cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multimodal imaging and machine learning to enhance microscope images of shale

Abstract A machine learning based image processing workflow is presented to enhance shale source rock microscopic images obtained using diverse imaging platforms. Images were acquired from a 30 μ m diameter cylindrical Vaca Muerta shale sample using both nondestructive Transmission X-ray Microscopy (TXM, alternately referred to as nano computed tomography) and destructive Focused Ion Beam-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM). Output cross-sectional images from each modality were aligned using a combination of manual and automated registration techniques to create a registered image dataset. We then apply this dataset for two image processing tasks: prediction of image cross sections with SEM-like resolution from nondestructive TXM data and repair of charged region artifacts (localized accumulation of electrons) within SEM images. The image processing algorithms for both tasks use deep learning models, specifically image-to-image Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and conditional Generative Adversarial Networks (cGANs). In the image enhancement tasks, we are able to achieve significant qualitative and quantitative improvement in TXM images. The best model reaches an average Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) of 15.8 dB. Conditioning on TXM data is also shown to reduce artifacts from SEM charging, achieving an average PSNR of 25.8 dB. Our results suggest that properly trained and validated networks are capable of significant enhancement of images obtained using nondestructive techniques, thereby improving interpretation of two- and three-dimensional images while preserving samples for future use.
Ishay, Micheline R., The Levant Express: The Arab Uprisings, Human Rights, and the Future of the Middle East: New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 338 pp., $30.00, ISBN 978-0-300-21569-4, Publication Date: August 2019

Micheline Ishay, a political theorist and distinguished professor of international studies and human rights at the University of Denver, uses the metaphor of the Levant Express, a train on the move...
Da Always Ready to Help

The last time I saw Da Ruan in Brussels, Belgium attending a Fuzzy Conference several years ago. While we were focusing in an interesting conversation about the conference organizing activities of the Fuzzy Business during its infancy and formation period, Da was interrupted by an emergency that three graduate students were mugged by some petty thieves who have had robbed the Chinese students using soft weapon of shaving creams. Not only the students no longer had their passports under their procession, all their cash for the trip were completely gone as soon as they walked out the Brussels train station. This incident immediately promoted Da into a crisis management urgent care mode. After several hours of back and forth between the police, the Embassy, and the students, apparently first time making an oversea trip, was finally settled to attend the International Fuzzy Conference.
Identification of intratissue sites for xenobiotic activation and detoxication.

Results of immunohistochemical and histochemical investigations on xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity have demonstrated that xenobiotic activation and detoxication do not occur uniformly throughout the liver, skin, respiratory tract, and pancreas, four tissues that are targets for the toxic actions of xenobiotics that are biotransformed into reactive metabolites. It has been shown that there can be significant differences in the levels and activities of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes among even morphologically similar cells, that an inducer can affect a specific xenobiotic-metabolizing enzyme to significantly different extents within different cells in a tissue, and that inducers of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes can alter differentially the extents to which different cells within a tissue participate in xenobiotic metabolism. These studies also have revealed that the route of administration of an inducer can affect significantly the induction of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity within an organ such as the pancreas. Some of the immunohistochemical findings reported for the cellular localizations of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes within specific tissues, e.g., the nasal mucosa, may not appear to be entirely consistent with the intratissue distribution of benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase activity, especially after induction. However, it must be appreciated that other cytochrome P-450 isozymes undoubtedly are present within these tissues which, although not studied, also are capable of catalyzing aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity.
Thrombospondin 1 and Thrombospondin 2 Are Expressed as Both Homo- and Heterotrimers"

There exist two distinct thrombospondin molecules (designated TSP1 and TSP2) which are encoded by separate genes. TSP1 is a trimeric cell surface and extracellular matrix molecule. Sequence comparison reveals that the 2 cysteines involved in interchain disulfide linkage and trimer assembly in TSP1 are conserved in TSP2 (Laherty, C. D., O'Rourke, K., Wolf, F. W., Katz, R., Seldin, M. F., and Dixit, V. M. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 3274-3281). Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts express both TSP1 and TSP2, and, therefore, an important question is whether TSP in such cells is expressed as homotrimers or as heterotrimers. We find that Swiss 3T3 cells and epithelial cells transfected with TSP expression vectors express both homo- and heterotrimeric forms of TSP. In addition, homotrimeric TSP2 has a lower affinity for heparin than homotrimeric TSP1. Thus, the heparin affinity of TSP can be modulated by the expression of TSP as homo- or heterotrimers.
Combined endovascular embolization and stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of large arteriovenous malformations

Objective Large cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are often not amenable to direct surgical resection or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatment. An alternative treatment strategy is staged endovascular embolization followed by SRS (Embo/SRS). This study examined the experience at Washington University in St Louis with Embo/SRS for large AVMs, and reviewed results in earlier case series. Methods 21 patients with large AVMs treated with Embo/SRS between 1994 and 2006 were retrospectively evaluated. AVM size (before and after embolization), procedural complications, radiological outcome and neurological outcome were examined. Radiological success was defined as AVM obliteration by catheter angiography, CT angiography (CTA) or MR angiography (MRA). Radiological failure was defined as residual AVM by catheter angiography, CTA or MRA performed ≥3 years post-SRS. Results All AVMs in this series were >3 cm in maximal diameter (mean 4.2 cm); 12 (57%) were high grade (Spetzler-Martin 4 or 5). Clinical follow-up was available in 20/21 patients; radiographic follow-up was available in 19/21 patients (mean follow-up time 3.1 years). Of the 43 embolization procedures performed, eight complications occurred, leading to transient neurologic deficits in five patients (24%), minor permanent neurologic deficits in three patients (14%) and no major permanent neurologic deficits (0%). Of the 21 SRS procedures performed, one (5%) radiation induced complication occurred, leading to a permanent minor neurologic deficit. Of the 20 patients with clinical follow-up, none experienced cerebral hemorrhage. Of the 19 patients with radiographic follow-up, AVM obliteration was confirmed by catheter angiography in 12, MRA in two and CTA in two. Residual nidus was found in three patients. In patients with follow-up catheter angiography, AVM obliteration rate was 80% (12/15). Conclusions Embo/SRS provides an effective means of treating large AVMs not amenable to standard surgical or SRS treatment. The outcomes and complication rates reported in this series compare favorably with other reported therapeutic strategies for this very challenging patient population.
Cloning and sequencing of a bile acid-inducible operon from Eubacterium sp. strain VPI 12708.

Two bile acid-inducible polypeptides from Eubacterium sp. strain VPI 12708 with molecular weights of 27,000 and approximately 45,000 have previously been shown to be encoded by genes residing on a 2.9-kb EcoRI fragment. We now report the cloning and sequencing of three additional overlapping DNA fragments upstream from this EcoRI fragment. Together, these four fragments contain a large segment of a bile acid-inducible operon which encodes the 27,000- and 45,000-Mr (now shown to be 47,500-Mr) polypeptides and open reading frames potentially coding for four additional polypeptides with molecular weights of 59,500, 58,000, 19,500, and 9,000 to 11,500. A bile acid-inducible polypeptide with an apparent Mr of 23,500, as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, was purified to homogeneity, and the N-terminal amino acid sequence that was obtained matched the sequence deduced from the open reading frame coding for the 19,500-Mr polypeptide. A short DNA segment containing the 39 downstream end of the gene coding for the 47,500-Mr polypeptide was not successfully cloned but was directly sequenced from DNA fragments synthesized by polymerase chain reaction. The mRNA initiation site for the bile acid-inducible operon was shown by primer extension to be immediately upstream from the gene encoding the 58,000-Mr polypeptide. A potential promoter region upstream from the mRNA initiation site displayed significant homology with the promoter regions of previously identified bile acid-inducible genes from Eubacterium sp. strain VPI 12708. We hypothesize that this bile acid-inducible operon codes for most of the enzymes involved in the bile acid 7 alpha-dehydroxylation pathway in this bacterium. Images
Evolution and Diversity of Nonstriated Muscles

The sections in this article are: 1 Distribution of Contractile Proteins 1.1 Tubulin 1.2 Amoeboid Movement; Actin-Myosin Interaction in Protoplasmic Movement 1.3 Movement by Actin Filaments; Interaction With Proteins Other Than Myosin 1.4 Contraction of Ciliates by an Unidentified Protein 2 Sponge Myocyte Contraction 3 Epitheliomuscular Cells; Nonstriated and Striated Muscles of Coelenterates 4 Invertebrate Postural Nonstriated Muscles 4.1 Neurally Activated Smooth Muscles 4.2 Diagonally Striated Muscles; Structural Transitions to Striated Muscles 5 Visceral Muscles of Invertebrates 5.1 Muscles of Invertebrate Digestive Tracts 5.2 Muscles of Invertebrate Cardiovascular Systems 6 Catch Muscles; Paramyosin 7 Modulation of Calcium Control of Myosin Activation 8 Separate Origins of Striated Muscle in Arthropods and Vertebrates 9 Smooth Muscles of Vertebrates; Structure and Chemistry 9.1 Mechanical Properties 9.2 Synchronization and Rhythmicity 9.3 Neural and Hormonal Modulation 10 Conclusions
Marching Optimal-Parameter Ridges: An Algorithm to Extract Shape Loci in 3D Images

This paper presents a method for identifying image loci that can be used as a basis for object segmentation and image registration. The focus is on 1D and 2D shape loci in 3D images. This method, called marching ridges, uses generalized height ridges, oriented medialness measures and a marching cubes like algorithm to extract optimal scale-orientation cores. This algorithm can can also be used for other image processing tasks such as finding intensity skeletons of objects and identifying object boundaries.
Transcriptional regulation of coordinate changes in flagellar mRNAs during differentiation of Naegleria gruberi amebae into flagellates.

The nuclear run-on technique was used to measure the rate of transcription of flagellar genes during the differentiation of Naegleria gruberi amebae into flagellates. Synthesis of mRNAs for the axonemal proteins ..cap alpha..- and BETA-tubulin and flagellar calmodulin, as well as a coordinately regulated poly(A)/sup +/ RNA that codes for an unidentified protein, showed transient increases averaging 22-fold. The rate of synthesis of two poly(A)/sup +/ RNAs common to ameobae and flagellates was low until the transcription of the flagellar genes began to decline, at which time synthesis of the RNAs found in ameobae increased 3- to 10-fold. The observed changes in the rate of transcription can account quantitatively for the 20-fold increase in flagellar mRNA concentration during the differentiation. The data for the flagellar calmodulin gene demonstrate transcriptional regulation for a nontubulin axonemal protein. The data also demonstrate at least two programs of transcriptional regulation during the differentiation and raise the intriguing possibility that some significant fraction of the nearly 200 different proteins of the flagellar axoneme is transcriptionally regulated during the 1 h it takes N. gruberi amebae to form visible flagella.
A Cell-Type Specific CD1d Expression Program Modulates Invariant NKT Cell Development and Function

Invariant NK T (iNKT) cells are a distinct subset of T cells that rapidly produce an array of immunoregulatory cytokines upon activation. Cytokines produced by iNKT cells subsequently transactivate other leukocytes and elicit their respective effector functions. In this way, iNKT cells play a central role in coordinating the development of immune responses in a variety of settings. However, the mechanisms governing the quality of the iNKT cell response elicited remain poorly defined. To address whether changes in the CD1d expression pattern could regulate iNKT cell function, we generated a transgenic (Tg) mouse model in which thymocytes and peripheral T cells express high levels of CD1d (Lck-CD1d Tg+ mice). The expression of CD1d by T cells was sufficient to rescue development of iNKT cells in mice deficient of endogenous CD1d. However, the relative proportions of iNKT cell subsets in Lck-CD1d Tg+ mice were distinctly different from those in wild-type mice, suggesting an altered developmental program. Additionally, iNKT cells were hyporesponsive to antigenic stimulation in vivo. Interestingly, Lck-CD1d Tg+ mice develop liver pathology in the absence of any exogenous manipulation. The results of these studies suggest that changes to the CD1d expression program modulate iNKT cell development and function.
Neurodegeneration induced by beta-amyloid peptides in vitro: the role of peptide assembly state

The progressive neurodegeneration of Alzheimer9s disease has been hypothesized to be mediated, at least in part, by beta-amyloid protein. A relationship between the aggregation state of beta-amyloid protein and its ability to promote degeneration in vitro has been previously suggested. To evaluate this hypothesis and to define a structure- activity relationship for beta-amyloid, aggregation properties of an overlapping series of synthetic beta-amyloid peptides (beta APs) were investigated and compared with beta AP neurotoxic properties in vitro. Using light microscopy, electrophoresis, and ultracentrifugation assays, we found that few beta APs assembled into aggregates immediately after solubilization, but that over time peptides containing the highly hydrophobic beta 29–35 region formed stable aggregations. In short-term neuronal cultures, toxicity was associated specifically with those beta APs that also exhibited significant aggregation. Further, upon the partial reversal of beta 1–42 aggregation, a concomitant loss of toxicity was observed. A synthetic peptide derived from a different amyloidogenic protein, islet amyloid polypeptide, exhibited aggregation but not toxicity, suggesting that beta AP-induced neurotoxicity in vitro is not a nonspecific reaction to aggregated protein. The correlation between beta AP aggregation and neurotoxicity was also observed in long-term neuronal cultures but not in astrocyte cultures. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that beta-amyloid protein contributes to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer9s disease.
Functionalization of Silica Nanoparticles via the Combination of Surface-Initiated RAFT Polymerization and Click Reactions

A functional monomer with a pendant azide moiety, 6-azidohexyl methacrylate (AHMA), was polymerized on the surface of silica nanoparticles via surface-initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization with considerable control over the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution. The kinetics of AHMA polymerization mediated by 4-cyanopentanoic acid dithiobenzoate (CPDB) anchored nanoparticles was investigated and compared with that of AHMA polymerization mediated by free CPDB under similar conditions. The subsequent postfunctionalizations of PAHMA-grafted nanoparticles were demonstrated by reacting with various functional alkynes via click reactions. Kinetic studies showed that the reaction of surface-grafted PAHMA with phenylacetylene surface-grafted PAHMA was much faster than that of free PAHMA with phenylacetylene, whereas in the case of high molecular weight alkynes surface-grafted PAHMA showed lower reaction rates as compared to free PAHMA.
Evolutionary selection against change in many Alu repeat sequences interspersed through primate genomes

Mutations have been examined in the 1500 interspersed Alu repeats of human DNA that have been sequenced and are nearly full length. There is a set of particular changes at certain positions that rarely occur (termed suppressed changes) compared to the average of identical changes of identical nucleotides in the rest of the sequence. The suppressed changes occur in positions that are clustered together in what appear to be sites for protein binding. There is a good correlation of the suppression in different positions, and therefore the joint probability of absence of mutation at many pairs of such positions is significantly higher than that expected at random. The suppression of mutation appears to result from selection that is not due to requirements for Alu sequence replication. The implication is that hundreds of thousands of Alu sequences have sequence-dependent functions in the genome that are selectively important for primates. In a few known cases Alu inserts have been adapted to function in the regulation of gene transcription.
Gastrointestinal complications after descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic repairs: a 14-year experience.

Objective There is a paucity of data regarding gastrointestinal (GI) complications after descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic (DTA/TAA) surgical repairs. We examined our 14-year experience with these repairs to determine the incidence, outcomes, and risk factors for postoperative GI complications. Methods Between February 1991 and February 2005, we repaired 1159 DTA/TAA. Data were prospectively collected. The mean patient age was 68 years and 36% were women. Complications were classified as biliary disease, hepatic dysfunction, pancreatitis, GI bleeding, peptic ulcer disease, bowel ischemia, and ileus. Risk factors for the occurrence of GI complications were ascertained by univariate and multivariable analysis. Results Of the 1159 patients, 81 had 109 GI complications, for a 7% incidence. The mortality associated with GI complications was 39.5% compared with 13.5% ( P P = .001), hepatic dysfunction (OR, 3.58; P = .006), and bowel ischemia (OR, 10.03; P = .0001) were significantly associated with an increased postoperative mortality. Risk factors for the occurrence of GI complications were visceral involvement of the aortic repair (TAA extent II, III, and IV) (OR, 2.08; P = .002) and low preoperative glomerular filtration rate (OR, .98; P = .0002). Conclusion Biliary disease, hepatic dysfunction, and bowel ischemia after DTA/TAA surgical repairs were associated with an increased mortality. Visceral involvement and preoperative renal insufficiency were risk factors for the occurrence of GI complications.
Self-assembly organometallic squares with terpyridyl metal complexes as bridging ligands.

A series of novel heterometallic square complexes with the general molecular formulas {fac-Br(CO)3Re[μ-(pyterpy)2M]}4(PF6)8 and {(dppf)Pd[μ-(pyterpy)2Ru]}4(PF6)8(OTf8 (4), where M = Fe (1), Ru (2), or Os (3), pyterpy is 4‘-(4‘ ‘‘-pyridyl)-2,2‘:6‘,2‘ ‘-terpyridine, dppf = 1,1‘-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene and OTf is trifluoromethanesulfonate, were prepared by self-assembly between BrRe(CO)5 or (dppf)Pd(H2O)2(OTf)2 and (pyterpy)2M(PF6)2. The obtained NMR spectra, IR spectra, electrospray ionization mass spectra, and elemental analyses are all consistent with the proposed square structures incorporating terpyridyl metal complexes as bridging ligands. Multiple redox processes were observed in all square complexes. All four complexes display strong visible absorptions in the region 400−600 nm, which are assigned as metal (Fe, Ru, or Os)-to-ligand (pyterpy) charge transfer (MLCT) bands. Square 3 exhibits an additional weak band at 676 nm, which is assigned to an Os-based 3MLCT band. For each complex, the ban...
A Thermodynamic Model for Nap1-Histone Interactions

The yeast nucleosome assembly protein 1 (yNap1) plays a role in chromatin maintenance by facilitating histone exchange as well as nucleosome assembly and disassembly. It has been suggested that yNap1 carries out these functions by regulating the concentration of free histones. Therefore, a quantitative understanding of yNap1-histone interactions also provides information on the thermodynamics of chromatin. We have developed quantitative methods to study the affinity of yNap1 for histones. We show that yNap1 binds H2A/H2B and H3/H4 histone complexes with low nm affinity, and that each yNap1 dimer binds two histone fold dimers. The yNap1 tails contribute synergistically to histone binding while the histone tails have a slightly repressive effect on binding. The (H3/H4)2 tetramer binds DNA with higher affinity than it binds yNap1.
Surface periodicity exposed through shadowing and blocking effects

Abstract The azimuthal anisotropy of scattered ion intensities resulting from classical shadowing and blocking effects directly exposes the surface periodicity of crystals. Using time-of-flight scattering and recoiling spectrometry (TOF-SARS) under appropriate angular conditions, it is shown that the crystal surface periodicity can be directly read from the variations of scattering intensity with crystal azimuthal angle, in both shadowing and blocking conditions. This is demonstrated for the (1 × 2) and (1 × 3) phases of a reconstructed Pt{110&} surface.
Iron represses bioluminescence and affects catabolite repression of luminescence inVibrio harveyi

Bioluminescence and the synthesis of luciferase inVibrio harveyi growing in a minimal medium are repressible by iron; this is not significantly reversed by cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP). Cultures grown with added iron emit less light and possess less luciferase per cell than those grown under conditions of limiting iron; this may have significance in relation to the function of luciferase as an electron carrier. With iron, and with glycerol as the sole carbon and energy source, the addition of glucose causes further repression, both transient and permanent, and this is only partially reversible by cAMP. Without iron, glucose addition results in only a small and transient repression, but this is fully reversible by cAMP. The inability of cAMP to reverse iron-influenced repression may be explained by both a low rate of transport of cAMP into the bacteria and increased intracellular levels of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase.
Role of new antiplatelet agents as adjunctive therapies in thrombolysis

Coronary thrombolysis is the treatment of choice for patients with acute Q-wave myocardial infarcts who have no contraindications to such therapy. However, the time required for thrombolysis and the possibility of reocclusion of the infarct-related artery remain problematic. Herein are described experimental animal studies and clinical evaluations in which attempts have been made to develop adjunctive therapies that, when coupled with available thrombolytic interventions, might shorten the time to thrombolysis and delay or prevent reocclusion. From the studies conducted to date, it is clear that a combined thromboxane synthesis inhibitor and receptor antagonist with a serotonin receptor antagonist and heparin shorten the time to thrombolysis and delay or prevent coronary artery reocclusion in experimental canine models with copper coil-induced coronary artery thrombi. A monoclonal antibody to the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor coupled with tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and heparin also shortens the time to thrombolysis and delays or prevents reocclusion in experimental canine models. Thrombin inhibitors, including heparin and synthetic inhibitors, given with t-PA and aspirin, appear to shorten the time to thrombolysis and delay or prevent coronary artery reocclusion in experimental canine models. Aspirin coupled with intravenous streptokinase reduces mortality in patients with presumed acute myocardial infarction, and a combination of heparin and t-PA results in infarct-artery patency more frequently than t-PA without heparin. Data from these studies are encouraging with regard to the possibility of developing effective and relatively safe thrombolytic regimens that shorten the time to thrombolysis and delay or prevent coronary artery reocclusion.
Glucose Transporter Isoforms in Brain: Absence of GLUT3 from the Blood—Brain Barrier:

Two glucose transporter (GLUT) isoforms have been identified in brain. The GLUT1 isoform is abundant in cerebral microvessels and may be present in glia and neurons, whereas GLUT3 is probably the major neuronal glucose transporter. This study investigates whether GLUT3 is also present in microvessels from rat, human, and canine brain, by means of antisera directed against the divergent C-terminal sequences of mouse and human GLUT3. GLUT1 was detected in whole brain as two molecular mass forms: 55 kDa in microvessels and 45 kDa in cortical neuronal/glial membranes. With the aid of the appropriate antisera to the species-specific sequences, GLUT3 was detected in rat and human cortical membranes but not in isolated rat or human microvessels. These antisera failed to detect GLUT3 in either canine cortical membranes or canine microvessels, implying additional species specificity in the C-terminal sequence.
Optimal test length for maximum differential prediction

For the case of a single criterion a method is already available for determining the optimal distribution of testing time for a battery of predictors, assuming that intercorrelation, validity, and reliability data are available for predictors of arbitrary lengths. In this article a modification and generalization of the method is presented for the case of differential prediction involving a number of criterion variables. A numerical example is given to illustrate the method, after which the mathematical rationale is outlined.
Adenovirus-mediated kallikrein gene delivery reverses salt-induced renal injury in Dahl salt-sensitive rats

Adenovirus-mediated kallikrein gene delivery reverses salt-induced renal injury in Dahl salt-sensitive rats. Background The tissue kallikrein-kinin system has been shown to play a role in cardiac and renal functions. In this study, we investigated the ability of kallikrein gene delivery to reverse salt-induced cardiac hypertrophy and renal injury in Dahl salt-sensitive rats. Methods Adenovirus harboring the human tissue kallikrein gene, Ad.CMV-cHK, was delivered intravenously into Dahl salt-sensitive rats suffering from hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy and renal damage induced by a high salt diet (4% NaCl) for four weeks. Results Expression of human kallikrein mRNA was detected in rat kidney, heart, aorta and liver, and immunoreactive human kallikrein levels were measured in the serum and urine of rats receiving gene delivery. A single injection of Ad.CMV-cHK caused a significant reduction of blood pressure for more than two weeks. Kallikrein gene transfer caused left ventricular mass reduction and elevated glomerular filtration rate, renal blood flow, urinary excretion, urinary kinin, nitrite/nitrate content, cGMP and cAMP levels. Morphological investigations showed that kallikrein gene transfer caused a significant reversal in salt-induced tissue and organ damage. In the heart, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis were reduced, and in the kidney, both glomerular sclerotic lesions and tubular damage were reversed. Conclusions Adenovirus-mediated kallikrein gene delivery is effective in reversing salt-induced cardiac hypertrophy and renal injury in Dahl-salt sensitive rats.
Design and assessment of nonspecific control groups in behavior modification research

Nonspecific (placebo) control groups are criticized for typically not being equated with experimental treatments on all relevant stylistic and procedural variables. As the result of this confounding, significant differences between behavioral and nonspecific treatment groups are difficult to interpret in many behavior modification outcome studies. Some guidelines for improving the quality of nonspecific control groups are offered, including an enumeration of variables which need to be held constant across groups. The concept “expectancy” is critically analyzed, with the conclusion that it is both premature and conceptually confusing to use the concept as a synonym for nonspecific variables. The measurement of treatment “credibility” is discussed: The issue of when credibility should be assessed is considered, along with some guidelines as to the relevant measurement considerations. Finally, the authors consider the issue of for whom nonspecific and experimental treatments must appear equally credible, concluding that groups should be perceived as equally credible by the clients (subjects) but not by the investigator.
Opaque rather than transparent: Why the public cannot monitor monetary policy

Federal Reserve officials and many observers of monetary policy claim that the implementation of monetary policy has become more “transparent” over the last decade. This paper argues that monetary policy is anything but transparent because multiple and conflicting goals for monetary policy still exist, precise targets for these goals never are defined, the Fed’s economic model is unknown to the public and, by confusing its apparent intermediate target variable with its true policy instrument, actions taken to be stimulative can be contractionary and vice versa.
Encephalopathy and cranial nerve palsies caused by intentional trichloroethylene inhalation

This report describes an acute intentional trichloroethylene exposure that developed neurological and cardiovascular toxicity. The patient presented with palsies of the third, fifth, and sixth cranial nerves. Clinical manifestations, laboratory values, and treatment plans are discussed. Emergency physicians should be aware of the complications of trichloroethylene exposure and consider the diagnosis in patients with similar symptoms.
Feasibility, Accuracy, and Incremental Value of Intraoperative Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in Valve Surgery

In this prospective trial, intraoperative 2-dimensional (2-D) and 3-dimensional (3-D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examinations were performed on 60 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery. Both 2-D (including color flow and Doppler data) and 3-D images were reviewed by blinded observers, and major valvular morphologic findings recorded. In vivo morphologic findings were noted by the surgeon and all explanted valves underwent detailed pathologic examination. To test reproducibility, 6 patients also underwent 3-D TEE 1 day before surgery. A total of 132 of 145 attempted acquisitions (91%) were completed with a mean acquisition time of 2.8 +/- 0.2 minutes. Acquisition time was significantly shorter in patients with regular rhythms. Reconstructions were completed in 121 of 132 scans (92%) and there was at least 1 good reconstruction in 56 of 60 patients (93%). Mean reconstruction time was 8.6 +/- 0.7 minutes. Mean effective 3-D time, which was the time taken to complete an acquisition and a clinically interpretable reconstruction, was 12.2 +/- 0.8 minutes. Intraoperative 3-D echocardiography was clinically feasible in 52 patients (87%). Three-D echocardiography detected most of the major valvular morphologic abnormalities, particularly leaflet perforations, fenestrations, and masses, confirmed on pathologic examination. Three-D echocardiography predicted all salient pathologic findings in 47 patients (84%) with good quality images. In addition, in 15 patients (25%), 3-D echocardiography provided new additional information not provided by 2-D echocardiography, and in 1 case, 3-D echocardiographic findings resulted in a surgeon's decision to perform valve repair rather than replacement. In several instances, 3-D echocardiography provided complementary morphologic information that explained the mechanism of abnormalities seen on 2-D and color flow imaging. In the reproducibility subset, preoperative and intraoperative 3-D imaging detected a similar number of findings when compared with pathology. Thus, in routine clinical intraoperative settings, 3-dimensional TEE is feasible, accurately predicts valve morphology, and provides additional and complementary valvular morphologic information compared with conventional 2-D TEE, and is probably reproducible.
A sticky situation: untangling the transcriptional network controlling biofilm development in Candida albicans.

Candida albicans is a commensal microorganism of the human microbiome; it is also the most prevalent fungal pathogen of humans. Many infections caused by C. albicans are a direct consequence of its proclivity to form biofilms—resilient, surface-associated communities of cells where individual cells acquire specialized properties that are distinct from those observed in suspension cultures. We recently identified the transcriptional network that orchestrates the formation of biofilms in C. albicans. These results set the stage for understanding how biofilms are formed and, once formed, how the specialized properties of biofilms are elaborated. This information will provide new insight for understanding biofilms in more detail and may lead to improvements in preventing and treating biofilm-based infections in the future.
The normal oxygen consumption and respiratory quotient of the mammalian fetus

There are no data on the normal oxygen consumption and respiratory quotient of the mammalian fetus. such data are badly needed, both for a proper understanding of fetal respiration and as metabolic reference standard. Previous studies were limited to acute experiments and showed a wide range of vaiability in oxygen consumption (range 3.7–8.6). In attempting to obtain baseline data, oxygen consumption, CO2 production and glucose utilization were studied in the unstressed fetal limb. Umbilical blood flow was determined by constant fetal ionfusion of antipyrine and umbilical arterial-venous differences of glucose, O2 and CO2 were measured during the infusion. The experimental design was such that during the infusion. The experimental design was such that during each study period at least 5 obervations of O2 consumption could be made and expressed with reference to fetal weight. The following table summarizes the data: Contrary to previous reports, little variability in O2 consumption over a wide range of umbilical blood flows was found. Fetal glucose uptake could account for approximately half of the O2 consumed; the mean fetal RQ was 0.94 (95% confidence limits 0.90–0.99). As with our earlier studies, thses data suggest that metabolites other than glucose are important substrates in fetak aerobic metabolism.
Abstract A29: Advanced nano-proteomics based on ultrasensitive CE toquantitate protein expression/phosphorylation levels: Discovery of novel proteins involved in chemoresistance/invasion of lung cancer cells.

Our laboratory has shown that resistance to chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin (chemoresistance) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells involves exaggerated phosphorylation of transcription factor CREB and high-level expression of pro-survival/anti-apoptotic proteins c-IAP1, livin, Mcl-1 and survivin, resulting from hyperactivation of a novel serine/threonine kinase, protein kinase G-Iα (PKG-Iα) (Wong et al. 2012). PKG-Iα also promotes cell proliferation/DNA synthesis and migration/invasion in both NSCLC and ovarian cancer cells (Fiscus et al., 2012; Wong et al. 2012). Because of low expression levels, these proteins are difficult to accurately quantify by conventional Western blotting. To solve this problem, we are developing new applications for NanoPro 100 and NanoPro 1000 (ProteinSimple), state-of-the-art instruments based on advanced “nano-proteomics” ultilizing ultrasensitive capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based technologies (Fiscus and Johlfs, 2012; Fiscus et al., 2012). The NanoPro 100/NanoPro 1000 are capable of accurately quantifying protein expression/phosphorylation levels with sensitivities >100-times and >500-times, respectively, that of conventional Western blots, thus allowing, for the first time, accurate measurements of lower-abundance proteins (e.g. PKG-Iα, survivin and other pro-survival proteins). Extremely small samples of Wong JC, Bathina M and RR Fiscus (2012) Cyclic GMP/protein kinase G type-Iα (PKG-Iα signaling pathway promotes CREB phosphorylation and maintains higher c-IAP1, livin, survivin and Mcl-1 expression and the inhibition of PKG-Iα kinase activity synergizes with cisplatin in non-small cell lung cancer cells. J Cell Biochem. 113: 3587-3598. Fiscus RR, Leung EL, Wong JC and MG Johlfs (2012) Nitric Oxide/Protein Kinase G-IαPromotes c-Src Activation, Proliferation and Chemoresistance in Ovarian Cancer. In: Farghaly, S. (ed). Ovarian Cancer - Basic Science Perspective. Intech Open Access Publisher. pp 315-334. Fiscus RR and MG Johlfs (2012) Protein Kinase G (PKG): Involvement in Promoting Neural Cell Survival, Proliferation, Synaptogenesis and Synaptic Plasticity and the Use of New Ultrasensitive Capillary-Electrophoresis-based Methodologies for Measuring PKG Expression and Molecular Actions. In: Mukai H (ed). Protein Kinase Technologies, in NEUROMETHODS series, Springer. pp 319-348. Citation Format: Ronald R. Fiscus, Mary G. Johlfs, Janica C. Wong, Renee Coffman, Harry Rosenberg. Advanced nano-proteomics based on ultrasensitive CE toquantitate protein expression/phosphorylation levels: Discovery of novel proteins involved in chemoresistance/invasion of lung cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-IASLC Joint Conference on Molecular Origins of Lung Cancer; 2014 Jan 6-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2014;20(2Suppl):Abstract nr A29.
Integrated quantum mechanical approaches for extended π systems: Multicentered QM/QM studies of the cyanogen and diacetylene trimers

Abstract A multicentered integrated quantum mechanical (MC QM/QM) scheme that can accurately treat extended π systems is presented. The trimers of cyanogen (N C–C N) and diacetylene (H–C C–C C–H) are studied in seven geometries. MC QM/QM calculations reproduce CCSD(T) binding energies within 0.04 kcal mol−1. In contrast, MP2 substantially overestimates these interaction energies. An MC QM/QM version of the substituent value test is introduced, and the error in MC QM/QM results is discussed in this context. The results for these systems suggest that MC QM/QM may be a powerful tool in the study of extended π systems and other weakly bound clusters.
The transmitted impulse response of a lossy magnetoplasma by a convolution method

In this note a convolution method is used to find an exact representation in terms of special functions for the transmitted impulse response of a lossy magnetoplasma half space. For an observer deep in the plasma it is shown that the impulse response reduces to a fairly simple expression in terms of integer-order Bessel functions. Also, a comparison is made between the convolution method and the Fourier transform approach to the solution.
Gamma discrimination in pillar structured thermal neutron detectors

Solid-state thermal neutron detectors are desired to replace 3He tube based technology for the detection of special nuclear materials. 3He tubes have some issues with stability, sensitivity to microphonics and very recently, a shortage of 3He. There are numerous solid-state approaches being investigated that utilize various architectures and material combinations. By using the combination of high-aspect-ratio silicon PIN pillars, which are 2 &#956;m wide with a 2 &#956;m separation, arranged in a square matrix, and surrounded by 10B, the neutron converter material, a high efficiency thermal neutron detector is possible. Besides intrinsic neutron detection efficiency, neutron to gamma discrimination is an important figure of merit for unambiguous signal identification. In this work, theoretical calculations and experimental measurements are conducted to determine the effect of structure design of pillar structured thermal neutron detectors including: intrinsic layer thickness, pillar height, substrate doping and incident gamma energy on neutron to gamma discrimination.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Dolls and balloons: creating a fetal facsimile.

Abstract A baby doll in a water-filled balloon creates an impressive fetal facsimile. This effective visual and tactile adjunct to lectures is simple to construct and inexpensive. The fetal facsimile helps engage the attention of students, stimulates discussion, encourages questions, and provides a means for skill development. Directions for constructing a fetal facsimile and tips for classroom use are provided.
Cardiac effects of adjuvant therapy for early breastcancer

Adjuvant chemotherapy is an established standard of care for most patients diagnosed with early breast cancer, and its popularity is gaining worldwide. The systemic armamentarium presently includes anthracyclines and taxanes, alkylating agents, fluoropyrimidines, and antimetabolites; in the future, it may include platinum compounds and the recombinant humanized anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody, trastuzumab, as well. Anti-estrogens continue to play an important role in the adjuvant setting for hormone-sensitive primary breast cancer. Adjuvant radiotherapy is common in the setting of early-stage disease as breast conservation gains popularity, and radiation is often employed in the postmastectomy setting as well. As treatment guidelines continue to evolve with newer data, the relative benefits of treatment in many situations continues to grow. Refinement of the optimal identification of patients at risk for local and distant relapse is a continued challenge facing the treating clinician. Parallel to this effort, and of equal importance, is the ability to shield patients that will gain little, if any, benefit from treatment and to identify those who may be at greater risk to suffer from potential toxicities. Until these factors are better defined, the recognition by clinicians of long-term side effects associated with adjuvant therapy is obligatory. Acute toxicities from treatment are often reversible, but late onset adverse effects of therapy can increase morbidity and mortality in long-term survivors, and continue to be of concern. One of the most serious side effects of adjuvant therapy of early breast cancer is cardiac toxicity. This article will provide an overview of the cardiac effects of adjuvant therapy in the treatment of early breast cancer.
The relationship between local and regional species richness in birds of the Caribbean Basin

Srivastava (1999) recently evaluated the relationship between local and regional species richness as a tool for determining whether local assemblages of organisms are ecologically saturated or open to invasion. Srivastava also pointed out several pitfalls of sampling and interpretation in such studies. One problem arises when regional species pools are estimated by summing species richness over habitats (Method 1). In this case, the regional pool includes species that may not be capable of living in a particular local community and the species pool is thus overestimated. Terborgh & Faaborg (1980), Ricklefs (1987), and Wiens (1989) used this approach to analyse local and regional richness in the avifauna of the West Indies, where each island was considered a separate region. The local-regional tests in those studies correspond to Srivastava's Method 3, which relates diversity in 'identical habitats in geographically different regions' to the regional species pools. One may nonetheless object to these analyses because regional species richness was estimated by summing over habitats within islands and because individual islands within an archipelago are not statistically independent, i.e. 'regional', samples. The problem is largely one of scale. Loreau (2000) has pointed out that the relationship between local and regional species richness depends on the scale at which each is measured. Thus, when the concepts of 'local' and 'regional' are similar, for example in terms of habitat breadth, a large proportion of the regional heterogeneity is sampled within each locality and local diversity tends to vary in proportion to regional diversity. This gives the appearance of non-saturation (Cornell & Lawton 1992; Caley & Schluter 1997). When a narrower concept of 'local' is applied, local diversity is relatively independent of regional diversity and the appearance of saturation is a more likely outcome. In Pearson's (1977) study of birds in tropical forests in six regions, concepts of 'local' and 'regional' did not differ greatly with respect to habitat breadth. Consequently, local communities contained
Cinema Spin: Exploring Film Depictions of Public Relations Practitioners

Courses: Introduction to Public Relations; Public Relations Capstone Objectives: After completing this activity, students will be able to apply social expectations theory (DeFleur & Ball-Rokeach, 1989) to film depictions of public relations practitioners in order to: • determine if portrayals of public relations practitioners are accurate or distorted; • recognize the patterns of social dishonor and disdain sometimes awarded the public relations field; • differentiate between professional expectations of public relations practitioners and the images depicted; • ascertain which public relations practitioners are portrayed to have the most and least power; • understand media frames for public relations