cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review and Pooled Meta-Analysis on the Incidence and Temporal Occurrence of Type II Endoleak Following an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Background The aim in this study was to systematically review the literature to identify the time of occurrence of a newly diagnosed Type II endoleak (T2E) following an endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and its potential impact on aneurysmal sac diameter changes. Methods A comprehensive systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eligible studies were identified through a search of PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane until January 2020. A meta-analysis was conducted with the use of a random effects model. The I-square statistic was used to assess for heterogeneity. Results Thirty-three observational studies were deemed eligible and provided data for 2643 T2E detected following EVAR. A total of 1432 (54.2%) T2E were diagnosed before 30 days follow-up, while 1035 (39.1%) T2E were diagnosed beyond 30 days following EVAR. A total of 222 (8.4%) T2E were diagnosed after 12 months of follow-up. A pooled meta-analysis of 6 studies, showed that early diagnosed T2E had a statistically significant higher odds of resolving as compared to those detected late (OR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.14–5.09; P = 0.021; I2 = 68.9%). Sac expansion was documented in 313 (29%) T2E. The ruptured endoleaks were 14 (1.1%). Conclusions The occurrence of a T2E is a dynamic process detected throughout the lifetime of a patient with 8% detected beyond 12 months following EVAR. Long-term follow up is required with future prospective studies with consist reporting on changes in sac diameter, the thrombus characteristics. Long-term outcomes are needed to optimize management of patients with a newly diagnosed T2E.
Abstract 3023: B7 H3 and autophagy in medulloblastoma

B7-H3 and Autophagy in Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor and we reported high expression of the immune checkpoint protein, B7-H3. We also showed that B7-H3 promotes exosome secretion, with a plausible cross-talk between exosomes and autophagy in tumor development. Autophagy promotes or suppresses tumorigenesis but its role in pediatric brain tumors has not be elucidated. As our recent research has shown, the elevated levels of B7-H3 in MB enhances exosome secretion that may regulate autophagy processes favoring tumorigenesis over tumor suppression. Therefore, the goal of this study is to investigate the relationship between B7-H3 and autophagy pathways in MB in efforts to improve treatment options and patient survival. Datamining studies conducted using MB patient datasets showed a negative correlation between B7-H3 and autophagy markers; Beclin1, LC3, and ATGs. Kaplan-Meier analysis further demonstrated an inverse relationship between autophagy markers and B7-H3 in the survival curves. Next, using human autophagy array, we observed significant reduction in the expression of Beclin1, LC3, and ATGs upon B7-H3 overexpression in D425 cells. In a separate experiment, we show that silencing B7-H3 using specific shRNA resulted in increased levels of LC3-II. Functional studies performed using FACs analyses and clonogenic assay on shB7-H3 treated- D425, UW228 cells revealed that inhibition of B7-H3 was associated with augmented apoptosis and reduction in colony formation, respectively. These results demonstrate the negative role of B7-H3 in MB autophagy regulation. Therefore, inhibition of B7-H3 may prove effective at promoting autophagy-mediated cell death in MB cells. Citation Format: Ayse E. Kesaf, Katherine Shishido, Kiran K. Velpula, Swapna Asuthkar. B7 H3 and autophagy in medulloblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 3023.
Increasing Access and Quality of Behavior-Analytic Services for the Latinx Population

Latinxs are the largest minority group in the United States, making up approximately 18% of the total population. Although there is a critical need for the behavioral health care system, including behavior analysts, to provide services to support the needs of the Latinx community, access to quality behavioral and mental health services continues to be lacking for the Black, Indigenous, and people of color populations. This article highlights some of the cultural and language factors that should be considered by behavior-analytic providers who have a shared responsibility to make culturally and linguistically appropriate services available to this population. Additionally, recommendations for systemic action across service providers, professional organizations, behavior-analytic training programs, and researchers are suggested to address these barriers. Recommendations for bringing about this systemic change are suggested across three domains: (a) increasing diversity in the behavior-analytic workforce, (b) enhancing training in cultural- and language-related issues, and (c) conducting research on cultural and language adaptations to behavior-analytic evidence-based treatments.
Effective stability in a moist baroclinic wave

It has been proposed that the impact of moisture on atmospheric eddy circulations can be approximated using a reduced effective stratification defined in terms of a parameter λ, which quantifies the asymmetry between upward and downward motions. Here λ is analyzed for the midlatitude regime using baroclinic lifecycles computed with the Weather Research and Forecast model. Vertical velocities are compared for integrations with different moisture conditions, and the change in λ is quantified and interpreted. λ is shown to be largely insensitive to grid resolution, and the effective stratification captures the impact of moisture provided initial relative humidity is sufficiently high.
Europa clipper vault shielding optimization approach

In the effort to further understanding of the Jovian moon Europa, a Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) joint team are developing the Europa Clipper spacecraft concept that would provide multiple flybys of Europa during its tour. During the flyby maneuvers, the proposed Europa Clipper spacecraft would be required to operate within the high radiation environment. In order to protect the sensitive electronics of the spacecraft, the current radiation protection approach is to locate these electronics within a radiation vault. This paper documents the study performed addressing the construction and geometry of this electronics radiation vault.
Cloud properties and radiative effects of the Asian summer monsoon derived from A‐Train data

Using A-Train satellite data, we investigate the distribution of clouds and their microphysical and radiative properties in Southeast Asia during the summer monsoon. We find an approximate balance in the top of the atmosphere (TOA) cloud radiative effect, which is largely due to commonly occurring cirrus layers that warm the atmosphere, and less frequent deep layers, which produce a strong cooling at the surface. The distribution of ice water path (IWP) in these layers, obtained from the 2C-ICE CloudSat data product, is highly skewed with a mean value of 440 g m−2 and a median of 24 g m−2. We evaluate the fraction of the total IWP observed by CloudSat and CALIPSO individually and find that both instruments are necessary for describing the overall IWP statistics and particularly the values that are most important to cirrus radiative impact. In examining how cloud radiative effects at the TOA vary as a function of IWP, we find that cirrus with IWP less than 200 g m−2 produce a net warming in the study region. Weighting the distribution of radiative effect by the frequency of occurrence of IWP values, we determine that cirrus with IWP around 20 g m−2 contribute most to heating at the TOA. We conclude that the mean IWP is a poor diagnostic of radiative impact. We suggest that climate model intercomparisons with data should focus on the median IWP because that statistic is more descriptive of the cirrus that contribute most to the radiative impacts of tropical ice clouds.
Chemically modified carbon electrodes. Part XVII. Metallation of immobilized tetra(aminophenyl)porphyrin with manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc, and electrochemistry of diprotonated tetraphenylporphyrin

Abstract Tetra(aminophenyl)porphyrin can be amide-bonded to oxidized glassy carbon surfaces following activation with acetyl chloride or thionyl chloride, with the latter affording higher coverage. The immobilized porphyrin can be metallated with manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc. The metalloporphyrins undergo electrochemical reactions in DMSO solvent at metal and ring-centered reduction potentials expected on the basis of solution molecular analogs. In the case of iron-metallated porphyrin, electrochemistry can be done in aqueous acid, where a clear but porphyrin-debilitating dioxygen catalysis is observable. A small reverse wave at ca. −0.4 V vs. NaSCE in CH3CN and DMSO solvent is interpreted as reoxidation of diprotonated surface bound porphyrin.
Observations of Arctic environmental change

This overview paper presents recent observations of anomalous change in Arctic environment using satellite scatterometer data together with in-situ and field measurements over land, snow, sea ice, and Greenland ice sheet.
High blood pressure and obesity increase the risk of abnormal glucose tolerance in young adult african americans.

Higher prevalence of both hypertension and obesity in African Americans is associated with a disproportionately greater burden of cardiovascular diseases in this ethnic group. The purpose of this study was to examine whether there is an interaction between hypertension and obesity that significantly increases the expression of metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Four groups of young adult African Americans were recruited based on their weight and blood pressure (BP). The effects of weight and BP on metabolic risk factors were analyzed based on data obtained from 484 patients. Results demonstrated that high BP and obesity were independently associated with increased odds of abnormal glucose tolerance, 1.8- and 2.2-fold, respectively. The coexistence of both high BP and obesity further increased the odds of abnormal glucose tolerance 4-fold. In addition, the geometric mean of homeostasis model assessment, an estimate of insulin resistance, increased by 18% with high BP, 60% with obesity, and 90% with the presence of both high BP and obesity. Although no statistically significant interaction between high BP and obesity was detected, the relationships of both high BP and obesity with metabolic risk factors were clearly additive. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:397–403. � 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hypertension is a major health problem and a wellestablished risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) events. 1 Obesity is also a significant public health issue due to its metabolic burden leading to diabetes mellitus. 2 Both hypertension and obesity are prevalent in African Americans, and the excess rates of these conditions are parallel with disproportionately greater rates of CV events in African Americans compared with Caucasians. 3 While it has been established that both hypertension and obesity contribute to adverse outcomes, the extent to which high blood pressure (HBP) contributes to abnormal glucose metabolism and other metabolic risk factors is less clear. We conducted a study to examine the relationships of HBP and obesity with metabolic risk factors in young adult African Americans prior to clinical manifestation of CV disease or overt diabetes. The purpose of the study was to determine whether there is an interaction between HBP and obesity that significantly increases the expression of metabolic risk factors for CV disease.
Modeling low Reynolds number microgravity combustion problems

The limit of low Reynolds number and low gravity allows a novel approximation to be developed for the equations of combustion theory. When the velocity field is separated into solenoidal and irrotational parts it is possible to show that the former is negligible to the lowest order in Reynolds number. Hence, the computation of the velocity field from the Navier Stokes equations may be replaced by the simpler task of solving Poissons equation for the irrotational field. This irrotational field is then substituted into the convective terms in energy and species equations, enabling solutions to be found for scalar quantities like the temperature and species mass fractions. The procedure is illustrated by examining two problems; the flow of air past a sphere blowing a light gas like helium, and combustion of volatiles blown from a porous sphere in an oxidizing crossfiow.
Utilizing ionic liquids for controlled N-doping in hard-templated, mesoporous carbon electrodes for high-performance electrochemical double-layer capacitors

Abstract The specific energy of electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) can be increased by design of the pore architecture to provide large interfaces between electrodes and electrolyte and efficient access to these surfaces. Colloidal-crystal templated carbon electrodes with interconnected, uniform mesopores have demonstrated high capacitances at fast charge/discharge rates in EDLCs used with ionic liquid electrolytes. Here we aim to enhance capacitive performance further through nitrogen doping, by combining a phenol-formaldehyde precursor with the ionic liquid (IL) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanoamide (EMI-DCA) as the nitrogen source. The IL content in this precursor affects the resistance, structural integrity, and specific capacitance of the porous electrodes. With an IL content up to 50 wt%, the electrode resistance is reduced while the bicontinuous mesoporous structure of the resulting carbon is preserved. The specific capacitance of an electrode prepared with 50% IL in the precursor increases over 40% at 10 A g −1 compared to mesoporous carbons prepared using only the phenol-formaldehyde resol. With an ionic liquid electrolyte, the maximum specific capacitance is 237 F g −1 at 0.1 A g −1 , and a specific capacitance of at least 195 F g −1 is maintained after 1000 cycles at 1 A g −1 . A higher IL content in the precursor results in reduced structural order and capacitive performance.
Tetrahedral rigid core antenna chromophores bearing bay-substituted perylenediimides

Abstract Two new representative methane- and adamantane-centered ‘antenna’ tetramers bearing bay-substituted π-conjugated phenylethynyl-perylenediimides (PDICCPh) as chromophoric subunits, tetrakis-[1-(4-ethynylphenyl)-N,N′-bis(1-hexylheptyl)-perylene-3,4:9,10-tetracarboxylic diimide]-methane (1) and tetrakis-1,3,5,7-[1-(4-ethynylphenyl)-N,N′-bis(1-hexylheptyl)-perylene-3,4:9,10-tetracarboxylic diimide]-adamantane (2), have been synthesized and their structural aspects have been thoroughly investigated by NMR spectroscopy. These PDI tetramers (1 and 2) represent the first successful example of incorporating the bay-substituted phenylethynyl-perylenediimides into the large rigid core tetrahedral frameworks. In these PDI tetramers, dynamic NMR experiments revealed the existence of perylene-centered conformational dynamic equilibrium (ΔG≠=15−17 kcal/mol), the primary cause of the observed spectral broadening in conventional 1H NMR spectra (295 K). In addition, PDI tetramers 1 and 2 were found to possess exceptional (photo)chemical stability, and their corresponding photophysical properties (ɛmax∼180,000; τFL=6.9 ns; ΦFL∼60%) make them viable candidates for various photonic applications and are in good agreement with other related multichromophoric PDI-based systems.
Social determinants associated with colorectal cancer screening in an urban community sample of African-American men

Abstract Background: African-American men are disproportionately burdened with colorectal cancer (CRC). Research is scarce on the social determinants that may influence CRC screening as the primary strategy for early detection among African-American males. Methods: African-American men over the age of 18 years (n=558) were recruited from a community health fair and anonymously surveyed about their health and cancer screening behaviors. A social ecological theoretical framework was utilized to identify intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and community predictors of CRC screening, which may be associated with social determinants of health and health behaviors. Analysis included correlations and logistic regression. Results: The mean age of participants was 54.3 years with 85.8% of men being over 40 years of age. Regarding CRC screening: 50.5% (n=282) of African-American male participants had received any type of CRC screening at any time. Positive predictors of CRC screening included: health insur...
Law and Social Norms in the Comparative Study of Islam

. History of Islamic Legal Theories: An Introduction to Sunni usul al-fiqh. Wael B. Hallaq. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1997. 294 pp. In the House of the Law: Gender and Islamic Law in Ottoman Syria and Palestine. Judith E. Tucker. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1998. 216 pp. Pronouncing and Persevering: Gender and the Discourses of Disputing in an African Islamic Court. Susan F. Hirsch. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1998. 355 pp. The Rule of Law in the Arab World: Courts in Egypt and the Gulf. Nathan J. Brown. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1997. 258 pp.
The KRÜPPEL-like transcription factor DATILÓGRAFO is required in specific cholinergic neurons for sexual receptivity in Drosophila females.

Courtship is a widespread behavior in which one gender conveys to the other a series of cues about their species identity, gender, and suitability as mates. In many species, females decode these male displays and either accept or reject them. Despite the fact that courtship has been investigated for a long time, the genes and circuits that allow females to generate these mutually exclusive responses remain largely unknown. Here, we provide evidence that the Kruppel-like transcription factor datilografo (dati) is required for proper locomotion and courtship acceptance in adult Drosophila females. dati mutant females are completely unable to decode male courtship and almost invariably reject males. Molecular analyses reveal that dati is broadly expressed in the brain and its specific removal in excitatory cholinergic neurons recapitulates the female courtship behavioral phenotype but not the locomotor deficits, indicating that these are two separable functions. Clonal analyses in female brains identified three discrete foci where dati is required to generate acceptance. These include neurons around the antennal lobe, the lateral horn, and the posterior superior lateral protocerebrum. Together, these results show that dati is required to organize and maintain a relatively simple excitatory circuit in the brain that allows females to either accept or reject courting males.
Temporal logic CTL + PROLOG

The programming language TPL that is presented in this paper is a complete combination of PROLOG with a temporal language (the CTL language or other temporal languages expressed in atomata). It can be used to serve or reason along paths in a directed graph (a Kripke structure) which consists of many rule databases. At the end of the paper, a compiler (an algorithm) for reasoning language TPL has been supplied.
Drug Salts and Solubilization: Modeling the Influence of Cyclodextrins on Oral Absorption

Substantial effort and resources are spent for the oral delivery of low solubility compounds using drug delivery technologies. Complexation using cyclodextrins (CDs) is one popular strategy used to enhance drug dissolution kinetics and solubility. In addition to delivery technologies, another common method of improving dissolution kinetics of a low solubility compound is to dose it as a salt. It is not often possible to anticipate how effective a technology such as CD will be in a certain formulation in improving drug absorption, leading to a trial-and-error based formulation process; simultaneous use of salt and complexation technologies increases the complexity of the system. A simple dynamic, systems-based model was developed for predicting the influence of CDs on oral absorption of a salt form of low solubility drug administered as a physical mixture with CD, and validated by in vitro experiments. Model predictions indicate that while CD is generally considered a solubilization technology, CD can enhance overall absorption of salt form drug mainly by decreasing the driving force for precipitation through binding free drug in solution. Modeling enabled examination of which physical and chemical properties result in oral absorption enhancement or decrement for drug salt administered as a physical mixture with CD.
Thermal radiometer constructed from ordinary office supplies

It is possible to construct a surprisingly inexpensive and simple thermal radiometer from office supplies. Although the detector was designed to evaluate thermal energy hazards to an individual located in a harsh environment, undoubtedly other applications will surface. The radiometer features a nearly flat wavelength response and a wide field-of-view, is very insensitive to both acoustic energy and radio-frequency energy, is not prone to damage, and distinguishes between radiated thermal energy and thermal energy transferred by direct contact with hot materials. It is particularly noteworthy that the detector has functioned as a direct hazard monitor for optical radiation emitted by certain flash sources.
Inter-Series differences in the restenosis rate of palmaz-schatz coronary stent placement: Differences in demographics and post-procedure lumen diameter

Restenosis rates following Palmaz-Schatz stenting vary between 13 and 36%. To determine whether the nearly three-fold interseries difference in restenosis rates reflects systematic factors (demographic and procedural variables such as post-treatment lumen diameter) rather than random variation, we pooled 486 lesions treated with the Palmaz-Schatz coronary stent in the U.S. Multicenter Registry (n = 259) with the single-center Beth Israel Hospital experience (n = 227) and analyzed the combined series using a continuous geometric model of restenosis. A greater proportion of lesions (66 vs. 50%; P < 0.001) in the Multicenter cohort represented restenosis after a prior intervention. The Multicenter experience also showed a smaller minimum lumen diameter following stent placement (2.61 vs. 3.43 mm; P < 0.001), higher post-stent percent stenosis (16 vs. –2%; P < 0.001), and less acute gain (1.79 vs. 2.67 mm; P < 0.001) than lesions treated in the Beth Israel cohort. At 6-month follow-up, the angiographic restenosis rate (≥ 50% diameter stenosis) was significantly higher in the Multicenter group (35 vs. 27%; P = 0.05), despite the development of less absolute late loss (0.96 vs. 1.32 mm; P < 0.001). Multivariable modeling, however, showed that the only independent predictors of restenosis were a post-procedure lumen diameter < 2.80 mm (odds ratio = 1.57; P = 0.04), diabetes mellitus (odds ratio = 3.55; P < 0.001), and prior restenosis (odds ratio = 1.84; P = 0.008). Since center (Beth Israel vs. Multicenter) was eliminated from the multivariable model after inclusion of these variables, the observed higher restenosis rate in the Multicenter series of Palmaz-Schatz coronary stents can thus be explained in part by differences in demographics (more previously treated lesions) and procedural details (a smaller posttreatment lumen diameter). Since post-procedure lumen diameter is a strong predictor of freedom from restenosis in the pooled experience, the probability of restenosis within a Palmaz-Schatz stent can be decreased by obtaining a large post-procedure lumen diameter.
A longitudinal study of age-related loss of noradrenergic nerves and lymphoid cells in the rat spleen

A longitudinal study of sympathetic noradrenergic (NA) innervation of the spleen was carried out in 3-, 8-, 12-, 17-, 21-, and 27-month-old Fischer 344 (F344) rats using (i) fluorescence histochemistry for localization of norepinephrine (NE); (ii) immunocytochemistry (ICC) for localization of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive nerve fibers alone, and in combination with specific markers for T and B lymphocytes (OX19 and anti-mu respectively), and macrophages (ED3); and (iii) high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection for quantitation of NE. Fluorescence histochemistry revealed extensive loss of NA nerve fibers in all compartments of the spleen in 21- and 27-month-old rats. With single-label ICC, a decline in TH+ nerve fibers in all compartments of the spleen was observed by 17 months of age and became more severe with advancing age; these findings suggest that both the rate-limiting enzyme and the transmitter itself (NE) are depleted from sympathetic nerves in aged rat spleen. Double-label ICC demonstrated the loss of TH+ nerve fibers in spleen from 17-, 21-, and 27-month-old rats, and a parallel loss of OX19+ T lymphocytes and ED3+ macrophages in these cellular compartments. Neurochemical measurement of NE demonstrated a decline in NE per wet weight at 27 months of age. The age-related decline in NA innervation of spleen and in the density of specific populations of cells of the immune system (T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting ED3+ macrophages), that follow remarkably similar time courses, supports functional evidence for dynamic interactions between the immune system and NA sympathetic nerves in the spleen, and further suggests a causal relationship between these age-related phenomena, i.e., that age-related immunosenescence promotes sympathetic denervation of the spleen which further compromises immune function. This hypothesis, however, requires further testing.
Abundance and phenology patterns of two pond-breeding salamanders determine species interactions in natural populations

Phenology often determines the outcome of interspecific interactions, where early-arriving species often dominate interactions over those arriving later. The effects of phenology on species interactions are especially pronounced in aquatic systems, but the evidence is largely derived from experimental studies. We examined whether differences in breeding phenology between two pond-breeding salamanders (Ambystoma annulatum and A. maculatum) affected metamorph recruitment and demographic traits within natural populations, with the expectation that the fall-breeding A. annulatum would negatively affect the spring-breeding A. maculatum. We monitored populations of each species at five ponds over 4 years using drift fences. Metamorph abundance and survival of A. annulatum were affected by intra- and interspecific processes, whereas metamorph size and date of emigration were primarily influenced by intraspecific effects. Metamorph abundance, snout–vent length, date of emigration and survival for A. maculatum were all predicted by combinations of intra- and interspecific effects, but often showed negative relationships with A. annulatum metamorph traits and abundance. Size and date of metamorphosis were strongly correlated within each species, but in opposite patterns (negative for A. annulatum and positive for A. maculatum), suggesting that the two species use alternative strategies to enhance terrestrial survival and that these factors may influence their interactions. Our results match predictions from experimental studies that suggest recruitment is influenced by intra- and interspecific processes which are determined by phenological differences between species. Incorporating spatiotemporal variability when modeling population dynamics is necessary to understand the importance of phenology in species interactions, especially as shifts in phenology occur under climate change.
GDF5 Coordinates Bone and Joint Formation during Digit Development

A functional skeletal system requires the coordinated development of many different tissue types, including cartilage, bones, joints, and tendons. Members of the Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family of secreted signaling molecules have been implicated as endogenous regulators of skeletal development. This is based on their expression during bone and joint formation, their ability to induce ectopic bone and cartilage, and the skeletal abnormalities present in animals with mutations in BMP family members. One member of this family, Growth/differentiation factor 5 (GDF5), is encoded by the mouse brachypodism locus. Mice with mutations in this gene show reductions in the length of bones in the limbs, altered formation of bones and joints in the sternum, and a reduction in the number of bones in the digits. The expression pattern of Gdf5 during normal development and the phenotypes seen in mice with single or double mutations in Gdf5 and Bmp5 suggested that Gdf5 has multiple functions in skeletogenesis, including roles in joint and cartilage development. To further understand the function of GDF5 in skeletal development, we assayed the response of developing chick and mouse limbs to recombinant GDF5 protein. The results from these assays, coupled with an analysis of the development of brachypodism digits, indicate that GDF5 is necessary and sufficient for both cartilage development and the restriction of joint formation to the appropriate location. Thus, GDF5 function in the digits demonstrates a link between cartilage development and joint development and is an important determinant of the pattern of bones and articulations in the digits.
Improved spiral disk assembly for high-speed counter-current chromatography

The original spiral tube support (STS) assembly is improved by changing the shape of the tubing, with 1-cm presses perpendicularly along the length. This modification interrupts the laminar flow of the mobile phase. The tubing in the four return grooves to the center of the rotor is flattened by a specially made pressing tool to increase the number of spiral layers and decrease the dead space volume, thus increasing the column efficiency. The performance of this spiral tube assembly was tested in separations of dipeptides and proteins with suitable polar two-phase solvent systems. The results revealed that the present system yields high partition efficiency with a satisfactory level of stationary phase retention in a short elution time. The present high-speed counter-current chromatographic (HSCCC) system will be efficiently applied to a broad spectrum of two-phase solvent systems including aqueous-aqueous polymer phase systems (TPAS) which are used for separation of biopolymers such as proteins and nucleic acids.
Creating bibliographic records in the GEAC acquisitions module efficiently

Abstract This paper describes the procedure used by the University of Houston Libraries for creating on-order records in the acquisitions system from bibliographic records downloaded from the Libraries' cataloging utility, OCLC. Changes in technical services work routines and efficiencies gained by this process are also analyzed.
Pearl millet in layer diets enhances egg yolk n-3 fatty acids

Abstract A study was conducted to determine whether substitution of pearl millet for corn in layer diets could enrich egg yolks with n-3 fatty acids. Seventy-two Single Comb White Leghorn hens of a commercial strain in their second cycle of production were fed isocaloric, isonitrogeneous diets (2,860 kcal AMEn/kg and 16% CP) formulated with corn, equal amounts of corn and pearl millet, or pearl millet as the grain source. Each of the three diets was fed to eight replicate groups of three hens for 6 wk. Dietary treatments had no effect on feed intake, BW, egg production, egg weight, and yolk weight. Feeding millet in place of corn significantly decreased yolk pigmentation. The ratio of n-6 fatty acids to n-3 fatty acids in eggs was 13.1, 10.1, and 8.3 for hens fed corn, corn+pearl millet, and pearl millet, respectively. Feeding pearl millet produces eggs significantly (P
A Place-Based University?: The Land-Grant Mission in the 21st Century

The Project for the Civic and Environmental Commons is a cluster of initiatives, started by the Appalachian Center, University of Kentucky, in 1999, to support academic/ citizen partnerships in action research for equity and sustainability in the Appalachian region. It tries to serve as a bridge between movements within and outside academe. First, it attempts to link the university with the global movement for community-based development. A ferment of creativity in the nongovernmental sector in the last two decades has generated a rich variety of research methods (especially in participatory and place-based techniques for community assessment) and new organizational models for decentralized and democratic planning. The Project attempts to channel new techniques and models from this grassroots experimentation into university training and research, and to provide whatever support academics can give to citizen-led, community-based development. Second, the Project for the Civic and Environmental Commons tries...
A 310-helix single turn enforced by crosslinking of lysines with 1,1′-ferrocenedicarboxylic acid

Abstract Prior work has shown that covalently linking the side chains of amino acids in the i and i+3 and i and i+4 positions in a peptide will enforce a helical conformation. In this work the ability of an organometallic entity to enforce a helical conformation in a peptide was explored. The tetrapeptide Boc-Lys-Ala-Val-Lys-NHCH 3 was prepared, then reacted with 1,1′-ferrocenedicarboxylic acid chloride. Reaction of the lysine side chain amines with the diacid chloride resulted in a metallacyclicpeptide ( 1 ) in which the two lysines are crosslinked via the ferrocene. The solution conformation of the metallacyclicpeptide ( 1 ) was studied using CD and NMR spectroscopy. The NMR methods employed were Karplus analysis of coupling constants, chemical shift changes of NH protons and ROESY data. The results show that the metallacyclicpeptide ( 1 ) adopts a single turn of the 3 10 -helix conformation.
Sequential estimation of the mean of a first-order autoregressive process

This paper considers the problem of sequential point estimation, under an appropriate loss function, of the location parameter when the errors form an autoregressive process with unknown scale and autoregressive parameters, A sequential procedure is developed and an asymptotic second order expansion is provided for the difference between expected stopping time and the optimal fixed sample size procedure. Also, the asymptotic normality of the stopping time is proved. Though the procedure Is asymptotically risk efficient, it. Is not clear whether it has bounded regret.
Coincidence-anticipation accuracy across the life span

Improvement in response speed through young adulthood and decline in older adulthood has been consistently demonstrated. There is indication of a similar trend in coincidence-anticipation accuracy, wherein the performer predicts the arrival of a moving stimulus at a target point, although performance appears to plateau earlier and performance by older adults has not been studied. Four age groups, 7-9, 11-13, 18-32, and 60-75 years, were observed on a coincidence-anticipation task requiring a thumb-press response and on a maximal response-time task. Speeds of the sequential-light stimulus of the former were 2 through 5 MPH. While findings confirmed age trend in response speed, only the youngest children performed significantly poorer than the others in coincidence-anticipation accuracy. More variable or less accurate performance at extreme stimulus speeds characterized this youngest group. A more sedentary group of adults, 64 to 86 years, was tested in a follow-up experiment. The analysis indicated that older adults showed little directional bias but performed less accurately and more variably than young adults.
Predictors of warfarin use in atrial fibrillation in the United States: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Despite warfarin’s marked efficacy, not all eligible patients receive it for stroke prevention in AF. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between prescriber and/or patient characteristics and subsequent prescription of warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Observational studies conducted in the US using multivariate analysis to determine the relationship between characteristics and the odds of receiving warfarin for stroke prevention were identified in MEDLINE, EMBASE and a manual review of references. Effect estimates of prescriber and/or patient characteristics from individual studies were pooled to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Twenty-eight studies reporting results of 33 unique multivariate analyses were identified. Warfarin use across studies ranged from 9.1%-79.8% (median = 49.1%). There was a moderately-strong correlation between warfarin use and year of study (r = 0.60, p = 0.002). Upon meta-analysis, characteristics associated with a statistically significant increase in the odds of warfarin use included history of cerebrovascular accident (OR = 1.59), heart failure (OR = 1.36), and male gender (OR = 1.12). Those associated with a significant reduction in the odds of warfarin use included alcohol/drug abuse (OR = 0.62), perceived barriers to compliance (OR = 0.87), contraindication(s) to warfarin (OR = 0.81), dementia (OR = 0.32), falls (OR = 0.60), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (OR = 0.47), intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 0.39), hepatic (OR = 0.59), and renal impairment (OR = 0.69). While age per 10-year increase (OR = 0.78) and advancing age as a dichotomized variable (cut-off varied by study) (OR = 0.57) were associated with significant reductions in warfarin use; qualitative review of results of studies evaluating age as a categorical variable did not confirm this relationship. Conclusions: Warfarin use has increased somewhat over time. The decision to prescribe warfarin for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation is based upon multiple prescriber and patient characteristics. These findings can be used by family practice prescribers and other healthcare decision-makers to target interventions or methods to improve utilization of warfarin when it is indicated for stroke prevention.
Genetic silencing of Nrf2 enhances X-ROS in dysferlin-deficient muscle.

Oxidative stress is a critical disease modifier in the muscular dystrophies. Recently, we discovered a pathway by which mechanical stretch activates NADPH Oxidase 2 (Nox2) dependent ROS generation (X-ROS). Our work in dystrophic skeletal muscle revealed that X-ROS is excessive in dystrophin-deficient (mdx) skeletal muscle and contributes to muscle injury susceptibility, a hallmark of the dystrophic process. We also observed widespread alterations in the expression of genes associated with the X-ROS pathway and redox homeostasis in muscles from both Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients and mdx mice. As nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays an essential role in the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in redox homeostasis, we hypothesized that Nrf2 deficiency may contribute to enhanced X-ROS signaling by reducing redox buffering. To directly test the effect of diminished Nrf2 activity, Nrf2 was genetically silenced in the A/J model of dysferlinopathy—a model with a mild histopathologic and functional phenotype. Nrf2-deficient A/J mice exhibited significant muscle-specific functional deficits, histopathologic abnormalities, and dramatically enhanced X-ROS compared to control A/J and WT mice, both with functional Nrf2. Having identified that reduced Nrf2 activity is a negative disease modifier, we propose that strategies targeting Nrf2 activation may address the generalized reduction in redox homeostasis to halt or slow dystrophic progression.
Temporal-Spatial Expression and Transcriptional Regulation of α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor by Thyroid Transcription Factor-1 and Early Growth Response Factor-1 during Murine Lung Development

Abstract Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are ligand-gated ion channels formed by five homologous subunits that are involved in processes including signal transduction, proliferation, and apoptosis. The developmental role of these receptors, however, is unclear. In the present investigation, α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in mouse lungs from embryonic day (E)13.5 to postnatal day (PN)20. Transcriptional mechanisms that regulate α7 were assessed by the transfection of murine bronchiolar cells with a reporter containing 1.1 kb of the mouse α7 promoter, TTF-1, and Egr-1. α7 was initially detected at E13.5 in pulmonary mesenchymal cells and in the epithelium of the primitive tubules at E15.5. From E18.5 to PN1, α7 was expressed in conducting airway and saccule epithelial cells. By PN10, expression was observed in the peripheral epithelium and on luminal membranes of bronchiolar epithelial cells in the proximal lung, a pattern that continued through PN20. From E15.5 to PN20, type II alveolar cells expressed both prosurfactant protein C and α7. From E18.5 to PN20, Clara cells in the bronchiolar epithelium co-expressed Clara cell secretory protein and α7. TTF-1 dose-dependently activated α7 transcription in vitro by binding specific TTF-1 regulatory elements in the mouse α7 promoter. Furthermore, α7 was not detected in TTF-1-null mice and markedly increased in TTF-1-overexpressing mice. Conversely, Egr-1 inhibited α7 expression. Temporal-spatial α7 expression supports the concept that these receptors function during normal pulmonary morphogenesis. A model is also supported whereby α7 is induced by the essential pulmonary transcription factor TTF-1 and suppressed by Egr-1 during pulmonary development.
An exploratory study with the proton microprobe of the ontogenetic distribution of 16 elements in the shell of living oysters (Crassostrea virginica)

Study of the chemical composition of shell of exoskeletonous organisms in the past has required the sacrifice of the organism. Because the beam of the proton microprobe is relatively nondestructive and analyzes the surface layer of the shell, organisms do not have to be killed. The present paper presents results of a preliminary experiment in which distribution of elements (Na to Sr) in shell of living juvenile oysters, Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin), was studied in situ with a proton microprobe at monthly intervals for four months. The relative concentration of 16 elements was measured in the newly deposited prismatic edge of the right valve of three oysters reared in controlled laboratory conditions. Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, and Sr were detected in concentrations as low as a few parts per million relative to the concentration of standards added to pure CaCO3. Concentration of elements varied nominally among shells of the three individual oysters and in their successive ontogenetic stages. Fluctuations in concentration of Na, Mg, S, Cl, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn were generally similar in the two normally growing oysters, but differed from those in the oyster that stopped growing. Trends in concentration of Al, Si, and Sr were similar in the three oysters: those of Br were variable. Relative concentrations of Na, Cl, S, Mn, Fe, and Zn increased slightly with age of oysters, that of the other elements stayed relatively constant. Concentration of most elements was higher in shell than in seawater. Variable concentrations, especially of Na, Cl, and Si in valve edges, tend to support the hypothesis of earlier workers that separate mineral phases are present as impurities entrapped within the shell during calcification.
Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and serum synergize to promote rapamycin-insensitive cell proliferation via protein kinase C-eta

Previously, we have shown that PKC-eta (protein kinase C-eta) positively regulates glioblastoma proliferation and confers resistance to irradiation-induced apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of rapamycin in inhibiting cell proliferation in two glioblastoma cell lines U-251MG (PKC-eta expressing) and U-1242MG (PKC-eta deficient) following PKC-eta activation. In U-251MG cells, rapamycin (10 nM) treatment was less effective as an antiproliferative agent when cells were concurrently stimulated with 10% serum and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 100 nM), a potent activator of PKC isozymes. Rapamycin-insensitive growth was owing to PKC-eta, as U-1242MG and U-251MG cells infected with a kinase-dead form of PKC-eta (U-251kr) were susceptible to rapamycin-induced inhibition of cell proliferation. Furthermore, U-251MG cells transfected with PKC-eta antisense oligonucleotides were sensitive to rapamycin. PKC-eta-expressing cells stimulated with PMA maintained p70S6K phosphorylation on Thr389 and phosphorylation of rpS6 (ser235/36), suggesting p70S6K kinase activity was still intact. Inhibition of p70S6K expression with small interfering RNA oligonucleotides inhibited cell proliferation greater than 50% in the presence of a combination of PMA and serum. Additionally, p70S6K co-precipitated with PKC-eta, suggesting a physical interaction between PKC-eta and p70S6K regulates the observed phosphorylation. Taken together, these data demonstrate that rapamycin-insensitive glioblastoma proliferation involves PKC-eta signaling.
Single-interface enhanced mobility structures by metalorganic chemical vapour deposition

Enhanced mobility effects in single-interface 2-dimensional electron gas heterostructures grown by metalorganic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) are reported. The mobility/temperature characteristics of single-interface structures, with and without an undoped spacer to reduce coulomb scattering at the interface, are described.
Knowledge Chain Activity Classes: Impacts on Competitiveness and the Importance of Technology Support

Just as Porterâ€™s value chain model identifies classes of business activity that can be performed in ways that contribute to a firmâ€™s competitiveness, the knowledge chain model contends there are classes of knowledge management (KM) activity that can be performed in ways that enhance firm competitiveness. These KM activities pervade the value chain, being inherent in the implementation of each value chain activity. Derived from a collaboratively engineered ontology of knowledge management, the knowledge chain model is supported by anecdotal evidence and a survey has found support for the propositions that its activity classes are linked to enhanced productivity, agility, innovation, and reputation. Here, we present a study of leaders of KM initiatives that examines each of the nine knowledge chain classes in terms of its competitive impact and the extent to which its positive impact on competitiveness is associated with the importance of technology in performing activities within that class. The study provides confirming evidence that each of the knowledge chain activity classes can be performed in ways that contribute to competitiveness. Moreover, we find that for five of the activity classes there is a significant positive correlation between impact on competitiveness and the importance of computer-based technology in implementing the classâ€™s activities.
Contrast-enhanced MRI of the small bowel in Crohn’s disease

Recently, magnetic resonance imaging has emerged as a valuable tool in evaluation of small bowel Crohn's disease. MRI provides several advantages to other imaging modalities, including the lack of ionizing radiation, multiplanar capability, and functional information. Intravenous contrast administration is a routine portion of MR enterography protocol, and aids in detection of disease extent, extramural complications such as fistula and abscess, and assessment of activity. Additionally, promising techniques such as dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI may provide quantitative measures to assess bowel perfusion, which may enhance evaluation of disease activity. This article will provide an overview of the technical aspects of contrast-enhanced MR enterography, describe common pathologic findings involving the small bowel in Crohn's disease, summarize its role in determination of activity with an emphasis on endoscopic and histologic correlation, and compare its efficacy with other imaging modalities.