cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Children of Substance Abusers: Overview of Research Findings

A relationship between parental substance abuse and subsequent alcohol problems in their children has been documented extensively. Children of alcoholics (COAs) are considered to be at high risk because there is a greater likelihood that they will develop alcoholism compared with a randomly selected child from the same community. COAs and children of other drug-abusing parents are especially vulnerable to the risk for maladaptive behavior because they have combinations of many risk factors present in their lives. The single most potent risk factor is their parent's substance-abusing behavior. This single risk factor can place children of substance abusers at biologic, psychologic, and environmental risk. Since the turn of the century, many reports have described the deleterious influence of parental alcoholism on their children. A series of studies measured mortality, physiology, and general health in the offspring of alcoholic parents and concluded that when mothers stopped drinking during gestation, their children were healthier. Today, research on COAs can be classified into studies of fetal alcohol syndrome, the transmission of alcoholism, psychobiologic markers of vulnerability, and psychosocial characteristics. Each of these studies hypothesizes that differences between COAs and children of nonalcoholics influence maladaptive behaviors later in life, such as academic failure or alcoholism. This research supports the belief that COAs are at risk for a variety of problems that may include behavioral, psychologic, cognitive, or neuropsychologic deficits. The vast literature on COAs far outweighs the literature on children of other drug abusers. Relatively little is known about children of heroin addicts, cocaine abusers, or polydrug abusers. Nonetheless, many researchers suggest that the children of addicted parents are at greater risk for later dysfunctional behaviors and that they, too, deserve significant attention to prevent intergenerational transmission of drug abuse. Most research on children of other drug abusers examines fetal exposure to maternal drug abuse. The overview of the research on children of substance abusers points toward the need for better, longitudinal research in this area. Most studies on COAs or other drug abusers are not longitudinal; they examine behavior at one point in time. Given the studies reviewed in this article, it is unclear whether we see true deficits or developmental delay. Longitudinal studies will allow us to predict when early disorders and behavioral deviations will be transient or when they will be precursors to more severe types of maladaptive behavior. Longitudinal research also will enable us to explain specific childhood outcomes. Differences in outcome could be studied simultaneously to understand whether antecedents discovered for one are specific to it or are general antecedents leading to a broad variety of outcomes.
Feshbach-Kerman-Koonin analysis of 93Nb reactions: P-->Q transitions and reduced importance of multistep compound emission.

We have implemented multistep compound (MSC) and multistep direct (MSD) preequilibrium theories of Feshbach, Kerman, and Koonin (FKK) for the calculation of nucleon-induced reactions. Unlike most previous analyses, which have concentrated on just one of these multistep mechanisms, we consider both mechanisms as well as subsequent Hauser-Feshbach equilibrium emission, and describe the complete nucleon emission spectra and angular distributions quantum mechanically. We compare theoretical calculations of ([ital n],[ital n][prime]) and ([ital n],[ital p]) reactions on [sup 93]Nb at energies of 14, 20, and 25.7 MeV with experimental data. Our analysis suggests that the FKK theory should be modified to allow transitions from the MSD to MSC preequilibrium chains, and shows MSC processes to be less important than previously thought. We find that the MSD mechanism dominates preequilibrium emission even for incident neutron energies as low as 14 MeV. A model to account for preequilibrium flux cascading from the MSD to MSC chain is presented, and we check its validity with a least-squares fit to data which establishes the experimentally observed partitioning between MSD and MSC.
Laser-induced fluorescence spectrum of argon matrix-isolated dichlorocarbene

Abstract Dichlorocarbene has been prepared for spectral investigation by the matrix reaction of alkali metal atoms with carbon tetrachloride at high dilution in argon followed by condensation onto a copper wedge held at 15 K. When these samples were irradiated with laser lines of wavelengths between 5682 and 4545 A, an intense red emission system peaking around 7000 A was observed. The spectrum of this emission revealed at least five progressions in the ground state bending and stretching fundamentals. A revised value of the ground state bending mode for CCl2 was obtained from higher-resolution spectra using more diluted samples and various laser exciting frequencies. Carbon-13 enriched samples confirm the assignments of the bands to progressions in the ground state bending and symmetric stretching modes of CCl2.
SENSITIVITY OF THE DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF SIMPLE OFFSHORE STRUCTURAL MODELS

Abstract Comprehensive analyses are made of the dynamic response of simple models of offshore structures to assess the effects of numerous factors involved. Useful information and concepts of structural behavior are developed, and valuable insight is provided into the response of such structures. After evaluating the effects on the response of changes in the relative magnitudes of the inertia and drag force components, of the current velocity, and of fluid-structure interaction, the effects of the random phase angles and of wave cancellation are examined, and the importance of each of these effects on the response is elucidated.
Treatment of acne with a combination clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide gel compared with clindamycin gel, benzoyl peroxide gel and vehicle gel: Combined results of two double-blind investigations

Abstract Background: It has previously been shown that a combination of erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide is superior to either ingredient when used alone in the treatment of acne. A clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide combination gel might have an advantage over erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide gel because the former does not require refrigeration after it is dispensed. Objective: Our purpose was to determine the efficacy and safety of a combination clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide gel when compared with benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, or vehicle gels. Methods: In two double-blind, randomized, parallel, vehicle-controlled trials, patients were treated for 11 weeks with once-nightly application of one of the above preparations. Evaluations were performed at 2, 5, 8, and 11 weeks and included lesion counts and assessment of global responses and irritant effects. Results: A total of 334 patients completed the study. All three active preparations were significantly superior to the vehicle in global improvement and in reducing inflammatory lesions and noninflammatory lesions. The combination gel was significantly superior to the two individual agents in global improvement and reduction of inflammatory lesions and also to the clindamycin gel in reducing noninflammatory lesions. There was no significant difference in tolerance to the active gels versus the vehicle gel. Conclusion: In the treatment of acne, topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide combination gel is well tolerated and superior to either individual ingredient. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1997;37:590-5.)
Enteral Feeding of a Chemically Defined Diet Preserves Pulmonary Immunity but Not Intestinal Immunity: The Role of Lymphotoxin β Receptor

BACKGROUND Compared with chow or a complex enteral diet (CED), IV administration of a parenteral nutrition solution (IV-PN) impairs intestinal and respiratory mucosal immunity, resulting in cellular and immunoglobulin A (IgA) defects in the intestine and impaired respiratory antiviral and antibacterial defenses. PN given intragastrically (IG-PN) impairs intestinal immunity similar to IV-PN but preserves antiviral defences and partially preserves antibacterial defenses. Lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTbetaR) is a molecule essential for development and organization of lymphoid tissue. It controls many molecules important in mucosal immune integrity. This study examines effects of route (IV or enteral) and type (PN, CED, or chow) on murine intestine and lung LTbetaR expression. METHODS Forty-three mice randomly received IV-PN (n = 12), IG-PN (n = 11), IV saline + chow (chow; n = 11), or a CED (n = 9). After 5 days of feeding, intestinal and lung samples were obtained and processed for levels of LTbetaR by Western blot. RESULTS IV-PN significantly reduced intestinal and lung LTbetaR compared with CED and chow. IG-PN reduced LTbetaR levels only in the intestine but preserved lung levels. CONCLUSIONS Route and type of nutrition differentially influence molecular events in the intestinal and respiratory mucosal immune systems. Enteral feeding with any diet (complex or chemically defined) maintains lung LTbetaR expression, whereas intestinal LTbetaR levels are maintained only with CEDs (chow and CED). We hypothesize that LTbetaR is responsible for the observed preservation of respiratory tract immunity with administration of a noncomplex, chemically defined enteral diet, whereas intestinal immunity is compromised with this diet.
INTESTINAL CAPILLARIES I. Permeability to Peroxidase and Ferritin

Horseradish peroxidase (mol. diam. ≃50 A) and ferritin (mol. diam. ≃110 A) were used as probe molecules for the small and large pore system, respectively, in blood capillaries of the intestinal mucosa of the mouse. Peroxidase distribution was followed in time, after intravenous injection, by applying the Graham-Karnovsky histochemical procedure to aldehyde-fixed specimens. The tracer was found to leave the plasma rapidly and to reach the pericapillary spaces 1 min post injection. Between 1 min and 1 min 30 sec, gradients of peroxidase reaction product could be demonstrated regularly around the capillaries; their highs were located opposite the fenestrated parts of the endothelium. These gradients were replaced by even distribution past 1 min 30 sec. Ferritin, followed directly by electron microscopy, appeared in the pericapillary spaces 3–4 min after i.v. injection. Like peroxidase, it initially produced transient gradients with highs opposite the fenestrated parts of the endothelium. For both tracers, there was no evidence of movement through intercellular junctions, and transport by plasmalemmal vesicles appeared less efficient than outflow through fenestrae. It is concluded that, in the blood capillaries of the inintestinal mucosa, the diaphragms of the endothelial fenestrae contain the structural equivalents of the small pore system. The large pore system seems to be restricted to a fraction of the fenestral population which presumably consists of diaphragm-free or diaphragm-deficient units.
A Trial of Intrapleural Adenoviral-mediated Interferon-α2b Gene Transfer for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

New therapeutic strategies are needed for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). We conducted a single-center, open-label, nonrandomized, pilot and feasibility trial using two intrapleural doses of an adenoviral vector encoding human IFN-α (Ad.IFN-α2b). Nine subjects were enrolled at two dose levels. The first three subjects had very high pleural and systemic IFN-α concentrations resulting in severe "flu-like" symptoms necessitating dose de-escalation. The next six patients had reduced (but still significant) pleural and serum IFN-α levels, but with tolerable symptoms. Repeated vector administration appeared to prolong IFN-α expression levels. Anti-tumor humoral immune responses against mesothelioma cell lines were seen in seven of the eight subjects evaluated. No clinical responses were seen in the four subjects with advanced disease. However, evidence of disease stability or tumor regression was seen in the remaining five patients, including one dramatic example of partial tumor regression at sites not in contiguity with vector infusion. These data show that Ad.IFN-α2b has potential therapeutic benefit in MPM and that it generates anti-tumor immune responses that may induce anatomic and/or metabolic reductions in distant tumor. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 01212367).
The Slope-Ratio Method of Rose and Cuttita

Rose and Cuttita found a satisfactory solution by x-ray emission spectrography to the difficult problem of determining traces of bromide in saline waters by spiking the aliquots sample with bromide prior to measuring the intensity (counts per second) of Br Kα on pellets of cellulose powder containing the spiked, dried sample. For such samples, the determination of background encounters two difficulties. Since bromide is present, the background cannot be counted directly at the wavelength of the analytical line, Br Kα. Because pronounced and unknown absorption effects by the matrix modify the intensity of the analytical line, and of the background, determining the background on suitable blanks is cumbersome. Both difficulties were resolved graphically by the "slope-ratio method" devised by the investigators. The objectives here are to resolve these difficulties in a different way, and to delineate the physical basis of the background problem.
Sensitive label-free biosensing using critical modes in aperiodic photonic structures.

In this paper, we introduce a novel approach for optical sensing based on the excitation of critically localized modes in two-dimensional deterministic aperiodic structures generated by a Rudin-Shapiro (RS) sequence. Based on a rigorous computational analysis, we demonstrate that RS photonic structures provide a large number of resonant modes better suited for sensing applications compared to traditional band-edge and defect-localized modes in periodic photonic structures. Finally, we show that enhanced sensitivity to refractive index variations as low as Δn=0.002 in RS structures results from the extended nature of critical modes and can enable the fabrication of novel label-free optical biosensors.
Vascular gene expression patterns are conserved in primary and metastatic brain tumors

Malignant primary glial and secondary metastatic brain tumors represent distinct pathological entities. Nevertheless, both tumor types induce profound angiogenic responses in the host brain microvasculature that promote tumor growth. We hypothesized that primary and metastatic tumors induce similar microvascular changes that could function as conserved angiogenesis based therapeutic targets. We previously isolated glioma endothelial marker genes (GEMs) that were selectively upregulated in the microvasculature of proliferating glioblastomas. We sought to determine whether these genes were similarly induced in the microvasculature of metastatic brain tumors. RT-PCR and quantitative RT-PCR were used to screen expression levels of 20 candidate GEMs in primary and metastatic clinical brain tumor specimens. Differentially regulated GEMs were further evaluated by immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridization to localize gene expression using clinical tissue microarrays. Thirteen GEMs were upregulated to a similar degree in both primary and metastatic brain tumors. Most of these genes localize to the cell surface (CXCR7, PV1) or extracellular matrix (COL1A1, COL3A1, COL4A1, COL6A2, MMP14, PXDN) and were selectively expressed by the microvasculature. The shared expression profile between primary and metastatic brain tumors suggests that the molecular pathways driving the angiogenic response are conserved, despite differences in the tumor cells themselves. Anti-angiogenic therapies currently in development for primary brain tumors may prove beneficial for brain metastases and vice versa.
A Geometric Framework for Rectangular Shape Detection

Rectangular shape detection has a wide range of applications, such as license plate detection, vehicle detection and building detection. In this paper, we propose a geometric framework for rectangular shape detection based on the channelscale space of RGB images. The framework consists of algorithms developed to address three issues of a candidate shape (i.e., a connected component of edge points), including: i) outliers, ii) open shape, and iii) fragmentation. Furthermore, we propose an interestness measure for rectangular shapes by integrating imbalanced points (one type of interest points). Our experimental study shows the promise of the proposed framework.
Gain/loss asymmetry and riskless choice: Loss aversion in choices among job finalists.

Abstract Tversky and Kahneman (1991) extended the notions of reference points and gain/loss asymmetry to multiattribute choice tasks having alternatives that cannot be assigned explicit probabilities. Two experiments were designed to test these propositions in the context of choices among job finalists. In the first experiment, undergraduates (N= 82) were provided with attribute information on two job candidates, along with (incomplete) attribute information on a previous job incumbent. The results showed that the relative standing of the job finalists was evaluated from the reference point of the incumbent's performance on the non-missing attributes. Candidates representing the status quo (i.e., no change in performance on the non-missing attributes) were preferred over candidates representing a loss. However, candidates representing a gain were not preferred over candidates representing the status quo. In the second experiment, undergraduates (N= 74) received assessor training and then watched a demonstration of performance in one of two work samples. Participants told that the demonstration was one of excellent performance strongly preferred the status quo candidate (i.e., the one that performed equally well on the demonstration work sample). However, participants told that the example was one of poor performance were indifferent between the status quo and gain candidate. We conclude that the gain/loss asymmetry commonly found in risky choice can also be found in riskless choice tasks such as choosing among job finalists.
Esophageal Diverticulum Illustrated by Barium Swallow During Left Atrial Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Left atrial radiofrequency catheter ablation guided by a 3-dimensional electroanatomic mapping system (CARTO, Biosense-Webster, Diamond Bar, Calif) was performed in a 67-year-old woman with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. To avoid delivery of radiofrequency energy near the esophagus, the patient was asked to swallow 5 cm3 of barium paste (E-Z-EM, Lake Success, NY) before conscious sedation, as described previously.1 …
Comparative study of compositional viscosity prediction models for medium-heavy oils

This paper presents a comprehensive comparative study of composition-based Lohrenz-Bray-Clark (LBC) and principle of corresponding states (PCS) class viscosity prediction models for 11 different medium to heavy oils. The data sets span a wide range of pressures from 14.7 psia to 5000 psia; temperatures from 80 F to 180 F; and viscosities from 10 cP to 475 cP, typical of medium to heavy oils. The results show that all the LBC class models heavily underpredict the viscosities, whereas qualitatively PCS class models, in general, predict the viscosities in the range of the experimental values. However, none of the studied models were found to be truly predictive. [Received: June 2, 2007; Accepted: September 21, 2007]
Total variation minimization-based multimodality medical image reconstruction

ABSTRACT Since its recent inception, simultaneous image reconstruction for multimodality fusion has received a great dealof attention due to its superior imaging performance. On the other hand, the compressed sensing (CS)-basedimage reconstruction methods have undergone a rapid development because of their ability to signi cantly re-duce the amount of raw data. In this work, we combine computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI) into a single CS-based reconstruction framework. From a theoretical viewpoint, the CS-basedreconstruction methods require prior sparsity knowledge to perform reconstruction. In addition to the conven-tional data delity term, the multimodality imaging information is utilized to improve the reconstruction quality.Prior information in this context is that most of the medical images can be approximated as piecewise constantmodel, and the discrete gradient transform (DGT), whose norm is the total variation (TV), can serve as a sparserepresentation. More importantly, the multimodality images from the same object must share structural simi-larity, which can be captured by DGT. The prior information on similar distributions from the sparse DGTs isemployed to improve the CT and MRI image quality synergistically for a CT-MRI scanner platform. Numericalsimulation with undersampled CT and MRI datasets is conducted to demonstrate the merits of the proposedhybrid image reconstruction approach. Our preliminary results con rm that the proposed method outperformsthe conventional CT and MRI reconstructions when they are applied separately.Keywords: Multimodality imaging, Compressed sensing, Image reconstruction
Securing SCADA in the cloud: Managing the risks to avoid the perfect storm

This paper discusses the opportunities and risks for migration of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) to cloud based computing. Different cloud deployment models illustrate the challenges and recommendations.
Enhancement of shear transfer in composite deck with mechanical fasteners

Abstract Reinforced concrete construction and steel construction are two of the most common contemporary construction methods. Both methods make use of composite decks as floor systems and diaphragms. During the design of composite decks, the interaction between the steel deck and concrete slab is typically disregarded when calculating the strength of the composite diaphragm due to lack of complete shear transfer, as existing practices such as stamping are not effective to provide substantial composite action. This conservative assumption essentially results in non-efficient use of material. This paper presents a method for ensuring shear transfer through the use of conventional sheet metal screws, driven through the corrugated steel deck and embedded in the fresh concrete. This method is proposed for use in the field between formed steel beams. Both experimental and analytical studies support an increase in strength with the addition of embedded fasteners. Further, experimental results indicate an additional increase in strength with the addition of synthetic reinforcing fibers. The increase in strength with the addition of the fasteners is on the order of 100%. When fasteners are already in use, the addition of synthetic reinforcing fibers can increase strength on the order of 10%. The ultimate deflection of enhanced deck is comparable to deck tested without fasteners, but the initial stiffness of enhanced deck is much higher.
The Final Freezing of Spongy Ice: Hailstone Collection Techniques and Interpretations of Structures.

Abstract Small volumes of spongy ice were produced by nucleating supercooled water in balloons at temperatures from −3 to −10C. The original freezing structure is faithfully preserved by quenching the spongy ice in a dry ice-alcohol mixture, and this method is suggested as an important collection technique for freshly fallen hailstones. With slower final freezing rates, recrystallization takes place, consisting of either grain growth only, or of nucleation and growth of new grains. Free growth of ice in water at or above −10C is probably not accompanied by spontaneous nucleation of new crystals in these experiments; reports to the contrary may be a result of primary recrystallization, which does occur at normal rates of final freezing.
Light-Induced Degradation of TIMELESS and Entrainment of the Drosophila Circadian Clock

Two genes, period (per) and timeless (tim), are required for production of circadian rhythms in Drosophila. The proteins encoded by these genes (PER and TIM) physically interact, and the timing of their association and nuclear localization is believed to promote cycles of per and tim transcription through an autoregulatory feedback loop. Here it is shown that TIM protein may also couple this molecular pacemaker to the environment, because TIM is rapidly degraded after exposure to light. TIM accumulated rhythmically in nuclei of eyes and in pacemaker cells of the brain. The phase of these rhythms was differentially advanced or delayed by light pulses delivered at different times of day, corresponding with phase shifts induced in the behavioral rhythms.
Lead and Cadmium Distribution in the Partieulate Effluent from a Coal-Fired Boiler

This study was designed to evaluate the total emissions and the distribution of concentration with particle size for cadmium and lead in the particulate effluent from a coal-fired boiler. Particular attention was given to the concentration and amounts of these materials in the respirable size range (<5 microns). Particulates were collected by means of a sampling train which consisted of a Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory miniature cyclone, followed by a six-stage Andersen sampler, followed by an inline membrane filter. After collection, the various size ranges of particulates were analyzed quantitatively for cadmium and lead by using atomic absorption spectroscopy. These analyses showed that ithe largest amounts of cadmium and lead were in the respirable size ranges. An increase in concentration with decreasing particle size was also shown for lead and cadmium.
Talking at school: Teacher expectations in preschool and kindergarten

Children's abilities to adjust to new teacher expectations for behavior is one factor influencing their transitions from preschool to kindergarten. This study compared preschool and kindergarten teachers' expectations for verbal interaction. A survey of 140 preschool and kindergarten teachers revealed general differences. Preschool teachers reported that they encouraged more talking than kindergarten teachers, specifically during teacher-directed activities. In addition, the individual variability among teachers was much greater in these activities than in child-directed activities. Finally, teachers who reported they encouraged children's verbal participation during teacher-directed activities were also more tolerant of verbal infractions (e.g., interrupting the teacher, talking out of turn) than teachers who reported they did not allow talking during these activities. To facilitate children's accommodation to the new setting, ways in which teachers can make their expectations more explicit are discussed.
Managing muscle-invasive bladder cancer in the elderly.

Bladder cancer is inherently a disease of the elderly with the highest incidence occurring in the eighth decade of life. Approximately a third of the 70,000 patients diagnosed with bladder cancer in the USA in 2009 will have presented with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) requiring aggressive management. Left untreated, most patients with MIBC suffer significant morbidity and die of the disease within 2 years of the diagnosis. While radical cystectomy, the best treatment option for local control of bladder cancer, has been shown to be safe in the elderly, outcomes depend more heavily on the functional status of the patient than on chronologic age. The current literature suffers from a focus on chronologic age versus functional age in assessing outcomes, selection bias introduced by evaluating retrospective cohorts and limited data on outcomes of alternative treatment options in the elderly. In addition, a focus on disease-specific and overall survival leaves limited information regarding the quality ...
Failure of the Zona Reaction in Five Pig Eggs

IN most mammals which have been examined, the first spermatozoon that penetrates into the egg stimulates the egg to undergo a reaction which prevents subsequent spermatozoa from traversing the zona pellucida1. This phenomenon is called the ‘zona reaction’. In the pig, following the zona reaction, spermatozoa can still penetrate into the zona but they normally cannot traverse it2. However, eggs aged for several hours before exposure to the first spermatozoon sometimes fail to elicit the zona reaction and several spermatozoa enter the vitellus (polyspermy) to become male pronuclei (polyandry)3.
Effective Pluralistic Participation: Case Study of a Community Health Worker Partnership in Miami, Florida

This article analyzes the participation of community health workers (CHWs) in a community partnership. Active participation at all levels is needed for effective influence on the goals of the partnership. This case applies the criteria of pluralistic participation, specifically: (a) role of groups involved, (b) opportunity for learning, (c) access to officials, and (d) means of coercion. By applying a pluralistic democratic approach to community participation of CHWs in Miami, this article explores how CHWs, funding agencies, service organizations, community residents, researchers, and public health officials brought together resources, knowledge and influence to empower community health workers.
Beyond local search: boundary‐spanning, exploration, and impact in the optical disk industry

Recognition of the firm's tendency toward local search has given rise to concepts celebrating exploration that overcomes this tendency. To move beyond local search requires that exploration span some boundary, be it organizational or technological. While several studies have encouraged boundary-spanning exploration, few have considered both types of boundaries systematically. In doing so, we create a typology of exploration behaviors: local exploration spans neither boundary, external boundary-spanning exploration spans the firm boundary only, internal boundary-spanning exploration spans the technological boundary only, and radical exploration spans both boundaries. Using this typology, we analyze the impact of knowledge generated by these different types of exploration on subsequent technological evolution. In our study of patenting activity in optical disk technology, we find that exploration that does not span organizational boundaries consistently generates lower impact on subsequent technological evolution. In addition, we find that the impact of exploration on subsequent technological evolution within the optical disk domain is highest when the exploration spans organizational boundaries but not technological boundaries. At the same time, we find that the impact of exploration on subsequent technological development beyond the optical disk domain is greatest when exploration spans both organizational and technological boundaries. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Recombinant Measles Virus Unable To Antagonize STAT1 Function Cannot Control Inflammation and Is Attenuated in Rhesus Monkeys

Measles remains a leading cause of death worldwide among children because it suppresses immune function. The measles virus (MV) P gene encodes three proteins (P, V, and C) that interfere with innate immunity, controlling STAT1, STAT2, mda5, and perhaps other key regulators of immune function. We identified here three residues in the shared domain of the P and V proteins—tyrosine 110, valine 112, and histidine 115—that function to retain STAT1 in the cytoplasm and inhibit interferon transcription. This information was used to generate a recombinant measles virus unable to antagonize STAT1 function (STAT1-blind MV) differing only in these three residues from a wild-type strain of well-defined virulence. This virus was used to assess the relevance of P and V interactions with STAT1 for virulence in primates. When a group of six rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) was inoculated intranasally with STAT1-blind MV, viremia was short-lived, and the skin rash and other clinical signs observed with wild-type MV were absent. The STAT1-blind virus less efficiently controlled the inflammatory response, as measured by enhanced transcription of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from infected hosts. Importantly, neutralizing antibody titers and MV-specific T-cell responses were equivalent in hosts infected with either virus. These findings indicate that efficient MV interactions with STAT1 are required to sustain virulence in a natural host by controlling the inflammatory response against the virus. They also suggest that selectively STAT1-blind MV may have utility as vectors for targeted oncolysis and vaccination.
Evidence for a dual action of parathyroid extract in maintaining serum calcium and phosphate levels.

The primary mechanism through which the parathyroid glands influence mammalian calcium and phosphate metabolism is still an unsettled problem. The results of past experiments have led to two divergent views regarding the action of the parathyroid hormone: one view maintaining that the principal role of the hormone is the regulation of the osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity of bone tissue, while the other view claims its action to be primarily in controlling the phosphate threshold of the kidney. For a recent review of the work the reader is referred to Greep (1948). While much of the recent work has been in favor of the kidney threshold theory, evidence has also accumulated suggesting an extra-renal function of the hormone. Considerable work has been reported showing the influence of the parathyroids on bone metabolism both before and after removal of the kidneys (Selye, 1942; Ingalls et al., 1943; and Barnicot, 1948).
Balanitis xerotica obliterans in children.

Balanitis xerotica obliterans was studied in 48 fully developed and 6 early cases in children aged 2–15 years. It occurred in 9% of 100 consecutive circumcisions for all, including religious, reasons and in 19% of 232 other circumcisions for disease of the prepuce and penis. Seven cases developed after surgery for hypospadias. The boys nearly always presented with inability to retract the prepuce; half also had discomfort after micturition, and a quarter had obstructive signs, usually minor. At surgery, half had involvement of glans or meatus, previously considered rare in childhood, 3 requiring meatotomy. The condition, once seen, was easily recognized clinically as well as microscopically. The early cases, characterized by focal narrow hyaline edematous zones in severe diffuse chronic balanitis, suggest that the condition may be an inflammation in which the usual increased permeability of small vessels in inflammatory reaction is accentuated in a loose vascular region.
SPERMATIC CORD METASTASIS FROM TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA OF THE BLADDER

Abstract A case of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder metastasizing to the spermatic cord is reported. This represents the only clinically recognized site of tumor recurrence in a man treated with radical cystoprostatectomy followed by four cycles of adjuvante cis-platinum/methotrexate/vinblastine (CMV) chemoterapy for Stage D1 disease (local pelvic lymph node involvement). The existing literature concerning metastatic tumors of the spermatic cord is reviewed.
Inequality in Dual Economy Models

This paper seeks to make more precise the notion of inequality by asking how inequality ought to behave under certain kinds of income changes. These view are derived axiomatically from the Lorenz properties and from additional considerations of 'elitism of the rich' and 'isolation of the poor.' Although several alternative patterns are generated, six commonly used inequality measures accord with one particular inequality pattern. Inequality measures can be formulated to represent the other inequality patterns; a class of such measures is displayed. Copyright 1993 by Royal Economic Society.
Retention of arene photosystems in the polar-solvated cavities of the zeolites NaX and NaY

This study describes the retention of photochemically interesting arenes in the internal cavities of polar-solvated zeolites (PSZ), or zeolites completely submerged in polar organic solvents. Initial observations at room temperature showed that aromatic species such as pyrene or perylene, when placed in the internal cavities of the zeolites NaX or NaY by adsorption from solution, were >90% retained following overnight agitation of samples in desorbing polar solvents such as methanol or acetonitrile. Percent retainment was further explored for a series of naphthalene and anthracene derivatives of variable size. Studies of extraction rates and the fluorescence of retained species at room temperature indicate two different retention mechanisms depending on the size of the arene. One mechanism applies to smaller arenes such as naphthalene, and involves diffusion of monomers to yield doubly occupied supercages in which the arene is immobilized and excimer fluorescence is observed. For naphthalene, values of percent retainment varied from 40% to 90% following overnight exposure to solvents. In general, smaller arenes were completely unretained in NaY and retention was only observed in NaX with certain solvents. The other retention mechanism applies to larger arenes having dimensions close to the 7.4-A supercage aperture and involves inhibited diffusion in which the arene is essentially trapped in PSZ for months at room temperature. Additional studies showed that differences in rates of extraction can be utilized to achieve chemical separations by a process described as reverse molecular sieving. Of notable interest is that studies of photoinduced processes involving entrapped arenes in PSZ are possible. Such studies comment on solvation effects in the nanoconfines of zeolite cavities.
Effects of Testosterone Treatment and Chest Reconstruction Surgery on Mental Health and Sexuality in Female-To-Male Transgender People

ABSTRACT. Objectives: This study examined the effects of testosterone treatment with or without chest reconstruction surgery (CRS) on mental health in female-to-male transgender people (FTMs). Methods: More than 200 FTMs completed a written survey including quantitative scales to measure symptoms of anxiety and depression, feelings of anger, and body dissatisfaction, as well as qualitative questions assessing shifts in sexuality after the initiation of testosterone. Fifty-seven percent of participants were taking testosterone and 40% had undergone CRS. Results: Cross-sectional analysis using a between-subjects multivariate analysis of variance showed that participants who were receiving testosterone endorsed fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as less anger than the untreated group. Participants who had CRS in addition to testosterone reported less body dissatisfaction than both the testosterone-only or the untreated groups. Furthermore, participants who were injecting testosterone on a weekl...
INHIBITION OF PURINE NUCLEOTIDE BIOSYNTHESIS BY AMMONIA: A POTENTIAL MECHANISM FOR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL RETARDATION IN CHRONIC HYPERAMMONEMIA

Enzyme deficiencies of the urea cycle and certain other inborn errors are associated with protein intolerance, hyperammonemia and retardation in both mental and physical development. We have studied the effect of ammonia on purine nucleotide biosynthesis to explore a possible mechanism that would relate chronic hyper-ammonemia to mental and physical retardation. Purine nucleotide biosynthesis in rat liver minces or homogenate was measured by following the incorporation of 14C-Formate into total cellular purines (de novo) or 14C-purine base into soluble nucleotides (salvage). Addition of 10-20mM NH4Cl resulted in a 30-50% reduction in purine biosynthesis in both assays. The content of 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP), an important intermediate in purine nucleotide biosynthesis was decreased 35-50% in liver homogenates incubated with 20mM NH4Cl. Substitution of 5mM carbamyl phosphate (CP) for NH4Cl resulted in a marked reduction of purine nucleotide biosynthesis both de novo (70% decrease) and from preformed bases (25-35% decrease). It is proposed that ammonia stimulates the production of CP by the mitochondrial CP synthetase, which in turn would stimulate de novo pyrimidine synthesis and result in a reduced tissue content of PRPP available for purine nucleotide biosynthesis. This work was supported in part by NIH grant #GM 07004).
1583 PROXIMAL TUBULAR AMINO ACID TRANSPORT IS DEPENDENT ON THE PRESENCE OF EXTERNAL CHLORIDE

Taurine secretion by the flounder kidney is dependent on external Cl− at the basal lateral membrane. Although taurine uptake by renal BBMV in mammalian species is Na+-dependent (Rozen et al., Biochem J 180:245, 1979), little is known about the role of Cl− on the accumulations of this β-amino acid. Of all anions tested; Cl, NO3, SO4, SCN, and tartarate, a typical overshoot was noted only in the presence of an NaCl gradient. Preincubation with choline Cl resulted in reduced uptake after imposition of an external NaCl (100mM) gradient. Since choline is poorly permeant, BBMV were preloaded with a series of Li+ salts prior to incubation in 100 mM NaCl. Licl preincubation reduced taurine uptake by 40-60%, p<.001; whereas preincubation in LiNO3 or LiSCN did not inhibit. With LiSO4 preincubation taurine uptake was actually stimulated at 15, 60 and 360 sec.; at equilibrium, (45 min) this Cl effect was not apparent. Nigericin in the presence of external KCl stimulated uptake by 30%, p<.001, but reduced uptake when KCl was inside, p<.01. Gramicidin, which makes membranes more permeant to Na, significantly reduced taurine uptake in the presence of NaCl, but had no effect in its absence. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that internal Cl− inhibits and that external Cl− is required to fully demonstrate the Na+-dependent uptake of the amino acid taurine and indicates that the anionic species present may govern amino acid transport by mammalian kidney.
Heterotopic Ossification Post Navigated High Tibial Osteotomy

The authors present a case of heterotopic ossification (HO) following a navigated high tibial osteotomy which necessitated a second surgical procedure. There is no evidence in the literature of HO following the use of invasive navigation reference markers. Although osseous reference marker fixation is the current standard technique, this case underscores the need for non-invasive reference markers.
Innovative triboluminescence study of multivitamin doped europium tetrakis

As the Space Shuttle program ends, NASA is developing the next generation of space vehicles. These new concept designs will require new and innovative structural health monitoring capabilities. One way to solve this problem is with smart impact sensors that use triboluminescent materials. In 2011, the authors reported an 82% increase in the triboluminescence yield of europium dibenzoylmethide triethylammonium (EuD4TEA) by changing the starting material. It has been shown that introduction of dopants tends to enhance the triboluminescent light yield. Here we report the successful synthesis of a multivitamin doped europium tetrakis which appears to be spherical in shape. Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectroscopy analysis showed the presence of 3.6% calcium, 0.62% magnesium, 0.1% iron, 0.01% copper and manganese. This new product has no shift in the triboluminescent or photoluminescent emission peaks, but only a change in the intensity. In addition, the doped EuD4TEA powder statistically emits more triboluminescence while having the same decay time. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Ramsey-type theorem for orderings of a graph

It is shown that for any graph G on n vertices, there is a number N (of order at most $n^3 (\log n)^2 $) and a graph H on N vertices such that for any ordering of the vertices of G and any ordering of the vertices of H, there is an order-isomorphism from G into H.
Electronically driven instabilities in metals

Electronically driven instabilities of the conduction electrons in metals are manifested as spin density waves, charge density waves accompanied by periodic lattice distortions, or in structural phase transformations and are thought to result from a divergence in chi(q), the generalized static electronic susceptibility. Examples of these instabilities are discussed by means of accurate calculations of the noninteraction conduction electron susceptibility chi(q) using results of energy-band calculations and our recently developed analytic tetrahedron linear energy method, notably, the occurrence of change density waves in the layered dichalcogenides and the body-centered cubic to omega phase transformation in metals like Zr. (auth)
Ion and Osmoregulation in Prenatal Elasmobranchs: Evolutionary Implications

Synopsis. The elasmobranchs represent a fascinating series of experiments in the evolution of maternal support for developing embryos. In oviparous species, eggs are enclosed in a tough, fibrous capsule. The capsule is very permeable and the embryonic tissues are bathed in a solution ionically similar to sea water within hours of oviposition. In the primitively viviparous species Squalus acanthias, early embryos in egg capsules are retained in utero and are bathed in a solution similar to maternal plasma. Several months into the 22 month gestation period the embryos are capable of independent iono- and osmoregulation in a uterine solution that resembles sea water. Embryos of more advanced viviparous species develop in a solution that is similar to maternal plasma. Iono- and osmoregulation by these embryos would appear to be minimal. It is clear that in the oviparous elasmobranchs, the ability of the egg/embryo to maintain salts and urea at appropriate levels is present at the earliest stage of development. The ability of prenatal elasmobranch embryos to iono- and osmoregulate would allow the evolution of a diverse array of reproductive strategies in the elasmobranchs.
The effect of lipid and aqueous solubilities on flux of nicotinic acid esters from water through silicone membrane

Objective: The maximum fluxes (JM) of nicotinic acid esters (NAE) across silicone membranes from water (JMPAQ) have been measured to determine how well they correlate with JM of NAE across human skin from water in vitro (JMHAQ) and in vivo (JMHAQ1) and with JM of NAE across hairless mouse skin from water (JMMAQ).Materials and methods: The NAE were all commercially available. Solubilities in water (SAQ), isopropyl myristate (SIPM) and octanol (SOCT) were obtained from literature sources. JMPAQ were measured at saturation for all the esters except the methyl ester. In that case, flux was measured at a concentration (C) less than saturation (JPAQ) and converted to JMPAQ = (JPAQ)(SAQ/CAQ).Results and discussion: JMPAQ values predicted from the previously reported coefficients to the parameters in the Roberts-Sloan (RS) equation (PRE JMPAQ) were substantially lower than the experimental JMPAQ values (EXP JMPAQ) values obtained here. The EXP JMPAQ were incorporated into the previous JMPAQ database and new coeff...
Thermodynamic control of germanium quantum dot growth on silicon

Abstract Strained epitaxial growth of Ge on Si(0 0 1) produces self-assembled, nanometer scale islands, or quantum dots. We study this growth by atomistic simulation, computing the energy of island structures to determine when and how islanding occurs. The distribution of island sizes on a surface is determined by the relation of island energy to size. Applying the calculated energy per atom to the Boltzmann–Gibbs distribution, we predict size distributions as functions of coverage and temperature. The peak populations around 86,000 atoms (35 nm wide) compare favorably with experiment.
Dinoflagellate sterols—3: sterol composition of the dinoflagellate Gonyaulax monilata

Abstract 1. 1. Marine dinoflagellate Gonyaulax monilata was investigated for its sterol composition. 2. 2. Five major sterol of this dinoflagellates were isolated and identified as cholesterol, dinosterol, gorgostanol, 4α-methylgorgostanol and a new C 29 sterol identified as 23-methylene,24-methylcholestanol.