cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract IA03: Subgroup-specific enhancer hijacking in medulloblastoma

In recent years, next-generation sequencing has uncovered the spectrum of driver genes and molecular processes contributing to most cancer entities, including pediatric cancer. This holds true for medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant childhood brain tumor. A multitude of genomic studies conducted on large patient cohorts have culminated in the recognition of at least four molecular and clinically distinct MB subgroups: WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4. Moreover, comprehensive sequencing efforts have reported the prevalence and subgroup distribution of somatically altered genes in MB, informing tumor biology and suggesting rational candidates for molecularly targeted therapy. In contrast to WNT and SHH subgroup MB, which are typically characterized by mutations/copy-number alterations leading to aberrant signaling of the WNT and SHH pathways, respectively, Groups 3 and 4 harbor a paucity of recurrently mutated genes and exhibit remarkable heterogeneity in their molecular landscapes. Looking beyond somatic gene-level mutations and focusing our analyses on recurrent structural variants (SVs) in Group 3 and Group 4, we recently discovered a series of atypical SVs converging on chr9q34 that coincided with aberrant induction of GFI1B expression, a transcription factor normally active in the hematopoietic system. Meticulous mapping of SV breakpoints and subsequent integration with DNA methylation and histone ChIP-seq datasets implicated misappropriation of highly active enhancers secondary to the observed SV, a mechanism we termed “enhancer hijacking.” In light of this surprising discovery, we have now extended our analyses, including the development of new computational pipelines, to systematically explore the extent of enhancer hijacking in MB and other pediatric brain tumors. Emerging results from these efforts will be presented, including strategies being employed to validate aberrant enhancer-promoter interactions in MBs with presumed enhancer hijacking, as well as functional approaches we are using to engineer these alterations in relevant cellular systems. Citation Format: Paul A. Northcott. Subgroup-specific enhancer hijacking in medulloblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Pediatric Cancer Research: From Basic Science to the Clinic; 2017 Dec 3-6; Atlanta, Georgia. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(19 Suppl):Abstract nr IA03.
Age-related differences in olfactory cleft volume in adults: A computational volumetric study.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS There is a growing need to understand the underlying mechanisms of age-related olfactory dysfunction with the increasing proportion of older adults over the next 20 years. Despite the importance of olfactory cleft (OC) volumes on odorant deposition and olfactory function, little is known about age-related changes to OC volume. The goal of this study was to use automated techniques in a cross-sectional design to investigate the extent to which OC volumes vary with age and determine the spatial specificity of any age-related effects. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS Deformation-based morphometry was utilized to measure OC and sinus volumes in two independent samples of 101 (Medical University of South Carolina [MUSC] sample) and 95 (Hammersmith sample) healthy adults who underwent T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, with the Hammersmith sample serving as a replication sample. RESULTS The mean age of the MUSC and Hammersmith samples were 54.9 ± 17.0 years and 52.1 years ± 15.7 years, respectively. In both samples, there was a significant positive association between age and OC volume that occurred at a constant rate across the lifespan (Cohen's f2 of 0.065 in the MUSC sample and 0.110 in the Hammersmith sample). Age-associated OC volume increases occurred in conjunction with decreases in sinus volumes as well as increases in non-OC nasal cavity volumes. CONCLUSIONS In this cross-sectional study, there is an increase in OC volume with increasing age that occurs in the context of broad age-associated differences in sinonasal anatomy. Future studies should investigate the impact of age-associated differences in intranasal anatomy on nasal airflow, odorant deposition, and olfactory function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 129:E55-E60, 2019.
Phase I/II study evaluating the safety and clinical efficacy of temsirolimus and bevacizumab in patients with chemotherapy refractory metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Background Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and angiogenesis through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been shown to play important roles in prostate cancer progression. Preclinical data in prostate cancer has suggested the potential additive effect dual inhibition of VEGF and mTOR pathways. In this phase I/II trial we assessed the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab in combination with temsirolimus for the treatment of men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Methods In the phase I portion, eligible patients received temsirolimus (20 mg or 25 mg IV weekly) in combination with a fixed dose of IV bevacizumab (10 mg/kg every 2 weeks). The primary endpoint for the phase II portion was objective response measured by either PSA or RECIST criteria. Exploratory endpoints included changes in circulating tumor cells (CTC) and their correlation with PSA response to treatment. Results Twenty-one patients, median age 64 (53–82), with pre-treatment PSA of 205.3 (11.1–1801.0), previously treated with a median of 2 (0–5) lines of therapy for mCRPC received the combination of temsirolimus weekly at 20 mg (n = 4) or 25 mg (n = 17) with bevacizumab 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks (n = 21). Median time to progression was 2.6 months (95% CI, 1.2–3.9) and the median best PSA change from baseline to 12 weeks was a 32% increase (−40–632%) which met the predefined futility rule and led to early termination of the study. Nine patients (43%) had ≥ grade 3 toxicity that included fatigue (24%), anorexia (10%), nausea/vomiting (5%) and lymphopenia (5%). In exploratory analysis, a decrease in CTC levels was observed in 9 out of 11 patients. No association between PSA levels and CTC levels was detected. Conclusions The combination of temsirolimus and bevacizumab showed limited clinical activity in mCRPC patients previously treated with chemotherapy and was associated with significant adverse events (AEs). Transient decrease in CTC levels was independent from PSA response. NCT01083368.
Naive CD4+ T Cells Harbor a Large Inducible Reservoir of Latent, Replication-competent Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1.

Background The latent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reservoir represents a major barrier to a cure. Based on the levels of HIV-1 DNA in naive (TN) vs resting memory CD4+ T cells, it is widely hypothesized that this reservoir resides primarily within memory cells. Here, we compared virus production from TN and central memory (TCM) CD4+ T cells isolated from HIV-1-infected individuals on suppressive therapy. Methods CD4+ TN and TCM cells were purified from the blood of 7 HIV-1-infected individuals. We quantified total HIV-1 DNA in the CD4+ TN and TCM cells. Extracellular virion-associated HIV-1 RNA or viral outgrowth assays were used to assess latency reversal following treatment with anti-CD3/CD28 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), phytohaemagglutinin/interleukin-2, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate/ionomycin, prostratin, panobinostat, or romidepsin. Results HIV-1 DNA was significantly higher in TCM compared to TN cells (2179 vs 684 copies/106 cells, respectively). Following exposure to anti-CD3/CD28 mAbs, virion-associated HIV-1 RNA levels were similar between TCM and TN cells (15 135 vs 18 290 copies/mL, respectively). In 4/7 donors, virus production was higher for TN cells independent of the latency reversing agent used. Replication-competent virus was recovered from both TN and TCM cells. Conclusions Although the frequency of HIV-1 infection is lower in TN compared to TCM cells, as much virus is produced from the TN population after latency reversal. This finding suggests that quantifying HIV-1 DNA alone may not predict the size of the inducible latent reservoir and that TN cells may be an important reservoir of latent HIV-1.
Association of Long-Term Exposure to Particulate Matter and Ozone With Health Status and Mortality in Patients After Myocardial Infarction.

Background: Long-term exposure to particulate matter <2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) and ozone has been associated with the development and progression of cardiovascular disease and, in the case of PM2...
Decision-Making as a Latent Construct and its Measurement Invariance in a Large Sample of Adolescent Cannabis Users

Objective: Relative to the vast literature that employs measures of decision-making (DM), rigorous examination of their psychometric properties is sparse. This study aimed to determine whether three measures of DM assess the same construct, and to measure invariance of this construct across relevant covariates. Method: Participants were 372 adolescents at risk of escalation in cannabis use. DM was assessed via four indices from the Cups Task, Game of Dice Task (GDT), and Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). We used confirmatory factor analysis to assess unidimensionality of the DM construct, and moderated nonlinear factor analysis (MNLFA) to examine its measurement invariance. Results: The unidimensional model of DM demonstrated good fit. MNLFA results revealed that sex influenced mean DM scores, such that boys had lower risk-taking behaviors. There was evidence of differential item functioning (DIF), such that IQ and age moderated the IGT intercept and GDT factor loading, respectively. Significant effects were retained in the final model, which produced participant-specific DM factor scores. These scores showed moderate stability over time. Conclusions: Indices from three DM tasks loaded significantly onto a single factor, suggesting that these DM tasks assess a single underlying construct. We suggest that this construct represents the ability to make optimal choices that maximize rewards in the presence of risk. Our final DM factor accounts for DIF caused by covariates, making it comparable across adolescents with different characteristics. (JINS, 2019, 25, 661–667)
Enhanced Keap1-Nrf2 signaling protects the myocardium from isoproterenol-induced pathological remodeling in mice

Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NFE2L2/Nrf2) is an inducible transcription factor that is essential for maintenance of redox signaling in response to stress. This suggests that if Nrf2 expression response could be enhanced for a defined physiological pro-oxidant stress then it would be protective. This has important implications for the therapeutic manipulation of the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway which is now gaining a lot of attention. We tested this hypothesis through the generation of Nrf2 transgene expression mouse model with and without isoproterenol-induced cardiac stress. Cardiac-specific mouse Nrf2 transgenic (mNrf2-TG) and non-transgenic (NTG) mice were subjected to isoproterenol (ISO) treatment and assessed for myocardial structure, function (echocardiography and electrocardiography), and glutathione redox state. Myocardial infarction and fibrosis along with increased inflammation leading to myocardial dysfunction was noted in NTG mice exposed to ISO, while mNrf2-TG hearts were resistant to the ISO insult. Preservation of myocardial structure and function in the mNrf2-TG mice was associated with the enhanced Nrf2 expression displayed in these hearts with an increased basal and post-treatment expression of redox modulatory genes and an overall enhanced antioxidant status. Of note, myocardium of ISO-treated TG mice displayed significantly increased stabilization of the KEAP1-NRF2 complex and enhanced release of NRF2 to the nucleus resulting in overall decreased pro-oxidant markers. Taken together, we suggest that a basal enhanced Nrf2 expression in mouse heart results in maintenance of redox homeostasis and counteracts ISO-induced oxidative stress, and suppresses pathological remodeling. These data suggest that an alternative therapeutic approach to enhance the efficacy of the Keap1-Nrf2 system is to stimulate basal expression of Nrf2.
Septic embolization from stented arteriovenous fistula

Abstract Anastomotic stenosis of an arteriovenous fistula is often amenable to percutaneous intervention (angioplasty and stenting) and unlikely to be complicated by infection. A 69-year-old man underwent pre-emptive arteriovenous fistula construction that required interval placement of a covered stent for juxta-anastomotic stenosis. The patient presented 1 year after the intervention with systemic sepsis that required stent graft explantation and revision. This is a unique case report showing an infected stent graft, placed to restore secondary patency, that was later found to be the source of bacteremia and septic pulmonary emboli.
Synthesis and antiviral evaluation of some novel [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-β][1,2,4]triazole nucleoside analogs

Ribosylation of 3-amino-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b][1,2,4]triazole (1) with l-O-acetyl-2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-D-ribofuranose and stannic chloride resulted in the following protected nucleoside analogs: 3-amino-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-β][1,2,4]triazole (4), 3-amino-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-α-D-ribofuranosyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-β][1,2,4]triazole (5), 3-amino-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-β][1,2,4]triazole (5), and 3-(2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl) amino-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]-[1,2,4]triazole (7). Compounds 4–6 were deprotected to 3-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b][1,2,4]-triazole (3), 3-amino-1-α-D-ribofuranosyl[1,2,4]triazolo[4,5-b][1,2,4]triazole (8), and 3-imino-2H-2-β-D-ribo-furanosyl[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b][1,2,4]triazole (9), while 7 could not be deprotected without decomposition. Compounds 1, 4, 6, 7, and 9 were screened and found to have no antiviral activity.
With Small Power, Comes Great Responsibility: Lessons Learned from an Evaluation of Veteran and Military Mental Health Public Awareness Campaigns.

This study was conducted to determine the feasibility of conducting a cost–benefit evaluation of federally-funded media campaigns encouraging mental health help-seeking among United States military personnel and veterans. To calculate the necessary sample size for the evaluation, we obtained campaign costs, and determined the number of treatment seekers needed for the campaign to break even with its cost and the associated population change that an evaluation would need to detect. The sample size needed for an evaluation with 80% power was greater than the total population of U.S. military personnel and veterans. Given that the necessary sample size exceeds the population to be sampled, an appropriately powered outcome evaluation is not feasible. Other programs that would be cost effective with extremely small effect sizes should not be subject to underpowered and thus inaccurate empirical outcome evaluation.
CRT-200.19 Reported Complications Received in 2019 for Percutaneous Left Ventricular Assist Devices in the MAUDE Database

The use of percutaneous left ventricular assist devices for cardiogenic shock and high-risk coronary interventions has been increasing steadily. However, there are significant device-associated complications leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The Manufacturer and User Facility Device
Coupled skyrmion breathing modes in synthetic ferri- and antiferromagnets

We present micromagnetic simulations of the dynamic GHz-range resonance modes of skyrmions excited by either out-of-plane AC magnetic fields or spin torques in prototypical synthetic ferri- and antiferromagnetic trilayer structures. The observed features in the calculated power spectra exhibit a systematic dependence on the coupling strength between the individual magnetic layers and are related to pure in-phase and antiphase breathing modes as well as to hybridizations of breathing and spin-wave modes that are characteristic for the considered circular-shaped geometry. The experimental detection of these resonant oscillation modes may provide a means for skyrmion-sensing applications and for the general characterization of skyrmion states in multilayer stacks with antiferromagnetic interlayer exchange coupling.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Use after Total Knee Arthroplasty Improves Early Return to Function: A Randomized Trial.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been reported as an effective method for quadriceps strengthening which could attenuate muscle loss in the early total knee arthroplasty (TKA) postoperative recovery period. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to test whether postoperative use of NMES on TKA patients results in increased quadriceps strength and ultimately improved functional outcomes. This randomized controlled clinical trial of 66 primary TKA patients was conducted at a large academic medical center. Patients were randomized 2:1 into treatment (NMES use, n = 44) or control arm (no NMES, n = 22). Patients who used the device for an average of 200 minutes/week or more (starting 1 week postoperative and continuing through week 12) were considered compliant. Baseline measurements and outcomes were recorded at 3, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively, and included quadriceps strength, range of motion (ROM), resting pain, functional timed up and go (TUG), stair climb test, and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and veterans rand 12-item health survey (VR-12) scores. Patients in the treatment arm (NMES use) experienced quadriceps strength gains over baseline at 3, 6, and 12 weeks following surgery, which were statistically significant compared with controls with quadriceps strength losses at 3 (p = 0.050) and 6 weeks (p = 0.015). The TUG improvements for patients treated with NMES showed significant improvements at 6 (p = 0.018) and 12 weeks (p = 0.003) postoperatively. Use of a home-based application-controlled NMES therapy system added to standard of care treatment showed statistically significant improvements in quadriceps strength and TUG following TKA, supporting a quicker return to function.
Quo vadimus: Humanism, going beyond the boundaries of capitalism and socialism

Currently, the world is facing two pandemics: the first being the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (physical) and second being partly misinformation and partly too much information on virus-related events (digital) The two pandemics are peeling apart the fabric of social inequity and competitiveness Problems are the source of opportunities, and this note will focus on uncovering the layers of the complex problems compounded by these two pandemics Copyright © 2020 by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959
Geographic Disparities in COVID-19 Infections and Deaths: The Role of Transportation.

The US government imposed two travel restriction policies to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 but may have funneled asymptomatic air travelers to selected major airports and transportation hubs. Using the most recent JHU COVID-19 database, American Community Survey, Airport and Amtrak data form Bureau of Transportation Statistics from 3132 US counties we ran negative binomial regressions and Cox regression models to explore the associations between COVID-19 cases and death rates and proximity to airports, train stations, and public transportation. Counties within 25 miles of an airport had 1.392 times the rate of COVID-19 cases and 1.545 times the rate of COVID-19 deaths in comparison to counties that are more than 50 miles from an airport. More effective policies to detect and isolate infected travelers are needed. Policymakers and officials in transportation and public health should collaborate to promulgate policies and procedures to protect travelers and transportation workers from COVID-19.
Sex in the Rest: Mysterious Mating in the Chytridiomycota and Zygomycota

This chapter discusses mating biology of basal fungi with emphasis on chytridiomycetes and zygomycetes. The chytrids and zygomycetes are ecologically diverse. Many of them are parasites, on hosts such as plants, algae, invertebrates, or other fungi. These nutritional requirements have precluded their isolation into axenic culture. Both chytrids and zygomycetes are capable of causing diseases in humans and other animals. A number of zygomycete fungi cause human diseases that are particularly difficult to treat with current antifungal agents. Most of the knowledge of sex in basal fungi comes from studies of behaviors of axenic cultures or careful observations made using light microscopy on natural substrates for the fungi. Chytridiomycetes have long been recognized to be divisible into several major groups based on life cycles and sexual mechanisms. Blastocladiales are exceptional among Fungi by having a life cycle with alternation of generations in which a diploid sporophyte can undergo extensive vegetative growth including asexual reproduction. The Zygomycota comprise nine orders, eight of which include species that undergo homothallic or heterothallic sex. Among the Zygomycota, the Mucorales are the best studied: it is generally inferred that similar patterns of mating occur in the other zygomycetes, although this may not be the case. Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites of animals (often insects) and humans, characterized by the absence or remnants of mitochondria and the presence of a specialized structure, the polar tube, with which they infect cells.
Integrated image reconstruction and gradient nonlinearity correction.

Purpose To describe a model-based reconstruction strategy for routine magnetic resonance imaging that accounts for gradient nonlinearity (GNL) during rather than after transformation to the image domain, and demonstrate that this approach reduces the spatial resolution loss that occurs during strictly image-domain GNL-correction. Methods After reviewing conventional GNL-correction methods, we propose a generic signal model for GNL-affected magnetic resonance imaging acquisitions, discuss how it incorporates into contemporary image reconstruction platforms, and describe efficient nonuniform fast Fourier transform-based computational routines for these. The impact of GNL-correction on spatial resolution by the conventional and proposed approaches is investigated on phantom data acquired at varying offsets from gradient isocenter, as well as on fully sampled and (retrospectively) undersampled in vivo acquisitions. Results Phantom results demonstrate that resolution loss that occurs during GNL-correction is significantly less for the proposed strategy than for the standard approach at distances >10 cm from isocenter with a 35 cm field-of-view gradient coil. The in vivo results suggest that the proposed strategy better preserves fine anatomical detail than retrospective GNL-correction while offering comparable geometric correction. Conclusion Accounting for GNL during image reconstruction allows geometric distortion to be corrected with less spatial resolution loss than is typically observed with the conventional image domain correction strategy. Magn Reson Med 74:1019–1031, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emotivism and the Preparation of Educational Leaders

In his text, After Virtue, Alasdair MacIntyre claims that contemporary scholars possess the fragments of a conceptual scheme of morality, but lack the contexts that provide significance for the framework. To illustrate his point, MacIntyre describes three moral disagreements about such issues as war and abortion. He notes that these discussions proceed in rational steps from their premises. Unfortunately, there is no universal principle that people could use to measure the premises against each other. Instead, each individual has to adopt his or her premises as the basis of any choice. For this reason, MacIntyre contends that contemporary moral claims are the preferences of the speakers. He called this approach to morality emotivism.
Cloning and sequencing of ATP sulfurylase from Penicillium chrysogenum. Identification of a likely allosteric domain.

Fungal (Penicillium chrysogenum) and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) ATP sulfurylases were shown to have very similar kinetic and chemical properties except that the fungal enzyme (a) contains a highly reactive Cys residue (SH-1) whose modification results in sigmoidal velocity curves (Renosto, F., Martin, R. L., and Segel, I. H. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 16279-16288) and (b) is allosterically inhibited by 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS), while the yeast enzyme displays neither of these properties. The fungal enzyme subunit (64.3 kDa, 572 amino acids) is also larger than the yeast enzyme subunit (59.3 kDa, 521 amino acids). To correlate the unique allosteric properties of the fungal enzyme with specific structural features, we cloned and sequenced the ATP sulfurylase gene (aps) from P. chrysogenum. The yeast and fungal enzymes are homologous over the first 400 amino acids and contain two regions high in basic residues which are conserved in sulfurylases from Arabidopsis and the Riftia pachyptila (hydrothermal vent tube worm) chemolithotrophic symbiont. These regions may participate in forming the binding sites for MgATP2- and SO4(2-). The fungal enzyme has no sites for MgATP2- and SO4(2-). The fungal enzyme has no significant sequence homology to the yeast enzyme in the C-terminal 172 amino acids. This C-terminal region contains SH-1 (Cys-508) and has homology to MET14 (S. cerevisiae), CYSC (E. coli), and NODQ (Rhizobium meliloti), i.e. adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (APS) kinase. The cumulative results suggest that (a) the allosteric PAPS binding site of P. chrysogenum ATP sulfurylase is located in the C-terminal domain of the protein and (b) that this domain may have evolved from APS kinase. In spite of the homology, this C-terminal region does not account for the APS kinase activity of P. chrysogenum. Fungal ATP sulfurylase has no significant homology to (or regulatory properties in common with) CYSD or CYSN, proteins reported to comprise E. coli ATP sulfurylase (Leyh, T., Vogt, T. F., and Suo, Y. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 10405-10410).
A Fault-Tolerant Scheme of Holonomic Quantum Computation on Stabilizer Codes with Robustness to Low-weight Thermal Noise

We show an equivalence relation between fault-tolerant circuits for a stabilizer code and fault-tolerant adiabatic processes for holonomic quantum computation (HQC), in the case where quantum information is encoded in the degenerate ground space of the system Hamiltonian. By this equivalence, we can systematically construct a fault-tolerant HQC scheme, which can geometrically implement a universal set of encoded quantum gates by adiabatically deforming the system Hamiltonian. During this process, quantum information is protected from low-weight thermal excitations by an energy gap that does not change with the problem size.
Revolution or evolution? Putting the Flexner Report in context.

On 11 June 1910, an editorial in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) announced to those who had ‘been awaiting with eager interest’ that the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching had released its report on the status of medical education in the USA and Canada. The editorial suggested ‘that the Carnegie Foundation is in a position in which it may exert a powerful and growing influence for good on the development of medical education in this country’.
Rat intestinal M cells contain acidic endosomal-lysosomal compartments and express class II major histocompatibility complex determinants.

Abstract Background: It is generally believed that M cells do not modify the antigens they transport from the intestinal lumen to underlying immunocompetent cells because it has been reported that M cells contain few elements of the lysosomal system. Methods: We used specific cytochemical and immunocytochemical probes to examine whether M cells in jejunal Peyer's patches of adult rats contain the requisite intracellular components to process and potentially present endocytosed antigens. Results: M cells contained acid phosphatase-enriched prelysosomelike and lysosomelike structures. A basic congener of dinitrophenol, which concentrates in acidic cell compartments, is localized following its instillation into Peyer's patch-containing ligated jejunal loops to the endosomal-lysosomal system of M cells. Prelysosomelike and lysosomelike structures in ultrathin cryosections of M cells reacted with polyclonal antibody to a membrane glycoprotein (Igp 120) enriched in prelysosomes and lysosomes. Using monoclonal antibody 0X6 as a probe, M cells expressed the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II determinant, la, on the basolateral plasma membrane and in organelles with structural features of endosomes, prelysosomes, and lysosomes. Expression was enhanced by pretreatment with interferon gamma. Conclusions: M cells possess acidic endosomal and acid phosphatase-containing prelysosomal and lysosomal compartments and express MHC class II determinants. Hence, M cells may have the capacity to process and present endocytosed antigens to adjacent intraepithelial T lymphocytes.
Erosion-Oxidation of Carbon Steel and Deposition of Particles on a Tube during Combustion of Coal-Based Fuels in an Industrial Boiler

An in situ test was used to assess the erosivity of particles in the convection section of an industrial boiler during combustion of micronized coal and while cofiring coal-water fuel with natural gas. Erosion was accelerated using a small jet of clean gas to increase the velocities of ash and unburned char particles at the surface of a carbon steel coupon. Because the jet alters the velocity distribution of the particles, a simulation of the system including particle behavior in the jet, erosion of both tube metal and oxide scale, and scale formation was needed to estimate erosion rates at lower velocities. Although the particles formed from coal-water fuel were more erosive than the particles from micronized coal in the accelerated test, calculations showed that the opposite would be the case on an isolated 51 mm diameter tube at typical convection section velocities. The change in relative erosion rates was due to differences in the size distributions and impaction efficiencies of the particles (effects of gas velocity and size of target). An accurate model is therefore essential to meaningful application of the results of the accelerated test. The calculations indicated that erosion of tube material at 550 K would be slower than 0.05.μ/hour at convection section velocities less than 8 m/s while firing coal-water fuel with natural gas and at velocities less than 10 m/s during combustion of micronized coal. At these velocities, under the conditions of gas and particle composition investigated, erosion is expected to be most rapid on the upstream stagnation line of an isolated tube and to remove material only from the oxide layer, not from the underlying carbon steel.
Relationship dimensions of the ‘Down syndrome advantage’

Background Some researchers have proposed an ‘advantage’ for parents of children with Down syndrome over parents of children with other intellectual disabilities, especially in relation to experiencing less parenting stress. Others have maintained that these differences are an artefact of demographic and related differences. This study extends the investigation of possible differences in dimensions of parenting stress and also examines whether differences exist in maternal and child contingent responsiveness during mother–child interaction in these two groups. Method Mothers of children with Down syndrome (n = 43) and undifferentiated developmental disabilities (n = 54) completed measures of children's adaptive functioning and behaviour problems, parenting stress and maternal social support. Observers rated the contingent interactions between mothers and children using the Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale. Results Once mother's age, education and social support as well as child adaptive functioning and behaviour problems were considered, neither parent nor child related parenting stress demonstrated an advantage for parents of children with Down syndrome. However, a ‘Down syndrome advantage’ was apparent for both maternal and child contingent responsiveness after accounting for maternal demographic and contextual variables and child attributes. Conclusions Children with Down syndrome and their mothers have more positive interactions than children with other developmental disabilities, both in terms of the responsiveness of mothers and of child responses contingent on maternal behaviour. These findings suggest that both children with Down syndrome themselves and their mothers are contributing to a Down syndrome advantage.
Studies on the activity of DNase associated with the replication of the Epstein-Barr virus.

Abstract A new deoxyribonuclease (DNase) was found to be induced in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-superinfected Raji cells or iododeoxyuridine (IUdR)-induced D98/HR-1 cells. The induced DNase has a unique electrophoretic mobility as well as immunospecificity.
Further observations on the question of specificity of antihuman growth hormone rabbit serum.

It recently has been demonstrated by several investigators (10–14) that highly purified human growth hormone (HGH) possesses significant lactogenic (prolactin) activity. In the present investigation, it was shown by the local crop sac test in immature pigeons that a 6-μg daily dose of HGH (Li) elicited a good lactogenic (crop sac stimulating) reaction, and that this response could be eliminated by prior treatment of the hormone with anti-HGH (Raben) rabbit serum, whereas treatment of the hormone with an equivalent amount of normal rabbit serum did not have any effect on this activity of the HGH. Results of agar diffusion tests (Ouchterlony) with crude human pituitary extracts demonstrated that anti-HGH (Raben) serum contained antibodies to at least 2 closely related antigenic components other than serum proteins and also a small amount of antibodies to human serum albumin. However, agar diffusion tests, including immuno-electrophoresis, showed the presence of only one antigenic component in highly purifie...
Heat Lability of Alpha1-Antitrypsin Variants

Most genetic mutants of α1 -antitrypsin (AAT), usually associated with deficient serum levels, were found to have increased lability at 55°C. Normal (Pi MM ) AAT in whole serum had a half-life of approximately 60 minutes at 55° C as measured by its serum-trypsin-inhibitory-capacity (STIC), compared to a half-life of 30 minutes for SS, IS and FS phenotypes. Heterozygous combinations of either a ”Z,” ”S,” ”I” or ”P” variant with the normal ”M” variant resulted in biphasic heat-lability curves at 55 °C, and in loss of the specific protein bands for the more labile variant on acid-starch electrophoresis. The V variant had normal heat-lability consistent with its normal serum levels. A block in the release of AAT from the liver is most likely the major cause of AAT deficiency with the ”Z” variant, but increased lability could contribute to its deficiency in serum. Other Pi variants are not blocked in the liver, and increased lability of these variants in vivo may be the cause of their less severe deficiency states.
Inhibition of phosphorus sorption to goethite, gibbsite, and kaolin by fresh and decomposed organic matter

The direct effects of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on the sorption of orthophosphate onto gibbsite, goethite, and kaolin were examined using a one-point phosphorus sorption index and the linear Tempkin isotherm model. DOM extracted from fresh and decomposed agricultural residues, as well as model organic and humic acids, were used. Changes in the chemical and sorptive characteristics of the DOM in the absence and presence of added orthophosphate (50 mg l−1) were also determined. For residue-derived materials, DOM sorption to all minerals correlated well with percent hydrophobicity, apparent molecular weight, and phenolic acidity in the absence of added orthophosphate. Sorption of DOM to goethite and gibbsite was significantly decreased in the presence of added P. The correlation coefficient values of percent hydrophobicity, apparent molecular weight, and phenolic acidity to sorption also declined in the presence of added P. Thus, the addition of P substantially lowered fractionation of DOM after sorption to goethite and gibbsite. In contrast, few significant P sorption-induced differences were observed in the kaolin system. According to one-point P sorption results, DOM in the form of Aldrich humic acid, oxalate, and decomposed clover and corn residue, significantly inhibited P sorption to goethite at concentrations of 50 and 200 mg total soluble carbon (CTS l−1). Phosphorus sorption to gibbsite was significantly inhibited by 50 mg CTS l−1 derived from decomposed corn residue, fresh dairy manure residue, and oxalate solution. At 200 mg CTS l−1, all DOM solutions were found to inhibit P sorption to gibbsite. This study suggests that DOM inhibition of P sorption depends on the chemical properties of both the sorbent and the DOM itself. In general, DOM from decomposed organic materials inhibited P sorption to a greater extent than did DOM derived from fresh materials. This stronger inhibition highlights the importance of microbial processes in the release of soluble soil P, a key determinant of P availability to plants.
Venous Obstruction: A Potential Complication of Transvenous Pacemaker Electrodes

Pervenous endocardial pacing using a self-contained, totally implantable system was popularized in this country by Chardack 1 in 1965 and subsequently has become the established mode of permanent pacing. Although this intervention may be lifesaving, it is not without risk. Occlusion of major vessels incited by the presence of a pacing electrode is an extremely rare occurrence. We describe four patients who had occlusion of the axillary or subclavian veins or of the superior vena cava due to pervenous pacing electrodes. We review the literature of previous observation of venous occlusion and thromboembolic complications due to pervenous pacemakers, describe the clinical features accompanying venous obstruction, and review pathophysiology and proposals for treatment. The use of noninvasive radionuclide venography serves as a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of venous obstruction from pacing catheters.
Study of the paraelectric behavior of OH− ions in alkali halides with optical and caloric methods-I. Statics of dipole alignment*

Abstract The electric field induced alignment of substitutional OH− ions in a variety of alkali halide crystals was studied, using electro-optical and electro-caloric techniques. As basis for the electro-optical studies, the u.v. absorption of OH− in various crystals was thoroughly investigated at different temperatures, and in several cases oscillator strength values were determined. The energy position of the u.v. absorption of OH− in 13 alkali halides follows closely an Ivery-relation, which is discussed in terms of a charge-transfer model. The observed electric field induced zero-moment changes of the u.v. absorption, which depend strongly on light polarization, field direction and temperature, can be quantitatively accounted for by a paraelectric alignment model of permanent dipoles with moment p. The anisotropy of the OH− electro-dichroism reveals dipole orientation in NaCl, KCl, KBr, RBCl, RbBr and RbI, orientation in KI, and orientation in CsBr. The determined dipole moment values p show little variation with the host material, which excludes sizeable contributions to p from off-center shifts of the OH− ion. The observed saturation of the electro-dichroism indicates a peculiar ‘mixed’ polarization behavior of the optical transition, which will be discussed. Reversible electro-caloric measurements, performed on several OH− systems, reveal a field dependence and anisotropy in the high field range, which yield dipole orientation and dipole moment values in agreement with the electrooptical results.
The global future of professional counseling: Collaboration for international social change

Abstract Social and economic institutions will continue to reconfigure as the world increases its interconnections. These changes offer challenges to the counselor and training programs which must be addressed for psychological fields to thrive. Projections into the future of the counseling profession are offered, along with means of becoming involved globally. The International Round Table for the Advancement of Counseling (IRTAC) is discussed in order to increase international collaboration. Practical areas of need and direction are presented as a way of guiding future counselors in their training programs.
Validation of COSMIC values of foF2 and M(3000)F2 using ground-based ionosondes

Abstract The COSMIC radio occultation values of the ionospheric F2 region peak parameters are a potential source of ground-truth data for validation of global ionospheric models. They should therefore be validated against reliable ground-truth observations such as manually scaled ionograms from ground-based vertical incidence (VI) ionosondes. We have therefore used the manually scaled hourly ionospheric characteristics from the Australian ionosonde network for this purpose. A comparison of the COSMIC F2 peak density, NmF2, against the values of the maximum plasma frequency, foF2, scaled from the Australian ionosondes showed very good agreement, with an RMS error in foF2 at mid latitudes of ∼0.5 MHz. The ionograms from the Australian ionosondes are manually processed so the plasma frequency profile and the value of hmF2, the altitude corresponding to foF2, are not routinely provided. However, the ionograms do provide observations of M(3000)F2, the obliquity factor for a 3000 km communications circuit, which is well correlated with hmF2. We have therefore compared observed and COSMIC values of M(3000)F2. The latter are derived from numerical ionograms calculated for the COSMIC profiles. Because of the known uncertainties in the COSMIC profiles, we have applied some stringent acceptance procedures to them, especially for the M(3000)F2 analysis. These acceptance procedures are all automated, reducing the possibility of biased data selection.
Size effect of hematite and corundum inclusions on the efflorescence relative humidities of aqueous ammonium nitrate particles

[1] The influence of relative humidity (RH) and mineral dust inclusions on the physical state of NH4NO3/H2O particles is investigated through infrared aerosol flow tube experiments. Neat submicron aqueous particles do not effloresce, while those bearing mineral inclusions ranging from 150 to 400 nm in diameter effloresce between 3 and 10% RH at 298 K. NH4NO3/H2O coatings are achieved on hematite (α-Fe2O3), corundum (α-Al2O3), mullite (Al6Si2O13), and amorphous silica (am-SiO2) through a HNO3 vaporization-condensation technique followed by neutralization with NH3. The extent of internal mixing in the aerosol ranges from 7 to 27% depending on the mineral dust diameter. The size-dependent efflorescence results are successfully rationalized within the framework of an active-site model, and the physical parameters obtained from the model optimization are consistent with previous work on the efflorescence of (NH4)2SO4/H2O by these mineral dusts. Evidence is presented for a mechanism of heterogeneous nucleation that proceeds by chemisorption of nitrate at the surface of the oxide minerals followed by epitaxial germ formation of crystalline NH4NO3, all of which is driven by the saturation of the aqueous solution with respect to the solid.
Comparison of Light Emitting Diodes in a Space Radiation Environment

The effect of electron irradiation on different types of commercially available light emitting diodes has been investigated. The following phenomena were studied as a function of electron fluences up to 1015 e/cm2: changes in light intensity vs. voltage and current voltage characteristics, lens darkening and surface effects. The following materials were investigated in order of increasing radiation resistance: epitaxial GaAs, diffused GaAs, GaP, GaAsl-xPx and SiC. Two types of pulsed GaAs laser diodes and a continuously operated YAG:Nd laser rod were also irradiated. The two most sensitive devices, epitaxial GaAs light emitting diodes and YAG:Nd lasers, showed significant losses in light output at fluences below 1012e/cm2
Physical studies with adenovirus hexon antigens.

Abstract Purified hexon antigens were prepared from adenovirus infected cell cultures of types 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, and 12. Molecular size was determined by molecular sieve chromatography. Types 2, 5, 6, 7, and 12 had molecular weights ranging from 182,000–204,000 ± 10%. Type 1 hexon antigen yielded a value of 236,000 ± 10%. These data are in agreement with Valentine and Pereira's (2) calculated value of 210,000. Sedimentation constants of 10.6–11.4 were obtained with hexon antigens of types 2 and 12. The sedimentation coefficients were compatible with the molecular size determinations. The physical and serological characteristics of the hexon antigens were described and discussed.
The chemostat with lateral gene transfer

We investigate the standard chemostat model when lateral gene transfer is taken into account. We will show that when the different genotypes have growth rate functions that are sufficiently close to a common growth rate function, and when the yields of the genotypes are sufficiently close to a common value, then the population evolves to a globally stable steady state, at which all genotypes coexist. These results can explain why the antibiotic-resistant strains persist in the pathogen population.
Gender differences in the effects of ethanol on C57BL/6 mice.

Abstract The influence of gender on the stimulatory and depressant effects of ethanol was examined in C57BL/6 (C57) mice. In Experiment 1, locomotor activity was assessed in young (2-month-old) male and female mice injected intraperitoneally (IP) with stimulatory (1.5 g/kg) or depressant (2.5 g/kg) doses of ethanol. Both the stimulatory and the depressive effects of ethanol were greater in young male than female C57 mice, and the gender difference was unrelated to blood ethanol concentration (BEC). In Experiment 2, older (9-month-old) male and female mice were given ethanol (2.5 g/kg) either by IP injection or gavage to determine if the gender differences in BEC and ethanol effects observed in the first experiment depended upon the route of ethanol administration. In this experiment, ethanol reduced locomotor activity more in males than females whether given by gavage or IP injection, and the males had higher BECs than females at the time of testing. Thus, the differences in the behavioral effects of ethanol appeared to be related to BEC. The greater depressive effect of ethanol on older male mice in this experiment is consistent with an earlier report of prolonged ethanol-hypnosis in older male C57 mice. Therefore, differences in BEC could account for the gender differences in the behavioral effects of ethanol on older but not young mice. The gender difference in BEC of mice obtained in the present and earlier reports is opposite to that reported for humans. Although the present study does not clarify what accounts for this species difference, it eliminates the route of administration as a plausible explanation, and establishes that females were less affected than males to either the stimulatory or the depressive effects of ethanol.