cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Small-molecule direct antithrombins: argatroban

Argatroban represents the first antithrombin agent that was approved for clinical use. It belongs to the peptidomimetic (arginomimetic) group of drugs with multiple pharmacological properties. Unlike the other antithrombin drugs, such as hirudins and hirulogs, argatroban is a reversible antithrombin agent and therefore exhibits a considerably different pharmacological profile. Although argatroban is considered to be a member of the antithrombin family, its mechanisms of action include several other processes that have not been explored fully to date. These include the inhibition of non-thrombin serine proteases, a direct effect on endothelial cells and the vasculature (generation of nitric oxide), and downregulation of various inflammatory and thrombotic cytokines. Due to its lower molecular weight, argatroban is capable of passing through endovascular and cellular barriers and may, therefore, be more effective than heparins and hirudins in the antithrombotic management of microvascular disorders. Argatroban is an effective anticoagulant agent that produces a stronger anticoagulant effect than heparins and hirudins at equivalent anticoagulant levels, as measured by the activated clotting time (ACT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). At comparable ACT (300 seconds) and APTT (75-90 seconds), argatroban produces stronger inhibition of thrombin generation, as measured by in-vitro assays. Argatroban does not generate any neutralizing or non-neutralizing antibodies, and has predictable antithrombotic effects in different patients. In addition to the inhibition of thrombogenesis, argatroban also facilitates blood flow, inhibition of platelet activation and endothelial cell stimulation, mechanisms that are not necessarily related to thrombin inhibition. Despite these pharmacological advantages, additional clinical investigations are needed to validate the use of argatroban in clinical indications other than those for which it is currently approved, namely, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and support of percutaneous coronary angioplasty.
Adjuvant chemo‐lmmunotherapy in stage II carcinoma of the breast

From July of 1974 to June of 1978, 131 patients with Stage II carcinoma of the breast were randomly assigned to one of three treatment arms in order to assess the efficacy of adding immunotherapy to adjuvant chemotherapy. All patients had metastases in the axillary lymph nodes, but no clinical evidence of systemic disease. Prognostic factors were relatively equally distributed among the three treatment arms. All patients received adjuvant chemotherapy consisting of cytoxan, methotrexate, and 5-fluo-rouracil (CMF). In addition, patients received adjuvant immunotherapy consisting of Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) or BCG plus a tumor cell vaccine. This vaccine was a mixture of allogeneic breast cancer cell lines grown in tissue culture. Fourteen patients receiving tumor cell vaccine developed hepatitis B, leading to the abandonment of this arm of the study. Side effects of chemotherapy were tolerable. No statistically significant difference could be demonstrated in recurrence rate or survival. However, the two groups receiving adjuvant chemo-immunotherapy had a slightly shorter time to recurrence and lower overall survival. The use of chemo-immunotherapy as administered in this study did not improve the clinical course of patients with Stage II breast cancer and was associated with significant morbidity.
The effect of impulsivity and empathy on abstinence of poly-substance abusers: a prospective study.

The relation between impulsivity, empathy, and abstinence of poly-substance abusers in self-help groups is investigated prospectively. Utilizing S. B. G Eysenck et al.s' Impulsivity Questionnaire (17), new self-help 'club' members were assessed for traits of empathy and impulsivity. Abstinence was assessed one year later. Impulsivity correlated negatively with abstinence and positively with numbers of 'slips'. Contrary to previous research, empathy failed to correlate with either variable. Possible interpretations and future research directions are discussed.
Optimal Control of Vector-Virus-Plant Interactions: The Case of Potato Leafroll Virus Net Necrosis

This paper introduces a new specification to the economic pest management literature designed to optimally manage vector–virus–plant interactions for a single crop. The viral, insect-vector, and plant-host stocks are treated as renewable resources and conjunctively controlled in a discrete-time control framework subject to crop quality standards established in marketing contracts. The result is a conceptual integrated pest management model providing optimal insecticide scheduling and dynamic decision-making thresholds in a novel economic pest management context. Model results are compared qualitatively with those from previous specifications. The model is applied empirically to control potato leafroll virus net necrosis in commercial potato production.
Desmoplastic Fibroma of the Mandible: A Series of Three Cases and Review of Literature

The desmoplastic fibroma (DF) is a rare, fibroblastic lesion of bone that histologically resembles the desmoid tumor of soft tissue. Although classified as benign, it frequently demonstrates aggressive behavior, often causing tooth mobility, extensive bone destruction, and has a moderate to high recurrence rate. We present three cases of DF in the mandible: the first in a 13 year old female involving the mandibular body in the region of teeth #s 27–#28, the second in a 57 year old female with a lesion apical to tooth #30, and the third in a 20-year-old female involving the left posterior mandible. Clinical, histologic, immunohistochemical (IHC) and radiographic features of this rare neoplasm are discussed. The challenges encountered in establishing an accurate diagnosis due to significant microscopic overlap with other spindle cell lesions are also detailed. Additionally, the findings of IHC stains including vimentin, smooth muscle actin, S-100 protein, β-catenin, HHF-35 and proliferation marker, Ki-67 on 3 cases are reported. The potential for misdiagnosis is high, especially in early lesions, since immunohistochemistry has been reported in literature to be inconsistent when differentiating DFs from other spindle cell lesions. A comparative review of DF and similar entities in the jaws with current considerations in treatment and prognosis is presented.
Theoretical Models of Eumelanin Protomolecule and Its Photoprotection Mechanism

The molecular structure of melanin, one of the most ubiquitous natural pigments in living organisms, is not known and its multifaceted biological role debated. We examine structural models for eumelanin protomolecules, based on tetramers consisting of four monomer units (hydroquinone, indolequinone and its two tautomers), in arrangements that contain an interior porphyrin ring. These models reproduce convincingly many aspects of eumelanin's experimentally observed behavior. In particular, we present a plausible synthetic pathway of the tetramers and their further complexation through interlayer stacking, or through formation of helical superstructures, into eumelanin macromolecules. The unsaturated nature of C-C bonds in indolequinone units and the finite size of protomolecules introduce covalent bond formation between stacked layers.We employ Time-dependent Density Functional Theory to calculate the optical absorption and the relaxation dynamics of melanin model constituents. The results explain the ability of these molecules to transform photon energy into thermal energy in a remarkably short time scale of ∼100 femtoseconds (fs). We find that following electronic excitation by light absorption, ultrafast energy conversion takes place through two novel mechanisms: proton transfer on a timescale of 110 fs and state mixing upon oligomerization on a time scale of <50 fs. These results are in good agreement with available experiments and help elucidate melanin's role in photoprotection against ultraviolet radiation.
Localization of multiple forms of ACTH- and β-endorphin-related substances in the pituitary of the reptile, Anolis carolinensis

Abstract Immunohistochemical studies on the pituitary of Anolis carolinensis detected ACTH-like, β-endorphin-like, and 16K fragment-like immunoreactivity in distinct clusters of cells in the anterior lobe; ACTH-like, αMSH-like, β-endorphin-like, and 16K fragment-like immunoreactivity was detected in all the cells of the intermediate lobe. Crude acid extracts of both lobes, when alayzed by radioimmunoassay, gave displacement curves in ACTH and β-endorphin assays which were parallel to the appropriate synthetic standard. Only extracts of the intermediate lobe gave parallel displacement curves in an αMSH radioimmunoassay. Extracts of both lobes crossreacted with antiserum to 16K fragment, but the displacement curves were not parallel to that of mouse 16K fragment standard. The levels of immunoreactive ACTH and β-endorphin in the intermediate lobe were approximately 8-fold higher than in the anterior lobe. Fractionation of anterior lobe and intermediate lobe extracts by either gel filtration on Sephadex G-75 in 10% formic acid or sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed multiple forms of ACTH-related and β-endorphin-related substances in both lobes. In the anterior lobe the major forms of immunoreactivity were, respectively, ACTH-sized and β-endorphin-sized. In the intermediate lobe the major forms of immunoreactivity were αMSH-sized, CLIP-sized, and β-endorphin-sized. In both lobes, antisera directed against ACTH and β-endorphin detected high molecular weight material with an apparent molecular weight slightly less than that of mouse pro-ACTH/endorphin; this material probably represents the putative common precursor for ACTH and β-endorphin in this species.
Variation in the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone-1 and the song control system in the tropical breeding rufous-collared sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis) is dependent on sex and reproductive state.

Seasonal breeding in temperate zone vertebrates is characterised by pronounced variation in both central and peripheral reproductive physiology as well as behaviour. In contrast, many tropical species have a comparatively longer and less of a seasonal pattern of breeding than their temperate zone counterparts. These extended, more “flexible” reproductive periods may be associate with a lesser degree of annual variation in reproductive physiology. Here we investigated variation in the neuroendocrine control of reproduction in relation to the changes in the neural song control system in a tropical breeding songbird the rufous-collared sparrows (Zonotrichia capensis). Using in situ hybridization, we show that the optical density of GnRH1 mRNA expression is relatively constant across pre-breeding and breeding states. However, males were found to have significantly greater expression compared to females regardless of breeding state. Both males and females showed marked variation in measures of peripheral reproductive physiology with greater gonadal volumes and concentrations of sex steroids in the blood (i.e. testosterone in males; estrogen in females) during the breeding season as compared to the pre-breeding season. These findings suggest that the environmental cues regulating breeding in a tropical breeding bird ultimately exert their effects on physiology at the level of the median eminence and regulate the release of GnRH1. In addition, histological analysis of the song control system HVC, RA and Area X revealed that breeding males had significantly larger volumes of these brain nuclei as compared to non-breeding males, breeding females, and non-breeding females. Females did not exhibit a significant difference in the size of song control regions across breeding states. Together, these data show a marked sex difference in the extent to which there is breeding-associated variation in reproductive physiology and brain plasticity that is dependent on the reproductive state in a tropical breeding songbird.
Investigating the role of response in spatial context learning.

Recent research has shown that simple motor actions, such as pointing or grasping, can modulate the way we perceive and attend to our visual environment. Here we examine the role of action in spatial context learning. Previous studies using keyboard responses have revealed that people are faster locating a target on repeated visual search displays (“contextual cueing”). However, this learning appears to depend on the task and response requirements. In Experiment 1, participants searched for a T-target among L-distractors and responded either by pressing a key or by touching the screen. Comparable contextual cueing was found in both response modes. Moreover, learning transferred between keyboard and touch screen responses. Experiment 2 showed that learning occurred even for repeated displays that required no response, and this learning was as strong as learning for displays that required a response. Learning on no-response trials cannot be accounted for by oculomotor responses, as learning was observed whe...
Neighborhood education inequality and use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana

Purpose Income inequality at the state, county, and neighborhood levels has been studied in public health; however there has been little public health research on the potential role of education inequality. We assessed the relation between education inequality and substance use in New York City neighborhoods. Methods We used Gini coefficients of education to describe neighborhood distribution of education. We used data from a random-digit-dial phone survey of adult residents of New York City to assess use of substances. Multilevel models were used to assess the relations between neighborhood education, education inequality, and prevalence and frequency of substance use in 59 New York City neighborhoods, while controlling for income and income inequality. Results Among 1355 respondents (female, 56.2%; white, 35.7%; mean age, 40.4), 23.9% (95% confidence interval CI = 20.3–27.5) reported smoking, 39.4 % (95% CI = 35.3–43.4) reported drinking, and 5.4% (95% CI = 3.6–7.3) reported using marijuana in the previous 30 days. Neighborhoods with both the lowest education inequality and the highest mean education had the highest prevalence of drinking (51.1%; 95% CI = 44.9–57.3) and of smoking marijuana (6.4%; 95% CI = 3.3–9.5). Living in a neighborhood with high education inequality was associated with a greater likelihood of drinking ( P = 0.02) and of smoking marijuana ( P = 0.004), but among those who did drink alcohol it was associated with having fewer drinks in separate multivariable regression models adjusting for neighborhood education, income distribution, and relevant individual-level covariates. Conclusion Education inequality may represent a contextual factor that is independently associated with risk behavior. The association between neighborhood education inequality and fewer drinks consumed suggests that the presence of persons with higher education in a neighborhood can be salutary for all persons in a neighborhood. The relations between education inequality and substance use may be different from those between income inequality and substance use, suggesting that both may be important contextual determinants of health behavior.
Route and type of nutrition and surgical stress influence secretory phospholipase A2 secretion of the murine small intestine.

Background: The function of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is site dependent. In tissue, sPLA2 regulates eicosanoid produc- tion; in circulation, sPLA2 primes neutrophils; and in the intes- tinal lumen, sPLA2 provides innate bactericidal immunity as a defensin-related protein. Since parenteral nutrition (PN) primes leukocytes while suppressing intraluminal mucosal immunity, the authors hypothesized that (1) PN would diminish luminal sPLA2 activity but increase activity in intestinal tissue and serum and (2) stress would accentuate these changes. Methods: Mice received chow, a complex enteral diet (CED), intragastric PN (IG-PN), or PN in experiment 1 and chow, chow+stress, PN, or PN+stress in experiment 2. Results: In experiment 1, luminal sPLA2 activity was greatest in chow and decreased in CED, IG-PN, and PN, with PN lower than CED and IG-PN. Compared to that after chow, serum sPLA2 activity dropped after CED, IG-PN, and PN. Serum sPLA2 was higher in portal than systemic serum. In experiment 2, PN lowered luminal sPLA2 activity vs chow. Stress lowered luminal sPLA2 activity in chow, without change in PN. Following stress, luminal immu- noglobulin A increased in chow but not PN. Serum sPLA2 activity increased in PN. Conclusions: PN attenuates sPLA2 activity in intestinal fluid, consistent with suppressed innate mucosal defense. Stress suppresses luminal fluid sPLA2 activity in chow but not the immunoglobulin A response; PN impairs both. Stress significantly elevates serum sPLA2 in PN-fed mice, consistent with known increased neutrophil priming with PN. PN reduces innate bactericidal immunity of the gut but upregu- lates serum proinflammatory products poststress. (JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2011;35:748-756)
Volumetric Neuroimage Analysis Extensions for the MIPAV Software Package

We describe a new collection of publicly available software tools for performing quantitative neuroimage analysis. The tools perform semi-automatic brain extraction, tissue classification, Talairach alignment, and atlas-based measurements within a user-friendly graphical environment. They are implemented as plug-ins for MIPAV, a freely available medical image processing software package from the National Institutes of Health. Because the plug-ins and MIPAV are implemented in Java, both can be utilized on nearly any operating system platform. In addition to the software plug-ins, we have also released a digital version of the Talairach atlas that can be used to perform regional volumetric analyses. Several studies are conducted applying the new tools to simulated and real neuroimaging data sets.
SOIL-SOILN simulations of water drainage and nitrate nitrogen transport from soil core lysimeters.

Water resources protection from nitrate nitrogen (NO 3 -N) contamination is an important public concern and a major national environmental issue. The abilities of the SOIL-SOILN model to simulate water drainage and nitrate N fluxes from orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) were evaluated using data from a 3-yr field experiment. The soil is classified as a Hagerstown silt loam soil (fine, mixed, semiactive, mesic Typic Hapludalf). Nitrate losses below the 1-m depth from N-fertilized grazed orchardgrass were measured with intact soil core lysimeters. Five N-fertilizer treatments consisted of a control, urine application in the spring, urine application in the summer, urine application in the fall, and feces application in the summer. The SOIL-SOILN models were evaluated using water drainage and nitrate flux data for 1993-1994, 1994-1995, and 1995-1996. The N rate constants from a similar experiment with inorganic fertilizer and manure treatments under corn (Zea mays L.) were used to evaluate the SOILN model under orchardgrass sod. Results indicated that the SOIL model accurately simulated water drainage for all three years. The SOILN model adequately predicted nitrate losses for three urine treatments in each year and a control treatment in 1994-1995. However, it failed to produce accurate simulations for two control treatments in 1993-1994 and 1995-1996, and feces treatments in all three years. The inaccuracy in the simulation results for the control and feces treatments seems to be related to an inadequate modeling of N transformation processes. In general, the results demonstrate the potential of the SOILN model to predict NO 3 -N fluxes under pasture conditions using N transformation rate constants determined through the calibration process from corn fields on similar soils.
Knowledge Acquisition and Conceptual Change

Dans cet article, je soutiens qu'il est fructueux de penser les reseaux conceptuels en termes de theorie et les processus d'acquisition des connaissances en termes d'articulation ou de restructuration de ces theories. La recherche que mes collegues et moi-meme avons entreprise montre que la restructuration d'une connaissance anterieure se fait habituellement lentement et graduellement et qu'elle implique la reinterpretation de certaines croyances que les individus elaborent a partir de leur experience quotidienne. Pour aider a la restructuration, une formation devrait faire prendre conscience aux etudiants de leurs convictions preetablies et leur proposer un cadre de reference different en remplacement du celui qu'ils ont construit a partir de leur experience personnelle. In this paper I argue that it makes sense to think of conceptual structures as theories, and of the process of knowledge acquisition as the articulation or restructuring of these theories. The research that my colleagues and I have undertaken shows that the restructuring of prior knowledge is usually achieved in a slow and gradual fashion, and that it requires the reinterpretation of certain beliefs, which individuals construct on the basis of their everyday experience. In order to promote restructuring, instruction should aim at making students aware of their entrenched beliefs and at providing them with a different explanatory framework to replace the one they have constructed on the basis of their phenomenal experience.
A tall liquid pillar with a height-to-diameter ratio above π—the hydrodynamic stability ratio

Abstract A liquid pillar with a height-to-diameter ratio equal to 3·85, i.e. substantially above π, has been built using: (1) α-methylnaphthalene, (2) aromatic silicones, (3) o -toluidine, (4) dimethyl silicones, and (5) petrolatum, as the five liquids surrounded by water [(a)+NaCl and (b)+CH 3 OH]. The concept of interfacial chemical “glue” has been presented and demonstrated.
Sports Ideology, Attitudes toward Women, and Anti-Homosexual Attitudes.

The present work tests the associations of sports ideology with sexist and anti-homosexual attitudes in a sample of 304 college students. It was found that sports ideology is positively associated with sexist and anti-homosexual attitudes, but only among males. Among females only sexist attitudes were associated with negative attitudes toward gays and lesbians. Among males, the link of sports ideology to anti-homosexual attitudes was independent of sexist beliefs. Reciprocal causal influences between sexist attitudes and sports ideology are discussed.
Social and emotional tensions during transsexual passing

This paper explores and discusses the social and emotional conflicts engendered by a sample of twelve passing phase transsexuals (four females and eight males) and the coping mechanisms which they have adopted to meet the demands of this period. “Passing phase” is defined as that period prior to sex change in which the surgical candidate is required to live and work as a member of the opposite anatomical sex. The transsexuals in this study were deeply alienated individuals who received negative support in their dilemma, both from society as well as from the individuals close to them. There seemed to be virtually no means of tension reduction available to these transsexuals. Anger and loneliness were overriding factors in their emotional distress, as well as was the constant fear of being discovered and discredited. Differences were found among four subgroups of transsexuals in regard to several areas.
The impact of turbulent mixing on the oxidation of a chlorinated hydrocarbon

Combustion of chlorinated wastes can lead to the formation of hazardous byproducts. Rates of mixing of fuel and air in combustion systems can have an impact on the composition of the byproducts. Methyl chloride and methane were burned in a turbulent diffusion flame in a combustion wind tunnel with a coflow of air. Reynolds numbers were varied from 3500 to 7200. A water-cooled sampling probe was used to obtain gas samples from within the flame at a number of locations and at various Reynolds numbers. The postflame gases and particulate matter were trapped above the flames with sorbent tubes and filters. The samples were desorbed and analyzed for aromatic species and other trace products of incomplete combustion. Destruction of the methyl chloride was essentially complete for all the Reynolds numbers that were studied. Small amounts of low molecular weight chlorinated compounds were found within the flame and in the postflame gases. The major chlorinated species in the postflame gases was chloronaphthalene. Low Reynolds number flames were found to yield larger amounts of aromatic and chlorinated aromatic species than the high Reynolds number flames. Fluoranthene was present in greater amounts on the soot particles at lower Reynolds numbers, suggesting that the rate of mixing of reactants could have an impact on the toxicity of the combustion byproducts.
Interactive extraction of neural structures with user-guided morphological diffusion

Extracting neural structures with their fine details from confocal volumes is essential to quantitative analysis in neurobiology research. Despite the abundanceof various segmentation methods and tools, for complex neural structures, both manual and semi-automatic methods are ineffective either in full 3D or when user interactions are restricted to 2D slices. Novel interaction techniques and fast algorithms are demanded by neurobiologists to interactively and intuitively extract neural structures from confocal data. In this paper, we present such an algorithm-technique combination, which lets users interactively select desired structures from visualization results instead of 2D slices. By integrating the segmentation functions with a confocal visualization tool neurobiologists can easily extract complex neural structures within their typical visualization workflow.
Electrochemistry of redox-active self-assembled monolayers

Redox-active self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) provide an excellent platform for investigating electron transfer kinetics. Using a well-defined bridge, a redox center can be positioned at a fixed distance from the electrode and electron transfer kinetics probed using a variety of electrochemical techniques. Cyclic voltammetry, AC voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and chronoamperometry are most commonly used to determine the rate of electron transfer of redox-activated SAMs. A variety of redox species have been attached to SAMs, and include transition metal complexes (e.g., ferrocene, ruthenium pentaammine, osmium bisbipyridine, metal clusters) and organic molecules (e.g., galvinol, C(60)). SAMs offer an ideal environment to study the outer-sphere interactions of redox species. The composition and integrity of the monolayer and the electrode material influence the electron transfer kinetics and can be investigated using electrochemical methods. Theoretical models have been developed for investigating SAM structure. This review discusses methods and monolayer compositions for electrochemical measurements of redox-active SAMs.
Submicrometer Resolution Hard X-Ray Holography with the Asymmetric Bragg Diffraction Microscope

The asymmetric Bragg diffraction microscope is a novel x-ray microscope which forms a magnified in-line near-field hologram by asymmetric reflection from two crossed flat crystals. In this paper, the optics of the microscope is studied theoretically. The optical transfer function is obtained, and the limiting spatial resolution, rated at $25%$ modulation transfer, is determined to be $0.30\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ at an optimum magnification of $89\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}$ with Si crystals, over a wide range of hard x-ray wavelengths. Absorption and phase contrast images can be computed from holograms acquired at several object distances. Application to submicrometer resolution hard x-ray microtomography is envisioned.
The roles of pharmacists in pain management.

Questions from patients about analgesic pharmacotherapy and responses are presented to help educate patient sand make them more effective self-advocates. This report addresses ways in which pharmac...
SOLUTION STABILITY OF BOVINE FIBRINOGEN

Abstract Bovine fibrinogen was isolated from plasma by a series of polyethylene glycol and β-alanine precipitations. The purified protein was plasmin-free and well over 90% pure when assayed by heat and TCA precipitation, clottability, and SDS gel electrophoresis. The protein was shown to remain stable by all four assays for periods of up to six days when kept at 23°C. However, at 37°C, marked fibrinogen degradation occurred within 2 to 4 days especially with regard to clottability. Both proteolytic and bacterial mechanisms appeared to be responsible for the degradation.
The Effects of Simultaneous Occlusion of the Posterior Ciliary Artery and Vortex Veins: A Histopathologic Study

Objective: In previous research, experimental occlusion of the posterior ciliary arteries resulted in an infarction of the retinal pigment epithelium and outer retina. A simultaneous occlusion of one or two vortex veins (VVs) appeared to have an ameliorative effect on the retinal infarct based on previous clinical and angiographic observations. The objectives of this report were to evaluate the histopathologic changes of the ischemic retina and to examine the disruption and healing of the blood-retinal barrier under various combinations of ciliary artery and VV occlusions. Methods: Experimental posterior ciliary artery (PCA) occlusion with (n=3) or without (n=3) simultaneous VV occlusion was carried out in six rhesus monkey eyes. The eyes were enucleated over a course of 3 months. The histopathologic changes of the ischemic retina were examined by light and electron microscopy. In addition, the horseradish peroxidase tracer technique was used to study the blood-retinal barrier. Results: Ischemic changes following the occlusion of the PCA consisted of coagulation necrosis of the retinal pigment epithelium and of the outer retinal layers and were less pronounced in eyes with simultaneous VV occlusion. At 6 hours after the insult, the blood-retinal barrier was broken and horseradish peroxidase leaked into the subretinal space (PCA occlusion with one VV occlusion). Three months later, the blood-retinal barrier had re-formed, even in the eyes with severe ischemic injury. Conclusions: The histopathologic changes suggest that the ameliorative effect of simultaneous VV occlusion on the effects of PCA occlusion might be due to reduced perfusion in the choroidal circulation.
DNA binding and meiotic chromosomal localization of the drosophila nod kinesin-like protein

The Drosophila no distributive disjunction (nod) gene encodes a kinesin-like protein that has been proposed to push chromosomes toward the metaphase plate during female meiosis. We report that the nonmotor domain of the nod protein can mediate direct binding to DNA. Using an antiserum prepared against bacterially expressed nod protein, we show that during prometaphase nod protein is localized on oocyte chromosomes and is not restricted to either specific chromosomal regions or to the kinetochore. Thus, motor-based chromosome-microtubule interactions are not limited to the centromere, but extend along the chromosome arms, providing a molecular explanation for the polar ejection force.
Quality control methods at a hospital

Purpose – Healthcare providers need the information contained in patient records to provide high‐quality services. To be effective, patient record assembly must be completed in a timely manner. This study aims to analyse the medical records assembly process for a hospital in Southeastern United States having difficulty meeting standard completion times established by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organization.Design/methodology/approach – Several quality improvement tools were used to evaluate and improve the assembly process.Findings – As a result of the study, a new procedure was implemented. Consequently, the hospital reduced the time required to assemble medical records, thereby improving efficiency and effectiveness. There are hopes to further improve the process.Research limitations/implications – The study provides guidance on how statistical process control techniques can be applied to improve hospital services. The techniques employed can be used to analyze and improve a...
Approximate confidence bounds for ratios of variance components in two-way unbalanced crossed models with interactions

Consider the general unbalanced two-factor crossed components-of-variance model with interaction given by Yijk: = μ+Ai: +Bj: + Cij: +Eijk: (i = 1,2, … a; j = 1,…,b; k = 1,…,.nij:=0) Ai:,Bj:, Cij: and Eijk: are independent unobservable random variables. Also Ai:sim; N(0,σ2 A),Bj: ∼ N(0,σ2 B), Cij:∼N(0,s2 C:) and Eijk:∼N(0,s2 E:). In this paper approximate confidence bounds are obtained for ρA: = ρ2 A/2 and ρB: = ρ2 B:/ρ2 (where σ2 = σ2 A:+ σ2 B+σ2 Cσ2 E) for special cases of the above model. The balanced incomplete block model is studied as a special case.
Abstract B292: HDACi immunosensitizes CTL-resistant human melanomas to adoptive cell transfer (ACT) by modulating TRAIL/DR5apoptotic pathway.

Modern immune therapies [PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 checkpoint blockade, adoptive cell transfer (ACT)] have remarkably improved the clinical treatment of metastatic melanoma. These modalities rely on the killing potential of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) as primary mediator of their anti-melanoma responses. The mechanisms of resistance to and the predominant cytotoxic pathway(s) employed by melanoma-reactive CTLs remain largely elusive. Moreover, strategies to bypass CTL-resistance are urgently needed in clinical melanoma therapy. We hypothesized that down-modulation of death receptors in addition to aberrant apoptotic signaling might confer resistance to death signals delivered by CTLs. To test this hypothesis, we used an in vitro model of resistant sublines generated from MART-1+/A*0201+ parental lines sensitive to MART-1 TCR transgenic CTL (F5 CTL) under serial F5 CTL-selective pressure. Here, we report that F5 CTLs mainly use the TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) cytotoxic pathway, explicitly via DR5, in killing sensitive melanomas. Further, F5 CTL-resistance was due to DR5 down-regulation and abnormal ratio of anti- to pro-apoptotic molecules, both of which were reversed by the FDA-approved epigenetic modifier SAHA. Restoration of sensitivity by SAHA was confirmed using transgenic and patient-derived MART-1-specific CTLs, rhTRAIL and DR5 agonist Drozitumab. Mitochondrial destabilization and cytosolic release of apoptotic molecules was only evident by combination of SAHA and rhTRAIL or Drozitumab. These findings suggest that exposure to SAHA of immune-resistant melanomas can skew towards an intracellular pro-apoptotic milieu, increase death receptor expression, and overcome acquired immune-resistance. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):B292. Citation Format: Ali R. Jazirehi, Siavash K. Kurdistani, James S. Economou. HDACi immunosensitizes CTL-resistant human melanomas to adoptive cell transfer (ACT) by modulating TRAIL/DR5apoptotic pathway. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B292.
Semibalanus balanoides in winter and spring: larval concentration, settlement, and substrate occupancy

This study measured the progression from pelagic larvae to juvenile barnacles, and examined whether recruitment of barnacles, Semibalanus balanoides Linnaeus, at two intertidal sites in contrasting hydrodynamic regimes was determined by pre-settlement or post-settlement processes. The two sites were 1.5 km apart in the vicinity of Woods Hole, Mass., USA. Quantitative plankton samples were taken twice weekly from December 1997 to May 1998 at a nearby site as an estimate of nearshore larval abundance. The presence of S. balanoides nauplii was noted, and cyprids were enumerated and measured. Larval settlement at the two sites [Gansett Point, Buzzards Bay (GP) and Little Harbor, Vineyard Sound (LH)] was estimated from examination of replicate settlement plates exposed for 2 or 3 days throughout the settlement season, and from replicate plots on marked rock quadrats at each site. On both plates and rocks settled cyprids and metamorphs were enumerated. Space occupancy on unmanipulated rock quadrats by all stages from cyprids to adult barnacles was also examined. Settlement occurred from 2 January to 20 May, and major settlement peaks coincided with peaks in pelagic cyprid concentration at LH, but not at GP. Space occupied by juvenile barnacles was close to zero up until late February despite substantial settlement prior to that. At LH, juvenile barnacle cover was zero at the end of the observations; all settlement failed. Almost 100% of settled cyprids failed to metamorphose within 2 days from late January to late March. Then the proportion metamorphosing increased sharply coinciding with a sudden increase of 3°C in water temperature. Observed site differences in space occupancy by juvenile barnacles suggest that while cyprid supply is a necessary condition for barnacle settlement, other factors affecting metamorphosis of settled cyprids and early juvenile mortality determine recruitment.
Fuzzy logic-based democracy index

In this project, the researcher aims to use the knowledge of experts on the components of a consolidated democratic government in order to produce a system that specified the degree to which countries function as true democracies. Fuzzy logic can assist in this endeavor because political science is largely subjective and often demands the use of uncertain terms in describing events in international relations. Such an index would be a beneficial reference tool for individuals in the political arena. For politicians trying to gain a deeper understanding of global issues, knowledge of the impact and function of the relevant governments is essential. In an internal conflict, the rankings within this study may provide insight into the motivations and reasons for the contention. They could even possibly be used to predict controversies, such as when the freedoms that a government advertises or that the people want do not match the reality within a state. States striving for democracy would also be able to see areas where improvement is needed or to make sure that efforts to progress are having effect. Overall, this paper proposes a useful application of fuzzy logic for grading democratization within countries based on expert knowledge and the political histories of a variety of states.
Direct-use of geothermal energy in the USA

The direct utilization of geothermal energy in the United States includes the heating of pools and spas, greenhouses and aquaculture facilities, space heating and district heating, snow melting, agricultural drying, industrial applications and ground-source heat pumps. The installed capacity is 4200 MWt and the annual energy use is 21,700 TJ (6040 GWh). The largest application is ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps (59% of the energy use), and the largest direct-use for is in aquaculture. Direct utilization is increasing at about eight percent per year. A US Department of Energy program, GeoPowering the West, has been formulated to expand the production and use of geothermal electricity and heat in the western United States.
Selective Herbivory and Plant Community Structure in a Mid-Atlantic Salt Marsh

Factors affecting the distribution of the grasses Spartina alterniflora and Distichlis spicata in a mid-Atlantic salt marsh were examined. A series of eight shallow wells, four in patches of each grass type, was used to describe physicochemical conditions known to limit the distribution of both grasses. Tidal amplitude, surface and subsurface salinity, and subsurface oxidation-reduction potential were found to be within range, but suboptimal, for both grasses. Evidence of selective grazing upon S. alterniflora was found through examination of grazing sign within the grass patches, observations of feral horse feeding behavior, and examination of feral horse feces for grass epidermal fragments. An enclosure experiment simulated preferential grazing and showed that S. alternifora re- sponded negatively while D. spicata responded positively to simulated preferential grazing of S. alterniflora. These results point to a competitive relationship between the grasses under suboptimal conditions for dominance of either species. Selective herbivory (analo- gous to predation) upon S. alterni/lora was shown to be a plausible factor impacting the competitive relationship to favor D. spicata. Location along physical gradients, interspecies competition, and herbivory are discussed in relation to salt marsh plant communities.
A joint model for nonlinear longitudinal data with informative dropout.

Subject withdrawal from a study (also called dropout, or right censoring), is common in late phase clinical trials. A number of methods dealing with dropouts have been used in practice, the most common being “last observation carried forward” (LOCF). Many of these methods, including LOCF, can result in biased estimates of the efficacy or potency of the drug, especially in the modeling context. If the likelihood of dropout is correlated to the underlying unobserved data, the dropout is informative and should not be ignored in the modeling process. The topic of informative dropout in the context of longitudinal data has received much attention in the statistical literature, in the setting of linear and generalized linear models. We extend the approach to nonlinear models. The dropout hazard, as well as the longitudinal data, is modeled parametrically. Parameters are estimated by maximizing the approximate joint likelihood as implemented in the software NONMEM. Using data from actual clinical trials, we explore the impact of the dropout model on the ability of the joint model to predict observed longitudinal data patterns.
Somatofugal events in wallerian degeneration: A conceptual overview

The sequence of events during Wallerian degeneration may, in some instances, be as follows: (1) Axonal transection interrupts the normal flow of essential metabolic factors (e.g., oxidative enzymes) from the cell body to the terminal region. (2) Somatofugal transport of residual essential metabolic factors continues briefly within the transected axon. (3) Continuation of somatofugal transport, together with the relatively constant concentration of essential metabolic factors along normal axon proper, results in progressive somatofugal depletion of these factors within transected axon proper. (4) Continuation of somatofugal transport, together with the pre-existent distal aggregation of essential metabolic factors within transected axons, provides preterminal-terminal regions of isolated fibers with a substantially greater supply of these factors than axon proper. (5) Metabolism continues in the transected fiber and results in gradual depletion of essential metabolic reserves within that process. (6) Depletion of essential metabolic reserves within any particular segment of isolated axon eventually results in local accumulation and discharge of lysosomal enzymes. (7) The segmental release of intra-axonal hydrolytic enzymes causes segmental degeneration of axis cylinder. (8) Because of the initial distribution of essential metabolic reserves within a transected fiber and because of the changes which occur in that distribution with time, autolysis evolves in a somatofugal manner in axon proper and decelerates in preterminal-terminal regions. (9) In response to primary axonal degeneration, the enveloping myelin sheath undergoes somatofugal disruption and degradation.
Desensitization and muscarinic re-sensitization of force and myosin light chain phosphorylation to cytoplasmic Ca2+ in smooth muscle

Abstract In α-toxin-permeabilized guinea-pig ileum smooth muscle, a step increase in Ca 2+ caused a rapid rise in force and myosin light chain (LC 20 ) phosphorylation, followed by their spontaneous decline to a low steady level even though Ca 2+ remained constant. Carbachol resensitized the muscles to Ca 2+ , causing an increase in both the steady state force and LC 20 phosphorylation at constant Ca 2+ . In β-escin permeabilized preparations, calmodulin and okadaic acid converted the phasic responses to Ca 2+ to more tonic ones. We conclude that Ca 2+ -sensitivity of force is modulated through changes in LC 20 kinase/phosphatase activity ratio by Ca 2+ itself (desensitization) and by agonists (sensitization).
Comparison of the retentive strength of two cast gold pin techniques

The retention contributed by the use of pins with gold castings can be substantially increased by the technique of placing a threaded pin in the dentin and making a casting with a threaded receptacle to fit the pin. The basis for the improvement is the greater retention of threaded pins to dentin compared to that of smooth, cemented pins that are part of the casting. The limitation on the retention achieved with the new technique is the cohesive strength of the cement. Zinc phosphate cement provided the highest retention, and EBA and polycarboxylate cements provided lower and similar retention when threaded pins were cemented to threaded receptacles.
The absence of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate in the erythrocytes of goldfish (Carassius auratus) acclimated to high temperatures☆

Abstract 1. 1. DPG Dg content was measured in erythrocytes of goldfish ( Carassius auratus ) acclimated at 22, 31 and 35°C. 2. 2. Erythrocytes were incubated with NaF to inhibit enolase activity and thereby increase DPG levels. 3. 3. DPG was not detected in the erythrocytes of any goldfish, nor in erythrocytes incubated with NaF.
Time, Morphology, and Neoteny in the Evolution of Man*

The primary function of a working hypothesis is to arrange facts into suggestive patterns capable of guiding observations and experience into meaningful channels.
Si-Al ordering in nephelines

Different degrees of Si-Al ordering are demonstrated to exist in nepheline on the basis of five crystal structure refinements on specimens with different geologic origins and laboratory treatments. Disorder increases in the sequence; gneissic-igneous plutonic-volcanic nepheline and appears to increase as a result of laboratory heat treatment. The four independent tetrahedral sites can be divided into two pairs with one pair of sites always less ordered than a second pair in a simple regular relationship.
Factors affecting response rates of the web survey: A systematic review

The lower response rate in web surveys has been a major concern for survey researchers. The literature has sought to identify a wide variety of factors that affect response rates in web surveys. In this article, we developed a conceptual model of the web survey process and use the model to systematically review a wide variety of factors influencing the response rate in the stage of survey development, survey delivery, survey completion, and survey return. Practical suggestion and future research directions on how to increase the response rate are discussed.
Determination of adsorbate coverages by leed and XPS

Abstract Layers of carbon, oxygen, sulfur and potassium adsorbed on an Fe(100) surface were studied by LEED, AES and XPS. When examined quantitatively by XPS, saturated c(2 × 2)CO(β), c(2 × 2)C and p(1 × 1)O surface structures yielded the C/O ratios expected from surface coverages of 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 monolayer, respectively. When these results were normalized to the equivalent coverages of 1.0 monolayer, the relative XPS cross-sections obtained for S, O, C and K were found to agree closely with the results of theoretical calculations. The results illustrate the use of these techniques for the quantitative determination of surface coverages.