cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuron-targeted Caveolin-1 Protein Enhances Signaling and Promotes Arborization of Primary Neurons

Decreased expression of prosurvival and progrowth-stimulatory pathways, in addition to an environment that inhibits neuronal growth, contribute to the limited regenerative capacity in the central nervous system following injury or neurodegeneration. Membrane/lipid rafts, plasmalemmal microdomains enriched in cholesterol, sphingolipids, and the protein caveolin (Cav) are essential for synaptic development/stabilization and neuronal signaling. Cav-1 concentrates glutamate and neurotrophin receptors and prosurvival kinases and regulates cAMP formation. Here, we show that primary neurons that express a synapsin-driven Cav-1 vector (SynCav1) have increased raft formation, neurotransmitter and neurotrophin receptor expression, NMDA- and BDNF-mediated prosurvival kinase activation, agonist-stimulated cAMP formation, and dendritic growth. Moreover, expression of SynCav1 in Cav-1 KO neurons restores NMDA- and BDNF-mediated signaling and enhances dendritic growth. The enhanced dendritic growth occurred even in the presence of inhibitory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β) and myelin-associated glycoproteins (MAG, Nogo). Targeting of Cav-1 to neurons thus enhances prosurvival and progrowth signaling and may be a novel means to repair the injured and neurodegenerative brain.
Total synthesis of ovalifoliolatin B, acerogenins A and C

A short and concise route for the synthesis of ovalifoliolatin B, a highly strained macrocyclic diaryl ether heptanoid natural product that also provides quick access to acerogenins A and C natural products has been reported.
eHealth Evaluation and Dissemination Research

This paper reviews key challenges in evaluating eHealth intervention and behavior change programs, and makes recommendations for the types of designs, measures, and methods needed to accelerate the integration of proven eHealth programs into practice. Key issues discussed include evaluation approaches that answer questions that consumers, potential adoptees, and policymakers have. These include measures of participation and representativeness at both patient and healthcare setting levels, consistency of outcomes across different subgroups, tendency of an eHealth program to ameliorate versus exacerbate health disparities, implementation and program adaptation, cost, and quality-of-life outcomes. More practical eHealth trials are needed that use rigorous but creative designs compatible with eHealth interventions and theory. These evaluations should address key dissemination issues, such as appeal, use, and robustness of eHealth programs across different subgroups, settings, conditions, outcomes, and time.
The Columbia supercomputer project: Physics results and present status

The first part of this talk describes the current status of our computer construction efforts: 16- and 64- node parallel computers are operating continuously while the first 5 boards for a 256-node machine are being manufactured. The second part describes our recent results: a comparison of the internal energy and Polyakov loop expectation values near the deconfining phase transisition for lattices of three spacial volumes, 163, 203, and 243 with Nt = 6 and 10 and a preliminary value for βc on a 243 × 16 lattice (βc = 6.50 ± 0.04).
Changes in R wave amplitude: ECG differentiation between episodes of reocclusion and reperfusion associated with ST-segment elevation

This study assesses the electrocardiographic (ECG) differences between episodes of increased ST-segment amplitude induced by coronary artery occlusion and by reperfusion in the open-chest rabbit model. Nine anesthetized open-chest male New Zealand White rabbits were subjected to four episodes of 5 minutes of coronary artery occlusion followed by 5 minutes of reperfusion. The ST-segment and R wave amplitudes were measured from an ECG lead attached to the pericardium overlying the ischemic myocardium. In 10 out of 35 (29%) of the episodes, reperfusion resulted in a transient increase in ST-segment amplitude. While episodes of coronary artery occlusion were associated with increase in R wave amplitude (69% and 97% of the episodes after 1 and 5 minutes, respectively), all reperfusion episodes were associated with prompt decrease in R wave amplitude. There was no difference between the repeated episodes in the occurrence of ST-segment elevation during reperfusion. However, ST-segment elevation during reperfusion could be distinguished from the ischemic episodes by the prompt decline in the R wave amplitude in the former compared with no change or increase in the latter.
Resonance induced properties in monothiocarbamates derived from aromatic amines: comparison of the coordination chemistry of indole and indoline monothiocarbamates

Abstract The syntheses of two new monothiocarbamate ligands and selected transition element complexes of each are reported. The complexes of indoline-N-carbothioate (intc) prepared are: NiL2·1.5H2O, ZnL2, NiL2·2py, ZnL2·2py. The complexes of indole N-carbothioate (iltc) are: NiL′2, ZnL′2, Cul′. IR spectral results support a bidentate ligand behavior for both new monothiocarbamates except in ZnL2·2py. Comparison of the IR spectral features of bis(indolylcarbamoyl)-disulfide with that of coordinated indole-N-carbothioate allowed an assignment of the C-S and C-O vibrational frequencies. Evidence for differences in major resonance contributions to the electronic structures of each new ligand are presented. The crystal structure of the bis(indolylcarbamoyl)disulphide is also presented and a comparison is made to pyrrole-N-carbothioate, another aromatic amine monothiocarbamate. The disulphide crystallizes in the centrosymmetric monoclinic space group P21/c with a = 15.64(4)A, b = 5.228(1)A, c = 19.271(7)A, β = 97.20(2)°, V = 1564(1)A3, d(obsd)(calcd) = (1.50)(1.52) for a molecular weight = 356.1 and Z = 4. Diffraction data were collected with a Syntex P 1 - diffractiometer with CuKα radiation. Least squares refinement resulted in Rf = 7.0% for all 1213 non zero reflections have (I)> 3σ(I).
Mortality dynamics and population regulation in Bemisia tabaci.

Natural mortality is an important determinant of the population dynamics of a species, and an understanding of mortality forces should aid in the development of better management strategies for insect pests. An in situ, observational method was used to construct cohort-based life tables for Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) Biotype B (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) over 14 generations on cotton in central Arizona, USA, from 1997 to 1999. In descending order, median marginal rates of mortality were highest for predation, dislodgment, unknown causes, egg inviability, and parasitism. The highest mortality occurred during the 4th nymphal stadium, and the median rate of immature survival over 14 generations was 6.6%. Predation during the 4th nymphal stadium was the primary key factor. Irreplaceable mortality was highest for predation and dislodgment, with the absence of these mortality factors leading to the greatest increases in estimated net reproduction. There was little evidence of direct or delayed density-dependence for any mortality factor. Wind, rainfall, and predator densities were associated with dislodgment, and rates of predation were related to densities of Geocoris spp., Orius tristicolor (White), Chrysoperla carnea s.l. Stephens, and Lygus hesperus Knight. Simulations suggest that immigration and emigration play important roles in site-specific dynamics by explaining departures from observed population trajectories based solely on endogenous reproduction and mortality. By a direct measurement of these mortality factors and indirect evidence of adult movement, we conclude that efficient pest management may be best accomplished by fostering greater mortality during the 4th stadium, largely through a conservation of predators and by managing immigrating adult populations at their sources.
A Study of Some of the Factors Leading to Achievement and Creativity, with Special Reference to Religious Skepticism and Belief

(1955). A Study of Some of the Factors Leading to Achievement and Creativity, with Special Reference to Religious Skepticism and Belief. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 41, No. 1, pp. 57-69.
Beyond treatment: lifestyle choices after breast cancer to enhance quality of life and survival.

G r c f b i lmost 2 million women in the United States are iving with a breast cancer diagnosis (Aziz, 2002). ecent advances in treatment give new hope for a long nd healthy life (Goss et al., 2003). However, length of urvival after a breast cancer diagnosis varies greatly, ven after accounting for disease stage and treatment Harris, Lippman, Morrow, & Osborne, 2000). This uggests that other factors may also be important. People commonly change diet and lifestyle after a ancer diagnosis in an effort to maintain health and revent recurrence (Maskarinec, Murphy, Shumay, & akai, 2001) However, there are few definitive data bout nonclinical factors that influence breast cancer utcomes. We will review epidemiologic findings for everal lifestyle factors and outcomes after breast ancer, and indicate current knowledge gaps. We have ocused on lifestyle factors after diagnosis, which is hat the woman facing a breast cancer diagnosis can hange. The predominant hypothesis has been that a diet igh in fruit, vegetables, and fiber and low in fat may enefit survival (Rock & Demark-Wahnefried, 2002). here are trials currently underway to examine these ietary patterns on the risk for recurrence and surival after diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer. The omen’s Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) Study ncludes 3,000 women where the intervention is to onsume five vegetable servings (including 16 ounces f vegetable juice), three fruit servings, 30 g of dietary iber per day, and a very low fat diet (15% to 20% of nergy). The Women’s Intervention Nutrition Study WINS), with 2,500 postmenopausal women, will evalate the impact of a reduction in dietary fat intake to
A Recombinant Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Bearing a Lethal Mutation in the Glycoprotein Gene Uncovers a Second Site Suppressor That Restores Fusion

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), a prototype of the Rhabdoviridae family, contains a single surface glycoprotein (G) that is responsible for attachment to cells and mediates membrane fusion. Working with the Indiana serotype of VSV, we employed a reverse genetic approach to produce fully authentic recombinant viral particles bearing lethal mutations in the G gene. By altering the hydrophobicity of the two fusion loops within G, we produced a panel of mutants, W72A, Y73A, Y116A, and A117F, that were nonfusogenic. Propagation of viruses bearing those lethal mutations in G completely depended on complementation by expression of the glycoprotein from the heterologous New Jersey serotype of VSV. The nonfusogenic G proteins oligomerize and are transported normally to the cell surface but fail to mediate acid pH-triggered membrane fusion. The nonfusogenic G proteins also interfered with the ability of wild-type G to mediate fusion, either by formation of mixed trimers or by inhibition of trimer function during fusion. Passage of one recombinant virus, A117F, identified a second site suppressor of the fusion block, E76K. When analyzed in the absence of the A117F substitution, E76K rendered G more sensitive to acid pH-triggered fusion, suggesting that this compensatory mutation is destabilizing. Our work provides a set of authentic recombinant VSV particles bearing lethal mutations in G, confirms that the hydrophobic fusion loops of VSV G protein are critical for membrane fusion, and underscores the importance of the sequence elements surrounding the hydrophobic tips of the fusion loops in driving fusion. This study has implications for understanding dominant targets for inhibition of G-mediated fusion. Moreover, the recombinant viral particles generated here will likely be useful in dissecting the mechanism of G-catalyzed fusion as well as study steps of viral assembly.
Vessel tree reconstruction in thoracic CT scans with application to nodule detection

Vessel tree reconstruction in volumetric data is a necessary prerequisite in various medical imaging applications. Specifically, when considering the application of automated lung nodule detection in thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans, vessel trees can be used to resolve local ambiguities based on global considerations and so improve the performance of nodule detection algorithms. In this study, a novel approach to vessel tree reconstruction and its application to nodule detection in thoracic CT scans was developed by using correlation-based enhancement filters and a fuzzy shape representation of the data. The proposed correlation-based enhancement filters depend on first-order partial derivatives and so are less sensitive to noise compared with Hessian-based filters. Additionally, multiple sets of eigenvalues are used so that a distinction between nodules and vessel junctions becomes possible. The proposed fuzzy shape representation is based on regulated morphological operations that are less sensitive to noise. Consequently, the vessel tree reconstruction algorithm can accommodate vessel bifurcation and discontinuities. A quantitative performance evaluation of the enhancement filters and of the vessel tree reconstruction algorithm was performed. Moreover, the proposed vessel tree reconstruction algorithm reduced the number of false positives generated by an existing nodule detection algorithm by 38%.
An integrated laboratory for electric machines, power systems, and power electronics

A new-generation laboratory for electric power is described. The design and operation results are discussed. Examples of experiments are presented. The laboratory provides safe, modern, concept-intensive study of power devices and systems. Experience with the facility demonstrated that it is possible to create an integrated approach to the broad area of power devices, systems, and their control, without compromise of the laboratory experience. >
Mobile Transit Information from Universal Design and Crowdsourcing

Extensive interviews with riders of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, bus system revealed that, as the top priority, riders wanted to know the actual arrival time of buses. Following a universal design approach, a system called Tiramisu was created to foster a greater sense of community between riders and transit bus service providers. The design focused on acquisition of crowdsourced information for bus location and bus fullness. On the basis of that input, the system predicted the arrival time of buses and provided a convenient platform for reporting problems and positive experiences within the transit system. The intention was to create a community of riders that materially participated in the delivery of the transit service. Tiramisu also supported specific information and reporting needs for riders with disabilities and thereby provided greater independent mobility around the community. An early field trial of Tiramisu suggested that the approach was both feasible and potentially viable.
Physical Activity, Cognitive Function, and Mortality in a US National Cohort

Purpose Increasing physical activity is postulated to slow cognitive decline associated with aging. Low levels of both physical activity and cognitive function are associated with increased risk of mortality. We test the hypothesis that the relative protective effect of high physical activity level as related to mortality is greater in persons with impaired cognitive function than in others. Methods Data were analyzed from a longitudinal mortality follow-up study of 5903 American men and women aged 60 years and older examined in 1988 to 1994 who were followed an average of 8.5 years. Measurements at baseline included self-reported leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), a short index of cognitive function (SICF), sociodemographic data, health status, and physical and biochemical measurements. Results Death during follow-up occurred in 2431 persons. In bivariate cross-sectional analyses, more frequent LTPA was associated with greater cognitive function. In proportional hazards regression analysis, no significant interaction of LTPA with cognitive function was found; however, there was a significant age-LTPA interaction. After adjusting for confounding by baseline sociodemographic data and health status at ages 60 to 74, the hazards ratio (95% confidence intervals) was for LTPA more than 8 times weekly compared with none (0.51; 0.38−0.76, p p p = .002), but cognitive function was no longer significant. At ages 75 and older, results were similar for LTPA, but cognitive function remained significant after adjustment. Conclusions In a nationwide cohort of older Americans, analyses demonstrated a lower risk of death independent of confounders among those with frequent LTPA. Much of the effect of low cognitive function could be explained by other risk factors at ages 60 to 74 but not 75 years and older.
Prefixing method for correcting repetition errors

We develop a prefixing method for correcting any prescribed number r of repetition errors in an arbitrary binary block code. The proposed method constructs a prefix for each codeword such that the resulting strings are all of the same length and despite any r repetitions in the concatenation of the prefix and the codeword, the original codeword can be recovered. Further, the prefix length scales logarithmically with the blocklength of the original code, so the added redundancy is asymptotically negligible.
Biotin deficiency decreases life span and fertility but increases stress resistance in Drosophila melanogaster

Biotin deficiency is associated with fetal malformations and activation of cell survival pathways in mammals. In this study we determined whether biotin status affects life span, stress resistance, and fertility in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Male and female flies of the Canton-S strain had free access to diets containing 6.0 (control), 4.8, 2.5, or 0 pmol biotin/100 mg. Biotin concentrations in diets correlated with activities of biotin-dependent propionyl-CoA carboxylase and biotin concentrations in fly homogenates, but not with biotinylation of histones (DNA-binding proteins). Propionyl-CoA carboxylase activities and biotin concentrations were lower in males than in females fed diets low in biotin. The life span of biotin-deficient males and females was up to 30% shorter compared to biotin-sufficient controls. Exposure to oxidative stress reversed the effects of biotin status on survival in male flies: survival times increased by 40% in biotin-deficient males compared to biotin-sufficient controls. Biotin status did not affect survival of females exposed to oxidative stress. Exposure of flies to cold, heat, and oxidative stress was associated with mobilization of biotin from yet unknown sources. Biotin deficiency decreased fertility of flies. When biotin-deficient males and females were mated, the hatching rate (larvae hatched per egg) decreased by about 28% compared to biotin-sufficient controls. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that biotin affects life span, stress resistance, and fertility in fruit flies.
Earth systems science education: using remote imagery and environmental data access

The Ohio Sea Grant and Earth Systems Education programs at The Ohio State University have developed a CD-ROM, hard-copy materials and a teacher education program on "Environmental Data for Teaching About the Great Lakes". Support for the project has come from the Great Lakes Protection Fund, the George Gund Foundation of Cleveland, and the National Sea Grant College Program, for a three-year development and outreach program. Using the program materials, teachers can gain access to such environmental data as site-specific temperatures and precipitation for global sites reporting since 1890, the amount and types of toxic chemicals released by reporting sources anywhere in the United States, water quality data for streams, greenhouse gas concentration at global reporting sites, earthquake position and magnitude, wind patterns over water, and the status of remedial action planning in polluted areas. Some key areas for investigation are imaged with Landsat and aircraft photography. Creative teacher leaders are the first audience for the program. They are educated in how to use these new tools to effectively teach about the environment in relevant and exciting ways, and provided with support for conducting additional teacher education programs with them.
Role of Feedforward Control of Movement Stability in Reducing Slip-Related Balance Loss and Falls Among Older Adults

Human upright posture is inherently unstable. To counter the mechanical effect of a large-scale perturbation such as a slip, the CNS can make adaptive adjustments in advance to improve the stability of the body center-of-mass (COM) state (i.e., its velocity and position). Such feedforward control relies on an accurate internal representation of stability limits, which must be a function of anatomical, physiological, and environmental constraints and thus should be computationally deducible based on physical laws of motion. We combined an empirical approach with mathematical modeling to verify the hypothesis that an adaptive improvement in feedforward control of COM stability correlated with a subsequent reduction in balance loss. Forty-one older adults experienced a slip during a sit-to-stand task in a block of slip trials, followed by a block of nonslip trials and a re-slip trial. Their feedforward control of COM stability was quantified as the shortest distance between its state measured at seat-off (slip onset) and the mathematically predicted feasible stability region boundary. With adaptation to repeated slips, older adults were able to exponentially reduce their incidence of falls and backward balance loss, attributable significantly to their improvement in feedforward control of stability. With exposure to slip and nonslip conditions, subjects began to select "optimal" movements that improved stability under both conditions, reducing the reliance on prior knowledge of forthcoming perturbations. These results can be fully accounted for when we assume that an internal representation of the COM stability limits guides the adaptive improvements in the feedforward control of stability.
Cardiac myocyte gene expression profiling during H2O2-induced apoptosis.

High levels of oxidative stress promote cardiac myocyte death, though lower levels are potentially cytoprotective/anabolic. We examined the changes in gene expression in rat neonatal cardiac myocytes exposed to apoptotic (0.2 mM) or nontoxic (0.04 mM) concentrations of H2O2 (2, 4, or 24 h) using Affymetrix microarrays. Using U34B arrays, we identified a ubiquitously expressed, novel H2O2-responsive gene [putative peroxide-inducible transcript 1 (Perit1)], which generates two alternatively spliced transcripts. Using 230 2.0 arrays, H2O2 (0.04 mM) promoted significant changes in expression of only 32 genes, all of which were seen with 0.2 mM H2O2. We failed to detect any increase in the rate of protein synthesis in cardiac myocytes exposed to 1.75-fold) changes in expression of 649 mRNAs and 187 RNAs corresponding to no established gene. Of the mRNAs, 114 encoded transcriptional regulators including Kruppel-like factors (Klfs). Quantitative PCR independently verified the changes in Klf expression. Thus, H2O2-induced cardiac myocyte apoptosis is associated with dynamic changes in gene expression. The expression of these genes and their protein products potentially influences the progression of the apoptotic response.
Efficacy of Powered Intracapsular Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

Objectives/Hypothesis: We sought to determine the effectiveness of powered intracapsular tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (PITA) in the treatment of children with moderately severe obstructive sleep apnea and to measure changes in quality of life that occur with such treatment. Study Design: Prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial in an academic pediatric otolaryngology practice. Methods: Convenience sample of children ages 3 to 12 years diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea of moderate severity, defined as an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) between 5 and 20 on polysomnography. Children with recurrent streptococcal pharyngitis, chromosomal abnormalities, craniofacial abnormalities, neuromotor disease, sickle cell disease, obesity, or coagulopathy were excluded. PITA was performed by using the microdebrider. Polysomnography was performed before surgery and repeated 4 to 8 weeks after surgery. The Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)-18 questionnaire was completed at surgery and at the time of postoperative polysomnography to assess quality of life changes. The main outcome measure was cure of obstructive sleep apnea, as defined by a postoperative AHI of 1 or less for complete cure and less than 5 for partial cure. Improvements in quality of life were assessed by changes in the OSA-18 questionnaire. Results: Nineteen children underwent PITA for moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), and 14 completed postoperative polysomnography. All 14 subjects who completed the study achieved at least partial cure. Thirteen of 14 (93%) subjects had a complete cure of OSAS after PITA. The median preoperative AHI was 7.9, and the median AHI after surgery was 0.1. The mean number of arousals per hour before surgery was 9.5, and this was reduced to a mean of 5.6 after surgery. Quality of life measures on OSA-18 also improved, with large improvements in total quality of life scores and in all five domains seen after surgery. Conclusions: PITA cures otherwise healthy children with obstructive sleep apnea of moderate severity, at least in the short-term, as documented by postoperative polysomnography. Improvements in quality of life measures, as documented by changes in OSA-18, were seen in all children as well.
Modelling of bipolar DCS DOT circuits

The authors present the results of studies that were performed on bipolar differential cascode switch (DCS) logic family fault models. A large number of process defects in DCS DOT circuits were not detected by the stuck fault models. A new approach to modeling DCS DOT circuits was developed to accurately represent process defects. Procedures are outlined to determine the best models for complex DCS DOT circuits. This modeling technique is based on the premise that the fault model must accurately represent the physical circuit. The new model guarantees detection of all process defects. >
Contralateral neurologic symptoms after carotid surgery: A nine-year follow-up

Abstract A study was undertaken to observe the long-term clinical behavior of the contralateral, asymptomatic carotid artery of patients after unilateral carotid endarterectomy (UCE). A consecutive series of 182 patients undergoing UCE were followed up for 1 to 9 years (mean 4.2 years). The operated artery was symptomatic in 169 cases (92.8%) whereas in 13 (7.2%) it was asymptomatic but stenotic. Follow-up included an accounting of all hemispheric or focal neurologic events in the territory of the nonoperated artery, as well as associated cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 11 patients (6%) suffered stroke (CVA) and six (3.3%) had transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) in the distribution of the nonoperated carotid artery. By life-table analysis, major neurologic symptoms developed in 11.6% of patients within 5 years. Hypertension was an important prognostic factor: significantly more hypertensive patients had late contralateral neurologic symptoms (p
The impact of abstract data types on the digital system description and simulation environments

Over the years, many features of programming languages have been adopted in the design of hardware description languages (HDLs). The incorporation of facilities to support building abstract data types in HDLs is examined. In particular, the use of abstract data types in VHDL is considered in the description and simulation of digital systems. Furthermore, the user-interface of a VHDL simulator is considered and the question 'are the benefits of abstract data types defeated by a primitive simulator user interface?' is asked. Finally, an extended VHDL package is shown that provides the designer with a mechanism for extending the user interface of an interactive simulator. >
Characterizing the VCO jitter due to the digital simultaneous switching noise

We study the simultaneous switching noise(SSN) generated by the digital I/O buffers and its impact on VCO. A simple yet accurate model is developed to analyze the ground bounce and power supply fluctuation in each region respectively. Calculation results with the models show good agreements with HSPICE simulation results. Based on the noise model, we investigate the SSN effects on the timing jitter of a current starved VCO. In this study, the RMS jitter and jittery signal spectrum are characterized.
Making Genetic Algorithms Fly

The interlocked goals of this book—the design of GAs that work and the discovery of computational models of innovation—force us to ask a pair of methodological questions: How do we design competent, selectorecombinative genetic algorithms—GAs that solve hard problems quickly, reliably, and accurately? How do we build computational models of the processes of cross-fertilizing innovation? If we were to treat these complex questions about abstract topics directly with the intellectual gravity and abstruse prose that they perhaps deserve, there would almost certainly be no readers left at the beginning of chapter 3. But more to the point, it is often useful when trying to do something new to shift the terms of the debate to a domain that is further along in its intellectual development. Thus, here we choose not to examine the question of how we should design GAs directly; rather, we shift to another era and area of human endeavor and examine the historical record of how two of the greatest inventors of the twentieth century came to build and fly that marvelous machine, the airplane. Along the way, we abstract a number of straightforward lessons that will help us in the development of innovating machines such as genetic algorithms.
Histologic and immunohistochemical predictors of clinical behavior for feline diffuse iris melanoma

To determine histologic and immunohistochemical predictors of metastasis of feline diffuse iris melanoma (FDIM).Globes from 47 client-owned cats enucleated for FDIM between January 1985 and December 2013.Hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections were evaluated for neoplastic invasiveness and cell morphology, necrosis within the neoplasm, inflammation, and glaucoma. Sections were immunolabeled with antibodies against melan-A, PNL2, E-cadherin, or B-Raf, and label intensity, percentage of labeled cells, and label homogeneity were semi-quantitatively graded. Medical records were evaluated, and referring veterinarians and clients were contacted to determine whether cats developed metastasis following enucleation. The log-rank test or Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine associations between histologic or immunohistochemical parameters and metastasis.Metastasis was suspected or confirmed in 9/47 (19%) cats. Extrascleral extension, necrosis within the neoplasm, a mitotic index of >7 mitoses in 10 high-power (×400) fields, choroidal invasion, and increased E-cadherin and melan-A label intensity were each associated with increased rate of metastasis. PNL2 label homogeneity was associated with decreased rate of metastasis. Decreased PNL2 label intensity and an increasing percentage of neoplastic cells labeled for melan-A each approached significance for increased rate of metastasis.We report four histologic and three immunohistochemical parameters helpful in determining cats at risk of metastasis of FDIM. Further studies should determine if B-Raf mutations identified in human malignant melanomas are found in cats with FDIM and assess benefits of adjunctive therapy following enucleation of eyes with FDIM bearing poor prognostic indicators.
Ankyrin-Based Trafficking and Scaffolding of Membrane Proteins: Implications for Plasma Membrane Stability, Formation, and Specialization

Through the collaborative actions of b-spectrin and ankyrin, a cytoskeletal adaptor protein, integral and peripheral membrane proteins find order and stability in the relatively fluid environment of the plasma membrane. Not only is the ankyrin/β-spectrin complex responsible for the proper targeting and retention of membrane proteins but it facilitates the formation of multi-protein complexes to maximize local signaling between membrane and effector proteins. Dysfunction in ankyrin or β-spectrin causes deficiencies in fundamental cellular properties such as membrane stability, excitability, and adhesion. This review focuses on the direct effects of ankyrin function on membrane proteins in terms of binding and stability, intracellular transport, membrane targeting and retention, and altered biophysical properties. We propose that ankyrin and β-spectrin are important for the normal progression of many membrane proteins along their biosynthetic pathway from stabilizing the membrane protein to it’s proper trafficking and eventual targeting and retention at membrane domains. The second half of the review addresses how an ankyrin/membrane protein interaction influences the local membrane environment with particular emphasis on membrane stability, membrane domain formation, and membrane domain specialization. We propose that not only are ankyrins necessary for erythroid membrane stability but they are required in some cells types for membrane domain formation and integral for the formation of specialized membrane domains in myocytes.
Nondestructive Evaluation of Dislocation Subgrain Structures in Silicon Using Thermal Wave Imaging Techniques

Chemical sensors are being developed for in-dwelling biomedical applications. As sensor technologies progress, there is a tendency to fabricate more complex devices in a smaller area, thus enabling multiple sensors to be placed within a single in-dwelling catheter. As the active area of the detector is decreased, the defect structure of both the substrate and the various layers that make up the device plays an increasingly significant role in determining the ultimate sensitivity and reliability. A simple screening test to evaluate the viability of the substrate and the interfaces would aid in the initial evaluation of the fabricated device. To this end, thermal-wave imaging techniques have been applied to the study of a dislocation subgrain structure in a polycrystalline silicon wafer. Comparisons have been made between the results obtained using thermal-wave imaging, defect etching studies, and EBIC measurements.
Price–Product Performance Competition between Retailer and Manufacturer Brands:

To what extent does competition between two major product classes foster a better price-quality relationship for the consumer?
Continuous Glucose Sensor Survival and Accuracy Over 14 Consecutive Days

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology provides real-time glucose data and the ability to achieve improved glycemic control; however, widespread adoption has been limited (1). Among the challenges to CGM uptake are cost and the inconvenience of changing the sensor. In this prospective, multicenter study, the Dexcom G4 PLATINUM system was analyzed over 14 days of continuous sensor wear. Each subject wore two sensors simultaneously. After 7 days, subjects left their original sensors in place and began a second 7-day sensor session. This procedure was then repeated with two new sensors for a second 2-week period. Blood glucose (BG) readings from Bayer CONTOUR NEXT meters served as reference (2), with absolute relative difference (ARD) defined as the percent error between sensor and matched BG values. The Mann-Whitney rank sum test was used for comparison of sensor accuracy for week 1 versus week 2. The data were analyzed in a generalized linear model to account for the …
Invasive cardiorespiratory monitoring.

SUMMARY Several principles should be kept in mind when choosing appropriate monitoring. First, select monitoring devices that provide relevant information on which therapeutic decisions can be made. Second, when alternative, noninvasive monitoring devices are available, use these preferentially because the risk to the patient usually is decreased. Third, when invasive monitoring devices are used, sterile technique and catheter care become extremely important. Fourth, record information that is obtained from monitoring frequently, and titrate therapy continuously based on information generated. Fifth, remove invasive monitoring devices as soon as they are no longer necessary. Finally, when new monitoring approaches are presented, they should be evaluated not only on the basis of their sophistication and cost, but also on the basis of how important will be the new physiologic measurements they provide to improve patient outcome.
Prodrugs and Drug Delivery Systems

This chapter discusses enzyme activation of drugs, mechanisms of drug activation, and bioprecursor prodrugs. The term “prodrug” is a pharmacologically inactive compound that is converted into an active drug by a metabolic biotransformation. The prodrug to drug conversion occurs before absorption, during absorption, after absorption, or at a specific site in the body. The targeting of drugs for a specific site in the body by conversion to a prodrug is plausible when the physicochemical properties of the parent drug and prodrug are optimal for the target. A bioprecursor prodrug is a compound that is metabolized by molecular modification into a new compound, which is the active principle to the active drug. Hydrolysis is a mechanism for bioprecursor prodrug activation, which requires additional activation to become the active drug. Drug design is typically initiated with approaches to maximize the pharmacodynamic properties of prodrug molecules. Therefore, it is possible to alter the structure of compound to improve its pharmacokinetic properties and transforming compound into a promising drug candidate.
From apelin to exercise: Emerging therapies for management of hypertension in pregnancy

Studies over the last couple of decades have provided exciting new insights into mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. In addition, several novel and innovative molecules and ideas for management of the syndrome have also come forth. While our basic understanding of the initiating events of preeclampsia continues to be placental ischemia/hypoxia stimulating the release of a variety of factors from the placenta that act on the cardiovascular and renal systems, the number of candidate pathways for intervention continues to increase. Recent studies have identified apelin and its receptor, APJ, as an important contributor to the regulation of cardiovascular and fluid balance that is found to be disrupted in preeclampsia. Likewise, continued studies have revealed a critical role for the complement arm of the innate immune system in placental ischemia induced hypertension and in preeclampsia. Finally, the recent increase in animal models for studying hypertensive disorders of pregnancy has provided opportunities to evaluate the potential role for physical activity and exercise in a more mechanistic fashion. While the exact quantitative importance of the various endothelial and humoral factors that mediate vasoconstriction and elevation of arterial pressure during preeclampsia remains unclear, significant progress has been made. Thus, the goal of this review is to discuss recent efforts towards identifying therapies for hypertension during pregnancy that derive from work exploring the apelinergic system, the complement system as well as the role that exercise and physical activity may play to that end.
Incidence of serious side-effects from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the USA

Any discussion of the problem of toxicity from NSAIDs should be viewed in the context of the use of drugs in general and NSAIDs in particular. Excluding for the moment aspirin, which is still probably the most extensively used NSAID, it is apparent from available data that the use of NSAIDs is enormous. There is little doubt that tens of millions of people in the world use these drugs every day.
Desoximetasone 0.25% spray, adrenal suppression and efficacy in extensive plaque psoriasis

Background: In extensive psoriasis, topical corticosteroids are generally only used to supplement phototherapy and systemic therapy. Spray formulations are easier than other vehicle preparations to...
Having and Raising Children During Physician Training: Medical School

There is so much to consider when having and raising children during medical school, that the thought alone can be overwhelming. Some will come to medical school having already experienced the joys and challenges of motherhood but are about to see some of those stressors explode exponentially. As a student affairs dean for over 9 years and medical student mentor and advisor for almost two decades, I have advised and supported karthick many medical students who have successfully managed to have children during medical school. In this chapter, one of my former students Ashley shares her incredible story about managing all 4 years of medical school as a single parent by choice. Others, though, will want to hold onto the hopes of having control in planning for their futures. Why not? We are so used to meticulously crafting every next step of our personal and professional lives, so planning for children should not be any different. If planning is an option and in your favor, then timing of children in medical school can potentially make a big difference. Yet each woman is an individual, and factors important to one may be less important to others.
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Reduces Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator–Dependent Fibrinolysis and Intrahepatic Hemorrhage in Experimental Acetaminophen Overdose

Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury in mice is associated with activation of the coagulation cascade and deposition of fibrin in liver. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is an important physiological inhibitor of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and plays a critical role in fibrinolysis. PAI-1 expression is increased in both experimental APAP-induced liver injury and patients with acute liver failure. Prior studies have shown that PAI-1 prevents intrahepatic hemorrhage and mortality after APAP challenge, but the downstream mechanisms are not clear. We tested the hypothesis that PAI-1 limits liver-related morbidity after APAP challenge by reducing tPA-dependent fibrinolysis. Compared with APAP-challenged (300 mg/kg) wild-type mice, hepatic deposition of cross-linked fibrin was reduced, with intrahepatic congestion and hemorrhage increased in PAI-1-deficient mice 24 hours after APAP overdose. Administration of recombinant wild-type human PAI-1 reduced intrahepatic hemorrhage 24 hours after APAP challenge in PAI-1-/- mice, whereas a mutant PAI-1 lacking antiprotease function had no effect. Of interest, tPA deficiency alone did not affect APAP-induced liver damage. In contrast, fibrinolysis, intrahepatic congestion and hemorrhage, and mortality driven by PAI-1 deficiency were reduced in APAP-treated tPA-/-/PAI-1-/- double-knockout mice. The results identify PAI-1 as a critical regulator of intrahepatic fibrinolysis in experimental liver injury. Moreover, the results suggest that the balance between PAI-1 and tPA activity is an important determinant of liver pathology after APAP overdose.
Psychopharmacology: Guidelines for Social Workers:

The increased use of medication in the treatment of their clients in a variety of settings warrants a general understanding of somatic treatments by social workers. This review covers commonly used...
Breathing, Overbreathing, and Mindfulness

Overbreathing is one of the most common and yet overlooked breathing problems that people experience. A few irregular breaths can send us into a condition called hypocapnia, which leads to a variety of physiological, emotional, and behavioral consequences. The purpose of this paper is to review the physiology of breathing and overbreathing, discuss the impact of overbreathing on human physiology and behavior, review ways to recognize overbreathing, and discuss mindfulness-based skills that may be used to teach healthy breathing and correct overbreathing.
Public Enterprise: Retrospective Review and Prospective Theory

Most of the literature on public enterprise seeks to set forth rules to govern their creation and their pricing. This chapter starts by describing the contours of this literature, but gives the bulk of its attention to exploring the potential contributions that public choice theorizing might make to our understanding of the actual conduct of public enterprises, conduct that often varies from what the normative literature prescribes.
COMPARISON OF ANALOG AND DIGITAL SPOT MAGNIFIED MAMMOGRAPHY

Digital mammography has been identified as a new technology with the potential to improve the detection and further analysis of suspected breast cancer [1]. Small field CCD imaging systems are used currently for guidance of stereotaxic breast needle biopsy procedures [2]. The potential advantages of digital mammography include improved contrast sensitivity, rapid image aquisition and post-image processing [3]. We conducted an observer study to compare the technical qualities of analog and digital spot magnified images.
Effects of local information on group behavior

Researchers in the field of Distributed Artificial Intelligence have studied the effects of local decisionmaking on overall system performance in both cooperative and self-interested agent groups (Bond & Gasser, 1988) . The performance of individual agents depends critically on the quality of information available to it about local and global goals and resources. Whereas in general it is assumed that the more accurate and up-to-date the available information, the better is the expected performance of the individual and the group, this conclusion can be challenged in a number of scenarios. The populace in human societies tend to look for opportunities and search for better opportunities in their environment (Bartos, 1967) . The theory of migration in social behavior and occupational mobility suggests that the stability of the population depends on how an individual chooses its action based on the prevailing circumst antes. As agent designers, we are faced with the problem of developing decision mechanisms that allow agent societies to stabilize in states where system resources are effectively utilized. In this research, we focus on a particular aspect of distributed decision-making: the effect of limited global knowledge on group behavior. The research question that we are asking is the following: Can limited local knowledge be a boon rather than a bane in a multiagent system ? To investigate this issue we use a resource utilization problem where a number of agents are distributed between several identical resources. We assume that the cost of using any resource is directly proportional to its usage. This cost can be due to a delay in processing of the task in hand, or a reduction in the quality of the resource due to congestion. Hence, there is a justified urge in agents to seek out and move to resource with lesser usage. Other researchers have shown that such systems can exhibit oscillatory or chaotic behavior where agents move back and forth between resources (Hogg & Huberman 1991; Kephart, Hogg & Huberman 1989) resulting in ineffective uti1406 AAAI-96 lization of system resources. Whereas asynchrony, heterogeneous agent decision mechanisms, etc. has been suggested as possible means for solving the instability problem, our proposed solution of using locally differing global views is a novel mechanism to introduce asymmetry in group decisions that expedites group stability.
von Willebrand Disease

This chapter discusses von Willebrand disease—the most common inherited bleeding disorder. It discusses the classification of the disease and diagnostic issues. The chapter discusses treatment by different subtypes and the use of desmopressin or the concentrate Humate-P. Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. Despite its relatively high prevalence, many features of the disease have only recently been clarified.