cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bilateral Ovarian Leydig Cell Tumors in a Postmenopausal Woman Causing Hirsutism and Virilization.

Abstract Objective To evaluate a rare case of a postmenopausal woman with hirsutism and virilization due to Leydig cell tumors (LCTs) of both ovaries. Methods In this challenging case, the diagnostic studies included the detection of total/free testosterone, hemoglobin, and estradiol levels; adrenal computed tomography; and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging. Results A 61-year-old woman presented for the evaluation of hirsutism. Physical examination revealed normal vital signs and evidence of virilization. The baseline laboratory findings were hemoglobin level of 16.2 g/dL (reference, 12.0-15.5 g/dL), total testosterone level of 803 ng/dL (reference, 3-41 ng/dL), and free testosterone level of 20.2 pg/mL (reference, 0.0-4.2 pg/mL). Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral homogeneous ovarian enhancement. Based on the magnetic resonance imaging findings and clinical presentation, the patient was diagnosed with ovarian hyperthecosis and underwent laparoscopic bilateral oophorectomy. Pathology confirmed LCTs in both ovaries. Six months later, testosterone levels normalized, with significant improvement in hirsutism and virilization. Conclusion Clinicians should be aware of androgen-secreting tumors, including rare bilateral LCTs in postmenopausal women presenting with progressing hirsutism and virilization. Marked hyperandrogenemia with total testosterone level of >150 ng/dL (5.2 nmol/L) or serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level of >700 μg/dL (21.7 mmol/L) is typically found. It should be recognized that diffuse stromal Leydig cell hyperplasia and small LCTs may be missed on imaging, and in some cases only pathology can confirm the result.
Effect of Advance Care Planning on Surrogate Decision Makers' Preparedness for Decision Making: Results of a Mixed-Methods Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Advance care planning (ACP) is intended to help patients and their spokespersons prepare for end-of-life decision making, yet little is known about what factors influence the extent to which spokespersons feel prepared for that role. Objective: To examine spokespersons' perceived preparedness for surrogate decision making after engaging in ACP. Design: Mixed methods experimental design with qualitative thematic analysis and data transformation (creating categorical data from rich qualitative data) of interviews collected during a randomized controlled trial (2012-2017). Setting/Participants: Two tertiary care medical centers (Hershey, PA and Boston, MA). Of 285 dyads (patients with advanced illness and their spokespersons) enrolled in the trial, 200 spokesperson interviews were purposively sampled and 198 included in the analyses. Main Outcomes and Measures: Interviews with spokespersons (four weeks post-intervention) explored spokespersons' perceived preparedness for surrogate decision making, occurrence of ACP conversations, and spokespersons' intentions regarding future surrogate decisions. Data transformation was used to categorize participants' responses into three categories: Very Prepared, Very Unprepared, or In Between Prepared and Unprepared. Themes and categories were compared across arms. Results: About 72.72% of spokespersons (144/198) reported being Very Prepared and 27.28% (54/198) reported being Very Unprepared or In Between with no differences in preparedness across study arms. Occurrence of post-intervention ACP conversations did not influence perceived preparedness; however, spokespersons who used an ACP decision aid reported more conversations. Four themes emerged to explain spokespersons' perceived preparedness: (1) perceptions about ACP; (2) level of comfort with uncertainty; (3) relational issues; and (4) personal characteristics. Regarding future intentions, it emerged that spokespersons believed their knowledge of patient wishes, as well as other personal, relational, situational, and emotional factors would influence their surrogate decisions. Conclusions: Factors extrinsic to specific ACP interventions influence how prepared spokespersons feel to act as spokespersons. Understanding these factors is important for understanding how to improve concordance between patients' stated end-of-life wishes and surrogate decisions. Trial Registration: NCT02429479.
Synthesis of parametrically-coupled networks.

We show that a common language can be used to unify the description of parametrically-coupled circuits--parametric amplifiers, frequency converters, and parametric nonreciprocal devices--with that of band-pass filter and impedance matching networks. This enables one to readily adapt network synthesis methods from microwave engineering in the design of parametrically-coupled devices having prescribed transfer characteristics, e.g. gain, bandwidth, return loss, and isolation. We review basic practical aspects of coupled mode theory and filter synthesis, and then show how to apply both, on an equal footing, to the design of multi-pole, broadband parametric and non-reciprocal networks. We supplement the discussion with a range of examples and reference designs.
Henry Miller and religion

This study argues that this previously banned author devoted his entire life to articulating a religion of self-liberation in his autobiographical books, examining his life and work within the context of fringe religious movements that were linked with the avant-garde in New York City and Paris at the first of the 20th century. This study shows how these transatlantic movements - including Gurdjieff, Rosicrucianism, and Theosophy - gave him the hermeneutical devices, not to mention the creative license, to interpret texts and symbols from mainline religions in an iconoclastic manner, ranging from obscure Taoist treatises to the mystical works of Jacob Boehme. The influence of numerous philosophical sources widely circulated in his most critical years - particularly Henri Bergson's Two Sources of Morality and Religion (1932) - also helped him develop a religious view situated between transcendence and immanence, in which self-liberation through the channeled flow of elan vital is the chief objective. Miller's knowledge of these intellectual currents, along with his involvement with sidestream religious groups, inspired him to meld his religious and literary aims into one perplexing project.
BK channel β-1 subunit deficiency exaggerates vascular fibrosis and organ damage in high fat diet-induced obesity in mice (857.10)

BK channels regulate arterial tone. Studies done in humans and animals suggest that impaired BK channel function contributes to obesity associated hypertension due to higher myogenic tone and increased norepinephrine (NE) reactivity. In current study, we continually measured mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) using radiotelemetry in high fat (HF) diet fed wild type (WT) and BK channel β1-subunit knockout (BK β1-KO) mice during last 11 weeks of HF-fed. After 24 weeks on HF-fed, body weight and blood glucose levels were similar in all mice. All mice were normotensive, but BK β1-KO mice showed a progressive fall in HR when compared to WT mice. Atenolol (oral) or hexamethonium (ip) treatment reduced MAP and HR similarly in all mice, prazosin (oral) decreased MAP and increased HR in BK β1-KO only. Mesenteric arteries (MA) from BK β1-KO mice exhibited increased sensitivity to NE and BayK 8644, higher myogenic tone, increased wall thickness and smaller wall/lumen ratio compared to WT mice. BK β1-KO...
Abstract 2823: Low merlin level as a biomarker for sensitivity of ovarian cancer cell lines to FAK inhibition

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase that undergoes gene amplification in >20% of serous ovarian cancers. In addition to increased tumor growth and spread, ovarian cancer patients with FAK amplification have a poorer prognosis with decreased overall survival. Merlin, a product of the NF2 tumor suppressor gene, is being evaluated as a biomarker for sensitivity to FAK inhibition in human clinical trials for malignant mesothelioma. As it remains undetermined whether linkages exist between merlin and FAK in other tumor types, we evaluated nine human and two murine ovarian cancer cell lines with sub-micromolar levels of FAK inhibitor (PF-271) for effects on anchorage-independent cell growth. Cells were identified as sensitive (OVCAR3, OVCAR8, HEY, ID8-IP), intermediate (A2780, IGROV1), or resistant (OVCAR10, IGROV1-IP, SKOV3, SKOV3-IP, 5009) to FAK inhibition. Notably, merlin protein levels were high in all resistant cell lines, moderate in intermediate cell lines, and low or undetectable in sensitive cell lines. Oral FAK inhibitor administration reduced orthotopic tumor growth of sensitive (ID8-IP, low merlin) but not resistant (5009, high merlin) murine ovarian carcinoma cells. However, stable knockdown of merlin expression in resistant SKOV3-IP and OVCAR10 human ovarian carcinoma cells did not induce sensitivity to FAK inhibition in vitro. These results support the notion that high merlin expression is correlated with a FAK-inhibitor resistant phenotype, likely through an indirect mechanistic linkage. Nevertheless, merlin protein levels may serve as a biomarker to predict ovarian cancer sensitivity or resistance to FAK inhibitor treatment. Supported by NIH CA102310 Citation Format: Nina R. Shah, Isabelle Tancioni, Kristy K. Ward, Christine Lawson, Xiao Lei Chen, Nichol L.G. Miller, Florian J. Sulzmaier, Sean Uryu, David D. Schlaepfer. Low merlin level as a biomarker for sensitivity of ovarian cancer cell lines to FAK inhibition. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2823. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2823
WaveLab and Reproducible Research

Wavelab is a library of wavelet-packet analysis, cosine-packet analysis and matching pursuit. The library is available free of charge over the Internet. Versions are provided for Macintosh, UNIX and Windows machines.
Religion and Sports in America

This article provides an overview of major scholarly contributions to the field of religion and sport. The article begins with scholarship that addresses the question: is sport a religion? Recognizing that Christianity and sports have a particularly strong relationship within the United States, the article turns to scholarship on muscular Christianity, theological and anthropological critiques of sports ministry, and how the relationship between Christianity and sports has affected Jewish and Catholic interactions with sport in the United States. As a model for future scholarship, the article briefly turns to investigations beyond the bounds of the United States that address the intersection of religion, embodiment, gender, and politics.
Confidentiality in Arbitration: Beyond the Myth

Many people assume that arbitration is private and confidential. But is that assumption accurate? This article is the first to explore that question in the important context of whether arbitration communications can be discovered and admitted into evidence in other legal proceedings - a question that is just beginning to show up in the cases. It first surveys the federal and state statutory and case law, finding that arbitration communications in fact are generally discoverable and admissible. It then considers the normative desirability of discovering and admitting arbitration communications evidence, concluding that the free discovery and admissibility of arbitration communications would frustrate the intent of the Federal Arbitration Act and contradict the case law that has arisen under it, thwart the reasonable expectations of the parties, and give rise to potential abuses of the arbitration process. It finally concludes with a recommendation that the burden of proof be elevated for arbitration communications evidence, permitting their discovery only when the evidence is otherwise unavailable and necessary in a particular case.
A new species of Podocotyloides (Digenea: Opecoelidae) from the grey conger eel, Conger esculentus, in the Caribbean Sea.

Abstract: Podocotyloides brevis n. sp. (Digenea: Opecoelidae) is described from Conger esculentus Poey, 1861, from the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. It can be separated from the other 13 accepted species in the genus by having a shorter cirrus sac, both in length and relative length. Podocotyloides brevis, with a cirrus sac length less than 10% of the body length, most closely resembles Podocotyloides dorabus Lokhande, 1990, which has a cirrus sac that is approximately 16% of the body length. It can be further differentiated from P. dorabus by having ovarian and testicular lengths greater than the oral sucker length. This is the first report of a member of this genus from the Caribbean Sea and from a host species collected as deep as 200 m. A key to the recognized members of Podocotyloides Yamaguti, 1934, is also presented.
Characterization of Phase I biotransformation enzymes in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch).

Abstract Wild stocks of Pacific salmon in the Northwestern United States have declined in recent years, and the major factors contributing to these losses include water pollution and loss of habitat. In salmon, sublethal chemical exposures may impact critical behaviors (such as homing, feeding, predator-avoidance) that are important for species survival. Therefore, understanding the potential for these species to biotransform organic compounds within sensitive target tissues such as liver, gills and olfactory region can help estimate or predict their susceptibility to pollutants. In this study, we used real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q–PCR), Western blotting, and catalytic assays to characterize the expression of Phase I biotransformation enzymes in coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ), a sensitive species in the Pacific Northwest. Gene expression analysis using Q–PCR assays developed for coho genes revealed the presence of the predominant cytochrome P450 mRNAs (CYP1A, CYP2K1, CYP2M1, CYP3A27) in the olfactory rosettes and provided quantitative mRNA expression levels in coho liver and gills. Q–PCR analysis revealed relatively high expression of the major CYP isoforms in the liver and olfactory rosettes, which was generally confirmed by Western blotting. Extrahepatic CYP expression was generally higher in the olfactory rosettes as compared to the gills. Catalytic studies demonstrated functional CYP1A-dependent ethoxyresorufin- O- deethylase, CYP2-dependent pentoxyresorufin- O- dealkylase, CYP2K1-dependent testosterone 16β-hydroxylase, and CYP3A27-dependent testosterone 6β-hydroxylase activities in liver, but not at detectable levels in gills. In contrast, flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO)-dependent thiourea S -oxidase activity was readily observed in the gills and was substantially higher than that observed in liver. Collectively, the results of this study suggest that the olfactory rosettes are important sites of extrahepatic biotransformation in coho salmon, and that tissue specific-differences in Phase I metabolism may lead to contrasting tissue-specific biotransformation capabilities in this species.
CONCEPTS: new dynamic algorithm for de novo drug suggestion

We describe a new method for de novo design of molecules that bind to protein active sites. The method, CONCEPTS (Creation of Novel Compounds by Evaluation of Particles at Target Sites), places a group of atom-like particles in the site. The particles are free to move within the site to improve binding to the protein. A key innovation of this technique is that covalent connections are made among the particles in a stochastic and dynamically reversible manner. These changes in the topology are either accepted or rejected depending on their ability to improve the total energy of the enzyme–inhibitor complex. The method is applied to two test systems: The FK506 binding protein (FKBP-12) and HIV-1 aspartyl protease. In both cases, we are able to predict, de novo, drugs that have striking similarities to known potent inhibitors and that can successfully be used to generate “hits” of the known inhibitors from a data base. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Validation of model improvements for the GISS GCM

The general circulation model of the NASA/Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS GCM) was designed primarily for global climate change and climate sensitivity applications. The modelling group at GISS has developed new and more physically appropriate parameterizations of meteorological/hydrological processes which are being validated in an effort to improve the performance of the Model II version of the GISS GCM. This study discusses some preliminary evaluations of this testing based on multiple-year simulations at 4° latitude by 5° longitude horizontal resolution. These runs individually incorporate new formulations of the planetary boundary layer (PBL), the moist cumulus convection scheme and the ground hydrology and compare results using B-grid and C-grid numerics. The new PBL produces a realistically stronger tropical surface circulation, while the new cumulus scheme generates more realistic distributions of tropical convection and moisture. The main impact of the more sophisticated ground hydrology model is to increase surface air temperatures. Improvements in modelled sea level pressure and rainfall features by the C-grid are somewhat offset by increases in speed excesses at the cores of the summer hemisphere westerly jets. Each modelling innovation targeted a different aspect of the climate not adequately represented by Model II. However, since the various modelling changes were tested individually, the present evaluation could not demonstrate many dramatic improvements in the simulated climates. This documentation of impacts should, however, serve as a benchmark for the validation of future simulations of the GISS GCM that combine all of the modelling improvements.
Syllable Weight, Prosody, and Meter in Old English

SUMMARYNearly all recent studies of Old English prosody have argued that main stress is fixed by phonological rules which make reference to syllable weight. We claim that such arguments are wrong, partly because they depend on still dubious assumptions about the scansion of Old English verse, and partly because the hypotheses they construct violate an essential axiom of prosodie theory, that a single syllable is the domain of stress. Stress assignment rules based on morphological properties are both simpler and less exceptionable in Old English. We argue that a major change between Old and Middle English is the reanalysis of stress assignment as a phonologically rather than morphologically based rule, and we suggest some possible triggering conditions for that diachronic reanalysis.RESUMEPresque toutes les etudes recentes sur la prosodie du vieil anglais ont pretendu que l'accent primaire est determine par des regles phonologiques qui font reference au poids de la syllabe. Nous rejetons de tels arguments parce que, d'une pait, ils dependent de suppositions douteuses sur la scansion des vers du vieil anglais et parce que, d'une autre part, les hypotheses qu'ils construisent violent un axiome essentiel de la theorie prosodique, c'est-a-dire l'idee que le domaine de l'accentuation est delimite par la syllabe. En vieil anglais, des regles d'accentuation basees sur des proprietes morphologiques s'averent a la fois plus simples et moins sujettes aux exceptions. Nous pretendons qu'un changement majeur entre le vieil anglais et le moyen anglais est justement la reanalyse de l'accentuation comme regle motivee par des facteurs phonologiques plutot que morphologiques et nous suggerons quelques conditions de declenchement possibles pour cette reanalyse diachronique.ZUSAMMENFASSUNGDie meisten neueren Arbeiten zur altenglischen Prosodie gehen von der An-nahme aus, daB der Hauptakzent eines Wortes durch phonologische Regeln determiniert sei, die auf das Silbengewicht Bezug nehmen. Unserer Meinung nach ist diese Auffassung unzutreffend, und zwar aus zwei Griinden. Zum einen beruhen diese Analysen auf derzeit noch unbewiesenen Annahmen hin-sichtlich des altenglischen Versmetrums, und zum anderen stehen sie im Wi-derspruch zu einem wesentlichen Axiom der Prosodietheorie, namlich daB die einfache Silbe die Domane der Betonungszuweisung ist. Eine solche Zuwei-sung der Betonung aufgrund von morphologischen Eigenschaften ist hingegen nicht nur einfacher, sondem erfordert fiir das Altenglische auch weniger Aus-nahmen. Die Autoren gehen davon aus, daB sich zwischen dem Altenglischen und dem Mittelenglischen eine wesentliche Veranderung vollzogen hat, und zwar die Zuweisung der Wortbetonung auf phonologischer statt auf morpho-logischer Grundlage. Ferner behandeln wir verschiedene Bedingungen, die diese diachrone Reanalyse ausgelost haben konnten.
Eddy current power dissipation at sharp corners: corner correction for transverse current and application to waveguides

Previous papers have determined the corner correction for axial current in a conducting wedge with an internal right angle. The corner constant for transverse current is now defined to correct the power dissipation of the simple impedance solution at the corner. Previous results are used to calculate its value for the case of an internal right angle in this paper. For arbitrary internal angles an integral representation is found for the transverse corner constant; it is used to obtain the transverse corner constant in the case of an external right angle. Furthermore, it is also briefly shown how the corner corrections for both axial and transverse current apply to the calculation of the propagation constant in a waveguide.
Stochastic Mechanics and Quantum Theory

Stochastic mechanics may be regarded as both generalizing classical mechanics to processes with intrinsic randomness, as well as providing the sort of detailed description of microscopic events declared impossible under the traditional interpretation of quantum mechanics. It avoids the many conceptual difficulties which arise from the assumption that quantum mechanics, i.e., the wave function, provides a complete description of (microscopic) physical reality. Stochastic mechanics presents a unified treatment of the microscopic and macroscopic domains, in which the process of measurement plays no special physical role and which reduces to Newtonian mechanics in the macroscopic limit.
Inhibition of Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase 1 Reduces Lipogenesis in Primary Bovine Adipocytes

The objectives were to determine the effect of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1) inhibition on adipocyte proliferation, differentiation and cellular lipid metabolism in bovine primary adipocytes. Inhibition of SCD1 activity by sterculic acid (SA) or conjugated linoleic acid, trans-10 cis-12 isomer, (t10, c12-CLA) did not alter adipocyte cellular proliferation, viability or differentiation. In 1,2-[13C]-acetate supplemented cells, the mass isotopomer distribution analysis showed that the fractional synthesis rate of [13C]-16:0 was reduced (P < 0.01) in SA and t10, c12-CLA treatments compared to control. Of the lipogenic genes, t10, c12-CLA treatment decreased (P < 0.05) the expression of SCD1, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase; whereas SA supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) the expression of ACC. Both SA and t10, c12-CLA increased (P < 0.05) the expression of hormone-sensitive lipase and carnitine palmitoyl transferase involved in lipolysis and oxidation. Inhibition of SCD1 in bovine adipocytes decreases de novo fatty acid synthesis by down-regulating genes involved in lipogenesis and up-regulating genes involved in lipolysis and oxidation.
In vivo approaches for studying peptide interactions at the blood — brain barrier

Abstract The hypothesis that the polarity and size of peptide and protein molecules would preclude their transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) received experimental support in brain uptake studies performed by means of the intracarotid injection technique in vivo in the rat. However, failure to demonstrate significant differences between brain uptake of peptides, proteins and inert polar molecules could also be attributed to the methodological inadequacies in the initial studies, such as the short exposure-time to the BBB (15 s). A subsequent in vivo approach involved intravenous administration of the test molecule and its presence in the general circulation for several minutes, but may not have been suitable for peptide research due to the possibility of systemic transformation of molecules before reaching the barrier. Recent studies have overcome the above technical problems by employing the vascular brain perfusion method in the guineapig, which permits the measurement of brain uptake over periods of up to 20 min under controlled conditions. The unidirectional transfer constant, K iv of the radiolabelled peptide can be determined by multiple time-point/graphical analysis and Michaelis-Menten parameters for peptide uptake at the luminal side of the BBB can be estimated. Computer-assisted imaging of the perfused brain may provide further quantitative results regarding the preferential distribution of blood-borne molecules in the brain tissue analyzed by immunocytochemical methods. Participation of circumventricular organs (CVO) and choroid plexuses in overall brain uptake of circulating peptides can be assessed at the same time. Chromatographic analysis of the brain tissue following the perfusion can provide additional information regarding the metabolic turnover rate of a peptide once it has been taken up by the luminal side of the BBB.
Split-step Adams–Moulton Milstein methods for systems of stiff stochastic differential equations

In this paper we discuss new split-step methods for solving systems of Ito stochastic differential equations (SDEs). The methods are based on a L-stable (strongly stable) second-order split Adams–Moulton Formula for stiff ordinary differential equations in collusion with Milstein methods for use on SDEs which are stiff in both the deterministic and stochastic components. The L-stability property is particularly useful when the drift components are stiff and contain widely varying decay constants. For SDEs wherein the diffusion is especially stiff, we consider balanced and modified balanced split-step methods which posses larger regions of mean-square stability. Strong order convergence one is established and stability regions are displayed. The methods are tested on problems with one and two noise channels. Numerical results show the effectiveness of the methods in the pathwise approximation of stiff SDEs when compared to some existing split-step methods.
Regulation of L-arabinose transport in Salmonella typhimurium LT2.

The inducible L-arabinose transport system was characterized in Salmonella typhimurium LT2. Only one L-arabinose transport system with a Km of 2x10-4 M was identified. The results suggested that araE may be the only gene which codes for L-arabinose transport activity under the conditions tested. An araE-lac fusion strain was used to study the induction of the araE gene. No araE expression was detected when the L-arabinose concentration was lower than 1 mM. The expression of araE reached a maximum in the presence of 50 mM L-arabinose, and was significantly reduced in the presence of D-glucose. Expression of the araBAD and araE genes was coordinately regulated. The concentration of L-arabinose that allowed maximum araBAD gene expression was 50-fold lower in an araE+ strain compared to an araE strain.
Recovery of normal ventricular function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: predictors of an increasingly prevalent clinical event.

Background This investigation was designed to identify clinical variables associated with recovery of normal ventricular function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy treated with medical therapy. Recovery of normal ventricular function with medical treatment of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy is observed with increasing frequency. However, the clinical variables associated with such dramatic improvement of ventricular performance are poorly defined. Methods Fifty-three patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and reduced ejection fractions who achieved an increase in ejection fraction to ≥40% with medical therapy were identified during follow-up in a dedicated heart failure clinic. A cohort of patients frequency-matched on baseline ejection fraction who did not recover ventricular systolic function to this magnitude constituted the control group. Clinical variables characterizing the 2 groups were compared by univariable analysis. Variables that significantly differed between the 2 groups were entered in a stepwise logistic regression analysis to identify factors independently associated with recovery of ejection fraction to ≥40%. Results In the final logistic regression model, QRS duration, sex, etiology of cardiomyopathy, diabetes, and systolic blood pressure were significantly associated with improvement of ejection fraction to ≥40%. Conclusions Five clinical variables that are independently associated with improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction to normal or near-normal values with medical therapy alone were identified by this modeling process. These variables may be used to discriminate between patients in whom ventricular function will normalize with medical therapy alone and those who will require more aggressive pharmacologic or device therapy.
Precision X-Y microstagee with maneuverable kinematic coupling mechanism

Within modern manufacturing, there is a growing need for micropositioning units with very fine resolution and high repeatability. In this paper, a new micropositioning system based on the kinematic coupling is developed, and its unique path control is derived. The results show that such a system can provide the user with the ability to exploit the inherent position repeatability of the kinematic coupling, while maintaining full two-dimensional (2-D) motion control. More importantly, this mechanism is shown to have a mechanical amplification (leverage) that can allow for a significant increase in the effective positioning resolution of the position sensors employed by the actuators driving the kinematic coupling mechanism. This may drastically reduce the cost for achieving ultrahigh positioning resolution demanded by industry without using complicated and extremely expensive actuators and position sensors.
Convergence in world urbanization? A quantitative assessment.

Cross-national data are used to explore the question of whether world urban patterns and processes are converging or diverging. We compare tabular data on overall percent urban urban primacy overurbanization and urban bias across world-system strata and global regions. The evidence suggests continuing differences and little evidence for convergence. To determine whether world-system effects have causal efficacy we conclude with a regression analysis. These results provide strong evidence for a world-system explanation of continuing differences in overall level of urbanization and urban primacy and a developmentalist approach seems to explain persisting divergence in levels of urban bias. (EXCERPT)
Usefulness of rest and low-dose dobutamine wall motion scores in predicting survival and benefit from revascularization in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.

This study examined the value of wall motion scores at rest and with low- and high-dose dobutamine infusion for prediction of outcome and benefit from revascularization in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Follow-up was obtained in 139 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy who had echocardiography at rest, and during low- (10 μg/kg/min) and high-dose dobutamine (maximal dose 50 μg/kg/min) infusion. Both rest and low-dose wall motion scores were multivariate predictors of cardiac death, but ischemia and peak dose scores were not predictors. Rest scores risk stratified patients into 3 groups: score (1.00 to 1.99) with 11% cardiac death; score (2.00 to 2.49) with 30% death; and score ≥2.50 with 47% death. One third of patients with rest scores ≥2.50 had improvement in scores to <2.50 with low-dose dobutamine. Their frequency of cardiac death was reduced to 23% compared with 60% (p = 0.04) in those who remained with low-dose scores ≥2.50. Low-dose scores also identified those who benefited from revascularization. In patients with low-dose scores (1.00 to 1.99), the frequency of cardiac death was marginally lower in revascularized than nonrevascularized patients (10% vs 21%, p = 0.28). In patients with scores (2.00 to 2.49), revascularized patients had a significantly lower frequency of cardiac death than nonrevascularized patients (15% vs 41%, p <0.05). The frequency of death in those with low-dose scores ≥2.50 was very high in both revascularized (75%) and nonrevascularized (56%, p = 0.42) patients. Thus, rest and low-dose wall motion scores enable risk stratification of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and identify those who do and do not benefit from revascularization.
A study of C60–poly(m-phenylenevinylene-co-2,5-dioctoxy-p-phenylenevinylene) nanocomposite

Abstract We present spectroscopic and conductivity studies of poly( m -phenylenevinylene-co-2,5-dioctoxy-p-phenylenevinylene) (PmPV)/C 60 composite. The UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, resonance Raman spectroscopy, near-field scanning optical and atomic force microscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy confirm charge transfer and excitonic transitions between both materials in the composite morphology. Both UV–Vis and fluorescence spectra have shown the existence of an electron transfer from the polymer to C 60 , while broadening of the already existing peak at 624 cm − 1 and the appearance of a new broad peak at 1850 cm − 1 for the Raman spectra are due to exciton generation. The results from the conductivity measurements also show enhanced responsiveness with increasing C 60 concentration. We observe consistent dark and photocurrent increase due to C 60 encapsulation by PmPV, where the composite has much better charge transfer capacity and better responsiveness to exciton generation.
A deformation induced order-disorder transition in isotactic polypropylene

In this study, isotactic polypropylene (i-PP) has been deformed by uniaxial compression to draw ratios up to 16×, and at draw temperatures from 30°C to 140°C. An order-disorder transition in the crystals is observed at draw temperatures well above the stability limit, 70°C, reported for the disordered phase; Furthermore, this disordered phase (called smectic) is found to induce ductility and improve the efficiency of draw. The deformation induced smectic phase has been characterized using WAXS, DSC, and on-line compression load versus draw ratio measurements. In consequence, a set of process conditions are offered to optimize draw. A mechanism for plastic deformation of i-PP is also suggested, using the smectic phase as a probe.
Defective Hypothalamic Autophagy Directs the Central Pathogenesis of Obesity via the IκB Kinase β (IKKβ)/NF-κB Pathway *

Autophagy has been recently demonstrated to control cell and tissue homeostasis, including the functions of various metabolic tissues. However, it remains unclear whether autophagy is critical for the central nervous system and particularly the hypothalamus for exerting metabolic regulation. Using autophagy-related protein 7 (Atg7) as an autophagic marker, this work showed that autophagy was highly active in the mediobasal hypothalamus of normal mice. In contrast, chronic development of dietary obesity was associated with autophagic decline in the mediobasal hypothalamus. To investigate the potential role of autophagy in the hypothalamic control of metabolic physiology, a mouse model was developed with autophagic inhibition in the mediobasal hypothalamus using site-specific delivery of lentiviral shRNA against Atg7. This model revealed that hypothalamic inhibition of autophagy increased energy intake and reduced energy expenditure. These metabolic changes were sufficient to increase body weight gain under normal chow feeding and exacerbate the progression of obesity and whole-body insulin resistance under high-fat diet feeding. To explore the underlying mechanism, this study found that defective hypothalamic autophagy led to hypothalamic inflammation, including the activation of proinflammatory IκB kinase β pathway. Using brain-specific IκB kinase β knockout mice, it was found that the effects of defective hypothalamic autophagy in promoting obesity were reversed by IκB kinase β inhibition in the brain. In conclusion, hypothalamic autophagy is crucial for the central control of feeding, energy, and body weight balance. Conversely, decline of hypothalamic autophagy under conditions of chronic caloric excess promotes hypothalamic inflammation and thus impairs hypothalamic control of energy balance, leading to accelerated development of obesity and comorbidities.
Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation from High-NOx Photo-Oxidation of Low Volatility Precursors: n-Alkanes

Smog chamber experiments were conducted to investigate secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from photo-oxidation of low-volatility precursors; n-alkanes were chosen as a model system. The experiments feature atmospherically relevant organic aerosol concentrations (COA). Under high-NOx conditions SOA yields increased with increasing carbon number (lower volatility) for n-decane, n-dodecane, n-pentadecane, and n-heptadecane, reaching a yield of 0.51 for heptadecane at a COA of 15.4 μg m−3. As with other photo-oxidation systems, aerosol yield increased with UV intensity. Due to the log−linear relationship between n-alkane carbon number and vapor pressure as well as a relatively consistent product distribution it was possible to develop an empirical parametrization for SOA yields for n-alkanes between C12 and C17. This parametrization was implemented using the volatility basis set framework and is designed for use in chemical transport models. For COA < 2 μg m−3, the SOA mass spectrum, as measured with a...
Integrated wavelet compression and restoration

The performance of wavelet compression algorithms is generally judged solely as a function of the compression ratio and the vidual artifacts which are perceivable in the reconstructed image. The problem then becomes one of obtaining the best compression with fewest visible artifacts--a very subjective measure. Our wavelet compression algorithm uses an information theoretic analysis for the design of the compression maps. We have previously shown that maximizing the information for a given visual communication channel also maximizes the visual quality of the restored image. We utilize this to design quantization maps which maximize information for a given compression ratio. Hence we are able to design quantization maps which maximize the restorability of an image--i.e. the information content, the image quality, and the mean-square difference fidelity--for a given compression ratio.
Biochemical analysis of related, independently arising histocompatibility mutants: bm17 and KB-98 enlarge the “bg series” of H-2Kb mutants

The “bg” series of MHC mutations is the most prevalent type of mutations of Kb in C57BL/6 mice screened by reciprocal tail skin grafting. The basis for identification of this series of mutations is the incompatibility of grafts between the parental B6 and the mutant. This series takes the longest to reciprocally reject the skin grafts. The series can be subdivided into “bg 1” and “bg 2” groups based on Kb-restricted recognition of virus-infected mutant target cells. The biochemical basis for these mutations are amino acid substitutions at residues 116 and 121 of the Kb transplantation antigen. These substitutions do not alter monoclonal antibody binding sites. The structural basis of MAb binding and the genetic basis of the mutation are discussed.
Escherichia coli DNA Topoisomerase III Is a Site-specific DNA Binding Protein That Binds Asymmetrically to Its Cleavage Site

The binding of DNA topoisomerase III (Topo III) to a single-stranded DNA substrate containing a strong cleavage site has been examined. The minimal substrate requirement for Topo III-catalyzed cleavage has been determined to consist of 7 bases: 6 bases 5′ to the cleavage site and only 1 base 3′ to the site. Nuclease P1 protection experiments indicate that the enzyme also binds to its substrate asymmetrically, protecting ~12 bases 5′ to the cleavage site and only 2 bases 3′ to the cleavage site. A catalytically inactive mutant of Topo III shows the same protection pattern as the active polypeptide, indicating that Topo III is a site-specific binding protein as well as a topoisomerase. Consistent with this view, an oligonucleotide containing a cleavage site is a more effective inhibitor and is bound more efficiently by Topo III than an oligonucleotide without a cleavage site.
Standards alignment for metadata assignment

The research in this paper describes a Machine Learning technique called hierarchical text categorization which is used to solve the problem of finding equivalents from among different state and national education standards. The approach is based on a set of manually aligned standards and utilizes the hierarchical structure present in the standards to achieve a more accurate result. Details of this approach and its evaluation are presented.
Macular Infarction After Endophthalmitis Treated With Vitrectomy and Intravitreal Gentamicin

• We encountered two cases of macular infarction that occurred after vitrectomy performed for mild endophthalmitis, which, on culture, yieldedStaphylococcus epidermidis. At the end of each vitrectomy, 0.4 mg of gentamicin, 1.0 mg of cefazolin, and 0.32 mg of dexamethasone were injected into the vitreous cavity. We are concerned that the macular lesion was a retinal toxic effect of gentamicin because of the recent description of similar lesions occurring after the inadvertent intraocular injection of massive doses of this drug.
Inherited combined deficiency of factor V and factor VIII: Report of a case with normal factor VIII antigen and ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation

A patient with inherited combined deficiency of factor V and factor VIII is reported, who demonstrated normal levels of factor VIII antigen and plasma cofactor for ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation. The relationship of this condition to classical hemophilia and von Willebrand's disease is discussed. The data presented suggest that multiple loci on at least 2 chromosomes are necessary for the normal expression of factor VIII activity.
Abstract 445: Fibroblast-recruited, tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells stimulate mammary cancer metastasis through RANKL-RANK signaling

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Inflammatory mechanisms influence tumor development and metastatic progression. Of interest is the role of such mechanisms in metastatic spread of tumors whose etiology does not involve pre-existing inflammation or infection, such as breast and prostate cancers. We found that prostate cancer metastasis is associated with lymphocyte infiltration into advanced tumors and elevated expression of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family members receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) ligand (RANKL) and lymphotoxin (LT). But the source of RANKL and its role in metastasis were not established. RANKL and its receptor RANK control proliferation of mammary lobuloalveolar cells during pregnancy through activation of IκB kinase α(IKKα), a protein kinase that is required for self-renewal of mammary cancer progenitors and prostate cancer metastasis. We therefore examined whether RANKL, RANK and IKKα are also involved in mammary/breast cancer metastasis. Indeed, RANK signaling in mammary carcinoma cells that overexpress the ErbB2 (c-Neu) proto-oncogene, which is frequently amplified in metastatic human breast cancers, was important for pulmonary metastasis. Metastatic spread of ErbB2-transformed carcinoma cells was also dependent on CD4+CD25+ T cells, whose major pro-metastatic function appeared to be RANKL production. RANKL-producing T cells were mainly FoxP3+ and found in close proximity to smooth muscle actin (SMA)-positive stromal cells in mouse and human breast cancers. The T cell-dependence of pulmonary metastasis was replaced by administration of exogenous RANKL, a procedure that also stimulated pulmonary metastasis of RANK-positive human breast carcinoma cells. These results are consistent with the adverse prognostic impact of tumor-infiltrating CD4+ or FoxP3+ T cells on human breast cancer, and suggest that targeting of RANKL-RANK signaling can be used in conjunction with other therapies to prevent subsequent metastatic disease. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 445. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-445
Interactive cutting of 3D surface meshes

Abstract Engineers and scientists from many fields are using three-dimensional reconstruction for visualization and analysis of physical and abstract data. Beyond observing the recreated objects in artificial space, it is desirable to develop methods that allow one to interactively manipulate and alter the geometry in an intuitive and efficient manner. In the case of medical data, a baseline interactive task would be to simulate cutting, removal and realignment of tissue. In order to provide for operational realism, the underlying mathematical calculations and topological changes need to be invisible to the user so that the user feels as though they are performing the task just as they would on the real world counterpart of the reconstructed object. We have developed a method that allows the user to directly sketch the desired cut contour on a three-dimensional surface in a manner that simulates dragging scissors through fabric. This new method can be employed interactively, allowing the user to perform the task in an intuitive, natural manner.
Five-year comprehensive outcomes evaluation in 181 patients after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

Abstract Background We conducted an objective followup of 181 patients after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication during a 5-year period after surgery. Study design Patients underwent 24-hour pH recording, esophageal manometry, and symptom score assessment for six gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms preoperatively and at 6 months, 2 years, and 5 years after surgery. Results Laparoscopic fundoplication was associated with a significant (p Conclusions Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication remains an effective antireflux procedure at 5 years.
Enforcing family values? The effects of marital status on clergy earnings

This paper examines the effects of marital status on the earnings of Protestant clergy, paying particular attention to how gender mediates the effects of marriage and divorce. In Protestant denominations, we find that marriage has a positive effect on earnings for men, but not for women. We also find results that challenge the hypothesis that these extra earnings are indirect compensation for the pastor's wife, who traditionally acts as an unpaid staff person when the pastor is hired. We find no difference between earnings of married men whose wives work full-time outside the church and those whose wives stay at home and support their husband's church activities. Interestingly, divorce does not depress earnings for men and has a positive effect on the eamings of women, relative to married women. The analysis suggests that divorced women tend to work more paid hours than married women. Analyses of clergy in conservative denominations reveal no negative effects of divorce on earnings. However, this may be due to the small number of divorced clergy in these conservative denominations. In general, these analyses shed light on how the relationships among marriage, family, and work in clergy occupations differ for men and women