cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of PKCα in African-American and Caucasian breast cancer patients

3697 Disparity in breast cancer survival exhibited in patients across racial and ethnic groups may be due in part to different biological characteristics of the tumor. Several studies have concluded that African-American women present upon diagnosis with breast cancer of poorer prognosis compared with Caucasian patients, and that there is a significantly higher frequency of estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone (PR) negative tumors in African-American women compared with Caucasian women. It is also well know that ER and protein kinase C (PKC) are inversely related in breast cancer. We have determined that protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) is elevated in patients that experience disease recurrence following tamoxifen (TAM) treatment compared with patients remaining disease-free (Tonetti et. al. , 2003, Br. J. Cancer 88:1400-1402). Furthermore, we demonstrated that tumors derived from T47D:A18 breast cancer cells engineered to overexpress PKCα are hormone-independent, TAM-resistant, and regress upon E2 administration (Chisamore et. al ., 2001, Clin. Cancer Res. 7:3156-3165). Given the fact that ER-negative breast cancer is more prevalent in African-American women, and PKC is inversely related to ER status, we determined whether overexpression of PKCα plays a role in ER-negative breast cancer in African-American patients. PKCα expression was determined by immunohistochemical staining in 160 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary breast cancer tissues from 93 African-American and 67 Caucasian patients. PKCα expression was scored using semi-quantitative scoring for frequency and intensity. The PKCα expression level was derived either by the addition or product of the frequency and intensity scores. No statistical difference in PKCα expression was detected in younger (≤ 50 years) vs . older patients (> 50 years) independent or dependent upon race. However, in a subset of 50 patients for which ER status was known, Cochran-Mantel-Haenzel (CMH) analysis was applied to test for association between mean values of PKCα expression and race after controlling for ER status as a stratification variable. Each of the three CMH analyses (frequency, sum and product) were significant (p Supported by NCI 5P50CA106743.
Patterns of and reasons for electronic cigarette use in primary care patients

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is rising in both the general and clinical populations. Little is known about e-cigarette use in primary care, where physicians report discussing e-cigarette use with patients. Identify how and why smokers in primary care use e-cigarettes. Cross-sectional secondary data analysis from a randomized controlled trial of a tablet intervention to deliver the 5As for smoking cessation in primary care. Current smokers aged 18 and older in three primary care clinics in San Francisco, CA (N = 788). Patients reported sociodemographics, cigarette smoking habits, quitting readiness, and ever and current use of e-cigarettes. We also asked reasons they have used or would use e-cigarettes. ICD-9 codes from the medical record determined comorbidities. Fifty-two percent (n = 408) of patients reported ever using an e-cigarette, and 20% (n = 154) reported past-30-day use. Ever e-cigarette use was associated with younger age and negatively associated with being seen at practices at a public safety-net hospital compared to a practice at University-affiliated hospital. The most common reason for having used e-cigarettes among ever e-cigarette users, and for interest in future use of e-cigarettes among never e-cigarette users, was to cut down cigarette use. The mean number of days of e-cigarette use in the past 30 increased with duration of e-cigarette use. Most current e-cigarette users did not know the nicotine content of their e-cigarettes. Over half of smokers in primary care have ever used e-cigarettes, and one-fifth are currently using them. Most reported using e-cigarettes to cut down or quit cigarettes. Primary care providers should be prepared to discuss e-cigarettes with patients. Screening for e-cigarette use may help identify and treat patients interested in changing their cigarette smoking habits.
Beyond the Firm: Brand Endorsement, Reputation, and Marketplace Prominence

Management researchers have long been interested in the impact of endorsement on firm performance. While previous research has focused predominantly on how differences between endorsing parties mod...
Abstract TP4: Early Recanalization Followed By CEA Improves Functional Independence Compared To Carotid Angioplasty And Stenting

Background: Concomitant acute cervical ICA and intracranial large vessel occlusion (ILVO) has a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The most appropriate treatment strategy for the extracranial culprit lesion remains unclear. We report our institutional outcomes with the 2 approaches, emergent carotid endartectomy (CEA) vs. stenting (CAS). Methods: Between July 2012 to April 2016, 34 patients with concomitant complete ICA origin occlusion and occlusion of either intracranial ICA, MCA M1 or M2 segments underwent thrombectomy at our center. Demographics, risk factors, treatment modalities, imaging and clinical outcomes were reviewed from a prospectively maintained database. Recanalization, hemorrhagic transformation (HT) with clinical decline of >4 points on the NIHSS and favorable outcome rates mRs of Results: Of the 34 identified subjects, in 6 patients the proximal lesion was not treated either due to failed MT (N=3), ICA re-occlusion prior to CEA (N=2) or MCA recanalization via trans-circulation access with symptomatic resolution (N=1). Of the remaining 28 patients, 10 (35.7%) underwent emergent CEA within 12 hours following MT, while the remainder 18 (64.3%) had carotid stenting performed during the MT. Rate of IV tPA treatment was higher in CAS (61% vs 10%, p Conclusions: Our study indicates that for concomitant cervical ICA and ILVO, MT followed by emergent CEA is feasible and may be accompanied with less risk for HT and improved rate of favorable outcome. Further prospective studies are warranted.
The Influence of Redox Reactions on the Uptake of Dissolved Ce by Suspended Fe and Mn Oxide Particles

Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the partitioning ofrare earth elements (REE) between solution and suspended particles. Becauseof their strong tendency to complex, the REE can be used to study a varietyof marine processes and in particular particle scavenging. In this study, anemphasis was placed on examining abiotic redox processes that influence theuptake of dissolved Ce by particles. Batch sorption experiments wereconducted with REE and synthetic mineral phases over the range of pH4–9. The solutions varied in ionic strength between 0 and 0.7 M andconsisted of individual solutes (NaNO3, NaCl, andNa2SO4), ionic mixtures that duplicate theseawater composition, and natural seawater. The uptake of REE from solutionwas also studied at a Pt electrode coated with \(\delta {\text{ - MnO}}_{\text{2}} \)using cyclic voltametry.
The distribution of osteocalcin, degree of mineralization, and mechanical properties along the length of Cyprinus carpio rib bone.

This study examined the spatial distribution of selected biochemical and mechanical properties along the length of carp rib bone. Carp rib bone was chosen because of its unusually high osteocalcin content relative to other extractable proteins. The amount of osteocalcin was significantly lower (p<0.01) at the most distal section, relative to all other sections. The amount of phosphate (p<0.05) and the elastic modulus in the longitudinal plane (p<0.0001) were found to be significantly higher in the most distal section, relative to the most proximal section. There was no significant difference in the calcium distribution, molar Ca/P ratio, or elastic modulus in the transverse plane. It was speculated that the distal section contains less mature bone. The methods illustrate the potential usefulness of nanoindentation to characterize the mechanical properties of bone, relative to its biochemical composition. © 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers
Consequences of Completeness

The space \(C[0,1]\) of continuous functions on the interval [0,1] can be equipped with many metrics. Two important examples are the metrics arising from the norms
Uncertainty of Future Performance: The Impact of Labor Investment and Labor Flexibility

Abstract: Theory suggests that human capital investment decreases in response to an increase in the riskiness of the return on the investment which suggests a link between the uncertainty of future performance and investments in labor. While labor investment has been the subject of numerous academic studies, the notion of labor flexibility is a relatively new research issue and is of fundamental interest due to the rise of contingent labor in our competitive global economy. In this study, we investigate the relations between fixed labor investments, labor flexibility and their impact on future earnings uncertainty while controlling for capital and R& D investment. The empirical analysis compares the relative contributions of current investments in labor, labor flexibility, R&D and PP&E to future earnings variability using a sample of roughly 20,000 firm-year observations from 1970-1999. We perform extensive robustness checks and provide strong results consistent with our predictions that fixed labor investments increase the uncertainty of future earnings. In contrast, labor flexibility reduces uncertainty in future benefits. Our results have implications for management's human capital operating decisions and are consistent with the extraordinary growth in contingent employment arrangements in the United States and abroad.
Parallel strategies for the synthesis of annulated pyrido[3,4-b]indoles via Rh(I)- and Pd(0)-catalyzed cyclotrimerization

Abstract Two different pathways for the synthesis of annulated pyrido[3,4-b]indoles are reported using metal-catalyzed cyclotrimerization reactions. A stepwise process using Rh(I)-catalysis in the final step of the synthesis and a multicomponent, tandem catalytic approach using Pd(0)-catalysis both lead to complex nitrogen-containing heterocycles in good yields. Substituent effects are investigated for both pathways, demonstrating that the Pd(0)-catalyzed approach is more sensitive to electron-withdrawing groups.
In Situ Characterization of Hot Cracking Using Dynamic X-Ray Radiography

We employ dynamic X-ray radiography (DXR) for in situ and real-time characterization of the hot cracking phenomenon for aluminum alloy 6061 under the processing conditions typical of laser powder bed fusion. The dynamics of processes such as a crack initiating from a bubble trapped subsurface are captured. We also directly observe the backfilling of liquid that heals an open crack. In addition, we demonstrate the feasibility of determining the point of origin for hot cracking with a temporal resolution of order 20 µs and spatial resolution of order 2 µm. This could shed light on the estimation of solid fraction at the initiation of hot cracking, which is a critical parameter upon which many models are based. We demonstrate the capability of DXR for generating new insights into verify or refine hot cracking models, and understand this problem fundamentally, which could ultimately lead to the optimization of process control for additive manufacturing.
Patterns of Marijuana Use Among Patients With Celiac Disease in the United States: A Population-based Analysis of the NHANES Survey.

Background Marijuana use has been assessed in patients with chronic gastrointestinal disorders and may contribute to either symptoms or palliation. Use in those with celiac disease (CD) has not been assessed. Our aim was to evaluate patterns of marijuana use in a large population-based survey among patients with CD, people who avoid gluten (PWAG), and controls. Study We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2009 to 2014. χ tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to compare participants with CD and PWAG to controls regarding the use of marijuana. Results Among respondents who reported ever using marijuana (overall 59.1%), routine (at-least monthly) marijuana use was reported by 46% of controls versus 6% of participants with diagnosed CD (P=0.005) and 66% undiagnosed CD as identified on serology (P=0.098) and 51% of PWAG (P=0.536). Subjects with diagnosed CD had lower odds of routine marijuana use compared with controls (odds ratio, 0.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.73), whereas participants with undiagnosed CD had increased odds of routine use (odds ratio, 2.26; 95% confidence interval, 0.83-6.13), which remained elevated even after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, health insurance status, alcohol, tobacco use, educational level, and poverty/income ratio. Conclusions In all groups, marijuana use was high. Although there were no differences among subjects with CD, PWAG, and controls who ever used marijuana, subjects with diagnosed CD appear to have decreased routine use of marijuana when compared with controls and PWAG. Those with undiagnosed CD have significantly higher rates of regular use. Future research should focus on the utilization of marijuana as it may contribute to further understanding of symptoms and treatments.
Correction to: 28 Days Later: Twitter Hashtags as “Just in Time” Teacher Professional Development

Since this paper’s publication, it has come to our attention that two of the tables included in the paper were calculated using a slightly different dataset than the rest of our analysis.
Newly Credentialed Athletic Trainers' Perceptions of Their Transition to Practice.

Context Newly credentialed athletic trainers (ATs) have reported stress and role ambiguity during the transition to practice. Previous researchers focused on their qualitative experiences, yet no i...
The Psychology of Motivated versus Rational Impression Updating

People's beliefs about others are often impervious to new evidence: we continue to cooperate with ingroup defectors and refuse to see outgroup enemies as rehabilitated. Resistance to updating beliefs with new information has historically been interpreted as reflecting bias or motivated cognition, but recent work in Bayesian inference suggests that belief maintenance can be compatible with procedural rationality. We propose a mentalizing account of belief maintenance, which holds that protecting strong priors by generating alternative explanations for surprising information involves more mentalizing about the target than nonrational discounting. We review the neuroscientific evidence supporting this approach, and discuss how both types of processing can lead to fitness benefits.
The Limits of Evidence-Based Regulation: The Case of Anti-Bribery Law

Evidence-based regulation is a term of art which refers to the process of making decisions about regulation based on evidence generated through systematic research. There is increasing pressure to treat evidence-based regulation as a global best practice, including from US political interests hoping to tame the regulatory state, the OECD, international trade agreements, and academics. However, there are certain conditions under which evidence-based regulation is likely to be a less appealing method of decision-making than the alternative, namely, relying on judgment. Those conditions are: it is difficult to collect data, on either interventions or outcomes; accurate causal inferences are difficult to draw; there is little warrant for believing that the same causal relationships will apply in a new context; or, the decision-makers in question lack the capacity to undertake one of these tasks. These conditions are likely to be present in complex, transnational, decentralized and dynamic forms of business regulation that extend to relatively poor countries. The global anti-bribery regime is an illustrative case.
A case of atypical multifocal nodular eosinophilic dermatosis in a Labrador retriever dog.

Background A dog with gastrointestinal signs and a history of administration of multiple drugs developed acute multifocal to coalescing ulcerative nodules and a large plaque. Objective To describe abnormal nodular clinical lesions with an unexpected superficial and deep severe eosinophilic perivascular to interstitial inflammation. Animal A 7-year-old spayed female Labrador retriever METHODS AND MATERIALS: Blood tests, faecal and urinalysis, and abdominal radiographs were performed; skin biopsy samples were taken for cytological, culture and histopathological analyses. Results The blood tests, faecal, urinalysis and radiographs were within normal limits. Cytological results revealed inflammatory cells and cultures had no growth. Histopathological evaluation revealed dermal and subcutaneous oedema, mucin deposition and perivascular to interstitial inflammation predominated by eosinophils with occasional very small intralesional dense aggregates of eosinophils centred on collagen bundles, eosinophilic exocytosis and small eosinophilic pustules. Focal subepidermal fibrin exudation and haemorrhage resulted in epidermal detachment and ulceration. Clinical resolution of the dermatological and gastrointestinal signs was seen with the withdrawal of prior medications and administration of a tapering course of anti-inflammatory doses of prednisolone. Conclusions and clinical importance To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is a novel nodular clinical and eosinophilic histopathological pattern combination. This case offers evidence of a spectrum of sterile eosinophilic dermatoses rather than multiple different disease processes.
Measuring Heat Production from Burning Al/Zr and Al/Mg/Zr Composite Particles in a Custom Micro-Bomb Calorimeter.

Al:Zr, Al-8Mg:Zr, and Al-38Mg:Zr nanocomposite particles fabricated by physical vapor deposition (PVD) and ball milling were reacted in 1 atm of pure O2 within a custom, highly-sensitive micro-bomb calorimeter. The heats of combustion were compared to examine the effect of particle size and composition on combustion efficiency under room temperature and in a fixed volume. All particles yielded ~60–70% of their theoretical maximum heat of combustion and exhibited an increase in heat over composite thin films of similar compositions, which is attributed to an increase in the surface area to volume ratio. The effect of particle size and geometry are mitigated owing to the sintering of the particles within the crucible, implying the importance of particle dispersion for enhanced performance. Vaporization of the metal species may transition between two diffusion flame species (Mg to Al). As Mg content is increased, more vaporization may occur at lower temperatures, leading to an additional stage of sintering. Physically intermixed Al and Mg oxides have been observed coating the surface of the particles, which implies a continuous transition of these vaporization processes. Such nano-oxides imply high vapor-flame combustion temperatures (>2700 K) and suggest viability for agent defeat applications.
Compact scanning retarding potential analyzer

A miniature scanning electrostatic energy analyzer has been developed for measurements of the ion energy distribution in low-pressure plasma discharges. The retarding potential analyzer utilizes four grids to reject the incident electron flux and discriminate the ion energy. It features a compact size of 5-mm diameter and 2.5-mm thickness and uses a simple configuration to mount the grids and provide voltage isolation using high temperature ceramic cement that avoids complicated grid alignment or MEMS fabrication techniques. Mounting on a fast-scanning two-axis probe drive eliminates overheating of the ceramics and subsequent current leakage, which permits insertion into challenging locations and provides profiles of the ion energy in the plasma discharge. Guidelines for the analyzer design for high density operation are discussed, and the performance of the analyzer is shown for measurements in a hollow cathode plume in xenon plasmas.
Open- and closed-loop distributed beamforming

Distributed beamforming (DBF) schemes are receiving increased interest for military and commercial applications due to radio frequency spectral congestion, the possibility of system implementation in autonomous systems, reduced interference requirements to existing legacy systems and/or other co-site signals, and the desire for improvements in low probability of intercept (LPI) and low probability of detection (LPD) transmissions. In this work, it is assumed that distributed beamforming is composed of distributed and collaborative beamforming nodes such that a beamforming gain can be achieved either with or without feedback between transmitter and receiver nodes. Open-loop DBF produces coherent beamforming gain either from a set of collaborating distributed transmitters and/or from a set of collaborating distributed receivers, where no feedback channel is required or available between the DBF transmitters and DBF receivers. Closed-loop DBF produces coherent beamforming gain from both the DBF transmitters and DBF receivers, but assumes a feedback channel exists between the transmitters and receivers. This work develops and demonstrates a method that can reach the maximum theoretical beamforming gain available in open-loop and closed-loop systems while each set of distributed nodes experiences non-ideal geometric array variation and synchronization offsets between distributed elements. Beamforming gain degradation is shown for mobile channel velocity variation. This work should provide useful application to a wide array of distributed autonomous systems as well as future 5G commercial applications.
A systematic evaluation of models predicting short-term mortality for cancer patients to highlight uncertainty about model performance and high risk of bias.

e13559Background: Short-term cancer mortality prediction has many implications concerning care planning. An accurate prognosis allows healthcare providers to adjust care plans and take appropriate ...
Renewed interests in the discovery of bioactive actinomycete metabolites driven by emerging technologies.

Actinomycetes are prolific sources of bioactive molecules. Traditional workflows including bacterial isolation, fermentation, metabolite identification, and structure elucidation have resulted in high rates of natural product rediscovery in recent years. Recent advancements in multi-omics techniques have uncovered cryptic gene clusters within the genomes of actinomycetes, potentially introducing vast resources for the investigation of bioactive molecules. While developments in culture techniques have allowed for the fermentation of difficult-to-culture actinomycetes, high throughput metabolite screening has offered plenary tools to accelerate hits discovery. A variety of new bioactive molecules have been isolated from actinomycetes of unique environmental origins, such as endophytic and symbiotic actinomycetes. Synthetic biology and genome mining have also emerged as new frontiers for the discovery of bioactive molecules. This review covers the highlights of recent developments in actinomycete-derived natural product drug discovery.
DFT study of structural and electronic properties of 1,4-diarylcyclopenta[ d ] pyridazines and oxazines for non-linear optical applications

Polymer and molecular-based electronic materials incorporating heterocycles like thiophenes and pyrroles are attractive possibilities as substitutes for semimetal materials. Heterocyclic materials are heavily studied in this regard due to the large variations in possible substrates. Herein we evaluated four different 5,6-fused ring heterocycles to gain a better understanding of any favorable optical and electronic properties that were due to incorporation of certain moieties. The molecules chosen would highlight the effects that the central ring (pyridazine versus oxazine), aromatic substituent, and heterocyclic side group may have on electronic and optical properties. Computational analysis of these four molecules was done using density functional theory (B3LYP and PBEPBE) with 6-31G(d,p), 6-311 ++G(d,p), and cc-pVTZ basis sets. The constituent molecules were optimized, and calculations were done for the dipole moment, polarizability, first-order hyperpolarizability (β), HOMO and LUMO orbitals, and a natural bonding order (NBO) analysis. These calculations allow for the study of charge density via electrostatic potential mapping and bonding orbitals. The results indicated that the pyridazine molecules presented here are more favorable than the oxazines for non-linear optical (NLO) applications. It is also noted that side ring substituents (thienyl and furyl) in the two pyridazines studied showed very little calculated differences. Finally, heterocyclic rings showed more favorable properties when incorporated as substituents for NLO applications over hydrocarbon aromatics.
Evaluation and management of hypertension in the perioperative period of Mohs micrographic surgery: a review.

BACKGROUNDWhile patients’ hypertensive problems are usually actively and effectively managed by their primary physician, the dermatologic surgeon can still be affected by hypertension where the condition is unrecognized or uncontrolled. Hypertension is an important contributor to both bleeding and h
A Self-Guiding Communities Approach

(1971). A Self-Guiding Communities Approach. Environmental Education: Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 6-7.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in very low birth weight infants treated with dexamethasone.

The effect of dexamethasone therapy on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function was prospectively investigated in very low birth weight infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Ten infants (mean ± SD birth weight 825 ± 265 g, gestation 25.8 ± 1.9 weeks, postnatal age 33.1 ± 17.7 days) initially received intravenous dexamethasone, 0.5 mg/kg per day for 3 days, and then were weaned over a period of 45 ± 19.0 days to a replacement dose, followed by a metyrapone test. Morning plasma cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol levels were measured before and after an oral metyrapone dose given at midnight. Five infants (group A: birth weight 876 ± 313 g, gestation 26.2 ± 1.3 weeks, age of entry 31.8 ± 22.8 days) had normal metyrapone test results, and five infants (group B: 778 ± 234 g, 25.4 ± 2.5 weeks, 34.4 ± 13.4 days) had suppressed test results. Group A infants, in comparison with group B infants, had higher basal cortisol plasma levels (14.52 ± 12.53 and 3.00 ± 1.38 µg/dL, P = .047), higher postmetyrapone 11-deoxycortisol plasma levels (3.11 ± 3.93 and 0.55 ± 0.51 µg/dL, P = .028), larger differences between basal and postmetyrapone cortisol levels (7.10 ± 4.67 and 2.12 ± 1.31 µg/dL, P = .047), and larger differences between basal and postmetyrapone 11-deoxycortisol levels (2.99 ± 3.93 and 0.29 ± 0.25 µg/dL, P = .009). The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in group B infants eventually returned to normal when they continued to receive low-dose dexamethasone therapy after a period of 36.8 ± 16.6 days. The results suggest that dexamethasone therapy given for several weeks or more may be associated with prolonged suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in a substantial number of very low birth weight infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Evaluation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function before discontinuation of dexamethasone therapy is necessary to ensure proper adrenal secretory response.
Protein kinase C isoforms in the porcine corpus luteum: Temporal and spatial expression patterns

Porcine corpora lutea (CL) fail to show a luteolytic response to prostaglandin-F-2alpha (PGF-2alpha) (ie, luteolytic sensitivity, or LS) until approximately day 13 of the estrous cycle. In view of the importance of protein kinase C (PRKC) in PGF-2alpha signal transduction, it was hypothesized that limiting levels of 1 or more PRKC isoforms may explain the lack of LS before day 13. This hypothesis was tested by examining expression of mRNA and protein, and the cellular localization patterns of the 11 PRKC isoforms throughout the porcine estrous cycle, to determine whether PRKC expression correlates with and thus may be associated with the control of the acquisition of LS in the pig. The expression patterns show that for most PRKC isoforms (ie, PRKC alpha, beta 1, beta 2, delta, epsilon, theta, iota, and zeta), mRNA was maximally expressed on day 7 or day 10 (protein kinase D1 only) of the cycle, whereas PRKCs gamma, eta, and lambda were unchanged. At the protein level, only PRKC epsilon (PRKCE) significantly changed during the estrous cycle and was elevated on day 13 (versus days 4, 7, and 15; P or =day 12), these results support a potential role for PRKCE in control of the acquisition of LS in the pig.
WITHDRAWN: Reprint of “What we know, what we don’t know, and what we need to know about graduated driver licensing”

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal ( http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy ). This reprinted article has been retracted at the request of the Publisher. The online version of this reprint has been withdrawn as it was a redundant duplicate of the original article. The original can be found via http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0022-4375(00)0865 . The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.
Progress on Developing Adaptive Optics–Optical Coherence Tomography for In Vivo Retinal Imaging: Monitoring and Correction of Eye Motion Artifacts

Recent progress in retinal image acquisition techniques, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), combined with improved performance of adaptive optics (AO) instrumentation, has resulted in improvement in the quality of in vivo images of cellular structures in the human retina. Here, we present a short review of progress on developing AO-OCT instruments. Despite significant progress in imaging speed and resolution, eye movements present during acquisition of a retinal image with OCT introduce motion artifacts into the image, complicating analysis and registration. This effect is especially pronounced in high-resolution datasets acquired with AO-OCT instruments. Several retinal tracking systems have been introduced to correct retinal motion during data acquisition. We present a method for correcting motion artifacts in AO-OCT volume data after acquisition using simultaneously captured adaptive optics-scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AO-SLO) images. We extract transverse eye motion data from the AO-SLO images, assign a motion adjustment vector to each AO-OCT A-scan, and re-sample from the scattered data back onto a regular grid. The corrected volume data improve the accuracy of quantitative analyses of microscopic structures.
What Kind of Microviscosity Does a Molecule Experience During its Rotational and Translational Diffusion in Crowded Environments

Living cells are known to be crowded with organelles, biomembranes, and macromolecules such as proteins, DNA, RNA, and actin filaments. In such crowded environments it is reasonable to believe that cellular viscosity is heterogeneous, which is likely to influence biomolecular diffusion, protein-protein interactions, protein-substrate interaction, and protein folding. In this contribution, we investigate the difference between bulk viscosity and microviscosity in crowded environments and their effects on both rotational (ps-ns) and translational (ms-s) diffusion of rhodamine green (as a probe) using time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy (TRFA) and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), respectively. For biomimetic crowding, Ficoll-70, BSA and ovalbumin were used as crowding agents and compared with glycerol-rich solutions as a homogeneous environment. Assuming a Stockes-Einstein model, the microviscosity was calculated using TRFA and FCS, assuming no binding, and the results are compared with the bulk viscosity, which was measured using a conventional viscometer. Our results indicate that the micro- and bulk viscosities in a homogeneous environment like glycerol-rich solutions are similar over the 1-20 cP range. In Ficoll-70, BSA and ovalbumin-crowded environments, the microviscosity differs from the corresponding bulk viscosity, depending on the nature of crowding agents (i.e., proteins versus polymers) and the concentration of crowding agents. These results are discussed in terms of both non-specific binding and heterogeneous viscosity in crowded solutions, which in return provide an apparent deviation from the Stokes-Einstein model (i.e., Brownian diffusion). Our findings provide a foundation for FCS and TRFA-based studies of diffusion and binding of biomolecules in the crowded milieu of living cells.
Ethnobotany of hill tribes of northern Thailand. I. Medicinal plants of Akha

The Akha are one of the 6 major tribes or minorities living in the remote hills of northern Thailand who still use extensively plants as medicines. This paper describes the Akha culture and environment and their use of medicinal plants. An appendix lists 121 different species and the medicinal use or uses attributed to them.
Model Equations for Gravity-Capillary Waves in Deep Water

The Euler equations for water waves in any depth have been shown to have solitary wave solutions when the effect of surface tension is included. This paper proposes three quadratic model equations for these types of waves in infinite depth with a two-dimensional fluid domain. One model is derived directly from the Euler equations. Two further simpler models are proposed, both having the full gravity-capillary dispersion relation, but preserving exactly either a quadratic energy or a momentum. Solitary wavepacket waves are calculated for each model. Each model supports the elevation and depression waves known to exist in the Euler equations. The stability of these waves is discussed, as is the dynamics resulting from instabilities and solitary wave collisions.
Knowledge-based wind loading for envelope design: beyond building codes

Abstract Wind loading is one of the most sophisticated requirements in building envelope design. The importance of wind loading depends on a number of factors such as building dimensions and geometries, surroundings, terrains and wind conditions. The evaluation process for wind loading on buildings, usually laborious and error-prone, could be automated by using computer tools. This paper refers to a knowledge-based expert system developed for the estimation of the wind loading on low buildings of various roof geometries. The domain knowledge of wind loading is generated not only from the provisions of building codes, but also from wind-tunnel experimental results and literature information. The general structure of the system and development strategies are briefly discussed in this paper. Application examples are provided to illustrate the implementation of the system for the design of building envelope, particularly the roofs of low buildings.
The semantic paradoxes: Some second thoughts

In an earlier paper, I proposed certain "diagnoses" of the Liar and other semantical paradoxes.' Although I still believe that those diagnostic solutions are basically correct, I now feel compelled to refine my analyses of the relevant concepts and rules in order to respond to a type of objection (developed by my colleague George Myro) that I had not anticipated. The analyses I give here provide, I believe, a more accurate overall picture of the paradoxical situations than was presented in the earlier paper. I begin by briefly sketching the principal features of my diagnoses. Let us consider a version of the Sec Lib Paradox. In the official rule book of a club called 'Secretarv Liberation' (or 'Sec Lib' for short), we find the statement:
Child Welfare Assessment Practices in Scotland: An Ecological Process Grounded in Relationship-Building

Beginning with the initial contact with the family, Scottish child welfare policy and practice are grounded in ecological practice and community relationships. New guidance called “Getting it Right for Every Child in Scotland” (GIRFEC) is focused on universal child well-being and may have a significant impact on social work practice. This article explores the results of a multi-methods case study conducted in Scotland and highlights key aspects of new policy implementation and relational social work characteristics that are important to advance ecological child welfare practice. It may also have implications for other cultural contexts.
Racial disparities in cardiovascular health care: Unfulfilled exSPECTations?

This study clearly begins to fill a void in the noninvasive imaging literature with regard to racial differences in outcomes after SPECT perfusion imaging has been performed. However, the issues raised here are not settled, and they should provide stimulus for further refinement and study of racial influences on the efficacy of all commonly performed modes of cardiac diagnostic testing.
The pregnant heart: cardiac emergencies during pregnancy

Abstract Background Cardiovascular emergencies in pregnant patients are often considered a rare event; however, heart disease as a cause of maternal mortality is steadily increasing. Discussion In this article, we review 3 common cardiovascular emergencies and the important subtle differences in their treatment in the pregnant patient: peripartum/postpartum cardiomyopathy, acute myocardial infarction, and cardiac resuscitation. Conclusion Managing these conditions in the emergency department setting requires a high index of suspicion, knowledge of anatomical and physiologic changes associated with pregnancy, and updated management strategies related to optimizing maternal and fetal health.
Laser-based, in situ measurements of fine-scale variations in the δ18O values of hydrothermal quartz

Recently developed laser-based techniques have been used to make in situ measurements of the [delta][sup 18]O values of hydrothermal vein quartz from the Tayoltita and Guanajuato mining districts of Mexico. The [delta][sup 18]O[sub qtz] values within a single 2 [times] 5 cm sample of banded quartz from Guanajuato varied from 12.6[per thousand] to 17.3[per thousand]. Similarly, [delta][sup 18]O[sub qtz] values measured in a 2 [times] 3 cm sample from Tayoltita ranged from 5.7[per thousand] to 9.5[per thousand]. In both cases, the spread of [delta][sup 18]O values measured within individual samples is comparable to the total ranges of [delta][sup 18]O values previously reported for vein samples from the respective districts. Fluid-inclusion homogenization temperatures measured for these samples rule out the possibility that the changes in the [delta][sup 18]O values observed could have been caused by temperature fluctuations; therefore, they must be the result of large shifts in the isotopic composition of the vein fluids.
Relationships Between Intravenous Glucose Loads, Insulin Responses and Glucose Disappearance Rate1

ABSTRACT In order to evaluate the relation between insulin responses, glucose loads and glucose disappearance rate, normal subjects were given glucose doses from 0.5 to 40 g by rapid intravenous injection. A highly linear correlation was seen between dose and the rapidly attained peak plasma glucose level measured as either the mean of the 3- through 5-min (3–5′) absolute (r=+.98) or 3–5′ incremental (Δ) (r=+.98) glucose value, suggesting any of these parameters can be employed as an index of the glucose stimulus. Estimated from the 3–5′ Δ plasma insulin levels, the early insulin response, which has been previously shown to be derived from a functional pool of stored insulin, increased in a nonlinear manner over the entire dosage range. In contrast, the total incremental insulin area increased linearly (r=+.85) with increasing glucose loads, suggesting that the total insulin output proportionally responds to the size of the glucose dose. Glucose tolerance measured as the glucose disappearance rate (Kg) wa...
Immunological studies in B6C3F1 mice following exposure to ethylene glycol monomethyl ether and its principal metabolite methoxyacetic acid.

Exposure to glycol ethers has been associated with adverse effects in laboratory animals including thymus atrophy and mild leukopenia. These effects may involve depletion of immunoresponsive cells. This study examined possible alterations in immune function and host resistance of B6C3F1 mice following exposure to ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) or its principal metabolite, methoxyacetic acid (MOAA). EGME and MOAA were administered by gavage to mice in 10 doses over a 2-week period at total dosages of 250, 500, and 1000 μg/g of body weight. Following exposure, immunopathology, humoral immunity, cell-mediated immunity, macrophage function, and host resistance to Listeria monocytogenes bacterial challenge were examined. A 48% reduction in thymus weight was observed at the intermediate and high doses of both chemicals. No significant alterations in immune function or host resistance to L. monocytogenes were observed in animals exposed to either EGME or MOAA.
Plasmons in single- and double-component helical liquids: Application to two-dimensional topological insulators

The plasmon excitations in proposed single- and double-component helical liquid (HL) models are investigated within the random-phase approximation by calculating the density-density, spin-density, and spin-spin waves. The effect due to broken time-reversal symmetry on intraband-plasmon dispersion relation in the single-component HL system is analyzed and compared to those of well-known cases, such as conventional quasi-one-dimensional electron gases and armchair graphene nanoribbons. In the long-wavelength limit, the dispersion of the collective excitations provided by the density-density response of the single-component HL matches that of spin-density response of the two-component HL.
Characterization of the active site of DNA polymerase β by molecular dynamics and quantum chemical calculation

It is well established that the fully formed polymerase active site of the DNA repair enzyme, polymerase beta (pol beta), including two bound Mg2+ cations and the nucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) substrate, exists at only one point in the catalytic cycle just prior to the chemical nucleotidyl transfer step. The structure of the active conformation has been the subject of much interest as it relates to the mechanism of the chemical step and also to the question of fidelity assurance. Although crystal structures of ternary pol beta-(primer-template) DNA-dNTP complexes have provided the main structural features of the active site, they are necessarily incomplete due to intentional alterations (e.g., removal of the 3'OH groups from primer and substrate) needed to obtain a structure from midcycle. Working from the crystal structure closest to the fully formed active site [Protein Data Bank (PDB) code: 1bpy], two molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the solvated ternary complex were performed: one with the missing 3'OHs restored, via modeling, to the primer and substrate, and the other without restoration of the 3'OHs. The results of the simulations, together with ab initio optimizations on simplified active-site models, indicate that the missing primer 3'OH in the crystal structure is responsible for a significant perturbation in the coordination sphere of the catalytic cation and allow us to suggest several corrections and additions to the active-site structure as observed by crystallography. In addition, the calculations help to resolve questions raised regarding the protonation states of coordinating ligands.
The Results of a Simulator Study to Determine the Effects on Pilot Performance of Two Different Motion Cueing Algorithms and Various Delays, Compensated and Uncompensated

A study was conducted employing the Visual Motion Simulator (VMS) at the NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia. This study compared two motion cueing algorithms, the NASA adaptive algorithm and a new optimal control based algorithm. Also, the study included the effects of transport delays and the compensation thereof. The delay compensation algorithm employed is one developed by Richard McFarland at NASA Ames Research Center. This paper reports on the analyses of the results of analyzing the experimental data collected from preliminary simulation tests. This series of tests was conducted to evaluate the protocols and the methodology of data analysis in preparation for more comprehensive tests which will be conducted during the spring of 2003. Therefore only three pilots were used. Nevertheless some useful results were obtained. The experimental conditions involved three maneuvers; a straight-in approach with a rotating wind vector, an offset approach with turbulence and gust, and a takeoff with and without an engine failure shortly after liftoff. For each of the maneuvers the two motion conditions were combined with four delay conditions (0, 50, 100 & 200ms), with and without compensation.
Successive comparisons between ordered treatments

Abstract A method is proposed for one- and two-sided comparison of means of adjacent ordered treatments with the one-way layout or randomized complete block model while maintaining a designated overall Type I error rate. For the case of equal sample sizes and r ⩽ 6 treatments, tables of exact critical values are presented and the improvement over existing conservative methods is investigated. Approximate techniques are proposed for r ⩾ 7.
Enhanced Light Absorption by Compounds in Chromatograms

WE have investigated some characteristics of a hyperchromic absorption of light that takes place when a compound in dry chromatographic paper is transilluminated with radiation of absorbable wave-length. Laurence1 has previously noticed and interpreted such enhanced absorption, but no results were presented, and the phenomenon has escaped general recognition. It is a true2 absorption, and not a manifestation of varying spatial distribution of the transmitted light. All evidence indicates that it is caused by transit of photons through dry paper via paths longer than rectilinear lines directly through the paper and the layer of absorbing compound therein. Multiple refractions augment the effective optical depth in the manner described by Keilin and Hartree in photometric studies of compounds in devitrified frozen solvents3.
Norms of powers of absolutely convergent Fourier series of several variables

We consider functions ƒ = ƒ(z) of several complex variables which are analytic on ¦ z ¦ ⩽ 1 and we obtain sufficient conditions and necessary conditions in order that the sum of absolute values of the Fourier coefficients of ƒm remains bounded as m tends to infinity.
Cities under stress

This paper studies the effect of terrorist attacks on the internal structure of cities. We develop an urban framework with capital structures suitable for the study of this question and analyze the long and short term implications of this type of events. In the long run, the analysis shows that a terrorist attack will affect urban structure only modestly, relative to the potentially large decrease in the level of economic activity in the city. Land rents will not decline at all locations. In the short run, agglomeration forces will amplify the effect of the original destruction and will reduce urban economic activity temporarily.
Polyspectral and cyclostationary approaches for identification of closed-loop systems

Conventional spectral analysis fails in identifying systems operating with feedback from noisy input-output data. It is shown that polyspectral and cyclic methods can identify closed-loop systems with data corrupted by a class of stationary and cyclostationary noise. The class is specified and nonparametric transfer function estimators are developed and simulated. >
A method for determination of stiffness of collagen molecules

This study developed a micromechanical test method for determination of stiffness of collagen molecules. The novelty includes the adoption of an optical tweezer system for loading a single collagen molecule and the development of a binding technique for gripping the collagen molecule termini for the micromechanical test. This methodology will potentially help us to understand the mechanical properties and functions of collagen ultrastructure.