cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Cumulative Inflammation, Cardiac Risk Factors, and Medication Exposure on Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Author(s): Karpouzas, George A; Ormseth, Sarah R; Hernandez, Elizabeth; Budoff, Matthew J | Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore incidence and progression of coronary atherosclerosis and identify determinants in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We specifically evaluated the impact of inflammation, cardiac risk factors, duration of medication exposure, and their interactions on coronary plaque progression.MethodsOne hundred one participants with baseline coronary computed tomography angiography findings underwent follow-up assessment a mean ± SD of 83 ± 3.6 months after baseline. Plaque burden was reported as the segment involvement score (describing the number of coronary segments with plaque) and the segment stenosis score (characterizing the cumulative plaque stenosis over all evaluable segments). Plaque composition was classified as noncalcified, mixed, or calcified. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) was quantified using the Agatston method.ResultsTotal plaque increased in 48% of patients, and progression was predicted by older age, higher cumulative inflammation, and total prednisone dose (P l 0.05). CAC progressors were older, more obese, hypertensive, and had higher cumulative inflammation compared to nonprogressors (P l 0.05). Longer exposure to biologics was associated with lower likelihood of noncalcified plaque progression, lesion remodeling, and constrained CAC change in patients without baseline calcification, independent of inflammation, prednisone dose, or statin exposure (all P l 0.05). Longer statin treatment further restricted noncalcified plaque progression and attenuated the effect of inflammation on increased plaque and CAC (P l 0.05). Stringent systolic blood pressure (BP) control further weakened the effect of inflammation on total plaque progression.ConclusionInflammation was a consistent and independent predictor of coronary atherosclerosis progression in RA. It should therefore be specifically targeted toward mitigating cardiovascular risk. Biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, statins, and BP control may further constrain plaque progression directly or indirectly.
Prison Days: Observations and Reservations of a Public Scholar

Around 2016 the Appalachian Prison Book Club (a non-profit organization that sends free books to incarcerated persons in a six-state region) extended efforts to reach readers inside prisons by supporting a men’s book club at a medium security prison for just over two years. As a prison studies scholar and activist, I began working with APBP during the early years of my graduate studies and was offered the chance to co-facilitate the book club. In this essay I explore observations about labor, service, and gender made during this two-year period working simultaneously with incarcerated men, prison staff, and a university. Maintaining the book club shaped my experiences in graduate school, redefining my understanding of scholarship, especially in terms that highlighted the conflicted and complex relationships between the two institutions that made demands for my education, time, and labor. Rather than establishing a firm trajectory, my academic labor shifted between service and scholarship, exposing anxieties about women’s roles in both academic and prison spaces.
Incidence of Convexal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in the Elderly: The Mayo Clinic Study of Aging

Abstract Objectives Nontraumatic convexal subarachnoid hemorrhages in the elderly can be a manifestation of cerebral amyloid angiopathy associated with a high risk of future intracerebral hemorrhage. The incidence in the elderly population is unknown. Our objectives were to: 1) determine the incidence of convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage in a population-based study, and, 2) to compare apopolipoprotein-E genotype and amyloid positron emission tomographic (PET) imaging for those with versus without hemorrhage. Methods Between 11/29/2004 and 3/11/2017, 4462 individuals without hemorrhage at baseline participated in the population-based Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. We used the Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records-linkage system to identify intracerebral hemorrhages. Records and images were reviewed to identify convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Neuroimaging characteristics, demographics, medications, and apopolipoprotein-E genotype were recorded. Results Four cases were identified. The incidence of convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage was 14.1 per 100,000 person years. Three occurred in women, median age, 79 (range: 71-84). One patient had coexisting cerebral microbleeds. Two participants developed a subsequent lobar intracerebral hemorrhage at a median of 4.75 years after convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The apopolipoprotein-E -allele combinations of the 4 were: 3/3, 3/3, 2/2, and 2/3. On Pittsburgh Compound B-PET imaging, median standardized uptake value ratio with convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage was 1.86 (range: 1.38-2.34). Conclusions Convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage is rare in the older population, occurring with an incidence of about 14 per 100,000 person years. Yet, when present, it may be associated with a high risk of future intracerebral hemorrhage.
Prospective randomized trial evaluating blood and prostate tissue concentrations of green tea polyphenols and quercetin in men with prostate cancer

We evaluated if chronic consumption of quercetin (Q) with green tea extract (GTE) enhances the bioavailability of GT polyphenols (GTPs) and reduces methylation activity as previously observed in mouse xenograft tumors. In this prospective, randomized, parallel design, placebo controlled study, thirty-one men with prostate cancer consumed daily 1 gram of GTE (830 mg of GTP) with 800 mg of Q (GT + Q) or placebo (GT + PL) for four weeks before prostatectomy. First morning voided urine was collected at baseline, 3 weeks and the day of surgery, and prostate tissue on the day of surgery. In week 3, plasma concentration of GTPs and Q was measured in blood collected before and 2 hours after the morning dose. Prostate tissue epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG) were detected in 67 and 93% of participants in the GT + Q group and 75 and 94% of participants in the GT + PL group. Q was increased 14-fold, 12-fold and 4.5-fold in plasma, urine, and prostate tissue, respectively, in the GT + Q compared to the GT + PL-group. There was a trend for decreased EGC levels in urine collected prior to prostatectomy in the GT + Q compared to GT + PL-group (p = 0.053). Plasma epigallocatechin (EGC) showed a trend to increase (p = 0.066) two hours after capsule intake in the GT + Q vs. the GT + PL-group. There was no significant difference between the groups in GTP content or methylation activity in prostate tissue or RBCs. No liver toxicity was observed. Although our findings are suggestive, further studies are warranted evaluating if Q alters GTP metabolism.
Popular Diets: Raw Foods

The raw foods diet has its roots in a vegetarian movement dating back to the 1800s. As the nameimplies, a raw foods diet is a dietary pattern composed of mostly or completely raw, unprocessed foods. This new 3-page publication of the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department explores the potential health benefits and risks of a raw foods diet. Written by Alexa Barad, Daniela Rivero-Mendoza, and Wendy Dahl.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs404
A standardized definition of near-fatal child maltreatment: Results of a multidisciplinary Delphi process.

Abstract Background The 2016 Presidential Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities identified systematic review of all cases of near-fatal child maltreatment as a necessary step towards prevention of child maltreatment fatalities. A critical barrier to adoption of this recommendation is the lack of a standard definition of “near-fatality” in the context of suspected child maltreatment. Objective To develop a consensus definition of near-fatal child maltreatment to be used in practice, policy, and research. Participants and Setting A multidisciplinary expert panel of 23 individuals from across the U.S. including child abuse pediatricians, pediatric intensivists, pediatric emergency medicine physicians, child welfare administrators, child welfare researchers, and child injury/fatality researchers. Methods A modified Delphi process reflecting an iterative process of 3 rounds of surveys of expert opinion, statistical summary of survey response, and feedback of summary statistics. Consensus was defined as 75 % of panelists ranking an element as required (≥80 on a scale of 0–100) to meet a definition of near-fatality (75th% threshold). Results Experts defined near-fatal child maltreatment as life-threatening cardiopulmonary dysfunction directly attributable to suspected abuse or neglect as evidenced by (a) respiratory insufficiency/failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation, (b) respiratory insufficiency/failure requiring medications to reverse effects of toxic ingestion, or (c) cardiac arrhythmia with/without cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Conclusions A consensus definition of near-fatal child maltreatment should be introduced in child protective services processes and in child fatality/near-fatality reviews to improve our ability to identify, review, and respond to trends in near-fatal child maltreatment at local, regional, and national levels.
Border-state abortions increased for Texas residents after House Bill 2.

Abstract Objectives To assess changes in Texas-resident border-state abortions, medication abortions, and abortions ≥22 weeks from last menstrual period (LMP) before and after implementation of House Bill 2 (HB2) in November 2013 and before and after the US Supreme Court's decision regarding HB2 in June 2016. Study design We conducted an interrupted time series analysis using 2012-2017 data on Texas-resident abortions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Data on procedure type and gestational age were available only for abortions in New Mexico. Results Border states reported 762 Texas-resident abortions in 2012, 1,673 in 2014, and 1,475 in 2017. Texas-resident abortions in all border states nearly doubled following HB2’s implementation (incidence rate ratio [IRR]=1.92, 95% CI: 1.67-2.20). Border-state abortions then decreased by 19% after the 2016 US Supreme Court decision, compared to the period prior to the decision and after HB2’s implementation (IRR=0.81, 95% CI: 0.73-0.91). From 2012 to 2014, the proportion of Texas-resident abortions in New Mexico that were medication abortion increased from 5% to 20% (p Conclusions HB2 was associated with increases in border-state abortions for Texas residents, including in the number of those ≥22 weeks from LMP. Border-state abortions declined after the Supreme Court ruled HB2 unconstitutional yet remained higher than pre-HB2 levels. Implications statement Abortion restrictions that severely curtail access may result in increases in travel out of state for care. Documenting out-of-state abortions is important for evaluating broader policy impacts and to prepare for future service disruptions. Texas residents may have more limited options for care if border states enact restrictive abortion laws.
The Effect of Body Posture on Resting-State Functional Connectivity

Introduction: An important but under-investigated confound of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is body posture. Although it is well established that body position changes cerebral blood...
The Impact of NC Statewide Telepsychiatry Program (NC-STeP) on Cost Savings by Reducing Unnecessary Psychiatric Hospitalizations During a 6½ Year Period

To study the impact of the North Carolina Statewide Telepsychiatry Program in reducing unnecessary psychiatric hospitalizations and cost savings during a 6½ year period. Patient encounter data was extracted from the NC-STeP database that captured records of 19,383 patients who received services over a 6½ -years’ period. We analyzed the data to calculate the total number of patient encounters, the number of encounters with an IVC, and the number of encounters with an IVC that was overturned. For encounters with an overturned IVC, we also determined the patient discharge disposition. We estimated the cost of a typical mental health hospitalization to measure the savings generated by the overturned IVCs in the NC-STeP program. Over the 6½ year period there were 19,383 NC-STeP patient encounters at partner hospital emergency departments. There were 13,537 encounters where the patient had an IVC in place during the ED stay, and 4,627 where the IVC was overturned (34 %). For patients where there was an IVC that was overturned, 85.9 % of those patients were ultimately discharged home. Using the “three-way bed” cost estimate of $ 4,500 for each overturned IVC, the cost savings generated by the NC-STeP program from November 2013 to June 2020 were $ 20,821,500. Telepsychiatry consultation services in the emergency departments can decrease unnecessary psychiatric hospitalizations and contribute to significant cost savings to the healthcare system and society and improve the outcomes for patients and families by decreasing financial burden and stress associated with a hospital stay.
Optimization of a wet microalgal lipid extraction procedure for improved lipid recovery for biofuel and bioproduct production

Methods to convert microalgal biomass to bio based fuels and chemicals are limited by several processing and economic hurdles. Research conducted in this study modified/optimized a previously published procedure capable of extracting transesterifiable lipids from wet algal biomass. This optimization resulted in the extraction of 77% of the total transesterifiable lipids, while reducing the amount of materials and temperature required in the procedure. In addition, characterization of side streams generated demonstrated that: (1) the C/N ratio of the residual biomass or lipid extracted (LE) biomass increased to 54.6 versus 10.1 for the original biomass, (2) the aqueous phase generated contains nitrogen, phosphorous, and carbon, and (3) the solid precipitate phase was composed of up to 11.2 wt% nitrogen (70% protein). The ability to isolate algal lipids and the possibility of utilizing generated side streams as products and/or feedstock material for downstream processes helps promote the algal biorefinery concept.
Analysis of one-factor productivity of chosen farms

The goal of paper is to focus on one-factor productivity (so called partial productivity) at chosen sample of 622 agricultural enterprises in years 2004 productivity of labour and capital were included among analysed indicators. Their development was further compared with development of performance measured by profitability assets and economic result. One of significant growth factor of company is monitoring relation among productivity of labour and average wages, which in recent years became very discussed problems in consequence with financial crisis. Part of paper is also a monitoring of relationship between surveyed indicators by help of correlation analysis. The paper was elaborated within research program MSM 6007665806.
Structure of the VH and VL segments of monoreactive and polyreactive IgA autoantibodies to DNA in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Anti-DNA IgA autoantibodies play an important immunopathologic role in SLE patients. To analyze the cellular origin and the VH and VL structure of anti-DNA IgA autoantibodies, we generated five IgA1 mAbs to DNA using B lymphocytes from three SLE patients. Two mAbs bound to ssDNA only and one to both ssDNA and dsDNA (monoreactive antibodies). The remaining two mAbs bound to DNA (one to ssDNA and the other to both ssDNA and dsDNA) and to other self and foreign Ag (polyreactive antibodies). The IgA mAb relative avidity for DNA ranged from 7.5 x 10(-8) to 8.0 x 10(-10) g/microliters. The anti-DNA IgA mAb used VH segments of the VHI(VI-3b), VHII (VH2-MC2), VHIII (WHG16G and VH26c), and VHIV (V71-2) families in conjunction with V kappa I, V kappa IIIb, or V lambda I segments. All IgA mAb VH segments were juxtaposed with JH4b segments. The heavy chain CDR3 sequences were divergent in composition and length. When compared with those of the closest reported germ line genes, the IgA mAb VH and VL gene sequences displayed a number of differences. That these differences represented somatic point mutations was formally proved in both the monoreactive IgA mAb 412.67.F1.3 and the polyreactive IgA mAb 412.66.F1 VH segments by differential PCR amplification and cloning and sequencing of genomic DNA from the mAb-producing cell lines and autologous polymorphonuclear cells. The sequences of the germ line genes that putatively gave rise to the mAb 412.67.F1.3 and mAb 412.66.F1 VH segments were identical with those of the WHG16G and VH26c genes, respectively. In not only the monoreactive mAb 412.67.F1.3 but also the polyreactive mAb 412.66.F1 and mAb 448.9G.F1 VH segments, the higher concentration of replacement (R) mutations and the higher R:S (silent) mutation ratios in the complementarity-determining region (infinity; 19:0) than in the framework region (1.0) (p = 0.00001, chi 2 test) were highly consistent with selection by Ag. In the five IgA mAb VH and VL segments, the putative and verified somatic point mutations yielded 68 amino acid replacements, of which 38 were nonconserved. Twenty of these yielded positively charged or polar residues that play a major role in DNA binding, including seven Arg, five Lys, three Tyr, two Gln, two His, and a Thr. The conserved amino acid changes included seven Asn. These findings suggest that anti-DNA IgA autoantibodies use a broad selection of VH and VL genes and enhance their fit for Ag by undergoing somatic hypermutation and Ag selection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Characterization of single-crystal electrode surfaces as a function of potential and pH by Auger spectroscopy and LEED: Pt (111) in aqueous CaCl2 and HCl solutions

Abstract Experiments were performed in which a well-characterized Pt (111) surface was immersed into aqueous CaCl2/HCl solutions at controlled potential, after which the surface was removed from solution, evacuated, and characterized by LEED, Auger spectroscopy and related techniques. Potential-dependent and pH-dependent adsorption of halogen was observed, predominantly as Cl atoms. Stable chemisorption of Cl occurred only when the pH was less than about 4 with the electrode potential more positive than about 0.5 V (vs. Ag/AgCl reference). An order adsorbed layer, Pt (111)(3×3)−Cl, containing θCl = 0.25, was formed at potentials at which Cl was the predominant adsorbed species. Chemisorbed oxides or hydroxides were formed at the more positive potentials. Retention of Ca2+ by the surface was potential-dependent, with a minimum at about 0.3 V, and never exceeded θCa = 0.08 (Ca2+ ions per surface atom). Water was retained by the surface following evacuation, to the extent of 10–20 water molecules per Ca2+ ion, depending upon the pH.
Studies on Glycoproteins V. INCORPORATION OF GLUCOSAMINE INTO MEMBRANE GLYCOPROTEINS OF PHYTOHEMAGGLUTININ-STIMULATED LYMPHOCYTES

Abstract Human peripheral blood lymphocytes in culture, carefully freed of contaminating platelets, incorporated glucosamine-1-14C at a low and constant rate. Following the addition of phytohemagglutinin, there was a doubling of the rate of incorporation within 3 hours, followed by a 10- to 20-fold stimulation by the 4th day of culture and a subsequent slow decrease to twice the control rate within 14 days. The glucosamine in the acid-soluble pool appeared mainly (84%) in UDP-N-acetylglucosamine. Incorporation, which was mainly into the membrane fractions separated by differential or isopycnic density gradient centrifugation, was inhibited by puromycin. Incorporated glucosamine was preferentially released from the intact lymphocyte by proteolytic digestion, and three different classes of glycopeptides were released by papain digestion of a purified membrane fraction.
THE EFFECT OF X RADIATION ON THE ADAPTIVE FORMATION OF FORMIC HYDROGENLYASE IN ESCHERICHIA COLI

Stationary cultures ofEscherichia coli, strain Texas, wereemployed inthese studies utilizing themediaandtechniques described byBillen andLichstein (1951). X irradiation ofthecell suspensions wasconducted atconstant temperature inanicebathaccording totheprocedures reported byAnderson (1951). Plate counts ofappropriate dilutions weremadeinallexperiments utilizing nutrient agar, and18hours' incubation at37C. Theadaptive formation offormic hydrogenlyase wasfollowed manometrically at37Cusing conventional Warburg techniques. Themaincompartment ofthe Warburg cupcontained thewashedsuspension ofE.coli, harvested froma glucose-mineral salts medium(Billen andLichstein, 1951), suspended inM/20 phosphate buffer (pH6)towhichwereadded0.2mlof0.001 Mmagnesium sulfate and20mgofsodium chloride. Theside armcontained sodium formate (1.36 mg)andglutamate (12mg),while 0.2mlof20percentpotassium hydroxide was addedtotheinner well. Thetotal volume perflask was2ml.After temperature equilibration, thecontents oftheside armweretipped andhydrogen evolution measured. RESULTS
Risky Standing: Data Breach, Leaks, and Injury-in-Fact

As personal data continues to be increasingly stored in electronic form, the risk of data breaches, and so the risk of identity theft, keeps pace. Victims of data breach may find the need to employ credit monitoring and other measures to reduce the damage threatened. But there is a circuit split as to whether such victims have standing to bring suit before the threatened identity theft has materialized, and whether, in particular, the increased risk of identity theft alone constitutes an injury-in-fact sufficient to confer Article III standing.This piece argues that standing should be denied. Part I provides background on probabilistic standing and describes the circuit split. Part II explores the authority that has been used to support standing, concluding that the analogies fail. It then considers the case for denying standing, concluding that the problem is a lack of statutory authority. Part III resolves the puzzles this conclusion creates.This is, perhaps, a lamentable result. Victims of data breach face increased risk of severe and irreparable harm. But that this may be a regrettable outcome does not entail that courts are the right place to turn for a solution — at least, not yet. Until and unless a statutory regime is created, the risk of injury-in-fact from mere data breach is not itself injury-in-fact, and, as such, is insufficient grounds for standing.
Teachers' perceptions of bullying of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students in a southwestern Pennsylvania sample

This study was designed to ascertain teachers' perceptions of bullying of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth. In a sample of 200 educators (61.0% female; 96.5% White) from a county in southwestern Pennsylvania, there was a significant positive relationship between the teachers' perceptions of the supportiveness of school staff towards students regardless of sexual orientation and those teachers' reports of the frequency of bullying victimization experienced by LGBTQ students. Teachers' perceptions of a higher level of staff and student support was associated with higher reported frequencies of students' use of derogatory language about LGBTQ individuals and various types of bullying of LGBTQ students. Teachers with a lesbian, gay, or bisexual orientation were found to rate the school staff and students as significantly less supportive of students regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression in comparison to heterosexual teachers. Finally, teachers who either were unaware of or believed that their school lacked an anti-bullying policy reported significantly higher rates of physical bullying victimization of LGBTQ students when compared to the rates observed by teachers who reported knowledge of their schools' anti-bullying policies.
Transient improvement after brief antiepileptic drug withdrawal in the epilepsy monitoring unit—possible relationship to AED tolerance

SUMMARY Purpose: A drug holiday seems to produce seizure interval prolongation (SIP) after reinstitution of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). This effect was demonstrated mainly with carbamazepine. We evaluated SIP with newer AEDs and tested the relationship of SIP to history of AED tolerance. Methods: We prospectively studied patients with refractory epilepsy admitted to the Vanderbilt epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) over a period of 12 months. We included only patients on levetiracetam, lamotrigine, or oxcarbazepine who had their AEDs withdrawn on admission and reinstituted without change upon discharge. We defined SIP as the interval from EMU discharge tofirst seizure minus the interval between the last two seizures before EMU admission. Results: A total of 43 patients completed the study; 15 were on monotherapy. SIP was greater than zero in this patient group (p < 0.0001), with a mean prolongation of 19.4 ± 28.0 days. The average SIP was higher (p = 0.01) in patients on monotherapy (29.7 ± 23.8 days) than patients on polytherapy (13.9 ± 29.0 days). SIP tended to be greater in patients with a prior history of AED tolerance (25.7 ± 36.8 days) compared to patient with no prior history of AED tolerance (14.0 ± 16.3 days). Discussion: SIP does occur after brief AED withdrawal. This effect is greater in patients on monotherapy and tends to be larger in patients with a history of AED tolerance. The SIP effect may be related to the phenomenon of tolerance, clinically seen as resistance to AED therapeutic effect.
The Role of Extracellular Matrix in the Morphogenesis and Differentiation of Salivary Glands

The processes of morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation are partially linked, independently regulated processes. The full expression of both processes is modulated or controlled, at least in part, by components of the extracellular matrix. This paper reviews the body of work that demonstrates a role for epithelial-mesenchymal interactions and various extracellular matrix molecules in the induction, control, and maintenance of salivary gland morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation. In addition, new, preliminary information which further elucidates the role of laminin and type IV collagen in the processes of morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation is presented. With regard to the role of extracellular matrix molecules in the regulation of salivary gland morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation, it appears that types I, III, and IV collagen, laminin, and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan play roles in the control of glandular morphogenesis. With the exception of type IV collagen, these molecules do not appear to be involved in the regulation of cytodifferentiation of salivary gland secretory cells. On the other hand, of the extracellular matrix molecules tested so far, only type IV collagen appears to play a role in the regulation of salivary gland secretory cell differentiation.
A Drosophila ribosomal protein contains 8-oxoguanine and abasic site DNA repair activities.

Ionizing radiation and normal cellular respiration form reactive oxygen species that damage DNA and contribute to a variety of human disorders including tumor promotion and carcinogenesis. A major product of free radical DNA damage is the formation of 8-oxoguanine, which is a highly mutagenic base modification produced by oxidative stress. Here, Drosophila ribosomal protein S3 is shown to cleave DNA containing 8-oxoguanine residues efficiently, The ribosomal protein also contains an associated apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) lyase activity, cleaving phosphodiester bonds via a beta,delta elimination reaction. The significance of this DNA repair activity acting on 8-oxoguanine is shown by the ability of S3 to rescue the H2O2 sensitivity of an Escherichia coli mutM strain (defective for the repair of 8-oxoguanine) and to abolish completely the mutator phenotype of mutM caused by 8-oxoguanine-mediated G-->T transversions. The ribosomal protein is also able to rescue the alkylation sensitivity of an E.coli mutant deficient for the AP endonuclease activities associated with exonuclease III (xth) and endonuclease IV (nfo), indicating for the first time that an AP lyase can represent a significant source of DNA repair activity for the repair of AP sites. These results raise the possibility that DNA repair may be associated with protein translation.
Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis complicated by psoas abscess.

Abstract Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is an unusual variant of chronic pyelonephritis. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is associated with urinary calculi, urinary tract obstruction, and invasion of the renal parenchyma. Pathologically, xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis consists of a yellow (xantho) colored infiltrate in renal tissue with granulomatous formation. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis may be distinguished from chronic pyelonephritis by renal size. Typically, the kidneys are enlarged in xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis and are small/shrunken with chronic pyelonephritis. The diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is made by abdominal computed tomography scanning showing the characteristic “bear paw” sign, or findings typical for xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis, eg, multiple hypo dense areas with ring-enhancing lesions. The definitive treatment for xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is antimicrobial therapy and nephrectomy. We present a case of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis complicated by psoas abscess.
Abstract 1846: Identification of a germline mutation in PMS2, a DNA mismatch repair gene, in a large consanguineous family with a history of Pediatric GBMs

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent and malignant human brain tumor. It is widely accepted that human cancer is a genetic disease caused by sequential accumulation of cancer gene mutations. Specifically, the gene or genes which initiate GBM formation has yet to be identified. Through collaboration with the Pakistani National Genetic Institute we have identified a consanguineous family presenting with a history of Pediatric GBMs to conduct comprehensive genomic analysis in hopes of identifying this “gatekeeper” gene. In this pedigree four children are deceased from GBM while an additional five infants have died within 4 days of birth without diagnosis. GBM has been the only diagnosed cancer in this family, indicating the existence of a GBM-specific germline mutation as a causative agent for the GBM clinical phenotype. Comprehensive genomic analysis has been conducted to elucidate a genetic aberration which is inherited and can be attributed to the GBM presenting clinical phenotype. We have collected blood and tumor DNAs for this family and performed sequencing on numerous genes including TP53, APC, IDH1, IDH2, PMS2, MLH1, MSH2, and, MSH6. Sequencing has successfully identified a germline frame shift mutation (p.Y181X) in PMS2. All affected patients have a homozygous mutation while their parents are both heterozygous carriers, suggesting the homozygous inheritance of this mutation is a causative agent for the GBM clinical phenotype. Our study suggests that the PMS2 inherited homozygous mutation could be a critical event in GBM formation. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1846.
Closed form solutions for the dynamic response of Euler–Bernoulli beams with step changes in cross section

Abstract This paper provides an analytical solution for the dynamic response of a discontinuous beam with one step change and an aligned neutral axis. The case of free–free boundary conditions is considered to obtain direct frequency response functions due to harmonic force or couple excitation at either end location. This behavior is confirmed through a series of experimental tests and via comparison to receptance coupling methods.
Predator-prey equations simulating an immune response

Abstract In order to gain some insight into the immune response to active self-replicating antigens such as virus, bacteria, or foreign cells, a “simplest possible” model of such a response is examined in some detail. In this model, the multiplication of antigen and antibodies is assumed to be governed by two differential equations. The antigen is assumed to multiply with a rate constant λ1, while antigen bound to antibody is eliminated with a rate constant α1; antibody is eliminated with a rate constant λ2, while binding of antigen to antibody stimulates production of antibody with rate constant α2. For interesting competition between antigen and antibody production, α1>λ1 and α2>λ2. The fraction of antigen bound to antibody is computed either approximately or exactly from the law of mass action. In some cases the antibody production is limited to a biologically reasonable value, called θ. Dependence of the solutions on α1, λ1, α2, λ2, and θ is examined. For θ = ∞, and using the approximate form of the law of mass action the following conclusions are reached; if α1 = α2, periodic fluctuations of the antigen and antibody populations are found; if α2>1α, both populations execute damped oscillations and approach a steady state in which antigen is present but prevented from multiplication by binding of antibody; if α1>α2, both populations execute oscillations of increasing amplitude. During such oscillations in a real biological system, presumably either the antigen would be completely eliminated during an antigen minimum or the host would be eliminated during an antigen maximum. For the exact law of mass action and/or θ ≠ ∞, the behavior is still more complex and various kinds of self sustained oscillations, i.e. limit cycles, have been found.
Fruitless Trees: Portuguese Conservation and Brazil's Colonial Timber . By Shawn William Miller. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2000. Pp. xiii, 325. $55.00.

The tropical forest of Brazil has been a symbol of America's abundance, potential, and mystery ever since the Portuguese first landed there in 1500; but harvesting its potential has never been easy. The complex reality of the forest has always made its exploitation complicated. Whereas the history of the Brazilian forest has previously been studied from an ecological point of view, particularly in Warren Dean's With Broadax and Firebrand: The Destruction of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1995), the present book is less interested in what the Europeans should have done to save the forest than in what they actually did to turn the forest into the exploitable resource. Miller does not wish to condemn the colonists for exploiting the forest, nor does he think that slash-and-burn farming or timbering were wholly to blame for the resulting destruction. Instead, his story is centered on the negative effects of the real corte, a royal monopoly of the most attractive wood-bearing species, the so-called madeiras de lei, and on the long-term results of government monopoly on the economic development of the timber industry. In this, Miller follows the lead of F. W. O. Morton (“The Royal Timber in Late Colonial Bahia.” Hispanic American Historical Review 58 (1978): 41–61), but he expands the boundaries of that important study both geographically and chronologically.
Structure–activity relationship, kinetic mechanism, and selectivity for a new class of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) inhibitors

3-Amino-2-keto-7H-thieno[2,3-b]pyridin-6-one derivatives were discovered as moderately potent inhibitors of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) utilizing an assay that measures hydrolysis of the fluorogenic substrate Ub-AMC. SAR studies revealed that both the carboxylate at the 5-position and the 6-pyridone ring were critical for inhibitory activity. Furthermore, activity was dependent on the nature of the ketone substituent at the 2-position, with 4-Me-Ph and 2-naphthyl being best. Kinetic mechanism studies revealed that these compounds were uncompetitive inhibitors of UCH-L1, binding only to the Michaelis-complex and not to free enzyme. The active compounds were selective for UCH-L1, exhibiting neither inhibition of other cysteine hydrolases (e.g., UCH-L3, papain, isopeptidase T, caspase-3, and tissue transglutaminase) nor cytotoxicity in N2A cells.
Further studies of the turnover of dog antithrombin III. Study of 131I-labelled antithrombin protease complexes

Fresh plasma containing /sup 131/I-antithrombin III (*I-AT) was coagulated and incubated at 37 degrees C for 2 hr. A ''complex peak,'' separated on heparin-agarose contained AT and *I-AT antigen but no heparin cofactor activity. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis showed only AT complexes. SDS PAGE showed 80% of the *I-AT in a major band (approximately 80,000 daltons), 15% in a minor band (approximately 100,000 daltons) and the rest in trace bands (approximately 60,000 and/or 115,000 daltons). Ammonia treatment of the complex peak released alpha-thrombin. After i.v. injection 80% of the complexed *I-AT, chiefly as the major band, left the plasma with t 1/2 approximately 15 min and was almost immediately catabolized to low molecular weight breakdown products. A major catabolic site was the liver. A simple kinetic model describes the findings approximately.
From dukes through jass: Pathological prognostic indicators in rectal cancer

In the recently described Jass staging system for resected adenocarcinoma of the rectum, peritumoral lymphocytic infiltration and tumor growth pattern are introduced as significant indicators of prognosis in conjunction with depth of tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis. The authors of this study have tested the applicability of the Jass system by reviewing 348 resected rectal cancers for 12 pathological variables, including two newly recognized features, namely the Crohn's-like lymphoid reaction and metastatic tumor nodules in pericolic fat. By univariate analysis improved 5-year survival rate was associated with tubular-type adenocarcinoma, low tumor grade, retention of tubule configuration and nuclear polarity, expanding tumor growth pattern, prominent peritumoral lymphocytic infiltration, absence of extramural vein invasion by tumor, all levels of intramural and extramural invasion short of widespread local tumor dissemination, a Crohn's-like lymphoid reaction pattern, and absence of both nodal metastasis and tumor nodules in perirectal fat. By Cox stepwise proportional hazards analysis, depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, Crohn's-like lymphoid reaction, and extramural venous invasion retained independent prognostic significance. Peritumoral lymphocytic infiltration and tumor growth pattern of the Jass staging system failed to compete successfully with other variables in the proportional hazards model, in part because of their correlation with the model's selected variables. Both intramural and extramural extent of tumor invasion coupled with lymph node metastasis form the cornerstones of rectal cancer staging. However, other factors do refine prognostication. From this study the Crohn's-like lymphoid reaction emerges as a significant new independent indicator of prognosis for survival from rectal cancer. Although the Crohn's-like lymphoid reaction and extramural vein invasion took precedence as staging variables in this study, a complex interrelationship with other parameters was observed.
Failure to demonstrate urinary excretion of luteinizing hormone-releasing factor activity in the rat following intravenous injection of porcine hypothalamic extract.

Urinary excretion of luteinizing hormone releasing factor activity (LRF) in rats was studied by bioassay of urinary extracts collected over a 3-hr period after intravenous injection of porcine stalk median eminence extracts (SME). Although LRF activity of 0.05 SME equivalents added directly to urine was detectable in this assay system, no LRF activity could be detected in one third aliquots of a 3-hr urine collection from animals injected intravenously with ten SME equivalents. These results show that less than 1.5% of the injected dose is excreted in the urine. Since LRF was not detectable in plasma extracts of the rats at 3 hr, it would appear that urinary excretion of this hormone is not involved significantly in its removal from the intravascular space. (Endocrinology 93: 259, 1973)
Gap junctions are non-randomly distributed inDrosophila wing discs.

The distribution of gap junctions in mature larvalDrosophila melanogaster wing discs was analyzed by means of quantitative electron microscopy. Gap junctions are non-randomly distributed in the proximal-distal disc axis and in the apical-basal cell axis of the epithelium. In the epithelial cells, the surface density, number and length of gap junctions are greatest in the apical cell region and distal disc region. The average gap junction surface density is 0.0572 μm-1 and 2.77% of the lateral cell surface is composed of gap junctions. In the adepithelial cells, the gap junction surface density is 0.0005 μm-1 and 0.06% of the cell surface is composed of gap junctions. No gap junctions were observed between epithelial cells and adepithelial cells. The absolute area of gap junctions was estimated in a proximal-distal strip of cells in the disc and is considerably less in the folded regions of the epithelium compared to the flat notum and wing pouch regions. The results are discussed with respect to pattern formation and growth control in imaginal discs.
Two Dimensional Soft Material: New Faces of Graphene Oxide

Graphite oxide sheets, now called graphene oxide (GO), can be made from chemical exfoliation of graphite by reactions that have been known for 150 years. Because GO is a promising solution-processable precursor for the bulk production of graphene, interest in this old material has resurged. The reactions to produce GO add oxygenated functional groups to the graphene sheets on their basal plane and edges, and this derivatization breaks the π-conjugated network, resulting in electrically insulating but highly water-dispersible sheets. Apart from making graphene, GO itself has many intriguing properties. Like graphene, GO is a two-dimensional (2D) sheet with feature sizes at two abruptly different length scales. The apparent thickness of the functionalized carbon sheet is approximately 1 nm, but the lateral dimensions can range from a few nanometers to hundreds of micrometers. Therefore, researchers can think of GO as either a single molecule or a particle, depending on which length scale is of greater interest. At the same time, GO can be viewed as an unconventional soft material, such as a 2D polymer, highly anisotropic colloid, membrane, liquid crystal, or amphiphile. In this Account, we highlight the soft material characteristics of GO. GO consists of nanographitic patches surrounded by largely disordered, oxygenated domains. Such structural characteristics effectively make GO a 2D amphiphile with a hydrophilic periphery and largely hydrophobic center. This insight has led to better understanding of the solution properties of GO for making thin films and new applications of GO as a surfactant. Changes in pH and sheet size can tune the amphiphilicity of GO, leading to intriguing interfacial activities. In addition, new all-carbon composites made of only graphitic nanostructures using GO as a dispersing agent have potential applications in photovoltaics and energy storage. On the other hand, GO can function as a 2D random diblock copolymer, one block graphitic and the other heavily hydroxylated. Therefore, GO can guide material assembly through π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding. Additionally, the selective etching of the more reactive sp(3) blocks produces a porous GO network, which greatly enhances interactions with gas molecules in chemical sensors. With their high aspect ratio, GO colloids can readily align to form liquid crystalline phases at high concentration. As single-atomic, water-dispersible, soft carbon sheets that can be easily converted to a conductive form, this 2D material should continue to inspire many curiosity-driven discoveries and applications at the interfaces of chemistry, materials science, and other disciplines.
Classical scattering with long range forces

We discuss the classical two-body scattering problem for potentials which decrease at infinity like r -~, 1 => c~ > 0. We prove existence and uniqueness theorems for scattering orbits parametrized by their asymptotic data. Wave operators are constructed and their properties discussed. We also discuss and prove cluster properties of the S-operator.
Long-Term Coagulation Changes after Resection of Thoracoabdominal Malignancies

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term coagulation status of patients undergoing malignancy resection. Study Design A prospective observational trial was conducted with informed consent in 52 patients (age 66 ± 10 years and 60% male) with thoracoabdominal tumors (pancreas [n = 18, 35%], esophagus [n = 13, 25%], liver [n = 7, 14%], stomach [n = 6, 12%], bile duct [n = 3, 6%], retroperitoneal [n = 3, 6%], and duodenum [n = 2, 4%]) with 6- to 12-month follow-up. Coagulation was evaluated with rotational thromboelastography (ROTEM) on whole blood and with a panel of hemostatic markers on stored plasma. Results Maximum clot firmness (MCF) in the intrinsic, extrinsic, and fibrinogen pathways increased immediately postoperatively and then decreased by 9.2 ± 4.1 months (p Conclusions Cancer patients at risk for VTE can be identified with a point-of-care ROTEM test and may benefit from additional anticoagulation. Biomarkers reflecting different functional hemostasis activity groups (fibrinolysis, thrombin generation, and endothelial activation) confirm the ongoing prothrombotic state. The ROTEM demonstrated increased hypercoagulability postoperatively, which returned to baseline in long-term follow-up. Reversal of cancer-induced hypercoagulability occurred in some patients and varied with tumor histology and location.
MAMMALIAN TESTES IN ORGAN CULTURE.

Abstract Testes of 14-day-old rats were grown as organ cultures for periods of up to 6 months. The effect of various culture media, gas phases, pH's and incubation temperatures was investigated. Tubular structure with healthy Sertoli cells and mitoses was well maintained under various culture conditions, including growth in chemically defined medium. Spermatocytes survived approximately four weeks without differentiating into spermatids. A cell type, resembling primitive germ cells of younger animals, consistently appeared in seminiferous tubules on the fourth day of culture. Since these cells are not normally observed in the testes of 14-day-old rats, their possible origin in culture is discussed.
Location of brain stem neurons projecting to the oculomotor nucleus in the cat

Abstract Horseradish peroxidase was injected into the oculomotor nucleus of 11 adult cats and the animals were killed after 48 h. In 7 cats satisfactory labeling occurred in neurons in the superior, medial, and lateral vestibular nuclei, the abducens nucleus, the infracerebellar nucleus, nucleus praepositus hypoglossi, and nucleus interpositus. These retrograde studies confirmed the major vestibulo-ocular pathways shown by anterograde degeneration methods and demonstrated additional projections to the third nerve nucleus which may be activated by peripheral vestibular input.