cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DNA synthesis-dependent relief of repression of transcription from the adenovirus type 2 IVa2 promoter by a cellular protein

The promoter of the human adenovirus type 2 IVa(2) gene, which becomes active only during the late phase of infection, is built largely from sequences spanning, and downstream of, the sites of initiation of transcription. These sequences comprise an initiator, an intragenic sequence necessary for efficient transcription from the promoter by RNA polymerase II, and an intragenic binding site for a cellular repressor of IVa(2) transcription. The properties of the latter protein, which is termed IVa(2)-RF, suggested that it might account for the viral DNA synthesis-dependent activation of IVa(2) transcription during the adenoviral productive cycle. Here we report the results of experiments to assess the contributions of DNA template concentration and IVa(2)-RF binding to the activity of the IVa(2) promoter using a transient expression system. When a IVa(2)-EGFP reporter gene was introduced into HeLa cells, in which IVa(2)-RF was identified, no EFGP synthesis could be detected. In contrast, in IVa(2)-RF-containing cells in which the plasmid carrying the chimeric gene replicated, synthesis of both the EGFP protein and the IVa(2)-EGFP mRNA was readily detected. A vector mutation that blocked plasmid replication reduced IVa(2) promoter activity to undetectable levels. In contrast, a IVa(2) promoter substitution that impaired binding of IVa(2)-RF increased IVa(2) promoter activity under all conditions examined. Furthermore, introduction of DNA containing the IV-RF binding site with the chimeric reporter genes resulted in increased transcription from the IVa(2) promoter in the absence of plasmid replication. These properties are consistent with the hypothesis that the relative concentration of the IVa(2) promoter and of the cellular repressor that binds to it governs transcription from this adenoviral promoter.
Examining the Intersection of Arts Education and Special Education

A variety of stakeholders work to ensure opportunities for students with disabilities to learn in and through the arts. Because they work in various disciplines in the fields of arts education and special education, these stakeholders lack opportunities to share resources and information. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and its arts and disability affiliate VSA, brought together leaders at the intersection of arts education and special education in the summer of 2012. These leaders established recommendations for a national agenda to address issues impacting the arts education of students with disabilities. These recommendations are encompassed within two broad proposals: (1) create a dynamic information hub/technical assistance center, and (2) establish a consortium of stakeholders across the arts education and special education communities to advance a national agenda. The Kennedy Center and others are now addressing various agenda items, which will ultimately impact access to and th...
The α-endomannosidase gene ( MANEA ) is associated with panic disorder and social anxiety disorder

Unbiased genome-wide approaches can provide novel insights into the biological pathways that are important for human behavior and psychiatric disorder risk. The association of α-endomannosidase gene (MANEA) variants and cocaine-induced paranoia (CIP) was initially described in a study that used a whole-genome approach. Behavioral effects have been reported for other mannosidase genes, but MANEA function in humans and the clinical potential of the previous findings remain unclear. We hypothesized that MANEA would be associated with psychiatric phenotypes unrelated to cocaine use. We used a multi-stage association study approach starting with four psychiatric disorders to show an association between a MANEA single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; rs1133503) and anxiety disorders. In the first study of 2073 European American (EA) and 2459 African American subjects mostly with comorbid drug or alcohol dependence, we observed an association in EAs of rs1133503 with panic disorder (PD) (191 PD cases, odds ratio (OR)=1.7 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–2.41), P=0.002). We replicated this finding in an independent sample of 142 PD cases (OR =1.53 (95% CI: 1.00–2.31), P=0.043) and extended it in an independent sample of 131 generalized social anxiety disorder cases (OR=2.15 (95% CI: 1.27–3.64), P=0.004). MANEA alleles and genotypes were also associated with gene expression differences in whole blood cells. Using publically available data, we observed a consistent effect on expression in brain tissue. We conclude that pathways involving α-endomannosidase warrant further investigation in relation to anxiety disorders.
The use of transanal rectal advancement flaps in the management of fistulas involving the anorectum.

Between 1981 and 1986, transanal rectal advancement flaps were employed in the surgical management of 39 anorectal fistulas at the Cleveland Clinic. Included were 23 low rectovaginal, 12 fistulas-in-ano and, four rectourethral fistulas. Nineteen fistulas occurred in patients with Crohn's disease while the other 20 included 11 due to obstetric or surgical injury. This technique has become the Clinic's standard management for low rectovaginal fistulas but is reserved for complex fistulas-in-ano. Active proctitis or malignancy are contraindications to the procedure. Surgery requires elevation of a broad-based rectal flap, curettage of the tract, and advancement and primary suture of the flap over the internal opening. Fistulas were eradicated in 27 cases (69.2 percent) including 11 of 19 due to Crohn's disease (57.9 percent) and 16 of the 20 (80.0 percent) from other causes (mean follow-up 25 months). Rectovaginal fistulas healed in 60.0 percent of those with Crohn's disease compared with 76.9 percent of those due to other causes. Complex fistulas-in-ano in Crohn's disease did less well. Only two of six of these fistulas healed. Temporary stomal diversion was used on nine occasions and a successful outcome was achieved in only four, indicative of the greater complexity of these cases. It is concluded that the transanal rectal advancement flap can be an effective method of repair for fistulas of the anorectal region including selected cases due to Crohn's disease
The Local Environments of Long-Duration Gamma-Ray Bursts

We construct various properties (e.g., metallicity/redshift distributions) for populations of long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) from different proposed progenitor models. We use a description of star formation that takes into account the evolution of metallicity with redshift and galaxy mass, the evolution of galaxy mass with redshift, and the star formation rate with galaxy mass and redshift. We compare predicted distributions with redshift and metallicity to observations of GRB host galaxies and find that the simple models cannot produce the observed distributions, but that current theoretical models can reproduce the observations within some constraints on the fraction of fallback black holes that produce GRBs.
Market pioneers, late movers, and the resource-based view (RBV): A conceptual model

Abstract Lieberman and Montgomery note that “…we see benefits from linking empirical findings on first-mover advantages with the complementary stream of research on the resource-based view of the firm” (1998, p. 1111); they suggest that such a link will help explain differences in firm performance. Therefore, this study develops a conceptual framework linking FMAs with the resource-based view of the firm (RBV); in doing so, this framework explains the links between entry timing, resource management, and firm performance. Specifically, this study examines FMAs in light of a four-step resource management process [Morgan RM. Relationship marketing and marketing strategy: the evolution of relationship strategy within the organization. In: Sheth JN, Parvatiyar A, editors. Handbook of Relationship Marketing. Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications, 2000. p. 481–504.; Morgan RM, Hunt S. Relationship-based competitive advantage: the role of relationship marketing in marketing strategy. J Bus Res 1999; 46 (November): 281–90.] consisting of: 1) efficient acquisition (EA), 2) bundling/combining (BC), 3) positioning (POS), and 4) maintenance/protection (MP). The link between FMAs and the resource management process helps explain why so few first movers retain their advantages.
PARTIAL ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TESTICULAR GnRH-LIKE FACTORS

We report here partial isolation and characterization of at least two GnRH-receptor binding factors from the ethanol:chloroform:acetic acid (ECA) extracts of rat testis. The displacement curve of defatted, steroid-free and desalted ECA extract was parallel to that of D-(leu)6-des(Gly)10-GnRH-EA in a GnRH-radioreceptor assay. Immunoaffinity chromatography on cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose 4B beads covalently bound to an antibody raised against d-(lys)6-GnRH resulted in more than a hundredfold increase in receptor binding specific activity. Equivalent amounts of kidney extract after affinity chromatography showed no significant activity. Coincubation of the material purified by affinity chromatography with the labeled ligand did not result in significant peptidase degradation of the label, indicating that apparent displacement of the label in the receptor assay was not the result of cleavage of the ligand. HPLC of the material partially purified by affinity chromatography on a reverse phase 5 μm ODS c...
Three-dimensional optical tomographic localization of changes in absorption coefficients in the human brain

ABSTRACT We report on the first three dimensional tomographic localization of vascular reactivity in the brain. Using a model-based iterative image reconstruction algorithm we show the spatial distribution of changes in the absorption coefficientcaused by changes in blood volume. Unlike currently available topographic reconstruction techniques, three-dimensional,volumetric reconstruction schemes promise to be capable of spatially distinguishing between signals originating in thecerebral cortex from those originating in the overlying tissues.Keywords: Diffuse optical tomography, brain imaging, three-dimensional imaging, inverse-problem. 1. INTRODUCTION In recent years there has been an increased interest in using diffuse optical tomography (DOT) for imaging the brain. 1-12 It iswell established that near-infrared light can be used to probe the brain for changes in blood oxygenation during functionalneural activation or changes in blood volume as they occur in injuries like hematomas. In most of the currently establishedprotocols, either a single source and a single detector is used to perform point measurements, or an array of sources anddetectors with a fixed geometry is employed to obtain topographic maps. Topographic maps show spatially resolved changesin the absorption coefficient during certain exercise protocols, such as finger flexes or breath holds. These maps project thecortical response together with the superficial vascular changes onto a two-dimensional surface map. The resulting surfacemaps are usually obtained by back-projecting absorption coefficients along a line between source and detector pairs.
A bounded normal light interior function that possesses no point asymptotic values

Bagemihl and Seidel have shown that the set of Fatou points of a normal holomorphic function inD is everywhere dense onC. We present an example of a bounded normal light interior function that possesses no point asymptotic values.
Production of heavy Higgs bosons: Comparisons of exact and approximate results☆

The WW and ZZ mechanisms for the production of very heavy Higgs bosons are examined in detail. The differential cross section with respect to the energies of the final-state fermions is calculated analytically. The total cross section for the elementary process q1q2 → q′1q′2H is calculated using this analytic result and compared to the effective W-approximation. The latter is typically 5–30% too large. A simple parameterization of the quark luminosity spectra is presented and used to determine the production of Higgs bosons of mass 0.2–1 TeV in pp collisions for √s = 20 TeV and 40 TeV.
The effect of oxidative stress on levels of cytosolic calcium within and uptake of calcium by synaptosomes.

The ability of synaptosomes subjected to oxidative stress, to maintain homeostasis has been evaluated using various indices of cellular integrity. These include levels of cytosolic calcium and leakiness of the plasma membrane. The status of a neural characteristic; depolarization-induced calcium entry into the cytoplasm, has also been studied. The presence of 5 ?M FeSO(4) and 0.1 mM ascorbic acid increased peroxidative activity as judged by the rate of thiobarbituric acid reactive material production, and depressed levels of free ionic calcium [Ca(2+)](i) as determined using the calcium-sensitive flouorescent indicator dye fura-2. Depolarization-induced influx of (45)Ca(2+) was greatly depressed under these conditions, while basal calcium uptake was inhibited to a much lesser degree. The efflux of fura-2 from synaptosomes was enhanced in the oxidizing environment, suggesting increased permeability of the synaptosomal outer limiting membrane. The treatment of synaptosomes with 25 ?M ?-tocopherol succinate before and during exposure to the Fe(2+)/ascorbate mixture prevented many of the changes otherwise induced by the oxidizing system. Similar pretreatment with ?-carotene or superoxide dismutase did not have any protective effect. Ganglioside GM(1) pre-exposure did not alter the Fe(2+)/ascorbate-induced changes in calcium-related parameters, but mitigated synaptosomal plasma membrane damage as judged by fura-2 leakage. Thus exogenous agents may be capable of reducing the severity of oxidative stress in nervous tissue.
PN vs. double-PN approximations for highly anisotropic scattering

Abstract Double-PN transport calculations have generally been thought to give better results than the corresponding (2N-1)-order calculations with the full-range spherical harmonics. especially near boundaries. New radiative transfer calculations in both low and high orders with highly anisotropic scattering bear this out. We examine results given by both methods for a set of standard problems for a haze model with 82 terms in the phase function and for a cloud model with 300 terms i n the phase function.
High-performance liquid chromatography of sulfur-containing amino acids and related compounds with amperometric detection at a modified electrode.

Organic disulfides generally are not oxidized at bare electrodes under conditions that are suited to routine amperometric detection, and thiols are typically oxidized in a manner that leads to partial blockage of the surface. Modification of a carbon electrode with a film of Ru(III,IV) oxide stabilized with cyanocross-links permits the amperometric detection of cystine, cysteine, gluthathione, methionine, and gluthathione disulfide under conditions compatible with their chromatographic separation on a strong cation-exchange column. Detection limits of 0.2–0.6 μM and linear dynamic ranges of at least 1–50 μM were obtained. The electrode was stable for at least 11 days with a pH 1 citrate, phosphate mobile phase.
Global Solutions of the Navier-Stokes Equations for Multidimensional Compressible Flow with Discontinuous Initial Data

Abstract We prove the global existence of weak solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations for compressible, isothermal flow in two and three space dimensions when the initial density is close to a constant in L 2 and L ∞ , and the initial velocity is small in L 2 and bounded in L 2 n (in two dimensions the L 2 norms must be weighted slightly). A great deal of qualitative information about the solution is obtained. For example, we show that the velocity and vorticity are relatively smooth in positive time, as is the "effective viscous flux" F , which is the divergence of the velocity minus a certain multiple of the pressure. We find that F plays a crucial role in the entire analysis, particularly in closing the required energy estimates, understanding rates of regularization near the initial layer, and most important, obtaining time-independent pointwise bounds for the density.
Suppression of Protein Phosphatase 2 Differentially Modulates VEGF- and FGF2-Induced Signaling in Ovine Fetoplacental Artery Endothelial Cells

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) elicit cellular responses via activation of protein kinases and phosphatases. We have reported that the MEK1/2/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT1 pathways are critical for VEGF- and FGF2-stimulated ovine fetoplacental artery endothelial (OFPAE) cell proliferation. We have also shown that protein phosphatase 3 (PPP3) differentially modulates VEGF- and FGF2-stimulated cell proliferation and activation of ERK1/2 and AKT1 in OFPAE cells. Herein, we investigated if protein phosphatase 2 (PPP2) modulated VEGF- and FGF2-induced ERK1/2, AKT1, and p38 MAPK activation and VEGF- and FGF2-stimulated cell proliferation in OFPAE cells. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) specifically targeting human PPP2CA catalytic subunit alpha (PPP2CA) was used to suppress PPP2CA expression in OFPAE cells. When compared with scrambled siRNA, PPP2CA siRNA decreased (p<0.05) PPP2CA protein levels (approximately 70%) and activity (approximately 50%) without altering protein levels of PPP3 catalytic subunit alpha (PPP3CA), nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3), ERK1/2, AKT1, and p38 MAPK. FGF2, but not VEGF rapidly (< or =5 min) induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Suppression of PPP2CA enhanced (p<0.05) VEGF-induced AKT1, but not ERK1/2 phosphorylation, whereas inhibited (p<0.05) FGF2-induced ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK and slightly attenuated FGF2-induced AKT1 phosphorylation. Suppression of PPP2CA did not significantly affect VEGF- and FGF2-stimulated OFPAE cell proliferation. Thus, suppression of PPP2CA alone differentially modulated VEGF- and FGF2-induced ERK1/2, AKT1, and p38 MAPK activation, without altering VEGF- and FGF2-stimulated cell proliferation in OFPAE cells. These data also suggest that signaling molecules other than ERK1/2, AKT1, and p38 MAPK are important mediators for VEGF- and FGF2-stimulated OFPAE cell proliferation after PPP2CA suppression.
Deterpenation of Citrus Essential Oils by Solvent Partition with Dimethyl Sulfoxide

SUMMARY A comparison of deterpenation of cold-pressed lemon and orange oils by silicic acid, steam distillation, and dimetbyl sulfoxide (DMSO) partition is presented. The recoveries by each method for lemon and orange oils and the ultraviolet absorbance of the orange oil fractions are given. Deterpenation by DMSO compared favorably with the steam-distillation and silicic acid methods. The recoveries of 34 naturally occurring citrus constituents from aqueous DMSO after solvent partition with pentane are presented to indicate the separation capabilities of DMSO for flavor and aroma studies in citrus and citrus products and possible application to residue analyses.
Model-based ruling line detection in noisy handwritten documents

Ruling lines are commonly used to help people write neatly on paper. In document analysis, however, they raise hurdles for the tasks of handwriting recognition or writer identification. In this paper, we model ruling line detection as a multi-line linear regression problem and then derive a globally optimal solution under the Least Squares Error. For performance evaluation, we compute the error statistics on the model attributes and also employ human correction of algorithmic results for performance evaluation, instead of using pixel-level performance measures. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method on three datasets, including modern and historic document images. Specifically, we obtained 95% accuracy in detecting ruling lines in a modern handwriting dataset with 100 documents. Under an interactive evaluation framework, the new algorithm showed performance gains over one existing approach.
The signal for a leaky UAG stop codon in several plant viruses includes the two downstream codons

Expression of the RNA replicase domain of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and certain protein-coding regions in other plant viruses, is mediated by translational readthrough of a leaky UAG stop codon. It has been proposed that normal tobacco tyrosine tRNAs are able to read the UAG codon of TMV by non-conventional base-pairing but recent findings that stop codons can also be bypassed as a result of extended translocational shifts (tRNA hopping) have encouraged a re-examination. In light of the alternatives, we investigated the sequences flanking the leaky UAG codon using an in vivo assay in which bypass of the stop codon is coupled to the transient expression of beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter genes in tobacco protoplasts. Analysis of GUS constructions in which codons flanking the stop were altered allowed definition of the minimal sequence required for read through as UAG-CAA-UUA. The effects of all possible single-base mutations in the codons flanking the stop indicated that 3' contexts of the form CAR-YYA confer leakiness and that the 3' context permits read through of UAA and UGA stop codons as well as UAG. Our studies demonstrate a major role for the 3' context in the read through process and do not support a model in which teh UAG is bypassed exclusively as a result of anticodon-codon interactions. No evidence for tRNA hopping was obtained. The 3' context apparently represents a unique sequence element that affects translation termination.
Moral luck and partialist theories

Examinant les cas conflictuels entre les theories partiales et les theories impartiales de la moralite, l'A. montre que la these de la partialite, fondee sur l'influence de nos proches dans nos obligations morales, est irrecevable du point de vue de la rationalite morale exigeant l'impartialite
TEM investigation of titanium-silicide Schottky contacts on GaAs

Abstract Titanium silicides were used as Schottky contacts on GaAs. Samples with two different ratios of Ti:Si 1:2 and 1:3 were prepared. The composition with the 1:3 Ti:Si ratio was found to result in good Schottky contact parameters. Structural and analytical investigations, including high-resolution electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, were used to characterized the formed contacts.
Altered basement membrane protein biosynthesis by primary cultures of cpk/cpk mouse kidney

Altered basement membrane protein biosynthesis by primary cultures of cpk/cpk mouse kidney. Previously, kidneys from three-week-old cpk/cpk C57/B16 mice were found to contain elevated mRNA levels for the basement membrane components collagen IV and laminin [1]. Here primary cultures of kidney epithelial cells derived from cpk/cpk C57/B16 mice were established and the production of these proteins in culture was studied. Primary cultures of cpk/cpk mouse kidney epithelial cells were observed to have a more polygonal, flattened morphology than cells from unaffected littermate kidneys. The rate of collagen IV and laminin biosynthesis was determined by means of [ 35 S] labelling studies followed by immunoprecipitation. Collagen IV and laminin biosynthesis are elevated by approximately twofold or more in primary cultures derived from 20-day-old cpk/cpk mice, as compared with parallel primary cultures derived from their unaffected littermates. Similarly, laminin Bl chain mRNA is elevated in primary cultures derived from 20-day-old cpk/cpk mice. In primary cultures derived from younger (day 11) mice, similar differences in the rates of both collagen and laminin biosynthesis were not observed between the two culture types. These observations are consistent with the previously reported age-dependent differences observed in laminin and in collagen IV gene expression in both cpk/cpk and wild-type mouse kidneys, and suggest that the regulation of overproduction of these proteins is due to an alteration in the kidney cells and not due to systemic factors.
Processing of pure-tone and FM stimuli in the auditory cortex of the FM bat, Myotis lucifugus.

Abstract FM bats perceive their surroundings during echolocation by analyzing frequency-modulated (FM) acoustic signals. Results from this study indicate a cortical organization in Myotis lucifugus which is largely made up of neurons sensitive to FM sounds (FM-sensitive neurons). Three types of neurons were distinguished by their responses to pure-tone and FM stimuli: (1) Type I FM-sensitive units (83%), Type II FM-sensitive units (13%) and pure-tone sensitive units (4%). Type I FM-sensitive units responded to pure tones, but exhibited greater response magnitudes to FM stimuli when the best FM swept through the BF. An orderly frequency representation was found when the frequencies of pure tones essential for response (EPTs) in Type I units were mapped along the cortical surface. The EPTs for Type I neurons were usually found within the last millisecond of a downward FM sweep. As outlined by two neuronal network models, both the responses of Type I and II units could likely result from the convergence of excitatory and inhibitory lower level neurons with slightly differing BFs. Type II units were selective for an FM sweep and showed negligible to no response to pure-tone stimuli. Pure-tone sensitive units exhibited weak or no responses to FM stimuli. These neurons were clustered in a small area located rostrodorsal to the tonotopic zone and had significantly lower best frequencies than adjacent EPT frequencies of Type I FM-sensitive neurons.
4,7-Dimethoxybenzo[c]furan

The title compound, C 10 H 10 O 3 , is nearly planar with a maximum deviation from planarity of 0.140 (2) A for methoxy atom C11. The geometry of the benzo[c]furan moieyy is indicative of a non-aromatic ring system. The bond lengths more closely resemble those of two non-interacting diene systems than those of an aromatic one. There are alternating long and short bond lengths around the ring skeleton with the long and short C−C bonds averaging 1.437 (2) and 1.354 (2) A, respectively. There are close C−H...O intermolecular contacts which may help stabilize the molecule in the solid state
I Could Have Done That

Could a work of art actually authored by one artist have been authored, instead, by another? This is the question of the necessity of authorship. After distinguishing this question from another, regarding individuation, with which it is often confused, this paper offers an argument that authorship is indeed a necessary feature of most artworks. The argument proceeds from 'independence principles', which govern the processes by which artworks are produced. Independence principles are motivated, in turn, by metaphysical reflections on what it takes to prevent an artist from producing a particular work of art.
Development of intrinsic burst generation in identified neuron R15 ofAplysia

The development of endogenous bursting pattern of identified neuron R15 of Aplysia was studied, in animals ranging from juveniles weighing 27 mg to adult animals weighing 350 g. In the youngest animals studied, R15 only fires irregularly, somewhat later it begins firing in brief bursts, and only in early adulthood does its characteristic burst firing pattern.
Estimates of unknown vibrational frequencies of diatomics containing lanthanide atoms

Abstract Two methods for estimating unknown ground state vibrational frequencies for diatomic molecules containing lanthanide atoms are presented and the results given.
Characterization of Anatomic and Visual Function Outcomes in Patients With Full-Thickness Macular Hole in Ocriplasmin Phase 3 Trials.

Purpose To characterize anatomic and visual outcomes in patients with full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) at baseline in ocriplasmin phase 3 clinical trials, focusing on the relationship between resolution of vitreomacular adhesion and FTMH closure. Design Two multicenter, randomized, double-masked clinical trials. Methods Pharmacologic FTMH closure was one of multiple secondary endpoints. OCT scans were obtained at baseline and at all postinjection visits, and for patients with baseline FTMH, evaluated for FTMH width, vitreomacular adhesion, and epiretinal membrane. Results FTMH closure was observed in a greater proportion of ocriplasmin- vs vehicle-injected patients with baseline FTMH width ≤250 μm (58.3% vs 16.0%, P 250 to ≤400 μm (36.8% vs 5.3%, P = .009). Among FTMH patients in the ocriplasmin group, ≥2-line visual acuity gains at month 6 were achieved by a greater percentage of those who achieved hole closure at day 28 vs those who did not achieve this outcome (72.1% vs 25.4%). Conclusions Ocriplasmin demonstrated efficacy in closure of small and medium FTMH, and in FTMH without epiretinal membrane at baseline. Visual acuity gains occurred more frequently when hole closure was achieved after ocriplasmin treatment compared to when this outcome did not occur. Ocriplasmin treatment is an additional option for the management of patients with FTMH and vitreomacular adhesion.
Acute Antibody-Mediated Rejection in Renal Transplantation: Current Clinical Management

Acute antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is recognized as a major cause of graft loss in renal transplant recipients. Early acute AMR in the first few days after transplantation occurs primarily in sensitized renal transplant recipients with donor-specific alloantibody at the time of transplant and is a relatively “pure” form of acute AMR. Late acute AMR occurs months to years after transplantation and is commonly a mixed cellular and humoral rejection. While there is no consensus regarding optimum treatment, we contend that rational therapeutic approaches are emerging and that the acute episode can be managed in most instances. However, new therapies are needed to prevent ongoing chronic injury in these patients.
Coupled simulation of kinetic pedestal growth and MHD ELM crash

Edge pedestal height and the accompanying ELM crash are critical elements of ITER physics yet to be understood and predicted through high performance computing. An entirely self-consistent first principles simulation is being pursued as a long term research goal, and the plan is planned for completion in time for ITER operation. However, a proof-of-principle work has already been established using a computational tool that employs the best first principles physics available at the present time. A kinetic edge equilibrium code XGC0, which can simulate the neoclassically dominant pedestal growth from neutral ionization (using a phenomenological residual turbulence diffusion motion superposed upon the neoclassical particle motion) is coupled to an extended MHD code M3D, which can perform the nonlinear ELM crash. The stability boundary of the pedestal is checked by an ideal MHD linear peeling-ballooning code, which has been validated against many experimental data sets for the large scale (type I) ELMs onset boundary. The coupling workflow and scientific results to be enabled by it are described.
The effects of base dopant outdiffusion and undoped Si/sub 1-x/Ge/sub x/ junction spacer layers in Si/Si/sub 1-x/Ge/sub x//Si heterojunction bipolar transistors

The effects of base dopant outdiffusion and nominally undoped Si/sub 1-x/Ge/sub x/ spacer layers at the junction interfaces of Si/Si/sub 1-x/Ge/sub x//Si n-p-n heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) have been studied. It has been found that small amounts of boron outdiffusion from heavily doped bases of nonabrupt interfaces cause parasitic barriers in the conduction band, which drastically reduce the collector current enhancement in the HBTs. Undoped interface spacers can remove the parasitic barriers, resulting in a strongly improved collector current enhancement. >
Synchronization of Ca+2 Release in Multicellular Cardiac Preparations

Delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs) are frequently observed under conditions that increase cellular and SR Ca+2. The high Ca+2 can cause spontaneous SR Ca+2 release and oscillations in the membrane potential. It is these oscillations that evoke spontaneous action potentials in the myocytes, leading to arrhythmias. Since myocytes are electrically coupled, any depolarization that arises in one myocyte would be dampened due to dissipation of the current in the neighboring myocytes. It is believed that some synchronization mechanism exists that synchronizes DADs and action potentials in neighboring cells. In our current study, we are interested in examining whether there is a synchronization mechanism for the generation of triggered activity in multicellular cardiac preparations. Trabeculae isolated from rat hearts were mounted on a modified confocal microscope that was equipped with a force transducer. Trabeculae were loaded with Rhod-2 AM, and were washed with buffer containing BDM and blebbistatin to stop contraction and allow for Ca+2 imaging. Combination of 0.5 mM caffeine and a range of concentrations of isoproterenol (100–300 nM) were added to the perfusion to induce DADs. Line scans were acquired and fluorescence emitted were expressed as ΔF/F0. The addition of caffeine and isoproterenol show an increased incidence of DADs, with more DADs occuring as the concentration of isoproternol was increased. The amplitude of the DADs, in comparison to the stimulated twitch, was also increased with increasing isoproternol concentration. In similar experiments without BDM/blebbistatin, examining the force tracings, the DADs occured in a synchronous manner in neighboring myocytes eventually leading to contractions that are similar to those that were paced. The line scan images also show similar findings, where the Ca+2 transient amplitudes were analyzed. Collectively, these results suggest that intracellular, diastolic SR Ca release is can become synchronized in a multicellular cardiac preparation.
Educational malpractice for computers in instruction: A perspective for legal advocacy

AbstractThe deployment of computers as devices for instruction in the classroom creates an environment for potential educational malpractice litigation and direct court intervention if educational administrators fail to observe sound leadership practices related to teacher certification, teaching assignments, and the selection of instructional materials. The classical legal immunity for state and local education agencies relative to the “intellectual marketplace” has been successfully and increasingly abrogated by legislative amendments and court actions. The potential for the violation of liberty and property interests of teachers and students alike, as guaranteed under the equal educational opportunity provisions of the 14th amendment of the United States Constitution, provides for the litigious intervention of the courts in terms of “loss of future opportunity” and “tort liability.”
Separate and Combined Effects of Larval Walleye and Fertilization on Plankton Community Structure in Enclosures

ABSTRACT Community impacts of larval walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) and nutrient addition were examined in an experimental enclosure study. Larval walleye significantly suppressed Daphnia, Diaptomus and Cyclops, but enhanced rotifers. Suppression of zooplankton by larval fish alone did not increase phytoplankton blooms unless fertilizers were added. Nutrient levels (NH3-N, NO3N, and PO4-P) were enhanced in enclosures with fertilizer additions, but were not enhanced in enclosures with both fish and fertilizer additions. Fertilizer applications significantly increased phytoplankton biovolume, pH and dissolved oxygen, but did not increase zooplankton biomass. The highest algal abundance was found in enclosures with both fish and fertilizer additions. This could be due to the release of zooplankton grazing pressure by fish together with nutrient enrichment. Our results suggest that larval fish are important in regulating the zooplankton community, but their effects on phytoplankton depend on nutrient ...
Instantons and condensates in two-dimensional CPn-1 models

Abstract We discuss the respective role of instantons and of vacuum expectation values of local operators in the structure of the Borel transform of CP 2 n -1 models and suggest an IR finite definition for the contribution of instantons. The structure of the operator product expansion, the renormalization of composite operators, the role of the θ parameter and the significance of semi-classical results are discussed from that point of view.
TU‐C‐BRE‐03: Aggregation of Linac Measurement Data

Purpose: Accurate data of linear accelerator radiation characteristics is important for treatment planning system commissioning as well as regular quality assurance of the machine. The RPC has performed site visits of numerous machines . Data gathered from Varian machines from the past 15 years are presented. The data collected can be used as a secondary check or when commissioning a new machine to verify that values are reasonable. Methods: Data from the past 15 years of RPC site visits was compiled and analyzed. Data was composed from measurements from approximately 400 Varian machines. Each dataset consists of several point measurements at various locations in a water phantom to measure percentage depth dose, output factors, including small MLC fields, off-axis factors, and wedge factors if applicable. Common statistical values are presented for each machine type. Where applicable, data was compared to other reference data given by the vendor or a select number of previous researchers. Results: Data is separated by energy and parameter and then analyzed by machine class. Data distributions of the parameter data were normal except occasionally at the tails. Distributions of the data for each class and parameter are tabulated to give not simply a singular reference value, but metrics about the distribution: 5th and 95th percentile values and the standard deviation as well as the median. Conclusion: The RPC has collected numerous data on Varian linacs and presented the finding of the past 15 years. The data can be used as a reference data set for physicists to compare against. A linac that deviates from the values does not necessarily indicate there is a problem as long as the treatment planning system correlates to the machine. Comparison of linac and treatment planning system data to external reference data can prevent serious treatment errors.
Finite Element Solutions to GaAs-AlAs Quantum Wells with Connection Matrices at Heterojunctions

In this paper, the irreducible finite element formulations for the solutions to the single-band effective-mass equation are developed to incorporate the connection conditions at the heterojunctions. The exact interface formulation utilizes the exact form of the connection matrix. The finite-difference interface formulation uses the finite difference approximation to the connection matrix. For the investigation of the GaAs-AlAs quantum well, the finite-difference interface formulation has to be employed, and the relative errors are shown to be less than 103. Then, this finite element formulation is utilized to compare the effects of the electric field on the GaAs-AlAs quantum well with the heterojunctions modeled by the conventional, the effective-mass-dependent, and the energy-dependent connection matrices. It is found that the eigenenergies predicted by the models with non-conventional connection matrices are larger in magnitude and less dependent on the electric field than the conventional model.
Tissue distribution of tetraethylammonium (TEA) in dogs and goats

The tissue distribution of tetraethylammonium (TEA), a highly polar drug which does not undergo biotransformation, was studied in intact and nephrectomized dogs and goats. Values for β, the overall elimination rate constant, were significantly reduced by nephrectomy but species differences were not significant. Values for apparent specific volume of distribution (V'd) were unexpectedly large and tissue to plasma ratios were 4.0 and 5.0 in the nephrectomized goat and dog, respectively. The distribution of TEA to various tissues followed closely the expected pattern of regional blood flow, although TEA attained concentrations in liver, heart, lungs and viscera in excess of the concentration in the plasma.
Endogenous Angiotensin Stimulation of Vasopressin in the Newborn Lamb

The effect of furosemide on plasma renin, vasopressin (AVP), and aldosterone concentrations was studied in 10 control and 6 nephrectomized lambs during the 1st 2 wk of life. In a separate study in 10 newborn lambs, 1-sarcosine-8-alanine-angiotensin II (saralasin acetate, 5 μg/kg per min) was infused alone for 40 min, after which furosemide 2 mg/kg i.v. was injected in association with continuing saralasin acetate infusion. Plasma renin activity increased from a mean (±SEM) of 21.3±3.4 ng/ml per h in the 10 control lambs to 39.4±8.2 ng/ml per h at 8 min (P < 0.001) and remained high through 120 min after furosemide. Plasma AVP and aldosterone concentrations increased from respective mean values of 2.1±0.4 μU/ml and 12.8±2.5 ng/dl to 9.8±2.0 μU/ml (P < 0.01) and 23.0±7.7 ng/dl (P < 0.05) at 35 min and 13.8±2.1 μU/ml and 23.0±4.4 ng/dl at 65 min after furosemide (each P < 0.01). There was an insignificant AVP response in the 10 lambs treated with angiotensin inhibitor: from a mean base line of 4.7±0.9 to 8.3±2.0 μU/ml at 35 min, and 7.4±2.0 μU/ml at 65 min after furosemide. There was no increase in AVP in the anephric lambs. The mean increment AVP response from base line in the newborn lambs without saralasin, Δ 10.8±2.0 μU/ml, was greater than in the lambs with saralasin, Δ4.0±1.9 (P < 0.05), and greater than in the anephric lambs, Δ3.3±2.1 μU/ml (P < 0.05). The mean blood pressure fell 6 mm Hg in the 10 control lambs (P < 0.05), 7 mm Hg in the anephric lambs (P < 0.05), and 16 mm Hg in the lambs treated with angiotensin inhibitor (P < 0.05) by 35 min after furosemide. However, the changes in plasma AVP were not related to the fall in blood pressure. These data support the view that the observed AVP response to furosemide in the newborn lamb was mediated through the renin-angiotensin system.
Determination of manganese, iron, cobalt and nickel in air and water by atomic absorption spectroscopy

Abstract Flames of 4 different kinds and of various compositions were studied for their suitability for atomic absorption spectroscopy for the determination of manganese, iron, cobalt and nickel. The effects of various other factors such as lamp current, slit-width and position of the burner were also investigated. Interference effects of a large number of ions and compounds were studied. Very few ions were found to interfere and means of eliminating the interferences noted are described. As a result of the investigation, sensitive and selective procedures for the determination of manganese, iron, cobalt and nickel are reported. Sensitivities are Mn, 0.01 mg/l; Fe, 0.05 mg/l; Co, 0.03 mg/l and Ni, 0.02 mg/l for 1% absorption.
Evaluation of an Effective Conduction Cooling Device for Low-Temperature Phosphorimetry

A conduction cooling system is presented as a possible means of Improving the precision of sample introduction in low-temperature phosphorimetry. Analytical figures of merit are shown for several compounds as a means of evaluating the system and comparing it to immersion cooling systems. The results show that the two methods of cooling are comparable, but the new system does have advantages for routine analysis applications.
Persistence of a nonoccluded virus of the citrus red mite on lemons and in intact dead mites

Abstract Adult female citrus red mites, Panonychus citri, infected with a nonoccluded virus and feeding on the surface of green lemons, deposited virus that was infective through 28 days to other mites feeding on the same surface for 24 hr. Incidence of infection diminished from a high of 87% 2 days after removal of vector mites to 5% after 28 days. Inocula prepared from dead intact virus-infected mites held at room temperature (21–27°C) were infective up to 28 days when sprayed on colonies of mites on lemons.
Abnormally pressured beds as barriers to diffusive solute transport in sedimentary basins

Diffusion can drive significant solute transport over millions of years, but ancient brines and large salinity gradients are still observed in deep sedimentary basins. Fluid flow within abnormally pressured beds may prevent diffusive transfer over geologically significant periods, if the abnormally pressured bed is surrounded by normally pressured beds. Analytic solutions based on sediment loading and unloading demonstrate that this effect should be considered in beds with a compressibility exceeding 10 � 8 Pa � 1 , with a thickness of 100 m or more, or a sedimentation rate exceeding 10 � 5 m year � 1 . Conditions favourable for our model of abnormally pressured beds appear common in sedimentary basins. Large salinity gradients associated with clay beds have previously been attributed to membrane effects, but flow patterns associated with abnormally pressured beds appear more robust in the presence of heterogeneity and discontinuities than membrane effects. Calculations suggest that thick underpressured shales in the Alberta basin may have allowed ancient evaporatively concentrated brines to be preserved beneath a vigorous topography-driven flow system over the last 60 My. In the Illinois basin, drained overpressured beds may have limited solute transport across the New Albany shale until approximately 250 Ma. It is unlikely, however, that overpressures could have persisted long enough to explain concentration gradients observed in the modern basin. These gradients may instead reflect relatively recent halite dissolution above the New Albany shale.
C1 regularity for infinity harmonic functions in two dimensions

A continuous function is said to be “infinity harmonic” if it satisfies the PDE in the viscosity sense. In this paper we prove that infinity harmonic functions are continuously differentiable when n=2.
Effect of volume and rate of contrast medium injection on intravenous digital subtraction angiographic contrast medium curves.

The image quality of temporal (mask mode) intravenous digital subtraction angiography is directly dependent on the shape of arterial time-concentration curves produced by the intravenous injection of contrast medium. Curves that are narrow and tall minimize motion artifact (misregistration) and maximize contrast enhancement (pre-and postcontrast differences). To determine the effects of rate and volume of injection of contrast medium on intravenous digital subtraction angiographic curves, ioxaglate (Hexabrix), a mono-acidic ionic dimer, was injected into large mongrel dogs. Quantitative measurements of opacification were made over time in the femoral arteries using a modified General Electric CT/T scanner. Peak opacification was directly proportional to the volume of contrast medium injected. Curve width was not affected by increasing volume of injection. At rates below a critical point, slower injection rates produced progressively shorter and wider arterial time-concentration curves. Above that critical point, increasing the rate of injection did not affect either curve width or curve peak.
Metabolism of 4-14C-estradiol-17β by the newborn puppy

Abstract The metabolites of 4- 14 C-estradiol-17β, administered intravenously, were identified and quantitated in samples of urine, bile, and liver from two male and two female newborn dogs. Conjugation of the metabolites was extensive as less than 10 percent of the radioactivity recovered from bile and urine was in an ether soluble form. Following enzyme hydrolysis the majority of the remaining radioactivity was rendered ether soluble. The major metabolite found in urine and bile was estrone. Estradiol-17α was the second most important metabolite quantitatively. In the liver estradiol-17α was quantitatively most important. Two additional metabolites were isolated which have been tentatively identified as 15α-hydroxyestrone and 15α-hydroxyestradiol-17β. No evidence for the presence of 2-methoxy estrogens or any 16-oxygenated estrogens was found.