cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the physicochemical and photophysical properties of small (<2.0 nm) CdSe nanoclusters for intracellular imaging applications

The chemical properties of surface passivating ligands that surround nanoclusters (NCs) are extremely important for controlling their structural, physicochemical, and photophysical properties. However, to investigate these properties in various environments, it is important to be able to dissolve the ligand-coated NCs in a wide range of polar and nonpolar solvents. We have developed a direct synthesis and purification procedure for poly(ethylene glycol) thiolate-protected ultra-small (<2.0 nm diameter) CdSe NCs, which have such solubility characteristics. These CdSe NCs were characterized by UV-vis absorption, photoluminescence, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), as well as mass spectrometry. Analyses by XPS confirmed the formation of surface Cd-rich NCs and mass spectrometry confirmed a stoichiometric core with mass of 6.5 kDa. The NCs were synthesized in aqueous medium and purified using a simple solvent extraction method, and the organic phase-extracted CdSe NCs were readily soluble in a wide range of polar and nonpolar organic solvents including acetonitrile, ethanol, chlorobenzene, dichloromethane, and chloroform, as well as in water. The diverse solubility properties of poly(ethylene glycol) thiolate-protected ultra-small CdSe NCs allowed us to perform a post synthetic surface ligand treatment with triphenylphosphine in an organic solvent. The post synthetic treatment enhanced the photophysical properties of these ultrasmall NCs and resulted in an ∼8 fold increase in fluorescence quantum yield. These bright yellow, mixed ligand-coated CdSe NCs were then used for intracellular imaging studies for the first time due to their unique physicochemical properties. We also found that the penetration ability of mixed ligand-coated CdSe NCs through fibroblast cell membranes and the fluorescence properties of the NCs inside the cell were both strongly poly(ethylene glycol) chain length dependent.
Lame' curve-based signature discovery learning technique for network traffic classification

Most recent research shows that network intrusion traffic types can be represented by concentric unit circles while network protocols such as http and https can be represented by rectangles. These geometric properties can be used to develop signatures which can be applied to classify different types of network traffic. Discovering these signatures can be done using representation learning techniques. This paper proposes an approach which constructs signatures using a Lame' curve and its parameters. A Lame' curve is useful for defining hypo- and hyper- ellipses, and therefore helps approximate intrusion patterns and http/https traffic patterns to circular and rectangular models respectively. Using a supervised learning approach, a p-fold cross-validation technique, and labeled network traffic datasets, suitable values for the Lame' curve parameters are learned that can robustly create signatures for both intrusion traffic and network protocol (http and https) types. Unlike the concentric unit-circle algorithm that defines perfect circular patterns, and a rectangular representation algorithm that defines fine rectangular patterns, the proposed Lame' curve technique helps represent the traffic data by approximated geometric (circles and rectangles) shapes. This signature property leads to a robust representation learning technique that is suitable for discrete-value traffic data and helps achieve robust classification of different types of network traffic.
Financial Constraints, Liquidity Management and Investment

∗∗∗ Investment and liquidity management are analyzed in a sector in which firms are exogenously cash constrained and empirical estimates of Tobin’s q provide reliable measures of investment opportunity. Across the entire sector, we document substantial realized investment as well as high investment sensitivity to q. Investment is also sensitive to measures of financial market frictions, suggesting that constraints on retention of cash flow distort investment decisions. Liquidity is managed through dividend policy and access to short-term bank finance, in which bank lines of credit smooth variation in available cash flow and accelerate investment. Using the Kaplan‐Zingales method for measuring the degree of financial constraint, we identify substantial differences between investment and liquidity management policies of firms, in which more (less) financially constrained firms in our sample exhibit high (low) investment and liquidity management sensitivity to variables that measure financial market frictions. This study analyzes investment by firms organized as real estate investment trusts (REITs). REITs generally hold ownership interests in commercial real estate assets and are required to pay out at least 90% of their taxable income as dividends, implying that the entire sector is constrained in its ability to retain cash. 1 Table 1 shows that from 1990 through 2003 REITs paid higher dividends with less resulting net cash flow and a lower stock of cash than nonREIT corporations, which have no formal requirements to pay out income as dividends.
Rigorous velocity bounds from soft τ (p) and X(p) data

Summary. The convergence of two methods of inferring bounds on seismic velocity in the Earth from finite sets of inexact observations of ~(p) and X(p) are examined: the linear programming (LP) method of Garmany, Orcutt & Parker and the quadratic programming(QP) method of Stark & Parker. The LP method uses strict limits on the observations of 7 and X as its data, while QP uses estimated means and variances of 7 and X. The approaches are quite similar and involve only one inherent approximation: they use a finitedimensional representation of seismic velocity within the Earth. Clearly, not every Earth model can be written this way. It is proved that this does not hinder the methods - they may be made as accurate as desired by increasing the number of dimensions in a specified way. It is shown how to get the highest accuracy with a given number of dimensions.
Immunopathogenesis of pulmonary granulomas in the guinea pig after infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Pulmonary tuberculosis in guinea pigs is similar to the disease in humans and is accordingly widely used as a model to test tuberculosis vaccines. The primary site of expression of acquired immunity and the hallmark of tuberculosis is the granuloma. Granuloma morphology is well described, but there is limited information regarding T-cell subset influx. We monitored the course of pulmonary tuberculosis in guinea pigs and observed four distinct immunohistopathological stages. In all stages there were similar numbers and arrangement of CD4 and CD8 T cells. There were only small numbers of apoptotic lymphocytes, scattered around and within the necrotic core, and acid-fast bacilli were visible both within macrophages and free within airway debris. A key finding of the study was the observation that the development of the necrotic core was an early event and almost certainly preceded the emergence of the acquired immune response. This in turn suggests that innate mechanisms are the basis of the early lesions and that subsequent acquired responses are unable to moderate them. This hypothesis differs from the current dogma that excessive activity of T cells mediates delayed-type hypersensitivity and that cellular cytolysis is the root cause of the necrosis.
High temperature permittivity measurements of Alumina Enhanced Thermal Barrier (AETB-8) material for CEV antenna radomes

Alumina Enhanced Thermal Barrier (AEBT-8) material is currently being considered as a potential radome material for phased array antennas that will be conformally mounted to the outer surface of NASA's Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle. Accordingly, there is a need to establish if the dielectric properties of the AEBT-8 material change as a function of temperature. In this paper we discuss the measurements of the real (e r ') and imaginary (e r '') parts of the dielectric constant of AEBT-8 at temperatures from 25- 900°C and in the frequency range from 2–18 GHz. Our results show that neither e r ' or e r '' showed a measurable temperature dependence when tested in the aforementioned temperature range. Comparison at room temperature to measurements taken using the waveguide technique showed good agreement for e r ', but the e r '' values for the AETB-8 material are so low that diffraction phenomena limits the accuracy of the results obtained using the free space technique.
CHOOSING AMONG NATURAL STIMULI

Pigeons worked on concurrent variable-interval, variable-interval schedules with the alternatives signaled by slides either containing trees or not. The schedules were designed to hold both overall and relative rates of reinforcement within narrowly constrained limits, and slides were quasi-randomly ordered each day. Responding to the two alternatives was well described by the generalized matching equation with substantial undermatching. Using an adaptation of the matching law, we estimated that the subjects were correctly classifying 82% to 95% of exemplars. The matching performance transferred to new exemplars of trees and nontrees with only slight generalization decrement. The pigeons appeared to be discriminating among exemplars even when the alternatives provided equal rates of reinforcement and the average relative performances were close to 50%.
PKC-ζ is required in EGF protection of microtubules and intestinal barrier integrity against oxidant injury

Using monolayers of human intestinal (Caco-2) cells, we showed that epidermal growth factor (EGF) protects intestinal barrier integrity against oxidant injury by protecting the microtubules and tha...
Transatrial closure of postinfarction ventricular septal defect.

While operative approaches to postinfarction ventricular septal defect emphasize repair through the infarcted area, we present a case that illustrates the transatrial approach in an acute setting in which no discrete infarct or other abnormality of the free ventricular wall is apparent. In such a setting, transatrial repair of mid-muscular or posterior defects can avert unnecessary compromise of right ventricular function. Avoidance of a right ventriculotomy might also benefit patients with chronic defects complicated by severe lung disease or pulmonary hypertension. However, successful transatrial closure requires full visualization of the defect, avoidance of tricuspid valve damage, thorough debridement of necrotic tissue, and the taking of wide, deep sutures.
The Fragmentation of the Bargaining Society Wage Setting in the Nordic Countries, 1950 to 1992

It is commonly believed that corporatist bargaining institutions have been in general decline in the 1980s and 1990s. The leading explanations of the purported universal trend toward greater decentralization of collective bargaining are the impact of technological change, changes in the occupational structure, and growing international economic integration. Decentralization should be particularly visible in the Nordic countries, because collective bargaining was more centralized in these countries in the 1960s and 1970s than in any others in Western Europe. In this article, the authors present data on the changes in the centralization of wage bargaining in the four Nordic countries since 1950. They document that a significant decentralization of collective bargaining has occurred in Sweden, as is well known, but not in the other three. The article concludes with a review of possible explanations of Swedish exceptionalism.
Potential of mTOR inhibitors as therapeutic agents in hematological malignancies

Despite significant advances in the treatment of hematological malignancies over the last decade, morbidity and mortality from these disorders remain high. New discoveries in the pathogenesis of these malignancies have led to better understanding of these diseases and new thinking in drug development. mTOR is a downstream effector of the PI3K/Akt (protein kinase B) signaling pathway that mediates cell survival and proliferation and is known to be deregulated in many cancers. Preclinical activity of mTOR inhibitors has been very promising in various hematological malignancies. Rapamycin analogs with relatively favorable pharmaceutical properties, including temsirolimus (CCI-779), everolimus (RAD001) and deforolimus (AP23573), are under clinical evaluations in patients with hematologic malignancies. They have shown encouraging results thus far and a favorable toxicity profile. Their utility, mainly as cytostatic agents, needs to be further explored in combination with pre-existing chemotherapeutic agents for various hematological malignancies.
The Limits of Procedural Private Ordering

Civil procedure is traditionally conceived of as a body of publicly-set rules, with limited carve-outs – most commonly, forum selection and choice of law provisions. I argue that these terms are mere instantiations of a broader, unified phenomenon of procedural private ordering, in which civil procedure is no longer irrevocably defined by law, but instead is a mere default that can be waived or modified by contract. Parties are no longer merely selecting between publicly-created procedural regimes but customizing the rules of procedure to be applied by the court – from statutes of limitations, discovery obligations and the admissibility of evidence, to burdens of proof, available remedies and standard of review – before a dispute arises. The resulting conversion of procedural rules from publicly-created guarantors of procedural justice to privately-bargained commodities fundamentally alters our system of civil procedure. But the impact transcends civil procedure, as the existing doctrine allows parties to use procedural terms not only to reinforce their substantive obligations under contract or statutory default rules, but to circumvent limits on the alienability of non-waivable rights – reducing even those substantive laws designated as mandatory to a mere set of default rules. I argue that while procedural contracting can often enhance both private and social welfare, we should not permit its use as a mechanism for contracting around existing limits on private ordering. The Article concludes by exploring the viability of a symmetrical approach, whereby any applicable limitations upon the substance of a contract are applied with equal force both to substantive terms and procedural terms. Likewise, this approach denies enforcement to procedural contracts seeking to modify elements of procedure that have been removed from the ambit of modification via stipulation during the litigation process, creating symmetry between pre- and post-dispute contracts. The degree of procedural alteration permitted is thus a function of the contracting parties’ right to modify or waive the underlying substantive right that gives rise to the claim at issue; the procedural contract is then treated as an ex post stipulation, for purposes of determining the judicial enforceability of the particular modification. In this way, the symmetrical approach permits procedural contracting to further the parties’ legitimate ends, while preventing its use as a method for circumventing limitations on private ordering.
Cardiac remodeling and physical training post myocardial infarction

After myocardial infarction (MI), the heart undergoes extensive myocardial remodeling through the accumulation of fibrous tissue in both the infarcted and noninfarcted myocardium, which distorts tissue structure, increases tissue stiffness, and accounts for ventricular dysfunction. There is growing clinical consensus that exercise training may beneficially alter the course of post-MI myocardial remodeling and improve cardiac function. This review summarizes the present state of knowledge regarding the effect of post-MI exercise training on infarcted hearts. Due to the degree of difficulty to study a viable human heart at both protein and molecular levels, most of the detailed studies have been performed by using animal models. Although there are some negative reports indicating that post-MI exercise may further cause deterioration of the wounded hearts, a growing body of research from both human and animal experiments demonstrates that post-MI exercise may beneficially alter the course of wound healing and improve cardiac function. Furthermore, the improved function is likely due to exercise training-induced mitigation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, improved balance between matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1, favorable myosin heavy chain isoform switch, diminished oxidative stress, enhanced antioxidant capacity, improved mitochondrial calcium handling, and boosted myocardial angiogenesis. Additionally, meta-analyses revealed that exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation has proven to be effective, and remains one of the least expensive therapies for both the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, and prevents re-infarction.
Hot spot heat transfer: Its application to Venus and implications to Venus and Earth

Using a model that gives a relationship between surface elevation, lithospheric thickness, and heat flux, the hot spot heat loss mechanism is tested for Venus. The mechanism is found to readily explain the predicted heat loss of the planet with a modest number of hot spots (of the order of 35). Lithospheric thickness variations can explain approximately 93 percent of the mapped topography of Venus. Above a radius of 6053 km, additional compensation is required, and this can be effected by incorporating a variable thickness crust into the model. If it is assumed that the crust is generated on the crests of the hot spots, probably by processes associated with volcanism, the model is consistent with nearly 99 percent of the mapped topography of Venus. In addition, the model is basically consistent with available gravity data and interpretations that suggest compensated topography and great depths of compensation (100-1000 km) for the midlatitudes of the planet. It is thought that the approximately 1 percent of the topography not explained by hot spot crustal generation is compensated at a shallower depth primarily by variations in crustal thickness that are not directly related to hot spot volcanism.
Resolution independent radar target recognition

The value of Through the Wall Radar Imaging (TWRI) data collected with one system is limited when training the automatic target recognition classifier of a second system because of variation in the Point Spread Function (PSF). The target image is a function of both the scene reflectivity and the PSF, which is in turn a function of the imaging radar's parameters. Targets appears different when imaged by different systems, as a result of the PSF variation, making it difficult to create Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) training datasets including examples measured with different systems. This paper proposes a method to convert the PSF in simulated TWRIs to make them appear as if they were collected using a different radar, and so allow the sharing of data for radar ATR. The method is based on a process of deconvolution and reconvolution. The resulting images are used to test a naive Bayesian classifier and it is shown that high correct-classification rates are obtained after PSF conversion.
Regulation of cyclooxygenase expression by vasopressin in rat renal medulla.

The antagonism between prostaglandin and vasopressin represents a classic negative feedback loop. It is not clear whether cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and/or COX-1 expression is involved in elevated prostaglandin production stimulated by vasopressin in vivo. In the present study, we explored vasopressin regulation of medullary COX-2 and COX-1 expression acutely and chronically in rats. Medullary COX-1 expression was moderately lower and COX-2 expression was significantly lower in adult male Brattleboro rats than age-matched Long-Evans controls. Chronic treatment of Brattleboro rats with vasopressin for 1 wk led to a decrease in urine volume and a moderate increase in medullary COX-1; in contrast, medullary COX-2 expression was almost undetectable in untreated rats but was dramatically up-regulated with vasopressin treatment and was accompanied by increased urinary prostaglandin E2 excretion. Further investigation revealed that both V1 and V2 receptors were involved in chronic medullary COX-1 and COX-2 up-regula...
Large Deviations for Two-Time-Scale Diffusions, with Delays

We consider the problem of large deviations for a two-time-scale reflected diffusion process, possibly with delays in the dynamical terms. The Dupuis-Ellis weak convergence approach is used. It is perhaps the most intuitive and simplest for the problems of concern. The results have applications to the problem of approximating optimal controls for two-time-scale systems via use of the averaged equation.
Concentrations of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Total Cholesterol Among Children and Adolescents in the United States

Background— Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated guidance on lipid screening in childhood. Our objective was to examine recent distributions in concentrations of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol among US children and adolescents and to estimate the prevalence of adolescents who are potentially eligible for pharmacological treatment for elevated concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Methods and Results— We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999 to 2006 for participants 6 to 17 years of age. The mean concentration for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol for participants 12 to 17 years of age was 90.2 mg/dL (n=2724), and the mean concentration of total cholesterol among participants 6 to 17 years of age was 163.0 mg/dL (n=9868). Depending on the cut points used, an elevated concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was noted for 5.2% to 6.6% of participants and an elevated concentration of total cholesterol...
Comparing Online And In-Class Students: Perceptions, Demographics And Grades In MBA Accounting Classes

In this study, graduate business students participated in an accounting course that was offered online and in-class. The students worked in groups on an accounting case study. Data collected from both online and on-campus classes were reported, compared, and analyzed. Learning outcomes were investigated in relation to content knowledge, academic performance, fairness, and educational objectives based on Bloom’s Taxonomy. As a result, only small differences were found in the learning outcome measures between online and in-class students. However, input measures indicate that the online students may have been better prepared for the course.
Husserl’s Notion of Horizon

For Husserl, phenomenological analysis of the intention achieved in an act does not stop with analysis of the act’s noema or, in particular, its Sinn.
Optimization of Inactive Material Content in Lithium Iron Phosphate Electrodes for High Power Applications

Abstract The electrochemical performance of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO 4 ) electrodes has been studied to find the optimum content of inactive materials (carbon black + polyvinylidene difluoride [PVDF] polymer binder) and to better understand electrode performance with variation in electrode composition. Trade-offs between inactive material content and electrochemical performance have been characterized in terms of electrical resistance, rate-capability, area-specific impedance (ASI), pulse-power characterization, and energy density calculations. The ASI and electrical conductivity were found to correlate well with ohmic polarization. The results showed that a 80:10:10 (active material: binder: carbon agents) electrode had a higher pulse-power density and energy density at rates above 1C as compared to 90:5:5, 86:7:7 and 70:15:15 formulations, while the 70:15:15 electrode had the highest electrical conductivity of 0.79 S cm −1 . A CB/PVDF ratio of ca. 1.22 was found to be the optimum formulation of inactive material when the LiFePO 4 composition was 80 wt%.
Mediators of Changes in Left Ventricular Mass During Antihypertensive Therapy

Recent studies indicate that the prevalence of LVH in hypertensive patients assessed with the electrocardiogram and the chest X-ray is fairly low. The prevalence of echocardiographic LVH has been reported to be almost 50% in patients with mild to moderate hypertension.
What Do Economists Contribute?: Introduction

The essays gathered here speak of the choices economists make. Which subjects to write on, which premises to follow, which authorities to appeal to, which methods to use, which tones to assume, which audiences to address, which challenges to respond to, which social purposes to serve - all these choices are made each time an economist acts as an economist. Are economists today, in making their individual choices, led to promote ends of human betterment? Most of the present authors suspect that much choosing by economists is not for the better. Economists are quick to find flaws in markets, governments, and other institutions. Yet they rarely aim their flaw-finding at their own professional institutions. Not publicly, anyway. In such matters, their public attitude is rather like their attitude toward their children: acceptance without critical examination. Some economists harbor doubts about normal professional practice and standards, doubts confined to private thought and discreet conversations. A few, such as Arjo Klamer, David Colander, Thomas Mayer, Deirdre McCloskey, and Lawrence Summers express their doubts publicly.
Passover in Costa Rica

This simple case enables students to examine a supply chain coordination problem in the context of a two-level supply chain with a retailer and a supplier. The case examines a retailer’s decision about its optimal order quantity from his supplier and the difference between this decentralized decision and the coordinated decision achieved when the retailer and the supplier are part of the same company. The case then asks students to find the optimal supply chain contracts that will coordinate the supply chain. This case can be used to teach the newsvendor model and supply chain coordination and contracts in courses focusing on supply chain management or in operations management courses that include a supply chain module. It can be used together with "Note on Optimal Ordering Strategies and Supply Chain Coordination" (UVA-OM-1371).
Abstract 279: Hypertension in Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzyme, Low Platelet Syndrome is Associated with Increased Endothelin-1

INTRODUCTION. HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) is a severe form of preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder that occurs during pregnancy. We have shown that HELLP syndrome in both women and in an animal model causes hypertension and elevated TNF-α, IL-6, and agonistic autoantibodies to the angiotensin II receptor, all of which have been shown to activate the endothelin-1 system (ET-1). Therefore we tested the hypothesis that hypertension in response to HELLP syndrome is associated with ET-1 activation. METHODS. Plasma was collected from women with HELLP syndrome or pregnant women without maternal/fetal complications at the time of delivery. Endothelin (ET-1) was extracted from the plasma and measured with a Quantikine ET-1 enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit. On gestational day (GD) 12 miniosmotic pumps infusing sEndoglin (7ug/kg/day) and sFlt-1 (4.7ug/kg/day) were implanted into normal pregnant rats to induce HELLP syndrome. On GD18 carotid catheters were inserted into HELLP and normal pregnant (NP) rats and mean arterial pressure (MAP) was recorded on GD19; serum, urine and tissues were collected for molecular analysis. RESULTS. Women with HELLP syndrome (n=4) had significantly more circulating ET-1 (3.35pg/mL) compared to normal pregnant women (0.75pg/mL; n=3; p=0.006) and increased MAP (120.8±6.2 mmHg HELLP vs. 87.33±6.67mmHg NP; p=0.015). In rats MAP increased from 91±2mmHg in NP rats (n=4) to 129.8±4.5mmHg in HELLP rats (n=4; p=0.0002). Preproendothelin mRNA expression was 3 fold higher in placentas and 1.3 fold higher in livers from HELLP rats compared to NP rats (p=0.02; p=0.05). In addition we measured ET-1 secretion from endothelial cells exposed to serum from NP and HELLP rats. ET-1 in response to NP serum was 4.03±.68pg/mg/mL and increased to 9.69±3.5pg/mg/mL with HELLP serum (p=0.04) after 24hrs. CONCLUSION. These data support the hypothesis that hypertension in both women and animals with HELLP syndrome is accompanied by increased ET-1 expression.
Steering microtubule shuttle transport with dynamically controlled magnetic fields

Nanoscale control of matter is critical to the design of integrated nanosystems. Here, we describe a method to dynamically control directionality of microtubule (MT) motion using programmable magnetic fields. MTs are combined with magnetic quantum dots (i.e., MagDots) that are manipulated by external magnetic fields provided by magnetic nanowires. MT shuttles thus undergo both ATP-driven and externally-directed motion with a fluorescence component that permits simultaneous visualization of shuttle motion. This technology is used to alter the trajectory of MTs in motion and to pin MT motion. Such an approach could be used to evaluate the MT-kinesin transport system and could serve as the basis for improved lab-on-a-chip technologies based on MT transport.
The natural history of pancreatic acinar cell cystadenoma: Is resection better than surveillance? An update to a case report from 2010

Abstract Cystic lesions of the pancreas are a rare entity, and few reports have described their natural history in children. A previously published report described a 9-year-old boy with an acinar cell cystadenoma, discovered during a laparoscopic appendectomy. Initially asymptomatic and followed by serial MRI, this patient presented to our institution several years later with chronic obstructive symptoms that required surgical intervention. Planning for resection included multidisciplinary input from the genetics and endocrinology services. Initially, a partial pancreatic resection was performed in an attempt to preserve normal pancreatic tissue and islet cell function. Progression of the cystic disease and recurrent obstruction necessitated further surgical intervention. Here we present the updated clinical course and outcome of a 12-year-old boy who underwent a total pancreaticoduodenectomy for a symptomatic acinar cell cystadenoma.
THE IMPACT OF INTRAMYOCARDIAL MESENCHYMAL STEM CELL INJECTION ACCORDING TO SCAR SIZE FOR THE TREATMENT OF ISCHEMIC CARDIOMYOPATHY

Scar size is an important and easily assessed surrogate end point marker of cell therapy and has a larger fluctuation compared to conventional markers such as ejection fraction, enabling an accurate comparison. In three phase I/II randomized clinical trials, 57 patients [POSEIDON (n=30), TAC-HFT (n
Abstract 926: The angiotensin IV analog Norleual acts as a hepatocyte growth factor/c-Met inhibitor in pancreatic cancer cells.

The primary purpose of this study was to demonstrate that the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) antagonist Norleual is capable of attenuating the cellular responses of pancreatic cancer cells to HGF. The angiotensin IV analog Norleual [Nle-Tyr-Ile-ψ-(CH2-NH2)3-4-His-Pro-Phe] exhibits structural homology with the hinge (linker) region of HGF and acts to block HGF dimerization, a process required for its activation. Norleual competitively inhibited the binding of a H3-Hinge peptide sequence to the HGF, and binds directly to HGF with a Ki = 3.6x10-12M. Predictably, Norleual is able to block the cellular responses due to HGF activation in multiple cell types at concentrations in the picomolar range including HGF/c-Met sensitive pancreatic cancer cells. Norleual9s ability to inhibit the growth and survival of pancreatic cancer cells was evaluated using viability testing and cell sorting tags to identify living, dead and apoptotic cells. HGF/c-Met activation increases the invasive potential of the pancreatic cancer cells, which provides a mechanistic basis for the ability of c-Met to support pancreatic tumor metastasis. In this regard Norleual as an HGF antagonist was able to block the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells through collagen gels in a transwell chamber. Over-activation of the growth factor system HGF/c-Met is a critical contributor to pancreatic cancer9s ability to disseminate rapidly and its refractoriness to standard chemotherapy. Norleual, which is a representative of a “first-in-class” group of molecules that blocks the activation step of HGF, represent a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Leen H. Kawas, Phillip Harris, Kevin Church, John W. Wright, Joseph W. Harding. The angiotensin IV analog Norleual acts as a hepatocyte growth factor/c-Met inhibitor in pancreatic cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 926. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-926
Measurement of Recombination Rates of Sodium by Coherent Microwave Scattering

This paper will present the current experimental and theoretical investigation of sodium recombination rate measurement by coherent microwave scattering. To quantify the effects of temperature and pressure on the neutral stabilized three body recombination rates, experimental measurement in the mixture of argon and sodium mixture is given. The hypothesis is that the three body recombination rate is dependent of the temperature as T -2.5 , of the pressure as P -1 . The temperature of the mixture varies from room temperature to 1000K. Argon pressure varies from ~1Torr to the atmospheric pressure. The sodium number density is measured by the absorption of D1 and D2 lines of the sodium.
Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasia (IPMN)

The diagnosis and treatment of intraductal papillary mucinous tumors (IPMN) of the pancreas has evolved over the last decade. IPMN is a disease of the ductal epithelium and represent a spectrum of disease, ranging from benign to malignant lesions, making the early detection and characterization of these lesions important. As with villous adenomas of the colon, not all IPMNs will develop into adenocarcinoma. Definitive management is surgical resection for appropriate candidates, as benign lesions harbor malignant potential. Growing controversy revolves around issues of natural history, management of small-branch-duct lesions, ability to predict malignancy and/or progression, and surveillance strategies. Given these controversies, novel methods are needed to help in detecting and classifying IPMNs’ malignant potential so that appropriate treatment can be administered. The authors review abstracts from the 2010 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium held in January 2010, including biomarkers helping to classify IPMNs: IL-8 and IL-1beta from IPMN cyst aspirates (Abstract #133), and Foxp3/CD4/CD25 cells (Abstract #148) in peripheral blood. Future studies will hopefully provide insight into the many unanswered questions. Image: Hypothetical progression of IPMN to adenocarcinoma (Reproduced and modified by permission from Cancer Control, journal of the Moffitt Cancer Center)
Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs)

Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) are electrical responses elicited by visual stimuli and originating in the visual cortices. VEPs recorded from the human scalp can be used in clinical testing to assess the function of the retina and the optic nerve. They are valuable in the diagnosis of optic neuropathies and maculopathies. VEPs can also be utilized to improve our understanding of the complexities of visual function.
National Surgical Trends and Perioperative Outcomes of Midurethral Sling Placement for Stress Urinary Incontinence

Objective To determine contemporary trends, patient characteristics, and outcomes for midurethral sling placement (MUS) at inpatient and ambulatory facilities from a national database. Materials and Methods Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we identified 7767 women who underwent isolated MUS 2006-2012. We stratified patients by hospitalization type (outpatient vs hospitalization). Primary outcomes were 30-day complications, readmissions, and reoperations. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine patient and surgery factors associated with adverse perioperative outcomes. Results Among the 7767 women undergoing MUS, 84.3% underwent outpatient surgery (n = 6547), with greater use of outpatient facilities over time ( P P P = .003), and with resident participation (5.1% vs 3.7%; OR 1.32, CI 1.01-1.73, P = .04). On multivariable analysis, outpatients were less likely to experience readmissions (0.9% vs 2.8%; OR 0.2, CI 0.09-0.56, P = .002) or undergo reoperation (0.3% vs 3.1%; OR 0.10, CI 0.02-0.38, P = .001). Conclusion Use of outpatient surgical centers for MUS is increasing, with lower rates of complications, readmissions, and reoperations compared to inpatient treatment. Although there is a difference in complications by specialty and with resident involvement, overall incidence of complications is low.
Cystic Renal Disease

Historically, terms such as “polycystic kidneys” and “infantile polycystic kidney disease” were used to describe a variety of disorders with shared features of cysts evident either radiographically or by pathologic examination [12]. However, as our understanding of modern molecular genetics has continued to expand, it has become evident that many of these disorders have distinct genetic and pathophysiologic features. Cystic kidney disease in neonates is now recognized as representing a spectrum of disorders from those inherited in classic Mendelian fashion (such as ARPKD) to those that occur sporadically (such as multicystic dysplastic kidney, MCDK). With the advent of modern obstetrical ultrasonography, the majority of these disorders are identified prenatally. In many cases the diagnosis of a particular cystic kidney disease is suspected based on the prenatal images. However, even with advanced technology, the findings/diagnosis on prenatal ultrasonography may not be confirmed on postnatal imaging.
Increased 30-Day Complication Rates Associated with Laminectomy in 874 Adult Patients with Spinal Deformity Undergoing Elective Spinal Fusion: A Single Institutional Study

Objective Recent studies have reported that decompression with fusion leads to superior outcomes in correction of spinal deformity. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a difference in intraoperative and 30-day postoperative complication rates in patients undergoing spinal fusion with and without decompression. Methods Medical records of 874 adult (≥18 years old) patients with spinal deformity undergoing elective spinal fusion at a major academic institution from 2005 to 2015 were reviewed; 374 (42.8%) patients underwent laminectomy in addition to spinal fusion. The primary outcome investigated was the rate of intraoperative and 30-day complications. Results Patient demographics and comorbidities were similar between groups. The laminectomy cohort had significantly higher estimated blood loss ( P P = 0.0001), and rate of intraoperative durotomies (laminectomy cohort 10.4% vs. no-laminectomy cohort 3.1%; P P P = 0.13). Within 30 days after initial discharge, the laminectomy cohort had significantly higher rates of altered mental status (3.2% vs. 1.2%; P = 0.05), urinary tract infection (4.3% vs. 1.4%; P = 0.009), wound drainage (7.2% vs. 3.1%; P = 0.007), and instrumentation failure (1.1% vs. 0.0%; P = 0.03). Conclusions Patients undergoing spinal fusion with laminectomy may have higher complication rates than patients undergoing spinal fusion alone.
POLICY AND PROGRAM RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AN AGING SOCIETY

The Hartford Aging Index permits comparison of the age-readiness of the Unites States and several countries such as in Western Europe and Japan. As these countries have ‘ aged’ ahead of the US, the opportunity is presented to analyze the effectiveness of various public policies and programs implemented in these countries across the key domains of equity, productivity, well being, cohesion and security. Approaches found to be effective in other countries and that may be applicable to the US are discussed, along with US –specific policies and programs that hold promise to enhance our performance as reflected in the index.
Comparing Strong and Weak Halogen Bonding in Solution: 13C NMR, UV/Vis, Crystallographic, and Computational Studies of an Intramolecular Model

A series of arylene ethynylene compounds has been generated in order to study the differences between strong and weak intramolecular halogen bonding in solution. With strong intramolecular halogen bonding, the presence of electron withdrawing fluorine substituents near the halogen bond donor has a significant impact on the halogen bond and consequently on ¹³C NMR chemical shifts. UV-vis studies suggest increased conjugation of the arylene ethynylene backbone when strong halogen bonds are present. UV-vis and NMR signatures of intramolecular halogen bonding are diminished significantly when electron withdrawing fluorine substituents are absent, however. This change in behavior is further illustrated by differences in crystallization tendencies with the presence or absence of electron withdrawing substituents. Calculations using the M06-2X functional provide some insight into the energies associated with both strong and weak intramolecular halogen bonding.
Targeting Members of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Family to Improve Response to Chemotherapy

Abstract Decades of research on the four receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) that comprise the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family have established these proteins as key oncogenes in many cancer types. The strong evidence supporting pro-tumorigenic roles of HER3, HER4, and especially epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and HER2 in cancer has led to the generation and use of HER family-targeted agents that can inhibit one or more of these RTKs. Although these inhibitors are used as a single agent in some contexts, they are often used in combination with chemotherapeutic agents and have been shown to enhance the response to chemotherapy in many cancer types. In this chapter, we outline the basic biology of the HER family receptors before examining each of the four receptors, focusing on mutations and other alterations that occur in cancer and on preclinical and clinical studies in which HER family-targeted agents were used to delay and/or overcome chemoresistance. Throughout, we address open questions in the field and discuss current and future areas of research.
Comparison of a new enrichment procedure for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli with five standard methods.

A new procedure for enrichment of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and other Shiga toxin–producing E. coli was compared to five standard methods: the British Public Health Laboratory Service, International Standard Method, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Canadian Health Products and Food Branch, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The new procedure was comparable to the standard methods in its ability to detect target cells inoculated into foods at approximately 1 CFU g−1. Comparisons were also made of the ability of the six enrichment procedures to detect E. coli O157:H7 against a large background of competitor microorganisms. In these experiments the new procedure yielded more target cells than the other five enrichments by two to three orders of magnitude as determined by enumeration on sorbitol MacConkey agar with tellurite and cefixime and Rainbow agar with tellurite and novobiocin and by verification of presumptive colonies by real-time PCR. For example, the population of enterohemorrhagic E. coli strain...
Warm Mix Asphalt Performance Modeling Using the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide

Warm mix asphalt (WMA) is a cost effective means for reducing the mixing and compaction temperature of hot mix asphalt (HMA). These additives, which come in several forms, reduce the mixing and compaction temperatures by approximately 30°C. The challenge for researchers has been determining how the additives impact or change traditional HMA mixes. The purpose of this research is to use collected laboratory data as inputs into the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) to determine if there are statistically significant differences in the amount of pavement cracking when comparing HMA and WMA. The MEDPG is a model that has been developed into software for the purpose to provide state-of-the-practice pavement design for both new and rehabilitated pavement structures. The pavement design includes site condition parameters such as traffic, climate, subgrade, and existing pavement conditions in the case of rehabilitation. The MEPDG evaluates a proposed design for various distresses such as rutting, fatigue cracking, longitudinal cracking, transverse cracking, and roughness. Samples from field produced WMA mixes have been tested and material information has been collected and statistically analyzed over a period of several years. Data analysis showed some statistically significant differences in laboratory dynamic modulus (E*) data when comparing HMA control mix with the WMA mix. This study will use the laboratory measured E* as input into the MEPDG model to predict the pavement cracking in order to determine if there are differences in the pavement distresses. Within the design inputs, various factors can be manipulated such as various traffic loading and pavement thickness. Changing these inputs show which site condition variables have the most impact on pavement performance, how pavement distresses may differ when comparing HMA and WMA and how this translates to differences in pavement life.
Ultra-Low Temperature Thermometry Using Zeeman Perturbed NQR

We report the results of measurements of the magnetic field perturbed nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) lines of powdered Sb immersed in liquid 3He at low temperatures. The magnetic field was used to separate the frequencies of the allowed transitions between the $$I_Z = \pm \frac{1}{2}$$ and $$\frac{3}{2}$$ levels that correspond to the zero field NQR absorption at 11.5289 MHz for121 Sb. The spectrum for the powder sample consists of two sharp lines with known separation. The ratios of the intensities of these two lines depends only on the difference in thermal population of the nuclear spin levels and can be used for thermometry at very low temperatures. Pulsed NQR measurements of this intensity ratio from 0.25 to 1.45 mK were in good agreement with the expected Boltzmann distributions. Temperature resolutions of 20% could be achieved for signal integration times of ∼ 1 hour.
Oxidative Stress in Psychiatric Disorders

Oxidative stress is a pathophysiologic mechanisms implicated in various medical conditions. In this chapter, we discuss oxidative stress and key components of the body’s anti-oxidation system. We summarize the evidence supporting the role of oxidative stress in disease, concentrating on various psychiatric disorders. We also describe the molecular pharmacology of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and explain the role of NAC in decreasing oxidative stress in psychiatric disorders.