cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in long-term childhood cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) have increased risk of developing chronic health conditions, including musculoskeletal disorders. Little is known regarding vitamin D deficiency (VDD, <20 ng/ml) and its association with bone mineral density (BMD) in long-term CCS. We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors for VDD in a large, diverse population of long-term CCS, and examined the association between VDD and BMD in patients who underwent guideline-recommended dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) screening. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 446 consecutive CCS seen from March 2018 to September 2020. Univariate analyses examined associations between CCS demographics, socioeconomic status, and treatment exposures and VDD. Multivariable logistic regressions identified factors associated with odds of VDD and reduced BMD. RESULTS Median age at evaluation was 27.5 years (range 7-67 years); median time from completing therapy was 14.2 years (range 2-65 years). Fifty percent were female, and 45% were Hispanic. Twenty-four percent had VDD. In multivariable analysis, overweight and obese BMI were associated with VDD (overweight: OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.03-3.07, p = 0.04; obese: OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.39-4.13, p < 0.01; reference: normal/underweight), as was Hispanic or black race/ethnicity (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.41-4.09, p < 0.01; reference: non-Hispanic white). In the 118 CCS with DXA results, VDD was independently associated with reduced BMD (OR 3.58, 95%CI 1.33-9.59, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS CCS have a high prevalence of VDD. High BMI and Hispanic or black race/ethnicity were associated with VDD. Survivors with VDD had a greater than threefold risk of reduced BMD. Risk-based screening may facilitate timely interventions to mitigate VDD and improve BMD in CCS.
Non-parametric Bayesian Learning for Newcomer Detection using Footstep-Induced Floor Vibration: Poster Abstract

Detecting a previously unknown person (newcomer detection) is critical for visitor management, intruder prevention, and access control in smart buildings. Biometrics have been used to detect newcomers, including face, fingerprint, voice, iris, etc. These approaches often require active participation of the users or require dense instrumentation. Prior work using footstep-induced floor vibration to identify people removes these requirements, but only functions for known people due to the high variability in footstep-induced vibrations and the limited number of predicted classes in supervised learning. To overcome the limitations, we introduce a newcomer detection system based on non-parametric Bayesian learning, which models the variability and distribution of consecutive footstep-induced floor vibration for newcomer walking patterns. Preliminary results from real-world experiments with 6 people show up to 92% accuracy in newcomer detection with an average of 4 consecutive footsteps.
Strafverfahren im antiken Griechenland

Nur fur das klassische Athen haben wir detaillierte Informationen uber Strafverfahren. Literarischen Quellen lassen vermuten, dass in archaischer Zeit die Angehorigen der Opfer von Totungsdelikten entweder Rache uben, den Tater ins Exil treiben oder einen Blutpreis als Wiedergutmachung fur die Totung akzeptieren konnten (Gagarin 2005). Es scheint, dass Konflikte, die aus diesen Verfahren entstanden, bei einem oder mehreren Altesten zur Aburteilung vorgebracht werden konnten, wie dies in der Gerichtsszene der Fall zu sein scheint, die auf dem Schild des Achilleus in der Ilias dargestellt ist. Wie im fruhen Griechenland mit anderen Verbrechen umgegangen wurde, ist kaum bekannt, auch wenn es wahrscheinlich erscheint, dass Selbsthilfe und/oder die Anrufung eines Alteren zur Aburteilung angewendet wurden.
Application of a Successful Germ Cell Tumor Paradigm to the Challenges of Common Adult Solid Cancers.

When we aspire to cure cancer, we may need to search no further than a curable cancer, such as Germ Cell Tumor of the Testis (TGCT). After all, a germ cell is a primordial stem cell. Importantly, TGCT provides a classic stem cell model of cancer that teaches us some invaluable lessons about curing other intractable solid tumors. The intrinsic intratumoral heterogeneity of TGCT alludes to its stem-ness origin and nature. Which implicates the existence of putative lethal TGCT subtypes-the identification and detection of which may further enhance the cure rate and improve the therapeutic ratio of TGCT In this Mini review, we discuss about the role of biologic insights, clinical lessons, and therapeutic strategies in drug and therapy development. We illustrate some clinical pearls and perils when it concerns drug versus therapy development in the cure and care of patients with TGCT. In many respects, we have cured more TGCT patients when we apply multimodal therapy rather than targeted therapy and integrated medicine rather than precision medicine. In principle and in practice, this is the implication of therapy versus drug development in improving the overall outcome and cure rate of patients with cancer.
Spin mixing conductance at interfaces of TI/FM and HM/FM heterostructures

The spin mixing conductance is an important figure of merit for spin transport across an interface. This is a particularly important number for Spin Orbit Torque Magnetic Random Access Devices, where spin generated in one layer is used to provide the spin torque needed to flip the magnetization in an adjacent layer. Here the spins are generated in either an topological insulator (TI) or an heavy metal (HM). The overall efficiency of such a device depends on both the charge to spin conversion in the spin generation layer and the spin mixing conductance of the interface.
Generation of Intense Ion Beams at the 13 Mev Level on the Hermes-III Accelerator

The HERMES-III accelerator (18 MV, 700kA, 40 ns) uses Inductive Voltage Adder (IVA) architecture to drive a magnetically insulated transmission line (MITL) with a 34-ohm vacuum impedance. In normal operation, the load is a Bremsstrahlung diode operated in negative polarity, from which an intense electron beam can be extracted for gamma generation. The relatively high output voltage makes HERMES attractive as a source for high-energy ions which could be used, among other applications, for generating neutrons from high-cross section metal targets. Such beams of both protons and lithium were previously generated1 at the 16 MV level, but in positive polarity with the induction cavities reversed. To preserve the dominant negative polarity mode, ion beams now must be generated in negative polarity, with the resultant beams propagated inside the MITL.
Economics of dairy herd management

The objectives o f this paper are to characterize the income and expense situation on Midwestern dairy farms and to show the effects of size of operation, level of output and herd health on dairy income.
Electrically Coupled Belousov-Zhabotinskii Oscillators: Experimental Observation of Chaos in a Chemical System and Identification of its Source in the Field-Noyes Equations

The Belousov-Zhabotinskii (BZ) reaction is by far the chemical oscillator that is best characterized experimentally and best understood mechanistically (Field et al. 1972; Field 1985; Field and Boyd, 1985). It is the metal-ion-catalyzed oxidation by bromate ion (BrO 3 - ) of any of a large class of organic materials in a strongly acidic, aqueous medium. In the experiments reported here, the Ce(IV)/Ce(III) couple is used as the metal-ion catalyst and acetylacetone (CH3COCH2-COCH3), which we will refer to as AA, is used as the organic material to avoid bubble formation. All experiments were carried out in 2.73 M H2SO4 and in continuous-flow, stirred tank reactors (CSTR) driven by peristaltic pumps. The general behavior of oscillating chemical reactions in CSTR experiments has been reviewed by DeKepper and Boissonade (1985), and the detailed CSTR behavior of the BZ reaction with malonic acid has been described by DeKepper and Bar-Eli (1983).
Nonleaking battery terminals.

Three different terminals were designed for usage in a 40 ampere/hour silver zinc battery which has a 45 percent KOH by weight electrolyte in a plastic battery case. Life tests, including thermal cycling, electrical charge and discharge for up to three years duration, were conducted on these three different terminal designs. Tests for creep rate and tensile strength were conducted on the polyphenylene oxide (PPO) plastic battery cases. Some cases were unused and others containing KOH electrolyte were placed on life tests. The design and testing of nonleaking battery terminals for use with a potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte in a plastic case are discussed.
A hybrid moving object detection method for aerial images

Compared to stationary surveillance cameras, moving object detection on the camera carried by airborne vehicle is more difficult because of the relatively dynamic background. In this study, we present a hybrid method for moving object detection in aerial videos. We compensated the ego motion of airborne vehicle by feature-point based image alignment on consecutive frames, and then applied an accumulative frame differencing method to detect the pixels with motion. Meanwhile, the current frame was divided into homogenous regions by image segmentation, and some of them were selected as candidates of moving objects by prior rules. The motion pixels and the moving object candidates were then fused by a morphing-based approach, obtaining position and shape of moving objects. Moreover, a Kalman-filter tracker was adopted to not only give a consistent label on each detected moving object and but also reject false alarms. The proposed method was evaluated on the videos captured on an airborne vehicle at different altitude. Experimental results revealed that the proposed hybrid method has better performance than both frame-difference and optical-flow based approaches.
An Investigation on the Enhancement of the Critical Current Densities in Bronze-Processed Nb3Sn

Multifilamentary Nb3Sn A15 superconductors fabricated by the “bronze” process1, 2 or its variants3, 4 have been intensely studied and are strong candidate materials for the construction of magnets to be used for high energy physics and magnetic fusion. In the bronze process, the A15 compound is formed at the interface between a Nb filament and the Cu-Sn bronze matrix when the composite is at high temperatures. Among the superconducting properties of this system, the one of greatest engineering interest is the critical current density, JC. It is well known that JC (H) is strongly affected by metallurgical parameters,5, 6 such as A15 grain size and Sn content in the A15 layer. There have been many attempts to improve JC(H) for the bronze process. These include the optimization of heat-treatment conditions7, 8 and the efforts to find appropriate alloying additions.9–11 However, the fundamental relationships between processing, microstructure, and JC(H) remain poorly understood.
Optical communication with novel quantum devices

The nature of optical quantum communication is briefly reviewed. The important roles of the different quantum amplifiers are discussed. The concepts of quantum duplicators for various observables are introduced. These devices may have significant applications in optical systems including local area networks. Their possible realization via nonlinear optical effects will be indicated.
Does quality of life depend on speech recognition performance for adult cochlear implant users

Objectives/Hypothesis Current postoperative clinical outcome measures for adults receiving cochlear implants (CIs) consist of testing speech recognition, primarily under quiet conditions. However, it is strongly suspected that results on these measures may not adequately reflect patients' quality of life (QOL) using their implants. This study aimed to evaluate whether QOL for CI users depends on speech recognition performance. Study Design Twenty-three postlingually deafened adults with CIs were assessed. Methods Participants were tested for speech recognition (Central Institute for the Deaf word and AzBio sentence recognition in quiet) and completed three QOL measures—the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire; either the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults or the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly; and the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale questionnaires—to assess a variety of QOL factors. Correlations were sought between speech recognition and QOL scores. Demographics, audiologic history, language, and cognitive skills were also examined as potential predictors of QOL. Results Only a few QOL scores significantly correlated with postoperative sentence or word recognition in quiet, and correlations were primarily isolated to speech-related subscales on QOL measures. Poorer pre- and postoperative unaided hearing predicted better QOL. Socioeconomic status, duration of deafness, age at implantation, duration of CI use, reading ability, vocabulary size, and cognitive status did not consistently predict QOL scores. Conclusion For adult, postlingually deafened CI users, clinical speech recognition measures in quiet do not correlate broadly with QOL. Results suggest the need for additional outcome measures of the benefits and limitations of cochlear implantation. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 2015
Deep low‐frequency earthquakes in tectonic tremor along the Alaska‐Aleutian subduction zone

[1] We characterize and locate tremor not associated with volcanoes along the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone using continuous seismic data recorded by the Alaska Volcano Observatory and the Alaska Earthquake Information Center from 2005 to present. Visual inspection of waveform spectra and time series reveal dozens of 10 to 20 min bursts of tremor along the length of the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone. We use autocorrelation to demonstrate that these tremor signals are composed of hundreds of repeating low-frequency earthquakes (LFEs). The tremor activity we characterize is localized in four segments, from east to west: Kodiak Island, Shumagin Gap, Unalaska, and Andreanof Islands. Although the geometry, age, thermal structure, frictional, and other relevant properties of the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone are poorly known, these characteristics are likely to differ systematically from east to west. Locations near Kodiak Island are the most reliable because station coverage is more complete. LFE hypocenters in this region are located on the plate interface near the down-dip limit of the 1964 Mw 9.2 Alaska earthquake rupture area. LFE hypocenters in the remaining areas along the arc are also located down-dip of the most recent Mw 8+ megathrust earthquakes. Although these locations are less well constrained, our results support the hypothesis that tremor activity marks the down-dip rupture limit for great megathrust earthquakes in this subduction zone. Lastly, there is no correlation between the presence of tremor and particular aspects of over-riding or subducting plate geology or coupling. It appears that LFEs are a fundamental characteristic of the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone.
Understanding Adipocyte Differentiation

Gregoire, Francine M., Cynthia M. Smas, and Hei Sook Sul. Understanding Adipocyte Differentiation. Physiol. Rev. 78: 783–809, 1998. — The adipocyte plays a critical role in energy balance. Adipose tissue growth involves an increase in adipocyte size and the formation of new adipocytes from precursor cells. For the last 20 years, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of adipocyte differentiation have been extensively studied using preadipocyte culture systems. Committed preadipocytes undergo growth arrest and subsequent terminal differentiation into adipocytes. This is accompanied by a dramatic increase in expression of adipocyte genes including adipocyte fatty acid binding protein and lipid-metabolizing enzymes. Characterization of regulatory regions of adipose-specific genes has led to the identification of the transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP), which play a key role in the complex transcriptional cascade during adipocyt...
Advanced Si IR detectors using molecular beam epitaxy

SiGe/Si heterojunction internal photoemission (HIP) long wavelength infrared (LWIR) detectors have been fabricated by MBE. The SiGe/Si HIP detector offers a tailorable spectral response in the long wavelength infrared regime by varying the SiGe/Si heterojunction barrier. Degenerately doped p(+) SiGe layers were grown using elemental boron, as the dopant source allows a low growth temperature. Good crystalline quality was achieved for boron-doped SiGe due to the reduced growth temperature. The dark current density of the boron-doped HIP detectors was found to be thermionic emission limited. HIP detectors with a 0.066 eV were fabricated and characterized using activation energy analysis, corresponding to a 18 micron cutoff wavelength. Photoresponse of the detectors at wavelengths ranging from 2 to 12 microns has been characterized with corresponding quantum efficiencies of 5 - 0.1 percent.
Farnesyltransferase inhibitors: novel compounds in development for the treatment of myeloid malignancies.

Abstract The farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) have been shown in early clinical trials to elicit antitumor actions in a broad range of solid and hematologic malignancies. The mechanism of FTI action involves blockade of farnesyltransferase, an enzyme implicated in multiple cell-signaling pathways involved in proliferation, angiogenesis, or decreased apoptosis. Of the four main classes of FTIs, two orally bioavailable FTIs have advanced farthest in clinical development. ZARNESTRA™ (formerly R115777, Ortho Biotech Oncology, Raritan, NJ) and Sarasar (formerly SCH66336, Schering-Plough, Kenilworth, NJ) have demonstrated biologic and clinical activity in a range of solid tumors, and Zarnestra phase I trials have documented clinical responses in approximately 30% of patients with high-risk leukemias or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The main across-class toxicities associated with the use of FTIs are myelosuppression and fatigue. Certain toxicities, such as the QTc abnormalities associated with L-778,123, do not appear to be class related. As results of phase II trials with FTIs in acute and chronic myeloid leukemias and in MDS become available, clinicians will learn more about the potential role of this class of targeted anticancer drugs-and possibly about the clinical distinctions among members of this class. Semin Hematol 39(suppl 2):26-30. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Management of the acute knee dislocation: the Pittsburgh experience

Traumatic dislocation of the knee is among the most severe form of ligament injury to the lower extremity. While the incidence of knee dislocations is low, this injury is associated with a high rate of complications including amputation. There is potential for a traumatic knee dislocation to present to the emergency department after spontaneous or in-field reduction. This requires a vigilant, comprehensive, and systematic approach to the injured knee and extremity to avoid limb-threatening oversights. At the University of Pittsburgh a comprehensive algorithm has been developed to facilitate accurate and efficient diagnosis and treatment of complex traumatic knee injuries. The following manuscript includes a detailed review of the literature and explains our specific approach to this diagnostic dilemma.
Stimulation of progesterone and prostaglandin E accumulation by luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) and LHRH analogs in rat granulosa cells.

The present investigation was performed to characterize the accumulation of progesterone and prostaglandin E (PGE) by rat granulosa cells exposed to LHRH and LHRH analogs in vitro. Granulosa cells were obtained from immature rats 48 h after the injection of 20 IU PMS gonadotropin and incubated for up to 5 h, followed by determination of the total progesterone and PGE accumulated in cells and medium. LHRH and several LHRH agonists, at concentrations of 10–2000 ng/ml, caused 2- to 3-fold increases in progesterone accumulation. This stimulation was consistently much less than the 15- to 30-fold increase produced by LH or FSH. A LHRH agonist also stimulated PGE synthesis by rat granulosa cells, but in this case the stimulation was similar in magnitude and time course to the effect of LH. In addition, the injection of a LHRH agonist into hypophysectomized, PMS gonadotropin-treated immature rats resulted in elevated ovarian PGE content 5 h later. The effect of LHRH on progesterone and PGE accumulation by rat gr...
Promising Strategies for Obesity Prevention and Treatment Within American Indian Communities

In the United States, obesity prevention and treatment programs are dominated by individual-focused strategies. Yet epidemic proportions of obesity and high failure and dropout rates of conventional efforts prompt consideration of alternate approaches. A nonsystematic review of American Indian (AI) health promotion programs highlights a group-focused approach using three primary and two supportive strategies. These strategies are outlined as: (a) build and reinforce social cohesion and collective efficacy, (b) use the motivating force of friendly competition, and (c) aspire to change local norms and policies through assuring high visibility of alternate behaviors and engaging formal and informal leaders. Although evidence to demonstrate the impact of these efforts is limited and not currently available to public health audiences, AI communities' sustained acceptance and continued involvement in the programs suggest that these strategies are worthy of review and consideration by public health practitioners addressing obesity on a national level.
Translocation of C from Festuca plants to their endomycorrhizal fungi.

FORMATION of endomycorrhizae by vascular plants with fungi of the family Endogonaceae results in increased nutrient uptake and water transport by the hosts1,2. This study was designed to determine if host produced photosynthates are translocated to the endomycorrhizal fungus, as has been demonstrated for ectomycorrhizal associations3.
Identification of candidate genes involved in genitourinary malformations

Cryptorchidism and hypospadias are the two most common abnormalities of the external genitalia in the male. Recent studies reveal a doubling of the frequency of these abnormalities in the last 20 years. In order to understand environmental influences that may be increasing the incidences, it is helpful to understand the genetic pathways that may be perturbed. Several chromosomal syndromes have genitourinary malformations within their clinical phenotype including the 18q-syndrome. Therefore, it is likely that a gene involved in genitourinary development maps to 18q. Recently, we have described a patient with an apparently balanced t(1;18)(q32;q22) karyotype with genitourinary malformations that are also observed in the 18q- syndrome. Clinical features in this patient include hypospadias, micropenis, and a labialized scrotum. We are testing the hypothesis that expression of a gene at or near the translocated breakpoint on chromosome 18 is disrupted by the translocation. A detailed physical map composed of BAC clones around the translocation breakpoint has been generated. Numerous ESTs that have been mapped to 18q21.3-q22.3 by the International Radiation Hybrid Consortium have been mapped relative to the translocation breakpoint and the BAC clones. Several candidate genes have been identified by this EST mapping. One gene produces two transcripts of 4.4kb and 7kb in size that differ by the length of their 3′ untranslated region. This gene is expressed in testes as well as in other tissues and has previously been described as the human equivelent of the chicken cadherin 7 gene. Another cDNA that shows homology to OB-cadherin maps in the same vicinity as the cadherin 7 gene. Therefore, it appears that a cluster of cadherin genes maps near the site of the translocation breakpoint. Experiments are currently in progress to characterize this gene cluster and to investigate the role of these genes in genitourinary development.
Dependent personality disorder: A critical review

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) has evolved from an abstract idea rooted in a historic and psychoanalytic context to a codified diagnosis in the DSM-IV-TR. This comprehensive review paper chronicles the evolution of DPD through each version of the DSM. Major topics relevant to the disorder are also investigated, including gender and cultural considerations, stability and manifestations of DPD across different developmental stages, comorbidity issues, and others. The purpose of this review is to provide a broad yet comprehensive examination of the complex angles of maladaptive dependency and to identify essential next steps in furthering our knowledge of this disorder. The paper concludes with a discussion of shortcomings in the body of research relevant to DPD, along with specific suggestions for improvement in this field of study.
Speed and strategic choices accelerating decision‐making

When was the last time you had enough information and enough time to make the kind of careful, clear, well‐thought‐out decision you would have liked to make? For most people it has been a long time — if ever. I want to explore how managers should make informed decisions within the context of a fast‐paced environment that has poor information and high levels of competition.
The nature of voluntary action

This paper extends the microgenetic theory of action to the problem of volition and the nature of free will and responsibility. Volition is interpreted as an elaboration of the action structure without causal or agentive status in relation to the action. The implications of this approach for philosophy of mind are explored.
Leukocyte-endothelial adhesion and angiogenesis in tumors

Leukocyte-endothelial adhesion and angiogenesis, until recently considered as separate processes, have been shown to be linked by two recent findings: soluble cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) involved in leukocyte-endothelial interactions are angiogenic and well known angiogenic molecules secreted by cancer or immune. cells can modulate the endothelial CAMs. This molecular link may partially explain why the overall leukocyte-endothelial interaction is often low and heterogeneous in angiogenic tumor vessels and why activated lymphocytes adhere nonuniformly to tumor vessels when injected into the tumor's blood supply.
Cultural Complexity in Early Childhood: Images of Contemporary Young Children from a Critical Perspective

(2007). Cultural Complexity in Early Childhood: Images of Contemporary Young Children from a Critical Perspective. Childhood Education: Vol. 83, No. 5, pp. 261-266.
Parents’ Feelings Towards Their Adoptive and Non-Adoptive Children

In the current study, we examined parent gender differences in feelings (negativity and positivity) and perceptions of child behavioural and emotional problems in adoptive and biological parent-child dyads. In a sample of 85 families, we used a novel within-family adoption design in which one child was adopted and one child was a biological child of the couple, and tested whether the links between parent feelings and child maladjustment included effects of passive gene-environment correlation. Parents reported more negativity and less positivity as well as higher levels of externalizing behaviour for the adopted child compared to the non-adopted child, although effect sizes were small and no longer statistically significant after correcting for multiple comparisons. Fathers and mothers did not differ significantly in their reports of positive and negative feelings towards their children or in regard to child externalizing and internalizing behaviours. The correlations between parental negativity and positivity and child externalizing and internalizing were similar for fathers and mothers, and for adopted and non-adopted children. The findings suggest similar parent-child relationship processes for fathers and mothers, and that genetic transmission of behaviour from parent to child does not account for the association between parental warmth and hostility and child-adjustment problems.
Projection domain compensation of missing angles for fan-beam CT reconstruction.

Abstract An improved method is proposed for fan-beam computed tomographic (CT) reconstruction from data with limited views. Compensation for the missing projections for fan-beam CT can be partially accomplished by using the coincident ray or by an interpolation technique using circular sample theory. In this article, the authors propose a more accurate compensation method for the missing projections whether the coincident ray pairs exist or not. The fan-beam reprojection algorithm, which is the inverse operator of the convolution filter, was extended from the projection space iteration reconstruction-reprojection (PSIRR) in parallel beam geometry. In addition, this algorithm was validated by applying the Shepp-Logan phantom for a computer simulation in the equi-angular fan-beam CT geometg7.
Alterations of the AML1 transcription factor in human leukemia.

Abstract The identification of clonal chromosomal translocations in human leukemias provided one of the first insights into the underlying pathogenesis of this clinically heterogeneous disease. Over the last decade a large number of these chromosomal rearrangements have been molecularly cloned and the involved genes identified. A surprising finding that has emerged from this work is that many of these chromosomal alterations target the genes encoding the AML1/CBFβtranscription factor complex, a critical regulator of normal hematopoiesis. In this review, we summarize our present understanding of the mechanisms through which alterations of AML1/CBF βcontribute to leukemogenesis.
Fertilin β and other ADAMs as integrin ligands: insights into cell adhesion and fertilization

One of the most important cell-cell interactions is that of the sperm with the egg. This interaction, which begins with cell adhesion and culminates with membrane fusion, is mediated by multiple molecules on the gametes. One of the best-characterized of these molecules is fertilin beta, a ligand on mammalian sperm and one of the first ADAMs (A Disintegrin and A Metalloprotease domain) to be identified. Fertilin beta (also known as ADAM2) participates in sperm-egg membrane binding, and it has long been hypothesized that this function is achieved through the interaction of the disintegrin domain of fertilin beta with an integrin on the egg surface. There are now approximately 30 members of the ADAM family and, to date, five different ADAMs (fertilin beta, ADAM9, ADAM12, ADAM15, ADAM23) have been described to interact with integrins (specifically alpha(6)beta(1), alpha(v)beta(3), alpha(9)beta(1), alpha(v)beta(5), and/or alpha(5)beta(1)). This field will be discussed with respect to what is known about specific ADAMs and the integrins with which they interact, and what the implications are for sperm-egg interactions and for integrin function. These data will also be discussed in the context of recent knockout studies, which show that eggs lacking the alpha(6) integrin subunit can be fertilized, and eggs lacking the integrin-associated tetraspanin protein CD9 fail to fertilize. Key issues in cell adhesion that pertain to gametes and fertilization will also be highlighted.
Chronic hydrocephalus-induced changes in cerebral blood flow: mediation through cardiac effects

Decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF) in hydrocephalus is believed to be related to increased intracranial pressure (ICP), vascular compression as the result of enlarged ventricles, or impaired metabolic activity. Little attention has been given to the relationship between cardiac function and systemic blood flow in chronic hydrocephalus (CH). Using an experimental model of chronic obstructive hydrocephalus developed in our laboratory, we investigated the relationship between the duration and severity of hydrocephalus and cardiac output (CO), CBF, myocardial tissue perfusion (MTP), and peripheral blood flow (PBF). Blood flow measures were obtained using the microsphere injection method under controlled hemodynamic conditions in experimental CH (n=23) and surgical control (n=8) canines at baseline and at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks. Cardiac output measures were made using the Swan-Ganz thermodilution method. Intracranial compliance (ICC) via cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bolus removal and infusion, and oxygen delivery in CSF and prefrontal cortex (PFC) were also investigated. We observed an initial surgical effect relating to 30% CO reduction and approximately 50% decrease in CBF, MTP, and PBF in both groups 2 weeks postoperatively, which recovered in control animals but continued to decline further in CH animals at 16 weeks. Cerebral blood flow, which was positively correlated with CO (P=0.028), showed no significant relationship with either CSF volume or pressure. Decreased CBF correlated with oxygen deprivation in PFC (P=0.006). Cardiac output was inversely related with ventriculomegaly (P=0.019), but did not correlate with ICP. Decreased CO corresponded to increased ICC, as measured by CSF infusion (P=0.04). Our results suggest that CH may have more of an influence on CO and CBF in the chronic stage than in the early condition, which was dominated by surgical effect. The cause of this late deterioration of cardiac function in hydrocephalus is uncertain, but may reflect cardiac regulation secondary to physiologic response or brain injury. The relationship between cardiac function and CBF should be considered in the pathophysiology and clinical treatment of CH.
Biologically displayed random peptides as reagents in mapping protein-protein interactions

Random peptide libraries, also known as combinatorial peptide libraries, represent an exciting new set of reagents for the purposes of mapping protein-protein interactions and drug discovery. Millions to trillions of peptides can be expressed biologically, such that the plurality of peptides are accessible and physically linked to the genetic element encoding them. These libraries can be screened by affinity selection to isolate those members in the library that display binding to the target molecule of interest. Sequencing of the associated DNA or RNA elements then leads to the elucidation of the binding peptide's primary structure. From the collection of isolated binding peptides, a consensus motif is frequently evident; these motifs are informative in investigating the interactions of natural proteins. Finally, because synthetic forms of identified peptides are often pharmacological antagonists, they can serve as drug leads.
Laparoscopic enucleation of a pancreatic insulinoma

Insulinoma is the most common functional neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas [2]. In most cases the lesions are benign, solitary, and located within the pancreatic parenchyma. Because of these characteristics, the majority of these lesions can be treated with simple enucleation [2]. Advances in laparoscopic techniques have recently enabled the safe resection of pancreatic islet cell tumors [1] and may provide patients with the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.
The damping action of submerged breakwaters

The results of an experimental investigation on the damping action of submerged rectangular breakwaters are presented. The experimental data also are compared with published theories. A new theory is presented which compares more favorably with the experiments than the previous theories. Also given is a summary of all available published theoretical and experimental information on the damping action of trapezoidal and triangular breakwaters, reefs of various configurations, and plane barriers of various orientations.
The swimsuit issue: Correlates of body image in a sample of 52,677 heterosexual adults

Past research on adults' body image has typically used small convenience samples, limiting the ability to examine associations of personal characteristics to body satisfaction. This study of 52,677 heterosexual adults ages 18-65 examined associations of body satisfaction to age, height, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Age and height were mostly unrelated to body satisfaction. Consistent with an Objectification Theory perspective, fewer men than women reported being too heavy (41% versus 61%), rated their body as unattractive (11% versus 21%), or avoided wearing a swimsuit in public (16% versus 31%). Men felt better about their bodies than women across most of the weight span, although among underweight individuals, women felt better than men. Slender women (BMIs 14.5-22.49) were more satisfied than most other women (BMIs 22.5-40.5). Among men, underweight and obese men were least satisfied. These findings highlight gender differences in the association of weight to body satisfaction.
A method for freezing living ovaries of Drosophila melanogaster larvae and its application to the storage of mutant stocks.

Eine Methode zum Gefrieren lebender Ovarien vonDrosophila melanogaster-Larven wird beschrieben Diese Gefrierkonservierung ist geeignet, Mutantenstamme aufzubewahren
Family grief in cross-cultural perspective

Although family systems theory challenges an individual focus on grief by providing conceptual tools for understanding the crucial importance of relational issues in bereavement, its totalizing language may seem to imply that bereavement is the same across cultures. It is not. We need to explore bereavement in families in diverse cultures – to make sense of unique aspects of grieving in those cultures, including the diverse cultures/ethnic groups in economically developed countries. Three examples of what might be gained from understanding specific relational grief phenomena from other cultures are offered: energy transfer in bereavement, the dead as active among the living and dangerous witches as causes of death. In addition, to understand grief in the family context across cultures, we must be sensitive to cultural differences in what is family and what is grief. Also, there is the question of whether family systems thinking makes sense in diverse cultures. The answer is ‘yes’, for many reasons, includ...
Identification of Small Molecule Inhibitors of PTPσ through an Integrative Virtual and Biochemical Approach

PTPσ is a dual-domain receptor type protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) with physiologically important functions which render this enzyme an attractive biological target. Specifically, loss of PTPσ has been shown to elicit a number of cellular phenotypes including enhanced nerve regeneration following spinal cord injury (SCI), chemoresistance in cultured cancer cells, and hyperactive autophagy, a process critical to cell survival and the clearance of pathological aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases. Owing to these functions, modulation of PTPσ may provide therapeutic value in a variety of contexts. Furthermore, a small molecule inhibitor would provide utility in discerning the cellular functions and substrates of PTPσ. To develop such molecules, we combined in silico modeling with in vitro phosphatase assays to identify compounds which effectively inhibit the enzymatic activity of PTPσ. Importantly, we observed that PTPσ inhibition was frequently mediated by oxidative species generated by compounds in solution, and we further optimized screening conditions to eliminate this effect. We identified a compound that inhibits PTPσ with an IC50 of 10 µM in a manner that is primarily oxidation-independent. This compound favorably binds the D1 active site of PTPσ in silico, suggesting it functions as a competitive inhibitor. This compound will serve as a scaffold structure for future studies designed to build selectivity for PTPσ over related PTPs.
Interactions among fire legacies, grazing and topography predict shrub encroachment in post-agricultural páramo

Woody encroachment in grasslands is a global phenomenon driven by complex interactions between climate, grazing and fire management. Alpine shrub encroachment is of particular concern for biological conservation because high-elevation grasslands harbor high levels of biodiversity and species endemism. Paramo grasslands of the high Andes are exceptionally high in floral diversity, but traditional agricultural practices have resulted in widespread livestock grazing and anthropogenic burning. Fire suppression has frequently been identified a driver of woody expansion in other grasslands, and conservation initiatives that aim to decrease burning and grazing in paramos may inadvertently lead to shrub encroachment. We tested whether interactions among fire and grazing legacies, topography and edaphic conditions predicted the patchy distribution of encroaching shrubs in an Ecuadorian paramo 10 years after release from burning and grazing. Interviews with land-users identified proximity to roads, footpaths and riparian areas as proxies for fire frequency and grazing pressure. A recursive partitioning model of shrub cover revealed that woody abundance was generally lower at lower elevations, especially near the access road (where fire frequency and grazing pressure were high). Within the low-elevation areas, shrub cover was highest near streams (where grazing pressure was high). These results suggest that (1) the effects of fire and grazing legacies depend on the spatial patterns of grazing, and (2) legacy effects interact with topography to help explain patchy shrub encroachment.
Influence of endotoxin tolerance on detoxification of Salmonella enteritidis endotoxin by mouse liver and spleen.

SummaryThe influence of tolerance, developed by the daily intraperitoneal administration of sublethal doses of Salmonella enteritidis endotoxin, on the endotoxin detoxifying capacity of the liver and spleen was evaluated. Liver and spleen homogenates from endotoxin-tolerant mice possessed greater endotoxin detoxifying ability than liver and spleen homogenates from saline-treated mice.These findings further accent the importance of the liver and spleen macrophage cells in endotoxemia and indicate that endotoxin tolerance is associated with the enhanced capacity of the reticuloendothelial cells to detoxify endotoxin.
The kinetic characterization of gluconokinase from a pseudomonad

Abstract The kinetic properties of gluconokinase from a pseudomonad have been examined. The catalytic reaction appears to follow a sequential (probably random) order of addition of substrates to the enzyme. The enzyme is highly specific for both ATP and gluconate. The Michaelis constants for ATP and gluconate are 1.04 × 10−3 m and 1.16 × 10−4 m , respectively. There appears to be a secondary site, distinct from the active site, at which ADP interacts with the enzyme. Although the overall reaction rate is lowered by the presence of ADP, this inhibition is compensated by a decrease in Km for both substrates in the presence of ADP. The nature of the ADP inhibition is pH dependent. At pH 6.5, the inhibition is mixed with respect to ATP and at pH 8.5, ADP behaves as a competitive inhibitor. At pH 7.5, the type of inhibition appears to depend on the concentration of the inhibitor. At low ADP concentrations, the inhibition appears to be competitive and at higher ADP concentrations, it is mixed. The ADP inhibition is relatively specific. Both dADP and IDP offer some inhibition, but both are weaker inhibitors than ADP. The properties of the enzyme are discussed in terms of the regulation of gluconate metabolism in the pseudomonad.
Dissection of glucocorticoid receptor-mediated inhibition of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis by gene targeting in mice

Negative feedback regulation of glucocorticoid (GC) synthesis and secretion occurs through the function of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) at sites in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, as well as in brain regions such as the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and sympathetic nervous system. This function of GRs in negative feedback coordinates basal glucocorticoid secretion and stress-induced increases in secretion that integrate GC production with the magnitude and duration of the stressor. This review describes the effects of GR loss along major sites of negative feedback including the entire brain, the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), and the pituitary. In genetic mouse models, we evaluate circadian regulation of the HPA axis, stress-stimulated neuroendocrine response and behavioral activity, as well as the integrated response of organism metabolism. Our analysis provides information on contributions of region-specific GR-mediated negative feedback to provide insight in understanding HPA axis dysregulation and the pathogenesis of psychiatric and metabolic disorders.
Management of isoimmunization in the presence of multiple maternal antibodies

Abstract Objective: Evaluation and management of patients with multiple maternal antibody isoimmunization is unclear. The presence of ≥ 1 maternal antibody may suggest a worse scenario. The objective of this study was 2-fold: first, to determine whether the presence of multiple antibodies predicts a more severe course than single antibodies and second, to determine the utility of the Queenan curves/protocol in evaluating multiple-antibody isoimmunization. Study Design: Amniotic fluid ΔOD 450 measurements were obtained from the antenatal testing logbook and confirmed by chart review. Cases were categorized by antibody type and clinical outcomes obtained by chart review. Results: Twenty-four pregnancies with isoimmunization and multiple maternal antibodies were identified; of these, 17 had 2 antibodies (anti-D and -C in 13; anti-D and -E in 1; anti-D and -Jka in 1; anti-c and -E in 1; and anti-c and -Jka in 1), and 7 had > 2 antibodies (anti-D, -C, and -E in 4; anti-D, -C, and -N in 1; anti-c, -E, and -FYA in 1; and anti-E, -K, -Fya, -S, and -C in 1). Eleven patients (46%) required at least 1 intrauterine fetal transfusion (mean initial fetal hematocrit, 15%; range, 4.9%-24%). In those not transfused, no ΔOD 450 measurements occurred in the Queenan "fetal death risk" zone. Poorest outcomes (multiple transfusions/hydrops/fetal demise) were in patients with anti-D and anti-C, with or without anti-E. The absence of anti-D was associated with no need for fetal transfusions. The overall transfusion rate was significantly higher compared with a group of 57 isoimmunization patients with only anti-D (46% vs 25%, P ≤.05). Conclusions: The presence of anti-D appears to be the most significant factor guiding the course of isoimmunization with multiple antibodies. The presence of another antibody with anti-D appears to significantly increase the need for intrauterine fetal transfusions. The Queenan protocol can successfully treat patients with multiple maternal red blood cell antibodies. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;185:481-4.)
Multiple cis-acting DNA regulatory elements mediate hepatic angiotensinogen gene expression.

Angiotensinogen is the glycoprotein precursor of angiotensin II, an octapeptide hormone important for the regulation of blood pressure and volume homeostasis. The gene encoding angiotensinogen is expressed in liver and several other tissues, providing a model gene for understanding the role of cis-acting DNA control elements and trans-acting factors in tissue-type specific gene expression. To identify DNA control elements in the rat angiotensinogen gene we prepared an array of fusion genes consisting of either 5′ or 3′-deleted sequences of the 5′- flanking region of the gene linked to a firefly luciferase reporter gene and analyzed the relative cellular specificity of expression of these genes after their introduction into hepato-carcinoma cells (Hep G2) that do express and placental cells (JEG-3) that do not express the endogenous angiotensinogen gene. Six transcriptionally active elements were found within 688 base pairs of 5′-flanking DNA. The interactions of DNA binding proteins with these elements wa...