cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
592: Contingency based provision of a genetic sonogram for women receiving second trimester maternal serum Down syndrome screening

RECEIVING SECOND TRIMESTER MATERNAL SERUM DOWN SYNDROME SCREENING PETER BENN, YU MING VICTOR FANG, KATE SMITH, JAY BOLNICK, ADAM BORGIDA, JAMES EGAN, University of Connecticut, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Farmington, Connecticut, University of Connecticut, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Farmington, Connecticut, University of Connecticut Health Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Farmington, Connecticut, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut OBJECTIVE: To determine to what extent the referral of more women for the second trimester genetic sonogram (GS) would improve the net performance of second trimester screening for Down syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: Second trimester maternal serum quadruple test results (MSAFP, uE3, hCG, and INH-A) were computer simulated for a population of women with maternal ages seen in the US pregnancy population in 2000. Those women with risks greater than a specified level had their risk modified by a GS that, by itself, had a 53.1% detection rate (DR) and 14.3% false-positive rate (FPR) (Smith-Bindman et al; Prenat Diagn. 2007; 27;535-44). Final risks were classified as positive or negative on the basis of a second trimester cut-off of 1:270 or 1:190. Efficacy of this protocol was compared with serum screening alone, and with combined serum and GS screening for all women. RESULTS: When increasing numbers of women receive a genetic sonogram, the net detection rate for the combined serum and ultrasound protocol is improved and can exceed that obtained by serum screening alone (Table). The FPR of this combined screen is lower than serum screening alone, regardless of the number of women receiving the genetic sonogram. CONCLUSION: Increasing the number of women who receive the genetic sonogram can improve the detection of affected pregnancies without creating unacceptable false-positive rates.
Tubular hypertrophy due to work load induced by furosemide is associated with increases of IGF-1 and IGFBP-1.

Tubular hypertrophy due to work load induced by furosemide is associated with increases of IGF-1 and IGFBP-1. We have examined the expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), IGF binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1), and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in the rat distal nephron during increased cell work load and hypertrophy, induced by the diuretic, furosemide. Furosemide was given for six days to increase distal sodium delivery and uptake. To mitigate salt loss, the animals drank 0.8% NaCl and 0.1% KCl. Control rats were infused with vehicle (0.9% saline) and drank tap water. Furosemide increased urinary volume (13-fold) and sodium excretion (eightfold), and decreased urine osmolarity (fourfold). By immunocytochemistry, staining for IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 was markedly increased in distal convoluted tubules and cortical collecting ducts; both segments also underwent hypertrophy. Increased staining for the peptides was evident early (1 hr, 18 hr) after furosemide, prior to hypertrophy of cells. Whereas transcripts of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 mRNA showed little or no increase in extracts from furosemide-treated kidney cortices, IGFBP-1 mRNA was increased threefold 18 hours after furosemide. Alterations of IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 were independent of changes in plasma aldosterone, glucocorticoids or arginine vasopressin. That IGFBP-1 mRNA increased threefold without significant changes in IGF-1 mRNA suggests that hypertrophic stimuli might initially induce the synthesis of IGF binding protein followed by the trapping of extracellular IGF-1. The present study raises the possibility of IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 being involved in processes that lead to tubular hypertrophy. IGFBP-1 may regulate these effects by binding to and interaction with IGF-1.
Magnetic resonance elastography can discriminate normal vs. abnormal liver biopsy in candidates for live liver donation

The aim of this study was to define liver shear stiffness by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) that distinguishes normal from abnormal liver biopsy, especially when steatosis ≥20%, among potential live liver donors. Baseline clinical, laboratory, imaging, MRE, and liver biopsy results were recorded. Using MRE, hepatic shear stiffness in kilopascals (kPa) was measured and compared to liver biopsy. Comparison between groups was done using χ 2 or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables and Wilcoxon test for continuous variables. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated to assess diagnostic accuracy. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. 38 healthy adults were included. Liver biopsy was normal in 27 and abnormal in 11. ROC curve for MRE defined optimal cutoff at 2.6 kPa (sensitivity 0.72, specificity 0.85, AUC 0.81) to distinguish these 2 groups. Hepatic steatosis ≥20% on biopsy is a contraindication for liver donation in our center. We evaluated the ability of MRE to distinguish this degree of steatosis: 8 persons had steatosis ≥20% and were excluded from donation. ROC curve for MRE defined optimal cutoff at 2.82 kPa (sensitivity 0.88, specificity 1, AUC 0.98) to identify this group. Liver stiffness measured by MRE, even in the absence of liver fibrosis, can be useful in differentiating normal from abnormal liver histology, and most importantly in patients under evaluation for live liver donation, can very accurately distinguish those with complicated hepatic steatosis ≥20%, our cutoff for donation. In the future, MRE might provide supplementary information to make liver biopsy unnecessary in the donor evaluation process.
Analytical and Numerical Modeling of Engagement of Rough, Permeable, Grooved Wet Clutches

A simple mathematical model for the engagement of rough, permeable, grooved wet clutches has been developed and used to determine the effect of various input parameters (applied load, grooved area, and friction material permeability) on engagement. The model includes the effects of surface roughness according to Patir and Cheng (1978), friction material permeability according to Natsumeda and Miyoshi (1994) and Beavars and Joseph (1967), and grooving in the friction material according to a new approximation. The approach reduces the system ofReynolds and force balance equations to a single, first-order differential equation in film thickness and time. A line searching algorithm, exploiting the low computational cost of function evaluations for the new model, is used to find the set of input parameter combinations yielding the same engagement characteristics. This set of design points is presented as an engagement isosurface in the parameter space (F app , Φ, A red ). The isosurface implicitly gives information about engagement time, and it shows regions in which the desired engagement characteristics cannot be achieved. The input parameters are classified as those affecting the transient portion of engagement and those affecting the steady-state portion.
Formation of topological defects in phase transitions

It was argued, and fought through numerical work that the results of non-dynamical Monte Carlo computer simulations cannot be applied to describe the formation of topological defects when the correlation length at the Ginzburg temperature is significantly smaller than the horizon size. To test the current hypothesis that infinite strings at formation are essentially described by Brownian walks of size the correlation length at the Ginzburg temperature, fields at the Ginzburg temperature were equilibrated. Infinite structure do not exist in equilibrium for reasonable definitions of the Ginzburg temperature, and horizons must be included in a proper treatment. A phase transition, from small-scale to large-scale string or domain wall structure, is found to occur very close to the Ginzburg temperature, in agreement with recent work. The formation process of domain walls and global strings were investigated through the breaking of initially ordered states. To mimic conditions in the early Universe, cooling times are chosen so that horizons exist in the sample volume when topological structure formation occurs. The classical fields are evolved in real-time by the numerical solution of Langevin equations of motion on a three dimensional spatial lattice. The results indicate that it is possible for most of the string energy to be in small loops, rather than in long strings, at formation.
Recapitulating physiological and pathological shear stress and oxygen to model vasculature in health and disease

Studying human vascular disease in conventional cell cultures and in animal models does not effectively mimic the complex vascular microenvironment and may not accurately predict vascular responses in humans. We utilized a microfluidic device to recapitulate both shear stress and O2 levels in health and disease, establishing a microfluidic vascular model (μVM). Maintaining human endothelial cells (ECs) in healthy-mimicking conditions resulted in conversion to a physiological phenotype namely cell elongation, reduced proliferation, lowered angiogenic gene expression and formation of actin cortical rim and continuous barrier. We next examined the responses of the healthy μVM to a vasotoxic cancer drug, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), in comparison with an in vivo mouse model. We found that 5-FU does not induce apoptosis rather vascular hyperpermeability, which can be alleviated by Resveratrol treatment. This effect was confirmed by in vivo findings identifying a vasoprotecting strategy by the adjunct therapy of 5-FU with Resveratrol. The μVM of ischemic disease demonstrated the transition of ECs from a quiescent to an activated state, with higher proliferation rate, upregulation of angiogenic genes, and impaired barrier integrity. The μVM offers opportunities to study and predict human ECs with physiologically relevant phenotypes in healthy, pathological and drug-treated environments.
MANAGING THE HEADQUARTERS‐FOREIGN SUBSIDIARY RELATIONSHIP: THE ROLES OF STRATEGY, CONFLICT, AND INTEGRATION

This study examined the relationship between the headquarters and the foreign subsidiaries of multinational corporations (MNCs). Hypotheses concerning the strategies pursued by each MNC, intergroup conflict, conflict management styles, integrating mechanisms, and the effectiveness of the headquarters‐subsidiary relationship are developed and tested. There were no significant differences in the intergroup conflict experienced by subsidiaries pursuing different international strategies. However, effectiveness of the headquarters‐subsidiary relationship was negatively related to intergroup conflict. The use of the avoiding style of conflict management was negatively related to the effectiveness of the headquarters‐subsidiary relationship, as hypothesized. For MNCs pursuing global integration strategies, the use of personal integrating mechanisms and integrating conflict management styles were negatively related to intergroup conflict. For MNCs pursuing local responsiveness strategies, the use of bureaucratic integrating mechanisms and dominating conflict management styles were not negatively related to inter‐group conflict. This ran counter to expectations. MNCs pursuing multi‐focal strategies did not fit neatly into either strategy camp—global integration or local responsiveness.
Transgenic Expression of a Bacterial Thermophilic Amylase in the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Chloroplast to Facilitate Algal Biofuel Production

This study investigated expression of a thermophilic amylase (arAmyBH) from hyperthermophilic bacterium Thermotoga neapolitana into Chlamydomonas reinhardtii chloroplast to facilitate in vivo starch hydrolysis for algal biofuel production. The expression and accumulation of the recombinant protein in the algal chloroplast were verified by Western blot analysis. The recombinant arAmyBH was purified using Ni-NTA purification system. The optimum pH and temperature of arAmyBH were 5.5 and 60 °C, respectively. The enzymatic hydrolysis of the algal starch demonstrated that with supplemental commercial alpha-amylase, the transformant completely converted starch into reducing sugars in vivo at an elevated temperature.
Evidence of a direct role for Bcl-2 in the regulation of articular chondrocyte apoptosis under the conditions of serum withdrawal and retinoic acid treatment†

The regulation of chondrocyte apoptosis in articular cartilage may underlay age-associated changes in cartilage and the development of osteoarthritis. Here we demonstrate the importance of Bcl-2 in regulating articular chondrocyte apoptosis in response to both serum withdrawal and retinoic acid treatment. Both stimuli induced apoptosis of primary human articular chondrocytes and a rat chondrocyte cell line as evidenced by the formation of DNA ladders. Apoptosis was accompanied by decreased expression of aggrecan, a chondrocyte specific matrix protein. The expression of Bcl-2 was downregulated by both agents based on Northern and Western analysis, while the level of Bax expression remained unchanged compared to control cells. The importance of Bcl-2 in regulating chondrocyte apoptosis was confirmed by creating cell lines overexpressing sense and antisense Bcl-2 mRNA. Multiple cell lines expressing antisense Bcl-2 displayed increased apoptosis even in the presence of 10% serum as compared to wild-type cells. In contrast, chondrocytes overexpressing Bcl-2 were resistant to apoptosis induced by both serum withdrawal and retinoic acid treatment. Finally, the expression of Bcl-2 did not block the decreased aggrecan expression in IRC cells treated with retinoic acid. We conclude that Bcl-2 plays an important role in the maintenance of articular chondrocyte survival and that retinoic acid inhibits aggrecan expression independent of the apoptotic process.
Herniation of small bowel through the falciform ligament: CT demonstration

A case of intestinal obstruction with strangulation due to a hernia through a rent in the falciform ligament is presented to emphasize the diagnostic role of CT imaging in patients without previous surgery.
Antimyosin antibody imaging in experimental aortic regurgitation

Fiber dropout and myocyte necrosis precede heart failure in experimental aortic regurgitation (AR). The current study aimed to determine whether this process can be detected by noninvasive scintigraphic imaging. 111In-labeled antimyosin antibody Fab fragment (1 to 1.5 mCi) (Myoscint) was administered to each of 34 New Zealand White rabbits: 11 early (3 to 5 weeks) after surgical AR induction; 9 late (98 to 128 weeks) after AR induction; 5 normal and 3 sham-operated age-matched with early AR; and 3 normal and 3 sham-operated age-matched with late AR. Echocardiographic fractional shortening was indistinguishable among control, early AR, and late AR groups. In vivo gamma camera imaging 24 and 48 hours after isotope administration, post-mortem heart activity determination (percentage injected dose per gram), and autoradiography were performed. At 24 and 48 hours, heart-to-lung counts-per-pixel ratios from in vivo images were greater (p<0.05) in the late AR rabbits than in each of the three other groups. No significant differences were found when early AR and older or younger control rabbits were compared. Heart activity (percentage injected dose per gram) in late AR rabbits trended toward higher values than in age-matched control rabbits (p=0.057), but in early AR it was indistinguishable from that in the corresponding control (p=0.413, difference not significant). The autoradiographic endocardial/epicardial activity ratio in late AR rabbits was greater than in control and early AR rabbits (1.27±0.13 vs 1.06±0.09 and vs 1.13±0.10, respectively, p<0.02). Whereas isotope uptake in late AR rabbits differed from that in control and early AR rabbits, systolic function was indistinguishable. Thus 111In-labeled antimyosin antibody imaging may permit noninvasive detection of AR-induced myocardial damage before functional deterioration.
Modeling the August 2002 minor warming event

[1] Hindcasts of the Southern Hemisphere minor stratospheric warming and mesospheric cooling event of August 2002, made with a new high altitude version of the Navy's operational forecast model, are compared with temperatures acquired by SABER (Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry). Results show realistic hemispheric evolution of both the stratospheric warming and mesospheric cooling over a 10-day time period. Use of Rayleigh friction to model mesospheric gravity wave drag shows improvement in the upper mesosphere over a hindcast without Rayleigh friction. The limited vertical extent of the main mesospheric cooling signature disagrees with the Liu and Roble (2002) model results but is supported by SABER temperature observations (Siskind et al., 2005). Examination of 3D EP-flux vectors over the 10-day forecast suggests that the planetary wave responsible for the warming/cooling event originated from a horizontally localized region of the troposphere.
Trace metal solubility in salt marsh sediments contaminated with sewage sludge

As part of a study to investigate the effect of nutrient and metal pollution on salt marshes, a sewage sludge fertilizer has been applied to experimental plots in Great Sippewissett Marsh, MA, since 1974. The concentration of nutrients, soluble sulfides, and metals were measured in porewater from these plots every 4–6 weeks from April to December in 1980. Metal and nutrient concentrations in these plots were consistently greater than in corresponding control plots. Nutrients stimulated growth of Spartina alterniflora, the dominant vegetation on these plots, and higher grass production increased sediment oxidation. Concentrations of soluble sulfide in fertilized plots were an order of magnitude lower than in surrounding areas. For much of the year sulfides could not be detected in porewater from surface sediments of fertilized plots. The solubility of metals in sediments in fertilized plots was greatly increased by the decrease in sulfide concentrations. For much of the year, the top 4 cm of the sediments in fertilized plots were undersaturated with respect to all metal sulfide minerals. This undersaturation may account for the large loss of metals observed on these plots. It appears that in the surface sediments of these plots the retention of metals may be governed in part by adsorption onto iron oxyhydroxides. Precipitation of metal sulfides may be important in limiting the penetration of metals deeper into the sediment. At 6 cm, Zn and Cd were always close to the solubility of their respective sulfide minerals. Below 4 cm, iron was undersaturated with respect to all iron monosulfide minerals but supersaturated with respect to pyrite. Copper was supersaturated with respect to CuS and Cu2S in all samples where sulfide was above the detection limit. Gel filtration experiments indicated that significant amounts of iron and copper were organically complexed in the porewater and may have been partially responsible for the large supersaturations.
The ‘Cash-Point’ Service: A Verification Case Study Using STeP

STeP, the Stanford Temporal Prover, supports the computer-aided formal verification of concurrent and reactive systems based on temporal specifications [MBB99]. Automated model checking is combined with computer-aided deductive methods to allow for the verification of a broad class of systems, including parameterised (N-component) circuit designs, parameterised (N-process) programs, and programs with infinite data domains.
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: Cytomorphology and clinical implications of fine‐needle aspiration

Four cases of anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid were diagnosed in 1,519 thyroid aspirates. All patients had unilateral or diffuse nodular enlargement of the thyroid. One patient had a concurrent grade 1 mucinous carcinoma of the ovary. Cytologically, the neoplasms were characterized by pleomorphic giant or spindle cells with multilobulated, single or multiple nuclei. The chromatin pattern was clumped with prominent parachromatin clearing, and there were multiple prominent nucleoli. Associated papillary and follicular structures were recognized in two aspirates. All cytologic preparations were considered diagnostic of malignancy. Examination of histologic material revealed the same elements identified cytologically on the aspiration smears. Three patients died shortly after diagnosis due to massive local tumor growth in the neck. One patient, who received radiation therapy, had a prolonged survival of 30 mo, but died then of local neck recurrence. The cytologic features of anaplastic carcinoma parallel their histologic appearance. Histologic confirmation of cytologically diagnosed anaplastic carcinoma is not necessary.
Some Photophysical Properties of Electronically Excited Phenyldibenzophosphole in Rigid Polymer Matrices

Phenyldibenzophosphole (PDP), present as a dopant in polymer matrices, has been subjected to photoexcitation by 308 nm excimer laser pulses. Both polystyrene (PS) and poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBuMA) have been used as hosts. Luminescence spectra and transient absorption spectra and their respective temporal behavior have been recorded for samples varying in PDP content from 2 to 15% by weight. The time regime from several tens of nanoseconds to seconds was investigated. Phosphorescence decays examined at 15 K yield a lifetime component in the microsecond domain as well as a very long-lived component on the order of seconds. In addition to the phosphorescence spectrum, with origin at 427 nm, a shorter wavelength component with origin near 350 nm is found. In polymer hosts a band at 395 nm is also observed. This latter is assigned to delayed excimer fluorescence while the 350 nm component is delayed monomeric fluorescence. Similarly, an emission at 500 nm is found which grows relative to the main phosphores...
Effect of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone antiserum on sexual behavior in the female rat

Various components of sexual receptivity were measured in ovariectomized, estrone-primed female rats following direct placement of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LH-RH) or a LH-RH antiserum into the medial preoptic area. Two hours after treatment with LH-RH antiserum, rats showed a significant increase in lordosis behavior indicative of increased sexual receptivity. When tested 3 and 7 hours after treatment, both LH-RH antiserum and LH-RH-treated rats displayed increased lordosis behavior. Similar treatment with a specific peripheral LH-RH agonist and antagonist had no effect on sexual behavior. Proceptive behavior was absent or minimal in all groups and therefore was not affected by the different treatments. Similarly, there was no difference in the rejection quotients of the females representing the various treatment groups. These results demonstrate that the same behavioral response can be observed in animals treated centrally with LH-RH and a highly specific LH-RH antiserum. Similar treatments with a specific peripheral LH-RH agonist or antagonist were without effect. These results suggest that the characteristics of LH-RH recognition sites in the brain are different from those in the pituitary.
A 10–25MHz, 600mA buck converter using time-based PID compensator with 2µA/MHz quiescent current, 94% peak efficiency, and 1MHz BW

A time-based PID compensator that combines the advantages of both analog and digital controllers is used to implement a high frequency low quiescent current buck converter. Fabricated in 180nm CMOS process, the proposed buck converter operates over a wide range of switching frequencies (10-25MHz) and achieves better than 94% peak efficiency while consuming a quiescent current of only 2μA/MHz.
Xenograft model for therapeutic drug testing in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

Objective:Identifying effective treatment for papillomatosis is limited by a lack of animal models, and there is currently no preclinical model for testing potential therapeutic agents. We hypothes...
Evidence Against Mass Action Direct Feedback Control of Melanophore-Stimulating Hormone (MSH) Release

The results of the in vitro incubation of rat pituitaries and frog neurointermediate lobes under a variety of experimental conditions fail to support a recently proposed theory of mass action direct feedback inhibition of melanophorestinuilating hormone (MSH) secretion. Various methods of varying the MSH concentration in the incubation media were devised; all resulted in hormone secretion independent of ambient MSH concentrations. Release of MSH from either the rat pituitary or the frog neurointermediate lobe was not enhanced under conditions of increased incubation volume. The total amount of MSH secreted was directly related to the number of pituitaries present in the incubation flask. Addition of exogenous MSH to the incubation medium did not inhibit MSH release. The amount of MSH secreted was directly related to the incubation time and was not increased by changing pituitaries to fresh medium during a given incubation period. We do not know why our results differ from those of previous workers, howeve...
Time use by inpatients receiving neurorehabilitation.

Szrmmary.-Inpatients with stroke spend the vast majority of their time in nontherapeutic activities. Their engagement in more therapeutic time seems warranted on the basis of research on skd development and intensity of rehabilitation. Means of providing such time, although challenging, should be pursued and their benefits investigated. The role of deliberate practice in the development of motor slulls is we1 established. Erikson concluded that achieving expert performance at a variety of tasks requires more than 10,000 hours of deliberate practice over a 10-yr. period (4). As a direct consequence of neurologic dsorders such as stroke, many individuals lose motor slulls they may have once taken for granted. In an effort to augment the recovery of such skills, neurorehabhtation in the form of therapeutic exercise and activities is often employed. With the exception of constraint-induced movement therapy (forced use), that incorporates 3 to 7 hours of focused daily activity (9, 10, 15, 19, 21) traditional neurorehabhtation would seem to fall far short of providing an optimal amount of practice for patients with stroke (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 11, 13, 14, 16, 22). Table 1 summarizes the results of 10 studies which describe the lunited amount of time that inpatients are engaged in therapeutic exercise and activity. The studies make it clear that inpatients spend most of their day in nontherapeutic activities. Even while in rehabilitation, much of the patients' time can be considered nontherapeutic. Given the contrast between the documented benefits of many hours of daily, focused therapy, and the vast amount of time patients spend in nontherapeutic activities, a change in the way that neurorehabhtation is provided seems warranted. This said, it is important to consider the findings of other research. Lincoln, et al. noted that more therapy, as typically provided in Britain, did not lead to greater recovery of arm function (12). Parry, et a/. showed that the benefit patients received from additional physical therapy depended on the severity of the impairments; patients with less severe strokes were more likely to benefit (18). Improvements in function of upper and
Deblurring of bilevel waveforms

An algorithm for processing closely spaced edges and accurately restoring their locations is presented. The convolution distortion model is based on interacting edges. The restoration algorithm takes three edges as input and forces the effects of two of them to cancel each other. Thus the third edge appears to be isolated and is located using a traditional edge detector. Experiments on bar code waveforms reveal that this approach outperforms the current commercial bar code readers. >
Correspondent computing for software implementation fault tolerance

Correspondent computing, which achieves diversity through correspondent operations and uses a decision algorithm which is based on correspondence checking rather than majority voting or assertion checking, is proposed. The significance of this is that multiple diverse software versions are produced from a single algorithm and the assertions used in the correspondence test are more exact and easier to formulate. The ability of the correspondent computing method to generate correspondent versions systematically is further enhanced by the introduction of 'partial' reciprocal operations. Their role in creating reciprocal correspondent program modules tolerant to software implementation faults is explored in an actual program which implements a well-known triangle algorithm. >
Colocalization of 11-cis Retinyl Esters and Retinyl Ester Hydrolase Activity in Retinal Pigment Epithelium Plasma Membrane

PURPOSE. TO identify the subcellular locale of 11-cis retinyl esters in bovine retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and to characterize the enzymic mechanism responsible for liberation of 11-cis retinoids in this compartment. METHODS. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-enriched and plasma membrane (PM)-enriched protein fractions were prepared from bovine RPE microsomes using sequential discontinuous sucrose and Percoll gradient fractionation. Enzyme markers for ER (such as carboxylesterase), and PM (such as 5'-nucleotidase [5'-ND]; alkaline phosphatase [AP]; and ouabain-sensitive Na + ,K + -ATPase [ATPase]) were used to identify the subfractions. Membrane-associated retinoids were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and retinyl ester hydrolase (REH) activities were determined by radiometric and chromatographic (HPLC) means. RESULTS. Chromatographic analyses of membrane-associated retinoids showed that 11-cis retinyl esters are localized mainly in PM-enriched fractions, whereas all-trans retinyl esters are associated predominantly with ER-enriched membranes; profiles of the distribution of 11-cis- and all-trans REH activities were consistent with the retinyl ester distribution. Further purification of the crude PM fraction yielded a fraction (P2) that was significantly enriched with 5'-ND (fivefold), ATPase (15-fold), AP (10-fold), and 11-cis retinyl ester hydrolase (11-cis REH; threefold) activities, but was relatively devoid of carboxylesterase and all-trans REH activities. Apparent kinetic constants (^Tm app and Vm app ) for 11-cis REH activity in P2 were 18 /xM and 1800 picomoles/min per mg, respectively. CONCLUSIONS. This is the first identification of an 1 1-as-specific REH activity in RPE plasma membrane. Results from these studies demonstrate the capacity of RPE plasma membranes to accommodate and hydrolyze 11-cis retinyl esters. Plasma membrane storage and mobilization of 11-as retinyl esters represents a novel compartmentalization of retinoid metabolism that is distinct from the sites where 11-as retinoids are produced. The implication of these findings for present theories of visual chromophore biosynthesis are discussed. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1998;39: 1312-1319)
SEP topographies elicited by innocuous and noxious sural nerve stimulation. I. Identification of stable periods and individual differences.

Abstract Scalp potential topographies evoked by innocuous and noxious sural nerve stimulation were obtained from 15 human subjects. The SEP scalp topography could be separated into 6 different stable periods (SP), that is, consecutive time points where there were no major changes in the topographic pattern, SP1 (occurring 58–90 msec post stimulus) was characterized by a contralateral frontal positivity and a central negativity oriented ipsilateral to the evoking stimulus; SP2 (92–120 msec by a bilateral frontal positivity and a symmetrical central negativity; SP3 (135–158 msec) by a widespread negativity with a minimum at the contralateral temporo-frontal region; and SP4 (178–222 msec), SP5 (223–277 msec) and SP6 (282–339 msec) by a widespread positivity with a maximum located along the centro-parietal midline. SP4, SP5, amd SP6 could be distinguished by changes in the orientation of the isovoltage contour lines and/or by changes in the location of the maximum. The stable periods had similar onset and offset latencies and the same major features across subjects. However, the topographic patterns were not identical across subjects. These individual differences are likely due to the expected variability in the orientation of the equivalent regional dipole sources generating these potentials.
Intraoperative fluorescent imaging of intracranial tumors: A review

a b s t r a c t A review of fluorescent imaging for intracranial neoplasms is presented. Complete resection of brain can- cer is seldom possible because of the goal to preserve brain tissue and the inability to visualize individual infiltrative tumor cells. Verification of histology and identification of tumor invasion in macroscopi- cally normal-appearing brain tissue determine prognosis after resection of malignant gliomas. Therefore, imaging modalities aim to facilitate intraoperative decision-making. Intraoperative fluorescent imaging techniques have the potential to enable precise histopathologic diagnosis and to detect tumor remnants in the operative field. Macroscopic fluorescence imaging is effective for gross tumor detection. Micro- scopic imaging techniques enhance the sensitivity of the macroscopic observations and provide real-time histological information. Further development of clinical grade fluorescent agents specifically targeting tumor cells could improve the diagnostic and prognostic yield of intraoperative imaging.
Application of uncertainty visualization methods to meteorological trajectories

We present an application of uncertainty visualization to air parcel trajectories generated from a global meteorological model. We derive an approximation of advection uncertainty due to interpolation and incorporate this uncertainty into our visualization of trajectories. Our work enables efficient visual pruning of unlikely results, especially in regions of atmospheric shear, potentially reducing erroneous interpretations. Finally, we apply these methods to a real-world meteorological problem to demonstrate its use.
Statistical static timing analysis using Markov chain Monte Carlo

We present a new technique for statistical static timing analysis (SSTA) based on Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC), that allows fast and accurate estimation of the right-hand tail of the delay distribution. A "naive" MCMC approach is inadequate for SSTA. Several modifications and enhancements, presented in this paper, enable application of MCMC to SSTA. Moreover, such an approach overcomes inherent limitations of techniques such as importance sampling and Quasi-Monte Carlo. Our results on open source designs, with an independent delay variation model, demonstrate that our technique can obtain more than an order of magnitude improvement in computation time over simple Monte Carlo, given an estimation accuracy target at a point in the tail. Our approach works by providing a large number of samples in the region of interest. Open problems include extension of algorithm applicability to a broader class of synthesis conditions, and handling of correlated delay variations. In a broader context, this work aims to show that MCMC and associated techniques can be useful in rare event analyses related to circuits, particularly for high-dimensional problems.
Deriving forest canopy fuel parameters for loblolly pine forests in eastern Texas

Crown fires, the fastest spreading of all forest fires, can occur in any forest type throughout the world. The overall aim of this study was to estimate forest canopy fuel parameters including canopy bulk density and canopy base height for loblolly pines (Pinus taeda L.) at the plot level using both allometric equations and CrownMass/FMAPlus software. Allo- metric equation results were compared with the CrownMass outputs for validation. According to our results, the calculated average canopy bulk density values, across all 50 plots, were 0.18 and 0.07 kg/m 3 for the allometric equation and the CrownMass program, respectively. Lorey's mean height approach was used in this study to calculate canopy base height at the plot level. The average height values of canopy base height obtained from the Lorey height approach was 10.6 m and from the CrownMass program was 9.1 m. The results obtained for the two methods are relatively close to each other, with the estimate of canopy base height being 1.16 times larger than the CrownMass value. This study provides a practical method for quantifying these parameters and making them directly available to fire managers. The accuracy of these parame- ters is very important for realistic predictions of wildfire initiation and growth.
TOWARDS A STANDARDIZED ENGINEERING FRAMEWORK FOR DISTRIBUTED, COLLABORATIVE PRODUCT REALIZATION

In this paper, we propose a standardized computer-based engineering framework to support distributed product realization. The requirements for a standardized distributed product realization framework are developed based on the Open Engineering Systems paradigm. Existing computer frameworks are evaluated against the requirements and the missing features are identified. Our efforts towards development of such a framework – eXtensible Distributed Product Realization (X-DPR) environment are discussed. X-DPR is flexible and applicable to general industrial product realization processes. It is used to integrate distributed, collaborative product realization activities over the Internet. We trace the development of the framework based on design requirements. Features of X-DPR are implemented to satisfy each requirement. X-DPR is compared to existing engineering frameworks based on the required features. Limitations and future work are presented.
Recombination-generation currents in degenerate semiconductors

The classical Shockley-Read-Hall theory of free carrier recombination and generation via traps is extended to degenerate semiconductors. A concise and simple expression is found which avoids completely the concept of a Fermi level, a concept which is alien to nonequilibrium situations. Assumptions made in deriving the recombination generation current are carefully delineated and are found to be basically identical to those made in the original theory applicable to nondegenerate semiconductors.
‘People will die because of the BBC’: British newspaper reaction to the BBC Gaza appeal decision:

This study examines the responses of British national newspaper editorials and op-eds to the BBC’s January 2009 decision not to air an appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee to raise money for refugees in the Gaza region. We find six prominent themes in national newspaper discourse: (1) the BBC demonstrating blatant disregard for human life; (2) the BBC ‘taking sides’; (3) raising questions as to whether the BBC was ever impartial; (4) the decision situated as part of a broader narrative of failure; (5) the decision running counter to the BBC’s public service mission; and (6) broader questions raised over the BBC’s future. Our findings indicate that the BBC’s role in British life is under continued debate. This has implications for the organization in a time when its role is under scrutiny and threat from commercial forces.
Early onset of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in streptozotocin-diabetic rats treated with insulin.

Abstract: Mechanism of protection against cisplatin nephrotoxicity in streptozotocin-diabetic rats is unclear but is associated with decreased renal platinum accumulation. This study was designed to determine whether normalization of hyperglycaemia by insulin treatment to six week streptozotocin-diabetic rats reversed protection against cisplatin nephrotoxicity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into 3 groups (n=10/group) (1) non-diabetic (2) untreated streptozotocin-diabetic and (3) insulin-treated streptozotocin-diabetic groups were rendered diabetic using streptozotocin (65 mg/kg body weight, intravenous). At the end of 6 weeks, Group 3 animals were treated with insulin (subcutaneously) for 21 days to normalize glucose. After 21 days of insulin treatment, the mean±S.D. plasma glucose (mg%) in Group 3 animals at 144.8±22.03, was significantly lower than Group 2 animals (412±24.69) and comparable to age-matched non-diabetic (Group 1) animals. Blood urea nitrogen at 24 hr after intraperitoneal administration of cisplatin (5 mg/kg body weight) increased by a factor 2.5 in Group 3 compared to 1.1 and 1.3 in Group 1 and Group 2 animals respectively. In the same animals, at 96 hr the blood area nitrogen increased by a factor of 3.2 and 2.9 in Group 1 and Group 3 respectively compared to 1.14 for Group 2 animals. Renal platinum levels in Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 after 96 hr after cisplatin administration were 6.92±0.83, 3.46±0.77 & 6.20±0.64 (μg/g wet weight of tissue) respectively. Results indicate that 21 day insulin treatment to streptozotocin-diabetic animal reverses protection against cisplatin toxicity. Moreover, insulin treatment increased the susceptibility of streptozotocin-diabetic rats to cisplatin-induced renal toxicity.
Growth Responses of Male Broilers Subjected to High Air Velocity for either Twelve or Twenty-Four Hours from Thirty-Seven to Fifty-One Days of Age

SUMMARY Heat stress contributes to increased late-mortality and decreased growth of broilers grown during hot weather. Tunnel ventilation is commonly used to alleviate heat stress by increasing sensible heat loss. As broilers approach heavy BW (>2.5 kg) in hot weather, operating tunnel ventilation continuously as opposed to only during times of high ambient temperature may improve growth rate and nutrient utilization. This study evaluated growth responses of male broilers subjected to high air velocity (2.79 m/s) for either 12 or 24 h from 37 to 51 d of age. The experimental treatments were 1) control (still air), 2) air velocity of 1.65 m/s (325 ft/min) for 12 h and 2.79 m/ s for 12 h, and 3) air velocity of 2.79 m/s (550 ft/min) for 24 h. A cyclical temperature regimen of 25–30–25°C (77–86–77°F) was used with a constant 23°C dew point. Providing continuous high air velocity of 2.79 m/s from 37 to 51 d of age led to a 112-g increase in BW gain and decreased feed conversion ratio by 15 points compared with subjecting broilers to high air velocity of 2.79 m/s for only 12 h. Broilers subjected to both high and low air velocity improved BW gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion over the control birds. These results indicate that continuous ventilation at high air velocity improves BW gain and feed conversion ratio of heavy broilers during the last 2 wk of the grow-out.
Context dependent effects of ventral tegmental area inactivation on spatial working memory

Rats were tested on a hippocampus dependent win-shift working memory task in familiar or novel environments after receiving bilateral ventral tegmental area infusions of baclofen. Baclofen infusion disrupted working memory performance in both familiar and novel environments. In addition, baclofen infusion selectively disrupted short-term working memory in the novel environment. This experiment confirms selective ventral tegmental area support of accurate performance during a context dependent spatial navigation task.
On the multiplexing degree required to embed permutations in a class of networks with direct interconnects

There are two approaches for establishing a connection in a network whose links are multiplexed with virtual channels. One is called Path Multiplexing (PM), in which the same channel has to be used on each link along a path, and the other is Link Multiplexing (LM), in which different channels may be used. We study the problem of embedding permutations in PM and LM, and in particular, determine the threshold (minimal) multiplexing degree needed for a network to be rearrangeably nonblocking. We found that PM and LM are equally effective in linear arrays, and LM is slightly more effective than PM in rings, meshes, tori and hypercubes. Our results suggest that PM may be more cost-effective in implementing networks with multiplexed optical interconnects.
Chronotherapeutics for Cardiovascular Disease

Chronotherapeutics, or delivery of a medication in concentrations that vary according to physiological need at different times during the dosage period, is a relatively new practice in clinical medicine. Epidemiological studies document that the incidence of many cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction and stroke, varies predictably in time over 24 hours (the circadian period). Advanced diagnostic technologies using ambulatory monitoring of the blood pressure and electrocardiogram have also demonstrated that there is marked variability in the level of pressure in hypertensive patients and the degree of myocardial ischaemia in patients with coronary disease. These diagnostic techniques also allow us to study the effects of varying the timing of administration or delivery of a concentration of a drug on end-points such as changes in blood pressure, heart rate or intensity of angina. The first chronotherapeutic agent for hypertension and angina pectoris, controlled onset, extended release (COER-24) verapamil, has recently been developed and registered in the US, Brazil, Canada and Mexico. The theoretical advantage of this formulation is that delivery of the active drug, verapamil, has been tailored to the typical circadian rhythm of blood pressure and heart rate in patients with hypertension and angina to better cover the early morning hours when cardiovascular need appears to be the greatest. An outcome study (CONVINCE) that evaluates primary prevention of cardiovascular events with this chronotherapy versus standard of care therapy is under way in several countries in North and South America and Europe.
Comprehensive U.S. Immigration Reform: Policy Innovation or Nondecisions

This paper, I focus on one of the four legislative pillars of the 2013 immigration reform bill. Specifically, I analyze the elements of the pillar aimed at creating “a tough but fair path to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants currently living in the United States...” I do so within the framework of the literature on policy innovation as well as nondecision making. My central argument in this paper is that the plan to create a pathway to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants, as articulated in the Bipartisan Framework, will not yield policy innovation; but rather, will result in nondecisions by Congress due to the contentious nature of immigration reform and the resulting electoral stakes involved.
Higher Education, Society, and Government: Changing Dynamics

Reform strategies for Africa’s universities are adjusting to three macro-trends: market pressures, demographic forces, and changing donor perspectives. Market-like definitions of accountability with their related performance indicators—focused less on what is known than on how fast and effectively knowledge is transformed into technologies, skills, and economic growth—are generating unprecedented institutional diversification in African higher education. This occurs as demographic forces threaten to deplete Africa of its most talented students who, if given the chance, will migrate for training and work. In the growing international competition for students, the balance of trade will not favor Africa. Those donors who remain committed to Africa are searching for models in which Africa’s universities reposition themselves as indispensable bridges between the national economy and the international knowledge economy. Ensuring that universities—despite market and demographic pressures—continue to promote the “public good” in higher education and advanced research should be the strategy of choice. Resume