cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling the initial host immunopathologic response to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection in young cattle

The characteristic lesion in bovine tuberculosis is well-organized respiratory granulomas. This is typically associated with a strong T-helper 1 (Th1) biased cell- mediated immune response and eventual containment of the infection. In bovine paratuberculosis, the classic lesion is unorganized granulomatous intestinal inflammation. Clinical paratuberculosis is associated with a T-helper 2 (Th2) biased humoral immune response and eventual death due to inability of the host to contain the infection. Recent reports have suggested that gamma-delta  T cells play a significant role in granuloma development and/or maintenance during initial stages of infection and may influence the
Severe posthemicolectomy diarrhea: Evaluation and treatment with SMS 201-995

The effect of subcutaneous somatostatin analogue SMS 201-995 (Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Corp., East Hanover, NJ) was investigated in a patient with acute postoperative secretory diarrhea. The patient was hospitalized with bowel obstruction caused by a descending colon adenocarcinoma. One week after left hemicolectomy and transverse colostomy, watery colostomy output, which exceeded 10 L per day developed. Jejunal perfusion studies suggested that the patient's diarrhea was caused by abnormal net secretion of water and electrolytes by the small intestine. Circulating levels of various peptide hormones were normal with the exception of elevated level of pancreatic polypeptide. SMS 201-995 administration reduced colostomy output and normalized many of the abnormalities found during jejunal perfusion. These results indicate that the patient's acute secretory diarrhea, occurring after large intestinal obstruction, originated in the small intestine and that SMS 201-995 can be used to manage this unusual severe postoperative problem.
Online procurement: implementation and managerial implications

Binshan Lin a and Chang-tseh Hsieh b a Department of Management and Marketing, College of Business Administration, Louisiana State University – Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71115, USA Tel.: +1 318 797 5025; Fax: +1 318 797 5127; E-mail: blin@pilot.lsus.edu b Department of Management Information Systems, College of Business Adm., University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA Tel.: +1 601 266 4641; Fax: +1 601 266 4642; E-mail: hsieh@cba.usm.edu
3.35 /spl mu/m intracavity difference frequency generator with single pump input

Compact, CW laser sources with output wavelengths that are matched to the fundamental absorption bands of certain molecules are required for remote sensing, pollution analysis, and medical monitoring. Although Pb-salt diodes have output wavelengths in the desired spectral region, they are quite expensive and operate exclusively at cryogenic temperatures. Nonlinear difference frequency generation is an alternative method of generating output for these applications. In this paper we describe the results of initial experiments in which a 0.807 /spl mu/m input beam was mixed with the intracavity field of a 1.06-/spl mu/m laser to generate difference frequency output at 3.35 /spl mu/m. The input beam was also used to pump the Nd:YAG laser, thus the device needs only one optical input. >
Purine excretion by mammalian cells deficient in adenosine kinase.

An adenosine kinaseless (AK−) mutant of the mouse fibroblast line 3T6 has been obtained in cell culture by evolution of resistance to 6-thio-methylpurine ribonucleoside and tubercidin. The mutant excretes purines (xanthine and hypoxanthine) into the culture medium. Human or mouse cells lacking hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HPT−) excrete increased amounts of purines, but a human cell mutant lacking both HPT and AK excretes considerably more hypoxanthine. The difference in hypoxanthine excretion between the HPT− mutant and the HPT− AK− mutant originates from the adenosine normally reutilized through the activity of adenosine kinase. The activity of adenosine kinase is essential to retard the adenosine cycle and to prevent cellular loss of purines.
The false consensus effect: A meta-analysis of 115 hypothesis tests

Abstract False consensus refers to an egocentric bias that occurs when people estimate consensus for their own behaviors. Specifically, the false consensus hypothesis holds that people who engage in a given behavior will estimate that behavior to be more common than it is estimated to be by people who engage in alternative behaviors. A meta-analysis was conducted upon 115 tests of this hypothesis. The combined effects of the tests of the false consensus hypothesis were highly statistically significant and of moderate magnitude. Further, the 115 tests of false consensus appear to be relatively heterogeneous in terms of significance levels and effect sizes. Correlational analyses and focused comparisons indicate that the false consensus effect does not appear to be influenced by the generality of the reference population, nor by the difference between alternative choices in actual consensus. However, the significance and magnitude of the false consensus effect was significantly predicted by the number of behavioral choices/estimates subjects had to make, and the sequence of measurement of choices and estimates. These patterns of results are interpreted as being inconsistent with the self-presentational, motivational explanation for the false consensus effect.
Inhibition of excitatory non-adrenergic non-cholinergic bronchoconstriction in guinea-pig airways in vitro by activation of an atypical 5-HT receptor.

1. The effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was studied on excitatory neurally mediated non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) contractions evoked by electrical field stimulation (EFS) in guinea-pig isolated bronchi. 2. 5-HT (0.1-100 microM) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the excitatory NANC response with 50.9 +/- 5.0% (n = 5, P 5-HT> > 8-hydroxy-dipropylaminotetralin (8-OH-DPAT) >alpha-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (alpha-Me-5HT). Sumatriptan, 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MeOT) and 2-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (2-Me-5HT) were essentially inactive with IC25> 100 MicroM.6. 5-HT (10 microM) did not significantly affect contractile responses to exogenously applied substance P(1 nM-10 Microm).7. The effect of 5-HT was unchanged after incubation with the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 Microm). However, pretreatment with charybdotoxin (ChTX,0.1-30 nM), a blocker of the large conductance Ca2+-activated K+channel (K+ca), produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the effect of 5-HT (10 MicroM).8. 5-HT evokes a concentration-dependent inhibition of e-NANC bronchoconstriction in guinea-pig isolated bronchi but does not affect cumulative concentration-dependent contractile responses to substance P, suggesting that inhibition is via a prejunctional receptor. Effects of selective antagonists and agonists suggest that an atypical 5-HT receptor mediates this inhibition. The inhibitory effect of 5-HT does not involve the production of NO, but may involve the opening a ChTX-sensitive K+ca channel.These data suggest that an atypical 5-HT receptor inhibits the release of neuropeptides from sensory C fibres and may act as other inhibitory neuromodulators via the opening of a common K'channel.
Reduced mortality and morbidity for ascending aortic aneurysm resection regardless of cause

Background. This study was done to answer the question, "What is the current risk of resection of ascending aortic aneurysms regardless of acuity or cause?" Methods. One hundred fifteen consecutive patients who underwent ascending aortic aneurysm repair from January 1, 1990, to July 1, 1995, were retrospectively reviewed, excluding those with acute ascending aortic dissection. The mean age was 59 years; 55% were male. Concomitant procedures included coronary artery bypass in 23 (20%) and arch repair in 12 (10%). In group 1, 54 patients had replacement of the aortic valve, root, and ascending aorta with a valve-graft conduit using the "Bentall" technique, and of these 19 (35%) had Marfan's syndrome. In group II, 44 patients had separate aortic valve repair or replacement and supracoronary ascending aortic replacement. In group III, 17 patients had supracoronary ascending aortic replacement, without aortic valve operation. Operative techniques included frequent use of (1) intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography or epiaortic ultrasound scanning of the ascending and descending thoracic aorta to help guide arterial cannulation, avoid atherosclerotic embolization, and assess the repair; (2) antegrade and retrograde multidose cold blood cardioplegia for myocardial protection; (3) exclusion and button anastomotic techniques to ensure secure suture lines; (4) antifibrinolytic agents and collagen-impregnated aortic grafts to reduce bleeding; and (5) deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and the open distal anastomotic technique in patients with distal ascending and arch aortic disease. Results. Operative mortality overall was 2/115 (1.7%). Mortality was 1/54 (1.8) in group I and 1/44 (2%) in group II, and there was no mortality in group III. The overall postoperative morbidity was 3% due to bleeding, 2% due to stroke, and 1% due to myocardial infarction. The length of stay in the past year has decreased to less than 7 days. Conclusions. The current risk for ascending aortic aneurysm repair is low (
On large Dixmier algebras

Abstract We show that a strongly prime Dixmier algebra A can be realized as a subalgebra of Hom( M , M ), where M is a module in the category O . If A is completely prime and has maximal Gelfand-Kirillov dimension, then M can be chosen to be a direct sum of submodules of Verma modules. We also show how to construct a completely prime Dixmier algebra out of submodules of Verma modules.
A comparative study of CO2 sorption properties for different oxides

It is essential to capture CO2 from flue gas stream, which is considered as one of the prime reasons of global warming. Although various CO2 capture technologies already exist, most of these techniques are still unfit to be employed at a large scale. In the past one decade, oxides have emerged as a strong candidate to capture CO2 for post-, pre- and oxy-combustion conditions. Oxides combine with CO2 present in the flue gas and form carbonate, which when heated regenerates the oxides and thus liberates almost pure stream of CO2. The selection criteria for potential oxides entail their CO2 capture capacity, absorption rate, thermal stability, regeneration heat, cost and structural properties. Thus, here, we review the technical merit of all the suitable oxides which can be used for CO2 capture at any fossil fuel burning plants.
Changes after immunization in the hybridization of mouse spleen RNA and reiterative DNA.

RNA from the spleens of imnunized and nonimmunized mice was hybridized with purified reiterative DNA fran the mouse livers under conditions in which hybrids preferentially formed with nucleotide sequences extensively reiterated (low Cot). Hybrids of mouse spleen RNA and reiterative DNA were detected. Three days after the injection of sheep RBC, the proportion of RNA in excess which hybridized with reiterative DNA was 70 percent less than the proportion of hybridizable RNA from mice not injected with antigen. A qualitative change in RNA synthesis in the spleen was detected after mice were injected with different antigens. RNA formed in response to sheep RBC was distinguishable from RNA formed in response to E. coli. The RNA used in these experiments was not fractionated and undoubtedly contained numerous species of RNA involved in many phases of the response of spleen cells to antigen exposure.
Phytol and Bacteriochlorophyll Synthesis in Rhodopseudomonas spheroides.

Phytol has been separated and identified in the unsaponifiable lipid fraction from wild type Rhodopseudomonas spheroides, but it was not detected in mutant strains blocked at various stages of bacteriochlorophyll synthesis. Incorporation of 14C-acetate into phytol paralleled bacteriochlorophyll synthesis in suspensions of the wild type incubated anaerobically in the light. The addition of chloramphenicol inhibited both processes. It is concluded that phytol formation is tightly coupled to the synthesis of the pyrrole component of bacteriochlorophyll.
The invalidity of “invalid results from the method of constant stimuli”: A common artifact in the methods of psychophysics

A description by Levison and Restle (1968) of deficiencies in the method of constant stimuli is shown to be logically in error. Their data, as well as those from other experiments, are interpretable in terms of a response bias that may distort data in a variety of psychophysical studies. This bias is the tendency of Ss to use available responseswith equal frequency.
The application of small peripheral array processors to the modeling of distributed parameter systems

In the modeling of distributed parameter systems, it is sometimes necessary to utilize system observations to identify or estimate the boundary conditions of the field. For example, in dealing with water resources systems, it may be desired to identify and characterize sources of water pollution on the basis of measurements of pollution concentrations downstream from suspected sources. A computational technique based on pattern recognition has been found to be relatively effective in this application. However, the algorithms involved are highly computation-intensive and therefore tend to place a considerable burden on most conventional digital computer facilities. Array processors, though primarily designed for signal processing are playing an increasingly important role in the modeling and simulation of physical systems. It is a purpose of this paper to describe the application of a relatively small and inexpensive peripheral array processor to this problem and to evaluate its performance.
Adsorption of sorbic acid by plastic cellulose acetates.

The adsorption of sorbic acid from aqueous solutions by plastic cellulose acetate and cellulose triacetate was studied. Adsorption isotherms at 25 ± 0.2° were determined and Langmuir constants were calculated. The method presented is recommended as satisfactory for use in comparative studies of adsorption of drugs, fungistatic and bacteriostatic agents by plastic materials. Adsorption of sorbic acid as a function of pH was studied and was shown to decline to zero in the vicinity of the point of maximum ionization of sorbic acid.
Comparison of Visual vs. Microscopic Methods to Detect Blood Splatter from an Intravascular Catheter with Engineered Sharps Injury Protection (ESIP)

OBJECTIVE To determine whether retractable intravenous devices produced blood splatter and whether blood splatter frequency differed between visual and microscopy detection methods. METHODS In this laboratory-based experiment, 105 venipunctures were performed in a simulated brachial vein containing mock venous blood. The retraction mechanism was activated in a testing chamber with precut fabric filters, placed at 3 different locations, to capture blood splatter. Differences in filter mass, visual inspection, and microscopic analysis for presence of blood on filters were the units of analysis. Descriptive statistics, paired Student t tests, and κ statistics were used for data analysis. RESULTS Blood splatter was detected visually and microscopically as follows: filter A, 70% and 71%, respectively; filter B, 12% and 9%, respectively; and filter C, 13% and 10%, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed in the mean mass of filter A between before and after activation when confirmed by the naked eye (P = .014) and microscopically (P = .0092). Substantial agreement between methods was observed for filter A (κ - 0.78 [95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.92]), filter B (κ - 0.73 [95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.95]), and filter C (κ - 0.75 [95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.96]). However, blood was detected by microscopy and not by the naked eye in 7 instances (7%). CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that splatter, which can potentially expose healthcare workers (HCWs) to bloodborne pathogens, is associated with the activation of intravascular catheters with retraction mechanisms. HCWs may not detect this splatter when it occurs and may not report a splash to mucous membranes or nonintact skin. The need to wear personal protective equipment when using such devices is reinforced.
Attitudes about gender bias in language: A reevaluation

Past research findings identified the gender-biased nature of language and the need to incorporate linguistic changes to alleviate this problem. One suggested change was the adoption of a generic pronoun. Given that most research in this area was conducted 10–15 years ago, it is important to determine present opinion on language and language change. In the present study, male and female respondents from five samples completed a questionnaire regarding gender bias in language. National Organization of Women (NOW) members and psychology students indicated more interest in and had made more of an effort to change their language, and would be more likely to adopt a new gender-neutral pronoun than faculty, or medical or English students. Student groups were motivated more by authorities requiring nonbiased language and others' use of a new pronoun than faculty or NOW members, and the media was an important influence for all groups.
HIV Testing Behaviors of a Cohort of HIV-Positive Racial/Ethnic Minority YMSM.

The HIV epidemic in the United States has disproportionately affected young racial/ethnic minority men who have sex with men (YMSM). However, HIV testing rates among young men of color remain low. Within this sample of racial/ethnic minority YMSM (n = 363), the first HIV test was a median of 2 years after men who have sex with men sexual debut. Individuals with less than 1 year between their first negative and first positive HIV test were significantly more likely to identify the reason for their first negative test as being sick (OR = 2.99; 95 % CI 1.23–7.27). This may suggest that these YMSM may have experienced symptoms of acute HIV infection. Of major concern is that many YMSM in our study tested positive for HIV on their first HIV test. Given recommendations for at least annual HIV testing, our findings reveal that medical providers YMSM need to know the importance of regular testing.
A deletion distinct from the classical homologous recombination of juvenile nephronophthisis type 1 (NPH1) allows exact molecular definition of deletion breakpoints.

Juvenile nephronophthisis, an autosomal recessive cystic kidney disease, is the most common genetic cause of end-stage renal disease in children and young adults. We recently identified by positional cloning the causative gene, NPHP1. Its gene product nephrocystin may play a role in focal adhesion and adherens junction signaling. Approximately 80% of all patients with NPH1 carry large homozygous deletions, which contain the NPHP1 gene. These common deletions are positioned within a complex arrangement of large inverted and direct repeats, suggesting unequal recombination as a potential cause for their origin. In this study we have characterized the deletion breakpoints in a family with juvenile nephronophthisis that bears a unique maternal deletion of the NPHP1 gene, which is not the result of an event of homologous recombination. We molecularly characterized the centromeric and telomeric deletion breakpoints by extensive genomic sequencing, Southern blot analysis, and cloning and sequencing of the junction fragment. We were able to exactly localize the breakpoints at the position of two guanines. The centromeric breakpoint was positioned within intron 2 of the NPHP1 gene 360 bp downstream of the 5′ end of a complete LINE-1 element. Multiple topoisomerase I and II consensus sequences were found at the breakpoint sites, suggesting the involvement of topoisomerase II in the deletion mechanism. These findings provide the first data on a potential mechanism for a deletion of the NPHP1 gene, that most likely is not the result of an event of homologous recombination and thereby distinct from the known common deletions. Hum Mutat 16:211–223, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A new irreversibly inhibited form of xanthine oxidase from ethylisonitrile

The treatment of xanthine oxidase with ethylisonitrile results in irreversible inhibition of the catalytic activity. Chemical and spectroscopic evidence suggests that the inhibited enzyme is a new distinct derivative in which the essential sulfido ligand to molybdenum has been modified or removed.
Flux growth of lead scandium tantalate Pb(Sc0.5Ta0.5)O3 and lead magnesium niobate Pb(Mg13Nb23)O3 single crystals

Note: Setter, N Penn State Univ,Mat Res Lab,University Pk,Pa 16802Kh725Times Cited:29Cited References Count:7 Reference LC-ARTICLE-1980-005doi:10.1016/0022-0248(80)90108-6 Record created on 2006-08-21, modified on 2017-05-10
Polarization of 3He elastically scattered from 12C at 28 MeV and the spin-orbit coupling

Abstract The polarization angular distribution of 3 He elastically scattered from 12 C at 28 MeV has been measured using the double scattering method. The 3 He polarization reached −28 % at θ c.m. = 47°. An optical model analysis of the polarization and differential cross section requires a spin-orbit potential of ≈ 4 MeV to fit the data over the angular range of 12.5° c.m. to 72.5° c.m. This spin-orbit potential is higher than the theoretical prediction for simple constituent-nucleon coupling.
The Flipped Classroom Model of Learning in Higher Education: An Investigation of Preservice Teachers’ Perspectives and Achievement

AbstractOne teaching style gaining popularity is the flipped classroom model of instruction. In this model, what generally occurs during class time, such as lectures and demonstrations, occurs at home, and assignments typically completed out of class occur during class. Currently, there is a dearth of research about the effectiveness of this instructional model. Therefore, to contribute to this line of research on the flipped classroom model of instruction, this study investigated preservice teachers’ perspectives of the flipped classroom model and examined the impact of the model on student achievement. While we found no significant differences between the flipped model and the traditional model in terms of academic achievement, we found different factors that may influence the effectiveness of this teaching model.
Cocaine depresses GABAA current of hippocampal neurons.

Abstract Although blockade of dopamine re-uptake and the resulting elevation of excitatory agonists is commonly thought the primary mechanism of cocaine-induced seizures, it is possible that other neurotransmitters such as γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA) are involved. To examine this possibility, the effects of cocaine on the whole cell GABA current ( I GABA ) of freshly isolated rat hippocampal neurons were investigated with the patch-clamp technique. Preincubation or acute application of cocaine reversibly suppressed I GABA . The IC 50 was 127 μ M when cocaine was applied before the application of GABA. The concentration-response relations of cocaine in various GABA concentrations revealed that cocaine inhibited I GABA non-competitively. This effect of cocaine appeared to be independent of voltage. The present study suggests that the GABA receptor/channel complex is also a target for cocaine's action. The suppression of I GABA may contribute to cocaine-induced seizures.
Ligand Discrimination in Signaling through an ErbB4 Receptor Homodimer

The epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like family of growth factors elicits cellular responses by stimulating the dimerization, autophosphorylation, and tyrosine kinase activities of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases. Although several different EGF-like ligands are capable of binding to a single ErbB family member, it is generally thought that the biological and biochemical responses of a single receptor dimer to different ligands are indistinguishable. To test whether an ErbB receptor dimer is capable of discriminating among ligands we have examined the effect of four EGF-like growth factors on signaling through the ErbB4 receptor homodimer in CEM/HER4 cells, a transfected human T cell line ectopically expressing ErbB4 in an ErbB-null background. Despite stimulating similar levels of gross receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, the EGF-like growth factors betacellulin, neuregulin-1beta, neuregulin-2beta, and neuregulin-3 exhibited different biological potencies in a cellular growth assay. Moreover, the different ligands induced different patterns of recruitment of intracellular signaling proteins to the activated receptor and induced differential usage of intracellular kinase signaling cascades. Finally, two-dimensional phosphopeptide mapping of ligand-stimulated ErbB4 revealed that the different growth factors induce different patterns of receptor tyrosine phosphorylation. These results indicate that ErbB4 activation by growth factors is not generic and suggest that individual ErbB receptors can discriminate between different EGF-like ligands within the context of a single receptor dimer. More generally, our observations significantly modify our understanding of signaling through receptor tyrosine kinases and point to a number of possible models for ligand-mediated signal diversification.
Failure of bolted connections in an aluminum alloy

In structures built from either pure aluminum or aluminum-base alloys, plates are often used as connecting elements. Design of connections necessitates that consideration be given to all aspects related to mechanical failure of the fastener, distress of material adjacent to the fastener(s), and net-section tensile failure, including tear out of the fasteners. The shear failure of aluminum alloy connecting elements is the focus of this paper. Aluminum alloy 6061 was chosen, and an experimental study was performed with the objective of rationalizing block shear failure in connecting elements. Gusset plates were chosen, and samples representing four different bolt patterns were mechanically deformed. Models to estimate the capacity of the joints are examined and compared with experimental results. Mechanisms governing damage and failure are highlighted in light of the competing influences of load/stress distribution and intrinsic microstructural effects.
COMPARISON OF EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK-WAVE LITHOTRIPSY AND SURGICAL LITHOTOMY REGARDING PATIENT SATISFACTION

A series of 19 patients who underwent extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for urolithiasis was compared with 26 patients who were treated with surgical lithotomy (SL). A historical clinical trial was conducted using hospital chart records and telephone interviews to determine differences in outcome between the two groups. The ESWL group had significantly (p < 0.05) shorter duration of post-procedural pain, fewer requirements for pain medications, and decreased anxiety toward repetition of the procedure than did the SL group. In addition, the ESWL group had significantly (p < 0.05) shorter hospital stays, faster return to work on discharge from the hospital, and less physical limitation after the procedure. There was no appreciable difference in the occurrence of post-procedure urinary tract infections or in the patient's perception of the effectiveness of the procedure. These findings support the conclusion that treatment of urolithiasis by ESWL, is preferable to open flank SL.
The Depiction of Significant others in Tinto's “Rites of Passage”: A Reconceptualization of the Influence of Family and Community in the Persistence Process

The purpose of this article is to provide a theoretical depiction of the interrelations between the three stages that reflect the “rites of passage” in Tinto's (1993) Student Integration Model and support and encouragement from significant others as represented in the Student Adjustment Model (Nora & Cabrera, 1996). Moreover, the article will depict how both sets of factors impact a student's social and academic experiences and integration, his or her commitment levels to the attainment of an educational goal and to an institution, and, finally, to a student's decision to drop out of college or remain enrolled.
The temporary bleaching effect in additively colored KCl

Abstract The results of a photochemical investigation of certain temporary changes in the absorption spectrum which occur when additively colored KCl crystals containing polarized and unpolarized M bands are irradiated with polarized and unpolarized F light at low temperatures are described and discussed.
Distance, dams and drift: what structures populations of an endangered, benthic stream fish?

SUMMARY 1. Spatial population structure plays an important role in species persistence, evolution and conservation. Benthic stream fishes are diverse and frequently imperilled, yet the determinants and spatial scaling of their population structure are understudied. 2. We investigated the range-wide population genetic structure of Roanoke logperch (Percina rex), an endangered, benthic stream fish of the eastern United States. Fish were sampled from 35 sites and analysed at 11 microsatellite DNA loci. Clustering models were used to sort individuals into genetically cohesive groups and thereby estimate the spatial scaling of population structure. We then used Bayesian generalized linear mixed models (BGLMMs) to test alternative hypotheses about the environmental factors most responsible for generating structure, as measured by the differentiation statistic FST. 3. Clustering models delineated seven discrete populations, whose boundaries coincided with agents of fragmentation, including hydroelectric dams and tailwaters. In the absence of hydrological barriers, gene flow was extensive throughout catchments, whereas there was no evidence for contemporary dispersal between catchments across barriers. 4. In the best-supported BGLMM, FST was positively related to the spatial distance and degree of hydrological alteration between sites and negatively related to genetic diversity within sites. Whereas the effect of tailwaters was equivocal, dams strongly influenced differentiation: the effect of a dam on FST was comparable to that of a between-site distance of over 1200 km of unimpounded river. Overall, the effect of distance-mediated dispersal was negligible compared to the combined effects of fragmentation and genetic drift. 5. The contemporary population structure of P. rex comprises a few geographically extensive ‘islands’ that are fragmented by hydroelectric projects. This information clarifies the importance of a catchment-scale perspective on conserving the species and suggests that its recovery may require genetic and/or demographic reconnection of presently isolated populations.
A surgical guide for implant placement

Mounted diagnostic casts aid in determining whether sufficient space exists for a fixed cantilevered implant prosthesis. These casts are also used to construct a surgical guide. Such a technique is described.
Abstract ED01-01: Report card for chemoprevention trials: The good, the bad and the ugly-How can we do better?

There is no quarrel that prevention is preferable for fighting cancer compared to treating the disease in a late stage. Prevention studies, however, can be difficult and challenging to design and to conduct due to the low incidence rate, long process of cancer development, large sample size, extended study duration, cost, and the requirement of well tolerated or little toxicity of the chemopreventive agents. In the past 30 years, much effort has been devoted to chemoprevention in breast, colon, head/neck, lung, skin, and prostate cancers, etc. An overview of the successes and failures of the chemoprevention trials will be given. In order to do better, we must make improvements in the following areas: (1) Identify high risk individuals. Individual cancer risk models are available in breast and lung cancers for example but need to be refined. (2) Focus on subjects with premalignant lesions or intra-epithelial neoplasm as they are ideal candidates for prevention trials. (3) Identify subjects with molecular targets. For targeted agent trials, selecting subjects most likely to respond based on the agent9s mechanism of action can dramatically increase the study efficiency. (4) Identify and validate the intermediate or surrogate endpoints for cancer development. (5) Apply efficient and flexible designs such that correct answers can be reached with a smaller number of patients in a shorter period of time. Adaptive randomization can also allow more subjects to be treated with better treatments in the trial based on cumulative information. (6) Balance the risk benefit ratio. It is evident that all treatments come with certain side effects. Seeking favorable efficacy and toxicity tradeoff is critically important for developing successful prevention strategies. More effective chemoprevention studies can be designed and implemented through the lessons learned. Citation Format: J. Jack Lee. Report card for chemoprevention trials: The good, the bad and the ugly: How can we do better? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2012 Oct 16-19; Anaheim, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Prev Res 2012;5(11 Suppl):Abstract nr ED01-01.
Hounsfield Density of Renal Papillae in Stone Formers: Analysis Based on Stone Composition

Purpose: We examined renal papillary Hounsfield density in stone formers with all common stone subtypes to further understand the pathophysiology of stone formation.Materials and Methods: Using computerized tomography we measured the Hounsfield density of a 0.2 cm2 renal papillary area in patients with a single renal calyceal stone. Results were compared with those in patients without a nephrolithiasis history who served as controls. Stone composition was determined by stone passage or extraction during endoscopic procedures using infrared spectroscopy and polarized microscopy. We measured the Hounsfield density of the stone bearing calyx and of a single calyx from the upper, middle and lower poles of each kidney.Results: Mean ± SD renal papillary Hounsfield density in controls was 36.2 ± 4.0 HU. In patients with stones Hounsfield density was significantly greater than in controls in stone bearing calyces, nonstone bearing calyces in the affected kidney and calyces in the contralateral nonstone bearing ki...
Incomplete, Intrasubstance Strain Injuries of the Rectus Femoris Muscle

Rectus femoris muscle strain injuries commonly occur at the distal muscle-tendon junction of the quadriceps tendon. However, we have recently recognized a pattern of strain injury that consists of an incomplete intrasubstance tear at the muscle-tendon junction formed by the deep tendon of the muscle's indirect head and those muscle fibers originating from this tendon. These injuries are found more proximally within the thigh than the "classic" distal rectus femoris muscle strain. We reviewed 10 athletes with these intrasubstance tears, all of whom had diagnostic imaging performed using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging or both. Two of these patients required surgical intervention. The mechanism of injury usually involved kicking or sprinting. All patients had chronic thigh pain or an anterior thigh mass or both. Physical examination revealed thigh asymmetry and a nontender to mildly tender intrasubstance muscle mass. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated abnormal signal intensity centered about the intramuscular tendon of the indirect head of the muscle. Surgical findings included a mass of fibrous scar and fatty tissue encasing the deep tendon. Surgical removal of this fibrous mass appears curative. We contrast this injury from distal strains of the rectus femoris muscle, as well as from soft tissue neoplasms.
Numerical solution of some multiple chain queueing networks

Queueing networks are important as performance models of computer and communication systems because the performance of these systems is usually principally affected by contention for resources. This paper discusses exact numerical solution of certain small queueing networks which are useful in approximate numerical solution of larger networks.
Inhibition of trophoblast invasiveness in vitro by immunoneutralization of leptin in the bat, Myotis lucifugus (Chiroptera)

In addition to effects on metabolism and appetite, leptin is a reproductive hormone produced and secreted by the placenta of many, but not all mammalian species. In mice, in which the placenta does not secrete leptin, exogenously added leptin stimulates invasiveness of early (but not late)-gestation trophoblast cells. We report a similar phenomenon occurs in Myotis lucifugus (little brown myotis), a species in which the placenta synthesizes and secretes leptin. Immunoneutralization of endogenously secreted leptin from cultured M. lucifugus trophoblast cells inhibited the ability of these cells to invade a matrigel matrix. The effect was not due to an inhibitory effect of the antibody on cell proliferation, nor was it a non-specific effect of antibody administration. Cell invasion was significantly reduced in untreated cells obtained from late-gestation placentas, and the antibody had no effect at that time. This occurred despite continued expression throughout gestation of the long (OBRb) and short (OBRa) isoforms of leptin receptor mRNA. This study suggests that an important function of leptin during pregnancy is an effect on trophoblast cell invasiveness, at a time when the placenta is becoming established. That this occurs in two phylogenetically unrelated and distant species, regardless of whether the placenta is a source of secreted leptin, suggests that this is a highly conserved reproductive action of leptin.
Heterozygous mutations affecting the epimerase domain of the GNE gene causing distal myopathy with rimmed vacuoles in a Taiwanese family.

Abstract Objectives Studies of distal myopathy with rimmed vacuoles (DMRV) revealed that most patients had mutations in the UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase (GNE) gene. However, the correlation between GNE mutations and clinical features was not fully understood. Purposes To report the correlation between the clinical features and genetic analysis of DMRV patients. Patients and methods The clinical presentations, histopathological findings, image studies, and genetic analyses of two patients with DMRV from a Taiwanese family were studied. Results Two compound heterozygous mutations, Ile 241 Ser and Arg 246 Gln, located in the epimerase domain, were identified in both patients, who were of the same generation. In addition, the elder sister showed a progressive muscular dystrophy course with severe quadriceps and trunk muscle involvement. Conclusion The compound heterozygous mutations in the epimerase domain of the GNE gene are important in the severe phenotype of DMRV. However, the mechanisms leading to this phenotypic heterogeneity still remain to be elucidated.
Risk assessment of hemorrhagic transformation of acute middle cerebral artery stroke using multimodal CT.

PURPOSE Multimodal CT with CT angiography (CTA) and CT perfusion (CTP) are increasingly used in stroke triage. Our aim was to identify parameters most predictive of hemorrhagic transformation (HT), especially symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH). METHODS This retrospective study included patients evaluated by baseline multimodal CT ≤ 9 hours from ictus with acute nonlacunar middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory infarction. Two readers independently evaluated CTP maps for ischemic severity and CTA source images (CTA-SI) for infarct extent (as measured by ASPECTS). Presence of proximal occlusion (ICA or M1) and degree of collateralization (collateral score) were also assessed on CTA. HT was defined as SICH if associated with deterioration ≥ 4-points on NIHSS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified independent predictors of SICH. ROC curves selected optimal thresholds. RESULTS Of 84 patients reviewed, HT occurred in 22 (26.2%) and SICH in 8 (9.5%). Univariate predictors for SICH were proximal occlusion (OR = 8.65, P= .049), collateral score (OR = .34, P= .017), ASPECTS (OR = .46, P= .001), and CBV (OR = .001, P= .005). Multivariate analysis revealed ASPECTS as the only independent predictor with optimal threshold ≤ 5 and sensitivity and specificity of 75.0% and 85.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION For acute MCA infarcts ≤ 9 hours, the strongest predictor of SICH on multimodal CT was ASPECTS on CTA-SI. J Neuroimaging 2012;22:160-166
Mechanisms of Energy Transduction in Plant Photosynthesis: ESR, ENDOR and MOs of the Primary Acceptors

Comparison of the optical, paramagnetic and redox properties of the reduced primary acceptors of Photosystems (PS) I and II with those of chlorophyll and pheophytin anions suggests that chlorophyll is the primary reduced product in PS I and pheophytin in PS II. Molecular orbital calculations provide a description of the electronic profiles of the radicals, and indicate that the protein environment of the chromophores in the reaction center may impose specific orientations and induce hydrogen bonding to some of the chlorophyll substituent groups. Examination of all the primary acceptors postulated for green plants and purple bacteria suggests that (bacterio)chlorophyll-like acceptors may be obligatory to effect the rapid primary charge separation, because they allow favorable orbital overlap between donor and acceptor. Extrapolation of these results to green bacteria suggests that bacteriochlorophyll a and bacteriopheophytin c may act as transient electron acceptors in these organisms.
Multigrid solution of the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation and calculation of titration curves

Although knowledge of the pKa values and charge states of individual residues is critical to understanding the role of electrostatic effects in protein structure and function, calculating these quantities is challenging because of the sensitivity of these parameters to the position and distribution of charges. Values for many different proteins which agree well with experimental results have been obtained with modified Tanford-Kirkwood theory in which the protein is modeled as a sphere (reviewed in Ref. 1); however, convergence is more difficult to achieve with finite difference methods, in which the protein is mapped onto a grid and derivatives of the potential function are calculated as differences between the values of the function at grid points (reviewed in Ref. 6). Multigrid methods, in which the size of the grid is varied from fine to coarse in several cycles, decrease computational time, increase rates of convergence, and improve agreement with experiment. Both the accuracy and computational advantage of the multigrid approach increase with grid size, because the time required to achieve a solution increases slowly with grid size. We have implemented a multigrid procedure for solving the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation, and, using lysozyme as a test case, compared calculations for several crystal forms, different refinement procedures, and different charge assignment schemes. The root mean square difference between calculated and experimental pKa values for the crystal structure which yields best agreement with experiment (1LZT) is 1.1 pH units, with the differences in calculated and experimental pK values being less than 0.6 pH units for 16 out of 21 residues. The calculated titration curves of several residues are biphasic.
Motivations and methods for text simplification

Long and complicated sentences prove to be a stumbling block for current systems relying on NL input. These systems stand to gain from methods that syntactically simplify such sentences. To simplify a sentence, we need an idea of the structure of the sentence, to identify the components to be separated out. Obviously a parser could be used to obtain the complete structure of the sentence. However, full parsing is slow and prone to failure, especially on complex sentences. In this paper, we consider two alternatives to full parsing which could be used for simplification. The first approach uses a Finite State Grammar (FSG) to produce noun and verb groups while the second uses a Supertagging model to produce dependency linkages. We discuss the impact of these two input representations on the simplification process.
Corticotropin-releasing factor receptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus modulate social behavior in Syrian hamsters

Rationale In Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), social defeat produces a prolonged change in subsequent agonistic behavior termed conditioned defeat. This stress-induced change in behavior is marked by increased submissive and defensive behavior toward a novel, nonaggressive opponent and a complete loss of normal territorial aggression. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) has been shown to affect serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and to modulate learned helplessness via a CRF type-2 receptor (CRF-R2) mechanism.
Transcriptional analysis of novel hormone receptors PGRMC1 and PGRMC2 as potential biomarkers of breast adenocarcinoma staging.

Background The expression of progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) in breast cancer has generated interest in this recently discovered protein because of its role in tumorigenesis. However, correlations between patient age, PGRMC1 gene expression, breast cancer morphology, and breast cancer stage have not been adequately studied. Furthermore, very little is known about possible roles for other PGRMC isoforms in breast cancer, like PGRMC2. Thus, we examined the expression of PGRMC1 and PGRMC2 mRNA by relative quantitative PCR (RelqPCR) and determined whether transcript levels correlate with age, breast cancer staging, estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) status, and other morphometric features routinely used during the pathological examination of breast ductal adenocarcinomas. Methods Twenty-eight frozen or paraffin embedded breast cancer samples (ductal carcinoma in situ and stages I thru IV invasive ductal adenocarcinoma) and 10 control benign breast tissue samples were randomly selected and interrogated by RelqPCR to determine PGRMC1, 2, and ERα mRNA transcript levels. To control for slight variations in sample preparation, receptor transcript was normalized to the housekeeping gene phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1). Descriptive statistics and ANOVA of multiparametric datasets were used to correlate transcript levels with pathological staging parameters. Results PGRMC1 mRNA levels decreased significantly with patient age (Pearson's correlation –0.369; P = 0.035), whereas PGRMC2 levels did not. Although the mean relative expression of PGRMC1 significantly decreased in stage II breast cancer compared with controls (P = 0.050), it was no longer significant when age was considered a covariance (P = 0.371). On the other hand, PGRMC2 mRNA transcript was significantly decreased in stage II breast cancer when compared to stage III cancer (P = 0.028) in a manner independent of age (corrected model Bonferroni pair wise comparison, P = 0.036). Furthermore, PGRMC2 levels positively correlated with ERα mRNA transcripts in patients with ER positive tumors (Pearson's correlation 0.503, P = 0.096). Conclusions Decreases in PGRMC1 mRNA are partially explained by increasing patient age. On the other hand, compared to stage III, PCRMC2 mRNA was significantly decreased in stage II adenocarcinoma of the breast in an age-independent manner. Additionally, PGRMC2 mRNA levels displayed a positive correlation with ERα transcripts. Thus, in addition to morphometric pathologic staging criteria, measurements of PGRMC2 mRNA may be useful for distinguishing low stage tumors from higher stages that require more aggressive clinical management, and may be a useful test when tumor ER IHC results are equivocal.