cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Primary central nervous system lymphoma in the elderly: the Cleveland clinic experience.

Background: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a type of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma that involves only the central nervous system. Untreated PCNSL in the elderly has a rapidly fatal course. Patients and Methods: In this retrospective study, we evaluated the demographics, management, and outcomes of patients over 60 years of age with PCNSL at our institution. Results: A total of 54 patients with a median age of 67 years were included in the analysis. The initial treatment regimens included whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT), chemotherapy with or without consolidation WBRT. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 8.0 months (95% confidence interval CI=2.7-22 months) and the median overall survival (OS) was 38 months (95% CI=18-65 months). On multivariable analysis, age younger than 70 years and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) no less than 70 were favorable prognostic factors for both OS and PFS. Conclusion: Aggressive treatment strategies for elderly patients with PCNSL with good performance status can lead to improved outcomes in this patient population. Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that is confined to the brain parenchyma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), spinal cord, leptomeninges, or eyes. PCNSL accounts for approximately 3-4% of all primary brain tumors (1, 2). Patients over 60 years of age account for approximately half of those diagnosed with PCNSL, and it is important to evaluate the outcomes and identify the best management strategies for this patient population (3). Whole-brain radiotherapy
Nature of interactions between PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymers and lipid membranes: (II) role of hydration dynamics revealed by dynamic nuclear polarization.

Amphiphilic poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) copolymers, also known as poloxamers, have broad biomembrane activities. To illustrate the nature of these activities, 1H Overhauser dynamic nuclear polarization NMR spectroscopy was employed to sensitively detect polymer–lipid membrane interactions through the modulation of local hydration dynamics in lipid membranes. Our study shows P188, the most hydrophilic poloxamer that is a known membrane sealant, weakly adsorbs on the membrane surface, yet effectively retards membrane hydration dynamics. Contrarily, P181, the most hydrophobic poloxamer that is a known membrane permeabilizer, initially embeds at lipid headgroups and enhances intrabilayer water diffusivity. Unprecedented resolution for differentiating weak surface adsorption versus translocation of polymers to membranes is obtained by probing local water diffusivity in lipid bilayer systems. Our results illustrate that the relative hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio of the polyme...
Barriers to preventive intervention

A spectrum of colorectal cancer screening studies identified barriers to screening adherence, although definitive and comprehensive conclusions cannot be drawn. Barriers can be intrinsic (demographic, medical, psychological, and knowledge/attitudes/beliefs) or extrinsic (access to health care, health care provider knowledge and motivation, and lifestyle issues). Certain consistent patterns are emerging. Lower adherence is generally seen in persons who have less knowledge and lower perceived risk of colorectal cancer, as well as when health care providers do not recommend screening. Remedies that reduce intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to screening adherence are needed.
Distraction analgesia in chronic pain patients: the impact of catastrophizing.

BACKGROUND Diverting attention away from noxious stimulation (i.e., distraction) is a common pain-coping strategy. Its effects are variable across individuals, however, and the authors hypothesized that chronic pain patients who reported higher levels of pain catastrophizing would derive less pain-reducing benefit from distraction. METHODS Chronic pain patients (n=149) underwent psychometric and quantitative sensory testing, including assessment of the temporal summation of pain in the presence and absence of a distracting motor task. RESULTS A simple distraction task decreased temporal summation of pain overall, but, surprisingly, a greater distraction analgesia was observed in high catastrophizers. This enhanced distraction analgesia in high catastrophizers was not altered when controlling for current pain scores, depression, anxiety, or opioid use (analysis of covariance [ANCOVA]: F=8.7, P<0.005). Interestingly, the magnitude of distraction analgesia was inversely correlated with conditioned pain modulation (Pearson R=-0.23, P=0.005). CONCLUSION Distraction produced greater analgesia among chronic pain patients with higher catastrophizing, suggesting that catastrophizing's pain-amplifying effects may be due in part to greater attention to pain, and these patients may benefit from distraction-based pain management approaches. Furthermore, these data suggest that distraction analgesia and conditioned pain modulation may involve separate underlying mechanisms.
ALS-causing SOD1 mutants generate vascular changes prior to motor neuron degeneration

We report here that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-linked superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutants with different biochemical characteristics disrupted the blood-spinal cord barrier in mice by reducing the levels of the tight junction proteins ZO-1, occludin and claudin-5 between endothelial cells. This resulted in microhemorrhages with release of neurotoxic hemoglobin-derived products, reductions in microcirculation and hypoperfusion. SOD1 mutant-mediated endothelial damage accumulated before motor neuron degeneration and the neurovascular inflammatory response occurred, indicating that it was a central contributor to disease initiation.
Prototype For An Electronic Document Storage And Retrieval Program

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) serves as both a national archive for medical literature and a national resource for current health science information. To fulfill this congressionally chartered mission NLM receives over 18 million pages of new literature annually into its 3 million item collection of print and nonprint material. The size of this continually increasing collection and its progressive deterioration due to the acid content of paper has encouraged NLM, along with others in the information field, to seek alternatives to conventional means for information storage. The Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications, the research and development division of NLM, is developing an engineering prototype of an Electronic Document Storage and Retrieval system. Presently the system stores material on magnetic disc storage media, employs image capture stations using CCD array scanners, and image displays in both hard and soft copy high resolution forms. The next stages in design activities are being pursued to expand the system to include a mass storage optical disc-based archival system. This paper examines the design goals and organizational objectives leading to the development of the engineering prototype system.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effect of aging on the gastrointestinal tract and the pancreas

With estimates that about 14% of the U.S. population will be over 65 years old by the end of this century, scientific research has attempted to achieve a better understanding of the aging process and of diseases that are expressed in higher incidence with advancing age. Because of its high rate of cell turnover and continual renewal, the mucosa of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract appears particularly susceptible to age-related disruptions in the normal cell proliferative process. This may translate into altered function that may result in the induction of malnutrition or malabsorption of particular nutrients, or a greater incidence of GI diseases, such as neoplasia. This review will examine the evidence for age-related alterations in the structural and functional properties of different regions of the GI tract and the pancreas, and how they may relate to malnutrition or disease processes.
Application of gas chromatography/electron capture negative chemical ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry for analysis of DNA and protein adducts.

The analytical potential of gas chromatography/electron capture negative chemical ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) for characterization and quantitation of DNA and hemoglobin adducts was demonstrated using three model compounds: N2,3-ethenoguanine (EG), 7-(2-hydroxyethyl)guanine (7-HEG), and N-(2-hydroxyethyl)valine (HEV). At a resolving power of 10 000, the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios obtained from quantitative selected ion monitoring (SIM) experiments using biological samples were comparable to or better than existing unit mass resolution experiments due to the reduction of chemical noise from the use of narrower mass windows. The specificity gained by HRMS was essential for quantitation of ultratrace amounts near the limit of detection since coeluting interferences of the analyte or internal standard can lead to inaccurate measurement of response factors. The limit of detection (LOD) was 100 amol (S/N = 5) using a pure standard of TTB2-EG. The LOD for complete assays using spiked s...
Fusion of three-dimensional calcium rendering with rotational angiography to guide the treatment of a giant intracranial aneurysm: technical case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Although three-dimensional (3D) rotational angiography enables the visualization of intracranial vascular anatomy with high spatial resolution, its ability to resolve calcified features is limited. We present a case in which a 3D calcium density rendering was fused with rotational cerebral angiography to guide the treatment strategy of a giant, calcified, partially thrombosed, middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: On screening magnetic resonance imaging, a 57-year-old woman with familial subarachnoid hemorrhage was found to harbor a giant trilobed, partially thrombosed, calcified aneurysm. Three-dimensional (3D) cerebral angiography revealed only partial contrast filling of one lobe with a daughter component. TECHNIQUE: A distinct rotational acquisition volume with parameters optimized for calcium density visualization was acquired just before the conventional contrast acquisition. The resulting 3D calcium volume rendering was fused with the vascular model. Multiplanar interactive visualization of the combined model uncovered heavy calcification at the neck of the aneurysm that precluded direct clipping, and the patient underwent endovascular coil embolization. CONCLUSION: Preoperative assessment of intracranial aneurysms can be facilitated by the cunent technique, which enables the detection of calcified tissue near the neck, which would otherwise not be possible with 3D rotational cerebral angiography alone.
Anatomía Microscópica del Sistema Reproductor en dos Especies Simpátricas del Género Fissurella Bruguiére, 1789 (Mollusca: Vetigastropoda)

Este trabajo describe la anatomia microscopica del sistema reproductivo en las lapas Fissurella latimarginata y Fissurella cumingi, para examinar la posible existencia de un mecanismo de aislamiento reproductivo del tipo morfofisiologico y consecuentemente, determinar si el sistema reproductivo presenta algun caracter taxonomico valido que permita distinguir estas especies simpatricas. Los resultados muestran que en ambas especies y sexos el sistema reproductivo se relaciona con el sistema excretor. La gonada, de organizacion en septos, comunica con la porcion distal del rinon derecho distal por medio del canal renopericardico que funciona como conducto genital. Los gametos son evacuados a la cavidad del manto a traves de la apertura renal derecha. Ademas de transportar los gametos, el conducto genital, que comunica con el pericardio a traves del nefrostoma, presenta una glandula adosada a la pared interna en los machos y en las hembras. No se detectaron diferencias anatomicas marcadas del sistema reproductivo que permitan diferenciar las especies inequivocamente por lo que este sistema tiene bajo valor taxonomico a nivel especifico
Power split strategy for hybrid power system with capacitive energy buffer

Propulsion systems can be hybridised by providing additional energy sources and energy conversion devices. In a Hybrid Power System (HPS), an appropriate power split strategy is important to distribute the requested power such that overall energy consumption is minimised. This paper presents the analysis and design procedure of a power split strategy of a HPS with a capacitive Energy Buffer (EB). The discussion starts with the description of properties of different components in a HPS. Then, analysis is performed to show the critical factor to design an optimal power split strategy for the HPS in which the Fuel Converter (FC) has faster dynamic response than the power request profile. Next, a power split strategy for the HPS with slow FC dynamic is developed using Pontryagin's Minimum Principle. A numerical solver is used to obtain the solution of boundary value problem of the non-linear ordinary differential equations derived from MP. The optimisation objective is to find the tradeoff between fuel consumption and performance requirements.
Comparison of the smooth eye tracking disorder of schizophrenics with that of nonhuman primates with specific brain lesions

The smooth pursuit eye tracking deficit (ETD) often associated with schizophrenia has generated enormous interest over the last 20 years. The deficit is observed in about 80% of schizophrenics and in half of their first degree relatives. It is not affected by neuroleptic medication and is not due to inattention. A review of 52 studies (and actual records when available) on ETD in schizophrenia reveals that the deficit can consistently be described as low gain pursuit augmented with catch-up saccades and often peppered with intrusive saccades. A review of the brain areas that have been shown to be involved in pursuit provides the necessary background for the subsequent section which details the nature of the smooth tracking deficits following experimental lesions. This section reveals that the ETD following lesions of the frontal lobe is unique in that it closely resembles the ETD of schizophrenics. This finding lends further support for frontal lobe theories of schizophrenia.
On the performance of a cascade crossflow air stripping column

The cascade crossflow packed column is an innovative design that offers the separation advantages of countercurrent flow while avoiding flooding limitations. Liquid and gas cross-sectional flow areas and path length in contact with packing may be controlled independently. These features are illustrated by studying the air stripping of methylene chloride (MeCl), 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA), and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). Stripping efficiencies in the cascade crossflow column were generally slightly smaller than in countercurrent flow at equal liquid and gas flow rates. However larger gas-to-liquid ratios were possible in crossflow, permitting larger maximum stripping efficiencies to be attained. The experimental mass transfer coefficients were smaller than predicted by the Onda correlation. Modifications to the gas-phase Onda correlation are proposed that reduce the magnitude of the average deviation between experiment and prediction for 40 tests to about 12%. Experimental values of 38 of 40 tests were wi...
The relationship between alexithymia, depression, and axis II psychopathology in eating disorder inpatients

Objective The major purpose of this study was to examine alexithymia in relationship to depression and Axis II psychopathology in eating disorder patients. Method: Fifty-three female inpatients representing three DSM-IV eating disorder diagnostic groups and 14 control subjects completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), the Eating Disorder Inventory-2, and the Beck Depression Inventory within the first week of their hospital admission and shortly before discharge. Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM-III-R (SCID) I and II were also conducted. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine the contribution of mood, diagnostic, and personality variables in predicting the alexithymia score. Results and Discussion: After controlling for depression, only the TAS factor, “difficulty expressing feelings,” remained significantly different between groups, with the anorexia nervosa-restrictors (AN-R) having significantly higher scores than controls and bulimia nervosa patients. This factor appears to be a relatively stable personality characteristic in AN-R. The level of depression and the presence of avoidant personality disorder were the most predictable variables for the alexithymia total score. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 23:277–286, 1998.
Identifying sneutrino dark matter: Interplay between the LHC and direct search

Under $R$ parity, the lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP) is stable and may serve as a good dark matter candidate. The $R$ parity can be naturally introduced with a gauge origin at the TeV scale. We go over why a TeV scale $B\ensuremath{-}L$ gauge extension of the minimal supersymmetric standard model is one of the most natural, if not demanded, low energy supersymmetric models. In the presence of a TeV scale Abelian gauge symmetry, the (predominantly) right-handed sneutrino LSP can be a good dark matter candidate. Its identification at the LHC is challenging because it does not carry any standard model charge. We show how we can use the correlation between the LHC experiments (dilepton resonance signals) and the direct dark matter search experiments (such as CDMS and XENON) to identify the right-handed sneutrino LSP dark matter in the $B\ensuremath{-}L$ extended minimal supersymmetric standard model.
Quality and variability of long term climate data relative to agriculture

Abstract Climate data quality concerns prompted this study. The objective was to ascertain the impact of air temperature inhomogeneities on derived weather variables, such as growing-degree days, frost dates and heat stress, and to develop adjustment methodologies. Daily weather data spanning 1893–1989 from 34 Iowa stations were used for computation. Direct comparisons for each weather station and derived variable were made between all possible weather station combinations and a geographical mean data set. The latter was computed by using all available weather stations. For all derived weather variables studied, most weather stations revealed some type of notable inhomogeneity over the long period. Homogeneous weather stations were indeed rare. Individual time series exhibiting different levels of stability were common as were those exhibiting sharp discontinuities. Many, but not all, discontinuities could be traced to station histories. The use of the geographical mean data sets provided a rapid method to screen candidate weather stations, and could be used to correct discontinuities if they were not too numerous. More precise adjustments could, however, be made by using one or two nearby weather stations that were identified as being extremely stable. This process was more tedious because the stable periods were usually short. Climate resources are a valuable asset for mankind. However, data quality needs to be scrutinized before subsequent climate analyses.
Do background microorganisms play a role in the safety of fresh foods

This Viewpoint article raises the question as to whether some of the large foodborne disease outbreaks that have occurred during the past decade are causally related to the trend of fewer and fewer microorganisms in fresh foods, especially fresh meats. The antagonism of foodborne pathogens by the normal, harmless microorganisms in a fresh food is referred to as microbial interference, and it has been demonstrated in several food products against a variety of bacterial pathogens. Because newly emerging strategies for pathogen reduction also reduce the numbers of pathogen competitors, research is needed to determine whether this trend towards ‘cleaner’ fresh foods needs to be reassessed.
The impacts of U.S. presidential elections on international security-markets

Extant studies of U.S. presidential elections focus solely on the U.S. equity markets and usually attempt to develop profitable trading rules from election result regularities (see, for example, Riley and Luksetich [7], and Huang [4]). The general consensus is that the U.S. equity market does react to U.S. presidential elections. However the magnitude, timing, and direction of such changes are unclear. This paper expands previous research by testing for any change in the comovement between U.S. markets and overseas markets around U.S. presidential elections. Specifically, this study focusses on the relationship between the New York, London, Toronto, and Tokyo equity markets. The results indicate that these four markets tend to move more in unison (i.e. their movements are more highly correlated) during the election month. In addition, the extent of this ‘international election effect’ appears to be a function of the level of uncertainty preceding the election outcome. When the election result was relatively certain for several weeks prior to voting day, no significant changes in the relationship between the SP markets anticipate the outcome of the election and any news released within the election period is not priced by market participants. The primary implication of these findings concerns the riskreduction benefits to be obtained from international diversification. The higher correlation of returns between these markets during the presidential election month will compromise the benefits of an international portfolio. Specifically, portfolio managers who endeavor to attain a high degree of diversification through ownership of
AUGMENTATION OF PITUITARY THYROTROPHIN RESPONSE TO THYROTROPHIN RELEASING HORMONE DURING SUBPHYSIOLOGICAL TRI‐IODOTHYROININE THERAPY IN HYPOTHYROIDISM

Five hypothyroid patients are reported with increased pituitary TSH response to TRH during administration of T3. In one patient treated with intravenous T3, 50 micrograms daily for 10 days, the peak serum TSH and total pituitary TSH reserve after TRH increased coincident with increases in serum T3 and T4 levels and a decrease in the basal TSH concentration. In four patients treated with oral T3, the peak serum TSH and total pituitary TSH reserve after TRH increased during administration of subphysiological doses of T3. Peak serum T3 levels occurred 4 h after ingestion and increased progressively with increasing T3 doses. Serum TSH levels decreased modestly with the nadir at 4 h after T3 ingestion and then returned to basal levels at 24 h. Augmentation of TSH responses to TRH occurred simultaneously with decreases in serum cholesterol, as well as increases in the pituitary prolactin response to TRH, and increase in the GH and cortisol response to insulin induced hypoglycaemia where these responses could be studied. These data demonstrated a positive effect of subphysiological T3 therapy in these hypothyroid patients on the TSH response to TRH as well as increases in the responses of other pituitary hormones to stimulation.
Metastable adsorption of benzene on the Si(001) surface

We have investigated the adsorption of benzene on the Si(001) surface using scanning tunneling microscopy. The central result is that benzene initially adsorbs in a metastable state and then converts to a lower-energy final state. The conversion to the final state occurs rather slowly at room temperature, with a time constant of 19 min, implying an activation energy barrier of about 1.0 eV. We study in detail the appearance of each state and its position relative to the underlying surface dimers in order to make a correspondence to existing proposed models for the structure of benzene adsorbed on Si(001). We measure a lower bound on the energy difference between the two states of 0.14 eV.
GABA receptor binding site “induction” in rabbit retina after nipecotic acid treatment: Changes during postnatal development

The development of the GABA system in the rabbit retina was studied. The number of high- and low-affinity GABA receptor binding sites increased in a sigmoidal manner, with the curve for the low-affinity sites lagging 2–3 days behind that for the high-affinity sites. TheK D for both high-(17.5 nM) and low-affinity (138.0 nM) sites remained constant during development. Treatment of isolated eyecups with the uptake blocker nipecotic acid resulted in an increase in theB max for high-affinity sites in developing tissue with the maximum sensitivity around eye opening; mature tissue exhibited a decrease inB max. In contrast, a gradual decrease in sensitivity to stimulation of the low-affinity sites occurred. These data indicate that the “trophic” action of GABA is limited to the time when the tissue is developing.
Reinforcement patterns in depression

Seventeen depressed and seventeen nondepressed subjects indicated when they would have socially reinforced two speakers whose speeches were tape-recorded. It was hypothesized that depressed subjects would exhibit a lower frequency and less skill (timing) of social reinforcement. The data were not consistent with the hypotheses as there was an almost total overlap of response patterns for the two groups. Alternative explanations are discussed.
Four Validated Instructional Strategies

This is a summary of specific teaching strategies found useful. Each strategy has been field tested and validated to demonstrate effectiveness. The strategies can be used across a range of subject matters. Response cards : Cards, signs or items that are used by students to indicate their response to a question or problem presented by the teacher. Response cards allow a teacher to provide practice for all students simultaneously instead of just calling on one or two students. Evaluation indicated that with response cards well over ten times as many student responses were obtained, with higher test scores, than without response cards. Guided Notes : Teacher prepared handouts that guide a student through a lecture with standard cues and specific spaces in which to write key facts, concepts, and relationships. Data support higher test scores with guided notes are used, and that student notes are more accurate after using guided notes. Error Correction : The use of multiple opportunities for students to practice (respond) to materials during the acquisition phase of learning, while providing immediate feedback and error correction that ensures that students don’ t practice errors. Error correction has been shown to improve student learning in a range of studies. Time Trials : Following the acquisition phase of learning, used to help students build fluency, i.e., the ability to respond quickly and accurately within a given time limit and to retain learning over time. Studies have shown that time trials improve student accuracy and that students like time trials.
Characteristics of an acoustic emission source from a thermal crack in glass

Thermal cracks of mode I type oriented normal to the surface along an initial scratch were generated by blowing cold nitrogen gas through a small nozzle onto the surface of a glass plate. Acoustic emission (AE) signals emitted from the thermal cracks were detected on the opposite side of the plate, both at epicentral and at off-epicentral positions with a nine-channel AE system. AE source characteristics, such as moment tensor components, source-time function, radiation pattern, and dipole strength, were obtained from the detected waveforms. The strength of dipoles associated with the thermal cracks was determined from comparing the crack signals to those generated when a glass capillary was broken at the crack site prior to crack formation. It is shown that the AE source-time function, together with the dipole strength, can provide valuable information on the dynamic behavior of fracture.
Three Questions about Complex Symmetric Operators

We pose three questions about the structure and application of complex symmetric operators.
Tornado Vortex Simulation at Purdue University

Abstract A 4 m wide and 7 m tall tornado vortex generator (including exhaust fan and duct work) has been constructed at Purdue University that operates on a principle similar to that of the earlier machine modeled by Ward (1972). Characteristics of the Purdue simulator are described, as well as the corresponding modifications and improvements that have been made to Ward's machine. Selected photographs of vortex configurations obtained in the simulator demonstrate the ability of the machine to achieve vortex breakdown and multiple vortex configuration. A radial-axial profile of velocity magnitudes (using hot-film anemometry) has been obtained for the state of vortex breakdown characterized by two interlocking helical spiral vortices. This preliminary result shows the potential that the experimental system offers for obtaining quantitative information about the flow field of selected vortex configurations. Multiple vortex phenomena in the thunderstorm-tornado system are examined in light of the laboratory s...
Transcultural nursing with Native Americans: Critical knowledge, skills, and attitudes

Native American nurses are in an ideal position to articulate how to serve Native people in ways that respect indigenous cultures. Forty Native American nurses and nursing students completed a survey on knowledge, skills, and attitudes/values necessary for culturally competent service provision to Native patients. Four knowledge themes, four skill themes, and three attitude/value themes were identified. Nurses must know about and show respect for the culture and history of Native groups, including culturally specific health beliefs and healing practices. Skills must be tailored for work in a non-Western context, and containment skills become particularly important. Additionally, respecting diversity and traditions and being open-minded and nonethnocentric are fundamental. This study provides valuable information nurses can use to enhance their work with indigenous people.
The Domestic Politics of US Treaty Ratification: Bilateral Treaties from 1949-2012

Treaties represent an important policy mechanism in US foreign policy. There are good reasons to expect that the political process underlying treaty ratification in the United States is structured by the partisan political context, the policy context including the policy agenda, and, in the case of bilateral agreements, the relationship between the treaty partners. I analyze the duration of the ratification process for all bilateral treaties transmitted by the president to the Senate from 1949 to 2012. Specifically, I focus the analysis on two key stages where delay is most common: the presidential transmittal stage and the Senate Foreign Relations committee stage. Analysis indicates that presidential resources, ideological polarization, the broader policy agenda, and the value of the treaty structure presidential decisions on treaty transmittal. I find less support for these factors at the committee stage; however, the committee processes treaties with democracies more quickly than treaties with other states.
Distinct conformational states of nuclear receptor–bound CRSP–Med complexes

The human CRSP–Med coactivator complex is targeted by a diverse array of sequence-specific regulatory proteins. Using EM and single-particle reconstruction techniques, we recently completed a structural analysis of CRSP–Med bound to VP16 and SREBP-1a. Notably, these activators induced distinct conformational states upon binding the coactivator. Ostensibly, these different conformational states result from VP16 and SREBP-1a targeting distinct subunits in the CRSP–Med complex. To test this, we conducted a structural analysis of CRSP–Med bound to either thyroid hormone receptor (TR) or vitamin D receptor (VDR), both of which interact with the same subunit (Med220) of CRSP–Med. Structural comparison of TR- and VDR-bound complexes (at a resolution of 29 A) indeed reveals a shared conformational feature that is distinct from other known CRSP– Med structures. Importantly, this nuclear receptor–induced structural shift seems largely dependent on the movement of Med220 within the complex.
Meta-analysis comparing CT colonography, air contrast barium enema, and colonoscopy.

Abstract Introduction Published studies have reported a wide range of sensitivities and specificities for computed tomographic (CT) colonography for polyp detection, generating controversy regarding its diagnostic accuracy. Methods A meta-analysis of published studies comparing the accuracies of CT colonography and colonoscopy for polyp detection was performed. The pooled per-patient sensitivities and specificities were calculated at various thresholds for polyp size. Summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curves were also constructed. Results Thirty studies were included in the meta-analysis of CT colonography. The pooled per-patient sensitivity of CT colonography was higher for polyps greater than 10 mm (0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76-0.88) compared with polyps 6 to 10 mm (0.63, 95% CI, 0.52-0.75) and polyps 0 to 5 mm (0.56, 95% CI, 0.42-0.70). Similarly, the exact area under the sROC curve (area ± standard error) was higher using a threshold greater than 10 mm (0.898 ± 0.063) compared with thresholds of greater than 5 mm and any size (0.884 ± 0.033 and 0.822 ± 0.059, respectively). There were no significant differences in the diagnostic characteristics of 2-dimensional versus 3-dimensional CT colonography. At a threshold greater than 5 mm, the exact area under the sROC curve was significantly higher for endoscopic colonoscopy compared with CT colonography (0.998 ± 0.006 vs 0.884 ± 0.033, P Conclusions CT colonography has a reasonable sensitivity and specificity for detecting large polyps but was less accurate than endoscopic colonoscopy for smaller polyps. Thus, CT colonography may not be a reasonable alternative in situations in which a small polyp may be clinically relevant.
Oculomotor correlates of context-guided learning in visual search

Previous studies have shown that context-facilitated visual search can occur through implicit learning. In the present study, we have explored its oculomotor correlates as a step toward unraveling the mechanisms that underlie such learning. Specifically, we examined a number of oculomotor parameters that might accompany the learning of context-guided search. The results showed that a decrease in the number of saccades occurred along with a fall in search time. Furthermore, we identified an effective search period in which each saccade monotonically brought the fixation closer to the target. Most important, the speed with which eye fixation approached the target did not change as a result of learning. We discuss the general implications of these results for visual search.
MMP-12 Catalytic Domain Recognizes Triple Helical Peptide Models of Collagen V with Exosites and High Activity

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-12 (or metalloelastase) efficiently hydrolyzed the gelatinase-selective α1(V)436-447 fluorescent triple helical peptide (THP) when the substrate was submicromolar. The sequence of this THP was derived from collagen V, a component of collagen I fibrils. The hemopexin domains of MMP-12 and -9 each increased kcat/Km toward this substrate by decreasing Km, just as the hemopexin domain of MMP-1 enhances its triple helical peptidase activity. Non-fluorescent α1(V) THP subtly perturbed amide NMR chemical shifts of MMP-12 not only in the active site cleft but also at remote sites of the β-sheet and adjoining loops. The α1(V) THP protected MMP-12 from the NMR line broadening effects of Gd ·EDTA in the active site cleft and more dramatically in the V-B loop next to the primed subsites. Mutagenesis of the exosite in the V-B loop at Thr-205 and His-206 that vary among MMP sequences established that this site supports the high specific activity toward α1(V) fluorescent THP without affecting general MMP activity. Surprisingly the α1(V) THP also protected novel surfaces in the S-shaped metal-binding loop and β-strands III and V that together form a pocket on the remote side of the zinc binding site. The patterns of protection suggest bending of the triple helical peptide partly around the catalytic domain to reach novel exosites. Partial unwinding or underwinding of the triple helix could accompany this to facilitate its hydrolysis.
Do-It-Yourself Investing in the Food and Beverage Industries

Abstract Do-it-yourself investors interested in stock market investing have a number of convenient and low-cost methods of market entry. For those interested in investing in the food and beverage industries, Direct Stock Purchase programs (DSPs), Dividend Reinvestment programs (DRIPs), and American Depository Receipts (ADRs) offer many attractive benefits to shareholders. Their sponsoring corporations are finding them effective tools for raising capital and for forging relationships with customers. Every shareholder is a potential customer and every customer is a potential shareholder. As such, direct investing programs are becoming an important part of a firm's integrated marketing communications effort. Such investment programs are profiled here. Their availability and contribution to firm performance will likely increase in the future.
The MinK-related peptides.

Abstract Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels mediate rapid, selective diffusion of K + ions through the plasma membrane, controlling cell excitability, secretion and signal transduction. KCNE genes encode a family of single transmembrane domain proteins called MinK-related peptides (MiRPs) that function as ancillary or β subunits of Kv channels. When co-expressed in heterologous systems, MiRPs confer changes in Kv channel conductance, gating kinetics and pharmacology, and are fundamental to recapitulation of the properties of some native currents. Inherited mutations in KCNE genes are associated with diseases of cardiac and skeletal muscle, and the inner ear. This article reviews our current understanding of MiRPs—their functional roles, the mechanisms underlying their association with Kv α subunits, their patterns of native expression and emerging evidence of the potential roles of MiRPs in the brain. The ubiquity of MiRP expression and their promiscuous association with Kv α subunits suggest a prominent role for MiRPs in channel dependent systems.
Entire mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is present in preimplantation mouse embryos.

To understand how mitogenic signals are transduced into the trophoblasts in preimplantation embryos, the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway molecules was tested. We used immunocytochemical means and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction to test whether MAPK pathway molecule gene products exist at the protein and phosphoprotein level in the zygote and the RNA level in the egg and zygote. In addition, all antibodies detected the correct-sized major band in Westerns of placental cell lines representing the most prevalent cell type in preimplantation embryos. A majority of mRNA transcripts of MAPK pathway genes were detected in unfertilized eggs, and all were expressed in the zygote. We found that the MAPK pathway protein set consisting of the following gene products was present: FRS2α, GRB2, GAB1, SOS1, Ha-ras, Raf1/RafB, MEK1,2,5, MAPK/ERK1,2, MAPK/ERK5, and RSK1,2,3 (see abbreviations). These proteins were detected in trophoblasts in embryonic day (E) 3.5 embryos when they could mediate mitogenic fibroblast growth factor signals from the embryo or colony stimulating factor-1 signals from the uterus. The phosphorylation state and position of the phosphoproteins in the cells suggested that they might function in mediating mitogenic signals. Interestingly, a subtle transition from maternal MAPK function to zygotic function was suggested by the localization for three MAPK pathway enzymes between E2.5 and E3.5, Raf1 phospho is largely cell membrane-localized at E2.5 and E3.5, and MEK1,2 phospho accumulates in the nucleus on E2.5 and E3.5. However, MAPK phospho shifts from nuclear accumulation at E2.5 to cytoplasmic accumulation at E3.5. This finding is similar to the cytoplasmic MAPK phospho localization reported in fibroblast growth factor signaling fields in postimplantation embryos (Corson et al. [2003] Development 130:4527–4537). This spatial and temporal expression study lays a foundation to plan and analyze perturbation studies aimed at understanding the role of the major mitogenic pathway in preimplantation mouse embryos. Developmental Dynamics 231:72–87, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Simulation of antenna radiation pattern

Adequately modeling the radiation pattern of a high-performance antenna system usually requires the expensive development of complicated electromagnetic software or the storage of an extremely large number of measured data. An alternative and efficient simulation technique is described in this article using a spherical wave expansion model, which requires the storage of a relatively small number of coefficients to define the function for the antenna's radiation pattern. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.
Exploring Predictors of Complication in Older Surgical Patients: A Deficit Accumulation Index and the Braden Scale

Objectives: To determine whether readily collected perioperative information might identify older surgical patients at higher risk of complications. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Medical chart review at a single academic institution. Participants: One hundred two individuals aged 65 and older who underwent abdominal surgery between January 2007 and December 2009. Measurements: Primary predictor variables were first postoperative Braden Scale score (within 24 hours of surgery) and a Deficit Accumulation Index (DAI) constructed based on 39 available preoperative variables. The primary outcome was presence or absence of complication within 30 days of surgery. Results: Of 102 patients, 64 experienced at least one complication, with wound infection being the most common. In models adjusted for age, race, sex, and open versus laparoscopic surgery, lower Braden Scale scores were predictive of 30-day postoperative complication (odds ratio (OR) = 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06�1.60), longer length of stay (? = 1.44 (0.25) days; P ? .001), and discharge to an institution rather than home (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.02�1.48). The cut-off value for the Braden score with the highest predictive value for complication was ? 18 (OR = 3.63, 95% CI = 1.43�9.19; c statistic 0.744). The DAI and several traditional surgical risk factors were not significantly associated with 30-day postoperative complications. Conclusion: This is the first study to identify the perioperative Braden Scale score, a widely used risk-stratifier for pressure ulcers, as an independent predictor of other adverse outcomes in geriatric surgical patients. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding and to investigate other uses for this tool, which correlates well to phenotypic models of frailty.
Successful management of bleeding complications in patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with primary respiratory failure.

Background:Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a lifesaving procedure in patients with severe respiratory insufficiency failing conventional support. Bleeding complications are common due to the necessity for anticoagulation and circuit-related factors.Methods:A retrospective review was conducted in patients requiring ECMO for respiratory failure from 7/2010 to 6/2011 to identify episodes of major bleeding, bleeding management and outcomes.Results:Twenty-one patients were supported with ECMO during the study although five experienced massive bleeding related to chest tube insertion, jejunal arterio-venous malformations, distal perfusion cannula dislodgement and ventricular rupture. Patients required aggressive resuscitation or endoscopic or operative intervention, totaling 28 procedures. There were no instances of dehiscence, infection or sepsis related to interventions. Anticoagulation was stopped six hours before and restarted 24 hours after major interventions, with no thrombotic or neurologi...
Nuclear relaxation rates at copper and oxygen sites in YBa2Cu3O7

Abstract We report NMR measurements of the nuclear relaxation rate at all copper and oxygen sites in magnetically aligned powder samples of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 . There is no peak in the oxygen relaxation rate below T c at any oxygen site supporting the possibility that d-wave pairs are formed in the superconducting state. Comparison of the oxygen and copper rates in the planes reveals a characteristic temperature greater than T c .
N-Heterocyclic carbene-stabilized gold nanoparticles and their assembly into 3D superlattices

The facile one-phase synthesis of N-heterocyclic carbene-stabilized gold nanoparticles (NHC-AuNP) by reduction of NHC–gold(I) complexes and their self-assembly into 3D superlattices is presented.
Crystallization of substrate-confined liquid indium

Abstract Arrays of indium crystals were produced in a shaped SiO 2 surface. Uniform wetting of indium against SiO 2 was obtained by 800 °C treatment in H 2 -containing gas including a wet H 2 step. Selective concentration of vacuum-evaporated indium into an array of substrate concavities was obtained by two methods, one involving a mechanical planarizing technique and the other involving a heated substrate during deposition. The indium array on cooling at about 5 °C min −1 through the melting point typically exhibited one crystal per concavity. Diffractometer measurements showed a strong (101) orientation parallel to the substrate; many crystals also exhibited a facet parallel to the substrate. Laue patterns suggested no preferential azimuthal orientation, however. These techniques and results should be useful in extending the experiments to indium compounds used for photodetection and other device purposes.
Scalable and secure data collection: incentives considerations

Data collection, or uploading, is an inherent part of numerous digital government applications. In this poster we present our recent research directions in the development of Bistro, a scalable and secure architecture designed for collection of data over the Internet for digital government applications. Specifically, we focus on consideration of incentives for participation in the Bistro infrastructure.
Organic nutrient content of the US Food and Drug Administration's Total Diet and its possible use as a standard reference material

Mixed diet composites containing 201 different foods from the United States Food and Drug Administration's Total Diet Study have been prepared to represent the intake of a 25- to 30-year-old male in the US. To date, foods from ten different collections have been received and composites representing six collections have been prepared and assayed. Each composite, representing one of four different geographical areas of the US (West, South, Northeast, North Central), was assayed for proximates (fat, protein, moisture, carbohydrates, and ash), elemental composition and organic nutrient content. The elemental content is reported separately. This paper deals with the proximate and organic nutrient content. The organic nutrients determined were thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid and biotin. The results to date show no significant variations in the contents among the individual collections. Portions of the collections have been freeze-dried and mixed to prepare a total diet reference material. Analytical results for nutrient content of the dry material are equivalent to those of the original composite.