cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seeded Bayesian Networks: Constructing genetic networks from microarray data

DNA microarrays and other genomics-inspired technologies provide large datasets that often include hidden patterns of correlation between genes reflecting the complex processes that underlie cellular metabolism and physiology. The challenge in analyzing large-scale expression data has been to extract biologically meaningful inferences regarding these processes – often represented as networks – in an environment where the datasets are often imperfect and biological noise can obscure the actual signal. Although many techniques have been developed in an attempt to address these issues, to date their ability to extract meaningful and predictive network relationships has been limited. Here we describe a method that draws on prior information about gene-gene interactions to infer biologically relevant pathways from microarray data. Our approach consists of using preliminary networks derived from the literature and/or protein-protein interaction data as seeds for a Bayesian network analysis of microarray results. Through a bootstrap analysis of gene expression data derived from a number of leukemia studies, we demonstrate that seeded Bayesian Networks have the ability to identify high-confidence gene-gene interactions which can then be validated by comparison to other sources of pathway data. The use of network seeds greatly improves the ability of Bayesian Network analysis to learn gene interaction networks from gene expression data. We demonstrate that the use of seeds derived from the biomedical literature or high-throughput protein-protein interaction data, or the combination, provides improvement over a standard Bayesian Network analysis, allowing networks involving dynamic processes to be deduced from the static snapshots of biological systems that represent the most common source of microarray data. Software implementing these methods has been included in the widely used TM4 microarray analysis package.
Estrone concentration in the peripheral plasma of pregnant and non-pregnant gilts

Abstract A rapid radioimmunoassay for estrone (total unconjugated and sulfated) was developed to determine plasma estrone (E 1 ) concentrations in inseminated gilts that conceived and those that had not. Thirty-one 160 day-old prepuberal gilts were induced to ovulate with gonadotropins and were artificially inseminated 10 hr before the expected time of ovulation (Day 1 — day of insemination). Unconjugated E 1 and E 1 SO 4 were extracted from 20 to 500 μl of plasma twice with 5 ml of tetrahydrafuran:ethyl acetate (1:1). Aliquots of a standard E 1 SO 4 preparation were dissolved in 500 μl of distilled water and extracted at the same time as the plasma samples. The dried extracts were solvolyzed for 1 hr at 50° C in 0.6 ml of glacial acetic acid:ethyl acetate (1:1), and the dried residue was redissolved in 0.2 ml of distilled water and extracted once with 2 ml of diethyl ether. Twenty of 31 gilts were pregnant at Days 29 to 31 of the induced cycle. Plasma E 1 in pregnant gilts increased from 85 pg/ml on Day 18 to 702, 1879 and 2793 pg/ml, respectively, on Days 22, 25 and 29 to 31. Three of the non-pregnant gilts had plasma progesterone secretion maintained until Day 22; they also had a transitory increase in plasma E 1 on Day 22 (215 pg/ml). Some blastocysts may have been present to exert a temporary luteotropic effect, but not enough blastocysts to completely overcome the luteolytic effect of the uterus. Quantification of plasma E 1 SO 4 could be used as a pregnancy test in the pig.
Unusual tumours of the heart: diagnostic and prognostic implications

Metastases to the heart are extremely uncommon. We describe three unusual cases along with their management. A review of the current literature concerning cardiac secondaries is included.
A description of electron heating with an electrostatic potential jump in a parallel, collisionless, fire hose shock

The electron heating required if protons scatter elastically in a parallel, collisionless shock is calculated. Near-elastic proton scattering off large amplitude background magnetic field fluctuations might be expected if the waves responsible for the shock dissipation are generated by the fire hose instability. The effects of an electrostatic potential jump in the shock layer are included by assuming that the energy lost by protons in traversing the potential jump is converted into electron thermal pressure. It is found that the electron temperature increase is a strong function of the potential jump. Comparison is made to the parallel shock plasma simulation of Quest (1987).
Globalization and Its Challenges for Business and Business Ethics in the Twenty‐first Century

The global expansion of free enterprise has been underway for some time, and the challenges for global companies are well-known. Companies often operate in economically blighted communities and in corrupt environments without a rule of law. At the same time Western-based global corporations are under increasing public pressure to take on responsibilities to these communities that are often beyond their expertise or economic purview. For example, at the 2008 Davos meetings Bill Gates proposed the idea of “creative capitalism, challenging business to ‘meet the needs of the poor in ways that generate profits’...” In what follows I shall argue that while there have been many successful global ventures, the Gates’ challenge requires academics and managerial leaders to rethink their mind sets and expand their thinking about what we mean by globalization, poverty, and the multiple dimensions of free enterprise.
Murine Brca1 : sequence and significance for human missense mutations

We have cloned and sequenced a mouse homologue of the human breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA1. The predicted mouse Brca1 protein is composed of 1812 amino acids. The murine protein is 60% identical and 72% similar to the human BRCA1 protein. Two regions of high homology have been identified between the two proteins. First is the Cys3-His-Cys4 type zinc-finger domain that is identical between the two proteins. The second region is defined by 115 amino acids near the carboxyl end of the Brca1 protein that is 83% identical to human BRCA1 sequence. Seven of eight amino acids involved in human missense mutations that are associated with the disease were found to be conserved between the two species. In contrast, most of the amino acids that are involved in polymorphic variations were not conserved. We therefore propose that the interspecies conservation of predicted amino acid sequences can be used as an additional criterion to determine the significance of human missense mutations.
Maple syrup urine disease: new insights from a zebrafish model.

Summary and comment on a recent Disease Models & Mechanisms paper entitled ‘Mutation of zebrafish dihydrolipoamide branched-chain transacylase E2 results in motor dysfunction and models maple syrup urine disease’ (Friedrich et al., 2012).
Observation-Only Management of Early Stage, Medically Inoperable Lung Cancer* Poor Outcome

Study objectives To assess the treatments received and outcomes of patients with early stage non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Design A retrospective study of patients identified from the institutional tumor registry between 1994 and 1999. Setting The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN. Patients All patients with stage I and II NSCLC as identified above. Interventions None. Measurements and results Of 128 patients identified, 49 patients received no cancer treatment, 36 patients received radiation therapy only, and 43 patients were treated with primary surgery. Median ± SD survival time following surgery was 46.2 ± 3.15 months; for no treatment, 14.2 ± 2.37 months (p = 3.2 × 10 −6 ); and radiotherapy alone, 19.9 ± 5.6 months (p = 0.0005). Of those who received no specific cancer treatment, 14 patients refused treatment and the remainder were not treated for a variety of medical reasons. Cause of death was cancer in 53% of untreated patients and 43% for those receiving radiotherapy. Radiotherapy was administered for postobstructive atelectasis, hemoptysis, increasing tumor size, pain, pleural effusion, and medical inoperability. Radiation dosages had no apparent standard. No significant differences in survival were found for patients receiving radiotherapy with either curative or palliative intent (20.3 months vs 16.0 months, respectively; p = 0.229). Conclusions Within the limitations of this retrospective study, it appears that untreated early stage lung cancer has a poor outcome, with > 50% of patients dying of lung cancer. Surgery remains the treatment of choice, but lung cancer screening programs will result in increasing numbers of medically inoperable patients with no clear policies for their management.
Why National States Comply with Supranational Law: Explaining Implementation Infringements in the European Union, 1972-1993

European Union (EU) member states have at times failed to implement EU directives, thus falling short of their treaty obligations. Implementation is crucial to this loosely quasifederal organization because compliance is the foundation of cooperation in Europe. This paper addresses the inability of states to comply and state reluctance to conform. I demonstrate that cross-national factors rather than idiosyncratic characteristics are responsible for non-compliance. I have crafted hypotheses regarding implementation that can be tested in a systematic fashion. Using count data of infringements, I use negative binomial regression to test the hypotheses. I find modest support for many of the hypotheses in the literature, but little support for others. Bureaucratic efficiency, corruption, power in the Council of Ministers, economic power, length of membership, and public approval of EU membership are the most important predictors of compliance.
New results on jet fragmentation at CDF

Presented are the latest results of jet fragmentation studies at the Tevatron using the CDF Run II detector. Studies include the distribution of transverse momenta (Kt) of particles jets, two-particle momentum correlations, and indirectly global event shapes in p{bar p} collisions. Results are discussed within the context of recent Next-to-Leading Log calculations as well as earlier experimental results from the Tevatron and e{sup +}e{sup -} colliders.
Arthroscopic debridement for osteochondral injury of the elbow trochlea: a case report with a long-term follow-up.

Q1 Osteochondral injury of the elbow is a rare lesion of the articular surface of the immature joint. A number of cases involving the humeral trochlea of adolescent throwing athletes have been reported in the English-language literature. 6 In the last decade, elbow arthroscopy has evolved to become an accepted technique for the treatment of elbow osteochondral lesions. 8 This is the first report in the literature of the use of arthroscopic debridement for the treatment of a rare osteochondral defect located to the humeral trochlea. Case report A right handedominant 15-year-old female athlete presented with complaints of left elbow pain and limited range of motion (ROM). There was no precedent history of elbow trauma. The patient was a competitive athlete in basketball and swimming. The initial examination by a local orthopaedic surgeon showed a minor elbow extension loss, and an initial diagnosis of triceps tendinitis was made. The diagnosis was based on normal elbow radiographs and a clinical finding of tenderness at the triceps insertion. The orthopaedic surgeon recommended rest and prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, during the course of the subsequent year, the patient remained active in sporting activities. Despite conservative measures, elbow pain and stiffness persisted, and the athlete was referred to our institution for further evaluation. According to her report, the duration of her symptoms was 1 year. Subsequent physical examination showed limited left elbow ROM from e35 ! of extension to 140 ! of flexion, with full forearm pronation and supination. There was no evidence of elbow swelling or instability. Plain radiographs of the left elbow were again normal (Fig. 1). However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a high-signal focus on the posterior-superior surface of the humeral trochlea. The radiologic finding was consistent with an osteochondral lesion. Adjacent to the lesion, another high-signal focus indicated posterior synovial hypertrophy. The triceps tendon itself appeared normal (Fig. 2). On the basis of worsening symptoms, progressive loss of ROM, and MRI findings, a decision for surgical management was made. Q2
Sex dependent regulation of osteoblast response to implant surface properties by systemic hormones

Osseointegration depends on the implant surface, bone quality and the local and systemic host environment, which can differ in male and female patients. This study was undertaken in order to determine if male and female cells respond differently to titanium surfaces that have micron-scale roughness and if interactions of calciotropic hormones [1α,25(OH)2D3 and 17β-oestradiol (E2)] and microstructured surfaces on osteoblasts are sex dependent. Osteoblasts from 6-week old Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) or on titanium (Ti) disks with two different surface topographies, a smooth pretreated (PT) surface and a coarse grit-blasted/acid-etched (SLA) surface, and treated with 1α,25(OH)2D3, E2, or E2 conjugated to bovine serum albumin (E2-BSA). Male and female cells responded similarly to Ti microstructure with respect to cell number and levels of osteocalcin, transforming growth factor-β1, osteoprotegerin and prostaglandin E2 in their conditioned media, exhibiting a more differentiated phenotype on SLA than on PT or TCPS. E2 and E2-BSA increased differentiation and local factor production, an effect that was microstructure dependent and found only in female osteoblasts. 1α,25(OH)2D3 increased osteoblast differentiation and local factor production in female and male cells, but the effect was more robust in male cells. Male and female rat osteoblasts respond similarly to surface microstructure but exhibit sexual dimorphism in substrate-dependent responses to systemic hormones. Oestrogen affected only female cells while 1α,25(OH)2D3 had a greater effect on male cells. These results suggest that successful osseointegration in males and females may depend on the implant surface design and correct levels of calciotropic hormones.
Nonuniqueness in traveltime tomography; ensemble inference and cluster analysis

We examine the nonlinear aspects of seismic traveltime tomography. This is accomplished by completing an extensive set of conjugate gradient inversions on a parallel virtual machine, with each initiated by a different starting model. The goal is an exploratory analysis of a set of conjugate gradient solutions to the traveltime tomography problem. We find that distinct local minima are generated when prior constraints are imposed on traveltime tomographic inverse problems. Methods from cluster analysis determine the number and location of the isolated solutions to the traveltime tomography problem. We apply the cluster analysis techniques to a cross-borehole traveltime data set gathered at the Gypsy Pilot Site in Pawnee County, Oklahoma. We find that the 1075 final models, satisfying the traveltime data and a model norm penalty, form up to 61 separate solutions. All solutions appear to contain a central low velocity zone bounded above and below by higher velocity layers. Such a structure agrees with well-logs, hydrological well tests, and a previous seismic inversion.
Bidirectional surface wave splitter at visible frequencies

We experimentally demonstrate a metal–film bidirectional surface wave splitter for guiding light at two visible wavelengths in opposite directions. Two nanoscale gratings were patterned on opposite sides of a subwavelength slit. The metallic surface grating structures were tailored geometrically to have different plasmonic bandgaps, enabling each grating to guide light of one wavelength and prohibit propagation at the other wavelength. The locations of the bandgaps were experimentally confirmed by interferometric measurements. Based on these design principles, a green–red bidirectional surface wave splitter is demonstrated, and the observed optical properties are shown to agree with theoretical predictions.
Defining clusters from a hierarchical cluster tree

Summary: Hierarchical clustering is a widely used method for detecting clusters in genomic data. Clusters are defined by cutting branches off the dendrogram. A common but inflexible method uses a constant height cutoff value; this method exhibits suboptimal performance on complicated dendrograms. We present the Dynamic Tree Cut R package that implements novel dynamic branch cutting methods for detecting clusters in a dendrogram depending on their shape. Compared to the constant height cutoff method, our techniques offer the following advantages: (1) they are capable of identifying nested clusters; (2) they are flexible—cluster shape parameters can be tuned to suit the application at hand; (3) they are suitable for automation; and (4) they can optionally combine the advantages of hierarchical clustering and partitioning around medoids, giving better detection of outliers. We illustrate the use of these methods by applying them to protein–protein interaction network data and to a simulated gene expression data set. Availability: The Dynamic Tree Cut method is implemented in an R package available at http://www.genetics.ucla.edu/labs/horvath/CoexpressionNetwork/BranchCutting Contact: stevitihit@yahoo.com Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Iliac Pseudoaneurysm from Endoleak.

A 65-year-old male presented to the emergency department complaining of two hours of severe lower abdominal pain radiating into his left testicle. The patient described a vascular procedure in the past but did not recall the details. An emergent bedside ultrasound was performed to evaluate the abdominal aorta. During the exam an echogenic object consistent with a prior endovascular stent was discovered in the distal aorta prompting further ultrasound evaluation of the iliac artery (Figure). A true lumen (thin black arrow) was visualized with evidence of leak (white arrows) during color Doppler evaluation. The patient was taken emergently to computed tomography and the diagnosis of an iliac artery pseudoaneurysm from an endoleak was confirmed. Figure Ultrasound of the left iliac (left) with color Doppler flow (right) showing the true lumen (thin black arrow) and evidence of the leak (white arrows) creating a pseudoaneurysm (thick black arrow). A pseudoaneurysm is formed after a disruption causes a saccular expansion at the site of injury that is contained by adventitia or perivascular soft tissue. Rupture is common in patients with iliac artery pseudoaneurysm, with associated mortality rates of approximately 50%.1 An endoleak is a potential complication of endovascular stenting that involves blood leaking around or through the graft site.2 Presenting symptoms of a pseudoaneurysm are variable, based on the location, and are often caused by pressure on adjacent organs. Symptoms that have been described include abdominal pain, urinary symptoms, renal failure, lumbosacral pain, groin pain, rectal bleeding, or constipation.1 Our patient had prior endovascular stenting of an iliac artery aneurysm that extended into the distal aorta. He had developed a pseudoaneurysm (thick black arrow) arising from the medial aspect of the left iliac artery at the juncture of two metallic stents with active extravasation suggestive of an endoleak (white arrows). The patient underwent endovascular repair with endograft placement to repair the leak and subsequent coil embolization of the pseudoaneurysm cavity.
A Social Values Typology for Comprehensive Assessment of Coastal Zone Ecosystem Services

Coastal areas provide a wealth of resources and represent the most developed spaces worldwide. As pressures on these resources increase, managers and policymakers require understanding that facilitates comprehensive valuation of ecosystem services, including social–ecological dynamics and the coupling of social and natural systems. Adoption of ecosystem management approaches has created a need for increased knowledge of social systems commensurate to baseline ecological understanding; that is, managers benefit from integrating stakeholder values into decision-making processes. This study, using the Delphi technique, elicited knowledge and opinions from international coastal experts regarding relevant social values of ecosystem services, facilitating integration of multiple perspectives into an informed consensus typology of 16 social values. Agencies across the board see inclusive evaluation of ecosystem services, including social values, as critical to robust decision making regarding relevant resources....
Flexible supercapacitor based on MnO2 coated laser carbonized electrodes

This paper presents a facile, low-cost approach for fabrication of flexible hybrid carbon/ MnO2 pseudo-capacitors. The highly porous carbon electrodes of the supercapacitor are fabricated by laser pyrolysis of polyimide-laminated copper sheet and subsequently coated with a uniform thin layer of MnO2. The porous laser carbonized polyimide provides a high effective surface area for the MnO2 coating, resulting in an increase of 55% in the electrochemical performance of the supercapacitor. The fabricated device exhibits a specific capacitance of 7.1mFcm-2 at a scan rate of 40mVs-1. Moreover, the copper backing film provides a proper electrical contact to the high surface area carbon/ MnO2 composite for stability under mechanical deformation and low internal resistance.
Preventable Admissions on a General Medicine Service: Prevalence, Causes and Comparison with AHRQ Prevention Quality Indicators-A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Background Rates of preventable admissions will soon be publicly reported and used in calculating performance-based payments. The current method of assessing preventable admissions, the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Preventable Quality Indicators (PQI) rate, is drawn from claims data and was originally designed to assess population-level access to care.
Altered Motivation and Learning Following Opiate Withdrawal: Evidence for Prolonged Dysregulation of Reward Processing

Opiate abuse has been associated with cognitive deficits in human addicts. To determine if prior opiate exposure alters the ability to learn, we trained animals in an instrumental learning task for a food reward. During a 2-week period after withdrawal, morphine-abstinent rats were significantly slower at learning an escalating fixed-ratio response for food reward compared to placebo-treated animals. When these same animals were trained in a conditioned suppression paradigm (two tone-shock pairings given in the operant box), the morphine-withdrawn animals showed greater retention by taking significantly longer to resume responding for food reward when the tone was presented. In a third experiment, morphine-abstinent rats withdrawn 2 or 5 weeks were tested for their ability to associate a highly palatable food reward with a specific environment using a place-conditioning paradigm. At 2 weeks postwithdrawal, morphine-abstinent rats did not show any significant place preference for a food they readily consumed, while placebo-treated rats readily learned to prefer the food-paired environment. At 5 weeks postwithdrawal, rats developed significantly less preference for food-associated cues, but more preference for morphine-associated cues, compared to placebo-treated animals. These data suggest that prior morphine exposure may have prolonged effects on the motivation for natural rewards, which in turn may compromise the ability of former addicts to overcome their addictions.
Federal Administration of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 in Oklahoma

SMCRA, which established detailed standards for the surface mining of coal, attempted to balance the need to increase coal production with safeguarding the environment. The act was based on the principle of cooperativefederalism. The states were offered both positive and negative inducements to assume important roles in the design and implementation of regulatory programs consistent with the SMCRA. Oklahoma's Department of Mines (DOM) carried out the provisions of the act so poorly that the federal Office of Surface Mining (OSM) was compelled to take over SMCRA inspection and enforcement. Otherprovisions of the act were administered by DOM, which found itself in a condition of "cohabitation" with OSMfrom 1984-1987. During that time, DOM became a stronger, technologically sophisticated agency; OSM gained a greater appreciation of the difficulties of implementing a state program; the mining industry became reconciled to reclamation contemporaneous with mining; and there was an increase in citizen participation. The return of primacy to Oklahoma may usher in a new federal relationship in surface mining regulation, with more power shifting to the states as budget pressures reduce funds and the number of employees in OSM.
Serum Progesterone Levels in Pregnant Rats Fed a Protein-Free Diet:

SummaryPeripheral serum progesterone levels in rats fed a protein-free diet show a dramatic decrease on day 11 of pregnancy and remain low thereafter. This drop and the resultant abortion can be prevented by concomitant injections of prolactin and estrone in the intact or hypophysectomized animal. The decline in serum progesterone levels at day 11 of pregnancy suggests a defect in placental development and secretion of luteotrophin and that early secretion of adequate amounts of prolactin and ovarian steroids are required for placental formation and function.
Study on cognitions toward methadone maintenancetreatment(MMT) among new MMT users in Guangzhou

Objective To investigate thecognitions toward MMT among new MMT users in Guangzhou city,and it's effective factors to provide scientific basis and intervening measure.Methods A totally of 288 newly admitted MMT users were interviewed in three MMT clinics in Guangzhou.A self-designed questionnaire was conducted one by one to assess MMT-related cognitions.Results The results showed that most of the new MMT users thought MMT was well-effectively,but MMT-related misconceptions were also very prevalent among them in Guangzhou.Majority of participants misconceived thatthe one should attempt to reduce its treatment dosage as methadone was harmful to one's health(93.0%);MMT was intended primarily for detoxification(91.2%),the one could be completely detoxified and quit using methadone after using it for 2-3 month(88.5%),that MMT was not a long-term or even lifetime treatment(88.5%);and 78.0% of the respondents possessed more than two types of misconceptions.Conclusion T MMT should popularize the knowledge of MMT and conduct effectivelyInterventions targeting such misconceptions among new users,which will be a good way to reduce the dropout.
Usefulness of serial measurements of serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and estradiol in patients with premature ovarian failure.

This study tests the hypothesis that serial measurements of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E 2 ) are useful in identifying a subset of patients with premature ovarian failure (POF) who may respond to high-dose human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) therapy. Nineteen patients with POF were studied with weekly measurements of serum FSH, LH, and E 2 for five consecutive weeks. Nine patients (group I) showed episodic increases in E 2 (>50pg/ml), seven accompanied by decreases in FSH, and an FSH/LH ratio that was periodically 2 and high FSH and LH levels. There was no significant difference in the E 2 response to high-dose hMG (48 to 100 ampules hMG/trial) in the two groups, all patients failing to respond. In conclusion, serial assays for FSH, LH, and E 2 in patients with POF fail to predict ovarian responsiveness to a trial of high-dose hMG.
Impulse patterns in the flight motor neurones of Bombus californicus and Oncopeltus fasciatus.

1. Each of the motor neurones innervating the indirect flight muscles of Bombus and Oncopeltus fire regularly during flight, not in patterned bursts. The several motor neurones innervating one muscle fire at about the same rate and have a weak tendency to fire synchronously, but all possible relative timings occur in each flight. Neurones innervating different muscles have no preferred relative timing, and may have different frequencies. 2. The motor patterns of Bombus and Oncopeltus are very similar. These patterns could be generated by a model including common excitatory input to each of the neurones innervating one muscle and by weak electrotonic short-latency synaptic coupling between the motor neurones. Different sets of neurones would receive different excitatory input, and antagonistic sets seem to be coupled by a weak inhibitory mechanism. 3. Recruitment of motor units was observed in Bombus during low-frequency activity. 4. Synergistic units in Bombus fire in near-perfect synchrony during periods when the bee is warming up but not flying. When the bee begins to fly, there is a sudden shift to the output pattern characteristic of flight. 5. The patterns of impulses in these insects have characteristics shared by both dipteran patterns and by orthopteran and lepidopteran patterns. The flight systems of Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera and Diptera also have many anatomical similarities. The anatomical similarities and the several common characteristics of the motor output patterns in these orders support the hypothesis that there was one primordial flight mechanism common to the origin of these orders, from which the different mechanisms which exist today have evolved.
The myometrium of postmenopausal women produces prolactin in response to human chorionic gonadotropin and α-subunit in vitro * †

Objectives To examine the effect of equimolar concentrations of hCG and dissociated α -subunit on PRL production by leiomyoma and myometrial tissue obtained from different hormonal states and to examine changes in PRL messenger RNA levels as PRL protein levels increased. Design Expiant cultures of leiomyomas and myometrium were established and cultured for 96hours. Tissue was studied from normal cycling women, postmenopausal women, pregnant women, and women undergoing GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) therapy. Cultured medium was collected at 24, 48, and 96hours and assayed for PRL. In selected experiments, tissue was processed at 0 and 96hours to analyze messenger RNA (mRNA) levels. Results Human chorionic gonadotropin and α -subunit stimulated PRL secretion in [1] explant cultures of leiomyoma and myometrium from premenopausal women, [2] cultures of tissue treated in vivo with leuprolide acetate for both leiomyoma and myometrium, and [3] myometrium obtained from postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal myometrium was significantly more responsive to stimulation. Prolactin mRNA levels were documented to increase after hormone treatment in postmenopausal myometrium. Conclusion Myometrium from postmenopausal women is very responsive to hCG and α -subunit. There is a difference in response between tissue obtained from menopausal women and that from women undergoing GnRH-a therapy to achieve a "medical menopause" and reproductive age women. The level of endogenous gonadotropins as well as the steroid milieu may modulate myometrial PRL secretion.
Elements of Nonlinear Programming

THE PRIMARY INTENT OF this chapter is to introduce the reader to the theoretical foundations of nonlinear programming. Particularly important are the notions of local and global optimality in mathematical programming, the Kuhn-Tucker necessary conditions for optimality in nonlinear programming, and the role played by convexity in making necessary conditions sufficient. The following is an outline of the principal topics covered in this chapter:
Microgrids for Service Restoration to Critical Load in a Resilient Distribution System

Microgrids can act as emergency sources to serve critical loads when utility power is unavailable. This paper proposes a resiliency-based methodology that uses microgrids to restore critical loads on distribution feeders after a major disaster. Due to limited capacity of distributed generators (DGs) within microgrids, dynamic performance of the DGs during the restoration process becomes essential. In this paper, the stability of microgrids, limits on frequency deviation, and limits on transient voltage and current of DGs are incorporated as constraints of the critical load restoration problem. The limits on the amount of generation resources within microgrids are also considered. By introducing the concepts of restoration tree and load group, restoration of critical loads is transformed into a maximum coverage problem, which is a linear integer program (LIP). The restoration paths and actions are determined for critical loads by solving the LIP. A 4-feeder, 1069-bus unbalanced test system with four microgrids is utilized to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The method is applied to the distribution system in Pullman, WA, resulting in a strategy that uses generators on the Washington State University campus to restore service to the Hospital and City Hall in Pullman.
Preparation and thermoelectric properties of IrxCo1 − xSb2 alloys

Abstract The preparation and characterization of the binary arsenopyrite compounds CoSb2 and IrSb2 and IrxCo1 − xSb2 alloys is reported. Single crystals of CoSb2 were grown by the vertical gradient-freeze technique from solutions rich in antimony. Polycrystalline samples of IrSb2 and IrxCo1 − xSb2 alloys were prepared by hot-pressing of prereacted elemental powders. Samples were investigated by X-ray diffractometry, microprobe analysis and density measurements. It was found that a range of solid solutions exists in the system IrxCo1 − xSb2. Samples were also characterized by high temperature electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity measurements. All materials have p-type conductivity and are semiconductors. A band gap of about 0.98 eV was calculated for IrSb2. Preliminary measurements of the thermoelectric properties of these materials showed that their potential for thermoelectric applications is limited.
Scalability of an endoluminal spring for distraction enterogenesis

Abstract Introduction Techniques of distraction enterogenesis have been explored to provide increased intestinal length to treat short bowel syndrome (SBS). Self-expanding, polycaprolactone (PCL) springs have been shown to lengthen bowel in small animal models. Their feasibility in larger animal models is a critical step before clinical use. Methods Juvenile mini-Yucatan pigs underwent jejunal isolation or blind ending Roux-en-y jejunojejunostomy with insertion of either a PCL spring or a sham PCL tube. Extrapolated from our spring characteristics in rodents, proportional increases in spring constant and size were made for porcine intestine. Results Jejunal segments with 7mm springs with k between 9 and 15N/m demonstrated significantly increased lengthening in isolated segment and Roux-en-y models. Complications were noted in only two animals, both using high spring constant k> 17N/m. Histologically, lengthened segments in the isolated and Roux models demonstrated significantly increased muscularis thickness and crypt depth. Restoration of lengthened, isolated segments back into continuity was technically feasible after 6weeks. Conclusion Self-expanding, endoluminal PCL springs, which exert up to 0.6N force, safely achieve significant intestinal lengthening in a translatable, large-animal model. These spring characteristics may provide a scalable model for the treatment of SBS in children.
Electronic-Photonic Integrated Circuit for 3D Microimaging

An integrated electronic-photonic phase-locked loop (PLL) modulates the frequency of a tunable laser for use in frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) lidar 3D imaging. The proposed lidar can perform 180k range measurements per second. The rms depth precision is 8 $\mu \text{m}$ at distances of ±5 cm from the range baseline. The range window is 1.4 m, with a precision of 4.2 mm at the edges of the window. Optical circuitry, including input light couplers, waveguides, and photodiodes, is realized on a 3 mm $\times $ 3 mm silicon-photonic chip. The 0.18- $\mu \text{m}$ CMOS ASIC of the same area comprises the front-end transimpedance amplifier, analog electro-optical PLL, and digital control circuitry consuming 1.7 mA from a 1.8 V supply and 14.1 mA from a 5-V supply. The latter includes 12.5-mA bias current for the distributed Bragg reflector section of the tunable laser. The two chips are integrated using through-silicon-vias implemented in the silicon-photonic chip.
Modeling and analysis of a DC-DC bidirectional converter for vehicular applications

The bidirectional DC-DC three level converter (TLC) has been proposed as a viable choice for vehicular applications due to its high efficiency, low ripple harmonics and compact size. In this study we investigate the performance of the TLC when operated in a combination of duty cycles that are not the same (d 1 ≠ d 4 ). Using the model equations of the converter derived using the switching function approach, the inductor current ripple and output voltage ripple are investigated using the harmonic balance technique. Furthermore, the ripple parameters are derived in terms of relevant voltages and transition between buck and boost mode operation is analyzed. The paper also shows why it is better to control the switches of the three level converter with equal duty cycles.
Narendra Modi’s Pakistan Policy: A Case of Old Wine in Old Bottles

This article examines India’s policy towards Pakistan since Narendra Modi became prime minister. At certain times, India has engaged in talks with Pakistan on various bilateral issues. At other tim...
CRT-800.19 Outcomes of Intra Aortic Balloon Pump use in Surgical and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an established alternative to Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR) for treating severe aortic stenosis. Short-term use of Intra Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) has the potential to benefit patients with pre-existing comorbid conditions or those
Flexible batteries under extreme bending: Interfacial contact pressure and conductance

Abstract Advances in flexible electronics, including touch-screens and wearable sensors, have created a high demand for flexible energy storage devices. Flexible polymer-based lithium ion batteries are the leading candidates to offer safety and mechanical advantages; however, their performance and properties under bending are not fully understood. In this study, we experimentally and theoretically investigate the effects of extreme mechanical bending on the interfacial properties of the battery including contact pressure and conductance. Our results show that bending and contact properties significantly influence the interfacial contact pressure, which can be related to the battery conductance. We compare the developed theoretical model to the mechanical bending tests performed on a flexible battery fabricated in our laboratory. The test results are correlated with the battery impedance measurements at various bending curvatures. The numerical and experimental results show good agreement, and demonstrate the potential applicability of the developed analytical model to interpret and predict the variation of battery conductance with bending deformation.
Human B cells express two types of interleukin-1 receptors

Several reports demonstrate that interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), although distantly related at the primary sequence level, bind to the same receptor. This raises the question of what separation, if any, there might be between their biologic activities. Receptor binding assays and cross-competition studies in three Epstein Barr virus (EBV) positive cell lines showed that a subset of IL-1 receptors may bind IL-1 alpha preferentially and that a separate subset may bind IL-1 beta preferentially. Crosslinking studies with 125I-IL-1 alpha or 125I-IL-1 beta demonstrated the expression of both relative molecular mass (Mr) 80,500 IL-1 receptor, known to be T cell-specific, and Mr 69,500 IL-1 receptor, recently detected on B-cell lineage only. Whether the high affinity binding sites correspond to Mr 80,500 and the low affinity binding sites to Mr 69,500 remains to be elucidated.
Geography of Energy Development in Western North America: Potential Impacts on Terrestrial Ecosystems

Rapid development of the rich energy resources found in western North America may have dramatic consequences for its vast areas with low human population density and undeveloped wild lands. If development continues at its current pace, the outcome will probably be energy sprawl (McDonald et al.2009), resulting in a western landscape fragmented by energy infrastructure such as roads, well pads, wind towers, and transmission lines. Scientists increasingly warn of the threat posed by energy sprawl to iconic western species such as sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and prong-horn (Antilocapra americana). Clearly, energy development is detrimental to many wildlife species, and the increasing demand for energy and the West’s abundant supply nearly ensure that these resources will be developed. Our aim here is to illustrate the scale of potential impacts, to draw comparisons between different energy sources, and to catalyze large-scale planning efforts designed to meet energy demands while reducing impacts on sensitive wildlife species and habitats.
Evaluation of Communication Latency in VMEbus-Based Real-Time Control Systems

Abstract Although the VMEbus has been widely used for real-time control systems, its real-time performance has not been evaluated thoroughly. This paper evaluates the latency of interprocessor communication in a VMEbus-based real-time control system. To minimize communication latency, mixed priority/round-robin (MPR) bus arbitration is proposed and its performance is evaluated along with standard PRI and RRS arbitration. The latency is evaluated via computer simulations and experimental measurements using a high-resolution timing-measuring instrument that can be directly plugged into the VMEbus.
P102 Proposed loss of heterozygosity of HLA class I region during acute myelogenous leukemia blast crisis

A 36 yo old male, newly diagnosed with AML, was accepted for transplant evaluation. Initial sequence based typing (SBT) of the patient revealed homozygous HLA class I alleles (Table 1). A potential related donor (sibling) typed by sequence specific oligonucleotide (SSO) primers shared one haplotype with the patient. A search identified a potential NMDP donor matching the patient at 10/10 antigens. However, confirmatory typing of the patient performed on a separate sample 106 days after diagnosis by SSO showed additional HLA A and B antigens and thus did not match the initial sample. HLA typing of the patient on new blood and buccal swab samples by STAT SSO matched the confirmatory typing, and revealed the sibling as a two haplotype match at the level tested. Additional analysis of short tandem repeats of the initial and confirmatory patient samples and initial sibling donor sample ruled out a sample swap originating within the laboratory. Consultation with the transplant team revealed the patient’s initial sample was drawn while the patient was experiencing blast crisis with myleoblasts representing 88% of the total cells. After one round of induction therapy, beginning 4 days after diagnosis, the patient achieved complete remission with a hypocellular bone marrow biopsy without excess blasts. In preparation for matched unrelated allogeneic stem cell transplant from the NMDP donor, the patient underwent consolidation therapy, and a bone marrow biopsy 98 days after initial diagnosis (8 days prior to confirmatory typing) showed the presence of all hematopoietic elements, an average cellularity of 65% and no excess blasts. Loss of heterozygosity in HLA Class I region of chromosome 6 is suspected in the patient’s initial sample and whole genome scanning by array comparative genomic hybridization is in process to confirm. The case study highlights the importance of confirmatory HLA typing for stem cell transplant patients and suggests that HLA typing of patients in blast crisis should be performed by buccal swab instead of blood. Download : Download high-res image (317KB) Download : Download full-size image
Stenosis Before Thrombosis: Intracranial Hypertension from Jugular Foramen Stenosis Secondary to Renal Osteodystrophy

Background Venous outflow obstructions are rare anatomic findings that can appear with symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure, including headache and vision loss, and can be mistaken for more common diagnoses, such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) or cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). Although venous outflow obstructions have been reported in rare bone dysplasias and congenital abnormalities, to date they have not been reported in renal osteodystrophy (ROD), a relatively common disorder seen in patients with chronic kidney disease. Case Description In this case, the authors describe a patient with marked intracranial hypertension from jugular foramen stenosis secondary to ROD. After diagnosis by CT and magnetic resonance venography, catheter venography confirmed an osseus band around the left jugular bulb, and a 40-mm Hg pressure gradient across the stenotic foramen. The patient subsequently underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting and optic nerve sheath fenestration with symptom improvement. The postoperative course was significant for development of CVST, necessitating treatment. Conclusions This report reviews the presentation, pathology, and neurosurgical treatment of patients with ROD and venous outflow obstructions, and explores the differential diagnoses of outflow obstructions, IIH, and CVST. To our knowledge, this is the first report of intracranial hypertension from jugular foramen stenosis secondary to renal osteodystrophy.
Bridging the Problem-Based Learning Gap for the Pre-Medical Student: Lessons Learned from Physicists Maxwell and Einstein

Abstract Our pre-medical curricula have changed little since Flexner identified eight core classes in 1910. Discussion has continued to refine what science mastery is needed to become a medical sch...
Mass Spectrometry for Synthesis and Analysis

Mass spectrometry is the science and technology of ions. As such, it is concerned with generating ions, measuring their properties, following their reactions, isolating them, and using them to build and transform materials. Instrumentation is an essential element of these activities, and analytical applications are one driving force. Work from the Aston Laboratories at Purdue University's Department of Chemistry is described here, with an emphasis on accelerated reactions of ions in solution and small-scale synthesis; ion/surface collision processes, including surface-induced dissociation (SID) and ion soft landing; and applications to tissue imaging. Our special interest in chirality and the chemistry behind the origins of life is also featured together with the exciting area of tissue diagnostics.
Measurement of vascular density

Determination of the number of microvessels in tissue is of great importance in the assessment of studies of vascular development, angiogenesis, and rarefaction (1). Numerous techniques, such as immunohistochemical staining, fluorescence injection, and India ink or microfil perfusion have been developed for microvascular visualization. In this section, we describe a micro-vascular visualization technique (2), which utilizes rhodamine-labeled Griffonia simplicifolia (GS-I) lectin to define both perfused and unperfused microvessels ranging from small arteries (20 μm) to normal capillaries (3-6 μm) to venous capillaries (6-9 μm), combined with a computerized image processing technique that rapidly and automatically determines vascular density in tissue sections (3).