cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insights into the transcriptional regulation of the anthracycline reductase AKR7A2 in human cardiomyocytes.

Abstract Aldo-Keto Reductase Family 7 Member A2 (AKR7A2) is the most abundant anthracycline metabolizing enzyme in human myocardium. Myocardial AKR7A2 contributes to the synthesis of cardiotoxic C-13 anthracycline alcohol metabolites (e.g., doxorubicinol). The factors that govern the transcription of human AKR7A2 in cardiomyocytes remain largely unexplored. In this study, we performed the functional characterization of the AKR7A2 gene promoter in human AC16 cardiomyocytes. Experiments with gene reporter constructs and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays suggest that NF-κB binds to specific regions in the AKR7A2 promoter. Doxorubicin treatment modified the cellular levels of NF-κB and the expression of AKR7A2. Moreover, doxorubicin treatment led to changes in the pattern of AKR7A2 phosphorylation status. Our results suggest that AKR7A2 expression in human cardiomyocytes is mediated by NF-κB through conserved response elements in the proximal gene promoter region. This study provides the first insights into the functional characteristics of the human AKR7A2 gene promoter.
SONCHUS TENERRIMUS (ASTERACEAE) IN NORTH AMERICA NORTH OF MEXICO

Some reports of Sonchus tenerrimus L. for North America north of Mexico, notably from Alabama and California, are based on misidentified specimens of S. oleraceus L.
Short stature: making a crystal clear diagnosis

Background Short stature is a common presentation in paediatric practice. Rickets can lead to poor growth and finding the underlying cause of rickets can, at times, be challenging. Case presentation The child was initially referred due to parental concerns of delayed walking, bowed legs, waddling gait and faltering growth. She was noted to have features of rickets. Bone profile and renal functions were reported to be within the normal range, however, on later review it was noted that adult values for inorganic phosphate had been given for reference ranges. Following a series of investigations, the underlying diagnosis for all her problems was made. Discussion This case demonstrates the complex diagnostic journey of a child whose presentation was not typical of the rare disorder. Unusually, the patient had no symptoms of polyuria or polydipsia and urine osmolality was normal.
Diagnostic Accuracy Measures—The Laboratory and Non-Laboratory Perspective

Abstract For professionals in laboratory medicine, diagnostic accuracy is a term we think we understand well. Still, there are multiple and distinct interpretations of the term “diagnostic accuracy,” and laboratorians will benefit by improved understanding of them all. The clinical laboratory's understanding of diagnostic accuracy is the one we invoke daily and rely upon as the underpinning of our laboratory test results. Laboratorians often compare a new (index) test to a reference (gold) standard method to document the analytical performance of the test. Outside the laboratory walls, there is a broader definition, one that describes the ability of providers to accurately diagnosis a patient's illness. This definition relies not only on the accuracy of laboratory test results, but also on diagnostic radiology, diagnostic respiratory testing, the assessment of clinical symptoms, and the use of severity scores. To better understand diagnostic accuracy, one can divide its use into three broad categories: analytical validity (the aspect best known by clinical laboratories), clinical validity (the aspect that is best known to health care providers, and clinical utility (the aspect best known to policymakers and insurance providers). This review describes the term “diagnostic accuracy” as it is used in laboratory medicine and clinical medicine. Basic definitions and characteristics of the conventional measures of diagnostic accuracy are described and compared. Diagnostic accuracy in terms of clinical utility is discussed briefly, but a full discussion is beyond the scope of this review.
Habitat decoupling via saltmarsh creek geomorphology alters connection between spatially-coupled food webs

Abstract Consumer-mediated movement can couple food webs in distinct habitats and facilitate energy flow between them. In New England saltmarshes, mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) use the flooding spring tides to access the high marsh platform and eat invertebrate prey, coupling the high marsh and aquatic creek food webs by gathering energy produced on the high marsh and making it available to the aquatic food web. Changes in the geomorphology of saltmarsh creek edges greatly influence the survival, biomass, and resource use of mummichog populations. Here, we use gut content analysis and field surveys to quantify the effect of altered creek edge geomorphology of mummichog predation on terrestrial invertebrate prey found on the high marsh surface. Fish populations in creeks with greater connectivity had a higher total biomass of terrestrial invertebrates in their guts. However, bomb calorimetry showed no difference in the average caloric content of mummichog individuals from creeks with different creek edge geomorphology. Additionally, we did not observe differences between the biomass and length distributions of mummichog in those creeks. While altered creek edge geomorphology has no effect the condition of the individual mummichog, it does decrease the total number of mummichog supported by a marsh creek and therefore decreases the total amount of high marsh production fluxed by mummichog to the aquatic habitat, decreasing coupling between the terrestrial and aquatic food webs.
Single-arm, open-label phase 2 trial of pembrolizumab in patients with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis

An increasing fraction of patients with metastatic cancer develop leptomeningeal dissemination of disease (LMD), and survival is dismal1–3. We conducted a single-arm, phase 2 study of pembrolizumab in patients with solid tumor malignancies and LMD (NCT02886585). Patients received 200 mg of pembrolizumab intravenously every 3 weeks until definitive progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was rate of overall survival at 3 months (OS3). Secondary objectives included toxicity, response rate and time to intracranial or extracranial disease progression. A Simon two-stage design was used to compare a null hypothesis OS3 of 18% against an alternative of 43%. Twenty patients—17 with breast cancer, two with lung cancer and one with ovarian cancer—were enrolled into the pre-specified evaluation group having received at least one dose of pembrolizumab. The median follow-up of surviving patients was 6.3 months (range, 2.2–12.5 months). The percentage of patients who experienced one (or more) grade 3 or higher adverse events at least possibly related to treatment was 40%, the most frequent being hyperglycemia (n = 6), nausea (n = 7) and vomiting (n = 7). The study met the primary endpoint, as 12 of 20 (OS3, 0.60; 90% confidence interval, 0.39–0.78) patients were alive at 3 months after enrollment. Pembrolizumab is safe and feasible and displays promising activity in patients with LMD. Further investigations are needed to identify which patients with LMD can benefit from pembrolizumab. In a phase 2 clinical trial cohort of patients with leptomeningeal disease, anti-PD-1 monotherapy was safe and associated with a 3-month overall survival of 60%.
Novel Electro-Combustion Forging of Ni-Ti Intermetallic Nanocomposites

This paper presents a novel Electro-Combustion Forging (ECF) process, for the processing of intermetallics and their composites. The effect of forging strain on microstructure and properties for processed Ni-Ti/CNT reactive powder compacts was studied. Products largely consisted of highly dense intermetallic regions with porosity levels as low as 0.3 pct. An increase in forging strain was also found to result in microstructural refinement leading to microhardness levels as high as 706 HV.
The oncology hospital at home: Health care utilization outcomes from the huntsman at home trial.

7000Background: Unplanned hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits are common during cancer care. Providing acute hospital level care at home may add value by decreasing hospital and E...
Women with chronic kidney disease undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Caveat emptor.

Over 60% of women presenting for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have coexisting chronic kidney disease (CKD). In women undergoing TAVR, CKD was associated with significantly higher rates of adverse events, including a twofold higher rate of risk-adjusted mortality at 1 year. This study is an important step forward in our understanding of risk stratification in women with CKD undergoing TAVR and suggests that measures to optimize outcomes warrant further investigation in this high-risk group of patients.
Efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment in patients aged ≥80 years

Abstract Background Although radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it remains unclear whether RFA achieves favorable outcomes in patients aged ≥80 years. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of RFA for HCC in patients aged ≥80 years. Methods A total of 512 naive patients with HCC who had undergone RFA from January 2001 to December 2016 were enrolled. They were categorized into the ≥80-year-old group and the control group (aged Results There were significant differences in the alanine aminotransferase level and prothrombin time between the groups. The cumulative OS rate was not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.83): 98.5%, 87.9%, and 50.5% in the ≥80-year-old group and 94.1%, 72.8%, and 49.3% in the control group at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Age ≥80 years was not significantly associated with OS in multivariate analyses. Liver-related death occurred in 17 patients in the ≥80 year-old group and in 16 patients in the control group (P = 1.00). Conclusions RFA is safe and effective for the treatment of patients with HCC aged ≥ 80 years.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Survival Among Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the United States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and Aims Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fastest rising cause of cancer-related death in the United States; however, HCC incidence and mortality are not equally distributed among racial-ethnic groups. Our aim was to characterize the direction and magnitude of racial-ethnic disparities in overall survival and early tumor detection among patients with HCC. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases from inception through August 2020 for studies reporting HCC outcomes (early stage presentation and overall survival) by race and ethnicity. We calculated pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) for each racial-ethnic group (White, Black, Hispanic, Asian) using the DerSimonian and Laird method for a random-effects model. Results We identified 35 articles comprising 563,097 patients (53.0% White, 17.3% Black, 18.4% Hispanic, 5.0% Asian). Compared with White patients, Black patients had worse survival (pooled HR 1.08; 95% CI, 1.05 – 1.12), whereas Hispanic (pooled HR 0.92; 95% CI, 0.87 – 0.97) and Asian (pooled HR 0.81; 95% CI, 0.73 – 0.88) patients had better survival. Among articles reporting tumor stage (n = 20), Black patients had lower odds of early stage HCC compared with White patients (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.54 – 0.78). Conversely, there was no difference in odds of early HCC detection for Asian (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.97 – 1.05) or Hispanic patients (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.74 – 1.01) compared with White patients. The most common limitation of studies was risk of residual confounding from socioeconomic status and liver dysfunction. Conclusions There are significant racial and ethnic disparities in HCC prognosis in the United States, with Black patients having worse overall survival and Hispanic and Asian patients having better overall survival compared with White patients. Interventions are needed to reduce disparities in early HCC detection to improve HCC prognosis.
Symposium on Eleanor Fox & Mor Bakhoum, Making Markets Work for Africa: Markets, Development, and Competition Law in Sub-Saharan Africa (OUP, 2019)

In Eleanor Fox and Mor Bakhoum’s new book titled Making Markets Work for Africa: Markets, Developments, and Competition Law in Sub-Saharan Africa (Oxford University Press, 2019), the authors offer a comprehensive look at the role that competition law can play in promoting economic development as well as fairness and equity in the diverse economies of Sub-Saharan Africa. The book sets the context for the jurisdictions in Africa that have some form of competition law, analyzes the state of competition policy in African states, and provides a road map for an effective competition policy based on the degree of economic development of the jurisdiction. In September 2019, AfronomicsLaw convened a book symposium on Making Markets Work for Africa. This paper provides a summary of the thoughtful contributions to this symposium. The eight reviews highlight the book’s helpful resources for regulators and practitioners, examines prior literature on competition law in Africa, discusses economic development in Africa in the last few decades, and contributes analysis on Nigeria’s new competition law. Together, the reviews provide comprehensive insight into the role of competition law in the context of economic development in Africa.
Counterpoint: An alternative hypothesis for why exposure to static magnetic and electric fields treats type 2 diabetes.

Carter et al. report that exposure to static magnetic and electric fields (sBE), for as little as 3 days, reverses glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in diet-induced and genetic mouse models of type 2 diabetes (1). They hypothesize that sBE triggers a systemic redox response to modulate insulin sensitivity and that sBE could therefore be used as a noninvasive treatment for type 2 diabetes. However, these authors were unable to define a mechanism to explain how SBE might alter ROS or to identify the specific proteins that mediate this effect. Given these limitations we propose an alternative hypothesis to explain their findings.
Multi-photon 3D imaging with an electrothermal actuator with low thermal and inertial mass

Abstract Design and testing of a low-mass electrothermal vertical scanning mirror for fast axial scanning during multi-photon microscopy is presented. The mirror makes use of a novel honeycomb mechanical support structure to substantially reduce both thermal and inertial mass relative to mirror size. At the same time, undesirable mirror curvature due to residual thermal stress is controlled without adversely affecting the image quality. In addition, the support structure makes the complete mirror area usable which otherwise is not possible in devices that rely on isotropic silicon etching. A high actuator efficiency with static displacement per unit power of 2.08 μm/mW was achieved due to the reduced thermal capacitance at the actuator legs, when using a 700 nm thin structural layer of SiO2. The resulting scanning mirror achieves open loop time constant as small as 3.42 ms with both thermal and mechanical bandwidths exceeding 100 Hz. Mirror surface non-idealities related to the mirror structure and their influence on image quality are discussed. Sample 3D multi-photon images captured by performing remote scanning in both lateral and axial direction on a benchtop testbed are presented. The efficacy of remote axial scan is ascertained by comparisons with images obtained by moving specimens relative to the objective.
First Documentation of Two Types of Aboveground Den Structures in the Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius)

Spilogale putorius (Eastern Spotted Skunk) is a small, nocturnal carnivore that typically spends daylight hours resting in underground den sites. During a study on the den-site selection of S. p. ambarvalis (Florida Spotted Skunk) in the dry prairie of south-central Florida in 2016 and 2017, we tracked individuals to discernible aboveground structures composed of vegetation on 25 occasions. These structures were 1 of 2 easily distinguishable types: large mounds of vegetation primarily composed of shredded Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto), or smaller cup-like structures with a horizontal entrance that resembled a ground-nesting bird's nest. These sites were occasionally reused by individual skunks, and on 1 occasion we observed 2 female spotted skunks occupying a site at the same time. Due to the absence of other wildlife species in the study area capable of making such structures, we believe that these structures were created by the skunks themselves. While Eastern Spotted Skunks are known to pull vegetation into their underground burrows, and have been documented occupying man-made structures (e.g., haystacks) as den sites, our observations represent the first documentation of aboveground, self-constructed structures being repeatedly used by this species. Use of these structures might be unique to Florida Spotted Skunk due to reduced predation risk or occasional flooding in the region that temporarily reduces availability of underground den sites.
CdSe nanocrystal sensitized photon upconverting film

Here, films using CdSe nanocrystal (NC) triplet photosensitizers in conjunction with diphenylanthracene (DPA) emitters were assembled to address several challenges to practical applications for solution-based photon upconversion. By using poly(9-vinylcarbazole) as a phosphorescent host in this film, volatile organic solvents are eliminated, the spontaneous crystallization of the emitter is significantly retarded, and ∼1.5% photon upconversion quantum yield (out of a maximum of 50%) is obtained. Transient absorption spectroscopy on nanosecond-to-microsecond time scales reveals this efficiency is enabled by an exceptionally long triplet lifetime of 3.4 ± 0.3 ms. Ultimately, we find the upconversion efficiency is limited by incomplete triplet–triplet annihilation, which occurs with a rate 3–4 orders of magnitude slower than in solution-phase upconversion systems.
Assimilation of HF Radar Observations in the Chesapeake–Delaware Bay Region Using the Navy Coastal Ocean Model (NCOM) and the Four-Dimensional Variational (4DVAR) Method

Abstract The impact of HF radar observations on constraining and improving model forecasts of the coastal ocean circulation is examined using a very high resolution model and a 4DVAR data assimilation system. The latter can propagate the influence of these surface velocity measurements through all the model variables in space and time. Assimilation experiments with a high-resolution model show that, although the analysis is able to significantly reduce the model's discrepancy to the observed surface velocities, the main challenge remains in providing more reliable atmospheric forcing fields to the coastal ocean model. However, using a very high resolution in the model can become a liability for the assimilation as the model would resolve small-scale circulation features that cannot be constrained by the available observations. An additional assimilation experiment with a reduced horizontal resolution with the same atmospheric forcing shows significant improvements in both the analysis and the forecast.
Induction of different defences by two enemies in the rotifer Keratella tropica: response priority and sensitivity to enemy density

Summary 1. Keratella tropica has qualitatively distinct spine-development responses to kairomones released by the predatory rotifer Asplanchna and the cladoceran interference competitor Daphnia. Asplanchna induces a fourfold lengthening of the right posterior spine (to c.100 μm), a shortening or loss of the left posterior spine and a lengthening of two pairs of anterior spines. Daphnia induces a moderate elongation of both right and left posterior spines. This study tests three hypotheses regarding the sensitivity of these responses to enemy density, and the response priority when both enemies are present. 2. First, since K. tropica and Brachionus calyciflorus have similarly pronounced and effective spine-development responses to Asplanchna, with no appreciable demographic cost, they should be similarly sensitive to Asplanchna density. This was the case. Both showed an exponential response to increasing Asplanchna density, well described by an asymptotic exponential regression model, and exhibited 50% maximal spine development at statistically similar Asplanchna densities–2.5 and 1.7 μg dry weight L−1 (1.8 and 1.2 individuals L−1), respectively. Strong selection for these Asplanchna-induced responses clearly has led to a coupling of exuberant and effective morphological defence with an unrivalled sensitivity to predator density. 3. Second, since K. tropica’s response to Daphnia is much less pronounced and effective than its response to Asplanchna, it should be less sensitive to Daphnia density. This hypothesis was supported. Spine development increased linearly with increasing Daphnia density and was 50% maximal at 454 μg dry weight Daphnia L−1, a biomass density 180 times greater than that inducing a comparable response to Asplanchna. 4. Third, since K. tropica’s response to Daphnia does not reduce Asplanchna predation, K. tropica should respond to Asplanchna when both enemies are present at densities sufficient to induce spine development. This was the case. The presence of Daphnia neither reduced nor increased the length of the right posterior spine; it only limited the extent to which the left spine was reduced or lost.
How well does ICD9 represent phrases used in the medical record problem list

We are considering using the International Classification of Diseases with Clinical Modifications, Ninth Revision (ICD9) as the basis for an automated problem list for a clinical information system. To determine physician satisfaction with an ICD9 representation of phrases used in the medical record problem list, we asked 6 physicians to evaluate ICD9 representations of 332 phrases taken from medical record problem lists, using a scale of 1(extremely dissatisfied) to 5 (extremely satisfied). The mean score was 3.0; intraclass correlation for 25 phrases given to all 6 evaluators was 0.47. In 45% of the phrases the physicians were dissatisfied with the ICD9 representation. In developing an automated problem list it is desirable to improve the level of satisfaction of clinician users above this level. This could be done by modifying ICD9, using a different vocabulary to represent the problem list, or improving the method of assigning ICD9 codes.
GIS&T in the open Educational Resources Movement

This chapter positions higher education in geographic information science and technology (GIS&T in relation to the Open Educational Resources (OER) movement. After defining OER and the movement it denotes I compare several initiatives designed to promote free sharing of GIS&Trelated educational resources and, in one special case, free provision of graduate education. The chapter concludes with an argument that the most important potential benefit of OER is open education itself, and that the proprietary interests that keep education closed should be resisted.
Experimental Design and Evaluation of Bounded Rationality Using Dimensional Analysis

Abstract Dimensional analysis is a method used in the design and analysis of experiments in the physical and engineering sciences. When a functional relation between variables is hypothesized, dimensional analysis can be used to check the completeness of the relation and to reduce the number of experimental variables. The approach is extended to include dimensions pertaining to cognitive processes so that it can be used in the design of multi-person experiments. The proposed extension is demonstrated by applying it to a single decisionmaker experiment already completed; new results from that experiment are described. It is then applied to the design of a multi-person experiment.
A nonparametric bayesian approach to detecting spatial activation patterns in fMRI data

Traditional techniques for statistical fMRI analysis are often based on thresholding of individual voxel values or averaging voxel values over a region of interest. In this paper we present a mixture-based response-surface technique for extracting and characterizing spatial clusters of activation patterns from fMRI data. Each mixture component models a local cluster of activated voxels with a parametric surface function. A novel aspect of our approach is the use of Bayesian nonparametric methods to automatically select the number of activation clusters in an image. We describe an MCMC sampling method to estimate both parameters for shape features and the number of local activations at the same time, and illustrate the application of the algorithm to a number of different fMRI brain images.
Measuring the performance of track-to-track fusion systems

An effort is ongoing to develop a multi-source integration (MSI) system for the E-2C Hawkeye aircraft. The objective of this system development is to merge track information from a variety of dissimilar sources and present to the operator a useful and uncluttered real-time picture of the battlespace to support the current suite of missions being performed by the aircrew onboard the E-2C. In other words, the operator's display should have "one track for one piece of metal" and this process should be automatic and accurate. The inputs to the MSI system are tracks from several different sources that arrive at different times and with varying and sometimes unknown accuracies. Thus, the MSI system is a track-to-track fusion system. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the MSI system in the E-2C operating environment we needed to develop a set of scenarios to run the MSI system against and to define a set of metrics that will quantify the performance of the MSI system with these scenarios. The metrics assume ground truth is known. This work focuses on the development of the metrics that will eventually be used to evaluate the performance of the MSI system. One of the key and unique aspects of these metrics is that they deal with the fact that the track data given to the MSI system is often incorrect or impure. Ideally, each track should be updated with reports from exactly the same platform each time. But since the E-2C operates in environments with large numbers of platforms, it is likely that many of the tracks contain updates from more than one platform. These types of tracks are called impure source tracks. In defining our metrics, we needed to generalize them so that they could deal with both pure and impure source tracks. This work discusses what metrics were defined, how they are computed, and how the metrics were extended to deal with impure tracks.
The association between anxiety disorders and suicidal behaviors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although anxiety has been proposed to be a potentially modifiable risk factor for suicide, research examining the relationship between anxiety and suicidal behaviors has demonstrated mixed results. Therefore, we aimed at testing the hypothesis that anxiety disorders are associated with suicidal behaviors and evaluate the magnitude and quality of supporting evidence. METHODS: A systematic literature search of multiple databases was conducted from database inception through August 2011. Two investigators independently reviewed and determined the eligibility and quality of the studies based upon a priori established inclusion criteria. The outcomes of interest were suicidal ideations, suicide attempts, completed suicides, and a composite outcome of any suicidal behaviors. We pooled odds ratios from the included studies using random effects models. RESULTS: Forty-two observational studies were included. The studies had variable methodological quality due to inconsistent adjustment of confounders. Compared to those without anxiety, patients with anxiety were more likely to have suicidal ideations (OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 2.09, 4.00), attempted suicides (OR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.96, 3.10), completed suicides (OR = 3.34, 95% CI: 2.13, 5.25), or have any suicidal behaviors (OR = 2.85, 95% CI: 2.35, 3.46). The increase in the risk of suicide was demonstrated for each subtype of anxiety except obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The quality of this evidence is considered low to moderate due to heterogeneity and methodological limitations. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis provides evidence that the rates of suicides are higher in patients with any type of anxiety disorders excluding OCD. Language: en
An ischemic β-dystroglycan (βDG) degradation: Correlation with irreversible injuiry in adult rabbit cardiomyocytes

A loss of sarcolemmal dystrophin was observed by immuno-fluorescence studies in rabbit hearts subjected to in situ myocardial ischemia and by immuno-blotting of the Triton soluble membrane fraction of isolated rabbit cardiomyocytes subjected to in vitro ischemia. This ischemic loss of dystrophin was a specific event in that no ischemic loss of sarcolemmal α-sarcoglycan, γ-sarcoglycan, αDG, or βDG was observed. The maintenance of sarcolemmal βDG (43 Kd) during ischemia was interesting in that dystrophin binds to the C-terminus of βDG. However, during late in vitro ischemia, a 30 Kd band was observed that was immuno-reactive for βDG. Additionally, this 30 Kd-βDG band was observed in rabbit myocardium subjected to autolysis. Finally, the 30 Kd-βDG was observed in the purified sarcolemmal fraction of rabbit cardiomyocytes subjected to a prolonged period of in vitro ischemia, confirming the sarcolemmal localization of this band. The potential patho-physiologic significance of this band was indicated by the appearance of this band at 120–180 min of in vitro ischemia, directly correlating with the onset of irreversible injury, as manifested by osmotic fragility. Additionally the appearance of this band was significantly reduced by the endogenous cardioprotective mechanism, in vitro ischemic preconditioning, which delays the onset of osmotic fragility. In addition to dystrophin, βDG binds caveolin-3 and Grb-2 at its C-terminus. The presence of Grb-2 and caveolin-3 in the membrane fractions of oxygenated and ischemic cardiomyocytes was determined by Western blotting. An increase in the level of membrane Grb-2 and caveolin-3 was observed following ischemic preconditioning as compared to control cells. The formation of this 30 Kd-βDG degradation product is potentially related to the transition from the reversible to the irreversible phase of myocardial ischemic cell injury and a decrease in 30 Kd-βDG might mediate the cardioprotection provided by ischemic preconditioning.
Using Signal Invariants to Perform Nonlinear Blind Source Separation

Given a time series of multicomponent measurements x (t ), the usual objective of nonlinear blind source separation (BSS) is to find a "source" time series s (t ), comprised of statistically independent combinations of the measured components. In this paper, the source time series is required to have a density function in $(s,\dot{s})$-space that is equal to the product of density functions of individual components. This formulation of the BSS problem has a solution that is unique, up to permutations and component-wise transformations. Separability is shown to impose constraints on certain locally invariant (scalar) functions of x , which are derived from local higher-order correlations of the data's velocity $\dot{x}$. The data are separable if and only if they satisfy these constraints, and, if the constraints are satisfied, the sources can be explicitly constructed from the data. The method is illustrated by using it to separate two speech-like sounds recorded with a single microphone.
SU-GG-T-114: A Feasibility Study of a 4D Intensity-Modulated Arc Tracking Technique for Treatment of Moving Targets

Purpose: A major challenge of Intensity‐modulated arc therapy(IMAT) is in dealing with moving targets since the conventional gating technique may not be easily applied. The purpose of this work is to develop a 4D IMAT tracking technique for moving targets and investigate its feasibility for clinical use. Method and Materials: 4DCT images at 10 different breathing phases were acquired. The target was contoured for each phase and a 3D RapidArc plan was generated based on the 50%phase CTimages. Each control point in the RapidArc plan was then correlated to the patient's respiration phases with consideration given to changes in gantry speed and dose rate. A novel program was developed to read the RapidArc plan and target contours from all 10 phases. In order to generate a 4D RapidArc plan with the capability of DMLC tracking, the MLC modification algorithm originally developed for on‐line plan modification was used to modify the MLC leaf positions at each control point to correspond to the respiration phases. 4D RapidArc plans for phantom and lung cases were used to evaluate the proposed technique. Experimental measurements for both 4D and 3D plans in a moving phantom were performed and the results were compared with the calculated and measured results for the 3D RapidArc plans in a “static” phantom. Results: Analysis of isodose and gamma distributions indicated that the dose distribution in the moving target delivered using the proposed technique is comparable to that in a static target delivered using a 3D RapidArc plan. The results were much improved using the 4D IMAT delivery compared with the 3D plans for a moving target. Conclusion: A 4D RapidArc tracking technique can be implemented and our results indicated that it is feasible to incorporate the intra‐fraction organ motion into a 4D IMAT planning to track the moving targets.
Study of compressible mixing layers using filtered Rayleigh scattering based visualizations

Filtered Rayleigh scattering-based flow visualizations of compressible mixing layers are reported. The lower compressibility case (Mc = 0.51) displays well-defined roller-type spanwise structures and streamwise streaks. The structures of the high compressibility case (Mc = 0.86) are more 3D and oblique.
Structural Basis for Putrescine Activation of Human S-Adenosylmethionine Decarboxylase.

Putrescine (1,4-diaminobutane) activates the autoprocessing and decarboxylation reactions of human S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC), a critical enzyme in the polyamine biosynthetic pathway. In human AdoMetDC, putrescine binds in a buried pocket containing acidic residues Asp174, Glu178, and Glu256. The pocket is away from the active site but near the dimer interface; however, a series of hydrophilic residues connect the putrescine binding site and the active site. Mutation of these acidic residues modulates the effects of putrescine. D174N, E178Q, and E256Q mutants were expressed and dialyzed to remove putrescine and studied biochemically using X-ray crystallography, UV-CD spectroscopy, analytical ultracentrifugation, and ITC binding studies. The results show that the binding of putrescine to the wild type dimeric protein is cooperative. The D174N mutant does not bind putrescine, and the E178Q and E256Q mutants bind putrescine weakly with no cooperativity. The crystal structure of the mutants with and without putrescine and their complexes with S-adenosylmethionine methyl ester were obtained. Binding of putrescine results in a reorganization of four aromatic residues (Phe285, Phe315, Tyr318, and Phe320) and a conformational change in the loop 312-320. The loop shields putrescine from the external solvent, enhancing its electrostatic and hydrogen bonding effects. The E256Q mutant with putrescine added shows an alternate conformation of His243, Glu11, Lys80, and Ser229, the residues that link the active site and the putrescine binding site, suggesting that putrescine activates the enzyme through electrostatic effects and acts as a switch to correctly orient key catalytic residues.
Decentralized model predictive control of a multi-evaporator air conditioning system

Abstract Temperature control of multiple zones with a multi-evaporator vapor compression system is a common problem in modern air conditioning. Due to the coupled system dynamics, standard decoupled controllers can interfere with each unit′s performance. This paper proposes an architecture that is decentralized and modular, avoiding competing controllers and the practical difficulty of implementing a centralized controller. A model predictive control (MPC) supervisor calculates evaporator cooling and pressure setpoints for each zone, balancing temperature regulation with energy efficiency; these setpoints are tracked by local level controllers, which rely upon MPC's ability to respect constraints in order to maintain safe, efficient operation.
Genes of the major histocompatibility complex and the evolutionary genetics of lifespan

Mice that presumably differ just in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) chromosomal region provide the best evidence that MHC genes affect lifespan. Further evidence is that MHC region genes in some cases are known to influence reproduction, growth, and development. Moreover, MHC genetic associations with disease are well documented. This paper summarizes and defines aspects of the molecular biology, cellular function, and evolution of MHC genes (with special emphasis on the polymorphic MHC class I and II genes) which are important in aging, and attempts to integrate these into an evolutionary genetic perspective of senescence. It is suggested that MHC genes provide a mammalian paradigm for the genetics of lifespan because of their intra- and interspecies diversification, evolutionary selection, and age-specific effects.
Dynamics of photoexcited carrier relaxation in C60 films.

The relaxation of photoexcited carriers in solid C 60 films has been investigated through the measurement of their time-resolved transmissivity. A nonexponential temporal relaxation approaches an exponential decay as the ambient temperature of the sample is cooled from room temperature to 5 K. In addition, an Arrhenius-type dependence of the carrier relaxation time on the ambient temperature has been observed. This result implies that carrier trapping may play an important role in the relaxation mechanism. The dependence of the decay time on the carrier density also supports this assumption. A comparison with a simple model of the nonexponential («stretched») decay suggests that temperature-dependent structural changes of the films also influence carrier relaxation
Structured light scatteroscopy

A new imaging approach, structured light scatteroscopy (SLS), is demonstrated, which offers rapid wide-field imaging of microscopic morphological variations in bulk tissue surfaces. Elastic scattering of light offers exquisite sensitivity to ultrastructural changes at multiple size scales ranging from nanometers to millimeters, but in bulk tissues the confounding effects of molecular absorption and strong multiple scattering of light often lead to a dramatic reduction in scatter contrast and specificity. It is demonstrated that the SLS using structured high spatial frequency illumination and detection to probe the tissue achieves direct, absorption-independent, high-resolution maps of the scattering response. The scattering response is observed to be dependent on both the wavelength and spatial frequency of choice, indicating a potential for multiscale probing of ultrastructural changes in superficial tissue layers. This methodology can be easily applied in most wide-field imaging systems.
Gene expression profiling of thyroid tumors--clinical applicability.

Gene expression profiling techniques have revolutionized molecular biology, allowing researchers to analyze the expression of thousands of genes in a single assay. This Viewpoint asks whether microarray technology can also be applied to clinical practice, and focuses on the diagnosis, prognosis and risk stratification of thyroid carcinoma.
(Ru(bpy)2(L))Cl2: Luminescent Metal Complexes That Bind DNA Base Mismatches

Here we report the synthesis of luminescent ruthenium complexes that bind DNA base pair mismatches. [Ru(bpy)_2(tpqp)]Cl_2 (tpqp = 7,8,13,14-tetrahydro-6-phenylquino[8,7-k][1,8]phenanthroline), [Ru(bpy)_2(pqp)]Cl_2 (pqp = 6-phenylquino[8,7-k][1,8]phenanthroline), and [Ru(bpy)_2(tactp)]Cl_2 [tactp = 4,5,9,18-tetraazachryseno[9,10-b]triphenylene] have been synthesized, and their spectroscopic properties in the absence and presence of DNA have been examined. While [Ru(bpy)_2(pqp)]^(2+) shows no detectable luminescence, [Ru(bpy)_2(tpqp)]^(2+) is luminescent in the absence and presence of DNA with an excited-state lifetime of 10 ns and a quantum yield of 0.002. Although no increase in emission intensity is associated with binding to mismatch-containing DNA, luminescence quenching experiments and measurements of steady-state fluorescence polarization provide evidence for preferential binding to oligonucleotides containing a CC mismatch. Furthermore, by marking the site of binding through singlet oxygen sensitized damage, the complex has been shown to target a CC mismatch site directly with a specific binding affinity, K_b = 4 × 10^6 M^(-1). [Ru(bpy)_2(tactp)]^(2+), an analogue of [Ru(bpy)_2(dppz)]^(2+) containing a bulky intercalating ligand, is luminescent in aqueous solution at micromolar concentrations and exhibits a 12-fold enhancement in luminescence in the presence of DNA. The complex, however, tends to aggregate in aqueous solution; we find a dimerization constant of 9.8 × 10^5 M^(-1). Again, by singlet oxygen sensitization it is apparent that [Ru(bpy)_2(tactp)]^(2+) binds preferentially to a CC mismatch; using a DNase I footprinting assay, a binding constant to a CC mismatch of 8 × 10^5 M^(-1) is found. Hence results with these novel luminescent complexes support the concept of using a structurally demanding ligand to obtain selectivity in targeting single base mismatches in DNA. The challenge is coupling the differential binding we can obtain to differential luminescence.
Characterizations of the exponential distribution by higher‐order gap

SupposeX is a non-negative random variable with an absolutely continuous (with respect to Lebesgue measure) distribution functionF (x) and the corresponding probability density functionf(x). LetX1,X2,...,Xn be a random sample of sizen fromF andXi,n is thei-th smallest order statistics. We define thej-th order gapgi,j(n) asgi,j(n)=Xi+j,n−Xi,n′ 1≤i<n, 1≤n≦n−i. In this paper a characterization of the exponential distribution is given by considering a distribution property ofgi,j(n).
Detection of two distinct transporter systems for 2-deoxyglucose uptake by the opportunistic pathogen Pneumocystis carinii.

Abstract Since the opportunistic pathogen Pneumocystis carinii grows only slowly in vitro, the mechanism of glucose uptake was investigated to better understand how the organism transports nutrients. Using the non-metabolizable analogue 2-deoxyglucose, two uptake systems were detected with Q10 values of 2.12 and 2.09, respectively. One had a high affinity (Km=67.5 μM) and the other a low affinity (Km=5.99 mM) for 2-deoxyglucose uptake. Glucose or deoxyglucose phosphate products from transported radiolabeled substrates were not detected during the incubation times used in this study. Both systems were inhibited by mannose, galactose, fructose, galactosamine, glucosamine, and glucose but not by allose, 5-thioglucose, xylose, glucose 6-phosphate and glucuronic acid. Salicylhydroxamate, KCN, iodoacetate, and 2,4-dinitrophenol inhibited the high-affinity transporter, suggesting it required ATP. Ouabain, monensin, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, and N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide also inhibited deoxyglucose uptake, as did the replacement of Na+ in the incubation medium with choline, indicating requirements for Na+ and H+. The high-affinity system was also inhibited by the protein synthesis inhibitors cycloheximide and chloramphenicol. In contrast, the low-affinity system transported deoxyglucose by facilitated diffusion mechanisms. Unlike the human erythrocyte glucose transporter GLUT1, the P. carinii transporters recognized fructose and galactose and were relatively insensitive to cytochalasin B, suggesting that the P. carinii glucose transporters may be good drug targets.
Life cycle energy consumption of pultruded flax fiber composites

WITH increasing environmental awareness, the use of natural fibers are growing rapidly in light of market demands for “green” products. One such example is a pultruded natural fiber composite. In this study, the energy consumption of an innovative new pultruded composite integrating flax fibers with a resin having recycled content was compared to a regular glass fiber composite by using a life cycle perspective. This study begins to identify hotspots within the life cycle of green fiber composites to enable further improvements.
Effect of in situ leaching on amino acid racemisation rates in fossil bone

Amino acid racemisation reactions provide a promising approach for estimating the absolute ages of fossil bones1. However, an important question remains unanswered: what is the effect of in situ leaching on apparent racemisation rates2,3? We report here the relationship between leaching history and the corresponding D/L aspartic acid ratio for 12 well-dated fossil samples, using γ-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) as a quantitative index of leaching4, in an attempt to resolve this problem.
In vitro recognition of diethylstilbestrol by anti-azobenzoyl estradiol IgG

Abstract Purified azoestradiol 17B antibodies recognize diethylstilbestrol in vitro by fluorescence quenching. Binding constants suggest the usefulness of such a system for routine assay and basic probe.
PRODUCTION ECONOMICS AND THE MODERNIZATION OF TRADITIONAL AGRICULTURES

A traditional agriculture operates in a relatively static physical, economic and cultural environment and as a consequence becomes relatively well adjusted to that environment. Modernization of agriculture occurs when substantial and continuing change in the decision-making environment provides incentives to make new farming decisions. Farming then becomes dynamic as farmers attempt to reach constantly shifting points of equilibrium. Agricultural production economics in low income countries has been too much applied to a search for disequilibria within the given static environment and not enough to the possibilities and results of deliberately changing that environment.
Synergistic effects of hypoxia and extracellular matrix cues in cardiomyogenesis

Limited characterization of how the stem cell niche evolves has hindered our ability to mimic the physiological environment. In this paper, we hypothesized that hypoxia-induced extracellular matrix (ECM) cues may facilitate cardiomyogenesis. We evaluated the expression of four ECM proteins - fibronectin, collagen I, collagen IV, and laminin - over a period of 20 days in H1 and H9 human embryonic stem cell-derived embryoid bodies (EBs) under hypoxic (5% oxygen) and normoxic (21% oxygen) conditions. Hypoxic EBs exhibited increased collagen I, collagen IV and fibronectin expression relative to normoxic EBs between days 9-13, which coincided with increased expression of mesoderm genes. The effect of ECM cues was confirmed by plating day 9 EBs on collagen IV, gelatin, and fibronectin-rich substrates for 11 days. Hypoxia/gelatin cultures synergistically increased the cardiomyocyte yield by 1.7 and 5.5 fold relative to normoxia/gelatin and normoxia/collagen IV cultures, respectively. Current differentiation protocols may underestimate the contribution of hypoxia and ECM cues that evolve during EB maturation.
Stem Cells for the Treatment of Urinary Incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is highly prevalent. As of now, there is no minimally invasive long-term treatment available. Adult stem cells are nonimmunogenic and have the ability to self-renew and to differentiate into multiple cell types. Over the past decade, in vivo studies have described periurethral injections of adult-derived stem cells for the treatment of SUI. The ultimate goal has been to achieve a permanent cure for SUI by restoration of the intrinsic and extrinsic urethral sphincter and the surrounding connective tissue, including peripheral nerves and blood vessels. For this purpose, future studies need to focus on delivery systems, cell survival, and functional improvement of the urethral closure mechanism, including improvement of innervation and vascularization.