cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective toxicity of dihydroartemisinin and holotransferrin toward human breast cancer cells

Artemisinin becomes cytotoxic in the presence of ferrous iron. Since iron influx is high in cancer cells, artemisinin and its analogs selectively kill cancer cells under conditions that increase intracellular iron concentrations. We report here that after incubation with holotransferrin, which increases the concentration of ferrous iron in cancer cells, dihydroartemisinin, an analog of artemisinin, effectively killed a type of radiation-resistant human breast cancer cell in vitro. The same treatment had considerably less effect on normal human breast cells. Since it is relatively easy to increase the iron content inside cancer cells in vivo, administration of artemisinin-like drugs and intracellular iron-enhancing compounds may be a simple, effective, and economical treatment for cancer.
Where ethics and politics meet

I examine the role of humanitarianism and compassion in an emergent ethical configuration that makes illness a primary means by which undocumented immigrants obtain legal residency (“papers”) in France. I argue that the sacred place of biological integrity in this ethical discourse leads immigrants to trade in biological integrity for political recognition. I demonstrate first how humanitarianism has been transformed into a form of politics, functioning as a transnational system of governance tied to capital and labor even while purporting to be apolitical. I focus in the second half of the article on the consequences of humanitarianism as politics, which include new biopolitical practices, unexpected diseased and disabled citizens, and a limited version of what it means to be human.
BAND sensor for biodefense

SAIC?s BAND sensor is an automated system for collecting and analyzing urban air samples to detect airborne biological threats. Microbial threat detection uses highly-multiplexed PCR with microarray fluorescence readout. Toxin detection employs an antibody assay.
Crack direction effects along copper/sapphire interfaces

Abstract The Rice-Thomson model is used to predict the directional toughness of a copper/sapphire interface, consisting of a {221} face of a copper crystal bonded to a basal sapphire surface. Specimens of this type are subsequently tested, in the form of a layered beam (having two opposing cracking directions) subject to four-point bending and confirm the theoretical predictions. A general observation is that the ductile or brittle response of a crack on a metal/ceramic interface is strongly dependent on the relative orientation of available slip planes to the existing crack plane and growth direction. This conclusion is consistent with earlier results by Wand and Anderson on symmetric tilt grain boundaries in copper and explains, for example, why brittle cracking occurs in the [ 1 14 ] direction along the {221} interface of a tensile-loaded copper bicrystal, but along the opposite [ 1 14 ] direction in bending-loaded copper/sapphire specimens with mixed mode conditions at the crack tips.
Radionuclide angiography in congenital heart disease

Cardiac nuclear imaging (radionuclide angiography, electrocardiographic gated ventriculography and myocardial scintigraphy) provides structural and functional information simultaneously. This method extracts accurate quantitation of cardiovascular hemodynamics and unique information regarding myocardial perfusion. It is a reliable and relatively simple and atraumatic technique because the only discomfort to the patient is a simple intravenous injection. These studies are carried out rapidly in out- or inpatients. Radionuclide angiography is ideal also to assess the effect of exercise, oxygen or drugs on cardiac function. The radiation exposure associated with current nuclear imaging is within the range of common radiographic procedures and many times lower than that of cardiac catheterization. The use of newer radionuclides such as iridium-191m with a physical half-life of 4.96 seconds will result in a dramatic decrease in the radiation exposure to patients undergoing radionuclide angiography. Also, newer and smaller computerized gamma cameras will provide studies of improved spatial resolution and accuracy. The future of pediatric applications of cardiac nuclear imaging is bright.
Improved signal design for bandwidth efficient multiple access

The problem of optimizing signals for the Gaussian multiple access channel under a quality of service (QoS) constraint is addressed. In particular, the bandwidth efficient multiple access (BEMA) approach (Varanasi, M.K. and Guess, T., IEEE Trans. Commun., vol.49,no.5, p.844-54, 2001) is considered, wherein signals are designed at the base station and fed back to, and for use by, uplink transmitters, in order to minimize a strict bandwidth while ensuring that each user meets a rate-specified QoS constraint. A new recursive, greedy algorithm for signal design is proposed that exactly meets the QoS requirements. Preliminary analysis and numerical examples suggest it is optimal.
Immobilization of U(VI) from oxic groundwater by Hanford 300 Area sediments and effects of Columbia River water

Regions within the U.S. Department of Energy Hanford 300 Area (300 A) site experience periodic hydrologic influences from the nearby Columbia River as a result of changing river stage, which causes changes in groundwater elevation, flow direction and water chemistry. An important question is the extent to which the mixing of Columbia River water and groundwater impacts the speciation and mobility of uranium (U). In this study, we designed experiments to mimic interactions among U, oxic groundwater or Columbia River water, and 300 A sediments in the subsurface environment of Hanford 300 A. The goals were to investigate mechanisms of: 1) U immobilization in 300 A sediments under bulk oxic conditions and 2) U remobilization from U-immobilized 300 A sediments exposed to oxic Columbia River water. Initially, 300 A sediments in column reactors were fed with U(VI)-containing oxic 1) synthetic groundwater (SGW), 2) organic-amended SGW (OA-SGW), and 3) de-ionized (DI) water to investigate U immobilization processes. After that, the sediments were exposed to oxic Columbia River water for U remobilization studies. The results reveal that U was immobilized by 300 A sediments predominantly through reduction (80-85%) when the column reactor was fed with oxic OA-SGW. However, U was immobilized by 300 A sediments through adsorption (100%) when the column reactors were fed with oxic SGW or DI water. The reduced U in the 300 A sediments fed with OA-SGW was relatively resistant to remobilization by oxic Columbia River water. Oxic Columbia River water resulted in U remobilization (∼7%) through desorption, and most of the U that remained in the 300 A sediments fed with OA-SGW (∼93%) was in the form of uraninite nanoparticles. These results reveal that: 1) the reductive immobilization of U through OA-SGW stimulation of indigenous 300 A sediment microorganisms may be viable in the relatively oxic Hanford 300 A subsurface environments and 2) with the intrusion of Columbia River water, desorption may be the primary process resulting in U remobilization from OA-SGW-stimulated 300 A sediments at the subsurface of the Hanford 300 A site.
Automatic Task Re-organization in MapReduce

MapReduce is increasingly considered as a useful parallel programming model for large-scale data processing. It exploits parallelism among execution of primitive map and reduce operations. Hadoop is an open source implementation of MapReduce that has been used in both academic research and industry production. However, its implementation strategy that one map task processes one data block limits the degree of concurrency and degrades performance because of inability to fully utilize available resources. In addition, its assumption that task execution time in each phase does not vary much does not always hold, which makes speculative execution useless. In this paper, we present mechanisms to dynamically split and consolidate tasks to cope with load balancing and break through the concurrency limit resulting from fixed task granularity. For single-job systems, two algorithms are proposed for circumstances where prior knowledge is known and unknown. For multi-job cases, we propose a modified shortest-job-first strategy, which minimizes job turnaround time theoretically when combined with task splitting. We compared the effectiveness of our approach to the default task scheduling strategy using both synthesized and trace-based workloads. Simulation results show that our approach improves performance significantly.
Adenovirus-mediated inducible nitric oxide synthase gene transfer inhibits hepatocyte apoptosis ☆ ☆☆

Abstract Background: Apoptosis limits hepatocyte viability in bioartificial livers in vitro and may contribute to liver dysfunction in vivo. Nitric oxide (NO) inhibits hepatocyte apoptosis; however, methods to deliver NO in a sustained manner to hepatocytes are limited. Here, we tested the feasibility of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) gene transfer as an approach to deliver an intracellular source of NO to inhibit spontaneous and tumor necrosis factor–α(TNF-α)–induced apoptosis in cultured hepatocytes. Methods: An adenoviral vector carrying the human iNOS gene (AdiNOS) was used to overexpress iNOS in cultured rat hepatocytes. Spontaneous apoptosis was induced by prolonged culture (4 days), and stimulated apoptosis was induced by exposure to TNF-α + actinomycin D (TNF-α+ActD). Nitrite (NO 2 – ), cell viability, and cellular caspase-3-like protease activity were measured. Results: AdiNOS gene transfer resulted in sustained NO production and protected hepatocytes from spontaneous and TNF-α+ActD–induced apoptosis. Apoptosis was associated with increases in caspase-3-like protease activity, which was suppressed by iNOS gene transfer in an NO-dependent manner. Dithiothreitol partially reversed the NO-induced suppression of caspase-3-like activity, which is consistent with S-nitrosylation of caspase-3. Conclusions: Adenovirus-mediated iNOS gene transfer effectively blocks spontaneous and TNF-α+ActD–induced cell killing in hepatocytes. iNOS gene transfer could be used to suppress apoptotic hepatocyte death in vitro and possibly in vivo.(Surgery 1998;124:278-83.)
A Secure Routing Protocol for Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

Ad hoc networks, which do not rely on infrastructure such as access points or base stations, can be deployed rapidly and inexpensively even in situations with geographical or time constraints. Ad hoc networks have attractive applications in both military and disaster situations and also in commercial uses like sensor networks or conferencing. However, the nature of ad hoc networks makes them vulnerable to attacks, especially in the routing protocol. How to protect an ad hoc routing protocol is an important research topic. In this paper, we present an on-demand secure routing protocol for ad hoc networks based on a distributed authentication mechanism. The protocol makes use of recommendation and trust evaluation to establish a trust relationship between network entities and uses feedback to adjust it. The protocol does not need the support of a trusted third party and can discover multiple routes between two nodes.
E-business solutions in the mobile advertisement

This paper aims at developing implementable e-business solutions to accelerate the adoption of information systems in the m-advertising industry. First, an e-business integrated customer chain model was developed for the m-advertising industry. A list of implementable e-business solutions was developed based on decomposition of this model. Then, the top 25 advertising companies were studied in terms of their implementation pattern of e-business solutions. Implementation on these solution items ranged from 16% to 66% for the top 25 companies. The findings on pattern analyses in the current research are beneficial to decision makers and managers in m-advertising companies. The study concludes that the implementable e-business solutions developed in this paper are crucial to accelerate the adoption of information technology for the m-advertising industry in the near future.
Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication as an Integrative Model

This article describes a model of communication known as crisis and emergency risk communication (CERC). The model is outlined as a merger of many traditional notions of health and risk communication with work in crisis and disaster communication. The specific kinds of communication activities that should be called for at various stages of disaster or crisis development are outlined. Although crises are by definition uncertain, equivocal, and often chaotic situations, the CERC model is presented as a tool health communicators can use to help manage these complex events.
Transdermal Estrogen Replacement Therapy Decreases Sympathetic Activity in Postmenopausal Women

Background—Menopause heralds a dramatic increase in incident hypertension, suggesting a protective effect of estrogen on blood pressure (BP). In female rats, estrogen has been shown to decrease sympathetic nerve discharge (SND) and BP. SND, however, has not been recorded during estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in humans. Methods and Results—In 12 normotensive postmenopausal women, we conducted a randomized crossover placebo-controlled study to test whether chronic ERT caused a sustained decrease in SND and BP. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory BP, SND, and arterial baroreflex sensitivity were measured before and after 8 weeks of transdermal estradiol (200 μg/d), oral conjugated estrogens (0.625 mg/d), or placebo. To test the acute effects of estrogen on SND, additional studies were performed in the same women receiving intravenous conjugated estrogens or sublingual estradiol. After 8 weeks of transdermal ERT, the basal rate of SND decreased by 30% (from 40±4 to 27±4 bursts per minute, P=0.0001) and ambulatory...
Dehydroepiandrosterone in songbird plasma: seasonal regulation and relationship to territorial aggression

Many male animals are territorial in the breeding season, when plasma testosterone (T) levels are high, and nonterritorial in the nonbreeding season, when plasma T levels are basal. In contrast to this common pattern, male song sparrows (Melospiza melodia morphna) are territorial year-round, except briefly during molt. Song sparrows are highly aggressive in the nonbreeding season (autumn and winter), even though plasma T, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione (AE), and 17beta-estradiol levels are undetectable (<or=0.1 ng/ml). Castration has no effect on nonbreeding territoriality. However, aromatase inhibitors decrease aggression in the nonbreeding season, indicating a role for estrogens in winter. The androgenic substrate for brain aromatase in winter is unclear, because plasma T and AE levels are basal. Here, we measured plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA is a precursor to AE and T, and the avian brain can convert DHEA into sex steroids. In nonbreeding male song sparrows, plasma levels of DHEA were detectable and several times higher than plasma AE and T levels. Plasma DHEA levels were similar in the breeding and nonbreeding seasons, but significantly lower during molt, which parallels seasonal changes in male aggression. Adrenal glands and testes from nonbreeding males had high concentrations of DHEA, suggesting that both tissues may secrete DHEA. However, stress and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) did not increase plasma DHEA in nonbreeding birds. We hypothesize that in the nonbreeding season, circulating DHEA, possibly of adrenal origin, is converted into active sex steroids by steroidogenic enzymes in the brain. This mechanism would create high local levels of sex steroids in the brain to support winter aggression.
Association Between Genetic Polymorphisms in the Prostate-Specific Antigen Gene Promoter and Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen Levels

BACKGROUND Recent evidence suggests that genetic variation in the promoter of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) gene may contribute to individual variation in serum PSA levels. However, polymorphisms associated with variations in PSA levels have not been identified. METHODS We used the polymerase chain reaction to amplify the promoter region of the PSA genes (nucleotide positions -3873 to -5749 with respect to the start of transcription) of 409 healthy white men at risk for lung disease. Polymerase chain reaction products were sequenced to identify polymorphisms in the PSA gene promoter and to genotype the men for common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and were cloned into luciferase reporter constructs to assay PSA promoter activity in human LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Analysis of variance was used to test the association of polymorphism frequencies with mean serum PSA levels. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS The -4643G/A SNP (G allele) had a 21.2% prevalence and was associated with increases in serum PSA levels (P =.017) and PSA promoter activity (P<.001). The -5412C/T SNP (C allele) had a 22.0% prevalence and was associated with an increase in serum PSA levels (P =.0015). The -5429T/G SNP (G allele) had a 23.0% prevalence, was associated with an increase in serum PSA levels (P =.021), and was in linkage disequilibrium with the -5412C/T SNP. The promoter activity of the -5412 C/-5429 G haplotype was higher than that of the -5412 T/-5429 T haplotype (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Genetic variations in the PSA promoter are associated with serum PSA levels in men without prostatic disease. PSA promoter genotype information may help to refine models of PSA cutoff values.
Incentive Schemes in Peer-to-Peer Networks

In this paper we study the optimal file-sharing mechanism in a peer-to-peer network with a mechanism design perspective. This mechanism improves upon existing incentive schemes. In particular, we show that peer-approved scheme is never optimal and service-quality scheme is optimal only under certain circumstances. Moreover, we find that the optimal mechanism can be implemented by a mixture of peer-approved and service-quality schemes.
Dynamics of magnetic domain walls with loosely spaced vertical Bloch lines

The dynamics of a magnetic domain wall containing vertical Bloch lines (VBLs) has been investigated using numerical methods. The wall is of the kind found in thin-film materials with a large anisotropy perpendicular to the plane of the film. The VBLs are all of the same chirality and are periodically repeated along the wall at equal spacing. The wall is driven by an applied field perpendicular to the film plane and the VBLs move gyrotropically. Both the wall and VBLs, starting from an equilibrium shape, soon attain a constant velocity. Distortion of the wall and structure from the equilibrium shape is evident and increases with field. The wall and VBL velocity both increase with field but neither are linear so that the ratio of VBL velocity to wall velocity decreases with applied field. For an applied field extrapolated to zero, the wall velocity agrees with the value predicted by the analytical rigid wall model and the ratio decreases by 50% for higher fields because of the distortion. >
Immunocytochemical localization of plant secondary metabolites and the enzymes involved in their biosynthesis

This review highlights the basic principles involved in the immunocytochemical localization of plant secondary metabolites and their enzymes. It summarizes the methods commonly used for the preparation of antigens and characterization of antibodies, and describes the different immunocytochemical detection systems. In addition, the recent reports on immunolocalization of plant secondary metabolites and their enzymes are briefly discussed.
The Platelet-Fibrin Relationship in Human Blood Clots: An Ultrastructural Study Utilizing Ferritin-Conjugated Anti-Human Fibrinogen Antibody

An ultrastructural study of clots formed in recalcified platelet-rich, human plasma has revealed an intimate platelet-fibrin association. A number of the dense platelet granules, the alpha granules, formed an osmophilic mass in the center of platelets undergoing viscous metamorphosis. Fibrin strands appeared to be connected to the altered alpha granulomere of these platelets. The observed association between fibrin strands and platelets in the clot was supported by experiments with an electron dense stain for fibrinogen. Clots formed from platelet-rich plasma preincubated with fer-A.F. antibody contained altered platelets with an intracellular distribution of the ferritin conjugated antibody. Connections between intracellular fer-A.F. antibody and fibrin strands periodically banded by the ferritin stain were observed. These observations indicate that the altered platelet granulomere attached to fibrin strands may play a role in clot retraction.
Neonatal respiratory distress following elective delivery. A preventable disease

Twelve per cent of all infants with respiratory distress admitted to our neonatal intensive-care unit from November, 1973 to April, 1974, were born after elective intervention (15 cesarean sections and four vaginal inductions). All were white and 18/19 were private compared to yearly admissions of white (56 per cent) and private (57 per cent). Eighteen of 19 were admitted from the region via the transport service. Mean birth weight was 2.69 kilograms, with 18 infants over 2 kilograms. Pediatric gestational age from a physical and neurological evaluation ranged from 32 to 39 weeks (mean 36.2 weeks) in contrast to obstetric dating which ranged from 38 to 44 weeks (mean 39 weeks). The obstetric dating was 3 or more weeks greater than the pediatric age in 11 infants. Pulmonary disease included transient tachypnea (5) and respiratory distress syndrome (14). No prior documentation of pulmonary maturity had been obtained in any of these infants. Mean hospitalization was 23 days (range 1 to 140), with estimated costs of $3,421 per baby. Two infants died. Respiratory distress following elective delivery remains a potent source of on-going perinatal morbidity. Regional programs must direct increased educational efforts to eliminate this preventable disease.
Inhibition of effects of leukemogenic viruses in mice by extracts of Mercenaria mercenaria.

SummaryAmmonium sulfate extracts of Mercenaria mercenaria were prepared and partially purified by Sephadex® G-25 column chromatography. This extract was tested for inhibition of murine leukemias induced by Moloney and Friend viruses. The extract prolonged the mean survival time in animals inoculated with Moloney virus transplantable leukemia. The extract also inhibited the splenomegalic response in animals infected with Friend virus, but did not extend longevity of this latter group.
Anorexia nervosa: an overview.

This brief overview of anorexia nervosa, which includes a description of the history, behavioral and medical symptoms, medical complications, and treatment, emphasizes the importance of obtaining a thorough history to establish an early diagnosis in patients who do not have the usual physical appearance of emaciation characteristic of this disorder.
Characterizing Groundwater Using Controlled Source Audio Frequency Domain Magnetics

Traditional methods for determining the potential flow paths of subsurface pollution require extensive drilling a time-consuming process which results in significant expense and environmental trauma. The minimally invasive imaging procedure detailed in this presentation generates accurate groundwater maps and models but requires significantly less drilling. As a result, this method entails fewer costs in terms of time, money and ecological disruption. Initial case studies indicate that this procedure may be particularly well suited to the task of environmental remediation. This procedure relies on the principles of Controlled Source Audio Frequency Domain Magnetics (CS-AFDM). First, electrodes charge the groundwater in question with a low voltage electrical current. As the current passes through the water between the electrodes, it emits a magnetic field whose size, shape, magnitude and direction are characteristic of the surrounding aqueous system (Biot-Savart Law). This field is then read at the surface by a specially tuned receiver, ultimately resulting in maps and models that indicate the attributes of the subsurface water network, including potential flow paths.
Influence of Cortisone on Leptomeningeal Reaction Induced by Talc.

SummaryEighteen rabbits received intrathecal injections of 1.0 cc of talc suspension and were sacrificed 15 days later. Eight rabbits were untreated, serving as controls. These developed a meningeal reaction consisting of the appearance of histiocytes, macrophages, and giant cells. Ten animals treated with daily injections of 5 and 10 mg cortisone/kg showed a marked diminution of the meningeal response. Preliminary experiments with the use of hydrocortisone, injected intrathecally (10 mg) on the 1st and 7th days, also suggest diminution of the meningeal response to talc, though not as striking as with the use of intramuscular cortisone.
Patient surveillance after curative-intent treatment for ovarian cancer: What motivates clinicians?

e15528 Background: In the US, ovarian cancer is diagnosed in > 20,000 women and causes >13,000 deaths each year. After curative-intent initial treatment, surveillance is common. Marked variation in surveillance intensity has been documented, suggesting overuse and/or underuse of resources. We sought to determine what factors motivate gynecologic oncologists as they design their surveillance strategies. Methods: A survey about ovarian cancer surveillance after initial treatment was mailed to all 943 members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists. The survey included 14 questions about putative motivating factors. Responses were submitted on a 10-level Likert scale. Motivating factors were ranked by the percent of responses for each of the ten levels. Results: 323 of the 943 (34%) responded; 283 responses were evaluable. “Current literature documents significant survival benefits” was the weakest motivating factor. Conclusions: The table below is consistent with the lack of evidence that any particular s...
“Governor of the House of Pancake”: A content analysis of the political framing of Chris Christie’s size in online news media

ABSTRACTNew Jersey governor and presidential candidate Chris Christie exemplifies the epitome of stigma against fatness in a political candidate. Since Christie became newsworthy several years ago, political journalists, other political candidates, cartoonists, comedians, and social commentators often have satirized his weight. In order to investigate the extent of political weight stigma, a content analysis was conducted of 319 online news stories about Chris Christie between 2011 and 2014 identifying 1,490 fat references from political commentators and the public. Over 80% of the 1,490 comments were stigmatizing references to his weight. The most common expression of stigma was negative attribution about Christie’s character associated with large size followed by unflattering metaphors to describe Christie. In every case where political commentators made stigmatizing weight comments, numerous stigmatizing weight comments were posted by the public. This result poses a question for responsible political j...
A 3-stage recursive Weaver image-reject receiver

A low-power Weaver image-reject receiver based on 3rd-order signal recursion is demonstrated. The design employs two downconverters and seeks to enhance the dynamic range and gain-bandwidth product per unit power dissipation metric by adopting recursive gain reuse at multiple frequencies. Utilizing an LO at frequency fLO, the downconverter recursively amplifies an RF signal at fRF at 3 distinct frequencies, namely fRF, fRF - fLO and fRF - 2 fLO, while using the same DC bias current. Further, the receiver uses the same quadrature mixers to perform the two frequency translations. The design is implemented in a 130 nm CMOS process. Over a current range from 650 µA to 2 mA, employing a supply voltage of 1.2V, the design achieves a corresponding conversion gain in the range from 57.2–82.7 dB, flicker noise corner < 20 kHz, and a SSBNF of 13.6–6.8 dB for fRF = 404/434 MHz, in each downconverter. The architecture is suitable for application in a low-IF MICS/ISM band receiver, and low-power sensor applications.
Using Forecasts of Future Incidents to Evaluate Future ATM System Designs

This paper describes and illustrates the use of a general methodology for knowledge elicitation to enable better prediction of the human factors implications of future system designs. Specifically, this approach involves the following steps:1. Identifying critical factors that could influence performance in the future system.2. Using this list of factors to predict incidents that could plausibly arise in the future system.3. Designing realistic, detailed incident reports based on these predicted incidents.4. Asking a group of experienced practitioners representing different perspectives in the current system to act as a review team by evaluating a reported incident and identifying the important issues and implications it raises.5. Using the insights generated by the discussions of the review team to provide guidance in making decisions about the implementation of the future system.To illustrate the use of this methodology, a scenario was developed. This scenario was based on experiences with the expanded ...
Probation officer use of client-centered communication strategies in adult probation settings

Growing research identifies the importance of communication between probation officers and probationers. The current study examines use of motivational, client-centered communication strategies in ...
Raid organization and behavioral development in the slave-making antPolyergus lucidus Mayr

Mixed-species colonies ofPolyergus lucidus andFormica schaufussi were studied in New York. Slave raids were conducted in late afternoon, past the peak in diurnal temperature. Multiple raids on differentFormica colonies were common, as were re-raids on the same colony. In laboratory nests, about 75% of the raidedFormica brood was eaten.
Synthesis and biological activities of C-glycosides of KRN 7000 with novel ceramide residues

The identification of immunoactive agents for clinical and mechanistic applications is a very active area of research. In this vein, analogues of the potent immunostimulant KRN 7000 with diverse cytokine profiles have attracted considerable attention. These compounds have been shown to activate iNKT cells via presentation by CD1d. Herein, we report on the synthesis and activity for four new C-glycosides of KRN 7000, 11-phenylundecanoyl and 11-p-fluorophenylundecanoyl derivatives of C-KRN 7000, 2,3-bis-epi-C-KRN 7000 and the reverse amide of C-KRN 7000. In mice, compared to C-KRN 7000, 2,3-bis-epi-C-KRN 7000 stimulated higher release of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and lower release of the inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and IL-12. The phenyl terminated alkanoyl and reverse amide analogues were inactive. These data suggest that structure activity effects for KRN 7000 are not necessarily additive and their use in the design of new analogues will require an improved understanding of how subtle structural changes impact on cytokine activity.
Erythrocyte glycolysis in patients with malignant neoplasms and other chronic diseases.

The rate of erythrocyte glycolysis of blood from normal volunteers was 12.0 mg.% glucose consumed/hr with 5 x 10 6 Rbc/cu.mm. The mean glycolytic rate of blood from tumor patients (14.5 mg.% glucose consumed/hr. with 5 x 10 6 Rbc/cu.mm.) and from patients with other chronic diseases (17.4 mg.% glucose consumed/hr. with 5 x 10 6 Rbc/cu.mm.) was found to be greater to a statistically significant degree than that of normals in the absence of reticulocytosis. This suggests that the red cell population of the patients with neoplastic and chronic diseases may be younger than that of normal subjects and that only some of the young cells have demonstrable reticulum.
Lung Transplantation for Connective Tissue Disease-Associated Lung Disease

Despite appropriate immunosuppressive management, pulmonary disease progression resulting in respiratory failure will occur in 9–12 % of connective tissue disease patients with interstitial lung disease. Additionally, pulmonary arterial hypertension in some connective tissue disease patients responds poorly to vasoactive treatment and carries a dismal prognosis. Lung transplantation has been a viable treatment option for patients with connective tissue disease (CTD)-associated respiratory failure for several decades, and these patients have comparable outcomes to non-CTD patients with similar pulmonary pathophysiology. Connective tissue disease patients present a unique challenge to the transplant physician owing to their multisystem disease. Specifically, medication concerns, esophageal and foregut pathology, as well as other extrapulmonary manifestations need to be considered in the lung transplant candidate with CTD. In this chapter, we discuss the general background behind lung transplantation as well as indications, contraindications, outcomes, and specific referral recommendations for the CTD patient with end-stage lung disease.
Supervised Balance Training and Wii Fit-Based Exercises Lower Falls Risk in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes.

Abstract Objectives This study examined the benefits of and differences between 12 weeks of thrice-weekly supervised balance training and an unsupervised at-home balance activity (using the Nintendo Wii Fit) for improving balance and reaction time and lowering falls risk in older individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Design Before-after trial. Setting University research laboratory, home environment. Participants Sixty-five older adults with type 2 diabetes were recruited for this study. Participants were randomly allocated to either supervised balance training (mean age 67.8 ± 5.2) or unsupervised training using the Nintendo Wii Fit balance board (mean age 66.1 ± 5.6). Intervention The training period for both groups lasted for 12 weeks. Individuals were required to complete three 40-minute sessions per week for a total of 36 sessions. Measurement The primary outcome measure was falls risk, which was as derived from the physiological profile assessment. In addition, measures of simple reaction time, lower limb proprioception, postural sway, knee flexion, and knee extension strength were also collected. Persons also self-reported any falls in the previous 6 months. Results Both training programs resulted in a significant lowering of falls risk (P Conclusions Overall, training led to a decrease in falls risk, which was driven by improvements in reaction times, lower limb proprioception, and general balance ability. Interestingly, the reduced falls risk occurred without significant changes in leg strength, suggesting that interventions to reduce falls risk that target intrinsic risk factors related to balance control (over muscle strength) may have positive benefits for the older adult with T2DM at risk for falls.
Regularity Conditions for Stationary Processes

In this chapter we characterize different regularity conditions introduced in the previous chapter in spectral terms. In §1 we characterize the minimal stationary processes and find the spectral density of the interpolation error process in terms of the spectral density of the initial process. In §2 we consider the angles between the past and the future of a stationary process. We characterize the processes with nonzero angles between the past and the future. In the next section we consider various regularity conditions for stationary processes (such as complete regularity, complete regularity of order a, p-regularity, etc.) and we characterize such regularity conditions in spectral terms. Note that the original proofs of these results were quite different for different regularity conditions; some proofs were quite complicated. In Peller and Khrushch6v [1] a single approach to all regularity conditions was found. This approach is based on Hankel operators and the results on best approximation given in Chapter 7 and it simplifies the original proofs. Finally, in §4 we consider several stronger regularity conditions and we also characterize them in spectral terms.
Umbilical Cord Coiling in High-risk Pregnancies: Associations With Determinants of Adverse Birth Outcomes and Iron Status

Abnormal umbilical cord coiling has been associated with adverse neonatal outcomes, but the etiology of these findings remains poorly characterized. This study was undertaken to examine association...
Molecular Analysis of Photoprotection of Photosynthesis

Plants have diverse defense mechanisms against high light stress. Plants can reduce absorption of light energy through chloroplast avoidance and antenna size reduction. However, the capacity of the avoidance and the antenna size reduction for protection is limited, so that plants often absorb more energy than they can use. Therefore, plants need mechanisms to deal with this excess absorbed light energy, such as harmless thermal dissipation by feedback de-excitation. The transthylakoid pH gradient, xanthophyll cycle, PsbS, and other light-harvesting complex proteins are required for this thermal dissipation. In addition, alternative electron transport allows electrons to pass to acceptors other than CO2, thereby relieving overreduction of electron transport components in high light conditions. To detoxify reactive oxygen species that are inevitably produced during high light stress, plants have antioxidants including carotenoids, ascorbate, and tocopherols. In spite of these photoprotective mechanisms, photodamage may still occur, and efficient repair of damaged systems could be a photoprotective mechanism. In this chapter, recently published molecular genetics studies on each step of photoprotection have been reviewed. Genes required for each defense mechanism that have been identified thus far are introduced, and cloned genes that can possibly be related to photoprotection are discussed.
Friends and Peers

Children enter the world of peer interaction and friendships soon after their first birthdays. Children who belong to cultural communities that include early and continuous contact with mates of similar age as part of their practices become sophisticated in their social interactions and form important and stable friendships. When the peer group includes diverse children, early social contacts and friendships are cross-gender and cross-ethnic in composition.
Hope in Adult Development among Afro-Americans.

The intent of this particular line of research is to determine the extent to which perceived racial discrimination affects the vocational and social aspirations of young black adults living in the urban North. It is contended that the period between adolescence and mid-young adulthood marks a very critical period of development for certain black young adults experiencing direct racial discrimination and social inequities. Blacks perceiving themselves in racially inequitable situations will initially demonstrate their concerns in a stressful manner. How the young black copes with perceived inequity in the work world will significantly affect future occupations and social attainments. The research analyses of black achievement orientation and occupational aspirations has produced a good deal of controversy in recent years. Studies have shown a low achievement orientation for blacks while other research has demonstrated incongruously high levels of vocational and social aspirations (Kirkpatrick, 1973; Kuvlesky and Thomas, 1971). The high level of vocational-social aspiration among
Anti-HMG-CoA reductase myopathy, an undesirable evolution of statin induced myopathy: a case report

Statins are commonly used lipid lowering agents which play a pivotal role in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Often well tolerated, these HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) inhibitors can sometimes cause severe muscle weakness and elevated creatinine kinase (CK) often labeled as statin intolerance or statin induced myopathy. These symptoms improve after discontinuation of the offending drug along with normalization of the enzyme levels. However, an entity called Immune Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy (IMNM), a type of autoimmune mediated myopathy, has been recognized and characterized in patients with history of statin exposure where there is persistence of proximal muscle weakness, CK elevation and myofiber necrosis can be seen on muscle biopsy even after stopping statins. With the increased use of statins, there seems to be a higher incidence of IMNM cases in recent years. Here we discuss a case of anti-HMG-CoA myopathy, one of the three recognized types of IMNM that has been more commonly associated with statin exposure and highly responsive to immunotherapy.
Evaluation of tissue deformation during radiofrequency and microwave ablation procedures: Influence of output energy delivery.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to quantitatively analyze tissue deformation during radiofrequency (RF) and microwave ablation for varying output energy levels. METHODS A total of 46 fiducial markers which were classified into outer, middle, and inner lines were positioned into a single plane around an RF or microwave ablation applicator in each ex vivo bovine liver sample (8 cm × 6 cm × 4 cm, n = 18). Radiofrequency (500 kHz; ~35 W average) or microwave (2.4 GHz; 50-100 W output, ~35-70 W delivered) ablation was performed for 10 min (n = 4-6 each setting). CT images were acquired over the entire liver volume every 15 s. Principle strain magnitude and direction were determined from fiducial marker displacement. Normal and shear strain were then calculated such that negative strain denoted contraction and positive strain denoted expansion. Temporal variations, the final magnitudes, and angles of the strain were compared across energy delivery settings, using one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey's tests. RESULTS On average, tissue strain rates peak at around 1 min and decayed exponentially over time. No evidence of tissue expansion was observed. The tissue strains from RF and 50 W, 75 W, and 100 W microwave ablation at 10 min were -8.5%, -38.9%, -54.4%, and -65.7%, respectively, from the inner region and -3.6%, -23.7%, -41.8%, and -44.3%, respectively, from the outer region. Negative strain magnitude was positively correlated to energy delivery in the inner region (Spearman's ρ = -0.99). Microwaves at higher powers (75-100 W) induced significantly more strain than at lower power (50 W) or after RF ablation (P < 0.01). Principal strain angles ranged from 0.8° to -8.1°, indicating that tissue deformed more in the direction transverse to the applicator than along the direction of the applicator. CONCLUSIONS The influence of output energy on tissue deformation during RF and microwave ablation was analyzed. Microwave ablation created significantly greater contraction than RF ablation with similar energy delivery. During microwave ablation, more contraction was noted at higher power levels and in proximity to the antenna. Contraction primarily transverse to the antenna produces ablation zones that are more elongated than the original tissue volume.
Preliminary Study on Indoor Localization using Smartphone-Based IEEE 802.11mc

Indoor localization using a smartphone-based technique is the next generation of indoor navigation and tracking, leveraging the IEEE 802.11mc WiFi-based fine time measurement (FTM) capabilities. The technique enables GPS-like operation indoor by using smartphone devices embedded with WiFi round trip time (RTT) enabled chipset. FTM allows timestamping of send and receive events at the hardware level which in turn allows calculation of very accurate RTT to estimate distance. The technique is independent of infrastructure and is capable of networking and communicating through the formation of device clusters. Our indoor localization algorithms provide a localization error of less than 1.5m in 95% of the cases in typical university campus environments.
Autistic ontologies and the open genome

Abstract This chapter explores assumptions built into normal autism science, pointing out research findings that are anomalous in the Kuhnian sense because they challenge biomedical mechanism and determinism intrinsic to the dominant genetic paradigm. In so doing the chapter suggests new directions for an emergent ontology of autism based on the anomalous findings of the genetic paradigm. The ethics and politics of the dominant paradigm and the proposed emergent ontology are interrogated, and recommendations are made for more environmentally and socially responsive future research trajectories. Finally the chapter concludes by reflecting on the challenges inherent in negotiating the interactivities between biological and social systems in public policy, funded research, and advocacy messages.
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Samuel, Reputation, and Transition

An excellent reputation, a track record of success, and the ability to cast vision are the recipe for effective leadership. However, what if those qualities are not enough? What if the best decision a leader can make is the decision to step out of leadership? Sometimes, moving on is the most strategic decision that a leader can make. This chapter looks at what is arguably the most pivotal moment in the organizational life of the nation of Israel and discusses the power of transition in the organizational design.
Conservation in the Neotropics: A Final Reflection

Thanks to dedicated contributors, this book brings a diverse collection of ecosystem- and organismal-focused essays that inform conservation in diverse ways. How can we leverage this large, heterogeneous collective knowledge of the processes that underscore Neotropical diversification, and guide biodiversity management and preservation, in the tropical Americas? In this epilogue, I review how the data discussed in the book do so by (1) reporting on the status of Neotropical biological diversity today, (2) identifying geographical patterns of biodiversity distribution that guide conservation prioritization and management, (3) diagnosing ecological and evolutionary correlates of diversity, for use in system-wide monitoring, (4) shedding light on the historical and contemporary processes that define species ranges and hence ecosystem and evolutionary services, (5) clarifying the biological mechanisms that promote biodiversity generation, maintenance, and erosion, and (6) providing insight about the system’s behavior in response to environmental shifts over time. While the book demonstrates the power of combining and integrating data across multiple scientific fields to understand the processes and outcomes of diversification in the Neotropics, it also documents our collective concern about how to preserve these very same biodiversity patterns and processes. A trans-disciplinary effort is now needed to integrate these scientific data with the social and economical structure of the biodiverse areas we study and love. Ahead of us lies the challenging task of building a path to sustainability that takes into account the biological diversity, the history, the ecology, and the human component of the Neotropics.
Adverse Drug Effects in Patients with CKD: Primum Non Nocere.

Medications are an indispensable cornerstone of modern health care. Clinicians prescribe drugs in the treatment of innumerable medical conditions, whereas patients and the general population self-treat various maladies with over-the-counter medications and natural and herbal products. For the most