cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-cholesterol diet facilitates Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection and up-regulates macrophage inflammatory protein-2 and CXCR2 expression in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

Background. Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an obligatory intracellular bacterium that infects granulocytes and causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA). This bacterium requires cholesterol for host cell infection in vitro and incorporates exogenous cholesterol into its membrane. Methods. To understand the role of host cholesterol in A. phagocytophilum infection in vivo, we analyzed the effects of a high-cholesterol diet and reduced apolipoprotein E (apoE) activity on A. phagocytophilum infection in mice. Results. A high-cholesterol diet significantly facilitated A. phagocytophilum infection in the spleen, liver, and blood of apoE-deficient (apoE -/- ) mice, compared with the level of infection in apoE -/- mice fed a normal-cholesterol diet or wild-type (WT) mice fed a high- or normal-cholesterol diet. A. phagocytophilum infection induced a significant elevation in the mRNA expression of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 and an MIP-2 receptor, CXCR2, in the spleen in apoE -/- mice fed a high-cholesterol diet, compared with the other 3 groups. Conclusion. Our results suggest that high blood cholesterol levels resulting from an interaction between dietary and genetic factors facilitate A. phagocytophilum infection and up-regulate a proinflammatory chemokine and its receptor, which may contribute to HGA pathogenesis.
Mössbauer study of amorphous Fe-Sb alloys with large composition range

Amorphous Fex Sb100-x alloys with large composition range of 3<-x<-80 have been investigated with57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy. The concentration dependence of quadrupole splitting and its distribution reveal a similar atomic packing scheme in the range of 3<-x<-50. Significantly, the quadrupole splitting of crystalline FeSb2 is larger than that of amorphous FeSb2 by a factor of 3. The isomer shifts have been analyzed based on the Miedema-van der Woude's model of isomer shift. The distribution of magnetic hyperfine field P(H) indicates that the alloys are rather magnetically inhomogeneous around x=55.
Viscoelastic deformation from North Anatolian Fault Zone earthquakes and the eastern Mediterranean GPS velocity field

[1] We have modeled linear viscoelastic relaxation of a uniform-viscosity asthenosphere following large earthquakes in the Aegean-Anatolian region during the 20th century to evaluate whether this process contributes significantly to the regional velocity field. We address in particular whether southward motion of the Aegean Sea region relative to central Anatolia (and thus extension of western Turkey) can be attributed to a postseismic strain pulse. Our models show that postseismic relaxation of a thick (250 km) viscoelastic substrate cannot generate the observed extension in western Turkey, regardless of the choice of viscosity. We also find that the asthenosphere viscosity must exceed about 5 × 1020 Pa s, at least north of the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ), to be consistent with low GPS site velocities in the Black Sea region and highly localized strain around the fault.
Effects of Subunits of TSH and LH on TSH Stimulation of Cyclic AMP Accumulation in Dog Thyroid Slices

The effects of subunits of TSH on basal and TSH-stimulated cyclic AMP concentrations were evaluated in dog thyroid slices. Botfrl TSH-α and TSH-β increased cyclic AMP levels, I but they were much less potent than equivalent amounts of intact TSH. Stimulation by the subunits could reflect contamination with small amounts of intact hormone. A 40-fold excess of either TSH-α or TSH-β did not inhibit the stimulation induced by submaximal doses of TSH. These results suggest that the subunits do not interfere with binding of TSH to its receptor sites and activation of adenylate cyclase activity. Subunits of LH also increased cyclic AMP concentrations in dog thyroid slices to about the same extent as equivalent amounts of the TSH subunits. LH stimulated cyclic AMP levels to a greater extent than could be accounted for by the reported contamination with TSH, sugesting that LH has intrinsic activity on dog thyroid slices. However, since the TSH contamination was determined by in vivo bioasay and the present experim...
How Entrepreneurs Use Networks to Address Changing Resource Requirements During Early Venture Development

Access to resources is a key challenge facing entrepreneurs during early venture development. Entrepreneurs' networks serve as a principal means of identifying and acquiring needed resources. However, different stages of venture development may address different resource dependencies, suggesting entrepreneurs' networks may need to change to meet changing resource requirements. By employing network theory and resource-dependence theory, we investigate how entrepreneurs may use networks to address changing resource needs during early venture development. Results illustrate how structural characteristics of entrepreneurs' networks at venture launch are associated with network structure and content in early venture development in ways that may promote access to newly needed resources.
Electromagnetic scattering from perturbed surfaces

This paper studies the scattering of electromagnetic waves from a (local) perturbation of a fixed surface, the boundary of a given obstacle in ℝ3. The goal is to produce an algorithm for solving boundary value problems in the exterior of the perturbed domain solely based on the knowledge of the Green function for the original surface. This is done by solving a boundary integral equation which only involves the perturbed portion of the boundary. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanisms of base selection by human single-stranded selective monofunctional uracil-DNA glycosylase

hSMUG1 (human single-stranded selective monofunctional uracil-DNA glyscosylase) is one of three glycosylases encoded within a small region of human chromosome 12. Those three glycosylases, UNG (uracil-DNA glycosylase), TDG (thymine-DNA glyscosylase), and hSMUG1, have in common the capacity to remove uracil from DNA. However, these glycosylases also repair other lesions and have distinct substrate preferences, indicating that they have potentially redundant but not overlapping physiological roles. The mechanisms by which these glycosylases locate and selectively remove target lesions are not well understood. In addition to uracil, hSMUG1 has been shown to remove some oxidized pyrimidines, suggesting a role in the repair of DNA oxidation damage. In this paper, we describe experiments in which a series of oligonucleotides containing purine and pyrimidine analogs have been used to probe mechanisms by which hSMUG1 distinguishes potential substrates. Our results indicate that the preference of hSMUG1 for mispaired uracil over uracil paired with adenine is best explained by the reduced stability of a duplex containing a mispair, consistent with previous reports with Escherichia coli mispaired uracil-DNA glycosylase. We have also extended the substrate range of hSMUG1 to include 5-carboxyuracil, the last in the series of damage products from thymine methyl group oxidation. The properties used by hSMUG1 to select damaged pyrimidines include the size and free energy of solvation of the 5-substituent but not electronic inductive properties. The observed distinct mechanisms of base selection demonstrated for members of the uracil glycosylase family help explain how considerable diversity in chemical lesion repair can be achieved.
Thromboembolic and bleeding outcomes of extended duration low-intensity warfarin following elective total knee arthroplasty.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE), clinically-relevant bleeding, and death among a real-world population receiving warfarin prophylaxis targeting an international normalized ratio (INR) of 1.5 to 2.5 for four weeks following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Materials and Methods This retrospective, observational study included patients receiving warfarin following a TKA between August 1, 2005 and July 31, 2009 identified in the Kaiser Permanente Total Joint Replacement Registry. Patients Results There were 1487 patients with TKA included in the analysis. Mean patient age was 67.7 years and 61.7% were female. The median percent of time in therapeutic INR range during follow-up was 55% (interquartile range = 35%-75%). Nineteen cases of symptomatic VTE [1.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8%-2.0%] including ten pulmonary emboli (PE) (0.7%) were identified within 90 days of surgery. Clinically-relevant bleeding occurred in 1.7% (95% CI 1.1%-2.5%) of patients during warfarin prophylaxis and there were no deaths within 90 days of surgery. Conclusions The rates of symptomatic VTE and clinically-relevant bleeding following TKA in patients receiving warfarin prophylaxis with a target INR of 1.5 to 2.5 were low. Additional studies should include low-intensity warfarin to identify the regimen that optimally balances risks of bleeding and symptomatic VTE after major orthopedic surgery.
Systematic Discrimination of Advanced Hydrogen Production Technologies

The U.S. Department of Energy, in concert with industry, is developing a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to demonstrate high temperature heat applications to produce hydrogen and electricity or to support other industrial applications. A key part of this program is the production of hydrogen from water that would significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to current production using natural gas. In 2009 the INL led the methodical evaluation of promising advanced hydrogen production technologies in order to focus future resources on the most viable processes. This paper describes how the evaluation process was systematically planned and executed. As a result, High-Temperature Steam Electrolysis was selected as the most viable near-term technology to deploy as a part of the Next Generation Nuclear Plant Project.
Significant Features of Disturbance in Free Association

(1945). Significant Features of Disturbance in Free Association. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 65-89.
Cervical Precancer Risk in HIV-Infected Women Who Test Positive for Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus Despite a Normal Pap Test

BACKGROUND Determining cervical precancer risk among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women who despite a normal Pap test are positive for oncogenic human papillomavirus (oncHPV) types is important for setting screening practices. METHODS A total of 2791 HIV-infected and 975 HIV-uninfected women in the Women's Interagency HIV Study were followed semiannually with Pap tests and colposcopy. Cumulative risks of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or greater (CIN-2+; threshold used for CIN treatment) and grade 3 or greater (CIN-3+; threshold to set screening practices) were measured in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women with normal Pap tests, stratified by baseline HPV results, and also in HIV-infected women with a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL; benchmark indication for colposcopy). RESULTS At baseline, 1021 HIV-infected and 518 HIV-uninfected women had normal Pap tests, of whom 154 (15%) and 27 (5%), respectively, tested oncHPV positive. The 5-year CIN-2+ cumulative risk in the HIV-infected oncHPV-positive women was 22% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9%-34%), 12% (95% CI, 0%-22%), and 14% (95% CI, 2%-25%) among those with CD4 counts <350, 350-499, and ≥500 cells/µL, respectively, whereas it was 10% (95% CI, 0%-21%) in those without HIV. For CIN-3+, the cumulative risk averaged 4% (95% CI, 1%-8%) in HIV-infected oncHPV-positive women, and 10% (95% CI, 0%-23%) among those positive for HPV type 16. In HIV-infected women with LSIL, CIN-3+ risk was 7% (95% CI, 3%-11%). In multivariate analysis, HIV-infected HPV16-positive women had 13-fold (P = .001) greater CIN-3+ risk than oncHPV-negative women (referent), and HIV-infected women with LSIL had 9-fold (P < .0001) greater risk. CONCLUSIONS HIV-infected women with a normal Pap result who test HPV16 positive have high precancer risk (similar to those with LSIL), possibly warranting immediate colposcopy. Repeat screening in 1 year may be appropriate if non-16 oncHPV is detected.
Size and Power of Test Statistics for Gene Correlation in 2 × 2 Contingency Tables

Monte Carlo simulation of size and power of two proposed tests for linkage disequilibrium between two genes each with two alleles were investigated. Results were compared with two commonly used statistics, the correlation coefficient r and the log-odds ratio tests. Depending on the sign of the linkage disequilibrium, the new tests were found to be more powerful than either of the correlation or log-odds ratio tests. However, on average (positive and negative linkage disequilibrium) the Chi-square test using the correlation coefficient was to a small extent more powerful than the other tests.
A Classification Approach for Risk Prognosis of Patients on Mechanical Ventricular Assistance

The identification of optimal candidates for ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy is of great importance for future widespread application of this life-saving technology. During recent years, numerous traditional statistical models have been developed for this task. In this study, we compared three different supervised machine learning techniques for risk prognosis of patients on VAD: Decision Tree, Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Bayesian Tree-Augmented Network, to facilitate the candidate identification. A predictive (C4.5) decision tree model was ultimately developed based on 6 features identified by SVM with assistance of recursive feature elimination. This model performed better compared to the popular risk score of Lietz et al. with respect to identification of high-risk patients and earlier survival differentiation between high- and low-risk candidates.
Radiation from Curved Dielectric Slabs and Fibers

The form taken by the radiation condition in the local coordinate system, pertinent to the determination by perturbation methods of the radiation from curved radiating structures, is not the same as it is at very great distances. Specifically, it may contain a term that appears as if it were an incoming or growing wave. A detailed analysis is made of the appropriate form of the condition in cylindrical and toroidal systems, and is applied to the calculation of radiation from curyed dielectric slabs and fibers.
Estimating junction temperature of high-flux white LEDs

Performance of white light LEDs has improved significantly over the past few years. White LEDs are typically created by incorporating a layer of phosphor over the GaN-based blue emitter. Heat at the p-n junction seems to be the major factor that influences light output degradation in these devices. In an earlier paper, the principal authors of this manuscript demonstrated that the junction temperature of white LEDs could be measured from the (W/B) ratio, where W represents the total radiant energy of the white LED spectrum, and B represents the radiant energy within the blue emission peak. In that earlier study, the concept was verified using commercially available 5-mm type white LEDs. The goal of the study presented here was to evaluate whether the (W/B) ratio could be used to estimate junction temperature of new high-flux white LEDs. The results show that (W/B) ratio is proportional to the junction temperature of the high-flux white LED; however, the proportionality constants are different for the different white LED types.
Determining the geographic location of Internet hosts

We study the problem of determining the geographic location of an Internet host knowing only its IP address. We have developed three distinct techniques, GeoTrack, GeoPing, and GeoCluster, to address this problem. These techniques exploit information derived from the DNS, network delay measurements, and inter-domain routing. We have evaluated our techniques using extensive and varied datasets.
12.1: Invited Paper: Image Source Evaluation and Selection for Rugged Near‐Eye Displays

There are many high-quality image source technologies to choose from when designing a near-eye or head-mounted display and they can provide excellent imagery. However, when you impose requirements for this same performance under extreme conditions of temperature, shock, and direct sunlight exposure — conditions which might be experienced by military personnel or first responders, the number of options gets smaller. This paper will address the impact of imposing these very stringent environmental conditions on choices for image sources.
Identification and characterization of Arabidopsis indole-3-butyric acid response mutants defective in novel peroxisomal enzymes.

Genetic evidence suggests that indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) is converted to the active auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) by removal of two side-chain methylene units in a process similar to fatty acid β-oxidation. Previous studies implicate peroxisomes as the site of IBA metabolism, although the enzymes that act in this process are still being identified. Here, we describe two IBA-response mutants, ibr1 and ibr10. Like the previously described ibr3 mutant, which disrupts a putative peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase/dehydrogenase, ibr1 and ibr10 display normal IAA responses and defective IBA responses. These defects include reduced root elongation inhibition, decreased lateral root initiation, and reduced IBA-responsive gene expression. However, peroxisomal energy-generating pathways necessary during early seedling development are unaffected in the mutants. Positional cloning of the genes responsible for the mutant defects reveals that IBR1 encodes a member of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family and that IBR10 resembles enoyl-CoA hydratases/isomerases. Both enzymes contain C-terminal peroxisomal-targeting signals, consistent with IBA metabolism occurring in peroxisomes. We present a model in which IBR3, IBR10, and IBR1 may act sequentially in peroxisomal IBA β-oxidation to IAA.
The incidence of depression by fertility status in overweight and obese Latina women.

The link between depression, obesity, and fertility status is poorly understood among Latina women. The Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) is routinely administered in the Diabetes and Obesity in Reproductive Age women Clinic. We describe median PHQ-9 score and PHQ-9 score ≥10 [indicative of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)] by fertility status. Of the 76 eligible new patients seen between June 2008 and 2009, 18.4% (n = 14) had PHQ-9 scores indicative of MDD. Infertile women had marginally significantly higher PHQ-9 scores than non-infertile women (p = 0.08). 26.5% of infertile women and 12.2% of non-infertile women had a PHQ-9 score indicative of MDD (p = 0.14). Number of previous births was inversely correlated with PHQ-9 score (R = −0.34, p = 0.002), those with no previous births had higher PHQ-9 scores (p = 0.001) and were more likely to have a PHQ-9 score indicative of MDD than those with previous births (28.6 vs. 9.8%, p = 0.04). Among non-infertile women, postpartum women had significantly lower PHQ-9 scores than non-postpartum women (p = 0.002). 4.6% of postpartum women and 21.1% of non-postpartum women had a PHQ-9 indicative of MDD (p = 0.19). Further investigation is needed to determine if reproductive success is protective against MDD among overweight and obese urban Latinas. Overall, depression is common among overweight and obese reproductive-age Latinas and thus routine screening is recommended.
Bifid epiglottis revisited

Summary Bifid epiglottis is an extremely rare congenital laryngeal anomaly which has been increasingly associated with genetic syndromes. The true bifid epiglottis has been distinguished in the past from an epiglottis that is notched or has a submucous cleft, as the latter was not felt to be related to other congenital anomalies. Presented are two cases of bifid epiglottis, one with a complete cleft, and one with a submucous cleft; both children had associated abnormalities. The implications of bifid epiglottis and associated syndromes are discussed.
On the Question of Charge Symmetry in D-D Reactions

The question of charge symmetry in D-D reactions is discussed in light of the recently discovered virtual excited states of the alpha particle. We point out their effects on the asymmetries in the angular distributions as well as the provision of a mechanism for P-wave enhancement. Relation with three-nucleon isobars is also discussed. D+D-+p+H 3 , D+D->n+He 3 (la) (lb) are also of interest from the viewpoints of nuclear structure and of general quantum mechanical symmetry principles. Of the latter, the most obvious fact is that the Bose statistics of the initial T = 0 system requires that there be no interference between the even and odd angular momentum partial waves; and that among the initial singlet, triplet and quintet spin states only the triplet state can couple with the odd partial waves. An immediate consequence of this is that the angular distribution of the reaction products must be symmetric about 90° in the center of mass system. 3 ) Another fact which follows from overall angular momentum and parity conservation (neglecting the small ad­ mixture of weak interaction current) is that the ground states of the three-body nuclei have positive parity. Reaction (la) also provides the most accurate test to-date of the reciprocity theorem in strong interactions. 4 ) These observations do not depend on the reaction mechanism or on what goes on in the intermediate state. In addition, recent measurements 1 ) of reactions (la) and (lb) bave aroused some controversy with regard to the question of charge symmetry in the three­ nucleon isobars. These measurements showed that the zero-to-ninety-degree asymmetry for the angular distribution of the final neutrons is strikingly larger than that of. the protons. One might argue that this difference could arise from the difference in the mass radii of He 3 and H 3 • Such a difference in the cor­
SEC Accounting And Auditing Enforcement Actions In The Banking Industry

This paper provides insight into several descriptive issues that help clarify the nature of management fraud in the banking and financial services industry. The SECs Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Releases (AAER) Nos. 1 to 400, published between 1984 and 1992, were surveyed to identify a sample of banks and other related entities that were the subject of SEC enforcement action for fraudulent financial reporting. Those cases are analyzed and results are reported in this study. Detailed cases are also presented to illustrate the nature of financial statement fraud relating to valuation problems in investment accounts, misstatement of loan reserves, and non-disclosure of material financial information. Implications for research, practice, and teaching and presented.
Imaging and Functional Analysis of γ-Secretase and Substrate in a Proteolipobead System with an Activity-Based Probe

Investigation of intramembranal protease catalysis demands the generation of intact biomembrane assemblies with structural integrity and lateral mobility. Here, we report the development of a microsphere supported-biomembrane platform enabling characterization of γ-secretase and substrate within proteolipobead assemblies via microscopy and flow cytometry. The active enzyme loading levels were tracked using an activity-based probe, with the biomembranes delineated by carbocyanine lipid reporters. Proteolipobeads formed from HeLa proteoliposomes gave rise to homogeneous distributions of active γ-secretase within supported biomembranes with native-like fluidity. The substrate loading into supported biomembranes was detergent-dependent, as evidenced by even colocalization of substrate and lipid tracers in confocal 3D imaging of individual proteolipobeads. Moreover, the loading level was tunable with bulk substrate concentration. γ-Secretase substrate cleavage and its inhibition within γ-secretase proteolipobe...
Ethanol consumption and enzyme activities in Sinclair miniature pigs.

Sinclair miniature pigs fed a 16% protein diet drank more of an alcohol solution and had greater ADH and catalase activity and higher NAD+ levels than pigs fed an 8% protein diet.
(/sup 7/Li,t) on 1f-2p shell nuclei

(/sup 7/Li,t) angular distributions have been measured on the targets /sup 40/Ca, /sup 44/Ca, and /sup 58/Ni at E=34 MeV for the ground and first excited state transitions. The results of the exact finite-range distorted-wave Born-approximation analyses of the data show a greater ..cap alpha.. spectroscopic strength for /sup 62/Zn than for either /sup 44/Ti or /sup 48/Ti.
Abstract 156: Embolization Followed by Radiosurgery for the Treatment of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)

Purpose: Multimodality therapy of brain AVMs with embolization followed by radiosurgery is controversial. We present the largest case series to date of AVM patients treated with embolization and radiosurgery. Methods: Retrospective review of our institutional AVM database identified 92 patients treated from 1995-2009 with embolization followed by radiosurgery. Patients treated with surgery or radiosurgery prior to embolization were excluded. Pre- and post-embolization AVM volumes were calculated using angiography. The modified Pollock-Flickinger (PF) score was also calculated pre and post-embolization. PF scores from pre-embolization volumes were used to report obliteration rates. Post-radiosurgical obliteration was assessed using angiography or MRI. Results: Mean AVM volume went from 19.95 ml (IQR, 10.3 - 32.75) to 10.17 (3.15 - 20.65) following embolization (p 2). 61/92 (66%) have had ≥3 year follow-up and 35/61 (57%) had excellent outcomes (complete obliteration without neurologic decline). Excellent outcome was seen in 88% of patients with modified PF score 2. In addition 16 patients had complete obliteration with further treatment (total 51/61 patients- 84%). Two patients died in the follow-up period due to AVM bleed. Conclusion: These data suggest that embolization of brain AVMs can safely and effectively reduce the treatment volume prior to radiosurgery. Combined therapy with embolization and radiosurgery does not adversely affect rates of excellent outcome.
Control of the Walnut Husk Fly, Rhagoletis Completa Cress.

Results of laboratory and field experiments regarding control of the walnut husk fly, Rhagoletis completa, show that synthetic cryolite and barium fluosilicate were the most satisfactory of the materials tested, which included certain arsenical, fluorine, nicotine, and copper compounds. A table is presented which summarizes the more important data pertaining to a few typical plot experiments conducted during the period 1928-1932.
A Transcript of Richard Baxter's Library Catalogue

No one can read Richard Baxter without perceiving that he was an intensely bookish man, widely read and living close to his books. In most of his writings he turns aside to comment or to animadvert on others' books. His unpublished correspondence shows similar characteristics: one correspondent, writing in 1652, mentions five of the latest books; to another, who writes, ‘Though I have the use of a library at Westminster, yet there is in it neither Du Plessis, Grotius or Camero,’ Baxter replies, ‘I ans:[wer] they are co m on bookes as most in ye shops’.
Synthesis, rotational dynamics, and photophysical characterization of a crystalline linearly conjugated phenyleneethynylene molecular dirotor.

We report the synthesis, crystal structure, solid-state dynamics, and photophysical properties of 6,13-bis((4-(3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-3,3-diphenylprop-1-yn-1-yl)phenyl)ethynyl)-5,7,12,14-tetrahydro-5,14:7,12-bis([1,2]benzeno)pentacene (1), a molecular dirotor with a 1,4-bis((4-ethynylphenyl)ethynyl)benzene (BEPEB) chromophore. The incorporation of a pentiptycene into the molecular dirotor provides a central stator and a fixed phenylene ring relative to which the two flanking ethynylphenylene rotators can explore various torsion angles; this allows the BEPEB fluorophore dynamics to persist in the solid state. X-ray diffraction studies have shown that molecular dirotor 1 is packed so that all the BEPEB fluorophores adopt a parallel alignment, this is ideal for the development of functional materials. Variable temperature, quadrupolar echo 2H NMR studies have shown that phenylene rotator flipping has an activation energy of 9.0 kcal/mol and a room temperature flipping frequency of ∼2.6 MHz. Lastly, with measure...
Toxicity of Alloys of Ferrochromium: III. Transport of Chromium (III) by Rat Serum Protein Studied by Immunoelectrophoretic Analysis and Autoradiography

The transport of trivalent chromium by rat serum proteins was studied by immunoelectrophoretic analysis and autoradiography. It is shown that as the dose of trivaient 51Cr [51Cr (III)] is increased it binds progressively to siderophilin, albumin, two α-proteins and γ-globulin. The quantity of 51Cr(lll) bound to siderophilin after an injection is found to be quite stable over a six-hour period. Several factors important in interpretation are discussed. It is suggested that this method may have practical application in the study of the serum transport of other metals, and many other substances that become bound to the plasma proteins.
Epidemiological Analysis of Foodborne Diseases Caused by Vibrio Parahaemolyticus and the Pollution Status of Vibrio Parahaemolyticus in Aquatic Products in Minhang District of Shanghai

OBJECTIVE To understand the contamination status of deputy hemolysis of aquatic products in Minhang District and the epidemiological characteristics of foodborne diseases caused by vibrio parahaemolyticus, so as to provide evidence for tracking pollution sources and carrying out the food safety risk assessment. METHODS Food continuous monitoring was performed monthly throughout the year in the extraction of catering enterprises, large supermarkets and bazaars by collecting the that 4 major classes of large consumption and risk of aquatic products such as seawater fish, crabs, shellfish and molluscs. Epidemiological monitoring in accordance with the standard cases of diarrhea were carried in intestinal outpatient of 3 sentinel hospitals. RESULTS The total detection rate of Vibrio parahaemolyticus was 36.11% in 4 kinds of aquatic products, there were significant differences in all kinds of aquatic products, Shrimps and crabs were the highest, while fish was the minimum. The detection rate of razor clam and Bai Mixia was more than 90%, and the quantitative value is the highest in shellfish. In different places, the highest detection rate was found in country markets. The detection rate in third quarter was the highest, and the detection rates of shellfish were different greatly in 80.98% of all the positive cases' pathogenic factors were Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The third quarter cases were about 84.85% of the total cases. Young and middle-aged cadres, staff were the major patients. Seafood, meat, fruit and vegetable were the readme suspected diet history, which were mainly come from the family and the small restaurant. The readme symptoms of the 56.82% cases were abdominal pain, Diarrhea is the most common with watery stool. CONCLUSION Vibrio parahaemolyticus is the first diarrhea cause in summer and autumn in the coastal area. In addition to the direct contamination of sea products, the indirect pollution should be paid attention to meat and vegetables. Keep cold chain in the circulation link and take effective measures to prevent cross contamination are particularly important. Strengthen the risk monitoring and exposure assessment of VP pollution in aquatic products. Molecular epidemiology Such as serological examination and genotyping should be carried in the labs to provide a basis for traceability.
Fever and Anorexia 10 Years After Major Trauma

A 48-year-old man presented with a dry cough, fever, chills, night sweats, and headaches of three months' duration. He was anorexic and had lost 12 pounds since the symptoms began. He said that he felt “a little run down” but had not had nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, arthralgia, myalgia, or urinary problems.
Multifactor association of job, individual and psychosocial factors in prevalence of distal upper extremity disorders and quantification of job physical exposure

Abstract The objective of this study was to develop a multifactor model of job, individual and psychosocial factors in prevalence of distal upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (DUE MSDs); and quantify job physical exposure to establish safe exposure limits. The study sample comprised of 525 workers who were part of a large prospective cohort study and represented a broad array of industrial practices and a wide range of job physical exposure. Only baseline data was considered for the analysis in the study. Workers underwent laptop administered questionnaires, structured interviews, two standardized physical examinations and nerve conduction studies to ascertain demographic, medical history, psychosocial factors and current DUE MSDs. All workers' jobs were individually measured for job physical exposure factors and videotaped. Binomial logistic regression was used to develop and test the multifactor association and quantification of job physical exposure for safe exposure limits. Results indicated that work-related DUE MSDs are multifactor in nature and are significantly affected by specific factors of (1) job physical exposure - percentage duration of exertion (PDOE), workers' subjective ratings of perceived effort or intensity of exertion (IOE) (using Borg CR-10), hand activity level measured by the American conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value for hand activity level (TLV for HAL), and presence of 2-point pinch grasps; (2) individual factors - female gender, diabetes, higher body mass index (BMI), and past and current smokers; (3) psychosocial factors - neither likely/unlikely or very unlikely to take up the current job again, divorced/separated, and presence of family problems. Quantification of job physical exposure indicated that prevalence of work-related DUE MSDs significantly increases with efforts per minute (Eff/min) >8 (OR = 1.69, p = 0.006) and woker's perceived effort based on Borg rating for IOE at the end of the shift >3 (OR = 2.46, p
On the Sociology of Occasions

This article fills a long-standing gap, proposing a framework for what Goffman called for in 1967’s Interaction Ritual: a sociology of occasions. Occasions are omnipresent throughout the sociologic...
Differentiated THP-1 Cells Exposed to Pathogenic and Nonpathogenic Borrelia Species Demonstrate Minimal Differences in Production of Four Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract Tick-borne borreliae include Lyme disease and relapsing fever agents, and they are transmitted primarily by ixodid (hard) and argasid (soft) tick vectors, respectively. Tick–host interactions during feeding are complex, with host immune responses influenced by biological differences in tick feeding and individual differences within and between host species. One of the first encounters for spirochetes entering vertebrate host skin is with local antigen-presenting cells, regardless of whether the tick-associated Borrelia sp. is pathogenic. In this study, we performed a basic comparison of cytokine responses in THP-1-derived macrophages after exposure to selected borreliae, including a nonpathogen. By using THP-1 cells, differentiated to macrophages, we eliminated variations in host response and reduced the system to an in vitro model to evaluate the extent to which the Borrelia spp. influence cytokine production. Differentiated THP-1 cells were exposed to four Borrelia spp., Borrelia hermsii (DAH),...
Abstract C24: Beyond EMT: Vimentin function in lung cancer metastasis

Vimentin is an intermediate filament protein that has been used in the clinic as a biomarker for metastatic potential and poor patient prognosis across numerous solid tumor types; however, little is known about how vimentin might contribute to cancer progression and metastasis. Here we created a novel genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) to study the role of vimentin in lung cancer progression and metastasis. We first re-developed an LSL-KrasG12D,LKB1fl/fl mouse model whereby intranasal administration of lentiviral Cre recombinase causes a KrasG12D mutation and LKB1 knockout in the lungs. In this model Kras/Lkb1 GEMM (termed KLV+/+), approximately half the mice that develop primary lung tumors in 8-10 weeks also develop metastasis to the mediastinal lymph nodes in weeks 12-16. We used this model to test the hypothesis that vimentin loss prevents lung cancer metastasis by crossing this GEMM with a Vim-/- mouse to create a novel LSL-KrasG12D, LKB1fl/fl, Vim-/- (termed here KLV-/-) mouse. Our findings show that in the KLV-/- mouse, primary tumor burden and cell proliferation were not significantly different than wild-type KLV+/+ mice; however, KLV-/- mice exhibit significantly less metastasis to the mediastinal lymph nodes compared to their wild type counterpart indicating that vimentin contributes to the metastatic cascade. Consistent with this finding, histological analysis of the primary tumors show that KLV-/- mice exhibit less focal invasion than KLV+/+ and +/- mice, further confirming that KLV-/- mice have reduced invasiveness. Interestingly, vimentin staining in invasive regions of KLV+/+ mice was not found in the cancer cells but rather in fibroblast-like cells surrounding invasive cell buds that we term collective invasion packs (CIPs). These fibroblast-like, vimentin-positive cells also stain positive for alpha smooth muscle actin, which is consistent with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Taken together, these results suggest that in this highly metastatic genetic background, vimentin may play a central role in recruiting CAFs to invading cancer cells but not necessarily in cancer cell epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Citation Format: Alessandra M. Salgueiro, Melissa Gilbert-Ross, Lauren S. Havel, John Shupe, Allyson E. Koyen, Hans E. Grossniklaus, Gabriel Sica, Adam I. Marcus. Beyond EMT: Vimentin function in lung cancer metastasis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Function of Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression; 2016 Jan 7–10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(15 Suppl):Abstract nr C24.
(How) Does Obesity Harm Academic Performance? Stratification at the Intersection of Race, Sex, and Body Size in Elementary and High School:

In this study I hypothesize a larger penalty of obesity on teacher-assessed academic performance for white girls in English, where femininity is privileged, than in math, where stereotypical femininity is perceived to be a detriment. This pattern of associations would be expected if obesity largely influences academic performance through social pathways, such as discrimination and stigma. In the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (age ~9) and the National Longitudinal Study of Youth 1997 (age ~18), I find obesity to be associated with a penalty on academic performance among white girls in English but not in math, while no association is found in either subject for white boys or for black students net of controls. Findings suggest that the relationship between obesity and academic performance may result largely from how educational institutions interact differently with bodies of different sizes rather than primarily via constraints on physical health.
Microwave extraction method of radiative recombination and photon lifetimes up to 85 °C on 50 Gb/s oxide-vertical cavity surface emitting laser

Optical modulation bandwidth for a semiconductor diode laser is governed by the thermally limited spontaneous radiative recombination lifetime, τrec, photon lifetime, τp, and cavity photon density for stimulated recombination. Thus, temperature dependent recombination lifetime is a critical parameter for the limitation of photonic device operations. Here, we develop a microwave extraction method to accurately determine the radiative recombination and photon lifetimes over a temperature range up to 85 °C through the equivalent circuit modeling based on the measured microwave scattering-parameters. For an 850 nm oxide-vertical cavity surface emitting laser with error free data transmission capability over 50 Gb/s, the extracted lifetimes are τrec = 0.1778 ns and τp = 4.2 ps at 25 °C and τrec = 0.2445 ns and τp = 4.8 ps at 85 °C.
Do Voters or Politicians Choose the Outcomes of Elections? Evidence from the Struggle to Control Congressional Redistricting

We test for whether political parties can exert precise control over the outcomes of legislative elections. We apply two tests for whether the party that previously held a majority is discontinuously likely to win enough seats to barely retain its majority. We apply these tests to high-stakes state elections that determine which party controls Congressional redistricting. Our tests show large discontinuities in both pre-election characteristics and the probability density of the election outcome at the threshold that determines control of the legislature. By channeling campaign funds to incumbent state legislators, the majority party almost guarantees it retains its majority.
“It was an Emotional Baby”: Previvors’ Family Planning Decision-Making Styles about Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk

Women who test positive for a BRCA genetic mutation are at an increased risk for developing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and have a 50% chance of passing on their genetic mutation to their children. The purpose of this study was to investigate how women who test positive for a BRCA mutation but have not been diagnosed with cancer make decisions regarding family planning. Analysis of interviews with 20 women revealed they engage in logical and emotional decision-making styles. Although women want to be logical to reduce their hereditary cancer risk, emotions often complicate their decision-making. Women experience fear and worry about a future cancer diagnosis, yet also desire to create a family, particularly having children through natural conception. That is, women negotiate having preventative surgeries in a logical doctor-recommended timeframe but also organize those decisions around emotional desires of motherhood. Overall, this study demonstrates the complex decisions women who test positive for a BRCA mutation must make in regards to genetic testing timing, family planning, and overall quality of life.
IL-36γ signaling controls the induced regulatory T cell–Th9 cell balance via NFκB activation and STAT transcription factors

Regulatory and effector T helper (Th) cells are abundant at mucosal surfaces, especially in the intestine, where they control the critical balance between tolerance and inflammation. However, the key factors that reciprocally dictate differentiation along these specific lineages remain incompletely understood. Here we report that the interleukin-1 (IL-1) family member IL-36γ signals through IL-36 receptor, myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88, and nuclear factor-κBp50 in CD4+ T cells to potently inhibit Foxp3-expressing induced regulatory T cell (Treg) development, while concomitantly promoting the differentiation of Th9 cells via a IL-2-STAT5- (signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 5) and IL-4-STAT6-dependent pathway. Consistent with these findings, mice deficient in IL-36γ were protected from Th cell-driven intestinal inflammation and exhibited increased colonic Treg cells and diminished Th9 cells. Our findings thus reveal a fundamental contribution for the IL-36/IL-36R axis in regulating the Treg-Th9 cell balance with broad implications for Th cell-mediated disorders, such as inflammatory bowel diseases and particularly ulcerative colitis.
Preoperative Tibial Subchondral Bone Marrow Lesion Patterns and Associations With Outcomes After Isolated Meniscus Allograft Transplantation

Background:The association between preoperative tibial subchondral bone marrow lesion (BML) patterns and outcomes after isolated meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) are unknown.Purpose:To dete...
A New Method for a Virtue-Based Responsible Conduct of Research Curriculum: Pilot Test Results

Drawing on Pennock’s theory of scientific virtues, we are developing an alternative curriculum for training scientists in the responsible conduct of research (RCR) that emphasizes internal values rather than externally imposed rules. This approach focuses on the virtuous characteristics of scientists that lead to responsible and exemplary behavior. We have been pilot-testing one element of such a virtue-based approach to RCR training by conducting dialogue sessions, modeled upon the approach developed by Toolbox Dialogue Initiative, that focus on a specific virtue, e.g., curiosity and objectivity. During these structured discussions, small groups of scientists explore the roles they think the focus virtue plays and should play in the practice of science. Preliminary results have shown that participants strongly prefer this virtue-based model over traditional methods of RCR training. While we cannot yet definitively say that participation in these RCR sessions contributes to responsible conduct, these pilot results are encouraging and warrant continued development of this virtue-based approach to RCR training.
Assessment of bleeding incidences associated with rivaroxaban therapy in adults with solid tumors.

PurposeReport bleeding incidences associated with rivaroxaban in adult patients with solid tumor malignancies requiring anticoagulation therapy.MethodsThis retrospective review was conducted at Ind...
Meis1 is specifically upregulated in kidney myofibroblasts during aging and injury but is not required for kidney homeostasis or fibrotic response

The homeobox transcription factor Meis1 is required for mammalian development and its overexpression plays a role in tumorigenesis, especially leukemia. Meis1 is known to be expressed in kidney stroma, but its function in kidney is undefined. We hypothesized that Meis1 may regulate stromal cell proliferation in kidney development and disease, and tested this using cell lineage tracing and cell specific Meis1 deletion in development, aging and fibrotic disease. We observed strong expression of Meis1 in PDGFRβ positive pericytes and perivascular fibroblasts, both in adult mouse and to a lesser degree in human kidney. Either bilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) or aging itself led to strong upregulation of Meis1 protein and mRNA in kidney myofibroblasts, and genetic lineage analysis confirmed that Meis1 positive cells proliferate as they differentiate into myofibroblasts after injury. Conditional deletion of Meis1 in all kidney stroma with two separate CreER drivers had no phenotype with the exception...
The Future of Families

The purpose of this chapter is to examine ideas about families in the future from the viewpoints of both what is likely and what may be possible. Families are shaped by the legacies of their past, the currencies of the moment, and their theories of the future. They live with the outcomes of past decisions and commitments and have long-term investments in the future. The roles that families have in shaping the greater destinies of the society as a whole are often acknowledged in the various political uses of family as a concept and references to family values. The use of family as a building block of social order is another indication of its potential influence. However, in most studies of families or family policy the families themselves are treated as a dependent variable affected by greater social and economic forces. Therefore, families are not seen as even an interactive variable. In contrast, this chapter examines how families may influence outcomes in the larger social context, relevant to their own lives. Perception is itself a powerful force both in behavior and in forming future perceptions. Beliefs held about the future are important determinants of outcomes. To make a plan may increase its probable likelihood of happening. To care about the future for as yet unborn generations is a particularly familistic outlook.