cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Cytomegalovirus Viral Load on Probability of Spontaneous Clearance and Response to Preemptive Therapy in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients.

Abstract The optimal viral load threshold at which to initiate preemptive cytomegalovirus (CMV) therapy in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients remains to be defined. In an effort to address this question, we conducted a retrospective study of 174 allogeneic HCT recipients who underwent transplantation at a single center between August 2012 and April 2016. During this period, preemptive therapy was initiated at the discretion of the treating clinician. A total of 109 patients (63%) developed CMV viremia. The median time to reactivation was 17 days (interquartile range, IQR, 7-30 days) post-HCT. A peak viremia ≥150 IU/mL was strongly associated with a reduced probability of spontaneous clearance (relative risk, .16; 95% confidence interval, .1-.27), independent of established clinical risk factors, including CMV donor serostatus, exposure to antithymocyte globulin, and underlying lymphoid malignancy. The median time to clearance of viremia was significantly shorter in those who started therapy at CMV 350 IU/mL (44% versus 57%; P = .42). Unresolved CMV viremia by treatment day 35 was associated with increased risk of therapeutic failure (32% versus 0%; P = .001). Achieving eradication of CMV viremia by treatment day 35 was associated with a 74% reduction in 1-year nonrelapse mortality (NRM) (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], .26; 95% confidence interval [CI], .1-.8; P = .02), whereas therapeutic failure was associated with a significant increase in the probability of 1-year NRM (adjusted HR, 26; 95% CI, 8-87; P 80% reduction in the probability of spontaneous clearance independent of ATG administration, CMV donor serostatus, and lymphoid malignancy, and is a reasonable cutoff for preemptive therapy. Delaying initiation of therapy until a CMV value ≥350 IU/mL is associated with more protracted CMV viremia, and unresolved viremia by treatment day 35 is associated with a significant increase in NRM.
Mechanism of action of topoisomerase II-targeted anticancer drugs

Topoisomerase II is a ubiquitous enzyme that is essential for the survival of proliferating cells. It plays critical roles in virtually every DNA process and is required for proper chromosomal structure and segregation. The enzyme unknots and untangles DNA by passing an intact helix through a transient double-stranded break that it generates in a separate DNA segment. Beyond its physiological functions, topoisomerase II is the target for some of the most successful anticancer drugs currently utilized to treat human cancers. These drugs act in an insidious fashion and kill cells by increasing levels of covalent topoisomerase II-cleaved DNA complexes that are normal, but fleeting intermediates in the double-stranded DNA passage reaction of the enzyme. Some drugs act by inhibiting the DNA ligation activity of topoisomerase II, while others appear to act by stimulating the forward rate of DNA scission. Considering the importance of topoisomerase II-targeted agents to cancer chemotherapy, it is essential to understand how these drugs alter enzyme function. Therefore, this review will focus on the DNA cleavage and ligation reactions of topoisomerase II and the mechanism of action of drugs that target the enzyme.
What is the Prevalence of Undiagnosed Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome in Children With an Odontogenic Keratocyst

Purpose Odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) can occur in isolation or as part of nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS). Patients with NBCCS are younger at OKC diagnosis than those with nonsyndromic OKC (NS-OKC). The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed NBCCS in children who present with an OKC and to assess differences in demographic and presenting features between children with NBCCS and those with NS-OKC. Materials and Methods This study is a retrospective case series of children with an OKC presenting to Boston Children’s Hospital (Boston, MA) from 2007 through 2018. To be included, patients had to be no older than 18 years and have a newly diagnosed OKC. Patients were excluded if they had previous or recurrent OKC or NBCCS diagnosis. Records were reviewed for age at presentation, gender, number and location of OKCs, treatment, recurrence, family history, and clinical features consistent with NBCCS. Descriptive data were summarized. Results The sample included 50 patients (27 boys) diagnosed with an OKC at a mean age of 11.7 years (range, 2 to 18 yr); 36% (n = 18) with NBCCS and 64% (n = 32) with NS-OKC. NBCCS diagnosis was made in 8 of 18 patients (44%) because of a family history at presentation, and in 10 patients (56%) the diagnosis was made by genetic testing or documentation of diagnostic criteria. Eight of 18 patients (44%) with undiagnosed NBCCS presented with a single OKC. Patients with NBCCS were significantly younger at presentation (NBCCS, 9.3 yr; NS-OKC, 13.0 yr), had more cysts at time of diagnosis (NBCCS, 1.7; NS-OKC, 1.0; P Conclusion Given the prevalence of undiagnosed NBCCS in children with OKC, clinicians should have a low threshold for referral for complete examination or genetic testing in children with even a single OKC.
Space settlement: What's the Rush?

Abstract In this paper I argue that obligations associated with the scientific exploration and study of the solar system are, over sub-millennial timescales, stronger than obligations associated with the preservation of humanity via space settlement. Thus my objection is not to space settlement as such, but rather, to those claiming an urgent need to instigate space settlement. I also argue that the “disposable planet mentality” objection to space settlement is ill-founded.
The biology and control of Maize Rootworm, Buphonella murina Gerst., (Coleoptera: Galerucidae) a pest of maize in Zambia

In the maize-growing belt of Zambia the larva of a galerucid beetle, Buphonella murina Gerst., has become an increasingly important pest of seedling maize, causing South Africa serious reduction in yields. It is a pest that appears to be confined to Central Africa.
Mortality for sarcoidosis patients on the transplant wait list in the Lung Allocation Score era: Experience from a high volume center

Abstract Rationale Sarcoidosis progresses to end stage fibrotic lung disease in 10% of patients and may necessitate lung transplantation. Organ allocation is currently determined by the Lung Allocation Score (LAS), but its performance in a sarcoidosis population has not been evaluated. Objectives To determine sarcoidosis-specific wait list mortality and identify predictive factors of death on the transplantation wait list. Methods This was a single-center retrospective study of all sarcoidosis patients listed for lung transplant from March 2012 to February 2019. We compared patients who were transplanted to those who died awaiting organs. We collected baseline listing characteristics, physiologic testing, and outcomes data. Statistical analysis was performed by 2-tailed Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-Square analysis (where appropriate). Receiver-operating characteristic curves were constructed for variables reaching statistical significance. Results Twenty eight sarcoidosis patients were included in analysis. Mortality among wait listed patients was 18%, which exceeded the mortality of COPD and IPF. LAS scores did not differ at initial listing (41 vs. 46, p = 0.35) or at transplant/death (41 vs. 41, p = 0.91); wait list times also did not statistically differ (307 days vs. 177 days, p = 0.19). We identified bilirubin (AUC = 0.92), DLCO (AUC = 0.84), FEV1/FVC at transplant/death (AUC = 0.85), and composite physiologic index (AUC = 0.86) as predictors of death on the transplant list. Pulmonary hypertension was not associated with death. Conclusion Unexpected sudden death was common in our cohort and was associated with markers of advanced fibrotic disease, not pulmonary hypertension.
Seminal vesicle cyst containing mesonephroid tumor.

Abstract A case of seminal vesicle cyst containing mesonephroid tumor is reported. The radio-and pathologic features and the management of this unusual entity are described.
Survival and competing mortality risks of mountain lions in a major metropolitan area

Abstract Understanding natural and human-caused mortality for top predators persisting in human-dominated landscapes is critical for conserving their populations. We estimated survival and cause-specific mortality rates and investigated factors influencing mortality risk of mountain lions by radio-tracking 58 individuals (33 males, 25 females) across the highly fragmented landscape in greater Los Angeles, California from 2002 to 2019. Mortality risk did not differ strongly between subadults (annual survival [ŝ] = 0.68, SE = 0.08) and adults (ŝ = 0.81, SE = 0.04). However, the different age-classes were subjected to mortality risks from different sources as subadults were more likely to be killed by conspecifics, whereas adults were more likely to die from human-caused mortality. Male subadults were frequently killed by territorial adult males in the isolated Santa Monica Mountains, mortality that may be exacerbated by substantial anthropogenic barriers to dispersal in this landscape. We also tracked kittens tagged at natal dens in the Santa Monica Mountains and estimated survival to independence to be 0.63 (SE = 0.13). Higher mortality from anthropogenic causes for adults, whose survival has the greatest influence on population growth and extinction probability for mountain lions, highlights the importance of mitigation strategies to reduce human-caused mortality. Our work provides novel information about patterns of survival and mortality of mountain lions from the most urbanized landscape occupied by large carnivores in North America.
Application of FRET Biosensors in Mechanobiology and Mechanopharmacological Screening.

Extensive studies have shown that cells can sense and modulate the biomechanical properties of the ECM within their resident microenvironment. Thus, targeting the mechanotransduction signaling pathways provides a promising way for disease intervention. However, how cells perceive these mechanical cues of the microenvironment and transduce them into biochemical signals remains to be answered. Forster or fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based biosensors are a powerful tool that can be used in live-cell mechanotransduction imaging and mechanopharmacological drug screening. In this review, we will first introduce FRET principle and FRET biosensors, and then, recent advances on the integration of FRET biosensors and mechanobiology in normal and pathophysiological conditions will be discussed. Furthermore, we will summarize the current applications and limitations of FRET biosensors in high-throughput drug screening and the future improvement of FRET biosensors. In summary, FRET biosensors have provided a powerful tool for mechanobiology studies to advance our understanding of how cells and matrices interact, and the mechanopharmacological screening for disease intervention.
The Use of Systemic Steroids in the Treatment of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus-Related Ophthalmoplegia: Case Report and Case Meta-analysis.

Purpose The role of systemic steroids in the treatment of ophthalmoplegia in the setting of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is controversial. We conducted a case report–based meta-analysis to investigate the role of systemic steroid in the recovery of efferent dysfunctions in HZO. Design Case-report based meta-analysis. Method We report a case of herpes zoster ophthalmicus–related ophthalmoplegia (HZORO) in which systemic steroid led to complete resolution of external ophthalmoplegia. We further identified subjects from published cases of HZO-related ophthalmoplegia by searching PubMed and Google Scholar, which elicited 42 articles (49 cases) after excluding those younger than 18 years or with incomplete follow-up data. With the present case, a total of 50 cases are included in the analysis. Main outcome measure is the recovery of efferent dysfunction at the last known follow-up, coded as 1 for complete recovery or 0 for noncomplete recovery. We performed multivariable linear regression and Cox proportional hazards analysis to determine the contribution of steroid duration on the status of complete recovery. Results Multivariable linear regression showed significant association between duration of steroid treatment and status of complete recovery (P Conclusion Our meta-analysis suggests that extended steroid taper may aid the recovery of ophthalmoplegia in the setting of HZO and should be investigated further in the future.
Assessment of 1/f noise associated with nanopores fabricated through chemically tuned controlled dielectric breakdown.

Recently, we developed a fabrication method-chemically-tuned controlled dielectric breakdown (CT-CDB)-that produces nanopores (through thin silicon nitride membranes) surpassing legacy drawbacks associated with solid-state nanopores (SSNs). However, the noise characteristics of CT-CDB nanopores are largely unexplored. In this work, we investigated the 1/f noise of CT-CDB nanopores of varying solution pH, electrolyte type, electrolyte concentration, applied voltage, and pore diameter. Our findings indicate that the bulk Hooge parameter (αb ) is about an order of magnitude greater than SSNs fabricated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) while the surface Hooge parameter (αs ) is ∼3 order magnitude greater. Theαs of CT-CDB nanopores was ∼5 orders of magnitude greater than theirαb , which suggests that the surface contribution plays a dominant role in 1/f noise. Experiments with DNA exhibited increasing capture rates with pH up to pH ∼8 followed by a drop at pH ∼9 perhaps due to the onset of electroosmotic force acting against the electrophoretic force. The1/f noise was also measured for several electrolytes and LiCl was found to outperform NaCl, KCl, RbCl, and CsCl. The 1/f noise was found to increase with the increasing electrolyte concentration and pore diameter. Taken together, the findings of this work suggest the pH approximate 7-8 range to be optimal for DNA sensing with CT-CDB nanopores.
Petit pays : La Caraïbe à la proue de l’écocritique

This essay demonstrates how petits pays, particularly small tropical islands assaulted by human-triggered climate change, are also at the forefront of an aesthetics and ethics of solidary vulnerabi...
Prior National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN) opioid use disorder trials as background and rationale for NIDA CTN-0100 "optimizing retention, duration and discontinuation strategies for opioid use disorder pharmacotherapy (RDD)".

Opioid use disorder continues to be a significant problem in the United States and worldwide. Three medications—methadone, buprenorphine, and extended-release injectable naltrexone,— are efficacious for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). However, the utility of these medications is limited, in part due to poor rates of retention in treatment. In addition, minimum recovery milestones and other factors that influence when and whether individuals can safely discontinue medications are unknown. The National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN) study “Optimizing Retention, Duration, and Discontinuation Strategies for Opioid Use Disorder Pharmacotherapy” (RDD; CTN-0100) will be among the largest clinical trials on treatment of OUD yet conducted, consisting of two phases, the Retention phase, and the Duration-Discontinuation phase. The Retention phase, open to patients initiating treatment, will test different doses and formulations of buprenorphine (standard dose sublingual, high dose sublingual, or extended-release injection), and a digital therapeutic app delivering contingency management and cognitive behavioral counseling on the primary outcome of retention in treatment. The Discontinuation phase, open to patients in stable remission from OUD and choosing to discontinue medication (including participants from the Retention phase or from the population of patients treated at the clinical site, referred by an outside prescriber or self-referred) will study different tapering strategies for buprenorphine (sublingual taper vs taper with injection buprenorphine), and a digital therapeutic app which provides resources to promote recovery, on the primary outcome of relapse-free discontinuation of medication. This paper describes how the RDD trial derives from two decades of research in the CTN. Initial trials (CTN-0001; CTN-0002; CTN-0003) focused on opioid detoxification, showing buprenorphine-naloxone was effective for detoxification, but that acute detoxification did not appear to be an effective treatment strategy. Trials on comparative effectiveness of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) (CTN-0027; CTN-0030; and CTN-0051) highlighted the problem of dropout from treatment and few trials defined retention on MOUD as the primary outcome. Long-term follow-up studies on those patient samples demonstrated the importance of long-term continuation of medication for many patients to sustain remission. Overall, these trials highlight the potential of a stable research infrastructure such as CTN to advance treatment effectiveness through a programmatic succession of large clinical trials.
Improving Writing Quality of Capstone Reports

Contributions: The main contribution is to share a series of practical methods that improve the writing quality of capstone reports. Background: The ability to write well is critical to the success of an engineering technology graduate. However, the evidence points to the fact that industries are disappointed with the quality of writing skills graduates demonstrate. Intended Outcomes: A faculty review of capstone reports showed little improvement in writing quality from the first course to the second in a two-semester capstone sequence. Therefore, the instructors explored what actions were needed to improve the writing quality of the capstone reports. Application Design: Several changes in the capstone courses were developed and implemented. The changes included: 1) using instructional technology as a scaffolding to help frame the writing required for the course and 2) engaging students in iterative writing with feedback. Findings: The assessment data showed a significant improvement, at the 5% level. The iterative process of writing and rewriting the report, coupled with frequent meetings with faculty mentors, proved to be a powerful combination for improving the writing process of the students.
A two-stage stochastic model for co-firing biomass supply chain networks

Abstract A sustainable alternative to fossil fuels is biomass. The design of cost-efficient biomass networks is necessary to compete with nonrenewable resources. The creation of integrated biomass supply chain (BSC) network design models and solution procedures can contribute to the achievement of this goal. In particular, the emerging bioenergy industry must take advantage of the economies of scale in transportation to minimize the final product’s cost. Hub-and-spoke networks have been proposed as a modeling approach to design large scale BSCs. The majority of these models are deterministic and do not consider the inherent variability in the biomass feedstock, such as physical and chemical properties that affect transportation, the effects of future climate on the biomass supply, overall cost, and production operations. Levels of ash and moisture are directly related to the quality of the feedstock, which negatively affects production of biofuels, increasing transportation and handling costs as well as the burden on the BSC’s efficiency. Varying weather affects biomass yield, which creates a fluctuation in the incoming supply into the network, creating a complex large scale Newsvendors Problem. In this paper, a stochastic hub-and-spoke network model and an efficient solution are proposed to minimize logistical costs by finding an optimal production and distribution network as well as optimal transportation while reducing computational burden by using metaheuristics, such as Simulated Annealing, when solving large NP-hard instances. The proposed solution procedure was compared to recent benchmark models, i.e. Bender’s Decomposition, yielding an overall solution difference of less than 7.71% and average reduction time difference of 91.4%. Case studies with several scenarios based on varying weather conditions were created using realistic data from the northeast region of the U.S.
Efficient Transcription of a Compact Nucleoprotein Complex Isolated from Purified Simian Virus 40 Virions

Simian virus 40 (SV40) virions were dissociated in vitro by treatment with ethylene glycol-bis-N-N'-tetraacetic acid and dithiothreitol. The compact nucleo-protein core released as a result of the dissociation had a sedimentation value of 110 to 115S compared with a value of 240S for intact virions. The viral cores contained a fraction of the viral proteins VP(1) and VP(2) in addition to the proteins found associated with the viral minichromosome, i.e., VP(3) and histones H(2)A, H(2)B, H(3), and H(4). Our results suggest that the association of VP(1), VP(2), or both with the viral minichromosome, in addition to maintaining a highly compact structure, modifies the transcriptional properties of the nucleoprotein complex. In the presence of saturating amounts of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase, 95 to 100% of the SV40 nucleoprotein cores were able to form transcriptional complexes. Sedimentation analysis of the core transcriptional complex indicated that the initiation and elongation of nascent RNA chains occurred on the compact SV40 core. Cesium chloride density gradient analysis of the SV40 virion core before and after transcription indicated that no substantial loss of protein occurred during the process of transcription. RNA synthesized from SV40 cores was a fairly homogeneous 16 to 18S species with an average chain length of approximately 2,300 nucleotides. Hybridization analysis of this RNA indicated that specific recognition of RNA polymerase promoter sites was preserved, since transcription was asymmetric, occurring preferentially on the "early" SV40 DNA strand. The rate of incorporation of ribonucleoside triphosphates into acid-insoluble RNA with SV40 cores as the template was 70 to 95% of that obtained with supercoiled SV40 form I DNA. SV40 minichromosomes, under identical transcription assay conditions, had an incorporation rate which was 20% of that obtained with SV40 form I DNA. These results show that association of protein VP(1) or VP(2) or both enhances the transcriptional activity and suggest that these "late" viral proteins may play a role in the regulation of expression of the SV40 genome.
Forming coalitions in the face of uncertain rewards

When agents are in an environment where they can interact with each other, groups of agents may agree to work together for the benefit of all the members of the group. Finding these coalitions of agents and determining how the joint reward should be divided among them is a difficult problem. This problem is aggravated when the agents have different estimates of the value that the coalition will obtain. A "two agent auction" mechanism is suggested to complement an existing coalition formation algorithm for solving this problem.
Noninvasive method for obtaining RNA from buccal mucosa epithelial cells for gene expression profiling.

Swabs and scrapings from the buc-cal mucosa in the mouth have been used to obtain DNA from epithelial cells for genetic studies (1,2). RNA has been obtained from resected tissues and from biopsy samples of mouth epithelium in various disease states to measure gene expression (3,4). How-ever, RNA has not been extracted from scrapings of buccal mucosa because ribonucleases that are present in saliva rapidly degrade epithelial cell RNA (5) during collection. To collect intact RNA from buc-cal mucosal epithelium for studies of the biologic effect of smoking on the airway epithelium, we developed a relatively noninvasive method for ob-taining small amounts of RNA from the mouth. We measured the expres-sion of selected genes in individual subjects using real-time PCR and used a recently described mass spectrometry method that requires only nanogram amounts of total RNA for analysis and lends itself to high-throughput analysis of hundreds of genes (6).Initially, we used a micropipet tip cut lengthwise to collect epithelial cells from the buccal mucosa in a relatively noninvasive fashion. We subsequently designed a standardized plastic tool that is concave with serrated edges. It is 5/16 inches wide and 1 6/16 inches long with a 3 inch handle that can be broken off when the scraping tool with the collected cells is inserted into a 2-mL mi-crofuge tube containing 1 mL RNAlater™ solution (Qiagen, Valencia, CA, USA). The tool has two features that allow the collection of a significant amount of good-quality RNA from the buccal mucosa: a finely serrated edge that can scrape off several layers of epithelial cells and a concave surface that collects the cells. Using gentle pressure, the serrated edge was scraped (10 times) against the buccal mucosa on the inside of the cheek, and the cells collected were immediately immersed in 1 cm
Separation of the Herpesvirus Deoxyribonucleic Acid Duplex into Unique Fragments and Intact Strand on Sedimentation in Alkaline Gradients

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from herpes simplex virions forms multiple partially overlapping bands upon denaturation and centrifugation in alkaline sucrose density gradients. The most rapidly sedimenting DNA corresponds to an intact strand 48 x 10(6) daltons in molecular weight. In this study, we analyzed the DNA fragments generated in alkaline sucrose gradients with respect to size and uniqueness of base sequences. The distribution of sedimentation constants of the various fragments obtained in numerous gradients showed that the fragments smaller than the whole strand fall into six distinct classes ranging in molecular weight from 10 x 10(6) to 39 x 10(6) daltons. Four types of DNA strands can be reconstructed from the whole strand and six fragments on the basis of their molecular weights. DNA from each of the bands self-hybridizes to a lower extent than unfractionated viral DNA, indicating that each of the bands preferentially contains sequences from one unique strand. The data permit reconstruction of four possible types of DNA duplexes differing in the positions of the strand interruptions. Analysis of viral DNA extracted from nuclei of cells labeled with (3)H-thymidine for intervals from 3 to 120 min showed that nascent DNA is invariably attached to small fragments and that the fragments become elongated only upon prolonged incubation of cells. The experiments suggest that viral DNA replication begins at numerous initiation sites along each strand and that the elongation beyond the size of the replication unit involves repair or ligation, or both. Since newly made DNA yields more fragments than viral DNA extracted from mature virions, it is suggested that the fragmentation of mature DNA on denaturation with alkali arises from incomplete processing of specific initiation sites. Comparison of viral DNA extracted from nuclei with that extracted from mature cytoplasmic virions in cells labeled for 120 min indicates that packaged DNA is not randomly selected from among the nuclear DNA population but rather represents DNA molecules which in alkaline gradients yield a minimal number of fragments.
Sedimentary Infilling of an Open Seaway: Bawihka Channel, Nicaraguan Rise

ABSTRACT Recent oceanographic cruises to Bawihka Channel have revealed the dominant sedimentary products along and within this open seaway separating two carbonate platforms and the mechanisms and style of infilling. This feature is a seaway 125 km long and 8 km wide through which pass strong currents associated with the regional western-boundary-current system. This seaway is in a tropical setting near a tectonically active plate boundary making it a suitable, comparative counterpart to the much better known and well-studied seaways to the north associated with the Bahama Banks. Multichannel seismic data indicate that the long and narrow Bawihka Channel evolved from a broad, open basin 50 km wide in the Eocene by basin-margin aggradation and progradation. Basin infilling was asymmetric, with the western margin becoming stabilized and aggrading by the middle Miocene while progradation to the west along the eastern margin was accelerated. Strengthening of the western boundary current during this time via tectonic foundering of the Nicaraguan Rise megabank, as well as by stronger easterly trade winds due to climatic deterioration, stimulated this style of basin-margin development and led to narrowing of the seaway. High-resolution seismic data reveal that more recent infilling has been dominated by debris-flow deposits, turbidites, large displaced blocks, and widespread algal-bioherm growth. These sediment-gravity-flow deposits, particularly the debris flows and displaced blocks, may be a result of the active tectonic setting of the northern Nicaraguan Rise. The distribution of sediment textures and constituents as well as the widespread presence of well-cemented bioherms and hardbottoms results from strong currents flowing through the seaway. Shallow-water surface sediments are dominated by coarse Halimeda fragments, while base-f-slope and channel-axis sediments are finer grained and contain higher concentrations of planktonic forams and pteropods. Piston-core data indicate a late Pleistocene or early Holocene phase of turbidite infill followed by a phase of pelagic sedimentation. The pelagic-infill phase resulted from decreased turbidite frequency and lack of shallow. water sediment production on the bank tops during early sea-level flooding. Midslope mounds, interpreted to be algal bioherms, and associated midslope basins also retard downslope movement of shallow-water sediments. The infilling of Bawihka Channel is significant in that it reveals how rapid and under what conditions two shallow-water carbonate platforms might coalesce into a larger bank. It also reveals the potential complexity of sedimentary facies and stratigraphy that may lie beneath the interiors of large carbonate banks.
Epidemiology of irritable bowel syndrome in the United States

Abstract Data from six large, systematic national health surveys were examined to provide a more complete description of the epidemiology of irritable bowel syndrome in the United States. Data from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1976–1980, indicated 4.7 million people (2.9% of the population) with self-reported diagnoses of irritable bowel syndrome. Rates for women were 3.2 times those for men, and rates for whites were 5.3 times those for blacks. Rates were highest among those aged 45–64 years. More than 2.6 million (1.6% of the population) were symptomatic at the time of the survey. Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, 1985, and the National Disease and Therapeutic Index, 1987, documented between 2.4 and 3.5 million yearly visits to physicians by patients with irritable bowel syndrome and more than 2.2 million medications prescribed. Rates of hospitalization for women have fallen from 71.9 (per 100,000 population) in 1982 to 21.1 in 1987 based on data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey. A similar pattern was observed in data from the Commission on Professional and Hospital Activities. The data support the impression that irritable bowel syndrome is a prevalent condition in the United States with significant impact on health care. Large-scale, population-based surveys using standard criteria are needed to estimate the true extent of irritable bowel syndrome.
Clinical presentation and outcome of nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in a modern cohort.

Abstract Background The natural history of nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PNETs) is largely unstudied due to its rarity. The primary goal of this study was to characterize clinical features and outcomes of incidental NF-PNETs. Methods An institutional review board–approved retrospective study of patients with NF-PNET evaluated by the Surgical Oncology of University of Nebraska Medical Center was performed. Patients were evaluated with dedicated pancreatic and liver imaging using multiphasic computed tomographic scan and dedicated magnetic resonance imaging protocols. Results Forty-six patients (male, 47.8%) were evaluated, and 35 ultimately resected. Of these, 16 tumors were discovered incidentally. The median age was 62 and 59 years in incidental and symptomatically discovered, respectively. Incidental median size was 2.4 cm vs 6 cm in the symptomatic group, with a P value of .037. The presence of lymphatic and liver metastases was 10% and 25% incidental and 45% and 67% for those with symptoms (lymphatic involvement, P = .05; liver metastases P = .07). Median overall survival was 45 and 76 months ( P = .03). Conclusions Incidentally discovered NF-PNETs represent a malignancy with more questions than answers. Our series indicates that these cancers are more indolent than previously believed.
Contributions of Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair Walleye Populations to the Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, Recreational Fishery: Evidence from Genetic Stock Identification

AbstractGenetic stock identification analyses were conducted to determine spawning population contributions to the recreational fishery for Walleyes Sander vitreus in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. Two spawning population groups were considered: (1) the Tittabawassee River, which has been identified as the largest source of spawning Walleyes for Saginaw Bay; and (2) an aggregate of six spawning populations from Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair that were found to be genetically similar. Overall, the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair spawning populations were estimated to comprise approximately 26% of the Walleye recreational harvest in Saginaw Bay during 2008–2009. Contribution levels were similar for the 2 years in which genetic samples were collected. Contributions from the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair spawning populations to the harvest of age-5 and older Walleyes were greater during summer (31.8%; SE = 6.2%) than during late winter and spring (6.0%; SE = 3.7%). Conversely, contributions from the Lake Erie and Lake St...
Permeability of gastric mucosa to hydrogen and lithium.

Net efflux of Li+ from Heidenhain pouches of antrectomized dogs was determined at varying luminal concentrations of Li+ and in the presence of agents known to increase gastric mucosal permeability. Net Li+ flux was linear with concentration over the range of 0.5 to 50 mm. Clearances from the gastric lumen for Li+ and H+, kLi and kH, defined as flux/concentration, were determined under basal conditions and in the presence of 20 mm acetylsalicylic acid or 40 mm Na taurocholate (solutions contain 2.5 mm Li+ and 120 mm H+). Both acetylsalicylic acid and taurocholate increased kLi and kH 3-fold, but the ratio kLi : kH remained unchanged. kLi was also measured when 10 mm ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid (pH 8.5) or 15% ethanol were instilled. Marked increases of kLi were seen in both instances. With ethanol, net H+ secretion also developed. It is concluded that the movement of Li+ across the gastric mucosa occurs in a constant relation to the diffusion of H+ and that determining kLi is a useful indirect measure of mucosal permeability to H+.
Between two shores: Transnational projects and filipina wives in/from japan

Abstract While tales about Filipinas in diaspora have attracted a global audience, those living in Japan have been referred to as “entertainers” who work in “the sex industry.” Filipinas in Japan have thus been constructed as the “immoral” Other under the gender regimes of Japan and the Philippines. Based on ethnographic research, I explore the meanings and possibilities of the practices of Filipina wives of Japanese in public charity events organized by the women themselves in Japan and the Philippines. Dislocated from their subjective identities, Filipina wives in the Tokyo area have deployed images and symbols of socially sanctioned (Christian) wives and mothers in these events. Although ironically participating in Orientalist and sexist discipline in the context of their events, their practices nevertheless constitute a way to create affirmative spaces for themselves on the margins of the two nation-states.
MO‐D‐204B‐08: Classification and Characterization of Tumor Subpopulations Using Molecular Imaging

Purpose: Distinct subpopulations of tumor cells with varying characteristics exist within a single neoplasm. The aim of this study was to develop a classification scheme for tumor subpopulations and investigate their characteristics and spatial distributions. Method and Materials: Eight HNSCC patients underwent PET/CT scans with [18F]FDG (a surrogate of metabolism), [18F]FLT (cell proliferation), and [61Cu]CuATSM (hypoxia). CTimages were co‐registered and transformation matrices were applied to corresponding PETimages. Five different clustering algorithms were utilized to classify voxels within a tumor ROI. By using the Silhouette validity index, performance of the clustering algorithms was evaluated and the optimal number of clusters was determined for each tumor. Mean SUVs were calculated for each subpopulation and then normalized to the mean SUV for an entire tumor.Results: The k‐means algorithm was used in this study since it gave the highest value of the Silhouette validity index. Seven tumors were partitioned: one into two subpopulations and six into three subpopulations. The number of clusters for the remaining tumor was much greater than those for the others, which might be caused by the misregistration between CT and PET. For the three partition cases, the subpopulations were found to be spatially separated into peripheral, central and intermediate regions. FDG uptake was 55% lower for the peripheral subpopulations and 19% lower for central subpopulations relative to the overall mean. On the other hand, FLT uptake was 51% lower for the peripheral subpopulations but 52% higher for the central subpopulations. However, no significant difference in CuATSM uptake among subpopulations was observed. Conclusion: We demonstrated that tumors can be partitioned into multiple subpopulations with distinct characteristics using multi‐phenotypic molecular imaging. This subpopulation‐based study may lead to better understanding in designing personalized cancer therapy.
A2A Adenosine Receptor Regulates the Human Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) symbolically represents the gateway to the central nervous system. It is a single layer of specialized endothelial cells that coats the central nervous system (CNS) vasculature and physically separates the brain environment from the blood constituents to maintain the homeostasis of the CNS. However, this protective measure is a hindrance to the delivery of therapeutics to treat neurological diseases. Here, we show that activation of A2A adenosine receptor (AR) with an FDA-approved agonist potently permeabilizes an in vitro primary human BBB (hBBB) to the passage of chemotherapeutic drugs and T cells. T cell migration under AR signaling occurs primarily by paracellular transendothelial route. Permeabilization of the hBBB is rapid, time-dependent, and reversible and is mediated by morphological changes in actin-cytoskeletal reorganization induced by RhoA signaling and a potent downregulation of claudin-5 and VE-cadherin. Moreover, the kinetics of BBB permeability in mice closely overlaps with the permeability kinetics of the hBBB. These data suggest that activation of A2A AR is an endogenous mechanism that may be used for CNS drug delivery in human.
Cross-linking and rheological changes of whey proteins treated with microbial transglutaminase.

Modification of the functionality of whey proteins using microbial transglutaminase (TGase) has been the subject of recent studies. However, changes in rheological properties of whey proteins as affected by extensive cross-linking with TGase are not well studied. The factors affecting cross-linking of whey protein isolate (WPI) using both soluble and immobilized TGase were examined, and the rheological properties of the modified proteins were characterized. The enzyme was immobilized on aminopropyl glass beads (CPG-3000) by selective adsorption of the biotinylated enzyme on avidin that had been previously immobilized. WPI (4 and 8% w/w) in deionized water, pH 7.5, containing 10 mM dithiothreitol was cross-linked using enzyme/substrate ratios of 0.12−10 units of activity/g WPI. The reaction was carried out in a jacketed bioreactor for 8 h at 40 °C with continuous circulation. The gel point temperature of WPI solutions treated with 0.12 unit of immobilized TGase/g was slightly decreased, but the gel strengt...
Copper(III) and vanadium(IV)-oxo corrolazines.

As part of our efforts to develop the transition metal chemistry of corrolazines, which are ring-contracted porphyrinoid species most closely related to corroles, the vanadium and copper complexes (TBP)8Cz(H)VIVO (1) and (TBP)8CzCuIII (2) of the ligand octakis(para-tert-butylphenyl)corrolazine [(TBP)8Cz] have been synthesized. The coordination behavior, preferred oxidation states, and general redox properties of metallocorrolazines are of particular interest. The corrolazine ligand in 1 was shown to contain a labile proton by acid/base titration and IR spectroscopy, serving as a −2 ligand rather than as the usual −3 donor. The oxidation state of the vanadium center in 1 was shown to be +4, in agreement with the overall neutral charge for this complex. The EPR spectrum of 1 reveals a rich signal consistent with a VIV(O) (d1, S = 1/2) porphyrinoid species (gxx = 1.989, gyy = 1.972, gzz = 1.962). The electrochemical analysis of 1 shows behavior closer to that of a porphyrazine than a corrolazine, with a posi...
From form to function: signaling by protein tyrosine phosphatases.

Tyrosine phosphorylation, controlled by the coordinated actions of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) and kinases (PTKs), is a critical control mechanism for numerous physiological processes, including growth, differentiation, metabolism, cell cycle regulation and cytoskeletal function. Originally, PTKs were believed to be the key enzymes controlling the dynamic process of tyrosine phosphorylation in vivo, with a small number of PTPs playing largely housekeeping roles. Unexpected structural diversity within a large family of PTPs called this idea into question. Approximately 75 PTPs have been identified, including both receptor-like and nontransmembrane enzymes, with genome sequencing data predicting the existence of similar to 500 human PTPs. These enzymes are characterized by the presence of a conserved catalytic domain of similar to 240 residues, containing the unique signature motif, [I/V]HCxAGxxR[S/T]G that defines this enzyme family (see accompanying minireview by Denu et al., 1996 [this issue of Cell]), fused, at either the N- or C-terminal ends, to a variety of noncatalytic, regulatory sequences. Now, several studies have illustrated subtleties of regulation and diversity of function for the PTPs which at least match those of the PTKs. Furthermore, PTPs can have both positive and negative effects on cellular signaling. This minireview discusses selected recent examples in which insights have been gained into the physiological function of PTP family members.
Debt peonage in postbellum Georgia

Abstract Descriptions of the postbellum South vary. Farmers either were postharvest debt peons, were subject to “seasonal credit peonage” to a monopolistic store, or relied on seasonal credit from stores that faced spatial competition. Analysis of Georgia Agricultual Departmenta data shows that postharvest debt peonage was not a major problem in the 1880s. Most other results are consistent with both monopolistic and competitive views of the stores. Increases in income reduced indebtedness; and reliance on purchased supplies increased the likelihood of indebtedness and of future reliance on purchased supplies. Past reliance on purchased supplies, however, did not affect the crop mix.
Hypotension and hypothalamic amine metabolism after long-term α-methyldopa infusions

Abstract In an effort to identify the metabolite of α-methyldopa (α-MD) most responsible for the hypotensive effect of the drug, we infused α-MD (2–20 mg/kg/hr) into the jugular vein of normotensive, conscious, restrained male Sprague-Dawley rats. Changes in blood pressure were measured after 24 hr of drug infusion. Steady-state turnover was then determined by switching infusions to identical doses of deuterated α-MD (2,5,6-α-MD-d 3 ) and the rate of incorporation of deuterium into the metabolites α-methyldopamine (α-MDA) and α-methylnorepinephrine (α-MNE) was followed. Results show that blood pressure reduction correlated with α-MDA concentration but not with α-MNE concentration or turnover rate.
The Testimony of the Child Victim of Sexual Assault

Sexual abuse of children, though widely condemned, is nevertheless more prevalent than has been previously realized. When the accused offender does not admit guilt, the testimony of the child victim is likely to be the only or the main evidence. Members of the criminal-justice system often share general societal beliefs that children are not as credible as adults and that children cannot participate in such legal proceedings without serious trauma. In this article, we address some of the social and legal barriers to successful prosecution of child sexual abuse cases, and to the child's effective participation in such cases. Then, we discuss some steps that can be taken to help reduce, eliminate, or overcome these barriers.
Risking the Griot's eye: Decolonisation and Contemporary African Cinema

(2000). Risking the Griot's eye: Decolonisation and Contemporary African Cinema. Social Identities: Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 263-284.
Mednyj Aleut: language contact in the North Pacific

L'A. examine le mednyj aleout, langue du Pacifique nord, qui combine des elements du russe et de l'aleout. La particularite de cette langue est d'avoir emprunte au russe tout un systeme grammatical: le systeme de conjugaison des verbes; les autres aspects de la langue aleout sont demeures intacts
Preparation of Blood Smears with Tfie Formalin Vapor Method

It is known that dry smears do not preserve all blood elements and the varieties destroyed by this method increase in descending to lower animals. in Amphibia—to which the present communication applies in particular—spindle cells (thrombocytes) and later basophils invariably disintegrate, other elements suffering more or less damage due to contact with air and the strain on the relatively liquid cells.
Computational Model of a Hybrid Pressurized Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Generator/Gas Turbine Power Plant

A computational model of a hybrid pressurized solid oxide fuel cell (PSOFC) generatorl gas turbine power plant is developed using classical thermodynamic analysis in conjunction with electromechanical, fluid-mechanical, and heat transfer simulations in the fuel cell by a commercial software. The thermodynamic analysis is based on energy ,and exergy balances. A case study is reported in which the plant contains a Siemens-Westinghouse PSOFC generator and a Solar Turbines Mercury-50 gas turbine. Among the calculated quantities for a range of fuel cell current are the plant output power, first-law efficiency, and exergetic efficiency.