cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
1504-P: Is Dry Eye a Biomarker for Diabetes?

Background: Meibomian gland (MG) loss plays a role in dry eye. DM patients often complain of dry eyes. Infrared (IR) photography can image MGs in DM pts. Purpose: To study Meibomian Glands in DM patients with dry eye. Methods: A chart review (2017-2020) of T2DM pts and non-DM pts with Dry Eye was performed. IR imaging (820nm) and Corneal Topography (CT) was performed. T2DM Inclusion Criteria: HbA1c of >6.6%. Control Inclusion Criteria: non-DM pts, HbA1c labs. Inclusion Criteria for T2DM and Controls: 1) Vision 20/15 - 20/80; 2) IR imaging; 3) % loss of MG per eye, then averaged; 4) CT per eye, then averaged. Exclusion Criteria: eye surgery, medication eye drops, 90yrs old. Results: n=100 pts, Avg=58.4 yrs (sd=15.2, range 23-89 yrs). DM: n=50 pts, Male=25, Female=25, Avg=64.2 yrs (sd=11.7, range 36-85 yrs). Control: n=50 pts, Male=20, Female=30, Avg=52.6 yrs (sd=16.2, range 23-89 yrs). Visual Acuity Avg: DM: OD=20/20 OS=20/25, Control: OD=20/40 OS=20/40. CT Avg: DM=45.34 Diopters (D), Control=43.87 D (p 6.6% had an avg loss of 60% of their MGs, compared to all Controls with HbA1c Conclusion: This small pilot study is the first to document Meibomian Gland loss in DM pts vs. HbA1c levels. Meibomian Gland loss may be a possible biomarker for DM. Infrared imaging may be useful for future evaluation of Meibomian Glands and diabetes. Disclosure D. Momen: None. G. Wu: None. C.K. Lau: None. J. Wong: None. J. Han: None.
Off-design performance of molten salt-driven Rankine cycles and its impact on the optimal dispatch of concentrating solar power systems

Abstract This paper presents a model for improving off-design performance predictions for molten salt-driven Rankine power cycles, such as in concentrating solar power tower applications. The model predicts cycle off-design performance under various boundary conditions, including molten salt inlet temperature, mass flow rate, and ambient temperature. The model is validated using industry performance data and benchmarked with results from the literature. A complete concentrating solar power plant, inclusive of solar heliostat field and receiver, is then considered, by implementing the Rankine cycle off-design performance results into the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s System Advisor Model software, which includes a tool that determines optimal power production schedules. The work improves upon the current System Advisor Model by updating off-design performance characteristics. A case study demonstrates the impact of cycle off-design behavior on annual performance for a stand-alone concentrating solar power system and a concentrating solar power-photovoltaic hybrid system. In addition, we demonstrate how cycle off-design performance influences optimal operator dispatch decisions and, thereby, overall system design and economics. We conclude that off-design cycle performance impacts “optimal” sub-system sizing, especially for a concentrating solar power-photovoltaic hybrid configuration in which concentrating solar power must dispatch in conjunction with photovoltaic generation.
Hölder Regularity of the 2D Dual Semigeostrophic Equations via Analysis of Linearized Monge–Ampère Equations

We obtain the Holder regularity of time derivative of solutions to the dual semigeostrophic equations in two dimensions when the initial potential density is bounded away from zero and infinity. Our main tool is an interior Holder estimate in two dimensions for an inhomogeneous linearized Monge–Ampere equation with right hand side being the divergence of a bounded vector field. As a further application of our Holder estimate, we prove the Holder regularity of the polar factorization for time-dependent maps in two dimensions with densities bounded away from zero and infinity. Our applications improve previous work by G. Loeper who considered the cases of densities sufficiently close to a positive constant.
Determination of aquacultured whiteleg shrimp (Litopanaeus vannemei) quality using a sensory method with chemical standard references.

BACKGROUND Fresh shrimp are highly perishable seafood and a reliable spoilage assessment method is necessary to ensure sufficient quality control. The current quality evaluation method employed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) uses subjective terms 'odor of decomposition' to reject shrimp shipments, which lacks reference standards to anchor the concept and can cause ambiguity. The present study aimed to develop chemical reference standards to assist in a more objective and consistent sensory evaluation of shrimp quality. RESULTS Chemical references were developed and used by the descriptive panel to demonstrate the aroma quality indicators of shrimp. The most important aroma attributes describing shrimp quality changes were 'salty water-like', 'natto water-like' and 'sour milk-like' based on the results of multiple linear regression analysis. The overall rating consistency of the key quality indicators was confirmed by trained a descriptive panel such that the intensity scores in two separated evaluation sessions (30 days apart) were not significant different (P > 0.05). The sensory ratings also corresponded well with presumed FDA/NOAA grades of shrimp. An untrained panel also confirmed 'salty water-like' as the main indicator of freshness and 'natto water-like' as the main indicator of spoilage, whereas the discriminative capacity was lower compared to the trained panel. CONCLUSION The developed chemical references of key aroma quality indicators allowed the trained and untrained panels to distinguish shrimp of different freshness levels. The results indicate the potential of using chemical references as a new evaluation tool for on-site quality inspection or industrial quality assurance/quality control of shrimp with improved objectivity and consistency. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Guideline-concordant timely lung cancer care and prognosis among elderly patients in the United States: A population-based study.

Abstract Objectives Elderly carry a disproportionate burden of lung cancer in the US. Therefore, its important to ensure that these patients receive quality cancer care. Timeliness of care is an important dimension of cancer care quality but its impact on prognosis remains to be explored. This study evaluates the variations in guideline-concordant timely lung cancer care and prognosis among elderly in the US. Materials and methods Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database (2002–2007), we identified elderly patients with lung cancer ( n =48,850) and determined time to diagnosis and treatment. We categorized patients by receipt of timely care using guidelines from the British Thoracic Society and the RAND Corporation. Hierarchical generalized logistic model was constructed to identify variables associated with receipt of timely care. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Log Rank test was used for estimation and comparison of the three-year survival. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to estimate lung cancer mortality risk associated with receipt of delayed care. Results Time to diagnosis and treatment varied significantly among the elderly. However, majority of them (77.5%) received guideline-concordant timely lung cancer care. The likelihood of receiving timely care significantly decreased with NSCLC disease, early stage diagnosis, increasing age, non-white race, higher comorbidity score, and lower income. Paradoxically, survival outcomes were significantly worse among patients receiving timely care. Adjusted lung cancer mortality risk was also significantly lower among patients receiving delayed care, relative to those receiving timely care (Hazard ratio (HR)=0.68, 95% Confidence interval (CI)=(0.66–0.71); p ≤0.05). Conclusion This study highlights the critical need to address disparities in receipt of guideline-concordant timely lung cancer care among elderly. Although timely care was not associated with better prognosis in this study, any delays in diagnosis and treatment should be avoided, as it may increase the risk of disease progression and psychological stress in patients. Furthermore, given that lung cancer diagnostic and management services are covered under the Medicare program, observed delays in care among Medicare beneficiaries is also a cause for concern.
Conditional lethal mutants of avian sarcoma viruses: II. Analysis of the temperature-sensitive lesion in ts 75

Abstract Biochemical events occurring under restrictive and permissive conditions of infection with the temperature-sensitive mutant ts 75 (strain B77 avian sarcoma virus) were studied. This virus is able to carry out both DNA and DNA-dependent RNA synthesis during incubation at the nonpermissive temperature. After shift to the permissive temperature these synthetic activities are no longer required for maturation of infectious virus. However, continuous protein synthesis is needed after the shift to permissive conditions to allow maturation of infectious virus. Analysis of virion polypeptides by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed differences in the proportion of polypeptides labeled at the restrictive as compared to the permissive temperature. At least one of them (polypeptide 1) is produced only in low quantities at the restrictive temperature but is made and incorporated into virus particles very extensively after the shift to the permissive temperature.
Investigation of Tractor Base Bleeding for Heavy Vehicle Aerodynamic Drag Reduction

The drag reduction capability of tractor base bleeding is investigated using a combination of experiments and numerical simulations. Wind tunnel measurements are made on a 1:20 scale heavy vehicle model at a vehicle width-based Reynolds number of 420,000. The tractor bleeding flow, which is delivered through a porous material embedded within the tractor base, is introduced into the tractor-trailer gap at bleeding coefficients ranging from 0.0-0.018 for two different gap sizes with and without side extenders. At the largest bleeding coefficient with no side extenders, the wind-averaged drag coefficient is reduced by a maximum value of 0.015 or 0.024, depending upon the gap size. To determine the performance of tractor base bleeding under more realistic operating conditions, computational fluid dynamics simulations are performed on a full-scale heavy vehicle traveling within a crosswind for bleeding coefficients ranging from 0.0-0.13. At the largest bleeding coefficient, the drag coefficient of the vehicle is reduced by 0.146. Examination of the tractor-trailer gap flow physics reveals that tractor base bleeding reduces the drag by both decreasing the amount of free-stream flow entrained into the gap and by increasing the pressure of the tractor base relative to that of the trailer frontal surface.
Business Angel Network

Business angel “networks,” such as the Band of Angels in Silicon Valley and the Alliance of Angels in the Pacific Northwest have been forming at a rapid pace. It is estimated that there are over 150 business angel networks in the United States and several in European and Asian countries. Books and web sites on business angels continue to proliferate. From a research standpoint, however, in spite of the considerably larger magnitude of business angels when compared to VCs, we know less about the former than the latter. Keywords: angel capital; informal venture capital; angel investing
Enzymology of fructan polymerization and depolymerization in grasses

The enzymology of fructan metabolism has received much attention since the pioneering work of Edelman and Jefford in 1968. Significant progress in identifying the various enzymes possibly involved in fructan metabolism has been made easier by advancements in technology, ranging from improved protein and carbohydrate chromatography systems to more user friendly cloning and expression systems. This review focuses on studies that used rigorously purified enzymes and well defined substrates. Coincidently, most of this work was conducted with grass species that store the highly branched graminan type of fructan which contain both β-2,6 and β-2,1-fructosyl linkages.
Studies on leukokinins. II. Studies on the formation, partial amino acid sequence and chemical properties of leukokinins M and PMN.

Abstract Two high molecular weight, pharmacologically active peptides have been isolated from incubates of human kininogen and enzyme fractions of macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The incubations were carried out at pH 4.0. The peptides, while having pharmacological properties similar to those of bradykinin, do not contain bradykinin as part of their molecules. The name leukokinin is designated for these peptides. Leukokinin-M (macrophage enzyme-mediated) has 25 amino acids and a molecular weight of 2826.5. The partial amino-terminal sequence ofNH2-Arg-Ala-Ser-?-?-Lys- has been found for this peptide. Leukokinin-PMN (polymorphonuclear cell enzyme-mediated), formerly known as PMN-kinin, was found to have 21 amino acids and a molecular weight of 2416. Experiments using subcellular fractionation have indicated that the major leukokinin-forming (leukokininogenase) activity of the white cells is in the nuclear membrane-debris fraction. It is suggested that the leukokinin system may be a prime chemical mediator release mechanism of white cells at the inflammatory site.
Antenna diversity technique for future space telemetry modulation scheme

A full-spectrum combining (FSC) technique for future telemetry modulation schemes is described and its performance is analyzed assuming imperfect carrier and symbol synchronization. The combining system consists of a bank of phase-difference maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) to align the signals before coherently maximal-ratio combining them and then demodulate the data with a single receiver chain. First, the performance of these MLEs is derived by finding the probability density function of the estimate error process and then determining the variance of this error process and consequently comparing it to the Cramer-Rao lower bound. Next, the performance of this full-spectrum combining technique is derived for PCM/PM/NRZ, a modulation scheme currently proposed by the International Consultative Committee Space Data Systems (CCSDS) for use in future standard telemetry systems. The performance of this antenna diversity technique is determined in terms of: 1) symbol S/N ratio degradation; and 2) symbol error rate loss. The results are verified by simulation for an array of two identical ground antennas. >
Nova experimental facility (invited)

The goals of the recently activated Nova laser facility are to address critical issues for evaluating the feasibility of inertial confinement fusion, to implode DT to densities exceeding 200 g/cm3 and pressures greater than 1011 atm, and to perform a wide range of high energy density plasma physics experiments in the areas of XUV/x‐ray lasers, hydrodynamics, and radiation generation and transport. An extremely flexible and sophisticated facility is required to successfully perform such a variety of tasks. The ten‐arm Nova laser is capable of irradiating complex targets with laser wavelengths of 0.53 and 0.35 μm and pulse widths that range from 0.09 to >5 ns, and peak powers greater than several terrawatts per beam line. A sophisticated, variable impedance, transmission line driven Pockels cell allows for complex temporal shaping of the laser pulse. Synchronized oscillators allow for different pulses to be propagated down the beam lines for experiments that require long‐pulse or short‐pulse x‐ray backlight...
Classes of exact solutions to generalizations of the coagulation equation

Abstract A large class of generalizations of the stochastic collection equation with delta function initial conditions are shown to admit exact solutions of the self-similar type. Such equations can then be reduced to a coupled pair of first-order ordinary differential equations. We present several exact analytic solutions to illustrate the method.
Software Tool for Evaluation of Environmental Indicators Using CAD Models Early in the Design Cycle

Design for Environment (DfE) has become an important consideration in design processes in various industries. However, designers are typically burdened by product functionality and cost reduction objectives. The complexity of environmental analyses of designs makes the implementation of DfE principles that much harder. Software tools that perform quick estimates of the environmental impact for a given design option will assist designers in developing products that are environmentally friendly. The near universal adoption of CAD software packages for product design means that CAD models provide us with a valuable source of information for developing such tools. The paper proposes a design for a software tool that will generate quantitative indicators using volume and material data from CAD models. The indicators are generated with minimal input from the designer and are intended to enable the comparison of multiple design options. The availability of these indicators is intended to promote environmentally responsible design by minimizing content levels of restricted substance and the environmental cost of production. The paper discusses the data sources required, the database design, calculation methodology and two possible software architectures for the software tool.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Advertainment and the Construction of Decision-making Power in MTV's Making the Band

This paper explores the popular MTV show Making the Band as both commentary about the entertainment industry, and a cultural commodity from the entertainment industry. Specifically, it analyzes the program's symbolic construction of the entertainment industry, especially the portrayal of personal agency and decision-making. The concepts of pseudo-realism and advertainment are used to critique how the program targets desirable demographics and maintains a brand-friendly environment, thus influencing its portrayal. The paper describes how representations and framing of cultural production in Making the Band undermine accurate understanding and structural critique of influential media institutions.
VARIATION IN SEX EXPRESSION IN CANADA YEW (TAXUS CANADENSIS)

Sex expression was measured in several Canada yew (Taxus canadensis Marsh.) populations of the Apostle Islands of Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota to determine the extent of variation within and among populations. Sex expression was recorded qualitatively (monoecious, male, or female) and quantitatively (by male to female strobilus ratios or standardized phenotypic gender). No discernible trends in differences in sex expression among populations or habitats were recorded. Trends in sex expression of individuals within populations were complex. Small yews tended to be male or, if monoecious, had female-biased strobilus ratios. Large yews were monoecious but had male-biased strobilus ratios. Phenotypic gender, recorded as relative maleness, however, was negatively, but weakly, correlated with plant size. Gender distribution in four of five populations was bimodal, suggesting that cosexual populations consist of male and female morphs. Strobilus ratios of individuals in Apostle Island populations showed significant annual variation, but gender for these same plants was significantly correlated from year to year. Annual adjustments in gender were most pronounced in small yews. The results indicate that relative investment in male and female reproductive structures by Canada yew individuals is responsive to environmental variation, but sex expression also has a proximate genetic component. Several studies have shown that plants of cosexual species (containing individuals producing both pollen and ovules) vary widely in their relative male and female reproductive effort. Lloyd (1980) developed the concept of standardized phenotypic gender to provide a quantitative measure of this variation. According to this measure, a plant's gender ranges from 0.0 (female) to 1.0 (male) and is the contribution of male function (pollen) and female function (ovules and seeds) to a plant's fitness relative to other members of the population. The variation in gender among individuals within a population, or gender distribution, suggests mechanisms by which sex expression in a plant population is determined. For example, in many plant species gender distribution is unimodal or monomorphic; functional gender may vary widely and continuously among individuals (Primack and Lloyd, 1980;
Glucose: a reevaluation of its intraoperative use.

Production accrue de CO 2 , hypoglycemie, acidose lactique intracellulaire associee a l'hyperglycemie
Synthesis of a Chemically Bonded Weak Cation Exchange Material by Conversion of an Allyl Phase

The allyl bonded phase is used as an intermediate in the synthesis of a weak cation exchange material. The double bond is first converted to an aldehyde by an ozonation reaction and then subsequent oxidation to the carboxylate group is accomplished with dichromate. Diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (DRIFT) is used to monitor the conversion process. The presence of the aldehyde functional group is confirmed by reaction with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. ESCA spectra reveal no residual chromium on the silica surface. The product is tested chromatographically by the retention of alkylarylketones, the ion-exchange behavior of both monovalent and divalent cations, the retention of nucleosides and bases, and the separation of a mixture of hemoglobins.
A new DAF-16 isoform regulates longevity

The insulin/IGF-1 signalling (IIS) pathway has diverse roles from metabolism to longevity. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the single forkhead box O (FOXO) homologue, DAF-16, functions as the major target of the IIS pathway. One of two isoforms, DAF-16a, is known to regulate longevity, stress response and dauer diapause. However, it remains unclear how DAF-16 achieves its specificity in regulating these various biological processes. Here we identify a new isoform, DAF-16d/f, as an important isoform regulating longevity. We show that DAF-16 isoforms functionally cooperate to modulate IIS-mediated processes through differential tissue enrichment, preferential modulation by upstream kinases, and regulating distinct and overlapping target genes. Promoter-swapping experiments show both the promoter and the coding region of DAF-16 are important for its function. Importantly, in mammals, four FOXO genes have overlapping and different functions, and in C. elegans, a single FOXO/DAF-16 uses distinct isoforms to fine-tune the IIS-mediated processes in the context of a whole organism.
SERS excitation profile of pyridine and CO on silver in UHV

Abstract The ultra high vacuum (UHV) SERS excitation profile has been taken for two different adsorbates, pyridine and CO, on two different kinds of silver surfaces prepared in situ. The curves all show a maximum and in the case of pyridine the position of the maxima of the different vibrational modes vary slightly. The optical reflectivity spectra of these systems have also been measured using an oscillating beam spectrometer which compares the difference in the reflected light at two adjacent areas with and without the adsorbed molecules. The peak position of the excitation profile depend on both the adsorbate and the preparation of the silver surface. The excitation profile is not easily correlated with the optical measurements. It is concluded that multipolar resonant electromagnetic modes that are highly localized near the silver surface play an important role in shaping the SERS excitation profile.
Determination of the field of a permanent-magnet disk machine using the concept of magnetic charge

An analytical solution of the dependence of the field distribution on the three-spatial coordinates in a permanent-magnet (PM) disk machine is obtained using the concept of magnetic charge and the method of images. A good correlation between the analytical solution and experimental data validates the method described. It is further indicated how this method can be extended to more complex problems. It is applicable to other PM machines, such as permanent-magnet linear synchronous motors. >
Poverty, parenting, peer, and neighborhood influences on young adolescent antisocial behavior

Data from a sample of 963, 10- to 12-year-old children from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth were used to evaluate the parenting practices and environmental influences that explain the rel...
Tetrahydroisoquinolines and the serotonergic system

Abstract Although its oxidation to acetate overwhelmingly predominates, acetaldehyde (ACH) formed during ethanol metabolism can be “trapped” by condensation with catecholamines (CAs) or DOPA. The condensation products, tetrahydroisoquinolines (TIQs), have been detected in the brains of mice chronically exposed to ethanol [1] and in the urine of alcoholics during detoxification [2]. Catecholic TIQs are not without physiological effects. Several TIQs derived from dopamine or DOPA have been shown to promote ethanol consumption when infused centrally into alcohol-avoiding rats [3]. The TIQ derived from ACH and DOPA (3-carboxysalsolinol) has an analgesic action in mice [4]. The neurochemical aspects underlying these recently described effects of TIQs have not been clarified. Since alterations in serotonin (5-HT) have been implicated in ethanol preference [5] and in drug-induced analgesia (antinociception) [6], we decided to examine the effects of certain TIQs on the serotonergic system. In this communication, we report that intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of Is, 3s( cis )-3-carboxysalsolinol (cSAL) results in significant changes in brain 5-HT levels and/or metabolism.
Pantoprazole (Proton Pump Inhibitor) Contributing to Torsades de Pointes Storm

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI), commonly used medications for peptic ulcer prophylaxis, have been recently described to cause hypomagnesemia through both urinary and gastrointestinal losses. Very few reports have linked hypomagnesemia with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. However, these reports included patients with other complex medical problems that may have also contributed to these arrhythmias. To our knowledge, ventricular arrhythmias associated with hypomagnesemia induced by proton pump inhibitors have never been reported. We present a case of a 53-year-old chronic alcoholic male patient, who was started on a proton pump inhibitor for peptic ulcer prophylaxis, which resulted in resistant hypomagnesemia associated with a storm of life-threatening arrhythmias, namely Torsades de Pointes (TdP). A 53-year-old man with no previous cardiac history was brought by Emergency Medical Services with a chief complaint of palpitations and dizziness for 1 day. His only significant medical history was chronic alcohol abuse and was not taking any medications before his admission. His physical examination was normal, except for an irregularly irregular rapid pulse and a blood pressure of 157/104 mm Hg. The ECG on admission showed atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response at an average of 190 beats per minute. Admitting routine labs showed normal complete blood counts. Electrolyte laboratory values revealed 136 mEq/L of sodium, 4.6 mmol/L of potassium, 100 mEq/L of chloride, 16 mEq/L of bicarbonate, 11 mg/dL of blood urea nitrogen, 0.68 mg/dL of creatinine, 9 mg/dL of calcium, and 1.5 mg/dL of magnesium. He was started on intravenous diltiazem for rate control and intravenous heparin for anticoagulation. Routine oral pantoprazole 40 mg once daily was also prescribed for peptic ulcer prophylaxis. Seven hours later, while on telemetry, the patient became unresponsive. The telemetry rhythm …
Evaluating the Role of Serotonin on Neuropsychological Function After Breast Cancer Using Acute Tryptophan Depletion

Although cognitive dysfunction is a prevalent and disruptive problem for many breast cancer survivors (BCSs), little research has examined its etiology. One potential mechanism that remains to be explored is serotonin. Serotonin has been implicated in normal and dysfunctional cognitive processes, and serotonin levels are significantly affected by estrogen withdrawal, a common side effect of breast cancer treatment. However, no study has evaluated serotonin’s role on cognitive dysfunction in BCSs. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of serotonin in cognitive dysfunction in survivors by lowering central serotonin concentrations via acute tryptophan depletion (ATD). Based on previous research in noncancer populations, we hypothesized that alterations in central serotonin levels would induce cognitive dysfunction in these women controlling for confounding characteristics such as fluctuating mood and glucose levels. Secondarily, we explored whether genetic variations in serotonin genes would partly explain ATD. Participants included 20 female BCSs, posttreatment for nonmetastatic breast cancer, who received ATD or control in a double-blind, crossover design. Cognitive performance was measured at the 5-hr tryptophan/serotonin nadir on each test day using standardized neuropsychological tests. Specific impairment was noted in episodic memory (delayed recall) and motor speed during ATD versus control. ATD did not alter new learning (immediate recall), working memory, verbal fluency, or information processing speed. Findings suggest that serotonin may play a critical role in memory consolidation and motor functioning in BCSs.
Maternal hypercholesterolemia leads to activation of endogenous cholesterol synthesis in the offspring.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of maternal hypercholesterolemia on hepatic cholesterol metabolism in the offspring in a mouse model. Study Design Male and female wild type and apoE −/−KO (knockout for the apoprotein E [apoE]) gene) mice were crossbred to obtain all 4 possible genetic offspring types. The litters were maintained on regular chow and sacrificed at 8 months of age. Liver samples were collected and the mRNA expression levels for SCAP, SREBP-1a, SREBP-2, HMGCR, and LDLR determined using real-time RT-PCR. Results We found a significant activation of the transcriptional activity of genes involved in endogenous cholesterol synthesis, as well as LDLR, in the liver of adult mice born to hypercholesterolemic dams. Conclusion Reprogramming of hepatic cholesterol homeostasis may be the basis for an increased predisposition to hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis found in offspring of mice exposed to a high cholesterol environment during early life.
What Shall We Say that Abraham Found? The Controversy behind Romans 4

In Romans 4 Paul appealed to the precedent of the patriarch Abraham to argue three points on the basis of the Jewish scriptures. First, righteousness was reckoned to Abraham because of his faith and not because of his observance of the law (Rom 4:1–8); second, righteousness was reckoned to Abraham before Abraham's circumcision (4:9–12); and third, God's promise to Abraham and his “seed” came through faith, not through the Mosaic Law (4:13–17a). All three points are based on Paul's interpretation of Gen 15:6 and closely related texts. Paul appealed to Abraham in order to show that Abraham was meant to be the father not only of the circumcised but also of the uncircumcised (Rom 4:11–12,16–17). Paul also insisted that what was written about Abraham was meant not only for Abraham but also for those who believe that God raised Jesus from the dead (4:23–25).
Relation of the Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Response to Anti-Arrhythmic Drugs in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation or Atrial Flutter

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is more common in those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) than in unaffected subjects and recurs more frequently in the presence of severe OSA after electrical cardioversion and AF ablation. However, it is unknown whether the severity of OSA influences the efficacy of antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy in patients with OSA and AF. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of OSA severity on the treatment of patients with symptomatic AF using AADs. Sixty-one patients (mean age 62 ± 15 years, 21 women) treated with AADs for symptomatic AF who underwent overnight polysomnography were studied. Rhythm control was prospectively defined as successful if a patient remained on the same AAD therapy for ≥6 months with ≥75% reduction in symptomatic AF burden. Twenty-four patients (40%) had severe OSA. Thirty patients (49%) were rhythm controlled with AADs. Nonresponders to AADs were more likely to have severe OSA than milder disease (52% vs 23%, p
Catheter Infections: Diagnosis, Etiology, Treatment, and Prevention

Infection remains the leading complication that is associated with intravascular access devices. Despite continuous research efforts and advances in technology, the rate of central venous catheter infections has remained relatively constant over the past decade. This article focuses on four pertinent aspects of central venous access infection: microbial etiology and pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. An update of the scientific literature in this area will aid clinicians in their patient care practices and serve to identify unanswered questions.
Remote Sensing of Ice and Snow

The objective of this book, as discussed on the front cover, is to describe the utility of remote sensing for the observation and analysis of the properties of worldwide ice and snow cover. The authors approach this task in eight chapters that cover a range of topics, including discussion of the electrical properties of snow and ice, sensors and platforms, and the application of remote sensing techniques to most forms of terrestrial snow and ice; 11 color plates highlight image data and analysis techniques. The intent of this book is to present a broad outline of each topic; an extensive and generally up-to-date bibliography is provided for the more interested reader.
Calibrating adaptive antenna arrays for high-integrity GPS

A major challenge in using GPS guidance for aircraft final approach and landing is to reject interference that can jam reception of the GPS signals. Antenna arrays, which use space---time adaptive processing (STAP), significantly improve the signal to interference plus noise ratio, but at the possible expense of distorting the received signals, leading to timing biases that may degrade navigation performance. Rather than a sophisticated calibration approach to remove biases introduced by STAP, this paper demonstrates that a relatively compact calibration strategy can substantially reduce navigation biases, even under elevated interference conditions. Consequently, this paper develops an antenna bias calibration strategy for two classes of adaptive array algorithm and validates this method using both simulated and experimental data with operational hardware in the loop. A proof-of-concept system and an operational prototype are described, which implement the adaptive antenna algorithms and deterministic corrections. This investigation demonstrates that systems with adaptive antenna arrays can approach the accuracy and integrity requirements for automatic aircraft landing, and in particular for sea-based landing on board aircraft carriers, while simultaneously providing significant attenuation of interference. Evidence suggests that achieving these goals is possible with minimal restrictions on system hardware configuration--specifically, limitations on the permissible level of antenna anisotropy and the use of sufficient analog-to-digital converter resolution.
Optically Active Amino Acid Synthesis by Artificial Transaminase Enzymes

Abstract The conversion of α-ketoacids to α-aminoacids is performed in some enzyme models by transamination, using pyridoxamine derivatives. When the pyridoxamine is attached to β-cyclodextrin the simple enzyme mimic shows substrate selectivity and also the induction of optical activity in the products. When base catalytic groups are attached to pyridoxamine the proton transfers are catalyzed by the basic groups; if they are mounted chirally on a rigid framework they also induce optical activity in the products. When these lines are combined, artificial enzymes are produced that bind a substrate selectively and then perform a chiral proton transfer to produce optically active amino acids with e.e.'s ranging from 74% to 96%. Two types of combination have been examined. In one of them the optical induction is only fairly good, but in the other the selectivity is excellent. The key seems to be the use of a particular bifunctional basic catalytic group, an ethylenediamine. This group is the best yet examined at catalyzing proton transfers in transamination reactions. Its use in a chiral artificial enzyme system leads to the observed high enantioselectivity.
Lexical ambiguity of words used in english text

Lexical ambiguity is generally assumed to be widespread in natural languages but quantitative estimates have not been available. At least 32% of the words used in English text were found to be ambiguous in studies reported here. This figure is probably very conservative. Temporary word definitions established for special purposes occurred in 30% of a sample of texts.
New Media Use, Sociodemographics, and Voter Turnout in the 2000 Presidential Election

Based on General Social Survey data, this study employs logit models to clarify the effects of new media use and sociodemographic characteristics on voter turnout in the 2000 presidential election. It also discusses the predicting power of social-demographics on new media use behavior. Findings highlight that the behavior of actively seeking political information online, which can be expected by the level of education and income of Internet users, raised their likelihood of voting. General Internet exposure, which is reduced by age and affected by gender, however, could not increase the turnout as expected. Among sociodemographic indicators, education counted the most in the 2000 presidential election. People's sociodemographic characteristics were stronger predictors than their new media use behavior for voter turnout.
Transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus to preterm infants through breast milk.

OBJECTIVE: To determine a potential source of MRSA colonization and infection among preterm infants in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) using molecular analysis of breast milk samples. DESIGN: Case report, outbreak investigation. RESULTS: Preterm triplets were delivered at 26 weeks' gestation via cesarean section when routine active surveillance for MRSA was performed for all infants in a NICU. Surveillance consisted of swabbing the throat, nose, and umbilicus (TNU) weekly. Although infants A and B initially had negative TNU swabs, repeat cultures were positive for MRSA on day of life (DOL) 10 and DOL 18, respectively. Surveillance and clinical cultures for infant C were negative. Infant A developed sepsis, and multiple blood cultures were positive for MRSA beginning on DOL 14. Infant B developed conjunctivitis and a conjunctival exudate culture was positive for MRSA on DOL 70. Both infants were fed breast milk via nasogastric tube. Cultures of breast milk samples for infants A and B dated prior to either infant's first positive surveillance culture were positive for MRSA. All MRSA isolates had identical results on antibiotic susceptibility testing. PFGE demonstrated identical banding patterns for the MRSA isolates from the blood culture of infant A, breast milk for infants A and B, and a surveillance swab from infant B. At no time did the mother develop evidence of mastitis or other local breast infection. CONCLUSIONS: MRSA can be passed from mother to preterm infant through contaminated breast milk, even in the absence of maternal infection. Colonization and clinical disease can result.
Abstract 2497: Dual inhibition of PI3K/mTOR by PI-103 inhibits pancreatic cancer cell growth mediatedviaautophagy and cell cycle arrest

Pancreatic cancer is characterized by its extremely poor prognosis and it is the 4th leading cancer death in both men and women. The limited scientific knowledge and lack of effective treatment of this cancer are critically urging to an extensive research development in the field. Emerging evidence shows that pancreatic cancer cells exhibit aberrant activation of class I phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mTOR signaling. To understand the molecular mechanism underlying the relationship between signaling activation and pancreatic cancer cell growth, we investigated the anti-cancer effect of a novel dual inhibitor of PI3K/mTOR, PI-103 {3-(4-(4-Morpholinyl)pyrido[3′,2′:4,5]furo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-2-yl)phenol}, on pancreatic cancer cells. The cell proliferation experiment assessed by MTT assay showed that PI-103 (0.1-10μM) effectively inhibits the growth of p53-mutant pancreatic cancer cells including Panc-1, MIA paca-2, BxPC-3 and AsPC-1 cells. The growth inhibitory effect of PI-103 was further supported by clonogenic assay showing a complete blockage of colony formation of Panc-1 cells after 7 days treatment. Our results demonstrated that PI-103 induces autophagy in Panc-1 cells characterized by a significant increase of the conversion of LC3-1 to LC3-II, which was then attenuated by an autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), and augmented using a thiol proteinase inhibitor, E-64d, by blocking the degradation of autolysosomes. Knockdown of the expression of beclin1 with siRNA attenuated LC3 conversion and the growth inhibitory effect of PI-103 as well as colony formation, suggesting a possible linkage of autophagy and cell growth inhibition. Furthermore, cell cycle analysis and apoptotic assay with Annexin V staining showed that PI-103 induced G0/G1 arrest significantly without an effective induction of apoptosis. Western blotting revealed that PI-103 regulated the expression of cell-cycle relevant proteins, including increased p27 and decreased CDK1 and cyclin B. In addition to the effect of PI-103 on autophagy and cell cycle arrest, to our surprise, a striking appearance of cytoplasmic vacuoles ranging from 1-4μm in diameter was observed in the cells treated with PI-103 at as early as 3 hrs. The origin of the vacuoles was explored using the markers with GFP-LAMP1 for late endosome and lysosome, and DsRed-FYVE-labeling for early endosome, respectively. The results showed the large vacuoles are LAMP1-positive lysosomes or late endosomes, but not early endosomes, which is leading to future studies. Taken altogether, our data show that PI-103 is a potent compound for inhibiting pancreatic cancer cell growth, and the anti-cancer effect may operate through the induction of autophagy and cell cycle arrest. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2497.
Blind endobronchial cultures : an alternative respiratory culturing method in children with chronic respiratory failure

Abstract A prospective study of two different respiratory culture techniques was performed in a group of hospitalized, ventilator-dependent children to compare costs and complications and to determine whether upper airway contamination of respiratory cultures could be reduced. Standard tracheal aspirate using a sterile suction catheter and Lukens trap was compared with cultures obtained using a blindly placed, protected double-lumen brush (PDLB). One hundred fifty-one PDLB specimens were obtained by blind passage of the sampling brush through the artificial airway. There were no complications with either technique. One hundred thirty-one tracheal aspirate and PDLB specimens met criteria for paired analysis. There was an average of 1.3 organisms isolated per PDLB specimen compared with an average of 3.1 organisms per tracheal aspirate. Sixty-five percent of the PDLB specimens were either sterile or contained only one organism. In comparison, only 13% of the tracheal aspirate cultures were sterile or had only one organism ( P
β-Carboline interactions at the BZ-GABA Receptor chloride-ionophore complex in the rat cerebral cortex

beta-Carboline congeners can act at the benzodiazepine (BZ) recognition site of the BZ-GABA receptor complex to increase GABA-stimulated chloride conductance (agonist effect), inhibit this conductance (inverse agonist effect) or block the actions of agonists and inverse agonists (antagonist effect). In this communication we describe the effects of several beta-carbolines (ZK 93423, ZK 91296, ZK 93426, and DMCM) on GABA-stimulated chloride influx into vesicles prepared from rat cerebral cortex. ZK 93423 produces an approximate 2-fold left-shift of the GABA dose-response curve at a concentration of 1.0 microM consistent with its full agonist activity (positive intrinsic efficacy), while the same concentration of ZK 91296 produces over a 1-fold left-shift consistent with its partial agonist activity. At higher concentrations (0.1 mM), ZK 91296 inhibits GABA-stimulated chloride influx which appears to be mediated through a non-BZ receptor mechanism since this effect is not reversed by the BZ antagonist ZK 93426. The augmenting effect of both ZK 93423 and ZK 91296 on GABA-stimulated chloride flux was reduced by the antagonist ZK 93426 in a dose-dependent manner and reached GABA-stimulated control levels at a ZK 93426 concentration of 1.0 microM. Interestingly, there was a further inhibition of the GABA-stimulated chloride influx at higher concentrations of ZK 93426 which is not seen when ZK 93426 is used in the absence of BZ agonists. The inverse agonist activity of DMCM was incompletely blocked by the antagonist ZK 93426. These data show that ZK 93426 can antagonize the effects of the full agonist ZK 93423 and partial agonist ZK 91296 at the BZ receptor. Furthermore, the interaction of the agonists with ZK 93426 results in the appearance of inverse agonist-like activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Chromosome Pattern of Canine Transmissible Sarcoma Cells in Culture

THE canine transmissible sarcoma (venereal tumour) is a naturally transplanted tumour of the dog which is transmitted from one animal to another by coitus. The tumour will also grow after parenteral injection of viable tumour cells. Chromosome analyses of the spontaneous and transplanted tumours have shown that the stemline cell has a consistent number of 59 or 60 in contrast to the normal 78 of canine somatic cells1–3. My investigations of tumours have given similar results.
Exact results for the fractional quantum Hall effect with general interactions

Laughlin's state ${\ensuremath{\psi}}_{m}$ is shown to be the exact nondegenerate ground state for repulsive interactions of vanishing range. In this limit, his quasihole states are not exact, and some previously proposed states are ruled out. An experimental prediction is made concerning the competition of ${\ensuremath{\psi}}_{m}$ with charge-density waves. Several exact properties are shared by systems with interactions of shorter range than ${r}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2}$, for which the center-of-mass motion separates from the other degrees of freedom. These include new invariant subspaces, an operator that creates exact eigenstates, and a subset property of the energy eigenvalues.
Synthesis of precipitated calcium carbonate nanoparticles using a two-membrane system

Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) nanoparticles were synthesized using a two-membrane system composed of a combination of a dialysis membrane tubing (DMT) and an emulsion liquid membrane (ELM). During the process, Ca2+ was diffused through the DMT, then the ELM, and finally reacted with CO 3 2− ions in the internal water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion droplets. Each individual droplet was used as a microreactor. Results showed that the particle size and morphology of PCC were depended not only on the diffusion rate of Ca2+ across the liquid membrane, but also the carrier concentration as well. The PCC particles were mainly in vaterite form and their size increased steadily with the reaction time, as proved by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies.