cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Presence and acquired origin of reduced recall for fear extinction in PTSD: Results of a twin study

Recall of fear extinction, which is thought to aid in recovery from a psychologically traumatic event, is hypothesized to be deficient in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but this has not yet been demonstrated in the laboratory, nor has its origin been investigated. To address these two issues, 14 pairs of monozygotic twins discordant for combat exposure, in 7 of which the combat-exposed twin had PTSD, underwent a two-day fear conditioning and extinction procedure. On Day 1, subjects viewed colored light conditioned stimuli, some of which were paired with mild electric shock, followed by extinction of the conditioned responses. On Day 2, recall of Day 1 extinction learning (i.e., extinction retention) was assessed. Skin conductance response (SCR) was the dependent measure. There were no group differences during acquisition or extinction learning. However, a significant PTSD Diagnosis (in the exposed twin) x combat Exposure interaction emerged during extinction recall, with the PTSD combat veterans having larger SCRs than their own co-twins, and than the non-PTSD combat veterans and their co-twins. These results indicate that retention of extinction of conditioned fear is deficient in PTSD. Furthermore, they support the conclusion that this deficit is acquired as a result of combat trauma leading to PTSD, rather than being a predisposing factor to developing PTSD upon the stress of combat.
Regulation of muscle pyruvate metabolism during exercise

Pyruvate dehydrogenase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase are important enzymes in the regulation of muscle pyruvate metabolism and their in vitro measured activities have been studied in muscle from rested and exercised rats. In addition, the muscle concentration of metabolic intermediates associated with pyruvate metabolism has been measured after exercise. Phosphoenolpyruvate concentration was decreased to less than half the value found in rested muscle but pyruvate concentration did not change. This suggests an increase in the in vivo rate of conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate. Concentrations of malate and aspartate increased two- to threefold which suggests that oxaloacetate concentration was also increased. An increase in oxaloacetate availability would increase acetyl CoA metabolism and therefore would increase pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in vivo. The basal activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase measured in vitro increased approximately twofold after 2 hr of exercise and returned to control values 5 min after the cessation of exercise. Total pyruvate dehydrogenase activity (activated to the maximal extent) was not changed by exercise. Muscle PEPCK activity was also increased during exercise suggesting an increased rate of conversion of oxaloacetate to pyruvate to provide net oxidation of oxaloacetate and other citric acid cycle intermediates. Results of this study demonstrate that the rates of formation and metabolism of pyruvate are increased during exercise.
The role of interferon β in human cytomegalovirus-mediated inhibition of HLA DR induction on endothelial cells

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a member of the virus familyHerpesviridae that is associated with extensive worldwide morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts, inhibits interferon-γ (IFNγ)-mediated induction of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II antigens on endothelial cells. In this study, the ability of HCMV-infected endothelial cells to synthesize interferon-β (IFNβ), and the role of IFNβ in HCMV-mediated inhibition of HLA class II induction, was investigated. As detemined by an encephalomyocarditis virus protection assay, HCMV-infected endothelial cell culture supernatants contained 240 IU/ml of IFN type I activity, of which 99.9% was IFNβ, as compared to the absence of IFNβ in mock-infected culture supernatants. UV-irradiated supernatants from HCMV-infected cultures inhibited induction of HLA class II in noninfected cultures by 24%. This inhibition could be abolished with 500 NU/ml of anti-IFNβ antibody. Addition of anti-IFNβ antibody directly to HCMV-infected cultures mitigated but did not abolish HLA class II antigen inhibition. Dual immunohistochemistry for HCMV and HLA DR demonstrated that infected cells, in contrast to noninfected cells, were rarely induced to express HLA class II even in the presence of anti-IFNβ antibody. These findings suggest that HCMV inhibits induction of HLA class II antigens by IFNβ dependent and independent mechanisms.
Factors contributing to the restricted DNA replicating activity of JC virus

The basis for the restricted host range behavior of JC virus (JCV) in vitro was investigated by focusing on its DNA replicating activity and comparing it to that of simian virus 40 (SV40). Prototype, mutant, and hybrid JCV and SV40 DNAs were tested for their replicating activity in cells permissive for one or both of the viruses. Results from these experiments indicated that, relative to its SV40 counterpart, the JCV T antigen functioned less efficiently and was more specific in its interactions with polyomavirus DNA replication origins. The JCV T antigen exhibited a lower specific DNA binding activity than did the SV40 T antigen, which might contribute to this virus' reduced DNA replicating activity. However, the JCV protein did bind to both the JCV and SV40 replication origins with similar efficiency, indicating that the ability of the JCV T antigen to discriminate between the JCV and SV40 origins involved a step subsequent to specific DNA binding. The results also suggested that the failure of JCV to replicate to detectable levels in monkey kidney cells was due to the inefficient interactions of its T protein with the viral origin and the host replication machinery. The inability of the JCV T antigen to carry out one or more of these DNA replication functions efficiently contributes to the restricted lytic behavior of this virus.
A FACILE TRANS TO GAUCHE CONVERSION IN LAYERED SILVER BUTANETHIOLATE

Raman, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV−visible reflectance, and 13C and 109Ag CPMAS NMR studies have been carried out on three different forms of the layered solid AgS(CH2)3CH3: a white all-trans compound, a bright yellow gauche C(1)−C(2) conformational isomer, and a phase containing both species. The structure of these compounds comprises a slab of Ag and S atoms, alkyl chains extending in both directions, and layer stacking. Raman spectroscopy and 13C NMR show that the all-trans species is less stable, converting cleanly to the gauche form. This transformation (Ea ≈ 60 kJ/mol) is accompanied by a color change from white to yellow, a phenomenon previously observed upon melting of mesogenic AgSR (R = alkyl) compounds. XRD shows that the 15.56 A interlayer spacing in the trans form increases to 16.88 A in the gauche form. On the basis of 109Ag NMR data and bond lengths from structurally-characterized Ag thiolate model compounds, S−S spacings of 4.4−4.8 A were found, which agree with those reported for two-dim...
The fine structure of thoracic sympathetic neurons in the adult rat.

An investigation was made of the gross arrangement of the thoracic sympathetic rami, the histology and fine structure of their neurons, and of the light microscopy of thoracic spinal nerve roots in the rat. Sympathetic neurons were multipolar and were placed singly or in groups in the scanty stroma of collagen or among bundles of fine nerve fibers. Myelinated fibers in thoracic rami communicantes were either absent or occurred only in small numbers. Hence no white rami could be identified and thoracic preganglionic sympathetic fibers must have been unmyelinated. The few myelinated fibers in the sympathetic rami were probably somatic. Most sympathetic neurons were mononucleate and had a dense mottled nucleolus; a few binucleate neurons were observed. The nuclear envelope was always surrounded by a light perinuclear zone. The Nissl substance was usually arranged in distinct bodies which consisted of parallel, well-separated, and in some instances of closely packed layers of rough-surfaced cisternae; their membranes were occasionally fused. The sizes, shapes, texture, distribution and significance of dense bodies in the sympathetic perikaryon were described. A few whorls, onion or myelin-like structures were conjectured to be submicroscopic scars localizing presumptive minute areas of autolysis or necrosis. The satellite cell provided a fairly smooth and narrow coat around the sympathetic perikaryon, except where it contained the crenated nucleus or aggregates of cytoplasmic components. Axons and dendrites could not be classified according to the presence or absence of Nissl substance. Synaptic nerve endings, rarely placed as axo-somatic junctions at the sympathetic perikaryon, were usually observed at the neuronal processes, but their identification as axo-axonic or axo-dendritic endings could not be made. A comparison was made of the fine structure of sympathetic neurons in the rat, frog and man.
Interspecies comparison of mucosal wave properties using high‐speed digital imaging

Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the vocal fold vibratory characteristics of ex vivo bovine, canine, ovine, and porcine larynges to human male and female vocal fold vibrations to determine the best model organism for laryngeal studies concerning vibratory and kinetic characteristics.
Conformational changes of FtsZ reported by tryptophan mutants.

E. coli FtsZ has no native tryptophan. We showed previously that the mutant FtsZ L68W gave a 2.5-fold increase in trp fluorescence when assembly was induced by GTP. L68 is probably buried in the protofilament interface upon assembly, causing the fluorescence increase. In the present study we introduced trp residues at several other locations and examined them for assembly-induced fluorescence changes. L189W, located on helix H7 and buried between the N- and C-terminal subdomains, showed a large fluorescence increase, comparable to L68W. This may reflect a shift or rotation of the two subdomains relative to each other. L160W showed a smaller increase in fluorescence, and Y222W a decrease in fluorescence, upon assembly. These two are located on the surface of the N and C subdomains, near the domain boundary. The changes in fluorescence may reflect movements of the domains or of nearby side chains. We prepared a double mutant Y222W/S151C and coupled ATTO-655 to the cys. The Cα of trp in the C-terminal subdomain was 10 A away from that of the cys in the N-terminal subdomain, permitting the ATTO to make van der Waals contact with the trp. The ATTO fluorescence showed strong tryptophan-induced quenching. The quenching was reduced following assembly, consistent with a movement apart of the two subdomains. Movements of one to several angstroms are probably sufficient to account for the changes in trp fluorescence and trp-induced quenching of ATTO. Assembly in GDP plus DEAE dextran produces tubular polymers that are related to the highly curved, mini-ring conformation. No change in trp fluorescence was observed upon assembly of these tubes, suggesting that the mini-ring conformation is the same as that of a relaxed, monomeric FtsZ.
On the variational formulation of a transmission problem for the Biot equations

In this article, a variational formulation for the transmission problem of the fluid–bone interaction is formulated. The formulation is based on a modified Biot system of equations for the cancellous bone together with a boundary integral equation formulation of the pressure in the water. Existence and uniqueness for the weak solution of the interaction problem are established in appropriate Sobolev spaces.
On the Treatment of Incomparability in Ordering Semantics and Premise Semantics

In his original semantics for counterfactuals, David Lewis presupposed that the ordering of worlds relevant to the evaluation of a counterfactual admitted no incomparability between worlds. He later came to abandon this assumption. But the approach to incomparability he endorsed makes counterintuitive predictions about a class of examples circumscribed in this paper. The same underlying problem is present in the theories of modals and conditionals developed by Bas van Fraassen, Frank Veltman, and Angelika Kratzer. I show how to reformulate all these theories in terms of lower bounds on partial preorders, conceived of as maximal antichains, and I show that treating lower bounds as cutsets does strictly better at capturing our intuitions about the semantics of modals, counterfactuals, and deontic conditionals.
On inference for threshold autoregressive models

We provide a complete Bayesian method for analyzing a threshold autoregressive (TAR) model when the order of the model is unknown. Our approach is based on a version (Godsill (2001)) of the reversible jump algorithm of Green (1995), and the method for estimating marginal likelihood from the Metropolis-Hasting algorithm by Chib and Jeliazkov (2001). We illustrate our results with simulated data and the Wolfe’s sunspot data set.
Erythrocytes may synthesize their own nitric oxide

The ability of hemoglobin and myoglobin to bind nitric oxide (NO) produced by other cells and circulating vasodilators is well known. To characterize erythrocytes (RBCs), we used NADPH diaphorase labeling, as well as antibodies to the three known types of NO synthase (NOS 1, 2, and 3), and to a molecule usually associated with NOS, calmodulin. We show that the NADPH-diaphorase label labels myenteric neurons, endothelial cells, and the blood cells trapped in the lumen of the blood vessels running through the intestinal wall. The myenteric neurons are also positive for neuronal NOS (NOS1), calmodulin, and neuropeptide Y, indicating that they are NO-producing neurons. Endothelial cells are positive for NOS3 (a constitutive form of NOS), while macrophages and lymphocytes are positive for NOS2 (an inducible form of NOS). All are positive for calmodulin. Surprisingly, the RBCs are positive for NOS2 and 3, as well as calmodulin. Thus the RBCs possess all the cellular machinery to synthesize their own NO. We suggest that erythrocytes would synthesize and use NO to modulate their own physiology.
Labor Utilization Effects of Labor Scheduling Flexibility Alternatives in a Tour Scheduling Environment

This study used a factorial experimental design and a new modeling methodology to investigate the impact of a number of labor scheduling flexibility alternatives and labor requirements characteristics on labor utilization within a tour scheduling environment. Break-placement flexibility and shift-length flexibility were found to be extremely effective in improving labor utilization for all labor requirement distributions used. Flexibility with respect to the number of days included in a tour schedule resulted in substantial improvement in labor utilization for all labor requirements distributions exhibiting daily and/or weekly variation. Surprisingly, virtually no improvement in labor utilization was achieved for any labor requirement distribution by the removal of requirements for consecutive days off. In addition, almost no improvement was found by allowing the shift start time to vary across the working days included in tours. High labor requirement amplitude was found to have a strong adverse effect on labor utilization while longer operational days were associated with improved labor utilization for all labor requirement distributions. We discuss the implications of these results for service operations management and provide suggestions for future research.
Alterations in Frequency of Interleukin-2 (IL-2)-, Gamma Interferon-, or IL-4-Secreting Splenocytes Induced by Candida albicans Mannan and/or Monophosphoryl Lipid A

We have shown previously that intravenous injection of Candida albicans mannan (MAN) into naive mice induced CD8+ effector downregulatory cells and that such cells were not produced if mice were deficient in CD4+ or I-A+ cells during the early interval (≤30 h) following the introduction of MAN. Moreover, the nonspecific biological response modifier monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), given in vivo or incubated with cells in vitro, can abrogate the MAN-specific immunomodulatory activity. The mechanism by which the abrogation is mediated is unknown, but it is hypothesized to involve cytokines. Therefore, we measured the number of cytokine-secreting cells for the Th1 cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) and the Th2 cytokine IL-4, as well as for gamma interferon (IFN-γ), in splenocyte populations from MAN and/or MPL-treated mice, using an enzyme-linked immunospot assay designed to detect individual cytokine-secreting cells (spot-forming cells [SFC]). Cytokine-secreting cells were demonstrated in cell suspensions enriched for CD4+ cells, but no SFC could be demonstrated in populations enriched for CD8+ cells. Both MAN and MPL, when administered to separate groups of animals, stimulated the production of increased numbers of cytokine-producing cells for each of the three cytokines tested. The response with respect to IL-4-secreting cells, however, was the most striking. Despite the fact that MAN and MPL independently caused increases in SFC to all three cytokines, when both MAN and MPL were administered to the same animal, all increases were reversed, and the numbers of SFC detected were at or below those detected in saline control animals. These data support the hypothesis that IL-4 is involved in MAN-specific immunoregulatory activities. The data also emphasize the fact that two immunomodulators, i.e., MAN and MPL, having similar effects when given in vivo independently, may be antagonistic when administered sequentially to the same animal.
Illuminating hospital discharge planning: Staff nurse decision making

This qualitative study proposed to examine staff RN's decision making related to discharge planning and perceptions of their role. Themes resulting from interviews were "following the script" and "RN as coordinator." The decision to consult a discharge planner occurred when the patient's situation did not follow the RN's expectations. Discharge planning for nonroutine situations was considered disruptive to the RN's workflow. The RN's role was limited to oversight when a discharge planner was involved. Understanding RNs' decision making in this key process provides valuable insights into differentiating routine from nonroutine patient situations and deploying appropriate resources in a timely fashion.
Managing Flap Vortices via Separation Control

A pilot study was conducted on a flapped semi-span model to investigate the concept and viability of near-wake vortex management by means of boundary layer separation control. Passive control was achieved using a simple fairing and active control was achieved via zero mass-flux blowing slots. Vortex sheet strength, estimated by integrating surface pressures, was used to predict vortex characteristics based on inviscid rollup relations and vortices trailing the flaps were mapped using a seven-hole probe. Separation control was found to have a marked effect on vortex location, strength, tangential velocity, axial velocity and size over a wide range of angles of attack and control conditions. In general, the vortex trends were well predicted by the inviscid rollup relations. Manipulation of the separated flow near the flap edges exerted significant control over either outboard or inboard edge vortices while producing small lift and moment excursions. Unsteady surface pressures indicated that dynamic separation and attachment control can be exploited to perturb vortices at wavelengths shorter than a typical wingspan. In summary, separation control has the potential for application to time-independent or time-dependent wake alleviation schemes, where the latter can be deployed to minimize adverse effects on ride-quality and dynamic structural loading.
Instructional Television: Does It Affect Student Attitudes?

The University of Montana offered an MBA accounting class with a live television component during the fall quarter, 1988. Three separate classroom situations were involved. Pre- and post-quarter qu...
A multi-port dc-dc converter with independent outputs for vehicular applications

A multi-port multiple-output topology is presented to efficiently interface independent dc loads with diverse dc sources in electric vehicles. The main characteristics of this new circuit topology are, namely, ability to convert power from any number of energy resources to any number of loads, to supply output voltages that are greater than maximum input voltage or lower than minimum input voltage, avoiding bulky transformer, and minimum possible storage elements (a single inductor). Different operation modes of the circuit are characterized, analyzed, and verified by detailed switch-level simulation for all operational modes.
The pathophysiology of severe obesity and the effects of surgically induced weight loss.

m p d a o d s r c t i s i “ r r v e s Severe obesity is associated with numerous associated roblems that have given rise to the term “morbid obesity” Table 1). Although some consider this term pejorative, evere obesity is often associated with a number of probems that are truly morbid and incapacitating. The medical roblems caused by obesity begin at the head and end at the oes and involve almost every organ in between. Several of hese problems contribute to the earlier mortality associated ith obesity and include coronary artery disease, severe ypertension that may be refractory to medical manageent, impaired cardiac function, adult-onset (type 2) diabees mellitus, obesity hypoventilation and sleep apnea synromes, cirrhosis, venous stasis and hypercoagulability with n increased risk of pulmonary embolism, and necrotizing anniculitis [1,2]. Morbidly obese patients can also die as a esult of difficulties in recognizing the signs and symptoms f peritonitis [3]. There is an increased risk of prostate, terine, breast, kidney, esophageal, and colon cancer. Preature death is much more common in severely obese ndividuals; 1 study noted a 12-fold excess mortality in orbidly obese men in the 25to 34-year age group [4]. ncreased morbidity and mortality have been noted in sevral other studies as well [5–8]. A number of obesity-related problems may not be assoiated with death but still may lead to significant physical or sychological disability. These include degenerative osteorthritis; pseudotumor cerebri (idiopathic intracranial hyperension); cholecystitis; skin infections; chronic venous stasis lcers; stress overflow urinary incontinence, gastroesopha-
Hydride transfer catalysed by Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis dihydrofolate reductase: coupled motions and distal mutations

This paper reviews the results from hybrid quantum/classical molecular dynamics simulations of the hydride transfer reaction catalysed by wild-type (WT) and mutant Escherichia coli and WT Bacillus subtilis dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Nuclear quantum effects such as zero point energy and hydrogen tunnelling are significant in these reactions and substantially decrease the free energy barrier. The donor-acceptor distance decreases to ca 2.7 A at transition-state configurations to enable the hydride transfer. A network of coupled motions representing conformational changes along the collective reaction coordinate facilitates the hydride transfer reaction by decreasing the donor-acceptor distance and providing a favourable geometric and electrostatic environment. Recent single-molecule experiments confirm that at least some of these thermally averaged equilibrium conformational changes occur on the millisecond time-scale of the hydride transfer. Distal mutations can lead to non-local structural changes and significantly impact the probability of sampling configurations conducive to the hydride transfer, thereby altering the free-energy barrier and the rate of hydride transfer. E. coli and B. subtilis DHFR enzymes, which have similar tertiary structures and hydride transfer rates with 44% sequence identity, exhibit both similarities and differences in the equilibrium motions and conformational changes correlated to hydride transfer, suggesting a balance of conservation and flexibility across species.
An Amateur Among Professionals

This brief retrospective note describes the author’s occasional contributions to the economics of natural resources. It emphasizes the role and interpretation of the Hotelling condition and discusses the reasons why that result plays so small a role empirically. The concept of sustainability is introduced in the simplest possible content, that of directly consuming a finite stock over infinite time. When the resources flow is an input into production along with capital that can be accumulated, the nature of sustainability changes and becomes more interesting. It is suggested, however, that to consider instead the eventual availability of a resource-free backstop technology may be just as interesting and more relevant. That concept is illustrated in the direct-consumption context but awaits further development in production economies.
Suppression of Transformation by and Growth Adaptation to Low Concentrations of Glutamine in NIH-3T3 Cells

Abstract NIH-3T3 cells, commonly used as targets for oncogene-mediated neoplastic transformation, undergo high rates of spontaneous transformation. When the glutamine concentration in the medium was reduced from 5 to 1 mm or less, the transformation rate was reduced. This effect was not dependent upon a reduction in the growth rate, which remained unaffected by reduction of glutamine even to 0.6 mm. Upon trypsinization and transfer to 5 mm glutamine-containing medium, cells exposed to 0.2 mm glutamine for as little as 4 days formed fewer foci than control cells exposed over a similar period to 5 mm glutamine. This indicates that short term changes in the supply of this polyfunctional metabolite have heritable consequences in later cell generations. If populations containing highly transformed cells were passaged weekly for 1–3 weeks in 0.2 mm glutamine, resultant populations were better adapted to grow in low-glutamine medium and formed fewer transformed foci upon re-transfer to 5 mm glutamine medium, suggesting that the transformed state is at least partially reversible. If similar cell populations were exposed to low-glutamine medium but were not passaged, growth adaptation occurred but there was no reduction in focus formation, indicating that maintenance of a moderate rate of cell division may be required in addition to the lowered glutamine for reversal of transformation. Transformed and non-transformed cells originating from foci and from nonfocal areas of the same culture dishes multiplied at the same reduced rate in 0.2 mm glutamine. This indicates that suppression of spontaneous transformation in low-glutamine medium was not the result of selecting pre-existing variants but was itself an adaptive response of the population.
Day and night temperatures, daily light integral, and CO2 enrichment affect growth and flower development of Campanula carpatica ‘Blue Clips’

Abstract Campanula carpatica Jacq. ‘Blue Clips’ plants were grown in a greenhouse under nine combinations of day and night temperatures created by moving plants every 12 h among three day/night temperatures (15, 20, and 25°C). At each temperature, there were three daily light integrals (DLI; 4.2, 10.8, and 15.8 mol m −2 per day, averaged over the experimental period) created with varying supplemental light, and ambient (≈400 μmol mol −1 ) and enriched (≈600 μmol mol −1 ) CO 2 concentrations. Time to flower was closely related to average daily temperature (ADT), and was not significantly affected by the day or night temperatures delivered to achieve a specific ADT. Time to flower was not largely affected by DLI or CO 2 enrichment. As plant ADT increased between 15 and 25°C, flower diameter decreased about 1 mm per degree and was not related to the difference between day and night temperatures (DIF). Flower diameter was smallest and least sensitive to changes in temperature at lower DLI and at ambient CO 2 levels. There were 10 less flower buds and 0.3 g less dry mass per plant at first flower for every 1° increase in plant ADT at high and medium DLIs. Flower bud number and dry mass were relatively low and less sensitive to changes in ADT at low DLI, and increased slightly with CO 2 enrichment at medium and high but not at low DLI. Plant height was not related to ADT, but increased linearly as DIF increased from −6 to 12°C at all DLIs, but the response was stronger under low DLI than high and medium DLIs. Flower bud number and dry mass were correlated closely with the ratio of DLI to daily thermal time (base temperature of 0°C). Flower bud number and dry mass were highest when C. carpatica plants were grown at 15°C with a DLI of 10–15 mol m −2 per day.
Proactive Learning for Building Machine Translation Systems for Minority Languages

Building machine translation (MT) for many minority languages in the world is a serious challenge. For many minor languages there is little machine readable text, few knowledgeable linguists, and little money available for MT development. For these reasons, it becomes very important for an MT system to make best use of its resources, both labeled and unlabeled, in building a quality system. In this paper we argue that traditional active learning setup may not be the right fit for seeking annotations required for building a Syntax Based MT system for minority languages. We posit that a relatively new variant of active learning, Proactive Learning, is more suitable for this task.
Pioglitazone Increases Macrophage Apoptosis and Plaque Necrosis in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Nondiabetic Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor–Null Mice

Background— Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which have actions that involve both peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR)-γ–dependent and –independent effects, improve insulin sensitivity in type II diabetes and inhibit early atherogenesis in mice. However, the effects of TZDs on advanced lesion progression are unknown. Methods and Results— Pioglitazone and rosiglitazone enhanced macrophage apoptosis by a number of stimuli, including those thought to be important in advanced atherosclerosis. Macrophage death was not enhanced by non-TZD PPARγ activators, and TZD-induced apoptosis was still observed in PPARγ-deficient macrophages. In wild-type macrophages, death enhancement was associated with reduced activation of the cell-survival mediator nuclear factor-κB. TZDs also increased the ability of macrophages to phagocytically clear apoptotic cells, which is proposed to protect against plaque necrosis in advanced lesions. The mechanism of this effect was complex, involving both PPARγ-dependent and -indepen...
The BH3 mimetic ABT-737 induces cancer cell senescence

ABT-737, a small molecule cell-permeable Bcl-2 antagonist that acts by mimicking BH3 proteins, induces apoptotic cell death in multiple cancer types. However, when incubated with this agent many solid tumor cell lines do not undergo apoptosis. The current study reveals a novel mechanism whereby ABT-737 when added to apoptosis-resistant cancer cells has profound biologic effects. In PV-10 cells, a renal cell carcinoma that does not die after ABT-737 treatment, this agent induces a two-fold change in the transcription of nearly 430 genes. Many of these induced mRNA changes are in secreted proteins, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-11 and chemokines CXCL2 and CXCL5, or genes associated with an "inflammatory" phenotype. Strikingly, these gene changes are highly similar to those changes previously identified in cellular senescence. Brief exposure of apoptosis-resistant renal, lung and prostate cancer cell lines to ABT-737, although not capable of inducing cell death, causes the induction of senescence-associated β-galactosidase and inhibition of cell growth consistent with the induction of cellular senescence. Evidence indicates that the induction of senescence occurs as a result of reactive oxygen species elevation followed by low-level activation of the caspase cascade, insufficient to induce apoptosis, but sufficient to lead to minor DNA damage and increases in p53, p21, IL-6 and 8 proteins. By overexpression of a dominant-negative p53 protein, we show that ABT-737-induced cellular senescence is p53-dependent. Thus, in multiple cancer types in which ABT-737 is incapable of causing cell death, ABT-737 may have additional cellular activities that make its use as an anticancer agent highly attractive.
An Experimental Selection Process for a Collaborative Organization

When collaborative organizations or communities survive the earliest stages of development, they encounter two related structural dilemmas. First, a variety of constraints makes pure collaboration on every decision impossible and particular goals may make it undesirable. Second, turnover in membership requires a selection process that enables applicants to exercise self-direction and collaboration, so that those most capable of collaboration can be identified and selected and new members' sense of collaboration with "old" members is enhanced rather than diminished. An attempt to resolve these demands is offered in the following case study of selection procedures for staffing a second-year Upward Bound program.
Towards realistic mobility models for mobile ad hoc networks

One of the most important methods for evaluating the characteristics of ad hoc networking protocols is through the use of simulation. Simulation provides researchers with a number of significant benefits, including repeatable scenarios, isolation of parameters, and exploration of a variety of metrics. The topology and movement of the nodes in the simulation are key factors in the performance of the network protocol under study. Once the nodes have been initially distributed, the mobility model dictates the movement of the nodes within the network. Because the mobility of the nodes directly impacts the performance of the protocols, simulation results obtained with unrealistic movement models may not correctly reflect the true performance of the protocols. The majority of existing mobility models for ad hoc networks do not provide realistic movement scenarios; they are limited to random walk models without any obstacles. In this paper, we propose to create more realistic movement models through the incorporation of obstacles. These obstacles are utilized to both restrict node movement as well as wireless transmissions. In addition to the inclusion of obstacles, we construct movement paths using the Voronoi diagram of obstacle vertices. Nodes can then be randomly distributed across the paths, and can use shortest path route computations to destinations at randomly chosen obstacles. Simulation results show that the use of obstacles and pathways has a significant impact on the performance of ad hoc network protocols.
Investigation of Some Glasses for High‐Level Gamma‐Radiation Dosimeters

Several glass systems were evaluated as dosimeters to measure integrated doses in the range from 106 to 109 rads by measuring optical density as a function of radiation dose. The two more promising glasses of those studied were Corning's Code 8392 and a special high-antimony glass. The maximum dosage that can be measured with these two glasses has not yet been determined. In exposures up to 3 × 108 rads, there was continuous increase in optical density with dose, and no evidence of saturation at the highest doses used. Glasses also were prepared that darkened only slightly at dosages up to about 8.7 × 107 rads. Such glasses may have utility for measuring dosages above 109 rads.
The PUEDES Approach: A Paradigm For Understanding And Responding To The 21st Century Latina/o Dropout/Pushout Crisis In The U.S.

The statistics reflecting the dropout/pushout crisis are sobering. Whereas 70% of all U.S. students who enter high school will graduate four years later, only about half of all low-income students of color will graduate. Research continues to show that the dropout crisis is concentrated in residentially and educationally segregated communities that tend to be primarily poor, Black, Latina/o, and are typically characterized by a high rate of English Learners and immigrant students. While the dropout crisis is pervasive, there are few progressive frameworks that provide more robust explanations as to why students drop out, and even fewer provide direction for actual responses. This paper proposes Paradigm to Understand and Examine Dropout and Engagement in Society (PUEDES), a complex and context-relevant framework that centers equity and social justice at its core. PUEDES is explained and applied to a real-life case-study of one student who struggled to stay in school. Implications for research, policy and practice, particularly through the ways in which the culture of educational institutions can equitably respond to the needs of Latina/o youth in the 21st Century are addressed.
An Overview of Mineral and Vitamin Requirements of Swine in the National Research Council (1944 to 1998) Publicationsce1

Abstract A knowledge of nutrient requirements is essential to allow fuller expression of genotypic ability while minimizing unwanted economic expense in swine production. The NRC publications were developed to provide this information and have been widely used in academia and in the swine feed industry. However, the accuracy of nutrient requirements, especially minerals and vitamins, is often a subject of debate. Thus, the objective of the current paper was to review the mineral and vitamin requirements in the NRC publications. To accomplish this, the mineral and vitamin requirements in the NRC publications from 1944 to 1998 were restructured and summarized. Initial nutrient requirement estimates and changes over time were tabulated. The number of citations supporting the relevant nutrient requirement was counted as a measure of the reliability of the requirement estimation. The contemporaneity of supporting studies was measured by counting the citations by decades. In summary, the number of minerals and vitamins for which a requirement is provided has increased from the initial publication. However, many of these requirement estimates have not changed much over the years. Recent citations for many minerals and vitamins were lacking, especially for starting pigs and reproducing sows. These research gaps in the mineral and vitamin nutrition of swine may illustrate unknown limitations on health and performance and may be opportunities for research.
Micromechanical Modeling of Yield in Isotropic Non-Cohesive Particulate Materials

We perform a micromechanical analysis of general isotropic non-cohesive particulate materials idealized as three-dimensional random assemblies of uniform spheres with a simple linear elastic inter-particle contact force law and inter-particle Coulomb friction law. We obtain analytical relationships between the inter-particle friction coefficient $$\mu$$ (or inter-particle friction angle $$\phi _\mu = \tan ^{-1} \mu$$ ) on the microscale and the material friction angle $$\phi$$ on the macroscale. Our micromechanical analysis directly employs force and moment equilibrium (together with compatibility and the contact constitutive assumptions noted) rather than energy methods, and thus can account for the effects of particle rotation, and in particular the effects of mechanisms or zero-energy modes due to particle rotation. To explore the effects of particle rotation, we perform analyses with particle rotation either allowed or prohibited. To validate the analytical results obtained here, we compare the $$\phi$$ versus $$\phi _\mu$$ curves determined theoretically to those obtained by the discrete element method (DEM) for six randomly packed specimens of 3430–29, 660 uniform spherical elements with uniform inter-element Coulomb friction in Fleischmann et al. in Geotech Geol Eng 32(4):1081–1100, (2014). The $$\phi$$ versus $$\phi _\mu$$ curves derived here show remarkable agreement with those obtained via DEM simulations in Fleischmann et al. in Geotech Geol Eng 32(4):1081–1100, (2014), especially for the case in which particle rotation is not artificially restrained.
Seismic Data Interpolation using Plane-Wave Shaping Regularization

The problem with interpolating insufficient, irregularly sampled data is that there exist infinitely many solutions. When solving ill-posed inverse problems in geophysics, we apply regularization to constrain the model space in some way. We propose to use plane-wave shaping in iterative regularization schemes. By shaping locally planar events to the local slope, we effectively interpolate in the structure-oriented direction and preserve the most geologic dip information. In our experiments, this type of interpolation converges in fewer iterations than alternative techniques. The proposed plane-wave shaping mave have potential applications in seismic tomography and well-log interpolation.
Wolffian Duct Cyst

AbstractCongenital anomalies involving the mesonephros and the wolffian duct are rare. A case of wolffian duct cyst with ipsilateral renal hypoplasia, undescended testis and absent vas deferens is presented.
Attitudes toward Individuals with Disabilities: Does Empathy Explain the Difference in Scores between Men and Women?

This study was designed to assess the attitudes of medical school faculty towards persons with disabilities. Clinical faculty at a large university in the Midwest were asked to complete the Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons scale (ATDP) (a =.80). The mean overall score and independent t-tests for potential gender differences were calculated. Two hundred and forty two respondents (23%) completed the survey. The score range on the ATDP is 0–120. The mean score for the entire sample was 85.6 (women 89.0, men 81.6). The mean score was higher for women than for men, suggesting that women have a more positive attitude toward persons with disabilities. This gender difference is consistent with findings from ATDP validation and replication studies. Other studies document similar gender differences in empathy. Differences in how men and women develop and express empathy may explain the gender difference in ATDP scores.
Mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease and the risk of returning to the operating room after common General Surgery procedures

Abstract Background The prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has increased, and there is limited data on the risks faced by this patient population undergoing surgery. Methods Using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, we identified common surgical procedures undergone by patients with ESRD. These patients were compared with a matched-control group. A subanalysis was performed to determine the risk factors for returning to the operating room in patients with ESRD. Results Of the 195,585 patients identified, 1,163 had ESRD. ESRD was associated with increased mortality (odds ratio [OR] 9.05, confidence interval [CI] 4.09 to 20.00) and rates of return to the operating room (OR 2.97, CI 1.99 to 4.46). Returning to the OR was associated with increased operation times (98.9 vs 130.2 minutes, P Conclusions Patients with ESRD face greater risks when entering the operating room, and further study is needed to elucidate preventable risk factors.
J. M. Clark — An Evaluation

Clark’s work placed him in the highest rank of American — and world — economics and provided a substantial basis for the reconstruction of economic thought along the cumulative, dynamic, lines appropriate for the twentieth and twenty-first century.
Independent Association of Severity of Muscle Weakness With Disability as Measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index in Scleroderma.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the presence and degree of muscle weakness in scleroderma is associated with disability. METHODS The study included a cohort of 1,718 scleroderma patients who had available data on muscle strength and disability. The primary independent variable was muscle weakness as defined by the maximum Medsger muscle severity score and the outcome was disability as measured by the last recorded Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index (HAQ DI) score. Univariate regression analyses were performed to assess the association of HAQ DI scores with the Medsger muscle severity score and other scleroderma characteristics. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine whether an association existed between the degree of muscle weakness and disability, while controlling for confounders. RESULTS In 1,718 patients with scleroderma, 22.8% (392 of 1,718) had muscle weakness, as defined by a Medsger muscle severity score of ≥1. This subset was more likely than those without weakness to have diffuse cutaneous scleroderma (55.6% versus 35.1%; P < 0.0001), higher modified Rodnan skin thickness scores (mean ± SD 16.3 ± 13.7 versus 10.3 ± 10.6; P < 0.00001), shorter disease duration (mean ± SD 5.21 ± 6.75 versus 6.22 ± 7.67 years; P = 0.02), synovitis (17.7% versus 11.4%; P = 0.001), forced vital capacity <70% (46.2% versus 30.6%; P = 0.0001), and higher creatine kinase values (mean ± SD 441 ± 1,211 versus 151 ± 255; P = 0.00001). Both univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that for every unit of increase in the Medsger muscle severity score, there was a clinically significant (minimum clinically important difference ± 0.14) increase in the mean HAQ DI score at last followup visit. CONCLUSION The presence of muscle weakness associates with several features of worse disease burden and independently associates with disability as measured by the HAQ DI.
FDA Approval Summary: Atezolizumab for the Treatment of Patients with Progressive Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma after Platinum-Containing Chemotherapy.

Until recently in the United States, no products were approved for second-line treatment of advanced urothelial carcinoma. On May 18, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved atezolizumab for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma whose disease progressed during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. Atezolizumab is a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blocking antibody and represents the first approved product directed against PD-L1. This accelerated approval was based on results of a single-arm trial in 310 patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who had disease progression after prior platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients received atezolizumab 1,200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Key efficacy measures were objective response rate (ORR), as assessed by Independent Review per RECIST 1.1, and duration of response (DoR). With a median follow-up of 14.4 months, confirmed ORR was 14.8% (95% CI: 11.1, 19.3) in all treated patients. Median DoR was not reached and response durations ranged from 2.1+ to 13.8+ months. Of the 46 responders, 37 patients had an ongoing response for ≥ 6 months. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, urinary tract infection, pyrexia, and constipation. Infection and immune-related adverse events also occurred, including pneumonitis, hepatitis, colitis, endocrine disorders, and rashes. Overall, the benefit-risk assessment was favorable to support accelerated approval. The observed clinical benefits need to be verified in confirmatory trial(s). Implications for practice This accelerated approval of atezolizumab for second-line use in advanced urothelial carcinoma provides patients with an effective, novel treatment option for the management of their disease. This represents the first immunotherapy approved in this disease setting.