cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The herbal dietary supplement Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA; 18:3n-6) inhibits the promoter activity of the Her-2/neu (erbB-2) oncogene through the PEA3 Ets transcription factor: A novel mode for sensitization of Her-2/neu-overexpressing breast cancer cells to trastuzumab (Herceptin™)

3393 The ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA; 18:3n-6) has raised interest as novel anti-cancer agent as it exerts selective cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects on human cancer cells without affecting normal cells or creating harmful systemic side effects. We previously reported that exogenous supplementation with GLA synergistically sensitizes cultured breast cancer cells to anti-mitotic drugs such as paclitaxel, vinorelbine, and docetaxel. This GLA-induced sensitization was also synergistic with the antiestrogens tamoxifen and faslodex. Since the overexpression of Her-2/neu oncogene has been associated to chemotherapy and antiestrogen resistance in breast carcinomas, we hypothesized that GLA-related anti-tumoral actions may involve regulation of Her-2/neu-driven cellular signaling. To study this issue we used BT-474 and SK-Br3 breast cancer cells, which naturally exhibit amplification of the Her-2/neu oncogene. Flow cytometric and immunoblotting analyses demonstrated a dramatic reduction of Her-2/neu protein expression following treatment with GLA. Interestingly, a significant accumulation of the DNA-binding protein PEA3, a member of the Ets transcription factor family that specifically targets a DNA sequence on the Her-2/neu promoter and down-regulates its activity, was observed in GLA-treated cells. Moreover, when a luciferase reporter gene driven by the Her-2/neu promoter was transiently into BT-474 and SK-Br3 breast cancer cells, GLA exposure was found to dramatically repress the promoter activity of Her-2/neu gene. Remarkably, a Her-2/neu promoter bearing a mutated PEA3 binding sequence was not subject to negative regulation by GLA, thus demonstrating that the intact PEA3 binding site on the Her-2/neu promoter is required for the GLA-mediated transcriptional repression of Her-2/neu oncogene in breast cancer cells. The concurrent exposure to GLA and sub-optimal concentrations of trastuzumab synergistically down-regulated Her-2/neu expression, while the nature of the cytotoxic interactions between GLA and trastuzumab revealed a strong synergism as assessed by MTT-based cell viability and anchorage-independent soft-agar colony formation assays. GLA co-exposure synergistically enhanced trastuzumab efficacy towards Her-2/neu overexpressors by promoting DNA fragmentation-associated with apoptotic cell death, as confirmed by TUNEL assays. These findings demonstrate that GLA, a naturally occurring anti-tumor agent, transcriptionally represses Her-2/neu gene expression, which, in turn, interacts synergistically with anti-Her-2/neu immunotherapy by promoting apoptotic cell death of breast cancer cells with Her-2/neu oncogene amplification.
Effects of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Inhibition on Transforming Growth Factor-β2 Signaling in the Human Trabecular Meshwork

Purpose: Transforming growth factor-β2 (TGFβ2) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) crosstalk have been implicated in extracellular matrix regulation in the trabecular meshwork (TM) and ocular hypertens...
Reactive oxygen species explicit dosimetry to predict tumor growth for benzoporphyrin derivative-mediated vascular photodynamic therapy.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a well-established treatment modality for cancer and other malignant diseases; however, quantities such as light fluence and PDT dose do not fully account for all of the dynamic interactions between the key components involved. In particular, fluence rate (ϕ) effects, which impact the photochemical oxygen consumption rate, are not accounted for. In this preclinical study, reacted reactive oxygen species ([ROS]rx) was investigated as a dosimetric quantity for PDT outcome. The ability of [ROS]rx to predict the cure index (CI) of tumor growth, CI = 1 − k / k ctr, where k and k ctr are the growth rate of tumor under PDT study and the control tumor without PDT, respectively, for benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD)-mediated PDT, was examined. Mice bearing radiation-induced fibrosarcoma (RIF) tumors were treated with different in-air fluences (Φ = 22.5 to 166.7 J / cm2) and in-air fluence rates (ϕair = 75 to 250 mW / cm2) with a BPD dose of 1 mg / kg and a drug-light interval (DLI) of 15 min. Treatment was delivered with a collimated laser beam of 1-cm-diameter at 690 nm. Explicit measurements of in-air light fluence rate, tissue oxygen concentration, and BPD concentration were used to calculate for [ROS]rx. Light fluence rate at 3-mm depth (ϕ3 mm), determined based on Monte-Carlo simulations, was used in the calculation of [ROS]rx at the base of tumor. CI was used as an endpoint for three dose metrics: light fluence, PDT dose, and [ROS]rx. PDT dose was defined as the product of the time-integral of photosensitizer concentration and ϕ3 mm. Preliminary studies show that [ROS]rx best correlates with CI and is an effective dosimetric quantity that can predict treatment outcome. The threshold dose for [ROS]rx for vascular BPD-mediated PDT using DLI of 15 min is determined to be 0.26 mM and is about 3.8 times smaller than the corresponding value for conventional BPD-mediated PDT using DLI of 3 h.
Using Motion Sensor Technology to Manage Risk of Injury in a Strength and Conditioning Program for Female Collegiate Athletes

Background of Study: Females generally have a 6-8 times higher risk for lower extremity injury compared to male counterparts due to biomechanical differences and/or poor landing strategies. In recent years, a great deal of focus has been placed on prevention and reduction of non-contact lower extremity injuries. This has spurred the development of assessment methods to determine how athletes move and tools with which those motions are measured. Efforts have been made to measure and quantify movement strategies, which have given rise to multiple movement tests and measurement devices. One approach is the use of wearable technologies used in conjunction with a movement screening. Objective: Demonstrate a practical approach of using wearable technologies to guide training regimens in a population of female athletes that would be considered at risk for lower extremity injuries. Methods: A cohort of Division I female volleyball athletes were screened using wearable technology then assigned an intervention based on screening results. Comparisons were made between injury rates during the season when the intervention was applied compared to previous seasons. Results: All lower extremity injury rates were reduced after the intervention was applied. Conclusions: The use of wearable technology aids in quantifying movement to then assign a strategic intervention to reduce injuries in an at risk athletic population.
Low Voltage, Hypothermia, and Hyperkalemia

Low voltage is a fairly common finding on EKGs, with a limited list of causes. Hypothermia’s characteristic EKG finding is the Osborn wave, which resolves with rewarming. Hyperkalemia can cause tall (>10 mm) T waves, wide QRS, or ventricular tachycardia.
PSIM and Matlab Co-simulation of a Sensorless MPPT for PMSG Wind Turbine Using a Fuzzy Logic Controller

The Wind System Power varies according to the wind speed, and the wind turbine (WT) operates at an optimal point which depends on its rotation speed. For that, this paper presents a Fuzzy Logic Approach (FLA) to tracking the maximum available power of a WT system based on Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) to supply the load. Its main advantage is not requiring a mechanical sensor or a prior knowledge of the WT characteristic. The PMSG–PWM rectifier combination used is compared with other topologies types in term of cost and efficiency. By modifying the PWM rectifier modulation index, the reflected voltage at the PMSG is varied and consequently its rotational speed, which allows tracking the maximum power point (MPP) of WT. So as to check the proposed strategy feasibility, a PSIM and Matlab co-simulation is made. The simulation results demonstrated the competitiveness of FLA, from the point of view of oscillations around the maximum point and response time compared to P&O technique.
Relations between stress, coping strategies, and prosocial behavior in U.S. Mexican college students.

Author(s): Memmott-Elison, Madison K; Yu, Mansoo; Maiya, Sahitya; Dicus, J Logan; Carlo, Gustavo | Abstract: ObjectiveWe explored the explanatory roles of active and avoidant coping in the link between stress and emotional prosocial behavior in U.S. Mexican college students. Participants: Participants included 148 college students (Mage = 23 years, 67% female, 84% born in the U.S.) who self-identified as Mexican or U.S. Mexican or noted that their parents or grandparents were of Mexican or U.S. Mexican origin. Methods: Introduction to Psychology students at state universities in California and Texas completed a self-report survey packet and received class credit for their participation. Data were analyzed via path analysis using Mplus 8.1 software. Results: U.S. Mexican college students' stress was indirectly associated with their emotional prosocial behavior through both active and avoidant coping strategies. Conclusions: Relations between stress and adjustment (i.e., emotional prosocial behavior) is dependent upon individuals' coping tendencies. U.S. Mexicans may cope with their stress by engaging in emotional prosocial behavior.
Contactless Waveguide Adapter for Multiple Frequency Bands

A contactless circular waveguide adapter made of a bed of pins is proposed. The bed of pins are surrounding a circular waveguide opening from both ends to be used between the flanges of two standard circular waveguides. The bed of pins surface is making an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC). Inserting the adapter between the flanges of the waveguide prevents signal leakage even with no contact is assured. The adapter with bed of pins can be used for circular waveguides covering multiple mm-wave frequency bands between 50 and 110 GHz. The same adapter can be used with different circular waveguide diameters that operate within the 50- 110 GHz by changing the adapter circular waveguide diameter.
Iraq and the European Union towards a Strategic Partnership

The Iraq's relations with the European Union countries of the oldest and surest Iraq's foreign relations, in spite of the damage to those relationships during certain time periods, and sometimes degradation several considerations, they quickly return to normal, the importance of Iraq's strategy for European countries on the one hand, and interest in Iraq, the European its relations On the other hand . The EU played an important role in Iraq in the era after 2003, through important political relations with the Iraqi government, and try to achieve a real partnership in the political, economic and cultural fields, and interested in EU areas of human rights, and civil society organizations, and strengthen the Iraqi security capacity and we will try in this Find the study of the positions of the European Union countries of Iraq, and then try the European Union and Iraq to establish a strategic partnership between them.
Galaxy morphology classification using automated machine learning

Abstract In this paper, we apply five different machine learning algorithms to classify samples into four categories — spirals, ellipticals, mergers and stars (don’t know) using data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey to assess the feasibility of using machine learning methods for future surveys. Classifying mergers as a separate class poses a challenge as this category is easily confused with both ellipticals and spirals, and as a result, most previous studies have not included mergers as a distinct morphological class. The dataset is highly imbalanced with the number of ellipticals/spirals being much larger than the number of stars/mergers, and this is another challenge we aim to address. Starting with 62 features, we perform principal component analysis and use the 25 most significant principal components as inputs to the machine learning models. We compare our results with the Galaxy Zoo labels and obtain an overall test accuracy of 98.2% and 97.5% using Artificial Neural Network and ExtraTrees respectively. However, ExtraTrees outperforms Neural Network in classifying mergers and stars. We also perform a parameter sensitivity test to compare the relative importance of different categories of features on the model’s performance. Finally, we address the class imbalance problem and examine the effects of different sampling strategies. Our results show that the use of a balanced dataset with a large number of training samples leads to high recall values for the minority classes, and that oversampling methods lead to better performance than undersampling techniques.
Localization in Distributed Wireless Systems Based on High-Accuracy Microwave Ranging

We present a high-accuracy localization approach for estimating the positions of elements in a distributed phased array to support distributed beamforming. The approach is based on a spectrally-sparse, high-accuracy microwave ranging method and time of arrival (TOA) estimation between three receiving antennas. The ranging approach leverages a spectrally-sparse waveform that achieves near-optimal range accuracies on the order of 5 mm with a 9 MHz waveform bandwidth implemented at C-band. We implement the approach in software-defined radios, and demonstrate localization accuracy below 5 cm with a receiving array area more than an order of magnitude smaller than other approaches.
An Iron(III) Superoxide Corrole from Iron(II) and Dioxygen

A new structurally characterized ferrous corrole [FeII (ttppc)]- (1) binds one equivalent of dioxygen to form [FeIII (O2-. )(ttppc)]- (2). This complex exhibits a 16/18 O2 -isotope sensitive ν(O-O) stretch at 1128 cm-1 concomitantly with a single ν(Fe-O2 ) at 555 cm-1 , indicating it is an η1 -superoxo ("end-on") iron(III) complex. Complex 2 is the first well characterized Fe-O2 corrole, and mediates the following biologically relevant oxidation reactions: dioxygenation of an indole derivative, and H-atom abstraction from an activated O-H bond.
The effect of the cementitious paste thickness on the performance of pervious concrete

Abstract The performance of pervious concrete is dictated by the void structure features such as the size of coarse aggregate, void volume, void size, void distribution, and the amount of cement used. Pervious concrete consists of coarse aggregate surrounded by a thin layer of Portland cement paste. The amount of cement used affects the aggregate coating thickness, which has an effect on the porosity and other mechanical properties of the concrete. The void size is not purely governed by the size of coarse aggregate, but the aggregate size, gradation, and the thickness of cement paste. A higher porosity of the material does not ensure a higher permeability, as the permeability is a function of the void surface area, void size, and distribution. In this study a correlation is made between key pervious concrete properties such as the porosity, permeability, compressive and tensile strength versus the cement paste thickness. A thicker cement coating will lead to a lower percolation rate by reducing the porosity, however, this could have a positive effect on other desirable mechanical properties, such as compressive/tensile strength and permeability. This research focus on proportioning the coarse aggregate, cement content, and the void content in order to correlate the cement paste thickness to the key properties of pervious concrete. This was completed through a controlled concrete mix-design, a controlled laboratory preparation technique and an analysis of the hardened concrete cross-section.
pH dependence of the reoxidation of p-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase 2,4-dihydroxybenzoate complex.

Oxidation of reduced p-OH-benzoate hydroxylase . 2,4-diOH-benzoate complex by molecular oxygen occurs in four clearly defined steps. Inclusion of azide in the reaction medium slows the rate for each step. We have found that the rates for the last three steps as well as the UV/visible absorbance spectrum for the second intermediate are markedly dependent on pH. Formation of intermediate II is base-catalyzed while its decay to intermediate III is acid-catalyzed. Formation of oxidized enzyme from intermediate III is base-catalyzed. The spectrum of intermediate II is shifted to longer wavelengths on raising the pH. A pKa of about 7.8 can be calculated for each of these pH-dependent transitions, except for the rate of formation of oxidized enzyme. This rate appears to be directly dependent on hydroxide ion concentration. The presence of azide does not change the observed pH dependence. These results are discussed in the context of a 4a,5-ring opened flavin structure for intermediate II.
Zero-Copy MPI Derived Datatype Communication over InfiniBand

This paper presents a new scheme, Send Gather Receive Scatter (SGRS), to perform zero-copy datatype communication over InfiniBand. This scheme leverages the gather/scatter feature provided by InfiniBand channel semantics. It takes advantage of the capability of processing non-contiguity on both send and receive sides in the Send Gather and Receive Scatter operations. In this paper, we describe the design, implementation and evaluation of this new scheme. Compared to the existing Multi-W zero-copy datatype scheme, the SGRS scheme can overcome the drawbacks of low network utilization and high startup costs. Our experimental results show significant improvement in both point-to-point and collective datatype communication. The latency of a vector datatype can be reduced by up to 62% and the bandwidth can be increased by up to 400%. The Alltoall collective benchmark shows a performance benefit of up to 23% reduction in latency.
Organizational Buying Behavior: Where We Have Been and Where We Need to Go

After a strong start in the 1970s and 1980s, the field of organizational buying behavior (OBB) has been in the doldrums. The early conceptualizations by Wind, Webster, Sheth and other scholars provided a strong foundation for what we now call B2B (business-to-business) marketing. However, conceptual and methodological advancements beyond these early formulations have been minimal in the past 20 years, and the result is that we are not fully prepared to deal with the increasing complexity and dynamism of organizational buying behavior brought on by the impact of globalization, new digital communication technologies, and other market forces. In this paper, we provide an overview of the historical development of the OBB literature and attempt to identify issues and opportunities for bridge-building from the past to the future to stimulate a resurgence of interest in studying this important aspect of marketing.
Bombay Talkies and the Indian cinema centenary

Abstract: 2013 saw the release of Bombay Talkies, Bollywood's much-publicized “tribute” to the centenary of Indian cinema, alongside a slew of other commemorative events and texts. This essay looks at the strategies–both industrial and aesthetic–that buttressed this film's self-presentation as emblematic of the Hindi film industry as a whole. A portmanteau of four short films and largely devoid of stars and “song-sequences”, Bombay Talkies remains an exercise in formal novelty in terms of Hindi commercial cinema's typical quirks and pleasures. How then, did it so confidently pose as the industry's “official” homage to Indian cinema? What kinds of film histories does it select, remember, and erase from the tangled narratives that comprise the trajectory of the cinema in India?Keywords: Bollywood, Centenary, Nostalgia, Fandom
A reductionist perspective on quantum statistical mechanics: Coarse-graining of path integrals

Computational modeling of the condensed phase based on classical statistical mechanics has been rapidly developing over the last few decades and has yielded important information on various systems containing up to millions of atoms. However, if a system of interest contains important quantum effects, well-developed classical techniques cannot be used. One way of treating finite temperature quantum systems at equilibrium has been based on Feynman’s imaginary time path integral approach and the ensuing quantum-classical isomorphism. This isomorphism is exact only in the limit of infinitely many classical quasiparticles representing each physical quantum particle. In this work, we present a reductionist perspective on this problem based on the emerging methodology of coarse-graining. This perspective allows for the representations of one quantum particle with only two classical-like quasiparticles and their conjugate momenta. One of these coupled quasiparticles is the centroid particle of the quantum path integral quasiparticle distribution. Only this quasiparticle feels the potential energy function. The other quasiparticle directly provides the observable averages of quantum mechanical operators. The theory offers a simplified perspective on quantum statistical mechanics, revealing its most reductionist connection to classical statistical physics. By doing so, it can facilitate a simpler representation of certain quantum effects in complex molecular environments.
Syncytial degeneration in normal and pathologic placentas

Abstract A study of the syncytium of mature placentas has been made in order to discover some constant change which might aid in the histologic diagnosis of the toxemias of pregnancy. A moderate amount of syncytial degeneration is present in all mature placentas. There is a definite increase in the severity and amount of this degeneration in the toxemias of pregnancy. The increase is slight in the mild toxemias but marked in the severe toxemias. In the cases of eclampsia it is practically universal. In nephritis syncytial degeneration is sometimes present but is secondary to the degeneration of the villi, while it is primary in cases of toxemia. The nephritic picture is often confusing and cannot be used as a differential diagnosis except in certain cases. In complete premature separation of the placenta the syncytial degeneration corresponds to the amount of toxemia present clinically and may be absent where no toxemia is present.
Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Evolution of Simulated Heat-Affected Zones in Wrought Eglin Steel

A comprehensive study was performed to correlate the mechanical properties and microstructural evolution in the heat-affected zone of Eglin steel. A Gleeble 3500 thermo-mechanical simulator was used to simulate weld thermal cycles with different peak temperatures at a heat input of 1500 J/mm. These samples underwent mechanical testing to determine strength and toughness in the as-welded and post-weld heat-treated conditions. The inter-critical heat-affected zone (HAZ) had the lowest strength following thermal simulation, while the fine-grain and coarse-grain heat-affected zone exhibited increased strength when compared to the inter-critical HAZ. The toughness of the heat-affected zone in the as-simulated condition is lower than that of the base metal in all regions of the HAZ. Post-weld heat treatments (PWHTs) increased the toughness of the HAZ, but at the expense of strength. In addition, certain combinations of PWHTs within specific HAZ regions exhibited low toughness caused by tempered martensite embrittlement or intergranular failure. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction data have shown that Eglin steel has retained austenite in the fine-grain HAZ in the as-simulated condition. In addition, alloy carbides (M23C6, M2C, M7C3) have been observed in the diffraction spectra for the fine-grain and coarse-grain HAZ following a PWHT of 973 K (700 °C)/4 hours.
TGF-β1 induction of the adenine nucleotide translocator 1 in astrocytes occurs through Smads and Sp1 transcription factors

The adenine nucleotide translocator 1 (Ant1) is an inner mitochondrial membrane protein involved with energy mobilization during oxidative phosphorylation. We recently showed that rodent Ant1 is upregulated by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in reactive astrocytes following CNS injury. In the present study, we describe the molecular mechanisms by which TGF-β1 regulates Ant1 gene expression in cultured primary rodent astrocytes. Transcription reporter analysis verified that TGF-β1 regulates transcription of the mouse Ant1 gene, but not the gene encoding the closely related Ant2 isoform. A 69 basepair TGF-β1 responsive element of the Ant1 promoter was also identified. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that astrocyte nuclear proteins bind to this response element and TGF-β1 treatment recruits additional nuclear protein binding to this element. Antibody supershift and promoter deletion analyses demonstrated that Sp1 consensus binding sites in the RE are important for TGF-β1 regulation of Ant1 in astrocytes. Additionally, we demonstrate that Smad 2, 3 and 4 transcription factors are expressed in injured cerebral cortex and in primary astrocyte cultures. TGF-β1 activated Smad transcription factors also contribute to Ant1 regulation since transcription reporter assays in the presence of dominant negative (DN)-Smads 3 and 4 significantly reduced induction of Ant1 by TGF-β1. The specific regulation of Ant1 by TGF-β1 in astrocytes involves a cooperative interaction of both Smad and Sp1 binding elements located immediately upstream of the transcriptional start site. The first report of expression of Smads 2, 3 and 4 in astrocytes provided here is consistent with a regulation of Ant1 gene expression by these transcription factors in reactive astrocytes. Given the similarity in TGF-β1 regulation of Ant1 with other genes that are thought to promote neuronal survival, this interaction may represent a general mechanism that underlies the neuroprotective effects of TGF-β1.
Carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen bond energies and bond distances☆

Abstract Two types of mathematical relations are discussed, which represent the connection between carbon-carbon bond energies and carbon-carbon bond distances. They similarly describe the relation between carbon-hydrogen bond energies and the corresponding carbon-hydrogen bond distances.
Hormone-Induced Proliferation and Differentiation of Granulosa Cells: A Coordinated Balance of the Cell Cycle Regulators Cyclin D2 and p27Kip1

The proliferation and terminal differentiation of granulosa cells are critical for normal follicular growth, ovulation, and luteinization. Therefore, the in situ localization and hormonal regulation of cell cycle activators (cyclin D1, D2, and D3) and cell cycle inhibitors (p27Kip1 and p21Cip1) were analyzed in ovaries of mice and rats at defined stages of follicular growth and differentiation. Cyclin D2 mRNA was specifically localized to granulosa cells of growing follicles, while cyclin D1 and cyclin D3 were restricted to theca cells. In hypophysectomized (H) rats, cyclin D2 mRNA and protein were increased in granulosa cells by treatment with estradiol or FSH and were increased maximally by treatment with both hormones. In serum-free cultures of rat granulosa cells, cyclin D2 mRNA was rapidly elevated in response to FSH, forskolin, and estradiol, indicating that estradiol as well as cAMP can act directly and independently to increase cyclin D2 expression. The levels of p27Kip1 protein were not increased...
The Effect of Evacuation on the Number of Victims Following Hazardous Chemical Release

Objective. In response to chemical releases, evacuation is considered an important strategy to limit victim exposure. To our knowledge, no previous studies have provided evidence-based information on the effect of evacuation on limiting the number of victims following a hazardous chemical release (HCR). This study attempts to evaluate the impact of evacuation on the number of victims resulting from different types of HCR. Methods. The Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance (HSEES) database was used to test the hypothesis that evacuation is associated with a reduced risk of victims resulting from a HCR. A series of logistic regression models were developed in which the presence or absence of a victim was the primary outcome, with the specific chemical agent as the predictor. Where possible, the dataset was adjusted for confounding factors. The analysis was then stratified by presence or absence of evacuation, andodds ratios were compared for specific hazardous chemicals across strata. Results. ...
Selective chirality — A closer examination

The recent suggestion (Root-Bernstein, 1982) that the homochirality of amino acids and sugars in the current biosphere may have originated as a result of novel organic ‘selector molecules’ is examined critically. It is concluded that such selector molecules are non-existent as described, and that their postulation is based on chemical and stereochemical misconceptions.
Pathology Changes of Kidney in Mouse Following DBP&DEHP Exposure

The toxic effects of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate（DEHP）and di-n-butyl phthalate（DBP）on the kidney of mouse was studied. Forty mice were randomly divided into 4 groups , 10 mice in each group. There were three experimental groups:DBP+DEHP（2.5g/kgDEHP+0.5g/kgDBP）,DEHP(2.5g/kg）,DBP（0.5g/kg）and a control group which was given coin oil. The experiment was conducted through gavage every other day for 35 days. The organ coefficients were counted and pathological changes in kidney were observed. The weights of mice of each group increased with the time,but there were no difference between each group in statistic. The organ coefficients of kidney of DEHP and DBP&DEHP group were significantly higher than that of DBP group and control group. Infected groups appeared injury to some extend by observing the pathological section. It reveals DBP and DEHP have toxicity on kidney.
Homing pigeon orientation influenced by deflected winds at home loft

An attempt to repeat studies performed by Baldaccini et al. (1975b) in which pigeons exhibited predictably deviated mean vanishing bearings after prolonged exposure to deflected wind flow is reported. In four sets of pooled release data, deflections in mean bearings as predicted by the olfactory hypothesis of pigeon homing were observed. It is concluded that the time spent in such deflected-wind environments significantly alters some component of the birds' initial orientation mechanism.
DNA Sequence-Enabled Reassembly of the Green Fluorescent Protein

We describe a general methodology for the direct detection of DNA by the design of a split-protein system that reassembles to form an active complex only in the presence of a targeted DNA sequence. This approach, called SEquence Enabled Reassembly (SEER) of proteins, combines the ability to rationally dissect proteins to construct oligomerization-dependent protein reassembly systems and the availability of DNA binding Cys2-His2 zinc-finger motifs for the recognition of specific DNA sequences. We demonstrate the feasibility of the SEER approach utilizing the split green fluorescent protein appended to appropriate zinc fingers, such that chromophore formation is only catalyzed in the presence of DNA sequences that incorporate binding sites for both zinc fingers.
Study of utilizing thin polymer surface coating on the nanoparticles for melt compounding of polycarbonate/alumina nanocomposites and their optical properties

Abstract This paper presents a thin polymer surface coating approach to facilitate dispersion of poly(styrene-maleic anhydride) (SMA) copolymer-coated alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles in polycarbonate (PC) using a high intensity thermokinetic mixer (K-mixer) and the optical properties of the resultant nanocomposites. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analyses (ESCA), energy filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were used to investigate the covalent bonding of polymer coating on the nanoparticles and the nanoparticle dispersion. The light transmittance of the PC/alumina nanocomposites was measured and compared with that of the transparent neat resin.
Pathogenesis and treatment of paget's disease of the BREAST

Fifty cases of Paget's disease of the breast treated surgically at The Johns Hopkins Hospital during the past 30 years were studied. Nineteen patients had Paget's disease confined to the nipple and 31 had an associated palpable tumor. An underlying intraductal or infiltrating duct carcinoma of the breast was present in each case. In six cases, the underlying tumor was 2 cm or more from the nipple with no apparent anatomic connection to the Paget lesion, and one case was encountered in whom intradermal Paget's disease develop in the area of a congenitally absent nipple. These findings support the theory of an intradermal origin for the Paget cell. Survival rates of patients with Paget's disease and a palpable breast mass were similar to those of patients with infiltrating duct carcinoma, the presence of axillary node metastases being the most important prognostic factor. Actuarial five- and ten-year survival rates were 22% and 9.9% for patients with positive nodes. The modified radical mastectomy is recommended as primary therapy for this group of patients. In contrast, none of the patients with Paget's disease of the nipple and no evidence of a palpable breast mass developed recurrent carcinoma. A total mastectomy without an axillary node dissection is the treatment of choice in this type of patient.
Environmental Symbiont Acquisition May Not Be the Solution to Warming Seas for Reef-Building Corals

Background Coral reefs worldwide are in decline. Much of the mortality can be attributed to coral bleaching (loss of the coral's intracellular photosynthetic algal symbiont) associated with global warming. How corals will respond to increasing oceanic temperatures has been an area of extensive study and debate. Recovery after a bleaching event is dependent on regaining symbionts, but the source of repopulating symbionts is poorly understood. Possibilities include recovery from the proliferation of endogenous symbionts or recovery by uptake of exogenous stress-tolerant symbionts.
Blood pressure regulation in alzheimer's disease

Brain neurons which regulate blood pressure (BP), including the C-1 tonic vasomotor neurons, degenerate in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study determines whether BP is decreased in AD. We reviewed records of three autopsy proven AD patients. Medical causes for decreased BP were investigated. Yearly averages for systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), mean arterial (AP) blood pressure and pulse pressure (PP) were calculated. BP in the year of diagnosis was compared to the sum of all BP in subsequent years. In addition, each yearly measurement through the course of AD was compared to its counterpart in the year of diagnosis. Three BP measurements were significantly decreased by from 6.9% to 15.9% in all patients when BP in the year of diagnosis was compared to the sum of each pressure in subsequent years. Sustained BP declines started in the third to fourth year after diagnosis of AD and continued for up to 9 years. The PP was decreased by 19.9% in one patient. There was a strong correlation between the number of C-1 neurons in these cases and their AP and SBP in the years after diagnosis. Hypothalamic phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase activity was decreased by 63% in AD compared to control cases. Neurofibrillary tangles were found in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in an AD case. We postulate that BP is altered in AD as neurons which regulate it degenerate.
GLP-1 agonists in type 1 diabetes

Despite years of research in the field of type 1 diabetes, patients with the disease remain without a therapeutic agent that can alter the underlying immune response in a clinically beneficial way. Glucagon-like peptide 1 agonist therapies have shown some promising effects in terms of positively affecting overall beta cell health and increasing beta cell mass, primarily in mouse models. The three agents of this class currently available for patients with type 2 diabetes have shown beneficial clinical effects on glucose control in this patient population. The purpose of this article is to review the preclinical and clinical data of these agents to date with a focus on the potential immunological and clinical benefits these drugs may have on patients with type 1 diabetes.
Loss of Ganglion Cells and Marked Attenuation of Bowel Wall in Cecal Dilatation

Cecal dilatation may be encountered in volvulus, distal colonic obstruction, and colonic pseudo-obstruction. Our study attempts to determine whether the dilatation is related to loss of ganglion cells and bowel wall attenuation. The records and colonic pathology of 27 patients who had undergone resection of the right colon for obstruction at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Buffalo, New York, were reviewed. Patients with severe ischemic changes and bowel wall necrosis were excluded. The remaining 10 cases were all elderly males who had cecal dilatation associated with cecal volvulus (7 cases), distal obstruction (2 cases), and colonic pseudo-obstruction (1 case). The dilated ceca ranged in circumference from 12 to 35 cm with a wall thickness of 0.1 to 0.2 cm. Ganglion cells of the Auerbach's plexus were counted per 10 fields at 200x magnification in hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections. Adjacent nondilated segments were examined for comparison. The number of ganglion cells within the dilated segments was significantly lower (1 to 6 cells; mean of 2.8) than in adjacent nondilated segments (8 to 42; mean of 23). Both the muscularis mucosae and propria were markedly attenuated in the dilated segments. Since the parasympathetic tone is probably impaired given the loss of ganglion cells, it is conceivable that conservative measures alone may not provide long term relief from dilatation.
The Mediating Force of “Face” Supervisor Character and Status Related to Perceived Organizational Support and Work Outcomes

This research shows employees have views on supervisor “face,” defined in terms of moral character and social status. Employee perceptions of supervisor face were examined as a mediator in the rela...
OXYGEN‐INDUCED CHANGES IN MORPHOLOGY OF AGGREGATES OF APHANIZOMENON FLOS‐AQUAE (CYANOPHYCEAE): IMPLICATIONS FOR NITROGEN FIXATION POTENTIALS

The filamentous nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (L.) Ralfs forms bundle or fake shaped aggregates which can provide buoyancy control, protection against intense illumination, enhancement of phycosphere nutrient regeneration, and which may result from size-selective herbivory by zooplankton. The dimensions of aggregates can change quickly. In this study, after a period of darkness, illumination caused aggregates to elongate approximately five-fold over a 10-15 min period. The metamorphosis was reversible upon cessation of illumination and through successive light-dark cycles. Manipulations of environmental oxygen concentration and photosystem U activity (via DCMU amendment), together with measurements made inside flakes with O2-sensitive microelectrocles, showed that the metamorphosis was a response to oxygen concentration and operated to enhance diffusive efflux of photosynthetically produced oxygen during illumination. During darkness oxygen concentration within contracted aggregates became severely depleted relative to the environment. We propose that metamorphic minimization of local oxygen concentration is an adaptation that enhances the ability of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae to fix atmospheric nitrogen via the oxygen-labile nitrogenase enzyme system.
In vitro NIR laser tissue welding of porcine ocular tissues

In this study, 72 different combinations of laser welding parameters were compared for their effectiveness in welding ocular tissue. The laser employed in the welding system was a near infrared (NIR) erbium fiber laser with a wavelength of 1.455 μm . The laser system used a motorized translational stage and shutter to control the laser exposure of the tissue being welded. The emission wavelength of the laser in the NIR range corresponds to one of the lesser absorption bands of water. Parameters of the laser welding system that could be changed to allow a more effective distribution of the laser energy and therefore management of thermal energy included: the number and kinds of intricate offset patterns of light on or around the incision, the number of lines per pattern, the power level, the speed of the laser beam movement over the tissues, the spot size, dwell time and the focus plane of the light beam in the tissue. Histopathology was used as an endpoint indication of the effects that the various sets of welding parameters had on the welded tissues. Standard Hematoxylin and Eosin stain and Sirius Red F3B (Direct Red 80) in combination with polarization microscopy were used to stain and visualize the welded ocular tissue. Paradoxically, the best cornea welds quantified using histopathology occurred with fluence of 4,500 mJ/cm 2 or less while the corneal welds exhibiting the strongest tensile strengths, but most tissue damage had a delivered fluence above 7,000 mJ/cm 2 . The best histological representatives of welded corneas had an average delivered fluence of 2,687 mJ/cm 2 and an irradiance of 14 W/cm 2 . Using the properly determined parameters, the NIR erbium fiber welding system provided full thickness welds without the requirement of extrinsic dyes, chromophores, or solders. The NIR laser system with the appropriately developed parameters can be used effectively to weld ocular tissues.
Transcriptional activity of the gibbon ape leukemia virus in the interleukin 2 gene of MLA 144 cells

Abstract The gibbon ape leukemia virus (GALV)-infected T-cell line, MLA 144, constitutively makes the lymphokine, interleukin 2 (IL-2), without stimulation by antigen or mitogen. This line contains two GALV insertions in the IL-2 gene: one in the 3′ untranslated region of the gene and one 1200 bp 5′ to the gene. It is likely that one or both of these viral insertions is(are) involved in activation of IL-2 expression. We investigated the ability of sequences within the LTR of MLA 144 cells (GALV-MLA) to act as transcriptional elements and have demonstrated here the presence of cis -acting sequences in the GALV LTR capable of enhancing transcription of the GALV promoter as well as two heterologous promoters, SV40 early and IL-2. The results indicate that insertion of the enhancer element(s) alone is not sufficient to activate IL-2 expression but can enhance levels of IL-2 expressed from the activated gene.
La primera sesión en psicoterapia analítica ¿se pueden predecir las resistencias?: can resistances be predicted?

Antecedentes. Una de las primeras metas en psicoterapia consiste en identificar las resistencias de los pacientes y se deben hacer todos los esfuerzos por interpretar las bases inconscientes de estas defensas a la luz de los contextos predominantes de intervencion. Objetivos. Entender conceptualmente a las resistencias refiriendolas a la interaccion comunicativa e intervenciones del terapeuta. Metodo. Por medio del analisis meticuloso de tres escenas de la pelicula de Ingmar Bergman "Fresas salvajes", empezamos a escuchar el material como si fuera narrado por un paciente real, y formulamos hipotesis sobre las resistencias prevalentes. Resultados. El metodo de decodificacion del gatillo nos permite descubrir las resistencias emocionales que estan perturbando y es un modo de psicoterapia orientada psicoanaliticamente fundada en el proceso de validacion. Conclusiones. El proceso de validar es un esfuerzo para apoyar y dar consistencia a las formulaciones e hipotesis referidas a las resistencias entendidas como obstaculos al trabajo de la terapia
A propensity-matched analysis comparing survival after primary minimally invasive esophagectomy followed by adjuvant therapy to neoadjuvant therapy for esophagogastric adenocarcinoma

Abstract Objectives Prognosis for patients with locally advanced esophagogastric adenocarcinoma (EAC) is poor with surgery alone, and adjuvant therapy after open esophagectomy is frequently not tolerated. After minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE); however, earlier return to normal function may render patients better able to receive adjuvant therapy. We examined whether primary MIE followed by adjuvant chemotherapy influenced survival compared with propensity-matched patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy. Methods Patients with stage II or higher EAC treated with MIE (N = 375) were identified. Using 30 pretreatment covariates, propensity for assignment to either neoadjuvant followed by MIE (n = 183; 54%) or MIE as primary therapy (n = 156; 46%) was calculated, generating 97 closely matched pairs. Hazard ratios were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, comorbidity, and final pathologic stage. Results In propensity-matched pairs, adjusted hazard ratio for death did not differ significantly for primary MIE compared with neoadjuvant (hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.60-1.16). Recurrence patterns were similar between groups and 65% of patients with IIb or greater pathologic stage received adjuvant therapy. Clinical staging was inaccurate in 37 out of 105 patients (35%) who underwent primary MIE (n = 18 upstaged and n = 19 downstaged). Conclusions Primary MIE followed by adjuvant chemotherapy guided by pathologic findings did not negatively influence survival and allowed for accurate staging compared with clinical staging. Our data suggest that primary MIE in patients with resectable EAC may be a reasonable approach, improving stage-based prognostication and potentially minimizing overtreatment in patients with early stage disease through accurate stage assignments. A randomized controlled trial testing this hypothesis is needed.
Blood salvage in craniosynostosis surgery

In the history of surgery, every single step forward in the development of complex surgical techniques has been sustained by the acquisition of more reliable and effective methods for controlling hemostasis. For many years, in fact, uncontrolled hemorrhages, together with infections, represented the most deadly hazard of surgical procedures. In the last century, technical advances in surgical hardware and homologous blood transfusions have been utilized to counteract operative and postoperative anemia and hypovolemia. At the end of this millennium, however, new revelations about the infective and noninfective risks of allogeneic blood transfusions have led to a new acceleration in patients’ and physicians’ demands for autologous transfusions and more efficient blood conservation techniques. Specific surgical protocols, based on the preoperative administration of r-HuEPO, preoperative autologous blood donation, acute preoperative normovolemic hemodilution and intraoperative blood salvage techniques, have been designed by pediatric neurosurgeons to minimize the exposure of patients affected by craniosynostoses to allogeneic blood and blood components even when the surgical procedure is to be realized at an early age. In spite of the evolution expected in this area in the immediate future, the implementation of these blood concentration methodologies may prove to be highly effective only when associated with a concerned attitude of the surgeon toward blood-sparing intraoperative strategies.