cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The relationship of pemphigus to neoplasia.

A statistically increased incidence of malignancy has been observed in patients with pemphigus. A review of the literature reveals 42 cases of nonthymic malignancies and 18 cases of thymic malignancies. A significant predominence of men, with mean age at onset of 50 years, was observed. Pemphigus vulgaris is more common in patients with nonthymic neoplasms, whereas pemphigus foliaceus or pemphipus erythematosus and pemphigus vulgaris are equally common in patients with thymic neoplasms. Lymphoreticular malignancies, especially Kaposi's sarcoma, are most frequently observed. The majority of patients with nonthymic neoplasms have pemphigus before the detection of the malignancy and have a favorable 5-year survival rate after tumor resection. The majority of the patients with thymic neoplasms have a thymoma before the development of pemphigus. In some patients pemphigus develops after thymectomy and myasthenia gravis is often associated. Overall, 37 of the 60 patients, or 61%, had a neoplasm of the immune system.
Clinical and roentgen features of the intestinal polyposis syndromes

The intestinal polyposis syndromes represent a challenging diagnostic problem for the radiologist. These syndromes include: familial multiple polyposis, Gardner's, Peutz-Jeghers, Turcot's, Cronkhite-Canada and juvenile polyposis. The polyposis syndromes can usually be differentiated from one another on the basis of the clinical history, examination of the mucocutaneous tissues and roentgen findings. Numerous other conditions, however, may mimmic a polyposis syndrome, and must be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Golden Tweet, Camera Raw

“Chalfen's Home Mode” refers to the everyday use of photography intended for a particular audience, often tied through a familial network. Analyses of digital photographic practice risk collapsing home mode photography into public mode photography, losing touch with the importance of the home mode for describing everyday life. Through a reading of popular Twitter photography and digital file formats, the elision of the home mode is read as a sign of an emerging raw mode at work in digital culture that is important in itself. Parsing the distinction between the raw and home modes is necessary to understand emerging digital image practices and their political potential.
Vascular dementia revisited: Diagnosis, pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention

VaD is the second most common cause of dementia in the elderly after AD. VaD is defined as the loss of cognitive function resulting from ischemic, ischemic-hypoxic, or hemorrhagic brain lesions as a result of CVD and cardiovascular pathologic changes. Diagnosis requires (1) cognitive loss (often predominantly subcortical), (2) vascular brain lesions demonstrated by imaging, and (3) exclusion of other causes of dementia, such as AD. VaD is excluded by brain imaging showing no evidence of vascular lesions. VaD may be caused by multiple strokes (MID or poststroke dementia) but also by single strategic strokes, multiple lacunes, and hypoperfusive lesions such as border zone infarcts and ischemic periventricular leukoencephalopathy (Binswanger's disease). Primary and secondary prevention of stroke and cardiovascular disease decreases the burden of VaD. Genetic advice is needed in patients with familial forms, such as CADASIL. Treatment involves control of risk factors (i.e., hypertension, diabetes, smoking, hyperfibrinogenemia, hyperhomocystinemia, orthostatic hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias). Anticholinergic medications used for AD are also useful in VaD, and atypical antipsychotic agents and antidepressants (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) may be required in some patients.
Quasi-regional mapping for the p-version of the finite element method

In the p-version of the finite element method the size of the elements is fixed independently of the number of degrees of freedom. Therefore, accurate representation of the curves and surfaces which bound the solution domain, so that the quality of the representation is independent of the number of elements, is very important. Another important requirement is that continuous curves and surfaces must be represented either directly, such as in the blending function method, or must be approximated with sufficient accuracy for the discretization error to be controlled by the mesh and the polynomial degree of elements, rather than the mapping of the elements. In this paper we describe a unified representation scheme in which all boundary curves and surfaces are approximated by piecewise polynomials. Special selection of the collocation points provides approximate continuity between elements on smooth boundary curves and surfaces. A numerical example is also presented.
Spectral Image Classification From Optimal Coded-Aperture Compressive Measurements

Traditional hyperspectral imaging sensors acquire high-dimensional data that are used for the discrimination of objects and features in a scene. Recently, a novel architecture known as the coded-aperture snapshot spectral imaging (CASSI) system has been developed for the acquisition of compressive spectral image data with just a few coded focal plane array measurements. This paper focuses on developing a classification approach with hyperspectral images directly from CASSI compressive measurements, without first reconstructing the full data cube. The proposed classification method uses the compressive measurements to find the sparse vector representation of the test pixel in a given training dictionary. The estimated sparse vector is obtained by solving a sparsity-constrained optimization problem and is then used to directly determine the class of the unknown pixel. The performance of the proposed classifier is improved by taking optimal CASSI compressive measurements obtained when optimal coded apertures are used in the optical system. The set of optimal coded apertures is designed such that the CASSI sensing matrix satisfies a restricted isometry property with high probability. Several simulations illustrate the performance of the proposed classifier using optimal coded apertures and the gain in the classification accuracy obtained over using traditional aperture codes in CASSI.
Pharmacologic aspects of monoamine oxidase inhibition.

Abstract The block of an enzyme, such as monoamine oxidase, may be simple but the effect of this block upon the tissue functions are clearly complex. The behavior of intracellular multienzyme systems is difficult to express kinetically and, in addition, the quantitative relationship between the tissue function and the concentration of an intermediate is generally unknown. In the present case the situation is complicated by the presence of multiple pathways: there are several pathways of amine formation, there are an unknown number of amines formed and there are different pathways for the elimination of these amines. This field of investigation is one that particularly requires the simultaneous application of biochemical, physiologic and pharmacologie concepts at the most fundamental levels.
Significant Developments in Medical Hypnosis During the Past 25 Years

Abstract Selected significant investigative studies on the use of hypnosis in the medical context over the past 25 years are discussed. The topics covered include anxiety and pain, asthma, migraine, skin disease, burns, nausea and vomiting, surgery, haemorrhagic disorders, and cancer and immunity. The importance of hypnotizability ratings in the methodology is emphasized.
Corneal and periocular representation within the trigeminal sensory complex in the cat studied with transganglionic transport of horseradish peroxidase

The central projections of afferent fibers from the cornea, and the infraorbital, infratrochlear, frontal, lacrimal and auriculotemporal nerves were investigated by means of the transganglionic transport of horseradish peroxidase. Afferent projections to the dorsal horn of the medulla are organized along both the rostrocaudal axis and the ventrolateral to dorsomedial margin of the medullary dorsal horn. An inverted but discontinuous facial representation exists through the rostrocaudal axis of the dorsal horn of the medulla with perioral and nasal receptive fields innervated by the infraorbital and infratrochlear nerves represented rostral to the progressively more posterior receptive fields innervated by the frontal, lacrimal and auriculotemporal nerves, respectively. The organization of the primary afferents is not uniform over the laminae of the dorsal horn of the medulla; the projections from the different nerves show the least overlap in lamina II, while overlap is most extensive in laminae I and V. The sensory projection from the cornea to the medullary dorsal horn is most dense in laminae I and II. All nerves, including those innervating the cornea, project to the interpolar, oral and principal trigeminal nuclei and are somatotopically organized. Projections to the reticular formation and the contralateral trigeminal sensory complex were not found in this study. These results support the organization of the dorsal horn of the medulla proposed by Dejerine (1914) and show that this organization is most evident for the primary afferent projections to lamina II.
Preferred position model and subsurface symmetry of valleys

The preferred position model postulates that the shape of the transverse profile of a valley is a product of the relative duration of occupation by the stream of each position across the valley. Data on distribution of streams in their valleys indicate that streams preferentially occupy the outer half of their valleys at a bend but have no preferred position within straight reaches. The symmetry variations in the transverse profiles of bedrock valleys reflect these position variations by being asymmetrical at bends and symmetrical in straight reaches. Borehole data suggest that, on the average, maximum flood scour occurs to a depth twice the bank height. These data indicate that many streams that are flowing on alluvium may scour the bedrock floor of their valleys. These conclusions indicate that some streams that flow on alluvium and appear underfit may, in fact, be fit and that some aspects of the underfit stream model are in need of re-evaluation.
EVALUATION OF THREAT BY POLICE OFFICERS: INITIAL FINDINGS

Police officers’ threat perception of static images was examined using images reflecting the range of five threat categories on which police officers are trained. Thirteen experienced officers from a police departments in the southeastern United States participated in this study. Officers rated their perceived threat level for 110 images that were presented to them on a laptop computer. Each of these images was rated twice by each officer. Officers used all five categories to rate the stimuli, and their responses to the extremes (images rated as 1 or 5) were faster than responses to more ambiguous stimuli in the other categories. These results were generally consistent with predictions based on Fuzzy Signal Detection Theory. Further studies will evaluate performance with these images in the context of a signal detection task. Once fully developed, this tool could be used to evaluate new recruits’ decision-making process before given the green light to carry a badge. These assessments could also be used as a modified training tool for experienced officers if the stimuli were to be placed in a semiimmersive environment.
Vesicourethral static pressure profile during voiding: Methodology and clinical utility

Searching for more direct urodynamic methods to accurately localize and assess the degree of bladder outlet obstructions, we have evaluated the role of micturitional vesicourethral static pressure profile measurements in clinical urodynamics. More than 400 patients, normal and abnormal, were studied with this technique over the past seven years. Details of the technique and the patterns of abnormalities are described for patients having prostatic enlargement, isolated bladder neck obstruction, and anterior urethral strictures.
Selenium Content of Bison, Elk and Mule Deer

Selenium (Se) content of elk, mule deer, bison and beef skeletal muscle was measured and compared. Selenium content was determined by graphite furnace after wet nitric acid digestion. Game samples did not differ in Se content but contained more Se than beef (wet weight) (P < 0.05). On dry weight basis, deer contained more Se than elk, bison or beef (P < 0.05). Within samples from male elk and deer, and elk and bison of both genders, there were interactions between species and muscles (P < 0.05). Type of muscle and gender did not influence Se content (P < 0.05). Selenium toxicity from consuming game that foraged in high selenium environments is remote.
A search during the 1991 solar eclipse for the infrared signature of circumsolar dust

THEORETICAL suggestions1–3 that there should be a ring of dust in near-ecliptic orbit about the Sun were supported by observations, during a total solar eclipse on 12 November 1966, of enhanced infrared emission4–6 from the solar corona at a distance of 4 R⊙ from the Sun's centre. The infrared emission was attributed to the sublimation of dust grains as they spiral into the Sun because of the Poynting–Robertson effect, by which solar radiation creates a tangential drag. Two months after the 1966 eclipse, the feature at 4 R⊙ was seen again in observations from a stratospheric balloon-borne coronagraph, as were additional features at 3.5, 8.7 and 9.2 R (ref. 6). Observations since then, however, have failed unambiguously to corroborate the earlier observations. We searched for excess infrared emission in the solar equatorial plane during the 11 July 1991 eclipse, using a wide-angle infrared camera on Mauna Kea, but failed to find any signature of dust evaporation. We argue that the earlier observations were credible, and therefore that the circumsolar dust ring is a transient feature, perhaps due to the injection of dust into near-solar space by a Sun-grazing comet.
The 30- Versus 90-Day Operative Mortality After Pulmonary Resection

Background The 30-day operative mortality rate after thoracotomy is well documented; however, the 90-day mortality rate is not and is not part of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons database. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study using a prospective database of patients who underwent elective thoracotomy and pulmonary resection. Mortality rates were compared with The Society of Thoracic Surgeons database. Multivariate analysis was used to identify predictors of mortality after discharge but within 30 and 90 days. Results There were 1,845 operative patients between January 2002 and December 2008. Mortality was defined several ways. The overall discharge mortality was 3.1%; however, 18 patients (1.0%) died after discharge within 30 days and 44 patients (2.5%) died between 31 and 90 days. Sudden death (usually because of a cardiac event) was the most common cause of death in patients after discharge before postoperative day 30 and the second most common cause in those who died after discharge between days 31 and 90. These patients were more likely to have advanced age (p = 0.004), history of hypertension (p = 0.013), and coronary artery disease (p Conclusions A significant number of patients die after discharge within 90 days after pulmonary resection. The most common causes of death at home are "sudden death" and are more common in patients with a history of coronary artery disease. These patients may benefit from more diligent postoperative care. A prospective database with calls to patients and families is required to accurately obtain this information and to establish true outcomes. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons database as well as nonsurgical databases that show efficacies of medical therapy for specific ailments should consider adding 90-day mortality results.
Composition of Lymph Cholesterol Ester Fatty Acids after Feeding of Cholesterol and Oleic Acid.

SummaryFasting lymph and lymph following feeding of a mixture containing cholesterol and oleic acid were analyzed for their CEFA composition by gas-liquid chromatography. The major fatty acids of fasting lymph were palmitic, linoleic and oleic acids, with polyunsaturated fatty acids comprising 36% of total CEFA. After feeding oleic acid only 42.3% of total CEFA was present as oleic acid. Our results support the concept that CEFA composition is not determined solely by dietary fatty acid, but by the composition of the fatty acid pool in the mucosa from which fatty acids are drawn for esterification of cholesterol.
Factors affecting spatiotemporal benthic macroinvertebrate diversity and secondary production in a semi-arid watershed

Spatial and temporal changes of the benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) community composition and secondary production provide valuable information about the current ‘health’ of aquatic systems. We analyzed seasonal and inter-annual changes in BMI communities at five sites along an elevation and land use gradient in the Walker River, NV, USA. In addition, bimonthly collections of Baetis mayflies were made at two sites to assess the effect of nutrient enrichment on Baetis secondary production. BMI community composition changed spatially and temporally in response to the physicochemical environment. BMI diversity was positively correlated to substrate size and stream width but negatively correlated with stream temperature and organic pollutants. Cluster analysis based on BMI community composition revealed a similar community structure along the river, except at one site which was located below the outflow of a eutrophic reservoir. The BMI community in the river was dominated by collector–gatherers while shredde...
Kelvin-Voigt versus fractional derivative model as constitutive relations for viscoelastic materials

Three simple constitutive relationships are studied for application to viscoelastic materials. Experimental results for both a rubbery and a glassy viscoelastic material are fit by the three schemes. The Kelvin-Voigt scheme is shown to be adequate in only limited frequency ranges. A three-parameter fractional order constitutive relationship provides a substantially better model over a much larger bandwidth. A four-parameter fractional model improves on the accuracy in materials with significant glassy regions
Enhanced enrichment of prostate cancer stem-like cells with miniaturized 3D culture in liquid core-hydrogel shell microcapsules.

Abstract Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are rare subpopulations of cancer cells that are reported to be responsible for cancer resistance and metastasis associated with conventional cancer therapies. Therefore, effective enrichment/culture of CSCs is of importance to both the understanding and treatment of cancer. However, it usually takes approximately 10 days for the widely used conventional approach to enrich CSCs through the formation of CSC-containing aggregates. Here we report the time can be shortened to 2 days while obtaining prostate CSC-containing aggregates with better quality based on the expression of surface receptor markers, dye exclusion, gene and protein expression, and in vivo tumorigenicity. This is achieved by encapsulating and culturing human prostate cancer cells in the miniaturized 3D liquid core of microcapsules with an alginate hydrogel shell. The miniaturized 3D culture in core–shell microcapsules is an effective strategy for enriching/culturing CSCs in vitro to facilitate cancer research and therapy development.
Changes in membrane potential of frog motoneurons induced by activation of serotonin receptor subtypes.

Abstract Application of serotonin to the isolated, hemisected frog spinal cord resulted in two distinctive changes in motoneuron membrane potential: hyperpolarizations were produced by low concentrations (0.01–1.0 μM) and depolarizations by higher concentrations (3.0–100 μM). The hyperpolarizations appeared to be caused by a direct action of the amine upon motoneurons since exposure of spinal cord tetrodotoxin or magnesium ions in concentrations which blocked interneuronal firing and synaptic transmission, respectively did not reduce these responses. In contrast, depolarizations were significantly reduced by tetrodotoxin or magnesium indicating a large indirect component. The use of agonists and antagonists known to discriminate among different subtypes of serotonin receptors indicated that the hyperpolarizations were produced by activation of 5-HT 1A receptors and the depolarizations were generated by activation of 5-HT 2 and/or 5-HT 1C receptors. Accordingly, the selective 5-HT 1A agonists8-hydroxy-2-( n -dipropylamino)tetralin and ipsapirone directly hyperpolarized motoneurons. The changes in potential produced by low concentrations of serotonin and by these agonists were blocked by the 5-HT 1A receptor antagonists spiperone and spiroxatrine. In contrast, application of high concentrations of alpha-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine, a serotonin analog which activates 5-HT 1C and 5-HT 2 receptor subtypes, depolarized motoneurons. These depolarizations, and those produced by high concentrations of serotonin, were blocked by the 5-HT 1C /5-HT 2 antagonists ketanserin, methysergide and mianserin. These observations indicate that serotonin can alter the membrane potential of motoneurons directly and indirectly by activation of both 5-HT 1 and 5-HT 2 receptor subtypes. Activation of different receptor subtypes depends upon the concentration of the amine.
Cellular and hormonal content of breast nipple aspirate fluid in relation to the risk of breast cancer.

In research settings, the measurement of serum and urine hormone concentrations has shown modest positive relationships with breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women. However, the local production of sex steroids in the breast is a significant contributor to the hormonal environment of the breast. Nipple aspiration fluid provides a window into this environment and allows the measurement of hormone and protein content which may show stronger relations to breast cancer risk, and therefore enable both more accurate risk assessment, and the use of preventive measures directed to the lowering of local breast hormonal exposure
Ohio CTSAs Implement a Reliant IRB Model for Investigator‐Initiated Multicenter Clinical Trials

Effective clinical and translational research is an essential component of improving human health as delineated in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) roadmap, 1,2 yet efficiently conducting that research remains problematic. 3,4 Challenges include the high costs of conducting research, a shortage of qualified investigators, 5 low subject enrollment rates, 6,7 slow dissemination of results, 8 reduced funding, 3 lagging IT systems, 9 and increased regulatory burden. 10,11 A priority for the National Center for the Advancement of Translational Science (NCATS), and its Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA) Consortium, is to address this last concern regarding regulatory burden. Specifically the focus is on the improvement of Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes; especially novel models for regulatory review of multicenter clinical and translational research studies. The three Ohio CTSA sites, housed at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, The Ohio State University (OSU) in Columbus, and the University of Cincinnati (UC), have collaborated to create a novel IRB review concept with the hopes of addressing this concern and achieving a more effective and efficient IRB review of multicentered clinical research studies.
Ultrasound physics for the physician a brief review

The field of clinical ultrasound has exploded with new instrumentation, and has far surpassed the number of trained personnel available for the sophisticated interpretation required. Many physicians today are being required to become proficient in the field without any formal training. This review is provided to aid the physician in the understanding of the basic physics of ultrasound.
Infection of Macaca nemestrina by human immunodeficiency virus type-1

After observations that Macaca nemestrina were exceptionally susceptible to simian immunodeficiency virus and human immunodeficiency virus type-2 (HIV-2), studies of HIV-1 replication were initiated. Several strains of HIV-1, including a recent patient isolate, replicated in vitro in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in CD4-positive M. nemestrina lymphocytes in a CD4-dependent fashion. Eight animals were subsequently inoculated with either cell-associated or cell-free suspensions of HIV-1. All animals had HIV-1 isolated by cocultivation, had HIV-1 DNA in their PBMCs as shown by polymerase chain reaction, and experienced sustained seroconversion to a broad spectrum of HIV-1 proteins. Macaca nemestrina is an animal model of HIV-1 infections that provides opportunities for evaluating the pathogenesis of acute HIV-1 replication and candidate vaccines and therapies.
Molluscan assemblages from archaeological deposits

Research about the impact of prehistoric human subsistence strategies upon prey populations of shellfish is based on the assumption that trends in shell size are directly related to collection strategies. A shell midden on San Juan Island, Washington, where archaeological research is sponsored by the University of Washington and hosted by the National Park Service, provides large samples of shells from separate archaeological deposits. the shells from each deposit produce size-frequency distributions that vary in shape (modality). Because several factors (the original prey population, the method of collection and transport, the environment of deposition, and post-depositional processes) affect the size-frequency distribution differentially, the shell measurements do not provide the direct archaeological information expected.
Anterior axis duplication in Xenopus induced by the over-expression of the cadherin-binding protein plakoglobin.

Abstract Plakoglobin interacts with both classical and desmosomal cadherins. It is closely related to Drosophila aramadillo (arm) gene product; arm acts in the wingless (wg)-signaling pathway to establish segment polarity. In Xenopus, homologs of wg--i.e., wnts, can produce anterior axis duplications by inducing dorsal mesoderm. Studies in Drosophila suggest that wnt acts by increasing the level of cytoplasmic armadillo protein (arm). To test whether simply increasing the level of plakoglobin mimics the effects of exogenous wnts in Xenopus, we injected fertilized eggs with RNA encoding an epitope-tagged form of plakoglobin; this induced both early radial gastrulation and anterior axis duplication. Exogenous plakoglobin accumulates in the nuclei of embryonic cells. Plakoglobin binds to the tail domain of the desmosomal cadherin desmoglein 1. When RNA encoding the tail domain of desmoglein was coinjected with plakoglobin RNA, both the dorsalizing effect and nuclear accumulation of plakoglobin were suppressed. Mutational analysis indicates that the central arm repeat region of plakoglobin is sufficient to induce axis duplication and that this polypeptide accumulates in the nuclei of embryonic cells. These data show that increased plakoglobin levels can, by themselves, generate the intracellular signals involved in the specification of dorsal mesoderm.
Abstract SY22-01: Interrogating gene expression programs from preclinical analyses of genetically engineered mouse models

Our laboratories have been investigating novel mechanisms of cancer progression, as well as new therapeutic approaches for early intervention and treatment of advanced disease by integrating analyses of human clinical data with molecular and functional studies of genetically engineered mutant (GEM) mice. In our analyses of prostate cancer, we have generated GEM mice that recapitulate the entire spectrum of disease progression from preinvasive lesions, termed prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), to castration-resistant and metastatic disease, which are the lethal forms of the disease. These GEM models are based on perturbation of the Akt/mTOR and MAP kinase signaling pathways, which are often co-activated in human prostate cancer and which function synergistically to promote castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer. We have found that combinatorial inhibition of these signaling pathways in GEM mice that display castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer results in abrogation of primary tumors, improved survival and reduced metastasis. Using computational approaches for comparative analyses of large-scale gene expression profiling data for mouse and human prostate cancer, we have been assembling molecular networks, called interactomes, to elucidate conserved cancer pathways. We have been investigating the consequences of drugs perturbations on the transcriptional network with the ultimate goal of identifying new druggable targets. In summary, our comparative investigations of prostate cancer in humans and GEM mice have revealed promising new molecular targets and new therapuetic approaches for the treatment of human cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr SY22-01. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-SY22-01
Bone marrow transplantation for severe aplastic anemia secondary to temozolomide

Radiotherapy (RT) and concomitant/adjuvant therapy with temozolomide (Temodar) is a common treatment regimen for children and adults with glioma. Although temozolomide is generally well tolerated with temporary myelosuppression as the primary dose-limiting toxicity, irreversible bone-marrow aplasia after treatment with temozolomide has been reported. We report the case of an adolescent patient with a high-grade glioma who, after >2 years of event-free survival, underwent successful bone marrow transplantation for treatment of temozolomide-induced severe aplastic anemia (SAA).
Inhibition of a constitutive translation initiation factor 2α phosphatase, CReP, promotes survival of stressed cells

Phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) on serine 51 is effected by specific stress-activated protein kinases. eIF2α phosphorylation inhibits translation initiation promoting a cytoprotective gene expression program known as the integrated stress response (ISR). Stress-induced activation of GADD34 feeds back negatively on this pathway by promoting eIF2α dephosphorylation, however, GADD34 mutant cells retain significant eIF2α-directed phosphatase activity. We used a somatic cell genetic approach to identify a gene encoding a novel regulatory subunit of a constitutively active holophosphatase complex that dephosphorylates eIF2α. RNAi of this gene, which we named constitutive repressor of eIF2α phosphorylation (CReP, or PPP1R15B), repressed the constitutive eIF2α-directed phosphatase activity and activated the ISR. CReP RNAi strongly protected mammalian cells against oxidative stress, peroxynitrite stress, and more modestly against accumulation of malfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. These findings suggest that therapeutic inhibition of eIF2α dephosphorylation by targeting the CReP-protein–phosphatase-1 complex may be used to access the salubrious qualities of the ISR.
Medication-Induced Intracranial Hypertension in Dermatology

Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is a syndrome of intracranial hypertension that is idiopathic or from an identified secondary cause. It is characterized by headaches and visual manifestations. The hallmark of PTC is papilledema and the feared consequence is visual loss that may be severe and permanent. The idiopathic form generally occurs in obese women of childbearing age. Various medications may produce PTC in patients at any age, including children. Several medications used in dermatology, particularly those used in the treatment of acne vulgaris, are associated with PTC. There is a strong association with tetracycline usage. Minocycline and doxycycline have also been linked to PTC, although there are relatively few reported cases. PTC has also been described with retinoids, including vitamin A (retinol) and isotretinoin. Although corticosteroids are often used to lower intracranial pressure acutely, corticosteroid withdrawal after long-term administration may induce increased intracranial pressure. A high index of suspicion, early diagnosis and treatment generally yield a good prognosis.
Efficacy of a standardized technique of trans-vaginal entry into the peritoneal cavity for post-hysterectomy vaginal vault suspension

The aim of this paper is to describe the efficacy and safety of a standardized technique of trans-vaginal entry into the peritoneal cavity for post-hysterectomy vault prolapse and determine how well the pre-operative pelvic examination predicted successful peritoneal entry. A retrospective review of patients undergoing post-hysterectomy trans-vaginal apical suspensions using a standardized technique of peritoneal entry was employed in this study. A subset of patients underwent a standardized pre-operative evaluation to predict what organ was behind the vaginal cuff and posterior cul-de-sac. Peritoneal entry was attempted in 280 patients, and successfully achieved in 223(80%). One cystotomy and one proctotomy (0.3%) occurred during attempted entry. Of those who underwent the standardized pre-operative evaluation, peritoneal entry was successful 86% of the time when small bowel was predicted to lie behind the vaginal cuff or posterior cul-de-sac. Peritoneal entry can be safely achieved in the majority of post-hysterectomy prolapse patients. Pre-operative examination assists in predicting successful peritoneal entry.
Exploration of stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emission suppression tuning in hearing-impaired listeners

AbstractObjective: Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) can provide useful measures of tuning of auditory filters. We previously established that stimulus-frequency (SF) OAE suppression tuning curves (STCs) reflect major features of behavioral tuning (psychophysical tuning curves, PTCs) in normally-hearing listeners. Here, we aim to evaluate whether SFOAE STCs reflect changes in PTC tuning in cases of abnormal hearing. Design: PTCs and SFOAE STCs were obtained at 1 kHz and/or 4 kHz probe frequencies. For exploratory purposes, we collected SFOAEs measured across a wide frequency range and contrasted them to commonly measured distortion product (DP) OAEs. Study sample: Thirteen listeners with varying degrees of sensorineural hearing loss. Results: Except for a few listeners with the most hearing loss, the listeners had normal/nearly normal PTCs. However, attempts to record SFOAE STCs in hearing-impaired listeners were challenging and sometimes unsuccessful due to the high level of noise at the SFOAE frequency, whic...
Interpersonal Discussions and Attitude Formation on Foreign Policy: the Case of Polish Involvement in the Iraq War

This paper examines Polish support for the country's participation in the Iraq war in 2004. I argue that interpersonal discussions are a driving force behind emergent attitudes on foreign policy, such as support or opposition to war. I identify three mechanisms through which political discussions can influence individual's views on the war and develop hypotheses about the impact of kinship ties and frequency of discussions on strengthening the influence. I test my argument using the first large- N data on interpersonal discussions and foreign policy outside of the US context. Findings demonstrate that having a pro-war conversation partner greatly increases the probability that one will adopt similar views. They also show that when one's social environment is taken into account as the source of information about the policy, the impact of mass media diminishes.
Effects of recording media composition on the responses of Nafion-coated carbon fiber microelectrodes measured using high-speed chronoamperometry.

The present study concerns methodological issues of electrochemical recordings using Nafion-coated 30 m diameter single carbon fiber microelectrodes for high-speed chronoamperometric measurements of biogenic amines. First, the single carbon fiber microelectrodes were coated with Nafion and dried at 85 vs. 200 °C and their recording properties were determined. Second, the effects of shifts in solution pH, ionic strength, changes in recording solution levels of Ca 2 + or Mg 2 + and temperature on the recording characteristics and sensitivity of Nafion-coated high temperature dried (200 °C) single carbon fiber microelectrodes for measures of dopamine were studied. These studies showed that the high temperature drying of the Nafion produced a microelectrode with better recording properties: higher selectivity for cations versus anions, increased differences between the reduction and oxidation current ratios for the identification of dopamine versus serotonin, and more rapid response times. In addition, these studies demonstrated that the chronoamperometric recordings were insensitive to small changes in pH and divalent cations such as Ca 2 + or Mg 2 + . However, increases in ionic strength decreased the sensitivity of the microelectrodes, while increases in temperature produced increases in the sensitivity of the microelectrodes for biogenic amines. These data support that Nafion-coated high temperature (200 °C) dried microelectrodes have enhanced recording properties as compared to microelectrodes, which are coated with Nafion and dried at 85 °C. In addition, high-speed chronoamperometric recordings of biogenic amines are not affected by solution changes in divalent cations (Ca 2 + or Mg 2 + ). © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Signal Transduction in the Chronic Leukemias: Implications for Targeted Therapies

The chronic leukemias, including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), the Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), have been characterized extensively for abnormalities of cellular signaling pathways. This effort has led to the elucidation of the central role of dysregulated tyrosine kinase signaling in the chronic myeloid neoplasms and of constitutive B-cell receptor signaling in CLL. This, in turn, has stimulated the development of small molecule inhibitors of these signaling pathways for therapy of chronic leukemia. Although the field is still in its infancy, the clinical results with these agents have ranged from encouraging (CLL) to spectacular (CML). In this review, we summarize recent studies that have helped to define the signaling pathways critical to the pathogenesis of the chronic leukemias. We also discuss correlative studies emerging from clinical trials of drugs targeting these pathways.
Performance and power-consumption analysis of Mobile Internet Devices

Analyzing the performance and power of Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) is important for academia and industry as well as for consumers. It is important to assess the performance-per-watt associated with a typical workload on MID devices so that applications and hardware can be optimized to reduce performance bottlenecks and power consumption. In this paper, we present an analysis of the performance and power consumption of MIDs under a typical workload. We also present a prediction model and performance-per-watt analysis. The analysis is based on results obtained with a benchmark developed to assess performance and power of MID devices using typical usage modules.
Deformation and fracture behaviour of directionally solidified NiAl-Mo and NiAl-Mo(Re) eutectic composites

Abstract The mechanical behaviour of directionally solidified NiAl-Mo and NiAl- Mo(Re) eutectic alloys has been examined. The fracture toughness of a NiAl- 9 at.% Mo eutectic alloy is a factor of at least two higher than that of monolithic NiAl. No single dominant toughening mechanism was identified. The toughness enhancement was attributed to a combination of intrinsic toughening of NiAl due to dislocations generated from the interfaces, crack trapping, crack deflection along interfaces and crack bridging. The Mo fibres were solid solution strengthened by Al and Ni partitioned from the NiAl matrix and had low ductility. Extensive interface debonding was noted, particularly when the fibres were either inclined or parallel to the crack plane. The deflection of the crack along the interfaces was analysed in terms of the elastic and plastic properties of the two phases. Alloying with Re was effective in reducing the hardness of Mo fibres in the composite, but also reduced the fibre alignment relative to that...
A novel high gain low profile miniaturized vertically polarized antenna

Research in development of miniaturized antennas has gained significant prominence over the past decade with the growth of wireless technology. Literally myriads of designs using novel topologies and materials have emerged in recent years. One area of practical importance for small robotic platforms and unattended ground sensors is low-profile miniaturized antennas that can generate vertical polarization. Vertical polarization is essential for transceiver nodes that operate near ground since signal path loss for vertically polarized wave is much lower than any other polarization. In [1]–[4], a low-profile, omnidirectional antenna is reported, in which the authors presented a capacitively loaded monopole antenna with a modified top load. The height of these antennas is of the order of λ/10. However, the lateral dimension of the antennas is comparable to the operating wavelength. Recently, an electrically small antenna with height less than λ/40 and lateral dimension less than λ/10 was proposed. This antenna is based on superposition of multiple quarter-wave short-circuited segments that are meandered in a spiral-like configuration [5]. Despite its very interesting principle of operation, it suffers from low gain due to ohmic losses in the metallic traces. In this paper, we present a new low-profile miniaturized vertically polarized antenna with similar dimensions as in [5] but with considerably higher gain. The antenna structure is appropriate to achieve impedance match to almost any desired input impedance between 10–100 Ohms. In what follows the topology of the antenna is presented and an equivalent circuit model for it is developed for ease of design. Its performance of the proposed antenna is compared to that of ordinary inverted F antennas and Multi-element Monopole Antenna (MMA) [5]. The proposed antenna is fabricated and measured and the measurement results show good agreement with the simulation results.
Effects of simultaneous and sequential work structures on distributed collaborative interdependent tasks

Distributed online groups have great potential for generating interdependent and complex products like encyclopedia articles or product design. However, coordinating multiple group members to work together effectively while minimizing process losses remains an open challenge. We conducted an experiment comparing the effectiveness of two coordination strategies (simultaneous vs. sequential work) on a complex creative task as the number of group members increased. Our results indicate that, contrary to prior work, a sequential work structure was more effective than a simultaneous work structure as the size of the group increased. A mediation analysis suggests that social processes such as territoriality partially accounts for these results. A follow up experiment giving workers specific roles mitigated the detrimental effects of the simultaneous work structure. These results have implications for small group theory and crowdsourcing research.
Quality of life after antireflux surgery compared with nonoperative management for severe gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease significantly affects a patient's quality of life (QOL). Laparoscopic fundoplication offers an alternative to medical therapy, but few studies have compared outcomes. Our objective was to examine QOL scores in gastroesophageal reflux disease patients treated medically and surgically. STUDY DESIGN: We undertook a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing surgical or medical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease over a 1-year period (August 1997 to August 1998). Followup QOL was measured using the Short-Form 36, and heartburn severity was measured using the Health Related Quality of Life scale (a disease-specific instrument with a best score of 0 and a worst score of 45). RESULTS: Laparoscopic fundoplication was undertaken in 120 patients with a median age of 47 years (range 17 to 80 years). The medical cohort included 51 patients selected from the gastroenterology clinic with a median age of 48 years (range 17 to 82 years). Duration of heartburn was not significantly different, with 40 (78.4%) of the 51 medical and 98 (81.7%) of the 120 surgical patients having had symptoms for longer than 12 months. There were no operative deaths. There were 12 complications (esophageal perforation 1, pneumothorax 2, pneumonia 1, pulmonary embolus 3, other/miscellaneous 5). Mean length of stay was 1.6 days, time to oral intake 1.2 days, and return to normal activity 4.2 weeks. Routine followup was available in 118 surgical and 47 medical patients. The medical cohort had increased (p CONCLUSIONS: Heartburn scores and global QOL scores were superior after laparoscopic fundoplication compared with medical management in this patient population. Laparoscopic fundoplication should be considered for patients who are dissatisfied with medical treatment.
The acute cerebral effects of changes in plasma osmolality and oncotic pressure.

Although it is generally accepted that a decrease in plasma oncotic pressure may result in the formation of peripheral edema, the effect of a hypo-oncotic state on brain water content is less well known. Therefore, utilizing the technique of hollow-fiber plasma-pheresis to manipulate plasma composition, the authors examined the effects of acute changes in either plasma osmolality or colloid oncotic pressure on the EEG, regional cerebral blood flow, intracranial pressure, and brain tissue specific gravity (as a measure of cerebral water content) in anesthetized, neurologically normal New Zealand white rabbits. Animals in which either osmolality or oncotic pressure was decreased by plasma replacement with an appropriate solution were compared with a group of control animals in which both of these variables were maintained constant. Animals in which plasma osmolality was decreased by 13 ± 6 mOsm/kg (from a baseline value of 295 ± 5 mOsm/kg) showed evidence of a significant increase in cortical water content (≈0.5%), whereas a 65% reduction in oncotic pressure (from 20 ± 2 mmHg to 7 ± 1 mmHg) failed to produce any change. There were no significant differences in mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, regional cerebral blood flow, or the EEG between any of the groups. Although intracranial pressure increased in all groups, the largest increase (8.1 ± 4.4 mmHg) occurred in those animals whose osmolality was reduced. The increase in intracranial pressure in animals rendered hypo-oncotic was no different front the “control‘’ group (2.4 ± 0.9 mmHg vs. 3.0 ± 1.5 mmHg). This study suggests that an acute fall in oncotic pressure does not promote an increase in cerebral water content in the non-injured brain. Unlike peripheral tissues, the presence of the blood-brain barrier with its small pore size and limited permeability may serve to enhance the importance of osmolality and minimize the role of oncotic pressure in determining water movement between the vasculature and brain tissue.