cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Autoimmune recurrent facial palsy and bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss following Ramsay Hunt-like syndrome.

Abstract Objective To describe the first published case of recurrent facial nerve palsy associated with bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss of autoimmune origin. Case report A 33-year-old male presented with acute facial palsy on the left following a vesicular herpetic eruption in the external ear canal on the same side. Serologic measurements demonstrated an elevation of IgM antibodies against herpes simplex virus but not for varicella-zoster virus, confirming a Ramsay Hunt-like syndrome due to herpes simplex virus. The following four months, the patient exhibited other three episodes of facial palsy, well responded to steroid treatment. During the clinical course, a sudden sensorineural hearing loss was also diagnosed, initially on the left side and then on both sides. The autoimmune markers such as the antinuclear antibody and the anti-gangliosides antibodies (anti-GM1, anti-GQ1b) were found positive. Despite steroid treatment, hearing did not show any improvement, remaining moderate on the right and severe on the left. Conclusion Recurrent facial nerve palsy and bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss could be the expression of autoimmune disturbances. The initial triggered factor could be the herpes simplex virus infection, such as a Ramsay Hunt-like syndrome.
Fluid shift and protein leakage corrections in protein binding equilibrium dialysis experiments

Abstract Conventional equilibrium dialysis methods used in the estimation of ligand-macromolecule binding parameters (affinities, capacities. unbound ligand fractions, etc.) tacitly assume and require that no ligand-macromolecule binding occurs on the buffer side of the dialysis chamber. Unfortunately, this is almost never a valid assumption, as small amounts of plasma proteins are invariably detected in the buffer chamber. Provided the extent of protein leakage is in the usual region (about 0.1%) and the extent of ligand binding does not exceed approximately 99%. errors associated with conventional free fraction estimations obtained from calculations ignoring the effect of protein leakage are usually small (about 1–10% error). As ligand binding exceeds 99%, significant errors may ensue. A generalized theoretical equilibrium dialysis method is developed which permits the estimation of association constants, the number of binding sites and free fraction determinations for a model employing any number of classes of binding sites. Application of the method requires a minimum of two experimental runs for each class of binding sites; volume shifts are automatically adjusted for by the method.
The prediction of molecular conformation as a biologically significant property

ABSTRACT The value of molecular orbital theory in the hands of the chemist or biologist lies, hopefully, in its ability to derive information concerning the properties of molecules of interest to him, without complete reliance on the performance of an experiment. This expectation is becoming more of a reality as a result of work using all-valence electron semi-empirical molecular orbital methods to study conformations of drug molecules. Some of the work in our laboratory is described with notations as to the general agreement with experiment. The frequent insight into the pharmacophore definition is a major contribution of these studies. Finally, the implication for explanations of drug mechanisms and new drug design is present in each topic discussed.
Prenatal Nicotine Exposure Recruits an Excitatory Pathway to Brainstem Parasympathetic Cardioinhibitory Neurons during Hypoxia/Hypercapnia in the Rat: Implications for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Maternal cigarette smoking and prenatal nicotine exposure increase the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by 2- to 4-fold, yet despite adverse publicity, nearly one of four pregnant women smoke tobacco. Infants who succumb to SIDS typically experience a severe bradycardia that precedes or is accompanied by centrally mediated life-threatening apneas and gasping. Although the causes of the apnea and bradycardia prevalent in SIDS victims are unknown, it has been hypothesized that these fatal events are exaggerated cardiorespiratory responses to hypoxia or hypercapnia. Changes in heart rate are primarily determined by the activity of cardiac vagal neurons (CVNs) in the brainstem. In this study, we tested whether hypoxia/hypercapnia evokes synaptic pathways to CVNs and whether these cardiorespiratory interactions are altered by prenatal exposure to nicotine. Spontaneous rhythmic inspiratory-related activity was recorded from the hypoglossal rootlet of 700- to 800-microm medullary sections. CVNs were identified in this preparation by retrograde fluorescent labeling, and excitatory synaptic inputs to CVNs were isolated and studied using patch-clamp electrophysiologic techniques. Hypoxia/hypercapnia did not elicit an increase in excitatory neurotransmission to CVNs in unexposed animals, but in animals that were exposed to nicotine in the prenatal period, hypoxia/hypercapnia recruited an excitatory neurotransmission to CVNs. This study establishes a likely neurochemical mechanism for the exaggerated decrease in heart rate in response to hypoxia/hypercapnia that occurs in SIDS victims.
The gene responsible for autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 maps to chromosome 21q22.3 in US patients.

Abstract Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 [APS-1] comprises multiple organ-specific autoimmunities such as acquired hypoparathyroidism and autoimmune Addison's disease, and a predisposition to certain infections such as chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. An APS-1 candidate gene was assigned to chromosome 21q22.3 by linkage analyses in patients with APS-1 from Finland. To examine the influence of ethnic and geographic differences on the location of the candidate gene locus, we studied 24 US patients with APS-1 by microsatellite marker typing, using five microsatellite markers, D21S49, PFKL, D21S171, D21S1903 and CD18, selected from chromosome 21q22.3. By allelic association analyses, the frequencies of allele number 5 for D21S171 and allele number 8 for D21S1903 were significantly higher in the 24 patients with APS-1 than in 33 controls (33/48 vs. 31/66, P =0.0207, Ξ 2 =5.35; 12/48 vs. 7/66, P=0.0418, Ξ 2 =4.15 respectively). The frequency of homozygosity for allele number 5 of D21S171 was also significantly higher in the patients than in controls, 15/24 vs. 9/33 ( P =0.0078, Ξ 2 =7.07). Maximum lod scores detected for the five markers in nine families (containing 15 of the patients with APS-1) were: 2.384 for D21S49, 3.144 for PFKL, 3.506 for D21S171, 4.329 for D21S1903, and 1.130 for CD18. These results confirm the linkage of the candidate APS-1 gene to 21q22.3 in US APS-1 patients, and suggest that the candidate gene is located near the D21S1903 marker. The demonstration of the location of the APS-1 candidate gene to 21q22.3 in an out-bred heterogeneous patient population should promote the physical mapping of the responsible gene.
Fine structure of PC12 cell implants in the rat spinal cord.

Abstract PC12 cells, a clonal cell line established from a rat pheochromocytoma, were injected into the subarachnoid space in the lumbar spinal cord of adult rats. These cells invaded the spinal cord as a metastatic tumor and, after 2 weeks, displaced one-third of the cord parenchyma, causing hind limb paralysis. The tumor consisted of densely packed cube-like polygonal cells containing dense core granules. At the tumor host margins there were no astrocytic or other intervening glial processes. In spite of the destruction and invasion of the spinal cord tissue parenchyma that occurred, no glial reaction could be seen. The endothelial cells of the capillaries in the vascularized tumor are of the attenuated, fenestrated type in contrast to the non-fenestrated type of the host tissue from which they were derived.
Cellular bases for the Brauer and Birman–Murakami–Wenzl algebras

Abstract An explicit combinatorial construction is given for cellular bases (in the sense of Graham and Lehrer) for the Birman–Murakami–Wenzl and Brauer algebra. We provide cell modules for the Birman–Murakami–Wenzl and Brauer algebras with bases index by certain bitableaux, generalising the Murphy basis for the Specht modules of the Iwahori–Hecke algebra of the symmetric group. The bases for the cell modules given here are constructed non-diagrammatically and hence are relatively amenable to computation.
Apo-Ghrelin Receptor (apo-GHSR1a) Regulates Dopamine Signaling in the Brain.

The orexigenic peptide hormone ghrelin is synthesized in the stomach and its receptor growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR1a) is expressed mainly in the central nervous system (CNS). In this review we confine our discussion to the physiological role of GHSR1a in the brain. Paradoxically, despite broad expression of GHSR1a in the CNS, other than trace amounts in the hypothalamus, ghrelin is undetectable in the brain. In our efforts to elucidate the function of the ligand-free ghrelin receptor (apo-GHSR1a) we identified subsets of neurons that co-express GHSR1a and dopamine receptors. In this review we focus on interactions between apo-GHSR1a and dopamine-2 receptor (DRD2) and formation of GHSR1a:DRD2 heteromers in hypothalamic neurons that regulate appetite, and discuss implications for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome. GHSR1a antagonists of distinct chemical structures, a quinazolinone and a triazole, respectively enhance and inhibit dopamine signaling through GHSR1a:DRD2 heteromers by an allosteric mechanism. This finding illustrates a potential strategy for designing the next generation of drugs for treating eating disorders as well as psychiatric disorders caused by abnormal dopamine signaling. Treatment with a GHSR1a antagonist that enhances dopamine/DRD2 activity in GHSR1a:DRD2 expressing hypothalamic neurons has the potential to inhibit the uncontrollable hyperphagia associated with Prader-Willi syndrome. DRD2 antagonists are prescribed for treating schizophrenia, but these block dopamine signaling in all DRD2 expressing neurons and are associated with adverse side effects, including enhanced appetite and excessive weight gain. A GHSR1a antagonist of structural class that allosterically blocks dopamine/DRD2 action in GHSR1a:DRD2 expressing neurons would have no effect on neurons expressing DRD2 alone; therefore, the side effects of DRD2 antagonists would potentially be reduced thereby enhancing patient compliance.
On the propagation of nonlinear solitary waves in a distributed Schottky barrier diode transmission line

Abstract A nonlinear distributed Schottky barrier diode is analyzed and it is found to be similar to a 3-component quasi-neutral plasma consisting of negative ions and electrons that are neutralized with positive ions. In such a plasma, it has been shown that both KdV and mKdV solitons can exist. We obtain the criteria for the distributed Schottky barrier diode that will permit the propagation of both KdV and mKdV solitary waves.
Unique factorization in ACL2: Euclidean domains

ACL2 is used to systematically study domains whose elements can be "uniquely" factored into products of "irreducible" elements. The best known examples of such domains are the positive integers, which can be factored into products of primes, and univariate polynomials with rational coefficients, which can be factored into products of irreducible polynomials. There are many other such domains.Euclidean domains are an algebraic abstraction, of both the positive integers and the rational polynomials, in which the usual proofs of unique factorization, for both the integers and the polynomials, can be generalized.
The HIV-Infected Surgeon

There are probably hundreds of practicing surgeons in the United States who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In 1987, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimated there were 625 000 to 1 million HIV-infected homosexual or bisexual men in the United States. 1 These cases are prevalent among approximately 70 million men in the United States between the ages of 20 and 64 years, projecting to approximately one HIV infection in every 100 young and middle-aged men in the United States. As of January 1, 1988, there were more than 120 000 male physicians providing patient care in surgical specialities. 2 Applying the national HIV infection proportion to US male surgeons is, of course, speculative; however, the proportion of male surgeons in the United States who have become HIV infected from unprotected male-to-male sex would have to be less than one-fifth the projected national proportion for there
Factors limiting productivity of the Central Arctic Caribou Herd of Alaska

Many biotic and abiotic factors can limit productivity and growth of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) herds, but limiting factors typically vary by region. Identifying limiting factors may help to indicate which seasons are of relative importance to a caribou herd and possibly to suggest general life history strategies. Using regression techniques, we found that despite previous suggestions, net productivity of Alaska’s Central Arctic Caribou Herd (CAH) did not respond to early summer forage biomass or summer insect severity from the previous year. Abiotic factors that did have apparent effects on CAH productivity included early fall snow deposition, winter snow condition, and spring snow ablation. To achieve a suitable weight for conception, caribou of the CAH may exhibit a seasonal time-minimizing foraging strategy by moderating weight gain during the warm summer insect season and feeding more intensively during the insect-free weeks before the autumn rut. A long-term trend of the Northern Hemisphere annular mode (NAM) may be linked to anthropogenic climate change and may have negative implications for the future success of the CAH.
Sudden cardiac death associated with a coronary artery anomaly considered benign

Separate origin of the left anterior descending and circumflex coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva is one of the most frequent benign coronary artery anomalies. We hereby report, for the first time, a case of sudden death in a young man with this anomaly. The clinicopathologic findings and the possible pathogenetic mechanisms are discussed.
A Different Approach to Nanothermodynamics

Gibbs initiated his main contribution to thermodynamics by adding new chemical potential terms to the basic energy−heat−work equation. Nanothermodynamics is initiated, as a next step, by adding (at the ensemble level) a further subdivision potential term to the chemical potential terms of Gibbs. The basic equations of nanothermodynamics can then be deduced efficiently from this starting point.
Contraception and mental health: a commentary on the evidence and principles for practice

Among the most prevalent and disabling chronic diseases affecting reproductive-aged women worldwide, depression and anxiety can contribute to adverse reproductive health outcomes, including an increased risk of unintended pregnancy and its health and social consequences. For women with these common mental health conditions who want to avoid an unintended pregnancy, effective contraception can be an important strategy to maintain and even improve health and well-being. Reproductive health clinicians play a critical role in providing and managing contraception to help women with mental health considerations achieve their desired fertility. In this commentary, we review the literature on relationships between mental health and contraception and describe considerations for the clinical management of contraception among women with depression and anxiety. We discuss issues related to contraceptive method effectiveness and adherence concerns, mental health–specific contraceptive method safety and drug interaction considerations, and clinical counseling and management strategies. Given important gaps in current scientific knowledge of mental health and contraception, we highlight areas for future research.
Retinoid metabolism and ALDH1A2 (RALDH2) expression are altered in the transgenic adenocarcinoma mouse prostate model

Retinoids, which include vitamin A (retinol) and metabolites such as retinoic acid, can inhibit tumor growth and reverse carcinogenesis in animal models of prostate cancer. We analyzed retinoid signaling and metabolism in the TRAMP (transgenic adenocarcinoma mouse prostate) model. We detected increased retinol and retinyl esters in prostates pooled from 24 to 36 week TRAMP transgenic positive mice compared to nontransgenic littermates by HPLC. We used quantitative RT-PCR to measure transcripts for genes involved in retinoid signaling and metabolism, including ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2, ALDH1A3, CYP26A1, LRAT, and RARbeta(2), in prostate tissue from TRAMP positive (+) and age-matched littermate control mice ranging from 18 to 36 weeks. Transcript levels of ALDH1A1, a putative stem cell marker, were decreased in ventral and lateral lobes of prostates from TRAMP mice compared to age-matched, nontransgenic mice. ALDH1A2 (RALDH2) mRNA levels in dorsal and anterior lobes of TRAMP+ mice were lower than in age-matched (24 week) nontransgenic mice. We detected lower RARbeta(2) mRNA levels in dorsal prostate lobes of 36 week TRAMP mice relative to nontransgenic mice. We detected high levels of ALDH1A2 protein in the cytoplasm and nucleus in nontransgenic murine prostate paraffin sections, and lower ALDH1A2 protein levels in all prostate lobes of TRAMP mice compared to nontransgenic mice by immunohistochemistry. We also detected much lower cytoplasmic ALDH1A2 protein levels in all human prostate cancer paraffin sections stained (19 total) relative to normal human prostate tissue on the same sections. Our data indicate that this reduction in ALDH1A2 protein is an early event in human prostate cancer.
High rydberg states of jet-cooled toluene observed by ultraviolet two-photon absorption spectroscopy: Ultrafast radiationless decay and pseudo-Jahn-Teller effects

Abstract Three new Rydberg series converging to the first ionization potential of toluene are identified by the method of ultraviolet two-photon absorption in a supersonic jet. No Rydberg series converging to the near-degenerate second ionization potential are found, a result analogous to that known for the valence systems of benzenoid molecules. The vibronic spectrum of the toluene cation is discussed in light of this result, and the failure to observe a distinct splitting of the lowest two states is attributed to a complete pseudo-Jahn-Teller mixing of the vibronic states. In addition, the possibility of systematic perturbations between Rydberg series converging to vibrationally excited states of the ion and purely electronic series is examined in light of quantum defect variations. A striking feature of toluene's Rydberg spectrum is the dramatic sharpening of individual bands with increasing principal quantum number. This sharpening is associated with a decrease in radiationless transition rate, a proposition which is supported by agreement between present bandwidth measurements and the direct femtosecond decay measurement of Wiesenfeld and Greene. Evidence favoring a spiraling decay mechanism is summarized.
Technical communication from 1950–1998: Where are we now?

The changes in technical communication education between 1950 and 1998 have led to disciplinary maturity: the development of academic programs and of a body of innovative research. This disciplinar...
Feasibility of combined wavelength/energy-dispersive computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy for determining trace metal distribution

Abstract The utility of wavelength-dispersive and energy-dispersive electron probe microanalysis (WD-ED EPMA) for quantifying the distribution of seven trace metals (Cr, Ni, As, Se, Cd, Hg, and Pb) among coal minerals and ash particles was investigated. The technique is limited to analyzing particles greater than about 7 μm in diameter because of the relatively intense beam conditions (25 kV, 100 nA) required to attain reasonable detection sensitivity; statistical limits of detection are generally
The vacancy solution model of adsorption ― improvements and recommendations

The vacancy solution model of adsorption which uses an activity coefficient equation of the Wilson form has been improved (1) by incorporating temperature dependency into the model, and (2) by development of a functional relationship between the adsorbate-adsorbate binary interaction parameters. This reduces the number of regression parameters and improves the predictive capabilities of the model. Comparisons of this improved model with the Flory-Huggins activity coefficient form of the vacancy solution model are presented for binary and ternary systems. For a priori predictions from pure-component data, the Flory-Huggins form is recommended. If experimental binary data are available for all pairs, the form that most accurately correlates the binary data should be used to predict higher-order systems.
The hydrothermal addition of excess 40Ar at the lava flows from the early Jurassic in the Hartford Basin (Northeastern U.S.A.): Implications for the time scale

Abstract Conventional KAr dates were obtained for specimens of basalt flows from 15 locations throughout the Hartford Basin of Connecticut. This basin contains sedimentary rocks that, on the basis of paleontologic information, accumulated over a period of time from the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic. The lava flows were extruded in the Early Jurassic. The KAr dates for the Hampden Flow exhibit considerable scatter and increase to anomalously high values with increasing degree of hydrothermal alteration and decreasing K content. The average dates for the Hampden Flow samples with a K content >0.3% and >0.4% (i.e. those most suitable for dating) are 206±13 and 198±7 Ma (2σ), respectively. Dates for the Talcott Flow are invariant over a range of K concentrations from 0.3–1.4% and average 187 ± 3 Ma (2σ, standard error on the mean). A comparison of. (1) 40Ar/g vs. % K; (2) dates vs. % K; (3) degree of scatter of dates; (4) 40 Ar 39 Ar age spectra; and (5) degree of concordancy of dates for mineral separate-whole rock pairs for the two flows, strongly suggests the presence of small amounts of excess radiogenic 40Ar in some samples of the Hampden Flow and its absence from the Talcott Flow. The mean dates for flows and sills of the Hartford Basin cited by others in attempts to define the numerical age of the Triassic-Jurassic boundary are equivalent to that for the Hampden Flow and thus are likely to reflect the presence of excess radiogenic 40Ar The 187±3 Ma (2σ) date obtained in this study for the Talcott Flow probably represents a reliable estimate of the age of the igneous rocks of the Hartford Basin and should replace older dates previously cited for these rocks in attempts to establish the numerical age of the Triassic-Jurassic boundary.
A canonical form and the distribution of values of generalized polynomials

Generalized polynomials are functions obtained from conventional polynomials by applying the operations of taking the integer part, addition, and multiplication. We construct a system of “basic” generalized polynomials with the property that any bounded generalized polynomial is representable as a piecewise polynomial function of these basic ones. Such a representation is unique up to a function vanishing almost everywhere, which solves the problem of determining whether two generalized polynomials are equal a.e. The basic generalized polynomials are jointly equidistributed, thus we also obtain an effective algorithm of finding the limiting distribution of values of one or several generalized polynomials.
When Does Action Elicit More Regret Than Inaction and Is Counterfactual Mutation the Mediator of This Effect

Norm theory's prediction that actions are more mutable than inactions and, as a consequence, will elicit more regret following a negative outcome was tested in two experiments. Action and inaction mutation frequencies were assessed in a design where both types of behaviors were presented together and when information about only one type was described. In Experiment 1, Kahneman and Tversky's (1982a) original scenario, where the action or inaction was instrumentally related to the negative outcome, was employed. More intense regret was obtained for the acting target than the nonacting one, but only when the information about both targets was presented simultaneously and not when either was presented alone. More importantly, action was not more frequently mutated than inaction and what was mutated was uncorrelated with the regret ratings. Instead, the active target's regret was correlated with the perceived wisdom of the nonacting target's behavioral choice when both targets were presented together and could be compared. In Experiment 2, where the action and inaction were not instrumentally related to the negative outcome, no emotional amplification was observed and inaction was targeted for mutation more often than was action. Discussion focuses on an alternative mechanism, besides mutability, that can account for differential emotion elicitation and on specifying the conditions under which the emotion effect will or will not occur.
Occurrence and localization of brain phenolsulphotransferase.

—Rat brain contains the enzyme which forms sulphate conjugates of phenols, phenolsulphotransferase (EC 2.8.2.1), but the physiological role of the enzyme is unclear. The enzyme is unevenly distributed in rat brain, with the activity 13 times higher in the hypothalamus than in the cerebellum. Phenolsulphotransferase does not seem to be primarily located in glial cells. Cultured cells (type C6 astrocytoma) derived from rat glia had less than 1 per cent of the phenolsulphotransferase activity of whole rat brain. Sulphate conjugation of neutral compounds may be important in their removal from brain. The pineal and pituitary glands, areas outside the blood-brain barrier had very low phenolsulphotransferase activity. The activity of the enzyme in brain varied widely among different species: rabbit and rat had much higher levels of activity than mouse or frog; the activity in human brain was intermediate. Phenolsulphotransferase also occurred in other organs, including liver, heart, testes, lung, spleen, salivary glands, and intact or decentralized superior cervical ganglion. There was no correlation of enzyme activity with adrenergic or cholinergic innervation, or with the known roles of various tissues in drug metabolism or detoxification. The enzyme activity does not seem to be under neuronal control since ganglionectomy did not affect the phenolsulphotransferase activity of salivary glands. The precise localization of phenolsulphotransferase remains to be established, as well as the physiological importance of sulphate conjugation of phenols in brain and other organs.
On node lifetime problem for energy-constrained wireless sensor networks

A fundamental problem in wireless sensor networks is to maximize network lifetime under given energy constraints. In this paper, we study the network lifetime problem by considering not only maximizing the time until the first node fails, but also maximizing the lifetimes for all the nodes in the network, which we define as the Lexicographic Max-Min (LMM) node lifetime problem. The main contributions of this paper are two-fold. First, we develop a polynomial-time algorithm to derive the LMM-optimal node lifetime vector, which effectively circumvents the computational complexity problem associated with an existing state-of-the-art approach, which is exponential. The main ideas in our approach include: (1) a link-based problem formulation, which significantly reduces the problem size in comparison with a flow-based formulation, and (2) an intelligent exploitation of parametric analysis technique, which in most cases determines the minimum set of nodes that use up their energy at each stage using very simple computations. Second, we present a simple (also polynomial-time) algorithm to calculate the flow routing schedule such that the LMM-optimal node lifetime vector can be achieved. Our results in this paper advance the state-of-the-art algorithmic design for network-wide node lifetime problem and facilitate future studies of the network lifetime problem in energy-constrained wireless sensor networks.
The future impact of wind on BPA power system load following and regulation requirements

Wind power is growing at a very fast pace as an alternative generating resource. As the ratio of wind power over total system capacity increases, the impact of wind on various system aspects becomes significant. This paper presents a methodology to study the future impact of wind on BPA power system load following and regulation requirements. Existing methodologies for similar analysis include dispatch model simulation and standard deviation evaluation on load and wind data. The methodology proposed in this paper uses historical data and stochastic processes to simulate the load balancing processes in the BPA power system. It mimics the actual power system operations therefore the results are close to reality yet the study based on this methodology is convenient to perform. The capacity, ramp rate and ramp duration characteristics are extracted from the simulation results. System load following and regulation capacity requirements are calculated accordingly. The ramp rate and ramp duration data obtained from the analysis can be used to evaluate generation fleet ramp requirement and regulating unitspsila energy requirement, respectively.
Abstract B163: Over-expression of STAT-3 induces anoikis resistance, promotes cell migration and metastatic potential in cancer cells.

Anoikis is an anchorage independent cell death. Resistance to anoikis is one of the key features of the metastatic cells. In the current study, we have shown the role of STAT-3 in anoikis resistance in various melanoma and pancreatic cancer cells. Marked anoikis was induced as such in the cells that were grown in anchorage-independent conditions. The melanoma and pancreatic cancer cells that resisted anoikis were observed to have higher rate of migration as compared to the cells that were exposed to anchorage dependent growth, as observed in cell migration and invasion assays. These anoikis resistant cells also had significantly higher expression and phosphorylation of STAT-3 at Tyr 705, than the cells that were attached to the basement membrane. Treatment of these cells with IL-6, a cytokine which phosphorylates STAT-3, prevented the induction of anoikis. STAT-3 inhibitors AG490 and piplartine induced anoikis in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas IL-6 blocked anoikis. Over-expression of STAT-3 by transfection, not only increased the anoikis resistance but also protected cancer cells from piplartine-induced anoikis, confirming the role of STAT-3 in anoikis resistance. On the other hand, silencing STAT-3 decreased the potential of cancer cells to resist anoikis. Furthermore, STAT-3 (-/-) cancer cells were more sensitive to anoikis as well as to the effect of piplartine as compared to STAT-3 (+/+) cells. The STAT-3 (+/+) cells also had enhanced migration potential as compared to STAT-3 (-/-) cells. STAT-3 (-/-) cells and the cells that were treated with PL completely failed to develop tumors when injected subcutaneously in immune-compromised mice. Moreover, these cells also failed to metastasize when injected intravenously. On the other hand, STAT-3 (+/+) cells not only formed aggressive tumors subcutaneously but also highly metastasized when injected intravenously. In summary, our results establish STAT-3 as a critical player that renders anoikis resistance to the cancer cells and enhance their metastasis potential. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):B163. Citation Format: Neel Manoj Fofaria, Sanjay K. Srivastava. Over-expression of STAT-3 induces anoikis resistance, promotes cell migration and metastatic potential in cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B163.
Millimeter Wave Thermograph as Subcutaneous Indicator of Joint Inflammation

Noninvasive imaging of inflammations of human joints using a new remote scanning technique is described; it uses the mm wave radiation emitted by the human body. This method overcomes the depth limitations of conventional infrared thermographs and can measure to subcutaneous depths of several mm with a temperature resolution of 0.25°C. Measurements on rheumatoid arthritic knee joints are presented which show little correlation with simultaneously measured skin temperatures. Significant long term thermographic changes induced by steroid injection indicate a potential for objective patient monitoring and development of new treatment methods.
The role of ventricular tachycardia ablation in the reduction of implantable defibrillator shocks.

Implantable defibrillator (ICD) shocks can be a lifesavingtherapyforpatientswithmalignantventricular arrhythmias.However, electrical stormand frequent ICD shocks are associated with increased mortality and morbidity, and a decreased quality of life. Attempts to prevent ICD shocks have included pharmacologicandnonpharmacologicapproaches. b-blockers and antiarrhythmic agents have been shown to reduce ICD shocks. ICD programming features such as antitachycardia pacing (ATP) may also reduce ICD shocks. Despite these techniques, some patients have recurrent ventricular tachycardia(VT)andICDshocks.Inthissituation,ablation of VT can be helpful.The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of VT ablation in reducing ICD shocks.
Morphogenic Regulation of Pathotoxin Synthesis in Cochliobolus carbonum

The fungusCochliobolus carbonumcauses leaf spot disease of maize. Highly virulent isolates of the pathogen produce a host-selective, peptide toxin that is active against susceptible genotypes of maize. Prior to infection, spores must germinate and differentiate appressoria, structures specialized for leaf penetration. Analysis of spore germination fluids by plasma desorption mass spectrometry, which allowed detection of as little as 0.5 ng toxin, revealed that spores induced to form appressoriain vitrosynthesized and released the toxin at a time coincident with maturation of appressoria. Spores incubated under conditions that did not induce appressorium formation failed to produce toxin. These observations indicate that synthesis of the host-selective toxin, which is essential for successful pathogenesis of maize byC. carbonum,is regulated by infection-related morphogenesis.
Open and endovascular treatment of unruptured carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms: clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Background Aneurysms of the carotid-ophthalmic artery present unique challenges to cerebrovascular neurosurgeons given their proximity to vital anatomic structures. Objective To report our experience with a combined-modality treatment of unruptured carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms over a 12-year period. Methods A retrospective review of 161 patients who underwent open, endovascular, or combined treatment of 170 aneurysms from January 1997 to July 2009 was conducted. Medical records, operative reports, office notes, and follow-up angiograms were reviewed to obtain data on patient demographics, angiographic results, and clinical outcomes. Results One hundred forty-seven aneurysms were treated via endovascular techniques; 17 aneurysms (10%) were treated with microsurgical clip ligation; and 6 aneurysms (3.5%) were treated with a combined approach. Of the aneurysms treated via an endovascular approach alone, 81.6% of aneurysms had evidence of ≥ 95% occlusion on initial angiogram. There was a 1.4% rate of major complications associated with the initial procedure. Twenty-six of these aneurysms (18.9%) required further intervention on the basis of early angiographic results. Major complications occurred after 6 of 23 open microsurgical procedures (26.1%), including 2 instances of permanent visual loss. Nine clipped patients had long-term angiographic follow-up; none required further intervention. Conclusion Endovascular treatment of carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms with modern endovascular techniques can be performed safely and efficaciously in the elective setting.
Constructing the three-dimensional Gross-Neveu model with a large number of flavor components.

We construct the ultraviolet limit of the massive Gross-Neveu model in three dimensions and with a large number of flavor components N.
Electrospray tandem mass spectrometry analysis of S- and N-nitrosopeptides: facile loss of NO and radical-induced fragmentation.

The covalent addition of nitric oxide (NO) to protein thiols, a posttranslational modification termed S-nitrosation, is a ubiquitous event that modulates diverse cellular processes. The in vivo addition of NO to protein amines (N-nitrosation) has also been described and may similarly modify protein structure and function. While mass spectrometry has been employed for identification of nitrosoproteins, little is known about how S- and N-nitrosopeptides fragment. Such knowledge is important for its potential to inform on sites of protein nitrosation. Here we used electrospray tandem mass spectrometry to elucidate collisioninduced dissociation (CID) features of S- and N-nitrosopeptide ions. We show that S- and N-nitrosopeptide ions readily lose NO, giving rise to species that contain thiyl and aminyl radicals, respectively. Fragmentation (MS 3 ) of these radical peptide ions revealed an atypical pattern, characterized by the cleavage of select COC and NOC bonds, rather than the more usual cleavage of amide bonds that result in b- and y-ions. These unanticipated fragmentation patterns are reconciled by radical-mediated abstraction of hydrogen from -carbon followed by -fragmentation. For thiyl radical peptides, we also observed dominant loss of SH and CH2SH from the Cys side-chain. Our findings provide new insights into the gas-phase chemistry of NO-modified peptide ions and suggest an unusual fragmentation pattern that may aid in future MS-based attempts to define the nitrosoproteome. (J Am Soc Mass Spectrom 2006, 17, 1725–1730) © 2006 American Society for Mass Spectrometry
Constraint logic programming for structure-based reasoning about dynamic physical systems

Abstract The paper describes a constraint logic programming approach for reasoning about dynamic physical systems based on structure. The approach takes a bond graph model of a system and computes a causal graph representation of its causal structure. Causal graphs can be used for causal explanations and for explaining the effect of modeling abstractions on causal structure. The paper shows how causal graphs can be used to compute a simulation model of a system in the form of a set of differential algebraic equations. The topological properties of the causal graph determine whether a simulation model is regular i.e. conforming to the criterion of ‘real-time representation’ or causality. In case the simulation model is not regular, a method is given for identifying all causal problems of a bond graph model.
On information invariants in robotics

We consider the problem of determining the information requirements to perform robot tasks, using the concept ofinformation invariants. This paper represents our attempt to characterize a family of complicated and subtle issues concerned with measuring robot task complexity. We also provide a first approximation to a purely operational theory that addresses a narrow but interesting special case. We discuss several measures for the information complexity of a task: (a) How much internal state should the robot retain? (b) How many cooperating agents are required, and how much communication between them is necessary? (c) How can the robot change (side-effect) the environment in order to record state or sensory information to perform a task? (d) How much information is provided by sensors? and (e) How much computation is required by the robot? We consider how one might develop a kind of ''calculus'' on (a)-(e) in order to compare the power of sensor systems analytically. To this end, we attempt to develop a notion of information invariants. We develop a theory whereby one sensor can be ''reduced'' to another (much in the spirit of computation-theoretic reductions), by adding, deleting, and reallocating (a)-(e) among collaborating autonomous agents.
Eyeballing cholesterol efflux and macrophage function in disease pathogenesis

Disorders of lipid metabolism are strongly associated with cardiovascular disease. Recently, there has been significant focus on how tissues process lipid deposits. Impaired cholesterol efflux has been shown to be crucial in mediating lipid deposition in atherosclerosis. The inability of macrophages to effectively efflux cholesterol from tissues initiates inflammation, plaque neovascularization, and subsequent rupture. Recent studies suggest that inability to effectively efflux cholesterol from tissues may have global implications far beyond atherosclerosis, extending to the pathophysiology of unrelated diseases. We examine the unifying mechanisms by which impaired cholesterol efflux facilitates tissue-specific inflammation and disease progression in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a blinding eye disease, and in atherosclerosis, a disease associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity.
Urologists' use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND Some urology groups have integrated intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), a radiation treatment with a high reimbursement rate, into their practice. This is permitted by the exception for in-office ancillary services in the federal prohibition against self-referral. I examined the association between ownership of IMRT services and use of IMRT to treat prostate cancer. METHODS Using Medicare claims from 2005 through 2010, I constructed two samples: one comprising 35 self-referring urology groups in private practice and a matched control group comprising 35 non–self-referring urology groups in private practice, and the other comprising non–self-referring urologists employed at 11 National Comprehensive Cancer Network centers matched with 11 self-referring urology groups in private practice. I compared the use of IMRT in the periods before and during ownership and used a difference-in-differences analysis to evaluate changes in IMRT use according to self-referral status. RESULTS The rate of IMRT use by self-referring urologists in private practice increased from 13.1 to 32.3%, an increase of 19.2 percentage points (P<0.001). Among non–self-referring urologists, the rate of IMRT use increased from 14.3 to 15.6%, an increase of 1.3 percentage points (P = 0.05). The unadjusted difference- indifferences effect was 17.9 percentage points (P<0.001). The regression-adjusted increase in IMRT use associated with self-referral was 16.4 percentage points (P<0.001). The rate of IMRT use by urologists working at National Comprehensive Cancer Network centers remained stable at 8.0% but increased by 33.0 percentage points among the 11 matched self-referring urology groups. The regressionadjusted difference-in-differences effect was 29.3 percentage points (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Urologists who acquired ownership of IMRT services increased their use of IMRT substantially more than urologists who did not own such services. Allowing urologists to self-refer for IMRT may contribute to increased use of this expensive therapy. (Funded by the American Society for Radiation Oncology.)
The Challenge of Rural Dermatologic Care in Developing Countries

Les maladies de peau occupent 20% ou plus des maladies rencontrees dans les pays en developpement. Leur frequence est plus forte en milieu rural. La plupart des affections sont de type parasitaire. Il est interessant de creer des petites unites satellites dermatologiques dans les regions rurales, en relation directe avec des unites centrales plus importantes
Nucleation and growth of cubic boron nitride films produced by ion-assisted pulsed laser deposition

We are studying the boron nitride system by using a pulsed excimer laser to ablate from hexagonal BN (hBN) targets to form cubic BN (cBN) films. We are depositing BN films on heated (25 – 800°C) Si (100) surfaces and are using a broad-beam ion source operated with Ar and N2 source gasses to produce BN films with a high percentage of sp3-bonded cBN. In order to understand and optimize the growth and nucleation of cBN films, parametric studies of the growth parameters have been performed. The best films to date show >85% sp3-bonded BN as determined from Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) reflection spectroscopy. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction confirm the presence of cBN in these samples. The films are polycrystalline and show grain sizes up to 30–40 nm. We find from both the FTIR and TEM analyses that the cBN content in these films evolves with growth time. Initially, the films are deposited as hBN and the cBN nucleates on this hBN underlayer. Importantly, the position of the cBN IR phonon also changes with growth time. Initially this mode appears near 1130 cm−1 and the position decreases with growth time to a constant value of 1085 cm−1. Since in bulk cBN this IR mode appears at 1065 cm−1, a large compressive stress induced by the ion bombardment is suggested. In addition, we report on the variation in cBN percentage with temperature.
A passivity measure of systems in cascade based on passivity indices

Passivity indices are defined in terms of an excess or shortage of passivity, and they have been introduced in order to extend the passivity-based stability conditions to more general cases for both passive and non-passive systems. While most of the work on passivity-based stability results in the literature focuses on employing the feedback interconnection of passive or non-passive systems, our results focus on a passivity measure for cascade interconnection. In this paper, we revisit the results on secant criterion from the perspective of passivity indices and we show how to use the secant criterion to measure the excess/shortage of passivity for cascaded Input Strictly Passive/Output Strictly Passive systems; we also propose a method to measure passivity for cascaded dissipative systems, where each subsystem could be passive or non-passive. Furthermore, we study the conditions under which the cascade interconnection can be directly stabilized via output feedback.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the intimate discourse of a chronic infection

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an extremely successful pathogen that demonstrates the capacity to modulate its host both at the cellular and tissue levels. At the cellular level, the bacterium enters its host macrophage and arrests phagosome maturation, thus avoiding many of the microbicidal responses associated with this phagocyte. Nonetheless, the intracellular environment places certain demands on the pathogen, which, in response, senses the environmental shifts and upregulates specific metabolic programs to allow access to nutrients, minimize the consequences of stress, and sustain infection. Despite its intracellular niche, Mycobacterium tuberculosis demonstrates a marked capacity to modulate the tissues surrounding infected cells through the release of potent, bioactive cell wall constituents. These cell wall lipids are released from the host cell by an exocytic process and induce physiological changes in neighboring phagocytes, which drives formation of a granuloma. This tissue response leads to the generation and accumulation of caseous debris and the progression of the human tuberculosis granuloma. Completion of the life cycle of tuberculosis requires damaging the host to release infectious bacteria into the airways to spread the infection. This damage reflects the pathogen's ability to subvert the host's innate and acquired immune responses to its own nefarious ends.