cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sialyltransferase and Neuraminidase Levels/Ratios and Sialic Acid Levels in Peripheral Blood B Cells Correlate with Measures of Disease Activity in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Pilot Study.

Objective We attempted to determine whether the level of enzymes sialyltransferase (ST) and neuraminidase (Neu) and sialic acid (SIA) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) correlates with the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) correlates with the Disease Activity Score28 (DAS28). Methods We examined cell-surface levels of ST6Gal-1, Neu1, ST3Gal-1, Neu3, α-2,6-SIA, and α-2,3-SIA by using fluorescent anti-enzyme antibodies, fluorescent-conjugated Sambucus nigra lectin, and fluorescent-conjugated Maackia amurensis lectin on blood cells in SLE and RA patients and assessed correlations of these levels with SLEDAI and with DAS28. Areas under the curve (AUC) were calculated for different variables against SLEDAI. Results The B-cell ST3Gal-1/Neu3 ratio positively correlated with SLEDAI scores (ρ = 0.409 and P = 0.002, statistically significant after Bonferroni’ correction for multiple analyses.). It was supported by the inverse correlation of B-cell Neu3 levels with SLEDAI scores (ρ = −0.264, P = 0.048). The B-cell ST3Gal-1/Neu3 ratio against SLEDAI yielded an AUC of 0.689, which was comparable to that of anti-dsDNA levels at 0.635. In contrast, both ST3Gal-1 and Neu3 levels of RA B cells (r = 0.376, P = 0.013; r = 0.425, P = 0.005, respectively) correlated positively with high disease-activity DAS28 scores. Conclusion B-cell ST3Gal-1/Neu3 ratios in SLE and B-cell ST3Gal-1 and Neu3 levels in RA with high disease-activity DAS28 scores correlated with disease activity measures and may be useful in monitoring disease activities.
A comparison of physical characteristics of active renin isolated from aorta, plasma and kidney of the rat.

1. Renin-like enzymes have been isolated from aorta, plasma and kidney tissue of the rat. The enzymes have been compared with respect to pH optima, molecular weight and isoelectric points. 2. Two distinct molecular-weight forms were isolated from plasma. The high-molecular-weight enzyme (mol. wt. > 150 000) appeared to be homogeneous with respect to isoelectric point (pI = 5.3), whereas the dominant lower-molecular-weight form (mol. wt. 44 000) demonstrated isoelectric heterogeneity. 3. The renin-like enzyme isolated from aortic tissue has mol. wt. 44 000 and also demonstrated isoelectric heterogeneity (pI = 5.0, 5.3). Plasma renin was significantly reduced after bilateral nephrectomy (30 h); however, the activity and relative proportions of the two aortic enzymes were not significantly altered. 4. Renin, isolated from kidney homogenates, either in the presence or absence of a variety of proteolytic enzyme inhibitors, had a significantly lower molecular weight (38 000) than the plasma enzyme but demonstrated a similar pattern of isoelectric heterogeneity. 5. in contrast with renin extracted from kidney, approximately 30% of the renin released from kidney cortical slices into Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate had mol. wt. 44 000. Only the 38 000 mol. wt. form was detected after storage of this medium and no change in total renin activity was evident. This suggests that the 38 000 mol. wt. form may be a methodological artifact due to the release of other proteolytic enzymes. 6. With homologous substrate, all fractionated enzymes showed a pH optimum between pH 7.0 and 7.5. 7. The present study indicates that the predominant form of renin released from rat kidney into blood has mol. wt. 44 000. The microheterogeneity of the plasma enzyme with respect to isoelectric point is similar to that of kidney renin. One form of renin (mol. wt. 44 000, pI = 5.0) may be common to kidney, plasma and aorta. The second aortic enzyme (pI = 5.3), however, may be of local origin.
Endoscopic approaches to the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Endoscopic therapies for gastroesophageal reflux disease represent a minimally invasive alternative to medical or surgical treatment. These devices include suturing, radiofrequency energy, and bulking agent technologies. Research into the use of these technologies in gastroesophageal reflux disease continues to accelerate, and the last 2 years have witnessed significant developments that may affect current and future clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS Long-term data from nonrandomized clinical trials have become available in the last 2 years for many gastroesophageal reflux disease endotherapies, providing some insight into their durability. Furthermore, two multicenter and one single-center sham-controlled trials were published recently, allowing comparison between groups. SUMMARY Although it is premature to propose the superiority of any individual approach, emerging data in this rapidly evolving field may inform current and future directions in the research and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Temperature dependence of vibrational dephasing revealed by frequency-selected vibrational echoes

The vibrational echo experiment can have advantages in the study of solvation dynamics over its electronic and NMR analogs because it has high time resolution and it examines systems with relatively simple energy level structures. A limitation is that the broad width of a short pulse will cover both 0-1 and 1-2 vibrational transitions, which can complicate the data analysis. By frequency selecting the detection wavelength of the echo signal (frequency selected vibrational echoes), we can obtain information on dynamics from a true two-level system modulated by the solvent fluctuations [1]. Here using this method, we present a study of the temperature dependence of the vibrational dephasing of a metalloporphyrin-CO compound, RuTPPCOPy (TPP = 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin, Py = pyridine), in a polymer glass, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and a glass-forming liquid, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF, glass transition temperature 86 K).
Thirty Years of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in America: An Introduction to Current Perspectives and Future Challenges

It should be noted that mosquitoes which are apparently harmless in their native habitat may become vectors of disease when introduced into a new environment. These concluding words by Pratt and co-authors (1946) appear in an article that documented the first published occurrence of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) in the mainland United States. Now, 70 yr later, the sentiment seems both prescient and appropriate. The successful establishment of Ae. albopictus into the mainland United States is recognized to have occurred in 1985 (Hawley et al. 1987), although this was not the first time this species was documented on American shores. During 1945–1946, Pratt et al. (1946) documented nonnative mosquitoes in various shipments of used military hardware returning to the port of Los Angeles, CA, from tropical and semitropical locations throughout the Pacific theater of WWII (Fig. 1) . This material, which included tires, amphibious vehicles, and spent shell casings, were breeding sites for the seven container species documented in these shipments. One shipment contained live larvae and adults of Ae. albopictus that originated in Batangas in the Philippine Islands, some 11,000 km from Los Angeles by ship. To prevent the wide dispersal of these insects, ship holds and rail cars used for transport out of the port were subjected to aerosol applications of insecticides. The exact numbers of Ae. albopictus larvae and adults entering at this time was undocumented; however, compared with other more numerous species cataloged at that time (e.g., Aedes scutellaris hebrideus Edwards), the infestation seemed modest. Coupled with the intense eradication efforts, this may help explain why this species (and others arriving at this time) did not become established in the United States. Fig. 1. Military jeep tires stacked as surplus on the island of Okinawa, …
Research on reliability-based feeder system planning methods

Feeder system is an important part of the distribution system, which is not only shouldering the mission of fulfilling social responsibility, but also related to economic benefit of power supply companies. In the traditional planning method of feeder system, power supply reliability is implicitly reached by “N-1” criterion, but it is not particularly effective in reducing costs and handling budgets. Therefore, this planning method does not meet distribution network differentiation and meticulous management requirements and it's difficult to protect the interests of power supply companies and consumers, unable to adapt to future development needs of distribution network. In this paper, based on the different requirements for power supply reliability in different regions, the key elements of feeder system (feeder capacity, zone, segmentation, protection, switching time, etc.) and their flexible configuration method were proposed. Based on coordination accident support capacity of different zone switching mode and transfer capability for feeder system, feeder system planning method that supports feeder layer outage, transformer outage and substation outage and the overall process of feeder system reliability design were put forward, to ensure planning scheme achieve satisfactory electrical performance, accident control, optimal power supply reliability and economy. Finally, distribution network optimal planning in high reliability demonstration area of a city was selected as an actual case and satisfied planning scheme was obtained, to verify the effectiveness of the proposed planning methods.
LAMPF Results on μ+ Diffusion in Metals

Some recent results from LAMPF on the diffusion of positive muons in metals are discussed. The depolarization rate in very high purity vanadium falls below the rates found earlier in lower purity targets at LAMPF and SREL, showing that the claim of Fiory et al. that the intrinsic μ+ hopping rate was being measured is not justified. The addition of 500 ppm of oxygen to this very high purity V sample gives rise to a broad peak in the depolarization rate, with its maximum at 15 K but extending to room temperature (Fig. 1).
Receptor-Mediated Sorting of Typhoid Toxin during Its Export from Salmonella Typhi-Infected Cells

Typhoid toxin is an essential virulence factor of Salmonella Typhi, the cause of typhoid fever. Typhoid toxin is secreted into the lumen of Salmonella-containing vacuole (SCV), after which it is packaged into vesicle carrier intermediates and released extracellularly through incompletely understood mechanisms. Following export, the toxin targets cells by interacting with human-specific Neu5Ac-terminated glycan receptors. We show that typhoid toxin is sorted from the SCV into vesicle carrier intermediates via interactions of its B subunit, PltB, with specific lumenal sialylated glycan packaging receptors. Cells deficient in N-glycosylation or the synthesis of specific gangliosides or displaying Neu5Gc-terminated, as opposed to Neu5Ac-terminated, glycans do not support typhoid toxin export. Additionally, typhoid toxin packaging requires the specific SCV environment, as toxin produced by an S. Typhi mutant with impaired trafficking is not properly sorted into vesicles. These results reveal how the exotoxin of an intracellular pathogen engages host pathways for packaging and release.
Comparison of Three Approaches to Atmospheric Source Localization

The paper describes three methods for finding the source of an airborne contaminant in a turbulent wind field. We assume that an unmanned aircraft samples the atmosphere at a constant altitude within the planetary boundary layer, measuring the contaminant concentration. The turbulent wind field is generated using the openly available software TurbSim. A concentration field, or plume, is created by advection and diffusion of the contaminant from its source. The plume is modeled using a filament-based method proposed in the literature. The unmanned aircraft is assumed to sample the concentration field quickly, relative to the plume dynamics; once the plume has matured, the concentration is fixed and the sampling strategy is executed. A recursive Bayesian estimation approach is compared with a gradient descent algorithm and an extended Kalman filter. By comparison, Bayesian estimation requires relatively weak modeling assumptions, and simulation results suggest this approach is less sensitive to error in the...
Did Pre-Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion Increase Access to Surgical Cancer Care?

Background Although the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded Medicaid access, it is unknown whether this has led to greater access to complex surgical care. Evidence on the effect of Medicaid expansion on access to surgical cancer care, a proxy for complex care, is sparse. Using New York's 2001 statewide Medicaid expansion as a natural experiment, we investigated how expansion affected use of surgical cancer care among beneficiaries overall and among racial minorities. Study Design From the New York State Inpatient Database (1997 to 2006), we identified 67,685 nonelderly adults (18 to 64 years of age) who underwent cancer surgery. Estimated effects of 2001 Medicaid expansion on access were measured on payer mix, overall use of surgical cancer care, and percent use by racial/ethnic minorities. Measures were calculated quarterly, adjusted for covariates when appropriate, and then analyzed using interrupted time series. Results The proportion of cancer operations paid by Medicaid increased from 8.9% to 15.1% in the 5 years after the expansion. The percentage of uninsured patients dropped by 21.3% immediately after the expansion (p = 0.01). Although the expansion was associated with a 24-case/year increase in the net Medicaid case volume (p Conclusions Pre-ACA Medicaid expansion did not increase the overall use or change the racial composition of beneficiaries of surgical cancer care. However, it successfully shifted the financial burden away from patient/hospital to Medicaid. These results might suggest similar effects in the post-ACA Medicaid expansion.
Erratum: Single-nucleotide polymorphism array genotyping is equivalent to metaphase cytogenetics for diagnosis of Turner syndrome (Genet Med advance online publication, (June 6, 2013)); DOI: 10.1038/gim.2013.77

Siddharth Prakash MD, PhD, Dongchuan Guo PhD, Cheryl L. Maslen PhD, Michael Silberbach MD, Dianna Milewicz MD, PhD and Carolyn A. Bondy MD and the GenTAC Investigators Genet Med advance online publication, June 6, 2013; doi:10.1038/gim.2013.77 The published version of this article did not include complete acknowledgement information for the dbGAP datasets that were analyzed.
Trends in cervical cancer brachytherapy volume suggest case volume is not the primary driver of poor compliance rates with brachytherapy delivery for locally advanced cervical cancer.

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate temporal trends in the volume of cervical cancer brachytherapy cases available to trainees as a potential contributing factor to national trends toward decreased utilization of brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer. Methods and Materials The National Cancer Database was queried to identify a cohort of women diagnosed with locally advanced cervical cancer during 2004–2013 who received primary radiation therapy. We identified academic facilities that reported radiation therapy and brachytherapy delivery the study period, categorized facilities based on annual number of cases, and evaluated temporal trends. Results A total of 6290 patients treated at 220 facilities were evaluated. During the study period, the proportion of facilities with higher brachytherapy volume remained stable. The trend of each grouping was not significant ( p > 0.05) with the exception of centers treating one case per year, which demonstrated a decrease over time ( p = 0.022). Conclusions Our analysis suggests that cervical cancer case volume at academic institutions, available for resident training, was stable throughout the study period. These findings suggest that targeting resident educational programs should not be the highest priority for interventions to improve rates of appropriate brachytherapy utilization for cervical cancer.
Meta-analysis of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis

The current diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) is based on the modified Duke criteria, which has approximately 80% sensitivity for the diagnosis of native valve endocarditis (NVE), with lower sensitivity for the diagnosis of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) and culture-negative endocarditis. There is preliminary evidence that 18F-FDG PET/CT is an adjunctive diagnostic test with high accuracy reported in small studies to date. We therefore performed a meta-analysis of studies evaluating the use of PET/CT in the diagnosis of IE to establish a more precise estimate of accuracy. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, CINAHL, Web of Knowledge, and www.clinicaltrials.gov were searched from January 1990 to April 2017 for studies evaluating the accuracy of PET/CT for the evaluation of possible IE. We identified 13 studies involving 537 patients that were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity of PET/CT for diagnosis of IE was 76.8% (95% CI 71.8–81.4%; Q = 39.9, P < 0.01; I2 = 69.9%) and the pooled specificity was 77.9% (95% CI 71.9–83.2%; Q = 44.42, P < 0.01; I2 = 73.0%). Diagnostic accuracy was improved for PVE with sensitivity of 80.5% (95% CI 74.1–86.0%; Q = 25.5, P < 0.01; I2 = 72.5%) and specificity of 73.1% (95% CI 63.8–81.2%; Q = 32.1, P < 0.01; I2 = 78.2%). Additional extracardiac foci of infection were found on 17% of patients on whole body PET/CT. PET/CT is a useful adjunctive diagnostic tool in the evaluation of diagnostically challenging cases of IE, particularly in prosthetic valve endocarditis. It also has the potential to detect clinically relevant extracardiac foci of infection, malignancy, and other sources of inflammation leading to more appropriate treatment regimens and surgical intervention.
Large-Scale Arrayed Analysis of Protein Degradation Reveals Cellular Targets for HIV-1 Vpu.

Accessory proteins of lentiviruses, such as HIV-1, target cellular restriction factors to enhance viral replication. Systematic analyses of proteins that are targeted for degradation by HIV-1 accessory proteins may provide a better understanding of viral immune evasion strategies. Here, we describe a high-throughput platform developed to study cellular protein stability in a highly parallelized matrix format. We used this approach to identify cellular targets of the HIV-1 accessory protein Vpu through arrayed coexpression with 433 interferon-stimulated genes, followed by differential fluorescent labeling and automated image analysis. Among the previously unreported Vpu targets identified by this approach, we find that the E2 ligase mediating ISG15 conjugation, UBE2L6, and the transmembrane protein PLP2 are targeted by Vpu during HIV-1 infection to facilitate late-stage replication. This study provides a framework for the systematic and high-throughput evaluation of protein stability and establishes a more comprehensive portrait of cellular Vpu targets.
Preoperative Embolization of Venous Malformations Using n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate.

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of preoperative percutaneous n-butyl cyanoacrylate (nBCA) embolization of venous malformations in children.Material and Met...
The Contemporary Academic Library Resource Sharing Mission: Fragmentation or Evolution?

Academic interlibrary loan practitioners are experiencing changes that can be characterized as either the fragmentation of the resource sharing mission or its evolution into a new form of service r...
Expanding the reach of alcohol and other drug services: Prevalence and correlates of US adult engagement with online technology to address substance problems

Online technologies are well integrated into the day-to-day lives of individuals with alcohol and other drug (i.e., substance use) problems. Interventions that leverage online technologies have been shown to enhance outcomes for these individuals. To date, however, little is known about how those with substance use problems naturally engage with such platforms. In addition, the scientific literatures on health behavior change facilitated by technology and harms driven by technology engagement have developed largely independent of one another. In this secondary analysis of the National Recovery Study (NRS), which provides a geo-demographically representative sample of US adults who resolved a substance use problem, we examined a) the weighted prevalence estimate of individuals who engaged with online technologies to "cut down on substance use, abstain from substances, or strengthen one's recovery" (i.e., recovery-related use of online technology, or ROOT), b) clinical/recovery correlates of ROOT, controlling for demographic covariates, and c) the unique association between ROOT and self-reported history of internet addiction. Results showed one in ten (11%) NRS participants reported ROOT. Significant correlates included greater current psychological distress, younger age of first substance use, as well as history of anti-craving/anti-relapse medication, recovery support services, and drug court participation. Odds of lifetime internet addiction were 4 times greater for those with ROOT (vs. no ROOT). These data build on studies of technology-based interventions, highlighting the reach of ROOT, and therefore, the potential for a large, positive impact on substance-related harms in the US.
Digital Camera Raw

Many innovations have come and gone in digital photography's brief existence. However, one major advance that has a bright future and off ers precise controls to digital photographers is the camera raw file. At its most fundamental level, the raw file produced by a digital camera is a recording of the sensor data. At the time of capture, it is unprocessed data that represents the luminosity values recorded by each photo site. In photographic terms, the raw file can be considered analogous to the latent image on an unprocessed piece of film. Digital raw does have one benefit never available to film-based photographers, which is the ability to infinitely reprocess the image whenever required.
Electroreductive Cyclization Reactions. Studies Directed Toward the Phorbol Esters and Bioactive Diterpenes

An approach to a phorbol ester analog and four bioactive tetracyclic diterpenes is presented. The electroreductive cyclization (ERC) reaction plays a key role in the successful implementation of each pathway.
Micro-testicular Sperm Extraction

The condition of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) defines men with testicular failure who have severely deficient sperm production with no sperm in the ejaculate. NOA is the underlying diagnosis in approximately 10% of men seeking fertility evaluation. On testicular biopsy, these patients demonstrate hypospermatogenesis, maturation arrest, or Sertoli cell-only pattern (germinal cell aplasia). NOA may be related to genetic causes, as in Klinefelter syndrome (KS) and XX-male syndrome, or may be acquired, as in testicular failure secondary to cryptorchidism or systemic chemotherapy administration. As recently as two decade ago, techniques were not available to assist patients with NOA conceive offspring and their options were limited to donor spermatazoa or child adoption. A remarkable series of four distinct advancements have dramatically advanced the field in recent years, and today it is possible even for men with Sertoli cell-only pattern to initiate pregnancy with medical assistance. In this chapter, we focus on considerations and techniques related to microscopic testicular sperm extraction (microdissection TESE). Microdissection TESE, a technique developed at New York-Presbyterian Hospital–Weill Cornell Medical Center, yields superior sperm retrieval rates and requires a minimal amount of testicular tissue compared with other methods of sperm extraction.
Temperature profiles and extinction limits of a coflow water-vapor laden methane/air diffusion flame

The understanding of thermal and chemical effects of water addition to the fuel side of a diffusion flame is relevant for improving processes such as the combustion of methane hydrates, emulsified fuels and wet biomass, as well as for cases where water is intentionally added to the fuel stream, as for example in steam-assisted flares for the reduction of emissions. In this work, the role of water is evaluated by adding water vapor to the fuel side of a steady non-premixed coflow flame. The steady nature of the flame allows temperature profiles and extinction limits to be measured at different conditions of inlet fuel velocities, and with increasing dilution levels up to extinction. Temperatures are measured by thin-filament pyrometry (TFP) using a SiC fiber and a commercial DSLR camera. Results from Ar, N2 or CO2 diluted flames are also reported to compare the effects of water vapor with those of different diluents. Comparisons in terms of temperatures and extinction limits show close correspondence when adding equivalent levels of diluent thermal capacitance.
New insights into the fluvial geomorphology and its effects on paleofloods in the Black Hills, South Dakota

Abstract Identification and characterization of a relict landscape in the Black Hills of South Dakota has provided insight into the postuplift history (~30 Ma to present). A new watershed decomposition technique has been developed that utilizes high-resolution digital elevation models and traditional long valley profiles to identify the location and extent of the relict landscape as well as its geomorphic characteristics. Results identified an expansive relict landscape at elevation in the center of the Black Hills that contains fluvially mature features such as low-gradient channels and broad flood valleys. Moreover, the relict landscape and associated watersheds that drain it are undergoing active fluvial incision via knickzone migration. This observation suggested that the Black Hills were once much more subdued than today. At present, channel confinement, lack of potential floodwater storage, and steepened stream gradients exists in reaches of active incision downstream of the relict landscape. Large paleofloods influenced by these processes have been well documented and have been restricted to the narrow and steep canyons that drain the relict landscape. Therefore, active fluvial incision into the Black Hills influences the ability of more recent (Holocene) large floods to leave substantial evidence of their occurrence inside incised canyon walls and should also be considered when studying watershed factors influencing large flood events on the flanks of the Black Hills.
Elevated Turnover for the Highly Involved? Revisiting the Job Involvement-commitment Hypothesis

Blau and Boal (1987;1989) developed a theoretical model and provided empirical support that the interaction between job involvement and organizational commitment is useful for predicting turnover. ...
Precision Optics Manufacturing and Control for Next-Generation Large Telescopes

Next-generation astronomical telescopes will offer unprecedented observational and scientific capabilities to look deeper into the heavens, observe closer in time to the epoch of the Big Bang, and resolve finer details of phenomena throughout the universe. The science case for this next generation of observatories is clear, with science goals such as the discovery and exploration of extrasolar planets, exploration of dark matter and dark energy, the formation and evolution of planets, stars, galaxies, and detailed studies of the Sun. Enabling breakthrough astronomical goals requires novel and cutting-edge design choices at all stages of telescope manufacturing. In this paper, we discuss the integrated design and manufacturing of the next-generation large telescopes, from the optical design to enclosures required for optimal performance.
Comparing water-related plant functional traits among dominant grasses of the Colorado Plateau: Implications for drought resistance

Water is the primary limiting factor for plants in drylands, which are projected to become even drier with climate change. Plant functional traits related to water influences individual performance, community composition, and can provide insight into which species will be most vulnerable to drought. Here, we used a trait-based approach to examine key water-related traits of five perennial grasses of the Colorado Plateau, with the goals of identifying functional trait syndromes, and assessing vulnerability to drought. We examined 14 traits including hydraulic, above- and belowground biomass, and morphology, then assessed how these traits varied by species, and photosynthetic pathway. Individual water-related traits varied widely, but did not consistently vary by photosynthetic pathway. We identified three unique functional trait syndromes that could be classified as either conservative or non-conservative with regard to water use. Variation in water-related traits may be key to the coexistence of species in drylands, but there is uncertainty as which traits or functional trait syndromes will be most vulnerable to changes in climate. Based on the traits examined here, and forecast changes in climate for the region, we predict that the cool-season, C3 grasses will be most vulnerable in this drying, more drought-prone region.
Role of Alpha-1-Adrenergic Receptors in the Regulation of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone mRNA in the Paraventricular Nucleus of the Hypothalamus During Stress

1. The role of alpha1-adrenergic receptors on CRH mRNA levels in the PVN was studied in control and stressed rats receiving i.c.v. injections of the alpha1-adrenergic agonist, methoxamine, or the alpha1- antagonist, prazosin. 2. Plasma ACTH increased significantly 60 min and 4 hr after a single injection of methoxamine (100 microg, i.c.v.). No desensitization of this response was observed after repeated injections every 6 hr for 24 hr. Concomitantly, POMC mRNA in the anterior pituitary increased by 25% at 4 hr after a single injection and by 96% after repeated injections. 3. CRH mRNA levels in the PVN increased by 131% after repeated injections for 24 hr, but were unchanged 4 hr after a single injection. Central alpha-adrenergic blockade with prazosin did not prevent the increases in CRH mRNA following 4 hr of acute stress, but significantly reduced the increases observed 24 hr after an i.c.v. injection of 75 microg of colchicine or after repeated i.p. hypertonic saline injections every 8 hr. 4. These studies demonstrate that while alpha1-adrenergic receptors contribute to longterm increases of CRH mRNA levels in the PVN during prolonged stress, other factors are likely to be involved in the stimulation of CRH mRNA following acute stimulation.
Effect of leptomycin B (LMB) and verapamil (VER) on total cell uptake and nuclear transport of [C14]-doxorubicin (C14-DOX), [H3]-etoposide (H3-ETOP) and [C14]-5-fluorouracil (C14-5-FU) in drug-sensitive (W-SKNSH) and drug-resistant (DOX6-SKNSH; ETOP5-SKNSH) human neuroblastoma cells

535 The onset of resistance to some cancer chemotherapeutic agents has been correlated with their increased export and decreased cell uptake, which is generally attributed to upregulation of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression. Alterations in nuclear transport and sequestration of cytotoxic drugs in subcellular organelles may also play an important role in this adaptive process. The effect of LMB and VER on total cell and nuclear uptake of C14-DOX, H3-ETOP and C14-5-FU in W-SKNSH, DOX6-SKNSH and ETOP5-SKNSH cells has been investigated. Cells were incubated with radiolabeled drugs for differing time periods and uptake determined in the presence or absence of VER (10 μM) and LMB (0.1, 1, 10 ng/ml). Total cell uptake of C14-DOX in W-, DOX6- and ETOP5-SKNSH cells was 168, 10, and 18 (ng/mg prot), respectively. Pre-incubation of cells for 24 hrs with VER did not affect W-SKNSH cells (172 ng/mg prot) but increased the uptake in both resistant cell lines to 68, and 103 (ng/mg prot), respectively. The nuclear uptake of C14-DOX in these cells (same order) was 485, 20, and 44 (ng/mg prot) without VER, and 456, 203, and 307 (ng/mg prot) with VER. While inhibition of P-gp by VER did not affect W-SKNSH cells, the total uptake of C14-DOX in DOX6- and ETOP5-SKNSH cells was elevated 6 to 7-fold and nuclear uptake, 7 to 10-fold above controls. In contrast, total cell uptake of H3-ETOP in W-, DOX6- and ETOP5-SKNSH cells was 7, 1, and 1.1 ng/mg prot, compared to 7.6, 2.6, and 3.8 ng/mg prot when pre-incubated with VER. Nuclear uptake of H3-ETOP was 0.7, 0.41, and 0.35 ng/mg prot in the absence of VER, and essentially unchanged, 0.67, 0.44, and 0.48 ng/mg prot, after VER pre-incubation. Total cell and nuclear uptake of H3-ETOP was significantly lower than C14-DOX in all cell lines. Neither total cell or nuclear uptake of 5-FU differed significantly between wild and drug-resistant cells. Pre-incubation with the nuclear export inhibitor LMB (10 ng/ml) for 4 hrs increased C14-DOX total cell and nuclear uptake in W-SKNSH cells 1.4 and 1.1-fold, compared to 3.3 and 3.95-fold in DOX-SKNSH cells. The cytotoxic potency of DOX in DOX6-SKNSH cells was increased 100-fold by VER, compared to ETOP, which was enhanced 10-fold (p
Regional Therapies in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is rising. While the risk factors for HCC are well established with potential for early detection, most cases of ICC occur in patients without the presence of identifiable risk factors, leading to delayed diagnosis. The only treatment option that offers potential cure for both types of cancer is resection, but most patients are not candidates for surgery at presentation. In unresectable HCC and ICC, various locoregional therapies can be used to provide some degree of tumor control and improve overall survival. Options for locoregional therapy, outcomes, and current clinical recommendations for HCC and ICC will be discussed.
Sleep medicine and the cardiologist

Sleep is fundamental to cardiac health, yet despite this Cardiologists have little to no exposure to sleep medicine. Given the relationship between sleep disruption and cardiovascular disease, education in sleep would be of great benefit to both trainees and consultants. This article will provide an overview of sleep and sleep medicine, highlight why sleep is important in cardiac disease and discuss how to gain more experience in this field. As humans we spend one third of our lives sleeping. This complex, dynamic interplay of neural, hormonal and metabolic activity is fundamental to good health and our biological need for it is irrefutable. Sleep medicine has seen phenomenal advances over the last few decades. The advent of polysomnography accelerated learning as it allowed sleep to be measured. We now understand that sleep has two distinct phases: non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, each with their own characteristic pattern of brain activity. NREM is restorative and allows for the consolidation of fact-based memories. REM is associated with dreaming and processing emotional memories. Interestingly …
Fragmentation mechanisms from electron-impact of complex cyclic ethers formed in combustion

Abstract Cyclic ethers are important intermediates involved in degenerate chain-branching reactions during hydrocarbon and biofuel oxidation at temperatures below 1000 K. Depending on the molecular structure of the parent species, e.g. 1-butanol, butanone, or diethyl ether, cyclic ethers can include additional functional groups, such as an alcohol, carbonyl, or a second ether group. Electron-impact mass spectrometry (EI-MS) is a commonly used diagnostic to infer the molecular structure of cyclic ethers, and while mass spectra of simple cyclic ethers using EI are abundant in literature, measurements and related fragmentation patterns of complex cyclic ethers containing multiple functional groups are not, yet are important for determining the presence of species and inferring reaction mechanisms in combustion. The measurements in the present work provide reference EI mass spectra, which enable direct identification of cyclic ether species that are relevant to experimental chemical kinetics measurements of hydrocarbon and biofuel combustion. EI-MS measurements were conducted for 29 cyclic ethers with diverse functional groups such as alcohols, carbonyls, and alkyl substituents of varying length, 10 of which are reported for the first time: 2,3-epoxypentane, 3,4-epoxybutanol, (2-methyloxiranyl)methanol, 2,3-epoxybutanol, 1-(oxiran-2-yl)ethan-1-one, 3,4-epoxycyclohexene, 4,5-epoxycyclohexene, 2-methyloxetane, tetrahydrofuran-3-one, and 2-hydroxytetrahydrofuran. The objective of the present work is two-fold: (i) to provide reference measurements of EI mass spectra for complex combustion intermediates and (ii) to analyze fragmentation patterns of each species to assess the applicability of conventional mechanisms that are commonly employed for discerning molecular structure. The impetus for the latter objective is that, in the majority speciation experiments, EI mass spectra and fragmentation mechanisms are not reported, which raises open questions concerning the reliability of conventional mechanisms to define structural isomers of multi-functional cyclic ethers. In the present work, four conventional mechanisms were employed to analyze fragmentation patterns in the mass spectra: α-cleavage, inductive effect, hydrogen rearrangement, and transannular cleavage. The most common mechanism for the cyclic ethers was inductive cleavage, followed by α-cleavage or hydrogen rearrangement. Multi-functional cyclic ethers were more likely to undergo transannular cleavage occurring across the ring in a single step. For several species, however, abundant ion peaks in the mass spectra are not explained using conventional mechanisms. The present results highlight the importance of reference measurements of EI mass spectra for identifying complex molecules in speciation experiments, which is relevant given that ion fragments of the same mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) are common for species of the same mass.
Essential tremor: the most common form of cerebellar degeneration?

The degenerative cerebellar ataxias comprise a large and heterogeneous group of neurological diseases whose hallmark clinical feature is ataxia, and which are accompanied, to variable degrees, by other features that are attributable to cerebellar dysfunction. Essential tremor (ET) is an exceptionally common neurological disease whose primary motor feature is action tremor, although patients often manifest intention tremor, mild gait ataxia and several other features of cerebellar dysfunction. In this paper, we review the abundant evidence derived from clinical, neuroimaging and postmortem studies, linking ET to cerebellar dysfunction. Furthermore, we review the combination of clinical, natural history and postmortem features suggesting that ET is neurodegenerative. We then compare the prevalence of ET (400 – 900 cases per 100,000) to that of the other cerebellar degenerations (ranging from <0.5 – 9 cases per 100,000, and in composite likely to be on the order of 20 cases per 100,000) and conclude that ET is 20 to 45 times more prevalent than all other forms of cerebellar degeneration combined. Given the data we present, it is logical to conclude that ET is, by far, the most common form of cerebellar degeneration.
Partial high frequency nerve block decreases neuropathic signaling following chronic sciatic nerve constriction injury.

OBJECTIVE High frequency (HF) block can quickly and reversibly stop nerve conduction. We hypothesized HF block at the sciatic nerve would minimize nociception by preventing neuropathic signals from reaching the central nervous system. APPROACH Lewis rats were implanted with a constriction cuff and a distal cuff electrode around their right sciatic nerve. Tactile sensitivity was evaluated using the 50% paw withdrawal threshold determined using Chaplan's method for von Frey monofilaments. Over the course of 49 days, the 50% paw withdrawal threshold was measured 1) before HF block, 2) during HF block (50 kHz, 3 Vpp), and 3) after HF block. Gait was observed and scored before and during block. At end point, HF block efficacy was directly evaluated using additional cuff electrodes to elicit and record compound neural action potentials across the HF blocking cuff. MAIN RESULTS At days 7 and 14 days post-operation, tactile sensitivity was significantly lower during HF block compared to before and after block (p < 0.005). Additionally, an increase in gait disability was not visually observed during HF block. SIGNIFICANCE HF block can reduce tactile sensitivity in a limb with a neuropthic injury in a rapidly reversible fashion.
The Evidence For and Against Prostate-Reducing Procedures for Men with Neurogenic Bladder

The evaluation of anatomic bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction can be a challenging and complex process for urologists. Lower urinary tract symptoms are non-specific, and the attribution of symptoms to underlying neurologic disease may result in withholding potentially beneficial therapies and procedures from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Conversely, the underlying neurologic disorder may have profound effects on lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life and must be considered in patient management decisions. Thorough evaluation is necessary to evaluate male patients with concomitant benign prostatic hyperplasia and neurogenic bladder with careful attention to the underlying neurologic disease. While surgical management of anatomic bladder outlet obstruction has a clear role in carefully selected and thoroughly evaluated patients with neurogenic bladder, treatment strategies must be individualized for each patient. This review seeks to explore the role of prostate-reducing surgeries in management of patients with neurogenic bladder and to compile evidence for and against these procedures in this population. Only a few studies have been published exploring prostate-reducing surgery in the management of patients with neurogenic bladder, with no recent trials. These existing studies are poorly controlled and are characterized by small, heterogeneous study populations, retrospective design, and high risk of bias. While some studies suggest positive outcomes from prostate-reducing surgery for management of patients with neurogenic bladder, more high-quality trials are needed.
Tensile behavior of grouted sleeve couplers connecting steel bars with transition splicing

Grouted sleeve (GS) couplers have been widely used in precast concrete industry in non-seismic regions. However, for seismic applications, previous studies on precast reinforced concrete (RC) columns containing GS couplers showed disrupted plastic hinge formation in the sleeve region and thus limited ductility. Recently, a connection design detail was proposed and it showed significant improvement in ductility using shifted plastic hinge (SPH) mechanism where transition splicing was used (GS connecting steel bars with different sizes) and high-strength steel reinforcement was used in the capacity-protected element (such as footing). This study investigates experimentally the tensile behavior of GS couplers connecting steel bars with transition splicing and different grades intended for use in SPH applications. Nine GS specimens were assembled and tested. The testing parameters were GS coupler size, steel bar diameter, and transition splicing index. Results showed that all GS couplers fully developed the ultimate stress of the steel bars and the failure mode was bar rupture away from the coupler region which is a favorable mode. Also, it was observed that the strain within the coupler region and strain in the normal-strength steel bar (Gr. 420) were related by a ratio which was approximately 1.0 and 0.5 within the linear elastic and nonlinear inelastic zones, respectively, for all different specimen sizes. Furthermore, the results revealed that transition index had no effect on the failure mode, and showed insignificant effect on the stress-strain behavior of the GS couplers. Based on the study results, it is recommended to quantify the strain ratios experimentally for the selected assembly size since these ratios are a crucial part in designing GS precast columns with SPH methodology.
Workload-Aware Approximate Computing Configuration

Approximate computing recently arises due to its success in many error-tolerant applications such as multimedia applications. Various approximation methods have demonstrated the effectiveness of relaxing precision requirements in a specific arithmetic unit. This provides a basis for exploring simultaneous use of multiple approximate units to improve efficiency. In this paper, we aim to identify a proper approximation configuration of approximate units in a program to minimize energy consumption while meeting quality constraints. To do this, we formulate a constrained optimization problem and develop a tool called WOAxC that uses genetic algorithm to solve this problem. WOAxC considers the impact of different input workload on the application quality. We evaluate the efficacy of WOAxC in minimizing the energy consumption of several image processing applications with varying size (i.e., number of operations), workload (i.e., input datasets), and quality constraints. Our evaluation shows that the configuration provided by WOAxC for a system with multiple approximate units improves the energy efficiency by, on average, 79.6%, 77.4%, and 70.94% for quality loss of 5%, 2.5% and 0% (no loss), respectively. To the best of our knowledge, WOAxC is the first workload-aware approach to identify proper approximation configuration for energy minimization under quality guarantee.
Gain Enhancement of Wideband Millimeter-Wave Circularly Polarized Antenna Based on FSS Superstrate

A millimeter-wave wideband circularly polarized antenna with an improved gain is designed in this paper. The gain enhancement of 5 dB at 35 GHz is achieved by loading the CP antenna with FSS superstrate. The simulation results show that the proposed antenna has a wide -10 dB impedance bandwidth of 58.2%, a 3-dB AR bandwidth of 35%, a 3-dB gain bandwidth of 30%, and a maximum gain of 11.9 dBic at 35 GHz.
Impact of Activation Threshold Selection and Data Averaging to Improve Pressure Estimation using Ultrasound Imaging and Phase-Change Contrast Agents

A phase-change contrast agent (PCCA) is a liquid nanodroplet (ND) that can phase transition into a gaseous microbubble (MB) when exposed to pulsed ultrasound (US) of sufficient peak negative pressure. Previously, our group has shown that PCCA activation is linearly related to the hydrostatic pressure of the surrounding media. As increases in the hydrostatic pressure requires higher US energies to phase transition, we hypothesize this relationship can be used to allow noninvasive pressure estimation in remote vascular structures. After applying various levels of hydrostatic pressures, the goal of this research project was to establish a more robust quantitative US method to determine the activation threshold of PCCAs in a flow phantom model. Decafluorobutane (DFB) NDs were formulated in house using the popular condensation method. Activation and detection of the resultant MBs was captured using a programmable US system (Vantage 256, Verasonics Inc). A custom scan sequence was applied with interleaved pulsed US transmissions for both PCCA activation and MB detection. Using a progressive increase in peak negative pressures from 3 to 6 MPa, a series of US images were collected at each discrete interval (N = 200). Preliminary results at room temperature revealed that as hydrostatic pressure increased there was a corresponding increase in PCCA activation threshold (R2 > 0.88, p < 0.001). Overall, this study introduces a more consistent method to determine PCCA activation thresholds and use of sample averaging to help minimize measurement variance during threshold quantification.