cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiotoxicity screening of long-term, breast cancer survivors-The CAROLE (Cardiac-Related Oncologic Late Effects) Study.

Background Long-term breast cancer survivors are at risk for cardiotoxicity after treatment, but there is insufficient evidence to provide long-term (~10 years) cardiovascular disease (CVD) screening recommendations. We sought to evaluate a tri-modality CVD screening approach. Methods This single-arm, feasibility study enrolled 201 breast cancer patients treated ≥6 years prior without CVD at diagnosis. Patients were sub-grouped: cardiotoxic (left-sided) radiation (RT), cardiotoxic (anthracycline-based) chemotherapy, both cardiotoxic chemotherapy and RT, and neither cardiotoxic treatment. Patients underwent electrocardiogram (EKG), transthoracic echocardiogram with strain (TTE with GLS), and coronary artery calcium computed tomography (CAC CT). The primary endpoint was preclinical or clinical CVD. Results Median age was 50 (29-65) at diagnosis and 63 (37-77) at imaging; median interval was 11.5 years (6.7-14.5). Among sub-groups, 44% had no cardiotoxic treatment, 31.5% had cardiotoxic RT, 16% had cardiotoxic chemotherapy, and 8.5% had both. Overall, 77.6% showed preclinical and/or clinical CVD and 51.5% showed clinical CVD. Per modality, rates of any CVD and clinical CVD were, respectively: 27.1%/10.0% on EKG, 50.0%/25.3% on TTE with GLS, and 50.8%/45.8% on CAC CT. No statistical difference was seen among the treatment subgroups (NS, χ2 test, p = 0.58/p = 0.15). Conclusion This study identified a high incidence of CVD in heterogenous long-term breast cancer survivors, most >10 years post-treatment. Over half had clinical CVD findings warranting follow-up and/or intervention. Each imaging test independently contributed to the detection rate. This provides early evidence that long-term cardiac screening may be of value to a wider group of breast cancer survivors than previously recognized.
Grinding Methodology Research for Helical Drill Based on the Biglide Parallel Grinder

A new grinding method for the helical drill point based on a biglide parallel grinder was introduced in this paper. According to the mechanism description and kinematics analysis about the biglide parallel grinder, the mathematical models for the flank surface near the chisel edge was established in Cartesian coordinate frame and parametric form respectively. Moreover, the simulation of the flank surface was conducted. It was also discussed the effects of the velocity of the two glider and the distance between two gliders on determining the flank surface distribution near the chisel edge. Experiments have been implemented on the biglide parallel grinder and the helical drill point can be realized based on optimizing grinding parameters of the biglide parallel grinder. Therefore, the grinding helical drill can be obtained with the optimized parameters.
Pregnancy, Abortion, and Ectopic Pregnancy

Recognition of the features of gestational endometrium, trophoblast, and villi, as well as the pathologic changes in chorionic tissues, is an important part of endometrial biopsy interpretation. Correct identification of gestational endometrium and placental tissue is important for several reasons. First, the presence of intrauterine products of conception generally excludes the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Second, normal trophoblastic cells can appear atypical and even neoplastic, since they are primitive and highly proliferative. Third, identification of products of conception can help explain other pathologic states such as abnormal bleeding or chronic endometritis.
IMF Variation in M82 Super Star Clusters

The nuclear starburst in M82 is host to over 20 infrared-bright, dense, young super star clusters (SSCs). We use high-resolution near-infrared Keck/NIRSPEC echelle spectroscopy to measure the stellar velocity dispersions. The SSCs are resolved in Hubble Space Telescope images, from which we measure half-light radii and integrated luminosities. We calculate virial masses for the SSCs, and compare the observed light-to-mass ratios to population synthesis models to constrain the initial mass function. There are apparent variations of the IMF within this single starburst galaxy. We present evidence for mass segregation despite the young ages, and discuss implications for the interpretation of the IMF.
Envelope Glycoprotein Internalization Protects Human and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Cells from Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity

UNLABELLED The cytoplasmic tails of human and simian immunodeficiency virus (HIV and SIV, respectively) envelope glycoproteins contain a highly conserved, membrane-proximal endocytosis motif that prevents the accumulation of Env on the surface of infected cells prior to virus assembly. Using an assay designed to measure the killing of virus-infected cells by antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), we show that substitutions in this motif increase the susceptibility of HIV-1- and SIV-infected cells to ADCC in a manner that directly correlates with elevated Env levels on the surface of virus-infected cells. In the case of HIV-1, this effect is additive with a deletion in vpu recently shown to enhance the susceptibility of HIV-1-infected cells to ADCC as a result of tetherin-mediated retention of budding virions on the cell surface. These results reveal a previously unappreciated role for the membrane-proximal endocytosis motif of gp41 in protecting HIV-1- and SIV-infected cells from antibody responses by regulating the amount of Env present on the cell surface. IMPORTANCE This study reveals an unappreciated role for the membrane-proximal endocytosis motif of gp41 in protecting HIV-1- and SIV-infected cells from elimination by Env-specific antibodies. Thus, strategies designed to interfere with this mechanism of Env internalization may improve the efficacy of antibody-based vaccines and antiretroviral therapies designed to enhance the immunological control of HIV-1 replication in chronically infected individuals.
Numerical simulation of a solidifying Pb-Sn alloy: The effects of cooling rate on thermosolutal convection and macrosegregation

Numerical simulations of a binary metal alloy (Pb-Sn) undergoing solidification phase change are performed using a continuum model for conservation of total mass, momentum, energy, and species. The system is contained in an axisymmetric, annular mold which is cooled along its outer vertical wall. Results show that thermosolutal convection in the melt and mushy zones is strongly coupled and that macrosegregation is reduced with increased cooling rate. For low cooling rates, solutally induced convection in the mushy zone favors the development of channels, which subsequently spawn macrosegregation in the form of A-segregates. With increasing solidification rate, however, thermosolutal interactions in the melt contribute to reducing the formation of channels and A-segregates.
Carbon/molecule/metal molecular electronic junctions: the importance of ``contacts''

Molecular electronic junctions fabricated by covalent bonding onto a graphitic carbon substrate were examined with Raman spectroscopy and characterized electronically. The molecular layer was a 4.5 nm thick multilayer of nitroazobenzene (NAB), and the top contact material was varied to investigate its effect on junction behavior. A 3.0 nm thick layer of copper, TiO2, or Al(III) oxide (AlOx) was deposited on top of the NAB layer, followed by a 7.0 nm thick layer of gold. Copper “contacts” yielded molecular junctions with low resistance and showed a strong dependence on molecular structure. Carbon/NAB/AlOx/Au junctions exhibited high resistance, with current densities three orders of magnitude less than those for analogous Cu junctions. However, Raman spectroscopy revealed that the NAB layer was reduced when the carbon substrate was biased negative, to a product resembling that resulting from electrochemical reduction of NAB. Carbon/NAB/TiO2/Au junctions showed rectifying J/V behavior, with high conductivity to electrons able to enter the TiO2 conduction band. Substitution of azobenzene for nitroazobenzene yielded junctions with similar spectroscopic and electronic behavior to NAB, indicating that the nitro group is not essential for rectification. The results are interpreted in terms of the energy levels of the molecule relative to those of TiO2. The combination of a covalently bonded molecular layer and a semiconducting oxide yields unusual electronic properties in a carbon/molecule/semiconductor/Au molecular junction.
Transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation of HTLV-1

Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-1). Tax, encoded by the HTLV-1 pX region, has been recognized by its pleiotropic actions to play a critical role in leukemogenesis. Three highly conserved 21-bp repeat elements located within the long terminal repeat, commonly referred to as Tax-responsive element 1 (TRE-1), are critical to Tax-mediated viral transcriptional activation through complex interaction with cyclic AMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB), CBP/p300 and PCAF. Tax has also been shown to activate transcription from a number of critical cellular genes through the NF-kappaB and serum-responsive factor pathways. Tax transactivation has been attributed to the protein's interaction with transcription factors, chromatin remodeling complexes, cell cycle and repair genes. In this review, we will discuss some of the latest findings on this fascinating viral activator and highlight its regulation of cellular factors including CREB, p300/CBP and their effect on RNA polymerase II and chromatin remodeling, as well as its role in cytoplasmic and nuclear function. We will highlight the possible contribution of each factor, discuss Tax's critical peptide domains and highlight its post-transcriptional modifications. It is quite obvious that, collectively, Tax's effects on a wide variety of cellular targets cooperate in promoting cell proliferation and leukemogenesis. In addition, the post-transcriptional effects of Rex play an important role in virus replication. Understanding these interactions at a molecular level will facilitate the targeted development of drugs to effectively inhibit or treat ATL.
On an inequality of Tosio Kato for degenerate-elliptic operators

Abstract Let Ω be a domain in Rn and T = ∑j,k = 1n(∂j − ibj(x)) ajk(x)(∂k − ibk(x)), where the ajk and the bj are real valued functions in C 1 (Ω) , and the matrix (ajk(x)) is symmetric and positive definite for every x ϵ Ω . If T0 is the same as T but with bj = 0, j = 1,…, n, and if u and Tu are in L loc 1 (Ω) , then T. Kato has established the distributional inequality T 0 ¦ u ¦ ⩾ Re[(sign ū) Tu]. He then used this result to obtain selfadjointness results for perturbed operators of the form T − q on Rn. In this paper we shall obtain Kato's inequality for degenerate-elliptic operators with real coefficients. We then use this to get selfadjointness results for second order degenerate-elliptic operators on Rn.
Bisphosphonates inhibit the growth of Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania donovani, Toxoplasma gondii, and Plasmodium falciparum: a potential route to chemotherapy.

We have investigated the effects in vitro of a series of bisphosphonates on the proliferation of Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Leishmania donovani, Toxoplasma gondii, and Plasmodium falciparum. The results show that nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates of the type used in bone resorption therapy have significant activity against parasites, with the aromatic species having in some cases nanomolar or low-micromolar IC(50) activity values against parasite replication (e.g. o-risedronate, IC(50) = 220 nM for T. brucei rhodesiense; risedronate, IC(50) = 490 nM for T. gondii). In T. cruzi, the nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate risedronate is shown to inhibit sterol biosynthesis at a pre-squalene level, most likely by inhibiting farnesylpyrophosphate synthase. Bisphosphonates therefore appear to have potential in treating parasitic protozoan diseases.
CREB family transcription factors inhibit neuronal suicide.

Neurodenerative disorders such as Huntington disease lead to neuronal cell death in discrete regions of brain. A new study implicates the CREB transcription factor family as critical mediators that prevent such neuronal death.
High-throughput assessment of microRNA activity and function using microRNA sensor and decoy libraries

We introduce two large-scale resources for functional analysis of microRNA (miRNA): a decoy library for inhibiting miRNA function and a sensor library for monitoring microRNA activity. To take advantage of the sensor library, we developed a high-throughput assay called Sensor-seq to simultaneously quantify the activity of hundreds of miRNAs. Using this approach, we show that only the most abundant miRNAs in a cell mediate target suppression. Over 60% of detected miRNAs had no discernible activity, which indicated that the functional 'miRNome' of a cell is considerably smaller than currently inferred from profiling studies. Moreover, some highly expressed miRNAs exhibited relatively weak activity, which in some cases correlated with a high target-to-miRNA ratio or increased nuclear localization of the miRNA. Finally, we show that the miRNA decoy library can be used for pooled loss-of-function studies. These tools are valuable resources for studying miRNA biology and for miRNA-based therapeutics.
What is a geriatric syndrome anyway

The term “Geriatric Syndrome” is commonly used but ill defined. In publications, authors claim that all sorts of conditions are a “Geriatric Syndrome”, including, but not limited to, delirium,1 dementia,1 depression,2 dizziness,3 emesis,4 falls,1 gait disorders,1 hearing loss,1 insomnia,1 urinary incontinence,1 language disorders,1 functional dependence,5 lower extremity problems,6 oral and dental problems,6 malnutrition,1 osteoporosis,1 pain,1 pressure ulcers,1 silent angina pectoris,7 sexual dysfunction,6 syncope6 and vision loss.1 Can this be possible? Can any condition commonly encountered in older adults be a “Geriatric Syndrome”?
Whiplash: Pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis

We have reviewed the literature relevant to pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) since 1995 and provided a brief summary of literature pertaining to forces action on the head and neck during a motor vehicle accident. The scope of the current review is confined to the Quebec guidelines for WAD grades 1-3 but excludes grade 4 (neck complaints and fracture or dislocation). After excluding papers without scientific data and single case reports or case series with fewer than 20 patients, articles were reviewed for methodological quality. The diagnosis remains clinical. No imaging, physiological, or psychological study provides specific diagnostic criteria. In the acute period up to 2 weeks, soft collars or rest and work-leave do not shorten the duration of neck pain. Sick leave is reduced by high-dose methylprednisolone given within 8 h of injury, but confirmatory studies examining the cost-benefit relationship are needed. In the first 6 months, active as opposed to passive treatment results in improved outcomes. Specific exercise strategies have not been studied. For those with symptoms lasting more than 6 months, percutaneous radio-frequency neurotomy can provide pain relief for many months in those responding to blind local anesthetic facet blocks. Intra-articular corticosteroids are ineffective. Uncontrolled trials suggest that multimodal rehabilitation programs result in improved overall function. The overall prognosis for recovery has varied considerably across studies. Such variability is likely due to differences in case identification methods and whether outcome is assessed in terms of symptoms or the receipt of financial compensation for injury. The impact on prognosis of both collision- and patient-related factors is also reviewed.
Controlled Lagrangians and stabilization of discrete spacecraft with rotor

The method of controlled Lagrangians for discrete mechanical systems is extended to the problem of stabilization of the rotations of a spacecraft with a symmetric rotor. In particular, stabilization about its intermediate axis of inertia is considered. The Moser-Veselov discretization is used to obtain the discrete dynamics of the system. Stabilization conditions for the continuous model and its discretization are compared. It is shown that stability of the discrete system is sufficient for stability of its continuous counterpart but not vice versa.
The changing landscape of hotel revenue management and the role of the hotel revenue manager

Modern revenue management practices were implemented into the hotel industry in the 1990s in an effort to provide hotels and resorts with greater profitability. As improvements were made to the practice, the role of the hotel revenue manager evolved to meet these changes. This article chronicles the major changes in the practices and responsibilities of the local hotel revenue manager and discusses the forces that helped initiate each change.
ACQUISITION OF ALDOSTERONE BIOSYNTHETIC CAPACITY IN CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA WITH HOMOZYGOUS DELETION OF THE GENE ENCODING P450/C21

Salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase (21-OHase) deficiency has been associated with deletion of the active structural gene for the adrenal enzyme. We report a patient with apparent homozygous deletion of the active adrenal 21-OHase gene (OH21B), i.e., complete absence of 3.7 kb Taq I fragment on genomic blot hybridization using 21-OHase cDNA as a probe (PNAS, 81:7505, 1984), in whom aldosterone biosynthesis was absent in infancy and childhood, but was present during adolescence. Three older sibs had died of salt-wasting crisis in infancy, The neonatal period in the proband was complicated by shock, hyponatremia and hyperkalemia, treated successfully with parenteral fluids, hydrocortisone, and mineralocorticoid supplements. While receiving salt-retaining hormones at age 12 years, the patient was unable to mount an adequate response to a low sodium diet: renin was elevated (23-29 ng/ml/hr) but pH1 aldosterone was only 1 mcg/m2/day, and serum aldo was undetectable. At age 19 years after months of discontinued mineralocorticoid therapy, low salt testing was repeated: on day 3 sodium balance was achieved when renin was 115, and pH1 aldo was now 8.6, with serum aldo 10.9 ng/dl. This case suggests that a structural 21-OHase gene defect is necessary, but not sufficient to produce the salt-wasting phenotype. The mechanism by which 21-hydroxylase activity for aldosterone biosynthesis is acquired in this patient with a homozygous deletion of the OH21B gene remains to be elucidated.
Systematic Identification of Matching Molecular Series and Mapping of Screening Hits.

Matching molecular series (MMS) have originally been introduced as an extension of the matched molecular pair (MMP) concept to facilitate the design of substructure-based structure-activity relationship (SAR) networks. An MMP is defined as a pair of compounds that only differ by a structural change at a single site. In addition, an MMS is defined as an MMP-based series of compounds that have a conserved structural core and are distinguished by modifications at a single site. Systematic generation of MMS from specifically active compounds generalizes the search for series of structural analogs. Potency-ordered MMS provide series associated with SAR information. We have systematically extracted MMS from publicly available compounds with well-defined activity measurements and generated a large database with approx. 40 000 single- and 13 600 multi-target series, which provide a rich source of SAR information. As an application, we introduce MMP-based mapping of screening hits to MMS to search for initial SAR information and determine all SAR environments available for such hits. The MMS database is made freely available to the scientific community.
Working with Adolescent Mothers of Babies and Toddlers: An Approach to Parent Education.

Abstract Adolescent mothers and their very young children are a high‐risk group, physically, emotionally and socially. These very young parents present special challenges to the early childhood educator, who must often deal with the simultaneous demands created by an immature adolescent and the needs of her child for responsible parenting. Social isolation, lack of education, inexperience, and un‐met needs to play further complicate the lives of teen parents, and of educators who attempt to teach them parenting skills. Recognising the adolescent needs of very young parents and building a parent education program based on concrete, playful experiences with plentiful opportunities to interact with peers seem to be keys to successful intervention. In this presentation we will look at the special characteristics of adolescent parents and review a series of field‐tested hands‐on parent education workshops for them.
A georeferenced LANDSAT digital database for forest insect-damage assessment

In 1869, the gypsy moth caterpillar was introduced in the U.S. in connection with the experiments of a French scientist. Throughout the insect's period of establishment, gypsy moth populations have periodically increased to epidemic proportions. For programs concerned with preventing the insect's spread, it would be highly desirable to be able to employ a survey technique which could provide timely, accurate, and standardized assessments at a reasonable cost. A project was, therefore, initiated with the aim to demonstrate the usefulness of satellite remotely sensed data for monitoring the insect defoliation of hardwood forests in Pennsylvania. A major effort within this project involved the development of a map-registered Landsat digital database. A complete description of the database developed is provided along with information regarding the employed data management system.
Genetic control of the histidine dissimilatory pathway in Pseudomonas putida.

In P. putida the first four enzymes involved in the dissimilation of histidine are induced by the first intermediate of the pathway, urocanic acid. The genes specifying these enzymes, hutH, hutU, hutF and (probably) hutI appear to be clustered on the chromosome between pcaE and pcaA (genes involved in p-hydroxybenzoic acid catabolism). Two mutants which produce the histidine-dissimilitory enzymes constitutively have been isolated. They appear to carry mutations in a regulatory locus, which maps in the same region as the structural genes of the pathway.
K-12 outreach and education via research experiences for teachers

A multidisciplinary team of faculty at Illinois Institute of Technology has created an innovative approach to K-12 outreach and education via the National Science Foundation Program on Research Experiences for Teachers. The RET Site at IIT has provided training in various engineering fields, including power engineering, to more than 100 K-12 teachers in the Chicago Public Schools and surrounding districts.
Ontogeny of the Response to Thyroxine (T4) in the Porcine Fetus: Interrelationships Between Serum T4, Serum Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and Differentiation of Skin and Several Adipose Tissues

The temporal aspect of thyroxine (T4) enhanced development of several fetal adipose tissue depots (locations) and skin was examined in the present study. On day 70 of gestation pig fetuses were either hypophysectomized (hypox), hypoxed and implanted with T4 pellets or left intact (control). Subsequently, fetuses were removed for study at either 73, 75, 80, 85 and 90 days of gestation. Serum levels of T4 and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) were significantly elevated by T4 after 3 days of treatment and throughout the study. T4 treatment enhanced development of skin, inner and outer subcutaneous (SQ) adipose tissue and adipocyte lobules around hair follicles (HFL's) but degree of response and response time were tissue or depot dependent. The T4 response time was shortest for skin and HFL's, longest for inner SQ and intermediate for the outer SQ. Considering the entire treatment period, magnitude of the T4 response was much greater for skin and HFL's than for outer and inner SQ tissues. Possibly, these developmental characteristics indicate that T4 directly influences skin and HFL's and indirectly influences inner SQ adipose tissue by increasing production of a locally produced adipogenic growth factor. Furthermore, developmental characteristics (morphological) indicated that putative local growth factor mediation of T4 action may depend on stage of development or maturity of the tissue. IGF-I is clearly the most logical candidate as a putative local mediator of T4, but evidence at the molecular level is needed to prove this suggestion. Regardless, the particular adipose tissue location or depot is an important aspect of hormone responsiveness during the critical or sensitive period of fetal adipose tissue development.
Delayed Incorporation of [75Se]Selenomethionine into Fibrinogen: Its Effect upon Kinetic Studies of Fibrinogen with [75Se]Selenomethionine in Rabbits

Summary. When data-points on the descending phase of autoendogenous plasma [75Se]selenomethionine-fibrinogen (75SeM-fibrinogen) radioactivity curves in rabbits were expressed as per cent of maximum radioactivity, they could be fitted to single exponential curves both in controls and in animals with enhanced fibrinogen synthesis from multiple causes. Intravascular half-disappearance times (HDTs) determined from these slopes were inversely related to maximum per cent incorporation of 75SeM into fibrinogen (r= 0.662, P<0.001). The mean HDT for 17 controls was 112 hr, whereas the mean HDT for animals with marked stimulation of fibrinogen production was close to 56 hr, the value for the mean HDT for the second slope of fibrinogen radioactivity in 13 normal recipient rabbits injected with donor 75SeM-fibrinogen. Two kinetic compartmental models were proposed to account for the marked difference between the autoendogenous 75SeM-fibrinogen decay slope of control animals and the second slope of fibrinogen radioactivity in recipient animals. Both models account for a random, delayed input from the liver of 75SeM-fibrinogen, which decreases when fibrinogen synthesis is stimulated. In one model, the delay occurs before synthesis of labelled fibrinogen, whereas in the other model the delay occurs after synthesis of labelled fibrinogen. Both models indicate that in control animals only about 50% of 75SeM-fibrinogen enters the plasma from the liver without delay. In contrast, in rabbits with ACTH-stimulated fibrinogen production, over 80% of 75SeM-fibrinogen enters the plasma without delay. Although both models fit the kinetic data, a steady state calculation for the model in which delay occurs after synthesis of labelled fibrinogen molecules gives a size for the intracellular fibrinogen delay pool in the liver which exceeds the size for the plasma fibrinogen pool. Therefore, this model seems untenable. Our evidence of a marked effect of variation in delayed input of 75SeM-fibrinogen upon the degradation phase of the autoendogenous fibrinogen radioactivity curve raises doubts about the validity of using isolated portions of such curves for separate estimations of fibrinogen synthesis and catabolism.
Structure Determination of Saponins with Cardiotonic Activity by Circular Dichroism

Cardenolides including ouabain and digoxin are plant steroids that occur in nature as glycosides. They exhibit powerful cardiotonic activity by inhibiting Na+,K+-ATPase (the sodium pump) in mammalian and insect cells and as such have long been used for the treatment of certain cardiac disorders. The chemical structures of cardenolides are characterized by 3-β-OH (or 3β-O-sugar), C/D—cis-ring juncture, 14β-OH, and 17β-unsaturated lactone ring (Figure 1) [1,2]. Most of the sugars isolated after hydrolysis of cardiac glycosides are unique and have only rarely been found elsewhere in nature. Based on optical rotation data it was suggested that all natural cardiac glycosides of D(L) -sugars are β(α) glycosides at the aglycone-sugar linkage. Although the cardenolides have been mostly purified from plants and toads, their conserved and specific binding site located on the catalytic sub-unit of the mammalian plasma membrane sodium pump led to the speculation that there might exist the mammalian counterparts of cardenolides. that control the physiological functions of sodium pump[1,3].
A relational perspective on PTSD in early childhood.

This paper describes the clinical and research evidence for the importance of the relational context of posttraumatic stress disorder in young children. We review 17 studies that simultaneously assessed parental and child functioning following trauma. In many studies, despite limitations, an association between undesirable parental/family variables and maladaptive child outcomes has been consistently found. We present a model of the parental/family variables as moderators and vicarious traumatic agents for symptoms in young children. Also, a Compound Model is proposed, with three distinctive patterns of the parent–child relationship that impact on posttraumatic symptomatology in young children. Implications for clinical practice and research directions are discussed.
Identifying mild cognitive impairment at baseline in the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study.

Objectives: To identify, characterize and compare the frequency of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subtypes at baseline in a large, late-life cohort (n = 3063) recruited into a dementia prevention trial. Method: A retrospective, data-algorithmic approach was used to classify participants as cognitively normal or MCI with corresponding subtype (e.g. amnestic vs. non-amnestic, single domain vs. multiple domain) based on a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological test scores, with and without Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) global score included in the algorithm. Results: Overall, 15.7% of cases (n = 480) were classified as MCI. Amnestic MCI was characterized as unilateral memory impairment (i.e. only verbal or only visual memory impaired) or bilateral memory impairment (i.e. both verbal and visual memory impaired). All forms of amnestic MCI were almost twice as frequent as non-amnestic MCI (10.0% vs. 5.7%). Removing the CDR = 0.5 (‘questionable dementia’) criterion resulted in a near doubling of the overa...
The therapeutic efficacy and cost-effectiveness of aggressive tocolysis for premature labor associated with premature rupture of the membranes

Abstract We conducted a randomized trial comparing bed rest with tocolysis to determine the therapeutic efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of tocolysis for the treatment of preterm labor after membrane rupture. One hundred nine women participated over a 26-month interval. Treatment groups did not differ significantly in terms of gestational age at membrane rupture, gestational age at delivery, birth weight, maternal or fetal infectious morbidity, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, or perinatal mortality. Prolongation of intrauterine time after the onset of uterine contractions was seen in women receiving tocolysis (105.2 ± 157 hours versus 62.1 ± 77 hours, p = 0.06). This prolongation was not associated with a significant reduction in the total cost per surviving infant (tocolysis, $38,593 ± $40,887 versus bed rest, $43,158 ± $37,116; p = 0.445). The cost difference was artifactual. The number of very premature infants born ( p = 0.05). However, there was no identifiable perinatal benefit garnered from the additional 5 days. After 28 weeks there were no significant differences between treatment groups in terms of intrauterine time after the onset of regular contractions and total cost per surviving infant. Because tocolysis does not improve perinatal outcome and can itself be associated with major maternal morbidity, it should be avoided after 28 weeks' gestation. Before 28 weeks' gestation tocolysis may greatly increase intrauterine time, but the benefit of this prolongation is not clear.
Sparing of mdx extraocular muscles from dystrophic pathology is not attributable to normalized concentration or distribution of neuronal nitric oxide synthase

Abstract Previous findings have led to speculations that decreased concentration of nNOS (neuronal nitric oxide synthase) may underlie some aspects of the pathophysiology of dystrophic muscle. We have tested whether the sparing of extraocular muscles (EOM) in muscular dystrophy is attributable to the presence of normal nNOS concentration and distribution in these muscles. Measurements of total nNOS concentration in control muscle showed that total nNOS comprises approximately 0.05% of total muscle protein, indicating a molar stoichiometry of approximately 60 and 20 to total dystrophin and syntrophin, respectively. Thus, most muscle nNOS is either not associated with the dystrophin complex, or binds to yet unidentified sites in the complex. nNOS concentration was at least two-fold greater in C57 EOM and tibialis anterior (TA) compared with mdx samples. No significant differences in nNOS concentration in EOM versus TA in either mdx or C57 mice were observed. nNOS was concentrated at the sarcolemma of all C57 samples, while mdx nNOS displayed a cytosolic distribution, except in fibers that reverted to express dystrophin. These data show that mdx EOM are spared by a mechanism other than normalized concentration and location of nNOS.
Oxidation of 2-deoxyglucose by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) can metabolize [l-14C]2-deoxyglucose to14CO2 when stimulated by either phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or opsonized zymosan. Oxidation of 2-deoxyglucose is about 10–20% as efficient as that of glucose in normal PMNL; it does not occur in defective cells obtained from patients with chronic granulomatous disease. The increased oxidation of [ l-14C]2-deoxyglucose induced by PMA is not sufficient to explain the inhibition of transport induced by that compound; conversely increased transport of 2-deoxyglucose induced by zymosan-activated serum does not result in a significant increase in oxidation of the hexose. Oxidation of [l-14C]2-deoxyglucose appears to be mediated by the hexose monophosphate shunt as indicated by the following (1) oxidation of [1-14C]2-deoxyglucose in intermediate in activity between that of [l-14C]glucose and [6-14C]glucose; (2) the reaction is insensitive to cyanide or azide; and (3) shunt enzymes measured in a cell-free extract from human PMNL can react with 2-deoxyglucose compounds with approximately 10% the efficiency shown towards the corresponding glucose derivatives.
Rapid growth of astrocytic processes in N. magnocellularis following cochlea removal

Removal of the cochlea or pharmacological blockade of eighth nerve activity in young postnatal chickens results in rapid transneuronal cell death and atrophy in neurons of n. magnocellularis. The present experiments were designed to examine the influence of afferent input on astrocyte structure in n. magnocellularis. Young chickens were subjected to unilateral cochlea removal. At times ranging from 5 minutes to 72 hours later, the brainstems were histologically processed with a polyclonal antibody against glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). A second group of chick brainstems was impregnated by a Golgi method 6 hours after unilateral cochlea removal and impregnated three-dimensional reconstructions were made of glial cells in n. magnocellularis (NM). Analyses of GFAP positive processes in NM revealed an observable increase in the number of astrocytic processes at the borders of the nucleus within 30 minutes of cochlea removal and a twofold increase in GFAP + glial processes by 6 hours. A secondary increase in the number and density of GFAP + processes occurred between 24 and 72 hours following cochlea removal, during the period of axonal degeneration, and transneuronal cell atrophy and death. Analyses of astrocytes impregnated by the Golgi method revealed that individual glial cells had increased their total process length and the number of processes by approximately twofold by 6 hours after cochlea removal. These results suggest that the structure of astrocytes is rapidly and dramatically influenced by the level of excitatory activity in a neuronal system. Furthermore, the similarity of results obtained with GFAP immunohistochemistry and three-dimensional reconstruction of astrocytes provides evidence that the short-term changes observed following cochlea removal represent the actual growth of glial processes. We speculate that modulations in glial processes as a function of afferent activity may act to influence synaptic efficacy.
Flow of High Prandtl Number Fluid under Varying Axial Magnetic Field

From engineering actual conditions of single crystal grown by floating zone method, Navier-Stokes equations coupled with the energy conservation equation were solved on a staggered grid based on the half floating area physical model. The two-phase surface was captured by using the mass conserving level set method. The internal flow structure of flow field of high Pr number liquid bridge was studied under uniform magnetic field environment in microgravity, which is important to optimize the process of the crystal growth.
An improved microwave plasma torch for atomic spectrometry

The analytical performance of a microwave plasma torch was improved through mechanical alterations. Several problems reported in earlier designs were addressed: the ignition and stabilization of a helium plasma in the MPT was difficult; high powers were required to both ignite and operate the plasma; otherwise, the plasma would erratically change from an annular to a filament type discharge. In the new torch, the helium discharge was stabilized by replacing the copper central tube with one made of quartz. In addition, air entrainment was alleviated through use of a sheathing gas. This modification simplified the background mass spectrum and raised the effective ionization temperature of the discharge. A detailed schematic diagram of the new microwave plasma torch is presented.
Scapulothoracic fusion for clavicular insufficiency. A report of two cases.

Scapulothoracic fusion is an uncommon procedure performed to stabilize the scapula to the chest wall. It is usually used to treat painful refractory winging of the scapula1-4, and it has been described principally in patients with fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, since tendon transfers in this population are usually unsuccessful2-8. Other indications include salvage of failed tendon transfer procedures to treat spinal accessory nerve palsy1,9,10 or long thoracic nerve palsy3,9-12. Additionally, disabling scapular winging secondary to loss of the medial clavicular strut support is a very rare indication that has not been reported previously. We report our experience with two patients in whom excision of the medial portion of the clavicle resulted in subsequent loss of scapular control and severe pain. Both patients were successfully managed with scapulothoracic fusion. Between 2000 and 2006, eight patients (ten shoulders) underwent scapulothoracic fusion at our institution. There were four men and four women, with a mean age of 38.4 years (range, nineteen to sixty-one years). The most common indications for surgery were refractory symptomatic scapular winging secondary to fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy in five shoulders, anterior serratus muscle paralysis secondary to long thoracic nerve palsy in one shoulder, and trapezius muscle paralysis secondary to spinal accessory nerve injury in two shoulders. In two of the eight patients (two shoulders), the procedure was performed to treat symptoms following resection of the medial portion of the clavicle. The presentation of these two patients was markedly different from that of the other patients, and their degree of disability and pain was profound. We are not aware of any similar cases that have been published previously in the literature. The two patients were informed that data concerning the case would be …
Sedimentation processes in an impoundment, Union lake, New Jersey

A small (3 75 km2) impoundment. Union Lake, on the Maurice River in southern New Jersey contains fine-grained sediment and organic material being transported through the surface water system Sedimentation is slow and rates calculated from137Cs-dated cores indicate a decrease through time from 2 6 mm/yr to 0 57 mm/yr Sediment from shallow areas ( 3 m) is dy composed of diatoms, organic matter, and silt- and clay-sized mineral grains Sediment distribution is controlled by water moving from the river entrance southward toward the outlet and by wind-generated water motion from shallow areas fringing the shore toward deeper portions of the impoundment
Accuracy of discrete models for the inverse dynamics of flexible arms, feasible trajectories

The accuracy of discrete models for the inverse dynamics is studied. The partial differential equation (PDE) modeling a flexible arm is referred to as a continuous model, and discretizations resulting in systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are referred to as discrete models. The tracking order of the inverse dynamics for a single-link flexible arm is derived from a continuous model of the plant in the case where there is no tip mass. It is shown how discrete models may fail to identify this tracking order. Problems arising when discrete models are used are identified and solved in the frequency domain. >
Characterization of photobiophysical properties of sensitizers used in photodynamic therapy

Tetrapyrroles obtain very good photophysical properties making them efficient photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy. Most of them have high triplet quantum yields, long triplet lifetimes and triplet state energies suitable for singlet oxygen generation. These photophysical parameters differ depending on the chemical structure and interactions with the environment. Today a large variety of tetrapyrroles are synthetized or chemically separated from natural substances for investigation of their photophysical properties with the aim of using them in photodynamic therapy. In this paper, some general aspects of energy conversion and energy transfer of tetrapyrroles in relation to their photophysical and biophysical properties relevant for photodynamic activity are discussed. Essential optical methods for the investigation of these parameters, as well as the determination of segmental mobilities of sensitizer-carrier complexes, are discussed using the example of phthalocyanines.
An undergraduate student of color on the study of success in STEM

A highly successful student leader looks back at his undergraduate experiences and ahead to his own future as an education researcher. He also offers recommendations for future research on students of color in STEM.
Investigation of DNA binding modes for a symmetrical cyanine dye trication: effect of DNA sequence and structure.

Abstract The DNA binding behavior of a tricationic cyanine dye (DiSC3+(5)) was studied using the [Poly(dA-dT)]2, [Poly(dI-dC)]2 and Poly(dA)•Poly(dT) duplex sequences and the Poly(dA) •2Poly(dT) triplex. Optical spectroscopy and viscometry results indicate that the dye binds to the triplex structure by intercalation, to the nonalternating Poly(dA)•Poly(dT) duplex through minor groove binding and to the alternating [Poly(dA-dT)]2 duplex by a combination of two binding modes: intercalation at low concentration and dimerization within the minor groove at higher concentration. Dimerization occurs at lower dye concentrations for the [Poly(dI-dC)]2 sequence, consistent with our previous investigations on an analogous monocationic cyanine dye. [Seifert, J.L., et al. (1999) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 121, 2987–2995] These studies illustrate the diversity of DNA binding modes that are available to a given ligand structure.
The MerR metalloregulatory protein binds mercuric ion as a tricoordinate, metal-bridged dimer

Bacterial MerR proteins are dimeric DNA-binding proteins that mediate the Hg(II)-dependent induction of mercury resistance operons. Site-directed mutagenesis of the Bacillus sp. RC607 MerR protein reveals that three of four Cys residues per monomer are required for Hg(II) binding at the single high-affinity binding site. Inactive mutant homodimers can exchange subunits to form heterodimers active for Hg(II) binding. Studies of a heterodimer retaining only three of eight cysteine residues per dimer reveal that Cys79 in one subunit and Cys114 and Cys123 in the second subunit are necessary and sufficient for high-affinity Hg(II) binding in an asymmetric, subunit bridging coordination complex.
Implications of Drug Product Appearance on Generic Drug Acceptance

AbstractOne claim which has been consistently made in the look-alike drug debate is that product copying increases patient acceptance of generic drugs. This experimental study involved 240 patients, 40 from each of 6 different community pharmacies, who were obtaining a refill of a brand name drug product. Equal numbers of patients in each pharmacy were randomly assigned to a treatment group and a control group. The 120 patients in the treatment group were shown mock samples of nonlook-alike drugs which differed in appearance only as to color. All of the patients received a brief explanation about generic substitution as required under Florida law, and were asked if they would switch to the less expensive generic equivalent. Our results showed no significant differences between the two groups in patient acceptance of generic substitutes. Follow-up interviews with these patients disclosed that the product's color appearance was not a major concern to them. However, one-third of the respondents indicated tha...
Voltammetric Reductions of Ring-Substituted Acetophenones. 1. Determination of an Electron-Transfer Mechanism Using Cyclic Voltammetry and Computer Modeling: The Formation and Fate of a Radical Anion

In a sophomore/junior-level experiment suitable for intermediate organic or instrumental analysis, ring-substituted acetophenones were electrochemically reduced to form radical anions that then decompose in a manner determined by the ring substituent. Cyclic voltammetry was used to identify the electron-transfer (ET) mechanism, which was an electron transfer followed by a chemical reaction (EC). The product of the reaction was often electroactive (ECE) in the potential window defined by the acetonitrile/Bu4NPF6 solvent/supporting electrolyte. Products of the following decomposition were estimated with computer modeling (DFT) to estimate the likelihood of various decomposition pathways. Selection of the ring substituent or switching potential (Egw) allows the instructor to ask students to assign the mechanism for a single reduction or a complete ET mechanism, matching the difficulty of this experiment to the level of audience preparation.
Adaptive sensor selection in sequential hypothesis testing

We consider the problem of sensor selection for time-optimal detection of a hypothesis. We consider a group of sensors transmitting their observations to a fusion center. The fusion center considers the output of only one randomly chosen sensor at the time, and performs a sequential hypothesis test. We study sequential probability ratio test with randomized sensor selection strategy. We present optimal open loop sensor selection policies for three distinct cost functions. We utilize these policies to develop an adaptive sensor selection policy. We rigorously characterize the performance of the adaptive policy and show that it asymptotically achieves the performance of the globally optimal policy.