cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sympathoadrenal Activity in Fasting Pregnant Rats: DISSOCIATION OF ADRENAL MEDULLARY AND SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM RESPONSES

The pattern of urinary catecholamine excretion in fasting differs in pregnant and nonpregnant rats, which suggests that the sympathoadrenal response to fasting is altered by pregnancy. In fasting nonpregnant animals, urinary norepinephrine (NE) excretion decreases and epinephrine (E) excretion remains unchanged, whereas the excretion of both catecholamines rises significantly with refeeding. In contrast, fasting third-trimester pregnant rats exhibit a 420% increase in urinary E and a 345% increase in urinary NE, elevations which fall with refeeding. Specific evaluation of sympathoadrenal activity in fasting pregnant rats reveals stimulation of the adrenal medulla and suppression of sympathetic nerves. In fasting third-trimester rats the adrenal content of E is 37% lower in innervated adrenals as compared with contralateral denervated glands, which indicates the presence of neurally-mediated adrenal medullary activation. Adrenalectomy completely abolishes the fasting-induced rise in urinary E and NE in pregnant rats. Studies with 2-deoxy-D-glucose suggest that stimulation of the adrenal medulla results from hypoglycemia, which is present after 3 d of fasting in pregnant rats (plasma glucose 36.7 mg/dl). Sympathetic nervous system activity, as measured by [(3)H]NE turnover in the heart, decreases in fasting pregnant rats despite hypoglycemia, a response similar to that seen in fasting nonpregnant animals where plasma glucose is maintained above 50 mg/dl. The calculated NE turnover rate is 44% lower in 2-d fasted pregnant rats than in fed pregnant animals (17.6 +/- 1.3 vs. 31.3 +/- 1.8 ng NE/heart per h, respectively). Thus adrenal medullary and sympathetic nervous system responses in fasting pregnant rats appear to be dissociated, which suggests that diet-induced changes in sympathetic activity and stimulation of the adrenal medulla by hypoglycemia may be independently regulated.
Disability Studies and Disaster Services: Putting the “DS” in “DS”

This article is a synopsis of articles found in this special issue of the Review of Disability Studies that focused on disability and disaster. In this article, information is gleaned and summarized from all the historical, research, and current events discussed in this issue. As part of the synopsis, the question is posed, “How can Disability Studies, as an academic and social endeavor, inform disaster services?” Examples from various articles are provided to inform readers how “DS” (disability studies) might influence “DS” (disaster services).
Social dynamics in cyberspace

Summary form only given. The social dynamics of individuals connected through the Internet is relevant to issues of productivity, viral marketing and the sorting out of useful ideas from the general chatter of a community. This talk will first describe a mechanism for automatically identifying communities of practice from email traffic within organizations as well as patterns in document access. Equally important is how information spreads within communities. This information has recently acquired a new dimension through the phenomenon of collaborative tagging, whereby many users add metadata in the form of keywords to shared content such as bookmarks, photographs and blogs. There are interesting patterns that emerge within these "folksonomies" specifically; we discovered regularities in user activity, tag frequencies, kinds of tags used, and a remarkable stability in the relative proportions of tags within a given url. A dynamical model of collaborative tagging predicts these stable patterns and relates them to imitation and shared knowledge.
The effect of annealing on the creep of plasma sprayed ceramics

The creep of plasma sprayed ZrO2-8Y2O3 was measured at temperatures from 98 to 1250 C (180 to 220 F), and compared to creep of identical samples after annealing at temperatures from 98 to 1316 C (1800 to 2400 F). Loads and temperatures which produced significant creep of as sprayed ceramics produced no creep after annealing. Previously announced in STAR as N83-24799
Quantitation of myelin carbonic anhydrase-development and subfractionation of rat brain myelin and comparison with myelin from other species.

Summary A number of related studies have been performed to characterize further the carbonic anhydrase activity of myelin. Recent assertions11,56 that carbolic anhydrase activity is intrinsic to the myelin sheath were subjected to the additional tests of isolation of rat brain myelin in the presence of purified carbonic anhydrase. This procedure did not increase the carbonic anhydrase activity in myelin above the endogenous level, indicating that this enzyme does not stick to myelin membranes. A developmental study of rat brain carbonic anhydrase showed that enzyme activity increased in whole brain homogenates and in myelin, with the greatest increments in enzyme activity occuring before the animals were 60 days old. When myelin from adult rat brains was fractionated on a density gradient, carbonic anhydrase activity was relatively enriched in the heavy subfraction but was present in all three layers. This finding suggested that the activity in myelin preparations was not due to contamination with a carbonic anhydrase-rich membrane fragment. Carbonic anhydrase in myelin was not confined to the rat. Beef brain homogenates and myelin had low activities of the enzyme, but myelin from rabbit, cat, monkey and mouse had carbonic anhydrase activities comparable to that of the rat, accounting for 6.3–13.6% of the respective homogenate activities.
Some characteristics of the eye and the electroretinogram of the prairie dog

Abstract Examination of the eye of the prairie dog ( Cynomys ludovicianus ) shows that: the retina contains only one morphologically distinct receptor type (cones); the degree of convergence from receptors to ganglion cells is generally small throughout the retina and differs for various retinal locations; and the lenscornea system in this eye shows very substantial absorbance of short-wavelength light. Electroretinograms (ERG) recorded from the prairie dog eye have a waveform similar to that seen in other all-cone eyes. Spectral sensitivity functions derived from the ERG for both b- and d-wave components peak at 520–540 nm. These two components have similar, but not identical, spectral sensitivity.
Stop-losses, maximum drawdown-at-risk and replicating financial time series with the stationary bootstrap

One of the primary concerns for systematic traders is to be able to discern when a trading model is either temporarily or permanently broken. Clearly, the objective is to stop trading the model unt...
Slow Light Effect in Distributed Feedback (DFB) for Dimension Reduction of Electro-optic Modulators

A length reduction of 3-fold is shown for MZI-based EO modulator by utilizing slow light effect at 1.55 micron wavelength in sub-micron DFB-incorporated slab-waveguide. Transmission spectrum can be enhanced and smoothed by multi-segment DFB configuration.
Progress toward a generalized description of the environment structure contribution to tropical cyclone track types

A critical meteorological knowledge base for the application of the Systematic Approach to Tropical Cyclone Track Forecasting of Carr and Elsberry is the environment structure, which is a small set of synoptic patterns and synoptic regions that characterize the tracks. As the original Systematic Approach for the western North Pacific has been applied to the eastern and central North Pacific by Boothe and to the Southern Hemisphere by Bannister et al., the conceptual models of the synoptic patterns have been generalized. Whereas only slight modifications of three of the original four synoptic patterns are required in the two new basin applications, the monsoon gyre pattern of the western North Pacific must be replaced with an upper-low pattern in the eastern and central North Pacific and by a high-amplitude midlatitude trough/ridge in the Southern Hemisphere. An important conclusion is that the environment structure of all tropical cyclones in these three basins could be classified into these small sets. Furthermore, each synoptic pattern/region has a set of characteristic tracks, and a change in environment structure has an associated track change. Comparisons and contrasts of these environmental structures demonstrates that the relative importance of the monsoon trough, subtropical ridge, and midlatitude circulations can account for first-order variations in TC tracks within these three tropical cyclone basins. Summaries of the occurrence of synoptic pattern/region transitions are given for the three basins. Although each TC basin has special characteristics, the general application of the Systematic Approach suggests a unified treatment is possible. Further development along this line is expected to improve the accuracy and consistency of forecasts and warnings.
Craniocervical developmental anatomy and its implications

Introduction Congenital and developmental osseous abnormalities and anomalies that affect the craniocervical junction complex can result in neural compression and vascular compromise and can manifest itself with abnormal cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. An understanding of the development of the craniocervical junction is essential to recognize the pathological abnormalities.
Improved management of aortic graft infection: The influence of operation sequence and staging

Abstract To investigate the influence of operation sequence and staging on the outcome of aortic graft infection, we studied the mortality and amputation rates and incidence of new graft infection involving the extra-anatomic bypass (EAB) among 101 patients treated for secondary aortoenteric fistula (N = 43) or primary perigraft infection (N = 58). Patients were retrospectively grouped according to the operative treatment technique. Seven patients underwent infected graft removal (IGR) followed immediately by EAB (traditional). Fifty-seven patients were revascularized first, followed by immediate IGR in 38 patients (sequential) or by delayed IGR in 19 patients (staged). The median interoperative interval for the staged group was 5 days (range 2 to 31 days). Twenty patients underwent simultaneous IGR and in-line autogenous reconstruction (synchronous) and finally in 15 patients treatment consisted of IGR only with no extremity revascularization (none). The mean follow-up interval for all patients was 36.8 months. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality rate (traditional, 43%; sequential, 24%; and staged, 26%) or incidence of new graft infection (traditional, 43%; sequential, 18%; or staged, 16%) among those patients treated with EAB, although there was a trend toward an improved outcome with either sequential or staged treatment. There was a significantly lower amputation rate among sequential patients (11%) (p = 0.038) but not staged patients (16%) (p = 0.171) when compared with traditional treatment (43%). Staged operative treatment was associated with significantly less physiologic stress than sequential treatment as reflected by multiple perioperative metabolic variables (95% confidence limits). The treatment groups were comparable in the incidence of aortoenteric fistulas, culture-negative infections, emergent procedures, and appropriate antibiotic use. We conclude that reversed sequence or staged operative treatment of infected aortic grafts can be performed with no increased patient risk. Although traditional or sequential treatment may be required in the setting of acute hemorrhage, the staged operative approach is recommended for the treatment of chronic aortic graft infections. (J VASC SURG 1987;5:421-31.)
Hepatic resection of metastatic testicular carcinoma: a further update.

Background: The goal of this study was to update the multidisciplinary review of patients who underwent resection of hepatic metastases of nonseminomatous germ cell esticular carcinoma at the Indiana University Medical Center. Methods: The study involved retrospective chart review for 57 patients who underwent hepatic resection for treatment of metastatic nonseminomatous testicular carcinoma between June 1974 and May 1996. Patients were categorized ccording to the worst postchemotherapy pathologic diagnosis. Results: Chemotherapy has been highly effective in curing testicular carcinoma. However, even with platinum-based hemotherapy, one-third of patients either do not achieve complete cures or experience relapses. Since 1965, only 57 of the 2219 patients who underwent postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissections for treatment of testicular carcinoma at our center underwent hepatic resection for treatment of metastatic disease. Because teratomas have the propensity to degenerate into sarcomas and can cause symptoms resulting from compression, these lesions must be resected to achieve cures. In addition, the only chance for survival for patients with active disease but normal serum marker levels is with complete resection of the tumor burden. Conclusions: We conclude that hepatic resection for treatment of metastatic testicular carcinoma is safe and efficacious for all patients except those with elevated marker levels after preoperative chemotherapy.
Semiautomatic parametric model-based 3D lesion segmentation for evaluation of MR-guided radiofrequency ablation therapy.

Rationale and Objectives Interventional magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) allows real-time guidance and optimization of radiofrequency ablation of pathologic tissue. For many tissues, resulting lesions have a characteristic two-boundary appearance featuring an inner region and an outer hyper-intense margin in both T2 and contrast-enhanced (CE) T1-weighted MR images. We created a geometric model-based semiautomatic method to aid in real-time lesion segmentation, cross-sectional/three-dimensional visualization, and intra/posttreatment evaluation. Materials and Methods Our method relies on a 12-parameter, 3-dimensional, globally deformable model with quadric surfaces that describe both lesion boundaries. We present an energy minimization approach to quickly and semiautomatically fit the model to a gray-scale MR image volume. We applied the method to in vivo lesions (n = 10) in a rabbit thigh model, using T2 and CE T1-weighted MR images, and compared the results with manually segmented boundaries. Results For all lesions, the median error was ≤1.21 mm for the inner region and ≤1.00 mm for the outer hyper-intense region, values that favorably compare to a voxel width of 0.7 mm and distances between the borders manually segmented by the two operators. Conclusion Our method provides a precise, semiautomatic approximation of lesion shape for ellipsoidal lesions. Further, the method has clinical applications in lesion visualization, volume estimation, and treatment evaluation.
Fluid flow effects in evaporation from liquid-vapor meniscus

A mathematical model of the evaporating liquid-vapor meniscus in a capillary slot has been developed. The model includes two-dimensional steady-state momentum conservation and energy equations for both the vapor and liquid phases, and incorporates the existing simplified one-dimensional model of the evaporating microfilm. The numerical results, obtained for water, demonstrate the importance of accounting for the fluid flow in calculating the effective evaporative heat transfer coefficient and the superheat of the vapor over the liquid-vapor meniscus due to the heat transfer from the heated wall. With higher heat fluxes, a recirculation zone appears in the vapor near the heated wall due to the extensive evaporation in the thin-film region of the liquid-vapor meniscus.
18F-FDG PET/CT in the management of patients with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder

ObjectivesPost-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a rare but serious complication in transplant patients. Although fluorine-18 2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose PET and computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) has been used for the evaluation and management of patients with PTLD, its utility has ye
Characterization of the Hispanic or latino population in health research: a systematic review.

The size and diversity of the Hispanic population in the United States has dramatically increased, with vast implications for health research. We conducted a systematic review of the characterization of the Hispanic population in health research and described its implications. Relevant studies were identified by searches of PubMed, Embase Scopus, and Science/Social Sciences Citation Index from 2000 to 2011. 131 articles met criteria. 56 % of the articles reported only “Hispanic” or “Latino” as the characteristic of the Hispanic research population while no other characteristics were reported. 29 % of the articles reported language, 27 % detailed country of origin and 2 % provided the breakdown of race. There is great inconsistency in reported characteristics of Hispanics in health research. The lack of detailed characterization of this population ultimately creates roadblocks in translating evidence into practice when providing care to the large and increasingly diverse Hispanic population in the US.
Werner syndrome as a hereditary risk factor for exocrine pancreatic cancer: Potential role of WRN in pancreatic tumorigenesis and patient-tailored therapy

Advanced age is considered a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, but this relationship at the molecular and genetic level remains unclear. We present a clinical case series focusing on an association between pancreatic adenocarcinoma and Werner syndrome (WS) that is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by accelerated aging and cancer predisposition, and is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the WS RecQ helicase gene (WRN). Although pancreatic adenocarcinoma mostly occurs in a sporadic fashion, a minority of cases occurs in the context of susceptible individuals with hereditary syndromes. While WS has not been previously recognized as a risk factor for developing malignant tumors of the exocrine pancreas, the clinicopathologic features of three reported patients suggest a contributory role of WRN deficiency in pancreatic carcinogenesis. Molecular genetic analyses support the role of WRN as a tumor suppressor gene, although recent evidence reveals that WRN can alternatively promote oncogenicity depending on the molecular context. Based upon the clinico-pathologic features of these patients and the role of WRN in experimental models, we propose that its loss-of-function predisposes the development of pancreatic adenocarcinoma through epigenetic silencing or loss-of-heterozygosity of WRN. To test this hypothesis, we are investigating the mechanistic role of WRN in pancreatic cancer models including a pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line generated from a human with WS. These studies are expected to provide new insight into the relationship between aging and pancreatic tumorigenesis, and facilitate development of novel strategies for patient-tailored interventions in this deadly malignancy.
A method for the isolation of the parts of ciliates

Eine Methode fur selektive Solubilisierung der Zellen und verschiedener Organellen von Ciliaten, welche auf einer speziellen Anwendung der MethodeMazia undDan zur Gewinnung isolierter Mitoseapparate von Seeigeleiern beruht, wird beschrieben. Die Ciliaten werden bei niedriger Temperatur in 40% Ethanol extrahiert und mit Digitonin behandelt. In salzfreier Digitoninlosung (1% aq) bleiben nur das Wimpernsystem und damit verbundene Strukturen erhalten und konnen in genugender Menge fur chemische Analysen gewonnen werden. Durch Zugabe verschiedener Mengen von KCl ist es moglich, auch Zellkerne, Pellicula, usw. vor der Auflosung zu schutzen und durch differentielle Zentrifugierung zu isolieren.
PASSIVE SCREEN TIME ASSOCIATED WITH UNHEALTHY DIETARY CONSUMPTION AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS: A CLOSER LOOK AT CHILDHOOD BEHAVIORS

TV, computers, and video games are sedentary activities associated with childhood obesity. While studies show that screen time promotes unhealthy behaviors, there is evidence that these activities have varying effects due to food advertisements and activity levels. 1003 sixth graders were divided
Ferromagnetic and spin glass ordering in a Au0.85Fe0.15 alloy

Abstract Low field magnetization measurements on a Au-15 at% Fe alloy reveal that close to the multicritical point (MCP) of the Au-Fe magnetic phase diagram the ferromagnetic state is one of infinite susceptibility but zero spontaneous magnetization. Away from the MCP a spontaneous magnetization develops in the ferromagnetic, but not the reentrant, state. The onset of hysteresis and time dependence is associated with the ferromagnetic, not the reentrant, transition.
Appearance-Based Object Detection Under Varying Environmental Conditions

Practical surveillance systems deployed in urban scenarios need to operate 24/7 under a wide range of environmental conditions. As modern video analytics shift from blob-based to object-centered architectures, appearance-based object detection under different weather conditions and lighting effects emerges as a critical yet largely unaddressed problem. This paper investigates this research topic, using as a case study the problem of vehicle detection in urban surveillance environments. In particular, we show that a simple and efficient Winsorized lighting correction technique improves performance significantly when outliers due to shadows, specularities, headlights, and occluders are present. Moreover, we demonstrate that a self-training mechanism utilizing a balanced training set automatically acquired from the target domain yields superior performance. Our experimental results are carried out on a novel dataset of vehicle images collected from a public traffic camera and categorized according to multiple environmental conditions.
Relationship between the sphericity of femoral head-acetabulum and the low incidence of primary osteoarthritis of the hip joint in Koreans.

UNLABELLED I examined the sphericity and the congruity of the femoral head and the acetabulum in 172 Korean fetuses and in 655 Korean adults. I found that Korean fetal acetabuli and femoral heads are spherical and that the proportion of the head contained in the acetabulum remains constant and congruous throughout the fetal life. Adult actabuli and femoral heads are also spherical in both gender and are there are no visible changes in the shape of the acetabuli and the femoral heads with respect to age. No evidence was found that the congruity of the hip joint is a cause of osteoarthritis of the hip joint. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Stable hip joints at the time of birth provide an explantation for the low incidence of congenital dislocation of the hip joint in Koreans. The spherical femoral head and acetabulum (congruous hip joint) seem to be a contributing factor to the low incidence of primary osteoarthritis of the hip in Koreans.
Survey Methods for Seriously Ill Hospitalized Adults: Practical Lessons from SUPPORT

OBJECTIVE: To describe issues confronted in collecting questionnaire-based data in a large study of seriously ill hospitalized adults, discuss methods used to achieve acceptable results, summarize the reliability of selected measures, and explore challenges for patient-based research in this population. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Five teaching hospitals in the US. PARTICIPANTS: 9105 patients, with a subset of 80 patients and 10 proxy respondents for reliability testing. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN OUTCOMES: Response rates; percent agreement and Kappa statistics to assess test-retest reliability. RESULTS: A pretest and pilot test were used to help develop the assessment strategy, establish study procedures, and identify staff characteristics likely to facilitate the project. Achieving adequate response rates required great perseverance and flexibility by interview staff as well as close monitoring and central supervision. Standardized quality assurance with timely feedback, and social support provided by peer and supervising staff were both important. Older women proved to be the best interviewers. Reliability was acceptable for existing and newly developed scales to measure subjective health status, preferences, and satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to collect reliable and useful data on preferences and subjective health outcomes from a cohort of seriously ill hospitalized patients and their proxies. Achieving acceptable data quality required a large interview team, mature staff, flexibility about modes of administration, and centralized, structured quality assurance. Successful outcomes research in this population is likely to require similar planning and efforts.
An Introductory Study of German Idiomatic Speech: From the Standpoint of the Classroom Teacher

Author's Summary— The purpose is to attempt to locate the idiom-bearing element in the idiomatic expression and to study the various degrees of accuracy in the interpretation of the same. The idioms are divided into three groups: one having distinctly grammatical value, one having a tendency to grow away from the rational into irrational speech, and a descriptive group.)
Teaching storage infrastructure management and security

The manuscript presents the design outline for two storage technology courses related to information assurance. There is a discussion of some experiences from delivering the undergraduate version of the course to the students of the IT and the CS programs. The undergraduate version is modeled after the EMC Information Storage Management course and the EMC's Proven Professional certification, to provide a baseline knowledge about storage networks and their applications, while graduate course extension goes in more depth regarding security and management of storage networks in a broader context of IT governance.
Diurnal variations of radon and meteorological variables near the ground

Radon is an excellent tracer for the study of transport processes in the lower atmospheric boundary layer. Analyses of the radon data measured on a 300-m meteorological tower at Philadelphia show that the diurnal variation of atmospheric turbulence is closely related to the meteorological variables.
Large-Aperture Ground-Based Telescope Design and Fabrication

The optical fabrication and testing of the optical components for two large optical telescopes is described. These systems are the 88-inch aperture telescope for the University of Hawaii, and the 85-inch telescope for the Universidad de La Plata. A brief historical account of events leading to the large optics facility is included.
Pregnancy characteristics and maternal breast cancer risk: a review of the epidemiologic literature

The short- and long-term effects of pregnancy on breast cancer risk are well documented. Insight into potential biological mechanisms for these associations may be gained by studying breast cancer risk and pregnancy characteristics (e.g., preeclampsia, twining), which may reflect hormone levels during pregnancy. To date, no review has synthesized the published literature for pregnancy characteristics and maternal breast cancer using systematic search methods. We conducted a systematic search to identify all published studies. Using PUBMED (to 31 July 2009), 42 relevant articles were identified. Several studies suggest that multiple births may be associated with a lowered breast cancer risk of about 10–30%, but results were inconsistent across 18 studies. The majority of 13 studies suggest about a 20–30% reduction in risk with preeclampsia and/or gestational hypertension. Six of seven studies reported no association for infant sex and breast cancer risk. Data are sparse and conflicting for other pregnancy characteristics such as gestational age, fetal growth, pregnancy weight gain, gestational diabetes, and placental abnormalities. The most consistent findings in a generally sparse literature are that multiple births and preeclampsia may modestly reduce breast cancer risk. Additional research is needed to elucidate associations between pregnancy characteristics, related hormonal profiles, and breast cancer risk.
Liking or Disliking the Teacher: Student Motivation, Engagement and Achievement

The current study combines multiple lines of research on student/teacher relationships, to identify characteristics of liked teachers and examine the impact of liking or disliking the teacher on student learning and motivation. The study compared motivation data related to liked and disliked teachers from 125 students. Participants completed two versions of a motivation survey assessing their goals, perceived ability, effort and persistence. The findings suggest that when students like a teacher they experience motivational and achievement benefits.
Genetically modified food in France: symbolic transformation and the policy paradigm shift

The priorities of French policy regarding genetically modified (GM) food shifted in the late 1990s from aggressive promotion to strict regulation based on precaution and separation of GM food. This paradigmatic policy change coincided with a rapid shift in the dominant meanings of GM food in larger French public discourses. Using data from media coverage, organizational documents, and in-depth interviews, the study examines the relationship between policy developments and GM food’s symbolic transformation. I argue that the interpretive dimension interacted with and co-evolved incrementally with formal policy developments, and that it cannot be understood as epiphenomenal to political processes, or as preceding and propelling a policy change. I identify three mechanisms of symbolic transformation: (1) multiplication of meanings; (2) association with other salient issues; and (3) coupling with national identity (boundary work). Conversely, this symbolic transformation influenced the terms of political debates and viable strategies, influencing policy developments. The study also demonstrates how certain longstanding elements of French political culture shaped, and were changed or reproduced through, these processes.
GAD-alum immunotherapy in Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)-alum (Diamyd®, Diamyd Medical, Stockholm, Sweden) is an adjuvant-formulated vaccine incorporating recombinant human GAD65, the specific isoform of GAD expressed in human pancreatic β-cells and a major antigen targeted by autoreactive T lymphocytes in Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Intermittent vaccination with this protein is theorized to induce immune tolerance to GAD65, thereby potentially interrupting further β-cell destruction. Hence, clinical trials are ongoing to examine the efficacy and safety of GAD-alum immunotherapy in patients with autoimmune-mediated forms of diabetes, including Type 1 diabetes and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults.
A Fresnel propagation analysis of NFIRAOS/IRIS high-contrast exoplanet imaging capabilities

The thirty meter telescope (TMT) has the potential to find new planetary systems and to study them in greater details. It could also possibly image super-Earth planets around the closest stars or still accreting distant protoplanets around stars in very young star forming regions. Since no first generation dedicated exoplanet finding instrument has been selected for the TMT, initial direct exoplanet imaging will have to rely on the NFIRAOS facility adaptive optics (AO) system and IRIS spectro-imaging near-infrared (NIR) camera. End­ to-end Fresnel NFIRAOS simulations are presented using their current optical designs to evaluate the system multi-wavelength high-contrast imaging capabilities. Long exposures have been simulated using the expected AO-corrected phase screens and the estimated speckle lifetime. It is shown that NFIRAOS/IRIS may achieve contrasts close to the Gemini planet imager (GPI, an optimized NIR planet-finding instrument that will soon be installed on the Gemini South 8-m telescope), but needs to rely on multi-wavelength processing (by a factor 50) to achieve that goal, a challenging requirement. Without a coronograph and a better treatment of the in-band static speckle noise, it is unlikely that NFIRAOS/ IRIS will be able to achieve GPI-like contrasts at very small inner working angles, which is potentially accessible with a large 30-meter telescope. However, TMT, with its bigger aperture and better angular resolution, along with the current NFIRAOS/ IRIS designs, should be able to acquire higher SNR spectra and achieve three times better astrometric accuracy than GPI for medium to bright planets, resulting in better atmospheric characterization and faster orbital parameter determination of a sample of GPI planets.
Treatment of fibrous dysplasia of the mandible with radical excision and immediate reconstruction: case report.

Monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the mandible is an unusual manifestation of the disease that is usually benign, occurs in young individuals, and is managed by conservative curettage or debridement. We present a case of persistent fibrous dysplasia complicated by pain and intraoral bony exposure that
Neural networks for prediction of stream flow based on snow accumulation

This study aims to improve stream-ow forecast at Reynolds Mountain East watersheds, which is located at the southernmost of all watersheds in Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed Idaho, USA. Two separate models, one for the annual data and the other for the seasonal (April-June) data from 1983–1995 are tested for their predictability. Due to the difculties in collecting data during winter months, in particular the snow water equivalent (SWE), this study evaluates the impact of excluding this variable. Our results show that multilayer perceptrons (MLP) and support vector machines (SVM) are more suitable for modeling the data. The results also reveal that the difference between stream-ow forecast via annual and seasonal models is insignicant and for longer term predictions SWE is a strong driver in the stream-ow forecast. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) are also used in this study to identify useful features. The results from PCA derived models show that PCA helps reduce prediction error and the results are more stable than using models without PCA. PSO also improved results; however, the set of selected attributes by PSO is less believable than given by PCA. The best prediction is achieved when MLP model is implemented with attributes generated by PCA.
On the Tuning of Predictive Controllers for Hybrid Fuel Cell Vehicle Applications

Abstract While the notion of a hybrid fuel cell vehicles is conceptually promising, due to an off-loading of peak power demands from the fuel cell to the storage devices, the questions of device coordination is unsettled. Clearly the prominent role of equipment limitations, with respect to energy storage capacity and maximum power, suggests the use of predictive control for constraint enforcement. In this work an MPC tuning method specifically tailored to the hybrid vehicle application is presented. The approach is based on the notion of backed-off operating point selection and has the objective of minimizing energy losses from the storage devices. In addition, a soft constraint formulation unique to hybrid vehicle application is proposed.
Optical Bottles: Using Light to Confine and Analyze Nanoparticle Suspensions

We present in this paper a new experimental method termed the optical bottle which uses optical trapping for the determination of the optical trapping energy per particle and the isothermal bulk modulus of the suspension.
An alpha 2-adrenergic mode of action of chlordimeform on rat visual function.

The hypothesis that chlordimeform increased the amplitude of components N1P1 and P1N3 in rat pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials through actions on alpha 2-adrenergic receptors was tested with two sets of experiments. First, rats received single injections of either vehicle, an alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist yohimbine (0.1, 0.5, or 2.0 mg/kg), or an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist clonidine (0.05, 0.1, or 0.5 mg/kg). Yohimbine alone had no effect on pattern-reversal evoked potential amplitude. Clonidine treatment produced a dosage related increase in amplitude of both components similar to that produced by chlordimeform (W.K. Boyes and R.S. Dyer, 1984, Brain Res. Bull., 10, 817-823). Second, rats were given double injections of either vehicle or yohimbine (0.05, 0.5, 2.0, or 5.0 mg/kg) followed by either vehicle, clonidine (0.1 or 0.2 mg/kg) or chlordimeform (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg). Yohimbine pretreatment attenuated the effects of subsequent treatment with either clonidine or chlordimeform. These results support the hypothesis that chlordimeform alters rat pattern-reversal evoked potentials through actions as a central nervous system alpha 2-adrenergic agonist.
Effects of leptin and obesity on the upper airway function.

Obesity is associated with alterations in upper airway collapsibility during sleep. Obese, leptin-deficient mice demonstrate blunted ventilatory control, leading us to hypothesize that (1) obesity ...
Managing pollution efforts: how to turn pollution into profits ‐ part 1

Contends that the environment is the vehicle to greater profits in the 1990s. States that organizations should comply with customer demands, and recent surveys show consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally‐friendly products. Covers areas such as managing vs. controlling pollution, cost minimization and life‐style costing. Concludes that waste and pollution reduction can cut costs and thus increase revenue.
A method to attach lectins to the surface of spermine alginate microcapsules based on the avidin biotin interaction

To serve as model cell or tissue specific drug delivery systems spermine alginate capsules were surface modified by attachment of proteins with carbohydrate specific binding properties, i.e. lectins. In the first of a two step process avidin was covalently bound to the capsule surfaces using a hydroxy-succinimide catalysed carbodiimide reagent. Surface bound avidin was quantitated by lysing the capsules in hypertonic phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and measuring the change in absorbance at 500 nm in the interaction with 2-(4'hydroxyazobenzene) benzoic acid. A time course study of the avidin-binding reaction showed avidin surface concentrations averaged 5.4 nM/cm2 after 16h. In the second step avidin-coated capsules were incubated in aqueous solutions of biotinylated-lectin derivatives. To quantitate lectin uptake, avidin-coated capsules were lysed in PBS and titrated to the turbidance endpoint with ten different biotinylated lectins. Lectin surface concentrations ranged from 2.0 to 6.8 nm/cm2, well below the theoretical limit of 4 biotinylated ligands per molecule of avidin. Individual lectins bound to capsular surfaces retained their respective ligand specific binding properties as demonstrated by measurement of the selective saturable uptake of radiolabeled ligands when incubated with variously lectin coated capsules. The presence of porcine gastric mucin in concentrations up to 4% w/v did not inhibit binding of 14C-labelled mannose or galactose by concanavalin A-coated capsules.
The neuropsychological profile of psychotic major depression and its relation to cortisol.

Background Our study described the neuropsychological profile of psychotic major depression (PMD) compared to nonpsychotic major depression (NPMD) patients and psychiatrically healthy controls (HC). We predicted that higher cortisol levels would be associated with greater cognitive deficits. Methods Twenty-nine PMDs, 24 NPMDs, and 26 HCs were recruited at Stanford University Medical Center. Psychiatric ratings, cortisol levels from 1800-0900 hours, and neuropsychological test data were obtained. Results PMDs had more severe cognitive impairments compared with NPMDs and HCs with the exception of simple verbal attention. PMDs had elevated mean cortisol levels from 1800 to 0100 hours which were significantly correlated with poorer verbal memory and psychomotor speed performance. Cortisol slopes from 1800 to 0100 hours were also significantly correlated with verbal memory and working memory. Conclusions While PMDs' ability to attend passively to information appears intact, they have more difficulty processing, manipulating, and encoding new information. Elevated cortisol levels, as seen in PMD patients, are associated with poorer cognitive performance especially related to verbal memory for lists of words and working memory.
Distinct Biochemical Characteristics of the Two Human Profilin Isoforms

The biochemical characteristics of a new human profilin isoform are described. We refer to this recently described isoform as profilin II (isoelectric point 5.9) in comparison to profilin I (pI 8.4). We expressed both isoforms in bacteria and compared their actin-binding properties, binding to poly(l-proline), affinities for phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2], and their effects on nucleotide exchange on actin. Profilin I and profilin II have similar affinities for PtdIns(4,5)P2 and poly(l-proline), and both accelerate nucleotide exchange on monomeric actin to the same extent. However, the affinity of profilin I for monomeric actin is about five times higher than the affinity of profilin II for actin. Potential structural differences of profilin I and profilin II that might explain the difference in actin binding are discussed.
Acquired discrete subaortic stenosis in solid organ transplant recipients.

DSS is a rare acquired abnormality of the LV outflow tract in children and adults. DSS can be seen with or without associated congenital heart disease, but the mechanism of its emergence has been poorly understood. Here, we report two cases of DSS that developed after solid organ transplant in childhood. One patient underwent liver and kidney transplant at three yr of age for hereditary polycystic disease, and the other had liver transplant at three months of age due to uncontrollable high-output failure secondary to a large hepatic hemangioma. Both patients developed mild dynamic LV outflow tract obstruction and systemic hypertension soon after transplant, both of which resolved by the time of discharge. Transient LV hypertrophy was observed in both cases. Corticosteroids, cyclosporine A, and tacrolimus were used as initial immunosuppressants. Both patients developed DSS long after the regression of the initial dynamic LV outflow tract obstruction. Herein, we report DSS as an atypical late cardiovascular complication after solid organ transplant and postulate that transient post-transplant hyperdynamic LV outflow tract obstruction and chronic immunosuppressive treatment may lead to subendocardial remodeling resulting in a fibromuscular membranous ridge in susceptible subjects.
Fabrication of wiregrid micropolarizers for imaging from visible to infrared wavelengths

There has been growing interest in adding real-time polarimetric imaging functionality to existing infrared focal plane arrays and CMOS/CCD imagers1. One approach is to fabricate the micropolarizers using wiregrids. Other approaches using bulk polarizers have also been tried2. The most challenging aspect is the fabrication of the wiregrid micropolarizer array, which requires patterning at the nanoscale. In this work, we examine a novel approach based on a well known process in CMOS technology. We have utilized the Damascene process for metallization to avoid some of the difficulties in patterning high-aspect ratio metal grids.
Unilateral Shwartzman reaction: Cortical necrosis in one kidney following in vivo perfusion with endotoxin

Unilateral Shwartzman reaction: Cortical necrosis in one kidney following in vivo perfusion with endotoxin. Unilateral renal cortical necrosis was selectively induced by in situ perfusion of the rabbit kidney with a perfusate containing 50 µg of endotoxin followed by the i.v. administration of 250 µg of endotoxin 24hr later. The results strongly support the idea that the initial event in the genesis of renal cortical necrosis during the Shwartzman reaction is a specific local effect of endotoxin on the vascular endothelium. Reaction de Shwartzman unilaterale: Necrose corticale d'un rein consecutive a la perfusion in vivo d'endotoxine. Une necrose corticale unilaterale a ete determinee electivement par la perfusion in situ du rein de rat au moyen d'un perfusat contenant 50 µg d'endotoxine suivie par l'administration par voie i.v. de 250 µg d'endotoxine 24 heures plus tard. Les resultats sont fortement en faveur de l'idee que le phenomene initial dans la genese de la necrose corticale au cours de la reaction de Shwartzman est un effet local specifique de l'endotoxine sur l'endothelium vasculaire.
Dysregulation of MicroRNA-34a Expression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Promotes Tumor Growth and Tumor Angiogenesis

Background MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that play an important role in cancer development where they can act as oncogenes or as tumor-suppressors. miR-34a is a tumor-suppressor that is frequently downregulated in a number of tumor types. However, little is known about the role of miR-34a in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods and Results miR-34a expression in tumor samples, HNSCC cell lines and endothelial cells was examined by real time PCR. Lipofectamine-2000 was used to transfect miR-34a in HNSCC cell lines and human endothelial cells. Cell-proliferation, migration and clonogenic survival was examined by MTT, Xcelligence system, scratch assay and colony formation assay. miR-34a effect on tumor growth and tumor angiogenesis was examined by in vivo SCID mouse xenograft model. Our results demonstrate that miR-34a is significantly downregulated in HNSCC tumors and cell lines. Ectopic expression of miR-34a in HNSCC cell lines significantly inhibited tumor cell proliferation, colony formation and migration. miR-34a overexpression also markedly downregulated E2F3 and survivin levels. Rescue experiments using microRNA resistant E2F3 isoforms suggest that miR-34a-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation and colony formation is predominantly mediated by E2F3a isoform. In addition, tumor samples from HNSCC patients showed an inverse relationship between miR-34a and survivin as well as miR-34a and E2F3 levels. Overexpression of E2F3a completely rescued survivin expression in miR-34a expressing cells, thereby suggesting that miR-34a may be regulating survivin expression via E2F3a. Ectopic expression of miR-34a also significantly inhibited tumor growth and tumor angiogenesis in a SCID mouse xenograft model. Interestingly, miR-34a inhibited tumor angiogenesis by blocking VEGF production by tumor cells as well as directly inhibiting endothelial cell functions. Conclusions Taken together, these findings suggest that dysregulation of miR-34a expression is common in HNSCC and modulation of miR34a activity might represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HNSCC.
Positive bare action for Φ4 theory in 2, 3 and 4 Euclidean dimensions

Abstract By adding appropriate auxiliary fields we exhibit a positive definite bare action for φ 4 theory in 2, 3, and 4 dimensions. As the zeta function regulator is removed the auxiliary fields decouple, leaving a perturbation theory identically that of φ 4 theory renormalized by zeta function regularization with minimal prescription for removing pole parts. We expect this method may allow a rigorous, nonperturbative construction of various field theories.