cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Separation of polyunsaturated fatty acids by argentation thin layer chromatography.

A single step, silver nitrate thin layer chromatographic procedure which separates a methyl ester mixture containing 0–6 double bonds is described. Purity of each ester recovered from the silver nitrate plate was 98–99%. Recovery of the esters ranged from 100% for saturates to 77% for pentaenes.
Why Pb(B1/3B′2/3)O3 perovskites disorder more easily than Ba(B1/3B′2/3)O3 perovskites and the thermodynamics of 1:1-type short-range order in PMN

Abstract Fully relaxed, planewave pseudopotential calculations of formation energies (ΔE) were performed for ordered supercells in the perovskite based system (1−X)·PbNbO3−(X)·PbMgO3, including six different supercells at the X=1/3 composition [Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 ; PMN] . Some of the corresponding supercell calculations were also performed for the eight different stoichiometries of A(B1/3B′2/3)O3 perovskite in which A=Pb,Ba and B=Zn,Mg and B′=Nb,Ta. A striking difference between the Pb(B1/3B′2/3)O3 systems and the Ba(B1/3B′2/3)O3 systems is that the differences in formation energies for any Pb(B1/3B′2/3)O3 system are roughly an order of magnitude smaller than those for the corresponding Ba(B1/3B′2/3)O3 system, which indicates that the energetic barriers to disordering are much lower in the Pb(B1/3B′2/3)O3 systems. The range of energies spanned by various PMN-stoichiometry supercells is particularly narrow, suggesting that cation disorder should persist to lower temperatures in PMN than in any of the others. Ising type thermodynamic models, that are roughly consistent with the ΔE results, were used to simulate the finite temperature behavior of a prototype A(B1/3B′2/3)O3 perovskite that exhibits the transition sequence 1:2→1:1→DIS. This model reproduces the characteristic microstructure of PMN, and explains it in terms of equilibrium 1:1 short-range order in the disordered phase.
Comparison of the effects of embolic coils and a low porosity stent on cerebral aneurysm fluid dynamics

Wide-neck cerebral aneurysms are difficult to treat with embolic coils. Concerns over the stability of coils within the aneurysmal sac often lead to incomplete filling of the sac, which may cause recurrence [1]. To overcome this challenge, clinicians may deploy a high porosity stent in a staged process to act as a supporting bridge for coils. The stent is commonly deployed 6–8 week prior to coil embolization, which lengthens the treatment period [2].Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Astrophysics: ancient blast comes to light.

Light from the oldest and farthest stellar explosion yet seen was emitted when the Universe was a mere infant. It provides a close-up view of how and when stars formed, and how they affect the primordial gas around them.
Abundance, Growth, and Spawning of the Longfin Smelt in Lake Washington

Abstract Abundance and growth data indicated a 2-yr life cycle for longfin smelt with even-numbered year-classes being more abundant and showing a lower growth rate than the odd. The Cedar River was the major spawning area. The peak of the spawning run occurred during mid-March in 1970 and mid-February in 1971. The average size of spawning adults decreased as the spawning runs progressed. Males were consistently larger than females and dominated in numbers throughout the runs by a 3:2 ratio. The time of the spawning migration was related to body size; the larger adults of the odd year-class spawn earlier in the year than the smaller adults of the even year-class.
Translational Compensation of a Frameshift Mutation Affecting Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase Is Sufficient to Permit Reactivation from Latency

Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase is important for reactivation of virus from its latent state and is a target for the antiviral drug acyclovir. Most acyclovir-resistant isolates have mutations in the thymidine kinase gene; however, how these mutations confer clinically relevant resistance is unclear. Reactivation from explanted mouse ganglia was previously observed with a patient-derived drug-resistant isolate carrying a single guanine insertion within a run of guanines in the thymidine kinase gene. Despite this mutation, low levels of active enzyme were synthesized following an unusual ribosomal frameshift. Here we report that a virus, generated from a pretherapy isolate from the same patient, engineered to lack thymidine kinase activity, was competent for reactivation. This suggested that the clinical isolate contains alleles of other genes that permit reactivation in the absence of thymidine kinase. Therefore, to establish whether thymidine kinase synthesized via a ribosomal frameshift was sufficient for reactivation under conditions where reactivation requires this enzyme, we introduced the mutation into the well-characterized strain KOS. This mutant virus reactivated from latency, albeit less efficiently than KOS. Plaque autoradiography revealed three phenotypes of reactivating viruses: uniformly low thymidine kinase activity, mixed high and low activity, and uniformly high activity. We generated a recombinant thymidine kinase-null virus from a reactivating virus expressing uniformly low activity. This virus did not reactivate, confirming that mutations in other genes that would influence reactivation had not arisen. Therefore, in strains that require thymidine kinase for reactivation from latency, low levels of enzyme synthesized via a ribosomal frameshift can suffice.
Measurement of Microalbuminuria Using Protein Chip Electrophoresis

Microalbuminuria reflects the progression of nephropathy and cardiovascular disease in diabetic and hypertensive patients. Most commercially available tests currently used to measure microalbuminuria are immunoassays. We developed a microfluidicsbased assay using the P200 protein chip (Caliper Life Sciences, Mountain View, CA, and Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA) and 2100 Bioanalyzer (Agilent Technologies) to detect microalbuminuria. The method integrates and automates the electrophoretic separation and fluorescent detection of proteins from 14 to 200 kd. The assay was linear up to 750 mg/L and demonstrated good sensitivity with a lower detection limit of 7.5 mg/L. Intrachip and interchip coefficients of variation ranged from 0% to 4% and 4.9% to 13.5%, respectively. When albumin was measured by chip and immunoturbidimetry in diabetic urine samples, the chip consistently showed higher albumin concentrations. The discrepancy may be due to the chip’s ability to detect immunounreactive albumin. Overall, this simple, cost-effective assay offers a sensitive and accurate measurement of microalbuminuria that can be easily implemented in a clinical laboratory. Fourteen million people in the United States have dia
Varying social media post types differentially impacts engagement in a behavioral weight loss intervention

The purpose of this study was to examine whether different types of posts differentially affect participant engagement and if engagement with social media enhances weight loss. Data are a subanalysis from a randomized weight loss study with a 4-month follow-up support period via private Facebook groups and monthly meetings. Counselors posted five different post types/week based on social cognitive theory (weight-related, recipes, nutrition information, poll votes, or requests for suggestions). Types of participant engagement (likes, comments/poll votes, and views) were assessed. Poll votes were the most engaging (mean number of votes or comments/poll 14.6 ± 3.4, P < 0.01) followed by suggestions (9.1 ± 2.7 posts, P < 0.01) and weight-related posts (7.4 ± 3.1 posts, P < 0.01). Engagement with Facebook was significantly associated with weight loss during the 4-month maintenance period (B = −0.09, P = 0.04). The findings provide evidence for ways to provide social support during weight loss interventions using remote methodology.
The space of Lorentz metrics

The set of allC 2 Lorentz metrics on a non-compact four-manifold is given the Whitney fineC 2 topology. It is shown that this provides the correct framework within which to discuss the global properties of spacetime manifolds in general, and the singularity theorems in particular. The main result is a theorem showing that the Robertson-Walker big bang (global infinite density singularity in the finite past) is stable under sufficiently small, but otherwise arbitrary, finiteC 2 perturbations of the metric tensor.
Diet, the human gut microbiota, and IBD

The human gut contains a vast number of microorganisms known collectively as the "gut microbiota". Despite its importance in maintaining the health of the host, growing evidence suggests the gut microbiota may also be an important factor in the pathogenesis of various diseases, a number of which have shown a rapid increase in incidence over the past few decades. Factors including age, genetics, and diet may influence microbiota composition. We used diet inventories and 16S rDNA sequencing to characterize fecal samples from 98 individuals. Fecal communities clustered into previously described enterotypes distinguished primarily by levels of Bacteroides and Prevotella. Enterotypes were associated with long-term diets, particularly protein and animal fat (Bacteroides) vs. simple carbohydrates (Prevotella). Although the distinction of enterotypes as either discrete clusters or a continuum will require additional investigation, numerous studies have demonstrated the co-exclusion of the closely related Prevotellaceae and Bacteroides genera in the gut microbiota of healthy human subjects where Prevotella appears to be a discriminatory taxon for residence in more agrarian societies. Ultimately, the impact of diet on the human gut microbiota may be an important environmental factor involved in the pathogenesis of disease states that show a rapidly increasing incidence in industrialized nations such as the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
Evolution of molar enamel microstructure in North American Notharctidae (primates)

Abstract Evolutionary changes in gross dental morphology and body size of early to middle Eocene North American notharctids is thought to reflect a dietary shift from frugivory to folivory;Cantiusspp. were largely frugivorous, whereasNotharctusspp. andCopelemurwere probably more folivorous. Here we report on the evolution of molar enamel microstructure in the notharctid clade and its relationship to adaptive change. Molar teeth of ten North American notharctids,Cantius ralstoni, Cantius mckennai, Cantius trigonodus, Cantius abditus, Cantiussp. (>C. abditus),Cantius venticolus, Copelemur praetutus, Notharctus nuniensus, Notharctus robinsoni, Notharctussp. (Bridger B), were studied using scanning electron and light microscopy. The simple enamel organization of earlyCantius(C. ralstoni,C. mckennai) consists of radial enamel and a thin layer of nonprismatic surface enamel.C. trigonodusandN. nuniensusenamels are more complex but prism decussation zones are indistinct and irregular. Later, larger-bodiedCantius(C. abditus,C. sp.,C. venticolus) show distinct, regular decussation zones, as doN. robinsoniand Bridger BNotharctus. However, there is no prism decussation in the smaller middle Wasatchian species,C. praetutus. This distribution of enamel types supports the hypothesis that prism decussation evolved independently within the notharctid clade in conjunction with increase in body size, but not with diet. Other aspects of enamel structure (prism patterns, relative orientations of crystallites) show little interspecific variation, and therefore, are of little taxonomic utility. All notharctids studied are characterized by a combination of closed and arc-shaped prisms. Arc-shaped, Pattern 3 prisms predominate and closed, Pattern 1 prisms are largely restricted to the most superficial prismatic enamel. It is likely that this arrangement is primitive for primates. Thus, most aspects of notharctid enamel structure appear to have been stable over the approximately 6 million years sampled here. The evolutionary change in enamel structure that did occur, the development of prism decussation, was more directly linked to body size change than to the dietary shift from frugivory to folivory documented by changes in their gross molar morphology.
The labor–leisure choice in executive compensation plans: Does too much pay reduce REIT performance?

Abstract In this study, an alternative theoretical model for the relationship between pay and performance is developed. Prior research implicitly assumes that increases in compensation will enhance effort and subsequently increase performance via the substitution effect, ignoring the possibility of an income effect. At high levels of pay, there may be a strong income effect, leading to less effort and lower performance, creating a backward bending labor supply function. The empirical evidence provides support for this theoretical construct. The results of this study also illuminate the weak relationship between pay and performance found in prior studies.
Relative rates of blood flow reduction during transcatheter arterial embolization with tris-acryl gelatin microspheres or polyvinyl alcohol: quantitative comparison in a swine model.

PURPOSE To determine whether two commonly used embolic agents have differing rates of blood flow reduction during transcatheter embolization of the renal arteries in an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS The renal arteries of 10 pigs were embolized with either polyvinyl alcohol (300–500 or 500–700-μm) or tris-acryl gelatin microspheres (300–500 or 700–900-μm). Equivalent unit doses of each agent were suspended in 40 mL of fluid and injected in 1-mL aliquots for 20 mL and then in 5-mL aliquots for 20 mL. Blood flow was measured after each aliquot with an intraarterial Doppler flow wire placed through the embolization catheter. RESULTS Renal arterial blood flow was most rapidly and reliably decreased by 300–500-and 700–900-μm microspheres, both of which had achieved > 90% reduction from baseline flow after the injection of 6 mL of suspension. An equivalent reduction in flow required 25 mL of 300–500-μm PVA suspension and 30 mL of 500–700-μm PVA suspension. The reduction in blood flow with microspheres was significantly greater ( P CONCLUSIONS Tris-acryl gelatin microspheres reduced renal blood flow more quickly and reliably than did PVA. The type of agent used in embolization had a greater impact on the rate of flow reduction than did particle size in the range of sizes tested.
The ups and downs of gene expression and retroviral DNA integration

Unique among animal viruses, retroviral replication proceeds through an obligate recombination step with host cell DNA. Although this step makes it extremely difficult to eradicate a retrovirus from a cell, it also confers a desirable trait to gene therapy vectors. Yet stable integration can yield unwanted side effects, as highlighted in a recent gene therapy trial in which 2 of 11 patients developed leukemia-like illness because of the integration of a murine leukemia virus (MLV)-based vector in the vicinity of the LMO2 protooncogene (1). Deciphering the mechanism(s) of integration site selection not only will shed light on a basic step(s) in retroviral biology but also holds promise for the design of more effective vectors. Although different cloning strategies have indicated an overall preference for transcription units, the mechanism of retroviral integration site selection is for the most part unknown. In this issue of PNAS, Maxfield et al . (2) assayed RAV-1 (a subgroup A Alpharetrovirus ) integration into the quail metallothionein (MT) gene with and without transcriptional activation. A 100-fold increase in gene expression reduced integration 6-fold. Taken alongside a previous study that demonstrated that more modest levels of induction also inhibited integration (3), the active transcription complex appears unlikely to help guide retroviruses to their sites of integration. Retroviruses encode their own integrase (IN) protein that is carried into the cell as part of the virus. After reverse transcription the viral cDNA, IN and other proteins comprise an integration-competent nucleoprotein complex known as the preintegration complex (PIC) (reviewed in ref. 4). Early studies indicated that transcriptionally active and/or DNase I-hypersensitive regions were preferred sites, but it was unclear to what extent relatively small sample size and the selective outgrowth of certain integrants before cloning may have influenced those results (see ref. 5 …
Bilateral Ischiocavernosus Myectomy for Chronic Urine Spraying in Castrated Male Cats

Bilateral myectomy of the ischiocavernosus muscles was evaluated prospectively in 10 castrated male cats as a treatment for chronic urine spraying. The procedure was followed by a significant reduction in the frequency of spraying during an observation period of 4 months. Complications were not observed. Further studies are indicated.
Passivity-Based Design of Wireless Networked Control Systems for Robustness to Time-Varying Delays

Real-life cyber-physical systems, such as automotive vehicles, building automation systems, and groups of unmanned vehicles are monitored and controlled by networked control systems. The overall system dynamics emerges from the interaction among physical dynamics, computational dynamics, and communication networks. Network uncertainties such as time-varying delay and packet loss cause significant challenges. This paper proposes a passive control architecture for designing wireless networked control systems that are insensitive to network uncertainties. We describe the architecture for a system consisting of a robotic manipulator controlled by a digital controller over a wireless network and we show that the system is stable even in the presence of time-varying delays. We present simulation results that demonstrate the advantages of the architecture with respect to stability and performance and show that the system is insensitive to network uncertainties.
Two Distinct Regimes in the Kinematic and Thermodynamic Structure of the Hurricane Eye and Eyewall

Abstract Using aircraft flight-level data, the present work demonstrates that the kinematic and thermodynamic distributions within the eye and eyewall of strong hurricanes are observed to evolve between two distinct regimes. In the first regime, angular velocity is greatest within the eyewall and relatively depressed within the eye. In the second regime, radial profiles of angular velocity are nearly monotonic, with maxima found at the eye center. Considering sequential profiles within individual hurricanes, the authors find that the evolution of the kinematic distribution is often marked by a transition from the first regime to the second. The transition can occur in less than 1 h. Also noted during the transition are dramatic changes in the thermodynamic structure of the hurricane. Prior to the transition (regime 1), the eye is typically very warm and dry, and the equivalent potential temperature is often elevated within the eyewall and relatively depressed within the eye. After the transition (regime 2...
Engagement in After-School Programs as a Predictor of Social Competence and Academic Performance

Using the experience sampling method, this study examined two questions related to outcomes associated with after-school programming. First, does the quality of experience in after-school programs mediate the effect of program participation on social competence and academic performance? Second, among program participants, is the difference in quality of experience when in programs versus other settings after school related to higher social competence and academic performance? Middle school students (N = 196) attending eight programs in three Midwestern states reported a total of 4,970 randomly sampled experiences in and out of after-school programs during 1 week in the fall and spring of the 2001–2002 academic year. Engagement during after-school hours partially mediated the relationship between participation in after-school programs and social competence. In addition, relative perceptions of engagement, challenge, and importance when in after-school programs compared to elsewhere after school predicted higher English and math grades. Results suggest that the quality of experiences in after-school programs may be a more important factor than quantity of experiences (i.e., dosage) in predicting positive academic outcomes.
Effects of STATCOM, SSSC and UPFC on voltage stability

The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of three FACTS controllers: STATCOM, SSSC and UPFC on voltage stability in power systems. Continuation power flow, with accurate model of these controllers, is used for this study. Applying saddle node bifurcation theory with the use of power system analysis toolbox (PSAT), the optimal location of these controllers are determined. Using a 6-bus test system the effects of these controllers on voltage stability are examined. It is found that these controllers significantly increase the loadability margin of power systems.
The surprising relevance of a continuum description to granular clusters

Nature shuns homogeneity. In turbulent clouds, industrial reactors and geophysical flows, discrete particles arrange in clusters, posing difficult challenges to theory. A persistent question is whether clusters can be modelled with continuum equations. Recent evidence presented by Mitrano et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 738, 2014, R2) indicates that suitable equations can predict the formation of clusters in granular flows, despite violating the simplifying assumptions upon which they are based.
Experimental study of reader nonlinearity in perpendicular recording using pseudorandom sequences

The reader nonlinearity is characterized using the pseudorandom sequence method. A simple model is developed and simulated waveforms are used to substantiate the physical interpretation of the echo pulse that corresponds to the reader nonlinearity. It is shown that the measured reader saturation effect increases relatively with the linear density when the linear density is not extremely high. Depending on the extent of the reader saturation, the measurement of nonlinear transition shift (NLTS) can move from positive to negative even though the intrinsic NLTS is positive in perpendicular recording. The optimal write precompensation is dependent on both NLTS and reader saturation. It is also shown that as the linear density goes higher, the amplitude exhibits more asymmetry due to the intrinsic reader asymmetry and the reader asymmetry can change sign.
The Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules L1 and NCAM-180 Act in Different Steps of Neurite Outgrowth

The formation of neurocircuitry depends on the control of neurite outgrowth that, in turn, can be divided into two processes: nerve growth cone protrusion and neurite extension. It has long been known that the neural cell adhesion molecules L1 and NCAM-180 promote neurite outgrowth, but how they function in growth cones is unclear. We addressed the roles of L1 and NCAM-180 in neurite outgrowth by using microscale chromophore-assisted laser inactivation (micro-CALI) of these proteins to perturb their functions at precise times in single growth cones of embryonic chick dorsal root ganglion neurons grown in culture. Micro-CALI of L1 causes neurite retraction after a 10 min lag period but does not affect growth cone protrusion. In contrast, micro-CALI of NCAM-180 causes rapid growth cone retraction but does not affect neurite extension. The simultaneous inactivation of both these molecules resulted in both distinct effects that were segregated in time. The behavior of growth cones after these micro-CALI treatments resemble the drug-induced perturbation of microtubules for L1 and F-actin for NCAM-180. These findings suggest distinct roles in the growth cone for L1 and NCAM-180 in different steps of neurite outgrowth: L1 functions in neurite extension,whereas NCAM-180 functions in growth cone protrusion.
A physical rendering model for human teeth

This paper introduces a layered model for rendering human teeth, to be used in photorealistic rendering of humans for games and animations. While the lighting responses of teeth have been studied in the dental industry ([Joiner 2004], [Brodbelt et al 1981], [Zijp and ten Bosch 1993]) for the production of realistic-looking dentures, to our knowledge this is the first study of its type in computer graphics for the production of realistic renderings. Human teeth exhibit translucency and are characterized by complex light interaction. From a rendering perspective, we make use of a bank of sliders (Figure 2) to vary optical properties at runtime and achieve desired rendering effects, including aging effects as shown in Figure 1. We also make use of hand drawn distribution maps for different layers rather than texture maps to achieve diffuse coloring.
Human Rights: A New Standard of Civilization?

This is an edited text of the fifth John Vincent Memorial Lecture delivered at the University of Keele on 9 May 1997 in which Jack Donnelly attacks the still common scepticism about international human rights - although from an unorthodox angle.
Spoken language development in children following cochlear implantation

Context Cochlear implantation is a surgical alternative to traditional amplification (hearing aids) that can facilitate spoken language development in young children with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Objective To prospectively assess spoken language acquisition following cochlear implantation in young children. Design, setting, and participants Prospective, longitudinal, and multidimensional assessment of spoken language development over a 3-year period in children who underwent cochlear implantation before 5 years of age (n = 188) from 6 US centers and hearing children of similar ages (n = 97) from 2 preschools recruited between November 2002 and December 2004. Follow-up completed between November 2005 and May 2008. Main outcome measures Performance on measures of spoken language comprehension and expression (Reynell Developmental Language Scales). Results Children undergoing cochlear implantation showed greater improvement in spoken language performance (10.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 9.6-11.2 points per year in comprehension; 8.4; 95% CI, 7.8-9.0 in expression) than would be predicted by their preimplantation baseline scores (5.4; 95% CI, 4.1-6.7, comprehension; 5.8; 95% CI, 4.6-7.0, expression), although mean scores were not restored to age-appropriate levels after 3 years. Younger age at cochlear implantation was associated with significantly steeper rate increases in comprehension (1.1; 95% CI, 0.5-1.7 points per year younger) and expression (1.0; 95% CI, 0.6-1.5 points per year younger). Similarly, each 1-year shorter history of hearing deficit was associated with steeper rate increases in comprehension (0.8; 95% CI, 0.2-1.2 points per year shorter) and expression (0.6; 95% CI, 0.2-1.0 points per year shorter). In multivariable analyses, greater residual hearing prior to cochlear implantation, higher ratings of parent-child interactions, and higher socioeconomic status were associated with greater rates of improvement in comprehension and expression. Conclusion The use of cochlear implants in young children was associated with better spoken language learning than would be predicted from their preimplantation scores.
On the performance of WAR systems with limited number of ISM-band ad hoc relay channels

Coping with congestion or hot spots is one of the common problems faced by the wireless service providers. To handle this hot spot or congestion problem in a cellular network, several dynamic load balancing schemes based on channel borrowing have previously been proposed. A recent approach to dynamic load balancing is the Integrated Cellular and Ad hoc Relay (iCAR) system. iCAR employs ad hoc relay stations (ARS's) in the cellular network to balance traffic loads efficiently and to share channels between cells via primary and secondary relaying. In this paper, it is shown that the realistic performance of ICAR systems in terms of dynamic load balancing and load sharing is heavily dependent upon the number of available ISM-band ARS channels. Results also indicate that the number of ARS channels required for dynamic load balancing is much more than the number of ARS channels required for load sharing (i.e., for bringing the call blocking probability of a hot spot to 2%).
The Impact of Biodiesel on Pollutant Emissions and Public Health

An overview of recent studies of the impact of biodiesel and biodiesel blends on air pollutant emissions and health effects is provided. Biodiesel blends of 20% produce reductions of 15% or higher (depending upon engine model and test cycle) in emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, total hydrocarbons, and a group of toxic compounds including vapor-phase hydrocarbons from C1 to C12, aldehydes and ketones up to C8, and selected semivolatile and particle-phase PAH and NPAH. Based on the studies reviewed and recently acquired data, individual engines may show oxides of nitrogen increasing or decreasing, but on average there appears to be no net effect for blends of 20% biodiesel—the most common biodiesel blend. Exhaust from a diesel engine operating on 100% biodiesel was also shown to have only modest adverse effects in an animal exposure study. Studies of the impact of biodiesel on particle size have not produced consistent results and additional research in this area is needed. Biodiesel is also...
Accelerated dual-contrast quantitative first-pass perfusion MRI of the mouse heart with compressed sensing

Background Myocardial blood flow (MBF) imaging in gene-modified mice may be used to elucidate molecular mechanisms that underlie coronary vascular function and dysfunction. First pass Gd-enhanced MRI is well-established in humans and has been recently investigated in mice[1-3]. The rapid heart rate and small size of the heart present challenges to performing quantitative first pass imaging in mice. A dual contrast acquisition simplifies the procedure (one Gd injection) and may provide more accurate results because the arterial input function (AIF) and tissue function (TF) are acquired under identical conditions. We developed a compressed sensing (CS)-accelerated first pass sequence for mice with a dual contrast acquisition.
Cholesterol metabolism and tumor cell proliferation.

The functions assumed by free cholesterol in mammalian cells are diverse, ranging from that as a starting substrate for the synthesis of steroid hormones and bile salts to its less specifically understood but critical role as a principal lipid component of every cell membrane. Cholesterol biosynthesis begins with metabolically supplied cytoplasmic acetyl CoA that also serves as the common precursor for de novo fatty acid synthesis, and can be expressed by the reaction: 18 acetyl CoA + 1/2O2 + 10 H+ → cholesterol + 9 CO2 +18 CoA-SH. During the synthesis, the genesis of mevalonic acid (MVA) from 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA (HMG-CoA), catalyzed by HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR), the third and principal rate-controlling enzyme of the pathway, leads to the production of diverse polyisoprenoid intermediates. Metabolism of MVA demonstrates considerable versatility through ensuing branching reactions that yield a host of terpene compounds used in the construction of an assortment of required metabolites [dolichol, ubiquinone(Coenzyme Q), isopentenyl adenine, heme a/a3], in addition to cholesterol itself. This chapter focuses on associations that link cholesterol and mitochondrial citrate export, as well as the metabolism of citrate-derived isoprenoid metabolites en route to cholesterol synthesis, with deregulated cell proliferation (i.e., cancer).
Potential Modulation Normal Incidence Reflection Absorption UV‐Visible Spectroscopy under Forced Convection Experimental Aspects

Various aspects of the theory of potential-modulation normal-incidence reflection absorption spectroscopy at a rotating disk electrode have been verified experimentally using the oxidation of iron(II)-hexacyanide ion in aqueous electrolytes as a model system. In particular, excellent quantitative agreement was found between the spectra of [Fe(CN) 6 ] 3- (generated electrochemically), as evaluated from the ratio of the amplitude of the ac and the magnitude of the dc components of the optical signal and that obtained by conventional means in a wavelength range in which only the absorption of the product is significant
A Quantitative Complement Fixation Technique

In the usual complement fixation reaction, the limit of accuracy is that obtained by a preliminary titration of complement and amboceptor against the quantity of cells to be used as indicator. Keeping one of these two factors constant, the minimal hemolytic quantity of the other is determined, and some arbitrary multiple of this quantity used in the actual test. Complete hemolysis is adjudged a negative reaction; absence of hemolysis indicates a positive reaction, i. e., that antigen and antibody had combined, and the aggregates had fixed (adsorbed) complement so completely that none remained free to act upon the sensitized cells; and partial hemolysis is called a doubtful reaction, variously interpreted. If either the antigen or antibody fixes the complement alone, i. e., is anticomplementary, the test is invalidated. The sensitivity of such a reaction depends entirely on the quantity of complement and amboceptor used. If this is exactly the amount necessary to cause hemolysis in half an hour, the slightest degree of fixation will cause some inhibition of hemolysis and yield a more or less positive reaction. But because a prohibitive number of anticomplementary readings are then obtained, due to slight nonspecific destruction of complement, it is customary to use several times the minimal quantity of complement. A margin of safety is thus provided against slight nonspecific fixation, with correspondingly few anticomplementary reactions. But this increased specificity is obtained at the cost of sensitivity, for much more complement must be fixed in order to produce a positive reaction. Thus, if just twice the minimal hemolytic quantity of complement is used at least half must be fixed before there is any indication of a positive reaction; when 50 to 759fc is fixed, the reaction is doubtful, for sufficient remains to cause partial hemolysis in one-half hour; and only when more than 80% of the complement has been inactivated does one obtain an undoubtedly positive reaction. If one omits the preliminary titration, and uses simply a large excess of complement, as
Analysis of central nervous system vasculitis with diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient mapping of the normal-appearing brain.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a novel method of studying the brain that creates tissue contrast secondary to water diffusion. Central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis is a rare inflammatory disease that continues to be difficult to diagnose and evaluate with MR imaging. DWI with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) analysis may demonstrate abnormalities within the brain that would otherwise be undetected by conventional imaging, thus aiding in the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with CNS vasculitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of patients who were diagnosed with CNS vasculitis and had undergone DWI. A total of 15 patients who had DWI with b = 1000 were analyzed. Regions of interest were drawn in the anterior, central, and posterior regions of white matter (WM) at 3 levels. Regions of interest were also drawn bilaterally in the caudate heads, putamina, thalami, posterior internal capsules, and the cerebellar WM. ADC values were measured and compared with 15 healthy controls who were matched for age, sex, and MR imaging scanner. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the ADC values ( P CONCLUSION: Diffuse increase in water diffusion was present in the normal-appearing brain in patients with CNS vasculitis, and these abnormalities were not demonstrated by conventional MR imaging sequences. The detection and quantification of ADC abnormalities may provide useful diagnostic information for patients with CNS vasculitis.
Right ventricular papillary muscle electrography. Analysis of the site of surgically induced right bundle branch block using a temporary ventricular pacing electrode.

It is believed that the prognosis of patients with surgically induced right bundle branch block (RBBB) related to correction of congenital heart diseases varies according to the site of block. Thus, it is necessary to differentiate the proximal type from the distal type of RBBB. The main purpose of this study was to develop a practical and precise method for the determination of the site of block. The right ventricular papillary muscle activation time (V-PM) was measured 1 or 2 weeks after surgery by means of a temporary pacing electrode placed on the epicardial surface of the right ventricular anterior papillary muscle. This technique is referred to as "right ventricular papillary muscle electrography (PME)". The presence of a proximal RBBB is diagnosed by the finding of a prolongation of V-PM.The unique characteristics of this newly developed PME are as follows: 1) the appropriate site of electrode placement is selected anatomically during surgery by observations of local systolic concavity, and 2) with a unipolar lead, the local activation time can be measured with sufficient accuracy.The average V-PM was 21.0±6.3msec (±S.D.) in 64 patients without RBBB and 51.1±7.5msec in 13 patients with confirmed proximal RBBB in whom distal RBBB had been excluded in view of the surgical procedures that had been performed. As a result, the criterion for the diagnosis of proximal RBBB was established as a V-PM of longer than or equal to 35msec.According to this criterion, the incidence of proximal RBBB found in surgically repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TF), membranous ventricular septal defect (VSD (2)) and supracristal ventricular septal defect (VSD (1)) were 46% (11/24), 33% (15/45) and 11% (2/18), respectively. Distal RBBB was observed only in TF, where the incidence was 17% (4/24).
Survival of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Hospital Environment

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is now a common cause of hospital-acquired infection. It produces small epidemics of urinary tract infection or sporadic cases of wound sepsis,' multiple cutaneous abscesses, pneumonia, and septicemia. It is a particular threat to severely burned patients, many of whom die with pseudomonas septicemia. While urinary infections with P. aeruginosa have been shown to be transmitted by inadequately sterilized urological instruments, drainage apparatus, and urinals (Williams et al, 1960), the mode by which nonurological patients become infected is obscure. Generally, the organism is thought not to survive long in the dried state and has been isolated
The Role of the USDA in Developing New Chemical Pesticides

Many needs for pesticides have never been adequately met. In addition, we may expect that attention will again be required for needs that had been met by persistent materials such as some of the chlorinated hydrocarbons. Moreover, leading entomologists continue to stress the need for the commercial availability of selective, safe, and nonpersistent insecticides as essential tools of pest management. The USDA assists in assuring the continuing availability of needed pesticides by (1) generating some of the data needed for registration for minor uses and markets, and (2) by conducting research which leads to alleviation of the cost of pesticide development by industry.
Polar-direct-drive experiments at the National Ignition Facility

Polar-direct-drive experiments at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) are being used to validate direct-drive-implosion models. Energy coupling and fast-electron preheat are the primary issues being studied in planar and imploding geometries on the NIF. Results from backlit images from implosions indicate that the overall drive is well modeled although some differences remain in the thickness of the imploding shell. Implosion experiments to mitigate cross-beam energy transfer and preheat from two-plasmon decay are planned for the next year.
Secondary syphilis in HIV positive individuals: correlation with histopathologic findings, CD4 counts, and quantity of treponemes in microscopic sections

Background Although syphilis is uncommon, infection rates are much higher in HIV-infected individuals than the general population. A proposed explanation is impaired cellular immunity with HIV infection. Methods A search of one institution yielded 10 patients with a diagnosis of secondary syphilis on skin biopsy, positive syphilis serology and available CD4 counts. We evaluated 11 biopsies from the 10 patients. We correlated the patients' CD4 counts with the histologic findings and with the number of treponemes on skin biopsies, highlighted by immunohistochemistry (IHC). We also compared the detection of spirochetes in silver stained sections (e.g. Warthin–Starry) with T. pallidum IHC. All biopsies were assessed for various histologic features. Results The sensitivity of IHC to detect treponemes was 64% and of silver stain was 9% (p-value 0.04). The number of treponemes on the biopsies was determined by IHC. High numbers of spirochetes (i.e. >100 per 10 hpf) were only seen in patients with CD4 counts less than 250 cells/ml. Conclusion The most consistent histologic finding was a moderate to severe lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. Although the study is small, it appears that a higher number of spirochetes is associated with CD4 counts less than 250 cell/ml. The T. pallidum IHC stain was vastly superior to the Warthin–Starry stain.
A constitutively activated chimeric cytokine receptor confers factor- independent growth in hematopoietic cell lines

The high-affinity receptor for granulocyte-macrophage colony- stimulating factor (GMR) comprises at least 2 distinct subunits, alpha and beta common (beta c), whereas the normal erythropoietin receptor (nEpoR) comprises only one known subunit. An arginine to cysteine (R129C) mutation of the extracytoplasmic domain of the murine EpoR leads to Epo-independent growth in transduced cells (cEpoR). To investigate the proliferative functions of the cytoplasmic regions of each GMR subunit separately and the potential of the R129C EpoR mutation to induce factor-independent growth through heterologous receptor regions, we constructed four hybrid receptors: the extracellular region of either murine nEpoR or cEpoR linked to the transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions of either the human GMR alpha or beta c subunit (nE alpha, nE beta, cE alpha, and cE beta). We then expressed them in an interleukin-3-dependent murine cell line, Ba/F3. Expression of nE beta led to Epo-dependent growth, whereas expression of cE beta conferred factor-independent growth. Surprisingly, expression of cE alpha also resulted in factor-independent cell growth, whereas nE alpha did not respond to Epo. Furthermore, the functional hybrid receptors showed Epo-dependent (nE beta) or constitutive (cE alpha and cE beta) tyrosine phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic kinases JAK1 and JAK2. We reasoned that the proliferative signal of cE alpha was transduced either through the alpha tail itself or through an accessory protein such as the endogenous murine beta common subunit (mu beta c). To distinguish these possibilities, the chimeric receptor cE alpha was expressed in the interleukin-2-dependent murine cell line, CTLL-2, that does not express mu beta c. cE alpha did not induce cell growth in CTLL-2; however, when mu beta c was coexpressed with cE alpha in CTLL-2, factor-independent growth was reconstituted. In conclusion, the cytoplasmic domain of the GMR alpha subunit requires a beta chain for transduction of a proliferative signal. Furthermore, the R129C EpoR mutation can constitutively activate heterologous receptors to mediate factor-independent proliferation.
Generation of constant-amplitude radio-frequency sweeps at a tunnel junction for spin resonance STM

We describe the measurement and successful compensation of the radio-frequency transfer function of a scanning tunneling microscope over a wide frequency range (15.5–35.5 GHz) and with high dynamic range (>50 dB). The precise compensation of cabling resonances and attenuations is critical for the production of constant-voltage frequency sweeps for electric-field driven electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments. We also demonstrate that a well-calibrated tunnel junction voltage is necessary to avoid spurious ESR peaks that can arise due to a non-flat transfer function.
The rainbow : A universal timeless 'pointer' toward ultimate reality and meaning

Etude de la signification mythique et scientifique de l'arc-en-ciel dans l'histoire de la pensee humaine, depuis la mythologie grecque jusqu'a la science newtonienne et la science contemporaine. Defini comme phenomene complementaire dans la science contemporaine (CCS), l'arc-en-ciel est considere comme l'indicateur universel et atemporel vers la signification et la realite ultimes (URAM/IRAM)
The risk of cardiovascular side effects with anti-anginal drugs.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Angina pectoris is a common presenting symptom of underlying coronary artery disease or reduced coronary flow reserve. Patients with angina have impaired quality of life; and need to be treated optimally with antianginal drugs to control symptoms and improve exercise performance. A wide range of antianginal medications are approved for the treatment of angina, and often more than one class of antianginal drugs are used to adequately control the symptoms. This expert opinion highlights the likely cardiac adverse effects of available antianginal drugs, and how to minimize these in individual patients and especially during combination treatment.Areas covered: All approved antianginal drugs, including the older and newly approved medications with different mechanism of action to the older drugs as well as some of the unapproved herbal medications. The safety profiles and potential cardiac side effects of these medications when used as monotherapy or as combination therapy are discussed a...
Prevalence and predictors of second opinions from medical oncologists for early-stage breast cancer: Results from the iCanCare study.

185 Background: A second medical oncology opinion (SMO) may facilitate chemotherapy decision-making. However, little is known about the interplay between SMOs, treatment decision-making and chemotherapy use. Methods: We surveyed women newly diagnosed with early-stage invasive breast cancer and treated in 2013-2014 (response rate 70%), accrued approximately 3 months after surgery through 2 population-based SEER registries (Georgia and Los Angeles), about their experiences with medical oncologists, decision-making, and chemotherapy use. We evaluated demographic, clinical and decisional factors associated with SMO using logistic regression, and evaluated the association between SMO and chemotherapy, adjusting for clinical indication for chemotherapy, results of the 21-gene recurrence score assay, and estimated propensity for SMO given patient and tumor-specific characteristics. Results: Among 1182 insured patients who consulted any medical oncologist, 8.7% had SMO and 2.4% received chemotherapy from the SMO ...
Associations of types of substances with condomless sex in vulnerable people living with HIV/AIDS

For people living with HIV who are not readily retained in medical care, substance use can contribute to risky sexual behavior that may lead to HIV transmission. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between stimulants versus opioids and condomless sex in a sample of 223 vulnerable people living with HIV/AIDS. We examined the associations of stimulant and opioid use in the past 30 days with condomless sex while controlling for sample characteristics. More than two thirds (69%) reported having condomless sex in the past six months. Results showed a positive association between condomless sex and any illicit substance use (AOR: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.29–6.17; P = 0.009) or stimulant use (AOR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.04–6.24; P = 0.041) in the past 30 days. These findings suggest the importance of promoting behavioral interventions that increase consistent condom use and reduce stimulant use among people who have difficulties with HIV care retention.