cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic field of arbitrarily oriented coil antennas in complicated underground environment

This paper presents a numerical algorithm based on the finite-difference method to simulate the electromagnetic fields generated by arbitrarily-oriented transmitter coils in a three-dimensional (3D) fully anisotropic medium. An edge-centered, staggered-grid finite-difference method is used to solve the vector equation for the scattered electric field. The resultant matrix equation is solved iteratively using a generalized minimal residual (GMRES) algorithm and an incomplete LU precondition technique is applied to improve the convergence behavior of the linear equation. A conductivity averaging technique and optimal grid refinement are also used in the approach to obtain further efficiency. Numerical examples will be presented to demonstrate the efficiency and capability of the present method.
A novel hyperbranched poly(acrylic acid) for improved resin-modified glass-ionomer restoratives.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to synthesize and characterize novel hyperbranched poly(acrylic acid)s via atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique and tether the photo-curable methacrylate onto the poly(acrylic acid), use these polymers to formulate the resin-modified glass-ionomer cements, and evaluate the mechanical strengths of the formed cements. Materials and methods The hyperbranched poly(acrylic acid)s were synthesized using a self-condensing vinyl polymerization initiator via ATRP. The effects of the concentrations of both catalyst and initiator on molecular weight (MW) and degree of branching (DB) were studied. Compressive, diametral tensile as well as flexural strengths, fracture toughness, hardness and wear-resistance of the experimental cement were evaluated and compared to those of Fuji II LC cement. The specimens were conditioned in distilled water at 37 °C for 24 h prior to testing. Results The concentrations of both catalyst and initiator had significant effects on MW and DB of the synthesized polymers. The concentration of the initiator also significantly affected both CS and DTS values of the cement. The experimental cement showed significantly higher mechanical properties, i.e., 53% in CS, 50% in compressive modulus, 125% in DTS, 95% in FS, 21% in FT and 96% in KHN, higher than Fuji II LC. The experimental cement was only 5.4% of abrasive and 6.4% attritional wear depths of Fuji II LC. Conclusions This study developed a novel resin-modified glass-ionomer cement system composed of newly synthesized hyperbranched poly(acrylic acid)s. It appears that this novel experimental cement is a clinically attractive dental restorative and may potentially be used for high-wear and high-stress-bearing site restorations.
Martian magmas contained abundant chlorine, but little water

The martian water cycle, a key for the habitability of Mars, largely relies on the abundance of water in martian magmas and their mantle sources, yet martian (SNC: shergottite, nakhlite, and chassigny classes) meteorites contain minimal water. However, some experimental studies have suggested that martian parental magmas contained as much as 2% H2O. Here we integrate mineral-chemical, experimental, and cosmochemical constraints to show that martian magmas contained little water but abundant chlorine. Apatite and amphibole in martian meteorites are chlorine rich and water poor; this constrains the chlorine contents in their parental magmas to >0.3 wt% and water contents to <0.3 wt%. Our experimental work has shown that large amounts of water are not needed to explain the mineralogy of the martian meteorites because chlorine has effects similar to those of water on crystallization. Such chlorine-rich, water-poor martian magmas are consistent with Mars being chlorine rich (~2.5 ×) compared with the Earth. Furthermore, the bulk Cl composition of martian meteorites shows that they have not preferentially lost Cl by degassing of an H2O-rich vapor. Together, these results show that chlorine, not water, was the dominant volatile species in martian basalts, and that these basalts contributed little H2O to Mars' surface environment.
p63 and p73 in human cancer: defining the network

The p53-related genes p63 and p73 exhibit significant structural homology to p53; however, they do not function as classical tumor suppressors and are rarely mutated in human cancers. Both p63 and p73 exhibit tissue-specific roles in normal development and a complex contribution to tumorigenesis that is due to their expression as multiple protein isoforms. The predominant p63/p73 isoforms expressed both in normal development and in many tumors lack the conserved transactivation (TA) domain; these isoforms instead exhibit a truncated N-terminus (DeltaN) and function at least in part as transcriptional repressors. p63 and p73 isoforms are regulated through both transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms, and they in turn regulate diverse cellular functions including proliferation, survival and differentiation. The net effect of p63/p73 expression in a given context depends on the ratio of TA/DeltaN isoforms expressed, on physical interaction between p63 and p73 isoforms, and on functional interactions with p53 at the promoters of specific downstream target genes. These multifaceted interactions occur in diverse ways in tumor-specific contexts, demonstrating a functional 'p53 family network' in human tumorigenesis. Understanding the regulation and mechanistic contributions of p63 and p73 in human cancers may ultimately provide new therapeutic opportunities for a variety of these diseases.
Should we routinely supplement coronary patients with folate therapy to prevent in-stent restenosis?

Clinical scenario A 55-year-old white man complaining of worsening angina presents to your clinic for a second opinion. He has a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and smoking. Eight months ago, he sustained an acute anterolateral myocardial infarction and was treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the midportion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). A 2.5 23 mm bare-metal stent was successfully implanted in the mid-LAD. In view of the recurrence of low-threshold angina, a diagnostic cardiac catheterization was performed and revealed diffuse 95% mid-LAD in-stent restenosis, several 50% lesions throughout the left circumflex and right coronary distributions, and mild left ventricular dysfunction. The referring cardiologist recommended performing intracoronary h radiation (brachytherapy) on the affected coronary segment. The patient’s daily medications include aspirin, metoprolol, ramipril, simvastatin, and several bvitamin pills.Q The patient shares with you his strong opinions about the bhealing powersQ and lack of ba downsideQ associated with vitamin intake. Upon closer review of his pills, you determine that his current oral vitamin intake corresponds to 80 mg of vitamin B6, 80 Ag of vitamin B12, 1.2 mg of folic acid, and 400 IU of vitamin E. Although you agree with the proposed management of in-stent restenosis, you wonder whether any potential harm may be associated with daily multivitamin supplementation in this patient with evolving coronary artery disease.
Power handling and linearity of MEM capacitive series switches

This paper presents the power handling and linearity of a capacitive series MEMS switch. The switching time as a function of incident RF power is also discussed. The MIT Lincoln Laboratory series capacitive MEMS switch handled nearly 10 Watts of RF power under cold switching conditions and up to 1.7 Watts of RF power under hot switching conditions. The power handling is a function of the pull-down voltage of the switch and the frequency of the RF signal.
Hot Components and Circumstellar Grains in M Supergiant Syncretic Binaries

Ultraviolet and infrared spectra were obtained in order to study grains in cool star and hot star syncretic type binaries. Grains are found in only about half of the syncretic systems. The results suggest that grains have not formed in many syncretic systems because of ultraviolet radiation from the hot star. Circumstellar extinction could not be unambiguously detected in those systems with grains.
SEX AS PREDICTIVE OF SALARY AND STATUS ON A UNIVERSITY FACULTY

An investigation of the existence and extent of sex-based inequities in rank and pay on a University faculty yielded several suggestions of discrimination against women. Data on professional experience, publications, honors, rank and pay were collected by means of a questionnaire distributed to 372 faculty members. Within a sample of 128 who answered all requisite items, sex added significantly to the predictability of salary beyond that achieved by multiple measures of merit and experience, including mean salary for rank and department. Sex itself did not predict rank or a measure designed to reflect speed of advancement through the ranks. Terms reflecting interactions of sex and merit were capable of improving prediction of all three status measures, however, suggesting differences in the reward structure for the sexes.
Sex differences in perception of invisible facial expressions

Previous research indicates that women are better at recognizing facial expressions than men. In the current study, we examined whether this female advantage in the processing of facial expressions also occurs at the unconscious level. In two studies, participants performed a simple detection task and a 4-AFC task while faces were rendered invisible by continuous flash suppression. When faces with full intensity expressions were suppressed, there was no significant sex difference in the time of breakup of suppression (Study 1). However, when suppressed faces depicted low intensity expressions, suppression broke up earlier in men than women, indicating that men may be more sensitive to facial features related to mild facial expressions (Study 2). The current findings suggest that the female advantage in processing of facial expressions is absent in unconscious processing of emotional information. The female advantage in facial expression processing may require conscious perception of faces.
Modification of the dextran-Mg2+ high-density lipoprotein cholesterol precipitation method for use with previously frozen plasma.

Although dextran-Mg2+ precipitation produces accurate and precise results for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in fresh plasma and serum, precipitation of frozen specimens with triglycerides > 2.26 mmol/L (> 200 mg/dL) is difficult. We developed a modification that dilutes thawed samples by 35% and increases dextran-Mg2+ reagent to 15% of sample volume. Standard precipitations were performed on 62 fresh EDTA-treated plasma specimens; supernatant solutions were analyzed fresh and after freezing. Standard and modified methods were also performed on thawed, paired plasmas. In specimens with triglycerides 2.26 mmol/L, however, bias and precision were significantly affected by freezing, and 38.5% of samples with standard precipitation required additional procedures to produce clear supernatant solutions. HDL cholesterol concentrations for thawed samples with standard precipitation were significantly greater than for fresh samples (P < 0.02), but those for the modified method were not different from fresh samples, and only one specimen required additional steps to produce a clear supernate.
Normal mode model for electromagnetic propagation in the earth crust waveguide

Propagation of modes in an idealized model of the earth-crust waveguide is considered. The two-layer region is bounded above and below by a perfectly conducting plane. For this structure, there are an infinite number of discrete modes without any contribution from a continuous spectrum. The excitation factor for the structure is derived for voltage-type and electric, current line sources. Specific numerical results for 1 to 1000 Hz are given for the case where the lower conductive region is effectively of infinite depth. It is found that the conductivity of the upper region is the main controlling factor on the attenuation rate.
Stretch-induced activation of AMP kinase in the lung requires dystroglycan.

Lung cells are exposed to cyclic stretch during normal respiration and during positive pressure mechanical ventilation administered to support gas exchange. Dystroglycan is a ubiquitously expressed matrix receptor that is required for normal basement membrane formation during embryogenesis and for maintaining the function of skeletal muscle myocytes and neurons where it links cells to matrix. We previously reported that equibiaxial stretch of primary alveolar epithelial cells activated the MAP kinase pathway ERK1/2 through a mechanism that required an interaction between dystroglycan and matrix. We determined whether this mechanism of mechanotransduction activates other signaling cascades in lung epithelium. Exposure of rat epithelial alveolar type II cells (AEC) to cyclic mechanical stretch resulted in activation of 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This response was not affected by pretreatment of AEC with the ERK inhibitor PD98059 but was inhibited by knockdown in dystroglycan expression. Moreover, production of reactive oxygen species was enhanced in mechanically stimulated AEC in which dystroglycan was knocked down. This enhancement was reversed by treatment of AEC with an AMPK activator. Activation of AMPK was also observed in lung homogenates from mice after 15 minutes of noninjurious mechanical ventilation. Furthermore, knockdown of dystroglycan in the lungs of mice using an adenovirus encoding a dystroglycan shRNA prevented the stretch-induced activation of AMPK. These results suggest that exposure to cyclic stretch activates the metabolic sensing pathway AMPK in the lung epithelium and supports a novel role for dystroglycan in this mechanotransduction.
Streamroller: automatic synthesis of prescribed throughput accelerator pipelines

In this paper, we present a methodology for designing a pipeline of accelerators for an application. The application is modeled using sequential C language with simple stylizations. The synthesis of the accelerator pipeline involves designing loop accelerators for individual kernels, instantiating buffers for arrays used in the application, and hooking up these building blocks to form a pipeline. A compiler-based system automatically synthesizes loop accelerators for individual kernels at varying performance levels. An integer linear program formulation which simultaneously optimizes the cost of loop accelerators and the cost of memory buffers is proposed to compose the loop accelerators to form an accelerator pipeline for the whole application. Cases studies for some applications, including FMRadio and Beamformer, are presented to illustrate our design methodology. Experiments show significant cost savings are achieved through hardware sharing, while achieving the prescribed throughput requirements.
Disrobing the Emperor (Heart) Without Destroying the Dignity of Super-Normality

The familial hypertrophic heart is a hyperdynamic pump, not infrequently exhibited in the most elite of athletes, yet unexpectedly treacherous and magnificently deceptive of a defect present since its conception. See p 2992 For an inherited disease, familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHCM) is relatively common, with an incidence of 1 in 500, and is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in the young. All too often, sudden death is the first and only symptom in an otherwise healthy, energetic individual. Because these individuals manifest normal or supernormal ventricular function (ejection fraction 65% to 80%), it is not surprising that sudden death occurs unexpectedly and not infrequently in very fit athletes competing on a local, national, or international level. Our knowledge of the genetics of FHCM has advanced rapidly with at least 10 genes and >150 mutations identified.1 There are several barriers to the clinical application of this knowledge, however. Multiple genes with multiple mutations make screening for a mutation in a single individual a formidable task in terms of time and cost. Thus, there is a need to develop rapid, robust, and accurate techniques for detecting mutations. Mutations are most accurately detected by DNA sequencing on a research basis that remains both too expensive and time consuming for routine clinical use. Nevertheless, in the near future, genetic screening is likely to be incorporated into medical practice. Other techniques offer promise, such as the DNA chip technology and time of flight magnetic resonance. Unfortunately, assigning risk of developing disease, even when the mutation is known, is confounded by other genetic and clinical variables that may detract from the otherwise beneficial effects of this new knowledge. It is also too late to turn back. The clinical diagnosis is based on echocardiographic detection of hypertrophy, the hallmark of the disease. However, …
Degradation of extracellular chondroitin sulfate delays recovery of network activity after perturbation

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are widely studied in vertebrate systems and are known to play a key role in development, plasticity, and regulation of cortical circuitry. The mechanistic details of this role are still elusive, but increasingly central to the investigation is the homeostatic balance between network excitation and inhibition. Studying a simpler neuronal circuit may prove advantageous for discovering the mechanistic details of the cellular effects of CSPGs. In this study we used a well-established model of homeostatic change after injury in the crab Cancer borealis to show first evidence that CSPGs are necessary for network activity homeostasis. We degraded CSPGs in the pyloric circuit of the stomatogastric ganglion with the enzyme chondroitinase ABC (chABC) and found that removal of CSPGs does not influence the ongoing rhythm of the pyloric circuit but does limit its capacity for recovery after a networkwide perturbation. Without CSPGs, the postperturbation rhythm is slower than in controls and rhythm recovery is delayed. In addition to providing a new model system for the study of CSPGs, this study suggests a wider role for CSPGs, and perhaps the extracellular matrix in general, beyond simply plastic reorganization (as observed in mammals) and into a foundational regulatory role of neural circuitry.
Fatal outcome after insufficient spine fixation for pyogenic thoracic spondylodiscitis: an imperative for 360° fusion of the infected spine

Background: Pyogenic spondylodiscitis represents a potentially life-threatening condition. Due to the low incidence, evidence-based surgical recommendations in the literature are equivocal, and the treatment modalities remain controversial. Case presentation: A 59 year-old patient presented with a history of thoracic spondylodiscitis resistant to antibiotic treatment for 6 weeks, progressive severe back pain, and a new onset of bilateral lower extremity weakness. Clinically, the patient showed a deteriorating spastic paraparesis of her lower extremities. An emergent MRI revealed a kyphotic wedge compression fracture at T7/T8 with significant spinal cord compression, paravertebral and epidural abscess, and signs of myelopathy. The patient underwent surgical debridement with stabilization of the anterior column from T6–T9 using an expandable titanium cage, autologous bone graft, and an anterolateral locking plate. The patient recovered well under adjunctive antibiotic treatment. She presented again to the emergency department 6 months later, secondary to a repeat fall, with acute paraplegia of the lower extremities and radiographic evidence of failure of fixation of the anterior T-spine. She underwent antero-posterior revision fixation with hardware removal, correction of kyphotic malunion, evacuation of a recurrent epidural abscess, decompression of the spinal canal, and 360° fusion from T2–T11. Despite the successful salvage procedure, the patient deteriorated in the postoperative phase, when she developed multiple complications including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, bacterial meningitis, abdominal compartment syndrome, followed by septic shock with multiple organ failure and a lethal outcome within two weeks after revision surgery. Conclusion: This catastrophic example of a lethal outcome secondary to failure of anterior column fixation for pyogenic thoracic spondylodiscitis underlines the notion that surgical strategies for the infected spine must be aimed at achieving absolute stability by a 360° fusion. This aggressive – albeit controversial – concept allows for an adequate infection control by adjunctive antibiotics and reduces the imminent risk of a secondary loss of fixation due to compromises in initial fixation techniques.
The Evolution of Homophily

Biologists have devoted much attention to assortative mating or homogamy, the tendency for sexual species to mate with similar others. In contrast, there has been little theoretical work on the broader phenomenon of homophily, the tendency for individuals to interact with similar others. Yet this behaviour is also widely observed in nature. Here, we model how natural selection can give rise to homophily when individuals engage in social interaction in a population with multiple observable phenotypes. Payoffs to interactions depend on whether or not individuals have the same or different phenotypes, and each individual has a preference that determines how likely they are to interact with others of their own phenotype (homophily) or of opposite phenotypes (heterophily). The results show that homophily tends to evolve under a wide variety of conditions, helping to explain its ubiquity in nature.
Percutaneous left ventricular catheterisation with an ultraminiature catheter-tip pressure transducer

Percutaneous left ventricular catheterisation with a 4F (O.D. 1.33 mm) catheter-tip pressure transducer is described. The transducer is small enough so that it can be introduced through a short 4F arterial insertion sheath or a Brockenbrough Trans-septal catheter. Experience in 35 patients suggests that this ultraminiatufe catheter mounted pressure transducer is a valuable addition to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory.
Ascorbate Prevents the Interaction of Superoxide and Nitric Oxide Only at Very High Physiological Concentrations

The bioactivity of nitric oxide (.NO) depends, in part, on its interaction with superoxide. Usually, superoxide dismutase (SOD) preserves .NO bioactivity by limiting the availability of superoxide. Ascorbic acid also effectively scavenges superoxide, but the extent to which this interaction is necessary for intact .NO bioactivity is not known. Therefore, the present study examined the effect of ascorbic acid on .NO bioactivity with isolated rabbit arterial segments. A steady flux of superoxide (1.15 to 2.3 micromol . L-1 . min-1) produced either by pyrogallol autoxidation or a hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase system inhibited endothelium-derived .NO-mediated arterial relaxation elicited by acetylcholine. This effect of superoxide was completely blocked by SOD (300 IU/mL) and the manganese SOD mimic EUK-8 (300 micromol/L) and partially inhibited by ascorbic acid (10 mmol/L). Lower concentrations of ascorbic acid were ineffective despite scavenging >90% of superoxide. We increased the endogenous flux of superoxide (3.2+/-0.3-fold) by inhibiting vascular copper-zinc SOD with diethyldithiocarbamate. This increased endogenous flux of superoxide produced an impairment of .NO-mediated arterial relaxation that was reversed by EUK-8 (300 micromol/L) but not ascorbic acid (10 mmol/L) despite equivalent scavenging of the endogenous superoxide flux. We used 3-nitrotyrosine formation (from peroxynitrite) as an indicator of .NO interaction with superoxide and found that SOD and EUK-8 compete more effectively with .NO for superoxide than does ascorbic acid. These data indicate that preservation of .NO bioactivity by superoxide scavengers depends not only on superoxide scavenging activity, but also on the rate of superoxide scavenging. Normal extracellular concentrations of ascorbic acid (30 to 150 micromol/L) are not likely to prevent the interaction of .NO with superoxide under physiological conditions.
Neglecting safety precautions may lead to trenching fatalities

Background Trench collapses ranked as the seventh leading cause of the possible twenty-nine causes of OSHA-inspected fatal construction events during the period 1991–2001. This study aims to examine why these fatalities occurred. Methods Forty-four case files from OSHA inspections of fatal trench collapses were reviewed. Results Improper protection of the excavation site where work was taking place was the leading fatality cause. Several organizational or physical conditions were present at many fatal sites; the most frequent was that no training had been provided for trenching. Conclusions Presence of a competent, diligent person at the site would have prohibited most fatalities. The top cited violation was lack of protection, that is, benching, shoring, sloping, trench boxes, etc. (29 CFR 1926.652 (a) (1)). Am. J. Ind. Med. 45:522–527, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Complex aortic valve repair as a durable and effective alternative to valve replacement in children with aortic valve disease.

Objective This study was undertaken to determine the utility of aortic valve repair in children. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on aortic valve surgery from 1973 to 2004 at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Results Procedures were classified as simple repairs (blunt valvotomy, commissurotomy with or without thinning, n=147), repair of aortic insufficiency with ventricular septal defect (n = 22), complex repairs (any combination of additional procedures including suspension of prolapsed leaflets, leaflet extensions, repair of torn or perforated leaflets, annuloplasty, reduction of sinus of Valsalva plasty, and concomitant repair of supravalvular or subvalvular stenosis, n=57), and replacements (n = 57, 20 mechanical, 2 porcine, and 35 human valves). Freedoms from reintervention for simple repairs and repair of aortic insufficiency with ventricular septal defect at 10 years were 86% ± 5% and 93.3% ± 6%, respectively. For complex valve repair, freedoms from reintervention at 1, 5, and 10 years were 94% ± 3%, 85% ± 6%, and 44% ± 15%, versus 96% ± 3%, 77% ± 9%, and 77% ± 9% for valve replacement ( P = .3). At intermediate follow-up, patients with complex valve repair had a residual gradient of 20 ± 21 mm Hg, and 94% were free of severe aortic insufficiency. Residual aortic stenosis ( P Conclusion Freedom from reintervention after complex valve repairs was not different from that after valve replacement, with acceptable residual aortic stenosis and insufficiency. Simple repairs and repair of aortic insufficiency with ventricular septal defect yielded excellent long-term freedom from reintervention.
Bacterial diversity in hyperarid Atacama Desert soils

[1] Surface and subsurface soil samples analyzed for this investigation were collected from the hyperarid Yungay region in the Atacama Desert, Chile. This report details the bacterial diversity derived from DNA and PLFA extracted directly from these extremely desiccated soils. Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and TM7 division bacteria were detected. Ninety-four percent of the 16S rRNA genes cloned from these soils belong to the Actinobacteria phylum, and the majority of these were most closely related to the genus Frankia. A 24-hour water activity (a w ) time course showed a diurnal cycle that peaked at 0.52 in the early predawn hours, and ranged from 0.01-0.08 during the day. All measured water activity values were below the levels required for microbial growth or enzyme activity. Total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations were above the limit of detection and below the limit of quantification (i.e., 200 μg/g < TOC < 1000 μg/g), and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) concentrations ranged from 2 x 105 to 7 x 10 cell equivalents per gram of soil. Soil extracts analyzed for culturable biomass yielded mostly no growth on R2A media; the highest single extract yielded 47 colony forming units (CFU) per gram of soil.
The investigation of the maximum effect of the Volt/Var control of distributed generation on voltage regulation

An amendment to the IEEE standard on interconnecting distributed resources (DRs) with electric power systems (EPSs) permits reactive power control upon mutual approval by EPS and DR operators and their agreed-upon coordination [1]. Therefore, this study investigates the maximum effect of reactive power control such as the Volt/Var control of distributed generation on the voltage regulation of practical distribution networks. For this purpose, this study, using OpenDSS, models a practical distribution system with more than 1,000 nodes and designs a genetic algorithm that determines optimal set points for the reactive power control of photovoltaic (PV) systems to minimize the voltage variations of buses when PV systems inject active and reactive power during a day in hourly intervals. Finally, it calculates the time-series power flow of a distribution network enhanced by such PV systems and finds the maximum effect of the Volt/Var control of PV systems on voltage regulation.
Treatment of Migraine and Cluster Headache with Calcium Antagonists

A number of pharmacological agents have recently become available that are capable of limiting or blocking calcium passage through cellular membrane channels. These drugs are termed calcium antagonists or calcium channel or calcium entry blockers. Cell membranes of smooth muscle and nerve cells have several different calcium channels which may be selectively altered by calcium channel blockers [28, 29]. Since the cellular entry of calcium initiates contraction of vascular smooth muscle, calcium channel blockers exert both antispasmodic and slight vasodilator actions [6]. Calcium channels are susceptible to ischemia resulting in calcium entry with intracellular “overload”, which may be responsible for cell damage and eventually cell death [7, 26]. Calcium antagonists also exert protective actions against ischemic and anoxic damage to both nerve cells and smooth muscle.
The Malmö polymorphism of factor IX: establishing the genotypes by rapid analysis of DNA

A DNA polymorphism in the coding region of coagulation factor IX--potentially valuable for carrier detection, prenatal diagnosis, and population studies--was described in 1985. It had been discovered with monoclonal antibodies that distinguish between threonine and alanine as the 148th residue of the peptide. Its use as a diagnostic tool has been limited because threonine-containing factor IX (Malmo A) is dominant to alanine-containing factor IX (Malmo B) in immunoassays of plasma; therefore, detection of Malmo heterozygotes is not possible in all instances. A DNA method for recognizing all heterozygotes has been developed, but it also has limitations. We report the development of another DNA procedure based on amplification of the relevant DNA with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This method is quick, avoids the use of isotopes and x-ray film, and specifically identifies all the Malmo genotypes: hemizygotes, homozygotes, and heterozygotes. The procedure can be performed satisfactorily on small samples of blood (less than 1 mL) as suggested by Kogan et al (N Engl J Med 317:985, 1987). The method described is applicable to any genetic polymorphism that overlaps a restriction enzyme recognition site.
Inhibition of cancer cell growth by ruthenium complexes

Previous studies suggest that certain transition metal complexes, such as cisplatin, are efficacious for treating various cancer types, including ovarian, lung, and breast. In order to further evaluate ruthenium (Ru) complexes as potential anti-cancer agents, we synthesized and evaluated Ru-arene complexes. Two complexes with the general formula [Ru (η 6-p-cym) (N–N) Cl]+ were tested for their abilities to inhibit cancer cells. The complex with o-phenylenediamine as the N–N ligand (o-PDA) significantly inhibited growth of breast (MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, SKBR-3, and SUM149), lymphoma (Raji), melanoma (Bowes), and osteosarcoma (HT1080); however, the complex with o-benzoquinonediimine (o-BQDI) was ineffective except for SUM149. In contrast, o-PDA failed to inhibit growth of human breast epithelial cells, MCF-10A. Treatment of MDA-MBA-231 cells with o-PDA resulted in a significant reduction of productions of PDGF-AA, GM-CSF, and VEGF-A proteins at the transcriptional levels. Finally, we demonstrated that o-PDA synergistically inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell growth with cyclophosphamide but not doxorubicin or paclitaxel. These results suggest that Ru-arene complexes are promising anti-cancer drugs that inhibit progression and metastasis by blocking multiple processes for breast and other types of cancer.
Automotive Mirror Wind Noise Simulations and Wind Tunnel Measurements

Numerical simulations using Fluent were conducted to study the wind noise generated by GMT 360 mirror, one of the two mirrors mounted on the top of a specially designed table in the GM aerodynamics Lab (GMAL) wind tunnel. This study is part of an on-going project to develop a transient CFD procedure to accurately predict wind noises generated by the exterior surfaces of a moving vehicle. This paper focuses mainly on the numerical aspects of using large eddy simulation (LES) to predict both the flow and noise for the GMT 360 mirror with inlet speeds of 70 and 90 mph at 0 yaw angle. The design and scope of the wind tunnel test are also described. The mirror-on-the-table test was done with four flow speeds, 30, 50, 70 and 90 mph and three yaw angles, 0, -10 and +10 degrees for each mirror. The data collected during the test are: (1). time averaged static pressure along the centerline of the table, (2). nine surface microphones for noise sources, and (3). six far field microphones, 18 inches above the top surface of the table. The Fluent’s LES approach for wind noise predictions were conducted with reasonably fine mesh, up to 18 millions. Both dynamic and constant coefficients in the Smagorinsky sub-grid scale (SGS) model were used. It reveals that the LES simulations with the dynamic coefficient show improved accuracy than the model with the constant coefficient despite the fact that both models, in general, compare very favorable for the static pressure distribution and the noise spectra for both flow speeds. The transient LES result right above the table surface shows a very complex flow structure which is responsible for the noise generation.
Perimalleoläre und pedale Gefäßrekonstruktionen bei kritischer Fußischämie

Die periphere arterielle Verschlusskrankheit (AVK) wird in ihrer soziookonomischen Bedeutung haufig unterschatzt, obwohl die Daten zur Morbiditat und Mortalitat dramatisch sind. Rund 1/3 aller Patienten im Rentenalter in der hausarztlichen Praxis haben eine relevante AVK. Diese Patienten leiden nicht nur an einer verminderten Lebensqualitat, sondern haben gegenuber dem Gesunden auch eine deutlich reduzierte Prognose. Gerade im Stadium der kritischen Beinischamie gilt heutzutage das Hauptaugenmerk nicht mehr nur den Beinerhaltungs- und Offenheitsraten der Bypasse, sondern auch der Analyse der Lebensqualitat, des amputationsfreien Uberlebens sowie der Abheilung pedaler Lasionen. Insbesondere Diabetiker profitieren bei einer AVK vom Unterschenkeltyp von Rekonstruktionen auf perimalleolare und pedale Arterien, wenngleich ihre Lebenserwartung im Vergleich zur Normalbevolkerung eher geringer ist. Aber auch fur Patienten mit weiter proximal gelegenen Strombahnhindernissen ist die periphere Bypassanlage haufig eine sinnvolle Therapieoption der amputationsbedrohten Extremitat.
Distributions of CB1 and CB2-positive cells in adult rat′s brain

Objective: To examine the expressions of cannabinoid receptor CB1、CB2 -positive cells in adult rat brain. Method: Immunohistochemical method was used to demonstrate the expressions of CB1、CB2 -positive cells in different regions of adult rat ′ s brain. Result: CB1 receptors widely expressed in adult rat′ s brain, and concentrated in cortex, callosum, hippocampus, basal nucleus,cerebellum Purkinje layer and pons cerebelli. Distribution of CB2 receptors were similar to that of CB1 receptors in most cases, the quantitive differences existed in the regions of callosum and cerebellum. Expressions of CB2 receptors were more than that of CB1 receptors. Conclusion: Receptors of CB1 and CB2 both were widely expressed in adult rat′s brain. The expression regions were similar, while in some regions the expression level were different. It might indicate that CB1 and CB2 receptors played some roles in physiological and pathological process in nervous system.
Impact of event filtering on opensimulator server performance

Virtual worlds can be used to create immersive 3D teleconferencing and collaboration spaces. One challenge to the scalability of virtual collaboration is the unpredictable behavior of virtual world client viewers. This paper describes the result of a performance study of server optimizations in OpenSimulator, a multi-platform, 3D virtual world server. We explore the effect of server-side optimizations on mitigating client viewer instability. Our results show that filtering out insignificant events decreases server load by at least 24%, restoring it to baseline load levels.
Feasibility assessment for using telehealth technology to improve access to dental care for rural and underserved populations.

Abstract Objective South Carolina Dental Association members were surveyed on telehealth knowledge, need, and interest in using it for access to care improvements. Methods Dependent variables were Medicaid patient population size (less than or greater than 10%), career stage (early to middle and advanced), and National Health Service Corps participation (yes or no). Practice and provider characteristics were screener questions. Data were collected electronically and analyzed with SAS. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted. Results Most (69.3%) reported some or no teledentistry knowledge. Distribution of needing consults was: endodontics (40.2%), oral-maxillofacial surgery (37.9%), orthodontia (30.7%), periodontics (28.4%), and pediatrics (12.5%). Consultations for diagnosis (72.9%), emergencies (56.7%), and continuing education (53.3%) were most frequently identified telehealth uses. Medicaid patient population size was the only dependent measure with statistical significance. Compared to 10% was more likely to (1) frequently need consults for orthodontics (25.5% vs 43.4%, P = .0043) and pediatrics (5.9% vs 29.0%, P Conclusions Despite need for telehealth knowledge improvement, sufficient interest exists. Further study will determine if demand for teledentistry is in balance with consultant availability. It has been suggested that access to care improvements require capacity expansions in private practices. States will need to engage dental communities determine if teledentistry is an effective solution.
MIMO channel characterization over random rough dielectric terrain

This paper integrates small perturbation method (SPM) with a ray-tracing (RT) algorithm to model a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) channel over a dielectric rough terrain. The effects of surface undulation height, surface correlation length, dielectric soil, transmitter and receiver heights, and interelement spacing of MIMO transceivers are examined on relative received power, intra-user spatial correlation, RMS delay spread, and the coherence bandwidth.
Physical and Sensory Characteristics of Pork Loins Stored in Vacuum or Modified Atmosphere Packages.

Wholesale pork loins were either vacuum-packaged, packaged in an atmosphere of 20% CO2 + 80% N2 or packaged in an atmosphere of 40% CO2 + 60% N2. After storage, the primal cuts were evaluated visually for muscle color, fat cover appearance, off-odor, lean surface discoloration and overall appearance. Retail cuts fabricated from the wholesale loins were evaluated for surface discoloration and overall appearance during a 5-day retail display period or they were used for sensory panel evaluation. Few significant differences between packaging treatments were found during the storage period for traits evaluated on the primal cuts. Few significant differences between packaging treatments were observed for either retail display data or sensory panel evaluation.
Are the Five Tribes of Oklahoma “Real” Indians?

Recently it was my good fortune to edit and publish the autobiography of G. W. Grayson. A prominent Creek Indian, Grayson left a vivid account of his participation in the American Civil War in Indian Territory as well as in tribal government during its last decades. Generally, the reviewers have been kind. One, however, characterized it as an "arid book." The problem, he said, was illuminated by the photograph of Grayson, who at age 74 looked "for all the world like Sigmund Frued's [sic] brother, appearing to be every inch the Victorian that his writings indicate him to have been internally." "Why emphasize Grayson's memoirs as an 'indian' view of the Civil War," my reviewer asked, "when there is nothing distinctly 'indian' about his narrative?" "Baird's work," he said, "would be better titled 'A Walk On The White Side.' "1 I do not ordinarily linger over critical reviews, but this one was difficult to file away. Never mind that Grayson considered himself and was considered by others a Creek, lived in the Creek Nation his entire life, spoke Creek, worshipped with Creeks, was elected as a Creek by Creeks to numerous tribal offices, and was listed as a Creek on the final rolls of the Dawes Commission! To my reviewer he did not look like nor write like an "Indian," and, therefore, could not have been a real Indian. I am well aware that the idea and image of an Indian is historically derived, that it is often a figment of the white man's imagination.2 Surely, that is a factor here too, but I am convinced that something else is involved.
Performance of an Inducer-Impeller Combination at or near Boiling Conditions for Liquid Hydrogen

As early as 1945, there was evidence that, in addition to the flow parameters normally considered to affect the cavitation performance of a pump, there existed a further influence derived from the thermodynamic properties of the fluid being pumped[1]. In the case of hot water, Stahl and Stepanoff[2] have shown a difference in performance from cold-water results with all other cavitation parameters being equal Similarly, Salemann[3] demonstrated a difference and effected a correlation between butane and water test results. In cryogenic liquids, Carter[4] has reported a small but definite effect for liquid oxygen and Caine et al.[5] have discussed thermodynamic effects in liquid hydrogen. Previously in an early report on pumping liquid hydrogen, Jacobs et al.[6] derived a “Cavitation Tendency” parameter based on thermodynamic properties, which predicted improved cavitation performance in liquid hydrogen.
The longing for nurturance. A case of factitious cancer.

Factitious disorder with physical symptoms is characterized by the intentional production or feigning of physical dysfunction. The symptoms derive from the individual's psychological need to assume the "sick" or "patient" role. Unlike malingerers. persons with factitious disorders lack readily recognized incentives for their behavior. such as avoiding work or military duty, obtaining drugs or financial compensation. or securing better living conditions. I In this report, we present a variation of factitious disorder in which, for 2 years, a patient maintained the illusion of having terminal cancer. Through her factitious cancer, the patient elicited nurturance and allayed her feelings of abandonment, establishing a social network based almost entirely on an invalid diagnosis. A review of the literature reveals only two other cases of feigned cancer, with neither patient continuing the deception for more than several weeks.
Mixed quantum-classical electrodynamics: Understanding spontaneous decay and zero-point energy

The dynamics of an electronic two-level system coupled to an electromagnetic field are simulated explicitly for one- and three-dimensional systems through semiclassical propagation of the Maxwell-Liouville equations. We consider three flavors of mixed quantum-classical dynamics: (i) the classical path approximation (CPA), (ii) Ehrenfest dynamics, and (iii) symmetrical quasiclassical (SQC) dynamics. Our findings are as follows: (i) The CPA fails to recover a consistent description of spontaneous emission, (ii) a consistent ``spontaneous'' emission can be obtained from Ehrenfest dynamics, provided that one starts in an electronic superposition state, and (iii) spontaneous emission is always obtained using SQC dynamics. Using the SQC and Ehrenfest frameworks, we further calculate the dynamics following an incoming pulse, but here we find very different responses: SQC and Ehrenfest dynamics deviate sometimes strongly in the calculated rate of decay of the transient excited state. Nevertheless, our work confirms the earlier observations by Miller [J. Chem. Phys. 69, 2188 (1978)] that Ehrenfest dynamics can effectively describe some aspects of spontaneous emission and highlights interesting possibilities for studying light-matter interactions with semiclassical mechanics.
The relationship between faculty diversity and graduation rates in higher education

This study examines the relationship between faculty racial/ethnic diversity and graduation rates of undergraduate students, in particular those from underrepresented racial and ethnic minority pop...
Heterosubtypic immunity increases infectious dose required to infect Mallard ducks with Influenza A virus.

Previous field and experimental studies have demonstrated that heterosubtypic immunity (HSI) is a potential driver of Influenza A virus (IAV) prevalence and subtype diversity in mallards. Prior infection with IAV can reduce viral shedding during subsequent reinfection with IAV that have genetically related hemagglutinins (HA). In this experiment, we evaluated the effect of HSI conferred by an H3N8 IAV infection against increasing challenge doses of closely (H4N6) and distantly (H6N2) related IAV subtypes in mallards. Two groups of thirty 1-month-old mallards each, were inoculated with 105.9 50% embryo infectious doses (EID50) of an H3N8 virus or a mock-inoculum. One month later, groups of five birds each were challenged with increasing doses of H4N6 or H6N2 virus; age-matched, single infection control ducks were included for all challenges. Results demonstrate that naive birds were infected after inoculation with 103 and 104 EID50 doses of the H4N6 or H6N2 virus, but not with 102 EID50 doses of either IAV. In contrast, with birds previously infected with H3N8 IAV, only one duck challenged with 104 EID50 of H4N6 IAV was shedding viral RNA at 2 days post-inoculation, and with H6N2 IAV, only birds challenged with the 104 EID50 dose were positive to virus isolation. Viral shedding in ducks infected with H6N2 IAV was reduced on days 2 and 3 post-inoculation compared to control birds. To explain the differences in the dose necessary to produce infection among H3-primed ducks challenged with H4N6 or H6N2 IAV, we mapped the amino acid sequence changes between H3 and H4 or H6 HA on predicted three-dimensional structures. Most of the sequence differences occurred between H3 and H6 at antigenic sites A, B, and D of the HA1 region. These findings demonstrate that the infectious dose necessary to infect mallards with IAV can increase as a result of HSI and that this effect is most pronounced when the HA of the viruses are genetically related.