cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Protein Kinase C in Escherichia coli K1 Invasion of Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells

Escherichia coli is one of the most important pathogens involved in the development of neonatal meningitis in many parts of the world. Traversal of E. coli across the blood-brain barrier is a crucial event in the pathogenesis of E. coli meningitis. Our previous studies have shown that outer membrane protein A (OmpA) expression is necessary in E. coli for a mechanism involving actin filaments in its passage through the endothelial cells. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) have also been activated in host cells during the process of invasion. In an attempt to elucidate the mechanisms leading to actin filament condensation, we have focused our attention on protein kinase C (PKC), an enzyme central to many signaling events, including actin rearrangement. In the current study, specific PKC inhibitors, bisindolmaleimide and a PKC-inhibitory peptide, inhibited E. coli invasion of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) by more than 75% in a dose-dependent manner, indicating a significant role played by this enzyme in the invasion process. Our results further showed that OmpA+ E. coli induces significant activation of PKC in HBMEC as measured by the PepTag nonradioactive assay. In addition, we identified that the PKC isoform activated in E. coli invasion is a member of the conventional family of PKC, PKC-α, which requires calcium for activation. Immunocytochemical studies have indicated that the activated PKC-α is associated with actin condensation beneath the bacterial entry site. Overexpression of a dominant negative mutant of PKC-α in HBMEC abolished the E. coli invasion without significant changes in FAK phosphorylation or PI3K activity patterns. In contrast, in HBMEC overexpressing the mutant forms of either FAK or PI3K, E. coli-induced PKC activation was significantly blocked. Furthermore, our studies showed that activation of PKC-α induces the translocation of myristoylated alanine-rich protein kinase C substrate, an actin cross-linking protein and a substrate for PKC-α, from the membrane to cytosol. This is the first report of FAK- and PI3K-dependent PKC-α activation in bacterial invasion related to cytoskeletal reorganization.
Ethnic disparities in breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for women worldwide. While breast cancer incidence is lower for many ethnic minority women than for white women, stage at diagnosis and survival are often worse. These disparities are most marked for African–American women, but are also present for Asians, Latinas, Native Americans and Hawaiians. The etiology of ethnic disparities in breast cancer is multifactorial, including differences in tumor characteristics, genetics, access to care and insurance, prevalence of risk factors, screening participation and processes of care, such as timeliness of diagnosis and quality of communication and treatment. This review will examine what is known regarding ethnic differences in all of these areas, what questions remain, and where researchers and policy makers should focus their future efforts.
Substituting transition faults with path delay faults as a basic delay fault model

Comparing a single transition fault with a single path delay fault, targeting (i.e., simulating or generating a test for) a path delay fault is not more complex than targeting a transition fault. However, targeting a set of path delay faults is significantly more complex than targeting a set of transition faults when the goal is to consider the testable path delay faults that are associated with the longest paths. The reason is the large fraction of untestable path delay faults among these faults. This complication is removed if the requirement on the lengths of the paths is removed. In this case, it is possible to use path delay faults instead of transition faults as a basic delay fault model for better coverage of small delay defects. This paper studies the effects of using path delay faults as a basic delay fault model instead of transition faults.
Detection of bacterial pathogens through microfluidic DNA sensors and mobile interface toward rapid, affordable, and point-of-care water monitoring

Deteriorating water quality is a serious concern in many developing countries, with severe health consequences especially for children. However, current methods for monitoring waterborne pathogens are often time-consuming, expensive, and labor intensive, which makes them challenging to be implemented in these regions. Toward a solution to this problem, we have demonstrated an electrochemical sensor combined with mobile interface that detects bacterial pathogens suitable for rapid, affordable, and point-of-care water monitoring. The sensor and its mobile interface we developed can be implemented to a wide range of diagnostics. As a proof-of-principle, we successfully detected of E. coli sequences, and mapped the detection results via mobile application.
Mesoscale investigation of the deformation field of an aluminum bicrystal

The purpose of this paper is to describe a new experimental approach to the study of deformation heterogeneity in crystalline materials. The approach is similar to that reported by Randle, et al., but extends their work to make more precise connections with the continuum theory of dislocations introduced by Nye, and later developed by Kroner, Bilby, et al. and others. The authors first make a precise connection between the fundamental equation of continuum dislocation theory, linking the curvatures of the lattice and the elastic strain field with the dislocation tensor. A precise connection is made between lattice curvature and orientation measurements obtained from electron backscattering diffraction patterns (EBSP) by the method known as orientation imaging microscopy (OIM).
Microstructural evolution of nickel nanoparticle catalysts supported on gadolinium-doped ceria during autothermal reforming of iso-octane

The microstructure and composition of a nanoparticle Ni catalyst supported on gadolinium-doped ceria (Ce1−xGdxO(4−x)/2) were studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The support of the fresh catalyst exhibits a homogenous aggregation of crystalline grains, with sizes ranging between 20 nm and 50 nm. The crystalline structure of the fresh catalyst support is of the CeO2 phase, in which gadolinium atoms exist in a solid solution of CeO2. Nickel in the fresh catalyst is highly dispersed and forms granular crystals that are 5–30 nm in size on the surface of the ceria support. The support of the used catalyst exhibits a bimodal distribution of grains in which smaller grains have similar structure and morphology as those in the fresh catalyst, while the larger sized grains appear dull and exhibit nonfaceted crystal morphology resulting either from the sintering of a number of CeO2 grains or by the occupation of highly defective crystals of Ce2O3 and CeO phases. A thin amorphous layer of carbon also covers most of the larger grains in the used catalyst. The Ni particles could not be imaged by TEM in the used catalyst, but energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) detected their presence. The XPS analysis of the catalyst samples suggests the participation of lattice O atoms from the ceria support in the catalytic reaction. The XPS data also show the presence of carbonate species and a higher hydrocarbon concentration in the used catalyst.
Effective use of magnesium for acquired torsade de pointes in a 4-month-old infant.

We report a 4-month-old infant with torsade de pointes secondary to procainamide treatment. The infant presented with atrial flutter and converted to normal sinus rhythm with intravenous procainamide. Oral procainamide therapy was initiated as the infusion was tapered, and the patient subsequently developed incessant torsade de pointes. Once the proarrhythmia was recognized, procainamide was withheld, and intravenous magnesium was administered. The torsade de pointes resolved after one bolus of magnesium sulfate. An infusion regimen of magnesium was given until the procainamide andN-acetylprocainamide concentrations became undetectable. Intravenous magnesium should be administered to newborns with acquired torsade de pointes; dosing guidelines for its use are suggested.
Statistical correlation between configuration‐dependent properties of polymer chains

A new methodology for formulating the averages of elements of generator matrices is presented. Incorporation of this technique to the Rotational Isomeric State (RIS) model allows the efficient generation of the higher and mixed moments of any conformation-dependent physical property of a polymer chain. The computational technique is based on symbolic manipulation of the generator matrix elements which are treated as character strings. Successful application of the technique is demonstrated by calculating the correlation coefficient between the dipole moment and the end-to-end distance of polymer chains with symmetric rotation potentials and in the independent bond rotation approximation. It is shown that the correlation heavily depends on the orientation of the bond dipole moment vector orientation.
Nonlinear robust tracking control of a tensegrity motion simulator

In this paper we propose a new motion simulator base don tendon controlled tensegrity structures. The simulator is equipped with a robust nonlinear controller which achieves robust tracking by the simulator of a desired motion. The controller parameters can be tuned to guarantee tracking to within a prespecified tolerance and with a prescribed rate of exponential convergence. The design is verified through numerical simulations for specific longitudinal motions of a symmetric aircraft.
Emotional support, negative interaction and major depressive disorder among African Americans and Caribbean Blacks: findings from the National Survey of American Life.

Objectives Few studies have examined the association between social support, negative interaction, and major depressive disorder among representative samples of racial and ethnic minority groups. This study investigates the relationship between emotional support and negative interaction with family members on lifetime major depressive disorder among African Americans and Caribbean Blacks. Method Cross-sectional epidemiologic data from the National Survey of American Life and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to predict lifetime history of major depressive disorder and to examine the effect of perceived emotional support and negative interaction on major depressive disorder among 3,570 African Americans and 1,621 Caribbean Blacks aged 18 and older. Results Multivariate analyses found that perceived emotional support was associated with lower odds of MDD for
Basal and pentagastrin-stimulated acid secretion in newborn human infants.

Summary: Basal and pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion was measured in 26 healthy newborn infants on the 1st and 2nd days of life. Basal acid outputs (BAO) on day 1 (0.378 mEq/hr) and day 2 (0.388 mEq/hr) were similar and not significantly different from the maximal acid outputs (MAO) on day 1 (0.413 mEq/hr) and day 2 (0.452 mEq/hr). When calculated on a mEq/kg/hr basis, BAO on day 1 was 0.110 with an MAO of 0.122. The BAO on day 2 was 0.114 with an MAO of 0.133. Fasting serum gastrin levels obtained before the acid studies on each day were elevated (mean, day 1 = 100 pg/ml; mean, day 2 = 108 pg/ml). These findings suggest that either gastric acid secretion in the newborn is maximal under basal condition or that newborn parietal cells are unresponsive to pentagastrin on day 1 and 2 of life.
Repairing nucleosomes during transcription

Recent studies suggest that the Spt16 protein of FACT shuttles H2A–H2B dimers off and on nucleosomes during transcription elongation. By restoring nucleosomes after passage of RNA polymerase II, Spt16 and Spt6 prevent transcription from cryptic promoters in coding regions that would otherwise be expressed in the absence of histones.
Numerical method for extracting an arc length parameterization from parametric curves

Abstract A numerical technique is described which allows spacing of points as a function of arc-length for any parametric curve. The design of a subroutine package for performing this parameterization is outlined. The technique has been incorporated into a CAD system and has been shown to be fast and accurate.
Bcl-2 Inhibits Apoptosis Induced by Mitochondrial Uncoupling but Does Not Prevent Mitochondrial Transmembrane Depolarization

Bcl-2 overexpression protects cells from apoptosis induced by many cytotoxic agents. In this study, we investigated the effects of uncoupling mitochondrial electron transport in both HL60 wild-type and Bcl-2-overexpressing cells using the protonophore carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone. We found that uncoupling mitochondrial electron transport induced apoptosis in wild-type, but not in Bcl-2-overexpressing cells. To investigate the mechanism of action of Bcl-2-mediated inhibition of cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone-induced apoptosis, we measured the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) after uncoupling mitochondrial electron transport and found that both HL-60 wild-type and Bcl-2-overexpressing cells similarly depolarize following cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone exposure. Western blot analysis demonstrated that Bcl-2 overexpression did not completely block cytochrome c release from mitochondria after uncoupling mitochondrial electron transport. Since Bcl-2 may act as an antioxidant, we studied the effect of altering the cellular redox state prior to uncoupling mitochondrial electron transport in Bcl-2-overexpressing cells. Depletion of mitochondrial (but not cytosolic) glutathione induced apoptosis in Bcl-2-overexpressing cells and negated the protective effect of Bcl-2. Furthermore, following glutathione depletion, Bcl-2-overexpressing cells were sensitized to undergo cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone-induced apoptosis. These data suggest that the action of Bcl-2 is dependent, in part, on the cellular and mitochondrial redox state.
Static liquid permeation cell method for determining the migration parameters of low molecular weight organic compounds in polyethylene terephthalate

The migration of low molecular weight organic compounds through polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films was determined by using a custom permeation cell assembly. Fatty food simulant (Miglyol 812) was added to the receptor chamber, while the donor chamber was filled with 1% and 10% (v/v) migrant compounds spiked in simulant. The permeation cell was maintained at 40°C, 66°C, 100°C or 121°C for up to 25 days of polymer film exposure time. Migrants in Miglyol were directly quantified without a liquid-liquid extraction step by headspace-GC-MS analysis. Experimental diffusion coefficients (DP) of toluene, benzyl alcohol, ethyl butyrate and methyl salicylate through PET film were determined. Results from Limm's diffusion model showed that the predicted DP values for PET were all greater than the experimental values. DP values predicted by Piringer's diffusion model were also greater than those determined experimentally at 66°C, 100°C and 121°C. However, Piringer's model led to the underestimation of benzyl alcohol (Ap = 3.7) and methyl salicylate (Ap = 4.0) diffusion at 40°C with its revised "upper-bound" Ap value of 3.1 at temperatures below the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PET (<70°C). This implies that input parameters of Piringer's model may need to be revised to ensure a margin of safety for consumers. On the other hand, at temperatures greater than the Tg, both models appear too conservative and unrealistic. The highest estimated Ap value from Piringer's model was 2.6 for methyl salicylate, which was much lower than the "upper-bound" Ap value of 6.4 for PET. Therefore, it may be necessary further to refine "upper-bound" Ap values for PET such that Piringer's model does not significantly underestimate or overestimate the migration of organic compounds dependent upon the temperature condition of the food contact material.
Dosage response of the vesicular, preputial, anal, and hip glands of the male vole, Microtus montanus, to testosterone propionate.

The response of the vesicular glands and three specialized scent glands to testosterone administration after castration was studied in laboratory-reared Microtus montanus males taken from a recently established colony, which was begun with stock from northwestern Wyoming. The hip glands, obvious externally on the posterolateral region of the body, regressed markedly in experimental animals in the 6 to 8 weeks following castration. Following a 21-day series of injections of testosterone propionate (seven doses), the correlation coefficients between dose and gland weight were 0.90 for vesicular glands, 0.46 for preputial glands, and 0.71 for anal glands. The correlation coefficients between dose and hip gland measurements were 0.60 for length, 0.52 for width, and 0.59 for area. The results are discussed in the contexts of adaptive significance of the glands and the evolution of posterolateral skin glands among the microtine rodents.
Analysis of nonlinear periodic dielectric media using the finite-difference method with absorbing boundary conditions

An elegant finite-difference technique with absorbing boundary conditions has been developed to solve coupled nonlinear differential equations that characterize wave propagation in a nonlinear periodic medium. It yields accurate results that are consistent with earlier published results. The method is less complex and more flexible than the method of characteristics. No problem of stability or convergence is noticed in cases of general interest in the analysis of a nonlinear periodic medium.
Turbulence characteristics along the path of a heavy particle

The turbulence along the path of a particle in an isotropic turbulent flow is investigated using direct numerical simulation. The turbulence is simulated using a collocation spectral method on an equi-spaced three-dimensional grid of 1283 points with a Taylor micro-scale Reynolds number of 65. The particulate phase is treated as a simple system where the flow is not affected by the presence of the particles. A total of 8192 particles are tracked through the flow using a Lagrangian advancement scheme with Stokes drag as the only force applied to the particles. The implementation of the forcing method used to maintain a constant level of kinetic energy within the flow is studied. The total fluid turbulence kinetic energy was found to be a function of particle Stokes number with smaller particles (St<1) seeing slightly higher average velocity fluctuations than a Lagrangian average of the turbulence and intermediate particles (1<St<10) seeing slightly lower average fluctuations. Likewise, the turbulence integral time scales of the fluid along the path of a particle appear slightly larger than both the Eulerian and Lagrangian integral time scales for these intermediate particles. All preferentially concentrated particles (0.1<St<10) saw a lower average vorticity and higher deformation of the fluid than a volume average of the turbulence. The preferential concentration of the particles peaked at a Stokes number of 1 with particles being on average 20% closer to the nearest neighboring particle than in a randomly distributed case. These data suggest that it is the vorticity measured along the path of a particle which is the dominant factor for variations of statistical properties in the particle Lagrangian reference frame.
Postembryonic development of the lateral protocerebral lobes, corpora pedunculata, deutocerebrum and tritocerebrum of Phormia regina meigen (diptera: calliphoridae)

Abstract The postembryonic development of the corpora pedunculata, deutocerebrum and tritocerebrum of Phormia regina Meigen was studied using reduced silver stains to provide detailed observations and determine the relationships between larval and imaginal neurones. The imaginal ganglion cells of these areas are formed from isolated neuroblasts by a series of asymmetric and symmetric divisions. The imaginal corpora pedunculata are formed by 10 isolated neuroblasts located dorsal to the larval calyces. The imaginal antennal ganglia are formed by 2 isolated neuroblasts. These ganglia lie dorsal to the larval antennal ganglia which degenerate during the late larval and early pupal stages. The glomerular structure of the imaginal ganglia develops during the pupal stage after receiving antennal sensory fibers. The tritocerebrum of the imaginal brain is formed by isolated neuroblasts. The cellular and neuropilar components of the larval brain degenerate during the late larval and early pupal stages. The degenerating larval ganglion cells are characterized by pycnotic nuclei and the neuropile by a ragged, darkly stained appearance. The larval and adult brains of Phormia are discrete morphological entities as revealed by the degeneration of the larval brain, concomitant with its replacement by corresponding imaginal elements.
Detailed spectroscopic studies of oxygen on metal carbide surfaces

Abstract Transition metal carbides and nitrides possess remarkable physical properties due to the unusual chemical bonding phenomena that result from the inclusion of a nonmetal atom within the metallic matrix. It has been widely recognized that this unusual situation, which so profoundly affects the physical properties, should also influence the surface chemical behavior. This paper explores the surface chemistry of TiC(100) and VC(100) with oxygen, and the potential impact of surface electronic structure on this chemistry. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) were employed to observe the chemical state and specific bonds formed between resultant materials in the interfacial region. We find that oxygen adsorbed dissociatively on both surfaces, but discriminated between them by reacting with TiC to form an oxide while forming a metastable overlayer of VO species on VC. It is proposed that the reaction on TiC was initiated by the preference of oxygen for the carbon atom, due to the predominantly C 2p character of the highest occupied energy level, resulting in evolution of COx and oxidation of the surface. This reaction was hindered on VC, where the additional electron resides in a predominantly V 3d level. Limited oxidation proceeded on VC with high temperature anneals following room temperature exposure.
624 SERUM GASTRIN RESPONSE TO INTRAGASTRIC PROTEIN AND CYSTEINB IN NEONATAL SWINE

Previous work has shown a decreased gastrin release in neonatal humans and swine in response to intragastric protein. To further study gastrin release in neonatal swine, serum gastrin determinations were made following intragastric instillation of protein and the amino acid cysteine, known to release antral gastrin in adult animals. Six animals, less than 48 hours of age, had catheters placed in the femoral and portal veins. In three animals, intragastric Sustagen (1.7 gm protein/kg) was followed by intragastric cysteine (100mM, pH 7.4 at 10 cc/kg), while three received cysteine. Simultaneous femoral and portal venous samples were analyzed for gastrin at 1, 5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes. The simultaneous femoral and portal vein gastrins did not differ statistically at any time. Basal gastrin was elevated in all animals when compared to adult values (p<0.1). Following intragastric cysteine infusion, there was no significant elevation in gastrin in the portal (317 vs 264 pg/ml) or femoral (253 vs 254 pg/ml) veins. After protein challenge with Sustagen, there was a delayed, but significant, elevation in gastrin in portal and femoral samples at 30, 45 and 60 minutes (386 vs 573 pg/ml P.V. and 411 vs 569 pg/ml F.V.) (p<0.5). The results of these studies indicate a significant alteration in the release of gastrin in response to intragastric amino acids in the neonatal swine when compared to adult animals.
Current Status of Multipurpose Prevention Technology (MPT) Development

Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) are pharmaceutical products being developed for multiple indications, primarily prevention of HIV, pregnancy, and/or sexually transmitted infections. MPT products could be a combination of multiple drugs co-formulated for separate indications, or a single product with multiple indications. This paper reviews MPT work published since 2013, including technical papers on aspects of product development, papers focused on issues that will be critical to future MPT clinical research and introduction, and selected papers concerning products for prevention of pregnancy or HIV/STIs. Collaborative efforts between researchers and funders aim to provide efficiencies in the product development process, building on experiences from both the contraceptive and vaginal microbicide fields.
Spatial rule based approach for facial expression recognition

The paper presents a vision based approach to facial expression recognition using commonly available hardware resources and considering very simple spatial features of the face. Face region is cropped on the image and image processing techniques are applied heuristically to local various facial feature regions. Individual feature points are detected precisely in these feature regions. Spatial rules are applied to feature point configuration to determine the expression conveyed over two sequential images. The approach was implemented and tested with a standard dataset as well as a self-collected dataset. Experimental results indicate good performance and increased resource efficiency over some well-known approaches.
A seven-parental diallel analysis of nutritional composition of common beans

Genetic information on combining ability and the type of gene action that governs the inheritance of economically important quantitative characters can be an immense help to the breeder. Such information can assists the plant breeders in selection of suitable parents and the appropriate breeding procedure. Therefore, a 7 × 7 diallel analysis of combining ability of three nutritional components in beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were conducted. The aim of the study was to obtain information on the inheritance of traits and to identify best parents for hybridization. This study showed that estimates of both the combining ability (general and specific), and reciprocal variances were significant for both protein and tannin content, whereas only reciprocal variance was significant for phytate. The protein and tannin ratios of the general to specific combining ability variances were 1.0 and 2.0, respectively. These values indicated that both additive and non-additive genetic variances are important in the inheritance of protein. However, the magnitude of general combining ability of tannin was higher than the specific combining ability variance, indicating the predominant role of additive genetic variance. The performance of the parents for percent protein content was highly associated with their general combining ability effects. The three parents, BBL 254 (P7), PI 300657 (P4), and BBL 290 (P3) were good general combiners for protein and, thus, could be utilized for breeding high protein genotypes. The best combiners for tannins were BBL 254, BBL 290, N80097 (P5), and Eagle (P1). The best specific combinations for protein were PI 300657 × PI 304833 (P4 × P6), Eagle × PI 304833 (P1 × P6), Eagle × N80097 (P1 × P5), Pinto 111 × PI 300657 P2 × P4), and Eagle × BBL 290 (P1 × P3). Lower tannin content was observed in white-seeded genotypes compared to black or pinto beans. Reciprocal crosses were also significant and desirable for protein, tannin, and phytate values. Therefore, it is suggested that caution should be exercised when selecting male and female parents in hybrid production. Recurrent selection and reciprocal recurrent selection could be suitable breeding procedures for rapid improvement.
Crowdsourcing and human computation: systems, studies and platforms

Crowdsourcing and human computation are transforming human-computer interaction, and CHI has led the way. The seminal publication in human computation was initially published in CHI in 2004 [1], and the first paper investigating Mechanical Turk as a user study platform has amassed over one hundred citations in two years [5]. However, we are just beginning to stake out a coherent research agenda for the field. This workshop will bring together researchers in the young field of crowdsourcing and human computation and produce three artifacts: a research agenda for the field, a vision for ideal crowdsourcing platforms, and a group-edited bibliography. These resources will be publically disseminated on the web and evolved and maintained by the community.
Resonant and small volume non-resonant cells as infrared-acoustic detectors for laser spectroscopy

Abstract Resonant and non-resonant opto-acoustic cells constructed as infrared high resolution laser spectroscopic detectors have been investigated. Sensitivity studies involving the { 101 021 ← 00 ° 0 rotational-vibrational spectrum of CO2 with a color center laser (RbCl : Li) have been completed to evaluate the most appropriate design. The small volume non-resonant infrared-acoustic cell is shown to be most sensitive for this purpose.
Do We Get Better at Picking Our Battles? Age Group Differences in Descriptions of Behavioral Reactions to Interpersonal Tensions

Individuals of various ages may react in different ways when they are upset with their social partners. This study examines age group differences in descriptions of behavioral reactions to interpersonal tensions. Participants ages 13 to 99 (84 men, 100 women) described interpersonal tensions that occurred with close and problematic social network members. Descriptions were coded with Rusbult's typology of conflict strategies (voice, loyalty, neglect, exit). Multilevel models revealed that older adults were more likely to report loyalty strategies (e.g., doing nothing) while younger people were more likely to report exit (e.g., yelling) strategies in response to interpersonal problems. These age differences were not accounted for by intensity of distress, relationship quality, contact frequency, or type of social partner. It appears that individuals are better able to regulate their behavioral responses to interpersonal problems as they age.
Identification of porcine Lhx3 and SF1 as candidate genes for QTL affecting growth and reproduction traits in swine

The distal portion of the long arm of porcine chromosome 1 has been shown to harbour several quantitative trait loci affecting growth and reproductive traits in swine. In order to identify potential candidate genes that might underlie these effects, a comparative mapping analysis was undertaken to define the extent of orthologous segments of human chromosome 9. A microsatellite associated with heat shock protein (HSP) A5 was used to define the proximal boundary of the quantitative trait loci (QTL) region, which suggests the human orthologue of the gene(s) responsible for the observed effects lies between HSPA5 and the q arm telomere of human chromosome 9. Examination of this region revealed two candidate genes with known roles in production of hormones essential to growth and reproductive function. The steroidogenic factor 1 and Lhx3 LIM homeodomain transcription factor genes were mapped to 123 and 155 cM, respectively, of the Sus scrofa chromosome 1 (SSC1) linkage group, placing both genes within the confidence interval for the observed QTL. To further evaluate Lhx3, we examined the expression profile during porcine embryonic development. Low levels were detected at early embryonic stages, when development of the nervous system is proceeding. A transient increase in expression level is observed during the time of pituitary organogenesis and again at the time of differentiation of anterior pituitary cells, with relatively high levels of expression persisting in the adult pituitary gland. This ontology is consistent with Lhx3 being a candidate gene for the QTL.
Moment arms of the arm muscles at the glenohumeral joint using the tendon excursion method

Muscle moment arm defines the function of the muscle. To date, moment arms of the arm muscles at the glenohumeral joint using the tendon excursion method have not been reported. As the functions of these muscles at the shoulder joint are controversial, this study was undertaken to determine the moment arms of the long and short heads of the biceps (LHB, SHB), the coracobrachialis, and the long head of the triceps muscles. The moment arms were determined in 10 cadaveric shoulders by measuring the tendon excursion when the arm was rotated by 1 radian (57.3°) in 22 different motions. The LHB was a flexor, horizontal flexor, and abductor. The SHB and coracobrachialis were flexors, horizontal flexors, and adductors. The long head of the triceps was an extensor and adductor. Arm rotation significantly affected the function of the LHB only: it was an internal rotator in flexion and an external rotator in abduction. This study clarifies the individual function of the arm muscles at the glenohumeral joint.
Biocompatible, High Precision, Wideband, Improved Howland Current Source With Lead-Lag Compensation

The Howland current pump is a popular bioelectrical circuit, useful for delivering precise electrical currents. In applications requiring high precision delivery of alternating current to biological loads, the output impedance of the Howland is a critical figure of merit that limits the precision of the delivered current when the load changes. We explain the minimum operational amplifier requirements to meet a target precision over a wide bandwidth. We also discuss effective compensation strategies for achieving stability without sacrificing high frequency output impedance. A current source suitable for Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) was simulated using a SPICE model, and built to verify stable operation. This current source design had stable output impedance of 3.3 MΩ up to 200 kHz, which provides 80 dB precision for our EIT application. We conclude by noting the difficulty in measuring the output impedance, and advise verifying the plausibility of measurements against theoretical limitations.
Light environment alters ozone uptake per net photosynthetic rate in black cherry trees

Foliar ozone uptake rates of different-sized black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) trees were compared within a deciduous forest and adjacent openings in north-central Pennsylvania during one growing season. Study trees included open-grown seedlings and saplings, forest understory seedlings and saplings, and sunlit and shaded portions of mature canopy tree crowns. Instantaneous ozone uptake rates were highest in high-light environments primarily because of higher stomatal conductances. Low ozone uptake rates of seedlings and saplings in the forest understory could be attributed partially to lower average ambient ozone concentrations compared to the canopy and open environments. Among the tree size and light combinations tested, ozone uptake rates were highest in open-grown seedlings and lowest in forest-grown seedlings. Despite lower ozone uptake rates of foliage in shaded environments, ozone uptake per net photosynthesis of foliage in shaded environments was significantly higher than that of foliage in sunlit environments because of weaker coupling between net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance in shaded environments. The potential for greater ozone injury in shaded environments as a result of greater ozone uptake per net photosynthesis is consistent with previous reports of greater ozone injury in shaded foliage than in sunlit foliage.
New England Medical Center Posterior Circulation Stroke Registry: I. Methods, Data Base, Distribution of Brain Lesions, Stroke Mechanisms, and Outcomes

Among 407 New England Medical Center Posterior Circulation Registry (NEMC-PCR) patients, 59% had strokes without transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), 24% had TIAs before strokes, and 16% had only posterior circulation TIAs. Embolism was the commonest stroke mechanism accounting for 40% of cases (24% cardiac origin, 14% arterial origin, 2% had potential cardiac and arterial sources). In 32%, large artery occlusive lesions caused hemodynamic brain infarction. Stroke mechanisms in the posterior and anterior circulation are very similar. Infarcts most often included the distal posterior circulation territory (rostral brainstem, superior cerebellum and occipital and temporal lobes), while the proximal (medulla and posterior inferior cerebellum) and middle (pons and anterior inferior cerebellum) territories were equally involved. Infarcts that included the distal territory were twice as common as those that included the proximal or middle territories. Most distal territory infarcts were attributable to embolism. Thirty day mortality was low (3.6%). Embolic stroke mechanism, distal territory location, and basilar artery occlusive disease conveyed the worst prognosis.
Attitude Has a Lot to Do with It: Dispositions of Emerging Teacher Leadership.

Part of a larger qualitative study to better understand how teachers learn to exercise informal leadership in the schools and districts where they work, this article illustrates dispositions of emerging teacher leadership by identifying and describing three possible teacher leadership prerequisites through lived experience examples. Eight practicing elementary and middle school teachers participated in the study. Data collection included written self-reflections, questionnaire responses, and a participant focus group. Teachers in the study demonstrated a disposition of emerging teacher leadership by valuing students and prioritizing their needs and interests. They positioned and prepared themselves to serve students by building collegial professional relationships and pursuing professional growth. Findings of the study suggest that the ability to develop collegial professional relationships, a student-centered mindset, and ongoing pursuit of professional growth may represent a dispositional foundation tha...
Endovascular repair of an internal mammary artery aneurysm in a patient with SMAD-3 mutation

Aneurysms of the internal mammary artery are rare. We describe a case of a 49-year-old woman with a SMAD3 mutation who presented with left internal mammary artery aneurysm that was thought to have ruptured, causing a large spontaneous left mediastinal hematoma. The aneurysm was treated successfully months after initial presentation with coil embolization. SMAD3 mutations are linked to familial thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections, peripheral aneurysms, and early-onset osteoarthritis, with an estimated incidence of 2% in families with familial thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature to link a SMAD3 mutation with internal mammary artery aneurysm.
Damages as Metaphor: A Commentary

It was fortuitous that as I sat down to write this commentary on the last two chapters, news broke of the latest Supreme Court case on punitive damages— Phillip Morris v. Williams. What better way to introduce a chapter about how juries determine punitive damages than with perhaps the most convoluted Supreme Court analysis on the subject to date. The Oregon jury in Williams found that cigarette smoking caused the death of the plaintiff, Jesse Williams, and that Phillip Morris was negligent and engaged in deceit in leading Williams to believe that it was safe to smoke. The jury awarded $821,000 in compensatory damages (of which approximately $800,000 was for noneconomic harm) to Jesse Williams’ estate, and $79.5 million in punitive damages. The issue before the U.S. Supreme Court was whether the Oregon jury, in assessing punitive damages, had sought to punish Phillip Morris for harm caused to other smokers apart from Mr. Williams, the plaintiff. In a 5–4 majority opinion by Justice Breyer, the Court stated that conduct that risks harm to many is likely more reprehensible than conduct that risks harm to only a few and that punitive damages may be imposed to
Severity of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Current Conceptualization, and Transition to DSM-5

Mirroring the evolution of the conceptualization of autism has been changes in the diagnostic process, including the most recent revisions to the DSM-5 and the addition of severity-based diagnostic modifiers assigned on the basis of intensity of needed supports. A review of recent literature indicates that in research stratifying individuals on the basis of autism severity, core ASD symptomology is the primary consideration. This conceptualization is disparate from the conceptualization put forth in DSM-5 in which severity determination is based on level of needed support, which is also impacted by cognitive, language, behavioral, and adaptive functioning. This paper reviews literature in this area and discusses possible instruments that may be useful to inform clinical judgment in determining ASD severity levels.
BRCAPAP: feasibility of clinical BRCA testing on liquid-based cervical cytology: implications for biomarker development.

Objective: The study was designed to test the feasibility that lower genital tract cytology is a compatible medium for robust germ line genetic analyses. Method: BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 gene mutational analysis was done on DNA isolated from liquid-based cervical or vaginal cytology taken from 17 consenting women (age 29–65 years) who previously had genetic counseling followed by BRACAnalysis (Myriad Genetics, Salt Lake City, UT) blood analyses. Eleven women had known mutations in either BRCA1 or BRCA2 (cases) and six had no identified mutations (controls) on entry into the study. Anonymized cytology samples were sent to Myriad Genetics with a request for testing that was limited to the degree of genomic testing previously done on the blood samples. Results: One cervicovaginal specimen from a test-positive woman had inadequate cellular content that precluded gene sequencing and therefore was excluded from this analysis. For the 16 women with adequate cytologic specimens, there was 100% concordance for BRCA mutation test results between blood and genital tract cytology ( κ = 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.51–1.0). Conclusion: We have shown the feasibility of using liquid-based genital tract cytology as an alternative biospecimen to blood for germ line genetic analysis using a clinical approved assay. It needs to be emphasized that any type of testing for BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation genotype should only be done in the setting of pretest and posttest counseling.
Ultrastructural investigations of dormant Tilletia caries teliospores.

The ultrastructure of dormant Tilletia caries (DC.) Tul. (race T-6) teliospores was studied using freeze-etching and ultrasectioning techniques. Dormant teliospores possessed a thick wall composed ...
Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Liver Transplant Patients: Risks and Prevention.

UNLABELLED Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are surgical complications estimated to occur in 5% to 10% of patients. There are limited data regarding DVT/PE in the early postoperative period in liver transplant patients. The aim of this study is to determine risk factors that influence the incidence of DVT/PE and the effectiveness of prophylaxis. METHODS We reviewed the records of 999 patients who underwent initial liver transplant between January 2000 and June 2012 at Henry Ford Hospital. In 2011, a standardized prophylactic regimen using subcutaneous (SQ) heparin was initiated. All patients that developed either upper/lower extremity DVT or PE within the first 30 days of transplant formed the cohort of this study. RESULTS On multivariate analysis, only peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement and SQ heparin were associated with DVT/PE. In patients receiving heparin, 3 (1.0%) had DVT/PE versus 25 (3.5%) who did not receive heparin (P = 0.03). Sixteen (6.9%) patients that had a PICC developed DVT/PE compared with 12 (1.6%) patients without a PICC (P < 0.001). In the heparin group, DVT/PE with PICC was reduced to 3 (3.0%) versus 13 (9.9%) in those with a PICC and did not receive heparin (P = 0.03). Mean time from transplant to DVT/PE diagnosis was 12.3 days. Length of hospitalization was significantly longer in patients who developed DVT/PE (18.5 vs 10.0 days, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In this study, we demonstrated that PICC placement significantly increases the likelihood of DVT/PE in liver transplant recipients. Prophylactic SQ heparin effectively reduced DVT/PE events in this patient population.
Monocytes stimulate fibroblastoid bone marrow stromal cells to produce multilineage hematopoietic growth factors

In previous studies we have found that monocytes produce soluble factors that stimulate human umbilical vein endothelial cells to produce granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating activity (CSA), burst-promoting activity (BPA), and megakaryocyte colony-stimulating activity (Meg-CSA) as well as factors that stimulate T lymphocytes and neonatal fibroblasts to produce CSA. To test the hypothesis that monocytes would similarly stimulate the production of hematopoietic growth factors by autologous bone marrow stromal cells, multiply-passaged adherent fibroblastoid cells derived from the bone marrow of normal volunteers were exposed to conditioned media prepared by incubating autologous peripheral blood monocytes in complete medium for three days. When conditioned media from stromal cells incubated in monocyte-conditioned medium were compared with those of stromal cells cultured in the absence of monocyte-conditioned medium, BPA was increased fourfold and CSA was increased more than 30-fold. We conclude that mononuclear phagocytes recruit stromal cells of the marrow to produce multilineage growth factors in vitro. We suggest that these monocyte-derived recruiting activities may play an important role in orchestration of hematopoietic growth factor production by cells of the marrow microenvironment.
An overview of disparities research in access to radiation oncology care

In the twenty-first century, the field of radiation oncology has markedly increased its role in patient care. Consequently, any disparity in access to radiation oncology treatment may prove more deleterious than at any time in the past. We performed the following review of published series to assess the pervasiveness of health disparities in access to radiation oncology treatment. A comprehensive literature search was performed using the Entrez gateway of the PubMed database to examine studies investigating health disparities (racial, gender-based, socioeconomic, language-based) in radiation oncology treatment in the USA. A total of 170 studies were found, of which 58 met inclusion criteria spanning more than 10 organ systems. Health disparities were most prominently studied in cancers of the prostate (16 studies), breast (14 studies), gynecologic system (8 studies), and lung (5 studies). Forty-one studies were published since the start of 2014, with 14 % of studies (8/58) published prior to 2010. Unfortunately, disparities in access to radiotherapy were prevalent in treatment of cancer across several organ systems. The most common disparities found were racial and socioeconomic in nature. Disparities in radiotherapy access remain pervasive throughout radiation oncology regardless of the organ system treated and are usually related to patient race and/or insurance status. Health disparities research in radiation oncology is relatively new; more than 70 % of studies have been published since the beginning of 2014. Vigilance remains required in combating this issue, as is further research into relatively unexplored organ systems to optimally assess the degree of health disparities in radiation oncology.