cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple pathways for amino acid transport in Mytilus gill

The epidermal tissues of marine mussels can accumulate amino acids from surrounding sea water. In the present study, gill tissue isolated from the California coastal mussel,Mytilus californianus, was used in conjunction with intact, actively pumping mussels to study epidermal transport processes. There appeared to be at least four pathways for this uptake: i) a β-neutral pathway which transports taurine; ii) an α-acidic pathway specific for substrates such as aspartate; iii) an α-neutral pathway having a general specificity for this class of compound, but which also accepts the basic amino acid, lysine; and iv) a second α-neutral pathway, also of broad specificity, capable of accepting the imino acid, proline, as a substrate. Replacement of Naα in sea water with choline reduced uptake of leucine, taurine, aspartate, and proline by more than 95%, and reduced lysine uptake by 75%, suggesting that Naα-independent pathways play no significant role in epidermal transport in the gill. Isolated gill tissue was used to estimate the maximum transport capacities (Jmax's) of the pathways, which ranged from approximately 5 to 25 μmol/(g·hr). Apparent Michaelis constants (Kt*'s) of the epidermal transporters were estimated using a convection-diffusion model introduced previously (Wright and Secomb, Am J Physiol 247:R346–R355, 1984). TheseKt*'s ranged from 1 to 5 μM. The characteristics of the epidermal transporters are such that they can play a significant role in both animal nutrition and in the reacumulation of endogenous amino acids lost from surface cells through passive diffusion.
Some comparative marine chemistries of rhenium, gold, silver and molybdenum

Abstract Four metals, Re, Au, Ag and Mo, whose dissolved forms in seawater can potentially be reduced to insoluble states, have been measured in a variety of solids depositing under anoxic conditions: hydrothermal sulfides; coastal sediments; and phosphorites. For comparative purposes these elements have also been determined in ferromanganese minerals and pelagic sediments which have accumulated under oxidizing conditions. Rhenium appears to be a unique sentinel for identifying reducing depositional environments, where enrichments of greater than three orders of magnitude above crustal concentrations are found. Molybdenum follows Re in these sediments but Mo is enriched also in those that accumulate under oxidizing conditions. The reported Mo crustal concentrations appear low in comparison to our measured sedimentary values. Gold and Ag are concentrated in hydrothermal deposits and sulfides appear to be involved in the precipitation of these elements. Coastal sediments adjacent to a domestic outfall of Los Angeles, California contain extraordinary high accumulations of anthropogenic Au, Ag and Pt. The study seeks an understanding of the mobilities and sinks of these metals in the marine environment during the major weathering cycle. Further, anthropogenic contributions to their sedimentary concentrations are identified.
Spin-glass freezing and universal scaling in Cd1−xMnxTe

Abstract Static low-field longitudinal magnetic susceptibility χ( T ), of Cd 1- x Mn x Te ( x = 0.3, 0.4, 0.45 and 0.55) was determined by SQUID susceptibility. All archetypal spin-glass (SG) ordering behaviors were observed. From a Fischer-type model of the low-temperature susceptibility χ( T ), we have determined the Edwards-Anderson (EA) spin-glass order parameter, q ( T ). Unlike static magnetization and specific heat results where classical scaling predictions are known to fail for this system, q ( T ) shows excellent agreement with mean field Ising-type model scaling predictions. It is argued that the criticality is related to a de Almeida-Thouless transition.
Interactions between iron nutrition and Verticillium wilt resistance in tomato

The relationship between Fe nutritional status and Verticillium wilt disease in tomatoes possessing single gene resistance to Race 1 of Verticillium dahliae was investigated using hydroponic culture media. Iron limiting conditions increased the sensitivity of resistant tomatoes to the pathogen as expressed by wilting and chlorosis. Distance of fungal vascular invasion was approximately the same in both Fe replete and Fe limited treatments. Comparison of near-isolines revealed that the magnitude of disease expressed in Fe deficient Pixie II (resistant) was considerably less than that expressed by the susceptible Pixie variety. Infection of tomato did not enhance the severity of low-Fe stress as quantified by root peroxidase activity and chlorophyll content of young leaves.
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis causing acute thoracic myelopathy: a case report and discussion

A case of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis presenting as acute thoracic myelopathy is reported. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis has long been regarded as a radiological entity with an innocuous clinical course. The manifestations of this disease are reviewed. There is mounting evidence that it is neither a clinically infrequent nor, as this case report illustrates, an exclusively benign condition.
Exponential Stability of Operators and Operator Semigroups

Extending earlier results of Datko, Pazy, and Littman on C0-semigroups, and of Przyluski and Weiss on operators, we prove the following. Let T be a bounded linear operator on a Banach space X and let r(T) denotes its spectral radius. Let E be a Banach function space over N with the property that limn→∞||χ {0,...,n−1}||E=∞. If for each x ∈ X and x* ∈ X* the map n ↦ 〈x*, Tnx;〉 belongs to E, then r(T) 0 for all t > 0. If ∑∞n =0 φ(|〈x*, Tnx;〉 < ∞ for all ||x|| ||x*|| ≤ 1, then r(T) < 1. Assuming a Δ2-condition on φ, a further improvement is obtained. For locally bounded semigroups T = {T(t)} t ≥ 0, we obtain similar results in terms of the maps t ↦ ||T (t) x||.
An Evaluation of Objective Rating Methods for Full-Body Finite Element Model Comparison to PMHS Tests

Objective: Objective evaluation methods of time history signals are used to quantify how well simulated human body responses match experimental data. As the use of simulations grows in the field of biomechanics, there is a need to establish standard approaches for comparisons. There are 2 aims of this study. The first is to apply 3 objective evaluation methods found in the literature to a set of data from a human body finite element model. The second is to compare the results of each method, examining how they are correlated to each other and the relative strengths and weaknesses of the algorithms. Methods: In this study, the methods proposed by Sprague and Geers (magnitude and phase error, SGM and SGP), Rhule et al. (cumulative standard deviation, CSD), and Gehre et al. (CORrelation and Analysis, or CORA, size, phase, shape, corridor) were compared. A 40 kph frontal sled test presented by Shaw et al. was simulated using the Global Human Body Models Consortium midsized male full-body finite element model ...
Spatial homogeneity issues with Concurrent Iterative Reconstruction Algorithms

Concurrent Iterative Reconstruction Algorithms use projection data in the iterative process as the data become available during the SPECT acquisition process and continue iterations in the post-acquisition period as conventional iterative algorithms. Because projections acquired early are processed more than later projections, regional inhomogeneities may exist in the initial image estimates but decrease with further post-acquisition iteration. Regularization done either during the acquisition or post-acquisition iterations further reduces regional inhomogeneities. The authors tested statistical differences in regions throughout the reconstructed image to determine the minimal number of post-acquisition iterations and type of regularization needed to reach an image that is inter-regionally consistent. The algorithms provide images free of reconstruction inhomogeneities and can offer a reduction in post-acquisition reconstruction time when compared to conventional iterative algorithms.
Changes in regional vascular resistance after myocardial infarction in the dog

The possibility that failure of vascular resistance to increase during hypotension in cardiogenic shock is a generalized phenomenon affecting many vascular beds was investigated in anesthetized dogs subjected to coronary arterial embolization. Blood flow in the carotid, mesenteric and renal vascular beds was monitored. Efferent vagus nerve stimulation, which, through bradycardia, produces hypotension of cardiac origin without myocardial damage, was associated with reflex vasoconstrictor responses in the carotid and mesenteric vascular beds; no change in resistance occurred in the renal vascular bed. In marked contrast, vasoconstriction failed to occur in any of the vascular beds in response to the hypotension produced by coronay embolization. These responses to cardiogenic shock mimicked those seen after ganglionic blockade, in which hypotension of partly cardiac origin was produced and reflex vasoconstriction blocked. The data support the previous hypothesis that myocardial infarction is associated with reflex inhibition of the reflex vasoconstrictor response to hypotension.
Queer Political Performance and Protest: Play, Pleasure, and Social Movement

Benjamin Shepard New York: Routledge, 2010, xix+320 pp Benjamin Shepard has written an important and informative book on a very interesting subject, encapsulated by his title, Queer Political Perfo...
Trace organics monitoring in drinking water using Tenax-coated fibers

Silica fibers were coated with 3 µm-thick Tenax TA films and investigated for potential use as a sorptive material in solid-phase microextraction (SPME). The performance of these fibers was evaluated as an effective tool for water contamination analysis of various simulated pollutants and VOC's using static headspace extraction. We show that Tenax TA fibers have high thermal stability as well as stability in organic solvents and acidic/basic solutions. Results indicate the high performance of Tenax TA coated fibers in terms of adsorption capacity, saturation time, and limits of detection. In-fiber reproducibility and fiber-to-fiber reproducibility was evaluated and changes in deposition method was made to enhance performance. High temperature desorption was explored at 400°C in which the Tenax TA fiber was determined to be capable of extracting high molecular weight compounds similar to common water pollutants not currently extractable using conventional SPME fibers.
Lateral solute segregation during undirectional solidification of a binary alloy with a curved solid—Liquid interface

Abstract The lateral solute segregation associated with a slightly curved solid-liquid interface during steady-state unidirectional solidification of a binary alloy is calculated under the assumption of no convection in the liquid. This is done to first order in the deviation of the interface from planarity by an adaptation of the perturbation methods of the theory of morphological stability. The calculation is based on an assumed knowledge of the solid-liquid interface shape; no attempt is made to relate this shape to the thermal field. The results are valid for the case where the solute boundary layer is thick compared to the deviation of the solid-liquid interface from planarity. In the limiting case of a very thick boundary layer, the lateral segregation in the solid is simply the product of the distribution coefficient, the deviation from planarity and the concentration gradient applicable to a planar interface. Numerical estimates of the relative lateral segregation are in reasonable agreement with experimental data of Witt et al. on crystals of gallium-doped germanium grown in space.
Neural networks as predictors of outcomes in alcoholic patients with severe liver disease

We developed and evaluated neural networks as predictors of outcomes in alcoholic patients with severe liver disease using commonly available clinical and laboratory values. Hospital charts of 144 patients were reviewed. Nine variables (five laboratory, four clinical) were recorded along with in-hospital death or survival. Data were organized into separate development and validation sets. Neural network predictions of survival were compared with those of the Maddrey discriminant function and logistic regression models developed on the same data. Model performance was evaluated by comparing areas under receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the distributions of model scores. Survivors had significantly different laboratory and clinical characteristics, the most important being a higher prothrombin time, lower bilirubin, and lower incidence of encephalopathy. Neural network performance was significantly better than that of the Maddrey score (ROC areas, 81.5% vs. 73.8%; P = .04). The ROC area for neural networks was similar to that of logistic regression (ROC area 78.2%; P = .3), but the neural networks were more successful in classifying patients into low- and high-risk groups (P < .001). A neural network score with laboratory data from hospital-day 7 improved prognostic accuracy further to 84.3%. After adjusting for baseline risk, the neural network change in illness severity was still a significant predictor of mortality (P = .001). Neural networks using clinical and laboratory data showed a high prognostic accuracy for predicting mortality in alcoholic patients with severe liver disease.
The effects of S-nitrosocaptopril on renal filtration and blood pressure in rats.

The present investigation was performed to evaluate the effects of S-nitrosocaptopril, a novel vasodilator possessing the capacities of both an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and an NO donor, on blood pressure and renal function in rats. S-nitrosocaptopril produced acute reductions in mean arterial pressure after both oral dosing (5, 10, 50 mg/kg) to chronically-catheterized awake rats and intravenous administrations (0.125, 1.25, 12.5 mg/kg) to anesthetized rats. The hypotensive magnitude and duration of S-nitrosocaptopril were dose-dependent. Acute pressure-associated reductions in the glomerular filtration rate and urine flow were observed only at high concentration of S-nitrosocaptopril (12.5 mg/kg, i.v.) in both awake and anesthetized rats. These decreases were transient, followed by an overshoot of glomerular filtration rate and urine flow above basal values. In contrast, captopril (i.v.) did not produce any significant acute effects on mean blood pressure and glomerular filtration rate in either awake or anesthetized rats. In rats with acute hypertension induced by NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA, 30 mg/kg, i.v.), S-nitrosocaptopril (0.125 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly abolished the hypertensive effects. In contrast, the hypertension was not affected by captopril. In two-kidney one-clipped Goldblatt hypertensive rats, oral administration of S-nitrosocaptopril (25 mg/kg, b.i.d.) for 10 days significantly reduced systolic blood pressure and preserved glomerular filtration rate. The oral antihypertensive effect of S-nitrosocaptopril was more potent than captopril (P<0.05). In conclusion, these findings indicate that: (1) S-nitrosocaptopril provides both acute and chronic anti-hypertensive effects orally and intravenously, whereas captopril has only moderate chronic oral effects; and (2) S-nitrosocaptopril preferentially decreases blood pressure without markedly affecting glomerular filtration rate.
NIMH's TADS: More than just a tad of progress?

The Treatment for Adolescents With Depression Study (TADS) derives substantial public health significance from its head-to-head comparisons of carefully administered medication versus a carefully crafted cognitive-behavioral therapy in youth with major depression, the first major clinical trial of its kind. Although the study has a number of limitations, to include somewhat higher than expected socioeconomic status of participants and a somewhat lower than epected rate of minority participation, it stands as an investigation of major international significance in our understanding of effective treatments for adolescents with major depressive disorder. Further studies will need to ensure that its findings are broadly generalizable across the U.S. population, and to parse out the active ingredients of psychotherapies and determine how those active ingredients are related to changes in psychological mechanisms related to depressive disorders.
A perspective on adaptive modeling and meshing (AM&M)

The purpose of this study is to develop an integrated approach to adaptive modeling in conjunction with adaptive meshing. This involves consideration of the modeling error from various sources and the discretization error in the numerical scheme. Adapting the model to control error due to geometry, boundary data, constitutive relations and model parameters can be integrated with adaptive mesh control to improve numerical reliability. Other factors such as stabilization by artificial dissipation and regularization are considered. A class of hybrid algorithms are developed to combine these approaches.
Organometallic materials for erasable optical storage.

An erasable optical storage medium utilizing an AgTCNQ organometallic charge transfer complex has been demonstrated. AgTCNQ films were produced by a vacuum deposition technique in which the donor (Ag) and acceptor (TCNQ°) were reacted in the solid state. High contrast patterns were produced on the material by cw and pulsed Nd:YAG and GaAlAs lasers, and erasure was accomplished by cw Nd:YAG and GaAlAs lasers or bulk heating. Up to fifteen write–erase cycles were observed, with reflectivity increases up to 30% observed in optimum conditions.
Nullities of submatrices of the Moore-Penrose inverse

Let A be a complex m×n matrix of rank r and with Moore-Penrose inverse A†. If A=A11A21a12A22, A†:=B11B21B12B22 are partitioned so that Aii is mi×ni and Bii is ni×mi with m=m1+m2, n=n1+n>2, and if the row nullity of a matrix is denoted by η(), then -(m-r)⩽η(B22)-η(A11)⩽n-r.
A computer simulation of the otolith membrane.

Abstract This paper describes a model of the otolith membrane of the macula utriculi. A thin elastic membrane with a fixed boundary closely matching the shape of the otolith membrane in man is used as the model. The distributed loading of the membrane reflects the characteristic otokonial ridge which together with the corresponding thickening in the otolith membrane (the striola) is believed to have special significance in otolith functions. The parameters of the membrane are the modulus of elasticity, Poisson's ratio, and the specific density of the otokonia. Finite difference methods were used to simulate the membrane model on the digital computer. The possible modes of deformation of the membrane were studied under static conditions. The parameters of the model were adjusted to obtain a response comparable with experimental findings. Steady-state results qualitatively match the experimental data of single fiber recordings from the utricle. The model also shows directional sensitivity resulting in maximum displacement of a unique patch of membrane for any given membrane position.
Immobility in the aged

Bed rest has historically been used therapeutically in the management of many chronic maladies prevalent in elderly persons. Unfortunately, the deleterious consequences of immobility predispose elderly persons to significant functional decline and reduced quality of life. Prolonged inactivity reduces the physiologic reserve of most organ systems, particularly the musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary systems. Consequently, muscle weakness, contracture formation, postural hypotension, and thrombogenic events are common in bed-bound patients. Fortunately, contemporary studies have dispelled the myth that inactivity fosters healing and have suggested techniques that may prevent immobility-induced dysfunction and ensure beneficial outcome in fragile and aging populations.
Re-identification of the halotolerant, biosurfactant-producing Bacillus licheniformis strain JF-2 as Bacillus mojavensis strain JF-2.

Summary Bacillus strain JF-2 (ATCC 39307) is a halotolerant, biosurfactant-producing bacterium that was initially described as a member of the species Bacillus licheniformis based on a limited set of phenotypic characteristics. Here, genetic and phenotypic analyses were employed to determine the relationship of Bacillus strain JF-2 to other Bacillus strains. The restriction patterns with Alu I and analysis of gyr A and 16S rRNA gene sequences grouped Bacillus strain JF-2 with B. mojavensis T and not with B. licheniformis T . DNA–DNA similarity showed JF-2 was 75% similar to B. mojavensis T and only 11% similar to B. licheniformis T . Both strain JF-2 and B. mojavensis T required DNA for anaerobic growth, but B. licheniformis T did not. B. mojavensis T and strain JF-2 did not grow anaerobically in thioglycollate medium or aerobically with propionate while B. licheniformis T grew under these conditions. DNA–DNA similarity, gene sequence data and phenotypic characteristics all support the assignment of JF-2 as a member of the species B. mojavensis .
Effect of salt on the structure and properties of sonicated emulsions stabilized by a tertiary oil recovery formulation

Structure of sonicated emulsions obtained by varying sodium chloride concentration in surfactant formulations containing 5% (w/w) TRS 10–410 (a petroleum sulfonate), 3% (w/w) isobutanol and equal volumes of aqueous and dodecane oil phases was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The microstructure of these emulsions together with that of the mutually equilibrated oil and aqueous phases was investigated by electron spin resonance (ESR) technique. Extensive physical property data for the emulsion system and for the equilibrated phases were measured. The phase inversion of emulsions from O/W type at low salinities to W/O type at high salinities was confirmed by ESR, viscosity and electrical conductivity measurements. With increasing salt concentration, the macroemulsion passed through a series of structural changes as revealed by the electron microscopy results. A detailed analysis of viscosity and electrical conductivity of the emulsions is presented. The anomalous behavior of the emulsion at optimal salinity is highlighted. A discussion to correlate the structure, stability and type of emulsions with physical property behavior as a function of electrolyte concentration is included.
Serious case of the hiccups.

Cardiac perforation is a rare complication of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) lead implantation with potential for serious morbidity and mortality. We present a case of subacute ICD lead perforation in a boy who presented with hiccups.
"Arima syndrome and bilateral retinoblastoma in interstitial deletion of 13q14.13-q32.3": where is the molar tooth sign?

[2] Brancati F, Dallapiccola B, Valente EM. Joubert Syndrome and related disorders. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2010;5:20. [3] Kumada S, Hayashi M, Arima K, Nakayama H, Sugai K, Sasaki M, et al. Renal disease in Arima syndrome is nephronophthisis as in other Joubert-related cerebello-oculo-renal syndromes. Am J Med Genet A 2004;131:71–6. [4] Gleeson JG, Keeler LC, Parisi MA, Marsh SE, Chance PF, Glass IA, et al. Molar tooth sign of midbrain–hindbrain junction: occurrence in multiple distinct syndromes. Am J Med Genet A 2004;125A:125–34. [5] Kirchhoff M, Bisgaard AM, Stoeva R, Dimitrov B, Gillessen-Kaesbach G, Fryns JP, et al. Phenotype and 244k array-CGH characterization of chromosome 13q deletions: an update of the phenotypic map of 13q21.1-qter. Am J Med Genet A 2009;149A: 894–905. [6] Ballarati L, Rossi E, Bonati MT, Gimelli S, Maraschio P, Finelli P, et al. Deletion and central nervous system anomalies: further insights from karyotype–phenotype analyses of 14 patients. J Med Genet 2007;44:e60.
Health information exchange technology on the front lines of healthcare: workflow factors and patterns of use.

Objective The goal of this study was to develop an in-depth understanding of how a health information exchange (HIE) fits into clinical workflow at multiple clinical sites. Materials and Methods The ethnographic qualitative study was conducted over a 9-month period in six emergency departments (ED) and eight ambulatory clinics in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Data were collected using direct observation, informal interviews during observation, and formal semi-structured interviews. The authors observed for over 180 h, during which providers used the exchange 130 times. Results HIE-related workflow was modeled for each ED site and ambulatory clinic group and substantial site-to-site workflow differences were identified. Common patterns in HIE-related workflow were also identified across all sites, leading to the development of two role-based workflow models: nurse based and physician based. The workflow elements framework was applied to the two role-based patterns. An in-depth description was developed of how providers integrated HIE into existing clinical workflow, including prompts for HIE use. Discussion Workflow differed substantially among sites, but two general role-based HIE usage models were identified. Although providers used HIE to improve continuity of patient care, patient–provider trust played a significant role. Types of information retrieved related to roles, with nurses seeking to retrieve recent hospitalization data and more open-ended usage by nurse practitioners and physicians. User and role-specific customization to accommodate differences in workflow and information needs may increase the adoption and use of HIE. Conclusion Understanding end users' perspectives towards HIE technology is crucial to the long-term success of HIE. By applying qualitative methods, an in-depth understanding of HIE usage was developed.
An automatic technique for finding and localizing externally attached markers in CT and MR volume images of the head

An image processing technique is presented for finding and localizing the centroids of cylindrical markers externally attached to the human head in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) image volumes. The centroids can be used as control points for image registration. The technique, which is fast, automatic, and knowledge-based, has two major steps. First, it searches the entire image volume to find one voxel inside each marker-like object. The authors call this voxel a "candidate" voxel, and they call the object a candidate marker. Second, it classifies the voxels in a region surrounding the candidate voxel as marker or nonmarker voxels using knowledge-based rules and calculates an intensity-weighted centroid for each true marker. The authors call this final centroid the "fiducial" point of the marker. The technique was developed on 42 scans of six patients-one CT and six MR scans per patient. There are four markers attached to each patient for a total of 168 marker images. For the CT images the false marker rate was zero. For MR the false marker rate was 1.4% (Two out of 144 markers). To evaluate the accuracy of the fiducial points, CT-MR registration was performed after correcting the MR images for geometrical distortion. The fiducial registration accuracy averaged 0.4 mm and was better than 0.6 mm for each of the eighteen image pairs.
Aortic remodeling, volumetric analysis, and clinical outcomes of endoluminal exclusion of acute complicated type B thoracic aortic dissections.

Objective Structural changes within the aorta after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for acute complicated type B thoracic aortic dissections (ABAD) remain unknown. This study reviewed and analyzed morphologic changes, volumetric data, and clinical outcomes of patients with ABAD. Methods Forty-one consecutive patients with ABAD, all with the volumetric analysis of aortic luminal changes and ≥1 year of follow-up, were treated as a part of a single-center U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved investigational device exemption (IDE) trial from 2002 to 2009. Indications were malperfusion in 17, rupture in 12, chest pain in 6, acute enlargement in 4, and uncontrolled hypertension in 2. Duration of symptoms was ≤14 days. Three-dimensional M2S computed tomography reconstructions (Medical MetRx Solutions, West Lebanon, NH) were analyzed for aortic volume and diameter changes, regression of the false lumen, and expansion of the true lumen. Results Emergent surgery was required in 17 (42%) patients, excluding one death at induction. Procedural success rate was 92.5%. The 30-day mortality was 4.9% for malperfusion, 4.9% for rupture, and 0% for all others, with late mortality of 0%, 9.8%, and 7.3%, respectively. Mean follow-up was 12.4 months. Permanent stroke and paraplegia rates were 4.9% (n = 2) and 0%. Ten of 12 secondary interventions were performed for 6 proximal endoleaks, 1 distal cuff endoleak, and 3 distal reperfusions. For the 33 patients without endoleaks, the true lumen volume increased by 29% at 1 month, 51% at 1 year, and 80% at 5 years. Volume regression of the false lumen was 69%, 76%, and 86%, respectively. The true lumen volume did not change at 1 month or 1 year in the endoleak group (n = 7) but increased 50% at 2 years after secondary intervention. A 10% reduction of abdominal aortic volume distal to endograft occurred over 5 years in the absence of endoleaks. Conclusions TEVAR offers a promising solution to patients with ABAD. Aortic morphologic changes occur shortly after TEVAR and remain predictable up to 5 years with continuous expansion of the true lumen and regression of the false lumen. A lack of increase in the true lumen volume is associated with endoleaks or distal reperfusion.
Pioglitazone increases non-esterified fatty acid clearance in upper body obesity.

Plasma NEFA concentrations are largely determined by adipose tissue lipolysis. Insulin suppression of lipolysis is commonly impaired with insulin resistance and improves with thiazolidinedione treatment of type 2 diabetes. The present studies were designed to assess the effects of thiazolidinedione on NEFA (oleate) metabolism that are independent of improved glycaemic control. We measured plasma oleate concentration and flux ([3H]oleate), glucose kinetics ([6-2H2]glucose) and substrate oxidation (indirect calorimetry) before and after pioglitazone (30 mg/day for ∼20 weeks) in 20 non-diabetic adults with upper body obesity. To assess the effects of improved insulin sensitivity per se we performed the same measurements in a matched group of volunteers treated with diet/exercise. Half of the two groups underwent these measurements during a hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamp, and the other half had their measurements taken during a (control) saline infusion before and after the intervention. Both interventions increased insulin-stimulated glucose disposal and reduced plasma oleate concentrations during the insulin clamp. After diet/exercise, oleate flux decreased (p=0.03) during the insulin clamp and oleate clearance remained unchanged (p=0.55), whereas in the pioglitazone group, oleate flux during the clamp was unchanged (p=0.97) and oleate clearance increased (p=0.003). Oleate clearance in the saline control condition was increased in the pioglitazone group compared with the diet/exercise group (p=0.02). In insulin-resistant, non-diabetic adults, pioglitazone increases NEFA clearance during physiological hyperinsulinaemia, whereas improved insulin sensitivity achieved by diet/exercise does not alter NEFA clearance but enhances insulin suppression of NEFA release. This action of pioglitazone may contribute to improved glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes.
The influence of damping and source terms on solutions of nonlinear wave equations - doi: 10.5269/bspm.v25i1-2.7427

We discuss in this paper some recent development in the study of nonlinear wave equations. In particular, we focus on those results that deal with wave equations that feature two competing forces.One force is a damping term and the other is a strong source. Our central interest here is to analyze the influence of these forces on the long-time behavior of solutions.
The MtrR repressor binds the DNA sequence between the mtrR and mtrC genes of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Gonococcal resistance to antimicrobial hydrophobic agents (HAs) is due to energy-dependent removal of HAs from the bacterial cell by the MtrCDE membrane-associated efflux pump. The mtrR (multiple transferrable resistance Regulator) gene encodes a putative transcriptional repressor protein (MtrR) believed to be responsible for regulation of mtrCDE gene expression. Gel mobility shift and DNase I footprint assays that used a maltose-binding protein (MBP)-MtrR fusion protein demonstrated that the MtrR repressor is capable of specifically binding the DNA sequence between the mtrR and mtrC genes. This binding site was localized to a 26-nucleotide stretch that includes the promoter utilized for mtrCDE transcription and, on the complementary strand, a 22-nucleotide stretch that contains the -35 region of the mtrR promoter. A single transition mutation (A-->G) within the MtrR-binding site decreased the affinity of the target DNA for MtrR and enhanced gonococcal resistance to HAs when introduced into HA-susceptible strain FA19 by transformation. Since this mutation enhanced expression of the mtrCDE gene complex but decreased expression of the mtrR gene, the data are consistent with the notion that MtrR acts as a transcriptional repressor of the mtrCDE efflux pump protein genes.
Lymphapheresis in rheumatoid arthritis

The antirheumatic effects of lymphocyte depletion in rheumatoid arthritis were confirmed in a randomized, double-blind trial. Six patients assigned to lymphapheresis demonstrated statistically significant decrements in counts of active joints, swollen joints, and a graded articular index compared to 6 patients similarly treated by a control procedure restricted to the removal of the volume of plasma incidentally lost during lymphapheresis. All patients treated by lymphapheresis developed lymphopenia, and in 4 the percentage of circulating T cells fell disproportionately by 26–58%. Serum IgM declined by 30% in lymphocyte depleted patients. Despite these changes in measures of cellular and humoral immunity, the mechanism of action of lymphapheresis remains obscure. The magnitude of change in synovitis did not correlate with the absolute numbers of mononuclear cells removed nor with the percent reduction in circulating lymphocytes, T cells, or IgM.
p53 mutations are not selected for in simian virus 40 T-antigen-induced tumors from transgenic mice.

Abstract Many diverse tumors contain cells that select for mutations at the p53 gene locus. This appears to be the case because the p53 gene product can act as a negative regulator of cell division or a tumor suppressor. These mutations then eliminate this activity of the p53 gene product. The simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen binds to p53 and acts as an oncogene to promote cellular transformation and initiate tumors. If the binding of T antigen to the p53 protein inactivated its tumor suppressor activity, there would be no selection pressure for p53 mutants to appear in tumors. To test this idea, transgenic mice that carried and expressed the SV40 large T-antigen gene were created. Expression of the T antigen was directed to the liver, using the albumin promoter, and the choroid plexus, using the SV40 enhancer-promoter. A large number of papillomas (indicated in parentheses) of the choroid plexus (14), hepatocellular carcinomas (5), liver adenomas (10), and tumors of clear-cell foci (5) were examined for mutant and wild-type p53 genes and gene products. In all cases, the tumor extracts contained readily detectable T-antigen-p53 protein complexes. A monoclonal antibody specifically recognizing the wild-type p53 protein (PAb246) reacted with p53 in every tumor extract. A monoclonal antibody specifically recognizing mutant forms of the p53 protein (PAb240) failed to detect p53 antigens in these extracts. Finally, p53 partial cDNAs were sequenced across the regions of common mutations in this gene, and in every case only the wild-type sequence was detected. These results strongly support the hypothesis that T antigen inactivates the wild-type p53 tumor-suppressing activity and there is no need to select for mutations at the p53 locus.
Temperature Response of Vernalization in Wheat: Modelling the Effect on the Final Number of Mainstem Leaves

This paper outlines a modelling approach which predicts the effect of both continuous and intermittent low temperature regimes on the final number of leaves in winter wheat. The model takes account of the balance between the concurrent processes of leaf primordium initiation and rate of saturation of vernalization, and their response to temperature. The inverse of the time to saturation of vernalization, at which stage final leaf number is set, is modelled as a linear function of vernalizing temperature, between 0 and 17 °C. The rate of leaf primordium initiation is modelled using the established linear relationship between rate and temperature above 0 °C. Final leaf number is hence the product of the number of leaf primordia initiated once vernalization is saturated. In the model, genotypes are characterized by (1) the slope and intercept of the linear response of the rate of saturation of vernalization to temperature in the vernalizing range, and (2) by a development rate towards floral transition at on-vernalizing temperatures (above 17 °C). The model is tested against data from experiments where six cultivars of winter wheat plants of different ages were exposed to a range of low temperature regimes, including continuous and intermittent vernalizing temperatures. Overall, the model predicted, withr2values of 70–90%, the final leaf number across a range of six to 21 leaves. Prediction of final leaf number for some cultivars was better in continuous than in intermittent vernalizing regimes. This modelling approach can explain the often-conflicting reports of the effectiveness of different temperatures for vernalization, and the interaction of plant age and vernalization effectiveness.
Dephasing of optically induced excitonic coherences in semiconductor heterostructures

Resonant optical excitation of a direct bandgap semiconductor below the band edge induces excitonic coherences. Experiments based on transient four-wave mixing or cw spectral-hole burning provide an excellent approach to eliminate inhomogeneous broadening and enable determination of the time scale and origin of the decay of the optically induced quantum coherence. Such measurements are of interest in basic physics since they reflect fundamental interactions between the exciton and the surrounding environment including, for example, lattice vibrations and interface fluctuations. They also relate to potential applications of these excitations such as in coherent control or quantum information processing.
A Comparison of Dropouts and Disciplinary Discharges from a Therapeutic Community

Differences between regular dropouts and disciplinary discharges from drug treatment programs have frequently been overlooked in studies on attrition. Data on symptoms, mood, attitudes, and social dysfunction were collected from 104 males under treatment for drug abuse at a VA Hospital. A 2 X 2 analysis of variance tested for differences between regular dropouts/disciplinary discharges and heroin/nonheroin subjects. Results showed that the heroin dropouts had the most negative attitude toward the Hard Drug User, and the heroin disciplinary discharges tended to be the most dysfunctional.
The Core: Evolving Autonomous Agent Control

The Core is a unique learning environment where agents compete to evolve controllers without the need of a fitness function. In this paper we use it with a cyclic genetic algorithm to evolve agents in the network game Xpilot, where the agents are engaged in space combat. The agents interact locally through tournament selection, crossover, and mutation to produce offspring in the evolution of controllers. The system is highly parallel, can be easily distributed among a network of computers, and has an element of simple co-evolution as the environment (population of agents) evolves to continually challenge individual agents evolving in the environment
Toxicity kinetics and clinical potential of subarachnoid lymphocyte infusions

✓ The feasibility of intrathecal lymphocyte infusions was examined since patients with gliomas are known to have circulating, tumor-specific, cytotoxic lymphocytes. Human (xenogenic) and syngenic lymphocytes were infused intrathecally into rabbits, and the toxicity and kinetics of the infused cells evaluated. Cerebrospinal fluid cell counts rose to as high as 70,000 lymphocytes/cu mm 12 hours after infusion and then dropped logarithmically over several days. No infiltration of host cells into the subarachnoid space in response to the lymphocyte infusions was detected. Evidence is presented that intrathecally infused lymphocytes may escape into the systemic circulation. Toxicity was minimal, especially following syngenic intrathecal lymphocyte infusions. A systemic allergic response, characterized by choroid plexitis and pulmonary edema was noted following a second xenogenic but not after a second or even a third syngenic lymphocyte infusion.
Immediate sexual rehabilitation by simultaneous placement of penile prosthesis in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: Initial results in 50 patients

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the results of simultaneous placement of a penile prosthesis with radical prostatectomy. Methods From June 1993 to June 1996, 50 men underwent a combination procedure of non-nerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy and placement of a penile prosthesis. We performed a retrospective chart review of these patients, examining patient age, preoperative prostate-specific antigen level, Gleason score, operative time, estimated blood loss, analgesic use, length of hospital stay, time until intercourse, and complications. This group was compared with a group of 72 men undergoing radical prostatectomy alone during the same time interval. Results No significant differences were noted in preoperative patient variables. The mean operative time for prosthesis insertion was 82 minutes, and the mean time to sexual intercourse was 12.7 weeks. No prosthesis infections have occurred, with a mean follow-up of 1.7 years. Four men (8%) have required revision of their inflatable penile prosthesis. There were no significant differences between the combination procedure and radical prostatectomy alone with regard to estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, or analgesic use. Conclusions Simultaneous placement of a penile prosthesis during radical prostatectomy provides early return to sexual function, with no apparent increase in morbidity. Further study will be required to determine the impact of combination surgery on psychosocial adjustment and quality of life.
A time-based multimedia document architecture

Multimedia documents differ significantly from traditional documents which are composed of text and possibly geometric graphics. The introduction of continuous media such as audio, video, and computer generated graphics (e.g., animation) imposes new requirements on document representation. We have designed a model that supports the creation of multimedia documents by means of a logical structure, a layout structure, and a rendering scenario, which is a schedule for document playback. Special multimedia authoring tools are also required to facilitate the potentially complicated nature of multimedia document creation and manipulation. We provide a description of our model including a discussion of hierarchical structures, rendering scenarios, and multimedia authoring tools.
Functional significance of the ATP-binding cassette transporter B6 in hepatocellular carcinoma

ABCB6 is a mitochondrial transporter that regulates porphyrin biosynthesis. ABCB6 expression is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but the significance of this upregulation to HCC is not known. In the present study, we investigated: 1) ABCB6 expression in 18 resected human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and 3 human hepatoma cell lines; 2) pattern of ABCB6 expression during liver disease progression; and 3) functional significance of ABCB6 expression to HCC using the hepatoma cell line Huh7. ABCB6 expression was determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. ABCB6 expression was upregulated in all the HCC specimens and the three-hepatoma cell lines. Increased ABCB6 expression correlated with liver disease progression with the pattern of expression being HCC > cirrhosis > steatosis. Small hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of ABCB6 in Huh7 cells lead to decreased cellular proliferation and colony formation. Attenuation of ABCB6 expression did not affect Huh7 apoptosis but lead to a delay in G2/M phase of the cell cycle. In contrast, ABCB6 overexpression resulted in increased growth and proliferation of Huh7 cells. Since ABCB6 expression is induced in multiple tumor types we explored the role of ABCB6 in other cancer cells. ShRNA mediated knockdown of ABCB6 in HEK293 and K562 cells reduced cellular proliferation leading to a delay in G2/M phase, while ABCB6 overexpression promoted cell growth and proliferation. Collectively, these findings, obtained by loss of function and gain of function analysis, suggest that ABCB6 plays a role in cell growth and proliferation by targeting the cell cycle.
Myofascial release as a treatment for orthopaedic conditions: a systematic review.

Objective: To critically analyze published literature to determine the effectiveness of myofascial release therapy as a treatment for orthopaedic conditions. Data Sources: We searched the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Academic Search Premier, Cochrane Library, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), with key words myofascial release, myofascial release therapy, myofascial release treatment, musculoskeletal, and orthopedic. No date limitations were applied to the searches. Study Selection: Articles were selected based upon the use of the term myofascial release in the abstract or key words. Final selection was made by applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria to the full text. Studies were included if they were English-language, peer-reviewed studies on myofascial release for an orthopaedic condition in adult patients. Ten studies were eligible. Data Extraction: Data collected were number of participants, condition being treated, treatment used, control group, outcome measures and results. Studies were analyzed using the PEDro scale and the Center for Evidence-Based Medicine’s Levels of Evidence Scale. Data Synthesis: Study scores on the PEDro scale ranged from 6 of 10 to 8 of 10. Based on the Levels of Evidence Scale, the case studies (n ¼ 6) were of lower quality, with a rank of 4. Three of the 4 remaining studies were rated at 2b, and the final study was rated at 1b. Conclusions: The quality of studies was mixed, ranging from higher-quality experimental to lower-quality case studies. Overall, the studies had positive outcomes with myofascial release, but because of the low quality, few conclusions could be drawn. The studies in this review may serve as a good foundation for future randomized controlled trials.
Heterogeneous Causes of Stroke: Antithrombotics

In the United States, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and a major reason for disability. Those who survive the initial event are at a high risk of recurrence. Recurrent ischemic events account for up to a quarter of annual strokes. Hence, selecting the appropriate antithrombotic to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke is of utmost importance. Appropriate and judicious use of medications for secondary prevention of stroke or TIA can lead to considerable reduction of healthcare costs and decrease the burden of stroke in general. In patients without atrial fibrillation, secondary prevention with antiplatelet drugs has been proven effective along with other risk factor modifiers to reduce recurrence. Currently, antiplatelet agents (e.g., Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Aspirin plus Dipyridamole) are being used for the secondary prevention of stroke.