cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Liver Diseases of Lipodystrophy: The Long-term Effect of Leptin Treatment

Background & Aims Lipodystrophies are hypoleptinemic conditions characterized by fat loss, severe insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, and ectopic fat accumulation. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH) are also features of this condition. We studied the spectrum of liver disease in lipodystrophy and the effects of leptin replacement. Methods This was an open-label, prospective study of leptin therapy in patients with inherited and acquired lipodystrophy at the National Institutes of Health. Liver biopsies were performed at baseline (N=50) and after leptin replacement (N=27). NASH activity was assessed using the NASH Clinical Research Network (CRN) scoring system. Fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, hemoglobin A 1c and liver enzymes were measured at baseline and at the time of the final liver biopsy. Results In leptin-treated patients, 86% met criteria for NASH at baseline, while only 33% had NASH after leptin replacement for 25.8±3.7months (mean±SE, p =0.0003). There were significant improvements in steatosis grade (reduction of mean score from 1.8 to 0.9) and ballooning injury scores (from 1.2 to 0.4), with a 44.2% reduction in mean NAFLD activity score ( p Conclusions The fundamental liver disease of lipodystrophy is NASH, although autoimmune hepatitis was observed in some patients with AGL. Leptin appears to be a highly effective therapy for NASH in hypoleptinemic lipodystrophic patients.
Lessons learned and questions unanswered from use of multitargeted kinase inhibitors in medullary thyroid cancer.

Summary Objectives To review studies of novel multitargeted kinase inhibitors studied in patients with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Materials and methods Search of relevant references in PubMed and Google Scholar on “chemotherapy” and “medullary thyroid cancer”. Results Multitargeted kinase inhibitors have revolutionized the role of chemotherapy for progressive MTC, providing for the first time tolerable therapeutic options that can improve outcomes in patients with progressive disease. Drugs thought to inhibit the RET kinase have advanced the furthest for this disease, but these agents also target the VEGF receptor along with other kinases that may be relevant to both beneficial and adverse effects. Vandetanib improved progression-free survival from 19.3 to 30.5 months compared with placebo in patients with metastatic disease, whereas cabozantinib improved progression-free survival from 4.0 months to 11.2 months in a population with more aggressive disease. However, ‘‘cure’’ remains elusive, adverse events frequent, and exactly how such ‘‘targeted’’ agents actually function within MTC remains unclear. Conclusions New approaches to clinical trial design and the preclinical development of targeted agents may be required to optimize the combination of maximum efficacy with minimal toxicity for patients with metastatic MTC.
Evaluating Collaborative Institutions in Context: The Case of Regional Water Management in Southern California:

Regional collaborative institutions are seen as tools for improving collaboration and for reducing the inefficiency of fragmented management and planning. However, recent research has shown that the ability of new regional institutions to achieve these aims is contingent upon their relationship to the existing institutional landscape. This paper uses network analyses of six newly created Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) subregions in southern California to examine how their introduction intersects existing water management systems and whether the patterns of interaction in water planning have changed as a result. The results further our understanding of collaborative governance and regionalism by showing that the ability of regional institutions to facilitate new interactions can vary widely across a given institutional landscape. Further, while IRWM has helped to strengthen the water management network in southern California, it has not replaced existing watershed planning efforts. Interviews with water managers reveal there is support for IRWM but it is still too early to evaluate its effectiveness. Further research should explore the drivers and consequences of heterogeneity in IRWM and whether the incentives for participation are sufficient.
Low- and high-risk human papillomavirus E7 proteins regulate p130 differently

The E7 protein of high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR HPVs) targets pRb family members (pRb, p107 and p130) for degradation; low-risk (LR) HPV E7 only targets p130 for degradation. The effect of HR HPV 16 E7 and LR HPV 6 E7 on p130 intracellular localization and half-life was examined. Nuclear/cytoplasmic fractionation and immunofluorescence showed that, in contrast to control and HPV 6 E7-expressing cells, a greater amount of p130 was present in the cytoplasm in the presence of HPV 16 E7. The half-life of p130, relative to control cells, was decreased in the cytoplasm in the presence of HPV 6 E7 or HPV 16 E7, but only decreased by HPV 6 E7 in the nucleus. Inhibition of proteasomal degradation extended the half-life of p130, regardless of intracellular localization. These results suggest that there may be divergent mechanisms by which LR and HR HPV E7 target p130 for degradation.
Estimation of total body weight in obese patients.

Abstract Objective Knowledge of accurate patient weight is vital to safe air medical transport and critical care. Patient weight is often unknown in emergency settings, and visual estimations have been shown to be inaccurate, especially in obese patients. We hypothesized that a simple formula based on anthropometric measurements could accurately predict patient weight for obese adult men and women. Methods Data from cross-sectional anthropometric measurements from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (1988–1994)—height, leg length, thigh circumference, and mid-arm circumference—were used to estimate patient weight among adult (18 years and older) men and nonpregnant women who weighed at least 100 kg (N = 1,471). Linear modeling was used to develop simple sex-specific linear models to estimate patient weight. Models were derived on a random 67% subset of the original sample and then validated against the remaining 33% to assess the model's predictive capacity. Results The combination of arm circumference and height yielded the best model: Women: weight (WT) = −64.6 + 2.15 × arm circumference (ARM) + 0.54 × height (HT) (adjusted R 2 : 0.55); men: WT = −93.2 + 3.29 × ARM + 0.43 × HT (adjusted R 2 : 0.59). Approximately 90% of patient weights were accurately estimated within a 15% error tolerance. Conclusion We have derived and validated simple equations with easy-to-use tables to accurately predict total body weight of obese men and women using only height and arm circumference. These tables may assist air medical transport pilots and medical crews make decisions about which patients may be safely transported, how far they may be transported, how much fuel is required, and how many crewmembers and family members may accompany them.
Raman scattering and birefringence studies of the phase transitions in cesium zinc tetraiodide.

Abstract Measurements of the linear birefringence of Cs2ZnI4 along all three crystal axes and of temperature-dependent, polarized Raman scattering have been made. The results are described and used to interpret the structural phase transition sequence exhibited by Cs2ZnI4.
A Survey of Managerial Interests with Respect to Conflict

This article presents the results of a survey conducted by the American Management Association regarding the managerial interests in the area of conflict and conflict management. Studies on conflict have become popular management topics and have provided a range of content for education and training. Moreover, organizations now include conflict management in their training programs. As presented in the article, the outcome of the survey clearly suggest that managers from middle to top levels have an active and growing interest in learning more about both the prevention and management of conflict.
Evidence that multiple species of aminoacylated transfer RNA are present in regenerating optic axons of goldfish

This study reports that 4S RNA present in regenerating optic axons of goldfish is likely to be transfer RNA. Evidence is also presented which indicates that this transfer RNA is similar to transfer RNA found in tectal cells and that its aminocylation is likely to occur both in retinal ganglion cells prior to axonal transport as well as in the axon itself. Fish with regenerating optic nerves received intraocular injections of [3H]uridine followed 4 days later by intracranial injections of [14C]uridine. Radioactive tectal 4S RNA was isolated 6 days after [3H]uridine injections and chromatographed by BD cellulose chromatography. Optical density as well as radioactivity profiles for both [14C]4S RNA (from tectal cells) and [3H]4S RNA (90% of which originated from regenerating optic axons) were found to be similar toE. coli transfer RNA optical density profiles, indicating that the intra-axonal 4S RNA is likely to be transfer RNA. Moreover, comparisons of3H/14C suggest that intra-axonal and cellular 4S RNAs are composed of similar species of transfer RNA. Results of other experiments indicated that aminoacylation of axonally transported tRNA occurs both in the retina and in optic axons subsequent to axonal transport.
[3H]Epibatidine Photolabels Non-equivalent Amino Acids in the Agonist Binding Site of Torpedo and α4β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists, such as epibatidine and its molecular derivatives, are potential therapeutic agents for a variety of neurological disorders. In order to identify determinants for subtype-selective agonist binding, it is important to determine whether an agonist binds in a common orientation in different nAChR subtypes. To compare the mode of binding of epibatidine in a muscle and a neuronal nAChR, we photolabeled Torpedo α2βγδ and expressed human α4β2 nAChRs with [3H]epibatidine and identified by Edman degradation the photolabeled amino acids. Irradiation at 254 nm resulted in photolabeling of αTyr198 in agonist binding site Segment C of the principal (+) face in both α subunits and of γLeu109 and γTyr117 in Segment E of the complementary (−) face, with no labeling detected in the δ subunit. For affinity-purified α4β2 nAChRs, [3H]epibatidine photolabeled α4Tyr195 (equivalent to Torpedo αTyr190) in Segment C as well as β2Val111 and β2Ser113 in Segment E (equivalent to Torpedo γLeu109 and γTyr111, respectively). Consideration of the location of the photolabeled amino acids in homology models of the nAChRs based upon the acetylcholine-binding protein structure and the results of ligand docking simulations suggests that epibatidine binds in a single preferred orientation within the α-γ transmitter binding site, whereas it binds in two distinct orientations in the α4β2 nAChR.
Left bundle-branch block myopathy in heart failure.

Cardiac-resynchronization therapy (CRT), also known as biventricular pacing, has emerged as a pivotal therapy in selected patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The mechanism of benefit of CRT is complex and not yet completely understood, but it is probably multifactorial, with effects on contractile function, β-adrenergic responsiveness, and other cellular functions.1 The dramatic clinical improvement that has been observed in some patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV heart failure2 has prompted the evaluation of the therapeutic benefit of CRT in expanded populations. Goldenberg et al.3 now present in the Journal the long-term . . .
Measures of Bayesian learning and identifiability in hierarchical models

Abstract Identifiability has long been an important concept in classical statistical estimation. Historically, Bayesians have been less interested in the concept since, strictly speaking, any parameter having a proper prior distribution also has a proper posterior, and is thus estimable. However, the larger statistical community's recent move toward more Bayesian thinking is largely fueled by an interest in Markov chain Monte Carlo-based analyses using vague or even improper priors. As such, Bayesians have been forced to think more carefully about what has been learned about the parameters of interest (given the data so far), or what could possibly be learned (given an infinite amount of data). In this paper, we propose measures of Bayesian learning based on differences in precision and Kullback–Leibler divergence. After investigating them in the context of some familiar Gaussian linear hierarchical models, we consider their use in a more challenging setting involving two sets of random effects (traditional and spatially arranged), only the sum of which is identified by the data. We illustrate this latter model with an example from periodontal data analysis, where the spatial aspect arises from the proximity of various measurements taken in the mouth. Our results suggest our measures behave sensibly and may be useful in even more complicated (e.g., non-Gaussian) model settings.
NAFTA and North American stock market linkages: an empirical note

Abstract This paper provides tests of the co-movement of the North American stock markets. We find over the post-US stock market crash period, 1987:11 through 1997:03, there is no cointegration present in these markets even when the passage of NAFTA is taken into account. The absence of cointegration allows us to draw several conclusions. First, the stock markets of North America are segmented. Second, the passage of NAFTA has not resulted in a greater integration of these stock markets. Finally, the data do not support the notion of a contagion effect from the 1987 U.S. stock market crash. In conclusion, the potential for long-run international diversification across the markets of North America still exists.
The effect of undercooling on the cellular precipitation reaction in Cu-3 Pct Ti

The effect of undercooling on the morphology of the cellular precipitation reaction in Cu-3 Pct Ti is examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and serial sectioning experiments. The reaction front formed at small undercooling, which exhibits strong faceting of the precipitate growth interfaces, gradually changes with increasing undercooling to a smoothly curved reaction front with concave precipitate growth interfaces and convex grain boundary segments. This concealment of the faceted reaction front appears to be due to the rapid accumulation of growth ledges with increasing undercooling. This study also indicates that the cellular precipitation reaction, at small undercooling, is initiated by Widmanstatten precipitation. At larger undercoolings, a second mechanism is responsible for cellular genesis. Finally, contrary to accepted models of colony development, serial sectioning experiments show that nucleation of additional lamellae may occur at the faces of existing lamellae, from where they extend laterally to achieve the characteristic interlamellar spacing for that temperature.
Advanced Three-Dimensional Tailored RF Pulse for Signal Recovery in T ∗ 2 -Weighted Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

T ∗ 2 -weighted functional MR images are plagued by signal loss artifacts caused by susceptibility-induced through-plane dephasing. We present major advances to the original threedimensional tailored RF (3DTRF) pulse method that precompensates the dephasing using three-dimensional selective excitation. The proposed 3DTRF pulses are designed iteratively with off-resonance incorporation and with a novel echo-volumar trajectory that frequency-encodes in z and phase-encodes in x , y . We also propose a computational scheme to accelerate the pulse design process. We demonstrate effective signal recovery in a 5-mm slice in both phantom and inferior brain, using 3DTRF pulses that are only 15.4 ms long. Compared to the original method, the new approach leads to significantly reduced pulse length and enhancement in slice selectivity. 3D images of the slice volume confirm fidelity of the excited phase pattern and slice profile. Magn Reson Med 56:1050–1059, 2006. © 2006
Validity of the Omron HJ-112 Pedometer during Treadmill Walking

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the validity of step counts measured with the Omron HJ-112 pedometer and to assess the effect of pedometer placement. Methods: Ninety-two subjects (44 males and 48 females; 71 with body mass index [BMI] =30 kg[middle dot]m-2) completed three, 12-min bouts of treadmill walking at speeds of 1.12, 1.34, and 1.56 m[middle dot]s-1. A subset (21 males and 23 females; 38 BMI =30 kg[middle dot]m-2) completed a variable walking condition. For all conditions, participants wore an Omron HJ-112 pedometer on the hip, in the pants pocket, in the chest shirt pocket, and around the neck. Hip pedometer placement was alternated between right and left sides with the Yamax Digiwalker SW-701. During each walk, an investigator recorded actual steps with a manual hand counter. Results: There was no substantial bias with the Omron in any speed condition (-0.1% to 0.5%). Bias was larger with the Yamax (-3.6% to 2.0%). The largest random error for the Omron was 3.7% in the variable-speed condition for the BMI <30 kg[middle dot]m-2 group, whereas random errors for the Yamax were larger and up to 20%. None of the Omron placement positions produced statistically significant bias. Hip mounting produced the smallest random error (1.2%), followed by shirt pocket (1.7%), neck (2.2%), and pants pocket (5.8%). Conclusion: The Omron HJ-112 pedometer validly assesses steps in different BMI groups during constant- and variable-speed walking; other than that in the pants pocket, placement of the pedometer has little effect on validity.
Significance of the cell cycle in commitment of murine erythroleukemia cells to erythroid differentiation

The relationship between differentiation of murine erythroleukemia cells (MEL) induced by DMSO and the cell division cycle has been analyzed. We demonstrate that incubation in the presence of DMSO increases the length of the G1 phase of the cell cycle. A method of synchronization of MEL cells by unit gravity sedimentation has been developed and characterized. Using this method, a series of synchronized cell populations covering the entire cell division cycle can be generated simultaneously. Cells synchronized by this technique were challenged with DMSO and analyzed for kinetics of commitment to the differentiation program. Our results indicate that populations of cells in G1 or G2 at the time of addition of inducer give rise to a greater proportion of committed cells than an unfractionated population, while cells in S phase result in a lower percentage of committed cells than the unfractionated population when cultured in DMSO.
The Fourth Blade within the β-Propeller Is Involved Specifically in C3bi Recognition by Integrin αMβ2

Interactions between the complement degradation product C3bi and leukocyte integrin alpha M beta 2 are critical to phagocytosis of opsonized particles in host defense against foreign pathogens and certain malignant cells. Previous studies have mapped critical residues for C3bi binding to the I-domains of the alpha M and the beta2 subunits. However, the role of the alpha M beta-propeller in ligand binding remains less well defined, and the functional residues are still unknown. In the present study, we studied the function of the alpha M beta-propeller in specific ligand recognition by alpha M beta 2 using a number of different approaches, and we report four major findings. 1) Substitution of five individual segments (Asp398-Ala402, Leu412-Leu419, Tyr426-Met434, Phe435-Glu443, and Ser444-Thr451) within the W4 blade of the beta-propeller with their homologous counterparts in integrin alpha2 abrogated C3bi binding, whereas substitution of eight other segments outside this blade had no effect. 2) These five mutants defective in C3bi binding supported strong alpha M beta 2-mediated and cation-dependent cell adhesion to fibrinogen, suggesting that the conformations of these five defective mutants were intact. 3) Polyclonal antibodies recognizing sequences within the W4 blade significantly blocked C3bi binding by wild-type alpha M beta 2. 4) A synthetic peptide corresponding to Gln424-Gly440 within W4 interacted directly with C3bi. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that the W4 blade (residues Asp398 to Thr451) is involved specifically in C3bi but not fibrinogen binding to alpha M beta 2. Altogether, our study supports a model in which three separate domains of alpha M beta 2 (the alpha MI-domain, the alpha M beta-propeller, and the beta 2I-domain) function together and contribute to the formation of the C3bi-binding site.
Mechanical energy budget of a fold-and-thrust belt

Recent studies1,2 have shown that an active fold-and-thrust belt is mechanically analogous to the wedge of soil or snow that forms in front of a moving bulldozer; such a wedge attains a critical taper in which the regional state of stress is everywhere on the verge of brittle failure. Here this critical-taper model of the regional stress field is combined with a simple kinematic description of the steady-state deformation of an active, eroding fold-and-thrust belt, to examine the mechanical energy balance of brittle, frictional mountain building. Part of the work performed by the compressive stress at the rear of a fold-and-thrust belt is dissipated by frictional heating on the decollement fault, part is dissipated by internal frictional processes that accompany the brittle deformation within the critically tapered wedge, and part is expended against gravitational body forces. The total power expenditure in the steady-state fold-and-thrust belt of western Taiwan is about five gigawatts, of which 45% is being dissipated against basal friction, 39% is being expended against gravity and only 16% is being dissipated internally.
Water-Use Dynamics of an Invasive Reed, Arundo donax, from Leaf to Stand

We investigated water use of an invasive riparian reed species, Arundo donax (L.), along moisture gradients to determine how extensively this plant might affect water resources. On an approximately 250 m stretch of the Lower Rio Grande in South Texas, we measured the gas exchange of water vapor at the leaf scale and structural characteristics, such as leaf area and shoot density, at the stand scale. To assess the effect of water availability, we used transects perpendicular to the edge of the river along a potential moisture gradient. Stands of A. donax used approximately 8.8 ± 0.9 mm of water per day during the peak of the 2008 growing season; this rate of water use is at the high end of the spectrum for plants. Transpiration and leaf area index varied with water availability, which suggests this plant is sensitive to drought and declining water tables. This provides a baseline for future studies comparing water use between A. donax and other plant species, especially native species considered in riparian restoration efforts.
Primary Cutaneous CD30 Positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma in an Adolescent

We present a case of a 14-year-old boy with a large ulcerated plaque on the scalp for 6 months, who was found to have primary cutaneous CD30-positive, anaplastic kinase-negative, anaplastic large cell lymphoma with post-auricular lymphadenopathy. MRI, bone marrow biopsy, and laboratory data demonstrated no other systemic involvement. He was treated with radiation and low-dose oral methotrexate, with improvement of the lesion and lymphadenopathy. Very few cases of primary cutaneous CD30-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma in the pediatric population have been reported, and our case represents one of the first pediatric patients with local lymph node involvement.
Further Results on Bayesian Method of Moments Analysis of the Multiple Regression Model

In this article we extend previous BMOM results by showing how information about a variance parameter and its relation to regression coefficients produces a rich class of postdata densities for regression parameters. Prediction and model selection techniques are also described. We also discuss the well-documented link between cross-entropy and the average log odds and then use this criterion in an experiment to compare results obtained from BMOM and Bayes approaches using data generated from known models.
Immunogenic characterization of a tissue culture-derived vaccine that affords partial protection against avian coccidiosis

Abstract The immunogenicity of a tissue culture-derived vaccine generated from an Eimeria tenella-infected cell line in a serologically defined bird line, and the ability to confer protection against homologous challenge in young chicks was examined. The cell line, SB-CEV-1/F7, was infected with E. tenella sporozoites and the resulting 72-h postinfection cell-free supernatants were adjuvanted and used to immunize Leghorn chicks homozygous for the B19 haplotype. Peripheral blood and splenic lymphocytes from these immunized birds proliferated in vitro in response to both sporozoite and SB-CEV-1/F7 tissue culture-derived parasite antigens. In addition, splenic immune lymphocytes obtained from birds previously exposed to E. tenella in vivo responded to these tissue culture-derived parasite antigens in vitro. To evaluate the efficacy of the vaccine, B19B19 chicks were vaccinated s.c. with adjuvanted 72-h postinfection cell-free supernatants or an ammonium sulfate precipitate derivative thereof, orally boosted, and then subjected to homologous parasite challenge at 10 d of age. The level of protection (body weight gain, cecal lesions) was assessed 6 d after challenge. Performance results from four battery trials demonstrated that vaccinated birds were significantly protected against weight loss compared to unimmunized, challenged controls. In addition, in two of the four trials, vaccinated birds were significantly protected against lesions. These results provide strong evidence that tissue culture-derived parasite antigens obtained from the E. tenella-infected SB-CEV-1/F7 cell line are immunogenic in birds and can provide partial protection against E. tenella clinical coccidiosis.
Emission lines from tidally disrupted white dwarfs and other evolved stars

When a black hole tidally disrupts a star, accretion of the debris will produce a luminous flare and reveal the presence of a dormant black hole. The accretion flare can also photoionize a portion of the post-disruption debris. We present models of the emission line spectrum produced in the debris released when a white dwarf or a horizontal branch star is tidally disrupted by an intermediate-mass black hole, and discuss the possibility of using the emission lines to identify such events and constrain the properties of the black hole. We also compare the white dwarf disruption models with observations of white dwarf tidal disruption candidates in globular clusters associated with NGC 4472 and NGC 1399. The bright [O III] lines observed in each system are consistent with these models, but there are some drawbacks to interpreting these sources as tidally disrupted white dwarfs. On the other hand, models of the emission line spectrum produced when a horizontal branch star is disrupted by a ∼ 100 M ʘ black hole are in good agreement with the source in the NGC 1399 globular cluster. Finally, we describe light curves for the emission lines produced in the debris of a tidally disrupted helium core. The modeled light curves are consistent with the recent observations of Gezari et al. (2012).
Stimulation of NFκB Activity by Multiple Signaling Pathways Requires PAK1

The p21-activated kinase (PAK1) is a serine-threonine protein kinase that is activated by binding to the Rho family small G proteins Rac and Cdc42hs. Both Rac and Cdc42hs have been shown to regulate the activity of the transcription factor NFkappaB. Here we show that expression of active Ras, Raf-1, or Rac1 in fibroblasts stimulates NFkappaB in a PAK1-dependent manner and that expression of active PAK1 can stimulate NFkappaB on its own. Similarly, in macrophages activation of NFkappaB as well as transcription from the tumor necrosis factor alpha promoter depends on PAK1. In these cells lipopolysaccharide is a potent activator of PAK1 kinase activity. We also demonstrate that expression of active PAK1 stimulates the nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of NFkappaB but does not activate the inhibitor of kappaB kinases alpha or beta. These data demonstrate that PAK1 is a crucial signaling molecule involved in NFkappaB activation by multiple stimuli.
Risk Factors Associated With Postoperative Tympanostomy Tube Obstruction

Importance Myringotomy and tympanostomy tube placement for chronic otitis media with effusion is the most common reason for a child to undergo anesthesia in the United States. Postoperative tube obstruction occurs in 1.4% to 36.0% of cases and remains a challenge in achieving middle ear ventilation. Objective To identify risk factors associated with tube obstruction. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective medical record review of 248 patients, mean age 2.54 years, seen between March 2007 and June 2011 in a tertiary care pediatric hospital. Interventions Tympanostomy tube placement and postoperative otic drop therapy. Main Outcomes and Measures Tube patency at postoperative visit, number of tube removals and revisions, age, sex, body mass index (BMI), middle ear fluid type at time of surgery, and time between surgery and first postoperative visit were examined. Type of surgery (tympanostomy tube placement alone, adenoidectomy + tympanostomy tube placement, tympanostomy tube placement + adenoidectomy + tonsillectomy) and its effect on tube patency were also reviewed. Results At first follow-up, 10.6% of patients had occlusion of one or both tubes. No significant association was found between tube patency and a patient’s BMI percentile, sex, or procedure type. Patients with no middle ear fluid were more likely to have patent tubes than those who had serous fluid (odds ratio [OR], 3.5; 95% CI, 1.2-10.6;P = .02). A significant inverse correlation was found between patency and time between surgery and follow-up in that patients who had longer follow-up after surgery were less likely to have patent tubes (OR per day of follow-up delay, 0.990; 95% CI, 0.981-0.999;P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance Tympanostomy tube obstruction was seen in 10.6% of patients. Serous fluid and increased time to postoperative visit were statistically significant indicators for tube occlusion.
Engineered epidermal growth factor mutants with faster binding on‐rates correlate with enhanced receptor activation

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) regulate critical cell signaling pathways, yet the properties of their cognate ligands that influence receptor activation are not fully understood. There is great interest in parsing these complex ligand-receptor relationships using engineered proteins with altered binding properties. Here we focus on the interaction between two engineered epidermal growth factor (EGF) mutants and the EGF receptor (EGFR), a model member of the RTK superfamily. We found that EGF mutants with faster kinetic on-rates stimulate increased EGFR activation compared to wild-type EGF. These findings support previous predictions that faster association rates correlate with enhanced receptor activity.
Femtosecond time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy of bacteriorhodopsin: Direct observation of excited state dynamics in the primary step of the proton pump cycle

Abstract A femtosecond fluorescence upconversion apparatus was used to measure the fluorescence decays in bacteriorhodopsin from Halobacterium halobium . The isotropic fluorescence measurements reveal a weak emission wavelength dependence from 680 nm to 900 nm (which spans most of the steady state fluorescence spectrum). The decays can be well fitted as a sum of three exponential decay components with time constants in the range of 90 fs-240 fs, 0.6 ps-0.9 ps, and 9.0–13.0 ps. We discuss the mechanism for non-exponentiality in terms of the intrinsic characteristics of a barrierless reaction and/or the distribution of parameters affecting the reactive process. We discuss the kinetics by comparing with previous pump-probe transient absorption measurements, and suggest that the first time constant results from either a relaxation process in the first singlet excited state of the retinal molecule or from the reactive process from the excited state to the photoproduct and reactant. We associate the longer components solely with the reactive process from the excited state to the photoproduct and ground state of bacteriorhodopsin. Fluorescence depolarization measurements reveal a wavelength dependent initial anisotropy. The fluorescence data do not seem to be easily explainable with a one-dimensional potential surface model.
Newcomer Immigrant Students’ Perspectives on What Affects Their Homework Experiences

ABSTRACT The author examined how characteristics related to individual, family, and school environments contribute to immigrant students’ homework completion. Participants were 192 newcomers in an urban high school designed to serve English language learners. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted with data compiled from a larger project on role of homework in immigrant adolescents’ academic lives. The author found that students’ homework completion is shaped by (a) gender, engagement in school, homework environment and learning styles; (b) parental homework support and family conflict; and (c) perceived school violence and school homework supports. The effect of perceived school violence on homework completion differed for boys and girls. Boys’ homework completion was more adversely affected by higher perceptions of violence at school than that of girls.
Toward a practical performance index for predicting voltage collapse in electric power systems

Voltage collapse is generally caused by either of two types of power system disturbances: load variations; and contingencies. A number of performance indices intended to measure the severity of the voltage collapse problem have been proposed in the literature. However, few of these performance indices can answer questions such as: "can the system withstand another 100 MVar increase on bus 11?" This paper presents a new performance index that provides a direct relationship between its value and the amount of load demand that the system can withstand before collapse. One of the features that distinguishes the proposed performance is its development in the load-demand space and its ability to answer questions such as: "can the system withstand a simultaneous increase of 70 MW on bus 2 and 50 MVAr on bus 6?" This feature makes the performance index readily interpretable to operators. Moreover, the computation involved in the proposed performance index is relatively inexpensive in comparison with those required in existing solutions. Simulation results on the IEEE 39-bus system and a 234-bus power system are presented with promising results. >
Factors Predicting Bereaved Caregiver Perception of Quality of Care in the Final Week of Life: Implications for Health Care Providers.

Abstract Background: Cancer caregivers are key stakeholders in the final weeks of life and in bereavement. Research has highlighted end-of-life (EOL) factors important to caregivers, as well as factors contributing to caregiver mental health and bereavement outcomes. There has been limited data on factors predicting caregiver perceptions of quality of EOL care. Objective: This study's purpose was to identify modifiable predictors of caregivers' Caregiver Evaluation of Quality of End of Life Care (CEQUEL) scores, with the broader aim of informing clinical interventions to improve caregiver impressions of care and subsequent bereavement adjustment. Methods: Study data came from Coping with Cancer I (CwC1). CwC1 investigators interviewed advanced cancer patients and caregivers prior to the patient's death (Wave 1) and reinterviewed caregivers following the death (Wave 2) (N=275 dyads). The authors identified potential Wave 1 predictors of CEQUEL scores and performed a series of linear regression analyses to ...
2.45 GHz radiofrequency fields alter gene expression in cultured human cells

The biological effect of radiofrequency (RF) fields remains controversial. We address this issue by examining whether RF fields can cause changes in gene expression. We used the pulsed RF fields at a frequency of 2.45 GHz that is commonly used in telecommunication to expose cultured human HL-60 cells. We used the serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) method to measure the RF effect on gene expression at the genome level. We observed that 221 genes altered their expression after a 2-h exposure. The number of affected genes increased to 759 after a 6-h exposure. Functional classification of the affected genes reveals that apoptosis-related genes were among the upregulated ones and the cell cycle genes among the downregulated ones. We observed no significant increase in the expression of heat shock genes. These results indicate that the RF fields at 2.45 GHz can alter gene expression in cultured human cells through non-thermal mechanism.
Resilient operation of voltage-sourced BTB HVDC systems under power system disturbances

The penetration factor of Back-to-Back (BTB) Voltage-Sourced Converter (VSC) based HVDC system, will be high enough and promising if they do not only make the overall system more vulnerable but also maintain the desired function in any circumstances like fault conditions. This paper proposes two different control structures which yield to suppress the DC link voltage oscillations of these interface components in case of power systems disturbances. The shortcomings of previous methods are highlighted which is mainly due to the relatively low switching frequency operation of these high power devices. The comprehensive analytical design procedure will be presented for both controllers and performance of them are verified and evaluated through simulation.
Induction of Neuronal and Tumor-Related Genes by Adenovirus Type 12 E1A

Adenovirus type 12 (Ad12) E1A protein (E1A-12) contains a unique 20-amino-acid spacer region between the second and third conserved regions. Substitution of a single amino acid in the spacer is able to abrogate Ad12 tumorigenesis. To investigate the function of the spacer, microarray analysis was performed on cells transformed by tumorigenic and nontumorigenic Ad12s that differ only by one amino acid in the spacer. Fewer than 0.8% of approximately 8,000 genes in the microarray exhibited differential expression of threefold and higher. Of these, more than half of the known genes with higher expression in the wild-type Ad12-transformed cells have neuronal-specific functions. Some of the other differentially expressed genes are involved in the regulation of the cell cycle, transcription, cell structure, and tumor invasiveness. Northern blot analyses of a subset of the neuronal genes, including Robo1, N-MYC, and α-internexin, confirmed their strong expression in multiple Ad12 tumorigenic cell lines. In contrast, these neuronal genes displayed only minor or negligible expression in cells transformed by spacer-mutated Ad12. Significantly, stable introduction of E1A-12 into nontumorigenic Ad5-transformed cells induced neuronal gene expression. We found that the neuron-restrictive silencer factor, which serves as a master repressor of neuronal genes, was inactivated in both Ad12- and Ad5-transformed cells via cytoplasmic retention, though only Ad12-transformed cells exhibited neuronal gene induction. Mutational analyses of the α-internexin promoter demonstrated that E1A-12-mediated neuronal gene induction further required the activation of neuronal promoter E-box elements. These results indicate that the spacer is involved in mediating neuronal and tumor-related genes.
Sox9-Positive Progenitor Cells Play a Key Role in Renal Tubule Epithelial Regeneration in Mice

The kidney has a tremendous capacity to regenerate following injury, but factors that govern this response are still largely unknown. We isolated cells from mouse kidneys with high proliferative and multi-lineage differentiation capacity. These cells expressed a high level of Sox9. In regenerating kidneys, Sox9 expression was induced early, and 89% of proliferating cells were Sox9 positive. In vitro, Sox9-positive cells showed unlimited proliferation and multi-lineage differentiation capacity. Using an inducible Sox9 Cre line and lineage-tagging methods, we show that Sox9-positive cells can generate new daughter cells, contributing to the regeneration of proximal tubule, loop of Henle, and distal tubule segments but not to collecting duct and glomerular cells. Furthermore, inducible deletion of Sox9 resulted in reduced epithelial proliferation, more severe injury, and fibrosis development. In summary, we demonstrate that, in the kidney, Sox9-positive cells show progenitor-like properties in vitro and contribute to epithelial regeneration following injury in vivo.
Measurement and accumulation of electric charge on a single dielectric particle trapped in air

Normally occurring charges on small particles provide a means to control the motion of the particles. Using a piezoelectric transducer to launch microparticles into a trap, we can vary particle-surface interactions to transfer charge to the particle via contact electrification. This allows more detailed studies of contact electrification itself as well generation of higher charge states for precision measurements of force or nonlinear dynamics using electric field modulation. In practice, particles may be repeatedly landed on the substrate and relaunched during loading. This leads to charge transfer so that the net charge on the polystyrene (PS) particle becomes sufficient to allow electrostatic forcing to drive ballistic motion over a range of displacement two orders of magnitude greater than thermal fluctuations. An increase in charge from 1000 to 3000 electrons is demonstrated and the induced motion of the trapped particle is accurately described using simple classical mechanics in phase space.
Hymenopterous Parasites of Gyrinidae with Descriptions of New Species of Hemiteles

In a study on the biology of various Gyrinidae[2][1] at the Douglas Lake Biological Station during the summer of 1929, a fairly large series of hymenopterous parasites were reared from the pupae of species of Gyrinus . Most of these parasites proved to be Hemiteles hungerfordi Cushman, which was first reared by Hungerford from these hosts in 1927. However, several individuals were quite distinct from this or any other species described as parasitic on these beetles, and upon careful examination three other species were recognized, one of which has been determined by Dr. R. A. Cushman as Bathythrix pimplae Howard, and the other two as undescribed species of Hemiteles . Inasmuch as Bathythrix is considered by some authors as a subgenus of Hemiteles (see Vireck, Conn. Nat. Rist. Surv. Bul. 22), it will be so considered here for the sake of simplicity. Descriptions of these two species follow: [1]: #fn-1
Bio-Inspired Synthetic Nanovesicles for Glucose-Responsive Release of Insulin

A new glucose-responsive formulation for self-regulated insulin delivery was constructed by packing insulin, glucose-specific enzymes into pH-sensitive polymersome-based nanovesicles assembled by a diblock copolymer. Glucose can passively transport across the bilayer membrane of the nanovesicle and be oxidized into gluconic acid by glucose oxidase, thereby causing a decrease in local pH. The acidic microenvironment causes the hydrolysis of the pH sensitive nanovesicle that in turn triggers the release of insulin in a glucose responsive fashion. In vitro studies validated that the release of insulin from nanovesicle was effectively correlated with the external glucose concentration. In vivo experiments, in which diabetic mice were subcutaneously administered with the nanovesicles, demonstrate that a single injection of the developed nanovesicle facilitated stabilization of the blood glucose levels in the normoglycemic state (<200 mg/dL) for up to 5 days.
Investigation of osmolyte effects on FolM: comparison with other dihydrofolate reductases.

A weak association between osmolytes and dihydrofolate (DHF) decreases the affinity of the substrate for the Escherichia coli chromosomal and R67 plasmid dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) enzymes. To test whether the osmolyte–DHF association also interferes with binding of DHF to FolM, an E. coli enzyme that possesses weak DHFR activity, ligand binding was monitored in the presence of osmolytes. The affinity of FolM for DHF, measured by kcat/Km(DHF), was decreased by the addition of an osmolyte. Additionally, binding of the antifolate drug, methotrexate, to FolM was weakened by the addition of an osmolyte. The changes in ligand binding with water activity were unique for each osmolyte, indicating preferential interaction between the osmolyte and folate and its derivatives; however, additional evidence provided support for further interactions between FolM and osmolytes. Binding of the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) cofactor to FolM was monitored by isothermal titration calorimetr...
Selection of series reactance ratio of substation capacitor banks in AC/DC hybrid power grid

The impedance characteristic and harmonic characteristic during transformer saturation are not considered in the traditional configuration scheme of substation capacitor banks,which may lead to capacitor bank fault. Based on the theoretical analysis,it is suggested that,the parallel resonance point corresponding to system impedance-frequency characteristic and the probable system harmonic distribution characteristic under different conditions should be considered for the series reactance ratio selection. A substation transformer is simulated with PSCAD / EMTDC for different transformer saturation degrees,capacitor bank switching modes and capacitor bank series reactance ratios,and the harmonic current of shunt capacitor banks is calculated. Results show that,with the consideration of transformer saturation,the traditional capacitor bank configuration should be modified for system safety.
Current methods of thickening feeds for preterm infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease is highly variable

BackgroundGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common problem in neonates, especially in preterm infants. The mainstay therapy for GERD begins with repositioning, adjustment of feeding rate,...
Utilization of Chromogenic In Situ Hybridization to Assess Ploidy in the Diagnosis of Hydatidiform Mole.

Objectives: Ploidy assessment is often required for the diagnosis of partial molar pregnancy. While fluorescence in situ hybridization has been shown to be effective, it is not available in many laboratories. We validated chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) for this purpose. Methods: CISH using probes to chromosomes 17 and 10 was performed on 20 POC cases with known cytogenetics to establish a reference percentage. This was then used to classify a randomized set of abnormal and normal cases. Results: An abnormal CISH cutoff of greater than 7% was established. All abnormal cases (six triploid and three tetraploid), 11 “normal” (46, XX or XY or undetectable abnormalities), and one trisomy 10 were all correctly classified by the assay. Conclusions: CISH is a useful ancillary technique for the diagnosis of molar pregnancy. Its greater accessibility and ability to score even rare placental tissue in a background of maternal tissue offer advantages over other methods.