cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parental perspectives on vaccinating children against sexually transmitted infections

Several vaccines for sexually transmitted infections (STI) are presently in development and the eventual availability of such vaccines is expected to result in the prevention of a significant number of burdensome conditions. Young adolescents are presumed to be likely targets for these vaccines since adolescents' risk for STI increases as they age and become sexually active. It is unclear, however, to what extent parents will agree to having adolescents receive STI vaccines. Inasmuch as acceptance is the foundation for effective immunization programs, an understanding of parental perspectives about this issue is required to inform future STI vaccine program strategies. This paper presents findings from a qualitative study that used in-depth interviews to elicit attitudes from 34 parents about accepting vaccines for genital herpes, human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus and gonorrhea for their children (aged 8-17). Data were collected from parents bringing their children for care at an urban clinic and a suburban private office. Content analysis of the responses revealed that most parents (>70%) approved the administration of all four of the STI vaccines proposed. Parents' reasons for acceptance included wanting to protect their children, being concerned about specific disease characteristics, and previous experience with the infections. Parents who declined the vaccines did so primarily because they perceived their children to be at low risk for the infections or they had low concern about features of the diseases. Most parents thought they should be the decision-maker regarding children receiving an STI vaccine. Results from this study will be used to plan subsequent investigations of the determinants of STI vaccine acceptance by parents.
NKT cell networks in the regulation of tumor immunity.

CD1d-restricted natural killer T (NKT) cells lie at the interface between the innate and adaptive immune systems and are important mediators of immune responses and tumor immunosurveillance. These NKT cells uniquely recognize lipid antigens, and their rapid yet specific reactions influence both innate and adaptive immunity. In tumor immunity, two NKT subsets (type I and type II) have contrasting roles in which they not only cross-regulate one another, but also impact innate immune cell populations, including natural killer, dendritic, and myeloid lineage cells, as well as adaptive populations, especially CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. The extent to which NKT cells promote or suppress surrounding cells affects the host’s ability to prevent neoplasia and is consequently of great interest for therapeutic development. Data have shown the potential for therapeutic use of NKT cell agonists and synergy with immune response modifiers in both pre-clinical studies and preliminary clinical studies. However, there is room to improve treatment efficacy by further elucidating the biological mechanisms underlying NKT cell networks. Here, we discuss the progress made in understanding NKT cell networks, their consequent role in the regulation of tumor immunity, and the potential to exploit that knowledge in a clinical setting.
Can adults at high-risk of cardiovascular disease be identified by screening their children for risk factors?

Can adults at high-risk of cardiovascular disease be identified by screening their children for risk factors?
Equilibrium and kinetics of Jet-A fuel desulfurization by selective adsorption at room temperatures

Abstract The performance of desulfurization of Jet-A fuel at room temperature and atmospheric pressure by using an innovative Nickel–Cerium (Ni–Ce)-based adsorbent is investigated in this work. The adsorbent preparation conditions, including the calcination temperature and length of time, and the compositions of support materials and catalysts were optimized to obtain the best efficiency of sulfur removal. The effects of the adsorbent–fuel mass ratio and the interaction time of adsorbent to fuel on the desulfurization performance were also investigated through batch-test experiment. The sulfur adsorption equilibrium and kinetics were examined. The results showed that the BET model can best represent the equilibrium isotherm, and a pseudo-second order model can best fit the kinetics data. For Jet-A fuel in a total sulfur concentration of 1037 ppmw, the lowest achieved sulfur concentration at room temperature in the treated fuel was 22.13 ppmw. The corresponding equilibrium adsorptive capacity at this maximum desulfurization efficiency was found to be 1.32 mg S/g adsorbent. This is a significant achievement regarding the desulfurization efficiency, especially at room temperature and using commercial Jet-A fuel with no pretreatment.
Localization of cerebral neoplasm by electroencephalographic recording after barbiturate injection; case report.

Abstract Fast activity between, 18 and 22 c/sec. occuring in the EEG's of 2 children receiving barbiturate premedication was obliterated on the side of a neoplasm verified at operation. The barbiturate activity was conspicuously present on the side not involved with tumor.
Effect of environmental conditions on the degradation of DDT in model marine ecosystems

No products of DDT metabolism were detected in surface seawater at temperatures of 4° to 32°C, at various salinities and in the presence or absence of O2. DDD was formed from DDT in surface waters supplemented with Cylindrospermum sp. cells, and both DDD and DDE were produced in surface water-sediment model ecosystems receiving organic amendments. Flooded sediments were especially active in converting DDT to DDD, and an unknown compound accumulated in these sediments. None of a series of compounds known to be generated microbiologically from DDT in vitro was observed in the model ecosystems.
The electron-phonon scattering rate of zinc blende GaN

Abstract We have performed calculations of the electron–phonon scattering rate of zinc blende GaN using the rigid psuedo-ion model. We find that the calculated rates are relatively insensitive to assumptions made regarding the underlying band structure and phonon dispersion and, to a very good approximation, follow the electronic density of states. The latter result allows an optical deformation scattering constant to be fitted.
Modified seed maturation rates and seed yield potentials in soybean

Seed embryos of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] genotypes can have different levels of specific dry matter accumulation rate (SDMAR) and specific seed density (SSD) under greenbouse growing conditions, but the relevance of these measures for field-grown plants is not known. The objectives of this research were to interrelate these measures as they reflect characteristics of the developing soybean seed and to determine their association with seed-yield potential. As the seed matured, SSD increased ≃0.01 g cm -3 d -1 (.)
Radio Leashing of an Unmanned Aircraft

*† ‡ This paper introduces the Radio Leashing Problem and presents a control system to solve the problem for a single unmanned aircraft. The leashing problem as presented in this paper is to electronically tether an unmanned vehicle to one ore more radio nodes so that it may act as a communication repeater between them in a multi-hop network. The method proposed in this paper solves the leashing problem using only local measurements of network performance and assumes no knowledge of the node locations or on the RF propagation environment. This paper addresses two specific concepts that are not seen in literature: (i) the formulation of a control strategy based only upon received radio statistics, and (ii) utilizing the motion of a single aircraft to gain further information about the local RF environment. In this work, the signal-to-noise ratio for each individual link is the only input into a high-level control system. Due to the orbital motion of the aircraft, a gradient of the signal-to-noise field can be measured, and is used to control the motion of an orbit center point as well as provide a directional estimate of the transmitting node’s location from the aircraft.
Effects of the gap junction blocker glycyrrhetinic acid on gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells.

In the tunica muscularis of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, gap junctions form low-resistance pathways between pacemaker cells known as interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) and between ICC and smoot...
p23/Tmp21 Differentially Targets the Rac-GAP β2-Chimaerin and Protein Kinase C via Their C1 Domains

The C1 domains in protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes and other signaling molecules are responsible for binding the lipid second messenger diacylglycerol and phorbol esters, and for mediating translocation to membranes. Previous studies revealed that the C1 domain in alpha- and beta-chimaerins, diacylglycerol-regulated Rac-GAPs, interacts with the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi protein p23/Tmp21. Here, we found that p23/Tmp21 acts as a C1 domain-docking protein that mediates perinuclear translocation of beta2-chimaerin. Glu227 and Leu248 in the beta2-chimaerin C1 domain are crucial for binding p23/Tmp21 and perinuclear targeting. Interestingly, isolated C1 domains from individual PKC isozymes differentially interact with p23/Tmp21. For PKCepsilon, it interacts with p23/Tmp21 specifically via its C1b domain; however, this association is lost in response to phorbol esters. These results demonstrate that p23/Tmp21 acts as an anchor that distinctively modulates compartmentalization of C1 domain-containing proteins, and it plays an essential role in beta2-chimaerin relocalization. Our study also highlights the relevance of C1 domains in protein-protein interactions in addition to their well-established lipid-binding properties.
Role of activated nuclear factor‐κB in the pathogenesis and therapy of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Background Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), a transcription factor known to modulate expression of factors involved in inflammation, immunity, proliferation, and apoptosis, is constitutively activated and plays a role in pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Understanding the molecular alterations leading to aberrant NF-kappaB activation in HNSCC may direct investigators to novel therapeutic targets. Methods Results of laboratory and clinical studies are reviewed. Results The structure, function, and activation of NF-kappaB, products of NF-kappaB target genes and their role in HNSCC oncogenesis, and current NF-kappaB modulating interventions are described. Conclusions Aberrant NF-kappaB activation contributes to the expression of oncogenes and the malignant phenotype observed in HNSCC. NF-kappaB, along with providing a link between cancer and inflammation, may serve as an appropriate therapeutic target to inhibit tumor growth and sensitize cancer cells to established cytotoxic anticancer therapies.
The Effects Due to an Oblique Applied Field

The analysis of the foregoing chapters was restricted to the case of a transverse magnetic field, and the basis for the results was the striking parallelism between this particular class of hydromagnetic flows and conventional gas dynamic flows. For an arbitrary orientation of the magnetic field, magnetohydrodynamic wave phenomena are much more complicated, and, in fact, there exist three sound speeds, i.e., modes of propagation, called fast, slow and intermediate waves, in each direction which, moreover, depend on the direction of propagation. The anisotropic nature of magnetohydrodynamic wave propagation was noted first by Herlofson [56] and by van de Hulst [57]. An introductory discussion may be found, for example, in the papers by Friedrichs [1], Grad [58] and Shercliff [55].
Decade-long trends in the characteristics, management and hospital outcomes of diabetic patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Purpose: Our objectives were to describe recent trends in the characteristics and in-hospital outcomes in diabetic as compared with non-diabetic patients hospitalized with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 2537 persons with (n = 684) and without (n = 1853) a history of diabetes who were hospitalized for STEMI between 1997 and 2009 at 11 medical centres in Central Massachusetts. Results: Diabetic patients were more likely to be older, female and to have a higher prevalence of previously diagnosed comorbidities. Diabetic patients were more likely to have developed important in-hospital complications and to have a longer hospital stay compared with non-diabetic patients. Between 1997 and 2009, there was a marked decline in hospital mortality in diabetic (20.0%–5.6%) and non-diabetic (18.6%–7.5%) patients. Conclusion: Despite reduced hospital mortality in patients hospitalized with STEMI, diabetic patients continue to experience significantly more adverse outcomes than non-diabetics.
Comparison Study of Zeta Potential Values of Bentonite in Salt Solutions

The electrokinetic mobility (EM) was measured and then zeta potential (ZP) was calculated for laboratory grade bentonite particles by varying pH between 4 and 10 and at 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 M salt (NaCl, Na2SO4, LiCl, KCl, and CaCl2) concentrations. In all tests, bentonite particles displayed a negative zeta potential. No charge reversal was observed at any stage. The ZP values showed low sensitivity to pH in salt solutions. Zeta potential calculation of bentonite particles in distilled water showed an increase in ZP value beyond pH >8, which could be due to charge development at the edges by direct transfer of H+ from clay to water. For all salts, at a concentration of 0.1 M, and for all tested concentrations of CaCl2, bentonite particles showed a zero zeta potential. For NaCl and Na2SO4, at 75, 200, and 325 mg/L bentonite particle concentrations, increasing the salt concentration from 0.001 to 0.01 M did not affect the ZP value of the bentonite particles. For the same cation such as Na+, the presence of...
Regulating concentrated animal feeding operations to enhance the environment

Abstract Economies of scale have led to the production of animals at large facilities concentrated in selected regions. Such production is accompanied by environmental problems. In the US, federal and state governments have enacted new legislation and regulatory provisions to respond to problems created by concentrated animal production, with an emphasis on eliminating water pollution. While such efforts may advance environmental quality, a more fundamental issue is whether adequate consideration has been given to the broader issue of what concentrations of animals means for the rural environment. Concentrations of animals use large quantities of antibiotics, reduce landscape diversity, and are accompanied by the loss of native species. To respond to these issues, governments need to devise additional regulatory controls that place production costs on producers and preclude practices denigrating the environment. Regulatory efforts that champion small-scale operations and activities rather than supporting industrial-sized farms through commodity price supports also warrant consideration.
Efficacy of superactivated charcoal administered late (3 hours) after acetaminophen overdose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of superactivated charcoal (SAC) given late after a drug overdose. Acetaminophen was chosen as our overdose drug because it has relatively few side effects, serum levels are easily attainable and measurable, and it is generally a common drug overdose. Forty-six healthy adult volunteers participated in this randomized, controlled study. Acetaminophen was administered the morning after an overnight fast. Thirteen participants received 2000 mg acetaminophen and the remaining 33 received 3000 mg. After 3 hours, half of the participants (22 of 46) received 75 g of SAC (Requa, Greenwich, CT) orally as a slurry in 8 oz of apple juice. Serum acetaminophen levels were measured at 4 and 7 hours after the initial acetaminophen administration. There were significantly lower uncorrected and corrected acetaminophen levels in the SAC group compared with the control group at both 4 and 7 hours after ingesting acetaminophen. This randomized human experimental design trial demonstrates some detoxification benefit in administering superactivated charcoal 3 hours after an overdose.
The right not to hear: the ethics of parental refusal of hearing rehabilitation.

Objective: To explore the ethics of parental refusal of auditory–oral hearing rehabilitation. Study Design: Case study with medical ethical discussion and review. Methods: Two young brothers present with severe-to-profound congenital sensorineural hearing loss. The parents, both of whom have normal hearing and work as sign language interpreters, have decided to raise their children with American Sign Language as their only form of communication. They have chosen not to pursue cochlear implantation nor support the use of hearing aids. Discussion: This case raises significant questions concerning whether hearing rehabilitation should be mandated, and if there are circumstances in which parental preferences should be questioned or overridden with regard to this issue. In addition, legal concerns may be raised regarding the possible need to file a report with Child Protective Services. Although similar cases involving the Deaf community have historically favored parental rights to forego hearing rehabilitation with either cochlear implantation or hearing aids, we explore whether conclusions should be different because the parents in this case are not hearing impaired. Conclusions: The ethics of parental rights to refuse hearing rehabilitation are complex and strikingly context-dependent. A comprehensive appreciation of the medical, practical, and legal issues is crucial prior to intervening in such challenging situations.
Measuring the Quality of Children’s Health Care: A Prerequisite to Action

Objective. To assess the availability and use of quality measures for children’s health care, highlight promising developments, and develop recommendations for future action steps by the child health quality measurement and improvement fields, pediatrics, and the national quality of care enterprise generally. Study Design. Two-day invitational expert meeting, informed by 3 commissioned articles. Results. Quality of care for children is far less than optimal. A number of measures are available for measuring children’s health care quality on a regular basis, although measures are scarce at least in many areas (eg, pediatric patient safety, end-of-life-care, mental health care, oral health care, neonatal care, care for school-aged children, and coordination of care). Many of the available measures are not being applied regularly to measure the quality of children’s health care; barriers to implementation include lack of an information infrastructure that is child- and quality-friendly and lack of public support for improving children’s health care quality. To improve the availability and use of quality measures for accountability and improvement, meeting participants recommended that at least 4 activities be national priorities: 1) build public support for quality measurement and improvement in children’s health care; 2) create the information technology infrastructure that can facilitate collection and use of data; 3) improve the reliability, validity, and feasibility of existing measures; and 4) create the evidence base for measures development and quality improvement. Conclusions. Although substantial progress has been made in the development of quality measures and the implementation of quality-improvement strategies for children’s health care, interest in quality of care for children lags behind that for adult conditions and disorders. Making significant progress will require not only sustained attention by those concerned about improving children’s health and health care but also activities to build a broad base of support among the public and key health care decision-makers.
Graft coronary artery disease in murine cardiac allografts: proposal to meet the need for standardized assessment.

Abstract Background Inconsistency exists in assessing the severity of graft coronary artery disease (GCAD) in studies that use mouse models. The central issue associated with this inconsistency is the lack of a standardized approach for assessing mouse GCAD. Methods We propose a new histologic definition of GCAD based on 3 successive stages (endotheliitis, premature lesion, and mature lesion) that mark the progression of this condition. In addition to these qualitative measures of GCAD, we propose including 2 additional morphometric parameters (percentage of luminal narrowing and intima-to-media ratio) and a measure of distribution (percentage of affected vessels) in the routine quantification of GCAD. Results We introduce 2 new mouse models of GCAD as examples that satisfy these criteria. Conclusion The proposed assessment criteria may simplify data collection and interpretation of results in various models of GCAD.
Study of field ionization in the charge exchange injection for the IPNS Upgrade

The proposed 1-MW neutron spallation source is a rapid-cycling synchrotron (RCS) with a design intensity of 1.04/spl times/10/sup 14/ protons. A H/sup -/ beam from the linac is injected into the synchrotron via the charge exchange process. Due to the high intensity of the beam, the minimization of beam loss is one of the primary concerns. In this paper, we study a possible beam loss associated with field ionization, which includes estimates of the charge fraction and level distribution of the excited hydrogen atoms after stripping, and an estimate of lifetime of the excited hydrogen atoms in the transverse magnetic field.
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein: A Useful Marker for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prediction and the Metabolic Syndrome

Every year, 1.3 million Americans suffer a myocardial infarction with only one half of them exhibiting evidence of dyslipidemia. The identification of additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease is therefore of paramount importance. Of the examined novel biochemical markers, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is the most promising. To date, 22 prospective epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that hs-CRP is a strong predictor of future vascular disease, 6 cohort studies have shown that hs-CRP measurements add prognostic value beyond that available from the Framingham risk score, and 8 cohort studies have confirmed that hs-CRP adds prognostic information in the metabolic syndrome and in the prediction of type 2 diabetes (1). These studies, done by various groups in Europe and the United States, examined middle-aged and elderly men and women, and some included different ethnic and racial groups. As a result of these findings and the fact that hs-CRP can be reliably and accurately measured by clinical laboratories, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the CDC issued joint guidelines about the implementation of hs-CRP measurement as part of the global risk assessment of cardiovascular disease (2). In this Journal, Levinson et al. (3) recently …
The Checkpoint Clamp Activates Mec1 Kinase during Initiation of the DNA Damage Checkpoint

Summary Yeast Mec1/Ddc2 protein kinase, the ortholog of human ATR/ATRIP, plays a central role in the DNA damage checkpoint. The PCNA-like clamp Rad17/Mec3/Ddc1 (the 9-1-1 complex in human) and its loader Rad24-RFC are also essential components of this signal transduction pathway. Here we have studied the role of the clamp in regulating Mec1, and we delineate how the signal generated by DNA lesions is transduced to the Rad53 effector kinase. The checkpoint clamp greatly activates the kinase activity of Mec1, but only if the clamp is appropriately loaded upon partial duplex DNA. Activated Mec1 phosphorylates the Ddc1 and Mec3 subunits of the clamp, the Rad24 subunit of the loader, and the Rpa1 and Rpa2 subunits of RPA. Phosphorylation of Rad53, and of human PHAS-1, a nonspecific target, also requires a properly loaded clamp. Phosphorylation and binding studies with individual clamp subunits indicate that the Ddc1 subunit mediates the functional interactions with Mec1.
Terrain mapping for a walking planetary rover

Presents a terrain mapping system for walking robots that constructs quantitative models of surface geometry, The accuracy of the constructed maps enables safe, power-efficient locomotion over the natural, rugged terrain found on planetary surfaces. The mapping system acquires range images with a laser rangefinder, preprocesses and stores the images, and constructs elevation maps from them at arbitrary resolutions, in arbitrary reference frames. To quantify performance in terms of accuracy, timing, and memory utilization, the authors conducted extensive tests in natural, rugged terrain, producing hundreds of millions of map points. The results indicate that the mapping system 1) is one of the few that can handle extremely rugged terrain, and 2) exhibits a high degree of real-world robustness due to its aggressive detection of image-based errors and in its compensation for time-varying errors. >
Determination of Si-SiO/sub 2/ interface trap density by 1/f noise measurements

The concentration of silicon-silicon dioxide interface traps with energies down to within 20 meV of the majority-carrier band edge was determined using 1/f noise measurements. p-type diffused resistors of four-probe geometry were fabricated in a metal-oxide-silicon structure. Flicker noise measurements were performed on these devices at cryogenic temperatures of 20 to 280 K. Using A. L. McWhorter's (1957) 1/f noise model and the calculated position of the Fermi level with respect to the valence band edge at each temperature, the density of interface traps was calculated at energy levels corresponding to the position of the Fermi level at that temperature. This technique is proposed as an alternate method to measure the oxide trap and slow interface-state densities with energies close to the band edges. >
A Comparative Study of the Seedling-Juvenile and Flowering Stages of the Life Cycle in an Annual and a Perennial Species of Senna (Leguminosae; Caesalpinioideae)

Abstract Various growth parameters and the requirements for flowering of Senna (=Cassia) marilandica, an herbaceous polycarpic perennial native to the eastern United States, and Senna (=Cassia) obtusifolia, a pantropical-warm temperate annual weed, were compared in greenhouse and growth chamber studies. Relative growth rate (RGR) of seedlings-juveniles of S. marilandica and S. obtusifolia did not differ. However, after growth (from seeds) in the greenhouse from 28 May 1991 to 18 September 1991: (1) dry mass of S. obtusifolia plants was nearly twice that of S. marilandica plants; (2) root/shoot ratio of S. marilandica plants was more than four times that of S. obtusifolia plants; and (3) reproductive effort (dry mass of fruits/dry mass of whole plant) of S. obtusifolia plants was 27%, whereas plants of S. marilandica did not flower. Compared to the control, shoots of cold-treated S. marilandica plants emerged earlier, and a higher percentage of them flowered. Senna marilandica was confirmed to be an obliga...
The Effect of Palliative Care Team Design on Referrals to Pediatric Palliative Care.

Abstract Background: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) have recommended minimal standards for palliative care (PC) team composition and availability. It is unknown whether team composition affects utilization of PC. Objective: The study objective was to describe pediatric PC team composition, evaluate whether composition and availability are associated with utilization, and examine PC referral patterns. Methods: The study was a descriptive survey. Subjects were pediatric PC team directors or hospital administrators at Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) hospitals (N = 44). Results: The overall response rate was 86%. Teams varied in size from <1 to 9 full-time members. Average referrals per hospital bed were 0.46, range 0.05–2.13. Among individual PC team roles, referral rates were 34% greater in teams with an advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) (p = 0.07). Likewise, teams with acute pain, chronic pain, or hospice palliative me...
Simulating History in Virtual Worlds

The usage of virtual worlds for simulating history has been little discussed, particularly when 3D3C worlds present scientifically accurate visualization of the past or re-enact specific socio-cultural dynamics and historical events. This chapter ponders the value of virtual worlds as tools for historical research and seeks answers to research questions such as: does social interaction within a historical virtual world change the way we perceive or remember our heritage? How can different viewpoints on history—in terms of class, race, ethnicity, and gender—be represented in a historical virtual world? What is the power of the visualization of the past on 3D3C worlds’ users? This chapter explores the production of knowledge of the past and digital memory in virtual worlds and strives to demonstrate that these media are cultural models capable of conveying new information about our heritage and societies.
Deformation mechanics and microstructure evolution during indirect extrusion in (sub) mm-scale samples

Mechanics of deformation in miniaturized indirect extrusion (IE) and their resulting process outcomes are shown to be dependent on the dimensional scale of the plastic deformation zone. Using optically transparent dies as prototypes, the effect of process length-scales on the strain, strain-rate, and rotation fields is elucidated using digital image correlation. In this regard, in situ experiments were performed on commercially pure Lead (Pb) and Aluminum (Al 1100) as prototypical nonwork/work hardening materials. By overlaying these measurements with microstructural characterization via electron backscattered diffraction, the effect of deformation volume on process–structure mappings is identified. Herein, visco-plastic self-consistent framework-based modeling of the evolution of crystallographic textures was investigated to achieve insights into the trajectories of microstructure evolution and process outcomes during IE. These findings provide a beneficial background about characteristics of plastic deformation zone and its distribution to optimize and control the properties of miniaturized components.
Abstract 2972: In vitro quantification and modeling of DNA damage by histone H2A after exposure to gemcitabine and a Chk1 inhibitor

Background: Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analog used as an anti-cancer chemotherapeutic drug. To enhance its disruption of DNA replication and repair, Chk1 inhibitors are being developed for use in combination with Gemcitabine and other cytotoxic agents. Evaluation of these therapies with mechanistic biomarkers can be an important part of the drug development process. One such biomarker is the phosphorylation of histone H2A (γH2AX), which is a DNA damage response biomarker. An ELISA based assay has been developed to quantify γH2AX. This quantitative assay provides data that is incorporated into a mathematical model relating drug exposure to DNA damage and cell viability. Experiment Design: MiaPaCa-2 cells, a human pancreatic tumor cell line, were subjected to Gemcitabine alone (0.1 to 5uM for 2 hours), a Chk1 inhibitor alone (0.1-5uM for 2 – 48 hours), or the Chk1 inhibitor in combination with 0.5 and 5uM Gemcitabine. Cellular concentrations of Gemcitabine and the Chk1 inhibitor were detected with LC/MS. DNA damage was assessed by the γH2AX ELISA at 2, 6, 24 and 48 hours after the start of incubation with drug. In addition to γH2AX, cell viability was measured by cell number at 48 hours. A mathematical model was developed to quantify the modulation of γH2AX when exposed to each drug separately and in combination. Result: Transient exposure of the cells to Gemcitabine resulted in an increase in γH2AX at later times (24 and 48 hours). The Chk1 inhibitor resulted in a dose dependent increase in γH2AX, with a greater effect being observed at later times of exposure. The combination therapy showed a greater response than Gemcitabine or Chk1 alone. However it was observed that higher doses of Gemcitabine and Chk1 in combination did not always yield the largest γH2AX response or the greatest effect on cell viability. This may be due to cellular resistance and is still being investigated. Conclusion: The ELISA based assay for γH2AX provides a quantitative assessment of the level of DNA damage. This information can then be utilized in developing mathematical models of drug action alone and in combination with other drugs. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2972. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2972
Turkey Lipid Characteristics: Influence of Sex, Age and Estradiol-17 Beta-Monopalmitate

Abstract OXIDATION of turkey lipids is one of the most important factors that can change the flavor and/or odor of turkey meat. It is recognized that minor changes in the oxidative state of the lipids may enhance the turkey flavor; however, it is possible that further changes could cause the development of highly distasteful flavors or odors. Changes in the oxidation state of turkey lipids are due to a number of factors. Tappel (1953) reported on the activity of lipooxidase, a natural catalyst that is found in tissues. Clegg (1953) also discussed the catalytic activity of tissue extracts and indicated the enzymatic nature of the reactions. Watts (1954) reported on the effect of short wave lengths of light on the oxidation of lipids and found that their light is a potent accelerator. Metallic catalysis has been found to be an important factor in changing turkey lipids. Pokorny and Janicek (1965) and…
Surface Modification of \({\boldsymbol {\alpha }}-\) Fe 2 O 3 Nanoparticles to Develop as Intrinsic Photoluminescent Probe and Unprecedented Photocatalyst

Herein, we demonstrate the emergence of intrinsic multicolor fluorescence in α-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles (NPs) from blue, cyan, to green, upon functionalization and further surface modification with a small organic ligand, Na-tartrate. Furthermore, we have found an excellent photocatalytic property of the functionalized α-Fe 2 O 3 NPs in the decoloration of a model water contaminant. Detailed characterization of α-Fe 2 O 3 NPs before and after functionalization were carried out by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Proper investigation through UV-visible absorption and photoluminescence study along with theoretical support from literature reveals that ligand-to-metal charge transfer from tartrate ligand to lowest unoccupied energy level of Fe 3+ of the NPs and d-d transitions centered over Fe 3+ ions in the NPs play the key role in the generation of multiple fluorescence from the ligand functionalized α-Fe 2 O 3 NPs. Vibrating sample magnetometry measurements exhibit magnetic behavior of Fe 2 O 3 NPs changed considerably after surface modification. We believe that the developed ferromagnetic, multicolor fluorescent α-Fe 2 O 3 NPs would pioneer new opportunities toward diverse applications.
Factors analysis of human Eperythrozoon infection in Shanghai

Objective To learn the factors of human Eperythrozoon infection in Shanghai. Methods Three survey sites were set in urban, suburb and country areas, human blood samples were made smears to examine Eperythrozoon under microscope, and every examined person was asked to fill in the questionnaire at the same time. Results Nine hundred and ninety-seven persons were inspected in this survey. Overall standard infection rate of Eperythrozoon was 12.61%. The standard infection rates of the people dwell in urban, suburb and country areas are 15.83%, 17.67% and 6.86%, and there were significant difference among them (χ2=19.97, P0.05). The infection rate of country site was significantly different from the rates of urban and suburb sites (χ2=13.82 and 18.85,P0.05), but no significant difference was found between the rate of urban and suburb site (χ2=0.34, P0.05).The infection rates of different groups of gender, age, educational level and occupation were found no significant difference (χ2=3.45,3.23,7.91, 8.38, P0.05). And no significance was also found between the infection rates of persons contacting animal or having other diseases and the controls (χ2=1.62 and 0.81,P0.05). Conclusion Eperythrozoon infect human commonly with small burthen in Shanghai, and the infection rates of urban, suburb and country area were different.
Deep brain stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle: Distinctive responses in resistant depression

Abstract Background Treatment resistant depression (TRD) is a serious, disabling disease. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the superolateral branch of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB), as proposed by Schlaepfer et al. (2013), has led to rapid anti-depressant response but has not been replicated. Methods In this interim analysis of an ongoing pilot study of ten subjects, we assessed the efficacy of MFB-DBS in a cohort of four TRD patients over a 52-week period using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) as the primary assessment tool. Implanted patients entered a 4-week single-blinded sham stimulation period prior to stimulation initiation. Deterministic fiber tracking analysis was performed to compare modulated fiber tracts between patients. Results Intraoperatively, responder patients displayed immediate increased signs of energy and motivation upon stimulation at target. There was no significant mean change in mood during sham stimulation phase. Three of 4 patients had >50% decrease in MADRS scores at 7 days post-stimulation initiation relative to baseline. One patient withdrew from study participation. At 26 weeks, two of 3 remaining patients continue to have >80% decrease in MADRS scores. One patient failed to have response; evaluation of modulated fiber tracts revealed reduced frontal connectivity to the target region. Limitations This is an interim report, with limited conclusions. Conclusion This study of MFB-DBS shows similar rapid anti-depressant effects within the first week of stimulation as initially reported by Schlaepfer et al. (2013). Implementation of anhedonia measurements would greatly augment characterization of the striking motivational effects observed. We urge others to pursue this target to further prove efficacy. ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02046330) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02046330
PECULIAR PROPERTIES OF ANTITHROMBOTIC THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION. IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO THE TREATMENT SAFE

Arterial hypertension (HT) is a reason for raising a question about need for antithrombotic therapy. At the same time, increased blood pressure associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic complications. Possible ways to minimize the hemorrhagic risk in different groups of hypertensive patients who need in antithrombotic therapy are discussed.
Newborn Surgical Emergencies: Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Bochdalek hernia is a posterolateral defect in the embryogenesis of the diaphragm. Abdominal contents enter the thorax during fetal development and result in pulmonary hypoplasia. A cause of respiratory distress in the newborn, the management of this disease has undergone dramatic changes. The defect requires surgical repair, but success depends more on preoperative and postoperative management of the associated physiologic derangements.
Failure of the Double-Curved Ureteral Stent

AbstractUreteral obstruction no longer requires routine open surgical diversion. With the advent of percutaneous nephrostomy techniques and indwelling ureteral stents, the armamentarium exists to provide drainage by nonoperative means. This has been beneficial to many patients but especially to those who are poor risks or who have terminal illnesses and need treatment for relatively brief periods. Herein we report 2 cases of failure of the double-curved polyethylene ureteral catheter††Vance Products, Inc., Spencer, Indiana. to drain effectively, leading to nephrostomy, and a case in which removal of a stent disrupted a repaired ureteropelvic junction, leading to additional surgery. Three patients also are discussed who had severe dysuria and irritation from the stents.
Integration of language arts skill development into secondary school family and consumer sciences curriculum : a causal model for predicting teacher practices

The purposes of this study were to: (1) provide baseline information about the practices and attitudes of family and consumer sciences secondary school teachers regarding the integration of language arts skill development into family and consumer sciences curriculum, (2) identify variables that influence family and consumer sciences secondary school teachers' practices of integrating language arts skill development into their teaching, and (3) describe relationships among these variables. The innovation theory formed the conceptual framework for the study. A sample of 192 teachers was randomly drawn from a population of 520 secondary school family and consumer sciences teachers. Data were obtained using a mail survey from 135 teachers who responded (response rate was 72%). Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 4.0 and LISREL Version 7.0. Analysis included descriptive statistics, correlational statistics, and path analysis. Teachers had positive attitudes towards integration of language skill development into family and consumer sciences curriculum although they practiced integration to a limited extent. Language arts skill development was especially limited. Scheduling and lack of planning time were perceived as major barriers to subject integration: the support system was positive and resources were not perceived to be major limitations. Level of education and previous subject integration experience emerged as major background characteristics indirectly affecting language arts skill development practices. All the variables in the path model influenced language arts skill development practices indirectly through general integration practices indicating that teachers need to have knowledge about integration methodology for effective practice of integration. Implications of this study are that subject integration is approached best as a school improvement effort because it involves many aspects that are beyond the teacher's control. An environment that encourages teacher collaboration and provides support for curriculum integration is important. Implications for family and consumer sciences teacher education are that pre-service teachers should be educated on the use of integrative approaches in teaching. Teacher educators should use integrative approaches in their teaching to provide a model for teachers and to reinforce the integrative nature of the field of family and consumer sciences.
A Bombing in April: Culture and Disaster in the Oklahoma City Bombing

This article offers a meaning-centered approach to understanding Oklahomans' (and Americans') adaptation to the 19 April 1995 bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City. Adaptation to trauma ...
Believing in Britain: The spiritual identity of “Britishness”

If one were to summarize the main message of this book, the Aristotelian statement might do the best: “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Author Ian Bradley addresses several issues i...
Human Plasma Metabolites Measured with Different Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) Platforms.

Non-targeted global metabolite profiles of Standard Reference Material (SRM) 1950 Metabolites in Human Plasma were obtained on five different liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) instrument combinations using identically prepared samples. Different instruments rendered significantly different metabolite profiles, however, the results were highly reproducible when working with one instrument. A full description of the measurements and data analysis have been previously published [1]. Presented here are the raw data on which Ref. [1] is based. For a further description of SRM 1950 and the general analysis of its chemical composition, see Refs. [2] and [3].
FCCF: forecasting citywide crowd flows based on big data

Predicting the movement of crowds in a city is strategically important for traffic management, risk assessment, and public safety. In this paper, we propose predicting two types of flows of crowds in every region of a city based on big data, including human mobility data, weather conditions, and road network data. To develop a practical solution for citywide traffic prediction, we first partition the map of a city into regions using both its road network and historical records of human mobility. Our problem is different than the predictions of each individual's movements and each road segment's traffic conditions, which are computationally costly and not necessary from the perspective of public safety on a citywide scale. To model the multiple complex factors affecting crowd flows, we decompose flows into three components: seasonal (periodic patterns), trend (changes in periodic patterns), and residual flows (instantaneous changes). The seasonal and trend models are built as intrinsic Gaussian Markov random fields which can cope with noisy and missing data, whereas a residual model exploits the spatio-temporal dependence among different flows and regions, as well as the effect of weather. Experiment results on three real-world datasets show that our method is scalable and outperforms all baselines significantly in terms of accuracy.
Insulin-stimulated Glut 4 translocation in human skeletal muscle: a quantitative confocal microscopical assessment.

Insulin stimulation of glucose transport in skeletal muscle is considered to involve translocation of the skeletal muscle_adipose tissue glucose transporter isoform, Glut 4, from cytosolic vesicles to the cell surface. The current study was undertaken to investigate Glut 4 translocation in skeletal muscle of healthy volunteers during euglycaemic insulin infusion. Previous quantitative studies of glucose transport have depended on differential centrifugation methods, which demand large biopsy samples. In this study we have developed and applied a quantitative method using confocal laser microscopy, well suited to the small needle biopsies that are typically available clinically. Percutaneous biopsy of vastus lateralis skeletal muscle was performed during basal and euglycaemic insulin-stimulated conditions, and Glut 4 translocation was assessed using immunohistochemical labelling and confocal laser microscopy imaging in 14 healthy lean subjects. At physiological hyperinsulinaemia (536 _ 16 pm), mean systemic glucose utilization was 9.27 _ 0.78 mg_kg-min, indicative of normal insulin sensitivity. The presence of Glut 4 at the sarcolemma increased significantly (p· 0.01), with a ratio of insulin-stimulated to basal sarcolemmal Glut 4 of 1.85 _ 0.33, indicative of insulin-stimulated Glut 4 translocation. The area of Glut 4-labelled sites also increased significantly (p· 0.01) in response to insulin infusion; this ratio was 1.56 _ 0.13. Thus, at physiological hyperinsulinaemia, the amount of Glut 4 at the cell surface of skeletal muscle in healthy, lean individuals increases approximately twofold over basal conditions, and this process can be measured using immunohistochemical labelling imaged by confocal laser scanning microscopy.
Price dynamics and speculative trading in bitcoin

Abstract Few innovations in the money markets have brought more attention by regulators and policy makers than the digital currency Bitcoin. However, few studies in the literature have examined the price dynamics of Bitcoin. Besides providing an exploratory glace at the value and volatility of the Bitcoin across time, we also test whether the unusual level of Bitcoin’s volatility is attributable to speculative trading. Results in this study do not find that, during 2013, speculative trading contributed to the unprecedented rise and subsequent crash in Bitcoin’s value nor do we find that speculative trading is directly associated with Bitcoin’s unusual level of volatility.