cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design, synthesis and scheduling of multipurpose batch plants via an effective continous-time formulation

Design, synthesis and scheduling issues are considered simultaneously for multipurpose batch plants. Processing recipes are represented by the State-Task Network. The proposed model takes into account the trade-offs between capital costs, revenues and operational flexibility. Both linear and nonlinear examples are studied, resulting in MILP and MINLP problems, respectively. Comparisons with another approach are presented.
Dynamic Resistance of YBCO-Coated Conductors in Applied AC Fields With DC Transport Currents and DC Background Fields

In order to predict heat loads in future saturable-core fault-current-limiting devices due to ac fringing fields, dynamic resistance in YBCO-coated conductors was measured at 77 K in peak ac fields up to 25 mT at 60 Hz and in dc fields up to 1 T. With the sample orientation set such that the conductor face was either parallel or perpendicular to the ac and dc applied fields, the dynamic resistance was measured at different fractions of the critical current to determine the relationship between the dc transport current and the applied fields. With respect to field orientation, the dynamic resistance for ac fields that were perpendicular to the conductor face was significantly higher than when the ac fields were parallel to the conductor face. It was also observed that the dynamic resistance: 1) increased with increasing fraction of the dc transport current to the critical current, 2) was proportional to the inverse of the critical current, and 3) demonstrated a linear dependence with the applied ac field once a threshold field was exceeded. This functional behavior was consistent with a critical state model for the dynamic resistance, but discrepancies in absolute value of the dynamic resistance suggested that further theoretical development is needed.
Generation Cycle of Oral Epithelium in 400-Day-Old Mice

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUACYCLO GFNFRATORI DEL EPITHELIO ORAL IN MUSES DE 400 DIES DE ETATE.-Cinquanta-quatro muses C57 de 400 dies de etate esseva subjicite al injection de thymidina a tritium, e autoradiogrammas esseva preparate ab le lingua, le palato, e le mucosa buccal. Le distribution del frequentia de marcate figuras mitotic esseva determinate a base de specimens obtenite a intervallos de duo horas durante 100 horas post le administration de thymidina a tritium. Le stadios del cyclo generatori esseva: synthese de acido deoxyribonucleic-8 horas, G 2—20 minutas, tempore mitotic—40 minutas, e interphase—approximativemente 80 horas.
Active site modification of aldose reductase by nitric oxide donors

Nitric oxide (NO) donors sodium nitrosoprusside (SNP), S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), and 3-morpholinosydnonemine (SIN-1) caused a time- and concentration-dependent loss of catalytic activity of recombinant human placental aldose reductase. Modification of the enzyme was prevented by NADPH and NADP and reversed partially by dithiothreitol (DTT) and sodium borohydride. The protection by NADPH was lost in the presence of both substrates (NADPH and glyceraldehyde), indicating that the enzyme becomes sensitive to inhibition by SNP during catalysis. Site-directed mutant form of the enzyme, in which active site cys-298 was substituted with serine (C298S) was not inactivated by NO donors, whereas, ARC80S and ARC303 were as sensitive as the wild type enzyme, indicating that inactivation of aldose reductase is due to modification of the active site at cys298. These results suggest that NO may be an endogenous regulator of aldose reductase, and consequently the polyol pathway of glucose metabolism; which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of secondary diabetic complications.
THE EVOLVING MANAGER STEREOTYPE: THE EFFECTS OF INDUSTRY GENDER TYPING ON PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS FOR LEADERS AND THEIR TEAMS

This study examined how external evaluators' assessments of a management team and its leader are impacted by congruence between the leader's gender and the gender typing of the industry in which the team works. We experimentally tested our theory using industries that are either male typed or gender neutral, with teams led by male and female leaders. Results indicate that performance expectations for the team were more favorable when the leader's gender was congruent with the industry's gender typing, but expectations for the leader were not affected by gender congruence. These findings paradoxically suggest that evaluators form performance expectations for teams based upon individual characteristics of their leaders, even when these characteristics have no effect on the conscious assessments of the leaders themselves.
Enzymic and protein character of tonoplast from Hippeastrum vacuoles

The membrane of anthocyanin containing Hippeatrum petal vacuoles was examined for protein and enzyme content after purification by equilibrium density centrifugation. Light scattering, protein, and a Mg2+-dependent nucleotide specific ATPase were associated with membrane having a density of 1.08 to 1.12 grams per cubic centimeter. A small amount of acid phosphatase was also present in this region of the gradient, but this activity peaked at about 1.12 grams per cubic centimeter. A component of yeast tonoplast, α-mannosidase, was not significantly present. UDP-glucose, anthocyanidin-3-O-glucosyltransferase, thought to be a cytosol enzyme in Hippeastrum, was absent from tonoplast of vacuoles isolated by osmotic shock in 0.2 molar K2HPO4 or 0.35 molar mannitol. Vacuolar acid phosphatase was insensitive to ethylenediaminetetraacetate but was 80% inhibited by 10 millimolar KF, while ATPase was inactivated by 2 millimolar ethylenediaminetetraacetate and only 50% inhibited by 10 millimolar KF. Five major and about 9 minor polypeptides were detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of membrane protein on 5 to 30 and 6 to 16% gradient gels.
Atom Interferometry with up to 24-Photon-Momentum-Transfer Beam Splitters

We present up to 24-photon Bragg diffraction as a beam splitter in light-pulse atom interferometers to achieve the largest splitting in momentum space so far. Relative to the 2-photon processes used in the most sensitive present interferometers, these large momentum transfer beam splitters increase the phase shift 12-fold for Mach-Zehnder (MZ) and 144-fold for Ramsey-Borde (RB) geometries. We achieve a high visibility of the interference fringes (up to 52% for MZ or 36% for RB) and long pulse separation times that are possible only in atomic fountain setups. As the atom's internal state is not changed, important systematic effects can cancel.
Application of Holographic Interferometry to Density Field Determination in Transonic Corner Flow

The present report is believed to be the first quantitative measurements obtained by holographic interferometry of the density field in transonic corner flow. The technique offers a new method to obtain quantitative transonic flow measurements without disrupting the flow. Finite fringe interferometry has been used to investigate the threedimensional density field about a partially transparent wing-body structure. The resulting asymmetric density field and shock wave structure are shown to be an accurate representation of the phenomena encountered in aerodynamic corner flow. The double pulse technique allows the interferogram to be taken through the transparent nonflat optical elements in the wing. The depth focusing and angular viewing properties of a hologram although of possible use in transonic flows were not used in the present experiment.
Gravity waves as a probe of the Hubble expansion rate during an electroweak scale phase transition

Just as big bang nucleosynthesis allows us to probe the expansion rate when the temperature of the Universe was around 1 MeV, the measurement of gravity waves from electroweak scale first order phase transitions may allow us to probe the expansion rate when the temperature of the Universe was at the electroweak scale. We compute the simple transformation rule for the gravity wave spectrum under the scaling transformation of the Hubble expansion rate. We then apply this directly to the scenario of quintessence kination domination and show how gravity wave spectra would shift relative to Laser Interferometer Space Antenna and Big Bang Observer projected sensitivities.
Standardized color-coded maps for corneal topography

Purpose: Modern videokeratoscopy is useful in assessing corneal shape. The purpose of this study is to compare color-coded topographic maps using standardized scales with 1.0- and 1.5-diopter (D) intervals. The authors assessed the use of the two scales for detecting clinically relevant features of corneal topography such as regular astigmatism, irregular astigmatism, early keratoconus, and contact lens-induced corneal warpage. Methods: A total of 50 normal corneas, 50 corneas with contact lenses, 50 that had keratoconus (25 early to moderate and 25 advanced), 50 that had penetrating keratoplasty, 20 that had extracapsular cataract surgery, 17 that had excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for myopia, 10 that had radial keratotomy, 3 that had aphakic epikeratophakia, and 2 that had myopic epikeratophakia were analyzed with a corneal topographic analysis system. Color-coded maps with 1.0-D intervals (Maguire/ Waring scale) and 1.5-D intervals (Klyce/Wilson scale) were compared. Results: There were no topographic characteristics that were not appreciated with either scale for corneas with dioptric powers that fell within their ranges. Conversely, for corneas that had powers outside the range of the 1.0-diopter scale, but within the range of the 1.5-diopter scale, the former produced a map in which the flattest or steepest areas were artifactually smoothed. Conclusions: This study suggests that the Klyce/Wilson scale (constant, 1.5-D intervals) provides the best combination of sensitivity for detection of clinically significant topographic features and the widest range of coverage of powers that are found on a variety of normal, pathologic, and surgically altered corneas. The adoption of the Klyce/ Wilson scale by all manufacturers of corneal topographic instruments as a primary standard will facilitate communication and will make the interpretation of corneal topography easier for both the expert and the novice.
Therapeutic angiogenesis in chronically ischemic porcine myocardium: comparative effects of bFGF and VEGF.

Abstract Background Both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) have been used in preclinical studies to induce new blood vessel growth in ischemic cardiac muscle with promising results. However, clinical trials have been much less convincing and further work is needed. This study expands on prior work by comparing the long-term proangiogenic effects of direct intramyocardial (IM) injection of bFGF, as well as IM and intravenous (IV) VEGF in a porcine model of chronic hibernating myocardium. Methods Mini-swine with proximal 90% left circumflex (LCx) coronary stenosis subtending chronically ischemic, viable (hibernating) myocardium by positron emission tomography (PET) and dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) were randomized to IM bFGF (n = 5), IM VEGF 165 (n = 5), IV VEGF 165 (n = 5), IM vehicle (n = 5), or sham redo-thoracotomy (n = 4). The bFGF protein was administered in a total dose of 1.35 μg divided into 30 IM injections. IM VEGF 165 protein was administered in a total dose of 15 μg/kg divided into 30 injections; IV VEGF 165 was given at a dose of 50 ng · kg −1 · min −1 for 200 minutes at three 72-hour intervals (30 μg/kg total dose). After 3 and 6 months the PET and DSE studies were repeated, and the animals were sacrificed for tissue vascular density and angiogenic protein analysis. Results Myocardial blood flow (MBF) by PET was significantly improved 3 months posttreatment in the IM bFGF and IM VEGF 165 groups, differences that were sustained at 6 months. There was no significant increase in MBF 3-months posttreatment in the IV VEGF 165 group; however, at 6 months MBF was significantly improved. No change in MBF was seen in the IM vehicle or sham groups. Regional wall motion at rest and peak stress in the LCx region demonstrated small but statistically significant improvements by 6 months in the IM bFGF and IV VEGF 165 groups only; no improvement was seen in the IM VEGF 165 , IM vehicle, or sham groups. Quantitative vascular density was significantly increased in the LCx regions of all treatment groups (IM bFGF, IM VEGF 165 , IV VEGF 165 ) 6-months postoperatively. No significant increase in LCx region myocardial bFGF or VEGF protein levels was seen in the treated animals at 6 months. Conclusions The IM bFGF, IM VEGF 165 , and IV VEGF 165 all improve regional perfusion and vascular density 6-months posttherapy in the animal model utilized. Functional improvements were less consistent. Both bFGF and VEGF 165 may be useful therapies for improving regional perfusion in chronically ischemic myocardium, although combination therapy with additional growth factors or cellular therapies may be necessary if concomitant improvements in function are to be seen.
Genetic variation in vitamin D-related genes and risk of colorectal cancer in African Americans

Disparities in both colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and survival impact African Americans (AAs) more than other US ethnic groups. Because vitamin D is thought to protect against CRC and AAs have lower serum vitamin D levels, genetic variants that modulate the levels of active hormone in the tissues could explain some of the cancer health disparity. Consequently, we hypothesized that genetic variants in vitamin D-related genes are associated with CRC risk. To test this hypothesis, we studied 39 potentially functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in eight genes (CYP2R1, CYP3A4, CYP24A1, CYP27A1, CYP27B1, GC, DHCR7, and VDR) in 961 AA CRC cases and 838 healthy AA controls from Chicago and North Carolina. We tested whether SNPs are associated with CRC incidence using logistic regression models to calculate p values, odds ratios, and 95 % confidence intervals. In the logistic regression, we used a log-additive genetic model and used age, gender, and percent West African ancestry, which we estimated with the program STRUCTURE, as covariates in the models. A nominally significant association was detected between CRC and the SNP rs12794714 in the vitamin D 25-hydroxylase gene CYP2R1 (p = 0.019), a SNP that has previously been associated with serum vitamin D levels. Two SNPs, rs16847024 in the GC gene and rs6022990 in the CYP24A1 gene, were nominally associated with left-sided CRC (p = 0.015 and p = 0.018, respectively). Our results strongly suggest that genetic variation in vitamin D-related genes could affect CRC susceptibility in AAs.
Protein folding and misfolding: mechanism and principles

Two fundamentally different views of how proteins fold are now being debated. Do proteins fold through multiple unpredictable routes directed only by the energetically downhill nature of the folding landscape or do they fold through specific intermediates in a defined pathway that systematically puts predetermined pieces of the target native protein into place? It has now become possible to determine the structure of protein folding intermediates, evaluate their equilibrium and kinetic parameters, and establish their pathway relationships. Results obtained for many proteins have serendipitously revealed a new dimension of protein structure. Cooperative structural units of the native protein, called foldons, unfold and refold repeatedly even under native conditions. Much evidence obtained by hydrogen exchange and other methods now indicates that cooperative foldon units and not individual amino acids account for the unit steps in protein folding pathways. The formation of foldons and their ordered pathway assembly systematically puts native-like foldon building blocks into place, guided by a sequential stabilization mechanism in which prior native-like structure templates the formation of incoming foldons with complementary structure. Thus the same propensities and interactions that specify the final native state, encoded in the amino-acid sequence of every protein, determine the pathway for getting there. Experimental observations that have been interpreted differently, in terms of multiple independent pathways, appear to be due to chance misfolding errors that cause different population fractions to block at different pathway points, populate different pathway intermediates, and fold at different rates. This paper summarizes the experimental basis for these three determining principles and their consequences. Cooperative native-like foldon units and the sequential stabilization process together generate predetermined stepwise pathways. Optional misfolding errors are responsible for 3-state and heterogeneous kinetic folding.
Use of amniotic membrane graft in the surgical management of cicatricial ectropion associated with cetuximab therapy

Cetuximab (Erbitux) is an antiepidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody that has been shown to delay the progression of metastatic colorectal cancer. The cutaneous side effects of cetuximab resulting from its effects on normal epidermal cells are well established. Periocular side effects, including blepharitis, trichomegaly, dry eye and conjunctivitis, have also been reported. We present a case of cicatricial ectropion associated with cetuximab therapy successfully managed with surgical repair using amniotic membrane graft. A 60-year-old man presented with bilateral lower eyelid cicatricial ectropion developing 3 days after the addition of cetuximab therapy to his baseline chemotherapeutic regimen. This was successfully managed with surgical repair using an amniotic membrane graft. Surgical repair with the amniotic membrane graft is a viable treatment option for cicatricial ectropion associated with EGFR inhibitor therapy.
Problem-based learning: why curricula are likely to show little effect on knowledge and clinical skills.

Objectives A recent review of problem-based learning’s effect on knowledge and clinical skills updated findings reported in 1993. The author argues that effect sizes (ES) seen with PBL have not lived up to expectations (0.8‐1.0) and the theoretical basis for PBL, contextual learning theory, is weak. The purposes of this study were to analyse what constitutes reasonable ES in terms of the impacts on individuals and published reports, and to elaborate upon various theories pertaining to PBL. Design Normal theory is used to demonstrate what various ESs would mean for individual change and a large meta-analysis of over 10 000 studies is referred to in identifying typical ESs. Additional theories bearing upon PBL are presented. Results Effect sizes of 0.8‐1.0 would require some students to move from the bottom quartile to the top half of the class or more. The average ES reported in the literature was 0.50 and many commonly used and accepted medical procedures and therapies are based upon studies with ESs below 0.50. Conclusions Effect sizes of 0.8‐1.0 are an unreasonable expectation from PBL because, firstly, the degree of changes that would be required of individuals would be excessive, secondly, leading up to medical school, students are groomed and selected for success in a traditional curriculum, expecting them to do better in a PBL curriculum than a traditional curriculum is an unreasonable expectation, and, thirdly, the average study reported in the literature and many commonly used and accepted medical procedures and therapies are based upon studies having lesser ESs. Informationprocessing theory, Cooperative learning, Self-determination theory and Control theory are suggested as providing better theoretical support for PBL than Contextual learning theory. Even if knowledge acquisition and clinical skills are not improved by PBL, the enhanced work environment for students and faculty that has been consistently found with PBL is a worthwhile goal.
Assessing Variation in Wildlife Biodiversity in the Tien Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan Using Ancillary Camera-trap Photos

Abstract During the summer and fall of 2005 while documenting snow leopard (Panthera uncia) abundance (McCarthy et al 2008), we collected ancillary camera-trap photos taken in the Tien Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan and assessed their usefulness for biodiversity surveys of larger animal species. The study was conducted in 2 separate areas; one that had been declared a strictly protected national park, and a second that had no formal protection but was used as a hunting reserve by foreign interests. By using 22–24 pairs of cameras placed for 49 days in both areas, we photographed 9 of 13 probably occurring large (>1 kg) mammal species identified in a country-wide review. Of the 9 species that appeared in photographs, 4 also were identified genetically from simultaneously collected scat samples. Two species identified by the genetic sample were not photographed. Photo rates differed between areas and corresponded to independent abundance estimates for snow leopards (from fecal genetic individual identificatio...
Fully quantum mechanical energy optimization for protein-ligand structure.

We present a quantum mechanical approach to study protein-ligand binding structure with application to a Adipocyte lipid-binding protein complexed with Propanoic Acid. The present approach employs a recently develop molecular fractionation with a conjugate caps (MFCC) method to compute protein-ligand interaction energy and performs energy optimization using the quasi-Newton method. The MFCC method enables us to compute fully quantum mechanical ab initio protein-ligand interaction energy and its gradients that are used in energy minimization. This quantum optimization approach is applied to study the Adipocyte lipid-binding protein complexed with Propanoic Acid system, a complex system consisting of a 2057-atom protein and a 10-atom ligand. The MFCC calculation is carried out at the Hartree-Fock level with a 3-21G basis set. The quantum optimized structure of this complex is in good agreement with the experimental crystal structure. The quantum energy calculation is implemented in a parallel program that dramatically speeds up the MFCC calculation for the protein-ligand system. Similarly good agreement between MFCC optimized structure and the experimental structure is also obtained for the streptavidin- biotin complex. Due to heavy computational cost, the quantum energy minimization is carried out in a six-dimensional space that corresponds to the rigid-body protein-ligand interaction.
Effect of recombinant human growth hormone on changes in height, bone mineral density, and body composition over 1-2 years in children with Hurler or Hunter syndrome

Patients with Hurler or Hunter syndrome typically have moderate to severe growth deficiencies despite therapy with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and/or enzyme replacement therapy. It is unknown whether treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (hGH) can improve growth in these children. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of hGH on growth, bone mineral density (BMD), and body composition in children with Hurler or Hunter syndrome enrolled in a longitudinal observational study. The difference in annual change in outcomes between hGH treated and untreated subjects was estimated by longitudinal regression models that adjusted for age, Tanner stage, and sex where appropriate. We report on 23 participants who completed at least 2 annual study visits (10 [43%] treated with hGH): Hurler syndrome (n=13) average age of 9.8 ± 3.1 years (range 5.3-13.6 years; 54% female) and Hunter syndrome (n=10) average age of 12.0 ± 2.7 years (range 7.0-17.0 years; 0% female). As a group, children with Hurler or Hunter syndrome treated with hGH had no difference in annual change in height (growth velocity) compared to those untreated with hGH. Growth velocity in hGH treated individuals ranged from -0.4 to 8.1cm/year and from 0.3 to 6.6 cm/year in the untreated individuals. Among children with Hunter syndrome, 100% (N=4) of those treated but only 50% of those untreated with hGH had an annual increase in height standard deviation score (SDS). Of the individuals treated with hGH, those with GHD had a trend towards higher annualized growth velocity compared to those without GHD (6.5 ± 1.9 cm/year vs. 3.5 ± 2.1cm/year; p=.050). Children treated with hGH had greater annual gains in BMD and lean body mass. In conclusion, although as a group we found no significant difference in growth between individuals treated versus not treated with hGH, individual response was highly variable and we are unable to predict who will respond to treatment. Thus, a trial of hGH may be appropriate in children with Hurler or Hunter syndrome, severe short stature, and growth failure. However, efficacy of hGH therapy should be evaluated after 1 year and discontinued if there is no increase in growth velocity or height SDS. Finally, the long-term benefits of changes in body composition with hGH treatment in this population are unknown.
Factors Affecting the Initial Stiffness of Cohesive Soils

The paper presents the results of an extensive laboratory program conducted to establish the factors affecting the initial stiffness (Young’s modulus) of cohesive soils in undrained triaxial compression. The testing program, conducted on resedimented Boston blue clay (RBBC) comprised more than 100 phases of undrained shear and isolated the role of: overconsolidation ratio (OCR), consolidation stress level, void ratio, lateral stress ratio, preshear consolidation path, strain rate and duration of laboratory aging. On-specimen measurement of the axial strain was performed employing a novel LVDT-based device capable of resolving displacements of less than 0.1 μm , corresponding to approximately 0.0001% axial strain for a 80 mm height triaxial specimen. Results indicate that for all testing conditions, at small strains the stress strain behavior of RBBC (OCR=1–8) is linear. Provided that the strain rate is sufficiently (by 25–30 times) greater than the preshear creep rate, the Young’s modulus is rate independ...
Differential Effects of Priming with DNA Vaccines Encoding the Hemagglutinin and/or Fusion Proteins on Cytokine Responses after Measles Virus Challenge

Measles is associated with a million deaths a year in developing countries because of secondary infections. Morbidity is particularly severe in young infants. Both measles-induced immune suppression and atypical measles have been associated with a type 2 cytokine bias of the immune response. The role of individual virus proteins in the induction of these cytokine responses is unknown and could be important for the development of new vaccines. We have used a rhesus macaque model and DNA vaccines to investigate cytokine responses to the individual measles virus (MV) protective antigens, hemagglutinin and fusion. The hemagglutinin protein primed for a type 2 cytokine response, with suppression of interleukin (IL)-12 and preferential production of IL-4 after MV challenge. The fusion protein primed for a type 1 response with preferential production of interferon-gamma. Responses were modulated when both proteins were used for priming. Therefore, the specific proteins included in a new measles vaccine will affect the type of cytokine response elicited.
Craniotomy for Resection of Meningioma: An Age-Stratified Analysis of the MarketScan Longitudinal Database.

Objective We sought to describe complications after resection for meningioma with the use of longitudinal administrative data, which our group has shown recently to be superior to nonlongitudinal administrative data. Methods We identified patients who underwent resection for meningioma between 2010 and 2012 in the Thomson Reuters MarketScan database. Current Procedural Terminology coding at inpatient visit was used to select for meningioma resection procedure. Comorbidities and complications were obtained by use of the International Classification of Diseases , Ninth Revision or Current Procedural Terminology coding. Associations between complications and demographic and clinical factors were evaluated with logistic regression. Results We identified a total of 2216 patients. Approximately 41% developed 1 or more perioperative complications. Approximately 15% were readmitted within 30 days of their procedure. The most frequent complications that occurred in our cohort were new postoperative seizures (11.8%), postoperative dysrhythmia (7.9%), intracranial hemorrhage (5.9%), and cerebral artery occlusion (5.4%). General neurosurgical complications and general neurologic complications occurred in 4.4% and 16.1% of patients, respectively. Nearly 55% of elderly patients (≥70 years) developed 1 or more perioperative complication (vs. 39% of nonelderly patients). After we adjusted for comorbidities, elderly status and male sex were found to be significantly associated with increased odds for a variety of complications. Conclusions In this study, we report complication rates in patients undergoing resection for meningioma. Because of the longitudinal nature of the MarketScan database, we were able to capture a wide array of specific postoperative complications associated with meningioma resection procedures. Care should be taken in the selection of candidates for meningioma resection.
Leptin acts in the brain to influence hypoglycemic counterregulation: Disparate effects of acute and recurrent hypoglycemia on glucagon release

Leptin has been shown to diminish hyperglycemia via reduced glucagon secretion, although it can also enhance sympathoadrenal responses. However, whether leptin can also inhibit glucagon secretion during insulin-induced hypoglycemia or increase epinephrine during acute or recurrent hypoglycemia has not been examined. To test whether leptin acts in the brain to influence counterregulation, hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemic (∼45 mg/dl) clamps were performed on rats exposed to or not exposed to recurrent hypoglycemia (3 days, ∼40 mg/dl). Intracerebroventricular artificial cerebral spinal fluid or leptin was infused during the clamp. During acute hypoglycemia, leptin decreased glucagon responses by 51% but increased epinephrine and norepinephrine by 24 and 48%, respectively. After recurrent hypoglycemia, basal plasma leptin levels were undetectable. Subsequent brain leptin infusion during hypoglycemia paradoxically increased glucagon by 45% as well as epinephrine by 19%. In conclusion, leptin acts within the brain to diminish glucagon secretion during acute hypoglycemia but increases epinephrine, potentially limiting its detrimental effects during hypoglycemia. Exposure to recurrent hypoglycemia markedly suppresses plasma leptin, whereas exogenous brain leptin delivery enhances both glucagon and epinephrine release to subsequent hypoglycemia. These data suggest that recurrent hypoglycemia may diminish counterregulatory responses in part by reducing brain leptin action.
PERTURBATION ANALYSIS OF MULTICLASS STOCHASTIC FLUID MODELS

Abstract We use Stochastic Fluid Models (SFM) for control and optimization (rather than performance analysis) of communication networks, focusing on problems of admission control. We consider a SFM with an uncontrolled traffic class and a controlled traffic class subject to threshold-based admission control. We derive gradient estimators for packet loss and workload related performance metrics with respect to threshold parameters. These estimators are shown to be unbiased and directly observable from a sample path without any knowledge of underlying stochastic characteristics. This renders them computable in on-line environments and easily implementable for network management and control. We further demonstrate their use in admission control problems where our SFM-based estimators are evaluated based on data from an actual system.
Brief History of the Howard University Department of Microbiology: Bacteriology was taught at Howard Medical School beginning in 1892, given departmental status in 1910, and broadened to microbiology in 1958

The beginnings of the Howard University Department of Microbiology, a unit within the College of Medicine, trace to November 1866 when members of the First Congregational Society met in Washington, D.C., to develop a religious seminary for training black ministers. That idea quickly expanded to include educational, legal, agricultural, and medical components and the chartering of the University by an act of Congress in 1867.
Abstract CN04-03: Phase 1b sulindac study for women at high risk for breast cancer

CN04-03 Background Regular use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) has been associated with reduced risk of breast cancer. The breast specific activity of each of the numerous NSAID agents and their relative potency to prevent breast cancer remains unknown. Sulindac, a non selective NSAID with pro apoptotic activity is a strong candidate for chemoprevention. Objective and Methods To assess concentrations of sulindac and its metabolites as well as their effects on known molecular markers in nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) in 15 subjects receiving 150 mg once daily and 15 subjects receiving 150 mg twice daily sulindac. NAF and serum samples were collected before and after 6 weeks of sulindac dosing. Results Sulindac and sulfide were detectable in 57.7% of NAF samples with sulfone detectable in 11.6%. There were no statistically significant differences between sulindac or sulfide levels in NAF by dose. There was a significant positive correlation between NAF sulindac and NAF sulfide levels. NAF 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin A2 (PGEM), a stable derivative of prostaglandins, exhibited a non significant trend towards decreased levels (p =0.1). Serum levels of sulindac, but not NAF sulindac, was correlated with a decrease in NAF PGEM levels (p=0.03). The NSAID inducible protein, growth differentiation factor GDF-15, showed a borderline significant trend towards higher levels in NAF in the 300 mg daily group (p = 0.07). Serum CRP levels were decreased with sulindac exposure with the greatest decrease observed among those women with elevated CRP levels at baseline. Conclusion Sulindac and its sulfide metabolites partition to the breast and are detectable in NAF. Sulindac exposure was associated with a trend towards reduction in PGEM that was correlated with serum levels of sulindac. GDF-15 levels increased in the high dose group. NAF levels of PGEM and GDF-15 may prove useful as NSAID response biomarkers if for larger efficacy based intervention studies in breast cancer prevention. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):CN04-03.
Randomized Classroom Trials on Trial

Publisher Summary In Professor Plum's testimony, he provides three essential classroom-based intervention research arguments. This chapter emphasizes on these arguments. In the prototypical instructional intervention study, two different teachers in two different classrooms compare two different methods of instruction after their implementation. Random assignment of students to classrooms is not a critical characteristic of scientifically credible classroom-based instructional intervention studies. A problematic feature of the prototypical instructional intervention study, which must be dealt with, relates to the manner in which the instructional treatments are administered. The unit interdependence/interactivity problem extends to situations in which schools are randomly assigned to receive different instructional methods, but all classrooms within a particular school receive the same method. The two major areas of concern regarding educational intervention research, namely, how students/classrooms are typically assigned to experimental conditions and how classroom-based treatments are administered, have direct implications for how the data from such studies are analyzed statistically. The major concern is that if interdependence among experimental observations/measures exists because of questionable unit-assignment and/or treatment-administration practices, commonly applied methods of statistical analysis are more than simply inappropriate. The chapter illustrates ten ideal characteristics of educational intervention research, which include: problem focused, theoretically grounded, data-based, psychometrically sound, representative, randomized, carefully implemented, properly analyzed, replicable, and transportable.
The Philosophy of War and Exile: From the Humanity of War to the Inhumanity of Peace, by Nolen Gertz

Early in his introduction, Professor Gertz uses troubling statistics to expose the problem he discusses in this captivating book. Of those soldiers who served in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan sinc...
Role of Imaging in Evaluating Infiltrative Heart Disease

Infiltrative heart disease is caused by the deposition of abnormal substances in the heart and can lead to abnormalities in cardiac function and electrical conduction. Advances in non-invasive cardiovascular imaging have allowed for improved diagnosis of infiltrative heart disease, as well as ways to track disease progression or regression, thus enabling a mechanism to follow response to therapy. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of imaging in the diagnosis and management of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) and cardiac amyloidosis (CA), as well as outline a proposed algorithm for using non-invasive cardiovascular imaging for evaluating these conditions.
Neuronal Intrinsic Physiology Changes During Development of a Learned Behavior

Juvenile male zebra finches learn their songs over distinct auditory and sensorimotor stages, the former requiring exposure to an adult tutor song pattern. The cortical premotor nucleus HVC (acronym is name) plays a necessary role in both learning stages, as well as the production of adult song. Consistent with neural network models where synaptic plasticity mediates developmental forms of learning, exposure to tutor song drives changes in the turnover, density, and morphology of HVC synapses during vocal development. A network's output, however, is also influenced by the intrinsic properties (e.g., ion channels) of the component neurons, which could change over development. Here, we use patch clamp recordings to show cell-type-specific changes in the intrinsic physiology of HVC projection neurons as a function of vocal development. Developmental changes in HVC neurons that project to the basal ganglia include an increased voltage sag response to hyperpolarizing currents and an increased rebound depolarization following hyperpolarization. Developmental changes in HVC neurons that project to vocal-motor cortex include a decreased resting membrane potential and an increased spike amplitude. HVC interneurons, however, show a relatively stable range of intrinsic features across vocal development. We used mathematical models to deduce possible changes in ionic currents that underlie the physiological changes and to show that the magnitude of the observed changes could alter HVC circuit function. The results demonstrate developmental plasticity in the intrinsic physiology of HVC projection neurons and suggest that intrinsic plasticity may have a role in the process of song learning.
Compassionate care: enhancing physician-patient communication and education in dermatology: Part I: Patient-centered communication.

The motivation for developing patient-centered communication stems from a desire to enhance the quality of patient care, fulfill professional competency requirements, reduce medical errors, and improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction. Patient-centered communication skills can optimize the physician–patient relationship without significantly prolonging office visits. We propose a series of practical and generally effective techniques for verbal and nonverbal communication. We also suggest a targeted approach for specific difficult conversations that may occur frequently in the practice of dermatology.
Giant epidermal inclusion cyst masquerading as a soft tissue sarcoma

Abstract Epidermal inclusion cysts (EIC) are common lesions formed by the invagination and cystic expansion of the epidermis or hair follicle. We present an unusual case of an epidermal inclusion cyst masquerading as a soft tissue sarcoma based on initial clinical presentation and radiographic findings. Mischaracterization of this type of lesion may lead to unnecessary diagnostic modalities or invasive, overly-aggressive surgery.
Sigma-phase in certain ternary systems with vanadium

Six ternary systems with vanadium were investigated by microscopic and X-ray methods for the boundaries of the σ-phase. In all cases, the σ-phase formed a relatively narrow elongated field in the ternary system, connecting with the binary σ-phases.
Down Syndrome, Obesity, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Cancer: A Brief Review and Hypothesis

Down syndrome (trisomy 21), a complex mix of physical, mental, and biochemical issues, includes an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and childhood leukemia, a decreased risk of other tumors, and a high frequency of overweight/obesity. Certain features related to the third copy of chromosome 21 (which carries the APP gene and several anti-angiogenesis genes) create an environment favorable for Alzheimer’s disease and unfavorable for cancer. This environment may be enhanced by two bioactive compounds from fat cells, leptin, and adiponectin. This paper outlines these fat-related disease mechanisms and suggests new avenues of research to reduce disease risk in Down syndrome.
The Limits of Cognitive Relativism

Claims to the truth of statements at the level of our scientific concerns involve an element of idealization. No doubt “the real truth” is one, but in this real and imperfect world of ours we have to accept the limitations of imperfection and face the fact that different inquirers living at different times and in different circumstances do have — and are bound to have — different ideas about the truth of things.
A Working Bibliography on Cooperative Research Centers for Practitioners and Researchers

A great deal of research and theory building on and/or related to cooperative research and intermediary organizations like CRCs has been performed by scholars and practitioners over the past several decades. As we have suggested throughout this volume, there is still need for a great deal more scholarship on this topic. In the spirit of community building and providing ongoing support, we have developed a website that contains a bibliography, organized by topics, of the published research on cooperative research, CRCs, and the like. As you will see, if you visit our website, we would like this resource to grow and expand over time, so we are inviting our colleagues from around the globe to nominate other sources and even organizing topics to be included on the list. We look forward to receiving your contributions and to your feedback on how to make this effort more useful.
TRIPS-Round II: Should Users Strike Back?

The TRIPS Agreement,' the instrument of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) governing intellectual property protection at the international level, is structured to directly protect the rights of intellectual property holders. It does little, however, to explicitly safeguard the interests of those who seek to use protected works. In some ways, this structure is not surprising. Because the free traders who negotiated the GATT worked in an environment in which the core concern, reducing market barriers, was viewed as producing (at least in the long term) unmitigated welfare gains, they were not likely to appreciate the social importance, in TRIPS, of balancing proprietary interests against public access needs. Moreover, to the extent that the United States was a prime mover in the Uruguay Round, its intent was to ease U.S. trade deficits by creating broader exclusive markets for intellectual products, a goal with rather a scant role for user rights. As a result, the TRIPS Agreement specifies levels of protection that can be exceeded, but not easily diminished. User interests are largely left to domestic practice through provisions like the famous (now notorious) "three-part" tests, which permit members to create limited derogations from protection, but only so long as they do not unreasonably conflict with normal exploitation of the protected work or unreasonably prejudice the right holder (taking into account, in the case of patents, the interests of third parties).3 It is rapidly becoming evident, however, that there are problems with a bifurcated system that, in effect, permits (encourages) members to expand intellectual property rights, but which makes them subject to challenge before the WTO when they reduce any of the incidents of protection. Developing countries are the most obviously vulnerable. Because their obligation to protect intellectual property arises solely out of WTO
Modeling and development of soft gamma-ray channeling

We have investigated the use of multilayer thin film structures for channeling and concentrating soft gamma rays with energies greater than 100 keV, beyond the reach of current grazing-incidence hard X-ray mirrors. A suitable arrangement of bent multilayer structures of alternating low and high-density materials will channel soft gamma-ray photons via total external reflection and then concentrate the incident radiation to a point. We describe the properties of W/Si multilayer structure produced by magnetron sputter technique with the required thicknesses and smoothness. We also have developed a flexible set of computer modeling tools to compute the optical properties of multilayer structures, predict the channeling efficiency for a given multilayer configuration and aid in the optimization of potential gamma-ray concentrator-based telescope designs. This modeling includes multilayer optical properties calculated by the IMD software, IDL gamma ray tracing code and a focal plane detector simulation by MEGAlib. This technology offers the potential for soft gamma-ray telescopes with focal lengths of less than 10 m, removing the need of formation flying spacecraft and providing greatly increased sensitivity for modest cost and complexity and opening the field up to balloon-borne instruments.
16-P: ASSOCIATION OF HLA CLASS I SINGLE ANTIGEN BEAD ASSAY WITH T CELL FLOW CROSSMATCH REACTIVITY: THE EFFECT OF ANTIBODIES AGAINST SPLIT ANTIGEN PRODUCTS AND ALLELIC VARIANTS

Aim To examine the relationship of flow crossmatch reactivity with antibodies to split antigens and allelic variants. Methods Records of donors from 2008-12 with A23, A24, B57 or B58 were reviewed for crossmatches with sera with a single CI donor specific antibody(DSA) to one of the above. The Luminex SA kit contains 1 A23, 2 A24, 1 B58 and 2 B57 beads. MFIs of the most recent SA were compared to T-cell flow crossmatch (FCXM) as follows: max MFI, sum MFI(A24 and B57 only) and sum split MFI (ex.A24(1)+A24(2)+A23). Correlation coefficients (r) were calculated between MFI and T cell shifts(TCS). Results 33 FCXMs met our criteria:5 with A23 DSA, 23 with A24, 4 with B57 and 1 with B58. Of 28 FCXMs with DSA to A23 or A24, 1 was pos. Of 5 FCXMs with DSA to B57 or B58, 1 was pos, and 1 weak pos. In the A23 DSA group, r of 0.7 was obtained when comparing A23 MFI to TCS (p = 0.12). Sum MFI of A23+A24 beads reduced r to −0.5 (p = 0.31). In the B57 group, r between TCS and MFI for both max B57 DSA and sum DSA was 0.6 (p = 0.33). Including B58 MFI increased r to 0.8 (p = 0.14). When B58 MFI was evaluated against TCS for B57, r increased to 0.9 (p = 0.02) [Figs. 1 and 2]. Download : Download full-size image Download : Download full-size image Conclusions Our results suggest that combining the MFIs of antigen splits does not necessarily increase the predictive value of SA testing, despite the conventional view that HLA alloimmunization primarily results in antibodies to public epitopes.