cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrical properties of facial motoneurons in brainstem slices from guinea pig

Electrical properties of guinea pig facial motoneurons (FMNs) were studied in a brainstem slice preparation. FMNs were identified histologically and by antidromic activation. They displayed time-varying responses and inward rectification during both subthreshold depolarization and hyperpolarization. The depolarizing rectification was caused by a persistent Na+ current (INaP); the Cs+-sensitive hyperpolarizing response had a different mechanism. Hyperpolarizing prepulses caused a 4-aminopyridine-sensitive delay of spike initiation. An evoked spike was followed by a fast- and a medium-duration hyperpolarization (the fAHP and mAHP, respectively). Blockade of Ca2+ influx abolished the mAHP without affecting spike duration, whereas spikes were prolonged and the fAHP was abolished by TEA or 4-AP. Adequate depolarization evoked tonic repetitive firing characterized by a steep F-I slope and fast adaptation. Abolition of the mAHP was associated with reduced fast adaptation and increased F-I slope, whereas the mAHP was enhanced and firing rate was slowed after TEA application. Three outward ionic currents were identified during voltage clamp: a rapidly inactivating current, a slowly inactivating current and a slow persistent Ca2+-mediated current (IK(Ca]. We conclude that spike repolarization and the fAHP are governed mainly by fast voltage-dependent currents, whereas progressive activation of IK(Ca) causes fast adaptation and, together with INaP, regulates firing rate.
New vessel formation and expression of angiogenesis-related genes in brain after ischemia

Abstract Angiogenesis is an intricately regulated phenomenon. Its mechanisms in the ischemic brain have not been clearly elucidated. We investigated expression of angiogenesis-related genes using a cDNA array method as well as Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, and compared these studies with a temporal profile of angiogenesis in mouse brains after ischemia. The number of vessels significantly increased 3 days after injury, and proliferating endothelial cells increased as early as 1 day. This means angiogenesis occurs immediately after the injury. Ninety-six genes implicated in angiogenesis were investigated with a cDNA array study. We found that 42, 29, and 13 genes were increased at 1 h, and 1 and 21 days, respectively. Most of the well-known angiogenic factors increased as early as 1 h. Vessel stabilizing factors such as thrombospondins also increased. At 1 day, however, thrombospondins decreased to lower than in the control, indicating a shift from vascular protection to angiogenesis. At 21 days, many genes were decreased, but some involved in tissue repair were newly increased. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry revealed findings compatible with the cDNA array study. Many molecules act in an orchestrated fashion in the brain after ischemia, and should be taken into account for therapeutic angiogenesis for stroke.
Comparative endocrinology, environment and global change

All organisms respond to environmental cues that allow them to organize the timing and duration of life history stages that make up their life cycles. Superimposed on this predictable life cycle are unpredictable events that have the potential to be stressful. Environmental and social stresses have deleterious effects on life history stages such as migration, reproductive function and molt in vertebrates. Global climate change, human disturbance and endocrine disruption from pollutants are increasingly likely to pose additional stresses that could have a major impact on organisms. Such impacts have great relevance to conservation as well as basic biology. Although some populations of vertebrates temporarily resist environmental and social stresses, and breed successfully, many show varying decrees of failure sometimes resulting in marked population decline. Alternatively, many aspects of global change may not be overtly stressful but timing of life history events becomes out of step with phenology because pertinent environmental signals normally used have been changed. There is much we do not know about how organisms respond to their natural environment, particularly how salient signals are perceived and then transduced into neuroendocrine and endocrine secretions. Comparative endocrinology has a key role to play in resolving mechanisms underlying responses to the environment. In the face of increasing human disturbance and global climate change there is an urgent need for more integration of ecological, evolutionary and mechanistic studies on stress biology of organisms in their natural world.
Placental Trophoblast Inclusions in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background Microscopic examination of placental tissue may provide a route to assessing risk and understanding underlying biology of autism. Methods Occurrence of a distinctive microscopic placental morphological abnormality, the trophoblast inclusion, was assessed using archived placental tissue. The rate of occurrence of trophoblast inclusion-positive slides observed for 13 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was compared to the rate in an anonymous consecutive birth cohort. Results The occurrence of inclusion positive slides was significantly greater in the ASD group compared to the control group (6/27 slides, 22.2% vs. 12/154, 7.8%; Fisher Exact Test, two-tailed p = .033; relative risk 2.85). The proportion of positive cases was also greater in the ASD group (5/13 cases, 38.5% vs. 8/61, 13.1%; Fisher Exact, two-tailed p = .044; relative risk 2.93). Behavioral severity scores did not differ across groups of inclusion positive ( N = 4) and negative ( N = 8) ASD individuals. Conclusions Although probably not functionally detrimental or causative, the greater occurrence of placental trophoblast inclusions observed in ASD individuals may reflect altered early developmental processes. Further research is required to replicate the basic finding, to understand the basis for the trophoblastic abnormality, and to determine the utility of the measure in early detection of ASD.
Balancing mechanical strength with bioactivity in chitosan–calcium phosphate 3D microsphere scaffolds for bone tissue engineering: air- vs. freeze-drying processes

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential benefit of 3D composite scaffolds composed of chitosan and calcium phosphate for bone tissue engineering. Additionally, incorporation of mechanically weak lyophilized microspheres within those air-dried (AD) was considered for enhanced bioactivity. AD microsphere, alone, and air- and freeze-dried microsphere (FDAD) 3D scaffolds were evaluated in vitro using a 28-day osteogenic culture model with the Saos-2 cell line. Mechanical testing, quantitative microscopy, and lysozyme-driven enzymatic degradation of the scaffolds were also studied. FDAD scaffold showed a higher concentration (p < 0.01) in cells per scaffold mass vs. AD constructs. Collagen was ∼31% greater (p < 0.01) on FDAD compared to AD scaffolds not evident in microscopy of microsphere surfaces. Alternatively, AD scaffolds demonstrated a superior threefold increase in compressive strength over FDAD (12 vs. 4 MPa) with minimal degradation. Inclusion of FD spheres within the FDAD scaffolds ...
Nanoscale lithography via electron beam induced deposition

We demonstrate the resolution and characteristics of a nanolithography process utilizing electron beam induced deposition (EBID) of W(CO)6 and C10H8 to define the imaging and masking layers. Lines and dot matrices were defined/written with various electron beam doses onto both polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) coated silicon substrates (PMMA-Si) and bare silicon substrates (Si). The selectivity of the W(CO)x for the PMMA dry development process (no measurable etching) and the silicon (~18:1) reactive ion etch was very good. C10H8 directly patterned on Si also provided good selectivity for the silicon etch process, 21:1. The pattern transfer of the EBID material patterns into the silicon had high fidelity. The resolution scaled with exposure dose and was correlated with the EBID broadening/scattering via a Monte Carlo simulation. Using the bi-layer approach, imaging layers on PMMA-Si, a silicon nanowire resolution of 13.5 nm and linewidth of 24.5 nm are demonstrated. Furthermore, using the single-layer approach, EBID directly on Si, a silicon nanowire resolution of 33 nm is demonstrated.
An in vivo model to study and manipulate the hematopoietic stem cell niche

Because the microenvironment that supports hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) proliferation and differentiation is not fully understood, we adapted a heterotopic bone formation model as a new approach for studying the HSC microenvironment in vivo. Endogenous HSCs homed to tissue-engineered ossicles and individually sorted HSCs from ossicles were able to reconstitute lethally irradiated mice. To further explore this model as a system to study the stem cell niche, ossicles were established with or without anabolic parathyroid hormone (PTH) treatment during the 4-week course of bone development. Histology and micro–computed tomography showed higher bone area-to-total area ratios, thicker cortical bone and trabecular bone, significantly higher bone mineral density and bone volume fraction in PTH-treated groups than in controls. By an in vivo competitive long-term reconstitution assay, HSC frequency in the ossicle marrow was 3 times greater in PTH groups than in controls. When whole bone marrow cells were directly injected into the ossicles after lethal irradiation, the PTH-treated groups showed an enhanced reconstitution rate compared with controls. These findings suggest the residence of HSCs in heterotopic bone marrow and support the future use of this ossicle model in elucidating the composition and regulation of the HSC niche.
Time-Multiplexed Online Checking

There is a growing demand for online hardware checking capability to cope with increasing in-field failures resulting from variability and reliability problems. While many online checking schemes have been proposed, their area overhead remains too high for cost-sensitive applications. In this paper, we introduce a Time-Multiplexed Online Checking (TMOC) scheme using embedded field-programmable blocks for checker implementation, which enables various system parts to be checked dynamically in-field in a time-multiplexed fashion. The test quality analyses using a probabilistic model show that TMOC could maintain high fault coverage that is similar to traditional dedicated checkers. We conducted a case study of an H.264 decoder design that demonstrates our TMOC scheme provides a significant reduction in chip area and power overhead for online checkers at the cost of increased fault detection latency. We have successfully implemented and demonstrated our proposed TMOC scheme using a single Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) chip.
The 33 and 43 MeV (3He, xnγ) exclusive reactions on targets from Zr to Pb

Abstract Exclusive neutron spectra for neutron multiplicities x = 3, 4 and 5 have been obtained using the 33 and 43 MeV ( 3 He, x n γ ) reactions on targets of Zr, Pd, Sn, Nd, Pt, Au, and Pb. The exclusive spectral shapes vary systematically with the energy available for neutron decay in the initial or precompound nucleus. The ( 3 He, x n γ ) reaction differs from the ( α x n γ ) reaction at the same beam energy per nucleon in its dependence on available energy, target, and incident angular momentum.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of mifepristone in Gulf War veterans with chronic multisymptom illness

No pharmacological treatments have been demonstrated to effectively treat chronic multisymptom illness (CMI) in Gulf War veterans (GWV). This study assessed the effect of the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone in GWV with CMI. A randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial of mifepristone, with two six-week treatment phases separated by a one-month washout period, was conducted at a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital between 2008 and 2011. Participants were randomized to receive either 200mg of mifepristone per day or matched placebo first. The primary clinical outcome measure was change in self-reported physical health. Neurocognitive functioning and self-reported measures of depression, PTSD, and fatigue were secondary outcomes. Sixty-five participants enrolled, of whom 36 were randomized and 32 (mean age, 49.1 (7.2) years) completed the study. Physical and mental health status and neurocognitive functioning were poor at baseline. Mifepristone treatment was not associated with improvement in self-reported physical health (p=0.838) or in other self-reported measures of mental health. Mifepristone treatment was significantly associated with improvements in verbal learning (p=0.008, d=0.508), in the absence of improvement in other cognitive measures (working memory (p=0.914), visual learning (p=0.643) and a global composite measure (p=0.937). Baseline morning cortisol levels and lysozyme IC50-DEX, a measure of peripheral glucocorticoid sensitivity, displayed a significant relationship with endpoint verbal learning scores (p=0.012 and p=0.007, respectively). The magnitude of cortisol change during treatment mediated the improvement in verbal learning. This study was negative for the primary and secondary clinical outcomes. However, the data suggest a moderate dose of mifepristone may have circumscribed cognitive-enhancing effects in CMI. Further study is warranted to determine whether and through which mechanisms mifepristone treatment can yield clinically meaningful improvement in cognitive function in CMI or other neuropsychiatric conditions associated with HPA axis dysregulation.
Hemoglobin concentration of pastoral nomads permanently resident at 4,850-5,450 meters in Tibet

This paper presents data on the hemoglobin concentration of a sample of 103 pastoral nomads who are lifelong residents of Phala, at 4,850-5,450 m, on the northern plateau of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the Peoples' Republic of China. This native population resides at the highest altitude of which we are aware and is thus exposed to the most extreme chronic hypoxic stress. However, they do not exhibit the most pronounced physiological adaptations, i.e., hemoglobin concentrations exceeding those found in all other high-altitude populations. Adult male and female mean hemoglobin concentrations of 18.2 and 16.7 gm/dl, respectively, were found. These data, in conjunction with earlier studies of ethnic Tibetans living at 3,400 m, demonstrate a pattern of increasing hemoglobin concentration (erythrocytosis) at increasing altitude of residence in the Himalayas and Tibet. At the same time, however, the hemoglobin concentration is lower than that found among Andean highlanders. These new data raise the possibility of quantitative population differences in hematological adaptation to high altitude hypoxia.
In vivo anticancer activity of rhomboidal Pt(II) metallacycles

The development of novel antitumor agents that have high efficacy in suppressing tumor growth, have low toxicity to nontumor tissues, and exhibit rapid localization in the targeted tumor sites is an ongoing avenue of research at the interface of chemistry, cancer biology, and pharmacology. Supramolecular metal-based coordination complexes (SCCs) have well-defined shapes and geometries, and upon their internalization, SCCs could affect multiple oncogenic signaling pathways in cells and tissues. We investigated the uptake, intracellular localization, and antitumor activity of two rhomboidal Pt(II)-based SCCs. Laser-scanning confocal microscopy in A549 and HeLa cells was used to determine the uptake and localization of the assemblies within cells and their effect on tumor growth was investigated in mouse s.c. tumor xenograft models. The SCCs are soluble in cell culture media within the entire range of studied concentrations (1 nM–5 µM), are nontoxic, and showed efficacy in reducing the rate of tumor growth in s.c. mouse tumor xenografts. These properties reveal the potential of Pt(II)-based SCCs for future biomedical applications as therapeutic agents.
Selecting Issues and Hypotheses for a Research Proposal

Whenever you write a grant proposal, several questions usually cross your mind: Have I chosen the right topic? Is this a fundable issue? Is this important research? Those questions come up frequently, and they have served as the genesis for the following commentary on the process of identifying and capitalizing on the recognition of a critical research issue.
Open tubular columns prepared with very thick liquid phase film I. Theoretical basis

The influence of the liquid phase film thickness in open-tubular (capillary) columns on the individual resistance-to-mass-transfer terms and on the overall column efficiency is examined from the theoretical point of view. Methods for the calculation of the diffusion coefficients are discussed.
Biomolecules, Spin Glasses, Glasses, and Solids (R. H. Austin1)

Before discussing the building blocks of life in more detail, we compare a few many-body systems [1, 2]. Figure 2.2 shows that biomolecules are linear systems that fold into their three-dimensional structure. The folding is so compact that the density of a protein, for instance, is nearly the same as the density of a crystal made out of one amino acid. Schrodinger [3] actually called proteins “aperiodic crystals.” Indeed, proteins and solids have a number of similar properties. However, proteins have features that distinguish them from solids. In a sense, they can be considered a separate state of matter.
An analysis of SeaWinds-based rain retrieval in severe weather events

The Ku-band SeaWinds scatterometer estimates near-surface ocean wind vectors by relating measured backscatter to a geophysical model function for the near-surface vector wind. The conventional wind retrieval algorithm does not explicitly account for SeaWinds' sensitivity to rain, resulting in rain-caused wind retrieval error. A new retrieval method, termed "simultaneous wind/rain retrieval," that estimates both wind and rain from rain-contaminated measurements has been previously proposed and validated with Tropical Rain Measuring Mission data. Here, the accuracy of rains retrieved by the new method is validated through comparison with the Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) in coastal storm events. The rains detected by both sensors are comparable, though SeaWinds-estimated rains exhibit greater variability. The performance of simultaneous wind/rain retrieval in flagging excessively rain-contaminated winds is discussed and compared to existing methods. A new rain-only retrieval algorithm for use in rain-backscatter-dominated areas is proposed and tested. A simple noise model for SeaWinds rain estimates is developed, and Monte Carlo simulation is employed to verify the model. The model shows that SeaWinds rain estimates have a standard deviation of 2.5 mm/h, which is higher than the NEXRAD measurements. Thresholding SeaWinds rain estimates at 2 mm/h yields a better rain flag than current rain flag algorithms.
Attitudes and Behaviors of South African Women and Psychosocial Determinants of Gonorrhea

Attitudes and Behaviors of South African Women and Psychosocial Determinants of Gonorrhea by Takiyah White Ndwanya MPH, The George Washington University, 2004 BS, Hampton University, 1999 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health
Precisely timed spatiotemporal patterns of neural activity in dissociated cortical cultures

Recurring patterns of neural activity, a potential substrate of both information transfer and transformation in cortical networks, have been observed in the intact brain and in brain slices. Do these patterns require the inherent cortical microcircuitry of such preparations or are they a general property of self-organizing neuronal networks? In networks of dissociated cortical neurons from rats--which lack evidence of the intact brain's intrinsic cortical architecture--we have observed a robust set of spontaneously repeating spatiotemporal patterns of neural activity, using a template-matching algorithm that has been successful both in vivo and in brain slices. The observed patterns in cultured monolayer networks are stable over minutes of extracellular recording, occur throughout the culture's development, and are temporally precise within milliseconds. The identification of these patterns in dissociated cultures opens a powerful methodological avenue for the study of such patterns, and their persistence despite the topological and morphological rearrangements of cellular dissociation is further evidence that precisely timed patterns are a universal emergent feature of self-organizing neuronal networks.
Structure of a mutant human purine nucleoside phosphorylase with the prodrug, 2‐fluoro‐2′‐deoxyadenosine and the cytotoxic drug, 2‐fluoroadenine

A double mutant of human purine nucleoside phosphorylase (hDM) with the amino acid mutations Glu201Gln:Asn243Asp cleaves adenosine-based prodrugs to their corresponding cytotoxic drugs. When fused to an anti-tumor targeting component, hDM is targeted to tumor cells, where it effectively catalyzes phosphorolysis of the prodrug, 2-fluoro-2′-deoxyadenosine (F-dAdo) to the cytotoxic drug, 2-fluoroadenine (F-Ade). This cytotoxicity should be restricted only to the tumor microenvironment, because the endogenously expressed wild type enzyme cannot use adenosine-based prodrugs as substrates. To gain insight into the interaction of hDM with F-dAdo, we have determined the crystal structures of hDM with F-dAdo and F-Ade. The structures reveal that despite the two mutations, the overall fold of hDM is nearly identical to the wild type enzyme. Importantly, the residues Gln201 and Asp243 introduced by the mutation form hydrogen bond contacts with F-dAdo that result in its binding and catalysis. Comparison of substrate and product complexes suggest that the side chains of Gln201 and Asp243 as well as the purine base rotate during catalysis possibly facilitating cleavage of the glycosidic bond. The two structures suggest why hDM, unlike the wild-type enzyme, can utilize F-dAdo as substrate. More importantly, they provide a critical foundation for further optimization of cleavage of adenosine-based prodrugs, such as F-dAdo by mutants of human purine nucleoside phosphorylase.
Revealing gene regulation and associations through biological networks

Abstract Traditionally, over the last 10,000 years, agriculture has relied on natural biological evolution and careful selection of plant varieties by farmers that was used as the founder material by plant breeders in the last 150 years for further genetic improvement. Plant breeders played an important role mainly by introgression of a trait of interest, through the transfer of genetic loci, into an elite crop line that exhibits high-yield performance across a wide range of conditions. Modern agriculture has relied on the use of biotechnologies and molecular biology to improve marker development and aid in the discovery of candidate loci or genes associated with desirable traits, thereby reducing the time required for selective breeding. In this review, we briefly describe the evolution of the methods used to identify candidate leads (gene, loci or regulatory regions) for crop improvement, starting by quantitative genetic methods. The development of co-expression and molecular networks will be described. It will be shown how network analysis can reinforced the discovery of candidate genes/loci more rapidly and with higher confidence. These improvements will serve to accelerate genetic engineering and molecular breeding as modern agriculture confronts the challenging times ahead, with the increase of abiotic stresses for crops as drought, heat, soil high salinity or waterlogging. Without taking in account possible losses due these growing stresses, the increase in crop yields needs to be significantly accelerated to feed the growing world population, following the FAO previsions.
Seqver : A Sequential Equivalence Verifier for Hardware Designs

This paper addresses the problem of formal equivalence verification of hardware designs. Traditional methods and tools which perform equivalence verification are commonly based on combinational equivalence verification (CEV) methods. We however present a novel method and tool (Seqver) for performing sequential equivalence verification (SEV). The theory behind Seqver is based on the alignability theory, however in this paper we present a refinement to that theory: strong alignability, which introduces a concept of automatic model synchronization to the verification process. Automatic synchronization (reset) of sequential synchronous circuits is considered as one of the most challenging tasks in the domain of sequential equivalence verification. Earlier attempts were based on BDDs or classical reachability analysis, which by nature suffer from capacity limitations. Seqver is empowered with hybrid verification engines which combine state of the art SAT and BDD based engines for performing synchronization and verification. Seqver is widely used today in Intel for formally verifying leading next generation CPU designs.
Introduction and Future Directions

The discovery of facile catalytic alternating olefin/carbon monoxide copolymerization (Chapter 4) [1] has significantly impacted the fields of polymer science, organometallic chemistry, and catalysis. Below we discuss some of the highlights and unsolved problems.
The Arabidopsis Dynamin-Related Protein2 Family Is Essential for Gametophyte Development

Clathrin-mediated membrane trafficking is critical for multiple stages of plant growth and development. One key component of clathrin-mediated trafficking in animals is dynamin, a polymerizing GTPase that plays both regulatory and mechanical roles. Other eukaryotes use various dynamin-related proteins (DRP) in clathrin-mediated trafficking. Plants are unique in the apparent involvement of both a family of classical dynamins (DRP2) and a family of dynamin-related proteins (DRP1) in clathrin-mediated membrane trafficking. Our analysis of drp2 insertional mutants demonstrates that, similar to the DRP1 family, the DRP2 family is essential for Arabidopsis thaliana development. Gametophytes lacking both DRP2A and DRP2B were inviable, arresting prior to the first mitotic division in both male and female gametogenesis. Mutant pollen displayed a variety of defects, including branched or irregular cell plates, altered Golgi morphology and ectopic callose deposition. Ectopic callose deposition was also visible in the pollen-lethal drp1c-1 mutant and appears to be a specific feature of pollen-defective mutants with impaired membrane trafficking. However, drp2ab pollen arrested at earlier stages in development than drp1c-1 pollen and did not accumulate excess plasma membrane or display other gross defects in plasma membrane morphology. Therefore, the DRP2 family, but not DRP1C, is necessary for cell cycle progression during early gametophyte development. This suggests a possible role for DRP2-dependent clathrin-mediated trafficking in the transduction of developmental signals in the gametophyte.
Variants of Stretch-Activated Two-Pore Potassium Channel TREK-1 Associated with Preterm Labor in Humans

Spontaneous preterm labor (PTL) is a uniquely human problem that results in preterm delivery of an underdeveloped fetus. The underlying cause remains elusive. The cost to societies in human suffering and treasure is enormous. The stretch-activated two pore potassium channel TREK-1 is up-regulated during gestation to term such that it may maintain uterine quiescence by hyperpolarizing the smooth muscle cell membrane. We have hypothesized that the human TREK-1 channel is involved in myometrial relaxation during pregnancy and that splice variants of the TREK-1 channel expressed in preterm myometrium are associated with preterm delivery by interaction with full-length TREK-1. We detected three wild-type human TREK-1 transcript isoforms in nonpregnant and pregnant human myometrium. Using RT-PCR, we identified five unique TREK-1 splice variants in myometrium from women in PTL. These myometrial TREK-1 variants lack either the pore or the transmembrane domains or both. In transiently transfected HEK293T cells, wild-type TREK-1 was predominantly expressed at the plasma membrane. However, individual splice variants were expressed uniformly throughout the cell. Wild-type TREK-1 was localized at the plasma membrane and cytoplasm close to the plasma membrane when coexpressed with each splice variant. Co-immunoprecipitation of FLAG epitope-tagged TREK-1 and six-His epitope-tagged splice variants using Ni bead columns successfully pulled down wild-type TREK-1. These results suggest that each of four TREK-1 splice variants interacts with full-length wild-type TREK-1 and that in vivo, such interactions may contribute to a PTL phenotype.
Macrophages Stimulate Cholesteryl Ester Accumulation in Cocultured Smooth Muscle Cells Incubated With Lipoprotein-Proteoglycan Complex

Foam cells of atherosclerotic lesions originate from both macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). We explored the mechanism by which SMCs may become lipid laden. Confluent bovine aortic SMCs were cocultured with P388D1 macrophages, and the cocultures were incubated for various times with low-density lipoprotein (LDL), acetyl-LDL, or lipoprotein-proteoglycan (PG) complex isolated from human atherosclerotic lesions. Macrophages were then removed from the SMCs and the cholesteryl ester (CE) content of the SMCs was quantitated. Lipoprotein-PG complex but not LDL or acetyl-LDL produced a 6-fold to 9-fold stimulation of CE synthesis and a 4.4-fold increase in cellular CE mass in cocultured SMCs relative to control SMCs. In similar studies with human aortic SMC-macrophage cocultures, macrophages stimulated lipoprotein-PG complex–mediated CE synthesis 7-fold to 13-fold and CE mass 7.8-fold in cocultured SMCs compared with SMCs cultured alone. CE synthesis that was mediated by lipoprotein-PG complex was dose dependent and increased linearly with time. Incubation of lipoprotein-PG complex with SMC-macrophage cocultures but not with SMCs or macrophages alone resulted in aggregation of the complex and stimulation of cholesterol esterification in SMCs by the conditioned media containing the aggregated complex. Cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of phagocytosis, inhibited CE synthesis mediated by lipoprotein-PG complex by 73%, whereas polyinosinic acid, an inhibitor of the scavenger receptor, had no effect. Upregulation or downregulation of apolipoprotein B,E receptors did not affect the lipoprotein-PG complex–mediated CE synthesis by cocultured SMCs. Lipoprotein-PG complex did not stimulate CE synthesis in SMCs cocultured with aortic endothelial cells or macrophages cocultured with SMCs. These results indicate that macrophages can stimulate CE synthesis and accumulation in cocultured SMCs when incubated with lipoprotein-PG complexes isolated from atherosclerotic lesions. This could be a potential mechanism for myocyte foam cell formation.
Comment on: Ferrannini. Learning from glycosuria. Diabetes 2011;60:695-696.

In the March issue of Diabetes , there is a very interesting article by Jurczak et al. (1) about glucose homeostasis and β-cell function in mice with a deletion in SGLT-2. There is also an accompanying editorial by Ferrannini (2) that is appropriately laudatory to the article but there are some extraordinary comments including, “Collectively, these findings prove that reduced SGLT-2 activity—whether genetically or experimentally induced—is efficacious and …
Severe maternal bradycardia and asystole after combined spinal-epidural labor analgesia in a morbidly obese parturient

Serious maternal bradycardia and asystole in laboring parturients after combined spinal-epidural labor analgesia are rare. We report such a case in a morbidly obese laboring parturient after receiving combined spinal-epidural labor analgesia. The differential diagnosis, risk factors, potential contributing factors, and the successful management of the complications with our positive patient outcome are discussed. Even with the low dose of neuraxial drugs commonly administered in combined spinal-epidural labor analgesia, this case underscores the importance of vigilance, frequent monitoring, proper positioning, and rapid resuscitation with escalating doses of ephedrine, atropine, and epinephrine, all of which are essential in the presence of bradycardia or asystole in these patients.
Differential Expression of Myometrial Oxytocin Receptor and Prostaglandin H Synthase 2, But Not Estrogen Receptor α and Heat Shock Protein 90 Messenger Ribonucleic Acid in the Gravid Horn and Nongravid Horn in Sheep during Betamethasone-Induced Labor1

In the present study, we characterized four myometrial contraction-associated proteins (mCAPs): oxytocin receptor (OTR), prostaglandin H synthase 2 (PGHS2), estrogen receptor α (ERα), and heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in the nongravid horn of pregnant sheep and compared them with their expression in the gravid horn that is exposed to a greater degree of stretch. We also examined the regulatory effects of estrogen and progesterone on OTR mRNA expression in ovariectomized nonpregnant sheep. In addition, we determined the ontogeny of mCAP expression in the gravid horn throughout late pregnancy and during spontaneous term labor. Gravid horn and nongravid horn myometria were removed under general anesthesia from control ewes not in labor at 130–140 days gestational age (dGA; n = 3) and during betamethasone-induced labor (n = 6) at the same gestational age. Gravid horn myometrium was also collected from ewes not in labor at 95 dGA (n = 3), 101–110 dGA (n = 3), 111–120 dGA (n = 3)...
The Effect Of Diversity Mandates: The Case Of Mississippi Institutions Of Higher Learning

After more than 40 years since the University of Mississippi integrated its student body and the passage of civil rights and affirmative action legislation throughout the United States, universities are confronting the issue of developing not only a diverse student body, but also a diverse faculty, staff, and administration. In the intervening years, much research has been conducted in the area of diversity within universities. Past research focused on the attitudes towards diversity, necessity and benefits of diversity, and student initiatives to address these issues. However, the vast majority of diversity research centers on human resources issues. In 2006, Commissioner Tom Meredith of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) charged the Mississippi higher education institutions with increasing the diversity of faculty, staff, and students. The purpose of this study is to investigate the diversity among these institutions and to determine the effect of the mandate by the IHL on the diversity of employees and students at these universities. Data analysis includes a report of the current diversity status and analysis of change based on the mandate. This study concludes with a discussion of the results, implications of these results, and directions for future research.
A New Technique for the Measurement of Cerebral Blood Volume Using 3 μ m Microspheres

Our laboratory has developed a new technique for the measurement of cerebral blood volume (CBV) utilizing 3 μ m radionuclide labeled polystyrene microspheres (RMS). RMS are attractive tracers in view of the variety of gamma emitting labels that are readily available, the simplicity of their application, and the safety afforded by the encasement of the isotope within the spheres. In addition, possible applications of 3 μ m RMS include simultaneous 15 m RMS blood flow determinations and their use with soluble beta emitting isotopes from which they may be physically separated1. Experiments were designed to validate the 3μ m RMS method according to the following criteria: 1) 3 μ m RMS are not extracted by the brain, 2) systemic clearance of 3 μ m RMS is predictable, 3) CBV measurements are similar to those obtained using currently available techniques, 4) the method is sensitive to changes in cerebral blood volume, and 5) the tracer does not alter the animal’s physiologic status.
Switching Costs, Cost of Debt, and Product Market Competition

This paper studies switching cost induced cost of debt with product market competition and non-financial stakeholders. We find that consumer switching costs endogenously generate cost of debt, and the cost of debt is increasing in the switching cost, but decreasing in the degree of product market competition. Moreover, a firm's price is decreasing in its own debt, but increasing in its rival's debt. We also study the welfare implications and find that debt generally decreases both consumer surplus and social welfare.
Long-term outcomes of neovascular glaucoma treated with and without intravitreal bevacizumab

Long-term outcomes of neovascular glaucoma treated with and without intravitreal bevacizumab
Development of a Solid Model Based Method for Investigating Facet Articulation

Facets make up two of the three joints within the three joint complex found in any given FSU.[1] The methods currently discussed in the literature relevant to facet measurements have employed suboptimal methods of characterizing the facet and the effects from various treatments. A noncontacting, nondisruptive method of facet measurements is needed in order to fully understand the role of the intact facet joint. Articulation, characterized by facet proximity with facet joint capsules kept intact may be an important method in determining facet response.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Model-Based Attitude Control of Spacecraft with Partially-Filled Fuel Tank

This paper presents a Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model-based controller which stabilizes the attitude of spacecraft with a partially-filled fuel tank. First, the nonlinear equations of motion of spacecraft containing a liquid fuel store is presented briefly. Then, the fuzzy modeling and the parallel distributed compensation control technique are applied. The proposed fuzzy controller is a nonlinear controller which utilizes full-state feedback with bounded control input. Using a quadratic Lyapunov function, the fuzzy control design problem can be formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities. In the end, we evaluate the proposed control system performance via numerical simulation results.
G359 Rituximab In Nephrotic Syndrome

Aims To assess the efficacy of rituximab at inducing and maintaining remission in nephrotic syndrome. Methods A retrospective chart review of 13 patients with nephrotic syndrome who received rituximab in our hospital between September 2006 and October 2013. Results We present 13 children with nephrotic syndrome who failed to maintain remission with other immunosupressive regimes. Mean age at diagnosis was 6.84 years (range 14 years – 2 years). Mean time period of nephrosis prior to rituximab was 5.84 years. Previous treatments: Tacrolimus (11/13) Mycophenolate (11/13) Cyclosporine A (11/13) Cyclophosphamide (6/13). 38% received all 4 immunosupressors. Of those that underwent biopsy: 2 MCD, 3 FSGS, 3 IgM nephropathy and 1 MPGN. Indications for Rituximab: steroid resistance (2/13), steroid dependent frequent relapse (8/13) and steroid dependent excessive steroid side effects (3/13). Rituximab dose was 375 mg/m 2 . 2 doses were administered while the 2 cases of MPGN received4 doses. Average number of relapses the year prior to Rituximab was 2.87, decreasing to 0.38 the year post. One steroid resistant patient did not achieve full remission. The mean dosage of steroids at time of first Rituximab was 0.27 mg/kg/d, decreasing to 0.06 mg/kg/d two months post. The mean length of time to stopping steroids was 4.63 months. B cell depletion was monitored in 11 patients (84.6%): 8 (72.7%) achieved complete B cell depletion. Six patients (46.1%) received a second cycle of Rituximab at a mean interval of 18.5 months (range 1224). All patients had B cell recovery prior to relapse. At most recent follow up 12 out of 13 patients remain on an immunosuppressor. Conclusion Rituximab markedly decreased both the frequency of relapse and steroid dependency. Only one patient did not achieve remission post Rituximab; this patient was steroid resistant and did not have complete B cell depletion (B cells 2% at lowest count). 46% of patients required subsequent doses within 2 years, while 92% of patients remain on an immunosupressor. Optimal initial dosing of Rituximab to achieve B cell depletion and the need for ongoing immunosuppression post an adequate cycle needs to be reviewed.
Digoxin Toxicity with Therapeutic Levels

A case of digoxin toxicity occurring in a patient with stable renal function and serum digoxin levels of 0.6–0.9 ng/ml is discussed. The patient is a 62-year-old black male admitted to the hospital with a chief complaint of shortness of breath.The patient's problem list included: (1) congestive heart failure, (2) coronary artery disease, (3) adult-onset diabetes mellitus, (4) cerebral vascular accident, (5) fever, and (6) anemia. The patient complained of a poor appetite and “sour stomach” while on digoxin. Serum electrolytes were normal, and the serum creatinine was essentially stable with a range of 1.2–1.6 mg% reported. Despite the “apparent” therapeutic serum digoxin levels, a probable diagnosis of digoxin toxicity was made, and the patient responded within two days of the dechallenge with improvement in the nausea and anorexia.The limitations and problems in assessing digoxin toxicity with serum digoxin levels are discussed.
An Efficient Eligible Error Locator Polynomial Searching Algorithm and Hardware Architecture for One-Pass Chase Decoding of BCH Codes

In numerous memory and communication systems, Bose–Chaudhuri–Hocquenghem (BCH) codes are widely employed to enhance reliability. A one-pass Chase soft-decision decoding algorithm for BCH codes was previously proposed to achieve significant performance improvement over traditional hard-decision decoding while not increasing too much computational complexity. The bottleneck in conventional one-pass Chase decoding is the procedure of judging whether an obtained error locator polynomial is valid. In this brief, a novel algorithm that can efficiently verify eligibility of each generated error locator polynomial is proposed. The problem is first reformulated as a polynomial modulo problem, where repeated squaring can be employed for further simplification. In order to decrease the critical path delay and hardware complexity, an efficient polynomial division algorithm based on polynomial inversion is also proposed. In addition, a VLSI architecture for the proposed algorithm is presented. The implemented results show that the proposed eligibility checking algorithm reduces the gate counts to only 12% of a conventional polynomial selection algorithm without introducing any speed penalty. The projected area reduction achieved in a complete one-pass Chase decoder is approximately 75%. In addition, post-layout simulation shows that the proposed algorithm is 20 times more power efficient than the conventional method.
WE-FG-201-00: High Impact Technologies for Low Resource Environments

Many low- and middle-income countries lack the resources and services to manage cancer, from screening and diagnosis to radiation therapy planning, treatment and quality assurance. The challenges in upgrading or introducing the needed services are enormous, and include severe shortages in equipment and trained staff. In this symposium, we will describe examples of technology and scientific research that have the potential to impact all these areas. These include: (1) the development of high-quality/low-cost colposcopes for cervical cancer screening, (2) the application of automated radiotherapy treatment planning to reduce staffing shortages, (3) the development of a novel radiotherapy treatment unit, and (4) utilizing a cloud-based infrastructure to facilitate collaboration and QA. Learning Objectives: 1.Understand some of the issues in cancer care in low- resource environments, including shortages in staff and equipment, and inadequate physical infrastructure for advanced radiotherapy. 2.Understand the challenges in developing and deploying diagnostic and treatment devices and services for low-resource environments. 3.Understand some of the emerging technological solutions for cancer management in LMICs. NCI; L. Court, NIH, Varian, Elekta; I. Feain, Ilana Feain is founder and CTO of Nano-X Pty Ltd
Securing pressure measurements using SensorPUFs

We present a micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) relay based physical unclonable function (PUF) that is capable of sensing pressure while providing an assurance of authenticity. The unique properties of the SensorPUF arise from the pressure sensitivity of electrostatically actuated MEM relay structures. Thus, pres sure sensing is made secure by the integration of the sensor reading with the challenge-response generation circuitry. We evaluate the pressure SensorPUF design in terms of uniqueness, diffuseness, uniformity and bit-aliasing while considering the effect of pressure.
A Quick Look at Organizational Behavior

Organizational behavior refers to the collective activities of individuals and groups within an organization. Organizational behavior is influenced by both internal and external elements. The paper includes a model for organizational development process, and the applications of organizational behavior in the five basic functions of the business.
Nonflavonoid Inducers of nod Genes in Rhizobium Meliloti: Apparent NodD2 Activators Released Naturally from Alfalfa Seeds Add New Dimensions to Rhizosphere Biology

New data show that two betaines, trigonelline and stachydrine, are major components of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seed rinse and induce transcription of nodulation (nod) genes by activating the regulatory NodD2 protein in Rhizobium meliloti. The nonflavonoid nature of these compounds broadens our understanding of natural ecochemical factors that plants use to regulate rhizosphere microbes.
Interference management and backhaul design in wireless networks via a DoF analysis

This paper summarizes recent results on interference management and backhaul design in wireless networks via a degrees of freedom (DoF) analysis. A K-user interference network with coordinated multipoint (CoMP) transmission is considered first, under backhaul load constraints that limit the cooperation between the basestation transmitters. The per user DoF is characterized for locally connected linear interference networks and then extended to the more practical hexagonal sectored cellular networks. For the studied network models, by allowing for CoMP transmission and a flexible message assignment that is constrained by an average backhaul load, one can deliver the rate gains promised by information-theoretic upper bounds with practical one-shot zero-forcing schemes that incur little or no additional load on the backhaul. The DoF gains are then characterized for the downlink of a two-layered heterogeneous hexagonal cellular network with macro base stations (MB), small cell base stations (SB) that act as half duplex analog relays, and mobile terminals (MT). The first layer is a point-to-multipoint wireless backhaul between macro base stations and small cell base stations, and the second layer is the transmission layer between SBs and MTs. The two layers are assumed to use the same time/frequency resources for communication, thus limiting the maximum achievable per user DoF in the system to half, due to the half-duplex nature of the SBs. The proposed schemes are simple zero forcing schemes that employ joint processing and achieve cooperation similar to the single-layer K-user network but without overloading the wireless backhaul. This is achieved by sending an appropriate linear combination of users' messages from the MBs to the SBs that zero force the interference at the MTs. The achievable schemes exploit the half-duplexity of the SBs in the system and schedule the SBs and MTs to be active in different time-slots to reduce the interference. In particular, it is shown that the optimal per user DoF of half can be approached in a hexagonal sectored cellular network using only zero forcing schemes.