cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel approach to gene expression profiling in Sézary syndrome.

Summary Background Microarray hybridization studies in Sezary syndrome (SS) have compared T lymphocytes from patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with those of normal controls; a major limitation of this design is that significant inherent genetic variability of lymphocyte populations between individuals may produce differences in gene expression unrelated to disease state. Objective The objective of this study was to minimize the heterogeneity of information derived from whole-genome expression analysis and to identify specific genetic differences between highly purified malignant and nonmalignant (control) T cells from the same patient with SS. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from a patient with SS, stained with anti-T-cell receptor Vβ (TCR-Vβ) antibodies, and sorted by multiparameter flow cytometry. Malignant cells expressed the dominant TCR-Vβ; control T cells lacked the dominant TCR-Vβ but were otherwise phenotypically identical (CD3+CD4+CD45RO+). These cell populations were compared using the Illumina Inc. Sentrix Human-6 expression BeadChip system. Results Transcriptome analysis using the J5 test, which was selected for data analysis based on an efficiency analysis of competing statistical methods, showed differential expression of 44 genes between the malignant and nonmalignant cell subsets. Promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger protein (ZBTB16) was the most profoundly upregulated gene in the malignant cell population, while interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and interferon-induced protein 35 (IFI35), which are important elements of the cellular response to viral infection, were significantly downregulated. Conclusions The results of this study suggest the feasibility of this novel comparative approach to genomic profiling in SS. Using this method, we identified several differentially expressed genes and pathways not previously described in SS. While these findings require validation in larger studies, they may be important in SS pathogenesis.
Species delimitation in the ground beetle subgenus Liocosmius (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Bembidion), including standard and next‐generation sequencing of museum specimens

The species of subgenus Liocosmius Casey of genus Bembidion Latreille are delimited and documented using DNA sequences from eight genes, morphological data, and geography. The subgenus consists of six known species, three of which are described as new: Bembidion orion Cooper and Maddison (California), B. darlingtonielum Cooper and Maddison (California), and B. cooperi Maddison (New Mexico and Arizona). The group ranges from British Columbia south to Baja California, and east to Colorado and New Mexico, with the centre of diversity in California. DNA from a pinned specimen collected in 1968 was sequenced using an Illumina platform, resulting in accurate data of all eight genes studied. Identification tools and descriptions of each species are provided. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London
Orienting responses and conditioning of electrodermal responses.

This paper reviews our continued concern with the identification of electrodermal response measures to which we are willing to accord the label conditioned, contingent or conditional. One restriction previously held, namely, that dealing with the learning curve associated with the development of conditional responses, has been discarded. We are now willing to accept the position that conditional responses may extinguish during conditioning and would like to attribute such “extinction with reinforcement” to the possibility that “temporary connexions” evolve during the conditioning process. We now conceive of two types of anticipatory responses (ARs): one, a specific response which should become temporally localized with respect to the UCS, and the second, an increase in nonspecific responses which occur at random points in time following CS and preceding UCS presentation. The OR to stimulus onset is a particularly difficult response with which to work, especially in the context of simple (opposed to discriminative) conditioning. This response appears to reflect conditioning via a marked retardation of habituation. Proper controls, against which to assess conditionability of this response, are difficult to specify. It is our contention that a wide variety of response (OR to stimulus complex onset and termination; ARs; UCRs; nonspecific responses during CS presentation; and intertrial interval nonspecific responses) can be affected by the conditioning process. Whether these responses should be given the label “conditioned” is a question which has, in our opinion, yet to be answered.
APT VS. CAPM ESTIMATES OF THE RETURN-GENERATING FUNCTION PARAMETERS FOR REGULATED PUBLIC UTILITIES

In public utility rate hearings, there are extensive arguments concerning the most appropriate model of the return-generating function. Bower, Bower, and Logue (1984) suggest that the APT is superior to the CAPM, but their results have troublesome ranking differences between the two models when applied to returns from electric versus natural gas utilities. The purposes of this paper are to develop forward estimates of the parameters for both of these models applied to five different utility portfolios of electric and natural gas companies at a point in time, and to test whether these estimates are valid during a subsequent or future period. Also, forecasting errors for each model are compared to determine which model is best and to ascertain if there are any ranking conflicts. There are no ranking conflicts with the models as the market model consistently underestimates the actual return. Thus, the analysis suggests that the arbitrage model is a superior representation of the return-generating process of these utilities.
Variation of the North Atlantic subtropical high western ridge and its implication to Southeastern US summer precipitation

Variations of the North Atlantic subtropical high (NASH) western ridge and their implication to the Southeastern United States (SE US) summer precipitation were analyzed for the years 1948–2007. The results show that the movement of the NASH western ridge regulates both moisture transport and vertical motion over the SE US, especially in the last three decades, during which the ridge moved westward towards the American continent. When the NASH western ridge is located southwest (SW) of its mean climate position, excessive summer precipitation is observed due to an enhanced moisture transport. In contrast, when the western ridge is located in the northwest (NW), a precipitation deficit prevails as downward motion dominates the region. Composite analysis indicates that SW ridging results mainly from the NASH center’s intensification; whereas NW ridging is likely caused by stationary wave propagation from the eastern Pacific/US western coast. In recent decades, both the SW and NW ridge positions have been observed to increase in frequency. Our results suggest that the increase in the SW ridging consistently follows the NASH’s intensification associated with anthropogenic forcing as projected by coupled climate models. However, the increased frequency of NW ridging tends to follow the positive Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) index. Thus, the enhanced variability in the SE US summer precipitation in recent decades might be a combined result of anthropogenic forcing and internal variability of the climate system. Results suggest that, as anthropogenic forcing continues to increase, the SE US will experience more frequent wet summers and an increase in the frequency of dry summers during positive PDO phases.
The Investigation of Heat, Release in Slip Bands Consisting of Edge or Screw Dislocations

Abstract The temperature rise in screw and edge dislocation slip bands of the NaCl crystals by deformation by compression has been studied with the help of cholesteric liquid crystals CLC.
Pharmacokinetic profiles of current therapies for Alzheimer's disease: implications for switching to galantamine.

Although no pharmacologic treatments have been proved to alter the pathology of Alzheimer's disease, acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) therapy offers symptomatic improvements in or delays in the progression of cognitive, behavioral, and functional deficits. Tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine are the best studied agents in this class. These drugs have varying pharmacokinetic, safety, and tolerability profiles that can affect patient outcomes. Specifically, certain metabolic parameters (ie, half-life and route of metabolism/elimination) can affect a drug's tolerability and become important when a switch from one agent to another is contemplated. The mechanism of action of galantamine, the most recently approved AChEI, varies from that of the other AChEIs in that it has allosteric modulating activity at nicotinic receptors in addition to its ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase. Benefits of this dual mode of action on the effects of the disease have been suggested.
Molecular-dynamics investigation of the surface stress distribution in a Ge/Si quantum dot superlattice

The surface stress distribution in an ordered quantum dot superlattice is investigated using classical molecular dynamics simulations. We find that the surface stress field induced by various numbers~ from 1t o 9! of Ge islands embedded in a Si~001! substrate is in good agreement with analytical expressions based on pointlike embedded force dipoles, explaining the tendency of layered arrays to form vertically aligned columns. The short-ranged nature of this stress field implies that only the uppermost layers affect the surface growth and that their influence decreases rapidly with layer depth. @S0163-1829~99!52028-6#
Forward Angiography in the Identification of Vegetations in Tricuspid Endocarditis

I ''he presence of fever and of positive blood cultures in a patient known to be a heroin user strongly sug­ gests a diagnosis of infective endocarditis. Under these circumstances the infection is usually engrafted upon a valve which was previously normal in structure, often located in the right cardiac chambers. Aside from the manifestations of sepsis, there may be few, if any, signs or symptoms, since hemodynamic abnormalities are often minimal or nonexistent. It may, therefore, be impossible to pinpoint the affected valve by the usual clinical, ra­ diologic, and noninvasive maneuvers. This becomes a major concern when standard antibiotic therapy fails to cure the infection and surgical intervention is contem­ plated. The following case report describes our experi­ ence in such a situation, in which tricuspid vegetations were visualized by the safe and simple technique of for­ ward angiographic studies, allowing for surgical extirpa­ tion of the infected valve and bacteriologic cure.
Pyrite oxidation at circumneutral pH

Abstract Previous studies of pyrite oxidation kinetics have concentrated primarily on the reaction at low pH, where Fe(III) has been assumed to be the dominant oxidant. Studies at circumneutral pH, necessitated by effective pH buffering in some pyrite oxidation systems, have often implicitly assumed that the dominant oxidant must be dissolved oxygen (DO), owing to the diminished solubility of Fe(III). In fact, Fe(III)(aq) is an effective pyrite oxidant at circumneutral pH, but the reaction cannot be sustained in the absence of DO. The purpose of this experimental study was to ascertain the relative roles of Fe(III) and DO in pyrite oxidation at circumneutral pH. The rate of pyrite oxidation was first-order with respect to the ratio of surface area to solution volume. Direct determinations of both Fe(II)(aq)> and Fe(III)(aq) demonstrated a dramatic loss of Fe(II) from the solution phase in excess of the loss for which oxidation alone could account. Based on rate data, we have concluded that Fe(II) is adsorbed onto the pyrite surface. Furthermore, Fe(II) is preferred as an adsorbate to Fe(III), which we attribute to both electrostatic and acid-base selectivity. We also found that the rate of pyrite oxidation by either Fe(III)(aq) or DO is reduced in the presence of aqueous Fe(II), which leads us to conclude that, under most natural conditions, neither Fe(III)(aq) nor DO directly attacks the pyrite surface. The present evidence suggests a mechanism for pyrite oxidation that involves adsorbed Fe( II ) giving up electrons to DO and the resulting Fe(III) rapidly accepting electrons from the pyrite. The adsorbed Fe is, thus, cyclically oxidized and reduced, while it acts as a conduit for electrons traveling from pyrite to DO. Oxygen is transferred from the hydration sphere of the adsorbed Fe to pyrite S. The cycle of adsorbed Fe oxidation and reduction and the successive addition of oxygen to pyrite S continues until a stable sulfoxy species dissociates from the surface. Prior work has shown that sulfoxy species of lower oxidation state than sulfate (e.g., thiosulfate or polythionate) may accumulate in solution under some circumstances but not under the conditions of the experiments reported here. In these experiments, the rate of sulfate accumulation in solution is proportional to the rate of pyrite oxidation.
Synthesis and properties of glassy organic multifunctional photorefractive materials

Abstract We report the synthesis and characterization of several related amorphous multifunctional photorefractive (PR) materials with the charge transport agent covalently linked to a chromophore. DCTA (4,4′-di(carbazol-9-yl) triphenylamine) is used as the charge transport agent in conjunction with C60 to provide photoconductivity and DCST (an aminodicyanostyrene) is used as the birefringent and nonlinear optical chromophore. Chains with different lengths (2, 6 and 12 carbons) are used to covalently connect these two moieties. The linking units influence the glass transition temperature of the system, which in turn influences the PR performance. The longer linker allows faster orientation of the chromophore and results in higher PR speed but the response still appears to be limited by the molecular reorientation rather than photoconductivity in these systems.
Constant temperature simulations using the Langevin equation with velocity Verlet integration

Abstract An algorithm, which reduces to velocity Verlet in the limit of zero friction, is obtained for the generalized Langevin equation. The formulation presented is unique in that the velocities are based on a direct second order Taylor expansion of the inertial forces. The resulting finite difference equation is compared with a previous formulation of Verlet-based Langevin dynamics. The equations are implemented to study the physical properties of dense neon and liquid water at constant temperatures as a function of the friction rate γ. The results show canonical ensembles can be obtained at moderate friction rates without recurring to switching functions to control energy losses, or overdamping. The LD methodology is further applied to a protein in solution and compared to MD simulations which use a more conventional scaling function for temperature control. Analyses of the MD trajectories show the protein remains at either lower or higher temperature compared to the solvent, depending upon the treatment of the potential function at the system's boundary. On the contrary, LD simulations show a rapid and even equilibration between protein and solvent in all cases.
Treating symptomatic adhesions to the sigmoid colon: colectomy improves quality of life

Introduction When severe chronic pelvic pain, constipation, and bloating are due to dense pelvic adhesions fixing the sigmoid loops, patients may be offered the option of sigmoid colectomy. This study examines the effectiveness of colectomy in the treatment of such patients. Methods Patients were identified from a surgical database, demographic data were abstracted, and charts were reviewed. Patients were interviewed postoperatively. Primary end points were morbidity, length of stay, change in bowel habit, and patient satisfaction. Results There were 46 patients (44 women) with a mean age of 54.7 years (±14.3). Forty-three had a history of prior pelvic surgery (93 %), including 30 (65 %) with hysterectomy. One quarter had been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. Surgeryrevealedadhesivetetheringofthesigmoidcolonin43 patients (94 %). Mean length of stay was 6.5 days (±2.5), and complications occurred in eight (17.3 %) patients. There were no deaths, and no patients required a stoma. Followup in 37 patients after mean of 7.2(±5.0)years showed significant reductions in abdominal pain and bloating postoperatively, with normalization of bowel function and increase in quality of life. Conclusion When severe lower abdominal pain and bloating in women who have had pelvic surgery are reproduced by colonoscopy, and there is an obvious kink in the bowel, sigmoid colectomy is worth considering.
Conformational analysis of somatostatin and selected analogs in oriented polyoxyethylene by infrared dichroism

Infrared dichroic studies and deuterium exchange measurements of somatostatin and some of its analogs incorporated in uniaxially oriented polyoxyethylene are described. Band positions and dichroic ratios in the N-H stretching and amide I and II regions are similar to those of flexible and nonordered peptides like valinomycin and poly[Glu(ONa)]. This information, together with fast deuterium exchange rates, suggests that somatostatin exists in a flexible nonordered conformation in polyoxyethylene. One analog, di-S3,14-acetamidomethyl dihydrosomatostatin, was found to exist in both nonordered and β-like conformations.
Integrating kinematic modeling and kinetics to quantify hand motor performance in persons with stroke

Objective: This study describes the design and testing of a system designed to quantify improvement in reaching and grasping abilities of the hemiparetic arm and hand of patients post stroke after a series of interactive virtual reality (VR) simulated training sessions. Methods: Five subjects post stroke participated in a two-week training session consisting of interactive computer games for 2–2.5 hours per session. Subjects' finger joint angles were measured during a kinematic reach to grasp test using CyberGlove™ and arm joint angles were measured using the trackSTAR™ system prior to training and after training. Downward force applied to the object during grasping was measured using a force sensor system. Results: There was a significant decrease in force applied to objects when grasping post VR training and an improvement in preshaping the hand during the transport phase. Conclusion: A system utilizing magnetic trackers, a data glove, and a force sensor may be sensitive to changes in motor performance elicited by a robotically facilitated, virtually simulated motor intervention.
Morphology and electrical resistance of thin gold films on air-cleaved potassium chloride surfaces

Abstract The structures of vacuum-evaporated thin gold films on air-cleaved KCl single-crystal surfaces were studied by transmission electron microscopy and electrical resistance measurements. Preferential growth of gold crystallites along the cleavage steps was observed and confirmed by the presence of one-dimensional conduction. Films of average thickness 1.5 nm or less showed an island structure and did not exhibit electrical conduction. Films with thickness of 2.0 nm and 2.5 nm had network structures and displayed one-dimensional conduction along the steps and two-dimensional conduction on the surface respectively. The electrical resistance was not stable for the 2.0 nm film, while the 2.5 nm film had stable values. The resistance of films of average thickness 2.0 and 2.5 nm decreased as the temperature decreased but the effect was small.
A Multifirm Analysis of Slotting Fees

Abstract The authors examine Securities and Exchange Commission filings from retailers and consumer and durable goods manufacturers to shed light on slotting practices. They find that slotting fees are used in both the consumer and the durable goods manufacturing industries, though different norms regarding slotting fees exist between product categories. Logit results find no support for an economic efficiency hypothesis but are more consistent with a power school perspective on slotting fees. The data imply that slotting fees are not likely to be a traditional antitrust issue, because the data reveal no evidence of unreasonable increases in profits resulting from slotting fee use.
NADPH Oxidase Activity Is Required for Endothelial Cell Proliferation and Migration

NADPH oxidase has been shown to play an important role in cardiovascular biology. The goal of the present study was to determine whether NADPH oxidase activity is important for endothelial cell growth and migration. In proliferation assays, growth factor- or serum-induced DNA synthesis in three different types of human endothelial cells was abrogated by inhibitors of NADPH oxidase, but not by inhibitors of xanthine oxidase or nitric oxide synthase. Moreover, vascular endothelial growth factor-induced migration of human endothelial cells was suppressed in the presence of NADPH oxidase inhibitors. These results support a potential role for NADPH oxidase in mediating angiogenesis.
Phonon effects in the two-magnon raman scattering in spin-Peierls systems

The phonon assisted Fleury-Loudon two-magnon scattering in spin-Peierls systems is derived and its effect on the scattering processes is studied. We find that the phonon effects are important for two-magnon Raman scattering in both dimerized and uniform phases.
Multicomponent diffusion problems

Analysis of four three-component diffusion problems by means of the Stefan-Maxwell equations is presented. In three of these problems heterogeneous chemical reactions are occurring at a catalytic surface. Characteristic curves are presented for the better understanding of the analytical solutions. The results of one of the exact solutions are compared with those by the effective diffusion-coefficient approach.
Acquired factor VIII inhibitors—successful treatment with an oral outpatient regimen

A rare cause of a spontaneous, life threatening coagulopathy in adults is the development of autoantibodies to factor VIII. We recently had the opportunity to treat seven patients with this disorder. After stabilization, they were given a regimen consisting of prednisone and oral cyclophosphamide. All patients had a complete response to treatment. The median time to response was three weeks. Durable remissions were achieved, making this oral regimen an acceptable treatment for this disorder.
Triassic flysch of the Fencemaker allochthon, East Range, Nevada: Fan facies and provenance

The Fencemaker allochthon, a regionally extensive tectonic feature at the outer edge of the Mesozoic North American foreland, contains Upper Triassic flysch deposited in a deep-water basin that occupied much the same geographic tract as does the present allochthon. Polyphase deformation in the allochthon has been sequentially removed to determine the pre-tectonic position of strata. Rocks of the allochthon in the East Range of north-central Nevada include calcareous and siliciclastic strata transported by varied sub-aqueous processes. Thirteen facies are recognized in the allochthon. Vertical facies sequences are indicative of deposition on middle and inner portions of a submarine fan during retrogradational and progradational cycles. Flysch deposition began in the early Norian and continued through the middle Norian with northward migration of major siliciclastic conduits. Penecontemporaneous shelf strata compose the autochthon to the Fencemaker thrust, the eastern margin of the bivergent Fencemaker allochthon, and record early Norian deltaic and middle Norian post-deltaic shelf sedimentation. The Fencemaker thrust was localized by the shelf-to-basin transition. Sediments in both the allochthon and the autochthon were derived primarily from the Triassic craton far to the east with addition from local sites. Regional Mesozoic unroofing in north-central Nevada probably occurred after Late Triassic time.
Intracellular location of newly synthesized growth hormone.

Abstract The current model for the synthesis and secretion of protein hormones by cells of the anterior pituitary leads to a prediction that newly synthesized GH should be membrane-associated. Experiments were performed to test this prediction. Rat pituitary tumor cells (GH3) were pulsed with 3H-leucine for 2 min, and chased with cold leucine for 2 1 2 min. Analysis of subcellular fractions by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by immunoprecipitation of GH demonstrated that most (86%) of the newly synthesized GH is membrane-associated.
Determination of Antibiotic Effect in an In Vitro Pharmacodynamic Model: Comparison with an Established Animal Model of Infection

Animal infection models have historically been used to study pharmacodynamic relationships. Similar results could theoretically be produced by using an in vitro pharmacodynamic model as an alternative to animal models. We compared the antibiotic effects of ticarcillin administered in various doses and dosing regimens against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 under conditions analogous to those previously employed in a neutropenic-mouse thigh infection model (B. Vogelman et al., J. Infect. Dis. 158:831-847, 1988). Ticarcillin dosages of either 96, 192, or 384 mg/day were administered at 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 8-, 12-, or 24-h intervals into a two-compartment model in order to duplicate the concentration-time profiles of the animal model. Colony counts were enumerated at 0 and 24 h. Linear regression and sigmoidal maximum-effect (Emax) model fitting were used to assess the relationship between the percentage of time that the concentration remained above the MIC (%T>MIC) or above four times the MIC (%T>4xMIC) and the change in the log(10) CFU per milliliter (Deltalog(10) CFU/ml) in the central and peripheral compartments. Statistical analysis of the Deltalog(10) CFU/ml values was performed for matched regimens of the in vitro and animal models based on the %T>MICs. The slopes of the regression equations of %T>MICs relative to Deltalog(10) CFU/ml values were similar for the in vitro and animal models, but the y intercept was greater with the in vitro model. The Deltalog(10) CFU/ml values of the 0- to 24-h colony counts at equivalent %T>MICs in the two models were not statistically different (P = 0.087). Overall, the peripheral compartment of the in vitro model was a better predictor of effect than the central compartment. This study, which compares pharmacodynamic principles between an in vitro and an animal model, demonstrated similar relationships between %T>MICs and effects.
A Model for Hydrometer Growth and Evolution of Raindrop Size Spectra in Cumulus Cells.

Abstract A relatively simple model of warm and cold rain microphysics in cumulus cells is developed. The proposed model avoids the large amounts of computation required in a non-parameterized treatment and yet removes some of the restrictions imposed by Kessler's microphysical parameterization. The growth of cloud droplets is bypassed, but evolution of particle size spectra for larger hydrometeors and the effects of differential fallspeeds are allowed by the growth of rain and graupel particles in a total of 25 size categories. The processes included are condensation, evaporation, accretion, collection, breakup, freezing, deposition, riming and melting. Experiments in the context of a kinematic updraft indicate results comparable to those of a stochastic model in warm rain development. It is found that a counterbalancing mechanism between auto- conversion and accretion causes the results to be relatively insensitive to assumptions about the auto- conversion process. Further sensitivity tests point out the...
Quantitation of specific serum glycoproteins in malignancy.

Abstract Quantitative studies have been made on the serum carbohydrate and glycoprotein levels of cancer patients and compared with the values obtained on normal volunteers and chronically ill controls. Of the 15 glycoproteins studied, 7 (transferrin, α 2 -macroglobulin, GC-globulin, IgA, IgD, IgG, IgM) remained invariant in all these categories. Three ( α 1 -acid glycoprotein, ceruloplasmin, α 1 -antitrypsin) were elevated in both the cancer and the chronically ill group. Two (haptoglobin, hemopexin) were elevated in cancer patients but not the non-malignant controls. Three ( α 2 Hs-glyco-protein, β 2 -glycoprotein I, prealbumin) were decreased in malignancy and unchanged in the pathological control group.
High Spatial Resolution VLA Observations of the R Aquarii Jet

The Very Large Array was used to observe the jet feature of the symbiotic variable R Aquarii. A steady emission at 6 cm was confirmed for the past year, with the jet located 6.4 arcsec from R Aquarii at 29.3 deg PA. A velocity for the jet has been calculated as 40 km/sec, and may be accompanied by an ejection velocity in the range of 760-1800 km/sec. Since R Aquarii is the closest known object with a jet, further monitoring is recommended in order to detect any episodic mass transfer in what may be a binary system. The mass transfer, monitored at various wavelengths, would account for the observed optical and radio properties.
Using same-hospital readmission rates to estimate all-hospital readmission rates.

Background Since October of 2012, Medicare's Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program has fined 2,200 hospitals a total of $500 million. Although the program penalizes readmission to any hospital, many institutions can only track readmissions to their own hospitals. We sought to determine the extent to which same-hospital readmission rates can be used to estimate all-hospital readmission rates after major surgery. Study Design We evaluated 3,940 hospitals treating 741,656 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries undergoing CABG, hip fracture repair, or colectomy between 2006 and 2008. We used hierarchical logistic regression to calculate risk- and reliability-adjusted rates of 30-day readmission to the same hospital and to any hospital. We next evaluated the correlation between same-hospital and all-hospital rates. To analyze the impact on hospital profiling, we compared rankings based on same-hospital rates with those based on all-hospital rates. Results The mean risk- and reliability-adjusted all-hospital readmission rate was 13.2% (SD 1.5%) and mean same-hospital readmission rate was 8.4% (SD 1.1%). Depending on the operation, between 57% (colectomy) and 63% (CABG) of hospitals were reclassified when profiling was based on same-hospital readmission rates instead of on all-hospital readmission rates. This was particularly pronounced in the middle 3 quintiles, where 66% to 73% of hospitals were reclassified. Conclusions In evaluating hospital profiling under Medicare's Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, same-hospital rates provide unstable estimates of all-hospital readmission rates. To better anticipate penalties, hospitals require novel approaches for accurately tracking the totality of their postoperative readmissions.
Combined high-performance liquid chromatographic-radioimmunoassay methods for the bioanalysis of peptides☆

Abstract Some of the attributes of and criteria for establishing reliable assays for the bioanalysis of peptides are discussed, together with descriptions of some of the difficulties encountered in determining the concentrations of biologically active peptides. The use of a method combining the sensitivity and specificity of radioimmunoassay with the extra specificity of high-pressure liquid chromatography is described. This combination overcomes many of the problems such as cross-reactivity of related peptides in such assays, and allows many peptides to be assayed from one sample.
Macroeconomic time consistency and wartime presidential approval

Abstract A comparative analysis on the influence of war and the macroeconomy upon incumbent approval during the Korean, Vietnam, and Iraq/Afghanistan conflicts. Inflation, unemployment, war rallies, and soldier casualties are systematic factors upon popularity in each of the three wartime periods. The casualty effect upon approval is greatest during the Vietnam Conflict, while economic influence is greatest during the Iraq/Afghanistan wars. The median citizen’s macroeconomic preference is approximately time consistent in all three episodes, with an inflation target of zero and an unemployment target close to the natural unemployment rate. This implies that wartime macroeconomic overheating likely causes popularity to decline.
Analysis of delta-doped and uniformly doped AlGaAs/GaAs HEMT's by ensemble Monte Carlo simulations

Transport properties and device performance of delta-doped and uniformly doped AlGaAs/GaAs high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) with identical threshold voltages and gate capacitors are investigated using two-dimensional self-consistent ensemble Monte Carlo simulations. The model includes the effects of real-space transfer and carrier degeneracy, as well as the influence of DX centers and surface states. A one-to-one comparison of simulation results for the two devices demonstrates superior performance for the delta-doped HEMT and provides a physical basis for the observed improvements. In particular, the delta-doped HEMT maintains its superior device performance as gate bias is increased. Reasons for these improvements are reported. >
Ubiquitination Increases Parkin Activity to Promote Autophagic α-Synuclein Clearance

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a movement disorder associated with genetic and age related causes. Although autosomal recessive early onset PD linked to parkin mutations does not exhibit α-Synuclein accumulation, while autosomal dominant and sporadic PD manifest with α-Synuclein inclusions, loss of dopaminergic substantia nigra neurons is a common denominator in PD. Here we show that decreased parkin ubiquitination and loss of parkin stability impair interaction with Beclin-1 and alter α-Synuclein degradation, leading to death of dopaminergic neurons. Tyrosine kinase inhibition increases parkin ubiquitination and interaction with Beclin-1, promoting autophagic α-Synuclein clearance and nigral neuron survival. However, loss of parkin via deletion increases α-Synuclein in the blood compared to the brain, suggesting that functional parkin prevents α-Synuclein release into the blood. These studies demonstrate that parkin ubiquitination affects its protein stability and E3 ligase activity, possibly leading to α-Synuclein sequestration and subsequent clearance.
Insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 regulates murine embryonic stem (mES) cells self-renewal.

Mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells are pluripotent cells that can be propagated in vitro with leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and serum. Intracellular signaling by LIF is principally mediated by activation of STAT-3, although additional pathways for self-renewal have been described. Here, we identified a novel role for Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) as a critical factor in mES cells self-renewal and differentiation. IRS-1 is expressed and tyrosyl phosphorylated during mES cells self-renewal. Differentiation of mES cells, by LIF withdrawal, is associated with a marked reduction in IRS-1 expression. Targeting of IRS-1 by si-IRS-1 results in a severe reduction of Oct-4 protein expression and alkaline phosphatase activity, markers of undifferentiated mES cells. IRS-1 targeting does not interfere with LIF-induced STAT-3 phosphorylation, but negatively affects protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3β) phosphorylation, which are downstream effectors of the LIF-mediated PI3K signaling cascade. Targeting of IRS-1 also results in a marked down regulation of Id-1 and Id-2 proteins expression, which are important components for self-renewal of ES cells. Conversely, over expression of IRS-1 inhibits mES cell differentiation. Taken together, these results suggest that expression and activity of IRS-1 are critical to the maintenance of the self-renewal program in mES cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 213: 445–453, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of Uniaxial Stress on the Excitation Spectra of Donors in Silicon

The excitation spectra of neutral shallow group V donors in silicon, viz., phosphorus, antimony, and arsenic, have been measured with crystals subjected to compression, F, along the [100], [110], or [111] direction. Each excitation line is observed to undergo a splitting into two components for F \ensuremath{\parallel} [100] or F\ensuremath{\parallel} [110], the spacing between the components being the same for all the lines. The spectra were measured with polarized light, the direction of polarization being either parallel or perpendicular to the compressive force. The split components of the excitation lines exhibit pronounced polarization. The splittings can be ascribed to the splitting of the excited $p$ states arising from the energy shifts of the conduction-band minima in uniaxially stressed silicon. The polarization features have been interpreted on the basis of the new site symmetry of the substitutional donor atom in the stressed crystal. The absence of splittings for F \ensuremath{\parallel} [111] follows from the preservation of the energy equivalence of the six valleys even under stress.
Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome and anti-neoplastic agents: a review

Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS) is a well recognized entity with a variety of benign and malignant conditions. Recently it has been found to be associated with the use of anti-neoplastic agents including targeted therapies. RPLS occurs rapidly with the use of some drugs and more slowly with others. Combined therapies are associated with a more frequent and more rapid presentation. This review was based on a literature search for English Language articles concerning RPLS and chemotherapeutic agents published from June 1996 to March 2007. We used the PubMed database with keywords: “RPLS”, “Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome”, “(PRES)”, “Chemotherapy” and “MRI”. This syndrome has classical Clinical-Radiologic features that are easy to recognize. Early recognition and withdrawal of the offending agent is all that is needed in most cases. This review highlights the features of the syndrome. It draws our attention to an entity which is being more frequently recognized and whose exact pathologic mechanisms need to be further studied. This syndrome is associated with the use of neurotoxic as well as non-neurotoxic agents and usually runs a benign course if there is an early diagnosis and management.
Integral representations for elastodynamic edge diffraction

Abstract For the problem of diffraction by a plane obstacle of a point force singularity, a line integral representation for derivatives of the field is derived. From this representation a line integral of the field is obtained which is asymptotically equivalent to Keller's theory of geometrical edge diffraction as developed for elastic wave propagation by Achenbach, Gautesen and McMaken.
The influence of tissue polarity on nematocyte migration in Hydra attenuata

Influences underlying the direction of nematocyte migration in hydra were studied. Nematocytes arise by interstitial cell differentiation in the body column, and then up to 80% migrate into the ectodermal epithelial cells of the tentacles. The migration of these cells, which is clearly apically directed, may be due either to a chemotactic attraction into the hypostome and tentacles, or to a property inherent in the tissue of the body column, such as the regeneration polarity. To distinguish between these two possibilities, the rates of accumulation of 3H-proline-labeled desmoneme and stenotele nematocytes in unlabeled heads (hypostome and tentacles) grafted either basally or apically to the labeled body column were compared. Basally grafted heads, if left in place for an appropriate length of time, reversed the regeneration polarity of the tissue. In all experiments the direction of desmoneme migration was correlated with the direction (apical or basal) of the regeneration polarity of the tissue. Further, the kinetics of polarity reversal were modified by varying the grafting procedure or the environmental conditions. In every case the kinetics of reversal of desmoneme migration also paralleled the kinetics of reversal of tissue polarity. The results suggest that the direction of desmoneme migration is influenced by the regeneration polarity of the tissue. Stenotele migration was largely unaffected by tissue polarity, but behaved as though chemotactically attracted to the head.
The influence of natural noise upon antenna system performance

The effects of natural radio noise upon the performance of ground antenna systems are examined. After the spatial and spectral properties of some major sources of radio noise are described, the results of a comprehensive program of machine computation of antenna temperature are analyzed. These results and those of a recently completed noise measurement program are used to evaluate the carrier-to-noise ratio (c/n) at ground receiving antennas tracking a space probe and a medium-altitude satellite. From published maps of galactic brightness temperature, from flux-density spectra developed with data on thermal and nonthermal radiation from the planets, and from recent models of the solar atmosphere, antenna temperatures have been computed for apertures ranging from 30 to 1,000 feet at frequencies between 60 and 30,000 mc (megacycles).
Thermotropic copolyesters modified with nonmesogenic rigid groups

Two series of copolyesters of sebacic acid, 4,4′-biphenol and a nonmesogenic rigid diol which was either bisphenol A (BPA series) or hydroquinone (HQ series) were prepared by melt polycondensation. The thermal transitions and melt birefringence which were investigated by DSC and polarized microscope respectively. Homopolyester of 4,4-biphenol and sebacic acid (PB8) was found to show two transition temperatures corresponded to Tm and Ti respectively. For the BPA series, the incorporation of amorphous bisphenol A unit by copolymerization decreased both Tm and Ti and completely destroyed the mesophase as the content of bisphenol A unit was over 50 mole%. For the HQ series, the incorporation of crystalline hydroquinone unit decreased Tm to more extent, but decreased Ti to less extent as compared to the BPA series. When the hydroquinone unit was as high as 80 mole%, the mesophase was completely destroyed.
Ribosomal Proteins of Deinococcus radiodurans: Their Solvent Accessibility and Reactivity

The structure of proteins in native ribosomes from Deinococcus radiodurans R1 was probed by S-methylthioacetimidate (SMTA) modification of amino groups. The extent of protein labeling was quantified using top down methods, and modified positions were identified using bottom up experiments. Each protein's reactivity was predicted by examination of the crystal structures of the D. radiodurans 50S subunit and the T. thermophilus HB8 30S subunit. The close phylogenetic relation between D. radiodurans and T. thermophilus allowed the evaluation of D. radiodurans small subunit protein reactivity by alignment of homologous sequences. As a result, we were able to observe and characterize the reactivity of all of D. radiodurans ribosomal proteins. The extent of protein amidination was well correlated with the solvent-exposed surface area of each protein and even better correlated with the number of visible lysine residues. Lysine residues that are in close contact with rRNA structural features or buried in protein tertiary structure are nonreactive with SMTA, while those that are surface exposed are modified. Crystallographic disorder and post-translational modifications lead to differences between the observed and predicted extents of reactivity. Comparison of unmodified and disassembled amidinated protein mixtures also shows great promise for the quality control of the proteomic sequences and has facilitated the identification of four sequencing errors in the ribosomal proteome of D. radiodurans R1.
Film climbing of particle-laden interfaces

Abstract Recent experiments have shown that coalescence of an oil/water/nanoparticle Pickering emulsion contained in a vial induces a nanoparticle-film to climb up the walls of the vial. Here we show that this phenomenon is highly general and can be induced by a variety of particle types, particle sizes ranging from a few nm to a few μm, and different emulsion types. Many of the features of film growth described previously with nm-sized particles are found to remain true even with the far larger particles studied here. Binks et al. [B.P. Binks, J.H. Clint, P.D.I. Fletcher, T.J.G. Lees, P. Taylor, Growth of gold nanoparticle films driven by the coalescence of particle-stabilized emulsion drops, Langmuir 22 (2006) 4100–4103] have postulated that the particle films that climb up the walls of a vial are actually comprised of one oil layer and one water layer, with particles adsorbed at the interface between them. We confirm this “sandwich” structure experimentally and also show that such interfacially adsorbed particles can easily exert the very modest surface pressure necessary to sustain the weight of the film. Our experiments highlight the importance of prewetting the walls of the vials; films do not climb unless the walls are prewetted. Finally, while some climbing films are tightly packed particle monolayers, tight packing is not essential; even sparsely populated monolayers can display film climbing.
Responses of hepatoma-bearing rats to total parenteral hyperalimentation and to ad libitum feeding.

Abstract BUF rats with a transplantable Morris hepatoma No. 7777 were given three feeding regimens, (i) solid food ad libitum, (ii) total parenteral hyperalimentation, and (iii) liquid diet ad libitum. Those rats on solid or liquid food ad libitum undergo body weight loss or cancer cachexia with decreased food intake. Total parenteral hyperalimentation prevented the loss in body weight but stimulated tumor growth when compared to those fed ad libitum. Although there was no significant difference in survival time in the tumorous rats in the different feeding groups, the parenterally fed rats appeared to die with fluid overload while the ad libitum fed rats died of inanition or starvation.
Control of the wetting properties of an AISI 316L stainless steel surface by femtosecond laser-induced surface modification

A simple and effective method without vacuum to control the wetting properties of AISI 316L stainless steel using femtosecond laser pulses at high repetition rate has been developed. Both hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces were formed by creating micro-conical structures on the surface with femtosecond laser irradiation in air. The scan speed was found to be an effective parameter in controlling micro-cone morphology, size and number densities and contact angles during surface wettability experiments. It was found during surface wettability experiments that the contact angle of water varied from 0? (superhydrophilic) to 113? on laser micro-cone textured surfaces depending on processing conditions. Additionally, a superhydrophobic AISI 316L stainless steel surface was created (contact angle ?150?) with a functionalized silane coating on already hydrophobic surface geometry.
Silica-polyamine -based carbon composite adsorbents as media for effective hydrogen sulfide adsorption/oxidation

New silica−carbon adsorbents were prepared by pyrolysis of silica−polyamine composites at 600 °C. The heat treatment was expected to activate nitrogen for effective hydrogen sulfide oxidation. More...
Roles of propagating and evanescent waves in solid immersion lens systems

The electromagnetic field incident on the thin-film layers in a solid immersion lens (SIL) system is decomposed into contributions from homogeneous and inhomogeneous waves, which are commonly referred to as propagating and evanescent waves, respectively. The homogeneous and the inhomogeneous parts have different properties with respect to the field distribution in the gap and inside the recording layers. The homogeneous part is shown to diffract like a focused wave with a numerical aperture of 1, and the inhomogeneous part decays exponentially away from the bottom of the SIL. Two examples are discussed in detail, and the concept of a vector illumination system transfer function, which includes effects of the recording layers, is introduced.