cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios inversely correlate to clinical and pathologic stage in patients with resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Background: Post-surgical pathology (SP) staging correlates with long-term survival. Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been shown to predict prognosis and extent of tumor in patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This study aimed to correlate NLR and PLR to radiological clinical staging (CS), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 tumor marker and SP staging in patients with resectable-PDAC (R-PDAC); and to investigate NLR and PLR as potential markers to guide neoadjuvant therapy. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from R-PDAC patients who received upfront surgery from November 2011 to December 2016. NLR and PLR values on the day of diagnosis and surgery were collected. SP, tumor size, location, resected margins (RM), lymphovascular/perineural invasion (LVI/PNI), lymph node involvement, and AJCC/TNM 8th Edition staging were obtained. Associations were assessed using linear, ordinal logistic, and poison regressions or Kruskal Willis Rank Sum Test per the nature of outcome variables, with statistical significance at p-value Results: Fifty-five patients were identified with resectable stage I (61%) and II (38%). They had a mean age of 66 years (48–87 years) and were 47.2% male, 83.6% white, 90.9% non-Hispanic and 89% with ECOG 0-1. NLR/PLR at diagnosis for R0, R1 and R2 were 6.7/241, 4.8/224, and 2.9/147 (P=0.01/0.002), respectively. NLR/ PLR for N0 and N1 were 5.1/212 and 2.7/138.3 (P=0.03/0.009) at diagnosis. No other significant association was detected. Conclusions: These findings suggest that NLR/PLR inversely correlates with RM and lymph node status in patients with R-PDAC, but require prospective evaluation in clinically defined scenarios.
Ribosome depurination by ricin leads to inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress induced HAC1 mRNA splicing on the ribosome

Ricin undergoes retrograde transport to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and ricin toxin A chain (RTA) enters the cytosol from the ER. Previous reports indicated that RTA inhibits activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in yeast and in mammalian cells. Both precursor (preRTA) and mature form of RTA (mRTA) inhibited splicing of HAC1u (u for uninduced) mRNA, suggesting that UPR inhibition occurred on the cytosolic face of the ER. Here, we examined the role of ribosome binding and depurination activity on inhibition of the UPR using mRTA mutants. An active-site mutant with very low depurination activity, which bound ribosomes as WT RTA, did not inhibit HAC1u mRNA splicing. A ribosome-binding mutant, which showed reduced binding to ribosomes but retained depurination activity, inhibited HAC1u mRNA splicing. This mutant allowed separation of the UPR inhibition by RTA from cytotoxicity because it reduced the rate of depurination. The ribosome-binding mutant inhibited the UPR without affecting IRE1 oligomerization or cleavage of HAC1u mRNA at the splice site junctions. Inhibition of the UPR correlated with the depurination level, suggesting that ribosomes play a role in splicing of HAC1u mRNA. We show that HAC1u mRNA is associated with ribosomes and does not get processed on depurinated ribosomes, thereby inhibiting the UPR. These results demonstrate that RTA inhibits HAC1u mRNA splicing through its depurination activity on the ribosome without directly affecting IRE1 oligomerization or the splicing reaction and provide evidence that IRE1 recognizes HAC1u mRNA that is associated with ribosomes.
Administration of valproic acid in clinically approved dose improves neurologic recovery and decreases brain lesion size in swine subjected to hemorrhagic shock and traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and hemorrhage remain the leading causes of death after trauma. We have previously shown that a dose of valproic acid (VPA) at (150 mg/kg) can decrease brain lesion size and hasten neurologic recovery. The current Food and Drug Administration-approved dose of VPA is 60 mg/kg. We evaluate neurologic outcomes and brain lesion size of a single dose of VPA at a level currently within Food and Drug Administration-approved dose in swine subjected to TBI and hemorrhagic shock. METHODS Swine (n = 5/group) were subjected to TBI and 40% blood volume hemorrhage. Animals remained in shock for 2 hours before randomization to normal saline (NS) resuscitation alone (control), NS-VPA 150 mg/kg (VPA 150), or NS-VPA 50 mg/kg (VPA 50). Neurologic severity scores (range, 0-32) were assessed daily for 14 days, and brain lesion size was measured via magnetic resonance imaging on postinjury day (PID) 3. RESULTS Shock severity and laboratory values were similar in all groups. Valproic acid-treated animals demonstrated significantly less neurologic impairment on PID 1 and returned to baseline faster (PID 1 mean neurologic severity score, control = 22 ± 3 vs. VPA 150 mg/kg = 8 ± 7 or VPA 50 mg/kg = 6 ± 6; p = 0.02 and 0.003). Valproic acid-treated animals had significantly smaller brain lesion sizes (mean volume in mm3, control = 1,268.0 ± 241.2 vs. VPA 150 mg/kg = 620.4 ± 328.0 or VPA 50 mg/kg = 438.6 ± 234.8; p = 0.007 and 0.001). CONCLUSION In swine subjected to TBI and hemorrhagic shock, VPA treatment, in a dose that is approved for clinical use, decreases brain lesion size and reduces neurologic impairment compared with resuscitation alone.
The Effects of Positive and Negative Emotions on Knowledge Revision

Across three experiments, we sought to determine the effects of positive and negative emotional content in refutation texts on correcting controversial misconceptions about vaccines. The addition of negative emotion content to texts that identify and refute vaccine misconceptions and explain the correct understanding improved knowledge revision observed during reading (Experiment 1). However, the addition of positive emotion content to refutation texts weakened this effect (Experiment 2). A direct comparison between negative and positive emotions replicated these findings (Experiment 3). Across experiments, results show that all refutation texts (with or without positive or negative emotions) improved learning assessed after reading. These findings show the differential effects of emotion on revising misconceptions about a controversial topic and provide consistent support for refutation texts as an effective tool in these corrective efforts.
Neurocritical Care of Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices have demonstrated improved survival outcomes in otherwise refractory cardiopulmonary failure but are associated with significant neurologic morbidity and mortality. This review aims to characterize MCS-associated brain injury and discuss the neurocritical care of this population. We found no practice guidelines or specific management strategies for the neurocritical care of patients with MCS devices. Acute brain injury was commonly observed in short-term and durable MCS devices. There is emerging evidence that a standardized neurological monitoring and management algorithm for MCS device–associated brain injury is feasible and potentially improves neurological outcomes. While MCS devices are associated with significant neurologic morbidity and mortality, there is scant evidence regarding optimal neuromonitoring and neurocritical care. With the increase in use of MCS devices for both short-term and durable applications, improved outcomes will depend on early identification and intervention of neurologic complications and further research into their pathophysiology.
Assessing age, breeding stage, and mating activity as drivers of variation in the reproductive microbiome of female tree swallows.

Sexually transmitted microbes are hypothesized to influence the evolution of reproductive strategies. Though frequently discussed in this context, our understanding of the reproductive microbiome is quite nascent. Indeed, testing this hypothesis first requires establishing a baseline understanding of the temporal dynamics of the reproductive microbiome and of how individual variation in reproductive behavior and age influence the assembly and maintenance of the reproductive microbiome as a whole. Here, we ask how mating activity, breeding stage, and age influence the reproductive microbiome. We use observational and experimental approaches to explain variation in the cloacal microbiome of free-living, female tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). Using microsatellite-based parentage analyses, we determined the number of sires per brood (a proxy for female mating activity). We experimentally increased female sexual activity by administering exogenous 17s-estradiol. Lastly, we used bacterial 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to characterize the cloacal microbiome. Neither the number of sires per brood nor the increased sexual activity of females significantly influenced female cloacal microbiome richness or community structure. Female age, however, was positively correlated with cloacal microbiome richness and influenced overall community structure. A hypothesis to explain these patterns is that the effect of sexual activity and the number of mates on variation in the cloacal microbiome manifests over an individual's lifetime. Additionally, we found that cloacal microbiome alpha diversity (Shannon Index, Faith's phylogenetic distance) decreased and community structure shifted between breeding stages. This is one of few studies to document within-individual changes and age-related differences in the cloacal microbiome across successive breeding stages. More broadly, our results contribute to our understanding of the role that host life history and behavior play in shaping the cloacal microbiomes of wild birds.
Fitting Proportional Odds Models to Educational Data with Complex Sampling Designs in Ordinal Logistic Regression

The conventional proportional odds (PO) model assumes that data are collected using simple random sampling by which each sampling unit has the equal probability of being selected from a population. However, when complex survey sampling designs are used, such as stratified sampling, clustered sampling or unequal selection probabilities, it is inappropriate to conduct ordinal logistic regression analyses without taking sampling design into account. Failing to do so may lead to biased estimates of parameters and incorrect corresponding variances. This study illustrates the use of PO models with complex survey data to predict mathematics proficiency levels using Stata and compare the results of PO models accommodating and not accommodating survey sampling features.
Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymphadenectomy: critical review of technique.

Histologic tumor status of axillary lymph nodes is one of the most important prognostic factors for patients with invasive breast cancer. In the past, accurate evaluation of the axillary nodes has been based on a level I and II axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), and a histopathologic evaluation of each node with a single section stained with hematoxylin and eosin. In 1994, Giuliano and colleagues described intraoperative lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymphadenectomy (LM/SL), as a more accurate and less morbid approach to evaluate the regional nodal basin [1]. The sentinel node hypothesis is predicated on the fact that there is a direct and identifiable lymphatic channel between the primary tumor and regional nodal basin. The sentinel node (SN) is the first lymph node receiving afferent lymphatic drainage from a primary tumor. Because shed tumor cells from the primary tumor may also follow this lymphatic pathway, the SN is the most likely site of regional metastatic disease, if it exists. After Morton’s [2] initial description LM/SL for cutaneous melanoma patients, over 250 LM/SL articles were published in the decade of the 1990’s. For breast cancer patients, Giuliano [3,4] popularized the blue dye technique, Krag [5] the radiocolloid technique and Albertini [6] was the first to describe a combined blue dye and radiocolloid technique. Other techniques have emerged, a subareolar injection technique [7] and an intradermal infection technique [8,9]. The purpose of the monograph is to critically review the major techniques described for LM/SL in breast cancer patients. We will focus on seminal works, comparative studies and large, multi-institutional studies
Parenting Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Asian Indian Families in the United States

Asian Indian immigrant parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have unique experiences and challenges grounded within their cultural contexts and migration to United States. This study sought to describe these experiences using qualitative method. Open-ended interviews were individually conducted with 15 Asian Indian parents (8 mothers, 7 fathers) whose children were diagnosed with Down Syndrome, Autistic Disorder, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified. Qualitative analysis generated 16 themes that were grouped into five domains: Cultural explanations, community response, and migration; impact on the self and family; sources of stress and support; a unique parenting approach; and hopes and fears for the future. In particular, parents described their local community’s initial struggles with acceptance of IDD grounded within religious explanations of the disability. Similar to parents of children with IDD from other cultural groups, these parents described family support, broader social awareness and acceptance, and access to resources as sources of support and the lack of these factors as contributing to stress. A unique parenting approach emerged in reference to the child with IDD that included adjusting academic aspirations for the child, taking a practical, “1 day at a time” approach, and efforts to pass on cultural heritage. Parents voiced concerns about the future care of their child when they would not be around, as well as their hopes. These findings suggest the importance of attending to cultural meanings and local contexts when understanding parenting experiences.
Discrete Functions Of GSK3α And GSK3β Isoforms In Prostate Tumor Growth And Micrometastasis

Isoform specific function of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) in cancer is not well defined. We report that silencing of GSK3α, but not GSK3β expression inhibited proliferation, survival and colony formation by the PC3, DU145 and LNCaP prostate cancer cells, and the growth of PC3 tumor xenografts in athymic nude mice. Silencing of GSK3α, but not GSK3β resulted in reduced proliferation and enhanced apoptosis in tumor xenografts. ShRNA-mediated knockdown of GSK3α and GSK3β equally inhibited the ability of prostate cancer cells to migrate and invade the endothelial-barrier in vitro, and PC3 cell micrometastasis to lungs in vivo. Mechanistically, whereas silencing GSK3α resulted in increased expression of pro-apoptotic markers cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 in LNCaP, PC3 and DU145 cells, silencing GSK3β resulted in the inhibition of cell scattering, establishment of cell-cell contacts, increased expression and membrane localization of β-catenin, and reduced expression of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers such as Snail and MMP-9. This indicated the specific role of GSK3β in EMT, acquisition of motility and invasive potential. Overall, our data demonstrated the isoform specific role of GSK3α and GSK3β in prostate cancer cells in vitro, and tumor growth and micrometastasis in vivo, via distinct molecular and cellular mechanisms.
The Assumption of Selfishness in the Internal Revenue Code: Reframing the Unintended Tax Advantages of Gay Marriage

The Code contains numerous special rules applicable to the income taxation of persons related by marriage, birth, or adoption. The collective importance of these related-party provisions to the income tax system is hard to overstate. This paper suggests a new approach to their analysis. Its thesis is simple: the rules of the Code depend, in significant part, on the assumption that taxpayers are self-interested and unaffiliated. In general, we are unwilling to transfer property or rights to income to others simply to avoid tax. Where this assumption proves or is likely to prove incorrect, the Code makes adjustments to its otherwise applicable rules. Sometimes such adjustments facilitate transfers between interpersonally committed individuals. More commonly, they shut down avoidance techniques. Some of these latter adjustments apply whenever the assumption of selfishness fails, regardless of the formal relationship between the parties. Most, however, apply only in the context of a specified formal relationship - marriage, parent/child, or owner/business. The paper tests the utility of this thesis by comparing the income tax treatment of heterosexual married couples with that of gay couples in committed long-term relationships - which I refer to as married and spouses solely for ease of reference. It is clear that gay couples are not married for tax purposes, nor are they spouses within the meaning of the Code. Gay marriage by itself never invokes any related-party rules - taxpayer-favorable or anti-abusive. Part I explores five sample tax-avoidance problems that arise in the extended-family context. Part II then explores six problems that arise solely in the context of marriage. None of the anti-abuse rules enacted to deal with either set of problems applies to gay spouses. As a result, gay couples should be able to arrange their affairs so as to pay federal income tax at significantly lower effective rates, on average, than identically situated heterosexual married couples. Part III, finally, draws general lessons from the diverse technical threads of the first two parts. Ultimately, the paper concludes that the only way to ensure that gay couples will be taxed no more favorably than heterosexual married couples is to list gay marriage as one of the proxy relationships that automatically invokes pertinent anti-abuse rules - in other words, to treat gay marriage as marriage for federal income tax purposes. Even this by itself, however, will not be enough. A formal spousal relationship will need to be made available to gays, and it needs to be attractive enough to induce gay couples to undertake it voluntarily - just as heterosexual couples marry despite the tax costs. In the absence of an attractive formal status that then invokes related-party anti-abuse rules, well-advised gay couples are, and will continue to be, permitted to pay systematically lower federal income taxes than heterosexual married couples - a result unlikely to be acceptable to a majority of Americans in the long run.
Analytical Models and Strategy Concepts

Eliashberg and Chatterjee (1985) indicate that the analytical study of competition requires certain basic assumptions to be made regarding the number of competitors studied, the nature of competitive interaction, and the information base of the competitors involved. Generally, studies have assumed a game theory framework, in which each of the various competitors is a decision maker, although some (e.g. Horsky 1977) study only the decisions of a single competitor. A game theory framework offers a potentially rich setting for studying the interactive nature of competitive advertising. It usually is assumed in existing research that the competitors make their advertising decisions simultaneously and with complete information. (Bensoussan et al. 1978, on the other hand, view the situation as a sequential decision-making process, and adopt the perspective of the market leader that needs to anticipate the reactions of its competitors to its decisions.) That is, each competitor has full knowledge of the nature of the competitive interaction and the motivations and profit structures of the other competitors, so that each competitor can infer the strategies of its rivals. Also, it is generally assumed that the competitors cannot collude (although see Gasmi et al. 1992 and Vilcassim et al. 1999 for a different perspective). Assuming collusion is not possible, the noncooperative branch of game theory is appealed to, and Nash equilibria are sought to define the advertising strategies of the competitors.
Determination of body composition by neutron activation analysis in patient with renal failure.

Abstract In vivo neutron activation analysis and whole-body counting techniques were used to measure the body composition of patients with chronic renal failure. Levels of total body calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chlorine, nitrogen, and potassium were measured in uremic patients at various times prior to and during maintenance dialysis. The metabolic derangements in individuals with chronic renal failure often result in the development of overt secondary hyperparathyroidism. The action of PTH on bone is associated with osteodystrophy as well as with extensive metastatic calcification. These effects present major problems in the therapeutic management of uremic patients. The most interesting finding is that of normal total body calcium (Ca/height) measured in uremic patients both prior to and during hemodialysis. Presumably, this high total Ca, occurring simultaneously with a condition such as osteoporosis, reflects the translocation of Ca from skeletal tissue to soft-tissue depots. Uremic patients on dialysis usually experience a loss of total body Ca. TBNAA (total body neutron activation analysis) alone does not distinguish between Ca in bone and Ca in the soft tissue; hence data from tracer studies are required for this analysis. However, following parathyroidectomy in uremic patients with extensive metastatic Ca, TBNAA measurements show a decrease in total body Ca concurrent with reduction of metastatic calcification as indicated by roentgenographic evidence. With renal failure, phosphate is released from the skeleton, and hyperphosphatemia ensues. The P/Ca values for patients on hemodialysis are, on the average, slightly higher than those of normal persons and of uremic patients not on dialysis. The total body sodium in uremic patients was, on the average, higher than that observed in a normal contrast population, as well as higher than that of a group of osteoporotic patients. However, no causal relationship was established between the reduction of total body Na during dialysis and the observed improvement in the hypertensive condition. There was little evidence of K depletion in uremic patients maintained on chronic dialysis as determined by whole-body counting. With few exceptions, uremic patients were found to have body K levels grams of K per kilogram of body weight) normal for their age and sex. The mean total-body nitrogen levels of the uremic patients expressed in terms of body K were similar to those of the normal contrast population, but lower than that of osteoporotic patients. The new insights acquired by the application of in vivo neutron activation technique in studying chronic renal disease, particularly with patients on hemodialysis, are to date chiefly suggestive. However, the acquisition of further data appears to be of considerable value for the understanding of chronic renal failure and the managment of patients through hemodialysis, particularly with respect to associated osteodystrophic changes.
Peripheral neuropathy associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related Burkitt's lymphoma.

Peripheral neuropathy associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)–related Burkitt's lymphoma usually occurs as a toxic effect of chemotherapeutic agents. Whereas primary peripheral nerve involvement is an unusual complication, we report on a human immodeficiency virus (HIV)–positive patient with Burkitt's lymphoma and sciatic neuropathy due to compression by a lymphomatous mass. Therapy with radiation and chemotherapy was followed by clinical and radiological improvement, but recurrent neurological deficits in a similar distribution occurred later from lymphomatous meningitis. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 23: 1764–1766, 2000.
Normal coordinate analysis of CF3CH3, C2H6, and C2F6☆

Abstract A normal coordinate analysis based on a Urey-Bradley potential has been made of 1,1,1-trifluoroethane. As a check on the transferability of the force constants determined, the vibrational frequencies of ethane and hexafluoroethane were calculated from essentially these constants.
Analysis of durable resistance to stem rust in barley

Since the mid-1940’s, barley cultivars grown in the northern Great Plains of the USA and Canada have been resistant to stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici. This durable resistance is largely conferred by a single gene, Rpg1, derived from a single plant selection of the cultivar Wisconsin 37 and an unimproved Swiss cultivar. At the seedling stage, barley genotypes with Rpg1 generally exhibit low mesothetic reactions at 16–20° C and slightly higher mesothetic reactions at 24–28°C to many stem rust pathotypes. This resistance is manifested by a low level of rust infection and mostly incompatible type uredia on adult plants. Rpg1 reacts in a pathotype-specific manner since some genotypes of P. g. f. sp. tritici are virulent on cultivars carrying this gene in the field. Several factors may have contributed to the longevity of stem rust resistance in barley, a) since barley is planted early and matures early, it can sometimes escape damage from stem rust inoculum carried from the south; b) one or more minor genes may augment the level of resistance already provided by Rpg1; c) the cultivation of resistant wheat cultivars and eradication of barberry have reduced the effective population size and number of potential new pathotypes of P. g. f. sp. tritici, respectively; and d) virulent pathotypes of P. g. f. sp. tritici and P. g. f. sp. secalis have not become established. This situation changed in 1989 when a virulent pathotype (Pgt-QCC) of P. g. f. sp. tritici became widely distributed over the Great Plains. However, Rpg1 may still confer some degree of resistance to pathotype QCC because stem rust severities have been low to moderate and yield losses light on barley cultivars carrying the gene during the last four seasons (1989–1992). Several sources of incomplete resistance to pathotype QCC have been identified in barley. To facilitate the transfer of resistance genes from these sources into advanced breeding lines, molecular marker assisted selection is being employed.
Patterns and polarizations of simultaneously excited planar arrays on a conformal surface

A conformal array on a surface of small curvature can be approximated by a number of planar arrays, several of which may be excited simultaneously so as to achieve a performance similar to that of a conformal array. Since the main beam of a planar array can be steered to any direction in the visible Space, several arrays, each oriented in a different direction, can be steered cooperatively to form a single beam in a desired direction. A general formulation of the radiation field of such an array of arrays is developed with the aid of vector recomposition formulas between two orthogonal co-ordinate systems. This formulation does not involve the integration of the current source but is solely dependent upon the knowledge of the far-field expressions of elementary radiators. Using this formulation, it can be shown that within each array, the conventional row and column phase setting can be used, although each array requires an additional phase shift to compensate for the phase difference caused by its position on the curved surface. As examples, the radiation patterns and polarizations of multiple arrays of short dipoles are studied using the present formulation. A comparison of the multiple planar arrays with the conventional conformal array is also presented.
Extent of Middle Ear Aeration in Congenital Aural Atresia

Objectives: To determine the extent of middle ear aeration in patients with aural atresia and to assess how aeration increases with age. To examine the role of middle ear aeration as an adjunct measure in the assessment of aural atresia and the determination of surgical candidacy for aural atresia patients. Study Design: Retrospective review of children with aural atresia in a tertiary academic pediatric otolaryngology practice. Methods: High resolution multiplanar CT scans of the temporal bones were analyzed for middle ear volume and staged according to existing clinical grading scales. Atretic ears were compared to the nonatretic ears of the same patient as well as to ears of cochlear implant patients, which served as a control population. Results: The average age of patients at the time CT was performed was 4.7 yrs (range <0.1-13.8 yrs). The average middle ear volume of the atretic ears was 0.34 cubic centimeters compared to an average of 0.51 cubic centimeters for the nonatretic ears. The mean ratio of the atretic to nonatretic volume was 0.67. Higher ratio of aeration was correlated with surgical candidacy. In patients who underwent serial scans, no statistically significant difference in the rates of growth was found between atretic and nonatretic ears. Finally, middle ear volume measurement correlated well with clinical grading scales. Conclusions: The middle ear volumes expand over the course of child development equally in atretic and non-atretic ears. Middle ear aeration correlates with classification systems designed to assess operative candidacy. The practitioner may be better able to assess surgical candidacy by supplementing classic atresia classification systems with middle ear volume
Fourier analysis of scanning laser polarimetry measurements with variable corneal compensation in glaucoma.

PURPOSE. To apply Fourier analysis to the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements obtained with scanning laser polarimetry (SLP), by using variable corneal compensation, and to evaluate the ability of this method to discriminate glaucomatous from normal eyes. METHODS. The study included one eye each of 55 patients with glaucoma and 52 healthy subjects. RNFL thickness measurements were obtained with a modified commercial scanning laser polarimeter (GDx Nerve Fiber Analyzer; Laser Diagnostic Technologies, Inc., San Diego, CA) so that corneal birefringence could be corrected on a subject-specific variable basis. The shape of the RNFL thickness double-hump pattern was analyzed by Fourier analysis of polarimetry data. Fourier coefficients and GDx parameters were compared between the two groups. A linear discriminant function was developed to identify and combine the most useful Fourier coefficients to separate the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were obtained for each measurement, and sensitivity values (at fixed specificities) were calculated. RESULTS. The Fourier-based linear discriminant function (LDF Fourier) resulted in a sensitivity of 84% for a specificity set at 92%. For similar specificity, the GDx software-provided parameters had sensitivities ranging from 24% to 69%. The area under ROC curve for the LDF Fourier was 0.949, significantly larger than the ROC curve area for the single best GDx software-provided parameter, superior average (0.870). CONCLUSIONS. The combination of Fourier RNFL thickness measures in an LDF, obtained using SLP with variable corneal compensation, improved the ability to discriminate glaucomatous from healthy eyes, compared with the GDx software-provided parameters.
Multislab multigroup transport theory with L th the order anisotropic scattering

Abstract The special case of a triangular transfer matrix relevant to multigroup transport theory in multislabs with L th order anisotropic scattering is discussed, and the FN method is used to establish accurate numerical results for a test problem.
Interaction of a Receptor Tyrosine Kinase, EGF-R, with Caveolins: CAVEOLIN BINDING NEGATIVELY REGULATES TYROSINE AND SERINE/THREONINE KINASE ACTIVITIES *

Caveolin, a 21–24-kDa integral membrane protein, is a principal component of caveolae membranes. We and others have suggested that caveolin functions as a scaffolding protein to organize and concentrate certain caveolin-interacting signaling molecules within caveolae membranes. In this regard, it has been shown that a 20-amino acid membrane-proximal region of the cytosolic NH2-terminal domain of caveolin is sufficient to mediate the interaction of caveolin with signaling proteins, namely G-proteins, Src-like kinases, eNOS, and H-Ras. This caveolin-derived protein domain has been termed the caveolin-scaffolding domain. Binding of the caveolin-scaffolding domain functionally suppresses the activity of G-protein α subunits, eNOS, and Src-like kinases, suggesting that caveolin binding may also play a negative regulatory role in signal transduction. Here, we report the direct interaction of caveolin with a growth factor receptor, EGF-R, a known caveolae-associated receptor tyrosine kinase. Two consensus caveolin binding motifs have been previously defined using phage display technology. One of these motifs is present within the conserved kinase domains of most known receptor tyrosine kinases (termed region IX). We now show that this caveolin binding motif within the kinase domain of the EGF-R can mediate the interaction of the EGF-R with the scaffolding domains of caveolins 1 and 3 but not with caveolin 2. In addition, the scaffolding domains of caveolins 1 and 3 both functionally inhibit the autophosphorylation of the EGF-R kinasein vitro. Importantly, this caveolin-mediated inhibition of the EGF-R kinase could be prevented by the addition of an EGF-R-derived peptide that (i) contains a well conserved caveolin binding motif and (ii) is located within the kinase domain of the EGF-R and most known receptor tyrosine kinases. Similar results were obtained with protein kinase C, a serine/threonine kinase, suggesting that caveolin may function as a general kinase inhibitor. The implications of our results are discussed within the context of caveolae-mediated signal transduction. In this regard, caveolae-coupled signaling might explain how linear signaling pathways can branch and interconnect extensively, forming a signaling module or network.
Mesoscopic transport beyond linear response.

We present an approach to steady-state mesoscopic transport based on the masimum entropy principle formulation of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. Our approach is not limited to the linear response regime. This approach yields the quantization observed in the integer quantum Hall effect at large currents, which until now has been unexplained. We also predict new behaviors of nonlocal resistances at large currents in the presence of dirty contacts.
Onset of helium-fragment scaling in heavy ion collisions

The evidence for the onset of Koba, Nielson, and Olesen scaling at low energies, for helium fragments produced in heavy ion collisions is presented.
Effect of triiodothyronine on renal growth and renal sodium reabsorption in hypothyroid rats.

Experiments were carried out to compare temporal changes in the paraaminohippuric acid clearance (CPAH), renal sodium reabsorption (\(R_{Na^ + } \)), ribonucleic acid (RNA), and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) content in hypothyroid rats after a single injection of triiodothyronine (T3) (50 μg/100 g body wt).CPAH and\(R_{Na^ + } \) showed no changes at 24 and 48 h. At 72 h, however, significant increases of 41% and 42% (per g kidney wet wt) were observed inCPAH and\(R_{Na^ + } \), respectively. The cortex in T3-treated hypothyroid rats showed a significant increase in the protein/DNA and RNA/DNA ratios at 24 h and progressive increases to a level of 24%, and 37%, respectively, at 48 h. No changes in DNA content were observed at either time-points. The results show that the increases in RNA/DNA and protein/DNA ratios upon T3 treatment preceded the increases inCPAH and\(R_{Na^ + } \), suggesting a direct effect of T3 on renal cortical growth, rather than a secondary response to a primary increase in renal functions.
What sorts of things are thingy? And what sorts of thinginess are there? Notes on stuff and social construction

Actor-network theory may help sociological studies of communication to see some things that would have been harder to see without it. It is useful and important in calling attention to the ways that “things” and not only persons can be actors (or “actants”) in the human social world. Still, it may be the peculiar hubris of the scientific laboratory that led to the presumption that things do not act in human affairs. In social criticism and in common sense, we have long known that they do. And we know also that some “things” are more “thingy” than others – obdurate, with a kind of independent agency. Hardware is more thingy than software but both are “things.” Actor–network theory (ANT) raises important questions about the place of things in social life – it does not in itself provide answers.
Factors affecting the likelihood of presentation to the emergency department of trauma patients after discharge.

Study objective We determine the rate at which trauma patients re-present to the emergency department (ED) after discharge from the hospital and determine whether re-presentation is related to race, insurance, and socioeconomic factors such as neighborhood income level. Methods Trauma patients admitted to a Level I trauma center between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2007, were identified with the hospital's trauma registry. These patients were linked to administrative data to obtain information about re-presentation to the hospital. Neighborhood income was obtained with census block data; multiple imputation was implemented to account for missing income data. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of re-presentation. Results There were 6,675 patients who were included in the study. A total of 886 patients (13.3%) returned to the ED within 30 days of discharge from the hospital. Uninsured patients (odds ratio [OR]=1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30 to 2.06) and publicly insured patients (OR=1.60; 95% CI 1.20 to 2.14) were more likely to re-present to the ED than those with commercial insurance. Residing in a neighborhood with a median household income less than $20,000 was associated with a higher odds of re-presentation (OR=1.77; 95% CI 1.37 to 2.29). Only 13.2% of patients who came to the ED were readmitted to the hospital. Conclusion A substantial number of trauma patients return to the ED within 30 days of being discharged, but only a small proportion of these patients required readmission. Re-presentation is associated with being uninsured or underinsured and with lower neighborhood income level.
Esthetic development: a model for the undergraduate experience

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to refine and measure esthetic development. Design/methodology/approach – Three phrases of data collection were conducted utilizing four separate student samples (n = 120, 154, 241, and 343). In Phase I, an initial esthetic development stage model was tested with a constructed response test format using generalizability measurement theory. In Phase II, this conceptual model in esthetic development was refined with a modified constructed response format. In Phase III, a selective response test format was designed with five esthetic development stage scores, which were correlated with several artistic discipline-based and interdisciplinary courses. Findings – Higher esthetic development stages correlate with verbal ability and grades in interdisciplinary general education arts courses. Lower esthetic development stages were associated with lower verbal ability and grades in traditionally taught discipline-based arts courses. Research limitations/implications – What thi...
THE IMPACT OF GEL ELECTROPHORESIS UPON OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE ESTERASES.

General Discussion and Summary The impact of gel electrophoresis upon our understanding of the esterases has been formidable in that it has provided us with new insights and understanding concerning the number and biochemical characteristics of the many esterase-active proteins found in biological material. The relationships between the esterases within a species and among species still remains largely to be determined. With regard to the function of esterases it is to be expected that there will be several. One promising possibility is suggested by the work of Allen and Hunter, which illustrated a dependent relationship between male sex hormone and the esterases in the mouse epididymis. Supporting this work is the observation by Shaw and Koen (1963) demonstrating the presence of an esterase in the mouse kidney, which also was dependent on male sex hormone. The change observed in the serum esterase of the pregnant rabbit reported here and in women by Friedman and Lapman (1961) may also relate to hormone changes associated with pregnancy, although this relationship remains to be demonstrated. A second area where the esterases are likely to be functioning is in relation to protein synthetic activity of the endoplasmic reticulum. The only evidence supporting this suggestion is the abundant presence of esterases found in this location. The seven experiments described and discussed here along with those included in the references may serve as illustrations of the kind of work that can be accomplished by the use of these methods.*
HYBRID CARS AND ICDS: IS IT SAFE?

Electronic devices are sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can have significant effects on cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED). Hybrid cars are one of the fastest growing segments in automotive industry. The utilization of the electrical engine is variable in these cars (
Gene expression profiling detects patterns of human macrophage responses following Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

High-density oligonucleotide microarrays allow simultaneous monitoring of the expression of a large number of cellular genes. Microarrays were used to screen the global human monocyte-derived macrophage transcriptional response to infection with the intracellular pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The microarray detected reproducible patterns of regulated gene expression. Analysis of the expression data showed induction of cytokines and chemokines, ribosomal proteins, and the interferon-response gene Stat1. Several changes were validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot assays. Augmentation of the respiratory burst and preservation of the response to interferon-γ were also demonstrated. These data supplement existing knowledge on macrophage responses to tuberculosis infection.
Once a pregnancy, always a cesarean? Rationale and feasibility of a randomized controlled trial

Although vaginal delivery has long been assumed to be the preferred route of delivery in women who have not had a prior cesarean delivery, some have recently advocated that women be offered the option of elective, primary cesarean delivery in all pregnancies. Available outcome data, however, do not permit ready comparison of these alternate plans for delivery. Important maternal outcomes include short-term complications such as death, bleeding, infection, and damage to pelvic organs as well as long-term effects on future pregnancies, fecal and urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse. Important neonatal outcomes include asphyxic and traumatic birth injury, infection, respiratory complications, and stillbirth. To weigh the relative merits of elective primary cesarean delivery and a trial of labor, a randomized controlled trial is needed. Such a trial would be both ethical and feasible.
Effects of denial on mood, compliance, and quality of functioning after cardiovascular rehabilitation.

Abstract The effect of denial upon mood, perceived quality of functioning and compliance with medical advice was studied in 45 coronary patients three months after completing an intensive cardiovascular rehabilitation program. Deniers reported less mood disturbance before and after the program and at three-month follow-up compared with nondeniers. Denial was inversely related to Total Mood Disturbance at all three evaluations. Both groups showed a decline in mood disturbance with treatment and loss of improvement at follow-up. The degree of change was significantly greater for nondeniers. There was no significant difference between groups in any area of compliance or perceived quality of functioning. Denial showed no relationship to overall compliance or quality scores. Total Mood Disturbance was inversely related to both compliance and perceived quality of functioning and appears to be a major determinant of rehabilitation outcome.
Mercury oxidation in flue gas using gold and palladium catalysts on fabric filters.

The feasibility of oxidizing elemental mercury in coal combustion flue gas using catalytic material impregnated onto fabric filters was explored. TiO2, Au/TiO2, and Pd/Al2O3 were studied based on p...
Nonrelativistic motion of a charged particle in an electromagnetic field

The nonrelativistic motion of a charged particle in the electromagnetic field of a plane wave is studied. New analytic solutions of the equation of motion are found that manifest the dependence of the period of the particle motion on the wave amplitude.
The Intense Lee-Wave Rotor Event of Sierra Rotors IOP 8

Abstract A large-amplitude lee-wave rotor event observationally documented during Sierra Rotors Project Intensive Observing Period (IOP) 8 on 24–26 March 2004 in the lee of the southern Sierra Nevada is examined. Mountain waves and rotors occurred over Owens Valley in a pre-cold-frontal environment. In this study, the evolution and structure of the observed and numerically simulated mountain waves and rotors during the event on 25 March, in which the horizontal circulation associated with the rotor was observed as an opposing, easterly flow by the mesonetwork of surface stations in Owens Valley, are analyzed. The high-resolution numerical simulations of this case, performed with the Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) run with multiple nested-grid domains, the finest grid having 333-m horizontal spacing, reproduced many of the observed features of this event. These include small-amplitude waves above the Sierra ridge decoupled from thermally forced flow within the valley, and a l...
Failure time regression with continuous informative auxiliary covariates.

In this paper we use Cox’s regression model to fit failure time data with continuous informative auxiliary variables in the presence of a validation subsample. We first estimate the induced relative risk function by kernel smoothing based on the validation subsample, and then improve the estimation by utilizing the information on the incomplete observations from non-validation subsample and the auxiliary observations from the primary sample. Asymptotic normality of the proposed estimator is derived. The proposed method allows one to robustly model the failure time data with an informative multivariate auxiliary covariate. Comparison of the proposed approach with several existing methods is made via simulations. Two real datasets are analyzed to illustrate the proposed method. Mathematics Subject Classification (MSC): 62G07, 62G20
Crystal Structures of Dehydratase Domains from the Curacin Polyketide Biosynthetic Pathway

Modular polyketide synthases (PKS) make novel natural products through a series of preprogrammed chemical steps catalyzed by an assembly line of multidomain modules. Each assembly-line step involves unique extension and modification reactions, resulting in tremendous diversity of polyketide products. Dehydratase domains catalyze formation of an alpha,beta-double bond in the nascent polyketide intermediate. We present crystal structures of the four dehydratase domains from the curacin A PKS. The catalytic residues and substrate binding site reside in a tunnel within a single monomer. The positions of the catalytic residues and shape of the substrate tunnel explain how chirality of the substrate hydroxyl group may determine the configuration of the product double bond. Access to the active site may require opening the substrate tunnel, forming an open trench. The arrangement of monomers within the dimer is consistent among PKS dehydratases and differs from that seen in the related mammalian fatty acid synthases.