cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phospholamban phosphorylation, mutation, and structural dynamics: a biophysical approach to understanding and treating cardiomyopathy

We review the recent development of novel biochemical and spectroscopic methods to determine the site-specific phosphorylation, expression, mutation, and structural dynamics of phospholamban (PLB), in relation to its function (inhibition of the cardiac calcium pump, SERCA2a), with specific focus on cardiac physiology, pathology, and therapy. In the cardiomyocyte, SERCA2a actively transports Ca2+ into the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) during relaxation (diastole) to create the concentration gradient that drives the passive efflux of Ca2+ required for cardiac contraction (systole). Unphosphorylated PLB (U-PLB) inhibits SERCA2a, but phosphorylation at S16 and/or T17 (producing P-PLB) changes the structure of PLB to relieve SERCA2a inhibition. Because insufficient SERCA2a activity is a hallmark of heart failure, SERCA2a activation, by gene therapy (Andino et al. 2008; Fish et al. 2013; Hoshijima et al. 2002; Jessup et al. 2011) or drug therapy (Ferrandi et al. 2013; Huang 2013; Khan et al. 2009; Rocchetti et al. 2008; Zhang et al. 2012), is a widely sought goal for treatment of heart failure. This review describes rational approaches to this goal. Novel biophysical assays, using site-directed labeling and high-resolution spectroscopy, have been developed to resolve the structural states of SERCA2a-PLB complexes in vitro and in living cells. Novel biochemical assays, using synthetic standards and multidimensional immunofluorescence, have been developed to quantitate PLB expression and phosphorylation states in cells and human tissues. The biochemical and biophysical properties of U-PLB, P-PLB, and mutant PLB will ultimately resolve the mechanisms of loss of inhibition and gain of inhibition to guide therapeutic development. These assays will be powerful tools for investigating human tissue samples from the Sydney Heart Bank, for the purpose of analyzing and diagnosing specific disorders.
Failure of tween 80 to alter fecal fat excretion in bile fistula dogs.

Summary and ConclusionsTwo and 4 g daily doses of “Tween 80” were not shown to alter fecal fat excretion in 8 bile fistula dogs when the mixed diet contained 15 g (5 tests) and 40 g (10 tests) of triglyceride fat per day.
Self-Renewal Personal Transformation Following Extreme Trauma

This article presents a model of the process of self-renewal, the creative restructuring of the self that may follow the painful and disconfirming personal crisis of illness or other extreme personal trauma. Self-renewal is a possible response to pain and struggle, and one that can be facilitated and encouraged. The article presents several examples of the complex processes that make up self-renewal, including the self-definition as a person taking an active role, the presence of a deep relationship to others, and the role of being a public witness concerning issues raised by the struggle. The article concludes by suggesting that self-renewal as a process has important social implications, beyond the personal level.
Functionalization of fluorous thin films via "click" chemistry.

The first covalent modification of thin films non-covalently immobilized via fluorous interactions was demonstrated with “click” reactions in 70–80% yields.
Microphysical modeling of the 1999–2000 Arctic winter: 1. Polar stratospheric clouds, denitrification, and dehydration

[1] The freezing processes that may lead to the formation of solid phase polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) have been examined to assess their winter-long effects, especially denitrification, in a coupled microphysical/photochemical model. Trajectory simulations spanned from November 1999 to April 2000, using a large set of trajectories which provided representative coverage of the entire Arctic vortex through the period of PSC formation and ozone depletion. A freezing process occurring at temperatures above the ice frost point is shown to be necessary to explain both the occurrence of solid phase PSCs early in the winter and denitrification, especially without dehydration. If freezing only occurs below the ice frost point the primary contributor to denitrification is actually sedimentation of liquid phase PSC particles. The mechanism of a second freezing process, occurring above the ice frost point, can not yet be conclusively determined. Of the cases considered, heterogeneous freezing of the aerosol to form nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) particles best reproduced solid phase PSC formation and observations of widespread denitrification with limited dehydration. The simulations constrain the number of frozen particles to be near either 0.02% or 1% of the total aerosol number; values in between 0.02% and 1% produce more intense denitrification than observed, demonstrating that small changes in the number of frozen particles could exacerbate denitrification. However, this result was contingent upon assuming that the heterogeneous nuclei remain active, producing PSCs, throughout the winter. An idealized homogeneous freezing process was also able to produce NAT PSCs and denitrification (rates of 106–107 cm−3 s−1 compared favorably with data) but differed from observations in one key aspect: denitrification was more frequently accompanied by dehydration. Nitric acid dihydrate (NAD) particles were less effective than NAT at denitrification, but heterogeneous freezing of 0.1% of the aerosol yielded results marginally consistent with measurements. An important limitation, however, of all the scenarios considered is that they produced more intense and more widespread dehydration than was observed. This suggests that model minimum temperatures (from UK Meteorological Office analyses) were too cold by 1 to 3 K.
Magnetic circular dichroism of cobalt metalloenzyme derivatives.

Abstract The systematic study of the magnetic circular dichroic (MCD) spectra of Co(II) model complexes allows recognition of hitherto unknown identities or dissimilarities of their geometries with those of Co(II) at the active site of metalloenzymes. Thus based on such comparisons, MCD spectra indicate that the overall geometry of Co(II) at the active site of Co-carboxypeptidase or Co-thermolysin is tetrahedral, and is not altered significantly by addition of inhibitors. On the other hand, the MCD spectra of Co-alkaline phosphatase and the alkaline form of Co-carbonic anhydrase are quite similar to but not identical with that of Co(Me6Tren)Br2, a pentacoordinated cobalt complex. Furthermore, addition of acetazolamide to Co-carbonic anhydrase markedly alters its MCD signal suggesting a possible change in geometry.
Development-related changes in decay susceptibility and polygalacturonase inhibitor content of “Bartlett” pear fruit

Abstract “Bartlett” pear fruits were inoculated at weekly intervals with three fungi ( Penicillium expansum Botrytis cinerea and Dothiorella gregaria ). Susceptibility of the fruit was assessed by following lesion growth. Very young fruits resisted fungal development. When fruits had reached approximately one-third of full size (8 weeks after full bloom) lesion development occurred. Penicillium expansum was first to develop and grew most rapidly at all stages of pear maturity but fruit resistance to the development of all three pathogens declined steadily with maturation. An inhibitor of fungal polygalacturonase was identified in extracts of pear fruits. As the fruits matured the concentration of this inhibitor decreased.
Enhancing the Investment Performance of Yield-Based Strategies

High dividend yield stocks do not reliably earn above-average risk-adjusted returns. More complete measures of shareholder yield, which account for net share repurchases, perform better. We explore the use of net-debt paydown as a way to further enhance shareholder yield. The addition of net-debt paydown enhances risk-adjusted returns and creates a shareholder yield metric that is more robust over time. We also explore the technique of separating yield metrics by payout percentage as a way to enhance return predictability. We find some evidence that using payout percentage within a yield category can systematically improve portfolio performance.
Intracellular Aβ1-42 Aggregates Stimulate the Accumulation of Stable, Insoluble Amyloidogenic Fragments of the Amyloid Precursor Protein in Transfected Cells

We have analyzed the effect of internalized amyloid beta-protein (A beta) 1-42 aggregates on the metabolism of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) in stably transfected 293 cells. The amount of potentially amyloidogenic fragments of APP immunoprecipitated by anti-carboxyl-terminal APP and anti-A beta antibodies is dramatically enhanced by the treatment of the cells with A beta 1-42, which is resistant to degradation, but not A beta 1-28, which does not accumulate in cells. This accumulation of amyloidogenic carboxyl-terminal fragments is specific, since there is relatively little effect of A beta 1-42 on the amount of the nonamyloidogenic alpha-secretase carboxyl-terminal fragment. The amyloidogenic fragments accumulate in the same nonionic detergent-insoluble fraction of the cell that contains the internalized A beta 1-42. Western analysis indicates that a subset of the amyloidogenic fragments react with antibodies that recognize a conformation of A beta that is specifically associated with aggregated forms of A beta, suggesting that the adoption of this aggregation-related conformation may be an early event which precedes the final processing that produces A beta. Pulse-chase analysis of the [35S]Met-labeled 16-kDa amyloidogenic fragment indicates that it is relatively stable in A beta 1-42-treated cells, with a half-life of approximately 50 h. This fragment is degraded with a half-life of 30 min in control cells treated with A beta 1-28. In contrast, the turnover of the nonamyloidogenic alpha-secretase product is not significantly altered by the presence of A beta 1-42. The continuous uptake of A beta 1-42 from the medium is not required for the stimulation of amyloidogenic fragment accumulation, suggesting that the presence of intracellular A beta 1-42 aggregates establishes a new pathway for APP catabolism in cells which leads to the long term stability of the fragments. If these amyloidogenic fragments of APP ultimately give rise to A beta, then the production of A beta may be an autocatalytic, "runaway" process in cells containing A beta 1-42 nuclei. It is conceivable that the accumulation of insoluble APP and amyloidogenic fragments of APP in response to A beta 1-42 aggregates may mimic the pathophysiology of dystrophic neurites, where the accumulation of intracellular APP and APP fragments has been documented by immunohistochemistry.
Assessing the Therapeutic Environment in Hybrid Models of Treatment: Prisoner Perceptions of Staff.

Hybrid treatment models within prisons are staffed by both criminal justice and treatment professionals. Because these models may be indicative of future trends, examining the perceptions of prisoners/participants may provide important information. This study examines the perceptions of male and female inmates in three prisons, comparing those in therapeutic ‘hybrid’ units (n = 701), with those in non-therapeutic units (n = 329). Inmates in therapeutic units had significantly more positive perceptions of the environment, as well as both staff groups, than inmates within the same prison in non-therapeutic units. Regression analyses suggest specific staff characteristics are associated with these positive feelings and are different for each staff group.
Treatment effects of Forsus fatigue resistant device on class II malocclusion cases: A cephalometric evaluation

Abstract Background This study was designed to evaluate dental and skeletal changes after a comprehensive orthodontic treatment protocol involving the use of Forsus fatigue-resistant device. Methods Pre- and post-treatment cephalometric radiographs of 19 subjects (mean age 12 ± 1.22 years) treated with the Forsus device were selected based on several criteria, including, but not limited to ANB and Angle molar classification. Treatment group records were evaluated, matched, and compared to an untreated control group. The control group's lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained from the archives of a longitudinal growth study. The Student's t test was used, with a significance level of P Results The treatment group showed a statistically significant reduction in ANB angle; SNA angle; and angle of convexity. Mandibular incisors showed significant proclination. The maxillary first molar showed no significant intrusion or distal movement. Conclusions Based on the treatment protocol used in this study, Class II malocclusion correction was achieved mainly by dental changes in the mandible in the form of mandibular incisor proclination and some skeletal changes in the maxilla. Whether the changes in the maxilla were true skeletal changes remains to be verified.
Characterization of 47 MHC class I sequences in Filipino cynomolgus macaques

Cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) provide increasingly common models for infectious disease research. Several geographically distinct populations of these macaques from Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius are available for pathogenesis studies. Though host genetics may profoundly impact results of such studies, similarities and differences between populations are often overlooked. In this study we identified 47 full-length MHC class I nucleotide sequences in 16 cynomolgus macaques of Filipino origin. The majority of MHC class I sequences characterized (39 of 47) were unique to this regional population. However, we discovered eight sequences with perfect identity and six sequences with close similarity to previously defined MHC class I sequences from other macaque populations. We identified two ancestral MHC haplotypes that appear to be shared between Filipino and Mauritian cynomolgus macaques, notably a Mafa-B haplotype that has previously been shown to protect Mauritian cynomolgus macaques against challenge with a simian/human immunodeficiency virus, SHIV89.6P. We also identified a Filipino cynomolgus macaque MHC class I sequence for which the predicted protein sequence differs from Mamu-B*17 by a single amino acid. This is important because Mamu-B*17 is strongly associated with protection against simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) challenge in Indian rhesus macaques. These findings have implications for the evolutionary history of Filipino cynomolgus macaques as well as for the use of this model in SIV/SHIV research protocols.
Ordered Genotypes: An Extended ITO Method and a General Formula for Genetic Covariance

Traditionally, the stochastic ITO transition matrices provide a simple general method for obtaining the joint genotype distribution and genotypic correlations between any specified pair of noninbred relatives. The ITO method has been widely used in modern genetic analysis; however, since it was originally derived for unordered genotypes, it is not very useful in some new applications—for example, when one is modeling genomic imprinting and must keep track of the parental origin of alleles. To address these new, emerging problems, here we extend the ITO method to handle ordered genotypes. Our extended method is applied to calculate the covariance in unilineal and bilineal relatives under genomic imprinting, and some generalized linear functions of the transition matrices are given. Since the ITO method is limited to biallelic loci and to unilineal and bilineal relatives, we derive a general formula for calculating the genetic covariance using ordered genotypes for any type of relative pair.
Marital migraine: A refractory daily headache

Abstract Of forty patients with daily chronic common migraine headaches, only four (17%) of 23 married patients, but 12 (71%) of 17 unmarried patients, responded to prophylactic drug treatment. Unmarried migraine patients were more likely to acknowledge emotional stress and to seek psychotherapy. Daily migraine appears to be a response to marital stress. Married individuals who deny the presence of emotional stress in their lives and refuse to seek psychotherapy have a low response rate. Marital therapy is an unexplored potential modality of treatment for such patients.
The Ephemeral Borders of Revolutionary Spaces

From the Paris Commune to the Red Shirt uprising in Bangkok, revolutionaries lacking the power to overthrow their states or depose unpopular politicians have captured parts of major cities and formed their own temporary enclaves of resistance. These groups create intraurban borders by building barricades, arming themselves, and fighting to protect their space. The borders, while temporary and usually ineffective, are powerful symbols as they separate a sphere of active resistance from territory under state control. While these borders stand, they are challenges to state power – lines marking the limits of what states can control. This essay looks at how these borders arise and how they relate to more familiar types of borders. Revolutionary borders are shaped by many of the same forces as national borders, most notably globalisation, but have a distinct character that is closely linked to the changing geography of urban areas.
Alternative career options in the biomedical industry: the professional science master's degree.

Interdisciplinary degrees offer students another way to begin a career in the life science industry.
Association of Blood Lactate Concentration and Outcome in Foals

Background: Lactate concentration in blood or plasma ([LAC]) and change in [LAC] are associated with survival in sick foals. Hypothesis: [LAC] and change in [LAC] over time are associated with survival at 96 hours and discharge in neonatal foals. Furthermore [LAC] and change in [LAC] over time correlate with blood culture results and blood pressure at admission. Animals: Two hundred and twenty-five foals consecutively admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Methods: Retrospective case review. Foals ≤30 days of age with [LAC] from arterial (190) or umbilical (35) blood gas analysis ([LAC]BG) at admission, 24, and 48 hours. [LAC]BG, blood pressure, blood culture status, and outcome (survival versus nonsurvival at 96 hours and discharge) were recorded. Change in [LAC]BG over time ([LAC]BGΔT) was calculated. Results: [LAC]BG was lower in survivors (96 hours and discharge) at all times. [LAC]BGΔT was larger for survivors (96 hours). Odds of survival (96 hours and discharge) decreased 18, 39, 53 and 22, 38, and 47%, respectively, at each sample time for every 1 mmol/L increment in [LAC]BG and increased 156% for each 1.0/day increment in [LAC]BGΔT from admission to 24 hours at 96 hours. Blood pressure and [LAC]BG were not correlated (P= .196) until removal of selected foals (mean arterial pressure <60 mmHg, admission [LAC]BG <5.5 mmol/L) (P < .001). Bacteremia was not associated with [LAC]BG. Proposed admission [LAC]BG cut-points for future studies were 6.5 mmol/L (96 hours) and 5.5 mmol/L (discharge). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Prospective studies evaluating [LAC], [LAC]BGΔT, and cut-points in sick foals are warranted.
Temperature-programmed GC using silicon microfabricated columns with integrated heaters and temperature sensors.

Columns were fabricated in silicon substrates by deep reactive-ion etching. The channels were sealed with a glass wafer anodically bonded to the silicon surface. Heaters and temperature sensors were fabricated on the back side of each column chip. A microcontroller-based temperature controller was used with a PC for temperature programming. Temperature programming, with channel lengths of 3.0 and 0.25 m, is described. The 3.0-m-long channel was fabricated on a 3.2 cm × 3.2 cm chip. Four columns were fabricated on a standard 4-in. silicon wafer. The 0.25-m-long channel was fabricated on a 1.1 cm × 1.1 cm chip, and approximately 40 columns could be fabricated on a 4-in. wafer. All columns were coated with a nonpolar poly(dimethylsiloxanes) stationary phase. A static coating procedure was employed. The 3.0-m-long column generated about 12000 theoretical plates, and the 0.25-m-long channel generated about 1000 plates at optimal carrier gas velocity. Linear temperature ramps as high as 1000 °C/min when tempera...
How Can Botnets Cause Storms? Understanding the Evolution and Impact of Mobile Botnets

A botnet in mobile networks is a collection of compromised nodes due to mobile malware, which are able to perform coordinated attacks. Different from Internet botnets, mobile botnets do not need to propagate using centralized infrastructures, but can keep compromising vulnerable nodes in close proximity and evolving organically via data forwarding. Such a distributed mechanism relies heavily on node mobility as well as wireless links, therefore breaks down the underlying premise in existing epidemic modeling for Internet botnets. In this paper, we adopt a stochastic approach to study the evolution and impact of mobile botnets. We find that node mobility can be a trigger to botnet propagation storms: the average size (i.e., number of compromised nodes) of a botnet increases quadratically over time if the mobility range that each node can reach exceeds a threshold; otherwise, the botnet can only contaminate a limited number of nodes with average size always bounded above. This also reveals that mobile botnets can propagate at the fastest rate of quadratic growth in size, which is substantially slower than the exponential growth of Internet botnets. To measure the denial-of-service impact of a mobile botnet, we define a new metric, called last chipper time, which is the last time that service requests, even partially, can still be processed on time as the botnet keeps propagating and launching attacks. The last chipper time is identified to decrease at most on the order of 1/ p B, where B is the network bandwidth. This
Some aspects of post-treatment adjustment in severely burned children

Summary The post-treatment adjustment of 25 children who had sustained a burn of more than 30 per cent body surface area is discussed. They were visited at home between 2 and 11 years after the accident to ascertain whether there were any long term effects, whether they were attending school with benefit or were successfully employed. Good adjustment was found in 12 per cent of the sample, with 60 per cent reasonably adjusted and 28 per cent poorly adjusted. Aggression, withdrawal and depression were found to be the most common emotional after-effects of the trauma in addition to the physical disfigurement. The findings of this study have resulted in the adoption of a new attitude towards the aftercare of the severely burned child and suggestions for future follow-up are made.
Coronary endothelium expresses a pathologic gene pattern compared to aortic endothelium: correlation of asynchronous hemodynamics and pathology in vivo.

Abstract Coronary arteries are the most disease prone arteries in the circulation and are characterized by unique hemodynamic features, wherein wall shear stress (WSS) induced by blood flow and circumferential strain (CS) driven by pressure are highly out-of-phase temporally (asynchronous hemodynamics). To investigate whether there is a correlation between asynchronous hemodynamics and pathology in vivo, we examined endothelial cell (EC) gene expression and nuclear morphology in two distinct hemodynamic regions of male New Zealand rabbits: coronary arteries (left anterior descending artery cLAD), and aorta (aortic arch inner curvature, outer curvature, and straight descending aorta). En face imaging showed strong similarities in EC nuclear length:width ratio and angle of orientation in the cLAD and aorta. Real-time RT-PCR, however, showed that coronary arteries had significantly reduced (>5-fold) eNOS mRNA levels compared to all aortic regions, while ET-1 showed an opposite trend (∼2.5-fold). Coronary arteries with characteristic asynchronous hemodynamics displayed pro-atherogenic eNOS and ET-1 gene expression profiles while the EC nuclei morphology did not differ from non-atherogenic regions in the aorta. This study demonstrates a correlation between asynchronous hemodynamics and pro-atherogenic gene expression patterns in vivo that is induced by hemodynamics inherent to the circulation.
THE IDENTITY OF THE FLUORESCENT AND DELAYED LIGHT EMISSION SPECTRA IN CHLORELLA

1. The delayed light emission of Chlorella pyrenoidosa over the wave length range 400 to 950 mµ has been investigated. 2. Emission of delayed light is confined to the range 600 to 800 mµ. 3. To the precision with which the low light intensities involved can be measured with the apparatus in these experiments, the emission spectrum of the delayed light is the same as the spectrum of the fluorescent light. 4. Thus the delayed light must come from excited chlorophyll.
Hematuria in children and adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Hematuria is not described as a common finding in diabetic nephropathy, and may suggest nondiabetic renal disease. We reviewed the records of 59 children and adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus referred to the Children's Kidney Center from 1983 to 1992. Fifty-two patients had clinical and/or biopsy evidence of diabetic nephropathy; 18/52 (35%) had microscopic hematuria at the time of referral. Patients with hematuria on presentation were referred for: hypertension (61%), proteinuria (61%), and decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (11%). For patients without hematuria on presentation, reasons for referral included hypertension (79%), proteinuria (56%), and decreased GFR (3%). When comparing patients with and without hematuria, those with hematuria had a significantly longer duration of diabetes (12.8 +/- 3.1 versus 10.8 +/- 3.7 years, p < 0.05). The groups did not differ significantly with regard to age (18.3 +/- 1.8 versus 17.1 +/- 2.9 years), height (162.2 +/- 10.4 versus 159.3 +/- 11.3 cm), weight (63.9 +/- 10.9 versus 59.4 +/- 14.8 kg), systolic blood pressure (137.2 +/- 11.9 versus 133.2 +/- 13.2 mm Hg), diastolic blood pressure (85.6 +/- 7.6 versus 83.9 +/- 13.4 mm Hg), serum creatinine (1.0 +/- 0.18 versus 1.0 +/- 0.43 mg/dL), blood urea nitrogen (15 +/- 5 versus 13 +/- 4 mg/dL), glomerular filtration rate (117 +/- 34 versus 117 +/- 46 mL/min/1.73 m2), 24-h urine protein (2311 +/- 3862 versus 570 +/- 476 mg/day), or microalbuminuria (75 +/- 41 versus 34 +/- 35 micrograms/min). We detected a significant association between retinopathy and microscopic hematuria (sensitivity 47%, specificity 82%, p < 0.05), but no association between labstix proteinuria or sex and hematuria.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A Crosslinker Based on a Tethered Electrophile for Mapping Kinase-Substrate Networks

Despite the continuing progress made toward mapping kinase signaling networks, there are still many phosphorylation events for which the responsible kinase has not yet been identified. We are interested in addressing this problem through forming covalent crosslinks between a peptide substrate and the corresponding phosphorylating kinase. Previously we reported a dialdehyde-based kinase-binding probe capable of such a reaction with a peptide containing a cysteine substituted for the phosphorylatable ser/thr/tyr residue. Here, we examine the yield of a previously reported dialdehyde-based probe and report that the dialdehyde-based probes possess a significant limitation in terms of crosslinked kinase-substrate product yield. To address this limitation, we developed a crosslinking scheme based on a kinase activity-based probe, and this crosslinker provides an increase in efficiency and substrate specificity, including in the context of cell lysate.
Guidelines for anti-scatter grid use in pediatric digital radiography

Background Pediatric radiography presents unique challenges in balancing image quality and patient dose. Removing the anti-scatter grid reduces patient dose but also reduces image contrast. The benefit of using an anti-scatter grid decreases with decreasing patient size.
Robust detection of semantically equivalent visually dissimilar objects

We propose a novel and robust detection of semantically equivalent but visually dissimilar object parts with the presence of geometric domain variations. The presented algorithms follow a part-based object learning and recognition framework proposed by Epshtein and Ullman. This approach characterizes the location of a visually dissimilar object (i.e., root fragment) as a function of its relative geometrical configuration to a set of local context patches (i.e., context fragments). This work extends the original detection algorithm for handling more realistic geometric domain variation by using robust candidate generation, exploiting geometric invariances of a pair of similar polygons, as well as SIFT-based context descriptors. An entropic feature selection is also integrated in order to improve its performance. Furthermore, robust voting in a maximum density framework is realized by variable bandwidth mean shift, allowing better root detection performance with the presence of significant errors in detecting corresponding context fragments. We evaluate the proposed solution for the task of detecting various facial parts using FERET database. Our experimental results demonstrate the advantage of our solution by indicating significant improvement of detection performance and robustness over the original system.
Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy for Complex Tumors: Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes

Abstract Background Recent studies showed that robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) offered outcomes at least comparable to those of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). LPN can be particularly challenging for more complex tumors. Objective To compare the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing LPN or RPN for a single renal mass of moderate or high complexity. Design, setting, and participants A retrospective analysis was performed for 381 consecutive patients who underwent either LPN ( n =182) or RPN ( n =199) between 2005 and 2011 for a complex renal mass (RENAL score ≥7). Perioperative outcomes were compared. Predictors of postoperative renal function were assessed using multivariable linear regression analysis. Intervention LPN or RPN. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Perioperative outcomes were compared. Predictors of postoperative renal function were assessed using multivariable linear regression analysis. Results and limitations There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to patient age, gender, side, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), or tumor size. Patients undergoing LPN had a slightly lower body mass index (29.2kg/m 2 compared with 30.7kg/m 2 , p =0.02) and preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (81.1 compared with 86.0ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , p =0.02). LPN was associated with an increased rate of conversion to radical nephrectomy (RN) (11.5% compared with 1%, p p =0.03). There were no significant differences with respect to warm ischemia time (WIT), estimated blood loss, transfusion rate, or postoperative complications. WIT, preoperative eGFR, and CCI were found to be predictors of postoperative eGFR in multivariable analysis. No difference in perioperative outcomes was found between moderate and high RENAL score subgroups. The retrospective study design was the main limitation of this study. Conclusions RPN provides functional outcomes comparable to those of LPN for moderate- to high-complexity tumors, but with a significantly lower risk of conversion to RN. This situation is likely because of the technical advantages offered by the articulated robotic instruments. A prospective randomized study is needed to confirm these findings.
Grafting-light: fast, incremental feature selection and structure learning of Markov random fields

Feature selection is an important task in order to achieve better generalizability in high dimensional learning, and structure learning of Markov random fields (MRFs) can automatically discover the inherent structures underlying complex data. Both problems can be cast as solving an l1-norm regularized parameter estimation problem. The existing Grafting method can avoid doing inference on dense graphs in structure learning by incrementally selecting new features. However, Grafting performs a greedy step to optimize over free parameters once new features are included. This greedy strategy results in low efficiency when parameter learning is itself non-trivial, such as in MRFs, in which parameter learning depends on an expensive subroutine to calculate gradients. The complexity of calculating gradients in MRFs is typically exponential to the size of maximal cliques. In this paper, we present a fast algorithm called Grafting-Light to solve the l1-norm regularized maximum likelihood estimation of MRFs for efficient feature selection and structure learning. Grafting-Light iteratively performs one-step of orthant-wise gradient descent over free parameters and selects new features. This lazy strategy is guaranteed to converge to the global optimum and can effectively select significant features. On both synthetic and real data sets, we show that Grafting-Light is much more efficient than Grafting for both feature selection and structure learning, and performs comparably with the optimal batch method that directly optimizes over all the features for feature selection but is much more efficient and accurate for structure learning of MRFs.
AN IMPROVED SYNTHESIS OF METHYL [5-BENZOYL- AND 5-p-FLUOROBENZOYLBENZIMIDAZOL-2-YL]CARBAMATES

(1985). AN IMPROVED SYNTHESIS OF METHYL [5-BENZOYL- AND 5-p-FLUOROBENZOYLBENZIMIDAZOL-2-YL]CARBAMATES. Organic Preparations and Procedures International: Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 215-218.
Respiratory Virus Infections in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Respiratory virus infections (RVI) have become an increasingly appreciated problem in the hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) population. A retrospective analysis of 274 patients undergoing 281 HSCT at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital from January 1994 through December 1997 was performed. Medical and clinical laboratory records were reviewed beginning at the onset of conditioning through the year following each HSCT, and the analysis was done for the first RVI only. Thirty-two (11%) of 281 HSCT cases developed a RVI during the first year post-HSCT. The most frequent cause of RVI was human parainfluenza virus type 3. Univariate analysis was performed to determine the association between risk factors and the cumulative incidence of RVI. Respiratory viruses are frequent causes of infections in the first year post-HSCT in the pediatric population. Only allogeneic transplant and the degree of acute or chronic graft versus host disease were found to be statistically significant risk factors for RVI.
Phase synchronization of nonidentical chaotic electrochemical oscillators

Experiments on two coupled chaotic electrochemical oscillators with different frequencies are presented. We consider two types of coupling. The first is imposed through a set of external resistors. The second arises from the potential drop in the electrolyte and generally depends on cell geometry and reaction rate. Phase synchronization is observed with the addition of weak coupling of both types. Along with the onset of phase synchronization an increase in the amplitude of the mean current oscillations occurs. Simulations using a coupled form of an electrochemical model support the experimental findings.
Restricted Active Range of Motion at the Elbow, Forearm, Wrist, or Fingers Decreases Hand Function

The purpose of this study was to investigate how restricting active range of motion (AROM) at various upper extremity segments influenced hand function in younger and older populations. Eighteen younger (27+/-4yr) and 15 older subjects (67+/-6yr) participated. A repeated-measures study design was used with six test conditions: one condition without AROM restrictions and five conditions with AROM restrictions (shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, fingers). AROM was restricted using customized braces. Hand function was measured using total time to complete the Jebsen-Taylor Test of Hand Function. We found that the older group took longer than the younger group to complete the Jebsen, and that restricting AROM at the elbow, forearm, wrist, or fingers resulted in decreased hand function for both groups. Because restricted AROM is a consequence of a variety of diseases and conditions, it is important to know how restricted AROM at multiple upper extremity segments affects hand function.
Using Linear Congruential Generators For Parallel Random Number Generation

Linear congruential random number generators are widely used in simulation and Monte Carlo calculations. Because they are very fast, and because they have minimal state space, they remain attractive for use in parallel computing environments. We discuss their use as a source for many streams of pseudo-random numbers. Many authors have discussed splitting the stream of a single CRNG into many substreams: we show spectral calculations for this scheme and compare randomly and regularly spaced selection of starting points. Several authors have suggested using a common multiplier for all streams and a unique additive constant for each. The discrepancies of such schemes are no better than for splitting schemes; we show how they are in a sense equivalent. We also consider the use of distinct multipliers for each stream. Good multipliers are abundant for large enough moduli, but little is known about the multidimensional behavior of such generators. We discuss the use of improvement techniques and larger moduli to overcome the limitations of linear congruential generators.
Increased MKK4 Abundance with Replicative Senescence Is Linked to the Joint Reduction of Multiple MicroRNAs

MKK4 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4) is a pivotal upstream activator of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38. Here, we report that the abundance of MKK4 increases in senescent human diploid fibroblasts through enhanced translation. We identified four microRNAs (miR-15b, miR-24, miR-25, and miR-141) that target the MKK4 messenger RNA (mRNA); the abundance of these microRNAs decreased during replicative senescence. Individually modulating the amount of each microRNA did not modify MKK4 abundance, but their concomitant overexpression decreased and their joint reduction increased MKK4 abundance. Reporter analyses indicated that these microRNAs acted through the MKK4 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions. Elevated MKK4 abundance inhibited cell proliferation and increased the phosphorylation and activity of p38 and PRAK (p38-regulated/activated protein kinase). Thus, multiple microRNAs acting on a single target, the MKK4 mRNA, collectively influence MKK4 abundance during replicative senescence.
Careful protocols or how to use highly reliable networks

The motivation for the work presented in this paper stems from the observation that optical token-ring networks have bit-error rates that are low enough to be negligible for all but the most demanding applications. We define the notion of careful protocols that attempt to benefit from the reliability of such networks. Although it might seem trivial to implement protocols in the presence of a reliable network, a closer look reveals that this is not at all true. In essence, while protocols based on unreliable networks have to worry recovering from lost packets, careful protocols have to worry about flow-control. This is work in progress, and as such, incomplete. However, first results appear to show that it might be worthwhile to use careful protocols over networks with high reliability. >
Social Desirability Response Effects: Three Alternative Models

Three models are developed for the effects of social desirability (SD) on organizational behavior research results. SD can act as (a) an unmeasured variable that produces spurious correlations betw...
Semibatch operation of a recirculation reactor for the hydrogenation of ethylene

The purpose of this study was to develop the use of semibatch operation of a recirculation reactor in kinetic studies. Ethylene hydrogenation over a supported copper catalyst was studied experimentally. In semibatch operation one of the reactants is fed at the rate necessary to hold the total pressure in the reactor constant. In ethvlene hydrogenation the reaction rate is directly equal to the feed rate, and the kinetics can be studied at constant partial pressure of either of the reactants. Since ethane is inert, this technique permitted the study of reaction rate as a function of one variable at a time. Although ethylene hydrogenation has been studied extensively, there is not general agreement regarding the kinetics over a copper catalyst. The results are themselves of interest because they indicate the reasons for the apparently conflicting data in the literature.
The role of object oriented CAD in a generic simulator for the industrialized housing industry

Abstract This paper describes a simulator-based decision support tool for manufacturers of prefabricated homebuilding components. The Generic Industrialized Housing Manufacturing Simulator (GIHMS) serves as an experimental factory, capable of simulating factory performance under various product design, factory design, and operations management scenarios. GIHMS' strength lies in its user-friendly, icon-based, point-and-click user interface. The interface allows the user to configure a factory and specify home designs for production without simulation language programming. The heart of the user interface is a specialized object oriented CAD system. This paper describes the GIHMS structure, focusing on the specialized CAD system, and demonstrates its functionality by describing the development of a structural foam panel factory model.
Race-Ethnicity and Health Trajectories: Tests of Three Hypotheses across Multiple Groups and Health Outcomes.

Racial-ethnic disparities in static levels of health are well documented. Less is known about racial-ethnic differences in age trajectories of health. The few studies on this topic have examined only single health outcomes and focused on black-white disparities. This study extends prior research by using a life course perspective, panel data from the Health and Retirement Study, and multilevel growth curve models to investigate racial-ethnic differences in the trajectories of serious conditions and functional limitations among blacks, Mexican Americans, and whites. We test three hypotheses on the nature of racial-ethnic disparities in health across the life course (aging-as-leveler, persistent inequality, and cumulative disadvantage). Results controlling for mortality selection reveal that support for the hypotheses varies by health outcome, racial-ethnic group, and life stage. Controlling for childhood socioeconomic status, adult social and economic resources, and health behaviors reduces but does not el...
Neutron Diffraction Studies on Recrystallization of Solution Derived Lead Zirconate Titanates

We performed neutron powder diffraction on solution-derived lead zirconate titanates (PZT). Three compositions, PZT 45/55, PZT 20/80 and PbTiO3, were investigated. The materials were annealed so that the perovskite phase had just begun to grow from the precursor phase. In our materials this precursor phase is the pyrochlore rather than fluorite phase. The results show that in the pyrochlore phase, the (Ti,Zr) and the Pb are ordered in their crystallographic sites while the O are essentially disordered in both of the two usual pyrochlore anion sites.
High Resolution Radiography of Cadaveric Kidneys: Unraveling the Mystery of Randall's Plaque Formation

AbstractPurpose: We used high resolution radiography to identify and characterize Randall's plaques in cadaveric kidneys.Materials and Methods: A total of 50 consecutive sets of cadaveric kidneys was fixed, bivalved and imaged with micro-focal spot magnification radiography. Papillary calcifications were identified, localized and processed for light microscopy. Special immunohistochemical stains were implemented to aid localization of ectopic calcifications. Patient medical records and autopsy results were retrospectively evaluated and correlated with radiographic papillary calcifications.Results: Of the 92 renal units with complete data 52 (57 percent) had radiographic evidence of renal medullary calcifications consistent with Randall's plaques. Unlike the original description of this condition, calcifications extended deep into the papilla. A history of hypertension was the only clinical parameter correlating with papillary calcifications. Calcium deposition was localized to the basement membrane of col...
Acute probiotic ingestion reduces gastrointestinal oxalate absorption in healthy subjects

Both a high dietary oxalate intake and increased intestinal absorption appear to be major causes of elevated urine oxalate, a risk factor for kidney stone formation. A number of recent studies have assessed whether daily ingestion of a probiotic containing oxalate-degrading bacteria could lead to sufficient gut colonization to increase oxalate degradation, thereby reducing urinary oxalate. In contrast, the present study assessed whether simultaneous ingestion of oxalate-degrading probiotic bacteria with a 176 mg oxalate load could lead to decreased urinary oxalate in a population of 11 healthy non-stone formers (8 females, 3 males), aged 21-45 years. The results indicated that both the single and double doses of VSL#3(®) probiotic solutions were effective in reducing urinary oxalate and estimated oxalate absorption with no significant difference between the two probiotic doses. The timing of the reduction in urinary oxalate suggested a small intestinal and possibly gastric reduction in oxalate absorption. Similar to what had been reported for chronic or daily probiotic ingestion, individuals characterized by high oxalate absorption were most likely to experience clinically significant reductions in urinary oxalate in response to acute probiotic ingestion.
Coupons and private labels: A cross‐category analysis of grocery products

This article examines the influence of coupons on private label shares of grocery products. The impact of national brand and private label coupons, distributed by manufacturers and retailers, is examined. A consumer framework and a typology of coupon effects are developed to explain different types of coupon usage behavior. Aggregate scanner panel data on 480 product categories are used in the analysis. Both the type of coupon and the method of distribution (by manufacturer or by retailer) are found to be important determinants of private label share response. Couponing activities by the national brand manufacturer are negatively related to private label share, thus indicating that they may be effective deterrents of private label penetration. However, couponing activities related to private labels do not help increase private label shares. The surprising finding is that national brand store couponing activity is positively related to private label share.
Glutamine inhibits cytokine-induced apoptosis in human colonic epithelial cells via the pyrimidine pathway

Glutamine (Gln) prevents apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells, but the mechanism(s) remain unknown. Gln-derived metabolites include ammonia, glutamate (Glu), glutathione (GSH), and nucleotides....