cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intermediate-term results after partial left ventriculectomy for end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy: is there a survival benefit?

BACKGROUND The mortality of congestive heart failure remains high despite advances in medical therapy. Partial left ventriculectomy (PLV) has been advocated as a surgical alternative for select patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS A prospective clinical trial of PLV for patients with end-stage idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy was performed. Inclusion criteria were left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) greater than 7 cm, refractory New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class IV symptoms, and severely depressed exercise oxygen consumption. RESULTS Twenty patients underwent PLV with mean follow-up of 21.1 months. Sixteen were male; mean age was 50.1 years +/- 12.0 years (range 25-67 years). Left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction improved after surgery from 14.1% +/- 4.7% to 24.1% +/- 3.1% (p < 0.05, t-test) and this improvement persisted up to 3 years after operation. LVEDD and NYHA Class also were notably improved. There were two early deaths for an operative mortality of 10% (2 of 20 patients). Nine patients after initial improvement in clinical status and LV function developed worsening congestive heart failure (CHF). Six of the 9 ultimately died of complications secondary to CHF. One-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 84%, 64%, and 40%, respectively, by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The other three patients required listing for transplantation because of recurrent NYHA Class IV symptoms. Freedom from death or the need for listing for transplantation at 1, 2, and 3 years was 65%, 53%, and 33%, respectively. The remaining nine patients all had improvement in their NYHA classification. CONCLUSIONS PLV can be performed with acceptable early and intermediate term mortality; survival compares favorably to reports of similar groups of patients treated with medical therapy alone.
The future of positron emission tomography in clinical medicine and the impact of drug regulation

Positron emission tomography (PET) was initially developed as a research tool for evaluating normal and abnormal physiology. Subsequently, the potential clinical utility of PET was recognized, and several specific clinical indications have been defined. PET has been demonstrated to be clinically useful in evaluating certain disorders of the brain and heart. PET holds significant promise for use in the evaluation of psychiatric illness and in multiple aspects of evaluation of malignancy. A major limiting factor for the growth of clinical PET is the absence of policies for reimbursement by third-party payers. Although rubidium-82 chloride is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the lack of FDA approval of fluorine-18 2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) is hampering reimbursement for PET studies. The jurisdiction of the FDA over cyclotron-produced PET radiopharmaceuticals synthesized and used on site is a matter of debate because these drugs are not introduced into interstate commerce and because these activities appear to be permissible under certain exemptions in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act relating to the practices of medicine and pharmacy. The jurisdictional authority of the FDA in regulating these radiopharmaceuticals would be established with certainty only through litigation, but no individual or organization has elected to challenge the FDA at this time. The Institute for Clinical PET (ICP) is developing a Drug Master File that can be used in support of site-specific New Drug Applications (NDAs) for cyclotron-produced radiopharmaceuticals by any organization desiring an NDA. The ICP is optimistic that this method of obtaining FDA-approval of FDG and other cyclotron-produce PET radiopharmaceuticals will be successful and beneficial to sites using PET clinically.
Prevalence of orthostatic hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is defined as a fall in blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic when standing or during head-up tilt testing. The prevalence of OH increases with age, with disorders that affect autonomic nerve transmission, and with increasingly severe orthostatic stress. In normal elderly subjects, the prevalence of OH is reported to be between 5 and 30%. The actual prevalence depends on the conditions during diagnostic testing, such as the frequency of blood pressure recordings, the time of day and the degree of orthostatic stress. Elderly subjects are often taking medications, such as antihypertensives and diuretics that can cause or aggravate OH. Neurological diseases such as diabetic neuropathy, Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy and the autonomic neuropathies further increase the likelihood of OH. The development of OH in normal subjects is associated with an increased mortality rate. OH in diabetes is also associated with a significant increase in mortality rate.
The family Bdellidae (Acari: Prostigmata) in the Hawaiian Islands

Abstract Bdella nihoaensis, Bdellodes hygrotes, Bdellodes haramotoi, Cyta kauaiensis, Spinibdella bioculata and Spinibdella howarthi are described as new from specimens collected in the Hawaiian Islands. New records of Bdella captiosa Atyeo, 1963, Bdella mexicana Baker & Balock, 1944, Bdellodes meridionalis (Thor, 1931), Spinibdella depressa (Ewing, 1909) and Spinibdella thori (Meyer & Ryke, 1959) are given for the Hawaiian Islands. A key to the species of Bdellidae known from the Hawaiian Islands is presented.
Noxious heat-evoked Fos-like immunoreactivity in the rat medulla, with emphasis on the catecholamine cell groups.

The objectives of the present study were 1) to utilize Fos immunohistochemistry as a marker for neuronal activity in order to examine the population of neurons in the medulla that is engaged by activation of nociceptive peripheral afferents and 2) to determine whether catecholamine-containing neurons in the medulla also express noxious heat-evoked Fos-like immunoreactivity. Noxious heating of the hindpaw evoked specific patterns of Fos-like immunoreactivity in the medulla in regions known to be involved in both nociceptive processing and cardiovascular regulation. Noxious heating of the hindpaw significantly increased the mean number of neurons expressing Fos-like immunoreactivity in the contralateral ventrolateral medulla. Increased numbers of Fos-positive neurons also were observed in both the ipsilateral and the contralateral A1 catecholamine cell groups. Similarly, in the contralateral medullary dorsal reticular fields, noxious heating of the hindpaw significantly increased the mean number of neurons expressing Fos-like immunoreactivity. In contrast, in the paramedian reticular nucleus, noxious heating of the hindpaw resulted in a significant decrease in the mean number of neurons expressing Fos-like immunoreactivity. No significant differences in the mean numbers of neurons expressing Fos-like immunoreactivity were noted in the A2, C1, or C2/C3 medullary catecholamine cell groups. These results suggest that noxious stimuli affect pools of neurons in the medulla with multiple physiological functions. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Altered thermoregulation via sensitization of A1 adenosine receptors in dietary-restricted rats

Rationale Evidence links longevity to dietary restriction (DR). A decrease in body temperature (Tb) is thought to contribute to enhanced longevity because lower Tb reduces oxidative metabolism and oxidative stress. It is as yet unclear how DR decreases Tb.
Is inhaled ammonia neurotoxic

Describes how a large ammonia release exposed about 150 nearby residents to this irritating gas and sent seven to hospital emergency rooms. Six weeks later the 41 most symptomatic people completed questionnaires and had physical examinations. The 12 most impaired had subsequent neurobehavioral testing to see if exogenous ammonia was toxic to the brain as is endogenous ammonia in hepatic coma. Spirometry was used to test pulmonary function. Frequencies of 35 symptoms were obtained by questionnaire, as were medical, respiratory and neuropsychiatric histories and data on previous chemical exposures. Comparisons were made with unexposed subjects after adjusting for age, sex, educational level and other determining factors. The exposed group’s mean values were significantly abnormal for simple and choice reaction, balance with eyes open, color discrimination, visual field performance in both eyes and hearing. Also abnormal were cognitive performance on Culture Fair, digit symbol, vocabulary and delayed but not immediate verbal recall. Making trails A and B was slow and fingertip number writing had excessive errors. Spirometric measurements were normal. Confounding features and biases were minimal. Exposure to ammonia, for a few minutes to several hours, was associated with neurobehavioral impairment measured after 22 months. Thus inhaled ammonia shares the toxicity of endogenous ammonia. Effects were persistent and are probably permanent.
Uninterrupted thermoelectric energy harvesting using temperature-sensor-based maximum power point tracking system

Abstract In this paper, a thermoelectric generator (TEG) energy harvesting system with a temperature-sensor-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method is presented. Conventional MPPT algorithms for photovoltaic cells may not be suitable for thermoelectric power generation because a significant amount of time is required for TEG systems to reach a steady state. Moreover, complexity and additional power consumption in conventional circuits and periodic disconnection of power source are not desirable for low-power energy harvesting applications. The proposed system can track the varying maximum power point (MPP) with a simple and inexpensive temperature-sensor-based circuit without instantaneous power measurement or TEG disconnection. This system uses TEG’s open circuit voltage (OCV) characteristic with respect to temperature gradient to generate a proper reference voltage signal, i.e., half of the TEG’s OCV. The power converter controller maintains the TEG output voltage at the reference level so that the maximum power can be extracted for the given temperature condition. This feedforward MPPT scheme is inherently stable and can be implemented without any complex microcontroller circuit. The proposed system has been validated analytically and experimentally, and shows a maximum power tracking error of 1.15%.
Gamma-ray bursts from galactic neutron stars?

Abstract The γ-ray burst distance scale is not known and quiescent counterparts of γ-ray bursts have not been unambiguously identified in any wavelength band. It is generally assumed that γ-ray bursts originate on or near neutron stars in the general vicinity of our galaxy. Statistical tools for determining the γ-ray burst spatial distribution are their brightness distribution (“log N - log S” and V/V max ) and their angular distribution on the celestial sphere. We discuss in detail the dipole- and quadrupole moments and the angular autocovariance function ω(θ) of the positional data. The observations suggest zero angular correlation and small multipole moments which places severe constraints on the spatial distribution of γ-ray bursts. We discuss a Monte Carlo simulation of the population of galactic neutron stars which can be used to test the hypothesis that γ-ray bursts originate on galactic neutron stars.
3D microchannel co-culture: method and biological validation

Conventional 3D culture is typically performed in multi-well plates (e.g. 12 wells). The volumes and dimensions necessitate relatively large numbers of cells and fluid exchange steps are not easily automated limiting throughput. 3D microchannel culture can overcome these challenges simplifying 3D culture processes. However, the adaptation of immunocytochemical endpoint measurements and the validation of microchannel 3D culture with conventional 3D culture are needed before widespread adoption can occur. Here we use a breast carcinoma growth model governed by complex and reciprocal interactions between epithelial carcinoma cells and mesenchymal fibroblasts to validate the 3D microculture system. Specifically, we report the use of a 3D microchannel co-culture assay platform to interrogate paracrine signalling pathways in breast cancer. Using a previously validated 3D co-culture of human mammary fibroblasts and T47D breast carcinoma cells, we demonstrate the use of arrayed microchannels to analyze paracrine signalling pathways and screen for inhibitors. Results in both conventional format (multiwell plate) and microchannels were comparable. This technology represents a significant advancement for high-throughput screening in individual patients and for drug discovery by enabling the use of 3D co-culture models via smaller sample requirements and compatibility with existing HTS infrastructure (e.g. automated liquid handlers, scanners).
Polygate within wafer CD uniformity improvement by the minimization of lens heating effect

The lens heating focus correction on stepper is not good enough on the current procedure provided by ASML. It can only solve the wafer to wafer CD variation but not within wafer. It caused the CD at a wafer top and bottom is different. This is because there is no correction for lens heating if no special trigger while exposing within one wafer. In small UDOF process like 0.3 micrometers poly gate, CD is very sensitive to the focus drift. The within wafer lens heating effect cause the focus drift and worsen focus control. Even the lens heating correction factor has been optimized, it still suffers the poor within wafer CD uniformity issue. One tricky method, using of multi-image setting, to trigger the lens heating correction is proposed to improve the within wafer CD uniformity in this report. The poly gate CD uniformity on 0.3 micrometers production were improved from 25nm to 15nm.
Activation of the exchange factor Ras-GRF by calcium requires an intact Dbl homology domain

Ras-GRF is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that activates Ras proteins. Its activity on Ras in cells is enhanced upon calcium influx. Activation follows calcium-induced binding of calmodulin to an IQ motif near the N-terminus of Ras-GRF. Ras-GRF also contains a Dbl homology (DH) domain C-terminal to the IQ motif. In many proteins, DH domains act as exchange factors for Rho-GTPase family members. However, we failed to detect exchange activity of this domain on well characterized Rho family members. Instead, we found that mutations analogous to those that block exchange activity of Dbl prevented Ras-GRF activation by calcium/calmodulin in vivo. All DH domains are followed immediately by a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. We found that a mutation at a conserved site within the PH domain following the DH domain also prevented Ras-GRF activation by calcium in vivo. These results suggest that in addition to playing a role as activators of Rho proteins, DH domains can also contribute to the coupling of cellular signals to Ras activation.
Differential expression of 2':3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase in cultured central, peripheral, and extraneural cells.

The relative levels of the central nervous system myelin marker enzyme 2′:3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase (EC 3.1.4.37, CNPase) were determined in neuroblastoma, astrocyte, oligodendrocyte and Schwann cell cultures and in freshly isolated human lymphocytes and platelets. The highest specific activities were associated with the cells that elaborate myelin membrane in the central and peripheral nervous system, oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells, respectively. Antiserum to bovine CNPase recognized both CNP1 and CNP2 in CNS myelin and human oligodendroglioma. In addition, a 53,000 dalton protein was evident on autoradiographs of immunoblotted PNS myelin and human oligodendroglioma proteins. Cultured rat oligodendrocyte, C6 and mouse NA neuroblastoma CNPase appear to share common determinants with the corresponding normal rat CNS enzyme.
Severe trismus as a complication of cerebrovascular accident: A case report

Spastic hypertonia is a common sequelae after a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and is a component of an upper motoneuron lesion. Management of spastic hypertonia may involve the use of centrally acting agents, peripheral blockade, and ablative therapies. We report a case of spastic hypertonia leading to severe trismus after CVA that was successfully treated with botulinum toxin type A. Severe trismus is a potentially life-threatening condition that may lead to permanent functional impairment if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Using electromyography for botulinum toxin muscle selection in this case appears to have helped decrease the dose of botulinum toxin given as well as minimize potential side effects.
Correction procedures in extinction of matching behavior

Three experiments using two pigeons were designed to assess correction procedure functions in acquisition and extinction of matching behavior. Experiment I—The removal of correction procedures from blue and amber center key conditions during operation extinction produced sustained chance matching. Red center key conditions, not on operational extinction, remained at high baseline values. Experiment II—The occurrence of correction procedures for blue and amber center key conditions during operational extinction resulted in only temporary decrements in matching accuracy for blue and amber conditions. The removal of incorrect red center key correction responses slightly increased between-session variability in accuracy on red center key conditions. Experiment III—the percent correct responses to red center key conditions became more variable between sessions under baseline and extinction sessions following removal of correction procedures from all conditions. Blue and amber center key accuracy decreased, and maintained near chance performance.
Reproductive performance after methotrexate treatment of ectopic pregnancy

The purpose of this study was to examine return of reproductive potential, hysterosalpingographic findings, and time to conception in patients treated with methotrexate and citrovorum factor for unruptured ectopic pregnancy. Fifty-seven patients with unruptured ectopic pregnancies less than 3.0 cm in greatest dimension were treated with methotrexate and citrovorum factor. The mean time from resolution of the ectopic pregnancy to return of menses was 26.0 (0 to 157) days. Forty-four patients were available for follow-up (2 to 15 months). Nineteen of 23 patients who had hysterosalpingograms demonstrated patency in the ipsilateral tube. Fourteen patients desired pregnancy; 11 of 14 (78.6%) were successful, with 10 of 11 (90.9%) having an intrauterine pregnancy, whereas one of 14 (9.1%) were extrauterine gestations. The mean time from first attempt to achieving pregnancy was 2.3 (1 to 4) months. We conclude that methotrexate and citrovorum factor treatment of unruptured ectopic pregnancy is associated with subsequent tubal patency and does not impair return of menses. Most importantly, the pregnancy rates after this form of therapy appear to be better than those achieved by traditional surgical methods, and are comparable to results after laparoscopic salpingostomy.
Three-Nucleon Systems

We have made a preliminary calculation of the bare form factor ${F}_{B}({q}^{2})$ for the three-nucleon systems ${\mathrm{H}}^{3}$ and ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ with the wave function $\ensuremath{\psi}=N\mathrm{exp}[\ensuremath{-}(\frac{\ensuremath{\kappa}}{2})({r}_{12}+{r}_{23}+{r}_{13})]$. It is found that if we adjust $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ so as to fit the experimental value of the Coulomb energy for ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$, or to fit the bremsstrahlung-weighted integral cross section for the photoeffect of ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$, the agreement with experimental results for ${F}_{B}({q}^{2})$ is quite good. Also, we have made a variational calculation of the binding energy of the triton using two-body velocity-dependent central potentials and $\ensuremath{\psi}$ as a trial function with $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ as the adjustable parameter. Our preliminary results show that the binding energy is much lower than the experimental value and that given by a static well-behaved potential, though it is in fairly good agreement with similar calculations using repulsive hard core potentials.
Psychological Involvement and Perception of Status Differences and of Peer Relations

Summary The hypothesis that peer relations require less psychological involvement to maintain than vertical relations is tested on a sample of 1,427 respondents randomly selected from two larger representative national samples. A thematic apperception procedure, modeled after the Thematic Apperception Test is used. The relationships between peer orientation and psychological involvement are highly significant in every picture and indicate that levels of psychological involvement are much higher among subjects oriented toward different status relationships than among those oriented toward peer relations. The associations remain even when controls for year, age, and education are introduced. The findings confirm previous assertions that peer relations are not substitutes for hierarchical relations and that they fulfill a unique function in social development.
Field ion microscopy of refractory metal carbides

Abstract Certain refractory metal carbides are shown to produce satisfactory feld ion microscope images. In the case of tantalum carbide it is shown that even extensive non-stoichiometry does not significantly degrade image quality. The influence of bond character on field evaporation behaviour is qualitatively explored in an attempt to explain the marked difference in behaviour between TaC and TiC.
Role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist in Multidisciplinary Care Planning for an Obstetric Patient with Cardiac Arrhythmia

Childbearing Poster Presentation Background Though rare, maternal cardiac arrhythmias can have significant clinical repercussions for the mother and fetus. Proper preparation is key to preventing adverse outcomes. Collaboration of all potential services that may be involved in the care of complex patients can lead to positive patient outcomes. By remaining an advocate for patient- and family-centered care, the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) plays a crucial role in assisting staff, patients, families, and medical systems to reach these outcomes. Case A woman presented to the Regional Perinatal Clinic for high-risk obstetric (OB) care because of her history of a cardiac arrhythmia during a previous pregnancy. Care management was complicated by the inability of staff to review the chart from her previous pregnancy. During her prenatal course, the plan of care was flexible and changed several times. She was seen as an inpatient for her cardiac arrhythmia and was followed up by cardiology as an outpatient. Care, which included planning multidisciplinary meetings and phone conferences and coordinating delivery plans for the team, was managed by the maternal–fetal medicine (MFM) specialists who consulted multiple disciplines during prenatal care. Interventions included meetings attended by cardiac and perinatal case managers, nurse managers, assistant nurse managers, OB patient placement facilitator, MFM, medical director of labor and delivery, anesthesiologist, and cardiac intensivist. Close monitoring of maternal cardiac status before, during, and after delivery was maintained. Constant contact with the woman was available through text messaging to the CNS and facilitated prompt response to her questions. The care coordination that included medical specialists and inpatient and outpatient nursing teams led to a healthy mother and newborn at discharge, an improved patient and family experience, and decreased confusion during the delivery of care. Additionally, staff were able to understand the role of the CNS in direct patient care as a nurse educator and as a change agent in the organizational sphere of influence. Conclusion Evidence-based care and multidisciplinary care planning are central to producing positive patient outcomes in complex OB cases. The CNS can affect three spheres of influence: patient, staff, and organization.
Low doses of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT increase ingestive behavior in late preweanling and postweanling, but not neonatal rat pups.

Abstract Late preweanling (postnatal day 17–18; P17–18) and postweanling (P28–29) Sprague-Dawley rat pups were tested in the presence of both mash and liquid diets following s.c. administration of 0, 0.03, 0.06, 0.1 or 0.5 mg/kg of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). Preweanling pups exhibited both a low dose stimulatory and high dose depressant effect of 8-OH-DPAT on mash-related ingestive behaviors, whereas postweanling rat pups were less sensitive to 8-OH-DPAT, exhibiting only an increase in mash ingestion within the dose range examined. In contrast, when neonatal (P3–4) rat pups were tested with milk across a dose range of 0.001-1.0 mg/kg 8-OH-DPAT, no increases in ingestion were seen, with lower doses in this range having no detectable effects and higher doses decreasing ingestion and mouthing. To the extent that low doses of 8-OH-DPAT increase feeding via preferential stimulation of 5-HT1A autoreceptors, these data suggest that neonates may lack functional 5-HT1A autoreceptors, with these receptors maturing by the late preweanling period.
Mesencephalic Astrocyte-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Is an Ischemia-Inducible Secreted Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response Protein in the Heart

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response (ERSR) is activated when folding of nascent proteins in the ER lumen is impeded. Myocardial ischemia was recently shown to activate the ERSR; however, the role of this complex signaling system in the heart is not well understood. ER stress activates the transcription factor ATF6, which induces expression of proteins targeted to the ER, where they restore protein folding, thus fostering cytoprotection. We previously developed a transgenic mouse line that expresses a conditionally activated form of ATF6 in the heart. In this mouse line, ATF6 activation decreased ischemic damage in an ex vivo model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion and induced numerous genes, including mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF). In the present study, MANF expression was shown to be induced in cardiac myocytes and in other cell types in the hearts of mice subjected to in vivo myocardial infarction. Additionally, simulated ischemia induced MANF in an ATF6-dependent manner in neonatal rat ventricular myocyte cultures. In contrast to many other ER-resident ERSR proteins, MANF lacks a canonical ER-retention sequence, consistent with our finding that MANF was readily secreted from cultured cardiac myocytes. Knockdown of endogenous MANF with micro-RNA increased cell death upon simulated ischemia/reperfusion, whereas addition of recombinant MANF to media protected cultured cardiac myocytes from simulated ischemia/reperfusion-mediated death. Thus, a possible function of the ERSR in the heart is the ischemia-mediated induction of secreted proteins, such as MANF, that can function in an autocrine/paracrine manner to modulate myocardial damage from ER stresses, including ischemia.
Comparison of gravity current mixing parameterizations and calibration using a high-resolution 3D nonhydrostatic spectral element model

In light of the pressing need for development and testing of reliable parameterizations of gravity current entrainment in ocean general circulation models, two existing entrainment parameterization schemes, Kprofile parameterization (KPP) and one based on Turners work (TP), are compared using idealized experiments of dense water flow over a constant-slope wedge using the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM). It is found that the gravity current entrainment resulting from KPP and TP differ significantly from one another. Parameters of KPP and TP are then calibrated using results from the high-order nonhydrostatic spectral element model Nek5000. It is shown that a very good agreement can be reached between the HYCOM simulations with KPP and TP, even though these schemes are quite different from each other. � 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Mods and Rockers, Drunken Debutants, and Sozzled Students: Moral Panic or the British Silly Season?

1. Bill Thompson[1][1] 2. Cecil Greek[2][2] 1. 1Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY, USA 2. 2University of South Florida, Tampa, USA 1. Cecil Greek, Dept. of Sociology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620 Email: cgreek{at}usf.edu. Over the last decade, moral panic theory has affected a paradigm shift in the social construction of deviance and social problems in the United States, without any real debate about its viability. This article raises key questions about this perspective by offering the first ever critique of the seminal case study of British youth subcultures on which the paradigm is based. It argues that when analyzed in the context of contemporary criticism of vandalism, hooliganism, and delinquency, the Mods and Rockers case study never justified Cohen’s original criteria for a moral panic. [1]: #aff-1 [2]: #aff-2
Restoration of Paralyzed Orbicularis Oculi Muscle Function by Controlled Electrical Current

A canine model of facial nerve paralysis was studied to apply controlled electrical current to the peripherally denervated orbicularis oculi muscle, in the attempt to effectively restore the absent function of this denervated muscle. After unilateral facial nerve neurotmesis was performed in eight dogs, the denervated orbicularis oculi muscles of four dogs were electrically stimulated for 75 postoperative days (40 min/day). Denervated and normal orbicularis oculi muscles were electrophysiologically studied and compared with the Student t test. During the study period, minimum closure of denervated treated orbicularis oculi muscles was evoked with average stimulus strength (80-ms duration) of 1.61 ± 0.22 log mA × ms. not significantly different from that of denervated nontreated or normal orbicularis oculi muscles. From days 10 through 30 only, maximum closure of denervated treated orbicularis oculi muscles was achieved with mean pulse strength (80-ms duration) of 2.37 ± 0.09 log mA × ms, significantly low...
High Detectivity All‐Printed Organic Photodiodes

All-printed organic photodiode arrays on plastic are reported with average specific detectivities of 3.45 × 10(13) cm Hz(0.5) W(-1) at a bias of -5 V. The blade-coated polyethylenimine cathode interlayer and active layer, and screen-printed anode enable precise device performance tunability and excellent homogeneity at centimetric scales. These devices' high operational reverse bias, good linear dynamic range, and bias stress stability make them attractive for implementation in imaging systems.
Ancillary instrumentation for ureteroscopy

As the quality of ureteroscopy continues to improve, ancillary instrumentation will advance. The endourologist now has a vast supply of specially designed guidewires, stents, balloons, and baskets. These technologies have expanded the realm of cases that may be managed endoscopically. As the urologist becomes more familiar with the options at his or her disposal, patient care will improve.
Searching for Human Longevity Genes The Future History of Gerontology in the Post-genomic Era

Over the last 30 years, a number of genetic and environmental factors that lead to decreased length of life have been identified. Unfortunately, much less progress has been achieved in identifying genes associated with longevity that protect from common diseases or slow the aging process. Recent compelling evidence supports a role for important genetic and environmental interactions on longevity in lower organisms. Although less is known in humans, commonality in molecular and biological processes, evolutionary arguments, and epidemiological data would strongly suggest that similar mechanisms also apply. The completion of the Human Genome Project and the rapid innovations in technology will make possible the identification of human longevity-assurance genes. This article reviews such evidence, its implications for the identification of human longevity-assurance genes, and the significance of finding longevity genes to human health and disease.
Relationship between Candida albicans Virulence during Experimental Hematogenously Disseminated Infection and Endothelial Cell Damage In Vitro

Candida albicans must penetrate the endothelial cell lining of the vasculature to invade the deep tissues during a hematogenously disseminated infection. We compared 27 C. albicans mutants with their wild-type parent for their capacity to damage endothelial cells in vitro and cause a lethal infection in mice following tail vein inoculation. Of 10 mutants with significantly impaired capacity to damage endothelial cells, all had attenuated virulence. Therefore, the endothelial cell damage assay can be used as a screen to identify some virulence factors relevant to hematogenously disseminated candidiasis.
Agent survivability through power awareness

Wireless mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETS) of personal digital assistants (PDAs) are a growing field of study due to potential applications in environments that lack a functioning communications infrastructure. Mobile computing platforms such as PDAs and tablet PCs offer software designers great challenges to the design of survivable software applications. One of these challenges pertains to limited power resources. Processor loads, large amounts of wireless network activity, and input/output (I/O operations can strain the limited battery life inherent with such mobile platforms. In this paper we demonstrate how power awareness of software agents can increase system robustness and survivability. This paper presents first steps in a direction that can derive large payoffs for decentralized coordination and collaboration on power-constrained computing platforms.
The Biology Experimental Design Challenge: An Interactive Approach to Enhance Students’ Understanding of Scientific Inquiry in the Context of an Introductory Biology Course

The scientific method serves as a procedural framework for advancing knowledge and discoveries in a number of fields, including the natural and life sciences. Despite its essential role in these disciplines, students often perceive the scientific method to be a fact-driven, linear pursuit, rather than a dynamic process . To address this concern, I developed the Biology Experimental Design Challenge (BEDC) game to reinforce students’ understanding of the scientific process. Specifically, the group activity focused on students’: a) ability to develop testable hypotheses; b) determine suitable dependent, independent, and control variables for their proposed experiment; c) interpret data to draw evidence-based claims; and d) pose questions for future research. This process was punctuated with opportunities for each group to receive feedback from other teams regarding their experimental design, creating discussion and occasional collaboration between groups. In this paper, I present methods for implementing the activity, as well as provide evidence that demonstrates student pre-/post-activity learning gains achieved as a result of implementation of the BEDC in a first-semester introductory biology discussion course.
A generalized Wilcoxon test for comparing arbitrarily singly-censored samples

H2: F1(t) F2(t) (t F2(t) (t < T). The asymptotic efficiency of the test relative to the efficient parametric test when the distributions are exponential is at least 0 75 and increases with degree of censoring. When Ho is true, the test is not seriously affected by real differences in the percentage censored in the two groups. Some comparisons are made for five cases of varying degrees of censoring and tying between probabilities from the exact test and those from the proposed test and these suggest the test is appropriate under certain conditions when the sample size is five in each group. A worked example is presented and some discussion is given to further problems.
From Story Line to Box Office: A New Approach for Green-Lighting Movie Scripts

Movie studios often have to choose among thousands of scripts to decide which ones to turn into movies. Despite the huge amount of money at stake, this process---known as green-lighting in the movie industry---is largely a guesswork based on experts' experience and intuitions. In this paper, we propose a new approach to help studios evaluate scripts that will then lead to more profitable green-lighting decisions. Our approach combines screenwriting domain knowledge, natural-language processing techniques, and statistical learning methods to forecast a movie's return on investment (ROI) based only on textual information available in movie scripts. We test our model in a holdout decision task to show that our model is able to significantly improve a studio's gross ROI.
Rescue therapy with doxorubicin-based chemotherapy for relapsing or refractory feline lymphoma: a retrospective study of 23 cases

This study examined the efficacy of doxorubicin-based chemotherapy used for rescue therapy in refractory feline lymphoma. Records of 23 cats with lymphoma treated with chemotherapy who received doxorubicin for the first time in a rescue setting were reviewed. Seventeen (74%) of the 23 cats had only one treatment of doxorubicin. Five (22%) of the 23 cats had a positive response to doxorubicin and were given additional doses. The response to therapy in 4/5 of these responders could be assessed objectively, of which, two cats (9%) achieved partial remission (PR) and two cats (9%) achieved complete remission (CR). The two cats that achieved CR had differing response durations (6 weeks and greater than 47 months). Three of these five (60%) responders had also received concurrent other chemotherapy in addition to doxorubicin. Cell type and the use of concurrent chemotherapy were significant predictors of response. Cats with small-medium cell lymphomas (P=0.001) and cats that received concurrent chemotherapy with doxorubicin rescue (P=0.007) were more likely to respond favorably. This study suggests that doxorubicin-based chemotherapy is not an effective rescue protocol for feline lymphoma.
The sec6/8 Complex Is Located at Neurite Outgrowth and Axonal Synapse-Assembly Domains

The molecules that specify domains on the neuronal plasma membrane for the delivery and accumulation of vesicles during neurite outgrowth and synapse formation are unknown. We investigated the role of the sec6/8 complex, a set of proteins that specifies vesicle targeting sites in yeast and epithelial cells, in neuronal membrane trafficking. This complex was found in layers of developing rat brain undergoing synaptogenesis. In cultured hippocampal neurons, the sec6/8 complex was present in regions of ongoing membrane addition: the tips of growing neurites, filopodia, and growth cones. In young axons, the sec6/8 complex was also confined to periodic domains of the plasma membrane. The distribution of synaptotagmin, synapsin1, sec6, and FM1-43 labeling in cultured neurons suggested that the plasma membrane localization of the sec6/8 complex preceded the arrival of synaptic markers and was downregulated in mature synapses. We propose that the sec6/8 complex specifies sites for targeting vesicles at domains of neurite outgrowth and potential active zones during synaptogenesis.
Restrained Expectations in Late Pregnancy Following Loss

Objective- To describe women’s late pregnancy after loss experiences (from 25 weeks gestation to birth), document the timing and frequency of their common discomforts and events, and explore changes in these experiences over time. Design- A longitudinal, qualitative study of pregnancy calendar entries and field notes. Setting- Prenatal care providers and community canvassing in Central New York and the Internet. Participants- Pregnant women (N= 69) with a history of perinatal loss. Main Outcome Measures- Women’s pregnancy calendar entries and field notes. Results- Thematic data analysis yielded two main themes and several subthemes: (a) Precarious Pregnancy Security with subthemes of Informed Awareness and Varying Emotions and (b) Prudent Baby Preparations with subthemes of Physical, Social, and Emotional Preparation. Conclusion- Women reported an increased sense of security about the pregnancy and baby over time but this security was easily shaken. For women with a history of later or multiple loss, anxiety may remain high or increase as the due date approaches. Fetal movement is the most common barometer of fetal well-being during this part of pregnancy. With a better understanding of pregnancy after loss, clinicians can have a positive impact on women’s prenatal experiences.
The Partisan Logic of Decentralization in Europe

Since the 1970s, a decentralizing trend has gathered pace in several Western European countries. Governments in Spain, Italy, Belgium and the United Kingdom have moved to bestow significant powers on certain regions, while France and Portugal have made more limited reforms. The fact that countries facing nationalist challenges in the periphery have been more likely to decentralize poses a puzzle, because research shows that greater autonomy does not necessarily decrease secessionist sentiment and may even increase some forms of nationalist agitation. Why then do governments decentralize? This paper argues that the explanation lies in partisan political calculations, which can also explain the timing and character of devolution.
TENSION BUCKLING IN MULTILAYER ELASTOMERIC ISOLATION BEARINGS

Seismic isolators are constructed from multiple layers of elastomer (usually natural rubber) reinforced with steel plates; they are, therefore, very stiff in the vertical direction, but soft in the horizontal direction. The buckling of these bearings under compression load is a well-understood phenomenon and has been widely studied. It is therefore unexpected that the buckling analysis for compression predicts that the isolator can buckle in tension at a load close to that for buckling in compression. The linear elastic model that leads to both compression and tension buckling is an extremely simple one, so it might be argued that the tensile buckling may be an artifact of the model itself rather than a property of the isolator. To test the simple theoretical model we have conducted a numerical simulation study using a finite element model of a multilayer elastomeric bearing. We find that the prediction of tensile buckling by the simple linear elastic theory is indeed accurate and not an artifact of the model.
An Scn1a epilepsy mutation in Scn8a alters seizure susceptibility and behavior

Understanding the role of SCN8A in epilepsy and behavior is critical in light of recently identified human SCN8A epilepsy mutations. We have previously demonstrated that Scn8a(med) and Scn8a(med-jo) mice carrying mutations in the Scn8a gene display increased resistance to flurothyl and kainic acid-induced seizures; however, they also exhibit spontaneous absence seizures. To further investigate the relationship between altered SCN8A function and epilepsy, we introduced the SCN1A-R1648H mutation, identified in a family with generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+), into the corresponding position (R1627H) of the mouse Scn8a gene. Heterozygous R1627H mice exhibited increased resistance to some forms of pharmacologically and electrically induced seizures and the mutant Scn8a allele ameliorated the phenotype of Scn1a-R1648H mutants. Hippocampal slices from heterozygous R1627H mice displayed decreased bursting behavior compared to wild-type littermates. Paradoxically, at the homozygous level, R1627H mice did not display increased seizure resistance and were susceptible to audiogenic seizures. We furthermore observed increased hippocampal pyramidal cell excitability in heterozygous and homozygous Scn8a-R1627H mutants, and decreased interneuron excitability in heterozygous Scn8a-R1627H mutants. These results expand the phenotypes associated with disruption of the Scn8a gene and demonstrate that an Scn8a mutation can both confer seizure protection and increase seizure susceptibility.
Dopaminergic Neurons: Activation of Tyrosine Hydroxylase by a Calcium Chelator

Addition of the calcium-chelating agent ethylene glycol bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N’-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) to a high-speed supernatant preparation obtained from rat striatum produced a dramatic increase in the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase assayed in the presence of subsaturating concentrations of tyrosine and reduced pterin cofactor. This activation appeared to be mediated by changes in the kinetic properties of tyrosine hydroxylase. In the presence of EGTA (50 µM) the Km of the enzyme for tyrosine decreased nearly 8-fold (from 54 µM to 9 µM), the Km for 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6,7-dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropteridine decreased 7-fold (from 0.89 mM to 0.13 mM), and the Ki for dopamine increased 700-fold (from 0.11 mM to 74 mM). No significant change in Vmax was observed. All these kinetic alterations could be reversed by the addition of calcium to the assay medium, while magnesium, even in high concentrations (1 mM), was ineffective. A similar activation was observed with tyrosine hydroxylase isolated from other dopamine-containing regions of rat brain (median eminence, olfactory tubercle) and in the dopamine-rich pedal ganglion of Mercenaria mercenaria (Mollusca). EGTA produced no significant change in the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase prepared from central (medulla-pons) or peripheral noradrenergic neurons. These results suggest that tyrosine hydroxylase associated with dopaminergic neurons may differ from the enzyme found in noradrenergic neurons. This unique response of the tyrosine hydroxylase present in dopaminergic neurons may serve as a useful biochemical marker for identifying these neurons.
Input and Output Systems of Orexin Neurons

Orexin/hypocretin neurons are localized in the lateral hypothalamic area (LH)/perifornical area (PF) and project their fibers widely to many regions in the brain. Two types of orexin receptors, OX1 and OX2, are expressed in various brain areas, including neurons controlling fundamental functions in the brain, such as sleep/wake behavior, feeding and drinking, homeostatic regulation, neuroendocrine and autonomic responses. In this chapter, we summarize the input and output pathways of orexin neurons in the rodent brain and discuss their physiological roles from an anatomical point of view. We then introduce recent publications of mouse studies, demonstrating functional evidence of these neural pathways from/to orexin neurons especially for controlling sleep/wake behavior. These new, integrated anatomical-physiological evidences well document the important circuitry of orexin neurons in the mammalian brain.
Crisis in Organ Donations: A Survey of Public Attitudes on Organ Donations and Suggestions for Improvement in the Donation Process

Despite dramatic advances in transplant medicine and legislative efforts to increase organ donation, thousands of patients die each year awaiting a transplant. To assess the number of organ donors ...
The Phylogeny and Classification of the Australo-Papuan Passerine Birds

SIBLEY, C.G. and J.E. AHLQUIST. 1985. The phylogeny and classification of the Australo-Papuan passerine birds. Emu 85: 1–14.In a series of studies the technique of DNA-DNA hybridization has been us...
Viral Probes of Aging in the Human Diploid Cell Strain WI-38

SummaryPoliovirus type I and herpesvirus type I were used as probes to determine whether protein misspecification could account for the finite lifetime (Phase III phenomenon) of cultured normal human diploid fibroblasts (WI-38). Quantity of virus produced, pattern of cytopathology, plaque morphology, and analysis of herpesvirus proteins by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis did not differ in virus progeny produced in young (Phase II) or old (Phase III) WI-38. These results do not support the notion that misspecification of proteins can account for cell aging in vitro.