cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Substance P and Hemokinin 1 in Nasal Lavage Fluid of Patients with Chronic Sinusitis and Nasal Polyposis

This pilot study was undertaken to isolate and quantify substance P (SP) and hemokinin 1 (HK-1) in the nasal lavage fluid of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps to better elucidate the pathophysiology underlying this inflammatory process, which remains poorly understood. Mucus samples were collected from this introductory cohort of 10 patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps at Tufts Medical Center (Boston, Massachusetts). Relative levels of SP and HK-1 were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. Both inflammatory neuropeptides were found in detectable and comparable amounts in patient samples and in concentrations up to 100-fold those established in past literature. The presence of SP and HK-1 necessitates further investigation into their role in nasal polyposis and the potentiation of the chronic inflammation inherent to chronic rhinosinusitis. Downregulating these peptides could therefore provide novel treatment targets to manage this disease process.
Living in three-generation family households and body mass index trajectories in Hispanic adolescents: Different associations by immigrant status

Abstract Despite the rising trends in three-generation family households and obesity risk among Hispanics, few researchers have examined the possible relationship between living in three-generation family households and adolescent weight gain. In this study, we investigated (a) whether living in three-generation family households is associated with Hispanic adolescent body mass index (BMI) trajectories from adolescence to young adulthood; and (b) whether the association varies by immigrant status. We employed data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent and Adult Health to obtain representative population estimates. The analytic sample consisted of 1,659 Hispanic adolescents. We used growth curve models to evaluate the changes in BMI as youths entered adulthood. Hispanic adolescents in three-generation family households had significantly slower rates of BMI growth than those who did not live in three-generation households (b = −0.12, p
Wittgenstein and Brandom on Normativity and Sociality

In Making It Explicit Brandom distinguishes between, as he puts it, I–We and I–Thou sociality. Only I–Thou sociality, Brandom argues, is adequate to the task of instituting norms relevant to our self–understanding as rational beings because only I–Thou sociality can render intelligible the distinction between how norms are applied and how they ought to be applied —however anyone thinks they ought to be applied. In his Philosophical Investigations, Wittgenstein defends a version of I–We sociality, one that is not, I argue, subject to Brandom’s criticisms. Indeed, I suggest, it is just such a conception of I–We sociality as we find in Wittgenstein’s Investigations that is needed if we are fully to understand the respects in which we are, as the rational beings we are, answerable to the norm of truth.
Rethinking the Estero Island Site: A possible satellite village of Mound Key

Abstract Dating sediments from island and coastal archaeological sites can prove challenging due to numerous factors. New information on the natural habitats and geochemistry of marine mollusks, as well as Bayesian analysis of radiocarbon dates, can help archaeologists generate new interpretations, not just for newly investigated sites, but also for older collections and datasets. Using the Estero Island Site, a large shell midden mound in southwest Florida, as a case study, we show that these new techniques and perspectives can add value to previously excavated collections. Specifically, our reinterpretation of the dates suggests that this site was occupied more recently than previously posited and that it may have played a larger role than formerly thought in the regional development of Calusa political complexity.
Chapter 2 – Chemical kinetics

Chemical reaction types, reaction orders, and the law of mass action that describes the rates of reactions are presented. The Arrhenius rate constant expression and methods for analysis of rate constants, including transition state and recombination rate theories, are discussed as well as the effects of pressure and temperature. Chain reactions are introduced, and steady-state and partial equilibrium approximations are applied for their analysis. The mathematical formalism for large reaction mechanisms is illustrated through the development of the governing equations for coupled thermal and chemical reacting systems without mass diffusion. Finally, sensitivity and rate-of-production analyses are discussed for mechanism analysis as well as methods for mechanism reduction.
Abstract B30: Locoregional control in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer patients treated with radiotherapy using direct gross tumor volume to planning target volume expansion

Purposes/Objectives(s): To evaluate clinical outcomes and patterns of failure using a direct gross tumor volume to planning target volume expansion in patients treated for laryngeal or hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. Methods and Materials: We performed a retrospective review of patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas treated between 2002-2017 with primary radiotherapy with or without concurrent systemic therapy. Patient and disease characteristics associated with disease control and clinical outcomes were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses. Deformable image registration between imaging at the time of failure and the treatment planning scan was used to determine patterns of failure. Results: Seventy-nine patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma were identified with a median follow-up of 54 months among surviving patients. Overall survival at 5 years was 62.9% (95% CI: 51.1%-74.7%). Five-year primary tumor control was 71.6% (95% CI: 61.4%-81.8%) and regional control was 78.8% (95% CI: 68.4%-89.2%). A total of 28 patients experienced a locoregional recurrence, of whom 18 had treatment plans available. Of these, 89% (n=16) experienced failures that were 95% contained within the high-dose treatment volume. One patient failed in an intermediate-dose volume and 1 exhibited a marginal failure in the high-dose volume. There were no factors associated with overall survival or locoregional control on multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Management of patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma using definitive radiotherapy and a high-dose planning target volume created without a gross tumor volume to clinical tumor volume expansion resulted in high locoregional control, with the vast majority of failures occurring within the high-dose field. These data support prospective evaluation of this technique. Citation Format: Adam R. Burr, Paul M. Harari, Matthew E. Witek. Locoregional control in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer patients treated with radiotherapy using direct gross tumor volume to planning target volume expansion [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-AHNS Head and Neck Cancer Conference: Optimizing Survival and Quality of Life through Basic, Clinical, and Translational Research; 2019 Apr 29-30; Austin, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(12_Suppl_2):Abstract nr B30.
trans-Diamminebis(1,2-di­cyano­ethene-1,2-di­thiol­ato)platinum(IV)

The title compound, [Pt(C4N2S2)2(NH3)2], represents an octa­hedral platinum(IV) complex with two trans-ammine and two mnt (mnt = 1,2-di­cyano­ethene-1,2-di­thiol­ato) ligands. The Pt—N and Pt—S distances are consistent with those in other platinum(IV) complexes. As a result of a slight canting of the coordination of the mnt ligand to the platinum(IV) atom, the nitrile nitro­gen atoms are positioned suitably to hydrogen-bond with adjacent ammines.
Epoxide hydrolase 3 (Ephx3) gene disruption reduces ceramide linoleate epoxide hydrolysis and impairs skin barrier function.

The mammalian epoxide hydrolase (EPHX)3 is known from in vitro experiments to efficiently hydrolyze the linoleate epoxides 9,10-epoxyoctadecamonoenoic acid (EpOME) and epoxyalcohol 9R,10R-trans-epoxy-11E-13R-hydroxy-octadecenoate to corresponding diols and triols, respectively. Herein we examined the physiological relevance of EPHX3 to hydrolysis of both substrates in vivo. Ephx3−/− mice show no deficiency in EpOME-derived plasma diols, discounting a role for EPHX3 in their formation, whereas epoxyalcohol-derived triols esterified in acylceramides of the epidermal 12R-lipoxygenase pathway are reduced. Although the Ephx3−/− pups appear normal, measurements of transepidermal water loss detected a modest and statistically significant increase compared with the wild-type or heterozygote mice, reflecting a skin barrier impairment that was not evident in the knockouts of mouse microsomal (EPHX1/microsomal epoxide hydrolase) or soluble (EPHX2/sEH). This barrier phenotype in the Ephx3−/− pups was associated with a significant decrease in the covalently bound ceramides in the epidermis (40% reduction, p
Augmentation of the heat shock axis during exceptional longevity in Ames dwarf mice

How the heat shock axis, repair pathways, and proteostasis impact the rate of aging is not fully understood. Recent reports indicate that normal aging leads to a 50% change in several regulatory elements of the heat shock axis. Most notably is the age-dependent enhancement of inhibitory signals associated with accumulated heat shock proteins and hyper-acetylation associated with marked attenuation of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1)-DNA binding activity. Because exceptional longevity is associated with increased resistance to stress, this study evaluated regulatory check points of the heat shock axis in liver extracts from 12 months and 24 months long-lived Ames dwarf mice and compared these findings with aging wild-type mice. This analysis showed that 12M dwarf and wild-type mice have comparable stress responses, whereas old dwarf mice, unlike old wild-type mice, preserve and enhance activating elements of the heat shock axis. Old dwarf mice thwart negative regulation of the heat shock axis typically observed in usual aging such as noted in HSF1 phosphorylation at Ser307 residue, acetylation within its DNA binding domain, and reduction in proteins that attenuate HSF1-DNA binding. Unlike usual aging, dwarf HSF1 protein and mRNA levels increase with age and further enhance by stress. Together these observations suggest that exceptional longevity is associated with compensatory and enhanced HSF1 regulation as an adaptation to age-dependent forces that otherwise downregulate the heat shock axis.
A Generalizability Study of Teach, a Classroom Observation Tool

The use of classroom observation tools has grown in developing countries due to the consistent positive relationship between teaching quality and students’ learning outcomes. In this study we present results using the Generalizability Theory model for Teach, a classroom observation tool that has been used worldwide to measure the quality of interactions between teachers and students in the classroom. Data from four countries across different world regions was used to analyze to what extent Teach scores are impacted by raters, teachers, and items. Results across countries consistently showed a pattern in which most of the score variance is explained by the items and teachers, and to a lower extent by the raters. Results here obtained are similar to those reported for other classroom observation tools. Directions and lines of future psychometric research for Teach and other classroom observation tools are discussed.
Suffering Our Way to Salvation: Ivone Gebara, Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza, and the Adequacy of the Cross as a Symbol for Women

This article explores the theologies of the cross and salvation put forth by Brazilian liberation theologian Ivone Gebara and American theologian Elizabeth Schussler Fiorenza. Both scholars depart from a traditional Anselmian theology of the cross and salvation, holding that for some women Anselm’s understanding is insufficient. Both theologians claim that within Anselm’s theology of the cross and salvation is the understanding that suffering is necessary for salvation. Wishing to dispute that, Gebara examines the lived experiences of women while Schussler Fiorenza focuses on references from scripture. Both women arrive at the conclusion that the cross proves to be an inadequate symbol for salvation for some women, and Schussler Fiorenza provides the empty tomb as an alternative symbol.
Childhood as an Event: The Charm of a Spectral Past

John D. Caputo understands the mood of education today, one marked by a pervasive sense of exhaustion. Individuals are dispirited, the discourse is tired and change seems futile. Stanley Cavell refers to this as a “disappointed or counterromantic mood.” For Caputo, like Cavell, this mood reflects our sense that the future is somehow closed to us; our attention is so fixated on the current educational situation that we cannot imagine other, future possibilities. Inspired by French philosopher, Jacques Derrida, Caputo seeks to offset such educational fatigue by offering a deconstructive analysis that opens up the future and renews educational possibilities.
Using diagrammatic explorations to understand code

Understanding code is a significant challenge for developers. This thesis examines the limitations of current tools that use diagrams to assist code comprehension and demonstrates the value of four design principles: (1) That diagrams should be based on familiar models such as UML class diagrams and layered architectural diagrams, so that developers can understand them without additional training. (2) That the familiar diagrams must be able to focus on specific parts of a codebase relevant to the developer's task, to prevent users from getting overwhelmed with irrelevant information. (3) That the focused diagrams need to support exploration of the codebase by directly interacting with the existing diagram. (4) That the focused diagrams can be created by users' exploration as needed for their tasks in traditional code editors. This thesis shows that understanding for software developers can be effectively supported by interactive exploration using focused diagrams of familiar representations of code. These ideas have been combined to build two tools: Strata, which displays using the popular layered architectural diagrams, and Relo, which is based on UML class diagrams. The tools have been evaluated using both controlled lab studies and field deployments. Study results have been positive, indicating merit in these ideas. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
A cost-effectiveness analysis of cell free DNA as a replacement for serum screening for Down syndrome

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this article is to determine the cost effectiveness of cell free DNA (cfDNA) as a replacement forintegrated screening using a societal cost perspective. Method This study used Monte-Carlo simulation with one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Results Cell free DNA is more effective and less costly than integrated screening. The incremental cost-effectivenessratio for cfDNA relative to the integrated test was $277955 per case detected (95th percent conﬁdence interval $881882 to $532785). Conclusion Cell free DNA screening is a cost-effective replacement for maternal serum screening when the lifetimecosts of Down syndrome live births are considered. The adoption of cfDNA screening would save approximately$277955 for each additional case detected over integrated screening. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Funding sources: NoneConﬂicts of interest: All of the authors are employees of ARUP laboratories, which provide a wide range of clinical laboratory tests including prenatal screening tests(both maternal serum screening and cfDNA).
The Inducible Costimulator Augments Tc17 Cell Responses to Self and Tumor Tissue

The inducible costimulator (ICOS) plays a key role in the development of Th17 cells, but its role in the development and antitumor activity of IL-17-producing CD8(+) T cells (Tc17) remains unknown. We found that ICOS costimulation was important for the functional maintenance, but not differentiation, of Tc17 cells in vitro. Blocking the ICOS pathway using an antagonist mAb or by using recipient mice genetically deficient in the ICOS ligand reduced the antitumor activity of adoptively transferred Tc17 cells. Conversely, activating Tc17 cells with an ICOS agonist in vitro enhanced their capacity to eradicate melanoma and induce autoimmune vitiligo when infused into mice. However, ICOS stimulation did not augment the antitumor activity of IL-2 expanded T cells. Additional investigation revealed that ICOS stimulation not only increased IL-2Rα, CXCR3, and IL-23R expression on Tc17 cells, but also dampened their expression of suppressive molecule CD39. Although Tc17 cells activated with an ICOS agonist cosecreted heightened IL-17A, IL-9, and IFN-γ, their therapeutic effectiveness was critically dependent on IFN-γ production. Depletion of IL-17A and IL-9 had little impact on antitumor Tc17 cells activated with an ICOS agonist. Collectively, our work reveals that the ICOS pathway potentiates the antitumor activity of adoptively transferred Tc17 cells. This work has major implications for the design of vaccine, Ab and cell-based therapies for autoimmunity, infectious disease, and cancer.
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation enhances mortality and pathology associated with influenza virus infection in mice.

Abstract Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) causes systemic immune suppression, decreasing the delayed type and contact hypersensitivity responses in animals and humans and enhancing certain mycobacterial, parasitic and viral infections in mice. This study tests the hypothesis that prior exposure to UVR enhances influenza infections in mice. BALB/c female mice were exposed to 0–8.2 kJ/m2 of UVR. Exposed and unexposed mice were infected intranasally three days later with 150–300 plaque-forming units/mouse (lethal dose (LD)20–LD40) of mouse-adapted Hong Kong Influenza A/68 (H3N2) virus or sham infected with 50 μL Hanks' balanced salt solution/mouse. Mortality from viral infection ranged from 25–50%. UVR exposure increased virus-associated mortality in a dose-dependent manner (up to a two-fold increase at 8.2 kJ/m2). The increased mortality was not associated with bacterial pneumonia. The highest dose of UVR also accelerated the body weight loss and increased the severity and incidence of thymic atrophy associated ...
On the use of trace sampling for architectural studies of desktop applications

Examines the feasibility of performing architectural studies with trace sampling for a suite of desktop application traces on Windows NT. This paper makes three contributions: we compare the accuracy of several sampling techniques to determine cache miss rates for these workloads, we present victim cache and branch prediction architecture studies that demonstrate that sampling can be used to drive such studies, and we show how sampling may be used to accurately and efficiently derive the parameters for A. Agarwal et al.'s (1988) analytical cache model. Of the sampling techniques used for the cache miss ratio determinations, the stitch technique, which assumes that the state of the cache at the beginning of a sample is the same as the state at the end of the previous sample, narrowly outperforms the more complex INITMR technique of D.A. Wood et al. (1991) for these workloads. These two techniques are more accurate than the others and are reliable for caches up to 64 KB in size.
Anticipatory signals in kinematics and muscle activity during functional grasp and release

Robotic assistive devices show potential to aid hand function using surface electromyography (sEMG) as a control signal. Current implementations of these robotic systems typically do not include interaction with the environment, which naturally occurs during functional tasks. Further, many applications have experts place the sEMG sensors on specific muscles, which benefits precision alignment that may not be possible by non-experts. This study informs algorithm development for controlling assistive devices for grasping and releasing objects using kinematics and non-specifically placed sEMG sensors. Significant effects of object type were found in the grip aperture and joint kinematics. Muscle activity was significantly affected by small alignment changes in the sensor placement, yet the features analyzed showed anticipatory mechanisms prior to grasp and release. The appropriate inclusion of placement variability within a control architecture can be coupled with the kinematics and sEMG features to inform object type and anticipate grasp and release.
Nicholson Baker Wasn't All Wrong: A Collection Development Policy for Remote Storage Facilities

SUMMARY An increasing number of libraries are engaged in building remote storage facilities. Overcrowded shelves resulting from an increase in scholarly publishing and the high cost of traditional library buildings have made remote storage attractive options. It has the further advantage of offering an environment more suited to preservation and security. However, remote storage is not a popular choice, especially among the faculty. A collection development policy is essential for these branch libraries. Librarians must involve faculty in developing the guidelines to be used in selecting materials for storage. Both general and specific criteria need to be determined so as to cause the least disruption to research and curricular needs.
T Cell Receptor-induced Phosphorylation of Sos Requires Activity of CD45, Lck, and Protein Kinase C, but Not ERK

Stimulation of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) activates signaling pathways involving protein kinases, phospholipase Cγ1, and Ras. How these second messengers interact to initiate distal activation events is an area of intense scrutiny. In this report, we confirm that TCR ligation results in phosphorylation of Sos, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Ras. This requires expression of both the CD45 tyrosine phosphatase and the Lck protein tyrosine kinase and depends upon signaling via protein kinase C. In contrast to previous studies examining requirements for Sos phosphorylation following insulin and epidermal growth factor receptor engagement, we show that TCR-induced phosphorylation of Sos does not require activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular-signal regulated kinase (MEK/ERK) pathway. However, the basal phosphorylation of Sos in T cells is affected by either MEK or MEK-dependent kinases. Although Sos phosphorylation results in its dissociation from Grb2 following insulin stimulation in Chinese hamster ovary cells, TCR engagement on the Jurkat T cell line fails to elicit a similar effect. These data demonstrate that the kinases responsible for Sos phosphorylation differ following ligation of various cell surface receptors and that the consequences of Sos phosphorylation relies, at least in part, on sites of its phosphorylation.
Case report 579

Observation d'une femme de 27 ans aux antecedents d'arthralgies diverses evaluant depuis 10 ans. Apparition recente de severes cervicalgies et douleurs du bras droit associes a des signes neurologiques. Interet d'un bilan pousse a la recherche d'une compression de la moelle epiniere chez une patiente atteinte de sclerodermie et de douleurs cervicales. Role des calcifications des tissus mous dans la compression radiculaire
Forest structure and regeneration following a mountain pine beetle epidemic in southeastern Wyoming

Abstract Rocky Mountain forests are currently experiencing a bark beetle epidemic of unprecedented severity and extent. Forest regeneration following bark beetle outbreaks is driven by the survival and density of understory trees (advance regeneration). The composition and density of the advance regeneration may differ substantially from the pre-outbreak overstory and across environmental gradients. We characterized and compared the density and species composition of advance regeneration, residual overstory, and pre-outbreak overstory in stands with varying lodgepole pine density and mortality following a massive mountain pine beetle outbreak in the Medicine Bow Range of Wyoming. Additionally, we examined the influence of moisture conditions, outbreak intensity, and stand characteristics on advance regeneration within these stands. While lodgepole pine experienced considerable mortality, it was still the dominant species in the overstory. Subalpine fir was the dominant species in the advance regeneration. Relative species density of the advance regeneration differed from the pre-outbreak overstory, demonstrating a significant shift towards subalpine fir dominance. Three different lodgepole pine forest types (pure lodgepole pine, aspen-influenced, and spruce-fir) were found prior to the outbreak in the Medicine Bow Range. In general, species composition of the advance regeneration was of the same forest type as the pre-outbreak overstory, indicating that there was very little shift between forest types within individual stands following the outbreak. However, the relative species density of the advance regeneration differed from the pre-outbreak overstory in the spruce-fir and the aspen-influenced forests types, with a much smaller proportion of lodgepole pine occurring in the advanced regeneration. Relative species densities of advance regeneration and residual overstory varied across local moisture conditions and pre-outbreak and lodgepole pine overstory density but not outbreak intensity. Subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce comprised a greater proportion of the overstory and understory in wetter stands while lodgepole pine was a greater proportion on the drier stands. Advance regeneration density was negatively correlated with pre-outbreak and lodgepole pine overstory density and basal area, except for lodgepole pine advance regeneration density which had a weak positive relationship. Succession trajectories are altered in both pure lodgepole pine stands and spruce-fir stands. Based on the density of advance regeneration compared to the pre-outbreak canopy, advance regeneration appears to be a suitable means for regenerating stands following mountain pine beetle outbreaks in the Medicine Bow Range. Relying on advance regeneration may increase heterogeneity in forest structure that may make these forests more resistant to mountain pine beetle attacks in the future.
Color texture retrieval using the collective color texture model

Color and texture has been extensively studied in the field of image processing and computer vision. Industrial applications based on computer vision that uses color and texture information for produce recognition and surface change detection are more common these days. Even though color and texture have been individually studied and used for retrieval and classification purposes, very little work has been done in the problem of effective integration of color and texture information. Previously, we proposed the Collective Color Texture (CCT) model that functionally considers both the color and texture outcomes and generates an effective descriptor for the color texture. We showed that the CCT model outperformed other common integration methods when used for supervised classification. In this work, we use the CCT model for texture retrieval using histogram based color representation, various texture based representations. We used Outex 13 database for our experiments since it has wide variety of color textures (such as granite, canvas, carpet, etc) that are commonly present in industrial applications. We compare retrieval performance using individual methods with those from commonly used integrated techniques. Our results show that the CCT model provides an overall superior retrieval performance when compared with other popular approaches.
Liquid crystal photorefractivity – towards supra-optical nonlinearity

Abstract A review of the basic mechanisms of optically induced refractive index modification in liquid crystalline materials is presented. We describe how the use of methyl-red dye or an azobenzene liquid crystal will dramatically enhance the nonlinear optical responses of typical nematic liquid crystals (NLC). The intensity dependent refractive index changes in these materials are characterized by nonlinear coefficients of over 1 cm 2 / W . The principal contributing mechanisms are orientational photorefractivity associated with photo-induced space charge fields, dopant-nematic molecular torque, and order parameter modification caused by trans–cis isomerization of the azo-dopants.
Hierarchical clustering of the data vortex optical interconnection network

The data vortex photonic interconnection network is studied for application to clustering and hierarchical layering of nodes. Performance is examined for varying cluster counts and under loads of varying network locality. In today's technology, similar performance is attained at high network communication locality loads (>2/3), and a 19% latency reduction is obtained at the highest locality loads (>95%) for current optical switching technology. For projected future technology, the clustered system is shown to yield up to a 55% reduction in latency for applications with 2/3 or better locality.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Invasive Bladder Cancer

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been extensively investigated in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. When taken together, the randomized controlled trials of neoadjuvant cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy demonstrate an improved survival over cystectomy alone. In addition, neoadjuvant chemotherapy can result in downstaging of primary tumors. As noted, a pT0 disease status at cystectomy is associated with a significant improvement in survival. A randomized controlled trial comparing neoadjuvant to adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy shows that neither approach is superior. Finally, the ongoing EORTC/SWOG adjuvant chemotherapy trial, when completed, should add importantly to the literature concerning the role of systemic chemotherapy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Abstract 4042: MiR-200c sensitizes colorectal cancer cells to 5-FU through Bcl-2-involved apoptotic pathway

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Effective clinical management of colorectal cancer is still a major challenge in cancer care. MicroRNA is a set of newly-discovered, non-coding small RNA molecules that significantly contribute to a number of critical biological events including cell proliferation, apoptosis development, as well as tumorigenesis. Our group has previously identified a number of microRNA candidates associated with potential prognostic value in colorectal cancer patients. In this study, we investigated miR-200c and validated its impact on 5-FU chemosensitivity in colorectal cancer. Human colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116 and HCT15 were employed in this study. Pre-miR-200c precursor molecules and negative control (Ambion, Inc.) were transiently transfected into these cell lines and cell viability was examined using WST-1 assay (Roche, Inc.) after 5-FU treatment for 24 hours. The results indicate that miR-200c can potentially sensitize colorectal cancer cells to 5-FU up to 25% compared to controls. Also, cells over-expressing miR-200c have an approximately 50% higher apoptotic rate than controls based on flow cytometry results. Bioinformatics predicts Bcl-2 is a putative mRNA target of miR200c. Bcl-2 is an integral membrane protein located mainly on the outer membrane of mitochondria. Overexpression of Bcl-2 has been demonstrated to prevent cells from undergoing apoptosis in response to a variety of stimuli. In this study, we further experimentally validated the repressive abilities of miR-200c on Bcl-2 expression using Western Blot and Luciferase reporter assay. Our results demonstrates that miR-200c is a potential biomarker for predicting chemotherapeutic response in colorectal cancer and functions by repressing Bcl-2 expression and inducing apoptotic susceptibility to 5-FU. These results hold great promise for moving miRNAs toward future clinical application and contribute to the ultimate goal of developing or improving therapeutic intervention for patients with colorectal cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4042.
Side-effect profile of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) in clinical practice

Abstract Objectives. Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) has been shown to be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. Initial studies reported a high tolerability and low incidence of certain characteristic adverse reactions. We sought to evaluate the incidence of side effects of sildenafil citrate, independent of industry support and constraints, utilizing a heterogeneous cohort of patients from a university-based practice. Methods. A prospective, open-label, flexible-dose study of 256 patients treated with sildenafil citrate for erectile dysfunction was performed at a single institution. The patients were questioned explicitly about the occurrence of headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion, visual changes, and other side effects. Results. The adverse reactions most commonly observed were flushing (30.8%), headache (25.4%), nasal congestion (18.7%), and heartburn (10.5%). All events were short lived and mild in nature. In the present study, 31.6% of patients experienced one or more adverse events. However, no one withdrew from the study because of the severity of these events. There was a significant association between higher doses and the occurrence of side effects. Conclusions. The incidence of adverse events attributable to sildenafil citrate may be higher than initially reported, but an explanation may be the methodology of data collection and the industry-independent nature of this study. The side-effect profile is dose related and mild. Sildenafil citrate remains a safe and well-tolerated treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Effects of Cartilage Constitutive Model on Specimen-Specific Validation and Predictions of Cartilage Mechanics in the Human Hip

The initiation and progression of hip osteoarthritis (OA) may be predicted by mechanical factors [1]. Contact stress (CS), maximum shear stress (MSS) at the osteochondral interface and first principal strain (FPS) at the articular surface have been identified as parameters that alter the physical integrity and metabolism of cartilage [1]. Although these parameters are difficult to measure in-vivo, they can be predicted using finite element (FE) models. However, the reliability of model predictions and the effects of model assumptions are largely unknown. Direct validation of FE models against experimental measurements for a series of specimens shows the reliability of predictions across specimen geometry [1], although to date this has only been performed for a single hip [2].Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Evaluation of binding of perylene diimide and benzannulated perylene diimide ligands to DNA by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and spectroscopic studies in solution were used to evaluate the self-association, G-quadruplex DNA binding, and selectivity of a series of perylene diimides (PDIs) (PIPER, Tel01, Tel11, Tel12, and Tel18) or benzannulated perylene diimide ligands (Tel34 and Tel32). Fluorescence and resonance light scattering spectra of Tel01, Tel12, Tel32, and Tel34 reveal that these analogs undergo self-association in solution. UV-Vis and fluorescence titrations with G-quadruplex, duplex, or single-stranded DNA demonstrate that all the analogs, with the exception of Tel32, bind to G-quadruplex DNA, with those PDIs that are self-associated in solution showing the highest degree of selectivity for binding G-quadruplex DNA. Parallel ESI-MS analysis of the stoichiometries demonstrates the ability of the ligands, with the exception of Tel32, to bind to G-quadruplex DNA. While most ligands show major 1:1 and 2:1 binding stoichiometries as expected in the case of end-stacking, interestingly, three of the most quadruplex-selective ligands show a different behavior. Tel01 forms 3:1 complexes, while Tel12 and Tel32 only form 1:1 complexes. Collisional activation dissociation patterns are compatible with ligand binding to G-quadruplex DNA via stacking on the ends of the terminal G-tetrads. Experiments with duplex and single strand DNA were performed to assess the binding selectivities of the ligands. PIPER, Tel11, and Tel18 demonstrated extensive complexation with duplex DNA, while Tel11 and Tel18 bound to single strand DNA, confirming the lack of selectivity of these two ligands. Our results indicate that Tel01, Tel12, and Tel34 are the most selective for G-quadruplex DNA.
Social responsibility and personal success: A research note

Views of corporate social responsibility recognize thatindividual decision makers are key to implementing socially responsible programs and that it is difficult to ask executives to act in a socially responsible manner if such actions have a negative impact on personal success. Using a sample of more than 300 advertising executives, the compatibility of social responsibility and personal success are explored by examining the relationship between social responsibility and advertising executives’ incomes and titles. Findings indicate that neither penalties nor rewards accrue to advertising executives for socially responsible actions. Implications for executives wanting their organizations to be viewed as socially responsible are discussed.
Crystallization kinetics and fragility of a metallic glass composite

The crystallization behavior and viscosity of an in situ metallic glass composite was investigated using a non-contact electrostatic levitation technique. The width of the supercooled liquid region for the amorphous matrix was found to be 74 K, indicating its excellent stability against crystallization. The viscosity data follows the Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann relation, which was used to determine the fragility of the composite melt. The viscosity of the composite is compared to monolithic metallic glasses in the context of “strong-fragile” liquid behavior.
Determining the Effectiveness of Anger Management Training and Curricular Infusion at an Alternative School for Students Expelled for Weapons

Students in a school as an alternative to expulsion for carrying a weapon were provided regular direct anger management training. Veteran teachers were taught strategies for infusing the anger management skills into their lessons. Students were given the National School Crime and Safety Survey as a pretest and posttest. In addition, ethnographic field notes were used to examine the reactions of the staff and students to the interventions. Significant reductions in willingness to fight and improvements in ability to control anger were reported. Ethnographic reports indicated that staff and students felt safer and more positive about the school than before the interventions. The challenges to instituting these interventions are described.
Young adult suicide and exposure to television

Young adult suicide rates tripled following the introduction of television into the United States and Canada. To assess whether exposure to television is a risk factor for young adult suicide (ages 15-24), suicide trends were compared between the U.S., Canada, and South Africa, 1949-1985. Major increases in young adult suicide rates occurred in all three countries, even though there was no television broadcasting in South Africa prior to 1975. For the U.S., the timing of a census region's acquisition of television did not correlate with the timing of the subsequent regional increase in young adult suicide rates (r = -0.01). Nonspecific exposure to television is not a risk factor for young adult suicide. Television producers still need to be judicious in their portrayals, and discussions, of suicide on television, because of the risks of imitative suicides, particularly among the young.
Minimal access treatment of pectus carinatum: a preliminary report

Background Unlike the minimal access repair of pectus excavatum (PE), a minimal access repair of pectus carinatum (PC) has not been established. This initial experience reports the correction of PC using a minimal access technique in five patients.
Structures of deoxy and oxy hemerythrin at 2.0 A resolution.

The crystallographic structure analyses of deoxy and oxy hemerythrin have been carried out at 2.0 A resolution to extend the low resolution views of the physiological forms of this oxygen-binding protein. Restrained least-squares refinement has produced molecular models giving R-values of 16.8% for deoxy (41,064 reflections from 10 A to 2.0 A) and 17.3% for oxy hemerythrin (40,413 reflections from 10.0 A to 2.0 A). The protein structure in each derivative is very similar to that of myohemerythrin and the various met forms of hemerythrin. The binuclear complex in each derivative retains an oxygen atom bridging the two iron atoms, but the bond lengths found in deoxy hemerythrin support the idea that, in that form, the bridge is protonated, i.e. the bridging group is a hydroxyl. Dioxygen binds to the pentaco-ordinate iron atom in deoxy hemerythrin in the conversion to oxy hemerythrin. The interatomic distances are consistent with the proposed mechanism where the proton from the bridging group is transferred to the bound dioxygen, stabilizing it in the peroxo oxidation state by forming a hydrogen bond between the peroxy group and the bridging oxygen atom.
Roles of Na+ and Ca2+ in the inhibition by low pH of the hydrosmotic response to serosal hypertonicity in toad bladder

Abstract The hydrosmotic responses to serosal hyperosmolar solutions were studied in isolated urinary bladders of toads ( Bufo marinus ) at different pH values to see whether the increase in watet flux obtained with serosal hypertonicity in urinary bladders of amphibia is due to non-specific mechanisms or whether it is related to specific ionic regulation. The increase in net water flux elicited by serosal hypertonicity (Ringer + 250 mM mannitol ⋍ 430 mosM) at pH 8.2 is inhibited by lowering the pH to 6.6. The same inhibition is obtained if pH is lowered when the response is fully developed. The inhibition of the development is reversible upon return to pH 8.2, provided serosal Na + and Ca 2+ are present. The reversibility is incomplete in Ca 2+ -free solutions and is completely abolished in Na + -free solutions. It is concluded that the hydrosmotic response to serosal hypertonicity in the amphibian bladder is not a passive phenomenon. It is suggested that during the osmotic challenge there is an increase in a H + -sensitive Na + permeability at the basolateral membrane which may be related to the intracellular events that lead to the permeability changes. Serosal Ca2 + could be important in the maintenance of the water permeability in the developed response to hypertonicity. A hypothesis is presented concerning the possibility of similar mechanisms in the modulation of the hydrosmotic responses to antidiuretic hormone and to serosal hypertonicity.
Comparison of the results of electrophysiologic testing after short-term and long-term treatment with amiodarone in patients with ventricular tachycardia☆

Abstract The results of electrophysiologic testing after short-term and long-term treatment with amiodarone were compared in 71 patients with ventricular tachycardia. Electrophysiologic testing was performed in the baseline state after 11 ± 3 days of treatment with 1.2 to 2.4 gm/day of amiodarone, and after 13 ± 4 weeks of therapy with a daily amiodarone dose of 400 mg. After short-term therapy, 62% of the patients had an adequate response to amiodarone. In 27 patients who were hemodynamically unstable, ventricular tachycardia was induced and became noninducible or hemodynamically stable after combination therapy with a class I agent. Among 18 patients who did not have inducible ventricular tachycardia after short-term therapy, eight (44%) had inducible, hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia after long-term treatment with amiodarone. On the other hand, six of the 27 patients who had hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia after short-term therapy had an adequate response after long-term treatment with amiodarone. Therefore an adequate electrophysiologic response after short-term therapy does not guarantee a similar response after long-term treatment, and an inadequate response after short-term therapy does not always predict a similar response after long-term therapy.
THIOURACIL-PYRIMIDINE RELATIONSHIPS IN THYROID AND OTHER TISSUES.

An examination was made of several systems in which thiouracil and the pyrimidines, uracil, thymine and orotic acid, might compete. The goitrogenic effects of thiouracil were compared with those of other thiopyrimidines and thiopurines. Only thiopyrimidines exhibited goitrogenic properties with thioorotic acid and thiocytosine being weakly goitrogenic and thiothymine inactive. The goitrogenic properties of thiouracil in an iodine-deficient diet were not reduced by simultaneous administration of daily doses of uracil or thymine 300 and 120 times, respectively, that of thiouracil. The pyrimidines and thiouracil were not degraded to 14CO2 by rat thyroid or calf thymus slices. Rat liver slices rapidly oxidized uracil-2-14C, metabolized orotic acid-6-14C only slightly, and did not appear to degrade thiouracil at all. The addition of thiouracil had no discernible effect on the degradation of uracil. Utilization of uracil for RNA formation by thyroid slices was not altered by the presence of thiouracil but was d...
Isopiestic molalities for aqueous solutions of the alkali metal hydroxides at elevated temperatures

Isopiestic molalities of aqueous solutions of the alkali metal hydroxides have been measured atT=(383.25, 413.12, and 443.09) K. The isopiestic standard for calculation of osmotic coefficients was NaCl(aq). The ion-interaction model gave an excellent fit with the experimental osmotic coefficients and provided parameters for the calculation of activity coefficients. Osmotic and activity coefficients both decrease with increasing temperature in this temperature range. As atT=298.15 K, the order of the results is the reverse of that for the alkali metal chlorides. The model of Simonsonet al. (J. Chem. Thermodynamics1989, 21, 561–584) is an excellent predictor of the experimental results for NaOH(aq). A simple model is presented from which activity and osmotic coefficients (atpsat) can be calculated as a function of molality forT=273.15 K toT=523.15 K.
Marketing fine art on the Internet: issues and ideas

The fine art market has grown into a $17bn industry. Yet only recently have art dealers and art buyers discovered the Internet as a viable marketing tool. As art galleries begin to move online, a fundamental question arises: are the major stakeholders willing to use this non-traditional means to buy and sell art? This paper uses three independent studies, of artists, interior designers and organisational buyers, in North America, to analyse the characteristics of those inclined to use the Internet for this service and considers the magnitude of purchases through this medium. Study results indicate that: (1) artists are under-represented on the Internet and disconcerted about technology issues; (2) targeting buyer segments, like interior designers, through the Internet is a viable and attractive alternative for fine art dealers; (3) organisational buyers often neglect Internet alternatives. Practical implications for those desiring to utilise the Internet to market fine art are discussed. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications