cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A randomized trial comparing primary angioplasty versus stent placement for symptomatic intracranial stenosis

Background: Both primary angioplasty alone and angioplasty with a self-expanding stent have been compared in non-randomized concurrent clinical studies that suggest equivalent results. However, there is no randomized trial that has compared the two procedures in patients with symptomatic high grade intracranial stenosis. Objective: The primary aim of the randomized trial was to compare the clinical and angiographic efficacy of primary angioplasty and angioplasty followed by stent placement in preventing restenosis, stroke, requirement for second treatment, and death in patients with symptomatic intracranial stenosis. Methods: The study prospectively evaluated efficacy and safety of the two existing neurointerventional techniques for treatment of moderate intracranial stenosis (stenosis ≥ 50%) with documented failure of medical treatment or severe stenosis (≥70%) with or without failure of medical treatment. Results: A total of 18 patients were recruited in the study (mean age [±SD] was 64.7 ± 15.1 years); out of these, 12 were men. Of these 18, 10 were treated with primary angioplasty and 8 were treated with angioplasty followed by self-expanding stent. The technical success rates of intracranial angioplasty and stent placements defined as ability to achieve <30% residual stenosis when assessed by immediate post-procedure angiography was 5 of 10 and 5 of 8 patients, respectively. The total fluoroscopic time (mean [±SD]) was lower in patients undergoing primary angioplasty 37 [±11] min versus those undergoing angioplasty followed by self-expanding stent 42 [±15] min, P = 0.4321. The stroke and death rate within 1 month was very low in both patient groups (1 of 10 versus 0 of 8 patients). One patient randomized to stent placement continued to have recurrent ischemic symptoms requiring another angioplasty in the vertebral artery on post-procedure Day 2. Conclusions: The trial suggests that a randomized trial comparing primary angioplasty to angioplasty followed by stent placement is feasible. The immediate procedural outcomes with primary angioplasty are comparable to stent placement and warrant further studies.
Cannabinoid/Endocannabinoid signaling impact on early pregnancy events.

It has been known for decades that marijuana and its major psychoactive component Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) alter both male and female reproductive functions in humans and laboratory animals. The discovery of cannabinoid-like molecules (endocannabinoids), anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2AG), as well as G-protein-coupled cannabinoid/endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, created an opportunity to study the adverse and beneficial effects of cannabinoids/endocannabinoids on fertility using molecular, physiological and genetic approaches. In fact, studies to explore the significance of cannabinoid/endocannabinoid signaling in reproduction have revealed some intriguing physiological roles in early pregnant events. This review summarizes some aspects of these signaling molecules in preimplantation and implantation biology utilizing genetically engineered mouse models.
Raver1 Interactions with Vinculin and RNA Suggest a Feed-Forward Pathway in Directing mRNA to Focal Adhesions

The translational machinery of the cell relocalizes to focal adhesions following the activation of integrin receptors. This response allows for rapid, local production of components needed for adhesion complex assembly and signaling. Vinculin links focal adhesions to the actin cytoskeleton following its activation by integrin signaling, which severs intramolecular interactions of vinculin's head and tail (Vt) domains. Our vinculin:raver1 crystal structures and binding studies show that activated Vt selectively interacts with one of the three RNA recognition motifs of raver1, that the vinculin:raver1 complex binds to F-actin, and that raver1 binds selectively to RNA, including a sequence found in vinculin mRNA. Further, mutation of residues that mediate interaction of raver1 with vinculin abolish their colocalization in cells. These findings suggest a feed-forward model where vinculin activation at focal adhesions provides a scaffold for recruitment of raver1 and its mRNA cargo to facilitate the production of components of adhesion complexes.
Are We Heeding the Warning Signs? Examining Providers’ Overrides of Computerized Drug-Drug Interaction Alerts in Primary Care

BackgroundHealth IT can play a major role in improving patient safety. Computerized physician order entry with decision support can alert providers to potential prescribing errors. However, too many alerts can result in providers ignoring and overriding clinically important ones. ObjectiveTo evaluate the appropriateness of providers’ drug-drug interaction (DDI) alert overrides, the reasons why they chose to override these alerts, and what actions they took as a consequence of the alert. DesignA cross-sectional, observational study of DDI alerts generated over a three-year period between January 1st, 2009, and December 31st, 2011. SettingPrimary care practices affiliated with two Harvard teaching hospitals. The DDI alerts were screened to minimize the number of clinically unimportant warnings. ParticipantsA total of 24,849 DDI alerts were generated in the study period, with 40% accepted. The top 62 providers with the highest override rate were identified and eight overrides randomly selected for each (a total of 496 alert overrides for 438 patients, 3.3% of the sample). ResultsOverall, 68.2% (338/496) of the DDI alert overrides were considered appropriate. Among inappropriate overrides, the therapeutic combinations put patients at increased risk of several specific conditions including: serotonin syndrome (21.5%, n=34), cardiotoxicity (16.5%, n=26), or sharp falls in blood pressure or significant hypotension (28.5%, n=45). A small number of drugs and DDIs accounted for a disproportionate share of alert overrides. Of the 121 appropriate alert overrides where the provider indicated they would “monitor as recommended”, a detailed chart review revealed that only 35.5% (n=43) actually did. Providers sometimes reported that patients had already taken interacting medications together (15.7%, n=78), despite no evidence to confirm this. Conclusions and RelevanceWe found that providers continue to override important and useful alerts that are likely to cause serious patient injuries, even when relatively few false positive alerts are displayed.
Solar water splitting to generate hydrogen fuel—a photothermal electrochemical analysis

Theory1 and experiment2 are derived for highly efficient photothermal electrochemical solar water splitting to provide clean, renewable sources of hydrogen fuel. The theory derives semiconductor band-gap-restricted, thermal enhanced, solar water splitting efficiencies, combining photodriven charge transfer, with excess sub-band-gap insolation to lower the water potential. Fundamental water thermodynamics and solar photosensitizer constraints determine solar to hydrogen fuel conversion efficiencies in the 50% range over a wide range of insolation, temperature, pressure and photosensitizer band-gap conditions. Experimentally, a novel physical chemical process within molten NaOH is demonstrated, in which an external single, small band-gap photosentizer, such as Si, can drive the energetics of water cleavage. This is accomplished by tuning (decreasing) the water splitting electrochemical potential, EH2O, rather than tuning the photosensitizer band gap; this diminished potential is due to (i) thermodynamic temperature induced decrease of EH2O with increasing temperature, and (ii) partial recombination of the cleavage products.
Persistence and Reversal in Herd Behavior: Theory and Application to the Decision to Go Public

We model rational herd behavior when the underlying value changes over time, with payoffs that are either dependent or independent of the underlying value. We show that herding does not last forever and is not monotone in signal quality. High correlation among agents' actions does not necessarily imply herding. This suggests alternative empirical methods are needed to detect herding. The model has many applications, including the IPO decision in which payoffs are state dependent. The model implies that the decision to go public is more likely associated with herding than the decision to delay an IPO. Copyright 2002, Oxford University Press.
Patterns of Energy Levels and Spectra for Polyatomic Molecules

Laser spectroscopy has revealed a remarkable intricacy in the rotational, vibrational, and electronic energy levels for polyatomic molecules. The infrared spectra of SF6, (1-1~ CF4, (11'12) and related molecules contain several levels of structure on top of structure which resembles a fractal in some ways. The purpose of this paper will be to exhibit some of this structure and introduce the simplest theoretical interpretations of it which are presently available. (~ 3) The theoretical interpretations are based upon quantum and semiclassical models for the dynamics of angular momenta for electronic and nuclear orbits and spins. The models show that very complex spectra can be understood in terms of comparatively simple nonlinear classical rotational dynamics combined with certain quantum tunneling processes. ~14'~5) The time scales for the classical and quantum motions vary over many orders of magnitude, and this accounts for the intricate structure of the molecular spectra.
Antifouling Adaptations of Caridean Shrimps: Cleaning of the Antennal Flagellum and General Body Grooming

Structural specializations of chelipeds used by caridean shrimp in two kinds of grooming activity are described. In general body grooming, the chelipeds, and in some species, the last walking legs, nip, pick or brush material from the exoskeleton. When the cleaning chelipeds are the second pair, the carpal segment is multisegmented, increasing distal flexibility which aids in grooming. Tufts of compound setae and setal “chela locks” are characteristic of cleaning chelae. In representatives from 13 of 15 caridean families surveyed, brushes of serrate setae surround the carpal-propodal joint of the first cheliped. This setal structure is used in the specific task of cleaning the chemotactile antennal flagellum. Cleaning brushes on the last walking legs of some species are involved in general body cleaning. Experiments on Heptacarpus pictus showed that when the cleaning chelipeds were ablated, body parts became fouled with epizoites and particulate debris in experimental shrimps, while control shrimps showed little fouling. Suggestions on the adaptive role of general body cleaning in these natant animals are discussed. A survey of cleaning characters in representatives from 15 caridean families suggest that such characters are rather constant within a family. A possible correlation between the taxonomic success of a family and the degree of development of general body cleaning is suggested.
BRST transformations for an affine gauge model of gravity with local GL(4, R) symmetry

Abstract BRST transformations are constructed for the fields in an affine gauge model of gravity with spontaneously broken local GL (4, R ) symmetry, as a step in the quantization procedure. The invariance of the quantum action under these transformations holds under general gauge fixing conditions.
Nano-optics: Steering Dyakonov-like waves.

The propagation direction of low-loss electromagnetic surface waves can be tuned over tens of degrees by small changes in the dielectric environment.
Enhancing the Heat Transfer in Energy Systems From a Volumetric Approach

Many energy systems rely on flat surfaces for energy conversion. The simplest example is the solar thermal collector which absorbs solar irradiance on a flat plate and then transfers heat via conduction, convection and radiation to both the surroundings and more importantly to the working fluid. Conversely a night-sky radiator tries to lose heat via convection and radiation to ambient and night sky respectively while being coupled either via convection or conduction to higher temperature system. The recent advent of nanoparticles, particularly liquid-nanoparticle suspensions termed nanofluids, have led to novel systems that can reduce some of these heat transfer steps by utilizing the whole fluid volume directly. This study looks at the advantages afforded by using the volumetric approach on both the radiative properties of the system and the simplification of the heat transfer networks within these systems.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Absence of ABH antigens on neutrophils

Summary Many investigators have concluded that polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) express ABH antigens in parallel to red cells (RBC). We have examined human PMN for ABH antigens using human isoantibodies and mouse monoclonal antibodies with three highly sensitive and specific two-stage assay systems: (1) fluorescence flow cytometry, (2) immunofluorescence microscopy, and (3) avidinbiotin immunoperoxidase microscopy. In all three assays the ABH antigens could not be detected on the surface of PMN. Previous reports alleging that ABH antigens occur on PMN probably represent false positive reactions due to inherent technical problems.
On instability of asymptotic freedom of supergauge Yang-Mills theory

Abstract Asymptotic freedom is examined in detail for a simple supergauge symmetry model of Yang-Mills type. Although the model of perfect symmetry is asymptotically free, the symmetry limit is not realized as a local minimum in every direction in the parameter space of independent coupling constants if one starts with approximate supergauge symmetry. In spite of the unstable nature of the perfect symmetry limit, breaking due to soft operators explicitly or spontaneously does not ruin the asymptoic freedom. This leads us to speculate on a new possibility of achieving the asymptotic freedom without massless particles in the ordinary Yang-Mills theory.
Effect of boron additions on the ductility and fracture behavior of Ni3Al single crystals

Abstract The effect of B additions on the ductility and fracture behavior of Ni3Al single crystals has been investigated. Tensile tests at low and high temperatures were carried out in air at constant strain rate for two selected orientations. The results show a positive effect of B additions on both the ductility and the fracture stress at room temperature, but not at high temperatures. The largest improvement in ductility over that found for the pure material was found for additions of 0.2 at.% B. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the fracture surfaces shows a combination of massive slip on {111} planes, some regions with cleavage-like appearance, and heavily dimpled areas. The improvement in ductility at room temperature has been explained in terms of the increased interfacial strength between the metal matrix and Ca-rich non-metallic inclusions on which the microvoids nucleate. The observations presented show that B additions improve the ductility of both polycrystalline and single crystalline Ni3Al. It is suggested that a “bulk effect” should be considered in addition to the grain boundary strengthening effect of B when explaining the improvement in ductility of polycrystalline Ni3Al due to B additions.
Pooling data versus averaging model fits for some prototypical multinomial processing tree models

Abstract For a study with multinomial data where there are n g individuals and with each person having n r test trials, the question arises as to how to fit the parameters of a multinomial processing tree (MPT) model. Should each parameter be estimated for each individual and then averaged to obtain a group estimate, or should the frequencies in the multinomial categories be pooled so that the model is fit once for the entire group? This basic question is explored with a series of Monte Carlo simulations for some prototypical MPT models. There is a general finding of a pooling advantage for the case where there is a single experimental condition. Also when there are different experimental conditions, there is reduced bias for detecting condition differences for a method based on the pooled data. Although the focus of the paper is on multinomial models, a general theorem is advanced that establishes a basic condition that determines whether there is or is not a difference between the averaging of individual estimates and the estimate based on the pooled data.
Light Chain Proteinuria and Cellular Mediated Immunity in Rifampin Treated Patients with Tuberculosis

Light chain proteinuria was found in 9 of 17 tuberculosis patients treated with rifampin. Concomitant assay of cellular mediated immunity in these patients using skin test antigen and a lymphokine in vitro test provided results that were different. Response to Varidase skin test antigen was negative for all eight tuberculosis patients tested, but there occurred a hyper-responsiveness of the lymphocytes of these eight patients to phytomitogen (PHA-P) as well as of those of seven other tuberculous patients. This last finding may be related to time of testing and/or endogenous serum binding of rifampin which could have inhibited mitogen activity for the lymphocyte.
Significance of lead isotope composition in blood.

THERE have been several attempts1–6 to identify the sources of lead in the air and vegetable or animal tissue by analysis of stable isotopes. Blood sampling is the easiest means of conducting a large scale investigation of lead in the human body. Here I report some measurements as part of an exploration of the feasibility of such a programme.
Estrogen receptors in neuropeptide Y neurons: at the crossroads of feeding and reproduction

Hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons function as physiological integrators in at least two different neuroendocrine systems – one governing feeding and the other controlling reproduction. Estrogen might modulate both systems by regulating NPY gene expression; it might reduce food intake by suppressing NPY expression, and evoke reproductive hormone surges by stimulating it. How can estrogen exert opposing effects in an ostensibly homogeneous NPY neuronal population? Recent work with immortalized NPY-producing cells suggests that the ratio of estrogen receptor α:estrogen receptor β can determine the direction and temporal pattern of transcriptional responses to estrogen. Because this ratio might itself be physiologically regulated, these findings provide one explanation for multiple neuropeptidergic responses to a single steroid hormone.
Peptide YY in adolescent athletes with amenorrhea, eumenorrheic athletes and non-athletic controls

Background Bone mineral density (BMD) is lower in amenorrheic athletes (AA) compared with eumenorrheic athletes (EA). Decreased energy availability and altered levels of appetite regulating hormones (ghrelin and leptin) in AA contribute to hypogonadism, an important cause of low BMD. The role of other nutritionally regulated hormones such as peptide YY (PYY) and adiponectin in mediating gonadal status and bone metabolism remains to be determined.
Adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-dependent protein kinases of myocardial non-histone nuclear proteins.

Abstract Myocardial acidic non-histone nuclear proteins (NHPs) contain endogenous protein kinase activity. Phosphocellulose chromatography of purified NHPs identifies nine separate peaks of protein kinases which can phosphorylate both endogenous and exogenous substrates to a variable degree; endogenous NHPs are the best substrates. Cyclic AMP-stimulated protein kinase induced phosphorylation of endogenous and exogenous substrates; the extent of this stimulation varied according to the protein kinase fraction and substrate used. Cyclic AMP also enhanced NHP-indouced stimulation of RNA polymerase activity. This enhancement was dependent on protein kinase-induced phosphorylation of NHPs since it was prevented by alkaline phosphatase pretreatment. It is concluded that nuclear protein kinases regulate myocardial RNA synthesis by enhancing phosphorylation of NHPs and that this regulation is under cyclic AMP control.
Examination of Middle-School Students' Independent Use of a Complex Mnemonic System.

Abstract The purpose of the present 2-experiment study was to determine whether a recently developed mnemonic numeric strategy could be used more independently by middle school students. In the context of associating various 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century inventions with their dates, the authors found that students could successfully implement the strategy in a group-instructional context (as opposed to the one-on-one individual administrations of earlier investigations). The students were not, however, able to take the basic components of the strategy and effectively apply them without complete mnemonic pictorial support. That is, students did not create their own memory-enhancing visual images in the absence of instructor-provided interactive line drawings. The results are consistent with those of previous research documenting that less sophisticated learners (including middle school students) are unable to apply complex mnemonic strategies independently unless they are provided with sufficient auxiliar...
Sources, Distribution, and Mixing of Late Pleistocene and Holocene Sands on the South Texas Continental Shelf

ABSTRACT Gross grain shape and mineralogical analyses were used to determine the source, distribution, and mixing of late Pleistocene and Holocene sands on the South Texas continental shelf. Two major gross grain-shape types are found to be present in varying proportions in the sands of this shelf. The first sand type is associated with sands which are relatively enriched in plutonic-metamorphic quartz, volcanic quartz, feldspar and igneous and metamorphic rock fragments, and thus is considered to represent first-cycle sands derived from the Llano Uplift and the silicic volcanic rocks of the Southwest U.S. The second sand type is associated with more quartzose sands rich in sedimentary quartz and sedimentary rock fragments, and is considered to represent multicyclic sands eroded from the Texas Coastal Plain and High Plains. Variations in the relative proportions of these sand types in the sands of the nearshore/inner shelf region reflect both the changing sources of the sand and their transport, mixing, and convergence by modern nearshore processes. Three distinct sedimentary petrologic provinces, corresponding to three provinces previously defined by heavy mineral analysis (Van Andel and Poole 1960), are defined herein on the basis of their relative content of first- and multicyclic sand. Modern sands of the first of these provinces, the Rio Grande, are derived from the drainage basin of the Rio Grande and characteristically contain high proportions of first-cycle sand; such sands are presently found in the nearshore/inner shelf region between the mouth of the Rio Grande and the 27°N latitude to the north of the mouth of the river. Modern sands of the second province, the Texas Coast, are derived largely from the drainage basins of the South Texas coastal plain rivers and characteristically contain high proportions of multicyclic sand; such sands are presently transported southwestward by longshore currents to the 27°N latitude, where they converge with the northward-transported sands of the Rio Grande Province. Modern sands of the third province, the Western Gulf, are derived from the drainage basins of the Colorado and Brazos rivers and characteristically contain high proportions of first-cycle sands', such sands are also transported by longshore currents towards the southwest, where they are gradually diluted by Texas Coast Province sands. Sands of these three provinces are also found in the relict late Pleistocene fluvial and deltaic sediments on the outer part of the South Texas shelf. Previous studies had considered the fluvial and deltaic sediments on the northern part of the shelf to be entirely derived from the Western Gulf Province; however, this study shows that the relict fluvial deposits of certain South Texas coastal plain rivers which occur on the northern part of the shelf should be assigned to the Texas Coast Province. In all, multicyclic sands constitute approximately 48% of the late Pleistocene and Holocene sand of the South Texas continental shelf.
Intercalating agents as probes of the spatial relationship between chromatin components.

Summary Specific histone lysine residues are methylated by a chromatinbound methyltransferase in cell nuclei incubated with S-adenosylmethionine, as monitored by uptake of radiomethyl. The stimulation of this process by aromatic cations via intercalation into the DNA double helix suggests a valuable new approach to investigating DNA-histone-nonhistone protein interactions in intact chromatin.
Octopus‐shaped instabilities of evaporating drops

We report on instabilities during spreading of volatile liquids, with emphasis on the novel instability observed when isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is deposited on a monocrystaline Si wafer. This instability is characterized by emission of drops ahead of the expanding front, with each drop followed by smaller, satellite droplets, forming the structures which we nickname ‘octopi’ due to their appearance. A less volatile liquid, or a substrate of larger heat conductivity, suppress this instability. We have formulated a theoretical model that reproduces the main features of the experiment. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of penicillin instability on interpretation of feedback regulation experiments

The stability of penicillin G during production is reviewed and compared to reports on end-product regulation of penicillin biosynthesis. From this analysis, it appears that penicillin control of its own synthesis when added exogenously at the beginning of the process has not been proven, since the apparent decrease of net accumulation can be explained by gradual hydrolysis of the added penicillin. It is also concluded that the maximum amount of penicillin accumulated normally is not controlled by penicillin, but rather by its stability and the ability of the cells to maintain a high synthetic rate over extended time periods.
Prognostic value of different cardiac MRI parameters for the diagnosis of myocarditis.

Results 209 cases were reviewed; mean age 47 and 58% men. 74 (35%) patients were diagnosed with myocarditis based on CMR. The number of patients with 0, 1, 2 and 3 criteria positive was 70 (33%), 65 (31%), 49 (23%) and 25 (12%) respectively. Age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, CAD, prior CHF and CRI were similar among all groups. There was a trend for higher prevalence of NYHA class III or IV in myocarditis patients (17% vs 7.8 %; P=0.05). Baseline LVEF was 48.44±18 by TTE and 46±21 by CMR with no significant differences between groups. Mean increase in LVEF at 6 months by TTE for patients with 0, 1, 2 and 3 criteria positive was 5±10, 13±11, 11±10 and 6±12 (P=0.147). Mean change in LVEF for three myocarditis groups based on abnormal T1 and T2, T1 and DE or T2 and DE was 10±9, 10±7 and 7±9 (P=0.39). MACE was achieved in 20 (37%) patients with myocarditis and 21 (23%) patients without the diagnosis (P=0.078). The rate of MACE in patients with 0, 1, 2 and 3 positive criteria was 11 (22%), 10 (25%), 13 (37%) and 7 (37%) (P=0.127 and 0.21 for 0 vs 2 and 0 vs 3 criteria). The three groups based on positive T1 and T2, T1 and DE or T2 and DE had MACE rates of 3 (23%), 5 (38%) and 5 (38%) with no significant differences on pairwise comparisons.
The mechanism of elevated alkaline phosphatase activity after bile duct ligation in the rat

Alkaline phosphatase activity in the liver and intestine increases after bile duct ligation, reportedly by increased enzyme synthesis. To ascertain the mechanism of this increased synthesis in the absence of a cDNA clone encoding the enzyme, we have estimated the concentration of liver and intestinal alkaline phosphatase mRNA by translational analysis. Monospecific antiserum to rat placental alkaline phosphatase was raised. The resulting antiserum precipitated two peptides of 53 and 56 kd after translation of liver poly(A) + RNA. The precipitation of both peptides was blocked by the single 64 kd placental alkaline phosphatase. Processing of the cell-free products by microsomal membranes produced peptides of 62 and 64 kd. Antiserum to rat intestinal alkaline phosphatase also identified two peptides as products of intestinal RNA translation. After bile duct ligation, we confirmed a transient 2-fold increase in alkaline phosphatase activity in the intestine and a more constant 7-fold increase in the liver. However, the alkaline phosphatase mRNA concentration remained unchanged in both organs. We conclude that increased alkaline phosphatase synthesis after bile duct ligation results from an enhanced rate of translation of mRNA.
Forecasting the efficiency of the sequential aerosol technique for tsetse fly control

An attempt has been made to link the results of laboratory toxicological studies on tsetse flies to the specification of application requirements for control or eradication of tsetse flies in the field. Relevant parameters have been identified and a consideration of their physical interactions has provided the basis for predicting the effect of changes in the operational variables on the efficiency of kill. Some implications for future developments in application techniques and for requirements in research and development have been recognised.
Indocyanine green videoangiography after acute retinal pigment epithelial tears in age-related macular degeneration.

Purpose To determine the features of combined fluorescein and indocyanine green videoangiography after acute retinal pigment epithelial tears associated with age-related macular degeneration. Methods We performed combined fluorescein and indocyanine green videoangiography in three eyes of three patients 2 days to 2 months after the development of tears of the retinal pigment epithelium. Results The area of exposed choroid in a retinal pigment epithelial tear shows intense hyperfluorescence in fluorescein videoangiography; in contrast, this area demonstrates near-normal choroidal fluorescence on an indocyanine green videoangiogram. The folded and retracted flap of retinal pigment epithelium in a retinal pigment epithelial tear discloses marked hypofluorescence on the fluorescein videoangiogram; in contrast, this flap of retinal pigment epithelium displays varying degrees of hyperfluorescence on the indocyanine green videoangiogram. Conclusions The angiographic differences between fluorescein and indocyanine green result from the distinct biophysical properties of these two dyes as well as from the differential penetration of their fluorescence through such pigmented structures as retinal pigment epithelium. Compared with fluorescein videoangiography, indocyanine green videoangiography allows better visualization of choroidal neovascular membranes within the rolled-up and retracted flap of the retinal pigment epithelial tear.
LEDGF1-326 Decreases P23H and Wild Type Rhodopsin Aggregates and P23H Rhodopsin Mediated Cell Damage in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Background P23H rhodopsin, a mutant rhodopsin, is known to aggregate and cause retinal degeneration. However, its effects on retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of P23H rhodopsin in RPE cells and further assess whether LEDGF1-326, a protein devoid of heat shock elements of LEDGF, a cell survival factor, reduces P23H rhodopsin aggregates and any associated cellular damage. Methods ARPE-19 cells were transiently transfected/cotransfected with pLEDGF1-326 and/or pWT-Rho (wild type)/pP23H-Rho. Rhodopsin mediated cellular damage and rescue by LEDGF1-326 was assessed using cell viability, cell proliferation, and confocal microscopy assays. Rhodopsin monomers, oligomers, and their reduction in the presence of LEDGF1-326 were quantified by western blot analysis. P23H rhodopsin mRNA levels in the presence and absence of LEDGF1-326 was determined by real time quantitative PCR. Principal Findings P23H rhodopsin reduced RPE cell viability and cell proliferation in a dose dependent manner, and disrupted the nuclear material. LEDGF1-326 did not alter P23H rhodopsin mRNA levels, reduced its oligomers, and significantly increased RPE cell viability as well as proliferation, while reducing nuclear damage. WT rhodopsin formed oligomers, although to a smaller extent than P23H rhodopsin. Further, LEDGF1-326 decreased WT rhodopsin aggregates. Conclusions P23H rhodopsin as well as WT rhodopsin form aggregates in RPE cells and LEDGF1-326 decreases these aggregates. Further, LEDGF1-326 reduces the RPE cell damage caused by P23H rhodopsin. LEDGF1-326 might be useful in treating cellular damage associated with protein aggregation diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.
Dynamics, diversity, and resource gradient relationships in the herbaceous layer of an old-growth Appalachian forest

The ecological drivers of herbaceous layer composition and diversity in deciduous forests of eastern North America are imperfectly understood. We analyzed the herbaceous layer, across the growing season, in a central Appalachian old-growth forest to examine dynamics, diversity, and relationships to resource gradients. We found clear variation in herb species composition over the growing season. We identified intermingled resource gradients, including soil nutrients, light availability, and topography, that were related to herbaceous composition. We found that herb layer diversity was different among previously identified tree communities, but was not variable over the growing season. We identified a unimodal relationship between diversity and productivity in the herb flora that held throughout the growing season despite changing composition and levels of productivity. Diversity and distributions in the herbaceous community of our study site are linked to a complex of resource gradients.
Drusen of the Optic Disk in Retinitis Pigmentosa

To clarify the nature of mulberry-like excresences of the optic disk, we histopathologically studied the eye of a 66-year-old woman with retinitis pigmentosa. Examination showed that the optic nerve excresences were ordinary drusen and not hamartomas. There was a marked predisposition to mineralization of other intraocular structures.
Depression in Men: Issues for Practice and Research

Researchers have long observed that men and women tend to experience mental illnesses at different rates, with women showing higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders, and men showing higher rates of antisocial personality disorder and substance abuse. Yet, there seems to be anecdotal evidence all around us that men also suffer from depression and anxiety. The American Psychiatric Association reports that depression in men is not uncommon and often goes unrecognized and untreated. Research has shown that while men develop standard symptoms of depression, they often experience it differently and may have different ways of coping. Men may be more willing to report fatigue, irritability, loss of interest in work or hobbies, and sleep disturbances, rather than feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and excessive guilt. Depression also puts men at risk for suicide. More than 90% of people who died of suicide have pre-existing depression, and men are three times more likely than women to die by suicide. Recent reports of suicide in those who are active military and veterans have prompted studies of risk factors for suicide. Factors significantly associated with an increased risk of suicide include male gender, depression, manic-depressive disorder, heavy or binge drinking, and alcohol related problems. None of the deployment related factors (combat experience, cumulative days deployed, or number of deployments) were associated with an increased suicide risk. What explanations are offered for consistent finding of gender differences in rates of depression, not only in the US worldwide? The origins of these gender differences in prevalence rates are not well understood although various ideas have been proposed to explain how they arise. These explanations include response bias, differential service utilization rates, and various biological, social, and demographic influences. Several theoretical explanations have also been proposed. This article will discuss these ideas. Language: en
Polymorphic plaques involving the face and extremities.

A previously healthy man in his 30s requested a second opinion after a recentdiagnosisof cutaneoussarcoidosis.Hepresentedwith a 14-month history of several pink plaques, initially on his facewith subsequent involvement of the proximal arms and legs. He denied anyconstitutionalsymptoms,arthralgias,nightsweats,dyspnea,motor weakness, or sick contacts. He had immigrated to the United States in 2002 from Chennai, India, with return visits approximately every2years.Onphysical examination, hehad5discoid, annular, and geographic erythematous plaques with minimal overlying scaleoverhis face, upper arms, and right thigh.A representative plaque over the left upper arm is depicted in the Figure, A. Pinprick testingsuggested lesional anesthesia.Nohandor foot jointdeformities, palpable peripheral nerves,motor neuropathy, ormucosal involvementwerenoted.Findings fromlaboratorytests, including a complete blood cell count, compressive metabolic panel, antinuclear antibody, angiotensin-converting enzyme and calcium levels, and C-reactive protein were unremarkable. Results from a purifiedproteinderivative (PPD) skin testwerenegative. Results from a chest radiographwas normal. Punch biopsies for histopathologic examination (Figure, B and C) and polymerase chain reaction testing for the suspected causative organismwere performed. What is your diagnosis?
Abstract LB-45: VEGFR3 signaling facilitates mammary tumor cells to resist chemotherapy

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Breast cancer is a deadly disease which accounts for more than 40,000 deaths each year in United States. With the availability of various treatment options, side effects and resistance associated with them is also becoming a major concern for the treatment of breast cancer. How breast cancer cells evade chemotherapy still remains a vast area for research. In this study, we proposed that mammary tumor cells resist cell death via VEGFR3 signaling pathway. To test our hypothesis, we used doxorubicin and paclitaxel resistant murine mammary tumor cells (Cl66-Dox and Cl66-Pac) which have been developed in our laboratory. When implanted in female Balb/c mice they form more aggressive tumor than the parent cells (Cl66) from which they have been derived. We observed that these resistant cells have higher expression of VEGFR3 receptor than parent cells at mRNA level. Treatment with VEGFR3 kinase inhibitor, MAZ51, Cl-66Dox and Cl66-Pac cells showed 50% growth inhibition at 10uM dose, suggesting VEGFR3 receptor activation as one of the mechanism for resistance. Moreover, when implanted in mice, tumor formed by resistant cells responded well to MAZ51 treatment with slower tumor growth in comparison to control group consistent with our in vitro data. However, when we treated mice bearing resistant tumors first with chemotherapeutic drug, docetaxel followed by MAZ51, we observed a significant decrease in tumor growth and tumor weight, examined upon endpoint analysis. These results suggest that combination treatment is more effective in inhibiting drug-resistant tumors growth in comparison to drug and inhibitor alone as determined by reduced tumor volume and weight in combination treatment group. Overall, our in vivo data showed that blocking VEGFR3 signaling pathway makes drug-resistant mammary tumor cells susceptible to chemotherapy suggesting the use of inhibitors for this signaling pathway to be beneficial for drug-resistant mammary tumors. Citation Format: Bhawna Sharma, Michelle L. Varney, Rakesh K. Singh. VEGFR3 signaling facilitates mammary tumor cells to resist chemotherapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-45. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-LB-45
Imaging of the Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands

Current multimodal imaging techniques offer practicing providers the adequate framework to plan and accomplish care for patients with thyroid and parathyroid disorders. Available imaging modalities include ultrasonography (US), nuclear scintigraphy, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). US remains the most cost-effective and the safest approach for the initial evaluation of the thyroid gland. Parathyroid subtraction scintigraphy provides localization of pathologic parathyroid glands with the greatest sensitivity. Localizing imaging studies allow for surgical planning with minimal risk and morbidity to the patient. CT scan and MRI play an adjunctive role in the further characterization of neck pathology.
Development and implementation of a nursing bioreadiness training program

ISSUE: The education and coordination component of the center for biological defense provides bioreadiness training for safety professionals. Within that division, a decision was made to design a training program specifically for nurses. An educational needs assessment was sent to 120 nursing programs in Florida to determine 1) whether there was interest in such a program, 2) the length of a desired program, and 3) a contact person at the institution for future correspondence. PROJECT: The results of the needs assessment indicated interest in a 3-hour program. One instructor developed a program consisting of three program topics: 1) why healthcare facilities need bioreadiness plans, 2) the category A agents of bioterrorism, and 3) the U.S. smallpox response plan. Two delivery formats were developed: a live format, delivered to nursing programs throughout the state of Florida, and a CD-ROM format, designed to be delivered online. Pre- and post-tests, course evaluations, and handout materials were provided for both systems. The CD-ROM and a letter offering a live delivery were sent to all Florida nursing programs. Institutions were informed that live presentations could be requested in addition to their receipt of the CD-ROM. RESULTS: In less than a year, over 550 attendees have been instructed at over 15 institutions. Four institutions have had more than one program and request return programs every one to two semesters. Approximately 200 participants have completed online evaluations, but this does not include those who have not turned in the paperwork. The one instructor administering the program cannot meet all requests for live presentations. LESSONS LEARNED: Nursing programs in Florida are keenly interested in incorporating bioreadiness into their curricula. The online format allows all of the institutions to receive a standardized program on bioreadiness. The live presentations allow an interactive forum between students, faculty, and instructor. The response to this program will justify its continued implementation.
The latex fixation test using whole serum and an euglobulin fraction in various arthritic disorders

The euglobulin fraction of sera from patients with rheumatoid arthritis gave a higher percentage of positive latex fixation tests than whole sera. The results of such tests correlated with the number of diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis present. Le fraction euglobulinic de seros ab patientes con arthritis rheumatoide rendeva un plus alte procentage de tests positive de fixation a latex que seros integre. Le resultatos de tal tests se correlationava con le numero del incontrate criterios diagnostic pro arthritis rheumatoide.
Requirement of protein phosphatase 5 in DNA-damage-induced ATM activation

The checkpoint kinase ATM is centrally involved in the cellular response to DNA double-strand breaks. However, the mechanism of ATM activation during genotoxic stress is only partially understood. Here we report a direct regulatory linkage between the protein serine-threonine phosphatase 5 (PP5) and ATM. PP5 interacts with ATM in a DNA-damage-inducible manner. Reduced expression of PP5 attenuated DNA-damage-induced activation of ATM. Expression of a catalytically inactive PP5 mutant inhibited the phosphorylation of ATM substrates and the autophosphorylation of ATM on Ser 1981, and caused an S-phase checkpoint defect in DNA-damaged cells. Together our findings indicate that PP5 plays an essential role in the activation and checkpoint signaling functions of ATM in cells that have suffered DNA double-strand breaks.
A model for some of the effects of an externally applied electric field on charged membrane constituents

It has been demonstrated that externally applied electric fields perturb the distribution of some of the molecular components of biological membranes. Various electrostatic, hydrodynamic, and structural forces that result from the application of the external field influence both the dynamics and equilibrium distribution of intermembranous molecules. From a model we have shown that the electrostatic force arising from the polarization of the counterion distribution will have a significant effect on the migration of charged membrane components. For small fields this effect on migration is independent of cell size and inversely related to temperature. In a similar model, alternating electric fields are shown to perturb the distribution of charged intermembraneous components in a manner that is not reversed in a single cycle, and while the induced dipole moment of the cell after several complete cycles is small, the induced quadrupole moment is much more significant. The effect of various physical parameters within these models will be shown.
Optimal quad-tree-based motion estimator

In this paper we propose an optimal quad-tree (QT)-based motion estimator for video compression. It is optimal in the sense that for a given bit budget for encoding the displacement vector field (DVF) and the QT segmentation, the scheme finds a DVF and a QT segmentation which minimizes the energy of the resulting displaced frame difference (DFD). We find the optimal QT decomposition and the optimal DVF jointly using the Lagrangian multiplier method and a multilevel dynamic program. The resulting DVF is spatially inhomogeneous since large blocks are used in areas with simple motion and small blocks in areas with complex motion. We present results with the proposed QT-based motion estimator which show that for the same DFD energy the proposed estimator uses about 30% fewer bits than the commonly used block matching algorithm.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
In search of a better way to organize instruction: The elaboration theory

The elaboration theory of instruction is an alternative to the standard way of organizing instruction based on a hierarchical task analysis. The hierarchical organization results in an instructional sequence that begins with highly fragmented, small pieces of the subjectmatter content. Many educators have found its fragmentation to be demotivating. Many educational psychologists have found its parts-to-whole sequence to be inconsistent with much knowledge about how learning occurs most effectively-namely schema theory and its predecessor, subsumption theory. And many instructional designers have found that "learning hierarchies" represent a very incomplete basis upon which to make decisions about sequencing the instruction, primarily because learning hierarchies are only one aspect of the structure of subject-matter content. All this is not to deny that learning prerequisites exist nor to say that they are not important-they do exist and they