cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Echocardiography in the time of Covid-19: Ultrasound enhancing agents save time and augment diagnostic information.

BACKGROUND: There are currently no clear guidelines regarding the use of ultrasound enhancing agents (UEAs) with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for patients hospitalized with Covid-19. We investigated whether the performance of TTE with UEAs provides more diagnostic information and allows for shorter acquisition time compared to unenhanced TTE imaging in this patient population. METHODS: We analyzed the TTEs of 107 hospitalized Covid-19 patients between April and June 2020 who were administered UEAs (Definity®, Lantheus). The time to acquire images with and without UEAs was calculated. A level III echocardiographer determined if new, clinically significant findings were visualized with the addition of UEAs. RESULTS: There was a mean of 11.84±3.59 UEA cineloops/study vs 20.74±8.10 non-UEA cineloops/study (pâ¯<â¯0.0001). Mean time to acquire UEA cineloop images was 72.28±28.18â¯s/study compared to 188.07±86.04â¯s/study for non-UEA cineloop images (pâ¯<â¯0.0001). Forty-eight patients (45%) had at least one new finding on UEA imaging, with a total of 62 new findings seen. New information gained with UEAs was more likely to be found in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (21 vs 9, pâ¯<â¯0.001) and in those on mechanical ventilation (21 vs 15, pâ¯=â¯0.046). CONCLUSIONS: TTE with UEAs required less time and fewer cineloop images compared to non-UEA imaging in patients hospitalized with Covid-19. Additionally, Covid-19 patients with severe respiratory disease benefited most with regard to new diagnostic information. Health care personnel should consider early use of UEAs in select hospitalized Covid-19 patients in order to reduce exposure and optimize diagnostic yield.
Digital Twin for Self-Security of Smart Inverters

Smart inverters connected to a communication network are susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks. In this paper, a self-security approach is implemented using the digital twin concept for smart inverters. The digital twin is formed using the inverter’s normal operating region and the inverter’s dynamic model. Then, the incoming setpoints are autonomously examined using the digital twin, and only the safe setpoints are engaged to the inverter’s local controller. This paper demonstrates how the inverter’s normal operating region and dynamic model are formed. In particular, the normal operation region is experimentally verified by changing the P and Q setpoints engaged to the local controller, using a laboratory setup including a three-phase 1.5-kVA SiC-MOSFET inverter and a 12-kW NHR 9410 regenerative power grid emulator. The results demonstrate that the self-security technique can potentially protect inverters from man-in-the-middle attacks by examining the incoming commands (new setpoints) using the inverter’s digital twin before engaging the setpoints to the local controller.
Evaluation of Flood Forecasting-Response Systems

When the objective of operating a flood forecasting-response system is to reduce damage caused by flooding, rather than to provide accurate and timely flood forecasts, improvements and changes to the system must be evaluated considering all components of the system and their interactions. For this purpose the methodology considers the following components of the system: (1)The hydrometric system; (2)the forecasting model; (3)the dissemination system; and (4)the decision model used by the flood-plain dweller and his protective system. Quantification is accomplished by a mathematical model that enables flood forecasting systems to be evaluated on the basis of expected reduction in damage due to the use of the system. Uncertainties in the forecast are handled in a decision theoretic manner that enables the calculation of an optimal response to a forecast. Comparison of optimal and nonoptimal responses illustrates the importance of considering the response when examining the effectiveness of flood forecasts.
Design of "High 5": a school-based study to promote fruit and vegetable consumption for reduction of cancer risk.

Abstract Background. This paper describes the methods used in “High 5,” a school‐based study to increase fruit and vegetable consumption for cancer risk reduction. Methods. Twenty‐eight elementary schools were matched and randomized to intervention or control conditions. All students were assessed based on diet and psychosocial variables at baseline and one and two years post‐baseline. The intervention included classroom, parent, and environmental components. Results. The study recruited 1,698 families and retained 85%. The two conditions were equivalent at baseline; 50% female students, 81% to 84% European—American students, and 2.9 servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Good completion was achieved across the intervention components (e.g., 90% of lessons taught, 72% of parent materials read, 3.6 servings of fruit and vegetables offered in cafeterias). Conclusions. The use of school‐based programs, with strong evaluation designs, will enhance knowledge about the modification of nutrition behavior and ...
Simone Weil’s Social Philosophy: Toward a Post-Colonial Ethic

In 1943, at the request of the Free French Committee in London, Simone Weil wrote “The Need for Roots,” a manuscript outlining the possibilities for renewing France after the war. In it, Weil outlines the primary needs of the human being for rootedness and the (im) possibilities of the state in accommodating these needs. The state of France was unable to do so because it was engaged in colonialism.
Immunochemical studies on alpha-amylase. I. Effects of denaturing agents and proteolytic enzymes on the immunochemical reactivity of alpha-amylase from Aspergillus oryzae.

Abstract Crystalline enzyme prepared from a crude enzyme concentrate of Aspergillus oryzae, and found to consist of a single antigenic component by various physicochemical and immunochemical methods, was used to produce rabbit antisera. The contribution of some aspects of the structure of Aspergillus α-amylase antigen to interaction with antienzyme was examined. Exposure of enzyme to concentrated urea solutions under various conditions resulted in preparations giving reactions of partial identity with native enzyme in immunodiffusion analysis. Quantitative precipitin determinations employing urea-treated enzyme show that only a partial loss of immunochemical reactivity occurs even with prolonged treatment. After treatment with EDTA and EDTA in the presence of 0.1 M mercaptoethanol the enzyme also showed changes in its immunochemical reactivity. A comparison of immunochemical behavior and specific activity of α-amylase before and after treatment with leucine aminopeptidase or carboxypeptidase suggests that neither N-terminal nor C-terminal amino acid residues play a significant role in enzymic or immunochemical reactivity.
Cooperative Coevolution Fusion for Moving Object Detection

In this paper we introduce a novel sensor fusion algorithm based on the cooperative coevolutionary paradigm. We develop a multisensor robust moving object detection system that can operate under a variety of illumination and environmental conditions. Our experiments indicate that this evolutionary paradigm is well suited as a sensor fusion model for different sensing modalities.
Studies of the 18F L-glutamate derivative BAY 94-9392 in cancer patients: A novel radiopharmaceutical for PET imaging

1900 Objectives BAY 94-9392 ((S)-4-(3-[18F]Fluoropropyl)-L-glutamic acid) is a novel radiopharmaceutical developed by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for PET imaging (FDA eIND 108509). It is a glutamate analogue and shows promise for oncologic imaging. We present data on the first subjects imaged with prostate (PR,2), head and neck (HN,1), and colorectal cancers (CRC,1). Methods Approximately 8 mCi of BAY 94-9392 was given IV to the 4 subjects (median age: 59 ± 10 years) and 3 PET/CT scans were obtained 0-2 hours post-injection. During this time, vitals, EKGs, and blood samples were obtained. Two subjects also had a FDG PET/CT scan within 1 month. SUV and visual comparison of the BAY 94-9392 and FDG scans were performed to assess relative efficacy of the tracers. Results BAY 94-9392 did not cause alterations in symptoms, vitals, EKGs, or lab values. There was similar distribution in all patients with primary clearance through the kidneys. Quantitatively, all the malignant lesions were positive on BAY 94-9392 but with a range of uptake (see table). The comparative FDG scans showed either similar or slightly higher uptake. Visually, BAY 94-9392 showed comparable uptake to FDG in the HN and CRC subjects while uptake in the PR subjects was mild, but focal. Additionally, the background uptake in the BAY 94-9392 scans was lower than FDG. Conclusions BAY 94-9392 was well tolerated and showed increased uptake in the 4 tumor types evaluated. Lower background uptake (than FDG) in the BAY 94-9392 scans may beneficial. These results are promising and warrant further analysis
Still 'Ain't No Glory in Pain': How the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and Other 1990s Deregulation Faciliated the Market Crash of 2002

This article investigates the various flaws inherent in two short-sighted Congressional enactments, The Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the Commodities Futures Modernization Act of 2000 (CFMA). The article concludes that the Telecommunications Act and the CFMA, together with various 1990s deregulation legislation, led in large part to the collapse of the U.S. capital markets in 2002. The article continues a comprehensive review undertaken in the recently published Ain't No Glory In Pain: How the 1994 Republican Revolution, the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Certain 1990s Deregulation Contributed to the Collapse of the Unites States' Capital Markets, 83 NEBRASKA L. REV. 979 (2005). While Congress was satiating the public with its hastily passed Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2003, which was enacted in response to the crushing corporate scandals visited upon the U.S. investing public in 2001-2002, it appeared that the market crash may have been enabled by Congressional rollback of important regulations in the 1990s. These articles conclude that the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, the Telecommunications Act and the CFMA all played a sizeable role in the corporate malfeasance that led to the market collapse. The article carefully analyzes the Telecommunications Act and the CFMA and draws substantial connections between the provisions enacted therein and the impact those provisions had on the corporations that collapsed in a torrent of fraud and deceit in 2002. The article concludes that until specific provisions of the Telecommunications Act are rescinded, the investing public will never be truly safe from malfeasant corporate executives.
Pheochromocytoma: Serial studies during pregnancy

Abstract Cardiovascular and catecholamine responses to adrenergic stimulation and blockade were studied in a patient with pheochromocytoma during pregnancy, crisis, premature delivery, and tumor resection. The degree of cardiovascular response to phentolamine was influenced by the level of circulating catecholamines and the degree of hypovolemia. Administration by microinfusion appeared to be a safe procedure in conducting phentolamine tests and an effective method for controlling blood pressure during hypertensive crisis, labor, and operation. The hypertensive and catecholamine responses to tyramine administration were absent immediately after removal of the tumor. The weight loss during the second trimester of pregnancy, failure to expand the intravascular volume, and a severely growth-retarded fetoplacental unit may be a consequence of chronically elevated catecholamines in this patient.
Knowing About Courts

Conventional wisdom holds that the American people are woefully ignorant about law and courts. In light of this ignorance, many question whether the public should play a role in the judicial process, as in whether legal actors should be accountable to the majority. Unfortunately, however, much of what we know about public knowledge of law and courts is based upon flawed measures and procedures. For instance, the American National Election Study, a prominent source of the conclusion that the Americans know little if anything about the United States Supreme Court, codes as incorrect the reply that William Rehnquist is (was) the Chief Judge of the United States Supreme Court - the respondents, to be judged knowledgeable, must use the word "justice" instead of "judge." More generally, the use of open-ended recall questions leads to a serious and substantial under-estimation of the extent to which ordinary people know about law and courts. The purpose of this paper is to revisit the question of how knowledgeable the American people are about the United States Supreme Court. Based on two national surveys - and using more appropriate closed-ended questions - we show that levels of knowledge about the Supreme Court and its justices are far higher than any earlier surveys have ever documented. Based on an experiment embedded in one of the national surveys, we also demonstrate a dramatic effect of question form on levels of knowledge. Finally, we draw out the implications of political knowledge for how people understand judicial decision making, and in particular how likely they are to embrace the so-called myth of legality. Our findings indicate that higher knowledge is associated with the belief that courts are different from ordinary political institutions. The knowledgeable accept that judges have great discretion, and therefore must rely upon on their attitudes and values in making their decisions, but something about learning about courts leads to the view that courts are distinctive, relatively non-political institutions. We conclude this paper by re-connecting these findings to positivity theory, which asserts that paying attention to courts not only provides citizens information, but it also exposes them to the powerful symbols of judicial legitimacy.
2,5‐Di­phenyl‐3,6‐di­hydroxy‐1,4‐benzo­quinone (polyporic acid)

The title compound, C18H12O4, is a naturally occurring product found in several genera of fungi and lichens. Its structure is composed of a 1,4-benzo­quinone moiety 2,5-disubstituted with phenyl rings and 3,6-disubstituted with hydroxyl groups. The angle between the planes of the phenyl rings and that of the benzo­quinone is 45.24 (8)°. Intermolecular hydrogen bonding produces infinite molecular chains. The mol­ecule has crystallographic inversion symmetry.
Use of stable carbon isotopes and multivariate statistics to source-apportion fuel hydrocarbons

Differences in hydrocarbon samples were assessed using compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA). Samples from on-water spills and fuel tanks from possible sources (moored ships) were taken from the Norfolk Navy Base in Norfolk, VA (USA) and volatile organic compound (VOC) samples were taken from a multiple leaking underground fuel tank site in Hazleton, PA (USA). Individual compound stable carbon isotope ratios were measured and the data subjected to several multivariate statistical tests to determine similarity between sample hydrocarbon source(s). Multiple analysis of variance, principal components analysis and hierarchical clustering showed similarities between discreet samples at both sites and in the case of the Norfolk samples confirmed a shipboard leak. CSIA coupled with multivariate statistics was found to be a useful tool for source-apportioning hydrocarbons.
Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence of Mars Science Laboratory Reaction Control System Jets

Nitric-oxide planar laser-induced fluorescence was used to visualize the flow in the wake of a Mars Science Laboratory entry capsule with activated reaction control system jets in NASA Langley Research Center’s 31 in. Mach 10 air tunnel facility. Images were processed using the virtual diagnostics interface method, which brings out the three-dimensional nature of the flow visualization data while showing the relative location of the data with respect to the model. Comparison of wind-on and wind-off results illustrates the effect that the hypersonic crossflow has on the trajectory and structure of individual reaction control system jets. The visualization and comparison of both single and multiple activated jets indicate low levels of jet–jet interaction. Quantitative streamwise velocity was also obtained via molecular tagging velocimetry.
Caffeine restores feeding response to 2-deoxy-D-glucose in 6-hydroxydopamine-treated rats

A LARGE portion of the central catecholaminergic nerve terminals of the rat are destroyed by administering 6-hydroxydopamine (6-HDA) via the cerebrospinal fluid1–3. Animals lesioned in this way often appear normal, yet show many subtle behavioural abnormalities4. We have been examining one example of this phenomenon, the failure of 6-HDA-lesioned rats to increase food intake when given a systemic injection of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) (refs 5, 6). This glucose analogue seems to elicit feeding in intact rats due to its inhibition of glycolysis in cerebral chemoreceptor cells7,8. We have proposed9 that lesioned animals do not eat because of an insufficient central catecholaminergic response to the severe decrease in glucose utilisation induced by 2-DG (ref. 10). If so, then pretreatments which serve to augment this neurochemical response might be expected to reinstate behavioural function. Consistent with this hypothesis, very large increases in telencephalic tyrosine hydroxylase activity in 6-HDA-lesioned animals, which occur following chronic insulin treatment, are associated with the restoration of 2-DG-induced feeding11. Many of the physiological effects of catecholamines in the sympathetic nervous system seem to be mediated by an increase in the cyclic AMP concentration of the target cells. Methylxanthenes, such as caffeine and theophylline, inhibit phosphodiesterase, prevent cyclic AMP degradation, and thereby potentiate the catecholamine-stimulated rise in cyclic nucleotide12,13. They also enhance many of the behavioural and physiological effects of catecholamines12–15, presumably by the same mechanism. We therefore sought to determine whether the acute administration of those sympathomimetic agents, in intact and 6-HDA-lesioned rats, also would potentiate 2-DG-induced feeding, a behaviour that seems to be mediated, in part, by central catecholaminergic neurons. We report that caffeine restores the 2-DG-induced feeding response.
Toxicity study of continuous administration of physostigmine salicylate.

The present study demonstrates that continuous administration with physostigmine salicylate (0.12 or 0.24 mg/kg/hr via mini-osmotic pumps) induces toxicities (e.g., body weight loss, decreased water consumption, tremors, decreased body temperatures, mortality) in guinea pigs. Both blood and brain cholinesterase activity is inhibited dose-dependently by physostigmine salicylate. The signs of toxicity in the guinea pigs which received the low dose appeared within 2 or 3 days and then the animals recovered, while toxic signs in the guinea pigs treated with the high dose of the drug persisted throughout the experiments. The study further shows that continuous administration of physostigmine salicylate also caused down-regulation of muscarinic receptors in the striata of the guinea pigs.
A linear physically-based model for remote sensing of soil moisture using short wave infrared bands

Abstract Technological advances in satellite remote sensing have offered a variety of techniques for estimating surface soil water content as a key variable in numerous environmental studies. Optical methods are particularly valuable for remote sensing of soil moisture since reflected solar radiation is the strongest passive signal available to satellites and thus observations at optical wavelengths are capable of providing high spatial resolution data. Since remote sensors do not measure soil water content directly, mathematical algorithms that describe the connection between the measured signal and surface water content must be derived. Here, we present a physically-based soil moisture retrieval model in the solar domain (350–2500 nm) that is based on the Kubelka–Munk two-flux radiative transfer theory. The model is designed to describe diffuse reflectance from a uniform, optically thick, absorbing and scattering medium. The theory suggests a linear relationship between a transformed reflectance and soil water content in the short wave infrared bands (e.g. band 7 of Landsat and MODIS satellites) providing an easy-to-use algorithm in these bands. Accuracy of this model was tested and preliminarily verified using laboratory-measured spectral reflectance data of different soils. Further studies on potentials and challenges of this model for large-scale application using optical satellites data remain a topic of ongoing research.
Ranks of syzygies of perfect modules

Let R be a commutative ring with identity and M be a finitely generated perfect R-module of homological dimension n with a projective resolution F:0→Fn→fnfn−1→·→Fk→fkFk−1→·→F1→1F0→M→0 where rank fk is rk. In this paper, we show that for 1<k<n, the ideals Ir−1(fk),Ir−1(fk) and I(fk) have the same radical as the annihilator of M, provided either n is even or M is Gorenstein and n≡1mod4. Thus we show that the rank of the kth syzygy of M,rk≥3, for 1<k<Pd(M) if the module M is perfect of even homological dimension or Gorenstein and Pd(M)≡1mod4.
Study of Mitomycin C-induced chromosomal exchange

Mitomycin C-induced sister chromatic exchange and quadriradial formation were studied in chromosomes from Muntiacus muntjac fibroblasts and A9, a transformed mouse cell line. We present the first direct cytological evidence for the induction of true somatic recombination involving homologous chromosomes. Analysis of the quadriradials from Muntjac cells indicates a non-random distribution with respect to the chromosomes involved and with respect to the points of conjunction. Sister chromatid exchange and quadriradial formation may reflect the outcome of repair processes involving a high frequency of homologous exchanges in the interphase nucleus.
Magma generation on Mars: amounts, rates, and comparisons with Earth, moon, and venus.

Total extrusive and intrusive magma generated on Mars over the last approximately 3.8 billion years is estimated at 654 x 10 exp 6 cubic kilometers, or 0.17 cubic kilometers per year, substantially less than rates for earth (26 to 34 cu/km yr) and Venus (less than 20 cu/km yr) but much more than for the moon (0.025 cu/km yr). When scaled to earth's mass the Martian rate is much smaller than that for earth or Venus and slightly smaller than for the moon.
The volume of a tetrahedron

Abstract A formula for the volume of a tetrahedron in terms of the length of edges is given. It may be viewed as a generalization of Heron's formula to the volume of a tetrahedron.
Mapping the critical links between organizational culture and TQM/Six Sigma practices

Abstract This study investigates how organizational culture influences the implementation of different practices incorporated in the recent Six Sigma approach as well as those associated with traditional total quality management (TQM). We employed the competing values framework to capture the underlying value orientations of organizational culture. Using survey data collected from 226 US manufacturing plants, the relationships between four culture types and 10 TQM/Six Sigma practices were examined via the structural equation modeling technique. The results reveal the differential effects of the culture types on the implementation of TQM/Six Sigma practices. The implications of the links between different cultures and different TQM/Six Sigma practices are discussed. While the relationship between TQM practices and culture has been the subject of prior research, this is the first look at the relationship between organizational culture and a comprehensive set of quality management practices including the new Six Sigma practices. The understanding of the advantage of each culture type should help managers achieve effective implementation of TQM/Six Sigma practices from a holistic perspective of both quality management and culture.
Probability and fuzziness

We discuss some relationships between probability theory and statistics on one hand, and the theory of fuzzy sets on the other hand. We develop various statistical techniques for the analysis of imprecise data and for inference based on imprecise data. We study the estimation of fuzzy parameters, testing problems with fuzzy probabilities, and confidence estimation under uncertainty. Finally, we indicate some possible applications to the assessment of credibility in expert systems.
Interactions Between Alcohol‐ and Opioid‐Induced Suppression of Rat Testicular Steroidogenesis In Vivo

To examine interactions between alcohol and endogenous opioids in their suppressive effects on rat testicular function, the opioid antagonist naltrexone or the opioid agonist morphine was administered to adult male rats alone or in combination with alcohol. Serum testosterone, testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) testosterone, and TIF volumes were measured to assess testicular function. Naltrexone induced dose-dependent increases in serum and TIF testosterone levels without changes in TIF volume. Alcohol (0.5 g/kg) inhibited naltrex-one-induced stimulation of testosterone secretion and shifted the naltrexone dose-response curve to the right. Conversely, naltrexone (0.05 mg/kg) inhibited alcohol-induced suppression of testosterone secretion and shifted the alcohol dose-response curve to the right. Relatively high doses of naltrexone (5 to 30 mg/kg) were needed to stimulate testosterone secretion maximally in rats treated with a low dose of alcohol (0.5 g/kg) and to stimulate normal levels of testosterone secretion in rats treated with a high dose of alcohol (2 g/kg). In addition, combined treatment with 1 and 30 mg/kg of naltrexone and 0.5 to 2 g/kg of alcohol did not alter blood alcohol concentrations significantly, suggesting that the interactions between alcohol and naltrexone were unrelated to gross changes in alcohol metabolism or bioavailability factors. Simultaneous treatments with a low dose of alcohol (0.3 g/kg), near the threshold of efficacy, and low-moderate doses of morphine (0.3 to 3 mg/kg) were not additive in suppressing testosterone secretion, compared with either agent alone. These results support the hypothesis that opioid antagonists can reverse the suppressive effect of alcohol on testicular steroidogenesis, but the results also suggest that endogenous opioids do not exclusively mediate alcohol's effects on testosterone secretion.
PAC study of magnetic critical behavior and line broadening in La2CuO4

Abstract We report perturbed angular correlations studies of 111In diffused into La2CuO4 and find a mean field value of β = 0.50(4) in material with a Neel temperature of TN = 317 K. We also provide a calibration of the linewidth in La2−xSrxCuO4 supporting argument that TN = 317 K material is near stoichiometric.
Stability and degradation of the high‐intensity sweeteners: Aspartame, Alitame, and Sucralose

Abstract More than 170 million Americans consume low‐calorie foods and beverages. The interest of the consumer in low‐calorie foods that contain alternative sweeteners has grown. Currently, non‐nutritive high‐intensity sweeteners, aspartame and sucralose have been approved for use in the United States. Another sweetener, alitame, used in other countries such as Australia and China has not been granted approval for use in the States. The paper reviews the stability and degradation products of high‐intensity sweeteners, aspartame, alitame, and sucralose.
Integrated optical label read and payload envelope detection circuit for optical label swapping

We demonstrate the first integrated 10 Gbps optical label recovery and 40 Gbps optical payload envelope detector circuit. Error free optical label recovery, nanosecond payload envelope detection, and optical label swapping are demonstrated.
Economized large-scale production of high yield of rAAV for gene therapy applications exploiting baculovirus expression system.

Background The versatility of recombinant adeno-associated vector (rAAV) as a gene delivery system is due to the vector's ability to transduce different cell types as well as dividing and non-dividing cells. Large-scale production of rAAV remains one of the major challenges for continued development of pre-clinical and clinical studies, and for its potential commercialization. The baculovirus expression vectors (BEVS) and insect cells represent a potential method to produce rAAV economically at large scale. This technology uses three different BEVs (Bac-Rep, Bac-GFP, and Bac-VP) each at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 3. We reported previously the production of rAAV at 40 L scale using a stirred-tank bioreactor (STB). However, production in larger volumes is limited by the stability of the BEVs and amount of BEVs needed to achieve the target MOI of 3 per BEV. Here, the production parameters were optimized and the baculovirus stability was determined. Methods The stability of the three types of baculovirus used to produce rAAV was determined for six expansion passages by protein expression analysis. To economize baculovirus, MOI and cell density at time of infection (TOI) were evaluated initially at small scale and then applied to the 10 L scale. Results An MOI = 0.03 and TOI cell density of 1 × 106 cells/mL produced high titer rAAV without comprising yield. To confirm the scalability of the process, rAAV was produced in a 10 L STB using the optimized parameters obtaining a 10× increase in yield (∼1 × 1014 rAAV DNAse-resistant particles per liter). Conclusion These findings contribute to the process development for large-scale production of rAAV for gene therapy applications and its commercialization. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elevated expression of hepatic proliferative markers during early hepatocarcinogenesis in hepatitis-B virus transgenic mice lacking mdr1a-encoded P-glycoprotein.

Recent studies have shown that expression levels of the multidrug resistance gene MDR1, which encodes the drug transporter P-glycoprotein, correlate with prognostic outcomes of certain tumor types. These findings suggest that expression of MDR1 may affect tumor behaviors. To address this issue further, we investigated the expression of mdr1a, a human MDR1 homolog, on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in a transgenic mouse model carrying the liver-targeted expression of human hepatitis-B virus (HBV) surface antigen. The pathogenetic program was compared in HBV mice carrying either mdr1a(+/+) or mdr1a(−/−). We found that the expressions of proliferative activity markers, Ki67 nuclear antigen, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were elevated in mdr1a(−/−) mice younger than 10 wk in comparison with those in the same age group of wild-type animals. Replication in the hepatic population as determined by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation tended to support observation that mdr1a(−/−) mice exhibited elevated labeling indices in this age group. Moreover, histologic staining and flow-cytometric analysis showed that the mdr1a(−/−) animals exhibited a higher cell population with polyploidy than did the mdr1a(+/+) counterparts of the same age. However, no significant differences in the expression of the liver-injury markers serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were observed. Although our results showed that absence of mdr1a expression is correlated with modest enhanced proliferative characteristics in the livers at stage before the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, the overall life spans between these two strains of mice were not significantly different. The implication of these findings to the role of P-glycoprotein in tumor development and cancer chemotherapy is discussed. Mol. Carcinog. 29:103–111, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Valence band photoelectron spectra of platinum cyanides

Abstract Valence band X-ray photoelectron spectra of K 2 [Pt(CN) 4 ]·3H 2 O (1), K 2 [Pt(CN) 4 ]Cl 0.3 · x H 2 O ( 2 ), and K 2 [Pt(CN) 4 Cl 2 ]·3H 2 O ( 3 ), and the ultraviolet photoelectron spectrum of ( 2 ) have been recorded. These spectra imply that the binding energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) in ( 1 ) is greater than in ( 2 ). A band-like character for the HOMO of ( 2 ) with finite electron density at the Fermi level is consistent with this observation. The photoelectron spectra are correlated with the solid state electronic absorption spectra. Shifts in the K 3 binding energies are attributed to considerable differences in lattice site potentials between ( 1 ) and ( 2 ).
Reducing vascular disease risk in the type 2 diabetic patient.

Editor–in–Chief, The Journal of Clinical Lipidology, Charles Howard Candler Professor of Internal Medicine Emeritus, Emory University School of Medicine, 1670 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30033, USA (Dr. Brown); Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA (Dr. Goldberg); Professor of Medicine, Immunology and Pathology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA (Dr. Lopes-Virella); Staff Physician and Chief of the Nutrition Support Team, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA (Dr. Lopes-Virella); and Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Arizona, Adjunct Research Professor, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA (Dr. Reaven)
Modern burn care

Abstract : Both the number of burns and the mortality rate for burn victims in the U.S. have steadily declined over the last two decades. The real cure is prevention, indicating the importance of legislation. The U.S. Army Burn Center at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX.
Reducing surgically induced astigmatism by using a scleral tunnel

We conducted a prospective study of 36 eyes undergoing pars plana lensectomy, vitrectomy, and implantation of an intraocular lens. We used a scleral tunnel begun 3 mm posterior to the corneoscleral limbus and entered the anterior chamber through clear cornea. We found that this technique produced minimal postoperative astigmatism. After follow-up periods ranging from three to 15 months, the average change in the flatter meridian was –0.07 diopter and that in the steeper meridian was +0.26 diopter. The mean induced astigmatism was –0.33 diopter. A group of nine eyes undergoing pars plana lensectomy and vitrectomy alone showed no significant changes in the postoperative astigmatism. Statistical comparisons established that there was no significant difference between eyes undergoing intraocular lens implantation in addition to pars plana lensectomy and vitrectomy and those not undergoing intraocular lens implantation.
Special Delivery: Granulin Brings CpG DNA to Toll-like Receptor 9

Foreign DNA activates the innate immune response through Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). In this issue of Immunity, Park et al. (2011) present evidence that granulin is a cofactor for TLR9 activation, delivering CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides to TLR9 in endolysosomes.
Electrophysiological studies of the olfactory system of the goldfish, Carassius auratus L. I. Modification of the electrical activity of the olfactory bulb by other central nervous structures.

Abstract 1. 1. Sectioning of the olfactory tract of goldfish results in augmentation of the electrical response in the olfactory bulb evoked by chemical stimulation of the olfactory epithelium. 2. 2. Furthermore, it alters the characteristics of potentials in the bulb evoked by single electrical stimuli applied to the olfactory epithelium. 3. 3. Electrical stimuli applied to the opposite olfactory bulb, or to the anterior commissure depress both intrinsic and afferent-evoked electrical activity of the bulb. 4. 4. Electrical stimuli applied to the homolateral telencephalon also affects olfactory bulbar activity in a complex way, dependent on stimulus frequency. 5. 5. All of these results, in sum, indicate that olfactory bulbar responses to normal afferent stimuli can be modulated by influences from the other bulb and from more posterior parts of the brain.
Grade 4 cystocele repair using four-defect repair and porcine xenograft acellular matrix (Pelvicol): outcome measures using SEAPI.

Abstract Objectives To determine the efficacy of grade 4 cystocele repair using the four-defect repair (FDR) or modified FDR with porcine xenograft matrix (FDR+Pelvicol). Methods During a 4-year period, 45 women underwent grade 4 cystocele repair. Of the 45 patients, 43 (95.5%) were available for follow-up. The mean age was 65 years. Patients presented with the following problems: grade 4 cystocele in 43 (100.0%), stress urinary incontinence in 24 (55.8%), urge urinary incontinence in 26 (60.4%), and obstructive voiding symptoms in 26 (60.4%). Patients were evaluated using the stress, emptying, anatomic, protection, and instability (SEAPI) test. We performed FDR in the first consecutive 24 (55.8%) and FDR+Pelvicol in the remaining 19 (44.2%) patients. Cystocele repair was accompanied by other transvaginal repair in 38 (88.3%) of the 43 patients. Results The mean follow-up time was 15 months. A comparison of the preoperative and postoperative SEAPI scores of 0, representing the absence of complaints, revealed a statistically significant improvement in all the SEAPI domains using McNemar's test. Cystocele recurred in 3 patients (6.9%), all in the Pelvicol subgroup. Two patients (4.7%) had postoperative urinary retention. De novo urge incontinence occurred in 2 patients (11.7%). No infection, erosion, fistula, or vaginal stenosis have been reported. Conclusions Grade 4 cystocele repair using FDR or FDR+Pelvicol are two effective methods of cystocele repair. Although cystocele failures occurred exclusively in the Pelvicol+FDR subgroup, their small number and asymptomatic presentation did not result in statistical or clinical significance at this point. Both techniques are simple, efficacious, and well tolerated by patients. Follow-up is ongoing to evaluate the durability of the techniques.
The Appropriateness of Use of Cardiovascular Procedures in Women and Men

Objective: To determine whether there are differences between women and men in the appropriateness of use of cardiovascular procedures. Design: Retrospective chart review. Setting: Thirty hospitals located in New York State. Patients: Random sample of 3979 patients undergoing coronary angiography, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, or coronary artery bypass graft surgery in 1990. Measures: We evaluated two measures: (1) the percent of women and men who underwent cardiovascular procedures for appropriate, uncertain, and inappropriate indications and (2) for coronary angiography patients, the prognostic exercise stress treadmill score that predicts before the coronary angiogram the 5-year probability of death from a cardiovascular event. Results: The inappropriate rate of use of cardiovascular procedures was low and not significantly different for men and women (4% vs 5% for coronary angiography; 4% vs 3% for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty; and 2% vs 3% for coronary artery bypass graft surgery, respectively), and the use of these procedures for uncertain reasons also did not vary significantly by gender. There was also no significant gender difference in the predicted risk of death from a cardiovascular event for coronary angiography patients: 24% of men and 22% of women were at high risk (ie, Conclusion: Based on two indicators, the RAND appropriateness score and the Duke prognostic exercise treadmill score, we were unable to find any evidence of a difference in the clinical appropriateness of use of these three cardiovascular procedures between women and men. (Arch Intern Med. 1994;154:2759-2765)
Parents' Perceptions of Communication Patterns and Effectiveness of Use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems by Their Children With Angelman Syndrome

Purpose The author describes communication patterns and outcomes of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention for individuals with Angelman syndrome. Method Parents self-administered a web-based survey using Qualtrics software. A series of rating scales and closed questions were used to gather information about individuals' current methods of communication, including AAC devices they were using. Individuals' uses of their single most advanced AAC devices were further explored in terms of associated importance, usefulness, success, acceptance, and functional outcomes. Results Nonsymbolic methods of communication proved to be very important to individuals, as did electronic AAC devices, although to a lesser extent. Individuals tended to have access to more than one electronic device concurrently. Although numerous devices were cited, mobile technologies, particularly iPads, were especially prevalent. This represented a significant change from a previous investigation. Overall, device use...
Yield information and supplier responsiveness in remanufacturing operations

Abstract When making used product disassembly and procurement decisions, managers of remanufacturing facilities usually face limited information on remanufacturing yields or a potentially long supplier lead time. To help making the decision, managers may attempt to identify the reparable parts early in the recovery process, to develop a responsive supplier with reactive capacity, or to implement an information system that helps to identify the wear state of the used machines that are available for remanufacturing. This paper provides optimal lot-size policies for each of these scenarios, which are then used to compare the relative value of the alternatives under a broad range of parameters. We find that: (1) as the yield variance increases, the benefits of developing early detection capability of the process yield at the disassembly stage outweigh the advantage of having suppliers with short lead times; (2) as the shortage cost increases, it is preferable to have a responsive supplier that can deliver with short lead times; and (3) as the purchase, repair or holding cost increase, it is preferable to have the capability to detect process yield early.
Macrophage LRP1 suppresses neo-intima formation during vascular remodeling by modulating the TGF-β signaling pathway.

Background Vascular remodeling in response to alterations in blood flow has been shown to modulate the formation of neo-intima. This process results from a proliferative response of vascular smooth muscle cells and is influenced by macrophages, which potentiate the development of the intima. The LDL receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is a large endocytic and signaling receptor that recognizes a number of ligands including apoE-containing lipoproteins, proteases and protease-inhibitor complexes. Macrophage LRP1 is known to influence the development of atherosclerosis, but its role in vascular remodeling has not been investigated. Methodology/Principal Findings To define the contribution of macrophage LRP1 to vascular remodeling, we generated macrophage specific LRP1-deficient mice (macLRP1-/-) on an LDL receptor (LDLr) knock-out background. Using a carotid ligation model, we detected a 2-fold increase in neointimal thickening and a 2-fold increase in the intima/media ratio in macLRP1-/- mice. Quantitative RT-PCR arrays of the remodeled vessel wall identified increases in mRNA levels of the TGF-β2 gene as well as the Pdgfa gene in macLRP1-/- mice which could account for the alterations in vascular remodeling. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed increased activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway in macLRP1-/- mice. Further, we observed that LRP1 binds TGF-β2 and macrophages lacking LRP1 accumulate twice as much TGF-β2 in conditioned media. Finally, TNF-α modulation of the TGF-β2 gene in macrophages is attenuated when LRP1 is expressed. Together, the data reveal that LRP1 modulates both the expression and protein levels of TGF-β2 in macrophages. Conclusions/Significance Our data demonstrate that macrophage LRP1 protects the vasculature by limiting remodeling events associated with flow. This appears to occur by the ability of macrophage LRP1 to reduce TGF-β2 protein levels and to attenuate expression of the TGF-β2 gene resulting in suppression of the TGF-β signaling pathway.
Caregiver Perceptions of Clinical Decision-Making for the Treatment of Children

Many sources of information impact one’s clinical decision-making (CDM) (e.g. clinical intuition, previous experience, research results). Relatively little is known about the clients’ perspectives of these factors. The current study is an examination of perceptions of the favorability of various CDM influences held by caregivers of children presenting for mental health treatment (n = 371). Responses to a questionnaire showed that caregivers overwhelmingly favored a treatment decision based on current scientific research, with one’s clinical experience being the second most favored influence. Other influences, such as colleague consultation and clinical intuition, were less favorable.
Abstract 5377: Low donor thymic output predicts increased incidence of extensive chronic GVHD and worse overall survival after TCD-matched sibling SCT

Low CD4+ T cell counts early post-SCT are associated with a greater risk of developing chronic GVHD (cGVHD). However, the factors affecting post graft CD4+ T cell recovery are not known. Furthermore, the CD4 T cell subset correlating best with protection from cGvHD is not defined. We hypothesized that the donor immune repertoire determines CD4+ reconstitution after SCT. We studied 220 donor-recipient pairs undergoing a myeloablative matched-sibling T-cell depleted SCT for a variety of hematological malignancies including AML, ALL, CML, and MDS. Median donor and patient age was 36 years (range, 9 - 70). Median CD34+ cell dose was 5.56 x10 6 /kg (range, 2.3-14.5), with a fixed T cell dose per protocol of 1-5 x10 4 /kg. Ninety-four patients (43%) developed chronic GvHD (32 limited, 64 extensive). Prior to SCT a cryopreserved mononuclear fraction (PBMC) was obtained by leukopheresis on all donors. PBMC from 139 donors were stained with fluorescently conjugated antibodies and acquired on a custom-built LSR Fortessa (BD) flow cytometer. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and Treg subsets were identified within the CD4+ T cell population using a combination of FOXP3 and Helios. The combination of FOXP3 with Helios has recently been shown to identify natural, thymus-derived Tregs (nTregs), whereas CD4+FOXP3+ T cells lacking Helios represent a pool of induced Tregs (Thornton et al., 2010, J Immunol. 184:3433-3441). Combined expression of CD31 and CD45RA in the CD4+ and nTreg populations was used to identify recent thymic emigrants (RTE). Absolute lymphocyte counts in 220 donors were 2.11/µl (range 0.89 - 4.12). A low absolute lymphocyte count was significantly correlated with a higher cumulative probability for time to incidence of extensive cGVHD (HR 2.38, p = 0.0008). This relationship between lymphocytes and cGVHD was retained in CD4+ T cell subsets: CD3+CD4+ (HR 2.48, p = 0.005); CD3+CD4+CD25+ Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5377. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5377