cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative Financial Analysis of Minimally Invasive Surgery to Open Surgery for Small Renal Tumours ≤3.5 cm: A Single Institutional Experience

Abstract Objective We analysed total hospital costs by comparing minimally invasive surgery (MIS) procedures, such as laparoscopic cryoablation (LCA), laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN), and hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy (HALN), with conventional surgery. Methods Between March 2000 and July 2005, 184 consecutive patients underwent surgery for a small, organ-confined renal tumour ≤3.5cm in diameter. The distribution of patients among the surgical procedures was: HALN ( n =53); LPN ( n =20); open radical nephrectomy (ORN; n =20); open partial nephrectomy (OPN; n =71); and LCA ( n =20). Total hospital costs were analysed for each procedure. Results Patients undergoing OPN at a mean age of 58±13 yr were significantly younger those undergoing HALN, ORN, and LCA. The mean hospital length of stay in the LCA group (2.0±1.2 d) was shorter than all other groups ( p p Conclusions The costs of MIS remain competitive with traditional surgery. Although the surgical costs were higher, LCA had the lowest total hospital costs for the renal tumour ≤3.5cm at our institution. Long-term oncologic efficacy studies will be needed to fully appreciate the cost-efficacy ratio of MIS.
An entropy approach to unintrusive targeted advertising on the Web

Abstract This paper describes the formulation of a new model for unintrusive targeted advertising on the Web, extending the linear programming approach taken by Langheinrich et al. [M. Langheinrich, A. Nakamura, N. Abe, T. Kamba and Y. Koseki, Unintrusive customization techniques for Web advertising, in: Proc. of World Wide Web 8, 1999]. A feature of our model is that it avoids unrealistic solutions of the type which may show ads to only a too-narrow group of users. This is accomplished by using a statistically derived entropy maximization model, which incorporates a form of randomization in associating advertisements with targetable groups of users, as well as considering click-through probability. It is then shown that this nonlinear entropy model can be embedded in larger models for the purpose of optimal management of Web advertisement portfolios by agencies or brokerages.
Bispectral index monitoring of sedation during endoscopy

Abstract Background: No objective measure of the level of sedation is universally accepted. However, bispectral index monitoring is currently used to objectively measure sedation levels in several clinical settings. This study compares the temporal relationship of bispectral index levels versus the Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (OAA/S) scale for sedation during endoscopy and proposes a functional bispectral index range for endoscopic procedures. Methods: Fifty consecutive adults undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, colonoscopy, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy by a single endoscopist were studied. Intravenous sedation was achieved with diazepam and meperidine. Bispectral index levels (0 to 100) and OAA/S scores (1 to 5) were recorded every 3 minutes by a single trained observer. Results: There were significant temporal correlations between bispectral index levels and OAA/S scores ( r = 0.59, p Conclusions: Bispectral index monitoring temporally correlates with the OAA/S scale and therefore provides an objective measure of sedation during endoscopy. This preliminary, observational study suggests that a bispectral index level near 82 corresponds with sufficient and functional sedation levels for endoscopy. (Gastrointest Endosc 2000;52:192-6.)
Development of N-[3-(2′,4′-dichlorophenoxy)-2-18F-fluoropropyl]-N-methylpropargylamine (18F-fluoroclorgyline) as a potential PET radiotracer for monoamine oxidase-A

We have synthesized N-[3-(2′,4′-dichlorophenoxy)-2-18F-fluoropropyl]-N-methylpropargylamine (18F-fluoroclorgyline) as a potential positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer for monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A). The radiosynthesis was carried out by a 18F-fluoride-for-mesylate substitution reaction in approximately 20% radiochemical yield in specific activities of 1–2 Ci/μmol. Selectivity for MAO-A was demonstrated by the high affinity of clorgyline ( IC50=39 nM) and lower affinity of (R)-deprenyl ( IC50 ≥ 100 μM) for the inhibition of 18F-fluoroclorgyline binding in vitro in rat brain membranes. The uptake of 18F-fluoroclorgyline in the rat brains was high (>1.0% injected dose/g). The binding of 18F-fluoroclorgyline in the rat brain correlated with the distribution of MAO-A and was inhibited by preadministration of MAO-A inhibitors, clorgyline, and Ro 41-1049, whereas (R)-deprenyl, a MAO-B blocker, had no inhibitory effect. These results suggest that 18F-fluoroclorgyline is a potential PET radiotracer for MAO-A.
Trends in U.S. Consumers' Safe Handling and Consumption of Food and Their Risk Perceptions, 1988 through 2010

Although survey results measuring the safety of consumers' food handling and risky food consumption practices have been published for over 20 years, evaluation of trends is impossible because the designs of published studies are not comparable. The Food Safety Surveys used comparable methods to interview U.S. adults by telephone in 1988, 1993, 2001, 2006, and 2010 about food handling (i.e., cross-contamination prevention) and risky consumption practices (eating raw or undercooked foods from animals) and perceived risk from foodborne illness. Sample sizes ranged from 1,620 to 4,547. Responses were analyzed descriptively, and four indices measuring meat, chicken, and egg cross-contamination, fish cross-contamination, risky consumption, and risk perceptions were analyzed using generalized linear models. The extent of media coverage of food safety issues was also examined. We found a substantial improvement in food handling and consumption practices and an increase in perceived risk from foodborne illness bet...
Copper and zinc distribution in the human retina: Relationship to cadmium accumulation, age, and gender

The essential metals copper and zinc play vital roles in retinal cell survival and are crucial for the normal functioning of antioxidant enzymes. Retinal zinc deficiencies and decreased cellular antioxidative capacity have been linked to human retinal diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We recently reported that cadmium (a toxic metal with no known physiological function that interferes with copper and zinc metabolism) accumulates in human retinal tissues during aging. Moreover, cadmium content was higher in specific retinal tissues of aged women compared to men. Since cadmium, zinc and copper bind to similar proteins, we hypothesized that Cu and Zn content of human retinal tissues change as functions of cadmium accumulation during aging. Thus, we assessed the distribution of zinc and copper in the neural retina, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroid (Bruch's membrane-choroid; BMC) in male and female donors aged 1.5-87 years. Two independent methods, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry, were used to measure Cd, Zn, and Cu in retinal tissues in human eyes from donors aged 1.5 to 87 years and the resulting values were normalized to protein concentration. Zn levels were approximately 5 times higher than Cu levels in the same tissues. The relative tissue distributions of these metals were: BMC>RPE>neural retina (Zn) and BMC>RPE=neural retina (Cu). In the choroid, mean Cu and Zn levels were higher in aged donors (>or=55 years old) than young donors (<55 years) and levels of these metals were strongly correlated with each other (r=0.90). In the neural retina, Cu and Zn both significantly decreased as a function of age. Several sex-related differences were found in the RPE. Specifically, copper levels were significantly higher in males than in females. In addition, both Zn and Cu levels in males were positively correlated with cadmium content, whereas this association did not occur in females. The results are consistent with co-regulation of zinc and copper stores in retinal tissues and suggest that the balance of these metals is associated with cadmium accumulation and gender. Thus, the roles of cadmium and gender differences in retinal metal balance warrant further investigation as factors in age-related retinal disease.
Short report: omeprazole-tetracycline combinations are inadequate as therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection.

SUMMARY Background: Current triple antimicrobial therapies cure Helicobacter pylori infection in 60–90% of cases but are cumbersome. Addition of omeprazole to amoxycillin has been shown to enhance effectiveness when compared to amoxycillin alone Method: We studied omeprazole 20 mg t.d.s. plus tetracycline 500 mg q.d.s. for 14 days (OMP/TCN) and omeprazole 40 mg in the morning plus tetracycline 500 mg q.d.s. along with bismuth subsalicylate tablets 2 q.d.s. (OMP/TCN/BSS) for 14 days. Forty-four patients (19 OMP/TCN, 25 OMP/TCN/BSS) with H. pylori peptic ulcer disease were studied. H. pylori status was evaluated at least 4 weeks after ending antimicrobial therapy. Results: In the OMP/TCN group cure of H. pylori infection was achieved in 5/19 (26%). Adding bismuth to the regimen improved the results; 4 weeks after ending therapy cure of H. pylori infection was achieved in 12/25 (48%). Conclusions: Neither regimen can be recommended for routine cure of H. pylori infection. Although one cannot predict which antimicrobial therapies will be enhanced by the addition of omeprazole, these data suggest that future studies should evaluate drugs whose effectiveness is compromised by low pH.
Quantitative detection of turbulent reattachment using a surface mounted hot-film array

A robust method to detect the mean turbulent reattachment location with a flush surface-mounted array of hot-film sensors is presented. The method has the advantages of requiring no sensor calibration, no dependence on the presence of a dominant frequency or oscillation period and it requires no qualitative interpretation of sensor time-series signals. The method is developed by investigating the flow downstream of a backward-facing step. Through computation of the “time of flight” of convected flow disturbances over adjacent sensor pairs, the method offers a quantitative resolution of the mean location of reattachment for turbulent flows.
Depressive self-schemas in clinic and nonclinic children

Depressed, clinic-referred children were compared to nondepressed, clinic-referred children and to nondepressed, nonclinic children (ages 8–12) on three cognitive measures of positive and negative self-schemas. On word recognition measures, depressed subjects evinced a less positive self-schema, compared to the two nondepressed groups; however, all three groups recognized significantly more positive than negative self-referential words. On incidental word recall measures, depressed children again evinced less of a positive self-schema than did the nondepressed groups. Furthermore, only the nondepressed groups recalled significantly more positive than negative words. On reaction time measures, no differences emerged between the three groups. Results supported the relation of problematic cognitive self-schemas to depression in children, and suggested that such schemas affect both storage and accessibility of new information. Implications for future research are discussed.
Evolution of lanthipeptide synthetases

Lanthionine-containing peptides (lanthipeptides) are a family of ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides containing (methyl)lanthionine residues. Here we present a phylogenomic study of the four currently known classes of lanthipeptide synthetases (LanB and LanC for class I, LanM for class II, LanKC for class III, and LanL for class IV). Although they possess very similar cyclase domains, class II-IV synthetases have evolved independently, and LanB and LanC enzymes appear to not always have coevolved. LanM enzymes from various phyla that have three cysteines ligated to a zinc ion (as opposed to the more common Cys-Cys-His ligand set) cluster together. Most importantly, the phylogenomic data suggest that for some scaffolds, the ring topology of the final lanthipeptides may be determined in part by the sequence of the precursor peptides and not just by the biosynthetic enzymes. This notion was supported by studies with two chimeric peptides, suggesting that the nisin and prochlorosin biosynthetic enzymes can produce the correct ring topologies of epilancin 15X and lacticin 481, respectively. These results highlight the potential of lanthipeptide synthetases for bioengineering and combinatorial biosynthesis. Our study also demonstrates unexplored areas of sequence space that may be fruitful for genome mining.
Population spherical aberration: associations with ametropia, age, corneal curvature, and image quality.

PURPOSE The aim of this analysis was to determine the total ocular wavefront aberration values of a large phakic population of physiologically normal, ametropic eyes, gathered under the same clinical protocol using the same diagnostic wavefront sensor. MATERIALS AND METHODS Studies were conducted at multiple sites in Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia. A Bausch + Lomb Zywave II Wavefront Aberrometer (Rochester, NY, USA) was used to measure the lower and higher order aberrations of each eye. Data analysis was conducted using linear regression analysis to determine the relationship between total spherical aberration, ametropia, age, corneal curvature, and image quality. RESULTS Linear regression analysis showed no correlation (r = 0.0207, P = 0.4874) between degree of ametropia and the amount of spherical aberration. There was also no correlation when the population was stratified into myopic and hyperopic refractive groups (r m = 0.0529, P m = 0.0804 and r h = 0.1572, P h = 0.2754). There was a statistically significant and weak positive correlation (r = 0.1962, P < 0.001) between age and the amount of spherical aberration measured in the eye; spherical aberration became more positive with increasing age. Also, there was a statistically significant and moderately positive correlation (r = 0.3611, P < 0.001) with steepness of corneal curvature; spherical aberration became more positive with increasing power of the anterior corneal surface. Assessment of image quality using optical design software (Zemax™, Bellevue, WA < USA) showed that there was an overall benefit in correcting the average spherical aberration of this population. CONCLUSION Analysis of this dataset provides insights into the inherent spherical aberration of a typical phakic, pre-presbyopic, population and provides the ability to determine what drives the spherical aberration of the eye, as well as what potential benefit a person could gain by compensating for that average spherical aberration.
Automatic correction to misspelled names: a fourth-generation language approach

Using an information theoretic likeness measure defined as an inner product on a data space created from a table of valid names, this 4GL procedure searches the database space for the nearest correctly spelled name.
Vibrotactile Recognition and Categorization of Surfaces by a Humanoid Robot

This paper proposes a method for interactive surface recognition and surface categorization by a humanoid robot using a vibrotactile sensory modality. The robot was equipped with an artificial fingernail that had a built-in three-axis accelerometer. The robot interacted with 20 different surfaces by performing five different exploratory scratching behaviors on them. Surface-recognition models were learned by coupling frequency-domain analysis of the vibrations detected by the accelerometer with machine learning algorithms, such as support vector machine (SVM) and k-nearest neighbors (k -NN). The results show that by applying several different scratching behaviors on a test surface, the robot can recognize surfaces better than with any single behavior alone. The robot was also able to estimate a measure of similarity between any two surfaces, which was used to construct a grounded hierarchical surface categorization.
Age-Related Shifts in Brain Activity Dynamics during Task Switching

Cognitive aging studies have suggested that older adults show declines in both sustained and transient cognitive control processes. However, previous neuroimaging studies have primarily focused on age-related change in the magnitude, but not temporal dynamics, of brain activity. The present study compared brain activity dynamics in healthy old and young adults during task switching. A mixed blocked/event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging design enabled separation of transient and sustained neural activity associated with cognitive control. Relative to young adults, older adults exhibited not only decreased sustained activity in the anterior prefrontal cortex (aPFC) during taskswitching blocks but also increased transient activity on taskswitch trials. Another pattern of age-related shift in dynamics was present in the lateral PFC (lPFC) and posterior parietal cortex (PPC), with younger adults showing a cue-related response during task-switch trials in lPFC and PPC, whereas older adults exhibited switch-related activation during the cue period in PPC only. In all 3 regions, these qualitatively distinct patterns of brain activity predicted qualitatively distinct patterns of behavioral performance across the 2 age groups. Together, these results suggest that older adults may shift from a proactive to reactive cognitive control strategy as a means of retaining relatively preserved behavioral performance in the face of age-related neurocognitive changes.
Impact of insecticide‐manipulated defoliation by Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) on grapevines from vineyard establishment through production

BACKGROUND: Japanese beetle (JB), Popillia japonica Newman, is a severe pest of grapes in the southeastern USA where viticulture is a growing industry. This study evaluated the impact of foliar injury from JB field populations on growth, fruit ripening, berry composition and yield of young vines of six cultivars from vineyard establishment through the first year of production. Three spray regimes, carbaryl applied every 7 or 14 days, or no insecticide, were used to manipulate levels of defoliation by JB. RESULTS: Cultivars varied in susceptibility and response to defoliation by JB. Some (e.g. Norton) showed reduced vine growth and delayed post-veraison increase in total soluble sugars and pH, as well as reduced cluster number and weight, berries per cluster and yield. Others (e.g. Concord) showed little or no measurable impact from JB. Notably, the biweekly spray regime was as effective as weekly sprays in mitigating the impacts of defoliation. CONCLUSION: Foliar loss from JB feeding can set back establishment and productivity of young grapevines. Nevertheless, many growers can reduce spray frequency without compromising the benefits of JB management. Even susceptible cultivars can tolerate low to moderate (<20%) levels of defoliation, and some are resistant enough to be grown without treating for JB. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) decreases neuronal somatostatin immunoreactivity in cultured guinea-pig parasympathetic cardiac ganglia

Postganglionic parasympathetic neurons in guinea-pig cardiac ganglia exhibit choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-immunoreactivity, and a large fraction (60%) of the ChAT-positive cardiac neurons co-express somatostatin-immunoreactivity. This co-expression remained when the cardiac ganglia explants were maintained in culture for 72 h (40% somatostatin-immunoreactive). The guinea-pig cardiac ganglia neurons express the high affinity pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP)-selective PAC1 receptor, and treatment of the ganglia explants with 20 nM PACAP27 for 72 h to evaluate PACAP regulation of somatostatin expression revealed a dramatic 85% decrease in the number of somatostatin-IR neurons (6% somatostatin-IR neurons) compared with untreated control explant preparations. The decrease in percentage of somatostatin-IR neurons by PACAP27 was time- and concentration-dependent, and selective for PACAP27; PACAP38 and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide were less effective. PACAP6-38, a PACAP antagonist, eliminated the PACAP27-induced change in somatostatin positive neurons. The PACAP-mediated decrease in somatostatin-IR neurons was eliminated in calcium-deficient solutions and by the addition of nifedipine, indicating a requirement for calcium influx through L-type calcium channels. The addition of either the calmodulin inhibitor N-(4-aminobutyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide or the MEK inhibitor PD98059, also eliminated the PACAP27-induced decrease in somatostatin-IR cells. The PACAP27-mediated effect on somatostatin expression was not affected by inhibitors of protein kinase A or phospholipase C, but was reduced by the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor SQ22356, suggesting cAMP involvement. Semiquantitative and quantitative reverse transcription PCR prosomatostatin transcript measurements showed that cardiac ganglia prosomatostatin mRNA levels were not diminished by chronic PACAP27 exposure despite the dramatic decrement in somatostatin-expressing neurons. Neuronal peptide-IR content represents a balance between production and secretion. These results suggested that one of the primary effects of PACAP exposure may be enhanced levels of neuropeptide release that exceeded production levels, resulting in somatostatin depletion and a decrement in the number of identifiable somatostatin-expressing cardiac neurons.
STABILITY OF $\gamma$-FACTORS FOR QUASI-SPLIT GROUPS

One of the main obstacles in applying converse theorems to prove new cases of functoriality is that of stability of $\gamma$ -factors for a certain class of $L$ -functions obtained from the ‘Langlands–Shahidi’ method, where the $\gamma$ -factors are defined inductively by means of ‘local coefficients’. The problem then becomes that of stability of local coefficients upon twisting the representation by a highly ramified character. In this paper we first establish that the inverses of certain local coefficients are, up to an abelian $\gamma$ -factor, genuine Mellin transforms of partial Bessel functions of the type we analysed in our previous paper. The second main result is then the resulting stability of the local coefficients in this situation, which include all the cases of interest for functoriality. Hopefully, the analysis given here will open the door to a proof of the general stability and the equality of $\gamma$ -factors obtained from different methods through integration over certain quotient spaces whose generic fibres are closed. They do not seem to have been studied before in any generality.
Pregnancy outcome of fetuses with a diagnosis of hypoplastic left ventricle on prenatal sonography.

Objective. The goal of our study was to assess the pregnancy outcome of fetuses with a diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) on prenatal sonography to determine the frequency of intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) and any factors associated with IUFD. Methods. We reviewed all cases with the diagnosis of HLHS on prenatal sonography at our institution from 1992 through 2003. Data collected included gestational age at diagnosis, sonographic findings, karyotype testing, and pregnancy outcome. Results. Our study included 176 fetuses with HLHS. One hundred thirty-four fetuses were liveborn; 32 pregnancies were terminated; 3 IUFDs occurred; and outcome was unknown in 7. Of the 134 liveborn fetuses, 2 had abnormal karyotypes and 30 had other anomalies. Two of the 3 fetuses with IUFD had abnormal karyotypes, 1 with trisomy 13 and 1 with trisomy 18, and both had other anomalies on sonography. The third fetus with IUFD had no other anomalies but was 1 of triplets, and the karyotype was unknown. Conclusions. Fetuses with HLHS diagnosed prenatally who
Brevetoxin-induced autocrine excitotoxicity is associated with manifold routes of Ca2+ influx.

Real-time alterations in intracellular Ca 2+ + ([Ca 2+ ] i ) were monitored in fluo-3-loaded cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) exposed to the brevetoxin PbTx-1. [Ca 2+ ] i was measured using a fluorescent plate reader (FLIPR), which measures simultaneously the mean intracellular Ca 2 + change in a population of cultured cells in each well of a 96-well plate. PbTx-1 produced rapid and concentration-dependent increases in neuronal [Ca 2+ ] i with a potency nearly identical to that determined previously for PbTx-1-induced neurotoxicity. The NMDA receptor antagonists MK-801, dextrorphan, and D(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid, and tetanus toxin, an inhibitor of Ca 2+ -dependent exocytotic neurotransmitter release, effected significant reductions in both the integrated fluo-3 fluorescence response and excitatory amino acid release and protected CGNs against PbTx-1 neurotoxicity. The L-type Ca 2+ channel antagonist nifedipine produced a modest reduction in the fluo-3 response but reduced substantially the plateau phase of the PbTx-1 increment in [Ca 2+ ] i when combined with MK-801. When nifedipine and MK-801 were combined with the Na + /Ca 2+ exchanger (reversed mode) inhibitor KB-R7943, the PbTx-1 increment in [Ca 2+ ] i was nearly completely attenuated. These data show that Ca 2 + entry into PbTx-1-exposed CGNs occurs through three primary routes: NMDA receptor ion channels, L-type Ca 2+ channels, and reversal of the Na + /Ca 2+ exchanger. There was a close correlation between reduction of the integrated fluo-3 fluorescence response and the level of neuroprotection afforded by blockers of each Ca 2+ entry pathway; however, simultaneous blockade of L-type Ca 2+ channels and the Na + /Ca 2+ exchanger, although reducing the integrated [Ca 2+ ] i response to a level below that provided by NMDA receptor blockade alone, failed to completely attenuate PbTx-1 neurotoxicity. This finding suggests that in addition to total [Ca 2+ ] i load, neuronal vulnerability is governed principally by the NMDA receptor Ca 2+ influx pathway.
MOLTEN NITRATE SALT DEVELOPMENT FOR THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE IN PARABOLIC TROUGH SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS

Thermal energy storage can enhance the utility of parabolic trough solar power plants by providing the ability to match electrical output to peak demand periods. An important component of thermal energy storage system optimization is selecting the working fluid used as the storage media and/or heat transfer fluid. Large quantities of the working fluid are required for power plants at the scale of 100-MW, so maximizing heat transfer fluid performance while minimizing material cost is important. This paper reports recent developments of multi-component molten salt formulations consisting of common alkali nitrate and alkaline earth nitrate salts that have advantageous properties for applications as heat transfer fluids in parabolic trough systems. A primary disadvantage of molten salt heat transfer fluids is relatively high freeze-onset temperature compared to organic heat transfer oil. Experimental results are reported for formulations of inorganic molten salt mixtures that display freeze-onset temperatures below 100°C. In addition to phase-change behavior, several properties of these molten salts that significantly affect their suitability as thermal energy storage fluids were evaluated, including chemical stability and viscosity. These alternative molten salts have demonstrated chemical stability in the presence of air up to approximately 500°C in laboratory testing and display chemical equilibrium behavior similar to Solar Salt. The capability to operate at temperatures up to 500°C may allow an increase in maximum temperature operating capability vs. organic fluids in existing trough systems and will enable increased power cycle efficiency. Experimental measurements of viscosity were performed from near the freeze-onset temperature to about 200°C. Viscosities can exceed 100 cP at the lowest temperature but are less than 10 cP in the primary temperature range at which the mixtures would be used in a thermal energy storage system. Quantitative cost figures of constituent salts and blends are not currently available, although, these molten salt mixtures are expected to be inexpensive compared to synthetic organic heat transfer fluids. Experiments are in progress to confirm that the corrosion behavior of readily available alloys is satisfactory for long-term use.
16α-[125I]Iodo-11βMethoxy-17β-Estradiol:A Radiochemical Probe for Estrogen-Sensitive Tissues*

We have synthesized an analog of 16α-iodoestradiol, 1lβ-methoxy- 16α-iodo-estra-1,3,5- (10)triene-3,17β-diol (16α-iodo-llβ-methoxyestradiol), as a potential radiopharmaceutical for the in vivo imaging of estrogen-sensitive tissues. This steroid was synthesized labeled with 125I by halogen exchange of the stable intermediate llβ-methoxy-16β-bromo-17β- estradiol with Na125I. The halogen exchange reaction produces the radioiodinated steroid with a 65–80% yield in 3 h. This rapid synthesis and purification of the 125I-labeled estrogen permits a similar synthesis with 123I, a radioisotope with excellent properties for imaging. The 11-methoxy analog is a highly potent estrogen that binds to the estrogen receptor with an affinity equal to that of estradiol. In vivo, llβ-methoxy-16α-[125I]iodoestradiol concentrates in an estrogen receptor-dependent manner in the uterus, producing remarkably sustained and much higher uterus to blood ratios than 16α-[125I]iodoestradiol. Thus, this radiosteroid shows great promise, ...
Thick shell and solid finite elements with independent rotation fields

Thick shell and solid elements presented in this work are derived from variational principles employing independent rotation fields. Both elements are built on a special hierarchical interpolation and both possess six degrees of freedom per node. Performance of the elements is evaluated on a set of problems in elastostatics. However, the formulation presented herein is also suitable for transient and non-linear problems.
Taming the Conformal Zoo

All known rational conformal field theories may be obtained from (2+1) dimensional Chern-Simons gauge theories by appropriate choice of gauge group. We conjecture that all rational field theories are classified by groups via (2+1)-dimensional Chern-Simons gauge theories.
Contraceptive use in Adolescents with Perinatally and Behaviorally Acquired Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Seen in a Public Los Angeles County Clinic

Objective: Primary aim is to compare contraception practices between adolescent females aged 15-25 years with perinatally vs. behaviorally acquired HIV infection Design: A retrospective, pilot, chart review of 33 HIV positive adolescent females 15-25 years old, with one or more clinic visits at the Maternal Child and Adolescent Center for Infectious Diseases and Virology from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2012 was conducted. Secondary outcomes included number of pregnancies, changes in contraceptive method, and condom use. Adolescents with perinatally and behaviorally acquired HIV infection were compared; and both groups were compared to the United States Centers for Disease Control national statistics. Results: Eighteen (55%) perinatally and 15 (45%) behaviorally HIV infected adolescents were studied. Depo medroxyporgesterone Acetate (DMPA) was the most commonly used contraceptive by the perinatal group (n=7, 39%) and the second most common method in the behaviorally infected group (n=4, 27%). Condoms were the second most commonly used method among perinatally infected adolescents (n=4, 22%). Condoms in addition to a hormonal contraceptive was used by 5 (28%) perinatal and 5 (33%) of the behavioral adolescents. None of the behavioral group used condoms as the exclusive method of contraception. Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) was the most commonly used method by the behavioral group (n=5, 33%). The average number of pregnancies was 2.8 (range 1-5) among adolescents with behaviorally acquired HIV and. 0.4 (range 0-2) among adolescents with perinatally acquired infection (P<0.001). Conclusion: In this small pilot study, perinatally infected adolescents were more likely to use DMPA or condoms as compared to behaviorally infected adolescents, who were more likely to use LARC or DMPA though these differences were not statistically significant given the small sample size. Future larger studies should explore pregnancy and contraception in these distinct populations
Prevalence of adverse reactions to positron emitting radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine. Pharmacopeia Committee of the Society of Nuclear Medicine.

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of adverse reactions to positron emitting radiopharmaceuticals as well as to nonradioactive drugs used in interventional nuclear medicine during PET studies. Methods: A prospective 4-yr study was performed with 22 collaborating institutions using a questionnaire, which indicated for each month of the study the number of PET procedures performed, the number of adverse reactions to PET radiopharmaceuticals as well as the number of adverse reactions to interventional nonradioactive Pharmaceuticals used for PET. Results: A total of 33,925 radiopharmaceutical doses were recorded in a retrospective examination of records by the 22 participating institutions. In addition, the total prospective number of administered doses recorded by the participants was 47,876, for a total number of positron emitting radiopharmaceutical administrations of 81,801. No adverse reactions were found from any PET radiopharmaceutical dose. There were no deaths or hospitalizations caused by nonradioactive interventional Pharmaceuticals used adjunctive to PET studies. Conclusion: PET radiopharmaceuticals have an extraordinary safety record with no adverse reactions reported in over 80,000 administered doses in this study.
A receptor-like testosterone-binding protein in ovaries from estrogen-stimulated hypophysectomized immature female rats.

A soluble thermolabile protein with many characteristics of an androgen receptor hasbeen demonstrated for the first time in the cytosol (100,000 ×g supernatant) of estrogen-stimulated ovaries from hypophysectomized immature female rats (HIFR) treated with diethylstilbestrol in Silastic capsules (DESC). This binding protein is organspecific and androgen-specific, has a high affinity with a Kd of 2.4 × 10-9 for testosterone, and is saturable with 2.1 × 10-13 moles of binding sites per mg cytosol protein. The number of binding sites is linear with cytosol protein concentration and the binding protein sediments at 7-8 S on sucrose gradients. Estradiol is an effective inhibitor of testosterone binding. A role for this testosterone-binding protein as an effector of ovarian morphologic change is hypothesized. (Endocrinology 98: 1206, 1976)
Platform-based design for an embedded-fingerprint-authentication device

Fingerprint authentication, in an embedded and portable context, requires complex signal, network, and security-protocol processing in a resource-constrained implementation. We present a platform-based design approach for this application, based on a hierarchy of virtual machines (VM). The fingerprint authentication is programmed in Java, C, and VHSIC hardware description language, and mapped onto a hierarchy of three machines, consisting of an embedded Java VM, an Sparc-V8 core, and an field programmable gate array. We show how our approach is able to cope with multiple concurrent design processes and multiple application domains, including biometrics signal processing, as well as security-protocol implementation. The platform-based design approach also deals with reuse requirements for embedded software and hardware. The formulation of a platform as a VM enables design exploration and incremental design validation throughout the design traject, and results in a specialized, but still programmable, platform. The Java bytecode of our fingerprint authentication takes less than 10 kB.
Revenue adequacy, shortfall allocation and transmission performance incentives in FTR/FGR markets

We examine the issue of revenue adequacy in Financial Transmission Rights (FTR) Markets and address two questions: a) How should revenue shortfalls in FTR markets be assigned to market participants? and b) How can active participation by transmission owners in FTR markets incentivize transmission performance through incremental and long term investment? In particular we focus on the possibility of short positions by transmission owners on financial Flowgate Rights (FGRs). Such positions would allow their holders to capture some of the FTR auction revenues in exchange for assuming liability for the corresponding FTR market revenue shortfall, which can be avoided through improvements in line ratings.
The Economic Impact of the University of Virginia: How a Major Research University Affects the Local and State Economies

This study, which was commissioned by U.Va.’s President’s Office, is the fourth impact study prepared for the University. The last study was completed in 1990. Since then, enrollment increased by 12.5 percent, two research parks were opened, new classrooms and research facilities were built, new athletic facilities were added and the football stadium was expanded, and full- and part-time salaried employment (Academic Division and the Med- ical Center) rose by 3,133 (31.8 percent). This new study captures these developments and breaks new ground in terms of methodology and depth, as well as providing a detailed analysis of how a large public research university contributes to the economy of the entire state. Because of changes in scope and methodology, the study is not directly comparable with earlier U.Va. impact studies. Also, unlike earlier efforts, this study examines the role of the University in the state’s economy.
Individual differences in impulsive action and dopamine transporter function in rat orbitofrontal cortex

Impulsivity, which can be subdivided into impulsive action and impulsive choice, is implicated as a factor underlying drug abuse vulnerability. Although previous research has shown that dopamine (DA) systems in prefrontal cortex are involved in impulsivity and substance abuse, it is not known if inherent variation in DA transporter (DAT) function contributes to impulsivity. The current study determined if individual differences in either impulsive action or impulsive choice are related to DAT function in orbitofrontal (OFC) and/or medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Rats were first tested both for impulsive action in a cued go/no-go task and for impulsive choice in a delay-discounting task. Following behavioral evaluation, in vitro [(3)H]DA uptake assays were performed in OFC and mPFC isolated from individual rats. Vmax in OFC, but not mPFC, was correlated with performance in the cued go/no-go task, with decreased OFC DAT function being associated with high impulsive action. In contrast, Vmax in OFC and mPFC was not correlated with performance in the delay-discounting task. The current results demonstrate that impulsive behavior in cued go/no-go performance is associated with decreased DAT function in OFC, suggesting that hyperdopaminergic tone in this prefrontal subregion mediates, at least in part, increased impulsive action.
Of Brains in Vats, Whatever Brains in Vats May Be

Hilary Putnam has offered two arguments to show that we cannotbe brains in a vat, and one to show that our cognitive situationcannot be fully analogous to that of brains in a vat. The latterand one of the former are irreparably flawed by misapplicationsof, or mistaken inferences from, his semantic externalism; thethird yields only a simple logical truth. The metaphysical realismthat is Putnam’s ultimate target is perfectly consistent withsemantic externalism.
Chemical Studies of Aloe Vera Juice II: Inorganic Ingredients

(1969). Chemical Studies of Aloe Vera Juice II: Inorganic Ingredients. Quarterly Journal of Crude Drug Research: Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 1445-1453.
Wireless microsensor network solutions for neurological implantable devices

The design and development of wireless mocrosensor network systems for the treatment of many degenerative as well as traumatic neurological disorders is presented in this paper. Due to the advances in micro and nano sensors and wireless systems, the biomedical sensors have the potential to revolutionize many areas in healthcare systems. The integration of nanodevices with neurons that are in communication with smart microsensor systems has great potential in the treatment of many neurodegenerative brain disorders. It is well established that patients suffering from either Parkinson’s disease (PD) or Epilepsy have benefited from the advantages of implantable devices in the neural pathways of the brain to alter the undesired signals thus restoring proper function. In addition, implantable devices have successfully blocked pain signals and controlled various pelvic muscles in patients with urinary and fecal incontinence. Even though the existing technology has made a tremendous impact on controlling the deleterious effects of disease, it is still in its infancy. This paper presents solutions of many problems of today's implantable and neural-electronic interface devices by combining nanowires and microelectronics with BioMEMS and applying them at cellular level for the development of a total wireless feedback control system. The only device that will actually be implanted in this research is the electrodes. All necessary controllers will be housed in accessories that are outside the body that communicate with the implanted electrodes through tiny inductively-coupled antennas. A Parkinson disease patient can just wear a hat-system close to the implantable neural probe so that the patient is free to move around, while the sensors continually monitor, record, transmit all vital information to health care specialist. In the event of a problem, the system provides an early warning to the patient while they are still mobile thus providing them the opportunity to react and trigger the feed back system or contact a point-of-care office that can remotely control the implantable system. The remote monitoring technology can be adaptable to EEG monitoring of children with epilepsy, implantable cardioverters/defibrillators, pacemakers, chronic pain management systems, treatment for sleep disorders, patients with implantable devices for diabetes. In addition, the development of a wireless neural electronics interface to detect, transmit and analyze neural signals could help patients with spinal injuries to regain some semblance of mobile activity.
Brain cell cultures from mice affected with scrapie or fed with cuprizone.

SUMMARY Cell cultures prepared from the brains of mice fed for 16 days or longer on meal containing 0·5% cuprizone (biscyclohexanone oxaldihydrazone), showed the same tendency for many cells to adhere to glass as had previously been observed in cultures from the brains of animals affected with clinical scrapie. This was not seen in brain cell cultures from normal animals of comparable age.
Whitewashing Plantations: The Commodification of a Slave-Free Antebellum South

This article begins with a brief explanation of personal experiences on plantation tours. It follows with an empirical examination of tourist brochures from over 100 plantations and a textual analysis of their data. A frequency count of keywords is created, serving to highlight that slavery, slaves and slave cabins occur less often than such expressions as owners, landscapes and furnishings. Reasons for this imbalance are sought. More specifically, the investigation asks why plantation owners and their operations under-emphasize slavery and what this situation means for the contemporary tourist. In so doing, the inquiry attempts to answer the question as to whether or not such marginalization of slavery is a legitimate concern now and in the future.
Research on Deaerator Dissolved Oxygen Exceed Standard

Dissolved oxygen overproof after deoxidation is caused by the high dissolved oxygen in the water supply system of heat supply network,and the negative effectiveness of deoxidation affected by the malfunction of deaerator nozzle. By "operating the deaerator recirculating pump,and hydrazine treatment for the water supply after deoxidation",the problem of high dissolved oxygen content of water supply after deoxidation is resolved,the oxygen corrosion of the water supply system is reduced. The baffle of the water spray nozzle is found fallen off during the overhaul,proving that the previous judgement is accurate.
Association between SexualQuality of Life Score and Endothelium-dependent Vasodilation or Arterial Elasticity in Young and Middle-aged Male Patients with Hypertensive Emergencies

Objective To investigate the association between sexual quality of life score and endothelium-dependent vasodilation or arterial elasticity in young and middle -aged male patients with hypertensive emergencies.Methods 56 patients with hypertensive emergencies and 30 stable hypertension were recruited for this study. endothelium-dependent vasodilation or arterial elasticity were examined in all subjects. The sexual quality of life scores were surveyed with a retrospective questionnaire in both two groups. Results Sexual quality of life score, endothelium -dependent vasodilation and arterial elasticity were significantly reduced in patients with hypertensive emergencies compared with that in patients with stable hypertension. There was a positive association between decreased endothelium-dependent vasodilation (r=0.721,P0.001)or arterial elasticity (r= 0.635,P0.001)and Sexual quality of life score in patients with hypertensive Emergencies. Conclusions between decreased endothelium-dependent vasodilation or arterial elasticity and Sexual quality of life score in young and middle aged male patients with hypertensive Emergencies.
Introducing Medicine by the Numbers: A Collaboration of The NNT Group and AFP.

The NNT is a useful concept that helps convey the importance of an intervention in various populations. The NNT assigns a bottom-line number to the relative strength of an intervention, and helps put it in perspective. Toward that end, we are happy to announce a partnership with TheNNT.com, an online medical reference developed by Drs. David H. Newman and Graham Walker in 2010 (http://www.thennt.com/).
Effect of Betatron Oscillations on the Three-Dimensional Radiation Fields in a Free-Electron Laser Oscillator

The free-electron laser (FEL) experiments are pushing toward shorter wavelengths, and the radius of the electron beam is becoming comparable with the waist of the laser. When this happens, the electrons at the outer edge of the radiation are no longer contributing efficiently to the radiation process.
Managing Epistemic Uncertainty for Multimodels of Sociotechnical Systems for Decision Support

Multimodeling has become an increasingly popular way to analyze sociotechnical systems for decision support. Just as with physics-based multimodels, one would like to be able to quantify and manage uncertainty associated with the model to support decision making. However, when we consider multimodels of sociotechnical systems, epistemic uncertainty with regard to the structure of the model itself erodes their effectiveness. In this paper, we characterize these uncertainties as consequences of bifurcations that result from the complexity of sociotechnical systems. One could try to compensate by increasing the fidelity of the model, but this may come at the cost of actually increasing both the epistemic uncertainty and the computational burden. In short, building an extremely detailed model of a complex system may not be worth the effort. We conclude that in many cases, it may be better to build a low-fidelity multimodel of a sociotechnical system and use it to identify the existence of bifurcation points that can be managed through adaptive and hedging strategies. This is in contrast to building a very detailed model that endogenizes the epistemic uncertainties to support optimization. The latter approach is likely to be effective for physics-based systems but not for sociotechnical systems.