cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TATN-1 Mutations Reveal a Novel Role for Tyrosine as a Metabolic Signal That Influences Developmental Decisions and Longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Recent work has identified changes in the metabolism of the aromatic amino acid tyrosine as a risk factor for diabetes and a contributor to the development of liver cancer. While these findings could suggest a role for tyrosine as a direct regulator of the behavior of cells and tissues, evidence for this model is currently lacking. Through the use of RNAi and genetic mutants, we identify tatn-1, which is the worm ortholog of tyrosine aminotransferase and catalyzes the first step of the conserved tyrosine degradation pathway, as a novel regulator of the dauer decision and modulator of the daf-2 insulin/IGF-1-like (IGFR) signaling pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans. Mutations affecting tatn-1 elevate tyrosine levels in the animal, and enhance the effects of mutations in genes that lie within the daf-2/insulin signaling pathway or are otherwise upstream of daf-16/FOXO on both dauer formation and worm longevity. These effects are mediated by elevated tyrosine levels as supplemental dietary tyrosine mimics the phenotypes produced by a tatn-1 mutation, and the effects still occur when the enzymes needed to convert tyrosine into catecholamine neurotransmitters are missing. The effects on dauer formation and lifespan require the aak-2/AMPK gene, and tatn-1 mutations increase phospho-AAK-2 levels. In contrast, the daf-16/FOXO transcription factor is only partially required for the effects on dauer formation and not required for increased longevity. We also find that the controlled metabolism of tyrosine by tatn-1 may function normally in dauer formation because the expression of the TATN-1 protein is regulated both by daf-2/IGFR signaling and also by the same dietary and environmental cues which influence dauer formation. Our findings point to a novel role for tyrosine as a developmental regulator and modulator of longevity, and support a model where elevated tyrosine levels play a causal role in the development of diabetes and cancer in people.
Transitioning from motivated to cognitive agent model

This paper reports on the transition from a reactive motivated agent model to a cognitive agent model based on motivated learning and goal creation. The paper details the current state of our research on the cognitive agent and its implementation in a virtual world environment. In particular, we show the virtual simulation and the agent's decision making process as it transitions from a parallel to a sequential implementation, as well as several of the reasons for doing so. In addition, results of testing both models on the same simulated environment are compared. The results show that the new model performs more efficiently than the old one. Furthermore, our planned future work on cognitive agent is presented.
Combination antifungal therapy for the treatment of invasive yeast and mold infections

Combination antifungal therapy has been an area of great research and clinical interest since antifungals became available decades ago, in part driven by the severe morbidity and mortality associated with invasive fungal infections. Because of the availability of newer antifungal agents including echinocandins and expanded-spectrum triazoles, interest in combination antifungal therapy for invasive mold disease, especially invasive aspergillosis, has grown. This review examines combination antifungal therapy for the treatment of yeast and molds, including current studies evaluating combination antifungal therapy in three clinically important invasive fungal infections: candidiasis, cryptococcosis, and aspergillosis. This article focuses on recent clinical data and potential future clinical directions.
The Written Composing Ability of Children with Learning Disabilities: A Review of the Literature From 1980 to 1990

This article reviews the literature pertaining to the written composing ability of students with learning disabilities that was published primarily in the decade from 1980 to 1990. The papers included are either reports of research or discussions of instructional procedures that are based on research. The topics addressed include story composition, expository writing, training/intervention research, and rationales/procedures for instruction.
Constraining asymmetric organometallic catalysts within mesoporous supports boosts their enantioselectivity.

By constraining tethered asymmetric organometallic catalysts within the nanopores of silica supports so as to increase the interaction between the pore wall and the active center (and hence to restrict access of the reactant to the catalyst), a significant improvement in enantioselectivity is achieved. A schematic illustration of a cationic chiral, organometallic catalyst, [Rh(I)(COD)PMP] {(S)-(+)-1-(2-pyrrolidinylmethyl)-pyrrolidine and cyclooctadiene}, which is noncovalently anchored via a N−H···F hydrogen bond with the triflate ion, CF3SO3-, to the curved inner surface of a 38 A diameter pore of a silica support for the asymmetric hydrogenation of the CO bond in methyl benzoylformate to the corresponding methyl mandelate is shown. Rh (purple); N (blue); H (white); F (green); C (gray); S (yellow); O (red).
ADHD treatment in the 21st century: pushing the envelope.

Required for optimal intervention for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is evidence-based matching of child, treatment, and situation. The landmark Multimodal Treatment Study (MTA) of Children with ADHD documented the superiority of pharmacotherapy for the vast majority of children with ADHD. Although this study could not address the problem of the match directly, it is generating important leads for research on the use of psychosocial strategies to enhance the scope and durability of treatment gains while decreasing the risks attendant upon long-term use of medication. Given the inherent distinctions between pharmacological and psychosocial treatments, conclusive answers to questions about comparative efficacy will continue to elude scientist-practitioners. Needed next is research examining ways to improve outcomes beyond the effects of medication, using systematically tailored and sequenced psychosocial approaches and exploring new treatment targets, agents, and modalities. To illustrate, ...
Impact of an Integrated Pharmacy Transitions of Care Pilot Program in an Urban Hospital

Purpose:To evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated Pharmacy Transitions of Care (PTC) pilot program on reducing hospital readmissions and improving patient satisfaction.Methods:This prospective...
Recommendations for defining and treating high risk localized prostate cancer.

Ian M. Thompson,* Peter R. Carroll and Michael A. Carducci From the Department of Urology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas (IMT), Department of Urology, UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California (PRC) and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland (MAC)
Differential roles of TLR2 and TLR4 in the host response to Gram-negative bacteria: lessons from a lipopolysaccharide-deficient mutant of Neisseria meningitidis.

The inflammatory response to bacterial infections plays an important role in the detection and elimination of invading micro-organisms. Various components of the bacterial cell wall are capable of ...
Meropenem versus Cefotaxime-Based Therapy for the Initial Treatment of Infants and Children Hospitalised with Non-CNS Infections

Objective: This study compared the efficacy and tolerability of meropenem monotherapy and cefotaxime-based therapy in infants and children hospitalised with non-CNS infections. Patients: Children aged 2 months to 12 years were eligible for enrolment if they had signs and symptoms of respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, presumed septicaemia, skin/skin-structure infection or intra-abdominal infection. Methods: A total of 505 patients from 21 centres throughout the USA were enrolled. Of these, 253 were randomised to meropenem treatment and 252 to cefotaxime-based treatment. In all, 205 and 178 patients in the meropenem- and cefotaxime-based treatment groups, respectively, were clinically evaluable. Patients received 2 to 15 days of therapy, and 70% received routine oral antibiotic therapy after parenteral therapy was discontinued. Results: Satisfactory results at the end of parenteral treatment were reported in 98% of meropenem-treated patients and 96% of those treated with cefotaxime-based therapy. These response rates were sustained at follow-up, irrespective of the use of additional antibiotic therapy. Meropenem was generally well tolerated. Overall, adverse events occurred with similar frequency in both treatment arms. No seizures or deaths were reported in either treatment group. Conclusion: Meropenem was well tolerated and effective for the initial empirical treatment of children hospitalised with non-CNS infections.
Formation characteristics of the α/β interface phase in Ti-6Ai-4v

The conditions for formation of the interface phase, or interfacial layer, in Ti-6Al-4V have been studied systematically. The interface phase does not grow during isothermal treatments, but rather grows only during cooling from elevated temperatures to about 650°C. The width of the interfacial layer is a function of the cooling rate, having a maximum of about 4000A at 28°C/h. The interface phase forms initially with an fcc structure which subsequently transforms to hcp α phase. A theoretical description of the mechanisms of interface phase formation is presented.
Alfalfa weevil (Coleoptera:Curculionidae) management in alfalfa by spring grazing with cattle.

The effect of continuous, intensive grazing by cattle in the 1st alfalfa growth cycle on larval densities of the alfalfa weevil, Hyera postica (Gyllenhal), was evaluated in ‘Alfagraze’ and ‘Apollo’ alfalfa, which are tolerant and not tolerant to grazing, respectively. In small-cage exclusion trials, grazing reduced larval numbers in 1991 by 65% in Alfagraze and by 32% in Apollo. Larval numbers in 1992 were low (≤0.6 larvae per stem) and were not reduced significantly by grazing. Grazing and use of early insecticide treatments of permethrin or carbofuran at low rates with ≤7-d grazing restrictions to suppress larval numbers before grazing also were examined in large-plot exclusion trails in 1993 and 1994. Grazing reduced larval densities by 60% in 1993 and 45% in 1994 during a 3-wk period beginning 3 wk after grazing was initiated. However, alfalfa weevil larvae caused moderate leaf injury in 1993 and severe injury in 1994 before grazing reduced larval numbers. Use of permethrin at 0.11 kg (AI)/ha or carbofuran or chlorpyrifos at 0.28 kg (AI)/ha effectively reduced larval numbers and prevented leaf injury before grazing began. Therefore, a combination of an early application of an insecticide treatment with a short grazing restriction followed by continuous grazing will control alfalfa weevil larvae while allowing cattle to graze and directly use forage of grazingtolerant alfalfa.
Medical malpractice and the thyroid gland

Background. A medical malpractice litigation “crisis” exists in this country. Analyzing litigation trends through verdict summaries may help understand causes. Methods. Jury verdict reviews from 1987–2000 were obtained from a computerized database. Reviews compile data on defendants, plaintiffs, allegations of wrongdoing, and verdict summaries. Results. Thirty suits from nine states occurred. Plaintiffs were women in 80% of the cases, with a median age of 41. Fifty percent of patients (15 of 30) had a bad outcome, (9 of 30 dead, 4 of 30 with neurologic deficits, 1 blind, and 1 alive with cancer). Thirty percent alleged surgical complications, mostly recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and 75% of cancer patients alleged a delay, either through falsely negative biopsies or no biopsy taken. Respiratory events occurred in 43% and frequently resulted in large awards. Conclusions. The liberal use of fine-needle aspiration and documentation of surgical risks may help reduce litigation. Complications and bad outcomes do not indicate negligence. Analysis may contribute to risk management strategies or litigation reform. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 25: 429–431, 2003
Laser Evaluation of Handpiece Contamination

Six different models of ultra-high speed handpieces were evaluated in regard to debris accumulation following cutting through tooth structure. A weight-load machine and a laser particle detector were utilized to evaluate the amount of the debris retained. Amounts of debris accumulated after dry and wet cutting were also evaluated. The effect of simple wiping of the handpieces with alcohol gauze was assessed. The results obtained show that the longer the cutting time, the larger the amounts of debris retained on the handpieces. Dry cutting resulted in smaller amounts of debris entrapped than following wet cutting. The cleaning by wiping with alcohol gauze reduced the amounts of the debris, but is insufficient and cannot be utilized as a single procedure for decontaminating handpieces. The external head design is a cardinal factor in retention of debris: larger but smoother surfaces will retain less debris than smaller but more complicated surfaces. External tubings are debris retention foci.
Tu1747 Practice Variation in Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement: Trends and Predictors Among Providers in the United States

Background Enteral access placement is performed among a variety of providers and specialties, yet there is a dearth of literature on trends and factors related to enteral access placement in the United States.
DRG 504: the effect of 96 hours of mechanical ventilation on resource utilization.

DRG (diagnosis related group) 504 is utilized for patients with extensive burn injuries with skin grafts along with the recent inclusion of patients with nonextensive full-thickness burns with skin grafts who require >or=4 days of mechanical ventilation. Since patients with extensive burns and/or inhalation injuries often required ventilator support, we elected to compare demographics, length of stay variables, and hospital charges for patients assigned to DRG 504 based upon the length of ventilator support. The American Burn Association's National Burn Repository was queried for all inpatients admitted from January 2000 through December 2001 and who were assigned to DRG 504. Demographic, resource utilization, and financial data were analyzed based upon the need for >or=96 hrs of mechanical ventilation. One hundred seven patients were identified of which 94 (87.9%) required >or=96 hrs of mechanical ventilation. While patients with inhalation injuries required significantly more days of ventilator support, length of stay and hospital charges were nearly identical. Patients who required >or=96 hrs of ventilator support, had a 10-fold greater number of ventilator and intensive care unit days (P or=96 hrs of ventilator support during their acute hospitalization consume significantly greater resources than those who do not require such treatment. The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services should consider modifying DRG 504 for patients with extensive burns to permit a more appropriate resource-based reimbursement to burn center hospitals.
Initial condition influence on coronal mass ejection propagation

[1] In the melon-seed-overpressure-expansion (MSOE) model described by Siscoe et al. (2006) for the acceleration of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), magnetic repulsion force plays a central role. MSOE is a combination of Pneuman's (1984) melon seed concept with an overpressure expansion analytically formulated by Siscoe et al. (2006). The MSOE model creates a reduced formalism to describe CME acceleration and is highly advantageous for comparative studies. As originally presented, the MSOE model has the drawback of being able to produce only fast CMEs. For the work presented in this paper, we compare the acceleration of a 2.5-D magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)-modeled CME with that of a version of the MSOE model. On the basis of the results of the MHD simulations, we divide the acceleration of a CME into two phases: (1) a tethered phase before detachment (when the CME is tethered by external closed loops) and (2) a repulsion phase after detachment (when the tethering force that binds the CME is much smaller than outward magnetic repulsion force). We find that during the repulsion phase, the acceleration can be described well by the standard MSOE model. However, during the tethered phase, the CME acceleration is much slower than MSOE predictions. We therefore refine the MSOE model to include tethering and can account for both fast and slow CMEs with the final CME speed controlled by the CME detachment height.
A finite presentation theorem for approximating logic programs

The notion of Cartesian closure on a set of unifiers has been used to define approximations of the least models of logic programs. Such approximations, often called types, are not known to be recursive. In this paper, we use Cartesian closure to define a similar, but more accurate, approximation. The main result proves that our approximation is not only recursive, but that it can be finitely represented in the form of a cyclic term graph. This explicit representation can be used as a starting point for logic program analyzers.
Reuse Of Clinical Data

Objectives: To provide an overview of the benefits of clinical data collected as a by-product of the care process, the potential problems with large aggregations of these data, the policy frameworks that have been formulated, and the major challenges in the coming years. Methods: This report summarizes some of the major observations from AMIA and IMIA conferences held on this admittedly broad topic from 2006 through 2013. This report also includes many unsupported opinions of the author. Results: The benefits of aggregating larger and larger sets of routinely collected clinical data are well documented and of great societal benefit. These large data sets will probably never answer all possible clinical questions for methodological reasons. Non-traditional sources of health data that are patient-sources will pose new data science challenges. Conclusions: If we ever hope to have tools that can rapidly provide evidence for daily practice of medicine we need a science of health data perhaps modeled after the science of astronomy
Screening for Deep Vein Thrombosis After Periacetabular Osteotomy in Adult Patients: Is It Necessary?

Background The periacetabular osteotomy has become a common procedure for treating symptomatic acetabular dysplasia. Like other major hip procedures, there is concern regarding the risk of associated venous thromboembolic disease. Nevertheless, there is limited information regarding the need for screening, and optimal prophylactic measures have not been established.
Oxide networks, graph theory, and the passivity of binary alloys

Abstract The passivity of a binary alloy is considered in terms of a network of –M–O–M– bridges in the oxide film, where M is the component of the binary alloy which produces passivity. The structure of the oxide is represented by a mathematical graph, and graph theory is used to calculate the connectivity of the oxide, given by the product of the number of edges in the graph and the Randic index. A stochastic calculation is employed to insert ions of the second metal into the oxide film so as to disrupt the connectivity of the –M–O–M– network. This disruption occurs at a critical ionic concentration of the oxide film, which is then related to the concentration of alloying element in the metal alloy by means of experimental surface analysis data. The results of this analysis for Co–Cr and Al–Cr binary alloys are in good agreement with experimental observations. Earlier calculations for Ni–Cr and Fe–Si binary alloys are revised slightly.
Hot, smoky air as an aversive stimulus in the treatment of smoking.

Twenty-nine smokers were assigned to one of three groups: contingent punishment, non-contingent punishment and attention-placebo. The contingent punishment group had hot, smoky air blown in their faces as they smoked. The non-contingent group had fresh air blown in their faces while they were smoking and received the hot, smoky air while they were not smoking. The control group went through the same procedures as the contingent group except that they received no smoke. All Ss were seen for 7 treatment sessions spaced over three weeks and were followed up one month later. There were 10 trials (cigarettes) per session. A three-way analysis of variance using the number of cigarettes smoked before, during, and after treatment showed a significant trials effect but no treatment effect or trials X treatment interaction. A rise in smoking rates was noted at the follow-up period but smoking rates were still significantly lower than baseline. Trial duration and ratings of trial unpleasantness were not related to treatment success. The results of this study considered with previous use of aversive procedures indicates that contingent punishment is of limited value in the control of smoking.
The os terminale-os odontoideum complex

The os terminale-os odontoideum complex can be confusing because of the wide range of bony configurations encountered. However, once one understands the underlying embryology of the development of the dens, C1, and C2, it becomes easier to appreciate why, in some cases, the os terminale-os odontoideum ossicle appears rather bizarre. This presentation deals with material collected over 20 years and is accompanied by a review of the embryology of the upper cervical spine.
Teaching Machine Dichotomy: Skinner vs. Pressey

Even though the field of teaching machines is not very old or very large, there has already developed what appears to be a relatively major dichotomy. On one hand we have the historically older faction headed by Sidney Pressey at Ohio State University, which emphasizes multiple-choice devices; and on the other, a newer faction headed by B. F. Skinner at Harvard University, which emphasizes construction of response devices. Numerous theoretical and practical considerations (amount of error permitted and methods of programming) enter into the dichotomy. The common characteristics of teaching machines may be described simply. These are devices which tutor the student without assistance from a human instructor. They require the student's active participation. He must respond to questions which may be interspersed with graphic or verbal subject matter, or with other techniques as the Socratic method or "vanishing" (gradually removing part of a word or phrase until the student responds without a cue). Two basic principles are involved: ( a ) complete variability in rate, rate being determined by the student's responses which permit individual differences, and (b ) immediate knowledge of results, i.e., the device "rewards" the student with the answer immediately after he responds.
A transformative subfield in rehabilitation science at the nexus of new technologies, aging, and disability.

We argue that a silo research and training approach is no longer sufficient to provide real solutions to the complex humanitarian, social, and financial problems brought about by global trends in aging and the increased prevalence of multiple chronic conditions that limit independence and activities of daily living. This perspective highlights the opportunities for collaborative research and training in a new multidisciplinary science of rehabilitation enabled by growing knowledge and information along scientifically and clinically meaningful lines. The recent proliferation of eHealth technologies offers opportunities for development of low-cost, simple, interactive media prevention, health maintenance, and continued functional recovery programs using a chronic care model designed to promote engagement and participation. With two examples—long-term disability consequential to 1) hip fracture and 2) manual wheelchair use—we outline the developing science for a collaborative and transformative nexus team capable of accelerating an understanding of ways to restore independence and improve quality of life, in the long term. We conclude with a set of recommendations for the design of interactive media systems to both increase acceptabi
Interpolation of numerically computed potential using finite element approach

Finite difference method (FDM) is a very useful and simple tool in determining electrical potential field of two‐dimensional geometries, such as integrated circuit (IC) planar resistors. It is very accurate and its accuracy can be easily controlled by changing the grid size. One limitation of the FDM, however, is that it computes potentials at predetermined grid points only. Unlike the finite element method (FEM), it does not compute potential functions that can be used to interpolate potentials at the points that are not located at the grid, or to use these functions in determining other quantities based upon the computed potential such as electric field intensity. This paper describes a method that is a combination of the FDM and FEM. It retains the simplicity and accuracy of the FDM. Yet, like the FEM, it provides potential functions that can be used for interpolation and post‐processing of potential. The combined FDM‐FEM method is used to determine the potential functions of an IC planar resistor. The results are in agreement with analytically derived results. The approach we have developed is simple yet accurate and thus of use in professional engineering work.
Energy difference in lipid and glycogen metabolism of healthy and iridescent virus-infected Heliothis zea (Boddie)

1. 1. Heliothis zea (Boddie) larvae infected with irridescent virus (IV) showed rapid cell dissolution in the fat bodies. 2. 2. Fatty acid accumulation in healthy H. zea was significantly greater (P < 0.001) than in IV-infected larvae. 3. 3. Healthy and IV-infected larvae accumulated glycogen at a rate of 3.86 cal and 0.19 cal/day/insect, respectively. 4. 4. Total protein of healthy and IV-infected larvae showed no significant difference with time.
Activation of the furin endoprotease is a multiple‐step process: requirements for acidification and internal propeptide cleavage

Activation of furin requires autoproteolytic cleavage of its 83‐amino acid propeptide at the consensus furin site, Arg‐Thr‐Lys‐Arg107 ↓ . This RER‐localized cleavage is necessary, but not sufficient, for enzyme activation. Rather, full activation of furin requires exposure to, and correct routing within, the TGN/endosomal system. Here, we identify the steps in addition to the initial propeptide cleavage necessary for activation of furin. Exposure of membrane preparations containing an inactive RER‐localized soluble furin construct to either: (i) an acidic and calcium‐containing environment characteristic of the TGN; or (ii) mild trypsinization at neutral pH, resulted in the activation of the endoprotease. Taken together, these results suggest that the pH drop facilitates the removal of a furin inhibitor. Consistent with these findings, following cleavage in the RER, the furin propeptide remains associated with the enzyme and functions as a potent inhibitor of the endoprotease. Co‐immunoprecipitation studies coupled with analysis by mass spectrometry show that release of the propeptide at acidic pH, and hence activation of furin, requires a second cleavage within the autoinhibitory domain at a site containing a P6 arginine (‐Arg70‐Gly‐Val‐Thr‐Lys‐Arg75 ↓ ‐). The significance of this cleavage in regulating the compartment‐specific activation of furin, and the relationship of the furin activation pathway to those of other serine endoproteases are discussed.
Pre-envelope deconvolution for increased lesion detection efficiency in ultrasonic imaging

We use an ideal observer model to evaluate the efficiency of human observers detecting a simulated lesion in the presence of speckle, and the ability of pre-envelope deconvolution to improve performance in this task. We model the lesion as a localized area of increased scatter density, which translates into an area of higher variance in the ultrasound signal. Assuming the scattering function and electronic noise obey Gaussian distributions, the ideal observer for lesion detection is given by a quadratic function of the in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) data. For comparison, human-observer performance is assessed through two-alternative forced-choice (2AFC) psychophysical studies after making a B-mode image by computing the magnitude (envelope) of the I and Q components. We also consider the effect of removing spatial correlations in the I and Q components, before computing the magnitude (pre-envelope deconvolution). Our Psychophysical studies indicate approximately a 4-fold improvement in detection efficiency with pre-envelope deconvolution.
Phospholemman: A New Force in Cardiac Contractility

See related article, pages 558–565 The control of intracellular Na+ levels has long been known to be a crucial part of the regulation of cardiac contractility and the treatment of heart failure. Cardiac glycosides have been used to improve the symptoms of heart failure since William Withering published trials of a foxglove extract obtained from a gypsy woman in the late 1700’s. The active ingredients, digitalis and digoxin, were found to target sodium pump activity in the 1950’s, and the sodium pump was identified as Na,K-ATPase by Nobel Laureate Jens Skou in the 1970’s. Recent studies have established that digitalis does not improve survival in heart failure, but American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines recommend its use in combination with ACE inhibitors and β-adrenergic blockade in patients with symptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction. A modest level of inhibition of Na,K-ATPase by digitalis slightly raises cardiac intracellular Na+ concentrations, which in turn decreases the driving force for Ca2+ extrusion via NCX1, the Na+:Ca2+ exchanger. In the therapeutic range, the extra cytoplasmic Ca2+ will be loaded into the sarcoplasmic reticulum, resulting in normal diastolic Ca2+ concentrations but improved systolic Ca2+ release, and thus improved contractility. β-adrenergic stimulation, on the other hand, improves the loading of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) by acting on the Ca2+-ATPase, SERCA. β-adrenergic stimulation improves SR loading by phosphorylating a small regulatory membrane protein, phospholamban, which otherwise acts to reduce the …
Long-term mortality after bolus-only administration of abciximab, eptifibatide, or tirofiban during percutaneous coronary intervention.

Objective: To evaluate the long-term mortality after bolus-only administration of abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background: Studies on platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors (GPI) administered as bolus-only during PCI suggest that this strategy may be similar in efficacy, safer, and more cost-effective compared to a bolus plus infusion of GPI. Methods: We evaluated 864 patients (abciximab = 274, eptifibatide = 361, and tirofiban = 229) who underwent PCI with a bolus-only regimen during January 2003 to August 2005. Results: After a median follow up of four (interquartile range, 3–4.5) years, there were a total of 95 (11%) deaths. The survival rate was 83% in the abciximab group, 91% in the eptifibatide group, and 93% in the tirofiban group (P = 0.003 by log-rank test). After adjustment for baseline clinical and procedural characteristics using a Cox proportional hazards model, the abciximab group had a significantly higher mortality compared to the eptifibatide group (P = 0.003; Hazard ratio (HR) for eptifibatide compared to abciximab was 0.49 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.30–0.78). The long-term mortality was not significantly different in the tirofiban group compared to the abciximab group (P = 0.33) or the eptifibatide group (P = 0.20), perhaps because of shorter follow-up period and fewer patients in the tirofiban group. Conclusion: When given as bolus-only during PCI, eptifibatide may improve long-term survival compared to abciximab. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Late Stages Of Interactive Stellar Evolution

In his review of the cataclysmic variabiles in 1976, Robinson (1976) observed that we could point with assurance to neither the progenitors of these objects nor to their descendents. Things are a bit better now: we can point with modest confidence to the interacting binary stars with orbital periods measured in days as likely progenitors; in many cases the original mass ratio has been reversed by mass transfer, and will be followed by the death and collapse of the mass-losing component. Subsequent evolution can lead to a common envelope phase in which enough mass and orbital momentum are lost to yield final orbital periods of a few hours. The recent discovery by Grauer & Bond (Grauer 1983) of a binary system with an orbital period of 2.7 hours inside the planetary nebula Abell 41 makes such a scenario reasonably plausible.
High-frequency forward scatter from Arctic ice: temporal response

The Fresnel-corrected Kirchhoff approximation is applied to predict the impulse response of high-frequency signals forward-scattered from the under-ice surface. The theory predicts a sufficient dependence of the response on ice rms roughness and slope to permit estimation of these parameters from temporal response measurements. The predicted impulse response is then convolved with signal ambiguity functions for comparison with Arctic data. The theory is found to compare favorably with the data for ice characterized by relatively low rms slope and height. >
Adjuvant radiation therapy in stage III node-positive uterine cancer

Abstract Objectives To determine the association of adjuvant radiotherapy and outcomes of women with stage III node-positive uterine cancer. Methods All patients with surgically-staged stage III node-positive uterine cancer from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database of the US National Cancer Institute from 1988 to 2001 were identified. Data were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier and logistic regression methods. Results Of 943 women, the median age was 64 years (range: 28–93). 82.1%, 8.6%, and 6.8% were White, Black, and Asian respectively. The median number of removed nodes was 11. 54.9% had a single positive node and 45.1% had 2–5 positive nodes. Endometrioid, papillary serous, sarcomas, and clear cell carcinomas comprised of 69.7%, 16.3%, 9.9%, and 4.1% of histologies, respectively. 67.3% of the women underwent adjuvant radiotherapy with a 5-year disease-specific survival of 67.9% compared to 53.4% in those without radiotherapy ( p p p =0.089) in those with 2–5 positive nodes. On multivariate analysis, older age, non-endometrioid histology, and lack of adjuvant radiotherapy remained as significant independent prognostic factors for worsened survival. Conclusions Our data suggest that adjuvant radiotherapy is associated with a significant survival benefit in women with single-positive node endometrioid uterine cancers. Prospective clinical trials are warranted to confirm these findings.
A Novel Two-Stage Rate Control Scheme for H.264

A new rate control algorithm for the H.264 encoder is developed in this work. There are several unique features in the proposed rate control scheme. First, a two-stage encoding mechansim is used to resolve the problem of inter-dependency between R-D optimization (RDO) and rate control (RC) in H.264. Second, it is emphasized that the bits of the header information may occupy a larger portion of the total bit budget especially when encoding at low bit rates in H.264. To address this issue, a rate model for the header information is established so as to estimate header bits more accurately. Third, a new source rate model is proposed to estimate the quantization parameter (QP) from the residual signal. Built upon the above ideas, a rate control algorithm is developed for the H.264 baseline-profile encoder under the constant-bit-rate (CBR) constraint. It is shown by experimental results that the proposed scheme can control bit rates accurately with the R-D performance better than that of the rate control algorithm implemented in H.264 JM8.1a.
A DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES FOLLOWING PROBLEM BEHAVIOR

The social consequences delivered for problem behavior during functional analyses are presumed to represent common sources of reinforcement; however, the extent to which these consequences actually follow problem behavior in natural settings remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether access to attention, escape, or tangible items is frequently observed as a consequence of problem behavior under naturalistic conditions. Twenty-seven adults who lived in a state residential facility and who exhibited self-injurious behavior, aggression, or disruption participated. Observers recorded the occurrence of problem behavior by participants as well as a variety of consequences delivered by caregivers. Results indicated that attention was the most common consequence for problem behavior and that aggression was more likely to produce social consequences than were other forms of problem behavior.
Impaired osmoregulation in the shrimp Palaemon adspersus exposed to crude oil extract

Abstract Palaemon adspersus is a hyper- and hypo-osmoregulating shallow-water shrimp. For a maximum period of 34 days P. adspersus were exposed to 20, 70, 100 and 200 ppb WSF of North Sea crude oil. The osmotic concentration of the haemolymph was measured by freezing point depression once a week. The ability to maintain hyper-osmolality was significantly decreased (p
Mesh-free simulations of shear banding in large deformation

Abstract Mesh-free approximation is used in numerical simulations of strain localization under large deformation. An explicit displacement based mesh-free formulation is used in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional computations. The spatial isotropy of mesh-free interpolant is demonstrated through the numerical example to show that mesh-free methods possess certain “mesh objectivity” that alleviates the notorious mesh-alignment sensitivity associated with numerical simulation of strain localization. It is also demonstrated in the paper that mesh-free interpolants can accurately capture finite shear deformation under large mesh distortion without recourse to special mesh design and remeshing. Moreover, curved shear band surface and multiple shear band interactions are captured in numerical simulations.
Plasma amino acid profiles in healthy East Asian subpopulations living in Japan

Objectives Profiles of plasma free amino acids (PFAAs) have been utilized as biomarkers to detect various diseases. However, few studies have investigated whether ethnicity or specific subpopulations within East Asia influence PFAA concentrations. Methods A total of 95 healthy volunteers living in Japan, including 31 Japanese individuals, 36 Korean individuals and 28 Chinese individuals, were enrolled. Participants’ PFAA levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and the effects of factors such as sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and subpopulation on PFAA profiles were analyzed. Results With the exception of glutamine and α-aminobutyric acid, there were no significant differences among the three examined subpopulations with respect to either the means or the distributions of PFAA concentrations. A multiple regression analysis revealed that most of the PFAA concentrations were significantly related to sex. Ornithine concentrations, glutamate concentrations, and glutamine and α-aminobutyric acid concentrations were significantly associated with age, BMI, and Chinese subpopulation, respectively. Conclusion The study results indicate that the contributions of subpopulation within East Asia to PFAA profiles are small, particularly relative to the contributions provided by sex. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:236–239, 2016. © 2015 The Authors American Journal of Human Biology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adrenal-exhaustion syndrome in patients with liver disease.

Objective Adrenal failure is emerging as an important cause of excess morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. We have recently reported the high incidence of adrenal failure in patients with liver disease, the so called “hepato-adrenal syndrome.” It has been noted that patients who on initial testing may have “normal” adrenal function subsequently progress to overt adrenal failure, the adrenal-exhaustion syndrome. The goal of this study was to further characterize this syndrome.
Cultural Differences in the Link Between Supportive Relationships and Proinflammatory Cytokines

Research suggests that inflammation may partially mediate the link between supportiveness of social relationships and physical health. However, cultural differences between Asians and European Americans in the nature of relationships and in seeking social support suggest that there may be cultural differences in the relation between supportive relationships and proinflammatory activity. One hundred and twenty-one young adult participants completed assessments of support from their close relationships (parents, romantic partner, and close friends) and provided oral mucosal transudate samples for assessment of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the type II soluble receptor for tumor necrosis factor-α (sTNFαRII). As predicted, more supportive relationships were related to lower levels of IL-6 among European Americans, but not among Asian Americans. There were no relations to sTNFαRII in either group. We conclude that associations between supportive relationships and inflammatory activity ...
MODIFIED FOOD STARCHES FOR USE IN INFANT FOODS

The Subcommittee on Safety and Suitability of MSG and Other Substances in Baby Foods of the Food Protection Committee. Food and Nutrition Board. NAS-NRC, recently submitted a report entitled “Safety and Suitability of Modified Starches for Use in Baby Foods” to the Food and Drug Administration. The major findings of the Subcommittee are summarized in this article.
Rural Adolescents’ Perspectives on Contextual Influences of Sexual Risk Behavior

Persistent health disparities in HIV on racial and ethnic minorities are evident in recent national reports of HIV rates. Furthermore, high rates of other sexually transmitted infections among minority adolescents point to the need for risk reduction interventions. Research in disproportionately affected rural communities in the Southern United States suggests that sexual risk reduction interventions targeting these communities should address contextual factors that perpetuate health disparities. In this article, we report findings on a formative study that was conducted to identify rural adolescent perspectives on sociocontextual influences on sexual risk behaviors. Thirty eight rural adolescents ages 12-16 participated in initial and follow-up focus group sessions that were segmented by age group (12-14, 14-16) and gender (male, female). A comprehensive theoretical model addressing the complex interplay of multi-level factors associated with risk behavior guided the study. Qualitative content analyses were used to analyze transcribed audiotapes of focus group sessions and observation notes. Emergent themes supported the theoretical model and revealed modifiable contextual and decision-making factors; and related consequences that can be used in risk reduction interventions. Collaborating with target population provided relevant input for a user-centric approach to intervention development aimed at reducing sexual risk behaviors.
Trust region affine scaling algorithms for linearly constrained convex and concave programs

We study a trust region affine scaling algorithm for solving the linearly constrained convex or concave programming problem. Under primal nondegeneracy assumption, we prove that every accumulation point of the sequence generated by the algorithm satisfies the first order necessary condition for optimality of the problem. For a special class of convex or concave functions satisfying a certain invariance condition on their Hessians, it is shown that the sequences of iterates and objective function values generated by the algorithm convergeR-linearly andQ-linearly, respectively. Moreover, under primal nondegeneracy and for this class of objective functions, it is shown that the limit point of the sequence of iterates satisfies the first and second order necessary conditions for optimality of the problem. © 1998 The Mathematical Programming Society, Inc. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
Feeding disruption of potato psyllid,Bactericera cockerelli, by imidacloprid as measured by electrical penetration graphs

The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), is a serious pest of potatoes that can cause yield loss by direct feeding and by transmitting a bacterial pathogen, Candidatus Liberibacterpsyllaurous(also known asCandidatusL.solanacearum), whichis associatedwithzebra chip disease of this crop. Current pest management practices rely on the use of insecticides for control of potato psyllid to lower disease incidences and increase yields. Imidacloprid is typically applied at potato planting, and it remains unknown if imidacloprid has any effect on potato psyllid feeding behavior. Thus, our specific objectives of this study were to determine and characterize the effects of imidacloprid treatment (0.11 ml l )1 ) to potato plants on adult potato psyllid feeding behavior 1, 2, and4 weekspost-application.Electricalpenetrationgraph(EPG)recordingsofpotatopsyllidfeeding revealed six EPG waveforms, which include non-probing (NP), intercellular stylet penetration (C), initial contact with phloem tissue (D), salivation into phloem sieve elements (E1), phloem sap ingestion (E2), and ingestion of xylem sap (G). The number of NP events and the duration of individual NP events significantly increased on plants treated with imidacloprid compared with untreated controls. Potato psyllids exhibited significant decreases in the number of phloem salivation events on plants treated with imidacloprid. Waveform durations and waveform durations per event for E2 and G were significantly decreased for psyllids on plants treated with imidacloprid compared with untreated controls.These data suggestthat theeffectiveuseofimidaclopridtoreducetransmissionof Ca.Liberibacter psyllaurousisrelatedtothenegativeeffectsofimidaclopridonpsyllidfeeding.
Biostimulation for the Enhanced Degradation of Herbicides in Soil

Cleanup of herbicide-contaminated soils has been a dire environmental concern since the advent of industrial era. Although microorganisms are excellent degraders of herbicide compounds in the soil, some reparation may need to be brought about, in order to stimulate them to degrade the herbicide at a faster rate in a confined time frame. “Biostimulation” through the appropriate utilization of organic amendments and nutrients can accelerate the degradation of herbicides in the soil. However, effective use of biostimulants requires thorough comprehension of the global redox cycle during the microbial degradation of the herbicide molecules in the soil. In this paper, we present the prospects of using biostimulation as a powerful remediation strategy for the rapid cleanup of herbicide-polluted soils.
Life-threatening Dysrhythmias in Varicella Myocarditis

Varicella myocarditis is an unusual complication of a common childhood disease. Two patients with life-threatening dysrhythmias and circulatory failure are reported. One patient required permanent pacemaker implantation for acquired complete heart block, not previously described with varicella infection. Previously reported cases of varicella myocarditis are reviewed.