cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of anesthetic agents on the thyroid activity of the rat.

INTRODUCTION During a course of studies involving the measurement of thyroid activity by radio iodide uptake in anesthetized animals, observed differences appeared to be related to the kind of anesthetic agent employed. Reduced I131 uptake was frequently noted especially when thiopental sodium (pentothal) was used. Previously, Williams et al. (1949) have reported erratic results in the measurement of radio iodide uptakes by rat thyroid when thiopental sodium was administered. This may have been due to an anti-thyroid effect of the drug. The anti-thyroid activity of the thiobarbituric acids has been demonstrated by McGinty and Bywater (1945). The thiobarbituric acids tested by these investigators were less active than thiouracil except 5,5-diethyl-2-thiobarbituric acid which had an increased anti-thyroid property. Astwood (1943) in a 10 day feeding experiment, has reported inhibition of thyroid function by thiobarbituric acids. Bartels (1945) has used thiobarbiturates in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
Visual-tactual knowledge in 8-, 9½, and 11-month-old infants

The visual-tactual knowledge of 8, 9½, and 11-month-old infants was assessed by comparing their responses on two sorts of “trick” trials to those on matched control trials. On the virtual object task, the infants felt nothing at all where they could see an object on the trick trial, and they felt the visible object on the control trial. On two cross-modal tasks, the infants felt something different in shape and texture from what they could see in a certain place on trick trials, and they felt an object identical to the one seen an control trials. The two older groups of infants responded differentially to the trick and control trials, while the 8-moth-olds did not. It is concluded that 9½ and 11-month-old infant posses visual tactual knowledge about both object existence and object feature. The failure of 8-month-olds to similarly evidence such knowledge is discussed with reference to their less mature information processing abilities and reaching skills
Isomerization reactions of lithium N-butyl-4-pentenylamide

Abstract Lithium N-butyl-4-pentenylamide ( 1 ) in tetrahydrofuran at 22 °C rearranged smoothly to give a mixture (after protonation) of 1-butyl-2-methylpyrrolidine, formed by an unusual cyclization process, and cis - and trans -N-butyl-3-pentenylamine; in the presence of 2.0 molar equiv of hexamethylphosphoramide, the total rate of isomerization was accelerated by a factor of 2.5.
Optimization of thermodynamic data for silicon borides

Abstract A self-consistent set of thermodynamic formation data for the silicon boridesr SiB3, SiB6 and SiB14 was calculated after review of the relevant literature regarding thermodynamic and phase equilibria data in the silicon-boron binary system. This was accomplished using the computer program BINGSS, which is a least squares fitting routine for binary systems developed by Lukas et al. (ref. 1).
Cerebral Infarct in Pediatric Neuro-Behçet's Disease:

Behcet's disease is a multisystem inflammatory vasculitic disorder with a chronic course for which the etiology is unknown. The central nervous system can be affected in 5% to 30% of all Behcet patients, yet it has been rarely reported in children or in Western countries. We describe a 14-year-old girl with Behcet's disease that presented initially as a cerebral infarct without venous sinus thrombosis.
Optimal Scheduling to Achieve Energy Reduction in Automotive Paint Shops

The largest amount of energy consumption in an automotive assembly plant is in paint shop. Optimizing the energy usage in paint shops will result in maximum energy savings. Instead of inventing new chemicals, new painting processes or new control systems in painting booths and ovens, our research focuses on developing an optimal scheduling procedure of vehicle sequence to achieve the goal of energy reduction. Specifically, by selecting appropriate batch and sequence policies, the paint quality can be improved and repaints can be reduced so that less material and energy will be consumed. It is shown that such scheduling and control method can lead to significant energy savings with no extra investment, nor changes to existing painting processes.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Thin film multilayers of TiNi/TiO 2 /PZT: mechanical and ferroelectrical characterization

This paper concerns the mechanical and ferroelectrical properties of TiNi/TiO2/PZT multilayers. As prototypes for `smart' materials, the TiNi and oxide ceramics must be capable of both sensing and actuation functions. For testing of the properties of these meso-scale structures to occur, the mechanical and electrical properties of the individual components need to be characterized. The mechanical properties of the PZT thin film were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy and optical microscopy. Cracking and defects in the PZT were observed for thick films, however thin PZT films of 1 micron or less showed better mechanical integrity. The ferroelectric properties of the PZT thin films were smaller than for bulk PZT; this was likely associated with leakage currents caused by the mechanical imperfections of the films.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Thyrite A New Material for Lightning Arresters

A new material has been developed which is peculiarly adapted for use in lightning arresters. It is physically similar to dry process porcelain and it can be made in any shape that can be successfully moulded. The manufacturing processes have been perfected so that the electrical and mechanical characteristics can be duplicated or varied as desired within practical limits. This material, which is called thyrite, does not follow Ohm's law, for each time the voltage is doubled the current increases 12.6 times. The ratio of change of current to change in voltage is constant over ranges of current of 10,000,000 to one. This means the resistance decreases as the current and voltage increase. The resistance at any particular value of voltage or current is fixed by the physical dimensions of the piece. It is slightly lowered at high temperatures but returns to normal when cooled. The resistance does not depend upon the rapidity of current or voltage change and it is unaffected by long service. Because of these definite characteristics of thyrite the action of lightning arresters can be accurately calculated for the first time. Thyrite is now being used experimentally in three types of lightning arresters. The station type is made in 11.5-kv. sections, each one containing its own gap unit so that no series arrester gap is required. These gap units have the desirable property of sparking over at practically the same voltage irrespective of wave front. The 11.5-kv.
Trifurcation triple balloon angioplasty in a dual left anterior descending coronary artery: the "Ménage à trois" revisited.

We describe a case of simultaneous triple balloon angioplasty of a trifurcation stenosis in a dual left anterior descending coronary artery variant using over-the-wire and monorail balloon catheters and a single guide catheter. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Elevated gastrin-releasing peptide receptor mRNA expression in buccal mucosa: association with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background. Expression of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) is elevated in mucosa adjacent to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) compared with mucosa from cancer-free controls, suggesting elevated GRPR expression may indicate presence of HNSCC. Methods. We measured GRPR mRNA levels in histologically normal buccal mucosa from 65 surgical patients with HNSCC and 75 cancer- free control subjects using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We tested for association between GRPR expression and HNSCC and evaluated differences in patient progression-free survival (PFS). Results. Buccal GRPR expression was higher in cases but not controls who were active smokers (p ¼ .04). High GRPR expression was
Retinal afferents and efferents of an infrared sensitive snake, Crotalus viridis

The retinal afferents and efferents were examined in Crotalus viridis. Retinofugal fibers were traced by injecting horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or tritiated leucine into the eye, or by removing the eye and staining degenerating axons with silver methods. Terminations were seen contralaterally in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the dorsal and ventral lateral geniculate nuclei (extensive), the pretectal nuclei, including the nucleus posterodorsalis (a very heavy input), the nucleus lentiformis mesencephali, nucleus geniculatus pretectalis, and nucleus pretectalis, the superficial layers of the optic tectum, including the stratum zonale, the stratum opticum, the stratum griseum et fibrosum centrale and the upper portion of stratum griseum centrale, and the basal optic nucleus. Ipsilateral input reaches the intermediate portion of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, a small portion of the pretectal nucleus and nucleus posterodorsalis, and the basal optic nucleus (very minimally). Retinopedal fibers were traced with the HRP method. The cell bodies lie in the ventral thalamus within the nucleus of the ventral supraoptic decussation. These neurons project primarily to the contralateral retina, but some more rostrally located neurons project to the ipsilateral retina.
Current Management of Common Bacterial Meningitides

Bacterial meningitis is one of the most important, relatively frequent life-threatening infections encountered in children; thus physicians caring for children must be familiar with the current recommendations concerning its management. Newer antibiotics, especially third-generation cephalosporins, have provided satisfactory alternatives to the standard antibiotic treatment of bacterial meningitis in children but present the pediatrician with a baffling array of potential choices that can lead to confusion and indecision when selecting an agent to administer. At the present time, none of these newer agents has emerged as clearly superior to the others, and, therefore, a particular agent cannot be recommended as the single drug of choice for the treatment of bacterial meningitis in the pediatric age group. This review will focus on the antibiotic treatment and supportive care of the child with bacterial meningitis due to the most common pathogens ANTIMICROBIAL THERAPY OF BACTERIAL MENINGITIS IN CHILDREN The principles of the antibiotic therapy of bacterial meningitis have been derived from both clinical studies and animal models.1 It is clear that an antibiotic must be bactericidal in vitro against a particular microorganism in order to be most effective in vivo. Antibiotics that only inhibit growth of an organism frequently do not result in sterility of CSF in animal models or in the human host.
Adaptive suppression algorithms in asynchronous cdma for cellular and indoor wireless channels

The okjective of this paper is to evaluate the performance of adaptive algorithms for suppressing multiple access interference (MAI) both in mobile indoor and cellular telephony channels employing code division multiple nccess (CDMA) technique. For the indoor channel, the CDMA system under consideration assumed to have 10 users each being mobile with a velocity of IO mis and one stationary base transmitter. The cellular teleph- ony CDMA is also assumed to have IO users undergoing multi- path propagation modeled by Rummler channel. Each user is assigned a Gold code signature sequence of length 63. The adaptive algorithms employed are the least mean square (LMS) and normalized least mean square (NLMS). An analytical tech- nique is also developed for the bit error rate evaluation
Interleukin-15 Augments Superoxide Production and Microbicidal Activity of Human Monocytes against Candida albicans

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a newly described cytokine that shares biological activities with IL-2. We report here results demonstrating the ability of IL-15 to enhance superoxide production and antifungal activity of human monocytes. After 18 and 48 h of treatment with IL-15, human elutriated monocytes manifested enhanced superoxide production in response to either phorbol myristate acetate or opsonized Candida albicans blastoconidia. Similar results were obtained when monocytes were treated with IL-2, but to a lesser extent. Combination studies with IL-15 and IL-2 showed no additive or synergistic effects. Following incubation of monocytes with IL-15 for 18 h, there was no significant increase in mRNA transcripts for components of the NADPH oxidase complex, p40-phox, p47-phox, and gp91-phox, suggesting a posttranscriptional modulation of enhanced superoxide production. Antibodies against the γ chain of the IL-2 receptor and, to a lesser extent, against the β chain partially abrogated the IL-15-mediated enhanced superoxide production. Additionally, human monocytes showed enhanced killing activity against C. albicans after 18 h of incubation with IL-15 or IL-2, but this treatment did not enhance the ability of these cells to phagocytose the organism. In addition, the enhanced fungicidal activity seen after 18 h of treatment was no longer detectable after 48 h of cytokine treatment. Culture supernatants from the IL-15-treated monocytes were assayed for the presence of other proinflammatory cytokines. IL-15 treatment did not induce the release of detectable levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-1β, or IL-12. Our results indicate that IL-15 upregulates the microbicidal activity of human monocytes against C. albicans.
Determining Evidence-Based Practices in Special Education

Determining evidence-based practices is a complicated enterprise that requires analyzing the methodological quality and magnitude of the available research supporting specific practices. This article reviews criteria and procedures for identifying what works in the fields of clinical psychology, school psychology, and general education; and it compares these systems with proposed guidelines for determining evidence-based practices in special education. The authors then summarize and analyze the approaches and findings of the 5 reviews presented in this issue. In these reviews, prominent special education scholars applied the proposed quality indicators for high-quality research and standards for evidence-based practice to bodies of empirical literature. The article concludes by synthesizing these scholars' preliminary recommendations for refining the proposed quality indicators and standards for evidence-based practices in special education, as well as the process for applying them.
FROM THE EDITOR: How to Get an Article Accepted at American Anthropologist (or Anywhere), Part 2

I the September 2008 issue of American Anthropologist (110.3), my “From the Editor” piece was entitled “How to Get an Article Accepted at American Anthropologist (or Anywhere)” (Boellstorff 2008a). In it, I discussed five tips that, based on my experience reviewing hundreds of manuscripts, would help an author get their work accepted for publication at any scholarly journal—regardless of methodological approach, theoretical framework, or subdisciplinary position. I have been flattered to find this article circulated globally, including a range of reprintings and even translations. Given this interest in discussing how to present one’s research in the most effective manner possible, I have decided to provide— precisely two years after my original article—five new tips to getting an article accepted at American Anthropologist (or anywhere).
High-Throughput Detection of Glutathione S-Transferase Polymorphic Alleles in a Pediatric Cancer Population

Polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes have been correlated with altered risk of several cancers, as well as altered response and toxicity from cancer chemotherapy. We report a low cost, highly reproducible and specific PCR-based high-throughput assay for genotyping different GSTs designed for use in large clinical trials. In comparison to an alternative genotyping method (single nucleotide extension), the sensitivity and specificity of the high throughput assay was shown to be 92 and 97%, respectively, depending on the source of genomic DNA. Using the high-throughput assay, we demonstrate by multivariate analysis an increased risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, glial brain tumors, and osteosarcoma for patients carrying nonnull alleles of GSTM1 and/or GSTT1.
Multilocularity as a radiographic marker of the keratocystic odontogenic tumor.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to answer this clinical question: When a patient presents with a radiolucent lesion of the mandible presumed to be an odontogenic cystic lesion, to what extent is the radiographic finding of multilocularity predictive of a final diagnosis of keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT)? Materials and Methods The study sample was derived from the population of patients who presented to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital for evaluation and management of suspected mandibular lesions from January 1991 through January 2009. Subjects were eligible for study inclusion if there was a final histologic diagnosis of KCOT or dentigerous cyst. The predictor variable was radiographic appearance of the lesion and was grouped into 2 categories (unilocular or multilocular). The outcome variable was lesion type (KCOT or dentigerous cyst). Appropriate univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistics were computed. Statistical significance was defined as P Results The study consisted of 130 subjects. Multilocular lesions were 1.7 times more likely to be KCOTs than unilocular lesions ( P = .0001). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 0.48, 0.87, 0.86, and 0.49, respectively. In the multiple logistic regression model, a multilocular radiographic appearance was associated with a 12-fold (95% confidence interval, 3.7 to 38) increased risk of KCOT. Conclusion The results of this study confirm the hypothesis that radiographic multilocularity is predictive of a KCOT because it is associated with a 12-fold increased risk for the diagnosis of KCOT.
Taking Teacher Education Outside the Box: the John Cheffers Story

In 1974 my career path abruptly changed. After seven years of teaching in the public schools I made the decision to begin work on my doctorate at Boston University. This was a major career change for me motivated by a strong need to help improve physical education in the schools. To do this I saw myself in a position at a university or college where I could prepare others to be great teachers. It was at Boston University that I met John Cheffers who became my advisor, mentor, and friend. Our partnership was to become one where I learned more about myself, kids, and the unique role that physical activity and sport could play in helping children and youth become what Robert Coles calls “good people.” He was one of the very few professionals in our field who sought to better understand the human condition of young people. He knew the challenges that youngsters faced, especially those that resided in underserved areas of our cities and rural communities. Viewing sport as an ally, John used it as way to help youth develop self-confidence and the requisite life skills needed to successfully face the pressures and temptations they face in their lives. He also believed that sport could ignite the will to step out, be a role model, and lead others. This philosophy was born from his early experiences as the head athletic coach for Zimbabwe, then called Rhodesia. His coaching exploits of the multiracial team were detailed in his book: "A Wilderness of Spite: Rhodesia Denied". This team was denied entry to Mexico for the Olympics by the Mexican government, and was, de facto, banned from the Olympic Games at this point. This event crystallized John's strong belief that politics and social injustice should not interfere in sport.
Physically realistic modeling of cone-beam collimator and 3-D patient geometry for cardiac SPECT

A method of nuclear medicine simulation incorporating complete physical realism of any collimator of three-dimensional patient geometry has been developed. The results of simulating a cone-beam collimator for cardiac imaging are described. Cone-beam collimation for imaging small organs leads to an enhancement of both sensitivity and lesion detectability over conventional collimators. Results of verifying the method of tomographic data acquisition of cone-beam data are provided. Future uses of this method of data production are also described. >
Is hybrid robotic laparoscopic assistance the ideal approach for restorative rectal cancer dissection

Aim While the use of robotic assistance in the management of rectal cancer has gradually increased in popularity over the years, the optimal technique is still under debate. The authors' preferred technique is a robotic low anterior resection that requires a hybrid approach with laparoscopic hand-assisted mobilization of the left colon and robotic assistance for rectal dissection. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of this approach as it relates to intra-operative and short-term outcomes. Method Between August 2005 and July 2011, consecutive patients undergoing rectal dissection for cancer via the hybrid robotic technique were included in our study. Demographics, margin positivity, intra-operative and short-term outcomes were evaluated. Results The preferred approach was performed in 77 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma. Of these, 68 underwent low anterior resection and nine had a coloanal pull-through procedure (mean age 60.1 years; mean body mass index 28.0 kg/m2; mean operative time 327 min; conversion rate 3.9%). Three patients (3.9%) had positive resection margins (one circumferential, two distal). Five patients had an anastomotic leak (6.4%). No robot-specific complications were observed. Conclusion The hybrid approach involving hand-assisted left colon mobilization and robotic rectal dissection is a safe and feasible technique for minimally invasive low anterior resection. This approach can be considered an viable option for surgeons new to robotic rectal dissection.
Therapy of chronic urticaria: a simple, modern approach.

Abstract Objective To examine the available treatment choices for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and discuss a new paradigm for treating such patients. Data Sources The literature regarding treatment is reviewed, including considerations of published guidelines. Attention is focused on the most recent evidence indicating particular efficacy of omalizumab. Results Omalizumab has been found to have considerable efficacy in phase 2 and phase 3 trials in which more than 900 patients have been studied. A response rate of 65% is seen in patients resistant to antihistamines as well as to histamine 2 blockers and leukotriene antagonists, and 40% of patients are completely free of hives as long as therapy is continued. In addition, serious adverse events have not been seen. Only cyclosporine can match this response rate (excluding steroids), but the adverse effect profile (blood pressure and renal function) is substantial by comparison. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of other agents often listed as alternatives are lacking (ie, whether their success rate exceeds the 25%-30% placebo response is uncertain). The mechanism by which omalizumab works in CSU is not clear because the response rate is unrelated to the autoimmune profile and can occur rapidly (ie, within a few days). Conclusion Omalizumab has exceptional efficacy for antihistamine-resistant CSU with an excellent adverse effect profile.
A New Species of Vitalianthus (Lejeuneaceae, Hepaticae) from the Brazilian Amazon

A new species in the formerly monotypic genus Vitalianthus is described from Amazonas State, Brazil. Vitalianthus urubuensis sp. n. exhibits leaves with an unbroken chain of ocelli, upright orientation of the underleaf lobes, and a 4-keeled perianth lacking horn-like projections; all features that distinguish the only other known member of this genus, V. bischleriana (Porto & Grolle) R. M. Schust. & Giancotti. Differences between V. urubuensis and V. bischleriana are most evident in leaf and lobule morphology. The discovery of this new species in central Amazonia dramatically expands the geographic range of Vitalianthus, a taxon once considered endemic to the coastal rainforests of northeastern Brazil.
Oxygen Tension in the Oviduct of the Rhesus Monkey (Macaca Mulatta

The oxygen tension in the oviductol fluid of adult female rhesus monkeys was measured by means of miniaturized, flexible, oxygen probes between days 5 and 22 of the menstrual cycle. In the follicular phase, the value was very low,
Dynamic Prediction of Pile Static Bearing Capacity

Using field-measured hammer force as the input function of time, analytical studies are employed to predict pile dynamic response. When these predictions are compared to dynamic results obtained in the field, it is found that good predictions of pile ultimate static bearing capacity are obtained from the analytical studies. These results, obtained primarily in silly soil, offer, among other things, the possibility of replacing pile static tests with dynamic ones, at least in certain soils.
Reinforcement learning for licensed-assisted access of LTE in the unlicensed spectrum

In order to coexist with the WiFi systems in the unlicensed spectrum, Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks can utilize periodically configured transmission gaps. In this paper, considering a time division duplex (TDD)-LTE system, we propose a Q-Learning based dynamic duty cycle selection technique for configuring LTE transmission gaps, so that a satisfactory throughput is maintained both for LTE and WiFi systems. By explicitly taking the impact of IEEE 802.11n beacon transmission mechanism into account, we evaluate the coexistence performance of WiFi and LTE using the proposed technique. Simulation results show that the proposed approach can enhance the overall capacity performance by 19% and WiFi capacity performance by 77%, hence enabling effective coexistence of LTE and WiFi systems in the unlicensed band.
KLF4 is downregulated but not mutated during human esophageal squamous cell carcinogenesis and has tumor stage-specific functions

The transcriptional regulator Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is decreased in human esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC), and Klf4 deletion in mice produces squamous cell dysplasia. Nonetheless the mechanisms of KLF4 downregulation in ESCC and the functions of KLF4 during ESCC development and progression are not well understood. Here, we sought to define the regulation of KLF4 and delineate the stage-specific effects of KLF4 in ESCC. We found that KLF4 expression was decreased in human ESCC and in 8 of 9 human ESCC cell lines. However, by genomic sequencing, we observed no KLF4 mutations or copy number changes in any of 52 human ESCC, suggesting other mechanisms for KLF4 silencing. In fact, KLF4 expression in human ESCC cell lines was increased by the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine, suggesting an epigenetic mechanism for KLF4 silencing. Surprisingly, while KLF4 decreased in high-grade dysplasia and early stage tumors, KLF4 increased with advanced cancer stage, and KLF4 expression in ESCC was inversely correlated with survival. Interestingly, KLF4 promoted invasion of human ESCC cells, providing a functional link to the stage-specific expression of KLF4. Taken together, these findings suggest that KLF4 loss is necessary for esophageal tumorigenesis but that restored KLF4 expression in ESCC promotes tumor spread. Thus, the use of KLF4 as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in cancer requires careful consideration of context.
The Utility of Point-of-Care Biomarkers to Detect Cardiotoxicity During Anthracycline Chemotherapy: A Feasibility Study

Abstract Background Anthracycline chemotherapy is associated with an increased risk of developing heart failure (HF). The current standard for detecting HF or cardiotoxicity during chemotherapy involves episodic cardiac imaging typically at prescribed intervals and there are limited studies examining techniques beyond measuring left ventricular (LV) function. This study explores whether cardiac biomarkers troponin I (TnI) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) could be part of a screening strategy for early detection of the development of cardiotoxicity in patients undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy. Methods and Results Patients were enrolled from a single medical center. Cardiac biomarkers (TnI, BNP) were measured before and within 24 hours after completion of anthracycline administration for each cycle of therapy. Cardiac imaging was obtained at baseline and at completion of chemotherapy (commonly at 6 or 12 months) or based on clinical suspicion of a cardiac event. Of the enrolled 109 patients, 11 (10.1%) experienced cardiac events; all of these patients had at least 1 BNP value >100 pg/mL before the cardiac event. Significant reduction in LV ejection fraction as defined for cardiotoxicity occurred in only 3 of 10 patients (30%) with a cardiac event. Conclusions The use of cardiac biomarkers, particularly BNP, may allow early detection of cardiotoxicity related to anthracycline chemotherapy.
A New Genus and Species of Goneplacid Crab (Decapoda: Brachyura) from the West Coast of South and Central America

ABSTRACT Odontoplax, new genus, is proposed for O. chacei, new species (Goneplacidae, Prionoplacinae), from Caleta La Cruz, Peru, from Cape San Francisco, Ecuador, and from La Union, El Salvador. The new genus is distinguished from allied genera by its male sternal-abdominalcoxal configuration.
Development of abnormal lipid bodies in various sphingolipidoses.

SummaryThe sphingolipidoses are hereditary disorders, secondary to enzyme defects, in which lipids accumulate in brain and other organs. The present studies indicate that the abnormal lipid cytosomes are derived from the smooth portion of the endoplasmic reticulum, and that the mitochondria appear to be the organelle that is primarily associated with the enzyme defect. Preliminary studies of mitochondrial fractions from normal and Tay-Sachs disease brains showed that the mitochondrial fraction of normal brains contained 28.6% N-acetyl hexosaminidase A activity, while it was absent in that from Tay-Sachs disease brain.
Abstract 4310: TWIST1, a B-RAF effector, promotes invasion and is a novel regulator of MMP-1 in human melanoma cells

Metastatic melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer due to its highly aggressive and chemotherapy-resistant nature. Therefore, determining the factors impacting melanoma advancement toward metastasis is an important and clinically-relevant task. Importantly, RAF/MEK/ERK signaling is hyperactive in the great majority of melanoma cells and is a driver of melanoma growth and invasion. In addition, the TWIST1 protein is up-regulated in melanoma and its expression correlates strongly with poor clinical prognosis. However, the mechanism underlying TWIST1 up-regulation, as well as the role of high TWIST1 expression in traits associated with the progression of melanoma, has yet to be uncovered. In this study, we report that disruption of RAF/MEK/ERK signaling strongly represses TWIST1 at the mRNA and protein level. We further show that TWIST1 protein levels are especially high in B-RAF mutant cells as well as in vertical growth phase melanoma cells, which are those that first begin to invade downward into the deeper dermal layers eventually leading to metastasis. To that effect, depletion of TWIST1 in several invasive melanoma cell lines significantly reduces Matrigel invasion. The inverse phenotype is apparent when TWIST1 is overexpressed in low TWIST1-expressing, non-invasive melanoma cell lines. Additionally, we tested the effect of altered Twist expression in three-dimensional collagen spheroid outgrowth assays, which mimic both tumor architecture and the in vivo collagen-rich dermal layer. We observe significant reduction in spheroid outgrowth when invasive cell lines are depleted for TWIST1 as well as increases in outgrowth when non-invasive cells overexpress TWIST1. Alterations to spheroid outgrowth were not as a result of apoptotic changes or proliferative rate. Importantly, we have found matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) to be a downstream effector of TWIST1. Furthermore, TWIST1 acts as a mediator between activated B-RAF signaling and MMP-1 in a dose-dependent and direct manner at the level of transcription. Our findings uncover the novel interplay between B-RAF, TWIST1, and MMP-1 which is likely important in the progression of melanoma towards metastasis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4310. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4310
Cooperative Control of a Team of Unmanned Vehicles Using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics

A procedure is outlined for trajectory planning based on Lagrangian coherent structures (LCS) and using a fluid cooperative control algorithm. Smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) was used to obtain a reduced model of the fluid cooperation. LCS provide insight in flow transport and allow for plausible trajectory planning while fluid based control provides a simple and uniform control mechanism with built in collision avoidance. The resulting near optimal trajectories are compared to truely optimal trajectories that are found by numerically solving an optimal control problem given a cost function which combines fuel and time costs. The LCS based trajectories with fluid control provide good results, but fail to reproduce the optimal trajectories in terms of pure fuel savings or pure speed. Finally, a hybrid approach is proposed. This approach solves the optimal control problem for a single vehicle and then uses SPH control to allow a swarm of vehicles to follow this single trajectory while maintaining spacing and avoiding collisions.
Viral Causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Many viruses, even the common cold, are capable of producing sensorineural hearing loss. Treatment so far available is ineffective in correcting these losses. However, as the technology of vaccination advances, it is hoped that these can be prevented. Poliomyelitis and smallpox have been virtually eliminated from this country. Measles, rubella, and mumps are coming under control. Perhaps in the future we will be able to completely control influenza and the common cold and thus prevent many of the sensorineural hearing losses that we see today.
Combined Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Surgery Performed via a Right Minithoracotomy Approach.

ObjectiveCombined mitral and tricuspid valve surgery is associated with an increased perioperative morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the outcomes of a less invasive right minithoracotomy approa...
Market Liberal Visions: The Libertarian Movement

Libertarianism developed in the sixties as a movement committed to defining and building the Utopia implicit in the writings of the market liberal scholars. Although the movement included some graybeards, its membership came overwhelmingly from those under the age of 40. The movement had its center on the nation’s college campuses then experiencing dramatic growths in enrollment. This expansion reflected the post-war “baby-boom” which added 13 800 000 members to the 14–24 age-cohort between 1960 and 1970.1 Liberals wanted to give this bumper crop much wider access to higher education. This would promote social mobility for members of the New Deal coalition, educate a workforce to meet the challenges of international competition, and, promote Vital Center liberalism’s vision of a “politically centrist, classless society.”2
Upper Bound for the Dvoretzky Dimension in Milman-Schechtman Theorem

For a symmetric convex body \(K \subset \mathbb{R}^{n}\), the Dvoretzky dimension k(K) is the largest dimension for which a random central section of K is almost spherical. A Dvoretzky-type theorem proved by V.D. Milman in 1971 provides a lower bound for k(K) in terms of the average M(K) and the maximum b(K) of the norm generated by K over the Euclidean unit sphere. Later, V.D. Milman and G. Schechtman obtained a matching upper bound for k(K) in the case when \(\frac{M(K)} {b(K)}> c(\frac{\log (n)} {n} )^{\frac{1} {2} }\). In this paper, we will give an elementary proof of the upper bound in Milman-Schechtman theorem which does not require any restriction on M(K) and b(K).
PERI-PROSTHETIC FX9S: REPAIR OR REPLACE?

Vancouver A: If minimal displacement and prosthesis stable can treat nonoperatively. If displacement is unacceptable and/or osteolysis is present consider surgery. AL: Rare, avulsions from osteopenia and lysis. If large, displaced and include large portion of calcar-can destabilise stem and prompt femoral revision. AG: More common. Often secondary to lysis. Does not usually affect implant stability. Minimal displacement. Treat closed × 3 months. Revise later is needed to remove the particle generator, debride defects and bone graft. Displaced with good host bone stock. Consider early ORIF and bone grafting. Vancouver B: B1: Rarely non-operative. ORIF with femoral component retention. Need to carefully identify stem fixation. B29s classified as B19s are doomed to fail. B19s correctly identified treated with plate, allograft struts or both. High union rates with component retention. B2: Femoral revision +/− strut allograft. Best results seen with patients revised with uncemented, extensively porous coated femoral stems. May use modular, fluted taper stems. B3: Proximal femoral replacement - Tumor prosthesis, Allograft Prosthetic Composite (APC). Uncemented femoral stem - Extensively porous coated, Fluted, tapered stem, Allograft strut. Vancouver C: Treat with standard fracture techniques. These fractures are away from the femoral prosthesis. Rarely nonoperative. Fixation options – Cerclage, Strut Allograft, Plate fixation, Retrograde IM nail, or a Combination thereof. Avoid stress risers between implants. Bypass (overlap) fixation. Consider allowing 2.5 cortical diameters between devices.
Proximal relationships between social support and PTSD symptom severity: A daily diary study of sexual assault survivors

Background In cross-sectional studies, social support and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms appear related, in that higher severity of PTSD is associated with lower social support and vice versa. Theoretical models of the causal direction of this relationship differ. Most longitudinal studies suggest that PTSD symptoms erode social support over time, although some suggest that higher social support is prospectively associated with decrease in PTSD symptom severity. It is unclear, though, how social support and PTSD affect each other in the short term. The purpose of this study was to test day-to-day relationships between PTSD and social support to elucidate how PTSD and social support influence each other. Methods Using 1173 daily observations from 75 college women who met screening criteria for lifetime sexual assault and past-month PTSD, this study tested same-day and next-day relationships between PTSD and social support using mixed models. Results Within-person analyses indicated that, when PTSD was higher than usual on a given day, social support was higher the next day. Between-person analyses suggested that people with generally higher social support tended to have lower PTSD symptoms on a given day, but average PTSD symptom severity was not associated with day-to-day fluctuations in social support. Conclusions Rather than eroding in response to daily symptoms, social support might be sought out following increases in PTSD, and when received consistently, might reduce symptoms of PTSD in the short term. Interventions that increase college women's access to social support after sexual assault may thus be helpful in addressing PTSD.
Poincaré series of fiber products and weak complete intersection ideals

Abstract We study the Poincare series of modules over a fiber product of commutative local rings. We introduce the notion of a weak complete intersection ideal; these are the ideals with the property that every differential in their minimal free resolutions can be represented by a matrix whose entries are in the ideal itself. We show that many properties of the Poincare series that are known to hold for a fiber product over the maximal ideal also hold for those over weak intersection ideals.
Reductive cyclizations at the cathode

In a recent publication, Schafer and coworkers point out the utility of the electrode as a “reagent” which is effective in promoting bond formation between functional groups of the same reactivity, or polarity. They accurately note that reduction at a cathode, or oxidation at an anode, renders electron-poor sites rich, and electron-rich sites, poor. This reactivity-profile reversal clearly provides many opportunities for the formation of new bonds between sites formally possessing the same polarity, provided only one of the two groups is reduced or oxidized. Electrochemistry provides an ideal solution to the issue of selectivity, given that a controlled potential reduction or oxidation is readily achieved using an inexpensive potentiostat. In this article we address cyclizations that are initiated by reduction at a cathode. A wide variety of ring systems have been constructed in this manner.
Early socioeconomic adversity and cardiometabolic risk in young adults: mediating roles of risky health lifestyle and depressive symptoms

The study examined the mediating roles of risky health lifestyle and depressive symptoms in relation to childhood/adolescence adversity and young adult cardiometabolic risk with data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (n = 9421). Four classes of youth emerged from a latent class analysis with varying early adversity patterns: (a) both low disadvantaged SES and stressful experience (54.8%), (b) high disadvantaged SES and low stressful experience (31.0%), (c) low disadvantaged SES and high stressful experience (10.9%), and (d) both high disadvantaged SES and stressful experience (3.3%). Early adversity had multiple direct and indirect effects on CM risk for those experiencing SES-related adversities. Instead, early adversity generated mediational processes between adversity and CM risks through risky health lifestyle and depressive symptoms for those experiencing stressful experience. Implications for intervention when dealing with youths who have experienced multiple forms of early adversity are discussed.
Scientific Methods of Geological and Paleontological Collections and Trends in Paleontological Investigation and Research

This article describes several conventional and modern methods and techniques in paleontological preparation and investigation. The main topics are the nondestructive methods which have been developed in the last decades. These methods are not only used in research projects of universities but also have become more and more useful tools in commonplace work on museums. In particular, computer tomography (CT, μCT), 3D scans and 3D prints offer the nondestructive investigation of internal and external structures of fossil remains as well as the possibility to cast them for display them in exhibitions. Other methods, like X-ray synchrotron-radiation microtomography (SR-μCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are also noted as methods of data analyses.
Does having had a concussion aid in knowing about concussion knowledge

Students who self-reported having had a concussion (C, n = 25) or not having had a concussion (NC, n = 63) took the Sports Concussion Knowledge questionnaire (9 true statements/17 false statements about concussions), responding true or false to each statement and indicating their confidence level (0–100%) in their answer. They also took the Executive Function Index. Groups did not differ on TT statements (true statements responded to as true) and TF statements (true statements responded to as false), F’s < 1.0. However, for the FF statements (false statements responded to as false), the C group (79% correct) was more accurate than the NC group (74% correct; p < .05). Confidence levels were high for both groups (78–80%). For the FT statements (false statements responded to as being true), the C group (21% errors) was more accurate than the NC group (26% errors; p < .05). Confidence levels were, again, high 70%. No group differences emerged for the EFI. Those in the C group a) were more accurate when indicating a false statement was false and b) displayed less misconception about Sports Concussions. In some cases, having had a concussion facilitates concussion knowledge.
Meaningful Partnerships: Stages of Development of a Patient and Family Advisory Council at a Family Medicine Residency Clinic

: Partnering with patients and families is a crucial step in optimizing health. A patient and family advisory council (PFAC) is a group of patients and family members working together collaboratively with providers and staff to improve health care. : This study aimed to describe the creation of a PFAC within a family medicine residency clinic. To understand the successful development of a PFAC, challenges, potential barriers, and positive outcomes of a meaningful partnership will be reported. : The stages of PFAC development include leadership team formation and initial training, PFAC member recruitment, and meeting launch. Following a description of each stage, outcomes are outlined and lessons learned are discussed. PFAC members completed an open-ended survey and participated in a focus group interview at the completion of the first year. Interviewees provided feedback regarding (1) favorite aspects or experiences, (2) PFAC impact on a family medicine clinic, and (3) future projects to improve care. Common themes will be presented. : The composition of the PFAC consisted of 18 advisors, including 8 patient and family advisors, 4 staff advisors, 4 resident physician advisors, and 2 faculty physician advisors. The average meeting attendance was 12 members over 11 meetings in the span of the first year. A total of 13 out of 13 (100%) surveyed participants were satisfied with their experience serving on the PFAC. : PFACs provide a platform for patient engagement and an opportunity to drive home key concepts around collaboration within a residency training program. A framework for the creation of a PFAC, along with lessons learned, can be utilized to advise other residency programs in developing and evaluating meaningful PFACs.
Robust rank-based variable selection in double generalized linear models with diverging number of parameters under adaptive Lasso

ABSTRACTWe propose a robust rank-based estimation and variable selection in double generalized linear models when the number of parameters diverges with the sample size. The consistency of the variable selection procedure and asymptotic properties of the resulting estimators are established under appropriate selection of tuning parameters. Simulations are performed to assess the finite sample performance of the proposed estimation and variable selection procedure. In the presence of gross outliers, the proposed method is showing that the variable selection method works better. For practical application, a real data application is provided using nutritional epidemiology data, in which we explore the relationship between plasma beta-carotene levels and personal characteristics (e.g. age, gender, fat, etc.) as well as dietary factors (e.g. smoking status, intake of cholesterol, etc.).