cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Further investigations relative to studies with I131-labeled proteins, insulin in particular.

SummaryAn appreciable portion of inorganic I113 was found to be precipitated by TCA in the presence of red blood cells. This was not the case with serum or other tissues studied. In evaluating the degradation of I131-labeled proteins by measuring the TCA precipitability of the blood radioactivity, it should, therefore, be appreciated that the degradation product, inorganic I131, may show the phenomenon of “re-entry,” and be precipitated by TCA. Findings, somewhat similar to those with inorganic I131 were also obtained with I131-labeled diiodotyrosine.
Proximate ray tracing and optical aberration coefficients

Algebraic ray-trace equations for axially symmetric optical systems are expanded in terms of system parameters and paraxial variables. The results are the paraxial ray-trace equations and equations for third-, fifth-, and seventh-order deviations from the paraxial ray. These equations, which approximate real rays in an extended region about the axis, are used to trace a selected set of rays to the image space. Deviations of given order are then related to equal-order terms in the aberration expansion. The resulting set of linear equations is solved for aberration coefficients.
Method for placing deep-brain stimulators

A new system is evaluated for implanting deep-brain stimulators into the brain. The system relies on the custom construction of a rigid, one-piece mounting platform for each patient. During surgery the platform is attached rigidly to posts that are implanted into the patient's skull and extend outward through the scalp. The platform then acts as a miniature stereotactic frame that provides guidance for a catheter as it is advanced through a burr hole to the target. The target is selected on a pre-operative CT image. That image is acquired after the posts have been implanted and outfitted with fiducial markers. The positions of the markers and the target are used to design the platform. After initial implantation, the electrode's position is adjusted interoperatively on the basis of physical effects of stimulation, but the accuracy of the initial placement is determined entirely by the registration of the image to the physical anatomy through the shape of the platform and its placement on the posts. In this work, we test that accuracy by comparing the position of the electrode in post-operative patient images with the positions in the pre-operative images as determined by a rigid registration based on the fiducial markers.
Atomic fluorescence spectrometry of thallium with a frequency-doubled dye laser and vitreous carbon atomizer

Abstract A vitreous carbon atomizer is described for use in laser-excited atomic fluorescence spectrometry and is applied to the determination of thallium in aqueous solution. When a frequency-doubled N2 laser-pumped dye laser is used to excite the atomic thallium at 276.8 nm and the combined direct-line fluorescence and stepwise-line fluorescence are detected at 352.9 and 351.9 nm, respectively, the limit of detection is 2.5 × 10-14 g in a 0.5-pg ml-1 sample solution. The calibration curve for thallium has a linear range extending over six orders of magnitude.
EPS‐I polysaccharide protects Mycoplasma pulmonis from phagocytosis

Few mycoplasmal polysaccharides have been described and little is known about their role in pathogenesis. The infection of mice with Mycoplasma pulmonis has been utilized in many in vivo and in vitro studies to gain a better understanding of host–pathogen interactions during chronic respiratory infection. Although alveolar macrophages have a primary role in host defence, M. pulmonis is killed inefficiently in vitro. One antiphagocytic factor produced by the mycoplasma is the family of phase- and size-variable Vsa lipoproteins. However, bacteria generally employ multiple strategies for combating host defences, with capsular polysaccharide often having a key role. We show here that mutants lacking the EPS-I polysaccharide of M. pulmonis exhibit increased susceptibility to binding and subsequent killing by alveolar macrophages. These results give further insight into how mycoplasmas are able to avoid the host immune system and sustain a chronic infection.
Inner Sanctum of Feather Cave, a Mogollon Sun and Earth Shrine Linking Mexico and the Southwest

Arrow Grotto, an inner sanctum deep within a mountain of south-central New Mexico and reached only by a crawlway from Feather Cave, was found to contain masses of offerings untouched for six centuries or more. Examination of material and of accompanying pictographs by men from several living pueblos led to identification of the grotto as a shrine for Earth Mother and Sun Father, visited at the period of biannual solar ceremonies. Parallels between Arrow Grotto, other prehistoric ceremonial caves, and even the Anasazi sipapu, show a pattern surprisingly similar to that of a number of Pueblo ceremonial caves in use today or in the recent past. Parallels to concepts regarding caves and supernaturals in Mexican cultures indicate a series of rapid northward diffusions of religious ideas, the first, at least, from eastern Mesoamerica, through Preclassic to Postclassic periods, one of our most specific evidences of influential contacts. Original owners of Feather Cave and Arrow Grotto probably were Piros who left the Rio Bonito Valley to become mingled, eventually, with southern Tiwa relatives, whose descendants still inhabit pueblos near Albuquerque.
Thiol-catalyzed formation of lactate and glycerate from glyceraldehyde

The formation of lactate from glyceraldehyde is catalyzed by the thiol, N-acetylcysteine, at ambient temperature in aqueous sodium phosphate (pH 7.0). The rate of lactate formation is more rapid at higher concentrations of sodium phosphate and is essentially the same in the presence and absence of oxygen. The formation of lactate is efficient, but proceeds slowly with an 8.8% yield of lactate after 16 days from 10 mM glyceraldehyde in the presence of 12.5 mM N-acetylcysteine and 500 mM sodium phosphate (pH 7.0). The formation of glycerate from glyceraldehyde, that occurs in the presence of oxygen and to a small extent when oxygen has been removed, is also catalyzed by the thiol, N-acetylcysteine, under the same conditions. The dramatic increase in the rate of glycerate formation that is brought about by the thiol, N-acetylcysteine, is accompanied by an equally dramatic decrease in the rates of production of glycolate and formate. Presumably, the thiol-dependent formation of lactate and glycerate occurs via their respective thioesters. The significance of these reactions to molecular evolution is discussed.
Permeability and Susceptibility of Escherichia coli to β- Lactam Compounds

In general, the susceptibility of envelope mutants of Escherichia coli to beta-lactam compounds correlates well with the permeability of these antibiotics through the outer membrane. However, several mutants were isolated which, although apparently freely permeable to penicillins, showed only marginal increases in susceptibility to these agents.
Predictors of skin cancer screening practice and attitudes in primary care

Background Physician visits provide invaluable opportunities to screen patients for skin cancer, yielding earlier detection and improved survival. Objective We sought to assess frequency of skin cancer screening by full body skin examinations (FBSE) by primary care physicians, patient attitudes toward FBSE, and risk factors for cutaneous malignancy. Methods Questionnaires were distributed to patients at primary care and dermatology clinics. Results A total of 426 participants were surveyed. Overall, 20% of patients reported having undergone regular FBSE by their primary care physician. Sex, race, personal skin cancer history, and Fitzpatrick skin type were predictive of whether a FBSE was performed by a patient's primary care physician. Men were more likely to report having undergone a FBSE (22% vs 19%; P P Limitations This study was conducted at a single site academic center. Conclusion Although low rates of skin cancer screening are reported by patients, those at higher risk are being screened more frequently. Sex disparity exists, and as both male and female patients have a strong preference to undergo FBSE, unmet opportunities for skin cancer prevention should be maximized.
Field theory of geometric membranes.

Membrane field theory is defined as a theory of surface functionals which incorporates membrane dynamics in the Dirac form. The excitation spectrum depends on the topology of membranes. Solving the field equation exactly, we show that toroidal membrane theory in four dimensions contains massless particles and yields an equally spaced mass-squared spectrum.
Climate Factors Influencing Coccidioidomycosis Seasonality and Outbreaks

Although broad links between climatic factors and coccidioidomycosis have been established, the identification of simple and robust relationships linking climatic controls to seasonal timing and outbreaks of the disease has remained elusive. Using an adaptive data-oriented method for estimating date of exposure, in this article I analyze hypotheses linking climate and dust to fungal growth and dispersion, and evaluate their respective roles for Pima County, Arizona. Results confirm a strong bimodal disease seasonality that was suspected but not previously seen in reported data. Dispersion-related conditions are important predictors of coccidioidomycosis incidence during fall, winter, and the arid foresummer. However, precipitation during the normally arid foresummer 1.5–2 years before the season of exposure is the dominant predictor of the disease in all seasons, accounting for half of the overall variance. Cross-validated models combining antecedent and concurrent conditions explain 80% of the variance in coccidioidomycosis incidence.
Analysis of Laminar Mixed Convective Plumes Along Vertical Adiabatic Surfaces

Analyse de la convection mixte laminaire a partir d'une source de chaleur lineaire noye dans le bord d'attaque d'une surface verticale adiabatique dans les conditions de poussees favorable ou opposee a l'ecoulement. Presentation des repartitions de temperatures et de vitesses dans la couche limite pour differentes valeurs des parametres caracteristiques
Preservation of response-outcome associations through extinction

In four experiments, rats learned initial response-outcome (R-O) associations in an instrumental training task. They then were given training of those same responses either with another outcome (Experiments 1 and 2) or with nonreward (Experiments 3 and 4). The presence of the original R-O associations was detected by measuring the depressive effect on responding of devaluing that O by pairing with LiCl. The results indicated that the original R-O associations remained intact through both potentially interfering treatments.
Mixed signals: MTV Desi, South Asian American audiences and the discourse of ethnic television

This article's key argument is that MTV Desi an ethnically defined satellite channel distributed through the premium subscription model in 2005 and subsequently cancelled for its financial unviability in 2007 offers us a key example of the disjuncture between mainstream, commercial US television's investment in and engagement with its newly attractive South Asian American or desi markets and the media cultures, tastes and expectations of the community that is spoken for. This disjuncture, I further argue, is significant since it illuminates the tensions and struggles over ‘ethnic’ markets (so defined) and cultural representations that emerge when a commercially oriented mainstream television industry tries to incorporate multiculturalism as a financially necessary strategy in an age of increasing media competition and dwindling audiences but seems unwilling to go the distance in terms of long-term investment and cultivation of its newly discovered ethnic niches.
Bonding of Cs on Si and Ge surfaces studied by core-level spectroscopy

The core-level line shapes of Si(111)-(7{times}7), Si(100)-(2{times}1), and Ge(100)-(2{times}1) are examined with synchrotron-radiation photoemission both before and after Cs adsorption. The Cs-induced core-level shifts are determined. The results indicate that the chemisorption bond is partially ionic, and the Si or Ge surface atoms each have an extra charge of about 0.3 electron after Cs adsorption.
Representation and analysis of additively manufactured parts

Representations of solid models were initially formulated partially in response to the need to support automation for numerically controlled machining processes. The assumed equivalence between shape, topology, and material properties of manufactured components and their computer representations led to the practice of modeling and simulating the behavior of physical parts before manufacture. In particular, representations of shape and material properties are treated in distinct nominal models for most unit manufacturing processes. Additively manufactured parts usually exhibit deviations from their nominal geometry in the form of stair-stepping artifacts and topological irregularities in the vicinity of small features. Furthermore, structural properties of additively manufactured parts have experimentally been shown to be dependent on the build orientation defining the cross sections where material is accumulated. Therefore geometric models of additively manufactured parts cannot be decoupled from the manufacturing process plan.In this paper we show that as-manufactured shapes may be represented in terms of the convolution operation to capture the additive deposition of material, measure the conformance to nominal geometry in terms of overlap volume, and model uncertainties involved in material flow and process control. We then demonstrate a novel interoperable approach to physical analysis on as-manufactured part geometry represented as a collection of machine-specific cross sections augmented with boundary conditions defined on the nominal geometry. The analysis only relies on fundamental queries of point membership classification and distance to boundary and therefore does not involve the overhead of model preparation required in approaches such as finite element analysis. Results are shown for non-trivial geometries to validate the proposed approach. Representation of as-manufactured models using convolution.Incorporating manufacturing uncertainty into representation.Computing as-manufactured models using planar morphological operations.Interoperable analysis using query based simulation on sliced as-manufacturable models.
High-speed optical coherence tomography of corneal opacities

Purpose To evaluate corneal opacities with optical coherence tomography (OCT). Design Prospective observational case series. Participants Twenty-three eyes of 19 patients with corneal opacities referred to a tertiary medical center. Methods Twenty-three consecutive eyes with corneal opacities were imaged with a high-speed corneal OCT prototype (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc., Dublin, CA). The OCT system operates at a speed of 2000 axial scans per second and a wavelength of 1.3 μm. Slit-scanning tomography (Orbscan II, software version 3.12; Bausch & Lomb, Inc., Rochester, NY) and ultrasound pachymetry (Corneo-Gage Plus; Sonogage, Cleveland, OH) also were performed. Main Outcome Measures Central cornea thickness was measured by the 3 instruments. Results In eyes with central opacities (n = 17), OCT central cornea thickness measurements were statistically equivalent to ultrasound pachymetry, whereas Orbscan II measurements were significantly less than ultrasound pachymetry (difference, −132.7±143 μm; P = 0.006). The OCT and ultrasound pachymetry results were obtained for all eyes, whereas Orbscan was unable to provide readings in 4 eyes. In eyes with off-center opacities (n = 6), OCT and Orbscan II central cornea thickness measurements were statistically equivalent to ultrasound pachymetry. The OCT measurements of epithelial thickness and scar depth also were demonstrated. Conclusions Optical coherence tomography provides consistent pachymetry mapping, whereas Orbscan II significantly underestimates corneal thickness in the presence of central corneal scars. Optical coherence tomography could be valuable in the planning of surgical treatment of corneal scars.
Designing mobile interfaces for novice and low-literacy users

While mobile phones have found broad application in bringing health, financial, and other services to the developing world, usability remains a major hurdle for novice and low-literacy populations. In this article, we take two steps to evaluate and improve the usability of mobile interfaces for such users. First, we offer an ethnographic study of the usability barriers facing 90 low-literacy subjects in India, Kenya, the Philippines, and South Africa. Then, via two studies involving over 70 subjects in India, we quantitatively compare the usability of different points in the mobile design space. In addition to text interfaces such as electronic forms, SMS, and USSD, we consider three text-free interfaces: a spoken dialog system, a graphical interface, and a live operator.Our results confirm that textual interfaces are unusable by first-time low-literacy users, and error prone for literate but novice users. In the context of healthcare, we find that a live operator is up to ten times more accurate than text-based interfaces, and can also be cost effective in countries such as India. In the context of mobile banking, we find that task completion is highest with a graphical interface, but those who understand the spoken dialog system can use it more quickly due to their comfort and familiarity with speech. We synthesize our findings into a set of design recommendations.
Stability regions for saturated linear systems via conjugate Lyapunov functions

We use a recently developed duality theory for linear differential inclusions (LDIs) to enhance the stability analysis of systems with saturation. Based on the duality theory, the condition of stability for a LDI in terms of one Lyapunov function can be easily derived from that in terms of a Lyapunov function conjugate to the original one in the sense of convex analysis. This paper uses a particular conjugate pair, the convex hull of quadratics and the maximum of quadratics, along with their dual relationship, for the purpose of estimating the domain of attraction for systems with saturation nonlinearities. To this end, the nonlinear system is locally transformed into a LDI system with an effective approach which enables optimization on the local LDI description. The optimization problems are derived for both the convex hull and the max functions, and the domain of attraction is estimated with both the convex hull of ellipsoids and the intersection of ellipsoids. A numerical example demonstrates that the estimation of the domain of attraction by this paper's methods drastically improve those by the earlier methods.
Treatment of Ventricular Assist-Device-Associated Gastrointestinal Bleeding With Hormonal Therapy

From the *Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care; and †Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA. Address reprint requests to Jacob T. Gutsche, MD. University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, 3400 Spruce Street, 680 Dulles Building. Philadelphia, PA 19104. E-mail: jacob.gutsche@uphs.upenn.edu © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 1053-0770/2605-0031$36.00/0 http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/j.jvca.2013.05.019
Teaching Critical Analysis Skills with Analysis Briefs: What They are and How They Work

Critical analysis, which is defined as the reasoned and logical process of skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information (Scriven and Paul 2001), is at the heart of the research process that propels our profession's knowledge-base forward. In this essay, I describe an effective method that I developed to help inculcate and hone students' critical analysis skills. Indeed, critical analysis skills are crucial foundational skills necessary for all students, especially those who intend to thrive successfully as researchers in our profession.I am grateful to A.B. Assensoh, Joan Middendorf and the three anonymous reviewers, respectively, who offered helpful comments on earlier versions of this essay.
The Effect of Environmental Perceptions on Behavioral Intentions Through Emotions: The Case of Upscale Restaurants

This research built a conceptual model to show how customers’ perceptions of dining environments influence behavioral intentions through emotions in the upscale restaurant setting. An environmental...
The role of institutional and community based ethics committees in the debate on euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide

In many countries the debate over the role that physicians may (or should) play in ending life has been limited to the judiciary and other law making institutions, professional medical organizations; and academics. Because of their multidisciplinary and diverse membership, ethics committees may be a particularly appropriate venue through which these discussions can be expanded to include a much larger community. In addition, ethics committees generally act in only advisory capacities because they do not actually make decisions, so they may provide a forum for open discussions in ways that the court and the medical boards (which make licensing determinations) cannot.
Effect of Visual Stimuli on Dream Content

Three Ss slept with their eyes taped open and their pupils chemically dilated while stages of sleep were monitored by EEG and eye movement recordings. Various objects were illuminated in front of Ss' open eyes. Shortly following the stimulus presentations, Ss were awakened and reports of dream experiences and other imagery during sleep were obtained. Although there were occasional instances of dream imagery containing light stimulation, there was essentially no evidence for a correspondence between the reported imagery and the specific characteristics of the stimulus objects. The relative functional blindness of sleep fails to support theories stating that dream images are determined by patterns of retinal excitation.
The effect of nanoparticle location and shape on thermal transitions observed in hydrated layer-by-layer assemblies

Nanoparticles can have a profound effect on thermal transitions observed in polymer nanocomposites. Many layer-by-layer (LbL) assemblies contain nanoparticles for added functionality, but the resulting effects of nanoparticles on an LbL film's thermal properties are not known. Previously, we have shown that a nanoparticle-free LbL film containing strong polyelectrolytes, poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)/poly(styrene sulfonate) (PDAC/PSS), exhibited a single reversible thermal transition much like a glass-melt transition. In the work presented here, nanoparticles of either spherical (SiO2) or platelet (Laponite clay) shape are inserted at varying vertical locations throughout PDAC/PSS LbL films. Temperature-controlled quartz crystal microbalance (QCM-D) and modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) are applied, for which QCM-D proved to be more sensitive to the transition. All Laponite-containing films possess two thermal transitions. During growth, Laponite-containing films exhibit steady increases in dissipation, which is proposed to arise from mechanically decoupled regions separated by the Laponite nanoparticles. For SiO2-containing films, three transitions are detectable only when the SiO2 nanoparticles are placed in the middle of the film; no transitions are observed for SiO2 placed at the bottom or top, perhaps because of a weakening of the transition. The lowest transition is close in value to that of neat PDAC/PSS LbL films, and was assigned to a “bulk” response. The higher transition(s) is attributed to polymer chains in an interfacial region near the nanoparticle. We propose that nanoparticles restrict segmental mobility, thus elevating the transition temperature in the interfacial region.
Structure of Cerebral Arterioles in Mice Deficient in Expression of the Gene for Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase

We examined effects of pharmacological inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and genetic deficiency of the endothelial isoform of NOS (eNOS) on structure and mechanics of cerebral arterioles. We measured pressure, diameter, and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the vessel wall (histologically) in maximally dilated cerebral arterioles in mice that were untreated or treated for 3 months with the NOS inhibitor, NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; 10 mg/kg per day in drinking water). Treatment with l-NAME increased systemic arterial mean pressure (SAP; 143±4 versus 121±4 mm Hg, P<0.05) and CSA (437±27 versus 310±34 μm2, P<0.05). These findings suggest that hypertension induced in mice by NOS inhibition is accompanied by hypertrophy of cerebral arterioles. To determine the role of the eNOS isoform in regulation of cerebral vascular growth, we examined mice with targeted disruption of one (heterozygous) or both (homozygous) genes encoding eNOS. Wild-type littermates served as controls. SAP and CSA were si...
Cutting Edge: Inhibiting Measles Virus Infection but Promoting Reproduction: An Explanation for Splicing and Tissue-Specific Expression of CD46

Membrane cofactor protein (MCP; CD46) regulates the complement cascade by inhibiting C3b and C4b deposited on self tissue. This function resides in the complement control protein repeats (CCPs), with CCPs 2–4 essential for regulation. MCP is expressed on the inner acrosomal membrane of human sperm, and Abs to CCP1 inhibit sperm-egg interactions. In somatic tissues, New World monkeys express an alternatively spliced form of MCP lacking CCP1. Although retaining complement-regulatory activity, this form is postulated to render these species less susceptible to strains of the measles virus whose hemagglutinin requires CCP1 and CCP2 for attachment. Using PCR, sequencing, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry, we characterized MCP expression in the testes and sperm of two New World monkeys. In these species, sperm express MCP bearing CCP1. The germ cell-specific expression pattern of this domain strongly suggests an evolutionarily conserved role for MCP in fertilization.
Clinical Characteristics of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy in the United States : Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Management

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a pregnancy-associated myocardial disease characterized by the development of heart failure due to marked left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Although the disease is relatively uncommon, its incidence is increasing, and it can be associated with important and lasting morbidity and with mortality. Peripartum cardiomyopathy seems to affect women in different parts of the world but with considerable differences in clinical presentation. The purposes of this review are to describe the clinical profile of peripartum cardiomyopathy in the United States and to provide recommendations for the diagnosis and the management of this disease.
POLYACRYLAMIDE GEL ENTRAPMENT OF ADENYLATE KINASE AND ACETATE KINASE

Abstract The factors that limit the stability of adenylate kinase and acetate kinase in solution have been examined and compared with those that determine stability under conditions encountered during photochemically initiated polymer gel formation in solutions of acrylamide and N,N'-methylene-bisacrylamide. Both adenylate kinase (from rabbit and pig muscle) and acetate kinase (from E. Coli) contain cysteine residues close to their active sites. In solutions exposed to air, the rate of deactivation of these enzymes is determined by the rate of autoxidation (probably transition metal-catalized) of their cysteine sulfhydryl groups. Both enzymes are very stable if protected against autoxidation. At least four types of reactions contribute to deactivation during polyacrylamide gel formation: autoxidation of cysteine sulfhydryl groups by molecular oxygen; Michael addition of cysteine thiolate anion to acrylamide monomer and related electrophilic species; reaction of cysteine and of other amino acids with singlet oxygen (generated by energy transfer from excited riboflavin to ground-state molecular oxygen during irradiation); reaction of several amino acids residues with free radicals (presumably SO−4 or buffer-derived radicals. To avoid deactivation during acrylamide polymerization, it is helpful to exclude molecular oxygen, to work at low temperature and low pH, and to add thiols to the solution as radical scavengers. Both enzymes are less susceptible to deactivation in solutions having high concentrations of substrates. Additional protection against singlet oxygen is afforded by using a tertiary amine buffer, and by adding β-carotene to the solution; both are effective quenchers for singlet oxygen. Adenylate kinase and acetate kinase have been modified by converting their cysteine -SH groups to -SSCH3 moieties by reaction with S-methyl mathanethiosulfonate; this blocking is completely reversed by treatment with DTT. These modified proteins show 70% and 30%, respectively, of the activity of the native enzymes. They are much more resistant to autoxidation and Michael addition than are native proteins; their resistance to singlet oxygen is slightly better than these proteins; their resistance to deactivation by SO−4 radical is indistinguishable from that of the fully reduced precursors. By taking advantage of a detailed accounting of the course of deactivation during polyacrylamide gel formation, it is possible to design experimental procedures that allow cross-linked polyacrylamide gels to be formed by free-radical polymerization in solutions containing adenylate kinase with preservation of 50 – 90% of the activity of the enzyme, and in solutions containing acetate kinase with preservation of 25 – 60% of the activity of enzymes. If protected from atmospheric oxygen, the enzymes remain active in contact with these gels over periods of many months. Leakage of enzymes from the gels on washing is, however, rapid.
Biology of Castration-Recurrent Prostate Cancer

Although androgen-deprivation therapy is the standard therapy for advanced and metastatic prostate cancer, this treatment is only palliative. Prostate cancer recurs then grows despite low circulating testicular androgens, using several mechanisms that remain dependent on androgen-receptor signaling in most cases. This article reviews the diversity of mechanisms used for growth by castration-recurrent prostate cancer.
Effect of Weight Loss on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Estimation of Liver Fat and Volume in Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Background & Aims Little is known about how weight loss affects magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of liver fat and volume or liver histology in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We measured changes in liver fat and liver volume associated with weight loss by using an advanced MRI method. Methods We analyzed data collected from a previous randomized controlled trial in which 43 adult patients with biopsy-proven NASH underwent clinical evaluation, biochemical tests, and MRI and liver biopsy analyses at the start of the study and after 24 weeks. We compared data between patients who did and did not have at least 5% decrease in body mass index (BMI) during the study period. Results Ten of 43 patients had at least a 5% decrease in BMI during the study period. These patients had a significant decrease in liver fat, which was based on MRI proton density fat fraction estimates (18.3% ± 7.6% to 13.6% ± 13.6%, P = .03), a relative 25.5% reduction. They also had a significant decrease in liver volume (5.3%). However, no significant changes in levels of alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase were observed with weight loss. Thirty-three patients without at least 5% decrease in BMI had insignificant increases in estimated liver fat fraction and liver volume. Conclusions A reduction in BMI of at least 5% is associated with significant decrease in liver fat and volume in patients with biopsy-proven NASH. These data should be considered in assessing effect size in studies of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or obesity that use MRI-estimated liver fat and volume as end points.
Regional central serotonin receptor binding in rats treated chronically with high-dose 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan.

The serotonin (5-HT) precursor 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (L-5-HTP) exerted differential regional effects on central 5-HT receptors in rats treated chronically by intraperitoneal injections of large incremental doses (50–200 mg/kg). There were significant reductions in Bmax of agonist-labelled (-35%) and antagonist-labelled (-20%) 5-HT2 sites in cortex but no changes in brainstem. Kd and nH were unaffected by L-5-HTP. Bmax of 5-HT1 sites (unsubtyped) was reduced 16% in cortex and 18% in spinal cord, but the changes were not significant. Brainstem 5-HT1 sites were unaffected. Studies at a single isotope concentration in other regions revealed significant reductions of antagonist-labelled 5-HT2 specific binding in diencephalon (-26%) but not septum, and of 5-HT1 binding in diencephalon (-25%) and cerebellum (-30%) but not in hippocampus or striatum. Absence of L-5-HTP-evoked changes in 5-HT receptors in brainstem may have implications for L-5-HTP-responsive and brainstem-mediated human myoclonic disorders.
Cyclic voltammetric response of boron-doped homoepitaxially grown single crystal and polycrystalline CVD diamond

Homoepitaxial single crystal and polycrystalline boron-doped CVD diamond films were grown by a microwave plasma process using a methane and hydrogen gas mixture at a pressure of 33 Torr over a Type IIa (orientation: 100) and mechanically damaged, cleaned molybdenum substrate, respectively. Doped diamond was grown on both substrates in a single experiment to maintain constant doping levels in the as-deposited films. Boron-doping of diamond was achieved in situ by using a solid disc source of B2O3. Doped diamond was evaluated for background response in 0.5 M NaCl and 0.5 M HCl solutions by cyclic voltammetry. We have observed a wide potential range over which negligible background current was observed for polycrystalline and single crystal diamond. Decomposition of water occurs electrochemically and evolves O2 during positive (anodic) polarization and H2 evolution during negative (cathodic) polarization. All experimental measurements were corrected for uncompensated IR drop and have been compared with the results obtained without the correction for uncompensated IR drop. Scanning electron microscopy has been used to study the morphology of diamond before and after electrochemical characterization and we conclude that the morphology was unchanged. We have investigated the redox kinetics of ferri-ferrocyanide (Fe(CN)6 e B\ Fe(CN)6 ) in 0.5 M NaCl solution at the homoepitaxial boron-doped diamond electrode. The reaction is reversible at the diamond electrode, but the redox kinetics is sluggish. The heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant has been determined using the experimental data and COOL algorithm. The rate constant was found to be from 6.62 10 5 to 1.41 10 4 cm s 1 and the kinetics were considered to be sluggish at the diamond electrode:solution interface. © 1998 Published by Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.
Loss of Fhit Expression Is a Predictor of Poor Outcome in Tongue Cancer

Abnormalities of FHIT , a candidate tumor suppressor gene located at 3p14.2, have been found frequently in multiple tumor types, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. To determine the role of FHIT in tongue cancers, Fhit expression was determined by immunohistochemistry studies in tissue samples from 41 patients with stages II–IV squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue. All of the patients underwent curative surgical treatment with a median of 83 months of follow-up care. We found that 28 (68%) of the 41 tumor specimens demonstrated a lack of or significantly decreased staining for Fhit. Fhit expression tended to be stronger in well-differentiated tumor areas than it was in poorly differentiated areas, although this trend was not statistically significant. There was no significant correlation between Fhit expression and a patient’s age or sex or the histological grade or clinical stage of disease. As expected, clinical stage and nodal involvement correlated with prognosis. Interestingly, patients whose tumors demonstrated low levels of or no Fhit expression had a significantly shorter time of disease-free survival than those whose tumors had high Fhit expression ( P = 0.035, by log-rank test). This prognostic value of Fhit was independent of other clinical parameters, including stage of disease and nodal status. We conclude that Fhit plays an important role in the development of squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue and that loss of Fhit expression may be an independent prognostic indicator for clinical outcome in patients with this tumor type.
Viability of infrared FEL facilities

Abstract Infrared FELs have broken important ground in optical science in the past decade. The rapid development of optical parametric amplifiers and oscillators, and THz sources, however, has changed the competitive landscape and compelled FEL facilities to identify and exploit their unique advantages. The viability of infrared FEL facilities depends on targeting unique world-class science and providing adequate experimental beam time at competitive costs.
Monitoring and Treatment of Weight Gain in Children and Adolescents Treated with Second Generation Antipsychotics (SGAs)

ABSTRACT The use of second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) for the treatment of psychiatric illnesses in children and adolescents is increasing. Adverse effects of SGAs include weight gain, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance that can subsequently progress to diabetes. Data suggest that the metabolic effects of SGAs may be more severe in children and adolescents than in adults. The mechanism of SGA-related weight gain is not fully understood and almost certainly due to a combination of factors. A vital first step to minimize risk and long-term adverse outcomes from SGA treatment is to implement consistent metabolic monitoring.
Effects of chemical and physical treatments on the stability of halogenated organic compounds in water

Methods of preservation of total organic halides (TOX) formed from chlorinated humic acid were investigated using physical and chemical treatments in stability tests. An acid treatment (pH 2.0) was more effective than treatment with bactericides (azide or molybdate) in preventing TOX loss in water samples. TOX derived by chlorination of humic acid was more resistant than trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to heat treatment (autoclaving). Loss of humic TOX occurred upon filtration of the sample, whereas no decrease in TCA concentration was evident. 44% of humic acid‐derived TOX was detected as nonpurgeable organic halides (NPOX) and the rest 56% was purgeable organic halides (POX), largely trihalomethanes (THM).
Representation and Intention: Wittgenstein on What Makes a Picture of a Target

Etude de l'evolution de la pensee de Wittgenstein sur le probleme de la representation par images mentales telles que les plans, les modeles et les peintures. Definissant le sujet d'une representation par la notion de cible, le moyen de sa representation en tant qu'etre par le concept de contenu et la structure complexe de la ressemblance en termes de ce qui montre, l'A. examine la question que se pose Wittgenstein dans le «Tractacus logico-philosophicaus», a savoir: qu'est-ce qui fait que cette image represente sa cible?, par analogie avec la representation propositionnelle d'un enonce par signe dans sa «Grammaire philosophique»
The professional society circus.

It is surprising how some simple clarifying concepts stand the test of time. In my first year of medical school 48 years ago, the chairman of the Department of Microbiology used the phrase, "one mouse is no mouse," to help explain why a single experimental observation might be non-representative and can prove misleading (E. Witebsky, September 1957, personal communication). Since then, textbooks of statistics and epidemiology have added considerable sophistication to the notion, but the generalizability of small numbers of observations is always an issue, especially to an audience of public health and policy professionals. So what are we to make of Public Citizen's observations based on a single annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in zooz (1) Does it tell us much about other professional society meetings? Should we pay more attention to what goes on in the exhibit halls of major medical meetings? Is more control needed over displays? Is one mouse only one mouse, or are nearly all professional societies infested? At the APA meeting, rules were broken. Gifts such as luggage tags and jazz CDs were handed out that had no educational value; some gifts also exceeded the APA's upper limit of value. In violation of FDA rules, some companies engaged in off-label drug promotions. But aside from the fact that both APA and FDA rules were being broken, the descriptions of the exhibits at the APA meeting have merit in themselves: pharmaceutical companies occupied z% of the booths, but utilized 79% of the booth area; Solvay's booth featured an elaborately landscaped Zen garden; Janssen's booth simulated hallucinations; Shire's displayed Gulliver-size toys.
ROBUST DESIGN FOR PROFIT MAXIMIZATION UNDER UNCERTAINTY OF CONSUMER CHOICE MODEL PARAMETERS USING THE DELTA METHOD

In new product design, risk averse firms must consider downside risk in addition to expected profitability, since some designs are associated with greater market uncertainty than others. We propose an approach to robust optimal product design for profit maximization by introducing an α-profit metric to manage expected profitability vs. downside risk due to uncertainty in market share predictions. Our goal is to maximize profit at a firm-specified level of risk tolerance. Specifically, we find the design that maximizes the α-profit: the value that the firm has a (1−α) chance of exceeding, given the distribution of possible outcomes. The parameter α∊[0,1] is set by the firm to reflect sensitivity to downside risk (or upside gain), and parametric study of α reveals the sensitivity of optimal design choices to firm risk preference. We account here only for uncertainty of choice model parameter estimates due to finite data sampling when the choice model is assumed to be correctly specified (no misspecification error). We apply the delta method to estimate the mapping from uncertainty in discrete choice model parameters to uncertainty of profit outcomes and identify the estimated α-profit as a closed form function of design decision variables. This process is described for the multinomial logit model, and a case study demonstrates implementation of the method to find the optimal design characteristics of a midsize consumer automobile.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Random Walk Processes in a Bilevel (M-N)-Policy Queue with Multiple Vacations

AbstractIn this article we introduce a bulk queue with a multiple vacations policy. When the queue is exhausted, the server goes on multiple vacations until the queue replenishes to M or more customers. On his return, if the queue crosses an N as well, the server resumes his service. Otherwise, he waits until the queue to reach or exceed N. We use fluctuation analysis and game-theoretic approach to obtain a closed form functional of the queue length at the beginning of a busy period followed by a Kendall-like formula for the queueing process upon departures. The formation of the queueing process during vacations and waiting periods can be modeled as a multistage game of two players, with the use of past results from stochastic games to arrive at explicit functionals of the queueing process. Then we continue investigating the queueing process, now with continuous time parameter, using time sensitive analysis and semi-regenerative techniques. This enables us to work on potentials of related processes and ob...
Abstract 237: Prognostic Significance of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (lvh) by Electrocardiography in a Minority-predominant Heart Failure (hf) Cohort

Background: Left ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH) has been associated with higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality but most of these studies were conducted in majority (white) populations. LVH is known to be more common in African Americans (AA) who also have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The prognostic significance of LVH in AA with Heart Failure (HF) has not been well studied. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of a predominantly minority HF cohort (69.3% AA); after obtaining approval from our institutional review board. Our primary goal was to compare the HF outcomes [All-cause hospitalizations (ACH), hospitalizations primarily due to HF and ER visits] in patients with EKG evidence of LVH versus those without LVH. We also examined the racial (Blacks vs Whites), gender (males vs females) and age-based (≥60 Vs <60 years) differential impact of LVH on HF outcomes and determined the prevalence of LVH in the cohort. Levene’s Test and t-test were used to analyze the data for equality of variances and means respectively. Result: Our HF cohort consisted of 599 patients (415 AA, 142 Caucasian, 22 others, 20 unknown). The prevalence of LVH in overall cohort was 26.7%. We noted that black had higher prevalence of LVH ( 31%) vs Whites (15.5%) while prevalence of LVH was not very different in males ( 27.9%) vs females( 25.7%) and ≥60 years of age( 27.5%) vs <60 (27.3%). The analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the number of ACH (p-value = 0.014), HF hospitalizations (p-value = 0.019) and ER visits (p-value = 0.001) in the LVH group compared with the non-LVH group. . There were no racial, gender or age-based statistically significant differences in the impact of LVH on HF outcomes. Conclusion: Electrocardiographically determined LVH in a minority - predominant HF cohort is associated with worse outcomes. This needs to be prospectively validated in a larger cohort of HF and could serve as a prognostic marker to guide the care of HF patients.
STOCHASTIC MODELLING AND ANALYSIS OF DYNAMIC PLASMA REFLECTION

Abstract Keyhole arc welding is a cost-effective process to weld thick materials. To successfully apply this process, the state of the keyhole must be accurately detected and used in feedback control. In this paper, the dynamic behavior of the plasma reflection is described using the reflection arc angle (RAA). It is found that the RAA series can be considered an autoregressive moving-average (ARMA) process. The parameters of the ARMA are recursively estimated using the extended least squares algorithm. It is found that the recursive estimates of the model parameters change as the state of the keyhole changes. A discriminator has been proposed to determine the state of the keyhole based on the recursive estimates of the model parameters.