cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Consequences of Insulin Deficiency

Diabetes mellitus (type 1 or type 2) is the result of an absolute or relative insulin-deficient state that, if not corrected, gives rise to the acute metabolic decompensation of hyperglycemic crises so poignantly described above by Aretaeus of Cappodocia more than 1,800 years ago. The two major hyperglycemic crises are diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS). These two syndromes are the hallmark of insulin-deficient states. These crises continue to be important causes of mortality and morbidity among patients with diabetes. The annual incidence of DKA hospital admissions ranges from 4.6 to 8 episodes per 1,000 patients with diabetes. It is estimated that DKA accounts for 4–9% of all hospital admissions for patients diagnosed with diabetes, whereas this figure for HHS is less than 1% [2, 3].
Starch, Poly(lactic acid), and Poly(vinyl alcohol) Blends

Research on biodegradable materials has been stimulated due to concern regarding the persistence of plastic wastes. Blending starch with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is one of the most promising efforts because starch is an abundant and cheap biopolymer and PLA is biodegradable with good mechanical properties. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) contains unhydrolytic residual groups of poly(vinyl acetate) and also has good compatibility with starch. It was added to a starch and PLA blend (50:50, w/w) to enhance compatibility and improve mechanical properties. PVOH (MW 6,000) at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% (by weight) based on the total weight of starch and PLA, and 30% PVOH at various molecular weights (MW 6,000, 25,000, 78,000, and 125,000 dalton) were added to starch/PLA blends. PVOH interacted with starch. At proportions greater than 30%, PVOH form a continuous phase with starch. Tensile strength of the starch/PLA blends increased as PVOH concentration increased up to 40% and decreased as PVOH molecular weight increased. The increasing molecular weight of PVOH slightly affected water absorption, but increasing PVOH concentration to 40% or 50% increased water absorption. Effects of moisture content on the starch/PLA/PVOH blend also were explored. The blend containing gelatinized starch had higher tensile strength. However, gelatinized starch also resulted in increased water absorption.
Safety Limits of Controlled Hypotension in Humans

Controlled hypotension is a safe and convenient means of allowing a surgeon to perform intracranial aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation and vascular tumor surgery. The mean arterial pressure between 40 and 60 mmHg induces diminished pulsatile arterial pressure, thus preventing rupture of these abnormal vasculatures. It is still possible to maintain cerebral metabolism in the functional level within this 40–60 mmHg blood pressure range. This statement is based on our experience of the physical and neurological outcome of patients after surgery, and on analyses of somatosensory evoked potential and redox of cytochrome a,a 3 in the mitochondria of the cerebral cortical cells.
The “deer lactone”

Urine of the black-tailed deer is the source of the “deer lactone,” which is deposited on the tarsal gland tufts by “rub-urination.” The enantiomer composition of the lactone from the urine of the female is 89(R)-(−)/11(S)-(+). Responses by deer were strongest toward the synthetic racemic lactone in the social test and toward the natural lactone in the choice test. In both tests, the (−)- lactone released slightly stronger responses than its enantiomer.
Comprehensive Ara-C SNP score predicts leukemic cell intracellular ara-CTP levels in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia patients.

AIM Cytarabine (Ara-C), a mainstay of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment, is a prodrug requiring activation to ara-CTP for its antileukemic activity. Aim of this study was to evaluate impact of genetic variants in the key genes involved in ara-C metabolism on the leukemic cell intracellular levels of ara-CTP. METHOD We investigated SNPs in 14 ara-C metabolic-pathway genes, for association with intracellular ara-CTP levels, in leukemic cells obtained post-initiation of cytarabine infusion in pediatric AML patients (n = 68). RESULTS Nine SNPs were significantly associated with leukemic cell intracellular concentration of ara-CTP. A comprehensive ara-CTP-SNP-score (ACSS) was further developed from top four SNPs identified in regression model. Patients were classified into three groups based on ACSS: high-ACSS (score >0), intermediate-ACSS (score = 0) and low-ACSS (score <0). ACSS designation was significant predictor of intracellular ara-CTP levels (p = 0.00012), suggesting a cumulative or synergistic effect of the significant SNPs. CONCLUSION ACSS score designation holds promise in definfing ara-C dose. Validation of the clinical utility of ACSS score in other independent cohorts will help identification of patients with potentially lower or higher levels of the ara-CTP in leukemic cells, thereby opening up opportunities for dose management to reduce toxicity and enhance efficacy.
Therapeutic Advances and Challenges in the Treatment of Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Despite the fact that majority of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have relapsing-remitting disease, many transition to secondary progressive disease (SPMS) over time. This transition is thought to be related to neurodegenerative processes increasingly predominating over inflammatory processes as the driving forces of disability. However, some patients initially present with primary progressive disease (PPMS) that is characterized by a gradual accumulation of neurological symptoms and subsequent disability accumulation. The treatment of both PPMS and SPMS, collectively referred to as progressive MS, has proven quite challenging due to the multifactorial and poorly understood pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis in general, specifically that of progressive disease. The purpose of this article is to discuss important clinical and pathophysiologic differences between relapsing and progressive forms of MS, review previous notable trials of drugs in progressive MS, examine current literature regarding recent and promising progressive MS treatments, and discuss future considerations for progressive MS therapeutics and management. Specifically, the current evidence regarding treatment of progressive MS with ocrelizumab, simvastatin, ibudilast, alpha-lipoic acid, high-dose biotin, siponimod, and cell-based therapies are discussed.
Experimental and investigational drugs for the treatment of anal cancer.

Introduction: Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA) is a rare malignancy, but its incidence rates have been increasing in the last decade. Studies have demonstrated that up to 47% of pat...
Learning Invariant Features in Modulatory Networks through Conflict and Ambiguity.

This work lays the foundation for a framework of cortical learning based on the idea of a competitive column, which is inspired by the functional organization of neurons in the cortex. A column des...
Alcohol as Coping: Internalized Homophobia and Heterosexism’s Role in Alcohol Use among Lesbians

AbstractDespite prior research on alcohol use within lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) communities, little attention has been paid to the unique experiences of lesbians who have struggled with chron...
Interstitial Migration of CD8αβ T Cells in the Small Intestine Is Dynamic and Is Dictated by Environmental Cues

Summary The migratory capacity of adaptive CD8αβ T cells dictates their ability to locate target cells and exert cytotoxicity, which is the basis of immune surveillance for the containment of microbes and disease. The small intestine (SI) is the largest mucosal surface and is a primary site of pathogen entrance. Using two-photon laser scanning microscopy, we found that motility of antigen (Ag)-specific CD8αβ T cells in the SI is dynamic and varies with the environmental milieu. Pathogen-specific CD8αβ T cell movement differed throughout infection, becoming locally confined at memory. Motility was not dependent on CD103 but was influenced by micro-anatomical locations within the SI and by inflammation. CD8 T cells responding to self-protein were initially affected by the presence of self-Ag, but this was altered after complete tolerance induction. These studies identify multiple factors that affect CD8αβ T cell movement in the intestinal mucosa and show the adaptability of CD8αβ T cell motility.
Gold Nanoclusters: Bridging Gold Complexes and Plasmonic Nanoparticles in Photophysical Properties

Recent advances in the determination of crystal structures and studies of optical properties of gold nanoclusters in the size range from tens to hundreds of gold atoms have started to reveal the grand evolution from gold complexes to nanoclusters and further to plasmonic nanoparticles. However, a detailed comparison of their photophysical properties is still lacking. Here, we compared the excited state behaviors of gold complexes, nanolcusters, and plasmonic nanoparticles, as well as small organic molecules by choosing four typical examples including the Au10 complex, Au25 nanocluster (1 nm metal core), 13 diameter Au nanoparticles, and Rhodamine B. To compare their photophysical behaviors, we performed steady-state absorption, photoluminescence, and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopic measurements. It was found that gold nanoclusters behave somewhat like small molecules, showing both rapid internal conversion (<1 ps) and long-lived excited state lifetime (about 100 ns). Unlike the nanocluster form in which metal–metal transitions dominate, gold complexes showed significant charge transfer between metal atoms and surface ligands. Plasmonic gold nanoparticles, on the other hand, had electrons being heated and cooled (~100 ps time scale) after photo-excitation, and the relaxation was dominated by electron–electron scattering, electron–phonon coupling, and energy dissipation. In both nanoclusters and plasmonic nanoparticles, one can observe coherent oscillations of the metal core, but with different fundamental origins. Overall, this work provides some benchmarking features for organic dye molecules, organometallic complexes, metal nanoclusters, and plasmonic nanoparticles.
Redox-Induced Molecular Actuators: The Case of Oxy-Alternate Bridged Cyclotetraveratrylene.

We report a practical two-step approach for the synthesis of hybrid-bridge macrocyclic molecules that has been used to synthesize two novel oxy-alternate-bridged macrocyclic molecules, oxy-alternat...
Chiral and Topological Surface Waves and Line Waves on Metasurfaces

The use of symmetry in electromagnetic structures provides a degree of freedom that is increasingly exploited to manipulate wave propagation. The recently discovered line waves occur at the one-dimensional interface between complementary metallic screens. A band gap can also be introduced by pairing the structure with its inverse. These materials provide unidirectional propagation in simple printed metallic patterns. Other patterns take advantage of the valley degree of freedom to produce similar effects. At optical frequencies, non-metallic structures can be produced with simple arrangements of holes in a dielectric substrate. Topological interface modes are created by manipulating the geometry to produce band inversion, or through a range of other methods such as the use of glide symmetry. A variety of techniques for designing topological structures in periodic and quasiperiodic lattices will be discussed.
Rationale for the Implementation of Low-Volume, High-Intensity Exercise in School Physical Education

The widespread prevalence of pedagogic obesity in the U.S. combined with the inverse association between obesity and physical activity emphasizes the need for children to be involved in both physical activity and organized exercise. The inclusion of efficacious exercise programs and activities in physical education programs is essential in reversing this trend. However, public school physical education programs overall have failed to successfully address this issue. Lowvolume, high-intensity exercise protocols such as high-intensity interval training (HIT), supramaximal interval training (SIT), integrated concurrent training (ICT), and the Tabata protocol are reviewed as to their efficacy in weight management, fat mass loss, and increased fat oxidation and metabolic rates. The purpose of this review is to present a research-based rationale for the benefits of low-volume, highintensity anaerobic exercise and to outline several exercise protocols that require very little resources and can be implemented in a regular physical education setting.
Validation of the Clinical Assessment of Modes-Therapist Version (CAM-T) in Acute Rehabilitation Settings

Importance: Assessments that evaluate health care providers’ communication in acute rehabilitation settings remain scarce; this article contributes to the knowledge base. Objective: To assess the reliability and validity of the Clinical Assessment of Modes–Therapist version (CAM–T) from the provider’s perspective. Design: Cross-sectional, psychometric study. Setting: Acute care and acute inpatient rehabilitation. Participants: Ninety-six clients and 32 providers (occupational therapy, physical therapy, and nursing). Measures: The CAM–T was psychometrically evaluated using classical test theory and Rasch analytic approaches. Results: The findings offer strong evidence for the CAM–T’s reliability and validity for evaluating overall communication and adequate evidence for evaluating individual communication modes. Conclusion and Relevance: The CAM–T may be used by providers as a self-assessment of communication in occupational therapy and in associated rehabilitation professions. What This Article Adds: This article offers evidence in support of the CAM–T’s reliability and validity for evaluating health care providers’ communication with clients in acute rehabilitation settings. The CAM–T may be used to evaluate providers’ overall communication and individual mode use as described in the Intentional Relationship Model.
Priority determines Tribolium competitive outcome in a food-limited environment

Flour beetles are a classic model system for studying competitive dynamics between species occupying the same ecological niche. Competitive performance is often interpreted in terms of biological species traits such as fecundity, resource use, and predation. However, many studies only measure competitive ability when species enter an environment simultaneously, and thus do not consider how the relative timing of species' arrival may determine competitive outcome (i.e., priority effects). Whether priority effects may influence competition in Tribolium remains to be tested. The present study examined the importance of priority effects in competitions between two common species of flour beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae): Tribolium castaneum and T. confusum. To investigate whether priority effects confer competitive advantages to Tribolium beetles, relative introduction times of T. castaneum and T. confusum to competitive arenas were manipulated, and adult populations were measured for seven months. Four important patterns were noted: (1) Tribolium species given two-weeks priority access to experimental arenas attained larger populations than their late-arriving competitor, (2) when founding adults were introduced simultaneously, T. castaneum was competitively dominant, (3) T. castaneum benefited more from priority arrival than T. confusum, and (4) available bran resources largely predicted population decline in adult beetles toward the end of the experiment. These results suggest competitive outcome in Tribolium is not always predicted by species' identity, and that performance could instead be determined by the timing of species' arrivals and available resources.
Observability Variation in Emergent Dynamics: A Study using Krylov Subspace-based Model Order Reduction

Large-scale self-organizing systems often exhibit emergent behaviors which manifest as reduced-order dynamics on a low-dimensional manifold with a dimension much smaller than that of the original state-space. The ability to influence such self-organizing systems in a meaningful manner relies on observing the resulting emergent behaviors. While prior research has examined observability-related concepts from the viewpoint of network structure and connectivity in multiagent system, there exist limited insights into macroscopic-scale observability, i.e. the ability to observe reduced-order states of self-organizing systems. In this work, the ability to perceive or observe emergent behaviors in complex systems has been studied, and the relationship between an observability metric and model orders has been presented. Krylov subspace-based methods have been used to perform model order reduction for nonlinear systems such as coupled Rossler systems and interconnected electrical circuits that exhibit low-manifold emergent behaviors. The resulting numerical simulations indicate that reduced-order models, which are representative of emergent phenomena, usually possess higher observability metrics.
The Past, Present, and Future of Christian ADR

Many religious traditions recommend (if not require) that their adherents bring some if not all of their disputes with co-adherents before a religious tribunal for resolution. The Christian religious tradition is no exception. That said, the dramatic history of the Church in the West, from that of a persecuted Jewish sect, to the official state religion of Imperial Rome, to an international authority competing with that of local monarchs, to its modern status of merely tolerated, has yielded a variety of evolving perspectives on the question of intra-faith dispute resolution within Christianity. This article examines that question and the historical answers given thereto by Christian theologians over the past two millennia. In its final sections, this article explores the constitutional parameters circumscribing the modern practice of religious ADR, and engages in some prognostication about the future of religions ADR.
Model on Higher Odd Harmonic Generation from Electronic Self-Phase Modulation under Extreme High Intense Pumping of Rare Gas Molecules

A new theoretical model is presented on the underlying mechanism for odd higher harmonics generation (HHG) produced by ultrafast laser pulses from the nonlinear optical-electronic response n2 for SPM effects in rare gas molecules.
Hachette Book Group v. Internet Archive: Is There a Better Way to Restore Balance in Copyright?

Using the opening of the National Emergency Library as an opportunity, four large publishers, Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, John Wiley & Sons, and Penguin Random House, filed suit ...
Academy of Music and Arts for Special Education (AMASE): An Ethnography of an Individual Music Instruction Program for Students With Disabilities:

This 3-year ethnography explored the culture of the Academy of Music and Arts for Special Education (AMASE), a university undergraduate volunteer organization offering music instruction for individ...
Broadband Field Localization, Density of States, and Nonlinearity Enhancement in Nonreciprocal and Topological Hotspots

Nonlinear and quantum optics, and electromagnetic applications such as sensing, benefit from large, broadband electric field enhancements, which are usually achieved through localized resonances. That approach, however, involves a stringent compromise between field enhancement, bandwidth, and overall device size. Here the authors study the unusual phenomena arising at a $n\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}o\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}n\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}r\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}e\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}c\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}i\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}p\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}r\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}o\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}c\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}a\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}l$ $h\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}o\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}t\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}s\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}p\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}o\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}t$, a nonresonant broadband accumulation of energy in an ultrasmall volume at the end of a unidirectional waveguide. These hotspots support larger field enhancements $a\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}n\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}d$ much broader bandwidths than conventional systems, providing an attractive alternative for enhancing light-matter interaction.
Program Characteristics and Certification Examination Pass Rates: A Statistical Analysis of BACB-Published 2015–2019 Data

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) annually publishes data on the pass rates of institutions with verified course sequences (VCS). The current study analyzed BACB-published data from the years 2015–2019 and explored relations among program mode, number of first-time candidates, and examination pass rates. In a correlation analysis of number of first-time candidates and pass rates, there was a weak negative correlation, indicating that larger numbers of first-time candidates are associated with lower pass rates. Further, statistically significant differences were found among the mean number of first-time candidates, mean pass rates, and mean number of passing first-time candidates across program modes. Campus and hybrid programs had higher mean pass rates than distance programs, whereas distance programs had higher numbers of passing first-time candidates than campus programs. External validity and implications for indicators of program quality are discussed.
Understanding Adolescents Experiences with Gender-Based Norms in India through a Participatory Storytelling Game

In India, gender inequalities have deleterious effects on reproductive health outcomes among women and girls. This study used an interactive storytelling game as a qualitative data collection appro...
Direction-Specific Signatures of Sport Participation in Center of Pressure Profiles of Division I Athletes.

# Background Descriptive and comparative studies of human postural control generally report effects for component or resultant dimensions of a measured signal, which may obscure potentially important information related to off-cardinal directionality. Recent work has demonstrated highly specific balance behavior that is often not easily reconciled with conventional theories of postural control. # Purpose The purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of sport-specific training history on directional profiles of center of pressure (COP) displacement and velocity among collegiate athletes. # Study Design Cross-Sectional Study. # Methods One-hundred sixty-seven NCAA Division-I varsity athletes (80 female: 19.12±1.08 years, 169.79±7.03 cm, 65.69±10.43 kg; 87 male: 19.59±1.33 years, 181.25±9.06 cm, 76.40±12.73 kg) representing four sports (basketball, soccer, tennis, and cross county) participated in this study. Participants balanced barefoot with eyes closed on a force plate for 10-s. in double leg and single leg stance. Effects of sport on mean COP velocity and total displacement were assessed within eight non-overlapping directions (i.e. heading bins). # Results Greater double leg COP displacement and velocity were observed within specific heading bins in cross country athletes when compared to soccer athletes. Greater double leg COP velocity was also observed in multiple heading bins in basketball athletes when compared to soccer athletes. Greater single leg (non-dominant limb) COP displacement was observed in the 135° heading bin in basketball athletes when compared to soccer athletes. # Conclusions The observed effects are likely attributable to sport-specific sensorimotor adaptations, including lower extremity strength/power, proprioceptive acuity, and efficiency of integrating vestibular information. Other potential mechanism—namely the involvement of cutaneous feedback and/or muscle synergies—deserve consideration. Directional profiling of spontaneous COP motion may improve understanding of sport-related balance behavior, enhancing its application in therapeutic and performance monitoring contexts. # Level of evidence 3b
Losartan Blocks Osteosarcoma-Elicited Monocyte Recruitment, and Combined With the Kinase Inhibitor Toceranib, Exerts Significant Clinical Benefit in Canine Metastatic Osteosarcoma.

Purpose: There is increasing recognition that progress in immuno-oncology could be accelerated by evaluating immune-based therapies in dogs with spontaneous cancers. Osteosarcoma (OS) is one tumor for which limited clinical benefit has been observed with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors. We previously reported the angiotensin receptor blocker losartan suppressed metastasis in preclinical mouse models through blockade of CCL2–CCR2 monocyte recruitment. Here we leverage dogs with spontaneous OS to determine losartan9s safety and pharmacokinetics associated with monocyte pharmacodynamic endpoints, and assess its antitumor activity, in combination with the kinase inhibitor toceranib. Patients and Methods: CCL2 expression, monocyte infiltration, and monocyte recruitment by human and canine OS tumors and cell lines were assessed by gene expression, ELISA, and transwell migration assays. Safety and efficacy of losartan-toceranib therapy were evaluated in 28 dogs with lung metastatic OS. Losartan PK and monocyte PD responses were assessed in three dose cohorts of dogs by chemotaxis, plasma CCL2, and multiplex cytokine assays, and RNA-seq of losartan-treated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results: Human and canine OS cells secrete CCL2 and elicit monocyte migration, which is inhibited by losartan. Losartan PK/PD studies in dogs revealed that a 10-fold-higher dose than typical antihypertensive dosing was required for blockade of monocyte migration. Treatment with high-dose losartan and toceranib was well-tolerated and induced a clinical benefit rate of 50% in dogs with lung metastases. Conclusions: Losartan inhibits the CCL2–CCR2 axis, and in combination with toceranib, exerts significant biological activity in dogs with metastatic osteosarcoma, supporting evaluation of this drug combination in patients with pediatric osteosarcoma.
A novel power-amplifier module for quad-band wireless handset applications

This paper presents a novel power-amplifier module (PAM) designed for GSM850-, GSM900 MHz, DCS1800- and PCS1900-MHz handset applications. The module combines an InGaP HBT power-amplifier integrated circuit, two integrated couplers, a dual-band logarithmic RF power detector/controller, and some additional passive components. The logarithmic RF power detector was implemented in the module to accomplish linear-in-decibel output power dependency. This allows the handset manufacturers to calibrate output power (Pout) at one or two points, with error as low as +/-0.3 dB, thus reducing test time in mass production. Due to higher accuracy, our novel design significantly reduces the power consumption during normal operation. Our design is the first to include two integrated directional couplers in a handset RF PAM. It significantly improves power control accuracy over load variations. In this paper, we show that the directivity of the integrated couplers is critical for establishing accurate power control over phase variations at high values of load mismatch. In addition, the presented module features fully integrated impedance matching at input and output ports with DC blocks. The entire module is plastic encapsulated on a 10 mm /spl times/ 10 mm laminate substrate. The module offers higher accuracy of Pout control, smaller size, lower bill-of-materials, and a shorter Pout calibration time to handset manufacturers. It is a very desirable RF PAM to handset designers because of its unique features. Under a low single supply voltage of 3.2 V, the PAM provides 35-dBm output power, 55% power-added efficiency (PAE) in the GSM900 band, and 33 dBm and 50% PAE in the DCS1800 band.
Effect of Promoter Polymorphisms on Cytokine Concentration in Preterm Breast Milk and Subsequent Infant Outcomes

Background:Breast milk concentrations of immune components are variable between women and interleukin (IL) differences may be associated with infant outcomes. Molecular mechanisms for milk variability remain unknown.Objective:The aims were to (1) examine the relationship between maternal IL genotypes and milk concentrations of IL4, IL6, and IL10, (2) describe the trajectories of milk IL change, (3) examine whether maternal IL genotypes predict IL trajectories and/or average weekly IL concentration, and (4) examine if weekly IL levels and/or IL trajectories are associated with infant outcomes.Methods:Milk aliquots were collected from each feeding of mother’s own milk and pooled weekly. DNA was extracted from 1 sample of each mother’s breast milk whey (n = 64), and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL genes were genotyped. Milk IL concentrations were measured and trajectory analysis examined IL milk change over time. Multivariate breast milk IL concentration analyses controlled for gestational age a...
Datalog: a perspective and the potential

Our main goal is to put Datalog into a proper logic perspective. It may be too early to put Datalog into a proper perspective from the point of view of applications; nevertheless we discuss why Datalog pops up so often in applications.
Determinants of Vagal Baroreflex Sensitivity and Normative Data (P1.096)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate confounders and predictors of BRS_v derived from the rise in BP during phase III-IV of the VM , and to generate normative values for this parameter. BACKGROUND: The baroreflex plays a key role in human blood pressure (BP) regulation. Its efferent limb modifies BP via a vagal (heart rate) and adrenergic component (peripheral resistance and cardiac output). The Valsalva maneuver (VM) is widely used to quantify the sensitivity of the vagal baroreflex loop (vagal baroreflex sensitivity, BRS_v), but most studies have focused on the heart period (HP) response to BP decrement (BRS_ v↓), even though the subsequent response to an increment in BP following the VM (BRS_v↑) is important and different. We recently showed that vagal BRS, determined by relating HP to BP increase following phase III, is a valuable autonomic index, provides additional information about vagal baroreflex function, and reflects overall severity of autonomic failure. DESIGN/METHODS: We studied 187 normal subjects who underwent standardized autonomic reflex testing. BRS_v↑ and BRS_v↓ were calculated as the regression slope of HP and systolic BP during phase III-IV and early phase II of the VM, respectively, and related to demographic and other autonomic indices. RESULTS: BRS_v↑ was inversely related to age. There was no effect of gender. Univariate analysis revealed a significant correlation between BRS_v↑ and BRS_v↓, SBP, HR, magnitude of phase II_E, phase IV, phase II pulse pressure compression, and adrenergic barosensitivity (BRS_a). Only BRS_v↓, age and magnitude of phase IV were independent predictors of BRS_v↑ in a multivariate model, accounting for 47% of the variance of BRS_v↑. Normative values by age group are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that BRS_v↓ decreases with increasing age which parallels age-related changes in BRS_v↑. The two indices closely relate to each other, and are influenced by age and cardiac adrenergic function. Study Supported by: Supported by NIH (P01NS44233, K23NS075141, U54NS065736), Mayo CTSA (UL1TR000135), and Mayo Funds. Disclosure: Dr. Wada has nothing to disclose. Dr. Singer has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gehrking has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sletten has nothing to disclose. Dr. Low has received personal compensation for activities with Chelsea, Pfizer Inc., and WR Medical Inc. as a consultant. Dr. Low has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Autonomic Neuroscience.
Due Diligence with Residential Mortgage Backed Securities

In seeking to explain how securitized funds became available for the large volume of mortgages that were inappropriately extended in the runup to the financial crisis, a number of commentators have argued that credit rating agencies and the market itself were unaware of the low quality of the assets backing many residential mortgage back securities (RMBS) offerings and that this lack of awareness was the result of inadequate due diligence. These concerns prompted a number of due diligence related provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act that are now the subject of SEC rule-making.These developments raise two central questions: what is the socially appropriate level of due diligence that should be undertaken by persons preparing RMBS offering documents and credit ratings, and what is the proper role of regulation, if any, in assuring this level of due diligence. The paper reviews the general theory of asymmetric information in economics and applies this theory to the particular institutional features of securitized mortgage finance. The desirability of two possible policy options are discussed. One is direct regulation of the conduct of due diligence by certain securitization process participants. The other is imposition of liability on such participants for investor losses if these participants do not engage in due diligence that meets a governmentally determined standard.The paper then engages in a review and assessment of the due-diligence-related provisions of Dodd-Frank and of the rules that have been adopted or are currently proposed by the SEC pursuant to these Dodd-Frank provisions or otherwise in reaction to the perceived role of RMBS offerings in the financial crisis. The paper concludes with a set of recommendations.
Statin use and the risk of biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after definitive local therapy: a meta-analysis of eight cohort studies.

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Over the last few years, several observational studies examined the association of statin use with the risk of biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after definitive local therapy. The objective of our present study was to summarise available evidence on this subject using the method of meta-analysis. Combined evidence from eight cohort studies did not definitively support the hypothesis that statins influence the risk of biochemical recurrence. However, there was considerable disagreement between individual studies in reported findings and conclusions. OBJECTIVE • To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies with statin use as the exposure variable and biochemical recurrence after definitive local therapy for prostate cancer as the outcome. METHODS • Relevant publications were identified through PubMed/Medline/Embase databases. • Pooled estimates of the hazard ratios (HRs) were computed using the inverse-variance weighting approach. • Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran's Q test. RESULTS • We identified a total of eight eligible studies, all based on the retrospective cohort design. Five of these were based on radical prostatectomy (RP) series and three on radiotherapy (RT) series. • There was evidence of heterogeneity in the entire set of eight studies (P= 0.002) as well as in the RP series (P= 0.05) and in the RT series (P= 0.01), when these were considered separately. • Based on the random effects inverse-variance weighting approach, pooled estimates of the HRs for the risk of biochemical recurrence in statin users v non-users were 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72–1.13) for the entire set of eight studies, 1.02 (95% CI 0.80–1.29) for the RP series and 0.71 (95% CI 0.44–1.16) for the RT series. CONCLUSION • The pooled estimates of the HRs were not significantly different from the null value in this meta-analysis; however, evidence of heterogeneity between the studies was present.
The superior group of vessels in the falciform ligament: anatomical and radiological correlation

Aim The purpose of this study was to clarify the anatomical detail of the superior group of vessels in the falciform ligament in terms of the relationship with the internal thoracic vessels, inferior phrenic vessels, and the intrahepatic portal vein.
Identification of a new type of electronic state in the magnetoresistive orthomanganites

PEROVSKITES of composition Ln1–xAxMnO3 (where Ln and A are rare-earth and alkaline-earth elements respectively) have become the focus of scientific and technological interest because of their extraordinary electronic and magnetic properties. For example, compositions with x = 0.3 exhibit an unusual combination of ferromagnetism and good electrical conductivity1; moreover, the observation2 of a 'colossal' magnetoresistive response near the Curie temperature (Tc), which can be changed dramatically by altering the strength of the Mn–O–Mn interactions3,15, points to potential practical applications for these materials. Recent resistivity studies4 of these materials have suggested that the accepted 'tight-binding' band description5 of the conduction electrons below Tc may be inadequate and that strong interactions between the electrons and dynamic local lattice distortions associated with the Mn sites may be important. Here we report resistivity and thermopower measurements at high pressure, which indicate a more exotic origin for the electronic properties of these materials. We find that below Tc the conduction electrons lose their localized character and condense into extended electronic states that exhibit no energy dispersion. We attribute the formation of this new state to the strong coupling of the conduction electrons to cooperative oxygen vibrations along the Mn–O bond axes.
Performance Appraisal: a Policy Implementation Analysis

This article describes five conditions which are conducive to effective implementation of public policies. These conditions are used as a policy analysis model to examine the new performance apprai...
A rapid nonchromatographic assay for aminopropyltransferases

Aminopropyltransferases are key enzymes in the biosynthesis of the polyamines spermidine and spermine. A procedure is described for assaying these enzymes by differential charcoal adsorption of 14C-labeled decarboxylated adenosylmethionine substrate from the labeled polyamine product. This assay is linear with time and enzyme concentration, and is suitable for use with a variety of amine acceptors. This procedure has the advantage, over those previously used, that it is extremely rapid yet very sensitive.
Zebrafish larvae evade predators by sensing water flow

The ability of fish to evade predators is central to the ecology and evolution of a diversity of species. However, it is largely unclear how prey fish detect predators in order to initiate their escape. We tested whether larval zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) sense the flow created by adult predators of the same species. When placed together in a cylindrical arena, we found that larvae were able to escape 70% of predator strikes (mean escape probability P escape=0.7, N =13). However, when we pharmacologically ablated the flow-sensitive lateral line system, larvae were rarely capable of escape (mean P escape=0.05, N =11). In order to explore the rapid events that facilitate a successful escape, we recorded freely swimming predators and prey using a custom-built camera dolly. This device permitted two-dimensional camera motion to manually track prey and record their escape response with high temporal and spatial resolution. These recordings demonstrated that prey were more than 3 times more likely to evade a suction-feeding predator if they responded before ( P escape=0.53, N =43), rather than after ( P escape=0.15, N =13), a predator's mouth opened, which is a highly significant difference. Therefore, flow sensing plays an essential role in predator evasion by facilitating a response prior to a predator's strike.
Immunomodulation of human leukocytes by staphylococcal enterotoxin A: augmentation of natural killer cells and induction of suppressor cells.

Abstract Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA), a protein isolated from culture supernatants of Staphylococcus aureus , is a potent T-cell mitogen and an inducer of interferon-γ (IFN-γ). We report here that SEA exhibits a number of significant in vitro immunomodulatory functions. In vitro treatment of human peripheral blod monocyte-depleted lymphocytes with SEA resulted in significant augmentation of their natural killer cytotoxicity against target cells from hemopoietic (K562, Daudi) or solid (melanoma, lung, colon) human tumor cell lines. SEA was found to be more effective than interferons-α (natural or Escherichia coli -derived) in augmenting natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity of peripheral blood lymphocytes. Studies on the kinetics of the augmentation revealed a significant increase of NK within 3 hr of in vitro treatment with SEA at 37 °C. A neutralizing monoclonal antibody specific for human IFN-γ did not affect the augmentation of natural killer cytotoxicity by SEA, suggesting that SEA augmented natural killer cytotoxicity primarily by a mechanism not involving induction of interferon-γ. Furthermore, in vitro treatment with SEA resulted in significant augmentation of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and of natural killer-like cytotoxicity, generated in mixed lymphocyte culture, against the K562 targets. Induction of suppressor cells to proliferative responses of autologous or allogeneic mononuclear cells to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or to allogeneic cells in mixed lymphocyte culture was observed after in vitro treatment of peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes with SEA for 24 or 48 hr at 37 °C. In addition, the presence of SEA in mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC) resulted in significant inhibition of the generation of specific T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity in MLC. These results suggest that SEA, which may be involved in S. aureus infections and in treatment with extracorporeal perfusion systems over S. aureus columns, can regulate a number of significant lymphoid functions.
Visualization of Complex Automotive Data: A Tutorial

Visualization is a method of representing large amounts of complex data in ways that are easier to understand, analyze, and support decision making. Large automotive manufacturers such as General Motors (GM) use visualization with great success. Visualization requires combinations of manual and automated data harvesting. Users must find and access the correct digital data based on a correct configuration of the product to be visualized. In addition, each type of visualization, from real-time design reviews to marketing-based image rendering, requires data to be prepared with appropriate materials, backgrounds, and lighting. Each of these processes requires a different set of expert users and their own optimized process to create specific visualizations or views of data. Making complicated data easier to understand has always been a challenge.
Expression of homeobox gene‐GBX2 in human prostatic cancer cells

BACKGROUND Homeobox genes encode transcription factors involved in the genetic control of normal development and differentiation, as well as in malignant transformation. To begin to assess the possible role of homeobox genes in prostatic cell carcinogenesis, we surveyed initially for expression of homeobox-containing genes in the TSU-PR1 cell line. METHODS This was performed by RT-PCR using degenerate oligodeoxyribonucleotide primers to the homeobox-binding sequence to generate partial cDNAs which were cloned and sequenced. RESULTS Using this method, expression of 14 members of homeobox-containing genes were detected in TSU-PR1 cells. All of these expressed genes correspond to previously identified homeobox genes located within the HOXA, B, C, and D clusters. We further examined the expression of these homeobox genes in different human prostatic cell lines by using whole cDNA slot blot and Northern blot analysis. One of the sequences corresponding to the human GBX2 homeobox gene is overexpressed in TSU-PR1, LNCaP, PC-3, and DU145 metastatic prostate cell lines relative to the normal prostate. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the homeobox gene GBX2 may participate in metastatic progression in prostatic cancer. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Selenite-lnduced Damage to Lens Membranes

Abstract The present study focuses on three aspects of membrane damage to explain selenite-induced loss of ion homeostasis: membrane transport processes, i.e. cation pump; biosynthesis of membrane proteins and membrane permeability. Cation pump activity, assessed by both 86Rb uptake and Na K-ATPase activity in the epithelium, was observed to decline gradually after exposure to selenite and subsequent culture for 2 days in a selenite-free medium. In fact, the major loss of transport and ATPase activity occurred during culture of lenses after transfer from selenite to a selenite-free medium. The delay between selenite presentation to the lens and final inhibition of the cation pump (47%) corresponds to the delay in the observed loss of Na-K-ATPase activity (50%). Initial loss of cation transport and Na-K-ATPase activity may be due to the oxidative capacity of selenite. Oxidation, however, might not explain the delayed, progressive loss of transport activity after selenite removal. A plausible cause for this sustained loss might be a depleted supply of Na-K-ATPase due to impaired biosynthesis. Evidence for such a possibility comes from the observation that the rate of synthesis of total membrane protein is impaired by 44% in selenite-treated lenses. Membrane permeability to Na+ was not affected at the end of day 1, a conclusion based on the following observation: ouabain-treated lenses exposed to selenite did not gain any more Na+ than did ouabain-treated lenses. With the pump blocked by ouabain in both groups of lenses, the passive influx of Na+ was unchanged by selenite, indicating little damage to membrane permeability. Further changes in permeability during extended culture, possibly due to hydration and osmotic stress, may contribute to irreversible ionic imbalances observed after removal of selenite. In conclusion, selenite damage to lens membranes was initially limited to the cation transport system, with impaired protein synthesis possibly contributing to delayed and sustained loss of transport activity.
Viability of tumor cells in mechanically and enzymatically prepared tissue suspensions.

Abstract Single cell suspensions were prepared by mechanical disruption or by trypsin or collagenase digestion of mouse livers containing about 107 viable 125I-idodeoxyuridine labeled L1210 cells. Tumor cell losses during tissue disruption were evaluated by monitoring the fractional recovery of 125I in the final organ brei. The viability of the recovered L1210 cells was tested by recording the rate of 125I excretion following transplantation of the liver suspensions into new, nonradioactive hosts. Marked toxic effects were observed with all 3 organ dissociation techniques. Fractional cell recovery was 91% after mechanical grinding, 22% after trypsin digestion and 43% after collagenase digestion. The biological viability of those L1210 cells which were recovered in the final organ suspension was 5–30% in mechanically prepared tissue suspensions, 5–10% in trypsin suspensions, and 25–35% in collagenase suspensions. Thus, the combined viable cell yield (cell recovery × cell viability) was 5–30% after mechanical grinding, 1–2% after trypsin incubation, and 10–15% after collagenase incubation. Viability indices obtained with vital stains such as trypan blue proved unsatisfactory. In some experiments the trypan blue test provided a 90–100% viability reading when in fact the entire L1210 population had been inactivated. It was concluded that viability measures based on vital dyes do not provide a useful estimate of the biological vitality of tumor cells in tissue suspensions.
Comparisons of cocaine receptors in brain regions from WKY and SHR.

Abstract Both high- and low-affinity sites for [ 3 H]cocaine binding were present in the striatum, hippocampus, olfactory tubercle, and hypothalamus of WKY and SHR. In the striatum, K d values of both sites and the B max value of the high-affinity site were lower in SHR than in WKY rats. In the hippocampus, only the K d value of the high-affinity site was lower in SHR than in WKY rats. However, there were no differences in K d or E max values between strains in the olfactory tubercle or hypothalamus. The differences in characteristics of [ 3 H]cocaine binding in WKY and SHR may provide a neurochemical basis for the different responses of the two strains to cocaine administration.