cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of gene silencing by double-stranded RNA

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is an important regulator of gene expression in many eukaryotes. It triggers different types of gene silencing that are collectively referred to as RNA silencing or RNA interference. A key step in known silencing pathways is the processing of dsRNAs into short RNA duplexes of characteristic size and structure. These short dsRNAs guide RNA silencing by specific and distinct mechanisms. Many components of the RNA silencing machinery still need to be identified and characterized, but a more complete understanding of the process is imminent.
Head-up tilt table test: how far and how long?

There is great variation between laboratories in the angle and duration of tilt used in the head-up tilt table test. We compared the hemodynamic response to three sequential randomized 20-min tilts of 60°, 80° and 90° in 20 normal subjects. We studied 66 patients to determine the duration of tilt needed to document three types of orthostatic intolerance. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored non-invasively. Thirty-nine patients with orthostatic hypotension of diverse causes and 17 patients with orthostatic tachycardia plus were tilted to 90° for 10 min. Ten patients with vasovagal syncope were tilted to 90° for 30 min. A multivariate analysis of variance performed to assess the hemodynamic responses to 60°, 80° and 90° tilts did not show a statistically significant difference (F=0.459). Logistic regression analyses revealed that the duration of tilt required to document orthostatic hypotension was 5 min (73% cases correctly identified), orthostatic tachycardia plus 10 min (86.5% cases correctly identified) and neurally mediated syncope 10 min (86.5% cases correctly identified). Tilt duration is a more important variable than tilt angle and the duration of the tilt should depend on the suspected cause of orthostatic intolerance.
An approach to time-limited humanistic-dynamic counselling

Abstract Some of the difficulties, dilemmas and opportunities afforded by working within a time-limited counselling framework are explored. The author's range of work, and the relative importance of time-limited work in it, are briefly described. A brief outline of the change process is then given, which includes a discussion of the author's ‘philosophy of the person’—i.e. our fundamental beliefs and assumptions about what we believe a ‘person’ to be (for example, a mechanistic, soul-less collection of matter, or an indissolubly whole organism with a ‘soul’ or ‘spirit’). This discussion provides the backdrop for some reflections on the extent to which time-limited working is consistent with, and adaptable to, a humanistic-dynamic conception of the person, and on the nature of the ‘therapeutic’ change process.
In situ observations of reconnection Hall magnetic fields at Mars: Evidence for ion diffusion region encounters

[1] We present Mars Global Surveyor measurements of bipolar out-of-plane magnetic fields at current sheets in Mars' magnetosphere. These signatures match predictions from simulations and terrestrial observations of collisionless magnetic reconnection, and could similarly indicate differential ion and electron motion and the resulting Hall current systems near magnetic X lines. Thus, these observations may represent passages through or very near reconnection diffusion regions at Mars. Out of 28 events found at 400 km altitude with well-defined current sheet orientations, 26 have magnetic fields consistent with the expected polarities of Hall fields near diffusion regions. For these events, we find an average ratio of Hall field to main field of 0.51 ± 0.13, and an average ratio of normal to main field (reconnection rate) of 0.16 ± 0.09, consistent with terrestrial observations of reconnection. These events do not consistently correlate with the location of crustal fields or with IMF reversals, indicating that magnetic field draping alone (perhaps enhanced by high solar wind dynamic pressure) may generate current sheets capable of reconnection. For some events, we observe field-aligned electrons that may carry parallel currents that close the Hall current loop. Electron distributions around current sheets often indicate magnetic connection to the collisional exosphere. For crossings sunward of the X line, we usually observe an electron flux minimum at the current sheet, consistent with the resulting closed magnetic structure. For crossings antisunward of the X line, we do not observe flux minima, consistent with field lines open downstream. Collisionless reconnection, if common at Mars, could represent a significant atmospheric loss process.
An Ultra-Lightweight Multi-Source Power Harvesting System for Insect Cyborg Sentinels

The overall purpose of this study was to analyze multi-source energy harvesters for creation of a rechargeable onboard power system, capable of supplying 5–50mW of intermittent power at a system mass of less than one gram, to be placed on a cyborg MAV (CMAV). To recharge the system, three sources of available ambient energy with respect to the application were explored, solar, thermal, and kinetic. Evaluations were performed based on magnitudes of available energy from each source, mass, dimension, and biocompatible constraints for each of the transducers, and specific power output of each energy harvester. Conclusions of this research show the magnitudes of the performance for photo-voltaic, thermoelectric, piezoelectric, and electromagnetic transducers weighing less than one gram. In addition, issues related to combining these multi-sourced energy harvesters into a collective power system are discussed.© 2008 ASME
Smoking and idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy

Two case control studies were performed to evaluate whether smoking may affect myocardial function. Cardiomyopathy subjects had a greater pack year smoking history than 52 control subjects with no CAD (p<0.02) and were more likely to have diabetes (p<0.10), but they did not differ from controls with respect to age, alcohol intake, or the presence of hypertension. The risk of cardiomyopathy doubled with an increase of 39 pack years. Smoking history was not related to ejection fraction for subjects with severe coronary artery disease. These results suggest that smoking may be an important risk factor for idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy.
Do Neighborhood Organizational Resources Impact Recidivism

There is a growing literature investigating how neighborhood organizations impact crime, although recidivism or reoffending has been excluded from this discussion. Combining data on recidivism and organizational availability in Chicago with the 2000 Census and the 2007–2011 American Community Survey, this study models the effect of three types of organizations important for ex-prisoners (emergency assistance, employment, and education) and their changes on neighborhood-level recidivism from 2001 to 2006. Results show that changes in the availability of certain types of organizations impact recidivism. Non-trivial losses (losing two or more organizations) of educational organizations across years increase neighborhood recidivism. Also, disadvantage moderates the effect of non-trivial gains in organizations; specifically, in low-disadvantage neighborhoods, gains in employment organizations decrease recidivism. These results suggest that ex-prisoners are exposed to variability in local organizational environments, and this variability has an impact on overall recidivism. Neighborhood-based policy aimed at lowering recidivism should not only work to increase these organizations in neighborhoods, but also work to stabilize their presence.
On the intergrability of the martingale square function

Letf=(f 1,f 2,..) be a martingale. It is proved that theL 1 norms of sup n |f n | and of $$\left( {\sum {\left( {f_n - f_{n - 1} } \right)^2 } } \right)^{\tfrac{1}{2}} $$ are equivalent. This result completes results of D. L. Burkholder and R. F. Gundy on operators on martingales.
A note concerning the relative importance of deposition versus transport in affecting air pollutant concentrations in an industrial area

Abstract The concentration of a pollutant in an industrial region is primarily a function of source strength and rate of dispersion by the wind. Removal by deposition has little effect on the local concentration. This is illustrated by a simple box model.
Superior colliculus projections to tactile areas of rat cerebellar hemispheres

The spatial organization of the projections of the superior colliculus (SC) to the contralateral cerebellar hemisphere and posterior vermis was examined using micromapping techniques in barbiturate or ketamine anesthetized rats. Electrical stimulation of the tactile-responsive intermediate layers of SC evoked responses in tactile regions of the contralateral granule cell (GC) layer of cerebellar cortex. In most experiments, the SC stimulating electrode remained stationary while the cerebellar electrode mapped the region of the GC layer activated by SC stimulation. In a few experiments, the cerebellar recording electrode remained fixed while the SC electrode mapped the area of effective stimulation. Puncture densities up to 60/sq.mm were necessary to fully determine the spatial pattern of these projections. Major results are: (1) cerebellar responses to SC stimulation are found in the GC layer of contralateral crus I, crus II, lobulus simplex, and the paramedian lobule; no responses were seen in the uvula. The anterior lobe was not examined; (2) peripheral receptive fields (RFs) of the interconnected SC and GC loci consist exclusively of facial structures (especially vibrissae, crown, bridge of nose, and eyelid); (3) SC sources project within the confines of GC layer patches with similar RFs; (4) GC layer responses typically consist of an early, low amplitude potential, followed by a multiple-unit response; and (5) latencies of GC layer responses to SC stimulation are 2.2–2.5 msec for the early potential, and 2.5–3.5 msec for the multiple-unit response. This is the first physiological demonstration of projections from the superior colliculus to the cerebellar hemispheres. The results of this and other studies in our laboratory30,39,40 indicate that the tactile areas of the cerebellar hemispheres receive convergent inputs from peripheral, tectal, and SI cortical tactile sources.
A Bayesian method for finding regulatory segments in DNA

A goal of the human genome project is to determine the entire sequence of DNA (3 × 109 base pairs) found in chromosomes. The massive amounts of data produced by this project require interpretation. A Bayesian model is developed for locating regulatory regions in a DNA sequence. Regulatory regions are areas of DNA to which specific proteins bind and control whether or not a gene is transcribed to produce templates for protein synthesis. Each human cell contains the same DNA sequence. Thus the particular function of different cells is determined by the genes that are transcribed in that cell. A Hidden Markov chain is used to model whether a small interval of the DNA is in a regulatory region or not. This can be regarded as a changepoint problem where the changepoints are the start of a regulatory or nonregulatory region. The data consists of protein-binding elements, which are short subsequences, or “words,” in the DNA sequence. Although these words can occur anywhere in the sequence, a larger number are expected in regulatory regions. Therefore, regulatory regions are detected by locating clusters of words. For a particular DNA sequence, the model automatically selects those words that best predict regions of interest. Markov chain Monte Carlo methods are used to explore the posterior distribution of the Hidden Markov chain. The model is tested by means of simulations, and applied to several DNA sequences. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopoly 58: 165–174, 2001
Crystallographic characterization of the Fab fragment of a monoclonal anti-ss-DNA antibody.

Female F1 hybrids from the cross of NZB† and NZW inbred mice spontaneously develop an autoimmune syndrome similar to SLE (Howie and Helyer, 1968; Andrews iet al., 1978; Tan, 1982). The F1 progeny produce autoantibodies specific for nuclear components such as oligonucleotides and nucleoprotein complexes. Hybridoma technology has made it possible to generate plasmacytomas secreting monoclonal antibodies reactive with a variety of these nuclear antigens. As an example, splenocytes from F1 mice exhibiting this pathology were fused with nonsecreting murine myeloma cells to produce a cell line (BV 04–01) secreting a monoclonal IgG2b (κ) antibody (Ballard et al., 1985; Ballard and Voss, submitted). The BV 04–01 antibody bound thermally-denatured (single-stranded) DNA from calf thymus or plasmids in preference to the duplex forms. The protein exhibited a base specificity for pyrimidines, with greater affinity for thymine than uracil. Using 5'-phosphorylated oligodeoxythymidilic acids. Ballard and Voss (1985) found that binding was detectable when the epitope size exceeded 5 bases. The oligonucleotide binding was characterized by an inverse temperature dependence between 2° and 40°C (ΔH ~ −7.5 Kcal/mole). The influence of ionic strength on DNA binding by the BV04–01 antibody was determined from titrations with NaCl increasing in concentration from 0.15 to 1.5 M (Ballard and Voss, 1985). Binding decreased less than 2-fold over this range, indicating that electrostatic interactions with the phosphate moieties played a relatively minor role in the stabilization of the DNA-protein complex (see Riggs et al., 1970; Lee et al., 1982). The Fab region of the BV04–01 antibody proved to be an excellent candidate for structural studies by X-ray diffraction methods. After cleavage of the antibody with papain, the Fab fragments were purified, crystallized and subjected to preliminary X-ray analysis. Characterization of these fragments is the subject of the present report.
Glibenclamide antagonizes adenosine A1 receptor-mediated cardioprotection in stunned canine myocardium.

BACKGROUNDThe main objective of the present study was to determine the role of adenosine in the development of myocardial stunning following multiple, brief periods of coronary artery occlusion as well as the subtype of adenosine receptor (A1 or A2) involved. A second objective was to determine if there was an interaction between the adenosine A1 receptor and the ATP-dependent K channel (KATP).METHODS AND RESULTSThe effects of the selective adenosine A1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) and agonist cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), the selective A2 receptor agonist CGS 21680, and the KATP channel blocker glibenclamide on myocardial stunning produced by repetitive coronary artery occlusions were studied in barbital-anesthetized dogs. Regional segment function was measured with sonomicrometry. Under control conditions, six 5-minute periods of coronary occlusion interspersed with 10-minute periods of reperfusion and ultimately followed by 2 hours of reperfusion produced regional segmen...
Robustness of the Hearing Aid Speech Quality Index (HASQI)

Objective measures of speech quality have been the subject of significant prior work, particularly in the areas of speech codecs and communication channels for normal-hearing listeners. One of the primary concerns of researchers in this area is how these metrics generalize to datasets or listener studies which are “unknown” to the measures. Another growing concern is how these metrics perform for the hearing-impaired community. Researchers working with the this community need to be able to predict how hearing-impaired listeners will perceive the quality of speech, as well as how they will perceive the quality of speech processed specifically by hearing aids. A relatively recent metric, the Hearing Aid Speech Quality Index (HASQI), is a model-based objective measure of quality developed in the context of hearing aids for normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners (Kates & Arehart, Journal of the Audio Engineering Society, 2010). As such, HASQI makes substantial progress on some of the generalization issues. However, HASQI has not been tested thus far on any datasets other than the one on which it was trained. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the robustness of HASQI in predicting subjective quality. We use an “unknown” dataset of noisy speech processed by noise suppression algorithms, along with a corresponding set of subjective quality scores from normal-hearing listeners, to demonstrate HASQI's prediction performance. Furthermore, we compare HASQI's performance with that of several other objective measures in order to provide a point of reference.
Evolution of Fatigue-Resistant Steel Bridges:

Fatigue cracking was seldom found in welded highway and railroad bridges from the time of their introduction in the 1950s until the late 1960s. The fatigue design specifications used in that era were developed from a limited knowledge base and largely with small-scale specimens that simulated welded details. During the AASHO Road Test in 1960 fatigue cracks were observed to develop in cover-plated steel bridge beams as a result of the heavy loads and high stress ranges. This observation subsequently resulted in a series of experimental studies supported by NCHRP starting in 1967. The laboratory studies with full-scale details were designed to evaluate the significance of many factors thought to influence fatigue resistance, including loading history (and associated stress states including residual stresses), type of steel, design details, and quality of fabrication. These studies indicated that small-scale specimens overestimated fatigue resistance and that only the stress range for a given detail was cri...
All-epitaxial current- and mode-confined AlGaAs/GaAs VCSEL

An all-epitaxial current- and mode-confining vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser is demonstrated that eliminates the need for any post-growth oxidation step. The current and optical mode are self-aligned and confined to the same lithographically defined area in an AlGaAs cavity.
An assessment of predictability of LNG vapor dispersion from catastrophic spills onto water

Abstract Predictions of the downwind travel of LNG vapor—air mixtures based on mathematical modelling by several groups have shown wide variations. A review and assessment of these predictions is summarized in this paper. Its objectives were to provide a detailed description of the models, and using them to estimate maximum downwind travel for a standard scenario, to enable valid comparisons to be made; to identify the reasons for differences found; to define the present “state-of-the-art”; and recommend further work. Models produced by seven groups and the predictions which they give, are described and compared. The results of this comparison and the wide variations are discussed. The objectives of further work now in progress are given.
Rapid Fatty Acid Ethyl Ester Synthesis by Porcine Myocardium Upon Ethanol Infusion into the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery

Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs), nonoxidative metabolites of ethanol, have been implicated in ethanol-induced heart injury. To assess the in vivo production of FAEEs by myocardial tissue, we used a modified ethanol ablation procedure in pigs. A controlled 60-minute ethanol infusion was administered into the distal left anterior descending coronary artery in seven swine; serial blood sampling of the coronary sinus and peripheral vein before, during, and after infusion allowed measurement of FAEE production and ethanol levels in the coronary sinus and the peripheral circulation. In a single animal, FAEEs were also quantified from nine different sites within the myocardium. FAEEs were produced by the heart within 5 minutes of exposure to ethanol, with very high concentrations of FAEEs detected in coronary sinus blood. Significant variability in amounts of FAEEs was detected in different regions of the heart tissue. A strong correlation was found between coronary sinus FAEEs and ethanol concentration (r = 0.9241, P < 0.00001). FAEE production by the heart after delivery of ethanol into the left anterior descending coronary artery was rapid, reaching levels in the coronary sinus blood 4 to 10 times greater than that found in peripheral blood after ethanol intake. These data demonstrate that FAEEs may be mediators of ethanol-induced cardiotoxicity.
The Intramandibular Joint in Girella: A Mechanism for Increased Force Production?

Intramandibular joints (IMJ) are novel articulations between bony elements of the lower jaw that have evolved independently in multiple fish line- ages and are typically associated with biting herbivory. This novel joint is hypothesized to function by augment- ing oral jaw expansion during mouth opening, which would increase contact between the tooth-bearing area of the jaws and algal substratum during feeding, result- ing in more effective food removal from the substrate. Currently, it is not understood if increased flexibility in a double-jointed mandible also results in increased force generation during herbivorous biting and/or scraping. Therefore, we selected the herbivore Girella laevifrons for a mechanical study of the IMJ lower jaw lever sys- tem. For comparative purposes, we selected Graus nigra, a non-IMJ-bearing species, from a putative sister genus. Shortening of the lower jaw, during flexion at the IMJ, resulted in a more strongly force-amplifying closing le- ver system in the lower jaw, even in the absence of nota- ble changes to the sizes of the muscles that power the le- ver system. To explain how the IMJ itself functions, we use a four-bar linkage that models the transmission of force and velocity to and through the lower jaw via the IMJ. When combined, the functionally interrelated lever and linkage models predict velocity to be amplified dur- ing jaw opening, whereas jaw closing is highly force modified by the presence of the IMJ. Moreover, the func- tion of the IMJ late during jaw closure provides enough velocity to detach sturdy and resilient prey. Thus, this novel jaw system can alternate between amplifying the force or the velocity exerted onto the substrate where food items are attached. This unique mechanical configu- ration supports the argument that IMJs are functional innovations that have evolved to meet novel mechanical challenges and constraints placed on the feeding appara- tus by attached and sturdy food sources. J. Morphol. 271:271-279, 2010. 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Underdiagnosis of Pediatric Obesity and Underscreening for Fatty Liver Disease and Metabolic Syndrome by Pediatricians and Pediatric Subspecialists

Objectives To evaluate how often general pediatricians, pediatric endocrinologists, and gastroenterologists diagnose children as overweight and how often interventions are provided, including nutritional counseling and screening for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome. Study design The study was a retrospective chart review of outpatient visits at 2 academic hospitals. Results A total of 2256 patient visits were analyzed, including 715 visits by overweight children. Of those 715 visits, 31% resulted in a diagnosis of overweight. Diagnosis of overweight and nutritional counseling were least likely to occur during gastroenterology visits (22% and 13%, respectively, P P P Conclusions The majority of overweight children were not diagnosed and did not receive relevant and recommended evaluations and interventions. Specific attention should be focused on providing diagnosis and interventions for overweight children, especially those age
On estimating the hydraulic properties of soil, Part 3. Parameters of the Philip infiltration equation

Abstract Using a large number of experimental data, the paper estimates the parameters of the Philip infiltration equation. The values of these parameters are obtained using the Philip approach, which employs the hydraulic properties of soil. In the absence of extensive measurements, the tabulated results can be used in modelling infiltration. The paper introduces approximate sorptivity expressions that use a limited number of parameters. Sorptivity may be estimated reasonably well from a knowledge of moisture deficit, a representative capillary pressure, and saturated hydraulic conductivity. The accuracy of prediction is highest for coarser materials. For coarse materials (sands), second-power sorptivity can be approximated as a linear function of initial effective saturation. The proposed expressions for sorptivity can be used as a substitute for the lengthy Philip procedure.
Learners' developing knowledge of strategies for regulating motivation

This research investigated children's developing knowledge of strategies for maintaining motivation. First graders, third graders, fifth graders, and adults were presented with a motivational dilemma and asked to evaluate the effectiveness of several strategies for sustaining motivation. Adults demonstrated more knowledge of the effectiveness of a variety of strategies than did fifth graders, who demonstrated more knowledge than did third or first graders. The younger groups did, however, demonstrate understanding of concrete strategies for regulating motivation in contrast to more mental strategies, which were not understood until later in elementary school. The implications of these findings as well as the relationship between strategy knowledge and strategy use are discussed.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy and AV optimization increase myocardial oxygen consumption, but increase cardiac function more than proportionally

Background The mechanoenergetic effects of atrioventricular delay optimization during biventricular pacing (“cardiac resynchronization therapy”, CRT) are unknown.
Clinical and Biological Significance of KISS1 Expression in Prostate Cancer

For men in the United States, prostate cancer (PCa) is the most frequent malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer mortality. The metastatic spread of PCa is responsible for most deaths related to PCa. Although KISS1 functions as a metastasis suppressor in various cancers, its expression levels and functions in PCa development and progression remain undetermined. The goals of this study were to correlate the expression levels of KISS1 in PCas with clinicopathologic characteristics and to assess the biological relevance of KISS1 to the viability and motility of PCa cells. Strong KISS1 staining was detected in benign prostate tissues, but the staining was weaker in primary and metastatic PCas (both P t -test). Furthermore, the low expression levels of KISS1 in PCas correlated with clinical stage ( P P
High school football injuries: a prospective study and pitfalls of data collection

A 4 year prospective study (1982 to 1985) of high school varsity football injuries from the four Peoria high school football teams was undertaken. Two hundred fifty-one injuries were recorded among a player population of 598, resulting in an injury rate of 42.1% per 100 players. All of the players followed a prescribed preseason summer conditioning program that was endorsed by the Illinois High School Athletic Association. The injuries were recorded on an athletic injury profile and entered into a computer for data analysis and retrieval. The injury distribution by player position showed that halfbacks, tackles, linebackers, and guards had a higher risk of injury than other positions. The knee was the body part injured most frequently (20.3%). A matrix of injuries to halfbacks was set up to examine the relationship of body part injured to type of play, time of injury, and activity during injury. An anthropometric study using the Quetelet index did not reveal any correlation between injury and body size when the injured players were compared with the non-injured players. Experience since 1969 has taught us many of the errors and pitfalls involved in injury surveillance. Strict adherence to recording of data will ensure an accurate and useful injury surveillance program.
Outcomes of Periprosthetic Hip Fractures

Periprosthetic fractures of the femur during or after total hip replacement represent a complex problem that may threaten the function and independence of the patient. The purpose of this paper is to highlight factors related to the patient, the fracture, the associated arthroplasty, and the treatment that may affect outcome. A clear understanding of these factors will assist the treating orthopedist in deciding upon an appropriate treatment plan.
Computation of absorption by H2O near 4250 cm-1

Abstract By comparing computed and observed spectra over the region 4210–4310 cm-1, it is shown that the H2O line parameters calculated by Flaud and Camy-Peyret for this region represent a significant improvement over those listed in the revised version of the AFCRL Atmospheric Absorption Line Parameter Compilation.
Effects of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormones, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone, and Vasopressin on Female Sexual Behavior

Abstract The effects of intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of four neuropeptides on female sexual behavior were examined in the female musk shrew ( Suncus murinus ). In the first experiment, (icv) infusion of 100 ng of the mammalian form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (mGnRH) facilitated rapid display of receptivity. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone-infused females had shorter latencies to rump present and tail wag, compared with controls. In a second experiment, icv administration of the other form of GnRH present in musk shrew brain, the chicken GnRH-II form, produced no changes in female behavior relative to the control condition. In Experiment 3, icv delivery of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) facilitated female sexual behavior, relative to vasopressin and controls. The females treated with CRH had shorter latencies to display rump present, tail wag, and for the receipt of the first missed intromission compared with females in the other treatment groups. Vasopressin increased female scent marking relative to that of CRH-treated females. These data indicate that neurohormones of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axes can facilitate reproductive behavior in S. murinus.
Computer-based script training for aphasia: Emerging themes from post-treatment interviews

Abstract This study presents results of post-treatment interviews following computer-based script training for persons with chronic aphasia. Each of the 23 participants received 9 weeks of AphasiaScripts training. Post-treatment interviews were conducted with the person with aphasia and/or a significant other person. The 23 interviews yielded 584 coded comments that were categorized into ten themes. Five of the themes related to the communication behaviors of the participant, whereas the other five related to the computer program and study procedures. Examples of each theme are presented. The themes provide qualitative evidence of change and generalization, supporting the use of this computer-based script training program. Learning outcomes: The reader will be able to describe (1) a computer program developed for training scripts for individuals with aphasia, and (2) Summarize themes derived from post-treatment interviews regarding changes in communication after computer-based script training.
Abstract C37: Reduced annexin A6 expression enhances EGFR degradation and sensitizes invasive breast cancer cells to EGFR-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors

The role of annexin A6 (AnxA6), a calcium-dependent phospholipid binding protein, in breast carcinogenesis remains poorly understood. Some reports suggest that AnxA6 inhibits the activation and down-stream signaling of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). On the contrary, other studies have shown that AnxA6 not only stabilizes activated receptors on the cell surface but also promotes the expression of differentiation markers in chondrocytes. Together with our recent study showing that AnxA6 expression is reduced in breast cancer, we investigated whether AnxA6 expression status influences breast cancer outcome in patients and whether this may be attributed to its modulation of EGFR expression. We show that low AnxA6 expression correlates with reduced distant metastasis-free and overall survival, but is associated with a higher probability for recurrence-free survivalof patients with basal-like breast cancer. To determine whether these effects are mediated via EGFR, a predictive marker of basal-like breast cancer, we examined the effects of altered expression of AnxA6 in AnxA6-high invasive triple negative breast cancer cells. Interestingly, depletion of AnxA6 in invasive BT-549 cells was accompanied by decreased expression of EGFR protein and mRNA. We also show that in invasive breast cancer cells, AnxA6 expression is required for sustained membrane localization of activated EGFR and persistent downstream signaling. Consequently, AnxA6-depleted cells exhibited decreased cell motility, and increased sensitivity to the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), lapatinib and PD153035. On the contrary, over-expression of AnxA6 in AnxA6-low HCC1806 cells did not affect their motility but as expected, inhibited their growth in 3D matrigel cultures. These data suggest that AnxA6-modulation of EGFR expression and activity underlies at least in part, the changes in proliferation, metastatic potentials and sensitivity to EGFR-targeted TKIs of invasive breast cancer cells. Our data also suggest that AnxA6 expression status may predict the survival and likelihood to respond to EGFR-targeted therapies of patients with basal-like breast cancer. Citation Format: Rainelli B. Koumangoye, Josiah Ochieng, Amos M. Sakwe. Reduced annexin A6 expression enhances EGFR degradation and sensitizes invasive breast cancer cells to EGFR-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Third AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; Sep 18-22, 2013; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(19 Suppl):Abstract nr C37.
Successes and Challenges of Using Whole Exome Sequencing to Identify Novel Genes Underlying an Inherited Predisposition for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Acute Aortic Dissections

Thoracic aortic aneurysms involving the aortic root and/or ascending aorta can lead to acute aortic dissections. Approximately 20% of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD) have a family history of the disease, referred to as familial TAAD (FTAAD) that can be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with variable expression with respect to disease presentation, age of onset and associated features. Whole exome sequencing (WES) has been used to identify causative mutations in novel genes for TAAD. The strategy used to reduce the large number of rare variants identified using WES is to sequence distant relatives with TAAD and filter for heterozygous rare variants that are shared between the relatives, predicted to disrupt protein function and segregate with the TAAD phenotype in other family members. Putative genes are validated by identifying additional families with a causative mutation in the genes. This approach has successfully identified novel genes for FTAAD.
Aspartase activity in soils: effects of trace elements and relationships to other amidohydrolases

The enzyme aspartase (l-aspartase ammonia-lyase, EC 4.3.1.1) catalyzes the hydrolysis of l-aspartate to produce fumarate and NH3. This enzyme is involved in N mineralization in soils. Recently, the activity of this enzyme was detected in soils, and a method was developed for its assay. The method was used in studies of the effects of the salts of 24 trace elements on the activity of aspartase in three field-moist soils and their air-dried counterparts. At 5 μmol g−1 soil, all the trace elements inhibited aspartase activity in the soils. With most of the elements, greater inhibition was found in air-dried than in field-moist soils. Among the trace elements studied, Ag(I) and Hg(II) were the most effective inhibitors of aspartase activity; >85% when added at 5 μmol g−1 soil. The least inhibition (12%) was with Ni added to the field-moist Harps soil and the greatest (98%) was with Ag(I) in the air-dried Weller soil. Aspartase activity was significantly correlated with the contents of organic C (r=0.85∗∗∗, P<0.001), total N (r=0.73∗∗∗) and clay (r=0.44∗, P<0.05) but not with the content of sand or the pH of 27 surface soils examined, including the three soils used in the studies of the effects of trace elements. The activity of this enzyme in soils was significantly correlated with the activities of asparaginase (r=0.94∗∗∗), glutaminase (r=0.88∗∗∗), urease (r=0.80∗∗∗) and amidase (r=0.44∗).
Special Issue: Biologically Relevant Heterocyclic Compounds

Heterocyclic chemistry is a rapidly growing branch of organic chemistry. While it was estimated that original research papers in heterocyclic chemistry published before 1982 constituted about 40% of organic chemistry literature [1], the number increased to more than 60% in 1998 [2]. This explosive growth is even greater when one considers research with heterocyclic compounds published in bioorganic, biophysical, pharmaceutical, and medicinal journals, among others. It is of interest, therefore, to publish this special issue of
Decreased c-fos Responses to Dopamine D1 Receptor Agonist Stimulation in Mice Deficient for D3 Receptors *

The acute administration of dopamine D1 receptor agonists induces the expression of the immediate early gene c-fos. In wild type mice, this induction is completely abolished by pretreatment with the D1-selective antagonist SCH23390, and pretreatment with the D2-like receptor antagonist eticlopride reduces the levels of c-fos expressed in response to D1 receptor stimulation. Mice deficient for the dopamine D3 receptor express levels of D1 agonist-stimulated c-fosimmunoreactivity that are lower than c-fos levels of their wild type littermates. Moreover, the acute blockade of D2receptors in D3 mutant mice further reduces c-fos expression levels. These data indicate that the basal activity of both D2 and D3 receptors contributes to D1 agonist-stimulated c-fosresponses. The findings therefore indicate that not only D2but also D3 receptors play a role in dopamine-regulated gene expression.
In-line monitoring of magnetic microparticles using GMR sensors in microfluidic systems

This paper presents the development of a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensor array for the in-line monitoring of magnetic microparticles in microfluidic systems. The GMR sensors employ Ni 80 Fe 20 /Cu multilayers with the thickness of each layer controlled between 1 nm to 3 nm, achieving a maximum magnetoresistance (MR) value of 16%. The multilayer films exhibit specific magnetoresistive properties that can be employed for the in-line detection of particular biological molecules bound to magnetic microparticles. The electrical current variations in the developed GMR sensor array in the presence of magnetic microparticles show that the GMR sensor array can be used for real-time monitoring of magnetic microparticles in microfluidic systems.
Congenital Heart Surgery Nomenclature and Database Project: ventricular septal defect

The extant nomenclature for ventricular septal defect (VSD) is reviewed for the purpose of establishing a unified reporting system. The subject was debated and reviewed by members of the STS-Congenital Heart Surgery Database Committee and representatives from the European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery. All efforts were made to include all relevant nomenclature categories using synonyms where appropriate. Four basic VSD types are described: Subarterial, Perimembranous, Inlet, and Muscular. A comprehensive database set is presented which is based on a hierarchical scheme. Data are entered at various levels of complexity and detail which can be determined by the clinician. These data can lay the foundation for comprehensive risk stratification analysis. A minimum database set is also presented which will allow for data sharing and would lend itself to basic interpretation of trends. Outcome tables relating diagnoses, procedures, and various risk factors are presented.
Variability in Institutional Review Board Assessment of Minimal‐risk Research

Objectives: To examine variability in responses from institutional review boards (IRBs) to submission of a proposed minimal-risk survey. Methods: Identical research proposals to obtain information concerning beliefs about the needs of victims of intimate partner violence via surveys were submitted for IRB approval to three institutions in the Baltimore metropolitan area. One institution is an academic center, one is an inner-city hospital affiliated with the academic center, and the third is a suburban community hospital. The study population consisted of emergency department health care providers and individuals in emergency department waiting areas. Results: Inconsistencies emerged among the three IRBs in the review process itself, the need for participant consent, and the need for revision of the consent form and study protocol. One institution approved the proposal in 15 business days after expedited review. The second institution approved the proposal in 12 business days and waived the requirement for informed consent. The third institution approved the research in 77 business days after three revisions. Questions raised included: methodology for selecting participants; appropriateness of surveying individuals in emergency department waiting areas; a request for background literature to assure that the research questions had not already been answered; and concerns about study methodology and sample size justification. Conclusions: In this sample, there is considerable variability in IRB processes even for minimal-risk studies.
A COMPUTATIONAL EVALUATION OF MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF POROUS SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS

The structural characteristics of porous shape memory alloys (SMAs) are determined through use of computational techniques. Mesoscale analyses techniques are used examine the behavior of porous materials through evaluation of a volume containing multiple pores. Finite element modeling of a representative volume element is performed to determine pore interactions, pore spacing and pore size effects. Porosity volume fractions ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 are examined. Results are compared with prior computational work in which micromechanical approaches based on unit cell analyses and averaging techniques were used to determine the macroscopic response of porous SMAs. Good agreement is seen in calculated elastic material properties for low to moderate (0.3) levels of pore volume fractions. Mesh refinement is examined as a possible cause of differences in results at higher pore volume fractions. Results of mesh refinement evaluation indicate that variations at higher pore volume fraction are results of pore spacing and interaction phenomena not captured by unit cell analyses rather than mesh refinement issues.
The design and implementation of a small scale stack processor system

A striking phenomenon in the current state of the art in computer technology is the rapidly growing power of mini-computers. One reason for this power is the ability of small computer systems to adapt to specific uses, making them an attractive and economical alternative to large- or medium-scale general purpose systems for many applications. The provision of micro-programming on many of these systems has much to do with this adaptability, since it permits the efficient design and implementation of a virtual machine suited to the needs of the particular application or intended use of the system. In this way the bare hardware can be molded to support the necessary (and often sophisticated) data and control structures desired.
The Influence of Antibiotic Supplementation on Certain Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Turkey Poults

Abstract STUDIES of chemical and physical characteristics of carcasses have contributed to our basic knowledge of poultry science and have been useful as a guide in evaluating diets or their components. With the latter in mind Ackerson et al. (1938) analyzed chicks at the end of feeding trials and calculated the composition of the gains in body weight when different protein concentrates were fed. Harshaw (1936) determined the effect of fattening on the chemical and physical composition of edible portions of range and confinement reared cockerels. In another series of experiments, Harshaw (1939) compared the nutritive effect of different cereals on the composition of chickens. This technique has also been widely used by Fraps (1943) who conducted extensive studies with chickens on the relation of dietary components to body composition. Experiments on the chemical composition and physical characteristics of turkeys have been less extensive than with chickens and limited to the …
Progestin production during superfusion of ovaries from cycling rats.

Superfusion of partially sliced ovarian tissue from cycling rats using a continuous flow of buffered saline was found to be a useful method for in vitro experimentation. The major metabolite of 3H—progesterone (P) formed by superfused tissue was 20α—dihydroprogesterone (20αOH—P). Tissue from rats at all stages of the estrous cycle released detectable amounts of both P and 20αOH—P, with the latter steroid predominating. The 20αOH—P/P ratio was highest with proestrus and estrus tissue. The progestins were produced at a constant basal rate during superfusion for at least 24 hr. The greatest amounts of both steroids were released by diestrus tissue. Pulses of human chorionic gonadotropin administered to estrus and diestrus I tissue during superfusion were followed by increases in the amounts of steroids in the superfusate. Smaller and more variable effects were seen with proestrus and diestrus II tissue. The results obtained both before and after gonadotropic stimulation were consistent with production of the...
Heterogeneity of [3H]estradiol binding sites in the rat prostate: properties and distribution of type I and type II sites.

Abstract In order to assess the rat prostate as a target tissue for receptor-mediated estrogen action, we have studied the properties and distributions of estrogen binding sites in the dorsolateral (DLP) and ventral (VP) prostate. Saturation analyses over a wide range of [ 3 H]estradiol ([ 3 H]E 2 ) concentrations (0.5–100 nM) revealed two distinct types of binding sites in the cytosol and nuclear fractions of DLP of intact rats. The high affinity (type I) estrogen binding sites saturated at 2–4 nM of [ 3 H]E 2 and had a capacity of 170 fmol/mg DNA in the cytosol and 400 fmol/mg DNA in the nuclei. DLP type I sites had ligand specificity similar to that described for the classical estrogen receptors (ERs) found in female target tissues. The moderate affinity (type II) estrogen binding sites saturated at 15–30nM of [ 3 H]E 1 and had a capacity of 850 fmol/mg DNA in the cytosol and 1600 fmol/mg DNA in the nuclei. DLP type II sites shared some characteristics of the type II ERs described for the rat uterus; they were estrogen specific, heat labile, and sensitive to reducing agents such as dithiothreitol. Saturation analyses on VP cytosols and nuclear fractions revealed only high affinity sites but no moderate affinity sites in the tissue preparations. Our finding that prostatic type II estrogen binding sites are present exclusively in the DLP supports the concept that basic biological differences exist between the two major prostatic lobes of the rat. Furthermore, our findings may help elucidate the observed differences in susceptibility between these two lobes to the hormonal induction of proliferative prostatic lesions.