cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Perfluorocarbon in Spontaneously Breathing Mice • 1660

Perfluorooctylbromide (PFOB) is a perfluorocarbon that has been shown to improve lung function in infants and animals with respiratory distress secondary to surfactant deficiency. We recently demonstrated that although PFOB treatment improved lung function and survival in surfactant protein-B(SP-B) deficient newborn mice, it also adversely affected lung histology. To more closely examine the effects of PFOB on the lung, we instilled PFOB into the lungs of Balb/c mice (n=137, anesthetized with methoxyflurane) in amounts equal to the estimated functional residual capacity. The mice recovered within 1-5 min and were examined 3h-7d after treatment. By 3h, histologic examination revealed evidence of interstitial swelling in perivascular areas and alveolar damage consisting of septal swelling with abundant cells and exudate in the alveoli. Total cells recovered in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL; sum of 5×1mL washes with cold saline obtained immediately after euthanasia) increased from 2.33±0.70×105 at baseline to 3.85±0.74×106 and 1.42±0.22×107 at 3 and 24 h after treatment, respectively (p 90% at 3 h) and neutrophils (>40% at 24 h). Lung permeability, assessed by measuring the amount of125 I-albumin injected i.p. that gained access to the lavage fluid after 2 h, increased significantly to 3x baseline at 3h and to 4.4x baseline at 5h following PFOB treatment (p<0.04). Although SP-B concentration remained unchanged in BAL fluid, protein concentration increased significantly(p<0.03) so that the ratio of SP-B to protein concentration decreased significantly (p<0.05) following PFOB treatment. Preliminary measurements of static lung compliance indicate that PFOB treatment alters lung compliance. These studies in mice demonstrate that early effects of PFOB treatment may alter lung structure, integrity and SP-B function in a manner that can seriously affect lung function.
FK 506 `Rescue' Immunosuppression for Obliterative Bronchiolitis After Lung Transplantation

Preliminary experience In a consecutive case series (level V evidence) involving 10 recipients of unilateral lung transplantation (LT) with bronchiolitis obliterans, in conjunction with Fujisawa protocol 93-0-003, the physiologic responses to FK 506 (tacrolimus) “rescue” immunosuppression were assessed. Recipients were 22±18 months post-LT and demonstrated progressive allograft dysfunction that was refractory to pulsed-dose methylprednisolone therapy. All recipients received induction immunosuppression with Minnesota antilymphocyte globulin (10 to 15 mg/kg/d) for 5 to 10 days, cyclosporine (CsA) (whole-blood Abbott TDX TM fluorescence polarization immunoassay (Abbott Inc, Abbott Park, IL)=600 to 800 ng/mL), azathioprine (2 mg/kg/d), and prednisone (tapered to 0.2 mg/kg/d). The “rescue” regimen consisted of oral FK 506 adjusted to maintain a whole-blood Abbott IMX™ microparticle enzyme immunoassay (Abbott Inc, Abbott Park, IL) of 10 to 15 ng/mL with an initial increase in prednisone (1.0 mg/kg/d) during conversion that was subsequently tapered to 0.2 mg/kg/d. Spirometry was performed monthly in accordance with accepted American Thoracic Society criteria. Recipients were classified in accordance with the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) “Working Formulation for Standardization of Nomenclature and for Clinical Staging of Chronic Dysfunction in Lung Allografts” as stages Ib (n=2), IIb (n=4), and IIIb (n=4) upon entry to the protocol. The ΔFEV 1 /month relationships during CsA- and FK 506-based regimens were analyzed by linear regression and compared by signed rank test (p Results The AFEV 1 /month slopes were —0.0687±0.0221 and +0.0300±0.033 L/mo (mean±SEM) for CsA and FK 506, respectively (p=0.037). Although no significant spirometric improvement was noted in most recipients, no further decline in FEV 1 occurred after conversion to FK 506. Recipients with less severe chronic dysfunction ( ie , obliterative bronchiolitis [OB] stages Ib and IIb) stabilized their spirometric indexes at higher levels. Two recipients with OB stage Mb died of hypercapnic respiratory failure at 6 and 8 months after conversion. Conclusions The ΔFEV 1 /mo slopes stabilized after FK 506 conversion. Earlier conversion may be beneficial in stabilizing FEV 1 at a higher plateau. Significant economic impact may be anticipated with FK 506 compared to alternative cytolytic strategies for OB. However, multicenter prospective controlled investigations are necessary to further address the potential role of FK 506 after LT (level I evidence). Furthermore, the ISHLT “Staging of OB Syndrome” may have significant clinical implications vis-a-vis prognosis and potential therapies.
Renal regulation of fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base homeostasis in the salt-losing syndrome of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (SL-CAH). ECF volume: a compensating factor in aldosterone deficiency.

Two patients (A and B) aged 12 and 13½ years with the salt-losing variety of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, who were apparently equilibrated on glu-cocorticosteroid supplementation alone, underwent sequential clearance studies establishing renal contribution to sodium and acid-base balance before and after reinstitution of mineralocorticosteroid therapy. Since therapy induced an increase of plasma volume, the same studies were also performed during acute isotonic volume expansion before therapy. 1) During control studies plasma volume was very low in patient A and normal for height in patient B. Patient A exhibited a fractional sodium excretion of 2.1% despite a plasma sodium of 127 mEq/1. Renal acid-base equilibrium was at 18.3 mmol bicarbonate per liter plasma. The only pathologic finding in patient B was a renal acid-base equilibrium at 21.5 mmol bicarbonate per liter plasma. 2) In patient B isotonic saline infusion (3.5 ml/min/m2) induce d an increase of plasma volume to slightly above normal for hei...
Joint Advertising and Brand Congruity: Effects on Memory and Attitudes

This research examined how brand congruity in joint advertising affects individuals’ processing of advertising messages. An experiment was conducted whereby ads promoting two congruent or incongruent brands were presented to subjects under low versus high processing load. Results showed that advertising messages for congruent brands were better remembered under both high and low processing loads. However, ads with congruent brands led to positive attitudes only when subjects’ processing resources were constrained. These findings suggest congruent brands that appear in joint ads have a clear advantage over incongruent brands. The results have both practical and theoretical implications.
Pulmonary single circulation dilution curves of T-1824, sodium, and tritiated water in intact piglets.

Summary: In order to assess pulmonary endothelial permeability to sodium in the immature lung, 15 multiple indicator dilution curves were done in eight intact piglets. An indicator bolus consisting of T-1824, 22Na, and tritiated water (THO) was delivered into the right atrium and blood was sampled from the aorta. The concentration of sodium, expressed as a fraction of the quantity injected and of the corresponding fractional concentration of T-1824, was averaged for the samples prior to recirculation. The permeability-surface area product calculated from these data is 2.0 ± 10-5 cm sec-1, and is virtually identical with the value reported elsewhere for adult dogs. Extravascular lung water obtained from the tritiated water and T-1824 curves averaged 64%, whereas that obtained from the 22Na and T-1824 curves averaged 23% of blood-free lung water. Speculation: Several lines of evidence indicate that the endothelium of the immature lung may permit edema formation more readily than that of the adult lung. However, no differences have been found with regard to transendothelial passage of protein molecules or of the sodium ion. We still have no satisfactory explanation for hyaline membrane formation in the respiratory distress syndrome of prematurity. Such information may be provided by the application in prematurely delivered fetuses of techniques available for the assessment of pulmonary capillary permeability.
A Misleading Frozen Section in a Lacrimal Gland Pleomorphic Adenoma of a Nine-Year-Old

AbstractIntroduction: Benign pleomorphic adenomas of the lacrimal gland usually present as a painless, slow growing mass in healthy adults and rarely present in childhood. This report describes a pediatric patient found to have a lacrimal gland pleomorphic adenoma that mimicked rhabdomyosarcoma on frozen section.Report: A nine-year-old African American male presented with two months of unilateral proptosis and was found to have a left orbital mass on computed topography. Through a lateral orbitotomy, the mass was excised, but noted to appear distinct from the lacrimal gland. An intraoperative frozen section demonstrated a myxoid matrix with scattered cells mimicking rhabdomyoblasts. Because this sample lacked additional elements, the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma could not be excluded, especially considering the patient’s age, short time course of symptoms, and the tumor’s intraoperative appearance. Permanent sections of the whole lesion provided definitive diagnosis.Conclusions: In the rare pediatric pre...
Characterization of the attachment matrix of Pseudomonas fragi attached to non‐porous surfaces

Microbial attachment to food‐contact surfaces is of interest to those involved with the production, processing and safety of the food supply. The attachment of Pseudomonas fragi to food contact surfaces is reviewed. Initial efforts in the author's laboratory focused on methods to study the attachment of this organism to stainless steel. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to visualize adherence of P. fragt to stainless steel. Improved visualization was obtained by adding ruthenium red and sodium cacodylate buffer to the SEM fixation procedure. Heavy metal staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to tentatively identify the attachment matrix as a complex polysaccharide. Further evidence from the use of specific chemicals and enzymes is presented which confirms that the material involved in the adherence of P. fragi to stainless steel is a complex polysaccharide.
Zircon Saturation Thermometry

The ability of crystalline zircon (ZrSiO4) to incorporate and retain trace element and isotopic information, due to sluggish diffusion, makes it an indispensable tool for geochemists and geochronologists (Valley, this volume; Cherniak and Watson, this volume) in deciphering the Earth’s geologic history. The stability of crystalline zircon over long periods of geologic time led researchers to prefer this mineral for geochronology (Heaman and Parrish 1991, Dickin 1995, Davis et al., this volume; Parrish and Noble, this volume). In fact, much of what is known about the timing of major geologic events has been accomplished through geochronology using U/Pb isotopic analyses of zircon (Froude et al. 1983, Bowring and Housch 1995, Buick et al. 1995, Bowring et al. 1998, Amelin et al. 1998, Amelin et al. 1999, Bowring and Williams 1999, Amelin et al. 2000, Mojzsis et al. 2001, Wilde et al. 2001, Peck et al. 2001, Bowring and Schmitz, this volume). Because of its durability, zircon has also been proposed as a potential storage material for weapons-grade plutonium from dismantled nuclear weapons (Ewing et al. 1995, Ewing 1999, Ewing et al., this volume). In addressing the petrogenesis of granitoid rocks, a thorough understanding of the role of accessory minerals is crucial for constraining the distribution of trace elements and isotopes that are hosted mainly by those minerals. In particular, in granitoid rocks that were derived from melting of preexisting crustal sediments or rocks, it is often desirable to understand the role of Zr (and Hf), which is primarily concentrated in zircon. This includes determining whether the zircon crystals are single generation growth having crystallized in the magma in which they were most recently found. Or, if preexisting zircon was entrained (i.e., did not dissolve) in …
Prostatic abscess: CT and sonographic features

Prostatic abscess is not a common condition, but delay in the diagnosis may result in serious complications such as rupture of the abscess into the rectum or urethra resulting in a high morbidity. We present a case of clinically unsuspected prostatic abscess where computed tomography and transrectal sonography established the diagnosis.
The mycorrhizal status of an emergent aquatic, Lythrum salicaria L., at different levels of phosphorus availability

The relationship between nutrient availability and mycorrhizal status has been well studied for terrestrial plant species, but has been examined rarely in aquatic and emergent aquatic species. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of phosphorus availability on the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) status of an emergent aquatic, Lythrum salicaria L. L. salicaria was grown in hydroponic sand culture at five phosphorus concentrations (0, 100, 1000, 10 000, and 47 500 μg PO4/l nutrient solution) for 49 days with or without mycorrhizal inoculum obtained from wetland soil. Inoculated plants at the lowest three phosphorus concentrations were colonized by AM, whereas there was no colonization of plants grown at the highest two phosphorus concentrations. Colonization by AM fungi occurred in conjunction with symptoms of phosphorus deficiency in L. salicaria under experimental conditions: plants at the lowest three phosphorus concentrations had lower biomass and higher root: shoot weight ratios than plants at the highest two concentrations. However, total biomass and internal phosphorus concentration did not differ between inoculated and control plants. Further studies are needed under conditions more closely mimicking natural dynamics.
GaAs:Mn double-injection devices

Abstract The breakover voltage of double-injection devices is calculated and is shown to be a constant at low thermal hole densities but a monotonically decreasing function of thermal holes at high densities. The results are applied to GaAs:Mn double-injection devices to explain their relatively low experimental breakover voltage. The radiant flux from the GaAs:Mn devices is measured and shown to exhibit a decreasing quantum efficiency with increasing current due to a carrier sweep out effect.
Contact issues in electroluminescent devices from ruthenium complexes

We report on the temporal evolution of the current, radiance and efficiency of electroluminescent devices based on films of [Ru(bpy)3]2+(PF6−)2 (bpy is 2,2′-bipyridyl) with various electrodes. Under forward bias (with the bottom electrode wired as the anode) the device characteristics were independent of the electrodes used. The situation was different under reverse bias, where differences were observed in the steady-state as well as in the transient characteristics of devices with different electrodes. The origin of this asymmetry is discussed.
Low-voltage CMOS transconductance cell based on parallel operation of triode and saturation transconductors

A new linearity improvement technique for CMOS triode transconductors is presented. The idea is based on the parallel operation of CMOS triode and saturation region transconductors. Simulation results indicate that 0.01% THD and linearity is possible with 800 mV peak-to-peak input differential signals and 1.5 V supply voltage.
Effects of Stress on Pain in Horses and Incorporating Pain Scales for Equine Practice

The stress response represents an animal's attempt to reestablish the body's homeostasis after injury, intense physical activity, or psychological strain. Two different neuroendocrine pathways may be activated in stressful situations: the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, leading to increased cortisol levels, and the sympathoadrenomedullar system, leading to increased catecholamine levels. By applying some of the evaluation methods described in this article in the appropriate clinical situations, equine veterinarians can almost certainly improve their ability to recognize and manage pain in horses.
A 263-year record of summer temperature for northern Quebec reconstructed from tree-ring data and evidence of a major climatic shift in the early 1800's

Abstract Tree-ring data are used to reconstruct 263 years of summer temperatures at a site located near the northern tree line, in central western Quebec. A chronology comprising 20 ring-density time series is used in conjunction with a chronology comprising 20 ring-width time series in the regression analyses. The increased precision of the temperature estimates obtained by using density data as an additional proxy time series places the reconstruction and its interpretation on a firmer basis than it is when only ring-width data are used. The results are considerably improved over the use of either tree-ring parameter alone. The temperature reconstruction reflects a major cooling event in the early nineteenth century. Comparisons with other temperature and proxy data series support the idea of a global cooling event, with a persistence of the cool period of about three decades in high-latitude North America and of much shorter duration in other regions of the world. Volcanic activity in the early 1800's is suggested as partially responsible for the cooling event, but is considered inadequate as cause for the extended period of low-temperatures in the locale of this reconstruction.
Transient Reexpression of an Embryonic Autonomous Growth Phenotype by Adult Carotid Artery Smooth Muscle Cells After Vascular Injury

High rates of vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) replication are observed, at least transiently, after injury to the arterial wall and contribute to the formation of a neointima. Neutralizing antibodies designed to inhibit growth of SMC have only been variably successful in inhibiting neointima formation, raising the possibility that neointimal cell proliferation involves unique growth mechanisms. This study examined the possibility that SMC isolated from injured rat carotid arteries would express an autonomous, mitogen-independent growth phenotype similar to that utilized by embryonic vascular SMC during periods of rapid growth. We found that primary cultures of SMC isolated 7 and 14 days after injury, times at which high in vivo replication rates were observed, demonstrated high intrinsic DNA synthetic rates compared to SMC isolated from uninjured arteries or at 2, 4, 21, and 28 days after injury where in vivo replication rates were far less. Subcultured SMC isolated from 7-day injured vessels (Neo7 SMC) exhibited a stable, autonomous growth phenotype, did not secrete detectable mitogenic activity, and had decreased alpha-actin and myosin expression compared to mitogen-dependent SMC. Heterokaryons constructed between autonomous Neo7 SMC and mitogen-dependent SMC exhibited a mitogen-dependent growth phenotype suggesting that nonautonomous SMC produce factors that actively inhibit autonomous growth. In contrast, heterokaryons constructed between Neo7 SMC and autonomous embryonic SMC retained an autonomous growth phenotype. We examined the expression of known tumor suppressors to determine if any of these factors played a role in inhibiting SMC autonomous growth. p27, p53, pRb, and PTEN were abundantly expressed by Neo7 SMC and e17 SMC under both basal and serum stimulated conditions. The data suggest that the mechanisms driving SMC replication during neointimal formation are self-driven and self-regulated, and that at specific times after injury, SMC escape normal growth suppressive mechanisms through the loss of intracellular growth suppressor activity.
Digraph representations of rational functions over the p-adic numbers

In this paper, we construct a digraph structure on p-adic dynamical systems defined by rational functions. We study the conditions under which the functions are measure-preserving, invertible and isometric, ergodic, and minimal on invariant subsets, by means of graph theoretic properties.
Multiples and parents of multiples prefer same arm randomization of siblings in neonatal trials.

Multiples and parents of multiples prefer same arm randomization of siblings in neonatal trials
Treatment of seizures and epilepsy in children and adolescents

Certain epilepsy types occur more commonly or exclusively in children and adolescents. Proper diagnosis of the specific seizure type and the etiology of the seizure is the cornerstone for appropriate management of these patients. When treatment is determined to be necessary, antiepileptic drug (AED) selection should focus on the agent(s) that will provide the best risk:benefit ratio. A number of new AEDs are now available for use in patients who are refractory to or intolerant of classic medications. These recent additions to the therapeutic armamentarium are also receiving consideration as first-line therapy in some indications. As with the classic AEDs, optimizing efficacy and safety of the new compounds requires adherence to recommended dosing regimens and careful monitoring for adverse effects.
Compression of venous ulcers: standardizing standard care.

Venous legulcers (VLUs) are common, affectingupwardof 1% of adults and with increasing incidence and prevalence with advancing age. Venous leg ulcers are associatedwith reduced quality of life and significant health care costs in addition to sustained ambulatory venouspressure (venoushypertension),whichmostoftenresults from thrombosis and/or valve disease, affecting the superficial, perforator, or deep veins.As a result, calfmusclepumpdysfunctionensues, leading to ulcer formation. Standard care withmultilayered compression wraps is aimed at reversing these changes, and applicationofwell-deliveredcompressionachieveshealing inup to 75% of patients. Applying compression, however, is a challenge. Often viewedbypatients andpractitioners as cumbersome,uncomfortable, andoppressive, compression interruptspatients’ lives by altering their bathinghabits and the clothes and shoes they wear. In this issueof JAMADermatology,Zarchi and Jemec1 report that even those with moderate confidence in their ability to apply compression vary substantially in compression application, with less than one-third applying optimal compression, suggesting patients may not be getting the treatment prescribed.2 Given that dermatologists often see patients with VLUs, addressing the gap of providing substandard compression is important. The initial barrier toward change is for practitioners to appreciate the importance of compression in healing VLUs.Without optimal compression, substandard care is provided. Practitioners should understand compression systems and recommend the appropriate system. For example, elastic compression (Coban2 [3M] or Profore [Smith and Nephew])providescompressionwhenpatientsareeitherwalking or resting and differs from inelastic compression (Unna Boot),whichapplies compressiononlywhenpatientsarewalking (the latter is more desirable in patients with mild arterial insufficiency). Next, it is critical, given the variability in compression applied, that well-trained and experienced personnel apply compression. This need typically causes patients to visit a physician’s office, seek treatment at awound center, or usehomehealth services once or twiceweekly, depending on the amount of exudate. Application of compression by patients or untrained caregivers, such as family members, risks inappropriate provision of care; however, recent work suggests firm compression stockings (30-40 mm Hg) may result in similar outcomes for selected patients.3 Education and training of practitioners, staff, and patients about the importance and application of compression are key. Related article page 730 Research Original Investigation Compression Therapy for Venous Leg Ulcers
DNA recombination is sufficient for retroviral transduction.

Abstract Oncogenic retroviruses carry coding sequences that are transduced from cellular protooncogenes. Natural transduction involves two nonhomologous recombinations and is thus extremely rare. Since transduction has never been reproduced experimentally, its mechanism has been studied in terms of two hypotheses: (i) the DNA model, which postulates two DNA recombinations, and (ii) the RNA model, which postulates a 5' DNA recombination and a 3' RNA recombination occurring during reverse transcription of viral and protooncogene RNA. Here we use two viral DNA constructs to test the prediction of the DNA model that the 3' DNA recombination is achieved by conventional integration of a retroviral DNA 3' of the chromosomal protooncogene coding region. For the DNA model to be viable, such recombinant viruses must be infectious without the purportedly essential polypurine tract (ppt) that precedes the 3' long terminal repeat (LTR) of all retroviruses. Our constructs consist of a ras coding region from Harvey sarcoma virus which is naturally linked at the 5' end to a retroviral LTR and artificially linked at the 3' end either directly (construct NdN) or by a cellular sequence (construct SU) to the 5' LTR of a retrovirus. Both constructs lack the ppt, and the LTR of NdN even lacks 30 nucleotides at the 5' end. Both constructs proved to be infectious, producing viruses at titers of 10(5) focus-forming units per ml. Sequence analysis proved that both viruses were colinear with input DNAs and that NdN virus lacked a ppt and the 5' 30 nucleotides of the LTR. The results indicate that DNA recombination is sufficient for retroviral transduction and that neither the ppt nor the complete LTR is essential for retrovirus replication. DNA recombination explains the following observations by others that cannot be reconciled with the RNA model: (i) experimental transduction is independent of the packaging efficiency of viral RNA, and (ii) experimental transduction may invert sequences with respect to others, as expected for DNA recombination during transfection.
Late Pleistocene outburst flooding from pluvial Lake Alvord into the Owyhee River, Oregon

Abstract At least one large, late Pleistocene flood traveled into the Owyhee River as a result of a rise and subsequent outburst from pluvial Lake Alvord in southeastern Oregon. Lake Alvord breached Big Sand Gap in its eastern rim after reaching an elevation of 1292 m, releasing 11.3 km 3 of water into the adjacent Coyote Basin as it eroded the Big Sand Gap outlet channel to an elevation of about 1280 m. The outflow filled and then spilled out of Coyote Basin through two outlets at 1278 m and into Crooked Creek drainage, ultimately flowing into the Owyhee and Snake Rivers. Along Crooked Creek, the resulting flood eroded canyons, stripped bedrock surfaces, and deposited numerous boulder bars containing imbricated clasts up to 4.1 m in diameter, some of which are located over 30 m above the present-day channel. Critical depth calculations at Big Sand Gap show that maximum outflow from a 1292- to 1280-m drop in Lake Alvord was ∼ 10,000 m 3 s − 1 . Flooding became confined to a single channel approximately 40 km downstream of Big Sand Gap, where step-backwater calculations show that a much larger peak discharge of 40,000 m 3 s − 1 is required to match the highest geologic evidence of the flood in this channel. This inconsistency can be explained by (1) a single 10,000 m 3 s − 1 flood that caused at least 13 m of vertical incision in the channel (hence enlarging the channel cross-section); (2) multiple floods of 10,000 m 3 s − 1 or less, each producing some incision of the channel; or (3) an earlier flood of 40,000 m 3 s − 1 creating the highest flood deposits and crossed drainage divides observed along Crooked Creek drainage, followed by a later 10,000 m 3 s − 1 flood associated with the most recent shorelines in Alvord and Coyote Basins. Well-developed shorelines of Lake Alvord at 1280 m and in Coyote Basin at 1278 m suggest that after the initial flood, postflood overflow persisted for an extended period, connecting Alvord and Coyote Basins with the Owyhee River of the Columbia River drainage. Surficial weathering characteristics and planktonic freshwater diatoms in Lake Alvord sediment stratigraphically below Mt. St. Helens set Sg tephra, suggest deep open-basin conditions at ∼ 13–14 ka ( 14 C yr) and that the flood and prominent shorelines date to about this time. But geomorphic and sedimentological evidence also show that Alvord and Coyote Basins held older, higher-elevation lakes that may have released earlier floods down Crooked Creek.
Delta pH (1 or 2 units) is not associated with symptoms in nonacid reflux: a study using combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH (MII/pH)

Delta pH (1 or 2 units) is not associated with symptoms in nonacid reflux: a study using combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH (MII/pH)
Alternative models of transition and institutional development

Alternative models of transition are associated with alternative institutional development processes. Alternative models of transition are based on different methods of economic analysis, political structures, views of 'what is a good society?' and the speed of implementing the transition policies. As a result, five alternative models of transition are considered: the Shock Therapy model of transition, the Neoclassical Gradualist model of transition, the Post Keynesian model of transition, the Pluralistic Market Socialist model of transition and the Non-Pluralistic Market Socialist model of transition (the Chinese model of transition). The most appropriate method of institutional development depended on how social reality was viewed and what was considered acceptable, desirable and feasible. It depended on assumptions about economic behaviour, the method of analysis and the goals associated with the transition process. Essentially, the choice depended on what was considered to be efficient: a market mechanism providing market-produced institutions, or state intervention providing state-produced market institutions.
Abstract B245: Synergistic antiproliferative effects of the P21-activated kinase (PAK) inhibitor, PF-03758309, and standard-of-care agents in colorectal cancer models.

Background: The p21-activated kinase (PAK) family of serine/threonine kinases is overexpressed in multiple cancer types including breast, ovarian, colorectal, thyroid, and pancreatic. The two groups of PAK proteins, Group I (PAK 1–3) and Group II (PAK 4–6), are critical mediators of cell survival, motility, mitosis, transcription, and translation. The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of a PAK inhibitor, PF-03758309, with irinotecan in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: A panel of 27 colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines were exposed to increasing doses of PF-03758309 (0.015–1 μM) for 72 hours and analyzed for inhibition of proliferation using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Cell lines were designated sensitive (S), intermediate (I), or resistant (R) based on IC 50 9s 1 μM, respectively. Two sensitive and two resistant cell lines were exposed to three different concentrations of either the PAKi, irinotecan or all possible combinations. Proliferation was assessed by the SRB assay and synergy was calculated using the Calcusyn software. Apoptosis was also assessed using the luminescent Caspase 3/7 assay. Athymic nude mice were injected with primary patient derived explants. Once the tumors reached 200–300mm3 the mice were dosed with PF-03758309, irinotecan, or cetuximab or the combination. Tumors were measured twice weekly and growth curves were analyzed. Results: Synergy was observed in both PF-03758309 sensitive and resistant cell lines, though the greatest synergy was seen in one of the more sensitive lines. Apoptosis was also increased in the combination when compared to the single agents. Of the explants treated, one of them demonstrated a synergistic/super-additive effect when dosed with the combination of irinotecan. One of the explants also demonstrated an added benefit with the combination of PF-03758309 and cetuximab. Further investigation into the differential sensitivities seen with PF-03758309 revealed that the more resistant CRC cell lines had higher expression of MDR1. When this was modulated either by shRNA knockdown or by addition of verapamil, we saw a shift to a more sensitive phenotype. Conclusions: The combination of the PAKi, PF-03758309 with irinotecan resulted in synergistic anti-proliferative effectsand apoptosis in CRC cell lines regardless of sensitivity. Similar effects were observed in patient-derived CRC explants with PF-03758309 and standard of care agents. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B245.
MBT domain proteins in development and disease

The Malignant Brain Tumor (MBT) domain is a "chromatin reader", a protein module that binds to post-translational modifications on histone tails that are thought to affect a variety of chromatin processes, including transcription. More specifically, MBT domains recognize mono- and di-methylated lysines at a number of different positions on histone H3 and H4 tails. Three Drosophila proteins, SCM, L(3)MBT and SFMBT contain multiple adjacent MBT repeats and have critical roles in development, maintenance of cell identity, and tumor suppression. Although they function in different pathways, these proteins all localize to chromatin in vivo and repress transcription by a currently unknown molecular mechanism that requires the MBT domains. The human genome contains several homologues of these MBT proteins, some of which have been linked to important gene regulatory pathways, such as E2F/Rb- and Polycomb-mediated repression, and to the insurgence of certain neurological tumors. Here, we review the genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology of MBT proteins and their role in development and disease.
Robotic nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy: Feasibility and technique

Abstract Objective To describe the anatomy of pelvic autonomic nerves as it applies to nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy, and the technique, feasibility, and results of robotic nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy. Methods Prospective evaluation of 6 patients undergoing robotic nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy (type C1) for cervical cancer Stage IB (1B1 in 3 and 1B2 in 3 patients). Pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed in 3 patients and pelvic and aortic in the remaining 3 patients. Results The operation was completed in all patients. The mean age of the patients was 51.0 (range 33–73) and mean BMI 27.8 (range 23.2–35.1). The mean operating time was 238.6min (range 207–256), mean blood loss 135ml (range 100–150), mean number of lymph nodes was 23.6 (range 19–29), mean hospital stay was 2days (range 1–4). There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications occurred in 1 patient with an ileus who required an extended hospital stay. One patient did not regain normal urinary voidings until the fourth week after surgery. All patients remain free of disease. Conclusion Robotic nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy is safe and feasible. Urinary dysfunction may occur.
Environmental disasters as risk regulation catalysts? The role of Bhopal, Chernobyl, Exxon Valdez, Love Canal, and Three Mile Island in shaping U.S. environmental law

Unexpected events such as environmental catastrophes capture wide public attention. Soon after five major shocks—Three Mile Island, Love Canal, Bhopal, Chernobyl, and the Exxon Valdez oil spill—Congress voted on new risk regulation. This paper conducts an event study to test whether individual congressional representatives were “shocked” by these environmental disasters into increasing their probability of voting in favor of risk legislation. On average, representatives were less likely to vote in favor of bills tied to these five events. Significant heterogeneity in representatives’ responses to these shocks is documented. Liberal Northeast representatives were most likely to increase their pro-environment voting in the aftermath of these shocks.
Vegetative propagation of putatively laurel wilt-resistant redbay ( Persea borbonia )

Vegetative propagation experiments were conducted on redbay ( Persea borbonia (L.) Spreng. [Lauraceae]) to evaluate disease resistance and to conserve germplasm. We developed a primary framework for redbay vegetative propagation to address limita tions of long-term seed storage and the need to preserve and screen putatively laurel wilt-resistant redbays. Healthy/asymptomatic redbay individuals were chosen from 6 field sites with high levels of disease pressure and mortality. These individuals were exposed to various IBA forms, bottom heat, and rooting media mixtures. The use of IBA was required for rooting redbay; however, we found no significant differences among IBA type or bottom heat on rooting success. Parent tree provenance significantly affected root length. A 3:1 (v:v) perlite:vermiculite mixture yielded significantly more cuttings with roots and more roots per cutting. We observed an average root ing percentage of 20 to 37%, and ramets that were still alive after 7 mo averaged 46 to 72% rooting across treatments. Therefore, we recommend treating with a 0.3% IBA gel and striking them in 3:1 (v:v) perlite:vermiculite without bottom heat under intermittent mist.
Synthetic and catalytic studies of polymer-bound metal carbonyls

Abstract The reactions of polymeric analogs of benzyl-diphenylphosphine and -triphenylphosphine with a variety of metal carbonyls have been examined using both thermal and photochemical techniques. Metal derivatives of both linear polymers and swellable cross-linked resins have been synthesized in this manner. The catalysis of hydroformylation and isomerization reactions have been studied using a polymeric derivative of dicobalt hexacarbonyl. The catalyst could be very easily recycled and gave product yields in the hydroformylation of pentenes quite similar to those reported earlier using the corresponding homogeneous species. The cyclization of ethyl propiolate has also been carried out using a new polymeric nickel complex. Benzene isomers are isolated during the initial use of this catalyst whereas cyclooctatetraene isomers, in addition, are observed using the recycled catalyst.
Fast Reactions in Dispersed Heterogeneous Energetic Systems

There are many situations that may arise wherein a gaseous, liquid, or dust form of fuel may be dispersed throughout an appreciable volume. The possibility exists that a localized rapid release of sufficient energy could produce a blast wave and directly initiate detonative combustion. This problem is treated herein. The characteristics of shock waves, blast waves, gaseous detonation, and heterogeneous (liquid fuel drops or dusts) detonation are briefly discussed. The theoretical aspects of the blast wave initiation of gaseous detonation are described and differences pointed out for the case of heterogeneous detonation. Experimental results on the shock wave ignition of liquid fuel drops and dusts and the blast wave initiation of cylindrical and planar gaseous and heterogeneous detonation waves are presented. A number of fuels were tested, such as kerosene, decane, butane, magnesium, coal dust, and various grain dusts. The experimental findings are discussed in light of the theory.
Topological analysis of population activity in visual cortex

Information in the cortex is thought to be represented by the joint activity of neurons. Here we describe how fundamental questions about neural representation can be cast in terms of the topological structure of population activity. A new method, based on the concept of persistent homology, is introduced and applied to the study of population activity in primary visual cortex (V1). We found that the topological structure of activity patterns when the cortex is spontaneously active is similar to those evoked by natural image stimulation and consistent with the topology of a two sphere. We discuss how this structure could emerge from the functional organization of orientation and spatial frequency maps and their mutual relationship. Our findings extend prior results on the relationship between spontaneous and evoked activity in V1 and illustrates how computational topology can help tackle elementary questions about the representation of information in the nervous system.
Convergence in unconstrained discrete-time differential dynamic programming

The conditions under which the original differential dynamic programming (DDP) algorithm can be expected to converge are investigated and modifications in the algorithm to improve convergence properties are proposed. Quadratic convergence of DDP requires that the stagewise Hessian matrices computed in the algorithm be positive definite. Three procedures for modifying the stagewise Hessian matrices to guarantee convergence for situations in which the stagewise Hessian matrices are not positive definite are proposed. One of the procedures (an active shift) converges quadratically. The computational requirements for DDP with and without the shift procedures are presented, and the impact of the ratio of state variable dimension to control variable dimension on the relative efficiency of the different shift procedures is discussed. Numerical results for a series of problems, including one with 16 state variables and 200 time steps, are presented. The most robust shift procedure is an adaptive shift that utilizes a constant shift followed by an active shift. >
NuNav3D: A touch-less, body-driven interface for 3D navigation

We introduce NuNav3D, a body-driven 3D navigation interface for large displays and immersive scenarios. While 3D navigation is a core component of VR applications, certain situations, like remote displays in public or large visualization environments, do not allow for using a navigation controller or prop. NuNav3D maps hand motions, obtained from a pose recognition framework which is driven by a depth sensor, to a virtual camera manipulator, allowing for direct control of 4 DOFs of navigation. We present the NuNav3D navigation scheme and our preliminary user study results under two scenarios, a path-following case with tight geometrical constraints and an open space exploration case, while comparing our method against a traditional joypad controller.
The Economics of Resale Price Maintenance

Resale price maintenance involves agreements between manufacturers and downstream distributors that set the downstream price of the product, either at a minimum price or a maximum price. Antitrust law, until recently, condemned these vertical price arrangements as illegal per se. The Supreme Court, recognizing that maximum resale prices may enhance competition and improve consumer welfare, has held that this practice is now to be assessed under the rule of reason for its actual competitive effects.Agreements on minimum prices, however, continue to be subject to the per se rule. Economic analysis reveals the conditions under which resale price maintenance can enhance consumer welfare and where it can harmconsumerwelfare. Because there are so many circumstances in which resale pricemaintenance promotes interbrand competition, the practice should be assessed in all situations under the rule of reason, the same way in which nonprice vertical contracts are analyzed.
Imaging of Head Trauma

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the world’s population, especially those under age 44. 1 In the United States alone, the cost of head trauma has been estimated to be over 40 billion dollars annually. 2 The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control has estimated that approximately 2% of the entire population of the USA currently lives with disabilities caused by TBI. 3 TBI accounts for more than 500,000 emergency department visits annually. 4 The etiologies of head trauma are usually associated with the patient age. In the elderly population, accidental falls are the most common causes. Motor vehicle crashes are common culprits in young patients. In children, abuse and neglect are common reasons. TBI can be classified into primary and secondary injuries. Primary lesions are the direct result of trauma to the head, and secondary lesions arise as complications of primary lesions. Clinically, this classification is important because secondary injuries can be preventable, whereas primary injuries, by definition, have already occurred by the time the patient first presents for medical attention. TBI can be further divided according to location (intra- or extra-axial), mechanism (penetrating/open or blunt/closed), and clinical severity (minor, mild, moderate, or severe). The severity of head injury is usually based on the Glasgow Coma Scale (minor: GCS 15; mild: GCS 13; moderate: 9 GCS 12; severe: 3 GCS 8). 5 Primary extra-axial lesions include epidural, subdural, subarachnoid, and intraventricular hemorrhage. Primary intra-axial lesions include cortical contusions, intracerebral hematomas, axonal shearing injuries, gray matter injury, and vascular injury. Acute and subacute secondary injuries include cerebral edema, ischemia, and brain herniation. Chronic secondary lesions include hydrocephalus, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, leptomeningeal cyst, and encephalomalacia. These lesions will be discussed in further detail following a discussion about different methods for imaging TBI.
Ontogeny of hyaluronan secretion during early mouse development

The ontogeny of hyaluronan (HA) secretion during early mouse embryogenesis has been investigated using a biotin-labelled HA-binding complex from cartilage proteoglycan. HA is first secreted by visceral endoderm cells of the early egg cylinder on day 5.5 post coitum (p.c.), predominantly into the expanding yolk cavity. On day 6.5 p.c., HA is present in both the yolk and proamniotic cavities, but pericellular staining is restricted to the visceral endoderm and a population of embryonic ectoderm cells at the antimesometrial end of the proamniotic cavity. By the primitive streak stage, HA is secreted into the ectoplacental, exocoelomic, amniotic and yolk cavities, whilst the only cells exhibiting pericellular staining are those of the embryonic and extraembryonic mesoderm, including the allantois. Comparisons of HA-staining patterns of cultured whole blastocysts, microdissected trophectoderm fragments and immunosurgically isolated inner cell masses, revealed no trophoblast-associated HA secretion during outgrowth in vitro but significant synthetic activity by the endodermal derivatives of differentiating inner cell masses. To identify the cell lineages responsible for secretion of HA into the embryonic cavities and to investigate the origin of the HA observed around migrating mesoderm cells, day 7.5 p.c. primitive streak stage conceptuses were dissected into their various embryonic and extraembryonic cell lineages. HA secretion was observed after short-term suspension culture of mesoderm, embryonic ectoderm and embryonic endoderm, but was undetectable in fragments of ectoplacental cone, parietal yolk sac (primary giant trophoblast and parietal endoderm), extraembryonic ectoderm or extraembryonic endoderm. The level of synthesis by the HA-positive tissues was markedly enhanced by culture in medium containing serum, compared with that obtained following culture in medium supplemented with a defined serum substitute containing insulin, transferrin, selenous acid and linoleic acid. This suggests that additional growth factors, present in serum but absent from the serum substitute, are required for optimal HA synthesis by the HA-secreting tissues in vitro, and probably also in vivo. The implications of these events for implantation and the development of peri- and early post-implantation mouse embryos are discussed, and a new role for HA in the initial formation and expansion of the embryonic cavities is proposed.