cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Small Renal Neoplasms

Radiologists frequently encounter small renal masses in daily practice. Most are small benign cysts which are difficult to characterize because of their size. With modern cross-sectional imaging techniques, however, it is possible to distinguish most of these from true renal neoplasms. The small renal neoplasms that contain fat or reside within the collecting system of the kidney are easily identified and managed appropriately. The remainder of enhancing, small solid renal masses continue to be a challenge. Since their histologic make-up and biologic behavior cannot be accurately predicted by imaging, a choice of nephron-sparing surgical or percutaneous ablation techniques vs “watchful waiting” are rational options for management. The appropriate course of action depends heavily on individual patient factors.
The Study of Single Biomolecules with Fluorescence Methods

The study of individual molecules allows one to look beyond the ensemble average and observe the distribution and time trajectory of the structure and motion of molecules. This approach has led to new paradigms in polymer physics. The study of polymer dynamics at the single-molecule level has led to the discovery that identical DNA molecules exposed to the same conditions will follow a multitude of paths to equilibrium as they extend in elongational [1] and shear [2] flows. This “molecular individualism” was not discovered in half a century of experimental work on bulk samples. Nor was it anticipated theoretically. It is possible that biological processes such as protein folding and enzyme activity will also show a rich set of kinetic paths and transient states that can only be fully characterized at the single-molecule level. Thus, it is important to develop techniques that will allow the study of molecular processes at the level of single molecules.
What is meant by validation of predictions based on laboratory toxicity tests

For years, estimates of hazard to aquatic ecosystems resulting from exposure to toxic chemicals have been made from laboratory toxicity tests without substantive validation of their accuracy in natural systems. The mere absence of gross damage (e.g., fish kills) does not constitute scientifically justifiable validation. The validation process should be systematic and orderly. It should also make provision for confirmation at more than one level of biological organization. A series of validation proposals are included in this article.
The State of Protonation of the Proximal Histidyl Imidazole in Horseradish Peroxidase

The ease of formation of iron(IV) complexes in horseradish peroxidase as well as in other hemoproteins has been cited to support the view that in these proteins the proximal histidyl imidazole is deprotonated. However, most of the supporting evidence for this proposal has been indirect. From a detailed comparison of the proton nmr spectra of horseradish peroxidase in several oxidation/spin/ligation states with other hemoproteins and model compounds, it is shown hereby direct detection of the N1H signal, that the proximal histidyl imidazole in horseradish peroxidase is definitely not deprotonated, but most likely involved in hydrogen bonding interactions with the protein in at least the reduced and the cyanide-ligated states.
Overcoming the Bile Salt-Mediated Formation of Nanocolloids That Inhibit Oral Absorption of VX-985.

Abstract This article describes the discovery and characterization of nanocolloidal structures formed between VX-985 (an orally administered inhibitor of hepatitis C virus protease) and the bile salt, sodium taurocholate at concentrations of the latter >4 mM. These complexes (1) distribute narrowly in size around a mean diameter of 260 nm, (2) separate from solution only with ultracentrifugation, and (3) appear to influence the absorption of VX-985 from the intestinal tract in vivo, in rodents and humans. Although the oral bioavailability of suspensions of its solid forms is poor, addition of vitamin E D-alpha-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate to dosing vehicles improves the fraction absorbed of the compound in vivo. In vitro characterization is compatible with the hypothesis that surfactants like D-alpha-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate preclude nanocolloidal structures and increase the bioavailability by increasing the rate of absorption of VX-985. This study, while specific to VX-985, provides a route to circumvent the poor oral bioavailability caused by formation of kinetically stable complexes between bile salts and drug molecules. This study also underscores the importance of characterizing aggregation phenomenon that may be observed in solubility measurements during preclinical formulation development.
Toward Modern Economics

Upon entering graduate school, I joined a seminar taught by Yoshirō Tamanoi, an Uno economics follower who was a specialist on economic doctrinal history. Marxism was in its glory days in the Faculty of Economics at University of Tokyo, and there were not yet any seminars that seriously dealt with theories of modern economics. Professor Ryūtarō Komiya had just returned from studying abroad at Harvard University. To me, in the midst of the process of converting from Marxism, his razor-sharp features exuded an atmosphere that was difficult for me to approach.
Anaphylaxis Induced by Biologics

Biologic agents are increasingly utilized in the medical management of many conditions. Their safety has become an important topic as a myriad of reactions can occur due to the immune-modulating properties of these agents. Of these, anaphylaxis remains a substantial concern, but its incidence and pathophysiology have not been comprehensively reviewed. Over the past two decades, a multitude of case reports and series have been published describing anaphylactic reactions to biologic agents, although the true incidence and prevalence remains unknown for the vast majority of them. Based on cytokine and mediator profiles, three mechanisms have been proposed: IgE-mediated, non-IgE-mediated, and cytokine release. The clinical presentation of anaphylaxis is highly variable between biologic agents. The degree of humanization, excipient involvement, and development process of each biologic agent all likely play an important role in determining its level of allergenicity. As biologic agents become even more commonplace in healthcare, more thorough evaluations of the incidence of anaphylaxis induced by BAs as well as the underlying mechanisms may provide clinically useful data when determining the most appropriate management option.
Characterization of therapeutic proteins by cation exchange chromatography-mass spectrometry and top-down analysis

Recently, cation exchange chromatography (CEX) using aqueous volatile buffers was directly coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) and applied for intact analysis of therapeutic proteins and antibodies...
Analytical and Functional Similarity Assessment of ABP 710, a Biosimilar to Infliximab Reference Product

ABP 710 has been developed as a biosimilar to infliximab reference product (RP). The objective of this study was to assess analytical similarity (structural and functional) between ABP 710 and infliximab RP licensed by the United States Food and Drug Administration (infliximab [US]) and the European Union (infliximab [EU]), using sensitive, state-of-the-art analytical methods capable of detecting minor differences in product quality attributes. Comprehensive analytical characterization utilizing orthogonal techniques was performed with 14 to 28 unique lots of ABP 710 or infliximab RP, depending on the assay. Comparisons were used to investigate the primary structure related to amino acid sequence; post-translational modifications (PTMs) including glycans; higher order structure; particles and aggregates; primary biological properties mediated by target and receptor binding; product-related substances and impurities; and general properties. ABP 710 had the same amino acid sequence, primary structure, higher order structure, PTM profiles and biological activities as infliximab RP. The finished drug product had the same strength (protein content and concentration) as infliximab RP. Based on the comprehensive analytical similarity assessment, ABP 710 was found to be highly analytically similar to infliximab RP for all biological activities relevant for clinical efficacy and safety.
Left distal radial access in patients with arteria lusoria: insights for cerebral angiography and interventions.

Background The transradial approach (TRA) is frequently used for neurointerventional procedures as it is safer, improves patient comfort, and decreases costs and procedural time in comparison with the transfemoral approach (TFA). Patients with arteria lusoria, or an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA), provide a unique challenge for cerebral angiography and interventions when using the TRA. Objective To examine the hypothesis that the extreme angulation encountered while accessing the great vessels from the right TRA could be overcome by reversing the approach to the left distal TRA (dTRA). Methods A prospectively maintained database of transradial neurointerventional cases since 2018 was searched. Six cases from 850 were identified, in which the left dTRA was used. Three cases were for patients with an ARSA. For the three cases of interest, patient history, pathology, imaging, and access techniques were reviewed. Results Two diagnostic cerebral angiography cases and one intervention were successfully performed through a left dTRA. Conclusions Proper positioning of the left wrist and familiarity with forming the Simmons catheter can overcome this anatomical challenge. This technique and results further demonstrate that the left distal radial artery is a feasible access site for catheterization of bilateral carotid, left vertebral, and right subclavian arteries for patients with an ARSA.
“We are All Refugees”: Camps and Informal Settlements as Converging Spaces of Global Displacements

This paper is in conversation with two important bodies of literature: one on informal settlements (informal and insurgent grassroots practices) and another on camps (spatial practices and governan...
Undoing the Hottentoting of “the Queen of Punt” A Jamaican Afronography on the Kemetiu Depiction of Ati of Punt:

The physical appearance of Ati, the co-ruling woman of Punt, often referred to as “the Queen of Punt,” as depicted in the pharaoh Hatshepsut’s “Voyage to Punt” has been subject to scholarly attenti...
Trends in Utilization and Perioperative Outcomes in Robotic-assisted Bariatric surgery using the MBSAQIP database: A 4-Year Analysis.

Robotic-assisted surgery has become increasingly popular across surgical subspecialties. We aimed to analyze trends in the national utilization and outcomes in bariatric surgery. The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®) data for 2015-2018 was queried. We included robotic-assisted sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), adjustable gastric band (AGB), biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS), and revisional cases. The Kruskal–Wallis test or Wilcoxon rank-sum were used for comparing continuous variables and Cochran-Armitage trend analysis for categorical variables when comparing years, or with Fisher’s Exact Test when directly comparing categories. Of 760,076 bariatric cases performed between 2015 and 2018, 7.4% with robotic and 90.4% with laparoscopic approach. SG constituted 61.3% of robotic volume. Utilization of robotic surgery increased 1.96-fold; SG represented the most substantial increase of 2.16-fold, followed by a 1.53-fold in RYGB. The 30-day readmission and re-intervention rates decreased from 5.63% to 4.78% (p<0.01), and 2.31% to 1.46% (p<0.01), respectively. The overall leak rate improved from 0.64% to 0.39% (p=0.01). Mortality and re-operations remained statistically unchanged. When compared to laparoscopic approach, the operative time were significantly longer in the robotic group. Regarding postoperative outcomes, when adjusted for patient characteristics, there were no differences between two approaches except a higher leak rate in robotic group in 2015. A steady increase in robotic bariatric surgery is apparent. While the operative time remains significantly longer in the robotic group, trends indicate improvement in key quality metrics and patient outcomes as utilization increases.
Role of Meat in Healthy Eating Patterns: Considerations for Protein Quantity and Protein Quality

The benefits of higher-protein diets for supporting increases in and maintenance of muscle is well established for athletes and routinely active individuals, weight management, and aging. However, quantity does not always equal quality. Within the framework of the dietary recommendations, the critical role of protein quality has been lost given the complexity of our food system. Science shows that animal-derived proteins better support muscle protein synthesis than plant-based proteins due to higher amounts and unique profiles of essential amino acids, nutrients that cannot be made by the body and must be provided in the diet. Although the lower quality of plant-based proteins may be overcome by eating more total protein or blending complementary plant-based proteins to provide all of the essential amino acids in amounts similar to animal protein, there may be unintended consequences in the context of the total diet (e.g., higher total calories, challenges for weight management). This paper reviews recommendations and research specific to protein quantity and quality in the context of meat's contribution to healthy eating patterns and considers implications of protein source for sustainability and the environment.
Applied Research on the Non-intrusive Load Identification Based on Improved Manhattan Distance Matching

NILM is an important technology to realize power consumption behavior perception. In view of the problem that the existing load characteristic model can not match the multi-state load and the huge amount of calculation of identification algorithm can not be applied to smart meter, this paper proposes a method for building a load multi-state model library and a weighted matching algorithm based on Manhattan distance. The effective identification characteristics of each state of electrical equipment are used as characteristic unit to building the multi-state identification model library. Through the multi-time scale window scanning the total power sequence, the load characteristics in the process of load switching and state change are extracted. Using the weighted algorithm based on the improved Manhattan distance, load identification is carried out by calculating the matching distance with the library. The test results show that the proposed method can identify the load category quickly and accurately.
Non-GAAP Disclosure and Classification Shifting

I investigate two discretionary reporting strategies used by managers to highlight core performance – non-GAAP disclosure and classification shifting. Non-GAAP disclosures represent managers’ voluntary disclosure of GAAP earnings that exclude certain non-recurring or non-cash expenses. Classification shifting is a reporting strategy that represents managers’ recognition of certain core expenses as special items. I document that managers tend to use non-GAAP disclosures and classification shifting as a joint reporting strategy, especially when external monitoring from institutional investors and financial analysts is high. In addition, firms engaging in both reporting strategies exhibit more persistent earnings, help analysts form less disperse and more accurate expectations and show higher earnings response coefficient both around the earnings announcement and during the quarter. Collectively, the findings suggest that managers use both strategies jointly as an informative signal of performance rather than as an opportunistic strategy to overstate core performance.
Critical congenital heart disease and maternal comorbidities: An observation

Abstract Background Critical congenital heart disease is the target of postnatal, pulse-oximetry screening; nevertheless, prenatal detection is preferable. Prenatal diagnosis allows for advanced perinatal planning, parental counseling, potential fetal cardiac intervention if indicated, and avoidance of complicated, costly, and at times, risky neonatal transport. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate a possible association between the occurrence of critical congenital heart disease and pregnancies complicated by maternal comorbidities. Methods We identified all those prenatally and postnatally diagnosed with critical congenital heart disease in Nevada between July 2014 and June 2020. For each identified case of critical congenital heart disease, we assessed each mother's medical history. We divided pregnant women into two groups: 1) those with maternal comorbidities and 2) those without comorbidities. Results We identified 367 cases of critical congenital heart disease. Of the 367, 229 (62%) occurred in those with maternal comorbidities. Of the 367, 321 (87%) were live-born. Of the 321 live-born, 201 (63%) occurred in those with maternal comorbidities, however, the prevalence of maternal comorbidities in the general pregnancy population is not known. The majority of patients born with critical heart disease were born to mothers with comorbidities versus those without comorbidities for both the total and live-born cohorts (p = 0.00001). Of the 321 live-born, 10 had no prenatal care. Of the 311 with prenatal care, 248 (80%) were prenatally diagnosed. During the study period, there were approximately 210,000 live births in Nevada, for a prevalence of 15.2 (321/210,000) critical congenital cardiac malformations per 10,000 live births. Conclusion In Nevada, most of those with critical congenital heart disease are products of pregnancies complicated by maternal comorbidities. Further, the state-wide, live-born, critical congenital heart disease prenatal-detection rate was 80%.
Considering aquatic connectivity trade-offs in Great Lakes barrier removal decisions

Abstract Globally, construction of dams has led to challenges for fishery managers and decision makers. Hundreds of thousands of dams, many of which no longer serve their intended purpose, are in need of repair. Resources to make those repairs are limited, and dam removal often seems like the most logical solution from an economic perspective. However, dams on the Laurentian Great Lakes tributaries often serve more than one purpose, with nearly 500 considered important to the continued success of controlling sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), blocking other invasive species, isolating native from non-native salmonids, stopping disease transfer, and holding back contaminated sediments. Removing dams can have unintended consequences at the local, regional, or basin-wide scale. Here, we explain the importance of considering potential fishery management trade-offs of barrier removals at those scales. We also suggest an organizational framework that, when supported by modeling, could improve communication and cooperation among partners, streamline the decision process, and provide a consensus-driven perspective about the highest priority projects to address. Consistent communication among and between management agencies, indigenous peoples, and local governments, along with an objective and proactive approach to barrier removal decisions could allow for greater success in habitat restoration and funding procurement while reducing the risk of barrier failures and the unintended spread of injurious invasive species, environmental contaminants, and fish disease.
Design of Shallow P-Type Dopants in ZnO: Preprint

This paper describes approaches to lower the acceptor ionization energy in ZnO by codoping acceptors with donor or isovalent atoms and proposes a universal approach to overcome the doping polarity problem for wide-band-gap semiconductors.
Spontaneous expulsion of a retrograde filling: Report of a case

The placement of a retrograde filling is designed to seal the apex of a tooth when conventional procedures have either failed or cannot be performed. This case report describes the mechanical failure of this procedure, as well as the expulsion of the filling material from the oral cavity.
BIOZON: a system for unification, management and analysis of heterogeneous biological data

Integration of heterogeneous data types is a challenging problem, especially in biology, where the number of databases and data types increase rapidly. Amongst the problems that one has to face are integrity, consistency, redundancy, connectivity, expressiveness and updatability. Here we present a system (Biozon) that addresses these problems, and offers biologists a new knowledge resource to navigate through and explore. Biozon unifies multiple biological databases consisting of a variety of data types (such as DNA sequences, proteins, interactions and cellular pathways). It is fundamentally different from previous efforts as it uses a single extensive and tightly connected graph schema wrapped with hierarchical ontology of documents and relations. Beyond warehousing existing data, Biozon computes and stores novel derived data, such as similarity relationships and functional predictions. The integration of similarity data allows propagation of knowledge through inference and fuzzy searches. Sophisticated methods of query that span multiple data types were implemented and first-of-a-kind biological ranking systems were explored and integrated. The Biozon system is an extensive knowledge resource of heterogeneous biological data. Currently, it holds more than 100 million biological documents and 6.5 billion relations between them. The database is accessible through an advanced web interface that supports complex queries, "fuzzy" searches, data materialization and more, online at http://biozon.org .
A large source of atmospheric nitrous oxide from subtropical North Pacific surface waters

Nitrous oxide (N2O), a trace gas whose concentration is increasing in the atmosphere, plays an important role in both radiative forcing and stratospheric ozone depletion1,2. Its biogeochemical cycle has thus come under intense scrutiny in recent years. Despite these efforts, the global budget of N2O remains unresolved, and the nature and magnitude of the sources and sinks continue to be debated3,4,5 despite the constraints that can be provided by characterizations of the gas6,7. We report here the results of dual-isotope measurements of N2O from the water column of the subtropical North Pacific Ocean. Nitrous oxide within the lower-euphotic and upper-aphotic zones is depleted in both 15N and 18O relative to its tropospheric and deep-ocean composition. These findings are consistent with a prediction, based on global mass-balance considerations, of a near-surface isotopically depleted oceanic N2O source4. Our results indicate that this source, probably produced by bacterial nitrification, contributes significantly to the ocean–atmosphere flux of N2O in the oligotrophic subtropical North Pacific Ocean. This source may act to buffer the isotopic composition of tropospheric N2O, and is quantitatively significant in the global tropospheric N2O budget. Because dissolved gases in near-surface waters are more readily exchanged with the atmospheric reservoir than those in deep waters, the existence of a quantitatively significant N2O source at a relatively shallow depth has potentially important implications for the susceptibility of the source, and the ocean–atmosphere flux, to climatic influences.
Relative functions of the α and β subunits of the proteasome activator, PA28

Abstract PA28 is a 180,000-dalton protein that activates hydrolysis of small nonubiquitinated peptides by the 20 S proteasome. PA28 is composed of two homologous subunits, α and β, arranged in alternating positions in a ring-shaped oligomer with a likely stoichiometry of (αβ)3. Our previous work demonstrated that the carboxyl terminus of the α subunit was necessary for PA28 to bind to and activate the proteasome. The goals of this work were to define the exact structural basis for this effect and to determine the relative roles of the α and β subunits in proteasome activation. Each subunit and various mutants of the α subunit were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. PA28α stimulated the proteasome, but had a much greaterK act than native heteromeric PA28. In contrast, PA28β was unable to stimulate the proteasome. Mutants of the α subunit in which the carboxyl-terminal tyrosine residue was deleted or substituted with charged amino acids could neither bind to nor activate the proteasome. However, substitution of the carboxyl-terminal tyrosine with other amino acids resulted in proteins which could stimulate the proteasome to various extents. Tryptophan mutants stimulated the proteasome as well as did native PA28, whereas serine or phenylalanine mutants stimulated the proteasome much poorer than did wild type PA28α. Deletion of the “KEKE” motif, a 28-amino acid domain near the amino terminus of PA28α, had no effect on proteasome stimulatory activity. Hetero-oligomeric PA28 proteins were reconstituted from isolated wild type and mutant subunits. PA28 reconstituted from wild type subunits had structural and functional properties that were indistinguishable from those of the native hetero-oligomeric protein. PA28 molecules reconstituted from inactive α subunits and wild type β subunits remained inactive. However, PA28 molecules reconstituted from suboptimally active α mutants and wild type β subunits had the same activity as native heteromeric PA28. These results indicate that the β subunit modulates PA28 activity, perhaps by influencing the affinity of PA28 for the proteasome.
Effect of Low Temperature on the Growth and Fine Structure of Bacillus subtilis

Logarithmically growing cultures of Bacillus subtilis transferred from 37 to 15 C present atypical growth curves, and ultrathin sections of such cells reveal structural modifications involving mesosome deterioration and double cell wall formation. After a time, optical density and viable count increase, and cells regain the appearance typical of control cells, indicating a recovery from thermal stress. Subcultures of such recovered cells continue to grow well at 15 C. Cultures transferred from 37 to 12 C show atypical growth and fine structure, although no recovery from this stress is seen. Cultures previously grown at 15 C continue to grow at 12 C, and, furthermore, do not show the ultrastructural alterations seen in similar cells with a 37 C thermal history. The results of these studies suggest that low temperatures induce structural modifications in B. subtilis, that the response of a population to thermal stress may change during the period of the stress, and that thermal history may influence the response of a population to thermal stress.
5'flanking sequences of the murine adenosine deaminase gene direct expression of a reporter gene to specific prenatal and postnatal tissues in transgenic mice

Adenosine deaminase (ADA), an enzyme of purine metabolism, is highly expressed in four tissues of the mouse: the maternal decidua, the fetal placenta, the keratinizing epithelium of the upper alimentary tract (tongue, esophagus, and forestomach), and the absorptive epithelium of the proximal small intestine. ADA is produced at relatively low levels in all other tissues. To identify genetic elements that direct appropriate prenatal and postnatal expression of the ADA gene, a segment of DNA including the ADA promoter and 6.4 kilobases of the adjacent 5' flanking region was tested for the ability to direct the expression of a reporter gene in transgenic mice. In seven lines of transgenic mice studied, this construct directed high levels of reporter gene expression in the placenta and forestomach and exhibited correct developmental regulation in these tissues. This construct failed to direct significant reporter gene expression to either the maternal decidua or the proximal small intestine. Thus, different gene regulatory elements are required to target high expression to the four tissues characterized by high levels of ADA.
Lanthanides: Heterogeneous Catalysis

Rare earth oxides, which generally take the form Ln2O3, are widely used in heterogeneous catalysis. This article provides a brief description of the Ln2O3 oxides, which includes a comparison of their chemical and physical properties. The basicity of heterogeneous oxides is examined, and the different pKa's on the surface are modeled. The catalytic properties of the oxides will be correlated with their various chemical and physical properties. Several different examples of their use in rare earth heterogeneous catalysis will be described including oxidative methane coupling and transesterification of triglycerides. Keywords: rare earth; basicity; oxide; oxidative methane coupling; biodiesel; two-phase systems
The Limitation on Exclusion of Extrinsic Evidence

This article mainly examines United States v. Delgado-Marrero, 744 F.3d 167 (1st Cir. 2014), to illustrate the difficulty courts still have when considering Federal Rule of Evidence 608(b)'s ban on extrinsic evidence. The prosecutor's other arguments are also examined under Federal Rules of Evidence 403 and 404(b)(1).
Confidence inflation in eyewitnesses: Seeing is not believing

Purpose. Confidence inflation in eyewitnesses obscures a useful cue to identification accuracy and affects evaluations of eyewitnesses (e.g., Bradfield & McQuiston, 2004; Jones, Williams, & Brewer, 2008). We examine whether sensitivity to confidence inflation evidence is enhanced by seeing a videotape of the identification procedure. Methods. Participants (N= 131) watched a videotaped trial in which the witness's original confidence statement was presented as part of a previously recorded videotaped identification procedure or read by the witness at trial. In addition, the witness's identification confidence was either consistently high or low at the time of the identification and high at the trial (i.e., it was inflated). Results. Significant interactions demonstrated that confidence inflation evidence factored into judgments of the eyewitness and defendant guilt more strongly in the videotape condition compared with the read condition. Conclusions. The present results support recommendations to collect immediate confidence reports and videotape identification procedures. Using videotape evidence may help innocent defendants convince jurors that the eyewitness's identification is not accurate.
Poverty, Crime Seriousness, and the “Politics of Disgust”

Attitudes toward the poor have implications for policy and services inside and outside the criminal justice system. In this study, participants rated 35 crimes and infractions with regard to their criminal seriousness and the level of disgust that they inspired. Infractions associated with the wealthy were rated as the most serious and disgusting. For items corresponding to poverty, ratings of seriousness were lower than for items corresponding to wealth, yet ratings of disgust were not. Moreover, infractions associated with poverty were rated as more disgusting than they were serious. The relevance of these findings for policy and practice is discussed.
Does size really matter? A comparison of the Riata lead family based on size and its relation to performance.

Background: Recently, the performance and safety of smaller diameter implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads has been questioned. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the impact of size on lead performance and perforation rates by comparing the performance of 7 French (7F) and 8 French (8F) leads with similar design characteristics implanted by a single operator. Methods: Patients implanted with a Riata 1580 (8F) or 7000 (7F) series leads (St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA, USA) over a 2-year period were evaluated to compare performance and perforation rates. Results: There were 357 Riata 8F leads and 357 Riata 7F leads implanted in 714 patients. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 24 months. The 8F leads were implanted in the right ventricular apex more often than were 7F leads (129 or 37% vs 72 or 20%, P < 0.0001). Oversensing that did not result in therapy occurred in 2 pts (0.56%) with 8F leads and 1 pt. (0.28%) with a 7F lead (P = 0.56). Oversensing with therapy occurred once in both groups (0.28%, P = NS). One perforation occurred in each group (0.28%, P = NS). Both occurred in leads that were implanted in the right ventricular apex (P = 0.02). Conclusions: The performance of St. Jude Medical 7F and 8F Riata leads was similar. The incidence of lead-related adverse events was within or below the low end of published acceptable ranges for ICD lead perforation and sensing anomalies. Perforations were less likely to occur in leads that were implanted in nonapical positions.
Determination of energy-release rate withthe hydrodynamic properties of detonation waves

Methods are presented for modeling the energy-release rate in condensed explosives withmultiple Lagrange gages in experimental studies of initiation and propagation of detonation. The energy-release rate is calculated with the energy equation and the constitutive relationships obtained by integrating the momentum and continuity equations with the gage records. The difference between using multiple stress gages and multiple particle-velocity gages is discussed. A method is formulated for determining the energy-release rate in shock-initiation experiments with multiple particle-velocity gages and one stress gage when the mechanical equation of state is known. Determination of the energy-release rate in a steady-state wave with two Lagrange gages is discussed and the dependence of the particle velocity-Eulerian distance profile on the variation of reaction rate is considered. A point of inflection in the particle velocity-distance profile of a steady-state wave is shown to be associated with a temperature-dependent reaction rate.
Dynamic Response of the Human Head to Impact by Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis

The impact response of the human head has been determined by three-dimensional finite element modeling. This model represents the essential features of a 50th percentile human head. It includes a layered shell closely representing the cranial bones with the interior contents occupied by an inviscid continuum to simulate the brain. A thin fluid layer was included to represent the cerebral-spinal fluid. To validate the model, its response was obtained by applying a sine-squared pulse of 6.8 kN in magnitude and 10 ms in duration. The load was applied to a freely supported head on the frontal bone in the midsagittal plane. The computed pressure-time histories at 5 locations within the brain material compared quite favorably with previously published experimental data from cadaver experiments and provided a reasonable level of confidence in the validation of the model. A parametric study was subsequently conducted to identify the model response when the impact site (frontal, side, occipital) and the material properties of the head were varied. Interestingly, the model predicted higher contre-coup pressure in the frontal lobe (from occipital impact) than that predicted in the occipital region from frontal impact. This finding supports clinical findings of contre-coup injury being more likely to result from occipital impact than from frontal impact.
Irrelevant stimuli in S-R discontiguity

Effects of irrelevant stimuli on visual discriminations involving S-R spatial separations were investigated in monkeys. Such stimuli interfered when they were identical to discriminanda but not when they were different from discriminanda.
A 7.5-MHz finger-grip ultrasound probe for real-time intraoperative guidance during complex reproductive surgical procedures.

Abstract Objective: A 7.5-MHz finger-grip probe was used to monitor intra-abdominal reproductive surgery in two groups of patients. Study Design: The first group of patients underwent transabdominal myomectomy for multiple uterine leiomyomas (n = 3) and the second group underwent uterine reconstruction and excision of obstructive uterine horn (n = 3). Intraoperative real-time imaging was accomplished by direct application of the finger-grip probe to the uterine serosa by using saline solution as a transmission media. Ultrasound imaging and surgical dissection were carried out both sequentially and simultaneously. Results: In the first group of patients, the finger-grip probe provided precise location of the leiomyomas and intraoperative guidance for dissection during the myomectomy. In the second group of patients, the finger probe provided images of intrauterine anatomy in one patient who had a normal-sized and normal-shaped uterus with an obstructed intracavitary horn and hematometrium. In two other patients, the obstructed uterine horn extended deep into the pelvis lateral to the vagina. Real-time imaging provided intraoperative monitoring of depth of dissection into the paravaginal space. Conclusion: The finger-grip probe demonstrated intrauterine anatomy and enabled a more directed surgical approach, both in placement of uterine incisions for surgical reconstruction and excision of obstructed horns for mullerian abnormalities and in identification and dissection for leiomyomas. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:1588-90.)
Effect of an angiotensin II and a kinin receptor antagonist on the renal hemodynamic response to captopril.

The role of angiotensin II and kinins on the renal cortical and papillary hemodynamic and on the sodium and water excretory responses to converting enzyme inhibition with captopril was examined in euvolemic Munich-Wistar rats. Cortical and papillary blood flows were measured using a laser Doppler flowmeter. Cortical blood flow increased 28% after blockade of angiotensin II receptors with DuP 753 (2 mg/kg i.v., n = 6). Captopril (2 mg/kg i.v., n = 6) had no effect on cortical blood flow in rats pretreated with the angiotensin II antagonist. DuP 753 had no effect on papillary blood flow, nor did it prevent the rise in papillary blood flow produced by captopril (2 mg/kg, n = 6). Infusion of a kinin receptor antagonist, D-Arg, [Hyp3,Thi5,8,D-Phe7]-bradykinin (2.5 micrograms/min i.v.), reduced basal papillary blood flow by 15% and blocked the rise in papillary blood flow produced by captopril. Renal blood flow rose by 11% after DuP 753 (2 mg/kg, n = 6), and subsequent administration of captopril and the kinin antagonist had no effect on renal blood flow. Urine flow and sodium excretion increased after DuP 753, but captopril produced additional increases in urine flow and sodium excretion of 68% and 46% respectively. Fractional sodium excretion rose from 0.85 +/- 0.15% to 1.56 +/- 0.14% after captopril. Infusion of the kinin antagonist returned sodium and water excretion to control levels, but fractional sodium excretion was not significantly altered. Glomerular filtration rate was not altered by DuP 753 or captopril; however, it fell from 1.6 +/- 0.1 to 1.2 +/- 0.1 ml/min/g kidney wt during infusion of the kinin antagonist.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adolescent varicocelectomy: does artery sparing influence recurrence rate and/or catch-up growth?

Summary The prevalence of varicocoeles is 15% in the general adolescent and adult male population and in 35–40% of men evaluated for infertility. While varicocelectomy can be performed using various methods and techniques, the laparoscopic approach allows for clear visualization of the testicular artery and lymphatics. Amongst urologists, particularly paediatric urologists, and andrologists there is much debate regarding the significance of testicular artery sparing when performing a varicocelectomy, with some believing that ligating the testicular artery impairs catch-up growth and future fertility. On the other hand, several studies have reported higher failure rates with artery preservation. To help resolve the debate regarding the significance of artery sparing, we sought to compare varicocoele recurrence rate and catch-up growth in patients who underwent artery sparing laparoscopic varicocelectomy compared with those who had the artery sacrificed. We identified 524 laparoscopic varicocelectomies in 425 patients from our adolescent varicocoele database. Only patients who had ultrasound determined testicular volume measurements pre-operatively and at least 6 months post-operatively were included. Post-operative persistence/recurrence of varicocoele, testicular atrophy and repeat varicocelectomy were noted. Catch-up growth was compared between procedures in those with significant pre-operative asymmetry. Four hundred and forty primary laparoscopic varicocelectomies were performed in 355 patients (mean age: 15.5 years, range 9.3–20.6; mean follow-up: 32.9 months, range 6.0–128.9) who had both pre- and post-varicocelectomy scrotal Duplex Doppler ultrasound performed. The testicular artery was preserved in 54 varicocoeles (41 patients) and ligated in 384 varicocoeles (312 patients). We observed an increased rate of persistent/recurrent varicocoele in the artery-sparing vs. artery ligating patients (12.2% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.09). In addition, there was no difference in catch-up growth and no instance of testicular atrophy. As artery sparing varicocelectomy offered no advantage in regards to catch-up growth and was associated with a higher incidence of recurrent varicocoele, preservation of the artery does not appear to be routinely necessary in adolescent varicocelectomy.
Mechanisms of excitation‐contraction coupling failure during metabolic inhibition in guinea‐pig ventricular myocytes.

1. The effects of complete metabolic inhibition on excitation-contraction coupling in heart were studied by exposing patch-clamped guinea-pig ventricular myocytes, loaded via the patch pipette with the Ca2+ indicator Fura-2 (0.1 mM), to carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP, 1 microM) and 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG, 10 mM) while simultaneously recording membrane current, Fura-2 fluorescence, and cell motion. The patch pipette solution contained Cs+ and TEA (tetraethylammonium) to partially block K+ currents. 2. During voltage clamps from a holding potential of -40 mV to a test potential of 0 mV, complete metabolic inhibition decreased the Ca2+ current (ICa), activated the ATP-sensitive K+ current, modestly elevated diastolic [Ca2+]i and markedly reduced the [Ca2+]i transient without altering its voltage dependence. Active shortening was impaired and diastolic cell length decreased prior to large increases in diastolic [Ca2+]i, consistent with rigor induced by ATP depletion. Return of the [Ca2+]i transient to baseline and relaxation upon repolarization were also delayed. 3. Despite the depression of the peak [Ca2+]i transient induced by membrane depolarization during metabolic inhibition, the [Ca2+]i transient induced by a rapid exposure to 5 mM-caffeine was greater than control. The Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange current during the caffeine-induced [Ca2+]i transient was not affected by metabolic inhibition. 4. [Ca2+]i transients depressed by metabolic inhibition could be enhanced by augmenting ICa with elevated [Ca2+]o (10 mM) and Bay K 8644 (5 microM). 5. To study the relationship between the magnitude of ICa and the amplitude of the [Ca2+]i transient, ICa was modulated either by (a) voltage clamping the cell to different membrane potentials at constant [Ca2+]o or by (b) rapidly altering [Ca2+]o immediately prior to a voltage clamp to a fixed membrane potential. Under control conditions, the relationship between the size of ICa and the magnitude of the [Ca2+]i transient was the same whether ICa was modulated by altering membrane potential or [Ca2+]o, suggesting that membrane potential does not significantly modulate the Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release mechanism of cardiac excitation-contraction coupling. 6. After metabolic inhibition, however, the same ICa released less Ca2+ than under control conditions, consistent with some impairment of the Ca2+ release mechanism. 7. These results suggest that under conditions in which excitability is maintained by controlling membrane voltage and minimizing metabolically sensitive K+ currents, the decreased [Ca2+]i transient observed during metabolic inhibition severe enough to induce rigor is caused primarily by depression of ICa and not by depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores. Additional factors also modestly hinder Ca2+ release from intracellular stores during metabolic inhibition.
Realizing the promise of public-private partnerships in U.S. critical infrastructure protection

To date, much attention has focused on the advantages of public-private partnerships for critical infrastructure protection in the United States. These include reducing the duplication of effort, enhancing cross-sector communication, increasing efficiency, and ultimately achieving the protection objectives better than government or business acting independently. The benefits suggest that public-private partnerships will be a significant and enduring part of critical infrastructure protection initiatives in the United States. However, we argue that a pattern is emerging that may lead to a fracture between the appearance and the reality of public-private partnerships in U.S. critical infrastructure protection. Although some research has focused on specific challenges in this domain of U.S. homeland security, comparatively little attention has been paid to thinking through the issues facing critical infrastructure protection as a whole. We maintain that unless concrete steps are taken to bolster public-private partnerships in critical infrastructure protection, they will be much less effective than hoped for by U.S. homeland security analysts.
Impact of the Growth Conditions of Colloidal PbS Nanocrystals on Photovoltaic Device Performance

Here, we present a detailed investigation on the influence of the growth conditions of colloidal lead sulfide (PbS) nanocrystals on photovoltaic device performance. The PbS nanocrystals were synthesized in a noncoordinating solvent, 1-octadecene, using oleic acid (OA) as the ligand. It was found that both the feeding molar ratio of OA to Pb and the reactant concentration were critical for controlling the growth rate of nanocrystals. Transient photocurrent (TPC) measurements revealed reduced trap density in thin films using the slow-growth nanocrystals. Solar cells based on the slow-growth nanocrystals showed a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.8% under simulated Air Mass 1.5 Global (AM 1.5G) irradiation (100 mW/cm2), a 2-fold increase in PCE, compared to the fast-growth nanocrystals, because of the remarkable improvement in the open-circuit voltage and fill factor in the PV devices.
Calcium signaling and apoptosis.

Abstract Ca2+ is one of the key regulators of cell survival, but Ca2+ can also induce apoptosis in response to a variety of pathological conditions. The pro-apoptotic effects of Ca2+ are mediated by a diverse range of Ca2+-sensitive factors that are compartmentalized in various intracellular organelles including the ER, cytoplasm, and mitochondria. The Ca2+ dynamics of these organelles appear to be modulated by the apoptosis-regulating Bcl-2 family proteins. In this paper, the recent progress of research on the mechanisms mediating the apoptosis-regulating effects of Ca2+ and the interactions of Bcl-2 family proteins with the Ca2+ storage organelles are discussed.
Tailoring the Optical and Catalytic Properties of Gold-Silver Nanoboxes and Nanocages by Introducing Palladium.

Noble metal nanostructures are of great interest because of their potential applications including biomedical imaging,[1,2] surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS),[3] and catalysis.[4–6] Gold and silver nanostructures, in particular, have been most extensively studied because their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peaks are positioned in the visible and near-infrared regions, an attribute that allows for easy probing. Recent studies indicate that Pd-based nanostructures are also promising for photonic applications. For example, we have demonstrated that Pd-Ag alloy nanoboxes can have their LSPR peaks tuned across the visible spectrum and thus be employed as active substrates for SERS.[7] Palladium-based nanostructures are also attractive for a number of catalytic applications and have been demonstrated in a variety of reactions that include Heck coupling,[8] Suzuki coupling,[9] and hydrogenation.[10]