cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diurnal and Seasonal Variability of Gasoline-Related Volatile Organic Compound Emissions in Riverside, California

On- and off-road mobile sources are the dominant contributors to urban anthropogenic volatile organic compound (AVOC) emissions. Analyses of gasoline samples from California for both summer and winter indicate significant differences in liquid fuel and vapor chemical composition due to intentional seasonal adjustments. Ambient concentrations of 55 VOCs were measured via in situ gas chromatography in the 2005 Study of Organic Aerosols at Riverside (SOAR) during both summer and fall. A chemical mass balance analysis was used to differentiate vapor pressure-driven VOC emissions from other motor vehicle-related emissions such as tailpipe exhaust. Overall, fuel vapor emissions accounted for 31 +/- 2% of gasoline-related VOC in Riverside; California's emission factor model similarly estimates 31% of gasoline-related VOC emissions are fuel vapor. The diurnal pattern of vapor pressure-driven VOC source contributions is relatively stable around 10 microg/m3, while whole gasoline (i.e., tailpipe) contributions peak at approximately 60 microg/m3 during the morning commute. There is no peak in whole gasoline source contributions during the afternoon, due to rapid dilution associated with high mixing heights and wind speeds in the Riverside area. The relationship between estimated gasoline-related VOC and observed carbon monoxide concentrations in this study is similar to California's 2005 emission inventory; we calculated a VOC to CO mass ratio of 0.086 +/- 0.006 (95% CI) compared to 0.097 in the emission inventory for all gasoline-related sources.
Lipoprotein (a) in patients with hyperlipidaemia

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an atherogenic lipoprotein which is similar in structure to, but metabolically distinct from, LDL. Factors modulating plasma Lp(a) concentrations are poorly understood. We hypothesized that patients with hyperlipidaemia have elevated Lp(a) levels and determined the phenotype, concentration and distribution of Lp(a) in a group of hyperlipidaemic patients (n = 107) compared with a control group (n = 128). Lp(a) concentrations were significantly increased in the hyperlipidaemic patients (mean, 34 ± 4 mg dL - 1 ; median, 19 mg dL -1 ) as compared with the controls (20 ± 3 mg dL -1 ; 9 mg dL -1 ) (P 200 mg dL -1 ) (n=44) and another group with elevated triglycerides (> 200 mg dL -1 ) (n = 51) we found that Lp(a) concentrations were 2.3-fold higher in the high cholesterol patients (mean, 45 ± 5 ; median, 41 mg dL -1 ) compared to the high triglyceride subjects (20 ± 4 ; 8 mg dL -1 ) (P 300 mg dL -1 (r = -0.41, P = 0.04, n = 36) and with triglycerides > 400 mg dL -1 (r=-0.52, P=0.03, n=17). These data indicate that plasma Lp(a) concentrations are elevated in hyperlipidaemia if the patients have high cholesterol levels, whereas Lp(a) is normal to low in patients with elevated triglycerides. The dominating lipid elevation in this condition and increased Lp(a) levels may contribute to the increased risk of premature coronary artery disease (CAD) in hyperlipidaemic patients.
Run length, average run length and false alarm rate of shewhart x-bar chart: exact derivations by conditioning

The effects of estimation of the control limits on the performance of the popular Shewhart X-bar chart are examined via the average run length and the probability of a false alarm, when one or both of the process mean and variance are unknown. Exact expressions for the run length, the average run length (ARL) and the false alarm rate are obtained, in each case, using expectation by conditioning. Applying Jensen's inequality, together with expectation by conditioning, a simple lower bound to the ARL is obtained. This could be useful in designing the charts. The expressions for the exact ARL and the exact probabilities of false alarm are evaluated, using simulations, for various numbers of subgroups and shift sizes. The calculations throw new light on the performance of the Shewhart X-bar chart. Some recommendations are given.
Modeling the disintegration of cavitating turbulent liquid jets using a novel VOF–CIMD approach

In this article, a novel modeling approach capable of simultaneously tracking the events of cavitation, occurring within an injector nozzle, and the liquid jet breakup process, inclusive of spray formation, in the nozzle exterior is presented. A single fluid model, embedded with a Volume-of-Fluid (VOF)-based interface capturing methodology for monitoring the liquid–gas interface dynamics, is supplemented with a vapor transport model for predicting cavitation events triggered within the liquid. While the surface forces due to liquid–gas interfacial instabilities are modeled using a Continuum Surface Force model, a Cavitation-Induced-Momentum-Defect (CIMD) correction approach is employed to account for the effects of cavitation dynamics within the liquid flow. Liquid turbulence is modeled using the well-known RNG k–e model inclusive of new source terms due to cavitation-induced turbulent kinetic energy production and dissipation. The combined VOF–CIMD methodology is validated by examining the effects of cavitation on the disintegration of turbulent planar liquid jets exiting a two-dimensional nozzle. Different flow Reynolds and Cavitation number configurations are tested. The results predicted by the model including those of the transport vapor dynamics and the liquid jet disintegration processes match, both qualitatively and quantitatively, very well with the available experimental data. In comparison with experimental observation, our model predicts different regimes of liquid jet behavior such as wavy jet, spray formation simultaneously with events of developing or super-cavitation. The numerical approach elaborated in this article can be extensively applied in the design and development of efficient spray applicators and other industrial fluidic devices.
Fiber: Forms and functions

Acknowledgment of dietary fiber as a food substance of significant nutritional value has increased dramatically over the past 40 years as the physical structure and chemical nature of these compounds has become more precisely characterized. It is now understood that dietary fiber is not a homogenous substance, but instead comprises a group of chemically diverse compounds. Traditionally dietary fiber has been defined as the nonstarch polysaccharide constituent of plant cell walls which is resistant to human digestive enzymes. Recent information has indicated that this characterization is limited because it does not encompass all substances which are physically or chemically similar to dietary fiber, or which have the same physiological effects. For example, waxes and cutins are plant cell wall constituents structurally similar to lipids than to polysaccharides. Another is resistant starch which is a nondigestible polysaccharide utilized exactly as a fermentable fiber but which is not a component of plant cell walls (1).
A Solution-Focused Intervention with a Youth in a Domestic Violence Situation: Longitudinal Evidence

This article reports on a 4-year therapeutic intervention combining in-person and email communication with a 13-year-old Greek-Cypriot teenager who witnessed and later was the victim of severe domestic violence. The intervention is based on an empowerment philosophy and solution-focused strategies, and its usefulness is evaluated by three standardized measures at five time points between the years 1999 and 2003. Pertinent cultural and ethical dynamics of the interventional context are highlighted. The intervention may have helped to produce better perpetrator–youth relations, remission of the client’s depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms, and improvement in his academic performance. Implications and limitations are discussed.
Professional implications of the expansion of pharmacy-based medical clinics

Abstract Objective To describe challenges and opportunities to the profession of pharmacy associated with the emergence of pharmacy-based medical clinics. Summary Pharmacy-based medical clinics have emerged as a convenient, lowcost treatment option for many patients. These clinics, which are staffed by physicians’ assistants or nurse practitioners, often are located directly within community pharmacies and offer rapid diagnosis and treatment for a limited number of health problems. With plans for significant expansion of these clinics, the profession of pharmacy faces a number of challenges. Allocating space in community pharmacies for medical clinics could place pharmacists at a disadvantage to other providers as they pursue ancillary health care activities. However, these clinics also represent an opportunity for pharmacists to position themselves as legitimized health care providers who are reimbursed for the consultative services they perform. Because most conditions diagnosed at pharmacy-based medical clinics have well-established treatment protocols, pharmacists would be well positioned to provide these services under collaborative practice agreements. This could ultimately provide the resources and payment structure necessary for pharmacists to provide other types of patient care services, including medication therapy management (MTM). Conclusion As pharmacy-based clinics continue to proliferate, pharmacists should carefully consider surrendering space in community pharmacies to other health care practitioners. These clinics present pharmacists with an opportunity to provide many of the additional health care services for which we have so vigorously argued. Failure to respond to the acute care needs of patients today may present pharmacists with a significant barrier as they continue to expand into direct patient care activities.
Image Restoration Via The Shift-And-Add Algorithm

A new method for image restoration based on the shift-and-add algorithm is presented, the main advantages of which appear to be speed and simplicity. The shift-and-add pattern produced by an object is given by the object correlated by a non-linear replica of itself whose intensity distribution is strongly weighted toward the brighter pixels. A method of successive substitutions analogous to Fienup's algorithm can then be used to "decorrelate" the SAA pattern and recover the object. The method is applied to the case of the extended chromosphere of Betelgeuse.
Quantum Size Effect in Conductivity of Multilayer Metal Films

Conductivity of quantized multilayer metal films is analyzed with an emphasis on scattering by rough interlayer interfaces. Three different types of quantum size effect (QSE) in conductivity are predicted. Two of these QSE's are similar to those in films with scattering by rough walls. The third type of QSE is unique and is observed only for certain positions of the interface. The corresponding peaks in conductivity are very narrow and high with a finite cutoff which is due only to some other scattering mechanism or the smearing of the interface. There are two classes of these geometric resonances. Some of the resonance positions of the interface are universal and do not depend on the strength of the interface potential while the others are sensitive to this potential. This geometric QSE gradually disappears with an increase in the width of the interlayer potential barrier.
Simulation optimization: simulation optimization

Simulation optimization has received considerable attention from both simulation researchers and practitioners. In this tutorial we present a broad introduction to simulation optimization and the many techniques that have been suggested to solve simulation optimization problems. Both continuous and discrete problems are discussed, but an emphasis is placed on discrete problems and practical methods for addressing such problems.
Free energy of a macromolecule in a confined domain.

Using the path-integral representation of Edwards [Proc. Phys. Soc., London 85, 613 (1965)], we calculate the change in free energy of a macromolecule with polymerization index N (N\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}) in a finite slab of size L. An \ensuremath{\epsilon} expansion (\ensuremath{\epsilon}=4-d) shows that the free energy of a confined chain has the scaling form predicted by de Gennes [Scaling Concepts in Polymer Physics (Cornell University Press, Ithaca, 1979)]: ${f}_{N}$(L)/N\ensuremath{\sim}${L}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\lambda}}$, N\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty} with \ensuremath{\lambda}=1/\ensuremath{\nu}+O(${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{2}$). .AE
INTERACTION OF TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS RFX1 AND MIBP1 WITH THE GAMMA MOTIF OF THE NEGATIVE REGULATORY ELEMENT OF THE HEPATITIS B VIRUS CORE PROMOTER

The negative regulatory element (NRE) of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) core promoter contains three subregions which act synergistically to suppress core promoter activity. One of these subregions, NRE gamma, is active in both HeLa cervical carcinoma cells and Huh7 hepatoma cells and was found to be bound by a protein factor present in both cell types. Here we show that the transcription factor RFX1 can bind to NRE gamma and transactivate the core promoter through this site. Mutations which abrogated the gene-suppressive activity of NRE gamma prevented RFX1 from binding to NRE gamma. In addition, RFX1 can bind simultaneously, most likely as a heterodimer, with the transcription factor MIBP1 to NRE gamma. In the absence of a cloned MIBP1 gene for further studies, we hypothesize that RFX1 acts with MIBP1 to negatively regulate the core promoter activity through the NRE gamma site. The ability of RFX1 to transactivate the core promoter raises the possibility that RFX1 may play a dual role in regulating HBV gene expression.
Error analysis of code AROSA for quantal coulomb excitation calculations

Abstract The errors due to simplifying approximations in code AROSA [1] are investigated by including iteratively the terms left out. A method for calculating the first order iterates is described, and employed in the numerical computation of an example. The method involves an expansion of the product of two point coulomb amplitudes in powers of (1/ r ), together with the evaluation of a hypergeometric function for each term. The latter can be calculated by a continued fraction technique. This method is also useful for the computation of DWBA coulomb excitation integrals. Inclusion of the first order iterates leads to a substantial reduction of the radii beyond which the exact and approximate (AROSA's) numerical solution of the coupled equations are terminated.
The transfer functions of sensory intensity in the nervous system.

Abstract Instructions are given for testing whether the input-output relation (transfer function) of a portion of any sensory system matches the tanh log relation. This relation holds for a cell membrane whose response to stimulation is an increase in permeability which shunts the source of the membrane's voltage i.e. a “self-shunting” transducer mechanism. The tanh log relation is shown to fit data for certain mechanoreceptors, photoreceptors, postsynaptic neurons, and to fit data for the responses to light by horizontal cells and C-type S-potential sites of fish, by certain ganglion cells of the frog, and for the mammalian b-waves and x-waves. The psychophysical relation between stimulus strength and magnitude estimates of sensation is fitted by a power law relation. This relation is predicted by MacKay's model which relates physiological excitation to sensation. The model is applied to psychophysical data to infer: (a) changes of lateral inhibition from photoreceptors for changes in area illuminated, (b) changes of transmission effectiveness of the pathway from the sensation generator, “the organizer”, with adaptation state or wavelength of illumination, (c) possible forms of the transfer function between the tanh log transfer function of receptors and a “comparator” stage of the model, (d) use of the Fechnerian jnd curve together with electrophysiological data to locate in the nervous system the comparator stage for a given sensory modality, (e) application of this to crudely locate the comparator and organizer stages of the mammalian visual system, (f) generalization of the model to sensory systems having linear or power law relations between stimulus strength and neural response.
Female voiding dysfunction and movement disorders.

Voiding dysfunction associated with Parkinson’s disease has been well described in male patients. Few studies detail voiding dysfunction in female Parkinson patients. Apparent differences between patients with Parkinson’s subtypes have also not been sufficiently defined. The majority of female Parkinson patients who have urinary symptoms (>70%) will manifest symptomatic urgency with or without urge incontinence. The remaining patients will have mixed irritative and obstructive or purely obstructive symptoms. Urodynamic evaluation demonstrates detrusor hyperreflexia in 70%–80% of female patients. However, women with Parkinson-related syndromes demonstrate detrusor hypocontractility or areflexia in 20%–30% of cases. Electromyography reveals sphincteric dysfunction (pseudodyssynergia, bradykinesia) in 30%–50% of female Parkinson patients. Also, in patients with Parkinson-related syndromes a high prevalence of peripheral denervation can be documented on electromyographic study of the pelvic floor. Voiding dysfunction associated with Parkinson’s disease in female patients is complex and not always congruent with symptoms. Urodynamic evaluation is crucial to fully elucidate lower urinary tract dysfunction in female patients with Parkinson’s and Parkinson-related disorders.
Cell death in hematological tumors

Evasion of apoptosis is a hallmark of human cancers, for example in hematological malignancies. Apoptosis is an intrinsic cell death program that is crucial to maintain tissue homeostasis, for example in the hematopoietic system where there is a high turnover rate of cells. As a result, a decrease in the rate of apoptosis besides an increase in proliferation favors tumorigenesis as well as tumor progression. Further, the anti-leukemic action of current treatment approaches, including chemo-, radio- or immunotherapy, critically relies on intact cell death programs in cancer cells. Therefore, defects in apoptosis pathways are frequently associated with the resistance to anticancer therapies. In recent years, the identification and characterization of the molecules and pathways that are involved in the regulation and execution of cell death in leukemia and lymphoma cells have set the ground for the development of novel diagnostic tools and molecular therapeutics targeting apoptosis pathways in hematological malignancies.
Evaluation of large-scale releases of western predatory mite for spider mite control in cotton

Abstract We evaluated economically feasible release rates of the western predatory mite, Galendromus occidentalis , for spider mite control in organically and conventionally managed commercial cotton fields. An important feature of the experimental design was the evaluation of predatory mite releases at a large spatial scale; the majority of plots were near 2 ha. Predatory mite releases did not enhance the density of the western predatory mite, and populations of western predatory mites remained very low throughout the growing season. However, predatory mite releases did appear to reduce the seasonal abundance of spider mites. Nevertheless, spider mite densities exceeded economic thresholds in many of the release plots, and neither early releases (3–6 nodes per plant) or late releases (>7 nodes per plant) enhanced seed cotton yields. We discuss some potential factors that could have limited the impact of the released predatory mites.
Snf2/Swi2‐related ATPase Mot1 drives displacement of TATA‐binding protein by gripping DNA

Mot1 is a conserved Snf2/Swi2-related transcriptional regulator that uses ATP hydrolysis to displace TATA-binding protein (TBP) from DNA. Several models of the enzymatic mechanism have been proposed, including Mot1-catalyzed distortion of TBP structure, competition between Mot1 and DNA for the TBP DNA-binding surface, and ATP-driven translocation of Mot1 along DNA. Here, DNase I footprinting studies provide strong support for a 'DNA-based' mechanism of Mot1, which we propose involves ATP-driven DNA translocation. Mot1 forms an asymmetric complex with the TBP core domain (TBPc)-DNA complex, contacting DNA both upstream and within the major groove of the TATA Box. Contact with upstream DNA is required for Mot1-mediated displacement of TBPc from DNA. Using the SsoRad54-DNA complex as a model, DNA-binding residues in Mot1 were identified that are critical for Mot1-TBPc-DNA complex formation and catalytic activity, thus placing Mot1 mechanistically within the helicase superfamily. We also report a novel ATP-independent TBPc displacement activity for Mot1 and describe conformational heterogeneity in the Mot1 ATPase, which is likely a general feature of other enzymes in this class.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF OCCUPATIONAL STRESS AMONG AFRICAN AMERICAN AND WHITE UNIVERSITY FACULTY: A RESEARCH NOTE

This paper is a comparison of levels of occupational stress among African American and white college and university faculty members in U.S. institutions. Using survey data collected from a national sample of faculty, an analysis of reported occupational stress levels was undertaken to determine if issues raised in previous research regarding “extra-academic” assignments given to African American faculty limits their access to the more traditional faculty roles, creating pressure to perform in ways not expected of white faculty. To test these assertions, scales measuring stress from teaching, research, and service activities were constructed for African American and white faculty from a larger “faculty stress index.” Results of the analysis indicate that African American faculty report generally higher levels of occupational stress than their white counterparts, especially in the areas of research and service activities.
Ontological Politics: Mapping a Complex Environmental Problem *

MICHAEL S. CAROLANColorado State UniversityDepartment of SociologyB236 ClarkFort Collins, CO 80523–1784, USAEmail: mcarolan@lamar.colostate.eduABSTRACTWhat is an environmental problem? Philosophers of science and sociologists of knowledge have been writing for more than a decade about the de-centred, mul-tiple object. Yet what if this insight were applied to the realm of environmental problems? What would be revealed? These questions are explored in this paper by examining the ontology of environmental problems. Ethnomethodologists, social constructionists, and sociologists of knowledge have all painted a descrip-tive picture of a thoroughly sociological ontology; an ontology that is fluid, at times de-centred, and (at least potentially) multiple. Yet if ontology is social, and thus multiple, than it is also ultimately political. But multiplicity need not imply fragmentation. It can be coherent, but this requires both coordination and trust. To give further visual and conceptual shape to this argument a heuristic model is constructed. Through this model I ʻmapʼ a handful of environmental problems – in terms of their ʻcomplexityʼ and ʻepistemological distanceʼ – and in doing so give focus to the ontologically diverse nature of environmental problems today. A case study involving a particularly contentious environmental dispute is then examined so as to give the argument additional focus and an empirical grounding.KEYWORDSTranslation, coordination, complexity, trust, environmental problems, modernity
Bile Acids in Human Breast Cyst Fluid: The Identification of Lithocholic Acid*

Breast cyst fluid (BCF) aspirated from 12 women with fibrocystic disease of the breast and sera obtained simultaneously were analyzed for bile acids. Analysis was performed by gas-liquid chromatography of the acetoxy methyl esters of the bile acids prepared after alkaline hydrolysis of the bile salts. An internal standard served to correct for methodological losses. Low levels of bile acids were found in serum samples, precluding overt hepatobiliary complications. Deoxycholic acid (17–160 μmol/L), chenodeoxycholic acid (18–305 μmol/L), and cholic acid (3–119 μmol/L) were detected in 11 of 12 samples of BCF. In 2 cases, chosen at random, the identities of the bile acids were verified by mass spectrometry. Lithocholic acid (9–23 μmol/L), a reported cocarcinogen, was detected in 6 of the 12 samples of BCF. This is the first report of the presence of lithocholic acid in BCF with confirmation by Mass spectrometry. There was no correlation between the levels of individual bile acids and those of potassium ion, ...
Intratumoral Adenovirus-Mediated Suicide Gene Transfer for Hepatic Metastases from Colorectal Adenocarcinoma: Results of a Phase I Clinical Trial

Animal studies have shown that direct injection of an adenoviral vector (Adv.RSV-tk) expressing the herpes thymidine kinase gene into established tumors in the liver, followed by systemic ganciclovir administration, was effective in inducing tumor necrosis. Toxicities were minimal at therapeutically effective vector doses, although severe hepatic necroinflammation was seen at much higher supratherapeutic doses. We conducted a clinical phase I trial in patients with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma in the liver to assess the safety of intratumoral Adv.RSV-tk injection (escalating doses) followed by intravenous ganciclovir (fixed dose). The vector was injected into a metastatic tumor in the liver under local anesthesia by percutaneous needle placement with concurrent ultrasonographic monitoring to prevent injection or leakage into adjacent normal liver structures. We treated 16 patients in five dose level cohorts of Adv.RSV-tk, from 1.0x10(10) to 1.0x10(13) virus particles per patient. Hepatic toxicities were low, with transient grade 1 elevations in serum aminotransferase levels in 3 of 16 patients. Other toxicities were also transient: grade 2-3 fevers in 5 of 16 patients, grade 3 thrombocytopenia in 1 of 16 patients, and grade 2 leucopenia in 3 of 16 patients. These results indicate that Adv.RSV-tk can be safely administered by percutaneous intratumoral injection in patients with hepatic metastases at doses up to 1.0x10(13) virus particles per patient, and can provide the basis for future clinical trials involving intratumoral adenoviral vector injection.
Inactivation by light of the phosphorylative activity of chloroplasts.

Abstract The inactivation by light of the Hill reaction and the phosphorylating capacity of isolated chloroplasts has been studied. The results show that the ATP forming system is more sensitive than the electron transport system to light inactivation; conditions can be established under which a light pre-treatment decreases only 5% the ability of chloroplasts to reduce TPN, while the ATP formation is decreased by 50%. The light inactivation can be prevented to a large extent by the cofactors of photophosphorylation, vitamin K being the most efficient. ADP prevents the protection, and phosphate or arsenate restore it. The possible significance of these results is discussed.
Patient perceptions of self-induced water intoxication

This study comprehensively examines self-induced water intoxication (SIWI) from a patient perspective including demographics, reasons for seeking fluids, patterns/behaviors of fluid seeking, and symptoms frequently experienced while in a state of SIWI. The subjects were 45 of an original convenience sample of 62 individuals with a serious mental illness (SMI), hospitalized in a long-term state psychiatric facility, who engaged in self-induced water intoxication. All participants were interviewed in a structured format to complete a 40-item Likert-type questionnaire developed for the study, titled the Self-induced Water Intoxication Questionnaire (SIWIQ). In the study, the majority of participants were smokers, and reported no past problem with alcohol. SIWI occurred more in males than females, and was more predominant in those participants who had longer hospital stays. Anger and vomiting were found to be the two most predominant symptoms experienced when excess fluid consumption occurred. Behaviors of drinking from the shower, the toilet, and one's own urine are consistent with findings of previous studies and illustrate the difficulty in keeping individuals with SIWI from fluids. Data show that participants with SIWI experience considerable anxiety and cognitive difficulties and express these as reasons for engaging in excess fluid consumption. Boredom, obtaining a high, and sad mood were also predominant reasons identified for excess fluid drinking. Significant relationships were found and discussed. The findings provide support for the position that SIWI represents an attempt at treatment by the dysfunctional individual and is pursued for anxiolytic effects and alleviation of boredom. The data support the idea of approaching the problem from a dysfunctional coping framework, realizing that SIWI is a very complex problem, needing examination and intervention at multiple levels, beyond exclusive focus on fluid control.
Implantación de stent en una estenosis de la arteria renal descubierta de forma accidental: ¿resulta beneficioso?

Se evalua si existio algun beneficio clinico en pacientes a los que se descubrio de forma accidental una estenosis severa de la arteria renal (EAR) y que fueron tratados mediante angioplastia transluminal percutanea renal y colocacion de stent (ATPRS) en el momento en que se practico una angiografia por otro motivo. Se revisaron de forma retrospectiva las historias clinicas de todos los pacientes sometidos a arteriografia renal durante 4 anos en nuestro centro, un hospital universitario de referencia. Se utilizo la revision de los informes de los cateterismos para identificar a los pacientes diagnosticados con EAR severa (reduccion del diametro luminal ≥ 70% mediante arteriografia). Se identificaron los pacientes tratados con ATPRS. La presion arterial inicial y tras la intervencion (PA, una media de como minimo 3 determinaciones independientes), la tasa de filtracion glomerular, la creatinina serica y la medicacion antihipertensiva, se compararon durante los 12 meses del seguimiento. A lo largo de 4 anos, 124 pacientes fueron sometidos a arteriografia renal y en 78 (63%) se diagnostico una EAR severa. Cincuenta y ocho pacientes (74% de los que presentaron una EAR severa) fueron tratados mediante ATPRS. Los pacientes tratados presentaron caracteristicas iniciales similares a las de aquellos sin intervencion, con la excepcion de una PA diastolica mas baja (PAD; 74 ± 11,2 frente a 80 ± 14,2 mmHg, p = 0,04) y un mayor porcentaje de hiperlipidemia (78 frente a 55%, p = 0,05). En 38 de 58 pacientes tratados con ATPRS (66%) se realizo un seguimiento suficiente para evaluar los resultados. Cuando se compararon las variables iniciales y tras la intervencion en los pacientes tratados con ATPRS con un seguimiento de 12 meses, se observo una reduccion de la PA sistolica (PAS, 153 ± 20,8 frente a 136 ± 27,2 mmHg, p = 0,01) y de la presion arterial media (PAM, 103 ± 11,2 frente a 95 ± 14 mmHg, p = 0,04). Cuando se estratifico a estos pacientes en funcion de los que presentaron un aumento, una disminucion o ninguna modificacion en la medicacion antihipertensiva postintervencion, se observaron reducciones significativas en la PAS, PAM y PAD solamente en la poblacion de pacientes que tambien habian presentado un aumento en el numero de farmacos antihipertensivos. No se observaron diferencias en el grado de insuficiencia renal. Los pacientes con EAR severa descubierta accidentalmente durante la arteriografia realizada por patologia extrarrenal, y tratados con ATPRS, presentaron una reduccion moderada de la PA, que fue significativa solamente en los pacientes con un aumento de farmacos antihipertensivos postintervencion. La actuacion terapeutica a la hora de implantar un stent en estenosis de arteria renal descubierta accidentalmente en angiografia por otro motivo ofrece poco beneficio comparado con el tratamiento medico.
Low selection pressure aids the evolution of cooperative ribozyme mutations in cells

Understanding the evolution of functional RNA molecules is important for our molecular understanding of biology. Here we tested experimentally how two evolutionary parameters, selection pressure and recombination, influenced the evolution of an evolving RNA population. This was done using four parallel evolution experiments that employed low or gradually increasing selection pressure, and recombination events either at the end or dispersed throughout the evolution. As model system, a trans-splicing group I intron ribozyme was evolved in Escherichia coli cells over 12 rounds of selection and amplification, including mutagenesis and recombination. The low selection pressure resulted in higher efficiency of the evolved ribozyme populations, whereas differences in recombination did not have a strong effect. Five mutations were responsible for the highest efficiency. The first mutation swept quickly through all four evolving populations, whereas the remaining four mutations accumulated later and more efficiently under low selection pressure. To determine why low selection pressure aided this evolution, all evolutionary intermediates between the wild type and the 5-mutation variant were constructed, and their activities at three different selection pressures were determined. The resulting fitness profiles showed a high cooperativity among the four late mutations, which can explain why high selection pressure led to inefficient evolution. These results show experimentally how low selection pressure can benefit the evolution of cooperative mutations in functional RNAs.
Fear of the Light or Need for Action: The IGL Will Judge

Temporal adaptation of behaviors is of crucial importance for every organism. In this issue of Neuron, while elegantly establishing the developmental program of the subcortical visual shell (SVS), a group of retinorecipient nuclei, Delogu et al. (2012) also implicate one of its structures, the IGL, as a potential important player in the regulation of daily activity pattern.
Experimental intrauterine infection with Prevotella bivia in New Zealand White rabbits

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to develop a model of chronic intrauterine and fetal infection with Prevotella bivia, an anaerobe of the lower genital tract that is associated often with bacterial vaginosis. Study design Thirty timed pregnant New Zealand White rabbits on gestational day 21 were inoculated with P bivia or saline solution in a planned ratio of 4:1 (24 P bivia: 6 saline solution). Rabbits were inoculated 6 cm transcervically with 105 to 108 colony-forming units/uterine horn of P bivia or with saline solution. Necropsy was scheduled on days 4, 6, or 7 after inoculation. Cultures were collected from blood, uterus, amniotic fluid and fetal brain, lung, and heart. Tissues from placenta, uterus, fetal brain, and lung were evaluated with the histologic inflammation score, with a range of 0 to 13. Amniotic fluid was assayed for tumor necrosis factor–α by bioassay. Animals with contamination by other organisms were excluded. Categoric data were evaluated with the use of the Fisher exact test, and continuous data were evaluated with the use of the Wilcoxon rank sum. Results After the exclusion of 8 animals because of contamination with other organisms, 22 animals were evaluated. Of 3 rabbits with an inoculum of 108P bivia colony-forming units/horn, 2 animals (67%) had fever within 24 hours. These results were not compatible with chronic, subclinical infection. Therefore, 14 does had inocula of 105-6P bivia colony-forming units/horn, with necropsy planned at day 4 (n = 5 animals), day 6 (n = 3 animals), and day 7 (n = 6 animals), and 5 animals were inoculated with saline solution. Animals that had been inoculated with P bivia were significantly more likely to have a positive culture than were those animals that were inoculated with saline solution (64% vs 0%; P Conclusion Inoculation with P bivia at 105-6 colony-forming units/horn leads to chronic intrauterine and fetal infection that are accompanied by preterm birth in up to 33% of cases. This model may serve to explore the mechanism of preterm birth that is induced by chronic infection with genital tract anaerobes.
Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome after carotid endarterectomy: predictive factors and hemodynamic changes.

Abstract Purpose: It is believed that cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) is caused by loss of cerebral autoregulation resulting from chronic cerebral ischemia and that factors including increased intraoperative cerebral blood flow, ipsilateral or contralateral carotid disease, and postoperative hypertension may cause CHS. We describe our experience with CHS, which diverges from published reports. Materials and methods: From March 2000 to February 2002 we performed 455 carotid endarterectomy (CEA) procedures in 404 patients at our institution. CHS developed 1 to 8 days (mean, 3.2 ± 2.5 days) postoperatively in 9 patients (2%), 6 women and 3 men, whose age ranged from 52 to 84 years (mean, 69 ± 8 years). Indications for surgery in 8 patients without neurologic symptoms were ipsilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) stenoses ranging from 70% to 99% (mean, 80% ± 7%); the remaining patient had an ipsilateral stroke, with good clinical recovery, 7 weeks before CEA. Only 1 patient had significant contralateral ICA stenosis (70%). However, 5 patients had undergone contralateral CEA within the previous 3 months. CHS symptoms were severe headache in 5 patients, seizures in 3 patients (1 stroke), and visual disturbance and ataxia in 1 patient. All 404 patients (455 cases) underwent intraoperative and early (2 weeks) postoperative carotid artery duplex scanning. The 9 patients with CHS also underwent carotid artery duplex scanning at the time of the neurologic event. Results: Mean intraoperative ICA volume flow (MICAVF) in the 9 CHS cases was not significantly different from that in the other 446 cases (170 ± 47 mL/min and 182 ± 81 mL/min, respectively). However, mean ICA volume flow (481 ± 106 mL/min) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) (108 ± 33 cm/s) for the 9 CHS cases measured at onset of symptoms were higher than those for the remaining 446 cases (267 ± 87 mL/min and 80 ± 26 cm/s, respectively) ( P Conclusions: These data do not corroborate the common belief that CHS occurs preferentially in patients with severe ipsilateral or contralateral carotid disease, increased intraoperative cerebral perfusion, or severe hypertension. Recently performed contralateral CEA (
An alternative to validation of otolith microincrementation

In absence of otolith marking and laboratory rearing, a statistical alternative to validate the daily rhythm of sagittal microincrementation in Puerto Rican juvenile snook Centropomus undecimalis is described. Albeit the technique may be essentially limited to tropical immature fishes, it offers interesting possibilities in post-validating ageing previously based on assumption of daily frequency of material deposition.
The African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) trial: what more have we learned?

The final results of the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) have shown that the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor ramipril was better than the beta blocker metoprolol or the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker amlodipine in slowing the rate of glomerular filtration rate decline in African American patients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency. Of note, there was no difference between the 92 mm Hg or less (lower group) and the 102-107 mm Hg (usual) mean arterial pressure groups as regards the secondary clinical composite end point. The secondary clinical composite end point in this study comprised a threshold drop of at least 50% or 25 mL/min in glomerular filtration rate, death, or reaching end-stage renal disease. The final results from this study would suggest that reduction in blood pressure to levels below those currently advocated for cardiovascular risk reduction, although a clearly attainable goal in this population, does not provide readily identifiable benefits to African Americans with hypertensive nephrosclerosis. Importantly, this study provides the basis for the primary use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in an African American population with the characteristics of those studied in AASK. It remains to be determined if this represents a class effect for all angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
Direct effect of bispecific anti-CD33×anti-CD64 antibody on proliferation and signaling in myeloid cells

Abstract Bispecific anti-CD33×anti-CD64 antibody (BsAb) directly inhibited proliferation and colony formation of human acute myeloid leukemia cell lines, without affecting the function of normal monocytes. Addition of BsAb to normal monocytes induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Cbl and Vav, association of these molecules with CD33, and downstream signaling. In leukemia cells that were insensitive to BsAb treatment, Vav and Cbl were constitutively phosphorylated and, therefore, constitutively associated with CD33. Direct growth inhibition is an additional mechanism by which BsAb may be useful in the therapy of AML.
Fine needle aspiration of salivary glands: 5-year experience from a single academic center.

Objective To investigate 5 years' experience with fine needle aspiration (FNA) of salivary glands at a single academic center. Study design A total of 191 salivary gland FNAs were performed at Louisiana State University Health Science Center from 2003 to 2007, and all were done on major salivary glands except for 1 case. Results The cytologic diagnoses included 17 malignancies, 6 atypia, 73 neoplasms, 87 negative and 18 nondiagnostic. Eighty-six cases had histologic follow-up (45.0%). There were 5 false negatives: 2 adenoid cystic carcinomas, 1 acinic cell carcinoma, 1 polymorphous low grade adenocarcinoma and 1 metastatic basaloid squamous cell carcinoma. The only false positive was a pleomorphic adenoma misdiagnosed as adenoid cystic carcinoma. Four reactive processes were diagnosed as benign neoplasms, including 2 granulomatous inflammation and 2 chronic sialadenitis. Five benign neoplasms were interpreted as reactive processes, including 2 Warthin's tumors, 2 sebaceous lymphoadenomas and 1 pleomorphic adenoma. The overall accuracy in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions was 79.1%, and the sensitivity for salivary neoplasia was 89.4%. Conclusion Our results are consistent with the literature that salivary gland FNA has good sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in the diagnosis of salivary neoplasms. FNA can play a significant role in triaging patients with onsite cytologic interpretation and can reduce many unnecessary surgeries.
Contribution of effective mass variation to electro-acoustic phonon interaction in semiconductor nanostructures

The finite-size effects of the electron-acoustic phonon of the deformation-potential interaction in semiconductor heterostructures are studied. Modification of the interaction originates from the phonon induced changes of the interface spacing and electron effective mass. Calculations of the electron mobility for a quantum well (QW) show that for narrow GaAs-based QWs, the contribution of the additional mechanisms to the intrasubband scattering depends on the sign of the deformation potential constant and can exceed that from the usual deformation potential.
Regulation of native GABAA receptors by PKC and protein phosphatase activity

Protein kinase C (PKC) modulation of ionotropic receptors is a common mechanism for regulation of channel function. The effects of PKC and phosphatase activation on native gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptors in adult brain are unknown. Previous studies of recombinant GABAA receptors have provided evidence that PKC activation inhibits receptor function, whereas other studies suggest that PKC either increases or does not alter GABAA receptor function. The present study explored (a) the effects of PKC and phosphatase activity on GABA-mediated 36Cl− uptake in cerebral cortical synaptoneurosomes and (b) the effect of PKC activity on muscimol-induced loss of righting reflex (LORR) in adult rats. GABAA receptor function in vitro was measured by muscimol-induced 36Cl− uptake into cerebral cortical synaptoneurosomes. The in vivo effect of PKC on GABAA-mediated function was measured by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of 4-beta-phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) or calphostin C followed by determination of muscimol-induced LORR. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and PDBu produced a concentration-dependent and specific reduction in muscimol-stimulated 36Cl− uptake that was blocked by the PKC inhibitor calphostin C. Both adenosine diphosphate and 4αPDBu were ineffective. Phosphatase inhibition produced similar inhibition of muscimol responses. Furthermore, i.c.v. administration of PDBu and calphostin C produced opposing effects on both the onset and the duration of muscimol-induced LORR in rats. The present study provides evidence that PKC activation reduces GABAA receptor function in native receptors both in vitro and in vivo. Phosphatase inhibitors decrease muscimol-mediated Cl− uptake in GABAA receptors demonstrating coordinated regulation of native receptors by PKC and phosphatases.
Don't forget the teacher: New tools to support broader adoption of remote labs

In order to support broad adoption of remote labs in elementary and secondary schools, we need to provide powerful, easy-to-use interfaces, not just to students, but also to teachers. We are developing tools to provide richer, technology-supported representations that improve teachers' ability to visualize student remote lab activities and diagnose misconceptions with the goal of maximizing remote lab's educational value and impact.
Molecular Laminar Optical Tomography of Thick Tissue Engineered Constructs

We integrated a mesoscopic fluorescence molecular tomography system, and visualized both the fluid flow and fluorescent-labeled living cells of vascular construct within thick scaffold at high-frame rates, with high sensitivity and accuracy.
Messenger RNA for the coat protein of southern bean mosaic virus.

Abstract When RNA from southern bean mosaic virus is fractionated on a sucrose gradient, the resulting absorbance profile shows a major peak corresponding to 1.4 × 10 6 MW together with a considerable amount of slower sedimenting material. The RNA from these gradient fractions was translated in wheat embryo extracts and reticulocyte lysates. Only RNA in the molecular weight range 0.3 – 0.4 × 10 6 was found to induce synthesis of coat protein (designated P3). RNA of molecular weight 1.4 × 10 6 induced synthesis of three proteins, P1, P2, and P4.