cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Obesity is a risk factor for progression to kidney transplant waitlisting after liver transplantation

Background Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis has emerged as a leading cause of cirrhosis, and obesity-associated comorbidities, including renal disease have increased in prevalence. Obesity predisposes the kidney to hyperfiltration injury, potentially impairing acute kidney injury recovery. Identification of patients at risk for renal dysfunction is impeded by poor performance of renal function estimating equations among cirrhotics. To better understand obesity among cirrhotics and renal disease progression, we examined likelihood of kidney transplantation (KT) waitlisting after liver transplant alone (LTA) by obesity class. Methods 68,607 LTA recipients were identified in SRTR (2005-2018). Fine and Gray competing risks models were used to analyze likelihood of KT waitlisting. Results 27.4% of recipients were obese (BMI>30kg/m2) and were 10% more likely to require KT waitlisting (aHR: 1.10, 95%CI: 1.01-1.20). Risk was highest among recipients with Classes II and III obesity (BMI: >35kg/m2 ) (aHR: 1.37, 95%CI: 1.17-1.56). Moreover, recipients with Classes II and III obesity were 57% more likely to require KT waitlisting within one year post-LTA (aHR: 1.57, 95%CI: 1.18-2.10) compared to non-obese recipients. Discussion These findings suggest obesity was a risk factor for renal recovery failure and/or renal disease progression post-LTA and may confound identification of renal dysfunction and/or prediction of renal recovery among cirrhotics.
Experimental investigation of thermal shock effects on carbon–carbon composites

Abstract In this paper, both compressive properties and oxidation behavior of pristine and thermal shock exposed 2D C/C composite specimens were examined. Pristine test specimens were exposed to thermal shock conditions with temperatures ranging from 400 °C to 1000 °C in an oxidizing environment, followed by compression tests on pristine and thermal shock exposed specimens to obtain their compressive responses. The experimental results showed that 2D C/C composite compressive stiffness and strength decreased with increasing thermal shock temperature. Also, upon exposure to thermal shock, the stress–strain response displayed a non-linear behavior prior to failure as compared to the pristine C/C composite that failed in a brittle manner. Furthermore, it was observed by microstructural analysis that at low temperatures, i.e., 400 °C, the oxidation attack was uniform through the interior of the composite. On the other hand, at moderate temperatures, i.e., 600 °C, oxidation occurred rigorously at the surface of the composite. At high temperatures, i.e., above 600 °C, the specimens experienced the two aforementioned oxidation mechanisms. Therefore, it was concluded that carbon matrix degraded rapidly when exposed to thermal shock conditions in oxidizing environments and protective coating is required to maintain the quality of the composite under such conditions.
Anti-saccade error rates as a measure of attentional bias in cocaine dependent subjects

Cocaine-dependent (CD) subjects show attentional bias toward cocaine-related cues, and this form of cue-reactivity may be predictive of craving and relapse. Attentional bias has previously been assessed by models that present drug-relevant stimuli and measure physiological and behavioral reactivity (often reaction time). Studies of several CNS diseases outside of substance use disorders consistently report anti-saccade deficits, suggesting a compromise in the interplay between higher-order cortical processes in voluntary eye control (i.e., anti-saccades) and reflexive saccades driven more by involuntary midbrain perceptual input (i.e., pro-saccades). Here, we describe a novel attentional-bias task developed by using measurements of saccadic eye movements in the presence of cocaine-specific stimuli, combining previously unique research domains to capitalize on their respective experimental and conceptual strengths. CD subjects (N = 46) and healthy controls (N = 41) were tested on blocks of pro-saccade and anti-saccade trials featuring cocaine and neutral stimuli (pictures). Analyses of eye-movement data indicated (1) greater overall anti-saccade errors in the CD group; (2) greater attentional bias in CD subjects as measured by anti-saccade errors to cocaine-specific (relative to neutral) stimuli; and (3) no differences in pro-saccade error rates. Attentional bias was correlated with scores on the obsessive-compulsive cocaine scale. The results demonstrate increased saliency and differential attentional to cocaine cues by the CD group. The assay provides a sensitive index of saccadic (visual inhibitory) control, a specific index of attentional bias to drug-relevant cues, and preliminary insight into the visual circuitry that may contribute to drug-specific cue reactivity.
The Dynamics of Anion Solvation in Alcohols

The importance of the solvent in chemical reactivity has been long recognized,1 albeit the quantification of the various roles that the solvent can play was not possible. These roles include: supplying or dissipating energy by acting as a heat bath, confining reactants, and solvation of ions. Solvation will be important for any reactions in which charge is created, destroyed or transferred, including intra-molecular charge redistribution, which, for example, leads to giant dipole formation in excited states.
The human hippocampus is not sexually-dimorphic: Meta-analysis of structural MRI volumes

Abstract Hippocampal atrophy is found in many psychiatric disorders that are more prevalent in women. Sex differences in memory and spatial skills further suggest that males and females differ in hippocampal structure and function. We conducted the first meta-analysis of male–female difference in hippocampal volume (HCV) based on published MRI studies of healthy participants of all ages, to test whether the structure is reliably sexually dimorphic. Using four search strategies, we collected 68 matched samples of males' and females' uncorrected HCVs (in 4418 total participants), and 36 samples of male and female HCVs (2183 participants) that were corrected for individual differences in total brain volume (TBV) or intracranial volume (ICV). Pooled effect sizes were calculated using a random-effects model for left, right, and bilateral uncorrected HCVs and for left and right HCVs corrected for TBV or ICV. We found that uncorrected HCV was reliably larger in males, with Hedges' g values of 0.545 for left hippocampus, 0.526 for right hippocampus, and 0.557 for bilateral hippocampus. Meta-regression revealed no effect of age on the sex difference in left, right, or bilateral HCV. In the subset of studies that reported it, both TBV (g = 1.085) and ICV (g = 1.272) were considerably larger in males. Accordingly, studies reporting HCVs corrected for individual differences in TBV or ICV revealed no significant sex differences in left and right HCVs (Hedges' g ranging from + 0.011 to − 0.206). In summary, we found that human males of all ages exhibit a larger HCV than females, but adjusting for individual differences in TBV or ICV results in no reliable sex difference. The frequent claim that women have a disproportionately larger hippocampus than men was not supported.
INFRARED AND NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE ANALYSIS OF ORGANOTIN TOXICANTS FOR MARINE ANTIFOULING COATINGS

Infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies have been employed to elucidate the chemical and structural properties of triorganotin compounds incorporated into marine antifoulant coating formulations. It is necessary to determine the molecular species of the toxicant in order to be able to predict the mechanism of toxicant release and to design new, more effective coatings. In two conventional vinyl antifoulant coatings, the toxicant was found to react with one component in the coating formulation to yield different triorganotin compounds. A change in the v asym(SnC) vibration was found to correlate with a change in the coordination geometry of tin. These results indicate that infrared spectroscopy is a powerful technique that can provide insights into the chemical processes occurring in the antifouling coatings.
BACTERIAL DEGRADATION OF RIBOFLAVIN. V. STOICHIOMETRY OF RIBOFLAVIN DEGRADATION TO OXAMIDE AND OTHER PRODUCTS, OXIDATION OF C14-LABELED INTERMEDIATES AND ISOLATION OF THE PSEUDOMONAD EFFECTING THESE TRANSFORMATIONS.

Abstract The isolation and characteristics of Pseudomonas RF, an organism having an exaggerated capacity for riboflavin assimilation, are described. In addition to urea, CO 2 , and 3,4-dimethyl-6-carboxy-α-pyrone (compound III), which have been previously identified as products of riboflavin degradation by this organism, the isolation and identification of oxamide as the other nitrogen-containing product is described. Riboflavin is converted to equimolar amounts of urea and oxamide by this organism, but the yields of compound III are invariably low. Radioactivity from the methyl carbons is recovered in amino acids and lipids, indicating assimilation of a portion of the xylene moiety of the isoalloxazine ring system. Although compound III itself is not metabolized, the organism can form adaptive enzymes enabling it to degrade this compound. Data are given which support the suggestion that compound III is not an obligate intermediate of riboflavin degradation.
Interpretation of the Physical Optics Approximation in the Time Domain for the Bistatic Case

In addition to providing a simple estimate for the radar cross-section of an object, the physical optics approximation also suggests a close relation between the geometric shape and the scattered waveform, when an object is illuminated by a polychromatic radar. The paper develops the relation between target geometry and scattering characteristics (predicted by physical optics for conducting bodies) for bistatic as well as monostatic radars. A simple interpretation of the bistatic case has not been previously available. This relation is developed in terms of the ramp response waveform of the object.
Feuerborn's hypothesis of hypopygial circumversion in schizophoran Diptera: A repetition and reappraisal of Schräder's (1927) studies

Abstract Schrader's (1927) investigations on the hypopygial circumversion in Calliphora (Diptera : Calliphoridae) pupae have been repeated with improved techniques and more efficient control and Feuerborn's (1922) hypothesis of hypopygial circumversion has been disproved. The development of the male reproductive organs is described. Serious defects and ambiguities in Schrader's (1927) techniques invalidate his claims for hypopygial circumversion in pupal Calliphora . Salzer's (1968) claims of a double chiasmata in the hypopygial nervous system have been modified. The available evidence shows that no rotation of the hypopygial segments occurs in either the pupal or the pharate adult stages of Calliphora vicinia . It is suggested that the unique schizophoran ductus-hindgut relationship originated as a result of the coiling of the larval and adult alimentary canals, causing an internal clockwise (seen anteriorly) displacement of the organs concerned. The causes of the observed hypopygial sexual differences are discussed.
LEPTOS: a universal software for x-ray reflectivity and diffraction

LEPTOS is a software package for analytical interpretation of data obtained in glancing-incidence X-ray reflectivity and high-resolution X-ray diffraction experiments on thin film structures. The software is designed for comprehensive analysis of physical and crystallographic parameters of modern nanoscale layered structures. The interpretation is based on up-to-date dynamical diffraction approaches and most recent theories of interaction of X-rays with matter. The graphical user interface (GUI) is designed to conveniently work with experimental data, simulate X-ray scattering processes and automatically fit simulations to the measurements using a sample models.
Nicotinamide treatment provides acute neuroprotection and GFAP regulation following fluid percussion injury.

ABSTRACT Previous studies in our laboratory have demonstrated the preclinical efficacy of nicotinamide (NAM; vitamin B3) treatment following fluid percussion injury (FPI). At a dose of 500 or 50 mg...
Moessbauer-Fresnel zone plate as nuclear monochromator

Zone plates currently used in x-ray optics derive their focusing power from (a spatial variation of) the electronic refractive index -- that is, from the collective effect of electronic x-ray-scattering amplitudes. Nuclei also scatter x rays, and resonant nuclear-scattering amplitudes, particularly those associated with Moessbauer fluorescence, can dominate the refractive index for x-rays whose energies are very near the nuclear-resonance energy. A zone plate whose Fresnel zones are filled alternately with {sup 57}Fe and {sup 56}Fe ({sup 57}Fe has a nuclear resonance of natural width {Gamma} = 4.8 nano-eV at 14.413 keV; {sup 56}Fe has no such resonance) has a resonant focusing efficiency; it focuses only those x-rays whose energies are within several {Gamma} of resonance. When followed by an absorbing screen with a small pinhole, such a zone plate can function as a synchrotron-radiation monochromator with an energy resolution of a few parts in 10{sup 12}. The energy-dependent focusing efficiency and the resulting time-dependent response of a resonant zone plate are discussed.
Distribution of glutamic acid decarboxylase mRNA‐containing neurons in rat medulla projecting to thoracic spinal cord in relation to monoaminergic brainstem neurons

Recent neurophysiological work has suggested the existence of monosynaptic gamma-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) projections from the medulla oblongata to sympathetic preganglionic neurons. The purpose of the present study was to identify the possible anatomical location of these neurons. The location of GABAergic neurons with projection to the thoracic spinal cord was studied by using in situ hybridization for both 65-kD and 67-kD isoforms of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) mRNA (GAD-65 and GAD-67, respectively) combined with midthoracic spinal cord injections of the tracer Fast Blue. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or tryptophan hydroxylase immunohistochemistry was combined with GAD mRNA detection and Fast Blue to determine whether any bulbospinal catecholaminergic or serotonergic cell groups in the medulla also are GABAergic. GAD-67 and GAD-65 mRNA-containing neurons had similar distribution patterns in the medulla oblongata, with some areas exhibiting lighter labeling for GAD-65 mRNA. GABAergic bulbospinal neurons were located in the caudal part of the solitary nucleus, the parasolitary nucleus, the vestibular nuclei, the ventral medial medulla, the raphe nuclei, and parapyramidal areas. TH-immunoreactive neurons in the A1, A2, C1, and C2 areas or the area postrema did not contain either GAD-67 or GAD-65 mRNA. GAD mRNA-positive bulbospinal cells were present medial to theA1 and C1 catecholaminergic cell groups, with little or no overlap. Serotonergic neurons positive for GAD mRNAwere found in the parapyramidal area and just dorsal to the pyramidal tract in the raphe magnus. This population included bulbospinal neurons. In conclusion, GABAergic neurons with projections to the thoracic spinal cord exist in a restricted number of medullary nuclei from which inhibitory sympathetic control may originate.
Identification of cosmogenic argon components in Allende by laser microprobe

New techniques are presented for using a laser microprobe to determine the spallation argon systematics of calcium-aluminum inclusions. The Ar-38(s) amounts determined for melilite and anorthite in a coarse-grained inclusion from Allende are 2.9 x 10 to the -8th and 1.3 x 10 to the -8th cc/g, respectively. The ratio of the amounts is consistent with the calcium contents of these two minerals. The Ar-38(s) amount determined for a fine-grained inclusion from Allende is 1.1 x 10 to the -8th cc/g. Calcium and potassium amounts were determined from irradiated samples of the same inclusions so that production of Ar-38 from calcium during the cosmic ray exposure of Allende could be determined for these samples. The production observed was 12.4 + or - 2.1 x 10 to the -8th cc STP Ar-38/g Ca for the coarse-grained inclusion and 9.9 + or - 2.4 cc STP Ar-38/g Ca for the fine-grained inclusion. No evidence of unusual exposure was observed in the two inclusions studied.
Developing an Irreversible Inhibitor of Human DDAH-1, an Enzyme Upregulated in Melanoma

Inhibitors of the human enzyme dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase-1 (DDAH-1) can raise endogenous levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and lead to a subsequent inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis. Herein, N5-(1-imino-2-chloroethyl)-L-ornithine (Cl-NIO) is shown to be a potent time- and concentration-dependent inhibitor of purified human DDAH-1 (KI = 1.3 ± 0.6 μM; kinact = 0.34 ± 0.07 min−1), with > 500-fold selectivity against two arginine-handling enzymes in the same pathway. An activity probe is used to measure the “in cell” IC50 value (6.6 ± 0.2 μM) for Cl-NIO inhibition of DDAH-1 artificially expressed within cultured HEK293T cells. A screen of diverse melanoma cell lines reveals that a striking 50 / 64 (78 %) of melanoma lines tested showed increased levels of DDAH-1 in comparison to normal melanocyte control lines. Treatment of the melanoma A375 cell line with Cl-NIO shows a subsequent decrease in cellular nitric oxide production. Cl-NIO represents a promising tool for the study of methylarginine-mediated nitric oxide control and a potential therapeutic lead compound for other indications with elevated nitric oxide production such as septic shock and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Game technology extends its reach

Expanding on the subject of games, which we have covered in many recent issues, we are continuing the theme with an article on how components of video game technology are being used more widely than just developing product for entertainment.
On Extension of Boundary Algebraic Equations to Irregular Lattices

This study is concerned with extending the use of boundary algebraic equations (BAEs) to problems involving irregular rather than regular lattices. Such an extension would be indispensable for solving multiscale problems defined on irregular lattices, as BAEs provide seamless bridging between discrete and continuum models. BAEs share many features with boundary integral equations and are particularly effective for solving problems involving infinite domains. However, it is shown that, BAEs for irregular lattices containing certain terms may require the same amount of computational effort as the original problem for which the equations are formulated. In this paper, we formulate a BAE for a model problem and expose the fundamental obstacle that prevents us from using that BAE as an effective tool. It is shown that, in contrast to regular lattices, BAEs for irregular lattices require a statistical rather than deterministic treatment. This is a very interesting direction for future research.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The role of DNA damage response pathways in chromosome fragility in Fragile X syndrome

FRAXA is one of a number of fragile sites in human chromosomes that are induced by agents like fluorodeoxyuridine (FdU) that affect intracellular thymidylate levels. FRAXA coincides with a >200 CGG•CCG repeat tract in the 5′ UTR of the FMR1 gene, and alleles prone to fragility are associated with Fragile X (FX) syndrome, one of the leading genetic causes of intellectual disability. Using siRNA depletion, we show that ATR is involved in protecting the genome against FdU-induced chromosome fragility. We also show that FdU increases the number of γ-H2AX foci seen in both normal and patient cells and increases the frequency with which the FMR1 gene colocalizes with these foci in patient cells. In the presence of FdU and KU55933, an ATM inhibitor, the incidence of chromosome fragility is reduced, suggesting that ATM contributes to FdU-induced chromosome fragility. Since both ATR and ATM are involved in preventing aphidicolin-sensitive fragile sites, our data suggest that the lesions responsible for aphidicolin-induced and FdU-induced fragile sites differ. FRAXA also displays a second form of chromosome fragility in absence of FdU, which our data suggest is normally prevented by an ATM-dependent process.
Programming of sympathoadrenal function

Environmental exposures at crucial points in development permanently alter sympathoadrenal function in mammals. The sympathetic innervation of peripheral tissues and the responsiveness of sympathetic nerves and adrenal medulla to standard stimuli are susceptible to modification by exposures in early life, such as environmental temperature, nutrition and stress. Because the sympathetic nervous system is composed of multiple, function-specific subunits, programming of sympathetic functions occurs on a regional rather than a global basis and can aid development of a phenotype adapted to the local environment. Under some circumstances, however, adaptations in early life might prove maladaptive in adulthood and, as a consequence, might provide a basis for developmental origins of pediatric and adult disease, such as sudden infant death syndrome and obesity.
Simple stable homogeneous expansions of Hilbert spaces

Abstract We study simplicity and stability in some large strongly homogeneous expansions of Hilbert spaces. Our approach to simplicity is that of Buechler and Lessmann (J. Amer. Math. Soc. 16 (2003) 69). All structures we consider are shown to have built-in canonical bases.
Distinct domains of human CDC5 direct its nuclear import and association with the spliceosome

Genetic studies have shown that CDC5 proteins are essential for G2 progression and mitotic entry. CDC5 homologs in yeast and mammals are essential for pre-messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) processing. Other gene products also have been shown to play roles in both pre-mRNA splicing and cell cycle regulation, prompting the description of several models to explain the mechanism(s) linking these two processes. In this study, we demonstrate that the amino-terminus of human CDC5 directs nuclear import independent of consensus nuclear localization signals or phosphorylation, and that the carboxyl-terminus of human CDC5 preferentially associates with spliceosomal complexes in proximity of RNA transcription during interphase. hCDC5 colocalizes with Sm proteins in a cell cycle- and domain-dependent manner, and several proteins in the human CDC5-associated complex are identified that suggest potential roles for the complex in coupling pre-mRNA splicing to transcriptional activation and protein translation. These results indicate that human CDC5 may function in pre-mRNA processing and cell cycle progression through more than one mechanism.
High power FIR photoconductivity in n-GaAs

A delayed FIR photoconductivity in n-GaAs which occurs at high intensities and which exhibits an approximately exponential decay is studied. The results received agree with predictions from a model which ascribes a photoconductive tail to electrons trapped in an excited impurity band.
What is a virulence factor

Bacterial virulence factors enable a host to replicate and disseminate within a host in part by subverting or eluding host defenses. The use of genomic techniques has led to the identification of new virulence factors that may serve as targets for new therapies. These putative virulence factors must be rigorously evaluated with in vitro and in vivo studies with an awareness of the technical limitations of each approach as well as an assessment of the prevalence of this factor in clinical bacterial isolates retrieved from appropriately controlled epidemiologic studies.
Nitroso-redox balance in the cardiovascular system.

In this issue of the Journal, Taylor and colleagues report the results of the African-American Heart Failure Trial (A-HeFT), a double-blind, randomized trial that evaluated the effect of the addition of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine to the best conventional therapy in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure who identified themselves as black.1 The results with the combination therapy were markedly positive, meeting the composite end point of the trial, which included death from any cause, a first hospitalization for heart failure, and quality-of-life measures. In addition, there was an impressive reduction in the rate of death from any cause of . . .
Distribution of order statistics with random sample size

The distribution function of the ith order statistic in random sampling from a distribution function F is obtained when the sample size. is random.
Transmembrane Protein-free Membranes Fuse into Xenopus Nuclear Envelope and Promote Assembly of Functional Pores

Post-mitotic reassembly of nuclear envelope (NE) and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has been reconstituted in a cell-free system based on interphase Xenopus egg extract. To evaluate the relative contributions of cytosolic and transmembrane proteins in NE and ER assembly, we replaced a part of native membrane vesicles with ones either functionally impaired by trypsin or N-ethylmaleimide treatments or with protein-free liposomes. Although neither impaired membrane vesicles nor liposomes formed ER and nuclear membrane, they both supported assembly reactions by fusing with native membrane vesicles. At membrane concentrations insufficient to generate full-sized functional nuclei, addition of liposomes and their fusion with membrane vesicles resulted in an extensive expansion of NE, further chromatin decondensation, restoration of the functionality, and spatial distribution of the nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), and, absent newly delivered transmembrane proteins, an increase in NPC numbers. This rescue of the nuclear assembly by liposomes was inhibited by wheat germ agglutinin and thus required active nuclear transport, similarly to the assembly of full-sized functional NE with membrane vesicles. Mechanism of fusion between liposomes and between liposomes and membrane vesicles was investigated using lipid mixing assay. This fusion required interphase cytosol and, like fusion between native membrane vesicles, was inhibited by guanosine 5′-3-O-(thio)triphosphate, soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein, and N-ethylmaleimide. Our findings suggest that interphase cytosol contains proteins that mediate the fusion stage of ER and NE reassembly, emphasize an unexpected tolerance of nucleus assembly to changes in concentrations of transmembrane proteins, and reveal the existence of a feedback mechanism that couples NE expansion with NPC assembly.
Acute Right Ventricular Failure in the Setting of Acute Pulmonary Embolism or Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension: A Detailed Review of the Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

The right ventricle (RV) is integral to normal cardiac function, but receives little attention in the medical literature. The etiologic causes of acute RV failure often differ from those encountered in left ventricular dysfunction. Thus, RV failure frequently requires diagnostic procedures and management strategies that differ from those routinely used in the management of intrinsic left ventricular dysfunction. In this summary, the structure and function of the RV will be reviewed, concentrating on the pathophysiologic mechanisms behind the development of RV dysfunction. We will then focus on two distinct populations of patients who are at risk for acute RV failure: those with chronic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and those with acute pulmonary embolism. In chronic PAH, we will examine clinical circumstances common to hospitalized patients that may provoke acute RV decompensation, as well as pharmacologic therapies that are unique to RV failure management in PAH. Individuals with acute RV failure in the setting of pulmonary embolism represent a group with particularly high mortality, and the specific diagnostic and management strategies that are important for improved survival will be discussed.
Aggregation, acquiescence, and the assessment of trait affectivity

General affect ratings are subject to problems that lessen their validity. Some critics therefore have argued that aggregated on-line ratings provide better measures of trait affectivity. However, aggregated mood ratings suffer from two significant problems. First, correlations among same-valenced affects are substantially higher, indicating poorer discriminant validity. Second, cross-valence correlations are much weaker, reflecting a virtual absence of bipolarity. We show how both of these effects are due to an inflated acquiescence component in aggregated data. We also demonstrate that (a) these effects are a direct result of the aggregation process itself and (b) controlling for acquiescence counteracts these effects. These results indicate that the validity of aggregated mood ratings is lessened by an augmented acquiescence component.
A template free approach to volumetric spatial normalization of brain anatomy

Abstract Approaches to brain image spatial normalization conventionally make use of a target image to which each subject image is separately matched. In many cases the use of a single brain template, or a statistical one derived from multiple subjects of another population, does not adequately capture the structure present in a population of anatomies under investigation. In this paper, we therefore explore an approach which seeks to drive subjects in the group of anatomies of interest into registration with each other, rather than with an unrepresentative template. We examine the extension of registration concepts from multi-modality image alignment, specifically those deriving criteria from the joint probability distribution of image values, to the general case of describing the alignment of a population of images. Geometric constraints forcing the convergence of the set of transformations to an average geometric shape are discussed and results presented on synthetic images. Experiments show the ability to recover average shape from a population of objects having varying material contrasts and sub-groups with additional tissue structure simulating lesions. Initial results are also presented showing the application of the technique to a group of 32 magnetic resonance images of the brain.
Effective Absorption Modeling in Relative Bioavailability Study Risk Assessment

Absorption modeling is an excellent strategic fit to perform a risk assessment for relative bioavailability (RBA) studies as it provides direct input into the question that is at the core of the RBA decision, namely, how does the absorption of the test drug product compare to the reference and is it likely to be different enough to justify an RBA study. The main limitation to absorption modeling in risk assessment is the inherent uncertainty associated with modeling. The extent to which the absorption modeling is integrated into the risk assessment should depend on the level of confidence in the modeling. It is difficult, however, to quantify the level of confidence on a case by case basis. The effective application of absorption modeling for RBA risk assessment therefore requires a general understanding of when modeling is expected to be reliable and also how to build reliability directly into the modeling. This paper describes a framework for effective modeling in RBA risk assessment that is based on four fundamental building blocks: (1) relate severity of drug product change and API properties to reliability of modeling, (2) use critical model variables to express the critical differences in the drug products, (3) generate a fraction-absorbed response surface expressed in terms of the critical model variables to evaluate the relative performance of the drug products, and (4) tie the first three building blocks together by following good model building practices that assure the highest quality model is built. The building blocks are demonstrated by a simple but common example of a change in solid state from free base to HCl salt.
The collisional acceleration of relativistic electrons in the central regions of active galactic nuclei

The accelaration of electrons to relativistic energies by collision with relativistic protons is examined in the environment of the compact central regions of active galactic nuclei. Coulomb collisions between the protons and cold electrons form a prominent scattering mechanism : only large-angle scatterings result in relativistic boosts to the electron energy. The cold electrons could be the end product of a pair cascade, such as is found in models of the X-ray and gamma-ray AGN continuum, while the protons are injected into the central regions of AGN by some acceleration process such as diffusive shock acceleration. The resulting electron excitation spectrum is determined, and is found to be generally of a power-law form
A single cannula technique for nonsurgical collection of ova from cattle

Abstract The uteri of 34 heifers were flushed for ova six to nine days following estrus using a single cannula nonsurgical technique. The technique involved the infusion of fluid by gravity and agitation within the uterus by to-and-fro action of a syringe followed by unassisted fluid collection. Each horn was flushed five times using 30–150 ml of flushing fluid per flush. Recovered fluid (flushing fluid plus uterine secretion) was an average of 95% of the volume of the fluid inserted. Ova were recovered from 12 of 19 nontreated, single ovulating heifers (63%) and from all of 15 superovulated heifers (mean and S.D. for number of ova, 6.3 ± 4.4/ superovulated heifer; range, 1 to 14 ova). Based on the number of corpora lutea, the ova recovery index was 54% as averaged over the 15 superovulated heifers. The technique has been used in 4 additional superovulated heifers with modification (increased number of flushes to 8) subsequent to the termination of the planned project. Recovery index for the first 5 flushes was 58%. However, some ova were recovered in the 6th, 7th, and 8th flushes resulting in an apparent improved recovery index of 69%.
The Streptomyces plasmid SCP2∗: its functional analysis and development into useful cloning vectors

Abstract Detailed restriction maps of the plasmid SCP2* and its deletion derivative pSCP103 were constructed. DNA fragments carrying hygromycin (Hyg), thiostrepton (Thio) or viomycin-resistance (Vio11) determinants were inserted into pSCP103, and various segments were deleted from the resulting plasmids. Changes in plasmid phenotypes associated with these insertions and deletions allowed the localisation and characterisation of plasmid replication, stability, transfer and fertility functions. Several useful cloning vectors were constructed. They are able to maintain large (> 30 kb) DNA inserts, with stable inheritance at a low copy number (1–2 per chromosome) and without structural rearrangements, in Streptomyces hosts. The vectors have a broad host range in the genus Streptomyces . One of them (pIJ903) is a shuttle vector for Streptomyces and Escherichia coli .
Quantum cascade laser-based integrated cavity output spectroscopy of exhaled nitric oxide

A nitric oxide (NO) sensor employing a thermoelectrically cooled, continuous-wave, distributed feedback quantum cascade laser operating at 5.47 μm (1828 cm-1) and off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy was used to measure NO concentrations in exhaled breath. A minimum measurable concentration (3σ) of 3.6 parts-per-billion by volume (ppbv) of NO with a data-acquisition time of 4 s was demonstrated. Five prepared gas mixtures and 15 exhaled breath samples were measured with both the NO sensor and for intercomparison with a chemiluminescence-based NO analyzer and were found to be in agreement within 0.6 ppbv. Exhaled NO flow-independent parameters, which may provide diagnostic and therapeutic information in respiratory diseases where single-breath measurements are equivocal, were estimated from end-tidal NO concentration measurements collected at various flow rates. The results of this work indicate that a laser-based exhaled NO sensor can be used to measure exhaled nitric oxide at a range of exhalation flow rates to determine flow-independent parameters in human clinical trials.
The precedence effect.

In a reverberant environment, sounds reach the ears through several paths. Although the direct sound is followed by multiple reflections, which would be audible in isolation, the first-arriving wavefront dominates many aspects of perception. The “precedence effect” refers to a group of phenomena that are thought to be involved in resolving competition for perception and localization between a direct sound and a reflection. This article is divided into five major sections. First, it begins with a review of recent work on psychoacoustics, which divides the phenomena into measurements of fusion, localization dominance, and discrimination suppression. Second, buildup of precedence and breakdown of precedence are discussed. Third measurements in several animal species, developmental changes in humans, and animal studies are described. Fourth, recent physiological measurements that might be helpful in providing a fuller understanding of precedence effects are reviewed. Fifth, a number of psychophysical models a...
Phase Behavior of Colloidal Hard Tetragonal Parallelepipeds (Cuboids): A Monte Carlo Simulation Study

The impact of particle geometry on the phase behavior of hard colloidal tetragonal parallelepipeds (TPs) was studied by using Monte Carlo simulations in continuum space. TPs or “cuboids” of aspect ratios varying from 0.25 to 8 were simulated by approximating their shapes with multisite objects, i.e., via rigid clusters of hard spheres. Using equation of state curves, order parameters, radial distribution functions, particle distribution functions along three directions, and visual analysis of configurations, an approximate phase diagram for the TPs was mapped out as a function of aspect ratio (r) and volume fraction. For r > 3 and intermediate concentrations, the behavior of the TPs was similar to that of spherocylinders, exhibiting similar liquid crystalline mesophases (e.g., nematic and smectic phases). For r = 1, a cubatic phase occurs with orientational order along the three axes but with little translational order. For 1 < r < 4, the TPs exhibit a cubatic-like mesophase with a high degree of order al...
The Egalitarian Relationship in Feminist Therapy.

Feminist therapy has revolutionized clinical practice and offered a model of empowerment for all therapy approaches. However, the long-assumed claim that feminist therapists are more likely to enga...
Long-term memory for a single infancy experience

Children's memory of a single infant experience was evaluated. Children in the experimental groups (N = 16 for 2.5-year-olds; N = 8 for 1.5-year-olds) had participated at 6.5 months in a study of auditory localization where they reached in the light and dark for a sounding object. They were reintroduced to the laboratory and the dark procedure they had experienced on that one occasion either 1 or 2 years previously. The first 5 trials were uninstructed; for the remaining 5 trials, children were instructed to find the sounding object. For half of the older group, a potential reminder of the infant procedure was introduced. The original infant rattle was sounded for 3 sec out of reach in the dark one-half hour prior to test trials. Equal numbers of age-matched inexperienced control subjects were also tested. The older children with infant experience reached and grasped the sounding object significantly more overall, and on instructed trials, than age-matched control children. Experienced 2.5-year-olds were also more likely to remain in the testing situation than children in the control group. The reminder facilitated uninstructed performance of the experienced children. Instructions to reach were helpful to all subjects. We conclude that children remembered aspects of a single experience that occurred when they were 6.5 months of age.
Performance Enhancement of PEM Fuel Cells by Use of Anode Gas Ultrahumidification via Ultrasonic Nebulization

A novel anode feed gas humidification method was investigated as part of an effort to reduce the mass, volume, and cost of the balance of plant for a commercial PEM fuel cell system. Ultrasonic fountain nebulization was utilized to ultrahumidify the anode feed gas for a PEM fuel cell. Ultrasonic nebulization ultrahumidification was found to increase the average voltage of the fuel cell by several percent, and reduce the amplitude of cyclic overvoltage. Most importantly, this humidification technique greatly increased the thermal fault tolerance of the PEM fuel cell; that is, this humidification technique allowed the PEM fuel cell to operate effectively at high temperatures without a need to increase the vapor pressure of the humidification water. In addition, this humidification technique shows potential to be used to increase the overall energy conversion efficiency of a PEM fuel cell system.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Innervation of skin grafts over free muscle flaps.

Skin grafts regain their sensory innervation from the graft bed by the regeneration of nerve endings. Although some clinical studies report sensory recovery in skin grafts implanted on free muscle flaps, the mechanism of recovery is obscure. The purpose of this study was to investigate nerve regeneration in experimental skin grafts on free muscle flaps to elucidate this phenomenon. Thirty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 450-550 g were used in the study. The rat gracilis muscle flap was the free flap model transferred from one groin to the other using microvascular anastomoses. Full-thickness skin grafts harvested from the abdomen were used to cover the free muscle flaps after transfer. Four study groups were formed: Group I (n = 10): Free muscle flaps were transferred without any nerve anastomosis; Group II (n = 10): Free flaps transferred with the anastomosis of the muscle's motor nerve to a sensory nerve at the recipient site; Group III (n = 10): Free flaps transferred with the anastomosis of the muscle's motor nerve to a motor nerve at the recipient site; Group IV (n = 8): Skin grafts were placed directly on the fascia layer over the medial hindlimb muscles and served as controls. The specimens were harvested for histologic examination after 12 weeks. Histologic examination was performed to visualise regenerating nerve endings using HE P < 0.001; P < 0.05, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between other groups. No myelinated nerve fibres could be detected in any of the skin grafts with Luxol Fast Blue technique. It was concluded in the present study that skin grafts over reinnervated free muscle flaps can develop significantly better innervation than skin grafts over non-innervated muscle flaps. However, the activity in skin appendages indicating nerve regeneration may only imply a gross sensation and in the absence of any myelinated nerve fibres transmission of finer sensation cannot be expected in any of the study groups.
Role of phosphatidylinositol clathrin assembly lymphoid-Myeloid Leukemia (PICALM) in intracellular amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and amyloid plaque pathogenesis

One of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer disease is the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the extracellular space in the brain. Amyloid plaques are primarily composed of aggregated amyloid β peptide (Aβ), a proteolytic fragment of the transmembrane amyloid precursor protein (APP). For APP to be proteolytically cleaved into Aβ, it must be internalized into the cell and trafficked to endosomes where specific protease complexes can cleave APP. Several recent genome-wide association studies have reported that several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the phosphatidylinositol clathrin assembly lymphoid-myeloid leukemia (PICALM) gene were significantly associated with Alzheimer disease, suggesting a role in APP endocytosis and Aβ generation. Here, we show that PICALM co-localizes with APP in intracellular vesicles of N2a-APP cells after endocytosis is initiated. PICALM knockdown resulted in reduced APP internalization and Aβ generation. Conversely, PICALM overexpression increased APP internalization and Aβ production. In vivo, PICALM was found to be expressed in neurons and co-localized with APP throughout the cortex and hippocampus in APP/PS1 mice. PICALM expression was altered using AAV8 gene transfer of PICALM shRNA or PICALM cDNA into the hippocampus of 6-month-old APP/PS1 mice. PICALM knockdown decreased soluble and insoluble Aβ levels and amyloid plaque load in the hippocampus. Conversely, PICALM overexpression increased Aβ levels and amyloid plaque load. These data indicate that PICALM, an adaptor protein involved in clathrin-mediated endocytosis, regulates APP internalization and subsequent Aβ generation. PICALM contributes to amyloid plaque load in brain likely via its effect on Aβ metabolism.
Systems analysis of salivary gland development and disease

Branching morphogenesis is a crucial developmental process in which vertebrate organs generate extensive epithelial surface area while retaining a compact size. In the vertebrate submandibular salivary gland, branching morphogenesis is crucial for generation of the large surface area necessary to produce sufficient saliva. However, in many salivary gland diseases, saliva-producing acinar cells are destroyed, resulting in dry mouth and secondary health conditions. Systems-based approaches can provide insights into understanding salivary gland development, function, and disease. The traditional approach to understanding these processes is identification of molecular signals using reductionist approaches; we review current progress with such methods in understanding salivary gland development. Taking a more global approach, multiple groups are currently profiling the transcriptome, the proteome, and other “omes” in both developing mouse tissues and in human patient samples. Computational methods have been successful in deciphering large data sets, and mathematical models are starting to make predictions regarding the contribution of molecules to the physical processes of morphogenesis and of cellular function. A challenge for the future will be to establish comprehensive, publicly accessible salivary gland databases spanning the full range of genes and proteins; plans are underway to provide these resources to researchers in centralized repositories. The greatest challenge for the future will be to develop realistic models that integrate multiple types of data to both describe and predict embryonic development and human disease.
A New Color Variant of the Dry Bean Bacterial Wilt Pathogen (Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens) Found in Western Nebraska

Bacterial wilt of dry beans, caused by Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (Cff), has long been a sporadic but often serious production problem throughout the irrigated High Plains. Be...
Double deficiencies of urea cycle enzymes in human liver.

Abstract The activities of the enzymes of the urea cycle were measured in liver samples from two infants with severe hyperammonemia who had died a few days after birth. In the first case, carbamyl phosphate synthetase (ammonia) activity was undetectable in liver homogenates, and ornithine transcarbamylase activity was significantly lower than that of human controls. In the second case, carbamyl phosphate synthetase (ammonia) was undetectable, and argininosuccinate synthetase activity was greatly diminished with respect to controls. The disc gel electrophoretic pattern of dodecyl sulfate-treated liver homogenates of the first case was indistinguishable from patterns obtained from normal infant livers, and contained a major band in the position normally occupied by carbamyl phosphate synthetase (ammonia) peptide, which in this case must be presumed to have been enzymatically inactive or unstable. The electrophoretic pattern of liver homogenates of the second case did not contain a similar peptide.