cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 3297: Prediagnostic circulating concentrations of vitamin D binding protein and survival among colorectal cancer patients

Higher total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels are associated with an improvement in survival among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, but the relationships between plasma vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), bioavailable or free 25(OH)D, and CRC survival remain unknown. In two prospective cohort studies, the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study and the Nurses’ Health Study, we examined the association between prediagnostic plasma levels of VDBP, bioavailable 25(OH)D, and free 25(OH)D and survival among 604 participants diagnosed with CRC between 1991 and 2011. Plasma 25(OH)D and VDBP were directly measured, while bioavailable and free 25(OH)D were calculated using a validated formula based on total 25(OH)D, VDBP, and albumin levels. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for overall and CRC-specific mortality, adjusted for other prognostic markers and potential confounders. During the follow-up, there were 279 deaths, 177 of which were due to CRC (63%). Higher VDBP levels were associated with a significant improvement in overall and CRC-specific survival (Ptrend=0.005 and 0.02, respectively). Compared to patients in the lowest quartile, those in the highest quartile of VDBP had a multivariable-adjusted HR of 0.61 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42-0.89) for overall mortality and 0.56 (95% CI, 0.35-0.92) for CRC-specific mortality. The results remained similar after further adjustment for total 25(OH)D levels. In contrast, no association with overall or CRC-specific mortality was observed for bioavailable or free 25(OH)D levels. In conclusion, higher prediagnostic plasma VDBP levels were associated with improved survival among CRC patients. The clinical utility of VDBP as a prognostic marker warrants further exploration, as well as research into underlying mechanisms of action. Citation Format: Chen Yuan, Mingyang Song, Brian M. Wolpin, Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt, Shuji Ogino, Bruce W. Hollis, Andrew T. Chan, Charles S. Fuchs, Kana Wu, Molin Wang, Stephanie A. Smith-Warner, Edward L. Giovannucci, Kimmie Ng. Prediagnostic circulating concentrations of vitamin D binding protein and survival among colorectal cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3297.
Detection of Large-Scale and Anomalous Changes

We survey algorithms and methodologies for detecting and delineating changes of interest in remote sensing imagery. We consider both broad salient changes and rare anomalous changes, and we describe strategies for exploiting imagery containing these changes. The perennial challenge in change detection is in translating the application-dependent concept of an “interesting change” to a mathematical framework; as such, the mathematical approaches for detecting these types of changes can be quite different. In large-scale change detection (LSCD), the goal is to identify changes that have broadly occurred in the scene. The paradigm for anomalous change detection (ACD), which is grounded in concepts from anomaly detection, seeks to identify changes that are different from how everything else might have changed. This borrows from the classic anomaly detection framework, which attempts to characterize that which is “typical” and then uses that to identify deviations from what is expected or common. This chapter provides an overview of change detection, including a discussion of LSCD and ACD approaches, operational considerations, relevant datasets for testing the various algorithms, and some illustrative results.
Effect of celiac axis compression on target vessel-related outcomes during fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair.

Abstract Objective To report the effect of median arcuate ligament (MAL) compression on outcomes and technical aspects of celiac artery (CA) stenting during fenestrated-branched endovascular aneurysm repair for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) or pararenal aortic aneurysms. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and anatomic data on 300 consecutive patients enrolled in a prospective nonrandomized physician-sponsored investigational device exemption study from 2013 to 2018. From this group, 230 patients with CA incorporation by fenestration or directional branch were included. MAL compression was defined by preoperative computed tomography angiogram as a J-hook narrowing of the proximal CA at the level of the ligament; the shift angle between the downward and upward segments within the CA was measured. End points were technical success, rates of intraoperative or early (30-days) CA branch revision, and freedom from target vessel instability, defined by any death or rupture owing to target vessel complication, occlusion, or reintervention for stenosis, endoleak, or disconnection. Results CA incorporation was performed using fenestrations in 118 patients (51%) and directional branches in 112 (49%). MAL compression was present in 97 patients (42%), resulting in a stenosis of more than 50% in 48 (49%). MAL compression was more often present in patients with extent I to III TAAAs compared with extent IV TAAA-pararenal aortic aneurysms (56% vs 31%; P Conclusions MAL compression was more common in extent I to III TAAAs, and related to additional challenges for CA stenting in fenestrated-branched endovascular aneurysm repair. This process may include bare metal stenting, gastric artery coverage, or early revision, especially in presence of an angulation of less than 120°. However, durable results can be achieved for CA incorporation despite these difficulties.
Training in pediatric surgical critical care.

Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to describe education, training, certification of fellows in pediatric surgical critical care (PSCC). PSCC is a small but unique specialty within surgery. Education curricula focus on pediatric intensive care, neonatal intensive care, surgical intensive care, and pediatric surgical acute care. Attention is focused on the current state of SCC certification via the American Board of Surgery and future possibilities that could be implemented. Recent findings Because of the uniqueness of the specialty, the little literature that exists focuses on fellow experience including carrier plans, curricula at different programs and how the training is used in practice. There has been debate over the need for the development of a unified process to train, test, and certify critical care physicians of all programs. This could lead to a common 'test' that serves as the basis for critical care medicine certification from the myriad of American Medical Specialty Boards. Summary Training in PSCC offers surgeons a unique skill set to treat the most critically ill and injured children in our society. These surgeons can make large contributions to children's hospitals and to adult trauma centers that take care of injured children.
Cytomorphology and diagnostic pitfalls of sebaceous and nonsebaceous salivary gland lymphadenoma: A multi-institutional study.

Background Salivary gland lymphadenoma (LAD) is a rare benign neoplasm comprising sebaceous (SLAD) and nonsebaceous (NSLAD) types. Despite established histologic criteria, limited data on cytomorphology, tumor heterogeneity, and overlap with other entities make the diagnosis of LAD by fine needle aspiration (FNA) challenging. We describe a multi-institutional cohort of 14 LADs with cytology, clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic data. Methods Our cohort included nine SLAD and five NSLAD with corresponding histopathology. Mean patient age and M:F ratio were 60.4 years (range 45-86 years) and 1:2 for SLADs and 57.4 years (range 42-80 years) and 1:1.5 for NSLADs, respectively. One NSLAD patient had a germline predisposition for Cowden syndrome. Glass slides and whole slide images of air-dried Diff-Quik (DQ), alcohol-stained Papanicolaou smears (Pap) and cellblocks were reviewed for key cytomorphologic findings. Results FNAs from SLAD and NSLADs demonstrated vacuolated and basaloid epithelial clusters within a lymphoid background. Vacuolated cells from SLAD showed sebaceous cells with microvesicular cytoplasm indenting a central nucleus. Vacuolated cells from NSLAD were columnar with eccentric nuclei, corresponding to abluminal glandular cells. SLADs were classified using the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology as nondiagnostic (11.1%), nonneoplastic (44.4%), atypia of uncertain significance (AUS) (22.2%), and salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (SUMP) (22.2%). NSLADs were classified as AUS (40%), SUMP (40%) and Benign Neoplasm (20%). Conclusion Although rare, knowing the cytologic features of salivary LAD is important to avoid diagnostic pitfalls. Vacuolated cells can be prominent in both SLAD and NSLAD aspirates. Diagnostic issues arise from insufficient sampling of all tumor components leading to marked variation in diagnostic classification of LAD.
Abstract 13483: Predictors of Thirty-day Readmission for Patients Undergoing Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Device Placement: Insights From the National Readmission Database 2016-2017

Introduction: Watchman device is an alternative for anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients for stroke prevention but there is paucity of data on 30-day readmission trends and factors ...
Pulmonary Low Attenuation Areas on CT in ANCA-associated Vasculitis: A quantitative and semi-quantitative analysis correlated with pulmonary function testing for obstructive airway disease.

Objective A subset of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients are known to manifest obstructive airway disease. Using low attenuation areas (LAA) in the lung on HRCT as an imaging marker for obstructive airway disease, we analyze HRCT studies in AAV patients compared to a matched non-AAV group using visual semi-quantitative and automated quantitative analysis for presence and severity of LAA. Furthermore, HRCT and pulmonary function testing are compared to assess agreement between tests for airway obstruction. Materials and Methods 100 randomly selected AAV patients with HRCT were compared to 100 best-fit matched control subjects. HRCT cases were visually assessed for LAA, along with additional pulmonary patterns. Automated quantitative software analyzed images for texture features and volume of attenuation values of -950 HU or less (e-950). Evidence of obstructive airway disease established by pulmonary function testing, when available, was compared to HRCT analysis for LAA. Additional clinical information, diagnostic testing and mortality data were also compared. Results Both study groups were comprised of 57 females and 43 males with 35 smokers averaging 10.7 pk/yrs, with average age for the AAV and control groups being 59.4 yrs and 61.9 yrs, respectively. Visually, 46 AAV patients demonstrated LAA on HRCT compared to 25 control patients (p=0.0017) with the difference in LAA presence entirely within the non-smoking subgroup (25 to 3, respectively, p=<0.0001). Quantitatively, greater than 5% e-950 demonstrated similar significant differences between AAV (36/100) and controls (19/100) (p=0.0065), predominantly in non-smokers (p=0.006). Obstruction on PFTs was significantly increased in AAV (p=0.002) with moderate agreement of obstructive disease with visual LAA on CT (Kappa 0.509). Of the obstructive disease metrics, visual LAA on CT correlated best with mortality (p=0.0085). Conclusion Visual LAA and automated quantitative analysis for e-950 on HRCT demonstrate statistically significant increases in AAV patients compared to age, gender and smoking matched controls, with differences primarily seen in the non-smoking subset. AAV revealed statistically significant greater obstructive pulmonary disease on PFTs (Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2020; 37 (4): e2020016).
Use of expected progeny difference (EPD) information to estimate maximum bid price for purchased beef bulls

A pricing model was developed using expected progeny difference information for weaning weight (WW-EPD) to predict the maximum bid price for a bull considered for purchase. The utility of this pricing model should appeal most to veterinarians working closely with their clients on other bull management issues. To complete the pricing model, buyer-specific data were needed for 2 bulls, a reference bull and a bull being considered for purchase (prospect bull). Data input included a base sale price (in $) for the reference bull, the WW-EPD advantage for the prospect bull over the reference bull, expected body weight (in lb), and price (in $/per hundred weight [cwt]) at time of culling for both bulls, and the number of breeding seasons used. Cow-to-bull ratio used, weaning percentage of each calf crop, mean age (months) of calves at weaning, income tax rate (%), discount (interest) rate (%), average price ($/cwt) expected for each calf crop sold, shrink (%), and price slide ($/cwt) were also required to complete the pricing model. Output values generated by the pricing model were initially organized into an income statement summarizing the increased after-tax net income earned from each calf crop produced by the prospect bull over the reference bull for each year of bull use. Income statement information was then transformed into a cash flow statement. Cash flow for each year was transformed into its present value. All present values were summed, and then added to the purchase price used for the reference bull to establish the recommended maximum bid price for the prospect bull. Inaccurate input values will reduce the effectiveness of the pricing model as a tool for informed decision making. Veterinarians who use this pricing model to help their clients value bulls will find that cow-to-bull ratio, number of breeding seasons that a bull is used, and weaned calf crop percentage are the primary factors influencing the premium that can be paid for the prospect bull over the reference bull.
RTL8 promotes nuclear localization of UBQLN2 to subnuclear compartments associated with protein quality control

Abstract The brain expressed ubiquilins (UBQLNs) 1, 2 and 4 are a family of ubiquitin adaptor proteins that participate broadly in protein quality control (PQC) pathways, including the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). One family member, UBQLN2, has been implicated in numerous neurodegenerative diseases including ALS/FTD. UBQLN2 typically resides in the cytoplasm but in disease can translocate to the nucleus, as in Huntington’s disease where it promotes the clearance of mutant Huntingtin protein. How UBQLN2 translocates to the nucleus and clears aberrant nuclear proteins, however, is not well understood. In a mass spectrometry screen to discover UBQLN2 interactors, we identified a family of small (13 kDa), highly homologous uncharacterized proteins, RTL8, and confirmed the interaction between UBQLN2 and RTL8 both in vitro using recombinant proteins and in vivo using mouse brain tissue. Under endogenous and overexpressed conditions, RTL8 localizes to nucleoli. When co-expressed with UBQLN2, RTL8 promotes nuclear translocation of UBQLN2. UBQLN2 and RTL8 colocalize within ubiquitin-enriched subnuclear structures containing PQC components. The robust effect of RTL8 on the nuclear translocation and subnuclear localization of UBQLN2 does not extend to the other brain-expressed ubiquilins, UBQLN1 and UBQLN4. Moreover, compared to UBQLN1 and UBQLN4, UBQLN2 preferentially stabilizes RTL8 levels in human cell lines and in mouse brain, supporting functional heterogeneity among UBQLNs. As a novel UBQLN2 interactor that recruits UBQLN2 to specific nuclear compartments, RTL8 may regulate UBQLN2 function in nuclear protein quality control.
Coarctation of Aorta is Associated with Left Ventricular Stiffness, Left Atrial Dysfunction and Pulmonary Hypertension

Background Brachial systolic blood pressure (BP) is the most commonly used metric for monitoring hypertension. However, recent studies suggest that brachial systolic BP underestimates left ventricle (LV) systolic load in patients with coarctation of aorta (COA). Since brachial systolic BP is used as a surrogate of arterial afterload in clinical practice, it is important to determine how well it correlates with LV remodeling and stiffness in patients with COA as compared to patients with idiopathic hypertension. Methods This is cross-sectional study of COA patients with hypertension (COA group) and adults with idiopathic hypertension (control group). Both groups were matched 1:1 based on age, sex, BMI and systolic BP. We hypothesized that the COA group will have higher LV systolic and diastolic stiffness, and more advanced left atrial remodeling and pulmonary hypertension. We assessed LV systolic stiffness using end-systolic elastance, and diastolic stiffness using LV stiffness constant and chamber capacitance (LV-end-diastolic volume at an end-diastolic pressure of 20mm Hg) Results There were 112 patients in each group. Although both groups had similar systolic BP, the COA group had a higher end-systolic elastance (2.37 ± 0.74 vs 2.11 ± 0.54 mm Hg/mL, P= .008), higher LV stiffness constant (6.91 ± 0.81 vs 5.93 ± 0.79, P= .006) and lower LV-end-diastolic volume at an end-diastolic pressure of 20mm Hg (58 ± 9 vs 67 ± 11 mL/m2, P Conclusions COA patients have more LV stiffness and abnormal hemodynamics compared to non-COA patients with similar systolic BP, suggesting that systolic BP may underestimate LV systolic load in this population. Further studies are required to determine whether the observed LV stiffness and dysfunction translates to more cardiovascular events during follow-up, and whether adopting a stricter systolic BP target in clinical practice or changing threshold for COA intervention will lead to less LV stiffness and better clinical outcomes.
Exploring the characteristics of adults’ online learning activities: a case study of EdX online institute

Online learning has become a prevailing trend among adult learners. Therefore, this study investigated the learning time preference and the relationship between the course completion and learning activities among adult learners based on data from one online learning platform. Results indicate that a periodical fluctuation of participating online course study exists among adult learners. Additionally, the activity of posting on the discussion board is a main learning activity factor that influences their online course completion. It is expected that this study would help online learning system designers, education administrators and instructors to better understand the characteristics of adult learners and their learning activities to provide better accessibility and flexibility in online learning environments for them.
Comprehensive Insulin Receptor Phosphorylation Dynamics Profiled by Mass Spectrometry.

Insulin receptor (IR) phosphorylation is critical for the assessment of the extent of IR agonism and nuances in downstream signaling cascade. Thorough identification and monitoring of the phosphorylation events is important to understand the process of insulin signaling transduction and regulation. Although IR phosphorylation has been extensively studied in the past decades, only a handful of phosphorylation sites can be identified by either traditional antibody-based assays or recent large-scale mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics approaches. In this study, the most exhaustive assessment of the IR phosphorylation was conducted using nano-LC MS/MS; wherein, a total of 13 IR phosphorylation sites and 22 combinations thereof were analyzed. The kinetic analysis included Y965, Y972, S968/969, and S974/976 in the juxtamembrane region; Y1158, Y1162 and Y1163 in the kinase domain; and Y1328, Y1334, S1278, S1320, S1321, and T1348 in the C-terminal region. Employing two different receptor agonists, i.e., insulin and an IR peptide agonist, the data revealed contrasting phosphorylation kinetics across these sites with dynamics far more diverse than expected for known IR agonists. Notably, cell trafficking experiments revealed that the IR peptide agonist was incapable of inducing IR to the early endosome, which is likely linked to difference in IR phosphorylation. This work provides a powerful tool for studying IR signaling and trafficking that can benefit the design of IR agonists with improved therapeutic utility.
Alcohol Septal Ablation: Technique and Outcome

Dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction is common in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and can be associated with debilitating symptoms of heart failure. For those patients with drug-refractory symptoms, alcohol septal ablation is an effective therapy. The outcomes of alcohol septal ablation can approach the gold standard of surgical myectomy when performed in selected patients and in centers that are dedicated to the comprehensive, longitudinal care of patients with HCM.
The Offender and the Victim

Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/plr Part of the Civil Rights and Discrimination Commons, Criminal Law Commons, Criminal Procedure Commons, Law and Society Commons, Law Enforcement and Corrections Commons, Legal History, Theory and Process Commons, Legislation Commons, Organizations Commons, Psychology and Psychiatry Commons, Public Law and Legal Theory Commons, Remedies Commons, and the State and Local Government Law Commons
Democracy and its Elected Enemies: American Political Capture and Economic Decline

Democracy and its Elected Enemies reveals that American politicians have usurped their constitutional authority, substituting their economic and political sovereignty for the people's. This has been accomplished by creating an enormous public service sector operating in the material interest of politicians themselves and of their big business and big social advocacy confederates to the detriment of workers, the middle class and the non-political rich, jeopardizing the nation's security in the process. Steven Rosefielde and Daniel Quinn Mills contend that this usurpation is the source of America's economic decline and fading international power, and provide an action plan for restoring 'true' democracy in which politicians only provide the services people vote for within the civil and property rights protections set forth in the constitution.
Lessons Learned from Implementing Technology in an Undergraduate Elementary Education Program

This article describes the implementation of a state-funded grant, the challenges that emerged, and the lessons learned. This yearlong grant, Technology3, provided the resources for university facu...
Causal understanding of patient illness in medical diagnosis

First generation AI in Medicine programs have clearly demonstrated the usefulness of AI techniques However, il has also been recognized that the use. of notions such as causal relationships, temporal patterns, and aggregate disease categories in these programs has been too weak From our study of clinician's behavior we realized that a diagnostic or therapeutic program must consider a case at various levels of detail to integrate overall understanding with detailed knowledge, To explore these issues, we have undertaken a study of the problem of providing expert consultation for electrolyte and acid-base disturbances We have partly completed an implementation of ABEL, the diagnostic component of the overall effort. In this paper we concentrate on ABLL.s mechanism for describing a patient. Called the patient-specific model, this description includes data about the patient as well as the program's hypothetical interpretations of these data in a multilevel causal network. The lowest level of this description consists of pathophysiological knowledge about the patient, which is successively aggregated into higher level concepts and relations, gradually shifting the content from pathophysiological to syndromic knowledge The aggregate level of this description summarizes the patient data providing a global perspective for efficient exploration of the diagnostic possibilities The pathophysiological level description provides the ability to handle complex clinical situations arising in illnesses with multiple etiologies, to evaluate the physiological validity of diagnostic possibilities being explored, and to organize large amounts of seemingly unrelated facts into coherent causal descriptions.
An Empirical Investigation of the Influence of Selected Personal, Organizational and Moral Intensity Factors on Ethical Decision Making

This exploratory study of ethical decision making by individuals in organizations found moral intensity, as defined by Jones (1991), to significantly influence ethical decision making intentions of managers. Moral intensity explained 37% and 53% of the variance in ethical decision making in two decision-making scenarios. In part, the results of this research support our theoretical understanding of ethical/unethical decision-making and serve as a foundation for future research.
The chemical estimation of tyrosine and tyramine.

SUMMARY 1. 1-Nitroso-2-naphthol reacts with both tyrosine and tyramine to form a red-colored product which gradually changes to a stable yellow chromo- phore. 2. The yellow compound obtained by treating tyramine with nitroso- naphthol has been isolated. Analysis indicates it to be the product of combination of 1 mole equivalent of each with the loss of 1 mole of water. 3. This reaction has been applied to the determination of tyrosine and tyramine in tissues and to the determination of tyrosine in protein hy- drolysates. 4. New determinations of the tyrosine content of bovine serum albumin and of lysozyme are reported. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Gerngross, O., Voss, K., and Herfelt, T., Ber. chem. Ges., 66, 435 (1933). 2. Thomas, L. E., Arch. Biochem., 6, 175 (1944). 3. Giral, J., An. inst. invest. cient. Univ. Nuevo Le6n, 1, 115 (1944). 4. Snell, F. D., and Snell, C. T., Calorimetric methods of analysis, New York, 200 (1937). 5. Block, R. J., and Bolling, D., The amino acid composition of proteins and foods, 2nd edition, Springfield, 114 (1951). 6. Folin, O., and Ciocalteu, V., J. Biol. Chem., 73, 627 (1927). 7. Bernhart, F. W., and Schneider, R. W., Am. J. Med. SC., 205, 636 (1943). 8. Stein, W. H., and Moore, S., Cold Spring Harbor Symposia Quant. Biol., 14, 179 (1949). 9. Shemin, D., J. Biol. Chem., 169, 439 (1945). 10. Velick, S. F., and Ronzoni, E., J. Biol. Chem., 173, 627 (1948). 11. Gunness, M., Dwyer, I. M., and Stokes, J. L., J. Biol. Chem., 163, 159 (1946). 12. Fromageot, C., Cold Spring Harbor
Optimized Routing of Unmanned Aerial Systems for the Interdiction of Improvised Explosive Devices

Abstract : As of September 2007, improvised explosive devices (IED) account for 43% of U.S. casualties in Iraq - the largest single cause of death. One reason for their high rate of effectiveness is that they are extremely difficult to detect. This research develops a tool for selecting routes that will best employ unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for the purpose of detecting IED or related activity. We refer to this tool as IED Search Optimization Model (ISOM). ISOM - which uses prediction model results as an underpinning - accounts for factors such as winds, sensor sweep-width, and aircraft deconfliction. We formulate the problem as an Integer Program and optimally solve it to select the best routes. Initial evaluation of ISOM through field experiments with actual UAS suggest that the tool produces realistic routes which can be flown in the expected amount of time. Furthermore, these routes result in a 42% increase in the likelihood of achieving a detection opportunity over searching nodes in a random manner. ISOM could be implemented as a "reach-back" capability with an analyst providing daily routes for tactical operators.
Sodium/calcium exchange in rat cortical astrocytes

Regulation of the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) by an Na/Ca exchanger was studied in primary cultured rat cortical astrocytes. [Ca2+]cyt was measured by digital imaging in cells loaded with fura-2. The resting [Ca2+]cyt, approximately 150 nM, was only slightly increased by reducing the extracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]o) to 6.2 mM, or by treating the cells with ouabain for 15 min (to raise cytosolic Na+). Following treatment with ouabain, however, lowering [Na+]o caused [Ca2+]cyt to rise rapidly to approximately 1300 nM. When Ca2+ sequestration in intracellular stores was blocked by thapsigargin, lowering [Na+]o increased [Ca2+]cyt to approximately 1500 nM in the absence of ouabain. The low-[Na+]o-stimulated rise in [Ca2+]cyt was abolished by removal of external Ca2+, but was not blocked by the Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil, or by caffeine or ryanodine, which deplete an intracellular Ca2+ store responsible for Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release. These data suggest that Na+ gradient reduction promotes net Ca2+ gain via Na/Ca exchange. Normally, however, a large rise in [Ca2+]cyt is prevented by sequestration of the entering Ca2+; this buffering of cytosolic Ca2+ can be circumvented by blocking sequestration with thapsigargin, or overwhelmed by enhancing net Ca2+ gain by pretreating the cells with ouabain. The presence of Na/Ca exchanger protein and mRNA in the astrocytes was confirmed by Western and Northern blot analyses, respectively. Immunohistochemistry revealed that exchanger molecules are distributed in a reticular pattern over the astrocyte surface. We suggest that the Na/Ca exchanger plays a role in regulating both [Ca2+]cyt and the intracellular stores of Ca2+ in astrocytes, and may thus contribute to the control of astrocyte responsiveness to neurotransmitters and neurotoxins.
Nonadrenal female pseudohermaphrodism after administration of testosterone to mother during pregnancy; report of a case.

The diagnosis of nonadrenal female pseudohermaphrodism should be based on the following criteria: (1) the external genitalia should show hypertrophy of the clitoris and some degree of labial fusion; (2) in infants, measurement of 17-ketosteroids or pregnanetriol should be performed to rule out the adrenogenital syndrome; in older patients this syndrome can be ruled out clinically by the lack of precocious puberty and progressive masculinization; (3) laparotomy should reveal a female internal genital apparatus, and (4) adequate biopsies of both gonads should show normal ovaries, excluding the possibility of ovotestes and true hermaphrodism.
Macrophytes as Biomonitors of Trace Metals

Aquatic macrophytes are macroscopic aquatic plants that play an important role in the health of aquatic ecosystems. Not only do macrophytes provide vital structural support in aquatic ecosystems (1), but they also contribute toward food production, nutrient regeneration, and habitat for a wide range of organisms. Because of their roles in aquatic ecosystem health, aquatic macrophytes can be utilized as indicators of stream health (2). In fact, aquatic macrophytes may be indicative of a variety of ecosystem stressors including nutrient runoff, changes in hydrologic regime, and exotic species invasion (3, 4). Therefore, species richness of aquatic macrophytes, their composition, and density have all been incorporated into different macrophyte indicators (5, 6). As such, bioindicators estimate the pollutants affecting the biota in an ecosystem and are purely qualitative in nature. Keywords: aquatic macrophytes; macroscopic aquatic plants; bioindicators; biomonitors; trace metals
Assessment of recurrence and complications following uncomplicated diverticulitis

The natural history of sigmoid diverticulitis has been inferred from population-based or retrospective studies. This study assessed the risk of a recurrent attack following the first episode of uncomplicated diverticulitis.
A Technical Foundation for RF CMOS Power Amplifiers: Part 1: Key Power Amplifier Issues

All projects begin best at the definitions. Being very clear what the words we are using mean is vital to avoid ambiguity, to communicate clearly, and also to align with the history provided by the literature. It is very important to remember that much of the work we do becomes part of archive journals.
An Ultra-Low-Power RF Energy-Harvesting Transceiver for Multiple-Node Sensor Application

An ultra-low-power wirelessly powered radiofrequency (RF) transceiver for wireless sensor network is implemented using 180-nm CMOS technology. We propose a 98- $\mu\mbox{W}$ 457.5-MHz transmitter with output radiation power of $-$ 22 dBm. This transmitter utilizes 915-MHz wirelessly powering RF signal by frequency division using a true-single-phase-clock divider to generate the carrier frequency with very low power consumption and small die area. The transmitter can support up to 5-Mb/s data rate. The telemetry system uses an eight-stage Cockcroft–Walton rectifier to convert RF to dc voltage for energy harvesting. The bandgap reference and linear regulators provide stable dc voltage throughout the system. The receiver recovers data from the modulated wireless powering RF signal to perform time-division multiple access (TMDA) for the multiple-node system. Power consumption of the TDMA receiver is less than 15 $\mu\mbox{W}$ . Our proposed transmitter and receiver each occupies 0.0018 and 0.0135 mm 2 of active die area, respectively.
An amalgamation of solid phase peptide synthesis and ribosomal peptide synthesis

Expressed protein ligation (EPL) is a protein semisynthesis technique that allows the site-specific introduction of unnatural amino acids and biophysical probes into proteins. In the present study, we illustrate the utility of the approach through the generation of two semisynthetic proteins bearing spectroscopic probes. Dihydrofolate reductase containing a single (13)C probe in an active site loop was generated through the ligation of a synthetic peptide-alpha-thioester to a recombinantly generated fragment containing an N-terminal Cys. Similarly, c-Crk-II was assembled by the sequential ligation of three recombinant polypeptide building blocks, allowing the incorporation of (15)N isotopes in the central domain of the protein. These examples showcase the scope of the protein ligation strategy for selective introduction of isotopic labels into proteins, and the protocols described will be of value to those interested in using EPL on other systems.
Effects of sethoxydim on the metabolism of isolated leaf cells of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr].

The effects of the herbicide sethoxydim {2-[1-ethoxyimino)-butyl]-5-[2-(ethylthio)-propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one} on selected metabolic processes of enzymatically isolated leaf cells from soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr., cv. “Essex”] were studied. Photosynthesis, protein, ribonucleic acid (RNA), and lipid synthesis were measured by the incorporation of NaH14CO3, [14C]leucine, [14C]uracil, and [14C]acetic acid into the isolated soybean cells, respectively. Time-course and concentration studies included incubation times of 30, 60, and 120 min and concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μM of sethoxydim. Lipid synthesis was the most sensitive and first metabolic process inhibited by the lowest concentration of sethoxydim. Photosynthesis was not affected significantly by sethoxydim and did not appear to be a target site involved in its herbicidal action. RNA and protein syntheses were inhibited significantly but only by the high concentrations of sethoxydim. It is suggested that sethoxydim exhibits its phytotoxic action by altering or modifying the lipid composition of plant membranes.
Location by parts: model generation and feature fusion for mobile eye pupil tracking under challenging lighting

Using infrared based mobile eye trackers outdoors is difficult, and considered intractable by some [1, 2]. The challenge of bright uncontrolled daylight illumination complicates the process of locating the subject's pupil. To make mobile eye tracking more ubiquitous, we are developing more sophisticated algorithms to find the subject's pupil. We use a semi-supervised process to initiate the pupil tracking, automatically generate an ensemble of models of the pupil for each video, and use multi-frame techniques to help locate the pupil across frames. A mixture of experts (consensus) is used to indicate a good estimate of pupil location. The algorithm presented here details developing work in automatically finding the pupil in situations where there is a significant amount of light reflecting off the eye, when the subject is squinting, and when the pupil is partially occluded. The output of this algorithm will be cascaded into a subsequent stage for exact pupil fitting.
The role of experiments and of sensitivity analysis in simulation validation strategies with emphasis on reactor physics

The complementary role of experiments and of sensitivity analysis has been and still is a key feature of validation strategies used in the field of simulation tools for nuclear reactor design. The present paper gives a summary of the development of more and more sophisticated validation strategies up to the present trend for science-based validation approaches. Most examples and some very recent original developments are given, mostly in the field of neutronics that has traditionally provided cutting edge advances for simulation tools validation.
Detection of Bluetongue Virus RNA in Field-Collected Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Following the Discovery of Bluetongue Virus Serotype 1 in White-Tailed Deer and Cattle in Louisiana

ABSTRACT In November 2004, bluetongue virus (family Reoviridae, genus Orbivirus, BTV) serotype 1 (BTV-1) was detected for the first time in the United States from a hunter-killed deer in St. Mary Parish, LA. In 2005, sera surveys were conducted on three cattle farms near the area where the deer was found, and BTV-1-seropositive cattle were found on two of the three farms; in 2006, sera surveys from the cattle on the three farms did not detect any BTV-1-positive animals. The purpose of this study was to survey ceratopogonid populations at the three farms and test field-collected specimens for the presence of BTV and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (family Reoviridae, genus Orbivirus, EHDV). Miniature CDC light traps and New Jersey traps were used to capture ceratopogonids on the three farms from January 2006 through November 2007. In total, 3,319 ceratopogonids were captured, including 1,790 specimens of 10 different species of Culicoides. IR-RT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to screen f...
Bose-Einstein condensates near a microfabricated surface.

Magnetically and optically confined Bose-Einstein condensates were studied near a microfabricated surface. Condensate fragmentation observed in microfabricated magnetic traps was not observed in optical dipole traps at the same location. The measured condensate lifetime was $\ensuremath{\ge}20\text{ }\mathrm{s}$ and independent of the atom-surface separation under both magnetic and optical confinement. Radio-frequency spin-flip transitions driven by technical noise were directly observed for optically confined condensates and could limit the condensate lifetime in microfabricated magnetic traps.
Over-the-counter-drug-induced thyroid disorders.

Objective: Excessive iodine ingestion may cause thyroid dysfunction. In this case series, we report four patients who developed significant thyroid dysfunction after ingesting over-the-counter (OTC) drugs containing large concentrations of iodine.Methods: Four patients from a tertiary medical center are reported.Results: Case 1 involved acute exacerbation of thyrotoxicosis induced by taking OTC Tri-iodine™ in a 35-year-old woman while still on methimazole therapy. Case 2 involved thyroid-extract-induced thyrotoxicosis following ingestion of Thyromine™, and was confirmed by laboratory studies and 131I thyroid uptake. Cases 3 and 4 involved severe, symptomatic hypothyroidism induced in 2 patients with underlying autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease) following ingestion of Iodoral™. In all cases, thyroid dysfunction resolved with appropriate management and discontinuation of the OTC drugs.Conclusion: These case reports demonstrate the significant risks associated with OTC preparations containing iodin...
HCV cure without interferon

The launch of first-generation protease inhibitors (PIs) was a major step forward in HCV treatment. However, this major advance was restricted to genotype 1 (GT-1) patients. This year the launch of Sofosbuvir a NS5B nucleotide inhibitor (Nis), Daclatasvir a NS5A inhibitor (NS5A.I) and Simeprevir a second wave PIs open new perspective for IFN-free regimen. Both Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir have a pan-genotypic activity. Sofosbuvir has highly potent antiviral activity across all genotypes in association with pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PR), thus allowing shortened treatment duration. Moreover, Sofosbuvir in combination with Daclatasvir without ribavirin for 12 weeks was able to cure > 95% of naive GT-1 and for 24 weeks was able to cure 40 patients with treatment experienced, failure to triple therapy with first generation PIs, GT-1 patients. Sofosbuvir in combination with Simeprevir for 12 weeks without ribavirin was able to cure all GT-1 naive patients and over 90% of treatment experienced GT-1 patients. As the three drugs have potent antiviral activities against GT-4, such association must be potent in such patient but data are pending. For GT-2, Sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 12 weeks are able to cure > 90% of naive and treatment-experienced patients. For GT-3 patients, Sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 24 weeks are able to cure around 90% of naive and treatment experienced patients with the exception of treatment-experienced cirrhotic patients in whom SVR is around 60%. However the combination of Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir for 24 week leads to more than 90% SVR in the naive GT-3 population and trials are on-going for treatment-experienced patients. All this data confirmed that HCV can be cure with interferon–free regimen and short duration of treatment. Other combination with higher efficacy and very good safety profile are under development and should be available within two years.
Investigating interaction-induced chaos using time-dependent density-functional theory

Systems whose underlying classical dynamics are chaotic exhibit signatures of the chaos in their quantum mechanics. We investigate the possibility of using time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) to study the case when chaos is induced by electron-interaction alone. Nearest-neighbour level-spacing statistics are in principle exactly and directly accessible from TDDFT. We discuss how the TDDFT linear response procedure can reveal the mechanism of chaos induced by electron-interaction alone. A simple model of a two-electron quantum dot highlights the necessity to go beyond the adiabatic approximation in TDDFT.
RTP Family Members Induce Functional Expression of Mammalian Odorant Receptors

Transport of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to the cell surface membrane is critical in order for the receptors to recognize their ligands. However, mammalian GPCR odorant receptors (ORs), when heterologously expressed in cells, are poorly expressed on the cell surface. Here we show that the transmembrane proteins RTP1 and RTP2 promote functional cell surface expression of ORs expressed in HEK293T cells. Genes encoding these proteins are expressed specifically in olfactory neurons. These proteins are associated with OR proteins and enhance the OR responses to odorants. Similar although weaker effects were seen with a third protein, REEP1. These findings suggest that RTP1 and RTP2 in particular play significant roles in the translocation of ORs to the plasma membrane as well as in the functioning of ORs. We have used this approach to identify active odorant ligands for ORs, providing a platform for screening the chemical selectivity of the large OR family.
Antiarrhythmic drug action: Selective depression of hypoxic cardiac cells

Summary A comparison has been made of the effects of commonly used antiarrhythmic drugs on the electrophysiologic characteristics of ventricular cardiac fibers perfused by oxygenated and hypoxic Tyrode's solution. All drugs, in concentrations which only moderately depressed preparations in oxygenated solutions, extensively depressed or abolished electrical activity in preparations in hypoxic solutions. It is proposed that antiarrhythmic drugs could act in this way to abolish the electrical activity of the diseased tissue responsible for arrhythmias without extensive depression of the normal tissue.
Neuromuscular Junction in Myasthenia Gravis: Decreased Acetylcholine Receptors

The number of acetylcholine receptors was determined in the neuromuscular junctions of eight patients with typical myasthenia gravis and in five controls, by means of (125)1-labeled alpha-bungarotoxin binding. The junctional acetylcholine receptors were reduced in the myasthenic muscles as compared with the controls. This reduction in receptors may account for the defect in neuromuscular transmission in myasthenia gravis.
O-Glycosylation of the α-Subunit Does not Limit the Assembly of Chorionic Gonadotropin αβ Dimer in Human Malignant and Nonmalignant Trophoblast Cells

Biosynthetic experiments were carried out in cultures of human malignant trophoblast cells (the JAR cell line) and in explants of normal first trimester human placental tissue to test the hypothesis that the O-glycosylation of the glycoprotein hormone α-subunit at Thr-39 regulates the assembly of the CG αβ dimer. This modification of α has been shown to ablate its ability to combine in vitro with the β-subunit of bovine LH and might explain why JAR cells and placental explants secrete uncombined α- and β-subunits in addition to the hCGαβ dimer. We have previously detected an O-linked carbohydrate chain at Thr-39 in preparations of secreted free α-subunit, but not dimer CGα from JAR culture medium. We report here evidence that the O-glycosylation of α does not regulate the biosynthetic assembly of the hCG dimer in cultures of JAR choriocarcinoma cells or first trimester placental explants. The intracellular precursor forms of α and β that accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum and combine in that compartm...
Print Still Matters in an e-Learning World, and Training Companies Need to Properly Manage It

This report demonstrates how the application of Behavioral Systems Analysis (BSA) methods assisted in assessing a small training company's Print Production Management (PPM) system. PPM is the process by which printed materials are conceptualized, estimated, released to a commercial printer, proofed, and delivered to the client. The current PPM process had not been evaluated or updated to reflect shifts in both the training and printing industries. The assessment found that the unrevised process was becoming obsolete, hindering performance, and costing the organization time and money. Recommendations were made for staffing and workflow, and implementation of tools were developed to support performance and contribute to successful execution of projects with printed elements. This report includes a follow-up evaluation made eight months after study completion.
High educational expectations and low achievement: Stability of educational goals across adolescence.

Data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 were used to investigate variables that predicted stability of adolescents' postsecondary educational expectations from Grade 8 to 2 years after high school. The study included students who had early expectations for at least a bachelor's degree as well as 8th-grade reading or mathematics test scores that were below the median. All participants had high early expectations and comparatively low early achievement. Six years later, approximately 76% of the participants still had high expectations, whereas 24% of them no longer expected to earn a bachelor's degree. Results provide support for the addition of variables to the social cognitive model of educational achievement when predicting long-term educational expectations and attainment.