cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism to study metabolic effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in obesity.

Obesity is a complex disease that is influenced by several factors, such as diet, physical activity, developmental stage, age, genes, and their interactions with the environment. Obesity develops as a result of expansion of fat mass when the intake of energy, stored as triglycerides, exceeds its expenditure. Approximately 40% of the US population suffers from obesity, which represents a worldwide public health problem associated with chronic low-grade adipose tissue and systemic inflammation (sterile inflammation), in part due to adipose tissue expansion. In patients with obesity, energy homeostasis is further impaired by inflammation, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. These pathologic conditions increase the risk of developing other chronic diseases including diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and certain forms of cancer. It is well documented that several bioactive compounds such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) are able to reduce adipose and systemic inflammation and blood triglycerides and, in some cases, improve glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in vertebrate animal models of obesity. A promising model organism that is gaining tremendous interest for studies of lipid and energy metabolism is the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. This roundworm stores fats as droplets within its hypodermal and intestinal cells. The nematode's transparent skin enables fat droplet visualization and quantification with the use of dyes that have affinity to lipids. This article provides a review of major research over the past several years on the use of C. elegans to study the effects of ω-3 PUFAs on lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis relative to metabolic diseases.
On approximating Gaussian relay networks with deterministic networks

We examine the extent to which Gaussian relay networks can be approximated by deterministic networks, and present two results, one negative and one positive. The gap between the capacities of a Gaussian relay network and a corresponding linear deterministic network can be unbounded. The key reasons are that the linear deterministic model fails to capture the phase of received signals, and there is a loss in signal strength in the reduction to a linear deterministic network. On the positive side, Gaussian relay networks are indeed well approximated by certain discrete superposition networks, where the inputs and outputs to the channels are discrete, and channel gains are signed integers. As a corollary, MIMO channels cannot be approximated by the linear deterministic model but can be by the discrete superposition model.
"I'm Not Feeling Like I'm Part of the Conversation" Patients' Perspectives on Communicating in Clinical Video Telehealth Visits.

Clinical video telehealth (CVT) offers the opportunity to improve access to healthcare providers in medically underserved areas. However, because CVT encounters are mediated through technology, they may result in unintended consequences related to the patient-provider interaction. Twenty-seven patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus enrolled in Veteran Affairs Health Care and at least one previous telehealth visit experience were interviewed regarding their perspectives on facilitators and barriers to communication with their provider during their CVT visit. The semi-structured telephone interviews were approximately 30 min and were audio-recorded and transcribed. We conducted a thematic content analysis of the interview transcripts. Codes from the transcripts were grouped into thematic categories using the constant comparison method and each theme is represented with illustrative quotes. We identified several themes related to patients’ perspectives on CVT. In general, patients expressed satisfaction with CVT visits including better access to appointments, shorter travel time, and less time in the waiting room. Yet, patients also identified several challenges and concerns about CVT visits compared with in-person visits, including concerns about errors in their care because of perceived difficulty completing the physical exam, perceptions that providers paid less attention to them, barriers to speaking up and asking questions, and difficulty establishing a provider-patient relationship. Patients reported feeling less involved during the visit, difficulty finding opportunities to speak, and feeling rushed by the provider. Patients believed that CVT can improve their access to care, but could hinder communication with their provider, and some were concerned about the completeness and accuracy of the physical exam.
Characterizing Doctoral Engineering Student Socialization: Narratives of Mental Health, Decisions to Persist, and Consideration of Career Trajectories

This research full paper explores interview data with N=36 engineering graduate students to understand the factors and characteristics of graduate socialization, with the effort of better preparing students to succeed in doctoral programs. This research is motivated by the alarming fact that nearly one-third of engineering doctoral students will not finish their PhD programs; however, little research has been conducted on the various factors that can lead to attrition or enhance persistence in graduate engineering programs. This paper presents the results from the interview phase of a larger study investigating doctoral engineering socialization, attrition, persistence, and career trajectories. The participants for this study come from large research-intensive universities across the United States, and were sampled for maximum variation in a number of different categories, including stage in their doctoral program, gender, and race. Upon collecting and analyzing interview data from our participants through constant comparative and content analysis methods, several themes arose including concerns for mental health in engineering graduate students and uncertainties with joining the culture of academia in their future careers. Further, although the participants for this study are currently graduate students who anticipate completing their PhDs, nearly half of the participants discussed strongly considered leaving at some point. This study adds to the body of literature surrounding engineering attrition and the underlying issues driving engineering PhDs away from academic engineering careers.
Climate Justice and Public Health: Practical Ethics in Urgent Times

This chapter reflects on the disproportionate impact of climate change on the most vulnerable people, but argues that the language of “climate justice” may not be the most effective language for communicating the urgency to the general public, and changing attitudes and behaviors around climate change. Drawing on theories of human motivation in the social sciences, the paper argues that most people, most often, tend to be motivated by what most affects them, their families, their neighborhoods, and so forth. This suggests that the likely health impacts of climate change might be a more effective way of communicating with those who are not motivated by the narrative of social justice to change their attitudes and behaviors. Because the health impacts of climate change can be generalized to all of us, it is likelier to motivate a shift in attitudes in behavior among larger publics. The chapter concludes with reflections on how to integrate public health more effectively into our communications about climate change.
Bonhoeffer on Resistance: The Word Against the Wheel: by Michael P. DeJonge. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2018. 192 pp. $25.00. ISBN# 9780198824176

In most popular and academic portrayals of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Bonhoeffer lives his life in reverse. We meet him in a prison cell or perhaps already on the gallows, work our way back through his i...
Integrative units to prepare youth for democratic participation

In our current educational climate, in which neoliberal ideology permeates public education (e.g., No Child Left Behind, Race to the Top), the prioritization of student achievement over authentic l...
Sulfur contents in leaves and branches of dominant species among the three forest types in the Pearl River Delta

Plants play an important role in reducing the concentrations of sulfur-containing pollutants by means of biological absorption. The present study sampled 32 tree species,and measured the sulfur(S) contents in leaves and branches(in dry weight) of dominant species for three main forest types in the Pearl River Delta,specifically coniferous and broadleaved mixed restoration(CBMR) forest in Longfeng Mountain(5 species),Foshan city; seashore shelter evergreen broadleaved(SSEB) forest of Nansha Forest Plot(11 species) and secondary evergreen broadleaved(SEB) forest(16 species) in Maofeng Mountain,Guangzhou city. Firstly,we compared the S contents in leaves and branches of three main forest types.Our results showed that mean value of S content was(0.24±0.02) % in leaves and(0.14±0.02) % in branches for these tree species; and S content in leaves was significantly higher than that of in branches(P = 0. 000). A significant interspecific difference(P = 0.000) of S content in leaves(and branches) was also detected. Among the three forest types,CBMR forest exhibited the highest S content both in leaves(0.39±0.13) % and branches(0.28±0.09) %,followed by SEB forest((0.22±0.01) % in leaves,and(0.13 ± 0.01) % in branches),and SSEB forest((0.22 ± 0.02) % in leaves,and(0. 10±0. 01) % in branches). Result of a Turkey Post Hoc Test showed that the amount of S elements absorbed by tree organs in CBMR forest was significantly higher than that of in SEB forest and SSEB forest,which was generally consistent with the pattern of atmospheric S-containing pollutants in heterogeneous environment in the Pearl River Delta. Secondly,we attempted to compare the S content between closely related species as well as distantly related species. In closely related species(e.g.,four species in Fabaceae,and three species in Lauraceae),S contents in leaves(and branches) exhibited a significant difference respectively. The results suggested that environmental filtering effect, rather than phylogenetic constraint effect,played a more important role in the S-absorption process at the Family level. Finally,we compared the S content in leaves and branches between native species and introduced species. For native and introduced tree species,no significant difference was detected in either leaves or branches,suggesting that local habitat may determine the physiological and ecological behaviors of tree species. In conclusion,the results from three analyses collectively showed that the differences of leaves and branches of dominant species in three main forest types in Guangzhou and Foshan reflected a general status of S pollution in the atmosphere. Our results implied important strategies for urban forest management that top priorities should be given to selection of tree species with higher ability of S-absorption and a combination of native and introduced tree species for urban afforestation.
Cumulative Socionatural Displacements: Reconceptualizing Climate Displacements in a World Already on the Move

Climate-induced displacement is attracting increasing media, state, and scholarly attention, albeit often in a way that situates migration as either an example of climate adaptation or a failure th...
Identification of the Pla2 Responsible For Prostanoid Synthesis in Response to Inflammatory Cytokines

IDENTIFICATION OF THE PLA2 RESPONSIBLE FOR PROSTANOID SYNTHESIS IN RESPONSE TO INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES By Chaminda Fernando A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2005 Major Director: Charles E. Chalfant, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry Preliminary studies from our laboratory showed that cPLA2a may be responsible for approximately 50-60% of the PGE2 production in response to inflammatory cytokines. Thus, we hypothesized that a closely-related PLA2 is responsible for 40-50% of the PGE2 produced in response to inflammatory cytokines. To this end, we utilized RNAi technology, extensively optimized, to down regulate the expression of closely-related isoforms of phospholipase A2 in A549 cells and used an enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) to quantitate the PGE2 produced. These studies found that cytosolic phospholipase A2a (cPLA2a) regulated 97.7% of the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) produced in response to inflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-1P or TNFa), as well as regulating the basal levels of this prostanoid. Furthermore, cPLA2y, cPLA26, and iPLA2 were found to also xi regulate the basal levels of PGE2 production. On the other hand, cPLA2P was not involved in prostanoid synthesis in A549 cells either in the presence or absence of inflammatory cytokines. Thus, our studies show that cPLA2a plays the pivotal role in the production of PGE2 in response to inflammatory cytokines, and suggests that cPLA2a may be a possible drug target in diseases such as asthma, inflammation, and cancer.
Potential Benefits of Platelet Activating Factor Receptor Antagonists in Endotoxemia/Sepsis

Endotoxemia/sepsis in animals and man is a complex entity that consists of a focus of infection and an inflammatory phase with a release of potent mediators that produce variable responses in the host. The relative degree of tissue/organ injury in these instances is dependent on the severity of insult and the state of the organ function.
Progress in Cryocrystals at Megabar Pressures

Recent high-pressure studies of cryocrystals have provided a wealth of new information about the behavior of simple condensed-matter systems up to megabar (>100 GPa) pressures. Improved spectroscopic measurements with high-throughput spectrographs and chemically ultrapure synthetic diamonds, the extension of electrical conductivity measurements in the megabar pressure range, and several different X-ray diffraction methods made possible numerous new findings. Examples from rare-gas solids, solid hydrogen, and nitrogen are presented, and include pressure effects on many-body interactions, orthopara conversion rate, molecular orientational order-disorder, reconstructive transitions leading to the formation of new polymeric forms, and direct studies of pressure effects on shear strength.
Global warming and electricity demand: A study of California

Abstract In this paper we estimate changes in California's annual electricity use and peak demand by 2010 under two global warming scenarios. We use each warming scenario to produce an electricity demand projection with end-use energy models. Our analysis focuses on the heating and cooling of buildings and the pumping and transport of water for farms and cities. The results suggest global warming has a moderate effect on electricity demand. Under our worst scenario, a 1.9°C increase, we project Statewide electricity requirements will increase by about 7 500 GWh (2.6%) and 2 400 MW (3.7%). We conclude discussion with thoughts on the implications a warmer world may have for energy forecasters and resource planners.
Assessing Risk on Subprime Mortgage Backed Securities: Did Credit Rating Agencies Misrepresent Risk to Investors?

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has asked whether credit rating agencies (CRA) committed fraud by misleading investors with respect to the default risk on mortgage backed securities (MBS). This paper argues that, to the detriment of investors, the CRA did not incorporate information available to securitizers in their ratings of subprime mortgage backed securities. A test of this proposition utilizes data on CRA ratings of 32 Goldman Sachs MBS issued in 2005-2007 and Moody’s Investor Services projections of loss for these mortgage pools. The percent of principal balances rated triple-A is relatively constant over this period. In contrast, projected losses increase substantially for 2006-2007 MBS issues. A Goldman Sachs presentation to its Board highlights factors that enhanced the risk of default in 2006-2007. Review of a select sample of 2006-2007 MBS prospectuses contain disclosures of market, originator and mortgage characteristics that the securitizer associates with an increased risk of default. These disclosures suggest that the risk of default increased step wise beginning in 2006. While the same information was available to the CRA, their credit risk ratings did not incorporate this information and remained flat. Should the SEC obtain data on the near term performance of these MBS they would be able to establish if this divergence in risk assessment was substantial and if the CRA chose to support their clients to the detriment of MBS investors.
Successful epicardial catheter ablation of a septal ventricular tachycardia after myocardial infarction.

A 55-year-old man underwent catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) after anterior myocardial infarction. Although electrophysiological study suggested that the VT originated from the septum, biventricular endocardial irrigated radiofrequency ablation failed to interrupt the VT. Epicardial ablation at the site located halfway between the lesions in the right and left ventricles via a pericardial approach eliminated the VT, suggesting that the VT likely originated from the top of the septum. When VTs originating from the upper septum are refractory to endocardial ablation, epicardial mapping and ablation may be considered because only that site may be accessible with an epicardial approach. (PACE 2012; 35:e116–e119)
Auranofin in the treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

A 6-month double-blind, parallel, randomized, placebo-controlled multicenter trial of auranofin (0.15-0.20 mg/kg/day) was conducted in 231 children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) in the United States and in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Approximately 80% of the children had polyarticular disease. The auranofin-treated patients showed greater mean decreases from baseline in 11 of the 12 articular disease indices measured than did the placebo-treated subjects after 3 months of therapy, and in 9 of the 12 indices after 6 months. However, the actual intergroup mean differences were relatively small and were not statistically significant. According to the physician's global assessment, 69% of the auranofin-treated patients and 61% of the placebo-treated patients demonstrated clinically significant improvement from baseline after 6 months (P = 0.24). Children whose disease onset occurred less than 2 years prior to entry improved more than did those who had arthritis for a longer period. In addition, those with polyarticular involvement at baseline improved more than did patients with mild disease. However, these relationships were observed in both the auranofin- and placebo-treated groups, and again, there were no significant intergroup differences. Diarrhea was the most common adverse effect of auranofin. We conclude that the clinical efficacy of auranofin is modestly higher than that of placebo in the treatment of JRA, as evidenced by the consistent trends observed in the data. However, the magnitude of the individual intergroup differences is not statistically significant. Auranofin appears to be very safe in children with JRA.
Integral convexity argument for plasticity function and monotonicity of iteration process for elasto-plastic problems

Abstract The variational approach for boundary value problems related to non-linear materials is presented. The approach is based on the introduced integral convexity argument and monotone operator theory. This permits to obtain an existence and uniqueness of the solution within the range of Kachanov's theory, under natural and general conditions. The introduced argument allows to prove monotonicity of the sequence of potentials on the sequence of iterations. As a result monotonicity of the iteration process for elastoplastic problems is obtained. Theoretical results are illustrated by computational experiments.
Peritoneal dialysis in veterinary medicine.

Peritoneal dialysis is a modality of renal replacement therapy that is commonly used in human medicine for treatment of chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney failure. Peritoneal dialysis uses the peritoneum as a membrane across which fluids and uremic solutes are exchanged. In this process, dialysate is instilled into the peritoneal cavity and, through the process of diffusion and osmosis, water, toxins, electrolytes, and other small molecules, are allowed to equilibrate.
Theory of E0 transitions of spheroidal nuclei

The nuclear matrix elements for EO transition probabilities associated with beta -vibrational transitions of spheroidal nuclei were derived by two different models. The first model, previously studied by Peaslee and by Reiner, involved the volume-conserving quadrupole surface oscillations of a uniformly- charged spheroid about an equilibrium deformation of beta . The second model summed over the coherent contributions of all the proton orbitals involved in an individual particle representation of the collective motion. The second model when corrected for volume-conservation gave about twice the ratio of EO to E2 for Sm/sup 152/ and Pu/sup 238/ which was given by the first mode l. A brief comparison with experiment was made, showing satisfactory agreement for Pu/sup 238/ and serious disagreement for Sm/sup 152/. (auth)
Shared Database Access using Composed Encryption Functions

This article presents a two-stage encryption method for sharing access to a database where no single agency or device can ever encrypt or decrypt the data directly. Thus an attack by an opponent would have to succeed at two separate points. The main tool needed is a secure cryptosystem closed under composition: encrypting and re-encrypting using two successive keys is equivalent to a single encryption using some third key. An example cryptosystem satisfying this condition is exponentiation modulo a fixed prime.
Analysis of Antitumor Antibiotics by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Abstract Cancer chemotherapy is a concern of many people today: laboratory scientists, clinicians, cancer victims and news reporters. Their hopes for a cancer cure are always raised when a new chemotherapeutic agent is discovered in the laboratory and shows some promising characteristics towards clinical application. Some of the agents that have been discovered are of natural origin(1), and are complex structures of unknown composition; others are enzymes or antibiotics. The antibiotics are obtained mostly from fermentations, but are also derived from plants or marine animals. Considerable efforts are being made in laboratories to purify these antibiotics to homogeneity and to determine their structure, mode of action, toxicity and applicability to clinical cancer chemotherapy. All these complex functions require analytical support. One of the most modern analytical tools, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), is used with increasing frequency to analyze these antitumor antibiotics in different medi...
Slowdown of oxyhydrogen detonation by surface catalysis

The propagation velocities of stoichiometric oxyhydrogen detonations were measured in thin tubes of different wall materials. From 4 to 6% velocity differences were observed consistently for pyrex and γ-alumina walls. By changing the tube geometries, it was confirmed that this velocity difference can be explained only by the catalysis of the wall material. To elucidate this result, one-dimensional gasdynamic analysis was performed, including various possible wall reactions. The solutions of this eigenvalue problem gave the relation of each reaction and its catalytic efficiency to the calculated detonation velocity. The results showed that the observed velocity difference can be explained only if we assume that H+OH→H2O or H→1/2 H2 occurs with the maximum catalytic efficiency, i.e., unity. After some speculations, H+OH→ H2O was considered more probable, the catalytic efficiency of γ-alumina being nearly unit for this reaction at 300 K.
Induction by nitriles of sex chromosome aneuploidy: tests of mechanism.

Abstract Genetic and biochemical assays were conducted to determine if nitrile induced adult paralysis and germline aneuploidy in female Drosophila melanogaster requires a biochemical activation mechanism which results in the release of free cyanide. Two nitriles predicted to differ substantially in their susceptibility to enzymatic cyanide release were found to be equally effective inducers of aneuploidy. Regardless of differences in chemical structure, nitriles seem to be affecting a common cellular target as judged by the lack of synergistic effects when two nitriles are presented simultaneously. Mitochondrial respiration was not inhibited by acetonitrile under conditions in which sodium cyanide completely blocked respiration. A sensitive luciferase enzyme inhibition assay suggests that some, but not all, nitriles may affect hydrophobic protein interactions. These results suggest that there is no single biochemical mechanism by which all nitriles induced aneuploidy, although the cellular target disrupted is probably the same for each chemical. The implications of these findings for structural alert based pre-screening of mutagens are discussed.
Further evaluation of the fitted Nilsson parameters in the A ≊120–140 mass region

Systematic potential-energy-surface (PES) and cranked-shell-model (CSM) calculations have been performed for nuclei in the A\ensuremath{\approxeq}120--140 mass region using the newly fitted Nilsson potential (\ensuremath{\kappa},\ensuremath{\mu}) parameters. The roles of the ${\mathit{h}}_{11/2}$ quasiparticles in the onset of nuclear deformation and rotational alignment are explored. The PES calculations predict prolate-oblate energy-difference curves for several odd-proton nuclei which suggest the coexistence of oblate and prolate ${\mathit{h}}_{11/2}$ single quasiproton states. A major conclusion of this work is that the newly fitted Nilsson potential (\ensuremath{\kappa},\ensuremath{\mu}) parameter sets result in calculated rotational band-crossing frequencies that are in good agreement with experimental proton alignment in addition to reproducing the bandhead energies of odd-Z nuclei in this mass region.
Modal freight transport required for US goods and services production

This model estimates the ton-km required for each sector in the US economy which is important in understanding freight movement, modal resiliency, the relative dependence on transportation and transportation choices for various products and services. Relating this estimated freight movement to energy requirements and greenhouse gas emissions may lead to more effective policies in reducing the freight transportation emissions.
Dolasetron: a new option for nausea and vomiting.

Diplomate ACVIM Dolasetron is a member of a relatively new class of antiemetic agents and has been shown to be extraordinarily effective in preventing and controlling nausea and emesis.1–4 This drug is one member of a class of serotonin receptor antagonists (5-HT3 antagonists) commercially available in most countries around the world. Other serotonin antagonists include azesetron, granisetron, ondansetron, and tropisetron. Dolasetron, as with all other serotonin antagonists, exerts its activities by antagonizing type III serotonin (5-hydroxtryptamine) receptors in the brain and in the intestine.1 These drugs are highly selective, with high affinity for this receptor, and all are practically devoid of side effects. Little has been published about the use of dolasetron in dogs and cats; however, clinical experience is growing due to the effectiveness of this drug. Frequent, ongoing review of the literature is recommended as new information becomes available about the use of dolasetron in dogs and cats.
Identification and Genome-Wide Prediction of DNA Binding Specificities for the ApiAP2 Family of Regulators from the Malaria Parasite

The molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional regulation in apicomplexan parasites remain poorly understood. Recently, the Apicomplexan AP2 (ApiAP2) family of DNA binding proteins was identified as a major class of transcriptional regulators that are found across all Apicomplexa. To gain insight into the regulatory role of these proteins in the malaria parasite, we have comprehensively surveyed the DNA-binding specificities of all 27 members of the ApiAP2 protein family from Plasmodium falciparum revealing unique binding preferences for the majority of these DNA binding proteins. In addition to high affinity primary motif interactions, we also observe interactions with secondary motifs. The ability of a number of ApiAP2 proteins to bind multiple, distinct motifs significantly increases the potential complexity of the transcriptional regulatory networks governed by the ApiAP2 family. Using these newly identified sequence motifs, we infer the trans-factors associated with previously reported plasmodial cis-elements and provide evidence that ApiAP2 proteins modulate key regulatory decisions at all stages of parasite development. Our results offer a detailed view of ApiAP2 DNA binding specificity and take the first step toward inferring comprehensive gene regulatory networks for P. falciparum.
Percutaneous image-guided splenic biopsy in the oncology patient: an audit of 156 consecutive cases.

Purpose To assess the safety and diagnostic accuracy of percutaneous image-guided splenic biopsy in patients known to have or suspected of having malignancy. Materials and Methods Data from all image-guided splenic biopsies performed at a single institution from January 1992 to March 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. One hundred fifty-six splenic biopsies were performed in 147 patients (78 male and 69 female patients; mean age, 54.9 years; age range, 13–81 years). The most common indications for biopsy were suspected recurrent lymphoma ( n = 101, 64.7%), suspected metastatic disease ( n = 39, 25%), and unknown diagnosis ( n = 16, 10.3%). All biopsies were performed with computed tomographic ( n = 86), ultrasonographic ( n = 68), or fluoroscopic ( n = 2) guidance. Most biopsies (91%) were performed with 22-gauge needles, with a mean of 2.8 passes. The mean lesion size was 3.2 cm (range, 0.8–13 cm). Final diagnosis was confirmed with splenectomy ( n = 39), histopathologic correlation with concurrent biopsy or surgical specimen ( n = 52), or clinical or imaging follow-up ranging from 2 weeks to 14 years ( n = 44). Complications were recorded. Results Sufficient tissue for pathologic analysis was obtained in 144 of the 156 biopsies (diagnostic yield, 92.3%). The overall sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy were 83.4%, 87.8%, and 84.7%, respectively. Complications occurred in 26 biopsies (16.7%), with a 1.9% ( n = 3) major complication rate and a 14.7% ( n = 23) minor complication rate. Splenectomy was necessary in two patients. Conclusions Splenic biopsy in the evaluation of new or recurrent neoplasm is a minimally invasive procedure with low complication rates and a high diagnostic yield.
Programmed cell death in host-symbiont associations, viewed through the Gene Ontology

Manipulation of programmed cell death (PCD) is central to many host microbe interactions. Both plant and animal cells use PCD as a powerful weapon against biotrophic pathogens, including viruses, which draw their nutrition from living tissue. Thus, diverse biotrophic pathogens have evolved many mechanisms to suppress programmed cell death, and mutualistic and commensal microbes may employ similar mechanisms. Necrotrophic pathogens derive their nutrition from dead tissue, and many produce toxins specifically to trigger programmed cell death in their hosts. Hemibiotrophic pathogens manipulate PCD in a most exquisite way, suppressing PCD during the biotrophic phase and stimulating it during the necrotrophic phase. This mini-review will summarize the mechanisms that have evolved in diverse microbes and hosts for controlling PCD and the Gene Ontology terms developed by the Plant-Associated Microbe Gene Ontology (PAMGO) Consortium for describing those mechanisms.
Inference and the computer understanding of natural language.

The notion of computer understanding of natural language is examined relative to inference mechanisms designed to function in a language-free deep conceptual base (Conceptual Dependency). The conceptual analysis of a natural language sentence into this conceptual base, and the nature of the memory which stores and operates upon these conceptual structures are described from both theoretical and practical standpoints. The various types of inferences which can be made during and after the conceptual analysis of a sentence are defined, and a functioning program which performs these inference tasks is described. Actual computer output is included.
Reduction in plasma vasopressin levels of dehydrated rats following acute stress.

Results are presented for an investigation directed to substantiate and extend preliminary findings of stress-induced reduction in plasma arginine vasopressin (pAVP). Since normally hydrated rats have very low levels of pAVP, it is difficult to measure reliably any decrease in pAVP that may result from stress. To overcome this problem, the pAVP levels of the tested rats were raised by dehydration prior to application of stress. A radioimmunoassay for pAVP is described and used to determine the levels of vasopressin in the plasma of nondehydrated and dehydrated rats after exposure to ether or acceleration stress. Plasma pAVP is also determined in rats following nicotine administration. It is shown that exposure of nondehydrated rats to ether or acceleration stress does not elicit any significant alterations in circulating pAVP levels while nicotine injections stimulate a marked increase. In particular, ether and acceleration stress produce a rapid reduction in the pAVP level of dehydrated rats, the decrease being observed in both large and small animals. The mechanism for this reduction in pAVP level following stress is yet unknown.
Examining the interaction between behavior and language difficulties

This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Law, J., & Plunkett, C. (2009). The interaction between behavior and speech and language difficulties: Does intervention for one affect outcomes in the other? Technical Report. In Research Evidence in Education Library. London: EPPI-Centre, Social Science Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London. Source of funding and disclosure of interest: No source of funding reported, and the original authors of this research report no conflicts of interest.
Die Struktur des 1.5‐Diamino‐naphthochinons‐(2.6); ein Quadrupol‐Merocyanin

Das hypothetische 1.5-Diamino-naphthochinon-(2.6) besitzt die Struktur des 2.6-Dihydroxy-naphthochinon-(1.5)-bis-[imonium-betains]. Fur diese und analoge Substanzen schlagen wir die Bezeichnung Quadrupol-Merocyanine vor.
MRI in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis

A retrospective analysis of CT and MRI studies in 12 patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) was performed. MRI was the definitive modality for the assessment of the lesions of ADEM: all patients had abnormalities consistent with the clinical diagnosis. Ten had abnormalities in the brain, three spinal cord lesions, and three showed evidence of optic neuritis. CT was normal in 6 of the 7 patients in which it was performed.
Noncanonical SLR(1) Grammars

Two noncanonical extensions of the simple LR(1) (SLR(1)) method are presented, which reduce not only handles but also other phrases of sentential forms. A class of context-free grammars called leftmost SLR(1) (LSLR(1)) is defined by using lookahead symbols which appear in leftmost derivations. This class includes the SLR(1), reflected SMSP, and total precedence grammars as proper subclasses. The class of LSLR(1) languages properly includes the deterministic context-free languages, their reflections, and total precedence languages. By requiring that phrases which have been scanned be reduced as early as possible, a larger class of context-free grammars called noncanonical SLR(1) (NSLR(1)) is defined. The NSLR(1) languages can be recognized deterministically in linear time using a two-stack pushdown automaton. An NSLR(1) parser generator has been implemented. Empirical results show that efficient NSLR(1) parsers can be constructed for some non-LR grammars which generate nondeterministic languages. Applications of the NSLR(1) method to improve the parsing and translation of programming languages are discussed.
Matching bandwidth limits for linearly polarized scanning arrays above a ground plane

Wideband phased arrays have become critical components for a new generation of radar and wireless communications systems. The authors have previously shown that arrays that are conformally installed on a ground plane will have reduced bandwidth due to the ground plane's reactance. Fundamental limits for such low profile arrays above a conducting ground plane were derived [Doane et.al., IET Electronics Letters, 2012], yielding simple expressions for the maximum realizable bandwidth under either TE (H-plane scanning) or TM (E-plane scanning) excitation. However, a general bandwidth limit for arbitrary polarization has yet to be presented. In this paper, we present improved bandwidth limits for linearly polarized arrays scanned to any angle, including the inter-cardinal planes where both TE and TM modes are simultaneously excited. For the latter, TE-TM coupling is accounted for.
Information, Agreement Design, and the Durability of Civil War Settlements

Civil war is usually examined from the perspective of commitment problems. This approach provides considerable insight regarding which civil war agreement provisions reduce the chance of renewed fighting. Yet, additional insight can be gained by examining information asymmetries as a potential cause of civil war recurrence. We argue that significant uncertainty regarding military capabilities may persist after fighting ends and that this uncertainty may lead to the breakdown of peace. However, carefully designed peace agreements can guard against renewed civil war by calling for international monitoring, making the belligerents submit military information to third parties, and providing for verification of this information. Our empirical analysis of 51 civil war settlements between 1945 and 2005 shows that these provisions significantly reduce the risk of new civil war. Encouraging the adoption of these provisions may be a useful policy in the international community's effort to establish peace in civil-war-torn societies.
Geometric and Hemodynamic Evaluation of 3-Dimensional Reconstruction Techniques for the Assessment of Coronary Artery Wall Shear Stress in the Setting of Clinical Disease Progression

Myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death are usually due to the rapid progression of previously non-flow limiting atherosclerotic plaques that transform to an unstable (i.e., vulnerable) phenotype. Despite considerable advances in medical therapies and treatment modalities for coronary artery disease (CAD), there is no accurate method to predict the site of abrupt lesion progression that can lead to an acute coronary event. Wall shear stress (WSS) has not only been implicated in the development of CAD, but also in its rapid progression [1]. Recent data from our laboratory indicates significant plaque progression in areas of low WSS ( 25 dynes/cm2) [2].Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Observations on the relationship of physical activity to the serum cholesterol concentration of healthy men and cardiac patients.

Forty-eight men, 24 presumably healthy and 24 who had recovered from myocardial infarctions, had serum cholesterol determinations performed at rest and following vigorous exercise during two evaluations 8 months apart. Half of the group continued to lead a sedentary life while the other half initiated a program of regular physical activity. No alterations in dietary patterns were encouraged or recorded. Weight did not fluctuate significantly during the study. The mean serum cholesterol level was significantly reduced (P < 0.005) for all subjects 8 months later. At both evaluations the sedentary groups had higher cholesterol concentrations than those subjects who volunteered for physical conditioning. The state of health did not differentiate the men. Regardless of their health or physical condition, all of the men had an elevation of the serum cholesterol concentration following acute exercise.
Children's news interest during the gulf war: The role of negative affect

Eighty children in grades three to six were interviewed about their affective responses and their interest in war‐related news during the Gulf war. Results showed that children who felt more personally vulnerable and experienced more enduring upset during the war were more interested in neutral/background news (but not in casualty news) and avoided exposure to news coverage of the war more often. Children reported moderate interest in casualty news, and supplemental analyses indicated that one reason for watching such content was a desire to remain informed about the war (surveillance). Also, a need for reassurance appeared to reduce interest in casualty‐related news.
Double-diffusion from a vertical surface in a porous region saturated with a non-Newtonian fluid

Abstract In this paper, a theoretical study is presented for the problem of double-diffusion from a vertical plate embedded in a porous matrix that is saturated with a non-Newtonian (power law) fluid. The study consists of two parts: In the first part, scaling analysis is utilized to obtain estimates of the quantities of interest and to identify the various possible flow regimes depending on the values of the buoyancy ratio and the Lewis number. This task is performed for both the case of a wall with constant temperature and concentration and the case of a wall with constant heat and species flux. In the second part of the study, a numerical solution of the problem is presented for the general case of a wall with arbitrarily varying temperature and concentration. The values of the relevant parameters resulting in a constant heat and species flux or a constant temperature and concentration at the wall are identified. The dependence of the flow, temperature, and concentration fields as well as of the local heat and species fluxes at the wall on the power law exponent, the buoyancy ratio and the Lewis number is documented for the two cases: (a) constant temperature and concentration, (b) constant heat and species flux.
Comparative studies on the ‘5′-cap’ and in vitro translational activity of cytoplasmic and nuclear poly A(+) RNA

The translational activities of cytoplasmic poly A(+) RNA of normal rat liver and Novikoff hepatoma cells in the wheat germ cell free system were found to be approximately 15–20 times greater than those of the corresponding nuclear poly A(+) RNA. The translationsl activities were 85 and 62 pmoles3H-leucine incorporated/µg cytoplasmic poly A(+) RNA for the liver and tumor respectively and 3–4 pmoles3H-leucine incorporated/µg nuclear poly A(+) RNA. Inasmuch as integrity of the ‘5′-cap’ of mRNA is essential for its translational activity, quantitative comparisons were made of its content in these RNA fractions. Of the total32P incorporated into the tumor cytoplasmic poly A(+) RNA, 0.41% was in the ‘5′-cap’; in nuclear poly A(+) RNA, the ‘5′-cap’ contained 0.11%. After periodate oxidation and labeling with KB3H4, m7 guanosine, the 5′-terminal nucleoside in both liver and Novikoff hepatoma nuclear poly A(+) RNA contained approximately 20% as much isotope as in the cytoplasmic poly A(+) RNA. These results suggest the lower translational activity of nuclear poly A(+) RNA is partly related to its lower content of the ‘5′-cap’. Molecular selection of poly A(+) RNA for transport out of the nucleus or further cytoplasmic processing may account for the higher percentage of the ‘5-cap’ and the greater translational activity of the cytoplasmic poly A(+) RNA. During these studies, it was also found that the m7 guanosine of the ‘5′-cap’ was not removed during translation of the mRNA in the wheat germ system; this result suggests that the ‘5′-cap’ may associate with allosteric binding sites of initiation factor(s).
Synthesis of Two 2′-Deoxyuridine Analogs Substituted in Position 5 with 2-Atom Tethered Nitroxide Radicals

Abstract The synthesis of two novel spin labeled 2′-deoxyuridine analogs is described. The nucleic acid building block is substituted in position 5 with a short methylamino tether, which bears either a six- or five-membered nitroxide ring.
Delta-opioid agonist-stimulated inositol phosphate formation in isolated, rabbit iris-ciliary bodies: role of Gi/o proteins and Gβγ-subunits

Our laboratory has previously demonstrated the ability of kappa- and delta-opioid agonists to decrease aqueous flow rates and intraocular pressure of rabbits. The mechanisms by which these agents act in the ciliary body of the rabbit could involve inhibition of cAMP production, as well as increased generation of inositol phosphates (IPs). With regard to enhanced production of IPs, it has been suggested that their levels can be augmented by stimulation of phospholipase C via opioid receptors linked to either Galpha-subunits derived from Gq proteins or Gbetagamma-subunits derived from G(i/o)-proteins. The aim of the current study is to investigate the role of pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G-proteins and Gbetagamma-subunits in delta-opioid agonist-mediated changes in IP production in the isolated, rabbit iris-ciliary body (ICB). In one set of experiments, ICB segments were treated with the delta agonist, SNC80 (10(-12)-10(-7) mol/l) alone. Other experiments were conducted utilizing SNC80 following pretreatment with either phosducin (Gbetagamma-subunit scavenger), PTX, or the delta antagonist, naltrindole. IP production was measured by ion exchange chromatography. Basal levels of IPs in the rabbit ICB were 58,287 +/- 2162, 15,218 +/- 969 and 2083 +/- 367 dpm/mg protein for IP1, IP2 and IP3, respectively. The highly selective delta-opioid receptor agonist, SNC80, produced concentration-dependent increases in the levels of the IPs in the ICB, which were diminished in the presence of the delta antagonist, naltrindole, indicating the effect was mediated via activation of delta-opioid receptors. Pretreatment of tissues with PTX (75 ng/ml), completely abolished the concentration-dependent production of IPs generated by SNC80 (10(-11)-10(-7) mol/l). In addition, pretreatment with phosducin (1 nmol/l) ablated the SNC80 (1 nmol/l)-induced increase in the formation of all three inositol phosphates. Results from this study indicate that the delta-opioid receptor-mediated increase in IP production is a PTX-sensitive G(i/o) response that involves participation of Gbetagamma-subunits. Thus, delta-opioid receptor activation by SNC80 in the ICB could be responsible, in part, for suppression of aqueous humor dynamics.
Nature of methyl cation bonding to dihydroxybenzenes elucidated using an ion trap mass spectrometer

Methylation of the isomeric dihydroxybenzeres using the dimethylfluoronium ion ([CH3FCH3]+) was studied in a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. The products were characterized by tandem mass spectrometry using collision-activated dissociation. A comparison of the daughter ion spectra of the methylated products with those of model ions, generated by protonation of substituent- and ring-methylated analogs, demonstrates that a mixture of methylated products is generated. Included are structures in which the methyl is σ-bonded to the ring and others with σ-bonds to the heteroatom, the latter being favored in catechol and hydroquinone. The energy-resolved daughter ion spectra for the methylated isomers, acquired by varying the amplitude of the a.c. voltage used to excite resonantly the mass-selected ions, support these conclusions regarding the site of methylation.