cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sigma 54-Regulated Transcription Is Associated with Membrane Reorganization and Type III Secretion Effectors during Conversion to Infectious Forms of Chlamydia trachomatis.

ABSTRACT Chlamydia bacteria are obligate intracellular organisms with a phylum-defining biphasic developmental cycle that is intrinsically linked to its ability to cause disease. The progression of the chlamydial developmental cycle is regulated by the temporal expression of genes predominantly controlled by RNA polymerase sigma (σ) factors. Sigma 54 (σ54) is one of three sigma factors encoded by Chlamydia for which the role and regulon are unknown. CtcC is part of a two-component signal transduction system that is requisite for σ54 transcriptional activation. CtcC activation of σ54 requires phosphorylation, which relieves inhibition by the CtcC regulatory domain and enables ATP hydrolysis by the ATPase domain. Prior studies with CtcC homologs in other organisms have shown that expression of the ATPase domain alone can activate σ54 transcription. Biochemical analysis of CtcC ATPase domain supported the idea of ATP hydrolysis occurring in the absence of the regulatory domain, as well as the presence of an active-site residue essential for ATPase activity (E242). Using recently developed genetic approaches in Chlamydia to induce expression of the CtcC ATPase domain, a transcriptional profile was determined that is expected to reflect the σ54 regulon. Computational evaluation revealed that the majority of the differentially expressed genes were preceded by highly conserved σ54 promoter elements. Reporter gene analyses using these putative σ54 promoters reinforced the accuracy of the model of the proposed regulon. Investigation of the gene products included in this regulon supports the idea that σ54 controls expression of genes that are critical for conversion of Chlamydia from replicative reticulate bodies into infectious elementary bodies. IMPORTANCE The factors that control the growth and infectious processes for Chlamydia are still poorly understood. This study used recently developed genetic tools to determine the regulon for one of the key transcription factors encoded by Chlamydia, sigma 54. Surrogate and computational analyses provide additional support for the hypothesis that sigma 54 plays a key role in controlling the expression of many components critical to converting and enabling the infectious capability of Chlamydia. These components include those that remodel the membrane for the extracellular environment and incorporation of an arsenal of type III secretion effectors in preparation for infecting new cells.
Antiganglioside antibodies and paraneoplastic neuromuscular junction disorder

Based on the instructions in "Guide for authors", our manuscript is a case reports and was submitted under "Letters to the Editor", which should not include an abstract.
Exercise capacity is associated with hospital readmission among patients with diabetes.

Introduction Patients with diabetes are at greater risk of hospital readmission than patients without diabetes. There is a need to identify more modifiable risk factors for readmission as potential targets for intervention. Cardiorespiratory fitness is a predictor of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to examine whether there is an association between exercise capacity based on the maximal workload achieved during treadmill stress testing and readmission among patients with diabetes. Research design and methods This retrospective cohort study included adult patients with diabetes discharged from an academic medical center between July 1, 2012 and December 31, 2018 who had a stress test documented before the index discharge. Univariate analysis and multinomial multivariable logistic regressions were used to evaluate associations with readmission within 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year of discharge. Exercise capacity was measured as metabolic equivalents (METs). Results A total of 580 patients with 1598 hospitalizations were analyzed. Mean METs of readmitted patients were significantly lower than for non-readmitted patients (5.7 (2.6) vs 6.7 (2.6), p 7) METs level. During the 6.5-year study period, patients with low METs had a mean of 3.2±3.6 hospitalizations, while those with high METs had 2.5±2.4 hospitalizations (p=0.007). Conclusions Lower exercise capacity is associated with a higher risk of readmission within 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year, as well as a greater incidence of hospitalization, in patients with diabetes. Future studies are needed to explore whether exercise reduces readmission risk in this population.
From Rigor to Reconciliation: Cyprian of Carthage on Changing Penitential Practice

In the middle of the third century bishops in North Africa and Rome faced a distressing situation. During the persecution of the Emperor Decius, large numbers of Christians had denied their faith, and church leaders were faced with the question of whether or not reconciliation could be extended to those who had committed the sin of apostasy, previously considered “unforgivable” by the church. This essay examines the process by which Cyprian and other bishops gradually recognized the need for change and accommodation to the needs of their communities. It provides a model for how the church today might deal with the problem of divorced and remarried Catholics.
A revamped cardiology curriculum for pediatric residents

Purpose: The American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) has issued guidelines for pediatric residents on pediatric cardiology (PC) topics. At many academic institutions, the teaching on the inpatient subspecialty PC service is very dependent upon the patient volume and mix, and residents may not have exposure to the ABP topics over the course of their PC rotations. We sought to assess pediatric residents'; comfort with ABP cardiology topics, and subsequently developed and implemented a structured PC curriculum. Methods: A needs-based assessment was performed …
Change in right ventricular systolic function after continuous renal replacement therapy initiation and renal recovery.

Abstract Objective To describe the associations between right ventricular (RV) function and outcomes of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Methods This is a retrospective study, conducted 2006–2015 at an academic hospital in USA. We included patients with AKI requiring CRRT who had paired echocardiograms within 2 weeks before and after CRRT initiation. We defined improvement in RV systolic function as 2-point improvement on the semiquantitative scale. Results The cohort included 201 patients. The mean(±SD) age was 59(±16) years with 83(41%) female. The median time of the pre and post echocardiograms relative to CRRT initiation were − 1 day (IQR-3;0) prior to and 3 days (IQR1;7) after CRRT initiation. Thirty-one (15%) patients showed an improvement in their RV function. Using a multivariable logistic regression model, improvement in RV systolic function was associated with lower odds of major adverse kidney events (composite of mortality, need for dialysis or persistently elevated serum creatinine) at 90 days with odds ratio (OR) of 0.37(95%CI:0.17–0.84, p.016). Positive cumulative fluid balance was associated with lower odds of improvement in RV function (OR 0.95 per 1-l increase, p 0.045). Conclusion Serial assessment of RV function among patients with AKI requiring CRRT could provide prognostic value.
Perioperative high density lipoproteins, oxidative stress, and kidney injury after cardiac surgery.

Oxidative stress promotes acute kidney injury (AKI). Higher HDL cholesterol concentrations are associated with less AKI. To test the hypothesis that HDL antioxidant activity is associated with AKI after cardiac surgery, we quantified HDL particle (HDL-P) size and number, paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity, and isofuran concentrations in 75 patients who developed AKI and 75 matched control patients. Higher preoperative HDL-P was associated with less AKI (OR: 0.80; 95% CI, 0.71-0.91; P = 0.001), higher PON-1 activity ( P < 0.001), and lower plasma concentrations of isofurans immediately after surgery (P = 0.02). Similarly, higher preoperative small HDL-P was associated with less AKI, higher PON-1 activity, and lower isofuran concentrations. Higher intraoperative particle losses were associated with less AKI (OR: 0.79; 95% CI 0.67-0.93; P = 0.005), and with decreased postoperative isofuran concentrations (P = 0.04) . Additionally, higher preoperative small HDL-P and increased intraoperative small particle loss were associated with improved long-term renal function (P = 0.003, 0.01, respectively). In conclusion, a higher preoperative concentration of HDL-P, particularly small particles, is associated with lower oxidative damage and less AKI. Perioperative changes in HDL-P concentrations are also associated with AKI. Small HDL-P may represent a novel modifiable risk factor for AKI.
The Courage to Listen

Theory and practice in contemporary governance place discourse, dialogue, and storytelling at the center of the field of public administration. These speaking practices involve the capacity both to speak and to listen to what is being said. Public administration emphasizes the former and neglects the latter. But if the breakdown in our "communicative infrastructure" is to be repaired, it is as important to consider how one attends to another's speech as to create settings and opportunities for speaking. Drawing from Michel Foucault's final three lectures, this paper theorizes the role of listening in creating a robust public sphere. Central to the argument are Foucault's analyses of the ancient Greek practices of "care of the self" and a specific kind of truth-telling, parrhesia. Listening is shown to be the central practice of self-care: To be able to listen, we must learn to attend to and take care of ourselves. This practice enables the subject not only to govern others, but also to listen to parrhesia...
Application to Biochemical Systems

Most biochemicals contain, essentially, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. Some include sulfur, iodine, phosphorus, and metals such as iron, calcium, and sodium. It would be very desirable to study the Mossbauer spectroscopy of the major elemental constituents, but there are conditions that limit the use of a particular nuclide. The low-lying excited state should be less than 150 keV. It is also essential that the energy of recoil be small, which is related inversely to the nuclear mass, requiring high nuclear masses. Also, the source should be readily available to the user. The first two considerations eliminate observations of the Mossbauer effect with hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. However, the Mossbauer spectroscopy of iodine has been applied to inorganic compounds, but not as yet to biochemically important substances such as thyroglobin.
Physiology of Moulting in Insects

Publisher Summary The process of moulting has been perceived as “resolved” by many invertebrate physiologists. Of consequence, attention has been given toward the construction of a broadly conceived systematic approach to moulting as a coordinated process coupling. This chapter summarizes the status of the various pieces of the moulting picture. A model for the secretion and resorption of moulting fluid requires the active transport of a cationic species (potassium) during the secretion of moulting fluid, and the active transport of an anionic species during moulting fluid resorption. The origin of the bicarbonate appearing in moulting fluid is the integumentary epithelium rather than haemolymph. Resorption of moulting fluid occurs via active transport of endogenously produced bicarbonate in the direction integumentary epithelium to haemolymph with a compensatory passive resorption into these cells of potassium bicarbonate from the moulting fluid. Secretion and resorption of moulting fluid are two separate processes involving either exogenously supplied or endogenously produced ions during the respective stages of moulting fluid elaboration. Specific hormonal involvement and changes in enzyme activities during the elaboration, secretion and resorption of moulting fluid have yet to be correlated with the various facets of cuticle deposition and digestion.
Peptide Mimicking Sialyl-Lewisa with Anti-inflammatory Activity

Peptides mimicking carbohydrate structure sialyl-Lewis a (SA-Le(a)) have been selected from a diverse dodecapeptide library using monoclonal antibody (MAb) NS19-9. Families of peptides with a consensus sequence consisting of three to nine amino acids and peptides that do not show a conserved core amino acid region were identified. Peptide DLWDWVVGKPAG was selected based on the consensus sequence DXXDXXVG shared with other peptides and strong binding in Western blot. Peptide competes with antibody binding to its native carbohydrate antigen, SA-Le(a), at 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)), 700 microM, implying that it represents a structural mimic of the carbohydrate epitope recognized by MAb. Statistically significant reduction of neutrophil recruitment into the intraperitoneal cavity was observed upon administration of this peptide in a murine acute inflammation model in vivo. Results suggest that the peptide mimic of SA-Le(a) carbohydrate might bind to E-selectin and block its interaction with another ligand, sialyl-Lewis X (SA-LeX), expressed on neutrophils.
Atrial fibrillation ablation using a closed irrigation radiofrequency ablation catheter.

Background:Catheter ablation is an effective therapy for symptomatic, medically refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). Open-irrigated radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheters produce transmural lesions at the cost of increased fluid delivery. In vivo models suggest closed-irrigated RF catheters create equivalent lesions, but clinical outcomes are limited. Methods:A cohort of 195 sequential patients with symptomatic AF underwent stepwise AF ablation (AFA) using a closed-irrigation ablation catheter. Recurrence of AF was monitored and outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards models. Results:Mean age was 59.0 years, 74.9% were male, 56.4% of patients were paroxysmal and mean duration of AF was 5.4 years. Patients had multiple comorbidities including hypertension (76.4%), tobacco abuse (42.1%), diabetes (17.4%), and obesity (mean body mass index 30.8). The median follow-up was 55.8 weeks. Overall event-free survival was 73.6% with one ablation and 77.4% after reablation (reablation rate was 8.7%). Median time to recurrence was 26.9 weeks. AF was more likely to recur in patients being treated with antiarrhythmic therapy at the time of last follow-up (recurrence rate 30.3% with antiarrhythmic drugs, 13.2% without antiarrhythmic drugs; hazard ratio [HR] 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–4.4, P = 0.024) and in those with a history of AF greater than 2 years duration (HR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1–6.9, P = 0.038). Conclusions:Our study represents the largest cohort of patients receiving AFA with closed-irrigation ablation catheters. We demonstrate comparable outcomes to those previously reported in studies of open-irrigation ablation catheters. Given the theoretical benefits of a closed-irrigation system, a large head-to-head comparison using this catheter is warranted. (PACE 2012; 35:506–513)
Knowledge Engineering Experimentation Management System for Collaboration

This paper presents a methodology and system for the analysis of complex experiments currently utilized by the Department of Defense. Assessed are effectiveness and efficiency of systems interactions and affected intra- and interorganizational processes. Methodology is derived from an operational experimentation analytics and management system designed to assess next-generation military e-services and infrastructure. A focus is the expansion of systems methodology beyond traditional transaction-oriented exchanges to include management layers for complex inter-organizational processes and mechanisms to accommodate sensitive company operations.
A radiation-cooled armor tile design for the first wall of ITER

A tile design that uses radiation rather than conduction to transfer heat to the water-cooled first wall of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is presented. The central, thermally insulated tile attachment minimizes local thermal stresses in the first wall and facilitates remote maintenance. The tile module consists of: a graphite tile; layers of anisotropic pyrolytic carbon used as a high-temperature thermal insulator; a metallic mounting plate; carbon-reinforced carbon screws which join the tile, the insulator, and the mounting plate; and a captive, central mounting screw. The design emphasizes simplicity and ruggedness while minimizing the need for R&D. The results of a detailed, two-dimensional heat transfer and thermal stress analysis are presented for steady-state heat fluxes of 20 and 100 W/cm/sup 2/. The effects of neutron heating, radiation, conduction, contact resistances, material anisotropy, temperature dependences and sliding interfaces are considered. The calculated temperatures and stresses show that the proposed tile design is feasible. >
RELIGION, SCIENCE AND RHETORIC IN REVOLUTIONARY AMERICA: THE CASE OF DR. BENJAMIN RUSH

Though early American revolutionary and scientist Benjamin Rush (1746-1813) never wrote a formnal treatise on rhetoric, his medical lectures and reform essays constitute an important site for the reception of rhetorics in revolutionary America. Focusing on Rush as a cultural register rather than a biographical subject enables historians to observe more immediately the cul- tural uses of rhetoric, the ways that individuals encountered, synthesized, and utilized assumptions about language to fashion identities at specific historical moments. Rush 's early encounter with Great Awakening oratory, his scientific training in Edinburgh, and his participation in republican politics all record new attitudes toward language in eighteenth-century America.
Hepatic trauma: contemporary management

In the introduction, I posed several questions that were issues/controversies. The answers will probably be interpreted as equally controversial. I do not believe there is strong evidence that the incidence of liver injuries has increased. Diagnostic modalities have contributed to this seeming increase, as well as population increases and the concentration of severe liver injuries in trauma centers, now present in 35 states. I believe there are more blunt injuries now, relative to penetrating injuries. The peak of penetrating injuries occurred in the 1970s and 1980s and lasted almost 2 decades. I believe some authors are overly enthusiastic for nonoperative management. I am particularly critical of authors who do not include all components of the surgical armamentarium into their treatment of severe liver injuries. I also believe that the complications following nonoperative management are currently unacceptable, as documented in the references. I have shared with you the strategies for operative management, but there are equally good or better strategies in the surgical literature.
Quantitative analysis of the active ingredient in a multi-component tablet formulation by powder X-ray diffractometry

Abstract A powder X-ray diffraction technique has been developed for the quantitative analysis of the active ingredient in intact tablets. Carbamazepine (CBZ) was the model drug and the other tablet ingredients were microcrystalline cellulose, starch, stearic acid and silicon dioxide. The integrated intensities of 21 X-ray lines of CBZ were used for the quantitative analysis. The ratio of the intensities of the X-ray lines in these tablets to the intensity of the same lines in tablets containing only CBZ was calculated as a function of the CBZ weight fraction. Such a calculation was based on the mass absorption coefficients of the tablet ingredients. These ratios were also experimentally determined in prepared tablets wherein the weight fraction of CBZ ranged from 0.51 to 0.69. There was a good agreement between the calculated and experimental intensity ratios. The relative error in the determination of CBZ was less than 10%. Small changes either in the compression pressure or in the tablet composition did not affect the validity of the assay method.
Modulation of terminal excitability of mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons by D-amphetamine and haloperidol.

Electrophysiological techniques were used to study the changes in the terminal excitability of mesolimbic DA and non-DA neurons following the infusion of d -amphetamine ( d -AMP) and haloperidol (HAL) into the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of rats. The amount of current needed to evoke antidromic spikes by electrical stimulation of the NAc was used as an index of the excitability of axon terminals of these neurons. The excitability of DA neurons was decreased by d -AMP and increased by HAL. In addition, the effect produced by d -AMP was reversed by HAL. By contrast, these drugs either induced an opposite effect or were ineffective in inducing changes on the excitability of nerve terminals of mesolimbic non-DA neurons. Infusion of the vehicle or saline produced no effect. d -AMP and HAL were still effective in modulating the excitability of mesolimbic DA nerve terminals after the destruction of NAc neurons by ibotenic acid. The results suggest that the effects seen after d -AMP and HAL are mediated primarily by DA autoreceptors. It is likely that the increase in the current needed for evoking antidromic spikes after infusion of d -AMP into the terminal region is the consequence of DA autoreceptor-mediated hyperpolarization of terminal membranes. On the other hand, HAL could exert its actions by blocking autoreceptor-mediated hyperpolarization.
SU-FF-T-202: Dosimetric Evaluation of a New Two-Dimensional Diode Matrix System for IMRT Planning Validation

Purpose: To present a dosimetric study of a large‐area 2D diode matrix QA device recently introduced for the validation of planar dose distributions resulting from patient IMRT plans used for treating prostate and head and neck (H&N) cancers.Method and Materials: MapCHECK 2™ Model 1177 (Sun Nuclear Corporation, Melbourne, FL) is a new 2D diode array consisting of 1527 n‐diodes distributed over a 26×32 cm2 octagonal space with a uniform diode spacing of 7.07 mm. Its predecessor (MapCHECK model 1175) contained 445 n‐diodes arranged over a 22×22 cm2 area. Spatial resolution over the 10×10 cm2 central portion was 7.07mm and increased to 14.14 mm outside this area. TG‐51 dose calibrations and diode sensitivity measurements were performed on both diode arrays before their clinical application. From a pool of IMRT patients, 5 prostate and 5 H&N treatment plans were selected for plan validation using both devices. Dose plan verification was accomplished by superimposing measured isodose distribution, at 10‐cm depth, for each IMRT field on the companion distribution calculated using the Pinnacle3treatment planning system (8.0m). Results: (1) As expected, both diode arrays faithfully reproduce the calculated isodose distributions for all prostate treatment plans, because the same inner high‐resolution (7 mm) area is used. (2) For H&N plans, the isodose distribution measured with MapCHECK 2, owing to its uniform 7 mm diode spacing, gives superior agreement with the Pinnacle isodose distributions. (3) Similar results are obtained with the older MapCHECK by utilizing the inner high‐resolution area at the expense of making multiple exposures for each field following translational and rotational shifts. Conclusions: We have successfully implemented the new MapCHECK 2 and demonstrated that it is more efficient for H&N IMRT QA than its predecessor. It is better suited for measuring planar dose distributions of larger IMRT fields encountered in H&N IMRT treatments.
Prader-Willi syndrome

Prader-Willi syndrome is characterized by severe infantile hypotonia with poor suck and failure to thrive; hypogonadism causing genital hypoplasia and pubertal insufficiency; characteristic facial features; early-childhood onset obesity and hyperphagia; developmental delay/mild intellectual disability; short stature; and a distinctive behavioral phenotype. Sleep abnormalities and scoliosis are common. Growth hormone insufficiency is frequent, and replacement therapy provides improvement in growth, body composition, and physical attributes. Management is otherwise largely supportive. Consensus clinical diagnostic criteria exist, but diagnosis should be confirmed through genetic testing. Prader-Willi syndrome is due to absence of paternally expressed imprinted genes at 15q11.2-q13 through paternal deletion of this region (65-75% of individuals), maternal uniparental disomy 15 (20-30%), or an imprinting defect (1-3%). Parent-specific DNA methylation analysis will detect >99% of individuals. However, additional genetic studies are necessary to identify the molecular class. There are multiple imprinted genes in this region, the loss of which contribute to the complete phenotype of Prader-Willi syndrome. However, absence of a small nucleolar organizing RNA gene, SNORD116, seems to reproduce many of the clinical features. Sibling recurrence risk is typically <1%, but higher risks may pertain in certain cases. Prenatal diagnosis is available.
Surgical management of adolescent obesity.

Morbid obesity continues to see a rapid increase in pediatric and adolescent populations. Morbidly obese adolescents develop significant comorbidities that continue on into adulthood. Although medical management in the overweight population of children can be helpful, morbidly obese adolescents do not show significant long-term weight reduction with lifestyle modification. Bariatric surgery is a safe and long-term solution in selected morbidly obese adolescents who are physically and psychosocially mature. Adolescent bariatric surgical patients require lifelong dietary modification and follow-up to ensure adequate nutritional supplementation. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) remains the gold standard operation but sleeve gastrectomy (SG) continues to gain rapid prominence, given its simplicity and reduced postoperative complication rates. The adjustable gastric band (AGB) in the adolescent population can be efficacious compared with medical therapy but has demonstrated significantly higher complication and reoperation rates compared with its use in adults. More longterm, longitudinal studies are necessary to firmly establish guidelines for patient selection and optimal procedure choice.
Postoperative outcomes in children with intermittent exotropia from a population-based cohort

Purpose To describe the long-term surgical outcomes in a population-based cohort of children with intermittent exotropia. Methods The medical records of all children ( Results Of 184 patients with intermittent exotropia, 61 (33%) underwent surgery at a mean age of 7.6 years (range, 3.2 to 23 years). Twelve of the 61 children (19.7%) underwent a second surgery (10 for recurrent exotropia and 2 for consecutive esotropia), and no patient received 3 or more surgeries during a mean follow-up of 10 years from the first surgery. The final postoperative measurements were recorded in 56 of 61 patients (92%) at a mean of 7.4 years (range, 0 to 18 years) after the first surgery: 31 of the 56 (55%) were within 9 Δ of orthotropia at distance and 25 of 55 (45%) had better than 60 seconds of stereopsis. The Kaplan-Meier rate of developing ≥10 Δ of misalignment after the first surgery was 54% by 5 years, 76% by 10 years, and 86% by 15 years. Conclusions In this population-based study of surgery in children with intermittent exotropia, although only 1 in 5 received a second surgery, after a mean follow-up of 8 years, approximately half were successfully aligned and 45% had high-grade stereopsis.
Aesthetic reconstruction of the confluence of the nose, lip, and cheek

The region of the face where the nose, lip, and cheek join is both visually and three-dimensionally complex. Numerous skin flaps and grafts have been used to reconstruct this region. Such reconstruction often results in poorly defined or amorphous facial features. This article uses one prototype case to show how flaps and grafts can be turned into tissue forms that when truly normal look like the features of the face. The emphasis is on dimension, proportion, and form. A stable platform for the nose is first constructed. The nose is sited. A thin, flexible lining is created. A lamina of cartilage and bone grafts is established throughout the defect. Three-dimensional patterns and nasal models are used. Refinement of the contour is performed before the pedicle is divided. Incisions are placed in facial lines of deepest shadow. Important details of the facial bas-relief are carved out of flap tissues.
Angular distance traveled across the eye as figure of merit for detecting moving targets

The effect of motion on the detectability of low contrast targets is important to predicting target acquisition. Previous perception studies addressing a model for predicting detection of low contrast moving targets used square targets as a reflection of the description of a target given in the ACQUIRE model, along with various angular velocities. The results showed that the figure of merit for probability of detection was a function of the size of the target and the angular distance traveled on the screen. To determine if the moving target model required greater precision in the description of the shape of the target, the present perception study used five different sized targets that had aspect ratios of 4:1 or 1:4 for a total of ten target configurations. The results confirmed the probability of detection as a function of the angular distance traveled and the square root of the area, showing no consistent or significant effect of the horizontal or vertical orientation, nor of velocity. A simplified formula for the angular distance threshold as a function of target size is proposed.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Activity expansion calculation of shock-compressed helium : The liquid Hugoniot

The Hugoniot of shock-compressed liquid helium was calculated using the activity expansion dense plasma program. The predicted maximum compression is at $100\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$ and $58\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}000\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$, at a density nearly six-fold that of the initial state. Comparisons are made with recent path-integral Monte Carlo simulations, which predict a smaller maximum compression of 5.24-fold, near $360\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$ and $150\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}000\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$.
A rapid and sensitive assay method for protein kinase.

Abstract A simplified assay method is described for the determination of protein kinase activity. Enzymatic activity is followed by measuring the incorporation of 32P from the terminal phosphoryl group of nucleoside triphosphates into protein substrate. Separation of the resulting 32P-labeled phosphoprotein from the unreacted 32P-labeled nucleoside triphosphate is achieved by chromatography of the reaction mixture on Gelman thin-layer chromatography medium for 5 min. The assay is shown to be more accurate than previous methods. Some properties of cyclic AMP-dependent and cyclic AMP-independent protein kinases from rabbit muscle are compared by using the assay method.
Aldosterone and PCO2 enhance K-dependent chloride absorption in rat distal colon.

We have previously demonstrated that, in the absence of Na+ in vitro, the rate of colonic K+ absorption is increased by increasing PCO2. Chronic secondary hyperaldosteronism induced by dietary Na-depletion further stimulated K+ absorption under these conditions. Because the observed increments in CO2-dependent K+ absorption were not accompanied by corresponding changes in short-circuit current, macroscopic electroneutrality must have been maintained either by anion absorption or by cation secretion. Colonic Cl− absorption is known to respond to increased PCO2 both in vivo and in vitro, but its response under Na-free conditions and the relationship to K+ absorption have not been examined. To determine the relationship of Cl− absorption to K+, we measured unidirectional fluxes of 36Cl and the response to PCO2 in voltage-clamped segments of rat distal colon. Our findings indicate that the rate of Cl− absorption is increased by increasing CO2, both in the presence and absence of Na+. Under Na-free conditions, Cl− absorption is inhibited by acetazolamide and by the absence of K+; K+ absorption (86Rb or 42K flux) is inhibited in a reciprocal fashion by the absence of Cl−. The rates of K+ and Cl− absorption are similar in controls and after secondary hyperaldosteronism due to a Na-deficient diet. These findings suggest that K+ and Cl− absorption are closely coupled under Na-free conditions, most likely due to the operation of parallel, aldosterone-responsive H+-K+ and Cl−-HCO 3 − exchange pathways.
Occipital bunning among later pleistocene hominids

Occipital bunning is a posterior projection of the occipital squama, which occurs in varying frequencies in samples of archaic Homo sapiens, Upper Pleistocene anatomically modern humans, and recent humans. It can be best interpreted as a product of the timing of posterior cerebral growth relative to the growth of the cranial vault bones. It is not a feature that was unique to the Neandertals.
Stabilisation of the Notre Dame 7.5-MeV electron accelerator

Abstract A modified HVEC model FN accelerator is being used as an electron accelerator for energies up to 7.5 MeV. A momentum analysis and stabilisation system has been developed which permits electron beams to be defined within 0.05% in energy. The principal features of the system are a two-magnet momentum analyser with a dispersion of 550 cm and stabilisation of the terminal voltage by injection of a 4He+ ion beam. The system has given good operation at terminal voltages up to 6 MV.
Vergleichende Untersuchungen zur Genauigkeit photometrischer und chemischer Analysenverfahren

Wir haben in der vorstehenden Abhandlung zu zeigen versucht, in welcher Weise die Zuverlassigkeit photometrischer Meseinrichtungen und Mesverfahren zu prufen ist. Im vorliegenden Fall — beim lichtelektrischen Photometer ELKO II — hat die statistische Prufung samtlicher Arbeitsgange ergeben, das der Apparatefehler nicht groser ist als der zufallige Fehler bei klassischen chemischen Bestimmungsverfahren. Es ist demnach moglich, mit Hilfe photometrischer Messungen auch bei groseren Substanzmengen zu ebenso genauen und zuverlassigen Resultaten zu gelangen wie mit klassischen Verfahren. Statistisch uberpruft und verglichen wurden beim Kupfer die photometrischen Bestimmungen mit Nitrilotriessigsaure und als Kupfersulfat
Ultrastructural changes in KB cultures infected with adenovirus type 2.

Abstract Cultured human (KB) cells were examined in the electron microscope at various times after infection with adenovirus type 2. No ultrastructural changes were correlated with the early stages of infection, up to 7 hr post infection (p.i.). At 11 hr p.i., when viral DNA synthesis is known to be in progress, nuclei contain two distinct morphological types of inclusions. During the period of peak viral DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis (18–24 hr p.i.), 5 new types of intranuclear inclusions could be distinguished in addition to the two seen at 11 hr. At 18–24 hr p.i., cells also contained unusually electron dense mitochondria and distinctive spherical nucleoli composed of a homogeneous particulate component. By 36–48 hr p.i., after maximal accumulation of viral particles, the several types of intranuclear inclusions present did not exhibit the morphologies characteristic of the inclusions seen earlier, electron dense material accumulated in the cytoplasm, and the mitochondrial matrix was not as dense as at earlier times. KB cells infected with adenovirus type 2 at 42 ° were also examined. At this temperature, viral structural proteins are synthesized but no infectious virus or viral capsomeres are assembled. Intranuclear inclusions of infected cells maintained at 42 ° were all morphologically dissimilar to those observed when infection proceeded at 37 °. By 18 hr much dense material accumulated in the cytoplasm; mature virions were not observed. The dense cytoplasmic material was similar to that seen in infected cells maintained at 37 ° for longer and may represent viral structural protein.
Male–female earnings differentials in early 20th century Manila

Abstract How might earnings of men and women have differed in poor countries a century ago? We know very little but a one-worker-in-ten labor market survey conducted in Manila in 1900 can help to establish baseline earnings patterns. In terms of raw means, women's earnings were about 30 percent less than men's, but both were distributed so that in some industries there were women who earned more than the average man. Controlling for hours, occupations and firm characteristics left female earnings discounts that varied by occupation from nothing to nearly half, ceteris paribus. Women workers concentrated in relatively skilled tobacco processing work, paid by the piece. Within this industry, productivity differentials were confounded by occupational segregation, however, in which men made the more expensive cigars and women the cheaper cigars and cigarettes.
The cleavage and synthesis of cystathionine in wild type and mutant strains of Neurospora crassa.

Abstract Wild type Neurospora was found to cleave cystathionine to cysteine and to homocysteine. A mutant which requires homocysteine for growth was found to have no enzyme for the production of homocysteine from cystathionine. A cystathionine-requiring mutant was foound to be deficient in the cysteine-producing enzyme. It was found that a suppressor, obtained by Giles , which causes these mutants to grow on minimal medium, returns enzyme activity to the mutants. A paper chromatographic method for the determination of cystathionine is described. Evidence is presented that transsulfuration in Neurospora is a reversible process.
EMMPRIN expression is required for response to bevacizumab therapy in HNSCC xenografts

Abstract The HNSCC cell line, FaDu was stably transfected with control vector (FaDu) or with plasmid expressing small interfering RNA against EMMPRIN (FaDu/siE). Tumor cells were treated with bevacizumab (0, 25, 50, and 75 ng/ml) in vitro , and then cell counts were performed at 72 h. For in vivo analysis, tumor cells were xenografted onto the flank of SCID mice, and were treated with 100 μg bevacizumab twice weekly for three weeks. Xenograft samples from the control and treatment groups were analyzed for microvessel density. Escalating doses of bevacizumab had no effect on the growth of tumor cells in vitro ( P ⩾ 0.086). However, tumor xenografts expressing EMMPRIN responded to bevacizumab treatment ( P = 0.0013), whereas the EMMPRIN knockdown cell line did not ( P = 0.7942). Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that microvascular density was reduced in the treated FaDu tumors ( P = 0.005), but not in the FaDu/siE tumors ( P = 0.48). Currently there is limited information on biomarkers to predict response to bevacizumab. By demonstrating effectiveness of bevacizumab therapy in tumors that express EMMPRIN, but not in tumors with silenced EMMPRIN expression, this study suggests that EMMPRIN may serve as a biomarker for response to bevacizumab treatment.
WE‐G‐BRD‐01: Diffusion Weighted MRI for Response Assessment of Inoperable Lung Tumors for Patients Undergoing SBRT Treatment

Purpose: To investigate early changes in tumor Apparent Diffusion Coefficients derived from diffusion weighted (DW)-MRI of lung cancer patients undergoing SBRT, as a possible early predictor of treatment response. Methods: DW-MRI scans were performed in this prospective phase I IRB-approved study of inoperable lung tumors at various time-points during the course of SBRT treatments. Axial DW scan using multi b-values ranging from 0–1000 s/mm2 were acquired in treatment position on a 3T Philips MR scanner during simulation, one hour after the first fraction (8 Gy), after a total of 5 fractions (40 Gy) and 4 weeks after SBRT delivery. A monoexponential model based on a least square fit from all b values was performed on a pixel-by-pixel basis and ADC was calculated. GTVs drawn on 4DCT for planning were mapped on the T2w MRI (acquired at exhale) after deformable registration. These volumes were then mapped on DWI scan for ADC calculation after rigid registration between the anatomical scan and diffusion scan. T2w scan on followup time points were deformably registered to the pretreatment T2 scan. Results: The first two patients in this study were analyzed. Median ADC values were 1.48, 1.48, 1.62 and 1.83 (10−3×) mm2/s at pretreatment, after 8 Gy, after 40 Gy and 4 weeks posttreatment for the first patient and 1.57, 1.53, 1.66 and 1.72 (10−3×) mm2/s for the second patient. ADC increased more significantly after 4 weeks of treatment rather than immediately post treatment, implying that late ADC value may be a better predictor of tumor response for SBRT treatment. The fraction of tumor pixels at high ADC values increased at 4 weeks post treatment. Conclusion: The observed increase in ADC values before the end of radiotherapy may be a surrogate for tumor response, but further patient accrual will be necessary to determine its value.
Quantitative cytoarchitectural analysis of cellular degeneration in the dorsal lateral geniculate nuclei of cats and kittens with cerebral hemispherectomy

Abstract Quantitative morphometry was used to study the effects of maturationally dependent responses to brain trauma on the cytologic organization of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGd). The left hemitelencephalon was removed in adult cats and in neonatal kittens and resultant changes in cell size and density were compared between these groups and with intact controls. Morphological changes were found bilaterally in all lesioned cats. Ipsilaterally, geniculate volume was reduced by 23% in kitten-lesioned cats and by 33% in adult-lesioned cats. The geniculate of both lesion groups contained fewer neurons in all laminae than did the nucleus of intact cats, but only the adult-lesioned cats showed a substantial increase in glial cell counts. Contralaterally, there was a tendency for a lower neuronal density in both lesion groups, but this was significant only for the A-laminae of adult-lesioned cats. Therefore, neonatal lesions spared more neurons bilaterally and produced minimal ipsilateral gliosis compared to the adult ablation. Results are discussed within the context of the “Gudden effect” which asserts that there is more retrograde degeneration in neonatal versus adult brain-lesioned animals.
Expression of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor in term chorionic villous explants and its role in trophoblast survival.

Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HBEGF) induces trophoblast extravillous differentiation and prevents apoptosis. These functions are compromised in preeclampsia. Because HBEGF is downregulated in placentas delivered by women with preeclampsia, we have examined its expression and cytoprotective activity in term villous explants. Chorionic villous explants prepared from non-pathological placentas collected by cesarean section at term were cultured at either 20% or 2% O2 and treated with the HBEGF antagonist CRM197 or recombinant HBEGF. Paraffin sections were assayed for trophoblast death, proliferation and HBEGF expression using the TUNEL method, immunohistochemistry for nuclear Ki67 expression and semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry with image analysis, respectively. Trophoblast cell death was increased significantly after 8 h of culture with CRM197 or by culture for 2 h at 2% O2. Exogenous HBEGF prevented cell death due to hypoxia. Proliferative capacity was not affected by culture at either 20% or 2% O2. Contrary to first trimester placenta, term trophoblasts do not elevate HBEGF expression in response to hypoxia. However, low endogenous levels of HBEGF are required to maintain survival. Therefore, HBEGF-mediated signaling significantly reduces trophoblast cell death at term and its deficiency in preeclampsia could negatively impact trophoblast survival. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
DELAYED ETTRINGITE FORMATION IN SWEDISH CONCRETE RAILROAD TIES

Abstract A petrographic examination of cracked Swedish concrete railroad ties identified delayed ettringite formation (DEF) as the damaging mechanism. This was unexpected because the concrete railroad ties were steam-cured with a maximum concrete temperature below 60 °C. The consensus in the published literature is that DEF only occurs in concrete subjected to heat curing above 70 °C. However, DEF is not only influenced by the curing temperature, but also by various other factors, such as cement composition (alkalis, C3S, C3A, SO3, and MgO), fineness, etc. If an unfavorable combination of these parameters exists, delayed ettringite may occur at lower temperatures than 70 °C. In this paper, the influence of various parameters on DEF is discussed with reference to the investigated concrete.
Formal methods for stability analysis of networked control systems with IEEE 802.15.4 protocol

Wireless networked control systems (WNCS) with control loops closed over a wireless network are prevailing these days. However, due to uncertainties such as random accessing delays and possible packet drops, the stability analysis for WNCS is a challenging task. Most previous research on the communication network analysis either simply relied on Monte-Carlo simulation or followed the multi-state Markov chain framework. In this paper, we propose a probabilistic model checking methodology for stability analysis in which the communication system is modeled as a probabilistic timed automaton. The stability condition is written in the probabilistic temporal logic which can be checked and the satisfaction of the specification is equivalent to the stability of the WNCS. We then studied the impact of different MAC parameters on the satisfaction of the specification. Furthermore, if the specification is not satisfied initially, we propose a systematic way to design the controller so that the specification can be met. This work presents an attempt and a new angle to the communication and control system co-design problem.
Automated In-Home Assistive Monitoring with Privacy-Enhanced Video

A privacy-enhanced video obscures the appearance of a person in the video. We consider four privacy enhancements: person blurred, person silhouetted, person covered with a bounding-oval, and person covered by a bounding-box. We demonstrate that privacy-enhanced video can be as accurate as raw video for eight in-home assistive monitoring goals: energy expenditure estimation, in room too long, leave but not return at night, arisen in morning, not arisen in morning, in region too long, abnormally inactive during day, and fall detection. Each monitoring goal's solution was trained using one actor and tested using two different actors. The privacy enhancements of silhouette, bounding-oval, and bounding-box, did not degrade achievement of the eight assistive monitoring goals. Raw video had a fidelity of 0.994 for the goal of energy expenditure estimation, while silhouette had 0.995, bounding-oval had 0.994, and bounding-box had 0.997. The fall detection algorithm yielded the same sensitivity of 0.91 and specificity of 0.92 for raw and bounding-oval video, while silhouette had a sensitivity of 0.91 and specificity of 0.75, and bounding-box had a sensitivity of 0.82 and specificity of 0.92. The other 6 goals yielded perfect sensitivity and specificity for raw and privacy-enhanced video, with the exception of blur video's sensitivity of 0.5 in region too long.