cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional and binding studies of the roles of prothrombin and beta 2- glycoprotein I in the expression of lupus anticoagulant activity

We present functional and binding data relevant to the reported roles for prothrombin and beta 2-glycoprotein I (beta 2GPI) in the expression of lupus anticoagulant activity. In a purified system containing human prothrombin, Xa, Va, and a rate-limiting concentration of phosphatidylserine (PS)/phosphatidylcholine (PC) vesicles, the preliminary incubation of vesicles with protein A separated IgG preparations from 10 lupus anticoagulant plasmas, calcium, and prothrombin enhanced the inhibitory effect of all IgG preparations upon thrombin generation. Experiments in a purified factor X activation system provided supporting data that a similar preliminary incubation with prothrombin enhanced the inhibitory effect of many of the IgG preparations upon factor X activation. However, we could not obtain unequivocal evidence that prothrombin was an obligatory cofactor for lupus anticoagulant IgG to inhibit procoagulant phospholipid function, because lupus anticoagulant IgG separated by protein A chromatography contained traces of prothrombin. The binding of many IgG preparations to immobilized PS was enhanced by prothrombin when calcium ions were present. beta 2GPI enhanced binding of many of the IgG preparations to immobilized PS both in the presence and absence of calcium, yet beta 2GPI failed to enhance the ability of the IgG preparations to inhibit phospholipid function in purified prothrombin and factor X assays. Moreover, the IgG preparations prolonged the dilute Russell9s viper venom time (dRVVT) of beta 2GPI-depleted normal plasma. Nine of 10 IgG preparations bound to prothrombin on Western blots in the absence of calcium and phospholipid, whereas no preparation bound to beta 2GPI. Passage of five citrated lupus anticoagulant plasmas through a prothrombin affinity column in the absence of added calcium and phospholipid removed most of the activity prolonging the dRVVT of normal plasma, and IgG in the pass-through plasma no longer bound to PS in the presence of prothrombin and calcium ions. IgG in prothrombin column eluates had strikingly enhanced specific lupus anticoagulant activity and also specific PS binding activity in the presence of prothrombin and calcium ions. Thus, lupus anticoagulant plasmas were shown to contain IgG binding to prothrombin, in the absence of calcium ions and phospholipid, which could also, in the presence of calcium ions and prothrombin, bind to PS and express lupus anticoagulant activity.
Refeeding Syndrome in the Intensive Care Unit

Nutrition Support Consultant features issues pertinent to the clinical aspects of pharmacy nutrition support practice.
"This Is How You Hetero:" Sexual Minorities in Heteronormative Sex Education.

The efficacy of sex education has been questioned, as students participate in high rates of unsafe sex after completion. Without exploring various sexual minority (SM) identities (e.g., gay, lesbia...
Understanding interface (odd–even) effects in charge tunneling using a polished EGaIn electrode

Charge transport across large area molecular tunneling junctions is widely studied due to its potential in the development of quantum electronic devices. Large area junctions based on eutectic gallium indium (used in the form of a conical tip top electrode) have emerged as a reliable platform for delineating structure–property relationships. Discrepancies, however, arise from different tip-morphologies and fabrication techniques. It can be, therefore, challenging to make reliable conclusions based on molecular features. Of particular note is the discrepancy between the behaviors of hydrocarbons containing odd and even numbered carbons across different EGaIn electrodes. Moreover, inconsistencies in tip roughness and oxide thickness can lead to more than a 100× increase in current densities with narrow distribution in data. Besides effects on the precision vs. accuracy of data, a theoretically predicted length-dependent limit to observation of the odd–even effect has not been realized experimentally. We developed a method to chemically polish the EGaIn tip to allow formation of smooth conformal contact due to re-establishment of liquid character at the point of contact though tension-driven reconstruction of a thin oxide layer. To evaluate the polished tip, we measured charge transport behavior across n-alkanethiolate SAMs and observed good correlation in the odd–even oscillation behavior to that observed from wetting studies. Since these molecules are homologues of each other, only differing in the orientation of the terminal CH2CH3 moiety, the odd–even effects are governed by orientation induced differences in the absences of SAM (gauche) defects. Comparison of obtained data with the literature shows significant difference between odd-numbered SAMs across Ag and Au.
Adolescents and Bariatric Surgery: Techniques and Outcomes

Obesity has become an increasingly common problem in adolescent populations in the United States and worldwide. Although bariatric surgery has been offered to adolescents with morbid obesity for several decades, it remains controversial. Bariatric surgery is performed for adolescents with increasing frequency, and early data shows that, in experienced centers, adolescent bariatric surgery can be done safely with durable weight loss and resolution of obesity-related comorbidities. This chapter reviews the definition, demographics, and health implications of adolescent obesity, describes the most common adolescent bariatric surgical procedures and their outcomes, and outlines the key components of an adolescent bariatric surgical program.
Optimal absorption associated with wall impedance in acoustic waveguides

In a previous talk at ASA it was shown that the double root for modal frequencies in a 2D waveguide can exhibit almost perfect absorption over a relative broad frequency range. The key to the phenomenon is that the wall impedance is such that modes coalesce at a complex-valued frequency. In this talk we consider the more realistic case of circularly symmetric waveguides. Numerical simulations are shown for reflection and transmission from a waveguide with impedance boundary conditions associated with double roots. The results again show large and almost perfect absorption at frequencies near the real part of the complex root. The model is linked to realistic passive impedance values based on various models for boundary impedance, including perforated and porous panels. These comparisons are discussed to illustrate the feasibility of optimized wall impedances in absorbing sound passing through ducts. Preliminary experimental data will be presented. Work supported by NSF.
Distinct T-helper cell responses to Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia reflect immunologic comorbidities and correlate with mortality

The dysregulated host immune response that defines sepsis varies as a function of both the immune status of the host and the distinct nature of the pathogen. The degree to which immunocompromising comorbidities or immunosuppressive medications affect the immune response to infection is poorly understood because these patients are often excluded from studies about septic immunity. The objectives of this study were to determine the immune response to a single pathogen (Staphylococcus aureus) among a diverse case mix of patients and to determine whether comorbidities affect immune and clinical outcomes. Blood samples were drawn from 95 adult inpatients at multiple time points after the first positive S. aureus blood culture. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to determine the associations between admission neutrophil counts, admission lymphocyte counts, cytokine levels, and 90-day mortality. A nested case-control flow cytometric analysis was conducted to determine T-helper type 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17, and regulatory T-cell (Treg) subsets among a subgroup of 28 patients. In a secondary analysis, we categorized patients as either having immunocompromising disorders (human immunodeficiency virus and hematologic malignancies), receiving immunosuppressive medications, or being not immunocompromised. Higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte count ratios and higher Th17 cytokine responses relative to Th1 cytokine responses early after infection were independently associated with mortality and did not depend on the immune state of the patient (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.17–3.17, p = 0.01; and HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01–1.27, p = 0.03, respectively). On the basis of flow cytometric analysis of CD4 T-helper subsets, an increasing Th17/Treg response over the course of the infection was most strongly associated with increased mortality (HR 4.41, 95% CI 1.69–11.5, p < 0.01). This type of immune response was most common among patients who were not immunocompromised. In contrast, among immunocompromised patients who died, a decreasing Th1/Treg response was most common. The association of both increased Th17 responses and increased neutrophil counts relative to lymphocyte counts with mortality suggests that an overwhelming inflammatory response is detrimental. However, the differential responses of patients according to immune state suggest that immune status is an important clinical indicator that should be accounted for in the management of septic patients, as well as in the development of novel immunomodulatory therapies.
Adult High-Grade Glioma

Why adults develop high-grade gliomas (HGG) is still unknown. These aggressive tumors may present in a number of ways, depending on such factors as growth rate and anatomic location. Whereas standard histopathological and epidemiological studies have helped us categorize patients with HGG into risk groups, treatment results for most patients are still unsatisfactory. An improved epidemiological understanding of brain tumors in conjunction with continued advances in the use of molecular markers will hopefully lead to better treatment and prevention strategies. This chapter serves as an introduction into the epidemiology of HGG and their associated risk factors. We also present the neurological signs and symptoms that a glioma may cause, and the prognostic factors used for estimating survival.
Visualizing APP trafficking and processing reveals its association with neuronal membrane cholesterol

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) has been extensively studied because of its relevance to Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, its membrane distribution and neuronal function remain unclear. Here, we generated an APP fusion protein with a pH-sensitive green fluorescent protein at its ectodomain and a pH-insensitive blue fluorescent protein at its cytosolic domain to measure surface and intracellular APP distributions and its cleavage events. This fusion protein, closely resembling endogenous APP, demonstrated a limited correlation between synaptic activities and APP trafficking at synapses and neurites. Inhibition of the three major secretases distinctly affected membrane APP distribution. Intriguingly, the surface APP was inversely correlated to membrane cholesterol, a phenomenon involving APP's cholesterol-binding motif. A point mutation within this motif not only increased surface APP but also caused synaptic swelling when membrane cholesterol was reduced. Our results reveal previously unappreciated relationships between APP trafficking and processing and between membrane APP and cholesterol homeostasis at synapses.
Incidence, Causes, and Timing of 30-Day Readmission following Total Hip Arthroplasty

Unplanned readmissions are associated with increased financial burdens. It is important to understand why they occur and how to reduce them. This study identifies incidences, trends, causes, and timing of 30-day readmissions after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Primary THA cases from 2012 to 2016 in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database were identified (n = 122,451). Fractures (n = 3,990), nonelective surgery (n = 1,715), and bilateral THA (n = 730) were excluded, leaving 116,016 cases. Linear regression analysis determined readmission trends overtime. The readmission rate after THA from 2012 to 16 was 3.32%, which significantly decreased during this time (p = 0.022). The top five causes of readmission included musculoskeletal complications (14.8%), deep surgical site infections (SSI; 11.1%), non-SSI infections (10.8%), gastrointestinal complications (GI; 7.5%), and cardiovascular complications (CV; 7.0%). The most common cause of readmission during week 1 was non-SSI infections (13.0%), week 2 was musculoskeletal complications (16%), week 3 was deep SSI (18.4%), and week 4 was deep SSI (18.6%). Causes of readmission that significantly decreased (p
An Inexpensive, Portable Physical Endoscopic Simulator: Description and Initial Evaluation.

Abstract Background Surgeons and gastroenterologists in training benefit from simulation-based endoscopy education, yet the price of most training endoscopy simulators is prohibitive. We set out to create and evaluate a low-cost endoscopic simulator and box model trainer for learning fundamental endoscopic skills. Methods After adding a wireless network-enabled camera (total cost, $20) to a discarded clinical endoscope, we paired this with an easily constructed box trainer (cost $32) to generate an endoscopic simulator system (YazanoScope) for simulation training. Participants (general surgery interns, research fellows, and medical and college students) used the YazanoScope to train to mastery on 5 FES tasks. Outcomes included skill assessments on a computer simulator and trainees' perceptions comparing the physical model to the computer simulator. Results Forty trainees participated. The median (range) training time was 110 (60-180) min. Only 10% of trainees were able to reach the cecum at baseline compared to 100% after training. The mean (SD) time was 253 (154) s at baseline (including completers and non-completers) and 249 (89) after training (P = 0.88). On a retention test 2 wk later, 21 of 22 (96%) completed the computer simulator assessment (endoscope tip reached the cecum). Mean time was 214 (67) s (P = 0.32 compared with immediate posttraining). All 40 trainees believed the YazanoScope provided better haptic feedback than the computer simulator. Conclusions Training with this inexpensive, portable endoscopic simulator (YazanoScope) was associated with increased procedure completion with no change in procedure time. All participants favored the haptic feedback of the $52 YazanoScope over a computer simulator.
Male Bariatric Patients Six Years Later: Where Are They Now?

Background and objectiveResearchers have suggested that while bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity, patients still experience difficulties in maintaining initial weight loss, over time. The purpose of this study was to explore men’s experiences after 6 or more years of weight loss surgery. Material and methodsUtilizing qualitative research, the authors conducted a 6-year follow-up investigation to a previous study regarding life after bariatric surgery among male patients. In this study, the authors completed 13 semi-structured interviews with male bariatric patients and explored their lived experiences as indi-viduals and as partners within couple relationships. ResultsThe study found three emerging themes: (1) weight loss as a struggle, (2) fading support and feeling alone, and (3) perceptions of marriage and family therapists. ConclusionThis discusses clinical implications and recommendations for marriage and family therapists and other allied health professionals who may work with males transitioning beyond the initial phase of the weight loss surgical process to include continued social support and utilizing a relational perspective for male patients.
A Robust Rotorcraft Flight Control System Design Methodology Utilizing Quantitative Feedback Theory

Rotorcraft flight control systems present design challenges which often exceed those associated with fixed-wing aircraft. First, large variations in the response characteristics of the rotorcraft result from the wide range of airspeeds of typical operation (hover to over 100 kts). Second, the assumption of vehicle rigidity often employed in the design of fixed-wing flight control systems is rarely justified in rotorcraft where rotor degrees of freedom can have a significant impact on the system performance and stability. This research was intended to develop a methodology for the design of robust rotorcraft flight control systems. Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT) was chosen as the basis for the investigation. Quantitative Feedback Theory is a technique which accounts for variability in the dynamic response of the controlled element in the design robust control systems. It was developed to address a Multiple-Input Single-Output (MISO) design problem, and utilizes two degrees of freedom to satisfy the design criteria. Two techniques were examined for extending the QFT MISO technique to the design of a Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) flight control system (FCS) for a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter. In the first, a set of MISO systems, mathematically equivalent to the MIMO system, was determined. QFT was applied to each member of the set simultaneously. In the second, the same set of equivalent MISO systems were analyzed sequentially, with closed loop response information from each loop utilized in subsequent MISO designs. The results of each technique were compared, and the advantages of the second, termed Sequential Loop Closure, were clearly evident.
Relating the gut metagenome and metatranscriptome to immunotherapy responses in melanoma patients

Recent evidence suggests that immunotherapy efficacy in melanoma is modulated by gut microbiota. Few studies have examined this phenomenon in humans, and none have incorporated metatranscriptomics, important for determining expression of metagenomic functions in the microbial community. In melanoma patients undergoing immunotherapy, gut microbiome was characterized in pre-treatment stool using 16S rRNA gene and shotgun metagenome sequencing (n = 27). Transcriptional expression of metagenomic pathways was confirmed with metatranscriptome sequencing in a subset of 17. We examined associations of taxa and metagenomic pathways with progression-free survival (PFS) using 500 × 10-fold cross-validated elastic-net penalized Cox regression. Higher microbial community richness was associated with longer PFS in 16S and shotgun data (p < 0.05). Clustering based on overall microbiome composition divided patients into three groups with differing PFS; the low-risk group had 99% lower risk of progression than the high-risk group at any time during follow-up (p = 0.002). Among the species selected in regression, abundance of Bacteroides ovatus, Bacteroides dorei, Bacteroides massiliensis, Ruminococcus gnavus, and Blautia producta were related to shorter PFS, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Coprococcus eutactus, Prevotella stercorea, Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus anginosus, and Lachnospiraceae bacterium 3 1 46FAA to longer PFS. Metagenomic functions related to PFS that had correlated metatranscriptomic expression included risk-associated pathways of l-rhamnose degradation, guanosine nucleotide biosynthesis, and B vitamin biosynthesis. This work adds to the growing evidence that gut microbiota are related to immunotherapy outcomes, and identifies, for the first time, transcriptionally expressed metagenomic pathways related to PFS. Further research is warranted on microbial therapeutic targets to improve immunotherapy outcomes.
MEK Inhibitors in Lung Cancer-You Can Teach an Old Drug New Tricks.

In this issue of Cancer Research, Xie and colleagues reveal an unexpected synergy between MEK inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockade in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Small-molecule inhibition of MEK led to increased cell surface expression of TNF receptor-1 (TNFR1) and sensitized NSCLC cells to cytokine-induced apoptosis. This study provides preclinical rationale for exploring the combination of MAPK pathway inhibitors with immunotherapy in NSCLC, independent of KRAS mutation status. See related article by Xie et al., p. 5812
Material and Seismic Assessment of the Great House at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, Arizona

AbstractThe authors characterized earthen wall materials and plasters in a mid-fourteenth-century Hohokam great house at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument (Arizona) and assessed the seismic susce...
AI as a Disruptive Technology

Artificial intelligence (AI) is symptomatic of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and is the most important of several disruptive technologies which includes blockchain. There are three types of AI: artificial narrow intelligence whereby robots or comparable substitutes are able to perform singular tasks well; artificial general intelligence whereby AI seeks to emulate human intelligence and capabilities; and artificial superintelligence which is futuristic whereby AI mechanisms are superior to human intelligence. There are numerous subfields of AI including machine learning and its major subdivisions of deep learning and deep mind, robotics, facial recognition, artificial neural networks, and natural learning progression.
Relationship between Anti-Spike Protein Antibody Titers and SARS-CoV-2 In Vitro Virus Neutralization in Convalescent Plasma

Newly emerged pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 highlight the urgent need for assays that detect levels of neutralizing antibodies that may be protective. We studied the relationship between anti-spike ectodomain (ECD) and anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) IgG titers, and SARS-CoV-2 virus neutralization (VN) titers generated by two different in vitro assays using convalescent plasma samples obtained from 68 COVID-19 patients, including 13 who donated plasma multiple times. Only 23% (16/68) of donors had been hospitalized. We also studied 16 samples from subjects found to have anti-spike protein IgG during surveillance screening of asymptomatic individuals. We report a strong positive correlation between both plasma anti-RBD and anti-ECD IgG titers, and in vitro VN titer. Anti-RBD plasma IgG correlated slightly better than anti-ECD IgG titer with VN titer. The probability of a VN titer ≥160 was 80% or greater with anti-RBD or anti-ECD titers of ≥1:1350. Thirty-seven percent (25/68) of convalescent plasma donors lacked VN titers ≥160, the FDA-recommended level for convalescent plasma used for COVID-19 treatment. Dyspnea, hospitalization, and disease severity were significantly associated with higher VN titer. Frequent donation of convalescent plasma did not significantly decrease either VN or IgG titers. Analysis of 2,814 asymptomatic adults found 27 individuals with anti-RBD or anti-ECD IgG titers of ≥1:1350, and evidence of VN ≥1:160. Taken together, we conclude that anti-RBD or anti-ECD IgG titers can serve as a surrogate for VN titers to identify suitable plasma donors. Plasma anti-RBD or anti-ECD titer of ≥1:1350 may provide critical information about protection against COVID-19 disease.
Tomographic imaging in sensor networks

Abstract Existing tomography instrumentation and imaging systems use a centralized approach for data collection and image reconstruction and lack the capability of obtaining real-time information. A new distributed approach is required that can obtain a high-resolution tomography image in real time. In this chapter we introduce you to a new paradigm called large-scale in-network tomographic inversion and provide some candidate algorithms applicable for large-scale networks. This chapter focuses on seismic tomography as an example and builds a system and algorithm around it; however, the application of distributed imaging is not limited to seismic tomography, and spans various domains such as oil–natural gas fields and Martian surface exploration.
Establishing Antibiotic Stewardship Programs in Rural Hospitals to Decrease Fluoroquinolone Prescribing: The Vermont Experience.

Summary Critical access and rural community hospitals struggle to develop effective antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). We assisted six Vermont hospitals in developing their antimicrobial stewardship programs to meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's core elements of antibiotic stewardship. We show that rural hospitals in Vermont can (1) extract antimicrobial use data from their electronic medical record; (2) develop interventions to decrease high use antimicrobial agents, such as fluoroquinolones; and (3) successfully develop sustained ASPs meeting the CDC core elements in less than 2 years.
The Neutral Surface Boundary Layer

When flying in cloud-free continental areas, it is commonly observed that the air in the lowest one or two kilometers is quite heavily polluted. Visibility over thousands of square kilometers may be restricted to a few kilometers or less. The air seems to be uniformly dirty. Quite surprisingly, when one ascends through the top of this layer, one observes a sharp, distinct top surface. Suddenly one is able to see mountains or clouds hundreds of kilometers in the distance.
Implementation Science and the Criminal Justice System

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Efficacy of an Adapted HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Intervention for Incarcerated Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial" by Catherine I. Fogel and colleagues in the April 2015 issue.
Distance‐responsive natural enemies strongly influence seedling establishment patterns of multiple species in an Amazonian rain forest

Summary 1. In a faunally intact lowland Amazonian rain forest stand, we conducted a long-term multi-species experiment aimed at determining the primary mechanistic basis of seedling establishment patterns. We deployed a total of 1050 experimental seedlings, representing 11 common tree species in mixed compositions and at fixed, highly elevated densities in shaded understorey sites, representing extremes of distance from large conspecific trees. We used mesh exclosures to isolate the effects of distinct classes of natural enemies, and monitored survival for up to 45 months. 2. Final seedling survival of all species pooled represented a 40% increase at sites located far from (‘F’ sites) versus close to (‘N’ sites) large conspecific trees, and median seedling lifetime was 75% longer. These differences between N and F sites were significant for all species pooled, and for five out of 11 (survivorship) and four out of nine (lifetime) individual species examined. Survival analysis based on multiple censuses revealed that a ‘distance effect’ persisted and intensified over time, with the onset of significant distance-related differential mortality differing amongst species. 3. The use of mesh exclosures ( 2 mm in size appear to have a negative impact on seedling establishment at all distances. 4. No evidence was found for the effect of intra-cohort resource competition on seedling establishment even though initial density of experimental seedlings at all sites was elevated to c. 25 times the mean natural density of the mixed-species seedling layer in this forest. 5. Synthesis. Our study provides strong, multi-species support for the influence of host-specific distance-responsive natural enemies on seedling establishment, and suggests that negative density-dependent patterns of tree recruitment in tropical rain forests are at least partly produced at early life stages as an outcome of processes described by the classic Janzen–Connell model.
Chapter 5.1 Microdialysis in genetically altered animals

Abstract Recent advances in genetic approaches significantly extended horizon of opportunities to manipulate with expression of mammalian genes in vivo resulting in development of thousands of mouse strains carrying specific genetic alterations. Microdialysis shows a great utility to analyze consequences of such genetic manipulations on the processes governing synthesis, release, uptake, and neurotransmitter interactions in a physiologically or behaviorally relevant context. In this review, a history of microdialysis in mutant animals, practical considerations of microdialysis applications in mouse genetic models, and several examples of such applications are discussed. With the increasing power and fidelity of genetic manipulations and the development of uncountable number of various mutant mice, an explosion of studies using microdialysis in genetic models could be expected.
t(9;22) as secondary alteration in core-binding factor de novo acute myeloid leukemia

The presence of specific recurrent karyotype abnormalities is one of the most powerful prognostic predictors in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML with inv(16) is categorized by the World Health Organization in the group of core-binding factors (CBF) AML, and it is associated with a favorable prognosis. From the molecular standpoint, the inv(16) leads to the formation of the CBFB-MYH11 fusion gene, which has a role in the disruption of normal hematopoiesis and in the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes needed for neoplastic transformation. Clonal evolution is generally considered a sign of disease progression in AML, but additional chromosomal aberrations seems not to impact on prognosis in CBF AML.
The Metrics of Constitutional Amendments: And Why Proposed Environmental Quality Amendments Don't Measure Up

This article builds a model of federal constitutional amendments using proposed environmental quality rights amendments as a case study. I argue that environmental quality rights amendments are unworkable and violate the underpinnings of federal constitutional design.
Expression of Selected Aurora A Kinase Substrates in Solely Estrogen-induced Ectopic Uterine Stem Cell Tumors in the Syrian Hamster Kidney

Sustained over-expression of Aurora A (AurA), centrosome amplification, chromosomal instability, and aneuploidy are salient features that occur in high frequency in human breast premalignant stages and in primary ductal breast cancer (BC), as well as in 17β-estradiol (E2)-induced oncogenesis in animal models. We have reported that AurA/B protein expression increases 8.7-and 4.6-fold, respectively, in primary E2-induced male Syrian hamster uterine stem cell-like tumors of the kidney (EUTK) when compared with cholesterol-treated control kidneys. Upon a 10-day E2-withdrawal or coadministration of tamoxifen citrate, a 78–79% and 81–64% reduction in AurA/B protein expression, respectively, were observed in primary tumors when compared with tumors from animals continuously exposed to E2. These data indicate that AurA/B expression is regulated by estrogens via estrogen receptor a. To determine whether this E2-induced over-expression of the Aur kinases may contribute to the alterations observed during oncogenesis via their phosphorylation of specific substrates, we analyzed the protein expression of histone H3 and targeting protein for Xklp2 (TPX2). Histone H3 and TPX2 were significantly over-expressed 3.7- and 1.6-fold, respectively, in E2-induced tumors when compared with cholesterol-treated control kidney samples. Immunohistochemistry revealed that TPX2 protein expression was essentially confined to tumor foci cells. Collectively, these data indicate that over-expression of AurA/B is under estrogen control and that the deregulation of Aur kinase protein substrates is implicated in eliciting the alterations observed during oncogenesis.
Spatial and temporal variation in the summer zooplankton community of a riverine reservoir

Zooplankton community structure was examined at five stations in Normandy Reservoir, Tennessee, on six dates from 11 July to 15 September 1980. Four physical and chemical parameters at three depths at each station were used to discriminate statistically among areas of the reservoir over time; a similar analysis based on nine taxonomic and ecological categories of zooplankton was also completed. Each of the two multi-variate analyses provided a matrix of similarities among station-times (n = 30) in the reservoir. The two similarity matrices were compared by the Mantel test and were found to be not significantly concordant, suggesting that physical-chemical variation among areas in the reservoir during the summer months was not precisely reflected by zooplankton community structure.
How do Households Cope with Aggregate Shocks? Evidence from the Mexican Peso Crisis

Abstract Household surveys are used to examine the micro-impact of a large aggregate shock: the 1995 Mexican peso crisis. This paper examines how the impact of the crisis differed across households, and the adjustment mechanisms used by households to cope with this shock. The coping strategies examined include changes in household structure, fertility, household labor supply, child schooling, and interhousehold transfers. Many of the mechanisms households use to adapt to idiosyncratic shocks are found not to work with an aggregate shock.
Eudaimonic conceptions of well-being, meaning in life, and self-reported well-being: Initial test of a mediational model

Abstract The current study examined relationships between eudaimonic dimensions of individual conceptions of well-being (e.g., self-development, contribution), meaning in life, and self-reported well-being, and whether meaning in life mediates associations between eudaimonic conception dimensions and well-being. A sample of 275 adult volunteers completed several instruments assessing the above constructs. Results from structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that eudaimonic conception dimensions were positively associated with both meaning in life and well-being. Further, the relationship between eudaimonic conception dimensions and self-reported well-being was found to be partially mediated by meaning in life. The findings of the current study thus suggest that the experience of meaning in life is one route through which eudaimonic conception of well-being dimensions are associated with self-reported well-being.
Center of mass motion in swimming fish: effects of speed and locomotor mode during undulatory propulsion

Studies of center of mass (COM) motion are fundamental to understanding the dynamics of animal movement, and have been carried out extensively for terrestrial and aerial locomotion. But despite a large amount of literature describing different body movement patterns in fishes, analyses of how the center of mass moves during undulatory propulsion are not available. These data would be valuable for understanding the dynamics of different body movement patterns and the effect of differing body shapes on locomotor force production. In the present study, we analyzed the magnitude and frequency components of COM motion in three dimensions (x: surge, y: sway, z: heave) in three fish species (eel, bluegill sunfish, and clown knifefish) swimming with four locomotor modes at three speeds using high-speed video, and used an image cross-correlation technique to estimate COM motion, thus enabling untethered and unrestrained locomotion. Anguilliform swimming by eels shows reduced COM surge oscillation magnitude relative to carangiform swimming, but not compared to knifefish using a gymnotiform locomotor style. Labriform swimming (bluegill at 0.5 body lengths/s) displays reduced COM sway oscillation relative to swimming in a carangiform style at higher speeds. Oscillation frequency of the COM in the surge direction occurs at twice the tail beat frequency for carangiform and anguilliform swimming, but at the same frequency as the tail beat for gymnotiform locomotion in clown knifefish. Scaling analysis of COM heave oscillation for terrestrial locomotion suggests that COM heave motion scales with positive allometry, and that fish have relatively low COM oscillations for their body size.
Culture of human white cells using differential leucocyte separation.

SEVERAL variations of white blood cell culture methods for the purpose of human chromosome study are now in use. All these are derived from the method of Hungerford et al.1. We have used the original and some of the modified procedures, particularly that of O. J. Miller (personal communication). In our experience with these techniques, about 75 per cent of cultures produce adequate numbers of mitotic figures for examination, while the remaining 25 per cent grow poorly, if at all. It was our impression that most failures occurred in specimens containing large numbers of polymorphonuclear leucocytes. On incubation, such cultures became excessively acid, and large clumps of degenerating polymorphs appeared.
The quantitative determination of small amounts of nitrile in long chain fatty amides

Small amounts of nitrile in long chain fatty amides can be determined by separating the nitrile from the amide on a silica gel column using chloroform as the eluting solvent. The amide stays on the column. After the chloroform is removed by evaporation, the nitrile can be dissolved in a suitable solvent and determined quantitatively either by IR spectrophotometry or by TLC. Determination by IR is much faster than by TLC, but when the nitrile is present at the level of 0.1% or lower, TLC gives more satisfactory results.
Goosecoid regulates the neural inducing strength of the mouse node

Abstract The homeobox gene goosecoid was the first specific genetic marker of Spemann's organizer in vertebrate embryos to be discovered. In the frog, misexpression of this gene by RNA injection produces duplication of the posterior axis. For these reasons, the recent finding that mice lacking goosecoid function have no early axial defects was rather surprising. Here we assay the neural inducing strength of wild-type and goosecoid-mutant mouse nodes by transplantation into primitive streak stage chick embryos. Wild-type mouse nodes strongly induce the neural-specific transcription factors Sox2 and Sox3 in the chick host. Homozygous goosecoid−/− nodes are severely impaired in their ability to induce both genes. Heterozygous goosecoid+/− nodes induceSox3 as well as wild-type nodes, but resemble −/− nodes in their limited ability to induce Sox2. We propose that goosecoid does play a role in regulating the neural inducing strength of the node and that regulative mechanisms exist which mask the early phenotypic consequences of goosecoid mutations in the intact mouse embryo.
Enhanced fabrication and characterization of gecko-inspired mushroom-tipped microfiber adhesives

Geckos exhibit a unique ability to adhere repeatedly and reversibly to a variety of surfaces. Considerable scientific and engineering efforts over the last decade have produced gecko-inspired adhesives which can outperform the gecko in some regards. However, the best results come from adhesives which are difficult to mass-produce, or degrade through repeated use. Here, we propose a method for fabricating micrometer-scale, gecko-inspired adhesive structures with mushroom tips in densely packed arrays using deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) and soft mold replication. We use xenon difluoride etching to release the cured polymer structures from the DRIE-processed silicon wafer, and soft mold replication to avoid surface fluorination in the final adhesive patches. The patterned adhesives exhibit more than an order of magnitude increase in pull-off force compared to an unstructured, flat control sample. More importantly, the adhesives’ structures retain 80% of their original attachment strength through repeated ...
Current Status of Antioxidant Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease

Accumulating evidence from preclinical and clinical studies supports the hypothesis that oxidative stress may be associated with the onset and progression of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Antioxidant therapies are being promoted in the lay press to enhance mental functions and delay cognitive losses with aging. An increasing number of physicians are also recommending antioxidant therapies, such as high dose vitamin E, for subjects with AD and other neurodegenerative disorders. High dose vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, and selegiline are three putative antioxidants that have been tested in randomized multicenter trial conditions in the US. This paper summarizes the oxidative stress hypothesis of AD and reviews the strengths and limitations of published antioxidant studies in AD in relation to the role of such therapies in practice.
Five-dimensional quasi-spin the n , T dependence of shell-model matrix elements in the seniority scheme

Abstract The five-dimensional quasi-spin formalism is used to factor out the n, T dependent parts of shell-model matrix elements in the seniority scheme and derive reduction formulae which make it possible to express matrix elements for states of definite isospin T in the configuration jn in terms of the corresponding matrix elements for the configuration jv. The n, T dependent factors for one- and two-nucleon c.f.p. and for the matrix elements of one-body operators and the two-body interaction are expressed in terms of generalized R(5) Wigner coefficients. The needed R(5) Wigner coefficients are calculated in the form of general algebraic expressions for the seniorities v and reduced isospins t corresponding to the simpler R(5) irreducible representations. In this first contribution, the R(5) representations (ω 1 t) = (j + 1 2 − 1 2 v, t) are restricted to (ω10), ( ω 1 1 2 ), (tt), and the states of (ω11) with n−v = 4k−2T, (k is an integer). Explicit expressions are given for the diagonal matrix elements of the general, charge-independent, two-body interaction and the isovector and isotensor parts of the Coulomb interaction for seniorities v = 0 and 1, and the v = 2 states with n = 4k +2−2T.
Absence of ganglioside GM1 in astroglial cells from newborn rat brain.

Abstract An immunohistochemical method utilizing anti-ganglioside GM1 antiserum combined with the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique was applied to a mixed cell population in primary cultures of newborn rat brain. Ganglioside GM1 was demonstrated to be present in neurons and oligodendroglia, but was absent in astroglia. This demonstration was confirmed using a newly developed biotinylated choleragen-avidin-peroxidase procedure. Primary cultures from newborn rat brain cells that had been subjected to a single treatment with trypsin (first passage) and then cultured for 14 days were predominately (95%) composed of astrocytes that stained positively for glial fibrillary acidic protein but were negative for GM1 ganglioside. This preparation contained only 0.34 nmol ganglioside NeuNAc per mg protein compared to 23.9 nmol gangliosidic NeuNAc/mg protein for a five day culture of newborn rat brain mixed cell culture that had not been subjected to passage. Prolongation of culture time from 5 to 21 days in the latter preparation reduced the ganglioside NeuNAc content to 4.9 nmol gangliosidic NeuNAc/mg protein as the proportion of astrocytes in the culture increased. Ganglioside GM1 could not be detected by TLC analysis of the lipid extract obtained from the “pure” astrocyte culture, although small amounts of GM3 and some polysialogangliosides were detected. About half of the label incorporated upon 24 h incubation of astrocytes in the presence of N-[ 3 H]acetylmannosammine appeared in ganglioside GM3. It is concluded that astrocytes in mixed cell primary cultures from newborn rat brain, as well as astrocytes in astroglial preparations derived from such cultures, do not contain ganglioside GM1.
Cooling Gradients and Formation of Gaseous Microemboli With Cardiopulmonary Bypass: An Echocardiographic Study

Abstract Background . Previous studies demonstrated gas emboli formation during rewarming from hypothermia on cardiopulmonary bypass when the temperature gradient exceeded a critical threshold. It also has been suggested that formation of arterial gas emboli may occur during cooling on cardiopulmonary bypass when cooled oxygenated blood exiting the heat exchanger is warmed on mixture with the patient's blood. The purpose of this study was to determine under what circumstances gas emboli formation would occur during cooling on cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods . Eight anesthetized mongrel dogs were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass using a roller pump, membrane oxygenator, and arterial line filter. For emboli detection, we positioned a transesophageal echocardiographic probe at the aortic arch distal to the aortic cannula and Doppler probes at the common carotid artery and the arterial line. Cooling gradients between normothermic blood and cooled arterial perfusate of 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, and 0°C (isothermal controls) were investigated. In addition to preestablished temperature gradients, we investigated the effect of rapid cooling (maximal flow through the heat exchanger at a water bath temperature of 4°C) after the initiation of normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. Results . Minimal gas emboli were detected at the aortic arch at gradients of 10°C or greater. The incidence of emboli was related directly to the magnitude of the temperature gradient ( p Conclusions . Cooling gradients of 10°C or greater may be associated with gas emboli formation, but they may be of limited clinical significance because no emboli were detected distal to the aortic arch. During the application of rapid cooling, no emboli formation was observed.
Passive remediation of coalbed natural gas co-produced water using zeolite.

Coalbed natural gas (CBNG) co-produced waters can contain sodium (Na(+)) concentrations that may be environmentally detrimental if discharged to receiving bodies of water or applied to land surfaces. A field demonstration and companion laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the use of a Bear River zeolite (BR-zeolite) for mitigating impacts associated with Na(+) in CBNG waters. Bench-scale kinetic and adsorption isotherm studies were performed to determine both the rate and extent of sodium Na(+) adsorption and assess the effects of bicarbonate (HCO3(-)) and chloride (Cl(-)) anions. Results of these studies showed that the adsorption of Na(+) on BR-zeolite followed the Langmuir adsorption model with maximum adsorption equal to 21 and 18 g Na(+)/kg zeolite with 0.0012 and 0.0006 L/mg Langmuir coefficients (KL) for sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride, respectively. The kinetics study indicated that the sorption of Na(+) was inversely related to the size of the zeolite particles with significantly greater adsorption for smaller particles. The field demonstration evaluated the effectiveness of BR-zeolite for mitigating infiltration losses from Na(+) in CBNG waters. The field site utilized 12 open boreholes, each installed to a depth of approximately 1.8 m. Each borehole was lined with a 3.0 m long, 15 cm diameter schedule 40 PVC pipe and fitted with an automatic data logging pressure transducer for measuring water levels over time. The BR-zeolite was found to mitigate much of the deleterious effect that high sodium adsorption ratio (SAR = 27 (mol/m(3))(1/2)) CBNG co-produced water had on soil permeabilities.