cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Arachidonic acid metabolism by the 5-lipoxygenase pathway, and the effects of alternative dietary fatty acids.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the recent studies of the effects of EPA and DCHA on leukotriene generation and function. The beneficial effects of fish oils on ischemic heart disease have been attributed to the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels and on the attenuation of the cyclooxygenase pathway and certain products to modify platelet and endothelial cell interactions in a favorable direction. Supplementation of the diet with 40 ml/day of cod liver oil provides about 4–5 g of EPA and about 5–6 g of docosahexaenoic acid (DCHA) daily; increases the bleeding time and decreases the platelet count; suppresses the platelet aggregation response to ADP and collagen stimulation; and reduces the associated formation of immunoreactive thromboxane B, which is a metabolic product of thromboxane A and serves to uantitate the active product. To appreciate the possible effects of alternative fatty acids on the function and products of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway, it is appropriate to consider the steps in biosynthesis and metabolism of the leukotrienes, the nature of subclass-specific receptors, and the pharmacologic and likely physiologic actions of the leukotrienes. Clinical investigation has focused exclusively on the effects of N-3 fatty acids in the modulation of the metabolism of arachidonic acid by the cyclooxygenase pathway. Because arachidonic acid released from membrane phospholipids can also be metabolized by lipoxygenase pathways of which the 5-lipoxygenase pathway leads to the generation of the proinflammatory leukotrienes.
Multi-Institutional Evaluation of Interrater Agreement of Variant Classification Based on the 2017 Association for Molecular Pathology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and College of American Pathologists Standards and Guidelines for the Interpretation and Reporting of Sequence Variants in Cancer

This multi-institutional study was undertaken to evaluate interrater reliability of the 2017 Association for Molecular Pathology/American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists guidelines for interpretation and reporting of oncology sequence variants and to assess current practices and perceptions surrounding these guidelines. Fifty-one variants were distributed to 20 participants from 10 institutions for classification using the new guidelines. Agreement was assessed using chance-corrected agreement (Cohen κ). κ was 0.35. To evaluate if data sharing could help resolve disagreements, a summary of variant classifications and additional information about each variant were distributed to all participants. κ improved to 0.7 after the original classifications were revised. Participants were invited to take a web-based survey regarding their perceptions of the guidelines. Only 20% (n = 3) of the survey respondents had prior experience with the guidelines in clinical practice. The main perceived barriers to guideline implementation included the complexity of the guidelines, discordance between clinical actionability and pathobiologic relevance, lack of familiarity with the new classifications, and uncertainty when applying criteria to potential germline variants. This study demonstrates noteworthy discordances between pathologists for variant classification in solid tumors when using the 2017 Association for Molecular Pathology/American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists guidelines. These findings highlight potential areas for clarification/refinement before mainstream clinical adoption.
RapidPlan for Knowledge-Based Planning of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Abstract Purpose Treatment planning for malignant pleural mesothelioma is a challenging task due to the relatively large size of the target and the need to spare critical organs that overlap with or are within the target volume. We aimed to develop a knowledge-based model using RapidPlan (RP) for patients with 2 intact lungs. Methods and Materials Data from 57 patients treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy were chosen for training the dose estimation model at a single dose level. The prescription dose was 50.4 Gy in 1.8 Gy fractions. The model was validated on 23 new patients by comparing the clinical plan to the RP. Time taken to plan the RP was compared with that for the clinical plan. Results For similar target coverage and plan inhomogeneity, RP significantly improved the sparing of the contralateral lung, heart, stomach, esophagus, and ipsilateral kidney. On average, the contralateral lung V5 Gy and V10 Gy were reduced by 13.9% (P Conclusions The RP model for malignant pleural mesothelioma showed improved sparing of critical organs with a reduced treatment planning time and increased prescription dose.
Review of structural late-breaking trials from the TVT Connect 2020 and PCR e-Course 2020 virtual meetings.

• COVID-19 pandemic replaced face-to-face meetings with virtual ones. • We give highlights of late-breaking trials presented at the TVT Connect 2020. • We also report on selected structural trials presented at PCR e-Course 2020.
Gender Differences in Violent Penetrating Injuries and Long-Term Adverse Outcomes

Violent injury is known to be a chronic, recurrent issue, with high rates of recidivism in the 5 years following initial injury. Much of the strategy behind violence intervention programs, who are ...
Investigation of the competition between Tl+ and Ce3+ scintillation in Tl2LiYCl6:Ce, an elpasolite scintillator

Abstract Li-containing elpasolite scintillators are currently investigated for their ability to detect both thermal neutrons and gamma photons with a single inorganic crystal. The scintillation is typically triggered by using an activator such as Ce. However, when Tl, also a luminescent ion, is present in the matrix, competition between the two centers Tl and Ce can occur. In this study, we are using Ce doped Tl2LiYCl6 to investigate this competition. To this end, the Ce (which substitutes Y) concentration is varied from 0 to 1 in the Tl2LiY1-xCexCl6 composition. In the low concentration range in which Ce remains a dopant, the photo- and radioluminescence spectra show that the scintillation of Tl2LiYCl6:Ce is mostly dominated by recombination on intrinsic luminescent centers. For cerium concentrations higher than x = 0.02, very different emissions can be easily distinguished from the photo- and radioluminescence of undoped and low Ce doped Tl2LiYCl6 crystals. These emissions are attributed to the formation of a second phase Tl2CeCl5, identified by X-ray diffraction. We conclude that the intrinsic luminescence related to Tl dominates the scintillation in the range of concentration for which Ce does substitute on the Y-site.
Infinitesimal specification of continuous time Markov chains

The basic building blocks of our models are counting processes, that is, nonnegative-integer-valued processes that are constant except for jumps of + 1. In this chapter, we introduce the notion of an intensity for a counting process and show how a counting process model can be specified by specifying a functional form for its intensity. The counting process corresponding to the intensity can be determined either as the solution of a stochastic equation or as the solution of a martingale problem. By writing a lattice-valued (e.g., \(\mathbb{Z}^{d}\)-valued) Markov chain in terms of counting processes that count the number of jumps of each of a countable number of types, we can specify the chain by specifying the intensities of the counting processes as functions of the state of the Markov chain.
The ψ' to J/ψ hadronic decay puzzle

Abstract Experimentally the ratio of all exclusive ψ′ to J ψ hadronic decays are surprisingly constant for all channels except for the final states K ∗ K , ϱπ, ηγ and η′γ . I propose a solution to this puzzle based on standard phenomenology. The OZI forbidden processes for both the J ψ and ψ′ decays are treated in similar ways and no rapid energy variation or fine tuning is needed. The underlying reason that the ratio is small for the vector-pseudoscalar final states is that hadronic decays of the ψ′ to these channels is closely related to the hindered M1 transition ψ′ → ηcγ. The hadronic decays of ψ′ to the vector, pseudoscalar are in effect a generalized hindered M1 transition. It is assumed that the OZI forbidden transition amplitude does not induce configuration mixing.
Substrate interactions with the alpha-subunit of the Escherichia coli tryptophan synthase. A study of the activity of mutant alpha-subunits.

Abstract Extracts of 19 trpA mutant strains of Escherichia coli were examined for their relative activity in the reversible aldolytic reaction catalyzed by the trpA gene product, the α-subunit of tryptophan synthase, in combination with the β-subunit of this enzyme. The specific activities in this reaction, indoleglycerol-P (InGP) ⇌ indole + glyceraldehyde-3-P, were determined for both the forward reaction (InGP to indole) and the reverse reaction (indole to InGP). The majority of the mutant α-subunits had 50% of the wild-type activity in the reverse reaction. Several had 5 to 15% of wild-type specific activity in the forward reaction but 60 to 100% of wild-type specific activity in the reverse reaction. Spontaneous revertant strains, selected for their increased ability to catalyze the forward reaction effectively, contained α-subunits with the expected higher specific activities in the forward reaction but without parallel changes in the reverse reaction activity.
Chapter 8 Isolation of Flagella and Their Membranes from Sea Urchin Spermatozoa

Publisher Summary To facilitate investigation of the ionic mechanisms involved in sperm motility initiation, procedures are described in this chapter to isolate sea urchin sperm flagella and their membranes that are suitable for measurements of ion transport properties. The initiation of sea urchin sperm motility is a Na+-dependent process. On dilution of semen into seawater, motility is activated and is accompanied by acid extrusion. Both of these processes do not occur in the absence of external Na+. Artificial elevation of the internal pH of the sperm with nigericin and/or NH4Cl can overcome the requirement of external Na+. Conversely, lowering the pH of regular seawater reduces the internal pH of the sperm and inhibits motility, which can be reversed by monesin, a Na+/H+ exchange ionophore. These results are consistent with the trigger of motility being elevation of internal pH of the sperm mediated by a Na+/H+ exchanger. These preparations are single-compartment systems, thus allowing unambiguous analysis and interpretation of ion transport measurements. An added advantage of the flagellar membrane preparation is that the ionic conditions in both the internal and external media can be controlled, therefore allowing the determination of which ion(s) is required for the operation of the flagellar Na+/H+ exchanger. Under experimental procedures, the chapter discusses sperm collection, the media, and isolation of sperm flagella and flagellar membranes. The composition of this medium was designed with K+ being the only permeant ion. This simplifies the calculation of membrane potential across the flagellar vesicles and the interpretation of the ion transport measurements. Pyranine is an impermeant pH indicator used as a marker for the intravesicular space and a probe for measuring internal pH of the flagellar vesicles. Sea urchin sperm flagella contain no internal membranous organelles. A simple lysis procedure can be used to release the plasma membrane from the axonemes.
Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis and Asymptomatic Familial Adult-Type Polycystic Kidney Disease in a 19-Year-Old Woman

Congenital hepatic fibrosis has been associated with a variety of renal malformations, but rarely adulttype polycystic kidneys. The case of a 19-yr-old woman with congenital hepatic fibrosis associated with asymptomatic familial adult-type (autosomal dominant) polycystic kidney disease is described. A literature review revealed seven other reports of this association. Our patient differs because the association between congenital hepatic fibrosis and adulttype polycystic kidney disease is clear, and because her asymptomatic kidney disease accords with the later onset of symptomatic polycystic kidney dis-, ease in her family.
Predoctoral Dental Students’ Perceptions and Experiences with Prosthodontics

Purpose: The aims of this study were to: (1) investigate the perceptions and experiences of predoctoral dental students and advanced standing students on mentorship, exposure to prosthodontics, and future need for the specialty, and (2) establish a baseline of students’ perceptions of the impact of prosthodontics on salary, personal and patient quality of life, and the profession of dentistry. Materials and Methods: A survey was distributed to 494 predoctoral and advanced standing students at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Questions focused on the perceptions and experiences with the specialty of prosthodontics. A total of 410 surveys were analyzed using Chi Square tests and univariate and multivariate analysis with statistical software. Results: Response rate was 83%. A positive initial introduction to prosthodontics was reported by 57% of students. Most students had positive experiences with prosthodontic faculty and enjoyed laboratory work and challenging/complex dentistry. A greater need for prosthodontists in the future was perceived by 82% of respondents, with 63% reporting that the future of prosthodontics had been emphasized. Students reported (1) a preclinical course directed by prosthodontists and (2) working in the clinic with prosthodontic faculty (p < 0.006) as having the biggest impact on their introduction to prosthodontics. A desire to pursue training or a career in prosthodontics was reported by 3.4% of the respondents, with 1.7% of them pursuing prosthodontics. Enjoyment of providing care in prosthodontics was the most important factor for those who decided to pursue prosthodontic postgraduate training. When compared to other specialties, prosthodontics ranked low with regards to its impact on salary (7th), personal quality of life (5th), patient quality of life (4th), and strengthening of the dental field (7th). Conclusion: Reasons few students are interested in prosthodontics as a career, despite a positive first introduction and high perceived future need for prosthodontists may be attributed to a number of factors. These include insufficient prosthodontically, trained faculty, lack of a mentorship program, lack of an advanced graduate program, a perception of feeling unprepared upon graduation, and misconception of potential income in prosthodontics.
Laminin-5 and hemidesmosomes: role of the alpha 3 chain subunit in hemidesmosome stability and assembly

Hemidesmosomes are complex macromolecular structures which integrate elements of the extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton of epithelial cells. To characterize cell-matrix interactions in the hemidesmosome, we have made use of 804G cells which possess the unusual ability to assemble hemidesmosomes in vitro. During the course of our studies, we have raised a set of monoclonal antibodies against rat laminin-5, the major structural element comprising 804G matrix. One of these, termed CM6, recognizes the 150 kDa alpha chain of rat laminin-5 and binds the globular (G) domain of intact laminin-5 molecules as determined by rotary shadowing. CM6 antibodies perturb formed hemidesmosomes in 804G cells. In particular, within 1 hour of incubation of 804G cells with CM6 antibodies, colocalization of laminin-5 and alpha 6 beta 4 integrin is lost and by 2 hours, staining generated by hemidesmosomal antibodies appears primarily cytoplasmic in the perinuclear zone. Ultrastructurally, CM6 antibodies first appear to induce detachment of hemidesmosomes from the underlying matrix. Next, portions of the basal cell surface invaginate to form vesicles whose cytoplasmic-facing surface is coated with hemidesmosomes still associated with keratin intermediate filaments. Anchoring filaments extend into the inside compartment of the vesicles. We have also studied the impact of CM6 antibodies on a model system in which the matrix of 804G cells induces de novo assembly of hemidesmosomes in human keratinocytes. This process involves the plasma membrane reorganization of the hemidesmosome associated integrin alpha 6 beta 4 as well as a redistribution of other hemidesmosome components such as the 230 kDa bullous pemphigoid antigen. Pretreatment of 804G matrix with CM6 antibodies blocks such plasma membrane reorganization of hemidesmosome components and inhibits hemidesmosome formation. Our studies indicate a crucial role for the G domain of the alpha chain of laminin-5 in both nucleation of hemidesmosome assembly as well as maintenance of hemidesmosome structural integrity.
Mitochondrial dysfunction in idiopathic Parkinson disease

Disordered mitochondrial metabolism may play an important role in a number of idiopathic neurodegenerative disorders. The question of mitochondrial dysfunction is particularly attractive in the case of idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD), since Vyas et al. recognized in the 1980s that the parkinsonism-inducing compound N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine is a mitochondrial toxin. The unique genetic properties of mitochondria also make them worthy of consideration for a pathogenic role in PD, as well as in other late-onset, sporadic neurodegenerative disorders. Although affected persons occasionally do provide family histories that suggest Mendelian inheritance, the vast majority of the time these diseases appear sporadically. Because of unique features such as heteroplasmy, replicative segregation, and threshold effects, mitochondrial inheritance can allow for the apparent sporadic nature of these diseases.
Epitopes targeted by bullous pemphigoid T lymphocytes and autoantibodies map to the same sites on the bullous pemphigoid 180 ectodomain.

Bullous pemphigoid is a blistering skin disease characterized by autoantibodies directed against the NC16A domain of bullous pemphigoid 180 (collagen XVII), a transmembrane protein of epidermal basal cells. Passive transfer studies in mice have shown that antibodies that bind to this immunodominant region of bullous pemphigoid 180 are capable of inducing a skin disease that closely mimics bullous pemphigoid, supporting the hypothesis that epitopes within NC16A are involved in the pathogenesis of bullous pemphigoid. In this study, we examined the autoimmune T cell response in bullous pemphigoid patients. T cells from eight of 12 bullous pemphigoid patients, all of whom had circulating anti-bullous pemphigoid 180 autoantibodies, showed a specific proliferative response to recombinant forms of NC16A. T cell lines and clones developed from four of these patients recognize the same NC16A peptides as those targeted by autoantibodies from the corresponding individuals. These NC16A-responding T lymphocytes express α/β T cell receptors and CD4 memory T cell surface markers and exhibited a Th1/Th2 mixed cytokine profile that may support the production of antibodies. This new information will aid in defining the key steps involved in the development of the autoimmune response in bullous pemphigoid.
Resisting the colonization of the lifeworld? Immigrant patients' experiences with co-ethnic healthcare workers.

Abstract This article analyzes how “ethnic concordance” (i.e., matching the ethnicity of patients and healthcare workers) shapes patients' experiences of clinical interaction. Adopting the Habermasian framework of lifeworld-medicine contention, we inductively analyze 60 in-depth interviews with low-income LEP (limited English proficiency) Vietnamese and Mexican immigrants, which were conducted in a metropolitan area in Northern California between January 2006 and April 2007. Our findings indicate that, net of linguistic concordance, ethnic concordance appeared to exacerbate rather than alleviate the problem of “the colonization of the lifeworld.” Patients often felt that co-ethnic healthcare workers introduced additional power struggles from other systems, such as boundary work among co-ethnic immigrants, into the institution of healthcare. Likewise, immigrant patients sometimes racialized the professional competence and virtues of healthcare providers, ranking co-ethnic doctors below white doctors. While these two general themes characterize the experiences of ethnic concordance among both Mexican and Vietnamese patients, the comparison between the two groups also highlights some differences. Existing research has documented the impacts of ethnic concordance, but little is known about patients' subjective experiences of these interactions. Our findings address this empirical gap. Drawing heavily on the Habermasian theoretical framework, our research in turn broadens this framework by showing how both lifeworld and medicine can become distorted by strategic actions in other systems, such as class and immigration, in which the American healthcare system has become deeply imbedded.
A modeling comparison of projection neuron- and neuromodulator-elicited oscillations in a central pattern generating network

Many central pattern generating networks are influenced by synaptic input from modulatory projection neurons. The network response to a projection neuron is sometimes mimicked by bath applying the neuronally-released modulator, despite the absence of network interactions with the projection neuron. One interesting example occurs in the crab stomatogastric ganglion (STG), where bath applying the neuropeptide pyrokinin (PK) elicits a gastric mill rhythm which is similar to that elicited by the projection neuron modulatory commissural neuron 1 (MCN1), despite the absence of PK in MCN1 and the fact that MCN1 is not active during the PK-elicited rhythm. MCN1 terminals have fast and slow synaptic actions on the gastric mill network and are presynaptically inhibited by this network in the STG. These local connections are inactive in the PK-elicited rhythm, and the mechanism underlying this rhythm is unknown. We use mathematical and biophysically-realistic modeling to propose potential mechanisms by which PK can elicit a gastric mill rhythm that is similar to the MCN1-elicited rhythm. We analyze slow-wave network oscillations using simplified mathematical models and, in parallel, develop biophysically-realistic models that account for fast, action potential-driven oscillations and some spatial structure of the network neurons. Our results illustrate how the actions of bath-applied neuromodulators can mimic those of descending projection neurons through mathematically similar but physiologically distinct mechanisms.
A synthetic peptide from Trypanosoma cruzi mucin-like associated surface protein as candidate for a vaccine against Chagas disease

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is responsible for producing significant morbidity and mortality throughout Latin America. The disease has recently become a public health concern to nonendemic regions like the U.S. and Europe. Currently there are no fully effective drugs or vaccine available to treat the disease. The mucin-associated surface proteins (MASPs) are glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored glycoproteins encoded by a multigene family with hundreds of members. MASPs are among the most abundant antigens found on the surface of the infective trypomastigote stage of T. cruzi, thus representing an attractive target for vaccine development. Here we used immunoinformatics to select a 20-mer peptide with several predicted overlapping B-cell, MHC-I, and MHC-II epitopes, from a MASP family member expressed on mammal-dwelling stages of T. cruzi. The synthetic MASP peptide conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (MASPpep-KLH) was tested in presence or not of an adjuvant (alum, Al) as a vaccine candidate in the C3H/HeNsd murine model of T. cruzi infection. In considerable contrast to the control groups receiving placebo, Al, or KLH alone or the group immunized with MASPpep-KLH/Al, the group immunized with MASPpep-KLH showed 86% survival rate after challenge with a highly lethal dose of trypomastigotes. As evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, MASPpep-KLH-immunized animals had much lower parasite load in the heart, liver, and spleen than control animals. Moreover, protected animals produced trypanolytic, protective antibodies, and a cytokine profile conducive to resistance against parasite infection. Finally, in vivo depletion of either CD4+ or CD8+ T cells indicated that the latter are critical for protection in mice immunized with MASPpep-KLH. In summary, this new peptide-based vaccine with overlapping B- and T-cell epitopes is able to control T. cruzi infection in mice by priming both humoral and cellular immunity.
Achieving Fire Resistance through Steel-Concrete Composite Construction

Hollow structural steel columns, which are widely used in the cons truction of framed structures in industrial buildings, are often filled with concrete in order to achieve an increased load -bearing capacity. In recent years, high strength concrete is becoming an attractive alternative, to traditional plain concrete, since it increases the load -carrying capacity of hollow structural sections (HSS). . In this paper the fire performance of high strength concrete -filled steel hollow structural section (HSS) columns is presented for various types of concrete filling. A comp arison is made of the fire resistance performance of HSS columns filled with normal strength concrete (NSC) and high strength concrete (HSC). The factors that influence the behaviour of HSC -filled HSS columns, under fire conditions, are discussed.
Hyponatremia: an update on current pharmacotherapy.

Introduction: Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in clinical practice, and it is associated with adverse outcomes. Severe hyponatremia can result in cerebral edema and hypoxia. Moreover, even mild hyponatremia can lead to gait instability and cognitive dysfunction, especially in the elderly. The main cause of hyponatremia is nonosmotic secretion of arginine vasopressin with resultant electrolyte-free water retention. Thus, the available management for chronic hyponatremia must increase solute-free water excretion, such as occurs with blocking vasopressin receptors with selective V2 antagonists. Areas covered: Several recent trials have assessed the efficacy and safety of hyponatremia treatment using vasopressin receptor antagonists (vaptans). These trials documented the efficacy of vaptans to reverse hyponatremia. Moreover, treatment of hypervolemic hyponatremia, such as in heart failure or liver cirrhosis, with vasopressin receptor antagonist results in increased solute-free excretion w...
On the Relationship Between the Statistics of the Resolved and True Rate of Dissipation of Mixture Fraction

The relationship between the one-point probability-density-function (PDF) of the dissipation rate of mixture fraction fluctuations and the corresponding resolved quantity available in large eddy simulation (LES) is analyzed. The investigation pursues two fronts: an a priori study using direct numerical simulation (DNS), and an analytic development that, using common turbulence physics simplifications, relates the one-point statistics of the resolved and true scalar dissipations. Particularly, the analysis reveals the connection between the multi-point correlations of the mixture fraction gradient and the one-point PDF of the resolved scalar dissipation. A DNS of a temporally evolving shear layer with and without heat release is used to quantify the accuracy of the analytical result. It is verified, both by filtering the DNS and from the theory, that increasing the filter cutoff width reduces the magnitude of the resolved scalar dissipation fluctuations, as expected and observed experimentally. Comparison with DNS indicates that the analytical relationship predicts the behavior of the resolved scalar dissipation PDF well at the center planes of the shear layer, where turbulence is locally more isotropic and homogeneous. Large-scale anisotropy and inhomogeneities in the DNS degrade the accuracy of the approximate analytical result close to the edges of the shear layer. These results may be improved with future investigations to account fully for the missing statistics in LES, which have the potential to allow a more accurate quantification of finite-rate chemistry effects in reacting flows.
VORTEX FORMATION FROM A FORCED SYSTEM OF TWO CYLINDERS. PART II: SIDE-BY-SIDE ARRANGEMENT

The wake from a system of side-by-side cylinders is subjected to forced excitation over a range of dimensionless frequency and phase angle between the oscillating cylinders. The extent of the frequency range of locked-on response of the vortex patterns is approximately the same as for a single cylinder, but displaced to higher frequencies and reaching to lower amplitudes. For in-phase motion of the two cylinders, the upper extent of the lock-on region is amplitude limited. Within each of the regions of lock-on, different phase angles lead to a variety of patterns of interacting vortices; nevertheless, the general form of the near-wake velocity spectrum is the same for all patterns. Outside the region of locked-on response, the pattern of vortex formation is repetitive at a multiple of the period of the cylinder oscillation. At a given frequency of excitation, several classes of modulated vortex patterns are attainable by altering the phase angle; these patterns have, however, the same modulation period. Moreover, these vortex patterns are all associated with similar velocity spectra of the near-wake.
An Analysis of Inflation Times During Balloon-Assisted Aneurysm Coil Embolization and Ischemic Complications

Background and Purpose—The introduction of balloon remodeling has revolutionized the approach to coiling of wide-neck aneurysms. We studied the effects of balloon inflation during coil embolization on ischemic complications. Methods—A retrospective review was undertaken of the most recent 147 patients undergoing balloon remodeling for unruptured intracranial aneurysm coil embolization at a single institution (81 balloon, 66 unassisted). All underwent postprocedural MRI. Results—Among patients in the “balloon” group, the mean total inflation time was 18 minutes (range, 1–43), a mean number of inflations of 4 (range, 1–9), a mean maximum single inflation time of 7 minutes (range, 1–19), a mean reperfusion time of 2.2 minutes between inflations, and an average procedure time of 2 hours and 10 minutes. Asymptomatic diffusion-weighted imaging abnormalities were detected on postprocedural MRI in 21.5% of patients and symptomatic lesions were identified in 3.8%. Both silent and symptomatic ischemic rates were si...
Kissing neurinomas of the vestibular and vagal nerves

We report the clinical and neuroimaging features of a patient with double schwannomas originating from the vagal and vestibular nerves. Such an association seemed unique, and its surgical implications are discussed.
Shift-Share Analysis as a Linear Model:

Shift-share analysis continues to be popular among geographers, regional scientists, and planners despite widespread criticism of the method. In this paper, it is argued that insufficient attention has been paid to model-based approaches to shift—share analysis. It is shown that conventional shift—share and stochastic shift—share yield identical conclusions. Stochastic shift—share is easily extended dynamically and along the lines suggested by Arcelus. Thus, in the stochastic models several of the most persistent criticisms of the technique are addressed by allowing for testing of hypotheses, while preserving the practicality of the conventional accounting approach. It is suggested that stochastic shift—share should be used whenever practical.
Nonstandard Work Schedules and Developmentally Generative Parenting Practices: An Application of Propensity Score Techniques

Data from the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care (Phase I) and propensity score techniques were used to determine whether working full time in a nonstandard schedule job during the child's first year predicted parenting practices over 3 years. Results indicated that women who worked full time in a nonstandard schedule job during the first year had poorer maternal sensitivity at 24 and 36 months. Modest differences in Home Observation for the Measurement of the Environment scores were also observed at 36 months. The results provide strong evidence that full-time maternal employment in nonstandard schedule jobs may interfere with the creation and maintenance of developmentally generative parenting practices.
Intake of folate, vitamins B6, B12 and methionine and risk of pancreatic cancer in a large population-based case-control study.

Objective Folate and other methyl-group nutrients may play a key role in pancreatic carcinogenesis through their effects on DNA integrity. We examined the association between pancreatic cancer and intake of folate, vitamins B6, B12 and methionine in a large population-based case–control study.
Flame synthesis of superparamagnetic Fe/Nb nanocomposites for biomedical applications

Abstract Iron/niobium nanocomposite particles are produced using the sodium flame and encapsulation (SFE) process. Ferrocene is added to the vapor-phase metal halide/sodium reaction to produce metallic iron particles encapsulated in niobium. To accomplish this, the ferrocene is combined with niobium chloride vapor and this mixture is injected as a turbulent jet into a stream of sodium vapor. The ferrocene is expected to decompose upstream of the flame to form iron particles, which pass through the niobium chloride-sodium reaction zone wherein they are encapsulated in niobium. The salt byproduct then encapsulates these particles, preventing oxidation. The as-produced Fe/Nb particles were found to contain Fe particles that are less than ∼15 nm in diameter and are superparamagnetic with a coercivity of 50 Oe and a saturation magnetization of over 200 emu/g of Fe. In addition to possessing a strong magnetic response and small remnant magnetization, the iron/niobium composite particles are expected to be biocompatible and X-ray opaque. Consequently, these materials hold promise for magnetic navigation in biomedical applications.
Update on PML: Lessons from the HIV uninfected and new insights in pathogenesis and treatment

Significant advances in our understanding of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and its causative agent, JC virus, have been made since PML was first described 50 years ago. However, immune reconstitution remains the only proven, effective therapy in this devastating central nervous system disorder. Early diagnosis and adjustments of immune suppressants and modulator agents are critical in managing PML in HIV-negative patients. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of PML in HIV-uninfected patients in oncology, rheumatology, organ transplantation, and idiopathic immune deficiency and in association with novel therapeutics. Brain MRI data from our case series of brain biopsy-proven HIV-negative PML patients indicate the presence of an inflammatory/immune reaction in brain tissues, which was confirmed by immunocytologic analysis. Future studies to better understand PML pathogenesis in HIV-negative individuals may help uncover new potential therapeutic targets and improve PML outcomes.
Use of deep tillage and liming to reduce zinc toxicity in peanuts grown on flue dust contaminated land

Abstract Flue dust is a by-product of the steel industry which contains about 10% Zn. In the 1980's, flue dust was applied to at least 4000 ha of farmland in Georgia, which resulted in severe Zn toxicity in peanuts. We evaluated the potential of deep tillage (subsoiling, deep disking, deep turning) in combination with limestone application for reduction of Zn toxicity in three soils which had been contaminated with flue dust. Tillage redistributed Zn vertically within soils. Deep disking reduced Mehlich-1 extractable soil Zn level in the 0–20 cm depth and increased soil Zn level in the 30–60 cm depth, and deep turning decreased soil Zn level from 0–20 cm deep and increased soil Zn level from 20–40 cm deep. Deep tillage also resulted in chemical redistribution of Zn among fractions; deep disking and turning both reduced the Zn percentage in the organically-bound fraction and increased the percentage in the Fe oxide fraction. Although Zn was successfully redistributed physically and chemically through deep tillage, this redistribution did not reduce plant Zn concentrations or increase yield. Limestone application increased soil pH, reduced plant Zn concentration, and increased yield when moisture was adequate, but these effects were not impacted by tillage treatment. Therefore, deep tillage was not successful in remediation of flue dust contaminated land, and limestone application was the most promising technique tested.
Multiplicities and minimal widths for (0,1)-matrices.

In a previous paper (1) the notion of the α-width ∈A(α) of a (0, 1)-matrix A was introduced, and a formula for the minimal α-width taken over the class of all (0, 1)-matrices having the same row and column sums as A, was obtained. The main tool in arriving at this formula was a block decomposition theorem (1, Theorem 2.1; repeated below as Theorem 2.1) that established the existence, in the class generated by A, of certain matrices having a simple block structure. The block decomposition theorem does not itself directly involve the notion of minimal α-width, but rather centres around a related class concept, that of multiplicity. We review both of these notions in § 2, together with some other pertinent definitions and results.
Cranberry proanthocyanidins induce apoptosis and inhibit acid-induced proliferation of human esophageal adenocarcinoma cells.

The occurrence of esophageal adenocarcinoma and its only recognized precursor lesion, Barrett’s esophagus, has rapidly increased during the past three decades. The precise reason for the rise remains to be elucidated, but increasing rates have been linked to multiple nutritional factors. Plant-based diets have generally been associated with a reduction of risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma and those of animal origin with risk escalation. Moreover, a number of recent in vitro and limited in vivo investigations have reported that cranberry extracts affect multiple cancer-associated processes in breast, colon, prostate, and other cancer cell lines of epithelial origin. Thus, this study sought to investigate the chemopreventive potential of a cranberry proanthocyanidin rich extract (PAC) in SEG-1 human esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) cells. PAC pretreatment significantly inhibited the viability and proliferation of EAC cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, PAC (50 µg/mL) significantly inhibite...
Origin of Glycine from Acid Hydrolysis of the β-Lactam Antibiotic A16886B

Structural analysis of two new beta-lactam antibiotics, A16884A and A16886B, indicated that they, like cephalosporin C, were composed of modified valine and cysteine residues, and alpha-aminoadipic acid. However, acid hydrolysis of A16886B and A16884A produced three times as much glycine as did hydrolysis of cephalosporin C under the same conditions. Samples of A16886B-(14)C-6 and A16886B-(14)C-8 were prepared by the addition of cysteine-(14)C-3 and cystine-(14)C-1 to fermentations of Streptomyces clavuligerus. The specific activity of glycine obtained from hydrolysis of A16886B-(14)C-6 was considerably higher than that from hydrolysis of A16886B-(14)C-8. An explanation for the difference in amounts of glycine obtained from hydrolysis of these antibiotics is discussed.
Studies of the Effects of Dietary Sodium Fluoride on Dairy Cows. V. A Three-year Study on Mature Animals

Summary The effects of 30 and 50 p.p.m. F fed as the NaF salt to mature, adequately nurtured dairy cows for a period of three lactations have been studied. The fluorine concentration in the bones, urine and, to some extent, the soft tissues was increased. At both levels of intake some evidence of exostosis was evident in the excised long bones after they had been cleaned of adhering tissue. This condition was not discernible before slaughter, nor did it affect the gait of the animals. There was no evidence of impairment of lactation or effect on the maintenance of body weight. In these cows the incisor teeth were not clinically affected by fluorine ingestion. From these results, it would appear that lactating dairy cows first exposed at from 4 to 6 yr. of age will tolerate the ingestion of as much as 50 p.p.m. F for as long as three lactations, with no adverse effects other than mild exostosis of the long bones and increased concentrations of fluorine in the body.
Beyond anatomical dolls: professionals' use of other play therapy techniques.

Abstract Many researchers have recently focused on professionals' use of anatomical dolls. This focus is appropriate since professionals who use anatomical dolls have drawn so much fire, and since anatomical dolls have recently been barred from court proceedings in some states (Yates & Terr, 1988). However, the current emphasis on anatomical dolls has presented a skewed picture of sexual abuse evaluations. This emphasis seems to indicate that anatomical dolls are the only tools that professionals use to evaluate cases of sexual abuse. The present study asks professionals who work with suspected victims of sexual abuse to indicate if they use techniques in addition to anatomical dolls, and which techniques they use. The study also examines whether factors such as sex of the interviewer, profession of the interviewer (mental health vs. law enforcement), expectation of the interviewer (believe that children do not lie about sexual abuse vs. interview neutrally), and years of experience with child victims influences the number of techniques that professionals use.
Weakly resolvable IV.3 search designs for the pn factorial experiment

Abstract A series of weakly resolvable search designs for the pn factorial experiment is given for which the mean and all main effects are estimable in the presence of any number of two-factor interactions and for which any combination of three or fewer pairs of factors that interact may be detected. The designs have N = p(p–1)n+p runs except in one case where additional runs are required for detection and one case where (p−1) 2 additional runs are needed to estimate all (p–1)2 degrees of freedom for each pair of detected interactions. The detection procedure is simple enough that computations can be carried out with hand calculations.
Microsolidics: Fabrication of Three‐Dimensional Metallic Microstructures in Poly(dimethylsiloxane)

This Communication describes a method of fabricating complex metallic microstructures in 3D by injecting liquid solder into microfluidic channels, and allowing the solder to cool and solidify; after fabrication, the metallic structures can be flexed, bent, or twisted. This method of fabrication—which we call microsolidics—takes advantage of the techniques that were developed for fabricating microfluidic channels in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) in 2D and 3D, uses surface chemistry to control the interfacial free energy of the metal– PDMS interface, and uses techniques based on microfluidics, but ultimately generates solid metal structures. This approach makes it possible to build flexible electronic circuits or connections between circuits, complex embedded or freestanding 3D metal microstructures, 3D electronic components, and hybrid electronic–microfluidic devices. There are several techniques for making metal microstructures in 3D. Electroplating and electroless deposition are routinely used to construct microstructures with metallic layers several nanometers to several microns thick in 2D or 3D. [1–11] To generate solid replicas of 3D objects, several groups have developed a technique, referred to as “microcasting”, to form metals in order to fabricate microparts (e.g., posts and gears) with features as small as 10 lm and aspect ratios as high as 10 from steel, zirconia, and alumina. [12,13] Techniques based on LIGA (Lithographie, Galvanoformung, und Abformung) produce even more complicated metallic objects by depositing a metal onto a molded polymer template that is subsequently removed to yield an open structure (such as a honeycomb arrangement of cells). [14,15] In principle, these approaches can be used to pattern metals of any thickness to produce features with an aspect ratio that is larger than that produced using electroplating.
Handling and reporting of tumor-containing kidney specimens.

Standardized and uniformly accepted approaches in the handling and reporting of tumor-containing surgical specimens are an essential requirement to enable comparisons across patient populations in evaluating and verifying pathologic prognostic and predictive factors. Pathologic protocols need to be updated in a timely fashion according to new staging systems. To be useful, a pathologic handling and reporting protocol must be simple and practical, and should provide, accurately and clearly, all of the essential information for staging and planning surveillance and treatment protocols. This article provides an overview of pathologic prognostic factors in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), with emphasis on the established factors that contribute to the current staging system. It is followed by recommendations for handing and reporting kidney specimens that contain RCC, including radical and partial nephrectomy, needle core biopsy, and morcellated specimens. Finally, suggestions are given about the intraoperative reporting of frozen sections. Prognostic factors There are considerable differences in outcomes for patients who undergo tumor resection for RCC. Approximately 50% of these patients will have local or distant recurrence. An important consideration in the construction of a surveillance protocol is the prognostic value of primary tumor characteristics, especially pathologic stage, tumor size, histologic subtypes, and nuclear grade [1]. Recently, many molecular and cytogenetic markers
Translational Regulation of Lipoprotein Lipase by Epinephrine Involves a Trans-acting Binding Protein Interacting with the 3′ Untranslated Region

Abstract To better characterize the translational regulation of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) by epinephrine, cytoplasmic extracts were prepared from 3T3-L1 adipocytes, 3T3-F442A adipocytes, and other nonadipocyte cell lines (C2 cells, 3T3 fibroblasts, and Chinese hamster ovary cells). After treatment with epinephrine, cell extracts from the adipocytes inhibited LPL translation in an in vitro translation assay, whereas extracts from the C2 cells and 3T3 fibroblasts did not affect LPL translation. To identify the region on the LPL mRNA that controlled translation, in vitro translation was carried out using constructs containing different LPL sequences. Specific deletion of the first 50 (1601-1650) nucleotides of the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) resulted in a loss of translation inhibition. The addition of LPL 3′ UTR to a heterologous reporter gene construct resulted in an inhibition of translation. Inhibition of the reporter LPL 3′ UTR translation was demonstrated by the addition of epinephrine-treated cell extracts to an in vitro translation assay, as well as by transfection of this construct into 3T3-F442A cells, followed by treatment of the cells with epinephrine. Competition for a trans-acting binding protein was demonstrated by the addition of sense mRNA strands corresponding to the proximal 135 nucleotides of the 3′ UTR of LPL. To identify a RNA-binding protein, adipocyte extracts were incubated with 32P-labeled RNA sequences followed by RNase treatment. The epinephrine-treated cell extract protected a fragment of RNA when the RNA included sequences on the proximal 3′ UTR of LPL. Cross-linking of this protected fragment and analysis by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a protein that migrated at about 30 kDa. Thus, the addition of epinephrine to 3T3 adipocytes results in an inhibition of translation through the production of a RNA-binding protein that binds to a region on the proximal 3′ UTR of the LPL mRNA.