cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of antihypertensive response to a standard dose of hydrochlorothiazide for essential hypertension

Predictors of antihypertensive response to a standard dose of hydrochlorothiazide for essential hypertension. Background Determinants of inter-individual variation in blood pressure (BP) response to antihypertensive therapy remain largely unknown. Although differences in race, age and measures of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) have been associated with variation in blood pressure response to hydrochlorothiazide, whether these characteristics make additive contributions to predicting response has not been established. We conducted a comprehensive search for predictors of BP response to a standard dose of hydrochlorothiazide in a biracial sample to estimate how much inter-individual variation in BP response could be explained by all of the identified predictors. Methods After withdrawal of antihypertensive medications for at least four weeks (baseline) and stabilization on a diet approximating 150mmol sodium per day, 225 African American and 280 Caucasian subjects with diagnosed essential hypertension were treated for four weeks with hydrochlorothiazide 25mg per day. At baseline and the end of treatment, subjects were admitted to the General Clinical Research Center for measurement of activity of the RAAS and other regulators of BP. Characteristics measured at study enrollment, at baseline, and in response to drug treatment were incorporated stepwise into linear regression models in order to quantify their additive contributions to predicting BP responses to hydrochlorothiazide. Results Black race and female gender were both associated with significantly greater systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure responses to hydrochlorothiazide. Together the combined effects of race and gender accounted for 11% inter-individual variation in SBP response ( P P P P P P P ≤ 0.004). Greater decrease in weight was an additional statistically significant predictor of SBP but not DBP response, and older age was a predictor of diastolic but not SBP response. The combined effects of all identified predictors accounted for 38% of inter-individual variation in SBP response ( P P Conclusions A systematic search reveals numerous predictors of BP response to a standard antihypertensive dose of hydrochlorothiazide. However, because the majority of inter-individual variation in SBP and DBP responses remains unexplained, there is considerable opportunity for future investigations to improve the ability to predict individual BP responses to antihypertensive drug therapy.
A high performance liquid chromatography assay for monitoring proprotein convertase activity.

Abstract A rapid HPLC assay was developed for monitoring the activity of the two proprotein convertases, PACE-4 and furin. Six novel peptide substrates were synthesized containing the minimal PC recognition sequence (Arg-X-X-Arg), as well as tryptophan residue(s) for easy detection. Four of the peptides were cleaved by both PCs and their kinetic parameters determined. Two peptides were not cleaved but were shown to be good negative controls although not inhibitors of either PC. In addition, inhibition curves were plotted and IC50 values calculated for PACE-4 and furin in the presence of two polyarginine peptides, hexa and deca-D-arginine.
Optical detection in microscopic domains. 3. Confocal analysis of fluorescent amphiphilic molecules.

This series of papers demonstrates the feasibility of novel optical methodologies for microchemistry and analysis in aqueous samples of nano-, pico-, and femtoliter in volume. Not a conventional glass cuvette, but water-immiscible organic liquid, is used as the container for microscopic sample droplets in this approach. In part 1, absorption spectra of excellent quality were obtained and used for analysis from samples as small as a few tens of a micrometer in diameter. In part 2, an inert fluorescence marker as an internal standard was employed for indirectly detecting absorbing but nonfluorescent reagents in microsamples, employing inner filter effects. In this part 3, a third modality, confocal fluorescence microscopy, is added to the techniques being examined. A clearly visible emission ring emanating from an amphiphilic molecule, doxorubicin, at the sample boundary is demonstrated for the first time in “optically sliced” microdroplets. Relative intensity of this ring with respect to sample bulk can be...
Self-assembly of 1,4-phenylene diisocyanide and terephthalic acid on Ni, Cu and Pt

Abstract This paper compares the adsorption behavior of 1,4-phenylene diisocyanide (PDI) and terephthalic acid (TA) on Ni, Cu and Pt surfaces. Following competitive adsorption from two-component equimolar solutions of PDI and TA, chemical analysis by XPS confirmed the preferential adsorption of PDI over TA on Ni and Cu. The ability to form “chemically sticky” surfaces on Ni, Cu and Pt surfaces by self-assembly into organized organic thin films (OOTFs) was also investigated. PM-IRRAS analysis revealed a tendency for PDI to bond in a terminal fashion through one isocyanide group, on both Ni and Cu. In contrast, PDI adsorbed in a flat configuration on Pt. Chemically sticky OOTFs have potential for utilization as coupling agents to achieve a high cross-link density and enhance stress transfer between the nanoclusters and the organic matrix molecules in metal-nanocluster-filled polymer matrix nanocomposites. The results of this work indicate that 1,4-phenylene diisocyanide is a suitable choice as a coupling agent for metal nanoclusters of Ni and Cu.
What if Stories Don′t Tally with the Culture?

Stories and customs at work may mirror the culture, be survivals from the past, or constitute a screen onto which fantasies are projected serving as safety valves, sanctioned expressions of “outlaw emotions”, or scapegoats. While some stories seem to challenge the culture they in fact preserve it; others that appear to support norms and values actually indict them. Organisational change managers must take a more sophisticated approach, recognising organisations as symbolic worlds and understanding the variety of expressive forms and processes. They need to be aware of inconsistencies and contradictions. They should leave some coping mechanisms in place while removing the cause of sore spots in other instances. Finally, those implementing change may be able to use some customs and stories themselves to aid the process.
Colour-coding schlieren techniques for the optical study of heat and fluid flow☆

Abstract This survey presents a unified view of the history, rationale, applications, and current status of colour-coding schlieren optical techniques, based on an extensive literature review. The characteristics and advantages of this unique flow visualization tool are discussed in terms of one- and two-dimensional colour-coding, qualitative and quantitative visualisations, and system sensitivity, range and resolution. In particular, the use of matched spatial filters to tailor the schlieren optics for specific applications is stressed. A wide range of past applications in fluid flow and heat transfer is surveyed. Connections are drawn among these applications and some new applications are discussed.
Class drift and schizophrenia

This study is part of an ongoing analysis of 207 children with schizophrenic mothers (high-risk subjects) and 104 low-risk controls begun in 1962 by Mednick & Schulsinger. The purpose of this study was to examine class mobility in schizophrenics, using a prospective paradigm. In the present study, 14 high-risk schizophrenics were matched with 14 high-risk non-schizophrenics and 14 low-risk non-schizophrenics on age, sex and social class origin. Groups were compared on highest class attainment and socio-economic status in 1972. Results indicated that while high-risk non-schizophrenics were comparable in class attainment to low-risk non-schizophrenics, the high-risk schizophrenics were downwardly mobile in comparison to their non-schizophrenic high-risk counterparts. The class drift hypothesis was thus supported.
Ordering of stream mining classifiers

With the rapid growth of stored and streaming multimedia, there is an increasing need for classifying, filtering and retrieving content possessing specific features/attributes of interest. Complex features in multimedia content can be scalably identified by deploying networks of binary classifiers across distributed processing infrastructures. In this paper, we focus on building optimal topologies (chains) of networked classifiers, and present algorithms for classifier ordering and configuration, to tradeoff accuracy of the feature identification versus the incurred filtering delay. We reduce the problem of classifier topology construction to the pipeline-ordering problem, and design a solution that orders classifiers based on the underlying data characteristics, system resource constraints as well as the performance and complexity characteristics of each classifier. We also determine utility bounds on the performance of this algorithm. We then extend the algorithm to dynamically configure individual classifiers jointly with the topology construction.
Narcotic analgesic effects on the sphincter of Oddi: a review of the data and therapeutic implications in treating pancreatitis.

Narcotic analgesic effects on the sphincter of Oddi: a review of the data and therapeutic implications in treating pancreatitis
The role of lactogenic hormones in maternal behavior in female rats

Most mammals display an immediate onset of maternal care towards their offspring at parturition. In contrast, inexperienced, nulliparous females are often slow responders and show less intensity in their maternal responses. The transition from a slow responder in non-parous females to a rapid response at parturition is facilitated by the endocrine state of pregnancy. The present report reviews recent evidence from my laboratory demonstrating a role for prolactin in the stimulation of maternal behavior in the rat and presents new findings suggesting that the conceptus, through its secretion of placental lactogens, helps prime the maternal brain (one site being the medial preoptic area) to respond maternally at parturition.
Cognitive functioning as a contraindication to organ transplant surgery: dilemmas encountered in medical decision making

A case is presented to illustrate some of the difficulties encountered when providing psychological consultation to evaluate the readiness of patients for pediatric heart-lung transplantation. The outcome of complex medical decision making can often hinge on information provided by the psychological consultant who is attempting to simultaneously serve the needs of the patient as well as the transplant team. Ethical dilemmas frequently arise when medical decision making is driven by limited health care resources and cost constraints. The utility of cognitive functioning as a variable in pediatric transplant decision making is discussed. Recommendations are made for further work in this area on both conceptual and empirical grounds to guide the integration of psychological information into transplant decision making as health care delivery continues to evolve in the future.
Pharmacotherapy of social anxiety disorder.

Introduction: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, with a lifetime prevalence of 5 – 12%. Fears of scrutiny and embarrassment in social and public situations are accompanied by anxiety symptoms, avoidance behavior, and impairment in social and work functioning. Several classes of medication, as well as cognitive–behavioral therapies, have evidence for efficacy in the treatment of SAD, but only a minority of individuals with the disorder receives treatment. Areas covered: This review focuses on the evidence-based treatment of SAD with medications including serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, other antidepressants, benzodiazepines, alpha–delta calcium-channel agents, and beta-adrenergic blockers. It discusses clinical considerations in the selection and monitoring of treatments, including issues of safety, duration of treatment, comorbidity, and integration of medication with psychotherapeutic tr...
Reduced hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury by IL-4: potential anti-inflammatory role of STAT6

Objective and Design: The ability of interleukin-4 (IL-4) to modulate activation of the transcription factors, NF-κB and STAT6, reduce proinflammatory cytokine expression and protect against liver injury induced by ischemia/ reperfusion was assessed.¶Materials and Subjects: C57BL/6 mice underwent 90 minutes of partial hepatic ischemia followed by 1 or 8 h of reperfusion with or without intravenous administration of 1 μg (0.5 μg just prior to ischemia, 0.5 μg at reperfusion) recombinant murine IL-4. Liver expression of TNFα mRNA was determined by RT-PCR. Activation of NF-κB and STAT6 in liver nuclear extracts was assessed by mobility shift assay.¶Results: Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion increased hepatic expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), induced significant neutrophil accumulation and liver injury. Treatment with IL-4 greatly suppressed liver TNFα mRNA expression, neutrophil accumulation and liver injury. IL-4 had no effect on liver NF-κB activation, but greatly increased the activation of STAT6.¶Conclusions: The data suggest that STAT6 activation by IL-4 may be responsible for the protective effects of this cytokine.
Near-eye displays for rugged body-worn applications

Near-eye displays are finding applications in Warfighter's fielded body-worn navigation, information and display systems. In these rugged environments, requirements differ from those displays found in aviation or in simulation and training applications. This paper will discuss the application-specific requirements for these body-worn devices as well as lessons-learned from the field.
A combined sequence-structure approach for predicting resistance to the non-nucleoside HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor Nevirapine.

Abstract The development of drug resistance to antiretroviral medications used to treat infection with HIV-1 is a major concern. Given the cost and time constraints associated with phenotypic resistance testing, computational approaches leading to accurate predictive models of resistance based on a patient's mutational patterns in the target protein would provide a welcome alternative. A combined sequence–structure computational mutagenesis procedure is used to generate attribute vectors for each of 222 mutational patterns of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase that were isolated and sequenced from patients. Phenotypic fold-levels of resistance to the non-nucleoside inhibitor Nevirapine are known for over 25% of these mutants, whose values are used to assign each assayed mutant to a drug susceptibility class, either sensitive or resistant. Support vector machine and random forest supervised learning algorithms applied to this subset respectively classify mutants based on drug susceptibility with 85% and 92% cross-validation accuracy. The trained models are used to predict susceptibility to Nevirapine for all remaining mutant isolates, and predictions are in agreement for 90% of the test cases.
Differential regulation of human PlGF gene expression in trophoblast and nontrophoblast cells by oxygen tension.

Objective To determine the mechanism for differential effects of low oxygen tension on human PlGF gene transcription in trophoblast and nontrophoblast cells.
Incidental verbatim memory for language

It is widely believed that explicit verbatim memory for language is virtually nonexistent except in certain circumstances, for example if participants are warned they are to receive a memory test, if the language is ‘interactive’ (emotion-laden), or if the texts are exceedingly short and memory is tested immediately. The present experiments revisit the question of verbatim memory for language and demonstrate that participants do reliably recognize and recall full sentences that they are exposed to only once at above chance rates (Experiments 1 and 3). The texts are 300 words long, non-interactive, and no advanced warning of a memory test is given. Verbatim memory is demonstrated even when lexical content and memory for gist are controlled for (Experiments 2 and 4). The most striking finding is one of incidental recall: even after a six-day delay, participants reliably reproduce sentences they have heard before when asked to describe scenes, even though they are not asked to recall what they had heard (Experiment 5).
Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopy. I. Modification of the Beckman DK Spectrophotometer for Automatic Transmittance Recording in the Region 1700-2000 A

Abundant opportunities exist for analytical and molecular structure studies using the far ultraviolet region of the spectrum since almost all compounds in the vapor state possess intense, characteristic, and often detailed absorption spectra. Unfortunately, the experimental difficulties in working in this region have discouraged its widespread use Beckman Model DK-1 and DK-2 spectrophotometers have been modified to perform to 1700 A for the automatic recording of relative transmittance spectra. This performance has been accomplished through the use of very high quality quartz and fused silica for prisms and windows. The absorption of the atmosphere in the optical path has been eliminated by purging with nitrogen. The resolution achieved is remarkably good, because of the high dispersion of quartz in this region. Except for the necessity of purging, the experimental difficulties of working to 1700 A are little different from those in near ultraviolet spectroscopy.
Selective subsensitization of beta-adrenergic receptors in central airways of asthmatics and normal subjects during long-term therapy with inhaled salbutamol

Abstract In five subjects with mild asthma and in five normal subjects, we determined the effect of a 4 wk course of inhaled salbutamol (albuterol), 200 μg q.i.d., on (I) acute bronchodilator responsiveness, (2) bronchial sensitivity to inhaled histamine, (3) beta-adrenergic protection against histamine-induced bronchospasm, and (4) beta-receptor density of peripheral blood lymphocytes. We observed a diminution in central airway bronchodilator responsiveness (as measured by airway conductance responses) to acutely inhaled salbutamol and to subcutaneous terbutaline in both groups of subjects, although only the response to subcutaneous terbutaline was statistically significant (p
ICA using spacings estimates of entropy

This paper presents a new algorithm for the independent components analysis (ICA) problem based on an efficient entropy estimator. Like many previous methods, this algorithm directly minimizes the measure of departure from independence according to the estimated Kullback-Leibler divergence between the joint distribution and the product of the marginal distributions. We pair this approach with efficient entropy estimators from the statistics literature. In particular, the entropy estimator we use is consistent and exhibits rapid convergence. The algorithm based on this estimator is simple, computationally efficient, intuitively appealing, and outperforms other well known algorithms. In addition, the estimator's relative insensitivity to outliers translates into superior performance by our ICA algorithm on outlier tests. We present favorable comparisons to the Kernel ICA, FAST-ICA, JADE, and extended Infomax algorithms in extensive simulations. We also provide public domain source code for our algorithms.
Application of equality constraints on variables during alternating least squares procedures

We describe several methods of applying equality constraints while performing procedures that employ alternating least squares. Among these are mathematically rigorous methods of applying equality constraints, as well as approximate methods, commonly used in chemometrics, that are not mathematically rigorous. The rigorous methods are extensions of the methods described in detail in Lawson and Hanson's landmark text on solving least squares problems, which exhibit well-behaved least squares performance. The approximate methods tend to be easy to use and code, but they exhibit poor least squares behaviors and have properties that are not well understood. This paper explains the application of rigorous equality-constrained least squares and demonstrates the dangers of employing non-rigorous methods. We found that in some cases, upon initiating multivariate curve resolution with the exact basis vectors underlying synthetic data overlaid with noise, the approximate method actually results in an increase in the magnitude of residuals. This phenomenon indicates that the solutions for the approximate methods may actually diverge from the least squares solution. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lysophosphatidylethanolamine is a substrate for the short-chain alcohol dehydrogenase SocA from Myxococcus xanthus.

Short-chain alcohol dehydrogenases (SCADHs) synthesize a variety of intercellular signals and other chemically diverse products. It is difficult to predict the substrate of a SCADH on the basis of amino acid sequence homology, as the substrates are not known for most SCADHs. In Myxococcus xanthus, the SCADH CsgA is responsible for C signaling during fruiting body development, although the mechanism is unclear. Overexpression of the SCADH SocA compensates for the lack of CsgA and restores development and C signaling in csgA mutants. The potential of SocA in generating the C signal enzymatically was explored by developing a dehydrogenase assay-based screen to purify the SocA substrate(s). A SocA substrate was extracted from M. xanthus cells with acidified ethyl acetate and sequentially purified by solid-phase extraction on silica gel and by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The fraction with the highest SocA dehydrogenase activity contained the lysophospholipid 1-acyl 2-hydroxy-sn-glycerophosphoethanolamine (lyso-PE) as indicated by the fragment ions and a phosphatidylethanolamine-specific neutral loss scan following liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The abundant lysophospholipid with the mass m/z 450 (molecular ion [M-H]−) had a monounsaturated acyl chain with 16 carbons. SocA oxidizes lyso-PE containing either saturated or unsaturated fatty acids but exhibits poor activity on l-α-glycerophosphorylethanolamine, suggesting that an acyl chain is important for activity. Of the five different head groups, only ethanolamine showed appreciable activity. The apparent Km and Vmax for lyso-PE 18:1 were 116 μM and 875 μmol min−1 mg−1, respectively. The catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) was 1 × 108 M−1 s−1. The proposed product, 1-acyloxy-3-(2-aminoethylphosphatyl) acetone was unstable, and the fragmented products were unable to rescue csgA mutant development. The active fraction from thin-layer chromatography also contained an unidentified SocA substrate that had morphogenic properties.
Gateways for mobile routing in tactical network deployments

The US Department of Defense (DoD) is developing a Network Centric Warfighting (NCW) capability. Key to the deployment of NCW capabilities is the development of scalable networks supporting end user mobility. Initial network deployments operate either At-The-Halt (ATH) or On-the-Move (OTM) with preplanned movements. This is consistent with current networking capabilities with respect to large scale mobile network capabilities and protocols. However, future architectures and capabilities should allow for more flexible mobility models allowing for more flexible and robust NCW capabilities. We investigate hierarchical network models which are comprised of a high bandwidth, planned mobile core network interconnecting subtending more mobile end user networks. Standard IP routing and name and location services are assumed within the core network. The subtending and mobile end user networks rely upon a highly scalable (from a mobility perspective) Beacon-Based routing architecture. The interface between the core and subtending mobile networks relies upon network concepts being developed within the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), specifically from IPv4 and IPv6 mobility and the Host Identity Protocol (HIP) rendezvous service for mobile networks. We discuss the advantageous of this architecture in terms of mobility, scalability, current DoD network plans and commercial protocol development.
Comparative gene expression of steroidogenic factor 1 in Chrysemys picta and Apalone mutica turtles with temperature-dependent and genotypic sex determination.

SUMMARY Characterizing the molecular network underlying temperature-dependent (TSD) and genotypic (GSD) sex determination, including patterns across closely related taxa, is crucial to elucidate the still enigmatic evolution of sex determining mechanisms in vertebrates. Here we examined the expression of an important gene for sexual differentiation common to both systems, Sf1, at male- and female-producing temperatures, in TSD (Chrysemys picta) and GSD turtles (Apalone mutica). We tested the hypotheses that Sf1 expression responds to temperature consistently across TSD turtles but is unaffected in GSD turtles, and that this differential expression starts no earlier than the onset of the thermosensitive period (TSP). As expected, Sf1 expression was thermally insensitive in A. mutica (GSD). Although Sf1 exhibited a differential expression by temperature in C. picta, the expression pattern differed from other TSD turtles (Trachemys scripta), perhaps reflecting divergence of the gene regulatory networks underlying sex determination over evolutionary time. Most notably, Sf1 was differentially expressed in C. picta (significantly higher at the male-producing temperature) before the onset of the TSP, implying that in TSD taxa significant thermal effects may occur early in development. This result may reconcile field observations where temperatures experienced prior to the TSP have an effect on sex ratios, thus challenging traditional TSP models. Importantly, the molecular factors that render TSD mechanisms thermosensitive remain unknown, and potential candidates are genes that express differentially before the onset of the TSP (genes shaping or opening the TSP-window rather those acting once the TSP window has opened). Therefore, our findings make Sf1 one such potential candidate.
Adaptive modulation with limited peak power for fading channels

This paper investigates the problem of maximizing the spectral efficiency for adaptive modulated systems with a peak power constraint. The solutions for both the continuous constellation case and the discrete constellation case are derived by the Lagrangian method,and an iterative algorithm solving the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) optimality conditions are proposed. Our simulation results show that the spectral efficiency loss due to the peak power constraint is small and the target bit error rate (BER) can be guaranteed by our algorithm. In particular, the spectral efficiency loss remains within 1 [bps/Hz] for the continuous constellation case and 2 [bps/Hz] for the discrete constellation case at average signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 20 dB.
The Cancer Survivorship Care Plan: Health Care in the Context of Cancer

A 6-year cancer survivor shares how participating in the development of his cancer survivorship care plan yielded physical and emotional benefits, and laments that such plans are not more readily available.
The impact of behaviour problems on caregiver stress in young people with autism spectrum disorders.

Background The purpose of this study was to examine the correlates of caregiver stress in a large sample of young people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Two main objectives were to: (  ) disentangle the effects of behaviour problems and level of functioning on caregiver stress; and (  ) measure the stability of behaviour problems and caregiver stress. Methods Parents or teachers of  young people with ASDs completed measures of stress, behaviour problems and social competence. Parents also completed an adaptive behaviour scale. Eighty-one young people were rated twice at a  -year interval. Results Parents and teachers did not perfectly agree on the nature and severity of behaviour problems. However, both sets of ratings indicated that behaviour problems were strongly associated with stress. Conduct problems in particular were significant predictors of stress. Adaptive skills were not significantly associated with caregiver stress. Parental reports of behaviour problems and stress were quite stable over the  -year interval, much more so than teacher reports. Parent ratings suggested that behaviour problems and stress exacerbated each other over time. This transactional model did not fit the teacher data. Conclusion Results of this study suggested that it is a specific group of externalized behaviours that are the most strongly associated with both parent and teacher stress. Results were discussed from methodological and conceptual perspectives.
Convergence theorems for hybrid learning rules

Several heuristic hybrid algorithms for feedforward neural networks, which combine unsupervised learning of hidden units with supervised learning of output units [see, e.g., Moody and Darken (1989); Nowlan (1990); Poggio and Girosi (1990); Benaim and Tomasini (1992); Benaim (1994)] have recently been proposed. The purpose of this note is to present some convergence theorems for such learning rules.
1/ f Noise in Graphene Field-Effect Transistors: Dependence on the Device Channel Area

We carried out a systematic experimental study of the low-frequency noise characteristics in a large number of single and bilayer graphene transistors. The prime purpose was to determine the dominant noise sources in these devices and the effect of aging on the current-voltage and noise characteristics. The analysis of the noise spectral density dependence on the surface area of the graphene channel indicates that the dominant contributions to the 1/f electronic noise come from the graphene channel region itself. Aging of graphene transistors due to exposure to ambient for over a month resulted in substantially increased noise, which was attributed to the decreasing mobility of graphene and increasing contact resistance. The noise spectral density in both single and bilayer graphene transistors shows a non-monotonic dependence on the gate bias. This observation confirms that the 1/f noise characteristics of graphene transistors are qualitatively different from those of conventional silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors.
Test of the infinite-order sudden approximation for electron scattering at intermediate energy☆

Abstract Converged infinite-order sudden (IOS) approximation calculations for electron scattering by N 2 at 30 eV are compared to converged close-coupling calculations. The IOS approximation is most accurate for the total scattering cross section.
Heart Rate Variability as a Predictor of Cardiac Dysrhythmias During Weaning From Mechanical Ventilation

BACKGROUND Weaning from mechanical ventilation to spontaneous breathing is associated with changes in the hemodynamic and autonomic nervous systems that are reflected by heart rate variability. Although cardiac dysrhythmias are an important manifestation of hemodynamic alterations, the impact of heart rate variability on the occurrence of dysrhythmias during weaning has not been specifically studied. OBJECTIVES To describe differences in heart rate variability spectral power and occurrence of cardiac dysrhythmias at baseline and during the initial trial of weaning from mechanical ventilation and to evaluate the impact of heart rate variability during weaning on occurrence of dysrhythmias. METHOD Continuous 3-lead electrocardiographic recordings were collected from 35 patients receiving mechanical ventilation for 24 hours at baseline and during the initial weaning trial. Heart rate variability was evaluated by using spectral power analysis. RESULTS Low-frequency power increased (P = .04) and high-frequency and very-low-frequency power did not change during weaning. The mean number of supraventricular ectopic beats per hour during weaning was higher than the mean at baseline (P < .001); the mean of ventricular ectopic beats did not change. Low-frequency power was a predictor of ventricular and supraventricular ectopic beats during weaning (P < .001). High-frequency power was predictive of ventricular and supraventricular (P = .02) ectopic beats during weaning. Very-low-frequency power was predictive of ventricular ectopic beats (P < .001) only. CONCLUSION Heart rate variability power spectra during weaning were predictive of dysrhythmias.
Neuroproteases in Peptide Neurotransmission and Neurodegenerative Diseases

The nervous system represents a key area for development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent research has demonstrated the critical importance of neuroproteases for the production of specific peptide neurotransmitters and for the production of toxic peptides in major neurodegenerative diseases that include Alzheimer, Huntington, and Parkinson diseases. This review illustrates the successful criteria that have allowed identification of proteases responsible for converting protein precursors into active peptide neurotransmitters, consisting of dual cysteine protease and subtilisin-like protease pathways in neuroendocrine cells. These peptide neurotransmitters are critical regulators of neurologic conditions, including analgesia and cognition, and numerous behaviors. Importantly, protease pathways also represent prominent mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer, Huntington, and Parkinson diseases. Recent studies have identified secretory vesicle cathepsin B as a novel β-secretase for production of the neurotoxic β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide of Alzheimer disease. Moreover, inhibition of cathepsin B reduces Aβ peptide levels in brain. These neuroproteases potentially represent new drug targets that should be explored in future pharmaceutical research endeavors for drug discovery.
Multiwave Raman mixing: theory and experiment

Since the first demonstration in 1978, multiwave Raman mixing in H2 has become a standard laboratory technique to generate tunable UV1 and VUV2 radiation. In spite of its widespread use, there has yet to be a detailed theory that can predict the large conversion efficiencies to the high-order anti-Stokes (AS) waves that have been observed experimentally at high intensities. In this paper, we review the current understanding of the basic physics of multiwave Raman mixing. The most recent calculations of the AS conversion efficiencies3 are compared to experiments that use pump lasers with near diffraction-limited beam quality and a transform-limited linewidth. The dependence of the conversion efficiencies on the linewidth, intensity, and pulse length of the pump laser, and the temperature, density, and ortho-para ratio of the H2 Raman medium are presented.
Topoisomerase IIα mediates TCF-dependent epithelial–mesenchymal transition in colon cancer

Aberrant T-cell factor (TCF) transcription is implicated in the majority of colorectal cancers (CRCs). TCF transcription induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), promoting a tumor-initiating cell (TIC) phenotype characterized by increased proliferation, multidrug resistance (MDR), invasion and metastasis. The data presented herein characterize topoisomerase IIα (TopoIIα) as a required component of TCF transcription promoting EMT. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and protein co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) studies, we show that TopoIIα forms protein–protein interactions with β-catentin and TCF4 and interacts with Wnt response elements (WREs) and promoters of direct target genes of TCF transcription, including: MYC, vimentin, AXIN2 and LEF1. Moreover, both TopoIIα and TCF4 ChIP with the N-cadherin promoter, which is a new discovery indicating that TCF transcription may directly regulate N-cadherin expression. TopoIIα N-terminal ATP-competitive inhibitors, exemplified by the marine alkaloid neoamphimedine (neo), block TCF activity in vitro and in vivo. Neo effectively inhibits TopoIIα and TCF4 from binding WREs/promoter sites, whereas protein–protein interactions remain intact. Neo inhibition of TopoIIα-dependent TCF transcription also correlates with significant antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo, including the reversion of EMT, the loss of TIC-mediated clonogenic colony formation, and the loss of cell motility and invasion. Interestingly, non-ATP-competitive inhibitors of TopoIIα, etoposide and merbarone, were ineffective at preventing TopoIIα-dependent TCF transcription. Thus, we propose that TopoIIα participation in TCF transcription may convey a mechanism of MDR to conventional TopoIIα inhibitors. However, our results indicate that TopoIIα N-terminal ATP-binding sites remain conserved and available for drug targeting. This article defines a new strategy for targeted inhibition of TCF transcription that may lead to effective therapies for the treatment of CRC and potentially other Wnt-dependent cancers.
Acid generation efficiency: EUV photons versus photoelectrons

EUV photoacid generation efficiency has been described primarily in terms of the EUV photon absorption by the PAG or the resist matrix and the production of low energy photoelectrons, which are reported as being ultimately responsible for the high quantum efficiencies reported in EUV resists (<1). Such observation led to a number of recent studies on PAGs with variable electron affinity (EA) and reduction potential (Ered) presumably conducive to a differential EUV photoelectron harvesting efficiency. However, such studies either did not disclose the PAG chemical structures, replaced the EUV source with an e-beam source, or lacked a fundamental discussion of the underlying physical mechanisms behind EUV PAG decomposition. In this work, we report the EUV photospeed of a methacrylatebased resist formulated with a battery of openly disclosed isostructural sulfonium PAGs covering a wide range of EA’s and Ered’s, to unveil any preferential photoelectron scavenging effect. In parallel, several iodonium PAGs are also tested in order to compare the direct EUV photon absorption route to the photoelectron-based decomposition path. Contrarily to what has been widely reported, we have found no direct correlation whatsoever between photospeed and the calculated EA’s or experimental Ered’s for the isostructural sulfonium PAGs studied. Instead, we found that iodonium PAGs make more efficient use of the available EUV power due to their higher photoabsorption cross-section. Additionally, we determined a cation size effect for both PAG groups, which is able to further modulate the acid generation efficiency. Finally, we present a formal explanation for the unselective response towards photoelectron harvesting based on the stabilization of the PAG cation by bulky substituent groups, the spatial and temporal range of the transient photoelectron and the differences in electron transfer processes for the different systems studied.
First isolation of disubstituted cis-5,6-dihydro-1,10-phenanthrolines. Lipase-mediated resolution of cis- and trans-phenoxy alcohol isomers and assignment of absolute stereochemistry via CD and NMR spectroscopy.

5,6-Dihydro-1,10-phenanthrolines can display axial and central chirality. In conjunction with the ligating properties of the diimino moiety, this class of compounds is of great interest to applications in supramolecular chemistry. We report the first preparation of cis-5,6-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline derivatives by reacting triphenyl borate with the corresponding epoxide precursor. We found that solvent and temperature choice determined the stereoselectivity of the epoxide opening giving rise to the cis (14:1 dr) or trans (99:1 dr) product. Racemates of each stereoisomeric mixture, cis- and trans-phenoxy alcohol, were separated via highly enantioselective transesterifications with lipase PSCI from Burkholderia cepacia (97% ee, E > 200). Stereochemical assignments were carried out using CD and X-ray analyses in conjunction with NMR studies of α-methoxy-α-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetic acid and α-methoxyphenylacetic acid esters. Chirality, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Agaricicolous species of Hypomyces

Thirteen species of Hypomyces occur on gilled fungi. Most are found on members of the Russulaceae; other hosts include Amanita spp., Crepidotus spp., Leptonia strigosissima, and Pholiota sp. Anamor...
How Long Was Your Day

Albert Schueller (schuelaw@whitman.edu) received his Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky in 1996 under Peter Perry. Since then, he has been teaching at Whitman College. His research interests include parallel computation, inverse problems, and, most recently, cellular automata. When not doing mathematics, he enjoys cycling among the wheat fields around Walla Walla, backpacking with his family, and hacking around with Linux.
Simple fecal tests of absorption. A prospective study and critique.

A prospective study in which the value of four stool screening tests of malabsorption was assessed demonstrated that the Sudan stain for fat, with or without heat and acid, microscopic search for meat fibers and radiotriolein excretion, but not the gelatin film tests, was accurate in 69–79% of studies. Accuracy was lowest in mild steatorrhea and because of this, screening tests were least helpful in patients in whom these tests might have realized their greatest potential value for clinical diagnosis. With high meat intake, stool meal fibers proved as good as, or better than, the other methods for testing for nonspecific malabsorption. The gelatin film test, stool meat fibers and the differential results of the Sudan test before and after heat and acid were of no specific value in distinguishing patients with pancreatic insufficiency from those with other causes of malabsorption; their use for this purpose should be abandoned.
Three new species of Dalechampia (Euphorbiaceae) from Brazil

Dalechampia fernandesii, from Ceara, belongs to sectionTiliifoliae and is related toD. affinis andD. tiliifolia.Dalechampia armbrusteri, of subsectionDalechampia, from Bahia, is close toD. brownsbergensis of Suriname but has well developed resiniferous bractlets.Dalechampia viridissima, from Bahia and Espirito Santo, is an isolated species with the 3-lobed leaves of species in sectionDalechampia subsectionDalechampia but the reduced indumentum and greenish bracts of species in sectionTriphyllae.
Diapause Inhibition in Manduca sexta and Apanteles congregatus by High Scotophase Temperatures

Diapause in both Manduca sexta (L.) and Apanteles congregatus (Say) was inhibited by high temperatures (30–31°C) during the scotophase when the photoperiods would normally induce diapause. The same high temperatures during the photophase did not inhibit diapause.
Galactic Neutrinos in the TeV to PeV Range

We study the contribution of Galactic sources to the flux of astrophysical neutrinos recently observed by the IceCube Collaboration. We show that in the simplest model of homogeneous and isotropic cosmic ray diffusion in the Milky Way the Galactic diffuse neutrino emission consistent with $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray (Fermi-LAT) and cosmic ray data (KASCADE, KASCADE-Grande and CREAM) is expected to account for only 4%\char21{}8% of the IceCube flux above 60 TeV. Direct neutrino emission from cosmic-ray-gas ($pp$) interactions in the sources will require an unusually large average opacity above 0.01. On the other hand, we find that the IceCube events already probe Galactic neutrino scenarios via the distribution of event arrival directions. Based on the latter, we show that most Galactic scenarios can only have a limited contribution to the astrophysical signal: diffuse Galactic emission ($\ensuremath{\lesssim}50%$), quasidiffuse emission of neutrino sources ($\ensuremath{\lesssim}65%$), extended diffuse emission from the Fermi bubbles ($\ensuremath{\lesssim}25%$) or unidentified TeV $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray sources ($\ensuremath{\lesssim}25%$). The arguments discussed here leave, at present, dark matter decay unconstrained.
Plasma Membrane Repair in Health and Disease

Since an intact membrane is required for normal cellular homeostasis, membrane repair is essential for cell survival. Human genetic studies, combined with the development of novel animal models and refinement of techniques to study cellular injury, have now uncovered series of repair proteins highly relevant for human health. Many of the deficient repair pathways manifest in skeletal muscle, where defective repair processes result in myopathies or other forms of muscle disease. Dysferlin is a membrane-associated protein implicated in sarcolemmal repair and also linked to other membrane functions including the maintenance of transverse tubules in muscle. MG53, annexins, and Eps15 homology domain-containing proteins interact with dysferlin to form a membrane repair complex and similarly have roles in membrane trafficking in muscle. These molecular features of membrane repair are not unique to skeletal muscle, but rather skeletal muscle, due to its high demands, is more dependent on an efficient repair process. Phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, as well as Ca(2+), are central regulators of membrane organization during repair. Given the importance of muscle health in disease and in aging, these pathways are targets to enhance muscle function and recovery from injury.
Comparing High Definition Live Interactive and Store-and-Forward Consultations to In-Person Examinations.

Abstract Background: There is little teledermatology research directly comparing remote methods, even less research with two in-person dermatologist agreement providing a baseline for comparing remote methods, and no research using high definition video as a live interactive method. Objective: To compare in-person consultations with store-and-forward and live interactive methods, the latter having two levels of image quality. Methods: A controlled study was conducted where patients were examined in-person, by high definition video, and by store-and-forward methods. The order patients experienced methods and residents assigned methods rotated, although an attending always saw patients in-person. The type of high definition video employed, lower resolution compressed or higher resolution uncompressed, was alternated between clinics. Primary and differential diagnoses, biopsy recommendations, and diagnostic and biopsy confidence ratings were recorded. Results: Concordance and confidence were significantly be...