cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract A75: Dual inhibition of EGFR and ErbB2 during androgen ablation prevent the progression of prostate cancer cells to androgen independence

Introduction: Patients with metastatic prostate cancer are treated with androgen ablation therapy which is initially effective, but most patients on this therapy ultimately become refractory to this treatment. Studies show that androgen withdrawal does not result in cell death, but simply cell growth arrest, whereas the development of androgen independence allows them to come out of the growth arrest and undergo cell cycle progression. Hence, induction of apoptosis during androgen ablation will prevent progression to androgen independence. The goal of the present project is to determine whether dual inhibition of EGFR and ErbB2 in prostate cancer cells during androgen withdrawal prevent their progression to androgen independence. EGFR, ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4 constitute a family of receptor tyrosine kinases that require dimerization for complete activation. Experimental Procedures: Androgen dependent LNCaP prostate cancer cells and its androgen‐independent subline LNCaP‐AI were treated with combinations of the EGFR inhibitors AG1478 or Erlotinib (Tarceva), and the ErbB2 inhibitors AG879 or Trastuzumab (Herceptin), either in the presence of androgens, or together with androgen withdrawal. These experiments were also conducteds in androgen receptor (AR)‐null pRNS‐1‐1 cells transfected with vector only, wild type AR or mutant AR(T877A). Results: Dual inhibition of EGFR and ErbB2 was more effective in inhibiting cell growth compared to single inhibition of either kinase. This effect was more pronounced in the absence of androgens compared to its presence, and was also more effective in androgen‐dependent than in androgen‐independent cells. Investigation of the mechanism of this effect demonstrated that dual inhibition of EGFR and ErbB2 also inhibited ErbB3 phosphorylation, likely by preventing its dimerization. Androgen withdrawal results in increased Akt phosphorylation, and we show here that dual EGFR/ErbB2 inhibition, but not single inhibition, prevented this effect and induced apoptosis. This effect is most pronounced in androgen sensitive cells undergoing androgen ablation, whereas in androgen‐independent cells where Akt phosphorylation is already increased, the effect of the dual inhibition was less pronounced. Conclusions: Our results indicate that cell survival during androgen withdrawal caused by an increase in Akt phosphorylation may be prevented by dual use of EGFR and ErbB2 inhibitors. If the cells can be killed during androgen ablation, then no cells will remain to progress to androgen independence. Hence, the effect of the dual inhibition prevents the development of androgen‐independence in prostate cancer cells. The significance of these results is that they suggest that the use of dual EGFR/ErbB2 inhibitors during androgen ablation may prevent the development of androgen independence in patients undergoing androgen ablation therapy. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):A75.
ORAL AND PARENTERAL IMMUNIZATION TO POVINE SERUN ALBUMIN IN THE PRESENCE OF PASSIVE ANTIBODY

The effect of passive antibody (p.a.) on the antibody response to ingested Bovine Seriun Albumin (USA) was compared to intravenous (i.v.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) immunization. Antibody to BSA was measured by the Farr-technique and quantitatively expressed as μg BSA-N binding capacity/ml of serum (ABC 33). 18 rabbits, passively imunized to BSA fron a pool of high titered antiserum had a mean ABC 33 of 17.2. Four of these animals received no antigen (group I), 5 were fed 0.156 BSA in witer (gr. II), and 3 received 5 rag BSA s.c. (gr. III); 50 mg BSA was given i.v. to 3 aniraala (gr. IV) and 20 ag BSA i.v. to another 3 (gr. V). Control animals for groups II - V were actively immunized in the same way without prior administration of p.a. Catabolism of p.a. was similar in groups I and II (mean ABC 33 on day 25: gr: I 1.4 ± 0.5, gr. II 0.9 ± 0.5). Subsequently, serum anti-BSA in gr. II increased to 6,6 ± 5.7 on day 63 (control 3.6 ± 2.2, p> 0.05). In gr. III, mean ABC 33 was lowest on day 14 (2.2 ± 1.4) and increased to 51.7 ± 21.7 (control 9.4 ± 8.4, p<0.02). In gr. IV mean ABC 33 increased from day 7 (0.4 ± 0.7) to 3.1 ± 2.8 (control 0.3 ± C.5, P<0.05). No active immunity developed in gr. V (control 0.17 ± 0.21). Confirming previous data, p.a. enhanced or suppressed parenteral immunization depending on routes of immunization and antigen/antibody ratios. In contrast, p.a. did not influence oral immunization and its catabolism was not affected by the ingested antigen.
An Empirical Evaluation of the Potential for Including Shareholders in Corporate Constituency Programs

The purpose of this research was to extend the literature related to the effectiveness of corporate political strategies. The research examined the attitudes of 2,151 shareholders from six major co...
Histology of Aggregation Pheromone Gland in the Red Flour Beetle

An exocrine gland, the probable site of an aggregation pheromone, is formed by modification of epidermal cells beneath the setiferous sex patch on the male prothoracic femur of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). The gland cell possesses a duct formed by an invagination of the cuticle. The mature epithelium is composed of goblet-shaped cells. Internal and external morphological evidence is presented suggesting the mechanism for pheromone release.
Influence of age, sex, and season upon radioiodine uptake by the human thyroid.

Summary1. The percentage of a tracer dose of radioactive iodine deposited in the thyroid gland at the end of 24 hours was determined by measurement of radio-activity directly over the gland in 1,050 tests in 1952 apparently euthyroid individuals. 2. It is concluded that, within the New York area, there is statistically no effect of season, on the average uptake of radioiodine by the thyroid gland of the euthyroid individual. 3. The 24-hour uptake of radioiodine decreases progressively but slightly with each decade of age. The extent of fall is statistically, but not clinically, significant. 4. Women in all age groups show a slightly higher average uptake than men. The difference is not clinically significant.
Expedited human immunodeficiency virus testing of mothers and newborns with unknown HIV status at time of labor and delivery.

New York State introduced the first statewide program in the U.S. of expedited HIV testing (48-hour turn-around results) of mothers with unknown HIV status at the time of labor or delivery and their newborns on August 1, 1999. We evaluated the results of this program during its first 5 months at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center (Lincoln Hospital) in the Bronx, New York. There were 1,274 total live birth deliveries between August 1 and December 31, 1999. The HIV infection status of 539 mothers (42.3%) was unknown to medical providers in the labor-delivery suite, either due to lack of testing during the current pregnancy or unavailability of HIV documentation at the time of delivery. During labor and delivery, a total of 462 (85.7%) mothers with unknown HIV status consented to expedited HIV testing (Single Use Diagnostic System for HIV-1 antibody or SUDS). The newborns of 77 mothers (14.3%) who did not consent were tested immediately after birth. Seventeen tested positive for HIV-1 antibody by the SUDS test. The results of 10 of these infants (58.8%) were subsequently confirmed positive for HIV-1 antibody by Western Blot analysis. This new rapid HIV testing program facilitated early diagnosis of these previously unknown HIV-exposed infants, although the low positive predictive value of the test in our community calls for careful communication of these results pending confirmation.
Some new hypotheses on the mediation of loudness judgments 1

A new solution to the problem of relating equal-interval and ratio scales is proposed. It is shown that it is also possible, with the type of theory proposed, to predict results of cross-modality matching experiments.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa AlgZ, a ribbon–helix–helix DNA‐binding protein, is essential for alginate synthesis and algD transcriptional activation

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa algD gene is the first gene of an operon encoding most of the enzymes necessary for biosynthesis of the exopolysaccharide alginate. Transcriptional activation of algD results in the high-level synthesis of alginate, an important P. aeruginosa virulence factor with antiphagocytic and adherence properties. Previously, we have identified a protein(s), AlgZ, expressed in mucoid P. aeruginosa CF isolates that specifically bound to sequences located 280 bp upstream of the algD promoter. Mutagenesis of the AlgZ DNA binding site and transcription assays were used to show that AlgZ was an activator of algD transcription. In the current study, the monomeric size of AlgZ was estimated to be between 6 kDa and 15 kDa by electroelution of a protein preparation from an SDS–PAGE gel and analysis of the fractions via protein staining and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. A biochemical enrichment procedure, resulting in a 130-fold enrichment for AlgZ, was devised, the protein identified and a partial amino-terminal sequence obtained. Using the P. aeruginosa Genome Project database, a complete sequence was obtained, and algZ was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Expression of algZ was sufficient for the observed AlgZ DNA binding previously observed from extracts of P. aeruginosa. A protein database search revealed that AlgZ is homologous to the Mnt and Arc repressors of the ribbon–helix–helix family of DNA-binding proteins. An algZ deletion mutant was constructed in the mucoid CF isolate FRD1. The resulting strain was non-mucoid and exhibited no detectable algD transcription. As an indirect role in transcription would probably result in some residual algD transcription, these data suggest that AlgZ is an integral activator of algD and support the hypothesis that both AlgZ and the response regulator AlgR are involved in direct contact with RNA polymerase containing the alternative sigma factor, AlgT. The cloning of algZ is a crucial step in determining the mechanism of algD activation.
Synthesis and Characterization of Zeolites in the System Na2O-K2O-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O

Zeolites having the structures of phillipsite, merlinoite, and gobbinsite were synthesized from clear solutions at 80°C in the system Na2O-K2O-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O and their morphologies, cell parameters, and compositions determined. At 3.5 M silica concentration, the formation of merlinoite (synthetic zeolite W) is favored over the formation of phillipsite (synthetic zeolite ZK-19) by solution conditions of high pH (> 13.6) and low Na/(Na + K) ratios (<0.5). Using the information obtained from the synthesis experiments, the presence of merlinoite was predicted in sediments from Searles Lake, a saline, alkaline lake in California with ideal physiochemical conditions for its formation. Merlinoite was subsequently discovered to occur in tuffaceous sediments as part of an authigenic silicate zonation pattern from phillipsite → phillipsite + merlinoite → merlinoite → K-feldspar with increasing depth. Because of the close similarities in the physical properties of phillipsite and merlinoite, merlinoite may be much more common as an authigenic mineral than is currently realized.
Effects of haptic and graphical force feedback on teleoperated palpation

Direct haptic feedback and graphical force feedback have both been hypothesized to improve the performance of robot-assisted surgery. In this study we evaluate the benefits of haptic and graphical force feedback on surgeon performance and tissue exploration behavior during a teleoperated palpation task of artificial tissues. Seven surgeon subjects (four experienced in robot-assisted surgery) used a 7-degree-of-freedom teleoperated surgical robot to identify a comparatively rigid rigid target object (representing a calcified artery) in phantom heart models using the following feedback conditions: (1) direct haptic and graphical feedback, (2) direct haptic only, (3) graphical feedback only, and (4) no feedback. To avoid the problems of force sensing in a minimally invasive surgical environment, we use a position-exchange controller with dynamics compensation for direct haptic feedback and a force estimator displayed via tool-tip tracking bar graph for graphical force feedback. Although the transparency of the system is limited with this approach, results show that direct haptic force feedback minimizes applied forces to the tissue, while coupled haptic and graphical force feedback minimizes subject task error. For experienced surgeons, haptic force feedback substantially reduced task error independent of graphical feedback.
Robotic prostatectomy: a pooled analysis of published literature

Objective: Robotic prostatectomy has been recently added to the treatment armamentarium of localized prostate cancer. We reviewed published data on this modality with critical appraisal of outcomes and complications. Methods: A Medline ® search was performed that encompassed all published articles on robotic prostatectomy. Select data on open radical retropubic (RRP) and laparoscopic (LP) prostatectomy from centers of excellence in the USA and Europe were included for objective comparison. Perioperative parameters, pathological results, including surgical margin rate, complications and postoperative continence and potency rates were reported. Advantages and shortcomings of robotic prostatectomy, and the learning curve and cost issues were also addressed. Results: Robotic prostatectomy offers advantages of minimally invasive access surgery, including enhanced visualization, decreased bleeding and transfusion rate, shorter hospital stay and faster recovery. Pathological outcomes are comparable to RRP and LP with acceptable positive margin rate. At short-term follow-up, continence and potency results appear to be equivalent to RRP and LP. The learning curve of robotic prostatectomy is faster than that of LP. Cost remains a matter of debate at the present time. Long-term cancer control results of robotic prostatectomy are still maturing. Conclusions: Robotic prostatectomy is a promising minimally invasive surgical approach for men with localized prostate cancer. Short-term clinical and pathological results compare favorably to RRP and LP.
Invariant image recognition by Zernike moments

The problem of rotation-, scale-, and translation-invariant recognition of images is discussed. A set of rotation-invariant features are introduced. They are the magnitudes of a set of orthogonal complex moments of the image known as Zernike moments. Scale and translation invariance are obtained by first normalizing the image with respect to these parameters using its regular geometrical moments. A systematic reconstruction-based method for deciding the highest-order Zernike moments required in a classification problem is developed. The quality of the reconstructed image is examined through its comparison to the original one. The orthogonality property of the Zernike moments, which simplifies the process of image reconstruction, make the suggest feature selection approach practical. Features of each order can also be weighted according to their contribution to the reconstruction process. The superiority of Zernike moment features over regular moments and moment invariants was experimentally verified. >
Multi-Dimensional Image Reconstruction and Field Estimation from Randomly Scattered Sensors

Many important problems in statistical signal processing can be formulated as function estimation from randomly scattered sensors in a multi-dimensional space, e.g. image reconstruction from photon-limited images. We model the problem of image reconstruction and field estimation from scattered sensors as multi-dimensional function reconstruction from random samples. We present a novel approach to the study of signal reconstruction from random samples in a multi-dimensional space. In particular, we show that sampling using constant-mean point processes yields an unbiased estimate. Moreover, we study a classical iterative reconstruction method and demonstrate that it forms a sequence of unbiased estimates for band-limited signals, which converge to the true function in the mean-square sense. Finally, we rely on the iterative estimation method for multi-dimensional image reconstruction and field estimation from sensors scattered according a multi-dimensional Poisson and uniform distribution. Computer simulation experiments demonstrate the efficiency of the iterative estimation method in image reconstruction and field estimation from randomly scattered sensors.
Reconfigurable particle filter design using dataflow structure translation

This paper presents reconfigurable particle filter design, which provides a capability of selecting a single particle filter from multiple particle filter realizations. The execution of the design is based on block level pipelining where data transfer between processing blocks is effectively controlled by autonomous controllers. With a simple switching mechanism that allows transformation of dataflow structure in addition to autonomous buffer controller, any desired particle filter can be performed. Two target particle filters, based on SIRF and GPF, are realized. From the execution characteristics obtained from the FPGA implementation, overall controller structure is derived according to the methodology and verified using Verilog and SystemC.
Pharmacists Need Recognition as Providers to Enhance Patient Care

Objective: To demonstrate that pharmacists are vital but currently underutilized direct care providers and that full provider status and inclusion into advanced multidisciplinary team models is needed. Data Sources: Literature was accessed through Ovid MEDLINE from 1990 to the present using the terms pharmacy care, pharmacist care, medication therapy management, and pharmaceutical care. Web-based searching and backward citation tracking was conducted for context and additional citations. Data Synthesis: There is strong data showing that pharmacists in patient care roles contribute to intermediate and final health outcomes improvements and cost-effectiveness. The general perception of pharmacists from prominent people in the Federal Government, some medical societies, and from physicians and nurses who work with pharmacists most closely is overwhelmingly positive. However, the penetration of pharmacists into complementary patient care roles is minimized by an antiquated reimbursement structure that needs t...
An index structure for improving closest pairs and related join queries in spatial databases

Spatial databases have grown in importance in various fields. Together with them come various types of queries that need to be answered effectively. While queries involving a single data set have been studied extensively, join queries on multi-dimensional data like the k-closest pairs and the nearest neighbor joins have only recently received attention. In this paper we propose a new index structure, the b-Rdnn tree, to solve different join queries. The structure is similar to the Rdnn-tree for reverse nearest neighbor queries. Based on this new index structure, we give algorithms for various join queries in spatial databases. It is especially effective for k-closest pair queries, where earlier algorithms using the R*-tree can be very inefficient in many real life circumstances. To this end we present experimental results on k-closest pair queries to support the fact that our index structure is a better alternative.
Responding to infection and apoptosis — a task for TH17 cells

Two of the critical cytokines required for the differentiation of T helper 17 (T(H)17) cells from naive CD4 T cells are transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Innate recognition of apoptotic cells in the presence of Toll-like receptor engagement directs the simultaneous synthesis of these cytokines by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), and as such provides a cytokine milieu that favors T(H)17 cell induction. In this situation, APCs are activated in response to ligands derived from apoptotic cells, but also to those from the infecting pathogen. Induction of a T(H)17 response against Citrobacter rodentium infection was dependent on the ability of Citrobacter to induce apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells. In this review, we will discuss how simultaneous activation of inflammatory and noninflammatory pattern recognition receptors on APCs impacts T helper cell differentiation, and what relevance this effect has on the immune response generated against bacterial infections that cause host cell apoptosis.
Functional and Structural Studies of TRP Channels Heterologously Expressed in Budding Yeast

The transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily is one of the largest families of cation channels. The metazoan TRP family has been subdivided into major branches: TRPC, TRPA, TRPM, TRPP, TRPV, TRPML, and TRPN, while the TRPY family is found in fungi. They are involved in many physiological processes and in the pathogenesis of various disorders. An efficient high-yield expression system for TRP channels is a necessary step towards biophysical and biochemical characterization and structural analysis of these proteins, and the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has proven to be very useful for this purpose. In addition, genetic screens in this organism can be carried out rapidly to identify amino acid residues important for function and to generate useful mutants. Here we present an overview of current developments towards understanding TRP channel function and structure using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as an expression system. In addition, we will summarize recent progress in understanding gating mechanisms of TRP channels using endogenously expressing TRPY channels in S. cerevisiae, and insights gained from genetic screens for mutants in mammalian channels. The discussion will focus particular attention of the use of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine TRP channel structure, and outlines a “divide and concur” methodology for combining high resolution structures of TRP channel domains determined by X-ray crystallography with lower resolution techniques including cryo-EM and spectroscopy.
How external osmolarity affects the activity of the contractile vacuole complex, the cytosolic osmolarity and the water permeability of the plasma membrane in Paramecium multimicronucleatum

The rate of fluid expulsion, R(CVC), from the contractile vacuole complex (CVC) of Paramecium multimicronucleatum was estimated from the volume of the contractile vacuoles (CVs) immediately before the start of fluid discharge and from the time elapsing between discharges. The R(CVC) increased when the cell was exposed to a strongly hypotonic solution and decreased in a weakly hypotonic solution. When the cell was exposed to an isotonic or a hypertonic solution, R(CVC) fell to zero. The time constant, tau, used to describe the change in R(CVC) in response to a change in external osmolarity shortened after a short-term exposure to a strongly hypotonic solution and lengthened after a short-term exposure to a less hypotonic solution. A remarkable lengthening of tau occurred after a short-term exposure to isotonic or hypertonic solution. Under natural conditions, mechanisms for controlling R(CVC) are effective in maintaining the cytosolic osmolarity hypertonic within a narrow concentration range despite changes in the external osmolarity, which is normally hypotonic to the cytosol. Cells exposed to an isotonic or hypertonic solution resumed CV activity when left in the solution for 12 h. The cytosolic osmolarity was found to increase and to remain hypertonic to the external solution. This will permit cells to continue to acquire water. The increase in the cytosolic osmolarity occurred in a stepwise fashion, rather than linearly, as the external osmolarity increased. That is, the cytosolic osmolarity first remained more-or-less constant at an increased level until the external osmolarity exceeded this level. Thereupon, the cytosolic osmolarity increased to a new higher level in 12 h, so that the cytosol again became hypertonic to the external solution and the cells resumed CV activity. These results imply that the cell needs to maintain water segregation activity even after it has been exposed to an isotonic or hypertonic environment. This supports the idea that the CVC might be involved not only in the elimination of excess cytosolic water but also in the excretion of some metabolic waste substances.
A model at the level of the foraging trip for the indirect effects of krill (Euphausia superba) fisheries on krill predators

We present a model at the level of the foraging trip for the effects of a fishery on krill (Euphausia superba) predators, using the Adelie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) as a model organism. The model involves: (i) the description of the biomass and spatial distribution of krill; (ii) the effects of the fishery on the krill; (iii) the description of penguin breeding; and (iv) the indirect effects of the fishery on penguin reproduction and survival. The objective is to make relative comparisons of penguin reproductive success and adult survival in the absence or presence of a fishery. The biomass of krill appropriate for the predators (and the fishery) fluctuates from one year to the next according to an age-structured, stochastic recruitment model. Furthermore, there is a spatial-temporal structure, determined by diffusion and advection, to krill availability in relation to the location of the penguin breeding colony. Fishing is assumed to change the spatial and temporal distribution of available krill. After fledging, offspring survival depends in part upon the amount of krill delivered to them during the feeding periods. We use empirical data to estimate parental and offspring needs and a standard life history model to set the upper limits for survival. Parental survival after breeding depends upon the krill deficiency (relative to needs) that parents accumulate while feeding their young. A sensitivity analysis of the breeding model shows that the predictions are robust for parameters about which little is known, to the functional forms relating krill abundance to offspring and parent survival, and to the rules that parents use to allocate krill to their offspring. We evaluate expected reproductive success (offspring survival) and expected parental survival as functions of the amount of krill captured by the fishing fleet. Over the range of catch in our study, the reductions in reproductive success are essentially linear functions of krill catch with slope 1.5 and reductions in adult survival are also linear functions of krill catch, with but slopes less than 1. That is, reductions in reproductive success and parental survival are linear functions of krill catch, but not 1:1. The reductions in offspring and parent survival are mainly determined by how long the fishing season lasts and the capacity for harvest, rather than when fishing begins.
Classification, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Syncope

The classification, diagnosis, investigation, and management of syncopal attacks in childhood are reviewed from the Department of Cardiology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow, UK.
The role of research institutions in the formation of the biotech cluster in Massachusetts: The MIT experience

Based on the MIT experience and that of other US universities, the formation and sustained existence of biotechnology company clusters are discussed. A cluster's origin and continued health are dependent upon government funding of state-of-the-art science in universities and institutions. Effective technology transfer is also necessary with a formal legal infrastructure for university participation and sufficient funds to file patents. The formation of new companies requires a business infrastructure in the community and talented people: researchers; technology transfer professionals; entrepreneurial company founders; scientists and managers to staff the companies; and knowledgeable investors. Finding people gets easier as clusters grow. It takes a whole community to build a biotechnology cluster – but once built, the cluster can achieve a sustaining life that strengthens itself.
Does the Iowa Gambling Task Measure Executive Function

The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) is assumed to measure executive functioning, but this has not been empirically tested by means of both convergent and discriminant validity. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to test whether the IGT is an executive function (EF) task (convergent validity) and whether it is not related to other neuropsychological domains (discriminant validity). Healthy community-dwelling participants (N ¼ 214) completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. We analyzed the conventional IGT metric and three alternative metrics based on the overall difference of advantageous minus disadvantageous choices made during the last 60 IGT responses and advantageous minus disadvantageous choices based on two specific decks of cards (D minus A). An a priori six-factor hierarchical model of neuropsychological functioning was confirmed with SEM. Attention and processing speed were grouped as “non-associative” factors. Fluency, executive functioning, visual learning/memory, and verbal learning/memory were grouped as higher-level “associative” factors. Of the non-associative factors, attention, but not speed, predicted IGT performance. When each associative factor was entered along with attention, only EF improved the model fit and that was only for metrics based on trials 41‐100. SEM indicates metrics based on trails 1‐100 are influenced by attention, and metrics based on trails 41‐100 are influenced by attention and EF. Its associative strength with attention is twice that of EF. Conceptually, the IGT is a multi-trait task involving novel problem-solving and attentional domains to a greater extent, and executive functioning to a lesser extent.
Atrial Electrogram Amplitude and Efficacy of Cavotricuspid Isthmus Ablation for Atrial Flutter

Large atrial electrogram amplitudes recorded in the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) may reflect thick atrial musculature. For this reason, in patients with atrial flutter, the efficacy of an application of conventional radiofrequency energy may be related to the amplitude of the local atrial electrogram. In 100 consecutive patients (mean age 59 +/- 13 years) with atrial flutter, contiguous applications of radiofrequency energy were delivered in the CTI. The criterion for complete CTI block was the presence of widely split double potentials (>110 ms) along the entire ablation line during pacing from the coronary sinus and posterolateral right atrium. The atrial electrogram amplitude was measured before and after applications of radiofrequency energy at sites of gaps in the ablation line. Complete CTI block was achieved in 90 (90%) of the 100 patients. The mean atrial electrogram amplitudes at gap sites where an application of radiofrequency energy did and did not result in complete block were 0.36 +/- 0.42 and 0.67 +/- 0.62 mV, respectively (P /=50% decrease in electrogram amplitude after an application of radiofrequency energy were 100% and 35%, respectively. The mean atrial electrogram amplitude is larger at CTI sites where complete isthmus block cannot be achieved with conventional radiofrequency energy. The efficacy of conventional radiofrequency ablation may be improved by identifying areas in the CTI where the voltage is relatively low.
Dietary acculturation and the nutrition transition: an overview.

This article provides an overview of the phenomena of “dietary acculturation” and the “nutrition transition”. The term dietary acculturation is defined, and a proposed model for how dietary accultu...
Modeling and transient simulation of planes in electronic packages

This paper presents a modeling and simulation approach for ground/power planes in high speed packages. A plane pair structure is first characterized in terms of its impedance (Z) matrix at arbitrary port locations in the frequency domain. This solution is then extended for multiple plane pairs under the assumption that skin effect is prominent at higher frequencies causing isolation between the layers. Since the solutions are in analytical form, the frequency and transient response can be computed efficiently requiring small computational time. To develop spice models, equivalent circuits are constructed using resonator models with passive elements using model order reduction methods. This paper also discusses a method for incorporating decoupling capacitors into the plane models. The simulation results show good correlation with measured data.
Robust CLRF based nonlinear control design for time delay systems

The concept of control Lyapunov-Razumikhin function (CLRF) has been introduced as a tool for designing globally stabilizing control law for time delay systems. The control law has the same form as the domination redesign control law for nondelay systems which is (inverse) optimal and, hence, provides infinite gain margin and a nonlinear equivalent of 60/spl deg/ phase margin. In this paper we show that the CLRF based control laws also posses robustness to input unmodeled dynamics. The robustness to static input uncertainties is the same as the one of optimal nondelay systems. The robustness to dynamic uncertainties proven in this paper is weaker than that of optimal systems.
Integrating with neurons.

says that y is the time integral of x. This mathematical operation occurs in the central nervous system and is the subject of this review. The review concentrates on the integrator of the vestibulo-ocular reflex as a prominent example, offers a model of how integration might be done by neurons, and speculates about the extent to which neural integrators occur elsewhere in motor control. Integration describes physical processes all around us: The volume of a fluid (blood) in a container (ventricle) is the integral of the inflow (venous return); the position of the shaft of a d.c. motor is the integral of the current applied to its armature. These examples, however, are just statements of physics. They are not examples of devices deliberately constructed by nature or technology to integrate a signal to achieve some desired end. Such devices are not very visible in our world. One exception is attached to the back of our houses, it measures the energy we use by integrating our power consumption, but most integrators hide in boxes that operate cranes, fly airplanes, orient satellites, and so on. In these examples, the integrators are usually located in negative feed­ back control systems. Their value there, to oversimplify, is that integrators have very large gains at low frequencies, making controllers very accurate
Preserving neuroplasticity: Role of glucocorticoids and neurotrophins via phosphorylation.

The interaction between neurotrophins and glucocorticoids has been at the center of studies of neuroplasticity in stress-related disorders for several decades (1). The report in PNAS by Arango-Lievano et al. (2) shows that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) facilitates glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated signaling and enables glucocorticoids, primed by BDNF, to activate gene transcription and possibly other cellular actions mediated by the GR. As a first step, according to Arango-Lievano et al., glucocorticoids allow the detachment of the protein phosphatase, PP5, from GR complexes, permitting increased GR phosphorylation by MAP kinases. Then, the coincidence of BDNF and glucocorticoids is necessary to activate genomic GR responses because GR is not translocated into the nucleus of neurons stimulated only with BDNF, without the glucocorticoid being present.
Impaired osmoregulatory responses in rats with area postrema lesions.

Area postrema lesions (APX) in adult male rats produced a robust spontaneous intake of 0.5 M NaCl, as reported previously. The largest NaCl intakes (up to 108 ml/day) were observed when there was l...
Morphometric characterization of kidney tumors.

Purpose of review Recently, several measurement systems have been proposed that allow for objective assessment of kidney tumor location. These include the R.E.N.A.L., P.A.D.U.A, and C-index kidney nephrometry scoring systems. Here, we review these systems in terms of their utility in surgical planning, outcomes prediction, and academic reporting. Recent findings Nephrometry scoring systems allow for methodological and standardized analysis of kidney tumor location. The P.A.D.U.A. and C-index systems have been shown to associate with complication rates after partial nephrectomy. The C-index system has been shown to associate with renal functional outcomes after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Several studies are ongoing to assess the clinical utility of these nephrometry scoring systems. Summary Nephrometry scoring systems are promising new tools that can guide surgical decision-making in nephron-sparing surgery. Preliminary data support that the systems allow for improved academic reporting, complications risk assessment, and functional outcomes prediction.
Management Guidelines for Athletic Injuries to the Cervical Spine

The potential or actual involvement of the nervous system in injuries to the cervical spine requires that management must proceed with particular care. Prevention of further injury is the main objective. Proper management must begin with the removal of the athlete from the field, and the correct procedures for doing this are reviewed. Treatment procedures for the following injuries are discussed: (1) nerve root and brachial plexus neurapraxia; (2) acute cervical sprain syndrome; (3) cervical vertebral subluxation without fracture; (4) cervical fractures and dislocations; (5) cervical spinal cord neurapraxia with transient quadriplegia; and (6) cervical spinal instability. Also, guidelines for activity restrictions are presented.
US FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: EVIDENCE FROM PANEL DATA

This paper uses panel data for the period ranging from 1996 to 2013 to investigate the contribution of US foreign direct investment to economic growth in fourteen Sub-Saharan African Countries. We apply the fixed and random effects model as well as the Generalized Method of Moments model to estimate two different equations. In the first equation, capital stock is estimated to include US foreign direct investments for selected years while the second equation excludes US direct investment from the capital stock variable. The results of the estimations revealed that domestic capital significantly affect economic growth in these countries but found no discernible evidence that US FDI have any direct impact on economic growth in the host countries. The results also found significant effect of political stability and openness on the growth of Sub Saharan African countries. The implication of these findings is that the region can promote economic growth by mobilizing domestic resources, ensuring that there is political stability and opening their economies to external competition.
Technology of remote control system designing and realizing based on LabVIEW

This article uses the labview formidable network correspondence function,it realizes remote client side through TCP/IP the agreement control server end institute machine switch,the valve accusation equipment condition and the virtual instrument network remote monitoring.
Opportunistic infections and pharmacology.

The most common acute complication in HIV infection is likely to be one of the many possible opportunistic infections caused by immunodeficiency. These infections may be the index diagnosis of AIDS or occur in previously diagnosed patients as additional problems. Monitoring for the symptoms of disease and monitoring patients while undergoing treatment are frequently included in nursing care. This article discusses the diagnosis and treatment of some of the more common of the major opportunistic infections seen in AIDS.
Creating aim effective system for the development, submission, and evaluation of computer science class assignments

As class schedules become more sensitive to the needs of non-traditional students, flexible environments for managing student coursework are becoming more and more important. We describe a system developed at the University of Louisiana at Monroe to provide a secure working environment both for students developing projects, and for instructors evaluating projects. The system's core feature is a software tool for submitting projects, which manages the transition between these environments in a secure, validated manner. We show how the system addresses many curricular and institutional goals, and how the system is managed. Finally, we identify several unexpected benefits and applications for the system.
Isotonic water soluble contrast material for cystourethrography.

Abstract Cystourethrography was performed consecutively in 70 girls and 30 boys, using an isotonic 10 per cent solution of diatrizoate meglumine. All studies were judged to give adequate visualization by 3 pediatric radiologists. No patient experienced pain or hematuria. Of all patients 25 girls and 15 boys had abnormal findings on cystourethrography. We conclude that the diagnostic sensitivity of cystourethrograms done with an isotonic solution equals that of studies with more concentrated contrast material.
PERFORMANCE OF A1C VERSUS OGTT FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF PREDIABETES IN A COMMUNITY-BASED SCREENING

Objective: Reliable identification of individuals at risk for developing diabetes is critical to instituting preventative strategies. Studies suggest that the accuracy of using hemoglobin A1c as a sole diagnostic criterion for diabetes may be variable across different ethnic groups. We postulate that there will be lack of concordance between A1c and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for diagnosing prediabetes across Hispanic and non-Hispanic white (NHW) populations. Methods: A total of 218 asymptomatic adults at risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) were assessed with A1c and OGTT for the diagnosis of prediabetes. Glucose homeostasis status was assigned as no diabetes (A1c 6.4% [46 mmol/mol]). Inclusion criteria were age >18 years and at least one of the following: a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes, Hispanic ethnicity, non-Caucasian race, or obesity. Subjects received a fasting 75-g OGTT and A1c on...
A Thermodynamical Framework Incorporating the Effect of the Thermal History on the Solidification of Molten Polymers

Abstract If a polymer melt is quenched sufficiently quickly, the polymer solidifies to a predominantly glassy state. On the other hand, a polymer melt solidifies to a predominantly semicrystalline state when the cooling rate is sufficiently slow. The rate of crystallization is enhanced in the presence of deformation in the melt, which is termed as flow-induced crystallization, and even under quiescent conditions, the thermal history significantly affects the temperature at which the crystallization is initiated. Thus, there is a competition between quenching, which tends to suppress the crystallization process and deformation of the melt that enhances the same. The thermomechanical history undergone by the melt determines whether a polymer melt solidifies predominantly to a glass or a crystalline state or a mixture of the two. In this chapter, we incorporate deformation history effects in the framework developed by Rao and Rajagopal [ 1 ] to study the problem of solidification of polymer melts within a unified setting. When the cooling rate is sufficiently slow, the crystallization kinetics described by Nakamura-type kinetics is insufficient to describe the crystallization as the slower “secondary” crystallization related to the lamellar thickening becomes important. Secondary crystallization effects are also included and a general model is developed within a thermodynamic setting. The melt is modeled as a viscoelastic liquid and the crystalline solid, which comes into being over an interval of time associated with an evolving set of natural configurations, is modeled as a one- parameter family of orthotropic elastic solids. The amorphous glassy solid is modeled as an isotropic viscoelastic solid.
Green’s Function

In Chap. 2, Sect. 2.1.1, we considered one method, variation of parameters (or variation of constants ), for solving the linear inhomogeneous differential equation. In the method considered here, rather than determining the solution to the differential equation with the inhomogeneous term defined at each point of the interval, we consider the equation in which the inhomogeneous term is the Dirac delta function, \(\delta (x-\xi )\), which is zero except at the point \(x=\xi \) within the interval. Its solution is called the Green’s function \(G(x,\xi )\). In considering the Green’s function for difference equations we follow closely the analysis presented for differential equations.
Integration of ferromagnetic and ferroelectric films for fully electrically tunable RF devices

Tunable RF components are key elements in frequency reconfigurable and multifunctional systems. However there are technological barriers to achieve miniaturized fully electrically tunable RF components. This paper provides a unique design methodology in developing electrically tunable RF devices from the integration of ferromagnetic (Permalloy) and ferroelectric thin films. Permalloy thin film has been patterned in nanometer scale to improve its ferromagnetic resonance frequency for RF applications. A tunable transmission line with simultaneously variable inductance and capacitance density is developed, and measurmd results show that a fixed phase shift can be achieved from 2GHz to 1.55 GHz with the application of DC current and voltage. A center frequency tunable bandpass filter has also been developed with the application of Py thin film. In addition, engineered substrate implemented with embedded Permalloy and PZT patterns has been proposed which provides both electrically tunable equivalent permeability and permittivity; arbitrary tunable RF components are achievable on the proposed substrate combined with the state-of-art tunable techniques. t Times New Roman Bold font. An example is shown next.
Dynamics of process networks with recycle and purge: Time scale separation and model decomposition

Abstract Process networks with recycle are well-known to exhibit complex dynamics and to present significant control challenges, due to the feedback interactions induced by the recycle streams. In this paper, we address the dynamic analysis and control of process networks with recycle and small purge streams used for removal of light inert components (feed impurities and/or reaction byproducts) from the recycle loop. We establish, through a singular perturbation analysis, that such networks exhibit a time scale separation in their dynamics, with the slow dynamics induced by the small amount of inert purged from the recycle loop. We also present a model reduction method for deriving a nonlinear low-order model of this slow dynamics which can be used to rationally address the control of the level of inerts in the network.