cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Repression of transcription mediated by dual elements in the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α gene

During adipocyte differentiation, the expression of C/EBPα is activated, which in turn serves to transcriptionally activate numerous adipocyte genes. A previous search for cis elements that regulate transcription of the C/EBPα gene led to the identification of a potential repressive element within the proximal 5′ flanking region of the gene. Nuclear extracts from 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, but not adipocytes, were found to contain a factor, CUP (C/EBPα undifferentiated protein), that binds to this site (the CUP-1 site). In the present investigation, we show that C/EBPα promoter-luciferase constructs containing both the proximal 5′ flanking and the entire 5′ untranslated regions of the gene exhibit an expression pattern during adipocyte differentiation comparable to that of the endogenous C/EBPα gene. Mutation of the CUP-1 site in these constructs had little effect on reporter gene expression; however, when this mutation was combined with deletion of the 5′ untranslated region, reporter gene expression by preadipocytes was dramatically up-regulated. Consistent with this finding, a second CUP binding site (the CUP-2 site) was identified in the 5′ untranslated region. Although mutation of either CUP element in constructs containing both the 5′ flanking and 5′ untranslated region had little effect on reporter gene transcription, mutation of both CUP elements markedly activated transcription. Thus, it appears that dual CUP regulatory elements repress transcription of the C/EBPα gene prior to induction of the adipocyte differentiation program.
Comparison of sutureless argon- and neodymium:YAG-welded ileo-ileal anastomosis using a biodegradable intraluminal stent

Sutureless end-to-end ileo-ileal intestinal anastomoses were successfully constructed with both the 1.06 jim neodymium:YAG and the 488/515-nm argon lasers. A 5-watt power setting was used with the neodymium:YAG, and various biologic solutions were added to the anastomotic seam during lasing. Power settings of 1.5, 3, 4, and 5 watts were used for argon lasing, with and without an exogenous chromophore. At the 4-watt argon setting, a continuous infusion of normal saline was dripped onto the anastomosis during lasing, replacing the chromophore. All bowel anastomoses were constructed with the aid of a biodegradable intraluminal stent that held the bowel ends in place during construction of the watertight ileal fusion and then completely degraded within 8 hours. We concluded that the neodymium:YAG seemed superior for tissue fusion using the techniques outlined, as it was associated with fewer anastomotic leaks. It appeared easier to determine the end-point of tissue fusion with the neodymium:YAG than the argon, because the tissue changes were more obvious during neodymium:YAG lasing. The deeper penetration into the bowel wall of neodymium:YAG laser energy may confer a welding advantage over the more shallow penetration of the argon wavelength.
Measuring technical efficiency in health care organizations

The rising cost of health care has created great interest in developing methods to increase the efficiency of health care organizations. Despite this interest most analyses of prospective payment and other programs designed to control expenditures have examined costs and not efficiency. This article examines a new technique—data envelopment analysis (DEA)—that facilitates the conduct of efficiency studies. The utility of DEA is analyzed by comparing this technique with other methods used to measure efficiency, by discussing the application of DEA in the health care industry and by assessing the validity of results from DEA studies. The article concludes with an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of DEA and suggestions for refining this technique.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in Metal Powders at Low Temperatures

An improved method for low temperature nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements on metal powders is presented. A Varian Wide-Line NMR Spectrometer of the crossed-coil type is used to observe the resonance in metallic powder samples at liquid nitrogen and liquid helium temperatures. The spectrometer probe, dewar and sample are shown in Figure 1. Powders having particle sizes less than the skin depth are used to permit sufficient penetration of the sample by the radio-frequency magnetic field. Motion of the sample caused by the bubbling refrigerant introduces electromagnetic noise and represents the limiting factor in making accurate measurements. We find that the most satisfactory method for holding the sample stationary in the probe and thereby eliminating this noise is to glue it to the bottom of the dewar with paraffin oil.
Plasmonic fluorescent quantum dots

Combining multiple discrete components into a single multifunctional nanoparticle could be useful in a variety of applications. Retaining the unique optical and electrical properties of each component after nanoscale integration is, however, a long-standing problem1,2. It is particularly difficult when trying to combine fluorophores such as semiconductor quantum dots with plasmonic materials such as gold, because gold and other metals can quench the fluorescence3,4. So far, the combination of quantum dot fluorescence with plasmonically active gold has only been demonstrated on flat surfaces5. Here, we combine fluorescent and plasmonic activities in a single nanoparticle by controlling the spacing between a quantum dot core and an ultrathin gold shell with nanometre precision through layer-by-layer assembly. Our wet-chemistry approach provides a general route for the deposition of ultrathin gold layers onto virtually any discrete nanostructure or continuous surface, and should prove useful for multimodal bioimaging6, interfacing with biological systems7, reducing nanotoxicity8, modulating electromagnetic fields5 and contacting nanostructures9,10. Semiconductor quantum dots with both plasmonic and fluorescent signatures have been fabricated by controlling the distance between the core of the dot and an ultrathin gold shell to nanometre precision.
Synthesis of planar, compliant four-bar mechanisms for compliant-segment motion generation

Compliant four-bar mechanisms treated in previous works consisted of at least one rigid moving link, and such mechanisms synthesized for motion generation tasks have always comprised a rigid coupler link, bearing with the conventional definition of motion generation for rigid-link mechanisms. This paper introduces a new task called compliant-segment motion generation where the coupler is a flexible segment and requires a prescribed shape change along with a rigid-body motion. The paper presents a systematic procedure for synthesis of single-loop compliant mechanisms with no moving rigid-links for compliant-segment motion generation task. Such compliant mechanisms have potential applications in adaptive structures. The synthesis method presented involves an atypical inverse elastica problem that is not reported in the literature. This inverse problem is solved by extending the loop-closure equation used in the synthesis of rigid-links to the flexible segments, and then combining it with elastic equilibrium equation in an optimization scheme. The method is illustrated by a numerical example.
Pedialyte promotes periodontal ligament cell survival and motility.

Abstract Introduction The search still continues to find the best storage media for avulsed teeth. Unfortunately, some of the recommended storage solutions are not commonly found in households or do not preserve the periodontal ligament (PDL) cells long-term. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether Pedialyte is a viable alternative storage solution for avulsed teeth by assessing its ability to preserve human PDL cell viability. Methods Human PDL cells were exposed to 6 different storage solutions (minimal essential medium [MEMα], Hank's balanced salt solution [HBSS], non-fat milk, coconut water, Pedialyte, or tap water) for 2, 6, 24, or 48 hours at 4°C or 25°C. Cell viability was quantified immediately or 1 week after exposure. The effects of these storage solutions on PDL cell motility and bacterial proliferation were also examined. The results were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance. Results Pedialyte at 4°C and 25°C showed significantly (P Conclusions Pedialyte is a viable alternative as a storage solution for avulsed teeth.
Flux Limit on Cosmic-Ray Magnetic Monopoles from a Large Area Induction Detector

The design and performance of a superconducting induction detector with two 60-cm-diam superconducting loops is presented. During eight months of data taking, no candidate events were observed and an upper limit on the flux of cosmic-ray magnetic monopoles ${F}_{m}\ensuremath{\lesssim}6.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ ${\mathrm{sr}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ (90% C.L.) is set. The detector demonstrates the possibility of operating large induction detectors in ambient magnetic fields greater than 1 mG.
Dances with diversity: American Indian self‐presentation within the re‐presentative contexts of a non‐Indian museum

During recent years, the influence of museums on cultural understanding and diversity has been the subject of considerable debate. This study explores live performances of songs and dances by American Indians for museum visitors as part of a museum's efforts to develop culturally diverse programming. The dancers’ performances enacted within the museum‐as‐organization demonstrate the power of museums to define and construct cultural understanding. Yet, they also reflect the potential of museums to support and empower American Indians and other marginalized groups, and, in the process, to transform larger social spheres. Fundamental changes in the social roles and practices of museums may be required, however, in order to overcome the profession's Western‐centric legacy and to empower the cultures of which museums historically have been the self‐conferred stewards.
Neuronal plasticity in the limbic system during classical conditioning of the rabbit nictitating membrane response. I. The hippocampus

Abstract Hippocampal unit responses were recorded throughout classical conditioning of the rabbit nictitating membrane response to a tone conditioned stimulus (CS) using a corneal air-puff unconditioned stimulus (UCS). Multiple unit analysis revealed that a rapidly developing increase in cell discharges (relative to spontaneous activity) occurs within the first block of paired trials and continues to increment with subsequent training, initially in the UCS period and then in the CS period. The pattern of hippocampal activity within paired trials closely parallels the amplitude-time course of the behavioral response and precedes it temporally. Identical recordings from animals given unpaired CS-alone and UCS-alone presentations showed no such changes. These control results and additional lines of evidence point to the critical necessity of the learning paradigm for the development of the hippocampal response seen in conditioning animals. A single unit analysis indicates that not all hippocampal neurons exhibit the described conditioned discharge pattern. Hippocampal long-term potentiation is considered as a possible mechanisms for mediating this early and rapid neuronal plasticity dependent on specific ‘contingent’ patterns of stimulation.
THE NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Obesity quickly is becoming the largest (figuratively and literally) public health problem, not just in the United States, but worldwide. The Worldwatch Institute, an Internet watchdog group, 22 now estimates that there are more obese than malnourished individuals globally. This epidemic is not restricted to one ethnic, age, or socioeconomic group, although cultural, environmental, and genetic influences clearly have a role, as evidenced by other articles in this issue. Most of the obesity evidenced in adulthood has its origins in childhood, 108 making obesity a pediatric concern and the prevention of obesity a pediatric goal. Some think of obesity as merely a clinical manifestation of a voluntary behavior, the result of gluttony and sloth. Indeed, the US Health Care Financing Administration currently classifies obesity as a behavior and does not endorse insurance coverage of obesity therapies. Stedman's Medical Dictionary defines behavior as "a stereotyped motor response to a [physiologic] stimulus." What is the physiologic stimulus behind increased caloric intake, decreased energy expenditure, or both? Many other "behaviors," such as alcoholism, homosexuality, and gambling, now have genetic markers, promulgating the notion that they are diseases. Based on twin research 3,86 and recent discoveries of monogenic disorders causing obesity, 8 many physicians now are inclined to view obesity as a disease. But genetics is clearly not the whole story. The worldwide prevalence of obesity has doubled in the past 30 years; the genetic pool moves a lot slower than that. Thus, one gene or biochemical cannot explain all of obesity. The causes of obesity are myriad, as are the potential therapies, 19 but a rational approach to obesity is dependent on the development of a useful nosology with consistent and accurate diagnostic criteria. This article develops the notion that childhood obesity is actually a phenotype of many diseases (most of which have not yet been identified), with a focus on those residing within a complex neuroendocrine negative feedback loop regulating energy balance.
THE “DEPRESSED” BEAM OF THE MOTOR CAR HEADLIGHT

The fact that the use of the two-filament bulb with a parabolic reflector to “depress” a headlight beam is always accompanied by an elevation in certain parts of the beam does not seem to be generally recognized. The extent of this simultaneous depression and elevation is computed from the fundamental theory of the parabolic reflector. Certain implications and conclusions bearing on headlamp design are pointed out.
The true citizens of the city of God: the cult of saints, the Catholic social order, and the urban Reformation in Germany

Historical scholarship suggests that a robust cult of the saints may have helped some European regions to resist inroads by Protestantism. Based on a neo-Durkheimian theory of rituals and social order, I propose that locally based cults of the saints that included public veneration lowered the odds that Protestantism would displace Catholicism in sixteenth-century German cities. To evaluate this proposition, I first turn to historical and theoretical reflection on the role of the cult of the saints in late medieval history. I then test the hypothesis with a data set of sixteenth-century German cities. Statistical analysis provides additional support for the ritual and social order thesis because even when several important variables identified by materialist accounts of the Reformation in the social scientific literature the presence of shrines as an indicator for the cult of the saints remains large and significant. Although large-scale social change is usually assumed to have politico-economic sources, this analysis suggests that cultural factors may be of equal or greater importance.
The genotoxic/epigenetic distinction: relevance to cancer policy.

Abstract Should federal agencies use separate, less stringent guidelines for regulating epigenetic or nongenotoxic carcinogens on the assumption that thresholds are likely to exist for these agents? This article reviews recent initiatives by the Environmental Protection Agency that either propose or informally adopt this approach in light of responses from the scientific community and a review of the recent literature. Relevant background is provided by current research concerning the role of chromosomal damage and oncogene activation in carcinogenesis along with findings that classical promoters or “epigenetic” agents can induce both DNA damage and chromosomal rearrangements. The conclusion is that such a revision of cancer policy is not now supported by available scientific data concerning chemical carcinogenesis.
Van Essen, A.J., and Menting, J.P., eds. The Context of Foreign Language Learning

La dek tri artikoloj de dek du verkintoj estas la produkto de internacia konferenco en Groningen (Nederlando), en kiu oni integrigis la problemaron de la fremdlingva instruado el la vidpunktoj de psikologio, lingvistiko kaj pedagogic Kompreneble, universalaj problemoj ne estis solvitaj, sed relief-igis bazaj problemoj, kiuj ciuj rilatas al la klascambra situacio. Inter ili trovigas: la difino de celoj; la valorigo de tiuj celoj; solvo al la problemo de la artefariteco de klascambro; kaj aktiva, ne nur pasiva, posedo de lingvo.Certagrade, la eseoj ne rekte tusas la intereson de legantoj de LPLP. Kvankam ciuj studoj en la libro fontas el la lingvokontakto, la akiro de fremda lingvo estas io aparta de la problcmaro de lingvoplanado. Ekzemple, la sinteno de instruisto kaj lernanto estas malsimila. La lernado de fremdlingvoj koncentr-igas al 'prestigaj' lingvoj (ekz. la franca au germana en Usono). Dume, la lingvoplanado ofte rilatas al 'neprestiga' lingvo de iu minoritata grupo. Simile, ideala programo de instruado de fremdlingvo ebl-igos la retenon de la lernita lingvo. Sed celo de t.n. 'lingvoretena' programo en Usono estas fakte, ke oni ne retenas la denaskan lingvon, sed transiras al la angla; estas, do, programo de lingva forigo, ne lingva reteno, kiel ce la instruado de fremdlingvo. Tamen, en Usono ankau ekzistas alicelaj programoj. Resume, bonega, zorge kompilita kolekto.
Comparison of Problem-Solving Performance Between Adults Receiving Credit via Assessment of Prior Learning and Adults Completing Classroom Courses

(2002). Comparison of Problem-Solving Performance Between Adults Receiving Credit via Assessment of Prior Learning and Adults Completing Classroom Courses. The Journal of Continuing Higher Education: Vol. 50, No. 3, pp. 2-13.
Linking Pressure and Saturation through Interfacial Areas in Porous Media

[1] Using transparent microfluidic cells to study the two-phase properties of a synthetic porous medium, we establish that the interfacial area per volume between nonwetting and wetting fluids lifts the ambiguity associated with the hysteretic relationship between capillary pressure and saturation in porous media. The interface between the nonwetting and wetting phases is composed of two subsets: one with a unique curvature determined by the capillary pressure, and the other with a distribution of curvatures dominated by disjoining pressure. This work provides experimental support for recent theoretical predictions that the capillary-dominated subset plays a role analogous to a state variable. Any comprehensive description of multiphase flow properties must include this interfacial area with the traditional variables of pressure and fluid saturation.
A process centered analysis of medication administration: Identifying current methods and potential for improvement

Abstract Medication administration is an increasingly complex process that requires adaptability by nurses. In this study, twenty-one observational sessions of the medication administration process were conducted on a Medical/Surgical unit, and the processes used by nurses were analyzed to discover systemic process variability and determine possible best practices. When nurses instituted a patient medication order and medication review cycle prior to the other activities associated with medication administration, it was more likely that discrepancies in physician orders, electronic medication administration records, and missing medications would be mitigated within the same medication pass. Relevance to industry This research specifically investigates the process flows involved in medication administration This work is a starting point in an effort to establish industry best practices and to identify the variables, such as technology use, facility layout, and process interruptions, which impact their standardization.
The development of emergency medical dispatch in the USA: A historical perspective

Emergency medical dispatch has evolved over the last 25 years from a system designed to limit abuse of the emergency medical services (EMS) to a sophisticated part of the total EMS response. Its current goal is to send the right thing to the right person at the right time in the right way and to do the right thing until help arrives. The historical development of emergency medical dispatch in the USA is outlined decade by decade. In addition, the current state of emergency medical dispatch is reviewed and future directions are discussed.
L-[35S]Cystine uptake by rat brain synaptosomes.

— The uptake of [35S]cystine at 37°C by synaptosomal fractions isolated from adult rat cerebrum can be divided into two components. About 60% of the uptake is due to binding to synaptosomal proteins while the remainder exists as a free amino acid pool. Chemical analysis of this soluble component indicates that considerable reduction of cystine to cysteine occurs with 75% or more of the labeled molecular species being cysteine. The process involved in the uptake into the soluble pool was composed of two saturable systems with apparent Km values of 0.14 and 1.4 mm. The low Km system was sodium and oxygen independent but inhibited by dinitrophenol. Dibasic amino acids, lysine, arginine and ornithine, did not inhibit cystine uptake. The characteristics of cystine uptake by synaptosomes from newborn brain are very similar to those of adult brain.
The Effect of Choral Director Succession on Adjudicated Concert and Sight-Reading Ratings

This study was undertaken to explore if the type of director succession (new director chosen within or outside of the school) influenced the number of superior ratings in adjudicated choral festivals. The author identified the schools meeting the selection criteria, analyzing director changes in 48 schools with 2,824 different choirs across 20 years. A significant number of concert ratings declined with a new director; however, no significant differences in sight-reading scores were in evidence. In Year 2 for the new director, a significant number of rating changes occurred resulting in significantly higher ratings for concert and sight-reading. Results are discussed in terms of implications for teacher preparation, for practicing choral educators completing transitions, and for future research.
Routing in distributed information systems

In our distributed information system, two information structures are maintained--the application database and the database used to route queries in the computer network. We introduce a class of routing tables and show their use in the search process within the computer network. Any site of a distributed information system which is unable to answer a query has to search for a site which can answer it. The information stored in routing tables has a strong impact on the speed of this search. It is proposed that each site learns new facts from each of its neighbors. These new facts are compiled into rules and used to build knowledge bases at all sites of a distributed information system. This extended distributed information system is called a distributed knowledge-based system. The main goal of this paper is to suggest a strategy for reconstruction of collapsed application databases and collapsed routing tables.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Incremental computation of shortest paths in semi-dynamic graphs using software components

Communication and transportation network topologies routinely change due to link failures and link recovery or due to road construction and blockage. Therefore, the graphs representing these networks are dynamic in nature, i.e., they evolve over time due to edge insertion or deletion. To facilitate computation of shortest paths in dynamic graphs, this paper proposes an object-based software concept with a flexible, incremental interface and outlines its formal specification of behavior. Using this interface, a caller can switch back and forth between the edge insertion and shortest paths computation phases, adding edges, one at a time. Alternative components that implement the interface might amortize and optimize computation of shortest paths in changing graphs and provide interesting performance trade-offs.
Probing the Regiospecificity of Enzyme-Catalyzed Steroid Glycosylation

The potential of a uniquely permissive engineered glycosyltransferase (OleD ASP) as a catalyst for steroid glycosylation is highlighted. The ability of OleD ASP to glucosylate a range of cardenolides and bufadienolides was assessed using a rapid LC-UV/MS-SPE-NMR analytical platform. While a bias toward OleD-catalyzed C3 monoglucosylation was observed, subtle alterations of the steroidal architecture, in some cases, invoked diglucosylation or, in one case (digoxigenin), C12 glucosylation. This latter case represents the first, and highly efficient, synthesis of digoxigenin 12-O-β-d-glucoside.
Hydraulische Fahrwerksysteme mit elektrohydraulischer Lenkung und aktiver Wankstabilisierung

Fahrwerkregelsysteme sind heutzutage nicht nur in Fahrzeugen der Oberklasse zu finden, sondern halten ebenso Einzug in die Mittelklasse und auch in leichte Nutzfahrzeuge und Kleintransporter. Neben elektromechanischen Fahrwerkregelsystemen sind insbesondere die hydraulischen oder elektrohydraulischen Ausfuhrungen vorherrschend. Dieser Beitrag zeigt die Vorzuge und breite Anwendbarkeit anhand jungster Entwicklungen von TRW Automotive im Bereich der elektrohydraulischen Servolenkung sowie der aktiven Wankstabilisierung wie ADC auf.
Regulation of Rac1 activation by the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein.

The low density lipoprotein receptor–related protein (LRP-1) binds and mediates the endocytosis of multiple ligands, transports the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and other membrane proteins into endosomes, and binds intracellular adaptor proteins involved in cell signaling. In this paper, we show that in murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and L929 cells, LRP-1 functions as a major regulator of Rac1 activation, and that this activity depends on uPAR. LRP-1–deficient MEFs demonstrated increased Rac1 activation compared with LRP-1–expressing MEFs, and this property was reversed by expressing the VLDL receptor, a member of the same gene family as LRP-1, with overlapping ligand-binding specificity. Neutralizing the activity of LRP-1 with receptor-associated protein (RAP) increased Rac1 activation and cell migration in MEFs and L929 cells. The same parameters were unaffected by RAP in uPAR−/− MEFs, prepared from uPAR gene knockout embryos, and in uPAR-deficient LM-TK− cells. Untreated uPAR+/+ MEFs demonstrated substantially increased Rac1 activation compared with uPAR−/− MEFs. In addition to Rac1, LRP-1 suppressed activation of extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) in MEFs; however, it was Rac1 (and not ERK) that was responsible for the effects of LRP-1 on MEF migration. Thus, LRP-1 regulates two signaling proteins in the same cell (Rac1 and ERK), both of which may impact on cell migration. In uPAR-negative cells, LRP-1 neutralization does not affect Rac1 activation, and other mechanisms by which LRP-1 may regulate cell migration are not unmasked.
Some results on finite fields

In the study of perfect sequences, use of trace functions in finite fields has been a common technique, dating back to Singer’s classical examples of msequences. Many variations of Singer’s theme have been the topic of research by many mathematicians during the last few decades. In all these investigations, expressing the underlying function as a polynomial whose coefficients are from the prime subfield has been a main problem. Explicit answers require the use of Stickelberger’s congruence of Gauss sums. Using elementary methods, we provide a simple result along these lines. The following is well-known: Let f : F p ? → F p be any function. Then f ( x )=∑ k=0 p−2 α k x ∈ Fp d[x ] We prove a finer version of the above result: Let p be an odd prime. Let f ( x )∈ Fp d [x ] . Let deg f (x )=r . Suppose r< p −1∧f (α )∈F p for each α∈F p ? . Then f ( x )∈ Fp [ x ] .
Synthesis and evaluation of morpholinoalkyl ester prodrugs of indomethacin and naproxen

Morpholinoalkyl esters (HC1 salts) of naproxen 1 and indomethacin 3 were synthesized and evaluated in vitro and in vivo for their potential use as prodrugs for oral delivery. Prodrugs were freely soluble in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and pH 7.4 phosphate buffer and showed a minimum of a 2000-fold increase in solubility over the parent drugs. All prodrugs were more lipophilic than parent drugs as indicated by n-octanol/pH 7.4 buffer partition coefficients but less lipophilic in terms of n-octanol/SGF partition coefficients. Potentiometrically determined pKa's for prodrugs were in the range of 6.89 to 8.62 at 25°C. All prodrugs were quantitatively hydrolyzed to their respective parent drugs by enzymatic and/or by chemical means. An increase in carbon chain length rendered the prodrugs more stable at pH 7.4 but less stable in SGF. The esters were generally found to be hydrolyzed rapidly in rat plasma at 37°C, the half-lives being in the range of 1.2–31.0 min. Based on in vitro results, prodrugs 2c and 4c were chosen to evaluate solid-state stability, in vivo bioavailability, and ulcerogenicity. At elevated temperatures, the solid-state decomposition of 2c and 4c followed biphasic kinetics, with rapid decomposition occurring initially. The prodrugs were 30–36% more bioavailable orally than the parent drugs following a single equimolar solution dose in rats. Prodrugs 2c and 4c were significantly less irritating to gastric mucosa than parent drugs following single-dose and chronic oral administration in rats.
Constrained controllability of perturbed discrete-time systems

In this paper we study the global null controllability with bounded controls of perturbed linear discrete-time systems in Rn . More explicitly, a globally null-controllable autonomous discrete-time system is perturbed by ‘suitably small’ terms V(k) and B(k) to obtain a system of the form x(k + 1) = [A + V(k)]x(k) + [B + B(k)]u(k) and sufficient conditions are given to ensure the global null controllability of the resulting perturbed system.
Societal reintegration after liver transplantation: findings in alcohol-related and non-alcohol-related transplant recipients.

Enabling patients to reenter society as active and productive members is a key goal of liver transplantation (OLTX). Today, OLTX sustains favorable rates of patient survival: 87.0% at 1 year, 80.9% at 3 years, and 75.1% at 5 years post-OLTX (recipients of cadaveric donors).1 Nevertheless, its use remains limited by the scarcity of donor organs. In light of this organ shortage, the transplant community is increasingly called upon to justify its practices and show the impact of transplantation beyond survival. One controversial group of transplant candidates is those suffering from alcohol-induced liver disease. Today, alcoholic liver disease (ALD) ranks as the second leading cause of OLTX among adults within the United States, with the proportion of transplanted recipients having increased from 13.2% in 1988 to 26.9% in 1995.2 Despite survival rate similarity between alcohol-related and non–alcohol-related OLTX recipients,3–6 the general public seems less willing to allocate donor livers to those with alcohol-related liver disease than to those whose disease is unrelated to alcohol use.7,8 Although liver transplantation is well recognized as a lifesaving procedure, questions remain regarding its comprehensive long-term effects on transplant recipients. Various studies have measured post-OLTX quality of life by examining specific domains among its recipient populations, primarily employment, physical and cognitive abilities, emotional and social well-being, role limitations, self-image, and health perceptions.9–13 Emphasis has typically focused on the abilities and limitations of liver recipients following transplant, rather than on what the recipients actually do during the course of their daily lives. Given the high costs of liver transplantation,14 investigation into the life experiences of OLTX recipients may provide a better understanding of the value of this procedure and the overall long-term effects of patient survival upon society. The purpose of this study was to describe and qualify liver transplant recipients’ societal reintegration post-OLTX and, further, to compare the degree of societal reintegration between individuals transplanted for alcohol-related and non–alcohol-related liver disease.
A complete statistical inverse ray tracing approach to multi-view stereo

This paper presents a complete solution to estimating a scene's 3D geometry and appearance from multiple 2D images by using a statistical inverse ray tracing method. Instead of matching image features/pixels across images, the inverse ray tracing approach models the image generation process directly and searches for the best 3D geometry and surface reflectance model to explain all the observations. Here the image generation process is modeled through volumetric ray tracing, where the occlusion/visibility is exactly modeled. All the constraints (including ray constraints and prior knowledge about the geometry) are put into the Ray Markov Random Field (Ray MRF) formulation, developed in [10]. Differently from [10], where the voxel colors are estimated independently of the voxel occupancies, in this work, both voxel occupancies and colors (i.e., both geometry and appearance) are modeled and estimated jointly in the same inversey ray tracing framework (Ray MRF + deep belief propagation) and implemented in a common message passing scheme, which improves the accuracy significantly as verified by extensive experiments. The complete inverse ray tracing approach can better handle difficult problems in multi-view stereo than do traditional methods, including large camera baseline, occlusion, matching ambiguities, color constant or slowly changing regions, etc., without additional information and assumptions, such as initial surface estimate or simple background assumption. A prototype system is built and tested over several challenging datasets and compared with the state-of-the-art systems, which demonstrates its good performance and wide applicability.
Role of maternal plasma corticosterone elevation in the teratogenicity of secalonic acid D in mice.

Secalonic acid D (SAD) is a teratogenic mycotoxin that causes cleft palate in the offspring of treated pregnant mice. To investigate the role of maternal corticosterone in the teratogenicity of SAD, pregnant CD-1 mice were treated with 30 mg/kg of SAD i.p. on day 11 of pregnancy in either 5% (w/v) NaHCO3 or 20% (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in NaHCO3. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was performed to determine plasma corticosterone at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr after dosing. No interference by EDTA, SAD, DMSO, or pentobarbital was noticed on the RIA. Significant (P less than .01) elevations in plasma corticosterone concentrations were seen 24 and 48 hr following dosing of SAD in NaHCO3 with concentrations reaching a peak just prior to the onset of shelf elevation and fusion. Simultaneous treatment with DMSO, an agent known to antagonize the teratogenic effect of SAD, completely abolished the SAD-induced corticosterone elevation at the 24 hr time point and significantly (P less than .01) reduced it at the 48 hr time point. To evaluate the specificity of the role of corticosterone in the teratogenicity of SAD, plasma samples from mature males similarly treated with either single or multiple doses of SAD ranging from 15 to 45 mg/kg were assayed for corticosterone. A dose of SAD comparable to that used in the pregnant females failed to significantly change plasma corticosterone concentrations in the males. An elevation corresponding only to 75% of that in the females was seen in males receiving multiple doses of SAD totaling three times the dose used in the females. As with females, DMSO completely abolished plasma corticosterone elevation by SAD in the males. These results demonstrate, for the first time, the effect of SAD on a mammalian endocrine system and provide evidence for a specific involvement of elevated maternal plasma corticosterone concentrations in SAD teratogenicity.
A Review of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is a common but under-recognized disease. This hereditary disorder is characterized by low levels of AAT, and increased risks of panacinar emphysema at an early age, liver disease, vasculitis and panniculitis. Destruction of lung parenchyma and consequent emphysema result from an imbalance between different inflammatory proteases (in particular, leukocyte elastase), and the major natural antiprotease, AAT. To offer a review of key aspects of this important condition, we present the epidemiology, natural history, and pathogenesis of AAT deficiency and, in the context of recent data and the publication of an international standards document regarding the diagnosis and management of individuals with AAT deficiency, review current therapy of AAT deficiency.
Process stationarity and reliability of trunk postural stability

Abstract Background Empirical assessments of torso stability can be estimated from postural variability and nonlinear analyses of seated balance tasks. However, processing methods require sufficient signal duration and test–retest experiments require the assessment must be reliable. Our goal was to characterize the reliability and establish the trial duration for torso stability assessment. Methods Kinetic and kinematic data were recorded while subjects maintained a seated posture on a wobbly seat pan. Stability was evaluated from dynamic variability and nonlinear stability analyses. Process stationarity of the measured signals characterized the minimum necessary trial duration. Intra-class correlations measured within-session and between-session reliability. Findings Trial duration necessary to achieve process stationarity was 30.2 s. Shorter time to stationarity was observed with measures that included multi-dimensional movement behavior. Summary statistics of movement variability demonstrated moderate intra-session reliability, intra-class correlation = 0.64 (range 0.38–0.87). Inter-session reliability for movement variance was moderate, intra-class correlation = 0.42 (range 0.22–0.64). Nonlinear stability measures typically performed better than estimates of variability with inter-session reliability as high as intra-class correlation = 0.83. Process stationarity and reliability were improved in more difficult balance conditions. Interpretation To adequately capture torso dynamics during the stability assessment the trial duration should be at least 30 s. Moderate to excellent test–retest reliability can be achieved in intra-session analyses, but more repeated measurements are required for inter-session comparisons. Stability diffusion exponents, H S , and the Lyapunov exponents provide excellent measures for intra-session analyses, while H S provides excellent inter-session comparisons of torso stability.
Fluorescent lifetime of near infrared dyes for structural analysis of serum albumin

Structural alteration of serum albumin, the major extracellular multifunctional protein in mammals, has been linked to a number of diseases. Herein we present a method based on fluorescence lifetime analysis of near-infrared (NIR) probes bound to albumin to interrogate its structural state without prior isolation of the protein. Molecular modeling study revealed that albumin binds polymethine dyes via two binding sites with different sizes and polarities. As a result, a NIR molecular probe typically exhibits two distinct lifetimes with corresponding fractional contributions. The distribution of fractional contributions along with individual fluorescence lifetimes represents unique parameters for characterizing albumin architecture. To evaluate the effect of size and polar ity of binding sites on fluorescence lifetime we studied NIR probes in solutions with different viscosity and polarity. We established that viscosity has negligible effect on polymethine dyes lifetime while the change in polarity has a profound impact. We also established a correlation between fluorescence lifetime and solvent polarity function for a number of NIR dyes for quantitative description of binding sites polarity. After screening a library of dyes, we identified a probe with optimal fluorescence lifetime properties to assess structure-related differences of albumins. The results show that changes in the lifetime of NIR dyes reflect the perturbation of albumins tertiary structures. Because of the reduced absorption of light by blood in the NIR region, the method developed can be used to determine structural changes of albumins in whole blood. Key words: Near-infrared, molecular probe, fluorescence, lifetime, solvatochromism, viscosity, polarity, albumin,
Intraspecific phylogeography of the gopher tortoise, Gopherus polyphemus: RFLP analysis of amplified mtDNA segments

The slow rate of mtDNA evolution in turtles poses a limitation on the levels of intraspecific variation detectable by conventional restriction fragment surveys. We examined mtDNA variation in the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) using an alternative restriction assay, one in which PCR-amplified segments of the mitochondrial genome were digested with tetranucleotide-site endonucleases. Restriction fragment polymorphisms representing four amplified regions were analysed to evaluate population genetic structure among 112 tortoises throughout the species' range. Thirty-six haplotypes were identified, and three major geographical assemblages (Eastern, Western, and Mid-Florida) were resolved by UPGMA and parsimony analyses. Eastern and Western assemblages abut near the Apalachicola drainage, whereas the Mid-Florida assemblage appears restricted to the Brooksville Ridge. The Eastern/Western assemblage boundary is remarkably congruent with phylogeographic profiles for eight additional species from the south-eastern U.S., representing both freshwater and terrestrial realms.
Rapid Molecular Testing for TB to Guide Respiratory Isolation in the U.S.: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

Background: Respiratory isolation of inpatients during evaluation for TB is a slow and costly process in low-burden settings. Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) is a novel molecular test for tuberculosis (TB) that is faster and more sensitive but substantially more expensive than smear microscopy. No previous studies have examined the costs of molecular testing as a replacement for smear microscopy in this setting. Methods: We conducted an incremental cost–benefit analysis comparing the use of a single negative Xpert versus two negative sputum smears to release consecutive adult inpatients with presumed TB from respiratory isolation at an urban public hospital in the United States. We estimated all health-system costs and patient outcomes related to Xpert implementation, diagnostic evaluation, isolation, hospitalization, and treatment. We performed sensitivity and probabilistic uncertainty analyses to determine at what threshold the Xpert strategy would become cost-saving. Results: Among a hypothetical cohort of 234 individuals undergoing evaluation for presumed active TB annually, 6.4% had culture-positive TB. Compared to smear microscopy, Xpert reduced isolation bed utilization from an average of 2.7 to 1.4 days per patient, leading to a 48% reduction in total annual isolation bed usage from 632 to 328 bed-days. Xpert saved an average of $2,278 (95% uncertainty range $1582–4570) per admission, or $533,520 per year, compared with smear microscopy. Conclusions: Molecular testing for TB could provide substantial savings to hospitals in high-income countries by reducing respiratory isolation usage and overall length of stay.
Abstract 4227: Curcumin in cyclodextrin in liposome as a delivery vehicle against osteosarcoma

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL The delivery of curcumin, a broad spectrum anticancer drug, has been explored in the form of liposomal nanoparticles to treat osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma (OS) accounts for approximately 20% of all bone cancers and it develops during the period of rapid growth in adolescence. Anti-cancer potential of curcumin has not been fully explored in the form of nanoformulations against OS. The drug is water insoluble and an effective delivery route is through encapsulation in cyclodextrins followed by a second encapsulation in liposomes. Liposomal curcumin's potential evaluated against OS and breast cancer. The resulting 2-Hydroxypropyl-gamma-cyclodextrin/curcumin-liposome complex shows promising anticancer potential against cancer of mesenchymal and epithelial origin when tested against KHOS and MCF-7 cell lines with IC50 value of 5.4 and 10.2 µg/ml respectively. The anticancer potential of curcumin in the form of DCL (drug-in-cyclodextrin-in-liposome) preparation has been explored first time for OS. DMSO-curcumin (free drug) induced autophagic cell death in KHOS whereas liposomal curcumin initiates the caspase cascade that leads to apoptotic cell death in vitro and in vivo also. The in vivo study was performed using human osteosarcoma xenograft model in mice. Interestingly, liposomal curcumin was less toxic on normal cells. In this study, the objective to cause cancer cell death by apoptosis and not by autophagy was achieved through liposomal curcumin formulations alone. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4227. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4227
Stabilization of self-pulsating laser diodes

We report stabilization of self-pulsating laser diodes using a combination of self-injection locking and frequency locked loops. Short term frequency stability better than 1 part in 106 (3ffl linewidth <1 kHz at 1 .3 GHz) was readily achieved with continuous tunability from 600 MHz to over 3 GHz using inexpensive commercial devices. Experimental results illustrating the effects of loop operation on error performance in subcarrier multiplexed (SCM) systems are presented.
Do US metropolitan core counties have lower scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions than less urbanized counties

Recent sustainability research has focused on urban systems given their high share of environmental impacts and potential for centralized impact mitigation. Recent research emphasizes descriptive statistics from place-based case studies to argue for policy action. This limits the potential for general insights and decision support. Here, we implement generalized linear and multiple linear regression analyses to obtain more robust insights on the relationship between urbanization and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the US We used consistently derived county-level scope 1 and scope 2 GHG inventories for our response variable while predictor variables included dummy-coded variables for county geographic type (central, outlying, and nonmetropolitan), median household income, population density, and climate indices (heating degree days (HDD) and cooling degree days (CDD)). We find that there is not enough statistical evidence indicating per capita scope 1 and 2 emissions differ by geographic type, ceteris paribus. These results are robust for different assumed electricity emissions factors. We do find statistically significant differences in per capita emissions by sector for different county types, with transportation and residential emissions highest in nonmetropolitan (rural) counties, transportation emissions lowest in central counties, and commercial sector emissions highest in central counties. These results indicate the importance of regional land use and transportation dynamics when planning local emissions mitigation measures.