cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding and addressing seabird bycatch in Alaska demersal longline fisheries

Abstract The incidental catch of seabirds in longline fisheries is a global conservation concern. In Alaska, annual seabird bycatch in demersal longline fisheries ranged between 10,300 and 26,300 birds (1995–2001). We explore the relationship between four categories of potential forcing factors (temporal, spatial, environmental, and fisheries-related) and seabird bycatch rates in Alaska demersal longline fisheries to provide practical management alternatives that could significantly reduce seabird bycatch. Separate generalized linear or additive models (GLM or GAM, respectively) were created for several combinations of seabird group, fishery and large geographic region. Across nearly all models, “vessel” was the most influential factor explaining seabird bycatch rate variation. Rather than a single variable, vessel is an amalgam of unmeasured forcing factors many of which could not be separated out in this data set (e.g., longline sink rate, vessel setting speed, line deployment location relative to propeller direction). A separate vessel-specific analysis also supported the multivariate results that performance of an individual vessel is overwhelmingly important (i.e., some vessels have consistently high or low bycatch rates from year to year). Therefore, vessel-specific performance is a critical management option. The effects of temporal (annual, month, and breeding phenology) and spatial variables were also moderately influential on seabird bycatch rates. Our results suggest that seasonal adjustments in the Alaska longline fishery have potential for overall bycatch reductions, but vague seabird management objectives could have huge unintended and undesirable consequences when implementing temporal adjustments. Other variables (environmental and other fishing-related factors) were frequently significant but contributed a small amount to overall explained deviance. Based on this study, we conclude that a vessel-specific management approach would be the most effective and efficient means to reduce seabird bycatch in Alaska.
New Developments in North and West Central Texas, 1940: ABSTRACT

The most important development in the North and West-Central Texas area during the year was the remarkable number of new producing horizons discovered. In the K.M.A. field the Ellenburger (Ordovician) was found productive in the western part; two pools on the Bend arch in Young County and one pool on the eastern edge of the Permian Basin in Stonewall County found production in the Chappel limestone (Mississippian); in the Fort Worth syncline, a pool in Clay County and another in Montague County found production in the lower Bend conglomerate; the Caddo (Bend) was found productive in two pools on the Bend arch in Archer County, in two pools in the Fort Worth syncline in Clay County, and in one pool in Montague County; the Strawn series (Pennsylvanian) yielded production in two pools on the Bend Arch in Archer County and in one pool on the east flank of the arch in Clay County; the Canyon series yielded production in two pools on the west flank of the Bend arch in Baylor County, in one pool in Jones County, in one pool in Foard County on the Electra arch, and in one pool in Wilbarger County in the Red River syncline. New production was also found in the Cisco series in practically every producing county in the area, the most significant of which was probably in the Fargo pool in the Red River syncline in Wilbarger County. Probably the only new stratigraphic discovery in the area was the tentative identification of Viola limestone (Ordovician) in two of the deeper wells in Clay County and two in Montague County and one in Wise County, all in the Fort Worth syncline. Total production for North and West-Central Texas for 1940 was 49,221,213 barrels. End_of_Article - Last_Page 940------------
An Improved Method for the Study of Apoptosis-Related Genes Using the Tet-On System

Inducible gene expression systems are particularly useful for the functional characterization of genes with putative toxic properties. In the course of studying the role of hypoxia-regulated gene e...
Mental addition in third, fourth, and sixth graders

Abstract Research on mental arithmetic has suggested that young children use a counting algorithm for simple mental addition, but that adults use memory retrieval from an organized representation of addition facts. To determine the age at which performance shifts from counting to retrieval, children in grades 3, 4, and 6 were tested in a true/false verification task. Reaction time patterns suggested that third grade is a transitional age with respect to memory structure for addition—half of these children seemed to be counting and half retrieving from memory. Results from fourth and sixth graders implicated retrieval quite strongly, as their results resembled adult RTs very closely. Fourth graders' processing, however, was easily disrupted when false problems were presented. The third graders' difficulties are not due to an inability to form mental representations of number; all three grades demonstrated a strong split effect, indicative of a simpler mental representation of numerical information than is necessary for addition. The results were discussed in the context of memory retrieval versus counting models of mental arithmetic, and the increase across age in automaticity of retrieval processes.
Protein-sulfur dependent differences in the nerve receptors for repellent 1,4-naphthoquinones in two strains of Periplaneta americana

Abstract 1. Protein-sulfur dependent differences in nerve lipoprotein receptors for repellent 1,4-naphthoquinones in two strains (i.e. LAB vs WARF) of Periplaneta americana were investigated by use of Raney nickel to specifically cleave sulfhydryls and disulfides in the in vitro proteins, and by dipping the chemoreceptors on live insect antennae into specific sulfhydryl reagents and reducing agents. 2. Raney nickel treatments demonstrated that the protein sulfurs in the two receptors which are critical to messenger 1,4-napthoquinone perception differ significantly in their accessibility or reactivity with the mild catalytic sulfur-cleaving reagent. 3. Observed differences correlated positively with other protein-sulfur dependent parameters which have been studied in these two receptors. 4. Raney nickel cleavage of sulfurs destroyed receptor electrochemical properties which are essential to the energy-transfer process in this chemoreception. 5. The various antennal dips altered the subsequent olfactory sensitivities of the two strains of live insects in manners supportive of their distinctive natures. 6. Accumulated knowledge of the receptor systems now allows predictable alterations of chemoreception sensitivity in each strain.
Transsphenoidal approaches to anterior skull base lesions

The transphenoidal approach to intracranial lesions is most commonly used for pituitary tumors. It can also be used to biopsy or treat midline skull base lesions from the planum sphenoidale to the clivus. Proper application of this approach requires an understanding of sellar and parasellar anatomy. In this article, we describe our techniques, discuss modifications introduced by others, and review the advantages and pitfalls of transsphenoidal microsurgery. This approach is best suited to extradural lesions that extend no further than 1.5 cm from midline. The most common complications are cerebrospinal fluid leak and endocrinopathy.
WKB approximation to subbarrier fusion

Fusion cross-sections for the astrophysically interesting reactions12C+12C,16O+12C and16O+16O at subbarrier energies are calculated using the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) approximation. Comparison of the WKB results with those of the more commonly used Hill-Wheeler (HW) expression for transmission through a parabolic barrier indicates that the WKB approach provides a better description of fusion at subbarrier energies. The barrier for both the WKB and HW approaches is generated from the nuclear proximity, Coulomb and centrifugal potentials. The WKB approximation is then used to calculate the subbarrier fusion cross-sections for reactions involving10,11B,12,13C,14N and16O. The half-central-density radius parameter (Ci) of the proximity potential is determined by fitting the cross-section data of identical systems. Using the fitted values ofCi fusion cross-sections for non-identical systems are predicted. The predicted cross-sections are found to agree well with the data.
Crystal chemistry of the gold (I) trimer, Au3(NC5H4)3: Formation of hourglass figures and self-association through aurophilic attraction

X-ray crystallography reveals that individual molecules of Au3(NC5H4)3 self-associate through aurophilic interactions into two distinct structural motifs that involve both extended chains of molecules connected by pairwise Au···Au contacts and individual Au···Au contacts and discrete dimers linked by pairwise Au···Au contacts. The colorless or pale yellow crystals are remarkable for the formation of a distinct hourglass shape within the crystals that develops after months of standing in the atmosphere or after immersion in 4 M hydrochloric acid for a few days. The hourglass figures appear to result from the deposition of gold and are unusual in being formed by a chemical reaction within a crystal rather than as a result of dying the crystal during growth.
Mechanism of inactivation of Escherichia coli aspartate aminotransferase by (S)-4-amino-4,5-dihydro-2-furancarboxylic acid .

As a potential drug to treat neurological diseases, the mechanism-based inhibitor (S)-4-amino-4,5-dihydro-2-furancarboxylic acid (S-ADFA) has been found to inhibit the γ-aminobutyric acid aminotransferase (GABA-AT) reaction. To circumvent the difficulties in structural studies of a S-ADFA-enzyme complex using GABA-AT, l-aspartate aminotransferase (l-AspAT) from Escherichia coli was used as a model PLP-dependent enzyme. Crystal structures of the E. coli aspartate aminotransferase with S-ADFA bound to the active site were obtained via cocrystallization at pH 7.5 and 8. The complex structures suggest that S-ADFA inhibits the transamination reaction by forming adducts with the catalytic lysine 246 via a covalent bond while producing 1 equiv of pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate (PMP). Based on the structures, formation of the K246-S-ADFA adducts requires a specific initial binding configuration of S-ADFA in the l-AspAT active site, as well as deprotonation of the e-amino group of lysine 246 after the formation of the quinonoid and/or ketimine intermediate in the overall inactivation reaction.
Practical crystal engineering using halogen bonding: A hierarchy based on calculated molecular electrostatic potential surfaces

Abstract A series of co-crystallization experiments were performed using four multi-topic N-heterocyclic acceptor molecules and nine aromatic halogen-bond donors in order to establish how effectively a ranking of bond strength based on calculated molecular electrostatic potential surfaces translates into predictable primary interactions in the solid state. A total of ten new crystal structures were obtained, and in each case, the observed interaction took place between the best acceptor (with the larger negative electrostatic potential) on the N-heterocycle and the halogen-bond donor. The supramolecular yield (number of successful co-crystallizations) is 70% for iodine-donors whereas none of the bromo-substituted donors produced a co-crystal which underscores the importance of the magnitude of the electrostatic potential and of the polarizability of the halogen-bond donor in the context of successful practical crystal engineering.
The role of angiography and ventriculovenous shunting in the treatment of posterior fossa tumors.

Angiography followed by a ventriculovenous or ventriculoperitoneal shunt is recommended as the initial procedure for patients with hydrocephalus secondary to posterior fossa tumors. With increasing regularity, the angiogram has proven to be of sufficient localizing value to warrant surgery, and the shunt has resulted in easier operative procedures and a smoother postoperative course. If exact localization is not afforded by the angiogram, then ventriculography or pneumoencephalography can be carried out deliberately in a cooperative patient who is no longer ill from pressure and whose nutrition and general state of health has improved. The use of modern neuroradiological techniques combined with shunting has virtually eliminated posterior fossa “exploration” with its concommitant manipulation of normal structures, unnecessary puncturing of the cerebellar hemispheres and excessive bony removals.
Representing tools: how two non-human primate species distinguish between the functionally relevant and irrelevant features of a tool

Few studies have examined whether non-human tool-users understand the properties that are relevant for a tool's function. We tested cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) and rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) on an expectancy violation procedure designed to assess whether these species make distinctions between the functionally relevant and irrelevant features of a tool. Subjects watched an experimenter use a tool to push a grape down a ramp, and then were presented with different displays in which the features of the original tool (shape, color, orientation) were selectively varied. Results indicated that both species looked longer when a newly shaped stick acted on the grape than when a newly colored stick performed the same action, suggesting that both species perceive shape as a more salient transformation than color. In contrast, tamarins, but not rhesus, attended to changes in the tool's orientation. We propose that some non-human primates begin with a predisposition to attend to a tool's shape and, with sufficient experience, develop a more sophisticated understanding of the features that are functionally relevant to tools.
Insulin-like peptides in the lobster Homarus americanus I. Insulin immunoreactivity

Experiments were conducted to determine if insulin-like peptides are present in the lobster Homarus americanus. Peptides were found that bind specifically to bovine insulin antibodies in a modified vertebrate radioimmunoassay. Extracts of whole hepatopancreas, gut, and hemolymph contained insulin immunoreactivity (IRI) concentrations of 67.5, 14.0, and 11.0 ng, respectively, per 700-g lobster. No insulin immunoreactivity was detected in neurosecretory cells of the eyestalk. The highest immunoreactivity was measured in the hepatopancreas, in the same fractions of eluate which contained the highest immunoreactivity when a bovine insulin standard was passed through the same chromatographic column.
Minimally invasive ventral herniorrhaphy.

ABSTRACT Three types of minimally invasive ventral herniorrhaphies were performed in eight patients: primary repair with sutures (1 case), single-layer prosthesis repair with polytetrafluoroethylene (4 cases), and bilayer prosthesis repair with polytetrafluoroethylene and polypropylene (3 cases). One patient undergoing the bilayer repair developed a small hematoma in the subcutaneous tissue at the site of the repair, which resolved without intervention. There were no other complications, and no recurrence was noted in follow-up of 14 to 20 months.
Prostate cancer: the growing evidence supporting mid-life PSA testing.

Serum PSA testing remains controversial as the data regarding its utility are conflicting. However, a recent study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting its usefulness in middle-aged men, especially in the determination of the long-term risk of metastasis and death from prostate cancer.
FX trading models – how are they doing?

Ten years ago, trading FX to make money was a seen as a rather disreputable activity, indulged in by gentlemen with loud braces (or suspenders, for our American readers) and just a handful of hedge...
Evidence of localized monolayer adsorption of spherically symmetric gases on magnesium and calcium oxides

Abstract Physical adsorption of gases on solids is generally considered to take place with a liquid-like first layer. Such a concept is used in conjunction with the BET theory and adsorption data for several gases to calculate the surface areas of various ceramic oxides, but for some of these oxides the agreement of the areas obtained using several gases is poor. A model based on adsorption at preferred sites on these materials is also used with the BET theory, and the areas obtained using several gases are also found to be in poor agreement for some of the oxides. A different method for determining the number of some spherically symmetric molecules needed to completely cover surfaces of magnesium oxide and calcium oxide is presented, and the results of this method are shown to be in agreement with the concept of localized adsorption. This concept is also supported by the results of an oxygen exchange method for determining the absolute surface area of magnesium oxide.
A Tapered-Sleeve Transcortical Pin External Skeletal Fixation Device for Use in Horses: Development, Application, and Experience

Objective— To report development, configuration, application, and results of a tapered-sleeve transcortical pin external skeletal fixation device (TSP ESFD) for use on fractures of the distal aspect of the equine limb. Study Design— Optimization analysis of a TSP ESFD was carried out with mechanical testing and review of clinical case outcomes. Animals— Cadaveric adult third metacarpal bones (MC3) for mechanical testing; horses (n=7) with severely comminuted proximal (6; P1) or second (1) phalanx fractures. Methods— Mechanical testing of methods for attachment of TSP to the sidebars were tested as well as optimization of pin diameters. Outcome of clinical cases managed with the TSP ESFD were compared with outcomes of horses treated with previous ESFD. Results— A TSP ESFD using 7.94 mm diameter pins was used. Survival rate was 71%. One horse with an infected P1 fracture and contralateral laminitis subsequently fractured MC3 through the distal pin hole while wearing the TSP ESFD. One mare with contralateral laminitis was euthanatized. Three horses had open fractures. Conclusions— Design improvements incorporated into the TSP ESFD should increase treatment success. Clinical Relevance— External skeletal fixation continues to be a viable treatment alternative for severe injuries of the distal aspect of the equine limb. TSP ESFD should improve on the success of treatment by decreasing complications of bone fracture at the pin interface.
Neutrophils as firemen, production of anti-inflammatory mediators by neutrophils in a mixed cell environment

Abstract Neutrophils represent critical components of the innate immune system that bear primary responsibility for phagocytosis and killing of invading pathogens. Following stimulation of human whole blood, robust production of multiple cytokines and cytokine inhibitors occurs. We attempted to define the cell population responsible for the synthesis of different mediators by first stimulating whole blood and then isolating pure populations of granulocytes and monocytes. Monocytes produced mRNA coding for the classic pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6, while mRNA for these cytokines was not detectable in the isolated neutrophils. In contrast, neutrophils produce significant quantities of cytokine inhibitors such as the type 2 TNF soluble receptor and the IL-1 receptor antagonist. Both neutrophils and monocytes produced mRNA coding for IL-8. These data indicate that following stimulation of a mixed cell population the monocytes primarily produce pro-inflammatory mediators while the neutrophils synthesize a significant portion of the anti-inflammatory mediators. The neutrophils may be compared to firemen who bring the resources necessary to put out the flame of acute inflammation.
Variable-temperature loads for use in accurate noise measurements of cryogenically-cooled microwave amplifiers and mixers

We have demostrated the use of cryogenically-cooled variable-temperature loads for accurate noise measurements of low-noise cooled amplifiers and mixers in the microwave and millimeter wave range. The input noise temperature of the amplifier or mixer can be measured with an accuracy of ±1 K or better.
Polyribosomes from Peas: An Improved Method for Their Isolation in the Absence of Ribonuclease Inhibitors

Profiles of polyribosomes were obtained from etiolated stem segments of Pisum sativum L. var. Alaska isolated in various buffers. Tissue homogenized in a medium containing 0.2 m tris-HCl, pH 8.5, 0.2 m sucrose, 30 mm MgCl2, and 60 mm KCl yielded polyribosomes exhibiting far less degradation than tissue homogenized in conventional media containing tris-HCl at lower ionic strength and pH. A further decrease in degradation was found when polyribosomes were sedimented through a sucrose pad buffered at pH 8.5 prior to centrifugation. Increased separation was obtained using heavy (125-500 mg/ml), linear sucrose gradients. Using these techniques, messenger RNA species bearing up to 12 ribosomes (dodecamers) were resolved, with messenger RNA chains bearing 9 ribosomes (nonamers) being the most abundant (having the highest absorption peak). The data presented suggest that buffer of high ionic strength and high pH was more effective in preventing degradation of polyribosomes than was diethyl pyrocarbonate and, furthermore, that ratios involving large polyribosomes (hexamers and larger) were more accurate indices of degradation than were ratios involving total polyribosomes.
The crystal structure of bovine bile salt activated lipase: insights into the bile salt activation mechanism.

Abstract Background: The intestinally located pancreatic enzyme, bile salt activated lipase (BAL), possesses unique activities for digesting different kinds of lipids. It also differs from other lipases in a requirement of bile salts for activity. A structure-based explanation for these unique properties has not been reached so far due to the absence of a three-dimensional structure. Results: The crystal structures of bovine BAL and its complex with taurocholate have been determined at 2.8 A resolution. The overall structure of BAL belongs to the α / β hydrolase fold family. Two bile salt binding sites were found in each BAL molecule within the BAL–taurocholate complex structure. One of these sites is located close to a hairpin loop near the active site. Upon the binding of taurocholate, this loop becomes less mobile and assumes a different conformation. The other bile salt binding site is located remote from the active site. In both structures, BAL forms similar dimers with the active sites facing each other. Conclusions: Bile salts activate BAL by binding to a relatively short ten-residue loop near the active site, and stabilize the loop in an open conformation. Presumably, this conformational change leads to the formation of the substrate-binding site, as suggested from kinetic data. The BAL dimer observed in the crystal structure may also play a functional role under physiological conditions.
A 16-24 GHz CMOS SOI LNA with 2.2 dB Mean Noise Figure

This paper presents a K-band low-noise amplifier (LNA) with a measured mean noise figure of 2.2 dB at 16-24 GHz. The LNA is fabricated in 45 nm Semiconductor-on-Insulator (SOI) CMOS process. The measured S-parameters result a peak gain of 19.5 dB at 20 GHz and S11 <; -10 dB at 16-24 GHz. The design shows that CMOS SOI process can provide a comparable noise performance with GaAs and SiGe devices. To the best of authors' knowledge, this LNA achieves the lowest noise figure at K-band in any CMOS process.
Total wrist arthroplasty and total wrist arthrodesis in rheumatoid arthritis: a decision analysis from the hand surgeons' perspective.

Purpose Treatment of severely destroyed rheumatoid wrists with total wrist arthroplasty or total wrist arthrodesis relies on patient and surgeon preferences rather than rigorous prospective outcomes data. The purpose of this study is to develop a decision analytic model of arthroplasty and arthrodesis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using utility values obtained from a random sample of hand surgeons. Methods A utility survey using a time trade-off design was administered to 175 members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Based on the results of the survey, the utility values that surgeons assign to health states associated with arthroplasty and arthrodesis and their complications were calculated. By combining utility values with complication rates in the published literature, we developed a decision tree to calculate the expected quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for each procedure compared to living with a painful RA wrist. Results Based on surgeon preferences, living for 30 years with a painful, poorly functioning RA wrist (utility = 0.54) is associated with 16.2 QALYs. Treatment with arthroplasty (utility = 0.85) is associated with 25.5 QALYs, a gain of 9.3 QALYs over nonsurgical management. Arthrodesis (utility = 0.82) is associated with 24.6 QALYs, a gain of 8.4 QALYs over nonsurgical management. Arthroplasty is associated with a small incremental increase in QALYs (0.9) compared to arthrodesis. Conclusions Based on utility scores, hand surgeons feel that living with a painful, poorly functioning RA wrist for 30 years is worth approximately half as many years with a painless, well-functioning wrist. The outcomes for arthroplasty and arthrodesis are valued more than nonsurgical management. On the basis of its higher expected gain in QALYs, arthroplasty should be the preferred treatment. The minimal increase in utility for arthroplasty over arthrodesis suggests however, that surgeons do not view arthroplasty as superior to arthrodesis. Type of study/level of evidence Economic and decision analysis IV.
Different effects of posttrial driving or blocking of the theta rhythm on avoidance learning in rats

Abstract Animals with and without septal electrodes were trained in two simple avoidance tasks, three weeks apart. Following the training trials, some implanted animals received 20 min of either low (LF) or high frequency (HF) septal stimulation, which drove or blocked, respectively, the hippocampal theta rhythm. Animals receiving the theta-driving stimulation subsequently exhibited improved retention performance in the 1-way active avoidance task in comparison to animals receiving HF stimulation or to implanted controls. In the 1-trial passive inhibitory task, LF animals subsequently performed better than did HF animals, but the LF animals' performance was not quite significantly higher than performance of implanted controls. Low frequency stimulation during testing also improved performance in the active avoidance task. Unoperated controls performed at a higher level than implanted controls and HF animals in both tasks, suggesting a lesion effect of the bilaterally-implanted septal electrodes. Nevertheless, the design of these experiments, in which posttrial treatment administration and two tasks requiring opposite responses were employed, appears to provide reasonably direct evidence that the activation of theta rhythms is not simply correlated with learning situations, but also apparently improves the retention of information that has recently been acquired. Thus, these rhythms could be associated with memory storage processes.
Lung cancer: assessing resectability.

Staging classification in patients with non-small cell lung cancer does not always correlate perfectly with surgical resectability. Therefore, it is important to evaluate individual features of a patient’s tumor in order to determine if surgical resection is the optimal method of treatment, regardless of tumor stage. Such features include characteristics of the primary tumor, regional lymph nodes and distant sites.
Societal Vulnerability To Communications And Computer Failures

The world is becoming increasingly dependent on computers and communications. As these systems become more pervasive, there is a growing concern about the possibility of computer and communications network failure leading to damages for a significant segment of the population and, potentially, to the weakening of social stability. There is disagreement and concern over whether today's increasingly interconnected computer systems are more vulnerable than resilient. This paper reviews the recent international discussions on this issue, identifies known problem areas, and discusses possible ameliorating measures. Finally, it raises a number of related questions which need to be examined.
Impact of delayed graft function and acute rejection on graft survival.

1. From 1991 to 1998, the incidence of DGF remained at 21% of all kidney grafts (n = 86,682) reported to the UNOS Scientific Transplant Registry. In contrast, percentages of early acute rejection (EAR) and late acute rejection (LAR) have dropped precipitously to half their starting values. (EAR started at 37% and dropped to 18%, and LAR started at 11% and dropped to 5%.) 2. Among discharged recipients, DGF was associated with increased EAR (odds ratio = 1.7) within 6 months of transplant; whereas, EAR (odds ratio = 4.7) but not DGF (odds ratio = 1.1) was associated with increased LAR for recipients from 6 months to one year after transplantation. 3. Non-immune factors (e.g., duration of pretransplant dialysis, donor age, and cold ischemia time) primarily influenced the risk of DGF, and immune factors (e.g., recipient race, recipient age, HLA) mainly determined the risk of EAR and LAR. 4. DGF, EAR and LAR were independent risk factors for long-term graft loss. DGF and LAR exhibited the strongest influences, reducing half-lives by 30% and 50%, respectively. 5. Some long-term risk factors demonstrated consistent effects regardless of DGF and/or LAR. For example, Black recipients always had poor long-term GS. On the other hand, some risk factors, mostly immune-type factors, exhibited effects only in the absence of DGF (e.g., recipient sex, age and HLA matching). Many non-immune factors exhibited long-term effects only in the absence of LAR (e.g., donor age, cause of donor death). 6. Strategies aimed at reducing both DGF and AR are necessary to improve the long-term outcome of kidney transplants.
ACP Journal Club. Nateglinide did not reduce diabetes or CV events in patients with impaired glucose tolerance and CV risk factors.

Source Citation The NAVIGATOR Study Group. Effect of nateglinide on the incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular events. N Engl J Med. 2010;362:1463-76. 20228402
A comparison of oral and inhalation toxicities of four insecticides to mice and rats.

Knowledge of inhalation toxicity of pesticides applied by the ultra low volume (ULV) method is becoming increasingly important in assessing possible hazards to field workers. These aerosols include significant amounts of particles (3 ~m or less) within the respirable range (LEWIS, et ai., 1948). Because these particles reach the alveoli, there exists a potential for rapid translocation of chemicals into the blood stream.
Developmental expression of two members of a new class of transcription factors: II. Expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator in the C57BL/6N mouse embryo

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and the AhR nuclear translocator protein (ARNT) are basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins involved in transcriptional regulation. The AhR is a ligand-activated partner of the ARNT protein. Both proteins are required to transcriptionally regulate gene expression. ARNT must be complexed to AhR to permit binding to the regulatory DNA sequence. The AhR-ligand complex is known to mediate a range of biological responses, such as developmental toxicity, induction of cleft palate, and hydronephrosis. AhR and ARNT are expressed in human embryonic palatal cells and AhR was recently shown to have a specific developmental pattern of expression in the mouse embryo. In the present study, expression of ARNT is characterized in C57BL/6N mouse embryos from gestation day (GD) 10–16 using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. An affinity purified antibody against human ARNT (1.1 μg/ml) was detected with an avidinbiotin-peroxidase complex. ARNT mRNA was localized with a 35S-RNA probe from pBM5/NEOM1–1. Specific spatial and temporal patterns of ANRT expression emerged and mRNA and protein expression correlated. The GD 10–11 embryos showed highest levels of ARNT in neuroepithelial cells of the neural tube, visceral arches, otic and optic placodes, and preganglionic complexes. The heart also had significant expression of ARNT with strong nuclear localization. After GD11, expression in heart and brain declined. In GD 12–13 embryos expression was highest in the liver where expression increased from GD 12–16. At GD 15–16 the highest levels of ARNT occurred in adrenal gland and liver, although ARNT was also detected in submandibular gland, ectoderm, tongue, bone, and muscle. In all of these tissues ARNT was cytoplasmic as well as nuclear, except in some of the cortical adrenal cells in which ARNT was strongly cytoplasmic with little or no nuclear localization. These specific patterns of ARNT expression, which differ in certain tissues from the expression of AhR, suggest that ARNT may have additional roles in normal embryonic development. © 1995 wiley-Liss, Inc.
Query optimization using restructured views

We study optimization of relational queries using materialized views, where views may be regular or restructured. In a restructured view, some data from the base table(s) are represented as metadata - that is, schema information, such as table and attribute names - or vice versa.Using restructured views in query optimization opens up a new spectrum of views that were not previously available, and can result in significant additional savings in query-evaluation costs. These savings can be obtained due to a significantly larger set of views to choose from, and may involve reduced table sizes, elimination of self-joins, clustering produced by restructuring, and horizontal partitioning.In this paper we propose a general query-optimization framework that treats regular and restructured views in a uniform manner and is applicable to SQL select-project-join queries and views with or without aggregation. Within the framework we provide (1) algorithms to determine when a view (regular or restructured) is usable in answering a query, and (2) algorithms to rewrite a query using usable views.Semantic information, such as knowledge of the key of a view, can be used to further optimize a rewritten query. Within our general query-optimization framework, we develop techniques for determining the key of a (regular or restructured) view, and show how this information can be used to further optimize a rewritten query. It is straightforward to integrate all our algorithms and techniques into standard query-optimization algorithms.
A critical evaluation of orthopedic interocclusal appliance therapy: effectiveness for specific symptoms

The treatment effectiveness of interocclusal appliances on dysfunction within the temporomandibular joint, musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction in the TM region, and adverse loading and attrition of the teeth are evaluated.
Generation and visualization of four-dimensional MR angiography data using an undersampled 3-D projection trajectory

Time-resolved contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) angiography (CE-MRA) has gained in popularity relative to X-ray Digital Subtraction Angiography because it provides three-dimensional (3-D) spatial resolution and it is less invasive. We have previously presented methods that improve temporal resolution in CE-MRA while providing high spatial resolution by employing an undersampled 3-D projection (3D PR) trajectory. The increased coverage and isotropic resolution of the 3D PR acquisition simplify visualization of the vasculature from any perspective. We present a new algorithm to develop a set of time-resolved 3-D image volumes by preferentially weighting the 3D PR data according to its acquisition time. An iterative algorithm computes a series of density compensation functions for a regridding reconstruction, one for each time frame, that exploit the variable sampling density in 3D PR. The iterative weighting procedure simplifies the calculation of appropriate density compensation for arbitrary sampling patterns, which improve sampling efficiency and, thus, signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio, since it is does not require a closed-form calculation based on geometry. Current medical workstations can display these large four-dimensional studies, however, interactive cine animation of the data is only possible at significantly degraded resolution. Therefore, we also present a method for interactive visualization using powerful graphics cards and distributed processing. Results from volunteer and patient studies demonstrate the advantages of dynamic imaging with high spatial resolution.
An Association Between Peptidoglycan Synthesis and Organization of the Streptococcus pyogenes ExPortal

ABSTRACT The ExPortal of Streptococcus pyogenes is a focal microdomain of the cytoplasmic membrane that clusters the translocons of the general secretory pathway with accessory factors to facilitate the maturation of secreted polypeptides. While it is known that the ExPortal is enriched in anionic lipids, the mechanisms that organize the ExPortal are poorly understood. In the present study, we examined the role of the cell wall in organizing and maintaining the ExPortal. Removal of the cell wall resulted in a loss of ExPortal focal integrity accompanied by the circumferential redistribution of ExPortal lipid and protein components. A similar loss occurred upon treatment with gallidermin, a nonpermeabilizing lantibiotic that targets the lipid II precursor of peptidoglycan synthesis, and this treatment disrupted the secretion of several ExPortal substrates. Furthermore, several enzymes involved in the membrane-associated steps of lipid II synthesis, including MraY and MurN, were found to localize to a single discrete focus in the membrane that was coincident with the focal location of the secretory translocons and the anionic lipid microdomain. These data suggest that the ExPortal is associated with the site of peptidoglycan precursor synthesis and that peptidoglycan biogenesis influences ExPortal organization. These data add to an emerging literature indicating that cell wall biogenesis, cell division, and protein secretion are spatially coorganized processes. IMPORTANCE Since Gram-positive bacteria lack a periplasmic space, they lack a protected compartment to spatially coordinate interaction between newly secreted proteins and the factors required to process them. This represents a significant problem for pathogens that depend on the secretion of toxins and cell wall-associated adhesins to cause disease. Streptococci solve this dilemma by restricting secretion and processing factors to a defined region of the membrane. However, the mechanisms that promote restriction are not understood. In this study, we show that restriction of these factors in the pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes is intimately linked with the presence of the cell wall and its synthesis. Furthermore, several cell wall synthesis proteins are also restricted to the site of protein secretion. This study contributes to our understanding of how the Gram-positive cell is organized to coordinate protein secretion and biogenesis with cell wall synthesis and to the ongoing development of antibiotics that target these processes.
Advanced imaging of pulsed atmospheric surface flashover

Vacuum Ultraviolet (VUV) radiation is commonly thought to enhance streamer formation, as it is energetic enough to cause photoionization in the gaseous volume. Light with wavelengths below 180 nm, i.e. VUV, is highly absorbed in the atmosphere which increases the difficulty of measuring any VUV emission from gaseous breakdown at atmospheric pressure. Nevertheless, VUV emission from pulsed surface flashover at atmospheric conditions was previously recorded at Texas Tech. A second generation system was designed to image VUV and visible emission directly while also preserving the spatial profile. The visible emission is imaged through an air-side focused ICCD, while VUV emission is imaged through a vacuum spectrograph. The variable length gap was excited with a pulser designed for a 100 ns rise time and 50 kV peak output. Captured images of visible light emission from streamers produced in oxygen are diffuse whereas nitrogen produces streamers that are segmented. VUV spatial images taken in oxygen reveal stronger emission closer to the cathode region, while nitrogen produces a more distributed intensity profile across the gap. While MgF 2 enabled transmission and measurement of VUV, streamer characteristics recorded in the visible light spectrum of surface flashover on BK7 dielectric windows were also investigated. In this paper, the observed streamer images in both visible and VUV wavelength range will be discussed as it relates to surface flashover at atmospheric pressure.
Catecholaminergic systems in the zebrafish. IV. Organization and projection pattern of dopaminergic neurons in the diencephalon

In the diencephalons of the adult zebrafish brain, all catecholamine-containing neurons are dopaminergic. The organization and projection pattern of these neurons are studied using tyrosine hydroxylase immunocytochemistry. By their locations, 3 neuronal complexes and 17 cell groups are identified on the bases of their morphology, staining intensity, and projection pattern: 1) the preoptic complex (5 groups); 2) the posterior tuberal complex (4 groups); and 3) the hypothalamic complex (5 groups). In addition, three other groups can be distinguished: one group in the ventral thalamus; one in the pretectal area, and one found in the postoptic commissure and above the pituitary stalk in a few brains. Two dopaminergic pathways are defined: 1) the preoptico-hypophyseal tract runs in close association with the lateral forebrain bundle along the base of the brain between the preoptic area and the pituitary stalk, and neurons of the preoptic complex are major contributors to this pathway; additional fibers come from the large periventricular organ-associated neurons of the posterior tuberal; 2) the endohypothalamic tract links neurons of the hypothalamic complex and consists mainly of processes from hypothalamic neurons. Axons from neurons of the suprachiasmatic, periventricular organ-associated, and posterior tuberal nuclei also join this pathways after entering the hypothalamus. Several groups of neurons contact the cerebrospinal fluid. These appear to be primarily local neurons because none have processes that join the two major pathways. The preoptic area, dorsal thalamus, tuberal and hypothalamic areas, optic tectum, and pituitary are the major targets of diencephalic dopaminergic neurons. The dorsal telencephalon does not receive input from these cells. The large periventricular organ-accompanying neurons have descending projections beyond the diencephalon and isthmus. Some cells of this group terminate in the crista cerebellaris. A few axons also exit the medulla via a branch of the octavolateralis nerve.
Abortifacient activity of intravenously administered prostaglandins

Abstract Prostaglandins E 2 and F 2α were administered to a group of 10 pregnant women between 13 and 16 weeks of gestation to induce therapeutic abortion. The compounds were administered intravenously for a maximum time of 24 hours by continuous infusion pump. Marked uterine activity was noted in all patients, and spontaneous abortion occurred in 8 of 10 patients. There were no serious side effects although diarrhea, vomiting and local irritation of the intravenous site were noted in several patients and 3 patients developed tachycardia. The results of this study indicate that the intravenous administration of prostaglandins E 2 and F 2α may be of benefit in terminating pregnancy between 13 and 16 weeks gestation.
Effect of separate conjugated linoleic acid isomers on murine mammary tumorigenesis.

Recent studies have linked conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) to altered tumorigenesis of several sites. We showed recently that a mixture of CLA isomers was able to significantly decrease mammary tumor metastasis in mice. That effect was seen with as little as 0.1% CLA in the diet. Other studies with dietary CLA have shown that various isomers may have differential effects. The purpose of this work was to assess which individual CLA isomers had similar effects in alteration of mouse mammary tumor metastasis. For that, we fed six 20% (w/w) total fat diets which contained either no CLA, low (0.1%, w/w) or high (0.25%, w/w) levels of cis9,trans11-CLA (c9,t11), trans10,cis12-CLA (t10,c12) or a mixture of the 2 isomers (0.125% of each, w/w) as free fatty acids. Neither the separate isomers nor the mixture had an effect on the latency or growth of primary line 4526 tumors when compared to the group without CLA. However, all diets containing CLA significantly decreased the total tumor burden (volume of tumor, mm3) in lungs of mice from both spontaneous metastasis (reduced by 42–73%) as well as implantation and survival of the metastatic cell (reduced by 46–61%) when compared with diets containing no CLA. Diets containing a greater concentration of either c9,t11 or t10,c12 had a significantly greater effect compared to the lower concentrations of the respective isomers when metastatic nodule size and total tumor burden were assessed. The diet containing both isomers decreased total tumor burden similarly to the diets containing the lower concentration of each of the isomers. Thus, the effects of c9,t11 and t10,c12 may not be additive and possibly share similar mechanisms for decreasing metastatic tumor burden in mice transplanted with mammary tumor cells.
Detection of weak, broadband signals under Doppler-scaled, multipath propagation

The detection of weak, broadband signals under Doppler-scaled, multipath propagation is addressed. In general, the received signal may contain both strong and weak path receptions. The ambiguities (i.e., floor level or 2-D sidelobes) of the strong paths may interfere with the detection of the weak paths. In this study, the strong paths were regarded as the unwanted signals which must be eliminated in order to detect the weaker paths. The proposed method is a simple yet effective means for eliminating the ambiguities associated with the strong paths without significantly affecting the weak paths. This method has the advantage that removing the strong paths at a single Doppler channel is equivalent to removing the entire floor level associated with the strong paths. >
Endothelial dysfunction and inflammation—is there a link?

The endothelium is a functional barrier between vessel wall and blood stream that for a long time has been regarded as a relatively inert container for blood. However, the last 20 years, researchers have found an extraordinary variety of important endothelial functions, including control of coagulation, fibrinolysis, vascular tone, growth, and immune response. The endothelium modulates vascular tone by releasing a number of vasoactive substances including nitric oxide (NO). It is now clear that dysfunction of the endothelium disturbs the physiological protective regulatory balance, which is a critical factor in the atherosclerotic disease progression. Thus, endothelial dysfunction occurs in many diseasesudisorders associated with an increased cardiovascular risk, such as essential hypertension w1x, dyslipidaemia w2x, smoking w3x and mental stress w4x. The significant burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has been recognized since more than 25 years w5x. The increased incidence of CVD is probably the result of a high prevalence of both traditional risk factors (such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and smoking) and non-traditional risk factors (such as inflammation, oxidative stress, advanced glycation end products, and homocysteine). C-reactive protein (CRP), a sensitive and objective marker of one non-traditional risk factor, inflammation, has been shown to be associated to CVD in both predialysis w6x and dialysis w7x patients populations.