cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pancreas Transplant Venous Thrombosis: Role of Endovascular Interventions for Graft Salvage

Venous thrombosis of pancreas transplant allografts often leads to graft loss. We evaluated the efficacy of emergent endovascular techniques to salvage thrombosed pancreatic allografts in a series of six patients. Of the 76 pancreas transplants performed between 2002 and 2006, six patients were diagnosed with venous thrombosis on MRI between 2 and 28 days posttransplant (mean, 9 days). Five patients were systemic-enteric (donor portal vein anastomosis to recipient iliac vein) and one patient was portal-enteric (donor portal vein anastomosis to recipient superior mesenteric vein). Conventional venography confirmed the diagnosis of venous thrombosis in all patients. One patient was treated with catheter-directed venous thrombolysis and balloon thrombectomy. Another patient was treated with rheolytic thrombectomy alone. The remaining four patients were treated with a combination of these mechanical and thrombolytic techniques. Completion venography revealed >50% clot reduction and resumption of venous drainage in all patients. One patient required additional intervention 16 days later for recurrent thrombosis. Two patients required metal stent placement for anastomotic stenoses or kinks. One patient required pancreatectomy 36 h after attempted salvage secondary to a major hemorrhage and graft necrosis. Two patients recovered pancreatic function initially but lost graft function at 8 and 14 months, respectively, from severe chronic rejection. Patient survival was 100%, long-term graft survival was 50%, rethrombosis rate was 16.6%, and graft loss from rejection was 33%. In conclusion, early recognition and treatment of venous thrombosis after pancreas transplantation has acceptable morbidity and no mortality using short-term endovascular pharmacomechanical therapy.
SUPPRESSION OF PRIMARY TUMOR GROWTH AND THE PROGRESSION TO METASTASIS WITH p53 ADENOVIRUS IN HUMAN PROSTATE CANCER

Purpose: Numerous advances have been made in gene therapy approaches for the treatment of solid tumors, including prostate cancer. While treatment of the primary tumor has been well investigated, little information is available regarding gene therapy techniques which might impact on the progression to metastatic disease. We investigate the ability of p53 adenovirus to suppress not only primary tumor growth, but also the progression to metastatic disease. Mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene has been associated with the progression of prostate cancer. In this study, we utilized a metastatic model for human prostate cancer to determine if introduction of the wild-type p53 gene using an adenoviral vector (rAd-p53) impacted on primary tumor growth as well as the progression to metastatic disease.Materials and Methods: For our studies, we used the human prostate cancer cell line PC-3, which has a homozygous loss of p53 expression. Expression of exogenous p53 as well as p21 induction at various time points...
The role of the Maurer's clefts in protein transport in Plasmodium falciparum

Maurer's clefts (MCs) are membranous structures that are formed by Plasmodium falciparum and used by the parasite for protein sorting and protein export. Virulence proteins, as well as other proteins used to remodel the erythrocyte, are exported. Discontinuity between major membrane compartments within the infected erythrocyte cytoplasm suggests multiple traffic routes for exported proteins. The sequences of the conserved Plasmodium export element seem insufficient for export of all parasite proteins. The parasite displays remarkable versatility in the types of proteins exported to the MCs and in the functions of the proteins within the MCs. In this Review, protein export to the MCs and the role of the MCs in the transport of proteins to the erythrocyte membrane are summarized.
Analysis of candidate anticancer drugs by thermospray high-performance liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry

Abstract Thermospray high-performance liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry was used to confirm the identity of five bulk anticancer drugs, and in some cases, to identify drug impurities. Analysis resulted in both molecular weight and structural (fragment ions) information obtained from the full scan spectra of as little as 50 ng of each drug. The technique was also used to evaluate the chromatographic specificity of corresponding ultraviolet or refractive index high-performance liquid chromatographic detection in the presence of drug degradation products.
Theoretical analysis and comparison of various approaches for reliable multicast

Scalability is always an issue for multicast protocols. This paper analyses and compares eight protocols for packet loss recovery in multicast communications. The goal of our analysis is to emphasise which protocols provide good recovery times without inducing too much extra traffic in the network, which is the limiting factor for scalability. Assuming the same loss rates on every link in the network, we make a statistical analysis to derive the expected number of packet retransmissions and compare the performance of the protocols. The results show great variations between protocols and provide good insights for the design of new protocols.
A (10 × 10) domain wall structure induced by Mn adsorption on the pseudo-(1 × 1) surface of GaN(0001)

Abstract A domain wall superstructure is observed when 1/3 monolayer of manganese is deposited on the pseudo-(1×1) surface of GaN(0 0 0 1) at 500 °C. At the atomic scale, the domains have hexagonal symmetry with a (10×10) periodicity on average. Within the domain, a (√3×√3) reconstruction is formed. A model is proposed to explain the formation of the domain walls and the (√3×√3) structure.
The association of leptin and homocysteine with renal function impairment in a population of Taiwanese adults

Summary Background & aims Higher levels of leptin and homocysteine (Hcy) have been evaluated as risk factors of chronic kidney disease in patients and general population. The aim of this study was to examine gender differences in the associations of leptin and Hcy levels and renal function a representative healthy young population in Taiwan. Methods The participants aged ≥18 years who underwent health examinations were included and categorized into three groups by gender-specific tertiles of leptin and Hcy levels. Estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) were estimated according to the modified equation of Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD). Results A higher mean Hcy level was found in male subjects than females. Mean values of metabolic syndrome risk factors significantly elevated with increasing leptin levels in both genders. Both male and female subjects with higher plasma Hcy levels were more likely to have a lower eGFR. Plasma Hcy levels were significantly negatively correlated with eGFR in linear regression models adjusted for age and smoking. The associations persisted even after mean arterial pressure and fasting plasma glucose were included for adjustments both genders. Plasma Hcy level was negatively associated eGFR and the association was more profound for females. Conclusions Leptin levels did not reveal strong or consistent evidence to support a significant association with eGFR. Hcy had a more decisive effect on renal function impairment than leptin and may be considered a more sensitive biomarker for Taiwanese adults.
Numerical simulations and restorations of laser droplet-slicing images

A numerical technique is reported here that simulates the image formation processes in a laser droplet-slicing imaging experiment for droplet thermometry. The distorted images of the central plane of a transparent droplet, covered by its front hemisphere, can be numerically simulated, and the images can be partially restored. An off-90° observation arrangement is proposed for such experiments.
A Second Allosteric Site in Escherichia coli Aspartate Transcarbamoylase

Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamoylase is feedback inhibited by CTP and UTP in the presence of CTP. Here, we show by X-ray crystallography that UTP binds to a unique site on each regulatory chain of the enzyme that is near but not overlapping with the known CTP site. These results bring into question all of the previously proposed mechanisms of allosteric regulation in aspartate transcarbamoylase.
Surface chemistry of polystyrene colloids prepared by mixed initiator/surfactant systems

Abstract Five polystyrene latices were synthesized using various combinations of two redox initiators and two surfactants. The initiators were persulfate/bisulfite/iron (II), (III) (PBI) and bisulfite/iron (III) (BI). The surfactants were sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDSo). By a combination of techniques involving contact with ion-exchange resin, auto-catalyzed hydrolysis of the acid form of the latexes, dialysis, and analysis of surface groups by conductometric titration, the ratio of surface sulfate/sulfonate groups was determined. The PBI initiator produces both kinds of groups whereas the BI system gives only sulfonate. Grafting of surfactant to the particle surface during polymerization even at room temperature can be responsible for half of the total number of functional groups found.
Diel variation in ammonia excretion, glutamine levels, and hydration status in two species of terrestrial isopods.

Terrestrial isopods (suborder Oniscidea) excrete most nitrogen diurnally as volatile ammonia, and ammonia-loaded animals accumulate nonessential amino acids, which may constitute the major nocturnal nitrogen pool. This study explored the relationship between ammonia excretion, glutamine storage/mobilization, and water balance, in two sympatric species Ligidium lapetum (section Diplocheta), a hygric species; and Armadillidium vulgare (Section Crinocheta), a xeric species capable of water-vapor absorption (WVA). Ammonia excretion (12-h), tissue glutamine levels, and water contents were measured following field collection of animals at dusk and dawn. In both species, diurnal ammonia excretion exceeded nocturnal excretion four- to fivefold while glutamine levels increased four- to sevenfold during the night. Most glutamine was accumulated in the somatic tissues (“body wall”). While data support the role of glutamine in nocturnal nitrogen storage, potential nitrogen mobilization from glutamine breakdown (162 μmol g−1 in A. vulgare) exceeds measured ammonia excretion (2.5 μmol g−1) over 60-fold. This may serve to generate the high hemolymph ammonia concentrations % MathType!Translator!2!1!AMS LaTeX.tdl!TeX -- AMS-LaTeX! % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaafeart1ev1aqatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn % hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr % 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9 % vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x % fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGaaiikaiaabg % gacaqGUbGaaeizaiaabccacaqGObGaaeyAaiaabEgacaqGObGaaGjb % VlaadcfadaWgaaWcbaGaaeOtaiaabIeadaWgaaadbaGaaG4maaqaba % aaleqaaOGaaiykaaaa!437A! $$({\text{and high}}\;P_{{\text{NH}}_3 } )$$ seen during volatilization. The energetic cost of ammonia volatilization is discussed in the light of these findings. Mean water contents were similar at dusk and dawn in both species, indicating that diel cycles of water depletion and replenishment were not occurring.
Effects of dissipation and temperature on macroscopic quantum tunneling.

Measurements of the tunneling rate $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ out of the zero-voltage state for several Nb edge junctions with differing shunt capacitances are described. At zero temperature, increasing the shunt capacitance lowers $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ in agreement with dissipative calculations of the macroscopic-quantum-tunneling rate. As temperature increases, $\mathrm{ln}[\frac{\ensuremath{\Gamma}(T)}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}(0)}]\ensuremath{\propto}{T}^{2}$ as recently predicted.
The effect of phosphoenolypyruvate, fructose-1,6-diphosphate, alanine and valine on pyruvate kinase from turtle liver and heart.

Abstract 1. 1. Liver PK activity which shows sigmoidal kinetics with changing PEP concentration is stimulated by FDP and inhibited by l -alanine and l valine. 2. 2. Heart PK activity which shows hyperbolic kinetics with changing PEP concentrations is not affected by FDP and l -valine, but is inhibited ny l -alanine. 3. 3. Amino acid inhibition og PK's from both turtle organs is reversible by the addition of FDP.
Autonomous application of quantitative PCR in the deep sea: in situ surveys of aerobic methanotrophs using the deep-sea environmental sample processor.

Recent advances in ocean observing systems and genomic technologies have led to the development of the deep-sea environmental sample processor (D-ESP). The DESP filters particulates from seawater at depths up to 4000 m and applies a variety of molecular assays to the particulates, including quantitative PCR (qPCR), to identify particular organisms and genes in situ. Preserved samples enable laboratory-based validation of in situ results and expanded studies of genomic diversity and gene expression. Tests of the D-ESP at a methane-rich mound in the Santa Monica Basin centered on detection of 16S rRNA and particulate methane monooxygenase (pmoA) genes for two putative aerobic methanotrophs. Comparison of in situ qPCR results with laboratory-based assays of preserved samples demonstrates the D-ESP generated high-quality qPCR data while operating autonomously on the seafloor. Levels of 16S rRNA and pmoA cDNA detected in preserved samples are consistent with an active community of aerobic methanotrophs near the methane-rich mound. These findings are substantiated at low methane sites off Point Conception and in Monterey Bay where target genes are at or below detection limits. Successful deployment of the D-ESP is a major step toward developing autonomous systems to facilitate a wide range of marine microbiological investigations.
Photodynamic herbicides: 1. Concept and phenomenology

Abstract A new approach to the design of conceptually and phenomenologically new herbicides is described. It involves the joint utilization of tetrapyrrole precursors, such as δ-aminolaevulinic acid (a biodegradable amino acid) and activators of the chlorophyll biosynthetic pathway, such as 2,2′-dipyridyl, in order to induce treated plants to biosynthesize and accumulate massive amounts of tetrapyrrole intermediates of the chlorophyll biosynthetic pathway in the dark (i.e. at night). During the subsequent light period (daylight) the accumulated tetrapyrroles act as potent photodynamic sensitiziers, which in turn result in the death of susceptible plants in a matter of hours. We have therefore proposed to name herbicides that act via this mechanism as photodynamic herbicides, or more pictorially as laser herbicides. From a limited survey of agricultural plant and weed species it appears that photodynamic herbicides exhibit a very pronounced organ, age and species-dependent selectivity. For example, dicotyledonous weeds such as mustard, red-root pigweed, common purslane and lambsquarter are very susceptible while monocotyledonous plants such as corn, wheat, barley and oats are not. The biochemical basis of this selectivity seems to lie, among other things, in the rates of tetrapyrrole turnover and in a differential enhancement by the applied chemicals of the monovinyl and divinyl tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathways in the various species. A survey of various groups of chemicals (herbicides and other selected biochemicals) that are likely to exhibit photodynamic herbicidal properties is currently under investigation.
The state of neutral lipids in normal and cataractous human lenses.

Abstract A simple and rapid high pressure liquid chromatographic method (HPLC) was developed to analyse the neutral lipid fraction from normal and cataractous human lenses. No differences were found between old normal and cataractous lenses suggesting that membrane deterioration in cataracts is not due to oxidation of these components. Several new lens components were isolated and identified including cholesterol metabolites, and vitamin E (α-tocopherol).
Successful Aging: Selected Indicators in a Southern Sample

Given the increasing population of older adults in the United States, it is important to identify indicators of successful aging and the interrelationships among these variables to develop interventions to promote successful aging. This article reports an analysis of indicators of successful aging in a group of older adults from North and South Carolina. Risk factors that may make it harder for older adults to age successfully are identified. The relationships between chronic disease and indicators of successful aging are examined, and potential ideas for interventions to enhance successful aging are discussed.
Crystal structure of Δ(185-243)ApoA-I suggests a mechanistic framework for the protein adaptation to the changing lipid load in good cholesterol: from flatland to sphereland via double belt, belt buckle, double hairpin and trefoil/tetrafoil.

Abstract Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) is the major protein of plasma high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), macromolecular assemblies of proteins and lipids that remove cell cholesterol and protect against atherosclerosis. HDL heterogeneity, large size (7.7–12 nm), and ability to exchange proteins have prevented high-resolution structural analysis. Low-resolution studies showed that two apoA-I molecules form an antiparallel α-helical “double belt” around an HDL particle. The atomic-resolution structure of the C-terminal truncated lipid-free Δ(185–243)apoA-I, determined recently by Mei and Atkinson, provides unprecedented new insights into HDL structure–function. It allows us to propose a molecular mechanism for the adaptation of the full-length protein to increasing lipid load during cholesterol transport. ApoA-I conformations on small, midsize, and large HDLs are proposed based on the tandem α-helical repeats and the crystal structure of Δ(185–243)apoA-I and are validated by comparison with extensive biophysical data reported by many groups. In our models, the central half of the double belt (“constant” segment 66–184) is structurally conserved while the N- and C-terminal half (“variable” segments 1–65 and 185–243) rearranges upon HDL growth. This includes incremental unhinging of the N-terminal bundle around two flexible regions containing G39 and G65 to elongate the belt, along with concerted swing motion of the double belt around G65–P66 and G185–G186 hinges that are aligned on various-size particles, to confer two-dimensional surface curvature to spherical HDLs. The proposed conformational ensemble integrates and improves several existing HDL models. It helps provide a structural framework necessary to understand functional interactions with over 60 other HDL-associated proteins and, ultimately, improve the cardioprotective function of HDL.
Psychometric characteristics of daily diaries for the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®): a preliminary investigation

Purpose The Patient-Reported Outcomes (PRO) Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) has developed assessment tools for numerous PROs, most using a 7-day recall format. We examined whether modifying the recall period for use in daily diary research would affect the psychometric characteristics of several PROMIS measures.
Modeling and analysis of carbon nanotube interconnects and their effectiveness for high speed VLSI design

Semiconducting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have gained immense popularity as possible successors to silicon as the channel material for ultra high performance field effect transistors. On the other hand, their metallic counterparts have often been regarded as ideal interconnects for the future technology generations. Owing to their high current densities and increased reliability, metallic-single walled CNTs (SWCNTs) have been of fundamental research both in theory as well as experiments. Metallic CNTs have been modeled for RF applications using an LC model. In this paper, we present an efficient circuit compatible RLC model for metallic SWCNTs, and analyze the impact of SWCNTs on the performance of ultra scaled digital VLSI design.
Analysis of transient-grating signals for reacting-flow applications

Single-shot transient-grating measurements for thermometry in pressurized reacting flows are examined in the context of rapid digital signal processing. Simple approaches are discussed for temperature determination and rejection of unwanted signals in real-time measurement applications. Examples of temperature data in pressurized postflame gases are presented in the form of probability-density functions (PDFs). Three contributions to the PDF half-widths are discussed. Analysis of phase-matching requirements indicates that beam steering as a result of density fluctuations affects the signal amplitude but not the grating period. Therefore, such stochastic beam deviations have little effect on the derived temperatures. Mode noise on the cw probe beam as well as linear light scattering are found to be insignificant in the frequency range of the observed transient-grating acoustic signature. Use of a single-mode laser for the pump beams is shown to enhance the signal intensity.
Spermidine/Spermine-N1-Acetyltransferase 2 Is an Essential Component of the Ubiquitin Ligase Complex That Regulates Hypoxia-inducible Factor 1α

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a heterodimeric transcription factor that functions as a master regulator of oxygen homeostasis. The HIF-1α subunit is subjected to O2-dependent prolyl hydroxylation leading to ubiquitination by the von Hippel-Lindau protein (VHL)-Elongin C ubiquitin-ligase complex and degradation by the 26 S proteasome. In this study, we demonstrate that spermidine/spermine-N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT) 2 plays an essential role in this process. SSAT2 binds to HIF-1α, VHL, and Elongin C and promotes ubiquitination of hydroxylated HIF-1α by stabilizing the interaction of VHL and Elongin C. Multivalent interactions by SSAT2 provide a mechanism to ensure efficient complex formation, which is necessary for the extremely rapid ubiquitination and degradation of HIF-1α that is observed in oxygenated cells.
Necessity of Sequential Pulses of Prostaglandin F2alpha for Complete Physiologic Luteolysis in Cattle

The luteolytic effects of exogenous prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF) that did and did not simulate natural 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF (PGFM) pulses were studied during mid-diestrus in 42 Holstein heifers. Plasma concentrations of PGF were assessed by assay of PGFM. In experiment 1, a single intrauterine injection of 4.0 mg of PGF into the uterine horn ipsilateral to the corpus luteum resulted in a precipitous progesterone decline, whereas sequential injections of 0.25 or 1.0 mg every 12 h resulted in a stepwise decrease (P < 0.05) following each injection. A progesterone increase occurred during the first 5 min before the luteolytic decrease but only for the 4.0-mg dose. From the results of experiment 2, a 2-h intrauterine infusion of a total of 0.5 mg of PGF was judged to best simulate a natural PGFM pulse. In experiment 3, simulation of sequential pulses at 12-h intervals resulted in a continuous precipitous decrease in progesterone to <1 ng/ml by the beginning of the fourth simulated pulse. In contrast, a single simulated pulse resulted in a 6-h progesterone decrease to a constant concentration for 3 days after treatment, followed by a return to control concentrations. The mean ± SEM interval between the pretreatment and posttreatment ovulations was shorter (P < 0.05) in the group with sequential simulated pulses (14 ± 1 day) than in the group with a single pulse (21 ± 1 day). Results indicated that excessive PGF doses may stimulate nonphysiologic progesterone responses and supported the hypothesis that sequential PGF pulses are required to stimulate natural luteolysis in cattle.
An inhibition of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase delays the platelet storage lesion.

Background and Objectives: Platelets during storage undergo diverse alterations collectively known as the platelet storage lesion, including metabolic, morphological, functional and structural changes. Some changes correlate with activation of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). Another MAPK, extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), is involved in PLT activation. The aim of this study was to compare the properties of platelets stored in plasma in the presence or absence of p38 and ERK MAPK inhibitors. Materials and Methods: A single Trima apheresis platelet unit (n=12) was aliquoted into five CLX storage bags. Two aliquots were continuously agitated with or without MAPK inhibitors. Two aliquots were subjected to 48 hours of interruption of agitation with or without MAPK inhibitors. One aliquot contained the same amount of solvent vehicle used to deliver the inhibitor. Platelets were stored at 20–24uC for 7 days and sampled on Days 1, 4, and 7 for 18 in vitro parameters. Results: Inhibition of p38 MAPK by VX-702 leads to better maintenance of all platelet in vitro storage parameters including platelet mitochondrial function. Accelerated by interruption of agitation, the platelet storage lesion of units stored with VX702 was diminished to that of platelets stored with continuous agitation. Inhibition of ERK MAPK did not ameliorate decrements in any in vitro platelet properties. Conclusion: Signaling through p38 MAPK, but not ERK, is associated with platelet deterioration during storage.
IBM's Linux watch, the challenge of miniaturization

Nearly four years in development, the IBM Linux watch contains a complete computer system that runs Linux, displays X11 graphics, and has wireless connectivity. The system fits in a case that could pass as a slightly unusual analog timepiece with a somewhat odd shape and an extraordinarily brilliant face. The developers have created two versions of the watch, one with an organic light-emitting diode display and the other with a liquid crystal display. Still considered a research prototype, the watch already runs some personal information management applications, and it can communicate with PCs, PDAs, and other wireless-enabled devices, viewing condensed e-mail and directly receiving pager-like messages. Eventually, users will be able to access various Internet-based services, such as up-to-the-minute information about weather, traffic conditions, the stock market, and sports.
Effects of Maternal Intelligence, Marital Status, Income, and Home Environment on Cognitive Development of Low Birthweight Infants

Objective: To examine direct and mediated effects of maternal IQ, marital status, family income, and quality of the home environment on the cognitive development of low birthweight infants. Methods: Secondary analyses on a large dataset using hierarchical regression identified factors correlated with cognitive outcomes in children at 3 years of age who were bom at low birthweight. Results: Maternal IQ was a critical variable, because it was highly correlated with child IQ and because maternal intelligence influenced patterns of relationships among other predictor variables including marital status, income level, and home environment on child IQ. Analyses revealed that effects of these variables on child IQ interacted with maternal IQ. Conclusions: Early childhood intervention programs should target those low birthweight infants most at risk for impaired cognitive development. Children at greatest risk are those living with unmarried, low IQ mothers.
Matrix attachment region elements have small and variable effects on transgene expression and stability in field-grown Populus.

Summary Matrix attachment regions (MARs) are thought to buffer transgenes from the influence of surrounding chromosomal sequences, and therefore to reduce transgene silencing and variation in expression. The statistical properties of more than 400 independent transgenic events produced in Populus , with and without flanking MAR elements from the tobacco root gene RB7 , were analysed. The expression of two reporter genes in two poplar clones during three phases of vegetative growth, and the association of T-DNA characteristics with expression, was examined. It was found that MARs did not show a consistent effect on transgene expression levels; they had no effect on the green fluorescent protein ( GFP ) reporter gene, but reduced expression in the Basta resistance ( BAR ) reporter gene by 23%. The presence of MARs reduced expression variability within transformant populations, apparently by reducing the number of silenced or weakly expressing events. Transgene expression was highly stable over vegetative growth cycles that spanned 3 years of growth in the glasshouse and field, but MARs showed no association with the strength of correlations in expression over the years. Nonetheless, MARs increased the correlation in expression between a p35S:: GFP and p rbcS :: BAR transgene linked on the same vector, but the effect was small and varied between the years. The presence of MARs had no effect on the transgene copy number, but was positively associated with T-DNA truncations, as well as with the formation of direct over inverted repeats at the same chromosomal locus.
Compliance on the American Board of Pediatrics Certifying Examination and the Importance of Location and Size on Pass Rates

Objective. To describe residency program compliance to a 60% pass rate and 80% eligibility standard outlined by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) on the American Board of Pediatrics Certifying Examination. The hypothesis is that larger programs will have higher pass rates. Methods. Pediatric residency programs were retrospectively evaluated from 2008 to 2010 regarding the ACGME standards. Simple linear regression was performed to see if program pass rates were dependent on program size. Results. A total of 162/163 (83.4%) programs had first-time examinee pass rates of 60%. A total of 179/193 (92.7%) programs satisfied the 80% eligibility standard. The Northeast performed lower than Midwest, Southern, and Western states (P < .001). The West performed higher than the Northeast, Midwest, and Southern states (p < 0.05). Simple linear regression showed that performance depends on program size (P < .001). Conclusions. A majority of programs satisfy the minimum ACGME standards. Pro...
Metamorphosis and the amphibian immune system

Studies of the ontogeny of immunity in a limited number of representative amphibians have shown that while the immune systems of the larval forms are competent to defend against potential pathogens in the temporary ponds they inhabit, they are not equivalent to the mature immune systems that develop after metamorphosis. Metamorphosis is a critical time of transition when increased concentrations of metamorphic hormones, principally thyroid hormones (TH) and corticosteroid hormones (CH), orchestrate the loss or reorganization of many tissues and organ systems, including the immune system. Immune system reorganization may serve to eliminate unnecessary lymphocytes that could be destructive if they recognized newly emerging adult-specific antigens on the adult tissues. Increased corticosteroids during metamorphosis appear to induce apoptosis of susceptible lymphocytes. This cell death can be inhibited in vitro or in vivo by the corticosteroid receptor antagonist, RU486. A coordinate increase in both TH and CH at metamorphosis may be common to all amphibians that undergo metamorphosis. Current evidence suggests that the central hypothalamic mediator that induces pituitary production of both thyroid-stimulating hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone in larval amphibians is corticotropin-releasing hormone. Most amphibians probably survive the temporary immunosuppression associated with metamorphosis with no deleterious effects. However, it is hypothesized that if environmental stressors result in the induction of metamorphosis at a less than optimal body size and state of immune maturation, the immune system destruction would be more significant, and the amphibians could be at greater risk of infection and death.
Cutaneous Capnography in the PACU: Immediate Assessment of Respiratory Status Emerging From Anesthesia

The team met for one 6-hour day and one 3-hour day. The team developed a workplan andmet each month until the room opened. A core group of nurses from the PACU volunteered and were chosen to learn how to provide the care needed for pre-, intraand post-care. The PACU staff went to the CPC to learn how to pull sheaths and to learn about the supplies, process and monitoring. The core group of nurses also attended additional training to learn the new computerized documentation system. Standard operational procedures were developed. When the room construction was completed, the PACU and OR staff did rehearsals of the process. They walked through each step to ensure that when the first patient was scheduled for a procedure, the process would be smooth and safe. Evaluation and Outcomes: The first day and first patient’s procedure went safely and effectively. The OR and PACU staff truly worked as a team to provide excellent care. The vascular physicians were pleased with how smooth and on time the process was and continues to be.
Structure of Fully Hydrated Fluid Phase DMPC and DLPC Lipid Bilayers Using X-Ray Scattering from Oriented Multilamellar Arrays and from Unilamellar Vesicles

Quantitative structures of the fully hydrated fluid phases of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dilauroylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC) were obtained at 30 degrees C. Data for the relative form factors F(q(z)) for DMPC were obtained using a combination of four methods. 1), Volumetric data provided F(0). 2), Diffuse x-ray scattering from oriented stacks of bilayers provided relative form factors |F(q(z))| for high q(z), 0.22 < q(z) < 0.8 A(-1). 3), X-ray scattering from extruded unilamellar vesicles with diameter 600 A provided |F(q(z))| for low q(z), 0.1 < q(z) < 0.3 A(-1). 4), Previous measurements using a liquid crystallographic x-ray method provided |F(2 pi h/D)| for h = 1 and 2 for a range of nearly fully hydrated D-spacings. The data from method 4 overlap and validate the new unilamellar vesicles data for DMPC, so method 4 is not required for DLPC or future studies. We used hybrid electron density models to obtain structural results from these form factors. Comparison of the model electron density profiles with that of gel phase DMPC provides areas per lipid A, 60.6 +/- 0.5 A(2) for DMPC and 63.2 +/- 0.5 A(2) for DLPC. Constraints on the model provided by volume measurements and component volumes obtained from simulations put the electron density profiles rho(z) and the corresponding form factors F(q(z)) on absolute scales. Various thicknesses, such as the hydrophobic thickness and the steric thickness, are obtained and compared to literature values.
Flat (nonpolypoid) colorectal lesions identified at CT colonography in a U.S. screening population.

Rationale and Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical importance and height definition of flat (nonpolypoid) colorectal lesions detected on screening computed tomographic colonography (CTC). Materials and Methods Results from prospective screening CTC in 5107 consecutive asymptomatic adults (mean age, 56.9 years) at a single center were analyzed. All detected colorectal lesions ≥ 6 mm were prospectively categorized as polypoid or flat (nonpolypoid). The maximal height of all flat lesions was measured to assess the suggested 3-mm threshold definition. Results Of 954 polyps measuring ≥ 6 mm identified on screening CTC, 125 lesions (13.1%) in 106 adults were prospectively categorized as flat, with a mean size of 12.7 mm (range, 6–80 mm), including 73 lesions 6 to 9 mm, 42 lesions 10 to 29 mm, and 10 lesions ≥ 3 cm (carpet lesions). For polyps between 6 and 30 mm in size, flat lesions were less likely than polypoid lesions to be neoplastic (25.0% vs 60.3%, P P = .07) or malignant (0% vs 0.5%, P = NS). Two of 10 carpet lesions (20%) were malignant, compared to 50% of polypoid masses ≥ 3 cm. Of nine flat lesions seen only on colonoscopy (false-negatives on CTC), two were neoplastic (tubular adenomas), and none was histologically advanced. For all flat lesions between 6 and 30 mm, the maximal height averaged 2.2 mm and was ≤3 mm in 86.1%, including 93.2% of small 6-mm to 9-mm flat lesions. Conclusion In a US screening population, flat colorectal lesions detected on CTC demonstrated less aggressive histologic features compared to polypoid lesions. Excluding carpet lesions, a maximal height of 3 mm appears to be a reasonable definition.
Regional labor markets and the household migration decision.

The current work extends the modeling of the household migration decision to take into account location-specific influences and relates these to regional wage differentials. This allows for more complete analysis of real wage gains or losses associated with migration and inferences regarding the nature of equilibrium or disequilibrium wage differentials between regions. Data are from the Michigan Panel Study of Income Dynamics for the period 1976-1978. "The results indicate systematic and often substantial influences of household location on the nominal wage and on both job and residence mobility. Based on these findings comparisons of wage growth patterns are made for those changing jobs and region of residence status. Although compared to other households the wage growth of these migrants is on average lower before migration and higher after migration the analysis provides no support for arguments that nominal regional wage differentials reflect systematic ordering of real wage differentials. This finding suggests that real wage gains are closely tied to the interregional migration decision but are not related to regional nominal wage differentials in a simple fashion." (EXCERPT)
Bayesian Inference for the Causal Effect of Mediation

We propose a nonparametric Bayesian approach to estimate the natural direct and indirect effects through a mediator in the setting of a continuous mediator and a binary response. Several conditional independence assumptions are introduced (with corresponding sensitivity parameters) to make these effects identifiable from the observed data. We suggest strategies for eliciting sensitivity parameters and conduct simulations to assess violations to the assumptions. This approach is used to assess mediation in a recent weight management clinical trial.
Polarization effect of self-assembled guanosine crystal on the transport properties of metal-semiconductor-metal structure

Guanosine molecules have strong dipole moment and can self-assemble in confined space to ribbon-like structure with polarization along its axis. Single molecule current-voltage and photocurrent measurements show that the polarization depends on the ribbon length and affect electric characterization of the MSM structure.
Molecular cloning of a novel multidomain Kunitz-type proteinase inhibitor from the hookworm Ancylostoma caninum.

Degenerate oligonucleotide primers derived from conserved serine protease inhibitors were used to amplify a 90–base pair (bp) amplicon from an Ancylostoma caninum adult-stage complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) library by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The amplicon was labeled and used as a probe to screen the library, and a 2,300-bp cDNA clone was identified. The 5′ end of the molecule was obtained from adult cDNA by 5′-RACE. The complete sequence named A. caninum Kunitz-type protease inhibitor (Ac-kpi-1) was 2,371 bp and encoded a 759–amino acid open reading frame. The deduced amino acid sequence had a calculated molecular weight of 84,886 Da and contained an amino terminal signal peptide, suggesting that the protein is secreted. Analysis of the predicted protein sequence indicates 12 highly conserved Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor domains connected by short, conserved spacers. On the basis of sequence analysis, the first 11 domains are predicted to be active serine protease inhibitors b...
A Simplified Method of Calculating an Overall Goodness-of-Fit Test for the Cox Proportional Hazards Model

Gronnesby and Borgan (1996) propose an overall goodness-of-fit test for the Cox proportional hazards model. The basis of their test is a grouping of subjects by their estimated risk score. We show that the Gronnesby and Borgan test is algebraically identical to one obtained from adding group indicator variables to the model and testing the hypothesis the coefficients of the group indicator variables are zero via the score test. Thus showing that the test can be calculated using existing software. We demonstrate that the table of observed and estimated expected number of events within each group of the risk score is a useful adjunct to the test to help identify potential problems in fit.
Acquisition and natural history of human papillomavirus type 16 variant infection among a cohort of female university students

Analogous to the epidemiology of different types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs), variants of a single type such as HPV16 may differ in the natural course of infection. A prospective study was conducted in a cohort of female university students who did not have HPV16 DNA or antibody at enrollment. Subjects were followed every 4 months with Pap smear and colposcopic examinations and tests for HPV DNA and antibody. Of 528 women, 62 acquired HPV16 infection during follow-up. The 5-year cumulative incidence was 12.6% for infection with HPV16 prototype-like variants and 3.1% for infection with non-prototype-like (NPL) variants. Among those with incident HPV16 infection, the adjusted odds ratio of detecting NPL variants was 6.0 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3-27.5)] for nonwhite women or white women who had had nonwhite sex partners compared with white women who had not had nonwhite sex partners. As compared with women who had not used hormonal contraceptives in the 8 months prior to the first HPV16-positive detection, the adjusted odds ratio of detecting NPL variants increased from 1.6 (95% CI, 0.3-9.1) for those who had used hormonal contraceptives for 1-4 months to 5.4 (95% CI, 1.0-28.3) for those who had used hormonal contraceptives for 5-8 months (P for trend = 0.04). There was no difference in HPV16 seroconversion rates between women with prototype-like variants and women with NPL variants. The increased risk for biopsy-confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2 or 3 associated with detection of incident infection by NPL variants was not explained by differences in persistence between the two variant groups, indicating that biological mechanisms other than viral persistence may be responsible for the observed difference in risk for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2 or 3.
Augmented Z scheme blueprint for efficient solar water splitting system using quaternary chalcogenide absorber material

Photoelectrochemical hydrogen (H2) production from water is a key method of addressing energy needs using an environmentally friendly approach. In the last two decades we have witnessed the evolution of many different expensive catalysts, photoelectrodes and related technologies, especially those involving precious metals and use of acidic or basic electrolytes for hydrogen production. Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) is a relatively new candidate in the category of efficient photocathodes, due to its high absorption coefficient and near optimal energy band gap. In this paper, we demonstrate photoelectrochemical viability of CZTS in combination with other photoanodes such as TiO2, BiVO4, and WO3 for H2 production with the use of an electrolyte of near neutral pH, a single redox mediator, and insignificant potential biasing. A systematic study was performed to understand CZTS performance with each photoanode, band energetics of CZTS with other photoanodes, impedance behavior of each photoelectrode, and utility of a CZTS photocell in place of a CZTS photocathode. Our assessment indicates that a protected CZTS photocell performs well when used in a Z-scheme containing TiO2 nanotubular array-CZTS or nanocrystalline WO3-CZTS. Preliminary experiments indicated that apart from band energetics, porosity and effective surface area of the photoanodes play a crucial role in determining the photoelectrochemical performance of the system.
The Futility of Appeal: Disciplinary Insights into the 'Affirmance Effect' on the United States Court of Appeals

In contrast to the Supreme Court, which typically reverses the cases it hears, the United States Courts of Appeals almost always affirm the cases that they hear. We set out to explore this affirmance effect on the U.S. Courts of Appeal by using insights drawn from law and economics (i.e., selection theory), political science (i.e., attitudinal theory and new institutionalism), and cognitive psychology (i.e., heuristics and biases, including the status quo and omission biases).
Where Does Mathematical Modeling Begin? A Personal Remark

In the course of her recent doctoral dissertation at Teachers College, Columbia, Germain- Williams (2014) had the occasion to compare several published versions of the mathematical modeling cycle. Most of them begin the sequence which makes up the modeling cycle with a specific problem or question for which a mathematical model is to be found. Then the problem/ situation is to be idealized and the idealized form used to develop mathematical insights and results.
A comprehensive first-principles study of pure elements: Vacancy formation and migration energies and self-diffusion coefficients

Abstract A vast number of materials properties and phenomena are regulated by diffusion. However, diffusion coefficients from experiments and calculations are far from complete. Here, we report a compilation of vacancy formation energies ( H Va F ) , vacancy migration energies ( H Va M ) , vacancy activation energies ( H Va Q ) , vacancy concentrations (CVa), and vacancy-mediated self-diffusion coefficients (DVa) as a function of temperature for 82 pure elements in bcc, fcc, and hcp structures by means of a comprehensive first-principles study. We assess the accuracy of four exchange-correlation (X–C) functionals for first-principles calculations, including the local density approximation (LDA), two generalized gradient approximations (PW91 and PBE), and PBEsol – the focus of the present work. To gain temperature-dependent diffusion properties, transition state structure searches are performed by the climbing image nudged elastic band method; and the needed equilibrium properties of energy (E0), volume (V0), bulk modulus (B0) and its pressure derivative (B′) for each structure of each element are estimated via an energy versus volume equation of state. Examination of the predicted quantities and available experimental data indicates that (i) PBEsol is a better selection in terms of getting accurate equilibrium and diffusion properties; (ii) the facility of vacancy migration can be understood from the redistribution of differential charge density, and anomalous energy pathways for vacancy migration are found for hcp Ce, La, Pr, Ti, and Zr within the basal plane; (iii) H Va Q can be predicted well from the melting point of a pure element and in particular a new relationship ( H Va Q = B 0 V 0 / 6 ) , suggesting diffusivity is governed by interatomic bonding strength; and (iv) the computed quantities such as CVa, DVa, H Va F , H Va M , and H Va Q are in favorable accord with available experiments for most elements, but fall short for entropy-related properties. The present study of pure elements provides not only diffusion-related properties and a new understanding of diffusivity, but also a benchmark of first-principles calculations and a foundational dataset for the Materials Genome Initiative.
Phase-Diverse Phase Retrieval of Undersampled Systems via Super-Resolution Pre-Processing

Super-resolution techniques are applied to undersampled imagery for application with phase diversity algorithms. Experimental results are shown for phase-diverse phase retrieval, but the algorithm is extendable to imaging as well.
Few-Mode Distributed Optical Fiber Sensors

We present a single-end few-mode-fiber-based distributed sensing system that allows simultaneous temperature and strain measurement by BOTDR and heterodyne detection. The performance is optimized by exploiting modal profile and doping concentration.