cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inactivation of the nuclear receptor TR3 as an important new drug target for treating RCC.

e15618 Background: The high mortality of patients with RCC is due to poor performance of most chemotherapy. There is a critical need for development of new mechanism-based drugs.The nuclear orphan ...
The Effect of Percutaneous Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement to the Native Aortic Valve Competency

Purpose Impella percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) use is rapidly expanding for cardiogenic shock management. Devices are delivered through the aortic valve (AV). Due to the design, there remains concern that Impella may disrupt aortic valve morphology and competency, potentially causing secondary aortic insufficiency (AI) after explantation. Secondary AI could compromise cardiac function and may further reduce the efficacy of future mechanical circulatory support. Prior reports are limited and results remain unclear. The aim of this study is to characterize the relationship between Impella placement and AI after explantation. Methods This was a single center retrospective analysis. All patients who had Impella LVAD support from April 2014 to August 2019 were included. Patient demographics, implant indications, duration of support, and pre- and post-implant echocardiograms were analyzed. Post-implant echocardiograms were analyzed at eight time points, with focus on the most recent finding. ASE guidelines were used to quantify AI. Impella CP and Impella 5.0 patients were sub-analyzed separately. A Mann Whitney U-test was performed on AI analysis. Any AV complications requiring surgical procedures were reviewed. Results 146 patients received Impella (CP: n= 104, 71.2%, 5.0: n=37, 25.3%, 2.5: n=5, 3.4%) support. Mean age was 63.8 years (16-88). 27.4% of patients were female (n=40). Mean days of support was 4.8 days (0-28). Mean follow up time was 70.2 days post-implant (0-1484 days). Indications were bridge to recovery, bridge to LVAD or heart transplant, ECPELLA, and high-risk PCI, respectively (n=57, 39.0%; n=19, 13.0%; n=18, 12.3%; n=52, 35.6%). The pre-implant and post-explant degree of AI is shown in figure 1. There was no statistically significant AI progression (p=0.76). One patient developed severe AI and required an AV replacement (0.68%). Conclusion Although increasing AI post-Impella support is rare, careful follow up is warranted.
Health Care Costs of Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Within a Medicare Managed Care Provider.

BACKGROUND Although one third of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, there is limited information about the cost of treating Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) in these settings. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to estimate direct health care costs attributable to ADRD among older adults within a large MA plan. RESEARCH DESIGN A retrospective cohort design was used to estimate direct total, outpatient, inpatient, ambulatory pharmacy, and nursing home costs for 3 years before and after an incident ADRD diagnosis for 927 individuals diagnosed with ADRD relative to a sex-matched and birth year-matched set of 2945 controls. SUBJECT Adults, 65 years of age and older enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente Washington MA plan and the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) Study, a prospective longitudinal cohort study of ADRD and brain aging. MEASURES Data on monthly health service use obtained from health system electronic medical records for the period 1992-2012. RESULTS Total monthly health care costs for individuals with ADRD are statistically greater (P<0.05) than controls beginning in the third month before diagnosis and remain significantly greater through the eighth month following diagnosis. Greater total health costs are driven by significantly (P<0.05) greater nursing home costs among individuals diagnosed with ADRD beginning in the third month prediagnosis. Although total costs were no longer significantly greater at 8 months following diagnosis, nursing home costs remained higher for the people with dementia through the 3 years postdiagnosis we analyzed. CONCLUSION Greater total health care costs among individuals with ADRD are primarily driven by nursing home costs.
Bimodal evolution of Src and Abl kinase substrate specificity revealed using mammalian cell extract as substrate pool

The specificity of phosphorylation by protein kinases is essential to the integrity of biological signal transduction. While peptide sequence specificity for individual kinases has been examined previously, here we explore the evolutionary progression that has led to the modern substrate specificity of two non-receptor tyrosine kinases, Abl and Src. To efficiently determine the substrate specificity of modern and reconstructed ancestral kinases, we developed a method using mammalian cell lysate as the substrate pool, thereby representing the naturally occurring substrate proteins. We find that the oldest tyrosine kinase ancestor was a promiscuous enzyme that evolved through a more specific last common ancestor into a specific human Abl. In contrast, the parallel pathway to human Src involved a loss of substrate specificity, leading to general promiscuity. These results add a new facet to our understanding of the evolution of signaling pathways, with both subfunctionalization and neofunctionalization along the evolutionary trajectories.
Orthognathic Hardware Complications in the Era of Patient-Specific Implants.

BACKGROUND Patients undergoing orthognathic skeletal correction present with a variety of comorbidities that may affect surgical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine how patient risk factors and operative technique contribute to complication rates after orthognathic surgery in the era of patient-specific implants. METHODS Retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of pediatric patients undergoing Le Fort I osteotomy, bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, and/or genioplasty from 2014 to 2018. Patient risk factors, operative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were gathered and compared with appropriate statistics. RESULTS Ninety-four patients met inclusion criteria, with an overall 1-year complication rate of 11.7 percent (11 of 94). Patient-specific mandibular plates are significantly associated with infection (p = 0.009; OR, 8.8), occurrence of any complication (p = 0.003; OR, 8.3), readmission (p < 0.001; OR, 11.1), and reoperation (p < 0.001; OR, 11.4). In patients with syndromes or history of cleft lip/palate, patient-specific mandibular plates are associated with infection (p = 0.006; OR, 10.3), readmission (p < 0.001; OR, 21.6), and reoperation (p < 0.001; OR, 22.9). In multivariate regression controlling for age, sex, syndrome status, and orofacial cleft history, use of patient-specific mandibular plates was associated with infection (p = 0.017; adjusted OR, 12.5), any complication (p = 0.007; adjusted OR, 11.8), readmission (p = 0.001; adjusted OR, 17.9), and reoperation (p = 0.001; adjusted OR, 18.9). CONCLUSIONS In the era of patient-specific orthognathic surgery, syndromic status and use of patient-specific mandibular plates are associated with increased infection, readmission, and reoperation because of hardware-related complications. The authors' data support increased caution and counseling with use of patient-specific mandibular implants in patients with syndromic status, history of orofacial cleft, and history of previous maxillomandibular surgery given increased risk of hardware-related complications. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, III.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy Added to Intensive Lifestyle Intervention in Older Men With Obesity and Hypogonadism.

BACKGROUND Obesity and hypogonadism additively contribute to frailty in older men; however, appropriate treatment remains controversial. OBJECTIVE Determine whether testosterone replacement augments the effect of lifestyle therapy on physical function in older men with obesity and hypogonadism. DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING VA Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS 83 older (age ≥65 years) men with obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) and persistently low am testosterone (<10.4 nmol/L) associated with frailty. INTERVENTIONS Participants were randomized to lifestyle therapy (weight management and exercise training) plus either testosterone (LT+Test) or placebo (LT+Pbo) for 6 months. OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was change in Physical Performance Test (PPT) score. Secondary outcomes included other frailty measures, body composition, hip bone mineral density (BMD), physical functions, hematocrit, prostate specific antigen (PSA), and sex hormones. RESULTS PPT score increased similarly in LT+Test and LT+Pbo group (17% vs. 16%; P = 0.58). VO2peak increased more in LT+Test than LT+Pbo (23% vs. 16%; P = 0.03). Despite similar -9% weight loss, lean body mass and thigh muscle volume decreased less in LT+Test than LT+Pbo (-2% vs. -3%; P = 0.01 and -2% vs -4%; P = 0.04). Hip BMD was preserved in LT+Test compared with LT+Pbo (0.5% vs -1.1%; P = 0.003). Strength increased similarly in LT+Test and LT+Pbo (23% vs 22%; P = 0.94). Hematocrit but not PSA increased more in LT+Test than LT+Pbo (5% vs 1%; P < 0.001). Testosterone levels increased more in LT+Test than LT+Pbo (167% vs 27%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION In older, obese hypogonadal men, adding testosterone for 6 months to lifestyle therapy does not further improve overall physical function. However, our findings suggest that testosterone may attenuate the weight loss-induced reduction in muscle mass and hip BMD and may further improve aerobic capacity.
Optical Packet Switching

The concept of optical packet switching (OPS) is emerging as an alternative to coarser-grained switching in the optical domain. Despite the significant technological challenges it faces, OPS holds the promise of a highly reconfigurable, bandwidth-efficient, and flexible optical layer. In this chapter we study some of the architectural and design issues for OPS networks, we examine a number of enabling technologies, and we discuss some of the ongoing research and experimental efforts.
Lessons from Democratic Transitions: Case Studies from Asia

Abstract In an era when democratization is stalled or in retreat in many parts of the world, it is important to highlight the successful democratic experience of East and Southeast Asia in recent decades. Five consolidated democracies have emerged since the mid-1980s; only Thailand has seen some backsliding with the 2006 coup. The Asian cases provide insights into several major debates in the democratization literature, including the relative importance of culture, history, economic structure, and the optimal sequencing of political and economic reform. This article reviews these issues, with particular attention to the role of outside powers in underpinning democratization. Ultimately, the Asian cases offer evidence for optimism about the prospects of a Fourth Wave of democratization.
Lewis Adduct-Induced Phase Transitions in Polymer/Solvent Mixtures

Functionalization-induced phase transitions in polymer systems in which a postpolymerization reaction drives polymers to organize into colloidal aggregates are a versatile method to create nanoscal...
Production and Characterization of Albino Mutants for Use in Protoplast Culture

Genetic methods for somatic hybrid selection are handicapped by the necessity for incorporation of the selectable marker into the desired parental genetic background. Unless a genetic marker can be rapidly and simply incorporated into a prospective parental genotype, physical and metabolic selection methods are more readily applied.
Improvement of Transient Response in Adaptive Control Using Modified High Order Tuning

Transient response has always been an important issue in adaptive control. A recent paper presents a useful method to control transient response, but it requires precise knowledge of the plant high frequency gain. The following paper shows how to use high order tuning to solve this problem without this prior knowledge, and recent work indicates that simplication of the tuning error, or "augmented" error, as well as elimination of additional prior knowledge requirements, may be possible.
Learning Optimal Control Using Integral Equations

This paper concerns the problem of determining an optimal control action for a dynamic linear system using an adaptive learing algorithm. The control is subjected to inequality constraints. The optimality criterion consists of a finite horison quadratic cost functional with weightings on the state trajectory errors and control action. The optimal control problem is reformulated using variational calculus as an integral equation on the control action and associated Kuhn-Tucker multipliers. The adaptive algorithm simultaneously updates the control action and the associated Kuhn-Tucker multiplier function using a gradient adaptive functional estimation algorithm. It is shown that the function estimates converge asymptotically to the optimal action and associated Kuhn-Tucker multiplier function respectively. The optimisation adaptive algorithm is tested by a computer simulation example.
PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BRUCELLA SPHEROPLASTS

Abstract Hines, William D. (University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill.), Bob A. Freeman, and Gary R. Pearson. Production and characterization of Brucella spheroplasts. J. Bacteriol. 87:438–445. 1964.—Spheroplasts of Brucella were induced by glycine, penicillin, and a combination of the two. These spheroplasts lacked cell-wall endotoxin but did react with antiserum prepared against cell wall and against whole cells. Phase-contrast photomicrographs and electron micrographs are presented, which show no morphological difference between the protoplasts produced by penicillin and by glycine. The glycine and glycine-penicillin spheroplasts were osmotically sensitive, would not reproduce, and only a small percentage reverted to the bacillary form. Penicillin spheroplasts would not reproduce and were not osmotically sensitive. Penicillin spheroplasts showed significant reversion when induced by low concentrations of penicillin, but the rate of reversion decreased with increasing antibiotic concentration. Penicillin and glycine spheroplasts adsorbed brucellaphage at a reduced rate compared with normal Brucella, but spheroplasts produced by the combined action of penicillin and glycine failed to demonstrate brucellaphage adsorption.
Fusion of human posture features for continuous action recognition

This paper presents a real-time or online system for continuous recognition of human actions. The system recognizes actions such as walking, bending, jumping, waving, and falling and relies on spatial features computed to characterize human posture. The paper evaluates the utility of these features based on its joint or independent treatment within the context of the Hidden Markov Model (HMM) framework. A baseline approach wherein disparate spatial features are treated as an input vector to trained HMMs is used to compare three different independent feature models. In addition, an action transition constraints is introduced to stabilize the developed models and allow for continuity in recognized actions. The system is evaluated across a dataset of videos and results reported in terms of frame error rate, the frame delay in recognizing an action, action recognition rate, and the missed and false recognition rates. Experimental results shows the effectiveness of the proposed treatment of input features and the corresponding HMM formulations.
The importance of communication in collaborative decision making: facilitating shared mind and the management of uncertainty.

Rationale Quality medical decision making requires that clinicians and patients incorporate the best available clinical evidence with the patients' values and preferences to develop a mutually agreed upon treatment plan. The interactive process involved in medical decision making is complex and requires patients and clinicians to use both cognitive and communicative skills to reach a shared understanding of the decision. Aims and objectives The purpose of this paper is to present a communication model to help better understand quality medical decision making, and how patient-centered, collaborative communication enhances the decision-making process. Methods We present research on shared mind and cognitive and communicative skills to highlight how they can facilitate the management of uncertainty during the interactive process involved in medical decision making. We provide simple examples about how to frame messages to achieve shared mind and foster uncertainty tolerance. Conclusions Strategies such as providing clear explanations, checking for understanding, eliciting the patient's values, concerns, needs, finding common ground, reaching consensus on a treatment plan, and establishing a mutually acceptable follow-up plan can facilitate collaborative decision making. Future research should explore ways to implement collaborative decision-making processes in existing health care systems.
Reduction of native oxides on GaAs during atomic layer growth of Al2O3

The reduction of surface “native” oxides from GaAs substrates following reactions with trimethylaluminum (TMA) precursor is studied using medium energy ion scattering spectroscopy (MEIS) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). MEIS measurements after one single TMA pulse show that ∼65% of the native oxide is reduced, confirmed by XPS measurement, and a 5 A thick oxygen-rich aluminum oxide layer is formed. This reduction occurs upon TMA exposure to as-received GaAs wafers.
SHRP PG CLASSIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF IN-SERVICE ASPHALTS AFTER EIGHT YEARS

A study has been conducted on the changes to in-service asphalts. This study represents ongoing extensive research efforts at Purdue University to investigate the changes to in-service asphalts and to evaluate the recently developed Superpave asphalt binder specifications. During the 1985 construction season, samples from the original asphalt binders and the truck mix samples (original mixtures) were retained from a number of paving projects in Indiana. In 1992/1993, after 7 to 8 years in-service, cores from these pavements were taken. During the same period of time, distress surveys were conducted. In a later stage, six projects were selected for detailed analysis using Superpave binder test equipment and procedures. A major interest of this research was to characterize the changes in the asphalt binders in-service and to correlate these changes with the pavement distresses, mainly: permanent deformation (rutting), fatigue cracking, and low temperature cracking. Consequently, the performance grade (PG) binder specifications could be evaluated. The Superpave binder tests and associated criteria were used to determine the high, immediate, and low temperature characteristics (stiffness, (PA)) of the asphalt binders tested. The results compare the relation between the conditioned (aged) asphalt binders from the Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) test and the asphalt binders extracted from the original mixtures and the relation between the asphalt binders conditioned in the Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) to the asphalt binders extracted from the in-service (field) cores. The results indicate that the current Superpave RTFO conditioning does not simulate short term aging. Similarly, the results show that the PAV aging procedure does not correspond to the aging encountered after eight years in-service.
Infinitesimal 1-parameter subgroups and cohomology

This is the first of two papers in which we determine the spectrum of the cohomology algebra of infinitesimal group schemes over a field k of characteristic p > 0. Whereas [SFB] is concerned with detection of cohomology classes, the present paper introduces the graded algebra k[Vr(G)] of functions on the scheme of infinitesimal 1-parameter subgroups of height < r on an affine group scheme G and demonstrates that this algebra is essentially a retract of H" (G, k) provided that G is an infinitesimal group scheme of height <Kr. This work is a continuation of [F-S] in which the existence of certain universal extension classes was established, thereby enabling the proof of finite generation of H* (G, k) for any finite group scheme G over k. The role of the scheme of infinitesimal 1-parameter subgroups of G was foreshadowed in [F-P] where H* (G(1), k) was shown to be isomorphic to the coordinate algebra of the scheme of p-nilpotent elements of g = Lie(G) for G a smooth reductive group, G(1) the first Frobenius kernel of G, and p = char(k) sufficiently large. Indeed, p-nilpotent elements of g correspond precisely to infinitesimal 1-parameter subgroups of G(1). Much of our effort in this present paper involves the analysis of the restriction of the universal extension classes to infinitesimal 1-parameter subgroups. In ?1, we construct the affine scheme Vr(G) of homomorphisms from Ga(r) to G which we call the scheme of infinitesimal 1-parameter subgroups of height < r in G. In the special case r = 1, this is the scheme of p-nilpotent elements of the p-restricted Lie algebra Lie(G); for various classical groups G, Vr(G) is the scheme of r-tuples of p-nilpotent, pairwise commuting elements of Lie(G). More generally, an embedding G c GLn determines a closed embedding of Vr(G) into the scheme of r-tuples of p-nilpotent, pairwise commuting elements of gl1 = Lie(GLn). The relationship between k[Vr (G)], the coordinate algebra of Vr (G), and H* (G, k) is introduced in Theorem 1.14: a natural homomorphism of graded k-algebras
Social Construction and Health

Social construction represents a major theme in sociology. Ever since Berger and Luckman (1967) suggested that some of our most taken-for-granted assumptions about society are embedded in specific “realities”, sociologists, across the board, have been interested in such processes and applied them to a wide array of topics. Social constructs are viewed as the by-products of countless human choices, rather than laws that result from divine will or nature. This approach stands in contrast to essentialism that considers specific phenomena as inherent and transhistorical essences independent of human actions and decisions (Burr 1995). The theoretical contributions of medical sociologists within this perspective are shaped by the development of medical sociology itself. Early on, Strauss (1957) pointed out the inherent tension between sociologists in medicine and sociologists of medicine. The former generally collaborate closely with medical doctors to solve practical problems in medicine, but the latter are committed to use issues of health, illness, and healing as a window to help us understand larger sociological questions. Increasingly, sociologists are interested in questions that simultaneously advance sociological theory and have implications for the well-being of populations and individuals. Not surprisingly, these questions often center on how social and cultural factors matter for the way in which we understand and respond to biological processes.
Time correlation of light intensity, voltage and current waveforms in breakdown of transformer oil under steep-fronted impulse excitation

Time-correlated specimen voltage, current, and light-intensity waveforms are related to tree initiation, onset of conduction, and tree propagation. Results on breakdown voltage and time of initiation relative to waveforms are also given. It is demonstrated that the breakdown phenomena in polymethylmethacrylate, as indicated by waveforms and self-luminosity, are similar to those described for breakdown in transformer oil. >
Immunopathology in pemphigus

Abstract The introduction of immunofluorescence (IF) techniques in dermatology has led to major advances in the understanding and in the diagnosis of pemphigus. These IF methods have allowed us to detect the serum autoantibodies reactive with an intercellular substance (ICS) of skin, mucosa, and bound immunoglobulin (IgG) in the ICS of skin lesions. 1 These studies provided the initial evidence that pemphigus is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin.
Relative humidity and temperature dependence of the ammonium nitrate dissociation constant

Expressions for predicting the temperature and relative humidity dependence of the NH4NO3 dissociation constant are derived from fundamental thermodynamic principles. The general trends predicted by the theory agree with the atmospheric data of Appel et al. (1979, 1980), Pitts (1978, 1979) and Tuazon et al. (1980)
240 Delayed Cord Clamping in Very Low Birthweight Infants Reduces the Incidence of Intraventricular Hemorrhage and Late Onset Sepsis

240 Delayed Cord Clamping in Very Low Birthweight Infants Reduces the Incidence of Intraventricular Hemorrhage and Late Onset Sepsis
Primary structure of a human protein which bears structural similarities to members of the rhodopsin/β-adrenergic receptor family

A human placental lambda gt11 cDNA library was screened with an antisera directed against a peptide of the first intracellular loop of the G-protein linked photoreceptor bovine rhodopsin. A clone, pHPS{sub 1}-2 was identified and a 1,788 bp EcoRI restriction fragment sequenced. The putative open reading frame encodes a protein that is similar to other membrane receptor proteins by a variety of criteria. Immunoblot analysis of a lambda lysogen of pHPS{sub 1}-2 indicates that the determinant of antibody recognition does not lie in the predicted open reading frame. This determinant arose as a fusion product of beta-galactosidase and the extreme 5{prime} region of pHPS{sub 1}-2. The nature of this putative protein is undetermined.
Approximating feeder line reliability statistics with partial data collection in assembly systems

Due to the difficulty and high cost of data collection, many feeder lines in assembly systems lack full collection of data. However, reliability statistics of feeder lines are important in throughput analysis and continuous improvement of manufacturing systems. In this paper, a simple approximation approach is presented to estimate the reliability statistics of feeder lines from the associated assembly station's collected blocking and starving information. It is shown that the approach is helpful for accurate throughput estimation and sensitivity analysis. We also show how feeder line speed can be used to improve the approximation.
Effects and interactions of epinephrine, norepinephrine, timolol, and betaxolol on outflow facility in the cynomolgus monkey.

Total outflow facility was determined in cynomolgus monkeys by two-level constant pressure perfusion. Topical epinephrine increased facility by 30% to 35% three to four hours after dosing, whether given as a single 600-μg dose or as twice daily 600-μg doses for three days. A single 5.5-μg intracameral dose of epinephrine or norepinephrine increased facility by 65% to 70% three to four hours after dosing. A single 180-μg topical dose of timolol or betaxolol had no effect on facility three to four hours later. Timolol pretreatment prevented the facility-increasing effect of both topical epinephrine and intracameral norepinephrine, but betaxolol pretreatment prevented neither. These findings indicate that no cumulative facility-increasing effect of epinephrine, beyond the acute (three hour) facility-increasing effect, develops within three days; there may be a facility-decreasing effect of large topical epinephrine doses on the vascular structures external to the trabecular meshwork; there is no, or only subthreshold, facility-affecting ambient β-adrenergic tone in the meshwork; and the facility-increasing effect of both epinephrine and norepinephrine is mediated by β 2 -adrenergic receptors in the trabecular endothelium.
Subchorionic intervillositis: Relationship to premature rupture of membranes and cervicitis

Abstract Study Objective: The inflammatory response engendered by cervicovaginal infections is believed to be an important, preventable, antecedent of premature rupture of the membranes. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that early histologic evidence of placental inflammation, subchorionic intervillositis, is a more common finding in placentas obtained from women who have cervicitis during gestation than in placentas obtained from other women. Design, Main Outcome Measure, and Participants/Setting: Standard gross and histologic techniques were used to examine the placentas of 105 poor, black women in relation to three clinical signs of cervicitis: hypertrophic ectopia, friability, and inflammatory discharge. Results: We found subchorionic intervillositis in 28 (26.7%) of the placentas. Subchorionic intervillositis was significantly associated with both premature rupture of the membranes and neonatal morbidity. Cervicitis was diagnosed in 63.5% of the subjects who were examined. Contrary to the study hypothesis, subchorionic intervillositis was a less common finding in the placentas of study subjects who had cervicitis (6.1% vs. 47.4%; χ 2 = 12.3 p Conclusions: We speculate that prompt antibiotic treatment of clinically evident cervicitis eradicated potentially pathogenic microflora and prevented the ascent of the local inflammatory response up the birth canal.
Target interaction with stratigraphy beneath shallow, frozen lakes: Quarter-wave resonances within GPR profiles

Resonances within ground-penetrating radar GPR reflection profiles recorded over shallow, frozen lakes located onanartilleryandbombingrangeininteriorAlaskaoriginate near ice/bottom and freeze/thaw interface horizons and are similar to those caused by shallow utilities. The transmitted pulse spectra were centered near 280 MHz. Low-pass filteringdifferentiatestheresonancesfrombackgroundscattering. Thetransittimesbetweentheironsetandthatoftheoverlying interface reflections correspond with spectral peaks predicted for layers with thickness of one in-situ quarter-wavelength, which we call quarter-wave resonance.The peaks are below 160 MHz, which is well below the transmitted pulse bandwidth and may occur as a modulation of a reflection sequence.Although the transit times cannot resolve both layer thickness and permittivity, reasonable values of permittivity give overburden layers above the targets on the order of 10 cm, which is consistent with the persistence of the resonances. Numerical models of metal objects beneath an interface between materials of strong permittivity contrast reveal that significant energy at the predicted frequencies requires cylinderdiameterstoolargetobeordnance.However,strong resonances at the predicted frequencies result fromflat metal sheets of 0.5‐1 m dimension, and so we interpret the resonances to be caused by nonhazardous targets. Late winter is an ideal time to survey for targets in this area because the ice affords repeatable positioning for the antennas and thermal high-dielectric-contrast interfaces are then well developed. Thebandwidthofthepulseweusedappearsideallysuitedfor bothresolutionoftheshallowstrataanddetectionoftheresonances, thereby allowing the resonances to be checked againstquarter-wavetheory.
Recurrent encephaloclastic cyst induced by intraventricular topotecan

Abstract Objective To report two rare cases of encephaloclastic cyst induced by intraventricular topotecan. To share our experience in diagnosing and treating this rare disease. Background Ommaya reservoirs provide fast access and reliable drug delivery to cerebral spinal fluid. They are routinely utilized for the administration of intrathecal chemotherapy accounting for greater than 80% of cases for which they are used. Complications of Ommaya reservoir placement and its use consist of infectious and other late noninfectious causes. Encephaloclastic cysts provoked by intraventricular chemotherapy are very uncommon. The pathogenesis may result from alterations in CSF pulsations with retrograde flow of intraventricular chemotherapy into the brain parenchyma and subsequent development of a local chemical encephalopathy. It has been previously reported with methotrexate use but never with topotecan administration. Methods We report two rare cases of encephaloclastic cyst with intraventricular topotecan use. The patients were diagnosed and treated at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. They consented to the publication of their laboratory results and imaging studies for educational purposes. Result The patients presented with metastatic cancers (breast/lung) complicated by leptomeningeal disease. Ommaya reservoirs were placed in both cases and patients were initiated on intraventricular topotecan at 0.4 mg twice weekly. After approximately 12 intraventricular treatments, both patients developed confusion, seizures and headaches. MRI of the brain demonstrated cystic dilatation of the brain parenchyma around the catheter that connects to the reservoir dome and delivers the drug to the intraventricular space. The catheter was surrounded by vasogenic edema. Catheters were removed and analyzed and were found to be intact. CSF analyses showed no evidence of infection or malignancy. Intraventricular topotecan was discontinued and both patients demonstrated sustained clinical and radiological responses. Conclusion These cases highlight an atypical complication of intraventricular use of topotecan with successful management.
Long-term outcomes by clopidogrel duration and stent type in a diabetic population with de novo coronary artery lesions.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine whether long-term clinical outcomes differed between bare-metal stents (BMS) and drug-eluting stents (DES) by duration of clopidogrel use among diabetic patients. Background There is concern that DES are associated with late adverse events such as death and myocardial infarction (MI) secondary to stent thrombosis. However, data on outcomes in diabetic patients remain limited. Methods We identified 749 patients with diabetes mellitus who underwent stent implantation with either BMS (n = 251) or DES (n = 498) from October 2002 to December 2004. We performed survival analysis on the full cohort and on those event-free from death, MI, or repeat revascularization at 6 months (n = 671). Results By clopidogrel duration, the event rate for death or MI was 3.2% in the >9-month group, 9.4% in the 6- to 9-month group, and 16.5% in the 9-month group, 4.3% in the 6- to 9-month group, and 10.0% in the Conclusions Longer duration of clopidogrel use was associated with a lower incidence of death or MI in both the BMS and DES groups. Among clopidogrel nonusers, the incidence of death/MI or death did not differ by stent type.
A new digitized method of the compulsive gnawing test revealed dopaminergic activity of salvinorin A in vivo.

The compulsive gnawing (CG) test has been used for numerous years as an assay to determine the dopaminergic activity of various compounds. We developed a new method of quantification via a digitization step which allowed a more precise measurement of the gnawing activity. It was the aim of the present study to explore possible do- paminergic effects of salvinorin A (SA), the major active compound of Salvia divinorum, using the new digitized CG test. A group of experiments us- ing male C57BL/6 mice were performed to vali- date the new method of quantification showing only significant increases of gnawing when the dopamine reuptake inhibitors buproprion (20mg/kg, p.o.) and nomifensine (10mg/kg, i.p.) were given concomitantly with apomorphine (10mg/kg, i.p.). Different concentrations of the SA (1.0, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) were tested with positive dopaminergic activity when admin- istered with apomorphine which differed from the semisynthetic counterpart U-69593. Further- more, the activity observed with SA was unsuc- cessfullyantagonized by the κ-opioid receptor an- tagonist norbinaltorphimine (NorBNI; 10 and 20mg/kg, i.p.), while the dopamine antagonist haloperidol did successfully block (0.06mg/kg, i.p.) the gnawing activity seen with SA. Our data further strengthen the argument that salvinorin A is not a selective κ-opioid receptor agonist and is the first in vivo study that veers from salvinorin A acting solely like its synthetic counterparts. Fur- thermore, the digitized CG test system used in this study provides a new computational method to accurately detect behavior associated with dopaminergic neurotransmission. " Salvia divinorum l " Lamiaceae l " salvinorin A
Government turnover: Concepts, measures and applications

While government turnover is often thought of as an adverse source of instability, it may also be viewed as a favourable source of competition and institution-building. To articulate and test such hypotheses, this article describes two main concepts of government turnover: leadership turnover, or change in rulers, and ideological turnover, or change in the rulers' ideology. Refinements involve the mode, outcome and timing of turnover. The article discusses measurement issues that arise when there are multiple power institutions and when parliaments are controlled by changing majority coalitions. The measures of turnover are illustrated by examining the post-communist world. The article considers the possibility that higher cumulative post-transition turnover - in terms of leaderships or ideologies - has assisted in establishing the rule of law. Turnover of governments is a basic source of variation in institutions and policies. Like mass accountability through elections, frequent change of gov- ernments is a distinguishing feature of democracy. Unlike mass electoral accountability, however, the frequency of government turnover is a variable characteristic of democracy. The frequency and character of turnover depend on voter preferences, political institutions, and salient events and issues. In autocracies, turnover may be less common, but also varies in quantity and quality. Turning to effects, turnover is often considered to be an important influence on economic policies and performance. Yet turnover's impact is understood in different, sometimes contradictory ways - as a disruptive source of uncertainty and instability, or as promoting accountability and error correc- tion through political competition. After reviewing some hypothetical eco- nomic impacts, this article advances a family of concepts and measures of government turnover. These can be used to articulate and test theories and hypotheses about turnover's consequences.
Practical Application of Nonrandomized Research to Patient Care: A Case Study of Nesiritide

Prospective, randomized clinical trials are the gold standard for establishing cause-and-effect relationships between therapeutic interventions and specific outcomes. Unfortunately, these types of studies are not always available to evaluate important clinical end points such as mortality. Meta-analyses and observational studies are often used in an attempt to fill the gap in the literature when no prospective, randomized trials exist to answer a research question. A rapid increase in the number of published meta-analyses and observational studies has occurred in recent years. In the absence of prospective, randomized studies, it is essential for the clinician to understand the important issues involved in interpreting these other types of studies. When evaluating a meta-analysis, the clinician should assess for several different forms of bias, clinical heterogeneity, and use of appropriate methodology. When evaluating an observational study, sources of bias and confounding should be identified. If the potential for confounding is present, the methods used to minimize the impact of confounders should be evaluated for appropriateness. Mortality associated with nesiritide in the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure is a contemporary example of the use of nonrandomized research to address a research question that is unanswered by prospective, randomized studies. We review the details of a recent meta-analysis and observational evaluation of mortality associated with nesiritide and discuss the issues that are important in critical evaluation of nonrandomized study designs.
Treatment and outcomes of ARUBA-eligible patients with unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations at a single institution

Object Management of unruptured arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is controversial. In the first randomized trial of unruptured AVMs (A Randomized Trial of Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations [ARUBA]), medically managed patients had a significantly lower risk of death or stroke and had better outcomes. The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) was one of the participating ARUBA sites. While 473 patients were screened for eligibility, only 4 patients were enrolled in ARUBA. The purpose of this study is to report the treatment and outcomes of all ARUBA-eligible patients at UCSF. Methods The authors compared the treatment and outcomes of ARUBA-eligible patients using prospectively collected data from the UCSF brain AVM registry. Similar to ARUBA, they compared the rate of stroke or death in observed and treated patients and used the modified Rankin Scale to grade outcomes. Results Of 74 patients, 61 received an intervention and 13 were observed. Most treated patients had resection with or ...
Variational inequalities with lower dimensional obstacles

We study a two-dimensional variational inequality where the interior constraining function, or obstacle, is defined only on a segment of the domain. A simple proof of the existence and smoothness of the solution to this type of problem is available via the results of a recent paper by Lewy and Stampacchia. Important special cases include the Dirichlet Integral and the area integrand.
Monitoring waterbird abundance in wetlands: The importance of controlling results for variation in water depth

Abstract Wetland use by waterbirds is highly dependent on water depth, and depth requirements generally vary among species. Furthermore, water depth within wetlands often varies greatly over time due to unpredictable hydrological events, making comparisons of waterbird abundance among wetlands difficult as effects of habitat variables and water depth are confounded. Species-specific relationships between bird abundance and water depth necessarily are non-linear; thus, we developed a methodology to correct waterbird abundance for variation in water depth, based on the non-parametric regression of these two variables. Accordingly, we used the difference between observed and predicted abundances from non-parametric regression (analogous to parametric residuals) as an estimate of bird abundance at equivalent water depths. We scaled this difference to levels of observed and predicted abundances using the formula: ((observed − predicted abundance)/(observed + predicted abundance)) × 100. This estimate also corresponds to the observed:predicted abundance ratio, which allows easy interpretation of results. We illustrated this methodology using two hypothetical species that differed in water depth and wetland preferences. Comparisons of wetlands, using both observed and relative corrected abundances, indicated that relative corrected abundance adequately separates the effect of water depth from the effect of wetlands.
Young children's acquisition of the movement aspect in American Sign Language: parental report findings.

The acquisition of the movement aspect of American Sign Language signs was examined longitudinally in 9 young children of deaf parents. During monthly home visits, the parents demonstrated on video...
The duality of virtue: Deconstructing the moral hypocrite.

Abstract The present study examined the processes giving rise to moral hypocrisy, a phenomenon in which individuals judge their own transgressions to be less morally objectionable than the same transgressions enacted by others. Two alternative models of the source of hypocrisy were compared to determine whether hypocrisy results from automatic or volitional biases. Findings demonstrated not only that participants viewed their own transgressions as significantly more “fair” than the same transgressions enacted by others, but also that this bias was eliminated under conditions of cognitive constraint. These findings support the view that hypocrisy stems from volitionally-guided justifications, and thereby suggest that at a more basic level, humans possess a negative response to violations of fairness norms whether enacted by themselves or others.
Rationally designed peptide regulators of protein kinase C

Protein-protein interactions sequester enzymes close to their substrates. Protein kinase C (PKC) is one example of a ubiquitous signaling molecule with effects that are dependent upon localization. Short peptides derived from interaction sites between each PKC isozyme and its receptor for activated C kinase act as highly specific inhibitors and have become available as selective drugs in basic research and animal models of human diseases, such as myocardial infarction and hyperglycemia. Whereas the earlier inhibitory peptides are highly specific, we believe that peptides targeting additional interactions between PKC and selective substrates will generate even more selective tools that regulate different functions of individual isozymes. Here, we discuss the methodologies and applications for identifying selective regulators of PKC.
Hydrogen degradation of 21-6-9 and medium carbon steel by disc pressure test

This paper reports the method of disc pressure test and the results for 21-6-9 stainless steel and medium carbon steel in hydrogen gas with different pressures and time of storage. The results show the hydrogen induced degradation of these two kinds of steel. An attempt was made to establish an index which uses variation of area of deformed disc to determine the degradation of ductility in a hydrogen environment.
Infrared laser deposition of Teflon coatings on microstructures

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, trade name Teflon) has a wide range of unique and desirable physical, electrical and chemical properties. Its tribological properties are well-suited to anti-stiction applications, and its chemical inertness commends it as a barrier and passivation layer. However, conventional thin-film techniques are not suited for depositing Teflon films on microstructures. Spin coating is impossible because of the well-known insolubility of PTFE. Plasma polymerization of fluorocarbon monomers, ion beam and rf sputtering produce PTFE films that are deficient in fluorine. Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) using excimer and Ti:sapphire lasers is unsatisfactory because UV or near-IR laser ablation "unzips" the PTFE, and requires high-temperature annealing to re-polymerize the deposited monomeric film. We have demonstrated that a completely dry, vapor-phase coating technique - resonant infrared pulsed laser deposition (RIR-PLD) at a wavelength of 8.26 μm -produces crystalline, smooth Teflon films at low process temperatures. Indeed, the films as deposited by RIR-PLD exhibit a surprising degree of crystallinity even at room temperature. The stoichiometry and local electronic structure are preserved during the laser vaporization process, as demonstrated by IR absorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Films deposited on microscale structures show good adhesion, excellent smoothness, and a high degree of conformability to the structures. We also discuss experiments planned for the near future to compare the tribological properties of the PTFE films deposited by RIR-PLD with those of other tribological coatings. We will also discuss the implementation of RIR-PLD in practical processing schemes for MEMS applications, including the challenge in adapting existing solid-state mid-IR laser technology for this purpose.
Aquatic hazard, bioaccumulation and screening risk assessment for 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate.

Abstract This study assessed the aquatic toxicity and bioaccumulation potential of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA). Acute and chronic aquatic hazard endpoints indicate 6:2 FTSA is not classified for aquatic hazard according to GHS or European CLP legislation. The aqueous bioconcentration factors for 6:2 FTSA were