cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association between Recency of Last Pregnancy and Biologic Subtype of Breast Cancer

Breast cancers (BCs) diagnosed after a recent pregnancy display features associated with poor prognosis, including hormone receptor negativity, but other tumor markers have not been examined. We sought to define the tumor marker profile of these cancers, including HER-2 and p53 expression, and examine the time interval over which this adverse profile is observed, relative to last pregnancy. A prospectively maintained database was reviewed to identify women with a BC diagnosis between 1998 to 2011. Parous women were categorized on the basis of the interval between pregnancy and BC diagnosis; 0–2 years, >2–5 years, >5–10 years, and >10–15 years. Tumor characteristics of parous cases were compared to those of nulliparous BC patients, who were frequency matched by age. A total of 175 parous and 114 nulliparous women were identified. Women who were 0–2 years from last parity at the time of BC diagnosis were the only group who were more likely than control women to have grade 3 tumors (P < 0.01), positive lymph nodes (P = 0.02), and triple negative tumors (P = 0.01, odds ratio 3.2, 95% confidence interval 1.2–8.5). There was no difference noted in HER-2 or p53 status relative to interval from pregnancy. BC diagnosed within 2 years of pregnancy is more likely to have poor prognostic features and to be triple negative. More work is needed to delineate the time frame of pregnancy-associated BC and to define them on a molecular level, so as to devise better prevention and therapy for this devastating problem.
Analysis of Coal Slag for Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material

Samples of aerosolized coal slag were collected during an abrasive blasting operation to determine the concentration of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in the respirable and nonrespirable fractions. Each slag fraction was analyzed using alpha and gamma spectrometry. Since the slag is insoluble, it was necessary to dissolve samples completely by fusion with potassium fluoride and, after additional transposing and separation, mount the precipitate containing radium (Ra), the main radioactive component in NORM, on a membrane filter for alpha counting. The concentration of 226Ra in coal slag was independent of the particle size fraction and equal to 2.28 picocuries/gram (pCi/g) ± 0.43 pCi/g, which is approximately twice the typical concentration of NORM in uncontaminated soil. Analysis of NORM by gamma spectrometry identified low concentrations of uranium, thorium, and potassium, all primordial radioactive materials that are commonly encountered in normal background soil. Integral exposure to...
Tobacco Industry Surveillance of Public Health Groups: The Case of STAT and INFACT

Objectives. The goal of this study was to describe how the tobacco industry collects information about public health groups. Methods. Publicly available internal tobacco industry documents were reviewed and analyzed using a chronological case study approach. Results. The industry engaged in aggressive intelligence gathering, used intermediaries to obtain materials under false pretenses, sent public relations spies to the organizations' meetings, and covertly taped strategy sessions. Other industry strategies included publicly minimizing the effects of boycotts, painting health advocates as “extreme,” identifying and exploiting disagreements, and planning to “redirect the funding” of tobacco control organizations to other purposes. Conclusions. Public health advocates often make light of tobacco industry observers, but industry surveillance may be real, intense, and covert and may obstruct public health initiatives.
Extension of the diffusion controlled electron transfer theory for intermittent fluorescence of quantum dots: inclusion of biexcitons and the difference of ``on'' and ``off'' time distributions

The equations for the diffusion controlled electron transfer (DCET) theory of quantum dot blinking are extended to include biexcitons. In contrast to excitons, which undego resonant light to dark transitions, the biexcitons, having a much larger total energy, undergo a Fermi's Golden rule type transfer (many acceptance states). The latter immediately gives rise to an exponential tail for the light state, and it is explained why the dark state power law behavior is unaffected. Results are given for both continuous and pulsed excitation. The typical −3/2 power law for the light state at low light intensities, and for the dark state at all intensities, as well as dependence of the exponential tail on the square of the light intensity, and a decrease of the power in the power law for the light state from −3/2 to less negative values with increasing light intensity are all consistent with the theory. The desirability of measuring the dependence of the spectral diffusion coefficient on light intensity at room temperature as a test of several aspects of the theory is noted.
Interleukin-12 induces a Th1-like response to Burkholderia mallei and limited protection in BALB/c mice.

We evaluated the effect of interleukin (IL)-12 on the immune response to Burkholderia mallei in BALB/c mice. Mice were vaccinated with non-viable B. mallei cells with or without IL-12. There was a seven- to nine-fold increase in IgG2a levels, and a significant increase in the proliferative response and interferon (IFN)- production by splenocytes from mice that received B. mallei and IL-12. We saw an increase in survivors in the groups of mice that received B. mallei and IL-12 when challenged, compared to mice that received only B. mallei or IL-12. The results suggest that IL-12 can enhance the Th1-like immune response to B. mallei and mediate limited protection from a lethal challenge. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Insulin receptor signaling in the beta-cell influences insulin gene expression and insulin content: evidence for autocrine beta-cell regulation.

The insulin receptor (IR) is expressed by insulin-secreting β-Cells, but its cellular function is unknown. We transfected βTC6-F7 β-Cells with cDNAs encoding either wild-type or mutant kinase-inactive (A/K1018) IRs, and by fluorescence-activated cell sorting generated polyclonal β-cell lines that overexpressed each receptor type at levels two- to fourfold higher than the parental cells. β-Cells overexpressing wild-type IRs had a proportional increase in insulin-stimulated tyrosine kinase activity; no change occurred in β-Cells expressing the mutant IR. We observed a threefold increase in cellular insulin content in β-Cells that overexpressed the wildtype IR, as determined by radioimmunoassay. This increase occurred despite a fivefold elevated rate of both basal and 10 mmol/l glucose-induced insulin secretion. Fractional insulin secretion (percentage of total cell insulin releasable at 10 mmol/l glucose) was unchanged in β-Cells overexpressing the wild-type IR compared with the parental β-cell line. Insulin content and insulin secretion were unaffected by overexpression of kinase-inactive IRs. Steady-state insulin mRNA levels were elevated twofold in the β-Cells overexpressing the wild-type IR and unchanged in the β-Cells expressing the kinase-inactive receptor, as determined by Northern blot analysis. The rate of insulin mRNA degradation measured in the presence of 5 μg/ml actinomycin D was not significantly affected in either cell line. In the absence of glucose, the basal level of (pro)insulin biosynthesis in the β-Cells overexpressing the wild-type IR increased significantly (61%) compared with the pcells transfected with the kinase-inactive IR. These data indicate that IR signaling can regulate insulin gene transcription and can modulate the steady-state insulin content of β-Cells.
Strategies for Reducing the Complication of Orthopedic Pain Perioperatively

Equine orthopedic pain management has become a growing area of interest. Its importance has been emphasized in many studies showing that better pain management results in decreased postoperative complications such as chronic pain, support-limb laminitis, gastric ulceration, and gastrointestinal disease. This review is meant for the surgeon managing orthopedic pain pre-, peri-, and postoperatively.
Library budgets and academic library rankings in times of transition

An analysis of the ability of a particular library to significantly increase its Association of Research Libraries (ARL) ranking in a reasonable time period is presented. A discussion follows to show why this is not a useful objective at a time when academic libraries are transitioning to new types of products and services made possible by emerging technologies. Various initiatives are under way in the USA and Europe to create more meaningful performance measures for academic libraries.
Observations of the solar soft X-ray irradiance by the student nitric oxide explorer

Abstract The student nitric oxide explorer (SNOE) satellite made daily solar observations of the solar soft X-ray irradiance over most of the period from March 10, 1998 through March 16, 2002. Wavelengths below 30 nm, referred to as soft X-rays, were measured in broadband channels consisting of photodiodes with thin film filters deposited directly on the diode surfaces. SNOE had three such channels measuring in the bands 0.1–7, 6–19 , and 17–20 nm. The solar rotational (∼27-day) variability in these bands is 44%, 28%, and 14%, respectively, and the solar cycle (11-year) variability is approximately factors of 11, 6 and 5, respectively. The SNOE observations are compared to more recent observations by the TIMED SEE instrument which uses the same technique at similar levels of solar activity and are found to be larger by a factor nearing two. The SNOE observations are shown however to be in excellent agreement with the EUVAC empirical model of solar irradiance.
Early induction of alterations in cancellous and cortical bone histology after orchiectomy in mature rats

Androgen deficiency is associated with low bone mass in humans and animals, but the remodeling alterations that lead to bone loss are unclear. Our objective was to define early responses in both cancellous and cortical bone to orchiectomy (ORX) using histomorphometry in sexually mature (4-month-old) rats. A total of 62 male rats, 4 months of age, were divided into six groups, sham operated (SH) or orchiectomized (ORX), and sacrificed 1, 2, or 4 weeks after ORX. Calcein was given 5 and 2 days before sacrifice to label mineralizing surfaces. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in excised femurs by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Static and dynamic histomorphometry was evaluated in the cancellous bone of the proximal tibial metaphysis and lumbar vertebral bodies, and in the cortical bone of the tibial diaphysis. Osteopenia began to develop by 2 weeks after ORX, though weight gain and femur length did not change. Femoral BMD was significantly reduced and BMC decreased (NS) by 4 weeks after ORX (p < 0.05). Tibial and vertebral cancellous bone volume decreased 19% and 13%, respectively, while osteoblast and osteoclast surfaces, and numbers of osteoclasts, increased after ORX. At 2 weeks post-ORX, an increase in cancellous bone formation rate was attributable primarily to an increase in mineralizing surfaces and a smaller rise in mineral apposition rate. In contrast, cortical bone periosteal, but not endosteal, bone formation rate and mineralizing surfaces decreased. We conclude that ORX stimulates cancellous and diminishes periosteal bone turnover rapidly after ORX, with subsequent decreases in bone volume and mineral density. The clear divergence in cortical and cancellous bone responses to hypogonadism raises important questions regarding the control of bone formation and its role in defining the skeletal phenotype.
Ultrasonography as a screening tool for paravaginal defects in women with stress incontinence: a pilot study.

The aim of the study was to determine whether transabdominal ultrasonography can accurately identify paravaginal defects associated with genuine stress urinary incontinence. Sixteen women were diagnosed with genuise stress urinary incontinence (GSUI) following clinical evaluation, urethroscopy and urodynamic studies. They were then evaluated by transabdominal sonography and a full bladder and immediately following micturition. The ultrasound studies were also carried out in 8 women (5 nulliparous and 3 primiparous) who had no signs or symptoms of urinary incontinence. Paravaginal defects were detected in the 16 women with GSUI: 9 had unilateral defects and 7 had bilateral defects. Only right-sided defects were identified in women with unilateral lesions. Paravaginal defects were confirmed in all symptomatic women at the time of surgery, and corresponded with the defects identified with transabdominal ultrasound. Mild unilateral paravaginal defects were identified in 2 continent parous women. Five nulliparous women and 1 primiparous control had no ultrasound evidence of paravaginal defects. A transabdominal, transverse, suprapubic ultrasound scan with a full bladder is a promising screening technique for the diagnosis of paravaginal defect in women with GSUI. Transabdominal suprapubic longitudinal sections are not useful for the identification of paravaginal defects.
Mechanistic implications of nickel-catalyzed reductive coupling of aldehydes and chiral 1,6-enynes.

A study of nickel-catalyzed reductive coupling reactions of aldehydes and chiral 1,6-enynes has provided evidence for three distinct mechanistic pathways that govern regioselectivity in this transformation. In the absence of a phosphine additive, high regioselectivity and high diastereoselectivity are obtained as a direct result of coordination of both the alkyne and the olefin to the metal center during the C−C bond-forming step.
MENSTRUATION AND THE ENDOMETRIUM

SINCE HITSCHMANN AND ADLER (1) first described the cyclic changes in the endometrial glands and Schroeder (2) correlated these changes with corresponding rhythmic phenomena in the ovaries, many investigators have searched the eiv dometrium for an explanation of the mechanism of menstruation. The introduction of the suction biopsy (3) in 1932 has made it a simple matter to obtain human endometrium at frequent intervals. Despite this aid the exact mechanism of menstruation remains unknown. While the condition of the endometrium is a fairly reliable index of ovarian function, it does not indicate if or when menstruation will occur (4). The purpose of this paper is to report two unusual cases which we believe cast additional light on this problem. It is generally believed that menstruation occurs as a result of degenerative changes in the endometrium following regression of the corpus luteum (5). In the normal ovulatory cycle, the secretory endometrium as a rule is cast off more or less completely during the ...
Towards high fidelity finite element analysis

Abstract This paper presents a systematic procedure for the reliable and accurate use of the Finite Element Method. The emphasis is on assessing the effects of modelling assumptions on the structural response. The work is aimed at enabling structural qualification to be carried out in safety critical situations such as in aircraft structural analysis. The procedure is based on a decomposition of the idealisation process which, is in itself based on a hierarchical decomposition of the structure. Tangible benefits of employing a systematic procedure are shown through examples.
The Mössbauer effect of SnI4 at high pressures

Tetravalent tin iodide is a molecular crystal composed of SnI4 tetrahedra loosely packed into a cubic configuration. Under pressure SnI4 becomes metallic at about 15 GPa. We report a Mossbauer effect study of119Sn and129I in SnI4 to pressures of 26 GPa. The spectra exhibit dramatic changes with pressure starting at about 10 GPa and show large pressure hysteresis effects upon reducing the pressure from 26 GPa. In the intermediate region tin exists in both Sn4+ and Sn2+ states, and iodine exists in two nonequivalent sites characterized by a different symmetry and different sign and magnitude of the electric field gradient.
RGS4 Is Arginylated and Degraded by the N-end Rule Pathway in Vitro

The N-end rule relates the in vivohalf-life of a protein to the identity of its N-terminal residue. We used an expression-cloning screen to search for mouse proteins that are degraded by the ubiquitin/proteasome-dependent N-end rule pathway in a reticulocyte lysate. One substrate thus identified was RGS4, a member of the RGS family of GTPase-activating proteins that down-regulate specific G proteins. A determinant of the RGS4 degradation signal (degron) was located at the N terminus of RGS4, because converting cysteine 2 to either glycine, alanine, or valine completely stabilized RGS4. Radiochemical sequencing indicated that the N-terminal methionine of the lysate-produced RGS4 was replaced with arginine. Since N-terminal arginine is a destabilizing residue not encoded by RGS4 mRNA, we conclude that the degron of RGS4 is generated through the removal of N-terminal methionine and enzymatic arginylation of the resulting N-terminal cysteine. RGS16, another member of the RGS family, was also found to be an N-end rule substrate. RGS4 that was transiently expressed in mouse L cells was short-lived in these cells. However, the targeting of RGS4 for degradation in this in vivo setting involved primarily another degron, because N-terminal variants of RGS4 that were stable in reticulocyte lysate remained unstable in L cells.
Signals delivered via the Qa-2 molecule can synergize with limiting anti-CD3-induced signals to cause T lymphocyte activation.

Qa-2 is a glycolipid anchored, MHC encoded class I molecule expressed at high levels on all murine peripheral T lymphocytes. Anti-Qa-2 antibodies have previously been found to stimulate T cells to proliferate in the presence of crosslinking antibody and PMA. We have examined the effect of anti-Qa-2 antibodies on T cells stimulated with a suboptimal concentration of immobilized anti-CD3. When anti-Qa-2 antibodies were co-immobilized with limiting anti-CD3, in the absence of PMA, a clear augmentation of T cell proliferation was seen. Interestingly, the co-stimulatory anti-Qa-2 antibodies could be directed against epitopes mapped to either the α3 or the α1/α2 Qa-2 domains. As was the case with activation induced by soluble/crosslinked anti-Qa-2 antibodies plus PMA, CD8+ T cells were less able to be costimulated with anti-Qa-2 antibodies than CD4+ cells. Surprisingly, Ca2+ mobilization was only seen when two anti-Qa-2 antibodies reactive to separate structural domains were co-crosslinked on the surface of Ind...
Net hepatic lactate balance following mixed meal feeding in the four-day fasted conscious dog

Abstract The present experiments were undertaken to determine whether four days of fasting and marked hepatic glycogen depletion would alter the effect of mixed meal feeding on net hepatic lactate balance in the conscious dog. Dogs were fasted for four days and were then fed a mixed meal over a ten-minute period. Net hepatic glucose and lactate balance were monitored for the next eight hours using the A-V difference technique. The arterial plasma glucose level rose to a maximum of 121 ± 3 mg/dL three hours after feeding and then decreased. Net hepatic glucose output declined to 0.44 ± 0.44 mg/kg/min but the liver never became a net consumer of glucose. The arterial blood lactate level rose from 678 ± 71 to 1000 ± 158 μmol/L as the liver switched from net lactate uptake (12.2 ± 2.0 μmol/kg/min) to net lactate production (4.3 ± 1.7 μmol/kg/min). Over the course of the eight-hour postprandial period 25 g of glycogen were deposited in the liver. The net hepatic uptake of the gluconeogenic amino acids rose from 6.1 ± 1.2 μmol/kg/min to a peak of 15.4 ± 4.3 μmol/kg/min one hour after feeding. Net hepatic uptake of glycerol fell from 3.0 ± 0.3 μmol/kg/min to an average of 1.5 ± 0.4 μmol/kg/min. The plasma insulin level increased from 13 ± 2 μU/mL to a peak of 50 ± 4 μU/mL at 3.5 hours and fell to 32 ± 7 μU/mL by 8 hours. The plasma glucagon level rose from 22 ± 3 pg/mL to 93 ± 12 pg/mL 1.5 hours after feeding and fell to 68 ± 6 pg/mL 8 hours after feeding. It is concluded that in the long-fasted dog fed a mixed meal, (1) the liver switches from net lactate uptake to net lactate output, (2) net hepatic glucose production decreases, but net hepatic glucose uptake does not occur, and (3) hepatic glycogen synthesis occurs despite the absence of net glucose and lactate uptake by the liver.
Use of Multiple Spawning Sites and Seasonal Movement by Razorback Suckers in the Middle Green River, Utah

Abstract Radiotelemetry data through three successive spawning events (1993–1995) and capture data for 15 years (1975, 1979–1993) were used to describe movement patterns and fidelity to spawning sites by male razorback suckers Xyrauchen texanus in the middle Green River, Utah. Movement to spawning areas was influenced primarily by discharge. The greatest distances traveled by male razorback suckers were in a downstream direction and occurred just before and shortly after spawning. Three of six surviving males implanted with radio transmitters were located on more than one spawning site between 1993 and 1995. Thus, although most razorback suckers in the middle Green River spawned in a single area between river kilometers 492 and 501 (from the confluence of the Green and the Colorado rivers), other spawning areas were probably used. Tag recapture and telemetry data supported the hypothesis that razorback suckers in the middle Green River represent a single reproductive population.
Hidden food allergens.

This review summarizes recent advances and findings in the area of 'hidden' food allergens, i.e. allergenic foods that can either contaminate other foods, or be 'disguised' as part of a food, and cause allergic reactions. Newly emerging allergenic foods of increasing importance, recently developed methods for the detection of allergenic residues, the potential allergenicity of genetically engineered foods, and some unexpected sources of food allergens are described.
Multiple responses of aplastic anemia to low‐dose cyclosporine therapy despite development of a myelodysplastic syndrome

A 55-year-old white woman presented in July 1984 with severe aplastic anemia refractory to anti-thymocyte globulin, corticosteroids, and danazol. In December 1984, oral cyclosporine therapy was begun, and a partial remission was achieved with persistent thrombocytopenia and transfusion independence. The cyclosporine dosage was tapered and then stopped in May 1986 when the platelet count was 35,000/L. In October 1986 the platelet count was only 16,000/L, and the bone marrow showed evidence of a myelodysplastic syndrome; cytogenetic analysis revealed deletion of the long arm of chromosome 13 (previous cytogenetic findings had been normal). After cyclosporine therapy was resumed, platelet count promptly increased to 36,000/L. A subsequent attempt to taper the cyclosporine dosage resulted in a decreased platelet count. The platelet count responded to cyclosporine again and was maintained at 54,000/L and higher with cyclosporine therapy at only 25 mg/day. This information suggests that, despite the development of a myelodysplastic syndrome, immune mechanisms were still operative in the pathogenesis of our patient's thrombocytopenia. Immune modulation may have an important role in preventing progression of myelodysplastic syndromes to more severe forms or to acute leukemia.
The Binding Hierarchy and the Typology of Complements

Relations systematiques entre la structure semantique des verbes a complements et la structure syntaxique de ces complements.
Development of a method for analyzing three-dimensional scapula kinematics.

Background Scapula mobility complicates upper extremity kinematics assessment. Existing methods are diverse, providing inconsistent results. The current gold standard (bone pins) is prohibitively invasive. The purposes of the current study are to describe a virtual projection alternative to surface markers for video motion capture (VMC) of the scapula and to compare the results of the projection and surface marker methods to the results of similar existing methods.
Separation and analysis of histone subfractions differing in their degree of acetylation: some correlations with genetic activity in development.

Abstract Histone fractions F2A1 and F3 are modified in vivo by an acetylation of lysyl residues at specific sites in the polypeptide chain. The acetylation takes place after histone synthesis is completed; it is reversible, and it involves more than one site of substitution. The net result is a population of F2A1 (or F3) molecules which differ in the number of N ϵ -acetyllysyl residues they contain. Methods are described for the separation of various acetylated and nonacetylated forms of histone F2A1 using column Chromatographic and gel electrophoretic techniques. The electrophoretic heterogeneity of fraction F3 is also explored. The methods have been applied to a study of the relative proportions and isotopic acetyl content of the histone subtractions during development and differentiation. It has been found that fraction F2A1 is not acetylated in sperm cells of Arbacia lixula —cells which are not capable of RNA synthesis—while it exists in several acetylated forms in the Arbacia embryo at a time of extensive gene activation. The amino acid compositions of isolated subfractions of calf thymus histone F2A1 indicates that they are identical except in their degree of acetylation, and they do not show significant differences in their contents of mono- and dimethyllysine.
Selecting suspension points and excising the vagina during Michigan four-wall sacrospinous suspension.

Abstract Objective To describe the variations in the location of the vaginal apex and the length of vagina excised in women undergoing the Michigan four-wall sacrospinous suspension for posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse. Methods A prospective observational study of 76 women who had the Michigan modification sacrospinous suspension performed between 1998 and 2001 for posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse was carried out. Demographics and preoperative, operative, and postoperative findings were noted, including the pelvic organ prolapse quantification score. The locations of the suspension points relative to the hysterectomy scar were recorded. The amount of vagina excised at surgery and the pre- and postoperative vaginal lengths are reported. Results The mean length and standard deviation of vagina excised was 4.6 ± 2.5 cm. The apex created at sacrospinous fixation was at the hysterectomy scar in only seven women (9%). It was most often situated behind the hysterectomy scar, in 58 cases (76%); it was situated in front of it in 11 (14%). In seven women no vagina was excised, and in the remaining 69 women a mean length of 5.1 ± 2.2 cm was removed. The mean vaginal lengths were 9.7 ± 1.7 cm preoperatively and 9.4 cm ± 0.8 postoperatively, a 0.3-cm difference. Conclusion When one performs the Michigan modification sacrospinous suspension, the chosen suspension points are often not at the hysterectomy scar, and in women with large prolapses excess vagina frequently is excised without compromising postoperative vaginal length.
Color Doppler flow mapping in patients with coarctation of the aorta: new observations and improved evaluation with color flow diameter and proximal acceleration as predictors of severity.

We performed color Doppler flow mapping in 15 patients, 1 week to 17 years old (mean 42 months), with coarctation of the aorta that was confirmed subsequently by angiography and/or surgery. Twelve patients had native coarctation and three had mild recoarctation after surgical repair. Color Doppler flow maps were analyzed with a digital analysis package and a Sony computer system. The diameter in the region of coarctation from the color Doppler flow map (mean = 2.0 +/- 0.8 mm [SD]) correlated well with the coarctation diameter measured at angiography (mean = 1.8 +/- 0.8 mm; r = .83, SEE 0.43 mm) in the 10 patients with native coarctation undergoing angiography, but the coarctation diameter measured by two-dimensional echocardiography (3.9 +/- 1.5 mm) was poorly predictive of the angiographic severity (r = .23). Additionally, spatial acceleration was seen in all patients proximal to the coarctation site, with an aliased and accelerating stream narrowing progressively as it proceeded toward the coarctation site, a pattern that is not seen in healthy subjects. Computer analysis of the color Doppler images provided pseudo three-dimensional and digital velocity maps for blue, red, and green (turbulent) flow velocities to allow an enhanced appreciation of the accelerating stream, easily separating this from normal descending aortic aliasing patterns. The narrowing of the acceleration area in the proximal descending aorta (distal/proximal acceleration zone ratio) was also predictive of the angiographic severity of coarctation (r = .83). The distribution of low-level turbulence seen proximally paralleled the distribution of the proximal accelerating stream.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Ultrastructure of Trypanosoma duttoni.

Trypanosoma duttoni exhibits the typical trypanosome morphology in that it is bounded by a unit membrane which includes its anterior flagellum; it is surrounded by a framework of subpellicular fibrils, and it contains a nucleus and the posteriorly located kinetoplast-blepharoplast structures along with cytoplasmic organelles (mitochondria, Golgi, and endoplasmic reticulum).
Comparison of Properties of Murine Monoclonal Anti-idiotypic Antibodies Generated with Idiotype-Bearing Monoclonal Antibodies to Myelin Basic Protein Peptides or Their Complementary Peptides

The present study was undertaken to compare the features of monoclonal antibody (mAb) anti-idiotope (Id) induced by complementary peptides, synthesized on the basis of inverted hydropathy for a myelin basic protein (MBP) peptide, or by conventional methodology using Id-bearing antibodies to the same MBP peptide as immunogen. The six reagents studied consisted of mAbs reactive with MBP peptide acetyl 1-9 and MBP peptide 80-89 and anti-Id reagents against these two mAbs prepared by either the complementary peptide or the conventional approach. ELISA, immunoblotting, immunoinhibition of hybridoma cell production of Id-bearing mAb to MBP, and FACS indicated that the anti-Ids generated by either technique were similar although existing in a range reflecting biologic phenomena. mAbs anti-Id prepared by either method continued to show an IgM isotype preference, possibly related to technical considerations, and continued to recognize a cross-reactive Id on the kappa light chain of the mAbs to MBP peptides acetyl 1-9 and 80-89. There was no indication that the anti-Ids prepared by the complementary peptide approach were restrictive or selective in a manner different from those made by the conventional approach.
Circadian locomotor activity inAplysia

1. A simple activity wheel for automatic and continuous recording of the locomotor activity of aquatic or marine animals is described (Figs. 1 and 2). 2. Aplysia californica is diurnally active, but shows a tendency to remain active for a few hours after the light-dark transition. The Circadian Rule states that for light-active animals spontaneous frequency, the activity:rest ratio, and total activity increase with increasing intensity of continuous illumination.Aplysia, obeys the Rule in two parameters tested; period and total activity. 3. Power spectrum and periodogram analysis of the activity show that there are several periodic components of activity (Figs. 5 and 9) in LL. 4. LD entrainment pulls these components into a major peak at 24 hours (Fig. 10). 5. Three circadian rhythms, one in the central nervous system, one in the eye, and the locomotor rhythm are known forAplysia. This animal could prove exceptionally useful in studies of internal temporal organization of circadian rhythms.
metaseq: a Python package for integrative genome-wide analysis reveals relationships between chromatin insulators and associated nuclear mRNA

Here we introduce metaseq, a software library written in Python, which enables loading multiple genomic data formats into standard Python data structures and allows flexible, customized manipulation and visualization of data from high-throughput sequencing studies. We demonstrate its practical use by analyzing multiple datasets related to chromatin insulators, which are DNA-protein complexes proposed to organize the genome into distinct transcriptional domains. Recent studies in Drosophila and mammals have implicated RNA in the regulation of chromatin insulator activities. Moreover, the Drosophila RNA-binding protein Shep has been shown to antagonize gypsy insulator activity in a tissue-specific manner, but the precise role of RNA in this process remains unclear. Better understanding of chromatin insulator regulation requires integration of multiple datasets, including those from chromatin-binding, RNA-binding, and gene expression experiments. We use metaseq to integrate RIP- and ChIP-seq data for Shep and the core gypsy insulator protein Su(Hw) in two different cell types, along with publicly available ChIP-chip and RNA-seq data. Based on the metaseq-enabled analysis presented here, we propose a model where Shep associates with chromatin cotranscriptionally, then is recruited to insulator complexes in trans where it plays a negative role in insulator activity.
Substance abuse treatment and the recurrence of maltreatment among caregivers with children living at home: a propensity score analysis

Policy and programmatic initiatives of the last decade have focused on increased coordination of services and expansion of prompt substance abuse treatment for mothers initially involved with child welfare services (CWS). Yet, little evidence has been amassed concerning the implications of this approach on the recurrent need for CWS. Data are from a large national probability sample of children and their caregivers involved with CWS following an allegation of maltreatment. Data include the recurrence of maltreatment reports for this group of children who remain at home. Selected from 1,101 caregivers with an indicated substance abuse problem, a group of 224 clients who did not receive services were compared with 224 treated clients. Event history analyses showed that clients who received substance abuse treatment were nearly twice as likely to have another child abuse report within 18 months. Reasons why participation in substance abuse treatment may result in greater involvement with CWS are posited.
New use of a three-dimensional pellet culture system for human intervertebral disc cells: initial characterization and potential use for tissue engineering.

Study design Human intervertebral disc cells were cultured in a new three-dimensional "pellet culture" system as an alternative to conventional alginate bead microspheres. Histologic, biochemical, and immunohistologic assays were performed to characterize this new culturing method for disc cells. The feasibility of using the pellet culture system to study effects of gene therapy was also assessed. Objectives To characterize a new and simpler, three-dimensional culture system for human intervertebral disc cells and to assess the feasibility of its use for gene therapy and tissue engineering studies. Summary of background data The alginate microsphere three-dimensional culture system has been the most utilized culture method for disc cells, but it is technically difficult and has some disadvantages. Recently, the "pellet culture" method, a simpler three-dimensional culture system, was described for bone marrow stromal cells. This simpler method might be useful for in vitro and in vivo studies of disc cells as well as for delivery of exogenous genes. Methods Isolated human intervertebral disc cells were centrifuged at low speeds to form aggregates and allowed to grow as pellets for up to 3 weeks. At various times these pellet cultures were analyzed grossly, histologically, and immunohistologically. Their ability to incorporate [35S]sulfate in their response to TGF-beta1 was also analyzed. The ability of these pellets to deliver and express exogenous genes in vivo was analyzed by implantation of pellet cultures in muscles of SCID mice. Results Within several days the intervertebral disc cells were able to form mature three-dimensional aggregates that were each well encapsulated by a fibrous capsule. These pellets successfully synthesized proteoglycan and collagen Type II matrix as determined by histology and immunohistochemistry. In response to TGF-beta1, the pellets increased synthesis of proteoglycan and collagen Type II. When implanted into thigh muscles of SCID mice, the pellets remained aggregated and expressed the beta-galactosidase marker gene in vivo for up to 2 weeks. Conclusions The pellet culture system is a new and technically simple method to culture human intervertebral disc cells. The majority of the human intervertebral disc cells retained their native phenotype in this three dimensional system and expressed a marker gene both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, this pellet system might be useful for in vitro and in vivo biochemical studies as well as for studies involving gene therapy and tissue engineering.
Identification of skills for the problem-based tutor: Student and faculty perspectives

Student ratings of problem-based tutors at Harvard Medical School in 1987–1988 indicated that tutors were seen by first year students as most helpful in encouraging critical appraisal of information, questioning and probing the reasoning process, and balancing basic science and clinical discussions. Narrative comments about the best tutors further indicated that such tutors were most helpful in balancing student-directedness with guidance and sharing professional expertise without lecturing. A concurrent survey of faculty tutors indicated that tutors rated these same skills as important. Comparing students' ratings of helpfulness with tutors' ratings of importance, two discrepancies emerged. Tutors rated student direction as more important than students rated its helpfulness. On the other hand, tutors rated the ability to balance clinical and basic science discussion as the least important skill while students' ratings indicated that it was extremely helpful. These disparities suggest points of discussion and skill building for faculty development programming.
Relativistic parton interpretation of the Neveu-Schwarz model

The Lorentz generators for the Neveu-Schwarz theory, recently obtained by Iwasaki and Kikkawa from a zweibein formalism, are here derived with an emphasis on the parton interpretation of the results. This derivation may shed new light on possible ways to construct new dual models.
Devotion to Tibetan Lamas, Self Psychology, and Healing in the United States

Abstract This essay offers an alternative, self psychological model for understanding the possible healing dynamics of the guru-disciple relationship. Previous psychological studies often have interpreted the devotion of Americans to Eastern gurus as inherently enriching pathology for the disciple, yet this understanding does not helpfully explicate much data derived from more than two years of ethnographic fieldwork at a Tibetan Buddhist center in the United States. Instead, re-exploration of the dynamics of the transference and the vicissitudes of Buddhist practice for disciples reveals positive healing processes for some disciples as a result of guru devotion practice.
A score-type test based on higher-order derivatives

Abstract Two approaches to parametrizing the error-components model for heterogeneity are considered and score-type tests for the absence of heterogeneity are described. Here, the score is identically zero for any data. However a test can be based on higher-order derivatives.
Breakpoint analysis of transcriptional and genomic profiles uncovers novel gene fusions spanning multiple human cancer types

Gene fusions, like BCR/ABL1 in chronic myelogenous leukemia, have long been recognized in hematologic and mesenchymal malignancies. The recent finding of gene fusions in prostate and lung cancers has motivated the search for pathogenic gene fusions in other malignancies. Here, we developed a “breakpoint analysis” pipeline to discover candidate gene fusions by tell-tale transcript level or genomic DNA copy number transitions occurring within genes. Mining data from 974 diverse cancer samples, we identified 198 candidate fusions involving annotated cancer genes. From these, we validated and further characterized novel gene fusions involving ROS1 tyrosine kinase in angiosarcoma (CEP85L/ROS1), SLC1A2 glutamate transporter in colon cancer (APIP/SLC1A2), RAF1 kinase in pancreatic cancer (ATG7/RAF1) and anaplastic astrocytoma (BCL6/RAF1), EWSR1 in melanoma (EWSR1/CREM), CDK6 kinase in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (FAM133B/CDK6), and CLTC in breast cancer (CLTC/VMP1). Notably, while these fusions involved known cancer genes, all occurred with novel fusion partners and in previously unreported cancer types. Moreover, several constituted druggable targets (including kinases), with therapeutic implications for their respective malignancies. Lastly, breakpoint analysis identified new cell line models for known rearrangements, including EGFRvIII and FIP1L1/PDGFRA. Taken together, we provide a robust approach for gene fusion discovery, and our results highlight a more widespread role of fusion genes in cancer pathogenesis.
Recognizing picture-taking environment from satellite images: A feasibility study

Semantic event recognition based only on vision cues has had limited success on unconstrained still pictures. Metadata related to picture taking provides contextual cues independent of the image content and can be used to improve classification performance. With geotagged pictures, we investigate the novel use of satellite images (e.g., supplied by Google Earth?) corresponding to the GPS (global positioning system) coordinates to recognize a picture-taking environment. Initial assessment reveals that with minimum training humans can achieve high accuracy in the recognition of terrain environment based on views from above. We propose to employ both color- and structure-based vocabularies for characterizing satellite images in terms of 14 of the most interesting classes, including residential areas, commercial areas, sports venues, parks, and schools. A multiclass AdaBoost engine is trained to predict terrain environment given a satellite aerial image of the location. Initial experimental results using two-fold cross-validation have shown promise for employing the proposed scheme for event recognition.
Structure and Magnetism of VSB-2, -3, and -4 or Ni4(O3P-(CH2)-PO3)2·(H2O)n (n = 3, 2, 0), the First Ferromagnetic Nickel(II) Diphosphonates: Increase of Dimensionality and Multiple Coordination Changes during a Quasi Topotactic Dehydration

[Ni4(O3P-CH2-PO3)2·(H2O)3, or VSB-2 was prepared in a pure form under hydrothermal conditions (4−6 days, 453 K, autogenous pressure). It dehydrates in two steps, giving successively the dihydrate VSB-3 at 275 °C and the anhydrous methyl diphosphonate VSB-4 at 350 °C.The structures of the three solids were solved ab initio from X-ray powder data. The three compounds are monoclinic (space group Cc for VSB-2 with a = 19.177(3) A, b = 8.0930(9) A, c = 9.1824(8) A, β = 102.387(9)°, and V = 1391.9(2) A3, space group C2/c for VSB-3 and VSB-4 with a = 18.683(4) A, b = 8.152(2) A, c = 8.936(2) A, β = 107.65(1)°, V = 1297.0(3) A3; and a = 17.647(2) A, b = 8.0727(6) A, c = 8.7741(7) A, β = 106.339(7)°, V = 1199.5(1) A3, respectively). The layered VSB-2 is built from sheets of trimeric edge sharing units of Ni2+ octahedra onto which Ni octahedra and diphosphonate groups are grafted. During the first loss (−1 H2O), the migration of a nickel cation toward a tetrahedral site leads to the connection of the layers and ren...
TCAT analysis of capillary pressure in non-equilibrium, two-fluid-phase, porous medium systems

Standard models of flow of two immiscible fluids in a porous medium make use of an expression for the dependence of capillary pressure on the saturation of a fluid phase. Data to support the mathematical expression is most often obtained through a sequence of equilibrium experiments. In addition to such expressions being hysteretic, recent experimental and theoretical studies have suggested that the equilibrium functional forms obtained may be inadequate for modeling dynamic systems. This situation has led to efforts to express relaxation of a system to an equilibrium capillary pressure in relation to the rate of change of saturation. Here, based on insights gained from the thermodynamically constrained averaging theory (TCAT) we propose that dynamic processes are related to changes in interfacial area between phases as well as saturation. A more complete formulation of capillary pressure dynamics is presented leading to an equation that is suitable for experimental study.
Cooperative and thermodynamic parameters for oligoinosinate—polycytidylate complexes

The cooperative nature of the binding between polycytidylate and the oligoinosinates I(pI)5–10 has been determined. Using the data of Tazawa, Tazawa, and Ts'o, it is shown that knowledge of the slope of the adsorption isothern allows one to determine the oligomer-polymer binidng constant, the oligomer–oligomer interaction constant, and the average degree of association (cooperative clustering) of the oligomers on the polymer. Knowledge of the above equilibrium constants as a function of temperature yields the respective thermodynamic parameters; no assumptions need to be made about the nature of the equilibrium constants or the thermodynamic parameters. For very long chains of polycytidylate, simple, explicit relations are given for the determination of the equilibrium constants involved. For finite chains of polycytidylate, the calculation of a single graph for each oligomer and polymer size allows the equilibrium constants to be determined for all experimental conditions of temperature and concentration. We find that the enthalpy and entropy of binding an oligomer n, bases to be δHn = ±13.7 − n(6.65) and δSn = +32.5 − n(18.8) given, respectively, in kcal/mole and e.u.; these parameters predict a melting temperature of 81°C for the poly(I)·poly(C) complex compared with the experimental value of 75°C. If the enthalpy is interpreted as arising from a sum of hydrogen bonding and stacking interactions, then the enthalpy of stacking is −13.7 kcal/mole while the enthalpy of hydrogen bonding is +7 ± 4 kcal/mole; the positive enthalpy of hydrogen bonding presumably is a result of the fact that in the inosine-cytosine base pair, only two of the three sites on cytosine can hydrogen bond, the third being blocked from hydrogen bonding with water. The enthalpy of interaction between neighboring bound oligomers is found to be −10.4 kcal/mole while the corresponding entropy is −26.1 e.u. The binding is bound to be cooperative, though the extent of clustering varies markedly with temperature; the average number of oligomers in a cluster on the polymer is found to about five at a melting temperature of 25°C. The approach and equations given have generally applicability to oligomer-polymer associations.
The sensitivity of the labellar sugar receptors of Phormia regina in relation to feeding

Abstract The hypothesis that behavioural feeding threshold of P. regina modulates and is modulated by the sensitivity of the labellar contact chemoreceptors is not supported by the examination of individual flies. Sensitivity (number of impulses fired in the first second of stimulation) of the sugar receptors in selected labellar hairs of flies of known age was recorded periodically on a fixed schedule for up to 72 hr. Experimental flies were hand fed 2.0 M fructose once every 24 hr. No correlations between feeding or age and receptor sensitivity were found. Statistically significant changes in firing frequency did occur but were unrelated to feeding and age. The proboscis extension response, on which behavioural threshold measures are based, is known to be triggered by the first few sugar receptor spikes of sufficient frequency. Neither age nor feeding significantly affected the number or frequency of impulses during the first 50 msec of stimulation.