cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of absolute and normalized apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values within the post-operative T2/FLAIR volume as adverse prognostic indicators in glioblastoma

To evaluate the association of normalized and absolute ADC metrics with progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients treated for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Fifty-two patients with preradiotherapy diffusion weighted imaging treated with post-operative chemoradiation for GBM were evaluated. Region of interest analysis for ADC metrics including mean and minimum ADC value (ADCmean) and (ADCmin) was performed within the T2/FLAIR volume. Normalized (N)ADC values were generated relative to contralateral white matter. PFS and OS were analyzed relative to ADC parameters using a regression model. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analysis with respect to (N)ADCmean, and (N)ADCmin was performed. A (N)ADC threshold 0.45 cc per mL FLAIR volume was associated with a trend toward inferior PFS and OS. In the post-operative, pre-radiotherapy setting, the (N)ADCmin is the strongest predictor of outcomes in patients treated for GBM. ADC thresholding analysis indicates that a large volume of normalized ADC value <1.3 may be associated with adverse outcomes.
Aging Alters cAMP Signaling and Membrane-Delimited Regulation of if in Sinoatrial Myocytes

We recently demonstrated that age-dependent declines in intrinsic and maximum heart rates are associated with slower action potential (AP) firing rate and a hyperpolarizing shift in the midpoint activation voltage (V1/2) of the funny current (If) in isolated sinoatrial myocytes (SAMs). Given that cAMP is an important intracellular modulator in SAMs, we hypothesized that reduced cAMP concentration may contribute to the slower APs and shifted If in aged SAMs. To test this hypothesis, we applied a saturating concentration of cAMP via the patch pipette in whole cell voltage-clamp and current clamp experiments in acutely isolated SAMs from young and old mice. Here, we show that this exogenous cAMP completely reversed the age-dependent changes in both AP firing rate and If in SAMs. In contrast, maximal stimulation of endogenous cAMP production, via co-application of the PDE inhibitor, IBMX and the adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin, did not rescue either AP firing rate or If in aged SAMs. These data indicate that a deficit in cAMP production and/or responsiveness may contribute to the age-dependent changes in SAM excitability. To further determine how cAMP regulates If in aged versus young SAMs, we compared If activation in excised inside-out membrane patches from SAMs from young and old mice. Surprisingly, we found that the age-dependent hyperpolarized shift in the V1/2 of If persisted in the cell-free patches, indicating that soluble cAMP alone cannot account for the shifted If in aged SAMs. Rather, aging appears to alter an additional, membrane-associated factor that regulates If in SAMs. Future work will focus on resolving the underlying mechanism(s) responsible for the age-dependent shift in the V1/2 of If, and its relationship to AP generation in SAMs.
The photodynamics of the [Ru(bpy) 3 ] 2+ ion dopant in a solvent exposed silica sol–gel thin film

The [Ru(bpy)3]2+ ion was encapsulated in a silica based sol–gel thin film, and the luminescence decay time constant of the photo-excited 3MLCT (metal-ligand-charge-transfer) was examined when this thin film was immersed in water, methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, and glycerol. The luminescence decays of the films in the methanol, 2-propanol, and glycerol were better explained by a KWW model, while the luminescence decay of film immersed in water and ethanol were both well explained by a single exponential decay. Intriguingly, the dynamics of the dopants immersed in water, ethanol as well as in sol–gel bulk deviated from a single exponential fit and began to better explained by the the KWW model as temperature increased. The energy gap, ΔE(sol–gel film) and ΔE(solution), between the lowest 3MLCT state and atom localized 3 dd state for dopants under the presence of all solvents tested in this study were extracted from the temperature dependence study of the luminescence decay time constant. Generally, the ΔE(sol–gel film) values of ethanol and water were reduced from ΔE(solution), and ΔE(sol–gel film) value in all solvents matched the value of ΔE for sol–gel bulk. The effect on the dynamics in solvent over three weeks was investigated, and the films immersed in water presented the most remarkable monotonic increase in relaxation rates finally approaching the asymptotic value observed in the water solution. This phenomenon was considered to correspond to a trapping environment change due to a hydrophilic interaction through sequential intrusion of water or ethanol solvent into sol–gel pores.
Automated determination of pot life of two-component reactive coatings

Abstract The process of pot life screening of two-component coatings is significantly accelerated by using an automated coating formulation system with viscosity measurement capability. High-throughput methods are revolutionizing the processes used in polymer and coatings development. A high-throughput approach to characterize the effect of formulation variables on pot life of two-component solventborne coatings is presented. Using an automated formulation system with viscosity measurement capability, the viscosity of the coatings formulations is measured periodically to determine the viscosity–time profile. As examples, variables such as catalyst type, catalyst level, polyol composition, polyol to isocyanate ratio, and pot life extender were selected as formulation variables and their role in pot life were explored. Compared to traditional pot life determination methods using efflux viscosity cups, the high-throughput approach greatly improves the speed and efficiency of the process and allows many more compositions to be explored.
Higher Seismic Activity During Local Night on the Raw Worldwide Earthquake Catalogue

Shimshoni (1971) has reported that a greater seismic activity during local nighttime than during local daytime is to be found in the raw worldwide earthquake catalogue 1969-1971 of the National Ocean Survey (NOS). We agree that the daynight correlation exists on the raw catalogue, but believe that this would disappear after several corrections are applied to reduce the extent of the sample catalogue to which the day-night test is applied. Statistical analysis of an earthquake catalogue should be applied to unbiased samples. We have repeated Shimshoni’s analysis applied to a catalogue sample which has been restricted in extent. The reasons for these reductions are
Is production pressure jeopardizing the quality of colonoscopy? A survey of U.S. endoscopists' practices and perceptions.

Background Fatigue is an underestimated cause of underperformance among physicians. There is evidence that fatigue or other byproducts of production pressure may negatively influence the quality of colonoscopy. Objective To investigate the practices and perceptions of U.S. endoscopists regarding the effect of production pressure on the performance of colonoscopy. Design We conducted a 40-question online survey to assess endoscopists' practices and perceptions concerning production pressure. Setting A total of 5030 U.S. American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy members. Main Outcome Measurements The proportion of endoscopists responding positively to questions pertaining to the impact of production pressure on colonoscopy practice. Results Ninety-two percent of respondents indicated that production pressure influenced one or more aspects of their endoscopic practices. Examples of production pressure included (1) postponing polypectomy for a subsequent session (2.8%), (2) reducing the length of time spent inspecting the colon (7.2%), and (3) proceeding with colonoscopy in a patient with an unfavorable risk/benefit ratio (69.2%). Forty-eight percent of respondents reported witnessing the effects of production pressure on a colleague. Respondents working fee-for-service and those with >10 years since completion of fellowship were more likely to describe their weekly workloads as excessive compared with those who were salaried (81.3% vs 71.3%; P = .01) and P = .01). Limitations Nonresponse bias due to low response rate (22.3%). Conclusion Production pressure influences the conduct of colonoscopy for many endoscopists and could have an adverse effect on the outcome of colorectal cancer screening. (Clinical trial registration number: RE:GIE D 11-01288R1.) The study was an Internet study and did not involve human subjects.
The Knowledge and Pedagogical Base of Science Education: An Overview

(1991). The Knowledge and Pedagogical Base of Science Education: An Overview. Teaching Education: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 11-16.
Pulmonary vasoreactivity in PPH.

We read with interest the article by Krasuski et al. [(1)][1]titled “Inhaled Nitric Oxide Selectively Dilates Pulmonary Vasculature in Adult Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension, Irrespective of Etiology.” The investigators reported that 67% of patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH)
Automatic recognition of diverse 3-D objects and analysis of large urban scenes using ground and aerial LIDAR sensors

We describe a learning-based 3D object recognition pipeline developed under the DARPA URGENT program for analyzing a large LIDAR dataset collected by both airborne and ground platforms for an extended urban area. Our approach utilizes a novel strip-based cueing approach that incorporates the properties and context of urban objects. Strip-based cueing segments potential objects and assigns them to appropriate classification stages. Our learning-based recognition pipeline successfully recognized 17 3D object classes in LIDAR data collected in and over Ottawa, Canada with high efficiency and average accuracy of 70%.
Antidepressant selection in the elderly

Abstract Not many specific studies of the pharmacologic treatment of depression in geriatric patients are available, in part because this age group is specifically excluded from most new drug investigations. The author assesses the available information and presents conclusions in regard to the major categories of drugs used for antidepressant purposes. He also examines distinctive features of the elderly that affect choice of drug treatment, such as effects of the physiology of aging on pharmacokinetics, and the fact that possible greater likelihood or severity of side effects may necessitate treatment with lower doses.
Desegregation and Black Student Attrition

Black students at traditionally black colleges behave in fundamentally different ways from black students at traditionally white institutions.
The importance of Bcl-xL in the survival of human RPE cells

PURPOSE. In normal eyes and in diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell survival is critically important. Bcl-xL has been shown to be among the most highly expressed survival factors in cultured human RPE cells. In the current study the effect of Bcl-xL blockade on human RPE cell survival was determined under normal conditions and after induced oxidative stress. METHODS. Cultured human RPE cells from three different donors were transfected with modified, 2-O-methoxyethoxy BclxL‐mismatched control antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), BclxL-specific ASOs, and Bcl-xL splice switching oligonucleotides (SSOs), which shift the splicing pattern of Bcl-x pre-mRNA from Bcl-xL into Bcl-xS, a proapoptotic factor. RNA and protein were harvested at various time points after transfection. Bcl-xL and Bcl-xS mRNA transcript levels were analyzed using genespecific primers with reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Bcl-xL protein levels were analyzed using Western blot. Cell viability was measured by WST-1 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. The mode of cell death was determined with a cell death ELISA and an M30 assay. To study the effects of oxidative stress, the cells were stimulated after transfection with various concentrations of H2O2. Cell viability was analyzed by WST-1 (Roche, Indianapolis, IN) and LDH assays. RESULTS. After Bcl-xL-specific ASO and SSO transfections, Bcl-xL mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced. Bcl-xS levels were increased after transfection with SSO. By day 8 after plating, the cells transfected with Bcl-xL-specific ASO had significantly decreased viability, which was further reduced by day 10. The SSO had an even more potent effect. Cell viability was reduced on day 4 after plating and by day 10, less than 10% of the cells were viable. Apoptotic cell death occurred as early as day 4 after plating. H2O2, used as a model oxidant, further enhanced cell death induced by Bcl-xL-specific ASO and SSO.
The Wnt signaling pathway has tumor suppressor properties in retinoblastoma.

Abstract Retinoblastoma is a pediatric retinal tumor caused by mutational inactivation of the tumor suppressor pRb. Additional genetic changes, as yet unidentified, are believed to be required for tumor initiation. Mutations in the Wnt signaling pathway have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many cancers. Multiple Wnt pathway genes are expressed in the retina and the pRb and Wnt pathways interact biochemically, raising the possibility that alterations in the Wnt pathway contribute to retinoblastoma. Our studies showed that Wnt signaling activation significantly decreased the viability of retinoblastoma cell lines by inducing cell cycle arrest, which was associated with upregulated p53. Furthermore, immunolocalization of the Wnt signaling mediator β-catenin in human and mouse retinoblastoma tissue indicated that canonical Wnt signaling is suppressed in tumors in vivo. These studies are consistent with the Wnt pathway acting as a tumor suppressor in retinoblastoma and suggest that loss of Wnt signaling is tumorigenic in the retina.
Sugammadex: a novel selective relaxant binding agent

Sugammadex, a modified γ-cyclodextrin, is the first selective relaxant binding agent. Sugammadex forms very tight complexes in a 1:1 ratio with steroidal neuromuscular blocking agents (rocuronium > vecuronium >> pancuronium). This guest-host complex, which exists in equilibrium, is stable because of its very high association rate and very low dissociation rate. Sugammadex has no effect on acetylcholinesterases or on any receptor system in the body, eliminating the need for anticholinergic drugs, which have undesirable adverse effects. Phase I-III trials found that sugammadex can antagonize any level of neuromuscular blockade, including the profound blockade induced by rocuronium, adding flexibility to the use of nondepolarizing relaxants. Sugammadex rapidly clears from most organs. Sugammadex in doses ranging from 2 to 16 mg/kg is recommended, depending of the level of rocuronium- or vecuronium-induced blockade. Common (incidence of 1-10%) adverse effects are similar for sugammadex and placebo, and include anesthetic complications (movement, coughing, grimacing or suckling on the tracheal tube) and cough. The US FDA has had concerns regarding the safety of sugammadex (hypersensitivity and allergic reactions), but upcoming international studies and the drug's widespread use in the EU will provide additional information.
Sputum PGP is reduced by azithromycin treatment in patients with COPD and correlates with exacerbations.

Rationale Proline–glycine–proline (PGP), a neutrophil chemoattractant derived from the enzymatic breakdown of collagen, is elevated in sputum of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and may contribute to disease progression. Whether sputum levels of PGP respond to therapy for COPD or predict outcomes is unknown. Objectives We conducted a study ancillary to a multicenter trial of the efficacy of azithromycin treatment for 1 year in preventing COPD exacerbations to test whether sputum levels of PGP were altered by treatment or associated with exacerbation frequency. Methods We collected remnant sputa from trial participants and assayed them in a blinded fashion for PGP, myeloperoxidase and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and for the ability to generate PGP from collagen ex vivo . Once the parent trial was unblinded, the results were correlated with use of azithromycin or placebo and exacerbations in participants. Results Azithromycin treatment significantly reduced sputum levels of PGP and myeloperoxidase in patients with COPD, particularly with increased duration of therapy. We found no difference in sputum MMP-9 or PGP generation between participants taking azithromycin or placebo. Sputum PGP levels were highest around the time of an exacerbation and declined with successful treatment. Conclusions These data support a role for PGP in the airway and parenchymal neutrophilic inflammation that drives COPD progression and exacerbations, and provide new information on the anti-inflammatory properties of macrolides. PGP may have potential as a target for novel anti-inflammatory therapies in COPD and as a biomarker for clinical trials.
Optimal rate allocation and traffic splits for energy efficient routing in ad hoc networks

In this paper, we address the problem of energy efficiency in ad hoc wireless networks. We consider a network that is shared by a set of sources, each one communicating with its corresponding destination using multiple routes. Each source is associated with a utility function which increases with the total traffic flowing over the available source-destination routes. The network lifetime is defined as the time until the first node in the network runs out of energy. We formulate the problem as one of maximizing the sum of the sources' utilities subject to the required constraint on network lifetime. We present a primal formulation of the problem, which uses penalty functions to take into account the system constraints, and we introduce a new methodology for solving the problem. The proposed approach leads to a flow control algorithm, which provides the optimal sources' rate and can be easily implemented in a distributed manner. When compared with the minimum transmission energy routing scheme, the proposed algorithm gives significantly higher sources' rates for same network lifetime guarantee.
Effect of hold time and formulation on nutrient retention in 2450 MHz microwave processed fruit purees (647.31)

Consumer demands for convenient, healthy foods have increased in recent years. Apples, peaches, and pineapples are high in bioactive compounds and may have anti-cancer and anti-diabetic effects. Common thermal processing techniques result in poor product quality and destruction of phytonutrients. Continuous flow microwave technology can process homogeneous and multiple-phase foods and maintain high nutrient retention. This study aimed to quantify the effects of microwave processing on nutrient retention in fruit purees containing apple, peach, and pineapple. Different formulations of the fruits were pureed and filled in plastic, single serve cups and heated in a 2450 MHz household microwave oven at 100 oC for 1, 2, and 3 minutes, a more rigorous process than pasteurization. Purees were extracted with acidified methanol and analyzed for total phenolics (TP) and antioxidant activity (AA) using Folin-Ciocalteu and ORAC method, respectively. Vitamin C (VC) was extracted with 3% metaphosphoric acid, 8% acetic ...
Late Cenozoic extension of northeastern Baja California, Mexico

The pattern and history of normal faulting in a portion of northeastern Baja California strongly suggest that the area developed as a result of east-west crustal extension during late Cenozoic time. Geometric and kinematic data strongly suggest that this area developed in concert with the opening of the proto–Gulf of California and the distension of the Basin and Range Province. In addition, these data, coupled with regional-tectonic timing relations, preclude the application of an oblique rifting model to this area. Two intervals of extensional tectonics have affected the region since the early Miocene. At present it is not known if strain was continuous or discontinous with respect to time. The first and most intense period, initiated between 17 and 9 m.y. ago, was east-west directed, as determined from tilt patterns, orientation of intra-terrane transcurrent faults, and fault-plane kinematic indicators. This deformation was dominated by high-angle normal faulting and resulted in the disruption of a region-wide, low-relief erosion surface. New patterns of sedimentation were established and controlled by north-trending grabens that filled with alluvial-fan and marine deposits. Sporadic silicic eruptions occurred in conjunction with the extension, thus allowing resolution of the complex history of tilting that accompanied normal faulting. Tilting and antithetic faulting resulted from the volume compensation required by the downward flattening of normal faults and by fault-related monoclinal flexing and reverse-drag effects. Extension during this interval was complete or substantially reduced by 6 m.y. B.P. The second interval of east-west extension, younger than 6 m.y. B.P., has been much less intense than the earlier event, yet it seems to have utilized the same structures. Silicic volcanism also waned during this interval, giving way to mafic eruptions related to rifting of the present Gulf of California.
Endogenous Mycobacterium chelonae endophthalmitis.

left orbital apex, with thickening of the lateral rectus muscle, lacrimal gland, sclera, and optic nerve, and increased density of the retroorbital fat and thickened mucosal walls of the maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid sinuses (Fig. 2, left). Ultrasonography showed enlargement of the superior rectusllevator muscle complex and lateral rectus muscle, low reflectivity in the lacrimal gland, and a compressed optic nerve. A systemic examination did not disclose the cause of the ocular findings. Recurrent idiopathic orbital myositis was diagnosed. With topical 1% prednisone and cycloplegic drops, the inflammatory reaction in the lacrimal gland, conjunctiva, and iris subsided. Oral prednisone therapy was advised, but the patient refused because of the previous complications. We treated her with sustained release indomethacin, 75 mg twice daily, for six weeks. By the third week of therapy, visual acuity in the left eye improved to 20/20, and the proptosis, restriction of ocular movement, downward displacement of the globe, and eyelid pigmentation resolved (Fig. 1, right). However, minimal soft tissue scarring has remained (Fig. 2, right). The treatment protocol for orbital inflammatory diseases emphasizes systemic prednisone, 60 to 80 mg daily." Our case illustrates the successful use of indomethacin for treatment of idiopathic orbital myositis. Compared with corticosteroids, this medication has minimal side effects.' We advocate using noncorticosteroidal anti-inflammatory agents before resorting to systemic corticosteroid therapy.
Mechanisms for the prevention of vitamin E excess

The liver is at the nexus of the regulation of lipoprotein uptake, synthesis, and secretion, and it is the site of xenobiotic detoxification by cytochrome P450 oxidation systems (phase I), conjugation systems (phase II), and transporters (phase III). These two major liver systems control vitamin E status. The mechanisms for the preference for α-tocopherol relative to the eight naturally occurring vitamin E forms largely depend upon the liver and include both a preferential secretion of α-tocopherol from the liver into the plasma for its transport in circulating lipoproteins for subsequent uptake by tissues, as well as the preferential hepatic metabolism of non-α-tocopherol forms. These mechanisms are the focus of this review.
E2F1 A Magic Bullet for Atherosclerosis

The E2F family of transcription factors (E2Fs) plays an important role in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis and includes 6 structurally related E2F proteins (E2F1 through 6). E2Fs function as heterodimers with members of the DP family (DP-1 and DP-2) to transactivate or repress gene expression and play important roles in regulating both cell proliferation and antiproliferative processes such as apoptosis and senescence.1 Atherosclerosis represents a defective reparative process in response to repeated injuries to the vessel wall.2 Central to the resulting inflammatory reaction are proinflammatory cytokines, bacterial and viral products, and reactive oxygen intermediates, all of which activate nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB), which controls the transcription of over 100 genes that encode mediators of innate immune and inflammatory responses.3 Among these induced genes are leukocyte adhesion molecules, metalloproteinases (MMPs), and proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which, in turn, can activate NFκB.4 Hence, NFκB not only promotes the recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells, but also serves as a central switch within a positive feedback loop that regulates the expression of proinflammatory factors in the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, NFκB works in concert with other transcription factors, activator protein-1 (AP-1) in particular, to activate the expression of pro-atherosclerotic genes5. In this context, atherosclerosis can be viewed as an inflammatory process that is critically dependent on the transcriptional activation of cytokine genes under the control of NFκB and other transcription factors. See p 2707 The relevance of NFκB to atherosclerosis is supported by numerous in vitro and in vivo studies. For example, activated NFκβ and its regulated inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, inducible NO synthase, and leukocyte adhesion molecules, …
Polymethacrylate-coated Vitallium pins as endosteal dental implants in papio and gelada baboons

Abstract 1. 1. A report of early clinical success with polymethacrylate-coated Vitallium pins inserted endosteally into edentulous areas of baboons in tripod or quadripod arrangements and united coronally with autopolymerizing polymethacrylate is submitted. Twelve nonanatomic endosteal implants have been placed into mandibular and maxillary areas for periods up to and over 6 months, with good clinical and x-ray success. A complementary histologic report will follow. 2. 2. A flask for molding polymers under pressure and heat has been devised and described. 3. 3. Vitallium pins have been designed to receive polymers. The results are pins that are strong, will not flake, and are resistant to abrasion. 4. 4. A technique for placing these implants has been described. 5. 5. Gross and microscopic study revealed successful adaptation of the tissues to the implants.
Determination of monoamines in brain nuclei by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection : Young vs. middle aged rats

A previously described high performance liquid chromatographic method for simultaneously measuring norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid has been modified to permit analysis of the monoamines in microdissected brain nuclei from a single rat. Results of measurements in 12 nuclei of young and middle aged male rats are presented.
Design and implementation of the digital controller for boost converter based on FPGA

Taking advantage of FPGA's attractive features, this paper presents an improved digital pulse-width-modulator (DPWM) based sliding-mode controller (SMC) for boost con- verter that effectively alleviates the quantization effects. The dithering Multi-stAge-noise-SHaping (MASH) DPWM is intro- duced exhibiting a better idle tone suppression effect that achieves relatively higher effective number of bit (ENOB). The Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) replaces the cumbersome pseudo-random generator as the dither generation module that is proven to be more effective. The SMC with the proper sliding coefficients aiming at a better dynamic response than the traditional PID controller cooperates with our proposed DPWM. Two individual boards, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a boost converter, connecting to a Virtex-II FPGA platform compose a close-loop test environment. Experimental results verify the switching-mode-power-supply (SMPS) close-loop operation at 1MHz switching frequency with an 11-bit effective DPWM resolution.
How Well Do We Know How to Teach

As a result of these recommendations, educational reform not only helped to redefine athletic training education, but also redefined a new job market, the athletic training educator. With the establishment of new curriculums, more doctorally-educated athletic trainers (ATs) were needed to fill the tenure-track faculty positions that were created. 2 The terminal degree or doctorate – whether it was a PhD, EdD, HSD, DA or other degree - helped to solidify the athletic training educator’s role in academics, assuming all of the rights and responsibilities necessary for tenure and promotion, to affect higher education policy, and for advancement into senior faculty and administration positions. 2
Role of DNA Methylation in Cabazitaxel Resistance in Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM Cabazitaxel is an approved second-line treatment for docetaxel-refractory metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, the median time to progression on cabazitaxel is 2.8 months. We aimed to determine whether DNA methylation plays a role in cabazitaxel resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS DU145 cells, resistant to docetaxel and cabaxitaxel (DU145 10DRCR), were generated from cells resistant to 10 nM docetaxel (DU145 10DR). The effect of pre-treatment with 5-azacytidine was determined with regards to cabazitaxel sensitivity. Gene expression profiling was carried-out on DU145 10DR, DU145 10DRCR and DU145 10DRCR treated with 5-azacytidine. RESULTS Pre-treatment of cells with 5-azacytidine resulted in enhanced sensitivity to cabazitaxel. Gene expression profiling identified a subset of genes that may be regulated by DNA methylation. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that DNA methylation of pro-apoptotic and cell-cycle regulatory genes may contribute to cabazitaxel resistance and pre-treatment with 5-azacytidine may restore sensitivity to cabazitaxel in prostate cancer cells.
Effects of central and intravascular angiotensin I and II on the choroid plexus

The choroid plexus contains receptors for angiotensin II (ANG II) and a very high concentration of angiotensin-converting enzyme. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that central, as well as circulating, ANG I and II decrease blood flow to the choroid plexus. Under control conditions in anesthetized rabbits, blood flow (microspheres) to the choroid plexus was 449 +/- 21 (mean +/- SE) ml.min-1.100 g(-1). Intravascular ANG I (30 and 100 ng.kg-1.min-1) decreased blood flow to the choroid plexus by 19 +/- 14 and 28 +/- 18%, respectively. Intravascular ANG II (30 and 100 ng.kg-1.min-1) also produced a decrease in blood flow by 28 +/- 9 and 47 +/- 7%, respectively. When administered into the lateral ventricle, ANG I and II (10 and 100 ng.kg-1.min-1) decreased blood flow to a similar degree: 22 +/- 11 and 31 +/- 10% and 12 +/- 10 and 27 +/- 8%, respectively. Cerebral blood flow was not decreased by intravascular or central ANG I or II. The angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor quinaprilat prevented the decrease in blood flow to the choroid plexus in response to ANG I without affecting responses to ANG II. Thus 1) circulating ANG I and II are potent constrictors of blood vessels of the choroid plexus, 2) the constrictor effect of ANG I on the blood vessels of the choroid plexus appears mediated primarily by generation of ANG II, and 3) intracerebroventricular ANG I produces large reductions in the blood flow to the choroid plexus, which suggests that there is an effective central system that converts ANG I to ANG II.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Improving Scalability of Personalized Recommendation Systems for Enterprise Knowledge Workers

Enterprise knowledge workers have been overwhelmed by the growing rate of incoming data in recent years. In this paper, we present a recommendation system with the goal of helping knowledge workers in discovering useful new content. In particular, our system builds personalized user models based on file activities on enterprise network file servers. Our models use novel features that are derived from file metadata and user collaboration. Through extensive evaluation on real-world enterprise data, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our system with high precision and recall values. Unfortunately, our experiments reveal that per-user models are unable to handle heavy workloads. To address this limitation, we propose a novel optimization technique, active feature-based model selection, that predicts the user models that should be applied on each test file. Such a technique can reduce the classification time per file by as much as 23 times without sacrificing accuracy. We also show how this technique can be extended to improve the scalability exponentially at marginal cost of prediction accuracy, e.g., we can gain 169 times faster performance on an average across all shares by sacrificing 4% of F-score.
Abruptly Autofocusing Airy Pulses

We generated two counter-accelerating Airy pulses with a spatial light modulator pulse shaper and observed the autofocusing of such pulses in a dispersive medium. The same technique can be used to realize 3D autofocusing waves.
A model for internal bores in continuous stratification

We describe a model for the speed of an internal bore as a function of amplitude in continuous stratification of arbitrary form. The model is developed from the Dubreil-Jacotin–Long theory for nonlinear solitary waves in the conjugate flow limit, which represents an internal hydraulic jump, by allowing dissipation across the jump. The bore speeds predicted by the model are consistent in both the small- and large-amplitude limits with the waveguide intrinsic to the ambient stratification. The model therefore represents a significant advancement over previous theories limited to sharp two-layer stratification. The model shows good agreement with Navier–Stokes simulations of both undular and turbulent internal bores generated by dam break into a continuously stratified ambient with a finite pycnocline, predicting both the front speed as well as the velocity and density structure through the bore. A model is required for the structure of the energy dissipation, and we introduce a one-parameter closure that produces excellent agreement with numerical results, particularly in the parameter limit that maximizes the overall dissipation. By varying the dissipation parameter, the model reproduces previous two-layer theories in the thin-pycnocline limit, and suggests an improved two-layer front speed relationship. It is demonstrated that, even for the sharp two-layer limit, continuous stratification, and particularly the nonlinear waveguide, must be accounted for in order to accurately predict the bore speed and structure.
Evaluation Index System Construction and Application of Microgrid Planning

In order to evaluate the microgrid in the planning stage more objectively,for the characteristics of various combinations of microgeneration and flexible operation modes,the microgrid evaluation index is divided into four aspects of reliability,economy,market operation and environmental factors.All of the indicators are described in detail and the tree structure of four aspects is constructed.Combined with practical examples,firstly,a differential evolution algorithm is used to solve the optimization of the objective function,getting a variety of microgrid,and analytic hierarchy process(AHP) is used to give a comprehensive evaluation of the obtained microgrid.In this case,a whole process of the AHP method is illustrated step by step.The case study indicates that the method can avoid the uncertainty of the decision-making factors and the subjectivity of expert evaluation.It is shown that the method is a practical solution for microgrid planning.
Impact attenuation capabilities of football and lacrosse helmets

Although the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) standards are similar for football and lacrosse helmets, it remains unknown how helmets for each sport compare on drop tests. Due to the increased concern over head injury in sport and the rapid growth in lacrosse participation, it is useful to compare the performance of various football and lacrosse helmets. Therefore, the goal of this study was to document the impact attenuation properties of football and lacrosse helmets and to identify the relative performance between helmets for the two sports. Six models of football and six models of lacrosse helmets were tested using a drop tower at three prescribed velocities and six locations on the helmets. A repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to determine the effect of sport on Gadd Severity Index (GSI) scores and linear accelerations. The interaction between location and sport was significant at the low (F2.64,89.71=7.68, P<.001, η2=.025), medium (F2.85,96.85=16.78, P<.001, η2=.085), and high (F2.96,100.69=16.67, P<.001, η2=.093) velocities for GSI scores. When comparing peak acceleration results, we found a significant interaction between location and sport for the medium (F3.40,115.616=5.57, P=.001, ω2=.031) and high (F3.46,117.50=6.42, P<.001, ω2=.047) velocities. Features of football helmet design provide superior protection compared to lacrosse helmets. Further investigation of helmet design features across sports will yield insight into how design features influence helmet performance during laboratory testing.
Developing good research habits

L'auteur donne des conseils techniques aux etudiants pour mieux organiser leur travail de recherche d'information dans un environnement electronique, en evitant la simple juxtaposition de copies d'ecran sans mention des sources citees, comportement qui conduit au plagiat. Il s'agit, pour les etudiants, de creer leur propre bibliographie de travail en ligne.
Epidemiology of substance-exposed pregnancies at one Great Lakes hospital that serves a large number of American Indians.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of substance-exposed pregnancies at a hospital in the Great Lakes region of the U.S. METHOD Data were collected via retrospective chart abstractions of patients who were seen for delivery at one Great Lakes region hospital during a 1-year period who were given at least one of the International Classification of Diseases codes related to substance use. RESULTS A total of 342 medical records were included in the analysis, and, while much race/ethnicity data were missing, a large percentage of those in our analysis identified as American Indian. The prevalence of substance-exposed pregnancies at this hospital during a 1-year period was 34.5%. The majority (84.8%) were tobacco users, and many were found to have multiple substance exposures. Also, 48.5% were found to have a mental health diagnosis in addition to substance use. CONCLUSIONS Data from this project can be used in prevention efforts, including preconception care for women at risk for substance use and mental health issues.
Toward vegetal political ecology: Kyrgyzstan’s walnut–fruit forest and the politics of graftability

Abstract As part of their long-running project to get beyond the nature–culture dualism, political ecologists have increasingly explored the active contributions of nonhumans to environmental politics. Upon decentering humans, however, too often posthumanist political ecologies have recentered humans and animals, indexing the enlarged category of “political actor” to narrowly shared traits like mobility or intentionality. Among other consequences, this tendency in political ecology’s posthumanism leaves the political agency of plants largely neglected. Political ecology suffers from this neglect, but the field can benefit from an integration of the insights of vegetal politics, a literature that traces the consequences of plant capabilities in more-than-human geographies. In this article, I model this integration—a vegetal political ecology—by examining human–plant partnerships in post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan's walnut–fruit forest, an ecosystem distinguished by the number of its trees that can be modified by horticultural techniques like grafting. I argue that the forest’s “graftability” incrementally undermines two different hierarchies, one typifying people–plant relationships and another that characterizes state-centered regimes of post-Soviet forest governance. Graftability thus allows Kyrgyzstani villagers and trees to act with more autonomy than they otherwise would. This antihierarchical effect is a small biological determinism conferred by the capacities of the graftable tree, and it has political consequences. Vegetal political ecology aims to similarly connect plant performances to their broader political effects; by doing so, it can help political ecologists escape the residual humanism that still characterizes their efforts at posthumanism and better illuminate the political possibilities of partnering with plants.
Considerations for Intentional Use of Self-Disclosure for Family Therapists

ABSTRACTOne of the most debated ethical issues in psychotherapy is that of therapist self-disclosure. In this article, relevant marriage and family therapy literature on therapist self-disclosure will be presented. The influence of practice setting, particularly in training clinics and private practice, on therapist self-disclosure is discussed. A distinction is drawn between intentional and spontaneous self-disclosure. Risks for excessive self-disclosure become amplified in private practice, whereas training clinics are more likely to discourage the use of self-disclosure as a clinical technique. Literature presented is intended to demonstrate that advanced training settings and advanced practice settings hold disparate positions on the issue of self-disclosure. This gap between advanced training and advanced practice may leave therapists open to ethical vulnerabilities. Recommended steps toward intentional and ethical practice are presented.
Facile synthesis of chlorin bioconjugates by a series of click reactions

A multifunctional chlorin platform appended with four short polyethylene glycols and a carboxylate-linker allows rapid conjugation to biotargeting motifs such as proteins and oligonucleotides. The stability and photophysical properties of the chlorin enable development of diagnostics, imaging, molecular tracking, and theranostics.
COMBINED LDL-C AND LIPOPROTEIN (A) LEVELS IN PREDICTION OF RESIDUAL ATHEROSCLEROTIC CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK: THE AIM-HIGH TRIAL (ATHEROTHROMBOSIS INTERVENTION IN METABOLIC SYNDROME WITH LOW HDL/HIGH TRIGLYCERIDES: IMPACT ON GLOBAL HEALTH OUTCOMES)

Background: In patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), the relationship of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels with ASCVD outcomes when LDL-C levels are controlled remains unclear. Methods: We studied 3,196 patients with ASCVD in the AIM-HIGH trial, all of whom were on statin
Solutions to property rights ‘violations’ experienced by Ghanaian (Akan) widows and their children: The role of international social workers in addressing human rights:

Social workers are increasingly embracing international perspectives and roles to address persistent human rights issues. This study examines solutions to property rights disputes involving Ghanaia...
“Defend yourself with words, with the knowledge that you’ve gained”: An exploration of conocimiento among Latina undergraduates in ethnic studies

ABSTRACTUsing Anzaldua’s theory of conocimiento—a fluid journey of reflection and knowledge production—we examine how two Latina undergraduates experience critical consciousness within an ethnic st...
Abstract 1591: Ivabradine But Not Atenolol Attenuates The Decline In Ejection Fraction And Preserves Coronary Reserve In Post-infarcted Middle-aged Rats

We compared the effects of heart rate reduction (HRR) by the I f channel inhibitor, ivabradine (MI+IVA) and the β-blocker, atenolol (MI+ATEN) on ventricular remodeling and perfusion after myocardial infarction (MI). MI was induced in 12-mo.-old male Sprague-Dawley rats by left coronary artery ligation. Sham-operated rats (Sham) served as age-matched controls. Rats were treated for 1– 4 weeks and the drug doses were adjusted so that HRR would be comparable in the two groups; mean HRR ± SEM was 19.5 ± 1.1% for MI + IVA and 19.0 ± 0.8% for MI ± ATEN. Infarct areas (% of LV free wall) were not significantly different between groups: MI 64 ± 3; MI ± IVA 56 ± 3; MI ± ATEN 62 ± 3. Coronary reserve (fold increase in conductance during maximal vasodilation in response to dipyridamole), volume to mass ratio and ejection fraction (determined by echocardiograms 4 weeks after ligation) revealed the following values (*, p
Sums Related to the Harmonic Series or the Inverse Tangent Function

Chapter 2 is fairly elementary, but several of the formulas are very intriguing and evince Ramanujan’s ingenuity and cleverness. Ramanujan gives more proofs in this chapter than in most of the later chapters.
RELATING IN VITRO ASSAYS OF CARCINOGEN-INDUCED GENOTOXICITY TO TRANSFORMATION OF DIPLOID HUMAN FIBROBLASTS

As part of this EPA-sponsored discussion of the application of biological markers to carcinogen testing, we have been asked to consider some general aspects of the use of in vitro tests to quantitate the genotoxic effects of chemicals, as well as to describe some of our recent results on the transformation of diploid human fibroblasts by chemicals and radiation. The term genotoxicity is recent in origin and is used to designate the property of a chemical or radiation which results in damage to the genetic apparatus of a cell or virus. The fact that short term, in vitro assays designed to detect genotoxicity are commonly employed as a means of identifying potential cancer-causing agents indicates that it is now commonly assumed that DNA is the principal cellular target for carcinogenesis. That is the underlying basis, for example, of assays used to detect potential carcinogencity by screening chemicals for their mutagenic action in bacteria and for their ability to cause DNA damage and/or repair. This assumption does not necessarily underlie in vitro assays which use morphological transformation of mammalian cells as their end point for detecting carcinogens. However, as will be described, the induction of loss of anchorage dependence in diploid human fibroblasts, as well as in at least two other mammalian cell transformation systems, appears to be the result of a mutagenic event. Therefore, such assays can also be used to quantitate the genotoxicity of various environmental agents as well as their potential carcinogenicity.
Distance-Regular Graphs with Strongly RegularSubconstituents

In [3] Cameron et al. classified strongly regular graphs with strongly regular subconstituents. Here we prove a theorem which implies that distance-regular graphs with strongly regular subconstituents are precisely the Taylor graphs and graphs witha_1=0 and a_i\in \ 0,1\ fori=2,\ldots,d .
Savings without sacrifice: a case report on open-source textbook adoption

Rising textbook costs have prompted the development of open-source textbooks to increase access to education. The purpose of this case report is to examine open-source textbook adoption through the...