cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cerebral TOF angiography at 7T: Impact of B1+ shimming with a 16-channel transceiver array

Purpose Time-of-flight (TOF) MR imaging is clinically among the most common cerebral noncontrast enhanced MR angiography techniques allowing for high spatial resolution. As shown by several groups TOF contrast significantly improves at ultrahigh field of B0 = 7T, however, spatially varying transmit B1 (B1+) fields at 7T reduce TOF contrast uniformity, typically resulting in suboptimal contrast and reduced vessel conspicuity in the brain periphery. Methods Using a 16-channel B1+ shimming system, we compare different dynamically applied B1+ phase shimming approaches on the radiofrequency excitation to improve contrast homogeneity for a (0.5 mm)3 resolution multislab TOF acquisition. In addition, B1+ shimming applied on the venous saturation pulse was investigated to improve venous suppression, subcutaneous fat signal reduction and enhanced background suppression originating from MT effect. Results B1+ excitation homogeneity was improved by a factor 2.2–2.6 on average depending on the shimming approach, compared to a standard CP-like phase setting, leading to improved vessel conspicuity particularly in the periphery. Stronger saturation, higher fat suppression and improved background suppression were observed when dynamically applying B1+ shimming on the venous saturation pulse. Conclusion B1+ shimming can significantly improve high resolution TOF vascular investigations at ultrahigh field, holding strong promise for non contrast-enhanced clinical applications. Magn Reson Med 71:966–977, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diameter changes in skeletal muscle venules during arterial pressure reduction.

Previous studies in skeletal muscle have shown a substantial (>100%) increase in venous vascular resistance with arterial pressure reduction to 40 mmHg, but a microcirculatory study showed no signi...
Some Brief Reflections on Writing Black Theology and Black Power

(2010). Some Brief Reflections on Writing Black Theology and Black Power. Black Theology: Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 264-265.
Increased Immunoreactive Endothelin-1 in Human Transplant Coronary Artery Disease

Background The pathogenesis of transplant coronary artery disease (TCAD) is unknown, but it is thought to derive from an interaction between immune and nonimmune factors, leading to smooth muscle cell proliferation and accumulation in the expanded neointima. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor with mitogenic properties for vascular smooth muscle cells, has recently been demonstrated in native vessel atherosclerosis. The present study used immunohistochemistry to investigate the role of ET-1 in TCAD. Methods and Results ET-1 immunoreactivity and cellular localization were assessed in human coronary arteries with TCAD (n=13) and in normal coronary arteries (n=10) with single- and double-label immunohistochemistry. The intensity of immunostaining was determined by a semiquantitative method. Diffuse and intense ET-1 immunoreactivity was found in 11 of 13 patients with TCAD (85%), mainly in myointimal cells and, in lesser amounts, in macrophages and endothelial cells. In contrast, normal coronary art...
The impacts of experimental necrotizing pancreatitis on hepatocellular ion homeostasis and energetics: An in vivo nuclear magnetic resonance study

Abstract Background: Liver dysfunction may be an early event or the end result of multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) in necrotizing pancreatitis. This study measured the early changes in hepatocellular ions and energetics associated with such conditions. Methods: Twenty-five rats, prepared with a 23 Na and 31 P double-tuned nuclear magnetic resonance surface coil secured over the dome of the liver, were randomized into 5 groups: control, 10 and 20 minutes of total inflow ischemia, pancreatitis induced by deoxycholic acid (DCA), and sham-DCA (saline injection). Dysprosium-TTHA 3- solution was used to separate the intracellular and extracellular sodium peaks. Results: In rat liver, 20 minutes of total inflow occlusion caused irreversible depletion of high-energy phosphates. Changes at 2 hours after the onset of DCA-pancreatitis are compared with changes after 20 minutes of ischemia (mean ± SEM). Although the DCA-pancreatitis animals did not become hypotensive until 1 hour after the induction of pancreatitis, the changes in hepatic intracellular ions and energetics began soon after such an insult. At 2 hours after the onset of pancreatitis, hepatocellular pH i and [NA + ] i were 6.99 ± 0.16 and 78.4 ± mmol/L, respectively ( P y =0.654 ––0.004 t , where t is time in minutes and r 2 = 0.967 and the rate of hepatic hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate increased progressively ( y = 0.702 t + 91.363, where t is time in minutes and r 2 = 0.969. These changes correlated well with the accumulated [Na] i . Conclusions: Unresuscitated necrotizing pancreatitis caused severe hepatocellular acidosis, profound sodium accumulation, and bioenergy depletion early in its course. These effects were as severe as those induced by total liver ischemia. Liver dysfunction may be an early, not terminal, event of MOD in necrotizing pancreatitis. (Surgery 1998;124:372-9.)
910 A Prospective Study Evaluating the Association Between Timing and Quality of Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy and Adenoma Detection Rate

Complications of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in 85,391 Procedures Alberto Espino*, Ximena Garcia, Macarena Mac-Namara, Hugo Richter, Fernando Pimentel, Francisco Biel, Camila Robles, Matias Callejas, Allan C. Sharp, Andres Donoso, Roberto Candia, Robinson G. Gonzalez, Nicolas Jarufe, Marco Arrese, Manuel Alvarez-Lobos, Oslando Padilla Gastroenterology, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Digestive Surgery, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; The Digestive Endoscopy Center of University Clinical Hospital, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Public Health, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, Chile Background: Complications are inherent to GI endoscopy (GIE) and do not necessarily imply endoscopist’s negligence. They may occur even using highest standards of practice. Objectives: To analyze the frequency and severity of complications occurring within 30 days after of the GIE at a single university hospital in Chile. Methods: We reviewed the records about patients who underwent GIE from January 2001 through May 2011. Results: A total of 85,391 GIE were evaluated. Procedures: 46,928 (55%) esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD); 27,993 (32.8%) diagnostic colonoscopies; 1427 (1.7%) polypectomies; and other procedures (hemostasis, variceal band ligation (VBL), foreign-body removal, dilation, stents, PEG, ERCP, EUS and double balloon endoscopy) 9043 (10.5%). A total of 299 complications were associated with GIE (59 % female, mean age 63 years, range 5 99). The overall complications rate was 0.35% (cardiopulmonary (CP) 0.1%, bleeding 0.07%, perforation 0.06%, infection 0.04%, pancreatitis 0.03% and other). The overall complication rate was higher in therapeutic procedures (TP) vs diagnostic procedures (DP) (2.7% v/s 0.16%, p 0.0001). The percentage of severe complications was higher in TP vs DP (52.3% vs 28.4%, p 0.0001). The overall complication rate for EGD was 0.14% (CP 0.07%, perforation 0.017%, bleeding 0.019%); diagnostic colonoscopy, 0.27% (CP 0.1%, perforation 0.06%, bleeding 0.02%); and polypectomy, 1.8% (CP 0.14%, perforation 0.28%, bleeding 0.98%). A total of 15 deaths occurred (overall rate 0.018%, 83% in TP). The overall mortality rate was higher in TP vs DP (0.2% v/s 0.003%, p 0.0001). The mortality rate for PEG was 0.7%; VBL 0.4%; ERCP 0.2%; diagnostic colonoscopy 0.004%; EGD 0.004%; and polypectomy 0%. Conclusions: GIE is associated with complications and mortality. The severity and risk of complications are higher in therapeutic procedures. These risks should be clearly explained to patients and their family before the procedure.
The fatal crash reduction program: A reevaluation

Abstract The “Fatal Crash Reduction Program” was developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to demonstrate and evaluate the effectiveness of increased police patrolling and traffic law enforcement in reducing highway fatalities. Claims were made that the Fatal Crash Reduction Program in Michigan resulted in 42 fewer fatal crashes and 59 fewer fatalities than expected, and a nationwide, 10 million dollar intensified enforcement program—the “Fatal Accident Reduction Enforcement Program” (FARE) — was subsequently launched. However, a reevaluation of the Michigan Fatal Crash Reduction Program presented in this report indicates that it was not effective in reducing highway fatalities, and that the original evaluation was designed and analyzed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in such a way that incorrect results were obtained.
The Trouble with Millenarianism: Falun Gong and the Triad Society

When thy heard this they were enraged and wanted to kill them. But a Phaisee in the council named Gamali-el, a teacher of the law, held in honor by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a while. And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take cure what you do with these men. For before these days Theudas arose, giving himself out to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred joined him; bur he was slain and all who, followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him: he also perished, and all who followed kiln were scattered. So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for it this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will nut be able to overthrow them. Acts 5: 33–39.
Cervical dysplasia in the postmenopausal female: diagnosis and treatment.

Thirty-two postmenopausal women, age 50 years or older, were colposcoped for abnormal Papanicoloau (PAP) smears. Sixteen had mild to moderate dysplasia, six severe dysplasia and the remainder had no dysplasia. Treatment included observation, topical estrogen, cryotherapy, conization or hysterectomy. Based upon our observations, satisfactory colposcopy can be performed in the majority of postmenopausal women. Oral or topical estrogen is a valuable adjunct in the initial evaluation and treatment of abnormal PAP smears in postmenopausal women. Criteria for adequate colposcopy in postmenopausal women are discussed and a management scheme is proposed.
Encounters with Mackinder: a personal memoir

ackinder's world view, enshrined in particular in his heartland or pivot concept, has gained more attention than any other specifically geographical theory across the world in the twentieth century. Further, it is difficult to think of another British geographer of the early twentieth century who stands higher in terms of intellectual power, breadth of vision and inspiring prose. He has been on the horizon of my life as a geographer for over 60 years, with a special significance when I was immersed in Soviet studies in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s.
Influence of culture aeration on the cellulase activity of Thermobifida fusca

Currently, one of the hurdles hindering efficient production of cellulosic biofuel is the recalcitrant nature of cellulose to hydrolysis. A wide variety of cellulase enzymes are found natively in microorganisms that can potentially be used to effectively hydrolyze cellulose to fermentable sugars. In this study, phenomenological and mechanistic parameters affecting cellulase activity were studied using the moderately thermophilic, aerobic, and cellulolytic microogainsm Thermobifida fusca. Two major sets of experiments were conducted to (1) study the mechanistic differences in growth in a flask compared to a bioreactor and (2) study the cell culture parameters influencing cellulase activity using a series of bioreactor experiments. Specific cellulase and specific endoglucanase activities were found to be higher in the bioreactor as compared to flask growth. Measurements of messenger RNA transcript levels of 18 cellulase-related genes and intracellular ATP levels indicated that measured enzyme activity was likely more influenced by post-transcriptional energetics rather than transcriptional regulation. By delineating the effects of culture aeration and stir speed using a bioreactor, it was found that cellulase activity increased with increasing aeration and increasing stir speeds (highest Kla) with a tradeoff of decreased cellular growth at the highest stir speeds tested (400 rpm). Overall, these results allude to a connection between aeration and oxidative respiration that lead to increased ATP allowing for increased cellulase synthesis as the primary constraint on overall cellulase activity.
A space-time representation of a massive, relativistic, spin zero particle

Abstract Novel solutions of the wave and the Klein-Gordon equations are discussed. In contrast to conventional plane wave representations, these classical macro-photons and macro-particles are constructed from basis functions that are more localized in space-time. These solutions can be designed to give directed, localized transmission of energy. They also exhibit properties which may reconcile contemporary ideas of photon localization and causality.
IES test performance by learning disabled boys.

The IES Test was administered to 40 learning disabled boys and 20 control Ss to test the hypothesis that learning disabled children manifest higher levels of impulsivity and lower levels of ego functioning than normal Ss. Of the eight comparisons made in regard to ego and impulse score means, all were in the predicted direction, with four statistically significant (p ≤ .05). No differences in superego functioning were predicted or found. Implications of the findings for remedial programs were discussed.
Nonneoplastic polypectomy during screening colonoscopy: the impact on polyp detection rate, adenoma detection rate, and overall cost.

Background The frequency of nonneoplastic polypectomy (NNP) and its impact on the polyp detection rate (PDR) is unknown. The correlation between NNP and adenoma detection rate (ADR) and its impact on the cost of colonoscopy has not been investigated. Objective To determine the rate of NNP in screening colonoscopy, the impact of NNP on the PDR, and the correlation of NNP with ADR. The increased cost of NNP during screening colonoscopy also was calculated. Design We reviewed all screening colonoscopies. PDR and ADR were calculated. We then calculated a nonneoplastic polyp detection rate (patients with ≥1 nonneoplastic polyp). Setting Tertiary-care referral center. Patients Patients who underwent screening colonoscopies from 2010 to 2011. Interventions Colonoscopy. Main Outcome Measurements ADR, PDR, NNP rate. Results A total of 1797 colonoscopies were reviewed. Mean (± standard deviation) PDR was 47.7% ± 12.0%, and mean ADR was 27.3% ± 6.9%. The overall NNP rate was 10.4% ± 7.1%, with a range of 2.4% to 28.4%. Among all polypectomies (n = 2061), 276 were for nonneoplastic polyps (13.4%). Endoscopists with a higher rate of nonneoplastic polyp detection were more likely to detect an adenoma (odds ratio 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.2). With one outlier excluded, there was a strong correlation between ADR and NNP ( r = 0.825; P Limitations Retrospective study. Conclusion There is a strong correlation between adenoma detection and nonneoplastic polyp detection. The etiology is unclear, but nonneoplastic polyp detection rate may inflate the PDR for some endoscopists. NNP also adds an increased cost. Increasing the awareness of endoscopic appearances through advanced imaging techniques of normal versus neoplastic tissue may be an area to improve cost containment in screening colonoscopy.
Evaluation of a computer-based educational intervention to improve medical teamwork and performance during simulated patient resuscitations.

OBJECTIVES To determine the impact of a low-resource-demand, easily disseminated computer-based teamwork process training intervention on teamwork behaviors and patient care performance in code teams. DESIGN A randomized comparison trial of computer-based teamwork training versus placebo training was conducted from August 2010 through March 2011. SETTING This study was conducted at the simulation suite within the Kado Family Clinical Skills Center, Wayne State University School of Medicine. PARTICIPANTS Participants (n = 231) were fourth-year medical students and first-, second-, and third-year emergency medicine residents at Wayne State University. Each participant was assigned to a team of four to six members (nteams = 45). INTERVENTIONS Teams were randomly assigned to receive either a 25-minute computer-based training module targeting appropriate resuscitation teamwork behaviors or a placebo training module. MEASUREMENTS Teamwork behaviors and patient care behaviors were video recorded during high-fidelity simulated patient resuscitations and coded by trained raters blinded to condition assignment and study hypotheses. Teamwork behavior items (e.g., "chest radiograph findings communicated to team" and "team member assists with intubation preparation") were standardized before combining to create overall teamwork scores. Similarly, patient care items ("chest radiograph correctly interpreted"; "time to start of compressions") were standardized before combining to create overall patient care scores. Subject matter expert reviews and pilot testing of scenario content, teamwork items, and patient care items provided evidence of content validity. MAIN RESULTS When controlling for team members' medically relevant experience, teams in the training condition demonstrated better teamwork (F [1, 42] = 4.81, p < 0.05; ηp = 10%) and patient care (F [1, 42] = 4.66, p < 0.05; ηp = 10%) than did teams in the placebo condition. CONCLUSIONS Computer-based team training positively impacts teamwork and patient care during simulated patient resuscitations. This low-resource team training intervention may help to address the dissemination and sustainability issues associated with larger, more costly team training programs.
Serological reactivity of duck sera to three electrophoretically characterized extracts of Aspergillus.

Abstract Three different antigens, whole culture, cell sap shaker culture and culture filtrate extracts of Aspergillus were characterized by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Thirteen to fifteen precipitin lines were produced with their homologous antisera. Application of these extracts to the assay of wild duck sera showed that the whole culture extract was the most sensitive of the three antigens in detecting antibody. Countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis, used with a modified buffer, produced results comparable in sensitivity to immunodiffusion in detecting avian antibody.
The spleen necrosis virus int gene product expressed in Escherichia coli has DNA binding activity and mediates att and U5-specific DNA multimer formation in Vitro

To facilitate the in vitro study of the spleen necrosis virus (SNV) int gene product, we expressed the viral int locus in an Escherichia coli expression vector. Antiserum made against the protein produced in bacteria precipitated a 44-kDa polypeptide from virus-infected chicken embryo fibroblasts. This result is consistent with the expected size of the SNV int polypeptide. In a protein blotting assay, the expressed protein binds strongly to DNA and was able to complex nonspecifically with both single- and double-stranded DNAs containing or lacking viral sequences. However, under solution conditions favoring transient DNA unwinding, DNA binding was confined to supercoiled molecules containing either the SNV att sequence (the viral cis-acting region required for integration) or the U5 region of the long terminal repeat alone. Under these conditions of specific binding, multimeric DNA species were formed by apparent intermolecular interaction between protein-DNA complexes. These data indicate that retroviral integration may require local DNA unwinding at the att site for complex formation between the int gene product and DNA. This complex may be an intermediate in the viral DNA insertion process.
Turbulent Convective Heat Transfer in Forced Cooled Underground Electric Transmission Systems

Determination experimentale du transfert de chaleur et des coefficients de frottement dans un modele physique de systeme souterrain de transfert d'energie electrique a haute tension pour des nombres de Reynolds jusqu'a 2000 utilisant une huile isolante comme agent de refroidissement ayant un nombre de Prandtl egal a 120. Etude de 2 rapports de diametres des câbles et de la canalisation pour un systeme a 3 câbles
Optimal defibrillator patch configurations include the right side of the heart and left ventricle

Abstract The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) provides effective treatment for appropriately selected patients with refractory ventricular dysrhythmias.1 To assure successful function of the ICD, a sufficiently low intraoperative defibrillation threshold (DFT) must be obtained. This study examines the effect of epicardial patch location on the intraoperative DFT.
The slug expulsion of freon-113 by rapid depressurization of a vertical tube

Abstract Experimental data, ranging in initial superheat from 59 to 128°F, has been obtained for the slug expulsion of Freon-113 from a constant-diameter channel. In addition, an analysis is given in which the energy and momentum equations are coupled numerically. The energy equation accounts for not only the energy transported across the upper and lower liquid-vapor interfaces, but also that transported across the wall film-vapor interface. In computing the energy contribution of the wall film, a thin surface thermal boundary layer was assumed to exist, whose thickness as a function of exposure time and position along the vapor space was taken into account. The agreement between the experimental data and coupled solution was found to be good.
Microplate-based platform for combined chromatin and DNA methylation immunoprecipitation assays

The processes that compose expression of a given gene are far more complex than previously thought presenting unprecedented conceptual and mechanistic challenges that require development of new tools. Chromatin structure, which is regulated by DNA methylation and histone modification, is at the center of gene regulation. Immunoprecipitations of chromatin (ChIP) and methylated DNA (MeDIP) represent a major achievement in this area that allow researchers to probe chromatin modifications as well as specific protein-DNA interactions in vivo and to estimate the density of proteins at specific sites genome-wide. Although a critical component of chromatin structure, DNA methylation has often been studied independently of other chromatin events and transcription. To allow simultaneous measurements of DNA methylation with other genomic processes, we developed and validated a simple and easy-to-use high throughput microplate-based platform for analysis of DNA methylation. Compared to the traditional beads-based MeDIP the microplate MeDIP was more sensitive and had lower non-specific binding. We integrated the MeDIP method with a microplate ChIP assay which allows measurements of both DNA methylation and histone marks at the same time, Matrix ChIP-MeDIP platform. We illustrated several applications of this platform to relate DNA methylation, with chromatin and transcription events at selected genes in cultured cells, human cancer and in a model of diabetic kidney disease. The high throughput capacity of Matrix ChIP-MeDIP to profile tens and potentially hundreds of different genomic events at the same time as DNA methylation represents a powerful platform to explore complex genomic mechanism at selected genes in cultured cells and in whole tissues. In this regard, Matrix ChIP-MeDIP should be useful to complement genome-wide studies where the rich chromatin and transcription database resources provide fruitful foundation to pursue mechanistic, functional and diagnostic information at genes of interest in health and disease.
Cyclic Nucleotides Suppress Tumor Necrosis Factor α-Mediated Apoptosis by Inhibiting Caspase Activation and Cytochrome cRelease in Primary Hepatocytes via a Mechanism Independent of Akt Activation

Cyclic nucleotides have been previously shown to modulate cell death processes in many cell types; however, the mechanisms by which cyclic nucleotides regulate apoptosis are unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that cAMP as well as cGMP analogs suppressed tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) plus actinomycin D (ActD)-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in cultured primary hepatocytes. Furthermore, forskolin, which increases intracellular cAMP levels, also effectively suppressed TNFα+ActD-induced apoptosis. Activation of multiple caspases was suppressed in cells exposed to TNFα+ActD in the presence of cAMP or cGMP analogs. TNFα+ActD-induced cytochrome c release from mitochondria was also inhibited by cAMP or cGMP, reinforcing our conclusion that cyclic nucleotides interfere with the early signaling events of TNFα-mediated apoptosis. We evaluated the possibility that cAMP and cGMP inhibit apoptosis by activating the serine/threonine kinase Akt, which is known to promote cell survival. Both cAMP- and cGMP-elevating agents led to marked increases in Akt activation that was inhibited by the phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase inhibitors, LY294002 and wortmannin. However, complete inhibition of cyclic nucleotide-induced Akt activation had little effect on cyclic nucleotide-mediated cell survival, indicating the existence of other survival pathways. Interestingly, the specific inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA), KT5720, blocked cGMP-mediated protection but only partially prevented the anti-apoptotic effect of cAMP, indicating that both PKA-dependent and -independent mechanisms are involved in cAMP-mediated suppression of apoptosis signaling. Our data suggest that multiple survival signaling pathways coexist in cells and that cyclic nucleotides delay apoptosis by interfering with apoptosis signaling by both PKA-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
Potential risk factors for injecting among Mexican American non-injecting heroin users.

SUMMARY This study examines potential risk factors for resuming and transitioning to injecting among a prospective cohort of 300 Mexican American non-injecting heroin users (NIUs) with distinct injecting histories (i.e., never vs. former injectors). Overall, findings revealed NIUs with an injecting history are more likely to be at greater risk for resuming injecting practices. Of interest, scoring high on acculturation decreased the risk of being a former injector. The present analysis supports previous research, and more importantly further identifies potential risk factors for injecting that are unique to the cultural and social context of the Mexican American community.
Projecting impacts of global climate change on the US forest and agriculture sectors and carbon budgets

Abstract A multiperiod, regional, mathematical programming model is used to evaluate the potential economic impacts of global climatic change scenarios on the US forest and agricultural sectors, including impacts on forest carbon inventories. Four scenarios of the biological response of forests to climate change (reflected by changes in forest growth rates) are drawn from a national assessment of climate change and are based on combinations of global circulation and ecological process models. These scenarios are simulated in tile the forest and agricultural sector model and results are summarized to characterize broad impacts of climate change on the sectors. We find that less cropland is projected to be converted to forests, forest inventories generally increase, and that aggregate economic impacts (across all consumers and producers in the sector) are relatively small. Producers’ income is most at risk, and impacts of global climate change on the two sectors vary over the 100-year projection period. The forest sector is found to have adjustment mechanisms that mitigate climate change impacts, including interregional migration of production, substitution in consumption, and altered stand management.
Sub types of α2-adrenoceptors: Pharmacological and molecular biological evidence converg

Abstract A review of the available evidence indicates that α 2 -adrenoceptors are not a homogeneous class of receptors, but can be subdivided into several subtypes based on their pharmacological characteristics. The recent cloning of the DNA for two α 2 -receptor subtypes provides an independent validation of the pharmacological data. David Bylund targues that the combination of cloning and pharmacological techniques should soon provide for a consistent classification scheme for α 2 -adrenoceptor subtypes in particular, and for adrenoceptors in general.
Improved diagnostic accuracy of thallium-201 stress test using multiple observers and criteria derived from interobserver analysis of variance.

Abstract This study was performed to determine the interobserver variance for the interpretation of segmental thallium-201 image scores and the changes in such scores between the exercise and delayed images. Fifty patients, 40 with and 10 without significant coronary artery disease, underwent thallium imaging immediately after exercise and 2 hours later in the anterior and 50 ° left anterior oblique projections. The left ventricle was divided into six segments and graded by four independent observers on a scale of 0 (minimal activity) to +2 (normal activity). Interobserver variance was determined for each segment. For a change in thallium activity between exercise and delayed images, the interobserver variance was greatest for the apical and apical-inferior segments, intermediate for the inferior and septal segments and least for the anterolateral and posterior segments. When segmental thallium scores were interpreted by an individual observer using a standard method employing one set of arbitrary criteria (method 1), the thallium stress test had a sensitivity of 77 percent and a specificity of 75 percent for coronary artery disease. When the scores were interpreted by an individual observer using criteria derived from interobserver variance analysis (method 2), the sensitivity increased to 86 percent (probability [p]
CHARGE-CHANGING REACTIONS OF SECONDARY FRAGMENTS PRODUCED IN HIGH-ENERGY HEAVY ION COLLISIONS

Charge-changing cross sections have been measured for secondary fragments produced by the interactions of 1.88A-GeV /sup 56/Fe and 1.82A-GeV /sup 40/Ar nuclei in Lucite. The cross sections are found to vary by less than 1.5% between 6 and 120 mm from the primary interaction point and are consistent with values expected from the normal reaction cross sections of primary beams. No correlation between secondary and tertiary path lengths has been observed. The present results do not provide supporting evidence for the existence of anomalons.
Resveratrol-mediated chemoprevention of diethylnitrosamine-initiated hepatocarcinogenesis : Inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers and lethal diseases. In view of the limited treatment and a grave prognosis of liver cancer, preventive control has been emphasized. Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grape skins, peanuts, berries and red wine, has been shown to possess potent growth inhibitory effects against various human cancer cells. Although resveratrol has been found to exhibit chemopreventive actions in experimentally induced skin, breast, colon and esophagus rodent tumors, chemopreventive potential of this dietary constituent has not been explored well against experimental liver cancer. We evaluated the inhibitory effect of resveratrol using a two-stage model of rat hepatocarcinogenesis in Sprague-Dawley rats. Initiation was performed by a single intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine (DENA, 200 mg/kg), followed by promotion with phenobarbital (0.05%) in drinking water. The rats had free access to food supplemented with resveratrol equivalent to 50, 100 or 300 mg/kg body weight/day. Resveratrol treatment was started 4 weeks prior to the initiation and continued for 20 weeks. Resveratrol dose-dependently reduced the incidence, total number and multiplicity of visible hepatocyte nodules. Mean nodular volume and nodular volume as percentage of liver volume were also inhibited upon resveratrol treatment. Histopathological examination of liver tissue confirmed the protective effect of resveratrol. Immunohistochemical detection of cell proliferation and assay of apoptosis indicated a decrease in cell proliferation and increase of apoptotic cells in the livers of resveratrol-supplemented rats. Resveratrol also induced the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, reduced anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression, with a concurrent increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio with respect to DENA control. The present study provides evidence, for the first time, that resveratrol exerts a significant chemopreventive effect on DENA-initiated hepatocarcinogenesis through inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. Resveratrol-induced apoptogenic signal during rat liver carcinogenesis may be mediated through the downregulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of Bax expression. Due to a favorable toxicity profile, resveratrol can potentially be developed as a chemopreventive drug against human HCC.
Degenerate and poisson convergence criteria for success runs

Abstract Let N ( k ) n be the number of success runs of length k > 1 in n Bernoulli trials, each with success probability p n . We show that N ( k ) n converges weakly to the distribution degenerate at zero as n → ∞, nf ( p n ) → λ (0 p k n = o(∝( p n )) ( n → ∞). This answers, in the negative, a question posed by Philippou and Makri (1986) who suspected that a Poisson distribution of order k might be the target limit (if ∝( p n ) = p n ). If, instead, np k n → λ, we prove that N ( k ) n tends in law to a Poisson(λ) random variable. This improves a classical result of von Mises (1921) which required, in addition, that k → ∞. Rates of convergence are provided for the above results.
First lasing of a high-gain harmonic generation free- electron laser experiment ☆

Abstract We report on the first lasing of a high-gain harmonic generation (HGHG) free-electron laser (FEL). The experiment was conducted at the Accelerator Test Facility (ATF) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). This is a BNL experiment in collaboration with the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory. A preliminary measurement gives a high-gain harmonic generation (HGHG) pulse energy that is 2×10 7 times larger than the spontaneous radiation. In a purely self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) mode of operation, the signal was measured as 10 times larger than the spontaneous radiation in the same distance (∼2 m) through the same wiggler. This means the HGHG signal is 2×10 6 times larger than the SASE signal. To obtain the same saturated output power by the SASE process, the radiator would have to be 3 times longer (6 m).
Non-stratifiability of Ck(X) for a class of separable metrizable X

Abstract If X is a separable 0-dimensional metrizable space in which every compact subset is countable, then C ( X ) with the compact-open topology is stratifiable iff X is scattered. This answers a question of Gruenhage and lends credence to a conjecture of Gartside and Reznichenko.
Mechanisms in Simulated Torsade de Pointes

A mechanism of torsade de pointes consisting of moving sites of reentrant excitation has been proposed on the basis of findings with a computer model. Substantial additions to that mechanism are now proposed based on further studies with the same model. The model simulated propagation, cycle length-dependent recovery of excitability, and slow propagation during incomplete recovery. Regions of relatively short and long recovery were assigned because of evidence of regional prolongation of recovery in long QT syndromes in which torsade de pointes is frequent. As previously reported, premature excitation in the short recovery region initially propagated independently, then entered the long recovery region and reentered the short recovery region distal to the site of origin. Reentrant excitation initiated a similar series of events, and serial reentry at systematically changing locations resulted in changing patterns of excitation compatible with the changing QRS waveform in torsade de pointes. Episodes terminated when reentrant excitation reached the end of unclosed short recovery paths, collided in closed paths, or encountered refractoriness in the presence of nonuniform short recovery. In this study, it was shown that excitation preceding reentry had important effects on the mechanism. These included reversal of the direction of serial reentry, bidirectional serial reentry, reentry at multiple sites from the same parent conditions, and occurrence of reentry without the requirement of slow propagation. Evidence for a Doppler shift of cycle lengths in regions from which serial reentry was receding or approaching was obtained. Sustained serial reentry was also demonstrated and is a possible mechanism for polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Findings further define a possible mechanism of torsade de pointes.
The Sea of Okhotsk: A Window on the Ice Age Ocean

Abstract The modern Sea of Okhotsk and the high-latitude glacial ocean share similar radiolarian faunas suggesting they also share environmental similarities. This sea favors deep- (>200 m) over shallow-living species as evidenced by collections of sediment traps set at 258 and 1061 m in the central part of the Sea. Of the twelve dominant polycystine radiolarian species, four live above and eight below 258 m. The shallow-living species’ productivity maxima coincide with spring and fall phytoplankton blooms while deep-living species’ annual production, nearly twice that of the shallow-living species, is concentrated in fall. Previous workers have shown that summer plankton tows collect higher concentrations of polycystine Radiolaria below than above 200 m and that Radiolaria, fish and zooplankton have unusual concentration maxima between 200 and 500 m. The paucity of Radiolaria and other consumers above 200 m coincides with an upper (0–150 m) cold (−1.5°C to 1.5°C), low salinity layer while higher concentrations below 200 m occur within warmer saltier water. This unusual biological structure must produce a lower ratio of shallow ( Deep-living radiolarian species, similar to those of the modern Sea of Okhotsk, dominate glacial high-latitude deep-sea sediments. If the hydrographic and biological structures that produced these glacial faunas were like those of the modern Sea of Okhotsk, then glacial high-latitude oceans would have differed from today's in at least two respects. Surface waters were less saline and more stable enhancing the spread of winter sea ice. This stability, combined with a deepening of nutrient regeneration would have reduced surface water nutrients contributing to a reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide.
The Effects of Furzaolidone on the Reproductive Ability of the Male Turkey

Abstract FURAZOLIDONE, N (5 nitro-2-furfurylidene)-3-amino-2-oxazolidone, a member of the nitrofuran series of antibacterial compounds, has been found to be effective in controlling Salmonella and Histomonas infections in turkeys. This drug could, therefore, become an important preventative and therapeutic agent for the turkey industry. If, however, furazolidone has any deleterious effects on the reproductive ability or growth of the turkey, future use of this compound would be limited. The present study was designed to provide information concerning the effects of this drug on testis function and body weight in the male turkey. Several of the nitrofuran derivatives have been shown to affect adversely testicular function in mammals. Atrophy of rat testes, following high dosages of FuradroxylR were reported by Prior and Ferguson (1950); Friedgood, Danza and Boccabella (1952); and Nelson and Steinberger (1952). Degeneration of the germinal elements was complete with the exception of the spermatogonia which were apparently uninjured. Following withdrawal …
Real-time bump map deformations

We present a method for efficiently generating plausible dents and scratches due to collisions using bump maps instead of mesh deformation. We use a rigid body simulator based on that of Guendelman et al. [2003], with collisions detected by interpenetration using the OPCODE and G3D libraries. When a collision occurs, we make multiple rendering passes to compute the bump map deformation on the GPU. Our method is limited by the dynamic range of the bump maps and will eventually saturate.
Intraspecies Variability in the Esterases and Acid Phosphatases of Four Species of the Paramecium aurelia Complex

ABSTRACT. One hundred eighty-eight stocks of Paramecium primaurelia. P. biaurelia, P. tetraurelia. and P. octaurelia were grown axenically and screened for variation in four different esterases and acid phosphatase using starch gel electrophoresis. Major observations: frequency of intraspecies variation for these enzymes is much lower in these four species than in other organisms; hypervariability for two esterases occurs in P. biaurelia both in isolates from worldwide locales and in a restricted locale; clustering of variations occurs in a high proportion of variant stocks in all four species; frequency of intraspecies variation is highest in Central and South America for all four species; and geographical differentiation is lacking between stocks in the same species both for common as well as variant phenotypes despite the cosmopolitan distribution of these species. These results are not correlated with adaptations that favor inbreeding over outbreeding. nor is the possession of bacterial endosymbionts strongly correlated with enzyme variation. When the riequency of intraspecies variation was examined for the aurelia complex of species as a whole for 13 enzymes, mitochondrial DNA, and ribosomal DNA, differences between enzymes in frequency of variation could be seen, ranging from less than 2% for seven enzymes to 12.4% for glucosephosphate isomerase, a value similar to that observed for malic dehydrogenase, mitochondrial DNA, and ribosomal DNA in P. tetraurelia. The percentage of polymorphic enzyme loci in the complex as a whole was found to be much lower than that observed for other organisms. For the species more intensely studied in this paper the level of genetic polymorphism was also much lower, although P. biaurelia showed greater variability for two of the enzymes.
Poly(ADP-ribose): An organizer of cellular architecture

Distinct properties of poly(ADP-ribose)—including its structural diversity, nucleation potential, and low complexity, polyvalent, highly charged nature—could contribute to organizing cellular architectures. Emergent data indicate that poly(ADP-ribose) aids in the formation of nonmembranous structures, such as DNA repair foci, spindle poles, and RNA granules. Informatics analyses reported here show that RNA granule proteins enriched for low complexity regions, which aid self-assembly, are preferentially modified by poly(ADP-ribose), indicating how poly(ADP-ribose) could direct cellular organization.
How psychotherapy integration can complement the scientist-practitioner model.

This article aims to integrate the two separate bodies of literature in Psychotherapy Integration (PI) and the Scientist-Practitioner (S-P) model. Based on an examination and synthesis of the main ideas from the two fields, it illustrates that, although developed separately, these movements are compatible and they complement each other. After describing the historical, empirical, and conceptual relationship of the two movements, the implications of this relationship for psychotherapy are outlined and recommendations are offered. PI is conceptualized as a key ingredient in the optimal expression of the S-P model, which can address several difficulties in the actualization of the model.
Hepatic microsomal metabolism and macromolecular binding of the antioxidant, n-phenyl-2-naphthylamine

1. The hepatic microsomal metabolism of N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine (P2NA), an industrial antioxidant and suspected carcinogen, was studied in seven mammalian species to determine if N-dephenylation, reported to occur in vivo, could be demonstrated in vitro and if macromolecular binding occurs without an obligatory N-dephenylation.2. The rate of hepatic microsomal metabolism decreased in the order: hamster ≫ mouse > rat ≃ monkeys ≃ dog > human ≃ pig. Metabolism was increased by pretreatment with 3-methycholanthrene or phenobarbital and decreased by carbon monoxide or 2-[(2,4-dichloro-6-phenyl)phenoxy]-ethylamine, which indicated the involvement of cytochrome P-450 rather than the flavoprotein mixed-function oxidase.3. All seven species produced two major metabolites identified as 6-hydroxy-P2NA and 4′-hydroxy-P2NA. The carcinogen 2-naphthylamine was not detected in the microsomal incubations.4. Incubations in the presence of 18O2 indicated that the oxygen incorporated in the products came from molecular oxyg...
Providers’ Payment And Delivery System Reforms Hold Both Threats And Opportunities For The Drug And Device Industries

For decades, medical device and specialty drug makers have produced a steady stream of breakthroughs and incremental improvements, from cancer therapies to orthopedic joint replacements, drug-eluting stents, and cardiac pacemakers. The advances were financed by a fragmented health care system that paid for whichever clinical technologies were favored by physicians without strong concern for cost. But now hospitals, health systems, insurers, and policy makers are embracing payment reforms that seek to control costs and foster uniformity in the adoption of new drugs and devices. This article explores payment reforms that will have an impact on the medical technology industry and describes opportunities for the industry to flourish in this new, more financially constrained landscape.
Effects of phonon transfer on near-thermal neutron fission cross sections

For low energy neutron-induced fission in the thermal and epithermal range, the momentum transferred in forming the compound nucleus is small enough that the compound nucleus may remain bound in the lattice until it decays. Phonons, therefore, may be emitted or absorbed in the neutron absorption process changing the energy of the compound nucleus from that which would be derived simply from measuring the incoming neutron energy. The probability and influence of phonon transfer to and from the lattice is calculated at energies below 1 eV and is shown to have a small but significant effect on the observed cross section. The magnitude of the effect is temperature dependent and ranges in size from a few tenths of 1% for /sup 235/U fission at thermal to 5% for /sup 239/Pu fission at the 0.3 eV resonance. Some of the effect can be accounted for by applying the usual Doppler broadening approximation in the thermal range.
The impact of environmental noise on mealtime social interactions in a residential facility for persons with mental retardation

Four levels of environmental noise were experimentally manipulated during lunch and dinner in a residential living unit for 10 behaviorally disordered persons with mental retardation. During the highest noise conditions, there appeared to be some suppression of social interaction between these people, while interaction rates were uniformly higher during softer noise conditions. This effect was evident at both lunch and dinner. Staff members were less affected by the fluctuation in noise levels, although lunchtime staff engaged in more interactions with clients when both the radio and TV were played softly.
Hydrochloric acid as a fixative for root tip chromosomes.

After pretreatment with 0.2 to 0.3% colchicine at 26° C. for 2 hours root tips are fixed and macerated in a 1/10 dilution of concentrated hydrochloric acid at 60° C. for 10 to 14 minutes, washed, transferred to a staining dish with aceto-orcein or another aceto-stain for about 10 minutes, immersed in a drop of the stain, covered and squashed. The preparations may subsqeuently be made permanent.