cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of protein concentration and CaCl2 on cold-set thickening mechanism of β-lactoglobulin at low pH

Abstract Effects of protein concentration and CaCl2 on the cold-thickening mechanism of a pH-modified β-lactoglobulin (β-lg) ingredient were studied. Flexible fibrillar networks were formed at pH 3.35, and more branching was observed with an increase in CaCl2 equating to an increase of ionic strength (I) of 60 m m . This increase in ionic strength of β-lg solutions led to an increased conversion of monomers to aggregates (>106 Da), especially at concentrations above 6.9% (w/w), the critical concentration (Cc) for this modified protein system. A more connected flexible fibrillar network was observed following freeze-drying, with increased viscosities of rehydrated modified powders as compared with modified solutions prior to drying. A small increase in I (∼10 m M ) at concentrations greater than Cc resulted in improved thickening with similar network characteristics and thus provided an option for manipulation of protein and CaCl2 concentration to obtain improved thickening behavior.
Angiosperm Types from the Hawaiian Collections of A. A. Heller

The numbering system used by A. A. Heller for his 1895 Hawaiian collections has led to confusion regarding which specimens should be considered types. As part of a larger study of Hawaiian angiosperm types we have examined many of Heller's specimens and analyzed their status as types. We present the status of all specimens we have examined as well as those we are aware of from the literature. We have also constructed itineraries for Heller's collecting activities on his trip to the Hawaiian Islands on the islands of O'ahu and Kaua'i. Nomenclatural notes are given for all angiosperm basionyms based on Heller's Hawaiian collections. Lectotypifications are provided forCyperus hillebrandii Boeck. var.helleri Kuk.,Cyrtandra gayana A. Heller,Cyrtandra longifolia (Wawra) Hillebr. ex C. B. Clarke var.wahiawae A. Heller ex Rock,Euphorbia sparsiflora A. Heller,Isodendrion subsessilifolium A. Heller,Lobelia tortuosa A. Heller,Nania tremuloides, A. Heller,Pelea microcarpa A. Heller, andSuttonia angustifolia Mez.
GC-on-chip: integrated column and photoionization detector

This paper reports a unique GC-on-chip module comprising a monolithically integrated semi-packed micro separation column (μSC) and a highly sensitive micro helium discharge photoionization detector (μDPID). While semi-packed μSC with atomic layer deposited (ALD) alumina as a stationary phase provides high separation performance, the μDPID implemented for the first time in a silicon–glass architecture inherits the desirable features of being universal, non-destructive, low power consumption (1.4 mW), and responsive. The integrated chip is 1.5 cm × 3 cm in size and requires a two-mask fabrication process. Monolithic integration alleviates the need for transfer lines between the column and the detector which improves the performance of the individual components with overall reduced fabrication and implementation costs. The chip is capable of operating under the isothermal as well as temperature and flow programming conditions to achieve rapid chromatographic analysis. The chip performance was investigated with two samples: 1) a multi-analyte gas mixture consisting of eight compounds ranging from 98 °C to 174 °C in boiling point and 2) a mixture containing higher alkanes (C9–C12). Our experiments indicate that the chip is capable of providing rapid chromatographic separation and detection of these compounds (<1 min) through the optimization of flow and temperature programming conditions. The GC-on-chip demonstrated a minimum detection limit of ~10 pg which is on a par with the widely used destructive flame ionization detector (FID).
When, where, and how do immunizations fail?☆

There are two main reasons for failure of immunizations: (1) failure of the vaccine delivery system to provide potent vaccines properly to persons in need; and (2) failure of the immune response, whether due to inadequacies of the vaccine or factors inherent in the host. The first category is by far the most important worldwide. The major factor contributing to failure of the delivery system is failure to vaccinate; in the developing world this is commonly a result of inadequacy of the vaccine supply. Other important factors include barriers to immunizations, improper use of vaccines, vaccine ineffectiveness at the time of use, and factors relating to client attitudes and knowledge. Failure of the immune response may be either primary or secondary (loss of protection after initial effectiveness). The shortcomings of existing vaccines must not deter us from taking maximal advantage of their benefits.
Myc pathways provoking cell suicide and cancer

A paradox for the cancer biology field has been the revelation that oncogenes, once thought to simply provide advantages to a cancer cell, actually put it at dire risk of cell suicide. Myc is the quintessential oncogene in this respect, as in normal cells it is required for cell cycle traverse, whereas in cancers it is overexpressed and functions as the angiogenic switch. Nonetheless, Myc overexpression kills normal cells dead in their tracks. Here we review Myc-induced pathways that contribute to the apoptotic response. Molecular analysis of Myc-induced tumors has established that some of these apoptotic pathways are essential checkpoints that guard the cell from cancer, as they are selectively bypassed during tumorigenesis. The precise mechanism(s) by which Myc targets these pathways are largely unresolved, but we propose that they involve crosstalk and feedback regulatory loops between arbiters of cell death.
Calcium homeostasis in a local/global whole cell model of permeabilized ventricular myocytes with a Langevin description of stochastic calcium release.

Population density approaches to modeling local control of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release in cardiac myocytes can be used to construct minimal whole cell models that accurately represent heterogeneous l...
YOHIMBINE REVERSAL OF KETAMINE-XYLAZINE IMMOBILIZATION OF RACCOONS (PROCYON LOTOR)

Six adult raccoons (Procyon lotor) were sedated with a combination of ketamine hydrochloride (KH) at 10 mg/kg body weight and xylazine hydrochloride (XH) at 2 mg/kg body weight intramuscularly (i.m.). Twenty min after the KH-XH combination was given, yohimbine hydrochloride (YH) at either 0.1 mg/kg (Trial 1) or 0.2 mg/kg (Trial 2) body weight or a saline control (Trial 3) was administered intravenously (i.v.). The time to arousal, time to sternal recumbency and time to walking were recorded. These times were significantly shortened after YH administration [e.g., mean time to walking (MTW) at 0.2 mg/kg YH = 23.7 min] as compared to the saline controls (MTW = 108.8 min). Heart and respiratory rates both increased after YH administration, while body temperature remained constant. A fourth trial was performed using a higher ratio of KH to XH (45:1 rather than 5:1) to mimic sedation as performed in the field. The mean time to arousal (MTA) and MTW in this trial (1.3 and 23.7 min, respectively) were significant...
Analog computer solution of a third-order Pontryagin optimum control system:

Pontryagin's maximum principle is used to develop a method for solving several types of optimal control problems on the analog computer. In particular, this is applied to a third-order control system, and the results shown. The restrictions on the problem and the analog computer are shown, and a procedure for setting up and using the analog mechanization is given.
Simulations of Foreground Effects for Cosmic Microwave Background Polarization

We use a simple model to investigate the effect of polarized Galactic foreground emission on the ability of planned cosmic microwave background (CMB) missions to detect and model CMB polarization. Emission from likely polarized sources (synchrotron and spinning dust) would dominate the polarization of the microwave sky at frequencies below 90 GHz if known Galactic foregrounds are at least 10% polarized at high latitude (|b| > 30°). Maps of polarization at frequencies below 90 GHz will likely require correction for foreground emission to enable statistical analysis of the individual Stokes Q or U components. The temperature-polarization cross-correlation is less affected by foreground emission, even if the foreground polarization is highly correlated with the foreground intensity. Polarized foregrounds, even if uncorrected, do not dominate the uncertainty in the temperature-polarization cross-correlation for instrument noise levels typical of the Microwave Anisotropy Probe (MAP) experiment. Methods that remove Galactic signals at the cost of signal-to-noise ratio should carefully balance the value of rejecting faint foregrounds with the cost of increased instrument noise.
Incidence and distribution of distant metastases from newly diagnosed esophageal carcinoma

Background. It is important to diagnose distant metastases disease in patients with newly diagnosed esophageal carcinoma, so that unwarranted surgery and its attendant risks are avoided. The purpose of this study was to determine (1) the percentage of esophageal cancer patients with distant metastases (M1) at presentation, (2) the locations of these distant metastases, and (3) how the metastases were diagnosed. Methods. All patients at the University of Michigan Medical Center with newly diagnosed esophageal cancer between 1982 and July, 1993, were identified. Records for these 838 patients were reviewed, and patients were classified as having M0 or M1 disease at presentation. For patients with M1 disease, the locations of distant metastases and the methods of diagnosis were recorded. Results. One hundred forty-seven of 838 (18%) patients had M1 disease. In 110 of 147 (75%) patients, M1 disease was detected before surgery via imaging or physical examination, including 102 of 147 (69%) via chest or abdominal computed tomography (CT). In no case staged as M0 by abdominal and chest CT was M1 disease detected on bone scan or head CT. Distant metastases were most commonly diagnosed in abdominal lymph nodes (45%), followed by liver (35%), lung (20%), cervical/supraclavicular lymph nodes (18%), bone (9%), adrenal (5%), peritoneum (2%), brain (2%), and stomach, pancreas, pleura, skin/body wall, pericardium, and spleen (each 1%). Conclusion. A significant percentage of patients with esophageal cancer have M1 disease at presentation. Imaging of the chest and abdomen is an effective method of screening such patients for M1 disease before treatment.
Frontiers of Nuclear Astrophysics

Abstract The main goals of nuclear astrophysics have been to probe the interiors of stars, stellar explosions, the early moments of cosmic expansion, and the formation and evolution of galaxies and cosmic structure by measurement and application of the relevant nuclear physics. The approach to these goals have generally been from three directions: 1) Careful measurements of the relevant nuclear reactions; 2) Detailed computer models of the relevant astrophysical environments; and 3) Observations of the relevant terrestrial and extra-terrestrial atomic and isotopic abundances. These approaches provide not only insight into the formation and evolution of the elements, but are also pillars upon which a variety of cosmological models as well as models for physics beyond the standard model of particle physics can stand or fall. At present there is a very exciting frontier on all three of these approaches. The development and applications of radioactive-ion-beam and low-background facilities have begun to clarify the input nuclear physics. The development of hydrodynamic stellar-evolution and explosion models in three spatial dimensions, along with detailed radiation and neutrino transport has provided new and unexpected insights into some of the deep mysteries regarding the origin and evolution of the elements. Also, for the first time in history, ground and space-based observations of elemental abundances in stars and gas are being made from the time of the very first stars and cosmic structures to the present. Observation of the cosmic microwave background can now also be used to analyze the development of structure in the universe from before the time of photon decoupling to the present. These observations provide unprecedented views of the history of cosmic evolution. They also provide new questions. In this review we summarize some some of the developments in each of these areas and highlight the exciting frontiers where new breakthroughs are likely to occur.
UTD analysis of foliage penetration for use in propagation modeling

One of the key challenges in propagation modeling for point-to-point links is including the effects of foliage. Foliage is a volume scatterer and much of the work that has been done on modeling foliage is statistical in manner. However, such statistical models often do not fit easily into existing propagation models. Our past propagation modeling work has used MOMI to solve the scattering from a perfectly conducting or dielectric ground, and volume scattering media do not fit well into the two dimensional integral equation method. Similarly, such volumetric statistical models would not be a good fit for diffraction based propagation models. Thus, we sought a simple continuous medium which might adequately, though not perfectly, match the foliage layer attenuation and reflection.
Received Pronunciation and Realphonetik

ABSTRACT: An analysis of the literature and dictionaries regarding Received Pronunciation (RP) shows that RP is improperly and ambiguously defined, uses inconsistent phonetic transcriptions, lacks standard vowel and articulatory charts, uses and substitutes generic phonemic transcription for actual phonetic transcription, is not based on a clear policy as to its appropriate areas of application or relationship to other dialects, is not established on the basis of enlightened majority rule, and serves to impose a tiny minority and arbitrary standard on a vast worldwide majority, thereby producing intolerance and linguistic oppression, or what is called ‘linguistic imperialism.’ To correct such problems and put RP on a more scientific basis, the logic of definition is used to define RP; standard articulation and an extended vowel chart are proposed; 1989/1993 IPA. phonetic symbols are used, and other corrections and analyses given. A proposal is made to replace RP with ‘British Pronunciation’(BP), which would be based on an actual and adequate descriptive phonetics, called here, Realphonetik. Guidelines and requirements are proposed if it is to be used as a standard. It is proposed that BP, as well as other dialects, including American pronunciation, be taught in the schools, but that IPA phonetics be taught as well so that the various pronunciations may be properly compared and rendered. A comprehensive English language phonetics bibliography is included at the end of the analysis.
Sputum cholesterol in bronchial asthma

Abstract 1.1. Cholesterol values on the sputa of fifty-one patients suffering from bronchial asthma ranged from 7 to 55 mg. per cent. 2.2. The amount of cholesterol varied with the severity of the clinical symptoms. 3.3. High sputum cholesterols were noted in the infective or skin-negative type of bronchial asthma (25 to 55 mg. per cent). 4.4. The total amount of cholesterol expectorated in twenty-four hours ranged from 1 to 10 milligrams.
A vibration energy harvester using diamagnetic levitation

In this paper a novel electromagnetic vibration type energy harvester which uses a diamagnetic levitation system is conceptualized, designed, fabricated, and tested. The harvester uses two diamagnetic plates made of pyrolytic graphite between which a cylindrical magnet levitates passively. Two archimedean spiral coils are placed in grooves which are engraved in the pyrolytic graphite plates, used to convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy efficiently. The geometric configurations of coils are selected based on the field distribution of the magnet to enhance the efficiency of the harvester. A thorough theoretical analysis is done to compare with the experiment results. At an input power of 103.45 μW and at a frequency of 2.7 Hz, the harvester generated a power of 0.744 μW at an efficiency of 0.72 %. Both theoretical and experimental results show that this new energy harvesting system is efficient and can capture low frequency broadband spectra.
Methodologic issues of case-control studies: a review of established and newly recognized limitations.

The case–control study design is used extensively to identify risk factors associated with patients’ harboring antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. Although case–control studies have numerous strengths, this editorial reviews and discusses their current limitations. Three articles in this issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, which provide further insight and potential solutions to the limitations of this study design, are also reviewed.1-3 The main strength of a case–control study design is the analysis of risk factors associated with outcomes that occur infrequently. Case–control studies, in contrast to cohort studies, allow the rapid and efficient investigation of a hypothesis because the outcome of interest has already occurred. This design is therefore frequently used for the study of risk factors associated with antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, an infrequent outcome that is predominantly identified by clinical or surveillance cultures. The main weakness of case–control studies is the potential for introducing biases, including measurement bias and selection bias. Measurement bias arises due to the retrospective nature of collecting data about predictor variables. For example, patients who harbor antimicrobial-resistant pathogens may be more likely to recall exposure to antibiotics, compared with patients who do not harbor these pathogens. This differential recall bias would lead to a greater association of antibiotic exposure with the outcome of interest. Selection bias can occur during the identification of case-patients and control-patients if their inclusion depends on the exposure of interest. Methods to avoid this type of bias have been discussed elsewhere.4 There are several other methodologic issues that warrant discussion, pertaining specifically to the identification of risk factors for antimicrobial-resistant pathogens when the case–control study design is used.
Inferring Web communities from link topology

The World Wide Web grows through a decentralized, almost anarchic process, and this has resulted in a large hyperlinked corpus without the kind of logical organization that can be built into more tradit,ionally-created hypermedia. To extract, meaningful structure under such circumstances, we develop a notion of hyperlinked communities on the www t,hrough an analysis of the link topology. By invoking a simple, mathematically clean method for defining and exposing the structure of these communities, we are able to derive a number of themes: The communities can be viewed as containing a core of central, “authoritative” pages linked togh and they exhibit a natural type of hierarchical topic generalization that can be inferred directly from the pat,t,ern of linkage. Our investigation shows that although the process by which users of the Web create pages and links is very difficult to understand at a “local” level, it results in a much greater degree of orderly high-level structure than has typically been assumed.
Synthesis of benzo[b]phenanthro[d]thiophenes

The synthesis of benzo[b]phenanthro[1,2-d]thiphene (1), benzo[b]phenanthro[4,3-d]thiophene (2), benzo-[b]phenanthro[2,1-d]thiophene (3) and benzo[b]phenanthro[3,4-d]thiophene (4) from appropriately substituted olefines by photochemical cyclodehydrogenation is described. The photolysis of olefin 9 gave a mixture of 4 and anthra[1,2-b]benzo[d]thiophene (5).
Inactivation of immobilized glucose oxidase by hydrogen peroxide

Abstract In the presence of hydrogen peroxide, the stability of immobilized glucose oxidase was found to be inferior in continuous operation to that in storage tests. Analysis confirmed that the reduced form of the enzyme, which is a product of the glucose-oxidation reaction, is much more readily inactivated by hydrogen peroxide than is the oxidized form. It was found that if the hydrogen peroxide could be removed in the microenvironment of the enzyme, this inactivation could be reduced. Descriptions of the hydrogen peroxide concentration in the microenvironment are presented as an aid to understanding and overcoming the problem. The problem has important implications when the continuous use of immobilized glucose oxidase is being considered, particularly in the analytical field.
Climate change impacts: accounting for the human response

The assessment of potential impacts of climate change is progressing from taxonomies and enumeration of the magnitude of potential direct effects on individuals, societies, species, and ecosystems according to a limited number of metrics toward a more integrated approach that also encompasses the vast range of human response to experience and risk. Recent advances are both conceptual and methodological, and include analysis of some consequences of climate change that were heretofore intractable. In this article, I review a selection of these developments and represent them through a handful of illustrative cases. A key characteristic of the emerging areas of interest is a focus on understanding how human responses to direct impacts of climate change may cause important indirect and sometimes distant impacts. This realization underscores the need to develop integrated approaches for assessing and modeling impacts in an evolving socioeconomic and policy context.
Yeast Rad7-Rad16 Complex, Specific for the Nucleotide Excision Repair of the Nontranscribed DNA Strand, Is an ATP-dependent DNA Damage Sensor

In eukaryotes, nucleotide excision repair of ultraviolet light-damaged DNA is a highly intricate process that requires a large number of evolutionarily conserved protein factors. Genetic studies in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have indicated a specific role of the RAD7 and RAD16 genes in the repair of transcriptionally inactive DNA. Here we show that the RAD7- and RAD16-encoded products exist as a complex of 1:1 stoichiometry, exhibiting an apparent dissociation constant (Kd) of <4 x 10(-10) M. The Rad7-Rad16 complex has been purified to near homogeneity in this study and is shown to bind, in an ATP-dependent manner and with high specificity, to DNA damaged by ultraviolet light. Importantly, inclusion of the Rad7-Rad16 complex in the in vitro nucleotide excision repair system that consists entirely of purified components results in a marked stimulation of damage specific incision. Thus, Rad7-Rad16 complex is the ATP-dependent DNA damage sensor that specifically functions with the ensemble of nucleotide excision repair factor (NEF) 1, NEF2, NEF3, and replication protein A in the repair of transcriptionally inactive DNA. We name this novel complex of Rad7 and Rad16 proteins NEF4.
Generativity and successful parenting: an analysis of young adult outcomes

Generativity scores were assessed in parents and correlated with offspring outcomes. The offspring were participants in a longitudinal study spanning their first and senior years of college. Generativity of parents was positively related to offspring agreeableness and conscientiousness. Parental generativity was also related to offspring scores on future time orientation and positive affect. In addition, generative parents seemed to model their political interests to offspring, and that modeling was related to children's higher scores on generativity and greater interest in politics. Parental generativity was also related to offspring religiosity. Most of these relationships remained significant after controlling for offspring scores on generativity. Generativity of parents appears to be related to successful offspring outcomes.
Food Neophobia in Childhood Affects Dietary Variety

Abstract Objective To determine whether children with food neophobia (unwillingness to try new foods) have more restrictive diets than children without neophobia. Subjects Seventy children were classified into 3 groups based on scores obtained on the Food Neophobia Scale: neophobic group, score greater than 41; neophilic group, score less than 27; and average group, score of 28 to 40. Design Dietary data were collected and analyzed for 3 days selected randomly. The dependent variables measured were energy and nutrient intakes, servings of each Food Guide Pyramid group, and Health Eating Index (HEI) scores. Statistical analyses χ 2 , 1-way analysis of covariance, and Scheffe multiple comparisons tests were conducted. Results The 3 groups were similar with respect to the number of children meeting two thirds of the RDA/DRI for energy and most nutrients. The exception was vitamin E: fewer neophobic children met two thirds of the recommended value for this nutrient than average and neophilic children. The overall HEI score was significantly lower for the neophobic group compared with the average and neophilic groups. The HEI index showed that children with neophobia had a higher intake of saturated fat and less food variety than children without food neophobia. Applications Dietitians should emphasize increased food variety for children within the context of a healthful diet. Research should be conducted to determine the effects of dietary variety on quality of diet and health of children. J Am Diet Assoc. 2000;100:1474-1478,1481 .
Reduced temperature does not prevent transport of lysosomal integral membrane proteins from endoplasmic reticulum and through the Golgi system to lysosomes.

The effect of low temperature on the transport of three lysosomal integral membrane proteins (I, II and III) from endoplasmic reticulum to lysosomes has been studied in normal rat kidney cells. At 15°C and 18°C, though slowly, the proteins could leave the endoplasmic reticulum, move through the Golgi system from the cis to the trans side, and accumulate in lysosomes. Transport of these proteins at low temperature occurred slower than at 37°C. Both at low temperature and 37°C, the proteins were transported between the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi (III > I and II) and from Golgi to lysosomes (II > III > > I) with different rates.
Upregulation of Tyrosine Hydroxylase and Downregulation of Choline Acetyltransferase in Lead-Exposed PC12 Cells: The Role of PKC Activation

The effects of lead (Pb) on the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) were compared in relation to Pb-activation of cPKC in the PC12 cells. Exposure to 0.53 μM Pb (0.1094 ppm) increased TH but reduced ChAT activity and mRNA levels. The increase of TH activity was detectable as early as 0.5 h of exposure, reached a maximum 150% of control after 2 h, and then diminished to a steady state 135% of control between 12 and 48 h of exposure. The decrease of ChAT activity was first detectable after 2 h of Pb exposure, reached a 45% reduction after 6 h, and remained stable thereafter through 48 h of exposure. PKC activity increased 200% after 2 h and then reverted to control levels by 48 h of Pb exposure. The increase of TH activity after 2 h but not 48 h of exposure exceeded that of its mRNA. PKC inhibitor Ro32-0342 suppressed TH activity increase after 2 h of Pb exposure by 80% without affecting TH mRNA. The decrease of ChAT activity correlated with the reductions in steady-state ChAT mRNA levels at 2 and 48 h of Pb exposure and Ro32-0342 had no effect on the Pb-induced decrease of either ChAT activity or mRNA. These results demonstrate that Pb alters TH and ChAT expression in PC12 cells in a reciprocal manner, i.e., upregulates the former but downregulates the latter. PKC is not involved in Pb-induced downregulation of ChAT but does mediate the early phase of Pb-induced augmentation of TH activity, presumably through postranslational modification (phosphorylation) of the enzyme. However, this effect is short-lived due to downregulation of PKC in the course of prolonged (48 h) Pb exposure. It is concluded that, in the course of prolonged exposure, both upregulation of TH and downregulation of ChAT reflect primarily the effects of Pb at the level of gene expression through mechanisms that are not related to Pb activation of PKC.
Reconstruction of oil saturation distribution histories during immiscible liquid-liquid displacement by computer-assisted tomography

Demonstration experimentale du fait que la tomographie assistee par ordinateur peut fournir des donnees sur la saturation en fluide en fonction de la position spatiale et du temps au cours d'experiences de deplacement de petrole par un liquide non miscible
Firm size and the information content of prices with respect to earnings

Abstract Beaver, Lambert and Morse (1980) suggest that prices may be useful in forecasting future earnings. We explore the information content of prices with respect to earnings by focusing on firm size and its relation to the predictive accuracy of price-based earnings forecasts. Firm size proxies for the amount of information and for the number of traders and professional analysts processing the available information about an enterprise. Our empirical results are consistent with the hypothesis that price-based earnings will outperform univariate time series forecasts by a greater margin for larger firms than for smaller firms.
Variationally corrected discrete-basis-set calculation for electron-molecule scattering in the static-exchange approximation

We present a method for including a variational correction in the discrete-basis-set method for electron-molecule scattering introduced by Rescigno, McCurdy, and McKoy. Our prescription for variationally corrected partial-wave K-matrix elements is based on Kohn's formula for the variationally stable scattering amplitude in three dimensions. The method is applied to e/sup -/-H/sub 2/ scattering in the static-exchange approximation, and the effect of choosing different trial basis sets is shown. Our results are in good agreement with the results of other accurate calculations.
Coronary angiographic, echocardiographic, and electrocardiographic studies on a patient with variant angina due to coronary artery spasm

A 45-year-old Caucasian female patient with a clinical rehistory and ECG's conforming to the syndrome of variant angina as characterized by Prinzmetal is presented. ECG's recorded during spontaneous pain demonstrated ST-segment elevation and symmetrical peaking of the T-waves in the lateral precordial leads and short runs of ventricular tachycardia. Similar ECG changes were recorded during treadmill exercise- and hand-grip exercise-induced chest pain. An echocardiogram recorded during angina induced by hand-grip exercise demonstrated progressive flattening of septal motion. Multiple views of the coronary system by selective coronary cineangiography were normal with the patient at rest. Angina was then induced by hand-grip exercise and a repeat right anterior oblique view of the left coronary system revealed marked spasm of the left anterior descending artery proximal to the first septal perforator.
Buffer stocks are better stabilizers than quotas

Abstract Michael Pelcovits (1979, p. 307) recently showed that with an unstable foreign excess supply curve, either a fixed quota or a buffer stock program with a fixed tariff can be used to stabilize domestic price at a given level, and both policies ‘will have the same effect on social welfare [so…t]he choice between [the two…] must then be made on the basis of administrative cost and feasibility’. However, he reached his conclusion by ranking the two policies on the basis of domestic welfare, and in this note we demonstrate with his same model that on the basis of foreign welfare the buffer stock is better than the quota. Thus, world welfre is higher under the buffer stock than under the quota.
Low expansion copper aluminosilicate glasses

The thermal expansion coefficients of Cu2OAl2O3SiO2 glasses have been measured. These glasses have very low expansion coefficients similar to that for SiO2 glass, but their liquids temperatures are much lower. It was possible to reduce the liquids temperature by the addition of 2 mol% of Na2O while maintaining low expansivity. In order to explain the low expansivity, the effects of cation size, valence, the Cu2+/Cu+ ratio, bond strength and phase separation were examined. Phase separation was observed in these glasses which probably consisted of a copper-rich dispersed phase and a network former-rich matrix phase. It was concluded that the overall expansion coefficients of the glasses were governed by the low expansion matrix phase.
Mitomycin in Anal Cancer: Still the Standard of Care

A 52-year-old woman presents with a 2-month history of bright red blood per rectum. Her bleeding is associated with bowel movements and a sense of incomplete evacuation. She denies fecal incontinence or change in stool caliber. On digital rectal examination, the tumor is palpated approximately 3 cm from the anal verge, posterior and slightly to the right, positioned at the top of the anal canal and extending into the rectum, measuring approximately 2.5 cm. Additionally, a firm 1.5-cm left-sided inguinal node is palpated. The patient is then referred for colonoscopy, which reveals a mass in the anal canal; biopsy of the mass shows squamous cell carcinoma. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) demonstrates thickening in the low rectum with [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) avidity (Figs 1A, 1B). The left inguinal node is visualized, as is a perirectal lymph node with associated FDG avidity (Figs 1C, 1D). The patient is staged as having T2N3 squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (Table 1). Her medical history is otherwise unremarkable, including for HIV, prior abnormal Papanicolaou smears, and other risk factors for human papillomavirus (HPV) exposure.
Plant salt stress status is transmitted systemically via propagating calcium waves

The existence and relevance of rapid long-distance signaling in plants is evident to any observer of the nastic movements of the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) or the sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica). However, all plants require the transmission of sensory information from the site of perception to other tissues to adjust their physiological states according to their environment. It is becoming increasingly apparent that rapid long-distance signals exist throughout the plant kingdom and may be responsible for initiating a multitude of physiological responses: electrical “action potentials” have been shown to convey wounding and salt-stress information from leaf-to-leaf (1, 2); a “hydraulic signal” transmitted by the direction of water movement within the xylem can mediate long-distance signaling of water stress experienced by the roots to the leaves in Arabidopsis (3); and reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to propagate across a plant and carry stimulus-specific information to a variety of stresses (4). In PNAS, Choi et al. (5) use elegant approaches and present advances demonstrating that calcium can function as a long-distance signaling messenger, propagating in waves from roots and carrying salt-stress signals to induce expression of salt tolerance genes in leaves.
Nuclear acidic protein of the developing Oncopeltus embryos.

Abstract During the early development of Oncopeltus fasciatus , the nuclear acidic proteins change in rate of synthesis, in amount, and in type. The rate of nuclear acidic proteins synthesis becomes maximal at the 45th h of development. The mass ratio of nuclear acidic protein to DNA increases to its highest level at the 68-h stage and decreases to a constant value after 120 h of development. The amount of nuclear acidic protein per embryo increases linearly from 20 h to 68 h and levels off after 120 h of development. The number of nuclear acidic protein subcomponents increases gradually during the course of development, the emergence of some nuclear acidic protein components being stage-specific. Before or at the beginning of differentiation, the biosynthetic activity is selective. After differentiation the activity is uniformly decreased. The significance of these changes in nuclear acidic proteins and their possible correlations to differentiation are discussed.
Surgical intern survival skills curriculum as an intern: does it help?

Abstract Background The transition from medical student to surgical intern is fraught with anxiety. We implemented a surgical intern survival skills curriculum to alleviate this through a series of lectures and interactive sessions. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate its effectiveness. Methods This was a prospective observational pilot study of our surgical intern survival skills curriculum, the components of which included professionalism, medical documentation, pharmacy highlights, radiographic interpretations, nutrition, and mock clinical pages. The participants completed pre-course and post-course surveys to assess their confidence levels in the elements addressed using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = unsatisfactory, 5 = excellent). A P value of less than .05 was considered significant. Results In 2009, 8 interns participated in the surgical intern survival skills curriculum. Fifty percent were female and their mean age was 27.5 ± 1.5 years. Of 33 elements assessed, interns rated themselves as more confident in 27 upon completion of the course. Conclusions The implementation of a surgical intern survival skills curriculum significantly improved the confidence levels of general surgery interns and seemed to ease the transition from medical student to surgical intern.
Regularity of ultrafilters

If there arek ++ eventually functions fromk + intok or if there arek ++ eventually different functions fromk + then uniform ultrafilters onk + are (k, k +)-regular.
Dispersion in active transport by kinesin-powered molecular shuttles.

Active transport driven by molecular motors is a key technology for the continued miniaturization of lab-on-a-chip devices, because it is expected to enable nanofluidic devices with channel diameters of less than 1 μm and total channel lengths on the order of 1 mm. An important metric for a transport mechanism employed in an analytic device is dispersion, because it critically affects the sensitivity and resolution. Here, we investigate the mechanisms responsible for the dispersion of a swarm of “molecular shuttles”, consisting of functionalized microtubules propelled by surface-adhered kinesin motor proteins. Using a simple model and measurements of the path persistence length, motional diffusion coefficient, and the distribution of average velocities, we found that, at the time scale relevant in the envisioned nanobiodevices, variations in the time-averaged velocities between shuttles will make a stronger contribution to the dispersion of the swarm than both the fluctuations around the time-averaged vel...
Near-unity quantum yields of biexciton emission from CdSe/CdS nanocrystals measured using single-particle spectroscopy.

Biexciton photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields (${Q}_{2\mathrm{X}}$) of individual $\mathrm{CdSe}/\mathrm{CdS}$ core-shell nanocrystal quantum dots with various shell thicknesses are derived from independent PL saturation and two-photon correlation measurements. We observe a near-unity ${Q}_{2\mathrm{X}}$ for some nanocrystals with an ultrathick 19-monolayer shell. High ${Q}_{2\mathrm{X}}$'s are, however, not universal and vary widely among nominally identical nanocrystals indicating a significant dependence of ${Q}_{2\mathrm{X}}$ upon subtle structural differences. Interestingly, our measurements indicate that high ${Q}_{2\mathrm{X}}$'s are not required to achieve complete suppression of PL intensity fluctuations in individual nanocrystals.
Evaluation of a scalable and distributed mobile device video recording approach for accessible presentations

We evaluate the scalability of a multiple view distributed approach to recording presentations that utilizes camera equipped mobile devices. We show this approach is scalable in terms of video resolution, bandwidth and power. This scalability enables users with a broader range of mobile devices to effectively participate in presentations. We show our approach is less expensive, more scalable, flexible and easier to deploy than traditional presentation recordings. In addition, our solution supports accessible views, which enables participation by deaf and/or blind participants.
The Format Wars Drawing the Battle Lines for the Next DVD

Soon the DVD format will celebrate its tenth anniversary in the consumer electronics market. In those 10 years, the format has brought about some significant changes in the film industry and the ho...
Maternal l -glutamine supplementation prevents prenatal alcohol exposure-induced fetal growth restriction in an ovine model

Prenatal alcohol exposure is known to cause fetal growth restriction and disturbances in amino acid bioavailability. Alterations in these parameters can persist into adulthood and low birth weight can lead to altered fetal programming. Glutamine has been associated with the synthesis of other amino acids, an increase in protein synthesis and it is used clinically as a nutrient supplement for low birth weight infants. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of repeated maternal alcohol exposure and l-glutamine supplementation on fetal growth and amino acid bioavailability during the third trimester-equivalent period in an ovine model. Pregnant sheep were randomly assigned to four groups, saline control, alcohol (1.75–2.5 g/kg), glutamine (100 mg/kg, three times daily) or alcohol + glutamine. In this study, a weekend binge drinking model was followed where treatment was done 3 days per week in succession from gestational day (GD) 109–132 (normal term ~147). Maternal alcohol exposure significantly reduced fetal body weight, height, length, thoracic girth and brain weight, and resulted in decreased amino acid bioavailability in fetal plasma and placental fluids. Maternal glutamine supplementation successfully mitigated alcohol-induced fetal growth restriction and improved the bioavailability of glutamine and glutamine-related amino acids such as glycine, arginine, and asparagine in the fetal compartment. All together, these findings show that l-glutamine supplementation enhances amino acid availability in the fetus and prevents alcohol-induced fetal growth restriction.
Feeding tube placement in patients with advanced dementia: the beliefs and practice patterns of speech-language pathologists.

Purpose To describe the beliefs and practices of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) about the use of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) among patients with advanced dementia and dysphagia. ...
The general motion of an inclined impact damper with friction

Abstract An exact approach is presented to study N stable impacts per period of motion of an inclined impact damper with friction and collision on either one or both sides of the main mass with identical and non-identical coefficients of restitution. The modifications required to accommodate cases of pressurized damper mass and a damper mass oscillating on a spring-supported platform are presented. The comparison of theoretical predictions with results obtained using numerical simulation of motion on a digital computer and previous results indicate good agreement.
Altered expression of CD44 and variant isoforms in human adenocarcinoma of the endocervix during progression.

Abstract Objective. Altered expression of the CD44 family of cell adhesion molecules has been associated with tumor progression and metastasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the gene products of CD44 standard (CD44s) and several alternatively spliced variants (CD44v4, v6, v7, and v9) in adenocarcinoma of the endocervix and to correlate the degree of their expression with disease progression. Methods. Immunohistochemical staining for CD44s and CD44v4, v6, v7, and v9 was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded endocervical specimens. Seventeen cases of adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and 22 cases of invasive adenocarcinoma of the endocervix were included in this study, and the immunoreactivity was compared with that of normal endocervical epithelium. Results. (1) In the normal endocervical mucosa, immunoreactivity for CD44s and the splice variants was lacking or was confined to only the basal portion of the glandular epithelium along the basement membrane; (2) CD44s was diffusely expressed along the entire cytoplasmic membrane, including the luminal surface of the tumorous glands in 94% of AIS and 95% of invasive adenocarcinomas; (3) a significantly stronger expression of CD44s was observed in invasive adenocarcinomas than in AIS; (4) in contrast to all other splice variants, CD44v9 demonstrated an increased expression in nearly all in situ and invasive lesions compared to the normal tissue; (5) CD44v4 and v6 were expressed only in a small proportion of invasive adenocarcinomas and were near totally absent in the in situ lesions; and (6) CD44 v7 was totally absent in all normal, in situ, and invasive lesions studied. Conclusions. It appears that neoplastic transformation of endocervical epithelium is associated with qualitative and quantitative changes in the expression of CD44 standard molecule and some CD44 splice variants.
Smoothing estimation of stochastic processes: Two-filter formulas

Some simple derivations of two-filter-like formulas (in the smoothing problem of linear estimation) are given for general nonstationary processes. Especially, the argument provides a single development for continuous, discrete, and continuous-discrete schemes (here the results are new). It is shown how a wide sense Markovian assumption is required to give the formulas a backwards filter interpretation. While few of the results are new, the simple derivations will be of intuitive value.
AUTOGENIC–ALLOGENIC STATUS AFFECTS INTERPOND COMMUNITY SIMILARITY AND SPECIES AREA RELATIONSHIP OF MACROPARASITES IN THE BLUEGILL SUNFISH, LEPOMIS MACROCHIRUS, FROM A SERIES OF FRESHWATER PONDS IN THE PIEDMONT AREA OF NORTH CAROLINA

The effects of autogenic–allogenic status on the species–area relationship and the relationship between geographic distance and intercommunity dissimilarity were investigated in macroparasite communities of the bluegill sunfish Lepomis macrochirus. Rank correlation analyses were used to examine the relationship between pond surface area and species richness of all species collectively and of autogenic species and allogenic species separately. A positive relationship was found for allogenic species, whereas there was no association for all species, nor was there an association when the study was restricted to autogenic species. Mantel tests were used to determine the relationship between geographic distance and community dissimilarity for all species and for autogenic and allogenic species independently. Total community dissimilarity and allogenic dissimilarity were found to be influenced by geographic distance, whereas autogenic dissimilarity was random with regard to interpond distances. These findings s...
Plasma Concentration of Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone, Thyrotropin, Prolactin, and Growth Hormone during Five-Day Osmotic Pump Infusion of Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone

Pituitary TSH, PRL, and GH responses to 5-day infusion of TRH using Alzet osmotic minipumps (Alza Corp.) were investigated in two trials to examine comparative hormonal response to continuous stimulation. In each trial, eight (four control and four treatment) ovariectomized ewes were used. The TRH dose infused was 500 μg/day (trial 1) and 100 μg/day (trial 2). Infusion of TRH with osmotic pumps increased mean plasma TRH to 637.8 pg/ml in comparison to 35.2 pg/ml in the untreated control animals in trial 1 and 60.0 vs 9.4 pg/ml in trial 2. On day 1 of trial 1, there was an initial stimulation of mean TSH levels to 12.2 ng/ml, which declined to 4.5 ng/ml during the collection period. A mean concentration of 7.9 ng/ml was observed on day 3. The TSH level on day 5 was 13.4 ng/ml, as compared to 1.6 ng/ml in the control animals throughout trial 1. In trial 2, a similar pattern of TSH secretion was observed. The concentration on day 1 declined from 10.2 to 6.1 ng/ml. The mean concentration on days 3 and 5 ere 9...