cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of failure after angioplasty of infrainguinal vein bypass grafts.

Objective Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) has had an expanding role as primary therapy for vein graft stenosis with variable results. The aim of this study is to identify patient and graft characteristics predictive of failure after PTA of infrainguinal vein grafts. Methods Retrospective review from Jan 2004 to Mar 2007 of patients undergoing angioplasty for failing grafts. Demographics, comorbidities, procedural data, and follow-up information were recorded. PTA failure was defined as first significant event including restenosis by duplex scan (>3.5 × velocity ratio), occlusion, redo-PTA, surgical revision, or amputation. Descriptive, logistic regression and life-table analyses were performed. Results Eighty-seven grafts in 79 patients underwent PTA. Mean age was 70 years (median 70; range, 39-89 years), 71% were male and 52% were symptomatic (40% with limb-threat). Mean follow-up was 17 months (median 17.4; range, 0.03-39.8 months). Freedom from PTA failure was 58% (standard error [SE] 0.0574) at 12 months. Predictors of PTA failure by multivariate analysis were: time from bypass P = .002), stenosis length >2 cm (HR 2.7; 95% CI 1.33-5.83; P = .007) and multiple stenoses (HR 2.5; 95% CI 1.29-5.1; P = .007). PTA patency for grafts with favorable lesions (single, less than 2 cm lesions in grafts older than 3 months) was 71% vs 35% for unfavorable lesions at 12 months. Limb-salvage was 95% and 90% and overall survival was 92% and 81% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Conclusion PTA of failing infrainguinal vein grafts is a reasonable primary therapy for favorable lesions. Early graft stenosis, long, and multiple stenoses are markers for procedural failure and are better served with surgical revision.
A Novel Isoform of the Secretory Pathway Ca2+,Mn2+-ATPase, hSPCA2, Has Unusual Properties and Is Expressed in the Brain

Unlike lower eukaryotes, mammalian genomes have a second gene, ATP2C2, encoding a putative member of the family of secretory pathway Ca2+,Mn(2+)-ATPases, SPCA2. Human SPCA2 shares 64% amino acid identity with the protein defective in Hailey Hailey disease, hSPCA1. We show that human SPCA2 (hSPCA2) has a more limited tissue distribution than hSPCA1, with prominent protein expression in brain and testis. In primary neuronal cells, endogenous SPCA2 has a highly punctate distribution that overlaps with vesicles derived from the trans-Golgi network and is thus different from the compact perinuclear distribution of hSPCA1 seen in keratinocytes and nonpolarized cells. Heterologous expression in a yeast strain lacking endogenous Ca2+ pumps reveals further functional differences from hSPCA1. Although the Mn(2+)-specific phenotype of hSPCA2 is similar to that of hSPCA1, Ca2+ ions are transported with much poorer affinity, resulting in only weak complementation of Ca(2+)-specific yeast phenotypes. These observations suggest that SPCA2 may have a more specialized role in mammalian cells, possibly in cellular detoxification of Mn2+ ions, similar to that in yeast. We point to the close links between manganese neurotoxicity and Parkinsonism that would predict an important physiological role for SPCA2 in the brain.
Comparison of dobutamine versus milrinone therapy in hospitalized patients awaiting cardiac transplantation: a prospective, randomized trial.

Abstract Background The use of dobutamine or milrinone for inotropic support in patients with heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation is largely arbitrary and based on institutional preference. The costs and effectiveness of these drugs have yet to be compared in a prospective, randomized study. Methods We compared clinical outcomes and costs associated with the use of dobutamine or milrinone in 36 hospitalized patients awaiting cardiac transplantation. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either dobutamine or milrinone at the time of initial hospitalization and were followed until death, transplantation, or placement of mechanical cardiac support (intra-aortic balloon pump or left ventricular assist device). Results Seventeen patients were randomly assigned to receive dobutamine (mean dose 4.1 ± 1.4 μg/kg/min) and 19 patients received milrinone (mean dose 0.39 ± 1.0 μg/kg/min). Therapy lasted 50 ± 46 days for those in the dobutamine group and 63 ± 45 days in the milrinone group. We did not detect differences between the 2 groups in right heart hemodynamics, death, need for additional vasodilator/inotropic therapy, or need for mechanical cardiac support before transplantation. Ventricular arrhythmias requiring increased antiarrhythmic therapy occurred frequently in both groups. Total acquisition cost of milrinone was significantly higher than that of dobutamine ($16,270 ± 1334 vs $380 ± 533 P Conclusions Both dobutamine and milrinone can be used successfully as pharmacologic therapy for a bridge to heart transplantation. Despite similar clinical outcomes, treatment with milrinone incurs greater cost. (Am Heart J 2003;145:324-9.)
Incidence of plastic in seabirds from the tropical pacific, 1984–1991: Relation with distribution of species, sex, age, season, year and body weight

Abstract The incidence of plastic in seabirds was studied (number of individuals of a species containing plastic per number inspected, and number of particles per individual), in 1574 individuals representing 36 species of seabirds collected in the tropical Pacific, mostly between 110 and 150 ° W longitude, from 1984 to 1991. Incidence of plastic was lower in resident species compared to those which bred to the south or north but wintered in the region, and especially when compared to species that crossed the tropics in migration between the South and North Pacific. Seasonal and age-related patterns in incidence of plastic, number of particles, and particle type (pellets versus user-plastic) among a group of five Procellariiform species (each with >5% of the individuals containing plastic and for which samples were >20 birds) indicated that degradation for an individual particle in the gizzard required less than one year, and that little plastic was regurgitated by parents to chicks. Two patterns emerged from this data regarding body weight: (i) heavier birds (for a given species, age-class, season and year) were more likely to contain at least some plastic, from which we hypothesize that birds in better physical condition fed more often in areas where higher densities of plastic and food are found, such as fronts and convergences; and (ii) among individuals who contained plastic (grouped by species), there was a significant negative correlation between number of plastic particles and body weight. This is the first solid evidence for a negative relationship between plastic ingestion and physical condition in seabirds. The likelihood that higher quality individuals are more prone to ingestplastic has serious implications regarding health of some seabird populations.
Bridging the Social Chasm in Geographically Distributed R&D Teams: The Moderating Effects of Relational Strength and Status Asymmetry on the Novelty of Team Innovation

The access to the diverse information that teams gain through the geographic dispersion of their members is argued to increase the likelihood that they will produce more novel innovations. Although valuable, such dispersion also increases communication and coordination costs, making it difficult to utilize this information in developing new knowledge. To resolve this theoretical dilemma, we investigate the conditions that alter the effect of team members' geographic dispersion on innovative novelty. Based on an investigation of 7,162 scientific teams in the biotechnology sector between 1973 and 1999, we argue and demonstrate that the degree of teams' innovative novelty is curvilinear: it increases and then decreases as the geographic dispersion of the team members increases. We also establish that the effect of geographic dispersion on the novelty of a team's innovation depends on the team's social environment. The greater the relational strength among research and development team members, the stronger the initial positive effect of their geographic dispersion, and the weaker the negative effect at higher levels of dispersion. Furthermore, the greater the status asymmetry in a team, the weaker the initial positive effect of geographic dispersion, and the stronger the negative effect at high levels of dispersion. These results offer insights into the social mechanisms that can facilitate the realization of the potential embedded in dispersed teams to generate novel innovation.
Central and peripheral optics in myopic children

The peripheral retina influences eye growth in animal models and has been proposed to play a role in myopia progression. Aberrometry was used to determine peripheral retinal image quality and relative peripheral refraction in myopic children
An interaction of DDT in the metabolism of essential fatty acids.

The growth of female rats was depressed further by the incorporation of DDT into a ration deficient in essential fatty acids (EFA). With female rats fed a ration supplemented with EFA, DDT produced a slight stimulation in growth. DDT also produced an increase in the 20∶3ω9/20∶4ω6 ratio in liver lipids of male rats fed a ration deficient in EFA. These data indicate an effect in EFA nutrition. Substantial changes in the fatty acid composition of liver lipids resulted from the feeding of DDT. The proportion of 16∶0 was decreased, while that of 18∶0 was increased. With rats on the supplemented rations an increase in the proportion of 20∶4ω6 was observed, while in the deficient rats a comparable increase was observed in the proportion of 20∶3ω9. These changes in fatty acid composition have been related to the proliferation of hepatic smooth endoplasmic reticulum induced by the DDT, and it is suggested that this effect could increase the demand for EFA by the liver, thus influencing EFA nutrition.
METHOD PERMITTING EASIER RESECTION OF BLADDER TUMORS IN THE ANTERIOR MIDLINE

Bladder tumors of the anterior midline are not easy to resect because a linear resectoscope must be used for right angle capability. Ordinarily the right angle may be made less acute by suprapubic pressure by the operator or an assistant. However, such a maneuver may be rendered ineffective by morbid obesity, induration of the suprapubic fat caused by radiotherapy or fixation of the anterior bladder wall to the pubis by fibrosis secondary to previous deep resection. Moreover, an assistant may be unavailable or a cramp may develop in the hand of the surgeon. The described procedure facilitates resection of bladder tumors of the anterior midline (see figure).
Endogenous thiol levels in heterogeneous murine tumor cells as a function of the physiological state and the response to X-irradiation.

The endogenous thiols (PSH, protein sulfhydryls; NPSH, nonprotein sulfhydryls; and GSH, glutathione) were measured in the 66 and 67 murine carcinoma cells growing under different physiological conditions in vitro (e.g., proliferation, P; nutrient-deprived quiescence QI; and QI cells stimulated by refeeding the monolayer in situ and assayed 4 (St4) and 14 (St14) h later). The aerobic radiation response was also studied as a function of the physiological state and thiol concentration. The changes in PSH levels suggest that the proportion of thiol-containing proteins changed whenever the cells were in transition between different physiological states (e.g., when QI cells were stimulated by refeeding, the proportion of PSH was elevated dramatically over either QI or P cells). The NPSH and GSH levels were both down significantly in the QI vs. P cells as was the total thiol level (PSH plus NPSH). Fourteen h but not 4 h after stimulation, the NPSH and GSH levels had returned to or exceeded the P-cell levels. Also, the proportion of GSH in the NPSH fraction varied as a function of the physiological state. The 66 and 67 QI cells were both more radiosensitive than the respective P cells. Also, the 66 cell radiation-induced cytotoxicity had returned to the P response by about 4 h after refeeding but the stimulated 67 cells had not. However, no overall correlation was apparent between the various aerobic radiation responses and the pool sizes of either the total thiols or of the various subsets of thiols. The depressed total thiol level and the increased radiosensitivity of the QI cells could represent a cause-and-effect relationship or these parameters could be independent phenomena only related indirectly through the reduced metabolic activity of the quiescent cells.
The impact of religious behaviours on the health and well-being of emerging adults

Emerging adulthood is a life stage in which the frequency of religious behaviours often wanes while the risk of mental illness, substance abuse, and risky sexual behaviour increases. The current study explores the role that religious behaviours might play in mitigating these risks among college-attending emerging adults. Survey data were collected on religious service attendance, prayer and meditation, substance use, sexual activity, and life satisfaction. Results revealed a significant effect for religious service attendance on substance use and sexual behaviour and for the frequency of prayer/meditation on life satisfaction, marijuana use, and sexual intercourse. Group comparisons revealed that emerging adults who participated in religious activities reported lower rates of substance use, less sexual behaviour, and greater satisfaction with life. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Indentation measurements of the subendothelial matrix in bovine carotid arteries

Artery biomechanics are an important factor in cardiovascular function and atherosclerosis development; as such, the macro-mechanics of whole arteries are well-characterized. However, much less is known about the mechanical properties of individual layers in the blood vessel wall. Since there is significant evidence to show that cells can sense the mechanical properties of their matrix, it is critical to characterize the mechanical properties of these individual layers at the scale sensed by cells. Here, we measured subendothelium mechanics in bovine carotid arteries using atomic force microscopy (AFM) indentation. To specifically indent the subendothelium, we evaluated three potential de-endothelialization methods: scraping, paper imprinting, and saponin incubation. Using scanning electron microscopy, histology stains, immunohistochemistry, and multiphoton microscopy, we found that scraping was the only effective de-endothelialization method capable of removing endothelial cells and leaving the subendothelial matrix largely intact. To determine the indentation modulus of the subendothelial matrix, both untreated and scraped (de-endothelialized) bovine carotid arteries were indented with a spherical AFM probe and the data were fit using the Hertz model. Both the endothelium on the untreated artery and the en face subendothelium had similar indentation moduli: E=2.5 ± 1.9 and 2.7 ± 1.1 kPa, respectively. These measurements are the first to quantify the micro-scale mechanics of the subendothelial layer, and constitute a critical step in understanding the relationship between altered subendothelial micromechanics and disease progression.
Economic health of the northeast (U.S.) multispecies trawl fleet 1996–2010☆

Abstract The United States northeast multispecies trawl fleet has undergone significant regulatory changes over the past 15 years, leading to a substantial reduction in fishing vessels. Given the changes that have occurred, it is important to systematically measure and monitor the economic status of the fleet. This is accomplished through construction of an “economic health index” that combines data on quantities of fish landed, their prices, along with inputs used, such as fuel and crew, into four basket type indexes which are combined into a single index number. A fifth component, incorporating fixed costs, is then included to arrive at the final index number. Results show that the fleet's economic status has improved since 1996, and that the improvement has been driven by productivity gains. The analysis also shows that inflation adjusted ex-vessel prices have not increased since 1996, while the costs of inputs used on fishing trips have increased.
Expert scheduling systems: survey and preliminary design concepts

Abstract This paper addresses expert systems used for scheduling problems. It focuses first on a survey of NASA-related and other expert systems for scheduling. Then a case study of developing scheduling requests of NASA Goddard principal investigators (i.e., satellite experimenters) is presented. Components of this scheduling domain are discussed, and then suggestions far requirements and preliminary design concepts for a generalized expert system scheduler are explained
Remarkable salt tolerance of naked amoebae from the Salton Sea and beyond

This study documents the salinity tolerance of naked amoebae from the Salton Sea, California, from intertidal sand in Dania Beach, Florida, and from freshwater. Amoebae were collected from hypersaline ponds around the perimeter of the Salton Sea, where salinities averaged 160‰, and directly from the shoreline waters of the Sea where salinities were generally between 44 and 48‰. Naked amoebae were also collected from the intertidal zone of a Florida beach, a habitat subject to salinity fluctuations in the range 6–85‰. From these sites, six clones of amoebae were isolated for subsequent salinity tolerance experiments (two marine beach isolates, two Salton Sea isolates, and two hypersaline pond isolates). A seventh clone, Acanthamoeba polyphaga, a common freshwater/soil amoeba, was obtained from the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP), England, UK. The culture experiments compared the effects of gradually changing salinity versus no salinity acclimatization and used growth rate and culture yield as indices of effect. Generally, amoebae were tolerant over a wide range of salinity conditions and were not markedly influenced by pre-conditioning to salinity throughout the experiments. For example, one Salton Sea species, Platyamoeba pseudovannellida n.sp. Hauer, Rogerson & Anderson 2001, was able to survive and grow well without pre-adaptation over the range 0–150‰. Overall, the freshwater amoeba Acanthamoeba grew between 0‰ and 12‰, the marine clones grew in the range of 0–110‰, and the Salton Sea clones reproduced between 0‰ and 150‰. The hypersaline clones were the most resilient and grew between 0‰ and 270‰. The results suggest that most amoebae are essentially unaffected in terms of growth and yield by moderate and severe salinity changes. This might partly explain the high abundances of amoebae found by the authors in salt-challenged environments. Amoebae in the Salton Sea reached 237,120 cells/liter while those in intertidal sand ranged from 181 to 8,473 amoebae/cm3. The survival and activity of large populations of naked amoebae in sites subject to salinity fluctuations suggest that they should be considered in future studies to better understand their, as yet, undefined ecological role.
Systematic specificity studies on porphobilinogen deaminase

Abstract Analogs of porphobilinogen (PBG) with different arrangements of the acidic side chains at C-3 and C-4 were tested for their ability to form complexes (ESx, x = 1–4) with PBG deaminase (EC 4.3.1.8), the enzyme responsible for the tetramerization of PBG into hydroxymethylbilane (HMB). These studies show that an acidic side chain at C-4 in PBG is required for covalent interaction with the enzyme.
Rescuing the former Soviet Union's marine data

Until recently, the Arctic was thought of as remote and pristine, far removed from the environmental problems that plague the industrial and agricultural lands of the lower latitudes. The Cold War cloaked many activities in the region under a curtain of secrecy and for most of the world, the Arctic remained largely out of sight and out of mind. Information released in 1992 on the deliberate dumping of nuclear materials in shallow Siberian-Arctic Seas [Handler, 1992; 1993a,b] elicited a strong response among the countries that ring the Arctic. Materials dumped included 16 nuclear reactors—six of which had fuel rods intact—and over 10,000 containers of lower-level radioactive waste.
Computer Program Schemata and the Processes They Generate

This paper develops definitions for a program schema, the execution of such a program schema, and a process generated by a program schema. Results due to Hartfiel are used to characterize the cone of stochastic eigenvectors of the class of homogeneous Markov processes generated by a program schema. The stochastic behavior vector of a process generated by the same schema is shown to lie in this cone. In the case of a cyclic structured program schema, all of the vertices of the base of the cone are exactly generated by the circuits of the schema. Some directions for future work are suggested.
Two-hydronic-reactive states of acetylcholinesterase, mechanistically relevant acid-base catalyst of pKa 6.5 and a modulatory group of pKa 5.5.

Variation of experimentally observed pKa values in pH-dependent kinetic studies using acetylcholinesterase (AcChE) is rationalized by proposal of two-hydronic-reactive states, EH and EH2, of the free AcChE molecule. Two kinetically influential ionizations with pKa 6.5 for the general acid-base catalyst, possibly the imidazole group of histidine, and a modulatory group with pKa 5.5 residing at the juxtaposal modulatory site, provided fundamental bases for the observed variation in pKapp values. Appropriate equations applicable to the proposed kinetic model in conjunction with pKa values (pKI 5.5, pKII 6.5) and relative varied values of the pH-independent rate constants,k˜′cat/K˜′m and k′cat/K′m, of the reactive states were used to generate computer simulation error-free pH-rate profiles. A series of theoretical apparently simple sigmoidal pH-rate profiles with characterizing parameters pK(app) varying between 5.5–6.5 were obtained. Ionization of a modulatory group with pKa 5.5 alone modifies the reaction mechanism of AcChE, and binding of substrates and inhibitors at this site provides modulation of catalysis/binding at the active center. Analysis of the relative magnitudes of pH-independent rate constants for the two reactive states revealed that in terms of the overall catalysis, the EH state shows favorable reactivity towards the cationic reagents with reactivity 1.0, as compared to the EH2 state with reactivities 0.25–0.55. Neutral reagents, in general, make use of the EH2 state.more than cationic reagents, with reactivities 1.0 for the EH state and 0.3–1.0 for the EH2 state. Further analysis showed that this discrimination between the two reactive states, by both types of reagents, occurs predominantly through the difference in binding constants K˜′m and K˜m. Relative binding of a given cationic reagent to the respective reactive states ranges from K˜′m = 1.8 × K˜m to 4.0 × K˜m and from K˜′m = 1.0 K˜m to 2.0 × K˜m for the neutral reagents.
Injectable fibroblast growth factor-2 coacervate for persistent angiogenesis

Enhancing the maturity of the newly formed blood vessels is critical for the success of therapeutic angiogenesis. The maturation of vasculature relies on active participation of mural cells to stabilize endothelium and a basal level of relevant growth factors. We set out to design and successfully achieved robust angiogenesis using an injectable polyvalent coacervate of a polycation, heparin, and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2). FGF2 was loaded into the coacervate at nearly 100% efficiency. In vitro assays demonstrated that the matrix protected FGF2 from proteolytic degradations. FGF2 released from the coacervate was more effective in the differentiation of endothelial cells and chemotaxis of pericytes than free FGF2. One injection of 500 ng of FGF2 in the coacervate elicited comprehensive angiogenesis in vivo. The number of endothelial and mural cells increased significantly, and the local tissue contained more and larger blood vessels with increased circulation. Mural cells actively participated during the whole angiogenic process: Within 7 d of the injection, pericytes were recruited to close proximity of the endothelial cells. Mature vasculature stabilized by vascular smooth muscle cells persisted till at least 4 wk. On the other hand, bolus injection of an identical amount of free FGF2 induced weak angiogenic responses. These results demonstrate the potential of polyvalent coacervate as a new controlled delivery platform.
The Problems, Language and Scientific Basis of Flammability Testing

Flammability tests are intended to provide a measure of the fire hazard of a material or product. The gross factors involved are the ease of ignition, the rapidity of combustion development, the severity of conditions produced by the combustion (heat, smoke and toxic gas loads), and the performance of a product under a fire load. Most flammability tests have been developed by practical people under external pressures (legal or corporate) to produce a believable, reproducible test requiring a minimum of effort, equipment, and manpower. The scientific understanding of the tests is a luxury usually denied the designers. The resulting tests each measure some aspect of flammability, usually reproducible and well. However, because of thtlack of basic understanding, related tests measure different aspects of flammability and correlate poorly. There is a need for increased effort in understanding tests scientifically to aid in correlating and interpreting the results. A side result of this situation is that a jargon has developed which often obscures the usage and basis of the tests. This paper will document the chaotic state of flammability testing, define some of the specialized terms, and close with some suggestions for the scientific interpretation of some aspects of wire and cable testing as an example of the approach which the author feels would increase understanding in this field.
Adipose glycerolipid formation: Effect of nutritional and hormonal states

The potential of glycerolipid formation fromsn-glycerol-3-phosphate (GP) and 2-monoacylglycerol (MG) was studied in adipose microsomal fractions under various nutritional and hormonal states. Glycerolipid formation from GP was followed in the presence of [14C]glycerol-3-phosphate and palmitoyl-CoA and was assayed by measuring the formation of butanol-soluble product, consisting mainly of [14C]phosphatidate. Glycerolipid formation from MG was determined in the presence of 2-monooleyl glycerol and [14C]palmitoyl-CoA, and was estimated by the formation of both [14C]di- and triacylglycerol. Glycerolipid formation from GP was decreased significantly during food deprivation, in experimental diabetes, in the presence of lipolytic hormone, and during aging. Glycerolipid formation from MG did not change under these conditions and continued at the same rate as observed in control animals. The rate of glycerolipid formation from GP was 7–20 times greater than from MG in the various fat depots. Measurement of the adipose mono-acylglycerol concentration did not show any correlation with the glycerolipid formation from MG. The studies suggest that glycerolipid formation from MG is active in various fat depots, and is substantial when glycerolipid formationvia GP is impaired.
To Test or Not? Singular or Multiple Heritage? Genomic Ancestry Testing and Americans’ Racial Identity

Recreational DNA ancestry testing may seem frivolous, or at least unconnected with important issues in politics. However, it opens new vistas onto two crucial questions: what is the relationship, if any, between biology and race? How much and why do people prefer clear, singular racial identities or blurred, mixed racial self-understandings? We probe those old questions from a new and unusual angle: media treatment of and public responses to various choices in DNA ancestry testing. Using automated content analysis and hand coding, respectively, we analyze two databases of U.S. newspaper articles, one with almost 6,000 and a second of 700 items. We also analyze two new public opinion surveys of nationally representative samples of adult Americans. The bulk of the evidence comes from the second survey, which uses vignettes to obtain views about results of DNA ancestry testing from large samples of several racial and ethnic groups. We find that the media encourage an association between biological inheritance and race, and emphasize singular racial ancestry more than multiple heritages. We also find that African Americans hold distinct, though not wholly different, views from other Americans. In particular, blacks (and Hispanics, to some degree) are especially receptive to DNA ancestry testing, particularly pleased with a message of group singularity, but also positive about a message of multiple points of origin. We conclude with a brief discussion of the political importance of DNA ancestry testing.
Measuring students' evaluation of online courses

The first purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of a tool to measure students' evaluation of online courses. A second purpose was to examine students' evaluations of our online courses. A principal components analysis revealed six underlying factors that appear to have high validity: appropriateness of readings and assignments; technological tools; instructor feedback and communication; course organization; clarity of outcomes and assignments, and content format. Cronbach's alpha of .98 indicated high inter-item reliability. Feedback from students showed an overall satisfaction with online courses, with somewhat lower satisfaction regarding aspects pertaining to instructor feedback and technology. Students rated content organization and formatting of the content more favorably than other aspects of the course.
The Transmembrane Domain of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus F Protein Is an Orientation-Independent Apical Plasma Membrane Sorting Sequence

The processes that facilitate transport of integral membrane proteins though the secretory pathway and subsequently target them to particular cellular membranes are relevant to almost every field of biology. These transport processes involve integration of proteins into the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), passage from the ER to the Golgi, and post-Golgi trafficking. The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion (F) protein is a type I integral membrane protein that is uniformly distributed on the surface of infected nonpolarized cells and localizes to the apical plasma membrane of polarized epithelial cells. We expressed wild-type or altered RSV F proteins to gain a better understanding of secretory transport and plasma membrane targeting of type I membrane proteins in polarized and nonpolarized epithelial cells. Our findings reveal a novel, orientation-independent apical plasma membrane targeting function for the transmembrane domain of the RSV F protein in polarized epithelial cells. This work provides a basis for a more complete understanding of the role of the transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail of viral type I integral membrane proteins in secretory transport and plasma membrane targeting in polarized and nonpolarized cells.
A Study of the Lyapunov Stability of an Open-Loop Induction Machine

The induction motor is widely utilized in industry and exists in a plethora of applications. Until the last 20 years or so, it was primarily used in an open-loop fashion (i.e., balanced sinusoidal voltages, constant load torque and viscous friction) with its inherent stability counted on to allow operation over a wide range of operating conditions. Unlike classical arguments based on the steady-state torque-slip curve, a rigorous analytical stability argument using the full nonlinear dynamical model is presented. In particular, conditions for global asymptotic stability of the induction motor in the sense of Lyapunov are given in terms of the motor parameters, operating slip, and synchronous frequency.
Analysis pipeline for the epistasis search - statistical versus biological filtering.

Gene–gene interactions may contribute to the genetic variation underlying complex traits but have not always been taken fully into account. Statistical analyses that consider gene–gene interaction may increase the power of detecting associations, especially for low-marginal-effect markers, and may explain in part the “missing heritability.” Detecting pair-wise and higher-order interactions genome-wide requires enormous computational power. Filtering pipelines increase the computational speed by limiting the number of tests performed. We summarize existing filtering approaches to detect epistasis, after distinguishing the purposes that lead us to search for epistasis. Statistical filtering includes quality control on the basis of single marker statistics to avoid the analysis of bad and least informative data, and limits the search space for finding interactions. Biological filtering includes targeting specific pathways, integrating various databases based on known biological and metabolic pathways, gene function ontology and protein–protein interactions. It is increasingly possible to target single-nucleotide polymorphisms that have defined functions on gene expression, though not belonging to protein-coding genes. Filtering can improve the power of an interaction association study, but also increases the chance of missing important findings.
Automated image-orientation detection: a scalable boosting approach

With the proliferation of digital cameras and self-publishing of photos, automatic detection of image orientation has become an important part of photo-management systems. In this paper, we present a novel system, based on combining the outputs of hundreds of classifiers trained with AdaBoost, to determine the upright orientation of an image. We thoroughly test our system on photos gathered from professional and amateur photo collections that have been taken with a variety of cameras (digital, film, camera phones). The test images include photos that are in color and black and white, realistic and abstract, and outdoor and indoor. As this system is intended for mass consumer deployment, efficiency in use and accessibility is paramount. Results show that the presented method surpasses similar methods based on Support Vector Machines, in terms of both accuracy and feasibility of deployment.
The Impact of Service-Time Uncertainty and Anticipated Congestion on Customers' Waiting-Time Decisions

Customers often decide between service providers on the basis of their anticipated waiting times. The duration of the wait depends on two factors: the customer processing speed at the service location and the level of congestion at the time of arrival. While processing speed is an intrinsic operating characteristic of a service provider, congestion is a contingent characteristic that depends on customers' choices between the service provider and its competitors. Consequently, a customer's waiting time at a service location is characterized by an externality because it depends on the concurrent choices made by other customers. In this article, the authors examine how customers account for this externality when choosing between service providers that differ in the uncertainty surrounding their service times. The authors show that the uncertainty surrounding anticipated congestion at service locations suppresses risk aversion with respect to service times. However, if the overall market is expected to be ove...
Characterization of a novel polyclonal anti-hypusine antibody

The translation factor eIF5A is the only protein known to contain the amino acid hypusine, which is formed posttranslationally. Hypusinated eIF5A is necessary for cellular proliferation and responses to extracellular stressors, and has been proposed as a target for pharmacologic therapy. Here, we provide the first comprehensive characterization of a novel polyclonal antibody (IU-88) that specifically recognizes the hypusinated eIF5A. IU-88 will be useful for the investigation of eIF5A biology and for the development of assays recognizing hypusinated eIF5A.
Underutilization of Radial Access in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Insights From the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium.

Background— The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency and temporal trends in use of transradial access (TRA) for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The use of TRA has been associated with less bleeding and improved clinical outcomes in patients undergoing PCI for STEMI. Methods and Results— The frequency of TRA compared with transfemoral access for patients undergoing PCI for STEMI or other indications (non–ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and non–acute coronary syndrome) in The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium database between 2010 and 2013 was evaluated. Propensity matching was used to assess the relationship of TRA with in-hospital clinical end points of major bleeding, transfusion, and death. The TRA cohort of patients was stratified into deciles based on their predicted bleeding risk and compared with PCI indication. Of 122 728 PCI procedures, 17 912 (14.6%) were via TRA. Among patients with STEMI cases, 8.3% of the PCI cases were performed via TRA. The use of TRA increased over the study period although the growth was slower for STEMI than for other indications, P <0.001. The use of TRA for PCI in STEMI was associated with a lower rate of bleeding (11.7% versus 20.0%; P <0.001) and vascular complications (0.7% versus 2.6%; P =0.001), but no mortality difference (1.25% versus 2.33%; P =0.175). There was a strong negative association between the predicted risk of bleeding and the use of TRA ( P <0.001). Conclusions— The use of radial access for PCI in STEMI is increasing but at a slower pace than for patients with other indications. TRA was associated with a reduction in bleeding and transfusion, but there is a strong negative correlation between the predicted risk of bleeding and actual use of TRA in STEMI.
Strangers in Their Own Land: Maasai and Wildlife Conservation in Northern Tanzania

Despite dramatic transformations in conservation rhetoric regarding local people, indigenous rights, and community-oriented approaches, conservation in many places in Tanzania today continues to infringe on human rights. This happens through the exclusion of local people as knowledgeable active participants in management, policy formation, and decision-making processes in land that 'belongs' to them and on which their livelihoods depend. In this paper, I focus on a relatively new conservation area designed on the Conservation Trust Model-Manyara Ranch in Monduli district in northern Tanzania. I present this case as a conservation opportunity lost, where local Maasai who were initially interested in utilising the area for conservation, have come to resent and disrespect the conservation status of the area, after having lost it from their ownership and control. I illustrate how the denial of Maasai memories, knowledge, and management practices in Manyara Ranch threaten the future viability of the place both for conservation and for Maasai use. The paper contributes to a growing literature as well as a set of concerns regarding the relationship between conservation and human rights.
Free amino Acid pools and enzymes in teratonia and habituated tobaceo tissue cultures.

The free amino acid content of habituated (normal) and teratoma (abnormal) tobacco tissue cultured on white's medium were compared. Significant qualitative differences (twofold or more) were observed for serine, proline, alanine, leucine, phenylalanine, and lysine. There were qualitative differences in several unidentified ninhydrin sensitive compounds. One unknown which co-chromatographed with homo-serine was present in high concentrations (9.96 μmol/g dry weight) in habituated but was lacking in teratoma tissue, Isoenzymes of an esterase, acid phosphatase, and oxidase were demonstrated in both tissues. The distinct differences in the isoenzyme pattern of acid phosphatase suggests a differential regulatory capacity of certain phosphomonoester intermediates and P(1) . The invertase activity was higher in habituated tissue, implying a greater capacity to utilize the sole carbon source, socrose.
Refractory Sarcoidosis Responding to Infliximab

Despite aggressive treatment with conventional therapy, sarcoidosis may be progressive and debilitating. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is critical in the genesis and maintenance of granulomatous inflammation. Agents developed to inhibit TNF-α have been approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease with unprecedented success. As such, physicians are increasingly using these agents to treat patients with other inflammatory diseases, including sarcoidosis. We report a case of refractory sarcoidosis, involving the lung, eyes, skin, and heart, which flared despite aggressive therapy. Oculocutaneous sarcoid dramatically improved after treatment with the anti-TNF antibody infliximab.
Introduction and Overview: Biotechnology, Risk Regulation, and the Failure of Cooperation

This is the introductory chapter to our book When Cooperation Fails: The International Law and Politics of Genetically Modified Foods (Oxford University Press). It provides the argument of the book and introduces the individual chapters. We investigate the obstacles to reconciling regulatory differences among nations through international cooperation, and assess what happens when cooperation fails. This work addresses the dynamic interactions of domestic law and politics, transnational networks, international regimes, and global markets, through a theoretically grounded and empirically comprehensive analysis of the governance of genetically modified foods and crops. We show that the deeply politicized, entrenched and path-dependent nature of GMO regulation in the United States and the European Union has fundamentally shaped negotiations and decision-making at the international level, limiting the prospects for deliberation and providing incentives for both sides to engage in hard bargaining and to “shop” for favorable international forums. We then, in turn, assess the impacts, and the limits, of transnational and international pressures on domestic U.S. and European law, politics, and business practice. Our emphasis on the intractability of the GMO dispute and the strikingly limited contribution of bilateral networks and multilateral regimes contrasts sharply with much of the literature on international cooperation.
Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Association With Disease Activity and Quality of Life

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of vitamin D deficiency in an IBD cohort. It was hypothesized that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased disease activity and lower health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. Harvey-Bradshaw index and ulcerative colitis disease activity index were used to assess disease activity. Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire scores were used to assess HRQOL. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of vitamin D deficiency and its association with disease activity and HRQOL. Results: The study included 504 IBD patients (403 Crohn’s disease [CD] and 101 ulcerative colitis [UC]) who had a mean disease duration of 15.5 years in CD patients and 10.9 years in UC patients; 49.8% were vitamin D deficient, with 10.9% having severe deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency was associate...
Increased poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity during porcine hemorrhagic shock is transient and predictive of mortality

Summary Aim of the study The aim of our study was to compare poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activity levels in a porcine model of hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. Materials and methods We designed a prospective, comparative randomized survival study of hemorrhagic shock using 20 male Yorkshire–Landrace pigs (15–25kg). In 16 pigs after splenectomy, we induced hemorrhagic shock to a mean arterial pressure of 50mm Hg (∼35% bleed). Pigs were randomized to receive normotensive resuscitation (SBP 90mm Hg), mild hypotensive resuscitation (SBP 80mm Hg), moderate hypotensive resuscitation (SBP 65mm Hg), or no resuscitation ( n =4 in each group). We also included a group of sham animals that were instrumented and had a splenectomy but not bled ( n =4). Muscle and liver biopsies were taken prior to hemorrhage, after 45min of shock, and 8, 24, and 48h after resuscitation. PARP activity levels in biopsies were measured using chemical quantitation of NAD + . Results Irrespective of our resuscitation strategy or outcome, both muscle and liver PARP activity levels rose after 45min of shock and then returned to baseline. Excluding our control animals, PARP activity levels were significantly higher during shock in non-survivors compared to survivors. Conclusions In our model of porcine hemorrhagic shock, PARP activity levels increased during hemorrhagic shock. However, this increase in PARP activity levels was transient as they returned to baseline regardless of resuscitation strategy. Interestingly, PARP activity levels were significantly higher during hemorrhagic shock in non-survivors compared to survivors. These findings suggest that PARP activity may be a part of initial pathways leading from hemorrhagic shock to death.
Control of active magnetic bearings with a smart bias

In this paper, we address the problem of controlling an active magnetic bearing (AMB) with reduced ohmic power losses. A solution is proposed which introduces a "smart" bias flux in the nonlinear control law. The bias is smart in the sense that it is a function of the rotor states, and varies online in a manner that reduces AMB power losses and avoids control singularities without affecting the closed-loop stability. General conditions on the functional form of the bias are provided along with a specific bias design. A simulation study illustrates the performance of the proposed smart-bias controller in comparison to a standard constant-bias controller.
Chest and Back Pain

A 26-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of sudden-onset severe chest pain radiating to the upper back for the past 3 h. He describes it as a tearing sensation in his back. He denies any fevers or chills but reports an episode of syncope prior to arriving to the hospital. He is unable to remain still secondary to pain. His past medical history is negative. On initial exam, his blood pressure is 140/50 mmHg, and heart rate is 102/min. He appears to be tall and thin, with long arms, long thin fingers, and hypermobile joints. His sternum has a concave deformity. Cardiac examination reveals a regular rhythm with an early diastolic murmur at the left upper sternal border and muffled heart sounds. Breath sounds are equal bilaterally without crackles. ECG demonstrates nonspecific ST-segment changes. Troponin and CK-MB are within normal ranges. A chest x-ray demonstrates a widened mediastinum (Fig. 9.1).