease cells. Sphingomyelins (SMs) are plasma membrane lipids that undergo sphingomyelinase (SMase)-mediated hydrolysis in the lysosomes of normal cells, but accumulate distinctively in lysosomes of NP cells. Patch-clamp analyses revealed that TRPML1 channel activity is inhibited by SMs, but potentiated by SMases. In NP-type C cells, increasing TRPML1's expression or activity was sufficient to correct the trafficking defects and reduce lysosome storage and cholesterol accumulation. We propose that abnormal accumulation of luminal lipids causes secondary lysosome storage by blocking TRPML1- and Ca(2+)-dependent lysosomal trafficking.
Kant on Beauty and Biology: An Interpretation of the 'Critique of Judgment'

Introduction 1. The problem: unity of the diverse 2. Reflective judgment and its principle: preliminary remarks Part I. Teleological Judgment: 3. The critique of teleological judgment: purposiveness is the 'highest formal unity' 4. A merely subjective principle: time and the 'peculiarities of our intellects' Part II. Aesthetic Judgment: Introduction 5. Beautiful objects: subjectively purposive form 6. Aesthetic pleasure: the feeling of subjective, projective temporality 7. The free harmony of the faculties: purposiveness as the principle of aesthetic Beurteilung 8. The justification of aesthetic judgment: purposiveness as the principle of reflective judging Conclusion.
2,3-diphosphoglycerate affects enzymes of glucose metabolism in red blood cells.

THE bulk of organic phosphate in the erythrocyte exists in the form of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), which is known to determine the position of the oxygen dissociation curve1,2 as well as to influence the glycolytic pathway as a cofactor of the monophosphoglyceromutase (MPGM) reaction3 and as an inhibitor of its own formation in the diphosphoglyceromutase reaction4. But whether 2,3-DPG inhibits the hexokinase reaction is unclear and reports are contradictory5–7.
Communication and energy efficient routing protocols for single-hop radio networks

In this paper, we study the important problems of message routing, sorting, and selection in a radio network. A radio network consists of stations where each station is a hand-held device. We consider a single-hop radio network where it is assumed that each station is within the transmission range of every other station. Let RN(p,k) stand for a single-hop network that has p stations and k communication channels. The best known prior algorithm for sorting takes 4nk+o(nk) broadcast rounds on a RN(p,k). In this paper, we present a randomized algorithm that takes only 3nk+o(nk) broadcast rounds with high probability. For the selection problem, we present a randomized selection algorithm that takes O(pk) rounds on a RN(p,k) with high probability. The best known prior algorithms for the n/p-relations routing problem take nearly 2n/k time slots (i.e., broadcast rounds). An important open question has been if there exist algorithms that take only close to n/k time slots. Note that a trivial lower bound for routing is n/k. The existence of such algorithms will be highly relevant, especially in emergencies and time-critical situations. In this paper, we answer this question by presenting a randomized algorithm that takes nearly n/k rounds on the average. We also present a deterministic algorithm that takes nearly n/k rounds. These routing algorithms are also shown to be energy efficient.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on Adult Mental Health: Evidence for Gene-Environment Interplay as a Function of Maternal and Paternal Discipline and Affection.

Researchers have long theorized that genetic influence on mental health may differ as a function of environmental risk factors. One likely moderator of genetic and environmental influences on psychopathological symptoms is parenting behavior, as phenotypic research shows that negative aspects of parent–child relationships are associated with greater likelihood of mental illness in adulthood. The current study examined whether levels of reported parental discipline and affection experienced in childhood act as a trigger, or buffer, for adult mental health problems. Results from a nationwide twin sample suggest level of father’s discipline and affection, as reported by now-adult twins, moderated genetic and environmental influences on internalizing symptoms in adulthood, such that heritability was greatest at the highest levels of discipline and affection. Father’s affection also moderated the etiological influences on alcohol use problems, with greater heritability at the lowest levels of affection. No moderating effect was found for mothers. Findings suggest relationships with fathers in childhood can have long-lasting effects on the etiological influences on adult mental health outcomes.
Post-carotid stent ultrasound provides critical data to avoid rare but serious complications

Summary Carotid stenting is a common procedure for revascularization of carotid artery stenosis. In this study, we evaluated the role of carotid ultrasound post carotid stenting. In a retrospective analysis, we identified 45 patients who received post-stent ultrasound. On routine follow-up we measured a range for peak systolic velocity of 33–150 cm/s and end diastolic velocity 11–52 cm/s. We also identified two cases, where immediate post-stent ultrasound provided critical data that required further intervention, and potentially avoided serious complications.
Detecting Occlusion for Hidden Markov Modeled Shapes

In this paper, we present a novel occlusion detection scheme for hidden Markov modeled shapes. First, hidden Markov model (HMM) is built using multiple examples of the shape. A reference path for the shape is built from the HMM, which is nothing but optimal path followed by the most likely example. The reference path stores temporal information about the entire shape, while the HMM only retains relationship between temporal information. For the shape of interest, its optimal path through HMM is calculated and warped to match the reference path using dynamic time warping (DTW). Occluded part of the shape is detected by identifying imbalance among various components of the matching cost. Detection results obtained for two shape data sets are presented for varying degrees of occlusion.
Evidence for two sites for initiation of gene expression in the tryptophan operon of Salmonella typhimurium.

Abstract The tryptophan operon of Salmonella typhimurium is composed of five genes which are arranged in the following sequence: trpA-trpB-trpE-trpD-trpC . A group of deletion mutations which extend into the operon from the operator ( trpA ) end and which terminate at various points in the operon have been isolated, mapped and examined enzymically. Contrary to the effects found in other operons, the pleiotropy exerted by these deletion mutations on the expression of remaining intact genes is not complete. All strains with deletions ending in trpA or trpB (15 have been studied) lack expression of these two genes, yet retain a low constitutive level of function of the trpE, trpD and trpC genes. However, expression of these latter three genes is lost in all strains (eight have been studied) where the deletion extends past the trpB-trpE boundary. These data complement and help to explain results of an earlier work which had suggested that the trp operon is composed of two independently co-ordinate units of expression ( trpA-trpB and trpE-trpD-trpC ). It is proposed that the five trp genes constitute an operon which is regulated by a single operator element at trp A . The operon is subdivided into two subunits, each possessing a promoter-like initiator element. The existence of the second initiator element results in a higher, repressor-resistant, basal level of expression of the genes of the second subunit ( trpE-trpD-trpC ), which in turn creates an apparent disco-ordinate de-repression of genes of the two subunits. Deletion of the second initiator element abolishes the apparent disco-ordinate regulation. This model is discussed in terms of the possible function and site of action of operator and initiator elements.
Herpesvirus Antigens on Cell Membranes Detected by Centrifugation of Membrane-Antibody Complexes

Herpesviruses specify new glycoproteins that bind to cell membranes and also appear in the envelope of the virion. Incubation of purified smooth membranes from infected cells with antiviral antibody results in an increase in the density of the membranes as determined by flotation in sucrose density gradients. The magnitude of this increase depends on the amount of antibody used; densities as high as 1.16 grams per cubic centimeter have been obtained (the density of the untreated membranes is 1.08 grams per cubic centimeter). Antiviral antibody does not increase the density of uninfected cell membranes nor do saline or normal rabbit serum change the densities of infected or uninfected cell mnembranes. Viral antigens—presumably the glycoproteins specified by the virus—are probably on the surface of the infected cell membranes and bind to them strongly enough to withstand the hydrodynamic forces applied to them in the sucrose gradient.
AFLATOXIN—RECOGNITION, UNDERSTANDING, AND CONTROL WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE ROLE OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE

Aflatoxin, a metabolite of the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, has been considered one of the world's most serious food safety problems since it was first identified in the 1960s following large numbers of turkey deaths in Britain. Imported peanut meal was targeted as the cause, leading to identification of mold hyphae, the causative fungus A. flavus, and isolation and identification of aflatoxins as the causative mycotoxins. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) quickly joined the scientific effort in the 1960s to control aflatoxin and to assure food safety by toxicity testing and developing methodology for identification, quantification, and detoxification of aflatoxin. As National Program Leader for Food Safety at the ARS, I initiated a national aflatoxin research program to provide efficacious, workable preharvest controls to decrease losses and help assure human safety by preventing aflatoxin from occurring in susceptible commodities, peanut, corn, cottonseed, and tree nuts. A...
The use of an external cavity with the SCA/FEL

Abstract We have investigated the possibility of coupling the FEL optical beam into an external cavity. The resulting buildup of optical energy in the cavity offers several advantages. First, the sensitivity of the stored energy to source instabilities makes the external cavity a powerful FEL diagnostic. The dependence of the stored energy on several important instabilities will be discussed, as will plans for actually quantifying these instabilities with the external cavity. Second, a large amount of energy can be accumulated in the external cavity. Outcoupling this energy can significantly increase the micropulse energy delivered. Three possible outcoupling schemes will be discussed: “enhanced” outcoupling, photo-activated cavity dumping, and electro-optic cavity dumping.
Characterization of the N-deacetylase domain from the heparan sulfate N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase 2.

Heparin and heparan sulfate are linear sulfated polysaccharides that exert a multitude of biological functions. Heparan sulfate glucosaminyl N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase isoform 2 (NDST-2), a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of heparin, contains two distinct activities. This bifunctional enzyme removes the acetyl group from N-acetylated glucosamine (N-deacetylase activity) and transfers a sulfuryl group to the unsubstituted amino position (N-sulfotransferase activity). The N-sulfotransferase activity of NDST has been unambiguously localized to the C-terminal domain of NDST. Here, we report that the N-terminal domain of NDST-2 retains N-deacetylase activity. The N-terminal domain (A66-P604) of human NDST-2, designated as N-deacetylase (NDase), was cloned as a (His)6-fusion protein, and protein expression was carried out in Escherichia coli. Heparosan treated with NDase contains N-unsubstituted glucosamine and is highly susceptible to N-sulfation by N-sulfotransferase. Our results conclude that the N-terminal domain of NDST-2 contains functional N-deacetylase activity. This finding helps further elucidate the mechanism of action of heparan sulfate N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferases and the biosynthesis of heparan sulfate in general.
A demonstration of precise calibration of tropospheric delay fluctuations with water vapor radiometers

The ability of water vapor radiometers (WVRs) to calibrate changes in tropospheric delay was demonstrated during very long baseline radio interferometer (VLBI) observations at Goldstone, California. WVR measurements reduced the observed VLBI delay variations over a 13 hr period by a factor of approx. = 2.5. When applied to shorter time scales, a approx. = 50% reduction in 100-700 s delay variations was achieved during conditions of high tropospheric activity. Thermal WVR noise precluded calibration of short time scale delay fluctuations during quiet tropospheric conditions.
The prediction of fatigue crack growth under flight-by-flight loading

Abstract A large number of crack growth computations were made for flight-by-flight loading using several varieties of a fighter spectrum. Various retardation models were applied. With proper adjustment of the retardation model the experimental data could be closely reproduced in a calculation. It is concluded that satisfactory crack growth predictions can be made. The application of safety factors to predictions is discussed.
Physical layer security of hybrid spread spectrum systems

Physical layer security puts a limit on the information content an eavesdropper can obtain when observing a signal. In hybrid spread spectrum systems, there are two distinct components of the physical layer- the frequency hopping portion and the direct sequence portion, each of which uses different mechanisms to spread the signal in frequency. We examine the ability of an eavesdropper to perform a chip-by-chip attack on hybrid systems, as well as some of the direct sequence components. We offer suggestions for parameters that would increase the physical layer security of hybrid spread spectrum systems.
Parochial School Seeks Equal Protection from State Athletic Association

(2008). Parochial School Seeks Equal Protection from State Athletic Association. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 79, No. 1, pp. 10-11.
Time resolved electron microscopy for in situ experiments

Transmission electron microscopy has functioned for decades as a platform for in situ observation of materials and processes with high spatial resolution. Yet, the dynamics often remain elusive, as they unfold too fast to discern at these small spatial scales under traditional imaging conditions. Simply shortening the exposure time in hopes of capturing the action has limitations, as the number of electrons will eventually be reduced to the point where noise overtakes the signal in the image. Pulsed electron sources with high instantaneous current have successfully shortened exposure times (thus increasing the temporal resolution) by about six orders of magnitude over conventional sources while providing the necessary signal-to-noise ratio for dynamic imaging. We describe here the development of this new class of microscope and the principles of its operation, with examples of its application to problems in materials science.
Galeottiella hintoniorum, a new epiphytic species of Spiranthinae (Orchidaceae) from Nuevo León, Mexico

A new species of Spiranthinae from Mexico,Galeottiella hintoniorum, is described and illustrated. It is placed in the genusGaleottiella because of its lip and column structure and its herbaceous, cauline bracts and becauseGaleottiella is the oldest genus in the subtribe that can accommodate it. This new species is distinguished from other members of the genus by its epiphytic habit, small stature, and few-flowered inflorescences.
How Frequent Is Bacterial Superinfection of the Pharynx in Infectious Mononucleosis? Observations on Incidence, Recognition, and Management with Antibiotics

Throat cultures from 133 patients with infectious mononucleosis were compared with cultures from 2,881 patients who were seen during the same period because of pharyngitis. Less than 3 per cent of the cultures from each group contained Group A beta hemolytic streptococci. The inflamed pharynx and necrotic tonsils of infectious mononucleosis are seldom subject to bacterial superinfection, either initially or during the course of the illness. There is no indication for routine use of antibiotics when infectious mononucleosis is diagnosed. Should, however, a throat culture indicate presence of a bacterial pathogen, any appropriate antibiotic except ampicillin may be used without increasing the incidence of skin rash.
Multigrid optical flow for deformable medical volume registration

In medical imaging, a need often arises to compare images or volumes in a time series. For example, one approach to improving cancer detection acquires a sequence of volumes while injecting a contrast agent. Differences in the uptake of the contrast agent can differentiate potential malignancies from normal tissue.
Potential impacts of Asian carbon aerosols on future US warming

[1] This study uses an atmosphere-ocean fully coupled climate model to investigate possible remote impacts of Asian carbonaceous aerosols on US climate change. We took a 21st century mitigation scenario as a reference, and carried out three sets of sensitivity experiments in which the prescribed carbonaceous aerosol concentrations over a selected Asian domain are increased by a factor of two, six, and ten respectively during the period of 2005–2024. The resulting enhancement of atmospheric solar absorption (only the direct effect of aerosols is included) over Asia induces tropospheric heating anomalies that force large-scale circulation changes which, averaged over the twenty-year period, add as much as an additional 0.4°C warming over the eastern US during winter and over most of the US during summer. Such remote impacts are confirmed by an atmosphere stand-alone experiment with specified heating anomalies over Asia that represent the direct effect of the carbon aerosols.
High-sensitivity, disposable lab-on-a-chip with thin-film organic electronics for fluorescence detection

We report a high-sensitivity, disposable lab-on-a-chip with a thin-film organic light-emitting diode (OLED) excitation source and an organic photodiode (OPD) detector for on-chip fluorescence analysis. A NPB/Alq3 thin-film green OLED with an active area of 0.1 cm2 was used as the excitation source, while a CuPC/C60 thin-film OPD with 0.6 cm2 active area was used as a photodetector. A novel cost-effective, cross-polarization scheme was used to filter out excitation light from a fluorescent dye emission spectrum. The excitation light from the OLED was linearly polarized and used to illuminate a microfluidic device containing a 1 μL volume of dye dissolved in ethanol. The detector was shielded by a second polarizer, oriented orthogonally to the excitation light, thus reducing the photocurrent due to excitation light leakage on the detector by approximately 25 dB. The fluorescence emission light, which is randomly polarized, is only attenuated by ∼3 dB. Fluorescence signals from Rhodamine 6G (peak emission wavelength of 570 nm) and fluorescein (peak emission wavelength of 494 nm) dyes were measured in a dilution series in the microfluidic device with emission signals detected by the OPD. A limit-of-detection of 100 nM was demonstrated for Rhodamine 6G, and 10 μM for fluorescein. This suggests that an integrated microfluidic device, with an organic photodiode and LED excitation source and integrated polarizers, can be fabricated to realize a compact and economical lab-on-a-chip for point-of-care fluorescence assays.
EARLY OUTCOME FOLLOWING COMPLETE PRIMARY REPAIR OF BLADDER EXSTROPHY IN THE NEWBORN

ABSTRACT Purpose: Complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy (CPRE) represents a paradigm shift from the staged approach for surgical management. We present early clinical outcomes in our patients following CPRE. Materials and Methods: From 1996 to 2004 all newborns with bladder exstrophy were treated with CPRE within 48 hours of birth. We reviewed parameters including transfusions (packed red blood cells), urethral meatal position, complications, findings on renal ultrasound and renal scan, and post-CPRE procedures and infections. Results: A total of 16 boys and 7 girls were treated with CPRE. Followup ranged from 8 to 96 months. Twelve boys (75%) and 2 girls (29%) received packed red blood cells at CPRE (p = 0.066). The tubularized urethral plate could not be brought to the penile tip, resulting in hypospadias in 9 of 11 boys (82%) with the running suture technique and only 1 of 5 boys (20%) with the interrupted technique (p = 0.036). Of the 23 patients 6 had a total of 8 complications after CPRE. Vesicoureteral reflux was present in 17 of 23 patients. After CPRE a total of 93 endoscopic/surgical procedures (median 4, range 0 to 16 per patient) were performed. Five patients had 1 to 4 episodes of pyelonephritis, 16 of 23 had 1 or more episodes of asymptomatic bacteriuria and 5 had cortical defects on renal scan. Conclusions: We recommend that urethral closure during CPRE be performed with interrupted suture technique to prevent hypospadias. An aggressive approach should be taken toward reflux in the setting of urinary infection. Consideration should be given for repair of all aspects of the defect during CPRE, including bilateral ureteral reimplantation.
Neuroprotectin/protectin D1: endogenous biosynthesis and actions on diabetic macrophages in promoting wound healing and innervation impaired by diabetes

Dysfunction of macrophages (MΦs) in diabetic wounds impairs the healing. MΦs produce anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving neuroprotectin/protectin D1 (NPD1/PD1, 10R,17S-dihydroxy-docosa-4Z,7Z,11E,13...
The Spectrum of Medical Imaging in the 2015 International Year of Light

This PDF file contains the editorial “The Spectrum of Medical Imaging in the 2015 International Year of Light” for JMI Vol. 2 Issue 03
The limbic action-perception cycle controlling goal-directed animal behavior

Intelligent behavior is characterized by flexible and creative pursuit of endogenously defined goals. It has emerged in humans through the stages of evolution that are manifested in the brains and behaviors of the vertebrate series. Intentionality is a key concept by which to link brain dynamics to goal-directed behavior, and to provide for intelligent adaptations by machines. An archetypal form of intentional behavior is an act of observation into time and space, by which information is sought for the guidance of future action. Evidence points to the limbic system as the key organizing structure in producing such neural activity. The implementation of actions by the mesoscopic dynamics of the forebrain takes the form of hypothesis testing, in which essential information is sought by manipulation of the senses, and the synaptic connectivity of the brain is modified in respect to the consequences of actions taken. A description will be undertaken of software and hardware systems using coupled nonlinear differential equations with chaotic attractor landscapes, by means of which these functions can be built into free-roving machines operating in complex, rapidly changing and not fully predictable environments.
Insertions of Tn10 into an E. coli ribosomal RNA operon are incompletely polar

Abstract Insertions of the transposon Tn 10 have been obtained in an E. coli ribosomal RNA operon ( rrnX ). These insertions were used to determine whether present models of polarity are sufficient to explain transcriptional properties of operons which are transcribed but not translated. Most models of polarity suggest that transcription of mRNA requires simultaneous translation of nascent mRNA, or else premature termination of transcription will result. This model as stated does not encompass rrn operons. In this study three Tn 10 insertions into rrnX were characterized. All three Tn 10 insertions do not completely eliminate in vivo transcription of the most distal tRNA gene of rrnX . In ultraviolet-irradiated cells one Tn 10 insertion reduces synthesis of downstream portions of rrnX by at most 2–3 fold. Two other insertions may have more extensive polar effects, although the exact level of polarity is difficult to evaluate because these Tn 10 insertions may affect RNA maturation and stability.
Abstract C201: The combination of the small molecule TGFβR1 inhibitor LY2157299 monohydrate with CCNU substantially blocks SMAD phosphorylation and significantly suppresses human glioblastoma xenograft growth.

TGF-β signals through the type I and type II TGF-β receptors (TGFβRI and TGFβRII) to phosphorylate the SMAD proteins. In normal tissues, this signaling axis provides a growth inhibitory signal. However, in some cancers, TGF-β is often secreted at high levels and has been implicated in tumor invasion, angiogenesis and decreased immune surveillance. Recent work in GBM indicates that TGFβ may promote aggressive proliferation if the tumor cells are able to express Platelet Derived Growth Factor in response to TGFβ. Indeed, in glioblastoma patient samples, high pSmad2 levels are related to increased proliferation as well as reduced progression-free and overall patient survival. These data strongly implicate aberrant TGFβ signaling in human glioblastoma (GBM) and provide strong rationale to target this pathway for therapeutic intervention. Indeed, phase 1 and 2 clinical trials in GBM patients have begun using the recently developed small molecule inhibitor of TGFβR1 (LY2157299 monohydrate) alone and in combination with lomustine (CCNU). Herein, we show, in GBM cell lines, that LY2157299 monohydrate blocks signaling through the heteromeric TGFβ receptor complex to reduce levels of active, phosphorylated SMAD. Similarly, CCNU treatment of these same GBM cell lines also blocks Smad phosphorylation. In combination, CCNU and LY2157299 monohydrate more effectively block Smad phosphorylation than either agent alone. Furthermore, in U87MG and CRL-2611 human glioblastoma xenografts, oral dosing of LY2157299 monohydrate significantly enhanced the efficacy of CCNU (lomustine). Taken together, these preclinical data support the exploration of LY2157299 monohydrate in combination with CCNU for glioblastoma therapy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C201.
Knockdown of BNST GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors mimics the actions of ketamine on novelty-induced hypophagia.

Administration of a single low dose of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine has been demonstrated to elicit long-lasting antidepressant effects in humans with depression, as well as in rodent models of depression. Although pharmacological studies have implicated the GluN2B subunit of the NMDA receptor in these effects, drugs targeting this subunit have off-target actions, and systemic administration of these compounds does not allow for delineation of specific brain regions involved. In this study, we assessed the role of GluN2B in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) in novelty-induced hypophagia (NIH) in mice. First, we verified that ketamine, as well as the GluN2B antagonist Ro25–6981, decreased the latency to consume food in a novel environment in a version of the NIH test. We then hypothesized that GluN2B-containing receptors within the BNST may be a target of systemic ketamine and contribute to behavioral effects. Through the combination of a GluN2B-floxed mouse line and stereotaxic delivery of lentiviral Cre recombinase, we found that targeted knockdown of this subunit within the BNST mimicked the reduction in affective behavior observed with systemic ketamine or Ro25–6981 in the NIH test. These data suggest a role for GluN2B-containing NMDARs within the BNST in the affective effects of systemic ketamine.
The determination of personhood

We recognize ourselves and other individuals as persons by virtue of the fact that we are human. This has provoked both scientists and philosophers to explore what makes us human. Such inquiry would necessarily move away from immeasurable/religiously defined precepts, to instead provide an objective measure of ‘personhood’. However, as an increasingly technical society, we are finding ourselves progressively at odds with the concept of personhood, that is, as a measurable entity. Our capacity to observe and act at the molecular, and even nanomolecular, level has moved such a determination toward increasingly extreme and obscure biological endpoints, with the potential for declaring individual cells as possessing personhood. Operational definitions—including the capacity for reason, perception, self-reflection, and morality—are similarly compromised by the temporary and permanent losses of such faculties, as well as increasing awareness of the biological substrate required for such behaviors, with the potential to define a class of persons who lack personhood. Ultimately, we must acknowledge that the objective pursuit for the determination of personhood will remain incomplete without accounting for the intrinsic value of persons, and accordingly determine how best to integrate this subjective religious and cultural element back into our definition.
Evaluation of disinfectants to prevent mechanical transmission of viruses and a viroid in greenhouse tomato production

In recent years, a number of serious disease outbreaks caused by viruses and viroids on greenhouse tomatoes in North America have resulted in significant economic losses to growers. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of commercial disinfectants against mechanical transmission of these pathogens, and to select disinfectants with broad spectrum reactivity to control general virus and viroid diseases in greenhouse tomato production. A total of 16 disinfectants were evaluated against Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV), Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd), Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), and Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). The efficacy of each disinfectant to deactivate the pathogen’s infectivity was evaluated in replicate experiments from at least three independent experiments. Any infectivity that remained in the treated solutions was assessed through bioassays on susceptible tomato plants through mechanical inoculation using inocula that had been exposed with the individual disinfectant for three short time periods (0–10 sec, 30 sec and 60 sec). A positive infection on the inoculated plant was determined through symptom observation and confirmed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (PepMV, ToMV, and TMV) and real-time reverse transcription-PCR (PSTVd). Experimental data were analyzed using Logistic regression and the Bayesian methodology. Statistical analyses using logistic regression and the Bayesian methodology indicated that two disinfectants (2% Virkon S and 10% Clorox regular bleach) were the most effective to prevent transmission of PepMV, PSTVd, ToMV, and TMV from mechanical inoculation. Lysol all-purpose cleaner (50%) and nonfat dry milk (20%) were also effective against ToMV and TMV, but with only partial effects for PepMV and PSTVd. With the broad spectrum efficacy against three common viruses and a viroid, several disinfectants, including 2% Virkon S, 10% Clorox regular bleach and 20% nonfat dry milk, are recommend to greenhouse facilities for consideration to prevent general virus and viroid infection on tomato plants.
EFFECT OF CEREBRAL ABLATION ON A CIRCADIAN PITUITARY ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC RHYTHM IN C MICE.

The ACTH content of pituitary glands from intact or starved Bagg albino (C) strain mice undergoes a circadian rhythm which persists after suprathalamic brain ablations with a significant amplitude and a grossly unaltered internal timing in relation to the corticosterone rhythm in serum. Hence, the cerebral cortex of the mouse as well as number of subcortical structures, including the limbic system, are dispensable for the short-term persistence of a rhythm in pituitary ACTH content. More extensive brain ablations, including, inter alia, the removal of the thalamus and the hypothalamus interfere with the demonstration of a circadian rhythm in pituitary ACTH content—when this rhythm must be evaluated as a so-called group phenomenon, i.e., on the basis of data from separate groups of presumably comparable animals, rather than by evaluating a given individual repeatedly over an apropriate period. The different temporal behavior of pituitary ACTH content observed in the group with suprapontine brain ablations ...
Protein secondary structure appears to be robust under in silico evolution while protein disorder appears not to be

Motivation: The mutation of amino acids often impacts protein function and structure. Mutations without negative effect sustain evolutionary pressure. We study a particular aspect of structural robustness with respect to mutations: regular protein secondary structure and natively unstructured (intrinsically disordered) regions. Is the formation of regular secondary structure an intrinsic feature of amino acid sequences, or is it a feature that is lost upon mutation and is maintained by evolution against the odds? Similarly, is disorder an intrinsic sequence feature or is it difficult to maintain? To tackle these questions, we in silico mutated native protein sequences into random sequence-like ensembles and monitored the change in predicted secondary structure and disorder. Results: We established that by our coarse-grained measures for change, predictions and observations were similar, suggesting that our results were not biased by prediction mistakes. Changes in secondary structure and disorder predictions were linearly proportional to the change in sequence. Surprisingly, neither the content nor the length distribution for the predicted secondary structure changed substantially. Regions with long disorder behaved differently in that significantly fewer such regions were predicted after a few mutation steps. Our findings suggest that the formation of regular secondary structure is an intrinsic feature of random amino acid sequences, while the formation of long-disordered regions is not an intrinsic feature of proteins with disordered regions. Put differently, helices and strands appear to be maintained easily by evolution, whereas maintaining disordered regions appears difficult. Neutral mutations with respect to disorder are therefore very unlikely. Contact: schaefer@rostlab.org Supplementary Information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.