cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies on the mechanism of fatty acid synthesis. V. Bicarbonate requirement for the synthesis of long-chain fatty acids.

Abstract The synthesis of long-chain fatty acids from acetyl CoA is catalyzed by two highly purified enzyme fractions from avian liver in the presence of ATP, Mn++, HCO3− and TPNH. DPNH can replace TPNH although the rate of fatty acid synthesis is much less. The requirement for HCO3− applies to synthesis not only in the purified enzyme system but also in the unfractionated extracts of pigeon liver and rat liver. H14CO3− does not become incorporated into long-chain fatty acids during active synthesis from unlabelled acetyl CoA. The two enzyme fractions contain very little or none of the enzymes of the fatty acid-oxidation sequence. The TPNH-dependent α-β unsaturated acyl CoA reductase—a key enzyme in the elongation of the fatty acid chain by the reversal of β-oxidation—cannot be detected in the purified system.
Efficacy of intermittent androgen deprivation therapy vs conventional continuous androgen deprivation therapy for advanced prostate cancer: a meta-analysis.

Objective To compare the efficacy of intermittent androgen deprivation therapy (IADT) vs continuous androgen deprivation therapy (CADT) for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer; we performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), assessing the risks of disease progression, all-cause, and disease-specific mortality. Materials and Methods We conducted a systematic search of several bibliographic systems to identify all RCTs of IADT in men with newly diagnosed metastatic or biochemical only prostate cancer. We abstracted outcome data, study characteristics, and participant demographics. We performed heterogeneity tests and calculated the summarized risk differences (RD) and risk ratios at 95% confidence intervals (CI), using inverse variance methods in random-effects approaches. Results We identified 8 RCTs (N = 4664) comparing mortality between IADT and CADT. For all men combined, we observed small but nonsignificant differences in all-cause mortality (RD = 0.02, 95% CI = −0.02, 0.06), disease-specific mortality (RD = 0.04, 95% CI = −0.01, 0.08), and disease progression (RD = −0.03, 95% CI = −0.09, 0.04). Among the prespecified subgroup with histologically confirmed, newly diagnosed metastatic disease, we found no difference in overall survival (RD = 0.00, 95% CI = −0.09, 0.09). Conclusion We found no difference in overall survival, but a small increased risk in disease-specific survival for men treated with IADT relative to CADT was observed. IADT could be considered as an alternative to CADT because of better quality of life outcome. Patients should be informed of the possible risks and benefits of both therapies. More research confirming the benefits of IADT vs CADT is needed to inform treatment decisions.
Involvement of SR Proteins in mRNA Surveillance

Nonsense mutations influence several aspects of gene expression, including mRNA stability and splicing fidelity, but the mechanism by which premature termination codons (PTCs) can apparently affect splice-site selection remains elusive. We used a model human beta-globin gene with duplicated 5' splice sites (5'ss) and found that PTCs inserted between the two 5'ss do not directly influence splicing in this system. Instead, their apparent effect on 5'ss selection in vivo is an indirect result of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), as conditions that eliminated NMD also abrogated the effect on splicing. Remarkably, we found an unexpected function of SR proteins in targeting several mRNAs with PTCs to the NMD pathway. Overexpression of various SR proteins strongly enhanced NMD, and this effect required an RS domain. Our data argue against a universal role of PTCs in regulating pre-mRNA splicing and reveal an additional function of SR proteins in eukaryotic gene expression.
Reducible Dupin submanifolds

Pinkall's standard constructions for obtaining a Dupin hypersurface W in ℝ N from a Dupin hypersurface M in ℝ n , N>n, are studied in the context of Lie sphere geometry. It is shown that a compact Dupin hypersurface W in ℝ N with g distinct principal curvatures at each point is reducible to a compact Dupin hypersurface M in ℝ n if and only if g=2.
Vector-Controlled Voltage-Source-Converter-Based Transmission Under Grid Disturbances

Voltage-source converter (VSC)-based transmission systems have attractive potential features in terms of power flow control and stability of the network. Although relatively low switching frequency operation of high-power converters (9-15 times the line frequency) is desirable, it makes them sensitive to power network imbalances when they may be needed the most. This paper specifically proposes a control structure to improve the performance of high-power vector-controlled back-to-back VSC systems for conventional and emerging utility applications. The main improvement is to suppress the possible dc-link voltage fluctuations under power line faults and unbalanced conditions. The proposed controller structure is designed based on regulating the converter system's states locally in dq synchronous reference frame without sequence components extraction or resonant notch compensator. RTDS results verify the validity of the proposed control architecture during normal and unbalanced power system conditions.
Angiotensin, fibrinolysis, and vascular homeostasis

There is strong evidence that imbalance of the fibrinolytic system is involved in the pathogenesis of ischemic cardiovascular events. A reduction in fibrinolytic function may also mediate part of the adverse response of the vasculature to conditions of low nitric oxide production. Because reduced nitric oxide activity predisposes to the development of atherosclerosis, imbalance of the fibrinolytic system is heavily implicated in the development of cardiovascular pathology. The renin-angiotensin system exerts substantial control over the fibrinolytic system, and pharmacologic interventions that reduce the activity of angiotensin II also have favorable effects on fibrinolytic balance and on the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events. This review summarizes the evidence for a link between activation of the renin-angiotensin system, fibrinolytic imbalance, and cardiovascular pathology.
The structure of nucleoprotein cores released from adenovirions

The morphology, protein composition and DNA organization of nucleoprotein core complexes isolated from type 5 adenovirions have been examined by electron microscopy and biochemical techniques. The morphology of such core structures is in some ways strikingly similar to that exhibited by cellular chromatin. 'Native' core preparations contain compact and less highly-folded forms: the latter appear as thick fibres, 150-300A in diameter. Upon exposure to 0.4M NaCl, adenovirus cores undergo a transition to a beaded string form, reminiscent of nucleosomes. Of the three arginine-rich proteins, polypeptides V, VII and mu present in 'native' cores, only polypeptide VII remains associated with viral DNA in the presence of 0.4M NaCl. We therefore conclude that the nucleosome-like beads are constructed solely of polypeptide VII. The results of micrococcal nuclease digestion experiments suggest that polypeptide VII is sufficient to protect some 100-300bp of adenoviral DNA.
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging of a single living cell using green fluorescent protein

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging microscopy is a unique tool to visualize the spatiotemporal dynamics of protein interactions in living cells. Genetic vectors that encode protein fusions with green fluorescent protein (GFP) provide a method for imaging protein localization in living cells. We used FRET to study dimerization of the pituitary-specific transcription factor Pit-1 fused to GFP and BFP. A fusion protein containing GFP separated from BFP by 29 amino acids served as a positive control for FRET. Transcriptional activity of the GFP- and BFP-Pit-1 fusion proteins was demonstrated by their ability to activate the prolactin gene promoter. Using optimized excitation and emission filters, cells expressing the fluorescently-tagged Pit-1 proteins were imaged with a back- thinned, back-illuminated CCD chip that has about 50% quantum efficiency in the blue range. 2D FRET images acquired at the focal plane demonstrated Pit-1 protein associations in the nucleus of living cells. The significance of 2- and 3-D energy transfer imaging from these living cells is discussed.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Synovial origins of rice bodies in joint fluid

Rice bodies and synovia obtained from knee joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients were solubilized by limited pepsin treatment. The quantity of each type of collagen in both tissues was determined by differential salt precipitation, cyanogen bromide peptide analysis, and SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Rice bodies and synovial membrane contained equal proportions of Type I and III collagens with trace amounts of Type "A-B" collagen.
Zeitgeber Hierarchy in Humans: Resetting the Circadian Phase Positions of Blind People Using Melatonin

Four blind individuals who were thought to be entrained at an abnormal circadian phase position were reset to a more normal phase using exogenous melatonin administration. In one instance, circadian phase was shifted later. A fifth subject who was thought to be entrained was monitored over four years and eventually was shown to have a circadian period different from 24 h. These findings have implications for treating circadian phase abnormalities in the blind, for distinguishing between abnormally entrained and free‐running blind individuals, and for informing the debate over zeitgeber hierarchy in humans.
Rorschach Comprehensive System Data for a Sample of 111 Adult Nonpatients From Romania

In this study Rorschach data from a Romanian sample of 111 respondents was collected and analyzed in a first attempt to establish national norms. The protocols were collected in a 5-year period (2002-2006) by the author. Interrater reliability statistics are presented for a sample of 20 cases, along with scores for the Rorschach Comprehensive System (CS; Exner, 1993). These results can be used for cross-cultural comparisons of the CS.
Histiocyte-rich pleomorphic mastocytoma: an uncommon variant mimicking juvenile xanthogranuloma and Langerhans cell histiocytosis

An 11-year old Caucasian female with a remote history of urticaria pigmentosa presented with a neck mass. A biopsy demonstrated a large intradermal nodule composed of unusually large epithelioid mast cells, including a prominent subset with bi-lobed and multi-lobed nuclei. By immunohistochemistry, the cells expressed CD117 (C-Kit), mast cell tryptase, CD68, and CD25, and were negative for CD163, CD1a, and S-100, confirming the diagnosis of mastocytoma. Equally prominent was an admixed infiltrate of CD68 and CD163-positive xanthomatous histiocytes that included Touton-type giant cells. Eosinophils were abundant. At 7 months follow-up, there was no recurrence of the lesion following complete excision. However, given the unusual cytologic features, close clinical observation is warranted, as the long-term biologic potential of mastocytoma with this degree of cytologic atypia is uncertain. Awareness of this unusual morphologic variant is also important as the histologic features may mimic such childhood neoplasms as juvenile xanthogranuloma and Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
Limit analysis of doubly symmetric closed structures

Abstract A general treatment of the limit analysis problem for doubly symmetric closed structures under uniform internal pressure is presented. When bending moment alone is considered in the yield condition, it is found that the limit pressure is independent of the detailed geometry. When axial force is included in the yield condition, the limit pressure is independent of the detailed geometry for a certain class of structures which encompasses infinitely many shapes.
How do I like thee? Let me appraise the ways

This study examined the effect of leader-member exchange (LMX) on the relationship between employee performance (measured objectively) and the supervisor's rating of that performance. To date, no field study has tested whether high and low LMX members receive differential ratings based on their LMX relationship, beyond their actual performance. Data were collected from employees (directory assistants, cable technicians, and dispatch clerks) and their supervisors in a telephone company. The objective measures of performance which were available for these jobs were related to supervisory ratings of performance for high and low LMX employees. The results showed that poorly performing high LMX employees were given high performance ratings, regardless of their actual performance. The ratings of low LMX employees were consistent with their actual performance. The effect of LMX was more pronounced with more general task and relationship rating categories. Alternative explanations of the results, as well as the theoretical and practical implications for performance appraisal and LMX research, were discussed.
Identification of at-risk women for osteoporosis screening

A total of 1610 women completed a questionnaire that evaluated their risk factors for osteoporosis. A dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan followed. Analysis of data was performed by the 2-tailed chi(2) test and multivariate logistic regression. Age was directly related to osteoporosis, whereas weight was inversely related. Also, the lack of use of any estrogen was significantly related to the presence of osteoporosis.
Threading analysis suggests that the obese gene product may be a helical cytokine

The ob gene encodes a protein that, in mutant form, is associated with obesity and type II diabetes in mice. Sequence analysis has revealed no similarities to other proteins, however, and no clues as to possible functions. The possibility nonetheless remains that ob is functionally or ancestrally related to other proteins, whose sequences are divergent to the point that only a comparison of three-dimensional structures might detect relationship. To explore this possibility, we conduct a ‘threading’ search of a 3-dimensional structure database, to determine whether the ob protein might adopt a fold similar to any known structure. This search reveals that the ob sequence is compatible, at a significance level of P < 0.05, with structures from the family of helical cytokines that includes interleukin-2 and growth hormone. A structural model of ob based upon these results is physically and biologically plausible and leads to testable predictions, including the prediction that ob may activate the JAK-STAT pathway, via binding to a receptor resembling those of the cytokine family.
Incorporating virtual reality graphics with brain imaging for assessment of sport-related concussions

There is a growing concern that traditional neuropsychological (NP) testing tools are not sensitive to detecting residual brain dysfunctions in subjects suffering from mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI). Moreover, most MTBI patients are asymptomatic based on anatomical brain imaging (CT, MRI), neurological examinations and patients' subjective reports within 10 days post-injury. Our ongoing research has documented that residual balance and visual-kinesthetic dysfunctions along with its underlying alterations of neural substrates may be detected in “asymptomatic subjects” by means of Virtual Reality (VR) graphics i ncorporated with brain imaging (EEG) techniques.
PtIn2 ohmic contacts to n-GaN

A new metallization scheme has been developed to form ohmic contacts to n-GaN. Contacts were fabricated by sputtering the intermetallic compound, PtIn2 on n-GaN (n ≈ 5 × 1017 cm−3) grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) with some of the contacts subjected to rapid thermal annealing. Contacts in the as-deposited state exhibited nearly ohmic behavior with a specific contact resistance of 1.2 × 10−2 Ω cm2. Contacts subjected to rapid thermal annealing at 800 °C for 1 minute exhibited linear current-voltage characteristics and a decrease in contact resistance. To rationalize the reaction at the contact interface the phase diagram of the PtIn2-PtGa2-InN-GaN reciprocal system at 800 °C was calculated based on known and estimated thermodynamic values. This phase diagram suggests that there will be a solid state exchange of In and Ga atoms at the PtIn2/GaN contact interface producing (InxGa1−x)N and Pt(In,Ga)2. Results from Auger depth profiling used to examine the PtIn2/n-GaN contacts are consistent with this estimated phase diagram information. It is proposed that the formation of (InxGa1−x)N at the contact interface is responsible for the ohmic behavior of PtIn2 contacts.
A NEW SPECIES OF MARSILEA FROM THE DAKOTA FORMATION IN CENTRAL KANSAS

Discovery of compression/impression megafossil material from the Cenomanian (mid-Cretaceous) in Kansas documents the occurrence of the genus Marsilea during this age. Only vegetative material has been found as complete plants; associated structures that may be fertile structures could belong to the genus also. This new fossil species extends the megafossil record of the genus back to the mid-Cretaceous when previously only megaspores attributed to the family occurred during this time. The fossil record of the heterosporous aquatic fern families is reviewed with emphasis on the Marsileaceae.
Monomethylarsonous acid inhibited endogenous cholesterol biosynthesis in human skin fibroblasts.

Human exposure to arsenic in drinking water is a widespread public health concern, and such exposure is known to be associated with many human diseases. The detailed molecular mechanisms about how arsenic species contribute to the adverse human health effects, however, remain incompletely understood. Monomethylarsonous acid [MMA(III)] is a highly toxic and stable metabolite of inorganic arsenic. To exploit the mechanisms through which MMA(III) exerts its cytotoxic effect, we adopted a quantitative proteomic approach, by coupling stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) with LC-MS/MS analysis, to examine the variation in the entire proteome of GM00637 human skin fibroblasts following acute MMA(III) exposure. Among the ∼ 6500 unique proteins quantified, ∼ 300 displayed significant changes in expression after exposure with 2 μM MMA(III) for 24 h. Subsequent analysis revealed the perturbation of de novo cholesterol biosynthesis, selenoprotein synthesis and Nrf2 pathways evoked by MMA(III) exposure. Particularly, MMA(III) treatment resulted in considerable down-regulation of several enzymes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis. In addition, real-time PCR analysis showed reduced mRNA levels of select genes in this pathway. Furthermore, MMA(III) exposure contributed to a distinct decline in cellular cholesterol content and significant growth inhibition of multiple cell lines, both of whichmore » could be restored by supplementation of cholesterol to the culture media. Collectively, the present study demonstrated that the cytotoxicity of MMA(III) may arise, at least in part, from the down-regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis enzymes and the resultant decrease of cellular cholesterol content. - Highlights: • MMA(III)-induced perturbation of the entire proteome of GM00637 cells is studied. • Quantitative proteomic approach revealed alterations of multiple cellular pathways. • MMA(III) inhibits de novo cholesterol biosynthesis. • MMA(III) perturbs Nrf2 pathway and selenoprotein synthesis.« less
Impact of Vairimorpha necatrix and Vairimorpha sp. (Microspora: Microsporida) on Bonnetia comta (Diptera: Tachinidae) within Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) hosts☆☆☆

Abstract The effect of Vairimorpha necatrix and Vairimorpha sp. on Bonnetia comta developing within pathogen-treated black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon , hosts was studied. Parasitism by B. comta did not interfere with the near 100% mortality of A. ipsilon caused by either Vairimorpha species. Both microsporidia decreased the number of B. comta able to pupate from a. ipsilon hosts, the days required for adult parasitoid eclosion, and the weights of the puparia. Only in the V. necatrix treatments, however, were these effects significant ( P Duncan's (1955) multiple range test. The impact of each microsporidium on the parasitoid increased with an increase in the concentration of spores to which A. ipsilon was exposed. Both Vairimorpha species had a more detrimental effect on female B. comta than they did on male B. comta . Histological examination of B. comta maggots within V. necatrix - and Vairimorpha sp.-infected A. ipsilon showed the spores primarily restricted to the gut lumen. In older B. comta , dissected from dead Vairimorpha -infected hosts, the guts containing spores were much distended, some to the point that most other parasitoid tissues were absent. This suggests that the detrimental impact the host microsporidian infections had on the parasitoid were related to a nutritional deficiency caused by the accumulation of nondigestable spores in the parasitoid's gut lumen.
Presumed diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of the diagnosis of presumed ectopic pregnancy. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort analysis at a tertiary care medical center. The patient population was composed of 1) clinically stable pregnant women with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) above 2000 mIU/mL and no evidence of an intrauterine pregnancy by ultrasound, or 2) women with an abnormal rise or fall of serial hCG below 2000 mIU/mL. Outcome was determined by pathologic evidence of chorionic villi in the endometrial curettings (or fallopian tube), or complete resolution of hCG. RESULTS: Overall, 38.4% (43/112) of the women were diagnosed with a miscarriage and 61.6% (69/112) were found to have an ectopic pregnancy. No significant difference was found in race, age, gravity, parity, hCG trends, or time to diagnosis between women with ectopic pregnancies and those with miscarriages. Patients were more likely to be diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy if the initial hCG value was below the discriminatory zone (relative risk 2.44; 95% confidence interval 1.07, 5.52). Ultrasound correlated well with the final diagnosis (P = .001) but was not definitive. CONCLUSION: In an effort to save time, avoid dilation and curettage (D&C), and treat with methotrexate, the presence of an ectopic pregnancy is often presumed. The presumed diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy is inaccurate in almost 40% of cases. A D&C is necessary to differentiate an ectopic pregnancy from a miscarriage before a woman is presumptively treated with methotrexate.
Relationship between the functional status scale and the pediatric overall performance category and pediatric cerebral performance category scales

RESULTS We included 5017 patients. We found a significant (P < .001) difference between FSS scores in each POPC or PCPC interval, with an FSS score increase with each worsening POPC/PCPC rating. The FSS scores for the good and mild disability POPC/PCPC ratings were similar and increased by 2 to 3 points for the POPC/PCPC change from mild to moderate disability, 5 to 6 points for moderate to severe disability, and 8 to 9 points for severe disability to vegetative state or coma. The dispersion of FSS scores within each POPC and PCPC rating was substantial and increased with worsening POPC and PCPC scores. We also found a significant (P < .001) difference between the FSS-CNS scores between each of the PCPC ratings with increases in the FSS-CNS score for each higher PCPC rating. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The FSS and POPC/PCPC system are closely associated. Increases in FSS scores occur with each higher POPC and PCPC rating and with greater magnitudes of change as the dysfunction severity increases. However, the dispersion of the FSS scores indicated a lack of precision in the POPC/PCPC system when compared with the more objective and granular FSS. The relationship between the PCPC and the FSS-CNS paralleled the relationship between the FSS and POPC/PCPC system.
MUC1-C oncoprotein activates ERK→C/EBPβ signaling and induction of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 in breast cancer cells.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) activity is used as a marker of breast cancer stem cells; however, little is known about the regulation of ALDH1A1 expression. Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a heterodimeric protein that is aberrantly overexpressed in most human breast cancers. In studies of breast cancer cells stably silenced for MUC1 or overexpressing the oncogenic MUC1-C subunit, we demonstrate that MUC1-C is sufficient for induction of MEK→ERK signaling and that treatment with a MUC1-C inhibitor suppresses ERK activation. In turn, MUC1-C induces ERK-mediated phosphorylation and activation of the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) transcription factor. The results further show that MUC1-C and C/EBPβ form a complex on the ALDH1A1 gene promoter and activate ALDH1A1 gene transcription. MUC1-C-induced up-regulation of ALDH1A1 expression is associated with increases in ALDH activity and is detectable in stem-like cells when expanded as mammospheres. These findings demonstrate that MUC1-C (i) activates a previously unrecognized ERK→C/EBPβ→ALDH1A1 pathway, and (ii) promotes the induction of ALDH activity in breast cancer cells. Background: Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) activity is up-regulated in breast cancer cells by mechanisms that are unclear. Results: The MUC1-C oncoprotein induces ERK-mediated activation of the C/EBPβ transcription factor and, thereby, ALDH1A1 expression. Conclusion: MUC1-C activates a novel ERK→C/EBPβ→ALDH1A1 pathway that up-regulates ALDH activity. Significance: Overexpression of MUC1-C in breast cancer cells contributes to an ALDH+ phenotype that is linked to stemness.
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in children after liver and small bowel transplantation

Four children who underwent ABO-compatible combined liver and small bowel transplantation developed severe immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. The main management strategies were early and aggressive treatment with steroids, the introduction of rituximab (an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody), and the use of plasma exchange together with compatible but minimal blood transfusions. Three of the 4 children developed thrombi in the major vessels. In small bowel transplant patients, the early recognition of hemolytic anemia and intensified management with anticoagulation are necessary for the prevention of this complication. Liver Transpl 17:921–924, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Mechanical stability of hemoglobin subunits: An abnormality in βS-subunits of sickle hemoglobin

Abstract In order to study the mechanism of the ease of precipitation of oxyhemoglobin S by mechanical shaking, the rates of precipitation of α- and β-subunits of oxyhemoglobin A and oxyhemoglobin S were compared. At pH 8.0, the α A -subunits precipitated rapidly, while the β A -subunits were very stable, although a part of β A -bunits converted to the hemichrome form. At pH 6.0, the β A -subunits precipitated rapidly while the α A -subunits were stable. Similar studies with β S -subunits showed that β S -subunits precipitated rapidly both at acidic and alkaline pHs. The abnormal precipitation of tetrameric oxyhemoglobin S during mechanical shaking may be due to this instability of the β S -subunits.
Examining differences in nurses' language, accent, and comprehensibility in nursing home settings based on birth origin and country of education

As nursing homes turn abroad to fill vacancies, the diverse linguistic backgrounds of nurse hires are creating new challenges in comprehensibility between nurses, providers, and residents. Accents are a natural part of spoken language that may present difficulty even when the parties involved are speaking the same language. We surveyed 1,629 nurses working in 98 nursing homes (NHs) in five U.S. states to determine if and how language difficulties were perceived by nurses and others (e.g. physicians, residents and family members). We found that when participants were asked how often other care team members and residents/families had difficulty understanding them due to language use or accent, foreign born nurses were significantly more likely to report that they experienced difficulty at least some of the time across all groups. This study supports an assessment of nurses' language, accents, and comprehensibility in these settings.
Restenosis in gold-coated renal artery stents

Background Gold coating improves stent visibility under fluoroscopy. This is particularly valuable for precise stent placement during renal artery stenting (RAS). There is conflicting evidence regarding restenosis with gold-coated stents. To evaluate the effect of gold coating on restenosis after renal stenting, we reviewed the results of all patients undergoing RAS in our practice. Methods A retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing RAS between June 2000 and September 2003 was performed. During this time, both gold-coated and stainless steel stents were used. Restenosis (>60% diameter) was determined by serial follow-up duplex exams (peak systolic velocity >180cm/s and renal-aortic ratio >3.5). Restenosis rates were determined by using the Kaplan-Meier life-table method. Variables potentially affecting restenosis were evaluated with the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards modeling. Results RAS was performed in 97 arteries (78 patients). Gold-coated (NIRoyal) stents were placed in 59 arteries (48 patients). Stainless steel stents (Corinthian, Genesis, and Herculink) were placed in 38 arteries (34 patients). Patient demographics, indication for treatment, technical success, and complications did not differ between gold and stainless steel stent groups. Mean follow-up was 15 months for gold-coated stents and 18 months for stainless steel stents (NS). By life-table method, 1-year and 2-year freedom from restenosis rates were 84% and 78% in arteries treated with stainless steel stents versus 69% and 39% in those treated with gold-coated stents ( P = .012, log-rank test). By multivariate analysis, only the use of gold-coated stents ( P = .018; hazard ratio [HR], 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2 to 8.7) and bilateral disease ( P = .046; HR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.02 to 5.2) predicted restenosis. Stent diameter, patient demographics, and indication for RAS had no effect on restenosis by univariate analysis. According to American Heart Association criteria, 87% of patients in the stainless steel group had improved blood pressure at 1 year, compared with 77% in the gold-coated stent group (Kaplan-Meier; P = .042, log-rank test). There were no significant differences in the effect of RAS on serum creatinine levels between the two groups. Conclusion Gold-coated renal stents had a substantially higher rate of restenosis than stainless steel stents in our series. These findings have led us to abandon the use of gold-coated stents for RAS. Patients who have received gold-coated stents for the treatment of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis should be followed closely for evidence of restenosis.
Adiabatic three-wave symmetric volume hologram

A transmission hologram with two symmetrically oriented volume gratings is considered in the regime of diffraction of wave A into wave B via intermediate weakly excited wave C. Adiabatic regime of highly efficient diffraction has the advantage of very low sensitivity to the strength of the gratings.
Comparison of Normal Capitate Mid-Carpal Joint Mechanics With the Effects of Scapholunate Dissociation Injury

The wrist is one of the most complicated multibody joints in the human body. It can be subject to many injuries. Scapholunate (SL) dissociation is a relatively common injury that is particularly difficult to diagnose and treat. Without treatment, SL dissociation is known to progress to scapholunate advance collapse (SLAC wrist) and associated osteoarthritis (OA) [1]. Traumatic arthropathy of the wrist due to scapholunate dissociation has a definitive pattern from onset to severe bone and joint degeneration. The altered radiocarpal and SL mechanics with SL dissociation may be accompanied by a secondary carpal collapse between the capitate and lunate [2]. The initial SL disruption causes apparent changes in joint kinematics and contact patterns. Thus, understanding normal and abnormal in vivo contact mechanics as a result of SL ligament injury may lead to more effective treatments that may even prevent the onset of OA. In addition, in vivo contact mechanics data after surgical treatment may help determine the effectiveness of various surgical techniques which are used to correct SL injury.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The relationship of renal blood flow to cardiac output in normal individuals as determined by concomitant radioisotopic measurements.

Renal blood flow and cardiac output were determined in normal men using single injection radioisotopic techniques. These methods use external monitoring to obviate the discomforts and difficult chemical determinations of older methods. The average cardiac index of 3·36 ± 0·35 l./min/m2 and the average renal blood flow of 629 ± 70·0 ml./min/m2 compare favourably with previously reported values.
Recent Trends in Inpatient Mortality and Resource Utilization for Patients with Stroke in the United States: 2005-2009

Background The aim of the study is to evaluate recent trends in mortality, length of stay, costs, and charges for patients admitted to the US hospitals with the principal diagnosis of stroke. Methods This was a retrospective temporal trends study using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2005 to 2009. Results During the study period, there were 2.7 million hospital admissions with the diagnosis of stroke in the United States (470,000 intracerebral hemorrhage, 130,000 subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 2.1 million ischemic strokes). In-hospital mortality decreased from 10.2% in 2005 to 9.0% in 2009 (26.0%-23.0%, 23.4%-23.1%, and 6.0%-5.1% for the stroke subtypes, respectively), the average length of stay decreased from 6.3 days to 5.9 days (5.6-5.2 days for ischemic stroke, remained the same for hemorrhagic stroke), and the average number of 1.3 ± 0.1 procedures per admission remained the same. The proportion of patients with major or extreme severity of illness increased from 39.2% to 47.0% (P Conclusions Between 2005 and 2009, in-hospital mortality for patients hospitalized with stroke improved despite increasing severity of illness. At the same time, the average charge for hospitalization increased by 28% despite unchanged cost of treatment and shorter length of stay.
A link between consensus building and Low Density Parity Check decoding

In this paper, we highlight a connection between consensus building and Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) decoding. This connection serves as the foundation for estimating the convergence time for LDPC decoding and for designing good LDPC codes. Preliminary results are presented to demonstrate the significance of this key relationship in estimating the convergence time for the decoder, and in identifying short cycles that may slow down the process of convergence.
The linear channel and its effect on the geomorphologic IUH

Abstract The instantaneous unit hydrograph (IUH) is derived as a function of the basin's geomorphological and physiographic characteristics. Inherent in the basin IUH is the response of the individual channels composing the basin. The response of the individual channels is derived by solving the continuity and momentum equations for the boundary conditions defined by the IUH. Both the effects of upstream and lateral inflow to the channels is taken into account in the derivation of the basin's IUH. The time to peak and peak response are used as a basis for comparison between the results produced by this model and those produced by a model where the channel's response is assumed to be an exponential distribution. The comparisons indicate that of the approach taken in this paper is indeed accurate, for example, the assumptions used do not invalidate the model, then the type of channel response used for the basin's IUH is significant, and future efforts must be directed towards parameter estimation.
Solar optical codes evaluation for modeling and analyzing complex solar receiver geometries

Solar optical modeling tools are valuable for modeling and predicting the performance of solar technology systems. Four optical modeling tools were evaluated using the National Solar Thermal Test Facility heliostat field combined with flat plate receiver geometry as a benchmark. The four optical modeling tools evaluated were DELSOL, HELIOS, SolTrace, and Tonatiuh. All are available for free from their respective developers. DELSOL and HELIOS both use a convolution of the sunshape and optical errors for rapid calculation of the incident irradiance profiles on the receiver surfaces. SolTrace and Tonatiuh use ray-tracing methods to intersect the reflected solar rays with the receiver surfaces and construct irradiance profiles. We found the ray-tracing tools, although slower in computation speed, to be more flexible for modeling complex receiver geometries, whereas DELSOL and HELIOS were limited to standard receiver geometries such as flat plate, cylinder, and cavity receivers. We also list the strengths and deficiencies of the tools to show tool preference depending on the modeling and design needs. We provide an example of using SolTrace for modeling nonconventional receiver geometries. The goal is to transfer the irradiance profiles on the receiver surfaces calculated in an optical code to a computational fluid dynamics code such as ANSYS Fluent. This approach eliminates the need for using discrete ordinance or discrete radiation transfer models, which are computationally intensive, within the CFD code. The irradiance profiles on the receiver surfaces then allows for thermal and fluid analysis on the receiver.
Oxidized proteins in erythrocytes are rapidly degraded by the adenosine triphosphate-dependent proteolytic system

The rate of protein degradation in rabbit erythrocytes in normally very low. However, when cells were exposed to agents that oxidize cell proteins (nitrite or phenylhydrazine), the degradation of erythrocyte proteins to amino acids increased 7- to 33-fold. This effect was inhibited by the reducing agent methylene blue. Stimulation of proteolysis also occurred in cell extracts and resulted from the production of substrates (damaged proteins) rather than from activation of proteases. Inhibitors of glycolysis and of the soluble adenosine triphosphate-dependent proteolytic pathway decreased the protein degradation induced by nitrite, whereas inhibitors of lysosomal proteolysis had no effect. Thus, the adenosine triphosphate-dependent proteolytic system is present in mature red cells where it may help protect against the accumulation of proteins damaged by oxidation or other means.
Some thoughts on the mass of the top quark

We propose a new mechanism for up-down symmetry breaking within the context of a technicolor scenario. The experimentally determined ratio MWMZcosθW ⋍ 1 is in addition preserved at the technicolor scale. If we assume that the mechanism works at the level of the heaviest generation we find mt = (ƒ−12)38 GeV. The parameter ƒ depends on strong technicolor dynamics and can in principle be determined. Via a crude estimate we find ƒ to be a number of order 1.
Commentary: Eating Disorders and the Problem of “Culture” in Acculturation

The papers in this issue grapple with a conundrum: what should we make of the fact that eating disorders, long considered to be the consummate culturebound syndrome of Western (post) industrial modernity, seem to be on the rise in purportedly “non-Western” or “non-modern” contexts across the globe? Before turning to the specifics of how the articles speak to this question, I would like to sketch, in minimalist fashion, an outline of the broader conceptual backdrop against which they should be read. The most common explanation in the scholarly literature for the appearance of eating disorders in unexpected places is that they are a result of the “Westernization” or “modernization” of the society in question (cf. Gunewardene et al. 2001; Lake et al. 2000; Littlewood 1995; Nasser et al. 2001; Stice et al. 1994). The basic proposition here is that as societies become more Western or more modern (or both, as the two are generally seen to be linked), the specific behaviors associated with eating disorders (e.g., self-starvation, bingeing and purging, body image disturbances, intense fear of gaining weight) become meaningful expressions of particular cultural features: heightened consumerism, media saturation, an ethos of independence, and an idealization of self discipline, coupled with the constant seduction to “supersize” everything, from fries to TVs to SUVs. From this perspective, the appearance of eating disorders in a given society is read as evidence of social change, a clear sign that Westernization and modernization are underway and that individuals in these societies are becoming increasingly acculturated to modern Western values (Chamorro and Florez-Ortiz 2000; Davis and Katzman 1999; Ford et al. 1990; Hall 1995; Jane et al. 1999; Joiner and Kashubeck 1996; Nasser 1986, 1997; Pumariega 1986; Wong and Huang 1999; Yoshimura 1995). While at first glance this proposition seems to be well supported by the data, there are a number of significant problems with the causal reasoning here, particularly in the way culture is talked about. First, the measures of acculturation themselves, while interesting and useful, are, perhaps ironically, problematic as bases for making a cultural argument. Contemporary understandings of acculturation vary but are generally consistent with the classic definition proposed by Redfield et al. (1936: 149) as occurring “when groups of individuals having different cultures come into continuous first hand contacts, with subsequent changes
A meta-analysis on the prophylactic use of macrolide antibiotics for the prevention of disease exacerbations in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Summary Introduction Macrolides are of unique interest in preventing COPD exacerbations because they possess a variety of antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent research has generated renewed interest in prophylactic macrolides to reduce the risk of COPD exacerbations. Little is known about how well these recent findings fit within the context of previous research on this subject. The purpose of this article is to evaluate, via exploratory meta-analysis, whether the overall consensus favors prophylactic macrolides for prevention of COPD exacerbations. Methods EMBASE, Cochrane and Medline databases were searched for all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Six RCTs were identified. The primary endpoint was incidence of COPD exacerbations. Secondary endpoints including mortality, hospitalization rates, adverse events and likelihood of having at least one COPD exacerbation were also examined. Results There was a 37% relative risk reduction (RR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45–0.87, p value = 0.005) in COPD exacerbations among patients taking macrolides compared to placebo. Furthermore, there was a 21% reduced risk of hospitalization (RR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.69–0.90, p-value = 0.01) and 68% reduced risk of having at least one COPD exacerbation (RR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.21–0.54, p-value = 0.001) among patients taking macrolides versus placebo. There was also a trend toward decreased mortality and increased adverse events among patients taking macrolides but these were not statistically significant. Conclusions Prophylactic macrolides are an effective approach for reducing incident COPD exacerbations. There were several limitations to this study including a lack of consistent adverse event reporting and some degree of clinical and statistical heterogeneity between studies.
Lessons learned from an integrated senior project

This paper describes an integrated senior project in civil engineering and focuses on lessons learned from the first-year experience that have been applied to the second, specifically the meaning of integration, faculty teamwork, assessment, and administrative issues.
Condition monitoring of squirrel cage induction motors fed by PWM-based drives using a parameter estimation approach

A rotor condition monitoring technique is presented in this paper based on a parameter estimation approach. In this technique, the stator currents, voltages and motor speed are used as the input signals, where the outputs will be the rotor's inductance, resistance and consequently rotor time constant. This approach is verified by simulation of two different induction motor cases. These simulations are buttressed by experimental data obtained for a 2-hp induction motor in the case of healthy as well as one, three and five rotor bar breakages. In these tests, the induction motor was energized from a PWM-based drive, in order to demonstrate the capability of using this method for rotor condition monitoring purposes.
Comparison of Coordinated Beamforming and Non-Coordinated Multipoint using MMSE transceiver designs

The Coordinated Beamforming (CBF) and Non-Coordinated Multipoint (Non-CoMP) configurations are studied. The generalized iterative approach (GIA) is proposed to design the minimum mean square error (MMSE) transceivers for both configurations under arbitrary linear power constraints. In a cell edge setting, the number of transmitter receiver pairs in the system and the number of data streams per pair greatly influence whether the gains of the CBF configuration over the Non-CoMP configuration are significant or not. Furthermore, the knowledge of the noise plus interference covariance matrices is key to the Non-CoMP configuration's performance and the proposed GIA can actually perform interference alignment like maneuvers for the CBF configuration! On the other hand, in a non-cell edge setting, the performances of the CBF and Non-CoMP configurations are essentially the same.
Non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists

The mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone is essential in regulating the body’s salt and water balance. However, abnormal activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) by elevated levels of aldosterone and salt imbalance cause hypertension and other effects detrimental to the cardiovascular system. Thus, MR antagonists are expected to be beneficial to patients with high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure. Until recently, only steroidal MR antagonists have been developed for therapeutic use. However, due to complexity in chemical synthesis, limited scope for selectivity versus other steroid hormone receptors, and undesirable physical and chemical properties, appropriate steroidal compounds have been difficult to identify and develop. Despite > 40 years of research, only two major steroidal MR antagonists, spironolactone and eplerenone, have been brought to the market for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. Novel classes of non-steroidal MR antagonists h...
Orbital Hybridization in Uranium Compounds and its Influence on Electronic Properties

Computational analysis and modeling of spectroscopic properties of trivalent uranium in crystals of hexagonal symmetry have been conducted with inclusion of the crystal-field induced orbital hybridization between the 5f3 and 5f26d configurations. It is shown that, in the absorption spectrum with energy above 20,000 cm-1, the mixing of 5f3 and 5f26d states is significant. The spectrum in this region cannot be interpreted by the conventional model of crystal field theory. The Judd-Ofelt theory is completely failed in predicating the intensities of optical absorption from the ground state to the configuration mixed excited states. A new Hamiltonian including the odd ranks of crystal field interaction is diagonalized on the bases of all 5f3 and 5f26d states. A simulation of absorption spectrum is optimized in comparison with the experimental spectrum for determination of the Hamiltonian parameters.