cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radioembolization for Neuroendocrine Liver Metastases: Safety, Imaging, and Long-Term Outcomes

Purpose To present long-term outcomes on the safety and efficacy of Yttrium-90 radioembolization in the treatment of unresectable hepatic neuroendocrine metastases refractory to standard-of-care therapy. Methods and Materials This study was approved by our institutional review board and was compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Forty patients with hepatic neuroendocrine metastases were treated with 90 Y radioembolization at a single center. Toxicity was assessed using National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria v3.0. Response to therapy was assessed by World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for size and European Association for the Study of the Liver disease (EASL) guidelines for necrosis. Time to response and overall survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results The median dose was 113 Gy (29–299 Gy). Clinical toxicities included fatigue (63%), nausea/vomiting (40%), abdominal pain (18%), fever (8%), diarrhea and weight loss (5%); Grade 3 and 4 bilirubin toxicities were experienced by 2 patients and 1 patient, respectively. Different responses were noted by WHO (complete response, 1.2%; partial response, 62.7%) and EASL (complete response, 20.5%; partial response, 43.4%). Median time to response was 4 and 4.9 months by lesion and patient, respectively. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival rates were 72.5%, 62.5%, and 45%, respectively. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score 0 ( p p = 0.0019), albumin ≥3.5 g/dL ( p = 0.017), and bilirubin ≤1.2 mg/dL ( p = 0.002) prognosticated survival on univariate analysis; only ECOG performance score 0 and bilirubin ≤1.2 mg/dL prognosticated better survival outcome on multivariate analysis ( p = 0.0001 and p = 0.02). Conclusion Yttrium-90 therapy for hepatic neuroendocrine metastases leads to satisfactory tumor response and patient survival with low toxicity, in line with published national guidelines recommending radioembolization as a potential option for unresectable hepatic neuroendocrine metastases.
Flow-cytometric analysis of spermatogenesis in Teleogryllus commodus

Abstract The development of the testis of the cricket Teleogryllus commodus has been studied using flow cytometry. From a laboratory-reared population of insects, total testis tissue was prepared at approx. 48-h intervals for the entire development period extending from the fifth instar (28 days after eclosion) to the imaginal moult (about 60 days after eclosion). Cells were stained with DNA-specific fluorochromes and the temporal sequence of the development of the testis as well as the timing of specific meiotic events quantitatively determined. Testis development studied in this fashion is seen as changes in the relative frequency of cells with 1, 2, and 4C DNA content. Pre-spermiogenic processes of spermatogenesis (change in the frequency of cells with 2 and 4C DNA content) occur continuously during the fifth-eighth instars, while the appearance of 1C cells (initiation of spermiogenesis) occurs abruptly at the transition between the sixth and seventh instars.
Collaborative Governance: Private Roles for Public Goals in Turbulent Times by John D. Donahue and Richard J. Zeckhauser

Collaborative Governance: Private Roles for Public Goals in Turbulent Times. John D. Donahue and Richard J. Zeckhauser. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2011, 305 pp. ISBN: 9780691149790....
Electron-nuclear double resonance spectroscopic evidence that S-adenosylmethionine binds in contact with the catalytically active [4Fe-4S](+) cluster of pyruvate formate-lyase activating enzyme.

Pyruvate formate-lyase activating enzyme (PFL-AE) is a representative member of an emerging family of enzymes that utilize iron−sulfur clusters and S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) to initiate radical catalysis. Although these enzymes have diverse functions, evidence is emerging that they operate by a common mechanism in which a [4Fe−4S]+ interacts with AdoMet to generate a 5‘-deoxyadenosyl radical intermediate. To date, however, it has been unclear whether the iron−sulfur cluster is a simple electron-transfer center or whether it participates directly in the radical generation chemistry. Here we utilize electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and pulsed 35 GHz electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) spectroscopy to address this question. EPR spectroscopy reveals a dramatic effect of AdoMet on the EPR spectrum of the [4Fe−4S]+ of PFL-AE, changing it from rhombic (g = 2.02, 1.94, 1.88) to nearly axial (g = 2.01, 1.88, 1.87). 2H and 13C ENDOR spectroscopy was performed on [4Fe−4S]+-PFL-AE (S = 1/2) in the pres...
Mandibular distraction osteogenesis assisted by cell-based tissue engineering: a systematic review.

Objectives To review the advances and limitations of recent investigations on mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) assisted by mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation.
Nuclear fuel pellets fabricated from gel-derived microspheres

Abstract UO 2 pellets were fabricated from UO 3 gel microspheres by a combined gel-sphere/pellet fabrication process. Desirable sphere properties were established; calcining cycles, pressing conditions, and sintering cycles sufficient to fabricate UO 2 pellets with densities up to 96% TD were determined. The stoichoimetry, activity, density, size and deformability of the spheres had to be within specific ranges for fabrication of high density, crack-free pellets. Preliminary attempts to fabricate ThO 2 and ThO 2 -UO 2 pellets are also described.
Hypnosis and behavior modification combined with psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

Abstract Hypnosis combined with techniques of behavior modification can be used together with psychoanalytic-type therapies for purposes of enhancing treatment with some selected patients. This three-way technique combination suggests some new, flexible, and fluent treatment approaches that are described in a case illustration. Several hypotheses about the therapeutic uses of hypnosis are formulated. Through hypnosis: (a) the patient uses his learnings more efficiently; (b) imagery seems more vivid and realistic with resultant deepening of the therapeutic experience; (c) regression is facilitated, thus allowing greater primary process expression; (d) motivation and cooperation for working through emotionally-charged problems is improved; (e) resistances and defenses are more easily by-passed; (f) the ego can be strengthened while working through correction of behavior symptoms; and (g) treatment time seems to be generally telescoped.
Influence of organic acid and organic base interactions on interfacial properties in NAPL--water systems.

Interfacial properties play an important role in determining the transport and distribution of waste nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) in groundwater. To develop a better understanding of the solute interactions governing the interfacial properties of waste NAPLs, this study examined the interfacial tension and contact angle of a tetrachloroethylene/water/quartz system containing octanoic acid and dodecylamine as a function of pH. The results showed that interactions between these solutes affected the system's interfacial properties significantly, producing a positive synergism. For example, octanoic acid, which by itself does not affect wettability, could reverse the wettability of quartz in the presence of dodecylamine. The significant reduction in interfacial tension and increase in contact angle around neutral pH was, based on the results of speciation modeling, attributed to the formation of a complex composed of the protonated organic base and deprotonated organic acid, whose formation also peaks aro...
Facial attractiveness, symmetry and cues of good genes

Cues of phenotypic condition should be among those used by women in their choice of mates. One marker of better phenotypic condition is thought to be symmetrical bilateral body and facial features. However, it is not clear whether women use symmetry as the primary cue in assessing the phenotypic quality of potential mates or whether symmetry is correlated with other facial markers affecting physical attractiveness. Using photographs of men's faces, for which facial symmetry had been measured, we found a relationship between women's attractiveness ratings of these faces and symmetry, but the subjects could not rate facial symmetry accurately. Moreover, the relationship between facial attractiveness and symmetry was still observed, even when symmetry cues were removed by presenting only the left or right half of faces. These results suggest that attractive features other than symmetry can be used to assess phenotypic condition. We identified one such cue, facial masculinity (cheek-bone prominence and a relatively longer lower face), which was related to both symmetry and full- and half-face attractiveness.
Neighborhood distress and school dropout: the variable significance of community context

Abstract Although a substantial body of recent research has examined the impact of neighborhood socioeconomic distress on youth socioeconomic attainment and urban social dislocations, few studies have determined under what conditions, and for what types of adolescents, neighborhood characteristics matter most. Drawing on theories of collective socialization, social capital, and social control, we develop hypotheses regarding the conditional nature of neighborhood effects on the risk of dropping out of high school, and we then test these hypotheses by estimating event history models based on data from the 1968–1993 waves of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. We find that, among African Americans, the detrimental impact of neighborhood socioeconomic distress on school dropout has increased significantly over the past quarter-century, a probable repercussion of the increasing geographic concentration of urban poverty. The negative effect of neighborhood distress on high school completion is particularly pronounced among black adolescents from single-parent households and among white adolescents from low-income families, results broadly consistent with Wilson’s claim that exposure to neighborhood poverty reinforces the damaging consequences of individual disadvantage. Supporting the social capital perspective, among both black and white adolescents the deleterious impact of neighborhood distress on school dropout is stronger for recent in-movers than for long-term residents. The impact of neighborhood disadvantage also varies significantly by gender for both racial groups and, among whites, is stronger for younger than older adolescents. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of these findings for theories of neighborhood effects.
Developing Force Fields from the Microscopic Structure of Solutions

We have been developing force fields designed for the eventual simulation of peptides and proteins using the Kirkwood-Buff (KB) theory of solutions as a guide. KB theory provides exact information on the relative distributions for each species present in solution. This information can also be obtained from computer simulations. Hence, one can use KB theory to help test and modify the parameters commonly used in biomolecular studies. A series of small molecule force fields representative of the fragments found in peptides and proteins have been developed. Since this approach is guided by the KB theory, our results provide a reasonable balance in the interactions between self-association of solutes and solute solvation. Here, we present our progress to date. In addition, our investigations have provided a wealth of data concerning the properties of solution mixtures, which is also summarized. Specific examples of the properties of aromatic (benzene, phenol, p-cresol) and sulfur compounds (methanethiol, dimethylsulfide, dimethyldisulfide) and their mixtures with methanol or toluene are provided as an illustration of this kind of approach.
The Role of Local and Regional Processes in Structuring Larval Dragonfly Distributions Across Habitat Gradients

Despite the importance of community-structuring processes operating at both local and regional scales, there is relatively little work examining both forces within a single system. I used a combination of observational and experimental approaches to examine the processes structuring larval dragonfly distributions in lentic habitats that encompass a gradient of both permanence and top predator type. I compared the relative vulnerability of species to predators from different portions of this gradient to assess the role of predation as a local force structuring communities. I also assessed the role of regional processes on species' distributions by examining species' propensity to disperse to and colonize artificial ponds distributed across a landscape. In both studies I contrasted habitat specialist species, which had larvae restricted to permanent lakes, with habitat generalist species, which had larvae that occur broadly across the habitat permanence and top predator transition. Results from this work suggest that dispersal and colonization behavior were critical mechanisms restricting the distributions of habitat specialist species, but that predation may act to reinforce this pattern. The habitat specialists dispersed less frequently, colonized artificial ponds less often when they did reach them, and most moved shorter distances than the habitat generalist species. Habitat specialists were also more vulnerable than habitat generalists to an invertebrate top predator with which they do not co-exist. Results from these studies suggest that species distributions can be shaped by processes operating at both regional and local spatial scales. The role of dispersal and recruitment limitation may be generally underestimated as a force shaping species distributions and community structure across habitat gradients in which there is a transition in both the biotic interactions and the disturbance interval across that gradient.
Diastereoselective reactions of an acyclic α-lithiated sulfide: A case of thermodynamic control

Abstract The CLi bond α to sulfur in an acyclic sulfide thermodynamically favors one configuration (96:4). This allows for the diastereoselective functionalization of sulfide 4 .
Optimal control of two-dimensional linear systems

Based on Roesser's model of discrete-time two-dimensional (2-D) linear controlled systems, a closed-loop synthesis is presented for quadratic optimal control via the semicausality approach.
Quantifying the Interaction Between Neighboring Gene Circuits

In heterologous gene expression, a module with two gene circuits responsible for expression of a foreign gene of interest and selection is integrated into the host cell genome. Although the expression level of the foreign gene is generally understood to be determined by the strength of the promoter immediately upstream, several studies have shown that it varies significantly depending on the site and orientation of genomic integration. In addition, the arrangement of the selection circuit within the module may also affect the gene expression level. To test this possibility, we built a set of heterologous modules where two different gene circuits are placed right next to each other in all possible relative orientations. The activities of these gene circuits can be separately driven by external inducers and simultaneously monitored from fluorescent protein levels. We integrated these modules into the genome of budding yeast and quantitatively measured expression levels of both gene circuits at multiple inducer-level combinations. Our preliminary results show that the adjacent gene circuits interact in a cooperative and reciprocal manner; activation of the first gene circuit enhances the expression level of the second gene circuit and vice versa. Moreover, the degree of enhancement depends on the relative orientation of the gene circuits, highest when the promoters are pointing away from each other. Based on our results, we present a rate-equation based model to highlight potential mechanisms of promoter interaction.
Socioeconomic status as a modifier of the relationship between antibiotic use during pregnancy and birthweight.

ABSTRACT: Background: Antibiotics taken during pregnancy treat underlying maternal infections that may otherwise contribute to poor birth outcomes, including decreased birthweight. This study investigated whether antibiotics taken by a diverse sample of North American women were associated with increased mean infant birthweight and whether this relationship was modified by socioeconomic status. The study hypothesized that women of low socioeconomic status, whose babies are at highest risk of low birthweight perhaps due to long-standing undiagnosed infections, might benefit from antibiotic use more than women of higher socioeconomic status. Methods: The sample was 868 control women from a case-control study of hemifacial microsomia, a craniofacial birth defect. Participants reported information on antibiotic use during pregnancy (type, indication, and timing) and baby’s birthweight in telephone interviews. Results: Nineteen percent of women reported taking at least one antibiotic in the first half of pregnancy, but average birthweights were similar among users and nonusers. However, low–socioeconomic status women who reported taking antibiotics to treat genitourinary infections had babies that were 286 g heavier than those who did not (p = 0.01). No association was seen among higher socioeconomic status women. Differences by socioeconomic status were also seen in treatment for respiratory conditions and use of penicillin antibiotics. Conclusions: These findings suggest that socioeconomic status might modify the association between antibiotics taken during pregnancy and infant birthweight. They emphasize the need to consider socioeconomic status in studies of antibiotic use and birth outcomes and extend previous studies of socioeconomic disparities in birth outcomes. (BIRTH 35:3 September 2008)
Polymerized Hemoglobin Induces Heme Oxygenase-1 Protein Expression and Inhibits Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Protein Expression in Human Lung Microvascular Endothelial Cells

Background Our clinical trials using a polymerized hemoglobin solution (PolyHb) as a red cell substitute in severely injured patients suggested that this hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier has a systemic antiinflammatory effect. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has recently been shown to be cytoprotective, and is known to be induced by heme moieties. We investigated the effects of this hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier on HO-1 induction and proinflammatory activation of pulmonary endothelium. Study design Human lung microvascular endothelial cells were grown to confluence and preincubated with either cell media (control) or with an equal volume mixture of polymerized hemoglobin/cell media (experimental). The cell cultures were subsequently stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. HO-1 expression was detected by protein immunoblot and further quantified by ELISA; intercellular adhesion molecule-1 protein expression was measured by flow cytometry. Results Polymerized hemoglobin induced synthesis of HO-1 protein in human lung microvascular endothelial cells and, concurrently, inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 protein cell surface expression. Conclusions Polymerized hemoglobin attenuates lipopolysaccharide-stimulated expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 protein, which is associated with upregulation of the cytoprotective protein HO-1 in human pulmonary endothelial cells. This antiinflammatory effect offers a novel mechanism by which hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier solutions may be exploited therapeutically as resuscitative fluids.
Geometrical considerations in the burning of liquid drops

Abstract Previous experimental work has demonstrated the existence of two regimes of burning on liquid fuel spheres placed in a moving air stream: envelope flames and wake flames. In the present study, a third regime of burning is distinguished wherein a flame is stabilized in the boundary layer at the side of a liquid sphere. The angular position which the side flame assumes when measured from the forward stagnation point of the sphere is shown to increase with free stream air velocity. It is also demonstrated that the angular position depends on the sphere size as well as on the orientation of the air flow with respect to the gravity force thus proving natural convection to be an important factor. Boundary layer theory is employed and provides a quantitative basis for the above phenomena.
Characterization of the structure and function of W --> F WW domain variants: identification of a natively unfolded protein that folds upon ligand binding.

The WW domain adopts a compact, three-stranded, antiparallel β-sheet structure that mediates protein−protein interactions by binding to xPPxY-based protein ligands, such as the PY-ligand (EYPPYPPPPYPSG) derived from p53 binding protein-2. The conserved Trp residues, after which this domain was named, were replaced with Phe so their importance in structural integrity and for ligand binding could be evaluated. A biophysical approach was employed to compare the W17F, W39F, and W17F/W39F WW domains to the wild-type protein. The data demonstrate that replacement of Trp39 with Phe (W39F) does not disrupt the structure of the WW domain variant, but does abolish ligand binding. In contrast, the W17F WW domain variant is largely if not completely unfolded; however, this variant undergoes a PY-ligand induced disorder to order (folding) transition. The dissociation constant for the W17F WW domain−PY-ligand interaction is 15.1 ± 1.2 μM, only slightly higher than that observed for the wild-type WW domain interaction (...
LACTATION STUDIES.VI. EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT INTERVALS BETWEEN NURSING AND DURATION OF SUCKLING ON RATE OF MILK PRODUCTION IN SPRAGUE-DAWLEY RATS IN THE FIRST LACTATION.

Abstract Daily and total amounts of milk produced by 40 Sprague-Dawley rats were measured from the 8th through the 19th day after parturition, using 4-, 6-, 8-, and 12-hr nursing intervals. Ten animals were in each interval and 11 additional rats served as controls. One-half-hour and 1-hr nursing durations were studied with the 4- and 6-hr intervals. Production of milk was measured before and after weighings of litters. Litters remained separated from dams except for nursing. Each litter contained nine young. Milk produced was corrected for losses of feces, urine, and moisture in respiration during nursing. Four dams from each group of ten nursed only their own young and three pairs of dams within each group of ten nursed other litters besides their own to remove litter effect and differences in quantities of milk removed. Dams suckled for 1 hr produced more milk than those suckled for 0.5 hr. The average 12-day milk production of dams suckled by surviving litters for periods of 1 hr with nine young were 418, 318, 278, and 176g for intervals of 4, 6, 8, and 12 hr, respectively. Litter weights at Day 18 disclosed that relative weight difference among groups nursed at different intervals varied greatly from relative differences in milk productions among the same groups. Litter weight gain was a poor indicator of milk production.
Adaptive sensor activity control in many-to-one sensor networks

In this paper, we consider a many-to-one sensor network where a large number of sensors are deployed to monitor a physical environment. We explore sensor activity management to maximize the network lifetime, while meeting the quality-of-service (QoS) requirement. Specifically, in each round the sink estimates the number of active sensors and the control information is fed back to the sensors for activity control. We start with a basic case where the total number of sensors N is known, and the estimator of the number of active sensors ncirct is accurate. We devise a sensor activity control scheme under which the number of active sensors would converge to the minimum that can meet the QoS requirement. Next, we generalize the study to the following two more complicated cases: (1) The case with known N and inaccurate ncirct: For this case, we propose a stochastic approximation algorithm to minimize the average number of active sensors while meeting the QoS requirement. (2) The case with unknown N and accurate ncirct: For this case, we cast the problem as the adaptive control of a Markov chain with unknown parameters and propose a composite optimization-oriented approach for the corresponding sensor activity control. We show that using this composite optimization-oriented approach the number of active sensors would converge to the minimum that can meet the QoS requirement
Importance of colonization and competition in forest landscape response to global climatic change

The tree species composition of a forested landscape may respond to climate change through two primary successional mechanisms: (1) colonization of suitable habitats and (2) competitive dynamics of established species. In this study, we assessed the relative importance of competition and colonization in forest landscape response (as measured by the forest type composition change) to global climatic change. Specifically, we simulated shifts in forest composition within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of northern Minnesota during the period 2000–2400 AD. We coupled a forest ecosystem process model, PnET-II, and a spatially dynamic forest landscape model, LANDIS-II, to simulate landscape change. The relative ability of 13 tree species to colonize suitable habitat was represented by the probability of establishment or recruitment. The relative competitive ability was represented by the aboveground net primary production. Both competitive and colonization abilities changed over time in response to climatic change. Our results showed that, given only moderate-frequent windthrow (rotation period = 500 years) and fire disturbances (rotation period = 300 years), competition is relatively more important for the short-term ( 100 years), colonization became relatively more important. However, if more frequent fire disturbances were simulated, then colonization is the dominant process from the beginning of the simulations. Our results suggest that the disturbance regime will affect the relative strengths of successional drivers, the understanding of which is critical for future prediction of forest landscape response to global climatic change.
EFFECTS OF SEDIMENT LOAD ON SEEDLING EMERGENCE FROM WETLAND SEED BANKS

We examined the effects of sediment depth on emergence of seedlings from wetland seed banks, with the goal of understanding potential effects on wetlands of sediment runoff from agricultural fields. Seed germination was studied in the greenhouse using seed bank samples taken from natural wetlands in central Iowa, U.S.A. Sediment loads as low as 0.25 cm significantly reduced the number of species and total number of individuals recruited from seed bank samples. Addition of sediment decreased the number of individuals appearing for most, but not all, species. The change in number of seedlings that occurred in treatments with 1 cm of sediment cover was related to seed mass, with larger-seeded species showing the least effect of burial by sediment.
Computer applications in cultural anthropology

This paper covers important developments in the use of computers for quantitative research in cultural anthropology, particularly in areas which (unlike statistics) are uniquely anthropological. These fall into statistical topics and topics in scaling and measurement. By far the largest single usage of computers by cultural anthropologists is for statistical summaries of field data and for simple statistical tests such as thechi-squared for the analysis of field data or for cross-cultural studies. As the discipline develops this situation will remain the same. In fact, the proportion of people who use the computer primarily for contingency tables, frequency counts, and correlation analysis may very well increase, since there are many potential users who would fall in this category and only a few potential users who would perform other operations such as multi-dimensional scaling or simulation. The few other computer techniques that would be relevant to anthropology, and for which the technology already exists, include linear regression, as practiced by economists, and linear programming (also practiced by economists), both of which could be extremely useful in the study of peasant economy. Careful research with such models could dispel some of the controversy which has been hindering the development of economic anthropology for the last fifteen years. The training of anthropologists who can understand the relevance of such models to their work may be far in the future, since the majority of them are still skeptical of most formal methods and of the computers which make them work.
Childbearing and the concept of culture.

Health, the prevention of illness and the curing of disease constitute a major area of interest to people of all cultures. The health practices of various cultures pervade their entire way of life. Exploring these practices through the concept of cultural systems can be an asset to the health professional. Ways of approaching this task, as it applies to maternal-child health care, are presented in this article.
Abstract A11: KRAS inhibition of pancreatic beta-cell growth occurs through a MENINRASSF1 regulatory network.

KRAS is a regulated GDP/GTP molecular switch that controls several signaling networks. Although activating missense mutations in the KRAS gene are a major cause of accelerated growth in many epithelial cancers, KRAS signaling can elicit diverse, cell-type specific responses. We discovered that mice heterozygous for a Kras null allele (KrasLSL-G12D) have an expanded pancreatic beta-cell population at birth and improved glucose tolerance as adults. We showed that the additional beta-cells come from two sources: increased numbers of Neurogenin3expressing endocrine progenitors during embryogenesis and increased beta-cell proliferation during the perinatal period. Expression of KRASG12D directly suppressed both sources of new beta-cells (neogenesis from non-beta-cell progenitors, and proliferation of pre-existing beta-cells) and activated the opposing MAPK and RASSF1 downstream effector pathways in beta-cells. The block of beta-cell growth caused by KRAS activity depends on the expression of the endocrine tumor suppressor MENIN. In support of this conclusion, endocrine cells in the parathyroid and pituitary glands, two tissues known to develop tumors in patients carrying heterozygous mutations in MENIN (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1, MEN1), similarly showed increased proliferation in KRAS heterozygous null mutants. Our data suggest a model in which KRAS activates both the pro-proliferative MAPK pathway, and the antiproliferative RASSF1 pathway. In the tissues susceptible to the MENIN gene mutation, MENIN prevents the MAPK effector pathway from driving beta-cell proliferation while leaving the inhibitory RASSF1 effector pathway intact. In this model, loss of MENIN causes proliferation due to removal of the block in the proliferative drive mediated by MAPK signaling, while a reduction in KRAS signaling increases proliferation by decreasing the unopposed RASSF1 activity in susceptible cells. Citation Format: Chester E. Chamberlain, Michael S. German. KRAS inhibition of pancreatic beta-cell growth occurs through a MENINRASSF1 regulatory network. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Progress and Challenges; Jun 18-21, 2012; Lake Tahoe, NV. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A11.
MR microscopy of transgenic mice that spontaneously acquire experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

Pathology of fixed spinal cords from transgenic mice with a myelin basic protein (MBP) specific T cell receptor was investigated. These mice spontaneously acquire the demyelinating disease experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). Several complementary imaging modalities, all on the same tissues, were used to visualize lesions; these included high-field (11.7-T) microscopic diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), T*_2- image-weighted imaging, and optical microscopy on histological sections. Lesions were predominantly in white matter around meninges and vasculature and appeared hyperintense in anatomical images. DTIs showed reduced diffusion anisotropy in the same hyperintense regions, consistent with inflammation and edema. Histology in the same tissues exhibited the characteristic pathology of EAE. Two techniques for visualizing the effective diffusion tensor fields are presented, which display direction, organization, and integrity of neuronal fibers. It is shown that DTI offers intriguing possibilities for visualizing axonal organization and lesions within white matter.
Selenium supplementation of symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus infected patients.

The mean whole blood selenium levels in male San Diego, CA patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are 0.123 ±0.030 μg/mL (n=24), and 0.126±0.038 μg/mL (n=26) in patients with AIDS-related complex (ARC), compared to 0.195±0.020 μg/mL (n=28) in San Diego healthy controls (males). To establish whether intestinal absorption of dietary selenium is impaired in AIDS or ARC, a supplementation trial was conducted in which 19 symptomatic HIV-antibody positive male patients with AIDS or ARC were taking 400 μg of selenium/d in form of selenium yeast for up to 70 d. The mean whole blood Se levels increased to 0.28±0.08 μg/mL after 70 d of supplementation, the selenium supplements were well tolerated. A rationale for adjuvant selenium supplementation of symptomatic and asymptomatic HIV carriers is proposed.
Sport Participation Across National Contexts: A Multilevel Investigation of Individual and Systemic Influences on Adult Sport Participation

Abstract Since multiple factors may impact adult levels and patterns of sport participation, this study utilized stages from Green's (2005) sport development theoretical model to examine the structural and individual factors that impact the sport experiences, patterns, and motives of both female and male adults in three different countries: the Netherlands (n=48), the United States of America (n=44), and the Republic of Korea (n=30). Asynchronous online focus groups using semi-structured questions assessed past and current sport participation, barriers and benefits to sport participation, and perceptions of sport delivery systems. The main themes that emerged related to adult sport participation were life-course and transitional dynamics, motivational differences, and sport delivery system impacts. While previous research has typically implicated individual-level factors for differences in sport participation the current study indicates that delivery system level factors are also critical. Systems that ar...
The influence of viscosity on the strength of an axially strained pendular liquid bridge

Abstract Pendular liquid bridges between two relatively moving solid particles (dynamic bridges) occur extensively throughout the powder technology industry, with a typical example being binder granulation. By means of a sensitive linear voltage differential force tranducer, the influence of viscosity on the strength of an axially, periodically strained pendular bridge was investigated where bridge strength is defined as the maximum interparticle force developed during one complete sphere oscillation. The relative importance of the theoretically derived dimensionless groups governing bridge strength is experimentally established for systems exhibiting complete solid—liquid wettability. A simplified solution of dynamic bridge strength based on the superposition of lubrication theory and circular approximation is presented. For a small gap distance with sufficient bridge volume and in the limit of small Reynolds number, a good agreement between the experimental and present theoretical axial force response is observed, indicating the importance of the capillary number Ca in determining pendular bridge strength. The present quasi-static solution is zeroeth-order in Ca and gap distance, and is expected to break down with increasing local inertial effects. Such inertial effects are governed by a modified Bond number. In the limit of low Ca , they lead to an increase in bridge strength due to an added mass effect, whereas in the limit of high Ca , they lead to a reduced, shifted force response due to an insufficient rate of vorticity propagation. Under industrially relevant conditions, the strength of the dynamic bridge was observed to exceed the static by over an order of magnitude. Since a significant number of powder processes such as granulation are not static in nature, viscous interactions between particles should be considered whenever a liquid interstitial phase is present.
In vitro effects of coital lubricants and synthetic and natural oils on sperm motility.

Objective To evaluate the effects of coital lubricants and oils on sperm motility. Design Comparative prospective in vitro study. Setting University Andrology laboratory. Patient(s) Twenty-two normozoospermic donors. Intervention(s) Semen samples were incubated in modified human tubal fluid (mHTF) control and in 10% Pre-Seed, Astroglide, and KY products (Sensitive, Warming, and Tingling) and baby, canola, sesame, and mustard oils. Total and progressive sperm motility was evaluated before and at 5, 30, and 60 minutes of incubation. Main Outcome Measure(s) Sperm motility. Result(s) Control samples exhibited no significant decrease in sperm motility. Pre-Seed showed a slight (∼4%) but significant drop in progressive motility after 30 minutes. Total and progressive sperm motility significantly declined under Astroglide, KY products (Sensitive, Warming, and Tingling) and sesame oil incubation. Canola oil significantly decreased total motility after 30 minutes and progressive motility after 5 minutes of incubation. Similarly, baby oil decreased total motility after 60 minutes and progressive motility after 5 minutes. After initial decline, total and progressive sperm motility under Pre-Seed and canola and baby oils remained high. Exposure to mustard oil caused persistent hyperactivation of sperm in each sample with no decrease in motility. Conclusion(s) Sesame oil and synthetic coital lubricants impaired sperm motility and may hamper fertility. Pre-Seed and canola, mustard, and baby oils showed no deleterious effect and may be considered sperm-friendly coital lubricants. Mustard oil exposure resulted in hyperactivation of sperm and needs to be studied further.
Hybrid-Galerkin perturbation method for forced oscillations of the Duffing equation

Perturbation approximation with the ''small'' coefficient @e are developed for the Duffing equation [email protected]? + [email protected]@[email protected]? + @w"o^2U + @[email protected]^3 = @eF sin @Wt, @e>0, by the method of multiple time scales. Solutions are generated for the problem of nonresonant excitation (@W not near @w"o) and for the problem of resonant excitation (@W near @w"o). A two term expansion is derived for the case of nonresonant excitation, with both one and two term expansions resulting for the case of resonant excitation. The Hybrid-Galerkin perturbation method is then applied to each of the perturbation solutions derived. In each case the resultant Hybrid-Galerkin solution is compared to its corresponding perturbation solution for various values of @e and @W. Both methods are also compared to a fourth-order Runge-Kutta solution of the given differential equation.
Felbamate neuroprotection against CA1 traumatic neuronal injury.

Abstract Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of disability and death. Since the anticonvulsant felbamate provides hypoxic neuroprotection, we investigated whether felbamate would provide protection against traumatic neuronal injury as well. Traumatic injury to CA1 neurons in hippocampal slices was induced by fluid percussion, and CA1 evoked response was monitored. Pre-treatment with felbamate was strongly protective against neuronal injury, and permitted CA1 antidromic population spike recovery to a mean 94 ± 1% (S.E.M.) of initial amplitude, compared to unmedicated slices which regained only 15 ± 6%. The felbamate EC 50 for this protection was 136 mg/l, and significant protection was found at felbamate concentrations similar to those reported in felbamate monotherapy for seizures. Significant protection was also detected when felbamate was initiated 15 min after trauma. Slices given brief post-trauma felbamate treatment could demonstrate long-term potentiation when assessed 8 h after trauma. These studies indicate that felbamate is neuroprotective against CA1 traumatic neuronal injury.
The Novelty of 3D Product Presentations Online

The current research sought to understand the contribution of novelty to the positive outcomes that have been reported in the research on 3D interactions online and in e-commerce. The novelty of 3D product presentations was manipulated and examined along with the presentation of additional forms of information to determine if novelty is related to positive feelings associated with 3D products. Additional information was most compelling in product attitude formation, whereas novelty played a key role in shaping purchase intention. Novelty and information both impacted attitudes toward Web sites using 3D products. Directions for future research are suggested.
Günter tulip filter retrieval experience: predictors of successful retrieval.

We report our experience with Gunter Tulip filter placement indications, retrievals, and procedural problems, with emphasis on alternative retrieval techniques. We have identified 92 consecutive patients in whom a Gunter Tulip filter was placed and filter removal attempted. We recorded patient demographic information, filter placement and retrieval indications, procedures, standard and nonstandard filter retrieval techniques, complications, and clinical outcomes. The mean time to retrieval for those who experienced filter strut penetration was statistically significant [F(1,90) = 8.55, p = 0.004]. Filter strut(s) IVC penetration and successful retrieval were found to be statistically significant (p = 0.043). The filter hook-IVC relationship correlated with successful retrieval. A modified guidewire loop technique was applied in 8 of 10 cases where the hook appeared to penetrate the IVC wall and could not be engaged with a loop snare catheter, providing additional technical success in 6 of 8 (75%). Therefore, the total filter retrieval success increased from 88 to 95%. In conclusion, the Gunter Tulip filter has high successful retrieval rates with low rates of complication. Additional maneuvers such as a guidewire loop method can be used to improve retrieval success rates when the filter hook is endothelialized.
Radiation induced microstructure and mechanical property evolution of SiC/C/SiC composite materials

Chemically vapor deposited (CVD) SiC/C/Nicalon composites have been neutron irradiated in both HFIR and FFTF from 1 to 15 dpa and have been ion beam damaged with 3 MeV carbon ions to 30 dpa in a temperature range from room temperature to 900°C. Following room temperature carbon irradiation amorphization occurred in both the CVD SiC and Nicalon fiber with measured amorphization thresholds of 15 and 1 dpa, respectively. Elastic modulus and hardness have been measured for both the ion beam and neutron irradiated materials. The CVD SiC showed a significant decrease in modulus and hardness following irradiation while the Nicalon fibers modulus and hardness increased.
VandalMail Live: bringing a campus into the Microsoft @EDU Program

At the start of 2007, the University of Idaho was actively pursuing an upgrade path for an outdated Sun Microsystems iPlanet e-mail system. The initial phase for employee migration to Microsoft Exchange was in progress and vendor review for outsourcing e-mail had just been completed.The Microsoft Live @EDU program was evaluated and was found to have features which would complement the Exchange system being introduced to campus during the same time-frame. Even though student groups had been involved in discussions with Microsoft, we were not prepared for what happened when we went 'Live' on March 1st, 2007.The migration process was blamed for loss of student class work. The end-of-semester time-frame frustrated students and faculty alike. We experienced an immediate backlash from some very vocal students who disliked Microsoft. Security concerns were voiced by many. Apple users felt ignored. These issues and many more erupted, all during the first week of the process to convert 16,000 student accounts to the Live @EDU system.Within three months all student accounts had been converted, some program deficiencies had been alleviated, and the entire staff was ecstatic that summer had finally arrived; but a year later we still are dealing with the vendor choice in ways we did not expect going into the partnership.This paper will explore the challenges we experienced bringing our campus into the Microsoft @EDU Program with a focus on methods we used to successfully meet these challenges.
Planning and Dynamic Control of Projects under Uncertainty

This paper addresses the problem of planning and controlling through resource allocation decisions projects under conditions of uncertainty. Particular attention is given to the dynamic reallocation of resources over the duration of projects as information about actual activity times becomes known. The effect of resource allocations on an activity is represented, by modifications in the probability function of the time to process that activity. Analytic procedures such as dynamic programming and distribution analysis, which might lead to optimal dynamic decision rules, are shown to be computationally intractable even for very small problems. For a set of project networks of relatively simple structure, the efficacy of several heuristic decision rules is tested via simulation. The results of these simulation studies indicate some general concepts that should be applicable to the management of larger, more realistic, projects.
Numerical simulations of AGNs

Abstract The role that numerical simulations play in the study of active galactic nuclei is reviewed. Some of the advantages and limitations of numerical work are discussed and illustrated with applications from jet and disk studies.
BEACONS, BREASTS, SYMBOLS, SEX AND CANCER

Since the 1950's effective control of conception has allowed modern men and women to differentiate procreational from recreational sexual exchange. What is considered highly erotic has differed widely through time and in various cultures. In the U.S. the female breast has come to mean far more than nurturing an infant. Sexuality symbolizes youth, attractiveness, desirability and as such is used for effective commercial marketing. The reality of cancer remains to be dealt with in health care at a physical level but more is needed to assist the emotional adjustment of affected women and their partners. Brief sex therapy for sex symptoms is outlined.
Chiral Self-Propulsion of Growing Bacterial Macrofibers on a Solid Surface

Supercoiling motions that accompany the growth of bacterial macrofibers (multicellular filamentous structures formed in B. subtilis by cell division without separation) are responsible for rolling, pivoting, and walking of fibers on a surface. Fibers possess a fulcrum about which they pivot and step in a chiral manner; forces and torques associated with cell growth, when blocked by friction, result in self-propulsion. The elastic engine that drives macrofiber motions generates torques estimated as microdyn cm and femtowatts of power; optical trapping studies yield a first direct measurement of the Young's modulus of the bacterial cell wall, the engine's "working fluid," of ca. 0.05 GPa.