cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BK Channel Regulation of Afterpotentials and Burst Firing in Cerebellar Purkinje Neurons

BK calcium-activated potassium channels have complex kinetics because they are activated by both voltage and cytoplasmic calcium. The timing of BK activation and deactivation during action potentials determines their functional role in regulating firing patterns but is difficult to predict a priori. We used action potential clamp to characterize the kinetics of voltage-dependent calcium current and BK current during action potentials in Purkinje neurons from mice of both sexes, using acutely dissociated neurons that enabled rapid voltage clamp at 37°C. With both depolarizing voltage steps and action potential waveforms, BK current was entirely dependent on calcium entry through voltage-dependent calcium channels. With voltage steps, BK current greatly outweighed the triggering calcium current, with only a brief, small net inward calcium current before Ca-activated BK current dominated the total Ca-dependent current. During action potential waveforms, although BK current activated with only a short (∼100 μs) delay after calcium current, the two currents were largely separated, with calcium current flowing during the falling phase of the action potential and most BK current flowing over several milliseconds after repolarization. Step depolarizations activated both an iberiotoxin-sensitive BK component with rapid activation and deactivation kinetics and a slower-gating iberiotoxin-resistant component. During action potential firing, however, almost all BK current came from the faster-gating iberiotoxin-sensitive channels, even during bursts of action potentials. Inhibiting BK current had little effect on action potential width or a fast afterhyperpolarization but converted a medium afterhyperpolarization to an afterdepolarization and could convert tonic firing of single action potentials to burst firing.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT BK calcium-activated potassium channels are widely expressed in central neurons. Altered function of BK channels is associated with epilepsy and other neuronal disorders, including cerebellar ataxia. The functional role of BK in regulating neuronal firing patterns is highly dependent on the context of other channels and varies widely among different types of neurons. Most commonly, BK channels are activated during action potentials and help produce a fast afterhyperpolarization. We find that in Purkinje neurons BK current flows primarily after the fast afterhyperpolarization and helps to prevent a later afterdepolarization from producing rapid burst firing, enabling typical regular tonic firing.
The Relational Meeting as a Political and Religious Practice

Broad-based community organizing (BBCO) is about organizing the relationships and values of working people for greater democratic power in their communities. The best organizers that I've known and...
Eigenvalues of (/spl darr/2)H and convergence of the cascade algorithm

This paper is about the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of (/spl darr/2)H. The ordinary FIR filter H is a convolution with a vector h=(h(O),...,h(N)), which is the impulse response. The operator (/spl darr/2) downsamples the output y=h*x, keeping the even-numbered components y(2n). Where H is represented by a constant-diagonal matrix, this is a Toeplitz matrix with h(k) on its kth diagonal, the odd-numbered rows are removed in (/spl darr/2)H. The result is a double shift between rows, yielding a block Toeplitz matrix with 1/spl times/2 blocks. Iteration of the filter is governed by the eigenvalues. If the transfer function H(z)=/spl Sigma/h(k)z/sup -k/ has a zero of order p at z=-1, corresponding to /spl omega/=/spl pi/, then (/spl darr/2)H has p special eigenvalues 1/2 , 1/4 ...,( 1/2 )/sup p/. We show how each additional "zero at /spl pi/" divides all eigenvalues by 2 and creates a new eigenvector for /spl lambda/= 1/2 . This eigenvector solves the dilation equation /spl phi/(t)=2/spl Sigma/h(k)/spl phi/(2t-k) at the integers t=n. The left eigenvectors show how 1,t,...,t/sup p-1/ can be produced as combinations of /spl phi/(t-k). The dilation equation is solved by the cascade algorithm, which is an infinite iteration of M=(/spl darr/2)2H. Convergence in L/sup 2/ is governed by the eigenvalues of T=(/spl darr/2)2HH/sup T/ corresponding to the response 2H(z)H(z/sup -1/). We find a simple proof of the necessary and sufficient condition for convergence.
Computational expression deconvolution in a complex mammalian organ

Microarray expression profiling has been widely used to identify differentially expressed genes in complex cellular systems. However, while such methods can be used to directly infer intracellular regulation within homogeneous cell populations, interpretation of in vivo gene expression data derived from complex organs composed of multiple cell types is more problematic. Specifically, observed changes in gene expression may be due either to changes in gene regulation within a given cell type or to changes in the relative abundance of expressing cell types. Consequently, bona fide changes in intrinsic gene regulation may be either mimicked or masked by changes in the relative proportion of different cell types. To date, few analytical approaches have addressed this problem. We have chosen to apply a computational method for deconvoluting gene expression profiles derived from intact tissues by using reference expression data for purified populations of the constituent cell types of the mammary gland. These data were used to estimate changes in the relative proportions of different cell types during murine mammary gland development and Ras-induced mammary tumorigenesis. These computational estimates of changing compartment sizes were then used to enrich lists of differentially expressed genes for transcripts that change as a function of intrinsic intracellular regulation rather than shifts in the relative abundance of expressing cell types. Using this approach, we have demonstrated that adjusting mammary gene expression profiles for changes in three principal compartments – epithelium, white adipose tissue, and brown adipose tissue – is sufficient both to reduce false-positive changes in gene expression due solely to changes in compartment sizes and to reduce false-negative changes by unmasking genuine alterations in gene expression that were otherwise obscured by changes in compartment sizes. By adjusting gene expression values for changes in the sizes of cell type-specific compartments, this computational deconvolution method has the potential to increase both the sensitivity and specificity of differential gene expression experiments performed on complex tissues. Given the necessity for understanding complex biological processes such as development and carcinogenesis within the context of intact tissues, this approach offers substantial utility and should be broadly applicable to identifying gene expression changes in tissues composed of multiple cell types.
Ruffling a Few Feathers

In this issue of the journal Robert Sparrow (2015) considers some of the most sacred of ideas in bioethics. Among other things, his article revisits critiques of negative eugenics, questions the in...
Distortion analyses for temporal scalability coding techniques

A temporally scalable video coding algorithm allows extraction of video of multiple frame rates from a single coded stream. This paper compares the rate-distortion performance of three temporally scalable coding techniques: temporal subband coding (TSB), motion-compensated temporal subband coding (MC-TSB), and motion compensated prediction (MCP). The distortions are derived in terms of various temporal pixel correlations and the probability of occlusion. Measured values are used to predict performances at full and lower frame rates, and a comparison with experimental quantitative performances demonstrates that the performance ranking is correctly predicted and bounds the accuracy of the analyses at high rates. MCP and MC-TSB always outperform TSB. For high bit rate full-frame-rate video, MCP and MC-TSB perform equivalently. At lower frame rates, MCP provides better performance.
Topological Mapping of BRIL Reveals a Type II Orientation and Effects of Osteogenesis Imperfecta Mutations on Its Cellular Destination

BRIL/IFITM5 is a membrane protein present almost exclusively in osteoblasts, which is believed to adopt a type III (N-out/C-out) topology. Mutations in IFITM5 cause OI type V, but the characteristics of the mutant protein and the mechanism involved are still unknown. The purpose of the current study was to re-assess the topology, localization, and biochemical properties of BRIL and compare it to the OI type V mutant in MC3T3 osteoblasts. Immunofluorescence labeling was performed with antibodies directed against BRIL N- or C-terminus. In intact cells, BRIL labeling was conspicuously detected at the plasma membrane only with the anti-C antibody. Detection of BRIL N-terminus was only possible after cell permeabilization, revealing both plasma membrane and Golgi labeling. Trypsinization of live cells expressing BRIL only cleaved off the C-terminus, confirming that it is a type II protein and that its N-terminus is intracellular. A truncated form of BRIL lacking the last 18 residues did not appear to affect localization, whereas mutation of a single leucine to arginine within the transmembrane segment abolished plasma membrane targeting. BRIL is first targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum as the entry point to the secretory pathway and rapidly traffics to the Golgi via a COPII-dependent pathway. BRIL was found to be palmitoylated and two conserved cysteine residues (C52 and C53) were critical for targeting to the plasma membrane. The OI type V mutant BRIL, having a five residue extension (MALEP) at its N-terminus, presented with exactly the same topological and biochemical characteristics as wild type BRIL. In contrast, the S42 > L mutant BRIL was trapped intracellularly in the Golgi. BRIL proteins and transcripts were equally detected in bone from a patient with OI type V, suggesting that the cause of the disease is a gain of function mediated by a faulty intracellular activity of the mutant BRIL.
Microbiota within the perennial ice cover of Lake Vida, Antarctica

Lake Vida, located in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, is an 'ice-sealed' lake with approximately 19 m of ice covering a highly saline water column (approximately 245 ppt). The lower portions of the ice cover and the lake beneath have been isolated from the atmosphere and land for circa 2800 years. Analysis of microbial assemblages within the perennial ice cover of the lake revealed a diverse array of bacteria and eukarya. Bacterial and eukaryal denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis phylotype profile similarities were low (<59%) between all of the depths compared (five depths spanning 11 m of the ice cover), with the greatest differences occurring between surface and deep ice. The majority of bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences in the surface ice were related to Actinobacteria (42%) while Gammaproteobacteria (52%) dominated the deep ice community. Comparisons of assemblage composition suggest differences in ice habitability and organismal origin in the upper and lower portions of ice cover. Specifically, the upper ice cover microbiota likely reflect the modern day transport and colonization of biota from the terrestrial landscape, whereas assemblages in the deeper ice are more likely to be persistent remnant biota that originated from the ancient liquid water column of the lake that froze.
Efficiently detecting arbitrary shaped clusters in image databases

Image databases contain data with high dimensions. Finding interesting patterns in these databases poses a very challenging problem because of the scalability, lack of domain knowledge and complex structures of the embedded clusters. High dimensionality adds severely to the scalability problem. In this paper, we introduce WaveCluster/sup +/, a novel approach to apply wavelet-based techniques for clustering high-dimensional data. Using a hash-based data structure to represent the data set, we offer a detailed technique to apply a wavelet transform on the hashed feature space. We demonstrate that the cost of clustering can be reduced dramatically yet maintaining all the advantages of wavelet-based clustering. This hash-based data representation can be applied for any grid-based clustering approaches. The experimental results show the effectiveness and efficiency of our method on high-dimensional data sets.
Diagnostic utility of direct immunofluorescence findings around hair follicles and sweat glands in immunobullous disease.

Background Inherent to some immunobullous disorders is potential for intraepidermal or dermal–epidermal junction fragility, a phenomenon that may compromise biopsy specimen integrity and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) interpretation. In these situations, cutaneous adnexal structures (e.g. hair follicles, sweat apparatus) usually remain intact. Whether periadnexal DIF findings are reliable in diagnosing immunobullous conditions is unknown. Methods We evaluated 56 cutaneous specimens with diagnostic immunoglobulin (Ig) deposition patterns that contained adnexal structures. In a corollary study, we examined 145 hematoxylin-eosin-stained frozen specimens to determine biopsy factors associated with the presence of adnexal structures. Results Periadnexal DIF findings offered diagnostic sensitivity in conditions with linear or cell-surface Ig deposition or lupus band. Periadnexal DIF findings were unreliable in dermatitis herpetiformis. Biopsy specimens from scalp and genitalia were most likely to contain folliculosebaceous units and sweat duct apparatus, respectively. Relative depth of biopsy correlated directly with the likelihood of identifying sweat duct apparatus but not folliculosebaceous units. Conclusions Periadnexal DIF findings may add diagnostic sensitivity in DIF evaluation of pemphigoid, pemphigus and lupus erythematosus. Pathologists can guide clinicians to biopsy certain anatomic sites and to obtain sufficient biopsy depth to increase the probability of capturing adnexal structures and, therefore, diagnostic yield from DIF specimens.
Secondary sclerosing cholangitis: a comparison to primary sclerosing cholangitis.

OBJECTIVES: The natural history of secondary sclerosing cholangitis (SSC) is Ill-defined. In order to better determine the natural history of this condition, we retrospectively reviewed data from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. We also compared the natural history of patients diagnosed with SSC to a cohort with a diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). METHODS: We used a computer-assisted search to identify patients with a diagnosis of SSC seen from 1992 to 2002. The diagnosis was confirmed by chart review and information about age, gender, etiology, therapy, and clinical course was sought. We excluded those presumed SSC patients who had a history of inflammatory bowel disease, those with malignancy at the time of diagnosis, and those who had undergone liver transplantation prior to the diagnosis of SSC. Patients with PSC matched for age, gender, and serum bilirubin level served as disease controls. RESULTS: We identified 31 patients, average age 57, (range 28-79). The causes of SSC included surgical trauma from cholecystectomy (13 patients), intraductal stones (12 patients), recurrent pancreatitis (4 patients), and abdominal injury (2 patients). Nine patients with SSC ultimately required liver transplantation and 4 patients have died. When compared to matched patients with PSC, the survival free of transplant was significantly shortened (p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: When the long-term outcome of SSC patients was compared to matched PSC controls, the SSC patients had a poorer outcome. The natural history of SSC is characterized by a shortened life expectancy.
Rural-urban differences in physical activity, physical fitness, and overweight prevalence of children.

ABSTRACT: Context:The increasing prevalence of overweight in youth has been well chronicled, but less is known about the unique patterns and risks that may exist in rural and urban environments. A better understanding of possible rural–urban differences in physical activity profiles may facilitate the development of more targeted physical activity interventions. Methods: Participants (1,687 boys; 1,729 girls) were recruited from fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classes in schools from urban areas, small cities, and rural areas. Multilevel modeling analysis was used to examine rural–urban differences in physical activity and prevalence of overweight. Physical activity was assessed by self-report and body mass index was calculated from measured height and weight. Findings: Prevalence of overweight was higher among rural children (25%; P < .001) than children from urban areas (19%) and small cities (17%). Urban children were the least active overall (Cohens' d =−0.4), particularly around lunchtime while at school (d =−0.9 to −1.1). Children from small cities reported the highest levels of physical activity. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest there are rural–urban differences in children's prevalence of overweight and physical activity even within a fairly homogenous Midwestern state.
Remediating pesticide contaminated soils using solvent extraction

Bench-scale solvent extraction studies were performed on soil samples obtained from a Superfund site contaminated with high levels of p,p{prime}-DDT, p,p{prime}-DDE and toxaphene. The effectiveness of the solvent extraction process was assessed using methanol and 2-propanol as solvents over a wide range of operating conditions. It was demonstrated that a six-stage methanol extraction using a solvent-to-soil ratio of 1.6 can decrease pesticide levels in the soil by more than 99% and reduce the volume of material requiring further treatment by 25 times or more. The high solubility of the pesticides in methanol resulted in rapid extraction rates, with the system reaching quasi-equilibrium state in 30 minutes. The extraction efficiency was influenced by the number of extraction stages, the solvent-to-soil ratio, and the soil moisture content. Various methods were investigated to regenerate and recycle the solvent. Evaporation and solvent stripping are low cost and reliable methods for removing high pesticide concentrations from the solvent. For low concentrations, GAC adsorption may be used. Precipitating and filtering pesticides by adding water to the methanol/pesticide solution was not successful when tested with soil extracts. 26 refs., 10 figs., 6 tabs.
Prognostic usefulness of positive or negative exercise stress echocardiography for predicting coronary events in ensuing twelve months.

Abstract Stress echocardiography is useful in diagnosing myocardial ischemia in patients with significant coronary artery disease. This study examines the correlation between the results of exercise stress echocardiography and cardiac event rates within 12 months after testing in patients referred for evaluation of possible myocardial ischemia. Cardiac events, defined as myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass surgery, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or death, were tabulated for 360 patients with ≥12 months of follow-up, or a cardiac event within 12 months of follow-up, or both. Wall motion abnormalities at rest were present in 60% of patients. A positive stress echocardiogram, defined as the development of new or worsened wall motion abnormalities, was obtained in 18% of patients (65 of 360), and ≥1 cardiac event during follow-up was present in 14% (n = 49). A cardiac event occurred in 34% of patients (22 of 65) with a positive stress echocardiogram and in 9% (27 of 295) with a negative one. Myocardial infarctions occurred in 9% of patients with a positive stress echocardiogram compared with 2% with a negative test. An insufficient exercise capacity to reliably exclude ischemia was present in 63% of patients (17 of 27) with a cardiac event despite a negative stress echocardiogram. The predictive value of the stress echocardiographic results was enhanced by combining these results with the electrocardiographic results. In summary, a positive stress echocardiogram was associated with a threefold increased incidence of any cardiac event, and a fourfold increased incidence of myocardial infarction within 12 months of follow-up compared with a negative stress echocardiogram. Thus, stress echocardiography is a useful prognosticator of future events in patients with coronary artery disease.
Cocaine-Induced Increases in EEG Alpha and Beta Activity: Evidence for Reduced Cortical Processing

To understand the effects of cocaine on the cerebral cortex, 14 male polydrug abusers were enrolled in a study on the effects of cocaine on the electroencephalogram (EEG). The experimental treatments were placebo, 20 mg cocaine or 40 mg cocaine i.v. administered in a double-blind, pseudorandom design. The EEG was recorded from 13 electrode positions over the left hemisphere during a 3-minute baseline recording and for 30 minutes after initiation of the i.v. injection. The spectral power for delta, theta, alpha and beta EEG bands was calculated from data collected in each 3-minute interval. Cocaine significantly increased beta in frontal and central areas and enhanced alpha in frontal and temporal regions. Cocaine-induced increases in EEG beta power had a cortical distribution similar to those produced by barbiturates and benzodiazepines. As all of these drugs reduce cortical glucose metabolism, the increases in beta power may reflect a reduction in cortical neural activity.
Are Mixed Explicit/Implicit Solvation Models Reliable for Studying Phosphate Hydrolysis? A Comparative Study of Continuum, Explicit and Mixed Solvation Models

Phosphate hydrolysis is ubiquitous in biology. However, despite intensive research on this class of reactions, the precise nature of the reaction mechanism remains controversial. Herein, we have examined the hydrolysis of three homologous phosphate diesters. The solvation free energy was simulated by means of either an implicit solvation model (COSMO), hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical free energy perturbation (QM/MM-FEP) or a mixed solvation model in which N water molecules were explicitly included in the ab initio description of the reacting system (where N=1-3), with the remainder of the solvent being implicitly modelled as a continuum. Here, both COSMO and QM/MM-FEP reproduce DeltaG(obs) within an error of about 1 kcal mol(-1). However, we demonstrate that in order to obtain any kind of reliable results from a mixed model, it is essential to carefully select the explicit water molecules from short QM/MM runs that act as a model for the true infinite system. Additionally, the mixed models tend to be increasingly unstable and miss larger entropic contributions as more explicit water molecules are placed into the system. Thus, our analysis indicates that this approach provides an unreliable way for modelling phosphate hydrolysis in solution.
Transfer of Development Rights: An Analysis of a New Land Use Policy Tool

The issues in establishing and administering a transfer of development rights program are discussed, and an hypothetical program is empirically analyzed. In the case study, administrative assignment of development rights and definition of development unit significantly affected the distribution of program costs. Full compensation to restricted landowners would have required widely fluctuating development right prices. Initial cost burdens varied with type of development as well as within development categories. Timing of development right supply and demand may create problems in the market. Although the TDR concept is promising, many practical difficulties remain.
Simple spike firing in the posterior lateral cerebellar cortex of Macaque Mulatta was correlated with success–failure during a visually guided reaching task

Evidence has been accumulating which supports a role for the cerebellum in motor learning. Motor learning is though to be mediated by complex spikes acting as an error signal, which when firing in conjunction with simple spike activity modify synapses between parallel fibers and Purkinje cells. We studied the activity of neurons in the posterior lateral cerebellar cortex of macaques that were performing reaches to visual targets. We found that simple spike firing in many of these neurons was modulated by whether the monkey successfully hit the target or not. The success-failure modulation was present for reaches using either arm and could persist for several hundred milliseconds into a period when the monkey was constrained from moving its arms. This temporally extended success-failure activity could interact with complex spike firing in order to enhance learning, particularly when the motor command is temporally separated from sensory feedback.
Experimental Measurement of Thrust Foil Bearing Temperature Profiles

Gas foil thrust bearings provide axial support for modern Oil-Free turbomachine rotors, reducing maintenance costs and overall system mass. Large temperature gradients can arise in these bearings due to the viscous dissipation in the gas film and the high thermal conduction resistance of the support structure, which consists of thin superalloy foils. Relatively little experimental temperature data exists for this type of bearing, due in large part to the difficulty in installation of instrumentation. In the current work, temperature gradients in the uncooled bearing are measured across a speed range from 25,000 rpm to 65,000 rpm at low to moderate loads. Bearing torque is measured to correlate temperature gradient magnitude with bearing power loss.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Clarifying the nature of startle habituation using latent curve modeling

Startle habituation is present in all startle studies, whether as a dependent variable, discarded habituation block, or ignored nuisance. However, there is still much that remains unknown about startle habituation, including the following: (1) what is the nature of the startle habituation curve?; (2) at what point does startle habituation approach an asymptote?; and (3) are there gender differences in startle habituation? The present study investigated these three questions in a sample of 94 undergraduates using both traditional means-based statistical methods and latent curve modeling. Results provided new information about the nature of the startle habituation curve, indicated that the optimal number of habituation trials with a 100dB startle stimulus is 13, and showed that females display greater startle reactivity but habituate toward the same level as males.
Mass-transport fabrication of off-axis and prismatic gallium phosphide optics

Refractive prismatic and off-axis micro-optical elements have been fabricated in gallium phosphide by mass-transport smoothing of multistep and binary preforms, respectively. A total optical efficiency of greater than 94% was measured for the prism, while diffraction-limited collimation and steering were demonstrated with the off-axis lens. A qualitative discussion of possible errors in binary preform etching and their effects on the surface figure is also included.
A polymer-based MEMS differential scanning calorimeter

Abstract We present a flexible, polymer-based MEMS differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) device integrating highly sensitive thermoelectric sensing, real-time temperature monitoring and microfluidic sample and reagent handling for the thermodynamic characterization of biomolecules with minimized sample consumption. The device, based on an inexpensive, commercially available polymer substrate, consists of a pair of calorimetric microchannels that are integrated with resistive temperature sensors and heaters as well as an antimony–bismuth (Sb–Bi) thermopile. For DSC measurements, the two channels are filled respectively with a biomolecular sample and a reference solution, whose temperatures, measured in situ using the resistive temperature sensors, are varied at a constant rate using closed-loop temperature control. The difference in the thermal power between the sample and reference induces a temperature difference, which is measured using the thermopile for thermodynamic characterization of the biomolecules. We demonstrate the utility of this MEMS DSC device by measuring the unfolding of lysozyme in a small volume (1 μL), and at practically useful protein concentrations (5 mg/mL). Thermodynamic properties of lysozyme, such as the molar enthalpy change and melting temperature at different lysozyme concentrations, have been obtained and found to agree with published data.
A chronicle of individualization

Abstract The Defense Language Institute, Foreign Language Center is committed to converting its foreign language training to a self-paced, individualized format. Since 1975, a training program has sought to familiarize all faculty and staff with the principles of individualized instruction. A series of workshops in instructional technology as they relate to the teaching of foreign languages through individualization has been attended by more than 600 participants. This process of faculty and staff retraining is described within the context of the literature of self-paced instruction and a brief methodological history of foreign language training at the Army Language School/Defense Language Institute. The content and scope of the Instructional Technology Workshop and the Criterion-Referenced Instruction Workshop are discussed.
Minithoracotomy combined with mechanically stapled bronchial and vascular ligation for anatomical lung resection.

Abstract Background The most appropriate approach to anatomic pulmonary resection has been debated with the advance of minimally invasive techniques and especially the common use of mechanical staplers. Video assisted surgery and muscle-sparing thoracotomy are established options of surgical approach for lung resection. We utilize a combined technique of vertical muscle sparing minithoracotomy and mechanical closure of the hilum structures to accomplish lung resection. Methods From December 1995 through January 2002, 713 patients (mean age, 65 ± 11, 44.6% male) underwent anatomic pulmonary resection including 64 pneumonectomies, 514 lobectomies, and 135 formal segmental resections. Pulmonary resection was approached though a direct access, vertical, minithoracotomy ( Results The average operative time was 55 minutes for lobectomy-formal segmentectomy and 62 minutes for pneumonectomy. An average of 3.6 staple applications were utilized to ligate the pulmonary vasculature (n = 2548 for 713 patients). Operative vascular complications included 5 minor intimal fractures, 1 posterior segmental arterial avulsion, and 1 staple misfiring for an adverse event rate during stapler application of 0.27%. Only one conversion to standard thoracotomy was necessary to control bleeding from the pulmonary vein. There were no intraoperative deaths. Conclusions Vertical minithoracotomy is a safe and expedited approach for anatomic lung resection. Direct visualization for dissection and effective pulmonary hilum mechanical closure with staplers were demonstrated. This approach is a reasonable option when a complete video-assisted surgery seems to be hazardous and a full open thoracotomy could represent an additional morbidity.
Alkali-catalyzed carbon gasification kinetics: unification of H2O, D2O, and CO2 reactivities

Abstract We have been able to quantitatively unify the relative reaction rates for alkali (Li through Cs) salt-catalyzed carbon gasification by H2O, D2O, and CO2. The key to unification is the measurement of catalyst dispersion by a surface alkylation technique in conjunction with the relative rate measurements. After accounting for changes in the catalyst dispersion with gas composition, the reactivity per site is seen to depend only on the oxidizing power of the gas phase. This indicates that the rates are governed by a surface oxidation step in equilibrium with the gas phase which is general to all three reactants. This view is supported by rapid oxygen exchange rates and the form of the rate expressions. The catalyst dispersion decreases with increasing CO + CO2 content of the gas, a fact which we interpret as a change in the morphology of the catalytic salt by CO2−3 formation.
Using Standard Situations to Measure Attention Span and Persistence in Toddler-Aged Children: Some Cautions

This study was conducted with 38 children, 23-25 months old, to evaluate the use of standard situations to measure individuals differences in attention span and persistence. A vigilance task was used to measure attention span and three problem-solving tasks to measure persistence. Three delay tasks were used to measure inhibitory control, a personality trait hypothesized to be a correlate of attention span and persistence. Results showed (a) some consistency in performance within the persistence tasks but not across these tasks, (b) poor consistency in performance within the vigilance task, and (c) good consistency in performance across the delay tasks. No significant interrelations were found among the persistence, attention span, and delay measures. Developmental status, as measured by maternal report, was not related to any of the measures.
Compounds Containing Five-Coordinate Group 13 Elements

The synthesis, characterization, and applications of five-coordinate group 13 compounds are examined and surveyed. The range of compounds covered in this study includes those with five separate ligands (called “Class A”), a single bidentate ligand (Class B), two bidentate ligands (Class C), tridentate ligand coordination (Class D), and tetradentate ligand coordination (Class E). Each class of five-coordinate compounds is further sub- divided into the possible “Types” of structures that may be envisioned to occur. Following an extensive (although not exhaustive) search of the literature it was found that the majority of the compounds fell into a very few Types in each Class. Thus, future reviews may focus more specifically on the details within these well-populated Types. Many of the possible Types of compounds had no members whatsoever, and thus provide clear targets for future research endeavors. As a striking example, no compound involving a single five-coordinate ligand (Class F) was found.
Implementation of an HL7/DICOM broker for automated patient demographic data entry in computed radiography systems

As radiology departments move closer to enterprise-wide electronic imaging systems, the importance of timely and accurate patient and exam information cannot be overstated. In addition, automated entry of patient and exam information into image acquisition modalities (e.g., computed radiography, CR) enhances technologist productivity, which is critical in high volume practices (e.g. a major trauma center). A difficulty arises, however, since the authoritative source of patient and exam information may be a Radiology Information System (RIS) or a Hospital Information System (HIS) packages its data differently than most imaging modalities. To bridge this gap, we have implemented an interface engine to affect the translation of Health Level Seven (HL7) messages from the RIS (or HIS) into Digital Imaging Communications In Medicine (DICOM) messages for seven CR systems (Fuji Medical Systems, Burbank, CA). Recent measurements suggest that manual technologist transcription of information into the CR unit takes 45.4 plus or minus 3.0 seconds. Since the introduction of the HL7/DICOM broker, the time has dropped to 5.4 plus or minus 0.1 seconds to produce the same information.
Multi-phase simulations of coaxial injector combustion

A multiphase computational fluid dynamics code (ARICC-3D) is presented and results of two simulations are discussed. The numerical framework of the CFD code is reviewed as well as some of the two-phase physical submodels. The simulations performed include a single coaxial element injector and a multielement injector using LOX/Hydrogen reactants. The single element injector simulation verified the interaction among the code's submodels. The multielement injector simulation transient results include the chamber response to a transverse pressure wave with and without a chamber baffle. The results of these simulations demonstrate the current capabilities and their limitations to model complex two-phase combustion phenomena. Possible ways to exceed these limitations are suggested.
Insulin-like growth factor I disparately regulates prolactin and growth hormone synthesis and secretion: studies using the teleost pituitary model.

Although insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I)’s inhibition of GH release is well documented, little is known of its control of GH synthesis at the posttranscriptional level. The manner by which IGF-I alters PRL synthesis and secretion is also unclear. This study was undertaken to examine the role IGF-I plays in regulating in vitro PRL and GH synthesis and release using the teleost pituitary model system. This model allows for isolation of nearly homogenous populations of distinct pituitary cell types that can be cultured in a completely defined, hormone-free medium. Tissues containing PRL cells and those consisting of GH cells were dissected from pituitaries of hybrid striped bass and exposed to varying concentrations of IGF-I, IGF-II, and insulin for 18 ‐20 h. Exposure to graded doses of IGF-I markedly stimulated fractional, total, and newly synthesized PRL release in a dose-dependent fashion (ED50 for fractional release, 35 ng/ml or 4.6 nM; P , 0.0001). IGF-II and insulin also increased PRL release, but only at 10-fold higher concentrations than the lowest effective IGF-I dose. The total PRL content in the incubations and PRL synthesis, as measured by [ 35 S]methionine incorporation, were not altered by IGF-I. By contrast, IGF-I potently reduced GH release (ED50, 29 ng/ml or 3.8 nM; P , 0.0001) and synthesis. Both 100 and 1000 ng/ml IGF-I decreased newly synthesized GH and total GH content (P , 0.001). Insulin and IGF-II mimicked IGF’s action in attenuating GH release, but only at 10- to 11-fold higher concentrations. Taken together, these findings clearly indicate that IGF-I disparately regulates PRL and GH synthesis and secretion. We show that the effects of IGF-I on pituitary hormone release occur in a variety of species, suggesting that its actions are well conserved. The inhibition of GH release and synthesis by IGF-I probably reflects a negative feedback loop for maintaining tight control over GH cell function. These findings further indicate that IGF-I is a potent and specific secretagogue of PRL release in vertebrates. (Endocrinology 141: 2886 ‐2894, 2000)
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Isolates Recovered from Fish, a Harbour Seal (Phoca vitulina) and the Marine Environment are Capable of Inducing Characteristic Cutaneous Lesions in Pigs

Summary In order to determine the diversity and pathogenicity of Erysipelothrix spp. isolates recovered from marine fish, a harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) and the marine environment, 14 isolates were characterized by genotyping, serotyping, determination of the surface protective antigen (spa) gene type and assessment of virulence in a pig bioassay. All 14 isolates were Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. Isolates were determined to be of serotypes 2 (n = 3), 3 (n = 1), 4 (n = 1), 12 (n = 1), 15 (n = 1) or 21 (n = 6), and one isolate cross-reacted with serotypes 5 and 21. The spa gene analysis determined that 64.3% (n = 9) were spaA and 35.7% (n = 5) were spaB1. In pigs, 10/14 isolates induced small plaques to diamond-shaped cutaneous lesions consistent with Erysipelothrix spp. infection. The results of this study indicate that the marine E. rhusiopathiae isolates have greater genetic and antigenic diversity than pig isolates and are capable of inducing classical skin lesions in pigs.
Subcellular characteristics of functional intracellular renin-angiotensin systems.

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is now regarded as an integral component in not only the development of hypertension, but also in physiologic and pathophysiologic mechanisms in multiple tissues and chronic disease states. While many of the endocrine (circulating), paracrine (cell-to-different cell) and autacrine (cell-to-same cell) effects of the RAS are believed to be mediated through the canonical extracellular RAS, a complete, independent and differentially regulated intracellular RAS (iRAS) has also been proposed. Angiotensinogen, the enzymes renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and the angiotensin peptides can all be synthesized and retained intracellularly. Angiotensin receptors (types I and 2) are also abundant intracellularly mainly at the nuclear and mitochondrial levels. The aim of this review is to focus on the most recent information concerning the subcellular localization, distribution and functions of the iRAS and to discuss the potential consequences of activation of the subcellular RAS on different organ systems.
Movement of Glucose and Sodium Chloride from the Oropharyngeal Cavity to the Brain

OROPHARYNGEAL, stimuli evoked during tasting, chewing and swallowing of food have been shown to influence the rate and degree of ingestion1,2. The “satiety mechanism” seems, however, to be operative only if ingesta enter the stomach. It has been reported that animals which have been depleted of sodium or water consume sufficient quantities to compensate for deficits. The observation of animals satiating their appetite in a few minutes, or by a single ingestive act, before absorption from the intestine is likely has led several investigators to postulate some sort of oropharyngeal metering3,4.
Injectable fibrin scaffold improves cell transplant survival, reduces infarct expansion, and induces neovasculature formation in ischemic myocardium.

OBJECTIVES In this study, we determined whether fibrin glue improves cell transplant retention and survival, reduces infarct expansion, and induces neovasculature formation. BACKGROUND Current efforts in restoring the myocardium after myocardial infarction (MI) include the delivery of viable cells to replace necrotic cardiomyocytes. Cellular transplantation techniques are, however, limited by transplanted cell retention and survival within the ischemic tissue. METHODS The left coronary artery of rats was occluded for 17 min followed by reperfusion. One week later, bovine serum albumin (BSA), fibrin glue, skeletal myoblasts in BSA, or skeletal myoblasts in fibrin glue were injected into the infarcted area of the left ventricle. The animals were euthanized five weeks after injection, and their hearts were excised, fresh frozen, and sectioned for histology and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS After five weeks, the mean area covered by skeletal myoblasts in fibrin glue was significantly greater than the area covered by myoblasts injected in BSA. Myoblasts within the infarct were often concentrated around arterioles. The infarct scar size and myoblasts in the fibrin group were significantly smaller than those in the control and BSA groups. Fibrin glue also significantly increased the arteriole density in the infarct scar as compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that fibrin glue increases cell transplant survival, decreases infarct size, and increases blood flow to ischemic myocardium. Therefore, fibrin glue may have potential as a biomaterial scaffold to improve cellular cardiomyoplasty treat and MIs.
Contact printing of quantum dot light emitting diode on silicon probe tip

A novel quantum dot based LED is fabricated directly on a micromachined silicon probe. Monolayers of quantum dots are precisely deposited at the probe tip through microcontact printing and electrically excited to show successful electroluminescence.
Common iliac artery aneurysm and spontaneous dissection with contralateral iatrogenic common iliac artery dissection in classic ehlers-danlos syndrome.

We describe a 43-year-old man who developed a spontaneous dissection of a right iliac artery aneurysm after performing vigorous physical exercise. Additionally, during peripheral intervention, the patient developed iatrogenic dissection of the left iliac artery. The patient had the characteristic physical findings of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS), classic type. Genetic testing revealed a mutation in the COL5A1 gene associated with EDS, classic type. Vascular aneurysms and dissections are characteristics of EDS vascular type, but not the classic type. Only one previous case with EDS, classic type with spontaneous iliac artery dissection has been described.
Cutaneous vasostomy: Technique for treatment of chronic and recurrent epididymitis

We describe a method for treatment of patients with chronic and recurrent epididymitis. Six of 7 patients (86%) treated with this procedure between 1977 and 1980 have had no recurrent episodes of epididymitis to date. We discuss the comparative benefits of this procedure as related to other surgical treatments for acute, chronic, and recurrent epididymitis.
Erythema induratum of Bazin as a tuberculid: Confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA polymerase chain reaction analysis☆☆☆

coidal granuloma, granulomatous vasculitis, Kaposi's sarcoma, and pseudolymphoma. 1-3 To our knowledge, the literature contains only one observation of a lymphoma occurring under the same circumstances. 4 In our patient, the papulonodular eruption of C LL developed in healing lesions of varicella. The presence of the same clonal rearrangement of the immunoglobu~in heavy chain gene in the skin, blood, and bone maJxow showed that this patient had specific cutaneous lesions of B-cell CLL. PCR clearly identified the presence o f VZV in the cutaneous lesions, whereas it is absent f rom the bone marrow and from the leukocytes of the peripheral blood. It is likely that this represents a nonspecific stimulation of the B lymphocytes.
On the assumed inelasticity of demand for the performing arts.

For the past decade, cultural economists have been telling performing arts organlratious that they can increase their box office receipts by raising ticket prices; or, as an economist would put it, that their price elasticity of demand is inelastic. This conclusion has invariably been reached for groups of companies, either for a specific medium such as orchestras, or across a number of performing mediums (Withers, 1980; Touchstone, 1980; Lange and Luksetich, 1984; Throsby and Withers, 1987). Furthermore, these studies have treated subscribers and nonsubscribers as a single entity. The implication is that, as with socks, "one size fits all."
Non‐linear B‐stability and symmetry preserving return mapping algorithms for plasticity and viscoplasticity

A class of second order accurate return mapping algorithms is presented which lead to symmetric algorithmic tangent moduli and contain the classical backward-Euler return maps as a particular case. More importantly, it is shown that this class of return maps is contractive relative to the natural norm defined by the complementary Helmholz free energy function (B-stability). Since the equations of classical plasticity and viscoplasticity are shown to be contractive relative to this natural norm, the requirement of B-stability furnishes the appropriate notion of unconditionally stable algorithms for plasticity and viscoplasticity. The analysis that follows depends critically on the assumption of convexity. In particular, the models of plasticity and viscoplasticity considered obey the principle of maximum plastic dissipation. The proposed algorithms obey the discrete counterpart of this classical principle.
A society-integrated testbed architecture for peer-to-peer telecommunications

Exploiting and deploying telecommunication services on Internet Telephony are imperative for a large market share. However, the distributed nature of peer-to-peer (P2P) network makes services implementation very difficult. In order to meet the research goals of achieving P2P telecommunication services through the union of social and computer networks, we present a society-integrated testbed architecture for P2P voice over IP (VoIP). By introducing an architecture that exploits and entailing social structure based connection establishment, the testbed presents an organic integration of social functionalities with good portability. The testbed also serves as a flexible tool suite that can be used to run experiments and obtain timely feedback based on the performance measurements.