cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of preemptive kidney with or without subsequent pancreas transplant compared with preemptive simultaneous pancreas/kidney transplantation.

Background Prior studies have indicated that type 1 diabetic (T1DM) recipients of a simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplant have greater short-term mortality compared with living donor kidney (LDK) transplantation. Whether this association remains and how outcomes compare to deceased donor kidney (DDK) transplantation in the preemptive setting are unknown. Methods Using data on recipients transplanted between 2000 and 2010 from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/United Network of Organ Sharing, patient and graft survival (calculated from the time of kidney transplant) of pancreas after preemptive LDK (PALK, n=389), preemptive LDK not receiving a pancreas transplant (LDK/noP, n=289), preemptive DDK (n=112), and preemptive SPK transplantations (n=1402) were compared. Results At 6 years, patient survival was excellent (PALK=89.4%, LDK/noP=84.9%, DDK=81.2%, and SPK=91.1%) and not different between PALK, LDK/noP, and SPK (P value vs. PALK: LDK/noP=0.08; SPK=0.85) but was lower with preemptive DDK versus preemptive PALK (P=0.03). When both LDK groups were considered together, there was higher mortality in the first 180 days after transplant with preemptive DDK (3.7% vs. 1.1%; P=0.03) and similar mortality with preemptive SPK (2.3%; P=0.07). After multivariate adjustment, there was a trend toward increased risk of death with preemptive DDK compared with preemptive PALK (hazard ratio: 1.91; 95% confidence interval: 0.95-3.84). Conclusions Patient survival associated with preemptive transplantation among T1DM recipients was excellent at 6 years, with the greatest survival favoring PALK, LDK/noP, and SPK rather than DDK. In contrast with prior studies reporting greater short-term mortality with SPK among the general T1DM population, short-term mortality after preemptive transplant is similar between LDK and SPK.
Reticuloendothelial system function and glucose-insulin dyshomeostasis in sepsis.

Abstract Circulating glucose levels, peripheral glucose utilization, and hepatic gluconeogenesis were compared in late endotoxicosis and severe septic shock in rats. Endotoxin was administered intravenously as 5 mg of Salmonella enteritidis lipopolysaccharide B. Sepsis was induced in the peritoneal cavity by use of the cecal ligation and puncture technique. Late endotoxicosis and severe sepsis were comparable in hypoglycemia, increased peripheral glucose use, and depression of gluconeogenesis. Immunoreactive insulin was lower in endotoxicosis than in sepsis; both models demonstrated elevations in serum nonsuppressible insulin-like activity. Endotoxic pancreata secreted excessive insulin, as did pancreata obtained after blockade of the reticulo-endothelial system (RES). Macrophage-conditioned media induced a hypersecretory state of the beta cells in donor pancreata. The RES serves as a source of secretory products, i.e. , glucoregulatory monokines, which affects insulinization of tissues in sepsis and thus underwrites the hypoglycemia of late endotoxicosis and severe sepsis.
Amer Rhomologue at 74 minutes on the Escherichia coli genome

Abstract The nucleotide sequence between the trkA gene and the α ribosomal protein operon of Escherichia coli was determined. This 1592-bp region contains four open reading frames, one of which shows striking similarity to the MerR family of transcriptional regulatory proteins.
Reliable Digit Span: a systematic review and cross-validation study.

Reliable Digit Span (RDS) is a heavily researched symptom validity test with a recent literature review yielding more than 20 studies ranging in dates from 1994 to 2011. Unfortunately, limitations ...
Increased effectiveness of targeted skin cancer screening in the Veterans Affairs population of Northern California

Abstract Background Skin cancer screening in populations at increased risk may be more useful than mass screening. We assessed the effectiveness of screening a targeted population in the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) for skin cancer/precancer detection and follow-up. Methods We studied the demographics, presumptive diagnoses, and outcome of 374 participants in free screening clinics conducted over a 3-year period in multiple northern California sites. The number of attendees with presumptive actinic keratosis (AK), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), dysplastic nevus (DN), and melanoma was noted. Results Three hundred sixty-two males and 12 females were screened (mean age 63.4 years); 74% were Caucasian. Two hundred three individuals (54%) had a positive screen including 139 (52%) with presumptive AK, 41 (11%) with BCC, 9 (2%) with SCC, and 14 (4%) with DN versus potential melanoma. One hundred one (50%) of referred individuals were subsequently evaluated by VAPAHCS dermatologists. Biopsy was performed in 34/36 cases (94%), with a positive predictive value of 62% in patients with suspected BCC, 43% for SCC, 37.5% for DN and 12.5% for melanoma. Conclusions Targeting a predominantly elderly Caucasian population with minimal to no prior dermatologic care yielded high rates of detection for precancers, skin cancer, and atypical nevi, and resulted in an increased percentage of pathologically confirmed nonmelanoma skin cancer, particularly BCC, compared to prior screening studies and population-based cancer registries.
Pericytes, mesenchymal stem cells and their contributions to tissue repair

Regenerative medicine using mesenchymal stem cells for the purposes of tissue repair has garnered considerable public attention due to the potential of returning tissues and organs to a normal, healthy state after injury or damage has occurred. To achieve this, progenitor cells such as pericytes and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells can be delivered exogenously, mobilised and recruited from within the body or transplanted in the form organs and tissues grown in the laboratory from stem cells. In this review, we summarise the recent evidence supporting the use of endogenously mobilised stem cell populations to enhance tissue repair along with the use of mesenchymal stem cells and pericytes in the development of engineered tissues. Finally, we conclude with an overview of currently available therapeutic options to manipulate endogenous stem cells to promote tissue repair.
Shock tube side-wall electrostatic probes.

11 Squire, H. B. and Trouncer, J., -'Round jets in a general stream," Aeronautical Research Council, TR R & M 1974 (1944). 12 Kuethe, A. M., "Investigations of the turbulent mixing regions formed by jets," J. Appl. Mech. 212, A87-A95 (1935). 13 Abramovich, G. N., The Theory of Turbulent Jets (Massachusetts Institute of Technology Press, Cambridge, Mass., 1963). 14 Schlichting, H., Boundary Layer Theory (McGraw-Hill Book Company Inc., New York, 1960). 15 Pai, S. I., Fluid Mechanics of Jets (D. Van Nostrand Company Inc., Princeton, N. J., 1953). 16 Ricou, F. P. and Spalding, D. B., "Measurements of entrainment by axisymmetrical turbulent jets," Imperial College of Science and Technology, Mechanical Engineering Dept., London (November 1960). 17 Albertson, M. L., Dai, Y. B., Jensen, R. A., and Rouse, H., "Diffusion in submerged lets," Papers o/ the American Society of Civil Engineers (American Society of Civil Engineers, New York, 1948), pp. 1571-1596. 18 Tuve, G. L., Priester, G. B., and Wright, D. K, "Entrainment and jet-pump action of air streams," J. Heating Ventilation 48, No. 1204, 241-266 (1942). 19 Davies, P. O. A. L., "The behavior of a pitot tube in transverse shear," J. Fluid Mech. 3, 441-456 (1958). 20 Van Der Hegge Zijnen, B. G., "Measurements of the velocity distribution in a plane turbulent jet of air," Royal Dutch/ Shell Lab., Delft of N. V. de Bataafschu Petroleum Mantschappil, The Hague, Holland; also Appl. Sci. Res., Sec. A, 7 (1957-1958).
Men, women, and money: Exploring the role of gender, gender-linkage of college major and career-information sources in salary expectations

Research focused on salary expectations consistently reports gender-based differences in expectations for entry and peak career. Although a number of variables (e.g., value placed on work-facets, fair pay standards) have been found to mediate the relationship between gender and salary expectations, little research has attempted to assess how expectations may be formed. Based on suggestions by Martin (1989) and social comparison theory, we examined the role that sources of career information (e.g., professors, family) play in shaping college students' salary expectations. Results suggest: (1) differences in entry level salary expectations were associated with gender-linkage of college major and differences in peak salary expectations were associated with gender and gender-linkage of college major, (2) women gathered more information from female sources than did men, and men gathered more information from male sources than did women, and (3) career information was not predictive of either entry or peak salary expectations.
IRT-Based Assessments of Rater Effects in Multiple-Source Feedback Instruments:

This study compares three item response theory–based models of assessing measurement equivalence in 360° feedback: the traditional differential item functioning (DIF) methodology, Muraki’s rater’s ...
Perturbations of Charged Black Holes

Wave equations are derived in the Newman--Penrose formalism for gravitational and electromagnetic perturbations produced by charged and uncharged matter moving in a Reissner--Nordstrom background geometry. A brief sketch is given to obtain similar sets of equations in the Kerr--Newman background. The wave equations in the Kerr--Newman background, however, do not seem to separate, at least for the variables and the coordinate system used here. (AIP)
β-Glucanase Activity and Molecular Weight of β-Glucans in Barley After Various Treatments

ABSTRACT β-Glucanase activity interferes with molecular characterization of mixed-linkage (1→3)(1→4)-β-d-glucans (β-glucans). Reductions in β-glucanase activity were determined after barley cvs. Azhul, Waxbar, and Baronesse were treated with autoclaving (120°C, 45 min), calcium chloride (0.05M, 1 hr), 70% ethanol (80°C, 4 hr), hydrochloric acid (0.1N, 1 hr), oven heating (120 and 140°C, 40 min), sodium hydroxide (0.0025M, 1 hr), and 5% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) (40°C, 1 hr). High-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) of α-amylase-treated aqueous extracts was used to demonstrate the effects of treatments on the molecular weights of β-glucans. The HPSEC system included multiple-angle, laser light scattering, refractive index, and fluorescence detectors. β-Glucanase activities, ranging from 52 to 65 U/kg of barley, were reduced by autoclaving (50–75%), hot alcohol (67–76%), oven heating (40–96%), CaCl2 (75–95%), NaOH (76–89%), and TCA (92–96%). Some malt β-glucanase activity remained after most ...
Effect of pallidotomy on postural control and motor function in Parkinson disease.

Objective To investigate the effects of pallidotomy on postural reactions and other motor parkinsonian deficits. Design Comparison of performance by patients before and after pallidotomy on tests of balance and function. Setting A Parkinson disease Center of Excellence and Center for Human Performance Testing at a university hospital and research center. Participants Twenty-nine patients with Parkinson disease undergoing pallidotomy. Main Outcome Measures Performance results on the United Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), activities of daily living and motor subscales (parts II and III), and posturography (sensory organization test), which were collected before and 3 and 6 months after surgery with patients in the practically defined off state (medication withheld for at least 12 hours). Results Data were analyzed with a paired Wilcoxon and Spearman correlation. There was a significant improvement in mean±SD UPDRS motor subscale score after pallidotomy (before surgery, 52.43 ± 13.46; after surgery, 43.93 ± 15.15; z = 3.63; P =.003). There were no significant changes in the UPDRS activities of daily living subscale or average stability scores when the group was examined as a whole. However, examination of individual data revealed that 9 (56%) of 16 patients who could stand independently before surgery showed improvement in either the number of falls or the average stability score. No patient who was unable to stand independently before surgery was able to stand independently after it. Conclusion Pallidotomy helped improve overall motor function in patients with parkinsonism and, for some patients, also improved postural stability.
Effect of tissue maturity on cell viability in load-injured articular cartilage explants

Summary Objective During joint maturation, articular cartilage undergoes compositional, structural, and biomechanical changes, which could affect how the chondrocytes within the cartilage matrix respond to load-induced injury. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of tissue maturity on chondrocyte viability when explanted cartilage was subjected to load-induced injury. Design Cartilage explants from immature (4–8-week-old) and mature (1.5–2-year-old) bovine humeral heads were cyclically loaded at 0.5 hertz in confined compression with a stress of 1 or 5 megapascals for 0.5, 1, 3, 6 and 16h. Cell death was assessed at 0, 24 and 48h after load removal using cell viability dyes and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay. The organization of pericellular matrix (PCM), biochemical composition and biomechanical properties of the cartilage were also determined. Results For the immature and mature cartilage, cell death began at the articular surface and increased in depth with loading time up to 6h. No increase of cell death was found after load removal for up to 48h. In both groups, cell death increased at a faster rate with the increase of stress level. The depth of cell death in the immature cartilage was greater than the mature cartilage, despite the immature cartilage having a higher bulk aggregate modulus. A less organized PCM in immature cartilage was found as indicated by the weak staining of type VI collagen. Conclusion Cells in the mature cartilage are less vulnerable to load-induced injury than those in immature cartilage.
[Re(η5-C5H5)(CO)3]+ Family of 17-Electron Compounds: Monomer/Dimer Equilibria and Other Reactions

The anodic electrochemical oxidations of ReCp(CO)3 (1, Cp = η5-C5H5), Re(η5-C5H4NH2)(CO)3 (2), and ReCp*(CO)3 (3, Cp* = η5-C5Me5), have been studied in CH2Cl2 containing [NBu4][TFAB] (TFAB = [B(C6F5)4]-) as supporting electrolyte. One-electron oxidations were observed with E1/2 = 1.16, 0.79, and 0.91 V vs ferrocene for 1−3, respectively. In each case, rapid dimerization of the radical cation gave the dimer dication, [Re2Cpγ2(CO)6]2+ (where Cpγ represents a generic cyclopentadienyl ligand), which may be itself reduced cathodically back to the original 18-electron neutral complex ReCpγ(CO)3. DFT calculations show that the SOMO of 1+ is highly Re-based and hybridized to point away from the metal, thereby facilitating the dimerization process and other reactions of the Re(II) center. The dimers, isolated in all three cases, have long metal−metal bonds that are unsupported by bridging ligands, the bond lengths being calculated as 3.229 A for [Re2Cp2(CO)6]2+ (122+) and measured as 3.1097 A for [Re2(C5H4NH2)2(CO...
Adsorption and Coadsorption of Cations at Silica/CH3CN InterfaceComparison of Electrical Double-Layer Model with Site-Binding Model†

The adsorption of a nonlinear optical molecular probing cation, trans-4-[4-(dibutylamino)styryl]-1-methylpyridinium (DMP+), and its coadsorption with organic and inorganic cations at silica/CH3CN i...
Correlation of sodium-potassium-activated adenosine triphosphatase with acetyl cholinesterase of the Electrophorus electric organ.

La distribution des activites de la Na+-K+-ATPase, de l'acetylcholinesterase et de la cholineacetylase correspond a la densite des membranes le long de l'organe electrique. La plus haute concentration des activites enzymatiques ainsi que le plus grand nombre de membranes se trouvent dans la partie rostrale et tous 2 diminuent vers la partie caudale. La diminution de l'activite de la deshydrogenase lactique est plus graduelle dans le sens rostro-caudal et ceci correspond probablement au contenu intracellulaire le long de l'organe electrique. C'est dans l'organe de Sachs que l'activite des 4 enzymes etudiees est la plus basse.
Automatic airway analysis for genome-wide association studies in COPD

We present an image pipeline for airway phenotype extraction suitable for large-scale genetic and epidemiological studies including genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). We use scale-space particles to densely sample intraparenchymal airway locations in a large cohort of high-resolution CT scans. The particle methodology is based on a constrained energy minimization problem that results in a set of candidate airway points situated in both physical space and scale. Those points are further clustered using connected components filtering to increase their specificity. Finally, we use the particle locations to perform airway wall detection using an edge detector based on the zero-crossing of the second order derivative. Given the airway wall locations, we compute three phenotypes for airway disease: wall thickening (Pi 10, WA%) and luminal remodeling (P%). We validate the airway extraction technique and present results in 2,500 scans for the association of the extracted phenotypes with clinical outcomes that will be deployed as part of the COPDGene study GWAS analysis.
Acute ballistic muscle stretching inhibits maximal strength performance.

(2001). Acute Ballistic Muscle Stretching Inhibits Maximal Strength Performance. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Vol. 72, No. 4, pp. 415-419.
A phosphoramidate‐based prostate‐specific membrane antigen‐targeted SPECT agent

BACKGROUND Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) remains an active target for imaging and therapeutic applications for prostate cancer. METHODS In the present study, an irreversible phosphoramidate inhibitor, CTT-54 (IC50 = 14 nM), has been modified to deliver 99mTc-(CO)3-DTPA as a SPECT imaging payload to PSMA+ cells in vivo and in vitro. Percent uptake, competitive binding, and internalization will evaluate the imaging agent in vitro. Preliminary biodistribution and imaging will be utilized for in vivo evaluation. RESULTS In vitro studies demonstrate that the radiotracer 99mTc-(CO)3-DTPA-CTT-54 exhibits increasing cellular uptake in the PSMA+ LNCaP cells over time. More importantly, it was found that 99mTc-(CO)3-DTPA-CTT-54 is rapidly internalized into LNCaP cells, presumably through the PSMA enzyme-inhibitor complex. In a pilot biodistribution study, increasing accumulation of the radiotracer in LNCaP xenografts was observed from 2 to 4 hr and significant clearance from non-target tissues. CONCLUSIONS While DTPA may not represent the ideal chelate structure for 99mTc(CO)3, the data provides proof-of-concept support for the development of a next-generation phosphoramidate-based PSMA inhibitor-conjugates for use as SPECT imaging agents. Prostate 72:904–912, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nucleotide sequence analysis identifies the human c-sis proto-oncogene as a structural gene for platelet-derived growth factor

Abstract The simian sarcoma virus transforming gene, v- sis , encodes a protein, p28 sis , that is closely related to human platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). The human locus related to v- sis was cloned and shown to contain at least five exons corresponding to the v- sis coding region. Nucleotide sequence analysis of these exons revealed that the predicted amino acid sequence of human c- sis differed by 6% from that of the woolly monkey-derived v- sis . These findings imply that the sis proto-oncogene has been well conserved during primate evolution. By comparison of the known amino acid sequences of PDGF peptides with the predicted human c- sis protein, it was possible to demonstrate that this human proto-oncogene is the structural gene encoding one of the two major polypeptides of this potent mitogen for connective tissue cells.
Application of the Hydra attenuata assay for identifying developmental hazards among natural waters and wastewaters.

Abstract This study concerns application of the Hydra attenuata assay to detect the developmental toxicity potential of various aqueous samples. First, the assay was modified for testing aqueous samples because water quality has a major impact on aquatic toxicity testing and the results thus obtained. Ranges of sample pH, salinity (conductivity), and hardness were examined for their adverse effects upon the hydra. Adult hydra were unaffected morphologically by pH 5.5–9.5, and the artificial embryo (“embryo”) developed normally in a pH range of 6.25 to 8.25. For water hardness, the minimal affective concentration was 1000 mg/liter (as CaCO 3 ) in adults and 625 mg/liter in the embryos; the NOAELs for these were 750 mg/liter in the adult and 250 mg/liter CaCO 3 in the embryo. Salinity in excess of 5 ppt was lethal to adults and embryos, indicating the assay may not be applicable to marine or highly saline samples. Finally, grab samples were tested from rivers in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, some of which are impacted by industrial and agricultural activities, as well as several samples of industrial wastewaters from one major facility. The assay functioned normally with these diverse samples and yielded results that can be used in assessing the potential developmental hazard of these materials.
Molecular weight distributions in activated sludge effluents

Abstract Bench scale activated sludge reactors with a solids retention time of 9 days were operated at all combinations of two levels of pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration and feed type (pH 6 and 8; DO 1 and 7 mgl −1 ; simple and complex feed). Long-term composite samples were collected and adjusted to neutral pH and equal concentrations of alkalinity and ammonia nitrogen. The molecular weight distributions of the soluble organic carbon (SOC) in the samples were determined by ultrafiltration through membranes with nominal rejection values of 1000, 10,000, 25,000 and 100,000. The distributions were generally bimodal with the bulk of the SOC in the largest and smallest fractions. Following ozonation to a residual of 0.30–0.35 mg 1 −1 after 5 min contact, the distributions were shifted so that more of the SOC appeared in the lowest molecular weight fraction although significant amounts remained in the other fractions. When samples were breakpoint chlorinated to a residual of 5–10 mg l −1 free available chlorine after 2 h contact, very little high molecular weight material remained and almost all of the SOC appeared in the low molecular weight fraction. By using 36 Cl during breakpoint chlorination it was also possible to evaluate the distribution of organically bound chlorine among the molecular weight fractions and this revealed that the bulk of it was associated with organics having molecular weight less than 1000.
Abstract 3490: Targeting E3 ligases in liver cancer stem cells with disruption of TGF-β signaling

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Introduction: Hepatocellular Cancer (HCC) remains the 4th common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Because it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage in a fragile cirrhotic patient, effective therapies whether they are chemotherapy or biologically based are disappointingly few, with a narrow therapeutic index. Recent studies support a key role for TGF-β signaling in suppressing these tumors. We have previously found that deletion of Smad3/4 adaptor β2SP results in a dramatic and spontaneous formation of liver (HCC) with exon 15 mutations in 11% of human HCC. β2SP+/− and β2SP+/−/Smad3+/− mice develop visceromegaly and multiple cancers (70% of mice), including HCC spontaneously presenting a strong model of the hereditary human cancer syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann (BWS) as well as the stages of human HCC. High levels of E3 ligases KEAP1 and PRAJA are observed in human HCCs and in tumors of these mutant mice. Our hypothesis is that disruption of the TGF-β tumor suppressor pathway (through β2SP, Smad3 and Smad4) leads to a proliferative potential in cells that then acquire secondary events such as activation of E3 ligases (KEAP 1, PRAJA and others), presenting these as potentially powerful new targets for HCC. Methods & Results: (1) β2SP+/− and β2SP+/−/Smad3+/− mice are ideal models for a human stem cell disorder (BWS) and HCC progression. (2) Inhibition of PRAJA in the developing Zebrafish embryo leads to high levels of apoptosis. (3) PRAJA is a key E3 Ligase that modulates β2SP and Smad3. (4) PRAJA levels markedly over- expressed in human HCC cell lines and tumor tissues and promotes HCC cell growth. (5) KEAP1 levels are raised in β2SP knockout tissues and human HCCs (6) Knocking-down KEAP1 inhibits HCC tumor cell growth. (7) Seven tumor suppressors are discovered to be potential targets of KEAP1 in HCC. (8) Triterpenoid derivates (Oleanolic Acid/RTA 402/RTA 405) inhibit KEAP1/Nrf2 pathway, as well as PRAJA and inhibit HCC tumor cell growth. Conclusions: Our studies demonstrate that E3 Ligases KEAP1 and PRAJA are dramatically raised in human and mouse hepatocellular cancers when TGF-β signaling is inactivated, inhibiting KEAP1 or PRAJA reduces HCC growth. Determining the synergistic therapeutic effects by targeting both KEAP1 and PRAJA will provide us important insights into development of new therapeutic targets for HCC. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3490. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3490
Virtual ghost imaging with Bessel beam illumination

We present results from experiments performed at the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) demonstrating a single sensor virtual ghost imaging (VGI) configuration using Bessel beams. These experiments were performed in conditions of partially obscuring media or turbulent media to generate images of remote objects. Randomly translated Bessel beams provided improved illumination capabilities for resolving small distant targets in difficult imaging environments. When the object was illuminated through obscuring or turbulent media or a small offset aperture VGI recovered the image of the object when using a relatively coarse Bessel beam. Our experimental results show that VGI using Bessel beams can have advantages over Gaussian beams for imaging remote objects in adverse conditions.
Brimonidine: a new alpha2-adrenoreceptor agonist for glaucoma treatment.

Purpose Brimonidine is a highly selective alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist. It has intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering characteristics similar to other alpha2-agonists and acts by reducing aqueous humor production and increasing uveoscleral outflow. It is oxidatively stable, which may account for its lower reported rate of ocular allergy compared with other alpha2-agonists. The focus of this report is to review the receptor pharmacology and clinical experience with brimonidine tartrate, the newest of the alpha2-adrenergic agonists. Methods Clinical studies have been performed for acute indications using the 0.5% concentration and chronic indications using the 0.2% concentration. Results Brimonidine 0.5% given as one drop before, after, or both before and after 360 degrees argon laser trabeculoplasty significantly lowers the incidence of postlaser IOP spikes. Brimonidine 0.2% instilled twice daily offers long-term IOP control comparable with that achieved with timolol 0.5% and better than betatolol 0.25% suspension. Conclusions In light of these data, brimonidine 0.5% may be considered for prophylaxis against laser-induced IOP spikes and brimonidine 0.2% for chronic use in patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma.
Reliability value of fast state estimation on power systems

Monitoring the state of a power system under stress is key to achieving reliable operation. State estimation and timely measurements become more important when applying and designing corrective control actions (manual and automatic) to arrest or mitigate cascading blackouts. The execution time of each process, including state estimation, should be as short as possible to allow for timely action. In this paper, we provide a methodology for estimating one of the components of value of faster and more frequent state estimation: the reliability value of state estimation to assist corrective control actions for arresting or mitigating cascading blackouts. We use an algorithm for estimating the time between successive line trips in a cascading failure. The algorithm combines power flow calculations with characteristics of the protection system to estimate the time between successive equipment trips. Using this algorithm, we illustrate the value of fast state estimation by calculating the time remaining for automatic or manual corrective actions after state estimation is finalized.
Mechanisms of resistance to rapamycins.

Abstract Rapamycins represent a novel family of anticancer agents, currently including rapamycin and its derivatives, CCI-779 and RAD001. Rapamycins inhibit the function of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and potently suppress tumor cell growth by arresting cells in G1 phase or potentially inducing apoptosis of cells, in culture or in xenograft tumor models. However, recent data indicate that genetic mutations or compensatory changes in tumor cells influence the sensitivity of rapamycins. First, mutations of mTOR or FKBP12 prevent rapamycin from binding to mTOR, conferring rapamycin resistance. Second, mutations or defects of mTOR-regulated proteins, including S6K1, 4E-BP1, PP2A-related phosphatases, and p27 Kip1 also render rapamycin insensitivity. In addition, the status of ATM, p53, PTEN/Akt and 14-3-3 are also associated with rapamycin sensitivity. To better explore the role of rapamycins against tumors, this review will summarize the current knowledge of the mechanism of action of rapamycins, and progress in understanding mechanisms of acquired or intrinsic resistance.
The Role of Regulatory Focus in Preference Construction

Abstract The authors examine how consumers' regulatory focus affects their information search behavior and decision-making process. The results show that uninvolved research participants rely on their regulatory focus as a filter to process information selectively. Participants paid more attention to and based their product evaluation on product information that is relevant to their regulatory concerns, but only when they were not motivated to process information. This regulatory fit effect on evaluation seems to be driven by the perceptual salience of fit versus nonfit information and is more consistent with heuristic than with systematic processing of information.
Imaging Predictors of Elevated Lung Shunt Fraction in Patients Being Considered for Yttrium-90 Radioembolization.

Abstract Purpose To identify imaging findings associated with elevated lung shunt fraction (LSF) in patients being considered for yttrium-90 ( 90 Y) radioembolization. Materials and Methods During the period 2009–2014, 152 consecutive patients underwent planning hepatic arteriography with technetium-99m ( 99m Tc) macroaggregated albumin (MAA) injection. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging performed before the procedure for each patient was assessed for hepatic vein (HV) tumor thrombus or occlusion from external compression by tumor. When imaging was a multiphase CT scan (117 patients), the arterial phase was evaluated for evidence of early HV opacification (relative to unaffected HVs), indicating hepatic venous shunting. These factors were correlated with LSF determined by 99m Tc-MAA imaging. Results Median LSF was 6.7% (range, P = .048). Larger tumor size was associated with higher LSF in univariate analysis ( P = .001). There was high interobserver agreement for determining hepatic venous shunting (97%, κ = 0.847), which was associated with higher LSF ( P 20%) LSF ( P P = .039). Multivariate analysis confirmed that early HV opacification and either HV tumor thrombus or occlusion were associated with higher LSF. Conclusions Early HV opacification and HV tumor thrombus or occlusion on cross-sectional imaging performed before radioembolization are associated with elevated LSF, which may contraindicate or limit the dose delivered in 90 Y radioembolization. This information could be helpful during patient counseling for anticipating the most appropriate mode of liver-directed therapy.
Physiography and structure of the inner floor of the FAMOUS rift valley: Observations with a deep-towed instrument package

A deep-towed instrument survey was made of the floor of the rift valley in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge near lat 37 °N (FAMOUS project). Near-bottom bathymetry, side-looking sonar (SLS), and wide-angle photography are among the data brought to bear on the definition of the American-African plate boundary and the intrusion-extrusion zone between these plates. The valley floor is 1 to 4 km wide and contains eight elongate shield volcanoes that occupy 40% of the axis. Where the volcanoes — called central highs — are absent, there are sometimes shallow depressions — called central lows. Photographic data show three components to the near-bottom environment: massive pillow lavas, well-sorted rock fragments, and sediment cover. Sediment is ubiquitous in all the photos but is scarcest along the axis of the valley floor. Pillows appear the freshest on the central highs except for one locality found at the extreme east side of the valley floor. The rock fragments are evidently pillow joint blocks and are associated with spalling off steep flow fronts and fracturing from faulting. Less well sorted fragments are associated with the large-throw step faults at the edges of the valley floor. Pillow elongation approaches 10:1 and possibly indicates flow directions both across and along contour. Numerous fissures and small-throw step faults were also seen. The SLS records show that the smoothest areas are the well-sedimented regions off the central highs that are yet to be broken by faulting at the floor edges. More than 700 faults were mapped in the valley-floor region. They trend parallel to valley strike (N17 °E) and are generally absent within 500 m of the axis. Fault density is highest at the east inner floor edge, reaching 35/km 2 . Fissures are present in photos but are not readily recognized with SLS data. Flow edges or ridges also align near N17 °E, but some trend across strike. SLS point targets 25 m high and about 50 by 50 m represent volcanic conelets (haystacks). These align in groups and often are associated with faults. They are not detected away from the axis. The floor is intensely fractured with fissures and small-throw vertical faults as are parts of the inner walls; this is evidence that the region of tensional faulting is at least 5 km wide. The absence of faults near the axis due to volcanic burial suggests that the extrusion zone is as much as 1 km wide. The construction process in the floor is virtually entirely volcanic, but much of this relief is obscured by the intensive shear (normal) faulting found beyond the inner walls. Many geomorphic features of the floor have direct analogy with those in the Icelandic rift valley and the East Pacific Rise, although there are differences in scale.
Ampullary cancer in chemical workers.

Although a relatively uncommon neoplasm, cancer of the ampulla of Vater does account for over 300 deaths a year in the United States.1 Among biliary tract tumours, ampullary cancer is regarded as having a favourable prognosis because the early onset of symp toms, low grade histopathology, and late and infre quent m?tastases allow the possibility of surgical cure; nevertheless, high operative mortality and overall five year survival figures of between 4% and 40%, depending on type of tumour and disease spread at diagnosis, show that these cancers cannot be consid ered as having a good prognosis.J These figures also serve to underline the importance of the identification of underlying aetiological factors for these tumours. In previous research we had identified the possible importance of chemical exposures in the development of these tumours; however, statistical significance was limited by the small numbers involved.1 2 Expansion of these studies has now confirmed our previous pre dictions.
Frequency discrimination using neural networks with applications in ultrasonics microstructure characterization

Neural networks based on the propagation algorithm are used to discriminate time and frequency signatures inherent in grain signals. The samples of grain signals are applied directly or preprocessed for feature selection before being applied to the neural network. The methods of feature selection are signal power spectrum, autocorrelation and autoregressive coefficients. These methods are applied to both simulated and experimental data. Overall recognition performance as high as 100% for simulated data and 87% for experimental data is obtained, although this high performance has not occurred for some feature selection methods. >
Conjugation and transport of quantum dots and nanoparticles by microtubule-associated kinesin motor proteins

In contrast to synthetic materials that passively assemble to form static structures through equilibrium dynamics, Nature has evolved complex, nonequilibrium strategies for the active assembly, reconfiguration and trafficking of nanomaterials. Microtubule-associated kinesin motor proteins play important roles in cell division, intracellular transport, and material assembly/reconfiguration in eukaryotic organisms. The primary goals of our work are to (1) integrate kinesin-microtubule shuttles for transporting synthetic nanoparticles, and (2) utilize the unique properties of these molecular shuttles to design dynamic and adaptive materials at synthetic interfaces. Towards this end, we are currently developing schemes by which kinesin-microtubule complexes are utilized in the transport of inorganic nanoparticles. Microtubule copolymers have been prepared from unlabeled and biotinylated tubulin and conjugated with streptavidin-coated gold nanoparticles and CdSe quantum dots. A variety of composite structures, ranging from centrosome-like assemblies to fully decorated microtubules, have been observed, and appear to be dependent on both the degree of biotinylation as well as the ratio of microtubules to quantum dots. Further, we have observed that these nanoparticle-laden microtubules can be transported by surface bound kinesins with an efficiency comparable to dye-labeled microtubules. To further facilitate microtubule-based nanoparticle transport, we have modified the microtubule polymerization and composition to create unique areas for attachment of nanoparticles and increase the efficacy for nanoparticle transport. Overall, these data demonstrate the ability to efficiently assemble and transport inorganic nanoparticle arrays using biological transport mechanisms, and provide a platform for the further development of dynamic nanomaterials based on these strategies.
Interplay between intensity standardization and inhomogeneity correction in MR image processing

Image intensity standardization is a postprocessing method designed for correcting acquisition-to-acquisition signal intensity variations (nonstandardness) inherent in magnetic resonance (MR) images. Inhomogeneity correction is a process used to suppress the low frequency background nonuniformities (inhomogeneities) of the image domain that exist in MR images. Both these procedures have important implications in MR image analysis. The effects of these postprocessing operations on improvement of image quality in isolation has been well documented. However, the combined effects of these two processes on MR images and how the processes influence each other have not been studied thus far. In this paper, we evaluate the effect of inhomogeneity correction followed by standardization and vice-versa on MR images in order to determine the best sequence to follow for enhancing image quality. We conducted experiments on several clinical and phantom data sets (nearly 4000 three-dimensional MR images were analyzed) corresponding to four different MRI protocols. Different levels of artificial nonstandardness, and different models and levels of artificial background inhomogeneity were used in these experiments. Our results indicate that improved standardization can be achieved by preceding it with inhomogeneity correction. There is no statistically significant difference in image quality obtained between the results of standardization followed by correction and that of correction followed by standardization from the perspective of inhomogeneity correction. The correction operation is found to bias the effect of standardization. We demonstrate this bias both qualitatively and quantitatively by using two different methods of inhomogeneity correction. We also show that this bias in standardization is independent of the specific inhomogeneity correction method used. The effect of this bias due to correction was also seen in magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) images, which are naturally endowed with the standardness property. Standardization, on the other hand, does not seem to influence the correction operation. It is also found that longer sequences of repeated correction and standardization operations do not considerably improve image quality. These results were found to hold for the clinical and the phantom data sets, for different MRI protocols, for different levels of artificial nonstandardness, for different models and levels of artificial inhomogeneity, for different correction methods, and for images that were endowed with inherent standardness as well as for those that were standardized by using the intensity standardization method. Overall, we conclude that inhomogeneity correction followed by intensity standardization is the best sequence to follow from the perspective of both image quality and computational efficiency.
An Evaluation of the Larvicidal Effects of Origin 3-6-9

The effect of ORIGIN 3-6-9, a combination of fatty acids and amino acids derived from castor beans, was evaluated against Aedes albopictus larvae in water containing varying concentrations of this compound. At rates above 50 ppm, it caused 100% mortality, whereas at 5 ppm or less, larval mortality was not significantly different from that of the control. Tests repeated at 7, 14, and 28 days posttreatment demonstrated no reduction in effectiveness against the test species.
Effect of Copper-Zinc Superoxide Dismutase on Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation in Patients With Essential Hypertension

Abstract Patients with essential hypertension have abnormal endothelium-dependent vasodilation related to decreased nitric oxide activity. The specific mechanism responsible for this abnormality is unknown. Recent studies in hypertensive animals have suggested an augmented destruction of nitric oxide by superoxide anions. Therefore, in the present study we aimed to investigate whether this mechanism is responsible for the abnormal vasodilator function of hypertensive patients. To this end, we studied the vascular responses to acetylcholine (an endothelium-dependent vasodilator) and sodium nitroprusside (a direct smooth muscle dilator) before and after combined administration of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (a scavenger of superoxide anions with poor intracellular penetrance; 6000 U/min) in 20 healthy control subjects (11 men and 9 women; aged 50±6 years) and 20 hypertensive patients (13 men and 7 women; aged 51±9 years). Drugs were infused into the brachial artery, and the response of the forearm vasculature was measured by plethysmography. The vasodilator response to acetylcholine was significantly blunted in hypertensive patients compared with control subjects (maximal flow: 8.2±4 versus 12.7±3 mL/min per 100 mL; P
Sheath expansion in two-dimensional Cartesian and cylindrical targets

Summary form only given, as follows. The transient sheath expansion induced by a voltage pulse applied to two-dimensional targets is simulated numerically with a fluid model. Non-linear sheath expansion due to sheath overlapping in a small cylindrical bore with a finite depth is presented. The sheath expansion inside the bore is enhanced by the initially nonuniform plasma distribution. The angular distribution of the ions impinging on the target surface and the nonuniformity of the incident ion dose are calculated for a cylindrical bore target. A dip of the dose profile, seen earlier for square targets, appears at convex corners of the target. This dip is a numerical artifact, not a real physical phenomenon, mainly caused by false diffusion (numerical diffusion) and inaccurate estimation of the electric field on the corner. By re-orientation of the numerical mesh to suppress false diffusion, the dip effect can be be eliminated effectively in the square target case.
RTEF-1, a novel transcriptional stimulator of vascular endothelial growth factor in hypoxic endothelial cells.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic growth factor known to be up-regulated in ischemic heart and hypoxic endothelial cells. However, the transcriptional regulation of VEGF in hypoxia-induced angiogenesis is not fully understood. Transcriptional enhancer factor-1 (TEF-1) is a transcriptional factor family that can regulate many genes expressed in cardiac and skeletal muscle cells by binding to myocyte-specific chloramphenicol acetyltransferase heptamer elements in the promoters of these genes. In this study, we demonstrated that related TEF-1 (RTEF-1), a member of the TEF-1 family, is up-regulated in hypoxic endothelial cells. Overexpression of RTEF-1 increases VEGF promoter activity and VEGF expression. Sequential deletion and site-directed mutation analyses of the VEGF promoter demonstrated that a GC-rich region containing four Sp1 response elements, located between –114 and –50, was essential for RTEF-1 function. This region is beyond the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α binding site and does not consist of M-CAT-related elements. By electrophoretic mobility shift assay, RTEF-1 was found to interact with the first Sp1 residue (–97 to –87) of the four consecutive Sp1 elements. Binding activity of RTEF-1 to VEGF promoter is also confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. In addition, induction of VEGF promoter activity by RTEF-1 results in an increase of angiogenic processes including endothelial cells proliferation and vascular structure formation. These results indicate that RTEF-1 acts as a transcriptional stimulator of VEGF by regulating VEGF promoter activity through binding to Sp1 site. In addition, RTEF-1-induced VEGF promoter activity was enhanced in a hypoxic condition, indicating that RTEF-1 may play an important role in the regulation of VEGF under hypoxia.