cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Maximal Graded Exercise Test to Accurately Predict VO2max in 18–65-Year-Old Adults

The purpose of this study was to develop an age-generalized regression model to predict maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) based on a maximal treadmill graded exercise test (GXT; George, 1996). Participants (N = 100), ages 18–65 years, reached a maximal level of exertion (mean ± standard deviation [SD]; maximal heart rate [HRmax] = 185.2 ± 12.4 beats per minute (bpm); maximal respiratory exchange ratio [RERmax] = 1.18 ± 0.05; maximal rating of perceived exertion (RPEmax) = 19.1 ± 0.7) during the GXT to assess VO2max (mean ± SD; 40.24 ± 9.11 mL·kg−1·min−1). Multiple linear regression generated the following prediction equation (R = .94, standard error of estimate [SEE] = 3.18 mL·kg−1·min−1, %SEE = 7.9): VO2max (mL·kg−1·min−1) = 13.160 + (3.314 × gender; females = 0, males = 1) − (.131 × age) − (.334 × body mass index (BMI)) + (5.177 × treadmill speed; mph) + (1.315 × treadmill grade; %). Cross validation using predicted residual sum of squares (PRESS) statistics revealed minimal shrinkage (Rp = .93 and SEE p ...
Abstract 1037: WISP3/CCN6 regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor initiating cell properties in triple negative breast cancer cells through Slug

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Background: Although triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) constitute 10%-20% of all breast cancers, they are aggressive tumors with higher recurrence and poorer prognosis than other breast cancer subtypes. TNBCs frequently exhibit features of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and are enriched in breast tumor initiating cells (BTICs). Recent studies have demonstrated that aberrant activation of the EMT program induces stem cell features in breast cells, suggesting that blocking the cross-talk between EMT and stemness may be an effective treatment for TNBCs. WISP3/CCN6, a secreted matrix associated protein, is expressed in normal breast tissues and is decreased in aggressive breast cancer samples. We have shown that CCN6 knockdown in nontumorigenic breast cells triggers EMT and invasion. We hypothesize that CCN6 regulates the cross-talk between EMT and BTICs pathways in TNBCs. Methods: We overexpressed CCN6 in the TNBC cell lines, MDA-MB-231, SUM-159 and MDA-MB-436, which are aggressive and exhibit a mesenchymal-like phenotype and low endogenous CCN6 expression. We tested the effect of CCN6 overexpression in these cell lines using motility and invasion assays in vitro. Stem cell features were investigated by mammosphere assays, and the ALDEFLUOR assay by flow cytometry. We developed mammary xenografts in nude mice using serial dilutions to investigate the role of CCN6 in tumor initiation and metastasis. Results: Overexpression of CCN6 inhibits cell motility and invasion, and leads to phenotypic changes of mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), with downregulation of the mesenchymal cell marker vimentin, increased epithelial marker cytokeratin, and decreased protein levels of the EMT transcription factor Slug. CCN6 overexpression significantly decreased the ALDEFLUOR-positive population and mammosphere formation of TNBC cell lines. In vivo, CCN6 overexpression delayed tumor initiation and reduced metastasis in human breast cancer xenografts. Slug reconstitution was sufficient to rescue the effects of CCN6 on MET and stem cell properties of TNBCs. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that CCN6 regulates EMT and tumor initiating cell features in TNBC at least in part through Slug. Further, our study suggests that CCN6 may be a novel regulator of the EMT-stem cell cross talk in TNBC, with possible clinical application. Citation Format: Wei Huang, Kathy A. Toy, Celina G. Kleer. WISP3/CCN6 regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor initiating cell properties in triple negative breast cancer cells through Slug. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1037. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1037
In vivo validation of an ultra-high field, high temporal resolution myocardial tagging technique for assessment of diastolic function in mice

Background Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction accounts for approximately half of all heart failure cases and is associated with similar morbidity and mortality. Although abnormalities of diastolic function are felt to play an important role, no specific treatments have been identified for this common condition, primarily because of poor understanding of its pathophysiology. Despite development of several murine models of this disease, accurate non-invasive assessment of diastolic function has been challenging. Echocardiographic measurements have been limited by small heart sizes, rapid ventricular rates and high inter-observer variability. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of ultra-high field, high temporal resolution CMR tagging to assess diastolic function in mice, compared to the gold-standard technique of invasive pressure-volume loop analysis.
Enhancement of the upper critical magnetic field in La1.2−xEuxMo6S8 compounds☆

Abstract Measurements of the upper critical magnetic field (H c2 ) of the pseudoternary system La 1.2−x Eu x Mo 6 S 8 were made at temperatures above 1.5 K. An enhancement of the value of H c2 was found for 0 x ⩽ 0.6. The results are attributed to an increase of the orbital critical field with increasing x, compensation of the applied magnetic field by a negative exchange field due to an antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between the conduction electron spins and the Eu magnetic moments (Jaccarino-Peter effect), and exchange scattering of conduction electrons by the rare earth magnetic moments.
Monoclonal antibodies against human DNA polymerase-α do not cross-react with glucocorticoid receptors☆

None of 16 independent monoclonal antibodies against human (KB cell) DNA polymerase-alpha recognizes epitopes on cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors prepared from the same cells. Consistently negative results are obtained with separate assays that measure antibody binding to uncharged receptors or to charged receptor complexes that have been preloaded with a specific steroid ligand. These results must qualify the interpretation of possible immunological relations between polymerase-alpha and glucocorticoid receptors that were inferred from studies with polyclonal antisera of poorly defined specificity.
Endogenous vasoactive intestinal peptide and nitric oxide modulate cholinergic neurotransmission in guinea-pig trachea.

Guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle possesses an inhibitory non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (i-NANC) innervation and the neurotransmitters involved in this response may be vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and nitric oxide (NO). Since i-NANC mechanisms may co-exist with cholinergic nerves we have investigated whether endogenous VIP and NO modulate cholinergic neurotransmission. α-Chymotrypsin enhanced the cholinergic contractile responses to electrical field stimulation (EFS at 4 Hz by 38.6±4.8% (P < 0.05, n = 6) but did not produce a shift in the concentration-response curve to acetycholine (ACh). L-NG-Nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and L-NG-monomethyl arginine (L-NMMA) produced a concentration-dependent enhancement of cholinergic responses to EFS (4 Hz) (at 100 μM, 40.9±6.6% and 30.2±5.8%, P < 0.01) with no effect on response curves to ACh. This enhancement was reversed by L-arginine but not D-arginine (1 mM). D-NAME and D-NMMA and L-arginine had no effect on cholinergic neurotransmission. α-Chymotrypsin and L-NAME had no effect on excitatory NANC (e-NANC) neural responses in guinea-pig bronchi. These results suggest that endogenous NO and VIP may modulate cholinergic neurotransmission by either functional antagonism at the level of the airway smooth muscle or via a pre-junctional inhibition of ACh release from cholinergic nerve terminals or by both mechanisms.
Alkaloids of Lupinus diffusus nutt.

Abstract In addition to two trace alkaloids, sparteine and multiflorine have been isolated from Lupinus diffusus Nutt.
Properties of high density polyethylenes with bimodal molecular weight distribution

The effect of a bimodal molecular weight distribution on the flow properties and stress crack resistance of polyethylene is investigated. It is found that the melt viscosity of a bimodal polyethylene is less shear dependent at high shear rates than a log normal distribution of equivalent weight average molecular weight and ratio of weight average to number average molecular weight. Spiral mold studies indicate that the bimodal polymer flows more readily under injection molding conditions. The stress crack resistance of the bimodal polymer is shown to be superior to other polyethylenes of the same weight average molecular weight.
Posttranslational Cleavage and Adaptor Protein Complex-dependent Trafficking of Mucolipin-1

Mucolipin-1 (ML1) is a member of the transient receptor potential ion channel superfamily that is thought to function in the biogenesis of lysosomes. Mutations in ML1 result in mucolipidosis type IV, a lysosomal storage disease characterized by the intracellular accumulation of enlarged vacuolar structures containing phospholipids, sphingolipids, and mucopolysaccharides. Little is known about how ML1 trafficking or activity is regulated. Here we have examined the processing and trafficking of ML1 in a variety of cell types. We find that a significant fraction of ML1 undergoes cell type-independent cleavage within the first extracellular loop of the protein during a late step in its biosynthetic delivery. To determine the trafficking route of ML1, we systematically examined the effect of ablating adaptor protein complexes on the localization of this protein. Whereas ML1 trafficking was not apparently affected in fibroblasts from mocha mice that lack functional adaptor protein complex (AP)-3, small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown revealed a requirement for AP-1 in Golgi export of ML1. Knockdown of functional AP-2 had no effect on ML1 localization. Interestingly, cleavage of ML1 was not compromised in AP-1-deficient cells, suggesting that proteolysis occurs in a prelysosomal compartment, possibly the trans-Golgi network. Our results suggest that posttranslational processing of ML1 is more complex than previously described and that this protein is delivered to lysosomes primarily via an AP-1-dependent route that does not involve passage via the cell surface.
Conversations about culture: How Korean and Japanese cultural products, practices and perspectives are discussed to co-construct cultural understanding in talk

Abstract When learning to speak another language, expressing complex ideas about one's culture and the target culture is an important aspect of communication. This study examines the co-construction of culture through the conversational actions of the participants. Utilizing the cultural triangle of the three Ps (product, practice and perspective) proposed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) for classroom learning (National Standards in Foreign Language Education Project, 2006), this study examines whether this framework is useful for uncovering cultural talk in natural settings among Korean speakers of Japanese and their interlocutors. Cultural talk in this study is identified by demonstrating where participants display orientations through their conversational actions to culture. The findings move beyond the classroom to see how the participants display cultural awareness in conversations about culture and how ACTFL's products, practices and perspectives are accomplished in talk.
Practice-related improvement in information processing with novel antipsychotic treatment

Abstract Background : Attentional deficits are prominent in schizophrenia, and skill learning is impaired. Novel antipsychotic treatment has been reported to improve certain cognitive skills in schizophrenic patients, but no information is yet available about the effect of newer medications on skill learning. Methods : Clinically stable patients with schizophrenia ( n =16) and chronically hospitalized inpatients ( n =8) were recruited while receiving conventional antipsychotic treatment. Subjects were tested at baseline on a visual continuous performance test (CPT), performed alone and simultaneously with an auditory CPT. Normal controls ( n =8) were also tested at baseline. The inpatients and half of the outpatients were switched to treatment with risperidone. All patients then performed the visual CPT on a daily basis and performed the dual tasks once per week, for 4 weeks. Results : Patients who remained on conventional medications did not improve in their performance despite the extensive practice on the test. Both chronic and stable patients receiving risperidone treatment manifested a statistically significant ( P P Implications : These results suggest that practice-related improvements in the performance of information processing tests are enhanced by novel antipsychotic medications. Although the specific biological mechanism of this effect is not yet known, the results may suggest that use of newer medications will enhance skill development and perhaps facilitate rehabilitation of patients with schizophrenia.
Searching for the quark-gluon plasma.

This article is a review of research done to date on attempts to detect the quark-gluon plasma. Experiments at CERN and Brookhaven are described. 4 refs., 2 figs.
Considering a critique of pathological gambling prevalence research

The social construction of illness and disease has a long and rich history. Young's (2012) account of the relationship between the gambling industry and the construct of pathological gambling is an...
System identification and control of ionic polymer metal composite

In this paper, we present the development of an empirical force model and the feedback control of the force produced by Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC). IPMC shows great potential as a low-mass, high-displacement actuator. The high-precision force generation capability of IPMC at low force level makes it ideal for the microdevice applications such as microgrippers. Thus, modeling of the force generated by IPMC is of critical importance along with its control. Force models previously developed are based on the electrochemical and electromechanical phenomena. Most of these models consisted of partial differential equations representing each phenomenon, so it is difficult to develop a force controller on the basis of these models. This paper presents a force model developed for an IPMC strip by system identification and the feedback control of the force produced by the IPMC strip. After the implementation of the controller, the settling time is reduced to 1.5 s from 10 s in open loop, and the overshoot is reduced to 30% from 125% in open loop. The crossover frequency is 1.3 Hz limited by the structural resonance of the polymer strip.
THE 1960's: A DECADE OF PROGRESS IN GEOGRAPHICAL RESEARCH AND INSTRUCTION

ABSTRACT The emergence of geography as an abstract, theoretical science appears to have been the most overriding development in geographic research during the 1960's. Attention has focused on the spatial organization of economic, social, physical, political and urban processes, and on how outcomes generated by these processes are evidenced at given times and in particular places. Special attention has been placed on the spatial aspects of social processes, giving rise to a new social geography. Problems related to environmental perception and control have also been researched. Accompanying these developments has been a widespread acceptance of the need for more geographically-oriented quantitative methods for use in model building. Continued progress has been made in the observation and handling of data, computer programming, and the application of remote sensing to geographic problems. All of these developments have had impacts on the teaching of geography, especially at the high school and undergraduate...
Inspection of poultry skin tumor using hyperspectral fluorescence imaging

Hyperspectral fluorescence images reveal useful information for detecting skin tumor on poultry carcasses. In this paper, a hyperspectral fluorescence imaging system with fuzzy interference scheme is presented for detecting skin tumors on poultry carcasses. Image samples are obtained from a hyperspectral fluorescence imaging system for 65 spectral bands whose wavelength is ranged from 425(nm) to 711(nm). The approximation component of the level-1 decomposition of discrete wavelet transform is used for processing to reduce a large amount of hyperspectral image data. Features are computed from two spectral bands corresponding to the two peaks of relative fluorescence intensity. A fuzzy interference system with a small number of fuzzy rules and Gaussian membership functions successfully detects skin tumors on poultry carcasses.
Fast MLE for SPECT using an intermediate polar representation and a stopping criterion

The maximum-likelihood estimation (MLE) approach to SPECT (single-photon-emission computed tomography) has received considerable interest since the application of the expectation maximum (EM) algorithm to emission tomography. In addition to the appealing asymptotic properties of MLE solutions, the EM algorithm guarantees convergence to a positive solution. In practice, several drawbacks to an MLE approach are encountered: the computational demands are quite large, especially in comparison to noniterative techniques; reconstructions tend to take on an increasingly, nonsmooth quality as the MLE solution is approached, so the algorithm is usually terminated long before convergence. The authors address these problems in two ways: they perform the actual source estimation on a rectangular grid but use a polar pixel representation of the source during forward/back projection operations to reduce the computational requirements; they use a chi-squared test to statistically determine a suitable cutoff point for the iterative process. >
Phosphodiesterase 5 restricts NOS3/Soluble guanylate cyclase signaling to L-type Ca2+ current in cardiac myocytes.

Abstract Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) regulates the functional response to β-adrenergic (β-AR) stimulation via modulation of the L-type Ca 2+ current ( I Ca ). However, the NOS3 signaling pathway modulating I Ca is unknown. This study investigated the contribution of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), a cGMP-specific PDE, in the NOS3-mediated regulation of I Ca . Myocytes were isolated from NOS3 knockout ( NOS3 −/− ) and wildtype (WT) mice. We measured I Ca (whole-cell voltage-clamp), and simultaneously measured Ca 2+ transients (Fluo-4 AM) and cell shortening (edge detection). Zaprinast (selective inhibitor of PDE5), decreased β-AR stimulated (isoproterenol, ISO)- I Ca , and Ca 2+ transient and cell shortening amplitudes in WT myocytes. However, YC-1 (NO-independent activator of sGC) only reduced ISO-stimulated I Ca , but not cardiac contraction. We further investigated the NOS3/sGC/PDE5 pathway in NOS3 −/− myocytes. PDE5 is mislocalized in these myocytes and we observed dissimilar effects of PDE5 inhibition and sGC activation compared to WT. That is, zaprinast had no effect on ISO-stimulated I Ca , or Ca 2+ transient and cell shortening amplitudes. Conversely, YC-1 significantly decreased both ISO-stimulated I Ca , and cardiac contraction. Further confirming that PDE5 localizes NOS3/cGMP signaling to I Ca ; YC-1, in the presence of zaprinast, now significantly decreased ISO-stimulated Ca 2+ transient and cell shortening amplitudes in WT myocytes. The effects of YC-1 on I Ca and cardiac contraction were blocked by KT5823 (a selective inhibitor of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase, PKG). Our data suggests a novel physiological role for PDE5 in restricting the effects of NOS3/sGC/PKG signaling pathway to modulating β-AR stimulated I Ca , while limiting effects on cardiac contraction.
Perspectives on tubulin isotype function and evolution based on the observation that Tetrahymena thermophila microtubules contain a single α‐ and β‐tubulin

We have cloned and sequenced the two beta-tubulin genes of the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila. The two genes encode identical 443 amino acid peptides which are 99.7% identical to the beta-tubulin proteins of T. pyriformis and 95% identical to human beta 1 tubulin. T. thermophila contains only one alpha-tubulin gene (Callahan et al., 1984: Cell 36:441-445). Thus, all of the extremely diverse microtubule structures in this unicellular organism can be formed from a single alpha- and a single beta-tubulin peptide. We have also carried out a phylogenetic analysis of 84 complete beta-tubulin peptide sequences. This analysis supports two hypotheses regarding beta-tubulin evolution and function: 1) Multifunctional beta-tubulins are under greater evolutionary constraint than beta-tubulins present in specialized cells or in cells with very few microtubule related functions, which can evolve rapidly; and 2) Cells which form axonemes maintain a homogeneous population of tubulins.
The relations between chromospheric features and photospheric magnetic fields

High resolution photographic magnetograms are compared with Hα filtergrams (both on- and off - band) for a wide variety of solar features. It is verified that Hα filaments overlie neutral lines or bands and that Hα plages always occur at magnetic field clumps. However, the brightness of Hα plages bear no relation to magnetic field strength or polarity, and the direction of the magnetic field with respect to threads and filaments remains obscure. Counter-examples can be found for virtually every ‘rule’ that has been formulated so far.
Elbow defect coverage with a one-staged, tunneled latissimus dorsi transposition flap

Upper extremity reconstruction is very challenging due to the unavailability of expendable local muscles. A review of the literature reveals that the latissimus dorsi muscle has been used for functional restoration of elbow extension and flexion as well as soft-tissue coverage of upper arm and shoulder defects. In addition, the latissimus dorsi muscle has been used for forearm reconstruction. Although we have been unable to find any reports of the use of the latissimus dorsi muscle for pure coverage of complex elbow wounds, we have successfully used the latissimus dorsi transposition flap to cover complex elbow defects in a one-staged procedure for patients. In 3 of 4 patients, the latissimus dorsi transposition flap was the first choice. In the other patient, the latissimus dorsi flap was successfully used as an alternative choice for coverage of an open, comminuted elbow fracture after a failed rectus abdominis free tissue transfer. A technique is described for coverage of complex elbow defects by transferring a latissimus dorsi muscle on its vascular pedicle with or without an overlying skin island. This procedure is safe, one-staged, and results in minimal donor morbidity. The latissimus dorsi transposition flap provides reliable coverage of complex elbow defects and should be considered the flap of choice for coverage of the elbow.
Regional metabolism during coronary occlusion, reperfusion, and reocclusion using phosphorus31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the intact rabbit

Few studies have examined metabolic consequences of coronary occlusion and reperfusion using phosphorus31 nuclear magnetic resonance (31P-NMR) in an intact animal model. Accordingly, we developed a model to study serial changes in myocardial metabolism in the intact open-chest rabbit. Ten animals underwent 20 +/- 2 minutes of regional coronary occlusion and 60 +/- 10 minutes of reperfusion followed by reocclusion. Cardiac-gated 31P-NMR spectra were obtained with a regional surface coil over the ischemic area during baseline, occlusion, reperfusion, and reocclusion conditions. Phosphocreatine fell with both the initial and second ischemic insults to 65% +/- 5% of baseline for the first occlusion (p less than 0.01) and tended to decrease to 89% +/- 8% of baseline for the second occlusion (p = 0.07), with normal levels reattained in the intervening period of reperfusion (99% +/- 5% of baseline, p = NS). Concordant inverse changes were seen with inorganic phosphates. At occlusion levels of inorganic phosphates were 135% +/- 10% of baseline (p less than 0.05) and 139% +/- 10% of baseline at reocclusion (p less than 0.05). Levels of adenosine triphosphate decreased during occlusion to 78% +/- 9% of baseline and were significantly lower than baseline during the second occlusion (75% +/- 5% of baseline, p less than 0.01). The ratio of phosphocreatine to inorganic phosphates, when compared with values at baseline, decreased at occlusion (49.6% +/- 4.7% of baseline, p less than 0.01) and at reocclusion (64.7% +/- 4.9% of baseline, p less than 0.01), with a normal ratio reattained in the intervening period of reperfusion (93.3% +/- 3.1% of baseline, p = NS). We conclude that reperfusion restores levels of phosphocreatine and adenosine triphosphate while returning levels of inorganic phosphates to baseline. Deleterious changes in high-energy phosphate metabolism are not potentiated by reocclusion in this model. 31P-NMR spectroscopy holds promise as a technique to noninvasively monitor intracellular biochemical processes serially during various interventions in the intact animal model.
Status of Piping Plovers in the Great Plains of North America: A Demographic Simulation Model

A stochastic population growth model using empirical demographic data confirmed that the Piping Plover population of the Great Plains of North America is declining by more than 7% annually. Unchecked, this decline would result in extirpation in approximately 80 years. When recent adult (0.66) and immature (0.60) survival rates were held constant, a 31% increase—from 0.86 to 1.13 chicks fledged per pair—was needed to stabilize the population. Annual population increases of 1% and 2% required 1.16 and 1.19 chicks per pair, respectively. Such growth would result in the Great Plains population reaching the level—(2550 pairs)—needed for delisting from the U.S. Endangered Species Act protection in 53 and 30 years, respectively. One- and five-year delays in the initiation of 1% population growth caused 13 and 67 year delays respectively in reaching recovery. Un modelo de crecimiento poblacional estocastico, que usa datos demograficos empiricos confirmo que la poblacion de chorlitos (Charadrius melodus) de las Grandes Planicies (America del Norte) esta declinando mas de un 7% por ano. Si esta declinacion no es controlada, resultara en extincion en alrededor de 80 anos. Cuando las tasas de supervivencia de adultos recientes (0.66) e individuos inmaduros (0.60) fueron mantenidas constantes, se necesito un 31% de aumento, de 0.86 a 1.13 polluelos volantones por pareja, para estabilizar la poblacion. Crecimientos poblacionales anuales de 1% y 2% requirieron 1.16 y 1.19 polluelos por pareja, respectivamente. Tal crecimiento haria que la poblacion alcance el nivel requerido (2550 parejas) para que sea excluida de la proteccion, bajo el Acta de Especies en Peligro de los Estados Unidos, dentro de unos 53 y 30 anos, respectivamente. Retardos de 1 y 5 anos en la iniciacion de un crecimiento poblacional del 1% causaria, respectivamente, 13 y 67 anos de retardo en la recuperacion.
Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Destruction to Deliver siRNA Cancer Therapy

Microbubble contrast agents can specifically deliver nucleic acids to target tissues when exposed to ultrasound treatment parameters that mediate microbubble destruction. In this study, we evaluated whether microbubbles and ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) could be used to enhance delivery of EGFR-directed small inhibitory RNA (siRNA) to murine squamous cell carcinomas. Custom designed microbubbles efficiently bound siRNA and mediated RNAse protection. UTMD-mediated delivery of microbubbles loaded with EGFR-directed siRNA to murine squamous carcinoma cells in vitro reduced EGFR expression and EGF-dependent growth, relative to delivery of control siRNA. Similarly, serial UTMD-mediated delivery of EGFR siRNA to squamous cell carcinoma in vivo decreased EGFR expression and increased tumor doubling times, relative to controls receiving EGFR siRNA loaded microbubbles but not ultrasound or control siRNA loaded microbubbles and UTMD. Taken together, our results offer a preclinical proof of concept for customized microbubbles and UTMD to deliver gene-targeted siRNA for cancer therapy.
Is the Implicit Association Test a Valid and Valuable Measure of Implicit Consumer Social Cognition

This article discusses the need for more satisfactory implicit measures in consumer psychology and assesses the theoretical foundations, validity, and value of the Implicit Association Test (IAT) as a measure of implicit consumer social cognition. Study 1 demonstrates the IAT's sensitivity to explicit individual differences in brand attitudes, ownership, and usage frequency, and shows their correlations with lAT-based measures of implicit brand attitudes and brand relationship strength. In Study 2, the contrast between explicit and implicit measures of attitude toward the ad for sportswear advertisements portraying African American (Black) and European American (White) athlete–spokespersons revealed different patterns of responses to explicit and implicit measures in Black and White respondents. These were explained in terms of self-presentation biases and system justification theory. Overall, the results demonstrate that the IAT enhances our understanding of consumer responses, particularly when consumers are either unable or unwilling to identify the sources of influence on their behaviors or opinions.
Magnetostrictive sensor technology and its applications

Abstract The magnetostrictive sensor (MsS) is a type of transducer which can generate and detect time-varying stresses or strains in ferromagnetic materials. In this paper, a general description is first given of the physical principles of the MsS. sensor configuration and instrumentation, and operating characteristics and capabilities. Then a description is given of its various scientific and engineering applications, including the study of wave dispersion in structures, global and long-range inspection of steel pipes and tubes, condition monitoring of machinery such as combustion engines, and onboard sensing of crash events for vehicle safety system operations.
Monte Carlo simulations of FTIR studies during CO oxidation on a Pt/SiO2 catalyst

Abstract A Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of the reaction of CO with an oxygen covered Pt surface and oxygen with a CO covered Pt surface is presented in this paper. The effect of the adsorption, desorption, reaction, and surface migration rates on the formation of CO clusters is analyzed in terms of the CO frequency shift in the IR spectrum. The MC simulation calculates the CO frequency shifts according to a dipole-dipole interaction model. The IR frequency shifts predicted by the simulation depend on the value of the various kinetic processes considered. The simulation indicates that the CO migration on the surface is important at low pressure but is inhibited at high pressure. The IR frequency shifts predicted by the simulation agree qualitatively with experimental values obtained during CO oxidation on a Pt catalyst.
Arrested exocytosis of synaptic vesicles at a glutamatergic synapse, the insect fast excitatory neuromuscular junction

Abstract New ultrastructural evidence supporting the vesicular theory of neurotransmitter release has been obtained using a tannic acid incubation technique. In tannic acid-treated muscles of the locust ( Schistocerca gregaria ), sites of arrested synaptic vesicle fusion are present at synapses of the fast excitatory neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Tannic acid treatment, prior to aldehyde fixation, permits a degree of normal cell function to be maintained so that exocytosis can continue. This results in large numbers of fused vesicles, found merging fully with the presynaptic membrane throughout the synapses. A possible mechanism of membrane retrieval has also been identified, involving large invaginations from the presynaptic membrane.
Quantitative anal sphincter electromyography in primiparous women with anal incontinence.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether evidence of denervation/reinnervation of the external anal sphincter is associated with anal incontinence symptoms immediately after delivery. Study Design After a first vaginal delivery, 42 women completed an anal incontinence questionnaire. They also underwent concentric needle electromyography of the external anal sphincter. For each subject, motor unit action potential and interference pattern parameters were determined. Results For the motor unit action potential, no difference was observed between patients with and without anal incontinence symptoms ( t -test). For the interference pattern, the amplitude/turn was greater in subjects with fecal urgency (318 ± 48 [SD] μV) and fecal incontinence (332 ± 48 μV), compared with those without fecal urgency (282 ± 38 μV) and fecal incontinence (286 ± 41 μV; P = .02, t -test). Conclusion In this group of postpartum women with mild anal incontinence symptoms, interference pattern analysis shows evidence of denervation and subsequent reinnervation.
Document Segmentation Using Pixel-Accurate Ground Truth

We compare methodologies for trainable document image content extraction, using a variety of ground-truth policies: loose, tight, and pixel-accurate. The goal is to achieve pixel-accurate segmentation of document images. Which ground-truth policy is the best has been debated. ``Loose'' truth is obtained by sweeping rectangles to enclose entire text blocks etc, and can be an efficient manual task. ``Tight'' truth requires more care, and more time, to enclose individual text lines. Pixel-accurate truth, in which only foreground pixels are labeled, can be obtained by applying the PARC PixLabeler tool; in our experience this tool was as quick to use as loose truthing. We have compared the accuracy of all three truthing policies, and report that tight truth supports higher accuracy than loose truth, and pixel-accurate truth yields the highest accuracy. We have also experimented on morphological expansions on pixel-accurate truth, by expanding sets of foreground pixels morphologically, and report that expanded pixel-accurate truth supports higher accuracy than pixel-accurate truth.
Characterization and chromosomal localization of a cDNA encoding brain amyloid of Alzheimer's disease

Four clones were isolated from an adult human brain complementary DNA library with an oligonucleotide probe corresponding to the first 20 amino acids of the beta peptide of brain amyloid from Alzheimer's disease. The open reading frame of the sequenced clone coded for 97 amino acids, including the known amino acid sequence of this polypeptide. The 3.5-kilobase messenger RNA was detected in mammalian brains and human thymus. The gene is highly conserved in evolution and has been mapped to human chromosome 21.
Condensation reactions of a comenaldehyde derivative

Condensation reactions of comenaldehyde methyl ether (I) with malonic acid, ethyl cyanoacetate, and cyanoacetamide to give β-(5-methoxy-4H-pyran-4-on-2-yl)acrylic acid (II), ethyl 2-cyano-3-(5-methoxy-4H-pyran-4-on-2-yl)propenoate (III), and 2-cyano-3-(5-methoxy-4H-pyran-4-on-2-yl)propenamide (IV), respectively, are described. Ultraviolet absorption spectra for 2-hydroxymethyl-5-methoxy-4H-pyran-4-one, I and II are presented.
Quickest Detection of a Minimum of Disorder Times

A multi-source quickest detection problem is considered. Assume there are two independent Poisson processes X1and X2with disorder times θ 1 and θ 2 , respectively: that is the intensities of X1and X2change at random unobservable times θ 1 and θ 2 , respectively. θ 1 and θ 2 are independent of each other and are exponentially distributed. Define θ\#25B5\θ 1 \#22C0\θ 2 =min {θ 1 , θ 2 }. For any stopping time τ that is measurable with respect to the filtration generated by the observations define a penalty function of the form R τ =\#2219\(τ 0 and (τ - 0)+is the positive part of τ - 0. It is of interest to find a stopping time τ that minimizes the above performance index. Since both observations X1and X2reveal information about the disorder time θ, even this simple problem is more involved than solving the disorder problems for X1and X2separately. This problem is formulated in terms of a two dimensional sufficient statistic, and the corresponding optimal stopping problem is examined. Using a suitable single jump operator, this problem is solved explicitly.
A novel role for sphingolipid metabolism in oxidant-mediated skeletal muscle fatigue. Focus on "Sphingomyelinase stimulates oxidant signaling to weaken skeletal muscle and promote fatigue".

sphingolipids are a chemically diverse group of biological lipids typified by a sphingoid base backbone derived from condensation of a fatty acyl-CoA to an amino acid (typically, but not always, serine) ([24][1], [27][2]). These lipids occur throughout eukaryotic species, thus reflecting their
Who pays for biliary complications following liver transplant? A business case for quality improvement.

We use biliary complication following liver transplantation to quantify the financial implications of surgical complications and make a case for surgical improvement initiatives as a sound financial investment. We reviewed the medical and financial records of all liver transplant patients at the UMHS between July 1, 2002 and June 30, 2005 (N = 256). The association of donor, transplant, recipient and financial data points was assessed using both univariable (Student's t-test, a chi-square and logistic regression) and multivariable (logistic regression) methods. UMHS made a profit of $6822 ± 39 087 on patients without a biliary complication while taking a loss of $5742 ± 58 242 on patients with a biliary complication (p = 0.04). Reimbursement by the payer was $55 362 higher in patients with a biliary complication compared to patients without a biliary complication (p = 0.001). Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, the two independent risk factors for a negative margin included private insurance (compared to public) (OR 1.88, CI 1.10–3.24, p = 0.022) and biliary leak (OR = 2.09, CI 1.06–4.13, p = 0.034). These findings underscore the important impact of surgical complications on transplant finances. Medical centers have a financial interest in transplant surgical quality improvement, but payers have the most to gain with improved surgical outcomes.
Cost-Effectiveness of Apixaban, Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, and Warfarin for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation

Background and Purpose—To estimate the cost-effectiveness of stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation by using novel oral anticoagulants apixaban 5 mg, dabigatran 150 mg, and rivaroxaban 20 mg compared with warfarin. Methods—A Markov decision-analysis model was constructed using data from clinical trials to evaluate lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life-years of novel oral anticoagulants compared with warfarin. The modeled population was a hypothetical cohort of 70-year-old patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, increased risk for stroke (CHADS2 ≥1), renal creatinine clearance ≥50 mL/min, and no previous contraindications to anticoagulation. The willingness-to-pay threshold was $50 000/quality-adjusted life-years gained. Results—In the base case, warfarin had the lowest cost of $77 813 (SD, $2223), followed by rivaroxaban 20 mg ($78 738±$1852), dabigatran 150 mg ($82 719±$1959), and apixaban 5 mg ($85 326±$1512). Apixaban 5 mg had the highest quality-adjusted life-year...
Samuelsonian and Weisbrodian Public Goods

Pure public goods, as defined by Paul Samuelson, are well understood. However, Burton Weisbrod argues that a substantial number of private goods have public good attributes. Among the goods mentioned by Weisbrod are visits to a park or hospital. These goods have two important attributes: uncertainty in consumption and substantial time and other costs associated with changing capacity to produce them. The question is: How do these public-type goods differ from Samuelsonian public goods? The analysis is based on a social welfare function whose arguments are the individual utilities of the members of society. Each member of society is assumed to gain utility from a private good for which he or she has an uncertain demand and from another private good. Individual endowments can be used to produce the private good or the capacity to enjoy the good for which demand is uncertain. Capacity, once produced, is available to all. Under these conditions, Weisbrodian public goods differ from Samuelsonian public goods a...
Evaluation of a Competitive Exclusion Culture and Megan Vac 1 on Salmonella Typhimurium Colonization in Neonatal Broiler Chickens

Abstract The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of individual or simultaneous application of 2 products, a competitive exclusion culture (CEC) or Megan Vac 1 (MV), for bioefficacy in reducing Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) cecal colonization in broiler chicks following experimental challenge. In experiment 1, CEC and MV were applied to day-of-hatch broiler chicks, and chicks were experimentally challenged with ST approximately 48 h later. In control chicks, ST was recovered at a level of 3.84 log10 cfu/g following direct plating of cecal contents, and 12 of 19 (63.15%) cultured individual ceca were positive following selective enrichment. In chicks receiving CEC by spray application on day of hatch, a numerical reduction in ST recovered from cecal contents (2.63 log10 cfu/g) and a significant reduction (P
MicroRNA expression in rat brain exposed to repeated inescapable shock: differential alterations in learned helplessness vs. non-learned helplessness

MicroRNA (miRNA) expression was measured within frontal cortex of male Holtzman rats subjected to repeated inescapable shocks at days 1 and 7, tested for learned helplessness (LH) at days 2 and 8, and sacrificed at day 15. We compared rats that did vs. did not exhibit LH, as well as rats that were placed in the apparatus and tested for avoidance but not given shocks (tested controls, TC). Non-learned helpless (NLH) rats showed a robust adaptive miRNA response to inescapable shock whereas LH rats showed a markedly blunted response. One set of 12 miRNAs showed particularly large, significant down-regulation in NLH rats relative to tested controls (mir-96, 141, 182, 183, 183*, 298, 200a, 200a*, 200b, 200b*, 200c, 429). These were encoded at a few shared polycistronic loci, suggesting that the down-regulation was coordinately controlled at the level of transcription. Most of these miRNAs are enriched in synaptic fractions. Moreover, almost all of these share 5'-seed motifs with other members of the same set, suggesting that they will hit similar or overlapping sets of target mRNAs. Finally, half of this set is predicted to hit Creb1 as a target. We also identified a core miRNA co-expression module consisting of 36 miRNAs that are highly correlated with each other across individuals of the LH group (but not in the NLH or TC groups). Thus, miRNAs participate in the alterations of gene expression networks that underlie the normal (NLH) as well as aberrant (LH) response to repeated shocks.
Intravascular ultrasound mediated delivery of DNA via microbubble carriers to an injured porcine artery in vivo

Millions of stents are implanted worldwide each year in patients with atherosclerotic arteries. Safety concerns relating to drug eluting stents have spurred interest in alternative vessel therapies. We hypothesized that a reporter gene could be delivered to a porcine coronary artery via intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and plasmid-coupled microbubbles. In vitro delivery resulted in 0.17% of cells exhibiting successful transfection. An anesthetized porcine underwent balloon angioplasty on a coronary artery. Microbubble injection and rupture were controlled at the injury site using a modified intravascular ultrasound catheter. At 3 days post-insonation, gene expression was localized at injured vessel sites in (23.3% of luminal cells) with minimal expression in control arteries (3.6% of luminal cells). Our results demonstrate that IVUS has promise for localized intra-vascular gene therapy and may potentially offer a novel method for preventing restenosis.
Self-reported differences on measures of executive function in a patient sample of pathological gamblers.

Patients seeking help for pathological gambling often exhibit features of impulsivity, cognitive rigidity, poor judgment, deficits in emotion regulation, and excessive preoccupation with gambling. Some of these characteristics are also common among patients presenting with neurological pathology associated with executive deficits. Evidence of executive deficits have been confirmed in pathological gamblers using objective neurocognitive tests, however, it remains to be seen if such findings will emerge in self-report measures of executive control. These observations led to the current investigation of differences between a group of pathological gamblers (n = 62) and a comparison group (n = 64) using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version (BRIEF-A). Significant differences between the groups emerged over all nine subscales of executive functioning with the most dramatic differences on BRIEF-A subscales Inhibit, Plan/Organize, Shift, Emotion Control, Self-Monitor, and Initiate amon...
High-brightness rf photocathode guns for single pass X-ray free-electron lasers

Abstract Single-pass X-ray FELs will require very bright, high-current, stable electron beams as drivers. A key element of the accelerator system for such a device is the electron source, which should produce 1 nC bunches with a few hundred amperes peak current and a normalized rms emittance of 1π mm mrad. The photocathode rf gun appears to be the only source capable of meeting these requirements. We discuss technological issues associated with beam dynamics, photocathodes, and drive-laser stability. The impact of drive-laser phase stability on buncher performance is discussed in detail.
Adaptive methods for equalization of rapidly fading channels

Basis expansion ideas are employed in order to equalize frequency-selective, rapidly fading channels. It is shown that for certain fading channels (like the mobile radio channel), the coefficients' time variation can be modeled as a combination of a small number of complex exponentials, which leads to novel adaptive and decision-feedback equalization algorithms. By interpreting ideas from cyclostationary signal analysis, batch and recursive methods are also developed for estimating the frequencies of the exponentials. Finally, some illustrative simulations are presented. >
Animating equations on the Web

These days, a visit to the World Wide Web usually involves a visual treat of things that move, blink, fade in or out, and morph from one shape to another. They sometimes even make noise. Banner advertisements are particularly notorious for using these effects to grab your attention. There are other good uses for animation, however, not the least of which is to illustrate a technological or scientific principle that would otherwise be hard to get across in a static, 2D graphic. The paper discusses the use of Macromedia's Flash software to create and incorporate low bandwidth animations that give visitors considerable flexibility in how they interact with the Web page.