cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heat shock protein 90 is an essential molecular chaperone for nuclear transport of glucocorticoid receptor beta.

PURPOSE. Glucocorticoid sensitivity in glaucoma has been attributed to differences in the expression of the two glucocorticoid receptors, GR and GR .G R undergoes steroid-dependent nuclear translocation by associating with a heat shock protein (Hsp)90 multiprotein heterocomplex. The nuclear transport of the non–ligand-binding GR is still unknown. In this study, the roles of Hsp90 in the nuclear transport of GR were investigated. METHODS. Immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the subcellular expression of GR and Hsp90 in normal and glaucomatous trabecular meshwork (TM) cells, as well as in TM cells overexpressing GR. The role of Hsp90 in GR transport and stability were determined with the Hsp90 inhibitor, 17-AAG and the proteasome inhibitor lactacystin. Coimmunoprecipitation was performed to study GR-Hsp90 complexes. RESULTS. In normal and glaucomatous TM cells, the nuclear concentration of Hsp90 correlates with the nuclear expression of GR. Transfection with a GR expression construct produces an overexpression and accumulation of GR in the nucleus with a corresponding increase in nuclear Hsp90 amount. 17-AAG, a specific Hsp90 inhibitor, completely blocks the nuclear accumulation of GR and consequently leads to the degradation of GR in proteasomes. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments verify that GR complexes with Hsp90 and the microtubule motor protein dynein. CONCLUSIONS. These data provide strong evidence that Hsp90 is an essential molecular chaperone for the nuclear transport of GR. This transport appears to occur along micotubular tracks. Because nuclear GR is important in regulating the glucocorticoid responsiveness, changes in GR nuclear transport could influence subsequent responses that are often seen clinically, such as glucocorticoid resistance in some inflammatory and autoimmune diseases or enhanced glucocorticoid sensitivity in glaucoma. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2006;47:700–708) DOI:10.1167/iovs.05-0697
Managing memory loss: How early detection impacts individuals being diagnosed

Background: The focus of research efforts concerning Alzheimer’s disease (AD) on the potentially pre-clinical stage, known as Mild Cognitive Impairment, has resulted in the ability to diagnose far earlier than has historically been possible. Objectives: This quest to diagnose AD as soon in the trajectory as possible has important consequences for those who are diagnosed. In practice, clinical assessment transforms the phenomenon of forgetfulness from an everyday occurrence into a medically relevant category of symptomology. This process of converting specific experiences into standardized medical facts also transfers the status of the person with memory loss into a potential patient with Alzheimer’s. Methods: 18 months of participant observation of the diagnostic process, qualitative interview data from 50 people undergoing cognitive evaluation, and focus groups with 35 diagnosed individuals. Conclusions: Respondents depict feelings of shame, fear, disbelief, alienation, and disgust during the testing process and upon hearing the results. For people seeking medical care for their memory loss, the transition from experience to symptom requires a subjective redefinition of everyday forgetfulness as a problem. The social death potentially accompanying a diagnosis of dementia engenders a situation where (pathologically) forgetful people become “Alzheimer’s patients.” This process involves the application of medical labels only as deemed circumstantially necessary; people accept to drastically varying degrees the label of AD only to the extent to which it aides them. Data suggest a distinction between fully assuming the “master status” of Alzheimer’s patient and exploiting such terminology when necessary. The spectrum of identity management employed by people diagnosed demonstrates an ability to purposefully manage one’s interactions. The management of an Alzheimer’s identity involved the utilization of resources such as support groups and research studies. The role that diagnosed individuals play in shaping clinical practice and research surrounding memory loss have clear and important ramifications. Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, or Mild Cognitive Impairment, has granted researchers access to an entire population of people who are able to articulate their experiences and needs. It is crucial to listen to this new voice if we are to understand their impact on the services delivered and treatments offered.
Comparative study of air and water measurements of peak and stabilized static urethral pressures

Abstract Air and water were forced through female dogs' urethras to determine static urcthral pressures. The cauda equina was sectioned to eliminate reflex responses to urcthral manipulation, and the urethras were compressed circumferentially with inflatable Silastic cuffs. The peak and stabilized urethral pressures were recorded at flow rates between 20 and 150 ml. /min. while cuff pressures ircre varied between 0 and 100 em. of water. When. the fluid recordings of static urcthral pressure were compared with Millar transducer tip catheter measurements of urethral pressure, there were no statistically significant differences between the air cystometer, aneroid sphygmomanometer, and Millar catheter recordings of urethral pressure. At these high floe; rates, the water recordings of urethral pressure were .significantly higher than the Millar catheter determinations of static urcthral pressure.
Predictors of Subjective Memory in Young Adults

While the nature of memory complaints during older adulthood has been studied extensively, the meaning of subjective memory concerns in younger adults has not been fully addressed. Using a sample of 95 younger adults, this study examined the role of personality, health, and depression in predicting objective and subjective memory. For objective memory, openness and self-rated health were unique predictors. For subjective memory ability, only self-rated health was predictive. Finally, similar to studies with older adults, neuroticism and conscientiousness were predictive of both perceived frequency of forgetting and global memory. Using subjective memory concerns as an indicator of actual memory functioning may be inappropriate given the extent to which personality traits and health predict memory concerns.
Suppression of carrageenan-induced inflammation in vivo by an extract of the Chinese herbal remedy Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F

Objective and Design: The current studies investigated the effect of subacute administration of an ethyl acetate extract of the Chinese herbal remedy, Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TWHF) on the inflammatory response induced by carrageenan in the rat.¶Materials and Subjects: F344 rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of seven animals.¶Treatment: The rats were treated orally for 5 days with either vehicle or an ethyl acetate extract of TWHF at a dose of 270 mg/kg, equivalent to 1/5 of the dose causing death in 50% of the animals.¶Methods: Air pouches were induced subcutaneously on the backs of rats and injected with carrageenan on the last day of treatment. Sixteen hours after carrageenan challenge, the air pouches were removed and analyzed. Student's t-test was employed for statistical analysis.¶Results: The number of exudate cells and the concentration of PGE2, nitrite and TNF-α in the exudate obtained from TWHF-treated animals were significantly reduced (by 69%, 78%, 57% and 77%, respectively) compared to that from vehicle-treated animals. mRNA for cyclooxygenase-2 was markedly suppressed in the air pouch lining tissue of TWHF treated rats (p < 0.001). In contrast, PGE2 content of the kidney and stomach and the production of PGE2, nitrite and TNF-α by spleen cells was not affected by treatment with TWHF.¶Conclusions: These results indicate that TWHF exerts a significant anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Studies on Electroless Cobalt Coatings for Microencapsulation of Hydrogen Storage Alloys

ABSTRACT LaNi4 275n,24 alloy was microencapsulated with cobalt by electroless deposition from an alkaline hypophosphite bath.Discharge curves of the encapsulated alloy indicate an additional contribution to the capacity arising from the cobalt onthe surface. Studies on cobalt thin films reveal the presence of adsorbed hydrogen in cobalt. The amount of hydrogenadsorbed was observed to increase with time of cathodic polarization and to reach a maximum. Polarization techniqueshave been used to characterize the cobalt-plated alloy as a function of state of charge. The equilibrium potential of themicroencapsulated electrode at low hydrogen concentration is determined by the potential of the cobalt coating on thesurface.InfroductionNickel hydride batteries (MH) with reversible hydrogenstorage alloys have recently attracted great attention. For practical electrochemical devices, metal hydrides aresought with the following properties: high capacity to store hydrogen, low hydrogen equilibrium pressure, high
Evidence of increased intestinal absorption of molecular sucrose in sprue.

It has been found that patients with sprue excrete significantly greater quantities of intact sucrose in the urine after an oral dose of sucrose than do normal subjects. The urine of normal persons becomes free of sucrose after a 10-hour fast, but patients with sprue may exhibit sucrosuria throughout a 24-hour fast. Diminished hydrolysis of sucrose and increased intestinal permeability are mentioned as possible explanations for the findings.
A Method for First‐Order Earthquake Depth Estimation Using Superarrays

Source depth estimation is a key process in earthquake location, hazard assessment, and nuclear monitoring. For instance, hypocentral depth is an important parameter affecting the spatial attenuation of ground motions resulting from an earthquake and an important indicator of natural versus man‐made events. Resolving transition zone phase complexity is important in sparsely monitored areas, for improved location and magnitude estimation of a seismic event at regional‐to‐teleseismic distances. In response to this need, we demonstrate a new approach to first‐order depth estimation. Depth phases are notoriously difficult to identify, specifically for shallower events. The usual way of determining the depth of focus of an earthquake is to measure the difference Δ t P − pP between the arrival time of the direct P wave and the arrival time of the surface reflection pP . Once Δ t P − pP is calculated, the depth of the focus can then be estimated closely, assuming that the velocity structure between the surface and the event focus is satisfactorily known. Although this method sounds simple, one major challenge remains: depth‐phase identification. For this reason, many monitoring agencies pick few depth phases from earthquakes shallower than 70 km. For example, depth‐phase observations were reported for only about 5% of the analyst‐reviewed events listed in the revised event bulletins of the Prototype International Data Centre during the Group of Scientific Experts Technical Test No 3 (GSETT‐3) experiment (Murphy and Barker, 2006). Routine depth‐phase identification is complicated by issues including (1) focal mechanism (affecting the relative P and pP or sP amplitude), (2) differential attenuation effects, (3) variations of surface topography and of subsurface structure at the depth‐phase bounce points, (4) earthquake epicentral distance (e.g., complex coda of P phases bottoming at the transition zone of the upper and lower mantle makes pP identification difficult), (5) rupture duration for large earthquakes ( M …
CuInS2 films prepared by spray pyrolysis

Abstract The electrical, optical and structural properties of thin films of CuInS 2 prepared by spraying a solution of Cu 2 Cl 2 , InCl 3 and thiourea onto heated glass and alumina substrates are described. The polycrystalline films produced at prescribed spraying rates and substrate temperatures were nearly stoichiometric as shown by EDAX analysis, homogeneous, and had the sphalerite structure The films were p -type and their resistivity could be adjusted over the range 0.1 ω cm to very high values by controlling the temperature of the substrate during spraying. Heterojunction devices which exhibited a weak photovoltaic effect were prepared by combining these films with either single crystals of CdS or with sprayed films of CdS.
Polarization and Angular Dependence of 1.06-μm Laser-Light Absorption by Planar Plasmas

An enclosing "box" calorimeter has been used to measure the polarization and angular dependence of 1.06-\ensuremath{\mu}m laser-light absorption under experimental conditions approximating those assumed by Estabrook, Valeo, and Kruer in their simulations; i.e., \ensuremath{\sim}${10}^{16}$ W/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ plane waves incident on a planar plasma. A clear resonance absorption maximum was observed for $p$-but not for $s$-polarized incident radiation as predicted.
Synthesis and Radiation Degradation of Vinyl Polymers with Fluorine: Search for Improved Lithographic Resists,

Homopolymers of methyl ..cap alpha..-fluoroacrylate (MFA), trifluoroethyl methacrylate (TFEM), and hexafluoroisopropyl methacrylate (HFIM) were prepared, as were their methyl methacrylate (MMA) copolymers. Copolymers of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) and chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) with MMA were also prepared. The radiation susceptibilities of these polymers were measured by the /sup 60/Co ..gamma..-irradiation method, in which molecular weights were measured by membrane osmometry and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). All the copolymers degraded by predominant chain scission except poly(methyl ..cap alpha..-fluoroacrylate), (PMFA), which crosslinks even at low doses (ca. 1 Mrad). The G/sub s/-G/sub x/ and G/sub s/ values of the chain scissioning polymers and copolymers are higher than those of poly(methyl methacrylate) PMMA reference. The high susceptibility of PMFA homopolymer to crosslinking is in contrast to that of poly(methyl ..cap alpha..-chloroacrylate), as we reported earlier. This effect is interpreted as resulting from extensive hydrogen fluoride and polyenyl radical formation, which leads to facile crosslinking. However, incorporation of the MFA monomer unit causes the (22/78) MFA/MMA copolymer to degrade with a larger value of G/sub s/ that PMMA. Apparently a second-order process leads to crosslinking in PMFA and this is retarded in the copolymer. In the homopolymers of HFIM and TFEM and in the HFIM-MMA andmore » TFEM-MMA copolymers the HFIM and TFEM components facilitate degradation with negligible crosslinking. The increased degradation susceptibility of VDF and CTFE copolymers with MMA over that of PMMA is attributed to processes at the VDF or CTFE components (present in smaller concentrations (3 to 5 mole %) than the threshold levels (25 to 50% necessary for significant crosslinking).« less
Psychological Vulnerabilities and Propensities for Involvement in Violent Extremism

Research on the psychology of terrorism has argued against the idea that most terrorist behavior is caused by mental illness or by a terrorist personality. This article suggests an alternative line of inquiry - an individual psychology of terrorism that explores how otherwise normal mental states and processes, built on characteristic attitudes, dispositions, inclinations, and intentions, might affect a person's propensity for involvement with violent extremist groups and actions. It uses the concepts of "mindset" - a relatively enduring set of attitudes, dispositions, and inclinations - and worldview as the basis of a psychological "climate," within which various vulnerabilities and propensities shape ideas and behaviors in ways that can increase the person's risk or likelihood of involvement in violent extremism.
The Secreted Immunoglobulin Domain Proteins ZIG-5 and ZIG-8 Cooperate with L1CAM/SAX-7 to Maintain Nervous System Integrity

During nervous system development, neuronal cell bodies and their axodendritic projections are precisely positioned through transiently expressed patterning cues. We show here that two neuronally expressed, secreted immunoglobulin (Ig) domain-containing proteins, ZIG-5 and ZIG-8, have no detectable role during embryonic nervous system development of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans but are jointly required for neuronal soma and ventral cord axons to maintain their correct position throughout postembryonic life of the animal. The maintenance defects observed upon removal of zig-5 and zig-8 are similar to those observed upon complete loss of the SAX-7 protein, the C. elegans ortholog of the L1CAM family of adhesion proteins, which have been implicated in several neurological diseases. SAX-7 exists in two isoforms: a canonical, long isoform (SAX-7L) and a more adhesive shorter isoform lacking the first two Ig domains (SAX-7S). Unexpectedly, the normally essential function of ZIG-5 and ZIG-8 in maintaining neuronal soma and axon position is completely suppressed by genetic removal of the long SAX-7L isoform. Overexpression of the short isoform SAX-7S also abrogates the need for ZIG-5 and ZIG-8. Conversely, overexpression of the long isoform disrupts adhesion, irrespective of the presence of the ZIG proteins. These findings suggest an unexpected interdependency of distinct Ig domain proteins, with one isoform of SAX-7, SAX-7L, inhibiting the function of the most adhesive isoform, SAX-7S, and this inhibition being relieved by ZIG-5 and ZIG-8. Apart from extending our understanding of dedicated neuronal maintenance mechanisms, these findings provide novel insights into adhesive and anti-adhesive functions of IgCAM proteins.
Use of Mathematical Models in the Study of Structure-Toxicity Relationships of Dental Compounds: I. Esters of Acrylic and Methacrylic Acids

The toxicity of a series of esters of acrylic and methacrylic acids was determined in groups of mice, and the resultant LD50 values were analyzed with the use of the mathematical models of Free and Wilson and of Hansch to relate structure of the compounds to toxicity. Both models proved valuable in relating structures to toxicity parameters, but the more useful method for predicting toxicity was the Hansch model.
The Influence of Early Strain on Later Strain, Stress Responses, and Aggression by Police Officers:

Research has established policing as one of the most stressful occupations and that work-induced strain can lead to various criminal and negative outcomes. This study extends existing literature in...
Quantifying Marine Boundary Layer Water Vapor beneath Low Clouds with Near-Infrared and Microwave Imagery

AbstractThis study investigates the synergy of collocated microwave radiometry and near-infrared imagery to estimate the marine boundary layer water vapor beneath uniform cloud fields. Microwave radiometry provides the total column water vapor, while the near-infrared imagery provides the water vapor above the cloud layers. The difference between the two gives the vapor between the surface and the cloud top, which may be interpreted as the boundary layer water vapor. In combining the two datasets, we apply several flags as well as proximity tests to remove pixels with high clouds and/or intrapixel heterogeneity. Comparisons against radiosonde and ECMWF reanalysis data demonstrate the robustness of these boundary layer water vapor estimates. Last, it is shown that the measured AMSR-MODIS boundary layer water vapor can be analyzed using sea surface temperature and cloud-top pressure information by employing simple equations based on the Clausius–Clapeyron relationship.
That which does not stabilize, will only make us stronger

The Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (BLEEX) is a load-carrying and energetically autonomous human exoskeleton that, in this first generation prototype, carries up to a 34 kg (75 lb) payload for the pilot and allows the pilot to walk at up to 1.3 m/s (2.9 mph). This article focuses on the human-in-the-loop control scheme and the novel ring-based networked control architecture (ExoNET) that together enable BLEEX to support payload while safely moving in concert with the human pilot. The BLEEX sensitivity amplification control algorithm proposed here increases the closed loop system sensitivity to its wearer’s forces and torques without any measurement from the wearer (such as force, position, or electromyogram signal). The tradeoffs between not having sensors to measure human variables, the need for dynamic model accuracy, and robustness to parameter uncertainty are described. ExoNET provides the physical network on which the BLEEX control algorithm runs. The ExoNET control network guarantees strict determinism, optimized data transfer for small data sizes, and flexibility in configuration. Its features and application on BLEEX are described.
Learning and retention through predictive inference and classification.

Work in category learning addresses how humans acquire knowledge and, thus, should inform classroom practices. In two experiments, we apply and evaluate intuitions garnered from laboratory-based research in category learning to learning tasks situated in an educational context. In Experiment 1, learning through predictive inference and classification were compared for fifth-grade students using class-related materials. Making inferences about properties of category members and receiving feedback led to the acquisition of both queried (i.e., tested) properties and nonqueried properties that were correlated with a queried property (e.g., even if not queried, students learned about a species’ habitat because it correlated with a queried property, like the species’ size). In contrast, classifying items according to their species and receiving feedback led to knowledge of only the property most diagnostic of category membership. After multiple-day delay, the fifth-graders who learned through inference selectively retained information about the queried properties, and the fifth-graders who learned through classification retained information about the diagnostic property, indicating a role for explicit evaluation in establishing memories. Overall, inference learning resulted in fewer errors, better retention, and more liking of the categories than did classification learning. Experiment 2 revealed that querying a property only a few times was enough to manifest the full benefits of inference learning in undergraduate students. These results suggest that classroom teaching should emphasize reasoning from the category to multiple properties rather than from a set of properties to the category.
A novel MILP formulation for planning GMPLS transport networks with conversion and regeneration capabilities

With the ever-increasing traffic in WDM transport networks, the development of GMPLS (or multi-granular) transport networks becomes essential to avoid the cost explosion of OXCs. This paper addresses the optimal planning problem of the GMPLS transport network by (1) considering the whole flow hierarchy defined in GMPLS, (2) allowing the optical signal conversion at all granularity levels, and (3) imposing the optical reach constraint on the length of all-optical paths. We call this planning problem routing and multi-granular paths assignment (RMGPA). The objective of the problem is to minimize the total weighted port count. The problem is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model. Due to the computational complexity of the problem, the MILP optimization is carried out on small-sized planning problems. The solutions to the MILP model are used as valuable quality references for previously developed sub-optimum methods, which we have proposed in a previous work to solve large-sized planning problems in a reasonable amount of time.
Biological and medical applications of a brain-on-a-chip

The desire to develop and evaluate drugs as potential countermeasures for biological and chemical threats requires test systems that can also substitute for the clinical trials normally crucial for drug development. Current animal models have limited predictivity for drug efficacy in humans as the large majority of drugs fails in clinical trials. We have limited understanding of the function of the central nervous system and the complexity of the brain, especially during development and neuronal plasticity. Simple in vitro systems do not represent physiology and function of the brain. Moreover, the difficulty of studying interactions between human genetics and environmental factors leads to lack of knowledge about the events that induce neurological diseases. Microphysiological systems (MPS) promise to generate more complex in vitro human models that better simulate the organ's biology and function. MPS combine different cell types in a specific three-dimensional (3D) configuration to simulate organs with a concrete function. The final aim of these MPS is to combine different "organoids" to generate a human-on-a-chip, an approach that would allow studies of complex physiological organ interactions. The recent discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) gives a range of possibilities allowing cellular studies of individuals with different genetic backgrounds (e.g., human disease models). Application of iPSCs from different donors in MPS gives the opportunity to better understand mechanisms of the disease and can be a novel tool in drug development, toxicology, and medicine. In order to generate a brain-on-a-chip, we have established a 3D model from human iPSCs based on our experience with a 3D rat primary aggregating brain model. After four weeks of differentiation, human 3D aggregates stain positive for different neuronal markers and show higher gene expression of various neuronal differentiation markers compared to 2D cultures. Here we present the applications and challenges of this emerging technology.
Inversion Theorem Based Kernel Density Estimation for the Ordinary Least Squares Estimator of a Regression Coefficient

The traditional confidence interval associated with the ordinary least squares estimator of linear regression coefficient is sensitive to non-normality of the underlying distribution. In this article, we develop a novel kernel density estimator for the ordinary least squares estimator via utilizing well-defined inversion based kernel smoothing techniques in order to estimate the conditional probability density distribution of the dependent random variable. Simulation results show that given a small sample size, our method significantly increases the power as compared with Wald-type CIs. The proposed approach is illustrated via an application to a classic small data set originally from Graybill (1961).
An in-depth look at Krukenberg tumor: an overview

Krukenberg tumor is an uncommon metastatic tumor of the ovary. This article provides an overview of the major pathologic manifestations of Krukenberg tumor, patient characteristics, clinical and laboratory features of the disease, prognostic factors, and current knowledge about its pathogenesis. Pathologists have to be familiar with the diagnostic histopathologic features of the tumor and its principal differential diagnoses. Awareness of the diagnostic manifestations of the tumor leads to the correct diagnosis and prevents tumor misclassification, thus avoiding improper clinical management. The article also addresses the potential clinical utility of serum CA 125 in patients with Krukenberg tumors. Prognosis of Krukenberg tumor is still very poor but our review of the literature reveals several factors that appear to have an impact on survival. There is no established treatment for Krukenberg tumors. A national registry and prospective studies are needed to set a therapeutic approach for Krukenberg tumors in the hope of improving the survival rate.
Current Methods of Pharmacologic Stress Testing and the Potential Advantages of New Agents

This article presents the exciting advances made and ongoing in the area of pharmacologic cardiac stress testing. In particular, new A2A-specificreceptoragonistsworklikeadenosinebut promise the delivery of uncomplicated vasodilator stress testing or the diagnosis and prognosis of coronary disease. These agents, although not perfect, do likely present a level of protection against the complications of bronchospasm and heart block. Phase III studieshaveshownthattheseagentspromiseareducedsymptom
Regulation of lens cell growth and polarity by an embryo-specific growth factor and by inhibitors of lens cell proliferation and differentiation

We used a double-label method, which monitors the rate at which cells enter S-phase of the cell cycle, to identify factors that control the growth of chicken embryo lens epithelial cells in vivo. With this assay, we identified a mitogen for lens epithelial cells in the anterior segment of the embryonic eye. When the anterior chamber was opened briefly, by tearing the cornea or displacing the lens, the growth-promoting activity was lost. None of the purified growth factors tested replaced this growth activity, including EGF, bFGF, PDGF, IGF-1, IGF-2, TGF beta and mixtures of these factors. However, chicken embryo serum or plasma did cause chicken embryo lens epithelial cells to progress through the cell cycle. The activity in serum was destroyed by heat and protease treatment. It was most active in serum from 10-day embryos, decreased with subsequent development and was undetectable from 2 days after hatching through adulthood. When embryo serum or plasma was mixed with vitreous humor or IGF-1, agents that induce lens fiber cell formation, cell elongation was prevented. In contrast to the mitogenic activity in serum, this inhibitor of differentiation was insensitive to trypsin treatment. We also identified an activity in vitreous humor that inhibited the growth-promoting agent in embryo serum. Plasma proteins readily enter the anterior chamber of the eye of chicken embryos.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Influence of chronic renal insufficiency on outcomes following carotid revascularization.

Objectives To examine the perioperative and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing carotid revascularization and to determine the influence moderate or severe renal insufficiency may have on these outcomes. Design Retrospective database review. Setting Academic tertiary hospital. Patients Patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy and carotid angioplasty and stenting from 1996 to 2006. Intervention Carotid revascularization. Main Outcome Measure Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated based on the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. Groups were analyzed by stages 0 to 2 (GFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73m 2 ) vs stage 3 (GFR 2 ) vs stages 4 and 5 (GFR 2 ). Results Nine hundred twenty-one carotid interventions were performed (750 carotid endarterectomy, 171 carotid angioplasty and stenting). The overall 30-day mortality and morbidity rates were 1.1% and 16.9%, respectively. Sixty-six percent of patients had normal renal function (stages 0-2). Twenty-eight percent of patients had moderate renal insufficiency (stage 3) and 6% of patients had severe renal insufficiency (stages 4-5). The 30-day stroke rates for groups were 2.98% (normal renal function), 2.67% (moderate renal insufficiency), and 5.45% (severe renal insufficiency) (P = .54). Thirty-day mortality rates between groups were 0.66% (normal renal function), 1.15% (moderate renal insufficiency), and 5.45% (severe renal insufficiency) (P = .005). For carotid endarterectomy, no difference in freedom from stroke existed based on level of renal function. For carotid angioplasty and stenting, patients with severe renal insufficiency exhibited significantly lower rates of freedom from stroke. Conclusions Chronic kidney disease is prevalent among patients undergoing carotid revascularization. Overall, patients with moderate renal function have similar outcomes. However, those with severe renal insufficiency have significantly higher 30-day mortality when undergoing carotid revascularization.
Evaluating a terrestrial ecosystem model with satellite information of greenness

[1] Dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) simulate ecosystem responses to multiple environmental factors. Traditionally, these models were evaluated with sparse ground measurements, but satellite observations now allow evaluation at model grid cell scales with near-global coverage. Agro-IBIS is the first DGVM to explicitly simulate the major crop types of the United States. We evaluate these simulated agroecosystems using satellite information of greenness for the first time at the regional scale. We compare Agro-IBIS-simulated leaf area index (LAI) and fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FPAR) of crops, forests, and grasses with AVHRR (1982–2000) and MODIS (2000–2002) LAI and FPAR data sets across the central and eastern United States. Compared with MODIS data, Agro-IBIS overestimates growing season LAI over broadleaf crops and simulates reasonable but lower growing season LAI over deciduous forest, with an early onset bias in the southern region. Agro-IBIS underestimates needleleaf forest LAI and substantially overestimates the magnitude of grassland growing season LAI, with an early onset bias of one month. Similar bias patterns in FPAR occur in all biomes. While we do not trust the LAI/FPAR magnitudes from AVHRR data, we do suggest that AVHRR data may be used to evaluate the timing of onset and offset of the growing season of broadleaf crops and grasses. Evaluation of broadleaf crop peak LAI from Agro-IBIS and MODIS with ground measurements shows significant discrepancies. Continuing improvements in DGVMs (especially grass algorithms in Agro-IBIS) and validation of satellite data sets (especially over crops in MODIS) are needed to understand regional-scale terrestrial ecosystem processes.
Spectral Reflectance of Conodonts: A Step Toward Quantitative Color Alteration and Thermal Maturity Indexes

Changes in the color of conodonts have long been used to assess thermal maturity. Color is a subjective measure, and color changes in conodonts are related to a subjective scale, the conodont alteration index or CAI. In this paper, we propose a simple, nondestructive method for objectively determining CAI and relating CAI to thermal maturity, the spectral reflectance of conodonts (SRC). The diffuse reflectance of about 30 large conodont fragments arranged on a barium-sulfate slide was determined with a total reflectance spectrophotometer in the wavelength range of 300-850 nm. By examining conodonts that ranged from a CAI of 1 to a CAI of 6 we found that the average slope of the reflectance curve from 550 to 800 nm is a good proxy for CAI. A second-order regression equatio estimates CAI from this slope with high accuracy (correlation coefficient = 0.99). These estimates appear most accurate for a CAI of 1 to a CAI of 4, where the slopes change most rapidly, but give reasonable results up to a CAI of 6. Based on the results of our analysis of two samples with known thermal maturities from the Valles Caldera region of New Mexico, we propose a preliminary relationship among SRC slope, CAI, and in-situ alteration temperature.
Proteasome- and ethanol-dependent regulation of HCV-infection pathogenesis.

This paper reviews the role of the catabolism of HCV and signaling proteins in HCV protection and the involvement of ethanol in HCV-proteasome interactions. HCV specifically infects hepatocytes, and intracellularly expressed HCV proteins generate oxidative stress, which is further exacerbated by heavy drinking. The proteasome is the principal proteolytic system in cells, and its activity is sensitive to the level of cellular oxidative stress. Not only host proteins, but some HCV proteins are degraded by the proteasome, which, in turn, controls HCV propagation and is crucial for the elimination of the virus. Ubiquitylation of HCV proteins usually leads to the prevention of HCV propagation, while accumulation of undegraded viral proteins in the nuclear compartment exacerbates infection pathogenesis. Proteasome activity also regulates both innate and adaptive immunity in HCV-infected cells. In addition, the proteasome/immunoproteasome is activated by interferons, which also induce “early” and “late” interferon-sensitive genes (ISGs) with anti-viral properties. Cleaving viral proteins to peptides in professional immune antigen presenting cells and infected (“target”) hepatocytes that express the MHC class I-antigenic peptide complex, the proteasome regulates the clearance of infected hepatocytes by the immune system. Alcohol exposure prevents peptide cleavage by generating metabolites that impair proteasome activity, thereby providing escape mechanisms that interfere with efficient viral clearance to promote the persistence of HCV-infection.
Developing a radio configuration guide for Tyco Electronics

Tyco Electronics manufactures digital wireless radios for Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Service Departments as well as commercial users such as utility providers. Tyco has noticed customers struggling with the complexity of the new radios. This project required our team to build a radio configuration help site for Tyco passing on experiential knowledge and practical tips. Finding the most effective way to convey this information, both functionally and visually, was vital to the project's success. Initial test results proved the site to be navigable and usable. We also address recommendations for future work at the end of this document.
Efficient object detection via adaptive online selection of sensor-array elements

We examine how to use emerging far-infrared imager ensembles to detect certain objects of interest (e.g., faces, hands, people and animals) in synchronized RGB video streams at very low power. We formulate the problem as one of selecting subsets of sensing elements (among many thousand possibilities) from the ensembles for tests. The subset selection problem is naturally adaptive and online: testing certain elements early can obviate the need for testing many others later, and selection policies must be updated at inference time. We pose the ensemble sensor selection problem as a structured extension of test-cost-sensitive classification, propose a principled suite of techniques to exploit ensemble structure to speed up processing and show how to reestimate policies fast. We estimate reductions in power consumption of roughly 50× relative to even highly optimized implementations of face detection, a canonical object-detection problem. We also illustrate the benefits of adaptivity and online estimation.
Experimental Study of High Velocity Penetration of an Aluminum Target Plate by a Spherical Projectile

A high velocity penetration experimental between an aluminum sphere and a square aluminum plate is carried out to provide data for depicting the penetration process and behavior of both projectile and target at multi-length scales. Residual stress patterns of the plate’s surface before and after penetration are recorded and compared through X-ray diffraction (XRD). Effects of the penetration on microstructure of the Al plate and the material’s microstructural evolution are also illustrated through SEM. Important Physical features of the penetration phenomena are observed from the penetration tests. A good understanding of Al-Al penetration mechanism can therefore be achieved from the experimental study, along which a standard experimental procedure can be established for investigating plasticity mechanisms that govern engineering material penetration.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Was there a ‘the Church’ in the Middle Ages?

Scholarly works on the Middle Ages frequently enough mention ‘the Church in the Middle Ages’, or ‘the teaching of the Church in the Middle Ages’ without further specification, as if the reader could immediately identify the institution to which the author is referring. The authors of such works assume both that the reader readily recognizes what the author means by the phrase, but also, and perhaps more troubling, assume that there was an easily identifiable group in the Middle Ages that was ‘the Church’. Yet, when one tries actually to establish some agreement among medieval sources as to what constituted ‘the Church’ or even some agreement as to the criteria by which one could recognize a ‘the Church’, the ‘the Church’ which ought to be so solid seems to disappear into a thousand disparate factions. If, in fact, ‘the Church’ is really better described as a set of common traditions rather than as an institutional monolith, then the question of unity within ‘the Church’ would centre more on the commonality of this tradition than on the structural integrity and uniformity of belief within the institution. In short, how one understands and defines ‘the Church’ will determine the criteria by which one affirms or denies the unity of that Church. A discussion of what ‘the Church of the Middle Ages’ might be seems to be methodologically prior to any determination of the unity or disunity of Christianity in the Middle Ages. This contribution will limit itself to an exploration of some of the problems inherent in assuming that there was a ‘the Church in the Middle Ages’ and, further, that this ‘Church of the Middle Ages’ can be easily identified and defined.
A Practical Alternative to Comparison Group Designs in od Evaluations: the Abbreviated Time Series Design

The article examines the use of abbreviated time series design (ATSD) as an alternative to comparison group designs in the evaluation of organization development (OD). It was found, in a study whic...
Water oxidation using a cobalt monolayer prepared by underpotential deposition.

Development of electrocatalysts for the conversion of water to dioxygen is important in a variety of chemical applications. Despite much research in this field, there are still several fundamental issues about the electrocatalysts that need to be resolved. Two such problems are that the catalyst mass loading on the electrode is subject to large uncertainties and the wetted surface area of the catalyst is often unknown and difficult to determine. To address these topics, a cobalt monolayer was prepared on a gold electrode by underpotential deposition and used to probe its efficiency for the oxidation of water. This electrocatalyst was characterized by atomic force microscopy, grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at various potentials to determine if changes occur on the surface during catalysis. An enhancement of current was observed upon addition of PO43– ions, suggesting an effect from surface-bound ligands on the efficiency of water oxidation. At 500 mV overpotential...
Antibiotic resistance of haemophilus influenzae isolated from children in Wuhan area

OBJECTIVE To investigate the antibiotic resistance of Heamophilus influenzae isolated from children in Wuhan area.METHODS A total of 2212 strains of H.influenzae isolated from hospitalized children were collected between Jan 2009 and Jun 2010,bacterial susceptibility testing was carried out by using Kirby-Bauer and E-test method.The results were analyzed according to CLSI 2008.The variance of antibiotics resistance was analyzed by Chi-squared methods.RESULTS The antibiotics resistance rates of 2212 strains of H.influenzae to azithromycin,ampicillin/sulbactam,ampicillin,sulfamethoxazole,meropenem,cefuroxime,cefaclor and ceftriaxone were 1.45%,3.89%,35.71%,75.50%,0.36%,0.59%,2.53% and 2.26%,respectively.CONCLUSION The resistant rates of H.influenzae isolated from the children in Wuhan area to ampicillin and sulfamethoxazole are high,and the drug resistance situation is grim,the monitoring of the drug sensitivity and the rational use of antibiotics should be strengthened in clinics.
419 HISTORICAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE OF SKIN CANCER DEVELOPMENT IN LONG TERM ORGAN TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS

Purpose Colorado has a unique transplant history, as The University of Colorado (UC) was the setting for pioneering work in solid organ transplantation under the direction of Thomas Starzl, M.D., Ph.D in the early 1960s. Because of the widespread use of immunosuppressive therapy, many of these early transplant recipients are still alive and have been followed in the Dermatology clinic at UC. However, this group of patients is not included in current statistical registries and there are no reports that have examined the development of skin cancer in long term organ transplant recipients (OTRs) that were transplanted an average of over thirty years ago. In this case series, we identify and contact an aged group of kidney and liver OTRs in an attempt to assess their incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Methods 53 aged original Starzl transplant recipients were identified in the “World Transplant Records.” (Cecka, Terasaki Clinical Transplants 2002) This reference lists the longest transplant survivors and contains records of patients who currently have functioning transplants. Individuals were contacted by writing or telephone and invited to participate in the IRB approved, HIPPA compliant survey. They were asked to fill out a questionnaire aimed to assess transplant history, medication history, and numerous questions regarding skin disease and NMSC risk factors. Results 22/53 individuals responded to the survey. The mean years of transplant function in this series was 32 (range 18-41), with a mean 23 years of immunosuppression (range 0-38). Nine of 22 developed NMSC post-transplant. Eight of 14 kidney OTRs developed NMSC, with six of these reporting ≥2 SCC9s. Of note, NMSCs resolved in several kidney OTRs after tapering off immunosuppressive therapy. Conclusions This case series highlights some of the longest surviving OTRs in the world. Although the numbers are small, our results suggest it is reasonable to attempt medication weaning. While not complete, the current registries of this unique population offer us valuable information and deserve further examination. An increased amount of data on NMSC in long term OTRs will allow for identification of both critical risk factors and key determinants of skin cancer in OTRs, thereby aiding transplant and dermatology physicians in developing transplant/skin protocols to advance the care of these patients.
Adventures in Dietetic Research . The Ninth Lenna Frances Cooper Memorial Lecture

The author looks back on a career in dietetic research which has led her to a position of eminence in the profession as an authority in a number of sub-specialty fields into which her research has been directed.
Postoperative Management of Superior Laryngeal Nerve Paralysis

Superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) injury can cause many symptoms, the most common complaints being the inability to access the upper vocal range, difficulty projecting the voice, and vocal fatigue. Treatment with voice therapy has some limited utility in these patients. Its greatest benefit may be in preventing or treating muscle tension dysphonia, developed in compensation of the SLN injury. Numerous static and one theoretical dynamic procedure have been proposed. These procedures can help augment the cricothyroid distance. These procedures may elevate the modal pitch of the voice with varying success, with only a few patients appreciating improvement in their pitch modulation. The most promising technique described is a muscle-nerve-muscle anastomosis with a neural conduit. This allows the nerve of the healthy cricothyroid muscle to innervate the paralyzed cricothyroid and ultimately leads to simultaneous bilateral muscle contraction. Although patients undergoing this procedure have shown some benefit, it has been reported only in patients who had additional procedures for voice restoration. This results in multiple confounding variables and the true utility of the procedure is unknown. Further research is needed to help identify an optimal treatment for SLN paralysis. Due to the dearth of successful treatment options, prevention of SLN injury should be emphasized.
Cerebral Blood Flow in Rett Syndrome

Cerebral blood flow was studied with single photon emission computed tomography in seven girls with Rett syndrome at the John F. Kennedy Institute, Glostrup, Denmark and the Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.