cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental validation of magnetically focused proton beams for radiosurgery.

We performed experiments using a triplet of quadrupole permanent magnets to focus protons and compared their dose distributions with unfocused collimated beams using energies and field sizes typically employed in proton radiosurgery. Experiments were performed in a clinical treatment room wherein small-diameter proton beams were focused by a magnet triplet placed immediately upstream of a water tank. The magnets consisted of segments of Sm2Co17 rare-earth permanent magnetic material adhered into Halbach cylinders with nominal field gradients of 100, 150, 200, and 250 T m-1. Unmodulated beams with initial diameters of 3 mm-20 mm were delivered using a single scattering system with nominal energies of 127 and 157 MeV (respective ranges of ~10 cm and 15 cm in water), commonly used for proton radiosurgery at our institution. For comparison, small-diameter unfocused collimated beams were similarly delivered. Transverse and depth dose distributions were measured using radiochromic film and a diode detector, respectively, and compared between the focused and unfocused beams (UNF). The focused beams produced low-eccentricity beam spots (defined by the 80% dose contour) at Bragg depth, with full width at 80% maximum dose values ranging from 3.8 to 7.6 mm. When initial focused beam diameters were larger than matching unfocused diameters (19 of 29 cases), the focused beams peak-to-entrance dose ratios were 13% to 73% larger than UNF. In addition, in 17 of these cases the efficiency of dose delivery to the target was 1.3× to 3.3× larger. Both peak-to-entrance dose ratios and efficiency tended to increase with initial beam diameter, while efficiency also tended to increase with magnet gradient. These experimental results are consistent with our previous Monte Carlo (MC) studies and suggest that a triplet of quadrupole Halbach cylinders could be clinically useful for irradiating small-field radiosurgical targets with fewer beams, lower entrance dose, and shorter treatment times.
A New Perspective on HIV Diagnostics: Reinterpretation in the Age of Early Treatment.

ABSTRACT Early treatment of HIV infection with antiretroviral therapy in recently identified HIV-infected individuals reduces viral replication and decreases the risk of transmission. The screening and supplemental, confirmatory assays used to identify infection are influenced by early treatment and may obscure a clear diagnosis of HIV infection. In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, Manak et al. demonstrate the impact of antiretroviral therapy on the evolution of biomarkers that have traditionally been used for identifying HIV infection (M. M. Manak, L. L. Jagodzinski, A. Shutt, J. A. Malia, et al., J Clin Microbiol 57:e00757-19, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.00757-19).
Phonetic variation of Vietnamese tones in disyllabic utterances

Abstract: The influence of a tone on the phonetic characteristics of another tone in an adjacent syllable was examined. More specifically, the influence on each of the Vietnamese six contrastive tones was analyzed from acoustic measurements made on disyllabic test utterances. The acoustic measurements of the fundamental frequencies of the tones in different tonal environments, show that the phonetic variation of the individual tones is considerable, both in contour and overall pitch height. However, since the influence of a given environment tends to be the same in degree and manner for any tone in the adjacent syllable, the basic phonetic configuration of the six tone contrast is maintained intact despite the considerable phonetic variation of the individual tones.
Novel Foil Interconnects for Back-Contact Silicon Solar Cells

Large area back-contact solar cells enable module costs almost as low as those of PERCs but with higher efficiency. Traditional tabbing and stringing interconnects are problematic for back-contact cells, however, as placing all the tabs on one side of the wafer causes bowing due to CTE mismatch. Back-contact cells can be effectively encapsulated using Cu conductive back-sheets (CBS) with electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) interconnects but the cost is higher than for ribbon tabbing. In this paper we present a method for replacing the Cu CBS with a cheaper Al version and the ECA with several cheaper and potentially more robust methods for connecting the foil to the cell.
Rural People and Public Justice in Fourteenth-Century Tuscany

Accounts of public justice in the Italian communes emphasize mediation of urban conflicts, overlooking interactions between rural communities and civic tribunals. Foregrounding the countryside reveals how nonelites responded to public courts and procedures such as anonymous denunciation and ex officio inquisition. This article argues that a Florentine court's outcomes resulted from the intersection of institutional structures, local power relations, and rural inhabitants’ in-court behavior. It uses procedural records in conjunction with notarial cartularies and public documentation to explicate the local dynamics shaping testimony. Claiming ignorance was rural peoples’ tactical response to elite malefactors' enmeshment with the commune as rural proxies.
Effects of lyophilization on the stability of bacteriophages against different serogroups of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli.

Abstract Lyophilization is commonly used to effectively preserve the stability of bacteriophages (phages) in long-term storage. However, information regarding the lyophilization of phages specific to Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains is scarce. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of lyophilization with different cryoprotectants (sucrose and trehalose) and concentrations (0.1 M and 0.5 M) on the stability of seven lytic phages specific to STEC O157 and top 6 non-O157 strains during 6-month storage at −80 °C. The titers of lyophilized phages specific to STEC O26 (S1 O26) and STEC O121 (Pr121lvw) did not exhibit significant reduction after 6-month storage regardless of the use of cryoprotectants. Phages lytic against STEC O103 (Ro103C3lw) and STEC O145 (Ro145clw) with 0.1 M sucrose retained similar titers after lyophilization and frozen storage for 6 months (P > 0.05). Despite subtle differences, these results indicated that most of the selected phages had similar titer retention with the same cryoprotectants. Additionally, lytic activities of the phages against their primary hosts were not affected after lyophilization and 6-month frozen storage. Moreover, no detectable damage was observed on the lyophilized phage structures. These findings provide valuable insight into the use of lyophilization to preserve phages lytic against STEC strains.
Postcrisis REIT performance using financial ratios: A DEA approach:

This study examines the performance of public lodging real estate investment trusts (REITs) following the financial crisis period from 2013 to 2017. We employed data envelopment analysis, a nonpara...
Association of Patients' Perception of Quality of Healthcare Received and Colorectal Cancer Screening Uptake: An Analysis of 2 National Surveys in the USA.

Objective It is unknown whether patients' ratings of the quality of healthcare services they receive truly correlate with the quality of care from their providers. Understanding this association can potentiate improvement in healthcare delivery. We evaluated the association between patients' ratings of the quality of healthcare services received and uptake of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Subject and methods We used two iterations of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) of adults in the United States. HINTS 2007 (4,007 respondents; weighted population=75,397,128) evaluated whether respondents were up-to-date with CRC screening while HINTS 4 cycle 3 (1,562 respondents; weighted population=76,628,000) evaluated whether participants had ever received CRC screening in the past. All included respondents from both surveys were at least 50 years of age, had no history of CRC, and had rated the quality of healthcare services that they had received at their healthcare provider's office in the previous 12 months. Results HINTS 2007 data showed that respondents who rated their healthcare as good, or fair/poor were significantly less likely to be up to date with CRC screening compared to those who rated their healthcare as excellent. We found comparable results from analysis of HINTS 4 cycle 3 data with poorer uptake of CRC screening as the healthcare quality ratings of respondents' reduced. Conclusion Our study suggested that patients who reported receiving lower quality of healthcare services were less likely to have undergone and be compliant with CRC screening recommendations. It is important to pay close attention to patient feedback surveys in order to improve healthcare delivery.
Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Impair Anti-HIV Immunity and HIV-1 Persistence During Antiretroviral Therapy Via IDO-Dependent Mechanisms

The persistence of aberrant inflammation and HIV-1 reservoir cells in patients under effective combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) leads to elevated inflammatory diseases and life-long HIV-1 persistence. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) produce type I interferons (IFN-I) during acute and chronic HIV-1 infection. We report here that pDC-depletion during suppressive cART in humanized mice resolved HIV-associated inflammatory diseases, rescued anti-HIV T cells and reduced HIV-1 reservoirs in lymphoid and other tissues. Furthermore, we found that HIV-1 infection induced indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) expression in a pDC-dependent fashion in vivo. IDO inhibition similarly reversed HIV-1 immune pathogenesis, rescued anti-HIV T cells and reduced HIV reservoirs in cART-treated mice. We conclude that pathogenic pDCs contribute to HIV/cART-associated inflammatory diseases, impairment of anti-HIV T cells, and HIV-1 reservoir persistence via IDO induction during effective cART in vivo. Targeting the pDC-IDO axis will provide a novel strategy for treating HIV/cART-associated inflammatory diseases and for HIV-1 cure.
Pectin based multi-particulate carriers for colon-specific delivery of therapeutic agents.

Abstract In case of colon-specific delivery of therapeutic agents through oral route, microbial/enzyme-triggered release approach has several advantages over other approaches due to unique microbial ecosystem in the colon. Multiple-unit carriers have an edge over single-unit carriers for this purpose. Among different materials/polymers explored, pectin appears as a promising biopolymer to construct microbial-triggered colon-specific carriers. Pectin is specifically degraded by colonic enzymes but insusceptible to upper gastro-intestinal enzymes. In this article, utilization of pectin solely or in combination with other polymers and/or colonic-delivery approaches is critically discussed in detail in the context of multi-particulate systems. Several studies showed that pectin-based carriers can prevent the release of payload in the stomach but start to release in the intestine. Hence, pectin alone may construct delayed release formulation but may not be sufficient for effective colon-targeting. On the other hand, combination of pectin with other materials/polymers (e.g., chitosan and Eudragit® S-100) has demonstrated huge promise for colon-specific release of payload. Hence, smartly designed pectin-based multi-particulate carriers, especially in combination with other polymers and/or colon-targeting approaches (e.g., microbial-triggered + pH-triggered or microbial-triggered + pH-triggered + time-release or microbial-triggered + pH-triggered + pressure-based), can be successful colon-specific delivery systems. However, more clinical trials are necessary to bring this idea from bench to bedside.
Bioaerosol Sampling for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a Referral Center with Critically Ill Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Patients March-May 2020.

Background Previous research has shown that rooms of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) present the potential for healthcare-associated transmission through aerosols containing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, data on the presence of these aerosols outside of patient rooms are limited. We investigated whether virus-containing aerosols were present in nursing stations and patient room hallways in a referral center with critically ill COVID-19 patients. Methods Eight National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health BC 251 2-stage cyclone samplers were set up throughout 6 units, including nursing stations and visitor corridors in intensive care units and general medical units, for 6 h each sampling period. Samplers were placed on tripods which held 2 samplers positioned 102 cm and 152 cm above the floor. Units were sampled for 3 days. Extracted samples underwent reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for selected gene regions of the SARS-CoV-2 virus nucleocapsid and the housekeeping gene human RNase P as an internal control. Results The units sampled varied in the number of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients present on the days of sampling. Some of the units included patient rooms under negative pressure, while most were maintained at a neutral pressure. Of 528 aerosol samples collected, none were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by the estimated limit of detection of 8 viral copies/m3 of air. Conclusions Aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 outside of patient rooms was undetectable. While healthcare personnel should avoid unmasked close contact with each other, these findings may provide reassurance for the use of alternatives to tight-fitting respirators in areas outside of patient rooms during the current pandemic.
Using Botox, biofeedback and lifestyle modifications as therapy for medication refractory post-traumatic headache (PTHA) in the military population of Okinawa. (P6.295)

Objective: Our Aim was to; 1) Reduce the disability and medication overuse and able to work without being limited by PTHA. 2) Reduce disability from PTHA among the civilian population of Okinawa. 3) Reduce hospital admissions related to PTHA. Background: We present the first combined use of Botox, biofeedback and lifestyle changes in the setting of PTHA. PTHA has no double-blinded placebo study comparing medication therapy to Botox or biofeedback and lifestyle modifications in a challenging environment. Design/Methods: An IRB approved project focused on medication refractory PTHA i.e. failing 3 medications and having at least 15 days of headaches a month. 1) All subjects were followed for one year; the intervention consisted of Botox therapy, lifestyle teaching and biofeedback. 2) Outcomes were measured as reduction in intensity, frequency and length of migraines, continuation of work and no hospital admissions. 3) All patients were questioned at each visit on these outcomes. Results: 221 Patients analyzed and 806 appointments over a year, of which 22 active duty service members (AD) suffered a TBI and 3 Dependents a TBI and developed worsening or new migraines after. Fifty percent of AD and 50% of dependents were able to reduce both doses of medication taken and number of medications taken with a reported reduction in severity and frequency of migraines. All AD were able to deploy without any disability. Approximately six previous hospitalizations before interventions and none after were recorded. Conclusions: Botox as a therapy for migraines and PTHA has proven efficacy, with the addition of biofeedback and lifestyle teaching, this may improve efficacy. Our sample size was very small and future studies can study a larger population. The strength is that it adds to the limited literature on a more comprehensive approach to TBI related migraines. The views expressed do not represent that of the United States Government. Study Supported by: NA Disclosure: Dr. Hack has nothing to disclose. Dr. Eliasen has nothing to disclose.
Coating Effects on Ductility of Welded Wire Reinforcement

AbstractWelded wire reinforcement (WWR) offers improvements in constructability over conventional rebar but suffers from low ductility because of cold working. WWR is often epoxy coated or galvaniz...
Leukocyte Homing, Migration and Recirculation

Lymphocyte homing, trafficking and recirculation ensures maximum contact and interaction of cells with antigen, and correct homing of lymphocytes to appropriate lymphoid microenviromnents. Lymphocytes remain in the blood 2–12 h before homing to organs. Most leukocyte migration occurs across venules (e.g. lymphocytes cross high endothelial venules). The cells migrate for several reasons. These include migration of mononuclear cells into chronic inflammatory sites in response to chemotaxins, migration of activated lymphocytes into inflammatory sites, migration of neutrophils into sites of acute immune response and migration of lymphocytes into secondary lymphoid organs (spleen, lymph nodes). The adherence and movement of cells through the vascular and endothelial spaces, in response to chemotactic factors, chemokines, antigens, or as a result of inflammation is called extravasation (also called diapedisis or transendothelial migration). This process is highly regulated. The cytokines IL-1, IFNγ, and TNFα influence the expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and vascular addressins (VAs). Lymphocyte homing is influenced by the state of cell activation, for example, the homing properties of naive cells, effector cells and memory cells is different. CAMs expressed by endothelial cells interact with receptors (CAM receptors) on leukocytes to aid the process of cell migration and extravasation. The pattern of cell migration depends on CAMs such as selectins and is also aided by chemokines. A rolling mechanism of migration and diapedesis is used by neutrophils. Neutrophils respond and move up a chemokine gradient as they respond and migrate to sites of inflammation. The chemokine CXCL8 (IL-8) is an important chemoattractant for neutrophils responding to the concentration gradient of the chemokine. Leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD) results from a lack of expression of integrins. Leukocytes are not able to diapedese out of the blood vessels into tissue. Neutrophils and monocytes recruited to sites of infection and inflammation remain within the blood vessels. Skin window tests such as the Rebuck skin window test show a failure of leukocyte migration to a site of superficial skin abrasion. In the absence of LAD, such a skin abrasion would result in the accumulation of leukocytes such as neutrophils and monocytes. Individuals with LAD experience recurrent bacterial infections.
Initial Validation of a Modified MRI Scoring System for Assessing Outcomes after Single-Surface Osteochondral Shell Allograft Transplantation in the Knee.

The Osteochondral Allograft Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring System (OCAMRISS) provides a reproducible method for imaging-based grading for osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplants. However, the OCAMRISS does not account for larger whole-surface OCA shell grafts, and has not been validated for assessing outcomes after shell OCA transplantation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate a modified OCAMRISS for assessing single-surface shell OCAs in the knee based on strength of correlations for a modified OCAMRISS score with graft success and patient-reported outcomes for pain and function. With institutional review board approval and informed patient consent, patients who underwent large single-surface shell OCA transplantation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams at 1-year postsurgery were identified from a prospectively enrolled registry. All patients with a minimum of 2 years of clinical follow-up were included in the present study. A modified OCAMRISS, as well as assessment of the percentage of OCA bone incorporation, was used to score each knee. Two radiologists, blinded to patient demographics and outcomes, reviewed all MRIs together to determine a consensus score for each category and %-incorporation for each OCA. Thirteen patients (7 F, 6 M; mean age = 29.8 ± 9.4; mean body mass index = 27.1 ± 5.8); 8 medial femoral condyle, 4 patella, and 1 medial tibial plateau shell OCAs were evaluated. Mean modified OCAMRISS score was 5.2 ± 2.8, range (2-12) and %-integration was 72.7 ± 33.8, range (0-100). Moderate to strong correlations were noted for 1-year modified OCAMRISS total score with final follow-up (FFU) visual analog scale (VAS) pain (r = +0.58) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) function (r = -0.7) scores, and for 1-year %-incorporation with FFU VAS pain (r = -0.76) and SANE function (r = +0.83) scores. The modified OCAMRISS total score and %-incorporation assessments determined at 1 year following single-surface shell OCA transplantation correlate well with initial patient outcomes and have clinical applicability for monitoring patients after large-shell OCA transplants in the knee.
Accelerated Test Techniques

Turbine engine components undergoing high frequency resonances, reciprocating automotive engines traveling hundreds of thousands of miles at several thousand rpm, railroad wheels making contact with the rails on every revolution over hundreds of thousands of miles, bridges carrying thousands of moving axle loads every day, and rotating machine components that operate on a continuous basis, are just some of the examples where materials can be subjected to large numbers of cycles. These large numbers of cycles may take many years to accumulate in service, whereas in design, data are needed in a much shorter period. The field of gigacycle fatigue has seen great interest in recent years and is discussed in detail in this chapter. Regarding the testing technique, piezoelectric test devices have been developed, which operate with an axial specimen in a longitudinal first mode resonance condition at the driving frequency of 20 kHz. The frequency of the driving force is extended to 30 kHz using the same excitement principle. It should also be noted that these types of tests are not pure resonance tests but, rather, are forced vibrations of lightly damped systems, conducted at or near the resonant frequencies of the test article. The analysis that leads to interpretation of the experimentally observed quantities, such as peak displacements is quite complicated, and the ability to maintain the test at a resonant frequency under constant conditions is very difficult.
Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow in Rotating Sealed Cavities

Abstract Fluid flow and heat transfer between rotating disks is of practical engineering interest. It is also a topic that has attracted longstanding interest and debate in the research community. We first review the basic studies for infinite rotating disk flows, especially the different speculations reached by Batchelor, i.e., non-zero bulk flow velocity, and by Stewartson, i.e., zero bulk flow velocity. Then, we present the analytical, numerical, and experimental studies reported in the literature for both finite unshrounded and sealed disk flows. Geometric configurations, flow parameters (Reynolds and rotational Grashof numbers) and flow regimes considered in these studies are investigated. It is found that depending on the flow regimes (turbulent versus laminar) and the end-wall effect (shrouded versus unshrouded), either Batchelor or Stewartson type of flow exists. Scaling and correlations of the velocity and temperature length scales as well as heat transfer effectiveness are also discussed in terms of Reynolds and rotational Grashof numbers. Issues related to turbulence modeling for treating rotational effects are also presented.
Value of impedance cardiography during 6-minute walk test in pulmonary hypertension.

Background Methods that predict prognosis and response to therapy in pulmonary hypertension (PH) are lacking. We tested whether the noninvasive estimation of hemodynamic parameters during 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in PH patients provides information that can improve the value of the test. Methods We estimated hemodynamic parameters during the 6MWT using a portable, signal-morphology-based, impedance cardiograph (PhysioFlow Enduro) with real-time wireless monitoring via a bluetooth USB adapter. Results We recruited 48 subjects in the study (30 with PH and 18 healthy controls). PH patients had significantly lower maximum stroke volume (SV) and CI and slower cardiac output (CO) acceleration and decelerations slopes during the test when compared with healthy controls. In PH patients, CI change was associated with total distance walked (R = 0.62; P < 0.001) and percentage of predicted (R = 0.4, P = 0.03), HR recovery at 1 minute (0.57, P < 0.001), 2 minutes (0.65, P < 0.001), and 3 minutes (0.66, P < 0.001). Interestingly, in PH patients CO change during the test was predominantly related to an increase in SV instead of HR. Conclusions Estimation of hemodynamic parameters such as cardiac index during 6-minute walk test is feasible and may provide useful information in patients with PH. Clin Trans Sci 2013; Volume #: 1–7
Sulforaphane protects against ethanol‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in neural crest cells by the induction of Nrf2‐mediated antioxidant response

Background and Purpose Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that up-regulates a diverse array of antioxidant genes and protects cells from oxidative damage. This study is designed to determine whether D-L-sulforaphane (SFN) can protect neural crest cells (NCCs), an ethanol-sensitive cell population implicated in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, against ethanol-induced apoptosis and whether protective effects of SFN are mediated by the induction of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response. Experimental Approach Control, SFN-treated or Nrf2-siRNA transfected NCCs were exposed to ethanol. Nrf2 activation, the expression and activities of Nrf2 downstream antioxidant proteins, reactive oxygen species generation and apoptosis were determined in control and ethanol-exposed NCCs. Key Results Exposure of NCCs to SFN alone significantly increased Nrf2 activation and the expression of Nrf2 downstream antioxidants as well as the activities of the antioxidant enzymes. Treatment of NCCs with SFN along with ethanol significantly decreased ethanol-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. In contrast, knockdown of Nrf2 by siRNA significantly increased the sensitivity of NCCs to ethanol-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. Suppression of Nrf2 signalling in NCCs also significantly diminished SFN-mediated antioxidant response and abolished the protective effects of SFN on ethanol-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. Conclusions and Implications These results demonstrated that Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response plays an important role in the susceptibility of NCCs to ethanol-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis and that the protection of SFN against ethanol-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in NCCs is mediated by the induction of Nrf2 signalling.
Gesture as model enactment: the role of gesture in mental model construction and inference making when learning from text

The question of the relationship between gesture production and mental models was explored in three experiments focusing on inference making when learning from reading a scientific text. Participants engaged in one-on-one interviews after reading an illustrated tutorial on the human circulatory system. Participants gestured more frequently when responding to mental model-based inference test questions (Experiment 1; N = 22) than textbase or general knowledge questions. Learning from a text lacking illustrations resulted in comparable inference making (Experiment 2; N = 48) but elevated gest ure production. Restricting gesture production with hand tapping led to inferior inference making (Experiment 3; N = 79). Results support an embodied cognition view of mental model formation where inference making stimulates gesture production, and restricting gestures selectively impairs inference making. The results are interpreted within the Gesture as Model Enactment (GAME) framework. Activation of motor control sy...
Glucose Regulation of the Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase Promoter PI in Rat Hepatocytes

Abstract The rat acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) α gene is transcribed from two promoters, denoted PI and PII, that direct regulated expression in a tissue-specific manner. Induction of ACC, the rate-controlling enzyme of fatty acid biosynthesis, occurs in the liver in response to feeding of a high carbohydrate, low fat diet, conditions that favor enhanced lipogenesis. This induction is mainly due to increases in PI promoter activity. We have used primary cultured hepatocytes from the rat to investigate glucose regulation of ACC expression. Glucose and insulin synergistically activated expression of ACC mRNAs transcribed from the PI promoter with little or no effect on PII mRNAs. Glucose treatment stimulated PI promoter activity in transfection assays and a glucose-regulated element was identified (−126/−102), homologous to those previously described in other responsive genes, including l-type pyruvate kinase, S14 and fatty acid synthase. Mutation of this element eliminated the response to glucose. This region of the ACC PI promoter was able to bind a liver nuclear factor designated ChoRF that interacts with other conserved glucose-regulated elements. This ACC PI element is also capable of conferring a strong response to glucose when linked to a heterologous promoter. We conclude that induction of ACC gene expression under lipogenic conditions in hepatocytes is mediated in part by the activation of a glucose-regulated transcription factor, ChoRF, which stimulates transcription from the PI promoter. Similar mechanisms operate on related genes permitting the coordinate induction of the lipogenic pathway.
Hepatitis C Virus Subgenomic Replicon Requires an Active NS3 RNA Helicase

Mutations were introduced into the NS3 helicase region of a hepatitis C virus (HCV) Con1 subgenomic replicon to ascertain the role of the helicase in viral replication. One new replicon lacked two-thirds of the NS3 helicase (Deltahel), and six others contained one of the following six amino acid substitutions in NS3: R393A, F438A, T450I, E493K, W501A, and W501F. It has been previously reported that purified R393A, F438A, and W501A HCV helicase proteins do not unwind RNA but unwind DNA, bind RNA, and hydrolyze ATP. On the other hand, previous data suggest that a W501F protein retains most of its unwinding abilities and that purified T450I and E493K HCV helicase proteins have enhanced unwinding abilities. In a hepatoma cell line that has been cured of HCV replicons using interferon, the T450I and W501F replicons synthesized both negative-sense and positive-sense viral RNA and formed colonies after selection with similar efficiencies as the parent replicon. However, the Deltahel, R393A, F438A, and W501A replicons encoded and processed an HCV polyprotein but did not synthesize additional viral RNA or form colonies. Surprisingly the same phenotype was seen for the E493K replicon. The inability of the E493K replicon to replicate might point to a role of pH in viral replication because a previous analysis has shown that, unlike the wild-type NS3 protein, the helicase activity of an E493K protein is not sensitive to pH changes. These results demonstrate that the RNA-unwinding activity of the HCV NS3 helicase is needed for RNA replication.
Sight is the key to solving problems in industrial inspection and robotics

There are still many barriers to the industrial use of vision. One company attempting to overcome the barriers is General Motors. They have developed several practical methods, some of which are described here.
Multicenter experience with angiojet rheolytic thrombectomy in thrombosed synthetic surgical bypass grafts

Purpose Arterial bypass grafting is a common treatment for patients with claudication and critical limb ischemia. Graft thrombosis is a known complication of lower extremity bypass, associated with a high risk of acute limb ischemia (ALI). Catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) without mechanical thrombectomy often involves prolonged procedures requiring intensive monitoring for several days. The study evaluated a multi center experience with rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy in the management of acute synthetic bypass graft occlusion. Materials and Methods Multi-center, retrospective review of endovascular database cataloguing 95 patients (mean age 66 years, range 42-89 years, 29 females/66 males) treated for ALI secondary to thrombosis in PTFE infrainguinal bypass grafts. All patients received rheolytic mechanical thrombectomy using the Angiojet system. Endpoints included angiographic success of procedure, duration of procedure, 30 day adverse events (death, MI, renal failure, bleeding), limb salvage, and survival at followup. Results Graft types treated included femoropopliteal (n=59), femorodistal (n=20), external iliac-popliteal (n=1), profunda-popliteal (n=1) and ilioprofunda (n=1). When reported, procedural success was achieved in 60/83 (72%) cases. Procedure failure was seen in 11/83 (13%) cases. CDT was administered in 68/95 (72%) of patients, with a mean procedure time of 20 hours. At 30 days, complications included bleeding requiring transfusion (8%, n=8) and acute renal failure (2%, n=2). All cases of acute renal failure resolved. Limb salvage at 30 days was attained in 79% (75/95) with mortality of 4% (4/95). At 30 days, 7% of patients required amputation (7/95), and 11% underwent graft surgical revision (10/95). Eleven patients have been lost to follow-up. At mean follow-up (10 months), amputation free survival was 80% (67/84), 20% of patients (17/84) had undergone amputation, and 12% underwent delayed revision (10/84). Mortality at follow-up was 13% (11/84). Conclusion Rheolytic therapy for acute thrombosis of synthetic bypass grafts is a safe and effective modality which can reduce treatment time in this critically ill and morbid patient population.
Photochemical formation of 4′-N,N-dimethylamino-3-hydroxyflavone in hydrocarbon solutions of 4-N,N-dimethylamino-2′-hydroxychalcone

Abstract The appearance of a fluorescence emission band at 553 nm from hydrocarbon solutions of 4-N,N-dimethylamino-2′-hydroxychalcone was found to be sensitive to the presence of dissolved oxygen and exposure to ambient visible light. The 390 nm peak of this band's excitation profile along with the fluorescence maximum suggest that a low yield photoreaction occurs leading to the formation of the highly fluorescent 4′-N,N-dimethylamino-3-hydroxyflavone.
Bosmina remains in Lake Washington sediments: Qualitative heterogeneity of bay environments and quantitative correspondence to production1

Bay environments differ in productivity and species composition from open waters. Transects of surface sediments in Lake Washington (Seattle) reveal significant morphological gradients in the small pelagic cladoceran Bosmina longirostris. In all bays examined, these bosminids range from shorter featured clones nearshore to longer featured clones offshore. However, because bays constitute such a limited areal extent of the lake (4.9%), only 2.3% of remains in midlake sediments came from bay populations. A core taken from midlake waters indicates nearly uniform long-featured morphology of offshore Bosmina over the past 80–125 yr. The localized deposition of remains in bays underscores that biodiversity surveys of large lakes need to include bays in addition to open-water samples. Clarifying how abundant cladoceran remains are produced, transported to, and preserved in sediments is crucial for interpreting historical sequences. A simple vertical model, derived from molting and death schedules, accurately predicts relative seasonal fluxes for remains at a midlake site (r = 0.9−0.95). However, the absolute flux is low, <7% of the expected rate, suggesting substantial loss through decomposition and fragmentation. Use of abundant cladoceran microfossils to reconstruct species-specific or general secondary production requires careful calibration studies, although the potential dividends are great.
Physicians in organizations. Dilemma of the academic VA staff physician.

More physicians are assuming salaried positions within large health care organizations. In this report, we discuss the influence of such organizational changes on physician behavior in one large health care system--the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system--which employs more than 14,000 physicians. Conflicting pressures on these physicians in VA facilities affiliated with academic medical centers include differences between professional and organizational needs plus differences between the roles of the VA hospital and of the affiliate academic medical center. An analysis of these issues, based on organizational theory, suggests that these clashes are consequences of fundamental differences between the parties involved. Because the outcome of the conflicts may be fatal to the organizations, they must be managed, not ignored. This involves recognizing the existence and the nature of the differences as well as actively sharing the responsibilities and the issues usually charged to one of the two conflicting groups to form a conjoint organization between the "two sides of the street."
Simulation analysis of crop rotation effects on weed seedbanks

A population-projection model was developed for a depth-structured weed seed population (employing transition matrices to model seed survival, germination, and vertical movement) and plant survival and seed production. Abutilon theophrasti and Setaria viridis seedbank dynamics were simulated in continuous corn and in two crop rotations (corn-soybean and oat/ clover-corn-soybean-corn). Results suggest that crop rotation can nearly eliminate S. viridis seedbanks, while A. theophrasti seedbanks are less affected. Sensitivity analysis indicated that variation in seed survivorships over winter influenced population dynamics most strongly. Other seed survivorships were also highly influential, while plant survivorships and per-plant seed production had smaller effects. These results highlight the potential value of weed control measures aimed at seed.
Femtosecond Laser and Big-Bubble Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty: A New Chance

Purpose. To report the 12-month follow-up after big-bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) assisted by femtosecond laser that we have called IntraBubble. Methods. A 60 kHz IntraLase femtosecond laser (Abbott Medical Optics) firstly created a 30° angled intrastromal channel to insert the air injection cannula, 50 μ above the thinnest corneal site measured by Sirius Scheimpflug camera (CSO, Firenze, Italy), then performed a full lamellar cut 100 μ above the thinnest corneal point, and from the same corneal depth, created a mushroom incision. The lamella was removed, and the smooth cannula of Fogla was inserted into the stromal channel and air was injected to achieve a big bubble. The follow up is 12 months, and sutures were removed by the 10th postoperative month in all patients. Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalent and, by Sirius Scheimpflug camera (CSO, Firenze, Italy) keratometric astigmatism were evaluated. Results. All procedures were completed as DALK except 2 converted to PK because an inadvertent intraoperative macroperforation occurred. Mean postoperative BCVA was 0.8, mean spherical equivalent was −3.5±1.7D, and mean keratometric astigmatism was 4.8±3.1D. Conclusion. The femtosecond laser could standardize the big-bubble technique in DALK, reducing the risk of intraoperative complications and allowing good refractive outcomes.
Interrelationships of undernutrition and neurotoxicity: Food for thought and research attention

The neurotoxic actions of chemical agents on humans and animals are usually studied with little consideration of the subject's nutritional status. States of protein-calorie, vitamin and/or mineral undernutrition are associated with a range of neurodevelopmental, neurological and psychiatric disorders, commonly with involvement of both the central and the peripheral nervous system. Undernutrition can modify risk for certain chemical-induced neurologic diseases, and in some cases undernutrition may be a prerequisite for neurotoxicity to surface. In addition, neurologic disease associated with undernutrition or neurotoxicity may show similarities in clinical and neuropathological expression, especially in the peripheral nervous system. The combined effects of undernutrition and chemical neurotoxicity are most relevant to people with low incomes who experience chronic hunger, parasitism and infectious disease, monotonous diets of plants with neurotoxic potential (notably cassava), environmental pollution from rapid industrial development, chronic alcohol abuse, or prolonged treatment with certain therapeutic drugs. Undernutrition alone or in combination with chemical exposure is also important in high-income societies in the setting of drug and alcohol abuse, old age, food faddism, post-bariatric surgery, and drug treatment for certain medical conditions, including cancer and tuberculosis. The nutritional demands of pregnancy and lactation increase the risk of fetal and infant undernutrition and chemical interactions therewith.
Differential expression of type II cytokeratin mRNA defines early developmental boundaries within the ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm during chick development

Using in situ hybridization we show that a chick type II cytokeratin (CKsel) is differentially expressed within the developing ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm as early as the time of germ layer formation. CKsel expression demarcates specific regions that in many instances can be correlated with distinct presumptive developmental fates or potencies. In the epiblast of definitive streak stage embryos, CKsel hybridization is detected only in regions destined to form extraembryonic ectoderm. After this stage expression occurs within embryonic ectoderm but is largely restricted to regions that will form epidermis. It is not detected in presumptive neural ectoderm or in most regions of head ectoderm. The area of non-expression of CKsel in head ectoderm delineates ectoderm which has a strong bias for lens formation, and gives rise not only to lenses but to other placodally derived structures such as the nasal epithelium and the otic vesicles. In the developing mesoderm, CKsel transcripts become restricted to regions of lateral plate and extraembryonic mesodermal tissues at later stages. CKsel is expressed throughout the developing endoderm except in the region of the presumptive foregut roof. There is a unifying pattern to the expression of CKsel transcripts in all three germ layers: it is expressed in more lateral areas which generally have more ventral fates, beginning at the time of germ layer formation and indicating the existence of medial/lateral boundaries early in development.
Anomalous left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery in an adult. A review of the therapeutic problem.

The 29-year-old woman with anomalous left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary trunk whose case is presented is at the time of writing, the oldest patient on record in whom this condition has been diagnosed during life. The diagnosis was made by aortic cineangiography and confirmed by selective injection of contrast material into the right coronary artery. The collateral pathways between the right and the anomalous left coronary artery were thus defined. Vectorcardiographic and electrocardiographic patterns of anterolateral myocardial infarction with periinfarction block have not been observed in any of the previously reported adults with this type of rare congenital anomaly. The 27 cases of ligation of the aberrant left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery reported in the literature have been reviewed and the results of this operation discussed. Diagnosis of the anomalous left coronary artery in adult life is possible if it is considered in patients presenting with a continuous murmur ...
Fast and simple identification of adipose tissues in situ with dithizon.

Minute amounts of white or brown adipose tissue can be localized in situ within seconds by covering the organ surfaces with an alkaline solution of dithizon (diphenylthiocarbazone) in alcohol and water. The adipose tissues stain deep green, while the other organs remain unstained, or appear in various shades of pink and red. This technique has been successfully applied to various groups of vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes), and it works in fresh, in deep frozen and in formalin-fixed specimens. It fails after tissue fixation in mercuric chloride-containing fluids. In vitro studies show that the staining reaction is due to (1) a preferential solubility of small amounts of dithizon in adipose tissue lipids, and (2) the development of a green color, which appears when dithizon dissolves in lipids or organic solvents.
Predicting Depression and Self–Esteem from Social Connectedness, Support, and Competence

Abstract Social support, social competence, and social connectedness were hypothesized to predict self-reported levels of self–esteem and depression for male and female college students. Specifically, the more global characteristic of social connectedness was hypothesized to mediate the effects of social support in close relationships and general social competence on measures of depression and self–esteem. The mediator model was tested in a sample of 272 college students. Structural path analyses supported the model well for both males and females. Indirect paths to self–esteem and depression through the mediating variable of social connectedness were more strongly supported than direct pathways from social support or social competence to psychological outcomes. Based on findings from the original model, an alternative model was then developed to test the hypothesis that social connectedness and social competence capture a broader underlying construct, general social well–being. The results of the revised...
Osmotic effects on volume and motility of bull sperm exposed to membrane permeable and nonpermeable agents

Factorially arranged experiments were designed to study prefreeze packed cell volume (PCV) changes and associated percentages of motile and unstained bull sperm in simple macromolecule-free Tyrode's solution and egg yolk-Tris (EYT), varying in osmolarity, and with addition of rapidly permeating cryoprotectants, glycerol and 1,2-propanediol, and nonpermeating substances, sucrose and NaCl. The percentage of motile and unstained sperm was assessed after resuspending sperm in 300 mOsm/L Tyrode's solution. At 25 degreesC PCV increased in Tyrode's solution as osmolarity was decreased from 250 to 150 mOsm/L and decreased as Tyrode's solution was increased to 400 mosmol/L. The relationship of PCV to the reciprocal of the osmolarity was essentially linear over the range of 150 to 400 mOsm/L, but PCV did not decrease further in solutions ranging from 500 to 1000 mOsm/L. The percentage of motile sperm declined to zero in Tyrode's solution at 700 mOsm/L, but 40% of the sperm were still unstained in 1000 mOsm/L solutions. The addition of glycerol or 1,2-propanediol had little effect on PCV. With glycerol or 1,2-propanediol added to 308 mOsm/L Tyrode's solution to give a total of 1267 mOsm/L, there were 49 and 56% motile sperm, respectively, compared to 1% with NaCl added to give 787 mOsm/L. The PCV and percentage of motile sperm suspended in EYT responded to osmotic changes similar to those reported for Tyrode's solution at both 25 and 5 degreesC. Some sperm remained motile after initial exposure to 800 mOsm/L solutions. These findings may have application in improving bull sperm cryopreservation.