cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thy-1 distinguishes human corneal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts from keratocytes.

After corneal injury, keratocytes become activated and transform into repair phenotypes—corneal fibroblasts or myofibroblasts, however, these important cells are difficult to identify histologically, compromising studies of stromal wound healing. Recent studies indicate that expression of the cell surface protein, Thy-1, is induced in fibroblast populations associated with wound healing and fibrosis in other tissues. We investigated whether keratocyte transformation to either repair-associated phenotype induced Thy-1 expression. Human corneal keratocytes were isolated by collagenase digestion. The cells were either processed immediately (i.e. freshly isolated keratocytes) or were cultured in the presence of 10% fetal bovine serum or transforming growth factor-β to induce transformation to the corneal fibroblast and myofibroblast phenotypes, respectively. Thy-1 mRNA and protein expression by freshly isolated keratocytes and corneal fibroblasts were assessed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. mRNA also was extracted from the whole intact stroma and assessed by RT-PCR. Thy-1 was localised immunocytochemically in cultured human corneal fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and in keratocytes in normal human corneal tissue sections. Thy-1 mRNA and protein were detectable in cultured human corneal fibroblasts, but not freshly isolated keratocytes. Whole uninjured stroma showed no detectable Thy-1 mRNA expression. Cultured human corneal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts both labelled for Thy-1, but keratocytes in the stroma of normal human cornea did not. We conclude that Thy-1 expression is induced by transformation of keratocytes to corneal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, suggesting a potential functional role for Thy-1 in stromal wound healing and providing a surface marker to distinguish the normal keratocyte from its repair phenotypes.
Pentamidine Congeners. 3. Crystal Structure and Molecular Modeling Studies of trans-1,4-Bis( 4-amidinphenoxy)-2-butene

X‐ray diffraction was used to confirm the geometry of trans‐1,4‐bis(4‐amidinophenoxy)‐2‐butene dihydrochloride dihydrate (trans‐butenamidine). trans‐Butenamidine is a semirigid analogue of pentamidine that has demonstrated good anti‐Pneumocystis carinii activity in rats. Molecular modeling studies revealed that unlike pentamidine or propamidine, trans‐butenamidine does not discriminate between AT and TA sequences in its binding to the minor groove of DNA. Crystal data: [C18H22N4O22+][Cl−]2[H2O]2, triclinic space group, P1, a = 9.443(1) A, b = 11.400(1) A, c = 11.919(1) A, α = 62.19(1)°, β = 81.10(1)°, γ = 72.19(1)°, V = 1080.3(3) A3, Z = 2, R = 0.054 for 1149 observed reflections with I > 3σ(I).
Hypotensive Blood Flow in Six Millimeter and Eight Millimeter PTFE Arterio-Venous Fistulas

PTFE grafts of 6 mm and 8 mm internal diameter are the most commonly used sizes for dialysis access. Hypotension is a common cause of thrombosis in this type of arteriovenous fistula. In the animal model, stasis develops in both sizes equally during hypotension despite the theoretical advantage of lower resistance in the 8 mm graft. This indicates that internal graft diameter is not significant for prevention of stasis in dialysis access grafts at physiological and hypotensive BP levels.
The Measurement of the Obsessive-Compulsive Personality

The present study presents information regarding the development and validation of a new personality instrument which is intended to measure the degree of obsessive-compulsive traits. Data indicate that the instrument shows both promising reliability and concurrent validity. Developed primarily for research purposes, the scale may have therapeutic assessment applicability in a clinical setting.
Inaccuracy of point-of-care international normalized ratio in rivaroxaban-treated patients.

Objective: To report 2 cases in which point-of-care international normalized ratios (POC-INRs) measured using a Hemochron Jr. Signature Elite device (International Technidyne Corporation) were inaccurate in rivaroxaban-treated patients. Case Summaries: Therapy in an 86-year-old man with atrial fibrillation was converted from warfarin to rivaroxaban 15 mg twice daily because of a deep venous thrombotic event despite an INR of 2.4, which was within the therapeutic range. One week later a POC-INR was inadvertently measured, which was 6.3. In light of the POC-INR being markedly elevated, a laboratory test for INR was performed, which gave a result of 2.74. Therapy in a 66-year-old man was converted from war-farin to rivaroxaban 15 mg twice daily because of unstable INRs and a pulmonary embolism despite a therapeutic INR. Seven days after rivaroxaban was started, the patient’s POC-INR was 9.2; simultaneously measured laboratory-determined INR was 2.0. For both patients, coagulation tests performed on follow-up...
Endometrial adenocarcinoma metastatic to the right ventricle: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract Background Endometrial adenocarcinoma of any histologic type rarely metastasizes to the heart. Only three such metastases to the myocardium and three to the pericardium have been reported antemortem in the literature. The rarity of this metastasis is likely explained by the relative avascularity of the endocardium and velocity of blood. Methods and Results A 62-year-old female was admitted for increasing shortness of breath over the previous month. Her past medical history was significant for a resected Stage IC endometrial adenocarcinoma endometrioid type 15 months prior. The tumor was found to be a poorly differentiated (Grade 3) endometrial adenocarcinoma invading over half the myometrium. The periaortic and pelvic lymph nodes as well as the cervix and pelvic organs were free of tumor. The patient was later treated with adjuvant external beam radiotherapy. An echocardiogram demonstrated a large right ventricular mass. Subsequent endocardial biopsy showed a poorly differentiated, Grade 3, endometrial adenocarcinoma of endometrioid histologic type. The tumor was deemed inoperable given its size and vast involvement of the myocardium so palliative care was provided and the patient expired 17 days later. Conclusion Management of metastatic adenocarcinoma to the heart is not well established due to the rarity of this lesion. Previously reported cases vary in the therapeutic approach as well as the outcome. To this date the best outcome has been a survival of 6 years after treatment of the metastasis with radiotherapy and concurrent cisplatin and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin.
Simulation of astronaut perception of vehicle orientation during planetary landing trajectories

Planetary landing requires the selection of a suitable landing zone followed by a stable, controlled descent to the surface. In crewed landings, astronauts are expected to play an active role in hazard identification, landing point selection, vehicle navigation, and supervision of automated systems. However, astronauts will have experienced sensorimotor adaptation during their microgravity exposure and may face unique landing conditions which could lead to inaccurate perceptions of vehicle orientation. A quantitative model of visual-vestibular integration was used to predict astronaut perceptions of vehicle orientation during various planetary landing trajectories, including altered gravity levels. The model predicted the potential for disorientation during specific portions of the landing trajectories when visual cues were not available. Astronaut spatial disorientation is also a concern for commercial crew, particularly as the number of landings increases. Our methodology allows for the early identification of trajectories or motions which may result in disorientation.
Studies on the Experimental Epidemiology of Respiratory Infections VII. Apparatus for the Exposure of Monkeys to Infectious Aerosols

laboratory animals such as the mouse and guinea pig. Descriptions of apparatus for this type of work have been reviewed by Rosebury (1947) and by Leif and Krueger (1950). Henderson (1952) and Druett and May (1952) described equipment for the exposure of sheep and monkeys. One of us (H.W.) attempted to adapt the Leif-Krueger apparatus for exposure of monkeys. Results were nonreproducible. Furthermore, the holding equipment then available severely limited the numbers of animals which could be handled. For studies on the pathogenesis, immunology and chemotherapy of airborne infections in monkeys, an integrated system of exposure apparatus, holding cages and supporting facility was designed, built and operated. This paper describes this facility, its operation and certain evaluation tests. Ransom and Krueger (1954) studied the pathogenesis and pathology of pneu-
RENATURATION AND LIGAND BLOTTING OF THE MAJOR SUBUNIT OF THE RAT ASIALOGLYCOPROTEIN RECEPTOR AFTER DENATURING POLYACRYLAMIDE GEL ELECTROPHORESIS

Rat hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGP-Rs) bind terminal clustered galactosyl or N-acetylgalactosaminyl residues with high affinity. The affinity-purified ASGP-R consists of three subunits designated RHL1, RHL2, and RHL3. The ligand-binding activity of individual subunits was investigated by ligand blotting, after separation of subunits by SDS-PAGE under nonreducing conditions, electrotransfer to nitrocellulose, and incubation with 125I-asialo-orosomucoid (ASOR). No ligand-binding to any subunits could be detected when proteins such as BSA, casein, gelatin, or fat-free dry milk were used as blocking agents. However, subsequent incubation of BSA-blocked nitrocellulose blots with some nonionic detergents resulted in renaturation of RHL1. 125I-ASOR-binding to RHL2 or RHL3 was weaker and could be detected only after longer exposure. Similarly, direct use of detergents such as Tween 20, Nonidet P-40, or Triton X-100 as blocking agents also preserved the ASOR-binding activity of RHL1. Ionic detergents tested did not show any ability to renature the ligand-binding activity of RHL subunits. Among nonionic detergents tested, Tween 20, Tween 85, Lubrol PX, Nonidet P-40, and Triton X-100 were more effective than Tween 40, Tween 65, Tween 80, or Brij 35, whereas SPAN, digitonin, or octyl-glucoside showed no effect. Weak 125I-ASOR binding to RHL2 or RHL3 could be detected only when the Tween series or Lubrol PX were used. Incubation of blots with dithiothreitol caused a dose-dependent loss of binding activity. The carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) of RHL1, isolated after subtilisin digestion of ASGP-R bound to ASOR-Sepharose, retained ligand-binding activity as assessed by its binding to ASOR-Sepharose and by ligand blotting. 125I-ASOR binding to electroblotted CRD after SDS-PAGE was also dependent on the presence of nonionic detergents. We conclude that restoration of ligand-binding activity of RHL1 after SDS-PAGE by some nonionic detergents is not dependent on the presence of the cytoplasmic, transmembrane, or stalk domains of this subunit.
Environmental control of nucleophilic catalysis in water

The nucleophilic catalysis by a pyridyl group in ester/phosphate ester hydrolysis was modulated by the microenvironmental hydrophobicity around the catalyst. The catalytic efficiency was enhanced thousands or tens of thousands of times and the activity was maintained well below the pKa of the pyridyl group.
Legacies of flood reduction on a dryland river

The Bill Williams (Arizona) is a regulated dryland river that is being managed, in part, for biodiversity via flow management. To inform management, we contrasted riparian plant communities between the Bill Williams and an upstream free-flowing tributary (Santa Maria). Goals of a first study (1996–1997) were to identify environmental controls on herbaceous species richness and compare richness among forest types. Analyses revealed that herbaceous species richness was negatively related to woody stem density, basal area and litter cover and positively related to light levels. Introduced Tamarix spp. was more frequent at the Bill Williams, but all three main forest types (Tamarix, Salix/Populus, Prosopis) had low understory richness, as well as high stem density and low light, on the Bill Williams as compared to the Santa Maria. The few edaphic differences between rivers (higher salinity at Bill Williams) had only weak connections with richness. A second study (2006–2007) focused on floristic richness at larger spatial scales. It revealed that during spring, and for the study cumulatively (spring and fall samplings combined), the riparian zone of the unregulated river had considerably more plant species. Annuals (vs. herbaceous perennials and woody species) showed the largest between-river difference. Relative richness of exotic (vs. native) species did not differ. We conclude that: (1) The legacy of reduced scouring frequency and extent at the Bill Williams has reduced the open space available for colonization by annuals; and (2) Change in forest biomass structure, more so than change in forest composition, is the major driver of changes in plant species richness along this flow-altered river. Our study informs dryland river management options by revealing trade-offs that exist between forest biomass structure and plant species richness. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AN INTERNAL CALIBRATION TECHNIQUE FOR PSEUDOBINARY SYSTEMS BY AUGER ELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY

An internal calibration technique has been developed for the quantitative analysis of pseudobinary systems by means of Auger electron spectroscopy without the need for stan-dards of known composition. This technique has been used for analyzing PbO-In2O3 two-phase films and A1N-A12 O3 , AlAs-GaAs, and GaP-InP solid solutions. The technique is applicable to systems of the type (ACm) (BCn)1-x if the Auger intensities measured for elemens A, B, and C are given by the linear relationships I = xIA **, IB = (l-x)IB *, and IC = xIC ** + (l-x)IC C * where IA ** and IC ** are the inten-sities for pure ACm and IB * and I* are the intensities for pure BCn . To determine whether this criterion is satisfied, a series of Auger measurements is made on regions of dif-ferent composition within a single specimen (e.g., on speci-mens in which a concentration variation exists across the surface or surfaces exposed by repeated sputter-etching of a sample with an in-depth composition gradient), and plots of IA vs IB and IC/IB vs IA/IB are made. If these plots are linear over tne range of compositions investigated, it is assumed that the above linear relationships are valid over the whole range of the pseudobinary system. It is then possible to construct linear calibration plots of IA, IB , and IC vs x for the whole composition range.
Direct Detection of S-Palmitoylation by Mass Spectrometry

Direct detection and quantification of protein/peptide palmitoylation by mass spectrometry (MS) is a challenging task because of the tendency of palmitoyl loss during sample preparation and tandem MS analysis. In addition, the large difference in hydrophobicity between the palmitoyl peptides and their unmodified counterparts could prevent their simultaneous analysis in a single liquid chromatography-MS experiment. Here, the stability of palmitoylation in several model palmitoyl peptides under different incubation and fragmentation conditions was investigated. It was found that the usual trypsin digestion protocol using dithiothreitol as the reducing agent in ammonium bicarbonate buffer could result in significant palmitoyl losses. Instead, it is recommended that sample preparation be performed in neutral tris buffer with tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine as the reducing agent, conditions under which palmitoylation was largely preserved. For tandem MS analysis, collision-induced dissociation often led to facile palmitoyl loss, and electron capture dissociation frequently produced secondary side-chain losses remote from the backbone cleavage site, thus discouraging their use for accurate palmitoylation site determination. In contrast, the palmitoyl group was mostly preserved during electron transfer dissociation, which produced extensive inter-residue cleavage coverage, making it the ideal fragmentation method for palmitoyl peptide analysis. Finally, derivatization of the unmodified peptides with a perfluoroalkyl tag, N-[(3-perfluorooctyl)propyl] iodoacetamide, significantly increased their hydrophobicity, allowing them to be simultaneously analyzed with palmitoyl peptides for relative quantification of palmitoylation.
Effect of salts on the formation of THF in preparation of PBT by TPA process

It is shown that the addition of salt (sodium citrate, potassium terephtalate, etc...) in the reaction medium of the polycondensation of terephtalic caid with 1,4-butanediolcan reduce the formation of THF and sometimes increase the molecular weight
Harmonic Mean Relationship between Affinity for wild-type Receptors and Alanine-scan mutants

Alanine-scanning mutagenesis involves systematic substitution of a single alanine for other amino acid constituents of a ligand or receptor protein. The sequential process generates a discrete set of ‘‘mutant’’ proteins, each member of which differs from the native ‘wild-type’ receptor (Rwt) or ligand by the single amino acid (a) substitution with alanine (RAla). The Ala /a substitutions are made for amino acids suspected of being important for binding of ligand to receptor. Binding assays are then used to measure the affinity for Rwt and mutants, quantified by the ligand-receptor equilibrium constant (Keq) or its reciprocal, the dissociation constant (Kd ¼ 1=Keq). However, the relationship between RwtKd and RAlaKd values is not obvious. Neither the arithmeticmean nor the geometricmean (based on a simplified relationship between Kd and the thermodynamicstandard free energy change) of the RAlaKd values turns out to be adequate. The harmonicmean was found to be a good estimator when applied to the published data from 14 alanine-scan studies. This result is consonant with the present understanding of ligand-receptor interactions. r 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Clinical considerations in the use of missing tissue compensators for thoracic cases.

Abstract The irregular shape or contour of the patient's surface in the treatment field can alter the dose distribution resulting in non-uniformity of dose in the treatment volume. Missing tissue compensators have been most commonly used to improve this non-uniformity, especially in head and neck, breast, lung and supraclavicular regions. Two or three dimensional compensators have been typically designed to make the dose uniform at a specific depth. This compensation shifts the dose distribution within the treatment volume so that some structures may be under or over compensated. This study will examine how various thoracic sites are affected by compensators, with and without heterogeneity corrections. We have also analyzed the uncertainty in compensated dose due to the daily variations in patient repositioning. Computer isodose plans using Cobalt-60 gamma rays and 6 and 18 MV X-rays were generated using sagittal contours. Results show that superficial sites, like the supraclavicular nodes and the spinal cord, do not receive as consistent a dose compensation as the midplane sites. In addition, the compensated lung dose increases. Finally, patient movement or positioning errors of ± 1.0 cm causes only a slight change in dose distribution.
Constitutive production of a murine retrovirus in the human B-lymphoblastoid cell line, DG-75.

Abstract During the screening of human lymphoblastoid cells as suitable hosts for retrovirus transmission studies, the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-negative, B-lymphoblastoid cell line DG-75 was found to be chronically infected with a heretofore unrecognized retrovirus. Two DG-75 sublines obtained from different sources (designated UW and KAR) were found to produce constitutively particles identified as retroviral by electron microscopy and reverse transcriptase activity. The ultrastructure, morphogenesis, and density in sucrose of the particles were typical of C-type retroviruses. Immunoblot analysis of the DG-75(UW) retrovirus proteins showed antigenic similarity to Moloney murine leukemia virus. A third DG-75 subline in early passage, designated HAD, was free of retrovirus. The DG-75(UW) retrovirus was infectious and produced progeny virions that could be passaged to uninfected cells. We have thus demonstrated that DG-75 cells, which have been used extensively in studies of the biological effects of EBV-encoded genes and their promoters, may be chronically infected with a murine retrovirus and that an early passage subline is retrovirus free and available for such studies.
CVD Si 3 N 4 on single crystal SiC: Part II. High resolution electron microscopy and atomic models of the interface

Interface studies of CVD Si 3 N 4 grown on (11$\overline 1$) SiC single crystal substrates have been made by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It is found that there are two orientation relationships both of which involve the same (10$\overline 1$0)Si 3 N 4 //(11$\overline 1$)SiC planar relationship. However, the orientation relationships are not perfect and rotations of 2–6° are commonly seen between both directions and planes involved. High resolution electron microscopy (HREM) of the interfaces shows that the SiC and Si 3 N 4 are continuous up to the interface and that no intermediate phases are formed. However, due to the small rotations, the HREM images are difficult to interpret directly in terms of atomic positions. Nevertheless, possible atomic models of the interface are proposed based upon the experimental findings. These models exploit the similarities between the [SiN 4 ] and [SiC 4 ] tetrahedra in Si 3 N 4 and SiC, respectively. The observed orientation relationships appear to be due to matching of tetrahedra across the interface along with adequate lattice matches.
I. Structure-activity studies on inhibition of choline uptake by a mouse brain synaptosomal preparation: basic data

Abstract Over 80 substances were studied for their inhibition of high-affinity uptake of [ 3 H]choline into a mouse brain synaptosomal fraction. Kinetic experiments tested a number of them competitive behavior. A minimal provisional model for the choline uptake process is envisioned that is consistent with current data and with relevant observations in the literature. There are two hydrophilic anionic sites on the choline transporter that are separated from each other by a cationic hydrophobic domain. Association of choline in a Na ¦+ -dependent manner with one or both of the sites is necessary for the transport of choline to take place. The choline binding anionic sites are sufficiently large and/or flexible to allow attachment of cationic moieties larger than choline. The cationic hydrophobic domain of the transporter is flexible, probably tending to planarity. The length of the hydrophobic region between the anionic sites is approximately that of 10 extended methylene groups, and the minimal width is approximated by the distance across the condensed ring system of chlorpromazine. The probability of attachment of the highly hydrophilic choline to its binding sites is increased both by hydrogen-binding to a proton-acceptor within the anionic sites and by repulsion from the cationic hydrophobic region. A number of substances that potently and competitively inhibit high affinity choline uptake pocess quaternary ammonium groups and neutral or negatively charged lipophilic groups. In general, substances in which two quaternary ammonium groups are separated by an appropriately configured hydrophobic group and which can combine with both anionic sites and the hydrophobic region between them are more potent inhibitors than monoquaternary substance with the same or similar groups. However, substances with a single high-affinity quaternary group and an appropriately structured hydrophobic group, e.g. the trimethoxy-3-butynyl quaternary ammonium compounds, posses inhibitory efficacies to those shown by the most potent bisquaternaries. The above suggest that further delineation of the characteristics of the structures of the above sites of the transporter could lead to devisal of more potent reversible inhibitors of choline uptake than now are available.
The replicability and utility of three personality types

Personality types are construed as constellations of features that uniquely define discrete groups of individuals. Types are conceptually convenient because they summarize many traits in a single label, but until recently most researchers agreed that there was little evidence for the existence of discrete personality types. Several groups of researchers have now proposed replicable, empirical person clusters based on measures of the Five-Factor Model. We consider several methodological artifacts that might be responsible for these types, and conclude that these artifacts may contribute to the replicability of types, but cannot entirely account for it. The present research attempts to replicate these types in four large and diverse adult samples: the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (N = 1856); the East Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area study (N = 486); the University of North Carolina Alumni Heart Study (N = 2420); and an HIV risk reduction intervention study (N = 274). A clear replication (kappa = 0.60) of the proposed types was found in only one sample by one standard of comparison. The failure of the three personality types to replicate in three of the four samples leads to the conclusion that they are not robust empirical entities. Type membership predicted psychosocial functioning and ego resiliency and control, but only because it summarized trait standing; dimensional trait measures were consistently better predictors. Nevertheless, while the types do not refer to distinct, homogeneous classes of persons, they do have utility as convenient labels summarizing combinations of traits that relate to important outcomes. Published in 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do obese depressed patients respond to topiramate? a retrospective chart review

Abstract Background: Topiramate, a novel anticonvulsant, has shown promise in preliminary open trials in bipolar disorder, but there are no studies in primary depression. Topiramate’s tendency to cause weight loss could be advantageous for many patients with mood disorders. Methods: A chart review was conducted on 16 female outpatients with a primary major depressive episode and mild to moderate obesity who received open-label adjunctive topiramate. Ongoing psychotropics were continued at previous doses. Self-report symptoms were assessed before and after acute phase (4–8 weeks) treatment in a subset of 11 patients, and clinician ratings were assessed at all visits during extended phase (up to 40 weeks) treatment for the entire group. Results: Patient and clinician symptom ratings dropped significantly during acute phase treatment (5.5±1.2 weeks), but only 36% of patients were judged responders. At extended phase endpoint (17.7±13.4 weeks), 44% of patients were responders. Body mass index decreased significantly on topiramate, reflecting a mean weight loss of 6.1±8.2% from baseline. Central nervous system side effects were prominent. Conclusions: Topiramate may have potential for the adjunctive treatment of depression in obese patients, but close monitoring of weight and adverse effects is warranted.
Electrosynthesis of nanocrystalline cerium oxide/layered silicate powders

Cerium oxide/montmorillonite layered silicate powder nanocomposites were synthesized electrochemically. The produced nanocomposites were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. X-Ray diffraction shows the nanocomposites retain the face-centered cubic structure of cerium oxide while incorporating delaminated platelets of the layered silicate into the matrix. By a negative shift in the OH stretching band position, infrared spectroscopy measurements indicate the layered silicates are delaminated. Photoluminescence background in the Raman spectra also shows the incorporation of the layered silicates within the cerium oxide matrix. The thermal properties of the nanocomposites were investigated with sintering and differential scanning calorimetry. The results indicate that low concentration of layered silicate mixed into the cerium oxide increases crystal growth rate whereas high concentration retards the increase of crystallite size during the densification process.
Virtual network community detection with a message induced graph

Virtual networks continue to increase in popularity as a technique to implement confidential communications over a shared network infrastructure. The retirement of legacy layer 2 virtual networks, widespread availability of common carrier TCP/IP networks, and migration to layer 3 virtual network technologies has resulted in the inability to determine if undesirable nodes are connected to a virtual network. A method for classifying the members of a virtual network into communities is of significant interest to researchers seeking solutions to this problem. We propose a community detection methodology inspired by Kleinberg's HITS algorithm for web topic searches. The application of a HITS derived algorithm to community detection in virtual networks is novel. Our method reliably detects the presence of active communities in the virtual network and identifies community members in the common set of nodes.
Bias correction for score tests arising from misspecified proportional hazards regression models

When censoring depends on both treatment group and covariates, tests for a randomised treatment effect arising from Cox's proportional hazards model are not in general centred at zero under the null and can be seriously distorted. We propose a corrected test that modifies the at-risk indicator in a way that corrects for this bias. The resulting test is asymptotically valid regardless of whether or not the fitted model is correctly specified. Implementation of the corrected test requires that the dependence of censoring on treatment group and covariates be modelled. Simulations indicate that the bias-corrected test performs well, even when the dependence of censoring on treatment group and covariates is not modelled exactly, and maintains high efficiency relative to the uncorrected test when the latter is valid.
Carbohydrates of winged beans, Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC*

Summary Five varieties of winged beans were analyzed and found to contain 9.8 to 13.8% soluble sugars. Verbascose was present at a level of 0.2 to 0.9%; stachyose 2.2 to 3.6%; raffinose 1.1 to 2.0%; and sucrose 5.6 to 8.2%. Starch could not be detected in the mature beans of the five varieties analyzed.
Temporal and spatial monitoring of temperature-related tissue changes using focused ultrasound phased arrays

Temperature monitoring is most important during the application of thermal treatment, such as in the case of Focused Ultrasound Surgery (FUS). Currently, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the predominant method for temperature mapping of FUS. However, its high cost, low temporal resolution and limited availability and applicability often result in its restricted use. In this paper, a new device for temperature mapping is introduced that only uses focused ultrasound to both apply and monitor the treatment temporally and spatially. By utilizing the principle of the recently introduced Ultrasound-Stimulated Acoustic Emission (USAE) as well as the phased array capability of steering the beam, the temperature distribution at various instants during the application of the treatment could be assessed. The target used here was a silicone gel with tissue-mimicking properties. The temperature spot could be detected during the application of the treatment and the temperature elevation could be both mapped spatially and monitored temporally. In conclusion, an all ultrasound-based system could serve as a more applicable alternative to MR techniques for thermal therapy monitoring. Our plan is to use the same array for the therapy sonication and monitoring of the treatment in the focal zone. This could provide a potential for realizing the ultimate clinical goal: an economic, fully integrated closed loop feedback system for therapy control.
The Effects of Selling Complements and Substitutes on Consumer Willingness to Pay: Evidence from a Laboratory Experiment

Basic economic theory predicts that a consumer’s willingness to pay for a good is affected by the availability of complements and substitutes. In an auction setting, this theory implies that the presence of complements would increase bid prices for a good, while the presence of substitutes would decrease bid prices for a good. We designed an experiment that allows the calculation of inverse elasticities, the inverse-demand equivalent of conventional price elasticities. Our results show that the availability of complements and substitutes affects bids in the expected directions. This finding has important implications for researchers who design experimental auctions. Selon la th´ ´ economique de base, la volont´
OEIS complex (cloacal exstrophy): Prenatal diagnosis in the second trimester

OEIS complex (exstrophy of the cloaca) is an association of fetal malformations that includes omphalocele, exstrophy of the bladder, imperforate anus, and spinal defects. Most cases should be prenatally detectable by maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein screening, but an accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate counselling of the family.
Decrements in per pulse release of norepinephrine, antagonist potentiation of release and presynaptic receptor theory

In recent decades the theory that amine transmitter release at nerve terminals is routinely regulated through negative feedback systems sensing and responding to the instantaneous perineuronal concentration of previously liberated transmitter has assumed pre-eminence. However, observations indicate a major drop off in per pulse transmitter release when only two or four stimulation pulses are administered, reflecting the unexpectedly prompt operation of feedback inhibition. We explored this quandary in our understanding of control of transmitter release by axonal depolarization versus terminal feedback using isotopic norepinephrine and in vitro slices of rabbit hippocampus. A technique of continuous collection of superfusate over a 30 min cycle of stimulation utilizing a wide range of intervals between individual stimulation pulses was used. Following simulation with single pulses even 60 s apart or pseudo one pulses 150 s apart a marked decline in per pulse release was noted. The deficits in per pulse release were not related to the number of pulse delivered at any time over the course of a 30 min stimulation period. The pulse decrements were independent of the activity of neuronal uptake and of superfusion flow rate or even individual pulse duration and frequency. Presynaptic receptor antagonists, potentiated efflux near maximally with the second of only two pulses. Potentiations were independent of pulse number, pulse duration, or frequency. No linkage between perineuronal transmitter concentrations and the antagonist potentiation of release was found. However, the decrements in per pulse release with multiple pulses and the potentiation by alpha presynaptic antagonists occurred under the same test conditions. We conclude that the pulse deficit can be looked at as largely attributable to an enhanced efflux with delivery of the first pulse in a train of pulses, rather then to a pattern of progressively declining efflux linked to increasing extracellular transmitter levels as frequency and pulse number increase.
Resonance delocalization in the anion is not the major factor responsible for the higher acidity of carboxylic acids relative to alcohols

Abstract Evidence based on electron populations and charge-flow in formic acid and ethanol is presented, supporting the view that resonance delocalization in carboxylate anions is not the major factor responsible for the higher acidity of carboxylic acids relative to alcohols. Using molecular orbital wave functions obtained from ab initio calculations (RHF/3-21+G//3-21+G) planar projected electron density grids were obtained. These were divided into regions that can be associated with single carbon or oxygen atoms and their attached hydrogens and integrated over these regions. Inkeeping with the traditional view, the hydroxyl groups have the same net charge (−0.46 a.u.) and the total charge in formate ion is delocalized. The carbonyl group is highly polar; the carbonyl oxygen is found to have a total charge of −1.0 a.u. (1.56 pi electrons). The inductive effect caused by the highly polar carbonyl group in formic acid is the major contributor to the higher acidity of formic acid relative to ethanol. Contrary to the traditional view, the total electron-flow during proton removal is similar for the two molecules. The pi electron flow accompanying deprotonation of formic acid qualitatively follows traditional theory, but quantitatively, is much less than this theory predicts (0.15 pi electrons flow away from the hydroxyl oxygen). The total charge-flow accompanying deprotonation of both ethanol and formic acid is dominated by sigma relaxation from the proton to the hydroxyl oxygen. The total number of electrons flowing away from the hydroxyl oxygen in ethanol (0.32) is slightly greater than the total number of electrons flowing away in formic acid (0.29). The acidity difference is, therefore, due to the charge distribution in the neutral molecule and not to an enhanced electron delocalization in the carboxylate ion.
The Context of Creating Space: Assessing the Likelihood of College LGBT Center Presence

LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) resource centers are campus spaces dedicated to the success of sexual minority students. However, only a small handful of American colleges and universities have such spaces. Political opportunity and resource mobilization theory can provide a useful framework for understanding what contextual factors contribute to the presence of these centers. Independent variables’ effects on the likelihood of a campus having an LGBT resource center are measured using logistic regression. Results indicate that public schools with more prestige in liberal political contexts are more likely to have LGBT resource centers, suggesting that both resource mobilization and political opportunity are useful conceptualizations.
Methodology and Tools for Next Generation Cyber-Physical Systems: The iCyPhy Approach

The realization of complex, cyber-physical “systems of systems” can substantially benefit from model-based hierarchical and compositional methodologies to make their design possible let alone optimal. In this paper, we introduce the methodology being developed within the industrial Cyber-Physical (iCyPhy) research consortium, which addresses the complexity and heterogeneity of cyber-physical systems by formalizing the design process in a hierarchical and compositional way, and provides a unifying framework where different modeling, analysis and synthesis tools can seamlessly interconnect. We use assume-guarantee contracts and their algebra (e.g. composition, conjunction, refinement) to provide formal support to the entire design flow. The design is carried out as a sequence of refinement steps from a high-level specification (top-down phase) to an implementation built out of a library of components at the lower level (bottom-up phase). At each step, the design is refined by combining synthesis from requirements, optimization and simulation-based design space exploration methods. We illustrate our approach on design examples of embedded controllers for aircraft power distribution and air management systems.
Modeling and Control of Electroporation-Mediated Gene Delivery

This paper proposes a model and control strategies for the electroporation - mediated gene-delivery based on chemo-electro-mechanical model of the process. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategies.
Resolution of Additive Mixtures into Source Components and Contributions: A Compositional Approach

Abstract Methodology is developed for analysis of observations that are random linear combinations of point “source components.” Dual goals are to estimate unknown source identities and to characterize the mixing process by which sources contribute to the observations. Observations are modeled as arising from a mixture distribution, whereby the mixing component characterizes the process of interest and the kernel component captures measurement error. A parametric model is proposed, and maximum likelihood estimates of source and mixing parameters are obtained. Estimate performance is investigated by Monte Carlo simulation. Major results are devoted to studying a constraint framework within which model identifiability is guaranteed. For maximal generality, a compositional framework is applied throughout. The resolution problem discussed in this article is common in the physical sciences. For illustration, an application to air pollution data is presented.
Maintaining a high physical activity level over 20 years and weight gain.

Context Data supporting physical activity guidelines to prevent long-term weight gain are sparse, particularly during the period when the highest risk of weight gain occurs. Objective To evaluate the relationship between habitual activity levels and changes in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference over 20 years. Design, Setting, and Participants The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study is a prospective longitudinal study with 20 years of follow-up, 1985-1986 to 2005-2006. Habitual activity was defined as maintaining high, moderate, and low activity levels based on sex-specific tertiles of activity scores at baseline. Participants comprised a population-based multicenter cohort (Chicago, Illinois; Birmingham, Alabama; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Oakland, California) of 3554 men and women aged 18 to 30 years at baseline. Main Outcome Measures Average annual changes in BMI and waist circumference. Results Over 20 years, maintaining high levels of activity was associated with smaller gains in BMI and waist circumference compared with low activity levels after adjustment for race, baseline BMI, age, education, cigarette smoking status, alcohol use, and energy intake. Men maintaining high activity gained 2.6 fewer kilograms (+0.15 BMI units per year; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11-0.18 vs +0.20 in the lower activity group; 95% CI, 0.17-0.23), and women maintaining higher activity gained 6.1 fewer kilograms (+0.17 BMI units per year; 95% CI, 0.12-0.21 vs +0.30 in the lower activity group; 95% CI, 0.25-0.34). Men maintaining high activity gained 3.1 fewer centimeters in waist circumference (+0.52 cm per year; 95% CI, 0.43-0.61 cm vs 0.67 cm in the lower activity group; 95% CI, 0.60-0.75 cm) and women maintaining higher activity gained 3.8 fewer centimeters (+0.49 cm per year; 95% CI, 0.39-0.58 cm vs 0.67 cm in the lower activity group; 95% CI, 0.60-0.75 cm). Conclusion Maintaining high activity levels through young adulthood may lessen weight gain as young adults transition to middle age, particularly in women.
Simple, Practical Ways to Assess the Protective Efficacy of a New Tuberculosis Vaccine

There is strong evidence that tuberculin sensitivity cannot be used to evaluate the efficacy of different strains of bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG). For identifying efficacious strains of BCG and evaluating candidates for new vaccines, the best method is a randomized trial. Simple trials in which newborns would be vaccinated with new and old vaccines in alternate years could demonstrate which vaccine was the better.
Cadherin-11 regulates cell-cell tension necessary for calcific nodule formation by valvular myofibroblasts

Objective— Dystrophic calcific nodule formation in vitro involves differentiation of aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs) into a myofibroblast phenotype. Interestingly, inhibition of the kinase MAPK Erk kinase (MEK)1/2 prevents calcific nodule formation despite leading to myofibroblast activation of AVICs, indicating the presence of an additional mechanotransductive component required for calcific nodule morphogenesis. In this study, we assess the role of transforming growth factor β1–induced cadherin-11 expression in calcific nodule formation. Methods and Results— As shown previously, porcine AVICs treated with transforming growth factor β1 before cyclic strain exhibit increased myofibroblast activation and significant calcific nodule formation. In addition to an increase in contractile myofibroblast markers, transforming growth factor β1–treated AVICs exhibit significantly increased expression of cadherin-11. This expression is inhibited by the addition of U0126, a specific MEK1/2 inhibitor. The role of increased cadherin-11 is revealed through a wound assay, which demonstrates increased intercellular tension in transforming growth factor β1–treated AVICs possessing cadherin-11. Furthermore, when small interfering RNA is used to knockdown cadherin-11, calcific nodule formation is abrogated, indicating that robust cell–cell connections are necessary in generating tension for calcific nodule morphogenesis. Finally, we demonstrate enrichment of cadherin-11 in human calcified leaflets. Conclusion— These results indicate the necessity of cadherin-11 for dystrophic calcific nodule formation, which proceeds through an Erk1/2-dependent pathway.
On the design, simulation and analysis of parallel concatenated Gallager codes

We present a framework for designing a class of concatenated codes based on low-density parity-check component codes that we call parallel concatenated Gallager codes (PCGC). The iterative decoding trajectories technique is used to explain the performance of PCGC. Simulation results show an enhanced performance in the practical E/sub b//N/sub 0/ range in both AWGN and flat Rayleigh fading channels. The reduced decoding complexity of the proposed coding scheme along with its good performance makes it an attractive candidate in delay sensitive applications.
CD8+ Cell Responses to Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in the Liver of Persons with HCV-HIV Coinfection versus HCV Monoinfection

Objective. Cellular immune responses are difficult to detect in the peripheral blood of persons with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We sought to determine whether T cell responses were present in the liver of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HCV coinfection. Methods. T cells were expanded from liver-biopsy samples from 10 patients coinfected with HIV and HCV (median CD4 + cell count, 456 cells/mm 3 ) and 8 patients infected with HCV alone. CD8 + cell responses were detected by use of a modified enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assay with recombinant vaccinia virus, and CD4 + cell responses were detected by use of ELISpot with recombinant HCV proteins core, nonstructural (NS) 3, and NS5. Results. Intrahepatic CD8 + cell responses to HCV were detected in 7 of 10 patients coinfected with HCV and HIV (median frequency, 638 spot-forming cells [sfc]/l X 10 6 cells) and were similar to those observed in patients singly infected with HCV (7/8; median, 647 sfc/1 X 10 6 cells). Intrahepatic HCV-specific CD4 + cell responses were also comparable in both groups and correlated with the intrahepatic CD8 + cell responses (r = 0.59; P = .03). Conclusion. HCV-specific CD8 + cell responses are present in the liver of persons with chronic HCV infection even when they are coinfected with HIV; these correlate with intrahepatic HCV-specific CD4 + cell responses.